North Star, Feb. 2010

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INSIDE CHOICES As teenagers, we are constantly making our own decisions, and in some cases, ones that could majorly impact our future.

The North Star takes a look into some of these choices.

FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303

Vol. 24 Issue 5

FEB. 3, 2010

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

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

Editor-in-Chief: Barbara Jean Palmer

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

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news features sports opinion online

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

fhntoday.com Photographers:

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FHN’s Winterguard team is participating in the Winterguard International Competition with their newly improved routine.

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Freshman Kayla Koeneman approaches the same age that her mother was when Kayla was born.

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Kevin Beerman speaks out against only learning for tests, and not retaining the knowledge they need to know.

Brandon Neer Fareeha Amir Jacqueline Sage Jessica Streiler Kaitlyn Williams

Kelsey Habighorst Nicole Thompson Sam Hurrell Stephanie Graflage

FHNTODAY.COM STAFF

FHN’s Iron Chef team will be competing against other schools to show off their culinary skills and dedication to cooking.

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Kayla Busby uses inspiration from her life to create award winning pieces of art and how she plans to show future art.

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Lauren Neilson describes life after an accident, and its devastating effects on her family’s lives and her love of sports.

Stephanie Agre nears for 1,000 points in basketball. This has only been accomplished twice in FHN history.

Q&A with Alexis Christo about her life on the FHN swim team and her goals, achievements, and future plans.

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Liana Ramsey talks about her family’s Valentine’s Day traditions. She believes Valentine’s Day is not for kids.

COVER ONLINE

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FHNtoday.com: Check out FHNtoday.com for stories and soundslides on Fraufest and other events around FHN.

In chess, moving pieces takes thought, precision and consideration. The decisions you make in life require all of the same skills. (lydia.ness)

Editor-in-Chief: Katie O’Neil Editors: Online Editors: Katie O’Neil, David Hoehn Podcast Editor: Tori Bowden Beats Editor: Mallory Mueller Director of Digital Media: Lauren Smith General Staff: Ashley Niehaus Kendrick Glaussoin Daniel Spak McKenna Roberts David Hoehn Morgan Carlson Jared Tompkin Nicole Piatchek Katharine Carney Paige Yungermann Kayla Vogt

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StuCo hosts Arctic Rush a lot of the things they saw last year, such as glow in the dark decorations.

There are also many new decorations that StuCo will use.

“People love the black light and the techno bubbles because they splatter on your face, but don’t stain your clothes unless you wear silk,” StuCo Co-Sponsor Shelly Grimshaw said.

Snowcoming is an informal dance, so StuCo is asking students to wear casual clothes or club attire, as long as it’s appropriate for school. Tickets will be sold for $10 at all lunches between Feb. 3-12. “[Arctic Rush] will be absolutely better,” StuCo Chief-of-Staff Alyssa Bocci said. “We have many improvements that will make it better.”

emily.forst

FHN’s Snowcoming dance will be on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 7-10 p.m. The dance will be held in the commons, which will be decorated according to the theme Arctic Rush.

The theme was chosen by the students in their fourth hours.

“Last year was Blizzard Blackout, but this year it will be more snowy, with blues and white,” StuCo cabinet member Amanda Cornett said.

Around 700 to 800 students attended Blizzard Blackout last year, and StuCo is hoping for an even bigger turn out with Arctic Rush this year. With a budget around $10,000, StuCo is planning on having techno bubbles, black lights, supplying refreshments, and many other decorations. Students can still expect to see

out FHNtoday.com during spirit fhn Check week for photos from the different days

today and Feb. 16 to see pictures from the com dance.

Sophomores Andrea Long and Justin Jones talk while at Blizzard Blackout last year. This year, StuCo is changing the name to Arctic Rush. (file photo)

Arctic Rush Spirit Week Schedule Monday: Tie Dye/ Neon Colors Day

Tuesday: Ugly Sweater Day

Wear your brightest and most colorful clothes.

Winterguard drops event kevin.beerman

Winterguard was scheduled to perform last weekend in Kansas City.

They were also supposed to perform on Jan. 23 in Springfield, but they dropped out of Mid Continental Color Guard Association competition due to preparation conflicts.

It was Jan. 21 when coach Duane Williams informed Winterguard members that he had pulled them out of competition due to the fact that he didn’t think they were ready. Junior Megan O’Loughlin, attributes their unpreparedness to their new song’s intense beat and quick pace.

“We didn’t have enough time on the floor,” O’Loughlin said. “The show has to be about four minutes long and we had at most three minutes.

People weren’t practicing outside of

02 page design by heather.o’donnell

Find the most ridiculous sweater you can get and wear it to school.

Wednesday: Salad DressingDay Dress as a type of salad dressing.

(Ranch: Cowboy.

Thousand Island: Beach.)

our practices.”

Winterguard did so well last year that they moved up a level from Scholastic A to Scholastic Open, one of the highest competitive levels. While not being ready to perform, Guard also had a plethora of injuries to deal with.

“There are always small injuries... but never this many all at the same time,” senior Kaitlyn Shikore said.

Guard had been practicing seven to eight hours a week, and added a choreography “camp” on Jan. 16, but Guard didn’t have their practice tarp with them, forcing them to finalize choreography later.

“It’s not that we’re not good, but time just wasn’t working with us,” Megan Mccolloch said.

This weekend, Winterguard is going to Nashville for a Winterguard International competition.

“We’re gonna have to practice a lot more and build on the show, but if we can do that, we’ll do fine,” Winterguard member Beth Kruse said.

Thursday: Ice Out Day

Friday: Class Colors Day

Dress in all white with a ton of jewelry to look like an icicle.

Support your class by wearing your colors.

9- Blue 10- Maroon 11- Green 12- Purple

DECA role plays for competition liana.ramsey

On Feb. 9, the DECA team will be competing in districts at Saint Louis Mills Mall. Each person in DECA will first, do a role play with a judge based off of their category they are in. Some of the categories for DECA events include Accounting, Technical Sales, and Sports and Entertainment Marketing and there are much more. Because many of the students in DECA do not know what to expect, nerves have been running high among many members.

“When we arrive at the mall I think everyone will be prepped for the tension in the room to be very high,” senior, Thu Nguyen said. “I think people are nervous about the outcome that they go in not knowing how to think or do.”

After the role play, they are to take a 100 question multiple choice

test. The majority of the questions are general marketing questions and the others are once again based off of the category that the participant is in.

“Going in front of the judge is the best part of it all,” sponsor and marketing teacher Melissa Trochim said. “But you can tell how nervous they get when the are on panel.”

Since the beginning of this semester, marketing teachers has been working with the DECA students by having them practice fake role plays and by making them take tests online so they can get a feel of what the competition is actually like. The competition tests the students on what they have been learning all semester. This is DECA’s second competition in the school year.

“The kids get to show what they have worked on for a semester now,” second sponsor, Joseph De Ciechi said.”

sam.dulaney

This Friday, FHN’s jazz band will be taking a road trip to Kansas City.

Saturday, they will be participating in their first competition of the year at the UMKC Jazz Festival. This is the first time anyone from FHN has ever gone to this competition. In preparation, the 22 member band has been practicing daily in their jazz band class to perform their three songs for the judges.

“It’s really early in the season, [the band is] really putting their butt on the line,” band director Jeff Moorman said. “Kansas City has a really strong jazz side, and they have a really good band there.”

In preparation for the competition, big jazz names from around the Saint Louis area came to North, while

Senior Zachary Nenaber performs at the jazz band concert last year. Jazz band is having their first competition this Saturday. (file photo)

the rest of school was off for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, to help the jazz

members. With names such as Jeremy Pfeffer to help with bass, Tom Speers to help with sax, and Joe Weber to help with set, the band members reached out to jazz professionals for guidance.

“They really gave us a better understanding of the jazz style,” senior Logan North said.

Despite never having been to a jazz competition before, some members are not concerned about their place.

“I think we will do well,” junior Josh Eckert said. “We’ve been practicing everyday for it.”

For Eckert, it is not just about bringing home a trophy, but also hearing other bands perform and seeing what talents they have.

“I think it will be interesting to see how we compare to the other bands there,” Eckert said.

get.informed

Professionals help Jazz band prepare to compete

Francis Howell North hosts a blood drive every year. This year the blood drive is held on March 5th where students and staff members can donate blood. (file photo)

Students get opportunity to give back abbey.grone & scott.jones

Sophomore Alyssa Miller expresses her feelings at the coffee house last year. The Coffee House is always held in the library. (file photo)

Seniors Thomas Loeffler and Shannon Albert perform poetry together, not just by using words but also playing their guitars. (file photo)

Coffeehouse mixes together old traditions, new people julia.gabbert

On Feb. 18 and 19, the FHN library will once again fill with the aroma of coffee and the sound of snapping applause for the eighth annual North Street Coffeehouse. Students will get the opportunity to experience the coffeehouse during English classes on one of the two days.

“It’s pretty much exactly like a coffeehouse on open mic night,” senior David Tecklenburg said. “You walk in and there’s art on the walls, there’s coffee, there’s lots of places to sit, and you watch people perform music and poetry.”

This year, along with senior Chrissy Lentini, Tecklenburg will be performing the song “Lucky” by

Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat.

“I’m excited until the day of, then I get nervous,” Lentini says. “But it goes away.”

Auditions were held on Jan. 26.

Each year, between 20-30 acts are selected by the library staff to perform.

“We’ve never had to limit the number, hopefully we never will,” librarian Angie Gunnell said. “I’d hate to have to turn talented people away.”

This year, the North Street Coffeehouse will still have the cookies, coffee donated by Figuero’s, and hot chocolate. It will also still have student artwork on display, chosen by the art department. The only difference this year is a loss of some old faces, and an introduction of some newcomers.

“A lot of the artists like Zach

Clark aren’t here this year, so I don’t know what to expect,” senior Megan Scott said. “But I think people are excited to see the talent at FHN. Everyone needs a way to express themselves, and the coffeehouse does a great job of that.”

Performers, onlookers, and coordinators all agree that students of any grade will find something enjoyable at the North Street Coffeehouse.

“Students can expect to see a lot of talent that maybe they didn’t know their fellow students had,” Gunnell said. “Each year just gets better and better, so I expect this year will be even better than the last.” pictures from this year’s North fhn For Street Coffeehouse, go to FHNtoday.

today com Feb. 20. com

On March 5, Volunteer Knights will be hosting their annual blood drive in the large gym.

It is open to anyone over 16 with parent permission and they must meet other criteria such as previous sickness, tattoos, and sexual history that will be asked the day of the blood drive. Sign ups are Feb. 15-19 and participants will recieve a T-shirt.

“It’s for a really good cause,” Volunteer Knights sponsor Kellie Voyles said. “It helps out with teaching the kids to give blood in case of an emergency.”

Although Volunteer Knights hosts, Mississippi Valley [Blood Drive Institution] runs the blood drive. The only thing students do is get all of the volunteers, while Mississippi Valley does all of the work on the day of the blood drive.

“We need to get 200 students to get like 38 units of blood which is the equivalent of 6 regular blood drives,” president of Volunteer Knights Brittany Stanley said.

“Because our school is so much bigger, we get a lot more blood than a normal blood drive usually gets.”

Though some students chose not to give blood, some consider it a good thing to do.

“I want to give blood because I’ve never done it before and I want to help other people,” senior Kelsey Rutledge said. page design by sam.dulaney

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Class rings remain tradition for sophomores abby.west

The four month long journey for the sophomores to get their class rings began on Jan. 28 as sophomore English classes went to the auditorium to be first introduced to this high school memory.

“They [class rings] are very important because everyone has something different, and they last forever,” sophomore class vice president Katy Friedlein said.

The tradition of class rings has been around for 162 years but has consequently went through a great deal of changes in that time. When they first were introduced, all classmates wore the same ring, but as time progressed there are now hundreds of options to choose from.

“Every year rings are updated, and new styles are added based on student input,” Herff Jones Representative Jeff Rodenberg said.

In addition to class officers, Rodenberg has spoken with students and parents about the importance and meaning of class rings.

“They’re a special way of helping you remember high school while showing commitment to your education,” Rodenberg said.

Rodenberg also explains how class rings can represent students’ hobbies, extracurricular activities, and even their achievements in high school.

“They [class rings] are unique symbols of pride, class unity, and school recognition,” Rodenberg said.

“Class rings are the most universal and visible symbols of graduation.”

The sophomores will receive their rings on May 18 at a ceremony in the commons. This high school experience is something Diane Fingers, sophomore class sponsor, greatly supports.

“It’s one thing that you can have on you at all times, and it brings back all those great memories of high school,” Fingers said. “It’s really all about you.”

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Raising funds for prom on the catwalk hannah.hamilton

The junior class officers and DECA have once again teamed up to host the annual Prom Fashion Show.

It will be held in the auditorium on Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. The Prom Fashion Show is an event to provide the student body a taste of what is expected for the upcoming prom fashions. Tickets for the show are $5 and all money raise will go towards prom preparations which will ultimately lower the cost of prom tickets.

“I’m hoping to see my peers have a good time and get excited for prom,” junior class secretary Nicole Cuneo said.

Junior class sponsor Lorie Lutz has been working with the fashion show for two years and is optimistic about this year’s turnout.

“It was great last year,” Lutz said. “And this year I have such great officers. This year’s show is sure to be a success because of the awesome officers, wide variety of dress and tuxedo shops, and the amount of students that are participating as models.”

To participate in the show as a model, an application was required

Seniors Kelly Roam, Josh Ahrens, and Kayla Matthews walked together down the stage to show off the latest prom attire at last year’s prom fashion show. (file photo)

to be filled out, along with selling five prom fashion show tickets. All applicants must be a junior or senior and must have attended one of the informational meetings that were held.

All of the junior class officers will be participating in the show as either emcees, models, or backstage.

“I’m excited for people I know getting up there, having fun, and modeling dresses and tuxes for prom,” Junior class treasurer Stephanie Blanchard said.

Hosting the show this year will be Vice President Cat Pherigo, and Presi-

Fraufest marks FHN talent heather.o’donnell

Students rocking. Spotlights shining. Teens dancing and having a good time. All three will take place as nine bands perform in the auditorium on Feb. 4 for the 5th annual Fraufest hosted by German Club. The tickets are being sold at lunches and at the door for $5. A limited supply of T-shirts will also be sold at the show for $10.

“It’s a way for bands to showcase their talents at school,” German Club sponsor Frau McPartland said. “Being able to see what students and friends can do is cool. It’s also cheap. Three hours of music for five dollars. You can’t find a deal better than that. ”There will be some bands that have played at Fraufest before such as Screaming Glory; however, there will be several new bands such as Kalamiti!, Bridges Burned, and Prestige Worldwide. McPartland will also be performing “The Zoo Song”, an annual tradition.

“This crop of bands are very musi-

cally talented,” McPartland said. “It’ll be a great show and everybody better be there.”

Senior Thom Loeffler and his band Fighting 4 Friday are among the two returning bands from last year’s show.

Loeffler has also recently joined The Perfect Wonderful who will be playing at the show as well. “[Expect] to hear some awesome stuff,” Loeffler said. “It’s gonna be a good line up with the other bands and awesome music. If your coming, expect to dance.”

Parables of the Fading Eye, one of the new bands performing, will make their debut appearance at Fraufest this year. However, member Zach Clark has previous experience performing at Fraufest, playing with the band New Breed in the past.

“It’s a really fun thing to do,” Montgomery said. “It’s a nice, easy way to support local bands and see all the talent at North.” you cant make Fraufest tomorrow fhn Ifnight, you can view pictures on Feb. 5 in

today our pictures section of FHNtoday.com. com

dent Chris Zerr. Not only will they be hosting the show, but they are also responsible for giving away coupons to various people in the audience. The most vaulable thing they will be giving away two free prom tickets. They are looking forward to hosting the show and raising money to purchase decorations.

“It’s a good opportunity to see all the prom fashions, get free stuff, and help support the prom,” Pherigo said. after the Prom Fashion fhn ToShowviewviewphotos the photo link at

today FHNtoday.com on Feb. 11. com

Fraufest 2010

Fraufest will feature nine acts including the six listed below.

Also included are the name of the bands and the performers.

Bridges Burned Members: Nathan Dick, Brendan Kennedy, Jack Fogel Genre: rock/reggae/ska Screaming Glory Members: Billy Richardson, David Hoehn, Eddy Connell, Chris Palmer Genre: punk rock Fighting 4 Friday Members: Thom Loeffler, Connor Usry, David Tecklenburg, and A.J. Blandia Genre: dance/pop Kalamiti Members: Dillon Barrow, Alec Broeker, Jake Simms, and Derek Humphrey Genre: heavy metal Steve Schuman Members: Steve Schuman Genre: rock Parables of Fading Eye Members: David Montgomery, Corey Bandrowsky, and Zach Clark Genre: jazz/rock

justin.jones

Throughout the month of January, the members of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) were busy preparing for their district competition on Feb. 19 at Chesterfield Mall. This is perhaps their biggest event of the year.

“All of the FBLA members are preparing for competition by taking the online tests from last year and making presentations,” FBLA member Thu Nguyen said.

Angie Mason, the FBLA sponsor, is hoping that her students have as much success at this year’s competition as they did last year.

“Last year I had four students go to Nationals and make me proud,” Mason said. “My goal is to do the same if not better this year.”

Not only did last year’s success at the FBLA competition have a positive impact on the program, but it has also convinced others to join the club.

“The members from last year did well in competition, said they had a

good time, therefore I tried it out,” Nguyen said.

Along with preparing for competitions, FBLA’s other big event is hosting FBLA week. During the week of Feb. 8-14, FBLA will be hosting “March of Dimes” which is similar to the Penny Wars contest during homerooms. All proceeds go to research and programs supporting babies in the community who are born premature.

Along with hosting “March of Dimes” during FBLA week, they also plan on continuing the tradition of hosting a teacher appreciation breakfast.

“Teacher appreciation breakfast is a great way to show teachers we do care about what they do for us,” FBLA officer Claire Schwab said.

While FBLA week and the district competition are fun events for the club, it also allows the members of FBLA to apply everything they have learned all year to real-life situations.

“It gives us a chance for us to show off what we know and what we can do,” FBLA member Odessa Harris said.

get.informed

FBLA prepares for districts

FBLA sponsor Debbie Mason leads the FBLA meeting Jan. 28. Juniors Ryan Gannon, senior MIchael Comer, and junior Claire Schwab look at the agenda of the upcoming FBLA competition and events they are hosting at school. (crystal friedman)

Board candidates hope to improve district with election FHSD school board brings in new authority with candidates to fill two empty seats barbara.jean.palmer

T

he District administration building is currently undergoing many changes as two seats are opening up on the board. The deadline to register for office ended on Jan. 19 and they had six people register to run for the two seats available. The two seats opening up are Directors Sandy Sanders and Terry Black as their terms are up. One of the major decisions behind picking a board member is the children in the schools.

“The number one thing everyone has said is students first,” Vice President Marty Hodits said. “Students are the most important thing.”

Although the six applicants are all unique in their own way and each have characteristics that make them suitable for the position, they all share some common attributes. Members of the board have to be at least 24 years old, be a U.S citizen and live in Francis Howell School’s District. Another important factor they consider is if members have been actively involved in schools.

Cynthia Bice, one of the applilooking forward to] Helping out, cants, has been actively involved in trying to get in programs that need to the school board and wants to make a be kept and helping teachers out. They difference. Bice has been a volunteer are great people and wish they got paid for the district, a substitute teacher, more at times.” teacher, counselor, vacation station, According to Superintendent administrator, and is now currently Renée Schuster, the members are involved in higher education. making a difference in the district’s “My heart is in Francis Howell,” schools.

Bice said. “I “You’re learned how required to to teach there do this job For a person who wants to well and it and it’s a make a difference, it has a lot takes a lot good time to give back to of your time of rewards and having a the schools with phone feeling of making a difference calls and and the in the schools.” community. emails,” I want to be Schuster apart of the said. “For a process that brings the board together person who wants to make a differfor the common good of the students ence, it has a lot of rewards and having in Francis Howell School District.” a feeling of making a difference in the Todd Mizell is running for a seat on schools.” the board and also wants to contribute As the members of the board make to the district. decisions that greatly influence each “It’s something new to do and it and every student in the district, voting would be nice to contribute to the is open on April 6 to anyone over school board,” Mizell said. “[Most the age of 18 that lives in the Francis

“

Howell School District. This is to make sure that the community gets the board members it wants.

“I encourage everyone to vote in these smaller elections because your vote matters more,” Schuster said.

“People win these elections by just a few votes.”

Along with the administration building looking for two new board members, the search for a new Superintendent is also going on. The chance to apply for Superintendent has ended but the Missouri School Board Association is still looking through the applications to find one that matches the criteria the district has set. Some of these requirements include experience in leadership, experience as an administrator, and expertise in financial management.

While board members are voted in by the community, the Superintendent is not. The District hires the Superintendent. you are interested in information fhn Ifabout the candidates, visit

today FHNtoday.com for short bios today. com

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photo poll

Iron Chef competetors were asked, “What do you like to cook the most?”

Junior Charles Cantrell finely chops meat while junior Darin Voyles reads off the next step of the recipe. The Iron Chef team has been practicing after school to ready themselves for competition against the other Howell high schools. (kaitlyn williams)

IRON CHEF

Noah Sturis, 11 “Something with pasta and anything using a frying pan.”

Aspiring young chefs prepare for battle against rivaling high schools times,” Crawford said. “I also make them practice proper knife skills because that’s something the judges look n Feb. 10 at 3 p.m., FHN’s at [and] safety and sanitation. And, as Iron Chef team will be competsilly as it is, posture because they have ing at Francis Howell Central to stand up the whole time.” against the other schools in the For the competition, each team district. Anyone is welcome to attend must prepare a main dish, a vegetable, the competition to support FHN and a starch, and a salad with dressing. The sample free food. foods are then judged by employees of “I like that we get to cook a lot,” Sodexo, the food provider for Francis Iron Chef Drew Moersch said. “I am Howell. The judges will be using a really interested in being a chef so I check sheet to evaluate the students think it is fun.” and their culinary skills. Crawford and This is the second year for the Iron her team do not know what is on the Chef competition, but it is becoming check sheet, as a result, they do not a Francis Howell tradition. It was know exactly what they will be judged named after the on. The students popular Food must also answer Network show, questions asked by which also feaIt’s so fun watching the judges, and an tures cook-offs. the kids get excited award ceremony “[Iron Chef] about something I love.” follows the compeis a competition tition. where students “I’m pretty can showcase sure we are going to win,” chef Britttheir culinary skills,” Becky Crawford ney McGlasson said. “But I just hope said. we have fun and everyone learns from Almost every weekday since Jan. the experience.”

14, the students have stayed after Last year, the Sodexo cooperate school and practiced for the upcoming judge was flown in for the contest. competition. Along with practicing Carin Man, a Sodexo employee, is in after school, the team will also be charge of the judging of the contest preparing breakfast at Church of the this year.

Shepard on Feb. 7 to further enhance “I think it will be fun competing their skills and experience. against other schools,” Moersch said.

“Our first step is selecting the “I want us to win. We won last year recipes we are going to use and then and I want us to win again.” [the students] prepare them several

paige.yungermann

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“

06 page design by nicole.clouse

The team of five, plus two alternatives, were chosen through a process that began before winter break. While it wasn’t a requirement, most chefs on the team have taken one or more cooking classes. Through these tryouts, Crawford was able to pick the best chefs for the team.

“I selected recipes, hard recipes that they had to make,” Crawford said. “That showed me if they could follow directions. Everyone then had to try [the food] and critique it. If they couldn’t take constructive criticism, I let them go. I also didn’t want any superstars, anyone who would function by themselves. I needed them to be part of the team.”

Crawford believes there are several qualities an Iron Chef must possess for anyone who is interested in trying out for next year’s team.

“Dedication,” Crawford said.

“Determination, they always want to improve, take more classes, read books, watch Food Network, whatever they can do. Stamina, because it’s a physically exhausting job, and eager to learn.”

With the competition only a week away, Crawford and the five Iron Chef team members look forward to showing off their hard work.

“It’s so fun watching the kids get excited about something I love,” Crawford said. “This is a group of very dedicated students.”

Kayla Baker, 12 “I mostly enjoy making pastries and more desserts.”

Charles Cantrell, 11 “I would have to say pasta.”

Darin Voyles, 11 “I like cooking desserts because I have a sweet tooth.”

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Sophmore Kayla Busby stands in front of one of the mural’s she’s created in her home. She has been selected among 150 students to apply for the Missouri Fine Arts Academy at Missouri State, where she could attend and get college credits. Busby has to create a portfolio and write an essay in order to apply to get into the academy. (kaitlyn williams)

Busby’s artistic ability creates opportunity nicole.renner

S

ophomore Kayla Busby’s talent for art began at the ripe age of five when a contest in kindergarten landed her art work in the Children’s Art Museum. Even with such a big accomplishment, she would not truly begin her artistic pursuit until high school. Just this year, she entered into her first show

08 page design by kelsey.bell

at Lindenwood University.

“Lindenwood’s show was my first real contest,” Kayla said. “Smithey wanted me to enter my drawing so I agreed. I was really nervous, I had never been to an art show. I entered the show with two pieces. One of the photos I entered came from a black and white portrait that was a sketch of

a man with a beard. I chose it because there was just so much expression, I loved it. Still, I was shocked and so excited that I actually won, especially since it was the first contest I had ever entered in.”

Even before her achievement at Lindenwood, Kayla’s mom had taken notice of her daughter’s gift and showed Kayla’s work to a co-worker.

That co-worker would eventually hire Kayla. Kayla went on to paint an 11 hour mural that went for $250. Kayla’s creative abilities soon opened up many other portals for her such as her recent nomination for the Academy of Art. “Two artists go to represent the school for the Missouri Fine Arts Academy at Missouri State,” Kayla said. “I was picked out and nominated to go and was even funded $1,500. I have to create a portfolio, write an essay and fill out a bunch of forms. It’s a real goal

to be picked out of 150 people to go to the Academy and stay in a dorm while getting college credit for the art classes.”

Kayla is also putting together a portfolio for an apprenticeship application to work at the Muney. She has gathered a collection of her work and is still currently working on it. Helping her put together such a high quality collection of art is art teacher Zac Smithey.

“I really wanted to make sure she was doing everything she could to reach her full potential,” Smithey said. “I didn’t have to worry too much because she independently self directs. She pushes herself to do her best, I’m just there to guide.”

If Kayla is chosen out of the other applicants, she will be working at the Muney up close and personal with real artists.

She will also be accompanying them around the studios.

life.style

Busby sits with four pieces of her art, all of which are chalk and charcoal drawings. In her first art contest at Lindenwood, she won first place in the drawing category. (kaitlyn williams)

Art teacher Zac Smithey stands with Busby. Smithey suggested she enter the Lindenwood Art Show; it was Busby’s first real art contest she had ever entered. (kaitlyn williams)

“While I would be working there I’d be getting paints or other tools for the artists plus whatever they need help with,” Kayla said.

“I’d also be getting useful tips.

Even though I’d be starting at the bottom I could eventually work my way up learning better techniques.”

Kayla has created some of her own techniques when producing art, drawing her inspiration from a pool of different aspects in her life.

Yet her surroundings, such as the music she listens to, are often off set by the very art she’s creating.

“You would think the music I listen to while I’m working would be quiet but its kind of the opposite,” Kayla said. “I start out with metal from Metallica or a band like that while I’m standing. Then when I get tired I play softer music like piano it really depends on the piece.”

Even with so many opportunities that have presented themselves

Busby won first place in the drawing category with a drawing of a man. She chose to draw the picture because she liked the expression in the photo. (kaitlyn williams)

to Kayla through her trade and talents, art itself has a deeper and more personal meaning to her.

“It [art] really helps me to express my feelings and even my view on life,” Kayla said. “I was always really shy a lot of my life and when I would paint or sketch or draw people would crowd around. It really showed me that I had a special trait that people noticed. That has made me a more open person.”

Art has affected Kayla’s life in more ways than her personality, it has also sculpted the way she views the world around her.

“She sees everything in a different way,” sophomore Emily Colmo said.

“Because she’s an artist things are put into a different perspective and she sees things nobody else does.”

Kayla’s mom also sees the effect art has changed her and her future.

“Something that turned out as a hobby opened up so many possibilities to her future,” Kerri Busby said. “Her art means so much to her. It has really made her an old soul.”

artist.spotlight

Alex Little, 11

favorite tool: pen What artistic style do you work with most?

Automatism and surrealism probably.

What artistic fields are you interested in?

I’ve done photography, drawing, painting. ceramics, and print-making. I like drawing most.

Do you plan to continue art in the future?

I want to be an art teacher for a living, and maybe sell art someday.

Mack Weaver, 10 favorite tool: india ink What artistic style do you work with most?

Automatism and abstract What artistic fields are you interested in?

Mainly drawing Do you plan to continue with art in the future?

I’m not planning on continuing this type of art for a living, but I will use my creativity in engineering.

Brittney Kelly, 11 favorite tool: paint What artistic style do you work with most?

Realism and cubism What artistic fields are you interested in?

Sketching and painting Do you plan to continue with art in the future?

Maybe I’ll become a tattoo artist and do it as a hobby. page design by kelsey.bell

09

Not just another

BRICK in the wall

Graduating Spectra students paint bricks to leave high school kelsey.bell

W

hen walking into room 13, the first thing noticed are the 95 bricks in the wall that are colorfully decorated. Over the past six years, each one was personally designed and painted by a senior as their final project in Spectra before graduation. Starting second semester, seniors in Spectra this year are preparing to paint their own brick.

“It’s a tradition,” graduate Morgan Bordreau said. “When we made blocks we wanted to capture who we are and what makes us unique. It’s all about defining our personalities.”

The tradition began in 2004 when as a senior, Meghan Bogener did a project relating to interior design.

As part of that project she rearranged and painted the Spectra room to make it seem bigger and and feel more intellectually stimulating. After she finished, she asked if she could sign one of the brick in the classroom wall.

This sparked the idea that seniors

10 page design by julia.gabbert

could design and paint a brick in the needs information or advice about a spectra room during their last semescareer path they’re pursuing, Travis ter at FHN. The purpose would be to turns to the wall for guidance. He is give Spectra teacher Jon Travis a way able to use the blocks as a way to give to remember all of his students and those students the names of graduates their personalities. who have gone into similar fields.

“It makes me feel really special [to “It’s nice to have that network have been involved] because I really up on the wall,” Travis said. “The enjoyed havonly real ing [Travis] rules [when as a teacher making a Not everyone can say and the class block] are was really you have to they’ve left their mark on important be a senior, North. We did.” to me,” and you have Bogener to be active said. “It’s in spectra. incredible now that I can see all of the I don’t want someone I’ve never met blocks that have been added. It gives before coming in here to paint a block me some sort of connection to Howell because I can’t teach anything from North and what I did there.” that.”

According to Travis he not only The design of the block is up to uses the ‘blocks’ as a way to remember the senior who’s painting it. According the personalities of his past students, to Travis there is not anything required he uses them as a way to help his curto be on the block but there are some rent students reach their goals in life. popular themes. Graduation year, Sometimes when a current student symbols representing hobbies or

“

extra-curricular activities, and collegiate mascots are items some students include in their block designs.

“It’s fun for me,” Travis said.

“I think kids definitely put their personality into it, and I’m always surprised. It’s interesting to see what’s important for them to leave behind. Some students may think it’s difficult, they’re permanently leaving a piece of themselves in this room.”

Over all, the painted blocks in the spectra room serve as both a reminder of the past and a guide for students in the future. According to Bordreau, it’s the permanency of the project is what truly makes it special and memorable.

“Not everyone can say they’ve left their mark on north,” Bordreau said. “We did. We painted on the wall, there’s a part of us there.

When you look up at someones block you get a feel for who they are and what they’re like.”

taylor.berra

S

itting behind her father, Carl “Kiwi” Neilson, on the drivers side of her families Mazda van, junior Lauren Neilson was quietly reading a book. The Neilson family was on their way home from their family vacation in Fort Walton, Florida.

Trying to get the sun out of her eyes while reading, Lauren was slouched down in the seat with the bottom half of the seat belt laying across her upper abdomen. With her brother, Devin, to her right and her mother, Dawn, sitting in the passenger seat, the Neilson family was on a highway passing through Crockett County,Tennessee.

Unexpectedly, another car crossing the highway crashed into the passenger side of the Neilson’s van. The force of the impact caused the Neilson’s van to swing around and re-collide with the other car. The van then crossed over the other part of the highway and then into a corn field some 400 yards away from the initial point of the crash.

“The lady just didn’t stop at the stop sign,” Dawn said. “She pulled out into the highway and hit us, it wasn’t good. Our car went up, over the highway down in a bank over the other side of the highway, where luckily no other cars were coming. We went

Due to the accident, Neilson is unable to play the many sports she used to. Doctors say she may never be able to play sports again. (lydia ness)

At the end of fall break, junior Lauren Neilson and her family were on their way home from a family vacation when they were hit twice by a vehicle. Once in the front and then on the side. Neilson was then in the ICU for 30 days in Memphis, Tennessee. (submitted photo)

through a fence and about 400 yards into a field.”

Lauren was then rushed to a hospital in Memphis where she spent a total of 30 days in intensive care. She had to undergo two six hour surgeries while in the hospital and later returned to the hospital for a one hour surgery.

Because Lauren was slouched down, the seat belt had smashed and cut up against her stomach causing her to break three ribs, disconnect all of the connections holding her organs in place, temporarily lose all muscle on her right side, and lose a part of every organ in her abdomen region.

“The doctors said that I would not be able to do gymnastics or any contact sports ever again,” Lauren said. “It’s devastating to hear that because my whole life was sports before. I did everything like I tried everything.

Gymnastics and running was what I did mainly but I used to love being with my dad and playing softball, but it’s hard.

They told me I shouldn’t be alive but here I am, they tell me all these things that I can’t do but I know I can.”

Since this traumatic event has happened to Lauren and her family, both Lauren and her mother agree that it has changed their lives dramatically. It

has made them grow closer as a family and have a stronger belief in their religion and the trust in people that are a part of their lives.

“We have all gotten closer and we have all done things for each other that we probably wouldn’t have done before,” Dawn said. “I will go out of my way to help anyone now, and my faith in God and my faith in people has grown stronger.”

Not only has this accident dramatically changed the lives of the Neilson family, but it has also changed the lives of the people who care about Lauren and her family.

One of Lauren’s closest friends, Katie Bailey, is very thankful that Lauren has is in such good spirits after such a traumatic event.

“This has definitely changed my relationship with Lauren,” Bailey said, “We were close before but knowing that we could have lost Lauren made me value our friendship so much more. I am just so happy that everything worked out great and that she is still alive and kicking.”

As this accident has touched and changed the lives of Lauren, her family, and her friends, they have made the most out of the circumstances and came to a positive conclusion. “[If someone was going through a traumatic event] I would say keep your head up,” Lauren said, “At first it’s really hard and it’s tough to go through but in the end it makes you a stronger person.”

Many students at North and even teachers signed get well cards to Neilson varying from the size of a normal card to a poster board. She had them decorating her room in the hospital to remind her of all her friends back at school. Neilson has been able to attend basketball games and come after school to get help on her homework instead of the teacher coming to her house. She attended school on Feb. 1 but only came for half of a day, alternating each day between her1-4 hours and 5-7 hours. (lydia ness) page design by emily.forst

11

life.style

Car accident changes Neilson’s life

Children’s Home provides security, care abbey.grone

A

sign reading Children’s Home Society of Missouri sits 25 feet from Muegge Road. Just 10 feet before that sign is a thin black driveway leading to four small cars and one wheelchair accessible van.

This building is just a building to most passerbys but is much more to seven teens.

A small stone porch leads to the main entrance of the home. A door with a stained glass window opens.

Mary answers.

“Hi, how are you? Come on in.”

In the dark entrance of the home sits two tables with six chairs. Right past the last table are two playrooms.

One with a ball pit and a TV and one with a small gymnastics mat and a door leading to a playground.

Through the second playroom is a small hallway leading to an open space with five doors leading into four different bedrooms and one bathroom.

The purpose of the home is to provide care for children with parents that cannot meet the needs of their child. Though this of many locations has only been around for about 12 years, the Children's Home Society of Missouri has been providing this care for over 100 years. They range in care from adoption to pregnancy counseling.

The walls are covered in pictures of the smiling faces of previous residents. On the wall behind the TV are the 8x10s of Tyler, Ricky, Jay Jay, Misty, Brittany, Tony and Ryan's gleaming grins. These are the seven that consider this 'building' their home.

Two children to a room, except Ricky’s room. He flies solo. While nap time takes place Ricky is yelling and screaming. He sits with his legs underneath his mattress and leans up against the white netting that surrounds his bed. His wheelchair sits and waits to become occupied.

“Bye Ricky! Yes I know, you’re awake. I’m leaving now, bye Ricky,” Caretaker Carmen Cullpepper says while she heads to the kitchen to wait for the night caretakers to arrive.

The parents of the seven children are unable to supply to their special

12 page design by sidney.shelton

needs so the kids case workers recommend they stay in the home for guaranteed care wat all times. There is a nurse on site at all times. The kids sometimes go home to their families for a day, but come back at night to the second family they have at the home. None of them are able to talk but they all smile at each other and laugh at each other as their own type of communication.

There is no out of pocket spending from the families of the children. The funding for everything in the home comes from United Way. This supplies for food, regular home necessities and field trips out of the home.

“We do take a lot of field trips,” Carmen said, “but they are very limited during the winter and flu season.”

With their weak immune systems, going to places like the movies or the science center rarely happen during the cold season. Usually only one or two children a year are lucky enough not to catch anything. This year's winner: Tyler.

Tyler and Jay Jay are roommates.

A small room covered in Toy Story and NASCAR posters holds two twin beds and two goofy boys. Tyler begins his treatment and Jay Jay begins his usual laughing.

“You're next Jay Jay!” caretaker

Toys sit lined up against the wall at The Children’s Home Society of Missouri.

The children’s home opened around 12 years ago. (crystal friedman)

A sign welcomes people to the Children’s Home. There is another home in Brentwood. (crystal friedman)

Annette Bligh yells sarcastically waving the suction wand at him.

The children in the home are very close with one another just like the siblings of any other home.

The caretakers act as parents and the millions of stuffed animals act as pets. The 'pets' are all gifts from their biological parents, cousins and siblings since toys that require major interaction are out of the question.

The children don't seem to mind.

Back in the kitchen, the two night shift caretakers walk in. The younger looking nurse comes in right after them. All visitors are escorted to the room by leading to the bedrooms while they give the morning report.

Carmen discusses how to give Tyler his second treatment.

“Flip him upside down in the recliner to get the plug out, but watch his feet, I’ve been a victim,” Carmen says sarcastically about being hit in the head by his legs.

The new 'parents' take over the home for the next 12 hours.

New caretakers, new time of day, but the same family in the same home.

“It's just another day in the home,” A voice screams from the kitchen. more ways you can fhn Tohelplearn The Children’s Home

today

com Society, visit www.chsmo.org

life.style

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Marsala’s Market sits on 3308 Rue Royal Dr. in New Town. This is the town’s grocer and meat market.

Inside is a deli and fresh fruit grown at New Towns very own organic farm. (abbey grone)

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New Town lake flows between New Town Lake Dr. and Galt House Dr. It took 7 years to build all of the canals in New Town. Building the canals was one of the very first tasks of the orginal plan. There are now seven lakes all throughout New Town. (abbey grone)

tC

Rd.

Whittaker homes continue building a New Town lizzie.johnson

F

lanked by soy and corn fields and sitting just north of the Fountain Lakes Commerce Center in northern St. Charles County rests the neighborhood of New Town, a sprawling “urban oasis”. New Town, a Whittaker Homes Community, was inspired by the vacations executive Greg Whittaker and his wife took in Seaside, Florida. They were taken with the idea of having all the amenities and events they wanted right within walking distance and became set on the idea of creating a “new urbanist” community

in St. Charles County, where such conveniences and amenities would be available within the neighborhood itself.

“All of the amenities here [are the best part],” Sales representative Diane Cox said. “There’s a whole lifestyle here. It’s very pedestrian-like.

There’s a lot of things to do.”

Among the 700 row and town homes of the approximate 3,000 people that call New Town home are the 20-30 businesses that give New Town its small town feel and atmosphere. A grocery store, dry cleaners, post office, hair salon and ice cream shop are just a few of the many shops and stores within the community that are woven into the residential parts of the town. Caro-

line Eades is one of the many people who both live and work within the New Town community. Along with a friend, the two own and work at a small boutique carrying apparel and baby products. Although the clientele is mostly limited to residents of the community, the two would not move any other place.

“The people that live here want to keep these businesses going,” Eades said. “It’s new, it’s cute. We all like new and cute things.”

Unfortunately, the effects of a slumping economy have been felt within the “front-porch-clad” community, for convenience comes with a price - a price that many are having trouble meeting during such times.

“I would think the economy has played a role in shaping the community,” Eades said.

“I can just tell our building has definitely slowed.”

Despite the troubled economy, New Town is still ready to continue their expansion. The project was originally intended to span the course of 10 to 12 years and eventually reach an estimated 5,700 homes on a total of 700 acres of land. As of now, the community is still relatively small, but it should quickly double, or even triple within the next few years.

However, the residents and founders alike are ready for anything.

“This place is a lot better [than where I used to live],” 11-yearold resident Jonathon Hugo said.

“There’s sidewalks everywhere, kids to play with, and more room to ride bikes. It’s the best place I’ve lived.”

page design by abbey.grone

13

photo poll

Students answer the question: “What’s your favorite type of coffee?”

Kate Jehle, 11 “I like black coffee at my house, but at a shop, hazelnut or mocha.”

Picasso’s on Main Street is a popular coffee house that many FHN students go to to interact in a relaxed environment. Picasso’s features coffee, snacks, art, and music for customers to enjoy. (lauren buxton)

Picasso’s brews an art of coffee

Coffee house welcomes all to experience open mic night enough customers. There is no set age for the customers at Picasso’s, as a result, people of every age go there ooking through the windows of because of the warm and welcoming a building on the corner of Jefatmosphere. ferson and Main Street in Old “We get every type of customer; Town St. Charles, candles are lit as college kids, high school kids, to the sun is going down and the night retired people even,” Schulte said. sets in. The aroma of coffee beans “Pretty much anyone who loves coffills the air as the door is opened to fee comes here.” enter. Once inside, whispers can be Perhaps the biggest event that heard similar to the noise bees make attracts the most customers at when they are buzzing. On the walls Picasso’s is Open Mic Night, a night hang various forms of art and in the where local glass case at performthe checkout counter I wanted to make a coffee ers and writers sits freshly shop that resembled the art can showbaked mufcase their fins. The of coffee in any way talents in atmosphere possible.” front of an is calm and audience, warming. which takes place every Thursday This is Picasso’s. from 7 p.m.- midnight. Because so “I came up with the name many customers attend this night, Picasso’s because I wanted to make a it is so full that people are forced to coffee shop that resembled the art of stand outside. Even though many coffee in any way possible,” Picasso’s customers have to stand outside at owner Chris Schulte said. “Whether night, they agree that some of the it is photography, music, poetry, best memories happen outside. etc.”

“One time, I was outside with my Picasso’s first opened in 2004 in friend and all of a sudden a random St. Charles after Schulte decided that 19-year-old with a ukulele came up the one in O’Fallon was not getting liz.leonard

L

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14

page design by bethany.brady

to us and asked my friend if she had ever been serenaded by a guy with a ukulele before,” junior Chelsea Norman said. “When she answered no, he just dropped to one knee and started singing and playing ‘I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz. By far, the best memory I have of Picasso’s.”

Open Mic Night is just one of the many events Picasso’s hosts. It also hosts book clubs, movie night, and singer/songwriter night to name a few. Picasso’s is also a favorite of local celebrities. There have been many occurrences of local musicians coming to Picasso’s. One of the “local celebrities” that is a regular at Picasso’s is Josh Golden.

“I go to check out the new talent and to support my sister Liz Golden,” Golden said. “Plus I love hanging out with my friends and meeting all of my fans.”

As Golden said, Picasso’s is a place to hang out with friends.

Whether it is through Open Mic Night, movie night, or just enjoying a warm cup of coffee, customers agree that is a social gathering.

“Picasso’s is a cute place with great coffee, but you come for your friends.” junior Noah Sturis said.

Abby Bounds, 10 “French vanilla cappuccinos, or I measure out six spoons of sugar, with CoffeeMate french vanilla creamer.”

Andrea Eilers, 11 “I like cappuccinos, french vanilla coffees, and McDonalds iced mochas.”

Chaz Moseley, 11 “White chocolate mocha from Starbucks.”

life.style

Robotics club meets every week preparing for their upcoming compitition. This year they are trying to assemble a kicking device. The students’ parents help with building the robots for the competition. (sam hurrell)

Robotics gears up to throw down

Robotics club hopes that their focus gets them to nationals adam.rapert

R

obotics club has been designing their robot for their upcoming competition since they received their mission at the beginning of the school year. Now, six months later, they are physically building it. They are lead by Mark Krueger, the manager of the team, and Steve Schulte, a woodworking teacher at Hollenbeck Middle School.

“I was asked to help four years ago to help with the robotics,” Krueger said. “I had no prior experience with robots, but I was a wood shop teacher, and I thought it would be fun, so I said yes.”

The robotics club started building their robot on Jan. 2, and they have until Feb. 23 to finish it for the competition that will be held in St. Louis at the Chaifetz Arena on Mar. 23. Each year the robots from schools all over Missouri compete in a statewide competition. The robots are judged on how well they perform

the task they are assigned to do. This year the robots have to kick a soccer ball through a goal, and at the same time defend other soccer balls from going through the goal the robot is defending.

“I can’t really tell how were going to do based on the other competitors,” Krueger said.

“However, I know we will certainly compete at the highest level we can and I think we will be successful.”

The team consists of students from Francis Howell High, Howell Central, and Howell North. FHN has three students on the team: sophomore Nick Loeffler, freshman Matt Bries, and freshman Simintha Milli. This season is Loeffler’s second year on the team. He is a mechanic for the robot and his duties consist of doing the physical building and putting together of the robot.

“I like being with the team because I get to hang out with all of

my friends from other high schools,” Loeffler said.

Bries has also been with the team for two years. Bries is the brains behind the robot as he is a programmer. His duties consist of developing a plan for the robot to receive commands and how the robot will respond to them as well.

“I feel I am a key part on the team,” Bries said. “Because without the programing the robot won’t work. I also love how competitive the competitions are and the enthusiasm at them.”

In previous years, the team has done really well in the annual competition. Last year, for example, they went to Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia. Out of 100 robots in their category, they got 50th place. Because of the team’s experience with going to Nationals last year, they hope that they can improve and repeat it all over again.

“I feel we have done really good in the past years I have been here,” Krueger said. “We have been pretty successful, and it has been a really great experience for me and the kids so far, so hopefully we will go to Nationals again this year. page design by rj.howes

15

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in.depth

Choose your Life is a chess board of decisions. Psychology has proven that we, as teenagers, are forced to make choices each day.

Our minds are perpetually changing. The decisions we make will shape us. One such decision, sexual activity, can have a major impact on our lives.

own moves page design by rachel.hunt & abbey.grone

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Teen mental, physical developments lead to possible influences in sexual behaviors taylor.berra

I

n today’s society one of the most controversial topics among teens is whether or not to involve themselves in sexual activity. This arguable statement is one decision that is greatly influenced by the human brain.

Each decision that a teen makes towards sexual activity is involved with their brain and the different cognitive stages of development.

There are four different stages of development; the Sensorimotor stage, Preoperational stage, Concrete Operational stage, and the Formal Operational stage.

Beginning at age seven and ending approximately at the age of 14, the Concrete Operational stage is one of the stages when the teen brain develops according to psychology teacher Sean Fowler.

In this stage of development, a person can make a decision in their life and only think of what can happen in the near future and not think about how this decision can effect their life in the long run.

“Well I think teens start [involving themselves in sexual relations] around the age of 14.” senior Kaylie Habighorst said. “Usually when kids get into high school and they start hanging out with older people.

I don’t think anyone really plans it, it’s not something they think about at first. They decide and then it just

20 page design by rachel.hunt

“I think peer groups have a lot of Whether a teen involves themhappens.” influence on teens,” Crisis counselor selves in sexual relations is up to The Formal Operational stage, them. which is the last stage of development Debbie Mason said. “If a teen has Although at the time, they are in the teen brain, can vary as to when a lot of friends who are practicing not always fully aware of how their it begins and ends depending upon a abstinence then there is a strong possibility that they will practice that. choice can affect them later in life. person and their level of maturity.

But if a teen has a lot of friends who Even though people stereotype teens At this stage a person begins are involved in sex then there is more into involving themselves in sexual to develop the ability to think of pressure on the teen to have sex and relations, not everyone does it. complex, or abstract concepts. They they have “In reality only 20 percent of also gain more of a teens involve themselves in risky the ability chance to behaviors like alcohol, drugs, sex, to think I think peer groups have a influence crime,” Fowler said. “The other 80 logically, them.

I percent do not even consider these formally lot of influence on teens.” think the things. We sometimes say ‘all the reason values and kids are doing it’ when really not evevents, and morals of eryone is involved with these things. efficiently an individual person can affect their We often exaggerate what teens are plan out their lives. doing these days.”

“The teen brain is not fully devel- decision [towards sexual activity], oped,” Bridgeway counselor Barbara also the way they were raised and the Penuel said, “The frontal lobe, which effect that their parents have upon them.” controls the ability of reasoning, is the last thing to develop in the teen brain. So teens aren’t always fully aware of how their actions can affect The averages for teens age 15 to 19 in U.S. them in the long run.”

Along with the brain affecting a i en Ac t v i t y n Pregn a n c y teen’s choice in sexual activity, the Tee Te people a teen interacts with and the pressures of society also affect their 59% decisions. birth The group of friends that a person 54% teens have 46% teens have not had sex is involved with can put a person had sex at least in situations and events that they once would not normally be involved. Or a 27% abortion person’s peers can help them to avoid 14% miscarriage any situation where sexual activity may be considered the normal thing to do.

“

information found at www.guttmacher.org & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

in.depth Senior Becca Kramer stands showing her choice between abstinence and being sexually active. Kramer now has a purity ring. (stephanie graflage)

Silver ring fits around life beliefs allison.sheffler

T

hree years ago, senior Becca Kramer made a promise. A promise to herself, to her family, but most importantly: a promise to God. The promise is visible to anyone who looks at her ring finger on her left hand. The promise may not look like much, a silver ring with doves on it, but to her it’s a promise that she’ll never break.

At the end of freshman year, Becca received a purity ring from her mother. For Becca, it was a personal decision to make the commitment.

Her mother, Michelle Kohler, simply got her the ring so the promise was known to others.

“I believe my body is my temple,” Becca said. “And I should keep it pure until marriage.”

A half a year after the promise was made, Becca met her boyfriend.

Since they went to the same church, their morals were the practically the same when it came to sex before marriage.

Even though it seemed like all around her teenagers were talking about sex with their significant other, things were different for Becca and her boyfriend, Joel Saindon.

“I’m not under pressure to have sex with him,” Becca said. “Other people might be doing it but I feel

like I’m the only one making a statement.”

When it comes to having sex, Becca believes in keeping her body pure but Saindon has his own thoughts on sex before getting married.

“It’s something you look forward to,” Saindon said. “It’s something a married couple should be doing not teenagers.”

Since her mom got her the ring, it was obvious she was behind Becca’s decision. But Michelle isn’t the only one standing behind her daughter’s promise.

Her step father, Ken Kohler, and little sister, Rachel Kramer, are also supporting Becca’s choice. Ken is “extremely proud” of Becca for taking it on herself and making the commitment.

“I definitely admire her for having the ring,” Rachel said. “It takes a lot of responsibility to do something like that..to be different than everyone else.”

Although Becca’s decision was one she made on her own, she isn’t afraid to show off her ring to others.

She also isn’t afraid to explaining the meaning and promise behind the little silver band.

“This is an outward symbol for others to see,” Becca said. “It’s a reminder to me and to others. But

honestly, I don’t need the ring to keep the commitment.”

Becca’s ring has been sitting on her finger for three years. In all of those three years, only one person has ever brought it to her attention.

“He said ‘Is that to keep you out of trouble?’ and then he laughed,” Becca said. “He thought it was funny but all I could do was forget it.

There’s always going to be that one person..”

Even though Becca has a purity ring and Rachel plans on getting one, their mother still offers them advice when it comes to sex before marriage.

“Teenagers think they’re ready,” Michelle said. “But the honest to God truth is that they aren’t.”

Her mother offers advice to them while Becca offers advice to teens who are having sex.

“Make sure you’re emotionally ready,” Becca said. “There’s consequences to every action and you have to be ready for those.”

Three years ago, Becca made a promise. A promise to herself, her family, but most importantly to God. “I’ve never ever been embarrassed about having it,” Becca said.

“That guy might of made fun of me but no, I’ve never been embarrassed to make a commitment for what I believe in.”

page design by rachel.hunt

21

Q

A

Six FHN students share views, beliefs about choices in teen lives as told to logan.ponche

1.) What do you think about PDA in the hallways now? Has it gotten worse or better?

&

“I don’t think it [PDA] has gotten any worse or better. When I was a freshman, it was a shock to see how open people were about that, but you learn to block it out,” junior Emily Wilkins said.

2.) Do you think PDA relates to teenagers being sexual active?

“Not really. I think kids who have sex hide it; PDA is a totally different thing. So I don’t think there’s a connection there,” Wilkins said.

3.) Do you think its OK for kids to have sex if they’re in a committed relationship?

“I wouldn’t encourage it, but I wouldn’t like stop talking to that person [in the relationship],” freshman Maddie Eifert said.

4.) How much of a say should the parents have in their kids sexual activity?

“I don’t think there’s any way to stop the problem. [Parents] can tell [teens] their morals, but I don’t think they can help it. They can at least promote safe sex,” senior Kyle Harman said.

5.) Is society more accepting of teen pregnancies now?

“I know that in Denmark we don’t have that many teen pregnancies. We’re very open about sex - safe sex. They teach us [about it] already in fourth grade and in eighth grade they hand out condoms in the classrooms. In eighth grade you can go up to the school nurse and get condoms for free,” junior Noah Sturis said.

22 page design by rachel.hunt

6.) How are girls who are pregnant treated by the public?

“I think they’re looked down upon.

They’re automatically stereotyped as promiscuous. I think that’s a bad thing because you don’t know people’s stories. You don’t know their situation,” sophomore Nicole Yuede said.

7.) How are the guys who get the girls pregnant treated by the public?

“I think that if a girl gets pregnant, she is considered a bad person. But guys are kind of seen as legends. There is definitely a double standard there. Like if a girl goes out and kisses two guys in one week, she is considered a slut.

But if a guy goes out and does the same thing, he is like a hero to his friends,” freshman Grace Donaldson said.

8.) Do you think our schools are effective in teaching kids about sex?

“I don’t like how our schools are like ‘You can have sex. Use a condom.’

It’s like telling us that you can have sex as long as you use a condom,” sophomore Megan Frkovic said.

“I think it’s the same thing as the whole drinking thing. If you restrict drinking to a certain age, kids are still going to drink, but in Denmark [kids drink] at a younger age and they are a lot safer. If it [sex] is going to happen then at least be prepared,” Sturis said.

9.) What would you say to kids who are worried about pregnancy?

“If you don’t want a baby, then don’t make a baby. If you have sex then there’s always a chance that that can happen,” Donaldson said.

in.depth

Advice, support, counseling given to teens chelsey.damalas

60

29th Missouri (14.95)

40 20 0

Arkansas (93)

North Carolina (95)

Georgia (95)

California (96)

Florida (97)

Texas (101)

80

New Mexico (103)

100

Nevada (113)

number of teen pregnancies (thousand/yr)

120

Mississippi (103)

Top 10 States (and Missouri): Highest Teen Pregnancy Rates of the U.S. Arizona (104)

C

hoices. Responsibility. Sex. Those three words are only some of the pressures that teens are faced with today. From the media to other classmates, the choices that teens make are reflected by the pressures they are faced with.

“Teens are struggling to find their own identity,” crisis counselor Debbie Mason said. “They are trying to just belong to the group.”

From the pressures of teens wanting to fit in, the chance of sexual activity increases. 29% of teens ages 15-17 feel pressured to have sex, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

“People see other people using drugs and alcohol and having sex, so people feel obligated to do them too,” sophomore Summer Pauley said.

North provides programs for students in freshmen health classes and an 11th grade program to educate and inform them on the possible outcomes of becoming sexually active.

“Teens need to make decisions that they are prepared to live with for the rest of their lives.” health teacher Jenelle Lewis said.

Teens now are becoming more educated on the risks that they are taking when they do become sexual with someone. From not using protection and having a higher chance of getting pregnant, to also spreading of diseases, North provides support.

“I recommend professional and parental help,” Mason said. “And show the student that they have a lot of options that they can look at, from adoption, abortion, and homes to stay while carrying the baby.”

The pressure of using drugs and alcohol, could lead teens to make unclear decisions. According to CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Summary , 51% of teens were under the influence while being sexually active. Again North provides comfort on how to say no and make smart decisions.

“Your virginity is an emotional and physical gift that you shouldn’t use loosely before you are ready,” Mason said. “You need to think about when,

states information found at www.guttmacher.org & www.womensissues.about.com

who and where.”

According to Mason, not only are teens thinking that being sexual is the way to fit in the crowd, but according to independent researcher in social demography, Jacqueline Darroch , 74% of teen girls that are in a relationship with an older partner, will more likely become sexual.

“I believe that girls get used,” Mason said. “Most teens think that oral sex isn’t sex, but it is still sexual behavior. But it still needs to be a mutual decision and in some cases it is not.”

If teens are going to be sexually active, they should be aware of the outcomes that could happen. From the pressures of the people around them, their decisions could change under the thoughts of someone besides their own.

“I just hope that people don’t regret what they are doing because a lot of the times they do,” Pauley said. “It is something special and that shouldn’t be wasted.”

page design by rachel.hunt

23

Koeneman approaches age of own mother’s teen pregnancy abbey.grone

A

Freshman, Kayla Koeneman sits with her mother, Corrie Koeneman on a wall of a fountain off MidRivers Mall Dr. As well as Kayla, Corrie attended Francis Howell North for two years. (crystal friedman)

ugust 14, 1994. 3:52 a.m. The nine-month wait is over. At just 17 years old Corrie Koeneman looks down at her very first newborn in her arms. Now, 33 years old with a 15-year-old daughter, Corrie hopes that her decisions give her daughter, freshman Kayla Koeneman, the opportunity to make the right choice when it comes time to make the decision to have sex at such a young age.

“I think she [Kayla] knows everything that I went through [as a pregnant teenager] and will use that to make better decisions,” Corrie said.

At 16, most girls are worried about driving, boyfriends, and homework. Corrie’s biggest worries at 16 were getting to her doctors appointments on time, making sure she stayed healthy, and seeing people around town she knew. Running errands was her biggest problem with being pregnant along with seeing all of the people that would no longer claim to be friends with her.

“The hardest part of being pregnant at such a young age was being known as the pregnant girl,” Corrie said. “I mean just seeing people from school at the gas station or the mall

and knowing none of them wanted to hang out with me because I had a child in my stomach. It was just hard.”

Corrie originally attended Francis Howell North but during her sophomore year a death in the family occurred. Corrie’s father passed away. She then made the decision to start attending home school. Soon after her father’s death and starting at the home school is when the pregnancy happened. Even after her father passed away Corrie was up for the challenge of keeping the baby.

She knew her fathers morals and knew this was the way to go.

“There wasn’t a choice of abortion or adoption,” Corrie said, “The family I was raised in didn’t believe in abortion and I knew I couldn’t have the baby and give it up for adoption, it would kill me.”

Having such a young mother didn’t hit Kayla until just this year when she entered high school. Knowing people just two years older than her now, she realized how young her mother actually was.

“I started talking to people that are 17 and I’m just like ‘Wow. My mom was their age when she had me,’” Kayla said.

Along with a personal view, Kayla

Know the numbers, facts of teen pregnancy 1.

In 2006, the national teen pregnancy rate increased 3%.

Before the age of 20 at least 3 out of 10 girls in the U.S. get pregnant each year, amounting to 745,000 teen pregnancies each year. .

Two-thirds of teen pregnancies occur among 18 and 19 year old teens.

5.

6.

2.

3.

4.

Nearly 50% of teens have never considered how pregnancy could influence their lives.

Children of teen mothers are 2 times more likely to receive abuse and neglect. They are also more likely to be born prematurely and with low birth weight.

7.

The U.S. has the highest teen pregnancy rate in the industrialized world.

A teen mother’s daughter is 3 times as likely to become a teen mother as well.

8.

Children of teen pregnancies are 50% more likely to repeat a grade in school and have lower standardized testing performance.

information found at www.stayteen.org & www.usatoday.com

24 page design by rachel.hunt & abbey grone

in.depth

knows and experiences the outcomes of teenage pregnancy and does not believe in sex before marriage.

Considering her mother’s decision to keep her, she knows the decision of keeping a baby at her age would be hers.

“I don’t believe in sex before marriage,” Kayla said. “But if I did get pregnant [as a teen] I wouldn’t feel stuck with the baby because I know it’s my fault and I would have the decision [to keep the baby or not] to make by myself.”

Corrie hopes Kayla will take all the good from the experience and continue to make the right decision when it comes the time to decide to have sex before marriage “I think because I’m so open with her and try to show her to make the right decisions,” Corrie said. “She has more self confidence and makes better choices than I did.”

Kayla Koeneman and her mother, Corrie attend a field trip to the pumpkin patch when Kayla was 5 years old. (submitted photo)

Corrie and her daughter sit on a rock and laugh as they talk. (crystal friedman)

At about 2 years old Kayla and her mother sit on a bed in their old home. (Submitted photo)

The Koenemans stand and give each other a hug by the lake off of Mid-Rivers Mall Drive. (crystal friedman)

Kayla and her mother, Corrie, lean back to back to show how they rely on each other for support. (crystal friedman)

page design by rachel.hunt & abbey.grone

25

Anderson accepts responsibilities of teen pregnancy heather.o’donnell

F

Ashley Anderson stands with her fiance. (nicole thompson)

26 page design by rachel.hunt

acebook or Myspace? The movies or the mall? Hollister or Hot Topic? Many teens spend a lot of time thinking about and making these choices.

Throughout high school, teenagers are faced with many different decisions, some more difficult than others. While almost every teenager asks themselves where they should go to eat with their friends after homecoming or what their Friday night plans are only a few of them have to ask themselves what they will do with the child they just conceived. Francis Howell North senior Ashly Anderson is one of these girls.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approximately 750,000 teenagers become pregnant every year; 57% end in birth, 29% end from abortion and 14% end in miscarriage. Statistically, teen parents are more likely to end up poor or on welfare, have fewer educational opportunities, and have reduced job prospects and likely lower wages. Teen mothers are more likely to have babies that are born too small or die early in life, grow up in homes with low emotional support, or don’t earn high school diplomas. These obstacles can be overcome with support from family and proper resources to raise the child.

Anderson knew from the beginning that she wanted to keep her child since she didn’t believe in adoption or abortion. She has been engaged to the father, FHN graduate Justin Benner, since April 5, 2009.

They didn’t plan to have a baby so soon after becoming engaged,

but most teen pregnancies are not planned. “[I was] shocked at first,” Anderson said. “After the first couple of days I was excited though.”

Even though she feels the pregnancy has been fairly easy physically, she still has to deal with the typical symptoms such as morning sickness and late night food cravings.

Both Benner and Anderson are committed to accept the responsibilities that come with having the child, which is due on Valentines Day. “I’ll be working 50 or more hours a week at Culver’s.” Benner said. Anderson is also planning on getting a job when she graduates high school and attending college. She receives support from her mother and the couple is currently living in his grandmother’s house.

Also to help in dealing with the issues that come with pregnancy, Anderson attends the teen parent support group at FHN. The group is for girls that are mothers or have become pregnant to discuss their problems and experiences. Debbie Mason, the Crisis Counselor of 22 years, runs the group.

“I would say it’s [the teen pregnancy rate] decreased from where it was about 10 years ago.” Mason said.

She talks to about 10 to 12 girls a year but currently there are only seven girls in the group.

Some of the most life altering choices that an individual will make can be made as a teen. Most teenagers give a lot of thought to decisions such as which college they should attend, if they’re better off going into the work force, or if they should join the military. However, other significant decisions will usually be made in the spur of the moment, often without considering the consequences. Whether it be getting in the car with someone that’s been drinking, accepting that first smoke or toke, or engaging in sexual activities. These are choices that teens face every day.

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Students and parents cheer at the pink ribbon game to support the cause.

“Everyone was there cheering. We were all there and united as one.” senior Tyler Laramie said. (crystal friedman)

Maggie Jasper and Amanda Pirrone perform with Knightline during the half time for the basketball game. “I think it went well, there was some little mess ups but we got a lot of good feedback,” Jasper said. (crystal friedman)

Pink Ribbon Basketball Game

Senior Stephanie Agre takes the ball down the court. The game was played against Saint Charles High. Agre’s favorite part was being able to honor her mother who has survived breast cancer. “It [was] just a really special night and to win the game made everything sweeter,” Agre said. (crystal friedman)

Senior Dianna Prost pushes through a Saint Charles High player to bring the ball down the court. (crystal friedman) Junior Alysse Chowning and senior Monica Martinez cheer at the pink ribbon basketball game along with the other varsity cheerleaders.

Chowning is looking forward to the pink ribbon game next year. (crystal friedman)

28 page design by jacqueline.sage & stevie.johnson

Fiona Brooks’ favorite part of the game was when the basketball players gave coach Hahn a gift for starting the Pink Ribbon basketball game. The gift was a pink basketball with all the players’ names on it. (crystal friedman)

Coach Dawn Hahn talks to the varsity girls basketball team. Hahn was pleased by the turnout of the crowd.

“The turn out of the fans was awesome.

I don’t think I have seen that many fans before and the crowd was really into the game,” Hahn said.” (crystal friedman)

Coach Hahn stands with the back of her pink ribbon shirt.

The pink ribbon game turned out very well.

They raised over $600.

They still have more money coming in from the boosters. (crystal friedman)

Sophomore Katie Stepanek dances during half time.

Stepanek has been on varsity knightline for two years.

Stepanek is glad that all the money they raised went to a good cause. (crystal friedman) page design by jacqueline.sage & stevie.johnson

29

life.style

Senior Lauren Viehmann dribbiles down the court. She thought the pink ribbon game was really fun and is looking forward to the rest of the season. “I’m looking forward to finish out my senior year strong and play with everything I have, it will be the last time I have to.” (crystal friedman)

Senior, Agre shoots for 1,000 career points By seasons end, Stephanie Agre could have four Howell North records on her hands

logan.ponche

“

Stephanie’s Statistics

Here is a glimpse of Stephanie’s statistics from her career.

GP

PPG

PTS

FLS

RBS

2006-07: 25

7.0

175

78

179

2007-08: 25

8.8

221

74

139

2008-09: 25

13.0

324

78

146

30 page design by taylor.berra

She’s too big!”

“She’s too aggressive!”

“She’s gonna hurt somebody!”

Senior Stephanie Agre was not a popular player when she first signed up for basketball. Stephanie, who was a head taller than all of her fourth-grade teammates in the YMCA basketball league, always drew criticism from opposing team parents for her play. From early on she dominated the court, scoring up to 20 points a game. According to Stephanie’s mom Joy Agre, it was common for Stephanie to miss a shot during play, get the rebound off that same shot, and still score.

“In fourth grade [Stephanie] became so aggressive when she played,” Joy said. “Not bad, just hard play. She was bigger and would go for the ball and parents would yell on the sidelines about her.”

Eventually her play drew so many complaints that she was kicked out of the YMCA basketball league.

“Basically the YMCA director came up and told us that I was too aggressive and to go to club,” Stephanie said. “So I went to the AAU [Amateur Athletic Union] and have been playing there since.”

Stephanie’s play hasn’t changed much since fourth grade. She’s still dominating on the court, but this time she’s not getting kicked out of her league because of it. Stephanie has spent her four years at North leading the Knights at both forward and center, and she still hasn’t stopped scoring in that time. Now in her senior year, she is going for 1,000 career points; a feat achieved only twice in North history.

The 6’1’’ senior is no stranger to setting records. She has already set two in her high school career, one in blocked shots (159) and another in free-throws made (291); and she is 2 rebounds away as of press time from the all-time rebounds record (621) set

by Ashley Wiedner, a 2006 gradu-

ate. Stephanie says she usually doesn’t think about records while she’s playing. She finds out about them only when she gets her yearly stat packet at banquets.

But the 1,000 point mark, she’s thought about that one before.

“I think that [getting] 1,000 points says a lot about me as a player,” said Stephanie. “Like ‘Hey, I can score.’

It’s prestigious.”

Stephanie has scored more than 250 points to date this season, putting her less than 40 away from the mark.

However, finding the net has become harder for her lately as she is drawing more attention from other teams defenses.

“What’s causing her the most trouble right now is [that] every time she touches the ball, she getting double and triple teamed,” Head coach Dawn Hahn said. “Other opponents know who they have to guard in order to beat us.”

Having that knowledge was still not enough for St. Charles West on Jan. 26. That night Stephanie scored 29 points and grabbed 18 rebounds from the Warriors in a 59-38 win, tying the individual single game points record for North.

“At one point in the game Stephanie was out scoring the other team, “ junior Brooke Oostendorp said. “She was carrying the team for us. You could tell she was in the zone. We had just came off a tough loss and she was ready for the game.”

If Stephanie keeps pace she thinks she should break 1,000 within the next three games. When she breaks the mark, play will stop and her accomplishment will be announced to the crowd. But until then, according to Stephanie’s mom, that is the last thing either of them talk about come game day.

“Actually I’m trying not to mention it before [Stephanie] goes to play,” Joy said. “I have a tally sheet on my computer at home, and after her games are over I let her know how

Listed here are statistics that Coach Hahn has kept while she has been at North.

Most Free Throws 303 Stephanie Agre 181 Ashley Wiedner 149 Ashton Whitehurst

Most Rebounds Current 2006 2008

Most Points 1265 Ashley Wiedner 977 Stephanie Agre 679 Ashton Whitehurst

play.hard

Overall Career Statistics

621 Ashley Wiedner 619 Stephanie Agre 355 Laura Gomski

2006 Current 2005

Most Blocked Shots 2006 Current 2008

163 Stephanie Agre 75 Ashley Wiedner 40 Lauren Viehmann

Current 2006 Current

photos by fareeha.amir

close she is.”

For Stephanie, the team and season always take priority over individual records. In her past three seasons on varsity, the lady Knights haven’t finished with a winning record or won a conference or district championship.

This season, however, seems to be promising for change as the girls currently have a 11-8 record. This season is especially important for Stephanie because it’s her last chance to play with her friends before leaving for college.

“Yea this has definitely been the best year for this team,” Stephanie said. “We’re all best friends and being on the court together, you know we’re going to have each others backs. For me, I know that I never could have accomplished anything without them.”

An aspiring pre-med major, Stephanie has been contacted by more than 60 schools for basketball. Currently she is considering University of Massachusetts Boston, University of Mary Washington, Austin College and Truman State University. She is not considering telling any of the coaches about her records or the 1,000 points.

“Some people could be like ‘yea I want this [1,000 points], this could be a big seller for me’,” Stephanie said.

“But I thought that if they want me before, they’ll want me now.”

With 1,000 points on the way, there is still one category left blank on the list of Stephanie’s achievements at North; a district championship. With a strong team this season, chances have never seemed better for this to happen. For Stephanie, this is the one thing says she would give anything to accomplish.

“I’d rather have a district championship any day over 1,000 points,” Stephanie said. “My team matters way more to me than any statistic ever will.” page design by taylor.berra

31

Swimmers work to perfect techniques olivia.ong

Junior Jason Shell attempts to pin a Howell wrestler at the Jan. 6 meet at North. Shell has been wrestling for 13 years, his dad got him into it and Shell has kept with it ever since. Both of Shell’s brothers Jeff and Jeremy also wrestle for the varsity team. (jacqeline sage)

GAC’s successful for Knights chelsey.damalas

Despite dealing with injuries and various other setbacks, the varsity wrestling team has still managed to do well so far this season. Perhaps one of their highest points so far this season was during GAC’s on Jan. 9th as the team as a whole was able to pull together for a slew of big wins at the tournament.

“I think our biggest accomplishment is probably when we had eight people medal at the GAC’s,” senior Zack Kneemiller said. “We haven’t had that many people medal in a tournament all year.”

The team struggled earlier this season when senior Jeff Shell became unable to wrestle due to an injury.

According to varsity coach Harold Ritchie, senior Brenton Harms was one of the ones able to step up and make some impressive improvements, giving the team the extra boost it needed to perform well without Shell.

“There [have] been some real bright spots so far this season,” Ritchie said. “Doing without Jeff, the team

32 page design by logan.ponche

has been through an up and down struggle.”

Harms’ improvement not only helped the team perform well, but it also put him in the State’s top-ten wrestlers in his weight class.

“I just knew that this was my last chance,” Harms said. “A lot of my hardest competitors from last year graduated, so now I just have to go out there and do good [at districts]. Plus the pressure is really on every person, for all of us to go out there and try to succeed.”

As the season is winding down, Ritchie is wanting as many people as possible to make it to Districts. The ultimate goal, however, is to improve from last years total of seven wrestlers making it to State.

“I want to get as many to State,” Ritchie said. “Last year seven went and we had two state medalists. It would be great if we could have those numbers increase and get more of the guys out there.”

fhn

today com

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

With the girls swim season coming to an end, the girls are working hard as GAC’s, their biggest tournament of the year, takes place on Feb. 7-9.

“Well, GAC’s is basically the last meet of the year, the [culnination] of the entire season,” Head coach William Crow said. “There are 11 other teams competing with each other for a championship.”

Because the meet is fast approaching, Crow is working with the girls to perfect their technique and cut their times as much as possible.

“Every time they swim, we evaluate their kicking, body positions, starts and stuff like that,” Crow said. “So then when we figure out what’s wrong, we try to help them get better at what they’re doing wrong.”

Among the 11 members to the team is senior Jacki Wolf. Although she has no prior experience at a GAC swim meet, she realizes the potential the team has to do well.

“We have an awesome group of people in the the team and I think that we’ll do pretty well in the GAC’s,” Wolf said. updates about the girls swimfhn Tominggetseason, be sure to check out

winter sports: what’s in

your bag?

Kelsey Roberts 12 Spikes, uniform, warm ups, a tube of Icy Hot, Under Armor, pre wrap and always some kind of food. Every year I’ll find a rotten banana in there.

Ryan Gannon 11- Jock, shin guards, socks, golf balls and tennis balls; I use those to help with stick handling. Wax for my sticks, and 2 pair of skates in case one breaks.

Kelsey Heib 12- Ankle braces, pink shoe laces, 8 old water bottles and practice clothes. I had the shoe laces for the pink ribbon game, the whole team wore them.

Harold Ritchie 11- 2 pairs of wrestling shoes, head gear, an extra set of clothes and sometimes food.

Lauren Kopf 10- Shoes, deoderant, socks, and jerky. I always get hungry after games.

today FHNtoday.com. com

Challange Cup provides final test zach.meier

The varsity hockey team is heading into the Challenge Cup, which is their last tournament of the year, with high expectations due to their regular season success. The tournament will start the second week of February.

“I expect it to be really hard since there are going to be a lot of good teams there,” sophmore Daniel Rosse said. “But I expect us to do well if we play well.”

Overall, the team is 10-6-3 with key wins against Fort Zumwalt South, Wentzville Holt, and Duchesne; but perhaps their biggest win of the season was agaisnt Howell Central.

“The most memorable part of the season was beating Central because they are top five in the state and they are our rivals,” Ortscheid said.

Senior Robby Friedlein blocks a incoming shot from a Howell opponent on Senior Night. North scored in the first few minutes, but the game ended with a 4-4 tie. (nicole thompson)

With a winning season behind them, the hockey team is ready to continue working hard so that they finish their season at the Challenge Cup on a winning note.

“This season we have played really good, but I think we need to work even harder to prepare for what’s ahead,” junior Trey Davenport said.

abbey.grone

Oct. 23, 2009: the break of his fibula. Jan. 20, 2010: he’s back in the game. Nine weeks of hobbling through the halls on crutches and four weeks of waiting to officially start his season, FHN’s quarterback, senior Jake Schneider, is now back in the game; however, this season he is trading the field for a court. He is starting his second year of varsity basketball, just in time for Districts.

“I’m excited,” Schneider said. “I get to play basketball again. The only thing that’s different is I’m starting a little bit later and that’s about it.”

Though Schneider will not be orchestrating the team’s offense as he does in football, he will try to contribute in other ways according to junior Andrew Richart, such as keeping the attitude of the team positive.

“I think its good he’s back,” Richart said, “He’s got a good attitude. I hope he didn’t come back to early and screw himself over.”

With districts coming up the second week of February, varsity coach Bill Moyer is planning extra preparation for the tournament, not only with Schneider but the team as a whole.

“We’ll be working on a lot of defense and rebounding,” Moyer said. “They work hard, they play well in spurts but they need to become

&A

with freshman Alexis Christo

Alexis Christo is a freshman girl on the varsity swim team.

Already she has some of the fastest swim times on the team.

Senior Stefen Whitehurst passes the ball to his team mate senior Wesley Simone. The varsity boys basketball team won 56-50 against the St. Charles Pirates. (nicole thompson)

more consistent and play better during crunch time.”

The boys are 8-7 now and hoping to improve that record, but their main priority is districts.

“Hopefully we’ll come out as one of the top teams in conference,” senior Nick DiMarco said. “So far this season we’ve been pretty good and I’m hoping

we’ll be in the top three.”

Though the Knights record has almost equal wins and losses, some of the boys hope to change how they play during districts.

“The season was average,” Schneider said. “In districts I don’t expect us to win every game but to play a little bit better than we have been playing.”

Kiddie Clinic provides young girls opportunities sidney.shelton

Seniors Maggie Kube and Brooke Johnson demonstrate a cheer to the participants of the Kiddie Clinic, which took place on Jan 23. (emily forst)

Q

play.hard

Schneider returns to improving team

More than 40 girls and boys sit in a circle stretching.”1,2,3,4,5,6” one of the cheerleaders yells. “I can’t hear you guys, what is this? Ready! 1,2,3!”

They all get a little louder.

On Jan. 23, freshmen, JV, and varsity cheerleaders all came together to teach young girls cheerleading. “[My favorite part was] playing around with the girls and just making them have fun,” varsity cheer captain Monica Martinez said. “They’re really excited about being here and we’re excited to be here too.”

The children were broken into three groups, kindergarten through second grade, third grade through fifth grade, and then a group of eighth graders. Once they were broken into their groups, the cheerleaders taught them different cheers including

“Reaching Out for Number One,” “Jump Shake Your Booty,” and “Jump, Jump, Get It, Get, It.” “[The cheers are just] traditional cheers, ones we can teach the girls and crowd participant cheers,” varsity head coach T’Neisha Harris said.

The clinic lasted from 9-11:30 a.m. and in addition to cheers, the participants learned a dance routine to Ke$ha’s song “Tik-Tok.” “[I think the kids enjoyed] the dance routine because they got to mix fun and skill together with music,” Assistant coach Karla Harland said.

The participants of the clinic put all the skills they learned together at the varsity basketball game on Jan. 29 when they performed their dance routine with the cheerleading squads.

“I think they did a good job,” freshmen Jamie Ferkela said, “They learned it really quickly.”

as told to allison.sheffler

NS: How long have you been swimming?

AC: Eight years competitively.

NS: What made you join the swimming team?

AC: I wanted to join a different sport and my mom wanted me to.

NS: Why do you like swimming better than any other sport?

AC: Because you’re always meeting new people and your competing against yourself and not just other people.

NS: Is high school swimming what you would thought it would be? If not, what’s different about it?

AC: It’s not what I thought it would be, it’s a lot more fun and you meet a lot of people.

NS: How do you feel about being the fastest swimmer on the team as a freshman?

AC: It feels pretty good; it’s an accomplishment being the fastest. It’s good to know all my hard work has finally paid off.

NS: What is your PR [personal record] this year?

AC: 1:07 in backstroke.

NS: What goals you have in mind for this year?

AC: [To do] well at GACS and hopefully making it to State.

NS: What helped you become successful this year?

AC: Practicing hard and keeping my mind on my goals.

33

page design by logan.ponche

Senior Diana Prost and Senior Stephanie Agre fight for the ball with their opponent. The varsity girls basketball lost the game against St. Dominic Thursday Jan. 21. (sam hurrell)

Varsity Knightline performs at a home game against Howell Central on Jan. 15. Their original dance was choreographed by seniors Rachel Hunt, Lauren Buxton, and Deidre Meyer. (Lydia Ness)

Knightline prepares to win State routine. The kick routine placed third at the Lindbergh competition that Knightline attended in December.

“I am really confident with our kick routine because we already performed with it before,” sophomore Amanda Carlson said. “I think we’ll do really good as long as we try our very hardest.”

In this year’s kick routine, the girls will dress in skirts and wear bright makeup as they dance and move like dolls to the song, “Dollhouse,” by Priscilla Renea.

“I like kick because it’s so unique,” coach Kelly Pierce said, “And our jazz is such a high energy dance.”

Knightline is putting forth a lot

nicole.clouse

With high hopes of placing at their State competition this year, Knightline has developed new routines for the competition which takes place Feb. 27 at Lee Summit West High School.

Because the team did not place at State last year, this only adds to the girls determination to place this year.

“I think our team will do very well,” sophomore Sarah Cole said. “I think we have good routines and I look forward to placing this year.”

Last year Knightline took a hiphop and a jazz routine to compete with at State. This year they will be taking a brand new jazz routine and a kick

of effort to improve their technique before the ever nearing State competition. Leading up to it, Knightline will attend practices twice daily instead of their normal practices every Tuesday and Thursday.

“We practice a lot and have dress rehearsals,” Cole said. “Rehearsals are difficult and they are exhausting.”

Despite the hard work ahead of them, Knightline knows that State is the last time to showcase their skills this year and they are prepared to do their best.

“State is like our final performance together,” Pierce said. “It really shows how the girls have improved throughout the year.”

get to know

your athletes

Morgan Robben, 9

KNIGHTLINE

who inspired you to play

Daniel Rosse, 10 HOCKEY

Ariana Pagan, 10

CHEERLEADING

Dan McGraw, 11

BASKETBALL

Catie Blake

Wayne Gretzsky

what’s your lucky number

96

7

what do you eat before a game

Chips

Italian food

Mostly chips

Random stuff

Pink and stuff

Lots of candy

Chocolate and candy hearts

Pretty much the candy

favorite thing about Valentines Day

My sister

13

Really no one

55

Girls basketball team shoots for districts lizzie.johnson

For roughly the first time in four years, Lady Knight's basketball has never had quite as much success as they have had this year. With a standing record of 11-7, the girls have their sights aimed high at a district championship.

"To win districts and go as far as we can go [is our main goal]," senior Dianna Prost said. "We have the potential to go further than any other team in coach Hahn's history."

In addition to the six plus years of experience the seniors of the team have playing with one another, the entire team has put in hours upon hours of practice in preparation for a winning season.

"We have all worked together to make each other better," senior Lauren Viehmann said. "We have really been putting forth our best efforts so that we can be the best we can be."

In addition to the multitude of practices, Hahn realizes it will take more than just skill to accomplish their goals; she believes it will also require a great deal of dedication and heart.

"Just reminding them at how talented they are and making sure they believe is the number one motivating factor," Hahn said. "The group I have this year is very passionate about being successful. They take pride in walking off the floor in a win." out scores and pictures fhn Tofromcheck the basketball team, go to

today FHNtoday.com. com

34 page design by chelsey.damalas

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Answer: C

A Different Challenge Photos by Lydia Ness Adrenaline rushing, every muscle in your body pulling your own weight, finally reaching for that top point is what junior Abby Oleshchuk experiences when she rock climbs.

Oleshchuk smiles at the climbers at Upper Limits where she rock climbs frequently. She first started rock climbing when she was in sixth grade and took classes at the Rec Plex where they helped her to get where she is today. She now climbs at Upper Limits where they have 35 ft. walls and a bridge where experienced climbers can challenge themselves by climbing upside down.

Oleshchuk ties a figure eight knot that helps ensure a safe rope for when a climber has a belayer. A belayer is the climber’s partner that helps to distribute the weight of the climber, instead of having an auto belayer where there is no partner and the rope is automatic. When Oleshchuk has a belayer, it’s usually her dad. They go rock climbing a couple of times a month and really enjoy spending the time together. “I really like rock climbing with my dad and we work well as a team and I get to spend more time with him,” said Oleshchuk.

36 page design by lydia.ness

Oleshchuk climbs a wall where she follows a certain path that is highlighted by a color. By doing this, she is making her climb more challenging. These paths are changed every month which makes every climb different and more difficult. This is what she most likes about rock climbing, she never climbs the same path twice which creates a more intense climb.

Oleshchuk hooks on her auto belayer to start her climb. She prefers having a partner because with an auto belay it feels like she is having to pull of her weight then when she has a belayer.

Concentrating on her climb, Oleshchuk nears the top of the wall to finish her climb. She got into climbing when talking to her parents and them telling her how fun it was.

photo Oleshchuk descends from the top of the wall after climbing a path.

She prefers Upper Limits Gym because of it’s more challenging climbs and it is more of a real rock climbing gym.

Beginning her climb, Oleshchuk holds on to her first rocks. When she climbs, she is completely focused. “[Rock climbing] is an adrenaline rush, you forget everything and just focus on it.”

Oleshchuk decides which rock she is going to use next to help her get to the top. She feels that making it to the top is the most rewarding part of climbing. “I definitely enjoy the thrill of making it to the top,” said Oleshchuck.

Completing her climb, Oleshchuk makes it to the bottom and squats down to regain her balance.

The hardest part of climbing for her is physical ability it takes and the requirement of endurance it takes for her arms. A lot of her weight is being lifted by her arms and takes a lot of arm muscle to complete this task. page design by lydia.ness

37

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Photos

Yearbook

Take a look at the photos that are updated each week

Purchase your 09-10 yearbook on our online store for $65

Cartoons

Video

Each month, watch Julia Gabbert’s viedos as she gives up something new

Check out RJ Howes’ weekly cartoons for some great laughs

Sport scores Today’s Yesterday’s

Check out the online store for all items north related like T-shirts, drawstring bags, flash drives and yearbooks.

Take a look at the home page for the daily updated scores of these winter sports: Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Wrestling Girls swimmming The sports that are covered will change accordingly

Knightlife

Soundslides

Check out the podcast Friday for information on the Ice festivals, Travis Home as well as the regular sport segment, and in the commons.

Go to our multimedia tab to see Crystal Friedman’s soundslide about Frau Fest along wiht several other soundslides of different events and activities here at North.

College

Stories View the home page for stories that are updated daily. The stories cover clubs, special events and everything else that happens at North.

40 page design by mallory.mueller

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Stressing about college? For information to relieve the stress check out the new college tab.

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Advertise with North Publications. We have three award winning areas for advertisement The North Star Magazine, Excalibur Yearbook, and FHNtoday.com Web site For more information contact Allison Sheffler

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ENTERTAINMENT

speak.out

photos from NBC

UP&COMING

...to a theater near you FEB. 5

“Dear John” preview by barb.jean.palmer

“Dear John” is a phenomenal book written by Nicholas Sparks, and it is now being aired with Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried who fall in love in the movie. Savannah is in college and John is a soldier on leave.

Separated by John’s deployment, they stay in touch for seven years through love letters. This movie is sure to touch the heart of every viewer.

PG-13 FEB. 5

“From Paris with love”

Community: SEASON ONE danielle.yuede

Lately I have become more and more like a couch potato, spending my nights hooked on phenomenal shows like “The Office,” “Chuck” and “30 Rock.” I’m hooked because for the 30 minute block, I just can’t stop laughing. Though recently I have added more alone time with my AT&T U-verse to watch a new favorite of mine, NBC’s “Community.”

Every Thursday night at 6:59 p.m.

I get settled onto my couch and prepare for the ab workout I will receive

from laughing until I cry. The show has a funny, quirky feel with a cast list that is sure to deliver laughs.

The show features Joel McHale from the E!’s “The Soup”. McHale plays Jeff Winger, a lawyer who has to go back to community college after his degree is found to be fake. Winger and his community college friends, who have plenty of issues, form a study group and get into weird, hilarious situations. They encounter everything from the school bully to a crazy classmate looking to join their tight knit study group.

MUSIC: Ok Go kelsey.bell

Ok Go’s new CD, “Of the Blue Colour of the Sky”, released on Jan. 12 and is definitely worth giving a listen to. The band is most recognizable for their out-there fashion sense, creative music videos, and upbeat catchy dance tunes.

They succeeded in bringing their originality into this new album so it definitely doesn’t disappoint. “Of

the Blue Colour of the Sky” stays true to Ok Go’s diverse sound, naturally giving listeners something unique on every track.

With soft yet exciting overall sound, it still manages to keep the listener entertained throughout the whole CD. This is due to the fact that each and every track can be interpereted and related to in a different way.

The moods range from the optimism found in the song “This too shall

Not only does “Community” have an excellent cast and story line but it is one of those shows that requires no effort to catch up with the series. It’s a breeze for new viewers to join the countless millions plopped on their couches every Thursday night.

If it isn’t the ab building laughs, great cast chemistry or outrageous situations that has you hooked yet, then I suggest you should go online to check out “Community” for yourself.

You’ll be laughing within seconds.

fhn

today com

To check out “Community” go online to www.nbc.com/community/ or www. hulu.com.

preview by mallory.mueller

Jonathan Rhys Meyers stars in the action film “From Paris With Love” involving crime, love, and trigger-happy secret agents. James Reese (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is a CIA agent who is given a crime-fighting mission involving a crazy partner, Charlie Wax (John Travolta). The two roam Paris on an action packed adventure to seize crime.

R

FEB. 12

“Valentine’s Day” preview by nicole.renner

pass,” to romance discovered during “Last Leaf.” Along with the mood, the sound of the music sets the album apart. Sounds heard throughout the CD range from techno beats to guitar riffs to chiming bells.

Overall, “Of the Blue Colour of the Sky” is thoroughly entertaining and unique. It would be an excellent addition to anyone’s musical collection.

Released world wide on Feb. 12, “Valentine’s Day” isn’t the typical cliche romantic comedy.

The movie delves into the lives of 10 people living in LA. Though each person varies in opinion on the holiday, their lives are somehow intertwined. The upcoming film will feature a long list of well known stars including Julia Roberts and Patrick Dempsey.

PG-13 page design by lauren.skinner 41

North Star Take: abide by lot etiquette editorial.staff

T

he clock strikes 2:20 p.m. and the bell signals the end of the school day. In a sea of dismay, students run to the door of their 7th hour class, nearly knocking each other over, and barge through the door like a S. W. A. T. team barging into a hostage situation. Once into the hallways, the scene is the same as students are sprinting like Usain Bolt sprints his 100 meter dash, only Bolt does not have to dodge people and put a shoulder into them to get them out of his way. Once the door to the parking lot is in sight, the sprint only gets faster as the finish line is in sight: their car. But this is only the first leg of the race.

We, as editors, do not understand this ridiculous game that is started at 2:20 every single day. Instead of rushing to your car, you should think about taking a deep breath, relaxing a little bit, and getting to your in a safe manner without causing so much commotion and bringing about potentially dangerous situations.

As students enter the parking lot in a quest to get to their car as fast as possible, they must dodge ten cars whipping around corners and coming within an inch of hitting them. Once to their car, the students throw their book bags and purses in their as hard

Many students at FHN are too focused on getting out of school that they forget to be courteous and drive responsibly. If everyone would just be patient, then getting out of school would keep everyone happier and safer. (kaitlyn williams)

as a Randy Johnson fastball, put their seat belt on (well sometimes), put their car in drive so fast they almost break the shift, and zip out of their parking spot.

The race is in full gear now and nearly half way done except for the most complicating part - getting out

of the parking lot in one piece. As students race out of their parking spot, they are encountered by cars going 40 mph, students walking in the middle of the road, and other cars pulling out of their parking spot at the same time. If you escape pulling out of your parking spot without hitting someone

or getting hit, you might as well go buy a Powerball ticket cause your luck is at an all-time high.

Now as you’re waiting in the line of cars all waiting to go eat their peanut butter and jelly sandwich by 2:25 and be asleep by 2:30, the tension is still ridiculously high because you don’t know if the person behind you (the one texting on their iPhone and jamming to Miley Cyrus) is going to accidentally hit the back of your car.

If you made it out of the parking lot without raising your insurance bill or filling out a police report, congratulations to you. But you still have the last 100 meters of the race - Hackmann Rd. Seems like it shouldn’t be a problem, except for the fact that people are too busy changing their radio station and talking about their after school plans on their cell phone. The plans are probably very important, but seriously, they can wait.

As the finish line - your driveway - is now within sight the adrenalinerushing drive home is now over. That PB&J sandwich was definitely worth risking someone’s life.

on behalf of the

North Star editorial staff

Help should come from the heart not natural disasters allison.sheffler

I

n our world, disaster strikes us almost daily. We hear stories of murders, kidnappings, or car accidents.

We have become so used to seeing these nightmares that we are no longer impacted by these everyday displays.

We don’t take the time to find out what’s going on across the globe simply because we don’t care. After all, it’s not in our own country so why would we waste our time watching something that doesn’t deal with us directly? But the truth is that all disasters, no matter if they’re in the United States or in Africa, effect us in some way, and I strongly urge you to sit down, watch the news, and show emotion for what you’re seeing. I know we’re used to

42 page design by adam.rapert

seeing a murder case or a shooting every day on the news but it’s about time that what we see evokes emotion inside of us.

The latest tragedy that was all over the news was the earthquake in Haiti.

This earthquake left tens of thousands without food, water, and shelter. In America, we can relate to this event by hurricane Katrina. Katrina left many homeless and most wondering if their loved ones were still alive. However, I honestly believe that New Orleans was relatively lucky in comparison to Haiti.

The biggest reason is that Haiti is was already one of the top five poorest countries in the world.

Hurricane Katrina may have scarred America but it didn’t destroy our entire country like it did to Haiti.

Our job as human beings is to help others in need. It shouldn’t have taken an earthquake for us to realize they needed help. If we would have reached out in the first place, Haiti might have been in better shape now.

If all of us were to reach out a hand to those in need, our world as a whole could improve. America often sends relief aid to countries when disasters like this strike. But simply having our government donate money isn’t enough. I encourage all of us to find a foundation, that either helps those in America or those far away, and start donating what we can. All of us should open our hearts and show that disaster doesn’t need to strike in order for us to help others.

emily.forst

With all the cold weather this season, people are always looking for good relief for chapped lips. Normally I think that Chap-Stick or Burt’s Bees would be sufficient, but I have recently found a lip balm that not only makes your lips super soft, but it also has an amazing flavor. It’s called Alba Lip Balm and its made by Alba Botanica. It comes in Coconut Cream, Pineapple Quench, and Passion Fruit Nectar. I personally love the Coconut Cream because the flavor is very real unlike other artificially flavored lip balms. It even smells like real coconuts. The balm is also way less waxy than other lip balms like Chap-Stick. It goes on very smooth and makes your lips feel very soft. Even though this product provides long-lasting lip softness, you’ll still want to reapply it again because of the great flavor. The lip balm stick comes ideal size and perfect to keep in your pocket. You can find Alba Lip Balm at any drugstore with the organic cosmetics. I definitely recommend it to anyone with chapped lips.

Help Haiti, Don’t Forget Everyone Else

Senior Julia Gabbert goes without junk food for an entire week. Gabbert found that not eating the junk food did not leave her feeling more energized.(sam hurrell)

JULIA LIVES WITHOUT: junk food julia.gabbert

illustration by rj.howes

The failing approach to educating youth kevin.beerman

I

have always been one of those kids who enjoy school. Recently though, I feel like my time is being wasted.

I’m at a point in my life where my education is exponentially growing in value, and I fully realize that. However, it increasingly seems that I’m not being taught to know. It seems that I’m being taught for tests, EOC’s, and district assessments.

What I have realized is that lately I am no longer learning math to help build the ability to reason inductively and deductively; I’m not learning English to recognize the problems with my writing, but instead to analyze the triumphs of someone else. We are learning things for a final, after

speak.out

SO F T

which, due to the rate at which we are taught, and the lack of reinforcement afterwards, we forget what we were supposed to learn.

I’m sick of tests, but they’re inevitable, and I’m okay with that. In society today tough, tests are given in excess, and it’s affecting our learning.

They’re a measure of what we were able to absorb quickly, not a measure of how well we understand the material. Finals don’t measure how much we learned over a semester; they measure how much of the review packet we were able to memorize. Basically: they’re telling a lie.

We want an education. Not a preparation. We want to learn math with practical uses. We want to learn math this year and be able to do it our

senior year and ten years after that and know when and why it should be used.

We want to become better writers, because better writers are better readers. When you correctly use aspects of literature while writing, doesn’t it make sense that you will find it easier to recognize their uses when reading?

EOC’s are comfort blankets for administrators, designed to make them think that we are actually learning something, when in reality we forget everything a month after we take a test.

Somewhere along the line, somebody assumed that to motivate us to learn, we needed tests. And somewhere along the line, someone will convince them that we learn because we want to learn, and that tests are what stop us from learning.

Probably the biggest misconception about vegetarians is that we all eat healthy. If we can’t eat meat, what can we eat? Fruits and veggies? But I, just like many other vegetarians and many other teenagers out there, don’t eat healthy. In fact, I’d say about half of my diet consists solely of cheese pizza and candy. So this month, I cut out all junk food for a week.

Eating healthy may not have been the most difficult of my challenges thus far, but it still wasn’t easy. I’m used to eating whatever I want, whenever I want without putting much thought into it. This caused many of my problems. When I wanted to eat chocolate (very common), I had to resist. And I had to find healthy alternatives to my after school snacking.

When I started the week, I thought that eating healthy would make me feel better, because that’s what I’ve always heard. I was under the impression that avoiding greasy foods with perservatives would give me more energy and make me happier. But frankly, I felt just as sluggish as usual. So although my week was successful, I’m not in any rush to become a health nut.

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

page design by olivia.ong

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TA S T E hannah.hamilton

From Monster, Red Bull, Volt, and Rockstar, everyone has their favorite energy drink. Personally, my favorite is Rockstar Juiced. This drink is different from regular Rockstar. The main reason I prefer this to other energy drinks is because of the quality of the taste.

The Juiced energy drink is more tangy and tastes less like an energy drink so you don’t feel absolutely atrocious after drinking it. The tanginess of this drink is unlike any other drink I’ve tried and it is absolutely delicious. Some of the ingredients in Rockstar Juiced are guarani, ginseng, B-vitamins, taurine, and caffeine so you are sure to get ample energy while receiving a great taste. Not only does it have great taste and give you plenty of energy, but Rockstar Juiced is only $2 and can be found at any gas station.

WA S H sam.dulaney

My skin gets super dry in the winter but I still had acne. This year, I thought I would get proactive for my face to keep it from getting dry. I decided to try Skinlogics for acne prone skin line from Beauti Control.

In this skin care system, there is a scrub that is followed by cleansing gel, tonic, and moisturizer. The tonic especially helped to clear up my skin; It felt like I sanitized my whole face. But my skin started getting dry and flaky again after a week.

So I’m learning to accept that clearing acne and stopping flakiness are two totally different evils. I just have to focus fixing one at a time. I love the cleaning affect of Skinlogics for acne prone skin and would totally recommend it to clear acne but not for dry skin.

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Make high school count by being yourself barbara.palmer

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our years of trying to fit into high school can be the hardest thing that any of us will ever go through. With it being my fourth year of high school, I have come to one realization: you don’t have to go out and party every weekend just to fit into a group.

There used to be days when we could all have fun without alcohol and drugs.

I am tired of coming to school on Monday and hearing stories about a crazy party over the weekend. There are so many things that people our age can do to have fun without going out and getting drunk, yet that seems to be what the majority of us do on the weekends.

What is the point of partying? We think that as high school students we are mature enough for it but the truth is we’re not.

Most people have probably been to a party where a fight has broken out; Most people have probably driven drunk or gotten into a car with a drunk driver; Most have probably hooked up with someone they usually wouldn’t.

When alcohol is around teens thing like these are bound to occur.

Alcohol brings out the worst in most teens, and the reason is that we just aren’t mature enough for it. By the time we are old enough to drink we most likely will be mature enough to take a few drinks without doing anything stupid. And if I did make a

When it comes to drinking, senior Barbara Jean Palmer is opposed to teenagers thinking the only way they can have fun is through drinking. She believes teenagers can have fun just by being themselves without being under the influence. (lydia ness)

mistake, I would much rather learn from my mistakes when it’s legal than now when it could ruin a part of my life with just one mistake.

If suffering with the consequences of underage drinking aren’t enough, have you ever thought about what your family might think when they see the pictures of you getting drunk on your Facebook? Or what colleges might think if they find out about the one time you got arrested for drinking and driving? Or what you might do when something happens to a person you really care about?

We don’t think about the repercussions because we think

we are invincible. The truth is that we aren’t invincible.

Drinking in general can cause harm for people for the rest of their life and possibly shorten it. People in our community and schools have had their lives shortened by alcohol. You might hear that story and think “oh that will never happen to me” but it will happen to us if we don’t make a change.

Make a change by choosing to be that person that doesn’t get drunk all the time.

We only have four years in high school, were not invincible and let’s try and prove that we can have fun just being ourselves.

Texting was not meant to take over our lives lizzie.johnson

A

ccording to intomobile.com, 3.5 billion texts were sent a day in 2008. I personally find that hard to believe, for that sounds more like the number of texts sent in one day by the students at North alone. I mean honestly, your phone has a speaker for reasons other than notifications of incoming animated envelopes. Giving the phones, especially the texting, a rest would be a sigh of relief from the rest of us that don’t enjoy hearing your fingers dance.

In fact, there’s nothing more annoying than sitting next to a devoted texter with multiple correspondents.

What is so important that you abso-

lutely must say it in the middle of my Stats notes? Not only can I not focus on the probability of drawing a yellow M&M, but now you have me wondering who could be more important than the problem on the board that no one understands. A little courtesy is not too much to ask for. If finding out what happened Friday is really so tempting, leave your phone in your locker and give the rest of us a break.

In short, the grip that texting holds on us all must be loosened. There are so many different ways to exchange ideas, like talking to a person face-toface perhaps, that are more efficient and less costly than a monthly phone bill. I don’t think it would hurt any of us to give it a try.

When it comes to texting during class, senior Lizzie Johnson finds it aggravating. (lydia ness)

Letter to the Editor Guidelines

liana.ramsey

R

oses are red, violets are blue, candies are sweet and so are you.” When I hear stuff like that, I ask myself if people are actually serious when they write this to their significant other. To be honest, I really don’t think people are sincere about it and because of that, I don’t really think that teens should participate in Valentines Day. I’ve never had an official relationship, so I’ve never had a real Valentine’s Day with the little cliche messages. And in all honesty, I’m glad because they are truly pointless. Since I was a little girl, my mom was always my valentine. That might sound a little odd, but it’s a family tradition. My mom would wake up early, get M&M mugs, fill them up with candies and leave a note. To me, this means so much more because I know that it truly came from her heart. On the other hand, I feel as though if I got a note from a guy that it would be unsincere and instead something that they felt they had to do for a girl. The meaning behind it would be nothing compared to the meaning that my mom puts into her note and candy.

Valentines Day is about love and

speak.out

Valentine’s Day was not made for teens

• Letters must be signed by the author and verified for publication • Letters may be submitted to room 026 or Mr. Manfull’s mailbox • Letters must include the author’s phone number and e-mail for verification • Letters should not exceed 300 words • Letters will not be printed if content is obscene, profane, invasive of privacy, encouraging physical disruption of school, and/or implies libel Sitting beside typical items her mother usually gets her for Valentine’s Day, Liana Ramsey expresses her opinion about the gifts she is given on Valentine’s Day. (stephanie graflage)

cherishing those who are closest to you. Who better to spend that day with then your own family members who unconditionally love you? Of course I understand the fact that many people spend it with a significant other, but I firmly believe that the meaning behind it is so much more. The power of love between a family is something that

student

holidays

the North Star talked to four students about Valentine’s Day.

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never can be broken. It is something that will always be there through good times and bad - unlike that of a teen relationship.

The feeling of love should not be given out by teens on this pointless day, but should instead be given out to the people that you actually know will always be there for you.

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• 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

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For the full-length version of the editorial policy, and the full-length version of the letter to the editor guidelines, check out FHNtoday.com

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What is your favorite Valentines day candy?

What is one present you would hate to receive on Valentines day?

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What is the best present you have ever gotten for Valentines day?

What would be your perfect Valentines day date?

Conversation hearts

A box of chocolate hearts - they’re nasty

A photo album from my boyfriend

Going out to dinner with my boyfriend

Conversation hearts

A box of chocolates

Bouquet of roses

A box of chocolates

White chocolate

Chocolate hearts

Chocolate

A gift card

A cell phone

Jennie Carrigan, 12

Watching a movie with my boyfriend

Angela Meyer, 11

Going to Rich N’ Charlies

Eric Lundin, 10

Going to eat at Pasta House

Matt Judge, 9 page design by hannah.hamilton

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