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THE 800 STAFF

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EDITOR IN CHIEF ISABELLA FRANCOIS, JUNIOR

PRINT EDITOR NATALIE FORD, JUNIOR

SPORTING WCA EDITOR THOMAS SCHULTZ, SENIOR

MEDIA EDITOR BENNIE ANDERSON, JUNIOR

NEWS EDITOR GABE CARADONNA , SENIOR

FEATURE EDITOR AMANDA ESPY, SENIOR 2 STAFF

800 STAFF

STUDENTS SERVING STUDENTS

OPINION EDITOR ASHLEY MOLLENHOFF, SENIOR

QUICK READS CLAIRE SANDAN, SENIOR

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR ALLISON EICHENLAUB, SENIOR

IN DEPTH EDITOR AVA BIDNER, JUNIOR SPORTING VISUAL EFFECTS EDITOR PEARSON

GEORGES, JUNIOR

THE 800 STAFF TOMMY BRINER • ZACH CANCILA • ALEX CHEN • LEA DESPOTIS • DYLAN ELIAS • LAUREN FLEMING • EMMA GORE • JOURNEE HENRY • COLE HINTZ • AVA HOLLMANN • JOEY KEANE • CAROLINE MEGOWN • SYDENY MOORE • MAX NELSON • JIMMY OBERTOP • MEGAN ROCHE • KOBY SCHMER • NATHANIEL SEMS • REBEKAH SEMS • GRACE SKILJAN • GRIFFIN THOMAS

STAFF 3

CONTENTS

OPINION

FEATURES

ENTERTAINMENT SPORTS

FINALS PAGE. 13 ART SCULPS WESTMINSTER PAGE. 20 ACT PAGE. 21 CROSS TRAINING PAGE. 22

ADVENT PAGE. 6 JOY TO THE WORLD PAGE. 7 JESSIE KUNKEL PAGE. 9 TRADITIONS PAGE. 10-11 TEACHER SPEAK PAGE.12

WESTMINSTAGRAM PAGE. 14 DAYS OF THE WEEK PAGE. 15

4 CONTENTS

BASKETBALL PAGE. 24 FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIPS PAGE. 25 ATHLETE OF THE MONTH PAGE 26 SWIMMING/WRESTLING PAGE. 27 A YEAR IN COVERS PAGE. 28

CONTENTS

STAFF ED

“CHRISTMAS,” NOT “XMAS”

As we approach Christmas break, we begin to get lost in the endless Christmas festivities and the many traditions society has created. Whether it’s Black-Friday-shopping, Christmas-tree-decorating, gingerbread-house-making, or carol-singing, all of these fun activities are a wonderful way to spend time with friends and family and get in the Christmas spirit. But all of these celebrations, gifts, and food start to become a little less delightful when you realize you have overshadowed the one person Christmas was even created for, the one reason for the season. And maybe that phrase sounds cheesy or overused, but there is only one true reason why Christmas exists— and it’s not the tree or the cookies. None of these traditions or festivities or bad or harmful in and of themselves, but we simply need to remember they are additional aspects of the Christmas season, not the whole of it.

We celebrate Christmas to remember and honor the birth of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made as He entered the earth as a fully human baby boy. There is no other reason to celebrate Christmas, and even secular families can not deny this— “Christ” is even in the name of the holiday. So this year, don’t forget why this wonderful season exists in the first place. Don’t lose all of your traditions, but also remember how blessed you are as you celebrate. Put Jesus in the center of all of your parties and festivities. Don’t let Santa Claus or music or decorations or gifts take over. Let your heart be filled with genuine joy and thankfulness for the blessings of family, friends, and a Savior, not just the instant gratification of a new gift. And please do not take “Christ” out of “Christmas.” Check out Rebekah Sems’ story on Advent Conspiracy, a movement that aims to promote the true meaning of Christmas, on pages 6 and 8.

STAFF ED 5

A CHRISTMAS CONSPIRACY Advent Conspiracy is a new way of celebrating Christmas that focuses on relationships and enjoying the season fully rather than buying endless amounts of gifts.

REBEKAH SEMS STAFF WRITER

Christmas is a wonderful time of year full of gift-giving, cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and snow. However, more often than not, the gifts and hustle-bustle of the year draw our attention away

component ﬁghts against the tendency we have to be consumed by the busyness of the holiday and causes so many to miss the real reason of Christmas. Instead of getting carried away with the endless shopping, and craziness of the season, members participating in Advent Conspiracy are encouraged to make Jesus the center in the midst of the chaos. Examples of worshipping fully can look like going to a Christmas concert, engaging in an advent Bible study, or committing to reading the story of Jesus’ birth for the month of December. Worshipping Christ fully is a major part of Advent Conspiracy since it can often be ignored and forgotten during the frantic running around of the holiday. “I love Christmas, but I often get so caught up with shopping, and wanting, and getting gifts that I forget to worship and be grateful for the gift of Jesus,” said Maggie Ellis. The second component that is incorporated in this new way of celebrating Christmas, is spending less. While many may be skeptical that Christmas can still be Christmas without spending inordinate amount of money on gifts and shopping, The Crossing makes it clear that giving gifts is not the problem at all. It becomes a problem when the gift-giving is all-consuming and so draining that we miss the true reason behind holiday. “What you decide to spend is between you and God. There is no certain structure or rigid pattern you MUST follow. Maybe come up with a budget for your Christmas spending, but ultimately decide what is best for you and your family,” said the lead pastor at The Crossing, Greg Holder.

The Crossing during a worship service. The church offers a total of 25 services between their four campuses during the holiday season. Photo By: Rebekah Sems

from the true meaning of the holiday and cause us to miss the real reason behind Christmas. Globally, humans spend over one trillion dollars at Christmas on gifts, parties, travel plans, and overall decorations and expenses. The Crossing Church is dedicated to celebrating Christmas in a new way that replaces the exhausting pressure of buying an unnecessary amount of gifts with Advent Conspiracy. Advent Conspiracy is a movement that focuses on spending less time, energy, and money on gifts and instead encourages families to spend more time together, giving relational presents to one another. As a way to make Advent Conspiracy practical for everyone, The Crossing created four main tenants: Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All. The ﬁrst tenant of Advent Conspiracy is Worship Fully. This

6 FEATURE

Spending less money, energy, and resources on overly-priced gifts results in more peace, joy, and rest during the celebration of Jesus’ birth. In addition to spending less, Advent Conspiracy involves giving more. While that may sound contradictory at ﬁrst, it actually is quite different. Giving more relational gifts is what Advent Conspiracy is all about. Instead of giving ugly Christmas sweaters that will most likely never be worn, give a gift that actually means something and is much more thoughtful and loving. Examples of relational gifts include giving tickets to a favorite show or concert, crafting something, writing something meaningful to a loved one, and ultimately giving the gift of time and your presence. The Crossing even helps church members with this by posting lists of ideas for relational gifts on their website. “My family and I have started going on trips as our main present for Christmas. It’s really fun because we get to experience new adventures together and have lots of fun memo-

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JOY TO THE WORLD

How the values of love, joy and peace during the Christmas season transcend different faiths

ISABELLA FRANCOIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

To the typical Westminster student, December is synonymous with everything Christmas: Christmas trees, Christmas carols, and Christmas Eve church service. But, while it may seem like everyone celebrates Christmas, it is often forgotten that those of different faiths, speciﬁcally those of the Jewish faith, have a different experience during the holiday season. However, through talking to them I have found that our holiday traditions are actually more similar than they are different and actually still point to the larger meaning of Christmas, which is to show others the love that God has shown His people. The roots of Christmas in the United States go back to the Dutch Christian settlers who in 1626 brought their tradition of Sinterklaas, who was an early version of Santa Claus based upon Christian Saint Nicholas to New Amsterdam (later called New York). After this, Christians continued to celebrate Christmas and after the industrial revolution in the 19th century, Christmas became a widely celebrated holiday, something that is indicative of both the Christian and consumerist roots of the United States. “I think the dominance of Christmas in our culture has to do with the original cultural power structures of the country and the lack of a true tradition of accepting other cultures into the mainstream over the years. How it became such the huge thing that it is today I am almost sure has something to do with how much of an economic driver Christmas season is for producers of goods. The gift giving practice during Christmas makes it so that consumers consume a lot more goods than they usually do around this time which is very good for businesses” said Jesse Strod, a sophomore at Washington University. The dominance of Christian culture in the United States is especially seen throughout the Christmas season, where most of the population can be found celebrating the widely Christian holiday. But, there are people who do not celebrate Christmas and they often receive judgment from others. One of the main misconceptions that I have found is that people think that those who do not celebrate Christmas completely dislike the season as a whole. However, this is not true as many Jewish people take part in the holiday season and enjoy the atmosphere that Christmas creates. “I would say that I enjoy the Holiday Season even if I don’t

“I would say that I enjoy the Holiday

Season even if I don’t celebrate Christmas. Christmas Day is still a very joyous occasion in my house even if we don’t have a Christmas Tree or wake up and get presents like some other families might. I still say the phrase “Merry Christmas” to people because, even though I don’t celebrate Christmas like everyone else per se, Christmas is still a very joyous time for me”

-Jesse Strod, Washington University Sophomore celebrate Christmas. Christmas Day is still a very joyous occasion in my house even if we don’t have a Christmas Tree or wake up and get presents like some other families might. I still say the phrase “Merry Christmas” to people because, even though I don’t celebrate Christmas like everyone else per se, Christmas is still a very joyous time for me” said Strod. Also, while some Jewish people do feel left out during the Christmas season, others feel as though they can still take part in the celebration. “I think that at this point [Christmas] is just a part of American culture as a whole and no matter what religion you can participate. Also, I love listening to Christmas songs during the holiday season” said Ari Rosenthal, also a sophomore at Washington University. Another important aspect of the Christmas season is the feelings and values surrounding it. Even if you are not Christian, values based on faith such as loving others, being grateful for your blessings, and having joy still have a profound impact during the holiday season. “I personally do not feel left out of Christmas because the Christian part of the holiday is not as important to me as the culture surrounding the holiday. For me, Christmas is not a religious experience but it deﬁnitely is a spiritual one - the

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FEATURE 7

A Christmas Conspiracy continued from Page 6 ries,” said Ellis. And ﬁnally, the last part of Advent Conspiracy is Love All. With the money saved from not buying loads of unneeded Christmas gifts, The Crossing encourages people to donate the money to a charity or people in need. Loving all can include helping and loving those across an ocean or the street. It can look like baking Christmas cookies for someone who will be enduring a lonely holiday, or agreeing to sponsor a less fortunate family for Christmas by buying them needed items like clothes or food. As a church, The Crossing has made the decision to donate all the tithes given to the church during their eight Christmas Eve services to Living Water Organization. This organization builds wells in Africa and across the globe for villages and people groups that are in desperate need of water. Advent Conspiracy is a completely different approach to Christmas and not everyone is on board with the idea. However, if Christians are serious about wanting to celebrate the holiday in the most meaningful, loving, and joyful way possible, then Advent Conspiracy is worth a try. It not only redirects the focus of Christmas back to Jesus, but also deepens relationships, and experiences between family members and friends.

Joy to the World continued from Page 7 culture of giving, happiness, and relaxation during this time of year is something I look forward to. The coming of Christmas time usually brings up feelings of being excited for the Holidays rather than feeling left out of anything” said Jesse. While celebrating the birth of Jesus is the main priority for Christians during the Christmas season, many ﬁnd that the spending time with family and reconnecting after a busy season of life also is a key part to their Christmas tradition. Family is also a large part of holiday celebrations for those who are not Christian and many Jewish families still have traditions for Christmas day. “I know deﬁnitely a lot of Jews celebrate a lot of different ways but my family gets Chinese food. We all get together and eat Chinese food and it is lovely. It’s kind of like our own Christmas tradition. I think it depends because every religion has their own way of celebrating it but I think that what Christmas has grown into is way more than a Christian holiday; it’s a time to reconnect with what’s important and so at least for my family it’s a time for all of us to be together” said Rosenthal.

“We have one tradition that I absolutely

love. My aunt is Christian and every single year we buy Christmas ornaments for whenever we go somewhere exotic. I think the whole idea that the atmosphere that Christmas provides for the house like when I go to my friends’ houses who are Christian they have the Christmas tree and everything is just jolly and happy and it’s just an awesome holiday.”

-Ari Rosenthal, Washington University Sophomore The Crossing collected food items to be donated to organizations in the St. Louis area as a way to Love All. The Christmas trees around the building were surrounded with boxes of food. Photo By: Rebekah Sems

8 FEATURE

While our faiths may be different and sometimes conﬂict, both Jews and Christians still can relate the magic of the holidays through values that are foundational in both faiths which are love, joy, peace, and time spent with ones whom we love. So as a challenge this holiday season, most importantly for my Christian peers, show God’s love to everyone around you, no matter their faith because then you will truly spread the joy found in Christmas.

WCA’S WINNER

Semior Jessie Kunkel wins the Wendy’s High School Heisman award

AMANDA ESPY FEATURE EDITOR

“In earlier year I was on the JV team for tennis so I really had to work hard to earn a spot on Varsity this year which I believe helped demonstrate my work ethic,” said Kunkel. Not only has Jessie participated in a sport every year, but she also has taken on intense service projects. “This past summer I did a 100 hour service project which involved building picnic tables for my elementary school. I also am involved in American Heritage Girls which is a premier national character develop-

Jessie poses with her award and athletic director Coach Snyder, her basketball coach Coach Lawrence, and Head of School Dr. Mosbacker Photo By: Emma Gore

Every year Wendy’s chooses athletes who demonstrate their values of giving back to their communities, treating people with respect, continuing education and excelling on the athletic ﬁeld for their High School Heisman award. Achieving this award is an honor and includes a scholarship along with free food from any Wendy’s for a year. This year Jessie Kunkel was chosen to be WCA’s nominee for her outstanding work in athletics, academics and serving outside of school. Throughout her high school career she has maintained a high GPA while participating in challenging classes, earned a spot on Varsity tennis and served in a troop for American Heritage Girls.

ment organization for girls ages 5 to 18 that embraces Christian values and encourages family involvement. Coaches and teachers recognize her hard work and dedication to helping those around her. Several people have recognized Kunkel as a great candidate for this award and being nominated shows that her hard work does not go unnoticed. “ It makes me happy that all the work I put in to service and school has paid off which makes me proud of what I was able to accomplish throughout high school,” said Kunkel.

FEATURE 9

10 FEATURE

FEATURE 11

TEACHER

TEACHER SPEAK ALLISON EICHENLAUB ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

WARREN SMITH JUNIOR BIOLOGY TEACHER

Smith posing for his selﬁe. Photo by: Warren Smith.

WARREN SMITH IS A JUNIOR BIOLOGY TEACHER AND HAS BEEN TEACHING AT WESTMINSTER FOR 16 YEARS. HE ALSO USED TO BE THE VARSITY SOCCER COACH AND ENJOYS WORKING ALONGSIDE HIS STUDENTS.

Q: DID YOU PLAN TO BE A TEACHER WHEN YOU WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL?

A: I NEVER PLANNED ON BEING A TEACHER IN HIGH SCHOOL. I STUDIED HEALTH EDUCATION AND BIOLOGY IN COLLEGE.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT TEACHING?

A: THE BEST PART ABOUT TEACHING IS THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT I FORM WITH THE STUDENTS. THEY HONESTLY MAKE EACH DAY WORTH ALL THE HARD WORK.

Q: WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

A: I LIKE TO BIKE, HIKE, AND CAMP IN MY FREE TIME, WELL REALLY, ANYTHING OUTDOORS. AND HANG OUT WITH KNERR...

Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING MOST STUDENTS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? A: I GREW UP IN TAIWAN AND I’M A MISSIONARY KID.

Q: IF YOU WERE AN ANIMAL, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? A: I’D LIKE TO BE A GOAT BECAUSE I LEARNED HOW TO HERD THEM.

Q: WHAT IS A RANDOM TALENT YOU HAVE?

A: I LEARNED HOW TO HERD GOATS IN COLLEGE. I USED TO BE A GOAT HERDER BEFORE I MOVED TO ST LOUIS. I KNOW THAT SOUNDS STUPID - BUT GOATS WERE NEEDED TO EAT SOME OF THE KUDZU THAT WAS GROWING UP ALL OVER THE PLACE IN CHATTANOOGA - SO I LEARNED HOW TO HERD GOATS. IT’S TRUE…

Q: REALLY? CAN YOU EXPLAIN MORE?

A: NO, IT’S ACTUALLY TRUE. THERE IS THIS WEED CALLED KUDZU AND IT IS A SUPER INVASIVE SPECIES. INSTEAD OF TRYING TO KILL IT OFF WITH PESTICIDES, PEOPLE DECIDED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM BY BRINGING GOATS IN TO EAT IT. BECAUSE OF THIS MASS HERD OF GOATS, THEY NEEDED PEOPLE TO WATCH THEM, SO I VOLUNTEERED AND WAS A PART TIME GOAT HERDER.

12 FEATURE

NEW SCHEDULE

SPLIT FINALS

“CREATING THE SCHOOL CALENDAR EACH YEAR REQUIRES BALANCING THE NUMBER OF SCHOOL DAYS WITH BREAKS AND THE HOW DIFFERENT HOLIDAYS FALL FROM YEAR TO YEAR. WHILE CHRISTMAS IS ALWAYS DECEMBER 25TH, THE DAY OF THE WEEK IT FALLS ON HAS AN IMPACT ON OUR SCHOOL SCHEDULE, AND THEREFORE THE FINALS SCHEDULE.” - Ms. Vandegriff

2003

Finals Monday

2018

Tuesday

Friday

Finals 16

Saturday

Finals

Sunday

Friday

Finals

Wednesday Thursday

“

BY: EMMA GORE

Monday

Finals Tuesday

QUCK READ 13

WESTMINSTAGRAM

Westminster Christian Academy

madison.doehring had a blast jumping to rap songs I didnâ€™t know the words to

Old Hickory Golf Club

brett_st.john Too many cameras

Old Hickory Golf Club

lucyellenwood merry chrysler

14 ENTERTAINMENT

WESTMINSTAGRAM - Teacher Edition -

Power Hall

dejong.wca Gettting ready for the 5th year annual Christmas Candlelight Concert.

Ballwin, Missouri

wca_wa Snow Day VIII (from the Snow Day Collection)

Table Rock Lake

kristinconradstl coffee & cozy blankets

ENTERTAINMENT 15

AWAY IN A MANGER Remembering the reason for the season and ﬁlling in the missing blanks of the Nativity.

Christmas story, knowing some of the realistic possibilities about Jesus’ birth can help fortify and support our faith. Being able to picture a crying baby boy entering the world as both a human and a Son of God is a one-of-a-kind story that allows us to better understand and relate to Christ.

AVA BIDNER

The first logical assumption about the true events of the Nativity is the time of Jesus’ birth. Most Christians (and even non-Christians who believe Jesus was still a historical figure) celebrate Jesus’ “And while they were there, the time true events of the birth of Christ. And birth on Dec. 25. In reality, however, came for her to give birth. And she although I have grown up in a Christian there is no biblical proof that Jesus was born on this specific day. gave birth to her firstborn son and school and church for my whole life, wrapped him in swaddling cloths and the Nativity sometimes seems like a laid him in a manger, because there was far-off tale in an unfamiliar land that is In an article in The Washington Post, Candida Moss, professor of New Testano place for them in the inn.” difficult to visualize. ment at the University of Notre Dame, We all know this classic passage from So what are the real events of the birth clarifies this idea: “According to the Luke 2 of the New Testament. Most of Christ? What are the facts? The gos- Gospel of Luke, shepherds were watchof us can find time to read the Nativity pels of Matthew and Luke both contain ing their flocks at night at the time story at least once during the Christaccounts of the Nativity, but the story Jesus was born. This detail — the only mas season, and we all are aware that of Jesus’ birth only takes up about four clue in the Gospels about the timing of without this one little boy, there would chapters in the Bible. While few details the birth — suggests that Jesus’ birthday was not in the winter, as shepherds be no Christmas. . . and no salvation. are given, many historians and tradiBut I know that personally, I often find tions have developed assumptions and would have been watching their flocks only during the lambing season in the myself lost in the Christmas festivilogical conjectures about the missing spring. In the colder months, the sheep ties, forgetting to spend enough time information. probably would have been corralled.”

IN-DEPTH EDITOR

In addition, most scholars believe the time of Jesus’ birth must have been close to 1 B.C. in order for him to be born during King Herod’s rule of Judea (according to a 2014 Live Science article) as described in Matthew 2:1: “Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king.”

A classic Nativity scene with Mary and Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, 3 Wise Men, and farm animals. Photo by: Ava Bidner

thanking God and reﬂecting on the

16 IN-DEPTH

Although we will never know or understand every fact or detail of the

Part of the reason why these details and dates may be missing from the Bible is that the story of Jesus’ resurrection was considered a much more signiﬁcant event to early Christians than his origin story. Ben Witherton III, a New Testament scholar at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, said in a Live Science article that the date of Jesus’ birth was not even included in a calendar until A.D. 336. However, these missing dates and speciﬁcs about the event do not dis-

“In ancient Israel, girls married in their teens, even early teens. For Mary to be betrothed (engaged) but not yet formally married, yet old enough to have and nurse the Messiah, she would have been 12-14.” - John W. Schoenheit in an article from Truth or Tradition?

prove the occurrence of the event or its importance. According to an article in The Washington Post, Dec. 25 was ﬁrst selected as the date to celebrate Christmas in a 4th-century edition of a Roman almanac called the Philokalia, which states that on Dec. 25, “Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea.” The most probable reason for the date Dec. 25, however, is that it is precisely nine months after the believed date of Jesus’ cruciﬁxion, March 25. This date can be inferred from other dates that appear in the New Testament, according to The Washington Post.

the upper level of the house). Mary was forced to give birth in a less-than-ideal situation and location, likely in the lower level of the house which could easily have been a cave. In the ﬁrst century B.C., many houses in Bethlehem were built above cave-like structures that served as a type of basement where the animals lived.

There are no details about the presence of any farm animals in either Matthew or Luke, but because the manger is specifically mentioned, this is a logical interpretation included in many Nativity sets and traditions. Whatever the case, Another supposition is that Jesus was the likelihood that Mary gave birth in born outside in a stable, surrounded by a cave surrounded by animals is high, farm animals and hay. While this image and this showcases the humble birth Jehas become tradition and is depicted in sus experienced as His first welcoming Nativity scenes and paintings all over to earth. There was no palace, hospital, hotel, or even home for Jesus — just a the world, it is not certain. In Luke lowly manager for the King. 2, Luke writes “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a In addition, the respective ages of manger, because there was no place for Mary and Joseph have yielded numerthem in the inn.” This verse is usually ous conjectures and estimates. While interpreted as Mary giving birth in a neither are explicitly mentioned in the type of stable or barn and then placing Bible, details given in Luke 1 provide a her baby in a manger, which is a long realistic approximation. During the befood trough for horses or cattle. lieved time of Jesus’ birth and in Jewish tradition, most girls married and began In The Washington Post, New Testabearing children soon after the onset of ment scholar Stephen Carlson shares menstruation when their bodies were that in reality, Mary and Joseph likely healthy and capable. planned on staying with their relatives in Bethlehem when they were in town In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel visits for the census. However, there probably Mary, and Luke writes, “Now in the was not enough room in the guest quar- sixth month the angel Gabriel was ters for the couple to stay (usually in sent by God to a city of Galilee named

Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. . . ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.’” Mary was revealed to be a virgin and betrothed to a man named Joseph in scripture. If Mary was still a virgin and not yet married, she was likely in her early teenage years when she gave birth to her ﬁrstborn. This detail was probably not included because it was the norm of the culture and time; people were able to easily infer Mary’s age. In an article from Truth or Tradition?, John W. Schoenheit with Spirit and Truth Fellowship International, explains that “In ancient Israel, girls married in their teens, even early teens. For Mary to be betrothed (engaged) but not yet formally married, yet old enough to have and nurse the Messiah, she would have been 12-14.” Many interpretations about Joseph’s age have also been generated overtime. According to Schoenheit, “The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible points out, ‘It appears that both boys and girls were married very young. Later [after the New Testament period] the rabbis ﬁxed the minimum age for marriage at twelve for girls and thirteen for boys.’” This disproves the common notion that Mary was a young teenager while Joseph was an older man. Most Jewish boys married later than girls at about age 16 or 17, but they were usually still teens. While there are several reasons why men could have married later in life, and no real proof exists, it is likely that Joseph was also in his teens, as that was the norm for Jewish youths. Another key aspect of the Nativity is the appearance of the Wise Men (or Magi) and the gifts they came bearing

IN-DEPTH 17

18 IN-DEPTH

In tradition, the Wise Men arrived when Jesus was still a newborn, even still sleeping in the manger. However, as The Washington Post points out, “When King Herod anxiously meets with [the Wise Men] in Matthew 2:16, In Matthew 2, the author writes, “Now he thinks his reign might be threatened by the child they’ve come to visit, so he after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of orders all boys 2 years old and younger Judea in the days of Herod the king, for Jesus. According to Christian tradition, there were three Wise Men, each bearing one valuable gift, and they are shown crowding around the manger, peering admirably down at baby Jesus.

In the article, Witherington reveals that in ancient history, stars were often considered to be living beings, like angels, as opposed to just stars in the sky. The article claims that if “the story is read as a living being that appears as an orb of light, guiding the Magi, then historians shouldn’t try to tie the star to a recorded astronomical event, but should see it as more of a miraculous local phenomenon.” While there are many hypotheses about the star, one cogent possibility determined by Grant Matthews, astrophysicist from the University of Notre Dame, is that “the star was likely not a star at all, he says, but a rare, once-in-several-millennia alignment of planets, an astronomical phenomenon that would have grabbed the attention of the magi, and signiﬁed to them that a momentous birth had occurred” (according to an article from the National Post).

From the perspective of someone who has been blessed to be able to visit Bethlehem and actually lay eyes on the proposed site of the Savior’s birth, I can tell you that nothing compares to The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the proposed site of Jesus’ birth. I visited the seeing where baby Jesus may have acchurch during my trip to Israel this summer. Photo by: Ava Bidner tually exclaimed his first wails and shed his first tears. The sacrifice Jesus made slain. Thus Jesus could have been as behold, wise men from the east came when he entered earth both completely to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who old as 2 — a walking, talking toddler human and completely God is truly un— when the wise men arrived.” has been born king of the Jews? For fathomable. He accepted the task God we saw his star when it rose and have set before Him, and He abandoned the come to worship him’ . . . And going The Star of Bethlehem that the Magi perfect bliss of Heaven to experience into the house, they saw the child with followed when searching for Jesus also the pain, sorrow, sin, and death of our begs several questions. There are not Mary his mother, and they fell down world. and worshiped him. Then, opening their many other accounts of people using treasures, they offered him gifts, gold stars to guide them to such extremeGod did not provide all of the details ly specific locations, and according and frankincense and myrrh.” of Jesus’ birth, and He left some of the to Live Science, “For 2,000 years, story up to us to interpret and consider. The facts revealed in the Bible are that countless people have tried to find astronomical anomalies that correspond But He did give us everything we need the Wise Men from the east followed to the Star of Bethlehem. . . A specific to know. He tells us that baby Jesus a star to the place of Jesus’ birth and was born of the Virgin Mary and that brought him gifts. No details are given star’s movement in the sky can’t point Christ came to earth as the Son of God to a specific house. . . Still, the word about the number of the Wise Men ‘star’ at the time would have had more to fulfill the sacrifice and mission God (which is often believed to be three meaning than we currently ascribe to it, planned for the salvation of the world. because of the three gifts, but there is And that’s enough for me. How about Witherington said.” no proof of this) or the time that they you? reached Jesus and His family.

IN-DEPTH 19

ART CLASSES SCULPT WESTMINSTER ASHLEY MOELLENHOFF OPINION EDITOR

this work at Westminster. There are other art shows such as at Missouri Baptist University. Jessica Norman recently had her art displayed in the art show at Mo Bap. She explains, “When I came to Westminster, I wasn’t a particularly artsy kid, but now I work with all sorts of mediums. This school has given me the supplies and the freedom to become a better artist.” Jessica has improved a lot in her time at Westminster, especially because of the amazing opportunities Westminster offers. With a wide variety of supplies and different art classes Westminster any student can excel in art.

Art classes are a part of every high school requirement to It is such a blessing to attend Westminter because of the oppergraduate. Its very true that it is very necessary to take art tunities they offer in the art area. We have many art classes. classes such as drawing, painting, or even ceramics. These classes can be an outlet from other classes allowing for freedom from constant processing of the mind.

Jessica Norman’s painting displayed at Missouri Batist Photo By: Jessica Norman

Branching out and trying new things is made possible for the art credit requirement in school. Learning to draw and paint opens up new ability to pay close attention to detail. Art also teaches students to take their time. Art classes are a requirement to graduate, meaning it causes students to take art who never would have taken it if they did not have to. This causes people to push the boundaries on their creativity and work to achieve a ﬁnished product. Olivia Pierson, an art teacher at Westminster speaks to why art classes are great in highschool, “You get to expand your horizons in your creative endeavors and art helps kids do what they like instead of what is required.” Art created in art classes are displayed in the hallways for people to see, there are even occasional art shows to display

20 OPINION

Different Art Classes offered at Westminster

THE JOKE THAT IS THE ACT

As many Westminster seniors begin to wrap up their college applications and hope to receive answers in the coming weeks, it is uplifting to know that the process is ﬁnally over. With the hopes of getting into the ideal school, one thing that could be holding students back is the ACT.

ZACH CANCILA STAFF WRITER

The ACT is a timed, multiple choice test that consists of four subjects: math, reading, english, and science. For those that are not aware, most colleges require students to submit their test scores, grades, and a college application. While all schools require grades and an application, some schools are beginning to lean away from requiring students to take the ACT. For many students, the idea of not having to take the ACT not only relieves pressure off of them, but it also gives them a better chance of getting into the school they desire. Even though it is used to evaluate a student’s understanding for such subjects, the test is a very inadequate measure of how smart someone is because it essentially tests how well one can memorize and perform in a limited amount of time. It completely neglects students’ ability to think creatively or critically, instead focusing on a very limited number

of subject skills. Not only is it about how much time you devote to studying and practicing, it is also about how much money you are willing to spend with tutors. Junior Lea Despotis says, “I think schools place too much emphasis on ACT or SAT score, when in reality they should instead care more about character and thinking skills that will be needed in the real world. Also, I think we should have a test that assesses application and practical skills, where the focus is not on just timing.” In the end, colleges should focus more on student’s unique set of skills as well as their ability to take initiative and go out into the world and make a difference.

OPINION 21

NEW TRAINING REAPS BETTER BENEFITS

Cross-training is a way for athletes to train in a new way and also avoid injuries.

GRACE SKILJAN STAFF WRITER

The best way to prepare for a sport is the opposite of what most people expect: doing something other than the sport itself. Cross-training is training in a way that is different than the usual activities involved in an athlete’s speciﬁc sport in order to improve skill sets that are important to their sport and to prevent injuries. Recently, cross-training has become more and more popular among athletes and has been recom-

Small injuries such as shin splints, strained muscles, and different kinds of stress on the body can all be prevented by cross-training. This is done through participating in activities that work a different part of the body that is not normally used in a certain sport, such as a cross-country runner taking up swimming. While running mainly uses muscles in the leg area, swimming works the whole body. Working some of these forgotten muscles and can prevent injuries caused by overuse. Running is also very hard on the joints, the constant contact and impact of running swimming is a relief because there is no pressure on the joints at all. Another example is a baseball player doing yoga. Adam Ebling, Sophomore participates in yoga classes to help with agility, body control and strength training.

“In baseball, we have to be

able to change directions fast and doing yoga actually helps with that. The different poses and stretches help with mobility and Baseball Player Adam Ebling usies cross-training as a way to get ready for the upcoming season.. Photo By: Adam Ebling

mended by all types of trainers, coaches, and other people involved in sports. Dr. Rebecca Skiljan, DC, MS said, “Athletes who cross-train through multiple sports not only show a lesser chance of chronic injuries but also tend to have better performances in their preferred sport. Overuse injuries are starting to become more common at younger ages. Pains as simple as shin splints can become stress fractures if unchecked and untreated. Changing muscular demand or biomechanical movements especially under load, can help strengthen otherwise unused parts of the body or provide temporary rest for frequently used muscles and joints.”

22 OPINION

ﬂexibility.”

- Adam Ebling Cross-training is something that should be done by all athletes, not just to improve their skills, but to prevent injury. It gives the muscles a break from the constant stress caused by doing the same motions over and over and works them in a new way, eventually making them stronger than ever. Cross-training is essential to every athletes career and should be worked into their routines and training.

800 SPORTING

DECEMBER

BASKETBALL STRUGGLES

P. 24

FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIPS P. 25

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

P. 26

SWIMMING UPDATE

P. 27

WRESTLING UPDATE

P. 27

SPORTINGWCA

SPORTING 23

BOYS BASKETBALL FALLS TO LUTHERAN NORTH, LOOKS TO WEEK AHEAD

On the ensuing possession, Westminster forced a turnover and Lawrence was fouled with the ball. He missed the front end of the one-and-one, and Lutheran North dribbled to the other end before calling timeout so that they could inbound under the baseline. They crafted an inbound play in the timeout and executed it perfectly scoring an easy layup directly off the inbounds pass that gave them the lead with three seconds left. Luke Linam was able to get a shot off at the other end, but it fell short. Westminster lost 44-43.

TOMMY BRINER

Aside from missing Orf, there were a couple things Westminster could’ve done to avoid a bad loss like this. They shot 40 percent from the free throw line, an unacceptable number for any team.

After disappointing losses to MICDS and Lutheran North, Boys Basketball has to stay focused on the simple things. STAFF WRITER

Up 36-30 with three and a half minutes to go, the Wildcats felt like they were in control. They had scored twice in a row, the crowd was involved, and the Lutheran North Crusaders seemed flustered. However, when Junior Brennan Orf came flying in on a transition layup and viciously glassed the offensive player with three minutes and fourteen seconds left, he was called for his fifth foul. This play changed the tide. Lutheran North then scored consecutive baskets as they climbed back into the game, and soon took a 3837 lead. Westminster, stunned, needed a spark. When Freshman Casen Lawrence raised up to shoot, he was 0-for-4 on three pointers for the night. He’d shot only 20 percent from three on the season as he had been trying to find his rhythm in Varsity games. It didn’t matter. He splashed it in front of the Blue Crew to give Westminster a 40-38 lead and quickly flipped the momentum back to the Wildcats. Lutheran North quickly scored, got a stop, and scored again to make the score 42-40 in their favor. This time, it was Casen Lawrence again at the top of the arc from deep beyond the line, nailing a three pointer to take back the lead.

“We need to be patient on offense and work as a team to get a good shot, then stick to our game plan on defense,” said Jerram Adams. With a big tournament looming in the distance, and two more matchups before Christmas break coming up, there is no time to dwell on one game. However, after losing two games in a row to conference rivals MICDS and now Lutheran North, the league portion of the season has not gotten off to the start anyone hoped for. On Friday, Westminster plays at John Burroughs. So far, the Bombers are 4-1 and have lost only to CBC by 12 points. The Wildcats face the O’Fallon Christian Eagles, who are 4-3, next Tuesday. “Our next two opponents are great teams with fast and quick guards, so we need to be able to stay in front of them without fouling,” said Orf.

Photo By: Thomas Shultz

24 SPORTING

After these two games comes the Chaminade Christmas Tournament, which will include three games against some of the best teams in the St. Louis area. But, for now, the Wildcats will focus on the task at hand, play one game at a time, and try to ﬁnally get a coveted win against a conference rival on Friday at John Burroughs.

FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES

Although the 2018 football season is over, the recruiting trail is just starting to heat up. Find out which Westminster players have offers and who will be going where.

JOEY KEANE STAFF WRITER

The Westminster football team struggled all season long due to injuries. Lane Davis, Junior starting quarterback, tore his ACL in the second week of the season leaving the offense to be run by Nick Ford, a Freshman quarterback. A few games later, Ford also suffered a knee injury, forcing the team to make another offensive switch with Jackson Selk, a Sophomore, taking over the offense. With all of these injuries, how did the team manage to win so many games? The Wildcats had many players with hopes of a college future and the team got a lot of attention throughout the season. Although often injured, Atlin Hall was a huge factor to success throughout the season. Hall was dominant in the run game when he was able to stay healthy. Hall has offers from Ohio Northern University, Butler University, Culver-Stockton University, Coe college, Knox University, Dordt college, and Elmhurst University.

Isaac Johnston’s presence on the ﬁeld is also very well known. Isaac is a monster on the defensive side of the ball as a 6’1”, 210 pound defensive end who is always in the back of the quarterbacks head. Johnston has offers from Butler University, and Culver-Stockton University.

Ben Chereji lines up on the center playing the nose guard position. Sitting at 6’4”, 260 pounds as a Junior, he was extremely hard to stop from getting through the line and to the quarterback. His ﬁrst offer is from Missouri Valley college. Andrew Kempen plays a position that people tend to not talk about very often. Andrew played soccer his whole life and decided to switch over to football his Freshman year of high school. Andrew turned himself into the

top kicker in the state. Kempen sits in second for the school’s longest ﬁeld goal at 53 yards, which is one yard less this his current coach, Greg Schoenberg’s record. Andrew has offers from Butler University, Dayton University, Quincy University, and Army, with interest from TCU, Kansas, and Mizzou.

Zion Thompson, just like Hall, was a huge threat on the ground. With his ability to get up ﬁeld and shake defenders in the open ﬁeld, Thompson rushed for 824 yards throughout the year with 8 touchdowns. He is also a strong defensive back. Zion has two offer from Concordia University, and Culver-Stockton University.

John Fregene plays on the outside at defensive end with Johnston. Fregene sits at 6’3”, 225 pounds and is very athletic and strong. Fregene is in the 1000 pound club in the weight room at Westminster and is not a fun person to block all game. John has been offered by Butler University, Truman State University, and Missouri Western University.

Bennie Anderson plays on the line at left tackle. Bennie is a Junior and is a very hard worker. Bennie is named after his dad who played in the NFL for 7 years and attended Tennessee State University. Bennie has received his ﬁrst offer from Morehouse University. Westminster was full of talent from top to bottom of their roster look to continue to train through the off season to prepare for next season. We wish the Seniors who hope to continue their football career the best of luck.

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Girls Swimming Update

Multiple swimmers and divers this season show tremendous potential for the remainder of the season

Koby Schmer

200 medley, a 1:49.86 in the 200 freestyle, and a 4:14.69.

Staff Writer

Dunn also commented about the relays, saying, “Our relays are doing So far, Girls Swimming and Diving is looking to find their rhythm early great. We have a lot of versatility and depth through them, and I expect on in the season. As they make their way into the middle part of the sea- big things from them this year.” son, they have seen flashes of brilliance from multiple girls, revealing There is plenty more season left for these girls, but so far, the season is their potential for the rest of the season. shaping up to be one for the books. They are finished swimming in 2018, Margo O’Meara has not only proven herself in diving, but is also dis- but they get back in the water at the COMO Invitational on January 4th playing her skills in the swimming portion, having some of the top times and 5th in Columbia, Missouri. on the Westminster team and in the state. Margo has the third best 50 free time (26.17) in the state as well as a top 5 time in the 100 butterfly (1:02.01). On the diving side of things, she is leading the state in points (as expected) for diving six dives. “Margo is doing amazing right now,” said Payton Dunn, senior. “She already broke her diving record from last year and in our meet against John Burroughs, and she received a ten from one of the judges, which is extremely rare.” The Juniors of the team this year have had tremendous success throughout the season. Top times are seen from Camryn McMurry in the 50 free (27.59), Lauren Zone in the 100 free (1:01.70), and Grace Skiljan in the 100 backstroke (1:09.58). A goal for the team for this season was to improve the relay teams, and this goal seems to be on the right track. The team sits at a 2:04.24 in the

Wrestling Takes a Hit

Photo by: 800 Sporting

Young talent looks to carry varsity wrestling as senior star athlete Patrick Andrews is out with a leg injury.

Pearson Georges

Sporting Visual Effects Editor

sons to come.

With senior wrestler Patrick Andrews out due to a leg injury, the Results of the December 11 meet: younger wrestlers are going to have to step up in order to fill his shoes. Even though Andrews is out, there are still veteran players Nolan Jones pinned Brady Juenger, Mike Lemp tech falled Paige on the team such as Clayton Perona. Wehrmeister, Kirk Briden tech falled TJ Stokes and Caelleb Crutcher pinned Austin Holt. Perona has been wrestling at Westminster since seventh grade. When asked why he has continued to wrestle for the last five years he responded, “I just like the sport. I like how the only person I can rely on is myself and the work I put in is directly seen in how I perform.” Perona also believes that even without Andrews the team will still be successful and even beneficial in the long run: “I think Patrick not wrestling will help us down the road. It gives the freshmen and sophomores more opportunities and helps some of them step up as leaders. It is tough now but next year or the year after that, our team will be really good because of what’s happening now.” Therefore, the loss of Patrick Andrews will definitely going to take a toll on the team; however, because the younger kids will have learned leadership early, it will be advantageous in the sea- Photo by: Clayton Perona

SPORTING 27

A YEAR IN COVERS September

October

The September cover pictures Isaac Johnston and Jerram Adams; they were two of the leading receivers for the Westminster Football team. Adams and Johnston combined for 5 touchdowns and nearly 500 yards of receiving. The Wildcats ﬁnished with an overall record of 6-5, losing to Hannibal in the District Quarterﬁnal.

The October cover shows the Girls Softball team, which captured their ﬁrst district title in over 4 years. The team was made up of just 5 returning starters, but bonded together over the course of the season. The team motto, “ugly but effective” captures the idea that although their play might not be the prettiest, it gets the job done.

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November

The November cover is dedicated to the Girls Basketball team, which is looking to become one of the best teams in Westminster history. A perfect blend of veteran leadership and young contributers, this team is loaded with talent from top to bottom. After years of rebuilding, the program is ﬁnally ready to compete for a District Title.

December

The most recent cover is about the Boys Basketball team, who is off to a 3-3 start. Pictured are sharpshooters in Jerram Adams, Luke Linam, and Casen Lawrence, as well as power forwards Isaac Johnston and Brennan Orf. This team can score on command, dropping 91 and 83 points in back to back games. They are hoping to make a deep playoff run.

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