TOWER TALK
Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School
TABLE OF CONTENTS
News and Features
Pg 03: Independent Reading & Club spotlight
Pg 04: Generations Defined
Pg 05: Nursing Homes
Pg 06-07: STL Architecture
PG 08: Events at the Capitol
PG 09: President Biden’s approach to Covid
Perspectives
Pg 10: Here’s Something I’ve Noticed
Pg 11: Arctic Refuge
Health & Fitness
Pg 12: Mental Health
Pg 13: Physical Health
Pg 14: Covid-19 Q+A
Pg 15: Covid-19 Vaccine
Lifestyle
Pg 16-17: Food in the Lou Smoothie Bowls
Pg 18: Cookie Crawl
Pg 19: A La Mode Spring Edition
Tower Talk Staff
Editor-in-Chief: Molly Kaspura
Senior Editiors: Anna Wiss, Anna Johnson
Art Directors: Elle Decker, Kate Fesler
Staff Writters: Liza Brown, Bella Fehl, Camryn Petti, Savannah Mossa-Willoughby, Hope Schenk, Abrianna Sykes
Advisers: Pamela Harris-Marcus
Danielle Thurm
Printing Company: Missourian Publishing Co.
Letter From the Editor
Our Spring Issue is full of student insights and observations of our world around us and is packed with flavorful stories!
I would recommend looking at our St. Louis Architecture story by Elle Decker. This first-in-a-series story will introduce you to St. Louis’s very own Climatron at the Botanical Gardens. If you are looking for new styles this spring and summer, check out Liza Brown’s A La Mode for the latest fashion trends! Food in the Lou is packed with reviews of flavorful smoothie bowls and some at home recipes you must try!
The Spring Issue is full of great stories that will get you in the spring fling mood!
Cover Photograph by Elle Decker
Independent Reading Guide
The Villa Duchesne English department requires independent reading for each class to “cultivate a love of reading,” says Ms. Pamela Harris-Marcus. Every teacher handles independent reading differently, as some require a specific genre, like a book related to American culture or a novel by a British author, while others have a list of books for students to choose from. Look for your grade level and English class below to find what’s recommended for you!
News & Features Spotlight on Fashion with a Purpose
Grade 7:
Self-Discovery, Literature, and Composition
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Grade 8:
Society, Literature, and Composition
Dear Irene by Jan Burke
Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Grade 9:
Foundations of Literature and Composition
Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu
Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham
Honors Foundation of Literature and Composition
Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Grade 10:
British Literature and Composition
My Ántonia by Willa Cather
Honors British Literature and Composition
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
1984 by George Orwell
Pride by Ibi Zoboi
New Kid by Jerry Craft
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Grade 11:
AP Language and Composition
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon
American Literature and Composition
Educated by Tara Westover
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
Native Son by Richard Wright
Grade 12:
AP Literature and Composition
Bunny by Mona Awad
The Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jiang
Thematic Studies in Literature and Composition
Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Do you have clothes that collect dust in your closet each year that you don’t know what to do with? Do you need some fashion advice? Well then, Fashion with a Purpose club has got your back! Founded by Moriah Morrow ‘22, Brooke Beste ‘22 and Bella Sansone ‘22, the club works to “bring girls together that have a passion for fashion and allow them to unleash their creativity while giving back to those in need,” as Morrow stated. The girls adore fashion and wanted to share their passions and skills with Villa through Fashion with a Purpose.
One way Fashion with a Purpose shares these skills and passions is through sweatshirt design competitions. Last winter, the club sent an email out to the school asking for Christmas sweatshirt designs. This allowed for students to have a chance to expand their creativity through the use of drawings and computer designs. In addition, for prospective ideas within the club, Morrow recently sent a survey out to the school about upcoming fashion challenges. Some of these ideas included watching runway videos of models, starting a sweatpants-design competition and making outfits out of odd materials.
On another level, community service was a large factor for creating the club. Fashion with a Purpose not only brings girls together who have a passion for fashion, but also strives to give back to the community through fundraisers and clothes drives. Last month, the club held a coat drive where everyone brought in gently-used coats or jackets to help St. Vincent De Paul care for those struggling in the winter. Although just starting out, Morrow, Sansone and Beste have several other service projects they will be organizing in the future.
Whether you have a true devotion for fashion or you are just getting into the new fashion trends, Fashion with a Purpose is the club for you!
Story by Anna Wiss (left) and Anna Johnson (right) Page design by Anna Wiss
Difficult moments define generations
Historically there are unforgettable moments that have defined different generations. The current generation, Gen Z, is profoundly experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic as most of the generation enters adulthood. The Villa Duchesne community is currently comprised of four generations ranging from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. Each of these generations has experienced defining moments. Here are some of the most significant moments that have altered the world in the last 65 years.
When Ms. Janis Valdés cites the Vietnam war as a transformative moment for her generation, she specifically recalls an image that gained national attention during the war. In the image there are about five children, one naked, running away from soldiers after a napalm attack on June 8, 1972. Valdés said the image was extremely emotional for her because the girl looked to be about her age. Not only did this image create a lasting memory in her mind, it also made her more conscious
about events happening outside of the United States. This image and the Vietnam War not only affected Valdés personally, but it sparked an increase in the number of antiwar protests. This moment brought Valdés' awareness to the power of American people taking action with they disagree with the actions of their country.
Mrs. Jen MacArthur, a member of Gen X, says her defining moment was the Challenger Space Shuttle explosion in 1986. When this event took place, schools across the country had turned their attention to the news because for the first time in history a civilian, a teacher, went into space. MacArthur remembers her teacher turning off the tv after the explosion, saying everyone stopped to pray. MacArthur said after the space shuttle’s explosion every student and teacher she knew felt more connected to each other by seeing the event happen.
Similar to most Americans alive on September 11, Mrs. Gigi Rager says September 11, 2001, also known as 9/11, is one of the most traumatic and memorable days of her life. Not only did it change life for every American in more ways than one, but it also changed their self-discovery and coming-of-age process. Homeland security and war became the focal point of American life; everyone was on edge about what was or could be coming next. While a lot of people were not sure about where this terrorist attack left the country, Rager says this event is what caused middle schoolers and teenagers to start caring about politics and what was happening with the world around them.
While most members of Gen Z
are teenagers and young adults who have only experienced recent world issues such as the global COVID-19 pandemic and the attack on the capitol, there are older members of the generation who experienced the market crash of 2008. Ms. Madeline McCabe, who was 12 at the time, vividly remembers the effects of the Great Recession. This was the first major market crash since the Great Depression, and it put the world on pause. Adults and anyone with financial responsibilities became extremely stressed due to the fact that the major purchases in their lives like their homes, land, or stock they owned no longer held the same value. For McCabe this made it difficult for her parents to send her to Villa Duchesne.
The Recession also impacted the country’s position in the world since it affected the United States more than any other country because, for the first time in a while, Americans were looked down upon due to our major financial loss. McCabe believes this event set back most American families financially, but it also caused a lot of citizens to be more prepared for current times with how the COVID-19 pandemic has financially affected the world in a similar way. Many Americans have lost their jobs and seen a decrease in value of their property just as they did in 2008.
In times of crisis, opportunity can blossom out of adversity, and we can learn from the defining moments we face during our lives. Whether it be that citizens should come together in times of crisis, how to form our own opinions, even if the decision you make is not popular, or that past trauma can better prepare us for the future.
Story and Page Design by Abrianna Sykes
Photos provided by Liza Brown
In classrooms, living rooms, and even in person, horrified citizens watched as the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded before their eyes.
Photo by Sylvan Bealke, great grandfather of Liza Brown
This year has been one for the books. The uncertainty that comes with Covid-19 followed by the newfound political divisiveness as a result have left many questioning their fate. However, though the negatives of this calamity of a year are evident, there may be a silver lining. Beneath the divided and angry exterior, there is more “undercover” unity than one might expect. After interviewing all 5 of my grandparents, I realized that despite their range in experiences, their responses to my questions contained many similarities. Throughout this year of Covid, we have all made substantial sacrifices, especially with the things we
Initially, I didn’t miss [social interaction] that much but now after a year you start to feel like you’re in a retirement home.” “
like to do most. I asked my grandparents what are some of your favorite activities that you haven’t been able to do since Covid precautions began? Every one of them expressed their desire to socialize again. Whether that is going to bridge night, a book club meeting, a speaker series, a trip to the opera, or a competitive squash or tennis match, they all voiced how much they missed socializing with their friends. My grandfather, Michael Fox, expressed that “initially, [he] didn’t miss [social interaction] that much but now after a year you start to feel like you’re in a retirement home.” Along the same lines, my grandmother, Barbara Brown, said that “we really miss social activities. Online bridge and cards have kept us sane!”
Not only is this unexpected unity a silver lining of these hard times, but a majority of my grandparents expressed specific instances when they felt they had experienced something positive as a result of this
and Page Design by
Liza Brown
pandemic. According to both Foxes and Maggie Holtman, the pandemic might even have been a blessing in disguise. Michael Fox voiced that “you find out who your real friends are and… who you really miss. You learn how to prioritize and how to set healthy boundaries without being rude.” Although the strict social distancing protocols that come with a pandemic can feel overbearing, they can be a time for growth and distancing oneself away from toxic people.
My grandmother, Maggie Holtman, on the other hand, has experienced booming business since the onset of the pandemic. She said that her business, Advanced Nursing Services, is “busier than ever” as so many seniors who require around-the-clock care are moving out of nursing facilities and back into their homes in order to stay safe and in good health. Maggie, who is considered very healthy for her age, expressed that “[she] doesn’t have any pre-exisiting conditions so [she] is not super worried, but [she] is still taking precautions because you never know. Sometimes things just happen.” So maybe this pandemic is not all bad. Hopefully, by the end of this unprecedented time, a realization that differences do not have to trump similarities will come over enough Americans, and a newfound unity will arise. It is always a good idea to look for the silver linings, especially in situations as seemingly horrible as this pandemic.
5 4 3 2 1 0
The Activities # of my grandparents who miss it
Most Missed Activities exercise/sportsfamilyeventsfunwithfriends travel movies operavolunteering
ATHE CLIMATRON At the St. Louis Botanical Gardens
s citizens of historic St. Louis, we should take time to appreciate our city’s beautiful architecture and history. The structures and buildings that adorn our beautiful city define and tell the history of St. Louis’ past, present and future. It is important to be educated on our city’s architectural history and how we are adding to it everyday. It is one very important way we can help improve our architecture and economy in the future. The origin stories of the older buildings and the design stories of upcoming structures reveal what we have taken from older buildings and applied to newer ones. This has helped to create our own unique style that reflects St. Louis, rather than the style it is designed after. Our skyline reflects us, the people of St. Louis, and knowing where different buildings and stories fit in along this timeline will help us all become more knowledgeable citizens of St. Louis. Starting the St. Louis architecture series, here is research and information on the Climatron at the Botanical Garden.
Most of us are familiar with the Climatron, a geodesic climate-controlled greenhouse, located in the Botanical Gardens. The glass dome’s history goes back to 1959 when it first opened. It is the first ever geodesic dome greenhouse in the world, and it is 175 feet in diameters. It was created to bring in more visitors and give a one-of-a kind experience. It was also meant for research. Because the greenhouse holds more than 2800 different species, it is the perfect atmosphere to research and study the plants. The original design was made with an aluminum frame and plastic panels. Obviously, this was not built to last and ended up needing to be renovated. In 1988, they replaced the plastic panels with glass. and created a stronger dome structure over the first dome to securely hold the dome up. This allowed the original dome to stand while a new, stronger one covered the top, creating a dome within a dome.
The Climatron is located in the Botanical Gardens 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO Their current hours are: Tuesdays–Sundays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.).
The climatron was built by St. Louis architects, Murphy and Mackey and won the 1961 Reynolds Award, an award for architectural excellence in a structure using aluminum.
The botanical Gardens is starting to slowly open up its gardens, starting with a little bit at a time. Fortunately, the Climatron is open Thursday through Sunday and is included in general admission. It is closed for two days to allow the workers to care for the plants in a safe manner. They suggest you book tickets online to limit contact, but walk-ups are available as well. Masks are required for admission.
Story and Page Design by Elle Decker
Archive photographs originally printed in The St. Louis Post Dispatch
Original photos by Elle Decker
Buel White/Post-Dispatch File Photo
Jack January/Post-Dispatch File Photo
Implications of Capitol Riots
Capitol Coverage
No matter your views on Covid, the impeachments of former President Donald Trump or the civil rights movements of last summer, we have all watched in shock, sadness and alarm as we live through what will go down in history as the defining moments of our country and our generation. While most of us may want to return to our “normal” lives, we must keep in mind the importance of both acknowledging and understanding the events shaping the world around us.
One of such events is the unrest that occurred at our nation’s Capitol on January 6, 2021 as it will be remembered as a critical point in American history, the first time since the War of 1812 that hostile forces took over the building. News of the protests-turned-riots sent shockwaves throughout the world as everyone scrambled to learn what happened and how this would affect us.
Hundreds of videos posted by rioters themselves, witnesses, and those within the Capitol horrified people around the world and divided Americans. In the wake of the events, questions regarding the foundation of our country were brought up by Democrats and Republicans alike as we all pondered the same thing: If we cannot have faith in and honor our election process, can we call ourselves a democracy?
President Trump and others have filed more than 86 lawsuits challenging the election process, vote tallying, and the vote certification process; however, many of them were unsuccessful in judicial courts across the country. Despite this, many Americans still do not agree with the election results. On the morning of January 6, a crowd gathered to hear President Trump speak, peacefully assembling to march to the Capitol in protest of the election results.
The attack began when more than 250 people stormed into the building, broke windows, threatened Congress, and attacked Capitol police. One officer attempting to subdue the crowd died after a mob beat him with a fire extinguisher, while another was dragged down marble steps and beaten with an American flag stand. Several more police officers have committed suicide weeks later, and four rioters died due to injuries sustained on January 6.
Weeks after the incident, the Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives impeached President Trump with one article, incitement of insurrection. The Senate acquitted President Trump on February 13. Dozens of people identified at the riots have been placed on airlines’ “no-fly” lists, and some have even been charged with domestic terrorism. More than 200,000 tips naming possible rioters have flood into the U.S. Attorney’s office, and the divide between the American people is becoming increasingly evident.
In a Press Conference held on January 22, 2021, Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated that the Capitol riots have “underscored what we have long known: the rise of domestic violence is a serious and growing national security threat.” And thus, the US government is focused on addressing this issue to keep all Americans safe. It is evident that our government still upholds the rights of free speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to pursue all legal avenues to enact change. For without these ideals, can we call ourselves a democracy? Investigations Regarding Violence at Capitol Proceed
and Page Design by Molly Kaspura
President Biden’s First 100 days
The first 100 days of every presidency set a crucial foundation for the next four years. When President Joseph R. Biden was sworn in on January 20, 2021 as the 46th President of the United States, he was stepping in to lead an America in turmoil. With the pandemic raging and social, political and economic discourse, the first 100 days of President Biden’s term are vital stepping stones for the future of our country. On his first day in office, President Biden signed 15 executive orders in an attempt to tackle a multitude of issues including Covid-19, climate change, immigration and the economy.
While the ability to be tested was a problem at the beginning of the pandemic, Americans are once again reliving this, except this time it is with vaccines. In response to this issue, the Biden Administration has created the $400 billion American Rescue Plan with the intent to rebuild the economy and help American lives as a result of Covid-19. A part of the American Rescue Plan is to efficiently and effectively vaccinate close to 100 million Americans in the first 100 days in office. According to the White House, “This will include launching community vaccination centers around the country and deploying mobile vaccination units to hard-to-reach areas.” Moreover, the Biden administration introduced the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for Covid-19, which will allow close to 40,000 select pharmacies across the United States to administer vaccines to eligible Americans.
Another promise made by the Biden administration was a focus on science and preparedness for biological threats that could occur in the future. According to the White House, “My Administration will treat epidemic and pandemic preparedness, health security, and global health as top national security priorities, and will work with other nations to combat Covid-19 and seek to create a world that is safe and secure from biological threats.” In an effort to follow through with this, President Biden rejoined the World Health Organization, created a new pandemic testing board, and “created the position of Covid-19 response coordinator, who will advise the president and oversee the distribution of vaccines, tests, and other supplies” says NBC News. Moreover, President Biden has signed executive orders with a focus on a data-driven response that would “facilitate the gathering, sharing and publication of Covid-19 related data.”
In addition, on his first days in office, President Biden enacted a mask and social distancing requirement on
all federal property and instated a mask mandate on all forms of public transportation including buses and planes. President Biden also signed executive orders that focus on safely reopening schools, advocating workplace security, and creating the Covid-19 Health Equity Task Force which works to aid the underserved in the nation who have often been over looked.
While Covid-19 has changed many aspects of everyday life, one of the most detrimental effects of Covid-19 has been on the economy. The White House stated that “As last month’s job report underscored, the virus and our economy are intertwined. We cannot rescue our economy without containing this virus.”
With that in mind, a large portion of the American Rescue Plan focuses on rebuilding the economy while keeping the American worker in mind, which includes working on extending paid leave to more than 106 million Americans. The Biden Administration hopes that this plan can reduce the spread of the virus, stating that “Lack of paid leave is threatening the financial security of working families and increasing the risk of Covid-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths.” President Biden is also working to extend paid sick leave to up to 14 weeks for people who have taken on more caregiving responsibilities, are caring for people with Covid-19 symptoms or have been exposed, and those who are waiting for the vaccine. Due to the pandemic, more than 10 million Americans are unemployed. As a response, President Biden has urged Congress to raise the stimulus bills up to $2,000 per person in addition to expanding and extending unemployment benefits, on which 18 million Americans rely.
Housing foreclosures and evictions have also been a struggle that many Americans have faced during the pandemic. As a part of the American Rescue Plan, “housing foreclosures and evictions would be delayed until at least March 31, 2021,” says AP News. “Almost 12% of homeowners with mortgages are late on their payments, while 19% of renters are behind, according to a Census Bureau survey of households.” These actions would work to ensure that even if Americans are unable to pay their bills every month, they would be able to stay in their homes.
While there is still much to repair before we go ‘back to normal,’ the Biden Administration is working to restore economic stability and work on mitigating the spread of the virus.
Story and Page Design by Camryn Petti
Artwork by Molly Kaspura
Perspectives
With the May Advanced Placement exams fast approaching, students across the globe are beginning their studies for arguably the most difficult test of high school students’ careers. But this year, tensions are even higher as many are skeptical of the College Board’s ability to find a fair way to distribute the exams, and students nervously wait to see what the College Board comes up with for the 2021 test.
Every district has a different way of conducting learning during a pandemic, and even in St. Louis alone, learning approaches vary widely. Some Catholic high schools have been using a hybrid model, in which students attend school in person only a few days a week, whereas others have been going to school in-person for half or full days. As for public schools, some high schools were fully virtual for the entire first semester, while others followed the hybrid approach. This means that College Board will have to find a test format that ensures fairness despite the inconsistencies in schools across the country.
This brings up questions such as: If some high schools across the country have been entirely virtual, will they have students test in-person? Is it fair to have half of the world take the test online? Will there be steps taken to prevent those taking the test online from cheating? If the tests cover the same material they did in 2019, how can College Board ensure a fair exam for those who are meeting for less class time?
As of now, College Board is not planning to reimplement the shorter online tests that were used last year in the beginning of the pandemic. However, College Board recently came out with an update, creating three test formats with three different test dates per subject: Format One with dates on May 3-7; 10-12; 14, and 17, is entirely pencil and paper for all subjects. Format Two will include half of the subjects pencil and paper and half online for students testing on May 18-21 and 24-28. In Format Three, June 1-4 and 7-11, most subjects will have full-length online exams. All pencil and paper exams are taken at school, and online exams can be taken in school or at home.
Of course, these students who test at home instead of in school could potentially be dishonest while taking the test, but this is probably the best solution. Relying on the integrity of AP students is a better bet than risking infection for an exam. Ms. Alison Malbrough, Villa Duchesne college counselor, said that “between lockdown browsers, the design of the exams themselves, and also things that they’re not even going to tell the students or us exist, the College Board is going to do everything they can to ensure academic integrity.”
In addition, if the AP exams still hope to cover the usual amount of material in this unusual year for education, which they do as of now, the College Board should expect to see lower scores.
On a more positive note, this year the College Board has given stronger online resources for students preparing for their AP exams. AP Classroom allows teachers to assign progress checks and informational videos to help students study.
In addition, the College Board distributed the PSAT tests this fall to high school students, and has not indicated any setbacks in testing. Perhaps they truly are confident in their ability to fairly distribute tests, and maybe students should be optimistic. Malbrough added, “Villa students need to appreciate what a fortunate position they’re in” because they’re here at school. Truly, Villa students should be optimistic, as we have had the luxury of safe, in-person learning all year, giving us more opportunities to succeed on the AP exams.
Story, Page Design and Artwork by Anna Wiss
SAVE THE ARCTIC
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, located in northeastern Alaska, is home to more than 280 species of animals and is one of the last untouched ecosystems in the world. Last year, it was threatened to go through one of the most drastic crises in history.
Under the Trump administration, Congress approved a federal tax bill provision opening up the coastal plain to the fossil fuel industry. This sacred place would be under attack as innocent animals would be replaced with manufactured pipes. What if you had the ability to take action in protecting this place? Well that opportunity is here, and today we have the chance to help permanently protect one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is the largest National Refuge in the country, whose establishment began in the 1950s when a Sierra Club journal article was published called “The Last Great Wilderness.” ANWR is home to an incredible biodiversity of plants and animals as well as the Gwich’in tribe; Athabaskanspeaking North American Indian tribes inhabiting the basins in eastern Alaska. Some regions of ANWR have been protected as wilderness and part of the area is administered as a refuge or a place providing shelter. However, “in August 2020,
the Trump administration approved a full gas and oil drilling plan that would make 1.5 million acres of the preserved natural lands available to drilling, in order to boost the economy and bring jobs to local people,” reported NPR News. According to National Geographic, on January 6, Regenerate Alaska and Knik Arm Services were awarded leases on two tracts in the most northern section of the region; a total of 600,000 acres were sold.
Although President Biden has ended this oil drilling permit and the leasing of these companies, there are still some smaller-scale things we can do on our part to preserve this land. The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world. By definition, your carbon footprint is the “total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organization, service, or product, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent” (Carbon Trust). Releasing too much carbon can lead to climate change, pollution and other environmental issues.
Now, you’re probably wondering, that’s a lot, how do we decrease our carbon footprint? One way is carpooling with friends and family in order to decrease the amount of carbon being released into the atmosphere. Another is to avoid purchasing items of clothes through
fast fashion. Fast fashion is the mass production of cheap and disposable clothing. To give you an idea of the scale of the problem, the fashion industry churns out 80 billion garments a year. Much of these trendy, cheap clothes are dumped in landfills everyday, increasing our carbon footrpint. Instead, you can buy vintage or upcycled clothing at consignment shops. Not only will you save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but you are supporting small businesses as well. Lastly, another simple task we can all get into the habit of doing is using reusable bags instead of throwing away plastic bags each time we purchase an item. Bring your own reusable bags to shop with instead!
Goal Three states that we should all be compelled to take on social justice, and we have the opportunity to do so by preventing this Wildlife Refuge from being wiped out. Catholic Social Teaching teaches us that “all members of the school community accept accountability for the care of God’s creation, practice effective stewardship of the earth’s resources and work to alleviate the climate crisis.” Therefore it is our responsibility to care for God’s creation and to be remarkable stewards of our environment by protecting the biodiversity and welfare of the plants and animals in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
by
Anna Johnson
Health & Fitness
Got Stress?
Stress and anxiety, both from personal and academic life, can often overwhelm students and cause a multitude of negative effects on mental health. We all know that teenage years can be tough, and the added stress from school and social life can take a toll. In fact, 75 percent of American high schoolers say they have felt the negative effects of too much stress, such as depression and anxiety. And while the normal value of adult stress is 3.8, American teens score 5.8. We all need a way to take a break for our stress, so here are some easy techniques you can try anytime you need them.
Ms. Becky Pike, MSW, LCSW School Counselor, says that the number one stressor for high school students is “just feeling overscheduled and not sure how to prioritize. Being in a school with high demands and being in things outside of school whether that be sports or other activities. Between time and school demands, there is just a lot of pressure right now. And I would also say friendship issues and relationship issues. Whether it be friendship or boyfriend it adds to the outside of school stress.”
“A lot of hobbies can turn into coping mechanisms,” says Pike. So if you love physical activities, one stress reducer that might work for you is exercise. Exercise is a great, low stakes way to shake off some energy and stress. “For some people, going out, being active, moving and expelling energy is good,” explains Pike. So whether you want to use weights, walk your dog, go for a run around the block, or dance, getting active is an amazing stress-coping strategy.
If exercise isn’t your style, journaling is another great way to relieve some stress. Journaling helps you sort through your emotions by getting them off your chest and onto paper. You can even write your feelings down on a piece of paper then burn away your troubles! Even just having someone to talk to, like a trusted friend or adult, can help you calm down and come up with solutions. And, of course, following deep-breathing exercises is key to maintaining your mental health or helping
you through a panic or anxiety attack. Remember the 4 Rule; breathe in for the count of four, hold for the count of four, exhale for the count of four, and hold for the count of four. You can use this breathing technique while exercising, journaling, doing yoga or art, or anytime you need to calm yourself.
Above all else, make sure you are taking care of yourself. Learn your body’s limitations, and learn when you need to take a step back. In school, make sure that you are staying organized and communicating with your teachers and coaches if you are feeling overwhelmed. In your personal life, talking to friends and family can get you the help you need or just get some things off your chest
Sometimes, we aren’t able to fully prevent stress and anxiety. While some stressful situations can be positive in that they motivate us, but it becomes problematic quite quickly. We need to be able to overcome it so we do our absolute best, and by using some of the techniques above, you can help yourself get through those stressful times in a healthy, productive way.
While these techniques can be helpful in our dayto-day lives, sometimes seeking professional help is necessary. Seeing a therapist helps you make a plan to overcome your anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue you may be facing. You never have to feel worried or embarrassed to reach out for help, especially with our own school counselor, Ms. Pike. If you ever feel like you need professional help, email Ms. Pike at bpike@vdoh.org.
Story by Savannah Mossa-Willoughby
Page Design and Photography by Molly Kaspura
Artwork provided by Ms. Becky Pike
Frugal Fitness Finds
Now that fitness centers have enforced safety precautions, trips to grocery stores have been less frequent and cold weather limits the opportunity to go to parks, we are all looking for alternative ways to stay healthy and fit. Concerning physical wellbeing, some have attempted at-home workouts as a solution to traditional in-person fitness classes, but many struggle to find a perfect workout for them. To help you find an at-home workout, I sampled and reviewed three different workout regimens, ranging
Heath House
I appreciated
-Personal meetings with instructors to curate perfect workouts for your interests
-Great music
-A user-friendly website
Be aware
-It can be pricey
-Equipment is recommended
-It is more cardio intense
from yoga, full body with weights and dancing. Here is what you need to know so you can make the right decision for yourself.
YouTube streams thousands of free fitness videos, like MadFit and Yoga with Adriene, but if you want to splurge, there are affordable subscription services like Health House that offer one-on-one meetings to find the best workouts for you. The Health House website also provides live broadcasts that are saved so you can rewatch them on your own time.
MadFit
I appreciated
-Great music
-Different videos for what you want to focus on (abs, glutes, arms, stretching, legs, etc.)
-Some videos range from shorter 3-minute videos to longer 15 to 30-minute videos
-30-day-challenge playlists
-Equipment free
-The YouTube channel is easy to navigate
Be aware
-There are long videos without breaks
It can be hard when starting new workout routines as your body may be sore and tired, but that is completely normal. While your body adjusts to any new physical activity, keep in mind that there is a learning curve, and it can take time to keep up with the instructors. The good news is that there is no need to be self-conscious because you’re at home so you can go at your own pace. Understand that the workouts provided may not work for everyone; you may need to take extra time to see which ones work for you. Everyone has their preferences with regards to instructor personality, music, type of activity, video length, etc.
In addition to moving your body to maintain or increase your fitness level, it is important to fuel your body with healthy and balanced meals and snacks throughout the day. Consuming healthy carbohydrates like oats, sweet
Yoga with Adriene
I appreciated
-The YouTube channel is easy to navigate
-Great 30-day-challenges
-Long videos to follow along to (it makes it feel like she is in the room with you)
-Equipment free
Be aware
-Does not increase heart rate as cardio or weight training does
-Not many short videos to quickly follow along
potatoes, and bananas are great ways to give yourself energy. Protein is also very important, especially before and after workouts. The amino acids in protein help repair muscle fibers that can get torn during exercise and is another source of energy. Of course, a balanced meal also contains fruits, vegetables and nuts, which can also be great snacks throughout the day!
At the end of the day, your body is perfect the way it is, but if you’re looking to experiment with your fitness regimen, try these workouts and food recommendations! These videos will be there for you whenever and wherever, but if you decide these videos aren’t for you, remember that experts recommend being active 30 minutes a day to keep your body happy and healthy.
by Hope Schenk
You Asked, We Answered
You had questions about Covid so I worked with virologist Dr. James Meegan from the CDC and our school nurse Mrs. Sandy Conway to give you the answers!
Tower Talk, How effective are masks and when can we all stop wearing them?
Dear Villa Student,
This is a common question right now because we anticipate the day when we can be free of these pieces of cloth covering half our faces. According to infectious disease specialist Dr. James M Meegan, former Director of the Office of Global Research at the National Institute of Health, the hope is that we will be able to see everyone’s full faces within the year. Because of the new vaccine, health experts are optimistic that we can achieve herd immunity when 70-85 percent of the population is immune, which could be in the near future.
However, we are running the risk of only half of the population receiving the vaccine due to hesitation from the American public regarding the safety of the vaccine. If we fail to reach herd immunity, the virus could continue replicating, mutating, and infecting more people. The vaccine and vaccine distribution are essential in reaching the point when we can see our friends and families without masks in the way.
Until we reach this level of immunity, wearing our masks is a necessary annoyance we have to suffer through. Masks are proven in numerous studies to be 95% effective if worn correctly and thus can successfully mitigate the spread of Covid. The virus clings to the water droplets that leave your mouth and nose when you sneeze, cough, and talk. This means the majority of the virus gets stuck on the inside of your mask along with the moisture leaving your nose and mouth.
Ultimately, we will be wearing masks for the foreseeable future, so find one that’s comfortable!
Dear Tower Talk, Will Villa Duchesne require or mandate the Covid-19 vaccine?
Dear Villa Student,
As of right now, the vaccine actually isn’t FDA approved for children under the age of 18 (Moderna) and 16 (Pfizer) so you likely aren’t able to receive the vaccine anyway. Studies are currently being done to approve it for use on children, but until those studies are complete, underage Villa students are last on the vaccine distribution list. However, the vaccine is currently in Emergency Use Authorization status, which basically means that unapproved medicines, like the Covid vaccine, can be used in emergency situations to treat serious or life-threatening diseases when there are no other available alternatives.
As for making the vaccine mandatory, if the state of Missouri passed a law requiring students to get the vaccine, then Villa would follow suit and require it as well. However, that process usually takes a few years before it is passed and then enforced in schools, and the laws differ widely state-to-state; just because Illinois requires students to get the vaccine doesn’t mean Missouri will as well.
a question you want answered? Check out
Vaccine roll-out gives hope for Pandemic's end
Across the country, the feeling of hope is rising as more and more citizens are sharing images of themselves receiving the COVID-19 vaccine across social media platforms, as states have begun distributing the vaccines to certain citizens.
There are currently several vaccines that have been granted Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA. This is different than FDA approval. An EUA grants authorization when there is not an approved or adequate alternative available. Those who are 18 years of age and older will be receiving the Moderna Vaccine, while those as young as 16 can receive the Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine. These two vaccines require two doses, given several weeks apart.
On Wednesday, February 23, the FDA granted Emergency Use Authorization for the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, the third vaccine to enter the marketplace. Two points to note are that this vaccine only requires one dose, rather than two, and it also appears to prevent asymptomatic infections.
St. Louis County is encouraging its residents to pre-register for the vaccine through the Department of Public Health. The link for pre-registering in St. Louis County is available on the official county website. There is also an app that has been created and advertised through the official county website that will let patients know when they need their second vaccination as well as outlining the possible side effects of the vaccine.
St. Charles County residents are also being urged to pre-register with their health care provider’s hospital affiliation so the vaccine can be received in a timely manner. Residents can access the link on the St. Charles County official website.
The federal government has left vaccination distribution up to the states, meaning that eligibility requirements differ from state to state. The federal government has created a three-phase plan to distribute the vaccine, but it is up to the state to decide who falls under each phase. For instance, in Missouri Phase 1A targeted healthcare workers. Phase 1B, Tier 1 included first responders, and Tier 2 included anyone over the age of 65 and those with certain pre-existing conditions.
As of January 24, according to KSDK, Missouri ranked last when it came to vaccinations as only 4 percent of the state's population had received the first dose.
Initially, it was thought that teachers would begin to receive vaccinations in mid-February, but this assumed deadline has obviously been pushed back as many teachers have still not received their vaccines.
On Wednesday, February 23, Missouri Governor Mike Parson said during a press conference that Missouri is making progress regarding vaccine distribution. According to Fox 2 News, Parson said on an episode of "4Star Politics," "I think you're going to see us moving forward with the vaccine phases, just moving forward because of all of the stuff were doing right now."
When asked whether this movement would include vaccinating teachers, Parson said he planned to give more information at a press conference the next day. During this press conference, Parson announced the opening of Phase 1B, Tier 3: "We know there are still many questions about when the next tier of Missourians will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Missouri has made a vaccine plan, we have had a vaccine plan since October. And this plan has not changed. We have been very disciplined in following our plan. Today, we are announcing that phase 1B Tier 3 will be activated on Monday, March 15."
Moving into the next tier opens the vaccine to critical infrastructure, including those in education; childcare; food and agriculture; and the government.
There has been some frustration regarding vaccine distribution. Eligibility does not differentiate between patient-facing health care workers and those in the health care sector who are working from home. This has frustrated many who do have to be in public for work and have not received the vaccine, such as grocery-store employees and those in education and childcare.
It is recommended that even after a person receives the vaccination, they continue to wear a mask, social distance, wash and sanitize their hands, as well as going out only when necessary. While the vaccine will lessen the symptoms of Covid should you contract it, it is unkown whether it will prevent the spread of the virus between someone who is vaccinated and someone who is not.
While we've been enduring this pandemic for a year, the vaccine is a big relief and brings hope that the end of these troubling times is near.
Story and Page Design by Abrianna
Artwork by Kate Fesler
Sykes
Lifestyle
Are you craving a frozen, fruity, treat from the comforts of your home? Here’s a tropical solution: make a homemade smoothie bowl. Smoothie bowls are a blend of frozen fruits with juice or milk of your choice, topped with granola, seeds, fresh fruits, honey and much more. Smoothie bowls do not require exact ingredients, so you can make do with things you have in your refrigerator and pantry. The best aspect of making your own is that you can customize the recipe with ingredients of your choosing. In addition, if you have dietary restrictions, there are many substitutes for ingredients. Whether vegan or gluten free, there is a smoothie bowl for you! These recipes only take about 5 minutes and are quick and easy to make.
Here is a smoothie bowl recipe that is very healthy but also delicious. This smoothie bowl is made with mixed berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. This blend of fruit is easy to find at your local grocery store and can be made year round. You can purchase pre-frozen mixed berry blends in the frozen food aisle at any grocery store or purchase the berries fresh. Sometimes the pre-frozen fruit have freezer burn and are too hard, so buying fresh fruit and freezing it for 24 hours is highly recommended.
Ingredients: 1 c. of frozen berries
½ c. of juice or milk of choice
Toppings of choice
Add the frozen berries and juice or milk to the blender. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a clean bowl and spread it out. Add toppings. I recommend using granola, fresh fruit, any sort of peanut or almond butter, hemp seeds, and a drizzle of honey.
I Love Juice Bar-Ladue is a small business located in Schnucks On The Plaza at 10283 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63124. I Love Juice Bar is close to Villa, so it is a great place to get a quick bite. Another amazing aspect of this Juice Bar is that they use all organic ingredients and have vegan and gluten free options.
Juice Bar’s Dragon Fruit Bowl is full of tropical flavor and the best part about it is that the smoothie is a beautiful magenta. This bowl is a blend of dragon fruit, mango, and apple juice topped with granola, sliced bananas and strawberries, and fresh honey. The Dragon Fruit bowl is a delicious treat, but is not a meal replacement and may leave you hungry. The texture is smooth, but is not satisfactory because there is no protein source. The bowl costs $10.25 and is 460 calories. I recommend getting the Dragon Fruit bowl if you want a taste of paradise from the comfort of St. Louis!
Juice Bar’s Acai Bowl is a delectable filling treat. This aesthetically pleasing bowl is a blend of acai, blueberries, banana, avocado, and apple juice, topped with granola, sliced strawberries and bananas, almond butter, hemp seeds, and local honey. This bowl is unique because the texture is thick and rich because of the avocado and almond butter. The Acai Bowl is traditional but delicious. This bowl costs $10.25 and is 660 calories. The Acai Bowl is packed with rich flavor. I recommend getting this bowl if you are looking for a meal because the granola and thick smoothie is paired perfectly!
Vitality Bowls Saint Louis is another small business that focuses on superfoods that are very healthy and delicious. Vitality Bowls Saint Louis is located in Richmond Heights. The address is 8029 Dale Ave, Richmond Heights, MO 63117. The food is packed with antioxidants and the smoothie bowls are made with all organic ingredients as well.
Vitality Bowl’s Dragon Bowl is a delicious and beautiful blend of fruits, packed with immune boost, and paired with unique toppings. This bowl is unique because it is a blend of pitaya, banana, pineapple, raspberries, mango juice, coconut milk, and immunity boost. There are more fruits and antioxidants compared to Juice Bar’s Dragon Fruit Bowl. The toppings are sliced strawberries and kiwis, almonds, goji berries, bee pollen, and honey. This bowl contains more ingredients than Juice Bar, so the Dragon Bowl costs $12.99 for a medium and $14.99 for a large. I recommend getting a medium size. The medium is 350 calories and the large is 460 calories. This bowl is flavor packed and definitely worth a try!
The Vitality Bowl is the original bowl from Vitality Bowls and is super popular. This bowl is an acai bowl with a blend of acai, strawberries, banana, flax seed, and VB Superfood Blend. The toppings are granola, sliced bananas and strawberries, goji berries, and honey. The texture of this smoothie bowl is thick so it is more filling and meallike. The unique aspect of this bowl is that it is flavor packed and nutritious because of the flax seed and VB Superfood Blend. This bowl costs $10.99 for a medium and $12.99 for a large bowl. If you plan on getting the bowl as a meal, I recommend getting a large. The medium is 399 calories compared to the large which is 608 calories. The toppings on this bowl add a flavorful twist on a traditional smoothie bowl!
Smoothie bowls are a delicious treat that bring the tropics to the Lou. I Love Juice Bar and Vitality Bowls both have great healthy and unique options. Price and taste wise, I Love Juice Bar’s bowls were better. The location is also closer to campus so it is a better option if you want to grab smoothie bowls with your friends. 17
Story, Page Design, and Artwork by Kate Fesler
An STL Cookie Crawl
At the end of a long, exhausting week, we all deserve a reward, and one of the bestways to treat yourself is by indulging your sweet tooth! In this edition of Food in the Lou, we have sampled the top-rated, most delicious cookies shops around St. Louis, all of which are guaranteed to satisfy your tastebuds!
Stop #1: Dad’s Cookie Company
Dad’s Cookie Company is in St. Louis city. This company has been in business since 1949 and is home to the Original Scotch Oatmeal cookie. Fans describe the oatmeal cookie as having an appetizing snap with just the right amount of cinnamon. Many also admire the cookie for the feelings of nostalgia that they inflict with just one bite! Dad’s famous scotch oatmeal cookies are a St. Louis delicacy ad can be found at the Dad’s Cookie Company storefront or most local grocery stores. Their selection is not limited, so be sure to check out other fun flavors like peanut butter, coconut, and even banana oatmeal. The average cost for a bag of cookies goes for about $4 or $5, depending on where you buy them from. This St. Louis classic should be an essential part of any cookie crawl!
Stop #2: Crumbl Cookies
After visiting the city, we now can go to Crumbl cookies in Des Peres. Crumbl cookies is a fairly new dessert location that offers a weekly-rotating menu in order to offer a constant new assortment of flavors to try. The classic chocolate chip and chilled sugar cookie are the only year-round staples, and their other unique flavors do not disappoint. For instance, past flavors include the muddy buddy cookie, a magical treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers, the hot chocolate cookie, which is a chilled cocoa cookie finished off with hot chocolate mousse, mini marshmallows, and sprinkled with powdered sugar, and two Valentine’s Day specials, the Churro cookie and the Circus Animal cookie. AN admirable feature of Crumbl is their effort to provide cookies at the customers’ convenience, as they offer delivery, curbside ordering, and in store services that guarantee customer satisfaction. A single Crumbl cookie retails for $3, $10 for a box of four, and $25 for one dozen.
Stop #3: Defiant Dough
Moving further across the Lou to Chesterfield, the next location is Defiant Dough, a bakery that offers traditional as well as gluten free/vegan options. Defiant Dough places an importance on providing baked goods for all, making sure to attend to multiple dietary restrictions. They offer more classic flavors of cookies, such as chocolate chip and peanut butter, but also more extravagant edible cookie dough flavors, such as keto chocolate peppermint, keto churro, and gluten free/vegan brownie batter. However,if you’re in the mood for a basic cookie dough flavor, you have the option to top your dough with up to three different toppings, like sprinkles, Oreos, M&Ms, etc. A scoop of dough costs $4 with an additional $0.50 for a second and third topping. This bakery should definitely be visited for the experience of getting to eat cookie dough, which is sometimes better than the actual cookie.
Story and Page Design by Bella Fehl Photos provided companies’ Instagrams
A La Mode
The Spring/Summer 2021 runway season was one like no other. Thanks to the ongoing pandemic, many designers opted to present digital showcases or the occasional Covid-safe in-person show. As for the biggest SS21 trends? Midriff flossing, flowy midi and floor-length dresses and shimmering sequins are now coming from the runway to the streets.
One of the SS21 trends that may be unfamiliar to many might be midriff flossing. While the name may invoke a trip to the dentist or oral hygiene, it was actually one of the most eye-catching sensations on the SS21 runway, especially in the shows of high-fashion brands like Christopher Esber, Versace, Jacquemus, Acne Studios and many more. But what is midriff flossing? Vogue describes it as “a series of crisscrossing cords and wraparound details resembling dental floss.” The “floss” can emerge from the top of a skirt or the bottom of a short bralette and enhances the cutout region of a dress.
Although many may suspect that this trend is one meant to alter the appearance of the waist to look thinner, it’s quite the opposite! Rather than create the illusion of a smaller torso, midriff flossing is meant to accentuate the waist and bring attention to it. Embracing one’s body is the current raging social movement to promote a positive body image for all. Midriff flossing is a continuation of this message. Rather than hiding stomachs beneath loose fitting outfits, midriff flossing encourages women to expose their waists and call attention to them.
Mini dress lovers: here this out. Midi and maxi dresses are the epitome of elegance. Not only are these floor-sweeping styles elegant, they are timeless. Blueprint fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana rocked these styles in the 20th century while modern idols like Margot Robbie, Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner have brought this trend into the 21st. These dresses have endured so many fashion seasons because of their elegance and versatility.
This style can be worn anywhere from a lavish garden party to as a coverup on the beach. The average midi or maxi dress is very easy to dress up or down. One style that is especially versatile is the silk slip. These have very little shape and leave a lot of room for self-expression. Many opt to cinch the waist with
Story and Page Design by Liza Brown Center and right photos by Liza Brown
a belt while others may elect to bring attention to the neckline by adding jewelry. However, this season, simplicity was not a constant on the runway. Designers like Dior, Dolce and Gabbana and Valentino went for patterned and vibrantly colored looks. These designs allow for the vivacity of spring and summer to be found not only in flower gardens but also in fashion.
Perhaps the most substantial aspect of midi and maxi dresses on the runway are their flow. After months of being locked up at home in comfy sweatsuits, the Covid-19 vaccine is finally being distributed to select members the public. This hopefully means that dress-worthy events will be back up and running soon. Having a comfortable flowy option for dinner might make the transition from the sweats and no-makeup look a little bit easier.
Bring the disco to the living room with this next trend. Sequins were another runway sensation for the SS21 season. Prominent brands such as Celine, Louis Vuitton, Balmain, Chanel, and Burberry all showcased these sparkly numbers in their fashion exhibitions. Again, with the government’s effort to continue a speedy vaccine rollout, dinner parties, school dances, and spring break festivities could begin sooner rather than later. Although this style might not fit the benchmark category of formal, sequins add elegance and are the perfect addition for party or dance attire.
Although the designers listed opted for fully-sequined ensembles, investing in a sparkly statement piece is an easy way to dip your toes in the water before jumping in the deep end. Sequin purses have been all the rage amongst the Instagram fashion community. Gucci’s GG Marmont Sequin Bag and Chanel’s Chanel 19 Sequin Flap Bag offer a high-end version of a sequin statement piece while Amazon Prime and Pink provide a more affordable option. Although sequins may be out of the comfort zone of many, they are a very recurrent trend so investing in a piece or two with sparkles will add some glamour to your wardrobe.
All of these SS21 trends are rather eye-catching styles that require buoyant levels of self-confidence. SS21 is all about embracing yourself, your body, and your natural, God-given beauty. Remember that you look great in every one of these styles!
Midriff Flossing Courtesy Of Jacquemus From Their SS21 Ready-To-Wear Collection
Réalisation Par Alba Dress In White Strawberry Zara Puff-Sleeved Sequin Mini Dress
