Northstar March Edition

FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH Vol. 23 Issue 7 2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303 March 11, 2009

hometown heroes

Big things now appearing on FHNtoday.com -Video Contest

Think you are funnny enough to act with Monkey and Kirk? Send your 30 second to one-minute videos to yourfhn@fhntoday.com for your chance to appear on an episode of Monkey and Kirk.

-Yearbooks

Yearbooks are still on sale for $65. They will be sold until the last day of school. Don’t forget to pick yours up.

-Galleries

Check out pictures from sports, Blizzard Blackout, and Evander Holyfield if you missed them.

-Podcasts

If you missed last week’s episode, it is posted online featuring Knights of the Round Table, sports with Firle and Sarah, and the beginning of “5” with Monkey and Kirk.

-T-shirt Contest

Ever wanted to display your designs for the whole school to see? Well FHNtoday.com needs a new T-shirt design for the 2009-10 school year. If your design is good enough your work will be displayed and given out on a T-shirt next year. Visit FHNtoday.com for more details.

MAGAZINE

25 21

38

H

2549 Hackmann Road St. Charles, MO 63303

37 P

HIGHLIGHT

and Winterguard 04 Drumline prepare to host their first ever

PLAYHARD

Varsity girls soccer team lost 35 The seven seniors, leaving this year’s

competition in March.

upperclassmen to step up.

the financial state of 05 Tothesecure district, budget and staff cuts

Thrasher lives up to her 37 Lauren reputation, competing in swim

L

V

finals in every year of high school.

are being made at schools.

LIFESTYLE

VOICE

recently received new work11 FHN out equipment, and now there’s a

explains changes are 42 Senior inevitable in high school, and

crew members and student 16 The director have began practice for

only child, Rachel Hunt 44 Ashasanexperienced life in a different

that we should accept them.

guide to getting fit with it.

the play, “Crimes of the Heart.”

way than most high schoolers.

08

44

THEWEB

04 Come visit us at FHNtoday.com, your #1 place for Knightly news.

FHNtoday.com Your number one place for Knightly news is now holding a new contest, a t-shirt design contest. Entries can be submitted until March 20, so make sure you hurry to beat the competition.

Head to FHNtoday.com to get more information on the contest.

And make sure you’re always checking out the Web site for the newest sound slides, photo galleries and podcasts.

page design tyler kirk

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

Distributed free to FHN by the North Star staff.

Co-Editors-in-Chief: Cami Wade, Tyler Kirk & Jordyn Klackner Editors News Editor: Barbara Jean Palmer Features Editor: Brittany Schulze Sports Editor: Vicki Viehman Opinions Editor: Chelsea Kaufman Dir. of Photography: Sarah Semmel Digital Media Dir.: Andrew Hairlson Copy Editor: Betsy Blanchard Marketing Director: Luke Christisen Business Manager: Nathan Bryant Ad Design Editor: Xenia Klimenova Podcast Editors: Tori Bowden and Kaila Kamp Online Editors: Katie Siebuhr, Jon Henderson and Katie O’Neil General Staff Fareeha Amir Maggie Jasper Taylor Berra Miranda Lindquist Sam Bowden Monica Martinez Bethany Brady Mallory Mueller Jessica Bremer Kieran Myers Elizabeth Diggs Lydia Ness Sam Dulaney Jessica Payne Brent Evans Logan Ponche Ryan Firle Nicole Renner Sam Fitzwalter Jacqueline Sage Kaitlyn Fouch Allison Sheffler Pat Flynn Sidney Shelton Julia Gabbert Lauren Skinner Matt Higgs Lauren Smith David Hoehn Nicole Thompson RJ Howes Krissy Torkelson Rachel Hunt Morgan Vetter Joe Jacobi Brandon Walter Nicki Wittman Adviser Aaron Manfull

THECOVER

Like Superman, the eight citizens the North Star has found are heroes. They dedicate their time to aiding, protecting and improving their community.

www.FHNtoday.com

01

THEBRIEFS

TASC sponsor Dawn Jones and sophomore Cara Custer discuss upcoming events for April’s Pre-Prom assembly. (michael lightner)

TASC begins planning pre-prom assembly chelsea kaufman

At this year’s annual Pre-Prom assembly on April 17, TASC will have a “special surprise” for the juniors and seniors that the organization is staying quiet about.

“We’re going to have a speaker come in to talk about making smart choices,” TASC sponsor Dawn Jones said. “It’s going to be someone the students will recognize, so

that’s exciting. After that, we’ll have a special surprise planned for them.”

It’s been a tradition for TASC - Teens Advocating Smart Choices - each year to hold an assembly for the juniors and seniors the Friday before Prom. The purpose of the assembly is to not only to persuade students to make smart choice for that weekend, but for

KOE plans picnic

their everyday lives.

“It’s that time of year that the kids start getting restless about prom and the end of the year, especially if they’re seniors,” Jones said. “We just want to remind them to make the right choices and not get carried away with things that seem harmless.”

As a change from previous years, this assembly is promised to be something completely new and different from those before it. Past years have included guest speakers and re-creations of car crashes, but for the juniors and seniors, they will be getting something unexpected.

“Last year it got out,” President Cara Custer said. “I hope it stays a secret until it happens.”

Until the assembly, TASC is staying hard at work on their planning.

“It’s going to be big,” senior Caryn Rogers said. “I can’t say much, but what I can say is that it’s new and different. It’s going to get their [students] attention if nothing else. And once we get their attention, I think this year’s assembly will be one that will stick.”

rj howes

2%

If yes, how much total do you plan on spending?

23%

$0-$150

11%

$150-$300 $300-$450

50% Are you planning on attending Prom?

4% 2% 9% 15%

no

34%

yes

66% 10% of the upperclassmen were surveyed with the intent to see how much they plan on spending at this year’s Prom.

02 www.FHNtoday.com

$450-$600 $600-$750

GIRLS

70%

BOYS

From a simple football field and track to an brilliant array of inflatables, games, and food. The FHN stadium will see a big change on May 15 when KOE holds its annual Knights of Excellence Picnic.

“I think it will be so fabulous,” KOE sponsor Diane Holmes said. “The kids already have gotten a head start; there will be much more than in past years.”

Knights of Excellence have had over six meetings already as to the status of the picnic, a much earlier start than years previous. They plan on having much more inflatables like slides as well as having more carnival style games and prizes.

“It’s one of the best parts of the year,” junior Kaitlyn Schikore said. “It’s awesome to be a part of planning and knowing you had something to do with it.”

The picnic has been a fixture in the FHN year as a way to repay students for their accomplishments.

This year promises a positive turnout for all those in attendance. With an increased budget, KOE is not going to hold back.

“It’s going to be bigger and better than ever,” junior Deanna Wohldman said. “Getting to help out will be the best part.”

With such an early start, the group has left no stone unturned in the planning process. Every aspect has been carefully chosen, from game and inflatable locations to even the very weather itself.

“The best part of it all will be the weather,” Holmes said, “because I have reserved a sunny 80 degree day. Also, I want to see the hard work of the KOE kids pay off.”

Choir hosts dinner show

PROM EXPENSES 14%

luke christisen

The FHN Choir’s annual Dinner Concert is being held in the commons on April 24 and 25. It is open to anyone interested and tickets cost $20.

“It’s just a fun concert because kids get to do solos [that they prepare],” choir teacher Lorraine Smith said. “It’s also a fundraiser for our music program.”

The concert will include performances from Knightsound, Concert Choir and both Treble Choirs. Singing will not be their only task for the evening.

“We’re not just performing for the people,” sophomore Marita Shaw said. “We are like their waiters and waitresses.”

The show has a Broadway feel to it because the songs are all chosen from a variety of different musicals.

“Since we are singing Broadway, it makes [the audience] feel like they’re at Broadway, and it’s our gift to them,” Shaw said. “At the same time, we’re giving them dinner and a show.”

The students are preparing for the concert during their choir hours. Most solo singers have voice coaches for extra help.

“We learn different parts of the song,” senior Rebecca Brooks said. “We pretty much practice all the time.”

Choir members are anticipating the event and feel it will be a successful show. “[You will get] entertainment, exposure to Broadway, a good meal, and an evening out,” Smith said. page design betsy blanchard and krissy torkelson

UNDERCLASSMEN STEP UP STUCO has recently added two underclassmen to its Cabinet.

JUSTIN JONES

What is your favorite part about STUCO? “How everyone is so comfortable around each other and we work together to get things done.”

ALYSSA BOCCI

What do you hope to contribute to STUCO? “I have good ideas that will go towards getting a lot of people involved.”

What do you hope to contribute to STUCO? “I work well with others and I am really determined.”

freshman

What is your favorite part of STUCO? “It’s just really fun to help the school and have everybody have a good time, and I like being part of that.”

How does it feel to be selected for cabinet?

“It’s an honor because I am the first freshman and I have time to learn more.”

sophomore

How does it feel to be selected for cabinet?

“I was so excited, I was trying not to burst into screams.”

ONLINE Go to FHNtoday.com for your Knightly news.

To see photos of Mu Alpha Theta’s Bingo night, go to FHNtoday.com on March 31.

1.

All-Knighter expected to be successful tyler kirk

Despite the rumors spreading like wildfire through North, the annual end of the year All-Knighter is guaranteed to be a “special night that’s not worth missing.”

According to parent Anita Huebner, head of the ‘09 All-Knighter planning committee, this year’s graduation celebration will still be worth attending despite speculation on whether or not the funds were sufficient enough to support what the All-Knighter entails.

“It’ll be a special night,” Huebner said. “We’ll still have food and entertainment, and everyone will receive some kind of goody bag.”

While Huebner feels the night won’t disappoint, she and her committee are asking everyone - not just seniors - to attend the events that are planned to help fund the All-Knighter. Due to its initial success, another Applebee’s Breakfast will be held for seniors on March 28 from 8-10 and will cost $7. But most recently, on March 1, a five kilometer fun run/walk was At the annual blood drive, a student holds a pressure ball while giving blood.

The blood drive was expected to have a good turn out. CSLP hosts the event every year. (file photo)

held at North. “[The event] went well, but it was very cold,” organizer Maurine Rapert said. “We made a profit, but not as much as we had hoped. Next year we’ll probably schedule it on a later date so that it’s warm.”

Also affecting the funds is the lack of sugary sweets at candy table. Last year, students spent about $45,000 at the candy table, but students haven’t spent nearly as much this year, and not all of the money from the candy table goes toward the All-Knighter.

“I’m worried that this year’s All-Knighter isn’t going to be as fantastic as the past years’,” senior Katie Kirkman said, “because my sister said that last year’s was pretty spectacular.”

Huebner says that the committee’s biggest problem is that they don’t know how many seniors plan on attending the event.

“That night will still be fabulous,” Huebner says.

“There’s no worries.”

CSLP members hold blood drive

For a solo ensemble recap, go to FHNtoday.com today.

2.

2.

3.

julia gabbert

On March 6, CSLP hosted their annual blood drive. Students interested in donating blood had to first get a waiver signed by their parents, and answer a series of questions regarding lifestyle.

“I think [the questions were] appropriate since people are going to be getting your blood,” junior Mike Donaldson said. “They need to make sure you’re healthy.”

Members of CSLP were responsible for almost all arrangements, such as T-shirts and refreshments.

“They ran the whole thing,” CSLP sponsor Kellie Hausner said. “Pretty much the only thing they didn’t do was take the blood.

They had to take care of the prizes, they had to get the pizza and donuts donated and they were responsible for checking-in the students.”

Approximately 230 donors were expected this year. Members were excited to have the opportunity to organize the blood drive.

“It feels good just to know that we’re helping so many people,” CSLP member Jen Street said. “It’s also really cool that we pretty much got to run the entire thing ourselves.”

For a story on the NHS induction go to FHNtoday. com on March 26.

For a story on the parent lunch that KOE held, go to FHNtoday.com on April 23.

4.

To find out how many people donated blood at the blood drive and to see pictures go to FHNtoday.com today.

page design betsy blanchard and krissy torkelson

www.FHNtoday.com

03

Mock Rock Left: Senior Jessi Stuecken plays the marimba during drumline practice in the small gym. The drumline hopes tp perform well at the next competition. (tori corder) Right: Winterguard prepares for first competition, an all-day event they will host here at North. This season both winterguard and drumline have been working hard to prepare for the competition. (jacqueline sage)

FHN hosts first ever competition in March

Drumline, Guard compete after much practice, while already-high expectations get higher nicole renner

O

ne day, two performances, and the rush of excitement. Music drifts into the stands as fans get ready to take their seats. The anticipated Drumline/ Winterguard competition will be on March 14.

However, this year’s competition has a new host: North. Because it’s the school’s first time hosting, both teams have high expectations.

“I’m most definitely excited about this upcoming competition,” sophomore Ashley Rehm said. “We’ve never hosted one here before so I think we all want to make it good.”

Guard Coach Duane Williams is also looking forward to the performance because they plan on mixing things up style-wise.

“The style of our show is basically contemporary dance mixed with classical jazz,” Williams said. “It’s very different in the fact that it’s very fast tempo. We really haven’t done anything like it before.”

Both teams have been practicing hard to work on perfecting minor errors that might keep them from having a spotless performance.

“We practice almost every night of the week,” sophomore Beth Cruse said. “We really want to fix just basic errors, nothing too big or bad but the

little things like timing.”

While the teams won’t be performing together, there is a joint effort to be the best in show. Drumline will perform in the morning, while Winterguard performs at night. Throughout the day, teams from around the district will be competing. The competition will be festival style meaning there will be no placing only scoring.

Despite the competition, spirits are high that North will prove to be the best out of them all.

“Hopefully it should be best performance since they’re performing on our own turf,” Williams said.

DECA travels to state with 29 competitors attending FHN students to role play at Lake of the Ozarks, in the end take a test to decide who will go to Nationals taylor berra

T

his upcoming March 22-24, the 29 DECA students that qualified from Districts will be attending the DECA State competition. The students will be matching wits in a state-wide competition at Lodge of Four Seasons at the Lake of the Ozarks. Co-Adviser of DECA Melissa Trochim believes that this is a time where they must work especially hard and dedicate themselves to studying and practicing for the State competition.

“We have a really, really good group of kids who worked hard for all competitions,” Trochim said. “I believe having 29 students as an FHN DECA record this year is awe-

04 www.FHNtoday.com

some. This is the first time we have ever had 29 students go to a state competition.”

If the satisfaction of being able to make it into the state competition is not enough, the time spent at Lodge of Four Seasons should be worth some motivation. This year, District 6 - which is the largest district in the state of Missouri - had the most diamond level memberships in Districts. Therefore, the students get to stay in the new Avila Condos while at the competition. District 6 President senior Nicole Hume is proud of this fact and is looking forward to the competition.

“State is so much fun,” Hume said. “The weekend is a lot of fun and everyone usually just has a great time.”

Hume is not the only one anticipating the

event. Senior Lauren Cooke is looking forward to her second year attending State.

“My favorite thing about DECA is competing and being successful,” Cooke said. “Last year was a really close competition and I hope we get first place this year.”

The 29 FHN State-qualifiers are currently working hard for their chance to attend Internationals in Anaheim, CA later on this year.

Trochim wishes them the best.

“It’s a great feeling to know that these students have worked really hard at the District level,” Trochim said. “Hopefully it’ll carry them through.”

To find out who qualified for State, visit FHNtoday.com on March 24

page design bethany brady

FHSD Deans retain positions, lose titles

Rocky economy brings debate over Deans’ roles and adds retirement incentives for employees

Cutting the Cost Administrators in the Francis Howell School District presented their 2009-2010 budget cut proposals to the School Board. With anticipated decrease in property tax revenue, all scenarios reviewed called for cuts from numerous areas in the district to compensate for a projected shortfall of $6 million for the 2008-2009 school year. Scenario #2 was chosen by the board.

Total Proposed Reduction: $5,192,098

Reduction in Staffing

FTE full-time employment Head Count Amount

Percent

Central Office Admin

1

1.00

6.25%

District Support

5

5.00

4.90%

Building Admin

2

2.00

2.82%

Teachers

19

17.98

1.42%

Non-Certified Staffing

36

24.11

4.66%

Totals

63

50.09

2.54%

Category: Operating and Duty Maintenance and Technology

Subtotal in reductions: $700,000

Central Office

$110,000

District Support Positions Building Administrators

$315,915 $155,000

Professional Staff Support Staff

$1,063,700

$2,183,000

“

T

he state of the District’s financial situation has been under heavy scrutiny. Monumental decisions have been made.

Board of Education President Mark Lafata made a surprising motion at the Feb. 19 Board meeting to cut all six Dean positions throughout the high schools.

At North, the jobs of Thomas Potteiger and Lisa Pirrung - both Deans of Students - were suddenly at risk. The motion was reevaluated last Thursday evening, at a Board meeting open to the public.

“I believe the Deans support our schools,” Superintendent Renee Schuster said prior to last week’s meeting. “They provide help with students and our discipline is getting better and better.

The Deans are really pivotal in why that happened, but I understand the Board’s role in the decision [whether to keep them or not].”

After a chaotic one-hour debate, the Board of Education eventually voted in favor, 4-3, of keeping the Deans. The proposal required they lose the title of Deans, and become FTEs (full-time employees) “to be used to support teachers and students in the PLC process.” Some members of the Board disputed over the Deans’ inconsistent roles in each high school, and for that reason the Deans’ rewritten job titles and

descriptions will soon be under development. Until then, they can only wait for further details to emerge.

“I’m still a little confused about it,” Pirrung said after the meeting, “but I’m excited that they’re putting support behind the students.”

Prior to the explosive Dean situation, Schuster and her administration reviewed three proposed scenarios, all dealing with the future of staffing within the District.

Scenario #2 was selected; taxpayers will save $47.50 in taxes on a $250,000 home and 63 total District positions will be eliminated.

With these positions - and therefore, salaries - gone, the District will accumulate a total reduction of $5,192,098. Principal Darlene Jones acknowledges the financial advantage, but feels the lack of one elsewhere. “[The position cuts are] of no benefit to the students whatsoever,” Jones said. “It’s just for the District to balance their budget.”

Schuster is hopeful that natural yearly shifts among staffing within the District will create jobs for most of those whose jobs are at jeopardy.

Additionally, an “Early Retirement Incentive for Teachers” proposal was passed last Thursday in hopes to open up even more jobs. Those interested must apply by this Friday.

“Our goal is to find a job for everyone,” Schuster said, “but we can only get jobs they’re qualified for so it won’t be perfect.”

“

betsy blanchard

$175,819

Visit FHNtoday.com today to find out more about the Board’s decision and what’s to come for the district.

Increasing rate of iPod thefts has signaled problem in building Staff members are becoming aware, taking disciplinary action on recent stealing activity mallory mueller

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iPod theft has recently become a growing problem within the halls of North. School administrators are working to increase security due to the problem. (torey corder)

page design

taylor berra and jordyn klackner

atch out; thieves are on the loose.

Ipod thefts at North have become a weekly occurrence, and with iPods being stolen about five times a week, principals as well as officer Pat Fitzgerald have been taking this problem very seriously. The issue is constantly under scrutiny.

“We are monitoring things [and] educating kids,” Fitzgerald said. “The school stance, though, is [if] you bring it to school it’s your responsibility.”

Despite the continuous efforts of staff, and disciplinary action of 180 days OSS and possible jail time; the problem is only getting worse.

“It keeps growing cause the number of kids keep growing,” Assistant Principal Ed

Gettemier said.

It’s not always very complicated though: many students have been stealing because the opportunity presents itself. Students leave their belongings in the open which is why officer Fitzgerald calls this the “crime of opportunity.”

“It happened in the commons during dance practice,” senior Heather Morgan said. “My iPod was stolen out of my purse pocket, and I was really upset because I had just gotten it from my boyfriend the night before.”

With the increase in thefts and disciplinary acts not being enough to cease the problem, the school plans to buff up security for next year.

“We’re getting more cameras in the halls - all new cameras - and there is going to be a lot more of them in the halls,” Principal Darlene Jones said. “That’s going to help us out.”

www.FHNtoday.com

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SPEAK your MIND Sarvinoz Hasanova moved to the United States in 2005 with her family from the Russian country, Uzbekistan. She is using the debate team as a means to pick up English quickly and learn to speak it fluently. (andrew hairlson)

rachel hunt

S

he sits in a small corner of the library, hidden by computer screens and shelves. The atmosphere is calm with the soft hum of studious comments on laws, issues, and beliefs. Almost going unnoticed, junior Sarvinoz Hasanova buries her head into a book, blending in with the four other freshmen girls surrounding the round table. Three years ago, Hasanova would have never been imagined in this future.

This small yet opinionated group of girls, also known as the only few on North’s debate team, fades into the perimeters of our library walls every week.

One component, however, contradicts the camouflage of these girls. As a first time debater, Hasanova speaks English as a third language.

“Debate helps me with becoming more fluent [in English],” Hasanova said. “My communication is better with my friends on the team.”

Born in Uzbekistan with her first language as Uzbek, Hasanova then went on to speaking Russian as a second language. In 2005, Hasanova and her family moved to the United States and have slowly picked up on English. “[My family] definitely supports this opportunity for me,” Hasanova said. “They like how I’m improving my fluency and can help them out more.”

Hasanova currently stands as the only junior on the

page design monica martinez and tyler kirk

team full of freshmen, putting her in a leadership role as the only one to compete in the debate category, also known as the Lincoln Douglas category. All other members compete in other categories. Hasanova has taken on complex issues such as “felons ought to retain the right to vote” and it “being morally permissible to kill.”

“She has taken on so many new challenges through this [experience],” debate club sponsor Mary Kerr-Grant said.

“She has to mentally think words and definitions through in her head to get the concepts before speaking. This has made her so much more confident.”

After joining the freshmen girls at the beginning of the school year, new to their already established friendships, Hasanova quickly was an accepted member of the team.

“Since we don’t know people at other schools during debates, we hangout all the time: on the bus there, before our individual events, after, on the way home, and for our traditional ‘celebration ice cream,’” freshman Kim Warden said. “We tend to work well together.”

Through these newly introduced friendships impacting her life and the transitions she has progressed through with moving continents, Hasanova still works through each frustration and miscommunication with her circle of friends in their hidden table of the library.

“I just love going out there and giving a speech and being able to be heard,” Hasanova said.

www.FHNtoday.com

07

Mulawa excels in Youth Orchestra Playing the french horn brings Mulawa confidence

lauren smith

E

very Saturday sophomore Emily Mulawa slowly and confidently walks into St. Charles Community College so she can play the French Horn for the St. Charles County Youth Orchestra.

“I think it’s really nice to play in a group of kids who actually care about playing the music right,” Mulawa said. “And playing in an orchestra instead of a band is a totally different experience.”

Whenever Emily pulls out her French Horn, a total sense of calm washes over her.

“Being able to sit down and play however I want to play and not have anyone tell me it’s wrong because it’s how I feel,” Emily said.

But being able to play however she feels not only brings Emily joy, it brings people close to her happiness as well.

“I just enjoy listening and watching her play because I know she enjoys it as well and just seeing the sense of accomplishment on her face,” father David Mulawa said.

Sometimes it seems that no matter how much parents support kids, it always makes them feel better if they have the support of friends. And luckily for Emily, she has a best friend that encourages her to always do her best.

“I support Emily so much. She brings unique style to her music and I don’t want her to give up on it. It’s something that is learned through the soul and at times it may seem like there’s nothing left to power through obstacles and in turn everything suffers. I hope [Emily]

knows that when those moments come, she can count on me to keep her on the path of success,” Sara Maria Jensen, Emily’s best friend, said.

No matter how Emily is feeling during the day, it is always a comfort for her to come home and express her emotions through her music.

“If I’m feeling sad, happy or angry I play the horn and it just gets rid of those negative feelings,” Emily said.

For Emily, being one of only two French Horns in the symphony division of the Youth Orchestra is not only something to do for fun, but it’s a way to improve her playing skills. And all those hours on Saturdays have not gone unnoticed.

“I mean you can hear a lot of improvement in her practicing. It has a sense of motivation to perform well with the group,” David said.

Not only has playing for the Youth Orchestra enhanced her playing abilities, but it has also had other positive effects as well.

“It’s definitely made me more confident and made playing the horn an even bigger part of my life,” Emily said.

While Emily enjoys playing by herself, she particularly enjoys playing with the orchestra and encourages others who play instruments to join as well.

“If you get a chance to be in a youth orchestra you should definitely try it out,” Emily said. “It’s really an amazing experience.”

SCCYO Goals

Facts

1. Encourage individuals to develop their musical abilities.

1. The St. Charles County Youth Orchestra (SCCYO) is a non-profit organization. and was founded in April of 1996.

2. Provide a variety of performance opportunities.

3. Cultivate excellence in performance.

4. Develop greater interest in music and performance among a broad base of area youth.

5. Provide culturally rich experiences for our students, SCCYO benefactors, and St. Charles residents.

2. There are about 100 young musicians, the range from elementary school all the way through high school 3. The three different ensembles consist of the Symphony Orchestra, Cadenza Orchestra, and Primo Strings. Placement is by audition. information from www.sccyo.org

Sophomore Emily Mulawa plays her French Horn with the St. Charles Community Youth Orchestra.

They meet every Saturday to practice together. The orchestra consists of many talented young musicians like Mulawa. (fareeha amir)

08 www.FHNtoday.com

page design mallory mueller

A father comes home Senior Kendall Blanzy, bottom right, stands with her father Paul, top right, and the rest of her family: Lisa, mother, Ashlie, sister, and Michael, brother. Blanzy’s father was a civil engineer in the military for 26 years. “[Being over in Afghanistan] has made me really appreciate the choices and freedoms that we have here.” (andrew hairlson)

Absence of father makes impact on family, creates change Paul Blanzy returns from Afghanistan after seven months of service in National Guard barbara jean palmer

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itting at the family dinner table on Thanksgiving Day. Watching your oldest daughter graduate from college. Attending your daughter’s volleyball games. Spending time with your son. Moments that Lisa Blanzy was able to have in the past seven months, were moments her husband Paul Blanzy missed.

Paul is the father of junior Michael and senior Kendall Blanzy, and has a second daughter, Ashlie. He is 49 years old, and has been involved with the military for 26 of those years. He is currently a Colonel in the National Guard.

This was Paul’s second time in Afghanistan; he was there for six months with a month of combat skills training. Though he missed important events while he was away, this allowed his family to gain different views of each other.

“The best part is just knowing that he was helping the country,” Kendall said. “It kind of establishes a sense of pride for our family.”

While Paul was away, the family was only able to talk to him over the phone, through letters, or by web cam. Keeping in touch with Paul helped the family during the seven months.

Paul’s absence also changed some of their daily

page design allison sheffler and chelsea kaufman

routines. Kendall and Michael went from a home with both parents, to a home with only a mom for a while.

Lisa had to take over more of a punishment role, and Michael had to step up to the plate and take over the roll of the man of the house. Each family member was affected by his absence.

“We’re an independent family, but when you’re a son, it’s important you have your dad around,” Lisa said. “The girls missed him too, but since Michael’s the only man, it was hard. I relied on him to be the man of the house. He took on more responsibilities and matured more than if his dad didn’t go away. I encouraged that for him because I thought it would be good for him.”

Not only did Michael grow as a person, so did Paul.

He realized how grateful he was for luxuries, simple things like a bathroom in his house, to the big things like spending time with his family.

“I think that he got stronger mentally as a person,” Michael said.

His time in Afghanistan gave Paul more confidence in the world. His attitude has changed toward others in the military and also towards his own kids.

“You need a certain personality to go over in the military, but I do have a new admiration for the kids over there,” Paul said. “I respect them for what they are doing. I see confidence in America for those

young people.”

With Paul back, the family is able to get back to their normal routine and enjoy having Paul’s presence back in their lives.

“If we have a problem we don’t have to direct it to my mom, which I like,” Michael said.

Michael and Kendall respect what he does for his country. The family really sees the difference Paul has made in the world. In the future, Michael and Kendall might see themselves following in his footsteps.

“Now that he’s back, my brother has been talking about the military,” Kendall said. “I have thought about going into the Air Force, doing more of the technical things than fighting, he has inspired me.”

Though Paul was gone for seven months and missed out on a lot of important events, in the end, the family has been changed for the better. Every member appreciates the time that they have with each other.

“Absolutely we are closer as a family,” Lisa said.

“I believe absence makes the heart grow founder.

Realizing he’s in danger, you don’t take him for granted as much. When someone is in harm’s way, you realize how much you love that person. I think he has missed a lot, but it’s nothing that we can’t recover from.”

www.FHNtoday.com

09

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Which Does It Work A quick guide to help with the new weight equipment photography by brandon walter

Shoulders 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Name of Machine Dip Machine How it’s Done Adjust seat to desired height and adjust machine to desired weight.

Grasp handles, palms facing down.

Push down handles not locking elbows, and hold for 1 second.

Slowly raise handles to starting position.

Repeat steps 2-4 until desired sets and reps are completed.

Biceps 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Chest 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Name of Machine Chest Press How it’s Done Adjust machine to fit your height and adjust desired weight.

Grasp handles.

Press forwards and hold for 1 second.

Slowly bring handles to resting position at 90 degree angle.

Repeat steps 2-4 until desired sets and reps are completed.

Abs 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Legs page design rj howes

Name of Machine Preacher Curl How it’s Done Adjust seat to desired height and angle and adjust machine to desired weight.

Place arms on pad and grasp handles, palms facing upwards.

Raise handles up and in and hold for 1 second.

Slowly lower handles to starting position but don’t lock elbows.

Repeat steps 2-4 until desired sets and reps are completed.

5.

Name of Machine Ab rocket How it’s Done Adjust the chair to swivel or stationary and adjust to desired weight.

Place feet under padded bar and grasp the top handles.

Crunch forwards and hold for 1 second.

Slowly bring feet and handles back to resting position.

Repeat steps 2-4 until desired sets and reps are completed.

Name of Machine Leg Press How it’s Done Adjust back rest to fit height and adjust machine to desired weight.

Lie back on pad, place feet on large plate, and grasp handles.

Extend legs but be sure not to lock knees and hold for 1 second.

Slowly bring leg down to resting postion at 90 degree angle.

Repeat steps 2-4 until desired sets and reps are completed.

drawn by rj howes

www.FHNtoday.com

11

just watch me

find the right track Join Us on Campus Saturday, April 18 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Chicago Campus - 430 S. Michigan Ave. For more information: 1-877-APPLY RU www.roosevelt.edu/visitdays applyRU@roosevelt.edu

Spend a day on our downtown Chicago campus and learn about the Roosevelt community including information about admission, student housing, and financial aid!

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Steppin’

to the beat

photos by Lydia Ness

Samantha Holmes leads her group out for the beginning of their routine. Mount Zion Church of St. Charles has been steppin’ for about a year and a half year.

Jada Williams and Tahiya Canada clap during their routine. The team’s members range from ages 6 to 16.

Tia Taylor and Nicole Williams practice their routine at Mount Zion. They have been steppin’ in the group for a year.

The Mount Zion of St. Charles Steppin’ team pose for a group photo.

Their team really enjoys being in the group and having fun. “My favorite part about steppin’ is going to other places and dancing,” Junior Odessa Harris said. The team showcases their performances all over the St. Louis area. They also compete against other teams and other churches.

Jada Williams and Tahiya Canada work on their routine for their upcoming performance.

They showcased their routine at Forest Park Community College on March 1.

Samantha Holmes follows her group out for the end of their routine. Their routine is about five minutes long.

photography by cami wade

Behindthe Crew members of Spring play are recognized for hard work mallory mueller

SENIOR, JENNIFER STULLER

Make-up and Costume “I get to meet a whole bunch of people I wouldn’t get to meet otherwise.”

SOPHOMORE, ALEC BROEKER

Light and Sound “My favorite part is getting to work with all the people.”

SOPHOMORE, KATHARINE CARNEY Stage Manager “My favorite part is getting to work with more people and being more involved then I was with just the crew.”

L

ights surround them as their elaborate costumes command attention. As the actors recite their lines on stage, there is a bustling group of vital members working behind the curtains. Members who often are overlooked. However Director Kathy Carron is not one to overlook, and acknowledges that without them there is no play.

“It’s called backstage, but that doesn’t mean they are not important,” Carron said.

This year’s spring play, “Crimes of the Heart”, is a play in which the crew is not only important, but necessary. They represent over 80 percent of the people involved with the production.

“They get credit they deserve from actors and play members,” senior Eric Peters said, “but [as for] the audience, although they’re not trying to be mean, [they] don’t acknowledge or notice them. I think actors give them credit but audience doesn’t give them recognition.”

There are nine different crews, ranging from technical work and advertising to makeup. And although each crew is different, they all work together to try to create a great production. They spend several days after school in the months before opening night, working on getting the stage set up; then during the night’s of the play, they spend yet another six hours of work combined to make the show run smoothly. And although they spend most of their time working on the play in the weeks before the premiere, it’s the nights of the play that matter most; the crew is in charge of making sure everything is working and that the actors have what they need.

“I don’t think people realize how many people there are backstage and how much work it is,” makeup crew member Pamela Avila said.

While the actors are memorizing lines and working out blocking (movements that go with lines), the crew is hard at work producing everything for the set such as getting costumes ready and advertising the play. Unlike a lot of other plays, the crew only has one set to build: a kitchen that will be used throughout the entire show. But it is not only the set that is built, it’s the lasting friendships.

“Some of the best relationships have been with crew after school, and the most valuable experiences have been with crew,” Carron said.

These experiences have also been extended to the cast, as both sides have become especially close through their work on the play.

“The cast and crew get along really well,” Peters said. “We have a good relationship.

Everyone knows that we [the cast] need you, you [the crew] need us.”

However, while actors seem to get more attention, many crew members tend to find that working backstage is just as rewarding as the job in the spotlight.

“Being on crew is more relaxed,” Carron said. “I think being on crew is more fun cause you don’t have to worry about memorizing lines.”

Even though the crew has to do the majority of the dirty work, its an irreplaceable experience that is fulfilling as well and entertaining, even with out being noticed.

“My favorite part is how before the show and the week before everything seems impossible then it comes along great and its great seeing all the hard work come together,” Avila said. “Seeing the whole play come together I feel proud of my self and of other people cause everyone pulls through. With finishing all the hard work it’s a feeling of unison.”

Crew members Sound: Alec Broeker, Tyler Faltisek, Nick Labath, Alex Savala, Evan Fitzwalter, Ben Klutenkamper, Nick Marquart, and Trevin Stephenson Costume: Kaylee Waters, Meghan Kennedy, Erin Kennedy, Veronica Suchy, Pam Avila, Alli Welter, Sidney Boden, Sarah Miller, Amanda Meyer, Paige Yungerman, Jennifer Stuller, Eliessa Polhamus Publicity: Alec Broeker, Ellyn Yarde, Lauren Smith, Nick Anderson, Jennifer Meyers, Lauren Skinner, Nick Marquart, Trevin Stephenson

SOPHOMORE, Ellyn Yarde

Paint, Publicity, and Program “I like the people you meet in drama and the fun times you have together.”

16 www.FHNtoday.com

Lights: Alec Broeker, Tyler Faltisek, Nick Labath, Alex Savala, Evan Fitzwalter, Trevin Stephensen, Ben Klutenkamper, and Nick Marquart Paint Crew: Paige Wood, Rachel Lute, Christina Womack, Kristen Boiles, Ellyn Yarde, Eliessa Polhamus, Lauren Smith, Megan Proebsting, Nick Anderson, Terris Bergman, Paige Yungerman

page design barbara jean palmer

Scenes Willoughby directs play “Crimes of the Heart” despite challenges

Directingagainst

the odds

bethany brady

T

he stage is set, the lights shine and all Jessica Willoughby can do is hope her directing was enough.

The senior has directed before, and under extremely difficult conditions.

Jessica is not only deaf, but mute; she hasn’t let these ailments stop her.

“She’s very mature and gets things other students may not,” Director Kathy Carron said.

Jessica has been able to contribute a lot to the play. Even though she’s only 16, she is very experienced with the drama department, has taken three theater classes and plans to be a screen writer.

“It’s not hard to direct. I don’t feel it’s different,” Willoughby said. “I have just noticed how enthusiastic everyone is about it.”

Carron and the other students involved in the upcoming spring play “Crimes of the Heart” work very well with her. They are permitted to text her during practices with questions or comments, because it’s a faster method of communication. At first, the cast felt they had to be careful of what they said to her, seeing as they had to go through her interpreter. However as time went on, the initial awkwardness of the situation wore off.

“She’s very organized, and is definitely always really prepared,” sophomore cast member Nicole Cuneo said.

Working with Jessica means being patient, not only for herself, but the cast members as well. For the student director, it can be quite frustrating when the other students get distracted and off track.

When directing, her main focus is facial images, gestures and positions.

Because of her disabilities, she is unable to give her advice to the aspect of the actors’ tone or volume.

“It’s hard to help people who hear to express because I can’t make an inflection,” Willoughby said. “Others use their voice to show emotion, but I must focus on movement.”

Working on “Crimes of the Heart” has been a good experience for Willoughby, as she enjoys working with people who don’t sign, and feels they get a chance to better experience her interaction.

“It’s been a really great experience working with someone such as her,” junior cast member Zack Short said. “She definitely has a great mindset for overall direction.”

Being deaf and mute may have taken away some of the simplicities of communication for Jessica and the others, but the cast and crew are still very excited to see the outcome of her work on the show.

“I look forward to the product of this play,” Carron said. “As Jessica has really worked hard.”

For view a photo gallery and recap of the spring play, “Crimes of the Heart,” check out FHNtoday.com on April 6.

Prop: Emily Spuhler, Lauren Neilson, Nick Labath, Dan Bell, Whitney Speaks, Rachel Lute, Kristen Boiles, Ellyn Yarde, Ben Klutenkamper, Matt Spak Usher: Erin Kennedy, Christina Womack, Jennifer Meyers Program: Lauren Neilson, Alec Broeker, Lauren Smith, Ellyn Yarde, Paige Yungerman Make up: Jen Stuller, Amanda Meyer, Lauren Neilson, Kaylee Waters, Catherine Burke, Meghan Ken nedy, Erin Kennedy, Veronica Suchy, Pam Avila, Chrissy Lentini, Alli Welter, Sidney Boden, Paige Yungerman, Sarah Miller, Eliessa Polhamus Set Construction: Emily Spuhler, Dan Lindner, Kristen Boiles, Nick Labath, Paige Wood, Matt Spak, Dan Bell, Samantha Scott, Andrea O’Brien, Alyssa Miller, Whitney Speaks, Rachel Lute, Zach Craig, Ben Klutenkamper, Terris Bergman, Carissa Young

Jessica Willoughby directs the spring play “Crimes of the heart”.

Willoughby is deaf and mute but yet still follows her dream of pursuing drama. She has experience in other drama programs. (torey corder)

Stage Manager: Katherine Carney Student Directors: Jessica Willoughby and Eric Peters page design luke christisen

www.FHNtoday.com

17 09

1

your pre-prom how-to guide

hairdos

With only a month left before prom, here are some ways to get ready for the big night.

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3

7

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1

Curl strands using a small or medium barrel curling iron.

5

2

Hairspray each strand so the curl will hold.

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3 4

Twist individual curls on one side of the hair.

Twirl each twist into small circular pieces.

7

Dani Hanners, 10

Secure each piece with bobby pin.

Gather hair on opposite side, putting it into a loose pony tail.

Put any loose strands up using bobby pins.

8

Hairspray all around to 8 ensure hair will say intact. photography by cami wade

Prom Do’s and Don’ts

do’s

don’ts

•Open the door for your date. She comes first!

•Wait last minute to get your date’s boutonnieres/corsages. Plan ahead. You don’t want to be the only person without one!

•Be yourself. It’s your prom, so go in a style that fits you.

•Apply too much cologne/perfume. A little goes a very long way.

• Dance the night away. Have fun, but not too much fun.

•Be dramatic. Keep you excitement at a level. It’s prom, don’t waste your time.

•Be prepared. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

•Don’t drink and drive. You could risk someone’s life.

•Do all of your prom shopping early. Last minute running around is never fun.

18 www.FHNtoday.com

page design morgan vetter and nicole renner

how would you want to be asked to prom?

how to: tie a tie

1

2

Ladies- How would you want to be asked to prom?

Guys- How would you ask her to prom?

Erin Martin, 11

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4

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“I’d want him to take me out to dinner at like a really fancy place. Then when the waiter gave me my menu there would be a note that my date put in there asking me to prom.”

Chris Palmer, 11

“I’d give a note to her parents with one rose telling her to come outside and when she did, I’d have a poster saying, ‘Will you come to prom with me?’”

Amber Rodgers, 12

“I want a guy to do an announcement on the loudspeaker and ask me to prom.”

Koury LaChance, 12

“I would ask her to dinner and then ask her out to prom with me.”

(stephanie graflage)

First, line up right side so that its twice as long as the left side. Then take right side (long side) and put over the short side. Bring around the back and through the “V” and back out through the left. Wrap around back and repeat the previous step on the right side. Then, go over the whole thing. Go back around halfway and go through the “V” making a knot. Grab the knot through and loosen to where you want it.

(morgan vetter)

corsages and boutonnieres Here are some great places to purchase corsages and boutonnieres: Dierberg’s Floral 2021 Zumbehl Road St. Charles, MO 63303

River City Floral Source 4106 Old Hwy 94 South St. Charles, MO 63304

The Flower Stop 5209 Hwy N. St. Charles, MO 63304

1-800-844-6007

(636) 441-0600

(636) 939-4401

Single long stem rose corsage- $8.50

Wrist corsage -$17.50

Corsages -$16.06 and up

Coronation corsage - $4.00

Pin - $18.00

Boutonniere -$7.50 + tax

Double mini boutonniere - $5.00

page design morgan vetter and nicole renner

www.FHNtoday.com

19

T-Shirt Contest www.GenerationGymnastics.com

9

460 St. Peters Howell Road St Charles, MO 63304

Now is your chance to have your work displayed for the whole school to see. FHN publications wants you to submit designs for the newest FHNtoday.com contest! To enter you should create the newest and hippest design for the 2009-10 publications shirt. Visit FHNtoday.com for more details

?

Ends Friday March 20 So you better hurry!

Azadari

A way of remembrance

photo page by fareeha amir

A women is filled with deep emotion as she remembers the death of a sacred Shia leader and his family. A tragic event occurred 1400 years ago in a city named Karbala that has Shias grieving the loss till this day.

This event was the merciless killing of the grandson of the holy prophet and his family.

Imam Husain Day is an event created by the Shia Muslims in St. Louis to mourn the death of the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. At this event both Shia and Sunni Muslims are invited to commemorate the death of this holy leader. This even provides some unity between the two Muslim sects.

Alams are used as a religious symbol to remember the events that took place 1400 years ago in Karbala, where Imam Husain was killed. They symbolize the flag Imam Husain carried from his hometown to the battle ground. They contain Arabic scriptures, and also have a banner attached to them.

Sunni leader Maqbool Patel delivers a speech at the auspicious event. Patel has come especially from Baltimore to speak to the community in St. Louis. He is a respected member of the Islamic Society of Baltimore.

Tehseen Amir cries as she hears about the hardships of Imam Husain. Many Shias remember Imam Husain through their tears. This rememberence is known as Azadari. It is one of the main things that connects Shia Muslims around the world.

Mirza Ather Saab lively expresses his views on the sacrifice of Imam Husain. He is considered one of the best Shia speakers in India as in well-known around the world.

The men take their food from the wide variety of Pakistani food made for the event. During the entire 2 month period of mourning a dinner is sponsored for every function the mosque holds.

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Where kids get help FAST!

When you don’t know where to turn, look for the Safe Place sign on businesses and community organizations.

Help is FREE and confidential. For a complete list of the Safe Place sites in your area, visit our Web site at www.youthinneed.org and click on the Safe Place logo.

For 24-hour help and information, call 636-946-3771.

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Eight citizens are donating their time to improving their community every day, showing their true heroics to all tyler kirk

In a time when heroes and heroism are hard to come by, the North Star has managed to find eight ordinary citizens that dedicate their time to helping their town and those within it. They may not be able to fly, see through walls or even turn invisible, but they’re super heroes. Super heroes whose powers consist of improvement, advancement and betterment.

Among the eight is a woman who raises children for parents whom are otherwise incapable, two teachers who created a foundation to promote SIDS awareness after their daughter fell victim to the syndrome, three men that run into fires while everyone else rushes out, a student who created the Hope is Vital foundation to spread AIDS awareness, and a DARE officer whose children look up to him for reasons other than his faithful dedication to the community.

These men and women have dedicated a great amount of their time to aiding their community and improving its conditions.

Not only has the North Star found these eight humanitarians walking among St. Charles, but we’ve also taken the time to ask some of North’s students who they believe today’s heroes are.

These are your hometown heroes.

If you head to FHNtoday.com later today, you’ll be able to view more stories by students on other people in the community and who their heroes are.

“My b roth my r er, h ol e achie e model ’s . He v ed w want hat e Matt d to ach he ieve,” David son said.

“B he rian r al o b Sim ec o l Jo the aus ns i s e Co nic e he my ll e c ins ar has sa s,” id.

“ mu Nei si l P c Wi ian ear ll t ia go , h ms d e ,” ’s sa Da a id vi d .

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page design nicki wittman

“M s. in G so spi rims r m ing et ed haw En hing me , sh Ma glis in to d e’s cio h, t o cia ” A eac h sa man id. da

www.FHNtoday.com

25

e r i f e h t t Figh Three firefighters - Maupin, Burns, Schuster - have chosen to save lives by putting others before themselves, hoping to extinguish flames without destroying homes, homelife tyler kirk

T

he three of them ease back in their chairs, each with a cup of home-brewed coffee in hand. They’re talking. They’re relaxing - for once - and they hate

it.

Seated around a white, octagonal table in a 10’x10’, fully-furnished kitchen, firefighters Bryan Schuster, Paul Burns and Dave Maupin would much rather be far from Station 4, doing their jobs.

“We don’t like slow days,” says Schuster, 33. “We like getting 10 calls a day, always being busy.”

For these three, unfortunately, today will be an unusually slow day. Schuster has already made the call to Station 1, their headquarters, making sure that no calls come in, as their truck is being repaired by Scott the Mechanic, as they refer to him, and won’t be ready for the streets for the remainder of the day.

“A parked car got in our way the other night,” Burns says to Scott, laughing. “There was nothin’ we could do.

It’s a big truck.”

As Scott walks out the garage door to repair the cherry-red fire engine number 9542 with a basket that reads “Pride In Service,” Maupin steps out of the room on his cell phone while Schuster begins telling Burns stories of his time as a firefighter.

They’re tales of Christmas morning mishaps, cats stuck in trees, literally, and middle-of-the-night dreamdisturbers. But more often than not, they’re tragedies.

Schuster recalls a fire on Jan. 2 of 2007, in which Central Elementary School librarian Natalie Lacey fell asleep in her bedroom with candles lit nearby. “[Carrying her from her house], I didn’t even know she was a woman,” Schuster says, head bowed. “She was so burnt; it was horrible.”

Schuster, who’s been in the department since ‘98, continues with another heart-wrenching incident, a catastrophe occurring only three months ago.

“Right around the time of Hurricane Ike, I helped a woman clean out her basement. There was about three feet of sewer water down there,” Schuster says. “Her husband had died about a month before the hurricane, and there was at least 30 years of living in her basement.

“We pumped the water out and took everything.

She lost family heirlooms and a lot of her life. She was devastated.”

Pride In Service.

As Schuster finishes his horrible memory, subtly drooping his head and lowering his ball cap, Maupin saunters into the day room from the back of the station.

Snapping one of his three cell phones shut, and placing it back in his pocket, he collapses on one of the four ocean-blue La-Z-Boys angled to face the big-screen TV. Without saying a word to his colleagues, Maupin focuses in on a turkey hunting show already in progress. Schuster and Burns don’t pay a bit of attention.

Maupin, a tan, well-built 38-year-old standing at about 6’ 2”, and Burns, a short, stocky 38-year-old with nothing much left of his hairline, have been in the department together at Station 4 for the last five years. Maupin is an engineer, the driver of the fire engine, and Burns is a firefighter, the one who generally prepares for the activity after the team arrives. However, both men work together once they’re at the scene of the incident.

26 www.FHNtoday.com

“It’s pretty chaotic for the first 20 minutes at a house,” Maupin said. “But we all join at one place and do our job.”

Pride In Service.

Firefighter Dave Maupin puts on his fire-proof uniform.

Firefighter uniforms have motion detectors attached to them to alert other firefighters if one of them stops moving. (sarah semmel)

Schuster, who generally doesn’t work with Maupin or Burns, is filling in for two firefighters that took vacation this week, which means there are only three firefighters at Station 4, as opposed to the National Fire Protection Association standard of five firefighters per station.

“We need more man power,” Schuster says. “Financially, with the stock market, we’ve lost millions [of dollars].” “[The stock market’s decline] stuck it to us,” Burns adds. “We can’t hire the people we need. This fire district is down 12 firefighters. We roll back every year, and then a little more, and then a little more.

“We used to get grants from the government,” he continues, “but they have no money.”

With the current recession, Missouri’s government can’t afford to give Station 4, as well as the district, enough money to hire the much-needed man power.

Recently, the district was declined a physical fitness grant, which would have aided in the firefighters’ health insurance, among other serious needs.

“We can’t afford every updated thing there is,” Burns says. “Some of our stuff is 10 years old and we don’t have the money to upgrade it.”

“Filling these trucks with diesel fuel isn’t cheap,” adds Schuster. “If the economy is down, the government is reluctant to give us money. We’re staying afloat, though. But we love what we do, so we come in every day and live with what we’ve got. We’re still going to do our jobs. If someone dials 911, we’re going to answer their call.”

Pride In Service.

Having had enough of turkey hunting, Maupin pulls himself out of the La-Z-Boy and strolls into the kitchen to refill his coffee. Currently, Maupin is a Senior Master Sergeant in the Air National Guard and in two years will be promoted to a Chief Master.

He says, that just like those in the Air National Guard, the district is like a brotherhood.

“More like a fraternity,” Burns jokes. Maupin and Schuster laugh along.

“Yes, this is a male-dominated job,” Schuster says.

“A lot of females can’t do some of the physical challenges. You’ve got to have thick, leather skin, be strongwilled, motivated.”

One date sticks out in particular when thick skin and strong will we’re must-haves: 9/11. Even in St. Charles, 1,000 miles from New York City, the firefighters of Station 4 still felt the effects.

“We were far away, but this is a brotherhood,” Maupin says. “There is no one here that wouldn’t have done what [those firefighters] did.”

Pride In Service.

Firefighters are what many consider to be heroes.

Their courage and valor are apparent in the images of ground zero, the flooded cellar of a widow, and the rubble of a 29-year-old librarian’s home.

However, Dave Maupin, Paul Burns and Bryan Schuster see their heroics as part of their job. They all became firefighters because they were able to help people through their work; they were proud to help those in need. They seek pride in their work; they seek pride in their service.

Maupin: “I love it.”

Burns: “I love it.”

Schuster: “I love it.”

Maupin shows off the interior compartments on the fire truck. Almost every part of the truck’s surface folds out into a storage bin of some kind. (sarah semmel)

page design nicki wittman

Donnelly doubles as mother, baby-sitter when children’s parents can’t care for them otherwise

caring for the future A

pat flynn

Maupin shows off the several hidden compartments located on a fire truck and holds up the “jaws of life” to his other firefighters. (sarah semmel)

As the shoes of a firefighter, these steel-toed boots have been through a lot. The boots are a mandatory part of the firefighter uniform. (sarah semmel)

Maggie Donnelly is a stayat-home mom to several kids who aren’t her children; she babysits seven kids a day.

(SARAH SEMMEL)

page design nicki wittman

massive Saint Bernard and a happy-go-lucky yellow lab guard the entrance to the house on Deergrass Drive, mostly happily greeting all visitors. Past the dogs and up the stairs, seven children and one woman move about in the kitchen, centered by an island with three bar stools, one of which is occupied by a young boy finishing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich; in a highchair at the end of the island a one-year-old girl sits as the woman scans through a white refrigerator, the entire scene surrounded by flowered wallpaper and hardwood floors. On a nearby coach sit two boys around the age of three watching Dora the Explorer.

Beside the couch a baby swing gently rocks a small boy to sleep. To the right of the TV two young girls sit, playing with an interactive book.

To their right is a hallway with five doors, one is to the closet at the end of the hall containing anything from diapers to a bucket of crayons, three of the five doors lead to bedrooms and the final door leads to a bathroom.

To many, this may seem like an ordinary, everyday home full of relaxed children, but it’s not. This is a place where small boys and girls are cared for when their own parents are unable to themselves.

This is a place where children learn the fundamentals of youth. This is a place where Maggie Donnelly prepares seven children - 30 in her lifetime - for life.

Donnelly lives in that very house on Deergrass Drive. She is a child care specialist that has been watching children for the last 15 years; roughly 30 kids have stayed with Maggie when their parents could not watch them during the day, and not only has she helped raise 30 kids, but she also has four of her own.

“My mom is a very caring person,” Maggie’s son, junior Patrick Donnelly. “She likes to help people and she likes to make a difference in their lives.”

Throughout her work over the last 15 years, Maggie has done just that. ”It was a lot better than going to a daycare at a school,” senior and former “daycare kid” Matt Davidson said. “If I didn’t have her I wouldn’t have been taken care of so good. At the time she was kind of a second mom.”

Not only has she changed the life of the people she has watched, but she has also changed her and

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27

her family’s lives. “[Watching children] has made me a much more patient person,” Maggie said. “All four of my children are different, I think even though there are times when they’re off school and want to sleep in and they get frustrated [because of the other children], but overall it has helped them. When I grew up, I never baby sat. I didn’t know how to take care of kids. [My children] know how to feed a baby, change a diaper take care of and keep safe; I feel that if they get married and have kids they know what to do.”

Maggie has created an environment that is perfect for her “daycare kids.”

“It was a more personalized relationship, than going to some after school program,” Davidson said. “It was a little cooler because our families knew each other. I was being watched by some one I could relate to, too. I remember always going there and having a good time.”

Not only was it good for the “daycare kids” but a great place for her own children as well.

“I like it,” Patrick said. “I ended up growing up with some kids and made some good friends. I always had someone to play with and [the relationships have] grown, I feel like some of them are like my actual family.”

Like any parent, Maggie enjoys these kids while she knows them, but like her own, eventually the kids grow up and move on.

“You get very attached,” Maggie said, “but you know, like your own children growing up, you know you’re sad but on the other hand you’re happy because they are stepping up in life.”

Maggie Donnelly is considered a true home town hero. Watching children may have made a huge impact on Maggie and the life of her own kids, however, it is incomparable to the impact she has had on the kids she has watched and their families. She devotes each day to the children of others and like any adult figure in a child’s life, she must discipline, but at the end of the day she is just like an “extra-loving mother with a mushy heart,” as Maggie says.

“I don’t know, I used to think a lot of people look down on me for only being in childcare - I had to battle that on my own,” Maggie says. “I had to look at those people who have the big jobs, they rely on me. I still wouldn’t look at myself as a hero, [I just] want to make a difference in their life and I feel like I have.”

One of the youngest kids Donnelly watches looks over at her. Donnelly babysits kids who are only at their crawling stage as well as toddlers. (sarah semmel)

Maggie Donnelly sits with two of the older children she cares for during the day, Scott and Julian. (sarah semmel)

Maggie and her son Pat Donnelly sit with all seven of the children Maggie is responsible for. Pat is a senior at north and he helps out with the kids. (sarah semmel)

28 www.FHNtoday.com

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dare Police officer, parent dedicates time to speak to children, students while also finding time for his three small boys at home barbara jean palmer

How long have you been a police officer?

“I have been a police officer for almost 14 years, longer than you have been born,” Chris explains to his DARE students.

For 10 years, Chris Hunt was trying to keep the roads safe.

Now, for three years, Hunt has gone to work trying to save a student from trying that first cigarette or tasting that first drink, and on top of that, trying to raise his three sons to be the men he wants them to be. Hunt is 39 years old, and for over 13 years he has been out in the community trying to make it a better place for those around him. In his own home, for 14 years, he has been a father trying to support and raise his kids.

“I’ve never wanted to be sitting behind a desk all day long,” Chris said. “I like to be in the community helping people.”

After having been a patrol officer, Chris became a DARE and crime prevention officer. Though Hunt loved his job as a patrol officer, being a DARE officer gives him the chance to still be out in the community helping others, while also spending more time with his family.

“His job doesn’t make me miss him as much as it did when he was a patrol officer cause he worked nights,” Chris’ 11-year-old son Kyle said. “Now he works at the office and does split days and when he does some events, I get to go with him.”

Chris likes to give his sons and DARE students the chance to get to know him. Chris brings a box into the classroom so if students have a question throughout the week for him, they can put it in the box. Chris usually starts off the lesson by answering a few of the questions in the box. Chris is honest with his kids and his students on the questions they have for him.

What is your favorite food?

“Mainly Pizza, Italian, and I really enjoy a big breakfast,” Chris says.

Hunt and his wife of 15 years, Natalie, both have a future in mind for their three sons: Kyle, Drew, 9, and Jonathan, 6.

“I want my boys to grow up to be good, Godly men, grow up to have good wives, and to take care of their kids,” Chris said.

All three boys look up to their father, but particularly Kyle has taken interest in what his dad does for a living. Ever since he was three years old he has been asking questions about police work and to this day he likes to dress up in the gear like a cop. Kyle even plays cop with his friends and watches cop shows.

“Kyle will definitely follow in his lead, because it’s all he has ever wanted to be and he has never changed it,” Natalie said.

However, Kyle isn’t always just pretending to be a cop. On certain occasions he gets to experience some of the things real cops do on an everyday basis. Kyle has gotten the chance to ride in a police car and has been able to go to certain events with his father. He’s serious about wanting to be a cop; very rarely do kids have their career picked out by the time they are three years old.

“I look up to my dad because I just really like him and being around him,” Kyle said. “I think it’s neat how he gets to teach kids not to do drugs and stuff. When I grow up, I want to be a police officer. I just think it brings a lot of opportunities to see a lot of things.”

“Have you ever drank beer?”

“I can honestly tell you I have only tried beer once in my life,” Chris recalls. “I was not old enough. And I didn’t enjoy the taste. I told you I would be honest with you no matter what you asked.”

The three boys not only love him for his actions as a cop, but also his actions as a father.

“He’s a hero to all of them,” Natalie said. “Not really having anything to do with his job, but with the kind of father he is to them. He really invests his life in them and he’s a good example of the kind of man a man should be. And the boys know how much he loves them.”

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Chris Hunt talks to his students about the effects of alcohol. He has been educating students about dare for three years. (lydia ness)

Hunt walks to his car after a days work at the school. He informs students during their last class of the day. Hunt was formally a patrol officer. (lydia ness)

Hunt gives them more information on the harmfulness of drugs.

He really enjoys working with the students and helping them. (lydia ness)

Hunt writes the different drugs on the whiteboard. He plays games to help students get a better understanding and to help them to remember more. (lydia ness)

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Sydney Nicole Freedline sits in her baby chair soaking in some sun. Sydney is one of the many babies who have lost their lives to SIDS. (sarah semmel)

Sydney’s father, Michael Freedline, is a business teacher at North who dedicates his time to educating students as well as parents about sids research. (sarah semmel)

Sydney’s brother, Drew, gives her a quick kiss. Sydney was the second born to the Freedlines. (sarah semmel)

Sydneys mother, Nadine Freedline, also teaches, but at howell. The Freedlines came up with the Syndey Nicole Smiling Angels foundation to support families who have lost a child to SIDS. (sarah semmel)

30 www.FHNtoday.com

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Raising faith

After tragic loss, teachers hope to aid, educate parents on fatal syndrome sam dulaney

T

he babysitter puts three-month- old Sydney Freedline down to sleep. Soft breaths fill the air of a nursery. All is well. But suddenly, a life is changed. The perfectly healthy baby girl dies in her sleep for unknown reasons. This inexplicable tragedy is known as SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and has been the cause of death for about 2,500 infants a year in the U.S. alone. Leaving behind bewildered parents and siblings, this unexplained killer has torn families apart for years. One teacher at FHN has decided to do something about it.

Michael Freedline and his wife Nadine lost their second-born child to SIDS on Aug. 16, 2004. Sydney Nicole Freedline passed away leaving behind her father Michael, mother Nadine and older brother Andrew. Unfortunately that is not all she left behind her. Sydney left her family with unimaginable grief and huge amounts of funeral expenses.

“The insurance didn’t cover it,” Michael said. “We wanted to help people with funeral expenses because there was just so much.”

Michael and his wife came up with the Sydney Nicole Freedline Smiling Angel Foundation about a year after her funeral to help new SIDS families by donating $1,000 towards the funeral. Although it is not a non-profit organization, it operates alongside SIDS Resources, which helps SIDS families with the grief and coping with life afterward through counseling.

They raise money by hosting an annual golf tournament and mouse races.

“We have 50-50 contests,” Michael said. “Half the proceeds go to research, our foundation and making safe-sleep videos. The winners of the 50/50 drawing get to keep the other half, but they usually just end up donating it anyway.”

At their last mouse race, the Freedlines and another couple, the Terrels, who have also lost their child, helped raise $11,000 for SIDS research. Their own family and those who have also been affected by SIDS attend their fundraisers.

“It’s like a family reunion,” Michael said. “Our family and friends are there to support us. We usually have so many people we have to turn people down.”

Michael and Nadine use some of the money they raise to produce their own safe-sleeping video. They and the Terrels, share their experiences and urge parents to get educated about the ABC’S of safe sleeping habits for their babies.

“Babies sleep safest Alone. On their Backs. In their Cribs,” Nadine said.

The Freedlines are notified of families in need by Lori Behrens, the SIDS Resources representative in the area. Behrens has been working with SIDS Resources in the southwest region of Missouri since 1995. She helps organize monthly bereavement support mailing lists, SIDS siblings counseling and support groups for SIDS families. She has been working with the Freedlines since 2004 by contacting them for confidential financial assistance when she is notified of a family in need.

“The service removes a tremendous burden, one that no family should have to face at such a tragic and painful time,” Behrens said. “The last thing a family needs at the time they are having to plan their baby’s funeral is to worry about finances. Because SIDS usually affects younger parents, the resources for funeral expenses just do not exist and it is certainly not something anyone plans for.”

Although the Freedlines have helped raise thousands of dollars towards SIDS Resources, Michael will be the first to point out that he is just trying to do his part.

“I’m no hero,” Michael said. “I just feel like there is always something more I can do.”

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Reducing the risk of Sids Listed below are some quick facts to help prevent sids. although not 100 percent preventable, these facts can reduce the risk.

1.

Place infants on their back to sleep.

Do this UNtill theY’RE one year old.

Do not let a Baby

2. sleep in an adult

bed. Do not fall asleep with a baby in your lap on the couch or chair.

BRRyan jackson speaks to audience at harvester christian church about his foundation, Hope is vital. (kaitlyn fouch)

HIV: hope is vital Through his foundation, senior has found a way to spread AIDS, HIV awareness jordyn klackner

3.

There should be nothing in the baby’s bed but the baby. No pillows, no stuffed animals, no covers.

Avoid exposing a baby

4. to tobacco smoke.

Don’t have a baby in the same house with a smoker.

5.

Avoid exposing a baby to anyone with respiratory infections.

Avoid crowds.

6.

Offer your baby a pacifier. Some studies have shown a lower rate of SIDS among babies who use pacifiers.

7. Thoroughly discuss

each of the above points with all caregivers. If you take your baby to daycare or leave him with a sitter, provide a copy of this list to them. Make sure they follow all recommendations.

On FHNtoday.com you can now view the video the Freedline’s foundation created on preventing SIDS and promoting awareness.

All information from www.sids.org

My dad injected it into me. I kept getting sick on and off. I was in the hospital and they ran test after test. Each time they said it would be the last test there was another.

I was 6 years old and they gave me five months to live. I’m still here today.

Eighteen-year-old Brryan Jackson walks down the halls of North each day just like any other ordinary student. He listens to music, hangs out with his friends, and lives like any teenager would. Every student has his or her own stories tell. Some of those stories change lives and some just make each individual unique. But there’s one thing different about his story: Brryan Jackson has AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

I’m standing here today and telling you my story to show you life’s blessings. I’m here to tell you to spread the word, not the virus.

March 25 started just as calm as any other Wednesday night at Harvester Christian Church. But then, kids filed out of cars one by one. From middle school to high school, they all anticipated the music and speeches they would hear beyond the double doors.

Not only was Brryan there that night to tell his story, but bands came to play to support him. The band “perfectwonderful” took the stage and was led by senior Eric Peters.

“I just wanted kids to understand what someone can go through and how awesome God is and what He can do,” Brryan said.

“You just have to believe.”

The dark room is slightly lit with dimmed lights. Strobe lights are shut off. Drums and guitars are silenced. An audience of roughly 100 people gradually becomes silent as the bass wears off. He’s spent his time the last four months preparing for this moment - this concert. And now, it is his time to step to the microphone. All eyes are on him.

“It’s insane,” Peters said. “It’s crazy. I don’t know how he’s alive, and he does so much. He genuinely wants to help people.

We were there for ourselves and as a favor for Brryan. He truly wants to raise awareness to help others, not benefit himself.”

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31

It’s been a long road. Since the age of six, when the AIDS virus was injected into him, Brryan has had to overcome obstacles most cannot understand. According to Brryan his case of AIDS is undetectable, but that fact alone doesn’t shield the gossip, the glares, or the stereotypes.

That doesn’t stop him.

“AIDS hasn’t given me the easiest life,” Brryan said. “It’s sort of like discrimination and it is depressing. I used to get called names and made fun of when I was younger. But high school has changed people and made them more accepting. I used to let it get to me, but I realized I can change people. Good things have come out of it too.”

Brryan has lived day after day of waking up and taking medicine, going to school and not knowing when the side effects will kick in, and being cautious with every move. Yet, he doesn’t spend his time looking out for himself, but for others. To most, he’s more than just the kid with AIDS. He is a hero.

Telling people his story is what he wants to do.

“It started in eighth grade when he started lobbying for HIV and AIDS and now his health is good enough to finally speak about it,” Jennifer Jackson, Brryan’s mom, said. “I was primarily the funding for his organization in the beginning, but I waited until his 18th birthday to make it official so that he could be the incorporator.”

Brryan believes hope is vital, and that is exactly what his organization is called. That Wednesday night, close to 100 people stood in front of him and listened to his story. They were his peers, they were his supporters, and they were teens and adults that just wanted to know what he stood for.

“Not only did they have fun, but everyone was interested in what he was saying,” Peters said. “It’s cool that I got to be a part of what he is doing.”

In the beginning of the night it was hard to catch a glimpse of Brryan. Running from person to person, saying, “You’re on first,” “Can you sell t-shirts before the show?”, “Who’s got lights?”, and “Have you checked your sound?” In the midst of all the running around beforehand, anticipation was building, the room was getting gradually louder, and then finally “The show is on!” could be heard coming from the back of the room.

“I was expecting people to have fun and hear my story,” Brryan said. “And I think they did.”

Brryan’s main goal was to spread AIDS awareness. Now that he’s lived through it, he wants people to be cautious about the actions they take, and hope his peers do more than just listen when he speaks, but take it to heart.

“One of our goals is to debunk the myth that someone with AIDS looks different than everyone else. They are people. It’s mainly the youth between ages 13-24 that are infected and we want to help stop that spread,” Jennifer said.

This concert was a giant step for Brryan and for Hope is Vital. He is taking the steps to get people active in the movement and wants people to join his cause. He’s not alone. Many that night, including Shannon Albert, a staff member for the event, proudly wore shirts that read Hope Is Vital.

“We’re here for Brryan and want to be helping him,” Albert said. “He’s doing a good thing and if he wants help we’re willing to help him.”

Brryan wouldn’t be where he was today it wasn’t for those that have supported him, or without a program called Project Kendall. He’s now taking things into his own hands. Speaking at schools, at churches, at camps, and at his next event- a dance marathon at Northwestern University that he was asked to attend. He’s spreading the word.

“I keep telling him remember where your blessing come from,” Jennifer said. “Pride comes before the fall” “Hope Is Vital. It’s what I live by,” Brryan said.

“And so does everyone. They just don’t always live by it.”

32 www.FHNtoday.com

joe slavich performs at jackson’s concert on feb. 25 at harvester christian church. many bands attended the concert in his honor. (kaitlyn fouch)

Senior Brian Jackson speaks about hope to several teenagers attending his hope concert. Jackson was injected with aids when he was six. (fareeha amir)

The crowd listens intentively to what jackson has to say. Jackson talks to them about his childhood and struggle for survival. (kaitlyn fouch)

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THEBRIEFS

Spanish teacher Brian Santos works with the boys tennis team as they get ready for the season.

This is Santos’ second year coaching tennis at North; however, this year he will be the head boys tennis coach. (fareeha amir)

New coach accepts challenge david hoehn

This spring, the Varsity boys tennis team will have a fresh start with not only a new season, but a new head coach as well. After school nurse Sally Polley’s decision to stop coaching, Spanish teacher Brian Santos took charge of the team. And with his lifelong love for the sport, he hopes to help bring success to the team.

“I am really passionate about this,” Santos said. “Coaching really allows me to see the athletes in a different light outside of school, and I get to form mentoring relationships that last a long time.”

After six years of coaching, Polley decided to pass the torch to Santos for family reasons.

Although she is no longer the Varsity tennis coach, there is still a place for it in her heart.

“I enjoyed the guys’ camaraderie and see-

ing them improve from year to year,” Polley said.

Losing a head coach as well as seven Varsity players may cause many ups and downs for the tennis team. However, they feel it’s great opportunity everyone can learn from.

“This year is a rebuilding year,” junior Chris Palmer said. “There will be more challenges we’ll have to face, but we’ll grow more together as a team.”

As a coach, Santos’ philosophy for the team is not all about winning trophies, but teaching the players key values that they can use in their own lives.

“My main focus is for the players to learn the game and learn good sportsmanship,” Santos said. “I look forward to getting to see my players grow and being a guiding light for them, not only as players but as people as well.”

Santos will learn if his coaching paid off when the boys play their first match on March 23.

Track team looks ahead with positive attitude sidney shelton

With high expectations from all six coaches, the track athletes have a lot to live up to. The team consistently sends qualifiers to State and last year five people who were awarded medals there. This year, they have had approximately 100 people returning in addition to 35 freshmen. Although there are several underclassmen, the coaches don’t expect anything less from the team.

“My goals are actually to help them meet their goals,” distance coach Tonishia Moore said. “Some come to socialize and to be part of something, some come just to stay in shape, and some come to improve themselves as runners. I don’t want to be a drill sergeant, I just want to help them [out].

34 www.FHNtoday.com

“But it’s not only the coaches who have high expectations and a love for the sport, it’s the athletes as well.

“I wanted to do track to try something new, and I enjoy running,” freshman Alyssa Miller said The team’s positive attitude was shown in the first practice during their first big run of the year.

“The first practice looked good,” Moore said. “The runners ran a total of six miles and they were running at a good pace.

Not only is the team highly anticipating their first meet on March 24, but they are focusing on the end goal.

“Our goal is for everyone to compete and do well,” senior Daniel Kirkpatrick said. “And for as many athletes as possible to [eventually] go to State.”

Team looks to seniors for leadership brent evans

After nine months off-season, the volleyball team is ready to start all over again. Of the approximately 50 players that tried out this year, around 40 of them already had experience playing volleyball with the school. Even with so many returners, many are expecting to see new talent emerge from this year’s athletes. Fans will view that talent when the Varsity team plays their first game against Howell on March 23.

“I would like to try and find the new leaders of the teams and try and fill in the old faces [with new ones],” Varsity Coach Ryan VanPelt said.

While looking for new talent this year was important to coaches, it was not a priority as the team has seven returning seniors who will try to give the team more of a veteran look.

“I expect the returning seniors to stand out [with] their leadership, and by helping out the underclassmen,” VanPelt said.

Not only do the coaches expect leadership from the seniors, but seniors also feel that it is their duty to help the younger players develop their game.

“I want to be more of a leader and help the younger guys a bit more,” senior Luke Griesenauer said.

Although the seniors have the added responsibility of helping the younger players, they want to have as much fun playing as everyone else.

“I want to beat Howell Central this year,” senior Ryan Iasello said. “They’ve beaten us in the past and I really want to beat them.”

Track coach Doc Hennenfent oversees athletes as they stretch during the first track practice of the year on March 2. The first boys meet is March 23 and the girls have their first meet April 3. (brandon walters)

page design ryan firle and sam bowden

Underclassman players step up to the plate sam bowden

The baseball team is ready for the upcoming season and is looking to improve on last year’s record of 15-9.

The team has been working out three times a week since mid-January to prepare for the upcoming season.

Tryouts started on March 2 and 113 kids showed up, the highest number in FHN baseball history.

“Tryouts were a lot harder this year,” Senior Nick Conley said. “We are looking to have a good season this year.”

The team is returning six seniors this season, and will be led by Nick Conley and Luke Collis, both pitchers for the Knights. Varsity Coach Bob Dunahue has high expectations for his team this year even though the team lost eleven seniors and the former leader of the team, Jerry Roam. Due to these losses, the sophomore class will have a lot more responsibility this season.

Team salad Junior Varsity baseball coach Bob Brown talks to some of his prospective players before tryouts on Mon. March 2. (nicole thompson)

“The sophomore class is the best class we have ever had at Francis Howell North,” Dunahue said. “They will put a lot of pressure on the upperclassmen this year.”

The team’s goal for this season is to be conference champs and

become willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it.

“We will put it all on the line to be conference champs this year,” sophomore catcher Mike Wilson said.

Despite loss of seniors, Lady Knights push forward logan ponche

The final three weeks of the 2008 soccer season were wild ones for the Lady Knights; the girls went from winning their first district title since 2001, to being within mere minutes of a final-four berth, only to have it all slip away with one kick from the penalty marker.

Now with the beginning of Spring comes the 2009 season, of which the first three weeks have not been as glamorous. For the past three weeks, the girls have had open-gym workouts in preparation for tryouts on March 2.

“Workouts have been good so far,” sophomore Brooke Oostendorp said. “But it’ll be nice to see everyone outside of the gym.”

One of the main differences for the team in the gym are the players who are working out. Last year the Lady Knights lost seven seniors, several of whom were starters that contributed heavily to the team’s 19-5 record.

“Well sure, I mean how

Sophomore Brittany Burke keeps the ball from her opponents on Feb. 28 during open-gym.

The Lady Knights hope to have a better season than last year even with the loss of seven seniors. (lydia ness)

many public schools [lose that many] seniors. That’s gonna hurt anybody,” Head Coach Dan Hogan said. “But we also have a lot of talent coming back, last year we had a good balance of seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen, and it’s been that way for three years now.”

However this year, the balance has been thrown off as most of the returning players are on the offensive side of the ball. This has left a question mark in a defense that anchored the team last year by only allowing 13 goals, which lead the GAC South.

page design vicki viehman and david hoehn

“I think a lot of it [the success of the defense] will mainly have to do with confidence,” senior Dani Langness said. “I think that will be a big factor because they will not have the experience the seniors had last year.”

Check back to FHNtoday.com for a photo gallery from the Varsity Bistate Shoot-Out from March 23-27.

luke christisen

I

n the salad bar of life, one of the most unavoidable parts is dealing, interacting, and working with other people. When you are a member of a team, that is made even more clear. If your team is a salad, everyone is the lettuce. Without people there is no team; they are the substance and main component. There are some, however, who rise above and are dropped on top like dressing; those people are usually called team captains.

The captain is the one who is supposed to be looked up to, or have the responsibility fall on them for team mistakes. However when group activity is concerned, a little dressing goes a long way. It seems like whenever I hear anything about a team or club, there is a complaint or two about the leader and how he or she is doing. The problem is that when one person is put to the forefront, everyone else feels they need to scale back, and instead of resisting authority, bad talking starts.

By having everyone on an equal playing field, and letting those who care about the team do the representing, not one select person, a group can truly rise. By choosing to be a team motivator over a team captain and encouraging those around, a close bond is formed because it’s coming from an equal peer.

Power struggles cease and it’s easier to say what is being thought about since everyone has an equal say.

Instead of lettuce, soggy with an overbearing captain or leader, a team can be strong with individual responsibility, having croutons spread throughout. When practice rears its head or the next meeting is on its way, by motivating, encouraging, and critiquing with everyone as an equal friend and peer, new doors will open.

By giving everyone the responsibility of a leader, even without a title, individual strength will grow and the team’s success will know no limits. Doesn’t that sound like a good salad?

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100 Freestyle State time: 57 sec.

Lauren’s time: 55 sec.

200 I.M. State time: 2.23 min.

Lauren’s time: 2.21 min.

100 Breaststroke State time: 1.14 min.

Lauren’s time: 1.12 min.

50 Freestyle State time: 26.29 sec.

Lauren’s time: 26.23 sec.

Senior Lauren Thrasher holds up one of her swimming medals at the St. Peters Rec Plex. Thrasher has gone to state all four years of high school and she is currently swimming with two teams. (sarah semmel)

Thrasher builds records with historic team magge jasper

I

t’s not just a sport, extra curricular activity, or another black and gold letter sewn on to her Letterman jacket. It’s a lifestyle. Senior Lauren Thrasher has qualified for swimming State all four years of high school.

“I think Lauren has made it to State all four years because she sets goals and once she reaches them, [she] creates new ones,” swimming coach Beth Ramach said. “She is dedicated and a leader, and is always determined to succeed.”

Thrasher has been swimming since she was eight years old. Her father, John Thrasher, is very involved in sports and really encouraged her to get involved herself. Lauren’s first choice as a sport was swimming because she was always in the water as a child.

“Her dedication to the sport has grown through her nine years of swimming,” mother Lisa Thrasher said.

“About fifteen hours a week of swimming seems like dedication to me.”

Not only does she have great dedication, but she’s inspired by Taylor Wohrley and Amanda Masters, both girl swimmers from Timberland High School. Thrasher admires their strength in swimming and ability to make record times and sometimes even break their own records. Similarly, Thrasher sets out to give her best, keep up her times and work on creating quicker times.

Over the years, she’s become a skilled individual swimmer as well as a role model for the rest of the team. page design vicki viehman

Thrasher has taken the role of trying to help make a positive effect on the largest swim team in North’s history: a team consisting of 26 girls. She has also made some new friends by welcoming the new girls to the team.

“Thrash made the year really fun and made the freshmen feel more comfortable,” freshman Aly Bouquet said.

“I love watching her swim. She is amazingly amazing!”

The State meet took place at the St. Peters Rec Plex on Feb. 20. Lauren qualified for the 200 Individual Medley (a race of 4 different styles of swim in 200 meters) and the 100 meter freestyle. Her precision and ability led her to her final high school State competition. Thrasher placed 24th in the 200 IM and 25th in the 100 freestyle.

Thrasher’s strongest stroke is breast stroke, which is the third length of the 200 IM. “I think it is pretty cool how Lauren is best at breast stroke and usually that is the weaker stroke,” Ramach said. “She usually leads in that section of the 200 IM and I think it boosts her confidence.”

Thrasher’s swimming career will not be ending after high school, but will become a part of her college experience. She will be attending Lindenwood this fall on an academic and swimming scholarship. Though Thrasher will be going to college, her family will always try to stay a part of her swim career.

“The family support for her will continue, as well as her cheering section throughout college,” Lisa said. “It seems as though she gets better every day and we hope she stays very involved, focused, and strong in swimming through college as well.”

Q&A with Lauren Thrasher Q: How many medals have you earned throughout high school?

A: 11 total Q: How many teams have you swam for?

A: 3. The YMCA, Sharks, and high school.

Q: How many days a week do you swim?

A: Usually around 5 or 6 Q: What is your favorite event to swim and why?

A: The 200 IM because you get to swim every stroke Q: What was your most memorable moment?

A: When I got my best time in my 200 IM at GACs this year.

www.FHNtoday.com

37

THEBRIEFS Knightline faces bittersweet competition nicole renner

As the dancers stepped out onto the floor, reality struck them. This was last competition of the year. FHN Knightline went to Chaifetz Arena at SLUH University on Feb. 30 to perform at the State competition.

"It's our last chance to prove how good we are and where we rank," freshman Sarah Cole said.

Knightline went to State with their Jazz and hip-hop routines. While they didn't place in the competition, they received superior ratings as

well as a sweepstakes. However, for coach Heather Box, there's more to a competition than just placing.

"In their jazz category they placed three out of 11, but I didn't have high expectations," Box said. "As far as the hip hop [category], I did have high expectations but my biggest hope is just that they perform well and do their best and they did."

The team's anticipation for State was greater than that of Nationals. The girls then went on to have an overall better outcome at State.

I think we did a lot better than

we did at Nationals because there was less pressure on us at State," Cole said.

However, the competition was bittersweet with the resignation of Box, who has been with Knightline for four years.

"We worked really good together. We were a team," Assistant Coach Kelly Pierce said.

"I'm really going to miss her."

With the year coming to a close, Box also has concerns.

"I'm going to miss getting to watch the girls improve and watch them grow not only as dancers but individuals," Box said.

Sophomore Nita Stein , senior Kelsey Monroe, and Junior Ellen Ransom perform their halftime routine during the girls basketball game against Fort Zumwalt South on Feb. 6. (andrew hairlson)

Bowling team works towards scholarship

Boys basketball learns lesson

lauren skinner

ryan firle

Although the Varsity boys basketball team finished the regular season with a 10-15 record, they played much better as they headed into Districts. “[We] played real well through the last six games which is a positive anytime you play better at the end of the season,” Head Coach Bill Moyer said.

This momentum carried the Knights into their first district game against Pattonville who they had beat by just one point in triple overtime during the regular season.

The game was just as close this time around, and the Knights escaped with a thrilling 51-48 win on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by senior guard Josh “Big Daddy” Kane.

“We were playing a lot better [at the end of the season] and saw that in spurts at the Pattonville game,” Moyer said.

“It was good for the guys coming away with a win.”

It was the Knights’ first

38 www.FHNtoday.com

Sophomore Andre Wooten prepares to defend the Varsity Knights’ net during the first round of Districts against the Pattonville Pirates. After a back-and-fourth tie game, the Knights came out on top with a 51-48 win. (sarah semmel)

District win since 2005. This win advanced them to their next game against powerhouse Parkway West who had a 20-5 record entering the game. West lived up to their record as they defeated the Knights 61-37.

“They were a good team,” junior Jake Schneider said.

“But we should have been in the game.”

Although the Knights suffered an abrupt loss to end their season, they considered it a great learning experience and it set a benchmark for next year.

“This really makes us want to train harder in the off-season so we can come out stronger next year,” junior Wes Simone said

On March 8, the FHN bowling team attended a tournament at Caves Springs lanes.

However, there was a lot more riding on each game than just bragging rights. Scholarship money was on the line.

“The players have to earn their spot in the tournament to even have a chance for the scholarship money,” Head Coach Denise Lupo said. “I have two of my teams in first place so they will be moving on.”

The scholarship money hadn’t been set at a certain amount; the amount the bowlers received all depended on how much money the team raises over the course of the year.

Throughout the year, the team has sold raffle tickets and charged the players an extra 50 cents every game played to add to the amount of money for the scholarship.

“I really hope our team pulls through with this tournament especially since this is my senior year,” senior Brittney Gallagher said. “I at least hope my team makes it to finals.”

With this being the teams’ last tournament, seniors Emily Howes and Gallagher are both hoping to bring home a win.

“We are all just really hoping for a good outcome with this tournament,” Howes said.

To find out how the Francis Howell North bowling team did in their tournament at Caves Springs lanes on March 8 check out FHNtoday.com

page design lauren skinner and brent evans

Cheerleaders spring into 2010 rachel hunt

Junior Fiona Brooks tries to shoot over a Pattonville defender during the girls basketball district game on Feb. 25. The Knights lost 48-50. Brooks finished with five points for the night and 126 points for the season. (andrew hairlson)

Girls basketball finishes season strong elizabeth diggs

After the end of the regular season, the Varsity girls basketball team was seeded second in Districts; they were held on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Parkway North against Pattonville. According to head coach Dawn Hahn, the varsity girls were ready for the competition.

“I would say at this point in the season, we are ready to step up to the challenge,” Hahn said, “The only way to extend the season is to win.”

The season as a whole was successful this year for varsity girls’ basketball. They stood at record of 12-13 and 4-2 in their conference, which guaranteed them a share for second place with Francis Howell Central. In the seven years Hahn has coached this will be the best finish the team has

Pro Pick Ems ADMIN: Mike Janes

had. Sophomore Brooke Oostendorp, also thought the team was ready for districts.

“I think we’ve improved a lot over the season,” Oostendorp said. “We had a big win against Howell, so we had a lot of confidence going into districts,” Unfortunately, confidence wasn’t enough. The girls lost 48 to 50 against Pattonville in the first round, but Hahn believes that the team had a successful season even with the loss at districts. She says that one of the best things about it was the fact that there was somebody different every game who surprised her with their performance. Hahn also enjoys the bond she has with her athletes.

“Our team chemistry got a lot better [at the end of the season],” junior Dianna Prost said. “We just have to take our losses from this year, learn from them, and help make us better.”

As spring sports begin their training season, the cheerleaders are already facing tryouts for the 2010 school year. After finishing the season, returning members have two weeks off and then must turn around and repeat tryouts for next year. This puts a whole new perspective to the meaning “year round.”

“It’s hard not having a break like other sports,” junior Maggie Kube said. “We get more practice time though with our clinic and boot camp.”

In preparation for tryouts, the clinic will be held for anyone trying out from March 6-10.

This week is scheduled in order for members to learn the tryout routine and multiple cheers.

These cheers will be choreographed by team captains from this past season.

“The girls need to remember to keep a positive attitude when they’re performing their tryout routine,” senior captain Katy Sullivan said. “The entire week is pretty stressful.”

Not only do those trying out this upcoming season get a chance to prepare for tryouts through the clinic, but they were also given a “boot camp” the morning of Feb. 21.

“This new [boot camp] was planned to be a review for incoming freshmen and even returning members,” varsity cheerleading coach T’Neisha Harris said. “It was for those new to this sport to be able to learn and not be totally foreign to cheerleading.”

Throughout the season, the squad progressively strengthened their skills as well as their teamwork with one another. Now, as they come to an end and face a fresh start, new and stressful challenges will have to be faced.

“Even though I made varsity this past year, I’m still feeling that I need to prepare myself a little for next year’s tryouts,” Kube said. “Everyone of us just needs to perform all we can do to the best we can do and have confidence.”

Each month a random student, staffer, and administrator will go up against the North Star team and choose their professional pick of the month. At the end of the year, the team with the best record will be named the pro Pick Em champion.

MLB: Boston vs St. Louis March 12

NBA: Los Angeles vs San Antonio March 12

NHL: Detroit vs St. Louis March 14

NASCAR: Matt Kenseth vs Jeff Gordon March 22

8-8

STAFF: Joe Brocksmith 11-5

SENIOR: Luke Johnson 11-5

North Star Staff

page design pat flynn

11-5

www.FHNtoday.com

39

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Grudges lead to realizations brittany schulze

I

have come to the conclusion that there is no reason to hold a grudge.

Throughout my four years at North, I have made friends and lost friends.

I have cried of laughter and just plain balled my eyes out. I have said things that I didn’t mean and I have said things that needed to be said for a long time.

This year I have mended countless friendships because truth be told, I am leaving in a couple of months; I really don’t want to go away and wonder what would have happened if I would have just talked about problems that caused tension. I used to hate apologizing.

If I felt like I didn’t do anything to cause a problem, apologizing never even crossed my mind. Now I really don’t care if I did or did not cause the tension. I don’t want to hold a grudge against someone; there is no point.

Why should I waste my time getting upset because I am fighting with friends? Just say sorry.

I would much rather just apologize rather than walk down the hallways and pass someone who I used to talk to all the time and now act like I don’t even know them. Some might find it as being a push over, but if you know me, I am definitely not a pushover. When certain situations make me mad, I let people know. Now I just let them know when I’m sorry too.

Even if you are not at fault , be the bigger person and just forget about it.

Move on. You never know when your last day to live will be. I learned this my Junior year when a student that I went to middle school with died. Seeing the hurt in my friends’ eyes made me realize that life is too short to just stay mad at people. Adam Litteken helped me become more of a forgiving person.

Now that it is my senior year, I don’t want to regret anything.

luke opi Senior Luke Christisen voices his opinion on openly embracing change for the future. “Change is something that has taken me a long time to get used to, but I’m glad I accept it now,” Christisen said. Christisen’s idea of the healthiness of change can be taken in by all of the students at Francis Howell North. (sam fitzwalter)

For high schoolers, changes are inevitable luke christisen

S

ometimes, when the conditions are just right I can see the future. Not with a crystal ball or from the help of a psychic hot line, but simply by picturing myself as who I am and then picturing who I want to be. I can picture myself ten years from now but whether or not that will prove to be the truth is a completely different story.

So maybe I won’t get a job as a fortune teller.

Some get so wrapped up in who they are now that they can’t imagine themselves being any different but the bitter sweet truth is; we all change. By thinking that who we are right now is exactly who we will be in thirty years is naive at best. The world of high school we have all become accustomed to is a training ground to prepare us for the

Is it just me, or has Mother Nature been messing up a lot lately?

fray of real adult life. When the gates are lifted we have to be ever changing. There is no schedule of classes or events, no bells hurrying us along, we have to create those things for ourselves in order to succeed. As a result we all will change.

Change can be scary, and may not always seem like a good thing, but it results in personal growth. Granted, some things may stay the same like taste in music or favorite food, but changing ideals and structure is a part of growing up.

Resisting something so natural and normal results in missing out on the opportunities that come with change. New experiences, new adventures and new people come around in life due to some sort of change or choice.

By accepting change in life and understanding how natural it is we can better ourselves and look into the future without a crystal ball and give the future freedom to change.

Add a little snow...

Hey, anyone up for a game of checkers?

illustration

42 www.FHNtoday.com

jon henderson

page design elizabeth diggs

the

North Star Represent, it’s your home too. take: games. Maybe it’s going to see Mr. FHN and supporting the other kids at our school. Maybe it’s dressing up for spirit weeks. Or, maybe it’s walking through the halls and feeling the spirit of North take over. You keep your chin up, you smile at someone, and you walk into that classroom you once hated and realized you misunderstood.

There is a place for you here, just take the time to find it. When you walk up on stage in your graduation gown and are handed that little piece of paper that says you survived a whole four years of high school, make sure you will be walking away with more than just a small piece of compressed tree and a handshake from a principal you don’t even recognize.

W

alking the crowded halls, face down, hardly breathing as you mindlessly wind your way to a classroom you could care less about. To sit next to people you barely know. To hear a teacher talk about something that will never matter to you. You’re pissed you have to come here everyday and you feel like you’ll never see the point in attending this drama-filled hell that claims four years of your life. No one knows you. No one cares what you have to say. You’re one out of two thousand. What do you matter, right?

Wrong. Completely and one hundred percent wrong.

This is your life. If anything should matter to you, it is these four years.

Some sit there and hate it when they could embrace it and make it their own.

You belong to this school just like North belongs to you. It’s a part of you.

Why would you let a piece of you die?

Every second you spend hating your environment is another second you will never get back. You only have so many years to live and if four of those

Students walk the halls of North. Being a part of high school can be so simple. Just have a little school spirit and join in. (kaitlyn fouch)

precious years are going to be spent at North, you should make the most of it.

You want to be heard? Speak.

You want to be noticed? Show up.

You want to matter? Do something.

Nobody is going to turn you away from a club. These truly are some of the best years of our lives. If that isn’t true for

you, then you didn’t live high school to its full potential. This is the age where we start to find ourselves and how are you going to do that when you’re living like a hermit crab all alone in your own shell? You don’t have to become class president or even join anything. Maybe it’s just showing up for the basketball

On behalf of the

North Star editorial staff

Senior believes his peers owe a lot of themselves to North Senior Tyler Kirk extends a thankful handshake to all admninistrators and any teachers who have helped to make his high school career the joy it has been.

“I would be lost without a lot of the teachers here at North,” Kirk said. (sarah semmel)

page design

tyler kirk

C

an you believe it? We’re almost done, seniors. Just three months left. After June 6, it’ll be official, and we’ll be gone forever. There’s no doubt we’re leaving behind a legacy, and that we’ve certainly matured. But I think you, as well as myself, owe this growth to some lesser-known individuals among us...

First of all, let me thank every single student and staffer and administrator that has spent even the smallest amount of time in room 026. If not for all of your contributions, the writers and photographers and designers that sit in that room each day would not be the hard-working students they are at this very moment.

Each one of them owes a bit of who they are to you.

Thank you.

In room 013, near the green house entrance, is a small room that holds one teacher - a pony-tailed, cane-wielding logan ponche

man - who has shaped every last student that has passed through his wooden door, creating confident, determined men and women. Although the room itself may be confining, this teacher’s outreach is limitless. And, like all the past seniors that have come into that room, I will gladly be leaving my mark on his far wall with a creation of my own.

Thank you.

To the administration, although many students and teachers feel that your decisions are sometimes ill-advised, if not for your guidelines, we would be ingrates, teachers would be powerless, and this school would be in ruins.

Thank you.

So, seniors, these teachers and administrators have raised us to be the future. When we exit the Family Arena on June 6, it will be our turn to change the future, create it, and shape those that will be coming after us.

Students, you’re welcome.

www.FHNtoday.com

43

First priority elizabeth diggs

M

Wishing for more

photo by sam fitzwalter

Hunt experiences life as an only child choose something like transportation or privacy over a human being, your ake a stroll down memory lane own blood, your own name? These with me. Open up your old people share the same mother and scrapbooks and pull out those father with you, the same house, the dusty family vacation photo albums. same morals. How much do you tell Look at those family portraits from your siblings compared to all of those reunions and holidays. Now, take secrets you work to keep from your a second and mentally delete those parents. Don’t you ever have those brothers and sisters standing beside late night talks that you spend in your you in those old Polaroids. That’s sibling’s room about “stuff” that you right; you no longer have siblings can only talk to them about? Some (figuratively of course). conversations are just meant for See, I’m an only child. another sibling.

Now some of you are probably Don’t get me wrong, I have my thinking “good riddance to those own room, my own car, and my own brats” or “finally my own room and phone. However, I will be the last to car.” But, in reality, would you really agree to the popular saying that only rachel hunt

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children are “spoiled brats.” I work just as much as the next. In fact, I do more chores than most with siblings.

Think about it, more working hands equal less time spent working. And I’ve called many of my friends at two in the morning to talk about “late night stuff.” Still, some things can only be understood by your own flesh and blood in your own household.

All I’m saying is enjoy those standing next to you in those dusty photographs. Even now as you grow either apart or closer each year, take time to be thankful for the person(s) whose bedroom is just right across the hall.

To stay or to go Decisions for college are fast approaching Juniors Betsy and Barbara Jean discuss leaving state or staying for college betsy blanchard

barbra jean palmer

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here is a lot more to college than classes and books. It’s experience. It’s a time to further prepare ourselves for our future - we’ve been cradled long enough.

And for this very reason, I refuse to go anywhere within a 500-mile radius of St. Peters. I want to teach myself about being on my own. I want to force myself to adapt to my surroundings. I want to learn to cook on a budget.

While many argue that it’s important to stay “close to home,” it’s important to keep in mind that no one can realistically revolve their entire lives around this purpose. College is a time for transition. During high school, we rely - for the main part - on our parents.

College gives us the opportunity to separate ourselves from them while continuing to lean on them for support. After college, we are on our own. Even though our parents are still there, they are no longer responsible for us.

We must then be independent. Staying local for college prevents us from properly preparing ourselves for this vital lesson.

Missouri is in the heartland. There is so much around us. The opportunities are endless. It’s just time to reach a little farther for them.

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photos by sam fitzwalter

eaving your friends, leaving your family, leaving your home. This is hard for most people, it will be for me.

When you grow up somewhere the majority of your life and have experienced so much there - through the fun times and the heart breaks - why would you want to leave?

Everyone is going to grow up and move on with their lives; some of us will be heading to college. When I go on my way I still want to keep in contact with friends and family. Why attend a college halfway across the country when you can choose one close to your home? Why hold a relationship together by phone when you can hold it together by presence.

One of the worst parts about going away for college is that it’s higher in tuition. Why choose an out of state college that has the same options for education as one that is close to your home? Why spend extra money and in ten years be swarmed with loans?

Moving to a new place will give you new experiences, but is it worth it? You can go on a trip anytime. If you stay close, you will have loved ones around to help you. Your home is who you are, why leave that behind?

oney. Driving. Cars. These are the most important ideas that are running through the majority of teenagers’ minds. But for others, like me, these ideas never even cross our mind.

It took me some time to understand that driving shouldn’t be a major part of my life right now. I turned 16 about a month ago and all I wanted to do was drive. I would love to have a car, but the lack of income prevents me from getting a car anytime soon. My friends and I used to talk all the time about how all we wanted was a nice car to drive. I know a handful of people my agree who have a really nice car, but are still not satisfied.

Some of these students tend to show off these cars, which could lead to accidents. That would just knock out their ability to drive anyway. Regardless of the money, I believe that students should not make driving - nice cars or not - a main priority. As most people know, money is a major issue right now and wasting it on a fancy car is not the way to go.

People my age should focus on saving money for more important things like college.

Kids my age don’t need to be driving everywhere until they get a job. If people want to get from one place to another, they can ride with someone else or share a car with a family member. This may save you some time and will help the environment. This is why I have decided that driving should not be a main concern until it is necessary.

Many people will disagree with me about this but I would just say to watch where your money goes, and think about if that nice car will affect your future the way the money spent on the car would.

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THEREVIEWS Wash Skinlogics

Use

Hair Straightener barbra jean palmer

sam dulaney

Skinlogic’s Clear is a two-sided wand of day lotion and night gel. With the different active ingredients in each side, it lessens the appearance of blemishes, but it also lessens the weight in my wallet. This tiny stick is $16 and is only sold from consultants or online. My mom, my sister and I all use it. In fact, my mom steals mine when she cannot find hers because it just zaps them away. Although it does help reduce current blemishes, it does not prevent new ones from popping up. Because it helps cover up blemishes, it is very nice to have on hand and is definitely worth the steep pricing to get it.

Wear

Soccer Cleats taylor berra

Nike's Mercurial Vapor's are a hit with soccer players everywhere. The new shoes with bright, vibrant colors are eye-catching and flashy. Not only do the shoes look good, but they are awesome to play in.Unlike some other soccer shoes, these are extremely light-weight, which makes it a lot easier to run faster. Another thing I love about these shoes is that you have great touch on the ball; it is easy to control where the ball goes. When I shoot the ball I can place it where I want every time. These shoes, by far, are the best pair of soccer cleats I have ever bought.

page design maggie jasper

I have not been very lucky when it comes to straighteners.

Before when I used them, my hair would start to get that wavy look the minute I walked out the door. But now that I have found the "Jilbere de Paris," I don't have that problem.

You can really rely on this styling tool, which only costs $39 at Sally Beauty supply store. I don't really even have to put that much effort in. With one glide, my hair is straight as a board. The straightener also does not pinch hair like other styling tools. It has an extra long plate, which really helps. The plate is gentle and you can barely feel anything. The best part about it is that it keeps my hair the way I like it all day long. If you use the "Jilbere de Paris," it will not disappoint you.

Listen Eminem’s New Single mallory mueller

A single? I am surprised it even made the past the record studio. With vulgar lyrics and a unimaginative repetitive beat, Eminem’s new song “Crack a Bottle” is not one to please. The beat is the exact same throughout the whole song; there is not one second of something new and it is not original or catchy. It’s just plain and simply boring. And the lyrics are just as bad. They refer to women with derogatory terms and make rape seem acceptable and sex seem like something that is a must in life. Not only do the lyrics encourage negative acts toward women, but they encourage poor behavior of all sorts.

With talk of drugs, parties, and gangs, this song doesn’t stand out from any other rap song. The only unique thing about it: the beginning intro. And that’s where the lyrics are the worst. With idolized singers like Eminem it’s no wonder the world is the way it is. This dumb single is $1, but is worth less.

Play

iPhone Application tyler kirk

For the last couple months, many iPhone users have been anticipating application developer Chillingo’s “Zen Bound,” and it’s finally on Apple’s App Store for only $4.99. This app’s idea is simple: wrap a limited amount of rope around various wooden objects. On each level, you’re attempting to cover the block 100 percent with rope, which at times, is quite difficult on some of the levels. This game may sound like a completely useless way to spend your money, but the game offers so much. It’s not a game of high scores and record breaking, it’s a “calm and meditative” puzzle game, as the developer says, that makes great use of the iPhone’s touch screen abilities and accelerometer.

“Zen Bound” was greatly hyped in the iPhone community and didn’t disappoint. The replay value is high, and is worth every penny.

Read Kissing Snowflakes lauren skinner

The book "Kissing Snowflakes" was made for any teenage girl to love. It is a real drama-filled adventure with ups and downs in love, whether it be family love, or other. The main character, Sam, has to figure out how to get to know her new step-mom, all while having some major guy trouble. Sound juicy?

I thought so. This story line actually reminded me a lot of my life; you like someone, but you also like someone else, so you're faced with a huge conflict. I totally give this book five stars; it was exactly what I, a teenage girl, look for in stories.

Plus the fact that I could relate it to my life made it even better! This book is something every girl should take the time to read.

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