Central Focus April 2010

High school romances lack depth p. 8 - Pill complicates role of nurses p. 10

Medi

a ma

nipul

ation

Stud ents’ by cu desire d lture -culti body im age a vated ff expe ctatioected ns

FRANCIS HOWELL CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 13 ISSUE 7

CF

By the numbers Recent data proves weekly PLC meetings to be effective

Boys volleyball seeks to fulfill dreams of ‘09 team

Google’s next move Nexus One emerges as unequal iPhone competitor

04.16.2010

Raising the bar

Photo illustration by Chelsea Carroll, Kelci Davis and Brett Story

fFOR MORE NEWS FHCTODAY.COM

FOR VIDEO REPORTS iFOCUS YOUTUBE CHANNEL

FOLLOW US TWITTER.COM/FHCTODAY

Page designed by Brett Story and Kayla Mugler

Visit us on the web today at www.FHCtoday.com.

Central

Focus

2

19-year-old Sarah Killen’s life changed when comedian Conan O’Brien decided to randomly follow her on Twitter. Because of this recognition, she now has 16,000+ followers and has been given $2,600 for her three-day walk in the Walk for the Cure.

1

Members of a Christian Militia group named “Hutaree” were arrested with charges of plotting against the federal government. The group had planned to kill police officers in order to start an uprising against law enforcement.

2

3

International Night celebrated countries around the world. The event, which took place on April 6, featured food and activities for an admission of $2.

FocalPoints 8 The St. Louis-born designer of the Ford Mustang passed away March 5 at 86. Donald N. Frey and his team were responsible for the development and design of the Ford Mustang, which sold over 1 million models in its first two years.

5

Apple has sold over 300,000 new iPads. One high school student purchased three, one of which he took out of the package and proceeded to smash on the ground. He had his friend hit it with a baseball bat just outside the store. You can check out the video by searching “iPad smashing” on YouTube.

9 Stephenie Meyer is releasing a new book called “The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner,” which is a parallel story to the timeline of Meyer’s “Eclipse,” the third book in the Twilight Saga.

6

A 13-year-old student in Queens, NY was arrested for writing on a school desk.

The girl’s mother couldn’t bail her out for three hours.

The family sued the police department for the tainted record and to prevent other children being arrested for graffiti.

4

Track and field competed April 1, at FHN’s Knight Relays, an all-relay meet featuring events like the 8-x-200 meter relay and co-ed hurdle relay.

7

Country Club Car Wash has found a more effective and economically friendly cleaning process by using less water and targeting the area of the car containing the most dirt.

Bathynomus giganteus, a large isopod, has gained popularity recently after attaching itself to a submarine.

Web searches skyrocketed for this odd crustacian which feeds on dead fish in very deep areas of the ocean.

10

Letter from the editor T

he media has skewed the socially involves finding a source from a large group of accepted

standard

body

image. people. Using mainly the Internet, we gained

Magazines, television and the Internet all sources with an interest in or knowledge of mold the mindset of teenagers in America. certain topics. You may have seen a status on In this issue, the Central Focus staff looks at Facebook, an update on Twitter or an e-mail

the effect that this has socially, mentally, and sent your way. Thank you to everyone who gave

physically. The articles on pages 12-14 explore us feedback. To encourage reader involvement, athletic responsibilities, eating disorders and this will be continued in the future. perceptions of body image.

Sincerely,

possible, this month, we used crowdsourcing

In order to involve our readers as much as

for every story in the paper. Crowdsourcing

comment

What’s happening now?

What stories would you like to see in this month’s issue of the Central Focus?

share follow

Illustration by Ted Noelker

Kayla Mugler Page designed by Chelsea Carroll

The Central Focus uses social networking sites, Twitter and Facebook to interact with its readers. This month, readers were asked about topics in this issue.

Walking for a cause See page 4

| Students help Mrs. Clifford See page 5

Wired Plan of attack

By George Yu Copy Editor

F

Teachers collaborate, improve strategies

irst developed by Susan Rozenholtz, professional learning communities (PLC) originally served to end the isolation in which teachers engage. At Central, teachers and administrators meet for 45 minutes every Wednesday to

3

collaborate on teaching instruction.

Since PLCs were added five years ago, all school faculty have been involved in their own PLC. Associate principal Mrs. Diana Allen meets with administrators from other schools.

“Me and Dr. Arnel do book-reads on leadership with principals from

Please read more | PLC , PAGE 6

Photo by Kelci Davis

Ms. Cassidy Temm looks toward an assessment posted on the SMART board in Mrs. Katie Lozano’s classroom during the World Languages PLC meeting on March 24. The teachers discussed teaching strategies, ways to improve tests and other acedemic tools in order to aid instructional techniques.

Students experience new cultures

By Alli Keisker Staff reporter

For most students, spring break is time to relax and hang out with friends, but for others, it is a once in a lifetime experience of traveling across the world to Spain or France.

A lot of the students who went on the Spanish trip, such as seniors M.K. Jacobi and Brittney Hayes, thought experiencing the language in another country was much different than in Spanish or French classes.

“I think the trip made me realize that there’s a lot more to the world,” said Jacobi. “It’s one thing to study a culture in a book and another thing entirely to actually be in the middle of it.”

This trip made both of them want to travel more in their lives.

“What I realized is that I’ve always lived in this little bubble, and for some reason I was in the mindset that America was the world and Europe was just something for maps and history books,” said Hayes. “But now that I’ve been there and seen all that literally ancient architecture and looked out over the Mediterranean Sea, I’m just not satisfied with this restrictive little bubble anymore. My eyes and my mind are more open and I just want more and more to fill them up with. ” The trips were a learning experience in many ways for the students, whether it was culture,

language or the world in general.

Senior Kayla Hecht, who went on the French trip, expected it to be life-changing prior to the trip.

“I believe that this trip is a oncein-a-lifetime chance and to be going on it with four people that I’ve been in French with and it makes it that much more fun,” said Hecht.

In Barcelona, Spanish students viewed educational places such as the Picasso and Dali museums, swam in the Mediterranean Sea and overall just toured the city. 28 students plus Spanish teachers Mrs. Ashley Wager and Mrs. Katie Lozano.

The students expected to see and do many things featured on the itinerary but did not expect to also

Page designed by Alaina Babb

get to see part of France.

While Spanish students were visiting Barcelona, French students were exploring the city of Paris. Five French students plus Ms. Lauren Barth went on the trip. They saw the Eiffel Tower; the Musée du Louvre, one of the largest and most-viewed museums in the world and the Palace of Versailles while they were there.

“I had been to Paris before, so I knew the city’s beautiful with lots of beautiful architecture, fashionable clothes, and yummy pastries,” said Mrs. Barth.

Before the trips, the teachers had high hopes that students would enjoy the trip and learn about the culture.

“I hope they [had] so much fun

while making awesome memories.

I [wanted] them to be willing to try everything: food, activities, and speaking with French people,” said Barth.

The teachers hoped the students would not be afraid to try anything.

“I hoped the students [experienced] Spanish in a way we cannot offer in the classroom. I hope they will get the travel bug and want to see the world. I hope they [had] a blast,” said Wager.

The students and teachers were very pleased with the trip; many hope to travel much more in life.

“The trip was amazing. [Spain] was the most beautiful place I have ever been to,” said Jacobi.

4

Wired

April 16, 2010

FHCtoday.com

C F

A walk in the park

By Brendan Kinnison Staff Reporter

On April 3 students and parents alike all came out to support a family in need. This family was the Wade family; students may recognize sophomore Josh Wade, their son. They all came out for a three-mile walk at Laurel Park that started at 9 a.m. and included face painting and activities geared to keep a positive atmosphere.

The price to participate in the walk was $30 and all money went to the Wade family in order to help them with their medical bills.

Around $10,000 was raised for the family, and 250 to 300 people showed up.

“My mom had a stroke and that hurt us, so we are raising money to pay to medical bills,” said sophomore Josh Wade.

The word was spread through family, friends, school and organizations like NHS, in order to get the largest amount of donations possible.

“Lots of people showed up for the walk,” said sophomore Cody Craven. “I came to support my friend Josh from basketball.”

said sophomore Jake Heskin. “We played basketball with Josh.”

Not only students themselves came to the walk, but they also brought friends and family in order to raise as much money as possible.

“We all wanted to show our My mom had a support for the family,” said stroked and that sophomore Jenna Haffer.

Not only were family and hurt us, so we are friends involved, but students who had heard of the crisis raising money to through school and activities also pay medical bills. showed up to give their support. “[I] just heard about [the — sophomore Josh Wade event] through NHS at school,” said junior Logan Miller.

Other students just wanted to help the family out, even without The crowd at the event was full of personally knowing the family. family friends who have known the “It is a good cause,” said junior Wades for a long time. Everyone Alex Faupel. “I am always game was mounting their support for the for a good cause.”

Wade family.

Overall, the day was proven to “We have known the Wades since be a success, with lots of people elementary school and have been attending and thousands of dollars family friends and teammates,” being raised for the family.

“

”

Photo by Brendan Kinnison

A young supporter sports his shirt for the family. Shirts were offered to people who participated in the walk.

Photo by Brendan Kinnison

Two girls show their support for each other.

The walk united friends and family.

Photo by Brendan Kinnison

Photo by Brendan Kinnison

Many activities such as face painting are offered at the Walk For the Wades.

This attracted many people to the walk.

Photo by Brendan Kinnison

A child waves, crossing the finish line. Walkers stayed at the park for three times as long as the walk lasted.

A large crowd of people walk in support of the Wade family. Hundreds of people showed up for the walk, and roughly $10,000 was raised.

Page designed by Brendan Kinnison

C F

FHCtoday.com

April 16, 2010

Wired

5

Community unites for Clifford

By Alli Keisker Staff Reporter

While life is currently hard for family and consumer science teacher Mrs. Grace Clifford, students such as senior Bryan Kirkbride are quickly thinking of ways to help her through her vigorous battle with breast cancer.

Kirkbride created the Facebook group “Hope for Mrs. Clifford” to enable students to post their ideas of ways to help and support Mrs. Clifford through this difficult time for her.

“I made the group for awareness and so people can comfort her,” said Kirkbride. “She’s one of my favorite teachers.”

Mrs. Clifford feels that many are supporting her through this and they care so much for her.

“The number of people that are offering prayers and positive energy is amazing,” said Mrs. Clifford. “I get cards and emails from people that are praying for me through churches and groups that I do not know.”

While Kirkbride is trying to raise support and awareness, a current student of Mrs. Clifford, sophomore Rachel O’Gormann, has been thinking of ways for students to help raise money and show support for Mrs. Clifford.

O’Gormann and other students have come up with ideas like having a walk in honor of her and making t-shirts.

“Immediately when she told us [that she had breast cancer] I thought ‘how can we help?’,” said O’Gormann.

Many students have posted on the

Facebook group’s page, including FHC alumni Angie Brasher, who took many classes taught by Mrs. Clifford. Grace Clifford Collaborating FACS teacher with Mrs. Clifford, Brasher spent much time after school working on theatre costumes in her classroom.

“My heart broke when I saw this. I cannot believe that this has happened,” said Brasher. “[Mrs. Clifford] is such an amazing person.”

Kirkbride hopes that students will post their ideas on the Facebook page for ways to help Mrs. Clifford through this. Many students, teachers, and staff are supporting her through this and offering many ways to help her out.

“I think our school should organize a walk for her to raise money to help her and help find a cure,” said O’Gormann.

The students hope to sell t-shirts and have a walk for Mrs. Clifford and other people who have been affected by breast cancer. They hope to extend the outreach throughout the entire community.

They plan to call it “The Big Red Dog Walk” and are hoping to get the idea approved by principal Dr. Sonny Arnel soon.

Photos of the different t-shirt ideas are featured on the “Hope for Mrs. Clifford” Facebook page.

The various ideas were designed by O’Gormann.

Photo by Kelci Davis

Students write comments on the whiteboard in room 99, demonstrating their support for Mrs. Grace Clifford, a FACS teacher. The students also created a support group called “Hope For Mrs. Clifford” on Facebook.

Mrs. Clifford feels the support she is getting from her students and staff is great. Many people are praying for her recovery; whether it’s friends, family, students, or staff everyone is finding ways to help her through this.

“The faculty and staff has been wonderful offering me help in any way I need. The outpouring of support has been incredible,” said Mrs. Clifford. “My students present

are just wonderful. The positive energy I get from each of them is the most comforting.”

Students and faculty are also supporting Mrs. Clifford through her fight of cancer.

“I really like [the idea of the shirts and walk], but we shouldn’t just do it with the school,” said Brasher. “We should involve the community and school district.”

Students are ready to show their love and support for Mrs. Clifford and are going to do their best to help her out.

Mrs. Clifford is very thankful for what everyone has been doing to help her through this difficult time for her.

“There will never be enough words to convey the thanks I have for the family of FHC,” said Mrs. Clifford. “I am so lucky that my journey in this life brought me to such a wonderful place.”

K2 prohibited due to hazardous effects

By Brendan Kinnison Staff Reporter

Just recently, a ban was placed on K2; on March 9 the substance became illegal in St. Charles This was done because the substance was no longer used as an incense but instead as a synthetic marijuana. Politicians argued that although it was not meant for this purpose, all K2 was being used for was the high.

K2 started out simply enough; the herb began as nothing more than an incense to burn in order to create a nice smell.

Shortly following its increasing popularity, teens began to smoke the substance in order to see the effect it had on the body. It was discovered

that K2 produces a marijuana-type high, according to for2now.com K2 produces blurred vision, elevated blood pressure, hallucinations, vomiting and a certain ‘high’, according to fox2now. com.

With no studies done on K2 yet, the side effects are not known. But scientists do know that the chemical is not good for the body at all.

“K2 has been proven to be 3 to 28 times worse for the body than marijuana,” said councilman Joe Brazil.

The punishment for possession or sale of K2 is now up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Although this did not take effect until April 9 because a one month waiting period

was necessary to inform the citizens.

Politicians want to get the word

“

K2 has been

proven to be 3 to 28 times worse for the body than marijuana. ”

— councilman Joe Brazil

out in order to prevent people from being caught off-guard with the

Page designed by George Yu

substance.

There were two stores in St. Charles that sold the K2 substance.

One store manager reported selling around 100 packs per week. At $30 per three gram pack, that is quite the sale, according to care2.com.

Since the substance is so new, no real, effective tests have been done on its short term or long term effects. Therefore, the substance could be much more dangerous than predicted and is already proven to be worse than marijuana.

Even with the current ban on K2, teens all over Missouri are still finding ways to get their high with new substances that could prove to be even worse than K2.

The tackle and bait shop in

St. Charles was the predominant retailer for the substance in Missouri, according to fox2news.com.

Now the shop is selling K2 alternatives instead. The current popular seller is “Summit.” Summit gives a high that is very similar to that of K2.

With all of these new products coming out, it will be difficult for city officials and lawmakers to keep the drugs under control.

All the while, California will be holding a vote on whether to make recreational marijuana legal in the state.

With all this happening, new laws for the substances may be given and a market could develop for these drugs, according to fox2news.com.

6

Wired

April 16, 2010

FHCtoday.com

PLC

from page 3

Photo by Kelci Davis

On Wednesday, March 24 during their weekly PLC meeting, Mrs. Lozano and Mrs. Wager help the other Spanish teachers edit and improve a test.

They also went over worksheets and quizzes.

other schools,” said Mrs. Allen. “We meet outside of the early-release Wednesdays.”

Organizer of FHC’s PLC, Mrs. Allen encourages faculty teaching the same class or the same subject to engage in PLCs. “Counselors have their own PLCs to talk about counseling issues,” said Mrs. Allen. “Teachers that only have one class collaborate with other teachers from Howell North or Howell that are also teaching that class.”

Even PLC meetings that are organized through telephone conferencing are structured.

“You have a PLC leader and they use data to set the agenda items for the next meeting,” said Mrs. Allen.

“In English, maybe students aren’t doing well in non-fiction. [The PLC leader] will put together an agenda for students to study more nonfiction.”

These objectives are analyzed

Page designed by Alli Keisker

during PLCs. During the March 4 PLC, the Spanish department analyzed the upcoming Spanish test.

Unhappy with the reading comprehension section, PLC leader Mrs. Katie Lozano was at the computer editing. The other teachers collaborated on improvements. They changed certain words to words more familiar to their students.

Before editing the test, the teachers discussed lesson plans, such as teaching students to write preterite and imperfect sentences.

The teachers’ efficiency as a result of PLCs has been measured.

“There was some research about different schools and their methods,” said Mrs. Allen. “Good practices in the classroom brought about student achievement.”

Mrs. Raquel Babb, an English teacher, is the department chair at Bryan Middle School. She determines the structure of PLCs from her position on the team. “[Before PLCs], teachers tended to work more in isolation. They came up with their own units and their own

C F

pacing,” said Mrs. Babb. “Absolutely [after PLCs], I saw much better implementation of the curriculum.

PLCS have helped to create a more collaborative environment.”

There are no current plans to create major alterations to PLCs. Administrators and leaders are satisfied with its current progress.

“If I had my wishes, it would definitely stay the way it is. I just really feel like it is too valuable to let go,” said Mrs. Babb. “I don’t know if I would be able to work in another school without PLCs.” The success of the implementation of PLCs can be found in standardized data.

“If you look at our annual yearly progress, they have gone up tremendously,” said Mrs. Allen. “I think it really is the result of being more purposeful on our standards.

[Teachers are] reteaching or collaborating with colleagues to find out what’s wrong.”

Attributing this collaboration to PLCs, Mrs. Allen plans to maintain the PLC program.

High

standards

See

page

8

|

Reputations

are

ruined

See

page

Heard Be

Dating dismay

9

7

S

o, dating. Everyone does it at some point or another. It is a completely normal and acceptable practice to everyone, but there is one exception.

That exception is me. I personally find dating to be a bit...odd. Really I just find it awkward at the high school level. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against love or relationships. On the contrary, I believe in love above all else in this universe, but our typical way of finding it seems to me to be a tiny bit ludicrous.

Honestly, I just don’t like what teenagers have defined

By Katie Schlimpert TheScene Editor

Real relationships are few and far between in high school years

Please read more | DATING, PAGE 9

Illustration by Brett Story

Advantageous program disappearing Some things in life just make more sense. I do not know about you, but when I work hard for

By Megan something I like Berberich to see my hard BeHeard Editor work pay off. The Advanced Credit program at our school is one of those things that do just that. It is a way to receive credit while still in high school for taking college level classes, and the cost of these classes is dramatically lower than it would be if taken at an actual college. There are many benefits and very few disadvantages, so I am frustrated to hear that our district is relying more and more on AP testing to get students the credits

they need.

History teacher Mr. Brian Ricker is certified to teach American History through University of Missouri-Saint Louis and he sees Advanced Credit as very beneficial to students.

“A.C. is the surest way to get credit,” said Ricker. Scores vary on the AP test. I encourage everyone to take the AP test, but it covers a vast amount of information, and it’s unpredictable.”

The Advanced Credit program is the most cost-effective way to save your family money; classes are onethird the cost of taking it at the actual campus. The price reduction is very beneficial in the long run.

Besides being an Advanced Credit-certified history teacher, Mr.

Ricker is a parent of three children who have benefited from the A.C. program.

“I had three kids who took A.C. classes,” said Ricker. “One of my sons started out with 15 hours his freshman year and my other son had enough hours to be an incoming sophomore.”

The more credits you earn now, the less you have to pay for later. If you can graduate early, room and board and text book costs are cut out of your payment.

Even though there are obvious benefits, this school is slowly and subtly pulling the plug on these beneficial classes. Advanced Credit is a sure way to receive credit for

Price of AC Credit, UMSL classes $1200 $1000 $800 $600 $400 $200

Please read more | UMSL credit, PAGE 9

Page designed by Megan Berberich

1 credit hour AC Credit

3 credit hours UMSL Classes

5 credit hours

Source: University of Missouri St. Louis Graphic by Brett Story

8

BeHeard

April 16, 2010

Staff cartoon by Zac Hebert

FHCtoday.com

Letters to the editor Be of good cheer

Staff editorial: media

Media targets gullible teens

T

he media centralizes its messages to a certain age group for a reason.

Teenagers are at a place in their lives where they are the most vulnerable and most moldable.

Teens have not yet fully established who they are or what their identities are. High school is a road to selfdiscovery with road blocks and all sorts of exits to different avenues.

Unfortunately, they are not always at a point of awareness that will allow them to make the correct choices.

Students are, frankly, desperate.

They grab at any chance of what is conveyed as happiness.

The grave misconception is that what the media communicates as happiness will, in fact, make a person happy. The media has a very clear ulterior motive: to seduce people into believing its lies in order to make money, and lots of it.

Again, teens are the main target, the easiest target, because they buy into it. They accept fiction as fact.

For some reason, people want to

believe the false stories instead of making their own. However, the ride is so much more rewarding, so much more life-giving, when the driver is not following someone else.

Individuality is something to be celebrated. No one needs what brand names, certain sizes, the right jewelry or perfect hair have to offer.

What is the perfect body type?

Why? Why do students believe that they must resemble celebrities that have succeeded in Hollywood? It must be recognized that there is a difference between healthy beauty and misleading attractiveness.

Someone that takes care of himself with content acceptance is just right. No change is necessary, so throw away anything bought out of desperate eagerness to fit in, anything bought with the belief that it was needed or that it would bring happiness.

Stop buying into the charade put on by the ridiculous media sources as if they actually wanted the best for everyone’s lives.

C F

In response to an editorial written

by Mollye Doering.

I read a very disturbing article in the most recent issue of the Central Focus. I was so upset to think that a student of Francis Howell Central could feel so venomous towards a sport that demonstrates our school spirit itself. At first I was extremely enraged, but then I realized I should not waste this opportunity trying to get even but to use this time to build bridges, not tear them down.

We speak from our hearts when we say, “We are FHC Spartans.”

So today I want to talk about being a “cheerleader.” It’s a thrill to be able to cheer our team on to victory or support them in defeat.

No matter how the score reads at the end, we’ll be there till the end, encouraging our teams to fight on and leading the fans to cheer for our Spartans. The cheerleader does have an important job. That job is to encourage the team. Without encouragement, many teams do not succeed. The definition for encouragement is: 1. to give courage or confidence 2. to urge 3. to promote Although the teams we cheer for change throughout the school year, the job of the cheerleader remains the same: to cheer on our boys and our girls even when the fans have walked away.

Take football for example. Being a part of the team is a tough job and if they never hear our cheers or the fans, they may give up and think no one cares. We want them to know that we’ll always be there for them, cheering them on from

the sidelines.

We want our Spartans to strive for the best, and we want to help them! So I’ve used our football team as an example of how we, the FHC Spartan cheerleaders, show spirit for them, but the analogy can be used for any of our teams. And when it all boils down, isn’t school spirit what high school is all about?

So I say to the Spartan faithful, everyone has a favorite team and not all are the same. But your job as a “cheerleader” is just as important as mine. There is always a team member that needs some “cheering on.” It’s never too late to start being a cheerleader, even if you think you can’t do it.

Cheerleaders use a lot of words to encourage athletes. Words are so important. Whether it is in a classroom or at home, a kind word works wonders. So will you tear down and try to divide our school or build it up to succeed? You decide.

I already know my answer. We all need to be “FHC cheerleaders.”

Danielle Austin, freshman FHC Varsity Cheerleader

More than just fame In response to an editorial written

by Mollye Doering.

I picked up the latest issue of the newspaper Friday morning and was excited to scan through it within all my classes that day. I was walking with my best friend in the hallway a few minutes later, and she asked me if I’d seen the article Mollye Doering had written on cheerleaders. When I told her no,

?!

she told me to go read it and tell her what I thought, and so I did.

I usually love hearing different sides to an issue but I honestly don’t think it’s right for anyone to call out any particular sport at our school... including cheerleading. Some of my best friends are cheerleaders and according to Mollye, they’re just cheering to get attention from an audience who doesn’t care to see them, which couldn’t be more wrong. My friends cheer because they love it, and they’re amazing at it.

And on a side note, have you seen all of us students at a pep assembly? We have an amazing cheer squad, and they never let us down in any performance. I mean, they took SECOND at State, so why would they be cheering for attention? Another point she made that angered me was when she said something along the lines of “cheerleaders just want their shot of fame.” Don’t you join any sport to get your own “shot of fame?” Don’t you think the Wilbourn brothers appreciate their shot of fame? Of course, because that’s all a part of athletics.

To wrap things up, cheerleaders should not be called a distraction to any sports team. Look at it this way, doesn’t everyone like to get cheered on during a game? Cheerleaders work just as hard as other sports teams at our school considering it’s a year-long activity, so don’t you think they deserve recognition?

I think Mollye’s argument is entirely wrong and should be brought up in the following issue, considering it angered many others besides myself. Thanks for your time, and I hope you understand the points I brought forward.

Stephanie Nelson, sophomore

Did we make you mad?

?

Yell at us in print or online. Letters to the editor can be submitted at FHCtoday.com or in room 139. Let your school and the world know what’s on your mind.

Page designed by Jesse Patch

C F

FHCtoday.com

April 16, 2010

BeHeard

9

HOT Peer pressure, stupid antics BOX Kids are unaware that the choices they make come with bad reputations

LOVE IT 1. YPT’s “Beauty and the Beast” 2. Warm weather 3. Red baskets

4. Cardinal season starting

LIKE IT 1. Eating lunch outside 2. iPad 3. ‘Parenthood’

4. International Night

LEAVE IT 1. Allergies 2. Boring trending Twitter topics 3. Lack of trash cans at lunch

4. Justin Bieber

Twelve years ago, my family and I lived in a small town in Missouri by the name of Cameron.

ByAlaina Babb Wired Editor Cameron, being a farming town, had a total of 6,000 residents and a graduating class of 14. As you can imagine, in a small environment like that, everything that people did was well-known by the next day.

Then eight years ago, my family and I moved to St. Peters, and immediately I noticed some differences.

First of all, there was a severe lack of the open spaces I was accustomed to, instead filled with constant construction and large neighboroods. Secondly, kids

“Eventually, they start repelling all their friends because that’s all they ever talk about anymore. It’s sad.”

- senior Steven Donahue

Web Poll

Which sport do you look forward to watching the most this season?

27.3% “Track & Field ”

“I don’t think relationships should be taken too seriously, and by too seriously, I mean to the marriage level and all like several of my friends are taking it.”

- senior Miranda Dust

UMSL credit from page 7 the class you take. The grade you receive in the class is the grade that will show up on your college transcript. The AP test is a cumulative test taken at the end of

and adults alike rarely knew someone they passed on the street.

The first day of school, I remember walking into the building and nobody cared who I was and some did not even noticed I was there until the third week of school. Soon after, I found that some kids still weren’t noticed often, and they had lived here their entire life!

But I soldiered on and learned that by achieving in academics and simply being myself, I could be acknowledged by others.

After elementary, I was thrown into an even larger school with even more kids, effectively becoming more unnoticed by kids who I’d never met before. Soon, everyone hit that awkward stage of life called puberty and started dong strange things to be the “cool” kid. However, no one

every did anything dangerous except the occasional petty slap across the face because someone stole your boyfriend/girlfriend.

Peer pressure increased the older everyone got, and soon kids were doing really dumb things to get attention: drugs, fights, threats, etc.

High school didn’t seem to help things at first, but by second semester, everyone had seemed to have found their niche and there ended the fights and stupid antics to get noticed. Not to say that some people didn’t act like a clown, that is just the person they chose to be.

As we grew older and came closer to college, everyone had realized that they just have to be who they are to get noticed because someone out there will like you for it.

However, the transition from

Dating dating to be. It has become this ‘I like you, you like me, lets try this thing out for a while. I’ll say I love you, and maybe w e can fool around just for kicks, but eventually I’ll cheat on you and we can end this loosely defined relationship with a bunch of nasty rumors and drama’ type of deal.

I don’t think that the majority of the high school population has any idea what it means to date. If I’m just being blunt, I don’t think most teens are smart enough, nor do I think it is probable for them to be dating. What is the point of trying out different suitors for marriage, which is what dating really is in my opinion, at such a young age? I know I sound like a strict grandmother, but I can’t get myself to think any other way.

I understand that dating is fun.

The movies, car rides, hanging out, making out, it’s all part of the experience. I suppose I can

understand the argument that teenage dating is just practice for the big leagues, but think about how weird that sounds.

Practicing the method to find a spouse? Does that make teenage dating a pre-game, which would mean that all the pre-gaming means nothing in the eyes of the “real” dating scene?

Now, I’m not talking about people who find a person and stick with them. That is a relationship. That is real, but when it comes to weird dating blips in high school, I laugh.

I just picture a couple going to the movies, holding hands, whispering sweet nothings to each other, and then I picture that very same couple broken up and each with a new partner two weeks later.

Awkward? Very. Perhaps I am getting way ahead of myself, but I just can’t find any way around this way of thinking. It is not justifiable to me. Though this is, of course, a generalization, I just can’t see dating as a normal thing under most circumstances in high school.

the year, which students have little prior knowledge as to what specific topics will be on the test.

If students do not receive a high enough score on the test (usually a 3 or above), then all of the hard work done throughout the year, will not earn credit just because of this one test.

“Dropping the A.C. program would not be the best for our kids and it should be continued to be offered,” said Ricker. “Unfortunately, it is dying a slow death and younger teachers are not being trained to teach the classes that are advanced credit. This school needs to keep A.C. alive.”

from page 7

Page designed by Brett Story

stupid antics to mature teen hasn’t seemed to happen for some of the younger students in the district.

Overall, the decisions that they have been making have been average in number, but the acts they commit seem to get even more stupid the older they get.

Apparently, the new standard of “cool” is getting into pointless, petty fights and/or making threats towards another. Students are also doing things that we were never dumb enough to do. Or, they think it’s cool to get caught doing things that are pointless to do in school.

If the new standards for getting noticed include borderline illegal acts, or things that I would never, ever dream of doing in a school regardless, then I fear what the standards will be when I arrive to college.

“High school is a good time to see what you want in a relationship, what you can and can’t handle, and so on.”

- senior Katelynn Ohmes

“I don’t think high school relationships should be taken too seriously, but if you find something worth holding on to, don’t lose grip of it.”

- senior Kaitlyn Clark

Blog schedule 4/16 - Kayla Mugler 4/19 - Cory Schmitt 4/23 - Maggie Borgmeyer 4/26 - Brett Story

10

BeHeard

FHCtoday.com

April 16, 2010

C F

Birth control pills stir controversy Safety should come first

By Damiana McGraw Staff Reporter

Middle schoolers getting pregnant is an uncomfortable topic. So, when a middle school in Maine supplies birth control for it’s students, it causes a stir.

Middle schoolers should not need birth control. Middle schoolers should not have sex; that sort of thing is for bigger kids.

Does “should not” mean “will not”?

Over hundreds of years, the same conclusion has been drawn all over the globe by those without their heads up their butts: all kids, but most especially teenagers, will insist on doing irresponsible things that could easily screw up their entire lives. Having sex is on a list of forbidden acts and an act that teens pursue with the most single-minded ferocity. It does not matter if they have condoms or birth control. If they decide to, they will.

Middle schoolers are not teenagers, so it works differently.

Unfortunately, more often than not it is the difference between a consensual and knowledgeable act versus an uncertain and pressured act. Most sexually active middle schoolers are taken advantage of by older kids; few are mature enough

to actually pursue sex successfully.

A middle school couple “doing it” is probably trying something that scares both of them to either rebel or fit in.

It is a sad truth. Middle schoolers should not have sex, but they do; they will, and there is nothing anyone can do to change it. It is even more sad to imagine an incident leading to a pregnancy or a dangerous STD so early in their lives. What would they do?

Who could they tell? How would that affect their future?

So the student health center supplies birth control pills. The students need parental permission to have access to the center. The community is happy with it.

Parents acknowledge the “what if ” of their child being unable to come to them, and appreciate the option. It has only been used once in the last year since the center was implemented.

People freak out when they think of young kids and sex, pregnancy and the related paraphernalia mixing. The two things do not go together; they should be kept separate. There’s that should again.

Should means nothing. They will mix, and by withholding these tools they are only put in even greater jeopardy.

Editors and Staff

Kayla Mugler Ted Noelker Zac Hebert Alaina Babb Megan Berberich Bryan McCreary Katie Schlimpert Margaret Borgmeyer Brett Story Cory Schmitt George Yu Allie Corrier Mollye Doering Hannah Ibos Michael Jeter Alli Keisker Brendan Kinnison Kyle Kofron Damiana McGraw Jesse Patch Morgan Vetter Kelci Davis Jessica DiMariano Chelsea Carroll Mr. Matthew Schott

Print Editor Multimedia Editor Photo Editor Wired Editor BeHeard Editor Sweat Editor TheScene Editor Communications Editor Design Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Designer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Adviser

Damiana McGraw

Schools are not parents

By Kelci Davis

Staff Photographer

Damiana thinks birth control provides more safety.

Should schools be providing birth control pills?

Kelci Davis

Kelci thinks schools should not be taking on the role of a parent.

Letters Policy The Central Focus is produced monthly as an integral part of the Newspaper Production class at Francis Howell Central High School. Students learn all aspects of printed media production and are responsible for contributing to each issue.

The Central Focus is a public forum for the students at Francis Howell Central High School. The staff ’s editorial policy is available in Room 139.

The staff welcomes comments and suggestions from the student body. All letters to the editor must be typed and no more than 300 words. Names must be included with the submission of the letter, but may be withheld at the request of the author. The staff reserves the right to withhold content at its discretion.

Sex is everywhere, it’s unavoidable and it has gotten into our country’s educational system.

In our day and age, teen sex is a commonly accepted aspect of our society. However, there is no reason for a high school to be providing birth control pills to students.

Our educational system has lost its purpose: teaching. Schools are not responsible for the sexual activity of the students, exclusively the sexual education of the related health aspects. If a teenager is not mature enough to talk to his parents about sex, then he is not mature enough to be having sex.

Furthermore, most schools do not employ doctors; they employ registered nurses or medical assistants. These nurses are limited in what the law allows them to do, according to the National Association of School Nurses. A school nurse cannot fully practice medicine without a doctor supervising, and it would be illegal for them to write prescriptions.

Should we also allow schools to dispense other medications such as ADHD medications, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications?

Right now, our district can’t even

afford proper educational supplies.

According to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, birth control costs about $30 per month. If only 500 students are provided birth control pills, $180,000 would be spent in one year alone, and that doesn’t include the doctor.

Another issue is whether or not parents would know about their children receiving birth control.

Even if there was some kind of informative system, students would find loopholes. Some teens have used doctor-patient confidentiality to keep their parents from knowing about receiving contraceptive pills.

Parents have the right to know and decide what medication their children receive.

A lack of communication between parents and children is a dominant factor in teen pregnancies.

Providing birth control pills will not fix this problem; it will only continue to cut off communication and the problem will fester.

Sex is not going away, and birth control pills are a necessary medication for those who plan to have sex. I’m not here to preach about abstinence, but our schools should be more focused on what they’re meant to be doing: educating the future.

Who won this month’s PointCounterPoint? Go to FHCtoday.com to vote!

The results of last month’s PCP about the quality of Snuggies:

Francis Howell Central High School 5199 Highway N St. Charles, Mo., 63304 Phone: 636.851.5636 Fax: 636.851.4111

Page designed by Kelci Davis

Alaina Babb’s pro-blanket argument won the FHCtoday.com web poll with 81.4% of the votes.

C F

FHCtoday.com

April 16, 2010

Advertisements

thank you!

11

The staff of the Central Focus would like to thank the following people for donating and supporting our efforts at crowdsourcing this issue: Elliot Russo Pierce Bloebaum Scott Stone Brad DiMariano Charles Henderson Alexis Cheney Jessica Mugler Sonja Mugler Jeff Mugler

Lauren Eckman Serall Chezem Tim McCormack Grace Wade Becca Williamss Josh Pretz Ellen Hinze Angela Schott Kelsey Mundle

news | get more ANYTIME.

Call Toll Free (636) 978-1953 or at (636) 281-1953

CustomJewelryanddiamond setting

“We Make Quality Affordable”

Facebook us! Do you take awesome photos and want to share them with everyone at school? Do you have ideas for stories that we should cover? Let us know about them on our Facebook page.

Facebook.com

Friend Central Focus and become a fan of FHCtoday.

Connect with us

309 South Main O’Fallon, Mo. 63366

Do you Tweet? Get daily updates and reminders about events on FHC events by following us on Twitter!

Twitter.com Follow Twitter.com/FHCtoday.

12

InFocus

April 16, 2010

Media standards guide perception

Want for b takes hea

change how they look because of what they see in magazines and on television.

In 2005, Dove partnered with While senior Alexandra Nedyalkov Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Club of agrees that people are affected by what America, and Girls Inc. to launch they see in the media, she believes

By Margaret Borgmeyer Communications Editor the campaign for Real Beauty. It that people’s perspectives on their was originally created to widen the own body images can be attributed It is another long media’s stereotypical definition of more to self esteem. night for a 15-year-old women’s beauty. The campaign featured “I think the magazines are out girl. Hurled over a toilet commercials with women of different there to just show off fashion,” for the third time today, shapes and sizes in order to start the said Nedyalkov. “It’s the people there is nothing left in her discussion about what “real beauty” is. who interpret the pictures in stomach to get out, but she magazines and decide that they tries sticking her finger down have to have what’s ‘in’ that have her throat one last time. She the lower self-esteem. A lot of knows that starving herself, the men and women both are selfconstant purging and the selfconscious about how they mutilation have to stop, but her You compare look because they know that addiction overpowers her will to yourself to the they’ll never fit into those end it. clothes or look that way.

This teenager’s addiction is the perfect images that That’s what low self-esteem product of a society that focuses is. It’s feeling that you more on outer beauty rather than you see in the media don’t fit into ridiculous inner. and feel the need standards and changing “She is constantly saying that she is yourself to fit.” not pretty,” said Victoria.* to comply to those Senior Cameron At fifteen, the teenager should Aldrich also believes be living her glory days. Instead, she standards because that people are spends her time counting calories and they seem socially affected by what they determining how fat she is compared to see; however, they her other friends. acceptable. shouldn’t completely “She thinks eating 600 calories a day ignore everything is okay. She lost five pounds in four days,” — junior Zoey Price they see. said Victoria.

“I like to look For any person, losing five pounds is going nice and be to be physically draining; but for a young girl healthy,” said with added emotional stress, the results are Now, in 2010, Dove is widening its Aldrich.

“I especially detrimental. own campaign to include the real image take fashion “[She went out somewhere] and she was of men. tips from shaking uncontrollably, I guess from lack of According to Dove’s website, www. magazines good foods,” said Victoria. dove.us, everyone is affected by the like GQ, but Not only was the lack of food taking a toll on media’s standards and over 80 percent of I don’t go the young teen’s body, but the purging and selfmen and women feel that they need to out and buy mutilation added to the new symptoms the girl seemed to be showing.

Please read more | PERCEPTION, PAGE 14

By Alaina Babb Wired Editor

“

”

According to Dr. Irina Webster MD, creator of the Women Health Site and Eating Disorder Home Treatment Program, the constant purging and binge eating that accompanies bulimia nervosa can greatly damage the heart, kidney, brain, digestive system, bones, skin and endocrine glands.

“The brain suffers ... from the moment bulimia starts,” said said Dr. Webster. “People have distorted thought patterns like depression and anxiety.

The longer bulimia goes on for, the stronger the addiction to binging and purging becomes.”

Although many think that they can simply get help and the addiction will go away, good help is hard to come by.

According to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, “a study by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reported that 5 – 10% of anorexics die within 10 years after contracting the disease; 18-20% of anorexics will be dead after 20 years and only 30 – 40% ever fully recover.”

Until the teenager can completely admit to and overcome her addiction, her physical and emotional health will inevitably worsen.

“Even if she is losing tons of weight in a small period of time, [to her] it is okay because it makes her look smaller and feel beautiful,” said Victoria.

The emphasis placed on outer beauty is devastating for young women and men.

Teenagers are unable to escape the media’s push for beauty because the media is everywhere. A teenager’s addiction to her own beauty is a product of the media’s idea that one has to look a certain way in order to be beautiful.

Sydne Glenn, a sophomore, distinguishes beauty as something other than being stick

Page designed by Brett

April 16, 2010

beauty avy toll thin.

“In my mind, someone that is average size is ten times better-looking than any [extremely] skinny person - they just look sick all the time,” said Glenn.

For people struggling with an eating disorder, realizing that they are beautiful the way they are is the most difficult step. Many of them will not realize their true beauty until it is too late. *A source that requested anonymity

Athletics demand self-discipline

By Katie Schlimpert TheScene Editor

When a non-athlete looks at the life of someone who builds his lifestyle around his sport, what he sees could seem really strict and demanding. The pressure to perform and strict diets and workouts could be viewed as pointless staples to athletics, but different athletes have different feelings toward their body types, work outs, and their dedication to their sport.

“To the outside world, it may seem like athletes have to maintain the perfect body type to be good at their sport, but the truth is by training correctly for your sport, your body is also trained a certain way,” said senior Lydia Rudigier, who runs track.

An athlete’s heavy workout isn’t solely implemented to keep their weight down or to build them to be incredibly buff; in fact, their workouts are created to enhance their performance and increase their chance of success in their sport. “ I ’ v e p l a y e d soccer and

Source: South Carolina Department of Mental Health

Story and Kayla Mugler

InFocus

basketball, and for my short stature I’ve really had to focus on a stronger upper body in order to shield off defenders in soccer and box out opponents in basketball,” said senior Paul Haluszczak. “For soccer, I focused my attention on improving strength in my back and core. For basketball and playing point guard, I focused on my forearms and triceps in order to improve my dribbling speed and the strength on my passes.”

“

If I wasn’t an

athlete, I would probably not set the same standards for myself. I think pressure comes with the sport. ”

— senior Jake McRoberts

No two athletes are alike, and no two reasons for an athlete to stay in shape are the same, but most athletic mentality is built around a drive to perform well in their sport or to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“Although it helps significantly in sports, my motivation for working out has been to stay healthy and in shape because it gives me more energy day in and day out,” said Haluszczak.

On the other hand, some athletes don’t see their training and conditioning as a lifestyle but rather a choice that comes with the territory of being an Please read more |

Athletes, PAGE 14

13

InFocus

Athletes from page 13

Huge

athlete.

“If I wasn’t an athlete, I would probably not set the

FHCtoday.com

April 16, 2010 same standards for myself,” said senior Jake McRoberts, who plays lacrosse. “I think pressure comes with the s p o r t .

brawny

hunky

pumped

burly

Ripped buff manly

mance.

“I don’t think there is pressure for a certain body type, but at the same time it could affect someone’s ability to do well in their sport,” said senior Nicole Becker, a varsity soccer player.

Rudigier knows the body type that would be best suited for her sport, but she makes due with what she has and works to better

chiseled Perception muscular

hearty rugged husky cut

beast macho

Lacrosse is very rigorous and physical, so if you are not in shape you will not do very well in the sport.”

Each sport has a body type that is better suited for the best perfor-

big

Solid

Built

14

from page 12

$2,000 suits just so I can fit in.”

Junior Zoey Price believes that this idea of low self-esteem is only caused by the standards that other people hold to each other, how people judge themselves based on the media.

“You compare yourself to the perfect images that you see in the media and feel the need to comply to those standards because they seem socially acceptable,” said Price. “I don’t think it can be helped because those kinds of images are around us all the time, constantly. We’re always going to find a way to critique ourselves.”

This mindset is what causes students like Price and senior

C F

her skills.

“I run track, and as a sprinter, my ideal body type would be 5’ 5” with muscular legs, toned arms and ripped abs, all which are beneficial to success in my sport,” said Rudigier. “In reality, I am 5’ even, and I’ve never had a six-pack in my life, but like most athletes, I focus on my skill rather than my appearance.”

Mallory Degenhardt to dress a certain way everyday.

“I usually try to dress up a few days a week, just to the point where I don’t feel slobby,” said Degenhardt.

“I have days in the week when I wear sweatpants and a t-shirt, but Fridays I always dress up because I usually go out that night. If I don’t dress up, it lowers my mood.”

According to Degenhardt, most students dress up to feel good but still feel the need to change things about themselves to fit into society’s standards.

“Everyone has [changed something about themselves], or else we would all look like we lived in a different generation,” said Degenhardt. “I have never made a drastic change that I wasn’t comfortable with just because it’s ‘cool.’ I just do what I think looks good.”

1345 Triad Center Drive Suite C & D St. Peters, Mo. 63376 636.447.0661

Photo by Chelsea Carroll

Hours:

M-T: 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

F: 9-7:30 p.m.

Sat: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Sun: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m

www.sunraystanningsalon.com

Did you miss our deadline?

If you’re still interested in being a member of FHC Publications, come by Room 139 to apply to be a member of one of our three award-winning publications: Newspaper: Central Focus Yearbook: Odyssey Website: FHCtoday.com Podcast: iFocus

Visit your neighborhood store for any of our 5 great tasting meals under 550 calories

Page designed by Kayla Mugler and Brett Story

6170 Mid Rivers Mall Drive Saint Peters, MO 63304 636.447.8532

Karate kid wins championship See page 16 | Protein shakes aid athletes See page 17

Sweat Living up to the hype L Boys volleyball looks to young talent to carry on legacy

By Mollye Doering Staff Reporter

iving up to the title of being ninth in the nation will be a hard task to accomplish for this year’s varsity volleyball team according to junior Andrew Donahue.

Having only one returning starting member, junior Logan Jarus, the

15

team will need to focus on ways to build team chemistry.

According to Head Coach Mark McAfee, the talent pool is still flowing at Francis Howell Central.

“This is a team of young-ens,” said McAfee. “We only have three seniors on the team: Amar Kahlon, Shane Kozlowski and Adam Werts, but we have a lot of young talent.”

Please read more Hype|

PAGE 17

Photo by Zac Hebert

Class of 2009 graduates Tyler Kuehner, and Casey Tebeau celebrate after scoring in a game against DeSmet Jesuit High School last year. The 9th place ranking in the nation received by the team last year gave the Spartans high expectations and hopes for this year.

Differences abound in popular running sports

By Bryan McCreary Sweat Editor

Comparing apples to oranges - something that has been heard throughout all of history, a phrase that has shown unlikely contrast for centuries. Track and field is a sport that in many people’s minds is directly related to cross country; however, the two sports are very different, and the comparison is yet again upholding the apples to oranges cliché.

Two sports both involving the act of running gives many people the untrue notion that they are automatically very similar. In the eyes of many runners, however, cross country has a completely different dynamic than track and field.

“The two sports are really different,” said junior Alyson Martin. “I run distance for track and I also run cross country and I have found that

cross country has so many different aspects to it than track does.”

One of the biggest differences in the two sports, according to Martin, is the team facet that is involved with cross country. In cross country, distance running leaves more time to make a deeper connection with teammates. The cross country team does a lot as a team. Camping trips organized by coaches and parents, team dinners before meets and barbeques allow the team to mesh with ease and make it seem like a family. The family feel is something that the team strives for. According to cross country coach and former track and field coach Michelle Breuer, that is exactly what they are: a family.

“We do a lot together, and it keeps us really close,” said Coach Breuer.

Other than the team characteristic

of cross country, many runners feel that cross country is better simply because of the constant action and the ability to better yourself every step of the way.

“There is so much more time during a cross country meet to better yourself as a runner,” said freshman distance runner for both track and cross country Michael Vanhorn.

“During a track meet there is just so much downtime between events.

There isn’t as much action.”

Cross country at FHC seems to play more to the advantage of runners than track and field does which could have a direct corolation with cross country being more popular among the runners. Many of the runners including Martin find it easier to ruin long distance tha short distance, and they like to run long distance better as well. According to

Martin, her strength is distance and her weakness is sprinting and short distance.

“I personally like cross country better simply because it is more my strong suit,” said Martin.

Coach Breuer expressed the differences in the practices between the two sports. The practices focus on different specific needs each day.

They will have long distance days where they may run 10 miles or more in one practice. Then they will have a resting day for the body to get back to its normal mode where they will have much shorter and less intense runs. According to her, cross country is more dedicated to slowly get runners ready for the task that they take on at the end of every week in meets.

“Cross country’s practice schedule is pretty intense,” said Breuer. “We

Page designed by Bryan McCreary

run at least five miles a day, but on average we run eight miles a day. It gets [runners] ready for the distances they will be running in meets.”

The runners themselves have noticed the difference in the practices as well. Many feel that practices for cross country are more fun simply due to the fact that since it is long distance running they have the ability to run in parks and around to new and different places, whereas in track practices are more short distance and revolve around the track itself.

“Practices are a lot shorter for track,” said Vanhorn. “We focus more on the speed side of running because that is what track is.”

Although the differences are many, the sports focus on one thing: running, and no matter what the sport is, the athletes just love to have the advantage to do just that: run.

16

Sweat

April 16, 2010

FHCtoday.com

ATHLETE PRIDE

CHEER LEADER

SOCCER PLAYER

THE

ONE AND

JULIA DILLER STUDENT

OVER ACHIEVER

ONLY

DAUGHTER

BELIEVER

CHAMPION

By Bryan McCreary and Michael Jeter Sweat Editor and Staff Reporter

Glancing quickly at junior Julia Diller, one may seem nothing more than the five foot one and a half inch frame that presents itself; however, getting to know her could not render a more different perspective. Much like a transformer, Diller is more than meets the eye. Transforming from schoolgirl to karate kid, from karate kid to cheerleader and from cheerleader to high school soccer player, Diller keeps her talents under wraps to the average passerby.

Many people do not know the numerous different sides of Diller’s life. Her true passion, karate, brought her to Florida over the summer where she achieved first place in the World Cup karate fighting championships.

“It shocks a lot of people when they find out I’m a World Cup Champion karate fighter,” said Diller.

Diller has been involved in the sport since she was just seven years old. Her family has owned its own dojo, a school where karate and martial arts are taught, for the majority of her life. This has made the sport almost second nature for her. Diller furthered her karate training over the past summer by hosting a Japanese karate master, who lived with her and her family for two months.

“I love practicing karate with my dad,” said Diller. “Being able to be around him and practicing are my favorite things to do. ” With Diller’s small stature, her World Cup Championship is something that she is very proud of. Fighting girls both of her age and older, she has found that her size is

nothing more than a hinderance. Knowing that the other girls that she fights have been training just as long as her, she finds her only true advantage is in her never-give-up attitude.

Aside from the obvious height difference, Diller is presented with yet another obstacle in her life: anemia.

“

C F

It shocks a lot of

people when they find out I’m a World Cup Champion karate fighter. ”

— junior Julia Diller

Anemia is a disease that prevents the body from making enough hemoglobin, the protein that makes blood red. This tends to damper Diller’s go-getter attitude because it can create drawbacks to her physical abilities. Symptoms that anemia bares are ones that strain on her practices in many cases. Plaguing its sufferers with dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath, anemia has constantly held Diller back from being able to compete at a high level. The disease also leaves its victims more suceptible to illnesses and maladies that Diller has all

too often been confronted with. Diller takes every step she can to avoid anything that can interfere with her practices; however, this is one thing she has no control over.

“I get sick easily,” said Diller. “I have to sit out of my practices when I’m sick and it can sometimes set me back in my training.”

The lack of hemoglobin in her body makes it easy for Diller to bruise up more quickly as well.

“I have been called down to the guidance office because people thought I was being abused because of all my bruises I get from karate,” said Diller.

The people that are closest to Diller know what she goes through on a day-to-day basis, and they are amazed by what she does, according to best friend junior Sarah Strickler.

“She works hard at everything she does and tries to make the most of everything,” said Strickler.

Knowing that not everything that has come her way has been easy Diller always strives to take every task with the best attitude she possibly can. There is never a time when Diller is not happy about her situation according to junior Alexa Berhorst.

“Julie goes through everything she does with a great big grin and a great attitude,” said Berhorst. “She always finds the good in things.”

As she transforms to overcome any obstacle placed in front of her, Diller continues to press on, never forgetting that she has made it this far doing what she loves, and that she will not stop in pursuing her love for physical activity, friends and family, and at the end of the day she can lay her head knowing that she has given life everything she has to offer.

Page designed by Morgan Vetter

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.

Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. It gives red blood cells their red color.

People with anemia do not have enough hemoglobin.

SYMPTOMS -Chest pain -Dizziness or light-headedness (especially when standing up or with exertion) -Fatigue or lack of energy -Headaches -Problems concentrating -Shortness of breath (especially during exercise)

Provided by: health.google.com

C F

FHCtoday.com

April 16, 2010

Shaking things up

By Cory Schmitt Copy Editor

Athletes are constantly in need of the nutrition required to keep their bodies moving and fit. A common alternative to a post-workout meal for some, and for others a way to

Hype from page 15 Unlike past year’s, this year’s team has countless athletes who are also club players. Being a club player allows the athlete to stay fit and trained in the sport during the off-season. According to Coach McAfee, the main reason they lost to DeSmet last season was because the FHC players were untrained during the off-season.

According to senior Shane Kozlowski many people may feel that the team is at a disadvantage losing six seniors; however, he feels that their deep run in the state tournament and their success in the nation gives them a great advantage.

“Most of the players on this year’s

keep their bodies strong and fit, drinking protein shakes has become an increasingly popular method for athletes to get the nutrition they need.

Protein shakes are mixes of proteins and other carbohydrates that feature more protein than an average cup of milk could supply. The shakes come in a variety of flavors and can be bought in pre-made cans or as powder mixes for use with water.

The most popular types of shakes are whey shakes.

Whey is the liquid remaining after the milk has been processed into cheese and other products.

Whey offers more protein than milk and other protein sources and has a higher absorption rate than other products with protein.

Threepound packages of whey powder cost, on average, between $45-60 at local health stores.

These mixes promise consumers up to 30 percent muscle growth and the same results with only half the sets team had the advantage of playing and practicing with the seniors that took the team so far last year,” said Kozlowski.

The team is starting with a new setter this season. According to Jarus, it has been hard to adjust and obtain team chemistry, but the team is starting to see improvement and feel more comfortable in practice with the team’s new setter, junior Jordan Alsobrook.

“Having a new setter has been the biggest challenge so far,” said Jarus.

“It is hard to start new with a setter because they start every single play for the team.”

Having such a young team has been yet another hurdle that has been faced by the team. According to Donahue, the jump from junior varsity to varsity is drastic.

performed during workouts.

These mixes are very popular at local stores, according to GNC employee Kim Ruth, who states that up to 80 percent of all customers purchase some form of protein shake. Ruth understands why the mixes are so popular.

“Protein is the most fundamental thing for muscle growth and recovery,” said Ruth. “You must feed your muscles after breaking them down working out. Protein shakes do this.”

Some researchers have found evidence that protein shakes can lead to accelerated loss of kidney function and can be harmful to other internal organs. However, Jose Antonio, co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), believes that protein shakes are safe and beneficial to an athlete when combined with a balanced diet. “[Protein shakes] ensure that the person gets enough protein when used as part of a balanced, nutrientrich diet,” said Antonio.

For junior soccer player and track athlete Nina Beckham, protein shakes are used as a way to restore lost protein, as opposed to gaining muscle.

“I drink regular protein shakes 30 min after practice or working out in order to put the protein back into my body,” said Beckham. “I don’t need them to build muscles. I just need to restore lost protein.”

Regardless of the motives or effects of drinking protein shakes, their popularity among athletes continues to shine through.

“Practices are completely different,” said Donahue. “On JV it is much slower and the coaches walk you through everything step by step.

Varsity is a lot harder. Practices are much more fast-paced, and we focus more on our individual skills like setting for the setters and hitting for the hitters rather than plays and conditioning all the time.”

Kozlowski feels the team’s past success, especially last year’s success, has gotten Francis Howell Central noticed as a great team, but at the same time he feels it puts a target on its back.

“Having done so well last year will make teams want to beat us that much more,” said Kozlowski. “I think it’s a good thing, though, because it is a huge motivator to play our best every single game.”

Page designed by Cory Schmitt

17

Sweat

Ten things you need to know

Pitching according to pitcher Kevin Griffith

1

When you go out to the mound, have a good mound presence and act like you own the field. Confidence is the key to pitching a successful game.

Have confidence in every pitch that you throw. If you don’t trust your arm and your pitches you will most likely not pitch well.

3

Always get ahead of the batter. Do everything you can to stay ahead, falling behind puts too much pressure throughout the rest of the at-bat.

Know exactly what you want to do with each and every pitch.

Having a plan will always make it easier to decide what to throw.

5

6

Do not be afraid to throw inside and tight to the batter. Throwing inside keeps batters honest, and sometimes it can intimidate them as well.

Keep your motion the same for every single pitch. If a batter sees a difference in your motion they can start to pick up what you are throwing.

9

4

Stay a step ahead of the batter. Each at-bat is a battle, and as a pitcher you have the upper hand knowing what you will throw.

Use it to your advantage.

Do not fall in love with one of your pitches just because it is successful. If you consistently throw that pitch the batters will catch on and start hitting you.

7

2

8

Know that the batter hits what they see and not what you throw.

This gives you as the pitcher an advantage because you can fool them if you are consistent.

Keep the ball low and in the strike zone. Walks are one of the worst things for a pitcher, and it is import-ant to avoid them at any cost necessary.

10

Photo by Kelci Davis

18

Sweat: Editorials

April 16, 2010

FHCtoday.com

C F

Photos courtesy of MCT Campus

Opening day Upset city There is something about the beginning of baseball season that cannot be emulated by other professional sports leagues. No matter how excited I get when the football and hockey seasons begin, my excitement for baseball season always tops this. Something about the history

By Cory Schmitt Copy Editor of the sport and the amount of attention opening day draws stirs a sense of pride and longing to look forward to the first pitch every season.

No other sport can generate the amount of excitement baseball does every season. Baseball is also the only thing people talk about on opening day. Opening day is an unofficial holiday in St. Louis and there is nothing like watching the parade of Hall of Famers around the field. It brings a sense of history and legacy to the game. It is a sport that every generation of society can associate with and enjoy. There is also no other sport in which you can watch a game and still be able to relax. Besides, it is a sign that Summer is approaching fast.

All of these factors contribute to opening day being one of my favorite days of the year and also make baseball my favorite sport.

It is time to give up on March Madness.

My bracket this year was reduced to nothing more than a giant “X” and a piece of paper with a lot of red lettering on it.

I consider myself a fairly avid fan of college basketball and one who is somewhat intelligent about the sport, but

By Bryan no matter how intelligent I am there is McCreary Sweat Editor no way I am ever going to pick Northern Iowa to beat Kansas. That just is not going to happen.

The upset crazy tournament has had my head spinning since opening tip, and I never would guess that half of the teams that made it as far as they did in the tournament (ex.

Saint Mary’s, Northern Iowa, and Butler) would make it past even the first round. To anyone who did: congratulations, you got lucky.

No one can honestly say that they could see a team like Butler going to the Championship or Cornell making it to the sweet sixteen. So well done to those of you who did, your attention hungry picks have probably just landed you some cash money and I commend you for a job well done and for the rest who are in the same position as myself: there is always next year.

Big heads, big egos, big problems Overconfident athletes put on persona that causes irritation With so many cocky athletes in the school, it is a wonder how they can all fit their heads in the doors.

By Michael A cocky Jeter athlete is Staff Reporter someone who thinks of himself as better than everyone else. Usually you would think that the most successful teams have the players with the biggest egos, but that is not true. For the most part, it seems that the teams that do the worst have the cockiest players on the team.

Being a former player on the Spartans basketball team, I have encountered my fair share of players who have huge egos.

Kids with cocky attitudes go to every school and they all act the same way. They are the kids who after they score a goal in their soccer game shush the crowd or slide around on the ground thinking they

look like a pro.

How many people actually think doing this is cool? I have caught myself making fun of these people because of how stupid they make themselves look.

These cocky kids love to brag about how many points or goals they score in a game at school to everyone. They just love to talk about themselves.

You can easily point these players out; they are the ones who act like they are the best at everything, but they truly are not.

They are people who act like they are hot stuff and think everyone should love to talk to them and enjoy their presence. Here at school, we have too many of these people.

Everyday while I walk from class to class, I see too many people who love to talk about themselves and try to down other people. These people take this same action to the locker room too. They try to down their so-called “teammates” and make themselves feel better about themselves.

People can not stand a person who

is cocky at school and they definitely do not like him while he is playing his sport.

There have been too many times where I see athletes trying to humiliate the other team’s players by talking down to them and making themselves look good while their

“There is no need for an athlete or an entire team to be cocky.” team is losing.

I can understand some smack-talk during a game, but when you are trying to talk down to the other team when you are getting killed, you are just making yourself look stupid.

This trend of athletes’ cockiness does not stop at high school; it continues to the collegiate and professional level of sports.

At any time, you can flip on the

T.V. and watch a sports game and see these athletes. They are the guys doing all the stupid stuff like shushing the croud after they score a goal, or taunting the other team after they touchdown or a basket.

Maybe kids at school see professional athletes who are real cocky and try to imitate them.

It seems like student-athletes try to imitate the pros, like Terrell Owens and Richie Incognito who are good at their sports, but are extremely cocky.

These athletes leave a lasting impression on many athletes starting at a young age. If a kid sees these pro players acting cocky they are going to grow up thinking that being a cocky athlete is alright. Yes, the cockiest athletes are usually the most fun to watch, but they are usually the most hated and they are the ones who are always made fun of.

There are those certain teams that seemingly are drenched with over confidence.

A sign of any team being cocky is when they run up the score. Earlier

Page Jeter and Mollye Doering Page designed designed by

by Michael Mollye Doering and Michael Jeter

this past NFL season the New England Patriots beat the Tennessee Titans 59 to 0.

Anyone can understand that the Patriots can beat any team by a lot because they are a very good team.

But when you are winning by 45 points and you keep your starting quarterback in for the opening drive of the second half so he can tie his own record of touchdowns in a game, that comes off as nothing short of cocky and nothing more than stupid.

There is no need for an athlete or an entire team to be cocky. A true athlete of their sport will walk on the field and compete to the best of their ability and leave with nothing said to the other team.

It is pointless to try to humiliate another team, if you win; no matter what the score is, they are already going to feel bad enough.

The bottom line is that no matter how good you are at the sport that you play, you are never good enough to degrade the game, or the players around you.

Pirates of the Carribean See page 20 | Headphones sported for style See page 21

The

Scene Greatest eats Find the best cuisine to satisfy cravings

19

By Hannah Ibos Staff Reporter

It is common knowledge that when people want something, they want the best of it and they want it at the best price. This fact is especially true when it comes to food and restaurants.

Please read more |

Where are the best places in this area? Students and teachers can lend a helpful hand for choosing the best places to eat around here.

Start with Mexican food.

Despite the fact that we are nowhere near Mexico, there are a lot of Mexican restaurants around

LOCAL BESTS, PAGE 23

Photo by Kelci Davis

As summer comes closer, the need to be out and about is growing stronger, and the best restaurants are going to be the places everyone flocks toward to satisfy food cravings throughout the day. The restaurants in the spotlight are the best places to get Italian, Mexian and Chinese cuisine.

By Cory Schmitt Copy Editor

Nexus in line Google enters phone race as direct competition against the iPhone

Once just a search engine, Google has grown to become the dominant force in the technological world. All the time, more and more new products are put forth by the company.

Last year, the company released its Android operating system for mobile phones to positive reviews and acclaim.

On Jan. 5, Google took the Android platform one step further by announcing the long-awaited ‘Google’ phone, the Nexus One. The Nexus One is available with a two-year service agreement with T-mobile for $179.00 or as an unlocked phone for $529.00 with use on

T-mobile, AT&T, Sprint and soon Verizon.

The phone features a 3.7inch touchscreen, a 5.0 megapixel camera and the Android mobile operating system.

The phone was released to positive reviews. Technology website cnet.com praised the phone’s lightning-fast processor and vibrant display.

135,000 Nexus Ones have been sold after 74 days.

While this statistic pales in comparison to the one million iPhones sold in the same time period after release, Google representatives believe that the interest networks are showing in the phone, the sheer size of the app market and the onlineonly release for now still make 135,000 a great feat to pull off.

Page designed by Katie Schlimpert

Photo by MCT Campus

Google’s Nexus One is the first phone manufactured by Google.

Those who do not own the Nexus One, but own one of

Google’s Android phones, are overall pleased with the operating system and the ease of use.

This includes junior Daniel Landgraf and senior Tori Stigall, owners of the HTC Droid with Verizon, who are very satisfied with the phone and the Android platform.

“The interface is really easy to use and not at all confusing,” said Landgraf. “The apps make it quicker to check my Facebook and other things.”

Stigall is also pleased with the features of the phone.

“I feel like the phone can do everything. There is nothing it can’t do,” said Stigall.

She stated that she was also pleased with the amount of shortcuts the phone provides.

20

April 16, 2010

tune in volume my style delish

‘Pirates IV’ washes ashore

By Allie Corrier Staff Reporter

Disney has not officially released a plot synopsis for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ yet, but it has been known for some time now that the script, written by Terry Rossio and Ted Elliot, will have star Johnny Depp returning to play his role as Jack Sparrow, who is going on a search for the Fountain of Youth.

Cast of the previous films, Geoffrey Rush, has signed on to reprise his respective role. New cast members include Ian McShane, confirmed by popular movie website imdb.com, who is going to be casted to play the notorious pirate and new nemesis Blackbeard.

Also new to the ‘Pirates’ crew is the well-known actress Penélope Cruz who was confirmed to play Blackbeard’s daughter and Sparrow’s love interest in the film.

“I am so excited for Penélope Cruz to be in this movie. I love her, she was so good in ‘Nine,’” said sophomore Genesis Carter.

Rob Marshall, who last directed Cruz in the entirely ignored musical “Nine,” is scheduled to direct the fourth entry, taking over for Gore Verbinski, who had directed the previous three installments.

“I love all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies but I’m sad about this one,” said Carter. “None of the same people will be in it.”

Previous cast members Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley have stated that they will not reprise their roles as they feel their characters’

Photo by Zac Hebert

‘Pirates of the Caribbean I, II, and III’ are all casted with actors Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom and actress Keira Knightley. Only Johnny Depp agreed to stay on crew for ’Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,’ which was scheduled to release on May 20, 2011.

storylines are at an end. Mackenzie Crook has stated that he also does not want to return as the mischievous, wooden-eyed Ragetti.

“No, definitely not,” Bloom said when MTV asked if he would be back for the fourth ‘Pirates’ movie.

“I think Will is sort of swimming

around with the fish at the bottom of the ocean.” So sorry ladies, no Will Turner this time around.

The up-and-coming movie has generated a lot of excitement from many returning fans. Surprisingly enough, it has sparked the interest of those than were not fans of any of

the previous Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

“The second and third movies were kind of irrelevant,” said junior Damon Stark, “but I am pretty excited for this movie. I heard it’s like what X-Men Origins is to Wolverine, but for Jack Sparrow.”

Filming is set to begin in June in Hawaii. The film has a set day to be released on May 20, 2011. The new film will be loosely based on the Tim Powers’ book, ‘On Stranger Tides.’

“I’ve been a fan since the very beginning,” said junior Cameron Jones. “I’m sure this one will be just as good if not better due to the new actors and storyline.”

Disney is making it clear that only women without breast implants will be cast in the newest Pirates of the Caribbean. The movie is targeting only natural-looking women and will go to pretty great lengths to prove if a woman’s breasts are real.

Moviehole.com claims a casting call for extras had these specific requirements: “Beautiful Female Fit Models. Must be 5’7-5’8, Size 4 or 6 - NO BIGGER OR SMALLER. Age 18-25. Must have a lean dancer body. MUST have real breasts. Do not submit if you have implants.”

The new director, Rob Marshall, has stated that he wants a natural feel to the movie, with natural women.

Marshalls request has sparked a debate on whether or not this is wrong to do.

“I don’t think it really matters. It is not going to hurt or help the quality of the movie” said senior Emily Vivio. Those who say he’s wrong in asking for “fake” women to stay far away think it will, however, harm the turnout of the movie.

“Some people might be offened by that. It really could effect how many people actually go to see it.” said Jones.

Always cloudy with a chance of rain Triumphs, joys are overcast by sorrow in NBC’s new drama, ‘Parenthood’ Kayla Mugler Print Editor

Despite its name, “Parenthood” offers lessons in childhood. As a student, I lack the ability to empathize with the hardships of raising children today. But many parental struggles in this show are founded on their children’s missteps, and NBC’s new drama clearly portrays this.

However, in addition to an enlightening look at what children

should and should not do, the series offers a fresh perspective, for me at least, on the struggles parents undergo. What would lighten the mood of the show is a healthy dose of parental joy; the struggles are overemphasized, overshadowing the triumphs and rewards which parents get. Although the purpose of the show is to display the battles and pains of fathering or mothering children, and the “perfect family” sitcom got old last century, this

dramedy is simply too heavy most of the time. The stories are burdensome, and only a couple of the characters leave room for any humor.

Essentially, a little comedy is necessary to get through all of their trials, which I think is forgotten throughout each episode. At the end of most of the episodes, I am left with a feeling resembling weariness.

At this point, that is almost positive. At the season’s beginning, I felt overwhelmed by the number of

Page designed by Allie Corrier

characters and individual stories to follow, but the sympathy I feel for them now is the manifestation of my growing attachment.

I remain at a distance, though; I definitely feel like an outsider looking in. Potentially, this is the make-up of the show, but on some level I want to feel like a member of the Braverman clan. This may come with time.

Though there is little comedic relief, each part is played well.

The actors fully understand their characters’ roles and relationships with other family members, which is crucial to the show’s central message.

Season one of “Parenthood” started out strong. Though it can seem dismal, NBC needed something more real and dramatic.

As each story unfolds, viewers’ eyes are opened more fully to the depth of each character and relationship. The new series offers much potential.

21

April 16, 2010

tune in volume my style delish

Music transforms fashion

By Alli Keisker Staff Reporter

Lately it seems like many students are using the big, old-style headphones, not for music, but to wear around their necks as an accessory.

Some do it for attention, others do it just because, but sophomore Brianna Martin does it for herself.

“I wear my huge headphones because it drowns everyone else out,” said Martin. “And if I really want to focus, I just put them on.”

Many people recognize her as ‘the girl with headphones,’ but she does not do it for the attention.

“I got the idea

from this huge skull-candy pair of headphones,” said Martin. “Music is my life and I don’t like anything fake.”

Martin does not believe that the

headphones should be used as a ‘fashion statement’, but for people to show their love for music.

“Headphones are meant to let you appreciate the music,” said Martin.

“If you find some that look cool, that’s fine, but don’t buy the headphones simply for fashion.”

Sophomore Madison Mendel also agrees that headphones are not meant to be a ‘fashion statement’, although some act like it is. “[I think] there’s a pattern in fashion trends that shows us that designers always seem to want to look to the past for inspiration,” said Mendel. “And the oversized, gaudy headphones are one of

the many examples.”

Mendel recalls seeing students pass her in the halls who are “trying out” the new style; while for some it works, with others it does not.

“Some accessories may look cute around the necks of punkedout European models, but I can’t say that I’m personally very fond of it for everyday wear,” said Mendel.

The headphone fashion statement may not be for everyone, though.

“No, I wouldn’t try it. I think it can look good with certain clothes and in certain settings,” said Mendel. “But it’s not a trend I would incorporate into my everyday style.”

Thinking of you playlist

By Alli Keisker

1. “Here Without You” Three Doors Down

2. “Fall for You”

Secondhand Serenade

3. “6 Months” Hey Monday

4. “Fallin for You” Colbie Caillat

5. “Amazed” Photo by Kelci Davis

Freshman Sean Gunderson wears his favorite Skullcandy headphones.

Gunderson displayed them in the halls for other classmates to see.

Lonestar

6. “Always Be My Baby” David Cook

7. “Smile”

Uncle Kracker

8. “I Melt”

Rascal Flatts

9. “You Belong With Me” Taylor Swift

Photo by Kelci Davis

Gunderson shows off his favorite headphones. He has styled them at school many days throughout the school year.

Online

music reviews

10. “Meet Me Halfway” Black Eyed Peas

Upcoming local shows 5/4

Pearl Jam Scottrade Center “Worst Debut Album Ever”

by Without a Face

“Acreage”

by Alexander Hudjohn

“ Waking Up”

by OneRepublic

See full reviews on our website, FHCtoday.com Page designed by Alli Keisker

5/30

5/5

Joe Bonamassa Shryock Auditorium

6/16

Dave Matthews Band Collective Soul & Everclear Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Soldiers Memorial

22

April 16, 2010

tune in volume my style delish

Dresses to fit the occasion

By Katie Schlimpert TheScene Editor

I am going to let all the perspective prom-goers in on the best place to purchase a dress: Special Occasions by Paulette and Teddy. Located in Ladue, Special Occasions has a wide selection of dresses from top prom dress designers like Sherri Hill, Tony Bowls, Jovani and more.

Special Occasions works with their customers to look through their countless in-store gowns and catalogues to find a dress that works for the individual.

If the dress the customer is looking for is not in the store, they take measurements, personally order the gown, and if any dress needs an alteration they don’t leave their customers to fend for themselves. Paulette will

personally accompany those in need of alterations to a seamstress that she trusts.

Speaking from experience, Special Occasions is where I bought my dress, and I have to admit I am one happy customer.

While searching through countless websites and visiting multiple department stores from Dillards to Neiman Marcus, I stumbled upon a dress on rissyroos.com that I would have gladly died to own.

It turned out that purchasing it would be next to impossible, until I found Special Occasions.

After calling and speaking to one of the owners, Teddy, I found that it was indeed possible to purchase my dress, and that the owners were willing to go to the extra mile to make sure I was happy. After one quick chat with

Teddy, I found myself reassured and made my appointment at their shop.

Upon arriving at Special Occasions it doesn’t look like much, but inside are two people willing to work for the money you are going to put out for a dress.

With their eccentric personalities shining, they found the gorgeous Tony Bowls dress in their catalogues that I was looking for, but after the direct attention from the owners I made a decision on a dress that pleased me even more.

I was able to search through their selection of dresses, and I was guided through making a decision on a dress that would not only fit my budget, but also my body type and style.

The dress I tried on was perfect, and Paulette and Teddy were the

Page designed by Brett Story and Katie Schlimpert

positive reinforcements at Special Occasions that allowed me to make the right purchase.

I am perfectly comfortable divulging the place that I found and purchased my dress because Special Occasions by Paulette and Teddy has a system for keeping the dresses they sell organized. The name of the purchaser, her dress and her school are all filed away for future reference. According to Paulette, she will never sell the same dress to two girls at the same school.

Whether you are still looking for a dress or are going to be in the market for one for another occasion or next year’s prom, Special Occasions by Paulette and Teddy in Ladue should definitely be a place that you remember on your next dress excursion.

23

April 16, 2010

tune in volume my style delish

Photo by Kelci Davis

Above and below: Mandarin Garden, located at 36 Plaza 94, provides a bounty of delicious food. Its high quality food at low prices added to the reasons why people love this local Chinese restaurant.

Photo by Kelci Davis

Local bests from page 19

here, so picking the best one can be a bit of a challenge. However, there is one place that will be sure to please anyone on the quest for the best Mexican cuisine, according to junior Kelsey Nagel.

“La Carreta is really good,” said Nagel. “I eat there so much the waiters recognize me.”

La Carreta, located at 4203 South Old Highway 94, definitely has a lot to offer and at reasonable prices too.

Most dishes cost less than $9 and the variety of dining options is neverending. From traditional dishes like fajitas and enchiladas, to vegetarian dishes, to even simple salads, it is easy for anyone to find something on the menu to comply with his or her appetite. With all these choices, what is the best thing on the menu?

“I always get the queso dip,” said Nagel. “It’s really delicious.”

The queso dip is melted cheese that is typically eaten with tortilla chips, but can also be poured on just about any other food that is found at this Mexican eatery for added

flavor. While the food here seems to be good and decently priced, what makes La Carreta the best Mexican eatery goes beyond the endless menu and tasty queso.

“It’s more [about] the atmosphere than anything,” said Nagel.

“Everyone’s really friendly.”

Mexican food is not the only type of restaurant that is seen all over the place in this area. When looking for the best Chinese place, there is also an abundance of good choices.

However, while the choices are plenty, the winner is clear, according to senior Katie Harding.

“The Mandarin Garden has the best Chinese food,” said Harding.

“It’s really delicious.”

This restaurant is located at 36 Plaza 94, and it also has a lot to bring to the table. With over 50 dishes to choose from, most costing between $7 and $9 dollars, the only problem you are likely to encounter here is deciding what to get.

They even have healthy options, which are steamed instead of fried and have no extra oil, salt or MSG, for anyone who is on a diet or simply prefers healthier food with great flavor. While there is certainly a

bounty of delicious dishes, there is one dish that is a must-order, according to Harding.

“The pu pu platter is delicious,” said Harding. “The shrimp, chicken and broccoli dish is good too. Their food just tastes really good.”

The food is bountiful and the prices are fair, but what makes this restaurant the best of its type?

“It’s authentic,” said Harding. “That makes it great.”

Mexican and Chinese restaurants aside, it is time to tackle one more area of food: Italian. Between nationwide chains and local, family owned restaurants, the choice for which Italian eatery to call the best is especially difficult. However, this choice is not too difficult for family and consumer science (FACS) teacher Mrs. Kathryn McGuire.

“If you really want to get good Italian food, you have to go to the Hill,” said Mrs. McGuire. “And my favorite restaurant there is Zia’s.”

You can find Zia’s at 5256 Wilson Avenue, in the heart of St. Louis’s Italian neighborhood, the Hill.

This locally owned restaurant is a bit pricier than some Italian chain restaurants, with most entrees

Photo by Kelci Davis

La Carreta, located at 4203 South Old Highway 94, is a local favorite for Mexican food. “The ambiance was like a colorful cantina,” said a Yahoo!

Local reviewer.

costing around $12, but the serving size and quality of the food make the prices well worth it.

There are a lot of authentic meal choices, all providing diners with the homemade taste that cannot be found at national chains, but there is one dish that everyone should order, according to Mrs. McGuire.

“I don’t have one favorite,” said Mrs. McGuire. “My husband swears by the lasagna.”

Layers of noodles, cheese and meat make this lasagna a restaurant favorite, but there are also a lot of other good dishes to try at this Italian favorite.

From simple spaghetti and meatballs, to the gourmet seafood dishes, your appetite is pretty much covered at Zia’s. Although it is a key

Page designed by Hannah Ibos

factor, there is more to a restaurant than just the food.

“They just have great service. I like the atmosphere and they have really good food,” said Mrs. McGuire.

The food, atmosphere and service are all benefits, making this Italian eatery a great place to dine, and something that Mrs. McGuire suggests to anyone.

“If you’ve never been to the Hill, you have to go try it,” said Mrs. McGuire.

The bests have been decided, and are definitely worth trying. For more infomration on these tasty local favorites, including directions, full menus, contact information, and even printable coupons check out their websites: www.mandaringarden.com and www.zias.com.

C F

FHCtoday.com

April 16, 2010

Aperture

24

District takes first steps toward

green

On Tuesday, March 23, Francis Howell Central became the first school in the district to introduce eco-friendly lunch trays and recycling bins in the lunch room.

Many schools have since followed.

Students carry their lunches back to their seats in the new plastic lunch trays. Previously, the school used styrofoam trays which could not be recylced in any way.

Junior Karina Rodgers hangs a pro-recycling poster. The cutback on waste saved a significant amount of money.

Mrs. Kim Matheny and Mrs. Paula Pettig place stickers on a recycling bin promoting recycling. Trash was cut down by 50 percent after the first week.

A student in environmental studies classes distributes stickers during lunches to raise recycling awareness. Mrs. Paula Pettig, their teacher, said that her classes’ workload was greatly cut since they implemented these changes.

Photos by Zac Hebert | Page designed by Ted Noelker