Central Focus September 2010 by FHC Publications

Pinnacle replaced by new system p. 5 Tattoos lose taboo p. 19 CENTRAL FOCUS FRANCIS HOWELL CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 14 ISSUE 1

Under pressure Controversy surrounds AP drop policies

Construction impacts daily commute Conversion of 94 into 364 upsets traffic flow

Athletes exposed to importance of hydration

Local venue cuts out minors Ciceroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bans all who are 18 and under

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09.17.2010

Keeping in check

Delve 3-6

Be Heard 7-10

In Focus 12-14

Sweat 15-18

The Scene 19-23

Shots Opening

Letter from the 5 editor

HOT BOX LOVE IT

1. New iPod Touch w/ Facetime 2. Football season 3. Inception

4. Sobe drinks

s students and teachers have returned from their summer breaks to start

a new school year, one thing has been a topic of heated discussion by

LIKE IT

students, teachers and administrators: AP courses.

1. Fall weather 2. Homecoming contest

As the first issue of the school

3. Warning bell

year, the staff of the Central Focus

4. V-Neck Wendsday

has decided to take a look at the controversy surrounding the classes: the conflicts with drop policies, the advantages of taking an AP class and the amount of stress that the classes can cause on the student. We analyzed the situation from both points of view: the teacher’s and that of the student’s. We hope that we can shed light on the situation so that everyone at Francis Howell Central can have a better grasp of the factors that influence school policies and to

Cover Students feel overwhelmed by the amout of homework being given out in each of

Sincerely,

Cory Schmitt Print Executive Editor

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

LEAVE IT 1. Formatives 2. No AP drops

their AP classes, especially when they

3. Increased cafeteria prices

have multiple AP and honor courses.

4. New stoplight

Questions about the quality of the drop policy came into question when many students who tried to drop a class were told they could not do so. Photo by Kelci Davis Page design by Kelci Davis

look at how taking the classes are advantageous for the student.

Editors and Staff

Cory Schmitt Print Executive Editor Ted Noelker Multimedia Executive Editor Kelci Davis Visuals ExecutiveEditor Brendan Kinnison Delve Editor Alli Keisker Be Heard Editor Margaret Borgmeyer The Scene Editor Mikelle McClintock Communications Editor Michael Roundcount Business Manager Claire Henderson Copy Manager Kyle Braden Staff Reporter Karley Canova Staff Reporter Sean Carroll Staff Reporter Jolie Denton Staff Reporter Anna Gingrich Staff Reporter Destiny Pipkin Staff Reporter Kamrie Reed Staff Reporter

Dylan Richardson Julianna Smith Victoria Walker Jessica DiMariano Ellen Hinze Patrick Hurley Mr. Matthew Schott

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

Letters Policy

The Central Focus is produced monthly as an integral part of the Newspaper Production class at Francis Howell Central High School. Students learn all aspects of printed media production and are responsible for contributing to each issue. The Central Focus is a public forum for the students at Francis Howell Central High School. The staff ’s editorial policy is available in Room 139. The staff welcomes comments and suggestions from the student body. All letters to the editor must be typed and no more than 300 words. Names must be included with the submission of the letter, but may be withheld at the request of the author. The staff reserves the right to withhold content at its discretion.

School steps up saftey in parking lot p. 5 New grading system eases confusion p. 4

Delve

Slowdown 364 construction causes traffic delays, headaches for students, staff

tudents have been dealing with the massive amounts of construction for quite a while. Right now, the section being worked on is west of Harvester Road to west of Central School Road.

The project is making a freeway with one-way outer roads; this is meant to improve the traffic flow from Route 364 to Central School Please read more | Construction, PAGE 4

Construction crews stockpile supplies aloing Missouri Route 94 by Jungermann Road. MoDot is in the process of converting 94 into Route 364, an eight-lane limited access freeway.

Photo by Kelci Davis

New teachers, students assimilate By Destiny Pipkin Staff Reporter

By senior year students have grown accustomed to their peers and which teacher has what quirky habit. Senior year is the year to take advantage of the life the students have built for themselves. They have built up friendships that have withstood times, good and bad, and by now, they are comfortable

in their lives; however, for some teachers and students, this year they will not go back to somewhere they know and have become established in. Francis Howell Central will be a new beginning for them. For senior Jeremy Cabu, this is not only his first year at Francis Howell Central, it is his first year attending a school in the United States, coming from Collage Cardinal Mercier in

Central Focus September 17, 2010 FHCtoday.com/Delve

Belgium. “In Belgium we have more free time. There is not much free time here. We have a break there from 11:00-11:20 and lunch from 1-2:00,” said Cabu. “The teachers are more friendly here. In Belgium we must stand up when the teachers arrive,” he said, explaining the strictness at Collage Cardinal Mercier. Obviously, there is a lot differing

between Central and schools in Belgium, in everything from our schedule and our relationships with teachers, to what we learn and how often we are here. “We have math four hours a week, French four hours a week, and English two hours a week,” said Cabu. Senior Wyatt Miller transferred to Francis

Howell Central this year from Marquette High School. “It was definitely weird to be new. Everyone at my old school knew me,” Wyatt said. “At Marquette, everyone was really segregated. Everyone was in their own groups and did not really talk to anyone outside of their groups.” Please read more | New students, PAGE 6

Page design by Brendan Kinnison

Delve

Central Focus

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September 17, 2010

Page design by Sean Carroll

District takes new direction Infinite Campus replaces Pinnacle as the information system through the district By Claire Henderson Copy Manager

The 2009-2010 school year was filled with outdated systems and technological problems. The guidance office was still using an older, non-Windows based program, computers were regularly not functioning properly and had to be worked on before teachers could continue with their lesson plans, and inaccurate attendance reports caused problems for both teachers and students. Francis Howell School District’s new data system, Infinite Campus, hopes to get rid of these problems, along with other minor technological changes around the school. Infinite Campus was founded in 1996 and now holds information for 4.5 million students. It is used in 43 states by high schools, colleges, and even the federal government. “We had been using multiple systems throughout the school, and it was time for a new system,” said Mr. Dave Stofer, assistant principal in charge of technology. “We needed one that had everything.” Infinite Campus combines teacher grade books, attendance records and information from the guidance office into one system. This makes it easier for the guidance office to function alongside the teachers while making scheduling changes and checking grades. Another one of the strengths of Infinite Campus is “Parent Portal”, the system’s way to let parents see

their child’s information. “Do I like it? Absolutely!” said Ms. Laurie Fay, communication arts teacher. Fay had used Infinite Campus when she taught at Lafayette High School in the Rockwood School District. “It’s more user-friendly; it gives separate passwords for students and parents, and we don’t have access to this yet, but we will be able to see our students’ prior teachers and grades.” The system went live July 1st, and the first few weeks of school teachers had only minor problems, due to the extensive training that was directed by a few teachers that went through tutorials so they would be able to teach staff here at school. “I was really proud of how our district introduced this system to the teachers,” Mr. Stofer said. “This has been the most efficient training we’ve had.” Dr. Jennifer Miller was one of the teachers who was trained on how to use Infinite Campus. She gave mixed reviews about the system. “I don’t like the way it looks on the screen. They use such tiny fonts,” said Dr. Miller, “Also, attendance is harder to view once you take it. If you want to know if it is a student’s 3rd tardy, you have to look up their name and find out. The things I do like is that I have more options for figuring grades and I like the way it organizes grades.” The transition to Infinite Campus has been difficult for some, and easier

Photo by Ellen Hinze

While entering grades into the new grading system, Infinite Campus, Ms. Becca Williams ponders which grading system suits the school best. Pinnacle has been the grading system for the district until this past year.

for others. The hardest part about the switch has been getting used to how different Infinite Campus is from Pinnacle, FHC’s former data system. Teachers have been trying to adjust quickly. Some smaller issues have come up, but no major problems with the new system have been reported. “We’ve discovered minor glitches and problems that we’re learning how to fix, and that comes with every change you make,” said Mr. Stofer. “It’s very different from what we are used to, so a lot of issues are centered around how different Infinite Campus is. Teachers who have not

received their new computers are having the most problems.” All teachers have gotten or will be getting a laptop for their classroom. Because the laptops are newer, Infinite Campus works significantly better with these computer. This has also made traveling between classes for some teachers less difficult, and many can take their presentations to meetings and their work home with them without the hassle of a flash drive. “I appreciate the nicer, faster computers,” said Dr. Miller. Ms. Fay also agreed that the

laptops were a nice addition. “The laptops are nice because I can paste the school’s S Drive to my desktop and take it home with me without eating up my flash drives,” said Ms. Fay. Mr. Scott Dauve, science teacher, expressed his concern about the security of portable computers. “All you have to do is press a button and you can take the computer anywhere,” Mr. Dauve said. “It’s a lot easier for a student to pick up a laptop and put it in their backpack then it was to pick up a PC and carry it down the hall.”

Construction

Mid Rivers Mall Drive to be used while crews build a new bridge and

School Roads. “I think that once this new construction begins, it’s going to mess up the bus routes” said Logan Whitworth, a Senior. $44 million was given to finish the construction of the second phase by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. $24 million was paid to Fred Weber Inc. to complete the final section of the second phase of the construction.The third and final phase of construction takes Route 364 through Mid Rivers Mall Drive to Interstate 64 in Lake St. Louis. MoDot has no funding for the final phase of construction and the expected cost is $140 million. MoDot is also considering breaking down the phase into three parts, similar to the second phase.

from page 3

Photo by Kelci Davis

Bulldozers are stationed at the intersection of Route 94 and Jungermann Road. Jungermann will be closed starting Sep. 21 until Thanksgiving for construction.

Road. MoDot plans to be done by 2012. Many students have begun using Mid Rivers Mall Drive to avoid traffic build up and the unfinished roads. “I couldn’t deal when they didn’t have the black part. When the drain covers stuck up it messed up my car,” said Adrianna Corcione, a senior who has to drive through the 364 construction daily to pick up friends for school. “It really sucks when you have to go to school late cause that’s when the guys are out there working.” In October, construction crews are going to build a detour route running between Jungermann Road and

“

I think once this

new construction begins, it’s going to mess up the bus routes ”

-Logan Whitworth overpass for Route 364 according to MoDot. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDot) does not expect any dramatic change in the traffic for Jungermann or Central

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Central Focus September 17, 2010

Page design by Dylan Richardson

School eyes a safer driving environment

Delve

Anxious students rush to get out of parking lot at the final bell, resulting in accidents By Kamrie Reed Staff Reporter

As each school day comes to a close, most students count down the seconds until the bell that will release them from the hallways for the rest of the day rings. Some students choose to sprint, others power walk to their cars to escape the unbearable pain of waiting for the buses. “It’s like survival of the fittest,” junior Maggie Hollander said. Many students leave school as soon as possible; however, in the rush to get out, many eager beavers fail to pay attention to what is going on and, consequently, cause an accident in the school parking lot or on Highway N. Junior Heather Sappa was recently in a small fender bender.She was a little shaken up, but there were not any huge damages. “The accident really wasn’t a big deal and no one was hurt,” Sappa said. Officer Craig Hebrank, the

school resource officer, reported that there is an accident in the school parking lot at least once a week and five every month. He also reported that there are about two accidents every week at the stoplight in front of the school. “Most of the accidents are small fender benders and are not a big deal, but students are just worried what their parents are going to think,”

“ It’s like survival of the fittest ” - Maggie Hollander Officer Hebrank said. None of the accidents have caused any serious injuries, but there have been fender benders where students have not been paying attention. When drivers realize they have just been in an accident, they become

Photo by Kelci Davis

Cottleville firefighters and ambulance district arrive at the collision scene of an accident. The accident happened at the cross section of Mid Rivers Mall Dr. and Central School Road before the first varsity football home game Sept. 3.

stressed out and are in complete shock, mostly because it is their first accident and they are brand new drivers. There have been no parking lot accidents this year; however, over the last three years there has been about 100 accidents in the school parking lot. During the mass chaos, there are up to seven administrators and police officers out on patrol to organize traffic. “The prime time for an accident to occur would be on half days, during the spring time, and when it is raining outside,” said assistant

principal, Mr. Dave Stofer. Mr. Stofer is very pleased with the system that is currently at work when students are released. “The three main areas of change for the parking lot are elimination of assigned parking, moving of the guard shack, and the increase of security,” Mr. Stofer said. He believes through these changes the parking lot is more organized with minimal accidents. “The parking lot is very organized and safe compared to other schools,” Officer Hebrank said. Officer Hebrank attends weekly meetings to increase the students

safety with other fellow Cottleville officers. The policemen and security guards have decided to have safety chats at the school assemblies. They will also be implementing a reward system for students wearing their seat belts. There will be random checks and gift cards will be awarded. In addition, a sign has been donated to remind everyone to buckle up. All of the precautions being taken to ensure the safety of the school has allowed for most students to safely leave the school without the worry of being seriously injured in a car accident.

Volunteer work flourishes in St. Peters By Anna Gingrich Staff Reporter

The National Honors Society Constitution states that the purpose of the society is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. Being a part of NHS entitles members to many opportunities that may be unknown to other members of the student body, most of which are volunteer oppurtunities in the

community. This fall, there are various events available for students to take part in. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older, though there are certain events in which they can participate with parent involvement. Still, there are some time commitments that must be adhered to when committing to help. Volunteers should commit preferably two to four weeks prior to the event. Volunteering for events in the community is not the only

oppurtunity students have to help out. Occasions present themselves in a variety of ways, places, and times. Students simply need to be prepared to partake in them when the opening presents itself. There are various advantages and rewards that come with the volunteer experience. Maggie Hollander, a junior, has taken part in volunteer work around the world. She has gone on mission trips to Jamaica and New Orleans, and she has volunteered for Relay for Life, which is an overnight fundraiser

for cancer. She has also just begun a program called Wonderfully Made at her church in which people volunteer for one Sunday per month to help with the special needs children at the church. “The coolest part about going on mission trips and volunteering in my community is that the people are truly grateful for what you do,” said Hollander. “Most high school students are all about themselves, but volunteering teaches them to be selfless and grateful.”

Another student who has benefited from volunteer work is junior Josh Burns. He has volunteered for the Obama Campaign and the Repower America Campaign. “I love being able to interact with the community.” said Burns. “You have a chance to get to know so many people and further your cause.” To get involved in St. Peters this fall, contact Erin Spence, Volunteer Specialist, at (636)477-6600 or by email at espence@stpetersmo.net.

Delve

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Central Focus September 17, 2010

Page design by Claire Henderson

but it has been great fun to be here.” said Ms. Moll. Even schools in our own district from page 3 seem to have differences. Ms. Barbara Riti, a history teacher, As much as students all seem to just in her first year here, came complain about cafeteria food, if from teaching at Francis Howell they were to attend another school, North. they would realize “There are minor that they do not differences in have it as bad as the way things Well, being a they think. are conducted,” “The food Ms. Riti said. teacher, there here is definitely “At North, on better; the We d n e s d a y s , has definitely possibilities there is a been more are endless. I homeroom could have pizza responsibilities, but students go to everyday!” said for 45 minutes. Miller. I thought it has been great Not only is it it was very fun to be here. strange to be a beneficial.” new student, but Students who — Ms. Michelle Moll, the struggles and theatre director are struggling surprises faced in certain classes when entering a are suggested by new school are also extended to new teachers to go to special classrooms teachers. This year’s theatre director, during the homeroom, and a teacher, Ms. Michelle Moll, is new to both “interventionist,” plays games with her part-time teaching position the students to explain things in a and the school, previously being a different way to help kids understand substitute and hall monitor at Fort better. Zumwalt West. These homerooms are offered to “Well, being a teacher, there has primarily history, math, science and definitely been more responsibilities, English classes.

Students

“

”

Photo by Patrick Hurley

Theatre director, Michelle Moll, looks over the work of one of her students in the Technical Theatre class. This is Moll’s first year teaching.

iPhone disappoints consumers p. 9 Equality should be a right to all people p. 10

Heard

Media exposes youth to mature themes

While I worked for Fairmount Elementary S c h o o l ’ s V a c a t i o n Station this past By Patrick Hurley spring, there Staff Photographer was an obvious difference between our generation and theirs. The third graders danced through the playgound singing Ke$ha’s “Tik Tok,” having no clue what “brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack” really meant. Second graders talked about head shots (as in “I totally sniped that guy. BOOM, headshot!”) and how aggravated they were that they weren’t allowed to play Grand Theft Auto any longer, due to the fact that they had beat up their sibling the previous night. Children younger than the age of 8 find it hard to tell the difference between “just a game” and real life. When seeing Solid Snake slice and dice the baddies, they see violence as a solution to problems too. According to the University of Michigan, 10% of youth violence is solely due violent television and video games. The T.V. show “Adventure Time with Finn and Jake.” for example, is completely inappropriate. Some of the material that is allowed to air on this Cartoon Network program is shocking. Talk of “running through the cabbage field nude,” “soiling purity” and “sexy hot” lava men just seemed too raunchy to be aired on a family-friendly network. It’s funny looking back at how controversial Spongebob Squarepants was when it first premiered, because now there’s scenes of insinuated prostitution and abusive relationships plastered everywhere on shows like “Finn and Jake” and “The Marvelous

Goth goes girly Hot Topic changes from punk to pathetic

verything evolves and changes. Nothing stays the same, especially over long periods of time. Not people, not pets, not even stores at the mall. Hot Topic, the goth-based store at Mid Rivers Mall, has undergone By Karley Canova some of these changes. In this teenStaff Reporter drenched area, a handful of them loved the dark style of Hot Topic, where parents and pre-teens used to be scared to step

into. Now the usual Marilyn Manson and Iron Maiden have been replaced by Justin Beiber and Miley Cyrus. This is all due to the popular demand of our local population, even though some are definitely not happy with it. For example, the sign that greeted Hot Topicians went from a ragged red and black to a quiet white. Upper management has forced out original members of the Hot Topic staff, which also changed the atmosphere. This change personally outraged me. Please read more | Topic, PAGE 8

Photo by Kelci Davis Please read more | Youth, PAGE 9

“Silly bands” are now availbe at many Hot Topic stores across the nation and cost six dollars for a pack of twelve. Hot Topic began offering these shaped rubber bands at the end of May 2010, introducing Basic Shapes, Fast Food, Space Shapes, Rock Words, Dog and Cat, Fiesta Shapes and the Beach Shapes.

Central Focus September 17, 2010 FHCtoday.com/BeHeard

Page design by Alli Keisker

Be Heard Topic from page 7 The employees made you feel at home, but now the people who started at Hot Topic have been cast out for something new. The biggest problem, I think, is the overall outfit altering former employee, from the old days, could be seen in dreads and gothic gear, but was replaced with indie skirts and over - sized glasses, all the trend these days. To many of you, I don’t suppose you see these differences as a problem. Maybe it’s not a big deal, they still have some of their dignity, right? Maybe not. The store was founded on alternative, and now mainstream things coat its walls. They leave out the smaller piece of population that enjoys the hard core love instead of the norm. Don’t get me wrong, they still have their Tripp pants, decent grunge wear, belts, etc. Even then, Hot Topic stores are debating on whether or not to leave Tripp and original gothic wear in. It’s mainly the addition of so much vibrant color and pop music, while the basics are retreating from racks and shelves. It’s a mystery why exactly they decided to go soft by letting the individuality of the store be replaced with things so mainstream. When I first came to the store, I was scared and exhilarated. It was completely different from the normal life. The fact that the original Hot Topic style is no longer available to shoppers affects them. They are nearly forced to blend in with the crowd. This honestly can cause discomfort in a daily life. Personally, if I’m wearing something that I feel awkward in, I lose confidence and get very uncomfortable. If other people feel the same way, then the mainstream Hot Topic is to blame. I’m assuming this whole ordeal was to make more money; it’s not really surprising. It’s natural human greed. Although, before, the store was already pretty expensive and loved. You would think they were making enough business. Unfortunately, Hot Topic probably isn’t going back to its glory days of Tripp and grunge wear. It will probably stay mainstream. But, just for the record, I’m not turning to Hollister for an alternative when

Central Focus

FHCtoday.com/BeHeard

September 17, 2010

Page design by Claire Henderson

Staff editorial

Cartoon by Alli Keisker

Effort is spread even thinner Students blindly sign up for classes not fully grasping the amount of work the class holds

n that piece of paper we receive in January, the classes we are enrolling in seem reasonable, they seem realistic, they seem manageable. Flash forward seven months and August rolls around. You come to the realization that classes are harder in real life than they appear on a piece of paper. We go to try to help ourselves out, but too no avail. We take Advanced Placement classes for both the hope to receive a college credit for that class and the challenge it brings. Although we are warned in January of the difficulty these classes may bring, we blindly sign up for them anyways to find out the hard way that these classes are much more challenging than expected and require a considerable amount of time more than the average class would take for most students. Our school pushes students to

challenge themselves to go the extra around and they are struggling to mile and work for the AP credit, but keep up with the work of five AP many students end up taking more classes. When an AP teacher assigns than just one AP homework, they class, causing should put into more work and The teachers and account that a stress for them large majority of administractors and leaves less their classes are time for jobs, just enrolled want us to succeed, not activities, and in their AP class, friends. We but usually they but they do not understand that are in multiple understand that AP classes look classes. better on college T h e dropping one or two teachers transcripts, but and not everyone classes will not make administrators is capable of want us to a student a failure. being an AP succeed, but student, it’s just they do not not possible, understand that because not every student can handle dropping one or two classes won’t the stress and workload it brings. make a student a failure either. It is Some students are oblivious to the always better to give more effort in difficulty of the classes they’ve signed a smaller area, then to spread thin up for until the school year comes your effort across the board. We would succeed so much more if we

“

”

could readjust the amount of AP courses we are enrolled in at the beginning of the year once we can analyze how much we are capable of handling. Instead, we are forced to spread out our effort over multiple classes and we are not entirely sure we can succeed in all of them. And therefore, our grades begin to drop as we struggle with the challenge of keeping up with the amount of AP courses we are in. Yes, the grade-point weight for honors and AP courses help us cope with the difficultly of the class in high school. However, nearly every college looks at an applicant’s grade point average unweighted, therefore the weighted system helps little in the long run. We understand that we need to challenge ourselves academically as students, but one of the biggest lessons you can learn is when to know you’re in too far over your head.

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

King Leo

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

HOMECOMING: SPARTAN FHC students FOOTBALL: The ONE ACTS:

Hopefully you have tickets for the final two performances

SPARTAN TENNIS Girl’s

LEE DENIM

Sport a new tennis is dominating the court pink T for Breast Cancer this fall. Day on Oct. 1.

are preparing for the 2010 Homecoming Dance: Depths of Forever on Sept. 25.

squad got its season off to a great start with a victory in their first game against the Troy Trojans, but lost big to CBC in game two.

RAIN DAMAGE ARETE:

One form allows students to attend all events. Bah.

Classroom moves, loud construction caused first week confusion.

Xerxes

THE SCALE: Word On a scale of

FHCtoday.com/BeHeard

Central Focus September 17, 2010

Page design by Patrick Hurley and Alli Keisker

Apple flops horribly iPhone dissapoints users, EVO becomes a more suitable decison for old Apple users On July 24th Apple released its newest version of the iPhone, a phone that was already outdated before it even came By Brendan out. You see, Kinnison Apple keeps Delve Editor trying to be the best with their “cutting edge” products, yet all I see are overpriced wastes. Don’t get me wrong, the iPhone 4 is a good phone... if it was still 2008. Not to mention its horrible network service, its price, the antennae and crazy fan-boys. The HTC EVO came out 20 days before the iPhone, but was lightyears ahead on a tech basis. It has a larger screen, a faster processor, a better camera, it’s 4G, it has Face Time, but does not require wi-fi, and it also does everything the iPhone does better. So the iPhone was already outdated on the day that it was released. Apple was once known as a major leader in the tech industry, now their empire seems to be crumbling. Their computers are extremely overpriced for what they are, despite the pros. They are even worse about having outdated material, you buy a Macbook and the next month they

already have a new one out. Instead of buying these computers, just build your own. You can build one with parts from www.newegg.com. Everything will be so much cheaper than buying it elsewhere, even from a computer company such as Dell or HP. Macs just do not seem to be worth their price.

Be Heard “

I’m not saying kids

need to watch ‘Mr. Rogers’ ... but there

needs to be a line.”

Youth from page 7 Misadventures of Flapjack”. This change into what has been called

“ADHD humor” has been a turn for the worse. I may sound a bit crazy, but honestly? According to the Parents Television Council, 54 percent of children have televisions in their bedroom, making it easier for younger viewers to be exposed to this sort of humor. Now, I’m not saying that little kids need to watch “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” for the entire four hours they average out every day, but there needs to be a line. And many forms of media, not just “Finn and Jake” but other television shows as well as music and film, cross that line. Parents need to supervise what their kids are watching, because what they absorb in their early years will affect them later in life. Sixty-six percent of children ages 10-16 have said that television has influenced them or their friends in some way or another, so shouldn’t that influence be a positive one? I believe that what we are seeing today, the outspoken and defiant attitudes, could be blamed on the media they are exposed to.

Photo Illistration by Patrick Hurley

Learn to live life to the fullest day after day As we grow older, years seem to go by faster; but while time goes by, the memories never fade. Whether we realize it or not, By Alli Keisker time changes a BeHeard Editor lot of things; it changes your age, your friendships, the way you look at things, how you act, what you do, everything. Throughout your life, you’re going to meet many people whom will walk in and out of your life, and one day you might not even talk to them because time changes things, it changes people. While time passes, the people you meet help to change you into who you are and who you’re going to be later on in life. When I was eleven I remember sitting with one of my

best friends talking about what it’d be like when we turned 16 and could drive. Now we sit here reminiscing on the past and laugh at ourselves because now that we can do that; life seemed so different from just back then. Even just two years ago as a freshman, I could never picture who I am now. I wouldn’t have thought that I would end up being friends with some of the people I am friends with now, but I am. I wouldn’t have thought coming into high school that I’d actually like theatre enough to become a thespian, but I did. I wouldn’t have thought to join newspaper and become an editor, but I did that too. A lot can change in a day, a year, in your life; you just can’t tell what time can do to a person or how it can change a person and their interests. Time changes things; it changes people and it will change you. Now it’s the start of junior year and

my interests are still the same as back then; but unlike some of my fellow classmates, high school hasn’t really changed who I am, but it has gained me many great friendships and has changed how I look at life itself. As we grow older, time changes how you view life and you begin to grow up. Time passing may mean you are growing older, but you are also growing into who you are supposed to be, maybe not all at once; but each day leads you just a step closer to who you’re going to be. You can look at life in two ways; either you have a whole life ahead of you to have fun and learn from your mistakes or that you have a whole life ahead of you, but who knows how old you’ll really live to? So if you learn anything from reading this, learn that time goes by faster than you think, you honestly never know if today is your last day, so live each moment like it’s your last. Also, you

should know to never hold back what you have to say because you never know if that person will be there tomorrow, whether it’s from death or from you guys not being friends anymore, you just never know. It’s true when they say that “things change, people leave, and life doesn’t stop for anybody.” Let the time you do have help you learn from your mistakes, because throughout your life you will make countless mistakes, but you never want to make the same mistake twice. Just because you made some stupid mistakes in the past, doesn’t mean you should let it stop you from getting to your future. Everyday won’t be perfect, but make each moment as perfect as it can be. Life for today, because you can change what happened yesterday and tomorrow just may never come. Things won’t always go your way every second of the day, but that doesn’t mean that’s

how each day will always be, so expect the unexpected. The way you use your time is up to you. Even if you decide not to listen to me, and continue to not speak up and say what you feel or to never learn from your mistakes and keep making the same ones over and over again, dwelling over the negatives is just a waste of time and will only hold you back from the good things in life. A lot of things can happen in a day, a year, or even a lifetime, so where will you be tomorrow or the next day or even in a year or two? What will you be doing? What things have changed and what things are still the same? Will you have regrets or mistakes you learned from? You only get one life, one moment, one chance to make things right. The clock is ticking, what are you going to do with your life?

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Love is a right, not a privilege What is marriage? Most people will argue that marriage is holy, marriage is pure, and some will By Kyle Braden argue that Staff Reporter marriage is between a man and a woman. However, most people forget the most important factor of marriage: it is centered around love, an undying love between two people who would go through hell and back just to be with each other. When two people feel that way about each other, how can they be denied the chance to make their relationship official? The main argument against gay marriage and gays in general is the Bible. “The Bible says it’s wrong;” “God hates gays”. The Bible says that God creates everyone, and most religious goers believe that, so if the “holy loving” society has a problem with gays, shouldn’t they take that up with God? The Bible also teaches us to be loving and accepting of one another. Our country was founded on equality and saying that only certain people can get married isn’t equality. When we founded our nation we agreed

Photo by Kelci Davis

Two gay men hold hands out in public despite the stares. They did not care what others thought of them, they felt it is their right to express their affection like everyone else.

as a group of people to separate the church from the state. However, the only support on gay marriage laws comes from the church. The bottom line is that not everyone believes in The Bible and using one book from one of many

religions to control a whole mass of people isn’t ethical, loving, or okay. Another common misconception is that gay people want to be gay and choose to be that way. Wrong! I don’t know a single gay person, including myself, that would

ever say “I choose to be gay” and unless you’re gay, you’re never going to understand what it’s like to be gay. It isn’t a picnic, it isn’t a cakewalk. Some days it really, really stinks. Who in their right mind would choose to not be allowed to get

married? Who would choose not to be able to naturally have babies? Who would choose to have society as a whole against them? No one, that’s who. If you are gay, I can reassure you that being gay isn’t easy, but when you can openly be yourself, it’s definitely worth coming out. Don’t worry so much. The first person you have to admit that to is yourself. If you aren’t gay, don’t worry about what homosexuals do. I think the biggest problem is that people have a hard time accepting and understanding people who are different from them, and that’s totally understandable. But being prejudiced against a group of people is not okay. Neither is trying to deny two people’s love for each other isn’t okay either. If we can’t describe and define our own love towards people then how can we measure two guys or two girls feelings for each other? As individuals, we need to decide if we are going to turn away from people who are different than us and control other people, or accept that not everyone in the world is like us, worry about controlling ourselves, and stand by the foundations of which our country was founded on to begin with.

Being afraid is not a reason to give up On the first day of kindergar ten we all walk, obliviously into our classroom, completely clueless of the By Destiny Pipkin new world we Staff Reporter are entering as we cross the threshold into the room. At recess, we walked aimlessly on the playground and as we searched for someone to sit next to on the bus on the ride home, we thought inside our young minds, “Why am I here when I could be at home watching cartoons?” I will be the first to admit that starting something new is not easy. Putting yourself out there and stepping out of your comfort zone probably isn’t your favorite feeling, I know it isn’t mine, but unfortunately, in order to grow up and find ourselves, this feeling is inevitable, and necessary. Just think, if kindergarten hadn’t been required, if you hadn’t gone back, if you had stayed home and watched “Rugrats,” what would you

have missed? The day you met your best friend? The first field trip to the zoo that helped you discover your passion for animals? As hard as it was to go back the next day and even the day after that, slowly the strangers in the room became acquaintances, and then some became as close to us as our families. If new things bring experiences,

why is it that so often we drop classes, quit clubs and leave our jobs because of the infamous question, “What if nobody likes me?” Then there is the one excuse we have all used at some point: “It’s too hard!” Eventually we will all begin to realize that anything worth doing, isn’t easy. If you’re passionate about something, you have to stick with it through the ups and downs, and

Cartoon by Karley Canova

everything in between. It is an absolute given that along with the good times, there will be bad times, but if you quit at the first sign of difficulty, then you haven’t earned the right to have the good moments. I learned this the hard way with getting things published in magazines. As many times as I received the letters denying my entry, when I got the one letter that told me they would be publishing my work, and gave me an order form to order the book, all the denials did not even matter. I can’t imagine having given up writing because someone didn’t like my story. Its understandable to be afraid, but honestly, if you leave something before you give it a chance, then whether you would like to admit it out loud or not, it will always be in the back of your head. You will always wonder how things could have ended up if you had stuck with it, especially if it’s really something you love. If you honestly put your heart into it, and you just don’t feel right with it, well then you know, that is not the place for you.

However, it is impossible to glance into a room and know exactly what will happen when you walk through that door.There is no way you can know whether or not it will be the experience of a life time, or the worst thing that’s ever happened to you. As much as we would all love to put our best friend on a leash and drag them every where we go, there will be times when you can not be with your best friend. You can’t format your entire life to fit their entire life. In high school, more than any other time, should be the time when you are finding yourself, not your friends. It is crucial that you build a schedule that interests you because it will affect the rest of your life. Ten years from now you don’t want to look back with regrets when you realize that you went to the same college as your best friend because you were afraid to make new friends, and you end up being a doctor, when you have a phobia of blood. I’m not saying that the first day when you walk into a new class, club, sport or job it will be easy, but if its something your passionate about, I promise it will be worth it.

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About AP Exams for Advanced Placement classes, taken in the first weeks of May, are graded on a scale of one to five. A score of one means least proficient and a score of five means most proficient. Colleges typically grant college credit for scores of three or higher.

Drop policies distress students By Sean Carroll Staff Reporter

AP scores

AP classes are taken by students to prepare themselves and get ahead of what is in store for their future days in college. But much to their dismay, getting out is not as easy as getting in. The difficulties that come with dropping an Advanced Placement class have students filled with resentment and a bothered disposition. “I am planning to graduate this semester, and I didn’t want to take one of my AP classes because of all my other work, but my counselor was told by Dr. Arnel that it would be too much of a hassle on the teacher

2009-2010

In Focus

and the other students taking the class to drop,” senior Ariel Bryant said. “I am still graduating, but it’s just going to be a lot more work.” Another student who could not get out of her AP class was junior Dalton Clark. “I’m not fully prepared to take this class. I thought I dropped AP Language, but I was still in the class. I wrote a letter, met with my counselor several times, and even talked to Dr. Arnel. He kept insisting I take the class. They didn’t listen to my side at all. I’m busy with four other honors courses and softball, I just don’t have time,” said Clark. On the other hand, junior Matt

Martindale was able to drop his AP class. “I thought it would be too much of a workload with me playing on the soccer team on top of my other homework, so I met with Dr. Arnel and we compromised; I could drop the class, but I would have to take honors chemistry because he wanted me to still challenge myself,” said Martindale. Whether a student drops an AP class is ultimately Dr. Arnel’s decision. “We pull student records, and talk to them to see how and if they need to push themselves more,” Dr. Arnel said.

Asse

prob

118 223 333 419

percent percent percent percen

Central Focus September 17, 2010

Page design by Cory Schmitt and Ted Noelker

In Focus

Administrators recognize advantages By Cory Schmitt

Print Executive Editor

essing

the

blem

AP: It’s a two letter acronym that almost every student at Francis Howell Central can recognize. Whether a student is enrolled in one or six AP courses, the rigor and workload is widely known. While some students believe that it is an unfair burden to not be able to drop these courses, in the eyes of the teachers and administrators, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. “It’s very important that we allow our students to challenge themselves,” said principal Dr. Sonny Arnel. “The school is here to provide a rigorous and demanding curriculum.” For Dr. Arnel, signing up for an AP course signifies that the student is willing to accept the rigor and workload of an AP course.

“By enrolling in an AP course, the student understands the additional workload the class will bring,” said Dr. Arnel. Dr. Arnel believes that teachers do an adequate job in warning students if an AP course is right for them. “Teachers conference with students during the enrollment period and should tell the student if they are capable of taking an AP course in that subject,” said Dr. Arnel. According to AP Language and Composition teacher Ms. Laurie Fay, students who are capable of handling an AP course are wanting to drop without fully thinking through the the benefits that taking the class holds for them. “[Students] may be overwhelmed at first and are not thinking about what is best for them,” said Ms. Fay. Dr. Arnel also believes that one of

the factors influencing the student’s decision is stress. “Some students overreact in the beginning and feel overwhelmed at first,” said Dr. Arnel. “Students need to think about their future goals before deciding if they should drop a course.” There are also advantages to taking an AP course, according to Director of Student Learning, Dr. Travis Bracht. “The standards of an AP course are national and are meant to be collegelevel,” said Dr. Bracht. “Taking an AP class helps ready the student to compete at the university level.” As Dr. Arnel explains, the purpose of school is to challenge its students to capitalize on their potential. “I feel I would fail as an administrator if I let every student take the easy way out.”

AP tests written 308

350

9nt 5 7 percent Source: FHC Guidance Office

Number of tests written

FHCtoday.com/Print

300 250

163

200 150 100 50

48 2006

179

62 2007

2008

2009

2010

Year of test Source: FHC Guidance Office

In Focus

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Central Focus September 17, 2010

Page design by Kelci Davis

Students share their reactions to AP classes

“

Our school is concerned about numbers... not actually what grade someone is getting.

When I’m loaded with homework or stressed over a huge test, I might say I regret taking four AP classes, but I know it’s only helping me in the long run. — junior Calli Fletcher

” “ “ ” ” “ “ ” ” “ ” “ They are not as scary as they’re made out to be. — senior David Lanza

— senior Julia DIller

I’m glad we weren’t allowed to drop... it got me to stay in these hard classes. — senior Elizabeth Leath

80% of my time is spent on my AP classes.

I find the teachers treat you differently than they do in a regular class and I’m a lot more motivated to do well.

It is extremely convienent to get college credit for much less money. — senior Sarah Terrell

15 Physics

World History

Spanish

Statistics

42 57 65

Euro History

Chemistry

— sophomore Maddie Wilson

— senior Lauren Kastner

French

I’m stressed out to the max. I never planned on taking AP Lit but now I’m stuck in here... It’s the administration’s fault. — senior Jen Faron

” 10

Calculus

79 79 91

Lang and Comp

Lit and Comp

American History

Art History

Data of student enrollment provided by Guidance Department

Josh McKinley aims for glory p. 16 Athletes continue on despite injuries p. 18

Sweat

15 Students differ on tryouts By Jolie Denton Staff Reporter

Dehydration tackled Missouri schools are pushed by MSHAA to monitor practices By Ellen Hinze Staff Reporter

uppose an athlete becomes dizzy and his mouth is dry. He feels disoriented and cannot remember what he was doing. He drinks the fluid that coaches are handing to him and soon everything comes back to him. His mind rushes and he feels completely normal. His body has suffered from dehydration

and his name is Pierce Bloebaum. Bloebaum is a sophomore on the soccer team and he understands how dehydration feels. “I started feeling tired and sluggish, and I couldn’t focus on what I was doing,” said Bloebaum. Dehydration is a serious issue that harms one’s body in an intense way, and could potentially cause a coma. Until recently, schools in Missouri haven’t

been forced to take any precautions to prevent dehydration. When students are running and exercising intensely for hours, coaches and trainers start to notice problems. When athletes are exercising in the heat of the day (12-3 p.m.), it becomes Please read more | Dehydration, PAGE 17

Senior kicker Gerardo Lopez kneels on the sidelines from exhaustion during a game against Christian Brothers College High School. Dehydration has affected many students across every sport for the last few years.

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Photo by Kelci Davis

For some people, tryouts are a very nerve-wracking experience. It is a time of achievement or a time of failure. According Terry Schneider, a senior, tryouts for soccer included running and workouts. “I tried out for soccer freshman year, but I had a knee injury,” said Schneider. “This year I tried out for a defensive position. I didn’t make [the team] but was offered the manager’s position; it felt like a slap in the face. I wasn’t excited for the position so I am not the manager.” For freshmen coming into high school, making the decision to try out for a sport can be influenced either by friends or by talent. “I didn’t make the volleyball team. It was my first time playing and I didn’t really play. I played with friends in sand volleyball,” said freshman Kortney Sheahan. Over the summer, student athletes prepared for their sports by doing anything that could help get them better for the season and for tryouts. Even those who did not make the team showed how they worked to try and make the team. “Summer training is good. It helps me stay in shape and get ready for the season,” said senior cross country runner Zach Taylor. With outdoor sports, weather affects practices and sometimes even cancels them for the day. “The heat is kinda tough; it slows you down. I made myself drink a lot of water to stay hydrated,” said Taylor. Although the heat was hard for the players, the tryouts had to go on. “The first week of tryouts, [we] did more strengthening and core exercises and ran on Saturday because of the heat index,” said cross country coach Michelle Breuer. As for another outside sport, junior Please read more | Tryouts, PAGE 17

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McKinley sprints from the startline at the Forest Park meet. This meet was the biggest one the team has been at yet.

Page design by Kelci Davis

Photo by Kelci Davis

Picking up his pace, McKinley passes a runner from Potosi High School. Nuanced by the mud, McKinley was slightly disappointed with his time.

Photo by Kelci Davis

McKinley jokes with fellow runners senior Zach Taylor and sophomore Michael VanHorn. McKinley placed 48th out of 258.

Going the distance

Josh McKinley strives to continue setting records By Cory Schmitt

Print Executive Editor

A runner hits that last stretch and enters that final half of a mile when fatigue begins to set in and his body begins to run out of fuel. His body tells you to slow down, to give up. To finish the race strong, the runner must draw from a new fuel source, something that will drive them to the finish line. For junior Josh McKinley, this fuel source comes from within. “I go into every race with the attitude of breaking past my

limits,” said McKinley. “I try my best every time I run.” McKinley, who has broken the school records in the 800 meter, 1 mile, 2 mile and 5,000 meter for freshmen and sophomores, holds a resume that one would associate with a lifetime of running and training. However, up until freshman year, McKinley had not run anymore than any other person. “I was running the mile in eighth grade and my teacher told me I had the potential to be very fast,” said McKinley. Entering freshman year, McKinley acted on the suggestion of his 8th grade gym teacher and joined the Cross Country team and never looked back. McKinley now runs daily. “I run anywhere from 30 to 50 miles during cross country season,” said McKinley. “In track season I run less, but the pace is faster.” To McKinley, running is simpler

than other sports. “Running is one of those universal sports,” said McKinley. “You have to put in what you want to get out.” McKinley believes that running is the only sport that he has complete control over. “It’s 100 percent of my energy 100 percent of the time,” said McKinley. “The power to win is completely up to me.” As McKinley continues to try to break past his limits, school records continue to be broken. “The records are very important to me,” said McKinley. “I want everyone to know that I am the fastest runner out there.” McKinley dreams of achieving more of his goals in the future, include winning a state title for the mile run during his senior year. The current record is held by Adam Perkins of Liberty High School near Kansas City, who set the record in 2002 by running a mile in 4:08.14.

Current Boys XC Records Freshman: 17:58 - Josh McKinley 2008

Sophomore:

17:15 - Josh McKinley 2009

Junior:

16:06 - Dan Kelley 2005

Senior:

16:09 - Dan Kelley 2006

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Page design by Julianna Smith

Dehydration from page 15 vital to drink water and have monitoring for the athletes safety. Weight loss from dehydration is the reason that Missouri State High School Athletic Association (MSHSAA) has created a rule in which students involved in sports must weigh-in before and after practices to insure that they are not losing water weight. Cross Country team member Lily Bremer, senior,has been on the team. “Coaches already cared about dehydration. MSHSAA didn’t influence them to care more and I remember being asked many times if I felt okay or if I needed water,” said Bremer. Although Bremer’s coaches were looking out for them, junior, Brett Davis, football player, told a different story when it came to caring coaches. “Sometimes we push water breaks as far away as we can until we get a play right, and if I were to feel dehydrated I wouldn’t tell anyone because I don’t want to upset my teammates or coaches,” said Davis. “MSHSAA really helps me know how to regenerate carbs and water intake,

which I didn’t think was a big deal until the first day of football practice.” Davis had lost six pounds during that practice. “Yes, water breaks don’t happen very often, but water is always available, and while they wait to do a drill, managers and trainers are always bringing them water so they can stay hydrated,” head varsity football coach, Mr. Todd Berck said. The impact dehydration has on an athlete’s body gets them taken out of a game in any sport and they are closely monitored by coaches and trainers alike from that day forward until their drinking habits are well controlled. When the human body is about 75% water, losing six pounds in one practice is a big health risk and can lead to dehydration. Heather Olson, Certified Athletic Trainer, has been helping to monitor the water intake of athletes. “MSHSAA guidelines help if they are followed correctly,” said Olson. “It is very hard to keep track of, but it is worth it.”

u One gallon of water weighs

approximately eight pounds. u One pound lost equals 20-24oz of water u Dehydration is directly linked to a decrease in performance. u If one waits until they are thirsty, they have already lost 2 percent of body weight. SOURCE: Excel Physical Therapy

Photo by Mikelle McClintock, Photo Illustration by Cory Scmitt

Tryouts from page 15 As for another outside sport, junior Katlyn Schaefermier on girls golf thinks that summer is a time for an athlete to relax. “I don’t practice during the summer,” said Schaefermier.“Golf

doesn’t help me keep fit. You just kind of stand around”. For some players tryouts came easy to them even with the intense heat. However the heat index was so high it cut tryouts short for the week. “With heat the weeks for try-outs, it felt like we didn’t have try-outs,” said senior Emily Klobe on girls golf.

Following in Mr. Kasper’s footsteps

New Activities Director, Mr. Scott Harris chooses to continue legacy left by previous director

Photo by Mikelle McClintock

Activities Director, Mr. Scott Harris, sits at his desk working. Harris previously was the activites director in the Winfield School District. By Julianna Smith “But mainly I want to bring a Harris has exceeded his expectations, Staff Reporter

Dehyrdation facts

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As Mr. Terry Kasper, former Activities/Athletics Director, retires, his legacy remains. Mr. Kasper was the building blocks to the policies and events of Francis Howell Central’s activities. As Mr. Kasper wraps up his accomplishments, a new director has been brought to carry on. Upon the 2010-2011 school year, Mr. Scott Harris has claimed this position to continue Mr. Kasper’s legacy at Howell Central, and overall it has been a very smooth transition. Mr. Harris has a lot of respect for Mr. Kasper and his work, “I am changing little because Kasper already made a great system. Any changes are little, and will be made slowly in a transition,” said Mr. Harris. Thus, he would like to continue out Mr. Kasper’s work for the most part. Mr. Harris does believe that he will bring a positive impact to activities this year,

sense of family and spirit,” said Mr. Harris. So far, Central’s coaches and Mr. Harris have already clicked. Mr. Harris already had relationships with a few coaches before coming to this school, but over the summer he spent time with others and he believes good positive relationships have developed. Mr. Todd Berck, varsity football coach, is very pleased with Mr. Harris. “Mr. Harris is a very big supporter of athletics and teams, and so far he is doing a great job.” said Berck. Mr. Berck also says it will take time to transition, get to know him and build a strong trustful relationship. Mr. Mark McAfee, coach of girls varsity volleyball, believes the transition so far has been very well done, “It’s been very seamless, a few wrinkles, but an overall smooth transition.” said Mr. McAfee. Mr. McAfee also says that Mr.

and he has all the capabilities to continue Ms. Kasper’s work. Ms. Mary Shepherd, activites secretary, believes he is doing a tremendous job. Ms. Shepherd says the transition has been real easy. The re arranging of the Activities Office, was actually Ms. Shepherd’s idea. She felt more comfortable to place it all into a different position so it was easier to work with. Ms. Shepherd says Mr. Harris was very understanding, and in general he is very easy to get along and work with, “He’s been a Spartan forever.” said Ms. Shepherd. Ms. Shepherd is looking forward to this brand new year, “It’s a brand new year and it’s going to be a fun and exciting experience with lots of new energy.” said Ms. Shepherd. Francis Howell Central brings a welcoming vibe of love and family, which makes Mr. Harris fit right in.

The mental effects of tryouts caused more stress. for some athletes than it did for other athletes. Including Emily Klobe.. ”[I was] stressed but it made me look forward for the season. My team was there to support me,” said Klobe. As for Taylor, tryouts had little effect on him.

“[It] didn’t really effect me at all. I knew I was going to be a top runner,”said Taylor. Some athletes know they are going to make the team. Others have to work harder, sadly not all of them make the team. For players who dedicate time and energy, they have to give up certain things in order to be a better athlete.

“I had to sacrifice being with my friends,” said Schaefermier. For the this year’s season, some players have high hopes for how their respective teams will perform during the season.. “Yeah I’m very exited about it. The guys team is going to be very good this year something we haven’t had in a long time,” said Taylor.

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Page design by Ellen Hinze

Unbreakable stride Athletes persevere through injuries

Photo by Ellen Hinze

Josh McKinley, junior, ices his leg after a hard day at practice. McKinley is the holder of many school records.

Photo by Ellen Hinze

While at football practice, Stephanie Weber plays catch to exercise her skills. Weber is the only girl on the football team and is dedicated to not giving up.

Photo illustration by Ellen Hinze

Michelle Aiello hurt her knee while she ran in a track meet last school year. Aiello’s hip has been injured since her race at St.Charles West High School. By Kyle Braden Staff Reporter

Photo by Ellen Hinze

Michelle Aiello, junior, warms up at Cross Country practice. Aiello has been running on the cross country team even though she tore two muscles.

Photo by Kelci Davis

Jayden Lumpa, junior, is getting his neck stretched out after a play in which stress was added to the neck muscles. Lumpa has been playing on the football team since freshman year.

Turning Points

The key points of games from the past 30 days

Michelle Aiello, a junior, was running a two-mile race at St. Charles West High school. While she was running, all she could feel was a deep drive inside her to win the race, however during the middle of the race she suddenly heard something go ‘pop.’ All of a sudden her leg went numb and she couldn’t feel anything from her hip down to her toes. “I didn’t tell anyone I was running on an injured hip at a track meet because I didn’t want to ‘wimp out’ on my team,” said Aiello. “I ended up tearing two muscles and stress injuring my hip.” Aiello felt that physical therapy

was the most practical way for her to deal with her injuries. “All summer long, 2 days a week, I went to a physical therapist. My physical therapy consisted of stretching and strengthening exercises as well as ultrasound therapy,” said Aiello. Becoming injured due to a sport is no exception for sophomore Kenny Schumacher. “Every time I got taken down during a wrestling match, I landed the wrong way. I started feeling really sharp stabbing pains in my lower back. I tried to ignore it, but the pain became near unbearable when I couldn’t even stand up straight or lay down without it hurting,” said Schumacher. “I went

days. I get up and stretch, take my medicine and put on an Icy-Hot patch,” said Schumacher. Despite being injured, Aiello still continues to sprint towards her goals. “My big goal is getting to state, I don’t plan on letting myself or my team down,” said Aiello. Schumacher continues to wrestle because of a deeper connection to wrestling. “My deceased step-dad is who suggested for me to start wrestling,” said Schumacher. “I still wrestle despite my back pain because I feel like wrestling helps to keep him a part of me and my life. He was really important to me so I don’t want to lose that connection.”

Swim team takes 5th place

Football defeats Troy 7-0 “I couldn’t believe what was happening! I saw the ball and grabbed it and got the touchdown. ” — Brett Davis

to the doctor and he said that there was a bend in my spine and that I probably shouldn’t continue to wrestle anymore.” While time heals all wounds Mr. Scott Harris, activities director, believes that staying a part of the team helps aid in recovery. “I personally believe that staying a part of your team is important when healing from an injury,” said Mr. Harris. “I think the positive peer support from teammates helps keep the injured athlete positive about recovering and excited to come back and join the team when they do recover.” Schumacher gets by coping day to day with his injury. “My back still hurts me some

Photo by Ellen Hinze

“There is an enormous amount of talent on the team this year, and it should be fun to watch it all unfold.” — Coach Andrew Morgan

Photo by Jessy DiMariano

Cicero’s implements new age limit p. 23 Ideal homecoming meals p. 23

The

Scene

Not so taboo Body art becomes more acceptable in current world By Anna Gingrich Staff Reporter

ou have made a decision that will be with you for the entirety of your life. You are sitting in a chair, breathing slowly, thoughts racing. “Will I regret this decision? Am I sure this is what

I want?” The deciding moment is inching itself closer. The rubbing alcohol scatters on your skin, cold and streaking. The cloth caresses your cutis, and the utensil which will leave its mark forever, is ready Please read more | Tattoos, PAGE 4

Photo by Destiny Pipkin

Logan Whitworth, a senior, shows off a tattoo on his left forearm of a lion. With the increase of young people getting tattoo’s, getting permanent ink has become more widely accepted and promoted nation wide.

The electronic face-off: iPhone 4, Droid By: Victoria Walker Staff Reporter

In a world where technology is the latest thing and everyone wants the latest thing, having pocket access to music, email, and Facebook has grown in popularity and importance to people. In the high school community, the iPhone and Droid are both making their marks and stapling impressions on students around campus. But what makes them what they have become? “[I use] music player, email, and guitar tuner, [and] Facebook,” said sophomore Austin Ball, owner

of a Droid. Junior Drew Crask, an iPhone owner, and sophomore Amanda Pelletier, a Droid owner, also use Facebook, and Pelletier uses Daily Horoscope as well. Dustin Thiele, a salesperson at Verizon Wireless, said that the Droid has the capabilities of doing Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Picasa, and Photobucket, as well as updating social network status and running Microsoft Exchange, Gmail, VCaster Video, and Blockbuster Mobile. The iPhone, he said, only offers limited Facebook, Microsoft Exchange, and iTunes.

Central Focus September 17, 2010

“You can run multiple apps,” said Ball. He also said that this doesn’t slow down his Droid. “There’s nothing I don’t really use, but there’s a few [applications] that I just let sit,” he said. “I only really use Facebook and texting,” said Crask. There are several options for applications, yet some people use most of them and some people only use a few. So then why do people get them? “It was new and it looked cool and I was switching to Verizon anyway so I thought ‘Why not?’” Pelletier said.

FHCtoday.com/TheScene

“The commercials, they looked cool and my friends were talking about it,” said Crask. Ball has a similar story. “I used one prior and I prefered it over the phone I had at the time,” Ball said. Advertisement for the Droid did well, and the ability to easily use these phones has also had an impact on why they have become the icons they are today. “[Using the Droid is] really easy... You can get an app that explains it for you,” said Pelletier. Adding to the ease of use, Pelletier said, “I have a touch screen

and I have a keypad too.” That solves problems for those with fake nails or who do not prefer touch screens. “[My phone] more than [accomplishes my needs],” said Ball. He also said that it has a much better battery life and he likes the touch screen more compared to phones he has previously owned. He likes his Droid. “iPhone’s better, way better,” Crask said as a final comment. “Yeah, I probably would [switch for the iPhone],” Pelletier said, adding to Crask’s comment. Page design by Margaret Borgmeyer

The Scene

FHCtoday.com/TheScene

Central Focus September 17, 2010

Page design by Cory Schmitt

tune in The top 20 things I watched this summer:

1. My Name is Ralph 2. Adventure Time 3. Spongebob 4. Transformers

5. Resident Evil 6. Resident Evil 2 7. Resident Evil 3 8. iCarly 9. Invention of Lying 10. The Box 11. CSI 12. The Mentalist

Photo by Jessica DiMariano

Junior Morgan Otey holds up a t-shirt signed by the band Bring Me the Horizon. Otey met the band this past summer at Warped Tour.

Party with a rock star

Premieres, tours and performances give students a brush of frame. Bryce Avary of Rocket Summer. This time, she wasn’t disappointed. He had more of the attitude she had From working around them, accidentally running hoped for. into them, being a VIP at concerts, and other crazy “[Bryce has] always been a sweetheart,” said Otey. “He events, there are different situations in which a few of was really my inspiration for my love for music.” us lucky people can cross paths with fame. Take Morgan She says that what made the event so exciting was Otey, junior, for example. feeling like you know the person before you meet them. Many people have a dream of Otey believes that his personality shows getting big, being well - known. These through his musical works. people use singing, writing, sports, She’s not the only lucky one. Alexa hereditary fame, and other elements in Hauser, sophomore, waited in line from [Bryce has] order to stand out. They want the money, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Will Farrel and Mark they want the love from fans, and they Wahlberg. They showed up for the premiere always been a want to be remembered - to leave a mark. of their new movie, The Other Guys. Hauser sweetheart... He Although, not everyone climbs to the top of didn’t get to personally meet them, but was in that ladder. So, for the rest of us, the next best the front row to witness them telling jokes and was really my thing is meeting these people of popularity! speaking to their fans. At the 2009 Warped Tour, Otey met the “I was freaking out, like this is really cool,” said inspriation for my members of A Skylit Drive. Otey was honestly Hauser. love disappointed in their attitudes, but was still It was a new experience for her to meet a celebrity, stoked to meet them. — Morgan Otey due to the fact that she had never seen one personally. “They were really exclusive, [and] wouldn’t let Not only that, but Will Farrel was her favorite actor you take pictures,” said Otey. because of his humorous movies and personality. Her disappointment was based on their quiet Although, Hauser did come out a little unhappy about attitudes, and the fact that they weren’t very social. the scene. The only souvenir Otey received, besides the memory, was an “[I was in] the front row, but they were really busy doing interviews,” said autographed T - shirt. The next year, at the 2010 Warped Tour, she also Hauser. met Bring Me The Horizon and Rocket Summer. When autographing items or paper for their fans, they ended up skipping “I was like bawling my eyes out,” said Otey. right over her. She wasn’t happy about that, but she knows it must be She had the opportunity of meeting her favorite singer since sixth grade, overwhelming to have so many people in your face at once. By Karley Canova Staff Reporter

13. The Last Samurai 14. Deathnote 15. Bleach 16. Code Geass 17. Soul Eater 18. Scooby Doo 19. Run Fat Boy 20. Bleach: Memories of Nobody Top 20 by junior Scott Imgarten Graphic by Mikelle McClintock, Victoria Walker and Margaret Borgmeyer

“

for music.”

FHCtoday.com/TheScene

Central Focus

Page design by Destiny Pipkin and Dylan Richardson

18Oand up NLY

September 17, 2010

The Scene

21 Volume

Local bands lose fans because of newly implemented age limit

Those

summer

nights

By Margaret Borgmeyer

1. “Closer to You” Brandi Carlile

2. “You and I Both” Jason Mraz

3. “Roslyn” Bon Iver and Saint Vincent

4. “Dance Me to the End of Love” The Civil Wars

5. “Only Exception” Paramore

6. “Come Away With Me” Norah Jones

Photo by Destiny Pipkin

Downcast plays a show at Cicero’s located in the Delmar Loop. This was their last performance at Cicero’s before the 18 and up rule was implemented on July 1, 2010 due to the the curfew law enforced by University City Loop a few months prior. By Destiny Pipkin Staff Reporter

When we think of local shows we generally think of teen fans screaming, and bands singing about being in high school and not getting the girl. We’ve all been to that BAMF! show where all the fourteen year old kids “skank” around the mosh pit; well that is no longer the scene Cicero’s is going for, not only are they not going for it, they are just flat out not allowing it. Cicero’s is no longer allowing fans under the age of 18 to attend the local shows held there on the weekends when shows are being played. No longer will you go to a show and see a bunch of teenagers dancing around with glow sticks and long

hair, in fact for over 75 percent of you, being under the age of 18, no longer are you going to go to a show at Cicero’s, and for local bands like Downcast and Seldon, this could be the end of their career at Cicero’s. “Well, unfortunately enough for us, since they have changed their age restrictions to 18+, if we were to have a show there, we would not be able to bring near as many people to our shows,” says Curtis Reed, rhythm guitarist of Downcast. “Most of our fan-base consists of our friends, and since most of the band is still under the age of 18, most of our friends are as well.” This is a similar case for local band Seldon according to guitarist Austin Ball

who said that “most ticket sales were made to minors”. The rumors of why Ciceros closed are near endless; one member of Downcast mentions a possibility. “The loop has a curfew,” says junior Tyler Jones. In both University City and on the Delmar Loop, 18 months ago there was a curfew put into action with a 6-1 vote by the city council. According to Cicero’s, “In accordance with U. City Loop curfew law, Cicero’s will become 18 plus for all evening/night shows effective July 1st , 2010. All patrons must have a valid ID (or accompanied by a parent or guardian) to enter.” And while local bands like Downcast and Seldon and their fans are hurt by

Cicero’s decision, and wish that they would reconsider, they understand and respect the decision that has been made. In the meantime, until they turn eighteen along with their fans they will migrate to the few venues hat still support thriving young musicians and their fans, such as the Fubar and Pops. “There aren’t too many venues in this town. But we would rather have a few to play at then none at all,” says Reed. Come see Downcast tomorrow at Valleypalooza, a free music festival, in Valley Park from noon to 11 p.m. Featuring local bands, BBQ & games, all proceeds will benefit local Jason Hilderbrand and his family.

Please excuse my lack of neck tattoos Live, Loud and Local fails to impress locals with bands chosen, venue By Dylan Richardson

Upcoming shows

Staff reporter

The loud music, screaming fans, chaotic mosh pits, and heaps of odd people to gawk at, It’s what we all love about concerts. On Aug. 28, my friends and I made the mistake of going to the Live, Loud, and Local at the FuBar in the city. I’ve never had a worse time at a concert in my life. When my friends and I first stood outside the FuBar we could tell this was going to be a very unique experience that we would all look back on and shudder. To start things off there was the surprise cover charge for being under 21 of three dollars. Then we found out we couldn’t leave FuBar without buying a brand new ticket and paying the cover charge again, even though the man who first took our tickets and seemed much too cool to be bothered

Want to check out who’s playing at Fubar for yourself? Upcoming shows include: Tomorrow: Project Independent, 6 p.m. Sunday Fur Letter Lie, 5 p.m. Photo by Dylan Richardson

The bathroom in the Fubar is covered in graffiti during the Loud, Live and Local concert on August 28, 2010. Many bands added their own wall art when they played at the venue.

with our questions marked our hands when we first entered FuBar. The only area we were allowed in was about the size of a small classroom where the so-called bands were playing. The rest of the place was off limits because we were all under 21. So with no place to sit we huddled together to watch angst filled

teens screech their rage at the world into innocent mics as their bandmates attacked instruments, old men still trying to live the dream even though their tattoos were so wrinkly you couldn’t tell what they used to be, and scary guys with neck tattoos that looked like they could eat us. While wandering the box that had been

designated for us we did stumble on to a very cool bathroom filled with so much graffiti that you could only guess at what the walls color used to be. After an hour enduring the sloppy, unorganized show and the angry glares of the true rockers offended by our lack of fangs, colored hair, or neck tattoos. My friends and I bolted for the door. If Live, Loud, and Local comes back to the area any time soon skip it, you’ll be glad you did.

7. “Down

(Candlelight)” Jay Sean

8. “Earth”

Imogen Heap

9. “Relator”

Scarlett Johansson & Pete Yorn

10. “Falling

Slowly” The Swell Season

11. “Okay, It’s Alright With Me” Eric Hutchinson

12. “Black and Blue” Carter Hulsey

13. “Parker” Automatic Loveletter

14. “That Sunday, That Summer” Natalie Cole

15. “Savior” Lights

16. “Light a Way” He is We

17. “White Lights” Deas Vail

18. “18th Floor Balcony” Blue October

19. “More Time” NeedToBreathe

20. “Set the Fire to the Third Bar” Snow Patrol

The Scene

Central Focus September 17, 2010

FHCtoday.com/TheScene Page design by Anna Gingrich

My style Top 20 styles of the fall:

Jeggings Like it or not, they are here to stay

Satchels They are everywhere; varrying in size, shape and color

Gladiator sandals Gladiator has made its come back, for good?

Neon Nail polish, t-shirts; neon is what attracts the teenage eye these days

Silly Bandz Whether you are four or eighteen, these things are popular

Rings

Whether you are wearing one gaudy right or excessive amounts of rings, they are a statement this season.

Ankle boots When you want the boot look with out the pain of zipping it all the way up

Floral

Although it is not Spring, these patterns are being worn throughout the whole year.

Jean jackets Bringing back the 90’s in a stylish way.

Ray Bans No matter what car window that is looked in, in the Student Parking lot, you are sure to see these.

Boyfriend jeans

Comfort of sweatpants + the jean look = best combination since legwarmers and headbands

French braids

Keeping the hair out of one’s face and still looking stylish.

V-necks There is even a weekly holiday called “V-neck Wednesday.”

Oxford shoes Giving a new look to an old idea

Scarves If you thought scarves went out, you are wrong.

Cardigans Bringing back the classics this season

Lace Be classy and flirty at the same time.

Off-the-shoulder sweaters

Comfortable and cute look taken from the 80’s.

Knitted beanies

Because your head gets pretty cold in summer

High waisted belts

Show off curves you may or may not have By Margaret Borgmeyer, Ellen Hinze, and Mikelle McClintock

Tattoos from page 19

Tattoos are becoming a trending topic among teens which possesses two sides. The first, that tattoos are turning into a craze without meaning. The second, that they still serve the sacred purpose of marking something important in a person’s life. “I got my tattoo for my grandma.” said junior, Rachel Jordan. “Her favorite flower was a yellow rose, and my grandma and I were really close. She was my favorite person. I wanted to get something that reminded me of her daily.” People who have no tattoos or intentions of getting one, still have their own opinion on the body art. “When I see a tattoo, I like it or I don’t.” said junior Brandon Olsen. “If it has a meaning and looks cool, I like it. But if it is ugly and has no purpose, then it’s stupid.” Then there are those who have no tattoos, but have intentions for them in their future. “The way I see it,” said junior Hannah Koester. “Is that tats aren’t really a fad. They are just becoming generally accepted among people.” The fact that the more conservative generations are becoming gradually open to tattoos is something that cannot

Yearbook? If you didn’t purchase your copy of the Odyssey, stop by Room 139 to get an order form and reserve your copy of the 2010-11 yearbook.

be solidified with a poll. A common theme with the younger generations is to neglect the conservative generations opinion regardless of their thoughts. However, there are adolescents who take their future into consideration when committing to a tattoo. “I got my tattoo in a place where I could hide it.” said Jordan. “If I choose a career that requires it to be hidden, I can easily do that.” There are also members of the younger generations who choose to do what they wish, feeling that such a big and life affecting decision should not be based on the opinion of anyone but themselves. “I personally don’t care if my tattoos are open to the public.” says Koester. “Tattoos are works of art, and my body is a canvas. I don’t feel like I should be denied a career or position when I am older just because I have tattoos that aren’t hidden. Who says I’m a bad kid simply because I have tattoos?” Thirty-six percent of 18-25 year olds have at least one tattoo, says tattoos-101.tattoofinder.com. This shows that the age at which tattoos serve their prime purpose, is in the youngest of adults. The reason behind this though, is unknown. It is said that this age is a rebellious phase which every human goes through. It is however, a wonder, that if every human experiences this, why it is that only 36% act on the phase in this way. Though tattoos are an outright expression of rebellion to some, they are not merely a means of acting out.

FHCtoday.com/TheScene

Central Focus September 17, 2010

Page design by Margaret Borgmeyer

The Scene

Homecoming dream date With the Homecoming dance nearing, the time to make plans and reservations for dinner before the dance has arrived. Students and teachers speak about their ideal Homecoming dinner plans. “Oh, pasta, bread. Just a huge Italian meal! And [my date] should definitely make it. Just us at one of our houses — I know it’s cheesy, but it’s my dream date.”

“Sean Gundersen would cook his loving mate a plentiful meal, full of herbs and spices; under a gazebo... lit by only the setting sun and two candelabras.”

“I would want to go to a fancy little place — just us — with a candle. And the food would preferrably be seafood.”

— junior Nichole Turano

— sophomore Sean Gundersen

— junior Dalton Clark

Nicholas Deckard and Miranda Pomar plan on ful filling their ideal Homecoming meal this year by going to Ariake’s for hibachi with a large group of friends.

“[Ideally] a nice sit down resturaunt; I really like the set up of places like Main Street. I like smaller groups of people; large groups of people get chaotic.”

“Either steak or seafood, because my boyfriend’s paying and I can get anything I want.” —junior Alexis Richardson

— junior Kyle Chumbley

“I did one where I cooked for her, we ate outstide. But to be honest, if I went back, I wouldn’t have done so much. I’m a goofy person, so I would do something more goofy and fun.”

“In high school, it would have been ... something really different so that I could remember it forever. Honestly, with the guys I dated, I would have been happy with McDonald’s. “

“I think instead of going to a fancy resturaunt with my date, I would prefer to dine somewhere casual with a group of people. If a parent was willing to host us, we could have dinner at their house. ”

— Mr. Patrick Reed

— Mrs. Vicki Pohlman

— Mrs. Teresa Odle

Delish Keeping that summer body By Margaret Borgmeyer

The Scene Editor

As winter rolls around, short-shorts and tank tops are making their way to the back of the closet. Consequently, teens are breaking out their warm fleece, hoodies and sweat pants for the approaching chilly season. During summer, teenagers (particularly ladies) want to have “the bod” for the infamous swimsuit season. However, when winter comes, the necessity for a lean body loses importance. With winter clothes getting bigger and bulkier, teens are wanting to stay thin and fit. The question is, how does one achieve this body with less activity?

WANT TO SEE MORE? Check out: FHCtoday. com For more on the topic of making the summer body a year-round body, visit our website and go to “The Scene.”

Aperture

FHCtoday.com/Aperture

Central Focus September 17, 2010

Page design and photos by Kelci Davis

A run in the park Along with more than 3,000 other runners, the cross country team competed at the fifth annual Forest Park Cross Country Festival on Sept. 11.

The girls shout out with Coach Bob Breuer before the start. This was their third meet of the season.

The boys sprint ahead at the sound of the whistle.The team placed 25th out of 33 in the three-mile race.

Senior Lily Bremer passes two runners in her third loop. Bremer took the 97th place out of 175.

Sprinting at the sound of the whistle, junior Haley Currant rushes ahead of the pack. Currant placed 133 out of 175.

Despite all the mud, sophomore runner Michael VanHorn pushes through and continues on to run the race. Though it did not rain during the race, the mud from earlier in the day hindered the runners.

Coach Lauren Barth displays the times to VanHorn and senior Zach Taylor. Taylor made 114 out of 258.

Sophomore Kevin Kinnin races to the finish line, his teammates waiting. Kinnin placed 240 out of 258.

Junior Michelle Aiello becomes sick after finishing. Aiello was the 160th girl to cross the line. out of 175