St. Louis High School’s language arts team is back in business. The writers were faced with an unusual challenge during this competition Nov. 4. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions set by other schools, the teams were unable to meet at the RESD, so the Sharks spent their competition time in Mr. Bernia’s science room. Divided into three groups, they were each asked to write an editorial about whether or not the United States should support the United Nations sustainable development goal of the writer’s personal choice. 

“I thought we did really well,” says junior Danielle Thelen from the B team. “Everyone had a job and contributed to the process, and it was a pretty well thought out paper,” she adds. “I liked having our competition here because…I could participate without missing [vocational class]. However, I do miss going to the RESD and getting donuts,” she concludes.

“I really hope next year we’ll be able to do all three events at the RESD with the other schools instead of the way we did it this year,” says junior Abigail Conn from the C team. Another thing that was different about this competition was the platforms writers were allowed to use. Last competition was strictly pen and paper. In this competition, students had the option to use pen and paper or type the essay on their chromebook.

“I think our team did great,” says Carson Butcher from the A-team. “I was teamed with Sam, and she did a lot of the hard work,” he adds. Butcher ends, “the competition being held at the school was more relaxing because new environments make me uncomfortable.”