WG ECHO April 2022 Issue

Staff Editor-in-Chief: Lydia Urice PRINT EDITOR: Izzy Poole JUNIOR EDITOR: Hadley Hoskins Social media Manager/ graphics editor: Maren DeMargel VIDEO EDITOR: Calum Shank VIDEO Editor: Luca Giordano NEWS/opinion EDITOR: Ali Schulz SPORTS EDITOR: Owen Crews PODCAST EDITOR: Sam Klein BUSINESS MANAGERS: Soledad Lee Dakota Motley TIK TOK MANAGER: Eleanor Kanerva PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER: Calvin Lescher ADVISOR: Donald Johnson Some material from Tribune news service The Echo is a monthly publication of the newspaper staff of Webster Groves High School, 100 Selma Ave., Webster Groves, MO. To contact staff members, call 314-963-6400 ex.

11157 or write to wgecho@wgmail.org.

Unsigned editorials are the opinion of a majority of staff members; signed articles are the opinion of the writer.

Letters to the editor of 300 words or less are welcome; submit letters by the 10th of the month to wgecho@wgmail.org, or room 155. All letters must be signed, although the name may be withheld from publication if requested. The Echo has the right to edit letters for publication as long as intent remains unchanged.

The Echo is a member of SSP, Quill and Scroll, MJEA, JEA, MIPA, NSPA and CSPA.

Cover Cutline: Students attend prom at Union Station on Friday, April 22. Photos and cover art by Izzy Poole and Lydia Urice.

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WGHS puts on Special Olympics

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Webster Groves community celebrates Earth Day

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Chess team wins 2nd place at State

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Lacrosse captains build team spirit

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Men’s volleyball gets off to rapid start

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College program offers associate’s degree

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AP art showcases creations

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Cafeteria manager talks about career

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Wanna go to prom with me?

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Superintendent shares renovations plans for school district

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Principal speaks about hiring process of new administrators

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Reel Film Club hosts film festival

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Festival showcases student art

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Former Ukrainian resident shares experience

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Students walkout to advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights

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Will ‘Harrys House’ be soundtrack of summer?

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Students start environmental club

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Editorial: ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Targets the LGBTQ+ Community

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8-9 Table of Contents | March 2022

WGHS puts on Special Olympics Riley Fitzgerald Contributing Writer

The junior class ran this event throughout the day. Each student Dakota Motley was buddied up with Business Manager

Webster hosted a Special Olympics for students with disabilities on Tuesday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Moss Field.

WGHS started holding the Special Olympics for the junior class to host and run years ago, and it has been a tradition ever since.

Evyn Spencer, PE teacher, one of the event’s organizers responded via email prior to the event, “I hope everyone who comes has a great time, and the athletes do their best! I am trying to accomplish an overall positive atmosphere that is a day to remember for all students involved.”

Twenty-two Special School District (SSD) athletes participated from the high school itself, and over 100 others came in from different schools and competed in the multiple events which included running events (200m, 25m, 50m, 100m, multiple low motor and wheelchair races, and the 4x100 relays), throwing events including softball throw, assisted softball throw, tennis ball throw and turbo javelin, and lastly some standing and running long jump events.

an athlete to help and support, host the different activities, and work in the Olympic Village where there were games for athletes to enjoy when not competing.

Some juniors also helped out at the rainbow section.

This area was for Photo by Lydia Urice children kindergar- Junior Rohan Bergfeld paints junior ten to second grade, Robyn Foley’s face during the Speall being under eight cial Olympics. years old. They participated in running, jumping and throwing activities organized solely by the juniors running the event.

Webster Groves community celebrates Earth Day Hadley Hoskins Junior Editor April 22, 2022, marked the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day across the United States. As a community, Webster Groves offered several opportunities to celebrate the holiday.

The Greenspace Alliance Commission hosted a tree planting event at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, at Barbre Park.

Greenspace Alliance chairperson Ginger Garrett talked about the plans for the event via email. She said the event included a planting of 150 trees donated by Forest ReLeaf, a closing and opening ceremony by Boy Scout Troop 314, as well as a speech

by Mayor elect Laura Arnold.

For students that want to be more environmentally friendly after Earth Day, there are several ways that that is possible. Webster Groves Sustainability Commission chairperson Jamie Hase-

meier talked about ways that high school students can do this in their day-to-day lives, from thrift shopping to using a reusable water bottle. She said as citizens, making a habit out of being sustainable is critical to being more environmentally friendly as a community.

Hasemeier also stressed the importance of staying active in the community. She said via email, “Understand that you can have a voice in how things happen and contact leaders, from your teachers and principles, to city council members and state and federal legislators.”

The Webster Groves community has taken several steps to become more sustainable in the future. The Sustainability Commission partnered with Webster on Wheels, also known as “WOW” to create marked bike lands throughout Webster Groves. Through that and other initiatives like reusable bag handouts or backyard composting, Hasemeier said that the idea of being environmentally aware has been “taken from fringe to mainstream.”

Chess team wins 2nd place at State Sam Klein Podcast Editor

Hadley Hoskins “We beat several strong teams, including John Burroughs and Junior Editor Clayton, and won the second place team trophy for the Central

Webster Chess Team placed second at the State championship during spring break.

The tournament was at Battle High School in Columbia, Missouri on March 19. The tournament had 200 players, and five members from each team played four games. The best score from each game went to the next round, with Webster ultimately winning second place.

According to Coach Jim Voelker, the team did well all season.

March 2022 | News

Conference, our best league result,” Voelker said.

He also said it was the team’s best season in the Gateway Chess League so far, with all starting players going home with trophies, as well as the team trophy.

Team member and junior Joe Harned said his favorite thing about the team is how inviting everyone is.

“Without the support of this team, I never would have pursued chess as a hobby,” Harned said.

Chess club meets every Wednesday after school, and is open to everyone. The team is based off of tryouts.

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Lacrosse captains build team spirit Owen Crews Sports Editor

Calum Shank ready for games and supporting them. On Staff Writer a technical term we will run warm ups,”

Women’s Lacrosse team recently started its spring season. The team is currently 1-7 and looks to build upon a foundation of unity and having fun despite its record.

“Lacrosse is a no cut program, meaning everyone is welcome. That’s my most important thing, including everyone there.

I hope the underclassmen who have seen me in action are going to treat the underclassmen in the future the way that I do: Being inclusive and supportive,” Captain Holly Travers, junior, said.

“I would like to build a strong program that doesn’t necessarily focus on winning or competitiveness but more of an accepting environment that everyone can have fun in,” Travers added.

“Being a captain means cheering up the team, hyping them up, getting them

senior Jylian Martin said about what being a captain meant to her.

“Being a captain means that I am not only there to lead the team and be an example, but to also create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and safe, and everyone has fun, and that is something really important to me. Being a captain really just means being an example and a role model, and having a good year with the team,” senior Nora Marcinkiewicz said.

“Being a captain means a lot to me. It means my teammates trust me and are supportive of me. I’m glad that everyone is happy with the way things are going right now. It means a lot because I want to make the best team I can for my teammates and an environment that everyone is happy with,” Travers said.

“For half of the JV games, we (varsity) have our own cheering section, so we become cheerleaders, and we do the O-RA-N-G-E Crush cheer, and we kinda get the energy going, and everybody is trying to be kind and supportive--we say, ‘Hi’ to each other in the hallways--and what it means to be a team,” Marchinkiewicz added.

“Having a positive attitude is always something that can be followed. People can follow that, and it just makes the program more fun,” Martin said.

“Legacy is to keep a good attitude, and people are excited to play. They are making jokes and having fun, and it is not just a serious atmosphere. It is a place to make friends and memories,” Marcinkiewicz commented.

The team faces off against Francis Howell on April 29. The game is at Moss and will begin at 6 p.m.

Photo by Claire Vogl

Junior Holly Travers runs after a Kirkwood player with possession of the lacrosse ball. The game was played on April 6.

Webster lost 13-2.

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Sports | April 2022

Men’s volleyball gets off to rapid start

Photo by Maren DeMargel

Sophomore Aidan Whitemountain and senior Mackie Syberg prepare to receive a serve during the men’s volleyball game against Rockwood Summit on Tuesday, Apr. 19. The Statesmen won in three straight sets.

Calum Shank Staff Writer Once again, the men’s volleyball team is off to a rapid start to the season, starting the year off with a 13-2-1 record. The team finished second in the State tournament in the previous season.

The men’s volleyball team’s season began on March 17, with a Jamboree match.

The regular season will conclude on May 11, with a home game against Whitfield at Roberts Gym. The team will also get the chance for its State championship rematch against Parkway West. The game is scheduled for May 4, and is also at Roberts Gym. The JV team is off to a 9-1 start with wins over Westminster, Lindbergh Parkway Central, Saxony Lutheran, Kirkwood, Affton, Rockwood Summit, Ritenour and Parkway North. The C team’s current record is 5-3. The team has defeated Lindbergh, Parkway Central, Affton, Ritenour and De Smet Jesuit.

“As an underclassmen I can inspire my

April 2022 | Sports

peers by the work I put in to make our team better, and that all it takes to get better every day is work, no matter how small the improvement,” sophomore Jack Hendrix said.

“I want to leave a legacy of someone who was a team player and someone who worked hard. I also want the Webster Program to be recognized as one of the best programs with the best coaches in the Saint Louis area,” Hendrix added.

“I hope that we can do well in the State Tournament. I would like to say we as a team would like to win the whole thing.

It would mean a lot to me and all the guys,” sophomore Adain Whitemountain said.

“I have definitely looked up to a couple upperclassmen this season. Mainly (senior) Charlie Parmelee and (senior) Andrew Wueb-

bling. They always give everything they have in matches and make the sport really fun in general,” Whitemountain added.

The Statesmens’ next game will be on May 3, against Lutheran St. Charles. It is an away game that begins at 4 p.m.

According to maxpreps.com, the men’s volleyball team is currently ranked as #11 in the statewide power rankings and #367 in the nation as of April 26.

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College program offers associate’s degree Luca Giordano Video Editor Saint Louis Community College Meramec is providing an opportunity for juniors and seniors to earn an associates degree upon graduation.

Students are contacted in their sophomore year with the opportunity to take courses at Meramec and Webster to earn college credits.

About five students are chosen each year to begin taking courses starting their junior year at STLCC Meramec and are provided with scholarships including five full-time semesters, fees and books.

“For me, it was a lot about the money,” Arctic Grosvenor, Webster junior and Meramec student, said about why he wanted to do the program. “Well, it’s free, it was like a full scholarship, so I was like ‘well that’s why I want to do it, so I don’t have student debt.’”

Saving money on college and completing college credit are reasons for choosing the program.

“I saw it as a good opportunity to save money on college, so I wouldn’t be paying so much to go to a four-year,” Morgan Ward, Webster senior and Meramec student, said. “It’s a good opportunity to get those credits ahead of time.”

Seneca Mahan, Webster senior and Meramec student, said, “I have personally focused on knocking classes out of the way that I didn’t want to do later on, and this kind of gave me that opportunity.”

“It basically allows you to get a jump/ head start on college in general,” Mahan said.

The program includes an opportunity for students to earn an associate’s degree upon high school graduation.

“As long as everything goes well, I am projected to get it (the degree),” Ward said.

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“We were told about the associates degree, and it was really hyped up as if that was the end goal, but once you actually start the program, you realize that’s not the main goal,” Mahan said. “You can also work towards whatever fits you best and taking advantage of the opportunity.”

Although the opportunity is open to take classes at both schools, students take most classes at Meramec.

“I haven’t stepped in (the high school) since we all left the school for COVID,” Mahan said. “You don’t really feel like you’re in high school at that point anymore, because you don’t have a reason to step into the building.”

“I still take band and Spanish here because you can take electives there, but it’s for college credit, so you don’t want to take a band class that is only going to give you one credit when you could take one that’s like three, and plus, marching band is pretty cool.” Grosvenor said about balancing classes.

“I’m not going to be a high school student technically anymore, but I am still going to do cheer, so I’ll be here for games and practices,” Jada Swearengen, sophomore who was recently accepted for next year’s early college program, said.

With a majority of time spent outside of the high school, students say the program impedes on the high school experience, and they often feel disconnected from Webster.

“You’re just very disconnected,” Mahan said. “It makes it really hard to know when things are happening. Most of the time I have to find out through my friends.” The program offers students freedom and a flexible schedule.

“You get a lot of free time basically, and you also get a lot of downtime. The only difference is you have to really make sure you’re focusing on studying and getting the assignments turned in, but there’s really just a lot of freedom in general and a lot of opportunity to pick what you want to do,” Mahan said.

“The schedule is a lot more freeform, so I can choose whatever classes I want, as long as it fits my degree,” Ward said.

“Learning and understanding how it is to be independent and not really have someone over you I think is the thing that I’m looking forward to the most,” Swearengen said.

Students doing the program are often unfamiliar with it prior to receiving the application email.

“I didn’t even know it was a program until I got an email about it, and I felt kind of rushed making the decision,” Ward said.

“I had no idea about its existence beforehand,” Mahan said.

About informing future classes of the program’s existence, students offer multiple solutions. “ I would say they should definitely pull down the sophomore classes and tell them, ‘This is what we’re offering,’” Sweargen said.

“I think there could be more advertisement of it, as in when they’re selecting new coursework,” Ward said. “Just more communication about it.”

Overall, the program provides students with college credit, saving money, and a change from the high school environment.

“I was wanting some change, and I was wanting to get out of the high school environment, and that’s why I did it, along with the saving money, and along with the challenge,” Ward said.

Photos by Luca Giordano

Senior Morgan Ward doubles as a Meramec student. “It’s a good opportunity to get those credits ahead of time.”

Feature | April 2022

AP art showcases creations

Eleanor Kanerva TikTok/Public Relations

me to be able to dive fully into my art, especially getting a taste of what art school will be like next year.”

Advanced Placement art put Each artist was to prepare multiple together an art exhibit pieces with a common theme for an displaying students indiaudience. vidual pieces Thursday, “My body of work focuses on April 21. what aspects of life I can and can’t AP art is a class decontrol, so I focus a lot on my own signed for students wantappearance, diet and genes,” Barr ing to take their art to the said. next level and to help Musgraves added her theme was them prepare them for art more about color, focusing on orschool and/or future opange and reds. portunities to pursue art.

About the purpose of having this Art Teacher Jocelyn gallery for her students’ work, ReReiss describes the class iss said, “It really was just a way as a “college level course for us to like have a hard deadline, in creating work that has get stuff done and have professionPhoto by Izzy Poole al practices of putting together a a theme….wanting kids to engage in the creative Senior Anna Barr talks to forensics teacher Mebbie show and getting work displayed.” process and critical think- Landsness about their art.

Reiss said, “I was really pleased ing and then also to have with how it turned out. I think the the criteria be based on not so a senior.” effect was the desired effect. It definitely much high school level rubrics Musgraves said, for some, this class has met my criteria for having work done that but rather the AP college board given them more experience and ability to looked fully considered.” rubric.”

Barr said, “It was incredibly gratifyexplore their art and creativity.

Junior Lily Musgraves said, “I Senior Anna Barr who helped to create ing to see all my efforts appreciated and definitely think it takes dedica- the class, said, “It’s been really good for mounted.” tion and work because you have to build this whole portfolio in time... For some, this class helps to push them to create stuff for a portfolio especially if you are

Cafeteria manager talks about career Brody Zarky Contributing Writer Lunch is a student’s time to get a break from school work and the stress of homework, class and to get time to hang out with friends.

This would not be possible to enjoy if it was not for the work of the cafeteria workers. The ones to get and make food for the students, like Lena Smith,who is the kitchen manager.

Smith runs the kitchen at Webster Groves High School and is the one who has to make sure everything is in order.

Smith has been connected to Webster as her children went to school at Webster Groves. She also lives in Webster Groves.

Smith said she enjoys this type of work.

“Oh, yes, I like to cook and bake and do all the good stuff,” Smith said. s Smith said what she truly gets out of her job is knowing the students and doing something she loves, like cooking.

Smith is in her 30th year at Webster

April 2022 | Feature

Photo by Brody Zarky

Lena Smith helps senior Isaac Groene at lunch. She has been helping students for 30 years.

Groves High School.

“I have been here a long time and seen

many things. It is fun. I like my team,” Smith reflected.

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Izzy Poole Print Editor

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I don’t know if it’s [prom] going to be worth $25 an hour of fun. It might be worth $25 an hour of fun. It could be worth it; it could not be. I’m willing to take that risk. Plus, everyone else is going.

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Lydia Urice Editor-in-Cheif

Senior Jackson Tarr

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I don’t think many school dances are worth the hype, but I mean I’m going because I thought that maybe later on I’d regret it.

Senior Bree Tokraks

Photos by Maren DeMargel, Izzy Poole and Lydia Urice

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I think just the whole getting ready aspect and figuring out your dress and everything no matter how you get that is exciting.

Senior Abby Woodfin

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It’s a tradition not just in Webster but everywhere in America and so I think it’s worth a shot. It’s definitely worth a shot because I want to see what it’s like.

Senior Amllia Dorsey

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April 2022 | Feature

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“Personally I think that it’s over exaggerated, and people spend too much money on dresses and shoes when there’s no need.

My friends are going and I think that I’ve looked forward to prom my whole life even though I’m not super excited about it this year. It’s one of those things that you grow up excited for as a kid.

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Senior Ali Gunn

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It’s senior year, so even if it’s terrible, at least I can say I had the experience.

Senior Bri Brown

Everything was going super well until Molly and I left. Everyone else had taken a party bus, but Molly and I were driving my grandpa’s Corvette. I was making a left turn at Market and Jefferson. I had the green arrow, but another car came towards me and T-boned me. I spun around the intersection screaming. The airbags deployed, and I could feel my entire body burning. My door was completely crushed, and I was trapped inside the car. An ambulance came and took me to the hospital, and I ended staying there until 5 a.m.

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Senior Maggie Kate Light

I’m incredibly grateful for all of my friends that have been taking care of me and for all the love I’ve received, and now I’m struggling a lot with my concussion, and I have a lot of anxiety about driving, but I just keep reminding myself that I’m really lucky to be alive.

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April 2022 | Feature

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District plans Moss Field rennovations

Sam Klein Podcast Editor Due to the muddy fields, leaky windows and the water damage all over Webster schools, WGSD has created a plan of attack.

Dr. John Simpson, superintendent, has developed and shaped plans since August of 2021 to help improve school district campuses.

These renovations include making schools and fields accessible, completely gutting and redoing Moss Field, fixing water damage and painting the peeling windows at Hixson.

About how the renovations would be paid for, “We have the ability to do it with a no tax rate increase,” Simpson said. No tax rate increase means citizens of Webster will not be taxed more for these improvements.

“Moss Field is old, has gotten little attention over the years, and it’s in need of just complete and total replacement,” Simpson said about Moss Field renovations. The plans specifically for Moss are to tear down everything, including the concessions, bathrooms and

Photo by Samantha Klein

Moss Field home stands to be gutted and rebuilt if renovation plans are passed. stands.

The field itself will be redone as well with turf to create a better playing experience for athletes. The track will also be turned into an eight-lane track instead of six, like most other schools have.

“I’m excited for the new field because then we can play lacrosse in the rain, and it will help make the school look better in

comparison to others,” lacrosse manager sophomore Olivia Reisz said.

These renovations still need to be approved. These plans were presented to the board for the first time in August. The board must first approve the projects before the decision is placed on voting ballots. If all goes well, the construction will happen over a span of four years.

Join us in Celebration of the Lord!

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News | April 2022

Principal speaks about hiring process of new administrators Lily Naert Contributing Writer With multiple administrators leaving after this school year, Webster Groves High School is in the middle of hiring replacements.

Assistant principal John E. Thomas retired last semester and was temporarily replaced by John M. Thomas, and assistant principal Shiree Yeggins is moving to Kirkwood. Principal Matt Irvin expressed happiness for her because she’s going to work with a small group of students in the gifted program, which she is excited about.

Earlier this year, Munir Prince resigned from his position as Varsity football coach and assistant activities director, after a brief coaching position for the Turkey Day Game.

Former assistant activities director Cliff Ice has picked up Prince’s position in the activities office for the time being. Prince will coach at East Michigan University, so he decided to leave Webster for this opportunity.

Dr. Irvin described the six-step process of rehiring, starting with posting the jobs for assistant principal and assistant activities director.

Then Irvin sent out a survey to the staff asking what was important to them in new administrators aiming to take the survey results into account. Dr. Irvin and assistant principal Dwight Kirksey then paper screened the applicants.

Irvin and Kirksey began to interview the candidates. Irvin stated he sent 16 applicants, “Thank you for your interest in this position, describe three actions, practices, and structures or systems a high school administrator would utilize to support the mission outlined in the district’s equity statement.”

Irvin then took several of his colleagues and analyzed the applicants based on a rubric they had created to grade them.

After Zooming in with the 16 people

April 2022 | News

Photo by Calvin Lescher

John M. Thomas retired last year after about 30 years in the district but returned temporaily to assume John E. Thomas’ duties as assistant principal while the school sought a permanent replacement.

for an interview, Irvin and the interviewing board then narrowed the field down to 12 applicants who then created presentations on themselves, passions, hobbies, prior work experience and several other things.

These questions were to see how they handled themselves when put under pressure as well as their abilities to present which assessed their qualifications that cannot be written on paper.

“In addition to just answering questions about topics that administrators may have to speak to, we thought we should have them go do those things. That was the goal,” Irvin said.

Irvin said the school is very fortunate that Thomas and Yeggins made their decision to leave when they did because it was far enough in advance that the school board had time to post the jobs and find new assistant principals while being able to thoroughly judge the applicants and make the right decision.

When looking at candidates, Irvin said he looks for “Leadership experience.

It can look lots of different ways. They could have been a band director; they could have run a lot of clubs at schools; they could have been assistant principal somewhere else.”

One of the new APs, Dr. Tony Gragnani, was a head principal at Columbia Hickman and runs a nonprofit Esports com-

pany, and the other new AP, Dr. Jenna Klenke-Galbreath, was a head coach and an English curriculum coordinator. Irvin also wanted to make sure that the chosen applicant could support the teachers.

When hiring new teachers, students give a lot of opinions on who they like and dislike, but for hiring administrators, most of the input comes from the teachers.

“It’s hard to get student input because students really know what teachers do, but it’s harder for them to know what principals do because they don’t see all of it,” Irvin said.

Irvin wants what is best for the school and the students when picking the replacements for the staff that is leaving.

Irvin said, “We’ve been really lucky because we’ve been able to have some really good teachers come in and join us and join the really good teachers we already have here.”

The two new APs have been board approved, and administrators are now in the process of hiring the assistant activities director.

“The new APs are both wonderful people and wonderful educators, and I know a lot of students and teachers have already missed Mr. Thomas and will miss Dr. Yeggins, but we are hoping that everyone will see that our new hires care a lot about kids and teaching and will come to care a lot about Webster Groves,” Irvin said.

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Film Fest Wrapped

Reel Film Club hosts film festival Lydia Urice Editor-in-Chief

Sixteen films were featured in the Reel Film Festival which took place on Friday, April 1, in the auditorium.

Fifteen of the sixteen films were made by the Reel Film Club, and one was submitted by senior Alex DeArmitt.

Reel Film Club president, senior Thomas Kessler was happy with how the festival turned out.

“I think it went pretty well besides a few things in the be-

ginning, but that was to be expected seeing as that was our first-time running a thing like that. Overall I think the crowd was great and that we put out a good show.”

Junior Noah Weihl, member of Reel Film Club, was also pleased.

“There was a bigger turnout [about 50] than I thought, mostly because all of our marketing was me [posting on social media]. There was a slide on the announcement- the date was wrong, but we fixed it, and then just posting on social media and word of mouth. Everything ran smoothly. I was proud of what I made and I Created and photos by Lydia Urice know other people were proud of what they made,” Weihl Reel Film Club hosts festival to show 16 student-made films April 1, said. in the auditorium.

Fine Arts Festival

Festival showcases student art, music Soledad Lee Business Manager

Calvin Lescher Public Relations

The fine arts department hosted Fine Arts Festival on April 24, in the auditorium and Fine Arts wing of the building.

The festival was free and featured music, art, a cappella and the drama department.

Drama offered viewers a chance to experience the Film Festival. Students made and produced 16 films, and each hour featured a full segment showing all 16.

“All student-produced films, they worked on them since the fall,” drama teacher Todd Schaefer said.

Schaefer wants the district to take away from the festival how much students are interested in film and what they can do to make it a priority towards teaching for college opportunities.

“So what I’m hoping is we start building some momentum towards a film program, that I will not be running. I will stay with theatre. The district really needs to start putting a lens on this sector of work which is the film industry,” Schaefer said.

A cappella had a part in the festival. The group sang and highlighted the seniors.

“Well I hope people get inspired to join a cappella, the next few years, because our seniors are leaving. Hope people enjoy the music that we’re doing,” senior Jasmine Salmon said.

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Photo by Lydia Urice

Sophomore Miles Cole helps students carry keyboard on stage for the Fine Arts Festival April 24.

A cappella sponsor and math teacher Eric Dunn said, “We’re hoping a lot of community members will come to see what opportunities there are for fine arts. I would love for students to come to see what opportunities they would have to participate in future years.”

Entertainment | April 2022

Former Ukrainian resident shares experience Ali Schulz News/Opinion Editor With the situation in Ukraine, questions have been left unanswered, and people are wondering how people connected to Ukraine feel like right now.

Senior Astrid Thorn was born in Vermont but moved to Ukraine when she was in third grade. Her dad worked for the U.S. government, which is what caused the move. She lived in Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv, for two years until she had to flee due to violence in the city.

“When the violence erupted we were confined to our house for two weeks. I could hear everything, the gunshots and homemade bombs,” Thorn said.

The violence was against the president at the time, Viktor Yanukovych. There were civil uprisings, and people were mad about the government and how it unfairly treated people. Yanukovych sent riot police to try and stop them. This ended in a fight, which left 100 people dead by February 22, 2014.

When Thorn finally got to leave her house, she could see all the remains of the violence, like the ruined buildings. “It made me realize this was all very real,” Thorn said.

Although there was violence in the city, there were also amazing things about Ukraine. Ukraine has a very different culture than here in America, and Thorn said that navigating through the new culture and experiences was interesting.

Thorn did not know the language, which made her rely heavily on friends and family to help her.

In her time there she also tried new foods, such as borscht, a

Photo by Astrid Thorn

Saint Michael’s Cathedral in downtown Kyiv was built in 1108 and is one of the oldest in the country.

April 2022 | Feature

Photo by Astrid Thorne

The sunsets over the Kyiv Skyline in 2014.

beat-based soup, and varenyky, little dumplings. She also viewed several historic buildings.

Thorn moved back to the U.S. in summer of 2014 and came to Missouri where some of her mom’s family lived. “It was comforting in a way [to move back]. After seeing what I saw, I needed familiarity,” Thorn said.

When Thorn heard about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, she tried to ignore it as much as possible because after living there, it was hard to watch and see what was happening. Her dad was part of the operation to get Americans out of Ukraine, so the first night she sat at the TV and watched the news.

“It’s been weird seeing [images of] the places I used to go up in flames,” Thorn said.

Thorn said the first week after the invasion was the hardest because people did not understand the magnitude of the situation.

The weeks after have been a lot of waiting for news from friends and reporters about what is happening.

Thorn discovered that her former housekeeper’s’ living space had been bombed, but she is alive and is now in a safe place.

Thorn also had a friend who is related to a former Ukrainian government official, but they are also now in a safe place.

Some ways to help are donating to foundations that provide relief and needed supplies to Ukraine citizens. Helping refugees by supplying them with needed items and reaching out and supporting them can also make a difference.

International Committee of the Red Cross, which works with Ukraine, is one of the organizations that are helping.

“We need to talk about it and make sure we are not letting it go unnoticed,” Thorn said.

wgecho.org

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Students walkout to advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights 14

Photo by Izzy Poole

Students participating in the April 1, walkout show signs and bring pride flags to show their support. The walkout was to oppose anti-LGBTQ+ legislation being proposed and passed by state legislatures.

Lydia Urice Editor-In-Chief

Izzy Poole Print Editor

Seniors Myka Stewart and Ali Gunn organized a walkout that took place during sixth hour on Friday, April 1.

About 40 students participated. “...There’s a lot of really horrible bills around the United States but especially in Missouri targeting trans kids, especially trans girls in sports,” Stewart said about the walkout.

After watching a video a friend had sent him about organizing a walkout nationally, Stewart reached out to the FemCo GroupMe to see if people were interested in joining.

“I was like, ‘Hey does anyone want to do this?’ and some people were like, ‘Ya that would be great. I would be interested in doing it, so then I started actually trying to organize it because it’s really important, especially in Missouri,” Stewart said.

After Stewart and Gunn had seen the interest from students they wanted to make sure it was okay with the administration.

“I talked to Ali and we both went to [principals] Dr. [Matt] Irvin and Mrs. [Madeline] Craig,” Stewart said. “I emailed them over spring break and was like, ‘Hey, we want to do this we’d love it if we could have your support

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in the safety part of things.’”

Some things that were talked about in the meeting with the administration were what time, how many people, goals for the walkout and where the protest was going to take place.

“I think that it went better than I expected and that more people showed up than I had expected and it felt good that everyone was there together,” Gunn said about the turnout of the walkout. “ I was kind of afraid that not very many people were going to show up so I was really happy with the amount of people who came out especially all the people with signs. I was afraid people weren’t going to make signs and so I was really happy with all the people who brought pride flags and signs and like whenever they would cheer at stuff that I was saying,” Stewart said.

Principal Matt Irvin talked about what the consequences were for the walkout.”

“We always try to communicate with our teachers and let them know to follow our handbook and mark kids absent if they are absent, and administration will follow up with students in the case of their missing class. Cutting class is a detention,” Irvin said.

“Walkouts are always worth the detention if it’s for the right reason,” Gunn said.

Stewart agreed with that sentiment.

“It’s only a one-hour detention, which I think is worth it for standing up for things you care about,” Stewart said.

News | April 2022

Will ‘Harrys House’ be soundtrack of summer?

Maren DeMargel Social Media Manager “In this world, it’s just us / You know it’s not the same as it was,” Harry Styles sings in his “Harry’s House” lead single, “As It Was.” Released on April 1, this powerful, vulnerable, and incredibly dance-able tune foreshadows what promises to be a unique third album for Styles.

This highly anticipated album follows Styles’ charttopping album “Fine Line” released in 2019.

Regarding “As It Was,” Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone writes, “It’s the first taste from his astounding new Harry’s House, which is even better than you hope it is.”

Now the question must be asked: “Will ‘Harry’s House’ be the album of the summer?”

The 80s inspired beats and catchy vocals of “As It Was” are definitely a convincing argument on the pro side. Styles’ pop background (namely his years in boyband One Direction) definitely shines through in this song in its repetitive nature that makes it easy to sing along.

The best part about this song though is the depth and vulnerability in Styles’ lyricism. From change, to love, to despair, Styles tackles complex themes all while maintaining the facade

of a shallow pop number. In doing this, Styles appeals to the masses, making this a song that anyone can enjoy.

This is definitely not the first time that Styles has foreshadowed an album with a complex and emotionally vulnerable lead single. “Sign of the Times,” lead single for Styles’ debut album, shocked fans when it was first released as it was a complete 180 from his One Direction days. “Lights Up,” the lead single for “Fine Line,” prompted fans to self-reflect, begging the question, “Do you know who you are?”

The albums that followed these singles were chart-toppers, each debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 charts. It can then be inferred that, due to the similarity of this song to Styles’ previous lead singles, “Harry’s House” has no choice but to be the soundtrack of the summer.

Photos provided by Grace Ensor, Alexis Romano and Gillian O’Neil

Juniors Abby Fitzgerald, Grace Ensor, Alexis Romano, Gillian O’Neil, Nina Thompson and Molly O’Neill pose in Harry Stylesinspired outfits worn to his most recent tour.

With that said, be ready for a summer filled with colorful looks, 60s-70s inspired fashion, and heart-shaped glasses; Harry Styles is back and better than ever.

Students start environmental club Eleanor Kanerva TikTok/Public Relations

Calvin Lescher Public Relations

Earth Day was on April 22, and the question of how to stop climate change was brought up.

Junior Arctic Grosvenor is making a difference by starting Earth Club, which meets Tuesdays in room 380.

The United Nations stated, “Human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.”

According to the U.N., it’s important for people to make a change now because of the major consequences it will have such as harming natural environments as well as people’s health.

Grosvenor said, “I think it’s really easy to forget that the health of Earth is declining. I could probably sit behind my computer and be fine and let it be the next generation’s problem, but I think students should care because we all live here.”

Grosvenor said just a few students could have impact if they

April 2022 | Feature

worked together to even make just a small change to better this world.

“For anyone and any student, I think just finding a community that has a common goal can make that goal one hundred times easier to achieve…So having that support and reminder that I’m not here alone gives me hope that this little club we are making might, even if it’s the smallest outcome, do something positive for the Earth or just make some friends before we all die on a giant fireball,” Grosvenor said.

Grosvenor’s ideas for students wanting to help include recycling and repurposing, and he said that anyone with ideas or who wants to help is welcomed in the club.

Other actions students can take, according to Imperial College London, include using more sustainable transportation, reducing individual waste, consuming less meat and dairy, and making their voices heard.

Grosvenor said, “Even if that saying, ‘One person can make a difference’ isn’t true, why not give it a shot? Better luck trying right?”

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15

‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Targets the LGBTQ+ Community

Editorial 16

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Public School teachers in Florida are now restricted from talking about gender identity or sexual orientation after what is being called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill was signed by Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis.

While Missouri has not passed anything along the lines of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, other proposals for bills have targeted the LGBTQ+ community.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, a nonprofit founded to “defend the rights of all Missourians,” 15 bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community have been introduced in Missouri.

The bills target transgender youth, but they also target healthcare, marriage equality and adoption for people of the LGBTQ+ community.

Five of the proposed bills focus solely on healthcare bans, along with two bills focusing on trans athlete bans. The other bills vary in different categories of what they are trying to prevent.

DeSantis, who signed the bill on March 28, said educating students about LGBTQ+ issues is “woke gender ideology.” He also said these topics were inappropriate and conversations about these topics do not need to be supported in school settings.

“Since the YRBS began including data on sexual orientation in 2015 and gender identity in 2017, we’ve seen consistently that LGBTQ youth face greater health disparities than their cisgender straight peers. This data continues to make a clear truth that we’ve long known -- that LGBTQ students are not getting the support, affirmation, and safety that they need and deserve,” Ellen Kahn, Human Rights Campaign senior director, programs and partnership, said.

“The data [also] shows that 43% of transgender youth have been bullied on school property,” according to the Human Rights Campaign website.

The bullying and violence that people of the LGBTQ+ community, specifically transgender youth, face in their everyday lives shows how now more than ever they need support and not shame. The best thing that can be done is to offer them support and make sure that children are being educated about LGBTQ+ topics.

The ACLU website states, “ You can email outreach@aclu-mo.org if you are interested in getting involved.” Petitions and phone numbers can also be found on its website to “make your voice heard.”

Photo by Izzy Poole

Senior Kendra Badger shows support for the walkout by painting a pride flag on their cheek.

Editorial | April 2022