Central Focus May 2011

CF

Family gives pets new hope p. 4 Holder follows music p. 19

Foreign exchange programs allow students to make international connections, friendships

Graduation causes students to part ways

Winding up for the win Varsity pitcher Alex Erb inspired by family fFOR MORE NEWS FHCTODAY.COM

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05.27.2011

A fork in the road

CENTRAL FOCUS FRANCIS HOWELL CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 14 ISSUE 8

Central connections

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Delve 3-6

Shots

Be Heard 7-10

2

Letter from the 16 editor

In Focus 12-14

Sweat 15-18

The Scene 19-23

Opening

HOT BOX

LOVE IT 1. School's almost out 2. Summer concerts 3. Prom

4. 25 cent drinks at On the Run

F

or many students, summer brings a time for relaxation

and recooperation from a long

school year. For three students, however, Summer will bring

forth a time of change. For

LIKE IT

senior Jeremy Cabu and junior

1. “Fast Five”

Abe Abdo, their journey’s as

2. “Not-so-dinner” theatre

foreign exchange students will

3. Google Music's features

4. Class rings given out

be coming to an end. And for junior

Caitlin

Eshenroder,

her journey as one is about

to begin. In this final issue of 2010-2011 Central Focus, the

staff made the decision to cover

the stories of these students.

We looked at the experiences and discoveries Jeremy and Abe made while studying in the United States. On the other

side we looked at Caitlin’s hopes and expectations about spending a year in Austria.

Sincerely,

4

Cover International connections are made

throughout Francis Howell Central,

Print Executive Editor

Francis Howell Central High School 5199 Highway N St. Charles, Mo., 63304 Phone: 636.851.5636 Fax: 636.851.41

LEAVE IT 1. Graduation expenses 2. AP Lit's bus issues in Hannibal

and the rest of the world, through

3. Sony's PSN network failure

4. Reviewing for finals

foreign exhange programs. These pro-

grams have allowed students to both expand their horizons and make new friends worldwide.

Photo by Kelci Davis Page design by Kelci Davis and Alli Keisker

Editors and Staff

Cory Schmitt

19

Cory Schmitt Print Executive Editor Ted Noelker Multimedia Executive Editor Kelci Davis Visuals ExecutiveEditor Brendan Kinnison Delve Editor Alli Keisker Be Heard Editor Ellen Hinze Sweat Editor Anna Gingrich The Scene Editor Sean Carroll

iFocus Editor Mikelle McClintock Communications Editor Michael Roundcount Business Manager Claire Henderson Copy Manager Maddie Wilson Copy Manager Karley Canova

Staff Reporter Lizzi Holland Staff Reporter Patrick Hurley

Staff Reporter Destiny Pipkin Staff Reporter

Kamrie Reed Dylan Richardson Julianna Smith Victoria Walker Jolie Denton Jessica DiMariano Scott Kenkel Savannah McEachern Mr. Matthew Schott

Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Adviser

Letters Policy

The Central Focus is produced monthly as an integral part of the News Production class at Francis Howell Central High School. Students learn all aspects of 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.

Delve

Grieve family opens home to foster animals p. 4 Safe house opens in St. Louis p. 5

3 Seniors prep for speeches

By Julianna Smith Staff Reporter

Wirelessly integrated District plans to expand Wi-Fi network access

By Brendan Kinnison Delve Editor

Students returning for the 2011-2012 school year will be greeted with access to the new Dell network in order to enhance their learning experience and improve their abilities. The network is being installed during the summer and will be ready for the next school year. The upgrade has been initiated in order to improve Internet access throughout the district. Teachers and students will soon be able to use Internet-ready devices throughout school with no problem.

“The decision to move this project

forward was taken very seriously and not without consideration of all factors,” said Chief Technology Officer Ray Eernisse. “The district has been slowly adding some wireless connectivity to buildings over the years, even so, we have very limited availability of wireless connections in most of our buildings. Last year, the district provided all teachers laptops to allow more flexibility in working with technology. The addition of wireless helps support that initiative.”

Please read more | Wi-Fi PAGE 5

Photo by Savannah McEachern

This summer, the district is planning on updating its W-Fi network so that every school in the district will have school-wide Wi-Fi access. The district has slowly been adding some wireless connectivity to buildings over the years, according to Chief Technology Officer Ray Eernisse.

Central Focus May 27, 2011 FHCtoday.com/Delve

The caps, the gowns, the pictures, the awards and the excitement.

The day every student waits for is almost here for the class of 2011: graduation.

Some seniors are ecstatic, maybe even nervous. Six seniors tried out to give a speech at graduation in front of a panel of judges on April 12. The panel consisted of teachers Dr. Jennifer Miller, Ms. Whitney Harper, Mrs. Andrea Head, Mrs. Diana Unrein and senior class sponsor Ms. Jennifer Denny. Only three out of the six speeches were chosen. The speakers had to speak for at least three to five minutes, have a great voice, and a good speaking pace, according to the judging panel’s requirements.

One of the seniors chosen to give a speech is David Lanza. He was chosen for the opening speech. He said he signed up by choice after hearing about the sign-ups over the announcements.

“I was required to dress as if I was going to an interview,” said Lanza.

After reading his speech, he was contacted the next day and told that he had received the opening speech.

Senior Mollye Doering, walked into the conference room not knowing what exactly to say.

“I didn’t know what [the judges] were looking for in my speech, I just walked in with high hopes and did my best,” said Doering.

A senior speech can have a powerful impact on the graduates as they begin the rest of their lives, displaying the best message is the top goal and this is the opportunity to do it.

Senior Ryan Lakeman is giving the closing speech. “[My speech] is about combating our natural tendency as human beings to accept mediocraty,” Please read more | Speeches PAGE 4

Page design by Ellen Hinze

4

Delve

FHCtoday.com/Delve

Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Ellen Hinze

Family fosters life, love Grieve family fosters to fill the void created by the death of two pets

By Ellen Hinze Sweat Editor

No one said it was easy to lose a family pet. There is a time for grieving, then a time to move on. Some get a new pet to share their lives with, but others take an alternative route. Junior Danielle Grieve is one of them.

“After we had to put our two dogs down, we still wanted to care for animals but didn’t want to go through the pain and hardship of losing something you’ve grown so close to,” Danielle said. “That’s why we chose fostering.”

Danielle is not the only one who feels the animals she fosters fills a void in her life. Her brother, freshman John Grieve, feels the same way.

“Since we don’t have the puppies and kitties as long, it isn’t as hard to let go of them,” John said.

According to John and Danielle’s mom, Bernadette Indelicato the dogs were with them throughout John and Danielle’s entire lives.

“They had been part of our lives and memories for a very long time and it was very sad to have to let them go,” Mrs. Indelicato said. “I do not ever want to do that again.”

That is how Danielle’s family got involved in an organization called Special Needs Under Gentle Guided Love Everyday (SNUGGLE). The Grieve family chose SNUGGLE for two reasons. First, it is a non-profit organization that works solely on donations and time from volunteers.

Secondly, it is a facility that does not use euthanasia of any form, according to Mrs. Indelicato.

Even to someone outside of the family, it is evident that Danielle and her family care about the animals.

Speeches from page 3 Lakeman said he actually got inspiration from his girlfriend, senior Sue Redican, who encouraged him to write the speech. Lanza and Doering did not have as much of an inspiration for their speeches, just a reminisce of senior year and high school, and both wish not to reveal what their speech will express until graduation day.

“I would rather let it be a surprise to the senior class, but I did my best to direct my message to the senior class as a whole,” said Lanza.

Her friend, junior Brady Burke, spent time with Danielle and the animals and noticed her care. “[Danielle] and her family put a lot of time into the animals to make sure that they are cared for,” Burke said. “She loves the animals and is proud that she can help them when someone else can’t.”

Danielle’s family turned their house into a home these animals.

“

Giving those

animals a chance to live makes me grateful to be a part of such a beautiful experience. ”

— junior Danielle Grieve

Not only do they save one animal, but they care for the whole litter.

“Whenever someone from [SNUGGLE] finds a mother animal that is carrying babies or has recently given birth, they call volunteers who are willing to take care of them until they are old enough to be adopted,” Danielle said.

The Grieve family houses the animals and sometimes delivers the kittens or puppies. Although this may seem like a miracle of life, according to Danielle, she has experienced the opposite.

“We lost two of the kittens [before],” Danielle said. “It was hard to see because there was nothing

Doering would really like the listeners to really get something out of her speech. She wants the seniors to feel the emotions she feels.

“I want them to reminisce the past, laugh about the present and look forward to the future,” said Doering.

According to Lakeman students make their own decisions, and these decisions lead to their own success or regrets.

“Regret is self-created, thus one can eliminate it from their life by making the conscious decision to perform at the greatest of their own potential,” said Lakeman.

we could have done. They were just underdeveloped. I cried. I couldn’t handle it. It was just so hard to see them so lifeless.”

She and her family had a responsibility to attend to. They had to move on.

“It was very hard on all of us, but we worked together to make sure Cloe, [the mother cat,] was okay, and that the other kittens were all going to be okay,” Mrs. Indelicato said.

Regardless of the attachment one has with one’s animal, losing it still impacts someone, according to Danielle. She may have witnessed the death of two kittens, but she has also let the survivors impact her life.

“Not only do I become attached to them, but they become attached to me too,” Danielle said. “They sit with me and cuddle. They each have their own personality.”

Danielle’s reason for fostering is because she did not want to get attached according to her.

“It’s really hard to not become attached to them,” Danielle said.

“It gets easier to let go of them after you’ve done it a few times, but letting go of one you’ve really fallen in love with is difficult.”

Along with the responsibilities of taking care of an animal, Danielle also helps shape the animals futures.

“The more they interact with people, the less of a big deal it will be for them when they get adopted,” Danielle said.

Danielle has learned a lot from the experiences, whether they were good or bad.

“It makes me realize that there is new life everyday,” Danielle said.

“Giving those animals a chance to live makes me grateful to be a part of such a beautiful experience.”

Lanza’s goal is to have the seniors really listen to what the speech is about and really take it to heart. He believes he is a great representative because many individuals told him to try out.

“Now that I have the part, I am extremely grateful that I tried out,” said Lanza.

Doering said she is experiencing a little bit more of excitement rather than nervousness at the moment.

According to Lakeman, he agrees because he said he has been speaking for 18 years, so he is very confident and excited.

On the other hand, Lanza

Photo by Scott Kenkel

As junior Danielle Grieve plays with the litter of kittens that she is taking care of through a fostering agency, she leans in to kiss one of the kittens.

Danielle has watched the kittens since they were born and has watched them grow into the playful kittens they are.

is very excited, but there is a sense of nervousness speaking to approximately 5,000 people.

“Of course I am nervous! But isn’t that natural? But I won’t let my nerves get the best of me on my big day,” said Lanza.

It is also a feeling of excitement, he says. According to Lanza, the thought of being able to address the senior class at graduation as a whole is not an opportunity many get to receive.

“It is humbling to be able to speak to the people of the next generation,” said Lanza.

Lanza also believes the other two

candidates are great choices and he thinks the faculty panel made difficult, but great decisions.

“I think that everyone who took the time to write a speech and be brave enough to try out allowed the judges to make a difficult but necessary decision on who was going to speak,” said Doering.

According to all the speakers, every senior speech was very inspirational, and they wish all of the senior speakers could have spoken their speeches graduation, but they are also satisfied with their own and hope their words impact the senior class of 2011’s future.

FHCtoday.com/Delve

Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Brendan Kinnison

Delve

5

Sex trafficking stalls in the midwest Missouri puts up road block to stop the spread of teen abuse, abductions

By Kamrie Reed Staff Reporter

It is a well-known fact that slavery was abolished in 1865 due to the Emancipation Proclamation; however, over the span of the past few decades modern day slavery has recently resurfaced. This slavery has since trapped 27 million people in the human trafficking industry.

Under the umbrella of human trafficking, an up and coming crime has increased. This crime is sex trafficking, a manipulative act that forces vulnerable people into a life of prostitution.

Currently a non-forp r o f i t

organization, the Covering House, will be opening its doors to victims in the greater St. Louis area. This organization hopes to create a safe place for these victims to recover from the trauma caused as a result of the abuse called post traumatic stress disorder according to Covering House Founder and Director Dedee Lhamon.

“These girls have the same trauma as soldiers do when they are on the battlefield,” Lhamon said. “With all of this trauma, it is a necessity to receive some type of help in the healing process.”

There are currently 100,000 to 300,000 minors being sexually exploited across America, according to the Sex + Money documentary.

Since the average age for sex trafficking victims is 13, the Covering House will solely provide for minors to go through its program.

Alumnae Liz Caro first found out about sex trafficking from some friends and a couple of blog sites.

S h e

is currently attending Lincoln Christian College with a major in intercultural relations.

“It hurts my heart because they do not know they are valuable,” said Caro.

Lhamon believes there is a great need for an organization specifically devoted to victims of this type of abuse.

“A police officer recently told me that when we open our doors for the Covering House, he can fill them with victims in a matter of days,” said Lhamon.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has recently labeled this specific crime as a world epidemic. Meanwhile, the St. Charles Police Department has attempted busts to save victims from sexual exploitation. It is a difficult task because most arrangements between customer and victims are predominately done over the Internet. The customer who invests in sex trafficking (otherwise known as a John) will then arrange to meet at a cheap motel to receive its “services,” according to Lhamon.

It is difficult to arrest someone for “prostitution” due to the fact that these victims are rarely on street corners and mostly advertise their “services” predominately on Backpage.

com. If arrested on prostitution charges, police attempt to protect the victims by placing them in jail for a couple of days. However, many victims make bail by payments from their pimps.

“Most victims have great emotions of Stockholm Syndrome (a psychological love or attachment to someone who abuses another) toward their pimp and struggle to break free due to all of these emotions,” Lhamon said. “Often they will escape safe facilities in order to be reunited with their pimp.”

Pimps mainly target young high school teens who have low self esteem. The pimps take advantage of this low self esteem and manipulate victims into trusting them, according to Sex + Money documentary.

Most victims view their pimps as a father and boyfriend figure, someone protective. This is mostly from their lack of fathers while growing up or an abusive father. Because of this image, they believe their pimps love them and are their protectors.

“It is this distorted view that we are up against,” said Lhamon.

It is with this realization that Caro has chosen to join the fight to end modern day slavery and assist victims of sex trafficking in the healing process.

Caro’s goal is to build relationships with the victims. Although she has never personally been abused in this way, Caro still believes she can relate to these victims.

“I know what it feels like to have

no self-worth,” Caro said. “I want them to have a understanding of what it means to be a daughter of God.” Caro believes the main source of growth from this crime is not only because of the demand but because the ignorance of the American people.

“There is a whole world that is hurting.

Don’t believe that something that horrible in third world countries is not here as well,” said Caro.

She believes Americans have chosen to ignore this problem by sweeping it under the rug by refusing to assist non-for-profits who are trying to provide resources for these victims, like the Covering House.

“Instead of urging for change [with social injustices], people don’t want to believe it,” said Caro.

While Caro continues to raise awareness to support these victims, the Covering House aspires to help the vast majority of minors involved in the sex trafficking industry. It hopes to open its doors as soon as possible to give law enforcement another alternative to place victims in a safe place. The Covering House is specifically designed to help sexually abused minors heal from trauma and break the chains of slavery as opposed to placing the victim in jail and treating them as criminals. It is with this goal in mind that the Covering House has begun to raise funds in order to open its doors for victims of this crime.

with the district,” said District Technician Michael Fingers.

The district also has a technology plan that started in 2010 and continues through 2013. During this time-frame, the district plans on other improvements in order to increase the use of technology within the education system. This includes the utilization of an A+ online software ($25,000 annually), the utilization of Study Island ($80,000 annually), integration of sound programs into K-3 grades ($400,000), provision of online professional development ($25,000), improvement of student to computer ratio ($120,000), provision of projectors for every classroom ($100,000 annually), four year computer replacement cycle ($999,000) and implementing Project Lead the Way at the high school level ($226,000). All of this will be added to the $500,000 that it will cost to upgrade the Wi-Fi. Those are just some of the

improvements. The entire 18 page list can be viewed on the district website under “technology.”

Students and teachers will see an increased emphasis on internetrelated work due to new access.

“The wireless network will be available in all buildings and all parts of the buildings,” said Mr. Eernisse.

“There will be two wireless networks: first, a guest network that provides Internet connections and a second authenticated network that will require logins to access the wireless.

The guest network only provides Internet connection; while the authenticated network will allow students and staff to access data and applications that are housed on the district servers.”

Within each school,

the technician will assist with and fix any problems with the network.

Their primary jobs are support and maintenance. They will assist students, teachers and guests using the network. ”I’m going to simply be here for user support. The network will be installed by professional installers.

It is a great improvement; it should have come sooner,” said Mr. Fingers.

Photo illustration by Kelci Davis and Dylan Richardson

Wi-Fi from page 3 The Board of Education passed a vote to proceed with its plan to spend $500,000 to upgrade WiFi throughout the district. This will increase the number of access points from 152 to 640. At the same time, the district plans to cut $7.3 million in costs within the budget, $4,619,140 of which come from teacher salaries.

According the the district website, the goal of the technology improvement plan is to “Develop and enhance quality educational/ instructional programs to improve performance and enable students to meet their personal, academic and career goals. The Objective: All curriculum up for review between the school years beginning with 2010 and continuing through 2013.”

In addition to wireless Internet

support for teachers, students will be able to connect to the Internet and the district’s servers that they save things on, while connected to the network. Students will be able to login via their student ID numbers and passwords just as if they were on a school-owned computer.

“More importantly, a wireless network supports student-owned devices to be used at some point in the instructional environment,” said the district’s Chief Technology Officer Ray Eernisse. “More and more, technology is needed and being used in the classrooms and to support the 21st century learning that takes place with our students.”

The upgrade comes at a time during increasing technology use within daily lives. Dell, the provider of the network services, was the winning bidder for the deal to support the network expansion.

“There were several third party companies bidding on the deal

6 Tenured teacher gives retirement notice Delve

FHCtoday.com/Delve

Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Julianna Smith

Long-time choir director, John Varwig retires, moves to a new postition

By VictoriaWalker Staff Reporter

After teaching students for 29 years, Choir Director, John Varwig has decided to retire from his teaching career. Although students are not happy about his choice, they are accepting his decision.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Teaching] has been a lot of fun. It’s just time for me to do something a little different,” Mr. Varwig said.

The “something a little different” to which he referred is a new job. He is going to be the full-time music director at his church. He will be responsible for everything from music to worship services.

He has worked at different schools throughout his career and with every grade level from kindergarten to 12th grade.

“It won’t be quite as intense,” Mr. Varwig said about his new job position.

He said that while being a teacher is fun, it is a full-time job. He has to be alert and paying attention all the time; whereas, his new job will allow

him to work on his own.

He also said that many schools have an accompanist, someone to play the piano for the choir classes, but he does not, so he has to do it himself. With one, he said the job would be less of a handful. It takes half his attention to watch the music so he sometimes misses things the students do, he said.

He said that before he begins this new job, he is going to take some vacation. “[It is] all very positive,” Mr. Varwig said. “I love the kids. I’ll miss the kids, [but] it is time.”

The students also express a love for their choir teacher and will miss him after he has gone his separate way.

“We all love Mr. Varwig a whole lot,” said sophomore Amanda Pelletier. “Seeing him go is hard for us.”

She also had comments on transitioning from having Mr. Varwig as a director to having a new teacher taking over class next year. “[Mr. Varwig] is such a good

Photo by Brendan Kinnison

Choir Director, John Varwig gives junior Josh Burns a singing lesson during class. Varwig decided to retire from musical education after 29 years as a teacher.

director,” Pelletier said, adding that it will be hard for a new teacher to reach the standard Mr. Varwig has set. “I think we’re all just a little apprehensive about it all.”

The interviews took place this month to see who would be filling

Mr. Varwig’s position next year.

Junior Kyle Chumbley had a positive view on the subject. His views lean more towards accepting the fact that retirement is what Mr. Varwig wants and has chosen to do.

“He’s worked hard,” Chumbley

said. “Everybody deserves retirement, and he’ll be dearly missed.”

Heard Be

Dealing with self-harm in a proactive way p. 9 Apocalyptic theories unfounded p. 10

7

As we go on, we remember The bittersweet final steps toward graduation Throughout our entire lives we dream of the moment where we take our first steps onto the stage for graduation,

By Destiny Pipkin Staff Reporter steps that will become a milestone that takes us out of childhood and into adulthood. The moment we are handed our diploma signifies that we are no longer merely high school students, but are welcomed into the ‘real world’. We move our tassels from the right to the left side of our caps just before we toss them into the air, our last moment truly as a unified senior class. As graduation approaches, the countdown goes from lengthy months to never-ending weeks to just days, and we are faced with reminiscing over the path we have made to get here today, and the inevitable curiosity of what we will face after we step off of the stage at graduation.

High school is where we create the mold for the person we want to become, and to create a solid rock for ourselves to build our lives off of. I have spent my high school years trying to look past all of the things going on in life to attempt to find myself. Looking back at all those years spent searching for myself, I didn’t realize that I had

actually been creating myself, with every friend made, every friend lost, every disaster, and every success; it all made me who I am today. Graduation will challenge how well we have built our independence and the strength of friendships will be tested as students go in separate directions.

As we look around at those we’ve spent the last four years with, we notice those who have stood beside us when everything else fell apart and those that have lasted through the changes we’ve made as we matured into who we are and who we’re going to be. A very bittersweet part of the four years spent here will be the time where we must let go of the people we thought would stick around forever and accept that in the end, it is for the best.

Sometimes, as I have learned, when good things fall apart, subsequently much better things fall together.

There comes an unavoidable fork in the road throughout high school, the fork causes us to have to make the decision whether to begin our own path or to follow in the footprints of those around us. But, people who choose to stray off the path, battle for independence, and must deal with the loss of familiarity in exchange for the hope of a stronger sense of the person they want to become, and when its all said and done these are the Please read more | Graduation PAGE 8

Photo illustration by Scott Kenkel

Central Focus May 27, 2011 FHCtoday.com/BeHeard

Page design by Lizzi Holland

8

Be Heard

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Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Karley Canova

Graduation from page7 people who grow up to love their lives.

While we all have a different path, we all strive for the same goal: to find comfort and contentment with who we are. Now, as we prepare to take our last few steps as high school students as we cross the stage, the most important and challenging part will be to remember battles we have faced, the lessons we have learned, and who we have become.

If there is one lesson I wish I had learned sooner, it is that time flies, and if it takes you four years to realize what you are missing out on, unfortunately life does not stop and wait for us to catch up.

In some aspects, we all have to admit high school was the best time of our lives, and we should cherish the time spent here, the times when are greatest concern was if they were having Bosco sticks on Tuesday.

However, now the days of “Oh no! I have a zit!” have been pushed aside, and “Oh no! Gas prices went up!” have taken its place. The things that were once tragedies freshmen year have subsided from a tragedy to more of a small bump in the road.

The petty problems of gossip and boys that change like the flavor of the week have been pushed aside for larger things like colleges and money.

High school was more than a path to a diploma, it was an opportunity to create the complex path to ourselves.

High school presented us with some memories that we will choose to remember, and others that we can not forget. Through the nights we were humiliated, and the nights we felt on top of the world; the nights we laughed until we cried, and the nights we cried ourselves to sleep.

The moments in time when you thought your life was falling apart, ended up being the moments that made you and your friendships stronger. That was the high school experience. As we let go of our adolescence and accept our new lives as young adults, these are the memories we need to hold on to, because throughout the twists and turns of the roller coaster high school has been - we held on and we made it. Congratulations class of 2011. It has been a pleasure.

Staff editorial

Cartoon by Scott Kenkel

Priorities in question Despite teacher cuts, new Wi-Fi installation is scheduled With the budget cuts stressed throughout this school year, the district is continuing to fall deeper into the hole of financial burden.s Over the years, new technology (such as smartboards and lap-tops) has been appearing in classrooms district-wide for the use of teachers.

Now the district is going even further and spending $500,000 next year on a larger wireless local area network (Wi-Fi) for Francis Howell schools. The district is showing ignorance to what should be their priorities and to what are their actual priorities.

All of this is happening just months after the district announced they would be cutting 95 jobs district wide; therefore, those still working within the district will be enjoying their new Wi-Fi access spots next year as 95 unemployed educators struggle to make ends

laid off ? How can the district justify meet. As students, we truly believe spending half a million dollars this was a poor choice made by the for Wi-Fi just district’s budget. after they laid We don’t think off nearly 100 that it’s worth It feels as though e m p l o y e e s ? taking the jobs Wouldn’t the away from our our priorities salaries of faculty just so hard working we can have are lacking if we teachers be this unnecessary are willing to put included in luxury. It feels the district’s as though our technological b u d g e t ? priorities are Wouldn’t the lacking if we are advances ahead of funding of jobs willing to put those in need of for teachers and technological advances ahead employment in our staff be ahead of purchasing new of those in need technology? of employment communities.

As if our in our district wasn’t in communities. enough debt already, with this new What will fund the installation addition to Francis Howell schools, of the new access spots though? The the district will still be in the hole salaries of the teachers who were

“

”

$3.5 million ($10.3 million in debt, $7.3 million cuts, $500,000 more in debt). This is tax payer money that should be going towards the teachers and staff, rather than the Wi-Fi spots throughout the district. By doing this, our district is neglecting the students that make up the district. The Wi-Fi spots will not benefit the students that make up the district, but just the teachers and staff since student settings on computers are very restricted. The 95 unemployed educators would benefit our education though, but obviously the district’s more concerned about their Internet disconnecting than the well-being of the future generations. It is clear that the district didn’t thoroughly think about the results of their poor decisions. Now they are leaving teachers, students, and staff to suffer from their mistakes.

word of mouth word of mouth THOUGHTS ON THE STORIES WE COULDN’T FIND SPACE FOR word of mouth word of mouth

King Leo

King Leo to Xerxes, we offer our thoughts on issues we couldn’t get into the paper.

ENRICHMENT PROGRAM:

With summer approaching, studetns are looking into taking classes over summer in order to get ahead and have more room in their schedules for next year.

MURDER IN THE KNIFE ROOM:

FHC Spotlight Players held their last show of the year on May 20. The last show is normally a dinner theatre, but this year the students decided to do the show differently.

JOPLIN TORNADO:

Last Sunday, an F-4 Tornado hit the southwest Missouri city of Joplin. 118 people are confirmed dead in the city, which makes the tornado the deadliest tornado in the United States in over 60 years.

AP EXEMPTIONS:

AP students are being exempted from finals in the classes that they took AP exams in.

This is lifting the stress off many students’ shoulders.

GRAD PARTIES:

With summer approaching, many seniors have begun planning their final highschool hoorah, sending out everything from facebook invites to letting gossip do its work. Be there or be square.

Xerxes

THE SCALE: Word On a scale of

FHCtoday.com/BeHeard

Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Kamrie Reed

Be Heard

9

Healing wounds on calloused hearts

Victims' voices falling on deaf ears Seeing the pain in the eyes of a friend A voice rings out slightly above the earth.

It barely ripples the strong tide of the sea. If one perches one’s ears and patiently awaits the sound, it may be heard.

The voice is so subtle

By Kamrie Reed Staff Reporter and timid that the everyday babbling of Americans can easily overpower it. One can rarely interpret the common cry that resides behind the closed doors of the perfect American dream. But it is there that the sound resides, faint and distant, yet clearly evident.

Occasionally, one can hear it because of the amplification of another’s voice.

So, what is this feeble sound that nearly no one can interpret? It is the sound of the abused. The voice of one who shrieks and moans day and night, but in the end, this sound falls on deaf ears. People who suffer from sexual abuse are all around us; they could be students who we see on a daily basis that you would never suspect something like this happening behind closed doors. Hannah (name has been changed to protect the source), a student at our school, has struggled with this same type of abuse.

On Hannah’s* 14th birthday, she found herself trapped in a room with her mother’s boyfriend, who was asking her to do things that violated the relationship of a teen and an older male. He had previously asked her to do some provocative things with him.

“Before I knew it, he was raping me,” said Hannah.

This man, who was considered a family friend and highly trusted, preyed on Hannah during a moment of vulnerability. While being raped she could not help but feel powerless, scared, manipulated, and trapped. Hannah was mostly angry with herself for not reporting the abuse earlier.

“I thought it was my fault,” said Hannah.

“I should have stopped him and been more aggressive.”

For some time, Hannah did not feel like this was a form of rape due to the lack of violence. She continued to blame herself for everything that happened and felt like she could no longer say no when it came to sex.

Sex was now seen as gruesome and horrible to Hannah. There was a certain hollow feeling that resided in her soul.

Hannah is one of many victims who have been taken advantage of. There are many girls who must deal with these continual feelings

because they can not escape the abuse.

Trauma is constantly occurring all around us, and it continues to produce victims as quickly as an assembly line. These people are all pleading for help, but we continue to plug our ears like five-year-olds throwing a tantrum. Look up and listen. People are hurting all around us, so what are we going to do about it?

Victims are looking for someone willing to stand up and say something. They have lost hope and feel like a virus has drained them of any feeling. A feeling of numbness resides in their soul. Look into their eyes; can’t you see a type of pain that is so excruciating that words will not do it justice?

It is our responsibility as human beings to stop the cycle—this cycle of abuse, hurt, and

becoming the abused.

For one minute, look around you; people are drowning. What are you going to do? Continue to ignore the call, the pleads? Or will we be the ones who take action, the ones who choose love over violence? The cycle breakers who refuse to allow social injustices to continue? We need to stomp with indignation. The abused will no longer be the victims. We will carry them on the road to healing. *student’s name changed to protect their identity.

Life hurts. It beats us down at one point. For some, it’s worse than others. I'm sure most of you have heard of cutting, but you think of it as a something you only see on over-dramatic T.V.

By Dylan shows or done by people Richardson Staff Reporter looking for attention in a really stupid way.

Self-harming is a disorder that is much more common than most people our age would think; one to three out of every ten teens have purposely hurt themselves to varying degrees. I admit I'm apart of that. I used to cut, a lot. I didn't do it for

attention or to be cool. For me, I would cut to wake up in a sense. For a lot of people that self-harm, including me, it is like you're trapped under water. You are suffocating in a dark emotion of some kind? You can feel it weighing down your chest making it almost impossible to even breath. I was one of those "emo" kids sitting in there room in the dead of night stuck in a downward spiral, spinning in a loop of my

own dark thoughts with no idea how to escape from them. And like a whole bunch of other teens, some you wouldn't ever expect, I had no idea how to escape the feeling. So I hurt myself, badly.

It was a shock, a sudden spike of adrenaline and endorphins bringing me back to the real world and out of the dark place I referred to as my mind. I snapped out of it, for a while.

Some nights were worse than others, so I would hurt myself worse to make it all better. I didn't want to die. Most people that self harm don't want to die like a lot of people think.

We just want to wake up and get back to the real world. We want to stop hurting inside, so to distract us, we hurt ourselves on the outside. I know it seems like a crazy messed up kind of logic, and it is. But, for a lot of selfharmers, it makes perfect sense.

According to teenhelp.org the second most common reason for emergency room visits is from intentional injuries, a lot of them from people trying to wake up, who took it too far. There are tons of ways people hurt themselves as an escape; -burning themselves and cutting themselves are the most common ways. People that self-harm are great at hiding it. There are signs, and you should take it upon yourself to learn them. Notice when a friend wears something with long sleeves when it's hot out, or if they tug on their sleeves a lot when they're around people or pay special attention to certain bodies parts because they are sore from attacking it the night before. Notice if they itch their arms or legs covered by clothes because the wounds are healing. These are some common signs. Notice if they have scars. I do, and my friends that know what I used to do notice those scars.

Don't start suspecting all of your friends of it, just be aware. If they are, be someone they can confide in—the person they can talk to so that some of the black feelings they've been keeping inside can finally spill out. Don't judge them either, no matter what they say, because being completely honest the thought process of someone that self-harms can be more than a little screwed up. But, they need someone to help them get through it. Be that person. Selfharming never really goes away either. There is always that impulse to self harm when things are at there bleakest. If you can help them escape those feelings, it can make a world of difference. Talking someone out of hurting them self can take only a night of being there for them, but the scars from hurting yourself never completely go away.

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Be Heard

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Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Julianna Smith

Students contain irrational fears about the apocalypse A hurricane is going to flood the entire earth, an earthquake is going to crumble our world to pieces,

By Julianna Smith or some big Staff Reporter imaginary bomb is somehow going to kill us all. Does this really sound logical? Let’s all freak out because the Mayans didn’t make their calender go beyond December 21, 2012. This is a huge fuss for us students, the public, and the media lately. Really? Get real.

The world will end, but not by a predicted date.

According to John Mink, in his article (2012; Truth, Fiction, and the Popular Imagination), there are three things we must determine before we consider the actual end of the world: the chance of a supernatural occurrence on a mass scale, the actual traditions and interpretations of the Mayans and their calendar, and the effect the media’s creative

interpretations or exaggerations of things has on the masses.

The chances of the entire world being exposed to the same natural disaster at approximately the same time is highly unlikely. Not to mention, the world could not just entirely blow up into pieces at once unless a very large asteroid hit the earth, in which case scientists would have informed us by now because of their abilities to see into space with their technology. The geography of the world allows for certain natural disasters to occur in certain locations

and to say one natural disaster will conquer the whole earth or to say many will occur at the exact same moment - is almost highly impossible.

As for the Mayans, yes - they did believe that after a 5,125 year period of time, their “Long-Count calendar” would end on December 21 (or 23) of 2012, but they said the world would not END, it would zero out and reset itself. But even if something was to reset itself, it would not be the end, correct?

Get this: what makes us think the

Mayans were correct, when other various tribes and religions have different beliefs on when the world will end also? For example, the Vikings believed the world would end when it was the “final destiny of the gods”. Hindu’s believed a “Shiva” practice would drive evryone out of the world. All of these tribes had their own belief systems on how the world would end, so why did we as a public, choose that the logic of the Mayans was the most correct?

I can tell you why. The majority of us are influenced by what the

media presents to us. Influences from the media can be when they present an exaggerated possibility, idea or theory, especially one that could potentially be life threatening, almost everyone freaks out. They run and tell their friends and family about what’s on the media or what everyone is talking about without looking at real statistics or facts. For example, the fictional movie 2012 (released in 2009) was based upon these same theories. This had a huge impact on what people “believe” will happen.

I am not saying the world will or will not end, because that is not predictable. Exactly how or when it will happen is also unpredictable.

So us students should realize that we should not worry about living the last moments of our lives before "the world ends" because honestly, we do not know how or when the world will end. The best we can do is live every day to the fullest, with no worries.

Looking past the ignorance I sat in my classroom, reading a book.

Page after page contained information about a certain artist’s life that

By Karley Canova was regularly Staff Reporter criticized and considered scary, or a freak. His life story, however, intrigued me. The book was singer Marilyn Manson’s autobiography.

It’s funny, really, what kind of automatic assumptions pop up from a simple arrangement of papers and a culturally unaccepted front cover.

It’s like when you hit a window with a baseball, and it cracks into a spiderweb pattern. Except, the baseball is replaced with a certain image, statement, idea, etc. Any of these can smack into a person’s window, and BAM! An individual, or many individuals, will absorb it, and instantly their glass will crack.

Each jagged line is drenched with accusations and assumptions. Maybe it’s not always so extreme, but it certainly can be the case.

As my eyes rolled over Manson’s words, the girl next to me spoke.

“I just saw you at church on

Sunday! How did you go from that, to reading a devil book?” she had said.

Although it was a joke, and the girl was an acquaintance, it made me think. I never really considered the contradiction many people see when I am enjoying a socially rejected idea.

It is largely based on stereotypes of current cliques and things that a large range of people find appalling.

One of the biggest things that people look at and are turned away from is the immediate appearance.

Appearance is such a large part of someone’s impression or opinion of someone. Honestly, it is very difficult to avoid, and not something that most people even try to keep clear of.

I’ve had a lot of personal experiences with this, due to the fact that I have a mindset and a wardrobe that isn’t what most people would consider “normal.” The terms “freak,” “scary,” “goth,” and “emo” are used around me fairly often. Well, in my mind I am none of these. Wearing black everyday and wristbands down my arm makes me feel comfortable, and more confident than if I would wear a bright blue t-shirt and American Eagle short shorts. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against it. It is not the apparel that I am

worried about. It’s the judgements.

Of course, I’ve had my fair share of judgements thrown at me. But I used to treat others the same way, until I realized how silly it was. Now, I’ve tried to get to know someone before I decide on what to think about them. However, based on what hellish stereotypes high school students like to cook up, I am supposed to be extremely rude, quiet, hating life and go home to do drugs every night. Although a shock to some - I am not like any of that.

Another difference between the “norm” and I is our mindsets. My sister and I are a good example of this. She is a person whom you would consider “mainstream.” I am into gore - slicing and mutilating; I love music - from country to death metal; I enjoy many accesories that she does not. She likes chick - flicks; she listens to rap and R&B; she enjoys shopping. I never considered my enjoyments odd, until I found someone else to contradict it.

The birth of these stereotypes begins a lot with the mouths of high school students, media, or really anyone. No word in any language that I could write or say could ever prevent the horrible gossip and rumors. It’s a giant, hungry fiend that

Cartoon by Karley Canova

It is hard to be a teenager, especially one who people don’t generally accept. This character was alienated by the general public.

gruesomely devours morals, dignity, and in extreme situations - even lives. When a targeted individual swallows these rumors, it spreads through their blood stream and they think it about themselves. They become that stereotype that you’ve infected them with. Whether or not it’s entirely true, it’s been said that a person’s self-image was based largely on what the most important person in their life thinks about them.

If I could eradicate these forked tongues, I would replace it with this ideal: “small people talk about people; good people talk about ideas; great people talk about dreams.”

Basically, don’t waste your time with irrelevant gossip.

The point is, “don’t judge a book by its cover” because as many times as you’ve associated one thing with another in the past, it doesn’t always end up to be an accurate assumption.

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In Focus

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Central Focus May 27, 2011

Photo by Savannah McEachern

Bu

By Alli

Be He

Afte im

Finding alternative routes to study abroad

By Cory Schmitt

Print Executive Editor

Life is full of change. Things rarely go exactly as planned, causing those affected to change their course. Success comes to those that are able to adapt.

For Belgian foreign exchange student and senior Jeremy Cabu, change would be a common theme in his year spent studying in the United States.

Having graduated from secondary school in Waterloo, Belgium in 2010 with an emphasis in economics, Cabu wanted to further his studies in economics by attending college in the United States. Cabu thought that studying in the United States would benefit him later on in life.

“It’s really important to learn English,” said Cabu. “And [studying abroad] is a good thing to put on job resumes.”

Cabu then applied for a student visa and started the college search process. However, things would not go as planned. The student visa came, but Cabu soon discovered how expensive colleges in the United States were.

“I didn’t get a large enough scholarship [for college],” Cabu said.

“And it was too difficult to get a swimming scholarship.”

It was at this point that Cabu’s path would alter and go down another avenue in order to reach his goal of

studying in the United States: the World Education Program.

The World Education Program (WEP) is a multinational organization dedicated to sending students to high schools in foreign nations for educational purposes. Since Cabu still had a year of eligibility for high school, he decided to join the WEP as an alternative to directly entering college after hearing about his friend’s experience in the program.

The previous year, Cabu’s best friend spent a year studying in Phoenix, Arizona in the WEP. “I decided that since she did [the program], I could do it too,” Cabu said.

After being admitted to the program, Cabu had to go through a tiring process in order to be cleared for study in the United States.

“It was a long process,” said Cabu. “I had to fill out a lot of forms and take an English test to see if my English was good enough.”

It was at this point Cabu had the option of spending either a semester or an entire school year abroad. Cabu chose the latter for the added experience.

“I didn’t think that six months would be enough time to really learn the language and culture,” said Cabu.

After the introductory process, Cabu was cleared to move to the United States as a high school foreign exchange student.

It is here the next change would have to be made: adapting to life in the United States.

This would not be easy for Cabu at first, knowing English and relying on English were two completely different things.

“I was really tired when I first moved here,” Cabu said. “It was hard work to adapt and speak entirely in English.”

However, as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, communicating became easier for Cabu.

“He used to be quiet,” junior Claire Rodell said. “He is a lot more outspoken now.”

With being more outspoken, Cabu’s friends soon discovered his unique sense of humor. Rodell noticed it and it is one of the things she will miss the most about Cabu.

“I’m really going to miss his stupid sense of humor,” Rodell said.

Rodell, who met Cabu around Christmas time, has learned a lot about Belgium from Cabu, just as Cabu has learned a lot about the United States by living here.

“When I first met him, I asked him a lot of questions about Belgium,” Rodell said. “I asked like what they did for fun and how school was for them.”

As Cabu became a better English speaker, he started to make friends. He credits his personality to the reason why

he has made so many friends.

“You have to be outgoing [to make friends],” said Cabu.

Once the language barrier had been broken through, adapting to the culture became a lot easier, and some preconceived stereotypes of American culture were erased.

“I saw some American culture in movies, but a lot of it was exaggerated,” Cabu said.

Cabu discovered the two countries, albeit 4,412 miles apart, were not too different from each other after all. The size difference would turn out to be the biggest difference between life in Beligium and the United States.

“Everything is bigger and more spread out [in the United States],” Cabu said. “There are more stores and restaurants here than in Belgium.”

Cabu’s June 13 departure from the United States is quickly approaching.

And the senior will soon have to face adversity again for the final time.

“Now I have to re-adapt to Belgium after spending this year adapting to life in the United States,” Cabu said.

As Cabu’s days in the United States dwindle, he reflects on what his experience has given him: new friends, a new perspective, and a new language.

“My experience has helped me become more open to change,” Cabu said. “I’m really glad that I decided to come, I don’t regret it at all.”

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Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Alli Keisker

In Focus

13

uilding bridges 4,954 miles away

i Keisker

eard Editor

er a sudden mpulse rushed throughout her body, she knew the battle

between heart and mind was over. Whether she succeeded or not, junior Caitlin Eshenroder could not give up without trying, and because of this, a door has been opened for her to begin the journey to reach her dream—to become a translator and work in international relations. To do this, Eshenroder will be participating in Rotary Youth Exchange, which will allow her to study abroad next year in Austria as a foreign exchange student.

Rotary Youth Exchange is an organization which began in the United States in Chicago, and now consists of more than 1.2 million members in over 160 countries throughout the world, Outbound Coordinator for Rotary District 6060 Mr. Greg Luzecky said. The exchange program seeks students interested in experiencing other cultures; Eshenroder is one of those students.

“I want to start setting up my future.

I plan to share my experience because I really feel this is stuff people should get involved with.

If not by doing exchanges, then getting involved with hosting. I plan to host when I am older,” Eshenroder said. “I want to work either for businesses, the U.S. Embassy or the United Nations. I

really want to end up in the United Nations. public school,” Luzecky said. “The major So, this is the perfect first step for what I costs of the program to the student are the air fare, an international health insurance plan to do with my life.”

Until her cousin, Mollie Carter, began policy, and a small administrative fee to participating in the foreign exchange Rotary International.”

After she became more informed of program, Eshenroder did not know much about Rotary. It took her about three what Rotary was, Eshenroder was ready to months after hearing about it to fully apply. Although the application process was commit to the idea of applying to become lengthy, Eshenroder said she did it all on her a foreign exchange student. After feeling a own to prove to her parents she could be an sudden urge to delve into foreign exchange, adult about this.

“The application process was terrible. It Eshenroder began the application process. was this long 12 page packet,” “I went to the Eshenroder said. “Most of website after a it was easy—it was the fact sudden burst Dreams are that I needed four copies [of of feeling that it] and everything had to be I needed to do for when you're in blue ink. There would be this. I studied asleep. Me? I get small print that would say to the website like do something specific, and I it was a book. to live it. would have to do the page Everything [it said] just made — junior Caitlin Eshenroder all over because I would do something wrong.” sense, and I felt In her application, she also comfortable with had to have a teacher write it,” Eshenroder said. “[Rotary] truly want[s] you to have an a letter of recommendation; the teacher experience of a lifetime. They want you to be who wrote hers was her former English a ‘Student Ambassador’ for America. They teacher, Ms. Kelly Gerdiman. Eshenroder want you to make connections worldwide chose to ask Ms. Gerdiman to write her and slowly bridge the gaps that we still have letter of recommendation because she felt Ms. Gerdiman had seen both the best and between all the countries.”

While she is in Austria, she will be the worst in her. Ms. Gerdiman hopes that attending the local public school just as Eshenroder will have a great experience she would in America, Luzecky said, but while she is gone.

“Caitlin is a quiet leader, but voices her according to Eshenroder, her credits from our school will not transfer. The school year opinion when she’s really strong about it. in Austria is the same as it is here, August She’s really individualistic, ” Ms. Gerdiman said. “I hope she finds herself while she’s to May. “Host families provide free room and there. Although I know she already has board and the student attends the local found herself here, I think we sometimes are

“

”

stuck in a bubble, but when we experience new things, we expand from that bubble.”

Once she had finished filling out all of the applications, Eshenroder needed to have two interviews before she would be notified whether or not she would be accepted into the program.

The first interview was held in November of last year at the St. Louis Bread Company by school with the Cottleville/Weldon Springs Rotary Club. The club will be Eshenroder’s sponsor while she is in Austria.

“It was nerve wracking. I had never met the ladies before that interview. I didn’t know what they would think of me. I didn’t know what questions they would ask,” Eshenroder said. “It lasted an hour or so, and they confirmed right then and there that they were going to sponsor me.”

With one interview down and just one more to go, Eshenroder had high hopes to be accepted into the foreign exchange program.

Her second interview was held in the campus library of Webster University with the Rotary District 6060 Youth Exchange Committee on Dec. 11 of last year.

“The second interview went amazing,” Eshenroder said. “I just loved the idea of how this all worked, and I got along with everyone really well.”

After having completed both of her interviews, Eshenroder feels the hardest part of the application process was the wait.

She did not know what to expect at that point, and her mood was like a pendulum— swinging back and fourth between hopeful to anxious.

“I would have days where I would feel Please read more | Austria PAGE 14

New home brings new perspectives

By Claire Henderson

Copy Manager

Culture shock is a powerful thing.

Culture shock can make someone feel in love, feel at home, feel lost, even scared. For junior Abe (Abdallah) Abdo, culture shock meant a better understanding of the world around him. It opened doors in his mind that his culture had closed and refused to let him open. It all started with a decision made on a whim.

Abdo is a 16-year-old from Amman, Jordan, a country in the Middle East, and came to the U.S. with a foreign exchange program.

“The story is kind of weird,” Abdo said. “In Jordan, we have a program, like a scholarship.

Four hundred students applied, and 23 were accepted. I didn’t expect to get in; I just [applied] for fun.”

The program Abdo traveled through is called the YES Program (Youth Exchange

and Study). Abe found out about the program from students at his school who had applied in previous years.The program takes students from all over the Middle East and Europe and sends them to the U.S. to study in schools all over the country.

“I talked to my family about it, and the funny thing is that when I talked to my father about it, he came out with a piece of a newspaper, and it had an advertisement for the same program,” said Abdo. “He said that he was gonna show it to me and ask me to apply for it.”

So Abdo applied and went through a series of literacy, conversational, and interview tests to be considered as one to travel with the program.

Abdo’s reaction to his acceptance was one of excitement, but he later learned how much of an impact his trip would truly make on him.

“I found out that I was accepted when I was at school [because] my mom texted me saying that I’m going to America!” said Abdo. “That was the best moment in my life! I just started jumping around and saying good bye to my friends.”

Once the realization of going to America

finally set in, Abdo discovered that speaking English in America is much different than he had expected. In Jordan, children begin learning English from the time they are four years old; however, very few people in Jordan ever speak English outside of school. Instead, they speak their native tongue, which is Arabic.

Abdo found though he knew the English language, actually speaking it was a totally different experience.

“I knew the vocabulary, but when I came here and had to use it, it was totally different.

I expected English to be easy, but it was a lot harder,” Abdo said. “The first two weeks I was here I didn’t say anything.”

Abdo arrived in the U.S. in June of last year and spent his first semester at Ladue-Horton Watkins High School in St. Louis. He started at our school at the beginning of second semester. As a recreational tennis player at home in Jordan, Abdo joined the boys tennis team.

“Tennis was really fun because I got to see more friends, and playing for an American high school as a Spartan made me feel proud, like I belonged to the school,” Abdo said.

Though Abdo has had fun meeting new people and honing his English skills, his trip gave him a understanding of something deeper, something more profound, that only such a trip could give him.

“When I came here, everything in me changed. Everything,” Abdo said. “Now I see how things really are.”

Abdo explained that he began to see people and situations differently when he came to America. One major fact of his life was completely reversed, and that was his experience growing up in the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“Arabs and Israelis hate each other. I am an Arab,” Abdo said. “But when I came here, I realized that this is wrong, and that the only solution is to love each other.”

After World War II, the U.S. helped the Jews to get some of their land back from the Palestinians. They were given two areas called the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Ever since then, the two groups of people have been in Please read more | Jordan PAGE 14

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In Focus

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Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Alli Keisker

Courtesy of Abdallah Abdo

Junior Abdallah Abdo and other members of the foreign exchange program enjoy their spring break in Chicago, Illinois. Abdo had also been to Washington D.C. when he first came here.

Jordan from page13

Courtesy of Caitlin Eshenroder

Junior Caitlin Eshenroder and members of Rotary District 6060 laugh as they pose for a picture in downtown Saint Louis.

Eshenroder was one of two Americans in the group which went to the zoo, the Arch and the sculpture park.

Austria from page13 completely confident and other days where I told myself that I could not tell anyone I was doing all of this because I thought I wouldn’t make it and everyone would think I’m some phony,” Eshenroder said. “But I still told everyone anyways. I felt like if I just kept saying that it’s true, then it’d become true. I just needed to know.”

Despite the wait, the call finally came. Within the first week or two of January, as Eshenroder was doing her homework, she received a phone call. A phone call that told her she would be able to live out her dream.

“I just remember Mr. Luzecky answering the phone saying, ‘Hello, Caitlin. It’s Greg. I was just calling to letting you know that we accepted your application,’ and I started tearing up. I can’t even describe how happy I was,” Eshenroder said.

She originally hoped to be sent to England, Germany or France, but after a lot of thought and consideration, she decided she wanted to go to Australia, Austria or Belgium. She was thrilled to hear she was able to go to one of her top desired locations.

As she ran into the living room gasping for breaths between sobs, Eshenroder tried to tell her mother, Mrs. Kim Eshenroder, that she was accepted.

“I think [Caitlin] was overwhelmed, because for some

reason, she didn’t believe she would actually get accepted. I don’t know why she thought this, but she did,” Mrs. Eshenroder said. “So she was excited, happy and overwhelmed. It’s something she has always wanted to do, and to be able to do it while still in high school is just amazing.”

Now the application and interviewing process are over, Eshenroder awaits her departure day—the day when her journey to become a translator will finally begin. She will not leave for Austria until late August of this year.

“I’ll give a speech sometime while I’m over there to my Rotary club, [Rotary District 1910],” Eshenroder said. “The speech will have to be completely in German, and in the speech I’m going to talk about America and ‘teach’ the Austrians about America and what it’s like and its government. [The foreign exchange students are] all interested in that so the speech is probably the biggest part of what you do over there.“ While she is in Austria, she will be living life as if she is a regular Austrian teenager and will be trying her best to fit in with the families she will be staying with, Eshenroder said. Once she leaves for Austria, she is not allowed to return to America until her year in the foreign exchange program is up. She will be guided by her local Rotary Club Counselor, who will be there to assist her with any problems or difficulties she may have. If she chooses to leave for any reason, even a family emergency,

then she will not be able to continue in the program.

“You want to be able to say you felt like a new Austrian in Austria.

Not an American staying in Austria, so I can not go home at all [while I am there]. They want me to feel completely involved with the culture and taking me out of it for stuff like holidays would put Austria on pause,” Eshenroder said.

What city she will live in and who her host families are will be will not be revealed until later this month.

Although friends and family are upset that she is leaving, they feel that this is an experience Eshenroder can not miss out on. Carter hopes that she will have the experience of a life time while she is there and that she learns a lot about their culture.

“Of course we will all miss her. Caitlin isn’t someone you forget. I think her personality fits foreign exchange, and I think it was just destiny,” Carter said. “I have absolutely no doubt that her exchange year will be filled with many great memories and will be a huge success.”

Eshenroder knows she will miss much more than just people, but also the many aspects of America, Missouri and even the school.

“I’ll miss my home [country] so much, but I’ll wear red, white and blue with pride. I am representing my country, and I am proud to do so,” Eshenroder said. “I’ll miss the Central atmosphere. I love this school, I really do. I’ll miss band class too.”

turmoil; Abdo feels that it is possible for them to end their disagreement.

“What I found here in America is that there are many different people living together and they all love each other as if there’s nothing different between them,” Abdo said. “So I found out that Arabs and Israelis could and must do the same.”

Although Abdo will be going back to Jordan this summer, he feels that his time in America has helped to shape him as a person. Not only will he be able to take back what he has

learned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but will be able to take back the new person he has become too.

He will be proud to tell the people of his country about what our nation has to offer.

“Now I’ve conducted the person that I want to be the one that listens, thinks, and speaks.

All the credits goes back to the great opportunity that the United State has given me,” Abdo said.

“I believe that I have the duty to deliver an honest message to my homeland, and my community, of how Americans are truly are— kind, joyful, and non-selfish.”

Eshenroder is very excited to meet new people while she is there and already has met a few other foreign exchange students who are enrolled in schools in America, but are from other nations such as Belgium, Australia and Taiwan.

“I love meeting new people, and I like differences. I like to understand why people are the way they are, and what’s better than submerging yourself into a situation where no one is like you?” Eshenroder said.

Although she leaves late this summer, Eshenroder has not begun learning to speak Austria’s national language, German, because she has not had much time between work and school, but she plans to learn while she is in Austria. She does not speak the language fluently yet, but has learned some of the basics through the German I class she took her sophomore year.

“To maximize her experience, she will need to immerse herself in Austrian culture,” Luzecky said. “It will be particularly important for her to become fluent in the German language.”

Going into a career that allows her to immerse herself into many different cultures is something that she has aspired to do her whole life.

Eshenroder wants to work with international relations because it is something that will allow her to help others as she learns many languages and travels around the world.

“I love culture, languages and helping people, and I can see myself traveling and working with people in

other countries, and I just see myself happy,” Eshenroder said. “I like the idea that for a job I would be able to see the world as much as I wanted to and be able to help people. That’s what I really want to do—see the world and help people.”

Kim Eshenroder feels very grateful her daughter gets to have a once in a lifetime experience such as this one. She feels very blessed to be able help fulfill one of her daughter’s biggest dreams. This is an adventure that will allow her to mature, have a new appreciation of what is at home, and learn to grow in other countries, Mrs. Eshenroder said. “[This is] something we never imagined we would be able to do for any of our children. Having this chance is something most people just dream about. This is something that Caitlin will have for the rest of her life, and know that not everyone gets to do it,” Mrs. Eshenroder said.

“It’s a once in a lifetime chance.”

Knowing this is an experience many do not get to experience in their lifetime, Eshenroder feels fortunate to have such supporting friends and family who will allow her to begin her life journey at such a young age.

“Not many people are able to say they even know what they want to do at this age, and if they do, they don’t know where to start,” Eshenroder said. “I mean it just feels amazing to have a dream you’ve wanted for so long to become less a dream and more of reality. Dreams are for when you’re asleep. Me? I get to live it.”

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Special Olympics open new doors p. 17 Spring sports season in review p. 18

15

Era of Erb

Junior pitcher's record, humility attract attention on, off the field

By Ellen Hinze Sweat Editor

I

n baseball, the focus tends to be on the batter. The audience watches him, no matter whose team he is playing for, hoping for him to strike out or hit a home run. Once the ball on bat contact is made, the eyes follow it until it is caught by a player or a fan. Even though he is not what the audience is focusing on, they blame him when the opposing team has a good run. Junior pitcher Alex Erb knows the feeling.

“I’ve got a lot of pressure to succeed,” Alex said. “Without good pitching, it’s hard to win.”

Alex started baseball at the age of five

on a little league team. His dad Jacob Erb and his mom, Kathleen Erb have supported him in his baseball career.

His dad also played baseball when he was a kid and had loved the game ever since.

“The whole family, really, is into baseball; my dad is always at my games,” Alex said.

Ever since his dad planted the idea of baseball in his head, Alex wanted to play. According to his parents, his first baseball game was a Cardinal’s game at the age of two. From then on, he wanted to watch and play baseball.

Please read more | Pitcher PAGE 16

Photo by Kelci Davis

Varsity baseball pitcher Alex Erb laughs while standing on the school’s baseball field. Erb has played on the school baseball team his three years of high school and the varsity team for the last two years.

Seniors honored for game, grades

By Victoria Walker Staff Reporter

This year, seniors Madeline Ragsdale, Ashley Hanne, Andrew Tedder, Matt Greene and Erica Grogg were selected to recieve the Scholar Athlete Award. Only five seniors per high school are awarded this honor. “[The award is] for if you’re in athletics and have certain grades,” said Hanne, who is one of the captains of the sensations varsity dance team. She said that applicants had to

Central Focus May 27, 2011

answer several questions; then, a mix of teachers and coaches viewed and judged their responses.

Activities Director Scott Harris was one of the administrators involved in organizing the award process for the scholar athletes.

“We offer three different awards.

One is the St. Louis Post Dispatch Scholar Athlete. The next one we give is the United States Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete, and the last one we give is the U.S. Marines

FHCtoday.com/Sweat

Distinguished Athlete Award,” Mr. Harris said.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete award goes to the top male or female scholar athlete in the senior class.

Ragsdale was the student awarded in the St. Louis Post Dispatch’s category. As a prize, she received four tickets to a Cardinals baseball game.

She got to walk down on the field with other students who won in this category and be recognized during

the game.

Hanne and Tedder received the Army National Scholar Athlete award. Both confirmed that this and the Marines category of the award were simply a recognition of their achievements, rather than a reward as in Ragsdale’s case.

Tedder, who is on the basketball and volleyball team, said that the varsity coaches nominate one senior per team.

Grogg, who runs track and cross

country, as well as ice skates, said that she didn’t know about the award in the beginning.

“One of my teachers told me about it,” Grogg said.

That was when she found out she had been nominated for it. All honorees received their awards on senior award night. “[Receiving the award is] really good because only five people in the school got Scholar Athlete Awards,” said Grogg. “So it’s exciting.”

Page design by Maddie Wilson

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Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Maddie Wilson

Wilbourn collects latest accolade Suburban Journals honor caps wrestler's accomplished high school career

By Ted Noelker

Mutlimedia Executive Editor

Photo by Kelci Davis

While competing at the Missouri State Wrestling Championships, Terrel Wilbourn tries to take down his opponent.

Pitcher from page 15 “[It all started while] watching the [St. Louis] Cardinals,” his father, Jacob Erb said. “[Alex] played with a nerf baseball set and T-ball in kindergarten.”

When playing his first game at the Rec-Plex, Erb saw baseball as ‘just a game,’ something to do for fun, until he fell in love.

“It’s something fun and something that I can enjoy,” Erb said. “I will play as long as I can. I will play until someone forces me to quit.”

Ever since he started playing baseball, Erb has been a dedicated pitcher and teammate, according to his parents.

“There has never been a time he has not wanted to play,” his father said. “During little league, there were times he would [put on] his uniform hours before the game.”

This passion has not gone unnoticed by his coach, either.

Coach Ray Howard is one person involved in Alex’s baseball career who has noticed his love for the game.

“He soaks up information from coaches and is very observant of other players,” Coach Howard said.

“Anything that he can do to make him a better player, he’ll do.”

Erb has shown he is serious about baseball. Even though he was young and did not know much about pitching, he strove for excellence, according to his parents.

“Alex wanted

to pitch at an early age,” his father said. “We didn’t know much about pitching, so we signed him up for pitching lessons.”

Erb is on the varsity team as the starting pitcher now. When he was a freshman, he made the freshman team, but just one year later, he made the varsity team. He has pitched almost every game for the Spartans, and he helped lead them to a victory over the nationally ranked Howell Vikings.

But Erb does not let this talent go to his head.

“Being cocky is not in my personality. At school, I’m a quiet person. But on the mound, in the field, while I’m playing? It’s different,” Erb said.

Although Erb might not be overly confident during school, he says confidence is needed in baseball.

“You have to be confident on the mound,” Erb said. “Pitching is all about confidence. If you aren’t confident, you’re gonna hit hard.”

He gets such strong confidence from his parents who have hacked him up in his baseball career since day one. His parents are hoping to see Erb succeed even more in the years to come.

“We have always told him if you’re having fun playing, play as long as you can,” his father said. “We are starting to look at options for after high school and hope he is able to play for a college or junior

In April, senior Terrel Wilbourn was named one of the nine male finalists of the 2011 Suburban Journals/St. Louis Cardinals Athletes of the Year. Wilbourn joined senior Jennifer Rocha of St. Dominic in taking home the honor from the St. Charles Journal.

“The annual award celebrates athletic accomplishments of high school kids from all areas of the St. Louis region,” the St. Louis PostDispatch says. “Each of the nine Journals honors a male and female athlete of the year for their coverage area, and those 18 student-athletes are finalists for the overall honor.

Journals editors select the finalists

and vote on the overall winners.”

Wilbourn was surprised with the honor when Wrestling Coach Steve Cross showed him the paper showing the announcement.

“I didn’t really react,” Wilbourn said. “It was just another award.”

Coach Cross echoed a similar sentiment, saying he was excited for Wilbourn but not really surprised.

“Not just what he’s done on the high school level but what he’s done on the national level is pretty impressive,” Coach Cross said.

Ending a high school wrestling career with a 97.2% winning percentage made up of multiple state and national titles, Wilbourn has seen his share of success and awards in the last four years.

college.”

No matter his intentions in the future or how experienced a pitcher he is, no matter the number of batters he has struck out or how many innings he has pitched, Erb he sees his future as “one big mental game.”

Photo by Mollie Lager

Alex Erb lunges forward as he pitches the ball. Erb was one of several varsity pitchers.

The

season

in

stats

10

games played

6

walks

0 46

2.45 earned run average

doubles allowed triples allowed home runs allowed

strikeouts

17 Creating connections through competition FHCtoday.com/Sweat

Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Kamrie Reed

By Kamrie Reed Staff Reporter

n

so

by hard oto ic Ph lan R Dy

While school athletics continue to wind down, for some students, the summer sport competitions are beginning to pick up. Senior Chris Sharp is a student who has the opportunity to begin training for his competitions in the Special Olympics.

Sharp first began the Special Olympics when he was eight years old due to a recommendation given to him by one of his friends from the Fort Zumwalt Special Olympic competitions. Sharp has since competed for the last eight years.

His mother, Dr. Sue Sharp, has faithfully taken Chris every year to his two main events: bowling and basketball. His mother believes the Special Olympics are a great benefit for both Chris as well as his mother’s life.

“The Special Olympics has widened his social circle and allowed Chris to be a normal teen who goes out and has pizza with his friends, who are just like him,” said Dr. Sharp.

Over the years, Sharp has accumulated 20 medals, the majority

of them gold. One year in particular, Special Olympics has substantially his team won the local competitions impacted the lives of the competitors. and had the opportunity to go to Competitors have the ability to Kansas City to compete with his participate in a sport that encourages basketball team in state finals. This connection with fellow special needs same year, the team won a gold medal. and allows them so opportunities At first, Sharp competed in all to compete like any other “normal” the events offered at the Special person. Meanwhile, people can Olympics. He explored the track and volunteer to help encourage and field events, s u p p o r t but it was these same soon evident competitors. that he hated Junior Kari Just seeing how it because of Bensinger much Chris enjoys the massive first began to amount of volunteer at it and the social r u n n i n g, the Special opportunities it according to O l y m p i c s Dr. Sharp. when she was a provides makes me “ C h r i s freshman. proud that my son prefers more of “[The Special a whole group Olympics] was is a part of it. effort, rather where I first than individual fell in love with — Dr. Sue Sharp events where it special needs is all about one kids because I person,” said got to see how Dr. Sharp. “He also happy they were hates to run.” and how excited they were to be Dr. Sharp has since connected there,” said Bensinger. other students to the Special Bensinger volunteered with people Olympics. who were competing in track and “They [the competitors] all know field events. each others’ names,” said Dr. Sharp.

“The most powerful moment was “Somebody knows him and cares when a little girl who got first place about him and that he is there.” for running said she would take

“

”

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second so her best friend could get her medal. Those giving moments make me want to be a better person,” said Bensinger.

The Special Olympics has always been known for great sportsmanship, according to Dr. Sharp. Competitors always clap after anyone competes in an event.

“There [are] always a lot of encouraging high fives, fist pounding and cheers for all the competitors,” said Dr. Sharp.

Special education teacher Mrs. Val Sullins volunteered at the Special Olympics bowling competitions with her husband. “[The competitors] excitement is contagious! They were always thrilled.

It gives them opportunities they don’t normally have and brings you down to earth to make you see what is important as people,” said Mrs. Sullins.

Special Olympics will continue to run throughout the summer and give competitors opportunities to build friendships with people just like them.

“I always knew Special Olympics was a great organization. Just seeing how much Chris enjoys it and the social opportunities it provides makes me proud that my son is a part of it,” said Dr. Sharp.

“A lot of my high school classmates attended SCC, so it was nice to know I wasn’t alone.” ~ Danielle Le Tourneau SCC alum Francis Howell Central alum

Ask your counselor how to get started at St. Charles Community College.

Call 636-922-8000 or visit stchas.edu.

Spring sports 2011

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Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Ellen Hinze

20-8 Record

27-10 Record

7-2 Record

11-12 Record

11-3

Turning Points Key points of games from the past 30 days

Record

Volleyball loses to CBC

Baseball falls to Zumwalt East

The varsity boys volleyball team lost in two games to CBC in the State Quarterfinals in Kirkwood on May 16.

The varsity baseball team's season ended following a 10-4 loss to the Lions of Fort Zumwalt East on May 17.

Photo by Ellen Hinze

Photo by Jessy DiMariano

Scene

Sunglasses that fit your style p. 21 Summer sweets: sugary treats for the heat p. 23

The

19

Busting seams Senior Sam Holder follows up on early musical ambitions

By Lizzi Holland Staff Reporter

S

tatistically speaking, the likelyhood of someone local actually becoming a famous musician or superstar is most likely not going to happen.

Millions of young adults strive for such feats. Some audition for “American Idol” or become YouTube celebrities in order to receive some musical recognition.

All of these teens have the hope and ambition to become something more than a lawyer or teacher or doctor. However, few actually contain the drive and raw talent to turn their dreams into reality. Senior Samuel Holder is one of the few trying to breaking into the music industry by any means necessary.

Despite only being a senior in high school, Holder knows how to play the guitar, ukulele and banjo. He often sings while playing one of the aforementioned instruments, for his voice is often spoken about by his fans more than simply playing an instrument.

Holder’s musical journey began with a present he gave to his father: a ukulele for Father’s Day

that had previously laid dormant.

Many musicians learn how to play instruments from a mentor, be it a friend, family member or certified instructor. Holder, however, struggled with the idea of someone teaching him how to do something the “right” way.

“I hate being taught how to do something. I’d rather just simply do myself,” said Holder.

So, an artist was born. The ukulele was mastered first, then the guitar, another instrument snatched up from his father.

Finally, Holder obtained a banjo, a gift from his grandmother, which is still a work in progress, according to Holder. Yet, despite having learned how to control both his voice and a few instruments, Holder originally never thought he would go far with music.

“When I was a little kid I wanted to be famous,” said Holder.

“But, then I grew up and realized that I don’t care. I don’t care where [my music] goes as long as I keep doing it. I mean, I hope it goes somewhere because I have finally realized my potential Please read more | Holder, PAGE 21

Photo by Savannah McEachern

Sitting on a stool as he strums his ukelele, senior Sam Holder sings to the crowd at St. Charles Coffee House on April 14. Holder has been performing at local venues, such as the Coffee House, since January.

Central Focus May 27. 2011 FHCtoday.com/TheScene

Page design by Claire Henderson

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Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Patrick Hurley

New movies no more

By Patrick Hurley Staff Reporter

Seeing a movie theater marquee today, you may be hit with a sense of déjà vu. Many Hollywood films released lately are not original ideas. They branch from stories brainstormed years, even decades, before. The revamped movie can be a

completely refreshed vision or simply a duplicate (with better special effects). Either way, the originality of the movie business is slowly fading.

The remade horror flicks include much more gore than the originals.

“Psycho,” for example, never included much blood and guts. The film relied mainly on the music. Modern takes on the scary movie genre are blood baths. The audience anticipates slashing scenes and butchered babes.

With the progression of time, visual effects have advanced, for instance, the movie “Flubber.” While released in 1997, it shows how far movies have come with animations.

Originally called “The Absent

Minded Professor” released in 1961, it had simple animation for its time.

But only 36 years later, movie magic opened up new windows for the remake. With computer-generated imagery (CGI), cars convincingly flew through the sky and little balls of green jello danced the salsa. Even from 1997 to now, computer graphics have made leaps and bounds. The movie “Avatar” by James Cameron flowed seamlessly from live action to CGI. One of the biggest differences from original to remake was “Charlie and the Chocolate factory.” First “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” from 1971, the movie was taken on in a different light in 2005.

Tim Burton is well known for his fresh new vision on classics, and this

was no exception.

The original was much more of a musical than the newest, while there were still musical numbers in Burton’s. Not only that, but the newly envisioned oompa-loompas were much different.

In the 1971 version, the oompa loompas were orange dwarfs in white overalls. Burton’s were much smaller and numerous. (Also, the newer film discusses where Wonka found these whimsical workers). The “bad egg” scene from the premier film was replaced with squirrels cracking nuts.

The scene with the burping soda was cut from the remake completely.

Classics such as the glass elevator

shooting through the roof were left untouched.

What may seem flashy and eye catching today may be a thing of the past tomorrow, looking at the strides the movie industry has made in the last ten years, it is anyone’s guess as to what will be the next big thing.

FHCtoday.com/TheScene

Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Anna Gingrich

The Scene

21

Shows to break status quos To make this Warped Tour the best yet, follow these simple suggestions

One of the most anticipated events of some students’ summer season can be narrowed down to one

By Anna Gingrich humongous The Scene Editor compilation of their favorite music, merchandise, charities, non-profit groups and extreme sports. What is this event, you ask? Introducing Warped Tour 2011, established in 1995. This could be considered the “can’t miss” event of the year! And with over 40 show dates nationwide, how could you?

At the St. Louis stop this year, you’ll have the opportunity to listen to bands such as A Day To Remember, Jack’s Mannequin, Gym Class Heroes, Of Mice and Men, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Ready Set. Along with these, over 50 more bands will be performing.

For the price you pay to see one of these bands in concert, you could pay the same to see all of them.

This is the bargain of the year, and that’s only half of it! There is also an opportunity to purchase all of your favorite merchandise from the groups. Instead of enduring the woes of ordering online, all you need to do is walk around and respond

to any of the vendors fighting for your attention. You couldn’t ask for a better shopping experience.

However, keep in mind that this nationwide event takes place during the summer. Regardless of your location in the U.S, it is going to be hot. For that reason, I have created a list of necessities for attending Warped Tour 2011. Number one, you will need your cell phone. Needless to say? I would certainly hope so.

You are going to be taking pictures, videos and audio recordings. Plus, if you’re not exceedingly introverted, you will be meeting new people who are into the same music that you are! Without your cell phone, you will never know what time it is, and you’ll be the only person in the entire crowd who isn’t tweeting while the next band is setting up the stage.

Number two, you will need a minimum of $50 in cash. You will need to eat, and the security doesn’t allow you to bring in your own water bottles for fear of your inebriation.

You know who you are. Also, you won’t be able to resist buying at least one T-shirt, CD or sweatband from the merch tables. So don’t forget the cash.

Number three, you will need sunglasses. The last thing you want

is to begin the day in the shade, thinking you’ve found the perfect spot, but then slowly realize that the sun moves and will make it’s way right into your eyes. If you forget your shades, you’ll be squinting the whole day and look quite stupid.

There is also a list of things to not bring, and this is almost more important. Do not bring your purse.

I cannot tell you how terrible it was

Photo by Savannah McEachern

feet the entire day. You should also wear at least SPF 20 sunscreen on your arms, legs and face. The concert burns are quick to take effect, and you’ll be miserable by late afternoon.

Above all else, keep in mind that you’re at Warped Tour to have fun with your friends and enjoy all of the incredible music being performed.

You are going to want to make the most of the experience.

Graphic by Scott Kenkel and Michael Roundcount

Holder page 19

from

As he plays acoustic guitar and sings, senior Sam Holder looks out to the crowd.

Holder has been perfoming his original music under the name “5:am.”

when I took mine to ‘Warped Tour Pit Stop’ in Las Vegas last June. It is restricting. You can’t jump around or set it down anywhere, you are just stuck with it weighing you down the entire day. So leave the purse in your car and hide it under the seats.

When it comes to prep work, there are a few simple things to note.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes because you will be on your

but if it doesn’t, I won’t be upset because I’ll still be doing what I love.”

The way Holder started thinking about an actual career in music had an unexpected beginning. One day, while hanging out at his house with his friend and fellow senior John Daniel Gresham, they were just relaxing in a fort they had made when Gresham randomly shouted out, “Lets start a band!” After some consideration, both Holder and Gresham joined up with their friend, senior Brendan Kinnison, and started their own little group. The three friends began to have musical differences, which eventually led to the break up of the band.

“I’m really not good at working with other people,” said Holder.

Despite the breakup of the band, the friendship remains intact. In fact, Holder gives Gresham credit for pushing him to begin performing.

“I never really thought much would come from me saying that we should start a band. I just knew that Sam and I are both into music and

that we already spent a lot of time together, so I thought it would be a fun thing to try out. As for the band’s split, there are no sore feelings,” said Gresham.

Holder has not forgotten about the effect of his friend’s inspiration.

“I probably wouldn’t be where I am musically if it hadn’t been for John Daniel wanting to start a band,” said Holder.

One way Holder started performing for an audience was by playing at the St. Charles Coffee House every Tuesday and Thursday.

He started playing there in January 2011 after countless people told him that he should try it out sometime.

So, he finally did and never looked back. Luckily, Holder is not burdened with stage fright, so making the leap to performing for a live audience was not extremely daunting.

“I don’t ever really get nervous playing things in front of people, at the Coffee House at least,” said Holder.

The Coffee House has provided a doorway to bigger and better things for Holder. He has started getting into more shows at varying locations.

Some take place at the coffee house,

but he has also performed at the Sci-Fi Lounge, a coffee house in Crestwood, and was scheduled to play at Lindenwood University, but was unable to attend the event.

With the assistance of all of the live performances, Holder has received quite of bit of positive feedback. It appears the public has taken a liking to Holder’s music, both his cover performances and original pieces. Holder has even been recognized by a few fans on the street while going about his daily business, which according to him, is an accomplishment in itself.

Holder hopes to get into performing more shows but is keeping busy in the meantime. He is currently working on an album, which is being recorded at a friend’s house.

The album is going to feature acoustic songs, each personally written and created by himself under the name “5:am.” “5:am” has both a band page on Facebook and an album, scheduled to be available on iTunes by the beginning of the summer, so all of his fans and fellow students will be able to take some of his music back home with them.

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Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Mikelle McClintock

Accessories that amplify

By Destiny Pipkin Staff Reporter

Aviators

proportions. If you have a square shape face, generally the basic features include an angular face with a strong jaw line, a broad forehead and square chin with proportional length and width.

If you have a more heart shaped face, you may have a face that includes features like a broad forehead and wide cheekbones that narrow to a small chin.

You may have seen these before on Audrey Hepburn or Buddy Holly: These popular 1960s sunglasses are making a successful comeback. With all the different styles they are coming in, anyone can find at least one pair to complement their face. Heart shaped faces look best in a classic Rayban design and a square shaped face should try Raybans designed with the rounded tops.

Jackie O's

Raybans

Sunglasses, in a way, are the “center piece” of every outfit.

They are the first thing someone sees when he, or she, looks at you, being that they are in the center of your face. Therefore, when you purchase a pair of sunglasses, you have to find the

perfect pair that will compliment your appearance and also have some of your own personal style in them. Round faces usually have distinguishable features such as full cheeks, rounded chins with few angles. If you have a more oval face, you may have a slightly different structure such as a narrower chin and a large forehead and high cheekbones; width and length are in same

Jackie Onassis is known for her timeless beauty and sense of fashion. Her square face shape was often complemented by her signature large, round glasses that help complement the square face by adding light curves. “Jackie O’s” have been made to come in every color and are a way to give yourself the classic, stylish look of Jackie Onassis.

Aviators look best on square and heart-shaped faces. Aviators will accent the eyes and create the illusion of curves to help soften the square or angular shape of the face. Tinted lenses in Aviators help draw more attention to the eye area of the face.

Sun exposure leads to cancer Check

By Mikelle McClintock Communications Editor

Summertime is approaching, and the idea of getting that summer glow is heating up, as well as the questions about which methods of tanning are safe and which have negative effects.

Are the myths about tanning really truths? Whether it is tanning in a bed or on a beach, it is just as harmful, according to SunAware.com. One visit to a tanning bed for 20 minutes is the equivalent to spending the entire day outside in the harsh sun. There are many risk factors that attribute to skin cancer.

“I know [tanning] can cause skin cancer, impair vision, and if the bed isn’t sanitized, you can get tapeworm,” said junior Meagen Hostutler.

Hostutler has a family history of skin cancer. Hostutler’s mother currently has squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer and was diagnosed six years ago. Having

a family history with skin cancer increases the risk of becoming susceptible to it. Hostutler is aware of the effects of tanning and limits her exposure to tanning beds.

“I do understand the effects. I tan really easily, so I don’t have to go as often. I don’t go to a tanning bed in the summer either,” said Hostutler.

Junior Ashley Guthrie also has a family history of skin cancer since her father had it. Guthrie says that she visits a tanning bed, on average, everyday.

“I know the effects of tanning, but it doesn’t really affect me,” said Guthrie.

Teenagers and others who tan have become immune to the fact that tanning is unhealthy. Junior Maddie Mendel agrees with Guthrie. Mendel also says she likes feeling good about herself and that is exactly what tanning does for her.

Hostutler says that it makes her feel more comfortable about herself.

When you tan, your body releases chemicals, called endorphins, when UV light is absorbed into the skin.

This is how tanning can become addicting, according to WebMD. “It has been scientifically proven that tanning is addictive,” said Dr. Robyn M. Stenge.

Dr. Stengel is a dermatologist in O’Fallon, MO, and she says that there is a psychological seasonal affective disorder that teens have when it is winter time and they are not able to be naturally tan.

“I don’t like being pale in the winter,” said Guthrie.

According to Dr. Stengel, sunburns are major risk factors of skin cancer. The exposure of UV rays has a potential cause to mutations in DNA strands in the epidermal calls.

The more exposure to the harmful UV rays, the more the chances of getting skin cancer increases.

According to WebMD, those with a naturally darker skin tone

have a decreased chance of getting sunburned. Those with a fair skin tone have a high potentiality of getting sunburned.

“I have an olive skin tone, so I never burn really,” said Mendel.

Some safe alternatives to tanning, according to Dr. Stengel, are spray tans, mystic tans at a spa or sunless tanners, which come in lotions, wipes and sprays. These sunless tanners are FDA approved for cosmetic use, according to The American Cancer Society. When used properly, they are not thought to be harmful.

Moreover, sunscreen is a safe product that protects from UV rays, but not all types of rays. Even with proper use, sunscreen does not always fully protect 100 percent. The American Cancer Society says that using other forms of skin protection, along with sunscreen, are very important like simply covering up when outdoors, wearing a hat and wearing sunglasses.

out:

to learn how to make a tie-dye shirt!

FHCtoday.com/TheScene

Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Staff

The Scene

23

Shops to satisfy your sweet tooth The most popular ice cream and dessert shops in the St. Louis region

The Cup Bakery, Cupcakes, Wedding Cakes Central West End 28 Maryland Plaza Rear St. Louis, MO 63108 314.367.6111 The dainty little cupcake bakery and cafe, The Cup, has been catering to the sweet tooth of the Central West End and all its daily visitors since 2007. The Cup offers seven daily made cupcakes, as well as one or two of the six “featured flavors” that are cycled through every week. The front counter is filled with a colorful array of fresh cupcakes, and sports magnetic boards with words relating to the restaurant and its products that customers can create their own sentences with.

And the cherry on top is the jar of free candles next to the cash register offering a treat with every birthday cupcake that is bought.

By Alli Keisker and Claire Henderson Be Heard Editor and Copy Manager

Jilly's

Fritz's

Frozen Custard and Ice Cream 506 Jungermann Rd. St. Peters, MO 63376 636.928.2606

Jilly’s Cupcake Bar & Cafe 8509 Delmar Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63124 314.993.JILLY (5455)

One of the most popular frozen custard places, Fritz’s has been around for 28 years and counting. According to their website, they are “the Home of the Famous Turtle Sundae!”Customers order through a sliding window, which allows them to see their frozen treat being made right in front of their very eyes. Fritz’s has a homemade recipe for their custard and uses the “old time” freezing process which is what gives it the creamy texture. They have not only the typical vanilla and chocolateflavors, but also a flavor of the day.

$3.75-$5.25/cupcake Most Popular: Turtle Cheesecake

$2.75/cupcake Most Popular: Confetti Offers a party room to rent for “frosting parties”

Yo My Goodness Frozen Yogurt St. Charles, MO 63303 2621 Muegge Rd. 636-922-1245

Snow Caps

The newly opened frozen yogurt joint, Yo My Goodness, became a phenomenon over night.

As you walk into the store you will notice the white and green furnishing, the elaborate topping counter, and the wide variety of yogurt flavors.

Each visit they promise to have 20 different toppings and 12 daily flavors for their customers to enjoy. Yo My Goodness allows its customers to serve themselves to whichever flavor yogurt and toppings they want. With only 100 calories and 0g fat, their website encourages to “taste the goodness, not the guilt.”

Shaved Ice, Real Fruit Smoothies, Frappuccinos 3917 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. St. Peters, MO 63376 314.447.5800 The local snow cone shop, Snow Caps, is located in the little shack in front of Vetta Sports. Despite its small size, it holds over 50 different individual flavors, along with 29 mixed flavors and several “Premium Flavors.” They have endless choices at a reasonable price. Snow Caps is only open during the summer season and is great for those hot summer days. They have chairs and tables for their customers to sit in as they eat their snow cones.

An easy find, Jilly’s Cupcake Bar and Cafe is located right off of I-170 on Delmar Boulevard.

Jilly’s is best known for the large size of its cupcakes and the resulting prices. The dining room is colorful, the cupcakes are beautiful, and the reviews are raving. Jilly’s website boasts, “We have the most moist, decadent, gourmet-stuffed cupcakes in the country.” Jilly’s also serves lunch, a brunch buffet, and offers catering services.

Photo by MCT Campus

A baker frosts a cupcake. Many ice cream shops and bakeries have recently opened across the St. Louis area.

$0.20/oz.

12 favors/day

24

Aperture

FHCtoday.com/Aperture

Central Focus May 27, 2011

Page design by Kelci Davis, photos by Savannah McEachern

Fashion gets factual Sophomore Pierce Bloebaum lays his wet T-shirt out flat on a clean desk before securing the design with rubberbands.

Bloebaum chose to create his own pattern instead of using on of the examples in the packet Mr. Kozlowski provided.

With his dye pattern almost complete, sophomore Christopher Kabacinski touches up on the green areas in his T-shirt. Kabacinski used one of the more commonly used patters for his design, a spiral.

“

It's a tradition during EOCs. It's nice because it gives them a break from studying, but there's a lot more to it than just tyedying.

”

— Mr. John Kozlowski LEFT: Junior Amanda Weinand adds fuscia dye to her T-shirt.

Students soaked their shirts overnight in sodium carbonate solution, which allows for the dye to bond to the fabric.

On the last days of EOC testing, April 27 and 28, Mr. John Kozlowski's chemistry students were able to enjoy the Effect of Synthetic Dyes on a CelluloseBased Substrate Lab, commonly known as the “Tye-Dye T-Shirt” lab. Friday, many students can be seen wearing their T-shirts for extra credit.

RIGHT: While adding newly-mixed red dye to her rubberband-bound fabric, junior Hannah Koester tries to keep her hand steady to avoid unintentionally running her colors together. Koester utilized a more vibrant palate of colors on her white cotton T-shirt, including yellow, orange and red.

Juniors Brendan Martak and John Mueller begin adding dye to their T-shirts. The colors, which were composed of dye, urea and NaCl, formed covalent bonds with the cotton which allowed for a strong molecular bond.