NORTH | STAR
FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH | ST. CHARLES, MO | 09.20.17 | VOL. 32 ISSUE 01
living on the
spectrum PAGE 23
ENTERTAINMENT 3 Video Game Review
New Sonic game is a turn back in time for old players
4
Teacher Best Friend Take this quiz that determines which teacher will be your best friend.
NEWS 7 Homecoming 23
Students from our school live on the gender spectrum, trying to just be themselves.
See the theme, prices and times for Homecoming.
10
Moldy Situation
The school faced mold and problems that have been resolved.
WE’RE SOCIAL,
ARE YOU?
FEATURES 15 Time to Sail
TWITTER @fhntoday
Freshman Brenna Hood sails in water competitively and recreationally.
17
SNAPCHAT fhntoday
INSTAGRAM @fhntoday
band 9 Marching takes a new
direction with their show this year called “Jump.”
SPORTS 34 Golf Trying for State
Seniors Briana Schmidt and Jessica Qian have goals to advance to State in golf.
@fhntodayfan
38 fhntoday
SMUGMUG fhntoday
Students in this school are on the gender spectrum, and it isn’t as uncommon as people think (Cover by Carolynn Gonzalez)
1
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | CONTENTS
Ace for a Cure
Senior Caty Arnold makes a differance by organizing an Ace-a-thon for breast cancer.
YOUTUBE
ON THE COVER
New to the Knights
There are new additions to the FHN’s faculty.
went to 19 Argent South Korea Senior Grant
over the summer and learned the culture of his birthland.
OPINIONS 43 Students’ Jobs
Students in high school should not have a job because of stress concerns.
44
Top 8 Ice Cream
See the top eight places for eating ice cream.
PAGE BY RONALD JOEL
Evolution of Super Mario Brothers With “Super Mario Odyssey” coming out on Oct. 28, it’s time to take a look back at the iconic franchise In 2007, an addition to the franchise, “Super Mario Galaxy,” was praised for having some of the best visuals and music of any Mario game.
Mario starred as the villain in the 1982 sequel to “Donkey Kong” titled “Donkey Kong Jr.” Mario even had a twirly mustache to symbolize his evilness.
1981
1982
2007 1993
2017
2014
In 2014, IGN ranked “Super Mario Bros.” as the best Nintendo game in their Top 125 Nintendo Games of All Time list. They said that this is the most important Nintendo game ever made.
In 1993, Hollywood made a movie titled “Super Mario Bros.”, which took a darker tone compared to the games. It was both a critical and commercial failure.
Top-Selling Mario Games
IT “It” is a horror remake of the TV miniseries from 1990, telling the story of kids who search for a demonic clown named Pennywise after kids all around the small town of Derry go missing. This film is not only the best horror film of the year, but it’s also one of the best horror films in the history of cinema. The directing is the best thing about this movie. It’s super complex and very sophisticated; however, the script is average. The pacing of the film is very rushed, but the dialogue is 4.5 out 5 stars incredible. However, the dialogue wouldn’t be great if it weren’t for the performances of all of the actors. Jaeden Lieberher as Billy and Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise have the two best performances in the film. When it comes to visuals, the film was a let down. It’s not that the visuals were horrible, it’s just that they were pretty dull and amateurish. Despite these let-downs, the movie does redeem itself by having artistic choices, such as unique camera shots and use of color, here and there. “It” is not only one of the best horror movies, but it’s also a great film for non-horror fans.
RATING
AMERICAN HORROR STORY: CULT, EPISODE 1
$40 million
$30 million
$20 million
“American Horror Story (AHS): Cult” is the newest season in the AHS series. It centers around a Hillary Clinton supporter and Donald Trump supporter on the night of the 2016 election. They both, after hearing the election results, lose their minds. One starts seeing her fears come to life, and the other plans some sort of revolution. The first episode titled “Election Night” starts out pretty rough. It was very political at the start of the story, and the show seemed more interested in promoting propaganda than actually telling a 3 out 5 stars story. However, that soon ended halfway through the episode, and the story finally got interesting. Some of the returning actors include Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters. They both are amazing. At first, I thought they were just doing a bad acting job, but then I finally understood how disturbed their characters were. This episode did have its flaws, but this season is definitely a unique reinvention of the show. (Reviews by Jake Price)
RATING
Ne Ma w Su Wi rio B per i (2 ro 00 s. 9)
ii Ma (20 rio K 08 art ) W
Ne Ma w Su (20 rio B per 06 ros ) .
Ma (20 rio K 05 art ) DS
Su Wo per M rld ari (19 o 90 )
Su La per M nd (19 ario 89 )
$10 million
Su Bro per M s. ( ari 19 o 85 )
Money Made from Games
$50 million
MOVIE & TV REVIEWS
(Sources: nintendo.com, vgsales.com, gamesradar.com)
PAGE BY JAKE PRICE
ENTERTAINMENT | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
2
HALLOWEENIES: BACK TO GHOUL
(Comic by Riley Kampff)
by Riley Kampff
in the ‘90s with unlockable abilities and cutscenes. Players can even share the joy with friends and play Nostalgia has hit the shelves for in multiplayer mode as well, while people who are sick of playing playing as Sonic, Knuckles and Tails the same 8-bit game in order to in this melting pot of past games feel like a kid again. “Sonic Mania” put into new eyes. is the newest game for the blue Going back in time has been hedgehog, but it has the look and the answer for the franchise’s feel of the past. ascent back into the world of The gameplay has a smoother gaming. Even loyal fans have been and tighter feel than its waiting for this blast-to-the-past predecessors. Any of a game. The quality movement feels of the game from the more precise to the design to the story was 5 out of 5 stars player’s needs. While executed unbelievably still keeping its sidewell. Even for the people scrolling 2D platformer style and who did not grow up on any of catchy music, playing the game the Sonic titles, saying this game now, compared to playing as a is completely worth the purchase kid, is an upgraded experience. It and playthrough would be an truly is a manifestation of a little understatement. With its initial gamer kid’s dream. Besides still release, the game has satisfied having the features of the old long-time fans, created new ones games, “Sonic Mania” has given all who missed out back in the day and the original zones more obstacles has shown that the Sonic franchise and enemies. The game also has has improved astronomically with prototype zones that were cut from the recreating of all the iconic the original game’s development games into one.
kampffriley@gmail.com | @batrilena
RATING
(Source: Sonicthehedgehog.com)
THE BLUE-BLUR BOUNCES BACK
Already released on the Xbox 1, PS4, Nintendo Switch and Windows, the Sonic franchise makes old school feel new
3
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE BY RILEY KAMPFF
WHich TEACHER WOULD BE YOUR BEST FRIEND? Take this quiz to find out which of these four teachers you would most likey be best friends with DO YOU NEED A STRICT PLAN FOR OUTINGS OR ARE YOU MORE GOWITH-THE-FLOW? A. Go-with-the-flow B. I am usually the one coming up with fun, spur-of-the-moment ideas C. I am a planner, but can go with the flow D. I need a strict plan
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY READING? A. Poetry B. Pinterest articles C. Books written about ideas D. Nonfiction
WHAT ARE QUALITIES THAT YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A FRIEND?
ARE YOU AN INTROVERT, EXTROVERT OR AMBIVERT?
WHAT KINDS OF MOVIES DO YOU ENJOY?
A. Goofy, smart, outgoing
A. Ambivert, leaning more toward the introverted side
A. Romantic comedies and/or new, inventive movies
B. Extrovert
B. Comedies and/or dramas
C. Ambivert, leaning more toward the extroverted side
C. Documentaries and/or suspense
B. Off-the-wall, would do anything for their friends C. Loud, opinionated, helpful D. Unique, weird
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY DOING WITH FRIENDS? A. Relaxing in a low-maintenance setting
D. Introvert
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME? A. Watching TV, resting, going outside
B. Updating each other on what’s new in your lives and making new memories
B. Making plans, touching base with friends and family
C. Hanging out, talking about both little stuff and big ideas
C. Reading, exercising, thinking
D. Listening to and talking about music
D. Reading about and researching interests, listening to music
WHAT KINDS OF CONVERSATIONS DO YOU MOST ENJOY?
DO YOU ENJOY SPORTS?
ARE YOU A HUGGER?
A. Deep conversations about life
A. Only watching them
B. Conversations about people and relationships
B. I enjoy watching a wide variety, including tennis and/or horse racing
A. Yes, but I prefer to let others do the initiating
C. Conversations about history, politics, psychology and/or philosophy
C. Only participating in them
D. Conversations about math
D. Yes, particularly hockey and/or soccer
Jani Wilkens
Mandy Knight
Mostly A’s. Teaches AP Language and Composition, Creative Writing and English 2.
Mostly B’s. Teaches Intro to Art, AP Art Studio, Painting and Drawing.
“I am little bit surprised because I do not like Ehnglish classes.”
“I think that’s weird because I’m not very creative.”
- Trey Lukitsch, 10
- Estefania Cruz, 12
PAGE BY MADELINE LAMB
B. Yes, and I always do the initiating myself C. No D. All the time no matter what
Sean Fowler Mostly C’s. Teaches AP Psychology and U.S. History.
D. Action and/or indie films
ARE YOU MORE OF A TALKER OR A LISTENER? A. A mix of both, but prefer to let others do the talking B. Talker C. A mix of both, but generally talk more than listen D. Listener
ARE YOU AN OPTIMIST, PESSIMIST OR REALIST? A. Pessimist B. Realist, but lean more toward the pessimistic side C. Optimist D. Realist, but lean more toward the optimistic side
Greg Brown Mostly D’s. Teaches Algebra 1, AP Calculus and Honors Algebra 2
“I’m surprised becasue I had him as a teacher before , amd he seemed like the total opposite of me.”
“[The results] seem fairly accurate. I know a little bit about Mr. Brown and we have some similar interests.“
- Hannah Neff, 11
- Kyle Barber, 12
ENTERTAINMENT | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
4
2017
FREE | 6-7:30 PM
SEPT. 21 COLLEGE CENTER ST. CHARLES COMMUNITY COLLEGE
UPCOMING EVENTS Homecoming Assembly Time: 8:30 a.m. Where: Large Gym
Friday
22
No School Time: All Day Where: Dardenne
Monday
25
27 Thursday
Saturday
23 Homecoming Time: 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. Where: Large Gym
Girls’ Varsity Golf Districts Time: TBA Where: Away
26 Tuesday
Thursday
21
Girls’ Varsity Softball vs. FZW Time: 4:15 p.m. Where: Away
Girls’ Varsity Tennis Districts Time: TBA Where: Away
Norm the Knight runs across the gymnasium floor during last year’s pep assembly. Last year’s Norm was worn by alumnus Sydney Weber. Norm the Knight is the school’s mascot. (File Photo)
A POSSILBLE ADDITION TO THE DRESS CODE
FHSD principals and administrators by people in staff meetings. The reason have been discussing an amendment hats have been considered is because to the district’s dress code. Hats, other school districts allow them and the which can only be worn on hat days influx of students here wearing hats on currently, may be allowed during school hat day. The discussion of implementing hours, as decided by the district’s hats will be made around the next district administrators in the coming meetings. years. “It’s not the most urgent of “I think hats issues, but it has been talked in the dress about,” Downs said. code will They could prove troubling Learn about the be a good for school officials, though, dress code here: change,” according to Allen. Hats goo.gl/wi4Tdw junior could stop kids from being Devon recognizable if they needed Allen, to be identified. School who wears them counselor Stephanie Johnson said that outside of school, the District will take measures to prevent said. “It’s exciting that. to think something “We still want visibility of the face for that big could change the cameras,” Johnson said. “It would be while I’m here. It’s been the same as the code for shirts, too: no the norm to wear them inappropriate images or language.” forever.” Johnson has said this change is a Principal Andy Downs says that possibility due to the popularity of hats in the prospect of hats has been considered schools. (Brief by Sophia Schmidt)
WATCH
Hats are currently not permitted due to the school dress code. Many other districts in the area have begun removing restrictions against hats.. (Photo by Jordan Milewczik)
7
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | NEWS
PAGE BY SOPHIA SCHMIDT
STUCO PREPARES FOR A KNIGHT IN PARADISE
Junior Sandy Han draws out the spirit week banner in preparation for Homecoming. StuCo met on Aug. 31 to make posters. Spirit week started Sept. 15 and ends Sept. 21 with the pep assembly. (Photo by Juliet Borgschulte)
Homecoming’s theme this year is “A Knight in Paradise.” StuCo members will decorate the gym in beach and summer-like decorations for the dance on Sept. 23. There will be refreshments in the wrestling room, a DJ, a photobooth and a bag check-in to hold students belongings. “I’m looking forward to my first Homecoming,” freshman Katie Forth said. “It’s my first high school dance. I’m excited to buy a dress and have the full experience.” Even though Homecoming is only days away StuCo has been preparing for it for weeks. The dance will be held from 7-10 p.m. “I know how much work gets put into it,” StuCo President Jamie Sneed said. “It’s not easy, we all work really hard and it’s a really good time.” Tickets are $20 and are sold during lunch hours through tomorrow. “Homecoming is something fun to do with your friends,” Sneed said. “Homecoming helps you get involved.” (Brief by Grace Bowman)
A new textbook policy is taking place this year, requiring students to turn in their textbooks in order to take their final on the regular day. Failure to return their textbook will result in a fee. Students who don’t return their books will have to take their final on a makeup day. (Photo by Kaitlyn Snyder)
START TO NEW TEXTBOOK POLICY After years of students not paying fees, the administration has introduced a new textbook policy. If a student receives a textbook or novel for a class, the student must return it at the end of the semester. If the student fails to return their book, they will not be eligible to take their semester final on the regular final day. The student may take their final on a makeup day. “I think the policy will be really effective,” sophomore Alexis Ortiz said. “A majority of students might find it reasonable, but I’m getting a feeling some might be angry when the policy affects them.” In previous years, students were told that they wouldn’t receive their schedule for the upcoming school year if they did not pay their textbook fees.
PAGE BY SOPHIA SCHMIDT
It was nearly impossible to refuse a student their schedule every year, however, so students couldn’t receive their diploma at the end of their senior year until they paid their book fees. “I think if we as teachers stand on top of it, I think students are going to start caring,” English teacher Diane Fingers said. “The fees kept piling up, piling up and piling up. It became a huge financial burden to the school. Something had to change.” Administrators hope that the new policy will be more effective. It has proven to work well in other schools, such as FHHS, according to Fingers. “I really hope it’s effective,” Fingers said. “I don’t want to see kids’ grades suffer from the lack of a book.” (Brief by Grace Bowman)
Seniors Shyam Kannan and Maddy Wood pose with a football side by side with juniors Aubree Fox and Joel Boenitz. Kannan and Boenitz will both participate as crowd pleasers. Wood and Fox will be participating in the Powder Puff game. (Photo by Kaitlyn Snyder)
PUMPED UP FOR POWDER PUFF Junior and senior girls will play a game of football on the football field in the upcoming Powder Puff game, run by KOE, tonight at 6:30 p.m. The game lasts around two hours. Tickets are $3 in advance and $5 at the entrance. The money goes to school funds and KOE. Around 750 people, parents, students and friends are expected to come, according to one of the game’s officials. “This year’s interesting, because there’s exactly the same amount of girls playing as last year which would be around 81 girls,” KOE sponsor Lindsey Scheller said. “It’s cool how many girls come to play from different backgrounds.” Math teacher Charles Lott, a referee for the game, addressed the rumor that all football teams would play with smaller footballs this year, saying that, to his knowledge, the balls would be the same size. “Back in the day, I coached,” Lott said. “It’s a lot of fun, and I like being involved and educating people about football.” The game is split into two sides. On one side, the junior girls play on offense, and senior girls on defense. On the other side of the field, it’s the opposite. On the sidelines, junior and senior boys put on wigs and other accessories for their roles as crowd pleasers, acting like the girls’ cheerleaders. “It doesn’t get too fiery, it’s kind of a friendly competition,” junior Elise Gordon said. “I have a lot of friends who are seniors, so I’m excited to go up against them.” (Brief by Sophia Schmidt)
NEWS | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
8
Carolynn Gonzalez, 12 Flute Her solo is during the first movement. Find her near the sideline on a mini trampoline. “It’s really cool knowing that the part is unique for me.”
JUMPING THROUGH A NEW SEASON Marching band takes a different direction with their show called “Jump” by Kylah Woods
Emily Helmick, 12 French Horn/mellophone Her solo is during the second movement. Look for her on the front sideline. “It’s so stressful but a lot of fun because everyone is watching.”
Ian Perry, 12 Trumpet His solo is during the third movement. Look for him on the large trampoline. “It’s a lot of fun really. You get to show a lot more emotion.”
Dominic Schneider, 12 Sousaphone His solo is in the third movement. Look for him on the large trampoline. “It’s nerve wracking but I’ve gotten used to it and I’m so much more comfortable.”
Emily Hardin, 12 Saxophone Her solo is in the first movement. Look for her on one of the mini trampolines near the sideline. “I get kind of nervous but it’s such a fun experience.”
9
kylahwoods27592@gmail.com | @kylahrw
M
arching band started the season with their first competition Sept. 9. They placed 9th overall and 5th in their division. This was the first time they performed their newest show, “Jump,” in competition. “The crowd loved us,” senior Amanda Denno said. “We still have things to improve on though.” The show takes marching band in a completely different direction from shows in the past. For example, last year’s show had more of a classical style of music with songs by Gershwin. This year’s show is styled with ‘80s and ‘90s themes and music. Instead of wearing traditional uniforms, students wear ‘90s-styled track suits. Even the design of the guard flags is a reference to the ‘90s. According to Director Rob Stegeman, the overall goal of theming the show like this was to allow the band to connect with the audience more. “It is about having fun and being able to show you are enjoying yourself,” Stegeman said. “I really wanted something people and kids in the stands can relate to and be able to hear stuff they recognize and see that we are having fun.” One big change in this year’s show compared to last year’s is the use of trampolines. Students interact with the trampolines at all times, whether by jumping on them or by moving them. Not only do the students have to know their positions on the field, they also have to know where the trampolines are supposed to be, and they must be precise. There are 20 mini trampolines and one large, 15-foot trampoline.
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | NEWS
According to Stegeman, the biggest challenge they face with the use of trampolines is transportation. The big trampoline has to be disassembled to be taken to competitions and reassembled when they get there. “I jump on the trampolines and it is super fun,” Denno said. “It is tiring but still fun. I think the hardest part is lifting them up. They’re small but still kind of heavy.” The entire composition of the show is also different this year. Instead of the whole band marching and playing the entire time, there are different soloists, and ensembles also come out and play. There are five soloists in the show: seniors Ian Perry, Dominic Schneider, Emily Hardin, Carolynn Gonzalez and Emily Helmick. In total, the show is approximately 40 percent marching and 60 percent moving. “There’s always something different to listen to and watch every time you watch the show,” Stegeman said. “You’ll hear a soloist, then jazz band will play, then another small ensemble will come out and you’ll have a big band moment. It all kind of interplays as opposed to being kind of boring with just playing and marching all of the time.” Senior Carolynn Gonzalez jumps on the trampoline during Knightpride’s performance of “Jump” during the Howell Marching Band Preview. Throughout the performance they jump on and off multiple trampolines and the performance contains songs such as “Jump” by Van Halen and “Jumpin’, Jumpin’” by Destiny’s Child. (Photo by Alex Rowe)
PAGE BY KYLAH WOODS
MANAGING THE MOLD
The District works to resolve mold problems by Sarah Zimmerman
sarahezimmerman8@gmail.com
S
he had already found chirping baby birds in the ceiling and leaks in the air vent in the past, so it was no surprise when she discovered mold in her classroom. Although only non-toxic, allergenic mold was discovered, English teacher Jani Wilkens still had to move out of her “home away from home” to teach in a clean classroom. “I definitely feel put out and frustrated, but I also had to take a step back and see what really matters,” Wilkens said when she initially moved out. “I have students, and I can teach them. I still have a room, and people are going out of their way to make sure I have all the resources I need in the room, so, in the end, it’s annoying, but it’s not the end of the world.” Wilkens was not the only one frustrated, though, because she was not the only teacher moved out of their room due to the mold. The testing for mold occurred a couple of days before school even started, after a few teachers indicated concern about odors in their rooms. Intertek PSI, a testing company, then immediately Teacher Jani Wilkens talks to her AP Language students as she collects Chrome Books. investigated these rooms. Returning to room 217 was a huge excitement for her after being forced to stay in room 220 “We outsourced the testing of the mold because we don’t have that level of for several weeks. “When I got home and told my husband that I was going to be back in my old room, I said it felt like Christmas,” Wilkens said. (Photo by Kaili Martin) expertise within our district, so we actually use a company where that is their area of expertise,” Superintendent Mary Hendricks-Harris said. The company tested the mold levels in the air and then compared that to the mold levels outside at that time. If a great place to work and to learn.” the mold levels inside the building are higher than the The District determined that the heating, ventilation natural mold levels outdoors, then that indicates mold and air conditioning system (HVAC) should be adjusted growth. Positive results for allergenic mold came back for to bring down humidity levels and that they needed to Aspergillus & Penicillium: several rooms at FHN including marketing teacher Melissa seal and clean the rooms with mold. Two of the most common mold fungi found Hanrahan’s room, English teacher Jani Wilkens’ room, the Not only that, but as roof construction was already in air. Certain species may cause allergies. learning commons and band practice room 60A. underway for other reasons, Supple hopes that there Cladosporium: According to Intertek PSI, Wilkens’ room revealed high will be fewer leaks, which would help prevent mold from Found in air and on surfaces. May cause surface mold levels of two types: Cladosporium and growing. Lowering the humidity in the school will also allergies or infections. Hyphal Fragments. Her room also had elevated levels of make the mold less likely to grow. In order to sufficiently the airborne fungal mold Aspergillus/Penicillium with clean the classes infected, the HVAC systems there (Sources: SUNY ESF, CDC) 920 fungal spores per cubic meter of air, compared to the were turned off, the rooms were sealed with a barrier Missouri average of 230 fungal spores per cubic meter of and air filtration devices were placed in each infected air. Similarly, Hanrahan’s room and the band practice room room to filter the air. A team also went in to clean all the See how the mold has affected also had higher levels of Aspergillus/Penicillium mold in the hard surfaces to remove any mold spores that could be students and air. Although the learning commons also had high levels of present. They replaced any furniture or tiles that may teachers in the a few mold types, the mold was only surface mold, which have been affected. school. workers quickly cleaned. However, there did not appear to “It hasn’t been a risk to the health or safety of our goo.gl/iT7jGT be increased levels of mold within the other representative students or staff, but [there is] the inconvenience of not areas sampled throughout the school. being in your typical learning space,” Supple said. “That’s After receiving these initial results, the District something we’re aware of, and we want to get the immediately moved the teachers with infected rooms to new, unaffected spaces. teachers and students back to their regular classrooms as quickly as possible.” They also chose to have further testing within FHN, hire a firm to carry out the Regardless, teachers and students worked through the mold problem, and cleanup and begin implementing Intertek PSI’s Fungal Remediation Plan to help were able to return to their rooms a couple weeks later. Meanwhile, the District eradicate the mold problem. continues working to remedy the situation to prevent mold from growing in the “We’re always very sensitive to our students and staff always having a great future. learning and work environment,” Kevin Supple, FHSD chief operating officer, “The environment is a lot better in the classroom,” junior Noe Bustos said. said. “As soon as we were notified of some issues, we took immediate action. “Wilk’s room is really nice. It’s like a mini home for her, and she likes her students We’re working as quickly as we can once the remediation plan was developed to to feel that way, so it does feel good to be back in there, but I didn’t mind being implement it and get those rooms cleaned. I feel that we’re following our standard in the other room as long as I was learning. I’m glad that [the mold] was being protocols, which is to be responsive to staff concerns where there are issues that looked at as a problem, and it just shows our district does resolve these kinds of arise and to work very quickly to ensure that our students and staff members have problems when it comes to student safety.”
TYPES OF MOLD
WATCH
PAGE BY GRACE BOWMAN
NEWS | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
10
Assistant Speech and Debate coach Brian Dufrenne advises junior Aslee Addison on her research that she is preparing for an upcoming debate tournament. Members of this club compete several times a month at various schools. Speech and Debate was one of the many clubs and sports that are now required to pay the $40 activity fee this school year. This fee was implemented to supplement district revenue and prevented clubs and sports from being cut. (Photo by Michaela Erfling)
STUDENTS PAY TO PLAY
The Board of Education implemented a fee for all students who participate in school-sponsored activities by Noah Slaughter
reader524@gmail.com | @ngs524
S
tudents returned to sports practices and club meetings this fall to a new requirement from the District: pay $40 to participate. The Board of Education approved this activity fee in June, attempting to meet the budgetary needs of the district after two tax levy failures in recent years left the district with insufficient funds. “We have made so many reductions throughout the budget in so many areas that no decision is easy at this point,” Lisa Simpkins, chief of human resources for FHSD, said. “We’ve cut through the fat, we’ve cut through the skin, and now we’re kind of at the bone of our organization.” This fee is the larger of two parts to the District’s plan to find $250,000 in the budget. They expect the first $100,000 of this sum to come from cutting return transportation from away events like games and competitions that are within 16 miles of the home school. The money raised from the activity fee should
11
cover the other $150,000. Accounting for this amount will let the District spend money in two key areas: removing the freeze on technology improvements and bringing back the tutoring that was cut in previous years. The fee structure also means that the District won’t have to make any further cuts this year. The District cut freshman sports and funding for some club sponsors last year, and neither are back this year. The District expects the fee to raise around $200,000, based on spring 2015-2016 extracurricular participation rates. “The approximate revenue from the activity fee we felt would more than cover what that budgeted reduction would be,” Simpkins said. “And so by implementing the activity fee, we did not feel there was any need to look for further reductions in extra curriculars.” A taskforce of almost 20 administrators, teachers, parents and students met twice in April to find ways of meeting that $150,000 goal before submitting their plan to the Board of Education in June. Simpkins, who served as a co-chair of that taskforce, says the
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | NEWS
group noted the importance of extra-curriculars while looking at reductions already made to the budget. The taskforce landed on this fee structure, which applies to elementary, middle and high school students at different amounts, after studying similar pay-to-play rules in other districts. “Any time your district goes into financial difficulties, one of the things they’re going to look at is everyone having a part of those cuts, and this is part of the activities cut,” Activities Director Mike Janes said. “I do think that there was a chance for something or some things to be cut if we didn’t try to generate some money.” The District will put all of the money it raises with the activity fee into its general revenue fund. That means that the money can be used in different areas, like technology or tutoring. It won’t all necessarily go toward activity costs. The one-time activity fee applies to every student who participates in at least one sport, club or activity that receives a stipend. All students pay the same price, $40, no matter how many groups they belong
PAGE BY SAMMIE HERR
STUDENT ATHLETES’ TAKE: What are your thoughts on the new policy? Do you think that the fee is beneficial or not?
“I feel like it’s convenient because the school needs money. This is the first year we’re doing it, so I feel like it’s an easy way to get money for activities.” Mya Huddleston, 11
“I don’t think it’s going to affect the players, but I do think that sports should cost a fee because club sports cost money to play. The school gives us gear to respect.” Jake Gresso, 11
“I think it’s convenient for all parents to pay for their kids to play sports. It’s necessary for the school to be able to pay for buses and different events that we go to.” Jordan Neuschwander, 12
TASKFORCE TIMELINE
A taskforce of teachers, administrators, parents and students met to find a plan for meeting the disitrict’s budgetary goals. Here is a timeline covering their work leading up to the final fee structure.
WATCH Learn more about the activity fee here goo.gl/2uHk6y
to. Families can pay online or with cash or check to the activities office, where students from low-income families can also find fee waiver applications. No one has applied for these waivers as of press time. “I think [parents] are very happy that we can continue to have our clubs and activities because they understand that it’s such an important part of the high school experience,” Janes said. “It’s going to be a real learning year for us, but I think overall it has been received positively.” Not everyone supports the plan, however, including junior Madeline DeGraw. “There are school districts that have a lesser income than us that don’t have fees on their sports and don’t have to cut buses,” DeGraw said. “It’s not that we’re suffering from a lack of funding, it’s that we’re suffering from a mismanagement of our funding. I don’t think it’s fair to have to take it out on the students.” Despite some criticism, both Janes and Simpkins are optimistic about the fee. “I really felt like, for the most part, families were supportive of it in lieu of what would have happened if we didn’t have an activity fee,” Simpkins said. “They felt like the fees weren’t astronomical, and people felt like it was reasonable. It was a compromise.”
PAGE BY SAMMIE HERR
The board of education requests a new direction for the district’s budget.
The taskforce holds its first meeting.
4/10/17
1/19/17
11/17/16
The board approves a task force to find a way to meet the district’s budgetary needs.
The taskforce holds its second and final meeting, finalizing its recommendation to the board.
4/26/17
The board of education votes to approve the fee structure, going into effect for the 17-18 school year
6/15/17
6/1/17
The taskforce presents the activity fee structure to the board for consideration.
NEWS | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
12
Brenna Hood sails on her boat over Labor Day weekend at Lake Carlyle in Southern Illinois. Hood’s parents, Mark and Emily Hood, taught her to sail. She has been going out on the boat with her family from a young age. She has won two sailing race competitions. (Photo submitted)
15
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | FEATURES
PAGE BY PAIGE PRINSTER
A Family Rooted in Sailing
Freshman Brenna Hood participates in the unique activity of sailing, both competitively and recreationally with her family by Paige Prinster
sailing skills, as well as how to race, with campers being able to participate in pepprin11@gmail.com | @p_prinster the Firecracker Regatta at the end of the renna Hood, a freshman at FHN, week. They also have the opportunity to has been sailing ever since she free sail throughout the week. was 1. She first started sailing Though she prefers sailing with her family, but by the age of 9, she recreationally, Brenna and her family was sailing by herself and she hasn’t have sailed competitively together in the stopped since. past. They have competed together “I’ve been sailing since I was really over 10 times in various regattas and young,” Brenna said. “Sailing with my races. And Brenna finally raced without family kinda sparked my interest in her family for the first time with adults sailing.” in the Whale of a Sail Brenna’s family has Regatta, which was COMMON SAILING held this year on Sept. shaped her passion in sailing. Both of her 16-17. It consisted TERMS parents, Emily and of multiple races PORT: When facing forward Mark Hood, are highly throughout the day, on a boat, this is everything to with participants’ race involved in sailing. the left They constantly are times being averaged encouraging their at the end to determine STARBOARD: When facing children to partake a winner. forward on a boat, this is in this passion and “Competitive makes everything to the right to compete or sail me nervous because BOW: The front of the boat recreationally. I have to do good,” “My husband is a STERN: The back of the boat Brenna said. “I enjoy sailor,” Emily said. “It’s racing with my family HELM: Where the boat is his passion, and he because it’s just fun steered wants our kids to get being on the water into it as well, so he with them. They make gives them as many opportunities as me feel like I have to do good but I still possible to go sailing and to learn how have fun.” to sail.” Brenna plans to use the skills she has During summer break, Brenna sails learned from her family for the rest of almost every weekend and even sails her life, whether it is in competitive or into the first few weeks of school. She recreational, as well as club sailing. also participates in a junior sailing camp “I love that she knows how to control in June. Both her mom and dad, along a boat,” Emily said. “She knows how to with other people they hire to help, run sail. She knows how to recover if her this week-long sailing camp in June at boat flips. I love that it gets her outside. Lake Carlyle in southern Illinois. The Sailing is a cool skill that not many week-long camp is for kids ages 10 to people have. And she enjoys doing 16. Over the week, they learn various it too.”
B
PAGE BY PAIGE PRINSTER
Balazs Olah (left), Anton Coelen (middle) and Fabian Schwuchow (right) are FHN’s foreign exchange students this year. They are adjusting to the American lifestyle. (Photo by Te’a Tonnsen)
BRINGING CULTURE TO THE HALLS Three new students have joined the hallways for this school year. Two juniors from Berlin, Germany, Anton Coelen and Fabian Schwuchow, and one sophomore from Romania, Balazs Olah, have enrolled in classes at FHN. “There aren’t many similarities,” Schwuchow said. “The lifestyle is different. Definitely, the school is.” The three students have faced many differences in the past few weeks they have been in the U.S. The people, the language, the school and the culture are all something they learn about every day. Schwuchow hopes to be able to talk to other students in English without being shy, and to get used to the outgoing personalities of the students. “In the first days, understanding and talking in English was hard,” Schwuchow said. “If the teacher talks too fast, you understand nothing.” Despite the differences and challenges, the students are enjoying their time here. Coelen has made new friends and Schwuchow attended his first Cardinals baseball game Aug. 23. “It’s a really big opportunity to be here and live the American lifestyle,” Olah said. “It’s different, but it’s beautiful.” Although there may be hardships, the students are excited to be here in the U.S. They are eager to learn the language and American culture. Inspired by family members, business or cool American movies, the three students are finally being granted their wish of being here. “Being here is just the best part because my childhood dream was to come to America,” Olah said. “I miss my family and my friends, but the amount of things I’m seeing and learning compensate that.” The students are learning new things, creating new relationships and seeing new sights. They are excited to learn and find new things in the U.S. “It’s different, but I like it,” Schwuchow said. “I hope I will remember these 10 months my whole life because it’s a great experience.” (Brief by Gracie Bowman)
FEATURES | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
16
NEW FACES JOIN FHN STAFF There are several new faculty members this year, from teachers to an attendance secretary to a technician. They all come here from different backgrounds and with different goals. Here is some background information about all of them.
LISA DAVIS ATTENDANCE SECRETARY
FHN has a new attendance secretary, Lisa Davis, this year. Prior to this job, Davis was a stay-at-home mom. Her days went from sending her kids to school and running errands to checking people in and out of school. She describes her time here so far as wonderful and the people as very nice. Davis looks forward to getting to meet fantastic people and having an overall great experience. (Photo by Heeral Patel) “I miss [being a-stay-athome mom], but at the same time I feel more productive working,” Davis said. “I feel like a more productive member of society now, not just a mom.” (Brief by Heeral Patel)
WILL DILLINGHAM
BRETT BEVILLE
DISTRICT TECHNICIAN
HEALTH, P.E. AND DRIVERS ED TEACHER
William Dillingham is the building’s new District Technician. He is tasked with fixing technological issues that teachers and staff are experiencing. Aiding Dillingham in fixing the many tech related problems the school has is a CompTIA A+ certification he’s earned for computer diagnosing. Dillingham, has moved around the District quite a bit before coming to FHN. The atmosphere at North has been nice and friendly. (Photo by Heeral Patel) “[The best part is] I get to see people very much excited about new technology and implementing new technology,” Dillingham said. (Brief by Heeral Patel)
Brett Beville teaches health, physical education and driver’s ed, and he also coaches football. He has taught math for 11 years, and this will be his first year as a P.E. teacher. While it may be his first year teaching at this school, Beville is not new to FHN. He graduated from here in 2002, and then from Missouri Valley College in 2006. “What I like about my teaching at North are the students and the other (Photo by Heeral Patel) teachers, who are really helpful,” Beville said. “I like how the students are really respectful and come to learn and I enjoy students that enjoy learning.” (Brief by Heeral Patel)
17 FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | FEATURES
PAGE BY HEERAL PATEL
JENNIFER CRANE
CHIOR DIRECTOR Jennifer Crane is currently the school’s choir director, teaching four choir classes as well as helping the concert band and teaching an ISAP/ Study Hall class for an hour. Previously, she taught two years in public school and six years in postsecondary education. “I became a teacher because being a mentor and a coach and helping others see the best in themselves, and helping others to achieve their goals and their dreams, is I believe (Photos by Abagayle Johnson and Isabella Schneider) the most rewarding thing in the world,” Crane said. “It’s one thing to accomplish something yourself, but to help somebody else get there is so much bigger than that.” (Brief by Daniel Xiang)
RYAN ARNONE GOVERNMENT AND SOCIAL SKILLS TEACHER
Ryan Arnone teaches American Government and Social Skills. He is teaching his third year of high school, having taught two years at Kirksville High School before moving. He was inspired to teach by a high school coach, wanting to follow his example since then. “Coach Praum, my basketball coach, was one of those people that put emphasis on talking about curriculum and lesson plans (Photos by Abagayle Johnson and Isabella Schneider) and all that but he put a bit more of an emphasis on building positive relationships with students, and I think I got more out of class after building that relationship so that’s something that I try to do in the classroom,” Arnone said. (Brief by Daniel Xiang)
PAGE BY DANIEL XIANG
MATT HOWARD SCIENCE TEACHER
Matt Howard has graduated with a degree in biology and worked has a teacher’s assistant. He heard good things about FHN from friends who graduated, so he decided to teach physical science and biology here after working as a long-term substitute here for Rachael Snider last quarter. “My student teaching and observation here really helped affect my decision coming to Francis Howell North to work here,” Howard said. “Building that great rapport with other (Photos by Abagayle Johnson and Isabella Schneider) teachers, the students, really almost making Francis Howell North become my home before I even had that opportunity to come here and work.” (Brief by Daniel Xiang)
COURTNEY FLAMM ART TEACHER
Courtney Flamm is a new art teacher at school. She was born in Winfield, MO, and had loved art throughout her childhood. After majoring in studio art she started teaching art in middle school. She did so for four years; she is currently teaching her first year of high school here. So far teaching high school students has been enjoyable for her, and she hopes that more people will want to take her classes in the future. ”I decided to start teaching (Photos by Abagayle Johnson and Isabella Schneider) so I could share my passion of art with students, and so I could teach students not to be afraid to make mistakes when being creative,” Flamm said. (Brief by Daniel Xiang)
FEATURES | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
18
Senior Grant Argent makes bibimbap, a popular Korean dish. The trip to South Korea has allowed Grant to learn parts of Korean customs and traditions he would have known had he grown up in the country. (Photo submitted)
(left to right) Kathy, Grant, and Guy Argent pose for a picture in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea. Kathy and Guy plan on more trips to the country for their younger children, Corynn and Clark, both also from South Korea, making it so each child has an individualized experience. (Photo submitted)
FAMILY FAVORITES FROM KOREA The Destination Korea Homeland tour works to have Korean adoptees discover as much of their birthland as possible. The tour, organized by an adoptee mother by the name of Beverlee Einsig, took the travelers all around South Korea. They started in the country’s capital, Seoul. The rest was spent traveling across the country, including landmarks as well as the towns where the adoptees on the trip came from. The tour included many remarkable places, including the 38th parallel, the Seoraksan mountain, a Gyeongbokgung Palace, a Buddhist Temple, beaches and a number of towns and cities to explore. They visited town that contained a traditional village that visitors can stay in called a Hanok Village. This exposure to Korean traditions and customs made it a favorite of the Argents. Additionally, their time spent in Seoul, acquainted the group with the contemporary Korea. The abundance of universities in the city allowed them to see into the life of student life in Korea today. Of the many places they went, these are the Agent family’s favorite places from their tour.
19
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | FEATURES
Senior Grant Argent poses for a picture with his foster mom. Grant is grateful to his foster mom for taking care of him, and to his social worker for her work in getting him adopted. (Photo submitted)
Downtown Seoul
Seoul, South Korea
“We went out for the night life and we got to see all the university-aged kids. They all dressed really fashionable and while we were in the city, there were like a bunch of circles or people around an act in the middle and there were like 19 acts lined up next to each other in the street.”
Hanok Village
Jeonju, South Korea
Seoul Grant Argent
Hanok village
“Probably what my favorite place was what they call a Hanok village. It’s basically a whole village that’s set up to look like something out of the past, an ancient village of how they used to live. While there we learned the traditional tea ceremony and they dressed everyone up in the ceremonial clothes. You could walk through this village and it was like a blast from the past.” Guy
Argent
PAGE BY HEERAL PATEL
Back to His Roots, Back To Korea
Senior Grant Argent went to South Korea over the summer to about learn and explore the culture of his birthland by Heeral Patel
heeral.patel03@gmail.com | @HeeralPatel12
T
wo weeks. Six families. Ten adoptees. A trip no other can compare to. One world of culture and customs to discover. The reality of it all didn’t set in until senior Grant Argent finally set foot in Seoul, South Korea. “It was just like a vacation, but you know, you get to see where you were born and immerse yourself in a culture that you really didn’t know a lot of because you were born there, but because I was adopted, I don’t remember any of it,” Grant said. “It was just really cool getting to see a bunch of people that looked like me, and I got to go on a big tour. It was like a big vacation really.” The tour, called the Destination Korea Homeland tour, encompassed a twoweek round-trip of the country specifically designed to show Korean adoptees where they come from. It kicked off in the country’s capital, Seoul, where they visited their adoption agency, Eastern Social Welfare. In the agency, once children are given up for adoption, they are given a file and a foster home. The kids are placed in foster care so they can be raised in a familial environment. While at the agency, the kids got to look through their files and meet their social workers. Some, including Grant, were lucky enough to meet their foster parents. Grant’s foster mom raised him for the first four months of his life, which was fairly unknown to him before their meeting. “I wish I spoke some Korean so I could’ve spoken to her myself,” Grant said. “It was a lot of translating. She held my hand the entire time, and she remembered me from when I was a baby. She really wanted to adopt me herself, but she decided not to, and that’s why I’m here. Apparently, she was going to stop fostering because she didn’t get me in the end. I was kinda nervous, but I was just a little curious about what she looked like. It was just really cool to meet her and see her and see that part of my life that I was missing because I didn’t remember anything because I was adopted when I was [four] months old.” Grant’s parents, Kathy and Guy Argent, had planned to do a trip like this for most of his life. The opportunity arose with Destination Korea Homeland, and Grant,
who has always been curious about Korea and his past, accepted his parents’ offer. “He has alway been very inquisitive about who he is and where he came from,” Kathy said. “We’ve always been very open with him and very honest with him about everything that we know. There’s no way I could’ve taught Grant all these things. Even if I could’ve read it to him, there’s no way he could’ve learned all that without us going.” In essence, the tour taught the adoptees what they would have known had they grown up in Korea. Accompanying the Argent family were five other families, each with a child of their own that was adopted from the country. The experience of discovering their origins became something that the adoptees could share with each other. “I think it was really cool because we were able to experience it together, but also understand what we each were feeling,” Samantha Singer, a 20-year-old adoptee from the tour who attends Texas Christian University, said. “When we met our foster parents, we were all able to connect. We weren’t able to get a lot of information out of our files about our families, so we were able to connect on that. And we just talked about what each of us had found or we wished we found, so it was nice having people who could relate to you in a way that maybe you wouldn’t if you went to Korea with your friends, you wouldn’t really be able to. They wouldn’t really understand.” The families journeyed throughout the country, stopping at famous landmarks, the cities all the adoptees were born in and other places where they could all experience the culture of the country. The tour incorporated teaching not only traditional Korean culture but also what growing up and living in the country would be like today. “[It was] really eye-opening,” Grant said. “I just really enjoyed it. It was disappointing not getting to see my birth parents, but I got a lot out of it. I really got to get into the culture. I really want to go there for like a year for like a travel abroad during college or study abroad. I just really enjoyed it, and I can’t wait for the next time I get to go back.”
Mountains
Seoraksan Mountains Gangwon Province, South Korea “There was a lot of beautiful scenery that we went to like the mountains that we went to. They were absolutely gorgeous and huge, and it was really, really cool.”
Grant Argent
Temple
Bulguksa Buddhist Temple
Gyeongju, South Korea
“One of my favorite places that we went was a Buddhist temple. It was up on a taller hillside, and it was beautiful. There were these little lanterns hanging everywhere and when you got there you [learn] those were prayers that people would go and hang them for different things, and it was just a beautiful sight.”
Kathy Argent
PAGE BY HEERAL PATEL
FEATURES | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
20
The Brain Freeze Experience sits off Harvester at 3790 Harvester Road. The food truck specializes in their famous funnel cakes and shaved ice. Tyler Foulon and his sister opened The Brain Freeze experience in May, and plan to expand their business in the next few years. (Photo by Abbi Back)
EXPERIENCE THE BRAIN FREEZE Katelyn Hunn and Tyler Foulon opened a permanent food truck on Caulks Hill Road, which serves popular fair food by Sophie Carite
svcarite@gmail.com | @lovefromsoph
B
rother-sister run food truck the Brain Freeze Experience has found its permanent home on Caulks Hill. Co-owners Katelyn Hunn and Tyler Foulon have had it up and running since late May and plan to stay open year-round. “I like serving people,” Hunn said. “Seeing other people happy makes me happy.” The environment of the truck was important to Hunn and Foulon. In most instances, customers would take their food and leave, but at The Brain Freeze Experience, there are colorful, hand-made picnic tables to sit at and yard games, like a bean bag toss, for kids to play. “I like the atmosphere and the funnel cakes,” sophomore Noelle Lyons said. “I think the owners are really nice.” Having a place for people to spend time was important to Hunn and Foulon when planning the truck. They wanted to have a place where people of all types and ages would want to be. “We welcome all high school kids,” Foulon said. “Anyone who brings in a school ID gets $1 off anything.” Hunn and Foulon both agree that The Brain Freeze Experience is very much a happy, family environment. They
WATCH
21 FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | FEATURES
appreciate and treat every customer with kindness because both owners enjoy working in a place where they get to try and put a smile on someone’s face. “I like meeting new people and seeing all the families that return,” Hunn said. “I like watching moms and their kids have fun.” The truck offers items like shaved ice, hot dogs, brats, chili dogs and nachos. However, they’re most known for their funnel cakes. “We have the world’s best funnel cakes,” Hunn said. “They’re fluffy, crunchy and sweet. With other places, just the powdered People gather for sugar is sweet but our batter is the Brain Freeze sweet.” Experience’s one of During 2017, the truck hasn’t a kind fair foods and fun activities. been moving, and won’t be moving goo.gl/QQ4p68 anytime soon. Hunn and Foulon aren’t opposed to bringing their brand to festivals and events in the coming years, though. “If we traveled we would bring our name and leave the truck,” Hunn said. “This is its home. This way we can host events like birthday parties, and people can hang out.” Because of the already successful beginning to the truck, Hunn and Foulon are looking to the future with hopes to expand both their business and menu with items like ribs and burgers. “We’re not going anywhere,” Foulon said. “Hopefully, within the next year or two, we’ll have another location.”
MENU
Small shaved ice $2 Medium shaved ice $2.75 Large shaved ice $3.50 Fitz’s Rootbeer $2 Lemonade $3 Funnel Cakes $4 Hot dogs $2 Brats $3 Nachos $3.50 Chili Nachos $3.50
PAGE BY SOPHIE CARITE
living on t h e spectrum Being on the gender spectrum isn’t as uncommon as people think it is. According to the New York Times, one in every 137 teenagers in the U.S. is transgender. Being transgender or nonbinary isn’t an anomaly. Not even at FHN. These are stories from fellow students who live on the spectrum and have come to find a new identity. (In-Depth designed by Carolynn Gonzalez, photos by Alex Rowe)
23
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | IN-DEPTH
PAGE BY CAROLYNN GONZALEZ
seeing
the spectrum by Anna Lindquist alindquist709@gmail.com
S
ex and gender. Our society tends to use these words synonymously, but professionals often point out that there are differences between the terms. The general consensus is that they are not the same. Sex describes a person’s physical attributes, while gender refers to social and cultural characteristics. Experts often describe the gender spectrum as a line with femininity on one end and masculinity on the other. People can fall on either side or somewhere in between. Wearing pants or a dress, having short or long hair or wearing makeup are examples of gender distinctions and are not necessarily limited to being born as male or female. Confusing the difference between gender and sex can have consequences for transgender individuals, according to Mandi Kowalski, a field organizer for PROMO, Missouri’s organization that advocates for LGBT equality by fighting anti-LGBT bills and educating people on LGBT issues. Mixing up sex and gender makes it harder to understand when someone says they are nonbinary or they are transgender. “Those that identify as heterosexual and cisgender, which is considered the norm in society, they haven't had to think about gender or sexuality,” Kowalski said. “They have a social script that they have been able to follow, that women are feminine and that they are attracted to men and that men are masculine and that they are attracted to women. Because they haven't had to
Knowing the difference between sex and gender is important when learning about people who don’t classify themselves with the gender they were assigned to at birth
question themselves there’s a lot of confusion, and there still is a lot of education to be done. We’ve come a long way because of organizations like PROMO or GSA networks, but there’s still a lot of work to be done, especially because confusing sex and gender can be harmful for LGBT legislation and policies, like bathroom policies that are popping up.” Young people tend to be more accepting, according to Kowalski. Many of them have been exposed to the concept for much of their lives and it isn’t new for many of them. But for others, it still may be hard to comprehend. Specifically at FHN, AP Language and Composition teacher Jani Wilken has a gender unit that focuses on gender stereotypes and the difference between gender and sex. “I know it’s easier to dismiss it and easier to throw it aside than to work to research it and learn about it,” Wilkens said. “If they haven’t met or don’t know anyone [who is transgender], it may be hard to empathize. I think it’s easier for people who know someone on the gender spectrum. That’s a game changer.” Staying informed and educating oneself about the difference between gender and sex and the impact that has on transgender individuals is important, according to both Kowalski and Wilkens, even if someone doesn't know anyone on the gender spectrum. “[From AP Lang last year], I learned it’s really important to be informed about the difference between gender and sex, especially with LGBT issues,” senior Erin Stock said. “Nowadays, there is a distinct difference between the two and knowing that difference can allow us to avoid miscommunication and helps us avoid disrespecting someone.”
WHAT IS THE SPECTRUM? BIOLOGICAL SEX - the reproductive organs one is born with MALE
INTERSEX
FEMALE
GENDER IDENTITY - how one perceives themselves internally MALE
FEMALE
(Someone may feel they do not fall between male and female)
EXPRESSION - how one displays their gender identity to others MASCULINE
UNISEX
FEMENINE (Source: genderspectrum.org)
PAGE BY CAROLYNN GONZALEZ
IN-DEPTH | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
24
A Pronoun, A Name, A
transformation
Junior Adrien Fiely recently became fully comfortable with himself after struggling for years by Anna Lindquist alindquist709@gmail.com
H
e was in early ninth grade when he first heard the word transgender. After years of trying to find himself, of searching to understand the raw feelings of discomfort, junior Adrien Fiely had finally found a label that seemed to explain how he had felt all his life. He came out to his friends and family as a transgender female to male last year. “When people would refer to me as she, when they would refer to me as my birth name, it didn’t really click,” Fiely said. “It’s as if someone were to get your name wrong and keep calling you that name. You feel kind of like ‘Oh, that’s not right.’ That’s how it felt with me and the pronouns I was born with.”
The initial coming out process wasn’t a big spectacle, according to Fiely. It happened over a period of time, his parents slowly realizing he wasn’t comfortable with his pronouns. “When people would call me male or refer to me as he at a restaurant or something with my parents, the server would hear my voice and be like ‘Oh. Sorry, ma'am,’” Fiely said. “I would get upset when they would try to explain to people that I was born female. From there, my parents sort of realized something was wrong. They realized that maybe this isn't how I feel. So my mom came to me and asked me what was going on. It took me a little while to explain to her and everything. My mom has become more supportive. It wasn’t immediate, and even now my mom still struggles with the whole topic of calling me by the right name or by the right pronouns. I'm her kid. Of course, it was going to be hard for her.” For his friends, though, it was different. He had told a group of his friends he was questioning his gender and experimenting with what he thought he would feel more comfortable with. They were automatically very supportive of his decision.
“I really just went down the spectrum at unhealthy methods to try and cover myself. first,” Fiely said. “I thought maybe I feel more Sometimes, [gender dysphoria] would really hit comfortable as neutral gender, maybe I’m more and I’d have to talk to my friends about it. They comfortable identifying as demiboy, maybe I want told me to look to the future. They told me that it male pronouns. I would then tell my friends what feels like a big thing now but you kind of have to pronoun I preferred until I figured out I wanted look at yourself and think to yourself, ‘This is how male pronouns. It was a whole transition of me I was born, and I can't change it right now. You accepting myself and gradually becoming more have to overcome the locked-in-yourself feeling masculine. I just figured out how I was more and look toward the future and what you want for comfortable.” yourself.’” Even before he had truly settled on his After fully coming out to his friends and his pronouns, he knew that he wanted to change his parents, finding himself and feeling comfortable name. His birthname, Jada, felt too feminine and with himself, he decided to tell some of his didn’t match the person he felt he was. At first, he teachers. Having a positive learning environment felt afraid people weren’t was important to Fiely. He I fear going out in public thought that maybe teachers going to call him what he prefered, but decided and being attacked because would get the wrong impression it would be best for I get stares and everything. from him if he said he preferred him. He also decided to to use male pronouns. I’m not sure why they would change his appearance to “I didn't mention it to some look at me. At first, I don’t coincide with how he felt teachers because that was the know if they’re threatened first time they had seen me,” he should look. “I use binders and I by me or if I’m just different. Fiely said. “So I would write my ended up cutting my hair name and then in parentheses I rarely use restrooms out really short,” Fiely said. my birth name, just in case, in public. There’s a fear of “I used to try to be what because that's the name that's someone freaking out on would stereotypically be on the roster. My history teacher me, and it’s the panic and actually came up to me and masculine. I tried to take that stereotypical image the anxiety that goes along said, ‘So, you prefer to go by of what is male and apply Adrian?’ because I said that with going out in public. it to myself, but now and I put it on my papers. I feel since I've progressed, I like that reflects about how am more comfortable with how I am and how I much teachers understand if you want to go by a look that fits my personality and my style but isn't different name. It made me feel a lot better about necessarily the typical male fashion. I'm coming it.” into my own personality. I like to dye my hair. I can During the time Fiely was questioning his wear whatever colors I want.” identity, he decided to join the club Gay-Straight Fiely said he can’t get sex reassignment surgery, Alliance to find more people to connect with. He a surgery that changes the sex of an individual, immediately joined as a representative for his because of the medical costs, but he hopes to one grade and has been involved since. day fully transition. Some transgender individuals, “I loved having people that could talk so openly like Fiely who want to transition but can’t, feel and share experiences,” Fiely said. “It was such an gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is the distress amazing thing to me for people to come together a person feels when they don’t believe they were and talk about this and for no one to be really born as the right gender. targeted. This made people feel safe.” “Because I can’t get the surgery, it’s been hard This year, he has become president and is a for me,” Fiely said. “Before I could do binding, leader to the students who join. because they're slightly expensive, I would use “He’s a role model in GSA,” sponsor Amy Field
“
”
PAGE BY CAROLYNN GONZALEZ
said. “He’s very approachable. He has shown a lot of leadership. He shares his experiences, and he has always been there for the students.” GSA is a positive, safe place for LGBT students at FHN, but outside of that community, transgender individuals feel afraid of persecution, according to Fiely. Already in 2017, 18 transgender people have been killed for suspected hate crimes in the U.S., the Human Rights Campaign reported. “I fear going out in public and being attacked because I get stares and everything,” Fiely said. “I'm not sure why they would look at me. At first, I don't know if they’re threatened by me or if I'm just different. I rarely use restrooms out in public. There's a fear of someone freaking out on me, and it's the panic and the anxiety that goes along with going out in public.” Because of the fear of going to the bathroom in a dangerous environment, Fiely avoids using it throughout the day, even here at FHN. “I used to not drink water during the day, and completely, no matter how badly I needed to go to the bathroom, I would not go to the bathroom at all,” Fiely said. “I would have waited all day. I won't use guys restrooms here because I know a lot of people will look at me. In my classes, when my teachers would call me by my birth name, because they don't know, and then I'm in the guy's bathroom. I gravely fear being attacked so I get a pass as a last resort when I'm not likely to be with anyone.” If someone is persecuted or attacked or ridiculed at FHN, GSA goes as a group to the principal to report the incident. "It's kinda like we stand together instead of one person alone,” GSA vice-president Bree Williams said. “If you have a group behind you, you feel safer and they take us more seriously." Even though the fear of being assaulted is constant, Fiely tries to present his true self anyway. “Now that I've learned more about myself, I've learned about what I'm comfortable with,” Fiely said. “I've gotten a lot louder. I used to be quiet and shy and clinging to the closet, and now I can be bubbly and talky. I'm happy talking with people and saying, ‘This is my name and this is my pronoun.’ Now that I've come out over and over again, you get used to it. I've accepted myself.”
IN-DEPTH | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
26
transitioning
Through High School Alumnus Andrew Stoker went from male to female for a period of time
by Sammie Herr
sammieherr17@gmail.com
T
oward the end of his sophomore year, 2016 graduate Andrew Stoker began to question his gender. He kept it in the back of his mind all throughout his junior year and into the beginning of his senior year. It kept echoing back and forth, always lingering. That thought eventually made it to the front of his mind and Stoker decided that he had to do something about it. “Over time, these thoughts just progressed,” Andrew said. “I figured that I needed to do something about this. It was just eating up all my time and invading my thoughts. I didn’t feel like how I was presenting was who I actually was. The best way to describe how I felt was ‘uncomfortable.’” One day, he was with his best friend at the time, Megan Horner. After all the time keeping these thoughts wrapped inside his head, he felt stressed and anxious. Horner noticed his discomfort and sat
him down. They talked and he opened up to her. He told her that he felt like a woman. He told her about all the nights he spent researching hormone replacement therapies, different surgeries and some resources that trans people can go to to afford these things. He told her who he wanted to be. “My favorite memory was really just him coming to me and telling me this is what he wanted to do,” Horner said. “It felt good to know he trusted me and wanted me to help. It’s not the easiest thing to go through.” The next day he told his mom, Lisa Stoker. She was also very accepting of him and decided to take him out shopping with Horner. Andrew was gone and Andrea was created. They got him feminine clothes, makeup and wigs, they shaved his legs and taught him how to do makeup. His excitement led him from Andrew to Andrea in a span of four days. “He’s my son and I love him,” Lisa said. “It’s not in his personality to do anything halfway. This was something he put a lot of research and effort into so he could find where he fit. He always felt more feminine, and it’s what he decided to do. I think it’s very important to have a support system because in situations like this everything turns upside down. Everything’s different. Trans people need
(Information by Heeral Patel)
GET TO KNOW GENDER TRANSGENDER -
umbrella term describing people whose gender identity does not match the gender assigned to their sex at birth
CISGENDER -
describes a person whose gender identity matches the gender assigned to their sex at birth
someone there for them who can call them the correct pronouns and to reassure them that what they’re doing is OK.” After he finally expressed himself and felt comfortable, he emailed his counselors, teachers and principals. He told them that he was no longer Andrew, but rather Andrea. He explained his situation and how he lived as a female. “They told me they had my back,” Andrew said. “I’m very thankful for North for being so appreciative and accepting in this time living as Andrea. I was really getting myself ready to start living as a woman. At the time I thought I was very serious about it and I thought it was going to be a long term thing. I just didn’t realize how unsure I was.” After a month or so of living as Andrea, he noticed that he wasn’t as comfortable presenting himself as Andrea. It wasn’t anything that anyone said. In fact, he never heard any gossip about his transition. He just started noticing the discomfort starting to slip back into him. He had a big lack of motivation in school and social life. He wasn’t the same involved student he was at the beginning of the year. Andrew took some time to think to himself about what he felt. He came to the conclusion that maybe he wasn’t supposed to be Andrea. Instead, he was just a more feminine guy. “I talked to my mom about it,” Andrew said. “[She] is still my biggest supporter to
this day. She brought up the option to go back to Andrew, and that’s what I wanted to do. I just didn’t know how well the school would receive it. I emailed and talked to the counselors and principals again. Once they knew, I made a Twitter post to tell my friends and to tell other students that I was going back to what I was most comfortable in. I just included a long explanation of what was going on in my head.” The next semester at school, he was back to Andrew. He spoke at GSA rallies and told everybody his experience. He was back to a cisgender male, which he still is to this day. Stoker is still a big supporter of transgender people and the LGBT community in general. “As a high school student, you don’t ever fully know yourself,” Andrew said. “I don’t think it’s ever concrete or even set in stone. It definitely gave me a glimpse of specifically my gender identity, but also on how I present myself. I believe that there are some women who are masculine, and there are some men who are feminine. I believe that gender is not just black and white. There’s not even just a gray area. There are colors and diversity. It’s important to understand, and as long as you’re in a safe environment you should explore that idea of self discovery and finding your gender. I’m very thankful that I did, and I think it’s changed me in the most positive way. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
TRANSMAN -
a man who was assigned female at birth
TRANSWOMAN -
a woman who was assigned male at birth
NONBINARY -
gender identities that do not fall within the traditional male and female categories
GENDERQUEER -
umbrella term for any gender identity that is neither distinctly male or female
AGENDER -
term for gender identity that does not identify with any gender
BIGENDER -
term for a gender identity that is a combination of male and female
GENDERFLUID -
term for a gender identity that is not fixed
DEMIGENDER -
term for when one partially identifies with a gender
(Sources: Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Oxford Dictionary)
PAGE BY CAROLYNN GONZALEZ
IN-DEPTH | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
28
Neither
he she nor
Angel Husgen came out as nonbinary in seventh grade and explains how everyday life has changed after that by Ronald Joel
ronaldt.joel@gmail.com What started in seventh grade as just a thought soon became junior Angel Husgen’s life. Husgen had a feeling to come out as nonbinary and then became sure of that decision. Husgen saw being nonbinary not as a concern, but as something to be accepting of. “It was kind of something that just happened,” Husgen said. “A lot of people are accepting of it, there are some kids who never will, but I don’t see it to be a problem. Even if your parents aren’t as accepting, there will be others who will understand.” Husgen was straight forward with it and told their parents. Husgen says that many people have been supportive of the decision. All of Husgen’s friends accept Husgen as a person and treat them just like any other friend, to be there and to be supportive of any situation. “I accept them as a person like anyone
EDITOR’S NOTE:
else and as any other friend,” sophomore Trinity Saunders said. According to guidance counselor Mary Kerr-Grant, many insults fly across the school or students say negative remarks and it’s the everyday life of a nonbinary student to deal with and it’s not likely to stop. However, it has never been much of a problem for Husgen. The everyday insults thrown are just comments to look away from. Husgen shrugs it off and goes on with the day. Husgen said they won’t let anything affect them no matter what. “Around the school there are snarky remarks made on a weekly basis,” Kerr-Grant said. “There is a tone out there that affects them and it’s not likely to stop.” For Husgen, coming out was a good decision and there were few negative impacts. “Today people are getting more and more accepting of the decision I made,” Husgen said. “I think in high school you should just be yourself and really find your place in this world.”
Husgen identifies as nonbinary. In keeping with Husgen’s gender identification, we have used the pronoun “they” in this story. Individuals who identify as nonbinary have the freedom to decide which pronoun they’d like to be called. “They” is a gender neutral term and is preferred by most nonbinary people.
THE BATHROOM POLICY STANDS STRONG
Despite the state government’s attempts to put restrictions on transgender bathroom use, FHN’s policy remains unchanged by Jake Price
who may target you,” Kerr-Grant said. “Plus let’s say someone is biologically a boy, and you identify as a girl, but you are also attracted to the male gender. Then that just puts someone in an estrooms at FHN are all split into two classifications: male awkward situation, but that doesn’t mean they’ll act on anything. and female. However, if a student identifies as a different It’s just a comfort level.” gender and wants to choose which bathroom they’d When using the school policy, an accommodation a trans prefer, students may not know if they can. student might ask for is the use of a gender neutral bathroom. The school’s bathroom policy states that someone who FHN has no official gender neutral bathrooms, and due to the identifies as the opposite gender or no gender at all is allowed to school building being fairly old there hasn’t been any plans use the bathroom of their choice or any other accommodations to put one in. However, there are other bathrooms that are based on their needs. considered gender neutral such as the nurse’s and faculty “Our district tries to be supportive of all of the students that restrooms. go to our schools,” principal Andy Downs “We always want to consider, be aware Transgender people have said. “They make decisions in accordance of and discuss things that will help make been using the bathroom with law, but also in accordance [in all of our students feel more comfortable,” which] with what we're trying to provide Downs said. “What that [gender neutral for a long time without an the best possible environment for our incident, so I think the bill is bathrooms] looks like, in the context of this kids.” building being an older building and things misguided. It makes it easier of that nature, I don’t know [if we would FHN works to create a positive for people to discriminate environment for transgender students. add more gender neutral bathrooms]. I against other transgender The administration allows students to think that we’re always open to having choose which bathroom to use, but if conversations, and looking at what the people, and where the a trans student doesn’t want that, then school needs to be heading needs are of our kids here in this building.” counselors, principals and teachers Administrators use the policy to try is more gender neutral work together to create a solution. This to create a safe school environment for bathrooms. It provides a situation rarely happens, but if it does, the transgender students, but around Feb. 21 safe, private atmosphere for legislators introduced a bill in Missouri school’s policy takes care of that. “I am absolutely grateful that we have that could have changed that. Senate Bill all trans students. GSA for students, and that we have 98 stated that all school restrooms, locker support from sponsors because we can rooms and shower rooms accessible for talk to counselors if we have an issue with a student or anything use by multiple students shall be designated for and used by like that,” junior Adrien Fiely said. “Really there is just overall a biologically male or female students only. The act still gave lot of backing up and support from the offices and counselors, accommodations, but would have taken away the transgender which helps a lot.” student’s right to choose what bathroom they want to use. This policy also applies to the locker rooms. However, they However, the bill failed, and it has not been filed again since, tend to be a little bit trickier because students undress in front meaning that the school policy has not been affected. of other people. Counselor Mary Kerr-Grant says that it can be “Transgender people have been using the bathroom for a long uncomfortable for a transgender student to undress in a room time without an incident, so I think the bill is misguided,” Kerrfull of people of the gender he or she identifies with, but who Grant said. “It makes it easier for people to discriminate against have the body of the sex at birth. other transgender people, and where the school needs to be “When you undress in front of other students, you’re sharing heading is more gender neutral bathrooms. It provides a safe, something kind of intimate about yourself in front of people private atmosphere for all trans students.”
japrice024@gmail.com
R
“
”
PAGE BY CAROLYNN GONZALEZ
IN-DEPTH | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
30
Jeff Strickland, Agent
www.JeffStrickland.com
636.947.6226
Walk in, Call in, Click in
The girls’ cross country team sits at Pasta House waiting for their server during a team dinner the night before their first meet. The meet took place Aug. 25, at McNair Park. (Photo by Mackenzie Pugh)
BONDING THROUGH
OODLES OF NOODLES The cross country team shares a pasta dinner together the night before their significant meets by Patty O’Leary
is just a fun and exciting way to either prepare for an event or get to know one’s teammates. For head coach Kimberly Martin, team bonding as a unit holds meaning on a much deeper level. he cross country team continues to build a tight-knit and dedicated “If they’re doing things like team bondings, they’re going to be closer,” Martin, atmosphere. In the venture of achieving this goal, they visit a restaurant head varsity cross country coach, said. “When they get closer then while or gather at a team member’s house for a pasta dinner the night before competing they’re more likely to be not just competing for themselves but for the the majority of their important meets such as GACs, team.” Districts, Sectionals, State and even meets large in size. The pasta dinner became a tradition last year that the Check out clips “We always go out to dinner,” Paige Hercules, 2017 cross country team has brought back into this year’s of two runners sophomore and varsity cross country athlete, said. “It’s team culture. Having lost one female varsity senior and four talking about not before every meet but we do like to go to Pasta male varsity seniors from last year to this year, the team their goals for this House or some type of dinner. Before State, Districts or has definitely had their fair share of struggles. Not only did season: Sectionals we would have a team dinner at someone’s the team lose the graduates’ presence on the athletic side, goo.gl/VyCTF1 house so we can carb up.” but they also played a major role in the team culture. Last Not only does the team see this feast as a way to year’s seniors are greatly missed by the returning athletes, prepare their bodies for a big run but also as an opportunity to build new bonds but this year’s team has taken this tradition and made it their own to cater to the and strengthen old ones. It allows the athletes to relax and have some fun before newcomers and the returning athletes. the sometimes stressful meets. “This year it’s been really different by having the friends off the bat, starting “It just helps because we’re hanging out outside of running,” Hercules said. out knowing everyone and being the next role model for the incoming people,” “We’re not all worried about the workout or anything, we are all just hanging out.” Hercules said. “It’s been a lot different but I definitely think the team bondings For the athletes on the team, the time spent together during team bondings help.”
poleary485@g.fhsdschools.org | @Pattyxoxo_
T
WATCH
33
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | SPORTS
PAGE BY MACKENZIE PUGH
FASTFOODS Morning runs:
Afternoon runs:
2-3
hours before
6-8
hours before
1-2
hours before
3-4
hours before
Drink at least 17-20 ounces of water. Staying hydrated is key.
Eat a 200-300 calorie meal. A good option would be a cup of oatmeal topped with sliced bananas.
45
minutes before
Drink another 10-20 ounces of water. Make sure you keep your body hydrated beforehand rather than chugging water right before the race.
Eat a carbohydrate and lean protein focused breakfast. Try wheat toast topped with an egg and a side of fruit.
Eat a filling but not overly heavy lunch. Avoid high protein and high fat foods as they are harder to digest.
45
minutes before
If you feel yourself getting hungry, have a light snack, but don’t eat any later than 45 minutes before your run or you may experience cramping.
When preparing for a run, follow these guidlines to increase your comfort, speed and overall health
After the run:
15
minutes after
Your body just exerted a lot of energy, so make sure to refuel with a smaller portion of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables to support your body as you are recovering. Don’t overeat at this time, as your body is still recovering.
1-2
hours after
As your body has had enough time to cool down and focus on day to day functions, now would be the time to have a more substantial, however still health-conscious, meal. Complex carbohydrates and protein are recommended, such as pasta with chicken. Avoid fats and simple sugars.
(Sources: runnersworld.com, livestrong.com)
GOLFING FOR GOLD
Senior Briana Schmidt takes her stance to tee off at Lake Forest Golf Course Aug. 31 during her tri-match between Timberland and St. Dominic. Schmidt has been playing varsity golf for FHN since freshman year. (Photo by Wil Skaggs)
PAGE BY MACKENZIE PUGH
Seniors Jessica Qian and Brianna Schmidt work to advance to State again this year in golf. Although neither advanced last year, Qian went her freshman year and Schmidt went her sophomore year. They both advanced to Sectionals last year. “I really want Witthaus to be able to go to State as a coach,” Schmidt said. “It’s really cool as a player, but he’s never been, and I would like for him to get the opportunity.” The two agree that their key setback at Sectionals last year took place on the 11th hole, which was located near a patch of woods that proved hazardous for the girls . Schmidt scored a 13 on the hole and Qian
scored an 11. “It was a fluke thing that happened, and the tournament won’t be at the same spot so they will be more prepared this year,“ golf coach Chris Witthaus said. To prepare, the girls practice every day after school and on their own over the weekends. “Golf is a weird sport in that it all comes down to how good do you want to be,” Witthaus said. “They have both been playing for a long time and they made the decision that they want to be good at it. I would love for Bri and Jess to make it to State.” (Brief by Mackenzie Pugh)
SPORTS | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
34
SOFTBALL
QA &
WITH MIKE FREEDLINE
What can you tell me about how the team is doing this year?
How have you been preparing?
What will be the biggest struggle for the team?
What is the team looking forward to?
Are there any outstanding players?
What needs to happen for the team to succeed?
We won our first two games and played perfect defense in the first two games.
We have been just practicing all summer a couple hours a day.
Honestly, just staying consistent in games and consistent with batting too.
We might go to State this year, so that’s something to be excited for.
There’s Janae Watkins, Skylar Ruiz, Elizabeth Davis and Sahara Pauley.
They need to believe in themselves. Elizabeth Davis is our starting pitcher, so she needs to be on it.
Season-Ending GAME Junior Taron Woods suffers his seventh concussion and can no longer play football
by Jacob Dulaney
jacobdulaney1118@gmail.com
Taron Woods stands on the sideline as he watches the game against Fort Zummwalt West on Sept. 8. The final score was 48-0 FZW (Photo Illustration by Jordan Milewczik and McKayla Bogda)
35
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | SPORTS
Varsity football played the FZE Lions on Friday, Aug. 23, and it seemed to be a normal home game for the Knights. Little did they know they would lose one of their star players for the rest of his high school football career. “I didn’t expect Friday to be the final game of my life,” junior Taron Woods said. Taron played wide receiver on offense and safety on defense that night. On an offensive drive in the second quarter, another player tackled Taron and he suffered his seventh concussion. He had a neck injury earlier this year, which made him more likely to suffer another head injury. “I expected my last game to be coming soon since I had a neck injury earlier this year, but I didn’t realize that it would be this season,” Taron said. Taron wasn’t the only one affected by this injury. His family and teammates show as much support as they can to comfort Taron. “My whole family has also been pretty sad,” Taron said. “Even though they haven’t said it to me directly, I can tell because they have all been talking to me saying everything will be fine. They will just have to get used to the way things are now and so will I.” He and his twin brother, Ronald, have played football together for 11 years. Ronald was devastated when he learned that he was not going to be able to play with his brother anymore. “I’m going to wear his number and play for him,” Ronald said. “I’m going to do what I can to keep his name and mine alive.”
PAGE BY MCKAYLA BOGDA
(Q&A by Adelaide Hill)
What’s the season shaping up to look like?
How do you think this season is going to go?
Is there anything new happening this season?
Is there anything you would like to add?
I think the season is looking pretty good. We’re off to a great start.
I think that it’s going to be a good season. We have eight seniors, so hopefully their hard work will pay off.
We have a new transfer student, Cheyenne Bivins, who I think will be a great addition to the team.
Yes, we have a great team and I think we will do great this season.
On Sept. 5, senior Brianna Azevedo scores the first run of the varsity softball game against FHHS. At the end of the game, seven more runs were hit by her teammates after her. They lost with a score of 8-13. (Photo by Kamryn Bell)
HITTING OFF THE SEASON This year’s softball season started in July and is working to improve since this past year, which ended with a record of 15-8. “I think honestly so far this year we are playing good, but not to our full potential yet,” junior Lily St. John said. “I’m sure that if we all got our heads on straight we could be even better in future games.” Their solid batting and great playing are big reasons for the season’s starting wins, according to Freedline. Although the team has been doing well so far, Freedline says the team might
struggle with consistency during games. Later in the season, this has been proven correct. Some outstanding players Freedline mentioned were Julia Hanan with a batting average of .439, Cheyenne Bivins with an average of .270, Elizabeth Davis with an average of .333, Janae Watkins with an average of .529, Skylar Ruiz with an average of .392 and Sahaura Pauley with an average of .400. “We have a great team and a great shot to win a lot of games this year,” Freedline said. (Brief by Adelaide Hill)
UPCOMING GAMES
Monday
29
Varsity Football vs. FHC Time: 7 p.m. Where: Home (Homecoming) Girls’ Varsity Golf Districts Time: TBA Where: Dardenne
PAGE BY MCKAYLA BOGDA
Thursday
27
Boys’ Varsity Tennis vs St. Dominic High School Time: 6 p.m. Where: Away
30 Tuesday
Friday
22
Girls Varsity Softball vs. FZW Time: 4:15 p.m. Where: Away
Junior Luke Davis prepares to dive into the water from the block. The boys’ diving and swimming team was cut this year due to a lack of swimmers and a coach. This decision could change in the future if more swimmers and divers try out. (File photo)
NOT ENOUGH FISH IN THE SEA With last year’s State diving champion graduated and the coach retired, the swim team is no more. It was left with two swimmers and no coach, which is not the makings of a good team. Throughout the summer, Athletic Director Mike Janes sent out information about the upcoming tryouts and open coaching position but did not get enough appeal. “I put out communication about the swim coaching position and had two responses,” Janes said. “Based off of last year’s numbers, there weren’t enough swimmers to support the team.” Junior Luke Davis and sophomore Caleb Gelven are the two remaining swimmers. Davis went to pick up a tryout card over the summer, where he was told that there wasn’t going to be a team. “It’s sad and disappointing,” Davis said. “Swimming was very intense, which kept me in shape. Also, the competitions were fun to go to and the team was nice. There was a lot of good sportsmanship.” Despite not having a boys’ swim team this year, there is hope that this setback is temporary. If the team gets more swimmers next year, Janes will hire a coach, and the boys will be back in the pool once again. “I’m going to keep the job position posted and try to get some interest in coaching and in the sport,” Janes said. (Brief by Hannah Wilson)
SPORTS | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
36
QA TENNIS
&
WITH KATIE PRINKEY
How long have you played tennis? Three years, as of this year. What do you love most about tennis? I love that it is an extremely driven game mentally just as much as it is physically.
I am most excited for GACs for sure. It is a really fun day where we all just have fun and play. What is the biggest change between this season and last season? For the team, we have a lot of new players. As for me, I’m playing number one which is very challenging, and it’s a new experience.
Senior Taylor Elzein runs towards the ball. Boys’ varsity soccer played against the FHC Spartans on Sept. 5. The game tied 1-1 which forced the teams to go into overtime. The Knights won 2-1 due to Joel Arena’s winning shot in penalty kicks. (Photo by Jared Kinnard)
LOOKING TO THE LEADERS Seniors Thomas Bell and Richie Taylor step up to take on a larger leadership role for their last soccer season at FHN by Jamie Sneed
jamiesneed00@gmail.com | @jamiesneed00
How does your team celebrate big wins? After big wins, the whole entire team will typically go out to eat and have fun. It helps to bring us closer together.
37
UPCOMING SOCCER GAMES
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | SPORTS
Against: St. Dominic Where: Away
9.26
The best advice our coach gives us is to play point by point and not to let previous points trip you up and get in your head.
With four returning varsity boys’ soccer players, the team members focus on looking up to two of them for direction at the start of and throughout this season. Seniors Thomas Bell and Richie Taylor have been named captains by their coaches and help to lead the team. Coach Lawrence Scheller chose the two as captains based upon their extensive soccer experience and leadership skills. “I have to be more of a leader for the team this year
9.21
What is the best advice that your coach gives you?
than I was previously,” Bell said. As the boys’ soccer team has many players lacking in varsity-level experience, their main goals for the season are focusing on improving and working as a team each time they get on the field. “[Bell and Taylor] are very vocal on the field and lead by example,” junior Corey Valleroy said. According to Scheller, with 20 years of soccer experience combined between Bell and Taylor, including six years on varsity, they have proven themselves qualified to help lead the team throughout this season.
Against: FHC Where: Away
9.28
What are you most excited for this season?
Against: FZW Where: Home
PAGE BY HEIDI HAUPTMAN
Ace for a cure Senior Caty Arnold organized an Ace-A-Thon with help from the girls’ volleyball team to donate money toward the National Breast Cancer Foundation by Joel Boenitz
in particular who has pledged is Caty’s mother, Cathy Politte, who will donate 25 cents for every ace. ver since she was a little “I am really proud of [Caty],” Politte girl, senior Caty Arnold has said. “When I was 39, I lost my best participated in breast cancer friend to breast cancer, so I’ve always races and walks where the proceeds had a soft spot in my heart for raising go toward finding a cure for breast money for breast cancer awareness cancer. This year, she decided she and for a cure. I think that it’s a great wanted to do something else with a thing that’s been initiated by this little help from her volleyball team. year’s volleyball team, and I hope Each level of the girls’ volleyball it’s something that continues every team is holding an ace-a-thon this year.” year, an idea Arnold came up with The team’s goal this year is to get this summer. 150 aces. The team will put up a “I went to Ecuador over the banner tracking their success before summer and it really inspired me to their game against FHHS on Sept. get more involved in my community 12th. The girls on the team believe and raise money that the ace-a-thon for different will not only help things,” Arnold raise money for a said. “They had good cause, but will To donate to Ace for a mentioned to also help the team Cure go to goo.gl/3PGhe2 find other ways perform better. to raise money “I think [the acefor people a-thon] has inspired throughout your community and so people on the team to want us to get this was just one of the ways that I more aces because it goes toward thought would be really cool to get a good cause,” sophomore Josie our volleyball team involved.” Santel said. The Ace-a-Thon will be held all As of now, around 30 families throughout the volleyball season and students have pledged money and to get involved, a person can throughout the season, and Arnold either donate however much they hopes that even more people want for every ace the teams get or will continue to pledge money donate money all at once. At the throughout the season. end of the year, all of the money will “The ace-a-thon is really not that be donated to the National Breast much money and it’s for a great Cancer Foundation. Anybody around cause,” Politte said. “The sooner the school can donate and parents we find a cure, the better and by can get involved too. One parent pledging we can help that cause.”
Jboenitz2@gmail.com | @j_boenitz2
E
MORE INFO
Senior Caty Arnold warms up with the team Thursday, Sept. 7 against Timberland. Due to injury, Arnold has not been able to participate in any games this year. The Knights lost in two sets. (Photo by Wil Skaggs)
UPCOMING VOLLEYBALL GAMES 9.21
9.22
9.26
Against: Troy Buchanan Where: Home
Tournament Where: St. Charles High
Against: Francis Howell Central Where: Away
PAGE BY ADELAIDE HILL
10.3
Against: Timberland Where: Home
SPORTS | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
38
FHNTodayTV Featured Videos Subscribe to FHNtodayTV All February Videos https://goo.gl/sl18H3 goo.gl/S94vfS
STUDENTS FEELINGS ON THE DRESS CODE Watch here: goo.gl/vYFBvc
THE HOOD REPORT: MY FRESHMAN YEAR ADVICE
• In this video, FHNtodayTV investigates the student body’s mixed feelings about the school dress code. (Video By: Emily Hood, Alyssa Barber and Madi Shinault)
Watch here: goo.gl/wkEFGT In this edition of The Hood Report, Anchor Emily Hood talks to the incoming freshman for the 2017-18 school year about some of the things she found to be helpful and beneficial to her during her freshman year. Study tips, best places around the school, spots
and hallways to look out for and how and why to get involved in school activities are all included in this episode. The Hood Report is a weekly podcast put out by video editor Emily Hood. (Hood Report by: Emily Hood).
DIG IT! VOLLYEYBALL INC. HELPS TEACH YOUNG GIRLS IN ST. LOUIS Watch here: goo.gl/R8RnYG Dig It! Volleyball Inc. is an organization based in St. Louis, MO that helps low income girls in the St. Louis area learn about volleyball and teach them to be confident and empowered young women. The girls meet throughout the week and play games every Friday while learning valuable life skills (Video By: Emily Hood).
EARTH SURF- INDOOR SKATE PARK Watch here: goo.gl/TjZh2V Earth Surf is an indoor skate park located in the Saint Louis Outlet Mall in Hazelwood Missouri. People enjoy the many ramps and perform tricks and rails to grind off of. This park is one of the few indoor skate parks located in the Saint Louis area and is visited by many, including SK8 Club, a local skateboarding club. (Video By: Dan Kuhn).
41
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAYTV
2017-18 BACK TO SCHOOL LOOKBOOK Watch here: goo.gl/N2jMYt • Junior Sam Cary models seven different back to school outfits. • Outfits featured meant to boost any sutdent’s confidence. (Video By: Taylor Sheridan)
VARSITY FOOTBALLFHN V FZW Watch here: goo.gl/Zx9Nqt • Game streamed on Sept. 8 • Announced by Sam Cary and Emily Hood • One of the Knight’s biggest falls this season. (Streamed on FHNtoday’s Facebook Page)
PAGE BY KELSEY DECKER
THE ISSUE OF CONFEDERATE MONUMENTS
62
percent of U.S. citizens believe that the Confederate Monuments should not be
removed
(Source: NPR/PBS Newshour)
44
Confederate Monuments have been proposed to be removed across the U.S. (Source: newyorktimes.com)
(Illustration by Rebekah Myers)
A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF OUR NATION’S HISTORY Many people are not educated on the history of our nation and the racism behind it, making it more difficult for them to understand the issues of racism people still face in the U.S. to this day
by Sydney Wise swise475@gmail.com
A
big issue in the U.S. today is not being educated on our nation’s history, especially on racism. Many people will choose their side of an argument without thinking twice. No research is done and nothing is known about the topic. Instead of jumping to conclusions, we should be educating ourselves on the issue at hand. An important debate recently has been whether or not to take down Confederate Monuments. Some citizens believe that the monuments represent southern pride, but if they did their research, they would know it is so much more than that. The Confederate Monuments represent a dark and racist past, a part of our history that should not be put on display, and something we should not be proud of. In the Civil War, the northern states in the U.S. fought for freedom of slaves, believing that owning a slave is immoral and wrong. However, the southern states, otherwise know as the Confederacy, fought to keep the right to sell and own slaves, and they despised the abolitionists. To keep Confederate Monuments would be representing the fight to keep slaves, which is inhuman.
PAGE BY SYDNEY WISE
The Civil Rights Movement is also often overlooked in our nation today. Martin Luther King Jr., along with other influential figures, worked essentially their entire lives to create equality between all races, especially black and white people. Fast forward to about 60 years later, the Black Lives Matter movement began. Because people are not educated enough on Black Lives Matter, they try to start movements like “All Lives Matter” and “Blue Lives Matter.” Black Lives Matter started because of the discrimination of black people by some police officers. All Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter began because the founders assumed that Black Lives Matter activists believed that all police officers are discriminatory toward black people, which is not true. If people don’t do their research and learn more about the Civil Rights era and the Black Lives Matter movement, they won’t understand the struggles people have gone through and still go through to be treated equally. Being more educated on the history of the U.S. is important. Reading books or articles, going to museums and overall just trying to learn more about the subject will help with Americans make better decisions. The U.S.’s true history needs to be known, because without it we wouldn’t be the nation we are today.
150
people or more protested to remove a statue of Confederate officer John B. Castleman in Louisville (Source: DailyMail.com)
700
or so Confederate Monuments still stand in the U.S. to this day
(Source: fivethirtyeight.com)
1500
Confederate memorials overall are still standing all across our nation today (Source: fivethirtyeight.com)
31
states across the U.S., plus the District of Columbia, still contain Confederate Monuments (Source: USAtoday.com) (Infographic by Sydney Wise)
OPINIONS | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
42
(Illustration by Rebekah Myers)
STRESSING OVER WORKING Having a job during the school year can become unhealthy and can lead to bad habits. Trying to juggle work, school and any other extra curricular activities isn’t worth the money and experience that working gives by Zach Askew
basis can mess up students’ sleep schedules and cause them to fall Zmaskew1@gmail.com | @Zach_Askew01 behind in their classes. It is very common for students to I know a lot of students who have overwork themselves for the money. quit their jobs because of how much It isn’t healthy. According to the it can interfere with school. It adds a American Psychological Association, lot to their schedule and doesn’t give them time to focus on school. School school is the top source of stress is all about preparing for the future, among teens. Adding on to the stress so it makes sense to get a head start can be really harmful to a student’s and get prepared by getting a job. health now and in the coming years. If a student absolutely must have However, students shouldn’t have jobs. Getting a job this early is not a job, they should still be careful of worth the one benefit of money. While where they work. It is important to make sure a work can fit into a school having a job may seem like a good way to earn money, it will also put a lot of schedule. Students need to do a lot stress on a student. of research and be sure it is the right The average student works 18 job for them and not just the highest hours in a school week and working paying job. Make sure that the job this long can really drain the energy can be really flexible so they aren’t struggling to get everything done from a student, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. It can be that needs to be done. It is important for a student to find a job they are especially harmful if they are going comfortable with and not just the from school to extracurricular activities highest paying one. They should find to work and then using whatever a job that gives them time to focus on remaining time for homework and studying. Having to do this on a daily school and their future.
43
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | OPINIONS
HIGH SCHOOL EMPLOYMENT
35% of high school students have part-time jobs
65% are unemployed or looking for a job. (Data from The Atlantic 2015)
“Try to find a balance, keep up on the work ethic but don’t work too much.” -Colin Levins, 12 “Keep searching until you find the job that you want.” -Jeremy Kiel, 10
PAGE BY ZACH ASKEW
TOP 8
PLACES TO GET ICE CREAM
WATCH Follow this link to take an in-depth look at the four local ice cream shops: goo.gl/dMDs6L
These are some of the best places in St. Louis to get some great ice cream on any summer or winter day. The flavors and the toppings will always have customers coming back for more scoops
1 3 5 7 8
MCDONALD’S
McDonald’s comes first because of their famous M&M and Rolo McFlurries. Using classic vanilla makes everything great because it’s not overpowering and it’s just the right consistency to M&Ms and ice cream. They spin the ice cream for more than five seconds to have it mixed perfectly in every bite.
COLD STONE
Cold Stone made it near the top of the list because it lets customers add any candy bar they want to their ice cream. French vanilla, chocolate, sweet cream, mint and cheesecake are just some of the flavors at Cold Stone. I always go with the classic birthday cake with Kit Kats because it’s the ultimate duo.
BASKIN ROBBIN’S
They are one of my favorite places to get ice cream because of their waffle cones. The cones are baked to golden brown, complementing the many flavors they have, such as American Birthday Cake, Black Walnut and Oreo Cheesecake. To me, it’s the best part because not only do I get one of the best ice creams in the world, I also get a crunchy cone at the end of it.
2 4 6
DAIRY QUEEN
Out of the 15 Blizzards, the ones I buy the most are the M&M Blizzard and the Royal Oreo Blizzard. However, the Peanut Butter Parfait is by far one of my favorites on the menu. The chocolate sauce compliments the peanuts perfectly, making a sweet and salty combination that’ll have customers’ taste buds skyrocketing.
DETER’S
Deter’s frozen custard has by far many flavors and toppings. The staff is friendly and their portions are huge. They have Rocky Road, The Cardinal, The Hawaiian and Hot Fudge Holstein. Deter’s is just a type of custard you can eat any day at any time. They’re one of many people’s favorite places to eat at.
COTTLEVILLE COOKIES AND CREAM Not many people know about this amazing place that serves the best of both worlds: cookies and ice cream. They have very few flavors, but their top ones to me are the Strawberry Cheesecake, Birthday Treat and Chocolate Fudge Brownie. They also sell a St. Louis favorite, which is Fitz’s Root Beer. (List by Ashya Roberson)
SNOW FACTORY ROLL ICE CREAM They are one of my favorites because you can see them prep your custom-made ice cream. You can add just about anything to your ice cream, like syrup, bananas, cookie dough, sprinkles and fruit, and it’ll still look like a hundred bucks. My personal favorite is the cookies and cream with extra chocolate sauce.
INSOMNIA COOKIES
They may be known for their cookies, but their ice cream with tiny cookie bites is also amazing. Most people go for their double chocolate cookies, but I personally go for the vanilla ice cream with chocolate chip cookies and sliced brownies on top. M&Ms, peanuts, sprinkles, Reese’s and brownie chunks are just some of the toppings you can add to their ice cream.
PAGE BY ASHYA ROBERSON
(Photo by Delanie Bradbury)
OPINIONS | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
44
STUDENT TAKE:
SHOULD STUDENTS AT FHN BE ABLE TO USE THE BATHROOM OF THEIR CHOICE? “I feel like, due to other people’s privacy, they should use the bathroom assigned to them at birth.” KATHERINE VONHARZ, 11
“If they have proof that they’re transgender, then they should be able to use the bathroom of their choice, but I don’t think that anybody who just says they’re transgender should be able to.” CAMERON KAUT, 9 “They should be able to use the bathroom of their choice. If they’re transgender that means that they should use what they want to be. No one will see thAn using the bathroom.” LEXI DAVIS, 10
“Unless you do the surgery to change it, I feel like it should be based on what you have, not what you identify as.” DANIELLE GALLAHAN, 12
NORTH STAR TAKE:
TO PEE OR NOT TO PEE While FHN is a good at offering accommodations for transgender students, they should have more gender-neutral bathrooms On Behalf of the Editorial Staff
“It depends of the issue. If they don’t make it public, then it’s up to them whichever one they want to use.” PAYDEN ESTES, 10
“They should be able to use the one they choose because it’s what they identify as.” DANIELLE FREY, 11
45
FHNTODAY.COM | 09.20.17 | OPINIONS
yourfhn@fhntoday.com | @FHNtoday
T
he wide variety of gender identifications and sexual orientations have become more and more acknowledged over the years. With these LGBT identifications, specifically for transgender and nonbinary people, there are some challenges, including bathroom use. There have been instances around the nation of discrimination and rules against some individuals using certain bathrooms, potentially affecting transgender students. At FHN, students are free to choose whatever bathrooms they want to use as long as they inform the principal. This school policy is to accommodate students based on individual needs and requests. This encourages
expression, offers protection and promotes tolerance and respect. School is a place for learning, not just English and Math, but about who we are. With this policy, FHSD tries to provide the best learning environment for students of all identities. Although the school works hard to accommodate everyone, transgender students have still faced some challenges. One addition that might improve the school’s policy and be beneficial to the needs of transgender students is having more gender-neutral bathrooms available. While letting students decide where to use the restroom protects them and their privacy, having neutral bathrooms would offer even more security. There is a private bathroom in the nurse’s office available, but since the
PAGE BY ANNA LINDQUIST
north | star
Editor-in-Chief: Carolynn Gonzalez Managing Editors: McKayla Bogda Noah Slaughter Copy Editor: Anna Lindquist Entertainment/Opinions Editor: Jake Price News Editor: Sammie Herr Features Editor: Heeral Patel Sports Editors: Mackenzie Pugh Hannah Wilson Rule of Three Editor: Heidi Hauptman General Staff: Zach Askew Patty O’Leary Grace Bowman Paige Prinster Sophie Carite Ashya Roberson Ronald Joel Sydney Wise Riley Kampff Kylah Woods Madeline Lamb Daniel Xiang Editor-in-Chief of Photography: Alex Rowe Newspaper Photo Editor: Kamryn Bell Sports Photo Editor: Sam Cary Yearbook Photo Editor: Savannah Wandzel Photographers: Abbi Back Jared Kinnard Devilyn Bedwell Kaili Martin Alyssa Bickford Jordan Milewczik Jenny Blanchard Isabella Schneider Juliet Borgschulte Wil Skaggs Delanie Bradbury Kaitlyn Snyder Michaela Erfling Te’a Tonnsen Abagayle Johnson Paige Westermann
Now, I know we’ve been telling you to stay away from drugs since elementary school...
(Illustration by Jake Price)
Business: Gavin Atkinson Jadon Herrman Dalia Gonzalez Carson Ramirez Jamie Sneed
FHNTODAY STAFF nurse’s office isn’t conveniently located, it is hard to reach all the time. An investment in converting even one regular bathroom into a neutral or unisex bathroom in the building will be beneficial for all students, especially transgender and nonbinary students. A good option for a newly converted bathroom would be the single-stall bathrooms in the Commons. That bathroom would offer isolation for students and would allow them to use the restroom in private. The district has no plans to add any neutral bathrooms. Even though making this change in the Commons won’t be difficult, supplying the school with even one more neutral bathroom will be beneficial in the long run. Issues of discomfort may also arise with the locker rooms. The act of undressing and changing into clothes is even more intimate. Some people, both transgender students and their peers, may be uncomfortable with this situation. Students could use neutral bathrooms as a safe space to change if they feel uncomfortable doing so in the locker rooms. These rooms would offer more protection and insure that everyone is content.
PAGE BY ANNA LINDQUIST
Even without these neutral bathrooms, FHN’s bathroom policy helps all students feel comfortable at school. In February, senators introduced a new bill to Missouri. The Missouri Student Physical Privacy Bill would have required all students to use the bathroom based on their “biological sex.” Even though the bill offered some accommodations, transgender students would have to give up their right of being themselves in order to use the restroom. Luckily, this bill has already failed and students at FHN are free to chose who they want to be. According to The New York Times, nearly 150,000 American teens from ages 13-17 would identify as transgender. It also says that an estimated 0.7 percent of teens ages 13-17 in Missouri would identify as transgender. These teenagers should be free to portray themselves however they choose. At FHN, they are able to pick whatever bathroom they feel most comfortable being in. While neutral bathrooms may be not be a reality for a while, our school has done a good job protecting all students. This inspires an accepting and open atmosphere, which makes all students feel more secure and focused on learning.
Editor-in-Chief: Taylor Sheridan Managing Editor: Isaiah Bryant FHNtoday Editor: Madison Abanathie Sports Editor: Dominic Hoscher Web Staff: Stacy Beasley Tyler Rogers Joel Boenitz Fabian Schwuchow Jabari Cope Uma Upamaka Jacob Dulaney Liz Wagner J Pae Ethan Winchester Sarah Zimmerman Executive Producer of Video: Alyssa Barber Podcast Editor: Emily Hood Chief Photographer/Segment Producer Kelsey Decker Livestream Producer: Madi Shinault Chief Editor: Lupe Medina Video Staff: Carsten Adams Taylor Perry Trey Dehesa Lily Sontheimer Reide Pearson Nathan Williams Advisers: Aaron Manfull Jordyn Kiel
OPINIONS | 09.20.17 | FHNTODAY.COM
46