Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Arianna Peper PRINT/PODCAST EDITOR: Margaret Korte FEATURE/VIDEO EDITOR: Jasper Winterton SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER/ SPORTS EDITOR: Sam Enlund JUNIOR SPORTS EDITOR: Isaac Choi ADVISOR: Donald Johnson
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Thrive offers students real-world entrepreneurship
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experience State win brings new tournaments to basketball schedule
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Underclassmen compete in Turkey Day Game
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Review: ‘Wicked’ meets expectations
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Sports injuries impact academic performance
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Word search
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ECHO Family Supporters Jodie and Chris Allen Abbie and Chris Enlund John and Kathy Enlund Kelsey and Sean Hogarty Mary Jane and Rick Kuhn Aerin Johnson Keillyn Johnson 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 JournalismSTL, Quill and Scroll, MIJA, JEA, NSPA and CSPA.
Cover cutline: Art by junior Felix Jackson
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5 Table of Contents | December 2025
Thrive offers students real-world entrepreneurship experience Arianna Peper Editor-in-Chief “It gives students a chance to build something meaningful and learn how to navigate real-world challenges,” Thrive Entrepreneurship coordinator Kara Siebe said about the Thrive program at WGHS. Thrive is a year-long program offered to juniors and seniors in which students spend their first three periods of the school day at the WGSD Service Center. There, students work in teams to identify problems, build business ideas, test products, meet with mentors and pitch their ideas. Siebe said, “They visit local com- Thrive students participate in a site visit at Bi-State Development and wait to board the panies, learn directly from profes- Metrolink. sionals, and regularly connect with Photo provided by Kara Siebe community mentors who challenge and guide them. Each semester ends with a public Pitch Night, feedback and community support for their businesses. Several supported by the Webster Groves/Shrewsbury/Rock Hill/Brent- competitions have taken place so far, where every team earned wood Chamber of Commerce and judged by local entrepreneurs, $250 in seed funding, and an additional $1,000 was awarded at its recent Digital Strike Pitch. business leaders and alumni.” Farmer has created a clothing brand, Rivera Dream, that also Senior Xavier Pereira, whose team is working on an all-natural wipe in the company “Kyros Recovery,” said, “I joined Thrive sells accessories, including charm bracelets. Farmer placed second at the Digital Strike Pitch competition, to learn more about the world of entrepreneurship and apply that which she said “definitely fueled me to work harder on my busiknowledge to my life, furthering my business career. “ Designed for those interested in business, Thrive connects stu- ness. For her brand, Farmer is currently working on doing pop-up dents with mentors to create profitable businesses. Senior Kaniya Farmer said, “I joined Thrive because it was shops for her charm bracelets and designing all of the signature recommended to me last year, so I thought it was the perfect op- pieces so she can launch her website. Along with upcoming pitches, the class will travel to New portunity to start something for myself and push my creativity.” The program was created seven years ago by Siebe and Steve York City in January for a series of “site visits and professional McAelvey, who co-created Thrive and became one of the first experiences, continue advancing their business ideas, take products to market and keep working closely with their mentors,” Thrive Community Champions. McAelvey passed away from cancer during year three, but “his Siebe said. The Thrive program’s structure allows for students to gain vision and passion still guide the program,” Siebe said. At this point in the year, Thrive students have registered of- communication skills and a strong understanding of the business ficial businesses with the state, formed LLCs and are actively world by taking their own ideas and exploring new pathways with real-world experience. working with their mentors. This setup has left a lasting impression on alumni from the Siebe said, “Right now, teams are refining prototypes, shaping their branding, developing financial plans and gathering cus- program as well. Harrison Moriarty, Webster graduate, said via LinkedIn, “Protomer feedback. We also have several major site visits and guest speakers underway, including visits to World Wide Technology, grams like this don’t come around often, by now, every alumni Bi-State Development, Union Station, and various agencies and from Thrive that I’ve worked with and met have gone to be very startups across St. Louis. These experiences give students a first- successful after high school whether it was their work and inhand look at how different industries operate as they continue to volvement in their jobs/internships, or even being recognized for their academics/accolades at their own Universities, all because grow their ideas.” Students also have the opportunity to be recognized through of the influence we gained from this very program. pitch competitions where they can earn funding, professional
December 2025 | Feature
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State win creates changes to basketball schedule Sam Enlund Social Media/Sports Editor Varsity basketball will compete in new travel tournaments this year, adding to the usual Bill Hanson Memorial Tournament in Pittsburg, KS, on Jan. 22-24. Following basketball’s win in State last season, the team has been invited to compete in more tournaments, adding to its already busy schedule. This year’s tournament and travel game schedule includes the Southeast Classic in Nashville against Centennial, based out of California, on Nov. 29, which the Statesmen won 60-56. The team will play in the Capitol City Classic in Salem, OR, Dec. 19-23, the Highland Shootout vs Inglewood, CA, on Jan. 10, the MLK the Dream Classic vs Marist in Flossmoor, IL, on Jan. 18, the Bill Hanson Memorial Tournament in Pittsburg, KS, on Jan. 22-24, the Bank of O’Fallon Shootout on Feb. 7, and the Matthew Dickey Shootout at Normandy vs Vashon on Feb. 14. About the tournaments, head coach Justin Mathes said, “Some of them offer unique experiences like the chance to play teams we’ve never competed against before in cities like Nashville or Salem, OR. Those give our guys a chance to see parts of the country that they may not have gotten to visit before. Ultimately, I’m trying to prepare our team for the postseason by playing difficult opponents and hopefully make some awesome memories in the process. Other events offer the chance to play in front of college coaches that may not normally see our team and hopefully can generate some interest in our players.” Mathes added some of the tournaments are used to raise money for certain organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and the Optimist Club. The Highland Shootout, raising money for the Optimist Club, describes the event on its website. The website says, “The Highland Shootout brings elite high school basketball to Highland, Illinois—seven games, nonstop action, and a stage built for future stars.” With the new travel tournaments, the team has had to figure out transportation and lodging. Because some of the tournaments include so many teams and foster highly competitive atmospheres, the tournaments get funding from high level corporations. The Capital City Classic is being funded by Toyota and the Highland Shootout is sponsored by the Apex Network. The tournaments or shootouts will cover lodging and transportation in almost every case. Besides the travel and costs, the tournaments will provide a number of opportunities for the teams and specifically the athletes. Mathes said, “Our status as a Nike Elite HS program is going to allow us to tour the Nike Global Headquarters in Portland, OR, which should be a fun opportunity.” Senior Quincy Williams said, “I feel more excitement than anything. Gives us the opportunity to get better and prepare us for the playoffs, along with it giving me the personal opportunity to showcase myself in front of more eyes and college coaches.” Williams added, “The coolest part has got to be visiting these
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Junior Scottie Adkinson goes up for a layup against two defenders from Principia School during the varsity basketball Jamboree held on Thursday, Nov. 20. The game was held in Roberts Gym and ended in a 38-57 loss for the Statesmen.
Photo by Sam Enlund
new places and seeing all different basketball. I’ve never been to Oregon before, but playing on this team has blessed me with the opportunity to take that trip, so that’s pretty cool to me.” The team has already played in the Southeast Classic in Nashville against Centennial High School, and will host their annual tournament at Webster from Dec. 11-13.
Sports | December 2025
Underclassmen compete in Turkey Day Game Isaac Choi Junior Sports Editor When Kirkwood beat Farmington 70-56, the team moved on to the Class 5 Football State Semifinals, causing the 2025 Turkey Day game to be an underclassman game between the freshmen and sophomores on Webster and Kirkwood’s teams. On the Webster side, over 30 juniors and seniors were unable to participate in the event. Senior Owen Gillis-Davis said, “I wanted to play my last game, although this scenario gave us our best chance.” The revamped Webster team consisted of four Varsity sophomores who were added to the JV squad, Rahmone Johnson, Noah Banks, King Mitchell and Twan Crews. The team also required several adjustments to the lineup because of the absence of several players due to family matters. The offensive line was readjusted as sophomore Leo Travers had to play guard for the first time in his career, and sophomore Henry Rycenga started at quarterback for the first time since Sept. 29. The Turkey Day final score was Kirkwood 45-14. Freshman Declan Hazelton and Rycenga scored the two touchdowns for the Webster team.
December 2025 | Sports
Sophomore Henry Ryzenga carries the ball down the field during the annual Turkey Day Game between Webster Groves High School and Kirkwood High School. This year, underclassmen players from each school competed to win the Frisco Bell. The game was Thursday, Nov. 27, at Kirkwood, ending in a 14-45 loss for Webster.
Photo by Sam Enlund
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Review: ‘Wicked: For Good’ meets expectations Margaret Korte Print/Podcast Editor
Though the excitement surrounding the release of “Wicked” in November 2024 seemed unable to replicate when the film came out, this fanfare was only bolstered by the anticipation of a sequel to release the next year. With lovable songs, an unforgettable press tour, and the promise of “Wicked: For Good” to be released the next November, the cinematic experience of “Wicked” last year was unforgettable. Many who were not already familiar with the stage musical were introduced to new characters, songs, and a new set of celebrities. With “For Good” scheduled to release the next year, “Wicked” was a cinematic universe, rather than just one film. The reaction to “Wicked: For Good” is much less dynamic than that of “Wicked,” which is to be expected of a sequel. Still, the leadup to its release brought “Wicked” back into the public eye. Expectations were high, as “Wicked” ends on several cliffhangers. Viewers at the end of the movie in November 2024 found themselves wishing they could skip to November 2025 to see how the story ended up, but no time machine needed, “Wicked: For Good” is finally here, and it is just that: good. It’s just fine. It’s an impressive film. Everything about it is larger-than-life, just like its predecessor. Because of the frenzy around “Wicked,” though, the expectation is almost that “For Good” will surpass expectations. However, “For Good” is unable to meet the high standards set by the first “Wicked.” Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star in “Wicked: For Good,” which The film follows witches Elphaba (Cynthia premiered Nov. 21. Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), leading their Graphic from “Wicked: For Good” film website now-separate lives. Glinda has been thrust into a homages made to both the first “Wicked” and to “The Wizard of position of power as Elphaba is in hiding, trying to expose the truth of the fraudulent Wizard of Oz, played by Jeff Oz” are satisfying. “For Good” is also more somber than “Wicked,” especially Goldblum (“Jurassic Park”). The acting of both Erivo and Grande continues to excel: their in its soundtrack. Although it includes some noteworthy songs, chemistry, as well as the completely different but equally tal- they are not the catchy, well-known ones from the first movie. ented vocals, make them shine as the movie’s leads. They make The film tries to make up for this tone shift with a few jokes that even the most ridiculous scenes seem believable. This is an im- seem out-of-place. Despite this, for fans of the first movie, the second movie is a pressive feat, because in “For Good,” it is clear that the screenmust-see. It is definitely recommended to see “Wicked” first, as writers needed to tie up many loose ends, and quickly. Even with an over-two-hour run time, the movie rushes to the story would be bizarre to anyone who was not familiar with place characters in the positions they need to be, rushing certain the first film. From the talented vocals to the dedicated acting, scenes and drawing out others. Changes in characters happen “For Good” has all the strengths of the original. Secondary characters, like that of Jonathan Bailey (“Bridgerrapidly, sometimes offscreen, leaving the viewer confused. Because there are so many characters and so many storylines, it is ton”) and Goldblum also contribute to the film, as they beyond ambitious of even a two-movie series, altogether consisting of an carry their weight with both their musical numbers and acting. “Wicked: For Good” was released in theaters on Nov. 21. It almost five-hour runtime, to try to follow each story thoroughly. While many storylines seem rushed, it is also enjoyable to see has a two-hour and 18-minute runtime, and is rated PG for aceach one resolved, even if in an obvious manner. References and tion, violence, some suggestive and thematic material.
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Entertainment | December 2025
Sports injuries impact academic performance Jasper Winterton Feature/Video Editor “My injuries specifically made it impossible for me to spend a whole day at school for almost nine months,” Luca Tetreault, senior, said. Tetreault has been involved in sports for the majority of her high school career, and she is involved in both softball and wrestling. She has gotten three concussions, a cervical spine ligament injury, a high ankle sprain and a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) through her athletic involvement. Rachel Winingham, school nurse, said via email, “Sports injuries can definitely affect stuGraphic made in Canva dents’ academic performance as well as mental health. Sports injury management should always include academic and mental health support.” According to a Cureus article, “High school students are highly active and often experience sports-related injuries, particularly during school activities. These injuries can profoundly affect students’ academic performance and mental health.” A study cited in the article found that 65% of students involved experienced a sports related injury in their high school years, and 56% reported obtaining three sports related injuries. “My concussions made it difficult to read because my eyes were damaged ... I wasn’t allowed to use technology too much
because it hurt my head. The concussions also gave me headaches whenever it was too bright in the classroom or too loud,” Tetreaut said. Tetreaut added coaches need to understand that if someone gets hit in the head, even slightly hard, they should still sit out until they are checked out. She added that she has gotten a lot of support from her teachers and wrestling coaches. “The hardest part about being injured in school is that if nobody can see that you’re injured then it’s almost like they just don’t believe you. When I had the neck brace people treated me like I was seriously injured, but when I stopped wearing it that was when everybody expected me to go back to normal, like nothing ever happened even though I was still hurting,” Tetreaut said. Winingham said teachers, coaches and administrators “can be empathetic and validate feelings, ensure academic and appropriate team inclusion and provide practical support to combat isolation and frustration that are common with sports-related injuries” to support students dealing with injuries.
RADIOACTIVE MAY ELEVATE I.Q. LEVELS Informing readers for over 45 years. December 2025 | Feature
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Word Search | December 2025