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Marin Ellington

Marin Ellington, Editor in Chief

Marin Ellington (she/her), senior, is the Editor in Chief of the Marquette Messenger. In addition to her involvement in student journalism at Marquette, she is an active member of National Honors Society, M-Crew and is a Student Council senator. Outside of Marquette, Marin enjoys developing her creative writing skills through poetry and short stories. As an avid reader, she often finds herself surrounded by a wide array of books, and she relishes in the opportunity to spend time with friends and family.

All content by Marin Ellington
At the Thursday, Nov. 18, Board of Education (BOE) meeting, parents attended to voice their concerns regarding a variety of topics. A few parents applauded at the close of each comment. Jason Moore, RSD parent, spoke up about his dislike of the materials being taught at schools. I did not feel comfortable reading what I saw, Moore said at the meeting. Rethink how this district is being led.

[Photo] Under Review

6 days ago
The boys wrestling senior night event was held in the MHS theater Thursday, Jan. 6, as a part of what Sean Torgoley, girls wrestling coach, said he hopes will become a long standing tradition. It just feels more special in the theater, Torgoley said. Aiden Strobel, freshman, was one of the wrestlers who one his match against Eureka by forfeit that evening as he was the only member of his weight class.

Wrestling Senior Night Celebrated in the Theater

January 20, 2022
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[Photo] Shortage Central

January 18, 2022
Students, staff, family members and more gathered Sunday, Dec. 19 to honor the fallen Carl Hudson, senior principal. Carson Hanis, senior, was one of the students who helped to organize the memorial and worked as Hudsons office assistant. We were just preparing, putting things together, tearing things down and trying to get it rolled out, Hanis said. He’s well loved.

Memorial Service Honors Fallen Administrator

January 18, 2022
Students walk the halls, fully masked, in cooperation with the mask mandate that has been in place in RSD since the beginning of the school year. A Board of Education (BOE) meeting on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021 decided that, starting Tuesday, Jan. 18, RSD would implement a mask optional policy instead.

[Photo] Rethinking the Mask Mandate

January 11, 2022
RSD parents cheer as a young boy returns to his seat after speaking out against required masks in school during the patron comments section of the Board of Education (BOE) meeting Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021. At the BOE meeting on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, the BOE voted to move to a mask recommended policy starting second semester. Interim superintendent Dr. Tim Ricker said that according to new data, however, this decision has the potential to be reconsidered. If this spike is like what they saw in Europe and in South Africa that is would possibly come in very quickly in the United States and then it could dissipate quickly, Dr. Ricker said.

New Data Results in Reevaluation of Mitigation Strategies

January 10, 2022
Melanie Chavéz, freshman, was in her 5th Hour Algebra class when she fell asleep. Her photo was taken and sent into @mhs_sleeping_page.

Themed Instagram Accounts Gain Popularity

December 25, 2021

Growing Up Football

December 25, 2021
Ed Board: Schools Should Be Mask-Optional

Ed Board: Schools Should Be Mask-Optional

December 25, 2021
According to law enforcement, cybercriminals pose an increasing threat to our society. Ballwin police Detective Leo Bergin said that they continue to grow at an exponential rate. From a law enforcement perspective, cybercrimes are generally harder to solve. This higher level of difficulty stems from the fact that cybercrimes are generally not committed locally, Bergin said. The process to obtain information is often lengthy and multifaceted.

In-Depth: Digital Threat to the Real World

December 5, 2021
Marcus Theatres was one of the many online sites experiencing technical failure as Marvel fans attempted to purchase tickets in advance for Spider-man: No Way Home which premieres Friday, Dec. 17. Mahita Avasarala, junior, said she had to look at multiple options as she couldnt rely on any one site to successfully allow her to purchase tickets. I ended up opening Fandango on my phone and my computer. I opened up the Marcus website, and I opened the AMC website to try and buy tickets, Avasarala said.

Movie Mayhem: Website crashes incite stress during movie ticket purchases

December 1, 2021
Ally Fitzgerald said it was a dream come true to sign for University of Colorado Boulder to continue her basketball career.

[Photo] Senior Signs To Play Division I Basketball

November 30, 2021
School districts in Illinois and the surrounding St. Louis area have begun to offer self-care days. Christy Johnson, junior, has been advocating for similar change in RSD. Everyones trying to do everything all the time which can get pretty stressful, Johnson said.

[Photo] Self-care days offered across STL school districts

November 30, 2021
Samuel Cherian recieves the COVID-19 vaccination shot at a RSD sponsored clinic after the Center for Disease Control (CDC) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine to children between the ages of 5 and 11 on Tuesday, Nov. 2. These clinics will continue to be held by RSD to make the vaccine available to as many kids as possible.

RSD offers vaccine clinics for ages 5-11

November 29, 2021
Joseph Calvin, senior, created a genre sign for the paranormal book section. I enjoy reading these types of books, Calvin said. So, I like that I was able to create a sign for it.

[Photo] Students Create Library Genre Signs

November 29, 2021
Though Halloween has become popularized in the United States, more traditional beliefs against the holiday are still held in parts of the world. Oksana Tyulyayev, MHS parent, is originally from Ukraine and said her beliefs against the holiday come from the Bible. She said a quote from Ephesians 5:11 summarizes her thoughts as it says, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

Religious Reflections on Halloween

November 10, 2021
The Social Emotional Learning survey asks students a variety of questions regarding their emotional well being both inside and out of school. Though the survey is a good idea, it is not resulting in the necessary change that students need.

Opinion: The Social Emotional Learning Survey Doesn’t Improve Mental Health Communication

November 9, 2021
Tanner Jesperson, junior, rides over an obstacle on a trail at Castlewood State Park. “Racing is very dangerous, and it is definitely not for the faint of heart,” Tanner said. “However, I think it is important to just keep hopping back onto the bike and tackling the challenge again and again. It is the only way you can grow.” Tanner, along with his siblings, compete in mountain bike races with the Rockwood Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).

Family Bonds Over Love of Mountain Biking

November 4, 2021
Jessica Brown, language arts teacher, captured the temperature of her room which was 12.6 degrees hotter than an average room temperature. “Once you have 28-30 bodies in this room, the temperature rises significantly,” Brown said. “Your focus is more on how uncomfortable you are rather than what’s happening in class.”

Heating Up: Tensions Rise as the HVAC System Continues to Increase Building Temperature

October 28, 2021
Sophomore Sydney Sonn participates competitively for archery in competitions throughout the state. Sonn said that archers compete individually at tournaments, however, they can identify the club they train with if a title is won. Sonn trains both with a club team and with homemade shooting ranges at her house. It just takes patience and a lot of determination, Sonn said.

Sophomore Archer Shoots for Success

October 6, 2021
Dr. Aisha Grace, director of diversity, equity and inclusion, visits the Black Literature class to lead discussions on the curriculum in order to understand improvements in diversity that could be made. I just want to see kids, Dr. Grace said. The teacher invited me, and I was receptive. I’m looking forward to meeting and visiting multiple classrooms.

RSD Implements Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committees

October 6, 2021
An MHS cafeteria worker hands out lunch to students during the shortage of cafeteria staff.

Falling Short: RSD Faces Bus Driver, Substitute & Cafeteria Worker Shortages

October 5, 2021
Though it began with the MHS baseball team, the trend of wearing little kid backpacks has spread throughout the senior class and caught the recognition of students and faculty. My first thought when I saw a student walk in was with one of these backpacks was, Ok, thats funny! Kevin Schultz, language arts teacher, said. As I saw a few more students do it, I thought it was still creative.

Seniors Wear Little Kid Backpacks

September 14, 2021

We Will Never Forget: The Flags of Valor Commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

September 13, 2021
Senior Cici Bailey hangs upside down while practicing her aerial arts. Bailey performs competitive aerial arts, and her performances often require specialized costumes. There’s times where I love my costume and then there’s times where I despise my costume, Bailey said. Sometimes they’re ill fitting because the sizes aren’t made for all body types, obviously, unless you get a custom fit which can be really expensive.

More Than a Uniform: Athletic Gear Raises Female Sexualization Debate

August 17, 2021
Senior Marco Fernandez, varsity libero, prepares to pass the ball in the game against Parkway West on Monday, May 10. MHS ended up losing to the Longhorns 3 games to 1.

Photo Gallery: Varsity Boys Volleyball Faces Parkway West

May 19, 2021
Begin the judging process. Whichever cake is closest to the respective design inspiration is the winner.

Tik Tok Inspired Cake Competition Review

May 18, 2021
Abigail Messina, senior, participated in early release at MHS where she attended classes through St. Louis Community College. Messina was able to make this decision and miss her senior soccer season after having committed to play soccer at St. Ambrose University in the fall.

Seniors are Graduating Early

May 18, 2021
Busch Stadium reopened for the start of the baseball season with only a small percentage of their total capacity. Seating was pretty spread out, Adam Withinton, senior, said. I definitely want to go to more games this season. Hopefully itll be max capacity.

Masks Up; Batter Up

May 8, 2021
Astral Orbit, MHSs rocketry team, has launched many rockets this year after school in preparation for this years The American Rocketry Challenge (TARC) after having taken second place in last years competition. It’s a really really big step from winning a virtual competition to winning like a real life, Alex Chen, sophomore, said. It’s like two different worlds.

Astral Orbit Prepares for Second National Competition

May 5, 2021
Linked Crew has already been implemented in other schools around the district including Lafayette high school, and has done well in getting students involved and acclimated to high school.

M-Crew Aims to Help Incoming Freshmen

April 15, 2021
During a virtual volleyball college showcase, college coaches view the athletes through live streams that do not allow for them to properly judge the players.

Virtual College Showcases

April 9, 2021
Due to COVID-19 modifying the schedule for the school year, changes have been made to the content being taught in AP government classes. I had to take a step back and be like, But really, we’re all dealing with a lot right now, Erin Sullenger, social studies teacher, said.

AP Government Classes Not Focusing on Comparative Government due to COVID-19

March 24, 2021
While the dismissal protocol calls for staggered dismissal of each floor, passing periods do not have that same regimen.

Dismissal Protocol Needs to Change

March 23, 2021
With same day deadlines, assignments turned in even a minute past midnight are considered late regardless of the fact that class wont be in session for another two days.

Same Day Deadlines Need to Go

March 19, 2021
Resources are being provided to teachers as professional development to help them create a safe environment for students regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Just a pride flag in the hallways can mean the world to LGBTQ+ kids, both in and out of the closet, said Katelyn Siegel, sophomore.

Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ Community

March 14, 2021
Luke Arens, senior, looks to see if he has a shot on goal during a water polo game against Parkway North last school year. MHS won with a final score of 15-8.

Spring Sports Return After Cancelled 2020 Season

March 2, 2021
Junior Jess Willsey works to fill an order for a customer of her baking business J Dubs Sweets. I have had the thought of opening my own bake shop when I grow up for a few year now, Willsey said. I always prioritize my orders over some of my fun personal things. Willseys business has grown largely since she started it in April, and she has made a sizable profit.

Students Discover Creative Ways to Make Money

January 24, 2021
Mental Health is something that many people struggle with, and Fr. Christopher Martin, Pastor of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, sees faith to be a outlet for advocacy. [Depression] can also become a spiritual issue that leads to despair, and this is where faith, prayer and community can assist individuals in knowing that they are not alone, that God is always with us, and the future is always full of hope and possibility, Fr. Martin said.

Different Religions’ Views on Mental Health and Suicide

January 24, 2021
Mal Tockman, junior (left) and Liv Kalemis, junior (right) hold their posters at the Womans March last January in downtown St. Louis to support the LGBTQ+ community. The more people who openly share their pronouns, cis or trans, the less of a stigma there will be around those who have discovered their identity, Kalemis said.

RSD’s Initiative for LGTBQ+ Inclusion and Equity

December 25, 2020
Carsyn Cosman, junior, takes advantage of the pool access to improve during practice Friday, Dec. 11. Cosman said limited access to pools last spring and summer challenged her. I feel I am set back a little bit from last season, Cosman said.

Swim and dive begin season after win

December 25, 2020
Traveling over winter break has been the source of much controversy, but the affects of this sort of getaway can be beneficial for both the mental and physical health of students and faculty.

Winter Break is a Mental and Physical Vacation

December 23, 2020
Linda Richardson, substitute teacher, teaches all her students, both in-person and virtual, over zoom from her house. Although I still have to zoom with the students rather than be in the classroom, which is the ideal for both students and the teacher, I feel I can still interact with the students and guide them through the material that is presented in class, Richardson said.

Staff Shortage as Students Return to School

November 22, 2020
Girls Tennis finishes their season with a win against the previously undefeated Timberland. “This season was by far the most enjoyable of my time in high school despite the uncertainty and restrictions due to coronavirus,” Phoebe Calabrese, senior and varsity player, said. “All of our players wanted the best for one another, and we were each other’s biggest supporters.”

Girls Tennis Season Ends

November 11, 2020
Ella Notestine, freshmen, completes her school day at her desk. Its hard to judge [the MHS high school experience] based on four hours of looking at a chromebook, Notestine said.

Virtual Learning Takes a Toll on Freshmen

October 28, 2020
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