North Star, April 2010

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INSIDE FROM NORTH TO NOW The North Star takes a look at FHN alumnus and where they are now. From 1989 through 2009, FHN alumnus have been succeeding around the world.

FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303

Vol. 24 Issue 7

april 7, 2010

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FHNtoday.com Boys Tennis

Roller Hockey

Boys Volleyball

Junior Dan Brodnik volleys the ball back to his Zumwalt North opponent at the first game of the season on March 24. (lydia ness)

Deflecting the goal, senior Robby Friedlein defends the Knights’ goal during the game against Howell Central on March 10. (crystal friedman)

The Varsity boys’ volleyball team reaches all of their hands in the circle before they break to go back to their game. (lydia ness)

Girls Soccer

Running toward her Timberland opponent, senior Bre Kinworthy carries the ball toward the goal on March 24. The Lady Knights defeated Wolves 6-0. (jacqueline sage)

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“Providing an open forum for Francis Howell North since 1986.”

2549 Hackmann Road St. Charles, MO 63303 Distributed for free to FHN by the North Star staff.

Editor-in-Chief: Barbara Jean Palmer

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Managing Editor: Betsy Blanchard Editors: News Editor: Sam Dulaney Features Editor: Julia Gabbert Opinions Editor: Lauren Skinner Sports Editor: Logan Ponche Copy Editor: Ryan Firle In-depth Editor: Rachel Hunt Dir. of Photography: Lydia Ness Photography Editor: Crystal Friedman Business Manager: Allison Sheffler

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General Staff: Abbey Grone Kevin Beerman Abby West Lizzie Johnson Adam Rapert Nicole Clouse Bethany Brady Nicole Renner Chelsey Damalas Olivia Ong Danielle Yuede RJ Howes Elizabeth Diggs Scott Jones Emily Forst Sidney Shelton Hannah Hamilton Taylor Berra Heather O’ Donnell Zach Meier Justin Jones Kelsey Bell

fhntoday.com Photographers:

April 11, National Holocaust Remembrance Day, is a national holiday for all the those who survived and perished.

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The junior delegates are making changes to set this year’s apart from all previous proms. Prom will be at the St. Charles Convention Center April 17.

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Sophomore Kristen Chac has shown her athletic ability in Special Olympics of Missouri.

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Stephen Inman, 2003 graduate, now helps to run New Roots Urban Farm in North St. Louis.

Much of the food grown is donated.

2003 North graduate Curtis Wilcoxen is now attending Flashpoint Media Academy where he is learning to become a music producer.

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Math teacher Dan Lamb plans to run the Go St. Louis marathon in April and gets advice and support from English teacher Beth Phillips.

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Former Olympian Jeff Hartwig is stepping into a new postion as the pole vaulting coach for this year’s track team.

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Skinner speaks out about how we as a collective population need to think about what we say before our words become actions.

Dulaney shares her feelings on government spending getting out of control and the constant growth of national debt.

COVER ONLINE

04

If you want to find out what the results of the school board elections are, check out FHNtoday.com today.

Yearbooks allow people to remember moments in high school. Here at North, these moments began in 1987. (photo by lydia ness)

Brandon Neer Fareeha Amir Jacqueline Sage Jessica Streiler Kaitlyn Williams

Kelsey Habighorst Nicole Thompson Sam Hurrell Stephanie Graflage

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TASC assembly creates awareness kelsey.bell

On April 17 some FHN students will attend prom, which could be considered one of their most memorable high school events. The theme, ‘Frozen in Time,’ explains exactly how that night should end: memorably. It may be remembered for the wrong reasons however, for those who turn prom into a night of partying. To remind students of the dangers they may face if they choose to drink and drive on prom night the TASC group organizes the annual pre-prom assembly.

“It’s an exciting night,” junior Amanda Dejarnett said. “[The assembly] reminds kids that they need to be careful.”

It will be held on Fri., April 16 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. There will be activities, a guest speaker and a surprise.

“There’s also going to be a video Power-point,” sponsor Dawn Jones said. “Students will be able to submit

photos that they want to go in it.”

Students can submit photos relating to sports, dances and other school activities. Along with the assembly, TASC will also encourage safe driving habits during the week leading up to the assembly.

“We’re doing a week long event because everyday is going to be leading up to the assembly,” sophomore Alex Savala said. “Each day will have some type of theme or statistic about teen driving. It’s going to keep safe driving on everyone’s mind.”

The intentions of the assembly and the activities during the week are to promote safe driving all of the time, not just around prom. The hope is that the students listen.

“I think for certain people it will make a difference,” junior Alex Little said. “There are kids who won’t take those things into consideration though, because they don’t believe it can happen to them.”

Seniors from 2009 listen to the message given in last year’s pre-prom assembly. Last year, parents wrote to their students telling them that they cared about them and wanted them to be safe. (file photo)

EOCs serves as school assessment zach.meier

The Mu Alpha Theta leaders, Danielle Wu, Megan WIlson and Brittany Stanley talk to members about upcoming events. New members will be inducted on April 14. The new inductees have to be in an Algebra II math class or higher. (kelsey habighorst)

Mu Alpha Theta inducts new members emily.forst

The Mu Alpha Theta induction ceremony will be held on April 14 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Students received nomination letters that they were required to fill out in order to be accepted.

“I knew I was going to be accepted, but I still felt accomplished,” sophomore Megan Wollberg said. “I was excited to help out with something like that.”

02 page design by hannah.hamilton

In order to be accepted students had to be in the second semester of Algebra II and have a math GPA of 3.0 or higher from Algebra I and up. Inductees will attend the ceremony with their parents, where they will receive their certificate. Mu Alpha Theta can give students much more than just academic gratification.

“Students [in Mu Alpha Theta] can get honor chords that they can wear at graduation,” VanDerBeck said. “[It] also looks good on college

applications.”

Mu Alpha Theta has a very active role at North. The club participates in many events and activities such as a bake sale, bingo night, and Trick or Treat Street. Many of the members agree that it’s a fun club to be a part of.

“We host a lot of fun events,” Club president senior Danielle Wu said. “I love the people in [Mu Alpha Theta].” pictures from the Mu Alpha Theta fhn For induction ceremony, check the photo

today link on FHNtoday.com April 15. com

On April 15, the End of Course exam (EOC) will resurface at FHN after replacing the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test three years ago.

Students have been doing numerous activities in the classroom to prepare for the EOC type curriculum.

“I think [the EOC] does a nice job of testing your knowledge by using different depths of knowledge questioning,” Social studies teacher Megan Sellers said.

The test reflects if the academics being taught are up to par with educational requirements. Since the “No Child Left Behind Act” was passed nearly nine years ago to improve students’ academic success, schools have a whole new responsibility.

“Schools are now being held accountable for student’s success,” Guidance department chairperson Tom Daugherty said.

The EOC test is important because it measures school’s performance and gives feedback to how well the curriculum is working.

“It really tests what we take away from each lesson plan,” junior Jon Kamp said.

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All-Knighter hosts run for fundrasing taylor.berra

Junior Emily Mulawa practices jumping over junior Jacob Schwarz’s cymbals in their new competition piece, “Hair Today Gone Tomorrow.” Drumline came in third with an 82 in their last competition, on Saturday. Their next competition will be held in Dayton, Ohio from April 15 to 17. (kelsey habighorst)

Practicing for perfection in perfomance abby.west

Unrivaled rhythm, music literacy and quick response are three of the most important skills necessary for the members of drumline to succeed.

Because of the dedication that the members put forth to get better, they are ready for their skills to be put to use for their next competition.

“I hope that we do very well [this season] and keep progressing like we already have been,” sophomore Jordan Schupp said.

With their next competition on April 14, members are required to practice Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“I commit as much time as I need

for drumline,” freshman Amber Rollins said, “which is basically all of my free time.”

Because the members commit so much time, it is very important for the members on the team to cooperate with one another.

“Everyone in drumline is so close with each other, so we all have a lot of fun,” freshman Katie Busby said.

“Competitions are the most important, and they are nothing but fun.”

Men strut their stuff for charities sam.dulaney

Next Friday, a few of the brave men at North will strut their stuff in front of fellow classmates to prove to all that beauty pageants are not just for women. StuCo is hosting FHN’s annual Mr. FHN competition in the auditorium at 6 p.m. on April 16. Tickets are being sold by the competitors and during all lunches for $5.

“I’m excited for kicking butt and taking names,” Mr. FHN veteran senior Dylan Henry said.

In addition to the traditional categories, this year there is a new twist for scoring points with the judges.

During a planning meeting, StuCo sponsor Jani Wilkens brought up a

concept that other schools have been implementing. Contestants were given a list of charities to choose from (like DARE, the Humane Society and Red Cross). Each man picked a charity to campaign for, and a female student representative. Together, they were responsible for raising money for their charity of choice and in the end, the total amount that each pair raises is added to their end score.

“It’s a good addition,” junior Cat Pherigo said. “It lets more people get involved and raises money for good causes. [It’s] healthy competition.”

Besides charity fund raising, the guys will gain points based on the scores given by the panel of female student and teacher judges. They will

be looking for the men’s own spin on formal wear, asking them questions which the contestants must answer as best they can, and a talent. Not judged, but a favorite of many will be the group dance they will perform as choreographed by senior Deidre Meyer. The gentlemen had after school practice yesterday and again on the sixteenth to practice their dance. Dress rehearsal on the fifteenth will give them a chance to see the other competitors and practice their moves.

“It’s just fun and entertaining,” StuCo sponsor Shelly Grimshaw said.

“It’s hysterical to see guys compete.” photos from the Mr. FHN competifhn For tion, check out FHNtoday.com,

today April 17.

This Sunday, April 11, the AllKnighter committee will be holding the 2nd 5K/1 mile run to help raise money for the class of 2010. The 5K run will be held at North and will take place at 9 a.m.

Medals will be awarded to the contestants who take first, second, and third place. The 1 mile Fun Run will start at 10 a.m. and anyone can walk or run in this event. To participate in either event, you will need to pay $20, all of which will go toward the class of 2010.

“We are hoping to get more participation this year because it won’t be as cold as last years event,” parent Donna Malkmus said.

Members who signed up before April 1 will receive a free T-shirt and any member who signs up after that will be able to receive a T-shirt on a first come first served basis.

Harvest Bread Co. will be there to give members a sample of their bread.

“We are welcoming anyone and everyone,” committee member Maurine Rapert said. “The more the merrier.”

What’s your pick up line?

Three random students at North were asked “What is your best pick up line?”

“Do you have a map? ‘Cause I get lost in your eyes.”

Ethan Bohnert, 11

“Was that an earthquake or did you just rock my world?”

Kyle Harmen, 12

“Is your name Gillette? ‘Cause you’re the best a man can get!”

Wade Dismukes,11

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Underclassmen take over spring comedy “You Can’t Take It With You” is presented by drama club on April 8-10 logan.ponche

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rama teacher Jeff Tandler sat motionless, hands on his knees, in the front row of the auditorium after school on March 9. He was watching his cast preform the first act of “You Can’t Take it With You,” a comedy from the 1930s. They were going through a full rehearsal, no interruptions. The only time he had gotten up was to kick anyone who wasn’t a part of the play out of the auditorium. This was the first run-through without the script so, naturally, people were forgetting their lines.

“Things are going OK,” Tandler said. “We still have awhile to go, so I’m not worried yet.”

This is the last show the drama club will be hosting this semester, with the first being the “One Act” plays that took place between Jan 28-29.

“You Can’t Take it With You” is the main spring show, and will take place April 8-10. Tickets will go on sale for $6 in advance and will cost $8 at the door. For sophomore Grace Donaldson, this is her second show with the Drama club, and her first big play. Grace plays Mrs. Kirby, mother of Tony Kirby, one of the main characters in the show.

“She [Mrs. Kirby] is completely clueless,” Grace said. “I can’t wait for this show, I’m really excited.”

The cast has been preparing for

the play for the past two months. Rehearsals have been held after school in the auditorium until 4:30 p.m. almost every day. According to Tandler, this play is especially difficult to memorize due to the large number of cast members on stage at any time.

“If you have a one-on-one conversation it’s a lot easier to play off [the other person],” senior Tori Stepanek said. “But with this play, you have at least 20 people in every scene, which is hard because you have to remember to interject at the right time.”

Not only is the large cast unique about this play, but the age of the cast members is as well. For the first time in several years, this play has more freshmen and sophomores in it than other plays produced at North.

“The program itself is very young right now,” Tandler said. “[This is] a younger cast, which is a good thing.

That means in two or three years I’ll have a lot of seniors running around.”

Even with such a young cast and such a difficult play, Tandler is still confident the show will go well. But no matter how confident he is, he says opening night is always the same.

“I’m always nervous for opening night when it comes,” Tandler said.

“The hard part of being a director is that you can’t do it for them, you can’t guide them, you can’t tell them what to do. When it comes down to it, you just have to sit back and watch.”

Practicing hard for the spring play senior Tori Stepanek and junior Jeremy Hyatt embrace each other while going over scenes. Stepanek plays Alice a normal girl in a crazy family, and Hyatt plays Tony Kirby a rich boy who falls in love with Alice.(jessica streiler)

“You Can’t Take It With You” Who: Conservative girl Rich boy Dysfunctional families What: A comedic spin-off of Romeo and Juliet where two lovers are not allowed to be together When: Premiering April 8-10 Where: FHN Auditorium

National Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorated A day set aside to acknowledge all those who perished and survived this event in history nicole.renner

Senior Niki Borgeson walks up to a display of how the holocaust started and some of the artifacts from it.The Holocaust Museum tour guides are surviors of the horrific event and provide their own experiences.(lydia ness)

04 page design by bethany.brady

National Holocaust Remembrance day is April 11. Many people still recognize the everlasting impact of this tragedy. English teacher Diane Fingers also feels strongly about the deep meaning of the Holocaust.

“As a Holocaust educator, we try not to compare because there’s nothing to compare the hardships to,” Fingers said. “I think because it was so huge and all encompassing, people take notice. When there are so many lives taken it’s such a waste, we could have lost the person who would

cure cancer because of something so pointless.”

While there is not any kind of memorial service here at North, anyone who may want to learn or further deepen their knowledge may visit the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center in St. Louis off Lindbergh Boulevard.

“This museum gives any visitors a learning experience starting historically from the very beginning,” curator Daniel Reich said. “Most who come and learn more about what truly happened find it a profound and educational experience.”

Throughout the genocide of the Holocaust, between 11 and 16 million people were massacred among the various ethnic groups in the concentration camps or “death camps.” Some of the students here at North feel a strong sense of emotion for all those who suffered and were affected.

“I think it’s important for people to recognize the impact of the Holocaust,” junior Lauren Jacobson said.

“Just the fact that so many people were murdered for such a ridiculous reason should be a lesson to all of us how dangerous hatred towards people because of a stereotype or belief can be.”

elizabeth.diggs

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he St. Charles Convention Center will be filled with anxious FHN students on April 17, and the junior delegates are busy finalizing plans for the big night: Prom.

This year, changes have been made to set this year’s “Frozen in Time” prom theme apart from all others and give the upperclassmen the opportunity to share these special memories with each other.

Junior delegates sponsor Lori Lutz believes that prom is a night that all kids should remember, and that the kids this year will be really excited

- especially when they walk in. The Convention Center will be showered in blue and purple lighting, with decor that is designed to give the facility a “frosty” feeling. Many aspects of last year’s prom will remain the same, though, because many students commented on how well they enjoyed prom last year. One of the most prominent things that will remain the same is the DJ as they will be returning once again to entertain the students. “[Prom] went really well last year,” senior Chelsea Cobb said. “I liked the dancing and they had good music. I liked being with my friends, too.”

Even with many characteristics unchanged from last year, a few new features will accompany the old. There will be a photo booth for the students to capture the memories made, but instead of it being just built for two people, it will be a tent so multiple people can enjoy it at the same time.

The junior delegates, along with Lutz, have had at least one meeting every week since the beginning of the year to prepare

for the event, choose the theme, menu and the traditional gift that’s given to each student who attends the prom.

“I am really excited for prom,” Lutz said. “I hope it goes really well, and I hope kids have a safe and fun night.”

With all of the hard work that Lutz and the junior class delegates have put into an event that only lasts four hours, they are hoping that the effect on the students and the memories will last a lifetime.

“I hope that it is special for [the students], especially the seniors because it is their last dance to go to,” Junior class president Chris Zerr said. “I want prom to blow their minds.”

Katie Zettwoch, Monica Martinez, Melanie Voisey. and Stephanie Graflage model at the 2010 Prom Fashion Show. (photo submitted)

How to make your own corsage, boutonniere for $10 or less

You will need - Hot glue gun, scissors, simple bouquet of flowers ($3.99), floral tape (97 cents), elastic (97 cents), floral wire (67 cents), ribbon of choice ($1.97). Total for both $8.57

Corsage 1. Cut at least three of the flowers’ stems to about three inches. Remove any leaves or thorns. If you decide to use a filler flower like baby’s breath, cut them into small clusters.

2. Arrange the flowers the way you want them (along with the filler flowers if you choose).

You may find that wrapping floral wire around the stems

Boutonniere

may make it easier to keep the flowers stable.

3. Cut an inch off of the stems.

4. Wrap the floral tape around the stems to hold them together in a small bouquet.

5. Arrange the ribbon to create accent decorations around the flowers. Hot glue can be used to hold the ribbon in place.

6. Cut a piece of elastic and glue it into a loop that will fit the wearer’s wrist.

1. Cut one flower’s stem so that it is about two inches long. Remove any leaves or thorns. If you choose to use one, cut your filler flower into a small cluster.

2. Arrange the flower and filler flower the way you want them to look. You may find it easier to use floral wire as a way to keep the flowers stable.

3. Cut approximately one half inch off of the stems once you have them arranged to your liking.

7. Glue the finished bouquet onto the elastic loop so that the flowers block most of the elastic from view.

Enjoy your finished corsage!

4. Tightly wrap floral tape several times around the flowers’ stems until they are held firmly in place.

5. Wrap ribbon around the stem and glue it in place on the back, or make a bow out of ribbon and glue it straight onto the stem. Enjoy your finished boutonniere.

materials from Wal-mart page design by kelsey.bell

05

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Prom memories to be “Frozen in Time”

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New Roots Urban Farm creates new hope in North St. Louis julia.gabbert

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A row of what appears now to be desolate soil will soon be sprouting with carrots towards late spring. New Roots also grows beets, turnips, potatoes, and spinach. The majority of these crops will go outward to the surrounding community. (julia gabbert)

Stephen Inman holds what will be a productive tomato plant. The soil that the plant sits in is compost that is completely created at New Roots using food scraps, plant matter, and other decomposable waste. The compost sits in bins, where earthworms also help with fertilization. (julia gabbert)

08 page design by abbey.grone

he buildings are crumbling.

The sidewalks are cracked. The neighborhoods are rough. This is North City.

Yet despite the tough outer shell, there is hope living within North St. Louis. On Hogan Street there is an unexpected sight: a farm in the middle of the city. This is New Roots Urban Farm. Within the chain link fence, amidst the rows of budding crops, stands former FHN student Stephen Inman. The 25-year-old, wearing an olive green knit hat, blue plaid shirt, jeans, and heavy boots, assists his friend and fellow farmer in rolling a wheelbarrow full of compost over a decayed wooden step.

“Yeah, I’m going to redo these steps pretty soon,” Stephen says, laughing.

Since 2004, a tight group of friends have been working together to help improve the lives of those living in North St. Louis.

“We had been working on a rural organic farm for the Clayton Farmers Market,” Trish Grim, one of four co-founders, said. “We were sick of selling to rich people and realizing that we couldn’t even afford the food we were producing, so we moved to the city.”

The crops grown at New Roots,

which include produce such as carrots and turnips, tomatoes and peppers, and culinary herbs like basil and thyme, go to citizens of the immediate community. In North St. Louis, where there is a Church’s Chicken and no grocery store, fresh and healthy produce may be a rare delicacy to some.

“A lot of what drew me here mainly was food security issues and trying to address lack of nutrition and an understanding about food systems,” Stephen said. “The general plan [for New Roots] was looking at how food systems are. Just debunking the idea that healthy, good, culturally-appropriate organic food is something that is only available to wealthy folks. We just wanted to get the food and keep it totally local, and just establish that connection on a really local grassroots level.”

Two major ways the produce reaches the community are through the Karen House and the Kabat House. The Karen and Kabat houses are shelters where workers open their doors to guests that need a place to stay. The food

A volunteer at New Roots waters seedlings inside a greenhouse. After a few weeks of sprouting, the seedlings will be ready for planting. (julia gabbert)

A hand painted sign greets visitors outside of New Roots. The sign shows a chicken and many plants beginning to grow. (julia gabbert)

provided at the Karen and Kabat houses come largely from New Roots, in addition to donations. Branching from the efforts of New Roots came many other projects. Examples include a youth program designed to teach children in the area the basics of farming and growing their own food, and a garden at a nearby school called the Catholic Academy.

“I teach a gardening class there with sixth graders,” Stephen said. “A lot of it is outdoor time, and just kind of normalizing the idea of growing your own food and establishing that connection, working with the soil and building those kinds of skills--a lot of skills that we miss out on with an original, traditional education. I try to imagine what would be totally awesome for me if I were a 12-yearold at Barnwell. I try to make it fun and interesting. I think a lot of what I do there is just getting kids outside.

It’s awesome to get kids out of class, they really appreciate that, but they’re definitely building skills as tenders to the land.”

Stephen, who has been active throughout four of New Roots’ six growing seasons, did not always have farming in his mind as a career choice.

“I didn’t do it because I like getting my hands dirty,” Stephen said. “I did it because I saw it as the right thing to do. The

thing I was sure I wanted to do was have a direct impact. Over the years I’ve really fallen in love with it. It’ll always be a part of my life now.”

New Roots is a state non-profit organization, but they do not receive government funding. At the very beginning, the founders bought the plot of land to start the farm simply by borrowing money from their friends and family. Then, during the first growing season, New Roots got a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), where shareholders buy in at the beginning of the season in exchange for crops throughout the season. Since then, the workers of New Roots have been using innovation and funds from selling excess crops at the North City Farmers Market to stay afloat.

“There is so much vacant space in St. Louis, so I’m glad that we found something good to do to it,” Co-founder Molly Dupre said. “I hope New Roots continues to inspire people to do more things for themselves. I hope it continues to grow.”

The workers at New Roots are all smiles. Stephen’s small black and white dog Baylee happily trots in a neat line right through a row of what will soon be carrots, leaving behind a trail of tiny footprints. Another dog, with big droopy ears and heavy eyes, tosses around a newly discovered tennis ball that was buried beneath the soil. Grim sits beneath the greenhouse, teaching another farmer how to plant cabbage seeds. Dupre sits cross-legged by a fire, preparing ashes to use in the compost. Stephen looks onward.

Despite the odds, North City, just like the crops at New Roots, is patiently awaiting the chance to emerge from the soil and become the flourishing city it could be.

“It’s empowering to know that we

can take care of ourselves,” Stephen says, “and all we need is each other. I hope this farm is always maintained by the people in this neighborhood and it always exists in one way or another.

I hope we become more open and our neighbors help out. I want to see

Tom Campbell, Stephen Inman, Trish Grim, and Chris Olliges pose in front of a green house that holds seedlings. (julia gabbert)

people make their own lives of their own design. We’re working for the flow of change that this planet really needs.” more about the projects fhn ToNewlearn Roots is involved with and to

today

find out how you can help, email

com info@newrootsurbanfarm.org.

A volunteer at New Roots Urban Farm, Ben Schartman, meticulously places cabbage seeds into a holder. The seeds will then sprout until they are ready to be planted in the ground for this year’s growing season. (julia gabbert)

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A beehive that will produce about a gallon of honey as well as several compost bins are located in the back corner of New Roots. (julia gabbert)

Santos offers students escape to tropics nicole.clouse

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Getting to know Costa Rica •

Costa Rica is only 20,000 square miles.

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The largest volcanic crater in Costa Rica is Poas Volcano crater which is 1320 meters Re d in diameter.

E y Costa Rica is home to 6% of e the world’s existing biodiversity. d

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T re e o g r areas F

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1/4 of the country is conservation or protected territory.

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There are 235 stone spheres all over the country, all of them equal in perfection, measuring up to two meters and as small as 20 centimeters built around 400 A.D. by the Mayans.

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The Costa Rican oceans shelter at least 6,777 species, representing 3.5% of known species in the world. information from www.visitcostarica.com

10 page design by sam.dulaney

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t was 8 a.m. in Costa Rica and Spanish teacher Brian Santos was hiking 8,200 feet to the top of the Poas volcano. The trail was lined with trees and the humidity was making him sweat. The two-mile hike tired him as he was reaching the top. A fog of white clouds had settled at the top of the volcano, but that did not take away from the breathtaking sight in front of him. The crater of a once active volcano was displayed right before his eyes.

“I looked down into the crater and it was amazing,” Santos said. “I was blown away. There is nothing else like it.”

Santos traveled to Costa Rica in 2009 for the first time, and immediately admired the country’s beauty and culture. Now, 10 FHN students will get the chance to share that experience during the summer of 2011. Santos will be offering all students a trip to Costa Rica June 13 through June 20. Students will travel all around the capitol, San Jose, and to the city of Monteverde and Jaco beach.

“I look forward to getting out of the country,” Junior Caylee Hecht said. “We get the opportunity to participate in a lot of exciting and interesting things.”

To go on the trip, 10 students will be selected. There are no certain re-

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States.”

ACIS [the American Council for International Studies] is the travel company Santos works with to prepare for the journey. The trip will cost approximately $2,260 per student.

This price includes round-trip flights, transportation, basic insurance coverage, breakfasts, dinners and all hotels.

Lunches are paid for by the students so that they get an opportunity to interact with the culture around them. “[The trip] gives me the chance to see a different culture and have a great time,” sophomore Barrett Miller said. “I look forward to seeing all of Costa Rica’s rain forests and natural wonders.”

During Santos’ trip in 2009, he visited many forests and jungles, Jaco beach and many museums and exhibits.

By offering a trip to Costa Rica, he is giving students the chance to have a memorable adventure and explore all parts of the country.

“I want to bring students to a place where they can use Spanish in an Spanish teacher, Brian Santos, stands in front of La Fortuna Waterfall in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. La authentic setting,” Santos said. “I really Fortuna is a great place to enjoy swimming in the want them to experience everything waters and hiking to the scenic location. (photo submitted) Costa Rica has to offer. It’s something quirements to go, but Santos does look I’m really passionate about. I think we at a few different things when selecting all need to step outside the American the students to take on the trip. culture.”

“It is good if the students have taken Santos encourages students to see some type of Spanish language class,” different lifestyles and cultures. He Santos said. “I also look at discipline believes that everyone should travel to records because I want good ambassaan unfamiliar and foreign place at some dors and representatives of the United point in their lives. He feels that seeing another culture and other lifestyles really shows all of the diversity in the world.

“It was such a fantastic trip,” Santos said. “I just want to share that experience with the students. It’s something that you will carry with you the rest of your life. It really is unforgettable.”

ica

hannah.hamilton

K

urt Mueller, the owner of Papa Murphy’s located off Mid Rivers Mall Drive, greets customers as they walk into the store and place their orders. This is no ordinary pizza place, though. Unlike most, Papa Murphy’s has a different approach when it comes to ordering pizza. Instead of the traditional delivery system, Papa Murphy’s gives customers the opportunity to order pizza uncooked and then bring it home to bake.

“What makes Papa Murphy’s different from our competitors is that you are able to take the pizza you order and bring it home to bake it where ever and however you want to,” employee Zack Brandmeyer said.

Because of Papa Murphy’s unique style of making pizzas, the delivery process is one-of-a-kind. After the dough is made and the ingredients are put on, the pizzas are all wrapped and placed on oven or grill sheets. A Papa Murphy’s menu is placed on the inside of the wrapping on top of all pizzas along with baking instructions on the backside of the menu.

Another unique aspect of Papa Murphy’s is that only the freshest ingredients are used for the Take ‘N Bake pizzas. Dough is hand-made each and every morning, vegetables are all manually chopped and cheese is grated by hand.

“Everything is made fresh in the store,” employee Mitchell Huebner said. “We only use fresh ingredients

Papa Murphy’s Appetizers:

that we prepare ourselves. Nothing is ever frozen.”

Huebner is not the only Papa Murphy’s employee that takes great pride in the fact that all ingredients are made fresh everyday. Mueller also believes in the company’s unique technique and thinks it allows the company to be more successful.

“We have upgraded ingredients,” Mueller said. “We are able to put more money into the pizza because we don’t cook the pizza or deliver, and we are able to sell the pizza one half to one third less the costs of other pizza places.”

The concept of Take ‘N Bake pizza originated in 1981. The merge between Papa Aldo’s and Murphy’s in Hillsboro, Oregon created Papa Murphy’s, which has since then been named Best Pizza Chain in America for seven consecutive years. Due to that success, Papa Murphy’s now has 1,150 stores in over 35 states. Here in Missouri, there are nearly 40 locations with a 41st opening within the next month.

“The new location will help a lot,” Mueller said.“The biggest standpoint is that their advertising money goes into our pool.”

The newest location will be located on Zumbehl Road and one thing can be for sure: it will be a pizza experience unlike most other pizza places around. find out more information about Papa fhn ToMurphy’s Pizza and sign up to receive

today com

special coupons visit www.papamurphys.com.

MENU:

Cheesy Bread Handmade dough topped with herb garlic spread, topping cheese, herb and cheese blend $3.49 Signature Pizzas: The Cowboy Pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, black olives, herb and cheese blend $11.99 Papa’s Favorite Pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, mushrooms, mixed onions, green peppers, black olives $12.99

Papa Murphys employee, Sam Hellmann, makes a pepperoni pizza. One of the locations of the Papa Murphy’s chain is located on the corner of Mid Rivers Mall Drive and Mexico Road. This restaurant is in the Schnucks square on the corner. On weekdays, the Take ‘n Bake restaurant has a constant flow of customers. (Brandon Neer)

Murphy’s Combination Salami, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, black olives $12.99 The Rancher Canadian bacon, pepperoni, ground beef, onions $11.99 The Vegetarian Mushrooms, mixed onions, green peppers, black olives, Roma tomatoes $10.99 Specialty of the House Italian sausage, mushrooms, black olives, herb and cheese blend $10.99

Stuffed Pizzas: Chicken and Bacon Stuffed Creamy garlic sauce, grilled chicken, crispy bacon, roma tomatoes, onions, mozzarella cheese $13.99 Chicago-Style Stuffed Salami, pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, onions, Roma tomatoes, traditional pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese $13.99 5-Meat Stuffed Canadian bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, crispy bacon, ground beef, traditional pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese $13.99 page design by nicole.clouse

11

life.style

Papa Murphy’s pizza chain expands

Chac competes and wins big at the Special Olympics sidney.shelton

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elp me win, but if I cannot, let me be brave in the attempt.

This is the motto for the athletes of Special Olympics. In Missouri, Special Olympics are held year-round, offering 21 different sports to the youth of Missouri. For one particular student at North, sophomore Kristen Chac, these games have been part of her for the past five years.

“It’s so much fun to do and it’s something to do in my spare time,” Kristen said.

The Special Olympics of Missouri offer a variety of sports, ranging from Alpine Skiing to tennis. Of the 21 sports that are offered, Kristen, who has Down Syndrome, competes in four: basketball, softball, aquatics, and in the past, has competed in soccer.

“Kristen is a real competitor,” mother Marla Chac said. “She always gives a 110% when she goes out to play any sport.”

The Special Olympic teams range in age, are coed, and also range in abilities. There are roughly 100 athletes involved with Special Olympics under the Fort Zumwalt School District through which Kristen participates.

“I think it gives kids confidence,” father Tom Chac said. ”It gives them a sense of belonging to a team. It gives them a chance to play sports, where in a typical setting, they wouldn’t or they’d get left behind.”

Teams are chosen through a skills test where their ability is measured.

Once that is done, they are broken into teams varying in sizes between six and 10 members.

“She’s always got a smile,” basketball coach Steve Farkas said.

“She brings high energy, she’s very competitive, picks everyone up, and is always willing to try new things. She’s just a great young lady.”

Kristen and her basketball team, the Jaguars, went to the State tournament on March 20 where they won the silver medal.

“I felt confident [after winning the silver medal],” Kristen said.

Altogether, Kristen has 27 gold medals, 16 silver medals, and eight bronze medals.

“She always makes us very proud when she participates in the Olympic

12 page design by rj.howes

Eddy Connell and Stephanie Agre, Brooke Oostendorp, Emily Brady, Kelsey Hieb, Dianna Prost, Fiona Brooks, and Rachel Pauley of the FHN varsity girls basketball team show their support at the recent State Basketball Tournament the last weekend in March. (photo submitted)

games no matter if she wins a medal or not,” Marla said.

Along with Special Olympics, Kristen also managed the 09-10 varsity Lady Knights basketball team, who were some of her biggest supporters at the State tournament. She also participates in Sign Language club.

“It was so cool [having the Lady Knights at the game] and they got us all pumped,” Kristen said.

Kristen says she would like to become more involved with sports, music, and art.

“If anything, having a child with Down Syndrome has had a positive effect on our family,” Marla said. “It has opened our eyes, minds and hearts to others who have different disabilities. Usually children learn from their parents but I must say I have learned a lot about life from Kristen. Everything she does on a daily basis is more difficult for her than you or I, yet she patiently tries and tries and never gives up or complains. When I find myself having a bad day or have trouble doing

Kristen Chac and some of her teammates after receiving their medal in the State Softball Tournament. (photo submitted)

something, I think about how Kristen perseveres on a daily basis and I realize my troubles are small compared to hers. She never ceases to amaze me. If you get to know her you will find she is one of the most caring, thoughtful,

and lovable people you will ever meet.

She is a good example for others to follow. Get to know her and you will see what I mean. If she can’t make you laugh and smile, nobody can.”

Heaton family opens their home, their hearts to flying friends bethany.brady

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t the Turnage home, Lori, a French teacher at Parkway Central, rises early. She makes her way through her two-level condominium to the basement stairs, passing the kitchen and great room. She hears rattling on the bars of metal cages as she comes to the finished basement, which has been transformed for what she calls “the best part of her day.”

Once she opens the door, her day begins as it always does: with birds.

Turnage and her twin sister, Tracy Heaton, a Spanish and French teacher here at North, own 11 birds together.

The large room the birds are housed in is filled with six cages with multiple perches, bells and toys for playing, and a play area for the birds to socialize in.

The birds consist of eight Cockatiels, two Parakeets and one Quaker parrot.

The sisters got their first birds when they were 8 years old. Their older sister, Amy, was allergic to all animals with hair, so they decided to get a pet that the whole family could

fhn

today com

Meet Heatons’ Top Four Name: Potsy Gender: Female Type: Parakeet Personality: Fearless and playful Hobbies: Likes to explore Age: 4 years old

Name: Charlie Gender: Male Type: Cockatiel Personality: Encouraging Hobbies: Loves to play with toys Age: 6 years old

information provided by Tracy Heaton

life.style

(photo illustration by danielle yuede)

enjoy.

“My dad just decided that we needed something,” Turnage said.

“So, we all went to the bird store, and that’s how it all began. It’s all because of my dad.”

Since Heaton and Turnage received their first bird at the age of eight, they have owned over 20 birds and have established an undeniable relationship with each and every one of them.

“They have always been a part of my life,” Turnage said. “I couldn’t imagine not having them around, they have brought a whole new avenue to my life, and to care for something more than myself, I consider it to be a blessing.”

The two have learned a lot and have taken what they’ve learned from the birds and have integrated that into their daily lives as teachers.

Turnage once used an experience with her 13-year-old parakeet, Pip, who had trust issues.

Little by little Turnage put her effort forth to help Pip become more trustworthy towards her. Turnage learned to be more willing to work with birds, and in turn with her students. Heaton has had the same experience from working with birds, and she puts that experience in her classroom.

“She’s very creative, she comes up with fun activities for the class to do and she makes learning fun,” sophomore Lindsey Harms said. “ On a scale of 1-10, she’s a 13.”

With the special relationship that Heaton and Turnage have found with the birds and the lessons they have learned and applied to their everyday lives from watching them, it’s proved to be an unforgettable experience.

“It’s been a love affair with birds from the start,” Heaton said. “It’s definitely been worth it.”

Name: Baby Gender: Female Type: Quaker Personality: Possessive Hobbies: Likes to be the boss of the room Age: 7 years old

Name: Cricket Gender: Male Type: Cockatiel Personality: Shy Hobbies: Whistling and singing Age: 10 years old

For a more detailed day-to-day look at Tracy Heaton’s birds visit lifeincockatielcity.blogspot.com. page design by danielle.yuede

13

Legge discovers his true passion chelsey.damalas

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veryone is their own unique individual and has characteristics and interests that sets them apart from everyone else. For Sophomore Bryan Legge, he has taken this to a new level: he performs martial arts with an extreme twist.

Legge is involved in a mixture of Parkour and free running which involves getting from point A to point B the quickest.

According to Legge, this sport involves extreme mental strength because most of the time the player has to figure out strategies to make it to their destination.

Legge has been practicing this type of martial arts since he was five years old.

“Growing up, I watched G4 TV all the time,” Legge said.

“That’s where I saw free running for the first time. From then on I was determined to be able to do the moves that they did.”

Free running consists of numerous activities such as jumping from one building to another to get to a destination. Legge posts videos of himself doing these stunts on YouTube.

“I post videos online to give myself a chance to watch my progress.” Legge said. “Also its a way to show people what I am truly

passionate about and to have them see who I really am.”

According to Legge, there are several very important things to take into consideration when performing because of the high risk stunts. For one, it is necessary to have a partner for safety precautions. He also believes stretching is important to prevent injury.

“When performing this you just have to keep in mind that you can’t take it as a joke,” Legge said. “If you’re messing around you could fall or do something wrong and get hurt, and that’s not good.”

With all the precautions, Legge has still found this sport to be his passion and hopes that one day he can be as skilled as his idol, Levi Nuenberg.

“Levi Nuenberg just looks so natural when he is free running,” Legge said. “Like it is made for him. That is the way that I want to look.”

Legge’s ultimate goal is to make it into the amateur league and eventually open his own shop and be able to train other people how to free run and Parkour.

“I think that everyone should do what interests them, no matter what it is,” Legge said. “If it is important to you then you shouldn’t listen to anyone else’s opinion, just believe in what you are doing and you will succeed.” watch videos of Brian Legge fhn Toperforming Parkour and free

today com

Sophomore Brian Legge squats down on a pull-up bar after performing his 360 off-the-wall spin. Legge is outgoing, but always makes sure to take precautions to stay safe. ( jessica streiler)

After climbing the fire escape, Legge looks down to admire what he has accomplished.

Legge hopes to encourage other people to take part in Parkour and free running. (jessica streiler)

Legge climbs the fire escape to practice his Parkour and free running skills. (jessica streiler)

running, visit FHNtoday.com

A 5 step process in performing a 360 off the wall spin

First, Legge takes a few seconds to examine surroundings and start toward destination.

14 page design by chelsey.damalas

Second, When in midsprint he spots a part on the wall and kicks off to perform next step.

Third, After kicking off wall, Legge then performs a 360 spin to continue with stunt.

Fourth, Legge then reaches to grab wall after spinning his entire circle.

Fifth, When reaching wall he then grabs on and finally lands his stunt.

life.style Members of the Ninja Club including seniors Brooke Johnson, James Davis, Jeff Kolkmeier, Brian Jones, Monica Martinez, José Pagan, and Reed Lunsford and sophomore Sara Jewson display their favorite ninja pose. (crystal friedman)

FHN seniors kick up a new, unusual club

As most clubs are electing officers and deciding t-shirt designs, FHN’s new Ninja Club is flipping around school ryan.firle

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s many kids go to spring sport practices after school or go home to enjoy the rest of their day, a distinct group of kids, calling themselves the Ninja Club, have other things in mind. The club, started by senior football players Reed Lundsford and Jeff Kolkmeier, came about in a very unique way.

“After football ended, we were bored after school and ran around jumping off stuff and experimenting [with] new things,” Kolkmeier said.

Get to know the ninjas

“Then one day we grabbed a mat with the cheerleaders help and decided to attempt a flip and were amazed that we could do it. We experimented with new stuff and eventually came up with the name Ninja Club.”

The club, now expanded to 12 members, meets every Tuesday and Thursday in the small gym or commons to perform “extreme tasks.”

Because the members participate in activities such as flipping, running up walls and flipping, and throwing each other through the air, they must have complete trust in each other.

Name: James Davis Grade: Senior Favorite Move: Wall Flip Celebrity comparison: Jackie Chan

Name: Reed Lunsford Grade: Senior Favorite Move: Handstands down stairs Celebrity Comparison: Brad Pitt

“[Ninja Club] has helped our relationships grow because we are with each other a lot and have found a trust in each other that we never saw before,” senior Brian Jones said.

Because the members are very particular about safety and technique, they have expanded their practices to Flip Side Gymnastics on Thursday nights where they can practice more advanced technique in a place where there are foam pits, trampolines and spring boards so that they, “feel more comfortable than at school.”

“Technique is what distinguishes

us from the rest and marks us as extreme,” senior José Pagan said.

“Without technique, there would be no Ninja Club.”

Even though Ninja Club is thought of as a club to strengthen relationships with friends, have a good time and try new things, it has proved to be much more.

“Ninja Club has taught me to overcome my fears, not to over think things, and go with the flow,” senior James Davis said.

Name: Sara Jewson Grade: Sophomore Favorite Move: Standing tuck Celebrity Comparison: Undecided

Name: José Pagan Grade: Senior Favorite Move: Backflip from elevated standing point Celebrity Comparison: Fez

Name: Brooke Johnson Grade: Senior Favorite Move: Wall flip Celebrity comparison: Kim Possible

Name: Mike Castro Grade: Senior Favorite Move: Wall flip Celebrity Comparison: Jet Lee

page design by abbey.grone & taylor.berra

15

A Group of

Devoted Dancers

photos by fareeha amir

Freshman Allyson Zimmer, freshman Megan Shelley, senior Kaitlyn Rutledge, junior Beth Hillis, sophomore Mallory Lusa, and freshman Britt Meyer all are in the Ecarte Derrier position. This is one of the eight body positions of ballet.

16 page design by fareeha.amir

snap.shot Sophomore Mallory Lusa performs a grand jete.

This is a type of leap in which one does a split in the air. It is the most used leap in many types of dance.

Freshman Britt Meyer poses in a ballet position. Meyer has been in dance for 10 years. “I love lyrical because it’s graceful and at the same time it has a beat I can dance to,” Meyer said.

Freshman Megan Shelly and junior Beth Hillis use each other to do a heel stretch.

Shelley has danced for 11 years and Hillis has danced for eight. “I always have fun at the Performing Arts Center,” Shelley said.

Senior Kaitlyn Rutledge does the splits.

Rutledge has danced for four years and has taken gymnastics for six years.

“I like hip-hop and lyrical the best.

They’re totally opposite, but I always have fun doing them,” Rutledge says.

Freshman Allyson Zimmer does a leg extension while holding Sophomore Mallory Lusa.

Zimmer has been dancing for 11 years while Lusa has danced for five years.

“My favorite kind of dance is hip-hop,” Lusa said.

page design by fareeha.amir

17

All six dancers take lessons at the Performing Arts Center located on Main Street in downtown Saint Charles. Along with these six there are several others who dance at this studio. “I really like the teachers we have and even if I’m in a bad mood, dancing always makes me feel better,� freshman Allyson Zimmer said.

The dancers do a pirouette turn with thier foot in passe. This turn is one of the many types of turns in the dance of ballet.

18 page design by fareeha.amir

The six dancers tendu with thier feet. Tendu means to stretch in French. It is a common foot postion used in ballet.

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Are you inquisitive, interested in health and wellness, love math and science, and enjoy helping people?

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Jay Baur 1989 Works for Boeing Michael Africa 1990 Airline pilot for US Airways Krista Eads Winn 1991 Nurse for the past 14 years Troy Worch 1992.

Major in US Army Currently an instructor at Fort Jackson, SC

Daniel Palmer 1993 Director of Investigations in Protective Services for St. Louis Matt Szawrinski 1993 Biochemist Rhonda Shrum 1994 Graphic Designer Jill Marfiai 1995 Asset Manager at Boeing

Mandy Weber 1996 Teacher and coach Beth Rastberger 1996 Roller derby skater Nicole Roofe-Parker 1997 Corporate Sales Manager for Driduck Mark Buehrle 1997 Pitcher for Chicago White Sox

Erica Intravia-Deprimia 1998 Pharmaceutical Sales Drew Wilcoxen 1999 Chevy’s Kitchen Manager, fluent in Spanish Julie Yoakum 2000 NV Dance Force Studio Director Maggie Crane 2000 Broadcast News Reporter KMOV News Channel 4

Kate Lane 2000 High School Chemistry Teacher Andrew Walton 2001 Carpenter Foreman Kristi Lang 2002 Dietician Curtis Wilcoxen 2003 Music Producer

design by rachel.hunt, betsy.blanchard & 20 page barbara.jean.palmer

Ashlie Blanzy 2004 Accountant Jared Bouquet 2005 Chemical Engineering Doctorate in Rolla Danielle Karstens 2006 Journalism/Traveled and Covered Beijing Olympics Alex Blanchard 2007 Serving a two-year LDS church mission in Campinas, Brazil

f rom

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Lizzi Atkins 2007 Anthropology Katy Klutenkamper 2007 UCM Psychiatrist Specialty in substance abuse Mark Grimm 2008 UFC Fighter (currently in Thailand) Jason Higgins 2009 U.S. Navy

orthto now

The North Star takes a look at FHN alumnus and where they are now. From 1989 through 2009, FHN alumnus have been succeeding around the world.

page design by rachel.hunt, betsy.blanchard

& barbara.jean.palmer

21

in.depth

Johnny Gabbert 2003 Production Editor/ Project Manager of Elsevier Books Larry Page 2003 Biochemistry John Lindmeier 2003 Elementary School Teacher in Japan Scott Reeves 2003 PGA Golfer

from

with Lizzi Atkins

as told to lauren.skinner

are you going to school Q What [at the University of Tennessee

Q

in Knoxville] for?

focus is physics and human A A My anthropology. Physics being the uses of different sciences and human anthropology is the study of the human skeleton to identify human remains.

Q What year did you graduate?

A 2007

from

N

How did North help you to figure out what you wanted to do and where you wanted to go?

Mr. [Jon] Travis probably helped me figure out exactly where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do. He is actually still helping me.

This summer I got accepted into a field school in Romania and he is actually currently doing something called “Links for Lizzie”.

He is selling hot dogs and all the proceeds of this semester are going to help me pay for my trip.

has been the most benQ Who eficial person when it comes to Q My parents. They’re both very sup-

management has really beA portive and help me pay for school. A Time come my best friend. I live by my They keep me motivated in working and going to school and trying to get the best grades that I can.

Q

What is your favorite memory that you have of North?

I felt a sense of accomA Graduation. plishment and my family was really proud and happy for me.

teaching

with seven of FHN’s teachers, alumnus Physical Science

“I always enjoyed being a teacher and when I went to Truman I continued to enjoy it. I have come from a family that’s into education.” Class of ‘93

Kim Rastberger, AP Literature “I had teachers who influenced me to work and never stop learning. So, I wanted to do the same for other kids.” Class of ‘94

Jenelle Louis, P.E. “I was inspired by my assistant Varisty softball coach.” Class of ‘95

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How do you manage to do everything that you are involved with?

supporting you?

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Megan Mosher,

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planner and I also limit my social life which is unfortunate.

you could change any of the Q Iflessons that North taught , you

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would you?

Each lesson and activity I was involved in helped me to figure out what I wanted to do and helped me figure out a little more about myself.

Teachers share their experiences and journey to becoming a teacher as told to mallory.mueller

Sean Fowler, AP U.S History/ Psychology.

“My former coach asked me to start coaching and that’s how I got into [teaching and coaching].” Class of ‘97

Erin Cork, Art

“I think that directly maintaining good relationships with teachers I had [and] my education helped me in college.” Class of ‘00

Beth Ramach, Journalism, Photojournalism, Novel, English

“I had good teachers here [at North} that inspired me.” Class of ‘02

Tara Rietz, SPED/CWC English

“I had some very inspiring teachers when I went [to North] that solidified me wanting to be a teacher.” Class of ‘03

rachel.hunt

1

:30 a.m.

The roads are quiet.

Everyone is sleeping. She is just waking up.

Maggie Crane, broadcast news reporter for KMOV News Channel 4, rolls out of bed just like any other typical beginning to her work day. She showers, brushes her teeth, and eats breakfast. But this was not at all what Crane would have expected for a career choice.

Graduating from FHN in 2000, Crane planned a future at St. Louis University through Pre-Law. Things however quickly changed for her as her professors and mentors turned her towards Journalism and Communications. Her life took a turn.

“High school gives a core foundation, very balanced,” Crane said. “Look where I am now. My job requires me to be a ‘one-man band’. I carry my own equipment, do my own interviews, own photography, own videos.”

Crane was involved in numerous clubs at North: NHS, Concert Choir, Cheerleading, and Secretary of Student Council.

However, her most recollected high school memory is of her teachers.

“I still keep in touch with my old high school teachers,” Crane said. “Pam Grooms, Chip Crow.

My high school teachers weren’t just teachers; they were friends, counselors, advisers.”

“I know [Crane] very well,” Crow said. “Not only as a student, but as a friend.”

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3 a.m.

Crane arrives at the station.

While all is quiet outside on the streets, people are buzzing inside.

Crane begins to sit down at her desk, writing something different each morning: a fire, a car crash, the health care reform.

“My job allows me to do everything,” Crane said. “I get to do it all, see it all, talk to all.”

5 a.m.

After barely getting coffee and rushing to put makeup on, Crane slides on a headset to go live on “Awake with News 4 @ 5”.

“Journalism: it’s a ‘cut-throat industry,’” Crane said. “You need drive, ambition, confidence.”

A long journey was taken for Crane to get from North to the news world.

“I am blessed to have support and the teachers that believed that I could get here,” Crane said. “Get to know your high school teachers and they’ll get you to where you want to go, who you want to be.”

6 a.m.

“And now over to Maggie Crane, on the scene in downtown St. Louis with the latest on the earlier car crash,” KMOV anchor Marc Cox said.

A countless two and a half minutes of Crane talking on the air passes. After hours of preparation, interviews, and photos, Crane completed her task for the day. Ten years after her high school graduation, Crane still completes her job daily.

Crane gives a smile, professional but warm.

“Live in downtown St. Louis, I’m Maggie Crane, News 4.”

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KMOV News Channel 4 broadcasts live with FHN graduate

Broadcast news reporter Maggie Crane sits and writes in for her live report on News Channel 4. Crane reports daily on the 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. news. (photo submitted)

A News 4 van sits in front of a funeral home that Crane is reporting on. The van carries multiple devices and equipment needed for a live report. (photo submitted)

Crane reports live in front of a funeral home. She uses a note card to report live. Crane writes daily before the 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. news and has a photographer/videographer to help her report, however, Crane sometimes acts as a “one-man band” and carries all of her own equipment. (photo submitted) page design by rachel.hunt

23

Beth Rastberger skates with the rest of her team, called the Smashinistas. The Smashinistas’ uniforms usually consist of a team shirt, spandex shorts, tights, high socks, roller blades, knee pads, elbow pads, and a helmet. (photo submitted)

‘Killer Tomato’ rolls with Smashinistas

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Rastberger sits far left on the side of the roller derby track while cheering on the rest of the Smashinistas. (photo submitted)

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derby

hat once started out as a flyer on the back of a bathroom stall back in 2005 has since turned into a fiery passion for 1996 graduate Beth Rastberger. However, “Killer Tomato” is what she’s more commonly known among her team (for the red tomato tattooed on her chest, one of eight tattoos in all) - her team of roller derby girls that is.

“I thought she was crazy [when I found out],” sister and AP Lit teacher Kim Rastberger said. “My sister then was not the athletic type. Now I’m proud of what she’s done. She did really well and it’s fun to go and watch her.”

When thinking of roller derby, most people likely begin to think of a sixties skating rink with mediocre music playing in the background. Instead, try to imagine a heated hockey game, but instead of ice there’s a narrow skating track. Forget traditional jerseys with numbers and think of players that’d rather wear fishnet tights and tank-tops with pseudonyms like Artmischief and Killer Tomato on the back.

Next, watch as skaters called ‘jammers’ fight their way to the front of the pack of frenzied skaters and as others called ‘blockers’ attempt to beat the opposing jammers back all while pushing their own jammers forward.

“Think of it as a race between two

people, but they have offense [the jammers] and defense [the blockers] helping them,” Beth said.

Bones have been known to break in the process.

“I heard about it when she first started,” mother Judy Rastberger said. “At first I thought ‘Oh my gosh, she’s going to get hurt’ and she’s had cracked ribs and things, but she really enjoys it. It’s like watching a movie sometimes when they’re all dressed up in costumes. At the team dinner I had for her team I didn’t recognize a lot of them because they were dressed in normal clothes.”

Although now Beth will be taking some time off from her days as “Killer Tomato” in order to return to school, there was a time when she was one of the fiercest players in the game. So fierce in fact, that after a slew of illegal plays she became the first player to ever be kicked out of a game in her league.

However, it’s not the violence of the game that brings this killer back for another bout of derby-ing. Instead, it’s her team of fellow Smashinistas that has always brought her back for more.

“It’s a bunch of people that are just like me personality wise,” Beth said. “It’s just a really awesome group of over 100 awesome women. It’s a hobby that is just a lot of fun.”

in.depth Wilcoxen stands on stage playing the guitar while singing. (photo submitted)

Curtis Wilcoxen sits with three of his co-workers in a music recording studio. Wilcoxen graduated in 2003. (photo submitted)

Fate gives Wilcoxen music producing career

F

or 2003 North graduate Curtis Wilcoxen, his dream as a music producer has been like ‘fate’ as his mother Marlene Wilcoxen describes. To her, fate is the Spectra project where Curtis first produced songs and his brother finding an article leading to Flashpoint Media Academy.

“I actually just stumbled on to Flashpoint,” Curtis said. “My brother lives in Chicago and he was on his lunch break and there was an old newspaper sitting on a table. He saw an article about how students are frustrated with big universities. It just worked out.”

Flashpoint Media Academy is a new school in Chicago where students express their creativity through courses like game development, film/broadcast, vfx/animation and also recording arts. Curtis is enrolled in the recording arts courses and is already getting clients.

“Well we get a client,” Curtis said. “We book a recording studio for them then they will record the tracks. The recording engineer takes this and gives it to the mixing engineer then it finally goes to the master engineer.”

Music has always been a part

of Curtis’ life. He used his music ability to find his future career in spectra teacher Jon Travis’ class.

“The biggest thing was he tapped into a creative ability and the skill to bring it out for other people to enjoy,” Jon said.

“Spectra helped him do this.”

Curtis not only thanks his brother for finding Flashpoint but also thanks the schools that helped form a beginning base to work off of.

“They’ve all added a certain quality to me,” Curtis said.

“Mizzou gave me good people skills, North gave me the basics to help me choose what I wanted to be and at Flashpoint I realized I had found a home. If I didn’t go to Mizzou and North, I wouldn’t have come across Flashpoint and be where I am now.”

With the help Curtis received through his education, Marlene knows he will succeed as a music producer because he has a good, basic understanding of music.

“I know he has the ability to produce music professionally,” Marlene said. “He has a good ear and knows how to play music.

He has a great opportunity at Flashpoint because he’s in the heart of a creative area.”

Not only did his teachers realize his talent, so did North classmate Kelly Arnet. She sees

Curtis’ willingness to learn as a strength and reason for success.

“Honestly, Curtis is an extremely brilliant person and during his junior and senior years he got close with teachers like Aaron Manfull and Jon Travis,” Kelly said. “They got together and cultivated Curtis’ creativity.

Also Ms. [Pam] Grooms’ class gave him the freedom to explore his creative music talents.”

Even though everything for Curtis was like fate, he believes

Wiilcoxen uses recording studios and the help of recording technology as a music producer.

This technology is used to adjust volume, etc. (photo submitted)

it takes time to decide what you plan to be and a good education is a smart start.

“My advice, take your time in your decision and never stop learning,” Curtis said. “When you know you want something, you just have to go for it and keep working.” music by Curtis and fhn Tofor hear a link to Flashpoint go to

today com

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Matt Szarwinski and the rest of the Knights boy’s soccer team pose for the 1993 yearbook. (photo submitted)

Szarwinski smiles for the 1993 yearbook. (photo submitted)

Passion in biochemistry sticks with Szarwinski, 1993 FHN graduate, Supervisor biochemist barbara.jean.palmer

P

assion is what gets former 1993 graduate Matt Szarwinski through his job every day. Passion, that is, for science. Matt had this passion even while he was a student here at North where he found that he was interested in biology and science after one teacher inspired him to take the steps into the biology field.

“There was a teacher at North, Ms. [Mary] Hennenfent, she was one of the inspirations for me to go into this field,” Matt said.

“She made it fun and interesting and that kinda’ grew through college.”

After Matt graduated from North he decided to attend Quincy University in Illinois.

He didn’t take a direct path to becoming a biochemist though; he actually took an interest in pre-med during college and went four years studying it.

Coming out of college he realized that he wanted a more private job. He decided to become a Microbiologist, and stayed with that career for about five years before he became a biochemist.

“I always wanted to be in the biology chemistry field, but I

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Szarwinski sits with his wife and son. (photo submitted)

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was trying to find my niche through those [college] years and now I have,” Matt said.

While Matt was at North he didn’t see himself where he is today.

“I actually didn’t know what direction I was going to go,” Matt said. “I honestly thought that I would be a doctor. When I got to college and started taking science and chemistry courses it opened my eyes that there are a lot of jobs out there that aren’t just medicine.

And I don’t think that high school students understand that.”

Now Matt is 35 years old, married with a 2-yearold son and lives in O’Fallon, MO. He has been a biochemist for eight years for the company Millipore Corp and has been a supervisor for five of those years. The travel from North to now, being a supervisor biochemist, hasn’t always been easy for Matt.

“It was challenging becoming a biochemist,” Matt said. “There are a lot of new techniques. The science industry is always evolving.

What prepared me for college and put the foundation in was the college prep program that I took at North. The sciences and the maths helped and that really laid a foundation for me.”

As a biochemist, Matt has had the chance to handle a lot of projects.

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He has worked on a variety of immunoassay kits that his company has developed to aid in studies for drug production for a variety of diseases. And when he first started his job some of these main diseases were diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

The one thing that kept Matt working hard toward his goal truly is his passion for science. And this passion, along with some of his other characteristics, hasn’t changed since high school.

“I don’t think he has changed at all,” friend of 18 years Mike Latour said. “I think he is the same person he was in high school. We have been friends for so long and he is a great friend and a great stand up guy. You don’t really see the changes in people when you know them for so long. And he is very passionate about it [Biochemistry] and very intelligent, and when you’re passionate about something it’s definitely something that helps you to succeed.”

After a long, challenging, and changing path from North, Matt has found something that he has passion for and will stick with.

“It’s always good that he has his job but the stress levels affect us a little bit. And I think he will stick with this,” wife Vicki Szarwinski said.

Matt believes there is passion out there for everyone even if the road to success could be challenging, but it will end up leading high school students where they would want to be in the future.

“To the kids that are going to go to college and don’t know what they want to be, and those who actually know what they want to be, just be open to what you see,” Matt said. “And if you like that and those classes take some more of those classes and you might find something you like in a career you thought you wouldn’t, cause that’s what happened to me.”

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Lawrence Page smiles for the 2003 yearbook. (photo submitted)

Page goes for biochemistry program, lab research we didn’t know the answer to the experiments we were doing beforehand.”

After Mizzou, Larry debated between is parents always knew he had Wash U and University of California, Berkepotential. The fact that he was ley for graduate school - two of the leaders Valedictorian (a title no longer in Bioenergy. However, Larry then chose awarded at North) of his 2003 high the school that he once had to decide against school graduating class certainly supwhere is now participating in the Biochemisported this conclusion. Now, in his third try PhD program. Through the program, he year at Washington University, Larry is studying photosynthetic organisms that Page is further proving his parents right are, essentially, microscopic plants called and looking to prove things of his own.

Cyanobacteria.

As a senior in high school, Larry Much like plants, they harvest solar wasn’t entirely sure of what he wanted to energy and then use it to grow. He studdo post-North. He was debating between ies the bacteria for purposes of reusable studying something related to either energy, harvesting cells to get high-energy business or science, but hadn’t thought chemicals out of them. much past that. As for where he’d study “The field he [is] pursuing could be this still-unknown subject, he had it good for narrowed down to everybody, it could Mizzou or Wash U, I’m absolutely proud benefit everyone,” both of which were father Randy Page close enough to his as can be. He’s really said. “Doing parents’ house but accomplished a lot.” research is very yet far enough to be valuable. [Renewout their “backyard.” able energy] is For financial something that our country needs and I was reasons, Larry soon found himself in all for him.”

Columbia. A Mizzou Tiger.

His mother Donna adds: “I’m absolutely His high ACT score (one short of proud as can be. He’s really accomplished perfect) qualified him for a Discovery a lot.”

Fellowship, a scholarship program for enAs a result of his work in the lab of tering freshmen allowing him to do some Dr. Himadri Pakrasi, Larry has become independent study work with a faculty a “second author” (in other words, he member. Through the program, he ended was a contributor to the writing/research up in a Biochemistry lab. involved) on three scientific publications And he loved it. and has more plans in store. Depending on In actuality, his passion for chemistry how the market is when he graduates, Larry has its roots within the walls of FHN’s plans to work for a company or try to be a room 113. professor somehow. He says it all depends “While being the hardest class I took, on if anyone is using what he studies in the I really liked [Donna Malkmus’ AP Chem real world. class] and found that I had a knack for “My passion is for renewable energy. chemistry and science,” Larry said.

I would love to have an impact in the real The Fellowship required 15-20 hours world in providing clean, renewable energy of time spent in the lab per week. There, sources,” Larry said. “I like science because he’d do tasks including, but not limited it’s a challenge every day. It’s dynamic and to: study mating relationships in tobacco it’s challenging.” plants, collect flowers, observe pollination, work in greenhouses, and stain and study flowers once collected. to read more? Check out fhn Want FHNtoday.com to read more on “It was exciting to transition into coltoday Larry Page. com lege level research,” Larry said, “because page design by rachel.hunt betsy.blanchard

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“

27

John Lindmeier sits in his classroom with seven of his elementary students while having a snack. (photo submitted)

Six of Lindmeier’s students sit while listening to Lindmeier. The students were looking at symbols and pictures to recognize and learn Enlish words. (photo submitted)

Lindmeier educates around the world julia.gabbert

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Lindmeier kneels with one of his younger students at an outside event. Lindmeier teaches English to children in Japan. (photo submitted)

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even years ago, John Lindmeier was just an average senior at FHN: taking several honors classes, active in sports, and heavily into video games. But the plans John made for himself after high school did not exactly follow the path he truly went down four years later.

“I think originally what attracted me to Japan was video games,” John said. “As I was here, I really got to like Japan more and I got more interested in learning the language. The Asian culture also fascinated me. I just stumbled upon it and found that I really wanted to discover it more.”

After graduation, John attended Webster University, majoring in English with a minor in Japanese.

After studying the language for three years, John finally went overseas to Osaka, Japan through Webster’s exchange program. His career goal was to pursue his passion for video games and eventually write video game storylines. During his semester in Osaka, John’s interests changed. He became more interested in teaching. Immediately after returning home and graduating from Webster, John began searching for a teaching job back in Japan.

“As soon as he got home, he started applying,” John’s sister Mary said. “At that point I realized

he probably wasn’t going to stick around. [His departure] came a lot faster than I expected.”

Today, 24-year-old John is living about 40 minutes outside of downtown Tokyo, teaching English to kindergartners. In Japan, it is mandatory for students to learn English once they reach middle school, but some students get an early start.

“I try to do a lot of games,” John said, “because some people want their kids to just sit down and repeat what I say, but we just want the kids to have fun. We do a little bit of vocabulary work, but mostly it’s just games and songs.”

Although he is across the world now, John still has fond memories of his time at FHN. Along with playing basketball and volleyball, the thing that has made the biggest impact on John is the teachers he had.

“One of the things I liked best about North was that I had some really amazing teachers, better than those I had in college even. They really pushed me. [Retired teachers Sandy] Berthhold and [Mary] Baker really prepared me for college. None of my college professors grade my papers that hard. That’s something I was really grateful for.”

His mother, special education teacher Jan Lindmeier, said that John was a very bright and outspoken student during his high school years.

“He’s very intelligent in all subjects,” Jan said. “He can be a character. The teachers either really

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Lindmeier kneels with two of his students outside at an event. (photo submitted)

liked him or really didn’t. He’s got a funny sense of humor.”

Being so far away from the friends and family that John is so close to certainly takes a toll.

“We try to call him over Skype every week, but they are 14 hours ahead of us,” Mary said. “It’s hard to get our schedules together. We talk on Facebook a lot, but really I only get to talk to him over the phone twice a month. It’s hard not having him around when I need him. He’s my best friend.”

Along with the emotional barriers, John also had to overcome many cultural barriers in order to adjust to life in Japan. According to John, Japanese people are far less social and more introverted than Americans, so it is hard to get to know someone. Japanese students also study much more than American students. In addition to going to school during the day, students often have to go to “cram school” later in the night, where they continue to study even more, sometimes not returning home until 11 p.m.

“If you want to get into a good high school [in Japan], you have to study because even the high schools have big entrance exams,” John said.

“They study constantly just to get a good grade on these exams.”

Japan also has a unique social pattern to follow that John had to get used to.

“There’s a senpai, people that

“

are above you/upperclassmen, and kouhai, which is anyone below you.

It’s a system that’s pretty core in Japanese culture, because it defines your relationship with the person and how you speak to them.”

Getting adjusted in a country so different from America over the past three years was difficult for John, but ultimately he feels he made the right decision for his career and his life.

“There’s trying times, of course, but honestly I wouldn’t change anything,” John said. “Being in a foreign country and having the good, the bad, and the ugly, it really makes you a stronger person.

When I came to Japan, I was really shy, but now when I come back to the States, I’m much more comfortable about myself. I don’t get self conscious about things that I used to because you have to overcome that stuff in a foreign country with a foreign language.”

Leaving family behind in order to pursue his dreams may have been a complicated decision for John to make, but he knows he always has a supportive group of friends and family rooting for him back home in St. Louis.

“I couldn’t be more proud,” Mary said. “He followed his dreams. He studied in college and went over there and actually made it happen. Not a lot of people can go over to another country and make a living like that.”

...it really makes you a stronger person.”

Lindmeier sits cross-legged with one of his students in his classroom. (photo submitted)

page design by rachel.hunt

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Phillips, Lamb run for love of sport

Lamb has been running for about three years and has participated in half marathons. Lamb runs five days a week so that the full marathon will be easier for him. Phillips and Lamb exchange stories and talk to each other about what they can do to improve. (kaitlyn williams)

danielle.yuede

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kay Lamb, you’re at mile 12.

Just keep running. It’s only rain you’re running through. You can do this. Just keep running. You trained for this. Your goal is to finish.

Just keep running.

At the age of 35, standing at 5 feet 9 inches and 205 pounds, math teacher Dan Lamb isn’t what you would classify as the typical marathon runner. Yet, he plans to run the ‘Go St. Louis’ marathon in April. He has run three half marathons and wants to try to finish a full. Lamb used to be a body builder but switched to running when his health became a priority.

After Lamb ran his first half marathon, he knew he was hooked into running.

“I started running because of my health,” Lamb said. “I had high blood pressure and weighted 245 pounds.

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Then I started to realize that I loved it.

With running you can set goals and to people like me who like to set goals, running makes sense. One night, I went out to run 10 miles and my wife actually had to come out and find me. I had run about 19 miles. It was like one in the morning. That’s how I realized I wanted to run a full marathon.”

***

Don’t be nervous Beth, just be calm. It’s only 26.2 miles you have to run in the heat. Oh god, why do you do this to yourself? Why do you pay to run 26.2 miles? It’s because you love this. Don’t be nervous Beth, just be calm.

At the age of 25, standing at 5 feet 6 inches, English teacher Beth Phillips has been running with her father ever since she could run. She started off riding her bike while her father ran.

Beth Phillips stands with a medal she received after running the 30th Anniversary LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in 2007. Phillips started running with her father when she was young and ran cross country at FHN during her high school years. (kaitlyn williams)

When she got older she would run with her father and brother. She was hooked into running because was family thing.

“It was mostly my dad that got me into running,” Phillips said. “He was a big influence. Also my brother ran. It was just something fun that my family did together.”

While Lamb is training to run a full marathon for the first time, Phillips almost did, what some people would say is, the impossible. She ran in the 2007 Chicago marathon, but she had to stop due to weather.

“It was a disappointment,” Phillips said. “I was at the nineteenth mile and they were telling people to stop because of the heat. The police were literally forcing people to stop running.”

To help train, Lamb uses various online Web sites to maximize his

training schedule. He must be the best physical condition to be able to run and finish the marathon. He runs five days a week so that he can get to 26 miles with no problem. Lamb’s constant attention to training started to make his wife Angie Lamb curious about running. Because of Lamb, Angie is hooked into running and isn’t complaining. In fact, she is thankful for her husband’s decision to become and stay healthy.

“I am a lot healthier,” Angie said.

“The more cardio I do, the less junk food I crave. Before I would want fast food but now I want to eat healthier.

We started to run to live longer for our kids.”

To help train for the Chicago marathon, Phillips runs almost every day and cross trains by swimming and biking. She plans to attempt the Chicago marathon again in October.

Beth Phillips stretches before every run. Stretching before going on a run helps to keep from getting pulled muscles. (kaitlyn williams)

Dan Lamb runs six miles every day and 18 miles to prepare for marathons. Despite the fact that he doesn’t have a runner’s build, his goal is to complete an entire marathon. He is currently training for the full ‘Go St. Louis’ marathon in April. (kaitlyn williams)

Lamb has runs half marathons. He has ran in three marathons and a few shorter races as well. (kaitlyn williams)

This time she says she will finish.

“I will make sure I get the proper nutrition,” Phillips said. “I’ll go in more prepared with a water bottle and have my body in good mental and physical shape.”

Running has become a part of her new family with her husband Robby Phillips. They both train together because they enjoy spending time together. Robby sees Phillips dedication to running something to admire.

“I see how motivated she is through running and it’s nice to see her out there and to run with her,” Robby said.

Lamb may inspire his wife, but he is still getting doubts about his abili-

ties. Even with people’s doubts Lamb doesn’t care and continues to run through them.

“They laugh,” Lamb says. “They tell me I don’t have a runner’s build.

I have a large upper body unlike the normal runner’s build. I just shrug it off. It doesn’t bother me.”

Phillips has inspired her spouse but when she tells people that she runs, Phillips expects to hear the same comments made about running.

She, like Lamb, shrugs it off and runs through them.

“Usually people are like ‘Ugh! I hate running’ or ‘I could never do that’,” Phillips said. “At races there are all different types of people there,

“When I listen to someone who has done this before, I take that advice and apply it to what I think it would help,” Lamb said.

Phillips sees Lamb’s motivation to run and finish a full marathon as a big test to his dedication as a runner. Her advice for Lamb: “For your first marathon, just plan to finish and experience it and just have fun with it.”

Lamb also uses Phillips successful experiences to push him harder and reach his goals.

“Not to be rude, but I think to myself ‘If she can do it, I can do it,” Lamb said. “And if I can do it, anyone can.”

not just the kind you would expect to see running.”

With Lamb’s marathon coming up in April, he worries of not accomplishing his one goal: completing the race.

“My fear is that I won’t be able to finish,” Lamb said. “I am afraid that I will hit the wall and won’t be able to finish.”

Lamb and Phillips have similar stories. They both have inspired someone through running. They both have accomplished goals. They both talk about running and their experiences. Phillips tells Lamb her running experiences and Lamb listens. This is their relationship. Phillips gives Lamb her advice and Lamb takes notes.

they’re going the distance Along with Lamb and Phillips, other teachers around FHN also participate in marathons, half marathons, 5K runs, and triathlons, both for fitness and for fun.

Some have participated in the past, while others are training for upcoming races.

Steve Willott 5K cross country run in October ‘09 “It motivates me to actually run. I’ve never been an athlete at all, I’m fairly uncoordinated.

I lost almost 40 pounds in the past year, so [running] keeps me motivated to keep that weight off.”

Brooke Roe Triathlon in Spring ‘08 “I liked it because it wasn’t the same thing. It was three events, so it was more interesting. I didn’t get bored.

It was definitely more challenging, though, and I liked that.”

Shelly Grimshaw Ran first half marathon in April of 2007 “I think it’s a physical challenge that makes me feel proud of myself. It keeps me focused on achieving my goal if I’m training for something. I can be very inconsistent about working out.”

Larry Scheller Third half marathon in September ‘08 “I do it because it gives me motivation to stay in shape. It’s a lot of fun to get in a big group of people and all run together in the same direction. It’s a lot better than just running. I didn’t think it would be fun, but it was.”

Jana Reiter Will run first full marathon April 11 “I like running outside. I can zone out. It gives me time to think and it’s a great stress reliever.”

page design by julia.gabbert

33

play.hard

Phillips usually takes her iPod on runs so she has something to listen to.

Many runners run with music to motivate or relax them. (kaitlyn williams)

Golf team tees up for winning season lizzie.johnson

Coach Jeff Hartwig pole vaults at the olympics. Hartwig’s first competed in the 1996 olympics when he was 28 years old, and set a world record.(photo submitted)

New coach sets new heights kevin.beerman

It’s a new year for the FHN pole vaulting team, and according to track coach Greg Hennenfent, they have a lot going for them.

“Our pole vault team had always been one of our strong points,” coach Hennenfent said.

This year, however, the team is now holding all of the cards. With the top-ranked vaulter in the St. Louis metropolitan area (Kyle Morse), a majority of the team having at least one year of experience, and a new coach, it’s looking rather bright for this track and field staple.

This year, former pole vault coach Darren Toebben left the team to a new coach, Jeff Hartwig, former U.S. Olympian in the 1996 and 2008 games. “[Hartwig] has been doing this since he was a freshman,” Pole-vaulter Mark Mayerhoeffer said. “He knows pretty much everything.”

34 page design by adam.rapert

After qualifying as a 28-year-old in 1996, Hartwig went on to set the world pole vault record in 1998: 19 feet, 9 1/4 inches. After he came back from the Bejing Olympics in 2008, he made several appearances here at North to assist the team. Now, he is in complete control.

“It’s a little more rigorous than last year,” junior Dani Berger said.

At practices, Hartwig can be seen with a sheet of workouts, all designed to build every muscle in the body.

“Unlike the other [track and field teams], pole-vault uses muscles that you never even knew you had,” Hartwig said.

Members of the team are confident for the season with their new coach leading the way.

“We’re gonna do great,” Mayerhoeffer said. “We did good last year, so we’re gonna clean up this year,” The track team’s first meet was March 22. In a four-team competition, the boys and girls teams placed first.

Having already started off the season right with a 177-142 win over St. Charles West in their first match, the boys golf team is ready to take the season by storm. With a total of 11 boys this year and only four new additions to the team, the boys are geared for an outstanding season.

“We look a lot better this year,” junior Shane Baechle said. “Our practice scores have been a lot lower this year than last year, so we probably have some more potential to do well this year.”

One reason the team should preform well this season is because they are under the leadership of junior Clint Toedtmann, who has been playing golf virtually his entire life.

“It’s difficult to have a team leader, but a lot of the team looks up to Clint,” Head coach Les Hager said.

“He puts in good practice time, is focused, and takes it seriously.”

Like Baechle, Toedtmann also has high hopes for himself and his teammates this year.

“I’m looking forward to what we will accomplish this year,” Toedtmann said. “I think we’re pretty good.”

fhn

today com

To see photos from the golf season, check out the photo galleries at FHNtoday.com.

Girls get pumped for tryout week olivia.ong

With the year almost to an end, the girls cheerleading squad geared up for tryouts that took place on March 12. The tryouts were for prospects who wanted to cheer for next year; it included girls that were already involved this year and several incoming freshmen.

“The tryouts went really great,” head coach Tneisha Harris said. “The girls learned stunts, tumbles, and jumps, just like every year. There were a lot of really good incoming freshmen that tried out.”

The team also prepared for a new dance that included next year’s team collaborating with this year’s team.

spring sports: what’s in

your bag?

Tennis- Andrew Brodnik 11: Two rackets, court shoes, tennis balls, racket grip, change, and a rag.

Baseball- Braxton Martinez 10: Bat, gloves, helmet, batting gloves, tape, Jim Beam barbeque sunflower seeds, cleats, and Icy Hot.

Golf- Clint Toedtmann 11: Tees, Golf balls, water bottle, some food, and my golf glove.

Track and Field- Jeff Shell 12: Spikes, uniform, a bag of chips, head band, a couple of empty Gatorade bottles, water bottle, and some gym shorts.

SoccerSavannah Richardson 9: A soccer ball, cleats, shin guards, tape, some food, pre- wrap, and my inhaler.

Freshman Amber Walter dances to “Ima Be” during the 2010 cheerleading tryouts. (nicole thompson)

“For the varsity try-outs, we got to practice with the old squad for the new dance,” junior Katie Zettwoch said. “Also I’m excited that the old team and the new team will have the chance to cheer together in the new dance before the year ends.”

play.hard

Junior Tony Orlando leaps up in a serve on March 22 at Francis Howell. The Knights defeated the Vikings in both sets. Their next game is tomorrow at Desmet. (lydia ness)

Boys set up for a spike on new New talent gives tennis team ambition for season season Senior Chris Palmer hits a backhand at tennis practice on March 10. Palmer has been playing on the team for three years and is number four singles. (fareeha amir)

adam.rapert

lizzie.johnson

Despite losing Matt Malone and other key seniors last year, this year’s boys volleyball team is ready to spike the competition. With new seniors stepping up to fill the gap that was left in the line-up, the roster will remain competitive according to junior Darin Voyles.

“I think we have enough talent with the new seniors and juniors this year to fill the empty spots that were open from all the seniors leaving last year,” Voyles said.

As with every year, the players all share the same season goal. That is, to make it to state. Last year the team fell short of this goal, but still finished 4th at GAC’s.

“My goal for this year is to try and help in any way to get the team get to state,” junior Ethan Bohnert said. “I think it is very possible for us to make it to state if we all stay focused and continue to work hard like we have been so far.”

The teams first game was March 22 against Francis Howell High.

Despite the fact that it was the season opener, the team defeated Howell.

“This season should continue to go pretty well if we continue to play well like we [did in the] pre-season,” assistant coach Thomas Potteiger said.

“As long as we make sure we perform above and beyond what we are capable of doing, then we should have a very succesfull season.”

The beginning of any sports season always brings its challenges; however, this year’s tennis season brings a slightly more difficult challenge than merely just the beginning of the season. This year, 10 entirely new players with virtually no competitive experience have joined the team.

Ironically, boys tennis coach Kelly Voyles doesn’t seem too worried, for she thinks the team’s new talent is setting them in the right direction.

“There really isn’t that much of a struggle,” Voyles said. “They’re all really great players. Most of them

know the game, it’s just going to take some time to work on strategy and technique.”

Returning players have also played their part in helping to better the team this season. For instance, junior singles player Taylor Bell has taken the initiative to help some of the new talent.

“It can be difficult teaching [the new players] the rules and what they can and can’t do,” Bell said. “But I’ve stayed after practice a few times and worked with some of the new kids teaching them how to do things.”

Senior Greg Felock is among the new additions to the team this year,

however, he has already made varsity doubles with freshman partner Nick Cope. According to Felock, the pair should perform well this season despite it being not only their first year together, but also their first year competing for school.

“I’ve never really played with a partner before so that has been a challenge,” Felock said. “I’m really looking forward to GAC’s though, me and my partner have gotten pretty good so I’m excited to see what we can do.”

Seniors aim to lead winning team to districts abbey.grone

Fighting against her Timberland opponent for possession of the ball, senior Bre Kinworthy positions her body in front to shield her off of it during the first game of the season. (jacqueline sage)

After only losing five players from last year’s 20-3-1 team, the varsity girls soccer team is anticipating a very good season as they will be led by seven starting seniors.

“Seniors play with a special intensity,” varsity coach Dan Hogan said.

“They’ve had the most time to mature as players so you’ll look to your seniors to apply that leadership and that’s something that has to emerge every year.”

Some of the girls believe the team has a very good chance of winning districts this year and beating the same opponents as last year. “[Our goal is] to win districts and beat Incarnate Word and St. Dominic again,” senior Hieb said.

Not only do some of the girls

believe they have the ability to win districts, some have confidence they will go even further. “[My goal] is just for everyone on the team to work as hard as they can,” freshman Kayla Welch said, “And hopefully make it to finals.”

Further tying together the potentially successful team this year is the strong bond shared between the girls, according to senior Bre Kinworthy.

“The bond between the team this year will be good because there’s not drama,” Kinworthy said.

“We all have fun together. They’re just a good group of girls.”

fhn

today com

To see photos from Varsity girls soccer games, check out the photo galleries at FHNtoday.com.

page design by heather.odonnell

35

Overcoming obstacles in the new season justin.jones

Pitching in a game from last season; senior Brian Bumpus tries to help the Knights regain a lead over Pattonville. This is Bumpus’ fourth year on the team, but second year on Varsity. (stephanie graflage)

Teams high hopes achieved taylor.berra

On March 23-27 the Varsity boys baseball team played their first few games of the season in the Troy Classic held at Timberland High School.

With a double header in store for their first day, the boys were ready for their season to start off on the right track.

Unfortunately, they ended up with a score of 5-8 against CBC, putting their first game at a loss. However, this did not stop the boys from coming back in their second game with a 5-1 win over Jefferson City.

“Our pitching was amazing in the first game but we just had one bad inning in the field and it killed us,” junior Mike Wilson said. “In the second game we fielded a lot better and just played better all around.”

The next day the boys came out to the field with a completely different approach on the game. They focused on their hitting and making solid contact according to Wilson. With junior Chris Volpo at the mound he helped add to his team’s hard work, giving the boys another win with a score of 10-1 over Duchesne.

“Baseball is not about just one person on a team, it takes a whole team to win a game and anything can happen at any time on any given day,” Volpo said.

On Fri March 26, the boys went on to beat Holt with a 10-9 win after being down 1-9 in the sixth inning.

Although they added another loss from Desmet on Sat with a score of 3-5, the boys overall placed 2nd in the Gold Bracket of the Troy Classic tournament.

36 page design by abby.west

At tryouts three months ago, coach Eric Cartell and roller hockey players looked at what they will need to do in order to have a successful team and improve from last year.

“The main things are to have a good goal-tender, a solid defense and a team that can put the puck in the net.

Good coaching is also needed,” varsity coach Eric Cartell said. “And if they don’t work hard, they don’t play.”

Graduating with the class of 2009 were the team’s only two goalies. And after being unsuccessful in finding a new goal-tender during tryouts, members of the roller hockey team asked senior Robby Friedlein to join them.

“I usually just play Ice Hockey, but roller hockey needed a goalie,” Friedlein said. “Mostly everything is the same, like making the saves, but moving is harder.”

The season started on Feb 26 with a high school tournament at Matteson Square Triplex. The team was off to a rocky start, losing three of their first four games, due to two players out for various injuries.

“Throughout the season, I’ve had to swing Kenny Ruiz and David Hitchcock, from JV to Varsity in order to replace players because of ice hockey travel teams,” Cartell said.

After beating Central in season last year, but losing to them at state 10-1, the team hopes to recreate last season and win the state championship.

“Our State Championship game

Sophomore Ryan Salmon takes the puck down the rink during the varsity roller hockey game on March 26. They lost 4 to 1 against Francis Howell. (nicole thompson)

was amazing. It’s always great when the stands are full,” sophomore Ryan Krakrosky said. “The whole team wishes more people would come, we want everyone at every game.”

Aware of the tough road to winning state, the team prepares to improve themselves for every game.

“We just need to step up on our defense and capitalizing on the chances that we create by our speed and puck movement,” senior Jamie Demarco said.

fhn

today com

To see photos from the roller hockey season, check out the photo galleries at FHNtoday.com.

get to know

your athletes

Niki Borgeson, 12 TRACK

Mike Wilson, 11

Alex Bolte, 10

BASEBALL

VOLLEYBALL

Courtney Nixon, 9 SOCCER

how much time do you spend playing your sport?

Five hours every week

Two-three hours each day.

About two hours each day.

Two hours every day

what is average cost of your equipment?

About $400 with everything I buy during the season

Around $700, because I’m a catcher.

My shoes are about $25

All together it’s about $100

what is your favorite sports brand?

Mizuno

Rawlings

Nike

Under Armour

who is your celebrity look alike?

Jenna Boyd

Matt Holiday

Chris Grither

Minnie Driver

NV

Dance Force

“It is the purpose of NV to provide a quality performing arts education for children and adults in a safe, respectful environment.”

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your source for Knightly news

Photo galleries Multimedia

The spring sports gallery holds hundreds of photos from this year’s spring sports, including great shots of the Varsity girls soccer games. Photos of other sports, choir concerts and more can be found.

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Other Perks Newsletter Sign up online and receive the free weekly e-mail newsletters to stay updated on what’s new online.

The multimedia tab leads to Kelsey Habighorst’s soundslide on Kevin and Steven Ngo dancing.

Cartoons

Stay familiar with things going on in your school and community by reading stories posted daily.

Knightlife

Calendar Instantly see what’s scheduled to go on with clubs, sports and special events by viewing the calendar.

Video columns Check out Julia Gabbert’s online video blogs about her struggle through a week without her car.

Online store Check out all of RJ Howes’ weekly cartoons when you need a laugh.

40 page design by lauren.skinner

Check out the new podcast which comes out on April 15.

Yearbooks from the last decade at FHN can be found online along with T-shirts, flash drives and more.

speak.out

ENTERTAINMENT UP&COMING

photos from CW11

...to a theater near you April 30

“A Nightmare on Elm Street” preview by sam.dulaney

In this remake of the 1984 movie, Nightmare on Elm Street, Freddy Kruger murders people in their dreams. But then, the dreams turn into reality. With the fight to stay awake being the difference between life and death, this movie is exactly what nightmares are made of.

R

April 9

“Letters To God” preview by barbara.jean.palmer

America’s Next Top Model: Cycle 14 sidney.shelton

“

You want to be on Top?” The new season of “America’s Next Top Model” kicked off its 14th cycle on March 10 at 7 p.m. on CW11.

This season started off with 20 girls chosen from around the nation then slowly narrowed down to the top 14. However, Tyra only picked 13, but then revealed that there would be a 14th girl joining them that she hadn’t even met, which was surprising. I liked this surprise because some of the girls

were extremely excited and thought of it as one less girl to compete with.

The house is definitely where most of the drama unfolds; as soon as the girls were moved into the house, there was drama over little things, like the space on a shoe rack.

Last season, Tyra did something that is rarely seen in the modeling world: she allowed only models 5 feet 7 inches and under into the competition. With the changes that were made last cycle, this one was sure to have some changes of its own. André Leon Talley, an editor of Vogue, will be

joining the judges on the show. Miss J. Alexander, who has been a judge on the show since the first cycle, is leaving his spot at the judging table to work one on one with the girls. As usual, the winner of the cycle gets a $100,000 contract with Cover Girl Cosmetics and a six-page spread in 17 Magazine.

This season is sure to hold more drama, tears and great photos than any other cycle in the past.

fhn

today com

To check out full episodes, pictures, and comments on cycle 14 of America’s Next Top Model check out www.cwtv.com

Vita Chambers “Young Money” abbey.grone

The single of the week on iTunes, Vita Chambers’ “Young Money,” brings strange lyrics but a catchy beat to my iPod. I saw that this song was single of the week and I thought ‘why not download it?’ So that’s what I did, and I was drawn in immediately. The lyrics in the song

talk about her having “young money” and looking for a guy who also has “young money.” These lyrics mean nothing to me, and honestly, I don’t even understand what they mean, but it makes no difference.

Her sound is very much like a mix between Lady Gaga and Orianthi, both chart-topping artists. Her sound is very different but entertaining. I

would get a new song writer if I were her though; without the terrible lyrics I think she could go very far.

If you missed the song when it was free, just hit up iTunes and download it for the small price of $.99.

Inspired by a true story, the movie “Letters to God” is an inspirational story about a child battling cancer. 8-yearold boy Tyler Doherty impacts his friends and family with his strength. Tyler’s prayers turn into letters that he writes and mails to God everyday that a postman comes in contact with, causing the postman to rethink the troubled life he has started for himself. You won’t want to miss this inspiring film.

PG

April 16

“Kick Ass” preview by allison.sheffler

In this movie, a normal, everyday teenager decides to become a superhero because of his obsession with comic books. He names himself Kick-Ass and works to fight crime. The only problem is that he has no superhero powers whatsoever. This movie appears like it will not be entertaining, and you’ll probably know the ending halfway through it.

R page design by sidney.shelton

41

North Star Take: Start planning today editorial.staff

Q

uick! Name the top five schools you are considering for college. Do you know? If you’re a student at FHN, odds are you probably don’t. According to the guidance office, a trend has been growing throughout the hallways of North, and no, they’re not talking about PDA. This trend has been noticed, not because of what students are doing, but because of what they’re not: taking an active role in preparing for life after high school. As of press time only two students have completed the $1000 St. Peters Kiwanis scholarship, two students have turned in the FHN Athletic Booster Club scholarship and only two students have applied for the $1,000 American Legion scholarship. Two years ago, PTO offered four $500 scholarships to seniors at North.

The requirement: An essay on your most influential teacher. Number of applicants: three. This year’s applicant number: one.

“That definitely made choosing easy,” Guidance counselor Tom Daugherty said. “I think [that’s] a waste, a lack of effort, a lack to follow through.”

While this is a problem, it is one easily fixed with the slightest indi-

The North Star encourages high school seniors to take advantage of the many opportunities to alleviate the costs of college by getting money through the scholarships offered in the guidance office at North. (lydia ness)

vidual effort. Every student at North has resources the school provides at their fingertips, all it takes is a walk to the guidance office. There, an entire room full of counselors can tell you what classes you need to graduate, suggest schools to look at based on your interests and get you contact information for those schools. And if

you don’t go to guidance, there are still things you can do on your own.

If you’re an athlete, start talking to coaches, create a profile online, get yourself noticed. You dream of being on a Division I team, but how are you going to get there if the coaches don’t know your name? If you’re a senior, actually apply for a scholarship; there’s

hundreds of them. You write essays every week in school for a grade, why can’t you write one for a $1,000?

If you’re an underclassman, at least start thinking about what you’ll do after you graduate, take the ACT your sophomore year. It can’t hurt.

Everyday, hundreds of kids at our school go home and have hours of free time to themselves. If they were to spend as little as 15 minutes a day doing something for their future, looking online at schools, contacting coaches or looking for scholarships, who knows how big of a difference that will make.

“I know that sometimes [scholarships] are a lot of work,” Administrative assistant Candi Kidd said. “Even if it’s only $500 and it pays for books, it will put that in the back of your mind.

[Students] don’t realize how quickly these add up. 500 here, 750 there, two or $3,000 really adds up.”

We’re not saying turn your life around, all we’re saying is: What are you waiting for? on behalf of the

North Star editorial staff

If I can’t hear my own music, your music is too loud allison.sheffler

A

s the weather gets warmer, I look forward to when I will be able to drive with my windows down, enjoying the breeze against my face. Unfortunately, this peaceful moment will be disrupted by the guy driving next to me blaring his newest Lil Wayne album. I’m not hating on rap music, I’m just asking: is it really necessary to have your volume on level 100? I can hear mine just fine at 10.

Not only does it interrupt my moment of peace and quiet, but it disturbs others. How about when it’s midnight and there are people trying to sleep who have to wake up at 5 a.m.? They deserve a good nights’ sleep just like anyone else.

42

page design by scott.jones

On top of that annoyance, it affects the environment. Noise pollution is unwanted (and harmful), and let me make it very clear, your loud music is definitely pollution. Harming the environment doesn’t make you look any cooler to me, in fact it makes it look like you couldn’t care less about the world around you.

If this isn’t reason enough for you to think about turning your music down a notch, I’m sure this last bit of information will make you think twice.

Listening to music at an inappropriate level can cause temporary or even permanent hearing loss. Loud music can cause a ringing in your ears, known at tinnitus. I’d much rather be able to hear my husband in 20 years, than listen to your loud music now.

Turning your volume up to an excessive amount is not only unnecessary, but it’s dangerous. It’s dangerous to others around you (who are trying to listen to their own music at a reasonable level) and to yourself.

It’s a shame that teenagers are more concerned with being able to drown out others’ music than preserving a precious gift that some people are born without: hearing.

So please, for the love of Lil Wayne, turn down your music to a level of 10 instead of 100. If I wanted to hear the music you’re listening to, I’d switch to the station you have on.

But, because I’m perfectly content with listening to Blink-182, I don’t need to hear your Jay-Z song over mine.

justin.jones

White House Madness

The Rocket Summer (AKA Bryce Avary), an artist on the Warped Tour bill, recently debuted his 7th album, “Of Men and Angels,” since his debut in 2000. Bryce Avary is the voice behind the music, the talent in song lyrics, the brains on the piano, and a rocker on the guitar. Avary mainly focuses on the rock/pop genre. “Of Men and Angels” is possibly his best album yet, consisting of 15 mindblowing tracks that create a breath of fresh air for you. In the first single of his new album, “Walls,” Avary brings an uplifting feeling to your ears. Avary connects with his audience through lyrics that everyone can relate to, lyrics ranging from love, religion, pain and life. After his tour with One Republic throughout March, Avary is scheduled for a tour with the Goo Goo Dolls through April. And if you thought he was going to stop there, you’re wrong.

From June 25-Aug. 15, The Rocket Summer will be featured at Warped Tour across the country. Be watching for more from this artist.

Senior Julia Gabbert spends a week without using her car. She found that not using her car was very challenging. (sam hurrell)

JULIA LIVES WITHOUT: her car julia.gabbert

illustration by rj.howes

Think before your words become actions lauren.skinner

E

veryone has said something they didn’t mean, whether it be out of anger, revenge or just simply because you were over stressed and exhausted. Just recently I have learned that we all need to think before we open our mouths or click the keys of our phones.

The age old saying, “think before you speak,” has been around for a while to say the least. How many of us actually do that though? Maybe if we are writing a paper or a speech we will, but I know that when I tend to talk, I just talk; my mouth opens and words fly out. Sometimes, those words are

speak.out

LI S T EN

hurtful or just down right mean, but they’re going in someone’s direction either way. This past month, I turned 18 and learned this lesson very well.

Unfortunately, I learned it the hard way.

We, as humans, are creatures with emotions, and most times when certain emotions are pushed or tampered with, we say what we are feeling.

Now whether we speak those things to whom they are meant for or to someone who doesn’t deserve them at all, they are spoken. Usually, people’s feelings are hurt, and they may sit and wonder what they did to get yelled or snapped at. Maybe they didn’t do anything.

It’s really quite simple. We all need to watch what we say and how we say it. I am sure a handful of us have walked down the halls talking about someone else, saying negative things about them. But what if they were to hear? Then what? But maybe if we stop and think about what we are saying about our friends, teachers and just everyone in general, then there wouldn’t be so many people hating each other. The moral of this is that our parents tell us all the time to think before we speak, because we can never be sure who our words might hurt. For all I know, my own words could end up hurting me. And so could yours.

Without a car, I would be unemployed, in a constant state of boredom, and always late to school.

I tried my hardest, but this month, I only got through four out of seven days without driving my car.

Don’t get me wrong, I love walking. I would walk everywhere if I could. I just simply do not have the time. On an average morning, it is nearly impossible to force me from the comforts of my warm bed until around 6:50. By the time I get dressed and brush my teeth, there’s no way I could make the 45 minute walk to school by the time the 7:25 bell rings. Given that along with my busy work schedule, getting places on my own was just not a plausible option. I felt bad for always badgering my friends for rides to work, and I’m sure my dad got sick of waiting to drive me to school every morning before he could leave for his job.

By Friday afternoon, I was looking at a seven hour shift directly after school, followed by a 9 a.m. shift the next morning, followed by a 5 p.m. shift at my other job Saturday afternoon. My dad had gone out of town, and my sister wasn’t at home.

As a last resort, I had to start driving again.

fhn

today com

To see the day-to-day struggle that Gabbert had went through during her week without her car, check out her video blogs on FHNtoday.com.

page design by emily.forst

43

TA ST E emily.forst

Are you tired of everyday ice cream? Are you looking for something a little different? Well Gelato Di Riso offers that and more to anyone with their decadent, authentic Italian Gelato. Gelato is just a Italian version of ice cream, and it definitely satisfies.

Their gelato is very rich and creamy, so though you don’t need to eat as much, you’ll definitely want to. There are many flavors to choose from that range from Pistachio, Tiramisu and Mocha, to Orange, Strawberry and Raspberry. If you don’t get enough gelato while you’re there, you can take home a pint or quart size of your favorite flavor. Gelato Di Riso not only offers gelato, but also has a coffee bar, lattes, gelato pies and gelato cakes. You can check out Gelato Di Riso on The Hill at 5204 Wilson (at Marconi).

W E A R betsy.blanchard

I stole a friend’s pair of Toms the other day and was pleasantly surprised. Though they’re not exactly the newest thing on the market, they’re probably the most practical. They’re lightweight, affordable and comfortable; what more could you ask for?

They come in more styles than I can count to, and though I was hesitant about them at first, their unique look has grown on me. You can wear them with just about anything. And to top it all off, for every pair purchased, a pair is donated to a child in need.

Plus, now that Prom is around the corner, the time is even more right to buy a pair now. For those of you on Facebook, join the group “Francis Howell North’s TOMS-Prom” today.

Don’t waste time or money on fancy dress shoes-buy Toms and wear them to prom. It’s all for a good cause.

44 page design by zach.meier

Kids no longer want to act their age betsy.blanchard

J

ust a month ago, I stood at a Kohl’s register ready to check out, when I saw a little girl standing with her mother in line behind me.

While she was clearly less than half my age, she had what was very obviously over twice the amount of products in her hands, waiting to be purchased.

And, stuffed in her pocket (because her hands were occupied at the moment), was a cell phone that looked nicer than mine. Then again, it’s not too hard to beat out a phone that’s missing its front flap, but regardless, it was not even how high-quality it was but rather the fact she had one in the first place.

I know I’m not the only who feels this way, but it needs to be said: kids nowadays are growing up way too fast.

I don’t like seeing a 6-year-old looking better than me, but it’s happening more and more often with every passing day. It seems that society is indoctrinating increasingly younger individuals into feeling the necessity to act and dress increasingly older.

Not only does this take from what I consider to be important, innocent aspects of childhood, but it teaches children to value all of the wrong things. Clothing, maturity and the latest gadgets all have their places, but even teenagers have trouble sorting out these priorities. How can anyone reasonably expect someone who doesn’t even know their multiplication tables to handle such things?

Senior Betsy Blanchard focuses her attention on how younger kids are taking on responsibilities they are too young to handle (jacqueline sage).

In regards to cell phones - there is no exact science for determining how old someone should be before receiving one. It changes for every family.

Personally, I had to wait until my sophomore year to get my first one.

I have friends who had them in eighth grade. It’s one of those things that each family has to discuss first, then determine the right timing for.

However, when I see kids as young as the one I saw in Kohl’s with one, I can tell that very little thought was put into the decision to grant them that privilege. Next to no one at such a young age truly understands the enormous

responsibility and liability that comes with having a phone. This goes for so much more than cell phones though.

Parents and older siblings alike often underestimate the “absorption” of youth. They soak in everything they see, taste, hear, feel. If around profanities, they will repeat them.

If taught the importance of a cell phone, they will beg for one. But, they are not at all to blame for their generation’s accelerated aging. I’m simply awaiting the day my first grade neighbor backs out of the driveway in her parents’ car.

Planning out your life is not as easy as it may seem

hannah.hamilton

I

’m now into my third year of high school, and I still remain unsure about what I want to do after I graduate. I know what I enjoy and what I despise, yet I still cannot answer someone when they ask me, “What do you want to do after you graduate?”

I have, for years now, envied my peers for knowing what they wanted to do with their lives. At the moment, I “know” I want to major in Journalism, but what if I change my mind? Even now, when I think I have everything planned out for myself, I sometimes second guess my decisions.

Once someone reaches the age I’m at, are they supposed to know

what they want to do with the rest of their lives? I think that there are some people who have known for years what they want to do. Then there are people like myself who are still undecided.

Hopefully by my senior year I will be able to tell anyone who asks me what I have planned out after I complete high school. I want to be able to proclaim all of my plans to someone with an infinite amount of certainty.

Although it still aggravates me that I am in the range of ‘I don’t know what I want to do yet’, and ‘Who cares,’ I plan on changing that fairly quickly.

I’m really hoping that sometime soon I will have everything thought through and planned out so I am able to have a fulfilling life.

Hannah Hamilton holds three college letters from three different colleges across the country.

Hamilton is still deciding which college she wants to go to. (brandon neer)

sam.dulaney

I

am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a brilliant person and I cannot solve our country’s money problems by any means. However, as a teenage girl who enjoys shopping as much as the next, I pride myself on knowing a thing or two about saving the almighty dollar. I know that to save money, you simply don’t spend money. So it stands to reason that the way to decrease our national debt is not to spend more money.

The world is in debt. More importantly, our very own country is in debt.

And every second the country slips further. The United States of America is trillions of dollars in the hole. For those of you who can’t picture how big that number is, a trillion has 12 zeros.

It’s safe to say that practically no one will ever see that kind of money in several lifetimes. But don’t worry, the President has a plan.

President Obama has sworn up and down numerous times that he will cut the national deficit in half by the end of his term. Instead, he has already increased that deficit. So much for not spending. His plan to bring the nation back to fiscal stability lies in his $825 billion stimulus package and the price keeps climbing. To me, that doesn’t sound like his plan is working.

The savings that the President has spoken of are most certainly not from cutting spending. He is not by any means trying to conserve his own spending as he flies around the world

Junior Sam Dulaney expresses her opinion on governmental spending. Dulaney finds the president’s spending unnecessary and wasteful at times. (sam hurrell)

over and over again on the taxpayer’s tab. No, the $1 trillion the President speaks of that is being ‘saved’ is from increasing taxes and overall taking more money out of citizen’s pockets that could be better spent by them on heat or food. The average American cannot afford more taxes.

Just recently, President Obama flew out to St. Charles High School to deliver an address about the health care reform. I don’t see why that couldn’t have been spoken from the plush Oval Office for much cheaper

than plane fare and security detail worthy of a president. By no means does this look like the actions of a man trying to conserve money. I don’t see why the Obama family gets to live the big life when the rest of the country is nearing poverty. The President’s plan is failing in my book. Hypocritical spending from the leaders isn’t helping the President’s agenda of saving money. The government should save money by actually saving money, not getting more money from other people who can’t afford that burden.

Letter to the Editor If one takes arbitrary point systems, as Abbey Grone does in her opinion piece about video games, it seems short-sighted to not include the education system in that definition, as it is based entirely on an arbitrary point system. But this myopia was pervasive throughout the article, which seemed to imply that all gamers are idiotic slackers with supressed violent tendencies.

This could not be farther from the truth. The vast majority of gamers that I know are more intelligent, thoughtful and analytical than most teenagers. Good games like “Half- Life 2” and “Portal” encourage problem solving and critical thinking skills. And unlike television, video games require you to be actively engaged in the story.

In a recent “Game Informer” article about “Portal 2”, Erik Johnson, the senior project manager at “Valve” said, “It’s less about putting a portal on a wall and walking through it and more about making people think differently while playing the game.

And making people feel smart while they are playing the game. And really suprising people with this kind of video game.”

In actual fact, the only people who think video games encourage stupidity are those who don’t play them. If the writer had picked up a controller instead of passing judgement, she might understand gamer culture- and be smarter for it.

Senior, Jessica Bremmer

Test your

KNOWLEDGE

The North Star asked two random students and a teacher four random questions. How many would you have gotten right?

Q1:

How old is Johnny Depp?

Q2:

How many taste buds does a human have on their tongue?

Q3:

How many calories are in a Big Mac from McDonalds?

Q4:

Who is Scooby-Doo’s cousin?

Shelbi Dillon Teacher

“42”

“30,000”

“770”

“Scrappy- Doo”

Alyssa Roberson Junior

x x x

Zach Farmer Freshman

“46”

“46”

“400”

“1000”

“Scrappy-Doo”

x x

“10,000”

“800”

x

“Scrappy-Doo”

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45

speak.out

Excessive spending puts nation in debt

Correct answers: 1.) 46 2.)10,000 .3) 485 4.) Scrappy-Doo

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