The news site of Marquette High School

Marquette Messenger
The news site of Marquette High School

Marquette Messenger
The news site of Marquette High School

Marquette Messenger
Annabelle Miller

Annabelle Miller, Editor-In-Chief

Annabelle Miller, senior, is the editor-in-chief of the Messenger. She has been on staff for two years. Annabelle is an outfielder on the Varsity Softball team and plays french horn for the MHS Wind Ensemble. Outside of school she likes to bake and read.

All content by Annabelle Miller
Students pass by the power lines in the parking lot on Tuesday, April 30. A reliable electricity grid is essential for the daily function of the school and plays a major role in the classroom for running smartboards, Chromebooks and operating computer labs and printing services.

[Photo] In-Depth: Path to Power

Aubrey Lacavich and David Moss
May 8, 2024

Tennis Team, Admin Honor Teacher Diagnosed with Cancer

Annabelle Miller, Justin Small, Harris Ellington, and Rhianna Li
May 6, 2024
Following Ac Lab Homeroom, all students were released to the football field to view the partial solar eclipse that happened at about 2 p.m.

[Photo] MHS Experiences Partial Solar Eclipse

Aubrey Lacavich and Kate Jesperson
April 8, 2024
Aaron Akin, junior, pitches against Northwest on Friday, March 29. Akin threw a no-hitter, a game in which the pitcher does not give up a single hit. (Media By Jennifer Akin)

Junior Throws Fourth No-Hitter in MHS History

Annabelle Miller and Justin Small
April 3, 2024
According to the Missouri Department of Health, drug overdose was the leading cause of death in 2020 for adults 18-44. A little over 70 percent of these deaths involved opioids. Opioids are readily available as prescription painkillers and concerns are rising about users abusing these highly addictive drugs.

In-Depth: Outsmarting Opioids

Annabelle Miller, Willem Hummel, and Hailey Neuner
March 15, 2024
Becca Myers, junior, practices her dives before State on Feb. 15. Myers placed 22nd at State on Feb. 17.

Junior Divers Compete at Third State Appearance

Annabelle Miller, Editor-In-Chief
February 27, 2024
Rush Bowls has a variety of smoothie bowls to choose from including the Summit Bowl and the Dragon Bowl shown above.

Review: Rush Bowls Kirkwood

Annabelle Miller, Editor-In-Chief
February 14, 2024
In the spring of 2026, the City of Chesterfield will be straightening out two curves on Wilson Avenue, one of which is shown above. The city will also widen the road, add sidewalks and a bike lane, and reconstruct the Wild Horse Creek road intersection. Evan Voelker, junior, uses the road every day to get to school. "I was initially concerned that the proposed improvements to Wilson could make it a larger cut-through road, but after actually reading the plan I am no longer concerned," Voelker said. "The city is only making necessary and minor safety improvements."

Improvements Planned for Wilson Avenue

Annabelle Miller, Editor-In-Chief
February 12, 2024
Stephan Bonsjak, junior, celebrates as Freshman Principal Dr. Rick Regina annouces him as the winner of the 14th Annual Pun Contest.

So Punny

Annabelle Miller and Elizabeth Bahr
January 25, 2024
Seniors Madelyn Haas and Mia Schaefer high five before the girls varsity basketball scrimmage on Friday, Nov. 17.

[Photo] Senior Athletes Reflect on Club Careers

Hailey Neuner, Co-Sports Editor
January 23, 2024
Next year, students can put away their books over winter break. The Board of Education approved the 24-25 calendar on Dec. 7 which will end first semester before winter break. This means finals will also take place before break.

District Approves Decision to Move Finals Before Break for 24-25 School Year

Annabelle Miller, Editor-in-Chief
January 16, 2024

Artificial Intelligence to be Accessible to Students Second Semester

Annabelle Miller, Aiden Burkhardt, and Rhianna Li
January 4, 2024
Iman Mohamed, senior, studies the blood splatter that she created while smashing a fake blood-soaked sponge with a hammer during her fifth hour Forensics class.

True Crime Piques Interest in Forensic Science

Annabelle Miller, Editor-in-Chief
December 19, 2023
The district scheduled the 2024 graduation for the weekend between AP testing weeks. This will cause unnecessary stress for many of the 191 seniors taking AP tests. Students with tests on Friday will miss valuable graduation experiences, and students with tests in the second week of testing will have to re-enter the building despite not being a student anymore.

Opinion: Graduation Date Creates Trouble for AP Seniors

Annabelle Miller, Editor-in-Chief
December 18, 2023
This year the family chose a gingerbread design for their holiday pajamas.

[Photo] It’s Sew Seasonal

Jack Favazza, Executive Producer
December 13, 2023
Sydney Bode, junior, reaches for the ball against Jessica Aldenderfer, senior, during tip-off of the girls varsity scrimmage on Friday, Nov. 17.

Photo Gallery: Mustang Madness Kicks Off Basketball Season

Annabelle Miller, Editor-in-Chief
December 1, 2023
Tealux offers a variety of milk and fruit teas, and I ordered the lime mojito and strawberry milk tea. Both were sweet and flavorful, and I would recommend Tealux as an after school treat.

Review: Tealux Cafe Ballwin

Annabelle Miller, Editor-in-Chief
November 10, 2023
Coaches and experts agree: a well balanced diet, including protein rich foods, is essential to athletes’ performance. Which foods have the most protein? Rank the foods above from most protein to least amount of protein.

[Photo] FUELING UP

Aubrey Lacavich and David Moss
November 3, 2023
Matt Nienhaus, math teacher, explains commonly missed questions to his ACT prep class before school on Thursday, Oct. 19. MHS ACT scores have risen to 24.3 from 2022 to 2023. This doesn’t follow the national trend of a decrease in average scores.

MHS ACT Scores Rise Above National Average

Annabelle Miller, Editor in Chief
October 31, 2023
Leticia Seitz, a local Mexican artist, visited MHS on Tuesday, Oct. 10, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. She shared her artwork with students in the second mod of Ac Lab that were inspired by Dia De Los Muertos.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Recognized by Students, Staff

Annabelle Miller, Editor-in-Chief
October 6, 2023
The guidance office offers information for students to get involved with the A+ program, which provides students who meet requirements with state-paid financial aid.

A+ Program Deadline Approaches for Seniors

Annabelle Miller and Eli Ferguson
September 25, 2023
The girls water polo team stands victorious after winning second at State for the second year in a row.

[Photo] Girls Water Polo Places Second at State

Jack Cason, Staff Reporter
May 16, 2023
Next year, MHS will have two new principals, Dr. Michael Wegener and Melissa Davis, filling the roles of associate principal and sophomore principal.

Dr. Michael Wegener and Melissa Davis hired as new principals for 2023-24 school year

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
May 12, 2023
The girls water polo team warms up for their game versus Lindbergh on Thursday, April 6. The team will take on Parkway North for the second time this season in the district semi-final on Wednesday, May 10.

Girls Water Polo Prepares for District Semifinal

Claire Lowder and Annabelle Miller
May 8, 2023
Baseball fans will have new rules to contend with when they return to Busch Stadium this season. The MLB added a pitch clock, new regulations on the shift, larger bases, limits on pick-off attempts and regulation on position players pitching.

Opinion: Get Used to Baseball Changing

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
April 12, 2023
Robert Cadigan

Robert Cadigan

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
March 28, 2023
Richard Wierzba

Richard Wierzba

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
March 28, 2023
Trisha Katzfey

Trisha Katzfey

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
March 28, 2023
Kary Bachert

Kary Bachert

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
March 28, 2023
Thomas Dunn

Thomas Dunn

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
March 28, 2023
Lynne Midyett

Lynne Midyett

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
March 28, 2023

Q&A: Board of Education Candidates

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
March 28, 2023
Students walk across the glass bridge during fourth lunch. This year, there were 2176 students enrolled at MHS, but next year that number drops to 2130. This is part of a five year trend that Principal Dr. Steve Hankins said is part of MHS getting back to normal after an enrollment spike.

Student Enrollment Drops to Lowest in Five Years

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
March 17, 2023
Singer Nikko Smith and his band performed for free at MHS on Monday, Feb. 27 as a Black History Month event organized by Shelly Justin, language arts teacher, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.Justin said she finds music to be unifying and peaceful, and hoped students would feel the same. “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like music in some way,” Justin said. “I think it just reminds us that we’re all human.”

[Photo] Singer Visits MHS for Black History Month

Justin Small, Staff Reporter
March 7, 2023
We ordered the Corner House Salad with chicken and the vinaigrette, buffalo wings, and a sweet tea. The Corner Pub & Grill reopened on Jan. 26 after a burst pipe caused them to close in December.

Review: Corner Pub Reopening

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
February 28, 2023
A new entrance to the student parking lot will be added here over the summer. Dr. Dan Ramsey said it will help eliminate traffic and allow parents easier access to the pick up areas. "I'm so excited because I've fought for this road, and we need it," Dr. Ramsey said.

Parking Lot Entrance to be Added Next Year

Annabelle Miller and Kate Jesperson
February 23, 2023
Geoscience students observe a creek on their field trip to the St. Francois Mountains in Southeast Missouri. Kevin Koch, science teacher, said this is the first trip his classes have been able to take since the pandemic. “We were able to work with the administration to get coverage and get the trip approved,” Koch said.

The return of field trips: French, geoscience classes take first trips since COVID

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
February 15, 2023
Students work towards rebuilding the shoreline during the annual Spring Break Service Trip. MHS students traveled to help communities affected by hurricane Michael in Mexico City and Port St. Joe, Fla.

Annual Spring Break Service Trip Approaches

Parker Brandt and Annabelle Miller
January 19, 2023
After the bomb threats at MHS, rumors spread like wildfire across social media. We as students need to hold ourselves responsible for these rumors and stop the spread of false information.

Opinion: We are responsible for the spread of rumors

Annabelle Miller, Co-News Editor
December 7, 2022
The first film festival is being held in the flex room during Ac Lab on Oct. 24 and 26. Students can sign up through Infinite Campus. Shelly Justin, head of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity committee at MHS, was inspired by a film class she is taking to feature movies at MHS. “I hope students will get to experience other cultures and become more curious about different places in the world,” Justin said.

Film Festival promotes diversity

Annabelle Miller and Anvi Talyan
October 20, 2022
Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy members write notes that will be included in packages of books sent to the preschools in the area. This is the first year the program is available MHS, and they have two more community service projects planned. "We help students be leaders by serving others and create impact through action," said Major Terri Zuber, Chick-fil-a Leadership Academy sponsor.

Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy Donates Books to Preschool

Annabelle Miller, Co-news Editor
October 20, 2022

RSD College Fair encourages students to explore opportunities

Annabelle Miller, Co News Editor
October 9, 2022
Freshmen Lexi Morgan and Ellie Pagan learn about the wrestling team in the gym during the Activities Fair Aug. 31. There were a total of 85 booths spread throughout the hallways, the Commons and the gym. Most of them were set up and run by the students in the clubs.

Activities Fair Helps Students Get Involved

Annabelle Miller, Co-News Editor
September 7, 2022
Bri Allstun, senior, passes the ball to her teammate during a 3-on-3 drill. Districts for girls water polo started on May 9, and the state championship will be held on May 14. “We started out a little bumpy, but now I think we’re getting there, and we’re going to be ready for State,” Allstun said.

Girls Water Polo Wins Second at State

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
May 19, 2022
Dr. Regina, assistant principal, reads the prompt to the pun contest participants. Daniel Gorislavsky, senior, won the competition and award for best pun. “I’ve stood in front of a large crowd before, and they weren’t going to throw any fruit at me, so I knew I would be fine,” Gorislavsky said.

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
May 9, 2022
The Sunshine Protection Act, approved by the Senate, will permanently keep our clocks one hour ahead and end the bi-annual clock switch of Daylight Saving Time. The Act still needs approval from the House of Representatives and President Biden.

Opinion: Why Stay Ahead?

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
April 26, 2022
The scanning feature was easy to use and best under good lighting, but the scans appeared faded and uneven. I went over the faded part with my pencil, and it seemed to fix the problem. Though heavier strokes can help increase readability, at the same time, the app makes the background extremely bright and hard to read.

Review: Five Star Digital Note Taking App

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
March 8, 2022
Hudson poses with his mother after graduation. He came from a single parent family and was the youngest of nine kids. Even though his mother didn't have a high school education, Hudson was able to graduate from Missouri State University and get his masters degree.

Scholarship honors former principal

Annabelle Miller, News Editor
February 11, 2022
The White Chocolate Pretzel Snowball M&Ms are a seasonal flavor. They have a sweet and salty taste and are a great snack for the holidays.

Review: White Chocolate Pretzel Snowball M&Ms

Annabelle Miller, Staff Reporter
January 11, 2022
Over 16.5 million Advent calendars are thrown away each year and will eventually harm the environment.

We Should Stop Buying Advent Calendars

Annabelle Miller, Staff Reporter
December 5, 2021
Aasvi Patel, junior, (on the far right) with family and friends at a Diwali party on Nov. 6. They are dressed in their cultural clothes and holding candles to celebrate the festival of light.

MHS Students Celebrate Diwali

Annabelle Miller, Staff Reporter
November 8, 2021
MHS’ National Honors Society (NHS) held a kickball fundraiser called “Kickin’ It With KEEN” at Ellisville Ballpark on Oct. 16th. The event worked in association with the St. Louis chapter of Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN), a nationwide organization that provides opportunities for kids with developmental and cognitive disabilities to be active.

NHS Holds Fundraiser for KEEN St. Louis

Annabelle Miller, Staff Reporter
October 24, 2021
Students are required to sign into the classroom they want to go to during Ac Lab using a QR code.

We Need to Get the Most Out of Ac Lab

Annabelle Miller, Staff Reporter
October 18, 2021
In their first competition of the season, the Marching Band came in first place overall and won awards for outstanding color guard, music and visuals. The next week, they took third place in the Lafayette Contest of Champions. 

Marching Band Dominates in Two Competitions

Annabelle Miller, Staff Reporter
October 6, 2021
After 8 years with their old uniforms, the marching band will start the 2021-2022 school year with new uniforms. The uniform’s design represents how individual’s lives intersect through band.

Out With the Old, In With the New: Band Gets New Uniforms

Annabelle Miller, Staff Reporter
May 29, 2021
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