The Globe, February 2024, Issue 4, Vol 96

DO Students Need a Shrink? pg 24

Volume 96, Issue 4 • Clayton High School • Clayton, Mo. • February 2024

CONTENTS

The girl’s swim and dive team laugh at their final meet in Colombia, Mo. on Jan. 25. The team was the conference champions, breaking records at the conference meet. Photo by Leo Taghert

news News & Notes

8

All You Need is Love Defying Stereotypes Waiting for Wellness Lights Up On Fleet Street

10 14 16 18

Do Students Need A Shrink?

21

In the Name of Friendship

33

Should we use the Mercator map projection?

34

feature

cover

opinion

pro/con review

The King and I Sets the Bar High Jinzen: Fusion Meets Fun Laufey Enchants with “Bewitched” Shades of Triumphs Touchdown Taste

38 39 40

Feinstein and Feinstein: The Law Firm Tactics Behind a Super Bowl

43 44

sports

staff ed

36 37

The Perils of Parental Involvement in Grades 46

crossword

47 February 2024 Volume 96, Issue 4

STAFF

Editors-in-Chief JiaLi Deck Kipp Vitsky

Chief Digital Editor Sidra Major Managing Editor-in-Chief Alex Cohen Managing Editors Charlie Meyers Ivy Slen Copy Editor Micah Lotsoff Feature Section Editors Lavanya Mani Rachel Chung News Section Editor Caleb Park Opinion Section Editor Zoe Daniels-Sankey Review Section Editor Sam Braidwood Sports Section Editor Alyssa Blanke Podcast Editor Elias Kilbridge Puzzle Master Chloe Lin Page Editors Anaïs Oge Analee Miller Bethany Lai Charlie Balestra Madeline Jeans Mira Stahlheber Riley Kerley Riley Zimmerman Sam Sun Yehia Said

Reporters Adam Watson Alison Booth April Kim Caitlin Kuhlmann Chloe Lin Dwight Erdmann Ezri Perrin Fletcher Anderson Jack Zimmerman Norah Gross Oliver Maher Sritha Rathikindi Yijia Mao Photographers Aanya Singh Addison Whitesell Ashley Ngo Ava Vetter Beacan Mottl Caitlin Gwydir Camille Matlock Camryn Markenson Charlie Thompson Doria Guy-Bey Elliott Becker Eva Delannoy Eva Krauss Henry Gipson I’Ron Bell Isaiah Reed Itai Lerman Jamie Griffin Lauren Young Lauren Trodus Leo Taghert Lucy Melander Owen Wohl Regan Sparks Riley Zimmerman Sage Bernstein Stella Whitney Taylor Flotken Tierney Sweeney Tyler He Wendy Stephens Xander Williams Xavier Moore

Thank You to our Sponsors Issue Level Sponsors ($2000+) Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Workman

Greyhound Sponsors ($500+) Dr. Grace Lee and Dr. Jon Vitsky

Golden Greyhound Sponsors ($1000+) Mr. Mr. Ben Ben and and Mrs. Mrs. Robyn Robyn Slen Slen

World Traveler Sponsors ($200+) Mr. Greg Booth David Chung The Cohen Family Mr. Geoffrey and Mrs. Stephanie Gross Joni and Drew Karandjeff

Honorary Globie ($100+) Anonymous Baron Chandra Mr. Bob and Mrs. Betsy Cuneo The Scolaro-Deck Family Anne and Matt Kuhlmann Mr. Stephan and Mrs. Suzy Oge Jisu Oh Jacqueline Payton Yi Sun and Yifan Tu Dr. Henry Lai and Mrs. Selina Yeh Scan for more information on how you can support student journalists at The Globe.

4 SPONSORS

Patron ($50+) Mr. Andrew Karandjeff Mr. Karthik Mani Mr. Joe and Mrs. Patricia Scolaro

The Globe is a self-funded publication, receiving no funding from the school district for printing. Each issue of The Globe costs approximately $2,000 to print. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for their support of student journalism. They make our work possible.

If you are unable to donate, we invite you to purchase a subscription or subscribe to our free newsletter. Information for subscriptions, advertising and sponsorships can be found by scanning the QR code.

Sidra Major and her sister smile for a photo after their family dinner.

Photo courtesy of Sidra Major

From the Editor G

rowing up, my sister went to therapy a lot. I remember sitting in the car as my mom walked her into a tall glass office building across town every Tuesday for her session. I remember her gifting my brother and me the Valentine’s Day cards she made with her therapist. I remember my parents rewarding her with ice cream for going to therapy on the days she dreaded it most.

My sister was diagnosed with Barakat syndrome and autism as a toddler. With this, she had significant emotional, mental and physical needs. Early on, she struggled most with emotional control and communicating with others. She is severely hearing impaired, so when she wasn’t wearing hearing aids or my mother wasn’t using sign language, she couldn’t always tell others what she needed.

This resulted in many tantrums. In preschool, I saw her kick a hole in her bedroom wall, and in first grade, I watched as she threw a red toy car at my brother’s head, which landed him in the emergency room.

I struggled to comprehend that despite her being six years older than me, we processed our emotions the same.

My sister is also prone to health issues.

In third grade, she blew a fever overnight from a kidney infection that resulted in sepsis the following day. From an early age, I appreciated life’s frailty and the importance of gaining the right skills to process emotions and ask for help when needed.

My sister’s grocery list of therapies started before pre-school: she took speech therapy to learn to talk, occupational therapy for sensory issues, behavioral therapy for outbursts and general counseling.

As she started so young, her sessions were rarely the traditional: “talk in a chair for 50 minutes.”

Instead, she made arts and crafts for fine motor skills or learned phrases like “glass man,” a reminder that you can’t fall apart every time you get upset—my favorite was “funny-one-time man,” a reminder that a joke is only funny once, no need to repeat it over and over.

These therapies helped my sister immensely. She gained better control of her emotions and body. As for me, I learned the impact therapy can have because as much as it helped her, it helped

my family.

She transitioned to public school in eighth grade, which was tough. Her school was wonderful and offered lots of support; she took most classes with students at her pace and met with counselors and specialists regularly.

The resources available within the walls of her school made going everyday manageable. She graduated high school in 2019.

Growing up alongside my sister gave me a perspective that I otherwise wouldn’t have had. Therapy is transformative and transformative to everyone around.

Nonetheless, I was taught that the path to growth isn’t an easy one. She worked hard to get where she is now and continues to do so every day. My sister’s story is a reminder that with the right support and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle, and that growth can extend beyond them and onto those who love them.

DIGITIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITOR’S LETTER 5

6 PANO

Diving into First Place Kipp Vitsky | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

S

Photo by Sage Bernstein

enior Ella McAuley springs into an inward dive pike off the onemeter diving board during the girls dive conference. Hosted by the Center of Clayton on Jan. 26, four CHS divers competed, with McAuley placing first, senior Cha Cha Rubin placing fourth, senior Sage Bernstein placing eighth and senior Ilse Griffey placing 12th.

PANO 7

Students rehearse for the mythical comedic performance, “This Palpable Gross Play,” inspired by William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

News & Notes

Caleb Park | NEWS SECTION EDITOR

Photo by Sage Bernstein

The local chapter of The International Thespian Society, Thespian Troupe 322, participated in the Missouri Thespians State Conference, Jan. 4-6 in Kansas City. Judges evaluated student performances and set crew members on their designing and constructing. The conference invited three troupes state-wide to run their latest show, where the balance of participants watched.

Thespian Troupe Wins State Awards

Chosen by their peers, the State Thespian Officers (STOs) planned the conference, handpicking the themes and arranging a series of workshops.

Members of the tech crew managed the stage and participatied in challenges where they practiced organizing assets on set, from lights to cable coils and building settings for the plays.

Triumph took center stage

for Troupe 322 as seniors Elle Winings, Sabrina Whitmer and Casey Piston clinched top honors.

Junior Lucia Puerto secured a spot on the set construction crew for the All State Thespian show, “Sweet Charity.”

Seniors auditioned before Missouri college representatives at the conference, with potential admissions implications.

With 11 scholarships—four in performances, three in technical education for set crew, three for theater education and one to study theater for life—on the line, these auditions offered more than just a spot in a college program. While primarily for seniors, juniors also participated. Junior Derek Crisp received a callback from college scouts as one of five junior audition finalists in Missouri.

“It was a good opportunity to audition in front of college scouts.

I got a list of schools that called me back,” Crisp said. “They had stations set up in the conference room, gave me feedback and talked to me about their programs.

It was valuable to see as someone considering a career [in] musical theater.”

After experiencing the conference first-hand, Crisp endorsed it as an essential destination for those passionate about acting and theater, citing the unique opportunities.

“When I first went, I wasn’t excited,” Crisp said. “But the workshops, seeing all the shows, meeting new people and hanging out with my friends a lot was [a] valuable experience.”

Alum’s AP Art Portfolio Awarded Nationally Zachary Millner, an alumnus, earned a spot in this year’s AP Art & Design Exhibit as one of the top 50 out of over 74,000 nationwide submissions, highlighting his talent and creativity with his AP Art portfolio. Millner’s yearlong project, which reflected a deep inquiry into a subject of his passion, stood out for its powerful themes, captivating atmosphere and strong execution.

Reflecting on humor, Millner decided to make the different types of irony his portfolio’s subject and created vibrant and active visuals.

One of the selected pieces from the portfolio consisted of three photos of scrap paper in a fire extinguisher sculpture before and after it lit on fire, titled “Uh… Is There A Different Extinguisher Anywhere?”

This specific portfolio entry reflects

8 NEWS

a form of dramatic irony, where the tool to extinguish fires becomes the source of fire.

Other pieces include his friends holding the subjects for his pieces and clever photography usages.

Brainstorming and executing ideas for a cohesive gallery was laborious, as Millner would later reflect. In AP Art, students are expected to pace themselves by adding onto the portfolio every four weeks, where they then have to set their own pace, decide whatever possible medium they want and even decide whether or not they should work on it at home.

“My approach involved constant revisions, allowing me to adapt my pieces to the dynamic creative process. My ideas frequently evolved as I interacted with different materials and

Alumnus Zachary Millner’s AP Art & Design Exhibit, titled “Uh… Is There a Different Extinguisher Anywhere?” Photo by Zachary Millner

processes, leading to unexpected outcomes,” Millner said for the portfolio’s student statement in the AP Art exhibit. “Every material chosen was carefully aligned with the essence of the idea behind the piece.”

AP Art teacher Kami Chavarin praises Millner’s work as fully reflective of himself.

“It’s for this reason that Millner has also won in other local art competitions for this same portfolio,” Chavarin said.

The work reflects AP Art and Design’s student-focused and essentially free spirit.

“You are in charge. It is full autonomy on the students’ part to choose materials, the theme, the subject matter, all of it. I am just there as a guide to help as that happens,” Chavarin said. “If students are interested in art, if they have the desire to come in and work outside of class and at home, then it’s a great class for them.”

DECA DECAPrepares Prepares for Districts Districts With With weekly weekly strategy strategy sessions sessions tackling tackling practice practice exams exams and and roleplay roleplay scenarios, scenarios, as as well well asas crafting crafting compelling compelling presentations, presentations, the the team’s team’s commitment commitment is is steady. steady.

DECA DECA members members areare preparing preparing for for their their upcoming upcoming competitions, competitions, Feb.Feb. 8, at8,the at the District District Career Career Development Development Conference.

Conference.

DECA DECA members members areare engaging engaging in activities in activities such such as as workshops, workshops, mock mock competitions competitions and and strategy strategy sessions sessions to enhance to enhance their their skills skillsfor for upcoming upcoming contests. contests.

TheThe team team competes competes against against other other local local schools, schools, including including Parkway Parkway West, West, Parkway Parkway Central Central andand Ladue Ladue Horton Horton Watkins.

Watkins.

Juniors Juniors Saahil Saahil Doshi Doshi and and Casey Casey Chu Chu areare ready ready to to showcase showcase

their theirproduct product proposal—a proposal—a rectal rectal spacer spacergel geldesigned designed to combat combat prostate prostatecancer—through cancer—through their their startup, startup,Halo Halo Life Life Science.

Science. Their Their comprehensive comprehensive 10-page 10-page report report dives divesinto intothe the company’s company’s strategy, strategy, simulated simulatednegotiations negotiations and and compelling compellingdata data that highlights highlights the thepotential potential of of their medical medical breakthrough. breakthrough.

“You “Youcan can place place them in in medical medical journals, journals,you you can can place ads ads and and studies studiesto tosend send your your results results in in for forthe thepresentation, presentation,” Doshi Doshi said. said.

“You “Youget getaabooth, booth, you meet meet with with hospitals hospitalsand and physicians physicians and andyou you make makethese thesecontracts contracts with with them them that thatthey’ll they’lluse use your your product. product.””

Throughout Throughout the first semester, semester, Doshi Doshiand andChu Chu immersed immersed

campaign was was fun too. fun”too.” themselves themselvesinin research, research, engaging engaging campaign with withindustry industry leaders leaders to to laylay a solid a solid According According to Doshi, to Doshi, he enjoys he enjoys the the feeling feeling of success of success fromfrom DECA DECA foundation foundationforfor their their product. product. competitions.

He’s He’s a fanaoffan theof the The Themonths months leading leading upup to the to the competitions.

Districts Districtswere were filled filled with with writing, writing, experience experience and and encourages encourages othersothers to join in and in and compete. compete. rehearsing rehearsingand and studying studying to to master master to join their theirmaterial. material.

“If you’re “If you’re into into business, business, it’s it’s great great to do, to” do, Doshi ” Doshi said.said.

“Last“Last For ForDoshi, Doshi, thethe memories memories year,year, Casey Casey and and I won I won a medal a medal at at ofoflast lastyear’s year’sconference conference served served asasa areminder reminder toto continue continue Districts Districts and and a medal a medal at State. at State.

This This yearyear we chose we chose a medical a medical company company his hismotivation, motivation, and and ambition ambition totoexceed exceedtheir their previous previous to set to ourselves set ourselves apartapart and do andmore do more achievements. achievements. work work since since we really we really wantwant to make to make it toitInternationals. to Internationals.

We were We were reallyreally “[Last “[Lastyear’s] year’s] District District [was] [was] pretty prettyfun. fun.We We feltfelt really really rushed rushed close close last last year,year, and and this year this we’re year we’re actually actually ableable to go. to” go.” and and[Chu] [Chu]and and I couldn’t I couldn’t meet, meet, sosoititfelt feltgreat great toto getget to to State.

State.

WeWe got gotsecond-[place] second-[place] forfor ourour event, event, ” ” Doshi Doshisaid. said.“Doing “Doing thethe research research and andsetting settingupup thethe marketing marketing

Students Students Selected Selectedfor forRenowned RenownedMO MO All-State All-StateEnsembles Ensembles Six Six students students auditioned auditioned toto become become members members of of thethe Missouri Missouri All All State State Ensembles Ensembles along along with with 62 other 62 other students students accepted accepted from from across across thethe state. state.

Playing Playing forfor thethe ensemble ensembleJan. Jan. 24-27, 24-27, thethe students students participated participated in multiple in multiple rehearsals rehearsals before before performing performing onon thethe lastlast day day atat the the Missouri Missouri Music Music Educators Educators Association Association convention convention at at the the Margaritaville Margaritaville Lake Lake of of thethe Ozarks Ozarks Resort Resort at Osage at Osage Beach, Beach, Mo. Mo. TheThe ensemble, ensemble, comprising comprising the the state’s state’s toptop musicians, musicians, meets meets annually. annually.

Students Students must must bebe ready ready to perform to perform within within three three daysdays andand compete compete statewide statewide after after a a blind blind audition audition

involving involvingthree three excerpts excerpts and and two two scales. scales.

Seniors SeniorsRachel Rachel Chung Chung and and Shrey ShreyVedantham, Vedantham, sophomores sophomores Tyler TylerHe Heand and Katherine Katherine Nguyen Nguyen and andfreshmen freshmen Zoe Zoe Baldwin Baldwin and and Will WillLiu—who Liu—who joined joined the the First First Violins—were Violins—were accepted accepted into into the the ensembles. ensembles.

“I“Ididn’t didn’tthink think much of of itit at at first, first,but butit’s it’spretty pretty difficult difficult to toget get in, in, ””Liu Liusaid. said. “The “The [three excerpts excerpts and andtwo twoscales] scales] were were very very difficult. difficult.

I Ifelt feltpretty prettygood good to be accepted accepted since sinceit’s it’svery very prestigious. prestigious.””

Auditioning Auditioning for for the theAll AllState State

a seating a seating test,test, rehearsed rehearsed multiple multiple Ensembles, Ensembles,Missouri’s Missouri’s premier premier times times andand performed performed at theatend theofend of youth youthmusic musicgroup, group, involved involved the the convention. convention. competition competitionasas individual individual “We“We kindkind of meet of meet once,once, get get musicians, musicians,including including players players likelike there, staystay for afor fewa nights few nights and and Liu Liuand andparticipants participants from from school school there, youyou just just perform, perform, ” Liu”said.

Liu said. orchestras, orchestras,vievie forfor limited limited spots. spots. thenthen “It’s“It’s pretty pretty quick, quick, but it’s buta it’s lot aoflot of Students Studentspreparing preparing forfor timetime [saved [saved for rehearsing]. for rehearsing]. ” ” auditions auditionsdevoted devoted extensive extensive Liu,Liu, whowho has ahas strong a strong passion passion practice practicetime, time, benefiting benefiting from from for for music, music, found found satisfaction satisfaction in hisin his the theopportunity opportunity toto familiarize familiarize work work withwith the ensemble. the ensemble. themselves themselveswith with thethe setset pieces, pieces, He believes He believes the distinguished the distinguished which whichare areupdated updated every every four four reputation and and its role its in role fostering in fostering years. years.They Theymay may also also participate participate reputation musical musical interest interest are reasons are reasons he he ininadditional additionalauditions auditions outside outside school schoolfor forensembles ensembles likelike thethe St. St. encourages encourages otherother students students to to audition and and participate. participate.

Louis LouisSymphony Symphony Youth Youth Orchestra Orchestra audition “It’s“It’s worth worth it as itsomeone as someone who who (SLSYO) (SLSYO)totoprepare. prepare. takes music music pretty pretty seriously. seriously.

“My “Myknees knees were were shaking, shaking, andand takes get to getplay to play greatgreat music, music, ” Liu ” Liu ititwas waspretty pretty bad. bad.

Just Just doing doing YouYou more moreauditions auditions makes makes youyou said.said.

“If you “If you know know somesome otherother better betterasas a player, a player, ” Liu ” Liu said. said. people people whowho playplay in aninorchestra an orchestra andand youyou like like that that experience experience of of After After arriving arriving playing in one, in one, I’d suggest I’d suggest you you Wednesday, Wednesday, students students in the in the playing go and audition; audition; not only not only strings strings ensemble ensemble participated participated in in go and [instruments] [instruments] play play but woodwinds but woodwinds too.too. ” ”

Orchestra Orchestra Director Director Daniel Daniel Henderson Henderson leads leads a Symphonic a Symphonic Orchestra Orchestra performance. performance.

9 NEWS 9 NEWS

Photo Photo

by Eva

by Delannoy Eva Delannoy

All You Need is Love

How love is expressed in different cultures across the globe Charlie Meyers | SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR Bethany Lai | PAGE EDITOR

S

miling chocolate vendors, giving away free chocolate and kind compliments on the street, welcoming locals, dancing with one another in great spirits and a community filled with red-themed decorations is what one would find if they walked down the streets of Peru on El Dia de Amor y La Amistad.

Whether people tell one another ‘te quiero’ or ‘te amo,’ love is expressed through many actions that one could describe as a scene in a romance film.

Love is a critical aspect of Peruvian culture. Showing loved ones and friends appreciation and ensuring they know is a cherished practice.

Junior Lucia Lerena is from Peru and visits the South American country every year possible.

While living in Peru, Lerena noted how genuine love and happiness are within her country.

“Love is something that’s celebrated regularly, and it’s something always really nice to see. In Peru, you can see it in their eyes, almost as if it was in a movie. You can

Lucia and her sister, Ariana, dance with their father around their loved ones for New Years tradition Photo from the Lerena family

10 FEATURE

Lucia Lerena recieves pink roses from her father as a gift. Photo courtesy of the Lerena family

tell that people are genuinely happy to be with and around each other,” Lerena said.

“You’ll see tokens of love like the flowers people give each other, the hugs and how genuinely happy everyone is. That’s something that’s seen on a regular basis.”

Peru’s culture is lifelike and inviting, with a vibrancy of passion expressed through cooking, dancing, singing, artwork and embracing one another according to Lerena.

“Truly, Peruvian culture is really friendly.

Every time you see someone or greet someone your age, be it a guy or girl, you always kiss on the cheek. Then with your friends, it’s the same thing. With my friends in Peru, everyone would hug each other so much. It’s just a way to show that you’re comfortable around them, and it brought everyone closer together,” Lerena said Valentine’s Day is a day of passion and love for humankind, according to Lerena, not just intermediate loved ones and friends.

It is also a day of sheer joy and silliness.

“On Valentine’s Day, everyone goes a little goofy, and they’ll be dancing around.

They call it the day of love and try to be exaggerated and funny with it,” she said.

Lerena mentioned that when walking

around [on Valentine’s Day] in Peru, everything was red and coated in flowers.

“There are a lot of flower places, so [when] I walked around I received so many chocolates from vendors in the street that were like, ‘Here you go, pretty lady.’

It’s a place that can feel comfortable, and everyone shows that to everyone. People were randomly giving roses to strangers and trying to make people’s days. I celebrated it with my friends too, and everyone was really happy,” Lerena said.

In Spanish, there are many ways to verbally say, I love you. There’s ‘te quiero,’ which translates to an expression of fondness for friends and extended family that one may not be as close to. Then, there is ‘te amo,’ which translates to an expression of deep love that is rarely thrown around in Spanish. It is a phrase reserved for close relatives and loved ones, as it is a serious statement, very different from how love is said and expressed in English, Lerena explained.

While love can be said in various forms, it can be physically expressed in many ways.

Within the Lerena family, gifts of sweets

Lucia and her siblings pose with their mother, red roses gifted by their father on the right Photo from the Lerena family

and hand-written cards are often given to everyone. Despite her older sisters’ college distance, Lerena continues to try to showcase her gratitude and appreciation for her. On the morning of El Dia de Amor y La Amistad, Lerena’s parents show their love to one another.

“My dad always gets red roses for my mom and wakes her up with a cup of coffee in bed. It’s always cute, and they’re always really happy,” Lerena said.

The fondness for flowers does not stop at Lerena’s father. Last year, she handcrafted a sentiment for her friends to show her gratefulness for them.

“Last year for Valentine’s Day, [my friends and I] just celebrated more of a day of friendship and love between each other.

So I spent, I don’t know how many hours, [crafted] paper roses for each friend, so they wouldn’t perish,” she said.

Love is valued and expressed often for Lerena through handcrafted goodies, whether made in the kitchen or with paper.

“Baking and cooking [are] really big in

I

n the Vanukuru household, junior Mahika Vanukuru is raised with many expressions of love that differ from those in a typical American household.

“Living in America and growing up here, and then going to school and hearing about how other people interact with their families, it’s different,” Vanukuru said.

Unlike many families that express affection through hugs or gifts, in Vanukuru’s home, love is woven into the fabric of daily life. It shows in silent, steadfast acts of service—be it a meticulously swept floor, a freshly prepared meal or the pride in a report card, beaming with excellence.

“I think my love language is acts of service,” she said.

Love can be seen in various forms inside the house and within the familial space. Yet, it can also be expressed in different places, whether out to dinner at a nice restaurant over good food and conversation or in an entirely different location across the country.

“One thing my family likes to do is travel a lot,” Vanukuru said. “We like to

my family. This is a very biased opinion, but Peru has the best cuisine compared to many places, and it’s one of the things I miss the most. So, when you put effort into making something, like a gift, a card or many times, food and give it to that person, it’s a really important way of showing love,” Lerena said. “Baking and crafting [are] something I do to show my love and appreciation. For all of my parents’ and siblings’ birthdays, I’ll make

an art piece or card for them and make it personal to them. I enjoy doing it, too.”

While El Dia de Amor y La Amistad is a pure celebration of love, the festivities for love and passion do not end after it, Lerena explained. Dancing is a large part of her family’s traditions for expressing love.

“Around the New Year, we’ll put on a bunch of classics, dance until we receive the New Year at Midnight, and then dance even more. It’s like you receive the year in love with each other and on a good note, just dancing a bunch of salsa,” she said.

Dancing alongside her siblings, parents, friends and loved ones into the New Year allows for an environment of tender love and care to begin the year off well.

“At the end of the day, there are many ways that you can show love, and I feel like each way has its unique significance and can be tailored to the person receiving it on the other end,” Lerena said.

Flowers, especially roses, are a sign of love and appreciation in the Lerena family. Photo courtesy of the Lerena family

travel together, and it’s a big thing for my mom.”

While the ways Vanukuru expresses love within her family are not exclusive for her culture, they represent key aspects of love expression that many Indian-American families experience.

“My parents are more into American society and less traditional,” Vanukuru said.

Considering contemporary American society’s influence on family traditions and connections, it is evident that love will not always be shared in the same ways within the same culture. Within the Vanukuru household, continuing traditional cultural practices serve as a living bridge to their heritage.

This dedication to cultural preservation is a testament to the family’s commitment to maintaining their ancestral customs in the modern world.

“There’s a very big thing about respecting your elders,” she said.

Vanukuru feels connected to her culture despite her physical distance from India and American culture’s influence on her family’s customs.

Young Mahika Vanukuru and her parents pose in traditional attire for a holiday Photo from Mahika Vanukuru

“We don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day you know it’s just another day,” Vanukuru said.

So, while Valentine’s Day may not be a staple in every culture, love is still celebrated and appreciated around the clock and worldwide.

FEATURE 11

F

or the Nguyen family, love is expressed through sacrifice.

“For parents and children, a lot of it is sacrificing what you can to ensure the other has success in their life and making sure that you can do everything you can to give that to them,” sophomore Katherine Nguyen said. “Kind of like gift giving in the sense of ensuring that people have their future and the resources needed to accomplish that.”

For Nguyen and her siblings, oftentimes, her parents will showcase their gratitude for them by making homemade meals prepared with care and love.

“My mom always loves to make us food, and that’s how she cares for us,” Nguyen said.

Detailing a love language characterized by support and empathy, she shows affection for loved ones by ensuring they have a shoulder to cry on.

S

ilk hanboks dance like rainbows swirling in a festive whirl, and chatter paints the air like plum blossoms during vibrant springs. It is Seollal (설랄) — a time of intergenerational respect and love towards elders, a celebration of the Lunar New Year “[During Seollal,] we dress in hanbok (한복) and eat rice cakes on [a] giant table of food. We [acknowledge] elders that have passed away and bow to them,” junior Donna Do said.

Bowing during Korea’s Seollal holiday unveils a dual significance. The solemn ritual of Charye (차례) symbolizes reverence and gratitude towards ancestors to create a link between past and present generations. The bowing also extends to Sebae (세배), another tradition during Seollal. “[During Sebae,] children bow in front of their halmeoni (할머니) and halabeoji (할아버지) to receive money,” an anonymous student said.

Bowing in Sebae is associated with the tradition of receiving blessings and money from elders. It is a cultural practice demonstrating children’s respect and love for their grandparents. This ceremonial

12 FEATURE

“For me, I provide my support whenever someone needs it and make sure I’m always reaching out to people,” Nguyen said. “In my family, if someone’s having trouble emotionally, I’ll always be there to talk to them and try to be someone they can trust and rely on at that moment.”

While her immediate family can feel her warmth and support daily, her extended family receives a different kind of love from her.

“We live pretty secludedly from a lot of my family; I have family in Portland and Houston. So, I try to show my love [by] reaching out and maintaining contact.

My sister is in Vietnam right now, so we always maintain contact and make sure that we talk to each other, even though we’re far apart.”

Love is shown through various silent yet powerful actions expressed throughout the year according to Nguyen.

Coming from a Vietnamese-American family, she observes that love is often more of a nonverbal exchange between loved ones rather than a blatant verbal display of affection.

“In general about love, I’d say, in the Asian American community and my family, there’s a lot of talk about love being expressed nonverbally. That can be both an issue and also a good thing at the same time. Even though it might be hard to express our love through words, we still make sure it’s there,” Nguyen said.

However, her family is more acclimated to American culture, often expressing their love within their nuclear family traditions.

“If you look for love in small places, in small acts of service and small moments, I think you can find it, and those are the moments that matter,” she said.

gesture during the Lunar New Year reflects how love is expressed within the Korean context.

While Korean cultural traditions emphasize familial love and respect, many from the younger generation report feeling disconnected in emotional expression from their elders. This perception, rooted in evolving cultural norms, sets the stage for a deeper examination of intergenerational relationships in contemporary Korean families.

“Love and affection is not very direct

in the Korean household. Parents don’t say things like ‘I love you.’ Instead, [they are] rough on you and make you perform well because they’ll only love you if you go to a good college and are successful,” an anonymous student said.

In the Korean cultural environment, the articulation of emotions is often restrained, particularly among parents who opt for indirect means to foster success in their children. This approach can leave behind a palpable sense of perceived neglect.

Young Donna Do (second to right) sits with her grandparents. Photo from Donna Do

“Korean parents view love as their kids being successful in life and showing them off to other Koreans. They don’t care about their kids themselves. That’s not love, but that’s what Koreans think love is,” the anonymous student said.

This sentiment found resonance with junior Henry Lee. “That’s why [Korean parents] want you to do all those instruments — so they can show you off,” Lee said.

The focus on education and success in Korean culture exists to this day. from the aftermath of the Korean War in the 1950s. “[Parents] compromise the amount of outer love they show to help focus kids more on success,” Lee said.

It also explains the low birth rate of South Korea — which, in 2022, had the world’s lowest fertility rate at 0.78, according to a TIME article.

“I guess people don’t love each other.

V

ibrant colors and lively celebrations resonate through the streets of Colombian culture.

Friends link arms as they enter parties on “El Día de Amor y Amistad,” the Day of Love and Friendship, an annual celebration on the third Saturday of September.

“There’s a lot of partying [in Colombia]; it’s just Colombian culture. People love to party and have fun,” junior Maria Panesso said. “[Colombians] do raffles at parties with actual good stuff. They [also] make a lot of food.”

Panesso believes that the generosity displayed by Colombians during parties reflects their overall loving and generous nature. “[Colombians] give without expecting anything in return,” Panesso said.

“My great aunt [and] her family would give other families nearby their produce because [she] had a farm. My great aunt still remembers all her neighbors’ and their children’s names.”

Generosity within the community is necessary to support the community’s nexus — especially due to an ineffective and corrupt government, according to Panesso.

“A lot of people [in Colombia], especially nowadays, are poor and [have]

Koreans prioritize monetary things over children — or even the benefit of the country because it would benefit the country if more people had children. They would rather prioritize success. I don’t blame them because I would prioritize my success over anything else,” Lee said.

The notion of love emerges from this complex interplay between parental

Junior Donna Do practices the art of pouring tea for the Korean Tea Ceremony, a tradition in Korean culture serving as a method to find relaxation. Photo from Donna Do

struggles. The government is corrupt.

People can barely get a job and money.

There’s a lot of inflation over there right now, so even getting a simple egg costs so much money,” Panesso said. “If you can’t expect anything from the government, you can only expect from the rest of us citizens.

It’s a moral thing: people feel [that] by giving to other people, [they] better the community.”

Cooking is also a powerful language of love. Panesso fondly reminisces about her grandmother’s heartfelt and meaningful baking.

“I remember my grandma used to make vanilla raisin cake for me. She would make it often and teach me how to do it, and it was made with love. They don’t have to say it’s made of love because you already know it’s made with love,” Panesso said. “It [was] always emphasized that no matter what — [whether for] your siblings or your family — you should still love them no matter what. [Colombian culture] puts family love over other types of love,” Panesso said.

Panesso’s recollection transports us to a pivotal moment in her family’s history when a heated discourse between a brother and a sister threatened to tear the family apart. Then, the elders intervened with a unique approach to mending rifts, a remedy that underscored their profound

expectations and filial or societal success.

Of course, interpretations of this concept diverge among individuals.

“Love in Korea is proudness, a proud love, an ‘I love you because I am proud of you’ love,” Do said. “My parents express their love to me through food. They make [me] food that I want because they love me. I can eat their love. I experience their love in their actions and how they prioritize my preferences and well-being.

They say ‘I love you’ [to me] every day.”

In Korean families, parental love often manifests less overtly than in other cultures. This subtlety can lead to a range of emotions and interpretations. Across Korea, parental love is expressed in various forms, from indirect and conditional to openly proud and nurturing. Recognizing this diversity provides a broader understanding of the cultural nuances in familial relationships.

importance on the bonds of family love.

“As punishment for them not getting along, they were tied up together until they were forced to say ‘I’m sorry’ and hug,” Panesso said.

The lesson was clear — no matter the disagreements, misunderstandings or conflicts that may arise within the family, love between family is vital.

The vibrant tapestry of Colombian culture is woven through with threads of love — a love that is generous and resilient, often triumphing over societal and familial challenges. Panesso’s story has shown how traditions serve as a backbone for a community that cherishes its familial bonds, celebrating them as a cherished cornerstone, even amidst life’s inevitable complexities.

Maria Panesso cooks in the kitchen with her loved ones, preparing traditional recipes from her family. Photo from Maria Panesso

FEATURE 13

At the Catherine B. Berges theatre, freshman Dwight Erdmann performs a Sissonne in the Garland Waltz from “Sleeping Beauty.” Photos by Kelly Pratt Photography

Defying Stereotypes Meet Rising Star, Freshman Dwight Erdmann Samantha Braidwood | REVIEW SECTION EDITOR

D

ancing around the house at age three, freshman Dwight Erdmann’s parents noticed he had an interest and lived two blocks away from COCA. Erdmann’s parents decided to sign him up for an entry-level dance class. Twelve years later, Erdmann is now at the highest level Ballet Eclectica First Company.

Erdmann went from taking two or three classes a week to having classes six days a week when joining Ballet Electica Second Company in sixth grade. After three years in that Company, Erdmann recently advanced to the Ballet Eclectica Company.

“The commitment is even more demanding in Ballet Eclectica First Company. I dance 18 hours a week, plus I participate in dance residencies. The

14 FEATURE

pace is much faster, and the expectations are much higher. I love the challenge,” Erdmann said.

Despite him spending most of his time at COCA, Erdmann feels like it is a second home, filled with friends and the sport he loves.

“The thing about dance, especially ballet, is you’re constantly improving.

That’s what makes a good dancer, someone who can improve. Like my improvement from when I started to get serious in sixth grade and realized I cared about dance. Now and for the next four

“

years, there’s so much room for me to change and evolve,” Erdmann said.

One of the most complex parts of dance for Erdmann is accepting and handling criticism.

“Dance has made me good at accepting criticism because I understand how valuable it is to be told what you can improve. This used to be more difficult for me, but that’s the only way you’ll improve,” Erdmann said.

Through the dance process, Erdmann

When I joined the company there, it started to take over my life. And there’s no going back.” -Dwight Erdmann

“

This year, five out of 17 of the dancers in Ballet Electica First Company were male, the highest number the program has ever seen.”-Dwight Erdmann learned that he should not take feedback as a criticism.

“It’s really important to realize that when someone tells you what you can improve on, they’re not trying to point out what you’re doing wrong; they’re trying to show how you can be better because they want to see that in you. When someone wants to see that in you, that’s a good thing, it’s almost like a compliment; they see potential in you,” Erdmann said.

Physical challenges such as painful pointe shoes and bloody blisters are not the only hardships that come with ballet. Mentally, Erdmann believes it is exhausting, and takes grit.

According to LitHub

reporter Chloe Angyal, the demands of ballet, both physically and mentally, often attract perfectionists, fostering a culture that glorifies an unattainable ideal and leads to destructive perfectionism.

“Dance has helped me realize that perfect doesn’t exist. When I get in my head, I think that I should be perfect. You can get close to perfection, but it takes time. I’m almost impatient with myself because I think I should be somewhere where I’m not. There are very small details and techniques that only ballet dancers can notice,” Edrmann said.

While there is a common perception that male dancers face more obstacles in ballet, the experience at COCA suggests a different trend.

According to Erdmann, male

dancers are likely to get roles because there are significantly fewer of them. Males are also more likely to get scholarships for that same reason, which Erdmann sees as pretty unfair for female dancers.

Erdmann spends many of his summers participating in ballet-intensive programs and summer camps that last from one to six weeks. Even here, he sees this gender imbalance prevalent.

“When I auditioned, I got into a lot of [the ballet intensives]. I think some of it was on my merit, but just because they like boys, they want boys more in their programs,” Erdmann said.

Last summer, Erdmann received a scholarship to participate in the Next Generation ballet intensive in Tampa, Fla. He got a scholarship for a company called Next Generation Ballet. This threeweek-long instruction provided Erdmann with additional professional training and feedback.

“I loved it because [of] the director, Philip Neil. [He] was once a principal dancer at New York City Ballet. All of the other staff [were] also similarly qualified. It was a really fun place. It was a good group of dancers who I was with,” Erdmann said.

Having captivated audiences with his powerful performances, Erdmann envisions taking his passion for dance to the next level. He is determined to pursue dance in college and join a professional company where he can continue to refine his artistry and share his talent on a grander stage.

“I love it because you can always get better and will never be perfect.

By continuing to dance in college and eventually professionally, I will be able to put in the time and effort needed to become the best dancer I can be,” Erdmann said. “Dance will have a large impact on college because dance majors are pretty rigorous, and I plan on doing a double major to focus on a more practical career path.”

During his ballet performance, freshman Dwight Erdmann executes a cambré, after five months of rehersal.

FEATURE 15

Waiting For Wellness The Wellness Center is set to open in February to provide additional resources for students

ALEX COHEN | MANAGING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Discussing the Grand Opening plans, Wellness Coordinator Jennifer McKeown and Wellness Outreach Specialist Grace Sullentrup anticipate a large turnout for the introduction aiming to address physical, mental, emotional and social support at school.

Photo by Debra Klevens

W

ellness Coordinator Jennifer McKeown is excited to have chairs in the new Wellness Center space after dragging two over from the art room for our interview. After months of behind-the-scenes work, McKeown hopes the opening of the Wellness Center will provide a safe space for students to improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

Since August, McKeown has spent firstsemester planning, meeting and working with students and staff to develop the space and procedures for the Wellness Center.

“The center promotes wellness by destigmatizing a lot of thoughts about mental health and wellness,” Maryn Kearney, senior and Wellness Youth Council Member, said.

McKeown formed

“

school, such as social workers, nurses and counselors.

“This is expanding the support and network for students. It’s not replacing anything. There is going to be constant communication and collaboration between Wellness and Counseling. So if you were to land in counseling, the Wellness Center or the nurse, and you might need a different space, we will get you to that space,” McKeown said.

The Wellness Center is also uniquely suited to promote student well-being because it serves multiple students simultaneously. Nurses and counselors typically work one-on-one with students. While the Wellness Center can serve multiple students through an initial drop-in space, check-ins with a Wellness Outreach Specialist and more indepth conversations with -Jennifer McKeown McKeown or outside providers.

the Youth Council in October to help with publicity, furnishings and art. She also wanted to spread the word about the purposes and uses of the Wellness Center.

“We want to normalize the fact that it’s okay to have some time and space to take a break,” McKeown said.

She believes high school’s high pressure and performance environment has led students to believe that taking breaks will impede their academic success, but the opposite is true. She also emphasized the collaboration between the Wellness Center and other support systems within the

It’s ok to have some time and space to take a break.”

16 FEATURE

“

check it out and ask any questions you may materials about have,” Kearney said. topics such as stress, Kearney and the rest of the Youth anxiety, depression Council have worked with McKeown to and substance use. develop a variety of wellness activities McKeown also plans to have some self-care that will be available in the drop-in space as part of a wellness toolbox of strategies. materials, similar to These include connection, movement, those in the nurse’s Care Cart, such as tea, snacks, fidgets, games, mindfulness and art. phone chargers and -Jennifer McKeown “I am most excited about the calming band-aids. activities and dedicated quiet space in the Students will Wellness Center. Sometimes, when I’m be able to visit really stressed, I need a few minutes in a the Wellness calm, quiet space to ground myself so that “[The] Wellness Center provides a space Center during any free periods and I can continue with my day,” Kearney said.

Greyhound Time but will need a pass for students to help regulate. If you need The Wellness Center is set to open from their teacher to visit during class outside resources, you can get that. It’s not for a staff open house on Feb. 16 and for time. McKeown hopes to maintain just creating that safe space. It’s expanding students on Feb. 20. Until her chairs are confidentiality with the pass system but the support and education,” McKeown delivered, McKeown can be found in the acknowledges that there may be bumps in said.

Commons Administrative Conference the road.

Kearney also emphasized the Room.

“When something’s new, there’s importance of having a space to step back always going to be a need for change and from the many stresses of high school. feedback, and it’s not gonna be perfect, and “By creating a space dedicated to this we’ll work we will hopefully change and aspect of life, students will have an easier develop things,” McKeown said. time finding resources that will help them Kearney also expressed the need for with the day-to-day stress, anxiety, [things For extended that] can come with being in a competitive student input even after the Wellness coverage, listen to Center opens. and challenging environment like Clayton “The Orbit” podcast “Students can get involved by joining High,” Kearney said. created by Elias the Wellness Youth Council, where they McKeown explained several reasons Kilbridge to learn can help with the design and outreach of more about the students would visit the Wellness Wellness Center. the Wellness Center, or even just stop by Center, including stress relief and crisis the Wellness Center during a free period to management. These reasons were also presented to all staff at faculty and department meetings to encourage staff support for the program. To visit the Wellness Center during class time, especially during a crisis, students will need a pass from their teacher.

“If a student is in distress, they’re going to come here to get assessed and we’re gonna make a plan to keep that student - Get some tea or a bandaid safe and get them the help and support - Attend a scheduled wellness appointment they need,” McKeown said.

These reasons include previously - Read about stress, anxiety or substance use scheduled Wellness appointments with - Refer yourself or a friend for support McKeown or an outside therapist, referring oneself or a friend to the Wellness Center - Take a brain break for further support, taking a brain break or having space to calm down in a crisis.

- Receive support in a crisis In addition, students can visit the Center’s drop-in space to access health education

When something’s new, there’s always going to be a need for change and feedback.”

Reasons to Visit the Wellness Center

FEATURE 17

Lights Up On Fleet Street

The theatre department performs “Sweeney Todd” for the main stage musical Dwight Erdmann | REPORTER JiaLi Deck | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

1.

2.

T

he Demon Barber of Fleet Street came alive on the opening night of “Sweeney Todd,” Friday, Feb. 2. Over 75 students partook in the show: a mixture of cast, crew and pit musicians.

Performing Steven Sondheim’s tonguetwister lyrics was a technical challenge for the cast.

“Sweeney Todd is an extremely difficult production for a high school to put on. [...]

It has very difficult ensemble harmonies that were hard to learn, but it was all worth

18 FEATURE

3. it,” sophomore Keira Hoisington, who played Joanna, said.

The production required three months of preparation and over 125 hours of rehearsing.

“I was at school 12 plus hours every day for two weeks leading up to the show.

It was exhausting, although I’m grateful for the intense bonding experience it provided,” ensemble member senior Casey Piston said.

In addition to the performance the cast also participated in traditions like the Senior Circle.

“Before closing night, everyone gets in a circle, and the seniors give life advice and reminisce,” senior Fletcher Anderson said.

“It’s the most emotional part; everyone cries. It’s so different because in other things, like sports, you don’t have a specific end date. For theater, there is a countdown from day one, and you want to extend that time because you enjoy the people and [the] experience. We’ll never be with that specific group of people again. Everyone has a place in theater. Even though I’m not the most jaw-dropping singer, I still had a part to play and felt valued.”

5.

4.

6.

8.

7.

Scan the QR code to watch Parker Andrews’ behind the scenes video.

1. Junior Derek Crisp, who plays the titular character Sweeney Todd, slits the throat of an unknowing barber shop patron played by senior Fletch Anderson.

2. Senior Angela Chen plays Tobias (Toby) Ragg as he uncovers the secret to Mrs. Lovett’s famous meat pies.

3. Sweeney Todd is revealed for the first time in the opening song, “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd.”

4. Junior Lily Schaumburg performs as Mrs. Lovett, an energetic bakery shop owner and Todd’s partner in crime.

5. The cast reach towards a coveted meat pie in the Act II opening song, “God, That’s Good!”

6. Seniors Casey Piston, Elle Winings and Parker McGill look grimly towards the audience. Photo by Owen Wohl 7. Sophomore Keira Hoisington portrays Joahnna as she wishes for freedom in her lament, “Green Finch and Linnet Bird” 8. Junior Alice Fulton belts “Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir.”

Photos 1-6 by Owen Wohl Photos 7-8 by Eva Dellanoy

FEATURE 19

DO Students Need a Shrink Jiali Deck | Editor-in-Chief Sidra Major | Digital Editor-in-Chief Kipp Vitskey | Editor-in-Chief

contributive reporting by Lavanya Mani & Anaïse Oge

A mental Health

N

inety percent of Americans feel that we are currently in a mental health crisis, according to the Pew Research Center. In a time when it seems we can hardly agree about anything, this nearly unanimous recognition of deteriorating mental health is significant.

Rising in tandem with mental health concerns is an interest in therapy.

All illustrations by JiaLi Deck

More people are seeking counseling than ever before. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five adults, and one in seven teenagers sought mental health services in 2022.

This unprecedented boom in individuals seeking support in the form of therapy is the result of several factors, one being increased mental health problems

as a result of the pandemic. Tina Villalobos, a clinical social worker and psychodynamic therapist, said, “Since the pandemic, I feel like basically all of the therapists I talked to have been super busy.”

A 2021 study found almost half of Americans reported recent symptoms of anxiety or depression.

COVER 21

Furthermore, there has been a significant increase in substance abuse since the announcement of a national emergency in March 2020. For young people especially, being isolated at home was particularly harmful.

Micheal Deal, a therapist specializing in children, said, “It was a difficult time for everybody, especially kids. They weren’t able to be around their peers for extended periods, so if you take that and couple it with parents who were also having a tough time, [it] was a perfect storm.”

The difficulties of the pandemic may have contributed to more students seeking therapy. Based on data collected from a Clayton student survey, 74% of students who see a therapist started after 2020.

Nationally, the percent of Americans 18 to 44 who had received mental health treatment over the past year jumped from 18.5% to more than 35% between 2019 and 2021.

Changing K

aren Helfert, a retired marriage and family counselor of 33 years, has noticed a shift in attitudes toward mental health.

“When I was working in the 70s and 80s, people didn’t talk about their mental health openly,” she said.

Therapy was reserved for those with severe mental health disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Most people perceived seeking mental health support as a subject of shame rather than a casual fact about one’s life. In recent years, however, things have changed.

“Now the kids are more public about their depression and going to therapy. It just doesn’t have the same shame,” Helfert said.

Therapy has shown up on television screens in a major way. Popular shows like “Euphoria” and “Never Have I Ever” have even made mental health a central

22 COVER

Although the pandemic caused an increase in mental health struggles, it also worked to destigmatize asking for help.

Megan Margherio currently works as a yoga instructor but previously served as the Clayton School District’s Gifted Coordinator. While teaching classes at the middle and then high school level, many of her lessons focused on the impact of mental health on students’ wellbeing.

“If we’ve learned anything since the pandemic, it’s that we’re all struggling with our mental health on some level, so strategies and support are needed now more than ever,” she said.

part of the plotline, with the latter often featuring the main character, Devi’s, therapy sessions. Online discussions have also propelled the destigmatization of therapy. Celebrities and other high-profile individuals such as Harry Styles, Adele, Kristen Bell and Michelle Obama have all expressed that they receive great benefits from going to therapy.

Additionally, Villalobos said online resources can help people put a name to their feelings and find validation for their struggles.

“I think [the internet] gives people an empowered feeling. [...] It’s beneficial that people can have an understanding of what’s going on with them and can seek out appropriate help,” she said.

As a result, online therapy services have risen to meet young people’s interests.

One such company is BetterHelp, a mental health platform that matches users with

of students started seeing their therapist after

licensed therapists who talk with them via phone or chat.

The company’s approach to advertising has been targeted towards young people, and they have used social media as a platform to promote their service. By sponsoring popular content creators like The Try Guys and MrBeast, the company directly markets the benefits of therapy to young social media users. “[BetterHelp] is allowing people that can’t access therapy to be able to access therapy, and that’s great,” Villalobos said.

The rise of social media and celebrity culture has contributed to the stigmatization of mental health discussions, but while an increase in awareness and interest surrounding therapy may seem like a step in the right direction, this onslaught of mental health content on users’ feeds has not come without cost.

“I thought it meant that you “The thing that is of the were broken. [But] accepting highest priority to me is sharing my personal journey living, being happy, hurting in because it provides a little bit the extremes, that is the most alive you can be.” of authenticity to who I am.”

People Magazine, January 12, 2023

“Sometimes you need an objective person to just hear you out.”

The Independent, February 10, 2020

Better Homes & Gardens, April 26, 2022

107 ResponSes

Now the kids are more public about their depression and going to therapy. It just doesn’t have the same shame” -Karen Helfert, retired therapist

COVER 23

Never Have I Ever

Ted Lasso

Stills of “Never Have I Ever,” Netflix

“Ted Lasso,” an Apple TV original series, follows American football coach Ted as he learns to coach the English soccer club, AFC Richmond. After its pilot season was a streaming success, the show was renewed for a sequel in 2021. This season introduced a new character, Dr. Fieldstone, a sports psychologist and therapist. Fieldstone begins by working with players to overcome struggles with trauma and self-confidence. Lasso expresses distrust towards therapists, which is reflective of many adults’ feelings towards the practice. However, after experiencing an anxiety attack, Ted learns to accept Fieldstone’s help and becomes a frequent attendant in her office.

This narrative, which over 546,000 viewers watched, helped to dispel common misconceptions about therapy.

Stills from “Ted Lasso,” Apple TV

40 ResponSes 24 COVER

Netflix’s “Never Have I Ever” is a coming-of-age comedy TV series that follows Devi Vishwakumar, a first-generation Indian teenager, as she navigates the ups and downs of high school in America. The first of four seasons takes place soon after Devi witnesses the unexpected death of her father and loses mobility in her legs as a result of the trauma. Many significant scenes occur during Devi’s weekly sessions with her therapist, Jamie Ryan. Ryan helps Devi work through the death of her father but also the everyday stressors of life as a teenager: friendship drama, boy troubles and school pressure. Devi’s habits of seeking therapy and caring for her mental health convey supportive messages to viewers of the show — especially to those of her generation. “Never Have I Ever” demonstrates that one can attend therapy for both significant trauma, like the death of a parent, and the regular stresses of daily life.

The M

edical advice from unlicensed users on the internet can have its perils.

“Influencers are human, so they can be used in good and bad ways. If they’re helping people access therapy, then okay. The danger could be if they are speaking on clinical matters that they’re not trained on. That would not be helpful,” Villalobos said.

The unfiltered abyss of content available on the internet may lead some to think posts are the same as a medical diagnosis.

Many users on platforms like TikTok make videos that expose “Common Symptoms of ADHD” or “Things you think are normal that actually are signs of autism.”

Experts are concerned viewers of these videos may take these “signs” as reasons to seek treatment they don’t actually need.

“I feel like with the rise of this field, there’s a rise of feeling the need to overanalyze things and treat things with medication that don’t always need to,” senior Maryn Kearney said.

Margherio explained that self-diagnosis can even lead people with real disorders to treatments that would not be effective for them.

“There is a lot of overlap with mental health conditions, so without working directly with a medical professional, people could be inaccurately diagnosing themselves. [...] The conversations around diagnoses should really take place with a doctor, not on social media,” she said.

In conjunction with the rise of online self-diagnosis, “therapy words,” such as “trauma,” which were once only used to describe extreme situations, have made their way into everyday vocabulary.

“I think the most dangerous thing about [overusing the word ‘trauma’] is

Examples of TikToks which promote self diagnosis.

it minimizes real trauma, like people who have been victims of violent or sexual assaults and people [who] have been victims of natural disasters,” AP Psychology teacher David Aiello, who has been teaching the course at CHS for 38 years, said. “When people claim to be traumatized by significantly less stressful things, it minimizes the people who have had real traumatic experiences.”

Aiello also said the rush to label common emotions as conditions undermine one’s resilience by causing them to see daily tasks and obstacles as unconquerable.

“It legitimizes people equating small struggles with big, huge, life-changing problems. I think we have made mountains out of molehills as a society,” Aiello said.

Part of the issue, he argues, stems from shifts in parenting styles.

“The style of parenting called ‘helicopter’ or ‘steamroller’ parents, where the parents don’t want their child to encounter failure [...] and always intervene to help them, is doing some long-term harm,” Aiello said. “Many kids have not had the little failures and struggles as a six year old, as an eight year old, as a ten year old, so suddenly when they get cut from a team, they don’t get into the honors class, they get a C minus on a major assignment, they’ve not had any experience with how to deal with frustration or disappointment.

It becomes traumatizing to them.”

Experts are concerned that as increasing numbers of “traumatized” teenagers gravitate towards mentalhealth-related content on social media, reinforcing the idea that their troubles are not normal and are actually fueled by a diagnosable condition. The relatable nature

COVER 25

44 ResponSes

reasons for attending therapy

of mental-health-related posts can lead users to trust the person who made those posts to understand their mental state when in reality, they are far from qualified to do so.

“Knowing how your mental health works does not mean you know what works for others. It is very dangerous to assume mental health conditions are one size fits all,” Margherio said.

Although social media is helping some people put a name to their problems, experts say it may also be leading to those problems in the first place. Deal explained that lots of social media exposure can harm the mental health of young people.

“It gives people the illusion of being connected and being in relationships because they’re communicating, or seeing people do things, but it’s not the same as actually being with their peers, talking and spending time physically with each other,” he said.

This rise in social media use, in conjunction with other factors, has led to an unprecedented uptick in the number of people seeking therapy. However, as more

26 COVER

people pursue treatment, it exacerbates an equity issue that leaves those with lower incomes less able to access the services they may need. Senior Charlie Rubin has concerns about the recent increase in people attending therapy.

“As wealthier people use more therapy services, they drive the cost up, which paradoxically makes it harder for the people more likely to need therapy to get the services they need,” Rubin said.

While some insurance companies cover the cost of therapy, it is not widespread and is often only for extreme cases.

According to Healthline, insurance coverage for therapy is often unavailable until you spend a minimum amount or obtain pre-authorization.

“There are always going to be people who will say, ‘No, you didn’t meet X number of criteria, so we’re not going to pay for you to go to therapy.’ For that person, it may be literally a matter of life and death,” Aiello said. “For other people, it wouldn’t even faze them. So it’s really hard to say because there’s no magic formula [that determines] when a person

needs therapy and when they don’t.”

The cost of therapy can vary depending on a therapist’s qualifications and location.

On the lower end, therapy services can cost about $50 per session, while the most highly sought-after professionals can charge upwards of $200 per session.

Although many providers offer sliding scale pricing to help those with lower incomes, cost provides a barrier to people who may need or want therapy.

“Because we have a limited quantity of providers and a limited ability to pay, we should probably be more selective about who’s going to therapy,” Aiello said. “Some people are going to therapy (...) but might not necessarily be the most in need. And then we have some people who are really in need but don’t have access.”

Society’s shift toward accepting therapy is not coupled with a rise in attainability.

High costs push people away from seeking treatment, and towards the internet: an echo chamber of media that contains untruthful content and can sprout harmful mindsets.

I think we have made mountains out of molehills.”

-David Aiello, AP PSychology Teacher

The conversations around diagnoses should really take place with a doctor, not on social media.”

-Megan Margherio, former Gifted Coordinator

COVER 27

The A

lthough usually imagined as a service for adults, therapy can benefit even the youngest members of society.

In Deal’s practice, he works with children as young as three in play therapy. Play can be a valuable tool in helping children too young to engage with typical talk therapy.

“If I took a six year old and I sat him on the couch and sat in a chair 10 feet away like I would with an adult and just said, ‘let’s talk for 45 minutes,’ they can’t do it,” Deal said.

This difficulty makes working with kids a unique challenge that Deal enjoys.

Instead of basing the session around dialogue, Deal helps a child express their difficulties through play.

“Play allows them to talk about struggles in their life, but when they can’t or won’t talk about those struggles, it comes out in the play. [...] You’ve got to understand the unconscious and how this gets expressed in everything they do,” he said.

Make-believe play with stuffed animals can help Deal learn about household dynamics, while structured play with games like chess can allow him to understand social dynamics.

“How they relate to me when I win or lose is all about how their emotional world and relationships work,” he said.

Deal’s work also provides a link between a child’s negative behavior and potential mental health struggles.

“Sometimes with kids, it isn’t always clear that it’s depression,” he said.

“Especially with boys, it’s more likely to come out as a lot of aggression, physical or verbal. The base of that is often that they feel pretty depressed or unhappy.”

In high school, data shows therapy can provide a productive outlet where students

28 COVER

can work through the tribulations of growing up.

“Adolescence is a very unique time of struggle,” Elen Jayaprabhu, a therapist who specializes in treating young women with disordered eating, said. “There’s a lot of identity formation. [...] Every adolescent would benefit from therapy, even if you don’t have very significant clinical symptoms.”

Data from a Globe survey revealed a third of Clayton’s students have seen a therapist, and about three-fourths of students know someone who does. The main reasons students see therapists are for help with anxiety, depression and recovering from traumatic life events.

Senior Madeline Hellwig started seeing a therapist in the fall of 2022 to help cope with grief after familial tragedies. She believes therapy has helped her not just with her grief but with all aspects of her life.

“I think therapy has helped me in numerous ways, not only in coping with my grief but working through other personal issues and acquiring the skills and resilience to overcome hardship and become a stronger, kinder person,” she said.

Hellwig also explained how therapy can help improve relationships with friends and family.

“Therapy is not just about bettering yourself for yourself, but also for others,” she said.

Senior Casey Piston has also used therapy to help process difficult social situations.

“Therapy is awesome because it provides an outlet to talk about and process anything I need to with an unbiased and reasonable adult. Even weeks where I don’t have something specific to Child therapist Micheal Dean often uses games such as chess to help treat his patients.

You don’t have to be on fire. You don’t have to be suicidal.

You don’t have to have this very distinct crisis in your life to get healthy. [...] As humans, we should just try to understand ourselves better. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

-Micheal Deal, Child Therapist

work on, I find the freedom in open discussion relieving,” she said.

For senior Marina Hagedorn, talking with a therapist has put less strain on her friendships.

“Obviously, friends are there to help you, but they’re not the people you’re supposed to dump everything on to. That’s what your therapist is for,” she said.

Kearney, who struggles with anxiety, has used tools gained in therapy to help herself overcome difficulty.

“I can tell when I’m getting anxious, and I can help myself because I’ve

developed better strategies for handling anxiety and stress,” she said.

Therapy has also helped Kearney to avoid medication.

“Therapy is one strategy that’s helped me deal with these issues on a day-to-day basis without having to take medication, which can give you all kinds of really horrible side effects,” she said.

Not only are young people finding many benefits from therapy, but they are also very open to talking about their experiences. According to a Globe survey, 84% of students said they were pretty or very open to talking about going to

therapy. This openness may have shifted people’s beliefs in what difficulties going to therapy could resolve.

For those skeptical about therapy or have had a bad experience with a therapist, Villalobes encourages an open mind and to continue trying.

“If someone tries therapy with one therapist, and it doesn’t feel like the right fit, don’t get discouraged. We’re all different, with different ways of working and different personalities. [...] Don’t get hopeless if it doesn’t work on the first try,” she said.

Deal explained that regardless of the

COVER 29

Madeline Hellwig “Therapy has helped me in numerous ways, not only in coping with my grief but working through other personal issues and acquiring the skills and resilience to overcome hardship and become a stronger, kinder person.”

30 COVER

Casey Piston

“Therapy is awesome because it provides an outlet to talk about and process anything I need to with an unbiased and reasonable adult.”

Maryn Kearney

“I can tell when I’m getting anxious, and I can help myself because I’ve developed better strategies for handling anxiety and stress.”

Part of the T

herapy is only part of the whole solution to a growing mental health crisis. Students who benefit from therapy note that for it to be effective, the conversation requires vulnerability and commitment from the patient.

“You have to be willing to actually talk and open up. I know lots of people who go to therapy because their parents make them, but they don’t talk. That’s not productive. You have to go in with a willingness to open up and work through your issues,” Kearney said.

Other measures taken to increase mental health awareness can help destigmatize asking for help. In July 2022, the Suicide and Crisis Helpline became nationally available through the phone number 988. Similar to 911, people can call the helpline at any time for immediate guidance during a mental health crisis.

According to Jayaprabhu, this service is extremely beneficial. “[988] is showing how serious suicide rates [and] mental health crises are. It’s showing nationwide support for easy and quick access to care 24 hours a day, so I think that’s been a helpful statement,” she said.

In addition, therapy is not the only tool available to help those struggling.

Jayaprabhu explained that when anxiety and depression begin to significantly impede people’s ability to function, medication can be beneficial when used in tandem with talk therapy.

“Studies show that the combination of medication with psychotherapy together is what’s most beneficial. So it’s rare for someone just to get medication because usually, that’s what helps is dealing with things in a more holistic, reparative way versus just treating the symptom,” she said.

Jayaprabhu also pointed out that proactive measures can improve mental health for future adults by having a dialogue about the subject from a young age. Teaching healthy processing of difficult emotions in grade school equips students with tools to overcome life’s more difficult challenges.

“I think that having a common language about emotions from an early age is really important,” she said.

At the high school, free services also exist to help students overcome difficulties.

Guidance counselors and social workers are available to speak with students oneon-one in the counseling office, and the new Wellness Center, opening February 20, will offer a safe space for students to de-stress or seek help at any time with

licensed professionals.

In the end, mental health is a complicated issue that requires a complicated solution. However, the first step in finding this solution is similar for many: dialogue. Experts agree that regardless of age, all people should be encouraged to seek help and have available resources. It is only through the encouragement of productive dialogue around mental health that this crisis can be combatted.

“The more that therapy is talked about, the more it’s made available, the better.

Because moving the barriers to getting people help makes all the difference in the world. We’re all just humans, having struggles,” Jayaprabhu said.

COVER 31

In The Name of Friendship A hyper-focus on romantic love devalues friendship JiaLi Deck | EDITOR-IN-CHEIF

“

He said I didn’t spend enough time with him.”

My friend told me this as I consoled her after a breakup. This plot – boy meets girl, they go on a couple of dates, one of them feels that the other isn’t as committed to the relationship, i.e. has other interests that extend beyond hanging out 24/7, they break up – feels all too common in high school relationships.

The idea that romance should usurp all else in one’s life is flawed not only because of high school heartbreak but also because it undervalues friendship.

Why do so many high school relationships end because people feel their partner isn’t committing enough?

It’s not just insecurity; it has to do with the societal expectations of romantic relationships.

Codified in law is the idea that romance is the only basis of a valuable relationship.

No legal status exists for close friendship, even if it includes cohabitation or mutual care. Such reality inherently puts a gold standard on sexual relationships, emphasizing that they are more important than friendships.

Beyond the law, our vocabulary doesn’t have meaningful language to describe close friendships. Colloquialisms such as

“

“sister from another mister” or “brother from another mother” equate friendship to familial love but suggest a non-seriousness that isn’t indicative of a meaningful relationship. Other attempts to label close platonic relationships, such as “besties” or “BFFs,” also fail because they seem childish. In defending a relationship from accusations of “something more,” people continually devalue friendship, denoting their connection with someone else as “just friends.”

The inability of our laws and language to properly value friendship results in people feeling that romantic love is the only love worth obtaining.

Even as the media presents plots in which “happily ever after” doesn’t include a prince, society has quickly closed these avenues by suggesting these characters are gay. The main example that comes to mind is the 2013 animated sensation Frozen.

When the ice queen herself ends the movie as queen of a kingdom without a king, fans speculated the character was gay. Rather than accepting a conclusion in which romantic love is not necessary for happiness, thousands of fans began to tweet the hashtag #GiveElsaAGirlfriend.

When the sequel was finally released, and left Elsa once again without a romantic

The idea that romance should usurp all else in one’s life is flawed not only because of high school heartbreak but also because it undervalues friendship.”

-JiaLi Deck

33 OPINION

partner, people continued to speculate that her relationship with a briefly featured side character, Honeymaren, was more than what meets the eye.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see a major Disney princess be in a romantic relationship with another woman as much as anyone, but the forced narrative of Elsa’s homosexuality feels unnecessary.

Perhaps Elsa doesn’t want a relationship at this stage in her life. Perhaps she wants to focus on riding her magic-water-ice-horse around her whimsical woods with her cute little fire-gecko for a while. Maybe in the future, she wants romance, but right now, she’s perfectly content with having close platonic friendships. Why is this conclusion not enough for our society?

In the low-stakes training grounds for romantic relationships that is high school, it is even more valuable to uphold platonic friendships. Expecting a single other high schooler to fulfill the duties of a boyfriend, best friend, homework buddy, hook up and more is unsustainable. When being in a romantic relationship, it shouldn’t be expected that this single person takes up every available space in one’s life.

Relationships need breathing room, people need their friends and maybe Elsa doesn’t need a girlfriend.

Should we use the Mercator map projection?

PRO W

Alex Cohen | MANAGING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

hen was the last time you used a map? For directions to brunch with your sister? To point out Israel to a classmate?

Maps are used constantly in modern society for casual, academic and professional purposes.

People use maps to navigate to unfamiliar destinations. Social studies teachers use maps to illustrate concepts.

Militaries use maps to determine airstrikes.

Maps are how we place and center ourselves, find where we are going and also affect how we understand our place in the world at large.

The Mercator projection is the underpinning of nearly all maps that people encounter on a regular basis. It is used for most wall maps and projections in schools, as well as for digital maps such as Google and Apple Maps.

The Mercator projection was created in the 16th century by Flemish geographer, astronomer and mathematician Gerardus Mercator. In addition to the revolutionary new type of map, he also created the first atlas, or collection of maps. He spent his career making artistic maps for wealthy clients and was eventually prosecuted by the Catholic Church for heresy as they grew suspicious of his travel habits.

The Mercator projection shows the globe as a flattened cylinder with equally spaced meridians and latitude lines. These equally spaced lines made the projection a critical development for sailors, as it was the first map they could use to plot a line of constant bearing for navigation. This eliminated the need for constant corrections to be made to the direction of travel, revolutionizing sailing.

The Mercator projection is a remnant of an era where sailors and navigators

34 PRO

were on the forefront of societal changes and advancements. Sailors used these new, more convenient maps to sail from Europe to Asia and the Americas, and back again.

These maps hold a great deal of historical significance as they set into motion the events that shape our modern world.

They enabled more efficient navigation leading to the development of truly global networks of exchange upon which people, religions, foods moved between the Americas, Africa, and Eurasia. These networks of exchange built upon existing ones in Afroeurasia, leading to periods of colonization and imperialism that has shaped the world we live in today. For these reasons, the Mercator projection should not simply be used as a map but should be discussed as an invention of historical importance.

In addition, the Mercator projection has many modern applications that are crucial to the functioning of our society. It is the easiest map projection to combine with the GPS technology that has revolutionized navigation for everyday people.

It is the only two-dimensional globe projection where there is no distortion when one zooms in on a map, and all the pixels on the device display are true to realworld scale and proportion.

The Mercator projection also enables street view. All of these technologies are crucial to allowing everyday people to navigate unfamiliar places, allowing them to travel and explore greater distances.

Finally, the Mercator projection

is also especially useful for younger students as it preserves the shape and angle of continents, promoting awareness of geography. Students are more interested in diverse locations and cultures when they can visualize and picture them.

The Mercator projection has a multitude of uses in modern society, and should continue to be used in schools, workplaces and professional settings in order to promote geographic awareness and education.

An illustration of an upside down map demonstrates the subjectivity of map projections. One example of this subjectivity is the assumption that north is up.

Art by Ezri Perrin

Ezri Perrin | REPORTER

I

n the United States of America, the vast majority of flat maps of the world utilize the Mercator projection, which orients the world with North up and South down.

However, many say that this orientation reinforces colonialist and Eurocentric ideas, and advocate for the use of South-up maps instead.

Nowhere is so affected by this debate as classrooms, which use the Mercator projection on a daily basis to teach students geography. As our culture associates “up” with superiority and “down” with inferiority, being taught using these maps has the potential to ingrain harmful ideas about the Global South into young student.

One proposed solution is to replace the maps currently used with South-up ones, which studies have demonstrated are effective in reducing direction-based bias.

This is desirable, so should we replace the maps? While the scrubbing of colonialist bias from our schools is a worthy goal, the replacement of North-up maps with South-up maps has too many drawbacks to be immediately viable.

One such drawback is the inevitable political kerfuffle: in the current political climate, the replacing of North-up maps with South-up maps would cause an immense stir among politicians, many of whom would see the opportunity to use this issue as a way to fan the flames of the “culture war” and thus farm more publicity, donations and votes.

Public schools are already a battleground on this front, resulting in Florida’s infamous “Don’t Say Gay” law and Alabama’s forced outing law, among far too many others.

If even more negative attention was drawn to schools by the attempted replacing of Mercator maps, further restrictive laws could be passed, which would negatively impact millions of students and teachers.

Minority students would be the most adversely affected in this scenario, negating any positive effect that the South-up maps would have on their school experience.

The cost of replacing so many maps is also in question; unlabeled maps could simply be flipped, yes, but labeled ones would need to be replaced entirely to preserve the legibility of the text.

Furthermore, teachers would likely need to be trained in how to use the new maps, since the vast

CON

majority of people in the United States are not familiar with the geography of the south-up projection.

Both of these expenses could prove strenuous, especially for already underfunded public schools. Considering that in 2019, 34% of American fourthgraders and 27% of eighth-graders could not read at a basic level (via the National Center for Education Statistics), the replacement of maps seems like an unnecessary expense for a system in desperate need of funding and reform.

The replacement of maps is also somewhat of an expensive token gesture; the root problem, colonialism in school curriculums, neither begins nor ends with maps.

To simply replace the maps without changing anything else would do little about the larger system of propaganda in American schools, effectively spending millions of dollars on a band-aid solution.

This “tokenishness” is compounded by the fact that the replacement of physical maps would also be somewhat ineffective, given the amount of K-12 schooling now taking place online.

Students spend a significant amount of time in class on their computers, meaning that changing a physical map would not affect their lessons very much. Students are far more likely to look at interactive maps online, or Google Images, than they are to examine a physical map or globe in the classroom. Thus, it would be more effective and inexpensive to direct students to online models of South-up maps, rather than replacing physical maps in the classroom.

For these reasons, it is best that decolonizing efforts in public education focus on other efforts; the replacement of maps is simply too expensive, politically fraught and ineffective to warrant a mass movement.

CON 35

Photos of food at King and I.

Photo by Kipp Vitsky

The King and I Sets the Bar High Immerse Yourself in Authentic Thai Delights, Where Each Dish Tells a Tale of Craftsmanship and Flavorful Mastery Mira Stahlheber | PAGE EDITOR

I

n a lively celebration of Thai cuisine, King and I has become a gem in St. Louis’s culinary landscape. Since reopening September 20, King and I has become a go-to destination for authentic Thai cuisine. Formerly residing on South Grand Blvd, the new location opened in Richmond Heights, on the corner of Hanley and Dale.

The moment you step into King and I, you begin to smell the welcoming scent of traditional thai curries, and you are greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance that reflects the rich culture of Thailand, with beautiful art and table settings. In the 1970s, owner, Suchin Prapaisilp moved to the United States, bringing his love for Thai food with him from Thailand. Prapaisilp began his culinary career by selling food to miners in Thailand. He opened King and I in the 1970s with his brother, carrying over

36 REVIEW

the traditions of Thai cuisine.

King and I delivers unparalleled dining through their diversely crafted menu. With everything from fried rice to green curry, King and I has you covered. Providing an array of traditional Thai dishes allows for a taste of Thailand in St. Louis.

The menu holds an impressive amount of Thai classics like yellow and green curry and pad thai. Each dish contains a perfect amount of vibrant spices, fresh herbs and quality ingredients, resulting in a special mix of traditional flavors.

The green curry, pad thai and classic fried rice stood out to me as Thai basics on the menu. The green curry was one of the best I’ve ever had. It contained strong flavors of green chilies and lemongrass, bringing out the flavors of eggplant and peppers. Expecting the pad thai to be a classic light brown color, I was pleasantly

surprised when I saw the vibrant orange color. The fried rice had a perfect mix of rice, eggs, chicken and onions, each flavor bringing out the others.

What sets King and I apart is the commitment to authentic food and attention to detail. The chefs are trained in traditional Thai techniques, guaranteeing each dish is true to its original. Beyond the cuisine, the staff members excel in providing warm and attentive service.

King and I doesn’t just promise a taste of Thailand—it delivers a culinary journey, making one forget they are miles away from Bangkok’s vibrant streets. It stands as a testament to the power of food to transport and transform. For those seeking to indulge in genuine Thai flavors, King and I awaits to welcome you.

Photos of food at Jinzen.

Photos by Kipp Vitsky

Jinzen: Fusion Meets Fun A new fusion restaurant opens in Clayton.

Norah Gross | REPORTER

J

inzen, a fusion restaurant of Japanese, Korean and Chinese food, is located in downtown Clayton amongst corporate offices. The interior provides a warm atmosphere with pale wood, kitschy salt & pepper shakers and cherry blossoms strung along the ceiling.

They offer multiple table-side dishes, including the prime New York strip steak bites, accented with black pepper and garlic, and the volcano fried rice, with the egg scrambled right at your table. Jinzen, on the weekend does not take reservations, and we got one of the last available tables at 5:15 p.m. During the hour we spent eating, there was a constant stream of people spanning the length of the hallway, almost reaching our table four or five tables in. The service was great, especially given how busy the place was. When one dish took longer than the others, we were given a complimentary side of the mustard cucumbers. Located on Maryland Avenue, it is a convenient spot for lunch or a boba tea.

For appetizers, we ordered the mustard cucumber: bite-size pieces of cucumber in a mustard broth, slightly spicy but very delicate. Aromatic and crunchy, a refreshing alternative to pickled cucumbers. Aromatic and crunchy, the tempura-fried sweet potato and

mushroom offer a refreshing alternative to pickled cucumbers. The shiitake melted in your mouth, and the sauce added an umami flavor.

Each of us ordered some variant of noodle soup, beginning with the Spicy Miso Ramen. Pleasantly spicy. The broth was the source of the spice, but in conjunction with the mushroom, noodles, bamboo shoots and Japanese braised pork belly, was aromatic and not overwhelming.

The portion sizes were very manageable.

For a party of four we had three appetizers, our own entrees, a side shared amongst us of the Volcano Fried Rice shared amongst us, and room for dessert.

The Signature Tonkatsu Ramen contained the same medley of toppings as the spicy miso ramen, with a delicate pork bone broth, roasted chashu, tree ear, sprouts, bamboo shoots, a soft-boiled egg, some seaweed sheets and green onion sprouts.

Having a vegetarian member in our party, I was surprised to see an entire section on the menu dedicated to vegetarian dishes. The Vegetarian Ramen consisted of a silky vegetable, miso broth with tofu and then the same toppings as the Signature Ramen (sans egg).

Naengmyeon, a summer staple, is a traditional cold noodle soup from North Korea, with the option of vegetarian or

with braised beef slices, cold thin starch noodles, a hard-boiled egg, cucumber, and apple slices, very interesting and refreshing.

One of the partners wanted to recreate dishes from her childhood, most evident in the Volcano Fried Rice, a homage to her father taking the leftover kung pao chicken and rice and scrambling it with an egg and vegetables.

Jinzen offers an innovative fusion that combines highlights from Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisines. Its cozy ambiance and relaxed atmosphere appeals to the lunch crowd and evening diners in Clayton. Every dish offered is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and fusion. Despite the challenge of a busy setting, the attentive service and the myriad of vegetarian options ensure that every guest is fed.

For those seeking a culinary journey or a satisfying meal with friends, Jinzen has proven itself a destination worth the wait.

As we finished our plates and took our last sips of boba tea, we realized that we had just experienced some of the area’s most unique and flavorful dishes. When you go to Jinzen, it’s not just for a great meal.

The attentive service, authentic flavors, and kitschy decorations meld to create an experience you’ll want to return to.

37 REVIEW

Laufey Enchants with

“Bewitched”

New Album from Jazz Singer Laufey Rachel Chung | FEATURE SECTION EDITOR Photo illustration by Rachel Chung

B

ewitched,” Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir’s second album, was released through AWAL on Sept.

8. In a runtime of 48:19, the Icelandic singer-songwriter picks up her thoughts about growing up and falling in love after “Everything I Know About Love,” her first album. “Bewitched” won the for the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album ar the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.

Jónsdóttir’s musical career began with piano and cello, with her soloing on cello with the Icelandic Symphonic Orchestra at age 15. Later, she performed on “Island Got Talent” (the British version of America’s Got Talent) and the “Voice Iceland,” becoming a finalist and semifinalist. In 2021, she graduated from Berklee College of Music, receiving a Presidential Scholarship during her time there.

Jónsdóttir’s voice is unflinchingly warm and mellow, reminiscent of other jazz vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Throughout the album, her timbre shines in lyrics about lost loves and sultry meet-ups. “Dreamer,” the starting track, cements Jónsdóttir’s emotional growth and stability. Subjects that “Everything I Know About Love” was still hesitant about, “Bewitched” firmly stakes its ground.

One of the more well-known songs from the album is “From the Start,” thanks to social media and the short-form videos that often feature it sped-up. Jónsdóttir is much more sassy, and the brisk bossa nova

38 REVIEW

beat perfectly complements her lyrics.

“From the Start” pays homage to Antônio Carlos Jobim and the more upbeat songs from “Getz/Gilberto.”

Other homages are paid throughout the album, with Jónsdóttir covering Errol Garner and Johnny Burke’s iconic jazz standard, “Misty.” Jónsdóttir channels Holiday’s energy and Fitzgerald’s depth, preserving the original magic.

One of my favorite songs on the album is “Letter to My 13 Year Old Self.” In an album full of romantic love, it expresses a different sort of love for oneself. Jónsdóttir gives sympathetic advice to herself and other 13-year-old girls that may be “different from the crowd / Of big blue eyes, and long blonde hair, and boys that stare.” It is a ballad hopeful for the future and accepting of her past, encouraging listeners to do so as well.

“Bewitched” is an album for all lovers and dreamers. Jónsdóttir manages to tap into a new generation of listeners, introducing jazz in a way she once said would hopefully mirror Taylor Swift and country. The album is emotionally consistent and balanced, accessible to those who might cringe at listening to something before the 21st century.

It is easy listening at its best– smooth vocals and addicting backgrounds, all wrapped up in heart-wrenching genuinity.

Jónsdóttir’s “Bewitched” is guaranteed to charm anyone.

Shades of

Triumph

Revisiting the Color Purple

Taraji P. Henson, left, Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks in Warner Bros. Pictures’ bold new take on a classic, “The Color Purple.” (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/TNS)

T

he film “The Color Purple” powerfully explores the African American experience in the early 20th century by intimately following the life of Celie Johnson, portrayed with nuance by Fantasia Barrino.

Through a series of raw, personal letters from Nettie to Celie, two of the film’s central characters, the sisters, try to find their way back to each other after being separated by Celie’s abusive husband.

As the audience gains an inside perspective on Celie’s struggles, we also see how surrounding women in Celie’s life, including her husband’s ex-girlfriend, help her free her from her toxic marriage and find her sister and children again.

Throughout the film, we experience her triumphs that eventually lead her to discover the newfound idea of sisterhood and how she allowed sisterhood to guide her into making a name for herself.

Towards the end of the film, Celie finally gets a chance to reunite with her family, like a reward for the hardships she faced.

Blitz Bazawule’s 2023 adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Color Purple” remains a cinematic masterpiece transcending time, captivating audiences with poignant themes, powerful storytelling and stellar performances.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its stellar ensemble cast, with Barrino delivering a tour-de-force performance

Zoe Daniels-Sankey | OPINION SECTION EDITOR as Celie. Barrino navigates Celie’s journey from oppression to self-discovery with remarkable grace and perseverance.

Under Dan Laustsen’s direction, the cinematography captures the beauty and brutality of rural Southern landscapes.

Laustsen’s deliberate emphasis on purple, referencing the film’s title, symbolically evoking shared pain and resilience. This arresting visual aesthetic complements the narrative’s emotional power, crafting a visually striking and deeply touching cinematic experience.

The soaring musical score by Marsh Norman heightens the film’s emotional response from the audience. From soulful melodies to gospel-inspired anthems, the soundtrack weaves seamlessly into the narrative tapestry, underscoring the themes of hope, redemption and the characters’ indomitable spirit.

Beyond its technical and artistic achievements, “The Color Purple” is celebrated for fearlessly exploration of difficult topics like racism, sexism and domestic abuse. The film tackles these issues head-on, sparking crucial conversations about societal injustices.

Though at times heartbreaking the narrative delivers a message of resilience, empowerment and the transformative power of love.

Though initially controversial for its portrayal of sensitive themes, “The Color Purple” earned its status as a classic, with a lasting impact beyond its release influencing generations of filmmakers and

audiences.

This legacy is clear from the film’s Golden Globe Award nominations for Barrino winning the “Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy” as well as Danielle Brooks winning the “Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture.”

This movie took me on an emotional rollercoaster, from laughter to tears, thanks to its powerful performances and an original message. In addition, my favorite part of the film is towards the end when Celie is finally reunited with her children and her sister. Their family’s immediate warmth and connection made it seem like no time had passed.

In contrast, however, one of my least favorite parts of the film was the brutal abuse Celie faced from her husband. I wasn’t expecting it to be so callous, which threw me completely off guard.

All in all, if you enjoy watching musicals and are more interested in complex relationships between Black women and the influential bonds between them, then this movie is definitely for you.

This timeless film remains an essential piece of cinema whose enduring relevance testifies to its exploration of universal themes and exceptional craftsmanship Whether first viewing or revisiting, the film continues to resonate through its emotional depth, compelling characters and celebration of the human spirit.

REVIEW 39

Touchdown Taste Unveiling the top Super Bowl snacks Caitlin Kuhlmann | REPORTER Alison Booth | REPORTER

T

he excitement of a win. The disappointment of a loss. But regardless of what happens on Super Bowl Sunday, the game wouldn’t be possible without one factor.

It’s not the players, and it’s not the referees.

It’s the food.

The Globe’s student reporters set out to discover what makes a Super Bowl party from good to unforgettable. We recognized that the student body is known for its school spirit and festive gatherings, so we turned to them for insights. Our survey revealed some mouth-watering statistics about preferred game day snacks. While unique family traditions peppered the responses, common threads depicted the ultimate Super Bowl feast. Here’s how we crafted the perfect party platter based on your favorites.

We found that 66% of students watch the big game at someone’s house, whether on their own, a friend’s or a family member’s.

They watch with pets, friends and family.

The school’s football fans have many traditions and superstitions they participate in beforehand. The most popular is wearing the team’s colors that people are cheering for, participating in pre-game score predictions and betting. People also like to play football with their friends before, during and after their party.

Our team crafted the four most popular items, as voted on by the students, to taste-test their favorites. Mozzarella sticks, chips and dip, wings and corn dogs. A special shout-out to the classic Super Bowl cupcakes, another popular item that we could not try.

The mozzarella sticks were the most disappointing item on the menu at $1.59 for a pack of six. Despite the promise of high calcium content emblazoned on the Snapps Mozzarella Sticks packaging, the cheese pull was underwhelming, falling

40 REVIEW

short of the tantalizing spectacle one anticipates. The breading, rather than the expected golden and crisp exterior, was soggy and bland, making the dipping sauce an enhancement and a necessity. On the upside, their minimal preparation was a significant advantage, offering a quick snack option. Furthermore, their convenience is undeniable, allowing for effortless munching during an intense game.

According to the survey, eight point seven percent of students enjoy pigs in a blanket, which was disappointingly missing from our local freezer aisle, leading us to opt for Foster Farms Mini Chicken Corn Dogs at $12.99 for 40 as an alternative. They emerged with a satisfyingly crisper texture when prepared in the air fryer alongside the mozzarella sticks, as recommended by the Foster Farms packaging. Like the mozzarella sticks, these were best enjoyed

with a dipping sauce, in this case, honey mustard. The sauces increase the complexity of the flavors while making the food items adaptable for each partygoer’s palette.

Additionally, they proved convenient for onthe-go snacking during game reenactments to celebrate close plays and decipher calls by the referees.

Chicken wings were coming in a close second and the second most popular food item by a 4.6% margin. We sampled three different chicken wings: original, sweet and sour and spicy. Overall, these had the most prep work and cooled down quickly, so plan accordingly. From seasoning and breading to preparing sauces and frying, purchasing prepared wings from a local restaurant may be the best option. Nonetheless, grocery store wings may be a more cost-effective option. The grease and bones make them a more difficult item to consume while

In December, 71 CHS students were surveyed about their favorite super bowl foods.

cks

- Needs good scooping chips - Classic The sauce transfers onto one’s fingers - Goes well with Doritos (ad) during consumption, necessitating a napkin to alleviate the issue. The wings you - Less likely to spill than salsa watching the game. Consider boneless shouldnuggets serve attoyour party are spicy. These- Handheld - Bad for dogs wings orgame. chicken alleviate this watching the Consider boneless - Greasy - Handheld - Bad- Regular for dogsFried On top of that, wasflavor thethis most offered thetothismost with complexity wingsissue. or chicken nuggets alleviate - Bones - Costly? item at $10this six the because of its Greasy - Regular Fried issue.costly On top of that, was that theforplain friedmost wings lacked, the-- best relative freshness.

- Saucy (extra prep) - Most nutritious Bones - Costly? costly item at $10 for six because of its The worst flavor of wings was classic crispy and crunchy texture and the least Cools down relative freshness.

- Saucy (extra prep) - MostMessy nutritious fried.

Although traditional, they lacked The worst flavor of wings was classic Bones can break Cools down Messy mess of the wings sampled. interesting flavor and could use a sauce fried.an Although traditional, they lacked - Bones can break such as honey mustard to enhance their an interesting flavorChips and could use remained a sauce and dip the undisputed complexity the breading. such flavor as honey mustard beyond to enhance However, if you want moderate nutritional champions in our their taste test, a sentiment flavor complexity beyond the breading. value on your Super Bowl platter, this is However, if you want moderate nutritional echoed byit,students’ preferences.

This the best place to find as it is the least value on your Super Bowl platter, this is processed duo’sit,simplicity minimal preparation the best place tofood. find as it is theand least - Makes people happy - Could spill The sweet and sour wings came second processed food. make it an essential feature of any Super in the wing ranking.

These were covered in Good flavor - Queso - Makes people happy - Could spill The sweet and sour wings came second a sauce that offered greater flavor; however, Don’t bring double dippers Congeals in the wing ranking.

These were covered in dip tended to Bowl party.

While the queso - Good flavor - Queso thethat increased took awayhowever, from the a sauce offeredmess greater flavor; It is a bit odd/unnatural - No prep Don’t bring double dippers - Congeals already limited easeaway of party consumption. solidify rather quickly, the increased mess took from the its thick consistency Needs good scooping chips Classic - It is a bit odd/unnatural - No-prep Thelimited sauce transfers ontoconsumption. one’s fingers already ease of party ensured it stayed neatly on the chips.

- Goes well with Doritos during consumption, necessitating - Needs good scooping chips (ad) - Classic The sauce transfers onto one’s fingers a napkin to alleviate the issue.

The wings you Less likely to spill than salsa However, it was salsa that took the crown.

Goes well with Doritos (ad) during consumption, necessitating a should serve atthe your party spicy.

These napkin to alleviate issue.

Theare wings you - Less likely to spill than salsa With its rich layers of flavor and timeoffered the most flavor with complexity should serve at your party are spicy. These that plain friedwith wings lacked, the best offered thethe most flavor complexity honored appeal, salsa stood out as long as - Good texture crispy and crunchy texture that the plain fried wings lacked,and the the bestleast the wings sampled. it was served crispymess and of crunchy texture andcarefully the leastto avoid spills. Its - Minimal prep Chips and dip remained the undisputed mess of the wingsfresh, sampled. zesty taste elevates even the simplest champions our tastethe test,undisputed a sentiment Chips and dipinremained - Need a sauce echoed by students’ preferences. chips,test,making it theThis top choice for game champions in ouroftaste a sentiment duo’s and minimal preparation echoed by simplicity students’ preferences.

This - Better with sauce day gatherings. make it an essential feature of any Super duo’s simplicity and minimal preparation While the queso tended to makeBowl it an party. essential feature of any dip Super (we had honey mustard) As anticipation builds for the big solidify rather quickly, its thick consistency Bowl party. While the queso dip tended to ensured stayed onconsistency the chips. game,neatly thethick question remains: Who is solidify ratheritquickly, its However, it was salsa that took the ensured it stayed expected neatly onto the chips. Incrown. triumph? local opinion, With its rich layers of flavor timeHowever, it was salsa that took theand crown. appeal, salsa outthe as Chiefs, long as are the - Good texture theofregional team, Withhonored its rich layers flavorstood and timeit was served carefully to avoid spills.

Its - Minimal honored appeal, salsa stood out as long as - Good texture prep favorite, commanding 39.4% of the zesty taste elevates theItssimplest it wasfresh, served carefully to avoideven spills.

Need a sauce - Minimal prep chips, making it the topthe choice for game fresh,ofzesty taste elevates even simplest vote—a testament to their strong fan - Better with sauce - Need a sauce day making gatherings. of chips, it the top choice for game (we with had honey As anticipation builds the far bigbehind at 8%, base. The 49ersfortrail - Better sauce mustard) day gatherings. game, the question remains: Who is (we had honey mustard) As anticipationdepicting builds for the big loyalty for their state. students to triumph? localisopinion, - Good source of calcium game,expected the question remains:InWho the regional team, Chiefs, aresupport the for the Chiefs This overwhelming expected to triumph?

Inthe local opinion, favorite, commanding 39.4% of the - You need high-quality mozz sticks the regional team, the Chiefs, are the shows their status as a local favorite, but vote—a testament to their strong fan favorite, commanding 39.4% of the - Cheese pull is fun base.

The 49ers trail far behind vote—a testament their strong fanat 8%, astoany seasoned sports fan knows, the depicting students loyalty for their state.

- Good source of calcium base. The 49ers trail far behind at 8%, - high-quality Easy to movemozz and eat This overwhelming thecan Chiefs outcome on game day defy even- the depicting students loyaltysupport for theirfor state.

- You needof sticks Good source calcium shows their status as a local favorite, but This overwhelming support for the Chiefs most confident predictions.

Cheese pull is fun - The samemozz levelsticks of prep as corn dogs - You need high-quality as any seasoned sports fan knows, the

WINGS WINGS

CHIPS AND CHIPS AND SALSA SALSA

MINI CORN DOGS

MINI CORN MINI CORN DOGS DOGS

MOZZ STICKS

MOZZ STICKS MOZZ STICKS

shows their status as a local favorite, but onsports game fan dayknows, can defy as anyoutcome seasoned theeven the most confident predictions. outcome on game day can defy even the most confident predictions.

- Easypull to move - Cheese is fun and eat Better sauce - The same- and leveleat ofwith prepmarinara as corn dogs - Easy to move withofmarinara saucedogs - The- Better same level prep as corn - Better with marinara sauce

41 REV

41 REVIEW Cut-out images of each corresponding food category Cut-out images of each corresponding food category Photos by Caitlin Photos Kuhlmann and Alison Booth and 41

by Caitlin Kuhlmann Alison REVIEW Booth

Cut-out images of each corresponding food category Photos by Caitlin Kuhlmann and Alison Booth

BoardwalkHardwood.com For more than 25 years, Boardwalk is your trusted, local, family-owned, quality flooring provider.

Freshman Ethan Feinstein embraces senior Blake Feinstein after assisting a goal. Blake has scored 20 goals as of Jan. 30.

Photo by Jamie Griffin

B

lake and Ethan Feinstein hit the ice with unmatched zest, fueling the team through the season’s rollercoaster ride, raved coach Cory Cannon.

After a decade of shared ice time, senior Blake and freshman Ethan Feinstein unite as teammates, earning the playful moniker ‘the law firm’ from Cannon.

“One night when we announced who was starting before the game, it came to me, and they enjoy it. It also fits; they show up and, ‘go to work,’” Cannon said.

Blake, a top scorer again after last year’s second-place finish, and Ethan, fresh off a hat trick in his 11th game, dominate as the team’s goal and assist leaders.

“We don’t need to talk to be on the same page on the ice,” Blake said. “That innate understanding that’s difficult to put into words, we have it.”

The Feinstein brothers bond through shared activities like fitness, travel, Best Buddies and the Jewish Student Union (JSU).

“We’ve grown and matured as people over time,” Blake said. “We’ve always had a close relationship, but constantly practicing [and] trying new things reinforced this.”

Their shared hockey path, filled with skills and skating lessons, camps and team

Feinstein & Feinstein: The Law Firm

Uniting Skill, Trust and Brotherhood in Hockey Micah Lotsoff | COPY EDITOR training, forged strong bonds for Ethan, even as a freshman.

“Our chemistry in other activities helps us on the ice,” Ethan said. “We run a risky plays with trust that it will work out, while it may be more difficult to build that trust with others.”

On the ice, the brothers mix feedback with friendly rivalry.

“We’ve fostered a competitive yet supportive and fun culture when it comes to our athletic activities, which has motivated and pushed of us to work harder and consistently improve on the ice,” Blake said. “We are competitive, but we don’t treat each other as rivals. We support one another’s on and off-ice accomplishments and successes.”

The brothers’ sportsmanship earned praise from hockey manager, senior Addie Melander.

“They are serious about the sport and want to do well not only for themselves but for their parents and coaches,” Melander said.

A decade of playing together and a shared belief in positivity have been key to the Feinstein brothers’ success.

“The biggest contributor to our success is our ability to understand the tendencies of the other, whether it’s faceoff plays, getting open for passes or anything that

requires good communication,” Blake said.

According to Cannon, Blake’s leadership shines as he steers his team to wins and mentors Ethan with strategic guidances. “[Blake] has been a good example for me and the team and helps us learn from his successes and mistakes as a captain,” Ethan said. “He has had so much success; it only makes me want to do better in the next three years.”

Ethan also recognizes Blake’s lasting impact as a captain on the team as a whole.

“He isn’t only committed to his own success, but also to his teammates,” Ethan said. “He constantly feeds us advice and can see the best in each player.”

The three-year age difference limited their joint play, making this dream season of brotherly teamwork especially meaningful for Blake.

“I couldn’t ask for a better experience,” Blake said. “[It] has taught me the importance of living in the present and making the most of every day. I’ve developed strong leadership skills to become someone younger guys lean on and see as someone they want to learn from.”

SPORTS 43

Tactics Behind a Super Bowl Super Bowl From a Coaching Perspective Charlie Balestra | PAGE EDITOR

“

He’ll fire to the right side, caught

by Diggs! He got loose! At the 30!

At the 10! TOUCHDOWN! Are you kidding me? It’s a Minneapolis Miracle! Stefon Diggs and the Minnesota Vikings have walked off on the New Orleans Saints!” Paul Allen said in the iconic 2018 Minneapolis Miracle as with the miracle, the Vikings went on to the NFC championship game.

While people remember the great Super Bowl moments, what often goes under the radar is the coaching and tactics behind it.

In reality, you see every great play because of a coaching maneuver, hard work and practice for the game.

This year’s playoffs feature many notable coaches such as three-time Super Bowl champion Andy Reid, Dan Cambell, who has brought the Lions to their first playoff win since 1992, or Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, who has overcome injuries to many key positions to make the playoffs still and is the favorite for this years coach of the year award.

Amidst these high-profile successes, local football coach Doug Verby discusses the less visible aspects of coaching.

He emphasizes the hours of practice

44 SPORTS

and strategizing behind the scenes, highlighting the role of leadership and support from coaches during the intense playoff season.

“When the bolts start flying, you look to your leaders. So, if your leaders are freaking out, if the coaches are freaking out, they make mistakes, the players make mistakes and it just snowballs,” Verby said.

Verby finds his guidance and his players’ leadership very important to the younger players’ development. He noted in years past; the school team tended to let one bad play lead to several.

“This year, we’ve gotten much better at bouncing back following a mistake and not letting one play turn into several bad plays in a row,” Verby said.

The team’s record reflects the progress as they recorded a seven-win season, an improvement of four from last year and the most wins since their 2012-13 team.

Their ability to win high-leverage games led them to the district championship for the first time since the 2012-13 team.

“Planning and execution are a huge part of football; there are some sports, you can just go out and play, but in all the sports I’ve coached, you want to

know what their tendencies are, and you want to attack their weaknesses,” Verby said.

Teams often try to run new, neverbefore-seen plays in the Super Bowl, Verby explained. The team uses these strategies to throw off defenses so they make mistakes.

“In Super Bowls, everything you see is a little bit different, running a play that they haven’t run the entire season or a coverage scheme on defense, that usually is the best opportunity for your opponent to make a mistake,” Verby said.

For this reason, according to Verby, teams need to go over as much as possible in practice. He often tries to throw in some new plays in big games. He recognizes that many plays at the moment, such as the QB scramble, are random strokes involving luck; however, you can’t plan an offense out of plays that come out of nowhere.

Verby praised Cambell, who runs plays involving a lot of risks; however, he has tons of preparation and

practice for his game plans. Additionally, he commends Reid for his exceptional team development.

“I think you can’t argue with the preparation of Kansas City. Swagelok Spagnola is an excellent defensive coordinator, Reid is an outstanding game planner and offensive mind and then when you have a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes, it would be hard to bet against the Chiefs,” Verby said.

Reid has appeared in three of the last five Super Bowls, winning two of them, success that no NFL coach has had in the past few years. A championship earns respect for a coach, no matter what level.

Nick Ward was recently named the Adkins Missouri High School coach of the year. Ward was the coach behind the District 6 champion for Kearny High School, and now, as a result, he has earned his legacy among the great Missouri coaches. No coach has won more championships than Pete Adkins in Missouri High School history. In

honor of his unparalleled achievements, not only is the most prestigious coaching award in Missouri named after him, but he secured the #24 spot in the national MaxPreps’ top 50 high school coaches of all time.

As a result of his championships, a coach like Reid will always be admired throughout the league and considered a threat to the championship. Verby thinks the Chiefs are the team to beat for this year’s playoffs. As for players, there are always inspiring stories to motivate high schoolers for big games.

“Kurt Warner won the Super Bowl as a backup, and nobody expected much. Nick Foles won the Super Bowl, taking over for injured Carson Wentz. Some of the most inspirational stories come from the teams you don’t expect to win,” Verby said.

Similarly, before the high school season began, the school had recorded just one playoff win since 2014. However, 2023 marked a turning point as the team advanced to the district championship.

Verby uses these examples of the role of backup players and the resilience of overlooked teams as pivotal motivations to helping every player stay motivated.

An illustration of two football helmets and a football.

Illustration by JiaLi Deck

Coach Verby consistently provides a uniform game plan to prepare his team for any situation on the field.

“We watch what they do, we look at their tendencies, and usually we make those halftime or mid-game adjustments and attack the things they’re given us,” Verby said.

In the 2017 Super Bowl, the Falcons led the Patriots 28-3 deep in the third quarter.

ESPN analytics had the Patriots’ odds of winning as low as 0.3%. However, while taking advantage of poor performances on offense by the Falcons and an overtime coin toss win, the Patriots adjusted their defense to force a fumble and three punts in the fourth quarter, leading to their 34-28 win. This year, the high school team faced a critical challenge in their district semifinal. Despite their opponent striking first with a touchdown, the team responded with strategic adjustment to punch their ticket to the finals with a 23-22 victory.

“Only very good teams or very stubborn teams will run the same stuff every week, and if you’ve got a competitive team, you can’t get away with that, so you’ve got to adjust to every single opponent you face,” Verby said.

SPORTS 45

Perils of Parental Involvement in

I

Has parental involvement gotten out of hand?

n the realm of education, the role of parents is often a topic of heated debate. While parental involvement is crucial for the development of students, concern over crossing boundaries grows, particularly in interactions with teachers and their children’s autonomy. The extent and nature of this involvement have evolved dramatically, raising a critical question: has parental involvement in high schools, particularly between teachers and their children, gone too far?

Traditionally, parents were seen as supporters and facilitators, while teachers were entrusted with the students’ academic and, to some extent, personal development. However, this dynamic has shifted, with some parents adopting an almost intrusive role in the educational process.

One of the primary areas of concern is the increasing tendency of parents to intervene directly in their children’s academics. This can range from questioning teachers’ grading systems to contesting disciplinary actions or influencing curriculum choices.

At Clayton, parents can override teacher recommendations to place their children in higher-level classes, potentially placing them in classes where they are not adequately equipped to handle the courseload or don’t have the necessary class history to succeed. Based on their former teachers’ recommendations, the school separates sixth-grade students into advanced and standard math classes.

When parents disagree with their children’s placement, many override the decision and place them in advanced classes.

While this jump in middle school may seem relatively minor, poorly prepared students often fall behind, and many

46 STAFF ED

struggle for years to catch up.

As students enter high school, the curriculum becomes more complex, magnifying the jump in academic challenges.

Advanced courses in high school cover a wider range of topics at a rapid pace, expecting a solid foundation from earlier years.

Prematurely advanced students, lacking the necessary background knowledge, struggle with the current material and must fill gaps in their understanding from previous years.

Moreover, the rise of digital communication and grading has facilitated constant contact between parents and teachers, further blurring the lines of appropriate involvement. Parents get notifications the second teacher put in grades, and large assignments can lead to a flurry of emails. While it is important to reach out to teachers, the students should write these emails themselves.

However, parental involvement, when done correctly, can be immensely beneficial. It can lead to more personalized educational experiences and help identify and address issues such as learning disabilities or social challenges early on.

A study from researchers at the Johns Hopkins University Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships showed an increased percentage of students scoring at or above proficiency on standardized math tests.

Additionally, a research summary by the National Literacy Trust showed parental involvement with reading activities positively impacted reading achievement, language comprehension and expressive language skills, as well as students’ interest in reading, attitudes toward reading and level of attention in the classroom.

Dana Augustine, AP Language and Composition teacher, addresses these issues through a new lens now as a new mother.

“I think when parents are very involved, there’s often a level of fear behind that, that the kid is going to be falling behind, there’s just a level of fear,” Augustine said.

“So that’s how I tried to approach those interactions, knowing that the parent is probably just nervous, anxious, worried about their child. I just try to reassure them, give them the information they need and let them know that I’m here for them.

Obviously my job is to teach their children, but we’re all in this together.”

Engaged but not overbearing parents contribute positively to their child’s educational journey and overall wellbeing.

The ultimate goal should be to prepare students for the future, equipping them with the skills to navigate challenges independently. Parents and teachers operating together provide the best path to reach this goal. Thus, while parents’ intentions are often noble, they must be tempered with an understanding of the long-term implications of their involvement.

Whether parental involvement in high schools has gone too far is not straightforward. While there are instances where educators may deem parental intervention excessive, painting all parental involvement with the same brush would be unreasonable to those who contribute positively to their children’s education. What is crucial is fostering an environment of collaboration and respect between parents, teachers and students. Striking this balance is essential for nurturing well-rounded, resilient, independent learners ready to take on the world beyond high school.

Cupcake Cronicles Chloe Lin | PUZZLE SECTION EDITOR

CROSSWORD 47

YOU R CLAY TON R EA L E STAT E EX PERT S

Sabrina Robb Partners Real Estate Professionals sabrinarobbpartners@compass.com M: 314.283.7590 O: 314.347.1658

Sabrina Robb Partners is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass Realty Group, a licensed real estate broker, and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Contact the Compass office at 314.347.1658.