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
Zara Tola

Zara Tola, Copy Editor

Zara Tola, senior, is copy editor for the Marquette Messenger. Zara can be seen frequently attending Board of Education meetings and community events for the Messenger, and has loved working as a staff reporter since her junior year. In addition to this, Zara spends her time running for both the cross country and track teams and also likes to volunteer, especially for environmental causes.

All content by Zara Tola
Senior Prom was complete with food, friends, and dancing. Masks were required for entry, but many people began to take their mask off throughout the night for no reason, which made me feel unsafe.

Prom: The Highlight of High School

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
May 14, 2021
Superintendent Dr. Mark Miles attends the Nov. 5 Board of Education (BOE) meeting last year. In a letter to the RSD community, Dr. Miles said his retirement is a bittersweet transition as his 26-year career in public education concludes. "I am thankful for my time in Rockwood School District," Dr. Miles said. "[RSD] is truly a special place with remarkable people providing exceptional opportunities for our students."

[Photo] Superintendent Dr. Mark Miles Announces Retirement

Lauren Pickett, In-Depth Editor
April 10, 2021
On Tuesday, April 6, the next Board of Education (BOE) election will officially be held, with two spots up for re-election. Seven candidates have filed to run for the spots on the BOE, which has seven incumbent members currently. The Messenger interviewed all of the candidates to see why they decided to run for the BOE.

Meet the Candidates: BOE Election 2021

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
March 30, 2021
Steven Schmitt, math teacher, teaches his AP Calculus class. All AP classes will only be offered in person for the 2021-2022 school year.

[Photo] RSD To Limit Courses Offered Online In The 2021-2022 School Year

Aarushi Bute, News Editor
March 19, 2021
When tested for COVID-19 with the Washington University saliva test, workers will schedule a time to come to your house to administer the test. The recipient of the test will not be able to eat or drink 30 minutes before the test, and will be given materials for the test, collection tube, funnel, privacy form, once workers arrive at their home.

Contact Traced: Participating in a COVID-19 Study

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
March 8, 2021
After being exposed to a COVID-19 case, Zara Tola, copy editor, continues her quarantine through Wednesday, March 10. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an individual exposed to a COVID-19 case must quarantine for a recommended 14 days to mitigate spread of the virus to others.

Contact Traced: A Negative Test Isn’t A Pass

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
March 3, 2021
Zara Tola, copy editor, patiently waits for her COVID-19 tests results in the examination room at Total Access Urgent Care. Although she tested negative for COVID-19, Tola must quarantine through Wednesday, March 10.

Contact Traced: A Journey Through Quarantine

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
February 26, 2021
Show yourself some self-love this Valentine's Day and do things that make you happy.

How to Get Through Valentine’s Day if You’re Single

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
February 14, 2021
For the past two days, high schools in RSD have had virtual half-days due to inclement weather.

Virtual Snow Days Give the Best of Both Worlds

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
February 10, 2021
The official emblem of Mission Mental Health Awareness (Mission MHA) is a Monarch Butterfly, which LHS senior Isha Deol, founder of Mission MHA, said was inspired by the symbol of the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County. According to the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County website, the Monarch Butterfly is representative of what people with mental illness go through: the initial cocoon of the butterfly symbolizes the internal struggles of mental illness, and the progression into a colorful, winged butterfly represents hope for a better future. The Monarch Butterfly begins migration, persevering through obstacles, which is comparable to the healing process those with mental illness face.

Mission Mental Health Awareness aims to boost resources in RSD

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
February 4, 2021
Paula Ake, college counselor, booked a photography session with Isabella Jacobs, senior, to take pictures of her and her daughter in Forest Park.

Picture Pro: Student Runs Photography Business

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
January 24, 2021
Last Wednesday, Jan. 6, pro-Trump demonstrators infiltrated the Capitol building, interrupting the counting of electoral votes that would confirm Joe Biden's win.

Protest at the Capitol Sparks Student Reactions

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
January 10, 2021
According to the National Stuttering Association, an estimated 1% of adults in the U.S. stutter, with stuttering being three to four times more common among males than females.

Why I Speak Up, Even With A Stutter

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
January 7, 2021
LHS Principal Dr. Calcaterra spoke alongside MHS Principal Dr. Steve Hankins at a RSD Board of Education (BOE) meeting Oct. 22. Dr. Hankins said the MHS administration has prepared for various large-scale issues that could arise in the school and community due to the pandemic in 2021. “Hopefully, we have all our bases covered, but I am also realistic and something new might pop up that we have to address, Dr. Hankins said.

[Photo] RSD Approves Changes to Second Semester Schedules

Lauren Pickett, In-Depth Editor
December 19, 2020
Students and faculty who have tested positive for COVID-19 have opted to speak openly about their diagnoses and experiences.

More than a statistic: students, faculty open up about their experiences with COVID-19

Zara Tola
November 25, 2020
Dr. Lisa Counts, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, proposes the inclement weather days plan to the Board of Education (BOE) Thursday, Oct. 22

[Photo] Virtual Learning Replaces Inclement Weather Days

Aarushi Bute, News Editor
November 20, 2020
Principal Dr. Steve Hankins and Lafayette Principal Dr. Karen Calcaterra stand at the podium during the Board of Education (BOE) meeting Thursday, Oct. 22. Dr. Hankins said spacing would allow MHS to have about three to six feet of spacing should many of the students opt to return to school. “We’ll have to use the rooms we have,” Hankins said. “In my building, every room is taken every hour, but we will follow the protocol.”

[Photo] Editorial Board: RSD: Hear Us Now

Editorial Board
October 28, 2020
Make sure to register by Oct. 7 in order to be able to vote in the 2020 election.

Why You Should Vote

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
October 7, 2020
Coach Michael Stewart, varsity football coach, said the football team has been following the safety measure designated by the County and by medical professionals in RSD to practice safely. These include limiting groups to 20 people, having sanitation stations in four areas of the stadium, disinfecting equipment between uses and wearing a mask when not exercising. 

Varsity Football and Soccer Affected By Positive COVID-19 Cases

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
September 9, 2020
Members of the RSD community held up signs outside the Rockwood Administrative Annex in Eureka to protest not having a five-day in-school option.

RSD Community Responds To Reopening Guidelines

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
July 25, 2020
Via Zoom, senior Sarah George was announced the National Champion in the Prepared Prompt Speaking event for Speech and Debate.

George Wins Speech and Debate National Championship

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
June 26, 2020
The Class of 2020 gathered together on June 1 to graduate at POWERPlex STL.

A Night To Remember

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
June 10, 2020
Starting with the 2020-2021 school year, teachers in RSD will be required to use Canvas (pictured above) as the primary online communication platform between them and their students.

RSD to Require Canvas in the Upcoming School Year

Zara Tola, Copy Editor
June 5, 2020
While some St. Louis County businesses were permitted to reopen Monday, May 18, all gyms, fitness centers, playgrounds and pools are still prohibited from reopening. This has caused concern among some students who work summer jobs at these facilities.

Summer Sports Jobs are Up in the Air

Zara Tola, Social Media Editor
May 27, 2020
Natalie Anderson, junior, views the tickets for her Prom on Ticketleap.

Junior Plans Summer Prom

Zara Tola, Social Media Editor
May 25, 2020
Castlewood State Park, in Ballwin, Mo.

COVID-19 Pandemic Brings Environmental Concerns to Attention

Zara Tola, Social Media Editor
April 13, 2020
St. Louis Grace of the Nazarene in Ballwin, where the Lee family resides.

COVID-19 Quarantine Hinders Religious Observances

Zara Tola, Social Media Editor
March 25, 2020
Student Wears Hazmat Suit In Response to Coronavirus Pandemic

Student Wears Hazmat Suit In Response to Coronavirus Pandemic

Zara Tola, Social Media Editor
March 15, 2020
Female Students Receive Recognition for Accomplishments in Computer Science

Female Students Receive Recognition for Accomplishments in Computer Science

Zara Tola, Social Media Editor
March 14, 2020
Student Experiences Life-Changing Weight Loss From Running

Student Experiences Life-Changing Weight Loss From Running

Zara Tola, Data Journalist
March 14, 2020
MHSNews | Badminton Club Sees Growth in Members

MHSNews | Badminton Club Sees Growth in Members

Zara Tola and Shon Sayfuddinov
February 13, 2020
Behind Brayden’s Wacky Wardrobe

Behind Brayden’s Wacky Wardrobe

Zara Tola, Data Journalist
February 3, 2020
Love Your Locks

Love Your Locks

Zara Tola, Data Journalist
January 30, 2020
Making Your "Holiday Dreams" Come True

Making Your “Holiday Dreams” Come True

Zara Tola, Data Journalist
December 13, 2019
Izabel Cockrum, junior, leads a discussion with students on their experiences with sex education in the RSD. Laura Dorris, junior, sits left of Cockrum.

Petition Circulates Throughout the District for Better Sex Education

Zara Tola, Data Journalist
November 19, 2019
Zoë Malik, junior, stands on the left next to Ally Fitzgerald, sophomore. Katie Weiss, senior, poses on the far right, with Kira Mangan, senior, on the left of her. Ed Bolton, chemistry teacher, is 5' 7" and agreed to be used for reference in the picture.

How’s The Weather Up There?

Zara Tola, Data Journalist
November 18, 2019
Starting with the September 2020 ACT exam, students will be given the option to retake single sections or to take the ACT online.

Section Retakes and Online Testing to Come for the ACT

Zara Tola, Data Journalist
October 29, 2019
Friday Fives: How To Stay Healthy As The Weather Gets Colder

Friday Fives: How To Stay Healthy As The Weather Gets Colder

Zara Tola, Data Journalist
October 18, 2019
Sally Boyd shares her son’s story with the MDA group on Oct. 7 at the Manchester United Methodist Church.

West County Moms Unite To Promote Gun Control

Zara Tola, Data Journalist
October 15, 2019
7 Ways to Reduce Your Stress

7 Ways to Reduce Your Stress

Zara Tola, Data Journalist
October 11, 2019
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