In the shadows

2

MAY 13, 2016

staff

staff members

letters to the editor

digital media

Print Executive Editor

Have a letter for the editor or a question for us?

Online

Cadence Bippen

Multimedia Executive Editor Jared McClellan

Design Editor Morgan Brader

Discover Editor

If something we wrote demands your voice, please e-mail us at fhcpub@gmail.com or drop your handwritten letter off with Mr. Schott in Room 139. The Central Focus staff will print the entirety of your letter, providing it meets the standards of publication laid out in the FHC Publications editorial policy, which is available in Room 139 or at www.fhctoday.com for your perusal.

Emily Mann

FHCtoday.com is the online home of FHC Publications and serves as a hub for all of our breaking news, photography and video work. For all you need to know about the FHC community, head to FHCtoday.com @fhcpublications francis howell central publications @fhcpublications

Feature Editor Olivia Biondo

fhcpublications

Move Editor Bri Shatto

Voice Editor Becca Abrams

Entertain Editor Elisa Swanson

Photo Editor Taylor Tinnes

Staff Reporters

Abram Cutshall, Elizabeth Gerger, Jack Hiegel, Skylar Laird, Elaine Mallon, Haley Mills, Mackenzie Morris, Will Sills, Leslie Sutton, Kaleigh Zehnle

Photographers

Belle Herrera, Josephene Julien, Morgan West

Adviser/for advertising inquiries Matthew Schott matthew.schott@fhsdschools.com

letter from the editor

T

his past issue was a challenge: the majority of my responsibilities have been passed on to two ladies who will continue the legacy of the Central Focus, just as all the other editor positions have been passed on, as well. Through this changing of roles and learning and teaching experience, the relationships among our staff have grown and deepened.

A result of this deeper connection is deeper conversations — Cadence Bippen conversations that are often unacknowledged and left in the print executive shadows. The subject of mental health arose from the relevant editor

topic of teenage suicide. All kids know that depression, anxiety, and other illnesses exist, but often shy away when the topic is brought up. The hope is that through this issue of the Central Focus, conversations can be sparked. Through talking about mental health, the whole student population can be informed, and those who do or have suffered from mental illness can be reminded that they aren’t alone, and there are people who have successfully made it through the same thing they are going through right now.

3

Contents

MAY 13, 2016

may 6

Why-fi?

Recent decision by district prohibits students from accessing Wi-Fi on mobile devices, restricts previously accessible websites.

10 No debate

Mackenzie Morris makes history as first FHC debate team member to qualify for state competition.

online

Teacher appreciation 2016

Faculty members get honored by FHC Publications members in our fifth annual teacher appreciation week feature.

Go to FHCtoday.com

29 Just vote no

Will Sills explains why he thinks the billionaire shouldn’t be considered for the presidency in November.

Anatomy teacher Scott Dauve speaks with a student during his sixth hour class. Dauve was one of Photos by Belle Herrera

4 MAY 13, 2016

discover

New faces on the Board Voters elect new members for the Board of Education

Photo by Beth Weirich

Newly elected board members Mike Hoehn and Michelle Walker listen to a questioner at the FHC Publications candidate forum on March 30. Walker and Hoehn were the top two vote getters in the April 5 election, earning two-year positions on the Board of Education.

With the local election season having come and

from 2008-2014, owns a business and has been on

home ownership, great schools, and an engaged

gone for this year in April, a few notable issues and

several district committees. As for Ms. Walker, who

community will keep us successful,” Ms. Walker said

elections were put on the ballot. One of these was

was on the ballot for the first time this year, the path

in a statement on her campaign website. “I want to

particularly noteworthy for Francis Howell School

to the Board of Education was a bit different. She

ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely and our home

District students and faculty,

graduated from Francis Howell

and this had to do with the

in 1994 and has had a variety

According to Mr. Lafata, he isn’t sure how these

of occupations since that time,

two new members will improve the district, but he is

including some service in the

sure that they will try.

election of two new members of the Board of Education. The two people that the voters chose were Michelle Walker and Mike Hoehn.

The

election,

which

took

place on Apr. 5, featured four candidates on the ballot. This included

incumbent

“I work for the community, and I trust them when they make decisions like this, so I trust them now and hope that it works out.”

School Board President Mark Lafata

Board

values continue to rise.”

Navy, in addition to being on

“The board is just seven people trying to get the

some of the district committees.

job of serving our students done, and I think that the

Over the years, both of them

new members will definitely try to accomplish this

have met Mr. Lafata.

goal,” Mr. Lafata said.

“I met [Ms. Walker] briefly

As far as what these plans are, Ms. Walker said

this year when she decided to

that her main focus was on community engagement.

run,” Mr. Lafata said. “I met [Mr.

“[I want to work on] increasing community

member Cynthia Bice and newcomer Kimberlyann

Hoehn] several years ago, and we served together

engagement and community involvement in the

Granger along with Mr. Hoehn and Ms. Walker. The

on the Board for six years.”

district and work together as a board to figure out

two seats open were those of Dr. Bice and Amy McEvoy, who filed to run, but dropped out of the

Both candidates had a reason for filing their candidacy in late Dec. of 2015.

what we need to do to get our financial situation under control,” Ms. Walker said.

running earlier this year. Board President Mark Lafata

“I feel that I can provide a proactive approach in

As for Mr. Hoehn, community involvement ranked

said the two candidates whom the voters chose

representing the taxpayers of our district. I will not

high on his list. In addition, fiscal responsibility was

were excellent choices to fill these seats.

spend money we don’t have,” Mr. Hoehn said. “It has

one of the more important items on his plate for the

been my opinion that the current Board reacts to

next few school years.

“I work for the community, and I trust them when they make decisions like this, so I trust them now and hope that it works out,” Mr. Lafata said.

Both of the two new Board members have a

issues and is not visionary in their approach.”

As for Ms. Walker, the reasoning was bringing her unique skill set to the district in order to improve it.

“The current administration and board have approved budgets that have depleted the district’s reserves and will place the district on the state’s

long history inside of FHSD as well as plenty of

“Professionally, I bring real estate industry and

distressed list,” Mr. Hoehn said in a statement on his

experience outside of it. Mr. Hoehn, a district resident

community credibility with an educated insight that

campaign website. “The Board is making the kids

for 33 years who previously served on the Board

will guide my school board decisions. Affordable

pay because of irresponsible spending.”

DISCOVER

Feeling APprehensive

By Cadence Bippen

5 MAY 13, 2016

Students consider choosing upper level classes which ultimately help them grow

Print Executive Editor

With the end of the year comes happiness and excitement, but for those taking one or more AP tests in May, it is a time of a lot of stress. One could argue that the stress put on students at the end of the year is too much, but the students chose to take these classes, right? Should underclassmen be worrying about their summer plans, or, like Gillian Pendel, look even farther ahead and make sure their choices in high school will benefit them in the college admissions process?

Pendel is a sophomore who has already taken some interest into Washington University and St. Louis University. She is aware that the schools she is looking into are competitive, but so is she.

Pendel has taken all of the honors classes offered to her thus far, and plans on enrolling in four AP courses for her junior year. She is hoping to do well in these classes, to show the colleges what she can handle, but believes that even if she had taken regular classes she could still stand out.

“My counselor told me you could get into just as good of a school if you have all regular classes. [Colleges] probably just look for good grades - it doesn’t really matter if it’s rigorous as long as you’re doing well,” Pendel said. Because of this, Pendel experienced the understandable hesitancy many students do when choosing AP classes. Junior Zach Painter also acknowledges the additional workload that comes with an upper level class, and he took that into consideration when deciding how many AP classes he’d put in his senior year schedule.

“You don’t want to be stressed out and have six or seven AP classes and not have time to do anything,” Painter said. “If you’ve got an extracurricular activity, it’s hard to manage AP classes with that after school.” Painter said that he is limiting himself to four AP classes next year, to keep it safe.

As far as admissions go, Painter believes that the schools look a lot into how the student challenged him or herself in high school.

“I feel like [college admissions] care about class rank, what classes you’re taking, how hard

the classes are,” Painter said. He believes AP classes help especially. “They can see that you already have that [subject] sort of down, and they can tell if you’ll do well.”

For Painter, the pressure of college has some impact on what classes he chooses to take, but he finds additional benefits of the difficult courses.

“It kind of challenges everyone to try to do better and excel in that subject that you think you’re good at,” Painter said. “[It] gives us an opportunity to go outside of the box and see how well we can do in classes that are similar to college-based.”

A day in the life of an AP student Gillian’s day

9 1 7 2 3 2

Approximate number of hours per day

After school, Gillian participates in theatre and then heads to work at Plato’s Closet, leaving a small amount of time for homework.

Zach’s day

8 1.5 7 2 2 1.5 2.5

Zach gives himself time to eat breakfast every morning so he is prepared for the busy day that lies ahead.

Approximate number of hours per day

Since Pendel believes that a more rigorous schedule won’t necessarily give her a cutting edge in the college admissions process, she too proves she isn’t taking difficult classes just because it is what others expect of her, but because it is what she expects of herself.

“I personally don’t feel like I’m doing my best… like I’m pushing myself, if I’m taking regular classes,” Pendell said, considering the fact that she has taken honors classes her whole life.

Both Pendel and Painter have done what any FHC counselor would advise, and that is to at least try an AP course if you are capable.

Counselor Dustin Bailey hopes students will take AP classes to help with the confidence necessary for taking a college class. According to Bailey, a student who has taken AP might think ‘Hey, I can do a college-level class. I already did one, I did okay in it, I’m going to succeed at this level.’

Besides that, AP students have the opportunity to earn credit for college, potentially bringing the cost down. Mr. Bailey warns, though, that a student bringing in very many credits may no longer be considered a “freshman,” thus losing some scholarships.

“The biggest amount of scholarships are there for incoming freshmen,” Bailey explained. “It’s all a number game, cause if you’re already done with your whole first year of college, you might still save $20,000.”

In the end, Pendel and Painter have both chosen to spice up their schedules with some challenging classes next year - for colleges and for themselves. But, the two are being smart about it and don’t plan to exceed what they are capable of handling.

Pendel encourages you to take as many as you can handle and to challenge yourself. Every person is different in what classes he or she should take.

“I know some people take five or six AP classes at once, and that’s too much for me,” Pendel said.

“But I mean, [take] as much as you can handle. If you can do it, do it.”

6 discover MAY 13, 2016

Why, oh why is there no Wi-Fi? The district turned off access to the Wi-fi and students are wondering why

DISCOVER

7 MAY 13, 2016

By Kaleigh Zehnle Staff reporter For the weeks prior to and during EOC testing, access to Wi-fi on mobile devices was restricted.

This caused some irritation among teachers and students, as service worsened and data was used up. Though the situation may have been frustrating to some, the district was only trying to help the schools and students.

According to the technology services manager for FHSD, Jason Adams, the bandwidth available on the computers was decreasing as more and more people used Wi-fi on their mobile devices.

Bandwidth is a measurement of the ability of an electronic communication device or system (such as a computer network) to send and receive information (Merriam-Webster).

“In recent years, FHSD has seen an acute increase in the demand for Internet services,” Adams said. “During a six-week period in February and March, FHSD’s network reached its capacity due to overutilization. This overutilization interfered with classroom instruction and administrative duties.”

The district wanted to fix this interference and improve the amount of bandwidth accessible for the upcoming EOC exams.

“To ensure adequate bandwidth is available for classroom curriculum and online testing, one of the decisions made was to disable wireless access on personal devices,” Adams said. “We are currently looking at all available options for allowing this access again in the future.”

Principal Dr. Sonny Arnel said that the bandwidth with an excess of devices connected to the Wi-fi is similar to a highway clogged with traffic.

“If it’s traffic time, everyone goes 5 mph. If you’re driving to the airport at two in the morning and no one is out, it’s easy to get there,” Dr. Arnel said.

“Four years ago, that highway was big enough, but nowadays if you walk into a classroom, 95 percent of students have a smartphone. As soon as you walk in the building, it uploads to our guest service which puts more people on the highway.”

According to Dr. Arnel, having 10,000 students and 3,000 employees connecting to the Wi-fi daily clogged this highway so much there wasn’t room for

academics on it, so the district adjusted access to the guest provider.

“The guest provider is open before school and after school, but it’s shut off during school.

It’s open on the weekend also,” Dr. Arnel said.

“Basically, it’s like shutting down the on-ramp on the highway so people can’t get on and people already on it can drive faster. Until the highway is big enough, they have to shut down the ramps so the highway moves as fast as possible.”

At first, students were angry and frustrated by not having access to the Internet at school, including junior Lukas Mendel.

“I can understand why they would do it, for the people that get distracted,” Mendel said, “but for instance, in my class right now, I need to use the Internet and it’s really slow [on my phone] , so I can only use the iPads. There’s other classes where the iPads haven’t been available, and I can’t do my work.”

Senior Riley Wilson agrees the restrictions on Internet access have been causing problems for teachers and students in classrooms.

“They have to use their own data now to get on the Internet,” Wilson said, “and some teachers feel like they can’t let us use our p h on e s like

we usually do, like using Kahoot, because we would have to use the Internet. Also, teachers can’t access all of their things, like YouTube, for learning purposes.”

After some time without Wi-fi on their phones, these students and others began to understand or just got used to it.

“It’s not a major inconvenience to me. I think I’m more used to it,” Mendel said. “I know when I’m near all the marketing classes, I’m not gonna be able to text anybody.”

Wilson has accepted the fact her last few weeks of her high school career won’t include having Wi-fi on her phone.

“At first I was kind of annoyed because I have limited data, so I don’t wanna have to use it all during school, but I’ve kind of gotten used to it now,” Wilson said. “It does help with learning. I don’t feel like I need to get on my phone because I feel like I can’t get on my phone.”

8 Discover MAY 13, 2016

Enrollment, board decisions cause problems for 2016-17 school year

By Abram Cutshall Staff reporter During next school year, our school will be facing budget cuts, but many are unsure what that will look like. Rumor has it we won’t have wifi and will be cutting a lot of our transportation and classes. Most of these rumors are false.

Unfortunately, the responsibility of cutting spending on our school falls on the shoulders of Principal Sonny Arnel.

With budget cuts already made in previous years, it makes it hard to take more off of an already meatless bone. The only place left that will really have an effect on the budget is the staff.

“We had to cut $4.2 million out of budget and, unfortunately, one of the only places to take that from is staffing,” Dr. Arnel said.

These budget cuts not only greatly affect the teachers and their jobs, but also the courses they teach. Choir teacher Elisabeth Baird had to have

two of her choir courses cut.

“I have to travel to and from Saeger now,” Ms. Baird said, “I am still full time and they didn’t cut the whole program, which is great, but traveling is going to make the program harder and the day a lot more stressful.”

The classes that are cut are all based on the enrollment history they have with students. Dr. Arnel has to look at the enrollment history from the previous year.

“It’s all based on how many kids sign up for the classes and student enrollment. We have to have at least 20 students for me to consider running the class,” Dr. Arnel said. “ I look at what the dropout rate of that class is for the last three years.”

The final decision doesn’t only lie with Dr. Arnel.

He meets with his fellow principals and guidance counselors to decide if it’s in the school’s best interests to drop a class.

“We base the cuts on current staffing and history of drops and alterations on academic

focus,” Dr. Arnel said.

For teachers, like Ms. Baird, these cuts mean an overcrowded class and an overstressed teacher.

“My classes will be oversized. I will teach three of my classes of over 45 kids each by myself,” Ms. Baird said.

Many are concerned that the overcrowding will result in a less personal teaching method with the teachers and the students. However, Dr. Arnel clarified that, although class sizes will increase, it will not be such a drastic amount that teachers are being completely overwhelmed.

“Think of it this way,” Dr. Arnel said, “If we are cutting one of the seven history classes, each class with 25 kids in it, we only have to put four kids in each class to even out again.”

Whenever you hear someone say that the principals need to stop cutting classes, remember that it also up to you which classes are dropped.

9

DISCOVER

FINAL countdown MAY 13, 2016

It is that time of year again, dreaded finals week. Throughout this week, you will hear lots of advice, tips and tricks, and myths and truths about how to truly survive the standardized tests; however, some of which you will hear are entirely not true. So, this article is here to help you get through finals week.

Tips

1

Chewing gum can help improve test scores; but, only if chewed before not during.

2

50-10 rule:: The basis of it is to study 50 minutes of every hour, and keep the last 10 minutes to chill.

3

Exercise and good nutrition help control your stress levels, and also maintain your emotions stable.

4

Having trouble sleeping? Use the QR code to the right to get some peaceful sleeping music.

By Emily Mann Discover Editor

How to prepare for test day: 1. The night before

Eat a well balanced meal: your meal should be nutrient dense to help your body.

Set your things out: this will help you the next morning, no last minute panics.

Get a good nights sleep: a solid 7-9 hours; your brain needs rest to function.

Treat yourself: reward yourself, take breaks, don’t overwork yourself.

2. The morning of

Drink lots of water: staying hydrated helps to maintain proper brain function.

Eat SOMETHING: no matter how upset your stomach is, fuel yourself.

Get comfy: this makes you less likely to be distracted or irritated.

Arrive on time: this eliminates any unnecessary last-minute stress and chaos.

3. The test

Preview the test: quickly looking over the test gives you an estimate on pacing.

Don’t rush: read over things twice and make sure you think the question through.

Don’t know it? Skip it: do what you know first, then process of elimination.

Do

The do’s and don’ts for studying for finals

1. Use colors

Colors help your eyes and make concepts so much easier to grasp.

Also, they keep things organized, and make things look pretty.

2. Draw it out

Studies have shown your brain is more likely to remember information when drawings or other visuals are associated with it.

3. Study groups

One mans trash is another mans gold, help others in areas you flourish

and get help from your peers in areas you struggle with..

Don’t

1. Pull an all-nighter

It is better to study for a while, then go to sleep at a decent hour, if

you feel it necessary its better to wake up early and finish studying than to stay up all night.

2. Drink coffee

It is better to drink water to stay hydrated, and no jitters.

3. Cram last minute

It is better to study over a period of time, rather than cramming

everything last minute. You retain the information longer.

10

MAY 13, 2016

Feature

Speaking at state

For the first time in the school’s history, speech and debate sends a speaker to state

By Skylar Laird

Staff reporter unior Mackenzie Morris, clad in a striped dres she bought specifically for this day, enters a classroom at Missouri State University, the words of “A Bad Case of Stripes” running through her mind as she prepares to perform them in competition at the state speech and debate tournament. She looks out into the room, seeing the four judges who will decide her fate sitting alongside her competitors, including two of her friends, the girls who ranked first and third to Morris’ second place at district. Morris begins to speak, reciting this story that she has read over and over, first as a child and now as a competitor, making it come alive with the voices she’s assigned to each character and the movements she’s incorporated into it, giving the best performance since she joined speech and debate as a sophomore, even better than the one that landed her a spot as the first Spartan to ever compete at state.

State was Morris’ goal for the entire year, but making it still came as an enormous surprise.

J

feature

11 MAY 13, 2016

“I was more shocked than anything [to make just keep getting better.” it],” she said. “My goal the whole year was just to Although both competition and environment are make it to state, so I was really excited when I important aspects of the club, sophomore and got there, and to get there getting second place club president Garrett Allen most appreciates [at districts], too. Last year I got fifth, and I was the opportunity the club gives him to speak out just aiming for fourth to get to state. It was just about important issues. really unexpected and exciting, and being the first “We’re not giving the kind of speeches you person from our school to ever go, it’s an honor.” would write for an English class,” he said. “These This honor extended further than just Morris, are speeches that can change people’s lives. though; it was a huge deal for the club itself to [These people discuss] the questions of our era, finally send a speaker to state for the first time and there are people raising their voices to stand in the seven years since it was established at the for them.” school.

The questions discussed through these “We’ve been speeches reach across growing and growing “I’ve never really been athletic a wide spectrum, from ever since I took over bullying to recognition or anything like that, and the team,” head coach of guilt to why mankind speech and debate was a fun Sheri Baize said, “and should leave earth way to actually compete. I that was my goal, just behind, Allen’s most to get bigger and think that’s probably one of my recent topic. Speech more kids involved, and debate, however, favorite parts of it; it’s like a and the fact that we’re way to really do your best and is more than just going to state with giving speeches — it just keep getting better.” somebody is huge! It’s encompasses a wide -Mackenzie Morris an accomplishment variety of events, I didn’t even see including everything coming yet.” from radio speaking to storytelling to poetry Since Mrs. Baize became head coach three reading. years ago, her goal has been to not only create a “There really is something for everyone,” club that is successful in a competition aspect but Morris said, “It’s just a matter of taking the time to one that is fun for every student who joins. research all the different things that you can do “Mrs. Baize has really created an environment and finding something that fits your personality.” for kids of all different interests who might not This year, Morris was sent to state competing necessarily talk to each other in the hallways to in storytelling, in which she adapts and recites a come and hang out and get to know each other. children’s story, adding voices and movements to The kids are so comfortable when they come to make it come to life. the meetings, it’s like all these different kids just “I decided to do storytelling because it is one become best friends,” assistant coach Chrissy of the more fun things in speech and debate,” she Young said. “That’s the coolest part, and that’s said. “You don’t have to do research about politics why she is so good at being the coach, because or anything like that; you just take a kids book she dedicates all that to them.” you’ve loved since you were five years old and Morris, however, joined to compete. As a you memorize it and share it with other people, thespian, the performance aspect was familiar; and sometimes you get to perform in front of the competition was what first enticed her and children, which is always fun because they love what continues to keep the club exciting. listening to the stories.”

“I actually wanted to join speech and debate Even those who weren’t competing could find my freshman year, but because I got so busy with a spot at state; sophomore Chris Carrillo, who theater, I didn’t,” she said. “But I decided to join usually participates in debate, accompanied mostly because I liked the idea of competing. I’ve Morris as a timekeeper; his job was to not only never really done anything competitive before; keep track of how long the speeches were but I’ve never really been athletic or anything like that, also to notify competitors of how long they had and speech and debate was a fun way to actually left through hand motions. compete. I think that’s probably one of my favorite “I didn’t make it to state, but I did want to go,” he parts of it; it’s like a way to really do your best and said. “Francis Howell North’s boy who was gonna

be timekeeper dropped out, and Mrs. Baize knew I wanted to go to state even if I didn’t make it, so she offered it to me and I said yes.”

State itself took place at Missouri State University. The duo along with both coaches left April 22 after school and returned April 23. The trip was cut short after Morris was eliminated early in a close loss. This however, had little effect on Morris; for her, simply competing was more important than winning.

“I’m glad I got to compete, which was a great experience to have, because now I know what to expect from next year. And I know how to get myself to that caliber to compete at state and do well, so I had the learning experience,” she said.

“I’m ultimately really pleased with how everything turned out.”

Morris’ enthusiasm towards competing despite these losses is one shared across the club; for Allen, the club is more so about the skills it has taught him.

“People always tell you to think before you speak, this takes it almost to an extreme level,” he said.

“When you’re actually up there, facing the audience and giving your heart out to them, without fail, something goes wrong. And in life, something will always go wrong. And there are the people who will shut down and run away, and there are the people who will smile and glide through it effortlessly, and that’s what this teaches us how to do.”

Mrs. Young agreed that the club teaches kids a lot of valuable skills, but even above that, it allows them the opportunity to make some more unlikely friends. “[My favorite part] is just looking at a tournament and seeing two kids, one a freshman, one a junior, who come from two different worlds, but they just accept each other. And they’re just sitting there having a conversation about the most random thing, but they both respect each other,” she said. “These kids are so different and they get along like family.”

Morris agrees that what she has learned from the team is more important than any award she could have received.

“I think speech and debate is important because it teaches people how to speak in front of other people and how to not care about what other people think. It’s just a fun way to let go and be more comfortable and confident, and I think that’s really important in life, to just have confidence,” she said, “and then in a lot of the more serious [events], it teaches you a lot about life, it teaches you a lot about politics, and it’s a way for you to get involved in more of what’s really going on in the world. I just think it’s great.”

12 FEATURE

Melodies for a cure

MAY 13, 2016

Individuals from all walks of life find support in music therapy

Photo courtesy by Jennfier Neslon

A colleague of Jennifer Nelson works with residents of an assisted living facility, engaging their minds through the strums of her guitar. Music therapy is used to help patients suffering from a variety of different ailments or conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.

“Music therapy is an effective therapy because it is great at disguising the work being done. ”

-Jennifer Nelson, music therapist St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center

By Elaine Mallon Staff Reporter

From elderly suffering from Alzheimer’s disease to the patients in a psychiatric ward, a session of songwriting or instrument playing can work miracles. To skeptics, a session spent with a music therapist may appear as simply recreational- just another way to relieve stress. To skeptics, it seems impossible that traumatic brain injury patients could regain the ability to speak and write by listening to the rhythmic beats of drums. To Jennifer Nelson, it is her life’s work.

“I have seen a lot of progress from people receiving music therapy throughout my years in school and work and have seen the power music has over people’s lives,” Nelson said. “I have seen individuals with Alzheimer’s remember lyrics to songs when they can’t remember their own children’s

names. I have experienced children with cancer be able to express how they are feeling through song writing and the same children having a little normalcy in their lives while fighting that awful disease. While music therapy is not for everyone, I am blessed to have seen so many people reap its benefits.”

For the past two years, Nelson has worked in a maximum security forensic hospital, helping patients overcome hallucinations and paranoia when traditional prescription medicine has failed.

“I had an individual client who responded really well to music. He was not responding to psychiatric medications and was constantly hearing voices, seeing things, smelling things, and feeling things that were not there,” Nelson said. “He was able to distract himself by singing and listening to music so he was not hearing voices, even if it

was for a short period of time,” For many students music therapy may seem obscure, but for junior, a twelve year pianist, following a career path that allows her to shape people’s lives with music is more than she could ever ask for. Through witnessing a young girl’s experience with music therapy, Rachel Emmerich has found her passion.

“She suffered from a severe learning disability, and her connection to the music really inspired me seek out more kids who have this hidden desire to express themselves through music,” Emmerich said.

From the growing support of the healthcare community and universities, Jennifer Nelson sees great promise for her field .

“Our field is growing rapidly and more and more facilities are realizing the benefits their clients can gain from this wonderful profession,” Nelson said.

feature

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Read and watch our series of videos and letters to our teachers, thanking them for all they do for Teacher Appreciation Week.

14 MAY 13, 2016

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MAY 13, 2016

de·pres·sion

feelings of severe despondency and dejection

By Jared McClellan Web executive editor Depression, a mental illness, is known all too well by high school students, and therapists are always there to help out these students.Mr. Dustin Bailey is a counselor at FHC who helps out kids that are going through depression. Going through depression is something that should be dealt with a support system at school and at home.

“We do definitely have students that struggle with depression, and how we handle it also depends on what the student and family already have in place,” Mr. Bailey said. “Some of our options include communicating with the family, helping the family locate and set up appointments with local counselors and psychiatrists, and meeting with the student ourselves to help them work through more temporary or one-time struggles.”

There are many symptoms of depression that influence the lives of teenagers and adults alike. These symptoms are detrimental to the well-being of those who suffer from the illness. Mrs. Martha Ankney is a counselor at Kaleo Counseling Services who helps students suffering with clinical depression.

“You are not enjoying things you normally enjoy,” Mrs. Ankney said. “Hanging out with your friends, eating a whole lot or not at all, your appetite changes, sleep all day long or not be able to sleep at all. Wanting to be by yourself isolating yourself wanting to be alone. And sometimes people have thoughts of hurting themselves or someone else.”

Depression is a somewhat common illness that affects over a majority of people.

According to Ankney, depression affects more than half of the teenage population due to the vulnerability experienced.

“I think that school is very much an influence, you have a lot of situations going on, your brain is still developing so six out of ten people will be depressed. But I think that teenagers are in an environment where emotions are much more intense, so your brain processes differently than an adult brain,” Mrs. Ankney said.

In order to be diagnosed with clinical depression, you must exhibit six of of the symptoms listed above.

“That is almost the diagnosis for it is, it is six out of ten symptoms for two weeks to be diagnosed with clinical depression,” Ankney said.

This, however, is the difference between depression and feeling depressed because feeling depressed is the symptoms based off of a singular event while having clinical depression is the symptoms being present for a span of multiple weeks.

“Feeling depressed is a certain situation.

But clinical depression [is when you are] sad about what happens at home and feeling sad for multiple weeks, thoughts of hurting themselves, you would isolate from the community around, it’s not just feeling sad,” Ankney said.

Depression can come about due to many different things surrounding people.

These things can be from the environment, chemicals in the body, and genetics.

“There is a lot of different things that cause a chemical imbalance in your

brain. It can be genetic, there is also an environmental factor, such as a divorce or just breaking up, it’s more about how you perceive that event in your life, events can certainly cause it, over stressing can also cause it because you start to tear yourself down and be overall more critical.” Ankney said.

The environment is a major force in helping people with depression, especially people and how they perceive depression.

This perception can be very misleading in dealing with those who have depression.

“People around those who are depressed say if they went out more or ate their food they would be over it, but that is not the case. They are unable to enjoy the things they used to enjoy. ” Ankney said.

A good support system can lead to a drastic improvement in the mood of people who suffer from depression.

“I think that one of the biggest things with fighting depression is having a community around you,” Ankney said. “People with depression want to stay isolated but being able to be honest with people about what you are going through.”

At FHC if a student is going through depression, there is a counselor who specializes in helping students with mental illness.

“Our Educational Support Counselor, Mrs. Harting, works with a lot of students struggling with various mental health issues, and depression is included in that. She does groups for stress management, grief and loss, interpersonal relationships, and general mindfulness, among other issues,” Bailey said.

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MAY 13, 2016

anx·i·e·ty vs.

a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension

By Haley Mills Staff reporter Anxiety. It motivates us to study for tests or finish assignments. It can warn against walking down a creepy alley at night and is the key to a fight-or-flight response in a dangerous situation.

Having a little bit of anxiety once in awhile isn’t just normal, it’s healthy. It allows us to make good decisions and get things done. Anxiety itself isn’t the problem. Being anxious becomes a problem when it doesn’t just affect a person occasionally.

Sophomore Teegan Winkler, who suffers from anxiety, knows the difference between being anxious and having anxiety, first hand.

“When [anxiety] begins to consume your thoughts on the daily, that’s when it becomes something more serious. If it starts to affect your work, personal life, or health, then you might have a real, diagnosable anxiety disorder if you have symptoms for more than six months,” Winkler said.

If someone is anxious, then it is probably triggered by something specific happening in your life. Maybe meeting their boyfriend/ girlfriend’s parents for the first time, or maybe a really big paper to finish that’s worth 50 percent of their grade.

The pressures put on future plans are things that triggers junior Jon Evans anxiety.

“The biggest modern stressor, or cause of anxiety, for teens is undoubtedly the weight put on our futures. Especially in high school, it seems like any action from a missed question on a test to a lost friendship can dramatically alter your future.

As such, teens tend to get weary feet stepping through life out of fear,” Evans said.

However, just because anxiety is being felt on certain occasions, it doesn’t mean it is a diagnosable anxiety disorder.

School counselor Kris Miller has seen a rise in anxiety that is shown by students in recent years.

“Diagnosed anxiety disorders will often need third party intervention. Many students that pass through the school guidance office don’t have

diagnosed anxiety, they are just feeling anxious over upcoming events,” Miller said.

Sophomore Talia Thambyrajah, who like everyone is occasionally anxious, shares what makes her feel anxious.

“Everyone experiences periods of being anxious. Personally, I get anxious over tests, track meets, things like that. Those things are normal to get anxious about, but I am far from having an anxiety disorder,” Thambyrajah said.

When speaking to someone with a mental illness there are things to stay away from, to keep from offending or upsetting them, and in some cases making the situation worse.

Use this QR to get the full list of things to stay away from.

Those specific events, such as tests, games or meets, or big events, are what bring on the anxiety, they make sense, and the anxiety will eventually go away when the event has passed.

People with anxiety disorders are often anxious all the time. There is no specific stressor that sets off their anxiety, and their fears are often irrational.

“When people have anxiety versus just being anxious, the feeling never goes away. Sometimes they don’t even know why that feeling is there in the first place, they just know it’s there and they

want it to go away,” Winkler said.

Even though the person with anxiety knows that, in theory, they should not be so worried, they simply cannot get their body to listen to their brain.

As mentioned above, if someone has an anxiety disorder, the amount of anxiety is not equal to the size of the stressor.

“For someone who has anxiety, the idea of giving a quick and casual three-minute presentation in class is not just undesirable, but will actually put you out of commission and leave you unable to get the job done,” Thambyrajah said.

These cases of having diagnosed anxiety versus just being anxious have risen by nine percent (www.adaa.org) over the past five years.

Mr. Miller weighs in on why he believes this number has risen.

“Personally I believe that the raise in cases of anxiety can be resulted to high stake testing in school, increased expectations from parents and schools and busier home lives,” Miller said.

The symptoms of anxiety, while being similar to those of being anxious, are amplified. Anxiety is not just being worried, but being physically ill from it. Intense anxiety can often cause headaches, dizziness, trembling, nausea, etc. Getting red or sweaty. This is more than just butterflies in the stomach. The feeling leaves those affected unable to talk, breathe, think or concentrate about anything other than fear.

While being anxious will go away on it’s own, anxiety will not and needs to be dealt with accordingly.

“To deal with anxiety comes down to two major factors. First, seek help from friends, family, or professionals if it comes to it,” Evans said.

After help is sought the process is long from over.

“Afterwards, make sure you have outlets to go to. Taking time away from stressors can help endurance through them spectacularly. Find a healthy hobby like music, video games, arts, sports or whatever (healthy) thing you can find to act as an exit from those stressors,” Evans said.

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17 MAY 13, 2016

experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome

If you know someone with anxiety

Make sure not to make light of their condition. Think of it as their kid brother – they can make fun of it if they want to, but you can’t. Instead, make sure that you are simply there for them if they need help. Don’t tell them to calm down – they know they need to calm down. Don’t tell them that you are frustrated or annoyed by their anxiety – they’re probably already super self-conscious about how their anxiety affects the people around them. Some people may be helped by distractions, others by you sitting and listening, and others simply by sitting in silence with a friend. Each person’s anxiety is different, just like each person is different.

Photo Illustration by: Elisa Swanson Photo taken by: Emily Mann

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MAY 13, 2016

How to deal with

anxiety

Tips from the FHC hallways

TAKE A DEEP BREATH - Focused on how to calm your body through slow, intentional bellybreathing. Belly-breathing is free, location independent, and easy to implement POSITIVE SELF-TALKING- An important thing to remember about anxiety, or being anxious, is that it doesn’t have to define you. Remind yourself of all the other great qualities you have.

ELIMINATE SODA-That morning jolt of joe can jumpstart your day and provide warmth and comfort, but anything with high fructose corn syrup and 177 other ingredients will not.If you’re accustomed to that 3:00 p.m. Dr. Pepper, switch it out for a soothing green tea. Not only does the caffeine jack up your central nervous system, soda depletes vitamins and minerals from your diet and wreaks havoc on your smile.

PLAN A DAY TRIP- When you spend time in nature, you give your mind and body a much needed break from the hustle and bustle GO TO BED EARLY- This may sound impossible if you’re accustomed to staying up late to catch up on the to-do list. But this one’s a MUST. Sleep deprivation is a huge anxiety culprit. Inadequate shuteye can amplify the brain’s anticipatory reactions, upping overall anxiety levels, according to research.

GET YOUR LAVENDER ON-Lavender oil has many healing properties and can be used as a natural remedy to reduce anxiety and other nervous conditions

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19 MAY 13, 2016

Mental Health Helplines

St. Charles County Youth Connection Helpline 636-642-0642 or text BSAFE to 31658 Behavioral Health Response 314-469-6644 or 1-800-811-4760 TTY: 314-469-3638 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1 (800) 2738255 National Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1-844CAN TELL Domestic Violence Crisis Lines 1.877.946.6854 or 636.946.6854 – St. Charles County 1.877.462.1758 – Lincoln County

Online Resource Directories Options available for medical services, mental health, financial assistance, domestic violence, etc. communitycouncilstc.org “Search Resource Directory”

1-888-403-1071 For Mental Health – Crider Center 636-3326000

211helps.org “Search directory” Youth in Need 636-946-0101 ext. 1424 *Call to complete an intake for free and reduced mental health counseling Crider Center: For Medical - Pathways Community Health

for more hotlines and resources scan this QR code Photo Illustration by: Elisa Swanson Photo taken by: Emily Mann

20 in focus

so·cial anx·i·e·ty

MARCH 18, 2016

a specific form of anxiety characterized by a discomfort or a fear in a social interaction that involves a concern of being judged.

By Emily Mann

Discover Editor Junior Lyndsey Barillier, victim of social anxiety disorder, meticulously and carefully plans each and every part of her day; making sure she and her actions are nothing worth noticing. It starts with an outfit, she struggles to find something comfybut not a mess- so people don’t talk about her, or something cute-but not too cute- so people don’t talk about her.

The thoughts continue to race through her mind as she walks downstairs to get breakfast, she is on constant alert, even around her family. As the day continues, she worries and panics just a bit more and more, and the anxiety builds with every step. “What are they thinking about me?” “Do they think I’m dumb?” “Do they think I’m ugly?”

“Do they think I’m annoying?” All of these thoughts have buzzed through Barillier’s mind, and it is not even first hour, yet.

Body shaking, legs bouncing, arms scratching, and adrenaline rising, Barillier goes into sensory overload. She is focused on every single action she is doing, and from her feet to her fingertips she is anxious. So focused on everything around her she finds herself unable to focus on anything else but the feeling of being overwhelmed, and in the moment nothing else matters besides getting out of there. Every day, Barillier will repeat this exhausting routine, as a victim of social anxiety.

When most think of social anxiety, large events; such as prom, graduation, public speaking, and award ceremonies, come to mind. As these instances are situations in which social anxiety can temporarily strike in an average person’s life, a victim suffering from social anxiety disorder is faced with that same fear and worry, in many forms and areas everyday situations, all the time.

Sophomore Megan Gereau, who also suffers from social anxiety, describes her anxiousness as something that leaves her in sensory overload, no matter the time or place.

“It just makes everything so much more apparent, like the little things that most people

wouldn’t think about,” Gereau said. “Even something so small becomes something you think about all the time.”

Further, Gereau explains these thoughts are inevitable, and one truly living with social anxiety is not able to just ‘turn it off’ or ‘stop thinking that way.’

“It is like you can’t think, like the only thing that goes across your mind is what is happening, or what’s making you anxious. [In that moment], nothing else matters.”

Barillier further explains these fears as a ‘soft undertone to her entire life’ and explains the lengths that her anxiety puts her through.

“Some days my friends want me to go out with them and most days I don’t know if I can, because I’m afraid to go out,” Barillier said. “[Some days] I don’t even want to leave the house because I am just terrified.”

“You know in your mind you have no reason to be afraid but then you go out there and you’re like well what if there is a reason though”

-Lyndsey Barillier For senior Emily Tourville, her social anxiety has shaped and affected her in such dramatic ways that it has changed how other view her and act around her.

“Behind doors I’m this really bubbly and giggly and I want to make everyone laugh,” Tourville said. “But when I’m in social situations everybody says ‘Oh that girl is so dry, she has no personality, she’s so shy.’ And that’s not me.”

Mrs. Shannon Harting, educational support counselor, feels social anxiety has the ability to affect and drastically impact the victim’s life on numerous playing fields, ultimately negatively in all cases.

“Mentally [when] the anxious thoughts get so jumbled [and start] taking over with so many competing things, mentally that much negativity gets people down, affecting their mental health,”

Harting said. “This affects one’s physical well being because it brings on higher levels of anxiety and depression, so you don’t take care of yourself as well … it just takes a toll on your body to be thinking negatively all the time.”

Furthermore, Mrs. Harting explains social anxiety is crippling to one’s ability to live life as everyone else. She further explains that because of this, it starts a cycle; one of fear and isolation. “[With social anxiety] it’s hard to make friends … it’s hard to participate in class … it’s hard to go out for sports … it’s hard to have a job,” Mrs. Harting said. “All of our realms have to do with connecting with people, and when it’s harder for you to connect [because of your social anxiety], it’s isolating, and when you’re isolated, it can bring on depression.”

“Interpersonally connecting with one other person is so key for people we are made to connect as human beings. But when there is [so] much fear, when you’re always in fight or flight, you may long for those connection, but then not feel able to connect, so then you further and further become more introverted or isolated,” Mrs. Harting said. “The whole spectrum [of one’s life] is affected [when dealing with social anxiety] from being able to survive in your school, to being able to survive outside of your school — the whole spectrum gets affected.”

Social anxiety is a jumble of racing thoughts, and shaky movements. It is something that follows the victim everywhere, and leaves them in feelings of isolation, self hatred, paranoia.

“It’s like isolation, you constantly pick yourself out and obsess over every little thing that you do and you try to make it better...self hatred, you just focus on literally everything bad about yourself,” Barillier said. “Paranoia you’re just constantly worried about everyone. Youre like they hate me they hate they hate me they think i’m so stupid they think i’m so dumb they think i’m so fat like it’s just any terrible thing that anyone could think about you, you think they are.”

in focus

21 MAY 13, 2016

Photo taken by: Amy Wilkerson Photo Illustration by: Emily Mann

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MAY 13, 2016

Fresh start Freshmen talk about making the girls varsity soccer team

Coach Eddie Mulholland gives a halfime speech during the game against Timberland on April 8. The Spartans won 2-1. He says that the decision of having six freshmen on the team came from wanting to pick the best players to help the team compete at a high level.

Photo by Morgan West

By Elizabeth Gerger Staff reporter After winning second in state last year, girls soccer is back with coaches Derek Phillips, Eddie Mulholland, and new coach Taylor Yocum. Last season the girls lost to St. Teresa’s High School 6-1 in Blue Springs, MO in the state championship game.

“Our expectations are to win conference and to be the best team in the state,” said Coach Mulholland. “Each year our expectations are the same.”

Jenna Mathis, #9

Midfield Has been playing for 11 years Club Team: Lou Fusz “It’ll be sucky to see the seniors go, but by the time we’re seniors I think we’ll have a really solid team and it’ll be good until then too.”

Krispin lines up to send the ball upfield towards goal.

She scored one goal for the team during this game against Timberland.

She admits that being a freshman on varsity comes with a lot of pressure, but she thinks she is preforming well.

Photo by Morgan West

This year, the team consists of five seniors, five juniors, one sophomore, and six freshmen. This is the most freshmen we’ve had on the varsity team in past seasons. In the 2015 season, there was only one freshman on the varsity team. In the 2014 season, there were three.

The freshmen make up most of the team, on average each has at least ten years of experience with soccer. They all play outside of high school with club soccer teams around the area.

With all the new recruits, the team hopes to meet its high expectations.

Jenna Mathis receives the ball during a game against Timberland.

Mathis shared that she has confidence in her team and believes they will pull through and show intensity all season long.

Photo by Morgan West

Molly Krispin, #16

Defense Has been playing for 10 years Club Team: Lou Fusz “We’re just like a big family, the seniors accept the freshman. It’s not like we’re divided by age or whatever, we all hang out and have a good time.”

move 23 MAY 13, 2016

Rayna Thomas, #7

Striker and Midfield Has been playing for 7 years Club Team: Real STL “I think all the returning varsity players have a good chemistry together, but there’s six freshmen that are new and it’s kind of hard to all mesh together, but I feel like I’m doing that.”

Daiber during the second half of the Timberland game. After playing for 10 years, she hopes to win a state championship trophy with the team in the future.

Photo by Morgan West

Cailyn Hendrix, #18

Defense Has been playing for 10 years Club Team: Lou Fusz “I feel like sometimes I need to get out there and work harder and just be up there more”

Johnson greets a Timberland opponent before the game.

Johnson usually plays midfield or forward, but this season she took on the challenge of playing defense, a position she had no experiance in before.

Photo by Morgan West

Thomas taking the ball in to score a goal. She shares that the biggest challenge of being a freshman on varsity is pushing herself everyday to make sure she keeps her position.

Photo by Morgan West

Mackenzie Daiber, #23

Midfield and forward Has been playing for 10 years Club Team: St. Louis Scott Gallagher “I felt like a lot of weight was on my shoulders, but it was just competing against [teammates during tryouts]” Hendrix defending the Timberland ball during second half. She ‘s been staying confident as a freshman on varsity, but admits that she does get nervous going up against bigger girls during games.

Photo by Morgan West

Mariah Johnson, #22

Defense Has been playing for 9 years Club Team: Missouri Rush “I think we have a really good program right now, next year I know that there’s a couple seniors leaving, but I think we have a lot of good younger kids also coming in and there’s a lot of great JV players also.”

24

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MAY 13, 2016

The invisible battle Junior Jacob Baxley continues to fight to participate in sports despite a serious health condition

By Leslie Sutton Staff reporter Every moment fans spend sitting in the bleachers, watching people compete in their school sports, their minds are filled with the fight they face. The desire to win, the competition gaining on them, the sore, achy muscles, the sweat pouring down their faces - every moment on the sidelines is spent thinking of the challenge. However, sometimes the things the audience won’t notice is what the team member is dealing with - some things that aren’t visible. A heart that flutters because of a weak valve, an inability to breathe because of cystic fibrosis and clogged lungs, a pressure in the chest due to incorrect rib growth; not all physical fights are visible.

Junior Jacob Baxley had dealt with Pectus Excavatum as a swimmer at FHC for the past three years.

“You know how with your ribs, there’s bone and then there’s cartilage? Well, the cartilage part [of your ribs] deformed while you were being born, so [your sternum] is kind of indented in a way, it’s going into your body. So, basically, over time, that gets deeper and deeper, because you’re growing, and as you’re growing, [your sternum] is going in, and it all depends on severity,” Baxley said. “Mine was not too severe, but it was getting to the point where it was dangerous and I could start to feel it.”

Although the condition caused him some issues, he still continued to fight to hold his place on the team.

“After a prolonged session of exercise, I started to feel a little short of breath, not light headed, but I had a little trouble breathing, and I’d feel a little pressure [in my chest] and my heart was beating, and pushing against my ribs,”

Baxley said. “I was short of breath, I still did pretty good in my swim season, I didn’t do terrible, [but] I couldn’t be in the water all the time.”

Soon after this season, he decided it was time to do something. His condition seemed a bit dangerous, so he approached his doctor about ways to improve his situation.

“So there’s two procedures that can be done.

One, they make two incisions underneath your armpits, kind of where your ribs are, and basically take a bar — a big bar - and they slide it in, and they twist it, it’s a curved bar, and kind of just pops [the sternum] up, then it just stays there for a long time,” Baxley said. “There’s another procedure, which I did, where they basically go in and get rid of the cartilage entirely. So they get rid of it with a laser, and they raise your sternum up, after that they put a bar, a smaller bar, and then they put [in] a plate, which degrades over time, so when they go in to get the bar, the plate’s not there anymore; mine’s still there.”

Surgeries like these are invasive and take a lot of healing time, so they take a lot of consideration. However, Baxley realized what was at stake beyond the healing process.

“This is a very common condition, one in every 1,000 people have it, and it can be severe, that’s why you see some people with the big braces and things, but luckily, mine was not that bad. I just decided to get it fixed because it was starting to become dangerous, so it could’ve become a bigger problem,” Baxley said. “There’s one person I met who had it, and he never really felt bad, but one time he got up real quick and he fainted, and slammed his head on the ground, and it was really bad.”

For the procedure itself Baxley was under the effects of anesthesia, however he could recount what he remembered.

“I went in, they did the whole anesthesia, I was nervous, obviously, so basically they bring you in and they give you an epidural, like they give women who are pregnant, and then you “go to sleep,” and then you wake up and it’s like, ‘oh.’ It was probably some of the worst pain I’ve experienced,” Baxley said. “So, after that, you stay in the hospital for at least a week, or two weeks depending on how bad it is, and then after about two weeks, you leave, after about a month or so you’ll start to feel better, and yeah, that’s about it.”

Baxley is still in his healing period and lives day to day with a metal bar in his chest as a reminder of what he has gone through.

“Right now, I’m about two months in, so now, for me, they said they’d bring [the bar] out about November, so like after swim season’s over, so it’ll still be in there, but for people who did the other surgery, it’d probably be in there for at least two years,” Baxley said.

From this procedure, Baxley is excited to continue in sports at FHC and his daily life without hindrance. He’s not sure exactly how it will impact him and his abilities, but he is hopeful for a successful future.

“After I had [the surgery] done, I haven’t gotten back to sports yet, and I don’t know how it feels. I feel as if it’s going to be fine, like I’ll be back to normal, I just can’t do a lot of pulling motions yet, I can kick fine though,” Baxley said.

“I’m pretty sure it’ll help me breathe better, it’ll help me be in the water more.”

Baxley had a word of advice to anyone living with Pectus Excavatum.

“If anyone has it, I honestly suggest that you go to a doctor just to check it out, just in case, because you cannot be aware of how bad it hurts you.”

MOVE

25 MAY 13, 2016

Due to the failed tax levy at the beginning of the year, the Francis Howell School district, as well as our school, prepares to make cuts for the next school year. According to Activities Director Scott Harris the good news is transportation to and from activities will remain untouched for the time being as long as transportation to and from school remains untouched. Other aspects of the activities program will face some changes to accommodate the budget cuts.

Cutting a coach in big programs

Weight room sponsors FHC lost all three weight room coordinators, which means the weight room will not be available every day after school the way it has been in previous years. This will hinder anyone not affiliated with sports because the school cannot have students in the weight room without supervision.

The only time the weight room will be open is when the coach of a particular sport takes their team into the weight room and it will be closed when the team is done working out.

For sophomore Conner McAfee this is an unfair cut to athletes out of season or just people wanting to get a workout in after school. McAfee uses the weight room every day outside of the volleyball season and encourages people not playing sports to workout as well.

“I don’t think people will agree with [the cut] because not everybody is with a team,” McAfee said. “If someone’s working out by themselves, they should be able to work out by themselves when they want.

Student interest groups

(any club or activity offered outside of school that is not a sport) Three student interest group sponsors will no longer be paid. Prior to this upcoming school year, our school had 12 student interest groups with paid sponsors and now there will only be nine. For Mr. Harris, it is not as big of a deal as it seems because our school already has multiple groups that have sponsors that volunteer their time.

Clubs that made the cut:

Band, football, and track will all lose one coaching position in their upcoming seasons. For football and track, this means not replacing coaching positions left vacant. According to Band Director Nathan Griffin, the head of the marching band program, the people who will be most impacted by this decision are the students. While one less coach is not something the program wanted, it could have been worse.

“Everyone is feeling the crunch and everyone is trying to accept some of the weight of these cuts. We are fortunate that it was not anything more,” Mr. Griffin said. “Fees unfortunately have to go up in a situation like this. Now losing just one staff member for a year means a small increase, but ultimately the students and their families feel the burden in a situation like this. We hope that this is a one year thing.”

Freshman sports Instead of playing 16 games and two tournaments, already two to three weeks shorter than the JV or Varsity schedule, a typical freshman schedule will include six to eight games and end with a GAC tournament.

This reduced schedule will not affect the JV or Varsity level.

For freshman boys basketball coach Scott Dauve, the reduced schedule brings new challenges, as well as hinder the learning experience that playing at the freshman level offers.

“Reducing the time spent in a structured, learning environment would limit their growth as a player,” Duave said. “As the freshmen coach, I try to let all players get into each game. It doesn’t always happen, but I try.

If we are playing fewer games I will probably reduce the amount of time the bench/non-starting players are playing so that the best players get enough time to understand and implement offensive and defensive skills needed to play at the next level next year.”

- Art Club - Cultural Awareness - Epsilon Beta (right) - Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Future Educators of America - National Art Honor Society - Table Tennis - Ultimate Frisbee (left) - Gay-Straight Alliance

26

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MAY 13, 2016

Have you bought your yearbook?

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Trevor Nemnich SCC student Francis Howell Central alum

voice

27 MAY 13, 2016

Question the “truth” We must escape ignorane through forming our own opinions

By Bri Shatto Move Editor As children, we grow up admiring the adults in our life, wanting to be exactly like them without really knowing why or truly understanding there are other opinions to be formed. As children, we do not possess the complex thought process to determine what we ourselves believe to be good or bad without just accepting what our parents, friends, or school teachers tell us.

However, here I am, an 18-year-old in high school, and I see some of my peers who still refuse to break free from the influences of those around them in order to form their own ideas and opinions.

No matter where we go, we will always be influenced by some sort of external ideas from the people around us. What else can you expect? We are social creatures who crave acceptance, but this should not be an excuse for ignorance. To just accept what we have been told is irresponsible, and quite frankly, lazy.

We carry a world of knowledge in our pockets almost always, and yet we tend to fall into a habit of only using it to update the world that we are drinking Starbucks or feeling less than happy about waking up so early for school. Hardly ever do we use these devices to challenge or

research what we hear or see around us.

We should not just totally disregard everything our parents have taught us, or shut out any ideas we hear around us. In fact, it is important that we have that as a base for us to grow from, but we should not completely let it consume our own minds without questioning it.

We are a generation of technology, a generation only possible because of creative minds and here we are, settling for what we have been given without exploring our options.We have allowed ourselves to fall into the trap of familiarity and comfort. Our biggest obstacle is fear.

It is so much easier to just accept what we are told, for it is all we have ever done since the beginning of our lives. But, if you are old enough to choose your own classes, to make your own decisions and to know you are responsible for those decisions, you are absolutely old enough to form your own opinion.

Don’t just bandwagon things, like supporting Bernie Sanders, or hating Donald Trump because of the memes you see. Do your research, understand the political process yourself, and make your opinion based on what you have found to be true. It is so much easier to just say yes to what your friends and parents say, I know, but how boring.

Yes, it is terrifying to defy what you have always known because there is always the possibility you may find what you’ve always known to be true goes against what you have found to be your own truth.

I know so well the fear of deciding to explore my options outside of what I have grown up with, for I once went to my parents with trembling hands and explained to them that I was not going to blindly accept Christianity just because that is all I ever knew. I had decided I would do my own research and land on a religion, or even no religion, based on what I had experienced and learned myself.

I was not denying Christianity or removing it from my life completely, I had just decided, for me, it was important that I made the decision on my own, yet it was still terrifying because it went against what I had always been taught to accept.

But every person is different, as long as we are living and breathing we will be taking in unique information and making our own experiences, which is where our thoughts and opinions and prepositions will come from, and yes, sometimes that is different from our friends and family, but that is the fun of this thing called life. The most important thing we can do is resist generational ignorance by forming our own opinions and never just settling for the easiest path in life.

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VOICE

MAY 13, 2016

Photo illustration by Mackenzie Morris and Cadence Bippen

For teachers to expect respect, they need to display it as well Cadence Bippen Print Executive Editor The connotation of complacency suggests satisfaction to the extent of no longer seeking improvement or effort. In a classroom, complacency is detrimental -- especially for a school, such as ours, that aims for so much accomplishment.

Student complacency is inevitable, and often is diagnosed as “senioritis.” It’s been a long 13 years of school, and the future on the horizon is so, so close, I can almost feel the biting Chicago winds that await me.

But, I haven’t given up completely: I may have quit putting on makeup and waking up at 6 am every day, but I haven’t neglected my love for learning. I may have mastered procrastinating to the literal last minute, but I still get my stuff done. I know the year isn’t over yet, and I have my whole life ahead of me to work towards. So when teachers seem to have given up, some in as early as November, students struggle.

The role of a teacher, as we’ve so often been told, is to “guide students.” To an extent, I understand this. As mature young adults, we

don’t need to be spoon-fed answers, and we can handle challenges. A lot of us want to be challenged, because we know that’s how we grow as learners.

The difference is that some teachers work their butts off to “guide students,”and some use it as an excuse to be lazy — they don’t have to “teach,” they just have to “guide.” Don’t get me wrong — I really love a lot of my teachers. Even if I don’t like the class, I appreciate all of my teachers as people and human beings. It’s just that, sometimes, it’s frustrating when my teacher doesn’t seem to want to do everything in his or her power to help me succeed.

I know it sounds like that’s asking for a lot, and it is, but I know it’s doable because I’ve had teachers who made me feel that way before. I know being a teacher is hard — I’ve been raised by two. I hear the horror stories and I see the tears of stress and anger, and I know students can be awful sometimes. But I also hear the success stories, and hear my parents’ cheers when the student who has been struggling finally made improvements. The old adage, “Those who can’t do, teach,” couldn’t be any more wrong. Teachers

prepare the future of the world, and should really be passionate about their job because it truly is amazing. So, when I see my teacher not burning with passion, and not excited to show me something new, it’s disappointing.

I, like so many other students, have a passion to learn and to be taught and to grow and get better.

When I see the “goal” on the board is a 70 percent, it’s discouraging. I know I can be better than “average” with some guidance, and I’d hope that my teacher sees that in me too. The point of these goals isn’t to meet them every single time and win the donut party, but it is to have something to work towards, and something actually worth celebrating when it is met.

Teachers expect respect, and students deserve it too; for either group to receive it, it must be reciprocated. Respect doesn’t just mean using manners and following the rules, but it means doing your duty — teachers should teach and students should learn. I want my teachers to teach with excitement, love, and happiness. I want them to be open to new ideas and a change of pace, and to attempt to keep us engaged through the very last day of school. I want to want to learn, and the way a teacher acts in class makes all the difference.

VOICE

29

Make America great again?

MAY 13, 2016

Could the billionaire businessman

become the 45th President?

Will Sills

flips, but I think that he should know what he’s talking about first,” said Mrs. Struckhoff. “He doesn’t have a filter, so sometimes I think he talks about things he knows nothing about.”

Staff reporter Businessman, television personality, celebrity, president? Since last summer, Donald Trump has taken the political world by storm with his “say what I want” personality. Currently, Trump leads the GOP nomination to be its presidential candidate who will in turn take on the Democratic presidential candidate for the highest office in America, the President of the United States. Sure, he talks a big game, but in reality, is he really what America needs right now? In short: no, he isn’t; in fact, he will never be what America needs.

The wall

Torture

Illustration by Will Sills with Morgan Brader

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: Trump’s precious wall.

Mr. Trump has proposed that, if elected president, he will build a wall separating the United States from Mexico. The catch: Mexico will pay. Unfortunately, not everyone shares his enthusiasm.

Former president of Mexico, Felipe Calderón, has spoken out regarding the issue, saying that Mexico won’t pay for the wall.

“We are not going to pay any single cent for such a stupid wall,” said Calderón. “If this guy pretends that closing the borders to anywhere either for trade [or] for people is going to provide prosperity to the United States, he is completely crazy.”

Americans themselves seem equally negative regarding the wall.

“I think the idea of a wall is ridiculous,” said senior Cameron Lundberg. “The mere idea of building a wall and forcing others to pay for it is stupid and will most definitely backfire.”

His constant flipping and lying Trump has been widely praised for not being an “institutional” politician nor having any ties to Washington D.C.. However, considering how often he lies, flips, or contradicts himself on an issue, I’m kind of surprised that he isn’t one.

Trump has preached about bringing jobs back to the United States from countries such as China. This message was seemingly muddled, however, during the San

Bernardino killer fiasco in which Apple refused to break into one of their own phones. In response, Trump said that he would only use Samsung in the wake of the controversy.

“I use both iPhone & Samsung. If Apple doesn’t give info to authorities on the terrorists I’ll only be using Samsung until they give info.”

Samsung, however, is not American. In fact, it is a South Korean company with manufacturing plants throughout Eastern Europe and Asia.

This is the same Trump that has boycotted Oreo because they have a few manufacturing plants in Mexico. Makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it?

On top of it all, Trump has flipped several times with his views on planned parenthood, abortion, the Iranian nuclear deal, and even David Duke and his Ku Klux Klan.

Earth Science teacher Kelly Struckhoff, a normal working class adult with a job not relating to politics, credits much of this to his lack of knowledge and his poor word choice.

“I don’t think that it’s necessarily bad that he

While in New Hampshire back in February, Trump expressed interest in bringing back forms of torture.

“I would bring back waterboarding and I’d bring back a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding,” said Trump.

This came following a debate last winter in which Trump talked about harming, and possibly killing, terrorist families.

“Frankly, that will make people think, because t h e y [terrorists] may not care much about their lives, but they do care, believe it or not, about their families’ lives,” Trump said in defense of his earlier quote.

Former director of the Central Intelligence Agency Michael Hayden said the military would potentially revolt if Trump truly followed through.

“If he were to order that once in government, the American armed forces would refuse to act.

You cannot — you are not committed, you are not required, in fact you’re required to not follow an unlawful order. That would be in violation of all the international laws of armed conflict,” said Hayden during his appearance on “Real Time with Bill Maher” Trump, however, insisted the military would still listen to him, regardless of laws preventing them to.

“I know our soldiers, and I know our military heritage and the American way of war through study and experience. When well-led and well trained, Americans who wear our country’s cloth are pure in spirit and decisive in purpose. They will go where they are sent, fight where they go, and do everything to win where they fight.”

In the end, no presidential candidate is without flaw nor controversy. That said, the substantial amount of flaws with Trump is quite alarming.

Trump has yet to win by any means and still could lose. Only time will tell however, as the next president will be voted in on Nov. 8 this year.

30 entertain MAY 13, 2016

Crafting on a budget

Golf Ball Hanging Lights Materials: lights, plastic golf balls or ping pong balls, something to stab it with 1) Stab a small hole into your ping pong or golf ball 2) Place ball on light 3) Plug in and enjoy!

Cost: $12

Spice up your summer with these simple, budget-friendly crafts

By Becca Abrams and Olivia Biondo

Lanyard

Voice Editor and Feature Editor

Materials: fabric, key rings, sewing needle and thread 1) Cut out a strip of fabric 2) Thread your needle 3) Fold fabric to the thickness that you want your lanyard 4) Sew the edges together 5) Attach key ring to the bottom 6) Loop around fabric to make your lanyard 7) Sew all of it together Cost: $5

Wall Decal

Materials: Square piece of wood, paint, craft patterned paper, mod podge, hammer, nail, hook 1) Begin by painting your wood with a color of your choice 2) Let it dry for at least an hour 3) Put on patterned paper by coating it with the mod podge 4) Let dry for 15 minutes 5) Hammer in a nail then replace nail with hook.Cost: $10

DIY Mugs Materials: Cup, sharpies, oven 1) Start off with a white porcelain mug. We found them at Walmart for 84 cents.

2) Use the sharpies to draw on your mug Once you have finished your design, let the mug sit for a full 24 hours.

3) Once you have let them sit, bake for 35 minutes at 300 degrees.

4) Enjoy your new personalized mug!

Tip: Hand wash only to maintain color and quality of design!

Cost: Less than $1, plus however much you spend on markers

entertain 31 MAY 13, 2016

Jumping for origami

By Skylar Laird Staff reporter

Use this QR code and follow the instructions to create your own origami jumping frog!

32 MAY 13, 2016

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