eureka high school ¡ volume 77 ¡ issue 2
april 2020
COVID-19 puts world to a halt
the bugle
Letter from the editor...
We live in a time where journalism is as important, if not more important, than ever. With journalism comes the good, the bad and the ugly. It’s not always glamorous work. As I said in my previous letter, there were two things I wanted to do before the end of my senior year. I wanted to grow our Eureka Broadcast Network program and print a newsmagazine. With a little over one month left in my high school career, I can proudly say I have done both of those things, the good. Unfortunately, just like with journalism, there have been things I have had to do that I have not wanted to do, the bad and the ugly. I never wanted to be out of school for this long, despite what I may have said. I never wanted to piece together a newsmagazine about a deadly virus that has taken over the human race. I never wanted to check The Bugle’s obituary policy and I certainly never wanted to use it. When we wrote about COVID-19 in our March issue, we didn’t plan to write about it again. But when schools were closed, people lost jobs and the country was shutting down, I didn’t see much of a choice. It was our duty to report on coronavirus. So here it is. The good, the bad and the ugly. The Bugle’s unplanned COVID-19 edition.
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Ethan Fine editior-in-chief
Editor-in-chief Ethan Fine
Social media editor Taylor Werges
photo editor Jordan Hrabko
design editor Mara Anselm
business manager Sedona Sayers
reporters Audrey Brown Sophia Brummond Natalie Criswell Samuel Dial Olivia Dolan Jacob Dunbar Luke Hughes Keaton Moore Ethan Mullins Grace Walton Tre’shur Willingham
adviser
Brent Pearson
EHS event update Sam Dial The spread of COVID-19 has affected Eureka’s schedule in many ways, including significant c anges to Prom and Graduation. These are important events to many students ig sc ool e periences “Our school and district administrators will attempt to preserve the many school traditions we encounter near the end of each school year,” Dr. Mark Miles, Superintendent, said in a video uploaded to the Rockwood School District YouTube channel. “Those include prom, graduation ceremonies and other grade-level celebrations.” As of now, the EHS Prom is planned to be held Saturday, May 9, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Eureka High School. The decision to host the Prom at the school building will allow tickets to be sold for less and add more fle ibility to c ange t e date and time if needed. It will also encourage students to support local businesses when dining in the area. As for Graduation, the current date of Tuesday, May 19 is still being used. However, the school has a backup date on June 4, at 5 p.m. in case they are unable to hold it at the planned time. The event will be held at Chaifetz Arena regardless of which date is used. “The administration and staff at EHS is so sorry that this has happened and has impacted our students,” Jennifer Strauser, Associate Principal, said. “We are making every effort to preserve as many traditions as possible.”
coronavirus edition
Eureka counselor Sandy Kearney passes away Ethan Fine
Flowers sit outside of the marquee in front of Eureka High School, memorializing Sandy Kearney after she passed away, April 2. Photo by Ethan Fine.
Eureka High School guidance counselor Sandy Kearney passed away from COVID-19, April 2. Kearney, 70, worked at EHS for 27 years as a counselor. Prior to this, she was a substitute teacher in the district. Kearney’s sister is a counselor at Marquette High School and her daughter is a librarian at Crestview Middle School. Families were notified of her passing via email from RSD and EHS evening. According to a Caring Bridge site set up by her daughter, Kearney was first diagnosed with a rare blood disease, essential thrombocythemia, over 30 years ago. Doctors
told her the disease would take her life. Instead, it developed into advanced myelofibrosis, a cancer affecting bone marrow and blood cell production. Myelofibrosis also weakens the immune system. Sandy Kearney began noticing flu-like symptoms, March 24, one day after her husband had. Both later tested positive for COVID-19. Although his health had improved, Kearney’s husband, David, insisted staying in the hospital alongside his wife. Sandy Kearney, guidance, passed away, April 2. Photo courtesy of Interstate Studios.
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Social Distancing with social media Keaton Moore
In a world of technology that allows people to interact through apps such as FaceTime, Zoom and Skype, it is hard not to stay connected. However, seeing a friend or loved one through a screen doesn’t always feel the same as it would in person. During this unprecedented time caused by COVID-19 and with social distancing, people are looking for ways to stay connected. “I Facetime my friends a lot throughout the day, even at night time,” Megan Sabo (12) said. “We text and try to stay connected through social media as much as we can.” Social media has proved to be a great tool in helping people interact when stuck at home. James Sherman (12) found that talking in a group chat seemed to make it a little easier to be apart; however, the conversations aren’t what they used to be. “We have been talking more, but it’s mostly all about the same thing with either the virus, AP exams and school,” Sherman said. “How do you have a conversation not about coronavirus?” Most just want a sense of normalcy and are eager to return to
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regular everyday activities. “What I look forward to doing with my friends after all of this passes is just being able to see them again and hang out as we did before the quarantine,” Paige Weckherlin (12) said. “It’s been difficult going from seeing them every single day to not being able to see them at all. We have tried to make each other’s days by dropping off notes at each other’s houses to let each other know that we are thinking of them, which has helped a lot and kept us connected.” With the stay-at-home order in place for the entire state of Missouri, activities outside the house have been limited. Governor Mike Parson and St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page have cracked down on people out for non-essential activities. People can still take walks and exercise; however, there has been a recent closure of several local parks and trails. Many people in relationships now find it hard to not physically get to see their significant other. In a day of technology, Facetime has become a very useful tool. Sherman has found that the hardest part is being away from
his girlfriend “We have been FaceTiming a couple of nights a week, but that is not the same as seeing her in person,” Sherman said. “Not even close.” Staying at home is challenging for many and is a test of strength. For now, people are doing whatever it takes to stay in touch with the people closest to them. “It’s been pretty tough,” Sabo said. “One of the exciting things about school is seeing your friends and staying connected with them. Not being able to do that, it has not been the most ideal.” Even with all of the technology, it can’t compare to real human interactions. Social media is great for sharing messages, but nothing compares to the deep, personal connections that happen in person.
coronavirus edition
Taking care of business
Taylor Werges and Grace Walton
Restaurants in downtown Eureka have posted signs to advertise curb-side pick-up, an effort made to keep businesses running during the pandemic. Photo by Ethan Fine. With the recent outbreak of COVID-19 and the Stay-at-Home Order issued by the state of Missouri, local businesses have been forced to switch to carry-out only, or have been shut down completely. “Unfortunately with the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to change our business model for the foreseeable future,” Kevin Gannon, general manager of Melvin’s Brewery, said. “We have had to lay off over 25 employees, almost our entire staff, and have begun only operating a to-go food and beer program. We have been permitted by the town to deliver within the city limits of Eureka, which has been helpful. As a new business, it has been extremely difficult to make these changes, but we are trying to make a difference in the community where we still can.” During these trying times, Eureka has continued to rally around its community. Mayor Sean Flower recently passed an executive order to allow Eureka restaurants to sell alcohol through curbside or deliveries in an attempt to increase revenue. Flower also owns his own business, Flower and Fendler Homes. As a business owner, he has been providing an empathetic ear to other businesses. Eureka leaders and first responders have been providing support by ordering from local businesses as well.
“Chief [Greg] Brown came up with an idea to have the District buy lunch from a different restaurant in town each day,” Scott Barthelmass, Division Chief and Public Information Officer, said. “He then challenged the Police Department and others to do the same.” Leaders within Eureka High School have encouraged the support of local businesses, as well. EHS Activities Direc-
“We currently have sales that are 20 percent of normal service levels.” - Kevin Gannon, general manager of Melvin’s Brewing tor Gregg Cleveland sent an announcement on Twitter encouraging those who could afford it to eat out at local businesses, April 2. “Coach [Austin] Kirby called me and told me about this initiative he saw on Twitter and wondered if we could do something similar in our community to show support for the restaurants that support our programs,” Cleveland said. “I thought it was a great idea and sent an email to all of our programs. I really appreciate everyone helping support
our local restaurants during this difficult time. We plan on pushing this every Thursday until life gets back to normal. It’s important to show them support during their time of need.” Many small businesses in Eureka count on profit to pay bills and make ends meet. Small businesses in Eureka that aren’t restaurants are experiencing a decrease in customers. “Simply put, [it is] stressful and scary,” Michelle Wells, owner of Like New Shoe Repair, said. “We depend on customers in order to pay our bills each month, not just for our business, but our personal bills as well. With all of this uncertainty, we honestly do not know if our business will survive, as we don’t get paid until customers pick up their repaired items.” On top of the stress of catching COVID-19, business owners have the additional stress of trying to maintain their businesses. Eureka community members have been pushing and endorsing small businesses through social media posts. Community members and leaders have been sticking together to ensure that no one is alone and no one sinks. The Eureka community has supported their own for years, through the good and the bad and will continue to support their own through these fearful and unprecedented times.
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HEPLFUL OR
HARMFUL? How online learning is affecting students
O
Grace Walton
n March 26, Rockwood School District’s Alternative Learning Plan (ALP) went into effect. Online learning was designed with the priorities of keeping students in contact with their teachers and other s ort systems e i ility in online assignments and having reasona le e e tations d ring this hallenging time or oth st dents and tea hers according to Rockwood’s ALP statement. With students now taking classes within their own home, teachers stay in contact through email and a we site to a ilitate video on eren es nown as Zoom, while assignments are given out through sites like Canvas and Google Classroom. oom is a fine way o learning or me en e entes (9) said. “If I have any questions, I will just email the tea her esides the new online tools st dents are sing they also have the opportunity to manage their school day on their own schedule. In Rockwood’s ALP statement they also em hasi e the e i ility with online assignments as amilies need e i ility to om lete wor o tside what wo ld e the ty i al s hool day along with the a ility to om lete wor in short in rements o time with re ent rea s thro gho t the day nline s hool is ni e e a se yo get e i le time to e a le to o s on whatever s e t or an amo nt o time that wor s est or yo ngela ayne said owever m not the est at time management so it can get pretty stressful when I have multiple
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things d e on the same day For some students, however, working in the home environment witho t str t re an e distra ting and can affect their productivity throughout the day. “Personally, I feel like it is hurting my education more than helping, even though it’s nice to work at my own a e and time e e a itter said ith the new online learning find it more di fi lt o sing in the home environment he hallenges and enefits o online s hool di er ased on the st dent their home environment and the class load. “I also do dual enrollment at the college and I only have o r lasses at re a amie night said haven t really had m h wor or those lasses t so ar it s een going well The Missouri Department of Education has stret hed the s hool los res ntil ay with ending updates. “It's just the circumstances we have right now and we re shing thro gh them as a omm nity night said. ena ted a harmless grading system ril All learning during the ALP will only affect grades in a positive way. Students’ grades cannot go lower than they were e ore the egan The district also informed students that spring semester finals will not e administered
Play on Natalie Criswell
T
he COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the sports world as seasons are being delayed and canceled. As of March 29, President Donald Trump recommended a 30-day, nationwide quarantine that would end April 30th. For high school athletes, this means a postponed season. Eureka High School is known for its involvement in sports across the different grade levels. A delayed season is affecting the athletes in many ways. “I was really excited for my first track season at Eureka,” Nick Corley (10) said. “I set some high goals to work towards.” Volleyball player Jacob Liebmann (12) also was disappointed in a delayed season. “At first we thought we would be able to get together and just play around to stay fresh,” Liebmann said. “As it got more serious, we realized we really wouldn’t be able to do anything at all.” Rockwood School District released a statement regarding the use of the school’s outdoor athletic facilities, March 27. Temporarily, students are not allowed to go onto school football fields, tracks, tennis courts and
coronavirus edition from little league to the pros, sports come to a halt as a result of COVID-19 such in the hope to help fight this virus. Many upperclassmen have especially been hit hard with this news, as recruiting athletes for futures in college has become difficult duringthe lack of spring sports. “Personally I’ve been trying to get recruited for softball in college,” Rylie Maze (11) said. “It would be hard for a coach to give someone a scholarship they have never seen play or have only seen play one time”. Worldwide, many have gained sympathy for the current high school and college seniors as this potentially could be their last time ever playing a sport they love. “I did not plan on playing sports more than recreationally after high school,” Liebmann said. “It would be fun to be able to play one more time.” Although athletes are not having team practices every day, many are still practicing at home hoping for a soon return on their season. “I’ve been trying to get out and run every day by myself or with one other person to stay motivated, as well as [doing] strengthening workouts,” Corley said.
As a result of the Missouri shelter-in-place order, students are finding new ways to entertain themselves
Athletes are also having some difficulties balancing their passion for sports as well as keeping up in their school work. “I’ve been focusing on getting all my school work done for all my classes on time,” Maze said. The first set of sports news hit as the National Basketball Association announced a suspended season as Rudy Gobert, a Utah Jazz player, tested positive for COVID-19, March 11. This news set off a trend as following professional sports suspended their seasons within the next couple of days, including Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer and the Xtreme Football League. Japan and the International Olympic Committee decided to postpone the 2020 Summer Games until next year, March 24. “In the end, this whole situation shows me how I can’t take for granted my seasons,” Corley said. “Now I’m even more motivated for the [upcoming] seasons.”
Locking in Olivia Dolan
M
issouri has been put under lockdown until Friday, April 24. This stay-at-home order only permits people to leave their house for grocery store runs, doctor visits, walks around the neighborhood or essential jobs. What does this mean for Eureka High School students? It means a lot more free time. Many people have been watching lots of TV and Netflix to pass the time. “I have been watching a lot of Netflix, eating a lot of food and sleeping a lot more,” Anna Massey (12) said. While some are viewing this as a time to lay back and relax, others are being more creative with their time and trying new things.
“I have actually been crocheting a lot and trying to keep myself busy doing some creative things. I get in really bad moods when I’m on my phone all the time, so I’m trying to avoid it as much as possible, and stay productive,” Katherine Baremore (12) said. As spring is right around the corner, some are using this as a time to be outside and enjoy the sun. “Since we aren’t supposed to leave our homes, I have been doing a lot of yardwork. During my Environmental Science class, we learned about invasive species that Missouri has and I saw I had some of them in my woods. So my sister and I have been taking them out to make the woods as strong as they
can be,” Erica Mock (11) said. While staying at home is hard for some, it is important to have a positive mindset during these times. “I have been spending time with my family outside. I’m trying to make the best of staying home by making new memories,” Bailey Walka (12) said. Staying at home can be difficult, especially when missing friends and family. During this time, doctors recommend working out to stay in shape, taking time for your mental health, and staying six-feet apart from others. Whatever it is you choose to do, please remember to stay home and wash your hands.
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The hunt for normalcy
Sedona Sayers
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Tucked away in the Villages about the quarantine. welcome and safe. We are all in this of Cherry Hills is the Audubon “When I first heard about the together.” Village; a small neighborhood with Bear Hunt, I dug out one of my old As well as the hunts, the Village a very welcoming and close-knit bears and placed it in my bedroom has organized ‘drive-by parades’ community. Their summers are window,” said Ryan Santoni (12). where neighbors drive through the filled with neighborhood barbecues “I thought it was an amazing idea. streets with banners and streamers and autumns bring the season of As I have been walking around the in an effort to make life’s usually fire pits dragged out onto driveways neighborhood, I find myself lookcelebrated moments, like birthdays, as an open invitation for neighbors ing in windows to find bears. It has no less special. to come and mingle. had a positive impact and it lets “I think that by coming together Spring invites the people of kids know that the neighborhood is in this time of trouble, it shows Audubon Village to emerge from still a community.” and helps the young community to their winter hibernation and share After the success of the Bear see the true meaning of family and in the joy of once again seeing dafHunts, the neighborhood decided friends,” said Nahlik. “I love being fodils and neighbors pop a part of the Village. We “It reminds me of ‘Mr. Rogers’ up to say hello. are in uncertain times, However, due to saying, ‘Look for the helpers.’ I but we’ve come togethCOVID-19, the Village er as a community to appreciate all the neighbors found that they were not show support, love, and joining in and helping to bring demonstrate how to make able to socialize with the neighbors they had been smiles to our faces. The sense of a horrible situation as best longing to finally see in community really makes us all as we can.” this new year. The Audubon commufeel welcome and safe. We are all The parents of youngnity’s efforts show that er children in Audubon even amid the COVIDin this together.” Village especially longed 19’s chaos, there are small for the sense of community and to put colored paper eggs up in stories of hope; found in places like struggled to find a way to get their windows to act as an Easter egg the back of a St. Louis subdivision. children out of the house while hunt for the younger kids. Most of all, they have proven that it being socially safe. That is when Parents like Mandy Regina and certainly does take a Village to raise they found the idea of Bear Hunts, Nahlik have also found ways to use a child. where neighbors will place tedthis time at home to engage their dy bears in the windows of their families in creative activities that homes and kids can go on walks to interact with fellow neighbors and search for the stuffed animals. keep the community-feeling alive. “Our family put bears up in our “We have taken part in sensory windows and our daughters also walks outside, scavenger hunts, and went around and searched for painting rocks to hide everywhere,” bears,” said Sarah Nahlik, a mother said Regina. “It reminds me of Mr. and resident in Audubon Village. Rogers’ saying, ‘Look for the help“They had a great time and really ers.’ I appreciate all the neighbors enjoyed the search.” joining in and helping to bring The hunt also acts as a way to smiles to our faces. The sense of calm children who may feel anxious community really makes us all feel
coronavirus edition
Spring cleaning Sophia Brummond
Tips and tricks for spring cleaning in the midst of a disinfectant shortage
Hand sanitizer sales up
619%
nationwide
Liquid hand soap sales up
58%
nationwide
Cholorine bleach sales have
DOUBLED nationwide
(Top to bottom) Consumer uses gloves when shopping at a local grocery store (Photo courtesy of The Tribune.) A shopper walks down an empty isle caused by shortages admist the COVID-19 crisis (Yuri Gripas/Abaca Press/TNS). Statistics courtesy of CNBC as of March 1, 2020.
It’s that time of year once again, spring cleaning has come around and it’s time for breaking out the brooms and the Windex. Unfortunately, the quarantine has led to a shortage of important cleaning essentials such as cleaning wipes, cleaning spray and bleach. With this abundance of time, we can start the projects and do the chores that we would usually “sweep under the rug” for something more interesting. Here are four tips from moms around the Eureka area on how to keep your home spotless and perfect without cleaning wipes or bleach. The first tip is to use an empty cardboard paper towel roll and place it at the end of the hose on your vacuum to get into those hard to reach places. This reduces the amount of dander and dust that can get into your lungs and affect you later in life. You can also use a sheet of fabric softener to dust off your T.V, electronics and faceboards, the sheet of fabric softener will catch dust more easily than a regular paper towel because of the static electricity. “I like to use diluted white
vinegar to clean with, especially with our hard water, I use it specifically in our bathrooms and as a fabric softener for the laundry.” Dana Wells says You can also combine white vinegar with dish soap and hot water and rub it in the shower every day for five days, it will cut the amount of soap residue buildup in your shower. This will reduce the amount of mold and scum in your shower leaving it squeaky clean. If you don’t have access to any regular cleaning supplies, soap and water will work just as well on almost any surface. “If you don’t have simple cleaning supplies, the best thing you could use is plain soap and water and make sure after wiping the hard surface just rinse it clean with water.” Colleen Jackson says. With these tips and tricks, your home will be left perfectly clean and immaculate without the use of essential cleaning supplies.
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coronavirus edition
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Fish in his hand, Grant Priesmeyer (10) spends time outdoors, Mar. 21.
Written in chalk, Sydney Bartels (12) presents her quarantine art, DATE UNKNOWN. Surrounded by her family, Annika Herbert (12) celebrates her 18th birthday by committing to Emerson College Basketball, Mar. 27.
Wearing a yellow shirt, Kennedy DeMoulin (12) announces her decision to go to University of Missouri, Mar. 21.
Kneeling down, Nicholas Kaemmerlen (12) skates around at Babler State Park, Apr. 5.
Standing side by side, Lucy Lenzen(11) and Emily Maupin(11) pose in front of the mountains in Breckenridge Colorado, March 15.