U-TIMES U. City High School 7401 Balson Ave University City, MO 63130
U-Times 2017 Volume 28, Issue 1
NEWSMAGAZINE
Competition fierce at Homecoming parade By Linsey Sparks Staff Writer
Neither an injured cheerleader nor 90° weather could put a stop to the 2017 University City Homecoming parade. Each float tapped into the theme “Once Upon a Homecoming.” Floats varied from “Alice in Wonderland” to “The Wizard of Oz” and all the way to the solar eclipse. Cheerleader Victoria Cushshon, freshman, was injured just the day before at the Homecoming pep rally. She was dropped in the middle of a stunt on the gym floor. When she fell she hurt her knee, the same knee that she had already injured once before. “It was nothing too serious but it did hurt a lot,” said Cushshon. Cushshon was extremely upset because she was looking forward to the parade, but there was a solution. While the cheerleading squad walked down the street, a car followed closely behind with Cushshon sitting in the trunk so she could still participate. Beyond Cushshon’s perch, one could see a lot of floats from many different district schools, high school clubs and teams. The robotics team drove around in a truck with their robot rolling beside them. The jazz band had a few of their members such as Cooper Dietzler, junior, Henry Giles, sophomore, and Daniel Pomerantz, senior, on a trailer consistently playing music. A trend for the elementary schools was to focus on classic fairytales. The competition was fierce. For the first time in University City Homecoming history, there was a tie for the first place float. The tie was between Jackson Park Elementary and Pershing Elementary. Jackson Park came out in force dancing to loud music on their float and Pershing focused on an “Alice in Wonderland” theme with all of the kids dressed up as either mushrooms or the Tweedle twins. Second place was taken by Barbara C. Jordan Elementary whose float was based on “The Wizard of Oz” and had teachers dressed up as the characters. Lastly, third place was held by the U. City field hockey team and their eclipse float with a huge moon on the back. The field hockey team is known for their huge, intricate and first place floats, but the team wasn’t too sad to hear they had placed third. “The float was one last hurrah for us, so we were happy to win third place,” said Ma’Kaya Johnson, senior.
For the first time, the U. City jazz band entered a float in the Homecoming parade. A few members of the band stood (or sat) atop a trailer and played music through the entire parade route. “I almost fell on every turn because I was standing at the back,” said Cooper Deitzler, junior. PHOTOS BY LINSEY SPARKS
It took a mere 45 minutes to set up the robotics team’s float for the 2017 Homecoming parade. A truck with a robot riding alongside being controlled and directed by Clayton Miller, senior.
Injured cheerleader Victoria Cushshon, freshman, could not cheer in the parade, but the rest of the team was not going to exclude her. “[Sitting in the back of the car] was the other cheerleaders’ idea,” said Cushshon.
2-3
Opinion/Features • Staff editorial
• Dirty Words
Leading the parade, Dr. Sharonica Hardin-Bartley, superintendent, waves to the crowd. “‘Once Upon A Homecoming’ was a great theme that allowed the entire University City to come together for a positive purpose,” Hardin-Bartley said.
IN THIS ISSUE
1-800-273-8255 1-800-273-8255 1-800-273-8255 1-800-273-8255 1-800-273-8255 1-800-273-8255 1-800-273-8255 LOGIC
Teachers from Barbara Jordan Elementary School stand in costume on their Wizard of Oz float. The float, complete with a rainbow of balloons, placed second.
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‘Love Doctor’
•
‘Triangle’
4-5 Homecoming • Homecoming Dance
Entertainment • Pep rally
• ‘Love Doctor’
• Powder Puff
• ‘Triangle’
6
• Murphy Lee
7-8 Sports • Fall sports Highlights
• Homecoming Football Game
November 2017
2
opinion STAFF EDITORIAL
‘1-800-273-8255’ by Logic raises awareness It’s time. People need to speak up about depression and suicide and make it normal to talk about it. Right now, teenage depression is a serious problem facing our country. It cannot be taken lightly. Rapper Logic has taken a major step forward with his song “1-800-273-8255,” which is the number for the suicide hotline. The song’s music video is about a gay teen who is not accepted by his peers and is debating suicide. The lyrics mention things like “I just wanna die” and “it feels like my life ain’t mine, who can relate?” Whether they are gay or not, plenty of teens have suicidal thoughts, but those who are not affected rarely give it a thought. Other artists need to follow Logic’s example and make this topic easier to talk about. “I just want to take a moment right now and thank you for giving me a platform to talk about something that mainstream media 2017-2018 U-Times Staff Co-Editor: Lucy Wurst Co-Editor: Kathryn Fuller Sports Editor: Julian Albright Web Editor: Julian Albright Staff Writers/Photographers: Linsey Sparks Zhong-mei Webb Ashlynn Jenkins Kaya Blount Eliot Fuller Clayton Miller Adviser: Mrs. Mary Williams
doesn’t want to talk about: mental health, anxiety, suicide, depression and so much more that I talk about on this album,” Logic said during his 2017 VMA performance. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. On average, there are 121 suicides per day. Having someone who possesses as large of platform as Logic does, talking about something this serious gives others hope. One listener left a comment on the Youtube video saying, “Thank you so much… I don’t know what else to say but thank you so much. This song helped me and you do wonders. Keep it up man. You helped me and so many others.” The song is also helping people have the guts to call the suicide hotline. According to John Draper, the director of the National Suicide Prevention hotline, the day that the
Philosophy
The newspaper’s primary obligation is to inform its readers about events in the school and community and of the issues of national or international importance which directly or indirectly affect the school population. The newspaper, while serving as a training ground for future journalists as part of the school curriculum, recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment. While establishing U-Times as a public forum, student editors will apply
song was released was also their “second-highest call volume.” The suicide hotline is something that did not get nearly this much attention and credit before Logic released the song titled after it. And the best part of all of this was that the day that
“... suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.” -American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
the song dropped they knew how busy they were going to be. But they didn’t shy away from it all and get afraid. Instead, they alerted all of the centers that the song was coming out ahead of time so that they could bring in more people or prepare in whatever way they saw fit. Suicide is a serious topic and also
professional standards and ethics for decision-making as they take on the responsibility for content and production of the newspaper. Inasmuch as the student staff encourages constructive criticism of any part of the newspaper, authority for content rests in the hands of the student members of the newspaper staff. Students will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, or libel, obscenity, material disruption of the educational process, copyright infringement, or unwarranted invasion of privacy.
one that is slowly becoming easier and easier to talk about. Between this song, Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell’s suicides this year and the Netflix original show “13 Reasons Why” (based off of the book “13 Reasons Why” by Jay Asher), the conversation about suicide is working its way into everyday life by brave people like Jay Asher, Logic and Selena Gomez forcing it to be. This is something that needs to be talked about because of how many people go through losing someone to suicide or have suicidal thoughts themselves. If you or anyone you know is thinking of committing suicide or shows any of the warning signs, do not be afraid to reach out and talk to people. Contact your friends, talk to your family, call the lifeline. Please don’t hold this in. Please don’t give in. The world needs you here. We all need you. member, or to marywilliams@ ucityschools.org.
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Opinions expressed on the editorial page do not reflect the viewpoints of the school administration. All editorials (unsigned) represent a majority opinion of the Editorial Board. Signed editorials, columns, editorial cartoons, and reviews reflect the views of the author and not necessarily those of the U-Times Editorial Board. The U-Times reserves the right to reject, edit, or shorten letters. Submit letters to Mrs. Mary Williams in Room L306, or to any U-Times staff
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features
November 2017
Watch your language-certain words offend others By Zhong-Mei Webb Staff Writer One might have heard them shouted in the halls during passing periods, muttered in classes, used in casual conversation and utilized by online trolls. Derogatory language in almost every culture takes on different forms and meanings depending on context, time, race, perspective and ability. When can we determine if a word is used too loosely? Where is the grey area that makes a term that is generally considered disrespectful or hurtful to one group of people, but totally OK to someone else? Why might someone getting bullied be considered “just a joke” and even received positively by the preconceived “victim?” In recent years, a new generation of people have adapted a politically correct sentiment towards certain ideologies and terminology, and although some might feel that this is something to strictly follow, others don’t believe that it should be written in stone. The English language has proven to be flexible in order to suit the needs of the user. One of the many terms that have been used for many different reasons is “gay” (and other more explicit variations). A long time ago it meant “happy,” and eventually went through a phase where it was the politically correct term. “Kind of like ‘retarded’ brings up the idea that there are other cultures besides race, there is the youth cultural norms, so some words might be more offensive to others,” Philip Parrish, English teacher, said. “We are the ‘newer, more progressive era,’ [which is just a reflection on how] chronocentric
we are. Anyone else who isn’t ‘politically addition, the clothing and setting used correct’ makes them sound ‘less in her music video for “Bodak Yellow” enlightened’ when the difference is that has managed to offend some. She and our values have changed. Whenever I her entourage have shot back with try to [refer] to a group of people, I try saying that because of the fact that she to put the word ‘people’ before [their grew up in the Bronx, then it should be classification], instead of ‘gay people’ I OK. Further, Cardi B. argues they use say people of diverse sexuality or people these words differently in the Bronx so or something along those lines. People it shouldn’t be a big deal. aren’t less enlightened, although I talk The word “retarded” is used often in to them in model form.” our community for very much the same Celebrities and idolized people, reason. It is the other word besides including record-breaking artists, “gay” that is consistently brought up in actors, or people in positions in power reference to this particular discussion. have managed “‘Retarded’ to either lose is supposed to or gain the be a medical respect of fans [term], it’s and followers. rude because of People like that,” Kathleen Cardi B, the Murphy, raptress, senior, said. has been “It’s offensive scrutinized for to the kids who their moral are actually code. She has [mentally been viewed retarded], it’s as groundsaying that breaking with someone is her hit “Bodak ‘stupid’ and Yellow,” racing ILLUSTRATION BY ASHLYNN JENKINS idiotic, it’s used to the top of the in a negative charts, becoming a role model for Afrocontext.” Latinos, women and other minorities Cardi B. isn’t the only one of and has been praised for not conforming course to casually use offensive words, to an idealistic image of a submissive it’s seen everywhere, even with the women, instead embodying a brazen current President of the United States, attitude towards any conflict. Donald Trump. Once a reality show However, her tweets have been star, socialite and wealthy real estate questioned especially after saying developer, as soon as he began to numerous times “I’m retarded,” which campaign the attention was drawn of course is seen by her as meaning towards his previous explicit comments “goofy, dumb, ridiculous, wild.” In about women and his boasting, caught
on camera about groping them, displaying a sexist attitude and only for many supporters to excuse this as “locker-room talk.” It has been almost a year since Trump’s inauguration and he has continued to give even some of the people of his own administration (many of whom have either resigned or been fired) a reason to question his ability to make the right decisions and manage his image. Actions may speak louder than words but the things he has done only mirror the things he has said (usually via Twitter). “[Social media] makes it easier to hide and unfortunately in this day and age there has been a trend towards having the ability to be evil, anonymous and disrespectful, and cowardly and anonymous,” T. Herbert Jeffrey, assistant principal, said. The rise of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other forms of social media has changed the landscape of communication and often make it easier to exchange ideas, both negative and positive, thus influencing the next “politically correct wave.” Like a moth to a flame, people tend to gravitate towards the more interesting things, which are typically unusual and taboo, and because of that, the media will continue to feed the masses (most of which consist of the youth) with more sinfully juicy gossip to satisfy the need to know and gain some understanding of the world around us. “People usually don’t like to say things to people in person because they don’t want to start drama and make the situation harmful,” Cory Barber, sophomore, said.
What words or phrases are most offensive?
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Cooper Deitzler, junior
Jadae Robinson, freshman
“‘Gay,’ I hear it a lot in an offensive way, along with others like the F-word.”
“‘Slow,’ and ‘retarded’ because there are actually people with disabilities. People throw them around because they’re not (being) smart.”
Ramata Ly, freshman
Mason Lewis, senior
“‘F--’ and d---’ used for the LGBT+ community.”
“The term ‘boy’ because it’s used to challenge the credibility of young men.”
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nce upon a Homecoming
As the girls were closing out their final homecoming, Jordan McNeal and Ma’Kaya Johnson, seniors, danced to “Wobble,” by V.I.C.“I loved dancing with my best friend, she’s always next to me,” McNeal said. PHOTOS BY ASHLYNN JENKINS, ALONA JENKINS, SIERRA TYLER
Two queens take home same crown By Ashlynn Jenkins Staff Writer
Although the theme of the Homecoming dance was “Once Upon a Homecoming,” the unofficial theme encompassed a lot of mystery and surprise. After a full night of listening to some of the most recent pop and rap hits like “First Day Out” by Tee Grizzley and “Bodak Yellow” by Cardi B., as the dance came to a close Vincent Jefferson, senior,
announced the Homecoming court. “I’m happy for everyone that won, and I encourage everyone to run,” said Da’Sha Bland, senior. “Even if they don’t win it is still fun to be in the running.” Winners for freshman court were decided at the door via paper voting and resulted in wins for Jada Glass and Darion Pointer while the other grade levels were decided by an online ballot. The sophomore court winners were Jaylen Smith and Arianna Colton, who subbed
in for the 15-minute late true winner, Makayla Clark. At this point, a bit of a hiccup occurred. The Homecoming prince win went to Derrick Anderson, junior, but when it came to his princess it got a little confusing because Alona Jenkin’s name was called instead of the real winner who could not be present. “I had no clue [Alona] was subbed in as princess,” Susan Hill, principal, said. “I just loved watching all the kids come in dressed up.”
Even with all the commotion, Jenkins gracefully accepted her title and stood in front of everyone to take the crown. After Deion Williams scored a landslide victory as Homecoming king, the real showstopper of the night was when Essense Atkinson and Hayle Jones tied for Homecoming queen. Jones even said she “didn’t care that there were two queens,” and that she even “wanted Essense to win the crown.”
Homecoming Court
As she danced to “Booty Me Down,” by Kstylis, Cheyenne Poland, junior, said that she was “feeling [herself] while surrounded by [all of her] close girlfriends.”
Break-out dancer from last year’s Homecoming, William Austin, senior, added a new friend to his dance crew, Marquess Pearson, junior. “I can’t remember the song that was playing, I just remember dancing with my friend Marquess, and that was my favorite part of the night,” Austin said.
King and Queens
Prince and Princess
Deion Williams, Haley Jones & Essence Atkinson
Alona Jenkins & Derrick Anderson
Sophomore Court
Freshman Court
Jalen Smith & Arianna Colton (not shown)
Jada Glass & Darion Pointer
e
Pep rally energizes Homecoming spirit By Clayton Miller Staff Writer
A fully packed gym of students made Mason Lewis, senior, want to keep the people “hyped” up so they would remember his year as the emcee.“I wanted to keep consistent energy especially since it was my last pep rally,” Lewis said. “The basketball games were the best part.”
During the Homecoming pep rally, Channel Rice, senior and varsity girls basketball player, prepares to shoot a 3-pointer. “My teammate wasn’t really making her shots,” Rice said. “I was trying to bring us back.” PHOTOS BY KATHRYN FULLER
Pulling as hard as he can, varsity football player, Anthony Mason, junior, competes in the tug of war at the pep rally. “At first we were struggling,” Mason said. “But we all came together as a team and pulled through.”
Students packed the gym on the morning of Oct. 13 in anticipation of a pride-filled start to Homecoming weekend. Student athletes flooded the gym floor, separated by fall sports teams. Band members and the Golden Girls entered the gym and were greeted with loud cheers and praise by the student body. Mason Lewis, senior, and member of the audio production class, manned the mic and began to pump students up. “I wanted to make this year’s pep rally full of energy and better than last year,” Lewis said. The audio production class controlled the sound system and provided the music setup. Although some efforts were taken to improve the quality of the pep rally, some students felt it was worse. “Students should be more hype and other students who aren’t athletes should also be allowed to participate in tug of war,” said Alexandria Hogan, sophomore. This year’s pep rally involved less activities than in years past. Tug of wars and a three point hoop contest were of the few. “There should be two rebounders,” said Hogan who was blindly hit in in the nose while attempting to rebound balls. On the other hand, sophomore quarterback Darion Reed had different feelings about this year’s pep rally. “I feel like it brought the school together, watching the dancers along with the hilarious three point contest created a fun environment for everyone,” Reed said. Freshman field hockey player Mialla Klohr had mixed feelings. “This was great start to Homecoming, tug of war was a lot of fun although, UCHS needs a better sound system,” Klohr said.
Seniors dominate powder puff By Lucy Wurst Co-Editor Students filed out to the football field in pink and white shirts on Monday, Oct. 30 and began warmups for the powder puff game, meant to raise awareness for breast cancer. The senior girls had confidence in their ability to win the game. “I knew we were going to win from the beginning,” said Haley Rhiney, senior. “It was very intense and I ripped off three flags in the first five minutes.” While both teams played a hard game, the seniors ended the game with a 14-7 win. “My favorite part of the game was when Michelle (Shores) ran the ball down the field and scored a touchdown,” said Kathleen Murphy, senior. “I knew we were going to win, but it was still a good moment.” The big moment was recognized by the fans, coaches and teammates cheering. Darrion Johnson, senior, rang his cow bell to celebrate the touchdown and the coaches and other teammates rushed the field. After the win, Haley Rhiney, senior, reflected on the plays made during the game. “We weren’t very organized,” said Rhiney. “Even though we won, we could have scored more points.” The game ended and both teams did cheers and celebrated. Logan Black, junior, still had fun even though her team lost. “It brought me down that we lost,” said Black. “At the end I was still happy my seniors won.”
Hailey Harris, senior, cheers on her teammates at the powder puff game. “We were about to score a touchdown,” Harris said. “Everybody was getting really hype.” PHOTO BY MICAH LEONARD
Armed with the sound of students cheering her on, Lakeecia Taylor, senior, makes a catch. “I was practicing my throwing because I was apparently the quarterback.” Taylor said the best part of the whole game was getting a touchdown, because everyone was prepared to beat the juniors. PHOTO BY MICAH LEONARD
Running for a touchdown, Diamonique Dunn, junior, protects the ball from the seniors.“They made me quarterback which was cool,” Diamondnique Dunn, junior, said. “It was fun getting to play football in general. I tried my hardest, it was difficult and we lost, but we’re gonna win next year,” Dunn said. PHOTO BY SYDNEY LUCAS
After a 14-7 victory, the seniors celebrate their graduation year by holding up “1” and “8” to represent the class of 2018. Michelle Shores was named the most valuable offensive player, D’asha Bland the most valuable defensive player and Kathleen Murphy was voted overall MVP. PHOTO BY MICAH LEONARD
November 2017
6
entertainment
First time actors take on ‘The Love Doctor’ By Lucy Wurst Co-editor As many first period theatre arts students prepared for their first formal performance on the morning of Oct. 18, the stage was set in the Little Theatre. “This class is an intro to theatre class,” said Catherine Hopkins, theatre teacher. “They are just learning about performance and what it takes in terms of collaboration, how to portray physical characters and how to project and communicate on stage to a live, discerning audience.” The class allows students like Reginald Jones, senior, to explore acting, something they may have not been given the chance to do before. “I enjoy acting, but I have never capitalized on it until I took the theatre class here,” said Jones. “I like the class a lot, my favorite part is acting out the different scenes.” The class allows students to take on different roles in the production of a play and develop as leaders, like Sidney Turner, freshman, who played Lucinda, one of the leads. “My favorite part of putting on a play was picking out the music and the
costumes,” said Turner. “I like seeing everything come together in the end.” Theatre students worked together since early September, to put on “The Love Doctor.” The play is a comedy about a girl with a broken heart and her mother who hires six doctors to cure her, including the infamous Love Doctor who in the end heals the girl’s heart by marrying her. “Some of the greatest moments for me in directing this show was watching an actor forget a prop and then having another actor find a way to bring it on stage for them in the true spirit of working together to support a creative project,” said Hopkins. “The actors also really helped each other with lines and the complex entrances, so I think they feel a real sense of achievement.” The theatre arts class allows students to be exposed to what it takes to put on a production. The class enjoyed their experience in “The Love Doctor” so much that they are preparing for another play, an adaption of Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelfth Night.” “Everybody can be themselves in the class,” said Alexis Cook, freshman. “It’s not tense and everybody can laugh and have fun.”
Students incorporate history into fall play, ‘Triangle’
Show highlights 1911 factory fire By Eliot Fuller Staff Writer
When the bell rings at 2:20, most students rush out of class, excited to get home. But not the students participating in this years fall play, “Triangle.” The story highlights a massive fire that broke out in a shirtwaist factory during 1911 in New York City, resulting in 146 deaths. It’s a story of friendship, oppression and courage. For director Catherine Hopkins, “Triangle” is more than just a play. “I think we’re at a time where we are looking at, in terms of St. Louis, the role of unions, and how they protect workers,” Hopkins said. “Our councilmen are heavily debating whether or not we should continue having fully formed unions in our companies, so this is an interesting way to look at how unions started, and why they’re so vital to worker’s rights.” This will be Hopkin’s second fall play with the high school. She directed last year’s “Our Town”, and she is looking forward to this year’s presentation. So are the many students acting in the play. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s growth in their role, and
seeing the audience’s reaction,” Cory Barber, sophomore, said. Barber acted in “The Addams Family” last spring. Phoebe Thoroughman, junior, has one of the lead roles in the production. She, along with Barber, is excited for this year’s performance. “Our set designer is planning some really cool things,” Thoroughman said. “The last scene with the fire is going to be really intense and emotional.” This year’s production promises a different look than last year’s “Our Town”, mainly due to the loss of seniors following the 2016-2017 school year. “We lost a lot of really strong seniors last year, but we have a larger pool of people now,” Thoroughman said. This young, dedicated group has been preparing for “Triangle” since the third day of school. There have been many hours of rehearsal leading up to now, but all of the practicing and anticipation will soon be over. “We’ve been kind of hopscotching around all of the other responsibilities they have, but we’re in the home stretch now,” Hopkins said.
Acting in the final scene, Reginald Jones and Tajjaye Elgin, seniors, improvise after forgetting a prop. “It was a good play,” said Jones. “I forgot the ring for the final scene, but other than that it was good.” PHOTOS BY LUCY WURST
Playing the role of Lucinda, one of the leads in “The Love Doctor,” Sidney Turner, freshman, thinks the play turned out well. “I think we did pretty good, despite messing up a few times,” said Turner.
Performing in the play, Alexis Cook and Jamya Richardson, look out at the crowd. “I played the role of the Quack,” said Cook. “I think things turned out pretty well.”
Murphy Lee, alumnus, talks to students about life as biggest bully By Eliot Fuller Staff Writer
It’s not everyday that a Grammyaward-winning rapper comes to your high school. But Oct. 18 was a very special day at U. City. Murphy Lee, alum and prominent rapper, came back to visit his old school and talk to students about bullying. Lee has worked with artists like Nelly and Sean “Diddy” Combs, launching four albums in his career and winning a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. He graduated from U. City in 2001, becoming one
Murphy Lee speaks to students in auditorim about his experience as a U. City student. PHOTO BY LINSEY SPARKS
During the first performance of ‘Triangle” for Brittany Woods Middle School, the cast acts out a scene highlighting the beginning of the strike. “This is the lunch scene,” Lydia Thoroughman, freshman, said. “In this scene, Sophie is deciding to go on strike.” PHOTO BY SELENA LEWIS
of our most notable alums. Lee’s presentation lasted nearly an hour long and featured lots of motivational tips about growing up and living a successful life. “You’ve got to live in the present,” Lee said to scattered applause. “Life is your biggest bully.” Throughout the assembly, Lee talked about growing up in University City, his love for the school, trying to get good grades and staying out of trouble. “This school changed my life,”
Lee told the crowd, on a more serious note. He was very thankful for the foundation U. City provided for him as he tried to launch his rap career. Although Daniel Pomerantz, senior, enjoyed the assembly, he felt like the attention was not shifted towards anti-bullying, like it was supposed to be. “I think we all went into it thinking it would be about bullying,” Pomerantz said. “But it turned into a life motivation, you-got-this assembly. It was a good assembly, but regardless of that, I think our school still needs to have a dialogue about bullying in school.” Other students, like Rebecca Rico, junior, thought it was a good thing that Lee focused on self-motivation, rather than bullying. “I think the fact that he told us to focus more on ourselves was more effective in combatting bullying,” Rico said. “I just think it was really real.” As the assembly ended and students began to make their way back to class, Lee was on his way to speak the the audio production class in to 204. The students got an individually-focused Q&A with Lee, where they could ask him about anything from advice on making it into the music industry, to questions about his personal life. When asked for advice on how to get noticed as an artist, Lee said “The easiest route right now is social media.” Lee compared life now to how life was when he was in high school. He believes that it’s much easier now to get into the music industry than it was when he was a teenager, thanks to social media. “You have to be consistent,” Lee added. “You have to work every day.” Lee’s assembly generated mixed reaction from students. “I thought it was really cool that he came,” Pomerantz said.
7
sports
November 2017
FALL SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS
Makaya Johnson The field hockey team wrapped up their season with a 9-9-1 record, placing fifth out of 16 teams in the St. Louis Public School Tournament. Catherine Hoff and Zoey Jordan, seniors, were nominated for the Senior All-Star Game on Oct. 30. PHOTO BY SELENA LEWIS
Whitney Huling Despite finishing the season with a 4-11-1 record, the volleyball team finished third in the Lady Lion Invitational Tournament on Sept. 30. PHOTO BY ALONA JENKINS
Terrico Garrett Terrico Garrett, junior, who finished in fourteenth place at districts, will be going to State, along with teammate Merrick Hoel, freshmen, who finished in eleventh place. PHOTO BY LEAH ZUKOSKY
Cooper Dietzler Cooper Dietzler, one of four swimmers on the boys swim team, placed sixteenth at this years conference finals, but did not score a fast enough time to go to state. PHOTO BY MICAH LEONARD
Ayanna Williams For a team of 13, having nine new players could be challenging. However, the softball team ended up with 6-6 record and six All Conference selections. PHOTO BY RHYAN HAYNES
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November 2017
sports
8
Lions break Homecoming win drought
Scoring the only two touchdowns of the game, Jason Knight, senior running back rushed for 12 points in the Lion’s 15-14 win over the Jennings Warriors. This was the first U. City homecoming win in over 3 years. “It felt great, carrying my team to victory,” said Knight. PHOTO BY ASHLYNN JENKINS
By Julian Albright
Sports Editor St. Louis weather is unpredictable, but not as unpredictable as what took place for U. City football on the morning of Oct. 14. The past few days in St. Louis had been chilly and cloudy, with some rain. However, the weather took a turn Saturday morning. The temperature reached the mid 80’s and the sun shone bright. The U. City football team also changed course. The team that had been victorious only once during their last two seasons claimed a close 15-14 win against Jennings’ Warriors during their homecoming contest. The game started promising, beginning with a long 60-yard kick-off return for the Lions by Jason Knight, senior. Despite a good opening return, the Lions were unable to produce points on the drive. They ended up having to punt to Jennings who scored almost immediately after getting the ball. Unable to convert for two points, the score remained 6-0 Jennings. Later in the first quarter, Knight again made a huge run, this time for a touchdown to tie the game at 6-6. Unlike Jennings, the Lions were able to convert for two points thanks to a great quarterback sneak by Darion Reed, sophomore. Jennings remained scoreless throughout
the second quarter, due in part to a huge stop by the U. City defense who held the Warriors without scoring inside the 10-yard line. “I’m always proud of my defense,” said head coach Jason Wells. “They made some key stops.” With the Lions leading toward the end of the first half, the atmosphere in the stadium was optimistic. And with an interception by Deion Williams, senior, to end the first half, the Lions looked promising. The halftime show only amped the spirit even more. The Golden Girls danced while the marching band played their rendition of the song “T-Shirt” by Migos. The drumline kept the beat, and the annual alumni band performance enhanced the sense of community in U. City. The second half was played mostly as a back and forth battle, with both teams getting stuck and ending up punting. That was until at the 5:56 mark when a Jennings wide receiver was left wide open in the end zone, making a touchdown catch, which gave Jennings their first lead in the game since the first half. After scoring the two point conversion, the score was 14-8, putting Jennings up by a touchdown. On that same play, starting quarterback,
Reed, who also plays outside linebacker, landed awkwardly on his ankle. He was down for a few seconds, but then got up and proceeded to start the next drive. “I just stretched it out, went back [in the game], and fought through the pain,” said Reed. “I did it for U. City.” Towards the end of the fourth quarter, things were not looking good for the Lions. However, a run to get the first down by Givion Crawford, junior, put them in good position. Immediately after, Knight ran for his second touchdown of the game. The extra point kicked by James Simmons, senior, gave the Lions a 15-14 lead. The Warriors could not do much after that, and with an interception by Simmons under the two-minute mark, U. City ran out the clock and collected the win. This was the last regular season home game ever for the seniors on this team. Different emotions were in the air on the field after the game, including those of Traveon Johnson, one of the team’s linemen and leaders. “Its bittersweet,” said Johnson. “We got the win so I’m not really down, but it’s bittersweet.” MORE HOMECOMING COVERAGE @ utimesonline
U-TIMES U. City High School 7401 Balson Ave University City, MO 63130
U-Times 2017 Volume 28, Issue 1
NEWSMAGAZINE
BEAT IT!
Homecoming coverage on pages 4-5 and 8.
Derrick Poindexter plays the tenor drums at the Homecoming football game.
PHOTOS BY REBECCA RICO
Jacob Cherry
Khyri Carr
Izaiah Collier