September Issue 2014

central

focus

Volume 18, Issue 1 Sept. 18, 2014 Francis Howel Central High School

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Discover 3-11

Sept. 18, 2014

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BioMed digs in

New class allows students to direct their learning, work at their pace, with help of technology and teachers.

Move 12-19

inFocus 20-25

Spotlight 27-33

Voice 35-38

Interact 39

Ads 40

September 8

Lunch

Changes in quantity, quality of lunches dictated by state, federal statutes angers students, who want better, more filling food.

16

Band camp

31

Finding Bliss

The hard work for members of the Spartan Regiment begins in the sweltering heat of July. Find out what they endure for a perfect performance.

Renonwned clarinet player Julian Bliss spoke to band, middle school musicians about his path to success as a musician and successful businessman.

36 Passion pays Brittney Kennedy implores readers to choose what will make them - not others happy when choosing their post-FHC careers.

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Sept. 18, 2014

MUST READ

DISCOVER

4

THREE things we

DISCOVERED

this month

Student transfer

350 students from Normandy are eligible to return to the Francis Howell School District for the 2014-2015 school year. It is unknown how many of these students will attend FHC this year.

New system ensures safety

Seminar success

“I don’t think it could’ve gone any better,” said Mr. Lammers about the first travel seminar day, Aug. 20. He looks forward to students addressing their specific academic needs in the 50-minute sessions.

Homecoming schedule THURSDAY Parade: 6 p.m.

Powderpuff game: 7 p.m.

FRIDAY Football game: 7 p.m.

SATURDAY Dance: 7-10 p.m.

Buzzer system takes some responsibility makes visitors, tardy students check in, providing another layer of security

Administrative assistant Mary Sheperd asks a visitor to the school state their business before allowing them into the building. The new buzzer system makes it more difficult to get into the school and makes either Mrs. Sheperd or a security guard aware of their arrival.

Photo by Morgan West

n By Kameryn Mellor staff reporter chool shootings that have occurred in past years have generated a great deal of interest about school safety, and made school boards concern for safety multiply tenfold. There were many options to increase safety, and installing a buzzer system was the chosen course of action. It was installed at the beginning of the year to ensure the safety of the staff and students. Our school is the latecomer

S

to this new security precaution. The elementary and middle schools in the district, such as Warren Elementary and Saeger Middle, had buzzer systems long before us.

Though it was installed for the safety of the student body, some students are completely unaware of the system.

Sophomore Daniella Moore, for example, didn’t know it existed at all until she was informed nearly a month

n See BUZZER, page 10

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DISCOVER

Sept. 18, 2014

Taking center stage Mrs. Cori Nelson takes over in the theatre department, bringing change to The Spotlight Players

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DISCOVER

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Sept. 18, 2014

“I’m having not only FHC staff, but also community members that are active in theatre judge the actors. It’s a different process, but I feel like it’s more fair. I feel like everybody deserves a chance. It’s not my drama club, it’s our drama club.”

-Mrs. Cori Nelson, theatre director

n Emily Klohr Discover Editor

For the last four years, the FHC Spotlight Players have had Ms. Michelle Moll as their director. Ms. Moll announced at the end of the theatre season last year that she would be leaving, and the new director was introduced at the end of the year.

Mrs. Cori Nelson is the new director for the FHC Spotlight Players and the teacher for Tech Theatre 1 & 2, Actor’s Studio 1 & 2, Intensified Theatre, and Speech and Debate.

Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. Nelson worked as a para at FHC in 2005.

She graduated from Francis Howell in 1999, and her brother graduated from FHC in 2006.

“I’ve always had an interest of coming here and when I was a para, it was such a good experience,” Mrs. Nelson said.

“The overall environment is great, I was really pleased with how the staff worked with the students.”

Mrs. Nelson left her job as a para in order to attend Lindenwood full-time in 2006 to get her teaching degree. Last year, Ms. Nelson worked as the assistant in the Speech and Theatre department at Francis Howell.

“I knew I wanted to stay within the district. The opening came here and I couldn’t wait to apply,” Mrs. Nelson said.

Mrs. Nelson is a brand new teacher this year, but she has worked in theatre since high school. Her most recent acting experience was this past summer as Jolene Oaks in SCC’s show, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”

When Mrs. Nelson graduated from high school, she got a full-ride theatre scholarship to SCC. She spent her college years performing in shows back-to-back.

“After doing shows over and over and over again, I had to take a break,” Mrs. Nelson said.

Mrs. Nelson took a break from acting when her daughter was born in 2008.

The last show she did before “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” this past summer, was when her daughter was three months old. she is now six.

“It was a huge gap, and it was very hard not doing shows over and over again,”

Photo by Zach Grau

Thumbing through papers during her sixth hour Tech Theatre I class, Mrs. Cori Nelson prepares to address her students. Mrs. Nelson brings years of community acting experience, as well as experience working in salons and spas.

Mrs. Nelson said. “I missed it, so it was great to perform again this summer.”

In addition to having her teaching degree and previous theatre experience, Mrs. Nelson has her ascetics degree, which means she is a skin care specialist.

While she was attending Lindenwood, she worked in salons and spas, including Spa Winghaven, Face and the Body, and Salon De Christe. She also worked as a product specialist for MAC cosmetics and was an artist for fashion shows in St. Louis.

“This degree is great to have when teaching stage makeup. I taught makeup workshops at last year’s Missouri Thespian Conference, which was very fun,” Mrs. Nelson said.

Mrs. Nelson got married over the summer, so when she is not in the theatre, which is rare, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters.

“I feel like I’m here all the time, which is good, but when I’m not here, we’re doing anything that is fun as a family,” Mrs. Nelson said. “We love to swim during the summer, bowl, play miniature golf, and go to the movies. I also love to cook.”

As far as the theatre department goes, Mrs. Nelson has chosen to put on the comedy, “Noises Off!” this fall, the musical “The Addams Family” this

spring, and has kept the tradition of student-directed one acts this winter.

“We’re having two mainstage and then the one acts. I would eventually like to throw in the rotation of a children’s theatre show as well,” Mrs. Nelson said.

In addition to these shows, the theatre department will be hosting activity nights where students and parents can come hang out and have a good time in the theatre. They will also be participating in the Fine Arts Festival in February.

Getting a new teacher for any class can be a difficult change, but new theatre directors often bring lots of changes to the department that can be hard for the actors and crew members.

Junior Tristan Ratterman is the vice president of FHC’s Thespian Troupe 5743 and he is very excited about the changes Ms. Nelson is making.

“New audition processes, new structuring of backstage crews, new shows, everything! It’s all been great,” Ratterman said. “I think they’re nothing but good changes. With a new teacher comes new ways of running things and so far, they’ve been nothing but fantastic.”

Mrs. Nelson was not informed of how the department was run before she

came here, so she has made several changes to the department itself.

“It seems very different for the kids, but in a good way, I think,” Mrs. Nelson said. “I try to keep communication open, and I make sure everything has a set date.”

The biggest change made was to the audition process. Not only is Mrs. Nelson judging the auditions, but she is also having judges that are involved in the theatre community come in. The actors are graded a 1-5 on projection, articulation, energy, movement, creativity, and takes direction. The highest numbers move on to callbacks.

“I think this is the best way. I’m having not only FHC staff but also community members that are active in theatre judge the actors. It’s a different process, but I feel like its more fair. I feel like everybody deserves a chance. It’s not my drama club, its our drama club,” Mrs. Nelson said.

The process of being placed on crews has also changed. Last year, the crew heads were chosen by Ms. Moll alone, and she also put together the crews. This year, Mrs. Nelson is working with the technical director, senior Jake Choate, and the thespian officers to conduct crew head interviews. They will also work together to put together the crews.

When filling out crew applications, students not only had to put the top three crews they wanted to be put on, but also why they wanted to be put on those crews.

“I’m trying to put people on crews that they are most passionate about, not just stick them anywhere because I need someone there. I’m trying to be very diplomatic and find places where people can be creative and passionate about where they are,” Mrs. Nelson said.

Ratterman is not only excited about the changes Mrs. Nelson is making; he also really enjoys her as a person.

“Nelson’s very kind, funny, has great ideas for aspects of the shows, and knows how to run a theatre department.

Just an overall great person, and a for sure great leader of The Spotlight Players,” Ratterman said.

Learn more about new faculty at FHCtoday. com

Ms. Michelle Berryman

Ms. Roxanne Henry

Mrs. Ann Ross

Mrs. Kimberly Schellert

Scan the QR code above to go directly to the profiles of the four new teachers.

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DISCOVER

Sept. 18, 2014

Senior Katelyn Liggett measures the distance blood falls as freshman Lindsay Powell drops blood during a lab on blood spatter. The blood splatter lab was students dropping blood from different heights and finding the same blood splatter as that in the crime scene.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Rowe

Career Journal Entries:

Members of the BioMed classes are investigating a number of different careers in the field.

Photo by Ashley Marlo

Sara Murphy, a junior, assembles a DNA model for a project studying DNA analysis when they did this activity. “We were determining if we could get DNA to match up with the DNA at the crime scene,” Murphy said.

CSI: Room 222

BioMed class focuses on student-guided investigation into scientific questions n By Jared McClellan Staff reporter

A crime scene, the blood splattered, mysterious substances around the body; this is a day in the life of BioMed students. The new Biomedical Science class is taught

by Mrs. Jessica Rowe. Mrs. Rowe has taught Genetics and Biology, but this is her first year teaching BioMed. The first semester of BioMed revolves around forensics and establishing the details of a woman’s death. Students must also be motivated in order to succeed in the class since it is very student driven. Students must take charge of their own learning to succeed.

“This class is very studentoriented and is mainly online, as in the assignments and tests are online and everything is turned in online,” said Mrs. Rowe.

This class is guided by Mrs. Rowe, but not technically taught by her.

Mrs. Rowe is more of a leader while the class does the work. Mrs. Rowe is there to assist the students when

they need help, but she is not there to teach the class, just to supervise.

Junior Megan Smith has taken two other science classes prior to BioMed, as well as Genetics simultaneously. Smith thinks this class is one of the best classes offered at FHC because the teacher is more of a supervisor than a teacher.

“The class isn’t really taught. Our teacher, Mrs. Rowe, isn’t there to teach us a new subject, she’s there to tell us what we are doing,” Smith said.

The school provides the students with the supplies they need to succeed in that class, including a laptop. The laptops are issued by the school because the class is so online-based.

“There is no textbook, and every student has their own laptop issued by the school,” said Mrs. Rowe.

This class allows students to travel at their own pace. This perk allows students to fully enjoy the experience that this class offers.

Mrs. Rowe does not really stress about deadlines and gives several

days for students to complete assignments. Freshman Megan Gereau enjoys the freedom of this class when it comes to turning in assignments.

“This class lets you go at your own pace, but it still has deadlines and the homework is not due the next day,” Gereau said.

BioMed is part of the Project Lead The Way program. The program started with the engineering classes and this year added on the BioMed class.

This class is hands on, rather than sitting back and taking notes like in other science classes. Many students enjoy the fact they are able to get a lot of experience from the labs they perform.

Senior Trevor Nemnich has taken three science classes prior to BioMed, and has noticed the difference between BioMed and other science classes.

“This class is much more handson than other science classes offered at FHC due to the fact it is so student driven,” said senior

Trevor Nemnich.

The experience in this class allows students to learn about careers they are interested in. The class has an assignment called career journals which assign a specific job for the students that applies to the topic they are researching.

The students have to research into what education and training is required for the career as well as what goes on day to day in that career. The students also write a self-reflection about their interest in that career.

First semester, the class started with a crime scene. The goal is trying to solve the case of a murder of a woman, which they do this by performing their labs.

“We’ve done some analysis labs where we test all the substances and evidence found at the scene.

Most recently we did a lab where we found how long it takes a body to cool down in different temperatures to find the time of death,” Smith said.

911 Operator: recieve calls from individuals in need.

EMT: Clinicians who are trained to respond to emergencies.

Crime scene investigators: Draw the data of what happened from investigating the crime scene.

Blood splatter analyst: They use bloodstain patterns found at the crime scene as evidence.

Forensic DNA analyst: Helps with finding different aspects of DNA. Medical examiner: Investigate death that occured under suspicious circumstances.

Toxicologist: Specializes in the study of symptoms, mechanisms, and treatments.

Biochemist: they study biochemistry.

Food scientist: Develops new foods.

Technologist: A person who specializes in technology.

Nutritionist/ dietician: Health care specialist who specialize in food & nutrition.

Primary care physician: Provides care to patients who are 16 and older.

Clinical researcher: Determines the safety of medicines.

Psychologist: study mental processes.

Phlebotomist: A person who draws blood.

Clinical geneticist: Treats genetic diseases.

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DISCOVER

Sept. 18, 2014

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Sept. 18, 2014

General nutrition standards

Any item sold in the cafeteria must meet one of the following: 1. Be a wholegrain rich grain product 2. Have as the first ingredient a fruit, vegetable, dairy product or protein food.

3. Be a combination food that contains at least 1/4 cup of fruit and/or vegetable 4. Contain 10 percent of the daily value of one of the following nutrients: calcium, potassium, potassium, Vitamin D or dietary fiber

Specific nutrient standards

Any item sold must meet all four of the following: Calorie limits Snack items: < 200 calories Entree items: < 350 calories Sodium limits Snack items: < 230 mg Entree items: <480 mg Fat limits Total fat: < 35 percent of calories Saturated fat: < 10 percent of calories Trans fat: zero grams Sugar limit < 35 percent of weight from total sugars in foods

Beverage standards

No limit to the amount of water students can drink 12 oz. maximum sizes on milk, 100 percent juice and low-calorie beverages No restriction on the amount of caffeine that may be in a beverage.

An apple a day...

Changes in the school lunch call into question studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health

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DISCOVER

Sept. 18, 2014

Students stand in line waiting to get their lunch in the cafeteria. Due to the smaller portions in the cafeteria, students have gathered near the nacho line in order to get a decent sized meal. “They should charge less for the portions they actually give you,” junior Robbie McDonnell said.

Photo by Julia Becker

n By Jake Roach

J

Staff reporter

unior Matt Garrison is in the weight training program. There are plenty of students that take the course for their other half P.E. credit, but Garrison takes it seriously. He has to eat aggressively at lunch in order to keep up in the class, due to intense nature of the program. This allows him to have the nutrition he needs in order to build muscle in the weight room.

School lunches are notorious for not always being of the highest quality. In books, movies, and even television shows, school lunches are generally portrayed poorly. This isn’t to say this is the reality of the world, but it is a general notion about them. Since school lunches are generally viewed in a negative light, when changes are made to them, it might not be for the best.

Recently in the school cafeteria there have been some changes to the lunch line like the new “Grab & Go” station, the addition of soda machines, the death of the creation line, and even smaller portions on the trays.

Garrison eats twice as much as most students to maintain a certain nutritional intake, but now has to order more food in order to keep up in the weight room.

“I have to buy a lot more food now. I almost

buy twice as much,” Garrison said.

He used to spend $50 in lunch twice a month, now he spends that much in just a week in order to get the same amount of food he has been getting the past two years.

“I used to go to the creation line, but they took away the bulk of the entrees and replaced it with sides. I’d rather just have a larger entree,” Garrison said.

Even students who don’t purchase school lunches have noticed the changes. Junior Robbie McDonnell has brought lunch since freshman year, and even he had some strong opinions of the changes.

“The portions are way too small to be that expensive, a lot of people have complained to me about it,” McDonnell said.

The “Grab & Go” station was implemented in the school as a way for students to grab a quick and healthy lunch when they need to leave the cafeteria. The station offers salads, yogurt, sandwiches, and even more for students to eat healthy at lunch. Although the theory of this was well received by students, the reality of it isn’t being swallowed so smoothly.

“I would buy the lunch at the Grab & Go station everyday if it wasn’t so expensive. I like that the school is giving students healthy options, but it’s too expensive for some

students to afford,” McDonnell said.

This new extension of the cafeteria is an attempt in the healthy direction, however the addition of the soda machines, and the cheap price tag on them, raises questions about the school’s concern with student health.

Senior Danielle Robbins said not only are the new additions too expensive, but the drinks are as well.

“All of the drinks are too expensive. Water should be free, or at the very least cheaper than soda. Maybe a water tab on the machine would help,” Robbins said.

In addition to the changes inside the cafeteria, there have been changes outside of it as well. The station outside of the lunch room that used to sell snacks, candy, and breath mints has cut down their stock quite a bit.

Due to recent changes in legislation, the booth outside the cafeteria can no longer sell gum or breath mints. This brings issues for people like sophomore Theo Ingram, who used to buy gum regularly outside the cafeteria.

“I think it’s interesting they can push soda, but not sell sugar free gum. I had to stop buying gum and now I don’t go to the vending machines either,” Ingram said.

Even though students want gum back, it’s out of the school’s control and although students have received the changes negatively, Associate Principal Lucas Lammers said they were long overdue.

According to Principal Lammers, Francis Howell is one of the last school districts to make changes to the lunch menu, causing Sodexo to complain about the amount of food going out of the line.

Mr. Lammers was employed in the Fort Zumwalt School District before coming to FHC and said Zumwalt made these changes a few years back.

“Other districts adopted healthier options over the last few years, all the way from the lunch lines to what’s inside the vending machines,” Mr. Lammers said.

Not cutting back the portions proved to have negative effect on the school when FHC lost government funding for a day last year.

“There was an audit of the lunches last year and we weren’t up to par,” Mr. Lammers said.

Many students are left in the dark regarding changes in the school, and Dr. Sonny Arnel plans on shedding light of some if these issues.

“I think the lunches are better with the new Grab and Go.”

“The food is a little more expensive this year.”

“It’s good that that the food is healthy now, that’s important.”

- Alison Harmon, sophomore

-Josh Shepard, junior

- Beronica Plummer, junior

n BUZZER, from page 3

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DISCOVER

Sept. 18, 2014

“I think there’s been a real focus on school safety and an attempt to ensure that we really have great high schools academically and socially, and that we create an environment that really is safe for our students,” Dr. Arnel said.

Prior to the buzzer system being installed, the team of principals were forced to patrol any section of the school with a way in. Now, all that needs to be done is for Ms. Mary Shepherd, the secretary in the attendance office, is to buzz people into the school using the relatively new system.

“It helps because all visitors need to sign in with me and this way I am aware that they are walking into our building,” Ms. Shepherd said.

The new system makes nearly every staff member’s jobs easier, according to Dr. Arnel.

It also makes students, such as sophomore Alexis Fuhremann, feel safer in their school, “It makes the students feel safe, even if it does slow me Photo by ????? down when I’m entering the Patrick Tarr, a school security guard, opens the door for senior Chloe Siebels as she returns to the building after retrieving something from her car in building,” Fuhremann said. the student parking lot. At the student entrance, the security guards are responsible for monitoring the new school buzzer system.

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‘Saturday switch

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“I wanted to commit to a time where we could all sit down, start a lesson, and finish a project in a day and switching to Saturday helps us do that.”

DISCOVER

-Mrs. Judy Switzer, Art Club sponsor

Art Club moves meetings to weekend to focus on improving quality of members work

n Jake Roach, Staff Reporter

Art Club will resume on Sept.

27th, but they will not go back to their Wednesday schedule.

Instead Art Club has opted for a much more spacey Saturday schedule from 10am to 3pm.

This idea came from Mrs.Judy Switzer, the director of Art Club, who said the new schedule won’t conflict with any other activities.

“One of the reasons we switched is because I didn’t want to compete with other clubs,” Switzer said.

This change proves useful according to junior Brianna Shatto, who said that this change doesn’t conflict with soccer practice during the week.

“It’s a lot better, I can practice during the week and still be a part of Art Club,” Shatto said.

However, this isn’t the only reason the switch was implemented. According Mrs. Switzer, they also changed because they wanted a block where they could comfortably

start and finish a project. The new 5 hour block proves much more spacious than it’s Wednesday predecessor.

“I wanted to commit to a time where we could all sit down, start a lesson, and finish a project in a day and switching to Saturday helps us do that,” Switzer said.

This change has posed issues for students who don’t have transportation on the weekend though. Junior Megan Smith said that transportation on a Saturday is harder than it was previously.

“I can make Saturday sometimes, it’s hard though.

Even though Saturday is more convenient and more fun than after school,” Smith said.

However, according to Shatto, Art Club always helps a member in need, even with rides.

“They just need to come to one meeting because I guarantee someone will help them with a ride here. One girl even walks,” Shatto said.

The switch to Saturday also

$50

opens up the opportunity to bring in outside students to Art Club.

“I’m excited to bring in students who don’t go to FHC into Art Club,” Smith said.

Mrs. Switzer is very excited about the new schedule, but not excited about having to give up Saturday lunch and movie dates with her husband.

“My husband and I have dates every Saturday, so we have to move that to a different time once a month,” Mrs. Switzer said.

This proves that even Mrs. Switzer are making sacrifices for the club. However this change is not vein according to her. “ I have to give up time with my ‘family’ family in order to spend time with my art family,” Mrs. Switzer said.

With the changes comes a few drawbacks, but a lot of excitement for member and non-members alike.

“I’m excited to make more friends and get a better appreciation of art in general.

It’s going to be a fun year,” Shatto said.

Sept. 18, 2014

Membership in FCA continues explosive growth n By Kyra Barillier Staff reporter

The size of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FCA, has exploded in the past four years.

The kick off meeting, a pool party, on Aug. 19, was at sponsor Lauren Breite’s parents’ house.

Meeting earlier than normal, the students arrived around 6pm and and swam for an hour before splitting into groups for student-lead bible studies.

Four years ago, when the class of 2015 entered high school, FCA had a grand total of 11 members, but at the pool party they had a turnout of 60 students who wanted to get involved.

“I liked seeing all the students from last year, seniors, juniors and sophomores out there having fun and encouraging each other. I really liked seeing the freshman, a lot of which I hadn’t met before and they seemed like they clicked with everybody and they felt welcome” Breite said.

One of six FCA student leaders, senior Rachel Bohrer is just as excited as Mrs. Breite for the upcoming year.

“It’s always really big the first time so it’s cool to see a bunch of new freshmen coming in… and a bunch of upperclassman now who had gone to the meetings last year,” Bohrer said.

Along with larger numbers than in the past, FCA is trying a new method of integrating old members with the new members through a Mentor and Mentee system, according to senior Elise Thomas.

This system directly connects an underclassman, mostly freshman, with a returning member.

Believe it or not, spending $50 on The Odyssey, is saving you money. Because if you don’t buy the book by Dec. 8 for the introductory price, you’ll be spending $65 on the book. So be smart and buy the book before the end of this semester and save some yourself $15.

Buy online here: https://ybstore.friesens.com/stores/422005

12 Sept. 18, 2014

MUST READ

Move

16

THREE MOVING

stats from this month

Heat wave

21 games and events have been cancelled or postponed due to the extreme heat this year, as of Sept. 3.

Fish out of water

Boys swim and dive team have spent more time in water than on land, having five meets in seven days.

Grabbing the gold

There were 19 medalists in the cross country meet on Aug. 29.

Dancing T

n By Morgan Brader Staff reporter

to the

top

Senior Jessie Hunkins and the Sensations team show off their dance skills at the first home football game on Friday, Aug. 22. “I think we have great potential and if we continue to put in the hard work and dedication, we will be taking home what we really deserve, which is the trophies,” Hunkins said.

he Sensations have danced their way through the week-long tryouts, through the tough choreography, through years upon years of training at their dance studios, and they are now proud to call themselves FHC’s new varsity Sensations.

The previous Sensations had to say their sad goodbyes as the majority of their team graduated in June. This year is the start of a completely new team, as they welcome talented freshmen onto

their varsity team.

Senior captain, Breanna Gajewski, is returning to her fourth year of varsity Sensations and, the thought of a brand new team is nerve wracking, yet refreshing.

“Every year, there are different girls, so with all the personalities, the team chemistry is always different,” said Gajewski, “We are really strong this year and have a lot of potential to keep the tradition going of being state and nationally ranked.”

Junior Alyssa Hake is a varsity sensations dancer and has been

told this year’s team is one of the best they have seen in awhile.

“We’re really good because we have a lot of good turners on this team, and there’s so much dedications coming from everyone,” Hake said. “Being so close to each other so early in the season makes up a better team because we have such amazing communication and we aren’t just dancing for ourselves; we’re dancing for the whole team. So because of this, I believe we can

n See DANCING, page 17

Photo by Darby Copeland

The brick wall

After a disappointing regular season last year, the varsity boys soccer team adds a high-quality goalkeeper in Chase Webert to the squad this year. n By Joseph Silver

but he committed to Florida Gulf Coast.

“They have a really good plan for me to Heat rising from the turf. Sweat dripping come in and possibly start my freshman off the face. Exhausted bodies. Smiles year,” Webert said. “I could get drafted creep on the faces of the players as after a few years (in the MLS).” the final whistle blew. The varsity boys Coach Nick Beckmann is also happy soccer team is off to a great start to their that Webert committed to the team season. because he is a very talented player.

After a less than stellar regular season “He is a D1 athlete,” Beckmann said. last year, things are looking better for “He has played at the highest level, club this season with the addition of senior ball wise, in the Academy.” goalkeeper Chase Webert. Webert Hutson said that Webert is a different has played soccer since the ripe old kind of goalkeeper than the team has had age of five. He played for St. Louis Scott in the past; he’s more comfortable playing Gallagher Academy, the highest level of the ball with his feet, kind of playing like a club soccer in the St. Louis area, and he sweeper keeper. can bring a lot to the team.

“We were excited because we knew Playing on the Academy team has how he plays, and what he can do to help allowed Webert to play against some of this team,” Hutson said. the best teams in the country, including Along with the addition of Webert, the the Chicago Fire Juniors. team has much more experience at the “They have a really varsity level than they good MLS (Major did last year. The team “Chase is a League Soccer) saw only six seniors rock in the program and junior graduate at the end of back, he program,” said the last season. controls the Webert. “They have First year varsity defense.” always just been player and junior really good.” defender, Justin - Ryan Hutson He has also been Strauss thinks senior able to travel to many that Webert is places because of an outstanding soccer. He has played goalkeeper and can in a copious amount of tournaments help tremendously. against many good teams, giving him a “He’s just an amazing goalie,” Strauss unique experience that many people said. “It can really help us win State this aren’t able to get. year, he can control us [defenders] and “I’ve gone all over the Midwest, Florida, control the tempo of play.”

Texas, and California,” Webert said.

He is a crucial part of the team and can Senior captain Ryan Hutson is excited help them get to past the the final eight of to hear that Webert decided to play high State and possibly even win it. school soccer this year, he thinks that he “You want all of your best players can add a lot to the team. to play,” coach Beckmann said. “He’s “Chase is a rock in the back,” Hutson just an added bonus. Our goals haven’t said. “He controls the defense.” changed, with this many seniors and this Webert elected to play high school many skilled players, egos can happen, soccer this year due to the quality of but for now we’re good.” the team, and it is his senior year and he With high hopes, the team looks to wants to play for school. impress and win State, hoisting the trophy He has been recruited by many division at the end of November.

1 colleges, including Florida Gulf Coast, “It’s a long road, but we’re confident,” Michigan State, Wake Forest and Dayton said Hutson.

Move Editor

Photo by Quentin Webert

Photos by Abbie Kaplan

TOP: After making the decision to not play for the St. Louis Scott Gallagher academy team, senior Chase Webert has taken control of the soccer team’s defense, leading the team to a 3-1-1 record.

ABOVE: Chase Webert focuses on the ball to clear the ball from his area after a foul was committed. right: Webert clutches the ball before throwing it out to continue play.

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Sept. 18, 2014

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Sept. 18, 2014

Senior Walter Lembeck commentates his team’s Senior WalterHowell Lembeck game against on commentating theteam FHC Sept. 4, which the lostvs.

2-1 in overtime.

FH soccer game.

Pushing through

Aplastic anemia keeps Walter Lembeck off the soccer pitch, but allows him to continue running

Photo by Abbie Kaplan

n By Jake Baumgartner staff reporter

There are stories left and right about people who have overcome seemingly impossible obstacles to achieve something great. Athletes like Muhammad Ali, arguably one of the greatest boxers of all time, battled Parkinson’s Disease during his career. Bethany Hamilton, the surfer who lost her left arm to a shark, still continued to surf. Even non-athletes like Rick Allen, the drummer for the rock band Def Leppard, suffered a complete amputation of his left arm, but continued to tour and record with the band.

Even though our school doesn’t have any armless drummers or surfers, there are athletes who are overcoming hardships through their sport and life. Arguably the most serious of these obstacles is of

senior Walter Lembeck, who is currently fighting through aplastic anemia, a condition in which one’s bone marrow doesn’t produce enough new blood cells.

Lembeck was diagnosed with aplastic anemia during the first weekend of summer 2014. At first, he and his family weren’t sure what it was, but after countless visits to the doctor, they learned what exactly aplastic anemia is.

Lembeck’s condition leaves his body easily fatigued and prone to uncontrollable bleeding.

Due to those symptoms, he had to retire from varsity soccer because contact risks bleeding.

“It was tough [to leave] because I’d played soccer since I was four and they [the doctors] told me I couldn’t do contact sports at all,” Lembeck

said.

Lembeck still has non-contact sports he partakes in. He runs cross country, but due to his bodily exhaustion, he cannot run the same distance as he could before.

“With the lack of blood, I just don’t have the energy I used to have.” said Lembeck.

Senior Devon Enochs, a friend and teammate on the cross country team, believes Lembeck’s current condition has affected this year’s cross country team, not only in race performance, but also in team morale.

“The team doesn’t seem as unified without him being at his full strength,” Enochs said. “We do miss running with him which has definitely taken away some morale.”

Lembeck still attends cross country practice every day, and

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“The coaches [and doctors] have told me not to run and it’s really hard because I just want to push through. That’s kind of just the natural thing to do... to push through.”

Sept. 18, 2014

-Walter Lembeck, senior

Symptoms of aplastic anemia Headache Nosebleed Bleeding gums

Shortness of breath with exertion

Skin rash

Lembeck shows off his soccer practice jersey from the 2013 season. Even though he cannot play, he is still considered a valued member of the team.

runs as much as he can before his fatigue gets the best of him. Despite Lembeck’s inability to run, Enochs believes his presence makes up for some morale that was lost with him.

“He has boosted our confidence by continuing to attend practices and meets,” Enochs said. “He’s a really great guy and brings out the best in all of us.”

Coach Michelle Breuer, head coach of the cross country team agrees that even though Lembeck isn’t running with the team full time, the team is still like a small family.

“The girls get along real well,” she said, “And the men, who usually have some friction between them, are really tight as well.” Before Lembeck returned for practice, the team felt like a big part of their group was missing.

As Enochs stated before, Lembeck’s showing up to run definitely boosts the teams confidence.

Treatment for aplastic anemia varies between three different methods.

The first is taking bone marrow directly from a sibling. Both he and his sister have had a DNA test done to determine whether or not they are compatible. They aren’t a match, prompting them to move on to the second form of treatment.

“They call it chemo,” Lembeck said, “But it’s just ATG and with that, it’s a chemical reboot of my immune system.”

Aplastic anemia weakens the immune system, so during the antithymocyte globulin treatment (ATG), his immune system is temporarily shut down to restart it, in hopes that it begins to work correctly. He takes a steroid to keep from getting infected, while his immune system is down, in addition to other antibiotics.

The third treatment method (if the ATG doesn’t work) would be finding a bone marrow donor. In the event that a compatible donor is found, Lembeck will get new bone marrow. But if the donor doesn’t match perfectly, there

could be lot more severe side effects.

“The chances I get the side effects or the diseases along with that are very high from someone who isn’t genetically matched,” Lembeck said.

The donor also cannot be a family member, except for siblings, but because his sister isn’t compatible, they must find a non-related donor.

The closer the match, the less side effects and chances of disease that could come with the donation.

Walter pushes his body to the limit, every day at practice not only for himself, but for his teammates, raising the spirits each runner and coach the same. “[The coaches] tell me not to run and to listen to my body. The doctors have told me that [as well] and it’s hard because usually I just want to push through. That’s kind of just the natural thing to do, is to push through,” said Lembeck.

Unexplained or easy bruising

Other symptoms

• Fatigue • Rapid or irregular heart rate • Pale skin • Frequent or prolonged infections • Prolonged bleeding from cuts • Dizziness

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Sept. 18, 2014

Bringing the beat

The clarinet section performs part of their new show “Go” with band at the Fall Festival. The band has prepared for this show since the middle of summer, when their camp was held.

Photo by Julia Becker

Along with all other sports, band is no stranger to the world of summer camp n

By Ilene Holder

Staff reporter

Commitment, community, control, class; the four Cs of band. Through collaboration and dedication, band binds together with one mind set to work together towards their goal. Though working as one makes for the best results, getting into the set of one mind is not easily achieved.

People may not realize how much effort band camp takes and how much it effects the following season. Two people who know full-well how much band camp can impact a season are the two directors of band, Mr. Andrew Messerli and Mr. Nathan Griffin.

Band camp can have a major influence on the fall show for it sets the tone for the season.

Due to the fact that camp has such an impact

on the fall season, it is vital to make sure as much progress is made through exercises and establishing rehearsal etiquette in the two weeks as possible.

“With a great band camp, comes a great season. There is just not enough time in the season once school begins to learn the show,” Mr. Griffin said. “Camp gives us a jump start to the season.”

Camp isn’t just about learning the music though, each morning the band members do things that help with other aspects of the show for the fall season. Whether it be working with clinicians, or running laps, each member must work on parts beside music, such as transitions and formations, that cause for a great show and season.

“Our schedule is pretty much the same

every day, in the morning we are out on the field because it has the coolest temperatures. We stretch, run, and doing marching band yoga to prepare for the day,” Mr. Griffin said.

The band also spends time in the morning working on visual fundamentals, the placement and position the players stand in at certain moments in order to create an image for the audience. The fundamental work is used to fine tune the details of marching technique as well as learning and reviewing drills for the show. The afternoon is spent working on aspects of the music, including sectionals to better themselves on their individual instruments and breathing exercises. The remainder of the day is then spent on working on the music that will be

showcased in the fall season.

Clinicians are brought in to help all sections better themselves. The pool of clinicians are made up of a wide variety of people like past students, directors from other schools, freelance instruments instructors, and people who specialize in the visual aspect of marching band.

The directors try to make sure the clinician pool is made up of highly qualified staff since camp is one of the most important times to help the season. Other aspects that helped the band during this summer, was one of the pleasant surprises they received.

“I will say this was our first time to be off the parking lot and we were able to perform for our parents at the end of camp in the stadium. That was a great experience for

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Sept. 18, 2014

ABOVE: The Spartan Regiment runs onto the field during their preview night on Sept. 3.

They performed their new show, “Go,” along with Howell and Howell North’s marching bands.

LEFT: Senior Owen Carlson and freshman James Crowe play their Mellophone during the fall festival on Aug. 15. “We worked all over the summer and it was really cool to get that oppurtunity to just show off what we’ve been doing before we had a real competition,” senior Owen Carlson said.

BELOW: A percussionist from the Spartan Regiment performs during the band’s preview night on Sept. 3. “Go” was performed for the first time in front of an audience that night.

Photo by Julia Becker

the students,” Mr. Griffin said.

Along with the opportunity to perform in the stadium, the band was also gifted with a respectful “mother nature” unlike past summers.

“We are unfortunately at the mercy of Mother Nature. Sometimes she is great to us like this past camp, and sometimes she can be cruel. Being an outdoor activity, we come across these challenges every year.

The students have learned to be flexible and adapt,” Mr. Griffin said.

One of the things that the band has to adapt to sometimes that involves weather is rain. If any rain starts to come along, the band must move indoors otherwise the woodwind instruments and electronics (keyboards, mixer and amps, speakers, etc.) will get damaged.

With every positive there comes a

negative. While the band was able to use the stadium, had good weather, and have talented clinicians come to help, they also had to deal with challenges. One person who understands the challenge of being in band is senior and clarinet section leader senior Emma Campbell.

One challenge Emma Campbell and some other members face is the ability to stay focused on one task for extended periods of time as well as balancing band, work, and school.

“Staying focused on one thing for eight hours is the most challenging for me,” Campbell said. “With work I out my availability to not conflict with band. I work 7-10 pm on school nights. That makes getting homework done hard though.”

In connection with balancing school as a challenge, sometimes having to teach things

to new people can be a hard task as senior and alto saxophone section leader senior Luke Wilson knows.

“The most challenging part is getting the new marchers used to their own drills,” said Wilson.

Sometimes backtracking happens when new members can’t quite grasp the concepts. This is why getting new members set to their own drills is hard for Wilson.

The more time spent memorizing drills means less time learning the new ones and progressing.

Drills are coordinates, certain spots on the field where the members stand in order to make the correct formation. Coordinates are called sets, which are run by a certain number of counts. The yard lines on the football field work as guidelines for the drills.

Aside from the mental challenges, there

are physical challenges. If you don’t prepare for camp, it can take a toll on your body and tire you out quick. Many of the band members prepare for camp by keeping hydrated with water and making sure they are active.

On a different hand, there are always the favorite and not-so-favorite parts about any activity and experience. While some people may love just hearing the band play, others may see something completely different as their favorite part.

“My favorite part of band camp is that we get the chance for two weeks to do nothing but band. That includes forming those bonds as a family would on vacation,” Mr. Griffin said. “The program is only as strong as this family bond. People will gravitate towards something if they know they will be welcomed, appreciated, and treated with value.”

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Sept. 16, 2014

Smiling during the Sensations routine at the Fall Festival, junior Megan Butts stays in step with the rest of the squad during the team’s routine.

Photo by Julia Becker

ABOVE: Seniors Breanna Gajewski and Jessie Hunkins sit front and center of the Sensations formation at the start of their routine.

The Fall Festival, on Aug. 15, provided the Sensations their first chance to perform their routine for a school audience. The Festival kicks off the fall sports season and lets each team perform for the school. RIGHT: Gajewski and Hunkins lead the team through its paces at the first home football game. n DANCING, from page 12

go above and beyond from what the previous teams have done.”

The varsity sensations lost 11 senior dancers, but gained ten new ones, with some new to FHC, and some being former JV or freshman Sensations, as three freshmen made the final cut and are now proudly on the varsity team.

Freshman Macey Leap, first year varsity dancer, is excited about making the varsity team.

“I’ve wanted to be a sensation

since I was little and when I found out I made varsity, I started crying right after the coaches told me because I was so happy,” said Leap.

The thought of being one of three freshmen on a team of older dancers may be frightening to some, but to freshman Hannah Strauss, it feels as though the girls on varsity sensations have welcomed each and every new member with open arms, regardless of age.

“So far, I’ve loved dancing here, It’s been an amazing experience to dance with and get to know

the upperclassmen,” Strauss said. “Our team is very close, we do pretty much everything together as a team.”

With multiple open positions on the varsity team, many hopeful girls attended tryouts.

The tryouts for sensations are different from tryouts for other sports because the girls who try out are all taught a dance.

The teams are then formed by the coaches.

Senior Jessie Hunkins, a second-year varsity Sensation and one of the two senior officers, was at tryouts for the first time in two years, due to her decision

against trying out last year.

“There’s a week in April when we go to the school and for the first few days, work on technique and the fundamentals, then we learn a short dance that we perform to the judge panel on the last day,” said Hunkins.

Each day of tryouts, the girls have a chance of getting cut. After each portion of the tryout is taught to the girls, the coaches, Ms. Jodi Wilde and Ms. Roxanne Henry, tell them whether or not they should return to tryouts the next day.

Eventually, on the last day, the

coaches tell the girls either individually or in small groups about what team they danced their way on to, if any.

According to Gajewski, since the tryouts, the Sensations have been doing a phenomenal job.

Gajewski, as well as Hunkins, think their team will, once again, make it big this year, and be able to continue to earn their high rankings.

“I think we have great potential and if we continue to put in the hard work and dedication, we will be taking home what we really deserve; which is the trophies!” said Hunkins.

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Sept. 18, 2014

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IN FOCUS

Sept. 18, 2014

SO FAR, YET SO CLOSE

Ever since the death of Michael Brown, Ferguson and its events have impacted St. Louis and the nation. Between the protests, robbings, and riots, our county and our school has been affected

by Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death, and the issues in Ferguson. With only 22 miles of separation, FHCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connections to the Ferguson-Florissant community are plentiful and strong.

21

IN FOCUS

Sept. 18, 2014

Taylor Fumagalli Photos by Zach Grau

Nathan Maas

Protestors march the streets of Ferguson waving signs and raising their hands symbolising “hands up don’t shoot.”

Photo by Mary Halloran

Chilling events in Ferguson spark eerie feelings for families of police officers n By Olivia Biondo

T

staff reporter

ensions were high the night rioting broke out in Ferguson, and nerves were strung high for the families of the police officers who were attempting to keep order. For these families it is a time of struggle, fear and trust.

Finding out about all that was occurring from the news and social media sites such as Twitter did not give any of the families closure.

They were not able to keep up with what was happening to their loved ones who were helping fight this situation, they were forced to wait patiently for a phone call or some sort of communication that would help ensure them to know that their loved ones were safe.

Sophomore Taylor Fumagalli’s father was on the frontlines of the situation in Ferguson, as a member of the St. Louis County SWAT team.

“He texted us one night saying ‘I love you, I don’t know what’s going on,’” said Fumagalli.

Junior Nathan Maas’ father was in Ferguson when the QuikTrip was burned down and the conflicts began, he is a Sergeant who was on the frontline as well.

“I called my dad during the night when the gas station was being burnt down and when he answered he talked to me and said it was nothing he had ever seen before in all his years of being a cop,” said Maas.

Understanding the truth of what was happening created a big impact on these families, knowing the danger their loved ones were in and knowing that they

were only trying to help keep the community safe created an amount of uneasy feelings.

“It was very nerve wracking. We literally, me and my stepmom, would watch the news until about midnight each night. At some points I couldn’t even watch it, I’d get so frustrated,” said Fumagalli.

Maas said news coverage did not help to calm his feelings either, constantly hearing that the police were doing nothing but cause more problems was irritating to hear.

The families of the police officers are also victimized by those comments, they know that the police officers, which are also their family members, are doing everything in their power to do what is best for the community.

“I feel like it was blown out of proportion, but I did get kind of angry due to the fact that people would tweet anti-cop tweets when they were ignorant about the whole situation,” said Maas.

Anger was a big part of this situation. Bias was tossed around constantly and peoples opinions were everywhere, finding out new information about Michael Brown’s death just fueled the fire and caused people to express feelings they would not normally express.

“We’re not trying to get angry at people who voice their opinions, it’s just frustrating,” said Fumagalli. “It’s questionable all the way around.”

Police officers were put into very serious and frightening situations in Ferguson, including shootings, lootings, bombings and riots.

“My dad said, after we had talked for a little bit, ‘I have

to go bud, they’re shooting at us.’ For my dad to tell me he is getting shot at made me very worried,” said Maas.

For many, these events did not seem as if they could have been actually happening. And for others, it was an eye opener for just how society is nowadays. Knowing members of your family are involved in these events is a true test of bravery. Keeping a brave face and believing that everything will be okay were the main thoughts of these families.

“There was one night we saw him on TV, then we were just like ‘Oh, it’s real.’ He’d come home around four in the morning, but I wouldn’t see him. When I woke up, I’d look at him, go to school and wouldn’t see him again until the next morning,” said Fumagalli.

In the midst of all these events, times were tough for all families with family members who are police officers in that area.

“I was worried, I mean, all cop families were and some still are because of how crazy it really got,” said Maas. “He [Maas’ dad] became a cop to protect people so I think this was right up his alley, but I definitely think it affected him.”

The daughters, sons, wives, husbands and anyone close to these police officers know especially well how the apprehension and concern feels sending your loved ones down into the chaos. The physical and emotional toll it has left on the families is something that will need time to fully heal, according to Fumagali.

“With everything that’s still going on, we’re just still worried,” said Fumagalli, “We’re just drained. We’re really drained.”

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IN FOCUS

Sept. 16, 18, 2014

Front and center

JOHNSON: Protested regardless of the tear gas, rubber bullet that hit her while in Ferguson n By Emily Herd Print Executive Editor

The moon illuminated the opaque dark sky as the sound of chanting grew louder and more poignant.

Protesters voices raged with anger as the raised their signs as well as their hands symbolically to the sky. Suddenly, white fumes of tear gas engulfed the streets as protesters ran and screamed. Although some ran, others stood firmly and even threw the gas canisters back at the barricade of police.

There were many faces among the crowd, some of the community, while others visited in order to protest. Freshman Amonica Johnson protested on a Friday night with her family as their chants and the crowd’s resulted in tear gas and rubber bullets.

Johnson had been protesting due to the impact of Michael Brown’s death and the current events in Ferguson. Her initial reaction to Ferguson and Brown’s death shocked her and made her fearful to walk the streets ever again.

For fifteen years, Johnson had lived in Ferguson and had gone to Jennings Middle School. There she had been friends with three girls who she had known since third grade. These girls were stepsisters with Michael Brown, due to this Johnson had been influenced by him and his death.

“I went to school with Michael Brown, and he was like a cousin or a role model to me. I was friends with his stepsisters and have known them since

third grade,” Johnson said. “We talk sometimes, the last time I talked with them was the day of Brown’s funeral.”

The impact of his death has affected her, now she does not feel comfortable in Ferguson and the community.

“I lived in Ferguson for 15 years and my dad still lives there, now I’m scared walking around in the same community that I grew up in,” Johnson said.

As Johnson protested in the rain, she stood by Captain Ron Johnson, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain and was selected by Governor Jay Nixon to coordinate police response in Ferguson. Once the crowd started to uprise against the police she and many others ran, but that did not stop her from getting hit with a rubber bullet.

“I was protesting one Friday night in the rain and the police starting shooting rubber bullets, tear gas, and they brought out the dogs. The crowd then got mad and started throwing the tear gas back at the police,” Johnson said. “I also got hit with a rubber bullet, but

Three students share their experiences when they visited Ferguson and the impact it had on them

23

IN FOCUS

Sept. 18, 2014

WASHINGTON: Prayed for peace in Ferguson with her minister father

HALLORAN: Witnessed protests, vulgar words yelled at her

n By Emily Herd

n By Emily Herd

Print Executive Editor

With heads bowed and hands clasped together like the unity of two communities colliding, they prayed. Prayed for peace, safety, and that the Ferguson community would be born again.

Similar to Johnson, junior Ra’Jime Washington lived in Ferguson and has visited the area once again. Washington had lived in Ferguson since she was five, and moved to St. Charles County in 2003.

Her father, Raymond Earl Washington Jr., is the connection campus pastor at Calvary Church off Mid Rivers Mall Dr. He has been to Ferguson several times with other clergymen, simply praying for the community as well as his daughter.

“All we did was pray, that’s all some of us could do in a situation like this,” Ra’Jime Washington said.

When Washington saw the television stream the media of the riots in Ferguson, she was desolated and astonished that the town she once grew up in had altered in the blink of an eye.

The once peaceful community, now is occupied with riots, the National Guard, shootings, and fear. The paved streets Washington and Johnson once walked and played on as kids, are now unsafe.

“I was heartbroken when I heard the news, because I used to live in that community. I would never have saw this coming,” Washington said. “When I lived in Ferguson, it was nothing but peaceful.

There were no shootings and I was able to sit on the front porch without worrying.

Our generation has just changed and grown older.”

Print Executive Editor

She sat in the back of the car speechless as her eyes had a piercing stare, looking out the window. The crowd was booming with a neon yellow banner and black masks that demanded to be noticed.

She couldn’t react except by rolling down her window, sticking out her camera lense, and captured history, and a moment she will never forget.

Junior Mary Halloran was another student who visited the Ferguson area, although she did not protest or have a connection to the community besides her grandpa. Halloran went to Ferguson on Aug. 16 to check on her grandfather who lives there.

As they were on their way to his house, they were escorted in an unmarked safety vehicle as protesters shouted vulgar things at them due to their means of transportation. The also passed the Quick Trip that had been the site of looting and was burned during the riots on Aug 10.

Also during the ride, she witnessed a protest led by masked men with motocycles,

followed by a Coalitions of Black Trade Unions (CBTU) banner. The march was long and occupied with many passionate individuals, both African-American and white.

“At the march, I was honestly scared, the whole time we were being yelled and screamed at and their facial expressions revealed underlying feelings towards public safety officials,” Halloran said.

Although the march was terrifying for Halloran at times, it was also riveting for Halloran. “The protests were also exciting, as if I was watching history unfold in front of me,” Halloran said.

24

IN FOCUS

Sept. 18, 2014

In a matter of hours, the quiet town of Ferguson was thrown into the national spotlight. Teenager Michael Brown was walking to his grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house when, after a still-hazy series of events, he was shot by St. Louis County police officer, Darren Wilson. The town immediately exploded into riots and protests, many of which became violent due to aggressive protesters, looting, and a highly militarized police force.

In the weeks that have followed, protesters, celebrities, and activists from all over the country have flocked to Ferguson to support the movement.

The FBI took over the case from the St. Louis police, and it is still unclear how long the trial process will take. For now, Ferguson remains an area filled with tension and cries for justice.

Normandy students who scored proficient or higher on MAP test

19.3%

Francis Howell 64.4%

Ferguson Events Timeline Aug. 9

Aug. 10

Michael Brown is shot and killed in Ferguson, MO.

What begins as a candlelight vigil turns into a violent riot culminating in the burning of a QT. More than 30 protesters and looters are arrested.

Ferguson Median Income:

$36,121

St. Charles Median Income:

$52,330

Ferguson Ethnicity:

67.4% 29.3%

St. Charles Ethnicity:

4.6% 9.0%

Aug. 11 The FBI announces that they will be investigating the Michael Brown case.

(Image: FBI Badge) The Brown family calls for peaceful protest. Another night of protesting leads to tear gas being used. 15 people are arrested.

Aug. 15 The police release the identity of the officer who shot Brown, Darren Wilson.

The police also release information naming Brown as a suspect in a robbery the morning of his death.

Protests become violent again.

25

IN FOCUS

Sept. 18, 2014

1

5

things you should know about Ferguson

The shooting is not the main issue in these protests. It was only the spark that ignited the fire.

While the protests still call for justice for Michael Brown, the issue is much bigger now.

Protesters are coming from all over the country to protests the unfair treatment of African Americans, as well as police brutality.

2

Ferguson’s racial disparity index is lower than the state average.

3

Michael Brown’s family has called for peaceful protests and an end to violence and looting.

According to a statistical analysis of the traffic stop rates in Ferguson and the rest of the state, Ferguson is ranked much better than the state as a whole. Ferguson has a racial disparity index of 1.37 for African Americans, while the state of Missouri has 1.59. However, the racial disparity rate for whites in Ferguson is also much lower than the state average.

After the initial riots and looting that followed the shooting, Brown’s mother called for the protesters to deliver their message peacefully. The family wants the opportunity to mourn their son and do not want the protests to take away from the tragedy of the situation.

4

Many of the protesters aren’t actually from Ferguson.

5

We probably won’t know what actually happened on that day for a couple of months.

The vast majority of arrested protesters in Ferguson are not from Ferguson itself. One night, of the 51 arrests made, only one was a Ferguson resident. Many of those arrested were from as far away as Iowa, Illinois, or even New York. This is not a local issue anymore.

One of the big reasons these riots happened is because of a desire for immediate justice.

However, this is not how the justice system works. With differing accounts from witnesses, federal government involvement, and an already slow-moving court system, this case is going to take a while. The real story of Michael Brown’s shooting will take some time.

Aug. 18 The National Guard is sent to Ferguson to attempt to control the protests. 31 people are arrested.

Aug. 26 Michael Brown’s funeral is held after the family requests no protests during the funeral.

Sept. 3 Gov. Nixon calls an end to the state of emergency.

STUDENTS’ VIEW “Both the protestors and the police could have handled the situation more peacefully” - Mackenzie Kitchen, sophomore

“The racial aspect has been blown out of proportion.

I don’t think that’s what it’s really about” - Rachel Weidig, junior

“Neither the rioters or the police handled the situation well.

There could have been a calm, collective solution. The police definitely could have done better. The media played a big part, and they altered the story to place all the blame on Michael Brown and make it seem like the cop was completely innocent” Robbie Cox, senior

Sept. 10 35 protesters are arrested after a march that attempted to block Interstate 70.

26

SPOTLIGHT Sept. 18, 2014

Seniors!

Your senior photo for the 2014-15 yearbook must be taken by Cilento Photography

by Sunday, Nov. 16. If Cilento doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take your photo, it will not be in the yearbook.

Senior baby ads are due in Room 139 by Monday, Dec. 8.

BOYS VS. GIRLS: Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iFocus Voice will take a look at the amount of time it takes girls to get ready for the Homecoming dance versus the amount of time it takes boys to be prepared.

27

Sept. 18, 2014

MUST READ

SPOTLIGHT

28

THREE

things in the

SPOTLIGHT this month

Acapalooza 2014

Members of the Concert, Chamber and Advanced Treble choirs visited UMSL for the opportunity to work with musical professionals and college musicians.

Senior photo deadline near Deadline for senior portraits is Nov. 15. Seniors must have their picture taken

by Cilento Photography to be in the FHC yearbook and senior class composite.

Anime/ manga club forms

The new club meets in the learning commons each Wednesday after school.

Musical

Bliss

Clarinet prodigy visits Spartan Regiment n By Becca Abrams

Staff reporter

I

nspiration comes in all forms, shapes, and sizes.

Inspiration has lead many people to strive for progression in their work and clarinet prodigy, Julian Bliss, is the inspiration who was looked upon by our clarinetists and staff.

Bliss first picked up a clarinet at the age of four and started off with a basic starter clarinet and worked his way up to where he is now, which is owning his own brand of clarinets. Throughout his career he has gone all over the world performing for copious amounts of people, including Queen Elizabeth. One of his main goals is to simply inspire young clarinet players to advance in their musical abilities. n See BLISS, page 31

28

SPOTLIGHT Sept. 18, 2014

my random favorites

playlist

Eden Gundersen honestly this playlist is just my favorite songs from shuffle all mushed together with no meaning.

1

“Afraid of Heights”

by Wavves

Lots of people don’t really know about Wavves. To be honest, that’s a really sad thing. I only recently found them a couple months ago but I love this song the most. With just enough rock and the perfect amount of grunge, this song will pump you up for anything.

2

“Lurk”

by The Neighbourhood

Coming straight off their yet to be released album, Black & White, this song has a really dark mood to it. Most people know The Neighbourhood through their hit song, “Sweater Weather”, but “Lurk” and their other songs have a more ominious tone.

3

Just dance Rucker’s passion for dance relieves stress

n By Michayla Pordea Staff reporter

The sound of music, rhythms, and feet pounding on the floor begins. Endless hours of practice, determination, and passion is what it takes to bring the art of dance alive. From ballerinas twirling on stage, to the sound of tap shoes on a wood surface, it all starts in the same place: one person with a desire to express their feelings through dance.

Junior Joe Rucker found his passion in breakdancing at the age of five when he saw his brother dancing. He has described his brother as an amazing dancer and watching him as a young child, inspired Rucker to also delve into the world of dance. Rucker started practicing, taking lessons, and even dancing some at his church, looking to surpass his brother’s skills.

He has always wanted to be better than his brother and he found most of his motivation in that. Since then, his brother has stopped dancing, but that hasn’t stopped Rucker from continuing his dancing, and aspiring to become a choreographer in the future. He believes that one day he will be good enough to teach others, and that his experience in different kinds of dance will help him inspire others to explore the endless possibilities in dance.

“I’ve been in hip hop for a year or two and I tried jazz, but I wasn’t very good at it. My dancing is mostly freestyle because it takes a while to come up with a routine and learn it.” On average, it takes 50 hours or more to perfect a dance routine. Not only do dancers have to maintain their stamina, they also have to stay mentally focused. Even though a dancer’s life

style and work ethic matter tremendously, so does their interest in dancing and their desire to pursue it. “I thought [breakdancing] was the cool thing to do and it’s a lot of fun to me. A lot of people like it so I thought that I could make a name for myself by dancing,” said Rucker.

Rucker’s main inspirations are Chris Brown, and Michael Jackson, and his dancing is similar to theirs, because he loves their style. Like most teenagers, the stress of school and work can be overwhelming but Rucker uses his dancing as a way to forget about everything for a little while.

“My favorite thing about dancing is that when I dance, I dance not only to have fun, but also to relieve my stress,” Rucker said. “This might sound weird, but sometimes I’m like ‘just dance’ and it’s a stress reliever and I like that.”

“20 Dollar Nose Bleed” by Fall Out Boy

This one’s an older song from their album Folie A Deux, but I think this will forever be my favorite song by them. The simple fact that you have Patrick Stump and Brendon Urie in the same song, harmonizing together makes listening to it just that much better.

4

“Coming or Going”

by White Arrows

Once again, a rather obscure group that just appeared about four years ago have made absolutely wonderful music. This song is about a girl who really can’t make up her mind and in turn, confuses the boy who likes her. It’s really the epitome of cliche, but still amazing.

5

“Collar Full”

by Panic! At The Disco

Another pumped up song, but if you add Brendon Urie into anything, it’s automatically 100x better. In this case, he’s the lead singer, so honestly you can’t go wrong with this song. It’s a little repetitive, but that’s okay since Panic! will always be perfect, I don’t care what you say.

photos by Frank Lunatto

29

How to homecoming

SPOTLIGHT Sept. 18, 2014

Boys, girls have different perspectives, schedules in preparing for dance Ladies

n By Tori Cooper Staff reporter

Homecoming, the time of year where the entire school get dressed up and have a night to remember. Seems simple right?

Just get dressed and show up, well that’s basically what the guys do, but This day is not as simple as people think. Girls will wake up before the sun even rises to start getting ready. From head to toe, their nail and hair appointments take almost the entire day. Before the date, guys and girls have to figure out what they are wearing.

This can be complicated if they have a date because then they have to match the girl, and buy a tie, or bow tie to match their date’s dress.

And then there is dinner. The most common places that people will go to dinner is usually expensive. There are restaurants like Olive Garden, any Hibachi place, and Trailhead. Dinner is very important considering that you will most likely be dancing the rest of the night; wouldn’t want to do that on an empty stomach.

There are plenty of cheap places

to go to eat that won’t break the bank. The most popular places to dine are Chick Fil-a, Applebees, and Steak ‘n Shake. The prices at those places are pretty decent to be going to.

The one thing to never forget is the form that you have to get signed in order to purchase a ticket. If that isn’t filled out, then there is no ticket. The tickets are not that pricey considering it is held at the school and there is no food being served. A ticket for homecoming can range from $14-18, depending on when it is purchased.

One thing to never forget is to have fun. This is suppose to be a night to dance with friends and enjoy every minute while it lasts.

The time goes by fast, seven to ten is a short amount of time when you’re dancing with your friends.

One minute then the music will start and then the epiphany of dance happens where there is no dancing, but this moment doesn’t last very long. Once everyone finds the group that they want to hangout with, everything starts up and the night will feel endless.

Gents

Find your dress! Make sure you’ll be comfortable dancing and moving in it. Find matching Get a hair cut! Your hair shoes, jewelry and a clutch (all of the essen- needs to grow out before tials, of course). homecoming. No one likes the freshly cut look.

Two weeks to homecoming

Practice your hairstyle. Make sure it will stand up to hours of dancing and inclement weather.

Go with your date to order matching corsage and boutenier.

Get your nails done to match your dress.

If you don’t want to spend a bunch of money, get together with your friends and do it yourself

two days to homecoming

Find a shirt or tie to match your date. If you don’t have a date, dont’s stress, pick something you like.

ONE week to homecoming

Pick up the flowers. The flower shop will be crazy day of, so do not procrastinate.

Google how to tie a tie.

Go to the Homecoming game and cheer on the team. But! Be sure to get a good night’s sleep before the big day. No one likes dark circles.

Night before Eat lunch! This is super important.

You don’t want to be grumpy during pictures because you’re hungry. No one wants that.

1pm

Do your hair. It sounds early, but this is one thing you don’t want to be crunched for time on. If you’re curling , use lots of hairspray so it stays.

2pm

4pm

Start your makeup. If you’re doing fake eyelashes, be sure to schedule a lot of time because they can be stubborn. If you’re running a little behind, don’t stress.

Take a shower. Gents, please do not skip this step. Yes, you’re going to get sweaty at the dance, but pictures are important to your date.

And your mom.

3:30pm

Fix your hair. Make sure to have that perfect quif.

Get dressed. Fix any last minute hair Get dressed. Smell good. and make up problems.

4:30pm

5:30PM

Meet your friends for pictures. Take silly pictures, but don’t forget the classics.

Go out to dinner. If you have a big group, make a reservation

7:15 pm, Day of

Show up fashionably late. Or don’t. Just have fun and dance the night away.

6:15PM

30

SPOTLIGHT Sept. 18, 2014

Sinful sweets FHC alum helps her family open Se7en, a bakery and sports bar down the street, fulfilling a career dream n By Cadence Bippen Staff reporter

Sinful treats

Se7en’s cupcakes are modeled on the seven deadly sins.

Lust - A red velvet cake with cream cheese icing.

Gluttony - Devil’s food cake with chocolate butter cream, drizzled with caramel and topped with salted pretzels.

Greed - Carrot cake with cream cheese icing.

Sloth - Lemon cake topped with lemon icing and sugar sprinkles.

Wrath - Chocolate or vanilla cake with chocolate or vanilla butter cream icing.

Envy - Strawberry cake topped with vanilla icing.

Pride - Confetti cake with vanilla icing loaded with multi-colored sprinkles.

Many people dream of what they will be when they grow up. A princess, an athlete, a rockstar, a racecar driver, a baker-the possibilities are endless. For FHC alum Emily Tedford, the dream didn’t have to wait long.

Not even a year out of high school, Tedford and her family have embarked on the great journey known as entrepreneurship, by opening Se7en Cupcakes and Martinis right down the street from Central.

The establishment is family-owned and run, and features a sports bar as well as a bakery, as the name implies.

The title Se7en comes from the theme of the seven deadly sins. The cupcakes on the menu are categorized as sinful sweets, and the martinis as sweet sins.

When you walk in, you are greeted by a display of about 10 various cupcake flavors, which range from traditional chocolate or white with icing (a representation of the sin, wrath), to specialties like the caramel pretzel cupcake (gluttony) and the birthday-cake cupcake (pride). There are also the more exotic flavors that are available on only certain days, such as the blueberry and the cayenne pepper.

But creating a bakery takes more than just baking. There is quite the amount of time and effort needed to start a business, but Tedford says it is certainly doable.

“To begin with, we had a whole bunch of parties at our house, just to see if people liked our cupcakes and our martinis… we started promoting it at parades,” Tedford said.

Once it was apparent that there was interest, they had to build the workspace (about a month’s effort), attain various certificates and licenses, “and then you’re pretty much good.”

Once the doors opened to Cottleville in the summer, it was a whirlwind of baking, cooking, greeting, and cleaning.

“I really do a lot of everything,” said Tedford. “We make cupcakes once a day, in the morning. And if we sell out, we sell out!” With a fairly steady flow of customers, the amount of cupcakes sold can range from 200 on weekdays to 900 on a given Saturday.

With all the success, it seems as if working at a cupcake bar would be always happy and cheery, but like any other job, that is not the case.

Another alum, Aaron Boyle, works at Se7en as a server, and he has faced a few struggles while working. There are always the customers who are non-compliant and having a bad day.

“The hardest challenge I’ve had to face is becoming a people person...pretty much we get anybody from any crowd.” Tedford agrees. Working as a server, or any job with people, really, inevitably includes talking to people, which can sometimes be a struggle-- especially when the people don’t seem to appreciate your work.

“I think the most challenging part is probably just dealing with people,” chuckled Tedford. “A lot of people are really negative about everything,” Tedford said, “and we just have to try to overcome that and try to make ourselves better.”

But the good outweighs the bad, because with the interesting combination of selling points, you never know what interesting person will come in next.

“We get families coming in with their kids, and we get the older people coming in,” said Boyle.

Tedford also noticed how varied the customers can be.

“We don’t have a specific, aimed audience. We’re obviously a bar, but we also have family fun nights, and the tables are chalkboards for kids,” Tedford said. “Really anyone can come.”

And at the end of that day, all of the months of planning, hours of baking, and moments spent dealing with rude people are worth it. The final product is truly rewarding for Tedford.

“It’s just, seeing how everything makes people so happy, and then kids and families come in and they’ll enjoy the stuff that we make,” said Tedford.

You can enjoy a Sinful Sweet, too, on Hwy N, open weekdays until 11pm, Friday and Saturday until midnight, and Sunday until 8pm.

31

n BLISS, from page 27

“These days a lot of musicians are trying to inspire young people to play music,” Bliss said.

It’s not often classical players get to interact with an audience, mostly because they are performing half the time. So Bliss, along with other musicians, created the idea of traveling and interacting and playing for other musicians, so they can get a feel of what classical music is and inspire them to advance in their music.

Bliss visited FHC to perform and talk to not only Spartan clarinet players, but Saeger’s as well. It’s important that students have interaction with professionals concerning their hobbies or talents because it betters their performances and teaches what improvements need to be made.

“To us, if there’s one person in the audience that’s inspired to go home and really strive for a career in music, that’s enough,” Bliss said. “Just to get people to think about music in a different way and to inspire people, it’s something I never really thought I would do, but I think more musicians should do it. It’s a real important part, and you’ll learn a lot about yourself while doing it.”

“The ultimate goal is to inspire our students to practice and to give them feedback even on their performance habits,” band director Nathan Griffin said, Griffin often has guest speakers come and hold clinics for his students, including local college directors; however, it is not often that we have a guest speaker with notoriety.

“In the case of Julian Bliss, it was a chance for our students to experience a world renowned talent and hear what makes him tick. There is usually some helpful practice tips or technique tips intertwined with these clinics that the students can pull away some practical application,” Griffin said.

The atmosphere of Julian’s clinic was positive and energetic. The interaction the students had with Bliss was intriguing, the students had many questions and Bliss answered them thoroughly and further engaged with the students by performing a piece of classical music.

“I know a lot of our clinicians in the spring have a huge effect on how we play, how we sound, and our overall approach to music,” Griffin said. “I can remember last year we went to a clinic at Lindenwood University with our guest Richard Saucedo. The students talked about that clinic all year long and how it affected the way they approached their instrument.”

SPOTLIGHT Sept. 18, 2014

‘

If there’s one person in the audience that’s inspired to go home and really strive for a career in music, that’s enough.”

- Julian Bliss, clarinetist

Photo by Zach Grau

Two Saeger Middle School musicians listen on as Julian Bliss shares advice about being a musician. Members of the Saeger band were invited to the clinic on August 27.

Julian Bliss performs

Photo by Zach Grau

During his hour-long visit with Spartan Regiment members, clarinet player Julian Bliss played for the students, as well as answered their questions. “He didn’t just give us tips on how to become a better musician, he told us about his life,” senior clarinet player Ally Benz said. “It was amazing how much he accomplished at such a young age.” Bliss was a child prodigy on the clarinet, playing with symphonies by the age of eight.

To see more of Julian Bliss, link this video to his “Flight of the Bumblebees” performance.

32

SPOTLIGHT Sept. 18, 2014

Homework

by day,

comics

by night

‘

Marvel will usually want old comic books retouched before their premieres. For example, last month we scanned in the old comic, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’”

-Robbie Cox, senior

Cox in the process of designing his illustration using a bamboo tablet.

An illustration made by Cox

n

By Emily Herd

print executive editor

The juxtaposed black boxes and speech bubbles flourish across the pages as the story unfolds. The vibrant hues and pigments illuminate the page, making characters come to life.

A hero or a villain, their story can be told, not just with words, but with imagery.

Without the art of comic books, Marvel would not be able to capture the action of their stories; visual presentation is essential to the comic book experience.

The superheroes you know and love today, would be nonexistent without the use of graphics and color.

In order to achieve this art, comic book companies like Marvel, must partner with other businesses that specialize in design and coloring. Senior Robbie Cox is one of many employees who work and produce efficient graphics for clients such as Marvel.

Cox works everyday after school for Colortek, a digital restoration and coloring company founded in St. Louis since 1991 (they also are partners with the St. Louis Cardinals and many other companies). Since last summer, Cox has

Photo by Abbie Kaplan

been working for Colortek and is the youngest employee, only 17, when the majority of the staff are 21 or older.

“I don’t feel intimidated at work just because I’m the youngest, I work hard and my co-workers joke around with me, so it’s not a big deal,” Cox said.

Graphic designer Kyle Hallemeier is the lead designer for Colortek’s Marvel department, and a designer in the creative department. The division Cox works in is the Marvel division, which is held responsible for all things Marvel that the company is in charge of.

“We house the entire Marvel archive for all original sources of comics (and preMarvel works) from the 1940’s to 2001,” Hallemeier said. “Our job is to convert these sources from a physical source (film and paper prints) to digital. We are the only company besides Marvel that color these pages.”

The process of remastering comic books is similar to old DVDs being converted and restored to Blu-Ray. In order to remaster, the comics first have to be scanned, this digitally depicts the colors needed to be restored, then the copy is sent to colorists.

Old comic books have four different

plates: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and appear to readers as colored dots.

The colors are concentrated and when combined, it gives the illusion of one color. When the comics are scanned and remastered, the dots are eliminated and replaced with a solid color. One of Cox’s main jobs is scanning the comics for Marvel, he has scanned comics featuring X-Men, Spider-Man, The Avengers, Captain America, and other lesserknown comics such as Power Man and the Sub-Mariner.

“The CMYK plates and the dots help us identify which colors to use. So sometimes I’ll be asked to color some pages, and we look at those dots to get the right color,” Cox said. “Marvel will usually want old comic books retouched before their premieres. For example, last month we scanned in the old comic, Guardians of the Galaxy.”

Cox’s artistic talents not only show through his work at Colortek, but also in his art at school. Art teacher, Mrs. Michelle McCune taught Cox during his sophomore year, and also this year for AP Art History. Mrs. McCune admires Cox’s unique style and how he has always been extremely creative.

“I think the special thing about Robbie is that he has a great imagination, and his personality and sense of humor comes out through his work, so everything is very original,” Mrs. McCune said.

When Cox was in Graphic Design II, he had made a short animation film named “Soup Time” for the main class project.

His animation won a Lindy Award and a St. Louis Tivoli Film Festival award. McCune believes that his art is successful due to his urge to experiment even though it might be out of his comfort.

“He is fearless in his art; he tries new things and likes to experiment, but then makes it original,” Ms. McCune said.

Although Cox already has his foot in the door in the graphic design field, he aspires to go into animation. Since he works in a creative work environment, it will be similar to the animation field as he is also gaining work experience.

“My little work section is between the graphic design area and the photography studio. I walk around there every day, and everyone is always collaborating ideas and creating things,” Cox said. “I also get to work with digital programs like photoshop, so I suppose that’s a step in the right direction.”

34

SPOTLIGHT Sept. 18, 2014

Step 1: Get the app!

Step 3: Get scanning!

It’s available in the Google Play story and the Apple App Store. Do what you have to so you have this app. It’s free!

What is this?

Aurasma is an augmented reality app that allows publications like this one - to embed further online content into their publications. In future FHC Publications editions (think yearbook, the next edition of the Central Focus) when you see the little Aurasma icon, you’ll know there’s more information for you to check out.

Step 2: Look through the paper for an Aura We’ll guarantee that we’ll get at least one into each issue of the Central Focus. Sometimes it will tie to a story on FHCtoday, sometimes, it will be to a standalone thing.

When we use an Aura in the paper, it’ll look something like this. The Aura will be next to or above a caption, so we can give you some information about the story and then have you scan the image to see the embedded video.

We’re excited about using this technology in some exciting ways to add new layers to the stories we’re already telling you this year.

If you have questions or concerns, please let us know about them by contacting us in Room 139 or via our Twitter account (@ FHCPublications. Look for our Auras in the Central Focus, the Odyssey and on our flyers in the hallway promoting our upcoming issues and live streams of events around school!

35

Sept. 18, 2014

MUST READ

voice

37

B

and members have ruined my life.

I think it all started with my infatuation with Justin Bieber in the fourth or fifth grade. I would like to put in the fact that my music taste has changed drastically since being ten.

I admit, although a bit embarrassing, I actually had every wall in my room covered in posters of him and I had lyrics written all over my work in school. I even put purple highlights in my hair on more than one occasion just to prove my Stan for him.

For those of you who don’t know, a Stan is like the biggest fan an artist could possibly have. And yes, I was the ten year-old Stan for Justin Bieber.

By Eden Gundersen Spotlight editor

Now though, I can’t stand the thought of Justin Bieber and I’d much prefer to suffer internal bleeding than listen to any of the lyrics I used to hang on to so dearly.

I’m proud to say that I have in fact, evolved from my childish ways and moved on to much better music and much better taste has come from my misgivings I had as a child. Now, my favorite artists range from The 1975, the Neighbourhood, and Arctic Monkeys to

Fall Out Boy, Bring Me The Horizon, and Paramore.

I know that I’ll probably change my music taste again sometime within the next year or two. And, to be honest, that makes me really sad. I’ve had some of the best times just talking about a favorite band of mine with someone else who enjoys the same music I do.

I love the fact that when I was a kid, I promised my parents never to talk to strangers on the internet, and now some of the greatest people I’ve met, I met through Twitter or Tumblr. And no, not everyone on the internet is as great as the wonderful people I’ve met.

Actually, a lot of the people on the internet really suck because they

don’t like the same bands as me, but when I actually find someone who likes the same music or band members as I do, I automatically try and befriend that person. Because generally, I’m a lot better friends with the people who have the same taste in music as me.

The really great thing about that is whenever a band member or even the entire band does something that makes the whole fandom angry or frustrated, because we’re all emotional teenage girls with nothing better to do with our lives besides cry over a stupid band.

Those are my people. With them is where I belong and with them is where I will stay.

36 VOICE

Sept. 18, 2014

love.like.leave Our quick thoughts on issues around school. If you leave this box not knowing how we feel about the topic, we haven’t done our job.

LOVE

@FHCAD

Our wonderful Activities Director, Scott Harris, does an amazing job relaying information about the games and events of the school. If you’re not following him on Twitter, you don’t know FHC.

Friday fun day!

Tomorrow is Friday, which is usually enough reason to celebrate, but the fact we have it off and that the Homecoming Parade and Powderpuff game are today, with the dance looming Saturday, it’s pretty sweet we’ll all be able to enjoy the festivities of the weekend without worrying about an upcoming test.

like

BioMed rocks!

BioMed is a great way to experience many different scientific careers. It allows the students to learn by themselves as it is a Project Lead the Way class. Read more about this class on pages 6 and 7.

Theatre community

The FHC Spotlight Players experience many changes with the introduction of a new director, Mrs. Nelson. See pages 4 and 5 for more information about what Mrs. Nelson is doing to promote theatre.

leave

Cancellations

21 games and events have been canceled or postponed due to the weather, as of Sept. 10, whether it was too much rain or too much heat. Is it too much to ask for Mother Nature to get it just right so our teams can play?

Lunch

Lunches have become way more expensive while serving smaller portions. This is a double disservice to students, leaving us poorer and hungrier than is acceptable. See page 8 for student reaction.

Follow your path to success Standing in the kitchen with my parents, I was horrified by their puzzled looks when I told them my plans for the future. Rather than expressing an interest in mathematics or science, I must have dropped a bomb by telling them the unthinkable: I was interested in an English-based major.

The picture I must have painted in my parents’ minds was one of myself in the future holding a sign that said “Will Write for Food.” Yet in my mind, I pictured myself doing what I am most passionate about for a living. I cannot say that the numbers are in my — or any other English lover’s — favor. It is true, when the statistics are revealed, there are not many high rolling English majors, but that most definitely does not limit possible success.

For whatever reason, there is a stigma attached to certain career paths. Those with an English major

By Brittney Kennedy Yearbook editor

can expect to be jobless, those who pursue a cosmetology certification could have done better, and so on. As a high schooler, I have heard stories on stories on stories of friends doubting their dreams because it does not make enough money or it is hard to find a job in that path. While these concerns are real and true, are they worth compromising a dream?

Many parents think they are only doing what is best for their child when they shoot down an idea for the future. They lose sight that their child is growing up and needs to discover herself, not discover what they have planned for her. It seems silly to think that parents may be

living vicariously through their child, but it is a tangible problem.

Sure, becoming the next Bill Gates would be impressive, but can we remember that even Mr. Gates himself dropped out of college to pursue his dreams? Whatever the dream, it is not worth sacrificing or being embarrassed to have.

Students must remember that this is their life and they can choose whatever they wish to do with it.

When thinking of the future, money, stability, benefits, and happiness are all vital to success, but should one aspect weigh more in decision making than others? Parents and adults want their children to become the very best that they can be, but how can anything be achieved when a person becomes so miserable that she cannot bear to come in to work because it is not her passion? Parents will get over the fact that their child will not always become exactly what they want, and that is an

important concept to understand. The decision is mine in the end, not my parents.

In a time where individuality is so very celebrated, when have career paths and interests start to dictate a person’s sanity? Is a student really crazy for expressing an interest in something other than becoming a doctor or a lawyer? Benjamin Franklin gets me. He once quoted that, “Money has never made man happy, nor will it.”

This quote answers all these questions. No. No, it is not crazy to choose something that does not have the highest paying salary, but rather it is crazy to chose a career path only for the green; therefore, when making decisions as to what kind of college major, to even what clubs to join, only focus on the happiness these decisions will bring forth and the money or success will follow.

don’t miss

37 VOICE

Sept. 18, 2014

Moretz’s Best

Moretz has been feautured in some amazing movies such as Stephen King’s “Carrie,” but this movie by far tugs on the audience’s heart strings in a way her other screenplays never have.

“If I Stay” makes terrific transition from book to screen Teen drama’s screenplay focuses on romance, remains faithful to novel n By Anna Dillon

D

Staff reporter

Major tear jerker

The way this screenplay was written will bring a tear your your eye, focusing on decisions that must be made after a tragic car accident.

There was not a dry eye in the theatre.

in reviews Each month, members of the Central Focus staff will give you their thoughts on some of the newest movies, concerts, books, televisions and music circulating through the hallways of the school.

eath can be labeled as a tragedy, but “If I Stay” has it’s own way of making it a beautiful thing, and raises questions as to if you have the option of living or dying. “If I Stay” is all about gut wrenching decisions, (one major one I’ll bring up as this review progresses), romance, and having faith. The basic storyline in this film revolves around Chloe Grace Moretz, who plays the main character Mia Hall. Mia is the oddball in her family, as her parents are punk- rockers at heart while she’s a die hard fan of playing the cello and Beethoven.

Despite her feeling like she’s different in her family, she has what appears to be a close friend Kim (played by Liana Liberto), and Adam her

Galactically good: Guardians rocks

movie: “Guardians of the galaxy” As a teenage girl living with two younger brothers, I have always been around superhero movies, action movies, thrillers, and all those things that brothers tend to love.

I, however, stayed as far away from those movies as possible. I was very hesitant to go see “Guardians of the Galaxy,” but who would say no to someone who offered to pay for your ticket?

Simply put, the movie was great. From the acting to the graphics and effects, it all fit together perfectly. The characters were developed well, and there was just the right amount of humor. The movie wasn’t just another two hours of watching some kid with superpowers blow things up. There were many emotional, hilarious, and dramatic scenes. I was entertained pretty much the whole 121 minutes.

“Guardians of the Galaxy” is a great movie to go see with your friends or family. And if you just can’t get enough of the first movie, a sequel is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2017.

- Michayla Pordea

boyfriend, (played by Jamie Blackley). Adam is also a punk-rocker and in a rising in popularity band, just like Mia’s Dad once was too. The only struggle at the time for Mia was choosing between going to a high- ranked music school Juillard, or stay by Adam’s side.

But on a snowy day when her parents chose to go on a family drive with Mia and her brother Teddy (played by Jakob Davies), things take a turn for the worst. They get in a fatal car crash, Mia is in an out-of-body state, and now must weigh out the odds if it is worth the fight to stay alive or give up.

Now that you get the jist of how the plot goes, I can elaborate on how much I truly appreciated this movie. I felt like the script was beautifully written. Chloe Grace Moretz gave such a convincing, moving performance of what it

Brits rock: 1D’s St. Louis show was amazing.

concert: one direction From the minute the lights went out to the second they came back on, One Direction were captivating. Their performances of songs from their third and newest album “Midnight Memories” and their previous albums “Take Me Home” and “Up All Night” were excellent.

Although there was an obnoxious amount of screaming fans, not even they could get in the way of the excitement and craziness of the concert. For One Direction’s first concert in St. Louis, they did not disappoint. The minute they stepped out on the stage, the crowd was intrigued.

The energy was high throughout the entire show, all of the strobe lights and smoke added to the experience, I was amazed at how the show was all pulled together.

The singing sounded excellent too, One Direction are not bad while performing live, they hit all the notes and were able to make it sound like you were listening to their album. This was my second time seeing One Direction live, and I loved it the first time, but seeing them again definitely amazed me.

- Olivia Biondo

would be like in a situation of that nature. I also believe they couldn’t have picked a better guy to play Adam; he had the look and all. I really liked the perspective this movie took on passing away and how precious life can be. As Mia is in her state of a coma,she’s flashing back on her life. Even though she’s reflecting on that though, I liked how the director timed it so you still knew what was going on in reality. There was an equal amount of flashback scenes and realistic scenes, so i thought it balanced out nicely.

I’ve also read the novel “If I Stay”, and I can honestly say the transfer from a book to the big screen was a success! If you’re looking to watch a chick flick that would make you tear up like “The Fault In Our Stars” probably did, I would definitely suggest taking the time to see this movie

Swift rebuked: Another cookie cutter song

single: “shake it off” Taylor Swift. Her work has taken a turn throughout the years and now Taylor Swift is a cookie cutter pop artist with “sick” beats and empty lyrics. Her new song “Shake It Off” is a continuation of her beautiful work and it is aimed towards all of her “haters.”

Listen Taylor, we wouldn’t have a reason to hate if your lyrics didn’t consist of “players gonna play,” “haters gonna hate,” “fakers gonna fake,” etc. I had no idea that haters would hate; it’s not like hate is the root of hater or anything.

Taylor Swift also plays on the fact that she has had many boyfriends and writes songs about them, which everyone and their mother knows about, but she makes it more evident by bringing it into her song. As if she didn’t talk about it enough.

Overall, is it the song the worst of its generation? No, but it’s certainly not the best.

- Becca Abrams

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Sept. 18, 2014

OUR VIEW: FERGUSON

our voice

With Ferguson located just 22 miles away - and FHSD educating students who live in that area - the events of mid-August should be a wake up call for students at FHC that the Ferguson community is in need of help and they can make a difference, even in a place 22 miles away.

Bridging the

gap Photo courtesy of Mary Halloran

During an Aug. 16 early morning rally in Ferguson, protestors display signs voicing their opinions about the actions of the previous week. The week was marked with peaceful protests during the morning and afternoon, but as evening fell, many days were littered with confrontations between police and protestors that turned violent.

W

e are the privileged few.

Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in our problems and concerns, when in the big picture, they don’t mean that much. We get to wake up every morning and attend a highly-ranked and accredited school. We get to go home to neighborhoods with minimal risk of being beaten and mugged. And yet, we still manage to be ungrateful for what we have.

Events like those in Ferguson spark a moment of realization; no matter what we have going on in our lives, there are certain things that are guaranteed to us that many others don’t have. While we can graduate from high school knowing any college will accept our transcript as valid, those in the Normandy district do not have that confidence. We can rest in the assurance that we are less than half as likely to be victims of a violent crime than those living in the Ferguson

community.

But why should we have more rights to safety and education than those that are only 22 miles away? Why do we live in a world where only 22 miles separate us from Ferguson, but $20,000 per year separates our median incomes.

What’s even worse is no matter how much we view Ferguson as a separate community, we’re connected in more than just location. We have links to the Ferguson community through our

fellow students, their parents, and our teachers. While in our minds, Ferguson may seem like a completely different world, they are not far at all.

There have been many attempts to correct our flawed system more than once. The transfer system for failing school districts was one such attempt, though it is clearly not the answer.

Paying for the transfer program - The Central Focus editorial board

interact with us

Meet our bloggers

FHCtoday.com hosts a wealth of bloggers, who will write each week on a wide variety of topics to entertain and inform you. Topics range from life at school to what Erin Rowland Joey Silver Jacob Roach it’s like being on Student Council Erin is a senior preparing Joey loves to watch and play Jacob is an aspiring musician to the passions of being an English to graduate in December. football, not the American and record producer and Join her in her triumphs in sport, but the worldwide one. a entertainment buff. His Premier League soccer fan. Our struggles as she tries to His blog is about the English blog focuses on movies, bloggers will share their thoughts, survive her life as a one Premier League games on music, video games, and opinions and emotions with you on semester senior, and then the weekends and what even books and whatever keep up with her updates on his thoughts were on them. those might encompass. whatever topic they what it’s like out in the real Joey’s blog updates every Jacob’s blog updates every may be addressing world. Erin’s blog updates Tuesday.

Wednesday. that week. every Monday.

Emily Klohr

our staff

Emily is a junior who is preparing to work as a teacher after high school.

Join her on her journey through this experience and learn about her discoveries.

Emily’s blog updates every Thursday.

Royce Ingram

Royce is a hyperinvolved student who speciallizes in choosing school activities over naptime. In his blog, he’s conveying the ups and downs and ins and outs of his perspective as an involved individual. Royce’s blog updates every Friday.

Anna Dillon

Follow Anna’s blog as she shares about her father’s struggle in batting Parkinson’s Disease. Anna’s blog updates every Saturday.

Emily Herd - Print Executive Editor Erin Rowland - Digital Executive Editor Eden Gundersen - The Scene Editor Joey Silver - Move Editor Emily Klohr - Discover Editor Ashley Marlo - Multimedia Executive Editor Abbie Kaplan - Photo Editor Caitlyn Sanders - iFocus editor Becca Abrams - Reporter Jake Baumgartner - Team poet Olivia Biondo - Reporter Morgan Brader - Reporter Tori Cooper - Reporter Anna Dillon - Reporter Ilene Holder - Reporter Jared McClellan - Reporter Kameryn Mellor - Reporter Michayla Pordea - Reporter Cadence Reed-Bippen - Reporter

Ilene Holder

Ilene blogs about the blissfullness of childhood through the adventures and exciting moments experienced by her fouryear-old sister. Ilene’s blog updates every Sunday.

39

INTERACT

Sept. 18, 2014

INTERACT HERE In this space you can find ways to interact with FHC Publications via social media and FHCtoday.com. In future issues, watch this space for your tweets, Instagram photos and links to videos and playlists.

In addition, the Central Focus is always looking for students to contribute to our newspaper.

If you wish to write a letter to the editor, please bring it to Mr. Schott in Room 139 or visit FHCtoday.com/policies Also at that site, is a link to our editorial policy, which governs decisions we make about coverage.

Why do we do what we do?

The Central Focus, along with fhctoday.com, are student-run publications which look to serve the Francis Howell Central community through relevant, reliable journalism. The newsmagazine is meant to provide an analytical outlook on topics and stories which matter to our readers. We are always looking to improve, and feedback is always appreciated.

FHCtoday.com is intended to provide the FHC community with daily updates on all that is going on in with school sports, communities and news in the Francis Howell School District. iFocus serves as a video magazine, based on the four sections of the newspaper and website, providing coverage and investigation each Friday of the school year.

Jacob Roach - Reporter Jenna Adkins - Photographer Mia Baker - Photographer Darby Copeland - Photographer Danielle DeWeeese - Photographer Zach Grau - Photographer Jerianne Harrison - Photographer Frank Lunatto - Photographer Sara Lupescu - Photographer Lauren Nosal - Photographer Kayla Schoenig - Photographer Chloe Siebels - Photographer Taylor Tinnes - Photographer Tyler Tran - Photographer Quentin Webert - Photographer Morgan West - Photographer Dakota Wisdom - Photographer Mr. Matthew Schott - Adviser

The Odyssey is the school yearbook, published in July of each school year, and creates a yearlong look at the school year. It is sold for $50 until the middle of December and for $65 thereafter.

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Sept. 18, 2014

What’s new on

Photo by Ashley Marlo

Wondering about how the football season has started out? Check out Daniel Tedder’s beat every Monday for all the latest updates.

Are you curious about Austin Hoth and his rise to table tennis success? Check out the latest video by iFocus for a profile on Hoth’s beginnings in the activity. New iFocus videos come out every Friday.

Photo by Zach Grau

Check out the gallery of the Spartan Regiment’s fall preview. Be sure to check back for the newest photos of everything happening here at FHC