North Star November 2014 Edition

North Star

Francis Howell North St. Charles, MO 11.25.14 Vol. 29, Issue 5

All-State Choir • Sparrow’s Nest • Demolition Ball • Black Friday

ayers the artist A senior overcomes color blindness to create captivating artwork.

page 8

CONTENTS NEWS ROOKIE TAKES FIRST

02

New speech and debate member places first in first competition

WINTER DRUMLINE

04

Band offers smaller percussion groups rather than a full team

FEATURES A NEW HOME

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q & a with all-state singers

Five students, and one alternate, were chosen for Missouri’s All-State Choir. A total of 16 students were chosen from the Metro8 District. which includes FHSD, FZSD, and both public and private schools in St. Charles and St. Louis County. They will be traveling to Tan-Tar-A to participate in the MMEA Music Convention Jan. 28-31.

Audrianna Bartholomew, 11 Soprano

Andrew Leonard, 12 Tenor

Q: What’s different between All-District and All-State?

Q: What did you do to prepare for your audition?

A: “All-State is made from the entire state of Missouri and you are all coming together, so it just feels a little bit bigger.”

Sparrow’s Nest helps pregnant teenagers that may otherwise be homeless without it

SUGAR FIRE

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A restaurant that offers a different take on barbecue

SPORTS BOWLING

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The bowlers regroup with only one team this year

Justin Stoker, 11 Alternate Bass

Andrew Stoker, 11 Bass

Q: What’s the most difficult part of All-State Choir?

Q: What was your reaction when you saw the results?

A: “Trying to not kill my voice and going through the stuff they give us especially because it’s winter and it’s easy to kill your voice.”

A NEW COACH

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Varsity Girls Basketball coach works at Fort Zumwalt South and coaches at FHN

OPINIONS TURKEY FACE OFF

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Should turkey be on every Thanksgiving dinner table?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Have an opinion on something in this month’s paper? Send us a letter about it to room 026 or an email to yourfhn@fhntoday.com.

ON THE COVER Tyler Ayers stands surrounded by his artwork. Ayers uses high contrast in his pieces. (cover portrait by ariel kirkpatrick and ashleigh jenkins)

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FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY JOE LULEY

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A: “Just practicing in school, I already knew the song from practicing it two years ago in choir.”

A: “I was really excited.

I don’t think it really processed until I got home that day. I just thought it was such a big honor.”

Rachel Juhlin, 11 Soprano

Marissa Meyers, 11 Alto

Q: How did you feel when you found out you made All-State?

Q: What were the odds of making All-State?

A: “I was super, super excited because this is something I wanted to be in for years now. I was just so happy.”

A: “I was the only person from the alto section. It was very unlikely that one alto out of the 20 who auditioned would make it in.”

HEAR THEM SING Go to http://goo.gl/g6Jrke to hear audio of the singers.

FBla sells donuts to raise money for new york trip Every Thursday morning, FBLA sells donuts for a dollar in the main entrance.

They sell these donuts to raise money for trips and funding for FBLA. “It’s a convenience for all those hungry, donut-loving teenagers to have them at school in the morning.”

President Elise Gertsch said.

FBLA has been planning ahead to help raise money for their trip to New York city. For their sales, they usually have a goal to sell twelve dozen donuts.

“I look forward to getting a donut every morning,” sophomore Amanda Orlando said.

“I always try to remember a dollar.”

Donuts on Thursdays aren’t the only thing that FBLA has been working on. On Nov. 17-21, it put together a food drive. The first hour that collected the most non-perishable food items will get a donut party hosted by FBLA. “I am hoping we will meet our goals with the sales,” Vice President Chase Matthews said. “We usually do almost every week.”

Sophomore Som Singh grabs a breakfast bar before school. The breakfast cart offers juice, fresh fruit, and a variety of grain products. (ashleigh jenkins)

raising dough The Science Department raised about $2,500 to fund the different science classes at FHN this year. They raised the money by selling cookie dough and pizzas. Steve Kelly is the head of the science program so he’s in charge of collecting all of the money and discussing what should be bought. Fundraising helps the science program to cover costs that their budget doesn’t. They typically use the money to buy animals to be dissected, chemicals, and help pay for field trips. (brief by megan grannemann)

NEW MEDical club

dISTRICT INTRODUCES A NEW BREAKFAST CART FHN offers a new, more accesible eating option to encourage students to eat before school North introduced its new breakfast cart on Nov. 14. This cart is placed in the nook across from the Learning Commons. The idea is to get more kids to eat breakfast which is why they stationed it close to where the majority of the student body comes in. Lead Lunch Lady Lavonne Losciuto oversees the new cart and stocks it based off what the students like most. They offer all of the typical breakfast foods that they do in the lunchroom except for the hot food items. Students can pay in cash or punch in their number to get food from the cart. According to Losciuto, the sales on the first day were better than expected. The idea came from the grab and go carts in the lunch room. If it works with FHN, the other schools in the district will get a breakfast cart too. The district hopes that it will help further students’ academic capabilities.

According to Head Principal Andy Downs, it should help students be more energized in the morning. (brief by megan grannemann)

a rookie’s FIRST PLACE FINISH This is senior A.j. Porter’s first year as a member of FHN’s speech and debate team. His first competition was Nov. 7 at Parkway South. He placed first in his category of radio speaking. He had 24 hours to write and prepare his piece. His father edited it and helped him rehearse it the night before. The novice was up against around 26 other people and came out on top. According to Porter, the reason for his success was due to him putting his own personality and thoughts into the piece.

“I was just ecstatic,” Porter said. “I shook the guy’s hand and walked back to where the team was to watch some other people on my team get awards.” (brief by megan grannemann)

WHAT’S ON THE MENU Parfait

$2.00

Fruit & Cheese

$2.00

Bagel & Cream Cheese

$1.60

Premium Cereal Bar

$1.60

Healthy Snack

$1.15

Chips

$1.05

Bagel

$0.95

Yogurt Cups

$0.85

Fresh Fruit

$0.80

Sherlock in St. Louis From Oct. 9 to Jan. 4, the The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes: Solve the Mystery is at the St. Louis Science Center. Admission is $17.50. The exhibit is interactive and has history from 1837 to 1901, as well as from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes stories.

“If a person comes to see this, they need to really take their time because, for a non-Sherlockian, I think it’s two and a half hours to three hours minimum to do everything,” Volunteer Tom Crammond said.

Copies of the books and letters to and from Doyle are on display.

In one of the display cases, there are costumes worn and props used by the cast of Elementary from CBS. (brief by michal basford)

HOSA, an organization where high school students learn more about the Follow the link goo.gl/vC0eII to learn medical more about HOSA from field, was sponsor Matthew Riffee. added to FHN’s list of extracurricular activities this year. The sponsor of the club is Matthew Riffee. HOSA won’t compete until next year. In the competitions students explain to a judge how they would respond to a specific medical situation.

WATCH

(brief by megan grannemann)

DECA PREPARES DECA held their first role play for all the marketing classes on Nov 4. The role play was used to gauge what a real competition will be like for the students who have never competed before. Students in each class were competing against each other to get the highest ranking from their judge.The award for the highest ranking student was a bag of cookies. This year’s official competitions will take place this February.

Districts will be held at The Mills Mall, State will be held at The Lake of the Ozarks and Internationals will be in Orlando. (brief by megan grannemann)

FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY JOE LULEY

11.25.14

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TOP TWEETS:

Kristen Johnson @kljohnson85

“I told you I’m not the only one in PJs today. I love my neighbor and co-sponsor! #FHNEdWeek #KOErocks”

Sara White @whiteontime

“Taking Monster’s U seriously for American Education Week :) #FHNEdWeek”

KOE American Education Week Walking through the halls, students saw their teachers dressed in crazy clothes all week long. American Education Week, which was from Nov. 17-21, is a time when Americans celebrate public education and honor those who provide children with a quality education. Sponsored by the National Education Association, this occasion is celebrated every year by communities and schools all over the country a week before Thanksgiving.

“I enjoy participating in the activities,” Math teacher Patricia Bartell said. “It’s a nice change of pace. I get to wear jeans.”

Jani Wilkens @janiwilkens

“Sleeping Beauty (PJ Day for teachers) #FHNEdWeek”

Señor Santos @fhnsantos

“#FHNEdWeek Selfies with some KOE Members”

Changes for drumline

Winter Drumline has adapted and become small percussion ensembles so that the students have more opportunities to learn as musicians

BY EMMA PURSLEY

Emma1996ecp@gmail.com

Previously, Winter Drumline was offered to students who wanted to perform in local and national competitions. Due to a lack of staff this year, students are able to participate in smaller ensembles.

“We cannot find quality staff members to come in consistently on a year in and year out basis to teach our students on a national standard,” band director Jeff Moorman said.

Moorman used funds to hire Lindenwood professor Jeffrey Barudin to help students with winter drumline after school.

“Dr. Barudin gives our students the opportunity to not only have a performer’s perspective, but also the educational perspective,” Moorman said.

Senior Kevin Balch has been participating in marching band and winter drumline for his entire high school career, but he is not afraid of the changes being made this year.

“I think it’s pretty fun,” Balch said. “I definitely enjoy getting different styles of percussion ensembles,” The concept of having percussion ensembles is not completely new. Some of the largest music programs in the state such as Blue Springs have small ensembles instead of a Winter Drumline. Moorman hopes that this smaller will do what it has done for schools in the past and help musicians grow.

“If we want our percussionists to grow we have to teach them,” Moorman said.

Senior Abby Hinman performs with the rest of drumline at parent preview on Feb. 12 before leaving for Dayton to compete in Winter Guard International (WGI) Finals. Drumline achieved 13th at the World Championships, one of their best rankings for the season. (ashleigh jenkins)

Last year FHN lost several Winter Drumline members to a local independent drumline, but Moorman hopes that less practices will be more feasible for students to do both activities. This will provide the students with a unique opportunity to perfect their technique and take their musical abilities to the next level.

“My focus is for our students to get more one on one instruction,” Moorman said. “They don’t get enough education in their instrument from the start.

Percussionists aren’t just learning one instrument, they’re learning every instrument in a whole family.”

This will be a completely different experience for past drumline members because they will no longer be competing in the normal competitions or seeing the larger groups perform at out of state competitions. Instead, they will be learning and improving their technique.

“There won’t be the experience of going to WGI and having all the world lines perform, but you get to see different styles of concert music,” junior Jake Elfrank said.

FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY ALEX ARGER 11.25.14

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Sparrow’s Nest has six beds for expecting or new mothers. One large room is set up dorm style with four beds for mothers-to-be. The other two bedrooms are smaller, with a single bed and a crib for new mothers. (ashleigh jenkins)

THE SPARROW SEARCHES FOR A HOME

In O’Fallon, a house has been repurposed to transform it into a temporary shelter for pregnant and homeless teens.

The house opened several months ago and is currently searching for girls to house

BY EMMA PURSLEY emma1996ecp@gmail.com

A long, winding path, edged by trees. A small house with blue shutters, a dirt path leading up to a worn screen door. The leaves are changing, some have even fallen and blown into piles spread out in the yard. Most people would drive past this house without giving it a second thought, but those who take the time see this house for what it really is: it’s not a house at all. It’s a safe haven for teenage girls in this area. It’s a potential second chance. It’s a home.

The Sparrow’s Nest opened its doors in June when they received their license allowing them to house girls under the age of 18 who are pregnant or have a child. The Sparrow’s Nest was first inspired to take in the city’s homeless young mothers because of the woman who started it all, Carissa Figgins. Carissa was a crisis counselor for pregnant women ages 19 to 25. But after she was transferred to ages 14 to 18, her perspective changed.

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“Their families weren’t willing to support them,” Carissa said. “It made me really angry.”

This motivated Carissa to open Sparrow’s Nest to help care for girls who were on the streets or were about to be kicked out of their homes. Since opening their doors, the Sparrow’s Nest has been a home to only one girl, who left after nine days to go stay at another facility. The case manager Alyssa Hilburn is currently in conversations with several girls to help them to be accepted in the house. But this proves incredibly difficult since many of these girls don’t have cell phones, and are couch hopping or living on the street.

Without a way to keep in contact with these girls, it is nearly impossible to move anyone into the house.

“We’re getting calls every week,” Alyssa said. “It’s just a matter of assessing needs. A lot of the people that we’ve talked to don’t have phones of their own, so it’s difficult for us to get back in contact with them after that initial time so I don’t know. It’s just kind of a waiting game right now.”

As they’ve tried to get the house open and ready to shelter the girls, there has been problem after problem with getting the necessary permits and licenses. The red tape has been nearly impossible to get through according to Carissa. The house had to follow both local and state fire marshal laws, which challenged Carissa. Every time she changed one thing a fire marshal would come up and ask her to change something else.

“I’m just trying to do something to help people and it’s very hard and very messy,” Carissa said.

Those involved in Sparrow’s Nest admits to being very deeply rooted in their sense of faith in God. The facility is funded by a combination of fundraisers and local churches. One of the rules that those who will stay at the house must follow is that they must attend services at one of their partner churches. Alyssa considers their faith something that makes them stand out.

The focus of that faith can be seen by many quotes and Bible verses around the house. Outside the house a small concrete plaque reads “The Sparrow has found a home Psalm 84:3” and that is the mission of the Sparrow’s Nest, to give every young woman a home The Sparrow’s Nest has an extensive backyard including a playplace and benches built by Girl Scouts. (ashleigh jenkins) and a chance to continue on with their lives, but also to inform them about how their lives can be different.

Currently they are dealing with two potential residents who may move “One of our goals is to provide education for teen moms, but also single into the house, but the future is uncertain. It has been difficult for them moms in general to try to help them get to a place where they can make to stay in contact with girls long enough to move anyone in, but that better choices or be better established in the community, have a better doesn’t discourage Carissa. support system,” Alyssa said. “Also, to hopefully educate the community “It’s hard getting the word out to people that we are open but also on the need for providing housing for teen moms, single moms and teens are very resourceful and very independent,” Carissa said. “It’s homeless families. There’s not enough housing for all of the people that difficult sometimes to convince people who need help to actually accept need it in St. Charles County. We also want to inspire other people to do help.” the same thing that we’re doing.”

The facility has a storage room, known as The Although the girls will have all of Branch, filled with supplies such as wipes, diapers, their food, housing, and in some cases formula and even strollers that the moms, and any medical bills paid for, they won’t be struggling mom in the community is free to use. But freeloaders in this house. The girls the Sparrow’s Nest connection won’t end after the will have to cook dinner, clean, and do If you or anyone you know needs girls move out of the home. other household chores in addition to help or a place to stay please contact “We have a plan to stay in contact with them for 10 going to school and caring for their own these places or the FHN counselors years,” Alyssa said. “Helping them find jobs or housing babies. Living in this house will give if they need it.” these girls a second chance. They’ll have Sparrow’s Nest: 636-336-2534 This time of year is what the Sparrow’s Nest has the opportunity to continue with their Planned Parenthood: 636-279-3339 been preparing for since June. About six to eight lives, and get off the streets so that Birthright: 636- 724-1200 weeks after homecoming is when they really expect to they can raise their children in a safe be getting their calls. And they hope that the calls will Youth In Need: 636-946-3771 environment while still being able to come. They hope that girls won’t be too afraid to tell continue with their schooling.

Salvation Army: 314-423-7770 them what is happening.

It is required that two adults live in First Step Back Home: 636-466-1365 “We want teenagers to turn to adults when they’re the house at all times with the girls. in trouble,” Carissa said. “But we know they turn to Currently a husband and wife, Geries their friends. But we are someone they can turn to and and Amanda Shaheen live in the house we won’t judge them.” with their two small children. They made a full-time commitment to the At the end of the day, Sparrow’s Nest wants young women to know that Sparrow’s Nest. That house has become their home as well. they’re out there. They want to give girls a second chance at a life that “Carissa goes to our church,” Amanda said. “It was a ministry we loved, they might not have had otherwise. They’re more than ready to welcome when the opportunity to become house parents came along we knew it girls in with open arms and to teach them and help them when the time was something we wanted to be involved with long term.” comes for them to be mothers. They want girls to consider taking their Although Amanda and Geries moved in at the end of February, there baby to term and to know that if they choose to have their babies, then has been an adjustment period. The house is divided so that the Shaheen they won’t be doing it alone. They want these girls to know that no family does have their own area down a small hallway, but all four of matter what, they have found a home. them share one bedroom, which leaves them with a lack of true privacy.

“I care very strongly about teenagers and teenage girls,” Carissa said.

“There’s always challenges,” Amanda said. “I think the biggest one would “It doesn’t seem be the lack of privacy. It’s not a bad thing; it’s just the balance of it all. morally and ethically Picture having two kids living in your room.” right to tell a young When girls do begin moving into the house long term Amanda must girl their life is over. always be there for the girls. She must have an open door policy, they can And these babies come to her for anything. But it may prove difficult to keep girls there. don’t have any Although the house is well stocked, and will provide the girls with nearly choice in the matter everything they need, the girls may leave at anytime. at all and they “She has to have a desire to be there,” Carissa said. “We can’t force her should be given the to be here. She has to have that motivation herself to try to change and same chance as any try to learn.” other baby.”

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE COMMUNITY

FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY EMMA PURSLEY

11.25.14

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Employees stand behind the counter under SugarFire’s extensive menu. SugarFire is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. (lauren price)

Nick Gehricke, 11

Ride of the Month: The Internet Search

A junior shows off his white Mustang that he’s been searching for ever since he was young

BY Jamie Hetlage jamiehetlage3251@gmail.com • @jammnicole

To keep his white 2006 Ford Mustang looking clean, junior Nick Gehricke parks as far away as he can in the school parking lot to ensure no door dings or accidents can happen. Every day Nick cleans and wipes down his car and vacuums and washes it once a week. He also waxes it every month.

He even makes his parents take their cars out of the garage just so his car can be in there to insure its safety.

“Well, he sure does clean it a lot,” senior Tre Hall said. “Every time you see you his car it’s perfect, it’s shiny.

The outside, the interior is absolutely beautiful.”

At 8 years old he started shopping around for cars like Jeeps, Mustangs and Camaros. He got the idea of getting a Mustang after his older cousin Ricky got one when he was in high school and was also inspired by his uncle to get a 5-speed manual transmission, and a 6-cylinder engine.

After spending numerous hours online, he finally found his car in Belleville.

“Nick went on a terror and searched every single website that sells cars until he found one that met his criteria,” Nick’s father, Randy Gehricke, said.

The owners had taken very good care of the car. The mustang had low mileage, a clean look, and everything Nick wanted. After that, Nick and his parents bought the Follow the link http://goo.gl/n41GE to see car together and he a video of SugarFire and instantly fell in love customer’s opinions. with it.

“When I drive it, [I think] like, ‘oh yeah, that’s a cool car,

WATCH

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FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY ALEX BOHNERT

11.25.14

A modern take on barbecue SugarFire Smokehouse specializes in unique takes on American classics barbecue with a twist,” Cornish said.

Some of SugarFire’s sides include their “Rack ‘N Cheese” and “Frankentots.” The “Rack ‘N Cheese” is Driving up to the SugarFire Smokehouse a creative twist on the classic macaroni and cheese, parking lot, a savory scent fills the air. The but has their signature rib meat thrown into the eclectic restaurant design is just the beginning of mix. The “Frankentots” are tater tots topped with SugarFire’s original style which makes for a unique nacho cheese sauce, pulled rib meat, house jalapeno dining experience. A mural of an American flag, cheddar sausage, shredded cheddar cheese and outlined in pennies, covers the back wall. The ceiling their signature White and Sweet barbecue sauces. is painted with a design of a starlit sky, with their “SugarFire’s barbecue is always fresh, all home red logo in the middle. The side and bathroom walls cooked, even down to the sauces,” customer Fred are lined with flattened out license plates and beer Schafer said. “I love that you can eat delicious food cans neatly arranged to create a metal wallpaper. without having to dress up and get fancy.”

SugarFire has Front of House Manager What most customers don’t Angie Cornish to thank for these know is that the difference Follow the link handmade decorations. in SugarFire’s food is deeper goo.gl/AXmiWI to see a video On top of the unique environment, than their flavor. It starts with of Sugarfire and customer’s opinions. the food at SugarFire is what brings procuring fresh ingredients customers back time after time. and cooking the meat using Customers looking for an authentic barbecue a traditional smoking method. Unlike many chain experience can create their meal by choosing from a restaurants, SugarFire buys all ingredients from wide array of smokehouse staples, such as brisket, locally owned companies. From their grass fed pulled pork and ribs. SugarFire also offers various cattle and vegetables to their real cane sugar sodas, side dishes and desserts to satisfy their hungry SugarFire focuses on supporting local groups for customers. Every day, a different item is on their fresher ingredients. list of “Specials” and a changing array of sides are As to how the meat is prepared, customers offered. can view SugarFire’s three smokers behind the “We try to be unique and create innovative sides restaurant where the net pit crew spends hours and meals,” Cornish said. “We really try to bring smoking meats to serve up. The pork shoulder and another aspect of barbecue.” brisket are cooked for 18 hours, while the turkey SugarFire’s most popular sandwich, for example, and ribs are cooked for five and four hours. Their is the “Big Muddy.” This sandwich is loaded with long cooking times contribute to a tender, satisfying homemade brisket, jalapeno cheddar sausage and meal and these fresh ingredients are possibly the drizzled with their freshly made White barbecue and explanation for their sales of 2,000 pounds of meat Sweet barbecue sauce atop a buttered, toasted bun. per day.

According to the folks at SugarFire, this sandwich’s “Our food is home-y, rustic,” Sous-Chef Christopher big flavor and volume have customers waiting Ervin said. “And when you eat it, you just push anxiously in line. yourself back from the table and think, dang, that’s “The food here is awesome; it’s kind of like good.”

BY RISA TAKENAKA

risatakenaka97@gmail.com • @ricericebaby143

WATCH

A Special Kind of Artist An FHN senior is skilled with his artwork despite the fact that he is color blind

BY MICHAL BASFORD michal.basford@gmail.com

Senior Tyler Ayers draws, paints and airbrushes in his own way. Being color blind, Tyler makes each piece of artwork look good in his own eyes even if it seems like the wrong colors to other people.

“I don’t think I chose to get into art,” Tyler said. “I just kept doing it. I stuck with it, never stopped. I was doing art before I knew I was color blind.”

The way Tyler perceives color is different from how another person sees it. When one person may see green, Tyler may see purple. To him, it looks right in his head.

“It affects me in a way that I don’t know exactly what color is what color,” Tyler said. “I just go by what looks good to me, and it makes my art unique because it changes the whole perspective of everything. It could be totally off, but in my head, it looks right.”

Throughout his art career, Tyler has had teachers with conflicting views on his art. In the past, he has been critiqued on his color choice by some teachers, but some have enjoyed having Tyler in class and have encouraged him to keep drawing or painting to improve his talent.

“His pieces are phenomenal,” Mandy Knight, an art teacher at FHN, said. “He can take a piece of paper and any drawing utensil and create some of the most amazing pieces ever.

He can take anything and then create the most phenomenal drawings that are so realistic, and it’s remarkable.”

Tyler has been inspired to pursue art by his uncle who is also color blind. Similarly to Tyler, his uncle draws when he has the time. They have a close relationship with each other, having influence over each other’s likes and dislikes due to their similar tastes. Though their art may look different to other people, it looks just fine to them. Tyler started drawing when he was little, searching cars or scenery of waterfalls to draw on Google. He drew them detail for detail on paper.

@jordingraham Jordin Graham, 12

Tyler Ayers started drawing back in middle school by doodling in his notebook.

When Ayers got to high school, he got more serious about his artwork. (ariel kirpatrick)

“The coolest thing about his art is just kinda how he pulled the talent out of nowhere,” Dominic Pusateri, Tyler’s cousin, said. “No one in his family draws; no one in my family draws.

He had a natural talent for drawing out of nowhere.”

Tyler likes to be able to capture an image and recreate it in his own way, through his perspective. He gets ideas from anywhere: graffiti, dogs, everyday things. A lot of his friends will ask him to draw something, and an idea will spark from the suggestion. He works best at a desk he has at home or in a studio.

“I feel like he sees something, and he puts a lot of emotional feeling into it,” Pusateri said. “He’s color blind and puts things in his own perspective. When he uses his medias, it’s always through his eyes.”

FAMILY FROM ACROSS THE POND A glimpse into a student’s relationship with her mom who lives in a different country

BY ALEX BOHNERT

abohnert262@gmail.com

At 15 years old, sophomore Lauren Wolosyk has transferred schools approximately 10 times, lived in four different states and has visited four different countries because of her father’s Marine deployment.

These things are not the only unusual things Lauren experiences, however. Her mom, Jerri Mahaney, has lived in England for the past year and four months due to Lauren’s step dad, Ricki Mahaney’s, involvement in the Air Force.

Lauren, however, lives in St. Charles with her dad and stepmom.

“It’s a good learning experience,” Lauren said. “You get to learn a lot of new cultures you get to travel a lot more. I think it’s cool that I get to go to different countries.”

Though Lauren chose to settle in St. Charles, she has visited her mom the past two summers and stayed for two months each time. Jerri has traveled to the U.S. and then traveled back to England with Lauren, but next summer Lauren may bring her friend sophomore Ashley Askew along to experience her travels with her when she visits her mom. Lauren is also hoping to celebrate the holidays in

Instagram

England with her mom during her senior year.

“I miss my mom a lot,” Lauren said. “She misses out on a lot of teenage girl things like getting ready for Homecoming or any other thing that you would do with your mom in high school.”

In order to maintain their close mother daughter relationship, Lauren texts her mom daily and FaceTimes her about once a week. Lauren has to work around her extracurricular activities and weekend job while, Jerri works and they have to schedule around the time differences to talk to each other.

“That’s the hardest thing about being over here,” Jerri said. “I wish she was with me.”

Although Jerri can put aside the differences in lack of convenience, food, weather and time difference, Jerri found that adjusting to these differences was achievable but, there is one thing she can not get past. She misses her daughter.

“The number one thing I miss is you,” Jerri said to Lauren.

“I can get over everything else, I mean, don’t get me wrong. The United States is definitely more convenient and everything is a lot cheaper but, I can get over all that. I just miss you.”

“I went to the lost valley hiking trail with my two other sisters and it was so beautiful.

This time of year is the best to go with all the leaves changing and that just happens to be one of my favorite hiking trails.”

@ashmac4550 Ashley Mcllroy, 11 “My family went to the pumpkin patch to get pumpkins to carve, and of course we had to take a picture because did you even go if you didn’t?”

@tabby_cat27 Tabitha Castor, 12 “I walked through the Horseshoe and immediately fell in love.

It’s scary and amazing at the same time that in a year I could be calling this place my home.

FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY ALEX BOHNERT

11.25.14

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e l

‘Tis the season to spend Spending large sums of money on Black Friday after Thanksgiving is a typical American tradition, so make the most out of the start of the competitive shopping season with this helpful guide This Black Friday, searching for deals can be made easy thanks to the plentiful resources available. Different websites such as Blackfriday.com or theblackfriday.com list out many of the stores with their deals, ads, and hours of operation. Along with the websites, there are apps such as Black Friday by Slick Deals that allow you to access the multitude of ads available while on the go.

(Black Friday by Slick Deals)

Cream of the crop

By The numbers

One of the larger ticket items Best Buy is offering this holiday season is a 50 inch LED TV from Panasonic for $199.

Yearly Black Friday Spending (in Billions of dollars)

Starting Times

Best Buy will also be offering Beats by Dre Solo HD for $80, which is $90 off their retail price tag.

Also at Best Buy, select next generation video game titles such as Madden 15 and Diablo III will be available for $30.

Get those early doorbuster steals by staying on top of opening times.

Grab a new cell phone this holiday season. Best Buy is offering the iPhone 6 for $100 with a new two year contract.

Target will be offering the Xbox One for $329 and will include a $50 gift card with the purchase of one.

(source: Bloomberg)

Macy’s Hours: 6 p.m. Thanksgiving day through 10 p.m. Friday

Target will be offering a Samsung Bluetooth Soundbar/Subwoofer bundle for $87, which is nearly $100 off retail

Macy’s is also offering women’s Rampage boots for $20, compared to their usual $70.

JC Penney Hours: 6 p.m. Thanksgiving day through 10 p.m. Friday

Walmart reports that last Black Friday, they had over 22 million customers purchase goods within a four hour period. (source: Money.CNN.com)

Walmart is offering the iPad Mini for $200, $40 off the normal retail price.

In 2013, the average consumer spent nearly $407.02 shopping on Black Friday. (source: Bloomberg)

Included on Walmart’s doorbuster list is a Compaq Presario laptop for $179.

Toys R Us is offering a buy one get one 40% off on all video games, excluding starter packs.

Along with the buy one get one 40% off, Toys R Us will also be offering two different Playstation 4 bundles for only $399.

Toy’s R Us Hours: 5 p.m. Thanksgiving day through 11 p.m. Friday Best Buy Hours: 5 p.m. Thanksgiving day through 1 a.m. Friday

Target is also offering an eight inch Android tablet from RCA for $69; the only catch is that it’s a doorbuster sale.

Keep track of the time. Macy’s is offering a men’s 44mm stainless steel Seiko watch for $99.

a S

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Target Hours: 6 p.m. Thanksgiving day through midnight Friday Kohls Hours: 6 p.m. Thanksgiving day through 1 p.m. Friday Walmart Hours: Open 24 hours, doorbusters start at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving day Mid Rivers Mall Hours: Friday, 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.

people in the past seven years have died due to Black Friday related mishaps. (source: blackfridaydeaths.com)

FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY NICK WYER

11.25.14

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The Levins Twins’ Take

Justin and Trevor Levins seem like typical twins, but are more than meets the eye

BY ALEX ARGER

alexarger2@gmail.com • @larg3rthanlife

As a student walks through the halls, their eyes tend to wander, looking at those who pass by. One guy walks by. As the student continues, they see another guy, seemingly identical to the one who had just passed. They wonder, ‘did I just see the same person?’ Twins Justin and Trevor Levins tend to deliver this reaction. The seemingly identical twins may look the same, but their personalities and evolving features tell the true story.

“We are technically fraternal believe it or not,” Justin said. “You’re starting to be able to tell by now, but we used to look exactly the same. I’d say people can tell us apart now.”

The twins have grown from being grouped as a pair freshman year to now being known as their individual selves in their senior year. When first seeing their strikingly comparable looks, people assume the pair is identical. As someone gets to know them, however, they’ll find out that similar looks don’t mean similar personalities. Trevor is known by his parents and friends as being the quieter, laid-back twin, while Justin is the more extroverted, sporty half of the pair. The twins also distinguish themselves by pointing out that Justin is the one with a freckle by his eye, and Trevor is the one with the glasses.

“We were told they’re as much alike in looks as any two siblings would be at that same age as they’re going through the years,” Claudia Levins, the twins’ mom, said. “I see the differences mostly through personalities.”

When the twins were younger, they did almost everything together- a typical characteristic of twins. They called each other ‘best friend’ and were even thought to have their own language of mumbled rambling, understood only by each other. They even did cliché twin acts like accidentally drawing the exact same out-of-the-box picture when the teacher asked them to draw something or switching seats to confuse teachers, which they’ve also occasionally done in high school. They were able to trick AP Language and Composition and creative writing teacher Jani Wilkens for some time by switching seats and purposely answering to the wrong names, but she eventually figured out their schemes as she became accustomed to their differing looks. Their former striking appearances caused many people to

Trevor and Justin Levins, 12

confuse the two.

“I’ve had random people come up to me and start talking to me like I’m Justin,” Trevor said. “I didn’t know what to say, so I just went along with it. It’s happened a lot.”

As the twins have matured, they have grown apart from their unified, ­identical front into individual, different people. The twins are no longer afraid of going through the life independently or the possibility of separating for college next year, although this would sadden their parents. Though they still are ‘best friends’, each twin no longer relies on the other to always be there and to grow with them. Over time, Justin and Trevor have evolved into their current sole, fraternal beings.

“They’ve always been there for each other, but not so much now as they’re going their separate ways,” Claudia said. “They will always be best friends.”

FRENCH TEACHER Serves as FELINE FOSTER FATHER FHN teacher serves as a temporary surrogate parent to homeless kittens in St. Charles shelter

BY ZOE LAWSON big animal lovers and so it’s kind of hard to see an animal, or animals, put zkl131@gmail.com • @zkl131

Dave Fritz and his wife began fostering cats when their pets, who they adopted as soon as they were married, passed away.

“They were like our kids. [Fostering kittens] really started as a way to soften the blow,” Fritz said. “We weren’t ready to get other pets yet but we really liked having animals in our house. It was a good substitute.”

Fritz fosters cats through the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center.

Foster parents are responsible for socializing their cats, which entails teaching them how to act around humans by working to gain their trust, feeding them, and caring for them. When they arrive with their foster family, kittens are anywhere from newly born to a few weeks old. Kittens will stay with their foster family until they are two pounds each. They are then taken back to the shelter and put up for adoption.

“I think it’s a nice community service, and it’s a good service to the animals themselves,” Fritz said. “We’re

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11.25.14

down if there’s something we can do to help that.”

Fritz’s passion is obvious, even to his students. He enjoys sharing stories about the cats and kittens that he has fostered.

“I think it’s great that he’s willing to put in all this work,” junior Claire Boenitz said. “He’s told us stories in class about some of the cats he’s taken care of, and you can just tell that he cares about them a lot.”

Fritz and his wife will typically foster anywhere from two to three kittens at a time, as well as occasionally hosting the cats’ mother. Fritz highly encourages any animal lover to get involved in the fostering program.

“I would say if there’s anyone else out there that’s trying to fill that void, mend their broken heart, that’s lost a pet, that it’s a really good way to fill that hole,” Fritz said. “You get to provide a service to the community, and take care of a pet. I would encourage anyone that is willing or able to become a foster parent. It’s really fun.”

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fall sports conclude FOOTBALL

D.J. Curtis attempts to stop a player from CBC in the second round of Districts. North lost 0-45. (Amanda Eckhard)

The Varsity Football team ended their season strong by winning the first playoff game in this school’s history, making this season stand out from past years. The season started off poorly, with an 0-4 record, before the team turned around to win three of the five games to close the season.

“I think we’ve improved a lot this season,” sophomore Jimmy Gianopulos said. “We really got closer as a group.” (brief by anthony kristensen)

SOCCER

Graduate Jessie Walker, of last year’s Knights’ bowling team grabs a ball before taking a shot against FZW. North won with a score of 24-11. (file photo)

bowling for the gold North’s only remaining bowling team is off to a strong start despite losing seniors; they hope to maintain their winning streak

BY LEXI WILKINSON

lexiwilkinson25@gmail.com • @loupy0925

Senior Ethan Hussey kicks the ball during Varsity Districts against Hazelwood West. (ravyn motsinger)

The Varsity Boys Soccer team finished with a record of 11-13, making it to District finals, where they lost 3-1 to Hazelwood West. After the loss, senior Gabe Grote described the game as ”their worst game of the season” and wished they could’ve done better.

“It was rough, I’m not going to lie,” Grote said. “I mean the other team deserved it a lot more and they earned it. What happened is because of us, there were no other factors, but I wish it could have been us.” (brief by

anthony kristensen)

FHNTODAY.COM

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FHN Timberland Vianney Pattonville Laffayette Rock Bridge SCW Holt FHHS Troy Ritenour CBC HWE

(infographic by zach mills)

PAGE BY JAMIE HETLAGE

11.25.14

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Varsity Cross Country sent three runners to state this season. The three runners were junior Chase Powelson, senior Ariel Kirkpatrick and freshman Heidi Hauptman. In the girls race, Kirkpatrick finished 137th out of 168, while Hauptman finished 78th. In the boys race, Powelson finished 109th out of 172.

With the new wrestling season beginning, here is a look back at how last year’s team fared. They finished with a record of 2-10 which the team felt did not reflect their talent, since they sent three wrestlers to State.

This year they start the season as they did last year with the Parkway South Tournament. Last year AJ Lozada took first at this tournament and looks to do the same this year. They follow that tournament with back to back matches against their rivals Francis Howell High School and Francis Howell Central. (brief by zach mills)

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Chase Powelson runs in Sectionals on Nov. 1 at Warrenton. Powelson went on to State. (jessie define)

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THE ROAD SO FAR: WRESTLING See how last year’s wrestlers performed and what it could mean for this Wrestling Scoreboard year’s team as they begin their season

CROSS COUNTRY

(brief by anthony kristensen)

After six seniors graduated, the bowling team only has enough players for one team this year.

They are optimistic about this coming year, given their first place spot in the division.

“The team this year is, in a lot of ways, a lot better than last year,” sophomore Ricky Stratmann said. “If we can hold on to that first place spot it’d be great. We’d make the cut for tournaments and hopefully win the championship.”

Coach Renee Miller returns as coach to the bowling team after two years.

“I’m a bowler, I really enjoy it and enjoy coaching the kids,” Miller said. “But, I’m really hoping they stay in first so that the kids can get money, get scholarships, for their hard work.”

Senior Alan Paaren is the only senior left on the team.

“I want us to win and keep doing what we’re doing,” Paaren said. “[My goal is to] make the year last as long as it can because it’s my last year.”

Create infographics

Senior Brycon Johnson takes a shot on Howell’s goal during the first period of the annual Gold Cup game on Oct 30. Johnson made the shot, his second of the game. North defeated Howell 6-3, four of North’s goals came from Johnson. (ashleigh jenkins)

Ice Hockey off to a Hot Start

BY ANTHONY KRISTENSEN anthony.kristensen17@gmail.com

Ice Hockey began the season by beating FHHS 6-3 in the annual Gold Cup game, a preseason game against FHHS. This is a bounce back from last season, when they lost the game 12-2. The team dominated this year with four goals from senior Brycon Johnson in the wing, and a performance that many would say was oustanding from his brother, sophomore Kavan Johnson, in goal. The crowd chanted both of their names.

“It was a great pleasure [to win],” Kavan said. “Since we lost to them last year, it was an unreal experience to beat them this year.”

The team holds a record of 2-2-1 as of press time, and their next game is against Timberland, Friday Nov. 28

at 9:30 p.m. at the Rec Plex. In order to continue their winning record and beat Timberland, the team will be looking to improve their defensive lineup.

“We need to play with more structure in our own zone, and pressure the other team more,” sophomore Ashton Clark said.

Last season, the team finished with a record of 7-14.

The team looks to improve this season by working on their goal scoring, as they scored 64 goals in 21 games, an average over three goals a game.

“We need to build up the play more [to score more goals],” Brycon said. “We need to get the puck in more attacking positions and put our opportunities away.”

diving into the season

fresh new FACES

Dec. 12 begins the first meet of the year for the Varsity Girls’ Swim team. The girls are looking to have a friendly, but competitive season this year with a young, talented and close knit group of swimmers.

“The team as a whole will do a lot better this season compared to last,” senior Lindsey Grzeskowiak said. “We have more talent and more speed this year.”

The team is finding different ways to compete in the GAC conference this year, more than they did a year ago. New freshman talent gives this team a bolstered chance at competing for a GAC title or shot at State.

“The team can make it to State,” Grzeskowiak said. “We are a young team with great freshman talent.”

This underclassmen talent will bring out the best of the upperclassman swimmers. The team will push each other to do better in the water this season, but pushing each other is not always the hardest thing to do compared to pushing yourself according to junior swimmer Samm Heupel.

“Swimming is a sport where you succeed as an individual but work as a team to improve yourself,” Heupel said.

The Varsity Boys’ Basketball team will be looking to improve upon their 17-8 record from last season, when the team took first place in the GAC South. One challenge in doing this is the loss of nine seniors, making up three-fourths of the team from the previous season. Since the team doesn’t have as much experience this year as they have other years, this will be an obstacle for not only the players, but the whole team as well.

“I do not believe it will be that difficult,” senior Gabe Grote said.

“It was hard losing some key players, but so far we have had six seniors be there, a lot coming back from my freshman team, but many have not played Varsity like the seniors last year.”

The first regular season game is coming up on Dec. 16 against FZE at 6:30 p.m. at FHN. The experienced players, as well as the new players, will need to be ready for the task ahead of them.

The Knights also have some preseason games and a preseason tournament to prepare for the season. As both FHN and FZE lost in the first round of districts last year, they’ll both be looking to improve with their new rosters for the new year.

“They [the new players] need to learn how to deal with bigger, faster, stronger players,” junior Matt Borrelli said.

(brief by alex weinstock)

Senior Dominique Meyer dives in a meet against Fort Zumwalt West on Dec. 16. Meyer went on the place 6th at State. (abby temper)

(brief by anthony kristensen)

FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY JAMIE HETLAGE

11.25.14

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Erin Stock, 9

•

Shark IN NORTH WATERS A freshman balances swimming for two teams this winter season

BY KYLEIGH KRISTENSEN

Kyleigh1318@gmail.com • @kyleighkristens

The newest addition to the swim team this year is Erin Stock. With almost all competitive sports, athletes have the choice of swimming for their high school or club, but Stock chose to swim both at the same time. Stock swims for the Rec-Plex Sharks. The Rec-Plex Sharks is a highly competitive team that Stock began swimming on five years ago. “l chose to swim for both my club and the high school,” Stock said. “It will be difficult to swim both high school and club, but my favorite thing is swimming.

With hard work I believe I can do it. The great exhilarating feeling during and after difficult practices and races and the feeling of achieving a goal time makes it all worth it.”

Swimming for both at the same time is actually common for Sharks, even though doing both at the same time can be difficult. The difficulty that spurs from swimming both club and high school is how much time swimming both demands.

“To try and overcome the disadvantage with time management we try to stay organized and use a planner,” teammate of Stock, freshman Erin Gilbert, said. “We do our best to get as much homework done before and in between practices.”

Stock’s parents got her involved in swimming when she was about 6. They felt it was important that she knew how to swim, because they felt it was an important skill have and then it later became her passion.

“I would love to see her keep swimming for the link many years to come,” Follow goo.gl/n41GE to see a video of Erin talking about her said Stock’s mother Melinda Stock. “I want swimming career to see her reach her full potential when she’s swimming for both.”

WATCH

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Jamal Thomas gathers the girls for their nightly quote “when spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion,” to encourage them to work together as a team. The Lady Knights will play in the Orchard Farm tournament starting on Dec. 1. (lauren price)

ONE COACH, TWO School DISTRICTS The new Varsity Girls Basketball head coach Jamal Thomas adjusts to teaching at FZS and coaching at FHN this year

BY ANTHONY KRISTENSEN

anthony.kristensen17@gmail.com • @anthonyk17slsg

The Varsity Girls Basketball team has a new coach this year, as Jamal Thompson takes the job for the Lady Knights this season. Thompson was the team leader in scoring in high school at Harlan Community Academy in Chicago his senior year, and was an all-conference player. In college, he was rookie of the year after the 1992-93 season at North Central College, a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III school, located in Naperville, Illinois.

Not only will Thompson take on coaching the Lady Knights, but he’ll also have the challenge of teaching in a different district. Thompson is currently a paraprofessional teacher at FZS, which means he helps students with special needs in all of their classes. Thompson has also coached at FZS and has also coached basketball at the middle school level.

“It’s the second time I’ve done this,” Thompson said. “I was a paraprofessional at FZW while I was coaching at FZS, so it will be a little challenging.

I’ve got some great assistants that are in the building, so that will help.”

Since he’s done a job like this before, both Thompson and those who hired him seem to be confident that he can do it again. Those who hired him believe that he is the best man for the job and that the team can be successful under him.

“Anytime you’re trying to hire somebody, you’re trying to hire the best candidate,” FHN activities director Mike Janes said. “And that’s what I feel we did with Coach Thompson. I feel that he will be a person that will be invested with the entire program.”

Thompson has been able to do this in the past, so he feels very confident that he’ll be able to do it again with the help of his assistants who will be in the building at FHN most of the time. If players need information, they should go to one of the assistants if they can’t contact Thompson. “[I’ll be able to help with] a lot of the communication that happens from the activities office, [and] from the girls,” Lady Knights assistant coach Dawn Hahn said. “I’ll be able to have contact with him through email and text message, so I can hopefully help kind of bridge the gap with him not being here and the girls needing to know information, and then vice-versa that, and the information goes back and fourth.”

Overall, neither Thompson nor those around him seem to be worried about him teaching in another district while coaching at FHN. According to Thompson, he hopes to remain focused on the team and the challenges they will face this season.

“The biggest challenge will be getting in, [and] getting the girls used to how I run things,” Thompson said. “Getting used to seeing the team as a family, and working towards a common goal as opposed to individual goals.”

continuing the family tradition

A student uses hunting as a way to remain close and bond with his father and cousin

BY EMMA PURSLEY Emma1996ecp@gmail.com

Taking a deep breath, sophomore Zach Hoffman slides his finger over the trigger of his gun. Another deep breath, as he aims the gun at the deer and pulls the trigger. One shot. That’s the goal. Drop the deer as quickly and painlessly as possible.

At the age of six, Zach continued a family tradition when he began hunting with his father Craig Hoffman in Warrenton.

“My family’s been hunting since way back when,” Zach said. “My grandpa, he hunted a lot and we know a lot of people who hunt. I don’t know, I always wanted to do it too so I went with my dad.”

The Hoffman family, including Zach’s uncle and cousin, hunt together in Warrenton and while they are there they stay in a cabin that they’ve been staying in for years.

“It’s a really old log cabin, really really old and we call it the deer shack,” Hoffman said.

Spending hours together in the deer stand gives Zach and his father the opportunity to talk, joke around and bond as father and son.

“I’m watching him shoot the little deer one year, and then shoot the bigger ones,” Craig said. “And just seeing the smile on his face and having time, joking time in the deer stand, me and him. Just being together, me and him.”

Some people worry about their children carrying a firearm, or going hunting.

But Craig has the utmost confidence in Zach and wishes they could do it more often.

“I mean he could do it on his own two years ago,” Craig said. “I wish we could do more hunting, but we just don’t have the time.”

Zach’s cousin, freshman Jake Hoffman, began hunting with Zach when

Sophomore Zach Hoffman poses with a ten point stag, the biggest deer he’s ever gotten, weighing in at 270 pounds. The deer is from the 2012 hunting season. (photo submitted)

he was 8. And although they go hunting together, they are always at separate stands. Jake’s favorite part of hunting is the adrenaline that courses through him.

“When I first see it, that starts the adrenaline just to see it, and then actually holding the gun up and aiming at it,” Jake said. “The gun is shaking but you need to hold your breath and make sure you get that perfect shot because you don’t want to make the deer suffer.”

Every year, the first weekend of deer season is called the youth season and is dedicated to youth, a hunter who is 15 or younger. This is Zach’s last year of youth season, but he is ready to move on to something else and excited for the future.

“I’m kind of ready to not have to be youth anymore,” Zach said. “Next year I’d like to be more into bow hunting. Bow season opens in September and stays until like January so it takes a lot longer than rifle season. So I’d like to get into bow hunting so I can still go before and after the rifle season next year.”

BALLIN’ DEMOLITION STYLE A senior student finds a passion for an uncommon activity that he hopes will gain popularity

BY MEGAN GRANNEMANN mgrannemann@gmail.com• @MGrannemann

An electric buzz wraps the court in sound. Bumper cars zing back and forth while a white wiffle ball arcs over senior Dalton Lung’s head. The ball finds its way into the center of the hoop and the score board adjusts its large numbers.

Dalton plays demolition ball with his friends every Friday at Adrenaline Zone and hopes to start his own league.

“Anybody can be good at it and I thought why not try this and it’s pretty cool,” Dalton said.

Dalton started playing demolition ball during his freshman year. He was introduced to it at a birthday party. Shortly after Dalton fell in love with this new found sport.

“When he first started playing he was very enthusiastic about it and that’s all he talked about,” senior Dillon Lung,

WATCH

Follow the link http://goo.gl/A44nWp to see a video of Demolition Ball.

Dalton’s twin brother, said.

As time went on, Dalton and his friends became competitive.

They entered in a tournament last March sponsored by Church On The Rock and got first place with an ending score of 12-8.

“I think it’s awesome that he has an interest, he’s very competitive and focused,” Debby Lung, Dalton’s mother, said.

“I also like how it makes him happy because he enjoys it so much.”

After playing for four years, Dalton decided to try recruit more people to play with him and his friends. He has brainstormed different ways to get the word out at FHN in hopes that he can form a school-sponsored club. They would separate the members into two teams to play against each other.

“You get better at it if you keep practicing and people should come to this place, it’s like the best place ever if you’re bored,” Dalton said.

Dalton Lung, 12

FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY KYLEIGH KRISTENSEN

11.25.14

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THE HOT TOPIC OF:

BRAZILLIAN CARNIVAL Students weigh in on the theme chosen for next year’s Prom.

turkey on the thanksgiving table tradition matters

BY NICK WYER

BY EMMA PURSLEY

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration. It’s a holiday where the primary goal is to stuff yourself full of food and be thankful for what you have. The one thing that’s synonymous with Thanksgiving is the turkey. Removing the turkey is like taking fireworks away from the Fourth of July. The bird is a symbol for the holiday. Even in households where there isn’t a turkey to eat, they still acknowledge the fact that the primary thing that represents the holiday is a turkey.

Thanksgiving without the turkey is just dinner. It’s not like kids are in class making little pilgrims with their hands.

It’s the turkey. It wasn’t until President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday when the turkey had first taken presence in the holiday dinner. The turkey may not have been at the first Thanksgiving, but by 1857, it was a mainstay during the holiday.

The turkey doesn’t necessarily have to be poultry. Even within vegetarian culture, turkey substitutes are popular around the holiday season. It’s no longer about the turkey itself, but mainly the idea of the turkey and what its representation of the holiday season entails.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t enjoy eating turkey; it’s just as ingrained in our culture as any other holiday symbol. Saying that the turkey isn’t an important part of Thanksgiving is basically like taking the idea of Santa away from Christmas. It’s there in some way, shape or form, no matter how minute its presence is. The bird itself doesn’t need to be at the dinner, just acknowledged that it’s the main symbol of the holiday. It’s just not the same without it and it just won’t happen.

When people think Thanksgiving they automatically think of food, and more importantly, turkey. That shouldn’t be the case. Although turkey is delicious, and it is the most typical main course for Thanksgiving meals, Thanksgiving extends far past what you’re eating. Thanksgiving is a time to step back and be with those you love to appreciate the blessings you have in your lives. Thanksgiving is not about the turkey. If that were the truth then anytime someone had a turkey sandwich from Subway they would suddenly be transported to the fourth Thursday of November.

Thanksgiving becomes a person’s favorite holiday for one reason; they can eat as much as they want without being judged. Society has become so obsessed with stuffing their faces to the point of almost sickness that they ignore the real reason of Thanksgiving. Instead of taking time to be thankful for everything they have, they eat all they can and ask for second and third helpings of food they don’t really need. Some people even refer to Thanksgiving as “Turkey Day”. They completely bypass the idea of being thankful and focus only on the food.

Thanksgiving is a great holiday, and it’s one of the few times when a person’s only job is to be thankful for what they have and take the time to really appreciate their friends and family. It isn’t about the food. The food in Thanksgiving was just a way for the pilgrims and native Americans to come together. And that’s what it should still be. The food should be a tool used to accomplish the real goal of Thanksgiving, which is to make people thankful. So have a party, or don’t. Hangout with friends, or don’t.

Eat turkey, or don’t. But most importantly be thankful for what you have.

nickwyer23@gmail.com • @yeezies

“I think that it sounds fun. It’ll be better than masquerade or Knights Around the World. I heard if we do masquerade, we wouldn’t be able to wear masks. I think they could do better with Brazilian Carnival.”

Breanna Christian, 12

“I think that it’ll be kind of like a masquerade, but without the mask so I won’t have to hold a mask to my face the whole night. That’ll be nice.”

an overrated bird emma1996ecp@gmail.com

Zak Davlin, 12

SHOE REVIEW: AIR JORDAN INFRARED 6 These sneakers make a comeback this Black Friday after a four-year hiatus

BY NICK WYER “I don’t really think people care about the theme or dress for the theme. The theme is more of a background kind of thing.”

Brittany Sommer, 12

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nickwyer23@gmail.com

Every year, Jordan Brand releases a “retro” sneaker, or one they’ve previously released, on Black Friday. This year, the selected retro model is the Black Infrared Air Jordan 6. As with nearly every Air Jordan release, there will be an insane amount of hype surrounding the sneakers, and as usual, the shoes will not live up to the expectations set by sneaker enthusiasts and be ultimately disappointing.

Quality is the biggest issue surrounding Jordan Brand in general. It’s not unheard of for Jordans to come out of the box scuffed up or with glue stains or use materials that are less than par. From what I’ve inspected, the Infrared 6s are

FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY DANIEL BODDEN

11.25.14

not an exception to this issue. The suede used on the shoes is not as clean as suede used on other Jordan Brand/Nike releases this year. Although, the pair that I had the chance to inspect did not have any flaws, I would not be surprised if it were to be an issue with other pairs.

The Black Air Jordan Infrared 6 does the original shoe a great service, though. Unlike previous retro models, the infrared highlights that the shoe features are actually a lighter shade of red. Previous models featured a deeper red that was not close to the original color whatsoever. The shoes also features reflective 3M highlights, which pays homage to the original pair Mike wore on court.

Overall, the shoe model is a welcome throwback for Jordan fans, but the execution of the product was disappointing.

Editor in Chief: Daniel Bodden Managing Editor: Lauren Pike Business Manager: Aly Jenkins Business: Brandon Macias Austin Ferguson

(editorial cartoon by brandon macias)

EDITORIAL: NO MORE SNOW DAYS FHSD should follow the lead of other school districts in introducing online snow make-up days when schools close due to severe weather

ON BEHALF OF THE EDITORIAL STAFF

teachers would need to be available online via email or other sites they are incorporating into their lessons to answer questions and collaborate with students FHSD can eliminate snow days. As more and more throughout the day. At the elementary level, lessons districts across the country turn to are more flexible and teachers could have ‘e-learning’ and ‘online’ days, rather specific sites students are already familiar than snow days, the State and HOW IT WOULD WORK with to use on snow days. Students who District should look into this option. don’t have Internet or computer access at Instead of shutting down schools home can rent laptops at the secondary in severe weather situations, these level or be given time in the library the 5 a.m. districts are using technology to hold FHSD closes schools following day at the elementary level. classes online.

Online learning days themselves are This may seem like a daunting task learning experiences. More and more, 10 a.m. for a large district, but the benefits students are going to be asked to utilize Teachers post lessons to would be worth the extensive technology and find online solutions in website planning. There is less disruption college and the world of work. Using and in the class schedule, and teachers understanding these technologies will can push forward with lessons that help them in their future and make them 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. must be completed before EOC, AP, stronger competitors in the workforce.

Teachers online to and MAP testing, test dates that Whether it’s comfortable for 100 percent of answer questions don’t move regardless of snow students or not, it’s how the world works days. Even if this means shuffling in 2014 and the District and State have a agendas to make snow day lessons responsibility to prepare their students for online-friendly, it’s better than this tech-centered future.

Next day having no lesson at all and falling This is not far-fetched at all. Websites School libraries open early, further behind. Online snow make-up assignments due in class like Schoology, Canvas, Google Docs days also eliminate the need for and Blackboard are already equipped to make-up days tacked onto the end handle this and are already in use in many of the year and over spring break when families have District schools. Districts across the U.S. have already already scheduled events and attendance is low. With implemented this idea and have successfully continued an online day, the District saves the money it costs to using it with little opposition from students. Some operate schools on make-up days while students are have had so much success that they’ve even expanded still learning. online learning days to be a regular part of the school On a snow day, teachers would need to post their calendar. Kids can still have their fun in the snow, if lesson for the day on their school website by midthere is any, but will also complete lessons to avoid morning. Because snow days are rarely a surprise, losing days off of summer vacation. It’s time to rethink teachers could already be prepared for this and post what a snow day is and how technology can eliminate earlier in the day. Since it counts as a school day, them altogether. yourfhn@fhntoday.com • @FHNtoday

Team Editors: Emma Pursley Alexis Tainter Design Editors: Maggie Torbeck Nick Wyer Copy Editors: Priscilla Joel Lexi Wilkinson General Staff: Alex Arger Kyleigh Kristensen Michal Basford Anthony Kristensen Alex Bohnert Zoe Lawson Alyssa Doty Joe Luley Mia Elliott Erika Paar Sarai Esparza Breanna Relleke Megan Grannemann Sami Schmid Garret Griffin Alex Shannon Jamie Hetlage Bennett Smallwood Risa Takenaka Editor in Chief of Photography: Ashleigh Jenkins Photo Editors: Editor of Photography: Sammie Savala Yearbook Editor of Photography: Ariel Kirkpatrick Web Editor of Photography: McKenzie Shea Photographers: Jessica Allison Lauren Price Yasmeen Belakhoua Alyssa Savage Jessie Define Ashton Stegman Amanda Eckhard Abby Temper Madi Graves Jailan Thomas Katie Worsham Ravyn Winter

FHNTODAY STAFF Editor In Chief of Digital Media: Jake Chiarelli FHNgameday Editor: Alex Weinstock Video Editor: Sam Skaggs Web Staff: Ryan Jensen Tristan Chenoweth

Alex Connell Jacob Lintner Lucy Covington Chase Meyer Zach Mills Video Staff: Stone Birkner Kyle Cuppy Brayton Larson Ben Moxley Adam Quigley Autumn Todd Advisers: Jordyn Klackner Aaron Manfull

FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY DANIEL BODDEN

11.25.14

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