November 2016 U Times

U-Times U. City High School 7401 Balson Ave University City, MO 63130

U-Times 2016 Volume 27, Issue 1

NEWS MAGAZINE

Hats off to Homecoming

Homecoming coverage on pages 6-7, 12.

PHOTO BY LINSEY SPARKS

U-Times

U. City High School 7401 Balson Ave University City, MO 63130

NEWS MAGAZINE

U-Times 2016 Volume 27, Issue 1

Parade highlights clowns, politicians

By Linsey Sparks Staff Writer For the first time in band director Daniel Shaver’s memory, this the first year that two female drum majors, Selena Lewis, junior, and Gillian Blount, senior, led the Homecoming parade.

In fact, they set the tone for one of the largest ever Homecoming parades in the history of the district.

Spectators along Delmar and Hanley were treated to circus-themed floats, lots of Corvettes and even a few politicians here and there. Included in the parade were Jason Kander (running for the U.S. Senate) and competitors Luke Babich and Steve McMahon (both running for Ward 1 City Council).

“It’s the perfect, non-threatening way to meet lots of people,” said Michael Daly, history teacher.

Notable floats included a roofless school bus for the U. City class of ‘82, a senior class float, which consisted of six or seven seniors in the back of a truck, and a whole bunch of clowns. Last year’s winner for best float, Pershing Elementary School, did it again and won for their float which was followed by tons of clowns.

“I loved the clowns,” said sophomore Fatimah Olushola-Muhammad about Pershing’s winning float. “It was very creative.”

Not everyone loved the clowns, however, because of recent sightings of “creepy clowns” around the metro area.

“I don’t like clowns on a normal day, especially not now after the crazy things have happened with the clowns,” Hannah Fuller, senior, said. “During the parade, I just looked away and hoped they wouldn’t try to interact with the kids around me.”

The presence of the clowns did not impact the judges’ decision to award Pershing first place and once again, the second place award for the best float was handed to the U. City field hockey team with their circus train float.

Last but not least, third place was a tie between Julia Goldstein for their float resembling a box of animal crackers and Brittany Woods Middle School for their float which looked like a giant bouquet of flowers.

In front of City Hall, the marching band stops in formation to play. “It didn’t take very long to get our positions correct,” said Justus Sekou, freshman. “We all knew what to do, so it only took about a week to get right.” PHOTOS BY LINSEY SPARKS

On the morning of the parade, seniors Makini Morrison, Johanna Hill and Jermarcus Perkins threw together their float. “We decorated Mr. Wurst’s truck with paper, paint and streamers,” said Johanna Hill, senior. “We had zero preparation.”

With over 10 years of circus experience, Della Cox, junior, performs a crossover weave trick with poi. “The field hockey team wanted to buy a lyra for me to do tricks on and attach it to the float,” said Cox. “I was not going to do that because it’s expensive and dangerous.”

6-7

Opinion/News Homecoming •New faculty

Leading the parade, the ROTC Color Guard carries the American, state and unit flags. “It’s a big deal to be in the color guard,” said Dominic Bryant, sophomore. ”

IN THIS ISSUE

2-5

•Editorials •New administration

Just ahead of the marching band, the Golden Girls march to the beat. “Being a Golden Girl is so much fun,” said Logan Black, sophomore. “[After taking a year off], it felt good to be dancing again.”

•Dance •Pep rally

•Spirit Week

Features •Reviews •Fall play

8-9

•Race Summit •Powderpuff

11-12

Sports

•Fall sports wrap up •Sports injury

•Homecoming game

November 2016

2

opinion

ACT/SAT reflects wealth, not brains

Why higher income students have the upper hand with regard to test scores

By Daniel Pomerantz Staff Writer The ACT and SAT are far from perfect.

These tests have been shown to be both culturally and statistically biased against African Americans and Hispanic Americans, and in favor of white Americans. This is because of clear racialincome gaps in America.

Our nation’s biggest problem is that family income has a direct correlation to test scores, and this is unbelievably unfair in the college admissions process.

Overall, whites tend to fall into higher income brackets which means they will be able to score higher on the ACT or SAT. Wealthy people appear more college ready than any other race because of their high ACT/SAT scores. Because they can afford private tutoring and expensive ACT/SAT classes, students can learn the important tips and tricks of the ACT/ SAT. Consequently, students are more test-ready and score higher, especially in English categories.

In addition to extra tutoring benefits, high-income family students have privileges when it comes to course load.

A Huffington Post report highlights multiple reasons for why low-income students might be performing worse on the ACT than their peers. For one, the report found that low-income students — defined as having a family income of $36,000 per year or below — were far less likely to have taken the recommended core curriculum prior to the exam. This is compared to wealthier students who are more likely to have taken these classes.

(The recommended core curriculum consists of four years of English and three years of math, science and social studies.)

Susan Hill, principal, agrees. “I think it’s important that people at U. City continue to improve their ACT scores, but we also need a national dialogue about the ACT and the bias that comes with it.”

I can relate to Hill’s opinion, and I feel that ACT bias and unfairness should seriously be discussed in the government

as well as by the people. Hill also doesn’t like how much pressure there is on these standardized tests.

“We need to examine this idea of high stakes testing for college admissions,” Hill said. “There are other studies that say GPA is a better predictor of college readiness, and one thing I hate about the ACT score is how they equate their ACT score with their intelligence.”

And she is absolutely right. ACT scores should never equal someone’s intelligence, but colleges care so much about our scores, minorities and lower income students are left in the dust, as the privileged kids soar on these tests.

Despite the unfairness of the ACT and SAT, these tests are still necessary for college admissions. The higher your score, the more likely you are to get into that “dream college.”

Katy-Jane Johnson, senior counselor, is an advocate for strong study habits, and has many tips to help students receive their highest potential scores.

“Having prior knowledge to subjects are very important, but the ACT is all about being familiar with the test,” Johnson said.

Johnson encourages students to use as many affordable resources as possible, such as the ACT.org questions of the day and a free online class.

“There is an online class through Kaplan Test Prep, that normally costs over $100, but U. City students get to sign up for free,” Johnson said.

If students take advantage of these opportunities, U. City ACT/SAT scores will soar. In addition, students should take the test multiple times, if they wish to improve their score. The school does this by giving three waivers on the ACT to every student. Since everyone now qualifies for free lunch, students no longer have to pay for the ACT. With inexpensive applications designed to help students succeed on standardized tests, U. City needs to utilize the tools we have, and cannot accept defeat.

Voter apathy in youth won’t lead to change

Millennials need to be taught their votes have an impact in politics

Kaya Blount Staff Writer This year’s election is hands-down one of the most unpredictable in recent history. From Clinton’s constant blunders with emails to Trump’s constant blunders period, voting this year isn’t much of a choice--it’s a necessity.

We young people have a voice, and we shouldn’t be afraid to use it. We shouldn’t assume that the older, more experienced votes have it all under

2016-2017 U-Times Staff Co-Editor: Lucy Wurst Co-Editor: Kathryn Fuller Sports Editor: Julian Albright Web Editor: Julian Albright Staff Writers/Photographers: Linsey Sparks Daniel Pomerantz Jake Giles Kaya Blount Nicole Holahan Adviser: Mrs. Mary Williams

control either, because they’ve already proven that they don’t this year. Donald Trump’s support base is made up of mainly white men aged 45 to 64, most of whom don’t have college education.

These demographics closely echo those of the Brexit, a referendum posed

by British Prime Minister David Cameron in June of this year. The elders in Great Britain decided they had enough of the European Union, and took it upon themselves to vote in favor of leaving, while most millennials wished to stay.

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

However, when the vote was tallied, the Leave campaign won by a hair- 52% as opposed to Remain’s 48%.

Subsequent to the final decision, the Dow Jones was down 700 at the open the following day, the British pound plummeted to its lowest levels recorded since 1985 and many people of color (especially Muslims) were targeted and assaulted due to the Leave campaign’s overt xenophobia and racism. Many young people in Britain were distraught and devastated by this vote, especially because they would be the ones to suffer the consequences, not the older generation of voters.

The main reason the Leave campaign won was because many young people didn’t show up to vote- as it generally is. The older the person, the more likely they were going to show up to vote.

Young people need to start voting, and fast.

“You look at certain countries where they’re not allowed to vote, and then you could look at this country and our young people don’t vote,” said Matthew Horn, social studies teacher. “A very, very low percentage of them actually get out and vote. I think it’s an obligation you have as a citizen.”

However, Yul Amerson, social studies teacher, sees it in a different light.

“I won’t advocate for voting,” Amerson said. “I’ll advocate for being informed.”

This is true. Finding a candidate that fits for you before voting is a big part of the process. You shouldn’t go into the ballots blind, nor should you vote for someone solely because your friends or

forum, student editors will apply 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

family are voting for them. Get educated on the issues and where the candidates up for election stand on them. However, not voting isn’t an option- if you don’t vote, you don’t get to complain about the state of our government, because you haven’t done anything to help it.

Registering to vote isn’t a time consuming task, either- it takes a few minutes, if that.

“I think I got registered when I got my ID,” said Michael Daly, social studies teacher. “Just go to the Board of Elections and register to vote.”

When you vote, you’re really helping yourself. You know what you want to see change in this country, and by voting, you’re ensuring that change gets momentum and publicity. Harkening back to the Brexit, the short-sightedness of the older generation caused Britain’s economy to nearly collapse, along with many other world markets dependant upon Britain. Unsurprisingly, that will have lasting side effects, and the millennials in Britain will be solving problems they didn’t request for awhile.

Voting takes your future and the future of your country into account, and not voting isn’t helping anyone. By this time this issue comes out, it will be too late to register for this election, so if you do register, you’ll have to wait until next election to actually vote. If you are registered to vote, make sure you know where your polling place is and what you need to bring in order to vote.

Voting is a right granted to young people under the 26th amendment. Don’t waste it.

of the educational process, copyright infringement, or unwarranted invasion of privacy.

Policies 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 346, or to any U-Times staff member, or to marywilliams@ucityschools.org.

Contact Us We are located in Room 346 at University City High School, 7401 Balson Ave., University City, MO 63130. Our email address is marywilliams@ucityschools.org.

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3

opinion

November 2016

Cultural appropriation diminishes creators

By Gillian Blount Guest Writer

been wearing the Native American wear for years without realizing that this is harmful to their culture. Native Americans already have to share the land that belonged to them in the first place, now they have to share the things they make too? Even though appropriation is the last thing on a shopper’s mind when buying clothes, it’s good to know now that in fashion, cultures are being “borrowed.” A good store to use as an example is Urban Outfitters. They’ve received plenty of criticism for using Navajo as a label for some of their clothing items without an okay from the Navajo Nation. Instead of going for the fashion faux-pas, you can easily support the original creators of these items. You can do this without wearing or copying the originators. Wearing another culture’s clothing is also cultural appropriation.

Cultural appropriation also affects the black community. Mainly black hairstyles. This causes a problem in the black community because while non-black people are out “rocking” these cornrows, bantu knots, afros and dreadlocks, black people are getting

Throughout the years, people of different cultures created things such as clothing, music and rituals that have become very specific to them.

Throughout those same years, people of other cultures decided to take upon themselves to “borrow” these things from the cultures that have made the items.

This is wrong. This is stealing. This is what is called cultural appropriation.

Cultural appropriation is harmful because it takes away credit from the people who deserve it and it’s also making a mockery of the original creators of whatever it is that’s being appropriated.

The media glorifies cultural appropriation. You see one person who is not of color do something created by people of color and it’s the newest fashion trend. Even when it’s been done for years before by the original creators. The most appropriated culture is the Native American culture. From headdresses to moccasin boots, people across America or even the world, have

slandered for it. According to newsone. com,. in 2013, an African American woman by the name of Ashley Davis had her dreadlocks growing for over 10 years.

Her finance employer in St. Peters, Mo., asked her to cut them off because her hair violated a new “self-grooming” policy.

Similarly, Kylie Jenner, wore dreads for a photo shoot and received nothing but positive feedback from the people of the same community who say dreads are not a”presentable” hairstyle.

She was called “edgy” and “rebellious” according to Cosmopolitan Magazine.

A similar instance happened with a different Kardashian, Khloe wears her hair in bantu knots. Another black hairstyle. With the posting of this photo on her instagram, she received mostly positive comments. The only ones “negative” were the one pointing out the fact that this was appropriation.

The actions of the Kardashians hurt the black community on a spiritual level. As Kearie Daniel blogged at huffingtonpost.com, “Black people stolen as slaves were stripped of their lineage, languages, history and cultures,

but our hair styles survived the middle passage and link us to our black brothers and sisters, whether they are on the continent of Africa or in countries like Norway, South Korea or England.” Our cornrows, bantu knots, twists, locs and many more styles are the one thing we all have in common no matter what part of the world we live in. In the words of Daniel, “for those of us disconnected from our history, it is the one thing that remains intact after centuries of repression.” Black hair is taken to heart and is one of the few expressions of culture they have left, just like Native Americans and their art, music, and clothing.

These are not things to be used just for some statement. It’s only right to give credit when it’s due. So why not give credit and support to the cultures that have played a big part in fashion?

Why not support these cultures and use actual people from the cultures in fashion instead of having people imitate it? This is the one of the most harmful things you can do to a culture without physically bothering the people who belong to it.

Is copying cultures an issue in today’s society?

“I do think it is a problem. People should embrace their own originality, but on the flip side, copying a culture shows that they have respect for that culture. It’s messed up that some ethnic groups always want to look like black girls, but it also seems nice because they admire the culture.”

-Isaiah Watson, senior

I think that copying cultures is an issue because you are trying to be something that you are not and it can be perceived as disrespectful or to other cultures like you are trying to mock their culture.”

-Grace Klein, freshman

“ I don’t think it’s that much of a problem. Relevant, but not a problem. If someone feels another culture fits them, they should have the freedom to act or live that way, it shouldn’t matter that what they do is associated with another culture.”

-Noah Greenberg, sophomore

“I feel like it is a problem because it offends certain races. People need to respect other cultural groups as much as they should, and people aren’t doing that anymore. I also feel that it’s wrong to dress like certain cultural groups for Halloween if you don’t know the background behind it. Mockery leads to unwanted situations and can hurt other people’s feelings.”

-Ty’Ann Scales, junior

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November 2016

news

New T. Herbert Jeffery

Susan Hill principal

By Linsey Sparks Staff Writer Outside of University City High School, there are nine words carved into the building. Truth, courage and wisdom have been placed on the first pillar.

Letters, arts and sciences sit comfortably in the second pillar. Ideals, service and character are the last three words that remain in the third pillar. These nine words are the basis of the vision that Susan Hill, principal, has for the school.

Hill was born and raised in Manchester, MO where she lived in the same house her whole life. As a teenager, Hill was a member of her school’s (Parkway South High School) mocktrial team. While competing against U. City, Hill caught her first glance of U. City.

“I thought that U. City was absolutely gorgeous,” said Hill. “The history was fascinating.”

After graduating from Parkway South, she attended University of MissouriColumbia. Hill majored in political science with an emphasis in international politics and was on the staff for their newspaper, the Maneater. She then graduated a semester early and then went to University Missouri-St. Louis with a career in education in mind.

“That’s what I was really passionate about,” said Hill.

After graduating from UMSL, Hill got a job as a social studies teacher and mock trial coach at Lindbergh High School where she spent the next 10 years of her life. Then, she saw a posting for a new assistant principal at U. City, where she has remained ever since. Hill was an assistant principal for four years and took the reins as principal this year.

Principals usually come into the job with big plans for the school, which is exactly what Hill has done. She has many goals she wishes to reach during her time as principal.

“I want this to be a place of excellence,” said Hill. “A place where we live our values. I want every student that graduates from U. City to be college and career ready. I want every kid to feel like they have choices.”

PHOTOS BY REBECCA RICO

assistant principal

By Jake Giles Staff Writer As a native of the St. Louis region, Herbert Jeffrey, assistant principal, grew up and went to school in East St. Louis and received his undergraduate from Harris Stowe, earned his masters at St. Louis University, and currently is working on his doctorate degree at Missouri Baptist.

He began his career as an educator 23 years ago and for the last 13 years has worked at the administration level of St. Louis Public Schools, along with Normandy, Hazlewood, and Jennings.

Jeffrey was a baseball player who actually played in the minor leagues.

He came to U. City to be an assistant principal because he saw that Dr. Sharonica Hardin would be the superintendent and valued her ability as an educator very highly. The biggest challenge he sees here at the high school is attendance. Jeffrey wants to give students at the high school a nudge and see them become successful in life.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing University City become one of the best districts in the whole state of Missouri,” Jeffrey said.

at the

U

Mark Basi

assistant principal

By Daniel Pomerantz Staff Writer

There is a lot about Mark Basi, assistant principal, that the average student wouldn’t know. He grew up in a small town in Illinois with one high school. He lived there because his father taught at Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale.

Basi attended St. Louis University for college mainly due to his love for the city of St. Louis.

“When I applied to SLU, I saw they had a choral group, tried out, and got accepted,” Basi said.

After college, Basi taught math in Denver, Colorado, and he also taught at Parkway West and Pattonville. When at Pattonville, he heard about a job opportunity at U. City as a math coach.

Basi’s role expanded throughout the first four years, and began to work with all departments, not just math. Last year, there was a job opening for assistant principal so Basi applied for the position and got the job. Now, he is in charge of disclipline for juniors and seniors, acts as testing coordinator for the building, oversees course selection, student teachers and academic awards.

Cory Barber and Emma McMahon, freshmen, use their seminar time to study in the library. “It’s a great place to help me get my work done,” said McMahon. PHOTO BY NICOLE HOLAHAN

New wing houses Joylynn Pruitt Ed.D. Library Media Center

By Jake Giles Staff Writer Named in honor of our previous superintendent, the Joylynn Pruitt Ed.D Library Media Center opened on June 18, 2016, on the first floor in the new wing of the school. Lori Adkins, librarian, is very in favor of the upgrade.

“There’s so much more space,” Adkins said. “I love being able to see the outdoors.”

The opening of the library featured many guest speakers including Dr. Pruitt herself.

“The coming together of the community and the guest speakers was really nice,” Adkins said of the opening.

4

Dr. Samuel Martin

dean of students

By Sydney Lucas Guest Writer At age 15, Dr. Samuel Martin, dean of students, had a vision of University City High School becoming one of the best schools in the state.

Martin graduated from U. City in 2001.

He has spent the last 15 years in school.

Martin got his teaching degree from Mizzou in 2005, masters in counseling 2007, and his Ph.D. in 2014. Martin worked for Rockbridge High School, in Columbia, Missouri, for nine years before coming back to U. City, but he always knew he would be back.

“It wasn’t hard leaving U. City,” Martin said. “My plan was to come back. It was very hard leaving Columbia. The school I worked at was all right, it wasn’t U. City though. It’s good to be back.”

Attending U. City schools had a great impact on Martin’s life decisions.

“Being here inspired me to do what I do for a living,” Martin said. “Two of my friends dropped out, but I couldn’t. Being here and given the opportunity, I took it.”

One of the things he noticed when he came back to U. City was the number of students.

“It’s smaller now, it was 1200 students my freshman year,” Martin said. “Now there’s just under 800.”

Martin also noticed that there are fewer white students here now.

Some of Martin’s old teachers are still here like Dorthea Nevils, Julie Ertmann and Lafayette Gatewood.

Before Martin could get his Ph.D., he had to write a 100-page essay as a requirement.

“Black on both sides: The black male educator experience in a predominantly white school,” was the name of his dissertation which was particularly relevant to his experience being a black counselor at a majority white school.

Martin describes his current position at U. City as making sure students have the support they need.

“I like what I do,” Martin said. “I get to connect with people, I help them whenever they need help.”

Improving the lives of students at his alma mater reminds Martin of what it was like when he attended U. City.

“I have pride in the story of where I came from,” Martin said. “I loved the diversity. We were all so different but somehow we all came together.”

5

New teachers 2016-2017

What is your favorite part about teaching at U. City High School?

Remy Bryant, Ibrahima Coulibaly, George Rollins, science Bryant: “Building realtionships with my students.”

Coulibaly: “The relationships we build with students.”

Rollins: “Collaborating better with other teachers.” PHOTOS BY LINSEY SPARKS

Phillip Parrish

Jessica Bratcher

Marietta Meyers

“The sense of mission that the staff has.

Especially Ms. Hill and Ms. Bratkowski.”

“Being a part of the school pride in the community.”

“My ELA team. It’s a really good and strong team to work with.”

Samantha Myer

Sarah Smelser

David German

english

english

“Getting to know the kids and the whole experience of being a new teacher.”

math

ceramics

“The students. They’re awesome and hilarious.”

english

math

“I really enjoy the administration’s direction.”

news

November 2016

6

Under the Big Top

7

Homecoming Court King and Queen

Prince and Princess

Junior Chaz Eleby and freshman Alexandria Hogan-Wilson have fun in spite of previous setbacks. “At first my sister was saying she wasn’t coming, then she ended up coming at the last minute,” said Eleby. “I had fun.” PHOTOS BY KAYA BLOUNT, SIERRA TYLER, AND ALONA JENKINS

In the middle of a huge circle on the dance floor, William Austin, junior, takes the spotlight. “Well, I walked up there and decided to dance,” said Austin. “I figured ’Let’s make it known that soccer guys can do this.’ I’m kind of used to it, I’ve done a lot of organized dancing.”

After playing in a volleyball tournament the morning of the dance, Jasmin Pointer, senior, had to put her outfit together at the last minute. “It turned out well. Better than I expected,” said Pointer.

Justice Corn

Traveon Johnson

Richard Bostic

Haley Jones

Out on the dance floor, junior Aaliyah Moore parties by herself to ‘My Friends’ by Mr_Hotspot . “I was turnt Like a lot of other students, seniors Jayla Robinson, Makini Morrison and Alleacya Boulia decide to Snapchat their dance up to every song,” said Moore. “Home- experience. “We were recording our happiest moments,” said Robinson. “I loved Homecoming. That was the best Homecoming was fun. I wish it lasted longer.” coming out of my four years. I think I really enjoyed myself because I got to spend it with my friends. I got to show out.”

Dance draws positive reviews for effort

By Kaya Blount Staff Writer While it wasn’t an easy feat to organize, this year’s Homecoming dance was a blast, according to many of students who attended. From the paintings on the wall to music videos being shown on the ceiling of the gym, it was obvious there was a lot of effort put into it.

The decorations this year were visually pleasing, although Mr. Parrish, senior class sponsor, expressed some regret in regard to the creative process.

“There were some decorations I wish we could’ve gotten up,” Parrish said. “I’m happy at the way it turned out, but I know what I want to do differently for next year.”

Overall, the dance was quite an experience, especially for senior and Homecoming queen Justice Corn.

“Thank you very much,” she said to those who voted for her. “I appreciate the support.”

Homecoming king Richard Bostic, senior, expressed the same gratitude.

“I love all y’all,” he said. “Thank you.”

Junior prince Traveon Johnson wasn’t even sure he would win.

“It was a rumor going around that Michael [Jefferson] and I were in close competition,” he said. Despite this, he confirmed he will be running for Homecoming king next year.

Haley Jones, Junior princess, expressed no uncertainty- she knew she would win. She is also running for court next year.

In addition, a few students brought

guests from other schools. One such student was senior Jada Smoote from Grand Center Arts Academy.

“You guys play better music,” Smoote said. “The students are actually enthusiastic about it [the dance].”

All in all, this year’s Homecoming dance was a success, according to Brianna Conner, senior.

“It’s my last high school Homecoming,” Conner said. “I’ll always remember this night.”

Pep rally invites competition for staff, students

By Nicole Holahan Staff Writer With Homecoming around the corner, students gather in the gym for an endof-the-day Pep Assembly to get everyone pumped for Saturday’s parade, game and dance. The gym was full of students wearing black, gold, white and tie-dye shirts for Flash Your Class Friday as the last day of spirit week.

“The cheerleaders were really good, I thought they really added to the overall excitement,” Yael Portman, freshman, said.

As always, the band came out and played for the students while the cheerleaders and golden girls danced alongside them.

But with a new person in charge of the Pep Rally, Yul Amerson, social studies teacher, some new games were added to the pep rally.

“Traditionally, pep rallies involve fun activities for students,” Amerson said.

“They also involve activities that have teachers make fools out of themselves.”

One fun competition that was added this year was the “Roaring Lions” challenge

where a few teachers put two marshmallows at a time in their mouths and had to say “Roaring Lions” as clear as they could. Even from a distance, students could tell that Matt Horn, social studies teacher, and Richard Matthews, faculty assistant, were the most competitive.

“Life is all about competing and I like winning at life,” Horn said. “It was my ambition to beat him.”

Another new competition was a game where students had to pick up a basketball between their knees and drop it in a box that was about five feet away. A few students from the field hockey team, cross country team, the football team and the cheerleaders all participated in the game.

One last big change to the pep rally agenda was the fact that the freshman and sophomore Homecoming court winners were announced at the assembly instead of at the dance the next day.

“This decision was made by the student government,” Amerson said. “They mostly wanted to do it to add excitement for the dance.”

Juniors Malia Harden, Kelsi Bryant, Raven Davis and Zahrya Metcalfe enjoy the music and each other’s company. “I built memories with people I may not see in 10 years,” Harden said. “It was one of my most memorable nights at U. City.”

Jordan McNeal, junior, dances with her friends--some of who don’t even attend our school. “[This dance was meaningful because] I got to connect with my friends more. We took amazing pictures, we had the best picture in the world.

SPIRIT WEEK

Pajama Day

Twin Day

Wacky Tacky

Throwback Day

Spirit Day

Ashlynn Jenkins Micah Leonard

Mike Price Kiara Welch

Destiny Martin

Johanna Hill

Tamia Williams

The football team gathered together to dance after participating in the basketball drop. “I had tons of fun being with my team and friends,” said Givion Crawford, sophomore varsity football player.

PHOTO BY CATHERINE HOFF

With four mashmallows in his mouth, Mathew Horn, social studies teacher, hoped they would announce the winner soon. “I didn’t want to choke on a ball of marshmallow,” Horn said. PHOTOS BY NICOLE HOLAHAN

After marching into the gym to a cheering crowd, Shu’Rya Butler, sophomore band member, stands and finishes the song. “When you play in the gym it’s really loud,” Butler said. “When you add the screams, it gets really lit.”

November 2016

8

entertainment

Fall Play preview

New director takes charge; format changes to full-length play

Reginald Lee, senior, plays one of the main characters, George Gibbs, in “Our Town.” “I started acting in first grade--I was a bus driver,” Lee said. “I’ve always been interested in acting.” PHOTO BY NICOLE HOLAHAN

By Jakob Giles Staff Writer If your calendars are free between Nov. 17-19, head over to the production of “Our Town,” put on by your fellow students in the auditorium.

This performance will be a step-up from last year’s fall play which was a one-act compared to “Our Town’s” three. “The play is a classic, which has been put on many times dating back to 1938. The play was also made into a movie in 1943 and then again in 2003. It’s author, Thornton Wilder, was a renowned playwright and author who was the winner of three Pulitzer Prizes, one of which happened to be for “Our Town.”

The much acclaimed theatrical play has little in common with the decidedly modern “Selfie” of last year.

“We had a one act show that was kind of a mess,” Johanna Hill, senior, said. “This year we are so much more put together than last year.”

Hill is one of the leads in the play. She is very excited about this year’s production.

“There’s lots of really good drama and really good opportunities for us to showcase some of our acting skills,” Hill said.

Also, the show has a new director. Catherine Hopkins, who moved here recently from Dallas, Texas,

and is taking over the reins. Hopkins has been in the business for the last 16 years where she directed over 85 productions.

“I hope to put down roots here at the high school and provide a framework for a new arts initiative here at University City that can help make this school a challenging and rewarding place to be for a young artist,” Hopkins said.

Her experience and passion for theater will certainly show in the production. Hopkins hopes that not only will people be pleased and entertained by the performance, but also that they will be inspired by the show’s message. One quote from the show has a very powerful meaning. “‘It’s easy for us in today’s society to get caught up in trying to ride the whirlwind of a busy and productive life but forget to stop and realize life while we are living it,’” quoted Hopkins. “That’s a line in the play and one of the most powerful moments. We are hoping to get our audience to sit up and take notice of the all that is good and meaningful in the world.”

All in all, this sure seems like a must-do for students and their families and friends.

“I’m really excited about it and I think it’s going to be a great show,” Hill said.

REVIEWS

Frank Ocean

By Linsey Sparks Staff Writer Frank Ocean dropped his debut album “Channel Orange” in 2012. It is now four years later and he has finally released his newest album, “Blonde.”

The album starts off with “Nikes,” where Ocean’s voice is distorted two different ways (higher pitch and lower pitch) for the first three minutes of a 5: 14 minute long song. There are many ways one could interpret this song. It could be about the materialism he comes across in his day to day life, but it could also be about the unjust relationship between the judicial system and their treatment of young African American men.

The album continues with tracks such

as “Be Yourself’ and “Self Control” which have meanings much deeper than they seem on the surface. “Be Yourself’’ is the most unique and touching track on the album. It is a voicemail from what seems to be Ocean’s mother, telling him to embrace his identity. And then there’s “Self Control,” my favorite from this album. My heart seemed to break along with Ocean’s throughout the entire song.

His voice shows just how broken down and insecure he is after being rejected-certainly something that almost everyone can relate to--which is why it’s so sad.

This album is an emotional journey for Ocean and the listener. It was an amazing record, but maybe not worth four years of waiting.

Stranger Things

By Nicole Holahan Staff Writer This Netflix original series is a story about a 12-year old boy, Will, who goes missing one day without a trace, so most of the town assumes he ran away. Thinking they know better than everyone else, his friends go in search for him in the forest near his house and find something unusual, or perhaps a someone. The boys find a girl who seems lost and confused so they care for her and discover that she might know where Will went. Rather than this being a small search for a friend it becomes more about a huge government secret.

As a fan of the show, I thought the plot was excellent, it gives the viewers a

sense of childlike curiosity but also that fear of knowing that there’s more to the story. I also thought it was nice how the show was a throwback to the 1980’s. The show had many hidden references to many 80’s classics all the way from E.T. to the old X-Men comics.

The breakout actors and actresses were also very good because they really provided a different view of the situation.

With this change of stars I found myself paying a lot more attention to the plot rather than their work in other shows. In the end, I recommend that you at least watch the first season because there are only eight episodes.

The Accountant

By Jakob Giles Staff Writer Aside from Ben Affleck’s stellar performance, “The Accountant” will leave audiences feeling like they didn’t get what they paid for. The movie, directed

by Gavin O’Connor and written by Bill Dubuque, was far from perfect. It’s flawed plot and script along with over-the-top violence resulted in the movie being a mediocre experience. However, there were upsides to the movie. The cast, including Ben Affleck, J.K. Simmons, and Anna Kendrick all gave great performances.

Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) is an accountant in Chicago who suffers from autism. From a young age he was able to solve puzzles and math problems quickly.

His dad, an army man (played by Robert C. Treveiler), forces both of his sons to stand up for themselves and fight when given the chance. Christian goes to jail and meets a criminal bookkeeper (Jeffrey Tambor) and gets into the business of keeping the books for some of the most dangerous criminals in the world. His work leads him to a job at a prosthetic arm factory to find where money is escaping from. Treasury department

agent Ray King (J.K. Simmons) and his associate Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) catch wind of this accountant and go on a manhunt.

Dubuque throws so many factors and twists into the plot that it all becomes a bit of a jumbled mess by the end. Also, with all of the shootouts and machine guns, Dubuque comes across as an avid supporter of the second amendment.

He makes a nod to autism, and portrays those with the disease in a good light, but ultimately fails to pull the movie together. My biggest problem with “The Accountant” is the script.

Having said that, the movie was filmed well, as Gavin O’Connor used intriguing camera shots and details, and the actors did the best they could given the limitations of the script. All in all, the movie is a Ben Affleck hybrid of “Good Will Hunting” and “The Bourne Identity” that, according to Rotten Tomatoes, audiences are rating at 87% favorable, while critics are at 51%. This critic says save your money and rent it at Redbox for a buck.

9

features

November 2016

Race Summit continues conversation

By Kaya Blount Staff Writer

Racism- it’s a topic that’s been at the forefront of nearly every social justice conversation since August 9, 2014, the day unarmed teen Michael Brown was shot. From the riots subsequent to his death, an important program blossomed--Gateway2Change. This year’s Gateway2Change Student Summit on Race was held at Ritenour High School with 36 area high schools.

The new facilitators, Terrell L. Strayhorn and Joe Beckman, were very well liked by the diverse group of students who attended because the students and facilitators both had the same objective in the end--to synthesize different perspectives on race and try their best to make others aware of bias and prejudice.

Whitney Huling and Markell Thompson, juniors, listen to the facilitators, Dr. Terrell Strayhorn and Joe Beckman, as they provide motivation to students for students to participate the in Race Summit. PHOTOS BY KAYA BLOUNT

Powder puff game raises breast cancer awarness

By Lucy Wurst Co-Editor

After school on Oct. 27, junior and senior girls gathered on the football field to compete against each other in the powder puff football game and help bring focus to an important cause.

“I decided to do the powder puff because I wanted to support breast cancer awareness,” said Jasmin Pointer, senior. “It was fun, even though we lost, because we were doing it for a purpose.”

Within the last five minutes of the powder puff, the juniors scored a touchdown and won

the game.

“My favorite part of the game was when the seniors thought they were going to win,” said Arielle Stevenson, junior. “We ended up winning and had a lot of fun doing it.”

The football team came out to support the powder puff girls by coaching, refereeing and cheerleading. Jonathan York, junior football player, picked up some pom poms and cheered on the juniors.

“Originally I wasn’t going to be a cheerleader,” said York. “When I saw the team I realized that I needed to represent and support my grade.”

The boys contributed by acting as cheerleaders at the powder puff game. Niles Jackson, Jared Cameron, Jemarcus Perkins, Kendrick Moore, and Lamont Harvey have a blast pumping up the crowd. “It was nice seeing everyone show so much school spirit,” Moore said. “I had a really good time.” PHOTOS BY LUCY WURST

Trying to score, Diasia Howard, junior running back, attempts to get away from the seniors. Jasmin Pointer and Elaina Verges got close, but Tamia Williams made the tackle. “It was flag football, she wasn’t supposed to tackle me,” said Howard. “It was out of control.”

St. Charles West High School and U. City are sibling schools who will visit each other’s schools this year. “It was exciting meeting our new sibling school,” Raven Bullard, junior, said. “I remember the impact the school exchange had last year and I am anxious to see what we’ll get out of the new exchanges this year. The exchange is actually one of my favorite parts of the Summit.”

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Makaya Johnson, Ariell Stevenson and Zoey Jordan, juniors, share a laugh before they go out to play. “It was a lot of fun, even though I knew nothing about football,” said Jordan.

An exhausted Justice Corn, senior, shows off her arm by launching the football to a fellow teamate. “I thought [powder puff] was a cool idea,” Corn said. “I also liked how the football team was involved.”

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November 2016

features

An apple a day keeps the absences away

By Kaya Blount Staff Writer Attendance is something many students at U. City struggle with- especially upperclassmen. On Oct. 17, Nancy Burstein, attendance secretary, rewarded students who had perfect attendance with caramel apples.

“I am very happy to see all of the students who acheived such high attendance for the first half of the semester, so I decided to recognize their success by giving out happy caramel apples,” said Burstein.

“I think that our students were surprised.”

The event turnout involved was mostly freshmen, with 73 students who had perfect attendance. The sophomores followed closely behind with 62, then juniors with 59 and finally seniors, with a mere 18. Why is that? Many teachers blame senioritis, which is what happens when some seniors simply don’t feel the need to come to school because it’s their final year of high school.

Tristan Tyler, Junior, enjoys the apple ceremony. “It was pretty cool,” said Tyler. “I didn’t know I was getting recognized, and it was nice getting the award.” As for the apple itself, Tyler said, “It was pretty delicious and sour.”

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11

Out for the season

SPORTS IN BRIEF

ACL injury takes toll on varsity field hockey goalie

By Julian Albright Sports Editor Tearing an ACL is a dangerous injury, which is something that the field hockey team had to find out first hand this year.

Poland was a key player on this team.

Starting varsity as a freshmen and then again as a sophomore, she proved to be one of the Lions’ clutch players. Until she went out this season, she was second overall in the St. Louis area for saves, ending with 67. She knows she’s a great player, but is nowhere near cocky.

Field hockey has been Poland’s life since she was in 2nd grade when she started playing at summer sports camp. She originally was a field player.

“I was very terrible [in the field],” said Poland.

Her coach moved her to goal. She wasn’t interested because of the big gear, and it’s always hot, but she gave in and said yes.

Little did she know years later, she would be out with one of the hardest injuries in sports, an ACL tear.

Aside from playing field hockey, Poland also plays soccer. During the first game of the 2016 spring soccer season, Poland was guarding a girl on a goal kick.

“My foot stayed in place, and my knee and the rest of my body went to the right, and that’s how it popped out,” Poland said.

The ACL, or the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, is located in the knee. The thigh bone, the shin bone, and the kneecap make up the knee. The ACL, PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), LCL (lateral collateral ligament), and MCL (medial collateral ligament) connect them and hold the knee in place.

ACL injuries usually come from other knee injuries, which is the case with Poland. A grade 1 injury is when the ACL is stretched or sprained but still stable.

Grade 2 is when the ACL becomes loose, or a partial tear. Grade 3 of course, is a full tear of the ligament. Poland’s injury was just above a grade 2 tear.

One factor that exaggerated the injury was that Poland didn’t know it was an ACL until this fall, so when her knee popped out midway through field hockey season. It was a relapse of what happened in the spring.

Liking field hockey more than soccer, this was much harder on Poland than missing soccer season.

“I cried,” said Poland. “I was just like oh, I hate my life.”

On the first doctor visit, it was decided that Poland would need surgery to fix her knee.

“It hurts [not playing]. I’m sitting on the sidelines lines [thinking] put me in because I really want to play.”

Poland has been playing for five years, so it’s not hard to understand how much of a toll this takes on her.

“It’s horrible when you spend your whole life, time and energy on something and it falls apart,” said Poland.

But it’s not only hard on Poland.

“It’s really scary,” said Zoey Jordan, junior teammate. “And without her it’s hard to depend on our goalie now.”

Poland also brought something special to the team. Of course the Lions will keep their winning mentality, but as coaches and players alike believe, Poland brings positivity to the team.

“Cheyenne has a big personality, is

November 2016

sports

Cross Country

very vocal and really wants the team to be successful,” said Marisa Davenport Sheppard, coach.

Of course, this takes a toll on Sheppard as well, but she is focused on the future.

“She is still a sophomore without a lot of learning to do and in goal experience to gain,” says Sheppard.

As expected, one of the biggest issues and adjustments were finding a new goalie.

However, Destiny Martin, junior, who took over as goalie has made a big impact.

“We are very appreciative of Destiny stepping up,” says Sheppard. “She’s done a great amount of learning in the past month and has a positive attitude with a commitment to do her best.”

With your first string goalie out, what more could you ask for?

Poland, although she cannot currently play, has hopes to play in the future.

“Sports are how I’m getting to college,” says Poland. “Junior and senior years, I want to be on my A game.”

She believes that she’s going to overcome what she believes is a small obstacle.

Poland also very much supports athletics and encourages everyone to be active and play sports. She thinks that it’s crucial in everyone’s life to be active and stay healthy.

She also supports younger athletes and prays that they never have to go through what she is currently going through.

However, when she comes back from this injury, she hopes that she is an inspiration to anyone experiencing the same thing.

“Never give up,” says Poland. “Try your hardest, be the best you can be, and never let anyone tell you different.”

Senior Jahmal Isaiah had never run cross country until this season, but proved himself to be the best runner on the team, running a 5K in under 17 minutes. At the district meet on Oct. 29, Isaiah qualified for the state cross country championships on Nov 5 in Jefferson City.

Soccer

Senior Elagbe Dorvlo ended his senior season with six goals, six assists, and 18 points.

Sophomore Noah Greenberg, tied with Dorvlo for the second most goals with six, and Johnson led the scoring list with seven goals. Soccer finished the season with a 4-12-1record.

Field Hockey

The team ended with an 11-13 record, improved from last seasons record, 6-15, under the leadership of captains Justice Corn, Micah Leonard, Catherine Hoff, Zoey Jordan, and Makaya Johnson. Justice Corn, senior, led the team in scoring with 10 goals, just in front of Zoey Jordan, junior, with eight.

Swimming

One of the goals the swim team met this year was coming in third place at the Parkway West swim meet.

Another highlight of the season was when senior Alex Portnoy qualified for state.

Fall sports wrap up

Maleak Johnson attempts to steal the ball from a Metro player, as Peter Kellogg comes in for his help. The Lions would go on to beat Metro 3-2. PHOTO BY REBECCA RICO

After finishing a race, Jahmal Isaiah, senior, and Terrico Garret, sophomore, recieve times from coach Brian Ashley. PHOTO BY HANNAH FULLER

Raven Bullard, Alexis Tucker, Jasmin Pointer, Whitney Huling and Jessica Carol-Wilbur huddle on the floor before a game. Girls varsity volleyball ended their season with on a 4-18-1 record. PHOTO BY LEAH ZUKOSKY

Jarrod Brandt and Cooper Deitzler, sophomores, prepare to dive into the pool before a race inside the Natatorium. PHOTO BY JOAH PAYNE

Haley Harris, Alleacya Boulia, and Taneya Parker celebrate after a run is scored by the Lions.

Parker says she is a “motivator” for the team. The Lions would end the game with a win.

PHOTO BY ALONA JENKINS

November 2016

sports

12

Keeson Taylor, senior wide receiver, makes a run across the 40 yeard line for a first down. Taylor felt confident that they could win and that Parkway West was a beatable team. PHOTO BY TANEYA PARKER

Lions lose homecoming heartbreaker, 54-13

By Julian Albright Sports Editor Resting on a 0-8 record going into the Homecoming game, Lions fans thought they might be looking at a win.

After blowing out the Longhorns at last year’s Homecoming, 38-0, it is safe to say that the football team was filled with confidence as they jogged onto the field.

However, after a flag throw on a false start against U. City, and then a pick 6 on the fourth play of the game, one might think that the energy at U. City would die. This was not the case.

Almost halfway through the first quarter, Parkway West standout player Drew Seers had two interceptions and three touchdowns. converting on 4th and 31 for a touchdown.

Luckily for the team, the crowd was not discouraged. Or at least they weren’t showing it. The band kept belting out songs, and there was plenty of energy in the stadium.

The Lions were down 35-0 by the start of the second quarter, but running back Jason Knight, junior, answered with a breakaway touchdown run. This hyped the crowd up to another level, and there was a burst of spirit in the stands.

The Lions looked stronger in the second quarter with two highlight runs from junior quarterback/running back

Atum Gibson. It looked like a promising drive, but the Lions ended up turning the ball over on downs.

The end of the second quarter looked shaky and the Lions walked off the field at halftime with only one touchdown.

At the start the second half, U. City came out of the gate strong and shutdown Parkway West on defense on the first drive of the half. A number of fumbles made for hypnotizing entertainment during the third quarter. After one fumble by Parkway West, U. City called a timeout to take advantage of the situation.

Whatever was said in that time out worked, because the Lions played textbook football, scoring a touchdown in just two plays. Quarterback Lawrence Coleman, freshman, connected with senior Keeson Taylor (Bam), on a 60-yard throw. The

The Lions make the traditional run through the banner before the Homecoming game.

PHOTO BY LINSEY SPARKS

next play, Coleman connected again, this time with junior Deion Williams. The throw was almost intercepted but with outstanding alertness from Williams, he was able to make the catch deflecting off the defender’s hands.

“I knew I was going to get it,” said Williams.

But the momentum did not carry them to a victory. The Lions ended up losing 54-13, only scoring two touchdowns and missing an extra point.

Not everything went horribly for the Lions, though.

“The opportunities we had, we made the most of it,” said Treveon Johnson, junior lineman.

He believes that they can do better than the way they’ve been playing.

“We have to play better and get better,” Johnson said. “That’s it.”

One of the biggest questions that fans have had is what the difference is this season than last season.

“The biggest difference is experience,” said Lafayette Gatewood, head coach. “We lost 20 seniors last year, I think 14 were starters.”

Gatewood elaborates that young players, naturally, will not be as good as older players, and experience is the factor keeping the Lions from winning.

Referring to the team of last year, Gatewood said, “When they were young, they had problems, too.”