the wildcat roar issue 8

1Westminster Christian AcademyApril 2013

W e s t m i n s t e r C h r i s t i a n A c a d e m y V o l u m e I X I s s u e I X A p r i l 2 0 1 3

800 Maryville Centre Drive, Town and Country, MO 63017 www.thewildcatroar.com

FRC Regionals

P. 6

Big Shoes to FillDr. Tom Stoner will be WCA’s new headmaster after Jim Marsh retires next year.

Around this time last year, news that saddened the hearts of many was revealed: Jim Marsh will retire after the 2012-2013 school year. For the past 28 years, Marsh has served as an outstanding leader, and many were unsure what a new headmaster would mean for the future of Westminster. But God’s

plan for WCA does not halt at Marsh’s retirement; it continues on to adopt a new headmaster, Dr. Tom Stoner.

Dr. Stoner grew up as the youngest of four children in Wheaton, Illinois. He went to public schools until he entered high school, where he attended a private, Christian school, Wheaton Academy. He went on to Wheaton College, where he was part of the

class of ’89.“My youth pastors and Christian-

school teachers were very influential in my life, so I studied Christian Education at Wheaton, preparing to be a youth pastor or in some kind of Christian ministry,” said Dr. Stoner.

Dr. Stoner went to seminary at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary near Boston, and completed his Master of Divinity. Last spring, Dr. Stoner completed his Doctor of Education degree at Boston University. Dr. Stoner is enthusiastic about his passion for learning.

“I loved studying Bible and theology and learned a tremendous amount about God’s plan for the world,” said Dr. Stoner.

Dr. Stoner has been married to his wife Carrie for 22 years. They have four children: Lauren, who is currently a freshman; Emily, seventh grade; David, fourth grade; and Jonathan, second grade.

In high school, Dr. Stoner was a landscaper and then a bank teller in college. Throughout seminary, he was a church custodian, and two years later he was an assistant pastor. For sixteen years, he was the Head of School at Covenant Christian Academy in Massachusetts.

Dr. Stoner was drawn to Westminster because he saw how abundantly God has blessed the school, and he was eager to be a part of it all. Founded in 1976, WCA has grown to a point where it is now recognized as one of the top Christian schools in America.

“Westminster will not only shape the lives of its current students and the next generation of students that will go to school here, but it is also poised to influence for good the whole field of Christian schooling in America and throughout the world. I want to be part of that effort and help in any way that I can,” said Dr. Stoner.

Dr. Stoner looks forward to forming relationships with the Westminster community.

“I am most excited about getting to know the students and watching them use and develop their God-given talents in the classroom, in academic clubs, in sports, and in the arts. I am excited to see how God will use them to impact our world as they become the people he created them to be. I am also excited about joining Westminster’s outstanding faculty and staff,” said Dr. Stoner.

Rather than implement immediate changes, Dr. Stoner prefers to continue advancing Westminster on its current path.

“As I think about beginning at Westminster, my highest priority is to get to know the people in the school community, to learn about the school’s history and culture, and to understand the keys to its success. I’d like to see us continue in the direction we are heading,”

said Dr. Stoner. From Chicago to Boston, Dr.

Stoner is no stranger to the effects of cold weather. The future looks bright for those who will be wanting a snow day or two in years to come.

“I have made it a personal goal to be as generous, or more generous, with snow days as Mr. Marsh,” said Dr. Stoner.

Aside from issues regarding the school, some may be concerned that due to Dr. Stoner’s hometown, his loyalties will not lie with the Cardinals.

“Because I was raised near Chicago, I figure it is only a matter of time before people find out that my father and my brother are big Cubs’ fans. However, after taking the job at Westminster, I told my father and brother that they are dead to me now. So I hope that the people of St. Louis will not see this as an ongoing problem,” said Dr. Stoner.

Dr. Tom Stoner, future Headmaster of Westminster, visits with the newspaper staff. Photo by: Scott Vonder Bruege

Inside the issue

Steel Magnolias

P. 5

Letters to IndiaP. 15

St. Louis Fun

P. 10-11

2Westminster Christian Academy April 2013

C o m m u n i t yCultivating Relationships Between GenerationsEighth graders serve their neighbors by spending time with residents at Delmar Gardens West

As the machines roared and construction workers toiled quickly and carefully, they watched it all unfold from their living rooms. The new campus was being built, and the citizens at Delmar Gardens West could see it every day just over the fence. Now, eighth graders are taking initiative to get acquainted with their new neighbors, and it’s proving to be beneficial for both sides.

Since November of this year, around ten to twelve eighth graders have been visiting residents every week to play games, chat, and keep each other company for about an hour and a half. Under the guidance of Judy Honeycutt, and Susan Hall,

middle school English teachers, students now freely have the opportunity to serve in a practical, meaningful way on a regular basis.

“Last spring, the eighth grade team of teachers began to pray about opportunities for eighth graders (who don’t drive and don’t have tons of money) to serve others after the example of Christ. Our core belief was that a well-rounded WCA student should be a serving student,” said Honeycutt.

This service is all voluntary, but many students continue to show up every week. It has become less about potential service hours for NJHS members and more about the heart of the matter.

“It is open to anyone in eighth grade at any time they wish to join. It has been exciting to see who is drawn to participate. The core group has been very faithful and others have joined in as they hear about the joy we share serving these dear ones,” said Honeycutt.

A Christmas party was thrown, but some students took it to the next level and visited Delmar friends with their parents on Christmas Eve. This was not a scheduled visiting time, but many students took initiative to genuinely care

about their elderly friends.“They simply missed their older

friends and wanted to wish them a Merry Christmas. That showed me this was not a project but a living, loving relationship between the generations,” said Honeycutt.

The students enjoy serving to get free from daily stress at school and to have a good time with the residents.

“I really like to go to Delmar Gardens because the residents appreciate seeing us. All you have to do is be you, and it brings joy to them–that young people want to come to see them. Seeing people smile is a really great feeling,” said Jake McKie, eighth grade.

These newly made friends will be honorary guests at WCA’s Grandparents Day visit and will finally be able to see the inside of the building.

“To appease their curiosity and to be neighborly, we have received permission to invite them to Grandparents Day in two weeks...we hope to give them a ‘wheelchair tour’ of our school building,” said Honeycutt.

Eighth graders are learning that service is an important regular practice. In engaging with these elderly citizens, they are constantly learning the values of face to face communication, patience, understanding, and listening.

“Service is not necessarily about giving away money or things. Service is about sharing the person that God has made us to be with others in the Kingdom who are made in His image. We have made new friends who have had interesting life experiences, have learned to be patient and empathetic with others, and to slow down and show up. We have experienced great joy simply in listening rather than talking while sharing the gift of presence with those who are often overlooked in our fast-paced culture that values productivity and efficiency over conversation. Sadly we have just experienced the death of one of our Delmar friends, so we are also learning about the reality of limitation and loss,” said Honeycutt.

Anna Mitchell, eighth grade, Judy Honeycutt, Hannah Haguewood, eighth grade, and Jake McKie visited Delmar Gardens West on March 28, 2013. They played Rummikub with the residents. Photo By Audrey O’Neill

“We The Students of the the Westminster Student Congress, vow, in the best interest of our students to behold, and bestow the gifts of this council to our students, present and future.”

The first line of the Student Congress Constitution says it all. There is movement toward a venue for larger student input into the life of Westminster Christian Academy. In a previous article, the options for a student congress were laid out and led to a lot of student conversation. Over the last month, the idea has been laid out, but still the average student only knows bits and pieces about the game-changing Student Congress.

A change like this does not come quickly and although progress toward implementing this idea has gone forward, the process has not yet ended. Multiple meetings between students and administration have resulted in greater definition of what this organization would look like. Slowly but surely Student Congress is taking shape. However, there are still multiple details to be worked out and discussed before final approval can be given

Support for this initiative exists yet the current form detailed in this

article may not be the final form.“A few good friends and I have

been talking about this, and tried to come up with some problems that can be solved, and we came up with some really good ones,” said Jordan Smith, a junior who is an official supporter of Student Congress.

With rumors flying left and right, its hard to nail down what the Congress actually is. The Westminster Student Congress, part of a new Westminster Student Government, would potentially take two already available positions and give them some more duties and responsibilities and create a new role of Head of Congress. Altogether, the Congress would potentially consist

of the Vice President from every high school class, whose role will be to represent the class voice inside the Congress, and a Student Council Representative from each class, who would be there to make sure that student voices are heard in Student Council, and in the planning of new events.

It is also proposed that a position would be created titled the Head of Congress and would be elected by a group of nine teachers every year. The role of the Head of Congress would be the most important, because the Head of Congress will be the one who will have the job of consulting and fighting for the student voice on an administrative level. But in all the different positions, there is one common goal for all council leaders, and that would be to make sure the student voice is heard throughout the school, and to make sure that even the idea of a lone student does not fall by the wayside. Because those small, seemingly non-existent ideas, are the ones that can lead to the greatest of changes.

Questions remain about class officers and Student Council. These two groups are the core of the WCA experience and the congress could not work without the three part team system. Class officers would have more of a role bringing class-wide ideas into the congress, and Student Council will more of a role with school-wide ideas.The Student Congress would

be a school-wide function, giving middle school a chance also to express their concerns.

The notion of a Congress is a reaction to our growth and desire to by students to influence the school. As we grow it will grow with us. Looking at a school like Desmet Jesuit for inspiration, the idea was clear. Their system grows with their school, and they recently added a social chair .

“I think this is the next step in student system, and will be a great thing for the student voice,” said JD Klein, junior Class President, and Student Congress co-founder.

In the prior article, it was revealed that 72% of student wanted more of a voice. Since then over 70 people, including 11 teachers, and all of STUCO, have signed letters of support for the idea.

“I think that student input a great thing, and it will benefit this school is many ways. It gives the student a chance to make choices that impact them,” said Kelly Schwartz, upper school teacher.

Some of the students include Parker Briden, senior, Junior class president JD Klein, and tri-athlete Brett Bond, junior. Student Congress isn’t for one group of people. It’s catching fire in all social groups.

“It presents us with this really cool opportunity here, to change a lot of things and also express who we are in the school,” said Trip Worley, sophomore.

For, Of and By the StudentsWestminster Students continue working on forming a Student Congress

The comparison of the new and the old clearly shows the differences. Piktochart made by: Eichel Davis


C o m m u n i t y

12 Angry Magnolias The WCA Drama Department’s spring season prepares for a fi rst in Westminster plays: BOYS VS. GIRLS.

Westminster has decided to unveil a new idea in theatre history. WCA’s two directors, Helen Scott and Jim Butz, are pitting the boys against the girls in two same-gender plays: Steel Magnolias, and Twelve Angry Men.

With only a limited time allotted for these two productions, practices are at the same time every day, for the month of April. Both groups of students participate in rehearsal five times a week after school, no exceptions. This is a brand new twist on what Westminster’s directors and instructors have ever done.

The cast of Steel Magnolias consists of only six girls, representing all grades; freshman to senior. “It’s so different being in a play with only girls. I find it kind of weird, yet at thesame time it’s so fun to be able to open up and not worry about impressing guys,” said Abby Smith, junior, who plays the role of Shelby.

However, the twelve boys involved in Twelve Angry Men mostly consist of upper classmen.

Both plays, however, are complete polar opposites of each other. Steel Magnolias is the comedic, yet tragic drama that follows the lives of six southern women in Louisiana who spend their days gossiping in a beauty salon. “This play However, is very different from Steel Magnolias. Twelve Angry Men covers the intense courtroom discussion about whether or not an 18 year old boy is guilty or innocent of

stabbing his father to death,” said Scott.

But as usual, boys will be boys. The men participating in 12 Angry Men are having a blast without the girls around. “Working with an all male cast is a very different energy. The boys goof off a lot, and it takes them a little bit longer to become more vulnerable and not crack a joke.Also, the difficulty level of this play is at an all time high. This play is similar to Steel Magnolias, because it takes place on a single set with 12 actors on stage the entire time and aims to be hyper-realistic,” said Butz.

The drama heats up in both plays with intense conversations and riveting twists in the plot as the show progresses.

“It’s a lot of fun being so serious at times. Sometimes I feel as if we actually are holding the kids’ future in our hands when deciding his fate,” said Lance Richards, junior.

This season holds exciting new promises for the drama department, and is opening doors for opportunities for more single-sex plays down the road. With Westminster expanding to be a more experienced fine arts school, these two plays cut the “opening day” ribbon to a new era in theatre.

The Cast of 12 Angry Men. From left to right: Brennen Almus, junior, Tom Grahm, freshman, Harrison Farmer, sophomore, Lance Richards, junior, TJ Noa, senior, Bennett Lewis, senior, Joe Issacs, senior, Drew Straub, sophomore, Alec Runge, junior, Egan Moylan, sophomore, Dominic Franchescelli, junior, Joseph Welker, senior. Photo by: Andrea Reed

The Cast of Steel Magnolias. From left to right: Andrea Reed, junior, Annie Canfi eld, junior, Abby Smith, junior, Alyson McKie, freshman, Erica Wilson, sophomore, Mary Heyl, sophomore. Photo by: Sydney Thomas

Helen Scott and Jim Butz, both directors go head to head. Photo by: Andrea Reed

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L i f e

Tightening the SlackWestminster has made changes to CB and JSB by tightening the rules because of bad behavior by students at past events.

NOTE: NO GUESTS, NO

ADVERTISING

FOR AFTER

PARTIES

Gone are the days where students could bring guests from other schools as their date to Christmas Banquet and Junior Senior Banquet and celebrate with a party afterwa rds.

Westminster is tightening the slack on social events, even the ones that are not associated with WCA, but planned by PAW, Parents Advancing Westminster. There have been major concerns after past banquets and events about students’ conduct that have brought about these changes.

“Concerns have been building about the after parties and what happens there for years now. Parents and even students have been coming to the administration requesting for us to do something.

We went to Westminster’s legal counsel, and they told us that in order to avoid lawsuits we have to completely support these after parties or completely separate from them, so we chose to make the separation clear,” said Jim Sefrit, Upper School Pricipal.

The CB and JSB after parties have always been separate from WCA because they are parent sponsored events. However, when parents advertise by putting notes on or in lockers and around school, it makes the school responsible for what happens there.

PAW parents are no longer allowed to put notes in student’s l o c k e r s advertising for a f t e r -pa r t i e s and mixers. They cannot plan after-parties at these m e e t i n g s , and no administration or staff members will support or be involved in any of these events. Westminster is ensuring that these events are sponsored solely by parents.

“People want the school to fix the problems, but they do not want to be

inconvenienced by any of the changes. This is not just WCA students and families that are like this. Society in general wants certain things to change, but then do not want to be affected by the changes. Also, the administration knows that it is not everyone who

is causing problems, but it is a large group of students. If students are not apart of that certain “group” then the changes should not change much for them anyway,” said Sefrit.

WCA will still have CB and JSB, but modifications will be made so that there is ample supervision and that it is clear about the standards and principles of the event before they happen. The school board and administration are in the process of redoing these events, and they are still working through what they will look like in the future.

Guests and alumni are not allowed at these events anymore for a couple of reasons. Only Westminster students can attend so that each student will be accountable for what they do.

“Guests who come do not understand the context or purpose of these events. The purpose of CB is for WCA students to get together and enjoy a fun night as a student body. The purpose of JSB is for the juniors to recognize the seniors. Guests sit through the skits, videos, and slideshows and do not know anyone in them because it is meant for Westminster students,” said Tim Hall, Upper School Dean of Students.

In addition, the administration heard a lot of complaints about guests/alumni’s behavior and with the number of guests increasing that could bring about more problems at future events if they did not get a grip on it.

“At CB this year, one out of every five people that came were guests. When a lot of the kids are

not WCA students, it makes it harder and harder to control what happens there,” said Hall.

The focus of the administration is to strengthen the Christian home/church/school partnership. They want the students to have fun and are not trying to ruin the

event for anyone, but action has to be taken so that Christian morals and values are upheld. The leaders of the school want to clear up the blurry lines of these events and make it more black and white on what it should be like.

Some students understand why the administration has taken these steps because they have seen some of the bad behavior and the repercussions from those mistakes. Others are extremely upset because they have a girlfriend or boyfriend from another school that they were planning on bringing.

“I’m against the changes because I feel that the entire school should not be punished and regulated because of the acts of a small group of people. These regulations will not change anything. Also, I have no idea why guests and alumni are banned from events now. Our own students are the problem, not the guests. I was planning on asking my girlfriend, but now I probably wont go because it would not be right to ask someone else. Because of this, I have to miss out on my last JSB of high school and a night with all of my friends,” said Ben Mitchell, senior.

Because Westminster does not have prom or homecoming, students look forward to these events, so it has become the hot topic.

Either way, the administration is in a tough position. They want to work with the parents, avoid complaints and problems, and make sure the students are behaving in the right way. Meanwhile, they want the students to be happy and

still be able to have these events. They are trying to find the happy medium that will work best for everyone. However, it is impossible to please everyone.

“I understand why the changes are h a p p e n i n g . P a r t i c u l a r groups of students have c o n s i s t e n t l y pushed their b o u n d a r i e s , giving the administration no option but to impose more strict rules. The whole student body is being d i s c i p l i n e d now because of the bad decisions of a few groups,” said Caleb

Krumsieg, junior.The administration realizes that

there will be people who fall on both sides of their decision, but they have been pleasantly surprised by how much positive feedback they have been receiving for the decisions that have been made.

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L i f eCyborg Cats Took Tenth at RegionalsWestminster’s FRC team took tenth place at this year’s regional competition, falling short of Worlds, but winning the awards for creative design and safest pit.

Westminster’s FIRST Robotics team, the Cyborg Cats, took tenth place at this year’s regional competition which took place March 4-6, ending their season successfully, though falling short of qualifying for Worlds, the FRC international competition.

“The team did very well. We placed tenth out of forty-three teams at the St. Louis Regional.

We won the award for creative design. Unfortunately we did not qualify for worlds,” said Christian Meeks, sophomore Cyborg Cats technician.

Last season, the team won the rookie award, qualifying them for Worlds. But, in order to qualify for Worlds this year, the team had to win their entire state competition, not just be the number one rookie team - a task that proved to be much more difficult.

This year, the team was challenged with the task of shooting frisbees into small slots in order to get points. At the end of the allotted time, the robots had to climb a pyramid in the center of this year’s playing field.

The Cyborg Cats had an opportunity to improve their place in the beginning of the quarter finals. But, due to a disappointing alliance (an alliance is a group of teams whose robots work to gether as a team during a match), they were left in tenth place in the end.

“What was the hardest thing to watch was the fact that we couldn’t have done anything better. We did our part and were able to reach

the third level, but our alliance just wasn’t up to par with our competitors,” said Drew Port, sophomore public relations head of the Cyborg Cats.

One thing that set the team apart for the better was their live streaming of the entire event, which ranked robots and teams when it came to alliances, and projected live robot action. Known as L!VE FRC, their program could be streamed to smart phones, tablets, or laptops.

The outcome of their large work load, which filled their after-school nights and Saturdays, was anything but a disappointment.

“I am very proud that even though we did not come in first, we were still able to do what we had practiced: our robot successfully climbed and shot frisbees, and our team worked together with other schools and teams. It was a lot of fun,” said Meeks.

The team took another shot at Worlds as they compete in Indiana in the beginning of May. Their goals were set high as they hoped to qualify to Worlds, but unfortunately, they came short in thirteenth place. The Cyborg Cats one the excellence in engineering award, but will not be participating at worlds this year.

Whether or not the Cyborg Cats qualify for Worlds, a competition that will take place in the Edward Jones Dome of St. Louis April 24-27, they certainly will be there streaming the event live through their website, livefrc.com.

What’s FRC?FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competi-tion is a competition that chal-lenges over 29,200 teams of 52 countries with new robotic games every year. Every sea-son, FIRST creates a brand new playing fi eld and game, leaving FRC teams with a few weeks to construct and program a robot. Teams are encouraged to go be-yond building just a robot, that is, they must spread their inspira-tion for technology and science through a website and commu-nicating publicly. At the regional competitions, robots compete on the playing fi eld and try to com-plete missions for points. This year, the robots had to climb bars and shoot frisbees.

From bottom up clockwise: Cyborg Cats teamates run their robot, the Cyborg Cats pose for a picture of their entire team, and the Cyborg Cats recieve the excellence in engineering award in Indiana. Photos by: Cyborg Cats.

Visit

their

websiteVisit

L!VE

FRC

talented young taxidermist is starting to make his name known throughout Westminster as the man who hunts and then creates a his own Build-a-Bear.

“I want to continue this in the future, and hopefully learn more about and possibly improve on this craft... I have always thought taxidermy interesting because of the idea of preserving the animals you kill and be able to show that off,” says Eichenlaub.

While this outdoors man has accomplished many a feat in the taxidermy world, he also has worked on other things relating to the wilderness.

“I have made my own bows and arrows, fashioned the arrowheads out of the bottom of [glass] bottles or bones from deer I killed on a hunting trip,” says Eichenlaub. He got the wood for the bow from a hickory tree, arrow shafts from a honeysuckle plant, and the quiver

from a coyote skin.“I glued the goose feathers

used for the fletching on to the arrow shaft with homemade glue I managed to get from the toxins that come from a boiled deer hide, this glue is stronger than modern superglue,” says Eichenlaub. He has also made his own moccasins. Which most grown men can’t even do.

“I made them out of leather I got from a deer skin a friend gave me, I then had to remove all the hairs and rub it with fat and continue to smoke it, to make it waterproof,” says Eichenlaub. He just recently finished the a model of the world renowned Daniel Boon coon skin hat.

“My next project will be getting together with a friend to learn in detail the art of taxidermy, he told me if I get the chance, pick up a deer on the side of the road and use it for practice,” says Eichenlaub.

Wild ThingsAndrew Eichenlaub, sophomore, shows off his talent for taxidermy.

Some people like to dance, some like to play video games, some like to cook, Andrew Eichenlaub, a Sophomore, likes to practice taxidermy.

“It all started when a buddy of mine came up to me and told me he shot his first squirrel, he then proceeded to ask me if I would be interested in turning it into a display” says Eichenlaub. He wanted to make this special for his friend.

“I knew my friend was a golfer so I wanted to surprise him with it,” says Eichenlaub. From there it was only a matter of setting up the scenery to make the squirrel look like he was playing golf. He then proceeded to bring it to his friend at Westminster. Of course the process for creating something like that requires precise craftsmanship. You start out by skinning the animal and proceeding to clean the pelt. You then place it on a sort of mannequin that is then put in the position of the taxidermists choice. Some taxidermist’s creations do not consist of the animals whole body, some show just the head.

“I’m in the beginning stages of taxidermy right now, which means I don’t have much experience, but making the squirrels took around 7 to 8 hours,” says Eichenlaub. He has also worked on robins and rabbits.

“The process was entirely self taught, mostly off of Youtube,” said Eichenlaub. Some people take taxidermy as an art form Eichenlaub simply does it as a pasttime.

“Its always been something I have been interested in, and since I love the outdoors it works out nicely” says Eichenlaub. This

One of the projects Eichenlaub has worked on takes a swing. Photo by: Andrew Eichenlaub

One of Eichenlaubs creations, moccasins fashioned from deer skin. Photo by: Andrew Eichenlaub


L i f eMaking a Difference and Changing the World, One Child at a TimeRyan He, senior, is a part of a group that is making a difference around the world and helping poverty stricken children.

Ryan He, senior, along with other international students, have started a charity here in the United States to benefit people around the world. The international charity is called ‘With a Warm Heart’ and is put on by a group of Chinese high school students in the United States. It is called the One Dollar project and was started in 2011.

“In the charity with 258 members from different countries all over the world, I was voted to be the vice president. Started in the summer of 2011 by asking people for donation on streets, ODP raised over $20,000 in 25 different cities in seven different countries,” said He.

Last summer, with the mission

to help needy kids from all over the world, the group selected 39 students in their organization as volunteers, and they went into a poverty-stricken school in a rual village in China.

“You can never image those left-behind children who have no parental care at all. Those poor

kids can only eat one meal, at most two, per day. During those days, twenty guys had to sleep at one room which is even smaller than the size of a classroom. We bought school supplies with our funds, spent money on fixing the

leaking ceiling of their building, and helped the two teachers in the entire school by giving lessons,” said He.

OPD had been recognized by the public media in China and their actions of serving the children in need has now encouraged more people to pay attention to charity.

“Last week, One Dollar Project had its first year anniversary celebration at Harvard University in Boston. Many celebrities from different fields including professors from Harvard University and UCLA, famous actresses, and super model Leah Darrow, came to our banquet and gave speeches about charity and love. Over 140 students joined us in Boston,”said He.

At this event, there was lots of ticketing and auctions. The group raised over $7,000 and it will all go to the poverty-stricken school for a new library.

“As we plan to raise money in 25 different cities throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, our project in 2013 is to build eight libraries for eight poverty-stricken schools in southern China and Southeast Asia. Recently, we cooperated with Architecture School of Tsinghua University in China, who will be responsible for the design of the libraries and we are contacting libraries in China for books that we need,” said He.

The charity is doing everything in their power in order to help people all over the world. They hope to help all of the children that are left

behind and forgotten about.“While we believe one dollar

can make a significant change, One Dollar Project is confident about helping more and more homeless, left-behind children in every corner of the world,” said He.

The charity has been stiving to make a difference and help poverty stricken children all around the world. The kids that are apart of the project have been working together to see this succed for years now. The students have left the comforts of their homes and helped to make a difference in the united states and around the world.

All photos courtesy of: Ryan He

Weighing in

Ideas by: Michael Dudley, John Eric Stiener, Jesi Wydrzynski, seniors, Aly Nichols, junior, and Ashton Kratky, sophomore.

Graphics by: Catherine Bakewell


o p i n i o n s

Bible into the curriculum; in fact, some may feel it does too much and forces Christianity on students. But, as a Christian school, having more Bible class-es couldn’t hurt. And it wouldn’t be forced Chris-tianity, since the class would be an elective. Only students who wanted to take the class would sign up. However, since the topic would be specific and

require base knowledge of the Bible, it would be available for upper school students. Fresh-men and sophomores are required to take a lot of other classes and don’t have much time for a Bible elective in their schedule anyway. But if a senior would rather take a Bible elective along with Worldviews instead of study hall, he should be able to.

Westminster is a col-lege preparatory school, so it makes sense that it will emphasize academ-ics and focus on having students that will get them into college. And Bible classes don’t pre-pare students for college exams. But, as a Chris-tian school, Westminster should also prepare stu-dents to face the world with a Biblical world-

view. The best way to do that is to teach the Bible. And, when it comes to teaching the Bible, it’s al-ways better to err on the side of teaching too much rather than teaching too little.

Signing up for next year’s classes is a stressful time for most students. There are tons of decisions to make, from deciding whether to take an honors or regular class, or deciding which elective course to take. And, as some students looked over the options for classes, they noticed the significant lack of Bible courses.

“This is a Christian school. So why isn’t there at least a Bible elective? It seems a bit ridiculous, especial-ly considering how many science courses there are,” said Juhy-ae Kim, sophomore.

There are three Bi-ble classes available for upper school stu-dents. For rising ju-niors, there are 8 sci-ence classes. That’s only for juniors; for all upper school stu-dents, there are at least 10 science class-es, and many more are being added with the STEM initiative. Sci-ence isn’t bad, but, as a Christian school, it’s hard not to wonder why there aren’t more Bible courses.

The obvious answer would be that West-minster’s Bible curriculum already covers every-thing students need to know.

But the current Bible classes at Westminster, though they are good classes, are not able to go in-depth with their studies. Giving students the ability to actually study and understand a part of the Bible will give them wisdom and knowledge they didn’t have before. There are thousands of topics relating to Christianity and faith that Westminster doesn’t teach; the possibilities for another Bible class are endless.

Take missions and sharing the gospel, for exam-ple. Everyone knows someone or has a friend who isn’t a Christian who they want to share the Gospel with. The problem is, when the opportunity to share the Gospel arises, we don’t know what to do or say. Sharing the Gospel is a vital component to our faith. Christ’s last words to his disciples were to “go and make disciples of all nations”. But it is difficult, par-ticularly with modern culture’s rejection of Chris-tianity, to know how to do this. Having a class that teaches how to talk to others about Christ would be indescribably helpful.

But this is one example of the numerous topics that could be taught. Another good possibility for an elective course is church history. It is a fascinating topic, and understanding the church’s history would help us understand the church’s identity today.

The class doesn’t have to cover such broad topics, though. It could be as simple as an in-depth, focused study and teaching of one book of the Bible. Talk to anyone who studies the Bible, and they will agree: the Bible is complicated and detailed, and every verse holds a lesson. It’s easy to spend a whole year teaching one book of the Bible, if the teaching is thorough enough. Truly understanding one book of the Bible would give not only wisdom, but it would also help teach the students how to study the Bible on their own.

Many people would say that Westminster does enough to encourage Christianity through chapel, crossroads, morning devotions, and integrating the

Giving students the ability to actually study and understand a part of the Bible will give them wisdom and

knowledge they didn’t have before. There are

thousands of topics relating to Christianity

and faith that Westmin-ster doesn’t teach; the possibilities for another Bible class are endless.

Is it Enough? Westminster does a great job integrating a

Christian worldview into its curriculum, but they could do more.

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Staff

rEEd MontgoMEry nina thaMPy

Eli ParhaM SaM ParhaM

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EiChEl daviS andrEa rEEd

MEgan galvin Maggi EaChuS

ChriStian linhoff John PottEbauM audrEy o’nEill robErt daviS

CathErinE bakEWEll

thE WildCat roar WElCoMES lEttErS to thE Editor froM StudEntS, Staff, and PubliC-at-largE that arE SignEd and hElPful in thE PubliC foruM. it rEtainS thE right to Edit or oMit lEttErS aCCording to liMitationS on SPaCE. thE WildCat roar alSo WElCoMES advErtiSing that doES not ConfliCt With WEStMinStEr ChriStian aCadEMy’S MiSSion StatEMEnt.

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viSit uS at:WWW.thEWildCatroar.CoM

Senior Year: Looking BackA personal look back on the past six years as a student at Westminster Christian Academy and all the lessons I’ve learned.

For as long as I can remember, Westminster has been a safe haven for me. Sure, every school has it’s fair share of drama, peer pressure and typical, teenage angst but over the six years I have attended this school, I can honestly say we are a different breed of students.

Not because we’re exceptionally bright, or especially athletic. We have our talents in those areas, and it’s always been a fun part of attending Westminster, but I would not say that is what defines us as a school. In my opinion, a strong sense of community is what has always brought us together.

Sometimes as students, we get so wrapped up in the things we don’t like about our school.

We complain about the

new changes to Junior Senior Banquet, the fact that we can’t do Spirit Week hallways like we were accustomed to anymore, getting pink slips for texting in chapel… The list could go on and on, and just like most students here, I am not immune to whining about Westminster either, but as my senior year draws to a swift close, I have had the opportunity to look back and appreciate what a family Westminster Christian Academy has become to me.

I forget that it’s not normal to walk down the hallway and have the Head of School be able to greet you by name and ask you how whatever activity you are involved in is going. I lose sight of the fact that parents at other schools don’t typically bring snacks with an encouraging message attached to the bag and put them in students lockers “just because”. I ignore the fact that I can sit in a gym with all my fellow students, and pray openly to my God. As we walk through these halls day after day, we start to believe these things are mundane. They become “the norm” for us, and we don’t think twice about it. We’ve almost become spoiled to them.

These are all traits that are unique to being a student at Westminster. Like I said earlier, the school is far from perfect and of course, there are things I wish would have been different in the past six years I attended, but I am glad I did.

The friends I have made at this school have forever changed and shaped my life for the better. They’ve reached out to me when I have felt utterly alone. I’ve had bad days at school, but I have never felt like there wasn’t someone on campus at any given time who would not be willing to talk to me or pray for me.

Westminster believes in second chances, in brotherhood, in fellowship, and in Christian ideals that have made the confusing, maddening high school years more manageable for me. Sometimes I wonder how anyone could make it through high school without being able to drop down on their knees and ask God for help. I’m glad my school was a safe place for me to do this, and not be looked at as any different.

We have our masks and our personal scars just like any other school, but I believe our saving grace is that we are a community, centered on God’s idea of what the Kingdom of God should look like. We don’t always get it right, but we always strive.

I believe that’s what a Godly community should look like. I’ve heard complaints from students that Westminster doesn’t understand their students, that they only care about their appearances I can sympathize with that idea. Sometimes the administration makes decisions that we, as students, can’t even begin to comprehend.

When I was younger, every announcement, every policy change and every letter home, sent me into a rage. I couldn’t see how anything the board members, teachers, or administration decided was good for me. As I’ve matured, I’ve come to a number of realizations.

The main one is that I would never want to be in the position of someone who has to make those decisions. It’s impossible to please everyone, and in a community where there are so many differing opinions, it could not be easy to say “yes” to one and “no” to another. Someone has to do it, however, and I’m glad people have stepped up.

I’ve also realized that there isn’t much I know about running “the academy” as an eighteen year old, high school girl. I wish I could have known that when I was younger. I rebelled, I pushed and I pulled. I wanted nothing to do with anything about the school I didn’t agree with. It didn’t hurt Westminster though, it hurt me. I was more than closed-off to the school.

But now, less than three weeks away from graduation, I’ve learned to be happy in whatever stage of my life I am in. I laugh at Westminster’s quirks, cry at our misfortunes, and rejoice at our successes. This school, whether I always liked it or not, had a strong hand in raising me, and I don’t think they did too bad of a job.

I’m glad I attended Westminster, and this community will always bring back fond memories and lessons that I’m glad I learned. I wish WCA and it’s student’s nothing but success.


o p i n i o n s

against

MeganGalvin

Westminster changed school rules regarding its tardy policy this school year. This year, the administration decided to change these consequences of being tardy to “better fit the crime.” Now, after receiving a fourth tardy, the student must attend a conduct detention instead of losing points on their quarter grade. Every tardy after the fourth (during the same quarter) gives the student another conduct.

Poll Results57% voted

Poll Results43% voted

in favor

MaryWynn

Many students, like myself, are opposed to the new tardy rule. Students argue that it is too strict and the rule is not affecting students time management and they are tardy to class just as often.

“ I think it’s too harsh. Four tardies is not very much for a whole quarter,” said Courtney Beat, sophomore.

A good deal of students agree with Beat and think the rule is too severe. Conduct detentions go onto the students permanent record. They are supposed to be taken seriously and should not be used to punish small issues such as tardies.

Others believe that there are many excuses for receiving a tardy, so that should be taken into account.

“The reason I am against the new tardy rule is there is a harsh punishment for something that could be a misunderstanding. What if I am fighting the forces of evil but I’m tardy because of it? I still get punished even though I did a good deed, which I do not believe is right,” said Jonny Kinney, junior.

Although the average student is probably not fighting the forces of evil in the hallway, there are plenty of valid excuses to give for being tardy. For example, using

the bathroom between classes is a common excuse. Students are forced to do this because most teachers count using the bathroom during class as a tardy. This leaves the students with no time to go to the bathroom, and that is probably unhealthy.

Finally, there is the argument that it does not affect the number of tardies students are receiving.

“I am against the tardy rule. I understand the importance of coming to class on time, but I do not think that giving conduct detentions is a good way to enforce it. I have not seen any decrease in tardies this year even after the rule had been established,” said Megan Johnson, sophomore.

Due to the new tardy rule, the signup list for serving a conduct has been the longest ever. It does not seem to be making the students more timely. Plenty of students would say that the rule is too strict and therefore ineffective.

Like many other students, Hannah Stipanovich, junior, has received a conduct for getting too many tardies.

“I have had three conducts for tardies this year. What got me in trouble was not knowing I had four tardies then being late, then the

teacher telling me I had a conduct,” said Stipanovich.

Most students are not aware of how many tardies they have at any given point in the quarter. Teachers should inform students how many tardies they have.

“Think the tardy policy is a little too harsh because even if I was late to class because I was talking to a different teacher, they would still count me tardy. I think the teachers should tell the students that they are close to getting 5 tardies so they can make them aware of the trouble they are in. Also to cut them some slack!” said Stipanovich.

I think that a good compromise to the tardy rule is to punish the kids with after school detentions. After earning four tardies, students should have to serve a detention with the teacher instead of serving an hour long conduct detention that goes onto their permanent record. This punishes the student for their lackadaisical ways, yet it does not hurt them long term. Also, teachers should be sure to inform students when they have three tardies so they can be extra careful and be sure to get to class on time.

The new tardy policy is better than the old. It is better because it is more suitable for the crime of being late.

“Time is the issue so time should be the consequence,” said Tim Hall, Dean of Students.

It was unfair for students to lose points for being late. Being tardy is a time management problem, not an academic problem. Therefore, the punishment for tardies should involve students giving up some of their own time in order to learn how to manage it better.

“I believe the new tardy policy will be effective. Although being late to class does not seem like a big deal, students need to have a serious consequence for being late or they will never stop,” said Greg Fleissner, junior.

Conducts are taken far more seriously by students than 15 and 30 minute detentions. Students, like myself, are intimidated by the idea of receiving a conduct. We are busy all incredibly busy and do not have enough time to give an hour of it for being a few minutes late.

“I think the new rule will

intimidate kids into not being late,” said Ian Sutherland, senior.

Many students at Westminster are also afraid of getting a conduct because it could go on their permanent record. The idea of getting a conduct after a fourth tardy will most likely scare students into arriving to class on time, instead of coming after school for an hour long detention that will be recorded on their schooling record.

Mackenzie Yeager, junior, received her first conduct ever after being late to her Spanish class four times. At first, she was upset about having a conduct. But, later she realized she would rather have a conduct than have points taken off her grades that she worked extremely hard on.

Yeager has not yet been late to this class since she received the conduct.

Conducts are definitely sufficient warnings for students to stray away from recieving them a second time if possible.

“If I got a conduct for being late, I would try my best to never be late again. Now that I know about this new policy, I will try my very best

to be on time,” said Emma Bailey, junior.

With fewer students arriving late to class, teachers can get more work done and students may have more free time to socialize at the beginning or end of class.

Only time will tell whether or not the new tardy policy at WCA will be effective. But, I believe the intent of the policy is excellent. The new punishment for tardies is more agreeable for students and teachers.

Punishing children for being late to class by giving them shortened detentions is not threatening and taking points of a student’s grade is simply not acceptable. The new tardy policy is well-thought-out and will most likely prove to be effective.

New Tardy Policyversu

s


C e n t e r S p r e a d

The Hidden Gems of St. Louis

Tropical Sno

The Village Bar

The Cup

Carl’s Drive-InBotanicalGardens

Circle 7 Ranch

Fun in the Sun Sports

Six North Cafe

What is it: A gardenWhere is it: In South City close to Tower Grove ParkThe Botanical Garden is a beautiful park fi lled with some of the prettiest sites in St. Louis. It is perfect to visit and on a nice sunny day and take a walk while enjoying the scenery.

What is it: A hole-in-the-wall barWhere is it: At Manchester and I-270If you want a fantastic burger and waffl e fries for cheap, this is the place to go. Be prepared for styrofoam plates and plastic utensils–nothing fancy, just great food. Make sure to enter from the back parking lot. It’s small, so it’s great for a casual date night or a dinner with a friend or two.

What is it: A snow cone stand Where is it: Route 141 and ManchesterTropical Sno is a perfect hangout in the summer to grab some cheap snow cones and chill outside with your friends. Although it is not as well-known as Tropical Moose in Kirk-wood, it may be more conveniently located for Westminster students who

live in Chesterfi eld.

What is it: A cupcake shopWhere is it: Central West EndIf you like cupcakes, The Cup, a cute, modern and delicious cupcake store, is well worth your visit. After eating dinner at Culpeppers or Pi Piz-za in the CWE, stop by The Cup for dessert. It’s a unique environment—perfect for a night out with your friends or a fun date night. There is a wide variety of cupcakes to choose from, so there will defi nitely be a little something for everyone.

Photos by: Ellie Straub

Brian Fellows, senior

Jesi Wydryznski and Abbey Andres, seniors

What is it: A nicer bar type restaurantWhere is it: On Clayton Road, in be-tween 141 and Parkway West High SchoolThe food is fabulous at Circle 7 Ranch, and there are TVs all around you. It is a perfect place to eat dinner and watch sports. It is new and not many people know about it, which leads to a fun not crowded environment.

What is it: A small coff ee shop/café Where is it: On Clayton Road, in the same center as Circle 7 RanchSix North Café’s proximity to WCA is per-fect for seniors to grab a quick lunch dur-ing their study hall. It’s a fun place to meet friends for lunch or just for coff ee. The employees are all young and very friendly. It is a great place to get away from Starbucks and venture out to another coff ee shop.

What is it: A clothing storeWhere is it: In Kirkwood, across the street from Dewey’s PizzaFun in the Sun Sports is a perfect place for high school students to load up on the most popular preppy clothes. Filled with popular brands like Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, and Polo, this little store will not disappoint students with a preppy style. Every Tuesday, they have 20% off all t-shirts for high school and college students.

What is it: A small burger jointWhere is it: On Manchester in BrentwoodCarl’s Drive In is top-notch when it comes to a classic St. Louis burger. Famous for their root beer and burgers, Carl’s off ers a unique experi-ence rarely found in STL with counter-seating only. This place is classic in St. Louis and a fun and quick dining experience for everyone.

What:A nicer bar type restaurantWhere:On Clayton Road, in between 141 and Parkway West High SchoolReview:The food is fabulous at Circle 7 Ranch, and there are TVs all around you. It is a perfect place to eat dinner and watch sports. It is new and not many people know about it, which leads to a fun not crowded environ-ment.

What:A small coffee shop/caféWhere:On Clayton Road, in the same center as Circle 7 RanchReview:Six North Café’s proximity to WCA is perfect for seniors to grab a quick lunch during their study hall. It’s a fun place to meet friends for lunch or just for coffee. The employees are all young and very friendly. It is a great place to get away from Starbucks and venture out to another coffee shop.

What:A snow cone standWhere:Route 141 and ManchesterReview:Tropical Sno is a perfect hangout in the summer to grab some cheap snow cones and chill outside with your friends. Although it is not as well-known as Tropical Moose in Kirkwood, it may be more conve-niently located for Westminster students who live in Chesterfield.

What:A clothing storeWhere:In Kirkwood, across the street from Dewey’s PizzaReview:Fun in the Sun Sports is a perfect place for high school students to load up on the most popular preppy clothes. Filled with popular brands like Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, and Polo, this little store will not disappoint students with a preppy style. Every Tuesday, they have 20% off all t-shirts for high school and college students.

What:A gardenWhere:In South City close to Tower Grove ParkReview:The Botanical Garden is a beautiful park filled with some of the prettiest sites in St. Louis. It is perfect to visit and on a nice sunny day and take a walk while enjoying the scenery.

What:A small burger jointWhere:On Manchester in BrentwoodReview:Carl’s Drive In is top-notch when it comes to a classic St. Louis burger. Famous for their root beer and burgers, Carl’s offers a unique experi-ence rarely found in STL with counter-seating only. This place is clas-sic in St. Louis and a fun and quick dining experience for everyone.

What:a hole-in-the-wall barWhere:On Manchester and I-270Review:If you want a fantastic burger and waffle fries for cheap, this is the place to go. Be prepared for styrofoam plates and plastic utensils–nothing fancy, just great food. Make sure to enter from the back parking lot. It’s small, so it’s great for a casual date night or a dinner with a friend or two.

What:a cupcake shopWhere:Central West EndReview:If you like cupcakes, The Cup, a cute, modern and delicious cupcake store, is well worth your visit. After eating dinner at Culpeppers or Pi Pizza in the CWE, stop by The Cup for dessert. It’s a unique environment—perfect for a night out with your friends or a fun date night. There is a wide variety of cupcakes to choose from, so there will definitely be a little something for everyone.

You Are Here


c e n t e r s p r e a d

The Hidden Gems of St. Louis

Tropical Sno

The Village Bar

The Cup

Carl’s Drive-InBotanicalGardens

Circle 7 Ranch

Fun in the Sun Sports

Six North Cafe

What is it: A gardenWhere is it: In South City close to Tower Grove ParkThe Botanical Garden is a beautiful park fi lled with some of the prettiest sites in St. Louis. It is perfect to visit and on a nice sunny day and take a walk while enjoying the scenery.

What is it: A hole-in-the-wall barWhere is it: At Manchester and I-270If you want a fantastic burger and waffl e fries for cheap, this is the place to go. Be prepared for styrofoam plates and plastic utensils–nothing fancy, just great food. Make sure to enter from the back parking lot. It’s small, so it’s great for a casual date night or a dinner with a friend or two.

What is it: A snow cone stand Where is it: Route 141 and ManchesterTropical Sno is a perfect hangout in the summer to grab some cheap snow cones and chill outside with your friends. Although it is not as well-known as Tropical Moose in Kirk-wood, it may be more conveniently located for Westminster students who

live in Chesterfi eld.

What is it: A cupcake shopWhere is it: Central West EndIf you like cupcakes, The Cup, a cute, modern and delicious cupcake store, is well worth your visit. After eating dinner at Culpeppers or Pi Piz-za in the CWE, stop by The Cup for dessert. It’s a unique environment—perfect for a night out with your friends or a fun date night. There is a wide variety of cupcakes to choose from, so there will defi nitely be a little something for everyone.

Photos by: Ellie Straub

Brian Fellows, senior

Jesi Wydryznski and Abbey Andres, seniors

What is it: A nicer bar type restaurantWhere is it: On Clayton Road, in be-tween 141 and Parkway West High SchoolThe food is fabulous at Circle 7 Ranch, and there are TVs all around you. It is a perfect place to eat dinner and watch sports. It is new and not many people know about it, which leads to a fun not crowded environment.

What is it: A small coff ee shop/café Where is it: On Clayton Road, in the same center as Circle 7 RanchSix North Café’s proximity to WCA is per-fect for seniors to grab a quick lunch dur-ing their study hall. It’s a fun place to meet friends for lunch or just for coff ee. The employees are all young and very friendly. It is a great place to get away from Starbucks and venture out to another coff ee shop.

What is it: A clothing storeWhere is it: In Kirkwood, across the street from Dewey’s PizzaFun in the Sun Sports is a perfect place for high school students to load up on the most popular preppy clothes. Filled with popular brands like Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, and Polo, this little store will not disappoint students with a preppy style. Every Tuesday, they have 20% off all t-shirts for high school and college students.

What is it: A small burger jointWhere is it: On Manchester in BrentwoodCarl’s Drive In is top-notch when it comes to a classic St. Louis burger. Famous for their root beer and burgers, Carl’s off ers a unique experi-ence rarely found in STL with counter-seating only. This place is classic in St. Louis and a fun and quick dining experience for everyone.

What:A nicer bar type restaurantWhere:On Clayton Road, in between 141 and Parkway West High SchoolReview:The food is fabulous at Circle 7 Ranch, and there are TVs all around you. It is a perfect place to eat dinner and watch sports. It is new and not many people know about it, which leads to a fun not crowded environ-ment.

What:A small coffee shop/caféWhere:On Clayton Road, in the same center as Circle 7 RanchReview:Six North Café’s proximity to WCA is perfect for seniors to grab a quick lunch during their study hall. It’s a fun place to meet friends for lunch or just for coffee. The employees are all young and very friendly. It is a great place to get away from Starbucks and venture out to another coffee shop.

What:A snow cone standWhere:Route 141 and ManchesterReview:Tropical Sno is a perfect hangout in the summer to grab some cheap snow cones and chill outside with your friends. Although it is not as well-known as Tropical Moose in Kirkwood, it may be more conve-niently located for Westminster students who live in Chesterfield.

What:A clothing storeWhere:In Kirkwood, across the street from Dewey’s PizzaReview:Fun in the Sun Sports is a perfect place for high school students to load up on the most popular preppy clothes. Filled with popular brands like Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, and Polo, this little store will not disappoint students with a preppy style. Every Tuesday, they have 20% off all t-shirts for high school and college students.

What:A gardenWhere:In South City close to Tower Grove ParkReview:The Botanical Garden is a beautiful park filled with some of the prettiest sites in St. Louis. It is perfect to visit and on a nice sunny day and take a walk while enjoying the scenery.

What:A small burger jointWhere:On Manchester in BrentwoodReview:Carl’s Drive In is top-notch when it comes to a classic St. Louis burger. Famous for their root beer and burgers, Carl’s offers a unique experi-ence rarely found in STL with counter-seating only. This place is clas-sic in St. Louis and a fun and quick dining experience for everyone.

What:a hole-in-the-wall barWhere:On Manchester and I-270Review:If you want a fantastic burger and waffle fries for cheap, this is the place to go. Be prepared for styrofoam plates and plastic utensils–nothing fancy, just great food. Make sure to enter from the back parking lot. It’s small, so it’s great for a casual date night or a dinner with a friend or two.

What:a cupcake shopWhere:Central West EndReview:If you like cupcakes, The Cup, a cute, modern and delicious cupcake store, is well worth your visit. After eating dinner at Culpeppers or Pi Pizza in the CWE, stop by The Cup for dessert. It’s a unique environment—perfect for a night out with your friends or a fun date night. There is a wide variety of cupcakes to choose from, so there will definitely be a little something for everyone.


Winning Reagan Democrats with Kennedy RepublicanismHow the GOP can recapture this moderate demographic in 2014 and beyond, using the methods of Ronald Reagan and Jack Kennedy.

In the 1980’s a phenomenon known as Reagan Democrats began. These Democrats bucked their party, helped Republican hero Ronald Reagan to the presidency in greater margins than could have ever been imagined, and helped start the American tradition of running up the score.

The Reagan Democrats didn’t just die off, they’re still out there. But today, they’re feeling the

reverse of what they felt in the Reagan years. They didn’t leave the Republican party; the Republican party left them.

So how do we win them back? Reagan Democrats could be flipped again through “Kennedy

Republicanism.” To be sure, Jack Kennedy had some dangerous domestic policy ideas. Much of Lyndon Johnson’s disastrous Great Society came from the Kennedy playbook. However, JFK had a way of doing things that the Republicans could learn a thing or two from.

Republicans are undoubtedly a party of patriots. Not to say that Democrats don’t love their country, but the GOP is full to the brim with bible thumping, gun toting, flag waving ‘Mericans. I’m one myself. But many citizens are currently experiencing a crisis of confidence. With China on the rise, our economy contracting, and our current military mire, more and more Americans are wondering if American Exceptionalism was nothing more than a myth. These voters won’t immediately respond to the assumption that America is the greatest country on earth, they must be convinced. Both Reagan and Kennedy helped revive a spirit of patriotism within the American polity and brought us back from a similar crisis of confidence. Reagan won the cold war. Kennedy sent us to the moon. In the face of bipartisan ridicule, both Reagan and Kennedy took decisive action to prove America’s exceptionalism.

Today we face a crisis no less striking than the space or arms races of the past. Again a free economy is competing with tyranny for international supremacy. China is poised to overtake America as the world’s largest economy as early as 2016 according to a recently released study by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development. Today, just as they were in the Soviet Era, many American scholars are apologists for Communist thinking. The control that the Chinese government holds over their

economy, the striking censorship and horrifying human rights abuses are overlooked. Even Vice President and 2016 presidential contender Joe Biden said that he “can’t second guess” China’s one-child policy.

Kennedy and Reagan didn’t treat communism with the acceptance and spirit of inevitability that their political culture embraced, and neither can today’s Republican Party. But you can’t just say it and assume that the public will fall in behind. Reminding the public that we are in an economic race for supremacy will not be easy, but it is a necessary step to evoking the patriotism and pride Americans once felt for this great country. Reviving our competitive drive and re energizing the American people are necessary tenants of Kennedy Republicanism. And in order to accomplish this, employing

Kennedy and Reagan’s smooth style of persuasion is a must.

There’s no denying that there are pressing problems in America today, and passion is essential in the art of persuasion. However, novice and sometimes veteran politicians consistently confuse passion with noise. I’m reminded of Hamlet’s iconic speech each time I attend a Tea Party Rally. “It offends me to the soul to hear a robustious periwig-pated fellow tear a passion to tatters, to split the ears of the groundlings, who for the most part are capable of nothing but dumbshows and noise.”

I agree with virtually every point of the farthest of far right agendas, but a powdered wig and an “Impeach the Muslim” t-shirt are ineffective instruments of persuasion. The reasonable nature of most republicans, and probably most Tea Partiers, is drowned out by the exhibisionits looking to score some high fives.

In the conservative media there is little thought given to outsiders who are open to new ideas. Few attempts are made to logically, passionately, but judiciously explain the conservative ideas of the free market, free trade, personal liberty, and strong military to American centrists. In their speaking styles, both Reagan and Kennedy were experts in harnessing passion while keeping their cool. Listen to Kennedy explain his military and diplomatic priorities and imagine the same message at the hands of a Michael Savage or Mark Levin. “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, suffer any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” Measured, clear, calm, and serious. Kennedy was an expert at illustrating his points

and his passion without obvious showmanship.

Although there is the obvious temptation to grab headlines and airtime with controversial, head-turning rhetoric, that is a formula for nothing more than fifteen minutes of fame. It also puts an unnecessary target on your back. There is nothing wrong and often

something admirable about having a political price on your head. Winston Churchill said, “I hope you have enemies, it means you stood for something in your life.” While this is undoubtedly true, there is something more to be said for standing effectively. Running sword drawn into a well guarded

encampment is the act of a fool, not a hero. One must only look at Anthony Weiner, first famous for his outbursts on the House Floor, later famous for his “social media presence, for an example “of how not to use political capital efficiently. A Kennedy Republican can attract Reagan Democrats with careful measured blows, where purpose and strategy precede political attacks.

A Kennedy Republican must also engage with pop culture.Jack Kennedy was friends with celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. Ronald Reagan got his start in the world of Hollywood, and rarely attacked it.

The current tendency of Republicans to retreat and attack culture from afar is an ineffective way of attracting voters. In the past 2012 election, President Obama

held fundraisers and campaign events with the likes of Jay-Z, Beyonce, and other A-listers. appeared on late night comedy shows, and generally became part of the celebrity culture. In 2008, the Republican party even attacked him for being the “biggest celebrity in the world.”

Meanwhile, the celebrity superpower of the Republican party was Clint Eastwood’s laughable appearance at the RNC. Despite this, many celebrities have conservative tendencies, and with a little political muscle could be persuaded into becoming active in the Republican party. Celebrities like Robert Downy Jr. and Britney Spears, among others, are known to have conservative leanings. With a little pressure these celebrities could be persuaded to embrace their conservative nature fully, helping eliminate the “cool gap” between the Republican and Democratic party.

Republicans can learn a lot from John F. Kennedy. From his suave, understated nature, to his unabashed and convincing patriotism, Kennedy personified electability. Kennedy also knew how to focus on the big picture.

Instead of getting bogged down in the day to day politics of Washington, he focused on his duties as head of the armed forces and figurehead of the nation. If the Republican party can start choosing its battles, and keeping its cool in the Kennedy mold, brighter days are ahead.

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us

well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear

any burden, suffer any hardship, support any

friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”-John Francis Kennedy

o p i n i o n s


b i g p i c t u r e

Radically Genuine

The Roar: How would you describe your music?Danny: I’d call it a mixture of indie and hip-hop. It’s kind of a concept album. The concept is sincerity, being rdically genuine, freedom from hypocrisy.

The Roar: Could you compare yourself to any other artists/bands out there now?Danny: Some of my influences are Kendrick Lamar, Yellow Ostrich, Kimbra, Jack White, and Alt-J.

The Roar: What kind of work goes into writing, recording, and producing music?Danny: For the first track, I just set up a mike in my basement with me and a mandolin. I add background tracks from what I hear in my head, and there’s a lot of trial and error.

The Roar: Do you have any upcoming projects or events?Danny: I’m always making things. I have some ideas, but the EP release takes up a lot of time, so we’ll see.

The Roar: What kind of events have you performed at?Danny: I performed at Foam, which is like a living room/coffee house, and I’ve done a couple of open mike night events. I like performing live, it turns my album into a more acoustic, sincere sound.

The Roar: What advice would you give to kids who want to take their music to the next level like you did?Danny: Just make things. The worst that could happen is you fail and learn. Create things that you hear in your mind.

The Roar: How can people get a hold of this CD for themselves?Danny: I would prefer to just personally give people the CD. I want to stay away from selling it. It will probably be on places like Spotify, Bandcamp, and Noisetrade. My EP is a gift to people; I don’t like music that is for buying, selling, or stealing.

A One-on-One with Danny

Danny Dwyer, junior, performs at a turntable. Dwyer can play several instruments, like the trumpet, drums, keyboard, and mandolin. Photo by: Drew Port

Track-by-Track of Sincerely, EP1. “I Don’t Know” (feat. IQ)This song features soulful, almost calypso-like instrumentation, and even a little bit of Dubstep, but it is not used in a way that overwhelms the track but instead compliments it. This song features a rap by IQ that, like the dubstep, doesn’t feel out of place but smoothly transitions into the next chorus. This track is great for Pop fans who like a little alternative in their playlists.

Danny: I met IQ at an open mike night. He wanted to do a remix of track one, and the next week we got in the studio and did it. He’s a pre-algebra teacher by day and a rapper by night. I didn’t want his rap to be vulgar, but my goal was that it was sincere.

Good for fans of: Maroon 5, Foster the PeopleFollow this QR code to to download Sincerely, EP at Bandcamp for free.

2. “Déjà Vu”This song is haunting and slow, soulful much like a Florence + the Machine song. The starting, pulselike drumbeat changes into a haunting finale, almost robotic and creepy.

Good for fans of: Adele, Florence + the Machine

3. “Say it Now”The piano and the mandolin on this track contrast the garbled vocals and the synthesizer in the background, contributing to the otherworldly, intense feel of this song. The tempo slows down and sobers up for the ending of the song in a conclusion that again contrasts to the rest of the song in an interesting way.

Good for fans of: fun, Foster the People

4. “Silence”This song slows down and quiets down just a little bit. Danny’s vocals make for a really moody, altnerative style of music. The beat and feel of the song is captivating, too.

Good for fans of: Coldplay, Snow Patrol

5. “Monsters”What a great choice to cover Pumped Up Kicks! I love that Danny didn’t note-by-note copy this song but instead put his own stylistic twist on it, featuring a synthesizer instead of the typical bass in the original song. The song intensifies after an original riff called “Monsters” that also plays throughout the cover. There’s a sort of underlying insanity to this song, which is fitting, since the original song was about a school shooting.

Danny: I wanted to put the old song, Pumped Up Kicks, in a different light. The answer to gun control is that we have aserious problem with loving people. These people, these shooters, aren’t monsters, but people like us.

Danny performs live with his band, Cub3d Roots. Danny has worked with other groups like Cub3d Roots, That Guy, and Pastel. Photo courtesy of danieldwyer.com and photo by: Drew Port.

Follow this QR Code to visit Danny’s website, featuring photos, songs, and contact information.

Good for fans of: Florence + the Machine, Kimbra

The Wildcat Roar sits down with Danny Dwyer, junior, to talk about the release of his new EP, Sincerely.


f o c u s o n

Mr. Haas, upper school math teacher, is compared to Mr. Kropp, the teacher in the movie The Incredibles. Photo By: Scott Rupprecht

Dave Schall, Strength and Conditioning Coach, is paired up with Alex Kendrick’s character, Grant Taylor, in the movie Facing the Giants. Photo By: Scott Rupprecht

Dr. Holley, upper school english teacher, looks similar to late night talk show host David Letterman. Photo By: Elise Hearne

Jack Bauer, eighth grade, has the same name as Kiefer Sutherland’s character in the popular tv show, 24. Photo By: Scott Rupprecht

Mike Scott, junior, poses as Steve Carell”s character, Micheal Scott, on the hit tv show, The Offi ce. Photo By: Scott Rupprecht

Celebrity Look-Alikes and Same names

Page Credit: Scott Rupprecht

Focus On:


b i g p i c t u r e

662 Smiles: An Up-date of the Indian LettersIn December, WCA kids sent 331 letters to children and teenagers alike to a Children’s Home in Bhogpur, India, and two months later, most received replies from their pen pals.

“The kids were thrilled when the box of cards and candy canes came! They all asked who the cards came from and were delighted that individual children wrote to them and introduced themselves. Several of the children have asked for paper to write back. (Since they don’t have access to very much paper unless I give it to them.) It was a big hit and the pretty hand-written cards made each child feel special,” said Audrey, a young American woman who works at the Home.

About two months later, letters from Bhogpur Children’s Home were delivered to WCA. They were soon distributed. However, some WCA kids did not get a letter because the child they had written to was too young to write back in English.

“When I got the letters back, it made my day. I had thought that the [Indian children] weren’t going to write back because it was taking so long! When I first read the letters I was shocked at how incredibly kind my pen pals were (I had two)! They both seemed genuinely happy to be writing to me and actually cared to know about my life!” said Duke.

Although responses varied, each child and teenager inquired about their pen pal’s interests, goals, family, and schooling.

One similarity emerged: each and every letter expressed joy to receive a thoughtful note from kids in the USA. Every letter from the children in the Home expressed a wish – to be written back.

Every letter had a pretty drawing or coloring on them. The content contained interesting details about them, their family, and their interests/ goals in life.

Manju Kumar, a senior, scrawled to Bekah Sharp, junior, “Our lives are so different in a lot of ways, but a letter always brightens my day so I hope it will brighten yours too!”

In these letters, children often conveyed that they will be praying for their pen pals across the world and for their studies. Their determination to love and be loved was evident.

“Also, they were very open about their faith and asking for prayer which made me smile knowing that the gospel is reaching places like where they live,” said Duke.

Although more than 7,000 miles comes between St. Louis, MO and Bhogpur, India, and cultural differences are evident, both group of kids realized they are similar in terms of interests and goals in life.

“It really touched me knowing that even a simple letter like that from one person to another in a completely different country - even if it wasn’t much - could mean something to those girls and I felt appreciated when they wrote back,” said Madi Koetting, eighth grade.

Koetting sent two letters to Poonam Dass and Aparna-shay, and in turn they wrote about their families and their passions.

On Friday, April 5, Susie Brown, upper school student services coordinator, collected letters from WCA students to send to their pen pals in India.

“I hope we continue a relationship with the Children’s Home. I think we have a lot to learn from each other!” said Tarantino.

Although the letters take a couple months to find its way to India, WCA is planning to continue sending letters back and forth.

“…Convey love to your family and friends. Don’t forget me and I love you very much,” scribbled Soniya Rani to Kaylie Duke, senior.

In December 2012, Laura Tarantino, senior, asked for the some of the WCA students to send Christmas cards to the Bhogpur Children’s Home in northern India.

According to home4children.

com, the Bhogpur Children’s Home was founded back in 1945 when medical missionaries were asked by lepers to start a home for their children. Here they are educated and fed.

The vision of sending these children cards originated from a mission trip Tarantino went on with her father and church during her spring break in 2011.

During this trip, they visited this Home and befriended children whose parents or close relatives have leprosy.

Interests were spurred once Tarantino introduced this endeavor to the student body.

Soon after Tarantino’s request, eager freshmen, middle schoolers, and honors English juniors and seniors penned Merry Christmas cards to the Children’s Home.

Indian kids, ranging from ages four to nineteen years old, received these letters and were overjoyed at this simple act.

Kaylie Duke, senior, holds up two letters that her pen pals from Bhogpur Children’s Home sent. Photo credit: Nina Thampy

Normally chocolate bars cause feelings of guilt and regret. They taste so great, yet everyone knows how unhealthy they are. The trouble is that when they are

sitting and melting in the pantry and just waiting to be eaten, it is nearly impossible to resist their temptation. Chocolate bars tend to only create a tasty treat and shame.

This, however, is only a fraction of the importance that the chocolate bar had on the life Percy Spencer. Spencer was a self-taught engineer that grew up in Howland, Maine and was working for Raytheon, a company specializing in making

radar systems for the WWII allies.What make radar systems work

is microwaves, an idea that was then used for technology such as telephones, long distance television broadcasts, and speed cameras. While the microwave had already been utilized for long-distance communication, using the technology for heating food had never crossed anyone’s mind. Not until Spencer made a terrific discovery.

During one of his shifts while working on a functioning radar, Spencer happened to notice that the Mr. Goodbar chocolate bar in his pocket had started to melt. After such a peculiar happening, Spencer began to experiment with what happened and eventually realized that the microwaves coming from the radar were the cause of his melting chocolate bar.

Soon, Spencer was trying food other than chocolate bars. He tried

popcorn, and then he warmed up an egg, which exploded and landed on one of the other scientist’s faces.

By this time, the scientist knew that he was onto something, so he decided to invest a little more time and effort into his project. Instead of using a radar, Spencer took a microwave-producing magnetron and attached it to a small, metal box. His idea was that he could trap the microwaves in the metal box and make the machine more efficient, and this is exactly what happened.

Spencer’s experimental data showed that the temperature of the food inside of the microwave oven rose rapidly.

Raytheon, the company that Spencer was working for at the time, saw the potential of such a machine and quickly patented and

tested the machine. It was officially used by the public for the first time in a Speedy Weeny mobile hotdog vending machine.

In 1947, Raytheon sent a microwave called the Radarange to production, but this machine definitely had room for improvement. It cost over $50,000 in today’s money and weighed 750 pounds. Other issues included its height of five feet eleven inches and it taking three times as much power to operate as compared to modern microwaves.

Eventually, however, the microwave became a big hit and commonplace in every American kitchen. So not only did Spencer get his name written in the history books, but he also gained a better, more healthy perspective of the chocolate bar.

Innovating With the Help of a Chocolate BarThe chocolate bar helped engineer Percy Spencer to create one of the most common household appliances: the microwave.

The mr. Goodbar was the real founder of the microwave. Percy Spencer, a self-taught engineer, had one in his pocket when he realized that it had melted while he was working on microwave technology. Photo by: Sam Parham.


S p o r t s Boys Volleyball

After last year’s loss in the state quarterfinals to Webster Groves, Westminster’s boys volleyball team is looking for another chance to take the state title. Led by seniors Mitch Penning and Daniel Prada, the volleyball team has played very well so far this season, starting off season with an 3 and 0 record. The team hopes this is just the start of what is to come. Team members are hop-ing and working for the best, but still managing to keep things in perspective. “God willing, we will do better than last year, but even if we don’t it will still be a good experi-ence for all of us.” Daniel Prada Senior With the majority of the varsity team seniors, it will be a challenge for the team to carry their success into next year. The team is counting on its several returning juniors to smooth the upcoming transition.

This year the varsity lacrosse team hopes to move on to bigger and better things. So far it has taken steps to ensure that they will meet at least part of their goal. They won several games and placed third out of the field of eight in a difficult tournament at Kirkwood high school. The players have high hopes for the remainder of this season. “We are going to be win-ning more. The team is so good and the team is better than it ever looked.” Mary Snapp “In the last year the la-crosse team has worked very hard on and off the field to improve. It was easy to see the fruits of their endeavors last weekend during the Kirkwood tournament,” said Lind-sey Carlisle, varsity head coach. With only two seniors on the lacrosse team they look forward to several years of expe-rienced players, which can only help ensure the team’s continuing rise.

Lacrosse

TrackWith a new head coach and a much larger track team, prospects this season are promising. Some of the most promising runners on

the boys team are Alex Rideout, senoir, and Matt Hall, senior in sprints and Regan Dykhouse, senior, in long distance.On the girls side, Sanea Williams, sophomore, in sprints and Laura Tarantino, senior, in long distance.“The team has been working very hard during practice and I think it will show during the meets,” said Matt Hall, Senior.In all likelihood, during the next four years the team will continue to progress.Some of the best runners are cur-rent freshmen, including Kaylah Merdith, Jordan Hawkins, and Nathan Duke.

Photos by: Robert Davis.


s p o r t sS p o r t s

Baseball:The varsity baseball team has won state two years in a row, and they’re looking for a three-peat. After last year’s dominating 29-3 season, the Cats were moved into Class 4. Although the competition is going to be stiffer, the team is stacked top to bottom. Their starting lineup is comprised almost entirely of juniors. Led by Shane Benes, Jordan Smith, juniors, and Bryce Bell, senior, there isn’t a weak spot in their entire lineup. Ben Lovell and Davis Vanderslice, seniors, head a solid rotation that also includes rising flamethrower Luke Matheny, sophomore. Despite all the returning talent from last year, the squad did lose star center fielder Tate Matheny, class of 2012, who graduated last spring. But with their influx of talent, it appears that the team won’t skip a beat. A three-peat for State is not out of the question.

Luke Matheny, sophomore, starts the home opener against Priory. Photo by Elise Hearne

(Above) Bryce Bell, senior, races home. (Left) Kyle Kinner, junior, bangs out another base hit. Photos by: Elise Hearne

Girls Soccer:The soccer team continues to build after back to back years of improved records. They lost many key seniors from last years team, including Margret Moore and Ellie Huffman. However, they have some talented freshman coming up. Liz Harding, Macy Catlett, Alaina Randazzo, and Hailee Klein head a stacked freshman class. The team will need them to step up to replace the missing seniors, especially on defense. Visitation has been Westminster’s achilles heel over the last couple seasons. The cats have constantly lost to Viz in the playoffs, including two crushing 1-0 defeats. The contest against Viz is always circled on the team’s calendar. This year its at Visitation on May 2nd. Making up for their loss of ex-perience and defeating Viz will be the major goals of the season.

Liz Harding, freshman, gets ready for a throw in. Photo by: Sadie Stipanovich Center Back Shelby Kehr, senior, controls the ball. Photo by: Sadie Stipanovich

Mens Tennis:The men’s tennis team will have high expectations going into this year. Last year, they had a mediocre 12-7 record and lost to MICDS in the district finals. They are look-ing to take the next step. Nathan Arnold and Hunter Hughes, seniors, along with Bailey Merkel and Derek Bell, juniors, are a solid and established top four players. However, the team lost star Reed Montgomery, junior, for the beginning of the season due to a hip injury. His younger brother, Andrew, freshman, will look to fill the gap. But depth will be a concern, especially with the loss of the older Montgomery. The team will need the back of their lineup to step up and a win some key matches in order to seriously im-prove. They have a good chance to signifi-gantly build on last year’s performance.

Hunter Hughes, senior, serves to a waiting opponent. Photo by: Elise Hearne Nathan Arnold, senior, strikes a pose after a killer shot. Photo by: Elise Hearne


S P O R T SLittle Lady Laxers Take The FieldThis year the middle school starts it’s own lacrosse program.

Lacrosse is a confusing game. Each girl with a stick in hand tries to get the ball in the other teams goals, but there are extensive rules making it more difficult than it sounds. This sport, most popular on the east coast, has become increasingly popular in Missouri as well.

After spending so much time developing the high school lacrosse

program, the athletic department is finally giving middle school a program of its own.

Lindsey Carlile, varsity lacrosse coach has put in a lot of time and effort into improving the upper school lacrosse program into what it is now. Those efforts have brought interest into many of the middle school girls.

“Girls kept bugging me about it so I asked JD Perona, middle school athletic director, if he could make it happen and he said yes,” said Ashley Woodall, middle school geography teacher.

This year there are 40 to 45 girls in the seventh and eighth grade that are playing. The head coach is Nancy Schmer, mother of Haley Schmer, seventh grade.

“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some amazing people. Coaches Woodall, Pautler, and Carlile have all been great to work with. They are all knowledgeable, caring and just fun to be around. In addition, I have had an opportunity to reconnect with Mrs. Pottebaum who is volunteering her time to help coach. As an avid runner, she has been a huge help with our conditioning,” said Schmer.

Woodall is the assistant coach and the main teacher involved in the program. Michelle Pottebaum, mother to John Pottebaum, freshman and Josh Pottebaum, eighth grade, also helps out. Allison Pautler, middle school math teacher, also helps out on days that both eighth and seventh grade practice together.

“People like Nancy Schmer and Michelle Pottebaum have stepped forward to help make the program possible,” said Woodall.

In the past the middle school has integrated lacrosse as a P.E. unit, but this year it has turned into a full fledged sport with games, and has begun to catch up with other schools in the area.

“The girls have been so willing to work hard and seem to be really excited about learning this new game. We have had the privilege of having the Varsity coach, Lindsey Carlile, work with us on some of the skills and strategies that she uses with her high school players. It has been a leaning process for all of us,” said Schmer.

The girls practice during their designated P.E. time. The eighth graders practice on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The seventh grade only practices on Tuesdays and Fridays because they can play two sports.

“Every practice consists of conditioning, skill work and game situations. There are a lot of rules in Lacrosse. Womens’ Lacrosse is very different than men’s. There is very little contact and the only protective gear we wear are eye guards and mouthpieces. In order to keep the game safe, good skills are necessary and must be practiced daily,” said Schmer.

The girls are excited for approaching games. A schedule is posted on www.wcastl.org, and the girls will be playing Whitfield, John Burroughs, and MICDS.

As the program continues to build, it will also aid in the development of the varsity program. Having girls who have already touched a stick before tryouts will help our upper school teams become more competitive.

Since so many middle school girls have shown interest in the sport, the Upperschool program hopes to add a freshman team next year.

“My favorite part of coaching is obviously the girls. They are the best. The fact that 40 of them came out for lacrosse is impressive and promising for future of the WCA varsity Lacrosse,” said Schmer.

The Middle school team discussing game strategy in practice. Photo by Maggi Eachus

m yC A L L

S T E V E ND A V I S

S p o r T S E D I T o r

The Name Game

Less than a year after WCA was found-ed, some of its first students met to decide sev-eral important things that would decide the future of the school; the school colors and the mas-cot. While the color combination that they chose, blue and white, was acceptable, they chose a most bland and boring nick-name for the school; the Wildcats.

The “Wild-cats” is the fifth most common high school nickname in the United States, trailing only the “Eagles,” the “Tigers,” the “Panthers,” and the “Bulldogs.” 671 schools across the United States use “Wildcats” as their school mascots. The fact that “Wildcats” is a very common and unoriginal school nick-name is reason enough to use a different one.

H o w e v -er, most good high school nicknames come from something to do with the back-ground of the school or from the school’s name. For example, students at Lindbergh High School in South County are nicknamed the “Flyers,” after fa-mous aviator Charles Lindbergh. Students at Roosevelt High School in South City are nicknamed the “Roughriders,” after the cavalry unit that the school’s namesake Theo-dore Roosevelt led during the Spanish-American War. Westminster would do well to adopt a nickname that embraces its background like these schools do.

As WCA is a Christian school, it would make sense for there to be a Christian-themed nickname. However, there are some overused Christian nicknames too. “Crusaders” is an oft-overused nickname that can carry negative con-notations due to the fact that the original cru-saders were in fact Christians who invaded the Middle East during the Middle Ages, killing thousands of innocent people. “Crusaders” is also not advisable as the nickname for WCA be-cause it is the nickname of WCA’s rival Lutheran North. Other Christian themed nicknames are two overused, such as “Saints” and “Knights,” While others such as “Disciples” are somewhat underwhelming. WCA could also use a nick-name that stems from “Westminster.” WCA is named for the Westminster Confession of Faith,

which was drafted to be the basis of doctrine for the Church of England in 1646.

Other nicknames come from something to do with the background of the city. East St. Louis High School’s nickname is “Flyers,” to represent the role that the St. Louis area had in the early days

of aviation. Nick-names like this help connect the school to the culture and his-tory of the city and area. With these con-siderations in mind, here are my top three nicknames for WCA.

3. The Ex-plorers

This nickname has a great connection to the St. Louis area. The fa-mous explorers Lewis and Clark began and ended their famous expedition of what is currently the western United States in the St. Louis area. French explorer Jacques Mar-quette also explored the region in the mid-1600’s. Thus, this nickname would fit WCA well.

2. The Friars and The Sisters

Friars are members of certain religious orders in the Middle ages. They are known for helping the poor more than ordinary monks and for tak-ing vows of poverty themselves. “Friars”

would thus work well as a nickname for the WCA boys’ teams because it would capture the attitude of selflessness that Christians should have. A ma-jor drawback is that there is no female equivalent to “Friars” except for “Sisters” or “Nuns,” which are not exactly the greatest or most intimidating nicknames ever. Also, the name “Friars” in and of itself does not have the intimidation factor com-monly desired in a high school nickname.

1. The TemplarsThe Knights Templar was an order of monks

that protected Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land from marauders and bandits after the Crusaders took Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. While they did participate in the Crusades, their role was more to defend the innocent then to attack oth-ers because of religious zeal. Since they were knights, it is an intimidating enough nickname to be used at WCA. It is also one of the most original nicknames possible. Manti High School, a public school in Utah, is currently the only high school in the United States to be nicknamed the “Templars.”

“The fact that

“Wildcats” is a very

common and unoriginal

school nickname is reason enough to use a different

one.”

WCA’s nickname is overused and boring and thus needs to be changed.


S P O R T SRallying Around Lane FiveThe girl’s swim team looked towards their most tal-ented swimmers in lane fi ve for encouragement and leadership during their successful season.

Hard work and leadership finally paid off for many swimmers this past season as Lauren Massot, freshman, Kaitlin Kittelson, sophomore, Leah Votava, junior, and Ellie Straub, senior, earned All State Swimming Honorable Mention with a thirteenth place finish in the 200 medley relay

at state. The team also had two relay teams qualify for state, both Massot and Kaitlin Kittelson qualified individually for the state competition, and the team broke many school records in the process. But this success did not just arise from raw swimming talent. The team rallied around lane five, which is made up of the most talented swimmers, as they raced to one of the best swimming seasons in Westminster history.

On the Westminster swim team, lane five generally consisted of Straub, Votava, Massot, Kittelson, Kaitlin Terschak, freshman, Amber Terschak, senior, and Megan Galvin, sophomore. These talented swimmers not only showed up to swim but to set an example as leaders.

“Since lane five has the top swimmers, the rest of the team, especially the newcomers, look to that lane to set the mood, pace, and character of the practice, meets, and season,” said Kent Kehr, swim coach.

Often times, each lane in a swimming pool will be made up of different people creating a different

identity for each lane. This year, lane 5 created the morale for the whole team.

“Although each lane seems to create their own identity, the character of the team usually is identified with lane five. This year, loyalty, love and perserverance were the underlying character traits of the girls in lane five,” said Kehr.

This group of swimmers knew the talent and experience they could bring individually to the team, but the 200 Medley Relay team learned through the season that if they stuck together as a team they could accomplish even more.

“It was a blessing that these girls in lane five were put together… As coaches… we saw that the girls, at the start, maybe had an inkling of what they could do individually… but they had no idea that due to the bonds between them they could accomplish so much more,” said Kehr.

The relay team defined what it means to be a team. They stuck together through adversity, separating them from many other talented swimmers that are unwilling to accept the team aspect of high school swimming.

“Their loyalty and commitment to not let the others down plus just loving to be a part of each others life helped each of them do way more than they could do as individuals,” said Kher.

The swim team finished off the season with an 11-3 regular season record. They also took first place in the Ladue Invitational and second place in their Metro League tournament. This great success stemmed from the talent and leadership shown by lane five and others throughout the season.

Photo of Lauren Massot, Kaitlin Kittleson, Ellie Straub, and Leah Votava. Photo by Ellie Straub.

Photo of the swim team diving into the water in unison. Photo by Megan Galvin.

Photo of Kaitlin Kittleson. Photo by Megan Galvin

athlete of the month


As the opinions editor, I realize that

these past two years I haven’t explicitly

shared an opinion. As my friend put

it, my columns have been a series of

monthly devotionals. After all, it’s

rather ironic to have an opinions editor

who doesn’t have any opinions.

In stories, the sassy, opinionated

character tends to be the favorite. But in

real life, when we encounter those people,

they tend to come off as harsh and arrogant.

While they may have their fair share of

opinions, it becomes a predicament when

no one even wants to be around them.

Personally, I hold several strong opinions,

but I have an unconventional way of

sharing my them. And, unfortunately, an

opinions column is a poor medium for it.

This tactic came after stumbling upon

the realization people don’t care about your

opinion. And why should they? They have

ones of their own. So then what’s the purpose of having

an argument? Rarely does anyone actually

change their mind because pride is in the

way. I’ll admit that’s the case for me. If you

can’t convince a person to believe the same

as you, then why even try? And, thus, the problem enters. Leaving

an impression on someone is not about

crafting the best argument. The mentality

of “I am right, and let me show you why”

has not proven itself to work. Crafting

a successful argument is not even about

arguing - it’s about asking questions.

People hold fast to their beliefs and

the flattery of your interest in their

opinion allows them to open up. This

presents several advantages. The first

being is that most high school students

haven’t extensively researched their

argument. For several, the extent of

their research is some Facebook post

an organization published. Lacking a

basis for their stance, their argument

can be easily unravelled.If it turns out their belief is more

than just an opinion they stole from

their parents, the question method

can still be just as effective. Fshing

for answers on where the basis of

their belief came from forces them

to reevaluate their opinion. Asking

them to help you understand their

standpoint not only requires them

to open up, you can flavor your

questions with your beliefs:

If you believe ___, then why

is there _____ ?In short, the argument

becomes passive aggressive.

The person who asks the

questions controls the argument.

It brings to surface all of the flaws

and errors in your companion’s

opinion. The confidence in a

belief can be shaken if you ask the

right questions. From first hand experience, I

know it can be frustrating to be

the person who is being grilled

with question after question, mostly

because I still hadn’t found answers to

at least a few of those questions.

The context in which you share your

opinion also holds its significance.

Some of the most hostile arguments

that I’ve seen occur over Facebook or

in the comments section on Youtube.

Not only can the written word be

interpreted in several ways, the lack

of personal connection fosters a more

ruthless environment. There’s a reason

books are made into movies. Seeing a

breathing person rather than a lifeless

comment adds a new dynamic. There

are emotions, body language, and facial

expressions to be read. With that said, however, the written

word holds a power of its own.

Opinions columns and editorials are

excellent sources for research. As the

saying goes, the pen is mightier than the

sword. Yet, I would venture to say that

this phrase encourages conversation,

and conversation involves more than

one party. Whatever you say, there will

be a response. Positive or negative, you

must be prepared to react appropriately,

and sometimes that means learning to

listen and ask questions. And when all

else fails, it’s important to recognize

when to walk away especially when the

conversation turns from a sharing of

beliefs to attacking the person.

Irony

Morgan Koetting

B A C K P A G E

PartingShot

www.thewildcatroar.com

the wildcat roar issue 8

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