North Star December 2010

FHNTODAY.COM - FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH HIGH SCHOOL - 2549 HACKMANN RD. ST. CHARLES, MO

december 15, 2010 volume 25 issue 5

NORTHSTAR

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

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

02 NEWS DECA members participate in local food drive to help the needy, they also brought together all deca members for a social, including food and getting to know each other.

13 FEATURES Voted District six Vice President in September, Maddy Millikan shares her journey in serving over 10 schools in the area.

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34 SPORTS Sophomore Kyle Lemons assists the Varsity boys basketball team this season. He feels honored to be apart of the team and glad he can be a role model himself.

42 OPINIONS The North Star editorial board explains how toxic the spread of rumors can be and why people should put a stop to scandalous rumor they hear around FHN.

21 IN-DEPTH

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Tobacco, regardless of the form, is addictive and causes cancer. This month the North Star takes a look a smokeless tobacco, and the situation surrounding it at North.

COVER

Featured on the cover are five different brands of smokeless tobacco. All five of these brands have the same thing in common; if used as directed, they can cause cancer.

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FHNTODAY.COM

AROUND THE TOWN 5

During Christmas break [Dec. 21- Jan. 3] the following describes 10 events that will be happening in the areas of St. Louis, St. Charles and O’Fallon.

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St. Charles O’Fallon St. Louis

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Celebration of Lights

O’Fallon

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Fort Zumwalt Park, provides their Celebration of lights, starting Nov. 26th- Dec. 30th. People may either drive in their cars to enjoy the atmosphere, take a carriage, train, or sled ride. The ceremony will be opened on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $9 for cars and $15 for large vans. Lastly, every Tuesday will be discount Tuesday, where all cars, vans and noncommercial vehicles are only $7.

Fox theater

St. Louis

1 Zoo Christmas Wild Light show St. Louis Between Dec. 3-30, the St. Louis Zoo will be hosting their annual Christmas light show. People walk through the exhibits, where there are more the 500,000 lights on display. This is really a magical experience, where you can see the zoo really come to life around you. Also, a craft center is set up, where you can decorate your own ornaments to take home with you.

The show is opened from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m on the days available. Tickets are sold for $5 for non members of the zoo.

For more information check out FHNtoday.com

The Cirque Dreams Holidaze will be playing between Dec..

21st-29th.

This is an original musical where ornaments come to life. There is an international cast of acrobats, aerialists, singers, dancers and musicians.

This play is something that you wouldn’t want to miss during the holiday season.

5 Main street St.Charles Since Dec. 26 the jump off of main streets Christmas celebration has been unstopped. During the holiday season, you get to meet different styles of Santa clauses that are cultured from all over the world. Also, you can enjoy a ride on a horse drawn carriage, go ice skating down on the river front, and take a walk under the lit trees that surround you. These festivities will be going on until the end of the holiday season.

4 Botanical Gardens (Gardenland Express) St. Louis From Dec. 2 through Jan.2, St. Louis Botanical Garden will be featuring Gardenland Express. The Gardenland Express is an annual holiday train and flower show. While there you can witness G-scale model trains travel through various holiday landscapes, featuring over 600 colorful poinsettias. This event takes place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily excpet on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, when it closes at $ p.m. Prices are Garden admission is $8 for ages 13 and up, and free for kids 12 and under.

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STL Blues

- Dec. 23 vs. Red Wings - Dec. 27 vs. Predators - Dec. 28 vs. Blackhawks

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STL Rams

- Dec. 19 vs. Chiefs - Dec. 26 vs. 49ers - Jan. 2 vs. Seahawks

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FHN Hockey

- Dec. 21 vs. Lafayette - Dec. 27 vs. MICDS - Jan. 1 vs. Duchesne

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FHN Basketball

- Dec. 27-29 girls- Rockwood Tournament - Dec. 27-29 boys - Seckman Tournament

page by abby west and chelsey damalas

FHNTODAY.COM

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Seniors Ben Hess and Andrew Richart carry turkeys into the OASIS food pantry. On Nov. 23, DECA continued their yearly tradition of helping families with foster children. DECA gave the families donated food for Thanksgiving, so they could celebrate with their whole family. (kelsey habighorst)

DECA: club reaches out to help the needy For Thanksgiving DECA starts a new tradition of giving special goods to people

olivia ong

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n the week of Nov. 22, DECA hosted a charity event where they handed out food and other goods to needy people in the area. The theme of the charity event was centered around Thanksgiving and was held at the OASIS food pantry.

“It went pretty well, it was a lot of work and it was really chilly outside,” senior Jacqueline Sage said. “But we had a lot of fun together giving out food and other goods to the needy.”

This was the first time DECA held the event and expects this tradition to live on.

“It would be great [for the event to be annual],” Sage said, “I liked how we all worked together to help people in need out.”

Everyone who was involved helped families that are in need.

The volunteers also received something in return: a feeling of gratitude of helping others.

“It makes me feel good to help others in need, because I know that if it was me that needed the help, I would want for people to do the same,” senior Nita Stein said.

In the near future DECA will be having a special theme breakfast for the members of the club in return of all the hard work the

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NEWS page by sara jewson

club has given.

“I don’t know when exactly we’re having this doughnut theme breakfast, but I’m pretty excited about it,” Sage said. “It’s a way for us to show our appreciation for all the hard work the club members have given.”

DECA has already begun preparing for their next event. On Feb. 9 after Christmas break, DECA will be practicing role plays to prepare for their competition, that will be held at the St. Louis Mills Mall.

“It’s really fun, you get to network with students from other schools, improve your public speaking and interviewing skills.”

Marketing teacher Lori Lutz said.

Senior Jacqueline Sage She works as the Event Planner for DECA, and is in charge of setting up all DECA events.

“I wanted to do it, I enjoy it a lot. I like working with Trochim, Dechici, and Lutz. Also the DECA members.”

PHOTO POLL QUESTION: What made you choose to be involved in the Bikes for kids sale?

Mary Malkmus, 11 “I chose to do bikes for kids because it is a great opportunity and seeing the faces of the little kids is the greatest joy just because I’m doing something good for someone else.”

Alumni Rukhalya Amir and Breann Kinworthy help each other put together a bike that will be given to children. Last year the event was held at an elementary school, but this year it will take place at the Mark Twain Athletic facility at UMSL NHS hopes to build between 30 and 40 bikes this year. (file photo)

NHSSALE taylor bartrum

Austin Doeren, 11 “It’s doing something good, especially during the holiday season and you get to help out little kids. As a bonus, I get points for NHS.”

Jared Hurr, 11 “In middle school, bikes were like the “it” thing and now were able to give them to little kids where I know it will make them happy, which makes me happy.”

STEP BY STEP

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The volunteers assemble every bicycle before the children arrive and they being to prep for helmets.

Every year, National Honor Society members participate in Bikes for Kids.

On Dec. 11, NHS members and sponsor Donna Malkmus, along with many other people in the Metro area, assembled donated bikes and give them to underprivileged children at the Mark Twain Athletic Facility.

“It is just awesome, they [the children] are just so happy, they’re jumping up and down and riding their bike all over the place,” Malkmus said.

Along with each kid receiving their first bike, they were also fitted for a helmet, received a bike lock and given safety instructions. The children are found through The Variety Children’s Charity, which is for kids whose parents cannot afford bikes.

“It’s really cool to help fit them for their helmet and seat and see all their smiles,” NHS member Carolyn Malk-

NHS members assembles bikes to give to less fortunate and needy children mus said.

For the second year, Variety the Children’s Charity also built therapeutic bikes for children with disabilities during Bikes for Kids. Each therapeutic bike was customized to a child depending on the child’s disability. Each therapeutic bike costs $1500- $3000.

The volunteers also constructed basic bikes for local kids.

“The bikes will help the kids [with disabilities] see past their problems they have,” NHS member Jared Hurr said.

While constructing these bikes does require effort, many NHS members, including junior Kevin Doeren, feel the effort is well worth it.

“I can’t wait to see their faces when they see a new bike in front of them for the first time, it would be cool to see,” Doeren said.

Here is a step by step process of the bikes for kids sale. Where members assemble the bikes, size helmets then give the presents to the children.

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Once the kids arrive, members go through saftey tips and fit a helmet for each child to receive along with a bike.

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Once every safety pro caution is complete, the children then receive their first bikes ever.

FHNTOday. com

To see more photos and information check out FHNtoday.com

QUICK FACTS •

Program has been around for 14 years

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100-200 bikes each year

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Each kid, receives first ever bike

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Second year for Therapeutic bikes, which are made customized for each child

page by chelsey damalas

FHNTODAY.COM

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UPCOMING

EVENTS A closer look at FHN’s

Clubs

anime manga

If you like watching anime and drawing your own manga then Anime is the Club for you to find more about Anime Manga to talk the president Taylor Trice or the sponsor Francine Davis in room 231

fccla

FCCLA will be selling Santa grams through December 20, they are a nice way to send someone holiday joy. If you are interested in joining FCCLA talk to sponsor Becky Just in room 15.

Freshman Hellen Yi and junior Darreyenne Small work together on research information for Speech and Debate. The Speech and Debate team had a competition on Dec. 7 at Lafayette High School. Matt Schneider, Nathan Mills and Smitha Milli won both of their rounds at the competition. (tori hanke)

Hard work pays off for speech and debate nick bussel

koe

If you enjoyed teacher appreciation week and would like to help with the activities that KOE sponsors talk to sponsors Diane Holmes and Lindsey Scheller in room 130. You can still join the club and they require 5 hours a quarter.

chemistry

If you enjoy experimenting with different elements then join chemistry club. Meetings are in Karen Hill’s room 112.

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NEWS page by sidney shelton

FHNTOday. com Check out more information on speech and debate on FHNtoday.com

Speech and Debate’s recent competition was a Novice Invitational on Nov. 15 at Ladue High School. The end result was three semifinaliststwo in improv, one in prose- and two finalists in prose. One of those finalists was Alex Callier. She placed second overall in prose.

“I am very happy, I really did not think that I would get second,” Callier said. “To be honest I was completely blown away that I got second.”

There were fourteen people in the last competition. According to Head Coach Theresa Maher, the students practiced everyday after school, and put in at least an hour of practice at home every night for the competition. Maher likes helping the students prepare for the competitions.

“It’s a chance for me to be with kids who enjoy the same things I do,” Maher said.

Sophomore Smitha Milli participated in the Lincoln Douglass Debate. This is a debate between the Republican and Democratic parties.

Milli put a lot of effort into her speech, and liked to prepare by getting pumped up.

“I feel like I’m a different person,” Milli said. “Like when I’m in Congress I feel like a Republican.”

A lot of practicing went into the competition. The members wrote out their speeches, did research, and practiced how to deliver speeches. But at the competition, some members had to create a speech right there on the spot.

“You’re always going to need to be able to talk in front of people,” Maher said.

Participating in the Novice Invitational opened up the students to current events. It also made them more comfortable with public speaking. There were 15 different categories in the competition. It’s not always just making a speech. Sometimes the students act things out.

“There are so many different things [in Speech and Debate]; a lot of people don’t understand it’s not just formal speeches,” Milli said.

NATIONALS Publications went on trip to Kansas City, MO for journalism convention and judging.

abbey grone

On Nov. 10, 21 students headed to Kansas City for the National Journalism Convention.

At the convention, the publications staff received several awards. In the Best of Show category, the North Star took fifth place and eighth place in Special Edition for the first day paper, FHNtoday.com took third place and Excalibur yearbook took first place for the second year in a row.

“I feel these awards are well deserved,” North Star editor Kelsey Bell said. “We all work really hard and it’s a good feeling to be rewarded for all of that.”

Along with the group awards, many individual awards were given at the convention.

“I was excited that I got an award,” North Star staff member Paige Yungermann said. “I didn’t think I’d get anything, so it was pretty cool.”

With or without the awards, many of the students believe the convention was a good experience overall.

“It was a good time,” Excalibur editor Alia El-Qunni said. “I got to know the staff a little bit better and learn a lot of new things. I can’t wait until next year.”

Francis Howell North has been constructing new science buildings near the art hall. The construction is said to be done after winter break. (jessica streiler)

Construction well under way “The lab space will be extrememly beneficial,” Chemistry teacher Karen Hill said. “ right now we’re pretty limited on space. The The construction for the new science new labs will help students really connect labs is moving along at a progressive rate. with the reality of Chemistry.”

According to Steve Kelly, the addition Since the labs won’t be comwill be done around February pleted until later in the year, the or March depending on the only students who are taking weekly progress of consrucupper level Biolagy and Chemtion. isty classes will be able to uti“At one point I believe they lize the new labs. were a week ahead,” Kelly

“I’m excited for the FHNTOday. com said. “Everything is moving To get more information and review picnew labs because we will be along real smoothly.” tures about the construction on the new The new addition will in- science wing check out FHNtodaycom. ably to do more things in a better place,” junior Kourtclude three Chemistry class ney Schmiedeke said. “It’ll be rooms and one Biology room. cool to be the first students to use the new Such an expansion will be a great asses to rooms.” those teachers who will be moving in to those rooms. nicole renner

STEP BY STEP

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Before the construction begun, the area was completely untouched, filled with grassy area.

Here is a step by step process of how the construction of the new science department is being built. From when they first begun, to August, to the present.

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In August, construction began making a change in the appearance. Where once all grass, now mud and concrete

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Now, at the present, walls are up and rooms are being finished.

Hopefully accessible ion spring break. page by olivia ong

QUICK FACTS •

Expected to be finished by Spring Break

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Three new Chemistry class rooms added

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One new Biology room added

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New girls and boys bathrooms

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BONDING WHILE BUILDING Mack Weaver and Charlie Phillips display one of the three projects that they have made. In their free time they mostly go to Weaver or Phillip’s basement when working on the projects. The first project they made was a corner table for Phillip’s mom. Their ideas have come from Youtube, Nathan Viehmann and Phillip’s mom. (sam hurrell)

Phillips, Weaver and Viehmann create projects together for the fun of it aurora blanchard

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t is the weekend. Some sit inside on the couch watching movies and munching on snacks.

Others sleep in through the late afternoon. Three are digging through old scrap wood in a basement with the hopes of creating something by hand. Juniors Charlie Phillips, Nathan Viehmann and Mack Weaver are these three friends who take a different approach to hanging out.

In late October, Mack and Nathan met at Charlie’s house. This day would be the day the three of them would make their first object. There was a need for a table in Charlie’s living room.

The three boys found some old pine wood in Charlie’s basement and got to work. They used a pencil to draw the shapes they would cut out of the wood to make the table. Once the basic pieces were cut out, they nailed two pieces of triangular-shaped slabs of wood on top of vertical standing boards.

For two hours, they constructed the table, and were proud of the final product.

According to Charlie, his mom was especially

08 FEATURES page by sam dulaney

appreciative of the new table for her living room.

After having fun successfully constructing their first object, Charlie, Nathan and Mack met a second time. The three had seen a video on YouTube called “The Most Useless Machine” and were inspired to make an intelligible box, a cube that can turn itself on and off.

In Charlie’s opinion, the box was their most difficult item to build. “[My favorite was] the box,” Charlie said. “It took the most time and was the most interesting to build.”

While making this box, Nathan, Mack and Charlie learned a new building technique, which was how to solder [pronounced sod-er]. Solder means to fuse two metal objects together by heating them up to their melting point. The boys also implemented a circuit system in their creation.

The third object they built, a hot dog cannon, is something a lot of people don’t encounter on a day-to-day basis. Not many people can one say that they’ve sent a piece of processed meat flying through the air.

Mack explains how the hot dog cannon works.

“We empty some CO2 into a PVC chamber and it’s high pressure and we open a valve and the CO2 pushes the hot dog out of the barrel,” Mack said.

Since the hot dog cannon was constructed mainly from PVC cement, Nathan, Mack and Charlie experienced undesirable side effects from using this material.

“We got light-headedness, dizziness, and headaches from the fumes in the PVC cement,” Mack said.

People have numerous reactions to the boys’ homemade objects. Charlie’s family praised the table that Mack, Charlie and Nathan made. Some of their friends think they’re wasting their time.

Some, however, think what they’re doing is interesting and exciting.

“I think it’s cool, especially their hot dog cannon,” friend Alex Sulhoff said. “It’s not something typical. A lot of people don’t go out and build things for fun.”

Another friend feels a little differently about Mack, Charlie and Nathan’s building hobby.

“It’s kind of weird, but afterwards, fun to look at,” friend Danielle Meyer said.

Though Charlie, Nathan and Mack are making stuff on the weekends now, they may not be in two weeks or six months. They have no set time to meet and build things, and don’t build something unless they have a good idea and want to go with it. But no matter how long it last, this hobby of theirs is rare to find among high school students and puts no restrictions on their creativity, keeping them free of any stipulations. It’s just building stuff NathanCharlie-Mack-style.

Viehmann, Weaver and Phillips are currently not working on a fourth project. The last project they made, the hot dog launcher, was thought of by Viehmann. The team has successfully launched a hot dog 200 ft. with the launcher. (sam hurrell)

Weaver stands holding the corner table that was made for Phillip’s mom. Nathan Viehmann and Phillips made the project together after the request from Phillip’s mom. After the mechanical box was made, Weaver joined his friends in making projects. (sam hurrell)

Phillips holds one of the projects he and his two friends have made, a mechanical box. The boys found the idea on Youtube. The box took around two hours to make. They have made three projects so far, the box, a table and a hot dog launcher. (sam hurrell)

Treasures for all ages on Main nick bussell

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ilks and Treasures, a shop that offers both antiques and modern goods, stands as a home decor and gift shop on Main Street. This homey shop offers decorative home goods and stylish jewelry to all age groups.

Silks and Treasures features a variety of items ranging from antiques to lace. Pamela Schwarz, the owner of the shop, and her husband go to different gift shows in Chicago and Atlanta. There, they get ideas for what they want in their shop.

Everything in the shop is selected with the goal to provide merchandise for both teenagers and adults. North sophomores Brooke McGlasson and Jennifer Ingoldsby like to go to the shop because of its unique collection of items.

“I really like the leaf candle because it is colorful and unique,” Jennifer said.

A lot of things in the shop are theme based for the season. During the fall, the store featured glass leaves and a few Halloween decorations.

For Christmas time, they have snowman candles and glass Christmas trees.

“My favorite thing was the lace table cloths because they were handmade just for fall,” Brooke said.

The lace cloth at the shop is one of the more popular items.

It’s also one of the first things

Pamela sold when she opened the shop. Pamela and her husband bought the shop four and a half years ago after Pamela lost her job. At first, Pamela found it difficult to balance her work life at the store with her personal life. She had to pay bills, keep track of orders and do book work. She was working seven days a week.

“Not only is it working with public, but you have to be good at accounting,” Pamela said.

Pamela likes talking to the customers, and she finds while most of the attraction comes from locals, there are a lot of tourists throughout the year as well. According to Pamela, the shop mainly attracts middle aged women, but teenage girls enjoy the jewelry. Silks and Treasures shopper Megan Rosenkoetter goes there for their unique variety of gifts.

“They have different things,” Megan said. “If you go to Target or Walmart they have the same things, but their shop changes it up.”

Pamela wants to stress the fact that the whole point of the shops on Main Street is that they’re different. If someone went to a large chain store, they’d find the exact same thing, but the shops on Main Street have a more “homey” style. “[People like it] just because of our variety; we try to have different things than anyone else, cheaper,” Pamela said.

Silks and Treasures is located on South Main Street and offer a variety of unique gifts and home decor to choose from. The shop itself was built in the early 1800’s as a coach stop. (kaitlyn williams)

Treasures offered at Silks and Treasures

Christmas tree table cloth $ 8.98

10 FEATURES page by nick bussell

Cabbage Dog $ 11.00

Wall Decoration $ 28.00

Colorful wrist watches $ 18.98

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adam rapert

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O SP F O D NS IS I B T TR IL HE IC I T Y T

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t all started last year when senior Maddy Millikan’s brother persuaded her to join DECA. Millikan knew she wanted to get more involved in DECA so she became the voting delegate for District 6. But this wasn’t enough for her. She wanted more. With help from Lauren Reiche and Thu Nguyen, she set the goal to be Vice President of District 6 this year.

At that time, Hannah Artman from Francis Howell Central was the District 6 Vice President. That changed on Sept. 20.

On Sept. 20, DECA members went on a field trip to the St. Peters Government Center. For most students this was a day to relax and enjoy the day away from school. For Millikan and the six other candidates running for District 6 Vice President, the situation was different. The election process consisted of a vigorous test, speech and interview. After that, a panel of judges give each candidate a score.

After the scores were totaled, it was decided that Millikan would be the new Vice President for District 6.

“When they announced that I was the new vice president, I was so excited,” Millikan said. “I felt a great sense of accomplishment, but mainly I was just glad it was over.”

As newly elected Vice President, Millikan took on a new load of responsibilities. As part of her position, he has to set goals for the district, keep records of everything DECA does, and plan all of the DECA events, such as the District 6 Annual Dodgeball Tournament. In spite of these pressures, DECA sponsors have been happy with Maddy’s performance as Vice President.

“I knew she would be a good leader,” DECA sponsor Melissa Trochim said. “You can easily see that she loves DECA, is confident in her decisions, and is easy to work with in district planning.”

After taking on this new role, Millikan feels her attitude toward school has changed for the better. As keeping a 2.5 GPA is one of the requirements for her position, she has found herself to be a little more diligent in her school work.

“I have to think things through more as Vice President,” Millikan said.

“Since I represent my district, I have to stay more focused in class and clean up my act.”

While her life at school has changed so has her life at home. According to her, and her mother, she feels she is more organized around the house. She knows what she has done, and what she still needs to do.

Each year, the district sets four goals. The first is to get a Missouri legislator to sign a letter for the district to compete. Second, to raise $90,000 for the M.D.A., Muscular Dystrophy Association. The third is to get membership in the district back up to 10,000 members. And the fourth goal is to get one person from each section to compete at the state level.

“I feel things are going pretty good so far,” Millikan said.

“Everything I have planned to have done has been done, and everything else is going very smoothly.”

page by adam rapert & abbey grone

FHNTODAY.COM 11

Janitor Bob Gruettemeyer wipes tables down in between lunches. Janitors have five minutes to clean the whole cafeteria before the next lunch starts. (abbey grone)

Janitor Bob cleans the lunch room in between lunch periods. He starts with wiping down the tables, then sweeps underneath the tables, then moves to taking out the trash. With only five minutes to do so, he completes the tasks and continues on conversing with the students that are eating lunch. Janitors clean up after about 2000 students over the course of five lunches. (abbey grone)

Cleaning up with a friendly attitude taylor berra

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very day, students at Francis Howell North go to lunch to relax, eat and socialize with friends. What most of those 2,000 FHN students don’t realize is only three people pick up all of their trash, clean up their tables, and make sure their lunch time is clean and safe. One person in particular, Robert ‘Bob’ Gruettemeyer, Janitor of nine-and-a-half years, does the same thing day in, day out, but with a constant smile on his face.

10:00 a.m.

Bob prepares the lunch room for the eager students to come to the commons and enjoy their lunches. He sweeps and mops the floor, wipes down each table with a rag, and empties each of the 24 trash cans. Although this may seem like a monotonous job to many, Bob keeps a

constant smile on his face and enjoys every minute of it.

10:15 a.m.

“What’s up man? What are you gonna get for lunch?”

“Chicken wrap today.”

“Ahh good choice! You have a good lunch.”

“Thanks, Bob!” The first ten minutes of lunch are loud and chaotic as students wait in crowded lunch lines and settle at their crowded tables. Bob walks around, sweeping the floor beneath the tables, talking to the students around him.

“I talk while I work and I don’t stop talking really,” Bob said. “I always make time for the students. That’s what I’m here for.”

10:40 a.m.

Bob is sweeping beneath a table, a girl suddenly stands up and bursts out with laughter.

Bob turns to her, joking, “Take it easy now, you don’t want to hurt yourself.”

The girl sits back down and continues to laugh with her group of friends.

Bob checks his watch- three minutes until the next lunch. He stills has a lot to do.

“In the beginning of the year [students] are really bad about picking up their trash,” Bob said. “But the worst is when [students] spill something they don’t come get us. We won’t get mad. We would rather know about it then have to come up upon a surprise like that. We really look up to the seniors to set the examples.”

Although the majority of people may look down upon janitors, when it comes to Bob, students disagree. He jokes with them. He tells them their shoes are untied.

He treats everybody nicely.

“I don’t look down on him because he is a pretty cool guy and he’s nice to everybody,” senior Brian Pinkly said.

12:25 p.m.

For the last time Bob wipes down each table, empties the 24 trash cans, and sweeps and mops the floor. Throughout each lunch period Bob talked to an average of 20 people. That’s more than 100, “Hey, How are you?” to 100 strangers. Not only does Bob do his job but he enjoys every minute of it.

“I like being here with the students.”

Bob said. “I like it a lot. The faculty and staff here at North are fun to work with and everyone is friendly and nice. Otherwise the job is easy, the students just make me feel young.”

page by abbey grone & taylor berra

FHNTODAY.COM 13

Janitor Bob Gruettemeyer wipes tables down in between lunches. Janitors have five minutes to clean the whole cafeteria before the next lunch starts. (abbey grone)

Janitor Bob cleans the lunch room in between lunch periods. He starts with wiping down the tables, then sweeps underneath the tables, then moves to taking out the trash. With only five minutes to do so, he completes the tasks and continues on conversing with the students that are eating lunch. Janitors clean up after about 2000 students over the course of five lunches. (abbey grone)

Cleaning up with a friendly attitude taylor berra

E

very day, students at Francis Howell North go to lunch to relax, eat and socialize with friends. What most of those 2,000 FHN students don’t realize is only three people pick up all of their trash, clean up their tables, and make sure their lunch time is clean and safe. One person in particular, Robert ‘Bob’ Gruettemeyer, Janitor of nine-and-a-half years, does the same thing day in, day out, but with a constant smile on his face.

10:00 a.m.

Bob prepares the lunch room for the eager students to come to the commons and enjoy their lunches. He sweeps and mops the floor, wipes down each table with a rag, and empties each of the 24 trash cans. Although this may seem like a monotonous job to many, Bob keeps a

constant smile on his face and enjoys every minute of it.

10:15 a.m.

“What’s up man? What are you gonna get for lunch?”

“Chicken wrap today.”

“Ahh good choice! You have a good lunch.”

“Thanks, Bob!” The first ten minutes of lunch are loud and chaotic as students wait in crowded lunch lines and settle at their crowded tables. Bob walks around, sweeping the floor beneath the tables, talking to the students around him.

“I talk while I work and I don’t stop talking really,” Bob said. “I always make time for the students. That’s what I’m here for.”

10:40 a.m.

Bob is sweeping beneath a table, a girl suddenly stands up and bursts out with laughter.

Bob turns to her, joking, “Take it easy now, you don’t want to hurt yourself.”

The girl sits back down and continues to laugh with her group of friends.

Bob checks his watch- three minutes until the next lunch. He stills has a lot to do.

“In the beginning of the year [students] are really bad about picking up their trash,” Bob said. “But the worst is when [students] spill something they don’t come get us. We won’t get mad. We would rather know about it then have to come up upon a surprise like that. We really look up to the seniors to set the examples.”

Although the majority of people may look down upon janitors, when it comes to Bob, students disagree. He jokes with them. He tells them their shoes are untied.

He treats everybody nicely.

“He is a pretty cool guy and he’s nice to everybody,” senior Brian Pinkly said.

12:25 p.m.

For the last time Bob wipes down each table, empties the 24 trash cans, and sweeps and mops the floor. Throughout each lunch period Bob talked to an average of 20 people. That’s more than 100, “Hey, How are you?” to 100 strangers. Not only does Bob do his job but he enjoys every minute of it.

“I like being here with the students.”

Bob said. “I like it a lot. The faculty and staff here at North are fun to work with and everyone is friendly and nice. Otherwise the job is easy, the students just make me feel young.”

page by abbey grone & taylor berra

FHNTODAY.COM 13

Unique things to do in Here are some lesser known things that every St. Louisan should do in their home town.

Lemp Mansion

Tower grove Park

4256 Magnolia Avenue, St. Louis MO

3322 DeMenil Place, St. Louis, MO

The Lemp Mansion (previously home to the Lemp Family) is said to be haunted by a lot of the family members that died under mysterious circumstances. The Mansion offers a restaurant, a dinner theatre, and even a place to spend the night if you really dare.

The City Museum

Ted Drews

701 N. 15th Street, St. Louis, MO

4224 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO

Ted Drews is a St. Louis tradition for custard.

With a ton of different flavor options, anyone could find something they love. Ted Drews offers the public some of their specialties like Terramizzou, Strawberry Shortcake, Southern Delight and a traditional Banana Split.

Crown Candy Kitchen 1401 St. Louis Ave., St. Louis, MO

Crown Candy Kitchen is the oldest operating soda fountain in the metro area. It offers a back in time experience. Customers can purchase a wide variety of candy, along with ice cream, chili, sandwiches, and more.

Cahokia Mounds Historical Site 30 Ramey Street, Collinsville, IL

Located east of the Mississippi River, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is home to the remains of the largest prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico. Visitors can visit the museum and walk around the mounds. Over 120 mounds have been built in Cahokia. Admission is free but they do encourage donations to help support the sites.

14 FEATURES page by emily forst

Contradicting to the name, The city museum is not like any museum you’ve ever been in, it is in the 600,000 square-foot former International Shoe Company building. It’s filled with fun an unique structures to play on such as man made caverns, a skate park, and a Ferris Wheel on top of the building. No matter what age you are, there will be something for you.

Laumeier Sculpture Park

12580 Rott Road, St. Louis, MO

Not only does this park interest those fascinated with art, but it can also appeal to just about any type of person. With 96 acres, the park is a large outdoor museum. The park is full of unique sculptures ranging from a 12 foot tall eye-ball to sculptures made of steel framework. Visitation is free to all and the park is open till sunset.

The park has a Victorian-era feel to it with interesting pavilions, old buildings and the fake ruins found near one of the ponds. The park is open to anyone for activities such as soccer, tennis, cork ball, and jogging. It’s even a nice place to relax .

Cathedral Basilica Of St. Louis

4431 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO

With 83,00 square feet of mosaics covering the interior, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is one of the largest collections of mosaics in the world. The Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Louis IX. In 1907, the building of the Cathedral began, it took 80 years to complete. It is also home to a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietá. It’s open all week for anyone to stop by,

Jani Wilkens shoots portraits for senior Kelsey Habighorst. Wilkens is doing this for her business, Fisher Photography that she operates out of her home in her spare time (brandon neer).

English teacher continues pursuing hobby lindsey harms

J

ani Wilkens is not your typical English teacher. Students may think Student Council is her only outlet, giving her something fun to do in her spare time, outside of her family and working as an English teacher. However, Wilkens has a second passion not all of her students are aware of. Wilkens is a photographer.

Wilkens became interested in photography at a young age, whether in front of the camera or behind it. Being a model for her mother was a job Wilkens loved to partake in as a child. However, her mother also got her interested in taking photos, as she ran a business called Fisher Photography.

Her mother’s business, which got Wilkens her start in professional photography, was first based in Wilkens’ hometown in Western Michigan.

Wilkens first tried her hand at photography by working as a “second shooter” for Fisher Photography at weddings throughout her high school career. A second shooter is a photographer who works a second camera as backup for the main photographer. This is something Wilkens took great joy in, for it gave her both a creative outlet and a source of spending money. This is also where Wilkens learned many of her photography skills.

“My first wedding I was so nervous, but I felt so prepared,” Wilkens said.

In 2003, Wilkens started her own business, aptly named Fisher Photography, out of her home office. Currently, she averages about 50 jobs per year, but in 2004 she had about 50 jobs during the summer. Of course, this was before she had her two children and before she began sponsoring Student Council. It seemed Wilkens would have to work pretty hard to juggle her busy schedule.

“There is constantly a time issue, because if I’m not grading papers, I’m editing photos,”

Wilkens said. “If I’m not editing photos, I want to spend time with my kids. Time is a huge issue.”

Although Wilkens is pressed for time, she finds a way to manage it all. She does what she loves and what she is passionate about, and still fits her family into her schedule. Wilkens’ ability to integrate her love for photography into her hectic life inspired some of her students to follow their dreams as well. A former student, Cami Wade, felt inspired by Wilkens to start her own business, Cami Wade Photography.

“Jani has helped me so much,” Wade said. “I don’t believe I would have had the zeal and drive to start my own business without her help and support.”

Not only did Wilkens teach Wade the business end of photography, but Wilkens also taught her how to work behind the camera.

“Jani’s photos are so fun and cheerful, and you can really tell she connects with the person in her photos,” Wade said.

Wilkens not only inspires her students, she also takes senior pictures for many of them. One such student, senior Alyssa Bocci, was very excited about her senior photographs from Fisher Photography. Bocci already had a previous session with Wilkens, and she is one of the many faces shown on Fisher Photography’s website.

Bocci loved the photographs, as many of Wilkens’ clientele have.

“We got the prints, and we had a hard time choosing which ones to order,” Bocci said.

It seems that no matter what Wilkens involves herself in, she excels in everything she does, photography included. The reason for this may be that photography is more than a job- it is Wilkens passion.

“Photography makes me feel creative,” Wilkens said. “It makes me feel good being able to portray somebody as they really are.” page by lindsey harms

FHNTODAY.COM

15

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Mike Riordan

314-238-1700

This month, the North Star takes an In-depth look at smokeless tobacco and the effects it has on FHN’s students.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY KELSEY BELL & LYDIA NESS

instant cravings. When you’re like Ben and you’re beginning your second week of quitting -the time when symptoms are hen senior Ben Menusually starting to get the strongest- those dez walked into the QT cravings are hitting you harder than ever. on Jungermann and When your like Ben and you’re about to McClay late at night purchase your 18-month-old former habon Monday Nov 29, his mind was it but not use it, this request is a problem. racing. “That was so hard,� Ben said. “I was I can’t take this can, I can’t do going through all of the motions I used it. to do.�

Ben, who is 18, was asked Moments like this have been an evearlier by his twin brother Aneryday occurrence for the senior in the drew Mendez to buy a can of dip past three for him. Andrew weeks, but he had misplaced his I  just  thought  I  was  one  of  says that they license and couldn’t are getting buy a can for himself, those  people  who  could  easier to hanso it was Ben who wound never  get  addicted. dle each day up at the gas station that night   he doesn’t use. to make the purchase.

On November I’ve gone this far, I can’t         -  Ben  Mendez 22, Ben, who do it. had been an everyday user for a year and If Andrew had asked Ben any other week a half, quit using smokeless tobacco. before that Monday, this request would have :KHQ %HQ Ă€UVW VWDUWHG RXW GLSSLQJ been no problem. he was only an occasional user. However But when you’re like Ben and as time went by, the number of times he you’re in relapse from a dipped a week went up until one day he nicotine addiction, found he couldn’t go an entire day withany exposure to out putting a lip in. nicotine can “I just thought I was one of those s e n d people who thought I could never get adoff dicted to it,â€? Ben said. “But I woke up one day and I was.â€?

When he did dip, Ben used Grizlogan  ponche

W

20 IN-DEPTH page  by  kelsey  bell

zly Wintergreen, which has one of the highest levels of nicotine per can. Ben would always dip after school, and whenever he was in his car. Eventually he was going through a can a day, and spending over $20 on his habit. When he went to his oral hygienist for a regular checkup, he was told that he had an advanced form of gum disease, which can lead to cancer. It was for this reason that Ben decided to quit. ´, WKLQN LW¡V GHĂ€QLWHO\ D JRRG VLJQ >WKDW he quit],â€? Andrew, who dips himself, said. “I think it was a good reality check for him.â€?

Finding out that he had gum disease wasn’t the only reason Ben quit dipping. With plans to go into the Air Force next year, where any form of tobacco is not allowed, Ben would have been forced to stop then. “I’m really glad I’m doing this now,â€? Ben VDLG ´%HFDXVH KDYLQJ WR JR WKURXJK EDVLF >WUDLQing] while going through this would have been absolutely terrible.â€? ,Q RUGHU WR TXLW %HQ KDV EHHQ XVLQJ VXQĂ RZHU seeds and gum as substitutes. He has been chewing a heavy version of Trident wintergreen, which has the same taste as the Grizzly dip he used. Even so, quitting still hasn’t been an easy task. He has experienced physical cravings, irritability and mild depression.

Having his brother continue to dip around him hasn’t helped either. But Ben thinks he has beaten the worst of his addiction. “I realized I don’t need to rely on a crutch anymore,� Ben said. “And that’s how I beat my addiction to nicotine.�

Just a few days ago, Ben went to a dentist for a second opinion on his mouth. There, he was told that he only had gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, and that it was something that could easily be reversible. “I’m a little annoyed but I’m more thankful,� Ben said. “Even though I was given false information, it gave me the motivation I needed to quit.�

In the future, Ben knows that just one use of tobacco can get him right back where he started, but he IHHOV FRQĂ€GHQW WKDW KH FDQ NHHS IURP XVLQJ GLS HYHU again. “He’s got a lot of self control and motivation,â€?

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page  by  kelsey  bell

FHNTODAY.COM 21

paige  yungermann

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s a dental hygienist, Maurine Rapert has seen the harsh HIIHFWV RI VPRNHOHVV WREDFFR XVH Ă€UVWKDQG 6KH KDV VHHQ people suffering from stained teeth, gum recession, and possible cancerous lesions. “Most every person who uses smokeless tobacco has evidence of it,â€? Rapert said. “It usually appears as a white calloused area in the lip or cheek. Usually, you can tell if someone uses smokeless tobacco just by looking.â€?

Using smokeless tobacco can cause a number of health problems; the least severe of which are yellow-brown teeth, mouth sores, and bleeding gums and lips. The more serious problems include heart issues, leukoplakia (white patches in the mouth) and cancer. ´,W FDQ FDXVH D ORW RI SUREOHPV DQG LW FDQ EH GLVĂ€JXULQJ Âľ smokeless tobacco researcher Stephen Hecht said. “These are YHU\ GLIĂ€FXOW GLVHDVHV 7KH\ DUH QRW HDVLO\ WUHDWHG Âľ However, using smokeless tobacco at a young age can cause more than just health problems. “There’s a concern among young people,â€? professor at the University of California and smokeless tobacco expert Neal Benowitz said. “When they are in high school, they start using smokeless tobacco, then switch to cigarettes.â€?

If someone does make this switch, they have already suffered the effects of smokeless tobacco, and they are now putting themselves at risk for cancers and other medical problems caused by inhaling nicotine. An additional concern regarding cigarettes and smokeless tobacco is duel use of the two.

22 IN-DEPTH page  by  kelsey  bell

“Duel use is harmful,� Benowitz said. “Instead of people just quitting smoking, they keep smoking while using smokeless tobacco.�

Despite the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco, the 2009 Monitoring the Future survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows use of smokeless tobacco by tenth grade students KDV LQFUHDVHG VLJQLĂ€FDQWO\ VLQFH 7KLV LV RI HQRUPRXV FRQcern to many tobacco experts, especially considering the addictive properties of smokeless tobacco. “Addiction is a very dangerous thing about smokeless tobacco,â€? tobacco researcher Irina Stepanov said. “People think that smokeless tobacco isn’t that bad, then they get addicted. There are no safe tobacco products.â€?

While quitting smokeless tobacco is possible, it is also challenging. Rapert encourages her patients to quit by educating them on the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco and by informing them on various products, such as prescription drugs, that make quitting easier. “I tell them to quit, but it’s not easy,â€? Rapert said. “It’s an adGLFWLRQ DQG LW¡V DQ DZIXO RUDO Ă€[DWLRQ ,W¡V YHU\ GLIĂ€FXOW WR VWRS WKH process, but some people do. I actually had a patient who said he quit chewing tobacco, but not everyone is as compliant.â€?

Even though quitting is an option, Hecht believes there is a better solution. ´6PRNHOHVV WREDFFR GHOLYHUV QLFRWLQH YHU\ HIĂ€FLHQWO\ DQG nicotine is addictive,â€? Hecht said. “People have a really hard time quitting smokeless tobacco use. This should be obvious, but I mean, just don’t start using it. It’s not worth it.â€?

STUDENT Â

POLL Â

SURVEY Â OF Â 200 Â STUDENTS

17% ADMIT Â TO Â USING Â TOBACCO

87% BELIEVE Â TOBACCO Â USE Â IS Â BAD V

75% FIND Â TOBACCO Â USE Â REPULISIVE

So far this year, there have been only three incidences of student being caught with In almost any recent survey taken resmokeless tobacco that have been reported garding the use of smokeless tobacco WR WKH PDLQ RIÀFH +RZHYHU PDQ\ IHHO WKDW among the general population, the results more students are using the drug, but are just are the same. In almost every age demonot getting caught. graphic, the use of smokeless tobacco is ´7KHUH DUH GHÀQLWHO\ PRUH WKDQ IRXU going down. However one group that kids at our school who dip,� senior Brittany seems to be resistant to that trend.

Burke said. “It’s a problem, it shouldn’t be According to the Center for Disease happening.� and Control , In his four the use of toyears at North, Obviously  whenever  we  see  it,  we  bacco among science teacher high school boys take  it  very  seriously.

Matt Riffee has   -  Andrew  Downs has gone up to  caught seven 15 percent from students dipping the 11 percent in 2003. In a study by the LQ FODVV ,Q WKH ÀUVW VHPHVWHU WKLV \HDU KH KDV University of Michigan known as the caught three.

Monitoring the Future Study, the use of “I think it’s ridiculous,� science teacher dip has increased among daily, one time, Matt Riffee said. “I think some teachers and occasional users for 8th, 10th and 12th don’t know it’s going on, but I guess it’s congraders has increased in every category VLGHUHG WKH FRRO WKLQJ WR GR >IRU KLJK VFKRRO but one. kids].�

While smokeless tobacco experts have Although many look down on students reached a consensus that the drug’s use is dipping, some think that its use in high increasing in high schools, the community school is just a teen-related phase. at North is far from reaching that, or any “I would say that a lot of people just try other, conclusion. it but they don’t stick with it,� senior Nick “From our perspective were not seeing Ganousis said. “A lot of guys will do it for it as a huge issue,� Dean of Students Ana couple of months, but they don’t make it a drew Downs said. “Obviously whenever lifelong habit.� we see it, we take it very seriously.� logan  ponche

page  by  kelsey  bell

FHNTODAY.COM 23

ON Â THE Â USE Â OF Â

SMOKELESS TOBACCO WITH....

ZACH  MEIER,  SENIOR  -  CURRENT  SMOKELESS  TOBACCO  USER TAYLOR  BELL,  SENIOR  -  NONUSER  OF  SMOKELESS  TOBACCO MATT  RIFFEE,  TEACHER  -  NONUSER  OF  SMOKELESS  TOBACCO TRAVIS  WILSON,  PRINCIPLE  -  NONUSER  OF  SMOKELESS  TOBACCO as  told  to  chelsey  damalas

1

HOW  HAS  TOBACCO  AFFECTED  YOUR  LIFE? Meier  -  It has made me rely on something harmful to deal with the stress of everyday life Bell  -  Doesn’t really effect me besides in restaurants when I would walk out smelling like smoke Wilson  - Funny thing, 3 guys I used to room with all dipped. And the biggest effect it had was that there was often this odor and the cups that they would spit in would always spill.

Riffee  -  My father, brother and sister all smoke. And I played baseball in high school and college ZKHUH DOO WKH SOD\HUV VPRNHG EHVLGHV PH , ZDV DERYH WKH LQà XHQFH

DO Â YOU Â THINK Â SMOKLESS Â TOBACCO Â IS Â A Â SAFE Â ALTERNATIVE Â TO Â SMOKING?

2

Meier  -Safer in the sense you can spot cancer before it becomes terminal, but that’s about it.

Bell  -  I mean in some aspects it’s safer but overall no.

Wilson  - No, because cancer is just the same.

Riffee  -  No, it’s just as harmful

24 IN-DEPTH page  by  kelsey  bell

CONSIDERING Â THE Â HARMFUL Â AFFECTS Â OF Â TOBACCO, Â SHOULD Â THE Â LEGAL Â SMOKING Â AGE Â BE Â RAISED Â TO Â 21?

3 4 5

Meier  -  No because the ages on substances are due to when you are responsible enough to use it and I think most 18-year-olds are aware of the harmful effects.

Bell  -  , IHHO OLNH WKDW ZRXOGQ¡W FKDQJH WKLQJV %HFDXVH NLGV FDQ MXVW ÀQG VRPHRQH HOVH WR JHW LW IURP Wilson  - No, not necessarily. 18 is landmark age. You can join the military, vote and the list goes on. But our job at school is not only education dealing with science and math but also health. And smokeless tobacco is not something positive for your body.

Riffee  -  3UREDEO\ QRW LI WKH\¡UH JRLQJ WR GR LW WKHQ WKH\ ZLOO ÀQG VRPHZD\ RI GRLQJ LW

WHAT  DO  YOU  THINK  IS  THE  MOTIVATION  TO  USE  SMOKELESS  TOBACCO? Meier  -  Because it’s easier to conceal your habit.

Bell  -  To look cool.

Wilson  - It’s easier to conceal, you can sit somewhere and have a dip in and no one would know. I also think it’s apart of cultures, like the sports culture because you don’t see any athletes smoking.

Riffee  -  There is a social motivation and I guess a psychological one too for the way it makes you feel.

DO  YOU  THINK  SMOKELESS  TOBACCO  IS  LESS  ADDICTIVE  THAN  SMOKING  TOBACCO? Meier  -  Yeah, because normally you tend to not take as many dips as you would cigarettes a day, but you’re also using a larger amount of tobacco.

Bell  -  I would have no way of knowing that.

Wilson  - No, because my bud tried to quit multiple times, I would hate to see him suffer with cancer from tobacco. His wife and myself try to encourage him to quit.

Riffee  -  Nope.

page  by  kelsey  bell

FHNTODAY.COM 25

GET THE FACTS ABOUT THE SITUATION There are two main types of smokeless tobacco used in the United States: Chewing Tobacco and Snuff.

SNUFF

Finely ground tobacco. It is found in three different varieties and is the most used product among North students who admit to have used smokeless tobacco.

USE

APPEARANCE

MOIST

Held in mouth between cheek and gums

Tobacco is WYVJLZZLK PU[V ÄUL particles after being cured and fermented

DRY

Can be taken orally as well, but can also be inhaled through the users nose

Tobacco is processed into a ÄUL WV^KLY

Held in mouth between cheek and gums

The same thing as moist snuff, only packaged into pouches

SACHETS

NIICOTINE

Since only a small pinch is needed in order to receive a high from the nicotine in the tobacco, the chemical is quickly absorbed through the gums an into the blood stream.

CHEW

Tobacco that is cured and sometimes packed instead of being ground.

USE

LOOSE LEAF

WHAT’S

ACTUALLY

IN IT?

APPEARANCE

Held in mouth between cheek and gums

PLUG

Held in mouth between cheek and gums

TWIST

Held in mouth between cheek and gums

NIICOTINE

Strips that are sweetened and then packaged into pouches

Leaves compressed into a brick or “plug” Tobacco leaves twisted together into a rope

Because users leave the tobacco in for hours upon hours, this will create a continuous high that comes from the nicotine in the tobacco.

info from cdc.gov

Many chemicals that can be found in smokeless tobacco can be harmless to the human body and some can be found in other familiar items. Below is a list of some of these chemicals.

Polonium 210 (nuclear waste)

Arsenic SRLQVRQRXV PHWDOOLF HOHPHQW

Formaldehyde HPEDOPLQJ ÁXLG

Cyanide SRLVRQRXV FRPSRXQG

Benzene XVHG LQ LQVHFWLFLGHV DQG PRWRU IXHOV

N-Nitrosamines (cancer-causing)

Lead QHUYH SRLVRQ

list from entnet.org

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30 SPORTS page by morgan may

Driven senior strives for State-title Senior Harold Ritchie has grown as an individual and as a wrestler throughout his high school career. He hopes to win the State-title this year. morgan may

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Senior Harold Ritchie wraps his arms around his Holt opponent in attempt to pin him.

The meet was held at FHN on Dec. 2, 2009. Ritchie won the match. (jacqueline sage)

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The referee holds senior Harold Ritchieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arm up to show the winning of a match. This year will be Ritchieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth year competing at state. (jaqueline sage)

page by morgan may

FHNTODAY.COM 31

UPCOMING

EVENTS

The winter sports season is in full swing. Here are some important events coming up.

girls basketball 12/27-29 The Lady Knights will be playing in an away tournament against Rockwood from Dec 27-29.

boys basketball 12/27-29 The Varsity boys Basketball team will be playing in an away tournament against Seckman from December 27-29.

Sophomore Kyle Lemons looks for someone open to pass the ball to while senior Clint Toedtmann tells Lemons that he is open.

Lemons, who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think he would make Varsity this year, looks up to Toedtmann as one of his mentors on the team. (lydia ness)

Younger player rejuvenates Varsity team lydia ness

wrestling 01/05 The Varsity Wrestlers will have a match against Francis Howell High on January 5, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. at Howell.

girls swim 01/05 The Varsity girls Swim team will have a meet against Fort Zumwalt North at FZN.

32 SPORTS

page by elizabeth diggs

Kyle Lemons may seem like just any other player on the Varsity boys Basketball team.

However, Lemons isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like any other player on the team. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, and playing forward and center, Lemons is the only sophomore on Varsity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It feels good being the only underclassmen on the team,â&#x20AC;? Lemons said.

Lemons started playing basketball at the age of four, after watching two stars in the NBA, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, play. He now looks up to two stars on the team just as he looked up to Jordan and Bryant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I look up to Andre [Wooten] and Clint [ToedtPDQQ@ EHFDXVH WKH\ LQĂ XHQFH PH DQG H[SODLQ when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing stuff wrong,â&#x20AC;? Lemons said.

Watching Lemons score eight points in his Varsity debut against Washington High School, Wooten was reminded of himself. Wooten was the last player to play as a sophomore on the Varsity

team. That was two years ago. After seeing him play in games and practices, he believes Lemons is a good addition to the team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His height and his athletic ability [is what sets him apart],â&#x20AC;? Wooten said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He can also dunk which is nice to have on the team.â&#x20AC;? /HPRQV Ă&#x20AC;UVW VWDUWHG RQ -9 WKLV VHDVRQ EXW moved up to Varsity due to his athleticism and scoring ability, as he is able to score inside and RXWVLGH RI WKH ER[ +H VD\V KH KDV OHDUQHG D ORW from being around older people and playing on the Varsity team. Coach Bill Moyer believes that Lemons has changed since joining Varsity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gotten better, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a slow process, but >,¡YH@ GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ VHHQ LPSURYHPHQW Âľ 0R\HU VDLG Even though Lemons still has a lot to learn this season and the rest of his high school career, Wooten feels that Lemons needs to take advantage of the time he has now as a player. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[My advice] is to just play hard because once you become a senior it goes by too fast,â&#x20AC;? Wooten said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cherish every moment you get.â&#x20AC;?

WRESTLING

Members of the Varsity Wrestling team discuss what they think about certain aspects of the sport. information by kendra barnard

Knights captain and forward Drew Ortscheid rushes the Holt goal tender in their match up on Dec. 3. Ortscheid and his Knights team claimed a 5-3 victory after leading throughout the whole game. (brandon neer)

Jason Shell, 12 â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like wrestling because it takes my mind off the outside world and I get to beat on people and when I win itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just this feeling like I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let anyone down.â&#x20AC;?

Hockey season goals are set chelsey damalas

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Devin Mundy, 11 â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like wrestling because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on your own, so when you win you know it was all you.â&#x20AC;?

Sean Small, 10 â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like wrestling because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more of a solo sport, if you lose thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no one to blame but yourself.â&#x20AC;?

Bowling team has striking start to season wade dismukes

Sophomore Lucas Convington throws the ball down the lane on Dec. 5 at Cave Springs Bowling Alley in order to knock over his last four pins for a spare. This season the team is striving for success as they continue to train and compete. (kaitlyn williams)

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bowling season, thus far, is going quite well. This skillful performance on the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part is expected to continue throughout the year. Hopefully resulting in an extraordinary end to the season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are doing really well I feel like we could WDNH Ă&#x20AC;UVW SODFH LQ WKH GLYLVLRQ Âľ VHQLRU -HUHP\ Hyatt said.

This expectation of greatness in the coming months will come from sticking to their regular training schedule while gaining experience in games. Through such practice and experience, the team hones their skills which ultimately can carry

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page by lindsey harms & elizabeth diggs

FHNTODAY.COM 33

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Kelly Gannon, Maggie Jasper, Morgan Robben, Katie Stepanek HUK [OL YLZ[ VM [OL 2UPNO[SPUL ;LHT JVTWL[L PU H KHUJL JVTWL[P[PVU OLSK H[ 3PUKILYNO /PNO ZJOVVS VU +LJ ;OL` WLYMVYT [OLPY OPW OVW YV\[PUL ^OPJO PZ H T\ZPJ TP_ VM +P]H I` )L`VUJL HUK (SS 0 +V PZ >PU I` +1 2OHSLK 2UPNO[SPUL YLJLP]LK H /VUVYHISL 4LU[PVU H[ [OPZ JVTWL[P[PVU (sarah teson)

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34 SPORTS page by christy maupin

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Senior Rachel Pauley goes in for a lay-up during one of the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drills at their practice on Dec 2. This is Pauleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth year playing basketball for North. (lydia ness)

High hopes rise for girls basketball FOXGLQJ IRXU VHQLRUV ZKR KRSH WR Ă&#x20AC;QLVK WKHLU high school basketball careers on a positive note. The team also added three juniors, two It is the beginning of the winter sports sophomores and a freshman. season, and the Varsity girls Basketball â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really intimidating because team has set high goals.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m an underclassmen and most of the team Despite losing their Head Coach, Dawn is either juniors or seniors,â&#x20AC;?

Hahn, the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is sophomore shooting guard Hali to win Districts this year.

Long said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we will do The team is led by coach well this year because we Matthew Watson. He is expecthave a fast team,â&#x20AC;? team ing a lot from his team this member Erin Powelson FHNTODAY. COM season and has high hopes that said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going to Check out FHNtoday.com to view photos from previous they will be able to make it to need to be fast because girls Basketball games.

Districts. we arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t very tall.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we have a good Helping the team have team this year,â&#x20AC;? Watson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are a strong a good season and make it to Districts are WHDP DQG , EHOLHYH ZH ZLOO Ă&#x20AC;QLVK VWURQJ Âľ Ă&#x20AC;YH UHWXUQLQJ SOD\HUV IURP ODVW VHDVRQ LQbrandan sandbothe

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S IN YOUR BAG? Lauren Kopf, 11 Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basketball bag: money, bobby pins, an outfit worn to school, an empty Lunchable, and three pairs of socks.

Q&A

with Leilani Ballesteros

Q: How do you feel about how Cheer is doing?

A: Basketball [cheerleading] is good, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing way better than competition, we just have prepared more for our basketball games.â&#x20AC;?

Q: What are the things Cheer is focusing on?

A: It should be on competition because we have that in January. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re prepared. I think we might crumble under pressure.

Q: What are things Cheer needs to improve on?

A: Competition. We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t focused on it since our last competition. We can only take a certain number of people, so we have to change stunts and formation, since we have to condense.

Athletes at North have some pretty unique things in their sports bags. Here are some of those things.

Ryan Gannon, 12 Hockey bag: shin guards, socks, pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, helmet, mouth guard, skates, soap, dress socks and tape wads.

Megan Hampson, 9 Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; swim bag: a towel, cap, goggles, fins, pull bouy, snorkel, paddles, rainbow goggles, tennis shoes. page by elizabeth diggs

FHNTODAY.COM 35

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your source for Knightly news

Photo galleries Multimedia

StuCo hosted their annual “Mock Rock” event for students to compete in dances and lip-synching. The student life galleries spotlight student activites and clubs engaging in events around the school and in our community.

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

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Weather Check out our blogs, including Sidney Boden’s blog about books.

Check out the podcast this Friday for sports and news coverage.

Daily weather updates are now available on the home page for easy access.

ENTERTAINMENT “The Warrior’s Way”

emily forst

DUB STEP

The growing phenomenon of “Dubstep” music has hit the radios of America. This new genre of music is filled with heavy bass and techno sounds that draw listeners in to the catchy upbeat remixes of the songs they already know. (photo illustration by taylor berra)

MUSIC Dubstep music grows popularity in America logan ponche

The latest music trend to find its way into iPods and iPhones across the country is “Dubstep.” Originally formed in the UK in the 80’s as a form of techno music, Dubstep has made its way to the US, where it is rapidly growing in popularity. The Yank version of Dubstep involves taking top 40 songs and remixing them to have a more techno feel. Songs

such as Far East Movement’s “Like a G6 ,” Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” and Eminem’s “Love the Way You Lie,” have all been remixed by hundreds of aspiring “Dubsteppers.”

Even if Dubstep is not destined to have albums, the individual songs are nice to listen to. After hearing F.E.M.’s “Like a G6” roughly 7,000 times on the radio, hearing a Dubstep version with a heavier bass line

TELEVISION

in it makes the song more enjoyable again.

While the genre does serve as a nice change of pace from the style of music we are used to hearing, American Dubstep popularity will be ephemeral.

The collection of songs as a whole sound way too similar; if the lyrics were taken out of Dubstep, most- if not every song- would sound almost identical. Without any variety, these songs will get old fast.

Suspense captivates as Hawaii Five-0 earns five stars elizabeth diggs

Monday nights are typically TV nights at my house.

My dad and I have our bonding time while watching our favorite shows on CBS. A new show that has quickly become a favorite is the revamped version of Hawaii Five-0. Hawaii Five0 is about a close knit police

force that fights crime in the state of Hawaii. In my opinion, I think it is the equivalent to one of the good CSI shows.

This show does an extraordinary job of blending the elements of various cop shows into one series. The show has wonderfully action packed police chases in it, while it also incorporates some creative hu-

mor into the situations without destroying the intensity. The show comes on at 9 p.m. every Monday night on Channel 4. If you are interested in suspense, intense crime scenes and a lot of action, this is the show for you.

The series is sure to deliver and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling television. page by taylor berra

R

A movie centered around cowboys battling ninjas: some might say “Sweet” others might say “Uh, what?”. I fell somewhere in between. After watching it, I knew that it wasn’t the best movie ever made, nor was the plot line deep or even had much of a point. But still, the movie managed to entertain me for the hour and 40 minutes it lasted. The movie consists of samurai ninja action, drunken outlaws with guns, a woman seeking revenge for the death of her family, and of course, love. One of the best parts of the movie was the adorable baby, who made the funniest facial expressions at the best times.

If I could go back, I probably would have saved my money at the theatre and waited for it to come out on Redbox.

“Love and Other Drugs” kevin beerman

R

A staple of American Cinema, the Romantic Comedy proves always to be a very entertaining portrait of real life love. Love and Other Drugs, stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Pfizer Drug Rep. Jamie Randall. Randall is the god of all womanizers, able to go around casually with no connections. That is until he meets Maggie Murdoch (Anne Hathaway). Their connection grows, until he realizes the debilitation of Maggie due to her rare Parkinson’s disease. The film is well crafted from beginning to end, but the performances lack an air of realism. The dialogue seems too well crafted at times, and it becomes hard to see them as people the audience could love and relate to. The film, proves the perfect escape from real life relationship simplicity, giving it two and a half out of four stars.

FHNTODAY.COM 41

NORTH STAR TAKE:

RUMORS

RUN RAMPANT Rumors: Toxic word vomit that can easily affect a person’s reputation. Not exactly the Webster’s definition, but more like the high school definition. Rumors are too easy to spread and not nearly as easy to clean up. People are too eager to be the first to spread what they believe is the latest scoop, and are not nearly as concerned with the people the rumor involves or if the rumor is true or not.

With the unexpected passing of a fellow student last month, rumors were flying throughout the halls and classrooms. Despite efforts by administration to remain truthful about the incident, by the end of the school day several stories were circulating FHN. Regardless of who said what, everybody was sure they had the latest, most reputable source and they knew exactly what was

going on and therefore it was their duty to the student population to tell everyone what they knew.

Rumors- regardless of where they have been heard and how sure someone is that they know what is going on- are frankly childish. It would be so simple to check the accuracy of a whisper passed. Rather than relying on he-said she-said, go directly to the source. If you can’t check your facts, you shouldn’t feed the fire by continuing the spread of rumors.

Reputations can be made or broken in the matter of seconds thanks to rumors. Seemingly joking comments to friends like, “Did you hear Susy is pregnant?” can be overheard, repeated, and eventually lead to convoluted and ridiculously false

statements that spread like wild fire. If Susy is pregnant, it isn’t up to anybody else to let people know. So spreading the rumor, be it accurate or otherwise, isn’t up to anyone but Susy.

It would be implausible to assume that administration could track down every person that has ever spread a rumor and make them get their stories straight. But everyone can do a little to let others know that here at FHN, we don’t condone the spread of rumors. Hearsay in the lunch line don’t need to be spread around. Two misinformed people don’t need to become 200 misinformed people. It is nobody’s business but their own, and others have no right to continue spreading rumors, whether it be true or not.

On behalf of the editorial staff

Dulaney shares her joy in celebrating holiday spirit sam dulaney

Senior Sam Dulaney bites her candy cane as she shows off her holiday spirit. Dulaney believes it is never to early to start celebrating the holiday season. “My favorite part of the holiday is that everyone is in a better mood” said Dulaney. (jessica streiler)

42 OPINIONS page by morgan carlson

November 1- I’m driving in my little Honda and what’s that blasting through my little, blown speakers? Snicker all you want, but it’s Christmas music. Always a kid at heart, I’m perpetually in the mood for anything that reminds me that it’s the most wonderful time of the year- literally.

It is never too early to start celebrating the holiday season. Even when it was “not time yet” because Thanksgiving hadn’t passed, it was the holiday season. That includes Thanksgiving, Kwanza, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and (God-forbid) a snow day or two. What student doesn’t want some time off from the daily grind in our lovely seven periods of class to enjoy good friends, good sledding and good sleep?

That alone makes me sing a little louder to the radio when it says “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”

I don’t see what is so special about waiting un-

til after Thanksgiving to get in the holiday spirit.

There is no magic switch that flips on on that day.

So if I decide I want to be in the holiday mood, I will be and nobody can say anything to change my mind.

The holidays, for me, have always been the time of catching up with family members I don’t necessarily see as much as I would like. There’s nothing better than sitting around the table, eating pie, joking around with each other and stomping each other into the ground with Apples to Apples.

With such happy memories reminding me of the encroaching holidays, it’d be crazy for me not to be excited.

It’s never too early to start getting in the holiday mood, to be a little nicer, to smile a little more, to give a little more. I, for one, stay in the holiday mood until my mom makes me take down the tree in January. There is no expiration date on a jolly spirit. So, “bah humbug!” to those who say otherwise.

BEING THE CHANGE IS

BIPARTISAN lindsey harms

T

here has been a lot of controversy in the news lately on the subject of bipartisanship. A common asked question may be, “Why would something like bipartisanship be in the news?”

In the last election, the number of Republican candidates elected outnumbered the Democratic candidates in the House of Representatives for the first time since 2006. This dramatic shift has created major tension between the leading parties in Washington. When one party outnumbers another, their views tend to take hold more than if the parties were equal. Many fear that this sudden call to power for the Republicans will initiate great changes, both for the better and for the worse. Of course, the United States is not an idyllic Utopian society, and not everyone is going to get what they want.

The Representatives that were elected were chosen for many reasons, but hopefully the candidates chosen are able to work with others unlike themselves, and work together to make the best decisions they can, all the while keeping America’s pluralistic society in mind. Focusing on that ability will help to avoid many worries many may have. If these people are capable of reaching broad

consensus on matters concerning citizens, then there should be no qualms with who was elected from what party. Bipartisanship is a vital characteristic the elected Congressman need to possess, and hopefully many of the candidates that were elected possess this trait. Being blind to the fact that the House is mostly Republican would be ideal and observing the fact that it potentially has many fresh faces and new ideas. Saying that, citizens should push aside political opinions, focus on what can make this country better, and how that can be achieved.

It has been four years since Republicans have outnumbered the Democrats in the House of Representatives. Where was the United States four years ago? 2006, two years before Obama, two years before our generation’s great economic decline, five years after the terrorist attack that left our country with vast economic and emotional damage. Was the United States making important decisions?

The answer is yes. Was the United States failing in every aspect?

Not at all. I think that the successes and failures of past years could help determine how able the Republican Party is on voting for good decisions for the United States. In simpler terms, remembering the past could help citizens adjust for the changes to come.

Dedicated fans don’t desert the home team abbey grone

H

ere in St. Louis, we have very few dedicated fans of the Rams and the Blues. What we have is a ton of fair-weather fans (fans during the winning parts of the season only). What really grinds my gears is the fact that these “fairweather” fans always consider themselves dedicated fans, when they are anything but.

A dedicated sports fan is a fan that is at every single one of their favorite teams games, or as many as possible, no matter what the team’s record is, no matter how cold or rainy or snowy it is. A dedicated fan is someone who will sport their favorite player’s jersey even if that same player lost the game

for the team last night; someone who would spend all of their birthday money on season tickets.

But it seems to be that a lot of people in St. Louis won’t do any of these things unless the season starts out with a few

wins and meets all of the standards set by the fans for the rest of the season.

“I’m a Blue” covers my Facebook

page by aurora blanchard

page after a big win, but are my Facebook friends still a “Blue” when the team loses? One year ago, all of the Rams apparel was on clearance because nobody wanted it. They’ve won a couple of games, and we’ve scored Sam Bradford. Now people are going crazy for it. The hypocrisy with the St. Louis winter sports teams is ridiculous. You’re either a fan or you’re not.

So, when the Rams or the Blues lose don’t turn your back.

One team has to lose in every game, and when it’s our team we’re going to have to deal with it, but we still need to show our support. So go ahead and support your team, not only when they win.

FHNTODAY.COM 43

WASH sam dulaney

Of all the new sweets available to me for the holidays, my favorite is just sweet, simple chocolate. Maybe I’m a little biased because of my passionate love of the treat, but Beauti Control’s Chocolate Indulgence line, a combination of body washes, lotions and hand washes, is by far the best smelling products on the market. My favorite is the Dark Chocolate Espresso Body Wash. The exfoliating espresso beans makes it smell like the perfect mix of chocolate and espresso, but it’s not pungent enough to make me smell like a walking cup of coffee. They offer just a hint of sweetness for the day, not an overbearing smell. I would recommend this as a gift to any other person with a sweet tooth this season.

Senior Taylor Berra stands in the senior courtyard. Berra believes as a senior you get more privileges such as sitting in the court yard and winning spirit wars.

Respect is lacking around the school not only in the halls but between students as well. (tori hanke)

WEAR taylor berra

The other day, I decided to stop rocking my Nike Indoor Soccer shoes, went to the Women’s Shoe section of Walmart, and tried on a pair moccasin slippers. I put them on and fell in love. The outside of the shoe is as soft as a baby’s butt. With the fur inside, I felt like I was walking on a cloud. I purposely take the long way to my classes just so that I can walk a little longer in heaven. Although it may be soft, it does not hold up well against H2O, however.

Do not wear these shoes when it is raining or snowing; they may melt off of your feet. Logically, buying these shoes this time of year would be pointless if you were wanting to wear them with any outfit. But I encourage you to rock these little pieces of heaven at home.

44 OPINIONS page by shannon ward

Francis Howell North deserves respect

Berra expresses her reaction towards students acting disrespectful

taylor berra

A

s a member of the senior class, I proudly state that I love Francis Howell North. I love it and the people that make FHN what it is. Over the past four years attending this school, I have found only one thing that disappoints me- respect, and the lack of it.

Fliers for clubs and events.

They are meant to inform people of something. Not to be torn down, drawn upon, or ripped into pieces. The people who make those fliers don’t do it for their health. They want to tell the rest of the well-mannered student body of something going on. Don’t touch the fliers unless you made them; there is a reason they’re hung up.

There’s no respect for “Seniority.” As a senior, I reserve the right to tell underclassmen to get out of the senior court yard. It is called the senior

court yard for a reason. I have come to this school for the past three years day in and day out, and I deserve an area just for my classmates and myself. You too will feel this way when you are a senior. It’s a privilege. We get our own lunch area, we win spirit wars, we win Powderpuff- get over it. Don’t get me wrong. I love all of you underclassmen. I respect you. I never dare boo you. I stick up for you if needed. Once, I too walked in your shoes. I know how it feels. But, trust me, you’ll feel this way about it when you’re a senior.

And lastly, people have no respect for themselves. This lesson was taught to me when I was just a kid, and I am assuming some have ignored their parents when they taught this important life lesson- have respect for yourself. Ladies, it is winter. Put some clothes on; no one wants to see that. Besides it’s cold outside; put some fab-

ric over that skin and eliminate the risk of freezing your butt off-- literally. Showing that much skin is not attractive and it only makes you look worse, not any better. Trust me.

Francis Howell North is one of the best schools in the area and people should be thankful that they get a chance to attend this school. One way to show appreciation is by showing spirit. Dress up and go all out on spirit weeks, because they only happen so often. Who cares if you look like a fool; that is the point. You’re supposed to have fun in high school. On class colors day, support your class.

Freshmen, wear that purple with pride and don’t let anyone tell you not to. You are a part of this school just as much as everyone else. Respect this school and everyone in it because before you know it, you will be walking up on stage and hear your name over the loud speaker, and high school is gone forever.

NORTH STAR

HOLIDAY

STAFF

Head -toHead

Editor-in-Chief: Sam Dulaney Managing Editors: Logan Ponche Kelsey Bell Editors:

‘Twas the holiday season, and in Room 026, Paige Yungermann and Kevin Beerman were stirring over the tackiness of home-made gifts. paige yungermann

kevin beerman

Over the years, Christmas has evolved into an expensive, shopping-crazed experience. More people need to get back to the true spirit of the season. A great way to do this is by making your own holiday gifts at home. Instead of braving the stores packed with crazed, last minute shoppers, at home making meaningful home-made gifts.

I realize home-made gifts are often laborious to make. However, the extra effort is worth it. One year, a friend made me a scrapbook for Christmas, and seeing how hard she worked to make me something special was much better than receiving yet another iTunes gift card. Knowing someone cares enough to spend their time making you a meaningful present is heartwarming.

I am not saying you should spend all your free time stressing over making multiple homemade gifts.

Even making just one will prove to be rewarding. Not only will you save money, but seeing the joy on the receiver’s face will leave you proud of the work you put into making the perfect gift. Finding happiness in giving a homemade, sentimental present to someone else- this is the true spirit of Christmas.

Christmas is the season of giving, we all know this. The test of a good gift around Christmas is truly in the “thought” (although expensive gifts that are thoughtless are surely appreciated). It seems to be the staple among couples, when it comes to endowing each other with presents, to make the process “fun” (and cheap) with homemade gifts.

Is there anything more degrading? Doesn’t it say the least about you when the gesture that you make is, “I couldn’t put down the cash (or the time) to get you the gift you deserve, so I made you this mixed tape instead.”

And people see the charm bracelet their boyfriend made and “it’s the best gift they ever got.” But in reality, it took 20 minutes, some beads and string from Michael’s to put it together.

There is certainly no need to go out and spend a fortune on a great present. Some of the best have been under ten dollars. I’ve been there with the home-made gifts, they are a great thought.

But that’s all they truly are- a thought. Beyond that, they’re simply crazy glue, popsicle sticks and a beau with out-of-whack priorities.

News Editor: Chelsey Damalas Features Editor: Abbey Grone Sports Editor: Elizabeth Diggs Opinions Editor: Adam Rapert Publicity Editor: Taylor Berra Copy Editor: Kevin Beerman Assistant Copy Editor: Nicole Renner General Staff: Abby West Amanda Cornett Aurora Blanchard Christy Maupin Emily Forst Katy Toebben Lindsey Harms Morgan Carlson Morgan May

Director of Photography: Sam Hurrell Director of Online Photography Kelsey Habighorst Photographers: Erin D’Amico Tori Hanke Brandon Neer Michelle Spencer

Editor-in-Chief: Lydia Ness Editors: Online Editors: Dan Spak Podcast Editor: Lauren Smith Webmaster: Jared Tompkin

EDITOR GUIDELINES

• Letters may be 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

• Letters will not be printed if content is obscene, profane, invasive of privacy, encouraging physical disruption of school, and/or implies libel • Letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling, and content

Jessica Streiler Sarah Teson Nicole Thompson Kaitlyn Williams

FHNTODAY.COM STAFF

LETTERS TO THE

• Letters must be signed by the author and verified for publication

Nick Bussell Nick Ponche Olivia Ong Paige Yungermann Sara Jewson Scott Jones Shannon Ward Sidney Shelton Taylor Bartram

General Staff:

Ashley Niehaus Wade Dismukes Christina DeSalvo Ryan Gannon Kendrick Gaussoin

Kieran Myers Jaxon Nagel Nicole Piatchek Kayla Vogt Emily Wilkins

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FHNTODAY.COM 45