Pepper Box Senior Issue - 2023

Senior Issue

By: Jack Jamison and Danielle Haynes

Guess the senior

Can you guess these 26 seniors from their baby photos?

1. Angie Houghton

2. Aniyah Howard 3. Aundre’A Berry 4. Brian Brown 5. Brooke Carlile 6. Caroline Groceman

7. Charli Holmes 8. Chloe Sapp 9. Danielle Haynes 10. Diane Martinez Mendoza 11. Elijah Fry

12. Jaleel Montgomery 13. Jayden Bock 14. Jordan Bradley 15. Kailey Ann Olson 16. Kyla Williams 17. Kyle Williams 18. Kylie Stealey 19. Layla Fouche 20. Liz Dobbs

21. Mikel and Mikahya French 22. Myracle Jones 23. Roi Mundin 24. ShaNiya Holloway 25. Tori Pratt

By: Billie Ford and Skylar Powers

1.

Blake Hernton

Christina Melly

Staff

Greg Jones

Laura Beamer

Angela Huber

School Dad

Ron Steinschriber

Zach Buxman

Cole Hartfield

Senior Favorites & Predictions

SONG-SnoozebySZ A MOVIE - Scream6

RegularSh

The world?

28.1% believe neural implants will replace phones in the future.

believe the world will end within the next 50 years.

believe people will be able to travel to outer space in our lifetime.

believe Tesla will invent flying cars in our lifetime.

believe everyone will be in the metaverse in our lifetime.

RHS?

63.1% believe the RHS Football field will become a turf field.

85.7% believe there will be another huge school expansion.

89.2% believe we will see a female president.

87.7% believe at least one current teacher will still be teaching at RHS in 30 years.

78.5% believe the North Gym will be turned into something else.

Class of ‘23?

82.1% believe a 2023 senior will come back and work at Ritenour.

89.2% believe a 2023 senior will be a professional athlete. 66.1% believe a 2023 senior will become a politician.

89.2% believe a 2023 senior will become a professional entertainer.

85.7% believe a 2023 senior will publish a book.

30.3% believe a 2023 senior will be the next Elon Musk.

59.6% believe a 2023 grad will be a billionaire

50.8% believe a 2023 grad will win the lottery

K-12 Memories

By: Peyton House and Jennifer Huerta Lopez

KINDERGARTEN MARION

“My favorite parts of kindergarten were making friends and getting to play on the playground.”

FIRST GRADE MARION

“A vivid memory I have from first grade is learning the love I have for softball. My class had a picnic outside and one of the activities was t-ball. I literally played that t-ball game the entire picnic. when I went home, I told my mom immediately that I wanted to play softball, and my love grew for the sport from there.”

SECOND GRADE IVELAND

“I loved my second grade teacher. She had taught us how to ask to go to the bathroom in sign language.”

THIRD GRADE MARION

“My favorite memory of third grade was puking on somebody. I felt sick and told my teacher I had to go to the bathroom. I didn’t realize she wrote me a pass, so I was just sitting down and it just all came out.”

Brandon Treat

FOURTH GRADE MARVIN

“My favorite memory in 4th grade and a lot of grade school was trading Pokemon cards at recess.”

FIFTH GRADE WYLAND

“My favorite memory is messing with teachers and Coach Farrar on the playground during recess.”

Mikel French

Allie Hansen

Brooke Carlile

Teresa Thomas

Mika Giardina

SIXTH GRADE RITENOUR MIDDLE

“My favorite memory from sixth grade happened at the end of the school year. In my PC class, my teacher hosted a tea party for all of us because it was a significant theme in the book we had just read. Having this party was special to me because it concluded my first year at middle school where I had made new friends and adjusted well to the new environment.”

SEVENTH GRADE HOECH

“My favorite memory from 7th grade is when we went to Six Flags! By that point I had already made some of my best friends and it was a really great time!”

EIGHTH GRADE RITENOUR MIDDLE

“This was my favorite year because I felt the most joy. I loved all of my teachers, I got really close with lots of other staff members, I got the opportunity to be an office helper, I won 8th grade Formal Queen, I won an end of the year Role Model award for my team 8B, and I held so many other accomplishments. I would do anything to experience my 8th grade year again!”

Aundre’A Berry

FRESHMAN

“I’m really fond of all the time I spent driving to far-off places with my friends to go hiking back in my freshman year.”

SOPHOMORE ZOOM YEAR

“My favorite memory from the 10th grade is waiting to enter my classes wrapped up in my blanket and falling asleep right after.”

JUNIOR

“My favorite memory from junior year was going to Chicago with my sister for the Bad Bunny concert.”

SENIOR

“My favorite memory was going to Florida for New Years with my family and going to baseball games with my friends.”

Ingrid Toledo Herrera

Jayden Bock

Angie Houghton

Andy Vo

Canaan Asfaw

Adriana Gutierrez Gaona

Senior club experience

By: Hallie Thornburgh and Allison Madrid

How did RCO impact you?

RCO impacted me in the way that it made me get out of my comfort zone.

How did working with this club help you grow as an individual?

Working with the club helped me work in groups better and with our solo trips it made me understand that your time is really important.

What lesson from this club can you take in the future with you?

One lesson that I can take is that there are always multiple ways of doing something; be creative when

approaching a problem or issue.

What habits can you still use outside of the club?

A habit is that now I can use teamwork.

Was this something you enjoyed and would recommend to other students?

Something I enjoyed was the trek that we did. It’s basically a long hike. Ours were like 12-13 hour long. They were really fun trying to figure out how to get from one point to the next. The people in my group also made the experience fun. If you like camping or being

How did working with this club help you grow as an individual?

Mrs. Schindler ran it and we talked a lot about things and managing things. Even though her room is a mess, she was still the best at keeping things organized and teaching me things about life as well. The teacher really made me grow and learn.

What lesson from this club can you take in the future with you?

outdoors, I’d recommend it. Even if you don’t, it is still a really cool thing to be a part of.

Adriana Gutierrez Gaona RCO

What habits can you still use outside of the club?

Some of the most important things I have learned from Renaissance were being more organized and having good time management, most definitely. Without those it is difficult to succeed.

Was this something you enjoyed and would recommend to other students?

How did Renaissance impact you?

Renaissance impacted me to make the school a better place. As part of the job for someone in Renaissance, I got to hand out rewards to outstanding students and to recognize them for all the positive things they do.

A lesson that I can take with me from Renaissance is that people should bring positive impacts in their school. I learned that I should be the person that will make people feel good about themselves and notice them because a lot of people put in effort without getting recognized all the time.

YES! First you must get to know Mrs. Schindler and that’s where you learn a lot of things and be a positive impact on the school. Once you meet her, she can bring you into the club and you can start getting involved in bringing positivity to your school. It was a great experience.

Ray Reardean Renaissance

Senior athletic experience

What sport did you do and why did you choose it?

I played football for four years. I picked the sport because I like watching the NFL and I had been playing since I was in the 6th grade.

How has your sport prepared you for the future?

It prepared me to just strive forward in life, no matter the obstacles.

Nathan Watson Football

What sport did you do and why did you choose it?

I chose the Ritenour Rhythmettes because I wanted to be involved in some kind of sport at the high school, and dance is my passion.

How has your sport prepared you for the future?

It has kept me in shape/dance mode to be prepared for dancing in college.

What has your sport taught you?

It has taught me to fight for what I’m truly passionate about. In the beginning, we didn’t get a lot of recognition; we were shadowed behind the cheerleaders a ton. I didn’t let that stop me from continuing to be a part of the team and making my experience what I desired it to be. As years

What has your sport taught you?

Being on the football team for the last four years has taught me the

progressed, we gained coaches that truly cared to help fight for the recognition we deserved and we made progress!

How has your sport life impacted your academic life?

I always stayed on top of my work and never let my academic life clash with my athletic life, but being on the Rhythmettes team helped further push me to make sure I stayed on top of my work because I knew I would be benched or would have to attend study hall if I failed my classes.

How has your sport changed you during high school?

It changed me during high school by making me a growing leader. I was already a role model coming into high school, but by my sophomore year I was a co-

value of brotherhood.

How has your sport life impacted your academic life?

Part of what I learned from my time on the football team was to keep my grades up, especially during the season to stay eligible and keep a good GPA for recruiting purposes.

How has your sport changed you during high school?

The sport has changed me during high school making me mature and look at life differently.

captain and by my senior year I was the captain. That forced me to make sure I did the right thing 24/7 because I knew eyes were always watching, and it helped me grow into the leader I am today.

Saying one final goodbye

Caroline Groceman

2023. Four numbers that always felt so far away, but are now changing my life.

I never would’ve thought I would be here, writing this final goodbye for the Pepper Box. If you would’ve asked me freshman year if I would’ve joined the newspaper I probably would’ve laughed. I’ve gone from being a shy, quiet girl who hated having to be in a position where I was leading to a girl who became outgoing and someone who willingly joined a club that needed me to be.

It all started in Mrs. Tedgerdine’s kindergarten classroom at Wyland; the play kitchen in the corner, the small backpacks on the back of the small chairs, the color behavior cards, the holding a ‘bubble’ in the hallway to stay quiet. It all feels like it was yesterday, but here I am today about to graduate.

High school in particular was an experience. I knew going through high school was going to be a challenge but it was something that I always looked forward to. Going through high school and experiencing Covid along with it was something that I never would have ever expected. Hearing the news freshman year and thinking, “wow I get an extra long Spring Break,” ultimately

led to sitting in my room sophomore year during school over a computer. The pandemic definitely put a damper on my high school experience. I missed out on so many things that I had been looking forward to and so many experiences that were supposed to change my life. It definitely brought up some challenges, but ultimately made me a stronger student. I had to learn to hold myself accountable for the work that I do and make sure that even if there are obstacles in the way to still do your best.

Junior year I joined the Pepper Box and from there my life was changed forever. I used to be terrified at the thought of having to interview someone, or stand up in front of the class and present something. Now as a senior, I am much more confident and comfortable with who I am as a person, and the Pepper Box was a huge part of that.

I made many new friends and understood that when I was terrified to stand up and present or interview someone that I wasn’t alone and that ultimately no one was paying much attention anyways. Now here I am ending my year with the Pepper Box as not only a staff member, but an editor as well.

I never really saw myself being involved in high school because even though I could talk to people, I didn’t like being the social butterfly. As high school went on I realized the more things you are involved in the more friends and relationships you make and the more enjoyable high school is. If I would’ve spent my time secluding myself I would have never figured

out who I was and who I am meant to be.

Pulling yourself out of your comfort zone is probably one of the hardest challenges of high school. Being able to put yourself out there even when you are terrified is something that I think everyone should do, it will change your life. Yes, there are downfalls and hard times but if you just keep pushing through it will all be worth it.

Being the seniors of the school always felt like it would mean something. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely does, but not in the way you always thought it would be. Instead of feeling like the top of the school, it was more of a feeling of accomplishment. We earned this spot and we worked our butts off to get to where we are today. Ending this chapter of my life is something that is bringing me more emotions that I thought you could have at once; the relief of being done with this responsibility, the sadness of leaving so many people behind, the happiness of moving on to something new, but also being terrified that everything is about to change.

The last 13 years of my life had been structured for me. I knew exactly what I would be doing during the months of August-May and that summer vacation was my time. Now here I am never getting that same summer vacation again, knowing that my summer will be spent working and preparing for college.

While I am excited to start a new journey after high school, I have to say that I will miss it. Even though high school was rough it is something that I will always remember.

Pepper Box staffers reflect on their time in the Ritenour School District

Chloe Sapp

Okay. It’s my turn for one of these!

Ever since I watched my senior friends write their final goodbyes last year, I was waiting for my chance at one. That day that I waited anxiously to read Kaylyn’s final goodbye feels like a week ago and now here I am.

High school has been…well, high school. I’ve gone from never wanting anything to end, ever, to wishing I could time travel to the day I would never step foot in a class again. But, isn’t that the beauty of it all? I loved high school because of all the reasons I hated it, and I hated it for all the reasons I loved it.

I am ending a 13 year stretch in the Ritenour School District. From building with those yellow graphing blocks in Ms. Mcilvaine’s kindergarten class at Marion to now counting down the minutes till my Ritenour career is over in Ms. HC’s College Comp 2 class, I’m now watching it all end. But, I’m also watching it end for my peers. It is surreal for me to see people I watched trip and fall on the playground to now enrolling, enlisting, or becoming employed. Not only have I had to grow over the years, but I’ve also watched my peers grow. I’m sad on my own end, but even sadder to watch everyone else process the end.

I can’t have my entire final goodbye be sentimental and painful, though. I am so incredibly happy my life somehow went this path and I have gotten to witness everything that’s happened these past four years.

One of my favorite memories of high school is Orchestra Talks™, a phenomenon that has existed since freshman year. Whenever we couldn’t play for a long list of reasons (sometimes it’s just because the orchestra room is cold, thanks Hernton), our little group would gather together and talk about anything and everything for the whole hour. Who would’ve thought Liz, Caroline, Andy, Aundre’A, Cailan, and I being locked in a room pretending to be busy would create such good conversation?

In virtual sophomore year, my group of friends would call each other to do AP World work and then completely ditch it and play Roblox or Among Us instead. When we would somehow manage to study, we’d play Quizlet Live under the names of One Direction’s members. Although our paths have now gone separate ways, I still cherish those memories with this group and I will never forget the comfort I felt in that year because of them.

In my junior year, I met the best people I’ve ever known. Joining the Pepper Box, I met now graduates who showed me how to have fun when my junior year was swallowing me whole. I also became closer with my runningmate and now Class President, Roi, and my now girlfriend, Skylar who both helped me through way more than anyone will know as my junior year was sort of a rough one. Junior year was quite actually the worst, but when I think about

how many people I met that helped me through that year, it really wasn’t that bad.

This year, I found myself feeling Ritenour slip away from me and I guess I needed a way to make it stop as I then had a camera thrown in my hands to capture it all before it went away. It worked! Getting to photograph the seniors that I’ve seen as preteens gave me a new sense of pride for this class. I even got to take senior photos for my best friend since 6th grade, Angie. Taking photos for countless events this year made me feel so much more connected to this school and gave me a way to leave my mark. I felt so accepted on that football field and I want to thank the cheerleaders, twirlers, Rhythmettes and band members for accepting me as one of their own.

As I’m sure you can tell, I am going to miss this place. But, I’m especially going to miss the people. Everyone I’ve met at this school has shaped me in some way, good or bad, and I’m incredibly grateful for all of you reading. Thank you for making my Ritenour career something worth writing about.

Photo by Chloe Sapp

Senior Chloe Sapp takes a photo at an orchestra performance with seniors Caroline Groceman and Liz Dobbs and junior Cailan Wooten.

Back < & future

Seniors reflect on their growth from freshman to senior year

By: Kya Merriman and Liz Dobbs

“During freshman year I was a very quiet and introverted person and I had very little friends. Now I’m a very energetic person that loves to share a laugh with anyone and loves to try new things.”

- EVELYN ARAIZA GARCIA

“I’ve changed so much since freshman year; mentally, physically, emotionally, and academically. I’m happy about the habits I’ve created and the people I’ve got to spend my four years with!”

- ULISES HERNANDEZ

“Over my four years, I’ve seen myself change mentally and physically in a better way. I just wish I could’ve been more involved in high school sports rather than worry about working.”

-RAY REARDEAN

“I’ve grown into my own person. I’m more sure of myself and more confident to be the person I want to be. I’ve learned so much through the years and now I’m actually using the knowledge I’ve gained. Freshman year I was scared to be myself but senior me is authentically Charli!”

- CHARLI HOLMES

“I’ve done a complete 180 from freshman year to now. I used to not take school seriously, and just didn’t have a mature mindset. I thought freshman year was fun! Over the course of my high school years, I learned about myself a bit more, found out what was my strong suit and what was my weak spots. I made so many good memories at this school. I opened my options to things that were new to me and that was the best decision I’ve ever made. Don’t stay inside a box, explore the options that are given to you!

- ZOE TOLLIVER

“I’ve been able to give myself that selfdevelopment that I needed to be able to focus on myself and then on those around me.”

- MARIA VENTURA

“I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and that has brought many opportunities. I went from being a Rhythmette with no title, to being the captain. I went from only joining clubs that are simple to be accepted, like Game Changers, to joining clubs that require more work to be accepted, like Leadership and NHS. I went from a 2nd violinist in Symphonia Orchestra, to a 1st violinist in Chamber Orchestra. I am proud of what I accomplished. I have made a great reputation for myself at the high school level and wouldn’t urge it to be different.”

- AUNDRE’A BERRY

“I would say I’ve changed in a sense that I’ve become more confident in my personality and I’ve stopped altering the way I am just to fit in with everyone else.”

-

KAMERYN DEGARDIN

2023 College Map

MISSOURI

FONTBONNE UNIVERSITY

St. Louis, MO

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY

Jefferson City, MO

LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY

St. Charles, MO

MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY

St. Louis, MO

MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

Springfield, MO

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI Columbia, MO

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, KC Kansas City, MO

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, SL St. Louis, MO

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, S&T Rolla MO

RANKEN TECHNICAL COLLEGE St. Louis, MO

SAINT LOUIS CC St. Louis, MO

Lindenwood

By: Mariam Neeb

SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY

St. Louis, MO

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE

Cape Girardeau, MO

TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Kirksville, MO

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

St. Louis, MO

WEBSTER UNIVERSITY

St. Louis, MO

STLCC

UMSL

WashU

Fontbonne

Ranken Tech

Maryville

Webster

ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY

Montgomery, AL

GEORGIA

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

Atlanta, GA

ILLINOIS

LAKE LAND COLLEGE

Mattoon, IL

INDIANA

INDIANA UNIVERSITY

Bloomington, IN

KANSAS

PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY

Pittsburg, KS

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

XAVIER UNIVERSITY

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

New York, NY

OHIO

MIAMI UNIVERSITY OF OHIO

Oxford, OH

PENNSYLVANIA

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh, PA

TENNESSEE

UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS

Memphis, TN

To the Ritenour cheer team, I leave to you love and patience, along with the ability to win the state championship and bring home a ring.

JAYDEN BOCK

To the Ritenour swim team, I leave Ashleigh Finnegan the 500.

LIZ DOBBS

To Teagan Alexander, I leave you to take my place in annoying McKinney every morning, but keep a good grade in his room. Don’t make him hate you.

LEANNA DUNCAN

To my Leadership babies, I leave my school spirit and intense excitement for future events!

LAYLA FOUCHE

To Ta’Mya Martin (aka Bob). Your kindness and generosity is more admirable than you may recognize. I wish the rest of your years with a lot of happiness! I won’t ever forget that the volleyball incident plus my poor luck was the reason we met.

MIKA GIARDINA

To Denisse Chaidez, I leave you my love and support.

ADRIANA GUTIERREZ

To the students of Ritenour, I leave my anger for slow walkers and my love for the arts.

ACACIA HELTON

To Zachary Gleghorn, I leave you with my advisory teacher Mr. Chance, go talk to him and mention to him that you’re family, ask him for any type of help.

KAMAUR JOHNSON

To Breonna Bolden, I pass down my love, support and motivation that you will enjoy your senior year, and have no problems with finishing strong.

BRITTANY LEE

To Jakaylen Pledger, I leave to you my love and to eat it up every time you perform.

CHARLI HOLMES

To Hope Both and Skylar Powers, I leave the low brass section.

ANGIE HOUGHTON

To Mrs. Schroeder (Flynn), I leave you the strength to handle your freshman advisory class.

DARAH JEFFRIES

Senior heirlooms

To Brandon Harvey, I leave you the understanding that sadness is just a moment.

TRINITEE HENDERSON

To Justin Pillarick, I leave you the lawyer company.

ALEX PHAM

To Destiny Kincaide, just have fun and graduate, the rest wont matter.

MAYA THORNTON

To Serenity Yokley, I leave you with the fact that you’re going to do great your senior year. With much love and happiness.

AMANI DARDEN & AMY PUERTA

To Skylar Powers, I leave my motivation to finish out senior year without going absolutely insane. To all my other little junior friends, I leave the memory of me ‘cause you should always remember that I was your favorite and senior year will suck without me.

CHLOE SAPP

To Ashley Reyes, I leave you the keys to my car throughout your high school life and please, no scratches.

JONATHAN REYES MORENO

To Jefferson Vasquez I leave my support, make it through high school make memories and enjoy everyday.

KALI SMITH

To the Drama Club, I leave you Allyson Butler and for choir I leave you Stephanie Ruggles. They are both amazing teachers. Take care of them and don’t stress them out that much!

DANIELLE HAYNES

To Evelyn Flores, I leave my support that you will finish high school with good grades.

MARIA

VENTURA

To Eliijah Davis, I leave you this realization from an older brother that barely made it out of his school career. It’s never too late for a turn around, but it is when you quit early. Don’t give up.

CLARENCE SIMMS

To Christina Vo, I entrust to you my left AirPod that I lost.

ANDY VO

The next 20

In 20 years, I will be...

I will be deep in the Colorado mountains sipping coffee in a cabin with 2 cats... with a heavy amount of money in my bank account.

EVELYN ARAIZA GARCIA

Hopefully very successful with a family of my own.

CAROLINE GROCEMAN

Financially free with a successful business.

ANDY

VO

Living comfortably in my own home minding my own business.

KAMAUR JOHNSON

Chillin’ with my homies still.

ALEX PHAM

In 20 years I hope to be a manager or head baker at a professional bakery.

BRADY TALARSKI

In 20 years, I will be a criminal attorney, with 1 or 2 kids with my significant other, living in Texas or California.

ZOE TOLLIVER

I will be a professional in the art of beauty, with several stores nationwide and helping my family, especially my sisters.

VALERY CAICEDO RODRIGUEZ

Successful in my dental career. I would own my own practice, have started a family, and much more.

ENRIQUE CASTILLO

Living my best life, finding myself in the arts through technical theater, design and music. I will hopefully have a house of my own and a pet duck.

ACACIA HELTON

A stay at home mom who decided to quit her wonderful job as a social worker. I’ll be married and have traveled around the world with more places to go.

I will be building houses and buildings for Titan Corp.

FLOYD POPLAR

Working a job I enjoy while living at home with my spouse and kids. Hopefully more stable than I am now.

TORI PRATT

Streaming games and working. SETH

TROLINGER

Helping people out by being a paramedic.

JOCELYN VAZQUEZ

Running my restaurant and makin’ bank!

LOU HANKINS

A billionaire.

MARIO ROBLES

Happy.

AMANI DARDEN

The owner of my own reserved restaurant, Sunday to Tuesday, then Thursday to Friday, it will be in the style of an old tavern and have a large open table for table top games.

SEBASTIAN GEHM

CHARLI HOLMES

An educator working in the Ritenour district.

ANGIE HOUGHTON

A pediatric dentist with kids and my own home.

JENNIFER HUERTA LOPEZ

A professional pastry chef.

CLARENCE SIMMS

A famous artist that will make a shop that sells my drawings and custom plushies.

BRENDAN WELCH

I’ll be successful and living in another country.

KALI SMITH

A veterinarian technician living in Colorado.

DAMONIE WHITAKER

Evelyn Araiza Garcia Staff Reporter

Elizabeth Dobbs Staff Reporter

Leanna Duncan Online Editor

Layla Fouche

Sports Editor and Special Edition Manager

Caroline Groceman News and Spotlight Editor

Danielle Haynes Visual EIC and Photography Editor

Jennifer Huerta-Lopez Production EIC

Victoria Pratt Opinion Editor

Chloe Sapp Content EIC