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OCTOBER 2021

SENIORS LEARN ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DISTRACTED DRIVING PG. 15

Westminster Christian Academy

STAFF

MANAGING EDITOR IN CHIEF MAGGIE LINDSTROM, SENIOR

Students

EDITOR: 800 SPORTING BROOKE HIGHMARK, SENIOR

CONTENT EDITOR EMMA HARRIS, SENIOR

Serving

BROADCAST LEADER IZZY TROST, SENIOR

BROADCAST LEADER ABBY JOHLERT, SENIOR

Students

BROADCAST LEADER TRISTON SCALES, SENIOR

BROADCAST LEADER ANNA FREGENE, SENIOR

2 STAFF

FEATURE EDITOR

PAWPRINT LIAISON

ELLIE JONES, SENIOR

HOPE LINAM, SENIOR

Staff Writers STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

EVAN KOHN, SENIOR

SAYVA PHILIPS , SENIOR

STAFF WRITER

RILEY HEIRONIMUS, SENIOR

ALEX WITTENAUER, SENIOR

NOLAN JONES, SENIOR

JACOB BROWN, SENIOR

STAFF WRITER

JACKSON LOEHR, SENIOR

STAFF WRITER

JACOB HANSON, SENIOR

STAFF WRITER

ANNA GRACE LIKES, JUNIOR

STAFF WRITER

LUCY KNERR, SOPHOMORE

STAFF WRITER

ALLI BISHOP, JUNIOR

STAFF WRITER

WILL DANA, SOPHOMORE

STAFF WRITER

POPPY MCCAULEY, SOPHOMORE

STAFF WRITER

MEGAN MOREY, SENIOR

MIA SCHEULEN, JUNIOR

STAFF WRITER

AMILA PIERIS, SOPHOMORE

MADDOX ROSENBERG, SOPHOMORE

STAFF WRITER

SYDNEY BRADLEY, JUNIOR

WILLIAM JINKINS, SOPHOMORE

STAFF WRITER

ELIJAH SCHMIDT, FRESHMAN

COLE STEPHENS, JUNIOR

LUKE RYAN, JUNIOR

STAFF WRITER

CHRISTINA ENGLISH, JUNIOR

STAFF WRITER

DREW CAHILL, SOPHOMORE

CONTENTS

FEATURE

AT HOME AND ABROAD PG. 6

THE HISTORY OF PUNPKIN SPICE PG. 7

WHAT ARE THE REAL BIG QUETIONS PG. 8

COLLEGE DURING CORONA PG. 14

OPINION

WHY DO I FEEL SO BURNT OUT? PG. 9 ACCOUNTABILITY: ARE WE TAKING IT TOO FAR? PG. 10 GASLIGHTING GIRLBOSS! PG. 11 NORMALIZING PLASTIC SURGERY HAS CONSEQUENCES PG. 12

NEWS

ONE TEXT MESSAGE CAN RUIN YOUR LIFE PG. 15

SPORTS

NEW DIVE TEAM ADDS POINTS PG. 17

THE IMPACT OF COACH FARMER PG. 18

HE TRIPLE THREAT PG. 19

ONE MAN BAND PG. 20

NEW DIVE TEAM ADDS POINTS PG. 21

FRESHMAN RUNNER MAKES THEIR MARK PG. 22

CHANGING THE GAME PG. 23

THE DECISION PG. 24

4 CONTENTS

CONTENTS

STAFF ED GET READY FOR ITSOG WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO GIVE? AS ITSOG APPROACHES US, WE HAVE TO THINK ABOUT THE GIVING PART OF OUR LIVES. IT IS SO EASY TO JUST BRING IN A COUPLE OF THINGS AND NOT THINK ABOUT THE ACTUALLY IMPACT OF OUR ITEMS. THESE ITEMS WE BRING IN LITERALLY ENCOURAAGE AND CHNAGE PEOPLES LIVES. THEY HELP KEEP PEOPLE ALIVE AND FUNCTIONING. WHEN GIVING SCHOOL SUPPLIES YOU ARE HELPING CHILDREN WITH THEIR EDUCATION AND MAYBE EVEN ENCOURAGING THEM TO WORK HARDER AT THEIR SCHOOLING. EVERY DOLLAR YOU GIVE TO AFRICAIN VISION OF HOPE, YOU GIVING NEW PURPOSE AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO PEOPLE. WE EASILY FORRGET THESE THINGS. WE DON’T THINK OR UNDERSTAND THE TRUE LIFE CHANGING IMPACT THESE THINGS ARE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE IN NEED. ALSO WE TAKE THIS WEEK OF GIVING FOR GRANTED. WE HAVE AN AMZING CHANCE TO BE APART OF THIS WON-

From 800 news

DERFUL PLAN OF GOD. WE HAVE THIS CHANCE TO BE APART OF LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCES, AND WE DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT. I KOW I PERSONALLY JUST SET MY STUFF DOWN AND KEEP MOVING ON WIHT MY DAY. ITSOG HAS EASILY BECOME JUST ANOTHER BOX WE CHECK HERE AT WESTMINSTER. SO TODAY, I CHALLENEG YOU DON’T LET ISTOG BE A BOX YOU CHECK. LET THE IMPACTS AND THE POSSIBLES OF ITSOG SINK IN AND REALLY THINKA ND UNDETSAND THE ITEMS YOU ARE GIVING. MAYBE EVEN PRAY OVER THE ITEMS YOU ARE GIVING TO LET THE LORD REALLY DO HIS WORK WITH THEM. BUT WESTMINSTER THIS ITEM DON’T SIMPLY JUST SET THOSE ITEMS DOWN ON YOUR GRADES TABLE. LET’S THINKA BOUT THE GREAT FUTURE THEY HAVE AND THE POWER OF OUR ACTIONS OF GIVING.

STAFF ED

STAFF EDITORIAL 5

AT HOME AND ABROAD

Four exchange students connecting Westminster with the world. ELIJAH SCHMIDT Staff Writer From the towering walls of China to the diverse landscapes of the Ukraine, Westminster’s inﬂuence reaches far and wide. One way Westminster reaches those outside of our borders is through exchange students. At Westminster, we have students from South Korea, China, Ukraine, and the Netherlands. I sat down with several of these students and got to know them and their stories. Let us travel all the way across the Paciﬁc Ocean and to the Korean Peninsula. Amie Do was born in Seoul, South Korea. She went to Hana School for Elementary School and joined the Westminster Student Body in 7th Grade. When Amie came to The Academy her overall feeling was a mix of astoundment and culture shock. She articulated to me that schools in South Korea are not quite as large as Westminster. She said it was shocking yet exciting to be in such a huge school. After Westminster Amie hopes to go back to South Korea for college. I have no doubt in my mind that Amie is bright and intelligent, in all her endeavors she will undoubtedly succeed. Now let’s skip across Asia to Eastern Europe. Here in the country of Ukraine, Masha Stephens was born. From an early age, Masha

Masha smiles while holding an adorable dog. Photo provided by Masha Stephens.

did not have an easy life. Through circumstances that could break most, she only became stronger. From an orphanage in Ukraine to St. Louis, Masha has come so far. One of her favorite things about coming to Westminster is the food, “we don’t have Chick-Fil-A in the Ukraine[…]” Masha jokes. Within our conversation we also touched on the contrasting cultures, Ukraine versus the United States of America. In the United States Masha sees a constant ambition. Yet in the Ukraine she still saw a culture based upon individualism, but it is based less upon ambition and more survival. Especially after the Soviet Regime was in place for years, whose effects can never be lost. After Westminster she is hoping to get through college and ﬁgure out the rest of her life from there. Now how about we circle back to China, where Gabriel Liu was born. He was able to give me vivid and beautiful descriptions of his home in China. “The cities are beautiful[…]” Gabriel explained with a smirk on his face. Within the most populated country there is true beauty and prosperity. Now, turning to Westminster, Gabriel explained that the Academy is a place of unity. “It’s probably because they’re Christians.” He elaborated that teachers seem to care about their students. This is because of their uniﬁed love for one another in Christ. Gabriel is a man of God and will undoubtedly change the world.

Amie basks in the suns of a beautiful garden. Photo provided by Amie Do.

6 NEWS

WHAT IS WITH PUMPKIN SPICE

Why has pumpkin spice become so popular over the years? CHRISTINA ENGLISH Staff Writer When Starbucks released their pumpkin spice latte in 2003, pumpkin spice started to blow up everywhere. People were using it in hand sanitizer, soaps, dog treats, and so much more. But where did pumpkin spice come from? Why did the pumpkin spice latte become so popular? Well, pumpkin spice actually does not have any pumpkin in it. The spice consists of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and, apparently, nutmeg has been around for a lot longer than we have realized. “…archaeologists found ancient nutmeg residue on ceramic pottery shards that they estimate to be 3,500 years old,” explains Becky Little, a writer at history.com.

now Indonesia that the British controlled and was known for their nutmeg. At this point, the Dutch had control over all of the Spice Islands (the Maluku Islands), where they could access them and make new spices, one of them being similar to pumpkin spice called “speculaaskruiden”. From there, people all around the world started to create their own spices that were similar to pumpkin spice. Finally, in 1796, the blend of spices came to the newly founded America. They were able to ﬁnd it in the ﬁrst American written cookbook by Amelia Simmons, where she used cinnamon, mace, and ginger.

Now, where did the pumpkin come from? According to the people at Better Homes and Gardens magazine, “it was the Europeans who enhanced the high sugar content These archaeologists discovered the nutmeg on Pulau Ay, an island that is a part of Indonesia. From there, researchers have been able to trace back the history of nutmeg of pumpkin by making it into a pie.” However, pumpkins are originally from North and and connect it to the global spice trade. Asia put their spices up to sell, one of them be- South America, so, naturally, the spice blend was put together with pumpkins a lot. ing nutmeg, and it travelled to the Middle East and North Africa, where it went to Europe. Then, thanks to the spice company McCormick, the “pumpkin pie spice” was created The obsession for spice got so bad that the Dutch traded their colony New Amsterdam in 1934, the spice blend became one of the most popular spice blends that is used (now New York) to the British in the late 1600s for Pulau Run, a Banda Island in what is all across the world. It has only been recently that people started to get creative and

The History of Pumpkin Spice Explored. Image by: Christina English

FEATURE 7

WHAT ARE THE REAL BIG QUESTIONS?

Exploring the WCA Big Questions Enrichment. MADDOX ROSENBERG Staff Writer Many people have wondered, like me, what the WCA “Big Questions” enrichment program is all about. With Mr. Knerr and Mr. Burke, you can expect the discussions to be interesting and deep, and no surface level conversations. Mr. Knerr is exciting, elusive, funny, kind, and brings an interesting perspective to the conversation. I believe everyone should try to get perspective from other people, especially to grow as a person. I also believe the enrichment gives many opportunities to students who want to discuss topics, learn something new, and bond more closely with others. These the questions they have tackled so far: Why does God allow us to suffer? Is there ever a clear reason why he allows us to suffer? Why is Christian art often so bad? What does good art look like? How can art heal?

How should the church be involved in politics? Are there really political solutions to moral problems? What is the most difﬁcult challenge in maintaining your faith in intellectually challenging environments? Are many people wounded by their experiences in church? How does it affect them? How is our neighbor when we think about the condition of modern culture? On Wednesday, October 13, the Big Question enrichment brought in guest speaker Mr. Sarra and discussed the purpose of art, and other questions like, what is art? They introduced the subtleties of art leading to how art inﬂuences us in life. This enrichment’s topic and discussion can vary greatly from meeting to meeting. The Big Questions enrichment meets most Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you are interested in joining, you can talk to your counselors and/or talk to Mr. Knerr and Mr. Burke. Here are some students enrolled in the program and their thoughts: “I enjoy learning how Christianity is integrated through art and other things in this world,” said Calvin Van Heest, junior. “It teaches us to think more critically about life and society around us. Critically thinking about life points to a supernatural creator and just how powerful our God is,” Jadyn Patton, junior.

Graphic by Maddox Rosenberg

8 FEATURE

“I really like the teachers and how they seem to care about the subject. They have good material prepared and they bring in extra people who are experts in the subject to get a better understanding,” Reagan Beachy, junior.

WHY DO I FEEL SO BURNT OUT?

ANNA GRACE LIKES Staff Writer

We’ve all heard the cliche complaints about how “school is hard” and how difficult it is to work for seven hours straight. Parents and even some teachers then have the typical response of “I work every day too, you just need to learn to work harder,” or, “why are you wasting your free time procrastinating and being lazy?” Part of the difficulty of the school day is that many students have sports practices, play or instrument rehearsals, work, and hours upon hours of extra homework every single night. But it could be argued that there’s a little more that makes the school day so difficult.

what the teacher is saying, how they say it, the environment they learn in, or how long they have to learn. Consider a math classroom with blank, beige walls with no decoration. Now consider that the teacher goes through the notes the same way every day with a monotone voice and little to no peer interaction. Does a student in that class care about what they are learning or even retain the information they were given? Most likely not. They move on to the next 50 minute period of different information being presented in the same way. Obviously, different variables can have an effect on this. Being able to connect to the teacher, feeling comfortable in a classroom, or understanding and enjoying the lesson being taught helps to alleviate the stressors of such a busy day. But even this does not ﬁx the fact that teenagers are tired of attending full days of an almost endless ﬂow of unrelated and oftentimes confusing information.

Adults who work at their typical career get the opportunity to do something they chose to do and hopefully enjoy doing. They work on and complete tasks related to the requirements of their chosen profes- Westminster student Sophie Shaver describes burnout as “the feeling sion and are able to spend focused time working on one thing at a time of being so tired after a day of school that you just lay down on your bed and can’t do anything else because you’re so tired and stressed.” This without too much interruption. This is the ideal working scenario, with burnout can even turn into more serious problems such as anxiety or minimal interruptions and switching of topics/tasks completely even depression when not properly taken care of earlier on. School systems though there may be some multitasking involved. While the work they do is tiring, it is simply less draining because it is focused on a specific, put immense pressure on the lives of students and have done so for years. Nothing seems to change even amidst countless cries for help, continuous task instead of the alternative: a day at high school. calls for change, and mental health problems on the rise. On especially Dr. Sophie Leroy, business professor at the University of Minnesota, longer days, teachers should not expect to have their students’ full identified a phenomenon she calls attention residue based on research attention for 75 minutes straight without some sort of peer interaction, she conducted in a controlled lab setting. This attention residue was experiment, video, game, or even just a break. Teens want to be active identified when subjects in the experiment had trouble switching from and want to learn if they have the ability to do so in a way they care one task to another. “Residue” was left behind from the previous task, about. Take for example those “fun” class days: movies, games, or causing it to affect performance in the next task. Now consider a typical interacive activities—those are what stick in a student’s mind and let high schooler’s daily schedule: starting at 8:00 am, a day might look them learn. Teenagers need to feel cared about and seen if they want like having 50 minutes of English, then math, then a science class, to overcome academic burnout, and it’s up to teachers to change their then maybe an art or music class, then a history class, and so on until experience and attempt to beat this attention residue. 3:00. Once a student sits through a lecture and takes notes in American History, they have to somehow turn their brain off of that and switch to a quiz on photosynthesis for Biology. Then after that, they might have to complete a series of Algebra problems, but they are still focused on cells and cannot focus on solving for ‘x.’ This constant switching of completely unrelated topics makes focusing extremely difficult as the day stretches on because that attention residue continues to build. Oftentimes, these classes do not pique students’ interests either. Being forced to sit and listen to a 50 minute lecture and devote one’s entire attention to that lecture is virtually impossible when thinking about the many other homework assignments they have due the next day while still considering the completely different lesson in the last class. In order for a student to want to learn and want to listen, they have to either enjoy

“Burnout” is characterized by tiredness and disinterest in activities. Image by: Anna Grace Likes

FEATURE 9

ACCOUNTABILITY: ARE WE TAKING IT TOO FAR?

Cancel culture and the dangers of internet culture LUCY KNERR STAFF WRITER

centered around the social media site. Many famous names such as Elen Degeneres and Johnny Depp have become victims of cancel culture for hurtful actions, and The most recent generation has taken it upon themselves to call out others for offensive many more names are coming to light as the quest for accountability and change continues. Unfortunately, along with holding accountability, those holding the perpebehaviour that could potentially harm many others in their stead. This movement has trators accountable replaced accountability and education with a cyber witch hunt. purged many of those who were truly harming the community… however, along with the bad, most good washas been driven out as well. This is called cancel culture. Cancel culture, at its core, is designed by the people of the internet to deprive those who use actions or words to , using actions or words, hurt others of their platform One of the problems cancel culture has is that forcing someone to take accountability has sometimes been too extreme. Holding accountability on the internet seems to hold and status. In attempting to help, good people who made one mistake are also the same level of intensity across the board when some issues don’t necessarily need being attacked and driven off of their own platforms via doxxing, harsh hashtags, and extreme negative language. All of this can be sparked by an honest mistake the same amount of attention as others. Because this intensity is centered around or a misunderstanding of words. While people are forced to apologize and to hold internet culture, it continues to worsen due to the disconnect between technology themselves accountable for their actions, they are also becoming too afraid to say and face to face contact. Most disputes within the realm of cancel culture stem from anything at all. offensive language and actions, usually concerning racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. In these cases, cancel culture is necessary for positive change and protection for others who may be extremely hurt by this language. However, this positive change can quickly Asking people with large platforms on the internet to use their platforms for good is becoming impossible due to the fact that those with big platforms are too afraid turn toxic when the accountability turns into blaming and borderline harassment. to even speak about what’s right in exchange for losing their status and creative autonomy. The environment that cancel culture has created is one that doesn’t allow The deﬁnition of cancel culture by Miriam Webster is “the practice or tendency of those who take accountability to grow and learn from their mistakes, and thus the engaging in mass cancelling [...] as a way of expressing disapproval and exerting social pressure”. Cancel culture seems to have originated on twitter and is still mostly problem it is trying to solve is only becoming worse. One mistake suddenly deﬁnes your whole character and one mistake can ruin your whole life permanently, even after you apologize. Recently, As beautiful thing has arisen within internet culture: holding accountabilite.

In order to truly garner change, twitter and sites like it that endorse cancel culture must create an environment where it is okay for people to make mistakes and learn from them while also holding them accountable for their actions.

We are all holding on by a thin thread, and any wrong can cut that string. Illustration by: Lucy Knerr

10 FEATURE

MAKE GIRLS FEEL SEEN AND MAKE THEIR IDEAS HEARD

Women empowerment and why it’s important SAYVA PHILLIPS Staff Writer

young women for the betterment of our school. In the classrooms you can make girls feel seen and make their ideas heard by just listening to what they have to say in class. To make a difference, individuals must take it upon themselves. It begins with you believing in yourself and the women around you, which brings me to another form of empowerment, social. Women, think highly of yourselves and stop questioning your own abilities. Think highly of the women around you also and encourage them so as to build up their own confidence. I am so tired of us picking and choosing when it is okay to support women using criteria such as “she is not funny enough, skinny Illustration by: Sayva Phillips enough, big enough, pretty enough, or talkative enough.” By ending this, we can greatly impact our social environment making it a better Ladies, whether you are a student, a faculty member, or in another role place for our women to grow and find themselves. here at school, I need your help. “When I am complimented by random girls in the halls it makes me We must lower the cases where women in our school are being feel seen,” said Oreofe Oginni, Senior. brought down and shut out. I have been in the position where I would Here are a few things we can do in our own community. Starting in give an answer or present an idea in class only to get shut down the classrooms, we can begin listening to each other’s ideas and because others don’t not like it without being given a chance to explain my reasoning. Girls being brought down because of how they opinions, working together on assignments or reaching out if you express themselves is discouraging and impacts how they influence see a fellow woman struggling. In halls, try complimenting someone the community. This means that we women need to take advantage new. Tell her you like her smile, her hair, the way she perceives of situations to start hearing each other to be able to make the school herself. On the field, offer words of encouragement before the environment one where women feel more confident and empowered. game, give high fives, let them know that their presence in the game Empowerment is often used to mean a social process that helps others matters. Make them aware that what they are doing at that moment gain control of their lives. It comes in many forms, education, social, is making a difference. Teachers, make it a safe and comfortable eneconomic, psychological and political. As a community I feel like we vironment for young ladies to grow and express themselves. Ladies, you do not have to be afraid to speak up for yourselves and hold your need more social and education empowerment for our women. head high. Better the school environment with your confidence and It is so important that we start and continue to lift up women and your positive life choices! Go get em girlboss!

FEATURE 11

NORMALIZING COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY HAS CONSEQUENCES getting cosmetic plastic surgery is warned against and it’s not even EMMA HARRIS Content Editor

Cosmetic plastic surgery is more common now than it’s ever been, and in the media, there has been a recent push over the past few years to normalize and de-stigmatize it. Although I’m all for growing more conﬁdent, this method is concerning to me. When we look at the normalization of cosmetic plastic surgery, what are the consequences of that? We normalize the societal tendency to look at certain features and deem them ugly. We don’t consider the psychological effects. We skip over the long term consequences of plastic surgery, and we skip over the medical risks of plastic surgery.

recommended.

According to the same article, many people who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder have gone through multiple cosmetic surgeries to end up just as or even more insecure than they were previously. Plastic surgery is a drug to those with body dysmorphic disorder and insecurity.

It’s easy to place too much hope in cosmetic plastic surgery and expect it to fix your insecurity. While a lot of people do experience heightened self-esteem after surgery, a lot of people are also left feeling insecure and regretful of their decision or hungry for moreit’s not hard to be disappointed with your results, and a study posted Our society is often two-faced. They tell us to “be confident in who in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that “patients who are you are.” But then we support plastic surgery. We tell people to love dissatisfied with surgery may request repeat procedures or experitheir body. But then we praise them when they surgically alter their ence depression and adjustment problems, social isolation, family body under the pretence that they did so in order to love it. To love our problems, self-destructive behaviors” (“Plastic Surgery: Beauty bodies and ourselves- that is currently the driving idea behind most or Beast?”). A poll of 2,638 people who have had plastic surgery advertisements, one of the biggest ideas behind media in general right revealed 65% of them regretted it (Decan Chronicle). now. Many see cosmetic plastic surgery as a viable method to gain The psychological effects cosmetic plastic surgery can have on those this self-love. who participate in it are concerning, and if we’re considering the Let me make something clear first: I myself have looked in the mirror psychological effects on the person who undergoes the knife, we and thought ‘if only my lips were a little bigger.’ I have looked at the must look at the psychological effect on the people around them. bridge of my nose and thought ‘now only if that could be shaved off.’ Consider this: someone looks at somebody who received plastic I have looked at my hip dips and longed for their disappearance. My surgery and she or he feels a wave of insecurity rise up in themanger does not lie with the women or men who have considered cosmetic plastic surgery or gone through with it, but at the world for self. Someone had the same exact nose, and somebody surgically being a place that made them feel as though they had to in order to be replaced it. Someone had the same body type, and it wasn’t enough desirable. This is also not meant to group in plastic surgery procedures for somebody; why does he or she earn more praise after he or she enhanced it? for the purpose of alleviating pain. But cosmetic plastic surgery should not be a method of making oneself more confident. In fact, it often targets and exploits insecure people and sometimes makes them even more insecure, the exact opposite of what it’s intended for. According to the article “The Risks & Awards of Plastic Surgery,” written by Natalie Kita and medically reviewed by Maria LoTempio, Md, “if you feel very strong negative emotions toward your physical appearance, it’s strongly advised you consult a physician or psychologist about body dysmorphic disorder before pursuing a solution with surgery.” The whole reason for

12 FEATURE

The truth is that your actions have consequences, and when you show the world that you felt insecure about a particular feature, you teach the rest of the world to hate it too. Instead of celebrating differences, plastic surgery causes people to feel shame for them. But how is this different from extreme makeup? Why aren’t I against that? Because makeup is not permanent, it does not come with fatal medical risks, it can be easily reversed, and people do not place so much hope into it. It is also often used as a form of artistic expres-

ot even

sion. Makeup does not harm your skin unless you’re allergic, and deeply unsettling about society and the beauty standards it retains. it does not invade what is beneath the skin- I’m not going to take issue with those who change their appearance without risking their Cosmetic plastic surgery alludes to something disturbing in our socilives. Plastic surgery is, in fact, surgically placing plastic into your ety. I love the idea of people growing more conﬁdent in themselves, but this

body urgeries ously. rder and

and rience o left morey posted ho are experifamily auty gery

on those g the e, we face. After time, Cosmetic plastic surgery reveals something incredibly unsettling about our society and the beauty standards it retains. Illustration by: Emma Harris particular method of hem. it can begin to gaining that confidence does not sit right with me- the idea that so disintegrate and fall down in your face, releasing toxins into it. astic many people feel so insecure they are willing to undergo invasive and emSo many women receive lip injections these days- on social media, expensive procedures is heartbreaking to me. I don’t blame anyone ically it’s almost more common to have filled lips than it is to have natural who has undergone cosmetic plastic surgery, who has fallen prey to enough ones. But like any surgical procedure, plastic surgery comes with the current plastic surgery epidemic or their insecurities, but I am mad or she risks. Risks include “complications related to anesthesia, including at society. pneumonia, blood clots and, rarely, death; infection at the incision At the end of the day, I’m not in charge of your body or the decisions site, which may worsen scarring and require additional surgery; you fluid buildup under the skin; mild bleeding, which may require an- you make- if cosmetic plastic surgery will have a genuine positive ure, other surgical procedure, or bleeding significant enough to require impact on your life, I’m not going to block the plastic surgeon’s door brating a transfusion: abnormal scarring due to skin breakdown; separa- trying to keep you from entering. But you should know the medical them. tion of the surgical wound, which sometimes requires additional risks involved and the potential consequences it might have. procedures; numbness and tingling from nerve damage, which may against be permanent; mortality,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Confidence Your body and features exist, and that is beautiful- that alone is ith fatal should not come at the risk of mortality. The fact that people will enough. You don’t need a button nose to be pretty, you don’t need ace so risk their lives to change their outer appearance says something sculpted cheekbones, you don’t need the body everyone says you xpresneed.

OPINION 13

THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC HAS ADDED EXTRA PRESSURE AND DIFFICULTY TO GET INTO UNIVERSITIES WHILE ITS IMPACT ON SCHOOL IN GENERAL HAS ALSO GOTTEN WORSE. ELLIE JONES Features Editor

This is a particular time in high school students’ lives where self-doubting becomes prevalent in everyday activities. As part of the college application process, students are forced to pick themselves apart and sell themselves. For some, this may be easy, for others however, this can be a great challenge. This challenge becomes more dramatic when a pandemic takes over.

going to matter as much as they thought. The balance between schoolwork and the application process quickly becomes extremely overwhelming. Every student is concerned with their future, and the real question is will they ever reach their full potential amid the pandemic?

USA Today reporter, Jenna Ryu, interviewed high school senior, Torey Remote learning was a popular alternative during Corona season. Leverton about her college application experience during the effects of Depression rates skyrocketed as individuals felt isolated, and the fear of rejection combined with loneliness always results in a longing for the worldwide pandemic. something more. Writing endless amounts of essays and completing applications was just the beginning for Leverton. In the back of her mind (being aware Most schools around the country lost annual school events. For Tory Leverton, this caused her to begin to not care as much about school of how competitive the pool of admissions is) her fear of rejection as she used to. She felt as if her entire experience was dissolving always appeared to be prominent. before her eyes. The only guaranteed way out of this misery was an “Another year of remote learning was weighing on her, and the final acceptance letter into a university. high school memories she had looked forward to disappeared one-byLeverton, (along with most students in high school during the panone as she lost her homecoming, prom and graduation,” said Ryu. demic) deeply hoped that her college experience would not in any Every high school senior’s last year is the most difficult. Self esteem way reflect the end of her high school career. An escape was the only way she could achieve happiness again. However, she knew it was a rates imminently drop and students are constantly wondering why possibility. College is a specific time that adults can never get back. they are not good enough to be admitted into the universities they want when they are rejected. What they are not aware of is that when Everyone needs to make the most of their college experience, no they start an actual career, the university in which they attended is not matter the circumstances.

Illustration by: Ellie Jones

14 OPINION

ONE TEXT MESSAGE CAN RUIN YOUR LIFE

Seniors learn about the dangers distracted driving EMMA HARRIS Content Editor On October 21, 2021, Westminster Christian Academy had Town and Country ofﬁcers explain the dangers of distracted driving to senior students.

Chief Sapler, Chief Cavers, and Miss Cobble came in to talk to students before the demonstration of an accident occurred. Chief Sapler started off by talking about the recent uptick in cellphone related accidents and warned students of the risks checking just one single text or changing the radio or driving under influence can cause. “The First responders carryign a student off in a stretcher. Photo by: Emma Harris decisions that you make influence so much more than you think,” Sapler said. One single decision can land you and others in the hospital, in the grave, or in prison. “One moment and it’s over.” Your life will the car, one of whom received a sobriety test, three students carried never look the same, he warned. off on stretchers (one towards a helicopter), and white sheets draped over two students, signifying their death. One “dead” student was Chief Cavens talked about the statistical side of things a little more. slumped over the hood of the car while the other layed on the ground, According to Cavens, about 420,000 cars drive past Westminster a her “mother” crying out in an emotional display. The scene touched day and he shows up to the scene of at least two major accidents per many people. day. Most, he says, are not actually due to speeding, but distractions and alcohol. According to Cavers, what students saw was a level one out of five crash and it did not even properly convey what it is actually like. In the WCA parking lot, two cars were set up to reflect an actual Sapler described screaming people, the stench of blood and gasoline crash, the two cars completely smashed in the front, the windows and coolant, smouldering smoke, and shattered glass everywhere. either completely shattered or peeling down. Seven students acted as the drivers and passengers in the two cars. The rest of the students Before they took questions, Sapler ended it on a poignant note. “Is watched through the rising smoke as two mildly injured students left that text message really worth it? Is being the cool kid by taking a shot worth it?” One question asked by student Ian Henderson was one Sapler said is often asked: “Is there anything we can do before officers and firemen arrive on the scene?” Sapler said that if we can’t pull someone out of a fire, we should not attempt to do anything. The area is a crime scene, and the police and first responders do not want people getting in the way and disrupting their work. Instead, people should wait until they arrive.

The fake crash set up to demonstrate what it could look like to students. Photo by: Emma Harris

Sapler, Cavers, and Cobble warned students that one single decision can lead to a disaster that will follow them, their family, whoever they hit and their own family, for the rest of their lives.

OPINION 15

Westminster Christian Academy

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STL UMPIRE RETIRES

After a long MLB career, Gerry Davis leaves a legacy greater than his accomplishments.

NOLAN JONES STAFF WRITER

Gerry Davis is a well known name in the world of baseball. But, those who are close to him know that there is something more to his story.

This message stuck with me. Some say that “it’s about the journey, not the destination,” but Gerry would say it’s about the people. This is something that anybody can apply not only to life in general, but also to sports speciﬁcally. Always work hard to get to the top of the mountain, but it’s lonely at the top if you neglect the people to get there.

Davis was a man who lived the American Dream. He went from bar-backing at a bar in South St. Louis to one of the most successful in his trade. Based on his accomplishments The theme throughout the night was plain and simple to everyone in the room. Gerry alone, many would say that he lived a great life. His friends, family, and himself would even said it himself: all of his accomplishments in the world of baseball are very special agree, but for a different reason. to both him and the history of the game. He was proud of these accomplishments, but they were not what made his career a “hell of a ride.” It was the people that he met My dad, Tom Jones, grew up around the game of baseball. He played since he could walk and umpired games for kids his own age. He loved being around the game and the along the way and got to share these things with that made his career special. people that he met through it. My dad met Gerry a few times through various umpires This message stuck with me. Some say that “it’s about the journey, not the destination,” and baseball guys that knew him. He quickly learned what kind of man that Gerry was but Gerry would say it’s about the people. This is something that anybody can apply not through the way that he treated himself and others. only to life in general, but also to sports speciﬁcally. Always work hard to get to the top of the mountain, but it’s lonely at the top if you neglect the people to get there. Gerry Davis took care of people and left an impression on everyone that he met. Throughout his whole career, he never let his success consume him. He stayed in touch with his friends from St. Louis as well as the people that were there for him from the beginning. I got the privilege to go with my dad to Gerry’s retirement party the night of his last, and 5000th, game in St. Louis on October 3rd, 2021. His closest friends and family spoke about his life in baseball.The stories that I had heard about him from my dad were only afﬁrmed.

Davis calls out Francisco Lindor at home plate. Photo by: Nolan Jones

Never forget where you came from, and remember the people who helped you get to where you are. Staying humble isn’t an easy thing to do when you’re at the top, but don’t ever let your accomplishments in life change the way you treat people. The ones that ﬁgure this out are the ones that we remember. The others go down as another number in the history books.

Gerry Davis wore the number 12 in his umpiring days. Photo by: Nolan Jones

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THE IMPACT OF COACH FARMER

Softball new assistant coach helps players with their mentality both on and off the field.

HOPE LINAM STAFF WRITER, PAWPRINT LIAISON

Kassi Farmer, former catcher and softball player for Indiana University, has brought a culture to the softball program that has motivated the team to work harder and want to achieve higher goals. This season is Coach Farmer’s second year with the team, but due to last year being a COVID year, the team was not able to build as much chemistry with her as they have this season. “It felt a lot more difficult to make connections and provide instruction while also keeping distance and wearing masks. I have enjoyed this year of coaching more than last year because I can just focus on helping my players become better and not all of the additional challenges that COVID presented,” said Farmer. Coach Farmer played softball for fifteen years before finally hanging up her cleats, but in the midst of her illustrious career, she faced an unfortunate injury, as she tore her ACL at the end of her sophomore year of highschool. Similar to any athlete who goes through this terrible injury, her mindset prior to the injury was more heavily focused on her agenda rather than God’s agenda. Farmer described having felt as if she had no purpose after the ACL tear and feeling like she no longer had control of her athletics. But, after a while, she Coach Farmer poses with the senior softball players on senior night. was finally able to understand what God was trying to communicate Courtesy of a Westminster parent to her. thing much bigger than themselves. “After taking almost a year to get back to 100%, my perspective of the game of softball completely changed. I realized that I had taken “Coach Farmer has helped me individually because she pushes me to be my best every game and also wants me to not just do my best the opportunities that I had been given for granted and I became humbled and more grateful for every game and practice. Instead of physically in the game, but also focus on my mindset and mentalshowing off the abilities God gave me to make myself look better, I ity. She also has helped me expand my knowledge of the game and wants me to help my entire team do their best too,” said Ellie wanted to dedicate my time and talents to Him,” said Farmer. Berkland, sophomore. Due to her eventual ability to further understand that sports are far more than personal achievements, Farmer has begun to instill Farmer was an experienced college athlete at Indiana University and has been able to reflect on her time as a player and translate long-lasting advice into her players because she wants them to it to her coaching style. She knows the ins and outs of the physical know that the habits that they make now will carry on into their lives later on. She believes that it is important for athletes to focus and mental side of softball in ways better than most coaches. on positive mental habits so that they can view athletics as some“There were a lot of ups and downs during my four years playing

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and at times I lost the joy that I felt for the game. As a coach, I want to not only teach my players new skills, but I always want them to value the game and learn to find the joy in a game that has given me so much in life. Most of the past experiences from college that I bring into coaching are the life lessons that I learned while growing as a player and teammate,” said Farmer. One of the team’s favorite memories from this season was “Coach Farmer Practice.” One day, the other three coaches were unavailable to come to practice, so the team had an opportunity to get Coach Farmer one-on-one and truly benefit from her knowledge of the game and unique coaching style. Practice was a mixture of fun and serious and was definitely needed in the middle of the season. This helped the team shift their perspective from playing for themselves to playing for each other, which later became a team motto for the rest of the season. “When I coach, I want my players to not only physically improve but to also grow mentally. In this specific practice, I wanted my players to look beyond what would benefit themselves and instead look at what would benefit the team as a whole. Failure is a part of any game and I wanted the players to learn from it instead of becoming frustrated by it,” said Farmer.

Coach Farmer and Hope Linam, senior, pose with “two’s” to represent the number 22 that they shared.

Photo by: Emma Yost

As Farmer was a catcher her whole life, she has influenced the out of your control but you should still use those to make yourself team’s catcher, Ellie Berkland, the most because has taken on the better,” said Berkland. role of mentoring her game. Farmer has definitely not taken it easy on Berkland, however, because she sees her potential and wants Coach Farmer has clearly impacted the team in faith, life, and the to push her to be her best. Most catchers are familiar with “up- game of softball. She has personally experienced a lot of the strugdowns,” a strenuous movement that helps with blocking a wild gles that not only the team but individual players have faced this pitch and quickly getting back on your feet to keep runners at their year, and the team’s record has reflected that. She is loved by the base. Coach Farmer makes Berkland do a certain amount of these entire team, and each player is thankful for her sacrifice to come after each game depending on her performance. and make the team the best that they can be. “I don’t love up-downs, just like any other person doesn’t like “I think my personal experience not only on the softball field, but running suicides for a bad performance in a game or your team’s also as a female athlete brings value to the team. It wasn’t all that performance. Sometimes they can get annoying because some long ago that I was going through many of the same issues as the of the things I did during the game were kind of out of my control. players on and off the field, and I want to be able to encourage Overall though, they have helped me become stronger and more them through the life lessons that I have learned along the way. Not focused about how I perform. I have also learned that despite hav- only can I demonstrate the skills that they need on the field, but I ing a “good” or “bad” performance, some things will always be can also empathize with their struggles off the field,” said Farmer.

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ONE MAN BAND

In the modern age of technology, journalists have been forced to adapt.

BROOKE HIGHMARK SPORTING EDITOR information almost immediately—partake and proceed. Luckily, companies were able to get creative. Through the use of websites, apps, television, podcasts, social media platforms, and more, newspapers were able to stay on their feet and maintain an audience. Similarly to the companies, however, employees had to become just as versatile. Suppose you are a reporter for ESPN, and you are tasked with selecting a new staff member. There are two candidates: the first individual is a very experienced and exceedingly A successful journalist must acquire a diverse repertoire of talented writer but does not indulge in any other aspect of the skillsets. Illustration by: Emma Harris company, and the second is a decent, more inexperienced writer who obtains diverse skill sets and knowledge about broadcasting, social media, marketing, camera-work, etc. Most likely, ESPN As anyone who has been a part of the world of journalism can affirm, nothing is as it used to be. Printed newspapers filled with would prefer to hire the second individual, as they have the potenlengthy articles are essentially considered a rarity, causing various tial to bring a larger contribution to the company, even though they are not as technically skilled. writers and companies to struggle to remain relevant and employed. For example, on the ESPN job description website, the requireThe culprit for this departure from traditional journalism is clear: ments for a “Manager, Corporate Communications” includes the media. Since the 1970s and 80s, newspapers have leapt from “excellent PR” (public relations), “communicate news in a concise fashion and a variety of ways,” and “proficiency in social media” the paper to the screen, and they have never looked back. in addition to the obvious “self-sufficient writer who can quickly One suspected reason for this sudden and drastic change is the and clearly identify news value” decline of the human attention span, which is now at a pathetic Now, the world will always need good writers, as writing provides average of eight seconds, one less than a goldfish. Ever since America placed a major emphasis on technological progress and the basic foundation for all extensions of journalism. However, it capitalism, the human mind has been bombarded with more and has become almost impossible to remain this sort of “one dimensional” individual and be successful in the long term. more information every day, making it increasingly difficult for them to focus on one task, story, or idea at a time. In the words of Paris Lawson, a successful digital content reporter Therefore, the world of journalism was forced to respond. Individ- for the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team, “Say yes to everything, uals would no longer desire to purchase the local newspaper and and use every opportunity to put your foot in the door.” sit down for half an hour to process its contents; they demanded

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THE TRIPLE THREAT

THE IMPACT OF THE SCHLOSS LEGACY ON WESTMINSTER SWIM AND DIVE ALEX WITTENAUER STAFF WRITER

The Schloss family has made a big difference in the Westminster swim and dive team’s success in previous years, and their legacy will live on in years to come. Through Joey Schloss, freshman, Sara Schloss, junior, and Jacob Schloss, senior, the program will continue to ﬂourish.

From personal experience, over the past four years of swimming with Jacob, he has been a leader for our team. He has created an environment around him that makes everyone push themselves and work hard.

Starting with the youngest of the trio, Joey Schloss debuted his skills this year as a diver for the varsity dive team. He has done well in his first meets and has racked up points for the team in the events. So far, in his first year of diving for Westminster, he has placed an impressive first, first, second, and third in his first four meets. His efforts have made the difference in two of the three victorious meets for the Cats this season, and he has awarded the team nineteen points through his works. Senior Jacob Schloss gets 1st place in the 500 Free.Photo by: Sara Schloss

“This sport has helped me connect with people I didn’t know, and helps me do something I love. I have met many people who can give me a laugh all the time, all the while I get to practice something that is enjoyable,” said Schloss. Sara Schloss, junior, is a dual-threat athlete, not only being a sprinter for the girl’s swim team but diving for them as well. Sara learned from the best diver to ever come through Westminster, Margo O’Meara. In 2019, Margo said, “One of the best things about state this year was to have my teammates, Kyleigh Peer and Sara Schloss, who also were diving.” Sara is already a very accomplished swimmer and diver in only two years, having competed at the state meet her freshman year and placing first at every dive meet that Margo could not attend. In the swimming aspect of her repertoire, she has swam in A-Relays for the past two years. Sara Schloss is certainly trusted to fill the shoes of O’Meara and be a leader for the team in years to come. Lastly, Jacob Schloss, the oldest of the trio, has already made a significant impact on the swim team and is wrapping up his final season at Westminster.

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Junior Sara Schloss competes at the State Diving. Courtesy of Sara Schloss

Jacob Schloss has been to the state meet two times in the past three years and proved to play a big role even as an underclassmen. In last year’s state meet, he swam fourth in the 400 Freestyle Relay and helped the team place seventh in the 200 Freestyle Relay and 200 Medley Relay. Along with this, in his high school career, he has helped break three records.

Freshman Joey Schloss does a back dive during a meet. Photo by: Sara Schloss

“Swim has helped develop my commitment. Especially this year with the morning practices it has needed another level of commitment. It has taught me to persevere through pain and that pain can be a good thing in the long run. It has taught me how to be a leader and how to be a role model for others,” said Schloss.

FRESHMAN RUNNER MAKES THEIR MARK Jacob Ranheim’s dedication moves him from JV to varisty.

DREW CAHILL STAFF WRITER Jacob Ranheim, freshman, walked into his ﬁrst junior varsity cross country

Ranheim prepares for a race by going over his mental and physical strategy. practice ready to work, despite already knowing that he would be one of the It is universally known that running is a mental sport, and Ranheim agrees. fastest on the team. As a result, his improvement quickly moved him up to Jacob prefers to run alone but will occasionally run with his classmates. varsity after only a few meets. When he runs with Anthony Cook, sophomore, he likes that he is pushed to Running alongside more experienced runners this year has been beneficial go faster. to Ranheim, as top runners, Conner Venneman and Tim Shoemaker, juniors, Ranheim is grateful for the opportunity to run and acknowledges the many have displayed great leadership to the rest of the team. things that cross country has taught him about life in general. He is thankful for Coach Barney and others for helping him both physically and spiritually, In practice, Ranheim is committed to getting better in practice from the and he is excited to continue to improve throughout his time on the team. warmups to the cool down, constantly pushing himself out of his comfort zone in order to get better. Conner had made a significant positive impact on Ranheim by showing perseverance during long runs and helping him learn his limits, which is important in cross country. Motivation is crucial for long distance runners. Luckily, Ranheim has a great attitude that pays off in his improved times. “When I run I know that doing so will only make me stronger,” said Ranheim. Jacob started running in elementary school when they were forced to run the mile every month. From the beginning, he was competitive and wanted to improve. “I was slow, but I didn’t stop moving because it meant I would only rack up more time,” said Ranheim. When he began running cross country, he instantly fell in love. Running came naturally to him, and he wanted to get faster. Ranheim’s first 5k time was slow, but since then he has improved by two minutes due to his uncommon work ethic; he runs every day of the week if he can, and he always enjoys it. The Westminster cross country team has also helped Ranheim in his walk with God. For example, the sport requires integrity because during a race, anyone can run until they are out of sight and either begin walking or cut across an illegal path.

Ranheim’s mentor, Conner Vennemann, leads the pack for Westminster. Photo by: Sporting Archives

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CHANGING THE GAME

Schmidt evleates Westmister field hockey with her poise and attiude.

SYDNEY BRADLEY STAFF WRITER With two years of varsity field hockey under her belt, Sadie Schmidt, sophomore, continues to positively influence her team. Not necessarily in points or steals, however, Sadie brings something special. The soft-spoken underclassmen is an amazing midfielder. She is the playmaker of the team and is very confident in her playing style. She will challenge opponents 1v1, and no matter the circumstances, she’s hustling.

“It would be impossible to dislike Sadie or not want her on the ﬁeld with you. Even in the most intense games, Sadie remains poised,” said Schmer.

“In the seldom event that she loses the ball, she fights hard to get it back,” said Coach Nancy Schmer. Coach Schmer can attest to Schmidt’s uncommon talent, unparalleled work ethic, and positive attitude. With all these qualities she brings to the team, she remains humble, treats her teammates as equals, and is highly respected on the field. As well as influencing the game, Schmidt also influences her teammates. She sets the bar high during practice, always up front when conditioning. “It would be impossible to dislike Sadie or not want her on the field with you. Even in the most intense games, Sadie remains poised,” said Schmer “Schmidt’s actions speak much louder than words. She never complains and never makes excuses, she just does!” Expect to hear the name Sadie Schmit frequently over the next couple years. She is making her mark in the field hockey world and has made our team better just by being a part of it,” said Schmer.

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Sadie Schmidt carries the ball up the feild. Photo by: Tara Bobo

THE DECISION The basics of the modern day athletic recruiting process.

MIA SCHEULEN STAFF WRITER One thing that almost all athletes look forward to is commitment day. This decision can be one of the most important in their lives, as it can essentially determine the path of their academics, athletics, and even careers after college. But, this is certainly a process; a very long process. Athletes have to ﬁnd a way to stand out in order to receive recruiting exposure. In addition to talent and skill, they can do this by working hard in and out of practice, being a team player, and displaying leadership qualities; most collegiate coaches look for these types of players to join their teams.

Commitment day is a big deal for athletes. Photo by: Mia Scheulen

Due to the limitations of COVID in the past year or two, such as no in-person contact, the recruiting process has been different for some individuals. “Since my process was for the most part during quarantine/ that you are considering that have displayed high amounts of COVID, I did a lot of phone calls, text messages, and zooms interest. with coaches,” said Highmark, Belmont Women’s Basketball “I have had both an unofficial and official visit to Belmont, commit. and I have continued to stay in contact with the coaches and Narrowing down your options can be one of the hardest parts players through phone calls, texts, and social media even after of the entire process. You must go through each school that committing,” said Highmark has shown interest in you and pick the one/s that appears to The ultimate decision often comes down to a key part of the be the best. program: the coach. Athlete’s will be spending the majority “I started limiting after my AAU season was over, but because of their four years of college with this person, whether it’s in of COVID, it wasn’t until around October of 2020. This is when practice, film, team or personal meetings, etc. A good coach I began to visit the schools that I was genuinely interested in can be described as someone that has good energy, is positive, and made pros/cons lists & spreadsheets for the places that I wants you to succeed, and will spend their time making you was highly considering,” said Highmark. the best athlete that you can be. Assuming that you fit the age requirements, you may go on an unofficial (not paid for) and official visit (paid visit) schools

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