Volume 54, Issue 14
|
May 9, 2019
|
www.meramecmontage.com
STLCC Files Lawsuit for Mismanagement of Funds
How an STLCC employee allegedly funneled 5.4 million from a state fund into a fake company on behalf of the college
BRIANA HEANEY NEWS EDITOR Donald Robison has been with the school for 27 years, at least 10 of which he has been allegedly embezzling money from a fund designed to “provide assistance in reducing employers cost associated with expanding a workforce,” according to the suit filed by St. Louis Community College on April 30. 2019. Robison is currently on administrative leave pending the investigation. According to Chancellor Jeff Pittman, STLCC administrators became aware of the alleged mismanagement of funds on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. The filed lawsuit documents claim that Robison embezzled no less than 5.4 million. This discovery was passed on by employee of the school, an unnamed whistleblower who tipped off administrators, said Pittman. On May 1, STLCC posted a press release to offer details about the lawsuit and pending investigation. According to Pittman, STLCC had previously established an arrangement with Missouri’s Department of Economic Development or DED. The college authorized, administered, and dispersed
money from the state fund at a 15 percent fee, and had the exclusive privilege within the St. Louis metro area to do so. The college also had its own career development program that the funds could be allocated to without incurring a fee. “When I found out about it [this arrangement], quite frankly I was surprised,” said Pittman. Donald Robison acted as the manager for the workforce solutions group and had the responsibility and sole authority of approving and dispensing the state’s money to third party training forces as well as to the school. He also served as CEO of MS Services, his own company that he founded in 1999. Robison was both administering and receiving the money from the training fund. However, according to the lawsuit, MS Services allegedly had no employees and did not take part in job training while allegedly pocketing money from the training fund. “Funds [were] being diverted away, in a manner that was totally inappropriate. to a fictitious company, that this
employee owned, and we believe was the only employee of,” said Pittman. What safeguards failed or to what oversight duties went unfulfilled? School administrators said they do not know yet. “Were working to discover that,” said Pittman. “This [investigation] is evolving and a lot more will come out over time.” The dollar amount and the span of time that Robison was allegedly embezzling is also not completely clear as school administrators plan to work with the state, said Pittman. The college has also hired Greensfelder Law Firm, a firm that played a role in uncovering details of the alleged embezzlement after it was reported, said Pittman. It is possible that dollar amount may exceed the estimated $5.4 million and that the actions of Robison took place over a longer span of time than the estimated 10 years, said Pittman. Looking forward, Pittman said they do not know what is to come just yet. In terms of past safeguards to prevent mismanagement of funds, Pittman said that there were many, but this particular
case “fell out of the loop.” This is not the first embezzlement case affecting STLCC, though. Steven Wyatt Earp, a former Meramec student and political consultant for the Proposition E-J campaign was convicted in 2009 of two felony counts of stealing more than $25,000 from the STLCC campaign Citizens for Education and Job Training in 2006. He was ordered to repay $189,000 and was sentenced to probation. When asked about the previous case tying embezzlement to STLCC, Communications Manager Nez Savala denied knowledge of the incident. Chancellor Pittman did not comment. *Stay tuned to MeramecMontage. com for more updates to this story.
Graphic and design by Mikki Philippe
Serving the St. Louis Community College - Meramec community since 1964 • ACP Award Recipient
2 NEWS May 9, 2019
Jonathan Mooney: Normal Sucks Speaker redefines learning disabilities with a measure of empowerment BRIANA HEANEY NEWS EDITOR Jonathan Mooney visited the Meramec Theatre Friday, April 26. He visited to tell his life story, recount and explain psychological research, reject long-established notions about mental ‘differences’ between people, and to tell the story of ‘Jack-in-the-box.’ Jack-in-the-box was a child who shared the same adversity as Mooney, that of having Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). To address the symptoms of Jack’s ADHD, his teacher literally placed him in a box. “Jack’s problem wasn’t his ADHD. Jack’s problem was the box,” said Mooney. Jack, real or a archetype, personifies Mooney’s premise on both the nature and the nurture aspect of having mental differences in his nationwide tour, “Normal Sucks.” “For most of human history, we have called difference the problem, we have put the problem in the person,” said Mooney. “Moving towards empowerment can only happen when we challenge and reframe who or what we call the problem.” Mooney challenges the medical
model of equivocating difference with deficiency. “Sounds like a pretty negative thing. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder sounds like a deficit and a problem, but the reality is, it’s a difference in my life, in the truest sense of that term. A difference that has good things about it and a difference that has challenges about it.” One of Mooney’s personal challenges is spelling, and he says that he is on a fifth grade spelling level. On the other hand, he excels at creating narratives. He asserts that it is a one--fits-all mentality for being successful or a good student. According to Mooney, often times in school, that one type of intelligence supersedes other types. “We have a system that calls one brain smart at the expense of all the other brains,” said Mooney. Instead, Mooney is an advocate for celebrating human differences, and empowering unique qualities. He elaborated on times in his own life that his ability to tell stories was diminished by his battle with dyslexia, which encumbered his reading and writing.
Now, he is an award-winning author. “I’m so against the hierarchy between writing and speaking, and the one between listening and reading,” said Mooney, “The reality is that I never overcame dyslexia, if anything, I overcame dys-teachia.” Moony highlighted some of the advantages that typically come along with having differences, from Autism Spectrum Disorder to Attention Deficit Disorder. “Those are very real challenges, but y’all know what goes hand in hand with those very real challenges? A bunch of very real strengths and talents,” said Mooney. “You know I came across a research study recently that people with ADD are more entrepreneurial and better problem solvers than the general population.” It was in a program that positively employed those with differences that Mooney would overhear some instruction from a college, instruction that would ultimately provide him the title for his tour and his newest book, Normal Sucks. “The only normal people are people
you don’t know very well,” said Mooney. “As you get to know them you learn the differences that constitute their humanity.”
Mooney tells the crowd about his childhood with dyslexia and ADHD in the Meramec Theater on Friday, April 26. Photo by Briana Heaney
Faculty speak out at board meeting Concerns include shared governance, adjunct pay and lack of faculty input OLIVER PULCHER ONLINE EDITOR Both full-time and adjunct faculty spoke out at the April 25 STLCC Board of Trustees’ meeting to address concerns with morale, adjunct pay, shared governance and the need for more faculty input for decision making that affects the district. Cindy Campbell, full-time professor at Florissant Valley asked the board to hold a listening session every other month to allow faculty and staff to share ideas, bring forward concerns and assist the decision-making process for the board. “The six of you are elected representatives from service areas and have the privilege and responsibility to safeguard our college,” said Campbell. “You are charged with making decisions
that best meet the community needs we serve and at the present, there is no opportunity established for the faculty and staff to bring items forward in a casual setting. While speaking for the allotted two minutes at the board meeting, Campbell said that this open setting is the only opportunity faculty have to address the board. She said the lack of input affects morale for faculty and staff. “I can honestly say I’ve never witnessed morale as low as it is now,” said Campbell. For Roger Trietley, adjunct instructor at Forest Park, low morale has led to mixed emotions. Although he said the new adjunct contract has helped, adjuncts are not guaranteed that their
EDITORS
Tyra Leesman Oliver Pulcher Bri Heaney Lauren Johns Mary Wilson Ashley Biundo Gina Carr Syed Ali Tori Williams Mikki Philippe
Editor-in-Chief Online Editor News Editor Art & Life Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editor Graphics Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Production Editor
Shannon Philpott-Sanders Faculty Adviser
jobs will continue. “You cannot count on being back with the school,” he said. “There is a lack of transparency.” Pay is also a concern, according to Susan Dawson, an adjunct professor at Forest Park. “The board just gave themselves 10 percent raises but won’t budge above 2 percent for us,” said Dawson. Linda Stewart, an adjunct at Florissant Valley echoed these thoughts. “We have the same credentials and the same work experience [as full-time faculty],” said Stewart. “Equal work deserves equal pay.” Emily Neal, NEA president and Associate Professor of Political Science at the Meramec Campus, spoke to the board
STAFF
Jacob Politte Staff Writer Staff Writer Alexandra Medler Staff Writer Braden Hagberg Staff Photographer Noah Porter Schnider
about the lack of shared governance present in decisions made by the college. Neal defined shared governance to the board of trustees, explaining that the concept is that faculty and administrators should have equal say in the decisions made with the college, especially as it directly affects their curriculum and their workplace. The most recent of these decisions, which faculty claims was made without their consent was the decision to hold Provost listening sessions when faculty is off-contract, Neal said. “The fact that the Provost listening sessions are being held when faculty is off-contract is unacceptable,” she said.
THE MONTAGE
To place an advertisement, contact the advertising manager for rates, sample issues, etc., 314-984-7955. Editorial views expressed or content contained in this publication are not necessaritly the views of St. Louis Community College, the Board of Trustees or the administration. The Montage is a student publication produced seven times per semester at St. Louis Community College - Meramec, 11333 Big Bend Blvd., Kirkwood, Mo., 63122. 314-984-7655. One copy of The Montage is free of charge. Up to 10 additional copies available, $1 each, at the office of The Montage, SC 220. Bulk purchases may be arranged with circulation manager. Editorial policy: All letters should be no longer than 500 words and must include identification as a student or faculty member, phone number and address for verification purposes. Phone numbers and addresses will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for content and length. All letters submitted will be published in print and online.
Proud member of Facebook.com/ meramecmontage/
Instagram.com “meramecmontage”
Youtube.com “montagelax”
www.MeramecMontage.com
Soundcloud.com/user4250242 “The Montage Student Newspaper”
NEWS 3 May 9, 2019
Powering through procrastination Students catch up before finals at after-hours event in the library WESLEY WARD STAFF WRITER
Photo by Ashley Biundo
Cindy Clausen, manager of the Academic Support Center, explains the Pomodoro Technique during the April 24 “Long Night Against Procrastination” event in the library. To combat procrastination, STLCC Meramec hosted a ‘Long Night Against Procrastination’ event on the evening of Saturday, April 24. The event was organized to offer students a chance to catch up on school work.
“It’s two weeks before finals. People have a lot of stuff due,” said event organizer Cindy Clausen, kicking off the night with a presentation on the ‘Pomodoro Technique,’ which is a method of completing work based on
regular intervals of work time and break time. The first step, according to Clausen, is to figure out what work needs to be completed, then estimate how much time it will take to complete it and divide that time into 25 minute intervals, known as ‘pomodoros.’ In between each pomodoro is a five minute break, with a 30 minute break every four pomodoros. Some find the technique useful, such as Meramec Student Joseph Pirri, “It’s a really effective technique. You’re able to track real work. You’re able to track deep work,” said Pirri. While it was encouraged, the technique was not useful for students like Lily Polley, who said, “Once I get going, I shouldn’t stop because I have my energy. If I lose it, then I’m not going to get back to it for a while.” Students were not the only beneficiaries of the event. Math tutor Joan Luffrio attended the event as an adjunct. “They needed somebody to fill in, and I thought, What better way to get to know the curriculum and professors better?” said Luffrio. According to Catie Wisniewski, one of the writing tutors, procrastination does not only affect students.
“As an adult, I have a hard time with procrastinating, and so having something like this would have been a great way to set a goal and actually get it done in a set amount of time,” said Wisniewski. Wisniewski also offered some tips to overcome procrastination when it comes to writing. “I often times wrote papers out of order because I would just start with whatever topic that I was most confident about, or that I really wanted to write about or had the most information on. Starting with something that you know you can do [can help] to get the ball rolling,” said Wisniewski. In addition to providing an environment for people to study and work in, free refreshments, snacks and pizza were offered to everyone who attended. Faculty members from the Math, Science, Writing, and ESL departments were available for tutoring, offering workshops for specific tasks like writing thesis statements. Board games and other recreational activities were set up in rooms for students to use during their break times, with a dance party held at midnight. Afterward, the students continued their work until the event concluded at 2 a.m.
A night of reflection and celebration Annual banquet honors Trio members LAUREN JOHNS ART & LIFE EDITOR On the evening of April 25, a wide array of food was being served and students and staff were awarded for their contributions to the TRIO Program, specifically the Leadership Board. “We look at which students are successful and make a big impact, not just in TRIO but everywhere,” said Sanela Mesic, director of TRIO. “Officers decide on ‘Club Member of the year’ and ‘Volunteer of the Year’. Advisors and I decide on staff awards, and the program and club collaborate on remaining awards.” Speeches, starting with one by Mesic, began promptly at 6 p.m. Throughout her presentation, she discussed the various endeavors in which students partook: trips to Disney World, Memphis, college tours to Southeast Missouri State and on-campus workshops. “We explored the National Civil Rights Museum in memphis to go along with Black History Month and learned a lot about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Marisa Lowenstein, TRIO Vice President. “In Disney World, we learned more about leadership, communication, innovation and customer satisfaction. Then we were able to bring our newfound knowledge back to Campus.” According to Mesic, on-campus activities included: Halloween parties, TRIO Club fundraisers, selling hoodies and merchandise, ‘TRIO Tuesdays, where events were held during weekly meetings and workshops for transfer planning, resume building and study skills.
Aside from events, the speech also commemorated the founding of TRIO. “President Lyndon Johnson and Dr. Martin Luther King were having conversations about how to improve college access for everyone,” said Mesic. “They wanted to make sure first generation college students could go to college and receive financial aid and support. Now, as a result, there are high school programs, college programs and even graduate programs.” To further these efforts, a new concept was put into place at the beginning of the semester. The Myers Briggs Type Inventory Test was no novelty, but when paired with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the program reached new heights. Each set of personality traits matched with a specific house (with names changed to avoid copyright). “This year we wanted to do something fun, so we decided to throw out all the things we know and just start from scratch,” said Mesic. “We have advisors who are MBTI certified so they interpret the results. From there, you can discover things from how you handle stress to potential career options.” Mesic also believes the house system helps bring people together, reaching out to members who don’t have tutors or mentors or don’t spend as much time in the TRIO Lab. During the banquet, Loewenstein received the Emereldian Award for her particular house and for attending every house meeting (separate from normal
TRIO meetings). Overall, she says that may be an academic coach, but the her time in the program has had a TRIO students are my inspiration. And profound influence on her. on May 10, I will be one of the prideful “My experience here has been alum.” nothing but amazing. All the TRIO Looking towards the future of the staff and students are so friendly, nice, program, the Department of Education outgoing and energetic,” said Lowenstein. has limited funding and is hoping that “As I always tell new students that come the institution will take successful events into the office, TRIO is a family.” and programs to a college wide level. To conclude the banquet, Briana “The only requirements to be Robles, soon-to-be graduate, reflected on involved in Trio are that you need to be her failures, successes and everything in either a first generation college student between. (neither of your parents received a According to Robles, she struggled Bachelor’s degree), be registered with to navigate college as a first generation the access office or be a Pell Grant student and didn’t understand that it was Recipient,” said Mesic. “However, ok to be ‘Undeclared’ and it was ok to ask because we are federally funded, we only for help. serve 160 students.” “My mom couldn’t finish her associates degree because she couldn’t pass college level math. Now, 20 years later, I tutor first generation students in math, study skills and biology and create strategies to motivate them.” Outside of TRIO, she was a founding member of the Student Honors Council, publicized for various events and more. “I feel so lucky to be a part of a program that won’t let disadvantaged Marco Hernandez-Lopez displays his TRIO Grant students fall through the Aid Award, which will pay for his fall semester at cracks,” said Robles. “I Meramec.
Photo by Lauren Johns
4 ART & LIFE May 9, 2019
Student finds himself through a love for biology For Caleb Utter, nothing has ever come between him and his love of science, even cadavers ALEXANDRA MEDLER STAFF WRITER “I remember, way back in high school, we went to a cadaver lab with Human Body and Anatomy and that was really shocking … I just was a high school kid, and suddenly I was at the SLU Medical School doing a cadaver lab with doctors. It was life-changing,” said Utter. Utter, 19, is a student at Saint Louis Community College – Meramec. He has spent the last two years finding his place academically, which according to Utter has been a difficult journey. “Growing up I had some mental health issues, and I didn’t really address that until college … I would take Honors and AP courses and push myself and completely skip studying English or math because all I cared about was science,” said Utter, pulling on the collar of his blue button-down top. On paper, Utter’s high school experience was unsatisfactory, however, the experiences he gained there were incredibly influential, he said. “I took AP biology in my senior year of high school and our teacher was actually a post-doc researcher at Wash-U. So, we went to his laboratory for multiple field trips and we did UV gel slides, and that’s usually stuff that’s reserved for undergrad students, people who are doing lab experiments,” said Utter, rolling his metal coffee cup quickly in his hands. Utter works at Washington University in St. Louis in the information technology department at the medical campus. He began in IT when he was a young child and would help his father fix
computers. According to Utter, this job has connected him with many people and role models.
medical textbooks, so they really push me to be interested in a career in medicine,” said Utter.
Photo by Syed All
Student Caleb Utter poses for a photo in between classes in Humanities East. “Since I work in the Wash-U Medical School, I actually interact with any and all medical practitioners in the hospital. I talk with all of them, and they give me
It has not always been easy to work nights and go to college at the same time, Utter said, yawning and running a hand through his blond hair. “I’m really
interested in biology, so my passion for that kind of pushes me through as well as seeing the successful people around me at my job … I want to change lives, I just have to figure out in what position I can make the biggest difference,” said Utter. His dream is to do work in genetics in his future career and genetic editing has a large place in the future of medicine, he said. “I follow all these YouTube channels that talk about genetic editing, and there’s also this biology movement, basically ‘garage science,’ do biology in your basement, and I’m starting up to do that. Because of that, I definitely want to do something in biology, but in the back of my head, I also think about maybe being a physician,” said Utter. His biggest success so far? “Just kind of getting my act together … going from kind of a burn out student to where I am now,” said Utter, his blue eyes looking to the side. Utter plans to transfer next spring to a four-year university to finish his bachelor’s degree in a sub-field of biology. His educational plans beyond that point are unknown, but he feels he’s gained the skills he needs to figure them out, according to Utter. “I guess I’ve really found myself here at STLCC, and in science, and in my work. I no longer second guess myself anymore, or when I do, I don’t say it out loud,” said Utter.
Finals prep tips and tricks Guidelines to ensure the best grade JACOB POLITTE STAFF WRITER
1.
Study, Study, Study: This first one is the biggest and most obvious tactic. It’s important to stay sharp in your studies, even if you already have a high grade in the class. Make sure to review notes, take a peek at old homework assignments, and even consult the class textbook if necessary (depending on how your professor teaches the course). But also make sure to focus on the topics you haven’t mastered yet before you review the stuff you have; you don’t want to run of time before you can fully understand the material.
2.
Be Careful Who You Study With, And Where You Study At: Sometimes, studying with a friend is not the best option, even if they’re honestly trying to help. I often get distracted from my schoolwork when I’m around my friends. Put the exam first; there is always time to socialize later. Also, pick the right location to study at. Find a quiet, calm place to help you increase your focus on your studies; I’ve tried studying in busy environments and it just doesn’t work most of the time.
3. 4. 5.
Make Flashcards: In many of my previous classes, I’ve used this studying tactic to great success. This could be helpful in any course, but for me, it always worked best with reviewing terms in my mathematics courses.
Eat Well and Stay Hydrated: This is not just an excuse to grab a bite to eat before the exam; eating and drinking beforehand can help you stay focused over the course of the exam period. I wouldn’t necessarily drink soda, but that’s just a personal preference. Don’t Overthink: Multiple choice exams can be tricky, especially because in a lot of cases, your professor is looking for one specific answer. While it’s not always the case, the simplest answer is often the right one. If you have a gut feeling about a particular answer, trust your gut!
Graphic by Gina Carr
ART & LIFE 5 May 9, 2019
Make a recommendation for fellow students LAUREN JOHNS ART & LIFE EDITOR & SYED ALI PHOTO EDITOR
Telora Thomas Sophomore
Alyssa Marin Sophomore
Raul Munoz Freshman
“I recommend Midtown Sushi and Ramen, they have great authentic sushi and fried rolls. It’s on Forest Park.”
“I finished a book by a new author named Tara Westover and it’s called ‘Educated’. The memoir describes her life growing up in a survivalist family in the Mountains of Idaho and how getting an education transforms her life and leads her to Harvard and Oxford. It also explores her childhood of abuse and how she struggles with loyalty. The book is phenomenal in how it’s written.”
“I recommend [Marvel’s] Endgame because it has a mix of emotions, creativity, and huge, mind blowing scenes.”
Mondays are a drag Drag kings and queens dazzle Meramec’s stage TYRA LEESMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF On Monday, April 29, Meramec’s Queer Student Union (QSU) hosted a drag show for students, performed by the Haus of Control drag troop. Attendees were treated to a range of music including 80’s pop, rock, and even a theme song or two. “I like to get people away from their lives and all the unfortunate stuff. Just make them laugh for an hour or two. That’s what our show is all about, really. It’s relief from the day to day. It’s funny and sexy and kind of silly,” said Schuyler Control, drag queen hostess of the Haus of Control’s performance. At the beginning of the show, rules were laid out that included a no-touch policy for the sake of consent, and a strict “clap for everyone” guideline, so that no one would feel excluded. “I think the point of the [clapping] rule was to ensure that nobody gets left out, but also to make sure people keep an open mind. You might not be into drag kings, but you can’t just clap for the queens. Or maybe you might not be into the look of someone and think they look odd. The point is that you have to be accepting of everyone’s aesthetic,” said Lauren Kaltwasser, a drag show attendee.
Students were not charged an entry fee, but tipping was compulsory to all performers, so that no one would feel excluded. One dollar bills were extended in the hands of students and attendees as each performer took turns dancing and lip-synching down the aisles. Venmo and
other apps for tipping were also available for each performer. Photographs were taken after, and tipping for that was also encouraged. After the performance, students could be heard thanking the queens and kings for being inspirational to the LGBTQ
community. The performers spent time sharing their stories and listening to the stories of attendees, as well as encouraging students to be themselves regardless of gender and sexual preferences. “I didn’t think there was a place for trans men who look a little fem, but then I went to a drag show. It was amazing. I decided to give it a try and I performed once, and just got addicted,” said Simon Saize, a solo drag performer who took the stage alongside the Haus of Control Kings and Queens. Following the performance, some students sought out the performers on Instagram and Facebook, and found that most performers were happy to accept friend requests on their performance personality pages. “(Aiden Control) friended me that night and I was really excited. They liked one of my statuses and it was like being friends with someone inspiring. I will definitely try to go to their next show. I’ve never had so much fun, just being wild,” said Kaltwasser. LEFT: Roxie M. Valentine performs on the Meramec Theatre stage during the April 29 drag show, sponsored by the Queer Student Union.
Photo by Braden Hagberg
Choose UMSL.
Join the Team Meetings every Tuesday at 5PM in SC220-A (Student Center)
Photography
Design
“We can help with all of your questions about transferring, scholarships and what it’s like to be a Triton!”
Christy Hummel, Assistant Director
Teri Furlow, Transfer Specialist
askchristy@umsl.edu
furlowt@umsl.edu
Advising for STLCC Meramec students: Advising Center – Clark Hall 314-984-7575
2018142/0718/jb
Reporting
Serious education. Serious value.SM
Multimedia
Contact Shannon Philpott-Sanders at ssanders147@stlcc.edu for more information.
CONGRATS, GRADS! Explore transfer and scholarship opportunities at Webster! Join us on Thursday, June 13 for our Transfer Information Session or schedule a personalized visit. Get started here: webster.edu/transfer For more information on transferring: WEBSTER.EDU/TRANSFER Office of Admission 314-246-7800 or 1-800-753-6765 admit@webster.edu
R
EC-3435 WebU_Mer Montage_05_09_19.indd 1
4/16/19 10:12 AM
OPINIONS 7 May 9, 2019
Jake’s Take: Stenger’s corruption is dissapointing Former County Executive is just another in a long line of corrupt politicians
JACOB POLITTE STAFF WRITER On Monday, April 29, the hammer finally dropped. St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger announced his resignation from the office he’d held since January 2015. His departure comes at the end of a yearlong investigation that found him indicted on counts of bribery, mail fraud, and depriving citizens of the honest services of a public official. He pled guilty to all three counts on May 3. Stenger’s corruption isn’t surprising; many public officials in these times get caught up in a scandal or two. Our nation’s President is engulfed in scandal practically every week and hardly anyone bats an eye or acts surprised. Something about Stenger’s corruption sure is disappointing to me on a personal level. Perhaps that’s because I’ve actually met the man. For the sake of full transparency, I have to tell you that I have only met Stenger once, when he was just a councilman. It was a very long time ago;
I was in seventh grade at Bayless Junior High giving a presentation with a group of three others on the dangers of smoking in April 2009, and he was in the audience. The Post Dispatch ran a piece on it, titled “Bronchos Want To Stub Out Public Smoking,” and I was interviewed for the piece by reporter Steve Birmingham, as was Stenger. In the presentation, I specifically talked about my father, who succumbed to lung cancer from smoking and other health issues in 2005; my other classmates talked about their experiences as well. In his quote for the article, Stenger said, “Their stories are similar to my own, since I have a mother with cancer. I think any legislator would be moved by their stories.” I read that and always held Stenger in high regard. I thought that he would turn out to be a good politician that fought for the people, and hoped he would ascend the political ladder. He did, but as it turns out, he wasn’t the noble guy I thought he was. Even as evidence of his corruption mounted, I willingly chose to ignore it. That was wrong. With news of his indictments, however, I can no longer be ignorant. The Steve Stenger that was in the audience at my presentation 10 years ago is not the same man that now faces possible prison time. I doubt Stenger remembers me, or that day in April 2009, but I do remember him, and I’m very disappointed that he didn’t turn out to be one of the good ones.
Graphic by Mikki Philippe
Finals: End on a good note ‘The Score’ and other bands to liven up final exam week LAUREN JOHNS ART & LIFE EDITOR
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
For those currently taking finals or anticipating them, one can always turn to music for the ultimate energy boost, so skip the oversized coffee beverages, dry those tears of self-pity and tune into ‘The Score’. Eddie Anthony (vocalist and guitarist) and Edan Dover (pianist and producer) formed this powerful duo in New York and gained popularity after releasing their single, “Oh My Love” in 2015, after it was featured on an ASDA
campaign. From there, they were signed to Republic Records. However, this was not their first hit: their cover of “Say Something,” by Little Big World was streamed immensely prior. In addition, their next collection of singles,”Legend” and “Unstoppable” reached the Top 40 of the Billboard Rock Songs chart. Despite having a few cliche, overly generic tunes (not limited to “Oh My Love”) which is still a fun summer jam, they remain distinguished from other bands in how they effortlessly merge genres: pop, rock and electronic elements. “The Score” released an album in 2017 titled, “Atlas.” A record that is full of hidden gems. A favorite of mine is “Unstoppable” with the heavy bass beats, kicking snares and Eddie’s signature grungy vocal effects, a track that will leave someone feeling stronger and ready to conquer anything, like that nightmareinducing presentation for one’s Public Speaking class. Feeling lost? “Believe” has an ambient, 80’s-inspired chorus that could make anyone believe in themselves. However,
it is a little redundant and could use more of a guitar buildup. “Miracle” is the most relatable track, with an explosive chorus (like many other tracks of theirs), and a toned-down verse that sounds like something out of an old western film. It’s the ultimate ‘Procrastination’ anthem. A particular line that stands out to me is, “Success is a door that always slams. I’m trying to break it.” With “Revolution,” despite how generic-sounding the title is, the song is anything-but. With bits of acoustic flare and soulful vocals, it’s the perfect song to rock out to on the morning of exams. Additional tracks to explore: “Pressure,” off the E.P. of the same name and “Shakedown.” Songs to avoid include “Legends,” which is one of those tracks I could never get into, maybe because it sounds like something from a car commercial. At the end of the album, particularly the Deluxe version, “Where Do you Run,” “Something New,” and “Livin Right, all sound very similar to one another: upbeat, somewhat sappy pop. In other words, it’s ‘Oh My Love: part 2-4.’
If these tracks aren’t sufficient enough to put a raincheck on that Pity Party, check out some additional songs by similar artists. Smile through the pain. The song, “Champion” by Fall Out Boy is the perfect adrenaline pumping, confidence booster. The wise Patrick Stump (lead singer) said, “If I can live through this, I can do anything.” He was totally referring to final exams. Up next, “Move” by Audio Adrenaline. Time to channel that inner Nike and “just do it.” The song combines electronic beats with electric guitar undertones. In the rock realm, give Shinedown a listen, particularly “Brilliant,” and believe every word of it. For more electronic pop, try “Falls” by ODESZA (feat. Sasha Sloan) and understand that we all “fall down sometimes.” “Rise Above,” by Tommee Profitt (feat. Trella) is more than just a basic Cinematic track, it’s an experience. Lastly, if something more soulful is one’s forte, check out Lianne La Havas, particularly her ‘Blood’ album. She has a beautiful voice to melt the stress away.
8 SPORTS May 9, 2019
Club Sport
Spotlight
Roller hockey goes undefeated in New York ASHLEY BIUNDO SPORTS EDITOR The weekend of April 13-14, the STLCC Roller Hockey Team took a trip to Rochester, New York for the Junior College Division Championship. The team went 5-0, winning the national championship. Head Coach, Ziggy Ziegler said that this is a huge accomplishment for the school and the program. “We were the only Saint Louis team to bring home a national championship this year,” He said. This is STLCC fourth time appearing in the national championship game and this season was the first win for the school. Even though STLCC ended the season with 12 wins and 9 losses,
they had one weakness: funding for the program. With lack of funding, the team had to pay out of pocket to travel to New York for the championship, according to Ziegler. “I don’t think we had a weakness,” he said. “But I believe if the school could help with some of the funding, we could really grow the program.” With the little weaknesses the STLCC Roller Hockey team had, they did have some strengths. “Our strengths were, no matter what happened, everyone had each others back,” Ziegler said. “We always played like a team.” STLCC Roller Hockey season is from October through April.
Submitted Photo
How far will the Saint Louis Blues go? ASHLEY BIUNDO SPORTS EDITOR & SYED ALI PHOTO EDITOR
“I want [The Saint Louis Blues] to go all the way. They have choked before but hopefully they will make it to the finals.” -Tyler Repa, Environmental Science Major
“My Favorite player is Vladimir Tarasenko. I think the Saint Louis Blues can go all the way to the finals.” -Ellen Flaker, Nursing Major
“I am hesitantly hopeful that they will go all the way to the Stanley Cup. But I feel like that they will get close but not make it because of their history.” -Edward Ellerman, Degree in Fine Arts
End of regular season for spring sports ASHLEY BIUNDO SPORTS EDITOR STLCC Lady Archers end their overall season with a record of 36-4. “I am proud of the girls and the way they performed during the regular season. Having said that, the season is not over. My expectation of this team since August is for them to compete at the national tournament. We have to play each game like it is our last and leave it all on the field. Full out effort,” said Kristi Swiderski, Head Coach.
TOP: Freshman Right Handed Pitcher, Sidney Litviak prepares to pitch the ball. RIGHT: STLCC Lady Archers cheering during the game against Lewis and Clark Community College on April 10th.
STLCC Archers end their overall season with a record of 19-23. “Our record is really not want we wanted or hoped it would be, but I don’t think it’s a fair indication of how we’ve played. We struggled with the weather early in the season and we had a lot of games cancelled early and that made it difficult for us to find our game. Over the last month, we have played much better and ended the season by winning 12 of our last 16 regional games. I think if we continue to play to our abilities, and compete at a high level, we have a very strong chance the post season.” said Scott Goodrich, Head Coach.
TOP: Sophomore Catcher, Tony Rask steps up to the plate and gets ready to bat. RIGHT: Sophomore Infield, McGwire Dean gets ready to catch the ball during the game on Apr. 3 against Jefferson College