Central Focus September 2012

{central focus} francis howell central high school | volume sixteen | issue one | 9.14.2012

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

THREE {no love for lunch} With the elimination of foods like tater tots and nachos, many students are complaining about newly limited options for lunch.

FOUR {lights, camera, action} With the new year, theatre is making new changes. Instead of four shows, like last year, the Spotlight Players will aim their focus on one play and one musical.

TEN {#fhctwitteraccounts}

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justin hayden

Inspired by @FHCAD, many students and organizations have taken the liberty of creating their own school-based twitter accounts as a way to boost #fhcpride.

TWENTY-FOUR {tattted up} Tattoos are becoming more and more common throughout school; staff reporter Kellie Grezinger evaluates the issues of this trend.

TWENTY-EIGHT {chick-fil-hate?} tommy gianino

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senior pressure

opening shots | september 14, 2012

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Jessica Mugler, James Pugh and Amy Sweeney tackle the controversy and issues surrounding Chick-fil-A owner Dan Cathy’s controversial statements.

{delve}

Force feeding New federal law mandates healthier ingredients, lunches

By Abigail Schneider

S

staff reporter

tudents were astonished on the first day of school when they discovered the lunches had been drastically changed. Senior Nick Staudacher was one of the students baffled by the changes made by the food service company Sodexo.

“I don’t understand why they would take tots away, they weren’t even fried,” Staudacher said.

Students are left curious as to why the school district is taking away some of their favorite choices such as nachos and tater tots.

“The lines have gotten longer, the food is worse and there are less choices,” said junior Jake Schneider.

Students like Schneider and Staudacher

have become agitated with having to have three of five of the food groups to get through lines. Sodexo did not implement these regulations to make students mad, but because they had to.

A new federal law went into effect in July that regulates a reduction of sodium, an increase of whole grain, fruits, and vegetables, and pizza is to be made with healthier ingredients.

Karin Mann, a food service manager at Sodexo, believes this law was passed in hopes to reverse the snowball effect of obesity in our country, although she knows this would only be small step in the right direction. She understands kids could still be eating unhealthy at home.

“We can’t control what the kids go home and eat; they could be eating Twinkies for dinner,” said Mann.

Despite the fact many students know some of their favorite foods were taken away because they were deemed unhealthy, they still seem to think the removal of these items is unnecessary. These students should know Sodexo is currently looking for healthy substitutes for tater tots and nachos.

“As soon as I find tater tots or chips that meet the new standards, those choices will be back on the menu,” said Mann.

To pass through the lines in any of the Francis Howell District Schools, a student must have three of the five food groups. This means students must have at least one cup of vegetables or fruit.

“The lines seem to be taking forever because of the workers having to hand an apple or an orange to students that don’t have three food groups on their tray,” said Staudacher.

Students complain about the longer lines and absurdity of making a student take an apple or an orange if they are only going to set it right back down in the food trays that are provided for whole fruits and unopened milk.

“They probably just reuse the food ,” said junior Richie Schmidt when asked what he believes Sodexo does with the food placed in the tray.

Contrary to Schmidt’s belief, Sodexo does not recycle the food into the next lunch; they keep the food and donate it to food banks at the end of every week.

Francis Howell School district must follow all of these regulations in order to continue to have the free and reduced lunches for those who qualify.

“For some kids this is their only meal,” said Mann, explaining why it is so important to continue having free and reduced lunches.

fhctoday.com | delve

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Junior Roger Lewis hammers legs on a platform while building a full scale apartment designed by new Technical Director Janelle Wilger. The apartment is the main set for The Spotlight Players production of “The Boys Next Door.”

Down to

Two

Juniors Evan Richard and John Emery read through a scene of the upcoming fall play “The Boys Next Door.”

The show centers around the interactions of four mentally disabled men who live together.

Spotlight Players cut show count to two to improve show quality

By Blake Beck delve editor

In the past, family, friends, and students have gathered in the auditorium during four different weekends to watch the theatre department showcase its talent and hard work.

For the 2012-2013 school year, theatre-goers will only have the opportunity to see their favorite actors and fellow classmates perform twice.

According to senior Andrew Henke, the Spotlight Players opted to eliminate two second stages in hopes of decreasing the workload.

“In the past, our year normally consists of shows running backto-back, with little downtime in between,” Henke said. “Things can get a bit cumbersome because sometimes you just

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delve | may 18, 2012

need that break.”

With only two shows compared to the four in the past, the new schedule has the potential to allow actors and crew members to recuperate between shows and lengthen the production schedules.

“The hopes for this year are that with less shows we can get to have a break in between shows and thus be able to spend time on our lives outside of theatre,” Henke said. “Secondly, we will be able to spend a longer amount of time on the shows, which will make them better and easier to manage because of the ability to spread out the workload instead of cramming it all in.”

Additionally, the shortened number of shows will coincide with shorter rehearsals,

according to Ms. Michelle Moll.

Longer production schedules have allowed rehearsals to be reduced.

From now on, rehearsals will conclude at 4:40 p.m. as opposed to 5:30 p.m.

“It will give everybody the opportunity to focus on something that is not theatre related,” Ms. Moll said.

“Seeing less of each other will also stop us from getting at our throats.”

Another positive effect of the reduction of shows is the quality of the final product.

“I believe that it will [better the quality],” Henke said. “No show that is put on stage is ever perfect, there’s always room for improvement, so more rehearsal time can’t hurt, and hopefully it will be

beneficial.”

Of course, there is a negative to the altered, two-show schedule, Student Directed One Acts had to be eliminated.

“A lot of people were pretty fond of [One Acts], but hopefully some of these new experiences can make up for that loss,” Henke said.

One of the Spotlight Players that found One Acts enjoyable was senior Ben Patty. Patty was considerably upset when he learned that he would only have the opportunity to participate in two theatre productions his senior year.

“It takes a lot more involvement [to do four shows] and I like being more dedicated to theatre,” Patty said. “But I’m gonna have to get used to it because we’re doing it [two-

shows] no matter what.”

While Patty was upset with the two-show format, the majority of the Spotlight Players greeted the change with open arms, according to Ms. Moll.

Because of this being a weird year with them [Spotlight Players] being unsure if I would be back, they were fine with it,” Ms. Moll said. “They were still disappointed, but for the most part they’ve taken it really well.”

Members of theatre may have accepted the change, but some, such as Henke, are still undecided on whether he prefers two shows to four.

“Honestly, I’m not sure yet,” Henke said. “Since I haven’t actually experienced the lesser-shows format I don’t have a preference.”

Spirit week cut short

By Alison Comfort

bleeding blue and silver What do you think of this year’s spirit days?

staff reporter

Coming back to school this year, students received the news that there had been several revisions to the school schedule. Although this is not unusual, a change was made that directly impacted the school itself.

The day of the Homecoming game has always been Blue and Silver Day, where students show their pride by wearing their school colors. However, the district calendar has scheduled students to be off that day, which has resulted in Blue and Silver Day being scheduled for Thursday, rather than Friday.

When asked why the homecoming gme fell on a dayschool would not be in session, activities director Scott Harris explained that there was no other option.

“We were limited by our scheduled home games. Due to the new playoff format, only four games were designated as home games. With the last being senior night, [the third game] , by default, had to be the homecoming game,” said Harris In the past, students have been used to having this day the same as the Homecoming game. However, the news was met with apathy for senior Stephanie Rhea.

“I think the days they pick are stupid in general,” said Rhea. “If they picked good days for spirit week then it would be different, but they never

monday

Cel e bri t y Dress Up Day

“I’ll participate because they’re fun, but I wish that for our senior year we could have had some different days than we’ve had before.” pick good ones.”

Student Council chooses each spirit day theme, and decided to alter the days so Blue and Silver Day could still be included.

“Our first concern was what we would do about Blue and Siler Day. Should we put it on Thursday or not have it at all because people would be dressing up for the football game. We put it to the council and they voted to have it on Thursday,” said StuCo President Anna Killpack.

Although the school takes the heat

for the scheduling changes, it is not the school that ultimately decides what days to cut according to counselor Mrs. Michelle Breuer.

“All the scheduling changes are decided by a calender committee,” Mrs. Breuer said. “They don’t care what the school’s doing. They just have to make sure that they have enough days fit into every quarter.

They gave us that time before spring break because that was the best way to fit in snow days without going into June.”

spirit week schedule tuesday

Johnny Depp,

Skirts, heels, slacks

The only day of the

Haley Williams

and ties: students get

year when it’s not only

Spartan Nation goes all

and more -

fancy on this spirit

acceptable, but encour-

out in the biggest show of

students stut

day.

aged, to look like you got

school pride all year.

their stuff as

DAY

GQ

Lady Gaga,

“Now that I know what the days are, I’ll probably participate. I haven’t really done it in the past.”

junior josh mundschenk

wednesday

WA CK Y D AY

senior olivia gerding

thursday Blue&Silver

DAY

“I’m so excited. I’m going to participate this year because [last year] I was a freshman and was kind of afraid.”

sophomore katelyn ligget

dressed in the dark.

Hollywood’s most famous stars. fhctoday.com | delve

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Senior classes leave mark of generosity Students, administrators discuss, critique usefulness of past senior gifts

By Ben Berberich

according to Mrs. Denny.

“The senior class officers get the most say in what the gift will be and they all know that the main New mascot outfits, a plaque in front of the school, digital clocks for the hallways; senior gifts point of the senior gifts is to leave an impact on the school,” can be anything.

The Class of 2012 gift was going to be a sound However, with so many gifts, do all senior gifts system for the gym, but depending on how much get used to their full potential?

Central has had 15 senior classes through its the sound system will cost, they may have to come up with a new idea for the gift. halls and has received many senior gifts.

To sophomore Royce Ingram, the Recently, senior classes have given the school the hallway clocks that hang gifts do have an impact on the school and its from the ceiling, the electronic marquee in front of students.

“I think that most gifts the school, and the Spartan do make an impact, even statue and lights for the though the clocks are a statue.

“The sign out front for little outdated. The sign Some students may think school makes us stand out out front makes us stand these gifts don’t help any out more, and the spartan of the classes to come, but more, and the statue gives statue gives me a lot of others find a sense of pride me a lot of school pride.” school pride,” Ingram said. in the gifts that have been With the start of football given. { Royce Ingram } sophomore season, the incoming “I guess maybe they kind freshman will get to have of all are a waste of money Ingram, like most students, thinks the senior gifts definitely improve a first look at the statue because they don’t really the school. Students and teachers agree the senior gifts make showing the school mascot work or we don’t really Francis Howell Central unique, and give us more school spirit. standing tall and proud by need it, and the lights for the football field. the statue were doubly “Being able to have something that you can useless,” senior Nathan Banks said.

Banks is one of the few students who find senior look at and say that makes us this much better than another school, or being able to strike fear gifts to be unhelpful.

“The sign out front usually isn’t right with the into your opponents that you are about to play a big football match up, is really important,” temperature, the only gift that was really helpful in was the clocks, but now we get to carry our cell Ingram said.

Another supporter of the senior classes and phones in the hall so I don’t need the clocks parent groups is Activities Director Scott Harris. anymore,” Banks said.

“I think that all three of them really help out. The According to the senior class sponsor, Jennifer Denny, the money made at prom is the money statue gives the school a major sense of pride, and the same with the marquee and the sound the school uses for the senior gifts.

“Last year we had a hard time getting people system,” said Harris.

All classes give a gift to the school whether they to buy tickets to prom, so we had to extend the know it or not, the overall idea is to give the school deadline for a couple of weeks,” Denny said.

Members of the senior class council have the something to help with the next classes and a most input into what their class purchases, sense of pride. staff reporter

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past senior gifts

2004 Etchings of spartan heads on the office windows 2006-08 Marquee in front of school 2009-11 Spartan statue 2012 Wind breakers for the tennis courts

Seniors slay stress, conquer college-prep Seniors audition, prepare, plan for college as high school comes into their final year

staff reporter

Nearly every high school student knows the feeling of rushing last minute to wrap up that essay worth a great portion of their grade. Glancing at the clock every few minutes, the pressure sets in as you try to slow down time with your mind. What if that paper decide whether or not you got into college? Or if you have a future? If you get a job or not?

That is how nearly all seniors are feeling as they try to impress and steal the attention of college scouts and college admissions committees.

Mr. Kris Miller, counselor and head of the A+ program, says a lot of pressure is put on the junior class to take the ACT and to prepare for college. Senior Tori Siebert certainly felt that pressure. She recently applied to Mizzou, the University of Missouri.

“I took the ACT four times to get a score I was happy with,” Siebert said.

Siebert strives to achieve academically, but she also puts her heart and soul on the court when she plays basketball. While

many students smoothly juggle being a student-athlete, some ponder whether it will be that easy after transitioning to college.

“The transition depends on the student.

Obviously practice limits time but driven students can find a balance,” Mr. Miller said.

Senior Anna Killpack has found a balance and found a way to manage her time effectively in her past three years.

While participating in Student Council, DECA, Breakdown FHC, running for Senior Class Officer, and managing the boys soccer team, Killpack works her tail off to impress BYU, Brigham Young University, where she hopes to attend next year.

However, the stress of applying to college has not cracked her at all.

“It’s pretty difficult, but you learn to adjust,” Killpack said.

Senior Matthew Cochran has had to give up a lot to pursue his dream of music.

Cochran, a member of three concert bands, Spartan Regiment, St. Charles County Youth Band, and Concerto Composition, Cochran has performed at numerous

college auditions and has given lessons to three different people. Attending five band camps, two different college visits over the summer, and college auditions is just the start of his busy musical life.

“I spend three hours in class, a few hours after school for band, and about an hour and a half to two hours of my own practice every night,” Cochran said.

With all his time spent on playing his bassoon and working on school work, Cochran manages to keep a level head.

He doesn’t even really stress at college auditions. “[At college auditions] I just try to put myself back into my room to let myself feel more comfortable,” Cochran said.

Just as many are nervous for all the changes the future will bring, right now pressure comes from the overloads of homework, the fear of failure, nagging of parents, and consistency of coaches.

Though seniors continue to stress about impressing colleges, it is a step by step process that will more than likely piece itself together.

“[At college auditions] I just try to put myself back into my room to let myself feel more comfortable.” { Matthew Cochran } senior Senior Matthew Cochran had to leave the newspaper staff in order to pursue his passion in music and attend the college of his choice.

photo by dohen gallagher

By Jenna Rekosh

With his bassoon in hand, senior Matthew Cochran once again practices his music. Cochran had to give up other activities inorder to pursue music, including his role on newspaper as a photographer.

fhctoday.com | delve

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Choir changes create opportunities

By Erin Rowland staff reporter

If you asked freshman Esther Davis what she’s most involved in, she would probably say music.

Not only does Davis perform in musicals, she also sings in a competitive choir, performs opera, and takes private voice lessons. Davis sings in Treble Choir, like all freshman girl choir students.

This year, the choir program has an all-new organization, allowing for the creation of a new choir and altering the sizes of many of the old choirs.

After an audition last year, all choir students were split into three different choirs: Treble Choir, Concert Choir, and

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Chamber Choir.

Treble Choir is an all-female choir made up of students with the same level of basic musical experience. Concert Choir, a mixed group of students with two or three years of experience. Chamber Choir is the most elite choir made up of only 24 students.

Choir director Elisabeth Baird also created a new choir this year. Chorus is a choir designed to introduce students to choral music, as well as providing an option for students who need a credit of fine art.

With more than 100 students currently in choir classes, the department is quickly growing, and it is easy to see why.

delve | september 14, 2012

Many of the students have been involved in music since elementary school, and many are also involved in music outside of school.

“I think it’s fun. I think you can use your talents that you can’t in other classes, and you’re around people with the same interests as you. It’s really pure enjoyment,” said Mrs. Baird.

Not only do the students enjoy the music, they also make new friends and learn life lessons in choir classes.

“I think there’s definitely a big friendship feeling. I was worried that the upperclassmen wouldn’t talk to me, but they were the first people I made friends with,” said Davis.

Junior Katie Easley, a

member of concert choir, also enjoys choir and finds many benefits to the class.

“It allows you to have an almost stress-free environment, which we need with all the difficult classes. You can just have a good time,” said Easley.

FHC’s choir program provides opportunities for students of all skill levels. Senior Becca Von has been involved in choir for four years and is currently a member of Chamber Choir.

“I think that if you have at least a slight interest in music, you can learn how to read music at the drop of a hat, and learn how to collaborate,” said Von. She plans to participate in choir during college and encourages all students to try choir.

{treble choir} all female equal musical experience

{concert choir} mixed group of students two to three years of experience in music

{chamber choir} top tier of choir students comprised of 24 students

{chorus} new to this year introduction to choir music option for fine arts credit

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Filling the void Underclassmen take on the task of living up to historic seniors

By Cody Jones

V

sweat editor

arsity players from the bench and J.V. players from the sideline watched on as their starting varsity soccer team struggled through the waning seconds of an elite eight defeat at the hands of Oakville.

Although the team made it further into the playoffs than any soccer team before them, there was a sense of failure in the air. Tears rolled down the cheeks of seniors, having played their last seconds of high school soccer.

The loss, and the emotional stress that came along with it, immediately became the motivational factor for the soccer team for their upcoming season.

“We want to go farther. It was so hard to watch us lose last year,” senior forward Kevin Hunkins said. In order to move further, the team will have to deal with the

loss of impactful graduates such as Alex Carlos, Austin Stoneking, and Kevin Dougherty.

“They were great. Their attitudes, especially Alex Carlos, were exceptional,” Hunkins said.

Taking the reins from the former players are senior captains Brett Hodges and Nic Powers. Hodges was a starter in last year’s game against Oakville. Powers was slated to be, but a concussion suffered in a game earlier against Hazelwood West kept him sidelined. Their experience is shining through toward the new varsity players.

“Hodges and Powers are excellent players.

They’ve got it all, skill-wise and leadershipwise,” Hunkins said. Also ready to serve as formidable replacements are an incoming group of starters from the J.V. squad.

“We pulled up some good J.V. players from last year,” Hunkins said. Among those

rising players are juniors Austin Schultz and Eric Reese, as well as sophomore Ryan Hutson. According to Hutson, watching the team have such great success last year helped add to the excitement of getting called up to varsity.

“Last year, with what varsity did, everyone on J.V. wanted to be on that team,” Hutson said.

Even with the promotion to the varsity team as a sophomore, Hutson does not feel handicapped by his age, due in part to the welcoming environment brought on by the team. “[The upperclassmen] have been great.

They’ve treated us just like we are their age, and we are right up there with them,” Hutson said.

Infusing youth into a team to replace outgoing seniors happens in all sports, but this young group coming up has Hodges

excited for the season.

“We have really good kids coming up. I feel comfortable with the guys on the team right now, and we can only get better,” Hodges said.

Hodges understands what the loss of so many impactful players can mean, yet it does not deter him from staying focused on this year’s team.

“Losing the seniors, it’s challenging. But I’m a captain. My job is to play hard every game and score the goals,” he said.

Younger guys look to captains for leadership, and Hodges’ focused mindset is something that is rubbing off on the new additions. His play, as well as the play of other seniors, only helps Hutson forgot last year and continue to look ahead.

“The new seniors are filling in great. It’s the same out there. We aren’t missing last years’ guys much,” Hutson said.

fhctoday.com | sweat

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#FHCpride

Team Twitter accounts build

By Evan Pagano Staff Reporter

and in their place lay hashtags and live-tweeting.

For the past few years,

Accounts run by both students and coaches

social media outlets such as

have proliferated, allowing teams and clubs to

Twitter and Facebook have grown

interact with their fans and provide the teams

exponentially important to high schoolers,

with insight, photographs and news.

a fact that many school organizations have

Here are the Twitter accounts that are absolutely

capitalized on. Twitter, in particular, has become

essential for any social media savvy Spartans

an extremely useful tool for sports teams at

looking for live score-updates, important dates,

Francis Howell Central. Slowly passing on are

and any other information relating to your favorite

the days of newsletters and announcements,

sports team.

@FHCgirlsbball

@FHCtodayLive

While currently a bit dormant, @FHCgirlsbball will surely light up the Twitter feed once these girls resume going hard in the paint this December.

@FHCAD

The head honcho of all FHC sports twitters, @FHCAD is the official twitter of Activities Director Scott Harris.

Follow this rapidly growing twitter for anything from news to free merchandise!

@FHCSoccer

The live event account run by the staff of the Central Focus, @FHCtodaylive provides running updates of major sporting events throughout the school year.

@FHCGetRowdy Led by coach Derek Phillips, follow @FHCSoccer as our varsity soccer team attempts to have a successful 2012.

@FHCHockey

This new account aims to get organize students who are heading to games each week by announcing the dress code for fans in order to build spirit.

@FHCbaseball Two years removed from their state championship, follow @FHCHockey as they attempt to recreate the glory.

@FHC_Sensations

Looking to return to their 2010 state championship form, follow @FHC_Sensations to hear all you need to know about our talent dancers.

This twitter is absolutely essential to any aspiring or current baseball player at FHC. @FHCbaseball gives all the important dates and times you need to know.

@FHCsoftball

Run by softball coach Brian Cissell, @FHCsoftball is both not only informative of our softball stars, but inspiring to any athlete.

photo by kelci davis

A Knight’s journey Hayden finds a new home with Spartan football

Junior Justin Hayden looks to find a home at his new school and on his new football team. Despite having been a member of rival FHN, Hayden has hoped to start clean and lead the Spartans to a win.

By Ben Morrison staff reporter

By junior year, most students are experts in their school, knowing their way around the hallways, being acquainted with a large group of people, and being aware of the usual amount of school spirit (or lack thereof). However, for junior Justin Hayden, his junior year is more akin to that of a freshman.

A former student of Francis Howell North, Hayden transferred to FHC after he moved in with a family friend. His plate has been full since he got here, with his duties as a wide receiver for the varsity football team as well as trying to assimilate to a new school environment.

According to Hayden, getting used to a new school has not been all fun and games.

“I’m still getting used to the school,” said Hayden. “I knew North like the back of my hand.”

But the experience has had its ups as well as its downs. Hayden has enjoyed various aspects of the school over North, despite being confused on the layout.

“The teachers here are a lot cooler [than those at North],” said Hayden. “The school is a lot nicer, since North’s old.”

Besides the difficulty of getting used to the layout of the school, Hayden has had a bit of difficulty getting used to playing with a new football team.

“It’s been difficult getting used to how everyone plays, and learning the play calls,” said Hayden.

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sweat | september 14, 2012

Even though Hayden admits having slight difficulty, his teammates are still confident in his abilities.

“He’s a great addition,” said junior Justin Allen, who plays receiver and safety. “We’re definitely not going to be worse with him.”

Along with confidence in Hayden, most of his fellow players have confidence in the team as a whole.

“We have been a good team so far,” said junior Kyle McCormack, who also plays wide receiver. “We’re going to pull off a good season.”

Even Hayden has a good amount of confidence invested in the team this year.

“We’ve been intense in practices, we have a new offense and a bunch of new players,” said Hayden. “I’m definitely excited.”

The old offense strategy has been completely overhauled for a new, shinier strategy.

“We went to a spread, we are passing the ball more than running the ball,” said Hayden.

According to Hayden, the Spartans are a more tightly knit team than the team at North.

“I like the atmosphere [of the team],” said Hayden. “[At North] everyone was kind of on their own, but here everyone acts like a team.”

Central’s team will have a chance to prove that they are more tightly knit and better prepared team than North. This Friday’s Homecoming game is being played against North.

“I am really excited [for the game],” said Hayden. “[FHC is] going to win.”

Since it is the Homecoming game, traditions such as white out, and the game being against a fellow Howell school, the game promises to be quite an emotional one.

“It’ll be a big game, since it is against a rival school,” said McCormack. “Everyone in the school will be pumped.”

Since the game pits one of North’s players against their own, it promises to be an emotional game for both school’s spectators.

“We’re definitely going to win, and it’s going to make the North people mad,” said Allen.

“We took one of their best players.”

Even with an experienced player from North’s football team, the Spartans won’t have an unfair advantage against the Knights. The Knights have changed their team’s strategy much like the Spartans have.

“North’s gotten a new coach, so there’s not many secrets to be shared,” said Allen.

The horizon looks good for Hayden, as he feels more comfortable in the Spartans than in the Knights.

“I played wide receiver until high school, because at North, I played quarterback,” said Hayden. “I like being able to play what I’ve played my whole life.”

Hayden by the numbers

Receiving 4 catches for 94 yards Rushing 6 rushes for 55 yards Touchdowns 1 touchdown Tackles 11 total tackles Punt returns 2 returns for 27 yards

From curriculum to coaching Coaches do more than attempt to lead their teams to great lengths athletically; they also strive to lead their students to great lengths academically. When they aren’t coaching teams, most coaches teach students in the classroom.

Sometimes, the coaches have their own players in their class. Senior Katy Gerler says it’s a fun experience to have a coach as a teacher, and she also says she feels comfortable having one, her basketball coach, Mr. Brian Ricker.

“I feel comfortable having a coach as a teacher, but sometimes, it can get too comfortable,” Gerler said. “Having a coach as a teacher helps athletes see another side of their coaches, a side that you wouldn’t see just having him/her as a coach.”

Senior Kristen Warncke, who is classmates with Gerler, says that she’s only had one coach as a teacher, history teacher Brian Ricker, but that having a coach is more fun, because she says coaches are usually more laid back than regular teachers.

“Having a coach as a teacher is more fun, especially if the coach is for a sport that you play,” Warncke said. “They don’t

Mr. Nick Beckman talks to senior Zach Ostmann during his American Government (far right). Ostmann also has Mr. Beckman as a coach for varsity soccer.

Not only can having a coach as a teacher get mad as much and make class more have benefits academically, there are benefits interesting.”

Gerler agrees that having a coach can be athletically, as it can help the chemistry more fun, but she said it doesn’t matter to between players and coaches.

Junior Brody Allen, who had her if a coach teaches the class Mr. Don Lober not only as a or not. junior varsity head coach last “I like my coach, both as a “I not only year, but in honors history last coach and a teacher,” Gerler said. place values year as well, says that having his “But it doesn’t really matter, cause in the coach as a teacher helped on I like my other teachers, too.” classroom to the field.

Gerler and Warncke are “I had Lober in honors history, teammates on the girls’ my students, so I believe that he was able basketball team this year, led I place values to trust me more on the field by head coach, Mr. Ricker. They on the field as with the play calling and the also have him as a teacher in A.P well.” playbook,” Allen said.

U.S History.

Allen, who is the starting varsity “I think that having a coach { Mr. Don Lober } head jv football coach quarterback this year, said that as a teacher, and vice-versa, having a coach as a teacher can helps students and coaches see Mr. Lober is the head coach for the junior varsity football team. help you get better connected another side of each other they During school, he is a social studies teacher, and has had with that particular coach, which wouldn’t see if they just had them many of his athletes as students. in turn, will lead to success on for sports, which is a benefit the field. academically and athletically,” Mr. Favoritism is when a coach Ricker said. picks a player over another “Without a doubt, having a player, but not because that coach as a teacher really helps you get to know your coaches better, and it player is better skilled. Allen says he believes also helps us coaches know our players as that favoritism isn’t as big of an issue on the field as it is off the field. well,” Mr. Ricker concluded.

“There is more favoritism in the classroom than on the field in my opinion, because knowing you’re a player for that particular coaches team, you may very well receive unfair advantages in the classroom that other students wouldn’t receive,” Allen said.

Mr. Lober, who is the head coach of the junior varsity football team, said that while most people believe having a coach as a teacher can lead to favoritism, he is even harder on his athletes than he is on his other students.

“For me, it’s the exact opposite. I always expect more out of my players, especially in the classroom,” Mr. Lober said. “I not only place values in the classroom to my students, I place values on the field as well, although to me, academics are more important than athletics,” Mr. Lober said, adding that having a athlete as a student profoundly helps the bond between coach and athlete.

“The more chances you get to see that player, the better chemistry with that player you get, because you are able to develop a bond with that athlete both in the class and out of it, and it really helps to bond with your players,” Mr. Lober said.

photo by abbey schneider

Staff Reporter

photo by dohen gallagher

By Jeremy Karp

fhctoday.com | sweat

}13

t’s 2:19 p.m., and silence has flooded the

I

hallways at FHC. It’s as if the entire school is holding its breath. With one excruciatingly long minute to go, teachers bring their lectures

to a close. Students zip up their backpacks. Feet are planted on the tile, ready to spring at the very moment the bell rings.

At 2:20, as the familiar ringing pierces the air, the school comes alive.

For hundreds of students, 2:20 means the time has come to slip out of school work and into a jersey.

On practice days, the activities hallway is swarming with student-athletes hurrying to fill water jugs, put on cleats, and tape up injuries. The doors to the fields swing open and closed, buoyed by dozens of voices gearing up for training. On the muchanticipated game days, the hall is more subdued, waiting for the rush of excitement to come later that evening.

What is it about sports that draws the school together? The answers to this question are as different as the sports we play. This month, as the Central Focus dives into the culture of school sports, take a closer look at the passion flowing through the Athletic Department - from freshmen to varsity teams, in rivalry games, in the changes happening every day under the watchful eye of Coach Harris. All together, it paints a picture that reveals the true heart of Spartan Nation.

14 }

in focus | september 14, 2012

U

N

tracksoccerfootballtennisultimate frisbee swimming basketball baseball golf softball volleyball cross country hockey wrestling a school tracksoccerfootballtennisultimate frisbee swimming basketball baseball golf softball volleyball cross country hockey wrestling tracksoccerfootballtennisultimate frisbee swimming basketball baseball golf softball volleyball cross country wrestling ADding tohockey Spartan spirit tracksoccerfootballtennisultimate Hfrisbee swimming basketball baseball golf softball volleyball cross country hockey wrestling

U

NITED

By Madelyn Newton be heard editor

earing “hey good job at your game last night” or “good luck at your meet” from Mr. Scott Harris is almost expected when passing him in the hallway, as he is constantly concerned with the whereabouts of every team and club in the school.

More often than not, students spend their days complaining about teachers nagging at them to do homework or study for a test, but since Mr. Harris assumed the position of activities director, students have begun to connect with him in a special way.

Coach Harris began his job, as activities director, five years ago for the Winfield School District and is beginning his third year here. Taking the spot of Mr. Terry Kasper, Mr. Harris intended to give recognition to those who have not been supported in the past.

Since Mr. Harris took the position, he has implemented the Ultimate Spartan and Activities Director Achievement Awards, the Spartan Elite program, the Student Athlete of the Month (sponsored by Crown Trophy) and created the Athletic Hall of Fame at Francis Howell Central.

“We have started programs to recognize and honor

academic achievement by our student-participants, attachment & participation successes and success on the playing field,” Mr. Harris said. “We, along with the Missouri State High School Activities Association recognize teams who have earned cumulative team GPA’s of over 3.0.”

In order to recognize the accomplishments of all clubs and specific students, Coach Harris took it upon himself to make those students and sports/clubs feel appreciated.

“We also started the Francis Howell Central ‘Athletic Hall of Fame,’ we upgraded the Spartan state champion and Final Four team wall, we bought display boards for all of our Fall, Winter, and Spring Sports Teams, Display Boards for the MSHSAA Academic Awards as well as Record Boards for Boys & Girls Swim/Dive, Boys & Girls Cross Country and Boys & Girls Track/Field,” Mr. Harris said.

This athletic hall of fame was meant as a tribute to the history of FHC that followed the traditions of the school.

It was also a way to promote student involvement in the activities program as a whole. “[The Athletic Hall of Fame] adds character to the hallway. It really shows off the clubs and sports and all of our accomplishments,” senior Kaitlyn Denoyer, a teacher aid for Mr. Harris, said.

Coach Ray Howard has personally noticed the effects on tradition, school spirit and student involvement that Mr. Harris has brought to the school and hopes that this trend will continue.

“He is really trying to install tradition and athletic pride so that students, teachers, administration and staff will all get behind the teams,” Coach Howard said. “[Mr. Harris] truly cares about wins and losses and goes out of his way to address the athletes.”

Junior Madison Viola, who takes part in the theatre program, also believes that the student body as a whole is a lot more supported thanks to Mr. Harris’ dedication to the school.

“He is very supporting and organized for theatre. He takes part in motivating the school for having school spirit,” Viola said.

Not only are these changes affecting current students, this is also making a big impact on alumni, as their accomplishments are being recognized.

“I really think he has done a great job with recognizing the athletic accomplishments with all the additions to the activities hallway and gymnasiums,” Mr. Kasper said. “He has also created the Spartan Athletic Hall of Fame which has been well received by our alumni.”

fhctoday.com | in focus

}15

THE TEAMS TO

BEAT

By Erin Schroeder staff reporter

ithout competition, sports would just be a workout. Without pride in one’s school, Friday night football games would only be attended by those who love the game itself. Without a common “enemy,” there would be nothing to unite FHC as a school. Enter the rival. A rival brings a school together and they give teams the drive they need to push themselves in a way unmatched by anything else before.

That answers the “what” and “why” of rivalries, but the “who” is a little less clear.

Among the number and variety of schools our school competes against, there are a number of schools who could be considered rivals of FHC. Regardless of the two team’s history, and no matter what actually happens between them in the future, it seems Francis Howell School District teams will always be the ones to get our athletes and fans the most spirited.

If it isn’t because of scores that need settling, it’s because of the direct effect that having a “common enemy” has on Spartans’ enthusiasm.

Despite the fact that no one can be certain as to how FHHS became the set rival, the Vikings remain the team

W

16 }

in focus | september 14, 2011

to beat.

“Our school hates Howell so much because they think they’re better than us. They think we get too excited over beating them... we believe that we can beat them in more sports than [soccer],” junior soccer player Kara Walters said.

All in all, FHC labels Francis Howell High as the chief rival with a few others here and there to keep things exciting; however, not all other schools seem to be on the same page.

“Our one with North is more of a friendly rivalry,” says senior Grace Wade.

But ask almost any kid from Francis Howell North who they consider their main rival school, he or she will give you the same answer: Central. Us. Huh? “I think North and Central don’t like each other because each thinks they’re better and we’re closest,” said Iesha Boll, a junior at Francis Howell North.

Stepping out of the district, many teams develop smaller rivalries that vary from sport to sport.

Often, they can be formed over time from past wins and losses. Junior Mitchell Miller said that for hockey, victories over private schools like CBC and De Smet have solidified them as a rival for the sport.

On the other hand, a feeling of vengeance has a presence in teams where losses against schools (Fort Zumwalt West, in this case) have taken place repeatedly.

“They’ve always just killed us, so we hate them,” said senior Corey Maloney, in reference to Fort Zumwalt West’s football team.

Junior track team member Taylor Stone sees rivalries as motivation to strive to do his best in sporting events.

“If you’re proud of your school, you go out there and try your hardest,” said Stone.

Along with Stone, junior Sydney Wilson of the basketball team understands some of the positive effects that rivalries have on school spirit.

“When you get those rival games, people get pumped.

We want to represent our school,” said Wilson.

the

rivalry

zumwalt east

Our closest rival in pretty much any competition, passion and energy is sure to be at a fever pitch when the Spartans take to the fields of battle against the hated Vikings.

MATRIX

zumwalt south

OAKVILLE

Our closest rival in pretty much any competition, passion and energy is sure to be at a fever pitch when the Spartans take to the fields of battle against the hated Vikings.

ZUMWALT WEST

Last time the the Tigers traveled to Cottleville, they knocked the boys soccer team from the state playoffs in the state quarterfinals.

Cross country, track and basketball count the Jaguars amongst their most hated opponents once you leave the district. Frequent meetings in the GAC South have fueled this rivalry.

SLUH

In boys volleyball and ice hockey, SLUH is a huge rival, as they invariably lie in those teams path in the state title. Last year, the boys volleyball team beat the Jr. Billikens en route to FHC’s first state title.

DESMET

When FHC meets DeSmet, it’s a battle for the title of who the best Spartans are.

This battle is particularly heated amongst the football, soccer and boys volleyball teams.

howell NORTH

As the other high school in the district, the Knights take the second spot in the matrix. Any match with them is sure to be hotly contested.

howell

Our closest rival in pretty much any competition, passion and energy is sure to be at a fever pitch on the field and in the stands when the Spartans take to the fields of battle against the hated Vikings. Battles between baseball, soccer, cross country, track and football are the games to check out.

TIMBERLAND

The Battle of Highway N has become rather heated over the past couple of years, as battles in football and basketball have become particularly fierce.

VIANNEY

On the diamond or the gridiron, any meeting with the private school Griffons is sure to be firece, but this doesn’t qualify as a huge rivalry.

CBC

This rivalry is borne from years of battling between our hockey teams and this hatred extends off the rink and into the stands. The Spartans defeated the Cadets two years ago for a state title.

ZUMWALT NORTH

Rivalry with FZN doesn’t get many teams or fans riled up, hence it’s place on the outside of the matrix.

HOLT

Frequent meetings in the GAC South have allowed this rivalry to build, but it doesn’t really reach a fever pitch.

fhctoday.com | in focus

}17

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TOP 1 8}

in focus | september 14, 2011

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hman - Junior Varsity - Varsity - Freshman or Varsity - Varsity - Freshman - Junior Varsity rsity - Freshman - Junior Varsity - Varsity hman - Junior Varsity - Varsity - Freshman freshman and junior varsity orPlaying Varsityon - Varsity - Freshman - Junior Varsity teams paves way for Varsity varsity athletes rsity - Freshman - Junior - Varsity hman - Junior Varsity - Varsity - Freshman or Varsity - Varsity - Freshman - Junior Varsity arsity - Freshman - Junior Varsity sity - Freshman Junior Varsity - Varsity reshman - Junior Varsity Varsity reshman - Junior Varsity Varsity reshman - Junior Varsity Varsity reshman - Junior Varsity - Varsity hman - Junior Varsity - Varsity - Freshman or Varsity - Varsity - Freshman - Junior Varsity rsity - Freshman - Junior Varsity - Varsity hman - Junior Varsity - Varsity - Freshman or Varsity - Varsity - Freshman - Junior Varsity rsity - Freshman - Junior Varsity - Varsity By Evan Pagano Staff Reporter

As the big dogs on campus compete at the highest level, the young pups are scraping and scratching to perfect their craft at the levels just below. Gaining a feel for the game, those young pups go mostly unnoticed as they forge their own path toward the top of the high school sports food chain.

Away from the spotlight, the members of the freshman and junior varsity teams compete not only to have success as a team, but they individually strive to improve their skills in order to be ready for the daunted jump to the big time that is varsity sports.

According to varsity girls volleyball coach Mr. Mark McAfee, freshman teams in particular play a very important role in the development of young student athletes.

“A lot of times [the volleyball program] will get freshmen who are essentially blank slates with a lot of potential,” McAfee said.

“It could be their first time playing the sport, so the freshman team is a place where we’ll put them to have a chance to succeed.”

For some young players, Coach McAfee conveyed, moving them up the ranks too quickly could be detrimental to their

straight to varsity, some go from freshman development.

“You don’t want to put someone out there to JV. They could stay on JV for a year, or [competing with] other athletes who have move right up. Varsity is the ultimate goal, been playing at a high level for much longer and you’d hope that everyone could get than them, it wouldn’t be fair to them. The there,” McAfee said.

Rekosh echoed these remarks, freshman team’s goal is to saying that it all works out in the teach them our system and develop the skills they need to “You could grand scheme of things.

“When it comes down to it, reach varsity,” McAfee said. be the best you’re on the team for a reason,” Senior Jenna Rekosh, who player ever, Rekosh said. “The coaches think has played volleyball since elementary school, was able but if you have you can handle it, and they want to avoid the freshman team no feel for the to keep you and prepare you for and join the JV team her ninth game, it won’t future years.”

This philosophy rings true in grade year. A jump like that, matter.” any sport. Senior soccer player Jenna says, has immense Sarah O’Leary also passed over amounts of pressure to go { Sarah O’Leary} senior the freshman level soccer team, along with it.

“I was nervous as all get out O’Leary, like Coach McAfee, instantly becoming a factor on JV. sees value in the system of “I worked really hard my to be the only freshman on freshman and JV sports in preparing athletes for competition JV,” Rekosh said. “Not only at the varsity level. They agree freshman year, and I was the was I scared to be the only that playing on the varsity level leading scorer on JV,” O’Leary of a sport is the end goal of said. “My sophomore year, I youngster, I was scared the most high school athletes. moved up to varsity and have other freshmen would resent started ever since.” me and assume I was mean.”

In regards to skipping the “freshman But whether you are placed on JV or freshman, McAfee insists, is nothing to be team” experience, O’Leary insists that her path did an adequate job preparing her for ashamed of.

“It’s all to prepare them to compete on the the varsity level.

“I feel like I wouldn’t have gotten to where varsity level. Some kids go from freshman

I am had I [began on the Freshman team]. Moving a freshman up makes you work harder,” O’Leary said. “If I was on freshman, I probably wouldn’t have pushed myself as hard.”

A lot of it, O’Leary insists, is getting accustomed to the speed of competition.

“You could be the best player ever,” O’Leary said, “but if you have no feel for the game, it won’t matter.”

Sometimes, though, the developmental process can come to a screeching halt if a need suddenly arises on the Varsity front. In these instances, it is sometimes necessary to pluck the cream of the crop from JV and test their skills.

“You can only hope for the best,” McAfee said.

“When you bring in a JV player to fill a need, you just hope that they can elevate their game and rise to the occasion to help their team.”

So the path to competing with the big dogs of varsity sports is anything but cut and dry. The young pups of JV and freshman teams can be called upon to put their acquired skills to the test at any time.

“It’s different for every sport, every year,” McAfee said. “One year, you could put everyone on Freshmen, and the next year half of them could go to JV. There isn’t a set blueprint for how you want a student to come up.”

The key, O’Leary insists, is to remain be ready when your name is called on.

fhctoday.com | in focus

}19

Welcome back students! visit our newest location at 308 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters 636.278.2605 Contact us about fundraising opportunities: marketing.orangeleaf@gmail.com!

Thursdays 7:00 pm The REALM

20}

advertisements | september 14, 2012

Tune in to FHCtoday.com every two weeks for a new episode.

On Monday, you’ll see stories on: The football team’s new spread offense.

A look at the four new AP courses offered.

Past senior gifts The Spotlight Players shows for the coming year.

{the scene}

Artsy passion drives senior

Senior Tommy Gianino pursues completion of two AP Art Studio portfolios this year

By Ryan Silver

T

staff reporter

he recent surge of AP classes at FHC has allowed students to delve deeper into a subject area that they find particularly engaging.

Among the plethora of new AP classes is AP Studio Art, a class in which the student must complete 24 pieces of art for a portfolio that is graded based on quality, or excellence demonstrated in all artwork; concentration, an in depth personal commitment to a particular artistic concern; and breadth, demonstrating the student’s expansive knowledge in the artwork pertaining to the type of portfolio they’re doing (2D design, drawing, or 3D Design).

Last year, the first year of AP Studio Art, only one student earned the highly sought after

score of 5 (the highest score you can attain) on his portfolio.

Senior Tommy Gianino didn’t even learn of his impressive results until the second day of the school year.

“When [Mrs. Judy] Switzer congratulated me for receiving a five on my portfolio I was absolutely dumbfounded. Words can’t really put it into perspective. But I can honestly say that for the first time, I felt legitimately proud of myself,” said Gianino.

If you think that being the only one in the school that got a five is impressive, think again. Gianino has decided to complete two portfolios this year, increasing his 24-piece requirement to 48, meaning he has to average two finished pieces of art per week in order to stay on top of things. Although some people may raise their eyebrows at such a

terribly tremendous task, Mrs. Switzer, who is teaching AP Studio Art for the second year in a row, has nothing but the utmost confidence in Gianino.

“He is clearly up to the challenge,” said Mrs. Switzer when asked about her thoughts on Gianino’s decision to do two portfolios. “I fully expect him to do as well as he did last year.”

His fellow AP Studio Art classmates are also confident in Gianino’s skill. Senior Andrew Henke, who is taking his second year of AP Studio Art this year alongside Gianino thinks two portfolios will be quite a challenge.

“Being someone who has submitted a portfolio, I know how much time and effort has to go into one [portfolio] and I can’t imagine doing two, but Tommy is one of the best artists I know, so I have plenty of faith in his ability to pull it off,” said Henke.

Gianino’s interest in art was first discovered in his first years of elementary school. What started out as just tracing anything he could get his pint-sized mitts on turned into creating his own characters and even parodies of other famous pieces in just a few short years.

“The ability to create things from imagination played a big role [in becoming an artist]. It was fun for me. When I found out how easily I could take something from my mind and put it on paper, that’s when it really clicked with me,” said Gianino.

With roughly 11 years of honing his art skills under his belt, it is no surprise Gianino has a relatively solid system of creating a piece of art. He first comes up with the idea: what he wants to say or represent. This may come please read more: GIANINO, PAGE 23

fhctoday.com | the scene

}21

playlist

“Monday Morning Jams” Upbeat tunes each with their own catchy chorus, which are sure to get you singing even on the worst Monday mornings. Music up, windows down.

by Abbey Schneider

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

“Fight For Your Right”

by The Beastie Boys Face it. This is a number one classic. If it comes on, singing is a must.

“All The Small Things”

by Blink 182 Truly the definition of catchy songs.

“Walking On Sunshine”

by Katrina & The Waves

Up, coming music of fall

Dylan Gerding staff reporter

Unfortunately, summer has come to a close, and it is time to scrap the old “beach tunes” playlist.

However, as summer music moves out, the new songs of fall are making their way in, all of which are a cause for excitement.

the avett brothers In 2009, The Avett Brothers released their sixth LP (Long Play), “I and Love and You”, which arguably gained them the most fame out of all their full-length albums, and while it didn’t follow the band’s pattern of having at least one “Pretty Girl From-” song, all its tracks were true to The Avett Brothers’ folky sound and indie vibe. After recording and releasing a creatively titled third live album, “Live, Volume 3”, in 2010, the band hit the studios once again to record. After a preview of the single “Live and Die” was released on NPR Music in late June, the band announced that its seventh LP, “The Carpenter,” was released Tuesday.

A classic one hit wonder band and this is THE hit.

“Pump Up The Jam”

by Technotronic The title speaks for itself, pump up the jam.

“Let’s Get it Started”

by The Black Eyed Peas I’m not usually a fan of Black Eyed Peas, but this song is the definition of this playlist. That’s all there is to it.

“Tongue Tied”

by Grouplove Grouplove may not be well known, but this song has an easy to learn chorus perfect for joining in.

“Streamline”

by Newton Well known techno music is always perfect for dancing.

“A Really Cool Dance Song”

by Bowling for Soup

two door cinema club On the indie front, Two Door Cinema Club is getting ready to release “Beacon”, their second studio LP. Their first album, “Tourist History”, which was released in early 2010, was an indie rock success. Almost anyone who’s a fan of the genre has heard “Something Good Can Work,” and tracks from the debut album have been featured in many movies and promos. The band’s most recent single “Sleep Alone” which will be track six on the upcoming album, is a fast paced dream punk song which nods to shoegazing bands like The Radio Dept., as well as new wave groups like New Order. “Beacon” came out Sept.

4 in the United States.

mumford & sons Coincidentally, Mumford & Sons, who have performed with The Avett Brothers, have also recorded a new album set to come out this September. After touring their work from an EP, Mumford & Sons’ debut album “Sigh No More” gained critical acclaim in 2009, most notably in the UK and Ireland, and even picked up the Brit Award for Best British Album in 2011. Late into touring with “Sigh No More,” the band started adding new songs to their set lists that would later be confirmed as tracks on their upcoming album “Babel.” The already popular song “I Will Wait” is a speedy ballad that sounds exactly like their other hits, but holds your attention just the same. “Babel” is set to come out Sept. 24.

This song is A Really Cool Dance Song.

“Can’t Stop”

by The Red Hot Chilli Peppers This may be the slowest song on the playlist but it is still sure to get your foot tapping.

“When I Come Around”

by Green Day

Any song that comes from Green Day’s album ‘Dookie’ is a winner.

22}

the scene | september 14, 2012

the killers

Of all the September releases, my most anticipated is that of the Killers. Following “Day & Age”, their third full-length album, the band needed a break from their overwhelming success and went on hiatus. During the break between 2010 and mid-2011, vocalist Brandon Flowers and bassist Mark Stoermer both released solo albums. Flowers’ “Flamingo” was very reminiscent of the Killers’ pop-rock sounds while Stoermer’s “Another Life” was very different and sounded almost folky. Many believed the band would not reunite, but they were proven wrong when the band released the single “Runaways” in July to announce the upcoming album “Battle Born.” “Runaways” got the band some of its attention back with its highly produced, pop-like sound which is very different from the band’s earlier work. “Battle Born” will come out Tuesday.

photos courtesy of loufest Mashup artist Girl Talk closes down the first night of LouFest with a huge dance party on the Blue Stage.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Wayne Coyne, the lead singer of The Flaming Lips, shows off his laser-generated hands during the closing night of LouFest.

in the

Loup at loufest S

taff reporter Ben Sandfort attended the LouFest Music Festival in Forest Park on August 25-26. He reported his thoughts on bands such as Sleepy Kitty, Girl Talk and The Flaming Lips. Shown here is an itinerary of the bands he listened to during the festival. To read his complete analysis of the event, visit fhctoday.com/ thescene or scan the QR code.

jump from page 21: GiIANINO

anywhere, whether he’s inspired by another piece, an event or something just comes to him out of the blue. After he knows what he wants to say, he figures out with which medium he will illustrate -- sometimes literally -- his point. This is when the actual creation begins. It starts out with a rough pencil-andpaper sketch of the subject matter, regardless of medium; it could be sculpture, graphic design, or painting. When he’s satisfied with

DAY ONE DAY TWO want to see more?

scan the code above and see Sandfort’s Lou Fest story in full.

Read about his opinions on each band he saw and what band members had to say of their performances.

or visit fhctoday.com/thescene

10:30 - Wait at gates 12:00 - Get seat for Sleepy Kitty 1:00 - Sleepy Kitty 2:00 - King Tuff 3:00 - Cotton Mather 4:00 - Little Barrie 5:30 - Son Volt 6:30 - Phantogram 7:30 - Dinosaur Jr. 9:00 - Girl Talk

the rough sketch, he moves on to sketching the piece onto the medium itself. Once finished doing that, Gianino begins creating the finalized version of his work.

Gianino will have to go through this process at least 48 times this school year in AP Studio Art, but what surely seems daunting to some is really just for kicks for Gianino. Students who know he is doing two portfolios have asked “Why two?” to which Gianino wryly replied with a smirk and said, “Because I can.”

He went on to elaborate that this year he is taking sculpture and ceramics first semester and then painting and graphic design second semester. With these classes at his disposal, he simply thought ‘Why not?’

One of Gianin’s portfolios is going to be 3D art, which he’ll master first semester and the second portfolio will be all drawing art, which includes painting and graphic design as well.

12:00 - Snag seats for Pernikoff Brothers 1:00 - Pernikoff Brothers 2:00 - THEESatisfacion 3:00 - Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin 4:00 - Wild Nothing 5:00 - Cults 6:00 - Dawes 7:00 - Delay because of rain 7:45 - The Flaming Lips start soundcheck 8:30 - The Flaming Lips

Now, one does not simply just do two AP art portfolios. It takes a truly seasoned and talented artist to even complete one portfolio. Although Mrs. Switzer said that she has experienced other students of Gianino’s artistic caliber, she also explained that Gianino is truly unique and has his own voice. “[Gianino] depicts his wonderful sense of humor in a very in-depth way of thinking about the world,” said Mrs. Switzer.

She went on to say that although Gianino does have a natural knack for art, that’s only part of it. He exemplifies hard work, not just talent. Gianino is an extremely practiced artist with a tremendous work-ethic, according to Mrs. Switzer.

“He’s created reference of skills in his mind,” Switzer said, that she compared to muscle memory that is based on art skills he could have learned years before.

Gianino modestly agrees and is always seeking to expand his abilities.

“I always want to challenge myself. The day I stop challenging myself is the day I’ll have peaked in the art world.”

Although most young artists harbor lofty goals of becoming famous artists and selling their pieces in auctions and art shows, Gianino has a more realistic outlook on his future.

He’s unsure of where he will attend school but he does plan on getting a BA in graphic design and making a living off of his work in that field.

“After I finish college, my hope is to design album art, posters, t-shirts, etc. for bands and musicians,” said Gianino. “Music will always be a big part of my life. Having the opportunity to do something that involves both my passion for visual art and my passion for music - what more could I ask for?”

fhctoday.com | the scene

}23

SETTING

THE STAGE

FOR A NEW YEAR See what the Spotlight Players are up to this year.

Fall Play:

“The Boys Next Door” “The Boys Next Door" has four lead roles. All four are mentally disabled, and they live together in a group home. The audience learns more and more about the characters until the story takes a surprising turn when a family member visits unexpectedly.

SHOWING

Nov. 8 - 10

G N I C the effe N A L cts of A

B

SENIORITIS

By Amy Sweeney copy manager

Senioritis. We are all familiar with the ailment and know of its symptoms. Taking easy classes, leaving school early, blowing off homework, etcetera. Thought to affect only seniors, some are afflicted during their junior year, while some lucky others have a natural immunity to the condition.

One such senior, Alicia Pavia, piled on the AP classes, honors classes and extracurricular activities.

“I’m just trying to do everything I can for my last year,” Pavia explains.

Pavia is enrolled in three AP courses and an honors math class. She is also a dance captain on the Sensations, along with dancing outside of school. On top of all this, Pavia works at Orange Leaf every weekend.

When asked if she had any regrets concerning her schedule, Pavia s a i d

Spring Musical:

“Kiss Me Kate” “Kiss Me Kate” stars a divorced pair of actors who are forced to work together on the set of “The Taming of the Shrew.” The couple attempt to hide their hate for each other until a fight arises on stage opening night threatening the whole production.

SHOWING

April 11 - 13

photo by elise thomas

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the scene | september 14, 2012

no, but she would make any necessary adjustments to her schedule if she found the need.

Senior Anna Killpack has adopted a similar schedule, enrolling in three AP classes and an honors science class, as well as taking on the position of President of Student Council, manager of the girls’ soccer team and participating in DECA, Arete, National Honor Society, and Breakdown FHC. She spends at least ten hours engaging in extracurricular activities each week, as well as working as a nanny everyday.

Killpack says she spends around five hours on homework each night, leaving her very little free time, but when she finds a sliver of freedom, she likes to go running.

While some seniors l i k e Pavia and

Killpack conquer senioritis with ease, others, like senior Bella Berra, appear to relax and take it easy for their final year.

“I took all easy classes this year,” confesses Berra, who leaves school after fourth hour.

However, while it may appear that Berra has adopted a very relaxed schedule, she works every day at Buffalo Wild Wings and Bread Co. It is difficult to admonish someone like Berra for taking on the academic schedule she has when considering what she does outside of school.

It is understandable why some students seem to “slack off” their senior year, but with the impending stress of college and the worsening condition of the economy, it makes sense why some place their priorities in aspects besides maintaining a rigorous schedule.

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Blast from teachers’ past

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Can you identify any of these circled teachers at their Homecoming? If so, email contest.fhctoday@gmail.com your guesses to win two free Homecoming tickets and a Paper Day shirt.

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Head First Designs Special Occasion Up-Do only $50!

Schedule an appointment with Charisse, Sheri, Stacy, or Nickie to take advantage of this amazing deal before Prom! 636.928.1233.

Located right across the street from FHC. fhctoday.com | the scene

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A movie to Wreck-All movies On Nov. 22 , gamers will finally be able to see their favorite video game characters on the big screen in ‘Wreck-It-Ralph’

By Alex Layton staff reporter

Have you ever had to do something that you absolutely had to do, but you got no respect for doing it? Well, if so, then you can relate to the Disney’s upcoming movie “Wreck it Ralph”. It is not only relative to those mentioned above, it also relates to gamers.

The movie is based on a video game character named Ralph, who is the villain in the game “Fix-It Felix Jr.” Much like the original Donkey Kong game, with Mario running up a devastated tower to try and stop Donkey Kong from causing further destruction, Felix being Mario and Ralph playing as Donkey Kong.

In the movie, Ralph (voice acted by John C. Reilly) gets tired of being the bad guy after 30 years of doing the same thing over and over, so he decides to escape his game to find himself on a journey through the game “Heroes Duty”, a light gun shooter, and “Sugar Rush”, a racing game.

Not only does the plot have gamers and Disney fans falling head over heels, the cast is great too.

John C. Reilly (as seen in Step Brothers, Cyrus, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story)

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the scene | september 14, 2012

as Ralph, Jack McBrayer (30 Rock, Portlandia, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) as Felix, Jane Lynch (Glee, Role Models, Talladega Nights) as Sergeant Calhoun, Sarah Silverman (Crank Yankers, The Sarah Silverman Program, Aqua Teen Hunger Force) as Vanellope von Schweetz, and more. The director for Wreck it Ralph,

“The movie focuses on the very old, classic games that a lot of new gamers probably have never played or possibly even heard of. { Chris Franklyn } senior

Rich Moore, is a well known name in animation also, being the director for both “The Simpsons” and “Futurama.”

Sure, the voice acting cast is great, but did I mention that characters from games such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario Bros., Street Fighter, Qbert, Pacman and more are in the movie? There’s actually a scene in which Ralph is in a support group

meeting with the villains of such games.

Critics, fans, and gamers alike have been raving over this movie online. It’s bound to make an impact; I asked one of our fellow gamehounds at FHC, senior Chris Franklyn, if he thought the movie would make any sort of impact.

“I think it might. The movie focuses on the very old classic games that a lot of new gamers probably have never played or possibly even heard of. It’s almost like the movie is reviving them into today’s society and I respect that,” said Franklyn.

Making a great point, the game does focus a lot more on classic video games (while also alluding to games like Call of Duty). It has a feeling that really emphasizes the imagination and creativity that is behind games like Donkey Kong and other classics made for arcade games.

I personally believe that “Wreck It Ralph” will make a big stamp on today’s culture; with the media and with some of the younger gamers that didn’t get the chance to experience the classics, it might turn them back to go and play an arcade game sometime and appreciate the videogame culture as not only entertainment, but also as art.

The main character, played

by John C. Reilly, references Donkey Kong from the original DK arcade game title.

ralph The hero of the videogame “Wreck-it Ralph”, Played by Jack Mcbrayer, references Mario from the Original DK arcade game.

felix One of the racers in the racing game “Sugar Rush” that references games like Mario Kart, played by Sarah Silverman.

vanellope One of the sergeants in the game “Heroes Duty”, played

by Jane Lynch, references games like Call of Duty and even Samus Aran from Metroid.

sgt. callhoun

{be heard}

As students embrace tattoo culture, Kellie Grezinger questions making the decision so young The thought of teenagers making permanent decisions is absolutely horrifying.

Personally, I can barely even stand to keep my hairstyle the same for more than a month. As teens, our ideology and interests

By Kellie are constantly changing.

Grezinger However, now more than staff reporter ever, students can be seen sporting tattoos, which are a lifelong commitment. They get ink engraved into their skin before they even know what college they are going to attend or what profession they’d like to pursue.

Which leaves me to begin thinking about the ages of people now with tattoos, if the tattoos have significant meanings, and if these students will eventually regret getting them. It almost seems to me people get tattoos primarily for show, that have little to no meaning.

Junior Logan Mohler, begs to differ.

Although he is only 16 years old, he already has multiple tattoos on his body. His first tattoo was a koi fish that essentially covers his calf.

“I always knew I wanted a koi fish for my first tattoo. It represents new beginnings and good luck. So I figured I should start with that before I got any others,” said Mohler.

Along with the koi fish, Mohler has tattoos that hold meanings of his Mexican heritage. He also has an owl on his chest. He says that he definitely wants to get more tattoos in the future. When thinking of “tattoos” and “sixteen year old” the thought of his parent’s opinion comes to mind.

“My parents actually encouraged them. They all dig tattoos, they get excited when I have a new idea for a tattoo,” said Mohler.

Since Mohler is an aspiring drummer, the question of whether his tattoos will get in the way of his potential professional career possibilities is not necessarily important. Other students, like senior Cody Collier, say his parents think of his tattoo a bit differently. He has a colorful music note covering his forearm. “[My parents] think it’s cool and all, but they also joke around and say I’ll probably never get a real job,” said Collier.

Collier, like Mohler, wants to make a name for himself in music. Anyone else see a trend forming?

When asking around about what people think about tattoos, it seems that younger people were all for them, but the older were against the idea of them. It seems like our generation in general has become increasingly tolerant of tattoos. Perhaps it’s because our parents don’t mind them as much as previous generations, or maybe more people are beginning to see them as a great way for self-expression.

“I think tattoos are definitely getting more widely accepted now because people see that not everyone with tattoos are just a bunch of hoodlums, and that it’s a way for people to express themselves,” said Mohler.

I agree with that, however it still worries me that a lot of kids get tattoos that mean a lot to them now, but may not have any relevance in the future. Especially since not everyone is going to become a big deal in music or the arts. What about the kids who have tattoos but want to be businessmen? The paths we now want may not be the same in ten years. No one can be completely sure of the person they will become.

It’s important to remember that tattoos are not like a hairstyle, or a trendy outfit. They’re there forever, so be smart about what you choose to brand on your body permanently.

fhctoday.com | be heard

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Controversy leads to reconsideration After news of Chick-fil-A’s sponsoring of hate groups surfaced, it was only a matter of time before CFA was cast into the middle of controversy. Yes, the CEO, Dan Cathy, announced that he is “pro-family,”- an obnoxious term used to put anti-gay nicely.

However, the response to his

By James Pugh statement is completely ridiculous. copy manager Thousands of people flocked to CFA for a “Support Chickfil-A Day”, and numerous Facebook statuses and tweets were made about that topic.

People became outraged at the gay community for bashing the CEO for using his freedom of speech.

Although Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-Fil-A, is perfectly within his first Amendment rights to express his beliefs, it is totally inexcusable for the company to be donating to hate groups.

CFA donates to the Family Research Council classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, and Exodus International, which previously endorsed “ex-gay therapy” - the process of “curing” homosexuality according to Huffington Post.

Had the general public taken a moment to consider these things, rather than jumping down the throats of anyone and everyone that opposed CFA, a lot of these

issues could have been prevented.

When you compare the groups that CFA donates to, to other groups that out there and available, you find that there are so many others he could have chosen with positive alternatives.

The bigger picture is this - when choosing which companies to support, or which to boycott, do so with an educated decision. Rather than being swept up by the CFA story and all the drama which surrounds it, try to see for yourself what’s going on in your world and make your own opinion.

Urban Outfitters, Cracker Barrel, Exxon Mobil, Wal-Mart, and John Deere also all have anti-gay policies. However, these haven’t made public news, and these didn’t have any “Support _____ Day”, or “Kiss-In at ______ Day”.

In contrast, Starbucks, American Airlines, AT&T, and Kraft Foods are noted for positive interactions with the LGBT community. Out of all of these, however, only Kraft’s “Gay Oreo”, made of rainbow creme filling, made news.

The media doesn’t do a good job of showing what is actually going on in the world, and in order to make good decisions about what you’re supporting, you need to be informed.

Rather than supporting, or outwardly hating on, a company because you’re ignorant, take a moment to find out what’s up for yourself, then take action.

“In order to make good decisions about what you’re supporting, you need to be informed.”

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be heard | september 14, 2012

Need for love overcomes love to hate, argue When it gets right down to it, Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy has the same freedoms as everyone else. He can say what we wants, believe what he wants, and spend his money wherever he wants.

By Amy Sweeney As CEO of a Christian copy manager company, Cathy’s “coming out” about his anti-gay beliefs was no surprise, nor was it a surprise in the 90’s when Cracker Barrel came under fire for its official stance against gay and lesbian employees and for discriminatory practices against AfricanAmerican and female employees.

Every time something like this happens, people are either outraged or delighted.

Protests and appreciation days are scheduled. Social media is flooded with polar opinions and impassioned debates.

Some will vow to boycott the company for the rest of their lives, while others will commit every dollar of their earning to supporting a company that shares their beliefs.

Just as Chick-fil-A and similar companies are are to spend their money supporting anti-gay organizations, like those purporting to use religious means to alter someone’s sexuality, including the Family Research Council, which is classified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group, we as Americans can rejoice in knowing that we

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too can use our time and money to support causes that we believe in.

There are simple steps to follow when faced with this kind of situation. Step one, accept it. Just as you stand firmly in your personal beliefs, so does Dan Cathy and others like him. You can not change his mind, so do not waste your time.

Instead, proceed to step two, which is to get involved. I can not emphasize enough how much you have to fight for what you believe in. Francis Howell Central has a GayStraight Alliance. Growing American Youth meets every Tuesday and Thursday in the area. We have to spread love not only when faced with hatred, but at all times.

Finally step three, which seems like a given, is that you should never patronize a company that gives your money directly to a cause that you disagree with. Do some research on the best and worst companies for both human and animal rights (Global Exchange, an organization devoted to social justice, has a comprehensive list on their website of the Top Ten Most Wanted Corporations for Human Rights Violations). You may be surprised about where your money is ending up.

Bottom line, people will always have contrasting opinions and values. There’s not a whole lot we can do about that. What we can do, however, is spread love, cut off their cash flow, and spend our time fighting for the cause.

the box

Differing opinions do not designate hate Daily, thousands of chicken-lovers travel to Chick-fil-A to receive a quality chicken sandwich.

These customers are of all different races, religions and sexual

By Jessica Mugler preferences. the scene editor However, Chickfil-A has been harassed lately for its use of the First Amendment. While getting so caught up in the drama of the “gay vs. straight” debate, people did not realize that the corporation was simply exercising its freedom of speech and religion.

Dan Cathy, Chick-fil-A’s president, stated that he supported the “biblical definition of the family”, according to USA Today, and is now somehow believed to hate homosexuals.

First off, Chick-fil-A does not hate people who have chosen a homosexual lifestyle. The restaurant still serves them like everyone else.

Yes, it is widely known that the company does not support homosexuality; however, there is a difference between not supporting a way of life and entirely hating a group of people.

During a pro-gay protest day at Chick-filA’s around the country, employees even took the time to take free water out to the hot protesters. Hateful, right?

Furthermore, it is no secret that Chick-fil-A is a Christian company. If you didn’t take the

hint from them closing on Sundays, you can read it on the signs in the restaurants. They’re a company; they can choose what religion to support and what stance to choose on important issues. Christianity includes the teachings from the Bible, and the Bible teaches that a man should be married to a woman.

However, Chick-fil-A does not scold homosexuals; instead, in a statement clarifying its position, Cathy stated that we should “leave the policy debate over same sex marriage to the government and political arena.” This seems pretty forgiving for a company that obviously does not support homosexuality.

As for the said “hate groups” that Chickfil-A is contributing to, these groups are those such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Focus on the Family, and the National Christian Foundation, according to the Huffington Post.

Chick-fil-A has the right to contribute to the organizations it wants to. It should not be admonished for this; the company can do what it wants. None of these organizations are gay-hating groups, they are simply Christian, family-based foundations. I am a leader of FCA at FHC, does that make me a hater?

What this debate really boils down to is that Chick-fil-A, along with Christians, homosexuals and everyone else, is entitled to its own opinion. It has simply exercised its right to the First Amendment.

those who stayed

made for walkin’

boo to ‘no school’

When it rains it pours. When it poured on the cheerleaders at the FZS football game, all but three extremely dedicatd cheerleaders turned in their poms for the night. Here’s to them.

Band raised nearly $4,000 in their annual walka-thon, featuring the talents of local bands “Worth of Tomorrow,” “The Ragstripes,” and “Clockwork.”

Friday, Sept. 21 is the one day of the year most students actually want to go to school in preparation for the long awaited Homecoming game agaist FHN that night.

off the wall

heat relief

falling short

August and September have brought much the needed rains and cool weather that this past summer direly needed.

Hopefully our varsity football spartans can turn the season around this Saturday against Troy after dropping some promising leads over the course of the first three games.

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LOVE LIKE LEAVE The Spartan Regiment put together a stellar show in a reliving of Pink Floyd’s wildly succesful 1979 concept album “The Wall.”

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be heard | september 14, 2012

staffeditorial School spirit losing air?

By Sean Gundersen Multimedia Executive Editor

Some say, “chivalry is dead.” Others say, “dreaming is dead.” Some also say, “school spirit is dead.”

That last remark usually turns a few heads, especially in the halls of FHC. Most would like to jump to the conclusion that true school spirit is just about as attainable as the lost city of Atlantis, our answer to that would be, possibly — if that makes sense — for a couple reasons.

Notice the word true in front of the aforementioned school spirit. Like most things in our ever-changing society, school spirit is just that, ever-changing.

Granted, the days of 4H Club and trips to the five and dime after school are long gone. But our spirit outlets haven’t disappeared, they have merely deflated, if you will.

The far-as-the-eye-can-see line in front of the attendance office every pep assembly day speaks for itself.

These high schoolers would like to have everyone believe that they have “better things to do” than support the educational institution the bulk of them despise, and it isn’t a dentist appointment.

To be completely frank, few and far between are those who look forward to pep assemblies. Say what you will about their content, or lack thereof, but that’s hardly where the problem lies. It comes down to the passion administrators, teachers and students once held for their school; a condensed nationalism in the form of sporting blue and silver ‘til the day they died. (Or at least graduated high school.)

So, where exactly do students still have school spirit? Plenty of places.

In reality, nearly every square inch of Francis Howell Central is covered with school spirit.

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be heard | september 14, 2012

In other words, school spirit can be found in each separate realm of FHC, whether it be the various athletics, art club, scholar quiz bowl, band, theatre, etc. But every group in question sticks to themselves.

You don’t see the football team (or the teachers who coach the team) at the fall choir concert, nor do you see many Science Club kids at a cross country meet. That’s simply the way things are. What we lack is camaraderie, familiarity— togetherness.

This isn’t entirely the fault of the students either. In a round-about paradox way, some of the school spirit students manage to rustle up is often inadvertently restrained by teachers and administrators. Pick your poison, but we’d say one would be hard pressed to argue the detriment of face paint or beach balls.

Take for instance one of our last home football games. Up 1 4

points at halftime to Fort Zumwalt South, the bulk of the student body and cheerleaders left the game to avoid some harmless raindrops. One could theoretically blame the second half shutout and concurrent loss on the lack of support and school spirit.

Blue and silver paints, unattended cheerleaders, and coastal entertainment aside, let’s let bygones be bygones and look to the future. We’ve heard people planning wacky d a y outfits as early a s

the second week of school, coordinating blue and silver outfits for game days, and putting together awesome tailgating parties prior to football games.

So why not keep it up? Destroy the status quo. Take a spirit stand. Sport some blue and silver on a daily basis.

Refuse to go down with the ship.

FHC spirit is down, but not out. Take the pulse of any Spartan who cares for this school and pose to them our infamous chant and we’ll see what response we get.

FHC, say what.

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

Maddie Wilson - Print Executive Editor Kelci Davis - Visuals Executive Editor Sean Gundersen - Multimedia Executive Editor Blake Beck - Delve Editor Cody Jones - Sweat Editor Jessica Mugler - The Scene Editor Maddie Newton - Be Heard Editor Kyle Pyatt - iFocus Editor Kaela Henry - Advertising Manager James Pugh - Copy Manager Amy Sweeney - Copy Manager Sakara Alejo - Reporter Ben Berberich - Reporter Allison Comfort - Reporter Dylan Gerding - Reporter

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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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the walk for the Sophomores Lauren Crane, Shelby Ralston and Lindsey Witthaus joke around with their friends as they walk. The group could have been seen dancing, running, walking and skipping through the night.

Freshmen Leslie Sutton and Jacquelyn McGoon attempt to keep walking straight despite cracking up. The duo joined band this year and have been coming to events to support the Regiment.

Students, family members and friends gathered in the large gym on Friday, Sep. 7 for the second annual Walk-A-Thon. Participants walked, ran, piggy-backed and even cartwheeled around the gym to raise money for Spartan Regiment. Local bands The Ragstripes, Worth of Tomorrow and Clockwork performed throughout the two-and-a-half hour night to help energize all who were there.

Sophomore Kaley Black totes her little sister on her back as she walks laps around the gym.

Black's sister walked around the gym with her older sister, despite her laps not being able to be counted because she is not a band member.

While performing along with alumnus Jordan Slone and fellow junior Logan Mohler, Logan Slone belts out the chorus to one of Clockwork's songs. Clockwork has been performing at school events ever since it's younger members reached high school.

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aperture | september 14, 2011

As the final band, Worth of Tomorrow, performs, junior Rory Payne watches and cheers on after each song. Payne has been friends with band members Spencer Foust and Gordon Wade, juniors, and senior Tyler Gritt through out the year.