Central Focus October 2011

focus central { } francis howell central high school | volume fifteen | issue three | 10.5.2011

delve 3-8 | sweat 9-13 | in focus 14-19 | the scene 21-26 | be heard 27-30 | interact 31 | aperture 32

FOUR {baird’s balancing act} New choir director juggles teaching duties at Hollenbeck, Spartan Regiment role and eight classes in her first year at Central.

EIGHT {get SMART} Projectors, interactive boards hopefully headed to classrooms in the Fine Arts department that are still without SMART boards.

FOURTEEN {going hungry}

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becca bates

Since the recession hit in 2008, the number of students eligible for free and reduced lunches has more than doubled. The Central Focus staff examines why.

TWENTY-THREE {fright night} Ben Sandfort delves deep into Halloween movies and finds 10 freaky flicks you may not have seen before to give you a scare on Oct. 31.

TWENTY-EIGHT {is it a sport?} becca vadelabene

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opening shots | october 5, 2011

emily lager

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Matt Lundberg and Savannah McEachern debate whether or not the marching band qualifies as a sport. Which person do you agree with?

{delve} senior Nicholle Turano

sophomore Jeff Conner

her focus

his realistic approach “As a sophomore class president, there’s not much I can do, but the main focus is to make school a more fun place to be and make students look forward to coming to school.”

“We’re focusing on the food drive for Thanksgiving, senior shirt ideas, and what graduation invitations we’re going to use.”

why she’s up for the job “The past four years I’ve met a lot of unique people and I believe that I know enough about our class to represent it.”

why he’s motivated “I wanted to make a difference in what kids think about school.”

meet your

presidents After this fall’s much-debated class officer elections, four students took their places as class presidents. Here is what each had to say about their goals for this year. {quotes compiled by Mary Niebur}

junior Kyle Pyatt his reaction to the news “I was really surprised when I won [president]!”

his aspirations “Our main focus is on prom... we’re trying to make it the best it’s ever been.”

n.”

freshman Lauren Nosal her unusual reaction “I was the only one running [for freshman class president], so I wasn’t really surprised when I won.”

the push for technology “We’re trying to figure out ways to involve technology [at] school because [it] is an important new and upcoming part of our generation.” fhctoday.com | delve

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Junior Hannah Johnson studies diligently during her second hour AP Government class.

For the first time, an AP Government class was offered to junior and senior students.

photo by cody jones

Clashing conceptions {the stats}

total students158 juniors114 seniors44 average class26 “Students’ opinions depend on their grade.

The amount of effort you put in, the more you’ll get out of the class.” {Mr. Nick Beckmann} AP Government teacher

Students, teachers have differing perceptions of new AP course

By Jessica Mugler staff reporter

This year, the history department introduced a new AP (advanced placement) class into its class options: AP Government. The class is for juniors and seniors who are looking to get college credit and are interested in government.

“There is a push for more AP culture in school,” Mr. Brian Cissell, one of three AP Government teachers, said.

“It also helps kids get college credits.”

According to Mr. Cissell, the class is designed for one national AP exam. Therefore, there are some differences between this class and other government classes.

“What’s different is the depth you can get into the content,” Mr. Nick Beckmann, another AP Government teacher, said, “because the curriculum is designed to go more in depth.”

However, according to senior Emily Newton, the students were told last year that the class would be exactly like Honors

Government.

“It’s a lot harder than Honors Government because the curriculum is different and we’re going a lot faster without background knowledge,” Newton said.

For the students, it has been made apparent just how deep the curriculum is.

“It’s definitely harder to grasp everything without going over it.

Juniors are expected to know things that the seniors learned last year,” senior Melissa Mossinghoff said.

Others, such as junior James Pugh, don’t regret taking the class.

“It’s not easy, but Mr. Cissell does a good job of engaging the class and makes it interesting,” Pugh said. “It’s worth the difficulty.”

“We were supposed to take another government class before this one, but I didn’t know we were supposed to, so now I’m confused in the class,” said junior, Kristen Warncke.

Perhaps her difficulty in the

class is related to the fact that she is only a junior, taking an advanced level class.

“I would not allow the juniors to take [AP Government] for their American Government credit. They should have a regular government class before taking AP so that they have been taught the basics,” Ms. Rebecca Dulle, another AP Government teacher, said.

Or perhaps the problem is the speed in which the class is moving. According to Warncke and Mossinghoff, the class is trying to cover too much information in a short period of time.

“I would like more preparation time for tests than telling us two days before,” Mossinghoff said.

On the other hand, while the students are having trouble keeping up, the teachers seem to be enjoying the class.

“I enjoy watching kids expand in their knowledge of politics,” Mr. Beckmann said.

All three teachers appear to be thoroughly interested in what

they are teaching, as well.

“I’m really happy with the class. I enjoy teaching it because it’s so relevant. You can see what we talked about in class 36 hours later on the news,” Mr. Cissell said.

However, the biggest concern of the AP Government teachers is the class size.

According to Mr. Cissell and Mr. Beckmann, the teachers can’t get in depth enough with such a big class.

“Fifteen to 20 students is the preferred number for deep discussions. We have 26-28 kids for each class right now,” said Mr. Beckmann.

Perhaps this solution, to lower class size, would help the students understand the material better and feel more confident about what they are learning.

Nonetheless, this is not to discourage students from taking the class, just to inform them of what the class will hold for them if they choose to take it in future years.

Baird hitting right notes

By Maddie Newton staff reporter

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delve | october 5, 2011

“She is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about choral technique and music.”

Last school year, Mrs. Baird taught at Hollenbeck Middle School with only a half-time schedule.

“It was nice knowing marching band kids from helping with [the band] years before, and the choir kids have been very open to the change.” Mrs. Baird said. “It is fun just to get into the music.

They jump into it and it’s exciting because they aren’t here for me, just for the music.”

The main difference between the middle school and high school is the size, according to Mrs. Baird. There are more

than three times the amount of students at Central compared to Hollenbeck.

“I need to work on getting to know more students because I feel like when I walk through the halls I only know about five students,” Mrs. Baird said. “I really only know the kids in the music program.”

Mrs. Baird thinks it is important for her students to get the best education they can, and she tries to help them be their best.

“It is important that everybody knows that I’m doing everything I can to be available to help improve both the middle school and the high school programs,” Mrs. Baird said.

Mrs. Baird conducts her fifth hour men's chamber choir class. They were discussing their trip to Acapalooza for a singing competition.

photo by cody jones

Secondary school teachers in the Francis Howell School District typically have six class periods a day with one plan period.

Music teacher Elisabeth Baird defies this rule. Mrs. Baird has eight classes with no plan period and still finds time to stay after school until 5 p.m. to help with marching band.

These eight classes include sixth grade choir, seventh and eighth mixed choir, women’s chamber choir, men’s chamber choir, concert choir and treble choir. She is also a brass technician and leads all the music rehearsals for brass

players in the marching band.

Mrs. Baird knows what is important to her as a teacher and makes sure she has her priorities straight.

“It is not an option; you just make time,” Mrs. Baird said.

“It’s hard with choir, competition and solos at both schools, but you don’t want any kid to suffer because you’re too busy.”

According to senior Josh Burns, the choir students are accepting of the departure of Mr. John Varwig and also to the arrival of Mrs. Baird.

“She is doing a lot better than I expected; it’s a lot for one teacher to handle, and she is handling it very well,” Burns said.

94

new the

Phase 2 of the Route 364 upgrade is near completion and students and teachers alike are breathing sighs of relief

By Allison Comfort staff reporter

The recent face-lift of Old Highway 94 is near completion.

However, many students have to drive through this construction on a daily basis, including senior Jesse Hauser. Unlike many, he does not seem to gripe about the construction like others do.

“I think it’s a good thing,” Hauser said. “It takes me about 13 minutes to get here, and [once the construction is done] it will probably be half that time.”

Even though the construction is not yet complete, Hauser is already getting here a few minutes earlier every morning.

However, it is not all good things.

“It’s kind of confusing, especially if you’re not used to driving that road,” Hauser said.

Even though the construction is taking a lot of time to complete, Hauser thinks that they are justified in their speed.

“It’s probably not easy, with our weather and everything. I think it will be worth it despite the time,” Hauser said.

Not everyone is so positive about the construction. Senior

Devon Goodman has to amend his schedule for the construction in the mornings.

“I gotta get up to beat the rush in the mornings,” Goodman said, “so I have to get up earlier.”

The construction some must drive through, combined with the new bell schedule, requires many students to get up earlier,

“It’s probably not easy, with our weather and everything.

I think it will be worth it despite the time.” { Jesse Hauser } senior Because of weather extremes, construction on Highway 94 has been delayed many times.

However, Hauser still believes the construction, though it causes many problems now for students getting to school, will ultimately be beneficial for student transportation to school.

and if they can, they will skip the construction altogether.

“Kids won’t take the highway if they don’t have to,” Goodman said.

On the other hand, there are many wrecks and students get pulled over for speeding fairly often on the highway. Once

the highway construction is complete, however, Goodman thinks that will change.

“It will definitely cut down on wrecks,” Goodman said. “There will be less kids pulled over for speeding.”

Even teachers have to face the traffic. One of them is Mrs. Jessica Bulva, who drives to work through the traffic every day.

“I’m directionally challenged, so it’s frustrating. I like to take the same route every day.” Mrs. Bulva said. “I don’t know if it’s essential.”

Despite perhaps being unessential, the time it takes is still hard to wait through.

“It seems to be taking forever,” Mrs. Bulva said.

However, like many others, Mrs. Bulva is excited for the construction to finally be finished. She believes it will be good for the local economy.

“It’ll help the housing market, and local restaurants will get more business,” Mrs. Bulva said.

“I think it’s ultimately going to be a good thing, even if it’s a hassle right now.”

photo by matthew cochran

photo illustration by Madeline Wilson

Bulldozers and other construction equipment sit along side Highway 94.

According to www.modot.org, the phase between Harvester Road and Mid Rivers Mall Drive is near completion.

want to see more?

scan the code to the right to see phase 2 of the Highway 364 construction between Harvester Road and Mid Rivers Mall Drive, as well as phase 3. All construction plans and the photos taken by MoDot are posted and available their website.

you can also go to: www.modot.org

fhctoday.com | delve

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Pushing for perfection

Senior Becca Vadalabene shows one of the girls that she babysits how to play a game on her phone. Vadalabene was hired as a nanny for a family during the weekdays and helps the two girls with homeowork, and feeds them dinner.

photos by kelci davis

By Claire Henderson

K

delve editor

nowing what direction their life will take is the dream of most academically driven seniors.

They want to know where they will continue their education, what career they will work towards and exactly how they will achieve these things. Senior Rebecca (Becca) Vadalabene is one of those seniors who has her career goal figured out, but still struggles with the where and how.

Becca has known since she was nine years old that she wanted to be a pediatric nurse practitioner.

“I have a passion for kids and I’ve always wanted to be in the

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medical field because it’s a field where you’re helping people,” said Becca. “There’s no way you can’t be helping people.”

Becca was able to discover her passion at such a young age because of her connection with the nursery at her church.

“My mom worked in the church nursery and I was the only nineyear-old who was allowed to work in the nursery,” said Becca.

“Every single Sunday I would just hold babies. I knew that if I went into this profession I would enjoy going to work.”

Becca’s passion has motivated her to work towards getting the best education she can past her high school years.

Her focus right now is directed towards applying at Truman State University.

“I’m drawn towards to Truman because of the study abroad program,” said Becca. “Also, because of the scholarships they offer.”

The direction in which her college search is pushed is largely affected by the fact she will be paying for her own college education.

“My parents have made it evident that I will be paying for college on my own,” Becca said.

“There will be a point where three of us kids will be attending school at the same time, so it’s something my parents can’t afford to pay for all of us.”

Because of this, Becca has had to be realistic with her college choices.

“If I could go to my dream school, I would go to [St. Louis

University],” said Becca. “I need to go somewhere where they are going to give me a lot of scholarships because I need to be able to pay for my graduate school, which will be ridiculously expensive.”

Truman offers one scholarship, the Pershing Scholarship, Becca is very interested in.

According to Truman’s website, the qualifications to receive this scholarship are leadership, academic excellence by class rank and GPA, and ACT or SAT scores in the top three percent nationally. “[The scholarship offers] full tuition, full room and board, and they pay for you to study abroad for a semester or summer term,” said Becca.

Winners of the scholarship

will also be assigned a faculty member to provide them with further guidance in their growth and education. They will also become members of the Pershing Society.

“The Pershing program is unique among Missouri institutions of higher education and is recognized throughout the Midwest as one of the most prestigious awards offered to high school graduates,” said Truman’s website.

Because her college education is largely dependent on getting scholarships such as the Pershing Scholarship, Becca has taken every chance she has in her high school career to show her academic drive.

One of the largest commitments Becca has made

to show this in her high school career for Central’s NHS chapter, and also is playing the flute in the school wind sends out personal text messages ensemble since freshman year. This reminding members about upcoming has given her the opportunity to hone meetings.

Though Becca did want to have this her leadership skills and learn to work with others to create something position in order to better the group, she also knew that this opportunity bigger than herself.

“She is a leader by example,” would be perfect for bettering her said Band Director Nathan Griffin. chances of winning the Pershing “The way she carries herself, the Scholarship she needs to pay for way she tackles a challenge; these college.

“I realized that I’m going to high are infectious qualities that others school in order to look a certain way gravitate towards.”

According to Mr. Griffin, Becca does for colleges,” said Becca. “I have to focus and that has everything that she pushed me to take this does with a purpose, paying attention to “Don’t let yourself leadership position.”

Another major every single detail. be swayed by commitment Becca “From my people to do a has made in the observations, Becca job just because way of having the seems to be driven to best qualifications perfection,” said Mr. it makes more for not only college Griffin. “She seldom money.” acceptance, but for leaves any challenge { Becca Vadalabene } her desired profession. untouched or any detail senior Bates is a nanmy with a family in the At the beginning of hanging. [She can area which is a job she believes will the school year, Becca accomplish] whatever help her become a pediatric nurse practitioner. was offered a nanny she sets her mind to.” position for a family Besides being in with two younger girls. the wind ensemble, Becca has also been an editor on Becca says that being able to work the Perihelion, the school’s literary with the girls and learn about them is magazine; she is in Tri-M, a musical a large reason of why she took the arts society; she is in FBLA and the job.

“I actually had another job at the International Club; and she is this year’s National Honor Society (NHS) time,” said Becca. “I was offered the job out of the blue and I thought president.

“I wanted to be NHS president even if it wouldn’t help me get into because I wanted something to college, it would be something coordinate with,” said Becca. “It’s a that I enjoy, it would work with my great organization and they have a schedule, and it would help me learn how kids work; what they like and great mission.”

Becca has done many things with what they don’t like and about girls her position of leadership in NHS for of different ages.”

Becca watches the girls in the this school year. She and the other officers created a Facebook page afternoons, helps them with their

homework and anything else they made need help with. Becca does not consider the job difficult, but has recognized the responsibilities she received when she accepted the job offer.

“I’ve been babysitting my whole life and now it’s like I’m a part time mom,” Becca said.

Through her academic ambitions, extracurricular involvement and her opportunities in her job, Becca has learned a lot about planning for college and ultimately, her future. Her advice to upcoming seniors about college is based largely on her own experience.

“Definitely go and see colleges,” Becca said. “Even if you don’t know what you want to do, find a few things that you might be interested in.”

She has also has some insight into academic strategies that might be helpful for students.

“Make good study habits now, because if you don’t have them now, you wont randomly find them in college,” Becca said. “Take the ACT for sure.”

Above all, Becca advises students to stand up for what they want, not to follow what their friends, teachers, or parents want them to do.

“Every person I tell what I want to do tells me to do something else,” Becca said. “A big part of it is to be bold and stay firm with what you want to do. Don’t let yourself be swayed by people to do a job just because it makes more money. You go to college to have a career, and you have a career to live your life, so you should enjoy what you are doing while you live your life. No amount of money is going to make you happy if you are doing something you don’t love.”

{preparing for future} students attend a four-year college 60% 30% students attend community college students took the ACT in 2010-2011 80%

Students should have focused plan

By Karley Canova staff reporter

Students should begin planning for their life after high school in early years in order to get the best results.

“If you’re a senior starting to plan for college, you’re behind,” said counselor Mr. Trevor Wolfe.

According to Mr. Wolfe, seniors should be able to return to school in the fall with their college choices narrowed down to three to five schools. “[Their] major goal is to fill out applications,” said Mr. Wolfe.

Each school has different criteria for graduation, and it is essential that these criteria are met. For FHC, 24 credits are required to graduate. The basics require the student to take at least four years of English, three to four years “The tougher the of math, three years of social studies, classes, the more and three years of you’re challenging science. Most fouryourself.” year schools also have an additional requirement of at { Trevor Wolfe } guidance counselor least two years of foreign languages for Mr. Wolfe recommends students, as a more well-rounded part of their required 24 credits, plan four years of courses that will help student. prepare them for whatever plans they may have once they leave high school.

“Basically, what it boils down to is during junior year, students should take the ACT multiple times, attend the college fairs and ultimately visiting colleges they’ve shown interest in,” said Mr. Wolfe.

Mr. Wolfe also recommends students take as many honors and advanced credit classes as they can.

“The tougher the classes, the more you’re challenging yourself,” said Mr. Wolfe. “[You will have] more knowledge and will be earning college credit while earning high school credit.”

According to Mr. Wolfe, you will also be getting more preparation for the ACT, which will also give you more preparation for college.

Students should also speak with college representatives. Some of these are displayed on the dry erase board outside of the guidance office and also on their E news.

If students are not entirely sure of what career they are interested in, they can go onto the Missouri Connections website that leads them to an appropriate career choice. The site offers a 25 to 30 minute array of questions that the student can answer in order to receive results and direction to a possible career choice.

fhctoday.com | delve

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Projectors fill void in art classrooms staff reporter

Students can walk into almost every classroom and they will find a SMART board on the wall being used to help students learn.

However, there are a few classrooms who do not have SMART boards or projectors connected to a teacher’s computer. There are several reasons why not all of the classrooms have a Smart board hanging on the wall.

The simple answer is there is not enough money in the school district budget to pay for all of them according to Assistant Principal Dave Stofer.

This year, the choir classroom and the art classrooms are getting projectors. The money is coming out of the school’s budget, but not the district budget. The projectors cost about $2,000 per projector

and including the wires and software needed to install, according to Mr. Stofer.

To add a SMART board to a classroom, instead of a projector, would be around another thousand or two thousand dollars.

When the new projectors get installed, all of the classrooms, other than the band room, will have either a Smart board or a projector.

Mr. Stofer hopes to get funds in the spring to add SMART boards to the classrooms with only have projectors.

The advantages to having a SMART Board in the classroom is that it helps with student interactions.

Students are able to come up and participate in class. It helps with visual learning as well, according to Michelle McCune.

“We have become a visual society,”

said Mr. Stofer. “We are always watching TV or on the computer getting information now.”

Teachers are able to put videos and what is directly on their computer monitors for students to see. There are no real disadvantages to the projectors or SMART boards unless they are never used, according to Stofer.

Being able to have things on the SMART board is useful in all subjects. In art, they can point out small characteristics in artwork by enlarging them; history classes can put up historic documents, notes or instructions can also be displayed.

“If we had a SMART Board in class we would definitely use it,” said Band Director Nathan Griffin. “I understand that some classes have more need for one, but we will use a Smart Board all the time if we had one.”

Using the SMART board as a teaching aide, Mrs. Lisa Milos compares Brittney Nelson’s peacock to a photo illuminated on the board.

Despite being visually oriented classes, many art rooms lack SMART boards.

photo by matt cochran

By Matt Cochran

“After graduating high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. SCC gave me the time to figure it out before transferring to a four-year university.” ~ DJ Shocklee SCC alum Francis Howell Central alum

Find SCC on : Ask your counselor how to get started at St. Charles Community College. Call 636-922-8000 or visit stchas.edu.

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{sweat}

A stressful balancing act Students work to balance out of school sports with school work load

By Maddie Newton

F

staff reporter

rancis Howell Central is home to more than 25 sports and activities that suit the interests of almost every high school student. However, there are a few activities

left out that many students participate in outside of school.

Although there are cheerleading and dance teams, gymnastics is one of the sports that FHC does not sponsor. Many girls are enrolled in gymnastics as kids, but most do not stay with it beyond their

childhood activities.

Sophomore Diana Jacob, on the other hand, has continued to do what she enjoys even though the school does not sponsor her particular sport. “I am glad that there is not gymnastics at school because I like to separate my

school and my sport. I like having things to do outside of school,� Jacob said.

Many students are involved in several sports, but for Jacob, she only concentrates on gymnastics. Also, like any please read more: ATHLETES pg. 10

fhctoday.com | sweat

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Too little time for two sports Students try to balance in school and out of school sports during same season

By Sean Carroll ifocus editor

Between playing for two different sports, doing homework and somehow trying to have a social life, students playing two different sports in the same season can have a very stressful schedule.

The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) would not let a student play a high school sponsored sport and another non-sponsored school sport of the same kind, but that rule does not apply to students who play a high school sponsored sport and a different non-sponsored sport in the same season. This is good for the students who want to take on two sports, but with homework and other activities outside of school, playing two sports is not for every student.

Senior Jack Gamache plays

both for the Varsity basketball team , Varsity volleyball team and a club volleyball team during the year.

According to Gamache, having multiple practices in one night is commonplace.

“Leaving one practice to go to another happens a lot,” Gamache said.

With all the extra time for practice students can have a hard time with the

homework load.

“It’s very hard to study for tests at ten o’ clock at night after volleyball practice,” Gamache said. “I try to get my homework done in class so I don’t have to worry about it later when I’m done with practice.”

Like Gamache, junior Kristen Warncke finds ways to juggle playing for the Missouri Impact basketball team and running for Varsity track.

“I play for the basketball and [run for the] track team which will be very difficult to handle because track meets happen right after school and go until nine o’ clock at night,” Warncke said.

Players can talk to the coaches if need be and work out schedules so they can play for both teams

respectively without becoming overstressed.

“Its all about communication between the players, their families and the coaches,” Activities Director Scott Harris said.

Senior Amber Rumbolo has an arrangement with her coach and studio that allows her to do both. Dances for both the Varsity Sensations and for Dance Connection Performing Arts Center.

“My studio works with the sensations to make it fair how much I miss,” Rumbolo said.

Warncke, like Rumbolo, is able to choose what practices she can miss and still play for both teams.

“Coach Travis Wilson was very supportive he would let me skip track practice

every now and then,” Warncke said.

Despite the stresses of playing two sports, students do it every year, giving it their all for their team and their school, according to Warncke.

photos courtesy of lauren rotando

jump from page 11: ATHLETES

and I finish my homework after practice,” Jacob said. “Practice takes up most of my time and concentration and my coaches

don’t want me involved in other sports, but they say that school work comes first,” Jacob is not the only gymnast struggling to achieve excellence in school as well as sports outside of school. Junior Sydney Donovan also continues to excel in gymnastics and in school.

“I don’t get home from gymnastics until nine every night, so I budget my time in class to finish my homework,” said Donovan.

For Donovan and Jacob, coaches understand school is important and it should be more of a priority than gymnastics.

“They give us time during practice to do extra homework and they understand if we have to miss gymnastics for school related things,” Donovan said.

For other students like senior Lauren Rotondo, some coaches do not always think about the student’s schedules.

Rotondo is an ice skater who started skating after her mom watched the 1994 Olympics and became interested in the different aspects of the sport.

“Sometimes my coaches expect way more than I can handle and I’m up pretty late doing homework,” Rotondo said.

Many students can not participate in other school activities outside of school because of the time it takes to keep up with sports.

“I have to sacrifice hanging out with friends and school activities because of gymnastics,” Donovan said. “I can’t join clubs because I don’t have time.”

Although some sports are forgotten, many students continue to strive to do their best in the sport that they choose to do.

Their drive may keep them out of clubs and inhibit their social lives, but passion and drive push them through.

Your senior yearbook photo session is free!

Seniors must have their senior photo for the yearbook taken at Prestige Portraits. The deadline is Friday, Nov. 18 329 Mid Rivers Mall Drive St. Peters, MO 63376 314-963-1414 prestigeportraits.com

Junior golfer Rebecca Bates finds her lifelong passion on golf course

By Cody Jones staff reporter

Six years after her first experiences with golf, junior Rebecca Bates stands at the tee of the Woods Fort Golf Course, applying and maintaining each principle required for golfing success. A brisk breeze is brought in from the northwest. The sun illuminates the course, setting the scene for what would be an eventful day.

Preparation is vital in golf. Without a lethal combination of the right preparation and focus, golfers tend to perform at a level under their expected results. Bates can vouch for this. Ever since she hit the links, it was quickly evident a lack of focus and preparation would mean disappointment.

“It’s an iffy sport. If you are doing bad, you hate it. You have to get better so it becomes more fun,” Bates said.

Bates was competing at the Troy tournament that breezy day at Woods Fort and she felt like finally burying all the doubt left resonating from a drastic sport decision.

“Hockey is my favorite sport and always will be, but I believe golf will get me farther in life,” said Bates.

From early on, Bates knew she had something special with golf.

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“I was the only freshman on varsity, which I’ve been on all three years,” Bates said.

Now she stands, focused on the tee, then focused on the hole, then focused on the tee again. Her concentration was unbreakable.

Bates takes on a personal responsibility of being perfect every time she tees the ball up.

“I take it to heart when I do worse,” Bates said. “I know I can do better.”

Her determination is unrivaled, and her skills are continuously improving, but Bates has yet to decide how far golf will take her.

“I’m considering trying for a golf scholarship, but I’m just not sure yet,” Bates said.

Despite the blurry picture golf has painted for her future, Bates knows it has made too much of an impact on her high school years to forgo it in the future.

pressure on her, but it would be great if she had the opportunity to play at the collegiate level,” Mr. Bates said.

Fellow golfer and close friend junior Morgan Mathis agrees with Mr. Bates.

“I think she can do it if she continues to to work really hard. She is super good!” Mathis said.

Improving has been a slow and steady process for Bates, but at this stage, she has grasped the majority of the sport. That simply means more practice, even if it is just a quick match with her dad.

“We’ve got a pretty good rivalry going.

She’s not beating me much yet, but it is just a matter of time,” Mr. Bates said.

That “matter of time” appears to be coming fast based off her recent successes.

Becca cocks back her driver and releases, sending the ball flying across the green.

Today could be the day she finally earns her first medal.

Her father, Marty Bates, believes she has the ability to reach a collegiate level. He said she is constantly improving, and was even named the most improved player after her sophomore season.

“Becca has worked very hard at improving her game. I don’t want to put too much

The sun sets, ending another great day of golfing at Woods Fort. Fifty golfers competed in the Troy hosted tournament, but a new face was earning a medal. Bates placed ninth, and for the first time, came home with some bling. The medal was a step, but for a golfer striding for greatness, Bates sets her eyes on the gold. With Bates determined work ethic, she sees herself advancing up the summit, submitting her golf legacy.

New ranking brings pressure Soccer team is ranked 9th in metro area by St. Louis Post-Dispatch

By Matt Lundberg The latest Post-Dispatch soccer poll ranks the FHC soccer team at No. 9 in the St. Louis metro area. The boys have come to this ranking with a record of 10-4 and have achieved big wins over Mehlville and Lafayettw, according to senior Cameron McCullough.

“We beat Mehlville when they were ranked and tied Chaminade,” McCullough said.

The newfound ranking brings with it some pressure to perform and keep the ranking according to senior Cody Craven.

“Once you are ranked, you want to stay there,” Craven said. “We have to play our best

every night and coaches know that.”

Despite the pressure, Craven believes that the team will benefit in the long run.

“I like the fact that we have a target on our backs, because the team will know that we have to play hard every night,” Craven said.

The team has seen an improvement due to senior leadership, according to senior Austin Stoneking.

“It’s been senior senior leadership. . . we have a lot of seniors on the team,” Stoneking said. “This has also taken a lot of hard work and dedication.”

The team still has ten games left before the district tournament.

Cottleville 5205 Hwy. N 636.441.7755

Flint Hill 5023 Hwy. P 636.332.3212

sweat editor

Rising in the air, senior defender Cody Craven snaps a header into the goal during the Spartans 5-3 victory over Lafayette. The team, presently ranked ninth in the metro area, visits Oakville today.

www.manninosmarket.com fhctoday.com | sweat

}13

The

unknown

E

struggles

By Claire Henderson

This program allows families to apply for financial

delve editor

veryday hundreds of students stand aid for breakfast and lunch so that they have one in line in the school cafeteria waiting

less thing to worry about paying for.

for their chicken wrap, slice of pizza or maybe

their only meal of the day. Many students do not realize that the boy or girl standing behind them in line would not be eating lunch were it not

If families qualify for both free meals “Without the program I wouldn’t be eating lunch.” { Molly McCoy } junior Junior Molli McCoy, like many other students, is a member of the Free and Reduced Lunch program. Students in the program can recieve lunch either free or at a reduced price of $2.05.

for the Free and Reduced Lunches

at the high school level, it covers $1.05 for breakfast, and $2.05 for lunch, which is the tray lunch, or pizza.

The program offers free meals to children of families receiving Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance, or the

program the state offers to families who qualify

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

for financial aid to help feel their children healthy

regardless of income. Foster children also qualify

meals.

for free meals. please read more: STRUGGLES pg. 16

14 }

in focus | october 5, 2011

Will I be able to make it through this without anyone finding out the truth?

hitting

home close to

jump from page 14: STRUGGLES

Families who are not receiving any aid from those programs can qualify for free meals if the household income falls in the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.

If families do not fit in those guidelines, they may be eligible for reduced prices by checking the reduced price limits.

The program helps families who are in temporary situations, like junior Marcus Rudigier, who’s family is in the program because of his father’s job loss. Families are able to apply at any time during the school year when they feel they may qualify for free or reduced price meals.

16 }

in focus | october 5, 2011

“My dad got laid off a while ago, and I have a lot of kids in my family, so money was getting pretty tight,” said Rudigier.

“He just recently got his job back, but until then, the program was very beneficial to my family and me.”

Other families’ situations are not as temporary, like senior Dalton Clark’s.

Clark and her family have been in the program since she was in middle school.

“I qualified because my mom is a single parent raising three children on her own,” Clark said.

Clark is thankful for the program, but says that sometimes the restrictions on what students can buy keeps her from eating.

“I like it because I don’t have to worry about lunch money every day, but we are only allowed to get certain things and sometimes our school runs out of the only things we can get by the time my lunch period rolls around,” said Clark.

The Free and Reduced Lunch Program has made a difference in many students’ lives who would otherwise be going without. The program recognizes that students need healthy meals to excel academically.

Junior Molly McCoy is one of the students that benefits greatly from the program. It allows her to not worry about where her next meal with come from.

“Without the program I wouldn’t be eating lunch,” said McCoy. Many students who do not have extra money to pay for lunches at school typically bring their lunches from home. For McCoy this is not necessarily an option.

“I do not have a lot of food or money for food,” said McCoy. “If I brought food from home it would just be less food for dinner.”

Though students do not realize that other students are in need of this financial help, there are 272 students in the program for

the 2011-12 school year, and that is just at FHC. “I think there are lots of kids in our school with similar situations that benefit from the program,” said Rudigier.

The students who do benefit from the program are very thankful for the help.

Rudigier recognizes that it was very beneficial to his family in the short time it was needed.

“I appreciate the help through hard times and I’m glad that we had the aid until we got back on our feet,” said Rudigier.

Clark also appreciates the support from the program and encourages others who may need the aid to apply for the program.

“It takes away the stress of worrying about whether we have money in our accounts. It guarantees us food every day,” said Clark. “I would encourage the program if a family was in a stressful money situation like mine, or similar to mine.”

are you eligible?

first, check the graph below to see what kind of families are applicable for the free and reduced lunch program. next, scan the code below to be brought to the application form. send it to this address: Cecilia Rekosh 4520 Central School Road Saint Charles, MO 63304

you can also visit fhctoday.com

How will I be able to buy lunch today if I don’t have any more money?

Qualifications for Free and Reduced Lunch Weekly

Household size

Annually

Monthly

1

$20,147

$1,679

$388

2

$27,214

$2,268

$524

3

$34,281

$2,857

$660

4

$41,348

$3,446

$796

5

$48,415

$4,035

$932

6

$55,482

$4,624

$1,067

7

$62,549

$5,213

$1,203

8

$69,616

$5,802

$1,339

Each additional member

+$7,067

+$589

+$139

find the number of people living in your household in the “household size” column. if your family makes less than any of the above incomes, you qualify for free or reduced lunches.

Am I alone in this? it’s very common for people to feel alone when they are in tough situation; however, statistics show that the majority of Americans are suffering due to the economic downfall. even if the struggle is unknown, it is not alone.

$48,445

was the real median household income in 2010

15.1%

Americans lived in poverty last year

7.3 million

children under 18 were without health insurance in 2010

13%

people had health insurance in 2010

2.6 million

people slipped into poverty in the United States in 2010

9.2 million

more families were in poverty last year

statistics from the united states census bureau fhctoday.com | in focus

}17

Joblessness

was the main thing pushing Americans into poverty last year

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

“

Assert yourself as a hardworking, responsible and friendly person; never forget that it’s all about the customer.

1 8}

“

“

“

What things can I do to help me get a job?

Allie Straub {junior

in focus | october 5, 2011

We’re looking for someone with anything and everything, but mainly someone who’s a people person. If I sit down during an interview and I’m the only one talking, then we have a problem.

James Lucas {mcdonalds general manager

I started looking for a new job, but I haven’t been too successful. I think I’m not finding a job because I’m picky about where I want to work.

James Pugh {junior

I think through being more mature and having a friendly personality,I was set apart from the other cadidates for the job.

Rachel Eikmann {junior

What types of things are employers looking for in high school age employees?

personable outgoing trustworthy

studious

friendly

presentable

hardworking

talkative

dependable ambitious intelligent quick on your feet honest

“

I worked my way through college at McDonald’s, starting as a 15 year old cashier, and now I’m general manager. We’re flexible with teens’ schedules.

James Lucas {mcdonalds general manager

responsible

“

I think it was my grades that set me apart from the pack, most jobs look really closely at your dedication to school and extracurricular activities.

Kyle Pyatt {junior

fhctoday.com | in focus

}19

ARE YOU YET? Reserve your copy of the 2011-12 yearbook at registration.

Cost of the book is $55 until Dec. 1.

Name: _________________________________________ Grade: ____ Cash: ____

Date:________

Check#_____

Mugshot #:_____ (Odyssey staff use only)

All checks must be made payable to FHC Publications The price of the yearbook will be $55 until Friday, Dec. 2, 2011.

On that date, the price will rise to $65.

Staff signature: ____________________

20}

advertisements | october 5, 2011

{the scene}

Baking a bright future Freshman Emily Lager pursues her passion for sweet treats

photo by Savannah McEachern

By Alli Keisker

print executive editor

W

alking into the kitchen, an aroma fills the room as freshly baked desserts are quickly rushed out of the oven.

All it took was a few simple ingredients and the passion of freshman Emily Lager to make homemade Red Velvet cupcakes with homemade cream cheese

frosting.

Emily first began cooking just a few years ago when she was in middle school. She cooks with her mother, FHSD teacher Mrs. Laura Lager; friends, freshman Andrea Newburry and Sarah Kabacinski; her aunt, Ms. Julie Sutter; and on her own. Emily says the type of food varies depending on whom she is cooking with.

“When I cook with my mom, I usually cook dinner types of food

such as pastas. When I cook with my friends, I cook desserts such as cupcakes,” Emily said. “When I cook with my aunt, we usually are cooking for family get-togethers, so we make things such as fish tacos or barbecuing.”

Though Emily has cooked with a variety of people whom are close with her, the reason behind her desire for cooking is because of her mother.

“I decided to start cooking

because my mom cooked when I was little, so I followed in her footsteps because it’s fun,” Emily said. “My cooking makes people happy, so it’s a good feeling because I like making people happy.”

That is her favorite thing about cooking; the feeling she gets when someone enjoys her food.

Emily says she has not gotten a negative review from anyone who has tried her dishes, yet.

A majority of those who have

eaten her food have been friends and family and that is what she prefers to do.

“I prefer to cook for friends and family because when I cook for my family then I give my mom a break from her day to relax. My mom actually prefers me cooking because she sometimes is tired when she gets home from work,” Emily said. read more: CUPCAKES, PAGE 22

fhctoday.com | the scene

}21

playlist

want the recipe?

scan the code to the left and get the recipe for Emily Lager’s cupcakes.

“and I’m feelin’ good”

or visit fhctoday.com/ thescene

With their sultry vocals, jazz instrumentals and some scatting, these songs soothe the soul. From jazz standards to revamped classics, this playlist is meant for days when you are just feeling food.

by margaret borgmeyer

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

“Feeling Good” by Michael Buble

Let’s just face it, after putting Buble on this playlist ... it’s already reached perfection; his smooth voice and lyrics always put me in a great mood.

“Beyond the Sea” by Emily Nicole

A jazz standard covered by FHC alumnus Emily Struckmann; it’s cool that such a great talent came from our own school.

“I’ve Got the World on a String”

by Frank Sinatra

Some of Adele’s best songs are the least known; this songs lyrics make me want to fall in love.

Lager focuses on icing the cupcake with her homemade frosting. It took her 45 minutes to complete the cupcakes.

photo by savannah mceachern

“One and Only” by Adele

photo by savannah mceachern

This song is always a pick me up ­— whether it be the lyrics or Sinatra himself, this song never fails to get me tapping my foot.

“All I Do Is Dream of You” by Michael Buble I really felt Buble should be on here twice because I love his voice so much; I could listen to him for eternity.

“That Sunday, That Summer”

by Natalie Ciole Following her father, Cole covers this standard with some sweet improvisation on old melodies.

“How High the Moon”

by Ella Fitzgerald

Quick rhythms, up-tempo, major melodies; this song is one you have you to tap your foot to.

“L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole A classic that everyone knows; “L-O-V-E” is one of my all-time favorite love songs.

“I Got Rhythm” by Judy Garland

Judy Garland, although totally screwed up in her later years, has been quite the inspiration for me; her voice completely makes this song ten times greater.

“Fever” by A Fine Frenzy A Fine Frenzy’s interpretation of this song is breathtaking; her voice adds such a sweet tone to the song.

22}

the scene | october 5, 2011

jump from page 21: CUPCAKES

“If I’m cooking for my friends, it’s usually something we made together.”

Emily uses her cooking because it not only is fun, but helps her get away from everything else. She primarily cooks in her spare time. Baking is more about the specifics, while cooking allows people to improvise, Emily said.

“I cook when I’m not at band practice. I usually cook dinner and sometimes if I’m bored I’ll bake for fun on the weekends,” Emily said. “It’s nice for me to get away from other things sometimes.”

Though Emily has learned to make a variety of things within the last few years such as homemade ice cream varying in flavors such as cake batter or raspberry, she says her favorite thing to bake would have to be cupcakes because of the variety of ways they can be decorated.

Emily says she has used a pastry bag— which is what professional bakers use—to decorate her cupcakes before. She has made cupcakes of all sorts of flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry lemonade,

Freshman Emily Lager whisks the ingredients together to create homemade Red Velvet cupcakes.

Lager also made homemade cream cheese frosting for the cupcakes.

peanut butter chocolate and even rainbow.

“I love making cupcakes. They’re fun to decorate because there are so many different things to do with them. I sometimes make cakes, but usually it’s just cupcakes,” Emily said. “I’ve made cupcakes with different themes. In the fall, I made cupcakes that looked like pumpkins and, during the Super Bowl, I made ones that looked like they had grass on them with a football.”

Now that she knows all the basics of cooking and has advanced to more complex meals and desserts, she has made a decision that most freshman would not make.

“When I’m older, I want to open a bakery [called Cottlecakes]. It would have cupcakes, cakes, desserts, so basically everything a bakery usually has,” Emily said.

“It would be awesome to do something like that. It’d be fun to own my own business doing something I really love doing.”

Her passion for cooking is evident to her older sister, senior Mollie Lager. Mollie says that although Emily will be the owner and primary baker, the rest of their family is open to help with the bakery.

“Emily really is a good baker and cook. I see her passion in her baking and I could see her going really far with [Cottlecakes] if the family helps. It could become less of a dream [for her] and more of a reality,” Mollie said. “Cottleville is growing, so it’ll become

successful because it would allow people to not have to travel so far for desserts.”

Though Emily aspires to do this, she does not plan to do it all on her own but with the help of her family.

“My family would definitely be a part of the bakery. My younger sister, Hannah [Lager], would be a cashier because that position would fit her the best. Mollie, would be the business manager who helps pay the bills because she wants to major in business in college,” Emily said. “I would be the owner and my job would be to bake and decorate. My mom would also help with decorating and baking because by the time we open this business she would hopefully be retired and able to help. My aunt would probably be a co-owner because she’s really good at cooking and being organized.”

Although she loves baking, she says she does not think she wants to start the business directly out of high school because of another dream she has: teaching.

“I would like to go to culinary school, but I have my doubts because I’m not 100 percent sure I want to go into cooking right after high school,” Emily said. “I also want to teach elementary students, like my mom. I already am familiar with how that works because I’ve helped her so much in her classroom. So maybe after I’ve taught for a little while or it could be a side job that I do.”

Friday night ‘fright- fest’

It’s late at night and you have an urge to be tested by your fear. Rather than waiting for the next 80’s horror film remake, the new Guillermo del Toro or another one of the rapidly decaying horror movie series (“Final Destination”, “Saw”, etc.), check out one of these fairly unknown films.

By Ben Sandfort staff reporter

2. “The Traveler” (2011) It’s Christmas Eve and everyone in the police station is ready to go home. Sadly, that’s not going to happen, when a mysterious man (Val Kilmer) walks into the station and confesses to murder. When they question him, the murders happen while he speaks to each one of the officers in the station. The stranger in black, mysteriously changes cells, shows up out of rooms after he has been locked in them. Whether he is confessing to a murder or whistling Mozart’s Requiem, every one’s scared.

The movie is your basic slasher, but with a few interesting twists, mainly the supernatural ones, that make the movie very interesting.

4. “Walled In” (2009) The Matrazza building was built many years ago. In the 1990s, it became an apartment complex, but by 1996 it was closed by mysterious circumstances. Now, it’s about to be demolished, and an architect and her team are set to do it. Soon they realize that the measurements aren’t adding up and that’s when they find out why the building was closed.

In 1996, 16 of the tenants were found entombed in the walls of the building. As the whole mission starts going down the tubes, so does their lives. Ghosts, disappearances and a crazy landlady; they’ll be lucky if they make it out alive.

6. “Fragile” (2005) Mercury Falls Hospital is about to close. As extra nurses are brought in to help move patients and materials, one nurse (Calista Flockhart) is stuck with dealing with the child patients. One girl starts to mention a “mechanical girl”. After tucking the children in bed one night, she sees the “mechanical girl.” Even if it’s a little girl doesn’t mean it’s nice.

1. “Wicked Little Things” (2006)

Karen, Sarah and Emma Tunney are all moving to an old mining town in Pennsylvania. One of the mines in the area was destroyed in an explosion in 1913, in which a few children were buried alive. It’s been years, but the ghosts of the children still show up from time to time, and feed.

The movie is your basic slasher style, but instead of one guy killing everyone one by one, you have a group ghost little kids doing the job.

3. “From Within” (2007) As suicides spread throughout Grovestown, Lindsay, starts feeling like she’s connected by the suicides, but doesn’t know what to make of it. When some of her close friends start to go the same way as the others she knows she has to do whatever she can to stop it.

5. “The Burrowers” (2008) This interesting scary movie takes place in the old west. It starts with a family disappearing and the only evidence they have is a hole in the ground. Assuming that the Indians in the territory had something to do with it, young Fergus Coffey and a group of men go to hunt down the Indians.When the group comes upon an Indian, they force him to talk, and he tells them of a group called the Burrowers.

The movie is a different view of the horror genre, it crosses a bit into science fiction and western style movies, but still stays true to the genre of horror. Even though the idea may sound weird, it’s a movie you shouldn’t pass up, with an ending you wouldn’t expect.

7. “Perkins 14” (2008) Revenge is what police officer Dwayne Hopper wants. Ten years ago 14 children were kidnapped by a man named Perkins, and one of them was Dwayne’s son. Now, in the jail cell, is a man very similar to Perkins. When Dwayne gets home, his mind racing with ideas, he gets called out to deal with a murder by 14 individuals, and soon the whole town is under attack. When Dwayne sees his son, along with the other murderers, he for sure knows who they are.

fhctoday.com | the scene

}23

the

photos by kelci davis

Hipster haven

By Sean Gundersen communications editor

want to see more? scan the code above and see other hipster hotspots.

24}

the scene | october 5, 2011

There is a world, far from the tender embrace of St. Charles, where culture roams free.

Where a ten foot tall Cherokee Indian statue, numerous coffee shops, vegan eateries, tattoo parlors, and art galleries all go hand in hand.

This place is known as Cherokee Street. The once popular district in the heart of downtown St. Louis is now making a comeback.

Cherokee St. was known for its vintage and furniture shops, many of which have gone out of business in recent years for various reasons. So a sort of

refurbishing has occurred. The new shops that have sprouted mixed in with the remaining vintage walk-ins are creating an atmosphere unrivaled by that of other popular districts in St. Louis such as The Loop and The Central West End. The hipster turnaround is due mostly to the trendy trailblazing Mud House, one of the first of the now popular and hip gatherings featured on Cherokee St. At the corner of Cherokee and Illinois is this casual coffee shop/ vegan eatery. At any point in time, you can find The Mud House bustling with laid back hipsters, enjoying a cheap meal such as a macchiato and chickpea sandwich, or a root beer and the

best grilled cheese you’ll ever have.

If you’re looking for a complete meal for a low-price in the thick of Cherokee St. you are also in luck.

The district is filled with many delectable Mexican restaurants — such as La Vallesana — most of which you can get a meal for all of $7. The Mexican heritage of the street is just one more aspect to be admired, the authenticity and sheer enthusiasm of servers and customers alike never leaves you wanting for more.

The most visually appealing joints in Cherokee St. are the sights and sounds from local art spaces and galleries featuring both mainstream works and up and coming local artists’ collections.

The music venue “2720” and art gallery “Art Dimensions” both located at 2720 Cherokee, feature a three level gallery, each level laid out for different levels of musical enthusiasts and art-goers — the basement of course being the cream of the crop when it comes to Cherokee Underground Galleries.

For the most part, the hipsterhaven known as Cherokee St. will never let you down. At every block is an eclectic collection of shops, sure to impress even the stingiest of hipsters when it comes to trendy ideals paired with galleries to make you jump right out of your skinny jeans. So, tell your friends, make a day out of it, live the life of a hipster You will not regret it.

Distinctive delicious dishes Athletes Lunch

By Lizzi Holland the scene editor

{Lunches for any type of student}

When you participate in after school sports such as soccer, tennis, basketball, or any other sport, you need an energy packed lunch. Such is why when you pack your lunch for the following day you need to carefully choose nutritious, yet delicious items for your consumption.

Classic Lunch

-{Tuna salad on wheat} -{Blueberries} -{Almonds}

Not every student wants to go through the trouble of waiting for a microwave to open up, or even have to think about what they might want to bring to school for lunch the next day. For these folks, they can always turn to the forever classic lunch selection, or they can just have their mom pack their lunch for them. Either way, you’ll get the same standard lunch. But remember moms, the crust has to be cut off.

-{PB&J on white}

-{Water}

-{Red apple} -{Potato chips}

Hipster Lunch Some days you may be craving some variety from the average lunch choices, from the average American choices. For days like these, a sushi lunch may be the thing for you. While sometimes thought of as a “scary” food item, sushi can have an extremely mild taste and does not have to contain any raw ingredients. Give it a try, you never know what you might enjoy.

-{California roll} -{Edamame} -{Soy sauce} -{Green tea}

-{2% milk} photos by caitlan good

Vegetarian Lunch A number of students attending our school have taken it upon themselves to refuse to eat meat. Because of this decision, buying a lunch at school can be both difficult and frustrating.

Such is why you should simply bring your own tasty, vegetarian lunch.

-{Boca burger} -{String cheese} -{Veggie straws} -{2% milk} fhctoday.com | the scene

}25

Falling into fun

By Jessica Mugler staff reporter

Day 1

Thurs Oct 6: Kick off your fall break by inviting your friends over, cooking up a fire, and participating in the traditional bonfire activities.

These include roasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories.

Day 5

Mon Oct 10: A horror movie marathon would be most appropriate for fall break; however, for those who are easily scared, you could try a more neutral Pirates of the Caribbean, Twilight or Harry Potter marathon.

Day 9

Fri Oct 14: Attend the Central vs.

Howell football game at Howell to cheer our Spartans to victory. This rival game should be an exciting one nobody will want to miss.

Day 2

Fri Oct 7: One of the most popular, and terrifying, event of fall, Fright Fest at Six Flags will be sure to thrill. Complete with a haunted house, costumed people and creepy decor, you’ll want to be sure to leave those who are easily scared at home.

Day 6

Tues Oct 11: In October, a stroll through Forest Park will hold beautiful sights for your eyes. Some of the most inexpensive, but fascinating, attractions of St. Louis are Forest Park’s Zoo, trails, lake, Muny and art and history museums.

Day 10

Sat Oct 15: Saturday nights during fall, Sky Zone offers Sky Jam for ages 16+ which includes jump time from 10 p.m. to midnight, two slices of pizza, one soda and great music for just $15.

Day 3

Sat Oct 8: At 10p.m. (only on Fridays and Saturdays), St. Louis’s City Museum will drop the lights and let you explore with a flashlight only. The flashlights will be provided, but the adventures and excitement are all up to you.

Day 7

Wed Oct 12: A sweeping sensation, froyo at Yo My Goodness or Orange Leaf will blow your mind. With enough flavors and toppings to last a lifetime, frozen yogurt never gets old.

Day 11

Sun Oct 16: Gather a group of your bravest friends and take a trip to a haunted house, such as the Lemp Brewery, the Darkness, Creepyworld or Cobb Factory.

Day 4

Sun Oct 9: Start off your Sunday by getting a Caramel Apple Spice latte from Starbucks, relaxing, then getting a Pumpkin Pie blizzard at Dairy Queen and relaxing some more.

Day 8

Thurs Oct 13: As a Halloween tradition, the pumpkin patch never gets old. Rombachs Farm in Chesterfield is a hot spot to take a hay ride, pick a pumpkin, and see a petting zoo.

Day 12

Mon Oct 17: Travel to Eckert’s Orchards in Grafton, Illinois to pick your own apples and grab some apple cider. Then, make caramel apples, apple pie or apple sauce at home.

Create your own superlative below Ad Space Name: Superlative:

Submit to Room 139

Hey seniors! Superlatives are due today!

26}

the scene | october 5, 2011

{be heard} struggle

downfall

gloom mistakes creatures

trials

death fear

suspicion

monsters

hurt

pain

cursed

ache

problems

casualty terrified agony

darkness

disease

emptiness

destruction ruin silence

anxiety

nightmare doomed

misery

oblivion oblivion

paralyzed

panic

defect demons

Defacing demons When fear blinds you, learn to face your inner demons and come back a stronger person

M

By Karley Canova staff reporter

any people are afraid of death.

They are terrified of the very word.

That fear is the reason why they’re not truly living.

Because they won’t allow themselves to die, they are constantly running around in circles, passing the

same scenery over and over again.

To truly live, you have to know how to die. What it feels like to be at the brink of death. What it means to be standing on the edge, a breath away from tumbling over the side.

Now, to understand how this feels does not mean you need to stare at the asphalt from ten stories up. It means you need to shed your old skin, and become stronger than you were.

Nobody gets out alive. If they do, it means that they took a

wrong turn somewhere. After years upon years of schooling and developing, you may think you know everything, but you don’t.

You are constantly learning, and growing. That means you are constantly dying, and being reborn. Everybody faces problems in their lives, and trials that they have to work through.

Imagine facing your inner demons. Look them square in the eye. Half the time, we see that endless darkness and cower in fear.

We hide in our safe place from these monsters. We don’t deal with these things, and simply sweep them under the rug, or close our eyes. If they can’t see us, we can’t see them.

However, picture the next time you open your eyes. Don’t open them out of curiosity or to test whether or not they are still there.

More than likely, they are still there because you haven’t decided to deal with them yet.

This time, look into the depths of their eyes, down to the very core.

What really is the problem?

Stand solid and face this demon. Make him whimper and stand down to you.

As you slay this creature, you’re killing a part of yourself. This is how you really learn to live, as you have taught yourself to die.

By killing this part of yourself, you are fighting off a weaker, less intelligent side of you.

In the demon’s place grows a soldier. This soldier is smarter, and stronger. You have gained

please read more: DEMONS, PAGE 30

fhctoday.com | be heard

}27

marching

is

True definition dissolves debate

By Matthew Lundberg

L

sweat editor

et me start by saying that I am not disputing the physical aspects of marching band or color guard. However, neither of these should be considered a sport.

Merriam-Webster defines sport as a source of diversion or a particular activity (athletic game).

Based on this definition, the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has mistakenly added marching band/ color guard to its list of sports. In a sport, an individual or

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be heard | october 5, 2011

team needs to be able to physically defeat their opponent in a head to head competition without a judge deciding the victor.

While marching band has competitions and a camp in the summer, so do other various clubs around the school.

High school publications compete for awards and have a week long camp over summer.

Does that make them a sport?

No, not even close.

Marching band is an art just like any other band. I am a musician in FHC bands and while strong playing requires control in your

body, there is no head-to-head competition to determine a clear winner in competitions. Marching band is an art, not a sport.

“I don’t consider marching band a sport from my experience in both marching band and track,” junior Jacob Angevine said.

Marching band and color guard both have physical aspects to them, but so do running for enjoyment and fitness walking and we do not consider these activities to be sports. Therefore, marching band cannot be considered a sport.

In competitions, bands leave

the overall determination of a winner up to a panel of judges who give differing scores which express their opinions about how well each band executed their routines.

This method fails to completely determine an absolute winner because judges’ preconceived ideas have a strong influence on the outcome. In comparison, in sports such as football, baseball or basketball teams must score points by overcoming the competition in a head to head test of skill and will power which cannot be matched by an art like

marching band.

Some people argue that athletes could not perform many of the routines that members of marching band can. I disagree.

If you taught any athlete in this school basic musicianship and showed them a routine, any person, even any below average athlete could march and be successful in marching band.

As a response, I would love to see some of the individuals in marching band or members of color gaurd do some of the things us athletes have to do for our sports.

banda sport?

Heart, hard work earns respect

By Savannah McEachern

T

staff photographer

he long, grueling hours the marching band puts into this sport is impeccable. They are practicing four to five days of the school week for two or three hours or more and giving up Saturdays to put their heart and soul out on the field to show the other schools they are confident and there to win. They try their hardest each and everyday.

Students see marching band as an art, which I will happily agree with, but there are other aspects

of marching band than just the music.

A sport is a physical activity engaged in for pleasure. When engaged in marching band, you are to do around 90 percent of the stretches and exercise that you do in any other sport.

According to Activities Director Scott Harris, beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, the district now requires all marching band participants to get a sport physical that is required

by Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) for all athletic participants.

MSHSAA officials decided to do this because of the work during the extreme summer heat as far as drilling, marching, exercising and the demands of performing the routines while in uniform and carrying/playing instruments.

“As a longtime coach and now an Activities Director ... I see what our other ‘sports’ teams do now and how hard they all work, both the coaches and players,” Harris said. “I promise that the members and directors of the Marching Band are putting in the similar amount of time if not more on some occasions.”

Being physically fit helps a lot with upper body and horn and being able to control your body at faster and slower tempos that change back and forth throughout the show. You need to have balance in order to not fall over and end up with a domino effect by everyone tripping on each other.

As for me, when I practice after school for several hours, I get tired of going over and over the drill marks while twirling my flag. When I get out on the performance field though, I forget everything. I feel like it is all muscle

memory when I preform at a competition. The only thing that I remember to do is to hold my head up high with confidence so I can show the crowd that I know what I am doing, I’ve worked very hard for this by practicing nearly every day for several hours. This doesn’t mean that it still is not hard work. After the performance I am ready to pass out because I am so out of breath. Marching band is very hard work. We build up so much muscle by exercising to have the endurance and stamina to be able to perform a seven to ten minute show.

fhctoday.com | be heard

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meet the bloggers Every day, one of FHCtoday’s bloggers post about what they’re feeling, what they’re up to, and what matters most to them.

Explore the more personal side of our staff members by checking out the new blogs each week.

jump from page 27: DEMONS

knowledge as to how to overcome this problem, there for you won’t travel in the same circles, repeating the same mistakes over and over. He will aid you in defeating other demons similar to the one just slain. He is like a vaccine, providing you an immunity to reoccurring diseases.

There is no need to fear death, for death can be a blessing when cursed to the right elements.

Do not fear your problems, your demons; or they will become engorged off of this and soon come to swallow you.

If you come out of a trial, alive as you were before, it means you are still traveling the same paths well known.

You will repeat the same pain until you open your eyes and leave that piece of you behind; you will experience the same hurt until you open your eyes and gain a new perspective.

MY LIFE AS LIZZI Do you enjoy sarcastic, witty banter? Do you hate the world? Then, ‘My Life as Lizzi’ might be the blog for you. Join Lizzi as she rants about life, how she sees it.

lizzi holland BLAH, BLAH BLOG Sean will be documenting the fascinations of his life. Music, movies and lifestyles that strike him as “the cat’s pajamas” are all fair game.

sean gundersen FASHION GAL Some people say there is no fashion in St. Charles - they’re right. Margaret will bring new light to small town fashion through tutorials, how-to’s and video blogs; all with inspiration from the big city scene.

margaret borgmeyer LYRICALLY INCLINED

“Do not fear your problems, your demons, or they will become engorged off of this and soon come to swallow you.”

Karley will be analyzing selected lyrics from a song each week. The genres of the songs will range all the way from country to metal.

karley canova

the box

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the birds

Coming back from 8.5 games to win the NL wild card was no small feat. St. Louis continues to be the best baseball city in the country.

staff editorial Increased prices hurt those in need

The grumbling of a stomach is all that’s heard in class — the stomach of a student who didn’t eat lunch today, not by choice, but because it was their only option. This student was unable to eat because they could not afford it.

Little do they know, they may be eligible for the district’s free and reduced lunch program which will allow them to eat everyday for free or for a reduced price of $0.40. There are 272 students enrolled in the program this year, 16 more students than last year.

Enrollment in the free and reduced lunch program has almost doubled since 2007, the last year before the recession hit.

Though the program has more participants in it than last year, the district has raised the prices of lunches by five cents this year; therefore, a high school tray lunch will now cost $2.05.

While it may have only raised by such a small amount, it will cost a family $8.45 more per lunch for every child in the 169-day school year, according to the district website.

spirit week

With significantly more participation in spirit days than previous years, Homecoming week was a smashing success that got large portions of the student body pumped up for the game and dance.

If families couldn’t afford lunches before, they definitely won’t be able to now.

The district did not raise the prices by choice though, but to meet the requirements of the

“While it may have only raised by such a small amount, it will cost a family $8.45 more per lunch for every child in the 169-day school year, according to the district website. If families couldn’t afford lunches before, they definitely won’t be able to now.”

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 which was created by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to provide all children with healthy food in schools.

According to the White House’s website, the act is supposed to create “funding for federal school

the rams

meal[s] and children nutrition programs and increases access to healthy food for low-income children.”

If the act is focused towards low-income children, then why would the district have to raise the lunch prices in order to meet the requirements of it?

Why would we force parents to choose between feeding their children and paying the bills?

By raising the prices of lunches, this will cause more students to become unable to purchase their lunch, making them fall into the free and reduced lunch program.

We believe that although the program is helpful for those who need it, it would only make more sense to lower the prices of lunches all together.

We understand the district is using a healthier food company to meet the requirement of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, but there may be other companies that would allow student lunch prices to be cheaper.

Though the reduced price is still low, wouldn’t it make more sense to lower lunches, rather than raise them?

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Injuries and one of the hardest schedules in the league have gotten the St. Louis Rams off to a slow start in the 2011 season.

LOVE LIKE LEAVE

boys soccer success

A strong performance at the CYC tournament in Fenton has catapulted the team into the Post-Dispatch’s rankings and raised expectations for the team’s performance once the playoffs come around.

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be heard | october 5, 2011

brisk weather

The arrival of pumpkin spice and chai tea lattes at local coffeehouses heralds cooler weather and increased precipitation.

PLAN testing

Scheduling this ACT preparation exam on the final day of Spirit Week was simply put, a terrible idea. It takes away the chance to participate in Blue and Silver Day and forces sophomores to take a standardized test right before the pep assembly.

design?

Do you have an eye for

The “Central Focus” is looking for all the design-savvy students to submit t-shirt designs. The t-shirts will be made and sold around the school. If your design is chosen, you’ll recieve the first t-shirt free of charge!

{SUBMISSIONS DUE BY THE END OF THE DAY TODAY } Please submit all designs to admin@fhctoday.com

interact with us fhctoday.com | facebook.com/fhctoday.com | twitter.com/fhctoday our staff

to see our editorial or letters policy, please visit fhctoday.com/policies

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

Alli Keisker - Print Executive Editor Kelci Davis - Visuals Executive Editor Ellen Hinze - Multimedia Executive Editor Claire Henderson - Delve Editor Lizzi Holland - The Scene Editor Margaret Borgmeyer - Be Heard Editor Maddie Wilson - Design Editor Sean Gundersen - Communications Editor Sean Carroll - iFocus Editor Savannah McEachern - Galleries Manager Blake Beck - Reporter

Karley Canova - Reporter Matthew Cochran - Reporter Allison Comfort - Reporter Caitlan Good - Reporter Cody Jones - Reporter Matt Lundberg - Reporter Jessica Mugler - Reporter Maddie Newton - Reporter Mary Niebur - Reporter Ben Sandfort - Reporter Matthew Schott - Adviser

why do we do what we do?

the central focus, along with fhctoday.com, are student run publications which look to serve the francis howell central community through relevent, realiable journalism. the newsmagazine is meant to be have analytical outlook on topics and stories which matter to our readers. we are always looking to improve, and feedback is always appreciated. fhctoday.com | interact

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Parading around town

photos by shannon kelley

Holding up his sign before the parade starts off, junior Rodney Whitrock supports the varsity football who will play the next night. The Spartans were scheduled to play the Fort Zumwalt West Jaguars at the Homecoming game.

As the parade kicks off, freshman Spotlight Player Dylan Gerding flails around and shouts. Last year, the theatre department took the school by surprise by claiming first place in the float contest, beating the Art Club who had won the award every other year.

Senior Dalton Mitchell throws candy to the attendees while standing on the cheer float.

Mitchell signed up to be one of the Powderpuff Cheerleaders who performed at the game.

On Thursday, sports teams and clubs participated in the 15th annual Homecoming parade, which took place before the powderpuff game.

Sophomores Nicholas McCullough, Austin Wildgrube and Chance Dunlap prepare to toss candy to spectators at the parade. The route took the parade through downtown Cottleville before returning to campus.

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aperture | october 5, 2011

Before playing in the senior versus junior Powder Puff game, junior Carly Schlimpert supports theatre and tries to get the crowd pumped up.

Schlimpert and the rest of the juniors went on the win their game.