North Star February 2013

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

February 20, 2013 volume 27 issue 6

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contents NORTH STAR / FEBRUARY 20, 2013

6

FHN hosts its annual Fraufest on Feb. 8. German club and Frau McPartland sponsored the event for musical groups at North. Bands from all genres performed. (murphy riley)

10-11

News

FEATURES

SPORTS

1 FRAUFEST This year’s

13 STRESSING OUT After learning

34 SOCIAL MEDIA How sports teams

14 Fascinating PHOBIAS Six

36 FUTSAL FRENZY This fast-paced

Fraufest had less attendance than usual, but included a wide variety of performers.

3 ART IN MOTION Winter guard

hosts its annual competition and performs with its routine “The Spirits Within.”

4-5 ROSETTA STONE FHSD re-

on the cover This month, the North Star takes an in-depth look at volunteering and how people can become everyday heroes by helping those in need. (photo illustration by cameron mccarty)

DISTRIBUTED FOR FREE TO FHN BY THE NORTH STAR STAFF / PROVIDING AN OPEN FORUM FOR FHN SINCE 1986 2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303

36

13

what causes stress and how it affects everyday life, learn how to relieve stress.

students share their biggest phobias with fears ranging from knives to napkins.

16 SWEET SODA SHOP This shop takes

ceives discounted licenses for language studies.

diners back in time as they dine on old fashioned soda and sweets.

FEATURES

SPORTS

10-11 SCHOOL ACCESSORIES Stay

30-31 NEW TURF The grass field

on top of school style with the best accessories.

will be replaced with synthetic turf in late spring.

12 CAR WITH CHARACTER More

32-33 SPRING PREVIEW Spring

than just an automobile, senior Victoria Mehlberg’s car has charm.

sports begin at the end of this month with tryouts starting on Feb. 25.

and fans stay connected through social media and how to get involved. game is similar to soccer and keeps players working on their control of the ball.

OPINIONS 42 VALENTINE'S DAY People

should stop attacking this harmless holiday that promotes loving one another.

43 COLLEGE MONITORING Social

media is a factor that plays into college admissions.

45 REALITY TV The ridiculous

theme of these shows degrades the quality of TV.

PAGE BY SOPHIE GORDON

news

briefs

Briefs by Jake Chiarelli and Carly Vossmeyer

Fewer ATTENDEES AT fraufest

W

Sophomore Skylar Hardester sings the second song in her set at this year’s Fraufest. Although the crowd was sparse in parts, a group of students celebrated with rushing the stage “The group got bigger and more rowdy with every song,” junior Lewis Stein said. (murphy riley)

ith an attendance of 150 people, Fraufest took place on Feb. 8.

This was down 100 people from last year’s sold out show. The money collected was totaled at around $750 and went to German Club. Bands that performed included Aggro, Under The Willow and sponsor Anne McPartland’s band, Dritte Stunde.

Other performances included alumnus, David Tecklenburg, and individual singers, like senior Christina DeSalvo and sophomore Skylar Hardester.

“Just like Coffeehouse, Fraufest celebrates all kinds of music,” McPartland said. “We’ve had people that used only instruments, sung without them or did something else unique. As long as they do their best and put on a good show, we love to include them.”

Some of the featured songs were “Titanium” performed by Under The Willow, and “The Zoo Song,” a popular Fraufest tradition which was performed by Dritte Stunde.

The German Club was pleased with the turnout and will continue without any major changes next year.

Going for the golden plunger

The StuCo team rushes into the freezing waters of Creve Coeur Lake at last year’s Polar Plunge.

The team won their second Golden Plunger for their costumes from 101 Dalmatians. (file photo)

The 18th annual Polar Plunge will take place on Feb. 23 at Creve Coeur Lake.

FHN’s team costume is from Universal Pictures’ movie, “Despicable Me.” They hope to win the Golden Plunger for best group costume for the third year in a row.

“I think it’s creative, and it’s a great way to show that we are all alike but unique in our own funny ways,” StuCo cabinet member and junior Mary Jane Ruiz said.

“We will definitely win the Golden Plunger this year.”

Participants are required to raise a minimum $75 donation that goes toward the Special Olympics.

PAGE BY CARLY VOSSMEYER

dress to impress

The Prom Fashion Show is tomorrow, Feb. 21, in the auditorium at 7 p.m. The dresses will come from new places such as Distinctions in Fashion, Wedding Gallery and Deb, as well as veteran places like David’s Bridal.

“It gives you ideas on what to wear to prom, and it’s something fun to do,” Junior Delegates Vice-President Morgan Tanksley said.

A raffle will also be held for a prize donated by Lauree’s and proceeds from the show will go toward purchasing prom gifts and decorations.

A DEMOCRATIC DEBATE This March, the Young Democrats will hold a public debate in the auditorium to discuss current political issues facing the United States. The purpose of the debate is to get students interested in politics and involved in joining or forming clubs here at school.

Senior and Republican Sam Scopel, and Young Democrats President and junior Tyler Ludwig will be the debaters.

“Hopefully we can give students here at North some insight on prominent issues, and get them interested in politics,” Ludwig said.

Donuts for sale This year, Volunteer Knights, with the help of sponsors Kelly Voyles and Jenelle Louis, are selling donuts in the Commons every Thursday morning.

“Coach Voyles came up with this great idea of buying Schnuck’s donuts and using the money for the senior scholarship fund,” senior Victoria Miller said.

They buy dozens of donuts and a group of seniors sells them until the final bell rings.

The donuts will continue to be sold through the rest of the year.

Prepare for the act

A new class is being offered at FHN starting in the 2013-14 school year. The ACT Prep class is being offered to all students on a first-come basis, but next year’s seniors and juniors will get first priority. The class will be taught by one math teacher and one communication arts teacher and will give students a half of an elective credit towards graduation.

“The ACT is part of the criteria for college admission, along with GPA, so it makes sense that a prep class would be taught,” Guidance Counselor Lisa Woodrum said.

02.20.13 FHNTODAY.COM 01

news

Juniors Maddie Corrao and Sydney Hardin practice with FHN’s Winter guard on Feb. 7. This year, the guard is competing in the Open division which is the highest competition level. The team has taken first place in its division at both of the competitions so far. The team’s performance for this year’s show is called, “The Spirits Within.” (sammie savala)

New classes, new opportunities

50%

Junior Tyler Ludwig picks classes for senior year through parent portal. Online AP classes may be taken as an extra hour at home. (jimmy higgins)

02 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

Online AP classes give students the opportunity to take college level courses and earn college credit from the comfort of their own homes

BY KYLEIGH KRISTENSEN kyleigh1318@gmail.com | @kyleigh13_

New AP Environmental Science and AP Computer Science classes are available next year for the first time for FHSD high schools but only online. Having the classes is something that the District has been looking forward to for a few years, but the process of making them available has been in the works over the past year.

“We wanted to be able to give our students more options in addition to their seven courses that will be beneficial and will help them to work on their own,” Principal Tony Grippi said.

Students registered for these classes through parent portal during registration, but they will be available for years to come. Both courses last the entire school year unless the student receives a grade below a C; if this happens, the student will be given the option of dropping the class. Depending on the District’s budget allowance, FHSD hopes to have more online classes available for students in the future.

Junior Matt Schneider, who signed up for

AP Environmental Science, explained that he’s expecting this class to help him better prepare for the AP test. Schneider also expects the class to have a more flexible schedule as opposed to in-school classes.

“It will really be convenient to be able to take the class on my own time instead of being stuck to a schedule,” Schneider said.

According to Guidance Counselor Stephanie Johnson, the classes can help prepare students for the future. The class doesn’t have a teacher, so students will also have to adapt to reading off of a monitor. Depending on how well the student does on the AP test and the standards a college has, test scores can be counted as college credit.

The AP test isn’t online, and the location for the test at this time is unknown.

“I definitely think it will be harder to learn without the presence of an actual teacher there to help,” junior Tyler Ludwig, who signed up for AP Environmental Science, said.

In Johnson’s opinion, those who are very self-motivated, enjoy rigorous coursework, are strong in the subject and willing to put in a lot of extra time and effort in order to do well should take advantage of the classes.

PAGE BY KYLEIGH KRISTENSEN & BRIANNA MORGAN

ARTISTIC

MOVEMENT Winter guard hosts one of its biggest fundraisers of the season

BY BRIANNA MORGAN

1006briannamorgan@gmail.com | @BriMarie1006

A

rt in Motion will take place on Saturday, Feb. 23, in the big gym from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is a Winter guard competition that is sanctioned by the Mid Continent Color Guard Association (MCCGA). It serves as one of the biggest fundraisers for Winter guard. This year, they hope to raise more money than the $10,000 they raised last year.

Volunteers begin setting up for the competition the night before by laying a protective tarp over the gym floor, preparing the Commons for concessions and setting up tables to sell tickets and programs. The next morning volunteers arrive around 7 a.m., the first guard unit arrives around 8 p.m. and the first performance begins at 9 p.m. Forty-eight units come to compete from all over the nation.

“We still have to work really hard to get our score up so when we go to Regionals we are among some of the top guards so that we can compete nationally,” senior and guard member Abigail Hoffman said.

Each unit chooses a theme to perform and has seven minutes to get on the floor, set up, perform and get back off. This year, North’s theme is “The Spirits Within.” North’s unit performs as spirits in a cathedral to the song “Ave Maria.” They incorporate the theme through their choreography, which is made up of a mixture of fluid and tight movements, the use of props and the emotions that they project onto their faces.

“The coaches chose the theme,” senior and guard member Megan Hinman said, “because it’s easier for us to perform sadness and anger rather than happy emotions.”

Ninety percent of the money raised is split evenly between guard and drumline and the other 10 percent goes to band. The money raised from this is used to pay for expenses for other big competitions in Nashville, Cincinnati and Dayton. Admission to the show is $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Parents and band members also volunteer to help set up and work different areas to raise money.

“I like helping out because it’s just a lot of fun helping out the kids,” Winter guard mom Lynette Hoffman said. “It’s just a good group of people to work with and a good group of kids who are performing.”

The Winter guard unit practices three nights a week for three hours and attends weekend camps before competitions for nine hours in order to perfect their routine. According to guard mom Gracy Hinman, all of the hard work and dedication they put into the sport is so that the guard can be the best.

“I love to be able to engage the audience in our performance,” Abigail said. “It makes me feel like I really have their attention and that they really love watching us do what we love.”

teen passes away

BY AURORA BLANCHARD

auroradblanchard@gmail.com | @auroradbee

Junior Austin Jaros-Riley lost his battle with Fanconi anemia on Feb. 3. He was on Homebound and in and out of the hospital during second semester. (file photo)

PAGE BY KYLEIGH KRISTENSEN & BRIANNA MORGAN

Junior Austin Jaros-Riley passed away in the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Feb. 3 from graft-versus-host disease, multi-organ failure and sepsis, which were all a result of Fanconi anemia according to his main caregiver, grandmother Patti Carter. Fanconi anemia is a genetic disease that can cause bone marrow failure and problems in the endocrine system. Jaros-Riley was born on Feb. 28, 1996, and was 16 years old when he passed away.

He fundraised for the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund and attended Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine, for 11 consecutive years, befriending other children from all over the world with life-threatening conditions.

Jaros-Riley also played the piano, and according to Carter, could learn a song by ear in 15 minutes. According to Carter, he was also very competitive as a child and played on a baseball team. He also got to play golf with Mike Matheny and Albert Pujols. His favorite team was the Cardinals.

“Even though his years were short, he did a lot of living,” Carter said.

A visitation was held Feb. 7 and 8 at Baue Funeral Home on West Clay, and the funeral was held on Feb. 9.

A hat day will be held on Feb. 28, Austin’s birthday, to collect money for Fanconi anemia research.

ns TOP TWEETS @RemyRadio

Going through the closet and grabbing some clothes I don’t use for #FHN Winter WarmUp!!! You should do the same!! :) See ya tonight!

Remy

@FHNorthStuCo

Tomorrow is #WinterWarmUp, come out and freeze for a reason with Mason and Remy from 93.7! Donate clothes and get $1 off game #Bonfire! #Smores!

FHN StuCo

@KLTrey#35 Thank You everybody I really appreciate it.

But I couldn’t have done it without the team #LoveYall Kyle Lemons

@kaywelchh

SIGNING DAY! After two years of verbal commitment, I can finally officially call myself a Sycamore #ISU Kayla Welch

@amedlin13

Now accepting prom date applications.

Anyone? No? Okay....

Allie Medlin

@em_chowchow highlight of my day..... getting kicked while tumbling and falling on my head infront of the entire school. #woohoooo Emily Chowning

@seanpirrone When life gives you lemons, you win basketball games.

Sean Pirrone

Want to see your tweet here?

Tag tweets about school with

#FHNnews 02.20.13

FHNTODAY.COM 03

fhsd

program

offers new Possibilities for students

Rosetta Stone licenses offered at a cheaper price are being made available to families of students and employees District-wide JORDAN BRYSON | JORDAN.BRYSON90@GMAIL.COM | @jordan_bryson

04 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

F

or the second year, FHSD took advantage of Rosetta Stone’s offer of discounted language packages to schools nationwide. FHSD contacted Rosetta Stone this school year to continue providing the $100 year-long license to students, employees or the families of either. This pronormally priced at $500 if purchased off the Rosetta Stone website by an individual.

“I think it’s great to provide a discounted rate for the families,” Chris Greiner, director of student learning for FHSD, said. “There’s a number of options. It’s for families who want to give themselves exposure to languages other than French, Spanish or German.”

During fall of 2011, Rosetta Stone contacted FHSD with their offer. The District partnered with them then to provide the online license for any of Rosetta Stone’s 30 languages.

“Families and students seem to be satisfamilies to get it at a discounted rate for a product that has a popular name.”

To advertise for this license this school year, FHSD put advertisements in the District’s enews and on the District website. This is a change from last year, however, when FHSD put ads in the Mid Rivers magazine and the Suburban Journals not knowing of Rosetta Stone’s policy of only advertising internally.

“It’s not something Rosetta Stone wanted us to do,” Greiner said. to this partnership. Last year, FHSD had over 100 purchased licenses and this year, when the window closed on Feb. 8, 116 were purchased. Those interested in obtaining a litheir payment was processed by the District and then sent to Rosetta Stone.

“That’s kind of sweet,” senior Amber Rollins said. “Sometimes being in a class like Spanish where you have more than one teacher per level, it’s hard to transfer from teacher to teacher.” education on the vocabulary, pronunciation and culture of that certain language. Users go through the program unit by unit, needing to pass each activity before being able to move on to the next unit.

“I don’t think someone can truly learn the mechanics of a language with Rosetta Stone,” French teacher Dave Fritz said. “They need to take a class, have a tutor to learn the language more complete.”

One thing that has come up since the adoption of this program is the possibility of incorporating Rosetta Stone into the curriculum of foreign languages. Though this would not be able to happen until the 2014-15 school year for the IV and V language levels and 2015-16 school year for levels I through III, the District and world language department chairs are still discussing the idea with budget being a large factor.

“We have that conversation every year,” Greiner said. “But if we buy Rosetta Stone,

PAGE BY AMANDA STALLINGS

Students take notes in German teacher Anne McPartland’s classroom. German is one of the three languages offered in the District, along with French and Spanish. With the discounted Rosetta Stone license, students have the ability to learn any of Rosetta Stone’s 30 languages that range from Arabic to Korean to Swahili. (dominant by kendrick gaussoin)

we can’t buy the other things we need.” land, however, see incorporation of the program After hearing about the idea of bringing into the world language classes as a potential the program into the classrooms, German problem due to Rosetta Stone not corresponding teacher and owner of the online German liwith the classes’ curriculum. cense Anne McPartland brought “That’s the idea, use it to replace lowup her concern to Greiner about er levels,” Johnson said. “My concern the decrease in enrollment for is you’re going to do this, come in and world languages. According to McPartland, Rosetta Stone well, get discouraged and not like the could be used as a tool for exlanguage. It’s just a wait and see.” tra practice on the side, but she A meeting held Jan. 31 between believes it would not be able to McPartland, Greiner and the heads of take the place of a classroom world language departments in the DisAmount users setting with a teacher. trict addressed the lack of enrollment are saving with discount: “When I saw the District in the world language departments. promotion of Rosetta Stone, The main focus was on FHSD middle Normal price I thought ‘Oh that’s great,’” schools, improving communication beof package with levels 1-5: $499 McPartland said. “But why tween high school and middle school don’t we promote the language teachers and promoting the world lanDistrict discounted price department we currently have? guage programs to the students. of package with If we’re going to support Ro“It could be integrated into the middle levels 1-5: $100 setta Stone, let’s support the schools, but we’ve got a good thing goAmount saved: programs in our schools.” ing,” McPartland said. “We’ve got good $399 According to Spanish teacher people in the District. I’m excited to see Ryan Johnson, Rosetta Stone what’s going to come next.” could be looked at as a tool for For now, Greiner says the District middle school students to test out of level plans to offer the discounted Rosetta Stone license one foreign languages to be able to take the to FHSD each year. Before any curriculum intehigher level and AP foreign language classes gration, FHSD will survey parents, teachers and once in high school. Both he and McPartstudents on their thoughts about it.

TIME

OUT

PAGE BY AMANDA STALLINGS

OWN D K A E R B E H T TH OR

WHAT IT'S W

The Rosetta Stone Packages offered at a discounted price include these advantages: Interactive Software: Rosetta Stone offers 30 different languages that you can learn at your own pace with their awardwinning course content. The languages are split up into five levels.

Up to five users can use one package: User can install software on up to two computers, for use by up to five household members.

6-month guarantee: Six-month, no-risk, money-back guarantee included with the purchase of CD-ROM and Version 4 Download products.

Info provided from: http://bit.ly/pMUx

02.20.13 FHNTODAY.COM 05

Fraufest

Fraufest featured music from all sorts of genres and featured students from all over the school.

ABOVE: Attendee Stone Birkner celebrates the end of a performance by Last August, the closing band at Fraufest. (matt krieg) CENTER TOP: During German club’s songs, the first row of the auditorium rushed to the stage and danced along with the music.(murphy riley) CENTER MIDDLE: A singer from the band Under the Willow sings the second song in his set. (murphy riley) CENTER BOTTOM: Emcees Jake Tecklenberg and Dan Stewart entertained the crowd in between acts. (murphy riley)

06 FHNTODAY.COM 02.20.13

Performer Vanessa Taylor plays to a crowd of fans at this year’s Fraufest hosted in the auditorium on Feb. 8.

She was on stage three times during the event, single, in a duet and with the German club who hosted Fraufest. (matt krieg)

ABOVE: Junior Lewis Stein exits the stage after playing a game onstage with the emcees.

Thought there was no actual winner to the game, the three participants celebrates with a “bro call”. (murphy riley) LEFT: Lead vocalist for Last August sings an encore after his 3 song set. This was also the last song at the event. (murphy riley) PAGE BY MURPHY RILEY

636-498-2878 4113 Old Hwy 94 South St. Charles, MO 63304

636-498-2878 4113 Old Hwy 94 South St. Charles, MO 63304

Curves Complete Logo (US) Font: Adobe Garamond (Bold Italic) Color: 525, 2405, 1375, and 376

636-498-2878 4113 Old Hwy 94 South St. Charles, MO 63304 Curves Complete Logo (US) Font: Adobe Garamond (Bold Italic) Color: 525, 2405, 1375, and 376

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4:08 PM

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Features

UNLIKELY STAR

rises Northrop finds her self taclking a role that many directors deemed impossible for her to get

BY BRENDA ALVARADO brenduhalvarado@gmail.com | @brenduhalvarado

She walks in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building at St. Charles Community College (SCC) on the evening of Jan. 3, flooded by nervousness. She knows she won’t get the female lead role. There is just too many talented girls. 85 of them to be exact. 85 girls that could win the director’s heart, 85 girls that have yet to bring their a-game, 85 girls that could just take it all.

Junior Rain Northrop is auditioning for “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” a musical set during the reign of terror in France, being put on at SCC by the Young People’s Theatre (YPT), that only has one major female role. Something that set the experienced actress on edge.

With a total of 19 productions under her belt, Rain has grown up with being involved in the theater since fifth grade.

“She’s professional and committed,” senior John Hallemeier said. “She’s the doesn’tspeak-unless-spoken-to kind of person. She listens to directors and she’s a pessimist. In theater that’s good. It’s good to always think that you can improve and do better.”

Despite this, there’s one thing she’s consistently been told by directors though-- she will never have the lead, she just isn’t the star type.

Standing in the auditorium, Rain hopes to just make it into the chorus, nothing more and nothing less. She stands on the stage, flustered by the thoughts racing through her mind.

She stands in front of her parents, who were

08 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

“I was shocked. I didn’t believe it was real. It took probably about a week to actually set in that ‘Oh wow, I got the lead.’”

-rain northrop, 11 always there to support them. The choreographer, who would catch any misplaced foot.

The vocal director, who would know when she missed a note. But, most importantly, the director, who would determine their destiny.

In this case, that fate maker was Brisby Andrews, head of YPT. The program allows students ages eight to 18 coming from nearly anywhere in the St. Louis area to have the opportunity to audition for theater productions.

For the audition, YPT required each auditioner to perform a solo from Broadway. Rain searched for one that really highlighted her voice and picked “Don’t Wanna Show Off” from the Broadway musical “The Drowsy Chaperone.” She asked her mother, who has musical experience, to help her rehearse it and simply prepare for the audition.

On the stage, the 10 people including Rain sang their songs one by one. Rain sang her song, and Brisby noticed her immediately.

This girl could physically play the only lead female role of Marguerite St. Just, she just looked the part.

“She physically fits the role, can look quite French, can play several levels of emotion well and has a good grasp of the French language and accent,” Brisby said.

Leaving the audition, Rain was simply stunned by the competition. The other girls were just amazing. Because of this, Rain still had her sights set on the chorus. She didn’t think she even had a chance at a call back, much less a shot at the lead.

But, she had a chance before-- well, kind of.

Rain’s first big break came in 2011, when

PAGE BY BRENDA ALVARADO

With 19 roles under her belt, Northrop has had roles all over the spectrum. Her favorite role was a narrator in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.“ “I loved the music and it was just a lot of fun because I love telling stories,” Northrop said. (christina desalvo)

Rain’s ROLES Junior Rain Northrop has been in a total of 19 productions. Below is a time line of the different plays she’s been apart of as well as the role she played.

Fargin

Ensemble

Mini Version of Oliver 2008

Les mISERABLES 2008

Dectictive Peperday Ghost CHASERS 2008

Ensemble

Lion and the Mouse stories 2009

Amy

Puberty the game show 2009

Peter Pan

Mini Version of Peter Pan 2009

Teddy

Toys R ALIVE

Emmy

2010

Calamityville Terror 2010

Ensemble Godspell

Narrarator

Northdrops wins 2nd place in Mock Rock 2012. This was her first year performing. “If my future job was payed to do shows that would be a dream come true,“ Northrop said. (Murphy Riley)

she was the narrator in the musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” The role of the narrator was split between three girls, however, not fully giving Rain the lead.

In “The Scarlet Pimpernel” there’s only one major female role, Marguerite St. Just, a role didn’t think she would be getting until she got a call back on Jan. 5.

“She’s always had it in her,” junior and boyfriend Brock Birkner said.

At the call back, Rain read some of the script and sang a song from the production, along with the eight others fighting for the lead role.

While observing the callbacks, Brisby found Marguerite. The actress had a very strong initial audition and callback reading. She was was polite, hardworking, focused, fun. But the

PAGE BY BRENDA ALVARADO

Northrop auditions for a play. “I love getting to portray a new persona. I do it for the rush you get from performing,” Northrop said. (file photo)

deciding factor was her chemistry with the person cast opposite of her. Brisby knew that Rain was YPT’s Marguerite. According to Brisby, Rain mastered the French accent and was mature enough to understand the complexity of the character. She didn’t focus on just the accent or just the lines or just the singing, she did all three, and exceptionally well.

“I was shocked,” Rain said. “I didn’t believe it was real. It took probably about a week to actually set in that ‘Oh wow, I got the lead.’”

Rain doesn’t see getting the lead or performing “The Scarlet Pimpernel” on March 15-17 and 22-24 as the end of her quest though. She sees it as just a start of her career. She plans to keep performing in college and to keep proving all of those directors wrong.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 2011

2011

New York

Coney Island of Dr. Moreau

Mrs. Thompson It's a Wonderful Life The Musical 2011

2011

Erzuille

Once on This Island

Sally

The Creepy Creeps of Pilgrim Road 2012

2012

Lady Monica

While the Lights Were Out

Marguerite

2012

The Scarlet Pimpernel 2013

02.20.13 FHNTODAY.COM 09

FEATURES

STYLIN' AT SCHOOL phone cases

PHOTOS BY MURPHY RILEY

Amazon, $5

Hayley Penning Amazon, $4

Mandeep Singh Amazon, $1

Jessie Walker Amazon, $5

“I like Disney a lot

and it reminds me of my childhood.”

-Alex Arger, 10

A

s soon as the iPhone 5 hit the market, unique phone cases started appearing all over the place.

Some are used just for show, others contain protective qualities, and others do both. A few of the styles appearing are bejweled cases, Disney characters, Otter Boxes, and cases with quotes significant to the owner. Phone cases are a way for some people to express themselves. Instead of dressing boldly, or using a new makeup technique, people are using bright and flashy cases.

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT & ASHLEY EUBANKS

backpacks headphones

“I like my backpack

“I enjoy listening to

because it fits all of the school stuff and I bring it to all of my classes so I’m glad it’s cute.

music and making music and these make music sound really good.

”

”

-Marco Plaza, 11

-Adriana Condren, 11 ou can use everything from a backpack, shoulder bag, or even a purse to carry your folders, books, and any other necessary items that you might need during the day. Depending on how much you carry, you can get a bag with or without pockets. Most people choose a bag that reflects their personal style.

A

Y

Pac S un,

$40

nother way to express your style is headphones.

Although they are not normally considered an accessory, so many people rock a pair that they are fast becoming one. You can wear ear buds for simplicity, or you can wear over-ear headphones to block out all the noise surrounding you and hear your music.

un,

S Pac

$40

Devin Hoffman Best Buy, $300

yle t s r u o y d n i f est on pinter

Scan here to get to a pin board that has all kinds of different school accessories.

You can find phone cases, headphones, earbuds, backpacks, and lanyards to fit your personal fashion no matter what your favorite style is.

scan here

OR go to: goo.gl/rI3o5

Ashley Perry Target, $20 Tyler Sermersheim Dick’s, $40

lANYARDS

Jesse Pummer Target, $35

“I like it because Mizzou is one of my favorite college’s and

”

sports teams.

Dicks, $10

L

anyards are becoming more than a functional accessory; they are becoming a fashion statement. Sports, sparkles, and patterns are a few of the standard categories that you can find on them.

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT & ASHLEY EUBANKS

#FHNstyle

-Brandon Jeter, 12

John Hallemeir Hot Topic, $5

Jagjot Kainth Walmart, $5

02.20.13 FHNTODAY.COM 11

Features

RIDE OF THE MONTH

Esther

This automobile proves that looks aren’t everything when it comes to a great car

Tom Camden sells The Engineered’s merchandise at each show to help out the band. The Engineered will have several shows this month including the show on March 30 at Fubar. (kendrick gaussoin)

BY TAYLOR SHELTON sct1241@gmail.com

A teal ’91 Ford Escort rumbles into PSP. Faded Adventure Time characters, Apple logos and a Man Overboard sticker decorate the metallic surface. Friends and family recognize the purpose, stories and character underneath its hood. Senior Victoria Mehlberg calls her Esther.

“It’s quirky; it has the most character of any car on the lot,” Mehlberg said. “I love my car.”

Esther bears dents, scratches and scraped paint like beauty marks.

Between the two headlights and around her front license plate, there is a wide chasm where the bumper used to be. Lots of Mehlberg’s driving habits have rubbed off on her car.

“She can realize that the pedal on the right doesn’t have to be down all the time,” Mehlberg’s father, Rick, said.

Although it frequently breaks down, Mehlberg trusts Esther to go the distance. Running on 35 miles to the gallon, this car has even taken her as far as Chicago.

“Every place we’ve gone [in Esther] is memorable,” sophomore Skylar Hardester said.

SCAN HERE

To watch a video of Victoria and Esther in action.

OR use: goo.gl/QJJU2

12 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

A Star Offstage

A senior helps attract fans to an up-and-coming band, not with his musical talents, but with his skills as a salesman

BY ASHLEY FLERLAGE

ashleypaytonnn@gmail.com | @ashley_flerlage

Unlike most teenage concert-goers, senior Tom Camden is not just a face in the crowd. In fact, he usually isn’t in the crowd at all. Instead, Tom spends his time at the merchandise table where he sells t-shirts and EPs for an up and coming progressive metal band called The Engineered.

While they are not widely known in the St. Louis area, they are signed to a small label in Canada.

“One of the reasons I am prepared to do it is because of my brother,” Tom said. “He works in the concert world, so I had experience dealing with merchandise.”

Tom has been friends with the band members since before the band was formed. The other band members promised him that if they were ever given the opportunity to go on tour they would bring him along as their “merch guy.” When they landed a spot on a small tour from Dec. 28-Jan. 2, they stayed true to their word.

“It started as just me and him,” Tom’s 24-year-old brother, Matt Camden said. “I sell merchandise for a living. I taught him how to set up displays and make spreadsheets.”

Before each show starts, Tom is responsible for setting up all the merchandise in an appealing way. He uses rope lights and spotlights to brighten

the table. Then he acts as a salesman: chatting up fans, making sales and keeping track of money.

“He has gone from interested and enthusiastic, to having knowledge and working experience in almost every part of the industry,” Matt said.

“It makes me proud to see him succeeding in the same industry as me and sometimes even doing better than me.”

Tom also uses a Square credit card reader, which allows him to swipe credit cards on his smartphone for fans without cash handy. Tom keeps accurate records of inventory, the total dollar amount sold each night and the number of items sold each night.

“There is more responsibility than just selling shirts,” Tom said. “It’s kind of like being a babysitter too.”

In addition to maintaining merchandise sales, Tom also helps the band carry and set up their equipment. He often finds himself keeping track of his band members’ personal belongings.

According to the band, the thing they love most about Tom is not his ability to sell t-shirts or carry equipment, it’s the never-ending support he shows for the band.

“Tom is good to have on the road and at shows because he’s really supportive,” Vocalist Travis Dodds said. “Tom is one of my best friends, a genuine guy who will help out with anything.”

PAGE BY LAUREN PIKE & TAYLOR SHELTON

the mess of STRESS Stress is dealt with daily and it is very common among teenagers.

There are many different effects and solutions to dealing with stress

3% 6% 20% 42% 29%

Current Student Stress Distribution No Stress Limited Stress Moderate

High Stress Extreme Stress

stress

Causes Of Stress “For me, a major cause of stress is homework, and I always put it off too long.”

-Clayton Kohler, 11

“My grades stress me out because I’m behind and I’m scared about my future.”

-Maria Seibel, 9 “I get stressed from overworking because I’m always running out of time to do stuff there is too little time in the day.”

-Lucy Covington, 10

“Homework stresses me out because when I go home I don’t want to have to worry about school.”

-Meghan Mitchell, 9

Effects Of Stress Mental • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Feelings of despair Depression Nervousness Irritability Trouble concentrating Memory problems Panic attacks Restlessness Loss of confidence Worrying Impaired judgement Nightmares Hasty Decisions

-Tyler Heitmann, 10

“When I’m stressed I get really tired and just wanna fall asleep.”

•

-Miles Thies, 10

• • • •

u vo

Pressure

r Ne

Nightmares

Brain and Nerves: Headaches, increased or decreased eating, trouble sleeping, fatigue.

Skin: Acne and skin irritations.

Muscles and Joints: Muscle aches and tensions.

Heart: Faster heard rate and increased blood pressure.

Stomach: Nausea, stomach pain, heart burn, weight gain.

Intestines: Constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.

Immune System: Lower ability to fight or recover from illness.

Stress Solutions Break down: Make a list of your problems and start by fixing the ones you can solve now, one at a time.

Get organized: Create a to-do list and plan what you’re going to do ahead of time. Prioritize what is most important and do those things first.

Set limits: Sometimes you can’t do everything, if someone asks you for a favor it’s okay to say no if you have to much to do.

Relax: Take deep breaths and learn relaxation exercises like yoga. By stretching, you help relax your muscles and feel less tense.

Massage: Take a break: Do something you like to do like listen to music or a fun hobby.

Sleep: Getting enough sleep is huge.

Most people need between 7-9 hours of sleep each night to feel rested.

Eat right: Avoid caffeine intake which can increase feelings of anxiety and agitation, instead choose fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

Exercise: Physical activity can help relax your tense muscles and improve your mood.

Talk: Talk to friends or seek professional help if needed.

“When I’m stressed I listen to music, it takes my mind off things.”

Stress

Inde sicv e

s

PAGE BY EMILY HAMPSON

Stress

Hasty ty Recover ili AbRestless Trouble Despair Instinct Effects Pains Mess Sadness Loss of Focus Will Aches Fig Panic Attacksht Panic Signs Panic OverIndecisive Eat Headaches Indecisive Struggle Headaches ion Tens MusclesHelp Tension Decreased Muscles Helpless Restless Stress Stress Juggle Skin Rash

Mem

Under Eat

Can’t

Helpess

Irritable

us

rvo

Ne

ing Eat

Too Much

Helpless

Careless

ory

•

-Ami Patel, 11

s

Irritable

•

“I tend to eat when I’m stressed out, it’s an instinct.”

s Stre

Wor ry

Physical

“I lose focus when I get stressed.”

Survey information from http://7hillscanvass.org

Information from: http://www.signs-of-stress.com http://www.womenshealth.gov http://facts.randomhistory.com http://www.stressless.com http://healthland.time.com http://www.stress-relief-tools.com

-Evan Wilkins, 10 “I try to conquer the obstacles as quickly as possible so I won’t be stressed out anymore.”

-Missy Cloward, 11 02.20.13 FHNTODAY.COM 13

Features

hidden

phobias

Fears dictate our actions, no matter how seemingly outrageous

JOB OF THE MONTH

BY AURORA BLANCHARD

auroradblanchard@gmail.com | @auroradbee

didyou know?

According to child and adolescent counselor Andy Anderson, social phobias such as public speaking, stage fright, fear of peer judgment, are the most common. Exposure therapy and relaxation techniques for treatments of social phobias are 80 percent effective.

“If they’re not dealt with, they can grow,” Anderson said. “That anxiety can spread to other aspects of life.”

PHOTOS BY MEGAN TANKSLEY

CASHIER

Switching to a fastpaced job over summer proves to be rewarding in many ways

BY DELORES LAMPKIN deloreslampkin@gmail.com | delores_lampkin

This past July, senior Kyerra James went on a job hunt to quit her job at Chuck E. Cheese.

When she walked into Five Guys Burgers and Fries with an application, she didn’t expect that she would have walked out with a job.

“I was so shocked when they told me what their pay was, I was so excited,” James said. ”It totally cushioned the pain that I was going to feel when I would have to leave my job and friends at Chuck E. Cheese.”

James’s job at Five Guys is working as the cashier and at the toppings bar. People can choose from up to 15 toppings to put on their burgers, and she is the one to put them on.

“Kyerra is the fastest cashier worker we have,” Jarod Phillips ,manager at Five Guys said.

“One day we had at least 15 people waiting for their order to be taken, and I kid you not she took their orders in a least five minutes.”

James loves her position at Five Guys, but her goal is to master cooking and preparing the fries. She says she either seasons them too much or leaves them in the fryer too long.

“Kyerra has a lot of jobs at Five Guys,” Erica Allen said.

“But I believe if i can master the fries Kyerra can too.”

14 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

JAMIE HETLAGE:

NAPKINS

BEN MOXLEY:

KNIVES

KAMILA ZENDARN:

DEATH

Chartopetsetaphobia is the fear of paper products.

Freshman Jamie Hetlage was ambushed by her family with napkins last fall in a Pizza Street parking lot and avoids napkins at all cost, especially used napkins.

“When they’re dirty, it bothers me even more because of the germs and how they can get on you,” Hetlage said.

Aichurophobia is the fear of knives. When freshman Ben Moxley’s and his older brother used to joke around in the kitchen with knives, he cut himself accidentally and has been wary of knives ever since. The fear has developed nightmares of knives.

“I’ve woken up sweating because they’ve scared me so much,” Moxley said.

Necrophobia is the fear of being buried alive. Despite freshman Kamila Zendarn’s fear of death she acquired when she watched a man get buried alive in a scary movie, she takes risks.

“I feel like I do things to go toward [death],” Zendarn said.

“I skateboard and go downhill and don’t wear a helmet, so I could die at any time.”

SPENSER SCOPEL:

HEIGHTS

ALEX BRICE:

BEING SCARED

BROOKE MCGLASSON:

Acrophobia is the fear of heights. This past summer, junior Spenser Scopel vowed to overcome his fear while camping and jumped from a 60-foot cliff into a lake.

“I didn’t used to go on roller coasters with my friends when I was younger, but I feel like after conquering that fear, I’m confident in anything I do,” Scopel said.

Phobophobia is the fear of things popping out unexpectedly. Sophomore Alex Brice watched an exorcist video on funnyjunk.com in 2006 that left him shaken. He still reads YouTube comments before watching videos and avoids haunted houses.

“It’s just that chilling feeling you get that doesn’t feel pleasant to me,” Brice said.

Seussophobia, as defined and coined by the North Star, is the fear of Dr. Seuss’ creations.

Senior Brooke McGlasson fears the eccentric, dream-like illustrative style of Dr. Seuss books and vows to never even tell her kids who Dr. Seuss is when she gets older.

“It’s things you would have nightmares about and he made them real,” McGlasson said.

DR. SEUSS

PAGE BY ALEXIS TAINTER

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Features

COLLECTOR OF THE MONTH

Toy story

A classic movie sparks a fun obsession for collecting items

BY ALEXIS TAINTER

alexistainter@gmail.com | @lexis_taint

Senior Christina Conley has a collection of more than 70 “Toy Story” items ranging from action figures to even a shaving kit.

Conley received her first item, “Toy Story” on VHS, when she was three, but collecting became a hobby about five years ago when she started receiving more items.

Her love for the movie is her main cause for collecting.

“I collect anything and everything “Toy Story,”” Conley said. “I hope when people see it, it brings a smile to their face and they realize that “Toy Story” is the best movie ever.”

Conley’s favorite item is her Woody action figure because she likes its vintage appeal.

She uses her items everyday, like her watch and lunch box.

She can always look to her family and friends to help add to the collection.

“It’s awesome,” senior Deann Krufal said. “I always buy her cool “Toy Story” stuff when I see it to help her add to her collection and it suits her very well because she’s goofy. It’s not a normal thing for an 18 year old to collect.”

SCAN HERE To watch a video of Christina and her collection.

OR use: goo.gl/bDViJ

16 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

With the vintage look of something out of the 1950s, Little O’s sells treats from candy from less than a quarter, to cases of bottled soda to a variety of ice cream flavors. “Well, obviously my favorite thing to order is either the gooey butter shake or the plain chocolate shake. I absolutely love the place,” said junior Alissa Hale. (matt krieg )

sip to a simpler time

A local soda shop turns old time charm, classic recipes, and family traditions into an exciting blast from the past

BY LAUREN PIKE

laurenpike14@gmail.com | @pike_n_ike

Friendly family banter fills the room as the Ozenkoski family and employees surround the polished wooden counter of Little O’s Soda Shop in downtown St. Charles. From every angle of the shop the 1957 Chevy green walls, the old time soda bottles and the “Leave it to Beaver” episode playing in the back take customers back to the 40s and 50s.

“My husband’s nickname is Big O,” Christi said.

“Since I’m running the shop, it became Little O’s.”

Little O’s opened in August 2012 after the Ozenkoski family was able to obtain an old fashioned soda fountain from Golden Eagle General store in Brussels, Illinois. Before deciding to open the shop, Christi worked at an outpatient center. According to Christi, it was a difficult decision to leave her job in healthcare, but she wanted more time with the family and the family had always wanted to have have own business.

“I loved my job, but I wanted to take care of my kids in the afternoon,” Christi said.

Although Little O’s is a soda shop, soda isn’t the only thing this family specializes in. There is a bakery in the back of the shop where different baked goods are made. The most popular is the gooey butter cake. Using her husband’s secret gooey butter cake recipe from 1964, the shop’s bestseller is the gooey butter cake milkshake.

“My father goofed up the original formula and liked it so much that he kept it,” Christi said.

Their menu spotlights sundaes named after members of the family. The Littlest O Sundae, named after Christi’s seven-year-old son, Luke, includes vanilla ice cream served with Hershey’s syrup and lots of sprinkles. The Junior O Sundae, named after Jude, 12, features a homemade gooey butter brownie, two scoops of chocolate ice cream, topped with Hershey’s syrup, whipped cream and a cherry. “[My favorite part] is getting to be surrounded by candy and soda,” Jude said. “Sorry, family time comes second.”

At first Little O’s was strictly run by family, but after gaining Nick Cash, their first regular customer, the Ozenkoski family hired him. A former Starbucks barista, Nick was easily able to adjust from coffee to ice cream.

“It felt good because there was a lot of trust involved in hiring me,” Nick said. “When [Christi] leaves, I’m the only man in the store.”

From the spinning silver bar stools to the light up Coca Cola signs, Christi thinks a soda shop is something that will go over really well in St. Charles.

Because this is Little O’s first year, the Ozenkoski’s are still figuring out what to expect.

“This is a family place, and it’s a safe place for older teens to hang out, older people and young kids with parents and family,” Christi said.

PAGE BY DELORES LAMPKIN

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OUT TO

save the day Volunteers are the backbone of the economy, they provide help to those in need though non-profit support. In this issue of the North Star we explore how a individual does not need to be a superhero to be someone’s hero. (photo illustrations by cameron mccarty & nick bussell)

SCAN HERE For a video on different students around school and their views on volunteering. (video by christina desalvo) http://goo.gl/esI5A

18 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

volunteering

THROUGHOUT LIFE For some volunteering is a way of life, for others it is necessary to achieve their goals, but it all has to start somewhere

BY BRITTANY STECK

brittany14steck@gmail.com | @LittleMsBritt

Last year more than 64.3 million Americans heard the call to donate their time to volunteer work, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service. An increase of 1.5 million individuals answered the call compared to 2010.

These heroes’ experiences ranged from helping out at animal shelters to helping with national causes.

The idea of volunteering has to start somewhere.

For some, it starts in high school and travels with them as they grow older, making lifelong friendships and shaping the world’s future in the process.

During high school, students have the chance to volunteer through many opportunities. Through different clubs such as Student Council and National Honor Society, students can get involved in events such as raising money and giving back to the community. One club in particular at FHN, Volunteer Knights works to raise money for different causes by having hat days and holding an annual blood drive at the school. Volunteer Knights sponsor Kellie Voyles believes that volunteering gives students a great sense of feeling when they go out and help people who are in need.

“A lot of us have everything,” Voyles said.

“We’re able to have a nice roof over our head and have a nice Christmas and some people who have lost their jobs aren’t able to provide those things.

It’s nice to be able to see people enjoy the things that we enjoy ourselves. It gives you a sense of accomplishment, and it’s a really feel-good sensation when you do those acts for people who are in need.

I also think it lets people see what is out there as a reality. Life’s not perfect for everyone and not everyone has it as good as other people. “ Volunteer Knight Lovely Hall believes that everyone should volunteer at least once in their lifetime because it helps to realize the impact they can leave in the world, even if it is through small things.

“I like to help as much as possible, whether I’m volunteering at school, or helping the homeless or helping collect blood at the blood drive,” Hall, a freshman, said. “I want to volunteer for the rest of my life because it’s rewarding because I won’t have to think about how I could have helped in

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

high school.”

Students who look for bigger opportunities to help with causes in their community can also reach out to state or national organizations. GenerationOn is a volunteer organization that helps students around the nation make their mark on the world.

This branch, under the Point of Light Institute, focuses on how today’s youth can be everyday heroes through acts of community service. The organization includes many different resources, ideas, and funds for children, so they can help make a change in not just their neighborhoods but in the world.

GenerationOn created Kids Care Clubs, a program that offers kids a chance to make a difference. Since 1990, Kids Care Clubs have been providing wind under the superhero capes of children by providing the resources and funds they need to be involved in the community through hands-on service projects. Today, there are more than 1,800 registered Kids Care Clubs. There are more than 100,000 ordinary children in the United States and other countries who are in Kids Care Clubs that are wanting to make their mark on the world.

Furthering their volunteer work down the road, people can participate in national organizations that help the world on a larger scale. Bruce Jones, a 55-year-old volunteer, works with a nationwide organization, All Hands Volunteers. All Hands gathers passionate individuals as sends them off to places hurting from natural disasters.

Jones also believes that volunteering is important and has experienced the effects of volunteering through his lifetime works.

From March to November, Jones spends time running a golf course in upstate New York but during the cold winter months of December to February, he closes down the golf course so he can volunteer with All Hands in any way possible, whether it be driving a few hours down the road or traveling across the world to help to clean up, demuck and rebuild homes that were devastated by natural disasters like the tsunami in Thailand, most recently, hurricane Sandy.

“Without volunteering I’d probably just be a grumpy old man,” Jones said.“My life would be a whole lot shallower. It’s such a rewarding and soul building experience.”

D E V L O V N I T E G Generation On: 1. Go to generationon.org 2. Click on “Pick a Project” 3. Projects are seperated into: -Animals -Health -Enviorment -Homeless -Hungar -Literacy -Peace -Seniors 4. Find the project fit for you All Hands: info from hands.org Volunteer Breakdown: -$15 pays for the costs of one volunteer for one day -The standard workday is seven hours.

-$18.04 is the accepted value of donated general labor.

-The initial $15 it costs to keep one volunteer in the field turns into $126.28 worth of work.

Go here: goo.gl/QNxy0 to watch videos on other volunteers from All Hands

02.20.13

FHNTODAY.COM 19

one

in a family of heroes Catherine House takes on the family tradition of helping others through volunteer work; with her youth group, she saves the day

high schoolers. The trips vary from serving homeless shelters in St. Louis to week long trips around the country rebuilding homes or churches. For example indsor is a small town of about 2,900 people.

Catherine and her youth group went to West Virginia And just like any other small town, word gets last summer. around fast. Soon enough everyone around “My biggest role in preparing for trips is logistics-knew that the First United Methodist Church’s making sure we have the supplies we need and every(1UMC) youth group would be flying in to save the one is ready to go,” Gary said. “And most importantly day of their little town. What was meant to be another making sure students know why they’re doing this.” rebuilding trip, turned out to have one of the biggest Serve 2012 was one of Catherine’s most recent impacts on the community and also junior Catherine volunteer works she participated in. Her church spent House. a whole Saturday together and broke up into groups Catherine worked with her youth group for a week and chose different activities to work on for others. rebuilding a local, old run down church. Even if people Catherine chose to be in a group that sewed together weren’t directly being helped, they were dresses that would be shipped over to little still so appreciative of the youth group. girls in Africa. Her group as a whole made Seeing everyone on the community come 40 dresses to send. together over a rebuild of a church has “I loved helping in Serve 2012 because Those who get stuck with Catherine as a reminder of although I’ll never see the girls that those involved with church how big of an impact her volunteer works dresses went to, I know that somebody was youth groups have a can do. Catherine’s mother, Mardi House overjoyed when they saw their new dresses chance to volunteer admires her daughter for being a hero to waiting for them,” Catherine said. through community service, rebuilding all of those she helps.

From the moment Gary first read over projects, and mis“When she goes on the trips, she Catherine’s student leadership application, sion trips. Mission doesn’t expect to be praised and for it to she stood out to him. According to Gary, trips allow travel be easy,” Mardi said. “She goes in to get Catherine’s maturity level allows her to bring throughout the the job done.” an incredibly strong voice to the group. And state, country and Catherine’s trip to Windsor was one even though Catherine is extremely involved world. of the many she has taken since joining with school and extracurricular activities, she the youth group. Catherine has attended always manages to make her biggest com1UMC her whole life and has been in mitment the church. their youth group since she was in sixth “[Catherine] is probably one of the kindest grade. Catherine’s entire family are avid members in the people and one of the strongest leaders in my group,” church; Mardi, is a current volunteer with the group and Gary said. “She has one of the biggest influences on the has even participated in a few mission trips, including middle and high school girls. She’ll talk to anyone.” one to Kansas City with Catherine. Catherine’s brother, Over the summer the high school youth group will be Benjamin also participated in youth group. taking a week long trip to Chicago, Illinois to do inner“My brother was in [youth group] two years before city work. For summer trips the group never knows me and he always talked about all the fun he had,” what their assignment will be until they get there.

Catherine said. “By the time I was old enough, I really Although, according to Catherine, summer trips usually wanted to join.” follow along the lines of painting, rebuilding and life The church’s youth group, headed by Gary Goodrich, instruction for everyone. includes kids attending the church grades six through “Sometimes you visit people and they’re so hopeless 12. All youth group members are eligible for in-state and don’t know what to think anymore,” Catherine said. mission trips; however, out of state trips are only for “I just want to show them that there is still hope.”

BY ALEXIS CHRISTO

acchristo15@gmail.com | @Alexis_Christo

W

YOUTH GROUPS

50 WAYS

TO BE A HERO

Here are ways to get involved in your area and how current, students volunteers feel about what they do

1. Upward Basketball Referee “I think it’s important because the kids I’m reffing look up to me and want guidance.”

-Lexie Biggs, 10

2. Harvester Mission Trips “We help out people who may not be able to help themselves or people who may be going through a rough time.”

-Hannah Brown, 12

8. Help at an elderly home -Mary Rider home (St Louis) 9. Helping at a Food pantry (Hope Food Shelter -O’Fallon) 10. Join a team to plant trees in your area 20 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL & PRISCILLA JOEL

3. Five Acres Animal Shelter “I don’t necessarily think I’m a hero, but I’m helping a poor, defenseless animal by interacting, feeding playing and loving them.”

-Priscilla Canto, 12

4. All Paws Rescue “I love helping others and I know I will be doing it for the rest of my life.”

-Anne Wheeler, 12

5. Oasis Food Pantry “I think it is important because a lot of things wouldn’t get done without the work of volunteers.”

-Delaney Chapman, 9

6. Local Food Bank “I volunteer because it gives food to people who cant really afford any, people donate it and we sort and ship it.”

7. HOPE International “I really love helping people because it makes me feel good as a person. It’s the right thing to do.

-Kayleigh Mauck, 9

-Claire Carr, 10

11. Tutoring younger students (Success Leaders at FHN) 12. Take care of pets at a animal shelter (Five Acres- St. Charles) 13. Help at a soup kitchen PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

02.20.13

FHNTODAY.COM 21

NO MATTER HOW SMALL THE FEAT

a volunteer commits

The Five Acres Animal Shelter relies on their volunteers to keep their facility running and their animals in good shape to be adopted Senior Chad Conaty has volunteered for Five Acres since January of 2011. After signing into the shelter’s logbook, Chad opens the door to couple, hand in hand, walk into the barnthe back of the canine building. Howls erupt. styled building. They walk by the kennels “Chad! Yay!” Donna Besaw, a kanine staff set up in the brightly painted room and member, notices Chad as he walks in. stop in front of one of the kennels and ask “Our volunteers are getting up early or stayto meet the dog. A canine staff member opens ing late,” Donna said. “They’re taking a lot the cage, picks up the dog and leads the couple time out of their life to be here. To me that’s to the visiting room. being a hero. Like Chad, who’s a senior in high The couple, who are looking for a new school, he’s in on Tuesdays and Thursdays like addition to their family are visiting the Five clock work. He knows what to do, and he does Acres Animal shelter in St. Charles. In 1973, a it.” small group of individuals dedicated to animal Chad stops by one of the cages. welfare came together. At first, “That’s B.d,” Chad says as he they focused on finding volunteer reaches down to pet the dog. “When homes that would take in animals I first came into the shelter, he was in need of adoption. They then in his own little kennel. I like pit To get involved opened their first shelter In 1988. bulls, so I tried to go in and play with the Five Acres The group moved to their current with him but he’d always shy away.

Animal Shelter St. Charles location in 1996, It broke my heart. Considering he’s there is a online apwhere they now have a feline a pit bull, I knew he had probplication to fill out, house and a canine shelter that acably been abused. After a while, then there’s a two commodates five acres. The Five he warmed up to me. B.d hasn’t hour meeting that Acres Animal is the only no-kill been adopted yet, but he has gotten can be attended on shelter in St. Charles and houses much better now and is good with weekends. Particimore than 115 animals daily. humans. It’s nice to see him be pants pay a $20 fee that goes towards Five Acres receives no tax dollar rehabilitated.” animals care in the funding.

It’s time to walk all of the dogs. shelter.

“Volunteers are definitely the Conaty takes out Joker, a Husky backbone of our organization,” with bright blue eyes, for his daily FHN graduate and Five Acres walk. It’s a cold and dark night, but employee Abigail Oleshcuk said. neither of them seem to mind.

“We’re very low staffed and volunteers really “You’re never going to meet a person who’s keep it together for us, and they’re always there as happy to see you as you will an animal,” to do what is needed. They’re the heroes to Chad said. “Animals give you unconditional these animals and they help us make sure the love, and I find that whenever I’m dealing with animals stay healthy and happy.” them, I can always trust animals to let me be The shelter currently has more than 400 me and let them be them.” active volunteers and always welcomes more.

Brittany Broombaugh, the director of devel-

BY AMANDA STALLINGS

amandastallings13@gmail.com| @AStall13

A

ANIMAL SHELTERS

50 WAYS

TO BE A HERO

14. Retreats With Church “I volunteer because volunteering creates a general good feeling about yourself and it makes other people happy.”

-Justin Levins, 10

opment and fundraising for Five Acres, believes that the volunteer helps in every aspect of the organization.

“Everything they do is helping our animals be adopted,” Brittany said. “They’re helping us save lives. Ultimately, that’s what our shelter does. We help animals that didn’t have a chance at another shelter, or they’re from a family who couldn’t take care of them anymore. We wouldn’t be able to house the number of animals we do if it wasn’t for the volunteers.”

In the lobby of the dog house, the phone rings. Five Acres volunteer, Cheryl Fehl answers the call.

“Sir, how long has the dog been outside?”

Her face falls. A man has called with concerns about a neighbored dog he thinks is being abandoned. Fehl has been a volunteer at Five Acres for almost two years. She became a volunteer hoping to aid the dogs who are in helpless situations, like the one the man was calling about.

“I really don’t feel like a hero,” Cheryl said.

“It’s just these dogs are just like little innocent children to me. They’re waiting for a home and when we find it a home, we hope that it gets the best care possible. These animals have the right to a good life just like humans do.”

As the couple walk out with their new family member, Chad makes his final rounds in the back room, he says goodbye to the dogs that are still waiting for a home. They won’t be alone though because of Conaty, Fehl and all of the other Five Acres volunteers.

“I would hope my volunteering makes a difference for the animals,” Chad says as he makes his final rounds. “I don’t know if I’d call myself a hero though. I’m just a normal guy that likes dogs and helping them makes me feel better when I know they’re going to have a happier life.”

15. Mission Trips “I give them something to look forward to because we go to the same places.”

-Ryan Sebacher, 12

16. Seedbearers Rebuilding “It can be rewarding to know that you are making a difference.”

-Ellen Cracraft, 12

22. Park conservation 23. Habitat for Humanity 24. Friends and Serving Him 25. Feeding America 26. Volunteer your time at a local blood drive 27. YMCA 22 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

17. Church Musician “[I volunteer] because it puts my talents to use to help benefit others.”

-Maggie Wilson, 12

18. Food Pantry “[I volunteer] because it’s fun when everyone gets together to help people and it makes you feel good.”

-Rachel Eckert, 12

19. Fish & Loafs “Just giving back to people gives you a good feeling.”

-Hali Long, 12

20. Big Brother Big Sister “I like helping out underprivileged kids and it gave me a chance to help somebody who didn’t have the support they needed at home.”

-Jenna Friedman, 12

21. Charity Crafts “I enjoy volunteering because I know I’m doing something good for people who need it.”

-Melissa Lukes, 11

28. Help an elderly neighbor with yard work 29. Fight the cold with Heat Up St. Louis 30. Our Lady’s Inn 31. Salem Youth Group 32. Friends and Serving Him PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

02.20.13

FHNTODAY.COM 23

SAVING THE FUTURE

for the next generation

Bayes joins the volunteer force at Youth In Need in the mission to help children in crisis situations

In Need. She found it online and got in touch with Beth who thought the teachers in the Head Start program would be grateful for some extra help. She now volunCheryl Bayes walks into the Youth in Need St. Charles teers four days a week for four to five hours a day. location just past 8:15 a.m. As she walks through the “She was just really a genuine person who wanted to door, the greetings begin. ‘Hi Miss Cheryl’ echoes get involved,” Beth said. “She had time to give and was through the room as more kids see who’s just entered open and willing to do whatever was needed the most, so and join in. Some come running over. Some of the young she started helping with Head Start. Now she has become boys want high fives. Some of the kids give hugs. one of their favorite, most valued volunteers.”

“I get wonderful hugs every morning from all the kids What Cheryl loves most about her day is when kids or the vast majority of them,” Cheryl said. “I get little come up to her needing some affection. I love you, Miss arms wrapped around my knees pretty much. It’s a wonCheryl. Sit with me, Miss Cheryl. Read with me, Miss derful way to start the day. It’s very, very sweet.”

Cheryl. One moment in particular has stuck with her.

Youth In Need (YIN) started in 1974 and now serves “I made a special book for the infants with pictures of underprivileged youth throughout the their families in it and I laminated it so they greater St. Louis area at 35 different sites. could touch it,” Cheryl said. “I remember Cheryl is just one of more than 1000 volunstanding in the room and watching the kids teers that work with YIN staff every year. get so excited about seeing their family’s Volunteers can: Cheryl volunteers in the Head Start, Early faces. Even at the age of two, they got so ex-Help in shelter & Head Start and infant programs which are cited about recognizing mommy and daddy.” transitional living for children up to five years old.

After lunch, Cheryl works on getting the places (18+) “The goal of Head Start is to give famikids to rest. Some don’t want to, but eventu-Help cook in kitchen lies the healthiest start possible in life,” -Check Safe Place ally everyone settles down. It’s now the end YIN Community Relations Manager Beth of the day for Cheryl; she slips out the door locations - Assist with Dis quietly to head back home. Another day of Butcher said. “Ultimately, we hope that we covery Garden & giving time, energy, effort and love to the kids are helping youth and their families move landscaping toward a healthier future.” and teachers is finished.

-Help at youth events YIN’s first client was a teenager who left “Cheryl has a big heart,” Head Start teacher and resource fairs her home after multiple beatings. She was Janet Pursifull said. “She was meant on this -Be a Head Start picked up on the streets and taken to a local earth to help others. She gives 110 percent. classroom assistant jail with adult criminals. Community volWe’re so glad she found us.”

-Tutor in schools unteers who were troubled by this decided This hero’s work is done for now, but don’t to open the first YIN shelter. Although YIN worry, she’ll be back to Youth In Need along now has more than 300 staff members, it still relies on with all the other returning and new volunteers again volunteers like the ones who started it to help out. tomorrow to keep saving the day.

“The neat thing about volunteering is absolutely “If we didn’t have volunteers, it would put our staff unanyone can do it,” Beth said. “You don’t have to have der a lot of pressure,” Beth said. “The more people that money to do it; you just have to have the heart. Even just rally around youth in trouble, the better chance they have a teenager who wants to help out with some of the kids at a healthy future. It teaches youth the concept of stepafter school or on the weekends could easily become a ping in to help even when you don’t have to. It would be hero to the kids they help.” completely different without the volunteers.”

Cheryl got started a little over a year ago with Youth

BY DANIEL BODDEN

daniel.bodden21@gmail.com | @danbodden

YOUTH IN NEED

50 WAYS

TO BE A HERO

33. Church Nursery “The community needs people to to help regardless of pay.”

-Allie Medlin, 12

34. National Honor Society “Volunteering gives back to the community, and depending on the activity I really enjoy it.”

-Sara Elder, 12

35. A+ Program “I like it babcause the A+ hours are paying for my college.”

-Emily Palmer, 12

41. Local Boys and Girls Club 42. Youth In Need (Potentials Boutique-St. Charles) 43. Adopt a family 44. SPENSA (soccer program for special needs kids) 24 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

O R E H L MODE

Senior Drew Landher modeled as our everyday hero for this issue of the North Star, but he doesn’t need the cape for the help he gives to the Special Olympics.

“It makes me feel good helping [the kids] do stuff that I like to do,” Drew said.

Drew started doing this two years ago when his friend’s brother first entered the special Olympics. Now he runs the scoreboard, referees games, and pushes kids in wheelchairs around bases in baseball games.

36. Crisis Nursery “I help other people that can’t help themselves.

I’m making them feel comfortable.”

-Emily Carlisle, 12

37. Young Democrats “We raised money, and used it to buy toys for kids living in the homeless shelter.”

-Lindsey Bell, 12

38. Football Fundraising “Volunteering is important, as blessed as we are, we should try to give back and help others as much as we can.”

39. Animal Shelter “I think it’s important because it allows you to be more responsible and it gets you involved in the vommunity.”

-Ali Farhadi, 11

-Tori Therrien, 12

40. Girl Scouts “I feel like we were helping, we were doing something for others in hope that it would help them.”

-Alex Callier, 12

45. World Food Day 46. Saint Louis Zoo 47. Race for the Cure 48. Rainbow House 49. Pet Adoption 50. Bikes for Kids | Only 50 of the many opportunities PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

02.20.13

FHNTODAY.COM 25

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St. Charles Parks and Recreation

Cardinals Game Most Insurance Plans Accepted

• • • • • •

(Ages 12 - 15) Location: St. Louis, MO Date: April 27, 2013 Time: 10:00A-4:00P Fee: $40 per person Registration ends April 22

This Spring, come see the St. Louis Cardinals play the Pirates at Busch Stadium. We will spend the afternoon enjoying some baseball, and afterwards we will take a trip to a St. Louis favorite, Ted Drew’s, for frozen custard. Trip cost includes admission, a concrete at Ted Drew’s, chaperones and transportation.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

New Location: 350 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. St. Peters, MO 63376 Reserve flowers for Prom and save!

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Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

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• • • •

Location: Memorial Hall Fee: $8 per person *PRE-REGISTRATION ONLY When: March 23 @ 9AM

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Come help entertain the Easter Bunny as he stops in St. Charles for the day. Enjoy a nice yummy breakfast, find some hidden eggs and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny on this special day.

Easter Eggs Hunt is only for ages 3 - 8 and for those children who are registered for the breakfast.

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Burn up to 450 calories per hour each class and have a blast while doing it! This class is a fun new way to exercise for all age groups. Don’t worry if you have no coordination, just join us and have some fun while getting in shape.

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Join us

Every Sunday at 7pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton for Fun, Faith, & Fellowship.

Visit us online for more information at www.seasimpact.com

SPORTS

turf to provide a BRAND new LOOK Starting this summer FHN and FHC will recieve new turf fields for the 2013-14 school year sports season

BY ABBY WEST abbywest19@gmail.com | @abby_west19

W

ork will start on FHN’s turf field after the spring sports season with an expected start date of May 25. The company Byrne and Jones Sports was chosen by the District to complete the project.

Cost is estimated at about $1.4 million for both fields at FHN and FHC. “District administrators looked at several sites to evaluate the product of the company, as well as the craftsmanship of the field,” Director of Operations and Facilities Rick Pavia said. “Then we look at the actual cost, as well as the cost of replacement of the field.”

At the District level, talks for a turf field first started in 2011 where the plan was placed on the District long range strategic plan. In 2012, planning and funding began. This decision first went through the District Facility Committee, then the Board of Education. The Byrne and Jones company was chosen by the District for their price, craftsmanship and value. This company has also completed over 80 fields for places like Westminster Christian Academy, the Saints’ stadium, the Broncos’ stadium and Mizzou.

“The benefits are the amount of uses for the facility go up much higher, and there is a more consistent playing surface,” Project Manager Jameson Sheley said.

The estimated time to completely finish

30 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

Above: Several teams utilize FHN’s stadium field throughout the year, such as, football, soccer, band, Color Guard, and Knightline. When the new turf is installed it is sure to affect each team in their own unique way. “I didn’t like the idea of fresh turf,” junior football player Daniel Goggin said.

“It always hurts the most the first year” (file photos)

the field is three months, with both FHN and FHC’s field being worked on simultaneously.

The first step to this new field would be the initial dirt work to remove the current grass.

The soil will then be stabilized and drainage will be installed. Fabric will be placed to cover the entire field, and base rock will be spread out across the fabric. Surface stone is then applied and rolled out to create a smooth surface.

The initial work takes a team of about three to five people.

Once the base is ready, turf is roll out strip by strip beginning at the middle of the field.

The seams are then sewn and harks marks and numbers are installed. The final step is installing the rubber and sand infill. This process takes about a team of six to eight workers.

“It’s the newest and greatest technology,” Athletic Director Mike Janes said. “I like grass, but we will be able use the turf so much more. It’s all about perception. It makes the school look better.”

Since 1986, FHN has been using a grass field to house all sporting events. According to Janes, the downfall to grass fields is maintenance; mowing the grass, marking the field and watching weather conditions, all of which will affect the teams playing on the grass. After both FHN and FHC receive turf, all FHSD high schools will have turf. With this 11 out of the 16 teams in the conference will have turf.

“You’re looking at a multi-use facility,” Janes said. “We don’t have to worry about damaging the field or the weather.”

PAGE BY ABBY WEST

How TURF

IS MADE

Before the final field is complete, several steps must be taken to ensure a durable, long-lasting field

6

5

4

3

2

(photo illustration by cameron mccarty)

Process:

There are also several health hazards that have been researched in regards to athletes playing on the synthetic turf. One of the main risks is the excessive amount of heat given off of the field according to New Jersey Work Environment Council (WEC). These fields can reach up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This may cause burns, dehydration and heat exhaustion.

According to Rex Sharp, MU’s head athletic trainer, synthetic turf is to be just as safe as grass. But he agrees that outdoor fields will get hotter under certain conditions. In his experience the artificial fields get at least 10 to 15 degrees hotter under the afternoon sun.

“We already have to deal with heat as it is,” Janes said. “It’s just another thing we have to monitor.”

Even with health hazards, the buzz around FHN shows overall excitement about the new field. Both athletes and coaches have shown

support of the new field. According to soccer coach Zach Fettig, turf makes game play a lot faster, and the bounces of the ball are more true. He also feels that it puts FHN on the same playing field as other schools with turf.

“I would prefer to play on grass, but playing on turf gives you a better playing surface,” Fettig said.

As of press time, decision for the design of the field is not final. There are currently five options for the design, four are the same but with different sizes. According to Janes, he hopes to have option one, which is the FHN shield symbol in the center, with “KNIGHTS” written in each end zone. Designs for the field range from $30,000 to $55,000. A final decision must be made by March 1.

“It all depends on the budget,” Janes said.

“We want the most that will fit within the budget.”

1

Initial dirt work begins by removing the current

2

Stabilize the soil and install drainage pipes

3

Fabric is installed on top of the dirt

4

Base rock is spread on top of fabric

5

Surface stone is rolled on top of base rock

6

Turf is installed on top of the surface stone. Start rolling strips from the center vertically

7 8

Seams are sewn to keep the turf in place Hashmarks and field numbers are installed.

9 Install rubber and sand infill 10 Field is complete

BENEFITS OF TURF • • • • • •

Available to all activities No rain outs Less maintenance than a grass field Safer than traditional sod fields Potential revenue generator Host high level events info from www.byrneandjonessports.com

PAGE BY ABBY WEST

02.20.13 FHNTODAY.COM 31

TRACK

sports

Bring

On the games

Sophomore Trey Flowers holds the blocks for teammate Claire Carr as she begins to run her 4x1 relay. The meet was held at Wentzville on April 7. Last year the athletes competed in GAC’s and the best advanced to Districts. Eight students competed in state during last year’s season. (file photo)

New Year, High hopes

Spring teams look forward to having a successful season while expecting to improve from last year’s record STORIES BY RODNEY MALONE, ANDREW SHANNON, MADDIE HIATT, AND ABIGAIL GRIFFIN

GIRLS SOCCER

With Brandon Gregory and Dan Lamb as new track coaches, the track team is hoping they will have a positive impact on the team.

“I expect us to be very successful this year and for a lot of us to go to State,” Varsity sprinter Jordan Powell said.

The track team is still optimistic and excited for the upcoming season despite the loss of approximately 25 runners from last year.

“I think we are going to do really good this year,” First Meet: 3/19 Gregory said. “A lot of people are coming out and we Wentzville/Holt- Home have a good variety of people.”

Gregory was a track coach for Maplewood Richmond Heights High School before coming to FHN this school year. He wants to bring a lot of the intensity and success he had at Maplewood Richmond Heights to the track program at North.

“I am looking forward to a fun and exciting season,” Gregory said.

“Last three years I have been coaching track, my team has gone to State, and I’m looking to bring that same coaching here.”

BOYS GOLF

Senior Christina Conley and Catie Blake go up against the Warrenton Warriors defense.

They beat the Warriors with a score of 7-0 last season. (file photo)

Varsity golfer Tanner Davis evaluates the green and measures up for his putt in a tournament on April. 3. The Golf team had a coaching change last season as Scott Bevill took over. (file photo)

LOOKING FORWARD TO SUCCESS

high expectations for state

Despite losing three seniors, Varsity girls soccer coach Mark Olwig believes the team carry over a lot of experience from last season.

“Whenever you lose seniors, it has some effect to every year’s new start,” Olwig said, “but I am still very optimistic First Game: 3/19 about the upcoming season.”

St Dominic- Away Although the team struggled in scoring last season, they went 14-11 and won Districts, one of the major goals they have every year. They hope to achieve this goal again.

“This season, I want to be District champs and get farther than we did last year,” senior Hali Long said.

Winter Records AS OF 2/13/13

32 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

On Feb. 25, the Varsity boys golf season, as well as other spring sports, will begin. With a new coach and many experienced players, the team is hoping to get multiple golfers to State.

“I want the guys to have fun playing golf, I think First Match: 3/27 that’s why high schoolers join sports,” first-year Troy/Buchanan- Away coach Mark Wright said. “I want the guys to get better and make progress. I hope to be competitive in every tournament or match we compete in.”

FHN will practice and host matches at Bogey Hills. The first tournament they are competing in will be hosted by Troy on March 25.

boys basketball

bowling

Wrestling

Record- 5 wins, 17 losses Points scored- 1135 Kyle Lemons- 1,000 points- 2/11/13

Drew Landurr- 258 high scratch game

661 high scratch series Jared Misuraco- 251 high scratch game

635 high scratch series

Shawn Wielms- 1st Jeremiah Reed- 3rd Sam Ritchie- 4th Tyler Smith- 3rd

DISTRICTS

PAGE BY RODNEY MALONE

TENNIS

BASEBALL

Senior Robbie Nicolli and Sopohmore Matt Dunn play together in doubles last season. Last year, Nicolli won GAC’s in singles. (file photo)

Junior Jimmy Higgins swim-slides into home to beat the tag against Fort Zumwalt South. The JV team had a 12-4 record last year. (file photo)

REady for success

the countdown begins

This year the FHN boys tennis team expects to have a successful season due to the large majority of Varsity being juniors or younger.

“We plan on doing the same darn thing Risa Takenaka did last First Match: 3/18 fall,” Kate Kleiber, the tennis St. Charles- Away coach, said.

The athletes are excited to start the season and to have a chance at improving their stats. According to sophomore Adam Cole, FHN tennis players have improved but he expects their competition to improve along with them.

“I expect this to be a better season but even if it’s worse, it’s not like I won’t have a good time trying,” Cole said.

FIELD

Tryouts for baseball are Feb. 25 and the first game is March 15. Many people hoping to tryout are excited, and senior Jeremy Warden is even going as far as making a countdown to when the first First Game: 3/15-3/23- day of tryouts are. According to Assistant Varsity coach MatTroy Classic- Away thew Riffee most of the players trying out this year also play baseball year round.

“Based on the people I see trying out and the level of talent, I see us being very competitive,” Riffee said.

This year, instead of playing against a wider variety of schools, the baseball teams will play each team in their bracket twice-- Troy, Timberland, FZS, FHHS and FHC.

VOLLEYBALL

Lindsay Grezkowiak prepares to throw the shot put on March 30, 2012 during the 18th annual Friday Knight Relays. The girls track team scored a total of 85 points and came in third overall. (file photo)

Varsity middle hitter Lewis Stein spikes the ball down on the Granite City players at game on March 28, 2012. Prior to volleyball season the team hosts open gyms to prepare them for the upcoming games. (file photo)

preparing for meets making a new record Field athletes started after school workouts mid January to get the boys in shape before tryouts Feb. 25. The goal of the off season workouts is to condition the hurdlers. Along with the workouts, field athletes are running on their own to get in shape. New coach First Meet: 3/19 Wentzville/Holt- Home Brandon Gregory is also requiring all football players who do not play baseball to try out for track.

“I think [the season] is going to be fine,” Gregory said. “Last year’s coaches are returning, I’ll be with a coaching staff that’s already pretty well staffed.

Varsity boys volleyball plans to keep up intensity and improve last year’s record of 10-20.

“I want our team to go above .500 and win a tournament or two,” Varsity setter Adam Rogan said. “Hopefully, our new players will help out.”

First Game: 3/19 Ft Zumwalt North-Home Varsity volleyball coach Ryan VonFeldt believes returning players will bring back talent to this season. A goal of his is also to get more fans out to watch them.

“We’re planning to do a lot of things to get more fans to come out,” VonFeldt said.

girls basketball

hockey

Girls swimming

Record- 9 wins, 11 losses Points scored- 887 Districts- 2/25 - 3/1

Record 11 wins, 10 losses, 3 ties Goals scored- 101 Goals allowed- 93

Record- 4 wins, 6 losses GAC’s- Sixth place State- Dominique Meyer

PAGE BY ANDREW SHANNON

FHNTODAY.COM

SCAN HERE

To find out all of the other personal statistics for players.

OR use this link: http://goo.gl/CImgx

SPORTS TALK:

change

iscase coming New coaches won’t make a difference if players aren’t motivated to get better

BY ANDREW CLINE andrewcline18@gmail.com

For the past five years, FHN has been the doormat of the FHSD in sports like football and basketball.

The school tried to turn our lack of success around quick by hiring two proven coaches for football and basketball for this school year. Nothing changed, though, because the teams just expected change to happen, rather than working for it.

Many things are changing for North’s sports program. The difference from past years and this year is very evident. If you haven’t been into a weight room or on the track after school lately, you’re the odd man out. Every sport from track to football has been in the weight room every day trying to make a change.

People aren’t just showing up and standing around to make it look like they’re working hard anymore. People are working harder than ever with a passion and desire to win and be better at what they do. They aren’t going to take being the losers anymore.

I haven’t seen anything like this since I’ve been at North. It feels good knowing people care and want to be the best. I can see change coming, it feels great.

02.20.13 FHNTODAY.COM 33

sports

Social media and

playing PASSION FOR WITH

MAGIC DANCE

sports

Sports teams presence on social media is rapidly growing. Below are how FHN students get involved

A survey of 200 students at FHN was taken to determine who follows sports on Social Media:

Dattilo spends a lifetime expressing herself in a unique way

BY CYNTHIA CAHALL

cynthiacahall2@gmail.com

Sophomore Varsity dancer, Sydney Dattilo, started dancing at age two when her mom agreed it would be good for her to attend dance class with Sydney’s babysitter’s granddaughter.

“I get to express the way I feel in ways that words cannot describe,” Dattilo said.

Over 14 years as a dancer, she has worked her way up from dancing two types of dances to eight at the St. Peter’s Academy of Dance. Her coach of seven years Tammy Rokita has been helping her achieve these goals.

Dattilo now takes tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, pointe and modern, but her favorite is musical theater.

“She’s definitely a really strong performer,” Rokita said. “She’s able to put a lot of personality on her face. That helps it be more entertaining.”

Dattilo plans on continuing to dance through highschool and college; however, she does not want to major in dance or have a dance related career.

“I hope that she stays dancing for a long time because I think it will get her very far in life,” sophomore Varsity dancer Sam Immekus said.

34 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

Yes

sports tweets @JustJuliaCarney Beyonce you just won the Super Bowl what are you going to do next?!

Julia Carney

@corey_bruns_4 When yards since power outage is a stat, you know something’s wrong....

Corey Bruns

@DanielGoggin

No

61%

Ray Lewis went out the way he should of. A champion. Going to miss one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game

39%

Where people get their sports coverage: Twitter/ Facebook

Do Not Watch

T.V.

46%

24%

0%

12%

1%

17%

Other

Internet

Radio

Danny Goggin

13%

22%

During a Meal

9%

With Friends

9%

1%

In the Bathroom

At Work

2%

At a Party

Do Not Watch

21%

Alabama with the #1 recuiting class this year? They’re not going anywhere anytime soon!

Nathan Rhomberg

@mjonezy78

When people get their social fix: At School

@NathanRhomberg

Other

23%

One of the best things about the @StLouisBlues games is getting to hear Charles Glenn sing #OhWhen The BluesGoMarchingIn Mark Jones

@Briannuh

Who cares about having a valentine or not, just watch the Lakers game. You’ll be happy:)

Brianna Marie

TOP APPS for for Sports Lovers baseball STL A source for Cardinals news. Here you can find headlines, photos, scores, etc.

Watch ESPN Be able to stay connected to sports games and shows on a live ESPN feed.

ESPN SCORECENTER Use this app to find updated scores of all your favorite sports teams.

PAGE BY ABBY WEST AND CYNTHIA CAHALL

Stevie Snee SCC student Francis Howell North alum

Success.

SCC makes it happen. support around every corner at St. Charles Community College.

Take the next step toward success at stchas.edu/future_students.

Features SPORTS

Headed TO STATE Five high school athletes exceed expectations and qualify for State

TOP RIGHT: At Christian Academy, MO rush played their eighth game of the season, on Feb. 10. The team was up 5-2 at half, but lost the game 5-6. (kendrick gaussoin) BOTTOM RIGHT: This year this is the teams third year playing futsal together.

They hold a record of 3-5 for this season (kendrick gaussoin) LEFT: Gabe Rish settles the ball to gain control before beginning to dribble down the court. This is MO Rush’s third time playing Lou Fuz soccer club. (kendrick gaussoin)

BY NICK WYER nickwyer23@gmail.com | @CopperWyer

For State competitions, sophomore Dominique Meyer qualified for girls Diving, and sophomore Sam Ritchie and seniors Tyler Smith, Jeremiah Reed and Shawn Wielms qualified for Wrestling.

Ritchie placed third at Districts to qualify for State, and to prepare, the four wrestlers have practiced drills more intensely.

Ritchie’s first match is against the number one wrestler in Missouri.

“If I wrestle as good as I know I can, I think I can place,” Ritchie said.

Meyer qualified for State at her first meet when she surpassed 210, the necessary score for State. This will be her second year going to State, and she hopes to place within the top three.

“I’m focusing on all the corrections my dive coach gave me, and I’m going to bring my best,” Meyer said.

This is the fourth year Smith qualified in wrestling for State.

He doesn’t plan to wrestle in college, so he wants to make his last season great. Smith hopes to place and get another medal at State.

“I just want to top what I did last year,” Smith said. “I want to improve what I’ve done.”

36 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

GOING BACK TO THE BASICS

Athletes participate in a sport that deviates from the game of soccer, while improving on different foot skills

BY DAVID MCFEELY mcfeely1313@gmail.com

Dribbling the ball at high speed down the futsal court, a defender is quickly coming his way. He knocks the ball through the first defender’s leg with another closing in fast. The ball gets knocked through that defender’s legs too. Only the goalie stands in his way, but it doesn’t stop him from drilling the ball into the top right corner for a goal.

Junior Gabe Rish has played futsal for three years and soccer for 12 years, along with being on the Varsity boys soccer team this year. Rish began playing futsal and soccer for the MO Rush Soccer Club before the school year.

Futsal is similar to outdoor soccer in having an out of bounds, however, it’s played indoors and in a smaller area. Futsal became known as an official sport in 1965 and is derived from the spanish word “futsal sala” meaning “soccer in a large room.”

“It’s extremely fast-paced and you’re constantly moving around,” Rish said. “There’s never a dull moment.”

Rish plays for MO Rush at the Game Time Sports Complex in St. Peters. The complex has been hosting games for the past five years between October and February. On weekends, they have approximately 30 to 40 games for both boys and girls between the ages of nine and 19.

“I really like the complex because anytime you

can play soccer in the winter it is good,” FHN soccer coach Mark Olwig said.

Rish played on the JV boys soccer team last school year along with junior Robbie Hilker, who also has played futsal for three years. Both agree that playing futsal has helped them further develop their soccer skills.

“When I first heard of [futsal], it sounded boring because it sounded like there was no contact,” Hilker said. “I love it now because it helps develop foot skills and passing.”

With dimensions of the field being 25 by 15 M, the teams have four players and the goalie, Rish being a starter. Since the game is on a hard floor, there is supposed to be limited contact.

“I think the limited amount of contact creates more of a challenge trying to take the ball away from opponents instead of just plowing through them,” Rish said.

With a futsal field being smaller than an indoor soccer field, it makes the game faster paced. MO Rush soccer coach Nik Bushell believes there can be advantages to playing, such as improving your touch and foot skills.

“It also helps my mental game because it is such a small sided game,” Rish said.

After high school, Rish plans on working towards playing more futsal.

“It would be fun to keep playing, but I‘d have to find a group of guys to do it with me,” Rish said.

PAGE BY DAVID MCFEELY

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WHAT’S NEW ONLINE AT

fhntoday.com

2

3

@FHNtoday @FHNtodaynews

polar bear

plunge Want to get the experience of the Polarbear Plunge without jumping in freezing cold water? Then check in to FHNtoday.com on Feb. 24.

There will be a photo gallery and video of the Student Council group facing the frozen depths.

Read the preview online now.

coffee

house

Check out FHNtoday.com for coverage of the upcoming North Street Coffee House. Watch from anywhere with the live stream of the performances throughout the day. Check the set list to see what acts will be featured during both days of performances and browse a photo gallery of the event as it goes on through Feb. 21-22.

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL & TANNYR SEDDON

1

facebook.com/fhntodayfan

fhntoday.tumblr.com

do you wish

you had

? s r e w o super p

scan here To watch several students talk about their favorite super powers and why they would like to have them.

Or use this link: goo.gl/GF1eE

Tag your tweets with #FHNnews 02.20.13

FHNTODAY.COM

39

entertainment

your omg moment “Identity Thief” made 36.6 million dollars on its opening weekend which surpassed the $26.2 milhttp://goo.gl/8ZsKC lion made by

Sentimental comedy

r

“Identity Thief” hit theaters Feb. 8 and is a predictable and simple comedy with its funny moments

BY RODNEY MALONE malonerodney97@gmail.com

Sandy Patterson is an average accountant just trying to provide for his family in “Identity Thief.” But when he gets his identity stolen by a woman named Diana, he goes on a wild goose chase to get it back and his average mediocre life takes a drastic turn for the worst.

Before going to see the movie I watched a variety of trailers and saw many commercials of the movie. They played “Identity Thief” up to be a gut busting comedy, but it seemed that they featured all the movie’s hilarious scenes in the commercials like when Jason Bateman slugged Melissa McCarthy in the head with a guitar.

I sat down in the theater expecting the movie to have me dying of laughter but instead I found that it was only mildly funny. It also started out pretty slow, and I thought that the type of comedy in this movie was typical and not very original. It reminded me of the “The Hangover” with its simple humor.

Some of the ridiculous and outrageous violence and events that also occurred were things that could also be found in same type of movies like “The Hangover” and “Bridesmaids.”

Although the comedy was unoriginal and simple, the storyline is what made the movie redeem itself.

The chemistry between the two main actors, Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy, was what really sold the movie. They both really played off each other very well and the relationship between them seemed very natural. If they had any other two actors, the movie would have been absolutely horrible.

If you enjoy a cliche comedy with some outrageous moments then this movie is for you. If you are looking for a movie that will be outrageously hilarious the movie won’t live up to those expectations.

Overall the movie was very mediocre and unoriginal, however, I did get some enjoyment out of it.

TOP hero apps

By Austin Seay

40 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

Iron man aerial assault Free Play as Tony Stark in this app with amazing graphics and great gameplay. This game is perfect for super hero fans.

Helmet hero Free It’s not clear whether this hero is saving anyone or not but the levels are addicting and the gameplay is smooth.

Launch boy Free This game is niether difficult nor complicated, which is half of the fun. Play as a kid fighting crime in the skies.

PAGE BY AUSTIN SEAY

The opportunity of a lifetime

BY JESSICA OLSEN jessicaolsen144@gmail.com | @jessicuhhh9

“The Job” is the typical, “compete for this ultimate grand-prize” reality television show that airs on Friday nights at 7 p.m. on CBS. It centers around an array of adults fighting for their dream job in the presence of employers from a high-end company. They’re thrown into the mix of that particular job for one day, and a single person gets eliminated after each round until one is left standing with the opportunity of a lifetime.

As great as it is that this television show is aiming at helping people in this economy, it was difficult to grasp the concept of the show from the beginning. With

REVOLUTION 19

BY AMANDA STALLINGS

amandastallings13@gmail.com | @AStall13

I thought a book about a robot takeover in the future would be pretty interesting, but “Revolution 19” by Gregg Rosenblum proved me wrong.

The majority of the book is focused on three teenagers on a mission to find their parents who were taken by the robots as hostages. One would think that would have a lot going on, but the small amount of action “Revolution 19” contained was very corny and short lived.

There was also a romance factor to it, which is usually what I enjoy reading, but that was very corny and simplistic as the rest of the book. Overall, I just do not recommend this book.

the confusion, I was struggling to keep interest the entire 60 minutes of a single episode.

Some of the challenges the potential employees had to endure seemed quite unfair in different aspects. The employers expected the contestants to know everything about the job without so much as an orientation or training of any sort, and it was all unrealistic.

This show has an amazing opportunity for people to achieve their dreams. However, there’s a bland atmosphere due to a lifeless announcer, zero intensity, overall lack of energy from the judges and contestants and it airs on Friday nights. It’s safe to say “The Job” will not be around for long.

Bringing sexy back

BY NICK WYER

nickwyer23@gmail.com | @copperwyer

Being the skeptic that I am, I was a weary of the Justin Timberlake comeback at first. After hearing his first song out of hiatus “Suit & Tie,” I wondered where Justin from “Futuresex/Lovesound” of 2006 was. Recently, JT released another single from “The 20/20 Experience” titled “Mirrors.” The eight minute song just blew my opinion of his comeback out of the water. The production sounded like a cross of Justin’s “Lovestoned” and “Cry Me a River” and just reminded me of the “Justified” days. The other two singles I listened to have yet to impress me as much as “Mirrors” does, but from what I’ve heard, I’m expecting a dapper album on March 19 from Justin Timberlake.

wANT, NEED,

LOVE The fastly popularizing Wanelo is worth trying and spending time on

BY TANNYR SEDDON tannyrseddon@gmail.com | @teesedd

Wanelo, the name standing for “want, need, love”, is a site that is quickly becoming popular. It’s no wonder why either. It’s a Pinterest where you can buy things.

On Wanelo, you can search and browse tons of cool products of different varieties, the most popular being clothes. You can create collections to save your items to.

Wanelo has everything linked up so it takes you directly to the site to buy the item you have your eye on. With Pinterest, I’ll see something that I absolutely love and never find where I can get it.

The only issue is overpricing.

An unextravagant “Pitch Perfect” sweatshirt is $35. If I really want an “Acca-scuse me” shirt, I can just make it myself for cheaper.

However, Wanelo does offer good deals like a $75 prom dress.

There’s some mind-blowing stuff on this site that I definitely plan on buying. I like that I don’t have to go on a mad Google search because Wanelo makes it easy to find. I recommend giving this site a try. If you already have, try not to get too addicted.

Fast running super hero Free

Super action hero Free

verticus Free

project hero Free

Run on top of buildings and jump from skyscraper to skyscraper in this time challenge.

Beat up some bad guys and upgrade your hero to fight the forces of evil in this app.

Save the world from an alien invasion in a game developed and voiced by Stan Lee himself.

Create your hero and begin your quests to fight off evil and make the world a better and safer place.

PAGE BY AUSTIN SEAY

02.20.13

FHNTODAY.COM 41

Opinions

SPREAD

the love Attacking Valentine’s Day only hurts a perfectly good holiday

BY AUSTIN SEAY aseay4@gmail.com | @seaystheday

People complained too much about Valentine’s Day last week. This isn’t coming from someone who spent it with anyone either. This is coming from someone who could write a book on social anxiety if they could look a publisher in the eye long enough to get a book deal.

I get why people complained. Valentine’s Day serves as a sad reminder that they are incapable of finding a special someone to spend the day with. People are forced to come to terms with why they are alone. Often people find it easier to call Valentine’s Day a holiday invented by commercialists than to analyze their own antisocial tendencies. They can’t even distract themselves by going to a movie, since all of those Valentine’s Day sheep ruined that too.

Granted Valentine’s Day has changed a little bit since 498 when the Catholic church deemed it a holiday. It has become materialistic to the point that according to Time, $367 million are even spent on gifts for pets every year. But that doesn’t change the message or the idea of Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is a day of expressing the importance of those bonds between two people who care a lot for each other. A holiday isn’t evil just because it boosts sales. Few people would say Christmas or Thanksgiving are evil. Where money can be made, someone will try to make money. Anyone who has seen more than one ad for toothbrushes that play “Kiss” songs can tell you that.

Maybe next year people can bite the bullet and just let people who care a lot for each other show it. Afterall, I had a perfectly good Valentine’s Day not complaining about a holiday clearly not directed towards me.

While students have differing opinions about Valentine’s Day there are valid points behind each arguement.

Some enjoy celebrating, while others rue the day. (photo illustration by ashleigh jenkins)

Your take

FHN voices their opinions on topics covered in this issue of the North Star

42 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

KATELYN RAY

ANDREW LEONARD

pHOBIAS

Reality TV

“I think it can be funny “I have a big phobia and cool to watch but of spiders. When I see a spider I tend to there’s too many out scream, kill it, and run there so once from the room.” you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.”

ALLISON LEWIS

Valentines day “All the couples are happy about Valentines Day and that makes me happy.”

PAGE BY TANNYR SEDDON

Some colleges, coaches, and employers are now hypervigilant about what their students post and how they use social networking sites when selecting potential students to attend their university or to work in their desired field. (alyssia luque)

passwords don’t have a purpose

Things posted on social media accounts can leave a lasting impression

BY JESSICA OLSEN

jessicaolsen144@gmail.com | @jessicuhhh9

As colleges decide who they’ll be enrolling for the freshman class, they’ll be looking at college applications, SAT scores and social media accounts.

According the the Huffington Post, the Chronicle observed that on a survey of scholarship providers, about 75 percent monitor the social media accounts of the students being considered.

I believe this is a necessary step up from the rule set that colleges or their affiliates only wished to require access to the “public” side of profiles. Before, it allowed sports coaches and other adult figures to monitor status updates and comments, but they couldn’t monitor other features like private messaging.

It should be okay for colleges or scholarship providers to look at every aspect of a student’s social media page. It’s easy for any person to convey different personalities when in public and when speaking to others privately. Colleges want to make sure they get the most genuine students.

By posting something on the Internet, you’re agreeing that the entire world can see it, even if it’s intended to be “private.” I have nothing to be ashamed of that I’ve sent privately to other people on social media accounts. Keep in mind there’s always a possibility that something intended to be private can go public. Try to convey exactly who you are in every aspect of your life. If colleges want to know the details of your life, make sure you’re the same online and in person.

six more school days

BY MEGAN GRANNEMANN

mgrannemann@gmail.com | @MGrannemann

A proposed plan attempts to add six days to the school year. (photo illustration by alyssia luque)

RYAN JOHNSON

rOSETTA sTONE “It’s a good supplement resource. It doesn’t replace a full class experience, but it’s a good supplement.”

PAGE BY JESSICA OLSEN

JESSIE WALKER

sOCIAL MEDIA “You can keep in contact with people 24/7 and, in a way, you’re closer to people.”

Governor Jay Nixon proposed on Jan. 28 that six days of school should be added to all public Missouri School Districts, which would bring them up to the national average of 180 days. I believe that the days shouldn’t be added because Missouri doesn’t have the money to back it. Nixon believes that this is a crucial step to improving Missouri’s education, but he also fails to think of the cost.

The state will not be able to increase the public schools’ budget for another year, and I don’t see a budget increase happening due to the fact that Missouri’s debt is over $65 billion. In 2012, Missouri’s Public Education budget was $5.36 billion, which was a slight increase of $0.21 billion from the previous year. That means pouring money into six more days of school will essentially just dig us deeper into debt.

Moving on from the money flaw of his plan, take a moment to consider how six more days would benefit you. When I think of six days in the classes I take, only a small amount of information is covered. The information in these days won’t matter enough to reach a higher level education. In short, the six days would be a waste of money we don’t have and a waste of time.

MARK OLWIG

LOGAN COOMBS

“Just having turf will most definitely help in training and practices.

It will help us to be more competitive.”

“I feel like if it’s really necessary, go ahead and do it. But as a student, I don’t really see the effect.”

TURF FEILDS

eXTRA sCHOOL DAYS

JUST BE

YOURSELF Be happy with just being who you are whether or not others are

BY TANNYR SEDDON tannyrseddon@gmail.com | @teesedd

Walking down the hall, Victoria Secret’s “Pink” sweatpants tucked into Ugg boots are everywhere.

Vans shoes glide past one another as shirts with an American Eagle logo on them are around every corner. iPhones cause people to not watch where they’re going. There’s nothing wrong with these things but what they stand for is another.

Teenagers are too focused on things that don’t matter, clothes and phones being the beginning. We judge people on things they own, wear and listen to. We shouldn’t be some kind of clones. Individuality needs to be encouraged.

Society tells us to be ourselves, we’re perfect the way we are. It’s hard to do that when the double standard says if we don’t have the “best” clothes, partake in the “cool” activities, listen to the “popular” music, or act the “right” way, then we’re worthless. Life shouldn’t be about fitting in to feel accepted.

The type of music, brands or activities I like won’t affect my future career. It won’t affect how I live my life. What should matter is focusing on just being a kid and making important decisions for my future.

We don’t have to be as our peers want us to be just because they can’t tolerate anything or anyone different. No one is the same, so trying to be the same is a futile effort.

02.20.13 FHNTODAY.COM 43

north star take: Volunteering should be mandatory

(editorial cartoon by jordan bryson)

The North Star looks at why students should be required to volunteer ON BEHALF OF THE EDITORIAL STAFF yourfhn@fhntoday.com | @fhntoday

A few months after the holidays have passed, many people don’t feel as much pressure to give.

While donating to coat drives and collecting toys for children is great around Christmas, it is important to remember that people are always in need. High schoolers can easily volunteer to paint a house, work a food drive or collect money for a soup kitchen. The North Star Editorial Board recommends that students be required to complete five hours of volunteer work before graduating because it is beneficial to students, and it is important for students to give back to the community.

This forced volunteer work may not sound appealing to some, but think about what it entails.

Five hours in four years of high school equates to an hour and 15 minutes worth of work each year. It isn’t hard to donate a little more than an hour each year. This pales in comparison to the time teens spend watching TV which, according to Nielsen, a global leader in measurement and information of consumerization, amounts to 22 hours every week.

44 FHNTODAY.COM

02.20.13

One of the reasons students should be required to volunteer is because it will help them prepare for college. DoSomething.org, a nonprofit organization that promotes youth volunteering, conducted a Community Service and College Admissions Study in 2011 and found that community service is ranked in the top four most important factors considered in college admissions. Admissions officers from 32 of the top 50 colleges and universities recognized by U.S. News & World Report were surveyed, and the study discovered that community service is something that students need to have on their resumes. By requiring high schoolers to volunteer, North would give students the opportunity to improve their applications and put them ahead of other applicants.

Required volunteering would allow students to gain professional experience from their volunteer work. For example, students that want to go into a career in the medical field can choose to volunteer at a local hospital, such as the St. Louis Children’s Hospital. In addition to the experience, working with others gives teens connections with people that could help them in the future. If someone were to volunteer at the zoo, they could create connections with people that could help him or her get a job as a zoologist later in life. In this case, North would be getting students ready for the working world. If the students were to opt to volunteer in an environment where they would like to

potentially have a job, he or she could gain experience that would improve their standings in the job market.

Another reason to require volunteering is because it improves health. According to the University of California, San Diego, serving others reduces stress and makes a person healthier because focusing on someone other than oneself interrupts usual tension-producing patterns. It also promotes personal growth and self-esteem because “understanding community needs helps foster empathy and self-efficacy.”

These benefits show that volunteering doesn’t just help the person being served, it also makes the volunteer healthier and happier.

If North were to implement a five-hour volunteer work requirement, it could model the program after Suffolk Public Schools’ system in Virginia. Suffolk’s program gives students the option to complete their 50 hours of volunteer work during the school day. Students at North could gain their hours through work they do with clubs, such as Volunteer Knights, which serves the school throughout the year, and Mentors, where upperclassmen help freshmen acclimate to high school. This volunteer work requirement could be flexible and gained many ways so that students could have many opportunities to work in the community.

By making volunteer work mandatory for graduation, North would be better preparing its students for life beyond school.

PAGE BY AUSTIN BARBER

2012-2013

North star

staff Co Editors-in-Chief: Aurora Blanchard & Nick Bussell

With reality show stars like Snooki or Alana Thompson, it can sometimes be difficult to tell what’s good or bad when these shows mix good values with gimmicks to improve their ratings and get more veiwers with every episode. (photo illustration by matt krieg)

Reality Tv could be the downfall of television

BY AUSTIN BARBER

abarber1395@gmail.com | @a_barber95

Throughout the past decade there has been a rise in the number of reality shows produced.

In 2000, there were only 13 reality shows, but now there are 320. Some air for a couple seasons and crash, like “Flavor of Love” while others become instant classics like “The Deadliest Catch” that people will remember for the rest of their lives. There is no doubt that reality shows have changed our culture more than any genre of TV shows.

The first big wave of reality shows focused on famous people and gave America a glimpse into their everyday lives, such as “Hogan Knows Best” and “The Osbournes.” I personally believe shows that focus on famous people are interesting and are fun to watch.

However, the shows that came after are ridiculous. Shows like “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” and “Teen Mom” that focus on everyday people have no reason to be on TV and potentially earn thousands or millions of dollars.

Reportedly the entire cast of “Jersey Shore” made $100,000 an episode adding up to over

$1 million a season. There are many more reality stars that make huge amounts of money to act ridiculous and stupid on national television. The idea that some of these stars make more money in 13 episodes than most people make in their entire life is mind-blowing and personally makes no sense.

I admit that some of the things they do on these shows are entertaining, but in most of them there was no main topic or point in the whole show.

There isn’t much that comes out of watching these shows other than learn to not to get drunk in public or get pregnant at 16. I believe that if TV continues in the direction that its going right now, the amount of reality shows, reality stars and reality star salaries will continue to rise and the quality and value of TV will continue to diminish.

This all comes back to the people we, as a society, idolize and model ourselves after. It’s human nature to overlook the good things we have.

I believe as a whole we are overlooking the great shows and stories that truly talented people put a lot of time in. I think that instead of wanting to become the next Snooki or Teen Mom, people should try to become the next Will Smith or Spike Lee and make true artwork.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR guidelines

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.

PAGE BY MEGAN GRANNEMANN

• Letters should not exceed 300 words.

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

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

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

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

Managing Editor: Jordan Bryson Business Manager: Megan Hefner Business: Rowan Pugh Jordon Stobart Ean Thielbar Editors: News Editor: Amanda Stallings Features Editor: Maddie Hiatt Sports Editor: Abby West Opinions Editor: Tannyr Seddon Copy Editor: Sophie Gordon

General Staff: Brenda Alvarado Kyleigh Kristenson Austin Barber Delores Lampkin Daniel Bodden Rodney Malone Cynthia Cahall David McFeely Alexis Christo Brianna Morgan Ashley Eubanks Jessica Olsen Ashley Flerlage Austin Seay Megan Granneman Andrew Shannon Abigail Griffin Taylor Shelton Emily Hampson Brittany Steck Priscilla Joel Alexis Tainter Carly Vossmeyer Photo Editor: Matthew Krieg

Photographers: Logan Bergman Cameron McCarty Kendrick Gaussoin Paige Martinez Jimmy Higgins Dominic Pusateri Ashleigh Jenkins Anne Reiner Ariel Kirkpatrick Sammie Savala Alyssia Luque Megan Tanksley Andrew Wittman

FHNTODAY STAFF Editor-in-Chief of Multimedia: Murphy Riley Editors: Online Sports Editor: Andrew Cline Director of Multimedia: Christina DeSalvo Director of Live Coverage: Jon Doty Webmaster: Chandler Pentecost Web News Director: Nick Ponche FHNtoday TV Director: Dan Stewart Video Editor: Zack Eaton Web Staff: Jake Chiarelli Lauren Pike

Michael Hamilton Nick Wyer

Video Staff: Brenton Griffith Maddie Rictekessing Priscilla Joel Stephanie Sage Smitha Milli Sammie Savala Dominic Pusateri Hannah Stillman Megan Tanksley Advisers: Aaron Manfull Beth Phillips

02.20.13

FHNTODAY.COM 45

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Or submit an idea online to FHNtoday.com Or write a letter to the editor about a issue or story in the paper

The North Star is open to your ideas!