North Star January 2014 Edition

NORTH STAR 01.17.14 • volume 28 • issue 5 Francis Howell North St. Charles, Missouri

A UNIVERSAL BEAT

More than just entertainment, music speaks to everyone in different ways

Fewer Books, More iPads Bowling The Perfect Game

Flying After A Dream

Most Popular Hats Of The Season

CONTENTS 04-05 NEWS

01

GOING TO TRIAL

03

SNOWCOMING

35

SPORTS

ALL THE PINS

30

One determined sophomore practices to bowl an 800.

Mock trial prepares to compete in an area-wide competition on Jan. 28 at the courthouse.

33

Two swimmers work simultaneously to beat the record.

This year's winter dance is themed around bright neon colors.

04

SNOWPOCALYPSE

Chilling temperatures, more than 10 inches of snow, and freezing rain extended break to 20 days.

RACE AGAINST TIME

34

AMBUSH SOCCER

35

A DISNEY DREAM

St. Louis gains a new indoor soccer team at the Family Arena.

Knightline travels to Florida to perform at Disney World for a national competition.

08-09

FEATURES

08

FREE TO FLY

41

OPINIONS

One senior takes to the skies and follows his dreams of flying.

10

HIP HATS

40

FREAKY FILM

41

STRANGE DONUTS

Discover which hats are popular and find one that fits you.

13

TOP 10 OF 2013

This donut shop is the new place to grab some unique breakfast treats.

Check out these lists of the best of pop culture for 2K13.

43 14

44

ZELDA OBSESSED A video game leads to a collection of memorabilia.

AN OLYMPIC IDEA

Eyes are on Sochi, but the U.S. needs to look at its own stance on gay rights.

AT THE SLOPES

Hidden Valley offers skiing and snowboarding even in the middle of Missouri.

17

The latest “Paranormal Activity” movie leaves viewers wanting for more.

CYRUS CRAZE

Students discuss whether Miley is an appropriate singer to admire.

20

Junior Caitlyn Chandler listens to music on her phone. Like Chandler, many people use music as a way to deal with stress or put them in a better mood. (mckenzie shea)

ON THE COVER

This month, North Star takes an in-depth look at the power of music and what makes it a universal language. (photo illustration by cameron mccarty)

2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303

DISTRIBUTED FOR FREE TO FHN BY THE NORTH STAR STAFF / PROVIDING AN OPEN FORUM FOR FHN SINCE 1986 PAGE BY SOPHIE GORDON

BRIEFLY SPEAKING

REGISTRATION Jan. 23 is the last day students can register for classes on Campus Portal. Students wishing to enrol in the work program, publications, success leaders, music, band, community service, and other special classes needing prior approval have until tonight to do so. (brief by carly vossmeyer)

Senior Brittany Steck and sophomore Zoe Lawson laugh with coach Jordan Klackner inbetween witness case files. The mock trial case Elliot Grantham v. Earhart County Jail, has six individual witnesses. Each member of the mock trial team plays either a witness or a lawyer, Steck plays Grantham and Lawson plays a lawyer defending her case. Grantham is sueing the County Jail after being attacked by two inmates. (ashleigh jenkins)

I

’m excited for the chance to see how the court system works in person and for our teams to put all the work we’ve done to the test.

- Tessa Smith, 10

MOCK TRIAL COMPETES

The FHN Mock Trial team will have their first official competition at 6 p.m. on Jan. 28. Team members have attended practices every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. to prepare for the competition that will be held at St. Louis County Courthouse. Mock Trial is a staged court trial with no defined script in which students are assigned a specific role, such as a witness or lawyer.

“It teaches a lot about the law and gives me a real-life experience with trials,” senior Alex Groenweghe said. “I want to be a lawyer when I’m older, so this is pretty helpful with that.”

The team will compete against other high schools in the area. All teams competing are provided with a practicing lawyer that attends, practices, and helps members better understand the process of a court trial. FHN’s team will have a rehearsal at and against Pattonville High School on Jan. 20, which students and parents are welcome to attend. (brief by carly vossmeyer)

NORTH STREET PLANS BREWING Coffeehouse will be held on Feb. 27 and 28 in the Learning Commons. This year, Epsilon Beta will help with holding the event. Audition dates have yet to be decided, but Media Specialists Tara Willen and Angie Davis plan on holding them at the beginning of next month. There are about 15-20 acts per day, but Willen and Davis hope to change that in the near future.

“More and more kids keep coming out for it, so we have to make more and more cuts every year,” Davis said. “Which, hopefully we won’t have to continue. We would love to just have everybody that wants to come out, perform.”

The audition process will be relatively the same as last year’s. Students go to the Learning Commons before or after school to sign up for a date and time in which their audition will take place. At auditions, students need a copy of their piece they will be performing to give to Willen and Davis, as well as any instruments they want to play.

Acts will be chosen based off of numerous requirements, from entertainment value to the level of appropriateness for a school setting. Senior Vanessa Taylor plans to perform at Coffeehouse this year.

“I’m really excited because I can show everyone my music taste and maybe show the message of the song, so people can feel the emotions,” senior Vanessa Taylor, who plans on singing the song “Say Something”, said. (brief by jessica olsen)

ALL STATE BAND Seven qualified students from FHN have made it into the All State Band. Seniors Erin Rhomberg, Deanna Hyde, Michael Lindsey, Sam Oelklaus, Simon Hart, and Matt Schneider along with junior Brandon Vestal were chosen from thousands of other hopeful students for their musical talents. FHN has never had more the than two people at this level. The band is comprised of musicians from high schools across Missouri. On Jan. 22 these students will travel to the Tan-tar-A Resort at the Lake of The Ozarks and perform with the band. (brief by kyleigh krisensen)

OPEN

POSITION Candidate filing for open FHSD Board of Education positions ends at 5 p.m. on Jan. 21. The terms of two directors and the vice president will expire in April, so qualified district taxpayers may notify Board Secretary Patty Knight to file candidacy in person. (brief by carly vossmeyer)

GATSBY PROM Prom will take place on May 17 at the St. Charles Convention Center. The theme will be “Party at Gatsby’s.”

“We were thinking maybe like, glittery gold streamers,” Junior Class Delegate Lauren Hogan said. “Kind of like how they did in the new movie, the scene at Gatsby’s house. Kind of glitzy.” (brief by jessica olsen)

PAGE BY CLAIRE CARR

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 01

n

ns

TOP

Want to see your tweet here?

Tag tweets about school with

TWEETS #FHNnews

@britt_sommer

@RiceRiceBaby143

If one more teacher tries to convince me to take their class or join their club, I’m gonna freak out!

I forgot what it feels like to go to bed expecting school the next morning Risa Takenaka

Brittany Sommer

iCHANGE

Renovations are underway in the Learning Commons in order to better accommodate 21st century learning

BY EMILY HAMPSON

I

f the Learning Commons looks emptier, it’s because more than 100 boxes of outdated nonfiction books, along with the shelves in which they were stocked, have been removed. The removal of so many books allows the Learning Commons to proceed with a renovation plan to add newer, more popular fiction books to the shelves. Along with that, the Learning Commons will also promote a shift from the use of obsolete nonfiction books to more accurate online research.

“It’s easier, it’s faster, and it’s current,” Willen said. “We don’t buy new nonfiction books every single year, so if that information just changed and there are new developments with medical research or whatever, if I do my research online, it’s going to reflect that, whereas the books--unless you buy all new nonfiction every year--there is a lot of it that will change and will not be current.”

With new space available due to the removal of 10 bookshelves, Learning Commons Media Specialists Tara Willen and Angie Davis hope to set up a media production/collaborative area for students to do projects and group work while having access to the necessary technology.

“I’m excited to see that space being used in a different way,” Willen said. “We have not had a space yet that easily accommodates group work and collaborative work, so I’m really excited to see that taking place.”

Along with the new layout, there will be a Smart TV added above the fireplace that will be set to show announcements. This will sit alongside the current TV already above the fireplace which is used to watch the news. In addition to the TV, a green screen, three iMacs, and more iPads have been ordered for the students’ use.

“We’re moving to a multimedia format instead of just print,” Davis said. “The goal is to make all of our spaces flexible, to be used for any purpose.”

In order to use an iPad, students are required to show their ID and iPads will not be allowed to leave the Learning Commons for student use elsewhere; however, that rule might change in the future.

“We are going to continue to evolve with the needs of our learners,” Davis said.

Changes are being made to improve the Learning Commons in schools across the District. In order to use the new technology to the best of its ability, Learning Commons Media Specialists have been attending classes once a month where they learn how to properly use the technology.

“It’s not even staying up to date, it’s more progressive than that,” Willen said. “I really feel like we’re kind of ahead of the game by transforming into Learning Commons and being more 21stcentury.”

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PAGE BY SARAI ESPARZA

@DatDudeAHick

@EmBabeee

Crazy to think I’ll be out of highschool in a little over a year

@glor_rosas

@nikCmyers

Is it weird that I like Mondays the best? I just love seeing everyone!

Good morning!

Is it acceptable to scrub on the 1st day back?

Our last semester of high school starts tomorrow

Andrew Hickerson

Emma Gordan

Gloria Rosas

Nick Myers

MAKING ENROLLMENT DESICIONS Normandy School District’s parents and students begin to decide whether or not they will re-apply for enrollment in FHSD

BY LAUREN PIKE Parents and students of Normandy are in the process of filling out forms in order to return to FHSD or enroll in their original school. Forms for new and returning students are due Feb. 3.

“There really hasn’t been a change for our families,” Director of Student Services for FHSD Jennifer Patterson said. “This year, there is more time for planning because there was such a short time between when Normandy decided to transfer [last year]. Hopefully with more leave time, we’ll make it easier on families.”

The enrollment process for new students wishing to attend FHSD will stay similar to last year’s process. Prospective students will be required to fill out a transfer form and produce documentation of residency. For returning students, an intent to return form must be filled out, which states if they are returning to FHSD or Norman-

dy, followed by residency checks. Currently the number of students who will be taking advantage of the transfer option is unknown.

“Right now, with the application process just beginning, we really won’t have numbers until the request for participation ends,” Public Relations Daphne Dorsey said.

FHSD and Normandy plan to continue with the enrollment process as is despite the possibility of changes being made to the state provision allowing students to transfer out of unaccredited districts and into accredited districts. Several House bills have proposed regarding the law, but there have been no official changes so far.

“We’re working from the position that things are going to stay the way that they are with planning for changes in legislature,” Patterson said. “I think there might be slight changes, but I’m not expecting large changes on the provision that allows students to transfer because legislators didn’t last year.”

KNIGHTS GO NEON

Winter dance is just around the corner and StuCo is doing everything they can to make it unforgettable

Sophmore Molly Imboden and her friend chat in the Learning Commons before school. Imboden likes to hang out in the Learning Commons before school because it’s quiet, relaxing and not crowded. Imboden is also very excited to try out the new technological improvements. (alyssa savage) Students sit in the lounge section of the Learning Commons before school begins. The Learning Commons will soon be updated to be better equipped for modern learning and technological advances. (alyssa savage)

PAGE BY SARAI ESPARZA

BY CLAIRE CARR Tickets for Snowcoming will be on sale from Jan. 22-31. The dance will held in the Commons on Feb. 1 from 7-10 p.m. This year’s theme, similar to the past few years, is Neon Knights. According to StuCo Parliamentarian Kaitlin Eifert, students like the black light and neon theme, so StuCo will be bringing back the Tekno bubbles and glow-in-the-dark body paint. There will be more glow-in-the-dark decorations, and students can submit song requests via Twitter.

“It’s definitely an experience that you should have in high school,” StuCo Vice President Krista Burris said. “It’s a fun and more carefree environment.”

In 2003, Snowcoming was called Coronation, and formal attire was required. Due to low attendance, StuCo decided to change Coronation to Snowcoming, and the first one was a success.

According to StuCo Sponsor Jani Wilkens, 10

Students throw their hands up and dance at the Snowcoming dance last year. (file photo)

years later, Snowcoming is still a big hit. To prepare for the dance, StuCo must take care of many different aspects of the dance such as the decorations, tickets, and court.

“I think it’s just something fun on the weekend for students to do,” Wilkens said. “It’s a fun event for students to have a good time with their friends.”

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM

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THE SNOWPOCALYPSE

WAS UPON US

After two weeks of winter break, FHSD calls off school due to inclement weather for four additional days. Many students and faculty began to fear that the impending doom would cause the 20-day winter break to never end.

10 inches of snow and 20 days later, students were able to return to school safely. ...............................................................................................................................................................................

Abigail Griffin @GriffGirl18

Clayton Kohler @claybaby95

I’m sick of this weather and these snow days. The sooner we go back, the sooner I graduate and am done with high school forever.

3 FAVORITES

Twitter

I HATE SCHOOL! IF WE HAVE ONE MORE SNOW DAY IM DROPPING OUT! #stopsnowdays2014 Twitter

Veronica @Veronica_Stew

2 FAVORITES

Samantha Teson @steson_66

ugh stop complaining about no school you know in a few weeks you’ll be back to hating it.

I thought I lost them for awhile... #FhnSnowday pic.twitter.com/Lzq6go5UGv 1 RETWEET 3 FAVORITES

3 RETWEETS 7 FAVORITES Twitter Elisabeth Condon @willowandgingko How long it’s been since the dismissal bell rang on the last day of finals: pic.twitter.com/hhNXQrHzUW 5 RETWEET 9 FAVORITES Twitter

Hannah Chowning @HannaChow I’m happy I stayed up doing homework last night just to have another snow day but on the less sarcastic side I GET TO SLEEP IN

Twitter

FHNtoday.com @FHNtoday

You know the drill... All FHSD schools will be CLOSED Thursday, January 9 due to continuing dangerous road conditions. See you Friday?

Twitter

3 RETWEETS 2 FAVORITES

Water Pipes Burst at FHN Around midday on Tuesday, Jan. 7, water pipes at FHN burst, likely due to the extreme cold temperatures the area experienced at the beginning of the week.

Classrooms around the Commons (Com 1 – Com 9), as well as many rooms in the hallway that includes rooms 138-149 received water.

36 RETWEETS 31 FAVORITES Twitter

Deejay @DJfromtheNJ

Is it weird that I wanted school today?!

All these snow days, we’ll be seniors forever ! @FHNtoday 2 RETWEET 6 FAVORITES Twitter 04 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

FHNtoday.com PAGE BY BRIANNA MORGAN

Beth Ramach Phillips @bramach

Jessica Olsen @jessicuhhh9

Update: Work pants-0 Sweat pants-3.

Oh dear. #neverendingbreak #Willieverteachagain

Twitter

Looks like I’m not parking in my spot for the next few days...Months...Years? #FHNSnowDay #FHNGramIt #hot

6 FAVORITES

10 LIKES

Ethan Grone @E_Grone RIP, spring break 2014 6 FAVORITES Twitter Instagram

Haley Holman @hooty_b So is this what it looks like living in a snow globe? #FHNtoday

Karley Rose @karley159

The struggle between playing in the snow or not leaving my couch... #FHNsnowday

3 RETWEETS 2 FAVORITES

1 RETWEET 5 FAVORITES Twitter

Risa Takenaka @RiceRiceBaby143

school > Doing nothing

5 RETWEETS 8 FAVORITES Twitter Twitter

Jesse Davilla

I can hear the roar of all students in excitement of another snow day for tomorrow

Kristina Forst @karess_py

15 people like this.

#blizzard

Facebook

10 LIKES

michael kuhl @mjKioUkJenL

walking in a winter wonder--TUNDRA 1 RETWEETS 6 FAVORITES Twitter

Snow Day Make-Up Schedule Snow Day Instagram

Michael Beaver

Well, no school again!! Honestly I find this hilarious how much extra break we’re getting xD Facebook PAGE BY BRIANNA MORGAN

12 people like this.

Make-Up Day

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FhnToday.com

Christy M. Cox Sr. Cadillac Sales Director www.marykayintouch.com/cox3250 636-443-5974

WITH HIS HEAD IN THE CLOUDS One senior chases his dreams of becoming a pilot by taking flying lessons

BY SOPHIE GORDON smgordon14@gmail.com• @sophgordon

T

he dipstick is stuck.

Someone must have flown the plane just a bit ago because the O Rings have tightened, and Jake can’t get the top off in order to check the fuel levels. Eager to finish pre-flight and wanting to be prepared before his instructor arrives, he searches for something to help him open the dipstick.

“Usually it [pre-flight] is pretty easy,” senior Jake Ervin said. “You just follow the checklist. It’s only hard when things like this happen.”

The love for flying started with Jake’s father, Dan Ervin, who works as an inspector for Boeing. Dan raised his sons around airplanes, taking them to air shows and open houses. Growing up around airplanes inspired both boys to look at careers in aeronautics. Jake’s brother, FHN graduate Ryan Ervin, plans to become an air traffic controller, and Jake wants to become a pilot for the Air Force. Both of Jake’s parents are proud to see him pursuing a career as a pilot.

“It’s just a dream that he’s always wanted to see Jake fly,” mother Ann Ervin said. “Flying has always been a dream for him. Mr. Ervin is very proud.”

Jake began taking lessons at the Creve Coeur Airport with the High Altitude Flying Company (HAFC) at the beginning of November. He plans to have his private pilot’s license by the end of the school year if the weather cooperates. Lately, though, the wind has been too strong for him to practice. Despite weather conditions, Jake still tries his best to get two lessons in per week. This can be difficult because Jake also works two jobs.

08 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

“It’s hard,” Jake said. “Sometimes work can be too much because it happens all at once. And I always seem to work when it’s not windy out.

Currently, Jake’s parents pay for his lessons, which cost about $150 for an hour-long session. However, once Jake begins lessons for his commercial pilot’s license, he will have to pay the fees himself. Because the cost of lessons is so high, Jake must begin to save money now. In order to afford lessons, Jake works two jobs, one at Dierbergs and the other at the Boogey Hills Country Club.

“He works really hard,” friend and senior Tyler Ludwig said. “He has his two jobs and is saving money to be able to do this.

In addition to balancing his jobs

WHAT IT TAKES With several types of pilots, there are different hours required to become each type. Here are a few: Recreational pilot: 40 hours of flight Commercial pilot: 250 hours of flight Airline transport pilot: 1,500 hours of flight

and schoolwork, Jake also studies for his lessons. For every hour that he is in the air, Jake reads and studies for about two to three hours. He gets his information from “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge,” a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) handbook.

“Jake’s pretty determined, so I don’t have to worry about him taking these lessons and not using them,” Ann said.

“I’m just proud of him. He’s not out goofing off. He works two jobs, goes to high school and takes flying lessons.”

So far, Jake has had seven lessons and learned essential skills, like takeoffs and landings, stalling, and the instruments of the airplane. Just like learning to drive a car, the lessons Jake takes are hands on.

According to HAFC’s mission statement, he will learn “all of the knowledge required” to pass the FAA written and PAGE BY ALEXIS TAINTER

Senior Jake Ervin looks through his checklist to make sure that his plane is ready to fly. Ervin has to check every part of his plane before he is prepared to take off into the sky. (sammie savala) An aerial view of Francis Howell North from Jake’s plane. Jake takes lessons as much as possible so he can achieve his dream of being a pilot. (file photo)

practical exams. Before he can obtain a pilot’s license, he must complete 40 hours of flight time and pass the 60 question multiple choice exam as well as the practical exam. “[I like] the challenge,” Jake said. “It’s not nearly as easy as driving a car. You have to keep track of so many things and work with people on the ground.”

At his lessons, Jake flies the plane with an instructor seated next to him. He follows the directions his instructor gives him and practices turns and stalls and other basics of flying. Jake enjoys being in the cockpit and learning from veteran pilots, but one of his favorite parts of being up in the clouds is the feeling of escape.

“I’d say flying is kind of an escape because I’m focused on something I love,” Jake said, “For that one to two hours in the sky, all I have to worry about is flying and not school or work.”

While Jake practices maneuvers, he flies over St. Charles and farmlands. He likes being in the air and practicing loops and rolls and barrel rolls. He’s also PAGE BY ALEXIS TAINTER

flown over the school, a view of which he made sure to get a picture to share with his friends.

“I’ve seen a lot of nice sunsets,” Jake said. “And not many students can say they’ve seen the school from the air.”

Jake believes that his persistence has helped him in learning to fly. When he doesn’t get something right away, he pushes himself until the task is accomplished. Jake’s determination and calm demeanor are what his family and friends believe attribute to his ability to be a great pilot.

“He’s quiet, and he really watches and observes the situation,” Ann said. “He doesn’t panic, and I think that’s a really good quality for a pilot.”

Jake’s calm demeanor is clear as he deals with getting the dipstick unstuck. He knows this is one small setback in a long series of challenges as he strives to become a better pilot and realizes that, with many things in life, the learning phase is never over.

“I like that you can always be a better pilot,” Jake said. “No one can perfect being a pilot.”

Jake Ervin tries to pull out the dipstick from the plane so he can check fuel levels to be able to take off. (sammie savala)

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 09

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WINTER HAT TRENDS

Students show off their different hats this wintery season. They’re blocking out the cold and locking in the style. The sensible and fashionable thing to this season is to throw on a hat. PHOTOS BY MATT KRIEG

BEANIES

Q &A With Evan What do you think about the increasing popularity of beanies?

I’m a hipster I don’t think it’s cool that they’re becoming popular.

What do you like about beanies?

When I have bed head in the morning I can just throw one on and be good for the rest of the day.

What compelled you to buy your first beanie?

Well, I was in fifth grade and I was at Hot Topic and I was a skater kid so I bought one.

Where to

buy: Pac

How do beanies contribute to your wardrobe?

Sun Cost:$11.00

It ties everything together if I’m wearing a specific color scheme.

Why do you think beanies became a trend?

How does anything become a trend? Some kid sees it in a movie and starts wearing it and it just becomes a butterfly effect.

Evan Wilkins, 11

Where to buy: H&M

Where to buy: Pac Sun

Where to buy: Zummiez

Where to buy: Zummiez

Cost: $10.00

Cost: $11.00

Cost: $8.00

Cost: $8.00

“They’re in style right now, and I just think that they look cool with certain outfits.”

“They kinda give you a laid-back look, and they’re nice and comfy.”

“It makes me look good when I have a bad hair day, and it makes my hair more tolerable when I don’t feel like doing anything to it.”

“You can wear them on your head, and they keep you warm when you’re not at home.”

Dillon Lung, 11

10 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

Raja Patel, 11

Lucy Covington, 11

Trever Bohert, 9

PAGE BY MEGAN GRANNEMANN

ESKIMO HATS

Where to buy: Kohls

Where to buy: Goodwill

Where to buy: Kohls

Where to buy: Kohls

Cost: $12.00

Cost: $5.00

Cost: $13.00

Cost: $23.00

“I like it because it makes me feel like I’m from a different culture when I wear it, and it’s fuzzy.”

Emma Gordon, 11

“I like them because they’re furry, and it keeps the snow off my head.”

“They’re kind of wintery and cute, and if you wear it with the right thing, it will look good.”

“They keep your head warm, and you never get too cold with it on.”

Devin Harfman, 12

Nick Dreps, 12

Rachel Hilt, 10

SNAP BACKS

Where to buy: Lids

Where to buy: Lids

Where to buy: Supreme

Where to buy: Pac Sun

Cost: $25.00

Cost: $34.00

Cost: $60.00

Cost: $27.00

“My group of friends all wear snapbacks; it’s kind of like a trend; we don’t go anywhere with out wearing a snap back.”

Brendan Krupp, 9

“Because there’s a variety of styles, and you can adjust the snap, and they’re stylish.”

“I just like wearing different stuff; I like snap backs because I can adjust the fitting to it.”

“I like snap backs because there are a lot of different kinds and colors; you can even get snake skin on your hat.”

Drew Baker, 11

Akeal Slaughter, 12

Demitries Allen, 11

DRAW STRING HATS

Where to buy: Target

Where to buy: Target

Where to buy: JC Pennys

Where to buy: Walmart

Cost: $10.00

Cost: $12.00

Cost: $10.00

Cost: $13.00

“I like that it’s warm, and that it’s something that covers up my whole head; when I have my braids, it covers all of that, and my friend has the same one, so it reminds me of her.”

Sherese Melvin, 12

“It keeps my ears and head warm when I go to Hidden Valley to snow board and ski with my friends. ”

“I like it because it’s my favorite color, and it’s something warm to wear when the weather’s bad.”

“I like to wear them when I have bad hair days, and they’re fun and energetic.”

PAGE BY MEGAN GRANNEMANN

Marissa Watkins, 11

Tabitha Carter, 11

Natalie Cracraft, 11

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

ANTIQUE JUNKIE

A student turns a hobby that runs in the family into an interesting job

BY MEGAN GRANNEMANN mgrannemann@gmail.com

Senior Alex Heigl works a job that builds on his hobby. He works part-time as a sales associate at the St. Charles Antique Mall off of Jungs Station Road.

“It gives you a realization of how people lived in the past,” Cindy Davenport, the general manager, said. “There’s old photos, things you would use in the kitchen or the farm, and it’s just interesting to see the types of tools they’ve used and how things have evolved over time.”

Alex’s job includes three basic things: helping customers find items, working the cash register, and pulling items out of the cases for the customers to see.

General maintenance is an additional job that he performs as well as moving large items for customers.

“He helps people move large pieces of furniture. He helps in a way that none of us really could,” Monica Lesinski, Alex’s co-worker, said. “He assists customers all day and moves a lot of furniture.”

Alex’s interest in antiques started at home because his parents are collectors.

Alex was 10 years old when he bought his first antique, an old electric guitar.

Since then, his personal collection has grown to old military memorabilia, baseball cards, and farm house items.

“I’ve always been interested in history,” Alex said. “It’s one of my favorite subjects. Really, the antiques are kind of like pieces of history.”

WATCH Use the link goo.gl/ePGCAO to see a video of Alex talking about his job.

12 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

RECYCLED ART

Employee Bec Gillette works with a fifth-grade Boy Scout troop to help them earn their showmans’ badge. The troop created their own version of the “Three Little Pigs”. (jenna rodriguez)

A non-profit organization offers cheap, used recyclables to students, teachers and people with special needs

BY JACOB LINTNER lintnerjacob@gmail.com

A little known, but very influential non-profit organization in St. Charles is Leftovers Etc., located at 1759A Scherer Parkway. Leftovers Etc. has been in business since 1997, and helps people with special needs, provides miscellaneous supplies for schools and scouting groups, and keeps tons of garbage out of landfills.

“Our intent is to be a recycling center,” Executive Director Sandy O’Dell said. “We want to teach recycling by doing rather than by talking.”

O’Dell controls all of the store’s general operations and schedules appointments while Store Manager Norma Holt makes crafts to be sold in the store and holds programs for those with mental disabilities.

The main focus of Leftovers Etc. is to help children and adults with special needs through work programs and crafts. Adults and students with special needs can make appointments to go to Leftovers Etc. for a few hours to help sort through the recyclables or make crafts.

Leftovers Etc. also gives those who are served by special needs organizations an opportunity to work and feel productive, in order for them to feel like they are making a contribution.

“They like coming in and helping because they see it as them going to work,” Holt said.

Leftovers Etc. also works with foundations that help people with special needs, such as the Pujols Foundation, RHD-Missouri, and Willows Way. “I enjoy all types of crafts, and I think the people I work with do too,” Associate of Willows Way Sherry

Jeffries said. “We’re always looking for something new and fun to do.”

Leftovers Etc. doesn’t only help those with special needs. They also help students and teachers in schools throughout the county by providing supplies for whatever they may need. Each year, the organization provides supplies, such as paper, markers, and paint brushes for more than 300,000 school children.

“You don’t need to worry about getting what you need for school,” O’Dell said. “Your teacher can just come here and get it.”

Leftovers Etc. also has a volunteer program for students age 16 or older. Some of these volunteering opportunities include tasks such as stocking shelves and filling special orders. Volunteers can also help conduct field trips, workshops and birthday parties.

“They learn organizational skills and the value of service to other people,” Holt said. “ They learn what can and cannot be recycled, otherwise it wouldn’t get done. If we didn’t have the volunteers, you wouldn’t be able to shop.”

Leftovers Etc. has been serving the community since 1989. This business is open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. It is closed Friday and Sunday. Donations can be dropped off in a green table by the hallway containing stickers and markers. All packages and items with must be marked with the donator’s name and phone number. Over the years, O’Dell and Holt have grown Leftovers Etc. into an organization that serves hundreds of thousands of people each year in many different ways.

“We’re very fortunate to do what we do and work with the people that we work with,” Holt said.

PAGE BY EMILY HAMPSON

FILL IN THE BLANKS 1. You could be my luck Even in a _____ of frowns I know that we’ll be safe and sound Safe and Sound- Capital Cities 2. I’ve got the scars from tomorrow and I wish you could see That you’re the _____ to everything except for me My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark- Fall Out Boy 3. Written on these walls are the _____ that I can’t change Leave my heart open but it stays right here in its cage Story of My Life- One Direction 4. Paid that money, fake that dummy, ache my tummy On the fence, all the time Paid junk _____, face so sunny, ain’t that funny All my friends always lie to me Afraid- The Neighborhood

MULTIPLE CHOICE 5. The snow glows white on the mountain tonight Not a footprint to be seen A kingdom of isolation and it looks like I’m the queen A) Lady Gaga B) Demi Lovato C) Britney Spears D) Rihanna 6. When the thought of being thrown into an alligator pit, I salivated it Weight is up, hands up like it’s 12 noon, nah, homie A) Jay-Z B) Kanye West C) Eminem D) Drake 7. A pretty picture but the scenery is so loud, A face like heaven catching lighting in your nightgown A) Panic! At the Disco B) Fall Out Boy C) OneRepublic D) Avicii 8. Make me your Aphrodite Make me your one and only But don’t make me your enemy A) Miley Cyrus B) Katy Perry C) Ke$ha D) Taylor Swift

TOP 13 OF 2013

The North Star looks back on pop culture’s greatest music that was made popular in the year 2013

TOP 13 ARTISTS

1. Miley Cyrus “I feel like she’s gone from a really good role model to a really bad [one]. She’s now an example of what not to do when growing up.” Tessa Smith, 10 2. One Direction “They inspire me and they’re not afraid to be who they want to be.” Danielle Stratton, 11 3. Justin Timberlake “He’s a really good dancer and I look up to him for that.”

Libby Lassanske, 10 4. Kanye West I love Kanye. He’s a true artist. He made a last-minute album that got hated on, but it was great.” Austin Knott, 12 5. Maroon 5 “Adam Levine. Enough said.” Jacob Coerver, 11 6. Rhianna

“She’s an original. Her music’s amazing, and she’s hot.”

Tristan Chenowth, 10 7. Katy Perry “Will you marry me?” Joe Brocksmith, staff 8. Taylor Swift “She writes her own songs and that’s original. I think that’s cool.” Breanna Relleke, 11 9. Imagine Dragons “They always seem to get me up when I’m feeling down.” Joshua Knight, 12 10. Robin Thicke 11. Eminem “He’s dope. He’s a great lyricist, and he’s the real Slim Shady.” Carey Ingram, 12 12. Lady Gaga 13. Lorde

Info from: goo.gl/fCy7Pz

TOP 13 SONGS

1. Blurred Lines- Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell “It was good at first, but it got played way too much, way too fast.” Brooke Nardoni, 12 2. Wrecking Ball- Miley Cyrus “It gets annoying hearing it on the radio all the time.” Christian Blanchard, 9 3. Cruise- Florida Georgia Line “It’s a good song to kick back and relax to.” Madison Vanek, 10 4. Royals- Lorde 5. Counting Stars- OneRepublic 6. Wake Me Up- Avicii “It’s catchy and awesome. I listen to it for fun.”

7. Roar- Katy Perry “I love this song, and I don’t even like Katy Perry.” Adriana Dame, 11 8. The Monster- Eminem feat. Rihanna 9. Timber- Pitbull feat. Ke$ha 10. Mirrors- Justin Timberlake 11. Let Her Go- Passenger “I love it, even though it’s been around for a while.”

12. Get Lucky- Daft Punk 13. Applause- Lady Gaga “She’s the bomb.com. This was my favorite song at homecoming.” Brittany Berger, 12 Info from goo.gl/q47UYH

Kanye: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com Miley: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com Rihanna: Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

TOP 13 MUSIC VIDEOS

1. Wrecking Ball- Miley Cyrus 2. Gentlemen- PSY 3. Blurred Lines- Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell 4. What Does the Fox Say- Ylvis 5. We Can’t Stop- Miley Cyrus 6. Suit and Tie- Justin Timberlake 7. Avicii- Wake Me Up 8. Roar- Katy Perry 9. Stay- Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko 10. Applause- Lady Gaga 11. La La La- Naughty Boy feat. Sam Smith 12. Just Give Me a Reason- P!nk feat. Nate Ruess 13. Come and Get It- Selena Gomez Info from goo.gl/2wflcU

1. Hurricane 2. Antidote 3. Colours 4. Honey 5.B 6. C 7. A 8.B Info from: goo.gl/fHl7dc PAGE BY CARLY VOSSMEYER

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 13

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Ean Thielbar and Jillian Fields visit Hidden Valley with friends for a 10-hour ski trip “For most of us it was our first time so we got checked in and got our rental skiis. then we went up the lift and down the beginner hill then the advanced and expert hills,” Thielbar said (photo submitted) Morgan Stock and Kim Fanara pose for a photo at the bottom of the ski hill. (photo submitted)

ACTIVITY SPOTLIGHT

JEFF SMITH

Jeff Smith enjoys taking his childhood passion of snowboarding to new heights

BY HANNAH ROSEN

ms.hannahrosen@gmail.com • @immaconch

Junior Jeff Smith has snowboarded since a young age. He has traveled to many places such as Wisconsin, Germany, and Austria to further his snowboarding skills. Of the places he’s visited, his favorite place to go is Colorado where he usually visits the Breckenridge Ski Resort.

“I like the mountain, how big it is, all the stuff you can do,” Jeff said.

Breckenridge has about 155 ski runs, ranging from easy to hard, where skiers and snowboarders can go off trail without consequence. Jeff enjoys this because he prefers going down steep hills and woods.

“It’s fun to go through the trees since it’s a harder challenge, and it’s fun to do,” Jeff said.

Jeff started snowboarding about 13 years ago when his brothers Mike and Nick Smith took him to Hidden Valley, a ski resort located in Wildwood, MO. This is where Mike and Nick taught Jeff the basics of snowboarding before sending him to ski school.

“Hidden Valley is a good place to learn on but, once you learn you want to upgrade,” eldest brother Mike said.

Jeff plans on conquering backcountry snowboarding next. In backcountry, snowboarders hike up the mountains on their own. Snowboarders are required to wear a tracker vest and it’s recommended to take avalanche courses. Jeff plans to take courses this winter to continue to further his snowboarding skills.

“It’s fun to do,” Jeff said, “I like to do it.

Being able to learn new things, new runs, and steeper stuff.”

14 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

HIDDEN FUN

Hidden Valley is a great alternative for a unique kind of family fun compared to other Missouri attractions

BY MELISSA LUKES lukes.melissa@gmail.com • @randomhyperness

White, fluffy snow covers the lightly wooded rolling hills. The red noses and rosy cheeks on the friendly faces of the employees and snow-goers emphasize the chill of the winter air. People of all ages trudge through the snow in multiple layers of clothing, including specially-designed boots that snap into skis and snowboards, in order to partake in these wintry activities and enjoy the snow-covered landscape at this ski resort. “[The snow at Hidden Valley] is pretty comparable to real snow,” senior Ean Thielbar said, “You can’t roll it up and make a snowball, but it’s soft and slick so you can go faster on skiis.”

When Wildwood Missouri’s Hidden Valley opened in 1982 about 30 miles from St. Louis, the initial focus of the 30-acre resort was placed on skiing. However, the resort now offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, such as snowboarding and tubing, as well as indoor activities, like watching movies in the lodge. Another unique feature of Hidden Valley is the man-made snow composed of chilled water dispersed by sprinklers throughout the resort. These activities, along with a snowy atmosphere, create a unique place for friends and family to enjoy themselves.

“Hidden Valley is different because it’s something you don’t get to do very often, and it’s nice to do something different,” sophomore Zach Mills said.

Hidden Valley also tries to accommodate to all levels of snowboarding and skiing experience, from

newbie to expert, with their various slopes with different levels of difficulty. Slopes are marked with different colors for difficulty levels- green being easy, blue being medium and black being expert. They also have what they call the “park”--an area for skiers and snowboarders to learn and perform tricks--for those who want to be challenged with something more than the expert slopes.

“In the park, people can ride rails and do flips and tricks,” Jessica Lemery, a skiing and snowboarding instructor of nine years at Hidden Valley, said.

Hidden Valley also offers various levels of lessons for both skiing and snowboarding for $59-$85, depending on the student’s age and date of the lesson. These lessons range from a beginner to more advanced levels in order to build a foundation of basic techniques, boost confidence for first-timers, and provide an opportunity for veterans to hone their skills.

“I like to see the joy others get when they start to get good,” Lemery said, “The biggest struggle for people is turning and inexperience. Just be courteous, know the rules and take a lesson if needed.”

Hidden Valley is a common place for people to take lessons to prepare for larger skiing or snowboarding trips. For example, Mills took lessons at Hidden Valley before skiing in Switzerland. Although skiing and snowboarding may be challenging for some, many come back because of the unique experience it provides.

“You can get a whole group together, and it’s pretty inexpensive for a whole day,” Lemery said, “It’s a big family-friendly, social place with exercise. It’s just fun.”

PAGE BY HANNAH ROSEN

THE SHATTERED GENERATION N

early 25 percent of all smartphone users have cracked screens, according to UALR Senior Economist Professor Gregory Hamilton. Doctor Hamilton said those 25 percent on the average take six months to get them repaired, and the out-of-pocket expense to repair smart phones may be to blame for the six-month average. For an iPhone 4, screen replacement typically costs around $80. For iPhone 5s the price can costs over $100.

iFLEW Senior Alexis Happe shattered her phone one day when she was grabbing her wallet out of her purse during lunch.

Suddenly, she saw her phone go flying across the floor and when she picked it up her screen was shattered.

“Looks like it’s time to get an iPhone 5.”

-Alexis Happe, 12

“My dad’s going to kill me.”

-Jessica Biondo, 10

iSLIPPED “I woke up to study for my anatomy test. I had my binder and books in my arms and my phone was on top of the binder.

When I was walking down the stairs I heard a loud bang and my phone fell on the wood stairs.

I had already dropped it so many times so I didn’t even think anything of it and didn’t look at it until an hour later. I gasped and probably sat with my jaw dropped staring at my phone for like 10 minutes.”

-Alex Arger, 11

iFELL “I broke it when I was walking to Steak n’ Shake with Megan and it fell out of my giant Minnie Mouse case and the corner hit the concrete. I drop it all the time so I went to pick it up thinking it was fine but it wasn’t at all. I didn’t know what to do and I had no money to fix it so I just laughed and went on. I thought worse things could happen and at least it still works.

Then the next day it was awful because I kept cutting myself on the glass.”

Junior Jeff Smith threw his six-month old iPhone 5 against a tree. Luckily, the phone was protected by a LifeProof case and the screen was not damaged, however the impact left his phone bent.

PAGE BY EMILY HAMPSON

iDROPPED Junior Haley Holman owns an iPhone which has been broken three times and repaired twice. The first incident was the fault of gravity and a mediocre case. Just a few weeks later, she dropped her phone in the hall. It slid and hit the wall, causing the colors to become distorted. After two repairs, Haley broke her phone a third time. While on a ride at the Washington Fair over the summer, she held onto her phone a little too tight to insure that it would not fall out of her hands. She does not plan on paying for a repair, but hopes to purchase a new phone next October.

-Haley Holman, 11

-Tiffany Metts, 12

iBENT

“No it’s unique having a bent iPhone no one has,” Smith said.

“I was surprised the screen didn’t crack, I didn’t even notice it was bent till two weeks later.”

-Jeff Smith, 11

iBUMPED “I was running into Steak n’ Shake and holding hands with my friend Connor, just goofing off and my phone was in my other hand.

That hand bumped into the newspaper stand box and flew into the parking lot. It landed face down & I was terrified to pick it up. I had a cheap case on it so I knew it was bound to be shattered and it was.”

iFLUNG

iSHATTERED “I was sitting on a table and reached to get my phone out of my pocket and it fell out and shattered when it hit the floor I was surprised when I saw it shattered because I had a koolkase case on it I was thinking how surprised and mad I was that my phone cracked with the case on.”

-Dalton Scaggs, 12

“I was walking with my phone in my back pocket with my headphones in and someone was running by and got caught on my headphones which sorta flung my phone out of my pocket and into a group of lockers. When I went to survey the damage I’m pretty sure all I was probably thinking was “Crap, I’m never going to hear the end of this.” I’ve dropped it a few times on the back since then, mostly in parking lots. Lots of the glass has fallen out and it’s just a big shattered mess.”

-Amanda Steimal, 10 01.15.14 FHNTODAY.COM 15

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.

HOBBY OF THE MONTH

LEGEND OF ZELDA

Sophomore Kaitlyn Crocker and fellow JV Knightline members rehearse their dance routine that they will be performing at the upcoming pep assemby, and then at the national competition. All of JV Knightline’s dance routines that are going to be performed at pep assemblies must be approved by the school’s athletic director Mike Janes. (paige martinez)

REVIVED HOPE Sophomore Kaitlyn Crocker overcomes an imparing surgery in order to continue her passion for dancing

BY KELLI ROESLEIN kroeslein@gmail.com

Sophomore Kaitlyn Crocker found her passion and joy eight years ago: dancing. She couldn’t believe her eyes when she watched the hip-hop dancers at a local recital. Just when she thought she knew what the dancers were going to do, they would do a remarkable move no one saw coming.

“It was really amazing,” Kaitlyn said. “It looked like so much fun and it was so lively and exciting. I wanted to dance like that. I just wanted to be able to perform in front of an audience and to really have a good time.”

Because of the dance mixed with music, Kaitlyn decided right there that she was going to learn dance if it was the last thing she did.

“Since the dancers were having so much fun up there, I thought, ‘Why couldn’t I?’” Kaitlyn said.

Despite her new-found passion, Kaitlyn’s dedication would soon be put to the ultimate test.

A Kink in the Plan At the age of eight, Kaitlyn joined the Performing Arts Center on Main Street to learn hip-hop, and since then she has been dancing hip-hop for seven years.

Kaitlyn has experimented with ballet and jazz, but hip-hop will always be her favorite.

“It’s more fun than any other style,” Kaitlyn said.

“You can add style into it, it’s not like you have to perform it a specific way-- you can do it how you want.”

While preparing for Knightline tryouts, Kaitlyn found out about a hereditary problem with her feet, causing her toes to grow sideways and curl over. This caused her pain to walk, let alone dance. In the sumPAGE BY MAGGIE TORBECK

mer of 2011, Kaitlyn got a surgery on her foot where the doctor shaved her bone and clipped three tendons to better enable the bone to move. After the cut was healed, Kaitlyn spent six weeks with her foot in a cast.

“I wasn’t too upset at the time,” Kaitlyn said. “It would heal and get better eventually. I mean, I still could tryout for Knightline; all I had to do was give it time to heal.”

After recovery, Kaitlyn went running with her sister, Delaney. During the run, she turned her other foot sideways, causing it to break.

“I was so upset when I broke my foot,” Kaitlyn said.

“I didn’t see it coming. It was horrible. I was a mess.”

Pushing Forward During her second recovery, Kaitlyn still practiced any way she could. She would try to do turns, and even though she would fall out of the turns, she kept trying. Kaitlyn would watch Knightline perform in order to stay motivated to heal and make the team.

“I felt so bad for her,” Kaitlyn’s mother Stephany Crocker said. “As a mother, you want what is best for your kids, and there was nothing I could do for her.”

Kaitlyn’s foot ended up healing earlier than expected All her efforts paid off when she made JV Knightline.

“Kaitlyn has always found a solution for every one of her problems,” Kaitlyn’s father Dennis Crocker said.

“I’m glad she could do it again and achieve something that she really wanted to do.

Kaitlyn’s next goals are to make the Varsity squad next year and to earn a scholarship for dancing.

“It’s helped me so much,” Kaitlyn said. “My coaches have taught me almost every dancing technique I know now. “

A senior dives deep into her love of Legend of Zelda by bringing the games to life

BY HANNAH ROSEN

ms.hannahrosen@gmail.com • @immaconch

Seven-year-old Christina Towery’s eyes gaze upon the world of “The Legend of Zelda.” Playing as the main protagonist, Link, she lives the storyline, killing every bad guy in her way.

“The very first time I started playing I thought ‘Oh my goodness! This is so exciting!’” Towery said. “And then I continued and I thought ‘Wow, this is really hard.’”

Now a senior, Towery loves the games more than her brother, who introduced her to them.

“My brother didn’t collect, only played video games. But I’m obsessive and took it one step further,” Towery said.

Her obsession started with dressing up and acting out the games on her own. By ninth grade, she had a collection including video games, manga, books, shirts.

Towery’s favorite item is her “Ocarina”, a flute-like instrument from the games.

“My Ocarina is my favorite because it reminds me of when I was younger and I would dress up,” Towery said. “It was a way for me to bring the video games to life.”

Towery also showed her ability to bring the games to life by cosplaying as Link for Anime St. Louis last April.

“It was pretty cool looking,” mother Mary Towery said, recalling her daughter’s handmade Link cosplay. “She was dressed completely in character.”

Towery believes her love for the franchise will never diminish.

“Just because other parts of my life change doesn’t mean I’ll become less obsessive about my first loves,” Towery said.

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 17

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OUT TO THE BALLGAME

Junior Tyler Heitmann voyages across the country every summer with his family, visiting various MLB stadiums and collecting baseball memorabilia along the way

BY MAGGIE TORBECK

Tyler Heitmann holds out three of his favorite baseball cards. Tyler has 30 binders full of his card collection; one for every major leauge team. “At this point it kind of takes over my whole room,” said Tyler.

Bottom left: In Tyler’s hands sits a baseball signed by ex-Cardinal first basemen Albert Pujols. The ball has a special glass case and stays on Tyler’s bookshelf at all times. Tyler has a hat for every major leauge baseball team and mutiple hats for his favorite team; the Cardinals. Completing his collection Tyler has 15 bobblehead figures in his room.

mtorbeck068@gmail.com • @maggiextorbeck

Junior Tyler Heitmann, along with his family members, has traveled to a total of 14 ballparks, primarily the ones located in the Midwest and the East Coast. His first out-of-town stadium visit took place ten years ago at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros.

“We won tickets to SeaWorld and decided to go to San Antonio,” Tyler’s mother Diane Heitmann said. “My husband said he would like to go to a game in Houston while we were in Texas, so our trip was planned around that. We all love baseball, so it just kind of happened.”

Since then, Tyler has traveled across America every summer to different Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums, collecting memorabilia along the way. He is just 16 stadiums away from completing his life-goal of visiting all 30 MLB parks.

Even if the Cardinals aren’t contenders in the away games that they attend, the Heitmann family has found themselves in the bleachers, proudly displaying their Redbirds gear.

“It was great going to Texas the year after we beat them in the World Series, wearing my Cardinals jersey,” Tyler said. “Just being able to rub it in was fun.”

The family has attended games at stadiums such as the Colorado Rockies’ Coors Field, which is nestled in the mountains, all the way down south to Tropicana Field, an enclosed dome that the Tampa Bay Rays call their home.

“The best stadium I’ve visited so far is the Royals’ stadium because of the way it looks,” Tyler said.

The newly renovated 41-year-old Kauffman Stadium, home of the Royals, resides in Kansas City, Missouri. It is a Heitmann family favorite because of the refurbished structure and views of the city skyline. The retro-modern building holds a crowd of 37,903 people, the fifth smallest seating capacity in the entire league.

“I think it’s interesting to see what other stadiums have compared to ours,” Tyler’s younger sister Ann Heitmann said.

Instead of leaving the ballparks with nothing but memories, Tyler brings mementos back to St. Louis to build to his evergrowing collection. His assemblage includes an assortment of approximately 40 pennants, 19 miniature baseball bats, 20 bobble heads, and he has collectively gathered ten hats from the stadiums he has visited. In addition to memorabilia, Tyler also possesses more than 250 autographs and every baseball card that has been

made since 1990.

“Every year for Christmas, he gets a box of baseball cards from the previous season,” Diane said. “The autographs come from various events that we have attended.”

Because of his St. Louis roots, Tyler’s extensive collection includes plenty of Cardinal Red to offset memorabilia from rival teams, such as the Chicago Cubs, in his bedroom, as well as in his basement. His most prized components to his collection include an autographed baseball from Albert Pujols as well as a rare Yadier Molina rookie card.

“I’ll never stop collecting,” Tyler said. “I want to keep growing my collection and pass it on in the future.”

RIDE OF THE MONTH: THE BLACK BEAUTY

One senior sports a black truck that is taller than most of the other trucks on the road. He loves the unique feel and completely personalized appearance to it

BY CLAIRE CARR clrcarr@gmail.com

Senior Kyle Kateman pulls into the lot and puts his jet black Ford F-150 into park. The first things people notice are its astounding height, menacing black exterior, and thunderous engine. It’s big, it’s intimidating, and it demands respect. The truck catches the attention of many.

“It’s a big ol’ black beauty,” senior Robbie Frkovic said.

Kateman’s truck has a six-inch PAGE BY MELISSA LUKES

lift. He says he likes the height of the truck because it gives a more manly look. The only other modification he wants to make is to add an aftermarket grill.

“I like that no other Use the link kid has a truck like goo.gl/unqYkf mine,” Kateman Check out this video said. “It’s bigger than to hear about Kyle’s thunderous truck everyone else’s car.

It’s loud, and it makes me stand out. People usually just stare when they see it. The truck just looks a lot better lifted.”

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Influences in Teens’ lives

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PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

MUSIC Music breaks down barriers and can be used as a tool for communication or education; it can change someone’s mood or connect a group of people, whether through the beat or lyrics (photos by mckenzie shea)

BY SOPHIE GORDON

smgordon14@gmail.com • @smgordon

Known as a universal language, music is a powerful tool. Research shows that music can influence a person’s mood, mindset and social situation. Music pumps the wrestlers up before a big match. Music helps the stressed teacher calm down. Music allows the quiet student to express ideas.

“Music can be beneficial to people in a lot of different ways,” Spanish teacher Brian Santos said.

“Music can be a catharsis. It can help people heal.

I know that after I’ve had a long day or a bad day, I can definitely play some music that makes me feel inspired and energized again.”

One of the ways music is known to benefit people is by energizing them. According to a 2010 research report from the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University, those who exercise not only worked harder with faster music, but also enjoyed the music more when it was played at a faster tempo.

“Music really engages a whole network of different areas of the brain,” Psyche Loui, Assistant Professor at Wesleyan University’s Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, said.

“By engaging that sort of orchestrated activity of different areas of the brain, you can have changes both emotionally and physically and socially. I think that’s

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 21

why people find music to be so powerful.”

Loui has studied the power of music on the brain for 10 years and has conducted more than 20 studies, many that are still on-going. She looks forward to further studying the effects of music.

“I’m really just generally interested in music and the brain,” Loui said. “Using music as a direct channel of communication between the auditory areas of the brain and the social, emotional areas of Use the link goo.gl/Gy6TJLf the brain are very much to hear Santos play his worth following up on. flute.

The extent to which people really use music to communicate, to kind of sympathize or experience things that other people are experiencing, I think that’s a project that I would very much like to start.”

Like the people Loui refers to, Santos uses music to communicate. Santos involves himself in different kinds of music. He plays flute for a community band. He sings in his church chorus.

He is also part of a men’s choir. Because of this, he feels he has learned about a wide variety of music. Santos also believes music has especially helped him connect with other people.

“I wouldn’t be the

WATCH

22 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

same person I am today without music,” Santos said. “Not just the music itself, but the people I’ve met along the way. I would consider that the people I’ve met in the different ensembles I’ve joined are lifelong friends—people I’d call family—because we, not only study the music and have to try to sing or play the music, but we bond together in the experience of listening to the music and taking it in and experiencing the music.”

Others use music as a form of expression. Senior Kelsey McIlroy uses music to brighten her mood or as a way to express her feelings.

“Music has played a huge role in my life,” McIlroy said. “It’s helped me through a lot. I like to sing a lot of happy, fun songs just because even during my rough times, I can play those songs and it reminds me how life can be good. It might not always be good, but it can be, and you just have to focus on that more than the negative.”

McIlroy, who has performed at North Street Coffeehouse for the past three years, believes music helps people because they can relate to it.

“I believe music helps people because it can help people through tough times which is weird to say, but it’s true,” McIlroy said. “Like, you can find a song that helps fit your situation so well that you realize that you’re not going through something alone. Like, if you are going through something, there’s somebody that’s already been there and they survived. It helps you realize that you’re not alone, and that you can make it through anything.”

Santos takes advantage of this connection to music and uses it as a tool in the classroom. He demonstrates the universality of music to his students by playing ‘Feliz Navidad’ or ‘The Mexican Hat Dance.’ His goal is to show his students another side of Spanish culture.

“Because I’ve exposed my students to the music, I think they get a better learning experience,” Santos said. “Languages are not always universal, but music is. You can communicate a beautiful melody to someone that doesn’t speak English and you can get your point across.”

As scientists and researchers like Loui continue to conduct research regarding the neuroscience of music, society will begin to understand what makes music so universal. Whether through an emotional, social or physical change, music connects others in a way that many forms of communication cannot.

“It’s a universal language,” Santos said. “There is such a wide variety of music out there that you can find any type of music for any type of mood or emotion that you’re feeling. Music is so powerful because you can take it many different ways and interpret it for yourself. Music can emote love, can emote hate, can emote anger, can emote desperation. And, by listening to music, you can become a better person.”

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

Olivia Olson, 12

Moe Hill, 10

“It makes me happy or sad.

It depends on the song.

If I’m in a bad mood, and I don’t really mind it, I’ll listen to sad music, and if I’m in a happy mood, I’ll listen to happy music, or if I’m in a sad mood and want to be happy, I’ll listen to happy music.”

“For football, pump up music is a thing that I use to get me ready for a game.

If I’m in a down mood, I listen to some slow songs. It affects my mood.”

Caitlyn Chandler, 11

Malik Johnson, 9

“It changes my mood. So if I’m really upset, I can cheer myself up by listening to more upbeat music.”

“Whenever I’m down and I’m sick or anything, it just puts me into a good mood.

It changes how I feel about things. If I don’t feel well, it makes me feel better.”

A range of emotions

One student uses the power of listening to and creating music to affect how she feels and help her cope with stresses in everyday life

BY EMMA PURSLEY

“I use really loud music to help tune everyone out, so I don’t have to listen to them,” Zoe said.

“And piano just takes my mind off of whatever is Zoe Willott’s life is surrounded by music. Zoe making me upset.” participates in almost every musical opportunity Between school, piano practice everyday, available to her: marching band, symphonic band, and marching band practices in the fall, Zoe is and piano lessons. In addition, she spends the rest extremely busy, so she uses music to keep herself of her time plugged into her iPod. from getting too stressed out.

But music is more than just a way “Music can change my complete to fill up her time, it is a way to mood, it can be the tempo or the deal with everyday struggles and sound of the song,” Zoe said. “It Zoe Willott has been escape from her busy life. helps me get stuff done and tune playing piano for eight “Music can turn my life around out anything that is stressing me years, saxophone for if I’m sad or upset,” Zoe said. “It’s out or making me upset.” four years and she is currently learning how to kind of my emotional outlet.”

Zoe’s friends and family underplay the vibe and guitar.

At the age of eight, Zoe began stand that high school classes can piano lessons, her first real expobe stressful, especially for someone sure to the musical world. Since with so much on their plate. They then, Zoe’s love for music has notice the role that music plays grown from a mere hobby. Now, she uses music as in Zoe’s life and the way that she uses it to keep a shoulder to cry on or as a tool to pump her up herself from becoming overly angry or stressed. before a competition.

“Zoe tends to be more relaxed when she’s play-

emma1996ecp@gmail.com

Did you know?

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

ing or listening to music,” Zoe’s best friend sophomore Lauren Arata said. “She always seems more frustrated when she’s not around music.”

Knowing that music helps her and makes her a happier person, Zoe’s family supports her passion for music, and they encourage the way it helps her.

“I think it [music] puts Zoe in a better mood and focuses her,” father Steve Willott said. “I think it provides her a sense of accomplishment.”

At the end of the day, music will always be one of the most important things in Zoe’s life and she will continue to depend on it and use it as a tool and a coping mechanism when life hands her more than she can handle.

“I have no idea what I’d be doing if I didn’t have music in my life,” Zoe said. “Music is the one thing I’ve had in my life for eight years. I’ve done other stuff but it just doesn’t get to me as much as music does.”

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 23

composing A confident career

Music allows one student to overcome her stage fright and get back to performing

BY MEGAN GRANNEMANN

mgrannemann@gmail.com • @MGrannemann

A melody drifts into senior Alli Wurm’s head. It consumes her. She needs to put it down on paper.

As she vocalizes the melody, she begins to work out the music on her piano. Lyrics start to take shape in her mind and, before she knows it, she has a rough draft of a song.

“One day, I just woke up and I had this melody in my head, and I was like, ‘Okay,’ and the words just kind of started flowing out,” Alli said. “It didn’t have a lot of personal meaning for me; it was just something that I knew everyone could relate to.”

Alli sings, writes, and produces her own music.

She has played piano for five years now and is also a member of North’s chorus.

“I think she’ll overcome it by performing more and getting more comfortable in front of people,” Abby Wurm, Alli’s younger sister, said. “I’m pretty sure she will, but if she wouldn’t, I’d probably just try and help her with it and try to push her along to be more outgoing by encouraging her to show people her music and doing small gigs.”

OVERCOMING THE FEAR Her interest in producing music piqued when she made “The Congress Song” for her government class. She used family friend Wes Morgenthaler’s sound equipment to make the song. She took what she learned from that short experience and started producing all on her own.

The next song to be produced was “My Heart Belongs to You.” It was made as a Spanish II project, but Alli liked it so much that she decided to tweak it and add it TAKING A BREAK to her album.

From freshman year to this “At first, they [the students] Take a look for a sneak peak past summer, Alli took a break were like, ‘Who is this?’ They to Alli Wurm's debut album. from music. She didn’t take any were trying to figure out which Use the link goo.gl/9WCSMy choir classes and stopped writfamous singer it was. I was like, to access the intro of her ing music as much as she had ‘Nope, this is Alli from our class,’” album named "Electra". been. She took this opportunity Anelise Mossinghoff, Spanish I to explore other elective opand II teacher, said. “They were tions like drama courses. actually blown away by it, and it “I don’t know what really was really good. I mean, she used happened. I just wanted to see all of her brand-new sound equipwhat else was out there with the other electives, ment to make the song.” and I was just keeping to myself with the music This year, she has thrown herself back into stuff,” Alli said. music which is helping her insecurities to slowly The more time she spent away from music, the dissolve. more insecure Alli felt about her music. She began “I would say that some of those insecurities I’m to question if she truly wanted to be an artist. still overcoming,” Alli said. “There’s still some of Back in the day, Alli would perform in front of them that are there but I’m learning to put them her choir classes, making her comfortable with aside and just ignore it and keep going with who getting up on stage, but recently she hasn’t been I am.” performing, causing her to get stage fright. She hopes to break this habit by the time North Street GETTING BACK ON TRACK arrives so that she can perform.

Alli is currently working on producing her debut 24 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

album. She began the process of producing the music this past summer. Her hope is to have it finished and ready to be posted on SoundCloud by the middle of this year. This album is the ticket to her dream of getting discovered and becoming a famous artist.

“I would get to do what I love all the time and get paid for it, if I decided to put it up for money,” Alli said. “If I was an established artist, that would be the case. I can’t see myself doing like a desk job or something like that, that’s so not my style. I can barely handle sitting at a desk at school for seven hours.”

Currently, Alli has two completely finished songs going on her album. The first song is called “Verona” which is strictly a piano piece and the second song is “My Heart Belongs to You” which is written in Spanish. She hopes to have 10 to 15 songs on the album with at least three or four collaborations.

“It makes her different from everyone else because, like, obviously no one’s going to have the same song as her because she wrote it herself,” Abby said.

The purpose of this album is for people to like what she creates. She takes her feelings and thoughts and lyrically simplifies it to make it relatable for the masses.

“I definitely try to stay true to myself while trying to reach out to everyone else because if you write something strictly just for you, no one else is going to understand, but at the same time you just can’t ignore what your feeling or have to say,” Alli said.” You kind of have to meet it in the middle.”

Alli’s goal is for people to like her music.

Whether that’s accomplished by coming up in the music industry as the new hit artist or getting some good feedback from the people listening to her stuff on SoundCloud.

“I don’t care who you are. If you like my stuff, then great, that makes you happy, that makes me happy,” Alli said.

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

CATCHING the One direction obsession

This British boy band connects to its fans with relatable lyrics and catchy music

BY NICK WYER

nickwyer23@gmail.com • @yeezies

Directioners.

The word has come to represent the obsessive fans of the boy band One Direction. The band, composed of five members, has what many consider a large and growing fan base. They obsess and debate over which band member is the cutest and bond over the lyrics of the songs. For fans like sophomore Kaylin Bowman, seeing the boys perform live is the best thing that could happen.

“Getting the tickets was chaos,” Bowman said.

“We got them on Christmas and my parents recorded it. It was crying, excitement and a lot of shaking. I was just feeling a whole bunch of emotions at that time.”

Fans like Bowman grow together and bond over their mutual connection, One Direction. The

band has produced three albums since 2011, and as each album comes out, the number of Directioners increases. Like Bowman, freshman Danielle Mayer feels like she can connect and grow along with the band and the fans as each album is produced. She feels a connection because the lyrics of their music have matured with the boys.

“I like the band’s new change,” Mayer said. “I think they’re getting better and better. I think their change is for the better. Their songs are better than what they used to be, and they’re more relatable.”

One Direction has become a worldwide phenomenon. Much of the fame this band has gained can be attributed to the relatability of their music, according to Bowman. She, like other fans, is able to connect with other Directioners because they bond over the band’s music and each member’s personality.

“I’m a fan of One Direction because of the music and getting to meet new people because of it,” Bowman said. “I like seeing how they are and how they act through their music videos and interviews, they’re kinda just relatable.”

With all of this fame and fortune, the band has still relatively remained the same, according to its longtime fans. Like Bowman and Mayer, junior MaryKate Feldhaus believes the fact that the boys are growing up alongside their fans gives a real feeling to their music. Like many fans, she finds that the feeling of the band’s music makes the connection between them and the boys feel authentic and real.

“I believe that being a fan has impacted my life,” Feldhaus said. “It allows me to connect with some of the other fans as well. We have the same interest, so it gives us something to talk about.”

DEDICATED CITIZENS OF THE T-SWIFT NATION

Two seniors turn their love for this pop-country singer into an obsession over her music

BY SOPHIE GORDON

smgordon14@gmail.com • @smgordon

Dressed in all red, seniors Sarah Shepherd and Catherine House grasp giant posters in their hands. They’re ready for the Taylor Swift RED tour and can’t wait to get inside. They’re excited to see their favorite singer on stage, a performance they’re sure to never forget.

“We looked forward to the concert for a long time,” Sarah said. “We had so much fun leading up to it, and seeing Taylor on stage was amazing.”

The obsession started with Sarah. After seeing Taylor at the Country Music Award Fest in 2008, she was hooked. Eventually, Sarah introduced Catherine to Taylor Swift, and the two formed a PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

stronger bond over the musician’s lyrics and tunes.

“I think Taylor Swift was a thing for Sarah and “I probably wouldn’t have been quite such a me to bond over,” Catherine said. “I probably fangirl if it weren’t for Sarah,” wouldn’t have liked her as much Catherine said. “I liked her music if it weren’t for Sarah.” originally, but Sarah brought it to a Now the object of their obsesTaylor Swift’s albums: whole new level for me.” sion is Parachute, artists of the Taylor Swift (2006) Their shared obsession with Tayhit song “She is Love.” The girls Fearless (2008) lor allowed Sarah and Catherine to believe they will continue to Speak Now (2010) become closer. The craziest thing bond over music. With similar Red (2012) the girls did was create a video tastes, they want to keep having Her number one song is “I for Ellen Degeneres, asking to be fun obsessing over bands and Knew You Were Trouble” on the show to meet Taylor Swift. connecting through their music. was released in 2012.

Both girls believe that their obses“We still obsess over stuff tosion brought them closer together gether, and it makes everything and allowed them to connect with a lot more exciting,” Sarah said. other people.

“We always have something to talk about.”

by the numbers

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 25

a Kayne Connection The controversial artist has a strong fan base

BY NICK WYER

nickwyer23@gmail.com • @yeezies

Kanye West is a man striving to change things in hip-hop culture. Despite multiple changes in style, in both the fashion and music industry, Kanye seems to have a steady fan base. For some, he’s an inspiration while others don’t care about him.

“He’s revolutionized many things about the genre,” junior Miles Thies said. “He made a lot of strides in hip-hop, and it wouldn’t really be where it is today without him. One thing is for sure though, you can either really love him, or hate him, there is no in-between.”

Miles, like many other fans, has developed a connection through Kanye because of the new ideas he brings to hip-hop with each album. These ideas allow fans to discuss his music and connect with one another.

“Being a Kanye fan gives you something to talk about,” junior Jacob Pardo said. “It gives me something to connect with others. By listening and sharing his music with them, you can meet so many people and bond with them through that common interest.”

According to Jacob, Kanye West impacts people’s lives in either a negative or positive way.

Some view him as a negative influence because of outlandish things he has said or done, like taking an award away from Taylor Swift. Others view him in a positive light because of his influence on today’s hip-hop scene and the connection that he creates for his fans. For fans such as senior Matt Schneider, he’s had a positive impact.

“I would say that liking Kanye has just enriched my life and made me a happier person, just to be listening to the amazing things he creates,” Matt said. “Also, it has helped me get a better understanding of the world. Music has the ability to broaden people’s understanding, and Kanye is really good at doing that.”

As Kanye has progressed with his music career, fans believe his style has changed; however many find that most of his fans have stayed loyal to him.

“I don’t think I’ll stop liking Kanye,” Matt said.

“I’ve liked him for a pretty long time now, as a time period relative to the rest of my life, it’s pretty significant to my life. He’s timeless, I anticipate loving this music for the rest of my life.”

26 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

a hobby becomes a way of life

In his first year of college, an FHN graduate pursues a career in audio engineering after spending his whole life dedicated to music and perfecting his skills

BY DANIEL BODDEN

wanted to get a drummer involved since they were just using a beat pad at the time.

“Sean is an excellent drummer,” Last August keyMusic is more than just a hobby or pastime for boardist Samuel Cooper said. “He’s really good at FHN graduate Sean Albert. He spends around 10 taking jokes, and takes a lot of crap from Caleb and hours each day devoted to music, most of which can Jake, but he’s completely fine with it and he’s a really be credited to the time he spends at the ex’treme great drummer.”

Institute by Nelly at Vatterott College working on Last August has had some successes during their his major in audio engineering and producing. time as a band. The band won Fort Zumwalt West’s “It really is a cool experience,” Sean said. “You’re Battle of the Bands, played at Cicero’s, headlined sitting behind [the soundat FHN’s Frau Fest, and also board], and it’s just like, for performed in the recent Moxy the first time in your life, Showcase. According to Samuel, it’s like ‘Wow, I can actually the band is more about having a hen you’re make this better or worse connection over a similar interest playing music, depending on how good than the logistics of how many you get my ear is or how I like this songs and shows they have. this feeling - there’s certain sound.’ Especially if “We enjoy getting together and you’re sitting behind a really practicing, but it kind of gives nothing like it in my big desk, it’s like the most us a reason to hang out,” Samuel opinion. badass feeling of all because said. “I guess you could say music -Sean Albert, FHN graduate it’s like ‘This is mine, and I is what brings us all together, but get to mess with it.’” very little practicing actually gets Sean’s musical career done.” started in seventh grade Although Sean has experience when he began drumming in both on the stage and behind the a band for weekend services at Harvester Christian board, he hasn’t really chosen a favorite and enjoys Church. During his junior year, he was asked to join both ways of being involved in making music.

Last August, the band he is currently in, by Caleb “They’re both kind of equal; both have their Mabrey, who was an intern at Harvester at the time. benefits and both kind of have their drawbacks,” The band had been formed for about a year and Sean said. “Whenever you’re engineering, you kind daniel.bodden21@gmail.com • @danbodden

W

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

of have control of what the music is doing, but when you’re playing music, you get this feeling - there’s nothing like it in my opinion.”

Even though Sean didn’t start playing publicly until seventh grade, he has had an interest in music ever since he was a little kid.

“It’s probably the most cliche thing you’ll ever hear, but when I was a little kid I would just bang on stuff all the time, tap my fingers, tap my feet,” Sean said. “My mom bought me a drum set and I was off and running from there.”

During Sean’s years at North, Associate Band Director Paul Ahlemeyer served as a mentor for him.

Ahlemeyer noticed Sean’s natural talent from the beginning.

“He was really quick to catch on to styles and was able to adapt to different kinds of music very quickly,” Ahlemeyer said. “I just saw him mature and become more professional and tasteful while playing.”

But, it was more than just a high school band class that transformed Sean’s hobby into a passion. For him, it’s worth it to spend all this time on music because of what it offers him.

“Honestly, it’s the individuality,” Sean said. “If you’re a good artist, nobody is going to sound like you. You’re going to have your specific sound, you’re going to have your specific way of writing things, and your specific genre. So, I put it all down to individuality and creativity.”

Although there are other outlets and art forms that

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

provide this kind of expression, Sean believes there is something special about music that extends further than just words.

“I personally believe it’s the tone in general,” Sean said. “There’s certain frequencies, which a frequency is music, that I believe evoke people to feel a certain way. For me, the more bass I hear, the more happy I am; it kind of sends chills in my spine. That’s kind of why I think music really gets people to feel a certain way; it invokes certain emotions and reactions.”

Sean and Samuel also believe music helps make immediate connections with other people who have a passion for it. They’ve met new people and had opportunities because of their involvement with music.

“When I find out that people like the same bands that I do, it’s instantly 100 times easier to get along with them and make that connection,” Samuel said.

“The bands I like center a lot around lyrics. The lyrics that they sing about mean something. For me, it’s a lot easier for me to get to know people who like the lyrics I do.”

But, for Sean, his devotion to music goes a lot deeper than just the surface level of playing and enjoying it. He has a hard time imagining what his life would even be like without it.

“In all honestly, I’d probably be dead right now,” Sean said. “Music has gotten me through some of my hardest times. I never saw myself doing anything else.”

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 27

warranty

March 1, 2014

GREGORY

HENNENFENT

Q&A How long have you been teaching?

This year will be completing my 31st year of teaching. The first six years, I taught at Warrington, Osbourne, and Lamont R-3 school and then Francis Howell hired me and I’ve been teaching here for 19.

Why have you chosen to wear purple everyday for the 2013-14 school year?

Well I could have retired three years ago, but I decided when the freshman class that came in four years ago that I would go out with them. I had done graduations up to that point, filling in for other teachers and homerooms that I had, so I said “I’m going to go out with this group,” so I kind of got attached to all of those seniors. I tried to think of some things that would be neat for them to enjoy throughout the year and wearing a purple shirt everyday since it’s their class color was one of my main ideas.

What does the class of 2014 mean to you and why?

I’ve gotten to know a lot of the seniors on a little bit better basis than I got to know most students because I knew that I’d be retiring their senior year.

WATCH Check out the link goo.gl/IIxpAv to find out why Hennenfent decided to wear purple everyday.

On Saturday mornings, Shane Callaway is usually at a bowling alley.

Although he did get a strike here, Callaway did not bowl a 300 in this particular game. (matt krieg)

THE PERFECT GAME

Callaway has found his passion in bowling and wants to become the best bowler he possibly can

BY BRENDA ALVARADO brenduhalvarado@gmail.com

•

@brenduhalvarado

Pins clash and sophomore Shane Callaway feels at home. He’s at the Brunswick Zone in Chesterfield where he spends most of his Saturdays. He practices frequently with the Junior Bowling Club (JBC) travel team and he often plays with his day league. Today, he bowls a few balls and notices each ball smacks down onto the lane, instead of swiftly rolling on to it. He’s dropping the ball too early. Shane quickly fixes his technique. All the little things count in bowling. Shane knows this well. He’s been working toward his goal of bowling an 800 in a three-game series. Before last December, he wouldn’t have thought it possible, but now, it’s an attainable dream.

“It would mean I accomplished my next goal and my standards would get raised slightly higher,” Shane said. “If it ever happened I would probably be in shock the rest of the day.”

30 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

It happened on a typical Saturday. Shane was bowling in a day league. He had already seen many people bowl that day, and it was just another game to him. He was at ease. He likes having all the pressure on himself. He thinks he does better alone.

He walked up to get a ball and bowled another strike.

So far he’s six for six.

He looked up at the glowing screen, taking in his score. He’d bowled a perfect game so far. He took time to analyze how he’d played, to think about how he wanted to end the game, his typical routine for every game. That day he was feeling good. He thought the game would end smoothly, nothing extraordinary.

But, three strikes later, he was nine for nine, only two away from bowling the perfect game.

“The odds of this happening [to me] are zero,” Shane said.

He was close, he didn’t think he could bowl two more strikes to get that perfect score of 300.

PAGE BY BRENDA ALVARADO

LEFT: As Shane Callaway bowls his frame at Brunswick Zone in Chesterfield, many bowling balls wait to be selected by Callaway for his next frame. Callaway’s preference in the ball he uses is 14 pounds. “I use a 14 pound because its the highest weight I can throw comfortably.”

Shane Callaway talks with a friend between their frames. One of Callaway’s favorite thing about bowling is “probably going to tournaments and meeting new people.” Through all of the Saturdays he has spent at a bowling alley, Callaway has become close with those he bowls with. “Most of them are like family to me,” Shane said. (photos by matt krieg)

It just couldn’t be a possibility for him.

He tries anything to get close that score of 800. The closest he’s gotten to his goal is But two strikes later, there it was, glowing on the computer screen for everyone to when he bowled a 751 this year. Only 49 points away. see. Shane Callaway. 300.

While he’d like to do better, Shane knows it’s not all about numbers and pins. He “I’m not quite sure how I did it, I just remember that day I was like half asleep for wouldn’t keep playing after 10 years if he didn’t think it was fun. most after that point,” Shane said. “I was in shock afterwards I don’t know how I did “I like it a lot,” Shane said. “It’s a good way to release stress and it’s fun. You get to it or how it happened.” meet a lot of new people when you go to tournaments and stuff.”

Shane’s bowling career started 10 years ago when he was out with It’s his love for tournaments, as well as the experiences his sister, his older sister, senior Brittany Gallagher. Their mother decided it Brittany, had on North’s team that kept him from joining. He believed it would be easiest to manage the kids if she took them bowling at an was in his best interest to stay on his league team because he enjoyed the alley off of Lindbergh. While they were playing, a local league was more competitive style. impressed by the Shane and Brittany’s bowling, and asked them to It is serious for Shane, though. To him, it’s more than just his 300. It’s join their team. more than just the jacket he got from being a finalist in a tournament. It’s “They thought we had a lot of potential,” Britney said. “We weren’t about what’s next, and his drive to keep improving. He was fifth in the Use the link even sure how long we were going to stick with it.” nation in 2008, but that isn’t enough. He only missed the quarter finals goo.gl/TUk8hH The two both joined later that season. Because he had only by one pin. He could’ve done better. He wants to do better. He wants to to see Shane knockin’ bowled once for fun, Shane had no idea what bowling competitively be the best. them down. would be like. However, after joining the local league, Shane discovSomeday, he wants to walk in to a bowling alley filled with an audiered that he liked having the pressure of the competition on himself. ence. He wants to pick up the ball and throw it perfectly. He wants the He likes being in control of how well he does and the individual aspect of it. He crowd to erupt as all the pins clash down, watching strike after strike. He wants to be moved from that league to JBC and now every Saturday, he has six coaches helping a professional. He knows it’ll be hard, as it is in any sport, to make it professionally, him improve his technique. He throws practice games to improve his score and help but Shane is willing to work hard to make his dream a reality. For him, it’ll all start with accuracy and angling throws. Shane also tries out bowling balls of different sizes. when he finally bowls that 800.

“I have to practice,” Shane said. “Lots and lots of practice. I’ll throw practice games.

“I just wanna keep going,” Shane said. “Now it’s [the 300] just another goal I’ve It just depends how I’m feeling.” accomplished, and it gives me a chance to raise my goals higher.”

WATCH

PAGE BY BRENDA ALVARADO

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 31

S

GAC

STANDINGS (as of press time)

Boys’ Basketball 1. Howell High 5-4

2. Howell North 6-3 3. Timberland 5-5 4. Zumwalt West 2-5

Girls’ Basketball

1. Zumwalt West 9-2 2. Howell High 7-2 3. Howell North 6-4

4. Troy 3-5 Austine Pauley guards her opponent during the second half of the game against Timberland High School. The Knights finished on top with a score of 54-52. (photo by cameron mccarty)

LEADING THE TEAM A sophomore and second year Varsity player has the best scoring stats on the team

The Lady Knights Basketball team has an overall record, which includes tournaments, of 6-4, as of press time. Their league record, which excludes tournaments, is at 1-0 as of press time. Their most recent league game against FZN on Jan. 7 was cancelled due to a snow day. It’s rescheduled for late February.

Leading the team in scoring is sophomore forward Austine Pauley with 126 points scored in 10 games. Following Austine closely in scoring is senior Madison Gilliam with 121 points scored.

“It feels good to be the leading scorer,” Pauley said. “It gives me motivation to work harder.”

“It makes you feel pretty confident that you’ll win the match.”- Zak Davlin, 11

AJ Lozada, 11

32 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

Girls’ Swim:

BACK

3. Megan Hampson 1:08

brenduhalvarado@gmail.com• @brenduhalvarado

brief by rodney malone

1. Peyton Moore 2:28 2. Dolores Boschert 2:34 3. Maggie Torbeck 2:35 100 1. Izzi Clark 1:00 2. Maggie Torbeck 1:08

BY BRENDA ALVARADO

Despite a rough season for the Varsity Wrestling team, several wrestlers placed in the GAC competition on Jan. 11.

“It felt good to wrestle and get third after my loss,” Varsity wrestler Sam Ritchie said.

“I think if I tried a little bit harder it probably would have went a different way.”

According to Varsity wrestler Kenneth Hughes, the team is preparing for state the team has been conditioning, practicing a lot of extra moves and reviewing basic techniques.

Girls’ Swim: 200 IM

Wrestling

1. Howell High 1-0 2. Howell Central 2-0 3. Zumwalt West 1-0

Senior Cody Pingleton steals the puck from his opponent during the Knight’s game against Fort Zumwalt East. (paige martinez)

FINDIN’ A GROOVE

BY DAVID MCFEELY mcfeely1313@gmail.com

The FHN Gold bowling team is currently 6-5 halfway through the season. This year there are three new bowlers. Even with three new bowlers, the team has been working to improve their consistency through the season.

“We have gotten more consistent in our meets, even with other teams finding their groove, we are still trying to find ours and keep up with them,” sophomore Nick Gehricke said.

The team’s next meet is this Sunday at Plaza Lanes.

2

4. Howell North 1-1

GAMES WON

Currently at fourth place in the first division of Saint Charles, the FHN Hockey team is standing at 2-3. The team continues to practice every Tuesday for about an hour and a half. “[To improve] we work on our power plays at practice,” junior Brennan Buerck said brief by priscilla joel

PAGE BY ASHLEY EUBANKS & BRENDA ALVARADO

THE

Senior Terry White dribbles past his opponent during the Knights’ game against St. Charles West. The Knights led the game until the fourth quarter when the Warriors tied, and then won the game. (jessica allison)

WEEK IN

GAMES FRIDAY BOYS BASKETBALL

V. TIMBERLAND

HOME GAME AT 7:00 P.M.

TUESDAY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

V. FORT ZUMWALT WEST 6:00 P.M. AT TROY

WEDNESDAY WRESTLING V. TROY

MATCHES START AT 6:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY

PUTTING IN THE EXTRA WORK PAYS OFF

With a current record of 6-3, the Boys’ Basketball team stands second in their GAC. The team has one month until the actual tournament takes place.

Leading the team in points scored is senior James Gleeson with 134 points. Gleeson started playing basketball when he was six

THURSDAY GIRLS’ SWIM

and credits the accomplishment to his frequent practicing.

“I’ve been practicing extremely lately and I guess the hard work is paying off,” Gleeson said.

Their next home game is tonight at 7:00 p.m. against Timberland, who is ranked third in the same GAC.

brief by brenda alvarado

V. ST. CHARLES HIGH 3:30 P.M. AT THE REC PLEX

FRIDAY

COMING CLOSE TO THE RECORD in the 100m Backstroke

Megan Hampson, 12

KNIGHTLINE

1:08.40

DANCE SHOWCASE

Maggie Torbeck, 11 1:08.25

STARTS AT 5:00 P.M. IN NEW GYM

School Record 1:03 State Record

FRIDAY

54.09

brief by ashley eubanks

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Megan Hampson, 12

When Hampson found that she was close to breaking the record, aside from practicing twice a day, she started working her abs and running.

“It feels great; I have potential to improve,” Hampson said. “I’m excited for both of us, I personally think we both have a chance at breaking the record.”

PAGE BY ASHLEY EUBANKS & BRENDA ALVARADO

Maggie Torbeck, 11 To prepare for the challenge of breaking this record, Torbeck has been buckling down and attending more practices, focusing more on her technique in order to improve.

“It’s really surprising [to be so close to breaking the record] because going into last year’s season, I wasn’t even relatively close,” Torbeck said.

V. FHC GAME AT FHC AT 5:30 P.M.

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 33

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GET TO KNOW SOME...

BALLERS

Here’s a look at some of the basketball players and their stats

STL’S NEW PRO TEAM New STL team the “Ambush” wins over the hearts of soccer fans

JOSH CARPENTER, 12

“The season is going good. We are better now then what we were at this time last year. We need to work on attacking the basket and playing hard through all 4 quarters.”

Height: 6’5” Jeresy Number 41 Forward

GABE GROTE, 11

“We just need to work on making sure we are all on the same page and that we work together and knock down our free throws. If we play how we did the second game I see our season going very well.”

Height: 5’10” Jersey Number 45 Guard

AUSTIN KNOTT, 12 “We need to work on our team chemistry. I see us having a winning season this year we look really good, we really got a squad.”

Height: 5’10” Jersey Number 15 Guard

COLLIN TOEDTMANN, 12 “I think we will end up having one of the best teams in the area.”

Height: 6’1” Jersey number 13 Forward

34 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

Dan Antoniuk with the goal against Rochester. (scott neer)

BY KYLEIGH KRISTENSEN kyleigh1318@gmail.com • @kyleigh15_

The Family Arena recently introduced St. Louis’ newest indoor soccer team, Ambush. Prior to the Ambush, there have been several teams in St. Louis, such as the St. Louis Illusion. Both professional and semi-professional teams have failed to stay in business in the St. Louis area, whether due to lack of attendance or the financial management problems. Team owner Andrew Haines plans to avoid these problems by promoting the team and watching the budget.

“You have to be on top of your expenses,” Hains said. “It’s very easy to over spend, and lose lots of money. Keeping your expenses down, and then making sure you market the team and bring in revenue, will ensure that [the team failing] doesn’t happen again.”

Ambush is a new team in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL). According to midfielder, defender, and assistant coach Jeff DiMaria, the team is doing well with a record of 4-6 as of press time. DiMaria believes Ambush is doing quite well, especially compared to the other new team, Pennsylvania Roar, which holds a record of 0-10. The team has also beaten the Syracuse Silver Knights--both times when the Knights held first place. As of press time, the Ambush are in fifth, one place away from a playoff spot.

In addition to the team being new, they have also had multiple injured players, including DiMaria and Dan Antoniuk, as well as Nick Aguilar. The injury Aguilar has suffered has put him into question as to whether he is fit to return, and as for Elvir Kafedzic, his injury will not allow him to return. These injuries have prompted Ambush to recruit new players.

Although the team’s health has dwindled, there are still many uninjured players, such as goalkeeper Jeff Richey--a current U.S. National Futsal team

player--and Mike Roach, previous player of New England Revolution of Major League Soccer (MLS).

Despite these injuries, players like DiMaria are excited to be on the new team.

“I take a lot of pride in being a homegrown player on the team,” DiMaria said. “St. Louis has a storied soccer history with really passionate and intelligent soccer fans. I really enjoy playing in front of these fans in addition to having my family and friends be able to watch me.”

According to some, Ambush has attracted a large fanbase. The attendance average is 5,464 people per game, putting the Ambush at third for most attended team. St.Louis’s soccer history--along with a large number of youth programs such as Saint Louis Scott Gallagher (SLSG), Lou Fusz, and JB Marine--is what is believed to be drawing crowds, in addition to the Ambush’s social marketing staff. The marketing team has been giving the team exposure by selling team merchandise, such as jerseys, scarves, sweatshirts, and vuvuzelas. The marketing team also gave SLSG players a 50 percent discount on their tickets in order to attract more players from the youth program.

In addition to marketing, DiMaria believes that the exciting atmosphere is also bringing in fans and keeping them coming back.

“What keeps me coming back is the soccer fans and being able to be so close to the players and the field, which makes you feel like you are really a part of the game,” freshman Chris St. Aubin said.

Ambush’s next game will be today against the Baltimore Blast at the Baltimore Arena. Anyone wanting to attend an Ambush game can find the schedule on the team’s website: stlouisambush.com. Tickets can be purchased online and picked up at the Family Arena.

The next home game will be at the Family Arena on Saturday, Feb. 1, when the Ambush will face the Milwaukee Wave at 1:35 p.m.

KYLEIGH KRISTENSEN

ROAD TO RECOVER

#

FHNGameday Tag your all of your sports posts with #FHNGameday to see your tweet, photos or video featured here

Varsity Knightline looks to redeem themselves at Nationals this year after their performance last year

Twitter

BY RODNEY MALONE malonerodney97@gmail.com

Varsity Knightline has been practicing for more than 35 hours every week since June--about the same amount of hours as a full-time job--dedicating time to work on twirls, tricks, and other stunts in order to perfect their routines before performing on the biggest stage: Nationals. The team is set to leave on Jan. 30 to attend the competition which will be held at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

“I think there is a lot of pressure for us to do well at Nationals,” sophomore Kristina Mckay said. “Nationals is the hardest level to get to and we want all of our hard work to pay off.”

In addition to improving their routines to make sure that they are perfect at Nationals, the team has also been working to stay strong mentally by not letting the pressure to do well get to them.

Because the team didn’t make it to the finals at Nationals last year, they hope to make an impression with their new jazz and hip-hop routines.

“Even though the team didn’t make it to finals at Nationals [last year], I think it was still a great experience for the team,” junior Monica Friedman said.

According to senior Ashley Perry, the team is fixing mistakes from last year in order to be more confident going into the competition, and she also believes that the team has the potential to do very well at Nationals and make it to finals. After working hard to place first at Elite Camp over summer with their jazz dance routine, and making a name for themselves in different competitions throughout the season, the team is well on their way to Nationals.

“We have been dancing together as a team and giving it our best in practices in hopes to reach our goal of making it to finals this year,” Perry said.

Nobody believes our basketball team is 7-3 lol

@RealAustinKnott Austin Knott

Twitter

Took 3rd at Gac for the second time, gotta keep working and pushing for the better

@imRitch_ie13 Sam Ritchie Freshman Riley Ruffkar performs Knightline’s jazz dance during half-time show at the Varsity girls basketball game on Dec. 12. The Varsity Knightline team performs their jazz dance to the song ‘Wherever You Will Go” by Charlene Soraia. The team learned the dance in a weekend with a six-hour practice on Saturday and another six-hour practice on Sunday. (photo by abby temper)

A sophomore follows her passion on ice because of an Olympic inspiration that led her to her simple love of the sport

BY LAUREN PIKE laurenpike14@gmail.com

•

@pike_n_ike

PAGE BY RODNEY MALONE

@fhnactivities Mike Janes Varsity Boys are the 2013 Seckman Tournament champions! Knights win 64-39 over Lutheran South. #hardware

A STAR ON THE ICE

Blades slice across the ice. Sophomore Jennifer Byman took her skating to the next level when she began skating competitively in eighth grade.

“I’m just really happy when I’m skating,” Byman said. “It’s one of those things that de-stresses me after a long day.”

Three years ago, Byman began working with a private coach Mandy Whitacre. Whitacre convinced Byman to pursue competitive skating and shortly after, she decided to join a Rec Plex synchronized skating team, the Ruby Edges. While Byman loves skating, she finds her practices more

Twitter

fun than her competitions.

“It’s much easier when you’re practicing and just doing it for fun,” Byman said. “At a competition, it’s a lot more stressful and there’s a lot of pressure to do good and get a medal or award for your performance.”

According to Whitacre, Byman is a hard worker and good example to her other teammates.

“She has lots of nerves, but she doesn’t let it show,” Whitacre said. “She brings a lot of fun and I think a lot of people like watching that. She always brings her quirky personality.”

Twitter

Freshman girls and boys basketball game today! Good luck Knights!

@The_Goonies14 FHN Goonies

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 35

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ICEBREAKERS (photos by ashleigh jenkins)

The Varsity Knights shut out the Holt Indians 7-0 in the Knight’s last home game of the season Senior goalie Trenton Adams hands a bouquet of flowers to his mother.

Seniors were recognized in a ceremony before the game, senior Kelsey McIlroy sang the national anthem. This is Adams’ first year playing for North.

Spectators cheer after the Knights score a point in the first period.

The Knights Varsity hockey team forms a huddle before their game against Wentzville Holt on the 4. The Knights have four games left in the regular season.

Sophomore Mitchell Carlson and freshman Kavan Johnson celebrate after defeating the Holt Indians. Johnson blocked 26 goal attempts by the Indians. Johnson has blocked 265 of 301 shots so far this season.

Goalie Kavan Johnson successfully blocks an attempted goal in the first period.

36 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

PAGE BY ASHLEIGH JENKINS

Junior Brennan Buerck attempts to secure possession of the puck in a face off against a Holt Indian. Buerck assisted in three goals in the game against Holt, bringing his total to 14 goals for the season. Buerck has had 26 assists in his three years playing for North.

Junior Bryan Fuhler and sophomore Daniel Lamartina fight with two Holt Indians midway through the third period. All four players received five minute major penalties for fighting and were ejected from the game for game misconduct. The players had to be separated by the two linesmen. Fuhler had served a two minute penalty for hooking earlier in the game. The Knights went on to score two more goals in the remaining eight minutes.

PAGE BY ASHLEIGH JENKINS

S

Fundraise

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Reviewed by Brittany Steck

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This uncoordinated ninja-in-training needs your help to become a rough and tough warrior in this easily addictive gaming app.

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GOING TO UNHOLY PLACES “Paranormal Activity: The Marked

Ones” is a worthy and fresh spin-off of the popular series

BY DAN STEWART

danstewart130@gmail.com • @DanStewRocks

T

he “Paranormal Activity” series has been churning out films since 2007, and it’s showing no signs of stopping. Though it follows a simple formula, a certain magic lingers in each installment. Some kind of magnetism resides in the developing mythos. Every movie has its creeping crescendo, capped with an explosive climax . “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones” is no exception.

“Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones” follows friends Jesse (Andrew Jacobs) and Hector ( Jorge Diaz), during the summer after graduation. After hearing that the weird, old lady in the apartment downstairs was killed, they decide to investigate. Eventually, Jesse finds a circular mark on his arm and develops strange powers. Hector’s new handheld camera serves as witness to the events, and viewers are given a front row seat to all hell breaking loose (pun intended).

Each film brings new elements to the table and lays them out, so as to obscure their procedural plots, and it completely works.

“Paranormal Activity 2” brought security cameras and pools. “Paranormal Activity 3” included a moving camera that allowed for more clever reveals. Paranormal Activity 4 utilized laptop cameras and the Kinect for Xbox. In “The Marked Ones”, the characters Use the link goo.gl/fXnePk to see are in a new location, a gritty apartment a video of the trailer building in Oxnard, California. Despite these for the movie. changes seeming small or irrelevant, they act as simple and often clever storytelling devices. The Kinect from “4” was a genius move, allowing promotion for the product, and creating some really creepy scares.

Fans of the “Paranormal Activity” series will find that “The Marked Ones” isn’t so much of a spin-off, but rather something like a side-sequel. It doesn’t follow the traditional timeline of the numbered entries, but rather, tells a relevant story that helps explain more about the actions of the forces controlling these hauntings. While the absolutely bonkers end of “Paranormal Activity 4” seemed like it would have been hard to top, the incredible finale of “The Marked Ones” will leave long-time enthusiasts speechless.

The scares in this installment occasionally seem forced, or predictable, which is an unfortunate crutch of this film. It feels as if every single time a character approaches a window, or points the camera away to do something, you can place money on the fact that something will jump at the camera, or a shadowy figure will appear while the camera is looking away. It’s not to say that this film is devoid of horror- plenty of surprises and dark basements await Jesse and Hector, which compensate for it’s slight lack of creative scares.

One addition that is oddly welcomed in “The Marked Ones” is the absence

WATCH

NR

40 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

of sleeping. A staple of the previous films, a camera pointed at a character while they sleep provided a creepy and tense atmosphere. The vulnerability of sleeping is a key factor. The removal of this does prevent the development of the atmosphere, but it is an embraced creative decision. The rules need to be broken to allow this franchise to grow.

Fans and thrill-seekers will find themselves having a truly entertaining ride during this movie, but traditional moviegoers and those who have already dismissed this series will probably find little to write home about. However the magic of the “Paranormal Activity” series is far from over. More films are to come, and they’re guaranteed to keep taking us to unholy places.

PAGE BY BRITTANY STECK

COOKIE CLICKER

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DOTS

DOOORS

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Challenge friends to an intense race where your cute characters run through a deadly obstacle course.

Connect dots of similar color in this fast-paced gaming app that can keep anyone entertained for hours.

Open the door to your mind by solving various mind-boggling challenges in order to reach different levels in this stimulating game.

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BAND BRINGS BACK ROCK AND ROLL Local band “The 45” gets in touch with old rock ‘n’ roll to create a modern twist on classic sounds

BY KYLEIGH KRISTENSEN kyleigh1318@gmail.com • @kyleigh13_

“The 45” is a St. Louis band I would consider to be a good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll band. They’re an in-your-face, straight-up loud, fun and talented band. They’re like a combination of “White Snake” and “Nirvana.” The band has a cool, darker edge to their songs. My personal favorite songs are “Let Yourself Go” and “Like A Star” both from the new EP, “Shock and Ooh Lala!”

“The 45” was started three years ago, and the current lineup of Baines Johnson singing, Brandon Artinger on drums, Nick Blackburn on rhythm guitar, Cody Denton on lead guitar, and Joe Geimer on bass has been around for a year.

As far as separating themselves from the local scene, they are one of few in the area that isn’t afraid to fall back to their old influences of classic

rock and metal and bring it to the present with a modern twist. The band is fun to rock out with it at their shows, not only because they take their original inspirations to create a modern version of rock ‘n’ roll but also because they aren’t afraid to dabble in other genres and reinvent songs from artists such as “Knife Party” and “Snoop Dogg” for intros to their shows which puts everyone in an awesome mood for a fun night with great music.

Since the band has just recently released their new album they will be performing more shows.

Anyone who’s interested in attending one of the band’s fun shows should keep an eye on the band’s Facebook page to see when they are having their release show.

Click the link goo.gl/O4xYly to check out the band’s Facebook page to view photos, videos and performance information.

NO TO THE DONE ZONE

BY LAUREN PIKE

laurenpike14@gmail.com • @pike_n_ike

Strange Donuts is located at 2709 Sutton Blvd, St Louis, MO (cameron mccarty)

PAGE BY BRITTANY STECK

Strange Donuts boasts an eclectic blend of classic and cleverly-named donut creations. While my expectations for Strange Donuts were high, I found that the restaurant was overrated and the flavors were average.

While I am a donut lover, I found the “Salted Caramel,” a chocolate cake donut drenched in salted caramel sauce, to be cloyingly sweet and artificial in flavor. The “Husky Boy,” a yeast donut topped with peanut butter frosting and crushed Oreos, was unfortunately sub-par with its soggy cookies and average peanut butter flavor. Of the donuts I sampled, only the “Mexican Hot Chocolate” met my expectations. This cake donut features smoky flavors of the Southwest, wrapped in a chocolateglazed exterior. The combination of the chocolate pairs nicely with the subtle kick from chili powder and cinnamon that finishes off each bite.

For yeast donut enthusiasts like myself, the cake donut-based menu of Strange Donuts also falls flat. Overall, between the expensive prices and overrated donuts, St. Charles residents are better off purchasing donuts in town.

Free

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TECH SPOTLIGHT

FITBIT FLEX

This pedometer beats out ordinary ones with its fun stats and sleek look

BY ASHLEY EUBANKS AshleyEubanks95@gmail.com

The Fitbit Flex is a product made

by Fitbit that tracks your daily fitness statistics, such as how many steps you take and how well you sleep. As the recent owner of this technology, it’s been interesting to see how busy my day has been. For example, in an eight hour work day at Hallmark I walk roughly five and a half miles.

The Flex is a small black box that fits into a bracelet. You can get the bracelet in hot pink, lime green, light blue, and black, with two adjustable bands for different sized wrists.

Because I received mine as a gift, my Flex is lime green. I recommend choosing black due to the fact that the edges of the band get dirty very easily and black disguises this more than other colors.

When the Flex is synced, all the statistics tracked by it automatically update your Fitbit Dashboard which splits all of the information into different categories, such as Steps, Calories, and Distance.

The lights on the Flex are a bit confusing when first using it because the handbook is not very detailed. Charging time depends on how drained the battery is. However, it lasts five days fully charged.

The Fitbit Flex is around $100, which may seem excessive for a glorified pedometer, but it’s waterproof and works in extreme temperatures, so it’s worth the price. I would recommend the Flex to all types of exercisers because of its easy usability.

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 41

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The U.S. men’s soccer team is facing steep competition in the opening round of the World Cup. The 32 teams from around the world will meet and play in Brazil during the summer. In the first game Brazil plays Croatia in Sao Paulo. The U.S. plays as the visiting team in Natal against Ghana. The defending champion Spain challanges the Netherlands in Salvador in mid June. (ashleigh jenkins)

SCORING AGAINST THE ODDS

Although fans were disappointed by the World Cup draw that pits the U.S. against three very strong teams in Brazil this summer, it’s not time to give up on the U.S. just yet

BY DAVID MCFEELY

The next game will be against Portugal where the U.S. will be playing against Cristiano Ronaldo, one the best players in the world. Ronaldo scored eight goals in 10 games on the international level in the Europe World Cup qualifier.

With the addition of Jurgen Klinsmann, the U.S. Men’s Head Soccer Coach, Over the whole qualifier, Portugal only scored a total of 20 goals, meaning three years ago, the hopes of winning the World Cup for the first time had Ronaldo scored almost half of their goals. Also, Portugal’s defense allowed a never been higher. That is, until the ‘group of death’ draw on Dec. 6, which total of nine goals to teams below them in the standings who have combined pits the U.S. against three of the best soccer teams in the world in the opening for only one World Cup appearance. Whereas the U.S. allowed only eight goals round. to teams who have qualified for the world cup more than 10 times. I think that This ‘group of death’ contains: 2010 third place winner Germany, Portugal, if the U.S. can contain Ronaldo, they have a good chance against Portugal, whose team has one of the best players in the world, and making it very difficult for us not to advance. The only way the Ghana, the team that knocked out the U.S. in 2010. This U.S. couldn’t advance after winning the first two games, is if they is probably one of the most difficult opening rounds the lost their third and Portugal beat Germany and have a higher goal Text 334672 to 37607 if differential than the U.S. do.

United States has ever had to go through, but I believe it’s you agree with too early to count them out yet.

Next, the U.S. faces Germany, who has consistently had a very David’s argument or text good team and has taken third place in the past two Cups. The In order for the U.S. to advance in this grueling group, 334694 to 37607 if you only good team Germany played in their World Cup qualifier was they have to be in the top two teams. The first match will disagree be against Ghana on June 16, who, after defeating the U.S. Sweden, who they tied 4-4. Sweden went 6-2-2 in the World Cup in the round of 16 in 2010, went on to lose to Uruguay in qualifier losing to Germany once but I still wouldn’t say Sweden is penalty kicks in the quarterfinals. That was Ghana’s second appearance in the an extremely challenging team. With that, I think that we have a chance to beat World Cup, and the year before they also beat us keeping us away from the next Germany. I don’t think it will be easy, but it is definitely possible. round so we want to get revenge on them. It is nice playing them first because Overall, the U.S. definitely got one of the worst draws possible this year, but they will be easiest of the three teams because they are not as threatening as it could be worse like Costa Rica, who has to play England, Italy, and Uruguay. the other two teams. They are still a good team, and it will be challenging, but If the U.S. team can come together and play some of their best soccer, they will under the direction of Klinsmann, I believe the U.S. can beat them. stand a chance against these three powerhouse teams.

mcfeely1313@gmail.com• @mcfeelgood13

VOTE

42 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

PAGE BY DAVID MCFEELY

Russia’s new propaganda law may put a strain on the 2014 Winter Olympics. (ashleigh jenkins and cameron mccarty)

STRAIGHTENING THE OLYMPIC GA(Y)MES Russia’s new law gay propaganda is drawing worldwide attention, but the U.S. should be focused on our own problems with equality

BY ELISABETH CONDON econdon2014@gmail.com

• @willowandgingko

We live in a world where a majority of gay people do not have rights and it seems as though our fellow human beings will not have rights at any point in the near future. With the Sochi Olympics beginning on Feb. 7, the world’s focus seems to be on President Vladimir Putin’s June 2013 law banning gay propaganda in the presence of minors. The world seems to be more occupied with taking a political stand against Putin instead of creating legislation in their own countries that allows people to marry who they want to marry.

Putin’s new law is fundamentally anti-gay; however, it is not barring openly gay athletes from participating in the Winter Games. The rights of athletes will not be abridged in any way because Olympic Village is governed by the International Olympic Charter (IOC), not the laws of the host country.

Some athletes may wish to quietly protest Russia’s law by wearing symbols during the games, but the IOC prohibits political gestures at the games. Russian citizens are not protected by the IOC. Many have called for a boycott of the Olympic Games. While no athletes will be boycotting the games, President of France Francois Hollande, Pres-

ident of Germany Joachim Gauck, and the Obama administration will not attend the Olympics.

President Obama has claimed a busy schedule as the reason behind his absence. However, President Obama’s decision to include openly gay athletes like tennis great Billie Jean King and female ice hockey player Caitlin Cahow in the Olympic delegation makes his absence at the Olympic Games seem more political than it has been advertised to be.

The leaders boycotting the Games hail from countries that have legislation regarding the rights of gay people. France and the United States recognize same-sex marriage at the national level and Germany recognizes registered same-sex partnerships.

However, the United States is the only country whose diplomats are boycotting the Olympics that allows local legislatures to overrule the national recognition of same-sex marriage.

The Obama Administration can boycott the Olympic Games all they want, but the bottom line is that gay people still do not have the most basic and human right to love in the county that is supposed to be an example for the rest of the world. Instead of acting against Putin’s laws by not attending the games, the United States needs to focus on creating legislation that allows people to have equal rights, no matter what state they live in.

MINIMUM WAGE BUMP IS ENOUGH Minimum wage increase will positively affect high school students by providing them with more cash to spend on gas and college

BY BRITTANY STECK

brittany14steck@gmail.com• @LittleMsBritt

At the turn of the new year, minimum wage increased in several states across the U.S., including Missouri. The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced that workers receiving minimum wage will now be making 15 cents more than the previous rate of $7.35. This rise was caused by indexing, a policy which adjusts the minimum wage each year to conform with the cost of living. This rise will be positively affecting high school workers, as they will be able to make extra money to help pay for college, gas, and various everyday items. Though 15 cents may seem like a small amount, an average part time worker is now

PAGE BY DAVID MCFEELY

able to make $7,200 a year, about a $150 increase.

While many are calling for a drastic increase, I believe 15 cents is a decent amount. According to Chuck Fischer, an economics professor at Pittsburg State, if wages were to increase too much, companies would have to lay off work- (photo illustration by megan tanksley) ers, something we cannot afford. This increase is a happy medium, giving workers more without tipping the nation’s economical balance beam.

SHADOWING A PRO:

SENIOR HELPER

A lesson in dedication from those who brave the cold to collect donations

BY BRITTANY STECK

brittany14steck@gmail.com

• @LittleMsBritt

Every weekday, my great grandmother visits a nearby senior center.

One day, I decided I would go with her.

As I walked into the doors of Seniors and Company, I heard laughter coming from a group of elderly visitors at the far tables. I smelled coffee and felt the warm air. The walls were covered with handmade drawings. A sight that particularly caught my eye was that of a worker sitting near a guest, holding her hand and listening to a story.

After a few hours of observing the friendly atmosphere, I realized that working with elderly patients is not as easy as it sounds. When the patient was done repeating her story for the third or fourth time, the worker smiled, patted her lovingly on the back, and slowly walked away to help another patient, a happy tear in her eye.

The job is emotionally trying and touching. Each of the workers are able to get to know the senior guests on a personal level. These activities, such as dancing, nail painting, and crafts, can be challenging for the patients, as many of them suffer from Alzheimer’s.

With patience, the workers were able to provide the guests with a happy and loving environment. They give smiles.

They lend ears. They radiate hope.

The workers and guests at Seniors and Company taught me the beauty of giving back to those who have given up their time throughout their lives to help others. This endless cycle is what keeps us human and humble. It just might be the key to happiness.

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 43

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THE HOT TOPIC OF:

MILEY CYRUS GROWING UP Miley Cyrus has gone from wearing cat sweaters to twerking; some watch in admiration while others watch in horror

QUITE THE WRECK

IT’S HER PARTY

BY ELISABETH CONDON

BY BRITTANY STECK brittany14steck@gmail.com • @LittleMsBritt

econdon2014@gmail.com • @willowandgingko

Growing up is tough. But growing up with endless paparazzi, a celebrity dad, and the shadow of your childhood TV role is even tougher. Many artists, such as Lindsay Lohan, have crumbled from all of the pressure that Hollywood life can have on adolescent stars. But 21-year-old pop sensation Miley Cyrus has not. Instead, she has proven to the world that she has guts, individuality, and boldness; three traits that are applicable to many admirable people.

With her daring and surprising performance at the VMAs, Miley broke out of her adorable Disney role by proclaiming to the world that she is no longer the sweet singer she once was. By breaking the cute curse, Miley was able to capture the world’s attention and gain a larger fan base, allowing her to attain what every artist wants: attention and popularity.

With 16 million followers on Twitter, nine Top 10 hits on the Hot 100, and 460 million views on the music video for her single “Wrecking Ball”, it’s hard to ignore the effect Miley has had on pop culture within the last year. I think she is a pretty smart gal.

She’s giving the public exactly what they want: fun, catchy music.

Sure, Miley is not the greatest role model for younger audiences, but we have to keep in mind that she’s not a teenager anymore. She is a blossoming adult, one that is exploring the world around her, creating music, and making tons of money. Those who used to watch “Hannah Montana” are now grown up too, and they should be able to handle the adult-themed content of her work. I applaud Miley for doing what she wants to do as an artist, rather than conforming to the demands of the public.

Miley has been praised for being the queen of 2013, and while she may be deserving of this title from a marketing perspective, she is in no way deserving of this title for being a role model. Granted, her music is pretty impressive, but she should not ever be an inspiration for any woman, young or old.

I will admit that I like Miley’s music and will gladly belt out every single word of “Wrecking Ball,” but I’ll make sure to do it with as much clothing on as possible. While I’m old enough to know that I shouldn’t try to be Miley, I’m concerned that some younger girls will look to her as a role model. The world doesn’t need young girls prancing around in leotards, a foam finger proudly worn on their hand.

Miley’s confidence is untouchable, but rather than portraying an image of strength, she cries out the need for attention.

Miley has the potential to be inspirational and empowering, but she is throwing it away by blurring the lines of appropriateness. As a girl who has gone from being a fiancée to being heartbroken in less than a year, Miley should be trying to inspire young women to be strong rather than inspiring them to crave attention.

I feel sorry for Miley. And I feel sorry for every mother who has to try to convince her daughter that Miley may be famous, but she’s not “good” famous.

Miley knows that sex sells and she is definitely using her sexuality to her advantage.

Hannah Montana was always a character that Miley Cyrus was playing and I don’t expect her to continue playing the role of the country bumpkin. It is important that someone who is as famous as Miley should take the opportunity to portray strength.

VOTE

Text 336920 to 37607 if you agree with Brittany or text 336923 to 37607 if you agree with Elisabeth

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The full version of the Editorial Policy can be found at FHNtoday.com/editorialpolicy

Have an opinion on something in this month’s paper? Submit a letter, and tell us about it.

• Letters must be signed by the author and verified.

• Letters are submitted to room 026 or Mr. Manfull’s mailbox.

• Letters must include the author’s phone number and e-mail for verification.

• Letters should not exceed 300 words.

44 FHNTODAY.COM 01.17.14

• Letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling and content.

• Letters will not be printed if content is obscene, invasive, encouraging disruption of school and/or implies libel.

• Authors will be notified if any changes are made to the letter by the editorial staff.

PAGE BY LAUREN PIKE

Editors-in-Chief: Sophie Gordon Maddie Hiatt

Managing Editor: Daniel Bodden

Business Manager: Rowan Pugh

Business: Aly Jenkins Anna Domitrz

Editors: News Editor: Brianna Morgan Features Editor: Emily Hampson Sports Editor: Brenda Alvarado Opinions Editor: Brittany Steck Copy Editor: Lauren Pike

(editorial cartoon)

NORTH STAR TAKE: REFORMING CLASS ELECTIONS

The North Star takes a look at the process of electing class delegates and suggests ways to revise the current system ON BEHALF OF THE EDITORIAL STAFF yourfhn@fhntoday.com • @fhntoday

Every spring brings class officer elections. The posters, the candy, the propaganda. Each year, the same system is followed to elect the following year’s student class president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Currently, any student, whether in class delegates or not, can run for secretary or treasurer. To run for president and vice president, students are required to have been in the club for at least one year and be in good academic standing. Candidates may campaign, and students vote during homeroom. It’s up to the homeroom teacher to remember to distribute ballots, monitor voting, and collect completed ballots.

According to sophomore and freshman class sponsor Diane Fingers, elections are run in this fashion simply because it’s the way they have always done things. Fingers has sponsored delegates for eight years and says she has seen minimal changes made regarding the class election throughout her time as a sponsor. The North Star Editorial Board suggests revising the election process this year.

The biggest problem with the current system is the campaigning. Students have little time to spread the word that they are running for an office. In order to appeal to their peers, they hang posters and purchase copious amounts of candy. Rather than presenting a platform, candidates seem to compete over how much candy they can hand out.

Modifications to the current system could be easily integrated. For example, the use of propaganda should be limited. Posters and candy turn something that should be fair and equal to all students into a competition of who can afford to buy the most flyers and lollipops. Students who can’t afford to spend $50 on 100 flyers should not be limPAGE BY LEXI WILKINSON

ited because of their budget. Instead of the use of flyers and lollipops to advertise themselves, students could all have an identical sheet passed out a week before elections during homeroom. On the sheet, there could be information about each candidate and what position they are running for. By implementing this change, everyone is made equal and everyone has a chance to advertise themselves.

In lieu of propaganda, senior candidates should be required to give speeches in front of their peers. FHHS requires all running candidates to give a two to three minute speech, which is something FHN could easily do. These speeches could be arranged to take place the Wednesday prior to the election in the auditorium during homeroom.

By giving speeches before voting, this allows the senior class a chance to hear how their future president speaks before an audience. A class cannot confidently vote for a person to represent them and give a speech at graduation if they have never heard that person speak to a crowd.

Another change that needs to be made to the system is the voting process. As of now, ballots are placed in teachers’ mailboxes the day of elections and the homeroom teachers are responsible for remembering to pass them out to students. According to Fingers, the past few years the club has struggled with honesty along with students and teachers following the rules established for voting during homeroom. Instead of putting the responsibility on the homeroom teachers, voting should be done during lunch periods. By voting during lunch, the issues of homeroom teachers forgetting and students voting multiple times would be avoided. The delegates could use the same system as Student Council, who finds that this system works smoothly and plans to continue to use this system for the years to come.

General Staff: Claire Carr Elisabeth Condon Sarai Esparza Ashley Eubanks Megan Granneman Garrett Griffin Priscilla Joel Melissa Lukes Kyleigh Kristensen David McFeely Rodney Malone Jessica Olsen Erika Paar Emma Pursley Hannah Rosen Matt Scheinder Maggie Torbeck Alexis Tainter Lexi Wilkenson Editor-in-Chief of Photography: Matt Krieg

Photo Editors: Managing Editor of Photography: Cameron McCarty Director of Photography: Paige Martinez Photo Editor: Ashleigh Jenkins Photographers: Jessica Allison Jenna Rodriguez Amanda Eckhard Sammie Savala Ariel Kirkpatrick Alyssa Savage Jordan Mertens McKenzie Shea Lauren Price Ashton Stegman Megan Tanksley Abby Temper

FHNTODAY STAFF Editor-in-Chief of Multimedia: Zack Eaton Editors: Online Sports Editor: Mike Ebert Managing Web Editor: Jake Chiarelli Webmaster: Alex Weinstock Stats/Scores Editor: Mike Hamilton Online News Editor: Carly Vossmeyer Web Staff: Nick Wyer Hannah Dietrich

Video Staff: Aiza Bustos Tristan Chenoweth Lucy Covington Kyle Cuppy Lucas Dykes Ryan Jensen Clayton Kohler Jacob Lintner Sam Skaggs Video Editors: Hannah Stillman Dan Stewart Advisers: Aaron Manfull Beth Phillips

01.17.14 FHNTODAY.COM 45

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Members of staff after conquring Lombard Street in San Francisco during a trip to the National High School Journalism Convention in California. This is one of the many trips the staff has taken. Future trips will be to a variety of places from San Diego and Washington DC to Denver and Orlando!

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