North Star - April 2009

FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH Vol. 23 Issue 8 2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303 April 15, 2009

e i b r a B isn’t so perfect

Big things now appearing on FHNtoday.com -Coming Up

Be sure to check us out in the special doubleissue of the May paper and Senior edition of the North Star. Publications is also heading to Phoenix for Nationals the weekend of April 18.

Go to FHNtoday.com to see how Nationals went.

-Galleries

Coming up, check out pictures from this year’s prom, Venice Bliss, and the pre-prom assembly.

Also now up, photos from Varsity boys volleyball and track.

-Podcasts

The North Star podcast will be putting out a minisode. It will be on opening night of the Bocce Ball season. The event will be held at Milo’s Tavern on the Hill on April 14. Minisode will be posted on FHNtoday.com on April 17.

-Photos for sale

If you want the chance to have some great endof-the-year photos, check out FHNtoday.com and pick photos out from FHN events. These can be great last minute senior gifts or nice memorable moments of a great school year at FHN. Go online to FHNtoday.com and choose the photo you want. All purchases are done through MyCapture.

13 MAGAZINE

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HIGHLIGHT

on April 16, contestants 04 Coming will be judged to see who will

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2549 Hackmann Road St. Charles, MO 63303

PLAYHARD

Martinez made the Var36 Braxton sity baseball team as a freshman,

become the next Mr. FHN.

being one of the few to do so.

students, sisters Caryn and 05 Two Casey Rogers, attend the State

Ed Gettemeier used 37 Principal to play soccer as an NASL goal

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keeper in his 20s.

FBLA competition.

LIFESTYLE

VOICE

Jennifer Helton is involved 13 Junior with church ministry puppeteer-

42 of politically incorrect language

Wade gets a Q & A with 15 Cami Hilary Shanks, from Mother, a

44 head, asking, who is the better

Kirk addresses common issue used throughout high school.

ing at Harvester Christian Church.

Pat and Ryan battle head-tolooking of the two?

runway model agency of St. Louis.

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THEWEB FHNtoday.com

Come visit us at FHNtoday.com, your #1 place for Knightly news.

Make sure to check out the slew of stories that are being posted on the spring sports teams.

Attending prom this weekend? Make sure to check back to FHNtoday.com early next week to view the photo galleries from this year’s last dance.

On Friday, Episode 94 of the NS Podcast will be online, featuring a segment on how to dye Easter eggs.

page design bethany brady

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

Editor’s Note In last month’s issue of the North Star, an error was made on page 17, in the story titled “Willoughby directs play ‘Crimes of the Heart’ despite challenges.” The story stated that senior Jessica Willoughby is deaf and mute, when she is in fact only deaf. The North Star would like to apologize for the error.

Distributed free to FHN by the North Star staff.

Co-Editors-in-Chief: Cami Wade, Tyler Kirk & Jordyn Klackner Editors News Editor: Barbara Jean Palmer Features Editor: Brittany Schulze Sports Editor: Vicki Viehman Opinions Editor: Chelsea Kaufman Dir. of Photography: Sarah Semmel Digital Media Dir.: Andrew Hairlson Copy Editor: Betsy Blanchard Marketing Director: Luke Christisen Business Manager: Nathan Bryant Ad Design Editor: Xenia Klimenova Podcast Editors: Tori Bowden and Kaila Kamp Online Editors: Katie Siebuhr, Jon Henderson and Katie O’Neil General Staff Fareeha Amir Miranda Lindquist Taylor Berra Monica Martinez Sam Bowden Mallory Mueller Bethany Brady Kieran Myers Jessica Bremer Lydia Ness Elizabeth Diggs Jessica Payne Sam Dulaney Logan Ponche Ryan Firle Nicole Renner Sam Fitzwalter Jacqueline Sage Kaitlyn Fouch Allison Sheffler Pat Flynn Sidney Shelton Julia Gabbert Lauren Skinner Matt Higgs Lauren Smith David Hoehn Nicole Thompson RJ Howes Krissy Torkelson Rachel Hunt Morgan Vetter Joe Jacobi Brandon Walter Maggie Jasper Nicki Wittman Adviser Aaron Manfull

THECOVER

Because of the pressure from the media and Hollywood, many people, including teens, feel they have to become the image of perfect health, often sacrificing their body in more ways than one.

(Illustration by cami wade)

www.FHNtoday.com

01

THEBRIEFS Students travel to DECA Nationals

Winter Guard makes state history

allison sheffler

maggie jasper

Winter Guard; a term used to describe performances using dance and acrobatic features. The performers use several main pieces of equipment including flags, rifles, and sabers which flew with perfection when they received ninth place out of 122 teams in the Winter Guard World Championships.

On Wednesday April 2, 10 students headed to Dayton, Ohio to compete in the championship. There were 122 schools that attended the championship, and four of the schools were from Missouri. All schools qualified to go to the championship by participating in a W.G.I. (Winter Guard International) competition.

“I’m really excited that we did so good,” junior Deanna Wohldmann said. “The trip was fun because we are almost like a family.”

The Winter Guard season began January 31 to start rehears-

Winter Guard practices their stunning routine in preparation for their trip to WGI world championships in Dayton, Ohio. This was the guard’s third trip to Dayton in which their expectations to succeed were high. (matt higgs)

als for competition. The students practiced Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

“We worked really hard [this year],” Williams said.

The performance they did at the championship was choreographed by the Winter Guard Director, Duane Williams who has been directing for 20 years.

This is by far his most successful year as they received a score of 90.3 percent in semifinals which is the highest score ever in the state of Missouri.

“Making it to finals was a very big honor because only two schools from Missouri have made it that far,” Williams said.

After a very honorable season for the Winter Guard, they were very happy about ending their season on a high note.

“We were so excited to go and perform,” senior Megan Moore said. “ I think the best part was right after the performance and we felt like we did a great job and all the hard work paid off.”

Mu-Alpha Theta ends strong luke christisen

Number by number, letter by letter, the commons was turned from a calm cafeteria into a bustling bingo hall on March 31. Mu Alpha Theta hosted its last fundraiser of the year in order to earn funds for their senior scholarships. Each year, Mu Alpha Theta gives away two scholarships to deserving seniors based off of the amount of money made from fundraisers throughout the year. Bingo night earned a total of 350 dollars, to contribute to the scholarship fund.

“It’s really fun,” senior member Caitlin Stone said. “I like the excitement of fundraising for good causes.”

Bingo night was the third fundraiser of the year for Mu Alpha Theta following a successful T-shirt sale and the annual bake sale. Before the year comes to a close and scholarships are awarded, Mu Alpha Theta will elect new officers to continue the clubs involvement. The society hopes for further involvement in the future by increasing the calender of events available to members.

“We are looking forward to doing more math competitions next year,” Mu Alpha Theta sponsor Valerie VanDerBeck said. “It’s great for building your resume by participating in an honor society for mathematics.”

With Mu Alpha Theta accepting the changes from a new sponsor and different fundraising techniques, the club has grown even stronger with members looking to the society with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

“It’s been a great year, everyone has worked so hard,” junior member Kaitlyn Schikore said. “I can’t wait for next year and getting my hours to graduate with an honors cord in math.”

02 www.FHNtoday.com

March 20-24 marked an important weekend in the lives of DECA students. During this weekend, students went to DECA state where they took tests and did scenarios for their specific area of DECA. The weekend proved successful as 13 students made it to Nationals which take place April 28-May 3 in Anaheim, Calif. Before State level, it is unknown how many will attend Nationals.

Since making it to Nationals is such a big honor, DECA has been preparing since before winter break.

“It takes awhile to prepare for Nationals,” junior Lauren Reiche said. “It’s a big deal for us.”

December is “crunch time” for DECA as their first District competition is in February.

“To qualify for Nationals, they must be in the top six in individuals or the top five for teams,” DECA sponsor Melissa Trochim said.

At Districts, State, and Nationals, the competition involves the same concept: each individual must do two role playing situations and a 100 question test. However, if it is a team, there is one role playing case and a 100 question test.

For seven years, Melissa Trochim has been the DECA sponsor. Each year, North has had students eligible to attend Nationals. Having students attend DECA Nationals is an exciting accomplishment for many first time attendees.

“I’m looking forward to competing against the best of the best,” DECA member Zach Short said. “And representing our school in an honorable manner.”

Help Make A Tradition Facts about Colorguard tryouts: Who can try out?

Anyone can tryout.

When are tryouts?

May 6, 7, 8 Where are the tryouts?

The band room

What time are Colorguard tryouts?

6-8 p.m.

Who are the judges?

The head director and two assistant instructors.

Tips for tryouts: “Dance experience defiantly helps,” Meagan Moore said.

“They Should try and get with someone on guard before tryouts so that they know a little going into tryouts,” Kaitlyn Schikore said. “Have a positive attitude and be willing to try new things Performing and be willing to be coached or critiqued.” emotions “Talk to anyone on guard and see if they can stay after school and teach you what you need to know for tryouts,” Deanna Wholdmann said.

page design lauren skinner

ONLINE

Theme park mixes fun with education park you get to see it, you feel it, you get to hear it.”

School trips don't come This amusement park trip is around often for students, somemore than just an action packed times never. But for the Physics day of frolic; it is an assignment classes it will be quite the opposite to calculate force, acceleration, on April 24 as they load on to a and several other Physics and bus, and travel to Six Flags for an Calculus terms that are used exciting and educational field trip. within the classroom.

“We’ve been going to Six “The purpose of going to Six Flags probably for the past 10 flags is it gives the students an years,” Physics teacher Tony opportunity to apply what they’ve Roungon said. learned in Physics throughout Not only will all the Physics the year to real world situations,” classes be going, but both of Roungon said.

Calculus teacher Steven Willott’s Several students that are classes will be going as well. This going on this field trip are anticiis because some the material pating not only a really good time covered in Physics is also covered but a chance to bond with their in Calculus. friends.

“In class you get to talk “[I might spend my time] just about some Physics or Calculus hanging -out with my friends,” principles and how the two courses senior Jennifer Raster said. “I’m relate,” Willott, a board certified going to have a blast!” teacher, said. “But if you’re at the rj howes

Go to FHNtoday.com for your Knightly news.

1.

The Pre Prom Assembly will be held on Friday April 17 from 8:35-9:35 in the big gym. See photos on FHNtoday.com

See online April 18

illustration by rj howes

Prom will be held on Saturday April 18 at the St. Charles Convention Center Ball Room from 6 -11 p.m. Check out photos and a recap on FHNtoday.com

2.

Students begin to prep for AP Exams elizabeth diggs

Beginning May 4, all students at FHN are eligible to take an AP exam.

Along with preparation for college, the exams provide students with other benefits as well. “[The AP exams] give you college credits which can help you get through freshman year faster,” junior Chelsea Abanathie said, “And in the long run, it could make college

cheaper.”

Because these tests are so rigorous, extra time must be taken out to ensure success.

“The students need a lot of preparation,” Bedsworth said.

“They should take the AP class and do well in it because these are college level tests.”

Although these tests can be very mentally enduing with all of the time taken out to study and

Senior Schedule

prepare, the honor and reward of taking the class and test is one that is highly recommended. “[Take an AP class] because it’s fun,” English teacher Mary Baker said. “It is the next step of challenge and if students have been in honors classes, they should keep going to ease into college.”

To see a list of other available exams go to FHNtoday.com today.

SENIOR SCHEDULE Month

Day

Event Prom

Time and Place St. Charles Convention Center Ball Room from 6:00 -11:00 p.m.

April 18

Saturday

April 24

Friday

April 28

Tuesday

May 11May 15

Monday - Friday

Senior Week

May 13

Wednesday

Senior Awards Night

May 14

Thursday

Senior Breakfast

FHN Commons

May 15

Friday

Senior Bonfire

FHN Practice Football Field

page design nicole renner

Graduation Forms due Graduation Speech Try Outs

See online April 20

3.

Dinner Concert for Choir will be April 24-25.

Tickets will cost $20. See pictures and a recap of the night on FHNtoday.com

See online April 25

FHN FHN

The book discussion will be held in the library on May 1 during 6th and 7th hour. For a recap of the discussion go to FHNtoday.com.

4.

FHN FHN Big Gym at 6:30 p.m.

See online May 1

www.FHNtoday.com

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Guys hope to show their ‘silly’ sides in pageant Male contestants at FHN are given the opportunity to compete through talent and questioning in the annual Mr. FHN jessica payne

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odeling, talents, question and answers. Most would think “beauty pageant.” And while it is true it is considered a “pageant,” there’s one difference: the contestants are all guys.

North’s Mr. FHN will be held April 16 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. Contestants will be asked to answer a series of questions and show off their best talent. Previously, the contest has had a fairly large turnout. Junior Thu Nguyen is attending this year for the first time.

“I’m excited to go to Mr. FHN for my first time,” Nguyen said. “All of the guys have worked hard. They

have a lot of guts for putting on a great show for the audience.”

Junior Eddy Connell is one of these such contestants. He plans to sing for the audience. He’s singing “Black” by Pearl Jam while junior David Hoehn plays guitar alongside of him.

“I’m most looking forward to being silly and having fun,” Connell said. “I’m not nervous about anything because everyone in the audience already knows me.”

Talents in the past have included dancing, short skits, and even comedy. Along with their talents, contestants must also perform an opening number as a large group which is choreographed by StuCo officer

Ashley Campise.

“It’s just funny to watch all the guy leaders in the school being silly and showing off for everyone,” StuCo sponsor Shelly Grimshaw said.

Students are heavily anticipating a great show with the talent this year. “[This year], Mr. FHN is going to have more competition and more talent than ever before,” junior Zack Short said.

To see more photos from Mr. FHN, go to FHNtoday.com on April 17.

FHN’s choir continues to prepare itself for State at Mizzou Committed choir students travel to compete at the beginning of May along with other Missouri schools, students bethany brady

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n May 1 and 2, all qualified choir students will be attending the State competition at Mizzou. The students practicing for this competition are perfecting their already known and performed songs.

In order to have qualified for the State competition, the students had to receive a one from a judge.

This is based on a scoring system of one to five. Once the student or ensemble is judged and has received that one, they are qualified for State. It’s always an accomplishment for the students to see their names on the board.

04 www.FHNtoday.com

“Our ensemble all went to the bulletin board and we saw we had a one,” senior Emily Meier said.” We told everybody, screamed, and called our parents.”

This year, 28 students will be attending the State competition which is much higher than last year’s total of 12. These dedicated singers practice twice a week for four to six weeks. To do their very best, the members of each ensemble or performing group must attend every practice and be very dedicated.

“If you really want to go to State, stay committed,” junior Mary McCollough said. “It takes a lot of practice and it’s a lot of fun to go.”

When at the State competition, the students attend different classes for singing and have a certain

performing time before a judge. Because expectations run high at this competition, students must demonstrate more musical, State-level performances.

“They’re all really talented and motivated,” choir teacher Lorraine Smith said. “It’s something they want to do and work hard for.”

Competing at State is the highest honor of choir and after that there are no more competitions, but the students still work really hard until their last performance. These qualified students enjoy there work and love competing with their peers.

“It’s always fun to bond with a lot of people and just have fun.” McCollough said.

page design elizabeth diggs

FBLA HEADING TO STATE Twins Caryn and Casey Rogers from FHN, qualify for State to represent the Future Business Leaders of America

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BLA will be heading to Columbia, Mo. for their conference from April 19-21. Among the six sent by FHN are twin sisters, seniors Casey and Caryn Rogers.

“It’s really exciting because I’ve never been to any competition,” Caryn said. “I’ve always seen the DECA kids go to some type of competition but I’ve never qualified before.”

This is the first time in FHN history that this many students have gone to the conference and the first time

District undergoes many changes Positions, opportunities back on the table betsy blanchard

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othing is as set in stone as it once seemed.

At the March 26 board meeting, the Board revoked the motion made five weeks earlier on Feb. 12 for budget reductions.

And according to the Meeting Brief, “The Board approved the modification of previously approved Scenario 2 to allow the use of reserve balances to provide the funds for reinstatement of the library paraprofessionals and one step on the salary schedule for employees and lane change for teacher[s], as determined by the negotiations process.”

In other words, some previously-cut library jobs are being brought back and teachers who attain higher educational degrees will continue to be given increases in pay.

“No one wants to see anyone’s job cut,” Principal Darlene Jones said. “The paras do provide an important service. I’m glad they’re bringing them back.”

Kevin Supple, the District’s Chief Financial Officer, brought some significant figures to the Board at the meeting. He informed the Board that at the end of the 2009 fiscal year in June, the District will end with a 21.5 percent fund balance, and seeing as the District needs approximately 20 percent to cover operating expenses for the first half of the year (the second half is funded by page design

rj howes

“Surprisingly, [I’m not nervous] as long as [the test is] written,” Casey said. “If it’s a written test, I can handle it just like any other [test]. If it’s verbal, I will have people watching me and might just have to kill myself to get out of it,” she continued, joking.

The other FBLA members are Lou Tzerov, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Ally Hoehn, and Zach Femmer.

If they make it past State, they will go to Nationals in Anaheim, Calif. on June 25-28.

“Well, I’m hoping I win,” Caryn said. “I want to do my school proud, [I’m] at least hoping to rank in the top 10.”

that the Rogers’ have gone to State for any club.

“I think it’s a good opportunity to have,” Casey said, “but I’m a little embarrassed that my entire family caught wind of it in two hours flat. But it looks good on college applications and scholarship applications.”

The Rogers’ qualified because they took an online test for districts. Caryn took first place in accounting; Casey took first place in business communication.

“I had to take two online test for accounting and business communication,” Caryn said. “My sister was actually the one who beat me for first place.”

Another test will be awaiting the FBLA members.

property taxes), it came as good news.

“I don’t deal with finances as much as [Dr. Renee Schuster and Supple] do, so I have to rely on their decisions,” Jones said. “The District is trying to be very conservative and not run into financial difficulty.”

However, with the modified Scenario in place, the percent fund balance for the 2010 fiscal year is not as steady. It has been projected to come out at about 19.3 percent.

The Board is not only dealing with financial issues, but possible shifts within the Board itself.

The annual April Board of Education elections arrived last week. Voting took place Tuesday, April 7.

“The one thing about the world is that it’s always changing,” Schuster said. “I can’t think of an election that didn’t occur when something was happening with the world. There always seems to be variables.”

Members of the Board serve three-year terms; for this reason, two of the seven were up for reelection this year: Marty Hodits and Ken Schaller. The only requirements are that the candidate must be 24 years old, live within the District and be an American citizen. The positions are completely voluntary. After a community-wide vote, Hodits and newcomer Stephen Johnson took the positions.

“I feel I could contribute to a more positive Board of Education,” Johnson said. “I can bring an open mind and a willingness to work with others to accomplish a common goal.”

BOARD ELECTION RESULTS Winners:

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Marty Hodits Stephen Johnson

Stephen Johnson:

“

The board of education, elected by the tax payers, is the voice of the tax payers.

We help the tax payers and we also are responsible to make sure all the [young adults] get a good education.

“

sidney shelton

According to the FHSD Web site the district policy is as follows:

1. To share the skills values and knowledge of the human race.

2. To develop initiative, develop the ability to weigh facts, make judgements, and act cooperatively.

3. To attain a reasonable standard of living.

4. To enjoy the widest share of freedom

compatible with the equal freedoms of other people.

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Sophomore Hope Mares, shown middle far right, spars with her fencing partner at the Rec-Plex. Mares attends sessions every Saturday along with others from the St. Charles county. Mares uses fencing as a stress reliever and is the only one in her family that fences. “It’s just a way of expressing yourself and you get a lot of emotion and anger out when you do it. And it’s pretty impressive when you tell people you [fence].” (andrew hairlson)

Senior Kenton Hilke and Sophomore Hope Mares sit and wait for their turn to fence. Hilke and Mares meet every Saturday at the Rec-Plex to further their skills as a fencer. (andrew hairlson)

Instructor Robert McPherson, shown here and top middle, shows his students a certain technique. McPherson has been fencing for 26 years and has been teaching for 22. “Fencing is the one art where there’s so much I could break down and with a mind like mine I want to break it down and explain it.” (andrew hairlson)

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Everyday people unite to change lives Habitat for Humanity projects give some a place to call home jessica payne

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oor. Homeless. Helpless.

Families are without homes every year. They all have their own reasons why, but they have something in common: they need help.

Through the Habitat for Humanity program, some are actually able to get it.

Pandora Croscy is one of those few, lucky people. Thanks to Habitat, she moved into her new home in December with her 20-year-old daughter, Adrenne.

“I found out [that I qualified for a home] the day before Thanksgiving,” Croscy said while jumping up and down. “All I could do was say ‘Oh, thank you Jesus!’ I was overwhelmed!”

Before Croscy moved in, she had to put forth her “$450 sweat equity.” This means that she had to come out every week to help build her own house.

Home-owners do not automatically get chosen to receive a home. They must first meet the qualifications of currently living in an unsuitable place. This could mean anything from a lack of electricity to a lack of windows.

If they meet these qualifications then, initially, they must call in and get their name on a list of potential buyers. After that, they receive an application.

They must then come in for a selection process where they present their application before a committee. “[The home-owners] are buying these houses at affordable apartment rates,” Palacios explains.

“It forces them to be responsible with finances and puts them in a place where everyone helps each other out.”

The program is broken into three phases where one-third of the houses are worked on, then the next third, then finally the rest of the houses. It all started off with a “blitz” in the beginning of the year. This is where the walls and roofs are built for the first third of the houses during a three day period.

Ten year-volunteer, Mike Rogers, is a crew leader. This means he supervises the other workers to ensure that the job gets done correctly and that the volunteers are getting a good experience. He is a member of Hamilton Christian Disciples of Christ Church. The church volunteered for Habitat occasionally, but he wanted to play a larger role.

“I like to lead a group of people who have no idea what they’re doing,” Rogers said. “They leave feeling satisfied with a sense of ownership and accomplishment. One time a home-owner put siding up and did it crooked. They asked me if it was alright, and I said ‘Well I’m not going to be the one living here.’ They page design jordyn klackner

Making the Invisible, visible betsy blanchard

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Habitat for Humanity has sites in various areas around the country that build houses. Volunteers come from different organizations and do various jobs to get the houses built. (fareeha amir)

decided to take it down and do it right.”

Habitat’s goal for 2009 is to build 28 houses, but their ultimate goal is to build 50 houses every year by 2015.

Habitat hopes to impact the neighborhood and even inspire others to start fixing up buildings in the area. All of the home-owners have the keys to their new homes to move in before Christmas time. This was promised to them in the beginning. “[Habitat] is really for the people,” Croscy said. “They set out to do excellent things. I appreciate the organization and its volunteers and the service they have shown me. May it be shown back to them as well.”

A few years ago at North, some of the students from CSLP volunteered for Habitat. Although they weren’t allowed to do much manual labor, and the experience was more for observing, they really got something out of it.

“They learned that there are needy people out there,” sponsor Kellie Hausner said. “It’s good to give back to the community.”

ou probably don’t know about the Invisible Children.

It’s time to change that.

For over 20 years, Uganda has been engaged in a war that many feel will never end. A rebel group called the Lord’s Resistance Army - led by a man named Joseph Kony - travels the country, wreaking havoc and abducting children.

These are the Invisible Children. These children are ripped from their families, forced to serve as “soldiers” in the LRA; and by threat of death, they must perform heinous acts many of us could only attempt to imagine.

They are only children.

I am nearing adulthood and the very thought of such things is hard for me to bear. And while there is no possible way for me to ever fully comprehend the situation, I have found that is something I can do to help. There is something we can all do.

Abduct ourselves.

On Saturday, April 25, thousands of people from all over the globe will unite.

The Invisible Children foundation will host “The Rescue of Joseph Kony’s Child Soldiers” in nine countries and 100 cities world-wide, asking all participants to abduct themselves. Symbolically, of course.

The foundation, in league with several other organizations, is working towards an international effort to apprehend Kony and free the children from his oppressive rule.

The event will involve a 1-3 mile singlefile march to a designated LRA “Camp” where “rescue” will be awaited. While at the camps, all participants will work on art and photo projects in an attempt to gain media attention and raise awareness to the cause.

They will then stay the night at the campsite, abandoning all comforts of home.

As for myself, I signed up three weeks ago. Will you sign up? Will you abduct yourself? Will you save the children?

On April 26 check out FHNtoday.com for our exclusive web coverage of the Invisible Children rally that takes place on April 25.

www.FHNtoday.com

09

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St

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tim photography torey corder

Taking another step towards a stronger, injury-free you While shoes may be a fashion statement, a fitness plan requires quality support rachel hunt

S

tepping through the door frame of Fleet Feet, one can only admire the shelf after shelf of shoes covering the back wall. Employees stand, always awaiting their next foot to fit. Tennis shoes of different colors, sizes, and types sit scattered.

Although shoes to some may just be a fashion statement, to Fleet Feet, as well as many other athletic stores, the shoe is one of the most important aspects to an improved fitness plan. “[The employees at Fleet Feet] tell me the way that I run,” junior track and cross country runner Dianna Prost said. “If you run a certain way or have a certain style like leaning your foot to the inside when you run, they fit you to your foot’s needs.”

Because every foot is different and every-

12 www.FHNtoday.com 10

one exercises differently, shoes are also different as well. Each shoe is designed specifically for someone, or something. A cross country runner will need a distance shoe. A hiker will need a hiking shoe. A walking mom will need a walking shoe. Simple as that.

“I’ve gone through so many pairs of shoes with how much I run,” junior track and cross country runner Kelsey Roberts said. “I remember when I walked into the store to get my first pair of running shoes. I was lost. I had no idea where to start with all the varieties of tennis shoes, but [the employees] helped a lot.”

Along with concern for the right shoe fit comes concern for arch support, traction, etc. As a runner or walker, one puts physical strain on the body continuously. To decrease this constant pressure put onto the knees and ankles, the “perfect” shoe should support the foot and reduce injury.

“Coming from personal experience, I

know the significance of support in a shoe,” Foot Locker sales associate, junior Greg Felock said. “Without the proper fitting and support, the plantar fascia stretches and eventually pulls apart the growth plate.”

From an Olympic track star to a stayat-home aerobics mom, the shoe is one of the first things necessary for healthy success.

“Everything from the foot to the back can be affected by the shoe that you choose,” Felock said. “And any pressure put onto the knees or back will then affect the rest of the body. It’s just a big cycle that leads one thing to the next. It’ll just be simpler for everyone if you ask for advice from someone who knows what they’re talking about. Don’t just jump into picking a shoe.

The shoe is the base for everything else.”

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North Star

Playing

with a different kind of doll Junior Jennifer Helton shows the puppet collection at her church. She and her puppet team at church have performed at many events and competitions.

The team has even gone out of the country to the Ukraine to do shows. (fareeha amir)

Junior expresses herself through love of puppeteering barbara jean palmer

B

ack stage junior Jennifer Helton gets her puppet ready for the plays that could make a huge impact on someone’s life. A play that could bring someone to God's love. Her name is announced to come on stage, and her adrenaline is pumping because she is excited to perform her passion in front of the audience.

Jennifer has come to express herself through her love for puppeteering. She has a natural talent for making a puppet come to life and has been involved in the puppeteering program at Harvester Christian Church for almost eight years, joining with her dad.

She performs at many different events such as competitions, hospitals, charity events, festivals, for children in the church. Puppeteering has become a hobby for her and her family. She has different preferences when it comes to performing her shows.

"It depends on the audience because I like seeing the kids get excited and clapping," Jennifer said.

It's not only Jennifer that is a part of the program, but so is her dad, Steve, and her step-mom, Lori. The ministry they are involved in tries to page design chelsea kaufman

spread the gospel to children all over the world.

Jennifer and her step mom Lori even had the chance to travel to the Ukraine and get God's word out to people who don't get the chance to hear it.

"It's a good thing for them to be used in a ministry together," director of the puppeteering program, John Bell, said. "That's hard to find nowadays."

Their church group has around 12 people who participate and practice once a month. When they have a trip coming up, they like to fit in practices a couple hours a week so they are prepared.

"She has the natural ability to take a puppet and make it as real as she can," father Steve Helton said. "She can show expressions, sad and happy.

She also gets out in front and leads the kids in songs and dances and enjoys it thoroughly."

Not only does Jennifer attend different events with her church's program, but she also attends competitions. At one particular competition Jennifer attended, there was 800 puppeteers from all over the world and she won 2nd place. It was a lip sync contest where they had never heard the music before and they had to move their puppets mouth and do the expressions of the puppet all on the spot.

"[My favorite show was] a skit called the devil sermon where he coughs and preaches, you can really see a lot of emotion," step-mom Lori Helton said.

Jennifer is also involved with the drama program at school. She has a lot to keep on her mind when performing. From getting her entrances, the puppet's mouth movement, and much more down pat before she goes out on the stage. One show that many people have seen Jennifer perform in is "Little Shop of Horrors" at FHN where she was inside moving the crazy eating plant.

"Little shop of horrors was my favorite because Ms. Carron ordered special puppets I had never used before," Jennifer said. "They were a lot different and it was fun eating people."

Puppeteering is a natural talent that Jennifer has come to love and work hard at. She is able to express herself through her talent and all of the qualities Jennifer has contribute to her church's team.

"She's a great asset to the team," Bell said.

"And she has a great personality. When I got to see her in the Ukraine with the language barrier and still give them hugs it was great. She's just a real sweet heart."

www.FHNtoday.com

13

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STLMODEL

HILARY SHANKS photo submitted

A FRESH NEW FACE TO STL. THIS 19-YEAR-OLD IS WALKING THE RUNWAY IN STYLE. THE NORTH STAR GOES BEYOND THE SURFACE AND GETS AN INDEPTH INTERVIEW WITH WHO HILARY SHANKS REALLY IS.

wanna become a model?

HERE’S HOW! Get discovered by some of the agencies in the St. Louis area!

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Stay in shape. Be sure to exercise and eat healthy.

Be comfortable with photographers and be sure to find a good one to take amazing photos of you.

Become comfortable with your body. If your going to become a model you need to feel confident in your own skin.

Develop a good portfolio.

Gather together all your photo shoots and a resume to put inside.

Find casting calls in your area and get in touch with modeling agencies in your area such as mother model management or centro models.

Know your famous models and famous designers, if you care enough, you’ll do the research.

GET STARTED! Saturday April 18, 1-3 pm @ The Meadows at Lake St. Louis, Clocktower Plza.

Mother Model Management is holding a open model casting call and is looking for: FEMALES AGE 13-23, 5’8” AND OVER MALES AGE 16-23, 6’ AND OVER No makeup, Simple hair and Clothing

page design cami wade

Q&A Name: Hilary Shanks Age:19 Hobbies: Skateboarding, going to shows and listening to music, photography, modeling and sewing.

bmitted

photo su

Cami Wade: How did you get into modeling?

Hilary Shanks: I made a profile on Models.com just for fun not even thinking that anything would actually happen, the next thing I knew I got a call from a scout for Mother Model Management and they’re my agent now.

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CW: Did you have to change your diet or be on a certain workout plan once you became a model?

HS: Nope, I just try running an hour a day. I have always been naturally skinny, plus I’ve skated since I was 12 so that has kept me in shape.

CW: You just recently moved to St. Louis, how do you like it?

HS: I like it a lot, it’s a lot bigger than where I used to live in Springfield. I’ve only been here for a month and a half so I’m still trying to find a job, I worked at a skate park for 4 years in Springfield before I moved.

I’ve already applied at like four different places since I’ve been here. ( The City Museum, Cheesecake Factory and A Typist) CW: How long have you skated and what’s your favorite trick?

HS: I started skating when I was 12, so around six years. My favorite trick has to be either a 50-50 or a kick flip.

CW: Favorite designer?

HS:Betsy Johnson CW:Favorite famous model?

HS: Lily Donaldson CW: How does your parents feel about you being a model and having to move away from home?

HS: They love it. My mom was pretty upset when I was leaving, but they love that I’m a model. Last week was Saint Louis Fashion Week and she came up for one of my runway shows and she started crying. She misses me. runway photography by cami wade

www.FHNtoday.com

15

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Check out FHNtoday.com and watch the podcast minisode on Friday, April 17.

Minisode

Minisode

The secrets behind

The Red Door Boutique on Main Street offers popular gifts by

lauren skinner

M

ost girls can say they love shoes, jewelry, and purses. Most girls can say that having a lot of these items is like having their own piece of heaven.

Most girls can say that when they find one of these items on sale, they feel as though they have found a little slice of paradise. That was exactly what Carol Rabon was thinking when she decided to open her store, “The Red Door,” located on Main Street. Her store specializes in designer hand bags.

“When walking into the store, I automatically was in an awe of it and all the amazing things the little shop had,” junior Alyssa Rickerman said.

Rabon not only has a passion for hand bags, but she also has a passion for people. This is one reason why her shop worked so well for herself and her mother.

“In order to own your own store, you really have to be a people-person,” Rabon said. “But even more so, you have to have passion and a reason for your business.”

One of Rabon’s goals is to bring happiness to her customers. Whether that means helping find a new hand bag or just being a nice, friendly person, she loves to see her customers leave with a smile. If she was the one who helped them find a treasure, then all the stress of owning her own store is worth it.

page design luke christisen

“When we opened The Red Door we never would have thought it would end with us expanding and opening another store,” Rabon said.

A little over two years ago, “The Red Door” started as a mother and daughter looking to spend more time together while doing something they both loved. It has been a booming success ever since. They never guessed it would lead to another store, “The Room,” soon-to-be located in Winghaven. This will be a store like “The Red Door” but on a smaller scale. It will have the same quality of merchandise at a reasonable price.

“I am really excited about the new store opening, “ Rabon said. “ I know it will be a challenge but ‘The Red Door’ has been such a success. I am determined to make this new boutique the same.”

This store has a unique feel to it that no other store has: a sense of belonging which is what every “purse-aholic” wants to find. It is full of people who are passionate about what they do.

“I absolutely love cute purses, so when I found this store I was ecstatic,” junior Tracy Teson said. “It’s literally what every girl wants in her closet.”

www.FHNtoday.com

17

just watch me

find the right track Join Us on Campus Saturday, April 18 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Chicago Campus - 430 S. Michigan Ave. For more information: 1-877-APPLY RU www.roosevelt.edu/visitdays applyRU@roosevelt.edu

Spend a day on our downtown Chicago campus and learn about the Roosevelt community including information about admission, student housing, and financial aid!

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Games include NASCAR & Guitar Hero, and you can get a band together for Rock Band If you want to get a band of friends together and play, just call your teen services representative at your local branch and set up a date and a time.

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l a e IdREALITY

Her head would be three times the size of a normal human head

Barbie dolls have been idolized and envied by people, young and old, for half a century. But when put to the test, Barbie’s “perfect” proportions would leave any real girl looking mutilated and unnatural.

Her bust would be 42D

julia gabbert

B Her waist would be just 18”

If Barbie were a real girl, she would be 125 lbs. and 7’2” tall

Her hips would be 24”

Her feet would be a size three in children. She would be forced to crawl to support her top-heavy frame.

arbie and Ken have been the ideal American couple for 50 years strong.

Together, they have the ideal life.

Perfect bodies, perfect families, perfect lifestyles. From an early age, children learn to idolize this vision and want it for themselves.

But this is real life. We don’t always get the perfect body. We don’t always get the best grades. We don’t always get enough sleep.

In this issue, the North Star takes an in-depth look into the lives of people that sacrifice their bodies on a daily basis and the people that have sacrificed their lives to help.

Many students here at North have a heavy load to carry, juggling school work with jobs, family, and friends.

Some even go to the extreme of sacrificing sleep.

In a fast-paced world of glitz and glamor, people are beginning to change their views of beauty. From stick-thin to realistic, the modeling industry and media are learning to accept people of a more healthy weight.

All around America, even here at North, athletes are relying on performance enhancing drugs, or steroids, in order to make themselves the best at their sport.

And finally, you’ll meet two doctors in the local community that dedicate their lives to helping people cope with and overcome their struggles with eating disorders.

High school students make sacrifices everyday. But your body is something that should never be sacrificed.

Every boy would have bright blue eyes

His neck would be about 24” in circumference

He would have to grow 11” in his chest (That’s a size 3XL)

If Ken were a real boy, he would have to grow about 20”, to 7’8”

photography by cami wade information from: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/

20 www.FHNtoday.com

information from: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/

page design julia gabbert

Accepting Yourself

“

Beauty is only one aspect of life to appreciate and participate in; not the most important.

It’s just one of many.

photography by cami wade

”

Society, media changing their views of the word “beauty” vicki viehman

I

magine two girls walking down the street; one has her head down, looking at her shoes as she trudges along, biting her fingernails, hiding behind her hair. The other is walking with her head held high, greeting the people she passes. She looks cheerful and happy. Now imagine that these two girls are dressed exactly the same. They have the same color hair, the same features, and the same body. Although both girls look the same, the one who is comfortable with herself is the one that is thought of as prettier. Sometimes girls, and even guys, put themselves down because they believe they are not beautiful. However, there is no specific standard of what “beauty” is.

“There are beautiful women of all shapes,” Editor-in-Chief and co-creator of ALIVE magazine, Attilio D’Agostino said.

“Something girls may perceive as a flaw in themselves may be unnoticeable to someone else or might be the unique thing that makes them beautiful.”

With all the different and unique types of men and women in the world, “beauty” is in the eye of the beholder. In the media, there may seem to be a certain type of body that everyone should have in order to be considered beautiful. However, people are starting to speak out against this unrealistic idea that people should have to look like everyone else to be considered pretty. Some magazines and celebrities are embracing a more natural look; one that more people can relate to. America is starting to become more accepting of different types of bodies and looks. Tyra Banks has spoken up about Jessica Simpson’s weight issue. Some companies have even started using “plussized” models to better-appeal to the general public.

“I think its good that people like Tyra Banks have spoken up,” co-creator of Mother Model Management, Mary Clarke said. “There will need to be more people of influence that say that [body-image issues are] ridiculous. Tyra has been very vocal with everything that happened with Jessica and we need more people to step up to the plate, too. I think it will have an impact on teenage girls and younger girls and it is the media’s and celebrities’ responsibility to get loud.”

Although more and more people are starting to accept themselves as they are, there are still some out there that feel they need to resort to extreme measures to fit the standard of beauty they believe they need to achieve. Some may use steroids or performance enhancers to get the look they want, while some turn to anorexia or bulimia. These people may feel like they need to look a certain way so they can be admired, but to some, one of the most admirable qualities in a person is confidence. Most people who use these methods to look “beautiful,” later suffer from low self-esteem.

“I think that it is better to feel good than to look good,” sophomore Olivia Ong said. “People know when you feel good, not just look good. Just because you look good, doesn’t page design julia gabbert

necessarily mean you’re happy.”

It is easy to blame this confidence depletion on the way celebrities and models are represented in the media, but it is ultimately the people themselves who need to find the comfort in their own bodies so they can show the world how they really look, instead of how they think they should look.

“Pressure on young people to look a certain way can lead to or cause [anorexia or bulimia], but the way to solve it is not by taking away the pressure or images; it’s more on the other side,” D’Agostino said. “We have to present other sides and other options. A well-rounded person knows there is more to life than that. Beauty is only one aspect of life to appreciate and participate in; not the most important. It’s just one of many.”

In the world right now, solving body-images issue may be easier said then done. There will always be those who believe they have to be a size two and have perfect features to be considered pretty, but there are more people who are starting to realize that the way they look and their individuality is what true beauty really is.

On the week of March 18, Saint Louis Fashion “I believe that people can change things and you can week models walked the Lumiere Place runway. change people’s perceptions,” Clarke said. “I have done a lot ALIVE Magazine held the event. (cami wade) of interviews and it’s something a lot of people try to put out For more information about Mother Model there more, but like with everything, things take time, and Management, head over to http://mothermodelmanagement.com changing the way people think will take time. The more noise the better.”

www.FHNtoday.com

21

Up Bulking In an effort to keep up with the competition, athletes turn to illegal steroids for strength jordyn klackner

T

he fastest. The strongest. The best.

Some sacrifice their body to look better by starving themselves or forcing food down just to throw it back up. Anorexia and bulimia are two of the most known conditions people recognize and refer to. Some people sacrifice their bodies not because of the models on TV or stars on the red carpet, but because of athletes like Barry Bonds and Shawne Merriman.

“It is a problem,” junior football receiver and track sprinter Reed Lunsford said. “All the teenagers think they will be able to play harder and do things better than before. It’s going to hurt them in the long run, but they just keep taking them.”

It’s an athlete’s form of sacrifice. Steroids. Not every athlete uses them, and certainly not all young athletes, but as time passes it’s becoming more important for some athletes to be the best instead of just their best. Steroids are illegal, but that doesn’t always stop the substance abuse.

“Steroids are one of the main reasons we do drug testing at our school,” athletic trainer Joe Bommarito said. “It mainly acts as a deterrent. They are illegal and if kids know there is going to be a random test they are less likely to even start using them. They’re starting them to add to that competitive edge, but they are an illegal drug. They are illegal in every form and the negative effects it gives to your body are far greater than the rewards you can get.”

In the past few years, many schools have resorted to drug testing.

These tests don’t only show evidence of who is using illegal drugs such as marijuana or cocaine, but they also show evidence of steroid use — just one of the reasons all athletes at North have to be eligible for random drug testing.

“I think steroids could become a problem in our athletics if they don’t watch and constantly drug test kids,” senior wrestler Valery Casetta said.

“I even think they should drug test more often so they know what’s going on.”

Common forms of steroids, like the ones that show up on these tests can be injected intramuscular, taken orally, or rubbed on the skin using gels or creams. These can also be used in may different ways. Steroids can be taken by cycling: taking a number of certain steroids for a period of time, stopping for a period then starting again. Another way they can be taken is by stacking, which is using more than one steroid with the hope of a bigger outcome. They can also be taken by pyramiding, by gradually increasing the amount and frequency of substance abuse. There are other forms of steroids, but no matter what way a person uses it, the consequences are equally threatening to the body.

“It hurts your body,” junior outfielder Patrick Donnelly. “It makes it way easier for you to get injuries, tear ligaments, and break bones. I think high school athletes just keep using them because they’re not thinking and they don’t care. If they get caught with them playing sports they can get kicked off the team or suspended or expelled from school.”

Some have to learn the consequences the hard way when they sacrifice their body with steroids. Sometimes it’s not the effect they can

22 www.FHNtoday.com

have on the body that makes the most difference, but the effect on the person themselves. About seven years ago, teens watched as baseball legend Barry Bond’s alleged steroid use went public. It was a never ending scandal, and according to Sports Illustrated, Bonds used the drug in every possible way it can be used. In 2001, he broke Mark McGwire’s single season home run record and in 2006, McGwire also was also surrounded by much speculation for using illegal performance enhancing drugs. Bonds passed Hank Aaron to become the all-time home run king. He got what he wanted. But when the world found out how, he became less and less of an idol in his fans’ eyes.

“I think that watching what pros do can have positive and negative effects,” junior distance runner Dianna Prost said. “They either watch their stories and think, ‘man, that’s what I need to do to break records.’ Or, they watch pro athletes use steroids and realize that it can ruin their careers and their lives and it’s stupid. So, really it can affect the student body in different ways.”

So, maybe it is the image that matters to many high school students. The boys take steroids to be better athletes and the girls starve themselves to be skinny, right? Wrong. Steroid use is tied to muscle enhancement. While gaining muscle mass is tied to the reason guys use steroids, some forget that girls are athletes too.

“I would think girls would want to take them for the same reason guys would, to be the best,” Prost said. “Everyone wants to be the best. If they know they can be better, then I guess they think why not just shoot up? But it’s bad. I really don’t think girls use them as much as guys, but they do use them.”

Males and females alike make huge health sacrifices to be the best. Steroids aren’t always the topic of every health class, but can cause just as much damage as any other drug.

Coaches are aware of the harm these drugs can cause and the majority highly discourage the use of them by their players. But sadly, sometimes it’s the pressure of the team that drives young athletes to steroids. Many are left questioning where they come from and why they aren’t caught?

“Drug testing is what stops a lot of teens. But, there are always ways around it,” Bommarito said. “The kids that aren’t using them are less likely to start with the testing, and for those who do use them the effects of stopping are even stronger and harder to deal with.”

Steroids add testosterone to the body, which is meant to increase muscle size. But, it destroys the liver and breaks down the kidneys gradually. When substance abuse is stopped, the estrogen levels that were increased as testosterone levels were increased, remain high as testosterone levels gradually fall back down. Because of this, males often acquire female characteristics and females lose much of their femininity when trying to halt substance abuse.

Not every young, star athlete uses steroids to get there, but it is becoming more and more of a growing trend. According to the National Institute of drug abuse, in recent years more than half a million eighth-tenth graders are using steroids.

The fastest. The strongest. The best. Is it worth the risk?

page design julia gabbert

q a

&

q: a:

q: a: q: a:

with Coach Matt Watson

interview by jordyn klackner

Are steroids a problem in teen athletes?

“I can’t say I know of any major problems in our school, but it can definitely be a problem in any athlete. It starts at the professional level then bleeds down to the collegiate and the high school levels.”

What do coaches do to warn athletes?

“We continually teach proper nutritional values as well as proper lifting techniques without using performance enhancing drugs. It’s important that they know what they are putting in their body.

What are warning signs for coaches?

“Excessive sweating is a warning.

Also, excessive weight lifting gains in a short amount of time. They’re often over aggressive. It’s actually harder to tell in teenagers, but acne is a warning sign for older athletes.”

q: a: q: a: q: a: q: a:

How do you think teen athletes are getting a hold of illegal steroids?

“They can pretty much get them in two ways. Either by coming in contact with someone at the collegiate level who is using the substance or from a club membership that is using them.”

What are the health consequences?

“Steroids can destroy athletes inner organs and can weaken their ligaments. It can also make their bones a lot more brittle. Mentally, It reduces tolerance so they have a strong temper.”

What are the consequences an athlete can pay?

“Any drug use violation for any athlete, including steroids will get a player suspended from the team”

What are suggestions you have for alternatives to steroids?

“We just encourage eating healthy and staying away from junk foods.

It’s good that they get a lot of protein, carbs, and vitamins in their body by just having a good diet.”

photography by cami wade

page design julia gabbert

www.FHNtoday.com

23

STEROIDS at SCHOOL The North Star surveyed several classes on their feelings about student steroid abuse.

YES - 33%

NO - 67%

Do you think steroid use is a problem at FHN?

YES - 29% NO - 71%

Do you personally know someone who had used steroids in this school?

NO - 97%

YES - 3%

Have you personally taken steroids?

Data gathered from poll of 300 students

24 www.FHNtoday.com

a students q with

&

Ten students discuss the effects of sleep deprivation.

1.

How does a lack of sleep affect your everyday life?

Catherine Burke (CB), 9 Brenton Harms (BH), 11 Thom Loeffler (TL), 11 AJ Blandina (AB), 12 Brandon Burich (BB), 9 Aaron Johnson (AJ), 10 Michael Opich (MO), 11 Lauren Arthur (LA), 12 Brett Lindsay (BL), 11 Sonal Desai (SD), 12

BB- It affects my entire week, because everyday I’m just kind of in a slump. Getting up in the morning is tough enough. It really affects my mood more than anything else, because you just don’t feel good in the morning.

LA- Basically for me, it’s definitely a mood thing. I’m not in a good mood when I don’t get a lot of sleep. It’s really hard to wake up in the morning.

BL- Lack of sleep basically just affects my concentration. My whole body feels dead when I don’t get enough sleep.

2.

What prevents you from sleeping enough at night?

CB- I’m just always so busy. I have play practice, church. I help with a youth group and kids cheerleading, plus homework.

TL- I got work, and then homework, and then church, and then music. When I get home I gotta eat, and by the time I get to sleep it’s already midnight.

MO- Mostly I drink too much soda at work, so that keeps me up.

SD- I’m just in a lot of clubs that keep me busy. I have a ton of homework and then my sleep schedule is just messed up, because I take naps after school and then I can’t fall asleep at night.

3.

What advice can you give to teens that don’t get sleep?

CB- Prioritize. Don’t get involved with too much stuff, because you get pushed behind and you can’t sleep.

AJ- In school, whenever it seems like it doesn’t matter, sleep.

Just take a nap. Just put your head down and sleep. Go to bed earlier.

MO- If I’m tired, and I can’t go to sleep, I just eat a snack before I go to bed. It helps. It calms me down. It makes me feel good inside.

LA- Eating healthier will help you regulate your sleep, and just go to bed on time. Have a bedtime every night. Go to bed at the same time, and wake up at the same time.

SD- Learn to manage your time better, because sleep is just as important as everything else.

4.

How important is it to get a sufficient amount of sleep for high school teens?

AJ- Sleep is essential to life. If you don’t have sleep, you can’t do anything in life.

SD- I think it’s really important, too, because when you sleep that’s when your brain kind of recharges, so it helps you concentrate.

page design julia gabbert

Thousands of teens throughout the world lose sleep every night due to there busy lives. These teens are sacrificing more than just sleep, but their overall health. (cami wade)

Losing sleep, lacking much more

North students struggle to make up for lost sleep every day chelsea kaufman

T

he clock blinks 12:45 a.m. in neon red lighting, standing out in the black atmosphere. Textbooks and papers are piled high on a desk, homework sitting unfinished and waiting. The room is almost completely silent, but is suddenly broken by the light tapping of a keyboard. A light emits from a computer screen, disrupting the night’s peace.

The one responsible wiggles the mouse and runs it straight to the internet icon where they are taken away to another world.

It’s a Tuesday night, turned early morning.

The student is still doing research for a paper due the next day.

In today’s society, students have more on their plate than ever before. Unfortunately in a regular teenager’s day-to-day life, the constant juggling of work, school, extracurricular activities, homework, and friends and family leave kids with little time for one of the most important things: themselves.

“A lot of kids have a really hard time staying on top of things because they have so much going on,” FHN crisis counselor Debbie Mason said. “It’s hard to find that balance sometimes and sadly, some kids will end up sacrificing their health to even try.”

page design julia gabbert

One main issue facing students is their health.

Teens who have so much going on in their daily lives have been known to forget some basic necessities they need in order to function properly. The major contributors being diet and sleep habits.

“It’s no wonder kids look so tired in the morning,” Mason said. “They are up all night and don’t get as much sleep as they need because they are doing other things. But it’s not just homework. I think after all that, they end up staying up playing video games and [playing on] the computer.”

Students, such as junior Zack Short, know better than most about a lack of sleep due to their busy lives.

“I definitely think kids’ health is put in the backseat,” Short said. “When I stay up late, it drains my body. The next say at school I’m very unaware of things.

I’m just not attentive.”

Short is currently involved in clubs such as StuCo, mentoring, Mu Alpha Theta, class delegates, and NHS. He also plays soccer and baseball for North, and takes various honors classes.

“It’s all fun to do, but it does take its toll,” Short said.

Today, students are encouraged to take time for themselves to ensure they are not putting their health in danger.

“The best thing students can do is just relax and not forget they need to take care of themselves,” Mason said. “It’s just so important that they do.”

Got Sleep?

Typical Sleep Needs

Age Group

Sleep Requirements

Infants (<6 months)

About 16 hours

Babies (6 months-3 years)

10-14 hours (nighttime sleep and daytime naps)

Children: 3-6 years 6-9 years 9-12 years

10-12 hours About 10 hours About 9 hours

Teenagers

About 9 hours

Adults

7-8 hours

Older Adults

7-8 hours (lighter sleep, shorter time spans)

Pregnant Women

More sleep, more naps

information from: http://www.helpguide.org/

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25

Above: Ceramic flip-flops litter the walls of the Eating Disorder Recovery Center. Patients can choose to create a pair of flip-flops as a symbol of taking recovery one step at a time. Left: The plaque on the wall serves as an entrance for patients awaiting council for various eating disorders.

Middle left: Many pamphlets and health brochures scatter the table outside of counselor Michael Niehaus’ office. Bottom left: Words of encouragement serve as a reminder to keep hopes high for the patients of the Eating Disorder Recovery Center. (sarah semmel)

Fighting the problem

St. Louis-area doctors help treat men, women suffering from anorexia, bulimia middle of the room.

Although ABC has been in business for 10 years, it wasn’t until early this year that eating disorders were The light brown door is closed; she doesn’t want dealt with at this facility. Now the counselors treat all anyone to hear the conversation she’s having. In a forms of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, small office with nothing more than a computer desk, which is characterized by one’s unwillingness to eat and a book shelf and a few seats, Cara Cassidy sits in her generally involves extreme starvation, and bulimia nersmall swivel chair, speaking on the phone about her vosa, which involves binge eating, commonly followed future patient. She’s discussing possible treatment by self-induced vomiting. for a woman that weighs 98 pounds and is five-foot Through intensive group and individual therapy, five-inches, with a body mass index - a comparison of treatment by a psychiatrist, meetings with dietitians, a person’s weight and height and even yoga class - which - of 16.1.

“You see people with diet Cassidy, the director and pro“We don’t take anyone with a BMI below 16,” sodas, eating Lean Cuisines, gram and director at ABC, says helps focus on what the body is Cassidy says solemnly into trying to look like Jared from capable of, as opposed to what the phone, “so she’s right Subway, but nobody eats any- it can look like - the counselors there. She’s so sick.”

Cassidy works at more without trying to nourish and therapists of ABC hope to change the way their patients Alternative Behavioral Care their bodies. It’s becoming a view themselves and help them (ABC), one of the many achieve a healthy lifestyle. facilities created to provide societal illness”.

“You see people with diet care for those turning to eatsodas, eating Lean Cuisines, trying to look like Jared ing disorders to solve their under-lying body-image from Subway,” Cassidy says, “but nobody eats anymore issues. without trying to nourish their bodies. It’s becoming a Located just past the Spencer Road Library, besocietal illness.” fore the corner of Spencer and Mexico Roads. ABC On each of the eight doors in ABC, and on many is a treatment facility that provides care to individuals of the surrounding walls, hang white sheets of paper and families requiring mental health, substance with “Get on the ARC” printed underneath a picture of abuse, and behavioral assistance. Her office is located several gathered, drawn animals. “Get on the ARC” acts to the left of the secretary’s desk that lies in the tyler kirk

26 www.FHNtoday.com

page design julia gabbert

as a motto for ABC, meaning that if one person leaves a support group, everyone else is affected by their absence.

Many of the patients in the support groups find themselves there because of the ever-lasting role that the media and celebrities play in defining what healthy bodies and beautiful people should look like. “[The media] is one of the largest cultural influences; you know, ‘thin is in,’” Cassidy says. “You can be healthy at any size. There’s a misconception that you can only be healthy if you’re thin.”

While the media may be the cause for many eating disorders among impressionable teens, it plays no part in curing their mental and physical illnesses; that’s where Cassidy and ABC’s other counselors come in.

“There are many underlying health issues to be dealt with: depression, anxiety, sexual abuse,” she explains.

“It’s a lifetime commitment to stay on top of [the illness] and be aware that it could come back.” * * * Nearly 25 miles away from Spencer Road, rests a constantly-growing tree; a tree painted onto the corner of an office wall, appearing to grow small, ceramic flip-flops - 21 in all - painted with every combination of color and creation. These flip-flops symbolize the treatment approach that Deborah J. Kuehnel, the owner and director at the Eating Disorder Recovery Center in Richmond Heights, has created for her patients and colleagues: the recovery process for eating disorders must take place “one step at a time.”

Her facility offers extensive care to those suffering with all forms of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating and compulsive exercising.

For a little less than 30 years, Kuehnel has dedicated much of her career to contributing to the treatment of eating disorders, developing an eating disorder Web site that has aided millions, publishing an Eating Disorder Treatment Workbook, created an eating disorder prevention program for at-risk teen girls, and is a national speaker on the subject of eating disorders.

Among the counselors that Kuehnel works with at EDRC is Mike Niehaus, LPC. Niehaus’ experience lies with family therapy and dual-diagnosis, and says that the road to recovery generally takes years, and is generally a one-step-at-a-time recovery process.

Treatment for anorexia has to be food-wise (getting them to eat and see why they’re not eating) and has to include looking into their medical issues, Niehaus explains.

And as for bulimia, he says, the counselors have to ask the patients why they’re purging, look into their psychological issues, get them on a consistent diet, and treat their medical problems due to their purging.

“A lot of people don’t think they have a problem and have to be forced to come here,” Niehaus says.

“Some people are advanced in their eating disorder and are physically sick. [Recovery] takes a huge commitment from the patient. It’s not like cancer, where the doctor is in charge. The patient is in charge here.”

Among the medical issues that many long-term patients encounter include heart and stomach problems, low blood pressure, complications with the esophagus, and their blood chemistry can be off, Niehaus says.

“The long-term effects are going to be continual therapy, a possible personality disorder, and wasting an enormous amount of money on food medical bills and insurance.”

The counselors at EDRC dedicate their time to

page design julia gabbert

ensure that their patients no longer encounter these issues, and contribute endless physical and mental nourishment to those suffering from eating disorders.

Kuehnel created the Eating Disorder Recovery Center to help those affected by eating disorders, and to protect them from future complications. She and her staff intend to cure every patient - each one riding the elevator to the sixth floor, stepping through the cherry wood office door, and gazing at the small brown tree covered in miniature flip-flops - and insure that a brighter future lay ahead, if only they take the road to recovery one step at a time. * * * Whether the small, painted tree is still budding flip-flops, or not; whether everyone remains on the arc, or not; whether one step is being taken a time, or not, these counselors and therapists want their patients, as well as men and women thinking of turning to an eating disorder, to know that their health and well-being are their number one concern. Above all else, Cara Cassidy of Alternative Behavioral Care, as well as Deborah Kuehnel of the Eating Disorder Recovery Center, want everyone on the verge of an eating disorder to remember both the short-term and long-term effects that it has on the body and the mind.

These health care centers were created so that anyone with an eating disorder could seek help and, over time, cure themselves of the potentially-fatal sickness. “[Eating disorders] are never a good idea, and they’re very bad for your health,” Cassidy says.

“They’re one of the deadliest illnesses. Absolutely seek help and remember that you can be healthy at any size.”

Do weight x 703 The 2 Math height (in )

Your health, according to your Body Mass Index

>40

Obese Class III

>40

35.1-40

Obese Class II

35.1-40

30.1-35

Obese Class I

30.1-35

25.1-30

Overweight

25.1-30

18.6-25

Normal

18.6-25

16.6-18.5

Underweight

16.6-18.5

<16.5

Severly Underweight

<16.5

www.FHNtoday.com

27

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Skyler Hawkes, Eric Wiedemeier, and Lou Tzerov are three of many who have received the Eagle Scout Award. To be an Eagle Scout you have to earn 21 badges, twelve of which are Eagle. After that you still have to do an Eagle Scout Project. The whole process takes a lot of time and dedication. (kaitlyn fouch)

Boys earn Eagle Scout honor after proving their citizenship For a better part of their youth, three seniors have worked at being the best at their hobby mallory mueller

F

or most, the journey begins in grade school, but this is no ordinary journey; this is one of many triumphs in which everlasting friendships are built, basic life skills are learned, badges are earned, and the path to an Eagle Scout is traveled. This journey is one of a Boy Scout. Reaching the final destination is one of great accomplishment, but the road to get there is not your everyday walk through the park; it’s one that requires a lot of hard work, time, dedication, and an eagle project.

This project allows for each scout to act as the boss of a business. They have to do all of the planning, organizing of group of workers, and oversee all the work done. Several students here at North have stepped up to the challenge and completed this journey and now walk the halls as Eagle Scouts.

“I was a freshman when I got eagle, the winter of 2005,” Eagle Scout Skyler Hawkes said. “It takes hard work, dedication, and a lot of paper

work. It’s not hard but you have to be dedicated to it. You have to serve in the troop for six months after you reach previous rank, you have to receive 21 merit badges, and you have do an eagle project. That’s the one that everybody doesn’t do.”

Even though this journey is a lot of work, no scout goes through the experience alone. Each Boy Scout is part of troop, a so-called family, a family that is always there for you; to help you build fires, collect food, and build yourself as a person. But it’s not just tents and camps that are built, its great neverending friendship, not only with fellow scouts, but with the leaders as well.

“You make lasting friendships,” Eagle Scout Lou Tzerov said. “I started Boy Scouts when I was in first grade and I still keep in touch with them. And all the adult leaders have been really supportive and I still talk to them a lot.

They’re still supporting me.”

These friendships are built during the countless acts of community services that the troops do from helping out with churches to the national “scouting for food.” Boy scouts,

Becoming an Eagle “I liked the backpacking one because you get to be outdoors and go to different places.”- Matt Fountain, 12 “My favorite badge was the reptile and amphibian one because that is what I want to go in to.”- Justin Milewczik, 12

30 www.FHNtoday.com

however, is not simply a help the community organization; it’s an enjoyable experience for most. There are several camping trips that the troops partake in. With three major trips, scouts are given the opportunity to experience life changing events and the opportunity to expand themselves as people as well as their knowledge of survival skills while they travel the nation.

“There are several things scouts do. We do a bunch of stuff for churches, the community, the nation, the and world,” Eagle scout Eric Wiedemeier said. “And for trips, I have been on all three high levels which I don’t regret at all cause I have got to travel the nation.

One trip was ten days and nights camping in Philmont, New Mexico on a full hiking trip.”

Boy scouts is a life prep class. As a scout you learn leadership skills, ones that will be helpful for the scouts’ future. Its also highly looked upon by colleges and there are some scholarships that are given to students that participate in boy scouts. Senior R.J. Portilla can relate to this as he was chosen as Scout Youth of the Year and

To become an Eagle Scout, one of the things you are required to have are 21 badges. Below are some of the different badges and what they stand for.

Badges Orienteering know how to use a map and compass to find locations and plan a journey.

awarded a $12,000 plus scholarship to Lindenwood University. Not only is being a Eagle Scout valued by colleges, but it teaches you vital characteristics that can be applied to the real world.

“I learned that the main things they want you to learn are leadership, training, outdoorsy stuff, camping stuff, what to know if your stranded, common sense stuff,” Wiedemeier said. “You learn social skills too; there is a requirement where you have to make presentations and interact a lot with adults. Working with everyone builds personality and it builds character.”

Not only is it highly looked upon by those of the communities, but by the parents of the scouts as they are the ones who are able to see the process occur. They’re the ones who spend the countless amounts of hours driving them places, getting them ready for meetings, being an adult sponsor, and just being there for encouragement.

It’s not only a troop thing, but its an experience that the whole family of boy scouts gets to experience.

“Oh my god. I am so proud,” Colleen Wiedemeier said. “It is such an amazing accomplishment.”

Swimming know safety when swimming and how it contributes to health and fitness

American Labor use resources available to to learn about working people and work-related concerns.

Here are some of the current senior Eagle Scouts that attend North.

Lou Tzerov Tyler Bolte Skyler Hawkes Glenn Wooten Eric Wiedemeier Justin Milewczik

Matt Fountain Nick Adams Dan Sherman R.J. Portilla Kevin Arnold

page design brittany schulze

With passion, determination, girls hope for Gold Award Two juniors move up to achieve honor julia gabbert

D

aisy. Brownie. Junior.

Cadette.

Many people are familiar with the beginning levels of being a member of Girl Scouts, but few know about what comes later. It’s called the Girl Scout Gold Award, which is for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors.

“It’s like a minor equivalence of the Boy Scouts’ Eagle award,” junior Rukhaiya Amir said. “It’s the highest achievement for Girl Scouts.

But Girl Scouts don’t really get as much respect as Boy Scouts as they get older, because most people only know about us selling cookies.”

Becoming eligible for the Girl Scout Gold Award takes much more effort than just selling cookies, however. It is a rigorous process involving a special 65-hour community leadership project of the girls’ choosing.

“There’s a lot you have to do,” junior Amanda Best said. “You have to go to workshops that tell you all of the requirements, then you have to decide on what you want your project to focus on. You have to get your project approved by council members, take action, and then de-brief again with the council members. It’s really hard, it takes forever.”

Similar to the Eagle Scouts, achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award pays off for the girls later in life.

In addition to building character and personal development, the Girl Scout Gold Award is looked highly upon by colleges offering scholarships as well as employers.

Participation in Girl Scouts and the

TIPS Becoming a Gold Award member is hard work.

Here are seven steps to help achieve the award.

Q&A with two North girl scouts and a current Gold Award winner.

Girl Scout Gold Award process also helps people outside of the organization.

“I think it’s a good thing for girls to explore what’s important to them,” troop leader Michelle Heupel said. “These girls make a real impact on the community.”

After the process of volunteering and community service comes the final Reflections Ceremony.

There is a ceremony every summer, including girls from all over the region and their families. Girls receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award are required to complete their project by the summer after their high school graduation, but can also finish early.

“The Reflections Ceremony brings in around 1,000 people every year,” Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri program manager for Girl Scouts in grade 6-12 Michelle Johnson said. “It also honors the Girl Scout Silver Award, girls who have been in Girl Scouts for 10 years and also 13 years, and Girl Scouts graduating high school. It’s almost like a high school graduation ceremony, because families, volunteers, and board members all come.”

The Girl Scouts of the USA has been positively affecting girls across the country for almost a century.

Some feel like they will keep their experiences with them for life.

“I’ve got a lot of friends thanks to Girl Scouts,” Best said. “It’s made me more outgoing, more charitable, and more satisfied with my life.”

ORGANIZE

1.

Build a framework

Get organized so that you can carry out the other six steps.

“

Amanda Best and Rukhaiya Amir are both reaching for the Girl Scout Gold Award. This award is a huge undertaking. The girls have to do a 65 hour community leadership project to receive it. (kaitlyn fouch)

LEAD

2.

Earn the Girl Scout Gold Leadership Award

NETWORK

3.

Reach out and build your network.

Put the Girl Scout Law into action.

Why do you want to achieve the Gold Award?

It seemed like a really good opportunity. It is something you remember forever and you get recognized for helping the community.

-Ashley Boiles, 12

page design brittany schulze

EXPLORE

Earn the Girl Scout Gold Career Award

4.

Earn the Girl Scout Gold 4bs Challenge

5.

Create a project plan

Map out your Girl Scout Gold Award Project.

Develop your voice.

What is the hardest part when trying to achieve the Gold Award?

Just getting everything set up and getting people out to the event.

-Jessie Heupel, 11

” “

ACT

CREATE

”

REFLECT

6.

Do the Girl Scout Gold Award Project

Make a difference in your community on something you strongly care about.

7.

Reflect and evaluate

Realize how earning the Girl Scout Gold Award has changed you and impacted others.

What was your first reaction when you found out you had gotten the Gold Award?

I was really happy. I wasn’t sure if they were going to accept me.

-Jennifer Meyers, 10

“

”

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31

An Everlasting

Passion photos by Fareeha Amir

Junior Pamela Avila does ballet at her studio on Main Street.

She has been learning different forms of dance there for the past 11 years. “The best way to describe dancing for me is passion,” Avila said.

“My mom got me into it [ballet]. I had done gymnastics before and one day my mom asked if I would like to do ballet. I said ‘sure’,” Avila said.

Avila goes to dance class Monday through Thursday every week. At the beginning of her lesson each day her class does a half hour of stretching.

Ballet is not the only type of dance Avila knows. She has also learned point, accelerated ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop.

She plans to continue taking dance classes in college.

“My mom has been my biggest motivation. She comes to every recital and has really just been very encouraging about dance,” Avila said.

“I enjoy ballet because it makes you look very graceful and elegant. When you dance it is very calming,” Avila said.

Sophomore Jordan Summers runs to get 2nd place at the home track meet on Mar. 31. Jordan ran the 4x800 with sophomore Jon Kamp, freshman Mack Weaver, and sophomore Ben Hess. (jacqueline sage)

THEBRIEFS Volleyball team is set for tournament brittany schulze

On April 18 the Varsity boy’s volleyball team will take part in their first tournament held at Fort Zumwalt South. Some of the teams that will be competing at the tournament include Howell Central, CBC, Desmet, St. Mary, Fort Zumwalt West, Fort Zumwalt South, Francis Howell and Duchesne. With the tournament starting at 8 a.m., the boys will have a long day ahead of them as Prom is on the same night.

“It [Prom] won’t be a factor,” senior Luke Griesenauer said. “We will play just as well.”

At last year’s tournament, the Knights won their pool and defeated the number one team in the state; Desmet. However, when the team advanced to the playoffs they lost their first game. Now with Prom in the back of some of the players minds, the team hopes that they too will advance to the playoffs.

“I am excited,” senior captain Max Nagel said. “I am feeling another win over Desmet.”

With seven games played and four wins, the team has been practicing mostly on serving and passing in order to prepare themselves for the upcoming games.

Their next game is today against Oakville. “We’re a young team,” coach Ryan Von Feldt said. “We had a lot of people gone our first game including two starters.

They [the team] have a lot of ability. We did well at last years tournament, but hopefully we don’t choke in playoffs.”

Track team sprints to early success nicole renner

FHN track has been off to an exceptionally good season so far this year. With high placings, spirits as well as motivations are up for both the coaches and athletes alike.

Such a positive start boosts the confidence levels for the upcoming Varsity boys and Varsity girls track meet on April 16 and 17 at Parkway Central.

“I expect Stephanie Agre to place in the Triple jump and Lauren Viehmann to clear 5 ft. in the high jump,” coach Bash said. “I’m sure the boy jumpers will also make a good showing.”

Previous competitions such as Friday Knight Relays have all served as future preparations for this big meet. The boys placed first in the 8x200 and Varsity girls placed second in the 4x1600. These great showings by the team

earned guys 1st place and the girls 2nd place in the entire meet. Overall, it proved to be a great learning experience for the team.

“We use the dual meets and medal meets as time trials,” Doc said. “Opposing teams do come but we mainly use the meets to see whose going to run JV and Varsity.”

Each level of sprints, distance, and shot-put teams train in their own individual ways. Although each event has their own style of training, one thing is for certain: each come to practice everyday to prepare for meets. This show of everyday commitment creates a feeling of unity and dedication among the team.

“They all have their individual work outs, but obviously if there’s a meet coming up, that determines the intensity of the practice,” Doc said.

“Practices have been really intense so I think the kids are ready for the season.”

Golfers endure a stroke of bad weather and have the team go to State,” junior Mike Taylor said.

The FHN boys golf team There are 11 people on the started their season with some team this year and they have high tricky conditions. The weather for hopes for future matches and their first few matches was wet, GAC’s. The team has won their first windy, and cold. The boys had two matches and are working hard to adjust to these difficulties and to keep their streak going. overcome challenges the rain and “Our second match was really wind provided. good,” senior Brandon Lewis said.

“They hung in and perse“Everybody shot around their aververed,” coach Les Hager said. “The age which is good if we try to make scores were decent despite the it to State.” conditions...”

With a limited number of The rain seems to be a consis- players on the team, the boys get tent problem for the golf team. Last to know each other pretty well. year, three matches were canceled They make sure to support each due to the weather, and they did other and push each other to do not get to have many practices. their best.

The team hopes that they can get “We’re going to have good in more playing time to work on camaraderie ,” Hager said. “They achieving their goals at the end of all get along well and cheer for each the year. other. That’s good with such an “My goal is to make it to State individual sport.” vicki viehman

34 www.FHNtoday.com

Sophomore Clint Toedtmann looks at his golf ball on March 30 at Mid Rivers Golf Links during a match against Washington High School, which resulted in a loss. The Knights’ boys team is 3-1 as of April 8th. (brandon walter)

page design pat flynn

Knights work on placement with high hopes

Junior Chris Palmer hits a forehand during tennis practice on March 27. Palmer plays third singles and this is his first year on the varsity team. (fareeha amir)

pat flynn

It takes four points to win a game, winning six games will win a set, two sets will win a match, and four matches will win a meet. Those are the bare minimum stats the Knight’s tennis team will need against the Fort Zumwalt West Jaguars Apr. 15.

“West has all their singles players back.” Head coach Brian Santos said. “Only two of them beat us last year and all of their doubles teams have graduated. We are hoping to capitalize on our improved singles and their doubles inexperience.”

The Knights are being led by their number one singles player, senior Kyle Richards, the only senior that has been with the team throughout his entire high school career.

“We are doing pretty well so far,” Richards said. “Our team has done a lot of work outs together and we are very close.

We just got to keep doing what we are do-

ing. West has a lot of their singles players coming back, that could make things difficult.”

With the basics down, the team has now set more personal goals.

“I’m working on my placement,” junior Chris Palmer said.

“Good placement will allow me to set up more points.”

All in all, the team will go into the match with high hopes and high expectations.

“The team has been working really hard,” Santos said. “I really just expect a good effort and good results, we pulled it off last year [against West]. We have a close team.”

Junior Cindy Lackey battles an Incarnate Ward striker during the Varsity soccer game on March 30. After a double overtime, the Lady Knights pulled through with a win in penalty kicks. (sarah semmel)

Girls soccer picks up where they left off ryan firle

The time had finally come to see if this year’s Lady Knights soccer team would start where they left off from last year’s State Quarterfinal team. The team did not leave any dispute in the answer to that question, seeing as they dominated the Bi-State Shootout at Sportport soccer complex March 23-27.

The Knights opened up against Cor Jesu, a team typically ranked in the top ten in the area, and won 4-1.

Their next opponent, Granite City, could not play with the Knights either and the ladies won with another convincing 4-1 score. This set them up in the championship game against Edwardsville where they came out with a dominant 3-0 win.

“We played very well,” senior captain Dani Langness said. “Our defense was very solid playing against three very good teams and our offense pulled through as well.”

One player on offense who “pulled through” was sepage design pat flynn

nior captain Morgan Boudreau, who scored four goals in the tournament and was elected to the All-Tournament team along with Langness and junior Cindy Lackey.

Although the Knights dominated the tournament, their next game would truly prove how good of a team they were as they would face off against powerhouse Incarnate Word, the 2008 State Champions.

The game was very back-and-forth, and at the end of regulation the score was tied 1-1. It eventually went into penalty kicks where the Knights won with a score of 4-3. “[Winning the game] was a major confidence booster,” Lackey said. “We wanted to beat them so bad.

They were very beat able and that was one of our main goals. The energy from the team was awesome and the fans were amazing which got us really hyped up.”

With a winning record and the confidence to succeed, the team is looking ahead to the big picture.

“We really want to win conference, peak at the end of the year, and make it past the Quarterfinals,” Head Coach Dan Hogan said.

WARNING: time is running out pat flynn

F

or myself and the class of 09, our high school careers are just about over. Looking back through the good and the bad at North, one thing in particular sticks out. Football. Without football I would have been a completely different person. Not only football, but sports in general are some of the greatest high school experiences to have.

You grow socially. There are countless people I see walking down the hall who are good friends of mine. If it weren’t for the fact that we were on the same team, I would have never even known them. In fact, one of my teammates is most likely rooming with me at Missouri State University.

You grow physically. If it weren’t for football I would have never even seen our weight room which is now one of my favorite places in our school. When not hitting the weights, I was out on the field conditioning and practicing to become a better player.

You grow mentally. Because of football I have matured greatly. I have learned to not only lead, but to follow as well.

Finally, in my opinion, there is no greater thrill than playing in front of screaming fans, especially when you know 90 percent of them. Sure professionals get to play in front of TV audiences and tens of thousands of people, but I get to play in front of people who are actually important to me. High schoolers actually play for the love of the game, not some new contract extension.

The point of this article isn’t to ramble on and on about my love for football. It’s to convince those who have never played a sport for North to try it. You have nothing to lose. Sure, the first time you try out you might get cut or not play much, but you simply have to keep trying, put effort into the offseason, and practice. You never know where a good effort can take you. You can go from sitting the bench one year to starting Varsity the next year.

So, I warn you: time is running out.

Four years sounds like a lot, but believe me, IT’S NOT! There are plenty of teams at our school who could use some help. You never know, you could be the one they need!

www.FHNtoday.com

35

Large squad seeks ‘best’ year rachel hunt

T

Freshman Braxton Martinez holds a baseball while standing on the North baseball fields. Martinez has proven his abilities on the field, making the Varsity team this year as a second baseman and utility player. (sarah semmel)

Martinez joins Varsity infield as freshman ryan firle

W

hen most kids try out for baseball their freshman year, making Varsity is only something they dream about. For freshman Braxton Martinez, this dream became reality as he indeed made the Varsity baseball team.

“I feel like I accomplished a lot just by making the Varsity team,” Martinez said. “Now I just hope I can contribute and do whatever it takes to help the team win.”

His “hope” has come true as he has taken his opportunities he’s earned and made the best out of them.

He has a .357 batting average, is tied for the second most doubles on the team with three, and has six RBIs. “Braxton is one of those unique players that you can put at any position and expect him to make the plays,” junior Zack Short said. “He is an intelligent hitter and has a keen eye for the ball.”

Perhaps what makes Martinez’s story even more of an accomplishment is that he made the team during a

Pro Pick Ems ADMIN: Mike Janes

year in which the team is “stacked.” The team is off to a fast start with a 7-2 record, beat DeSmet, a top-10 team in the area, and beat rival Zumwalt South, a team that was undefeated when the Knights played them.

“Our team’s expectations are very high,” Short said. “We go out everyday and expect to make the other teams look bad and we expect to dominate.”

With these high expectations, the team has goals of winning districts, sectionals, and eventually making it to State. And with the leader of their high-octane offense, junior Robby Friedlein, playing so well, these goals are very realistic. He ranks at the top of nearly all major hitting categories: the highest batting average, the highest slugging percentage, and the most RBIs in the entire area. With many skilled leaders on the team constantly by his side, Martinez will have more than enough time to become a leader himself as well.

“I think Martinez is a good kid and ball player,” Varsity head coach Dunahue said. “He just needs to be patient; he will have many opportunities to impress and I think he will make the most out of them.”

hey line the track for every football and soccer game, standing at attention, awaiting a team victory. They dress to impress, always in uniform, in and out of school. They have cheers projecting to the top corners of our bleachers.

Go. Go. Go. Go Knights!

To start the new and returning members’ spring breaks, Varsity cheerleading tryouts were held for the 2009-10 school year from March 9-12. Clinics were organized in the gym for the first three days, where the girls were taught a two-minute routine and various popular cheers.

Individual tryouts were on Thursday, where each person was evaluated on their performances with the clinic routine and several chants.

“The competition was so stiff this year for tryouts,” Varsity head coach T’Neisha Harris said. “There was just such a big number of girls and so few spots open.”

With 24 total new members on the 2009-10 team, three of these members are incoming freshmen and four are moving up from the JV squad.

With these new members comes new obstacles for the team as a whole, positively and negatively.

Fight. Fight. Fight. Fight Knights! “[New members] give our team variety,” junior Kayla Lanier said. “They may not know some things that we will have to teach them but they can also bring new ideas, new abilities, and new attitudes.”

As practices slowly begin throughout the month of April, all 24 girls must learn their own definition of being a team, especially after adding seven new members.

“We need to not give up on each other when we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” incoming senior Brooke Johnson said.

Win. Win. Win. Win Knights!

“I can already tell how this group of girls is interacting so well with one another,” Harris said. “This year will be a good year, one of the best.”

Go. Fight. Win! Go Knights!

Each month a random student, staffer, and administrator will go up against the North Star team and choose their professional pick of the month. At the end of the year, the team with the best record will be named the Pro Pick Em champion.

NBA: Detroit Pistons @ Miami Heat, tonight

MLB: St. Louis Cards @ Chicago Cubs, April 16

ARENA: Wichita Wild @ RiverCity Rage, April 18

NFL: First Overall Pick, April 25

12-8 WR, Michael Crabtree

STAFF: Timothy Besse 14-6 QB, Matthew Stafford

SENIOR: Alison Cooke 14-6 DE/LB, Brian Orakpo

North Star Staff

14-6 OT, Jason Smith

36 www.FHNtoday.com

page design tyler kirk

Unforgettable Past

Unexpected Future

Knightline starts next season with new dancers, new coach david hoehn

Principal Ed Gettemeier stands next to pictures taken in his days as a pro.

Gettemeier was a goalkeeper, playing in Montreal, Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City. Next year, he’ll be moving on to Hardin Middle School to be head principal. (sarah semmel)

After reliving past on the fields, supervising soccer games, Gettemeier looks forward to becoming a head principal in 2010 logan ponche

March 30, 2009, FHN High School Assistant principal Ed Gettemeier arrived at the North soccer field 20 minutes into the Lady Knights JV game.

The girls were playing against Incarnate Word in their first match-up at home; the score was 0-0. As he entered the press box, he greeted Mr. Kenny, then promptly sat down at the far side of the box. This would be a long night. After the JV game, he would have to stay for Varsity as he was the supervisor on duty. Odds were good that he wouldn’t get home until at least eight or nine that night. Despite this news, he appeared to be in a good mood, relaxed, almost even happy.

“I get paid to watch a soccer game,” Gettemeier said.

“How cool is that?”

Watching four hours of soccer doesn’t phase Gettemeier because this is where he feels comfortable: the pitch.

This is a place that he has spent more time in the last 30 years than almost anywhere else. This is a place that has taken him to other countries, introduced him to other cultures, and given him opportunities he thought he never had. This is a place that earned him his first pro-contract.

This is home.

1975 Manchester, Missouri Ed’s first home came at John F. Kennedy high school.

At the time, the school’s soccer team was in the Catholic Athletic Conference (currently the MCC) playing with the top private school teams in the area. When Ed came into try-outs as a freshman, there was only one team to make; Varsity. He didn’t make it.

“I did [try-out],” Gettemeier said. “I was cut my freshman year from Varsity. They’re was a B team they were forming so I decided to play for them. After a couple of weeks I was moved up to Varsity, and [after that] I started all four seasons.”

1979 SIUE, Illinois After playing at JFK and winning a National championship with his club team, Busch, Gettemeier was headed to across the river to play soccer for Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Once there, Ed redshirted as page design vicki viehman

a freshman, allowing him to play a fifth season after he graduated. Later on that season, the team went on to win the NCAA men’s division I national championship.

“We were a division II school that won the division I national championship,” Gettemeier said. “We were beating guys like Purdue and Clemson, and those were the big guys. I’m not positive but I think that’s unprecedented.”

1983 Montreal, Canada After Ed finished his record-setting career at SIUE - second in all-time saves, first in career shutouts- he entered the NASL (North American Soccer League) prodraft. He was drafted by the Montreal Manic - a mid-level team that played out of the Olympic Stadium in Quebec.

Ed played one season there before the team disbanded and his contract was sold to the Chicago Sting. There, Gettemeier won the soccer bowl and earned himself a third national title. After Chi-town, Ed moved to St. Louis to play and then eventually to Kansas City - the last stop in his competitive career.

April 15, 2009, FHN High School When Gettemeier looks back on his career, one thing sticks out to why as to why he was so successful: hard work.

“My whole thing was, if I’m honest, I was not gifted with supernatural athletic ability,” Gettemeier said.

“There were a lot of guys who I played next to who were like that, but nobody had a harder work-rate than me. I was a work-horse out there.”

Even today as a principal, Gettemeier brings the same intensity to his job.

“Absolutely I work as hard at my job, I work hard at everything that I do,” Gettemeier said. “If you asked my wife she would say I’m a work-aholic, [but] I feel like this is my opportunity to make a difference. I’ve been so blessed in my life, and this is my opportunity to give back.”

Making a difference will become an understatement for Ed next year as he will be the principal at Hardin Middle school in the St. Charles School District.

“It’s a huge loss, [but] he’s excited to have his own building,” Head principal Darlene Jones said. “ There were a lot of candidates for that position. I’m not surprised at all that he got it. He has a lot to offer.”

After four years as the Varsity Knightline head coach, FHN social studies teacher Heather Box is stepping down from the position.

“I spent so many years learning and helping other girls and I enjoyed watching them grow and push themselves,” Box said. “I will miss the girls and all the reasons why I coached.”

After being the assistant coach on Knightline last year, math teacher Kelly Pierce will now assume the role of head coach at FHN. She plans to bring her jazz-influenced background to the table and use it toward achieving several key goals.

“I want the girls to get along, have a positive year, and for everyone to enjoy each other,” Pierce said.

Despite the inevitable challenges associated with the installment of a new coach, the situation has a prevailing positive side.

“It might be a little rough at first,” junior Jodi Wurm said, “But she’ll have new ideas, different ways of teaching us, and new things to try.”

Roller hockey remains perfect logan ponche

Last week roller hockey won 9-0 against Fort Zumwalt North to improve their season record to 11-0. No surprise, no big deal. It’s been nearly a year since roller hockey last lost a game. The team even won State in that time and as of right now, show no signs of ending their winning streak.

“We’ve been playing pretty well so far,” head coach Eric Cantrell said. “We lost two main players from last year. They were seniors, so I thought that we would be too young. I thought we were going to struggle, but we’ve been fine.”

Last year at the end of the season, the team beat Parkway South in the quarterfinals, CBC in the semis and Francis Howell in the finals to win the State championship. Many think that the team’s defense was what got them through the tournament, and is one of the main reasons for their current undefeated season.

“Our goaltending is key,” Cantrell said, “We have two solid seniors back there for us. Playing defense first is key.”

While the team is solid in the rink, many players feel that the improvement lies with the fans in the bleachers, showing their support.

“It bothers me [that no one shows up],” senior Mark Kirksey said. “I mean there’s a lot of good teams at North, but nobody went as far as we did. Very few fans come out. It rubs me the wrong way.”

www.FHNtoday.com

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MEET THE TEAM PLAYER SPOTLIGHT, Ellen Ransom, 11

Years danced: 3 years

Kyle Morse, 11 “It’s fun. It’s always different and you always get better.”

Years played: 3 years

Mark Kirksey, 12 “It’s relaxing, it’s fun, and gets you away from everything. I’m good at it” Years played: 10 years

Jessica Streiler, 9 “I like getting to tumble and meeting new people and have fun.”

Years cheered: 1 year

Tennis Girls Track Golf Boys Basketball Cheerleading

“Dancing is my passion and all of the girls are really close, so we have a good time.”

Tyler Wagner, 11

Volleyball

Girls Basketball Cheerleading Boys Track KnightlineRoller Hockey

Knightline

You know them, you love them, and you support them, but you don’t always know who’s who. Each month the North Star will highlight an athlete from each team. We asked these players about their favorite part of their sport.

page design logan ponche

Soccer Bowling

Baseball

Years played: 11 years

Years played: 5 years

Lauren Viehmann, 11 “I like it because it’s just a fun way to exercise and compete on an individual level.”

Years played: 1 year

Kyle Richards, 12 “It’s a lot of fun. It’s a lot different than other sports. It’s just you or one other person.”

Years played: 4 years

Brian Rogan, 10 “I like volleyball because you really have to be a team and if one player gets down, then we have to bring them up again.”

Years swam: 1 year

Megan Frikovic,9

Chris Volpo, 10 “It’s a long game, but if you screw up in the beginning of the game, you can still fix your mistake.”

“I like golf because it gets you a chance to preform as an individual as well as a team.”

“I like soccer because it takes a whole team to win, not just one player.”

Years played: 12 years

www.FHNtoday.com

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A bittersweet goodbye chelsea kaufman

S

eniors, listen up.

With the end of the year right around the corner and summer vacation as the forefront of everyone’s mind, all I hear from my fellow graduates is how much they can’t wait to get out of here and never come back. How they are ready to start their life on their own, try new experiences, and meet new people.

But let’s stop for a minute and think about something else.

As I sit back and replay the past seven months in my mind (or four years for that matter), I can’t help but feel a sense of sadness as I get ready to leave high school and embark on my journey to college.

I realize that when I take my diploma and leave the stage, I’m leaving behind a tidal wave of memories and experiences that I sometimes wish I could re-live. I realize that I’ll be saying goodbye to some very good people I have had the privilege of meeting and becoming friends with during my school experience.

Sure, I’m thrilled that I’ll be starting college, but as graduation creeps closer every day, I’m coming to grips with a lot of realities.

For us seniors, now is the time to make the most of the everything. Take your own situation, for example. So you ended a friendship or relationship on bad terms? Try to fix it. Now isn’t the time to hold grudges or avoid the people who once mattered so much to you. Now is the time to make the most of your friendships and enjoy the time you have with the people around you.

Don’t burn your bridges. Get out what you need to say. Let them know how you feel (and that goes for everyone).

End your last year of high school on a high note. No regrets.

Junior Morgan Vetter voices her opinion on how pain affects her life for the better. “Pain is a process people need in life to thrive off the good times,” Vetter said. Pain is always with us and will never go away. (photo illustration by jacqueline sage)

Enduring pain allows joy to be recognized morgan vetter

P

ain- An unpleasant sensation occurring in varying degrees of severity as a consequence of injury, disease, or emotional disorder. This is the dictionary’s definition of pain, but what is pain in our own words? Why does pain exist? Why would we be on Earth if we have these bad feelings of hurt and disgust?

I believe that if you want to be satisfied with life, you have to have something that gives you pain. Humans need pain to live. It isn’t just falling off your bike and scratching your knees; it is the feeling you get when you fail a test, get into a fight with your best friend, or lose someone close to you. If everyone had everything the way they wanted, life would be perfect and everything would be boring. If everything was perfect, we wouldn’t have the excitement we

have when something amazing happens.

Humans feed off of pain. We need something negative in life to be able to have the positive things. Pain has to be controlled by the person feeling it, at least to a certain extent. It is just a feeling, you can’t let it control your daily life. You can’t let it bring you down at all. It’s a feeling that everyone gets. Sure, I have some things going on in life that aren’t so great, but I don’t let those problems get me down and I don’t let them get to my head. I just think of the positive times I have had or a time when I felt better.

Everyone experiences this feeling at least once in life, whether it is mentally, physically, or emotionally. So next time you feel pain, tell yourself that the feeling you have is a part of life, and for every moment of pain, there is a moment of bliss.

illustration

42 www.FHNtoday.com

jon henderson

page design allison sheffler

the

North Star Respect your body, you only have one. take:

A

s students we lead busy lives and there is no doubt about it.

Every weekday, we get up early in the morning in order to be at school and in the classroom ready to learn at 7:25, and are then stuck here until 2:20 in the afternoon. If you do a club or a sport, who knows how much later you are here. Want to make money of your own? Get a job - which takes up even more time. Once you finally get home, do you get to kick off your shoes, watch TV, surf the net, play a game, or read a book for fun? Chances of that are slim to none. You still have all that homework to do to keep up the straight As that you need in order to receive a scholarship to get into a good college so that you can get a better job, and so on and so forth.

We all know what stress is and everyone has it in different forms, even if we deny it. Having stress can cause anything from obesity and sleep disorders, to pain, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases. The cure to all of these stress-caused problems can be

so simple that most of the time we over look them and think that they are a waste of time. However cure to stress can be so small that we don’t even know we are doing it. It is called taking care of yourself, and doing the things that you like to do not because you have to do them, but because you want to do them.

Taking time for yourself is finding the time to do the things that you enjoy, like hanging out with friends and watching movies; that is the cure to stress. It also includes things like getting a full night’s sleep so that you function your best when you wake up and as the day goes on. Teenagers should receive about nine hours of sleep and this shouldn’t include sleeping through your first hour, or the catnaps you take through out the day. Eating three round meals a day and not skipping lunch to go to the library to do a rush job on that homework that you forgot to do and took everyone else three weeks to do. Opting for a piece of fruit instead of a candy bar when you crave something sweet, not only keeps you healthy but is good on the nerves and is a good choice to help you both physically and mentally.

Students that are overwhelmed by their busy lives are quickly sucked into the disaster known as stress. Having a good time and taking time out of your day may be the antidote. (sam fitzwalter)

It is as simple as that. Having a little fun and taking care of yourself can do you a world of good.

On behalf of the

North Star editorial staff

Acquiring knowledge may provide hope for acceptance tyler kirk

Senior Tyler Kirk expresses his thoughts on “derogatory” words and phrases. Kirk believes that people need to take the time to ask others what is right and wrong, instead of being lazy. (matt higgs)

D

tyler kirk

page design maggie jasper

umb: a term once used to describe someone that would not or was incapable of speaking.

Over time, this word’s use has become minute, growing more and more uncommon as the years go on. And what’s seen as acceptable in the English language changes on a yearly basis, and the unwritten rules of political correctness are rewritten.

With the ever-changing rules come changes in cultural acceptability. Every group can be defined - black, white, Asian, Hispanic, deaf, blind, mute, physically handicapped, mentally retarded - and every group can easily be offended by words that were at one point believed to be acceptable, and in some cases may still be seen as acceptable.

There is a great majority of students and teenagers that believe many of these words are still considered usable, when in fact they are sometimes highly offensive. But there are also many people that are simply ignorant to the fact that some phrases are offensive and derogatory.

Recently, I met Jessica Willoughby, the student director for the spring play, “Crimes of the Heart.”

Jessica is deaf.

She’s not mute or dumb. She’s not challenged or disabled. She has no conditions or ailments.

She’s simply deaf. And to those who are hard of hearing, that is exactly how they prefer to be addressed: deaf.

In many cases, people assume that the terms they use and the labels they put on certain people are correct; however, these terms are more often than not offensive to those they’re directed at. All it takes to right this wrong is a brief education in what is now acceptable in a constantly-changing society.

You may at times find yourself questioning whether or not a term is derogatory, and all you have to do to receive an answer is ask. People would rather have you know the right things to say than have you dig yourself a hole because you didn’t take the time to ask.

Speak up; ask questions. Open your eyes; pay attention. Clean out your ears; listen closely.

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Solo at prom

jordyn klackner

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ou’re dateless. You wear no corsage on prom night. Your prince charming wasn’t waiting at the end of the stairs to see how beautiful you look. You may think your perfect night isn’t so perfect after all, but it’s possible to have your “happily ever after night” without a knight in shining armor.

Going single to prom doesn’t have to be a bad thing. For the last month, fairy tale stories of how guys asked their girls have been floating through the hallways, and couples have been discussing how to coordinate their colors because that is the most important thing. Couples have their memorable night laid out on a silver platter, but even some without a date scramble desperately just so they don’t have to be alone on prom night.

Honestly, going solo to prom can be more fun than most think.

Just because you don’t have someone latched to your arm as you walk into the Embassy ballroom does not make you any less of a person or unable to have fun. Have some confidence and stand up for yourself.

I think there are even positives to going single. There is the freedom to dance with whoever you want and sit with whoever you want without having to worry about another person. And, you always have your

Senior Jordyn Klackner express the ups and downs of going to prom dateless. (stephanie graflage)

It can still be a night to rememfriends. It’s almost inevitable that ber without a date, so don’t settle for you will not be the only one alone in someone you won’t have fun with. a group, and sometimes it’s more fun Couples, you will look great and just sticking with your friends. have just as much fun.

The downfall for girls are that no I’ll be going solo and I have no one buys your ticket or the dinner, doubt it will be a perfect night. My but there will be many more dates in prince will come someday. the future to wait for.

Hey good lookin’ Ryan and Pat question who’s better looking ryan firle

pat flynn

W

P

alking through the halls you see many “good looking” people.

Through my years at FHN, one of those people have stood out the most, Ryan Firle. Think back to the last edition of the North Star. The front page featured the perfectly chiseled abs of one of FHN’s own.

That six pack belonged to Ryan Firle.

After a rough day at the institution we call school, nothing brightens my day more than catching a glimpse of Ryan. Even when I’m bored in 026, the room where the magic of North’s publications takes place, he manages to not only make my day, but make the day of every other 026 staffer whether it being through his constant complimenting, wonderful personality, or simply his tall, dark and handsome physique.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to have a conversation with, or even catch a glimpse of Firle’s ripped stature, I highly suggest the next time you’re walking down the hall and hear the words “Your looking good today” you should chase down the speaker and you will see the nicest, best looking guy in the school: Ryan Firle!

at Flynn: Wow! When I look at him only one thing comes to mind, what a stud. As soon as I see that good looking kid walk in the door, my eyes are immediately drawn to him.

Now I’m sure everyone already knows what I’m talking about because I mean seriously, he is the biggest stud at the school, but everything about him is magical.

First of all, his body is amazing. Being a lineman on the football team, he’s got those shoulders that are the size of boulders, the biceps that are the size of my head, and the chest that melts your eyes when you look at it. Then he has a face like a baby and a perfect smile showing off those pearly whites. And along with being good looking, he has that amazing personality.

He is absolutely hilarious with his wonderful stories and great jokes. He is very smart as well with that stellar 3.8 GPA. What a perfect combo.

Overall, I can not think of a more perfect kid. He is good looking, funny, good looking, smart, good looking, a wonderful friend, and finally just very good looking!

44 www.FHNtoday.com

Letter to the

Editor

In response to Mallory Mueller’s review on Eminem’s new single “Crack A Bottle” in the March 11 issue of the North Star

If you’re a fan of Eminem at all, you’d understand that quite frankly, he doesn’t care about what you think of his music. Listen to his song, “Whatever you say I am.” He explains it perfectly. He doesn’t owe anyone anything.

How can lyrics to a song encourage poor behavior? Does is specifically say anywhere in the song to go out and rape somebody?

I read the lyrics to the song and while he does talk about sex, he also talks about using condoms. He’s at least suggesting safe sex.

How could you draw assumptions about what he means in his lyrics that he wrote? I hear more derogatory terms walking down the hallways of this school.

And what do you mean by “any other rap song?” These are the stereotypes of rap music that “make the world the ugly way it is.” If that’s Eminem’s story, he has every right to put his thoughts to a beat. Don’t knock his lifestyle.

I also find it amusing that the “dumb” single is worthless, but if I’m not mistaken, it was number one on Itunes for over a week. Your bias opinion disappoints me. I would have liked to see more facts in this review. You’re coming off as a very close-minded person.

Eminem is one of the most successful rappers in the industry. He has been around longer than you’ve probably been alive. You don’t have to like him or the song, “Crack a Bottle”, but at least respect him.

Sincerely, Kirsten Washington

Want to

see

your letter in the paper?

Guidelines: -letters must be signed by the author and verified for publication -letters may be submitted to room 026 or Mr. Manfull’s mailbox -letters should include the author’s phone number and e-mail for verification -letters should not exceed 300 words -letters will not be printed if content is obscene, profane, invasive of privacy, encouraging physical disruption of school, and/or implies libel -letters will be edited for length, grammar, spelling, and content -authors will be notified if any changes are made to the letter by the editorial staff

photos by katie o’neil

page design sidney shelton

giving you the low-down

THEREVIEWS

Read Book brittany schulze

I recently came across the book “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch. It is a story about a college professor who gets pancreatic cancer and is not given very long to live. He got the opportunity to give his class a last lecture, but decided not to dwell on the fact that he is dying, but instead, highlight the ways that he made a good life for himself and his family. When I first started reading the book I was expecting it to be all about him dying. However, I was very surprised to find it uplifting and inspiring.

Of course I cried since it doesn’t take much to make me shed a tear, but because his story is true, I couldn’t help but wonder how his family will cope if he dies. His kids are too young to understand what is happening to him, so he just tries to spend as much time with them as he can. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who needs reassurance in their life or who just wants a good read.

Change Facebook layout lauren skinner

Facebook just recently changed their layout, again. The first time they decided to changed things around, the site only changed the profile pages, but now it has changed everything. Your home page isn’t really a home page anymore.

The home page for Facebook seems more like a Twitter account, and it gives you everyone’s status now. The other thing about the home page is that you can’t even see your own status. I get that it makes it easier to see what applications you have since they are on the top of the page, but I can never remember where all the birthday reminders are. I think it’s just weird when you are on someone’s profile, you can’t tell a status apart from a wall posting. I just think that Facebook can’t make up their mind on the fact if they want to be more like Myspace, or Twitter, or if the site should just be something totally different. I wish that we could have the old Facebook layout back.

page design taylor berra

Apply Apply Deodorant maggie jasper

Girls, do you ever feel like your deodorant never lasts? Never fear, clinical strength is here. I have tried so many girl deodorants it’s insane. I got so sick of those horrible antiperspirant deodorants that I had to resort to boy deodorant which lasts longer. Later, someone told me to try clinical strength and it worked great. The best thing about it is that it lasts! I just apply and enjoy. The only problem is that it is a bit more expensive then other deodorants as it costs $7.50 at Target and Walgreens. But because the quality is so good, it is basically a prescription deodorant making the price well worth it as “real” prescription deodorants are much more expensive. I would recommend this to any girl! Try it, it’s worth it.

Style

Hair product chelsea kaufman

After looking for a good, quality hair product that would give my hair both volume and body without the mess found in other products, I found the perfect item. Revlons’ “Body Lifter,” available at most salons, has worked wonders for my hair. This product comes in a spray bottle that you lightly spray on the roots of damp hair and massage in to lift and give it body. Because of its container, the user avoids the sticky mess other products leave on your hands and it doesn’t leave your hair feeling like a rock.

Although this product costs $15 a bottle, it was well worth it.

Used in the correct amounts, it lasts a long while and gives the user immediate results without the unwanted mess.

Use Makeup mallory mueller

Can’t find the right shade? Having trouble finding just the right coverage?

Well look no more because with the power of liquid foundation in compact form, the new L’OREAL true match super-blendable make-up is perfect for anyone. It blends great with all skin tones, and with coverage ability of liquid foundation, blemishes instantly disappear. With this make-up, anyone can have that fresh air-brushed look.

No more blotchy spots or make-up lines, just smooth fresh looking skin.

Not only does this make-up make your skin look good, but it protects it too because it has an SPF of 17. It’s also oil free which is a definite plus because I know I don’t want shiny looking skin.

Along with health benefits, it also has physical ones; this make-up is soft to the touch and feels great on the skin. It is also very light and airy which makes you feel like your wearing nothing. And even those who have trouble with the application of make-up have nothing to worry about because it has a sponge like applicator which makes this make-up glide right on. This make-up is definitely a must have.

Eat Ice cream vicki viehman

The yellow cake batter ice cream from Fritz’s is one of the best I have ever had. Fritz’s has always been one of my favorite places to get ice cream, but now I try to go there even more often just because of this new ice cream. It actually tastes exactly like the cake batter you make when you bake a yellow cake and it is delicious. I had never heard of it before and the sign on the window inspired me to try it. I’m so glad I did. If you like sweets or cakes, this is the ice cream for you. I got mine with sprinkles and it was so good! I would recommend getting sprinkles (if you like them) because it makes the ice cream seem even more like actual cake. Fritz’s has always had a good reputation for their ice cream and treats and this ice cream was no exception. Whenever I go to Fritz’s now, that’s all I want to get.

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