WG ECHO September 2014 Issue

the

ECHO We ECHO the news

WG

wgecho.org September 2014

Volume 100 Issue 1

photo by jack killeen

100 Selma Ave st. louis mo 63119

Opinion

2

the

ECHO

ECHO shares updated editorial policy The ECHO is published monthly by the WGHS newspaper staff and serves as a public forum for its readers, providing an accurate, unbiased report of news affecting them and a forum for opinions of students, faculty and parents.

The ECHO staff has established as editorial policy that: 1) Obscene, racist, sexist and libelous material will not appear in the ECHO. 2) The ECHO staff and adviser are the only individuals who have the right to review the content of the ECHO prior to publication.

3) The ECHO will attempt to be fair, impartial, accurate, truthful and responsible when presenting ideas to its readers.

4) The ECHO will make a clear distinction between fact and opinion.

5) All articles and graphics except editorials (which represent the opinion of the majority of the staff), news briefs and clip art

2014-15 ECHO STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Aerin Johnson JUNIOR EDITOR: Jack Killeen BUSINESS/ADS MANAGER: Alex Ring OPINION EDITOR: Andy Kimball NEWS EDITOR: Bennett Durando FEATURE EDITOR: Willie Zempel SPORTS EDITOR: Cal Lanouette ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Irene Ryan GRAPHICS/VIDEO EDITOR: Bret Waelterman WEB EDITOR: Phoebe Mussman PUBLIC RELATIONS: Brittany Patton CIRCULATION EDITOR: Andre Scott ADVISOR: Donald Johnson SOME MATERIAL COURTESY OF AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEWSPAPER EDITORS/MCT CAMPUS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPER SERVICE The ECHO is a monthly publication of the newspaper staff of Webster Groves High School, 100 Selma Avenue, Webster Groves, MO. To contact staff members, call 314-9636400 ex. 11157 or write 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 and CSPA.

September 2014

will have the authors identified with bylines unless it is written by a contributing writer who, for reasons of privacy, wishes to remain anonymous. Collaborated articles will have bylines of all who participated in the writing and researching of the articles.

6) Subject matter and opinions in signed op-ed articles will be considered those of the signer and not necessarily those of the ECHO staff, the WGHS faculty or the Webster Groves School District.

7) Unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of a majority of ECHO staff members.

8) Issues considered controversial will be covered with the approval of the editors and the adviser. Staff members will not focus on controversial topics solely for the creation of news or self-publicity.

9) Any current student, staff member, faculty member or building administrator who dies during the year will be recognized in the ECHO in the form of a 300-400 word obituary with factual information (date of birth, date of death, survivors, organizations, hobbies, interests) and one photo if possible. The ECHO will be sensitive to the feelings of the

deceased’s family and will treat all deaths with taste and respect. Cause of death will be included if the majority of the staff feels it is necessary to the story.

10) Letters to the Editor are welcome and will be printed so long as there is room and timing permits. The ECHO reserves the right to edit letters, as long as the intent is unchanged. Letters must be signed; names may be withheld from publication if requested.

Letters containing obscenity, racism, sexism, libel or personal attacks will not be printed.

11) Online comments will require a name and e-mail address submitted that are verifiable. Online comments that are found in violation of the editorial policy and spam will be removed as quickly as possible.

12) All noteworthy errors in the ECHO will be corrected in the following issue.

13) Proper channels will be followed in order to obtain permission to use copy-righted material.

14) The ECHO is not a public relations vehicle for WGHS nor the Webster Groves School District.

Willie’s Comic

Comic by Willie Zempel

the

ECHO

Let legal system operate in Ferguson Andy Kimball Opinion Columnist If you have read any major news publication in the last month, then you have heard of the situation in Ferguson regarding the shooting of Mike Brown and the many protests around the country.

On Aug. 9, Brown was in some sort of altercation with Officer Darren Wilson and was shot and killed. Wilson is currently hiding because he isn’t getting nearly as much support as Brown did over the situation and has essentially a target on his back from some protestors.

Wilson’s name as the shooter was released by the Ferguson Police Department at the same time as a video of Brown robbing a convenience store and shoving a clerk out of the way.

Since the incident, protests have occurred in Missouri and across the U.S., and protestors have meant well for the most part, but some looters took advantage of the situation and constructed riots.

Protesters held signs saying, “No justice, no peace” “Killer Cops Have to Go!” and Brown’s stepfather Louis Head held

a sign that read “Ferguson Police just Executed my Unarmed Son.” The details of the altercation are unknown, however, and at this point, no one who has been protesting or investigating really knows what happened, and there are many different accounts from witnesses.

Forty FBI officers are Photo Credit: Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/ investigating possible civil MCT rights violations, and we Activists gather in front of the White House to dehope at some point a con- liver nearly 900,000 signatures calling on the Departclusion will be reached for ment of Justice to fully investigate, prosecute and the case, and we will find fire all police officers involved in the fatal shooting out what happened. Wilson, of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., on Wednesday, innocent or guilty, will have Aug. 28, 2014, in Washington, D.C. (c) 2004, Abaca his life changed forever and Press. Distributed by McClatchy/Tribune Informawill have a negative percep- tion Services. tion from many different people wherever he goes, and I think if he conclusions after a very controversial sitis innocent, that is unfair. uation, and this situation definitely qualiWhile the police’s severe mishandling fies. It is especially hard in a situation that of the Ferguson protests haven’t helped deals with the touchy subject of race.

Wilson’s image, he is still innocent until In this case, I have trust in the governproven guilty, and more people should ment, and I won’t take sides until there is recognize that. It is only human to jump to a resolution in the situation.

Editorial

Cameras, knowledge reduce police brutality Police brutality has become a large issue of debate recently since the events in Ferguson, Mo. According to thelawdictionary.org, “police brutality” is defined as the use of excessive and/or unnecessary force by police when dealing with civilians.

A Department of Justice study revealed 84 percent of police officers reported seeing colleagues use excessive force on civilians, and 61 percent admitted they don’t always report serious criminal violations that contain abuse of authority by their colleagues.

Now obviously not all police officers abuse their position, and most truly strive to benefit their community for the greater good, but there should be no police abusing power at all.

One way to help prevent police brutal-

ity is through the use of cameras. Some agencies require cameras on dashboards, but not all. Every dashboard on every police car in the country should be equipped with cameras.

In fact, a petition on whitehouse.gov says all state, county and local police should wear a camera while on duty. The petition has gotten over 150,000 signatures. Also every Ferguson police officer has a body camera, according to the Ferguson Police Department.

If cameras were implemented on police dashboards and bodies, police brutality would decrease immensely.

According the New York Times, police in Rialto, Calif., have used cameras since 2012, and complaints against police dropped 88 percent, and use of force by officers dropped 60 percent the first year.

Another way to help prevent police brutality is by knowing one’s rights.

The accused has the right to remain silent at all times.

The accused has the right to refuse a search of his/hers personal belongings.

If one isn’t under arrest, he/she is allowed to calmly and respectfully leave.

All the person has to ask is, “Am I free to leave?”

Remember to always act respectfully when dealing with police officers. Don’t argue or resist them in any way, and keep your hands where they can see them. They never know who they are dealing with.

If you ever feel your rights have been violated by an officer, write everything you remember happened down and file a complaint. Hopefully the public will be able to trust our officers in the future.

September 2014

Opinion

Kimball Konception

3

News

4

the

ECHO

Ferguson protests come to Webster University Aerin Johnson Editor-In-Chief Ferguson, Mo., went to what seemed to be chaos after the fatal shooting of Mike Brown on Aug. 9.

However, the protests occurring in Ferguson have come to Webster Groves.

After the shooting, protests occurred and turned violent at night with looting and a militarized police Photo by Aerin Johnson force.

Maxine du Maine holds a In Webster Groves on friend’s sign at the Webster Aug. 19, about 60-70 peo- University protest for Ferguple from around the com- son on Aug. 19. munity came to a protest organized by Webster University’s chapter of the Association of African American Collegians (AAAC).

“My friends and I wanted bring awareness to Webster Groves, since we are heavily involved in the community. We also wanted our voices to be heard and also show support for Ferguson. At Webster, I know a student that from the Ferguson area, this was one of our ways as showing that support,” said Henry Coleman, chapter president.

Coleman said he had been to Ferguson several times since the

shooting, and he had never seen a community come together like it has. In Ferguson, businesses came out to support the community. Saint Stevens had a food pantry for a small area by Ferguson whose residents couldn’t get to a grocery store and, with the businesses around closed, could not get food.

“Anything that was opened 24 hours started closing at night,” said English teacher Rita Chapman, who lives near Ferguson.

According to her, there was a lot of tension in the air though it wasn’t as bad as the world seemed to think.

Some Ferguson protests were dispersed by tear gas, but the Webster U. protest was calmer. Protesters held signs saying “United we stand” and “Why should I fear being a black man?”

Protesters also shouted to passing pedestrians and cars,“No justice, no peace” and “Hands up, don’t shoot.”

“I think everyone’s a little stunned by what happened,” Chapman said.

Police were present during the protest, however, with a few cars parked in close by parking lots like WGHS. Coleman said the police did not want to be involved and wanted to make sure it was a peaceful protest.

Both Chapman and Coleman agree the Ferguson shooting has an effect on the Webster Groves Community.

“St. Louis is one of the most segregated cities in the United States. This does not stop or start in Ferguson. There is even a racial divide in Webster Groves. Wherever there is a racial divide, there will usually be a problem. Until we all come to understanding of the history of the racial divide in Webster Groves, St. Louis and the entire United States, there will always be a problem,” said Coleman

District schools go into ‘modified lockdown’ Bennett Durando News Editor Principal Jon Clark’s announcement of a lockdown during fifth hour gave the 2014-15 first day of school an unexpected turn.

The cause, an attempted robbery of a jogger’s phone on Plymouth Avenue, sent the high school into an hour-long precautionary lockdown, which gave students limited time to get to know their sixth hour teachers and classmates after being released.

Despite the chance of danger, students continued their first day bonding with fifth hour for an extended amount of time. Class went on, and after being released to the next class, the day finished normally.

Meanwhile around the district, other schools farther from harm sent students inside, but issued no further safety precautions.

“What the grade schools went into was basically a modified lockdown,” said district head of public relations Cathy Vespereny. “They didn’t have all the (interior) doors locked, but all the students were sent inside.”

Avery Elementary principal Tony Arnold said of the first day situation, “Any students who were outside for a recess were

September 2014

brought in, and we had that group have an indoor recess, and then any P.E. classes that were outside we also had moved inside to the gym.”

Grade schools and middle schools in Webster are supposed to keep their doors closed and locked to prevent just anyone from entering the building, and students are told to not let anyone who knocks on a door in.

“Just to make sure, the exterior doors were checked to be locked,” said Arnold. “Really, the (Avery) students weren’t informed because it wasn’t necessary. I wasn’t even completely aware of what was going on. Right then we wanted to be careful not to frighten (the students) unnecessarily.”

“It was business as usual,” said Arnold.

Avery executes two or three intruder drills in the school year, and they, like the high school, would directly announce it over the intercom if there was an intruder in their school building.

“I feel like the students take the drills seriously enough,” said Arnold. “They seem to understand what’s going on, I’m confident about that.”

“I assure we’re consistent and if there were a dangerous situation, we’d make sure to communicate it to the students in the proper way.”

the

6th graders go to Wyman Bret Waelterman Graphics/Video Editor Camp Wyman will be the last three weeks of October this year after last year’s was cancelled due to the switch from fifth grade to sixth grade participants.

Camp Wyman is a week-long camp that seniors and juniors are allowed to go on as mentors. This will help the students get all their “A+” hours for the “A+ program.” The camp is located near Six’s Flags.

The reason the year was changed from fifth graders to sixth graders was because “the sixth grade will get a more valuable educational experience. They are a year older, more mature, and all of the sixth graders are in one building together for the first time in their educational career,” said Cliff Ice, assistant activities director.

“The camp consists of rock climbing wall, many trails through the woods for orienteering and many more different activities such as making your own soap and team building,” said Ice, “The science curriculum is heavily represented.”

“About 45 boys and girls from the high school help as mentors at Camp Wyman,” Ice said. “The students will leave Monday for training at camp Wyman, and the sixth graders come Tuesday through Friday.

News in brief...

School to host storm training

Meteorology teacher Cici Faucher announced that WGHS will host the National Weather Service Severe Storm training this Oct. 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium.

Students, family and friends of all ages are welcome to attend, but those younger that the high school students will not be certified spotters.

In the U.S. about 300,000 trained volunteers help the National Weather Service and their communities to report local weather threats.

Seniors named Semifinalists

Seniors Lucas Eberhard, Allison Jones, Benjamin Killeen, and Wesley Wride were named semifinalists in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Students will continue to compete for National Merit scholarships worth about $33 million.

Restaurant seeks athletes

Wendy’s is looking for senior athletes with a B average , to apply for its Heisman Award by Oct. 3.

The first 25,000 students to apply for the program will receive a Wendy’s Gift Card worth $10. Winners at each stage of the program also receive increasing amounts of additional Wendy’s Gift Cards, with $500 Gift Cards going to two national winners."

Durando wins CSPA Award

Sports columnist Bennett Durando, sophomore, received second place in the Sports News category from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Gold Circle Awards.

Durando’s award came specifically for his article “Webster Takes Down Kirkwood in Districts” in the February issue of The ECHO. Only 1,533 of the 11,407 entries earned first, second or third place or certificates of merit.

September 2014

5 News

ECHO

6 ECHO Feature

the

Senator challenges campus sexual assault

McCaskill proposes bi-partisan anti-rape bill Irene Ryan Entertainment Editor

Emma Sulkowicz, a Columbia University senior, will carry the mattress she was assaulted on around campus until the university kicks her rapist off campus.

Sulkowicz is one of three women who made complaints against the same abuser, who was found “not responsible” by the school each time. She also filed a police report but was denied justice. Sulkowicz is doing this in protest and also as a performance art piece for her senior thesis.

Senator Claire McCaskill (D) proposed a bipartisan bill, The Campus Accountability and Safety Act, on July 30, in order to reduce and prevent sexual assault on college campuses.

The proposal, led by McCaskill along with Senators Dean Heller (R), Richard Blumenthal (D), Chuck Grassley (R), Kirsten Gillibrand (D), Kelly Ayotte (R), Mark Warner (D) and Marco Rubio (R), increases pressure on colleges to deal with sexual assault by putting requirements on the schools. Some of these include providing advisors for victims and creating standardized surveys for students about their experiences with sexual violence on campus.

The bill will also increase the penalties for those schools that don’t comply with already existing laws like the Title IX. Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. Failure to comply with the new bill, or any preexisting laws/bills, would result in fines up to 1 percent of their budget. To give some perspective, for the largest schools, that amount could be $10 million or more.

A survey published by McCaskill in July of 2014 revealed that more than 30 percent of colleges in the sample did not provide sexual assault training for the students, and more than 20 percent didn’t even provide sexual assault response training for the staff. Federal law requires all schools to conduct an investigation into instances of sexual assault, but more than 40 percent of the

Photo Credit: Renee Schoof/MCT Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) speaks on Wednesday, July 9, 2014, in Washington, D.C., about a survey she conducted of colleges and universities and how they handle sexual assault cases. (c) 2004, Renee Schoof. Distributed by McClatchy/Tribune Information Services. schools in the sample had not conducted an investigation in the past five years.

According to U.S. Department of Justice, between 20 percent and 25 percent of women will experience an attempted and/or completed sexual assault during their college career, but more than half tell no one of their victimization. McCaskill’s bill will help shift the responsibility of prosecuting the rapist from the victim to the administration.

The ECHO tried to speak to Webster University about sexual assault on its campus and got permission to contact Gladys Smith, its advocate for sexual assault and harassment. She did not respond to our calls or e-mails.

Tips to Avoid Sexual Assault According to the U.S. Department of Justice, between 20 and 25 percent of women will experience a completed and/or attempted rape during their college career. Of those, 84 percent experienced the incident during their first four semesters on campus.

Here are some tips on how to prevent and protect yourself from rape. v Stick with a buddy. v Secure a ride home with someone you know. v Keep your phone charged. v The elbow is the strongest point of the body-use it. v Don’t drink from punch bowls or open containers.

v Once you receive your drink, don’t take your eyes off of it.* v Don’t wear earplugs when walking on campus late at night. v Carry pepper spray. v Trust your instincts- it’s better to be safe than sorry. v Get medical attention immediately if you are attacked.

*Students at North Carolina State University are developing nail polish called “Undercover Colors” that will detect date rape drugs like Rohypnol, GHB and ketamine.

September 2014

In-Depth

8

the

ECHO

14th Annual Jazz

Audience members listen to 442s with special guest Erin Bode Saturday afternoon at Webster’s annual Jazz and Blues Festiva

Funky Butt Brass Band kicks off 2014 Jazz and Blues Festival Alex Ring Business Manager Opening this year’s Jazz and Blues Festival in Old Webster, The Funky Butt Brass Band debuted “originals and songs from the newest recording session” in its fifth festival appearance.

The band played on the Webster University stage on Sept. 20, at noon.

The New Orleans style brass band has six members, Matt Brinkmann (sousaphone), Adam Hucke (trumpet, vocals), Aaron Chandler (trombone, vocals), Tim Halpin (guitar, vocals), Ben Reece (sax, vocals) and Ron Sikes (drums).

The Funky Butt Brass Band is made of up of musicians skilled in the art of traditional New Orleans Jazz as well as other influences. Tim Halpin described their sound as having influences from “Motown, Chicago blues, hip hop and 70s funk.”

The current six members first came together when a few of the guys subbed in for a band called “Gumbohead.” The players met between connections from prior gigs and school. During that time they played some gigs and then decided to start another band, which later played alongside Gumbohead, and they called themselves Funky Butt Brass Band.

With influences coming from Rebirth Brass Band and Dirty Dozen Brass Band, both pretty mild names, why did they decide to go on a limb and call themselves “Funky Butt Brass Band?”

Chandler explained in the early 1900s, a theater and Jazz club called The Funky Butt was located in New Orleans. When the band heard about this, it decided to try it out, and the name stuck.

In 2008 the Funky Butt Brass Band officially started under its new name and soon played one of their first gigs at the Webster

September 2014

Photo from Funky Butt Brass Band Funky Butt Brass Band members Ben Reece, Adam Hucke, Matt Brinkmann, Ron Sikes, Tim Halpin and Aaron Chandler opened this year’s Jazz and Blues Festival on Sept. 20.

Groves and Blues Jazz Festival, which Hucke described as “a big night for us.”

Chandler said the band always enjoy playing in Webster because “the people are very welcoming and appreciative, which provides a fun atmosphere.” The band said it enjoys festivals because the sets are normally shorter and because the crowds are easy going and have good energy.

9

the

al. Nine other bands, including WGHS’s Jazz I, entertained an estimated 14,000 spectators.

In-Depth

and Blues Festival

ECHO

Photo by Alex Ring

Illegal beverages may tempt underage fest goers Jack Killeen Junior Editor in Chief

Webster’s annual Jazz and Blues Festival is an opportunity for the audience to hear hot music and for students to try to drink cold, illegal substances.

According to high school police liaison Dan Dixon, Webster Groves stations roughly 10 police officers at the festival, with one on every corner and others in the crowds and walking around. They keep their eyes peeled for underage drinking, watching for red flags like open containers, mugs from different restaurants, stumbling high schoolers, red eyes and belligerency.

If they see minors hanging around the parking lot, frequently returning to cars to potentially refill drinks, the officers’ suspicions are aroused.

Dixon said, “We really haven’t had many problems at jazz fest with underage drinking. It’s harder for a student to drink and not be seen by adults who know their parents.”

Senior Katie Flood said, “I think that jazz fest would be an easy place for high schoolers to do it [under-age drinking] because the adults are drinking and occupied, so they aren’t paying attention to whether their kids are drinking.”

Missouri law defines adults as 17 and older and the legal drinking age as 21. Until they are 17, citizens are required to have a blood-alcohol percentage of 0.00 percent but cannot be arrested due to their juvenile status.

When underage citizens are found in possession of alcohol, they are immediately given a minor in possession (MIP) offense.

Underage adults must have a blood-alcohol percentage less than 0.08 percent. The proportion of drinks to percentage differs for

everyone, being dependent on size, height and gender.

“When you don’t arrest anyone, it’s a good day,” said Dixon.

Officers may be on the job, but Dixon recalls seeing a few get down in the crowd, enjoying the music the same as the audience.

Dixon said, “There’s nothing’ like some good jazz and blues.”

Photo by Jack Killeen Adults at Webster’s Jazz and Blues Festival wait in line at one of the kiosks stationed on Gore and Allen Avenues that offers alcoholic beverages.

September 2014

10 ECHO

Feature

the

Manwarring battles two cancers, keeps coaching “It is something I will always have to live with… even though this was initially a shock for me and my family, we are looking at it with a positive attitude and attacking it head on. In my mind, there is no other way to approach it.” -Coach Ken Manwarring Phoebe Mussman Online Editor Health and P.E. teacher and women’s cross country coach Ken Manwarring learned he had multiple myeloma and amyloidosis last year on Sept. 20.

Multiple myeloma is a bone marrow cancer limiting the number of health-sustaining cells in the marrow; amyloidosis is a rare blood disease caused by an abnormal kind of protein, which in Manwarring’s case, is located in the heart.

Both of these diseases are treatable but incurable, so a complete recovery is impossible.

“Mentally, it devastated me because I am a normal, healthy middle-aged man who is active, and this completely came out of nowhere,” Manwarring explained.

“Physically, I am no longer Photo by Jane Manwarring able to do some of the things Coach Ken Manwarring and several of his cross country athletes from last year wear Team I used to do. I rarely run, I do Ken T-shirts to help raise money and support Manwarring, who is dealing with multiple walk, I do still bike, but my fit- myeloma and amyloidosis. ness is definitely affected because of the disease in my heart.

Manwarring received a stem cell/bone dison, started a fund raiser on May 10, to I get tired more easily,” Manwarring said. barrow transplant on April 15, lasting two show the community’s support by selling Manwarring underwent weekly chemo- hospital stays, and missed the remainder light green T-shirts saying, “Team Ken,” therapy, which comprised of one injection of the school year. for $15 if at least 11 people buy them. and two sets of pills, for 20 weeks from The first hospital stay lasted five days “I definitely didn’t expect the shirts October to February. when his stem cells were collected and to be the success they were…the school This caused him to miss one day per frozen. The second stay lasted 15 days, board got involved and a bunch of teachers week of school, and in effect take time off and included two days of intensive che- bought them,” Addison said. Both students of teaching and coaching. motherapy, followed by the return of his and staff purchased enough T-shirts in the “Coach actually didn’t tell us he had stem cells on April 15. previous order to produce a check of $700 cancer until the end of our cross country After a four-month recovery, Manwar- for Manwarring. season because he thought it could have ring began weekly chemotherapy again “The Team Ken Shirts were such a cool affected our running. None of us would’ve on Aug. 22, which will continue for him thing. Sarah Addison started the fund guessed he was ill… he didn’t miss many every Friday until mid-December. raiser, which was a tremendous success. It practices and always had a positive at“All of the WGHS staff and students was such a sweet thing for her to do, and I titude,” junior Liz White said. “I know who are aware of this are extremely am truly appreciative of her and of all who he devoted as much time as he could to supportive, especially my cross country purchased a shirt,” Manwarring said. coaching without letting his cancer influ- girls,” Manwarring said.

People can keep up with how he’s doing ence cross country training.”

One of those girls, senior Sarah Ad- under his profile of Ken Manwarring on caringbridge.org.

September 2014

the

ECHO

11

Photo by Jack Killeen Crowd members participate in the minute of cheering held in honor of freshman Alaina Bickhaus during Thursday’s game against Parkway Central.

Jack Killeen Junior Editor in Chief With 15 minutes on the scoreboard, the sea of yellow that is the home crowd breaks into applause. To a bystander it seems like a spontaneous burst of team spirit, but Webster supporters know it’s for freshman Alaina Bickhaus, whose 15 years of life ended only a few hours earlier.

Bickhaus, who grew up in Webster and attended the Computer School, Steger and Hixson, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a cancerous bone tumor, in June of 2013. She was taken off treatment on Sept. 9, and since then, spent her time on a hospital bed in her living room. Bickhaus was never able to walk the halls of Webster Groves High School as a student because of the cancer.

Bickhaus played basketball, volleyball and swam for Webster Waves. As described by freshman and friend Katie Conley, Bickhaus was talkative, loud and good at making friends. She had a bit of an attitude that made her that much more fun.

Freshman Brendan Muldoon recalled the multiple meals he spent with Bickhaus, his mom and her mom, at The Pan-

cake House. Bickhaus always ordered two plain pancakes, with butter and syrup, but never ate it all. While she was going through treatment, Muldoon would visit Bickhaus and just sit and talk with her while she lay in bed.

Muldoon said, “She’s a good friend to everybody, no matter who you are.”

On Sept. 18, Webster’s Varsity soccer game against Parkway Central was dedicated to Bickhaus. The crowd showed support towards the Bickhaus family by wearing yellow, the color that represents Ewing Sarcoma. Players wore yellow tape around their wrists and ankles to express their support.

“It’s great. I love seeing Webster Groves come together to support my sister,” said junior Trey Bickhaus, Alaina’s brother.

About 40 juniors came up with the idea to dedicate Thursday’s game to Bickhaus.

This group communicated through the smart phone app, GroupMe, a means for multiple people to communicate in one message stream. Group members refer to themselves as “Squaaadd.”

Squaaadd wanted to do something to recognize the strength and courage Bickhaus and her entire family have shown throughout this tragic time. “She’s a part of our high school and deserves to be

honored,” Squaaadd members said.

This group includes members of the Selma Street Elite and 11 Varsity soccer players. Squaaadd contributed ideas into every aspect in which Bickhaus was honored.

Head Varsity Coach TimCashel was glad to have his team dedicate the game to Bickhaus. He said, “When you get approached with something like this, you just think about the family. We just wanted to lift their spirits. Everybody feels sympathy for the family. I love soccer, but we’re also a part of the Webster Groves community. To me, it’s a function of the team and program to help.”

Junior Becca Riley organized the game dedication. She went to activities director Jerry Collins and Coach Cashel to gain their approval, orchestrated an announcement over the intercom about the game on Wednesday and Thursday and set up balloons, streamers and a banner to decorate Selma Field with the help of other students.

About why she felt compelled to do this, Riley said, “I would want the same support for myself if this had happened to my family and me. It’s horrible.”

As another means of tribute, a minute of applause was held with 15 minutes left to go in the first half, celebrating the 15 years of life Bickhaus has lived. During this minute, 15 yellow balloons were released into the sky by friends of Bickhaus.

There was also a halftime speech read by Selma Street Elite President Anthony Rivituso, senior. Riley wrote the speech with the help of junior Cullen Drissell, and then Cashel edited it.

Cashel said the parents were happier to have a minute of applause as opposed to a moment of silence because of its positive nature. “You like to think that someone’s life is celebratory,” he said.

According to Dr. Jon Clark, 300-400 students attended the game. He made an announcement concerning Bickhaus’s death the next morning, calling for a brief moment of silence throughout the whole school in her honor.

“Our support is with the Bickhaus family, and I know that I speak for the whole student body when I say that,” Cashel said.

September 2014

Feature

Community dedicates game to cancer victim

12 ECHO Sports

the

Netherland trip improves Varsity soccer’s strategy, skill Andre Scott Circulation Editor Men’s Varsity soccer will play in the CYC tournament, Gateway Classic and Saint Louis Soccer Classic from Sept. 22 to Oct. 8.

Ranking number eight in the St. Louis area in Class 3 soccer, the Statesmen will face Rockhurst High School on Oct. 2.

Webster is 6-3 on the year so far.

The team went to the Netherlands on July 16-25, to participate in the youth team’s version of Bundesliga and Eredivisie, a professional association soccer competition.

The team played four games against four teams from the Netherlands and Germany. One game was an amateur game

while the others were against youth professional teams.

The teams showed “very high quality,” said head coach Tim Cashel.

While in the Netherlands the team had three practices. The practices mainly focused on passing exercises because Dutch soccer focuses mainly on ball possession.

They worked with two different coaches, with one working on tactics and the other working on “intense” drilling, senior Sam Craig said.

“The trip was life changing. I have never been closer to a team,” Craig added.

Back at home the players focus on things like mental stability, pass plays, technical skills and constant movement. Most practices end with playing a mock game to better players’ skills.

Photo by Bret Waelterman Junior John Conley retains the ball from a Rockwood Summit player.

The team is mentally prepared in practice by “paying attention to detail in training and matches in terms of training at our highest level and implementing tactics,” Cashel said.

“We simply want to be the best we can be,” Cashel said.

Bennett from the Bleachers

WGHS should create intramural sports program

Bennett Durando Sports Columnist As frequent state contenders in multiple sports, WGHS takes only the best for its teams. The bar continues to rise along with Webster’s expectations. This leaves countless other student athletes with little or no way to play organized sports.

Although nothing’s wrong with these competitive high school sports, the lack of other opportunities is a problem, and programs like CYC are not considered an adequate replacement.

A good substitute would be an intramural athletic program. Setting up friendly, student-run teams, almost like school clubs, would take pressure off newcomers and those who feel they can’t succeed at the highly competitive level.

An easy opportunity to play sports for fun like they did through grade school and middle school would excite students.

Imagine this...

You’ve just started kindergarten. You’re

playing YMCA soccer in the fall, CYC basketball in the winter, little league baseball or softball in the spring. You get to have fun and meet new friends and swing a bat for the first time, or run the wrong way with the ball, only to realize it after you’ve finished celebrating that you scored for the other team. You don’t care though, because you scored anyway, for the first time.

That sort of carefree happiness can be experienced by playing with your friends in an organized league for fun. Why should that have to stop at high school? It shouldn’t be too late by any means.

Sophomore Jacob Schmitt played basketball and soccer for years growing up, then played C-Team soccer his freshman year. Rather than try out for the freshman basketball team last year, he opted for a less competitive option, setting up and player-coaching a CYC basketball team with his friends.

“I prefer these non-competitive sports because in my opinion, a lot of the fun is taken out of the sport once it turns more competitive and more intense,” said Schmitt. “Once you realize that you’re only playing for the fun of it and not just only ‘for the win,’ then you really get to cherish every second.”Schmitt’s team finished just 3-7, but he

September 2014

did cherish every second, so much that he can easily recall their highlight moments (though few, he said) of the season.

“My intramural basketball team wore the colors orange and black to represent where we were from,” said Schmitt. “In one of our overtime games (sophomore) Eric Schaefer hit a game tying three as time ran out, then (sophomore) Bailey Osburn ran the show in overtime, hitting at least four threes. We won the game by 10 points. It was a favorite sports memory in my life, and I’ll never forget it.”

Now Schmitt is planning a Vetta soccer team with his friends this fall, after not trying out for the high school team.

“It would be great for the high school to have an intramural sports system,” said Schmitt. “If you know or prefer something like the CYC sports leagues, then this would be great (for you). A big group would definitely come out for these intramural sports, and I’m sure Webster would benefit from it.”

Students would benefit from a program like the one suggested by Schmitt.

Besides the fun and lack of pressure, it would provide easy enjoyable activity in a society where child obesity is an issue, which may be worsening due to the lack of available athletic opportunities or other chances to be physically active.

13 Football star will take talents to Mizzou the

ECHO

Andy Kimball Opinion Columnist When senior Cam Hilton, Webster’s top wide receiver and defensive back, graduates this spring, he will extend his football career to the Mizzou.

Hilton, who was a star on the team that lead the Statesman to the Missouri State semifinals, was an All-State and All-Metro player as a junior, and had 70 tackles and seven interceptions last season, three of which were returned for touchdowns.

None were more prominent than his 100-yard pick six in which he weaved

through Pioneers to shift the momentum in Webster’s 21-19 win over Kirkwood in the frigid cold of last year’s District championship game.

Hilton had 1,100 all-purpose yards as a return man and had 922 receiving yards.

He also had 19 total touchdowns.

He was also All-District and All-Conference on offense and defense.

Hilton was most proud of “All-State and All-Metro… because that means that I am one of the top players in the state and in the area.”

Hilton is a three-star safety prospect according to 247sports.com and is the 10th

Fall Sports Upcoming Varsity Softball

Varsity Football

Varsity Men’s Soccer

Your Times.

Parkway Central Tournament: Saturday Sept. 27 Saturday, Sept. 27 @ Hazelwood Central 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27 @ TBA 10:15 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27 @ TBA 3:30 p.m.

Games played at Manchester Athletic Association CYC Tournament: Sept. 26-27, times, opponents TBA. Games played at Soccer Park.

St. Louis Soccer Classic: Monday Sept. 29 Monday Sept. 29 @ DeSmit Jesuit 3:45 p.m.

Game played at Whitfield School.

Friday, Sept. 26, @ Ritenour 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 2, vs. Parkway North 6 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 10, vs. Rockwood Summit 7 p.m.

Saturday. Oct. 18, @ McCluer 1 p.m.

facebook.com/WebsterKirkwoodTimes twitter.com/WKTimes websterkirkwoodtimes.com

September 2014

Sports

Photo by Bret Waelterman Senior Cam Hilton runs into the open field against Jackson High School in the 2013 Class Five State quarterfinals.

rated recruit in Missouri. He was given an 83 of 100 score by ESPN.com and is listed as the top safety recruit in Missouri and as a top 50 safety nationally.

Hilton made the decision on April 19 to attend Mizzou because “It was the perfect fit for me. It’s in the best football conference, and the SEC (southeastern conference), the location, and the facilities are great.”

He chose Mizzou over Indiana, Vanderbilt, Iowa, Iowa State and Illinois.

Hilton started playing football in the first grade. He said he “wanted to try things out, but I was really too young to remember.”

Hilton is inspired by “my mom definitely, my whole family, my coaches, and Joe Scherer,” he said.

Scherer, who is a football coach in Saint Louis, played college football at Pennsylvania University and has a son, Michael, who plays linebacker for the Tigers.

Hilton will join a large number of Statesman athletes to play Division I athletics and, if he can make it to the NFL, he would be the fifth player from WGHS to do so, joining current Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Adrian Clayborn and statesmen football stars Keith Jones, Rick Cash, Herb Blumer and Joel Litzenitch.

Hilton will play safety at Mizzou. About plans after Mizzou, he said “When players play well and excel at Mizzou, they usually go to the NFL, and that’s something I would really like to do.”

14 ECHO ‘X’ sparks ‘New Flame’

Entertainment

the

Brittany Patton News Editor After a year of R&B singer Chris Brown continuously pushing back the release of his sixth album, on Sept. 16, Brown finally released “X.” According to contactmusic.com, “X’s” original release date was July 16, 2013.

Then, the release date moved to Aug. 20, 2013.

After missing its deadline again, Brown supposedly changed it to November. When November came, “X” wasn’t on shelves.

Then Brown planned to release it May 5, on his 24th birthday. The reason the May release was changed was Brown’s incarceration for an alleged assault.

While going through constant release delays, “X” also went through a name change, being originally entitled “Carpe Diem.”

During an interview with Ebony.com, Brown explained his reasoning for naming the album “X.” “The title of the album is called ‘X,’ so basically, it’s defining who I am as a

24-year-old male trying to grow up, but also ‘X’ is also a release,” he said.

The album features top singles “Loyal” (featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga), which was 10 on the Billboard Charts Hot R&B Songs, “Love More” (featuring Nicki Minaj), which hit on the Billboard Charts Hot R&B Songs, “Fine China,” “New Flame” (featuring Usher and Rick Ross), which was 15 on the Billboard Charts Hot R&B Songs and “Don’t Think They Know” (featuring Aaliyah).

The album has 22 songs on deluxe edition and 17 on the standard version.

Photo from chrisbrownworld.com Collaborations include singers, Trey Songz, R. Kelly, and R&B singer Chris Brown released his sixth Ariana Grande and rappers, Ken- studio album titled “X” on Sept. 16. drick Lamar and Akon.

The ‘X’ deluxe edition is $14.98, and booklet, and the standard version is $9.99. the standard version is $11.96 on Amazon.

The parental advisory is due to explicit com, and on iTunes.com the deluxe edi- content. tion is $14.99, and comes with a digital

ECHO FAMILY

The ECHO Family are some of the most benevolent members of our community, who with their donations support high school journalism and help make publications such as the ECHO possible.

To become a member of the ECHO Family, please contact Alex Ring at ring.alexlee@gmail.com

Laurie Murphy

Curtin Family

Kathy Whaley

Kevin Killeen

Julie Harrelson

Webster Groves Baptist Church

Mary Ann & Don Schafer

Zychinski Family

Dugan Family

Cross Vitale

James Williams

The Jeffries

Dr. Sarah Riss

September 2014

the

ECHO

Local ghost tour gives chilling histories Aerin Johnson Editor in Chief The time is coming when we try to get a chill from the world around us.

While some prefer the haunted houses where people jump out, I personally prefer getting a peek at the darker side of St. Louis history.

According to Dave Riordan of Riordan Tour, St. Louis is the fourth most haunted city in the United States. He has run Haunted History Walking Tour around St. Louis for three years and shares stories from St. Louis’ history that are sure to give you a chill.

To begin the tour, you first meet a Morgan’s Street Brewery, a restaurant with a friendly atmosphere and entertaining things such as paintings of bears and even a buffalo head.

Before going out, you can grab a bite to eat and get prepped for the walk ahead.

There is a 10 percent discount at Morgan Street Brewery for tour group patrons.

After gathering everyone together, Riordan leads everyone outside to begin the tour with the rules or more specifically none.

“There are no rules!” Riordan says as he begins his tours earning a laugh. He has based this year’s tour on the 250th birthday of St. Louis. He also mentions his own personal history with ghosts. Then he leads to the first location.

Riordan leads his groups around downtown to places like Rue Royal Street, Eads Bridge and what Riordan considers to be the most haunted area of St. Louis, Claymorgan Alley. He tells exciting and interesting stories has he takes groups around the Arch.

Riordan does the research for all his stories to make sure he’s getting the facts right for the most part. However he did give an exception if he found multiple versions of the same story.

“I reserve the right to tell you the more entertaining one,” Riordan said.

The tours usually have about 20-26 people on them and are perfect for all ages. Tours start at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and cost $20 per person.

When you walk down the dark cobblestone streets and hear the wind whistle through the air, you’re sure to go back in time.

They are probably one of the most en-

Photo by Aerin Johnson Haunt tour guide Dave Riordan leads a group down a dimly lighted street of St. Louis. tertaining tours you will ever go on, and you are sure to get a chill, a thrill, and whatever else you’re looking for this Halloween.

St. Louis’ Top Haunts 1. Lemp Mansion 2. The Exorcist House 3. Alexian Brothers Hospital 4. Powell Symphony Hall 5. Jefferson Barracks

Photo by Aerin Johnson Dave Riordan leads tours through Claymorgan Alley, where bodies of cholera victims were put after they died.

September 2014

Entertainment

Let’s get scary...

15

3 Good Reasons to Visit 1. Unique programs like cyber security, bioinformatics or applied (web/digital) design.

2. A personalized approach that’s hard to find.

3. Faculty dedicated to YOUR success and career preparation.

Fontbonne University Preview Days “The Big Overview” • Friday, Oct. 17

•

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

(financial aid, scholarships, tours, student/faculty introductions, lunch & more)

“Meet the Geeks” • Tuesday, Oct. 28

•

7 – 9 p.m.

(cyber security, partnership in engineering, bioinformatics, One Health, computer science and more)

“Educate The World” • Saturday, Dec. 6

•

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

(deaf education, speech-language pathology, education/special education, dietetics, family & consumer sciences and more)

Learn More or Register: www.fontbonne.edu/wghs