NORTH STAR
SENIOR EDITION
2013
Countdown to Graduation
David Stone
Aurianah Jones
Alex Callier
Brooke McGlasson
Alex Brinovec
Jennifer Ingoldsby
Brittany Belt
Gabe Rosas
Katie Busby
Zach Morris
Kali Farrell
Emily Carlisle
Sam McKee
Kailee Schott
Madison Hale
Jennifer Wei & Victoria Miller
Brittany Daniel
NORTH STAR
SENIOR EDITION Volume 27 Contents Issue 8 Alex Seamon
02 04 Mark Reichert
06 08
Katelyn Ray
11 20
SENIOR
TWEETS Jasmine Wahlbrink School is so awful I have no motivation No no no please no #haiku
Principal Darlene Jones watches as the seniors enter graduation practice. The seniors surprised Jones by wearing t-shirts that read “2013 loves Dr. Jones”. Senior Delegates planned the surprise prior to practice. (cameron mccarty)
A Final Goodbye
@jwahlbrink
Brandon DeClue This paper I wrote is so bad, but oh well. #Senioritis
@DeCluless18
Sean Small I’m checked out for the year. Bring on the F’s
@Its_Me_Smalls
Cara Walter I have no motivation to do anything in school anymore. #senioritis
Students and staff will have to give their last farewells to Darlene Jones By Alexis Christo After 17 years of being FHN’s head principal, Darlene Jones is retiring. With support from the District leadership, Jones feels her best time to leave is while she feels she’s still doing a good job. Jones’ favorite part about her job has been working with all the wonderful people- the staff, the parents and the success of the students. “It was always nice seeing her in the soccer stands and having her support,” senior Allie McDonell said. After Jones retires, current Assistant Principal Andy Downs will be taking the position of head principal during the 2013-14 school year. “I’m glad there’s someone great like Andy, he’ll be perfect for the job,” Jones said.
Once the 2013-14 school year comes around, Jones plans to stay avidly involved with FHSD. She plans on working with a program that helps principals in underprivileged schools, teaching principal preparation classes at Maryville University, being involved with FHSD leadership programs and hoping to be a grandma. According to Jones, North has been one of the most wonderful places she could ever hope to work at and it is the epitome of what a public school should be. Even though she’s moving on, there’s one thing she’ll always miss about working at North. “It’s being in this school where there’s this positive energy every day and knowing that teachers and staff are all helping kids be successful,” Jones said.
@xcara_lizx15
Kayla Koeneman I mean...I just wanna be at SEMO already. #CollegeLife
@KaylaSheaKAYY
Kyle Lemons Man high school is almost over #Wow
@KLTrey5
Julia Brady Well the day is finally here!! My flag is on the wall!! #Seniors #BitterSweet @jayy_brayy
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As a kick off to the end of the year, seniors get to enjoy free food and entertainment at the Cook-off. (file photo)
The class of 2013 will have their last high school experience at the lock-in on the night of graduation. (file photo)
SENIOR COOK-OFF ALL-KNIGHTER By Austin Seay
By Amanda Stallings
The Senior Bonfire has been renamed the Senior Cookout as a means of correcting its previously misleading name. The Cook-off will take place on May 17 at 6:30 p.m on the football field and all seniors are welcome. The cost of admission will include free food including hot dogs hamburgers and s’mores and will have several activities throughout the night such as an inflatable theatre screen to watch movies with. “The senior class cookout is unlike anything we do here,” advisor Loraine Smith said. “It’s sort of a last chance for all the seniors to hang out together.”
Only a few weeks are left in school year and preparation is not only taking place for graduation June 1 but for the All-Knighter celebration that night. The seniors will go back to school at 10:30 p.m. for the night and stay until 5 a.m. the next morning. According to FHN parent and All-Knighter co-chair Holly Gannon, there was a large budget of $90,000 for this year’s event. The goal is to provide the graduates with a fun night and keep everyone safe. “I’m excited for the night because it’s the last farewell for us seniors,” senior Katie Martin said. “I think it’s going to be so much fun.” page by tannyr seddon
COLLEGE GUIDE From college apps to a move in checklist this page gives you what you need to know to survive your freshman year of college
THE DREADED freshman 15
college facts QUICK FACTS ON COLLEGE EXPENSES AND SOME OF THE POPULAR MAJORS Most expensive college: Sarah Lawrence College $61,236
The Freshman 15 is a commonly used term across the United States referring to a weight-gain of students in their freshman year of college. This is an average weight gain of 15 pounds, however, students have also been found to lose weight or even gain up to 30 pounds their freshman year.
http://goo.gl/KfU6j
Biggest college in America: University of Phoenix http://goo.gl/YXNON 307,871 students Best paying majors: Engineering, Economics, and Physics. http://goo.gl/5JJI8
Causes: -
Unhealthy campus cafeteria food Eating cheap, fatty foods Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol Minimal exercise Increased stress level Irregular meal consumption
The most popular sought after major in the U.S. is in Business (National Center) $85 million in national student loan debt (US Dept. of Edu)
How to fight it: -
There are 2,774 four year colleges in the U.S. and 47 in Missouri.
Sign up for a gym membership Plan your meals: when and what you’ll eat Keep healthy snacks at hand Get seven to eight hours of sleep a night Don’t eat between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Number one college in America: Harvard University in Cambridge, MA (ranked by U.S. News)
info from: http://goo.gl/C53lc http://goo.gl/Z3yhW
FREE COLLEGE APPS 04
SENIOR EDITION
05.15.13
myHomework
Rate My Professors Give feedback on previous professors you’ve had and read reviews before you pick new classes.
Organize class notes and homework for all classes. Also use for a calendar to plan for tests and projects.
college 101: Tests & studying
This app gives you test taking tips and secrets for preparing for a test. Use the tools given for extra help.
page by alexis christo and jordan bryson
FOR SURVIVAL get ahead, STAY AHEAD follow these tips to make sure you thrive your first year of college
move in check list
1. TAKE CLASSES YOU'RE INTERESTED IN
First aid kit
You won’t pay attention if you don’t like it
Shower supplies (flip-flops, bathrobe)
Toiletries Medicine (cold, pain relief, allergy)
2. PAY ATTENTION
Hand sanitizer Insurance and Social Security cards
Education costs money now; get your money’s worth
Towels and washcloths
3. BE ON TIME
Comforter, blankets, sheets Pillows and pillowcases
Don’t be that kid running into class
Hangers (switch clothes out during
4. GO TO CLASS
breaks)
You learn more when you’re in class (see #2&3)
Cleaning supplies (Lysol, Swiffer
5. ASK QUESTIONS
items, Febreze, toilet cleaner, etc.)
You’re not the only one who’s confused; be the class hero
forget quarters!)
6. DON'T PROCRASTINATE
Alarm clock
That only works in high school; once you fall behind, you’ll stay behind
Power strip for extra outlets
7. GET INVOLVED
Flashlight
Friends are fun; make some
Wall decorations (photos, message
Rain gear (umbrella, rain boots, etc.)
Detergent and fabric softener (don’t
Surge protector
Batteries board, tack board, etc.)
8. TIME MANAGEMENT
TV (cable cord)
Time is golden, make sure you have a set schedule you can follow
9. MEET YOUR PROFESSORS
Radio Refrigerator/microwave Late night munchies (fruits, chips,
They may be scary, but you never know who will help you out later on
granola bars, etc.) Fan/heater
10. MONEY
Trashcan
You’re a broke college student now; keep track of your money and save it
Storage bins
msu mobile
Iron and ironing board
go mizzou
saint louis university
lindenwood u
truman mobile
university of central missouri
Keep up to date on your school; these apps provide maps of campus, a directory, school news, events and more.
page by alexis christo and jordan bryson
05.15.13
SENIOR EDITION
05
Fashion Flashbacks braxton perry suit and boutonniere
The North Star seniors flash back to the styles and trends from the 1990’s and 2000’s. Those decades defined most of what the class of 2013 wore during their childhood years.
age 3
inside THE
Closet
of North Star seniors
Circa 1994-2005
AMANDA STALLINGS age 7
“The funny thing is, I didn’t know it was picture day that day, and I was upset and embarrassed that I didn’t dress up.”
nick ponche age 10
hali long PRINCESS
“One with stripes. One with stars. I thought that was pretty unique.”
age 4
TANNYR SEDDON age 7 “That was actually something my mom always liked, the whole matching thing, so she would always kind of convince me.”
nick bussell age 4 “I was more girly when I was little and [my style] has evolved into more comfortable athletic wear.”
“I’ve always been swagged out.”
how trendy were you as a kid? calculate your fashion
archetype below by circling what you owned independent dresser 0-9 circles You didn’t follow the trends religiously
trend dabbler 10-19 circles Chances are, you stayed with a few favorite trends but didn’t go overboard
of the 1990s 20+ epitome and early 2000s
circles
You embodied the fashion spirit of the time
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SENIOR EDITION
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joel payne deann krufal flower shirt cardinal red age 7
age 3
bottoms
girl boy camo pants | || gauchos beige khakis cotton skorts short shorts bell bottoms overalls trip pants corduroys parachute pants
“Back then, [my fashion] was really much better. It has gone downhill since then. Now, I’m calm and sophisticated, but back then I was wild and crazy.”
“I looked like a boy. I just wore athletic clothing everyday like I still do.”
(submitted photos)
& accessories boy tops girl hair girl boy sarcastic tees velvet frosted tips crimped hair heelys bowling shirts Ponchos spiky hair charm bracelets reeboks bandanas vests skate shoes turtlenecks bowl cuts clogs/crocs rugby stripes stud bracelets light-up shoes color blocked jackets skechers tennis shoes animal backpacks leather strap sandals pokemon merchandise oversized sweatshirts
boy
shoes
girl
“I wouldn’t go back to that. It’s all about the bow ties these days.”
alexis christo age 3 “It was fitting for the time because kids wore anything with animals and it was a duck and that goes with the rain. I bet I still have that coat.”
abby west age 7
“The cooler the saying on your shirt, the cooler you were.”
Scan here to see a photo gallery filled with more flashback photos OR use this url: http://goo.gl/OxkfK page by aurora blanchard
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FLASHBACKS How things have changed over the years for the graduating class of 2013
games
music
books
movies
THEN
Lion King “I liked the Lion King movie a lot. It was one of the only VHS tapes that I would watch. I would literally watch it every day.” -Mike Cernicek
Finding Nemo “I remember when it first came out, it was really funny and I loved the turtle characters, I was obsessed with them.” - Briana Lipinksi
The Call “It’s unlike other scary movies, it wasn’t gory. I watch a lot more scary and suspenseful movies now than I did when I was younger.” - Emily Carlisle
21 and Over
“It’s hilarious and it has really good actors in it. I wasn’t allowed to watch that kind of movies when I was younger.” - Tori McBain
The Series of Unfortunate Events
The Fault In Our Stars
“I liked the series because they were really fun to read and sad at the same time. I basically grew up reading them.” - Chelsie Hollis
“I like John Green’s writing style, he really seems to understand his characters even though they’re nothing like himself.” - Jen Matye
Magic Tree House
The Hunger Games Series
“I read the Magic Tree House books. I remember them being colorful and the series has a lot of different stories.” -Nathan Tavares
“The books have a strong female character and a futuristic feel.They’re not fairytales, which is what I read when I was younger.” - Amie Jarzemkoski
Hit Clips
Shinedown
“Hit Clips were mini CD players that you put mini disks in. I had a Hilary Duff and an NSYNC one and I listened to them all the time.” - Demetrius Young
“Some of the music I like these days is a lot different from what I used to like, including Shinedown and the band System of a Down.” - Sean Small
The Backstreet Boys
Luke Bryan
“I liked the Backsteet’s Boys music when I was younger, I thought they were cool and everybody liked them.” - Smitha Milli
“He has really good country music and he’s extremely attractive. I used to only listen to the Cheetah Girls and Disney pop music.” - Sami Ritter
Kingdom Hearts
Halo 4
“Back then, I played the game Kingdom Hearts. It was an uplifting video game to play when I was having a bad day.” - John Hallemeier
“Back in elementary school I remember playing 007 on Nintendo 64. The graphics now are so much better than back then.” - Zach Morris
Sonic
NFL 2013
“Sonic was an awesome game. It was fun and entertaining. I remember I would play it everyday after I got home from school.” - Katelyn Ray
“I played Zelda a lot when I was younger, it was new and exciting when I was a kid, but I do still play it these days.” -Nathan Rhomberg
Memories throughout the years 2001 - 9/11 Terrorist attack 2003 - Invasion of Iraq 2006 - Saddam Hussein was executed on Dec. 30 2007 - Apple debuts the first iPhone 2009 - Barrack Obama becomes the first black president on Jan. 20 2011 - Osama Bin Laden is killed on May 2 2012 - We survive the “End of the World” 2013 - Boston Marathon Bombings take place on April 15
08
NOW
SENIOR EDITION
05.15.13
how north has changed Scan Here
To see a thing-link on the different parts of FHN that have changed in our time here. Each part is also connected to story on FHNtoday.com that was written about the change in the school. goo.gl/i4ye2
GROW
UP NOW while looking forward to the future, seniors should remember how to act mature By Amanda Stallings While a lot of the senior class is anxiously waiting for these four years to come to an end, I’m wondering if we are ready to face the real world. After roughly more than 3,000 days in school, I would think most seniors have matured. However, during our last assembly of the year, I learned that some of us still have a little more to learn. I’m not too sure why some seniors think it’s appropriate to be rude when someone is trying to tell a personal story. I believe a lot of us are “dying to grow up” yet we still seem to be stuck. Making noises and saying something inappropriate just to be funny doesn’t prove that you’re ready to be an adult. The class of 2013 graduates in a short few weeks. In less than a month we won’t have the same friends. People won’t find immaturity that funny. If you’re used to being juvenile and being seen as “cool” for it, then reality is going to hit you real hard. Some seniors could think ahead before doing something that may offend someone else. During this time of our high school career, I believed that we would all know the difference between what’s acceptable and what is not. My hope for our graduating class is that we finish our year off amazing and learn a little more about maturity before making our own way in life. I think we all have the potential to do something great after we finish this small journey, we just need to work on how we’re presenting ourselves as people. page by amanda stallings
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DIVING INTO THE STORIES OF THE
CLASS OF
2013 Several seniors were asked to answer the question: What happens after high school? PHOTOS BY MURPHY RILEY
Scan Here
To read stories on some other seniors at FHN and what they plan to do after graduating high school. goo.gl/m8EAE
STAGE
LIFE
While balancing art along with acting Julia Carney works toward her goal to be an actress By Alexis Christo The play: “Monsters in a Closet” The setting: A sleepover at Hollenbeck Middle School, 2005. The Cast Mary.....Julia Carney
J
Get To Know The Cast ulia Carney (Mary). This is Julia’s first debut in front of a large audience. She plays a small role, Mary, who ends up falling asleep at a sleepover when monsters appear. Julia was inspired to get into theater from a mix of attending all her brother’s middle school shows and her love of movies. One of Julia’s memories from the play was how scary it was when people would run around her while she was sleeping and how hard it was not to flinch. Act I Ever since senior Julia Carney took her big shot at theater eight years ago, she instantly fell in love. The feedback she received from her first show, “Monster in a Closet,” sparked her interest to continue to act. Plays she’s done at FHN include “Aladdin,” “Godspell,” “Brighton Beach Memoirs” and “High School Musical.” Her all-time favorite character she has played was Nora, from “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” “It’s very exhilarating to not be yourself, even if it’s only for an hour,” Julia said. Act II According to her mom, Madge Carney, Julia has been into acting ever since she could walk downstairs. When they were little, Julia and her sister, Catherine Carney, would hang up old curtains and put on plays in their basement. When Julia acted in her first play in middle school, Madge was the obvious proud mom
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SENIOR EDITION
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but did her best not to be a typical stage mom. “I was proud of her,” Madge said, “it was obvious that she really enjoyed herself.” Act III Art has also been a huge part of Julia’s life. As a child, her dad would always take her to admire the art in art museums and both her parents encouraged her with her paintings. One year for Christmas she was given an easel and she would sit in the garage all day and paint, according to her mother. Julia’s favorite mediums to use are paint, water colors, fabric and tape for sculptures. Inspirations for art come from her dreams, political points she wants to make and recently studying schizophrenia. “I don’t really think there’s been a favorite piece that I’ve done,” Julia said. “I’ve been really passionate about every painting I do, and I really love every series I do.” Act IV As Julia’s art has progressed over time, her mother has noticed that she has become more abstract and out of the box. Even as she has progressed, Julia has still kept a whimsical touch to her paintings. Her mother believes that credit should also go to her art teacher, Zach Smithey, for allowing her to explore her creativity. Act V In the fall of 2013, Julia will continue her journey and double major in art and theater at William Woods University (WWU). Julia chose WWU because of the five scholarships she received and her familiarity with the school. She received a performance (for art), lead, legacy, academic and an A+ scholarship. Because there are more opportunities for American actors to get parts in London shows, she hopes to intern for a semester in London. Julia’s ultimate goal would to be able to act in movies and paint on the side as a hobby. “It appears all you ever want is for your child to be happy,” Madge said. “I hope that she finds friends that are great friends and opportunities that help her grow as a person and as a theater major and art major.”
page by nick bussell & abby west
THE NEXT STEP After a great final year at FHN, Cody Fingers is ready to graduate By Jordan Bryson
H
omecoming king, video gamer, guitar player, Elvis impersonator. Just a few things to identify senior Cody Fingers who has spent his entire educational life in FHSD. “This has been the most phenomenal year for him, and it’s really a lot to do with the class of 2013,” his mother and English teacher Diane Fingers said. “He’s been with some of these kids for 13 years, and this school has made his senior year definitely memorable.” When Diane reflects on Cody’s senior year, the first thing that comes to mind is 2012 Homecoming king. When Cody thinks of being crowned Homecoming king, a wide smile spreads across his face. “I don’t think the kids at FHN know what they did,” Diane said. “When they announced Cody’s name, I dropped my camera. I was shocked-- ecstatic, but shocked.” At each Homecoming, it’s common to see Cody have his own break out when Diane requests an Elvis song for him. When he begins to dance, students soon circle around him. At this year’s Prom on April 20, though, senior Kenny Griffin, a friend of Cody’s since their fourth grade class at Henderson Elementary School together, took the charge of requesting two Elvis songs for Cody. “I’ve known him for a long time, and I know that he likes Elvis,” Griffin said. “Plus it was his birthday. I just like to watch him dance, and I know it makes him feel good too.” Cody’s free time is filled with playing video games like Call of Duty or Crash
page by nick bussell & abby west
Bandicoot and playing his guitar. Sometimes he’s strumming and singing Elvis at the top of his lungs, other times it’s with his four-year-old niece, Emma, playing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” their favorite song to play on their guitars together. “He can’t carry a tune, but he’s got his heart in it,” Diane said. “And [Emma] just idolizes him. Sometimes he looks out for her, sometimes she looks out for him.” What is also routine for Cody is expressing his love for Elvis Presley whether it be through singing, playing guitar, dancing, collecting Elvis movies or downloading music to his MP3 player. Beth Roberts, a special education teacher who has been with Cody all four years, says when Cody graduates with his class, she’ll
miss his charm and compassion he has toward his peers. Thinking about Cody, she recalls whenever a freshman classmate of his is ever feeling down, Cody never fails to sing “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley to her. “He’s a one of a kind kid,” Beth said. “I’m sad to see him go, but I know he’s ready.” During an Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting for Cody earlier this year, they discussed how he is able to stay at FHN until he is 21. However, according to Diane, Cody knows he’s a senior and is aware seniors graduate. The Fingers family talked to a caseworker who is now trying to receive state funding for Cody to attend Blank Canvas Studios, an art-based day program in St. Charles created by RHD-Missouri, a program for those with developmental disabilities. As of press time, their proposal is being evaluated at the state level, and they don’t know when they’ll find out if they qualify. If they receive funding, it will begin in July to support the $35,000-$40,000 cost of RHD. If they do not receive the funding, other funding and programs are being explored. “I think it would be really great if he could get into that,” Roberts said. “They’re really big into the arts and music there, and that would be perfect for him.” Cody will sit and graduate with the class of 2013 on June 1, and he will also attend the All-Knighter later that night. After high school, Cody says he wants to work, play guitar and start riding horses again as he used to at Therapeutic Horsemanship with his horse Pudding from 2008-11. “It’s been overwhelming trying to figure out what he’s going to do next,” Diane said, “but when we had his IEP meeting earlier this year, he was adamant, ‘I’m done.’”
05.15.13
SENIOR EDITION
13
WORKING WITH HIGH
EXPECTATIONS By Austin Barber
T
he unique sound of power tools rings through the garage at Bill’s Auto Body in St. Peters where senior Zach Ehlers works as an assistant. Along with taking placement tests and work on housing contracts to prepare for college, Zach also prepares in a different and unique way. Unlike others who plan on attending universities or community colleges, Zach plans on getting a higher education at Linn Technical College in Linn, MO. Zach plans to attend Linn Tech this fall and enroll into their automotive collision technology to help him land a full time job as a body man at an auto body shop. “I’d like to walk away with a good work reputation and a good college degree in hand,” Zach said. As the spring set in, Zach had to make a plan about what he was going to do after high school. He had no trouble making a decision what he wanted to do, the only question was where. Zach decided that Linn State Technical College was the best choice for reasons including economy, location and friends. “I’ve always planned on going to tech school because I always have been a hands on learner, and that’s what tech school is based on,” Zach said. Zach has been enrolled in classes at Lewis and Clark Career Center for
14
SENIOR EDITION
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Senior Zach Ehlers takes a more hands-on approach to achieving a higher education and beginning a career
the past two years and competed in District and State competitions for automotive collision repair. He has also been working at Bill’s Auto Body for 10 months. He thinks his previous experience at Lewis and Clark and Bill’s Auto Body will help him have a smooth transition into Linn Tech. “I kind of already know what to expect when I go to Linn and how it will be there,” Zach said. Zach believes Linn Tech will be the perfect place for him to be able to learn more about cars and make it easier to start a career. Senior Alec Kilb, who also goes to Lewis and Clark, thinks that Zach will be comfortable and very successful at Linn. “He really loves working on cars,” Kilb said. “He is already learning skills that will help him become a leader in his class and succeed at Linn.” Alec isn’t the only one with high expectations for Zach. Zach’s mother Janice Ehlers thinks Zach can be very successful at Linn Tech and in his future career if he can stay focused and do his best at Linn Tech. Janice thinks Linn Tech is a good choice and thinks it can help Zach get into the career he wants to be in. “I think it’s a really good opportunity for him,” Janice said. “I want him to follow his dreams, and I think he’s going to do great. It gives him experience that he’s going to need.” With the combination of the skills he learned from Lewis and Clark Tech School and Bill’s Auto Body, Zach and many other people think he can have a very successful two years at Linn Tech. Zach thinks it will be a chance to experience something new and get away from a lot of distractions. He thinks it can help him eventually reach his goal to one day own his own body shop. “It feels like a very relaxed place,” Zach said. “I think it will turn out well. It will help me get what I want.”
page by nick bussell & abby west
KEEPING THE DREAM Senior Miata Walker puts her career path on hold to pursue her dreams by joining a college cheerleading team
By Abby West
I
t’s April 13, and senior Miata Walker is traveling to Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. She has already has been accepted to the university, but this time Miata is going for a different reason. She is going to try out for the competitive cheer teams. “The tryout was intimidating,” Miata said. “Everyone that was trying out watches your tryout and there were over 100 girls; it was very scary. Once the coach started telling us how tryouts were going to be, it was all better because we all relaxed a little bit.” Miata had two teams to tryout for, the more competitive all girls squad called Crimson, and the co-ed team called Cream. Crimson allows for 36 girls, and Cream allows for 30 boys and girls. The tryout consisted of three rounds. The first consisted of sideline cheers, standing tumbling and running tumbling. After this, 20 girls were cut from the group. Miata survived the first cut. The next round, the girls had to perform a fight song as well as a school song. Miata survived the next round of cuts. The last aspect of the try outs was stunting. After she was done competing Miata waited along with about 100 other girls remaining, to find out their fate. After an hour, a list was posted of the girls who made the team. “We were pointing at the list screaming, jumping, crying, and everything in between,” Miata said. “When I first saw my mom, she instantly teared up.” Miata made the Crimson all girls squad. These team members ranged in ages from freshman to seniors. This team performs at Indiana college home sporting events such as football and basketball. Miata and her team my also may have the opportunity to cheer at March Madness next year. “The girls are very welcoming and open with everything off the bat,” Miata said. “I can’t wait to see what this talented team has
page by nick bussell & abby west
to offer.” Miata will be attending Indiana University this fall for the 2013-14 school year to study in the field of pharmacy. Even though the university does not have her major, she is willing to start her four years here then transfer to another university to finish out her pharmacy degree. She hopes to transfer to somewhere like Arizona State University to finish college. ‘‘Indiana is not too far away, but is far enough to get the college experience,” Miata said. Miata first began cheer when she was in eighth grade at GT Gymnastics, she remained here for a year before transferring to Spirit Elite where she is to this day. During her cheer career she has received several awards including AllAmerican. She also performed in New York City during the Macy’s Day Parade in 2012. “I wasn’t ready to give up cheer just yet,” Miata said. “I still have a few more good years in me.” With over four days a week spent with her cheer team; Miata feels that it has become more of a family than a cheer team. She likes how the gym is always has a welcoming atmosphere, always has positive energy and how close everyone is within the program. “I am so blessed to have Miata in my life,” teammate Allie Reynolds said. “I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her because she truly deserves the world.” Miata has also made an impact on teammate Danielle Schwentkers. According to Danielle, Miata is very outgoing and determined. She always has a positive mindset. “I hope Miata doesn’t give up on her dreams,” Danielle said. “ She’s worked way too hard and she can do anything she puts her mind too. I hope she doesn’t let herself off easy.”
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CALLED TO SERVE Rather than going directly into college, Jacob Obst is one of seven FHN seniors who is entering the military; he seeks not only to serve his country but to live up to his potential By Nick Ponche
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AAAAAAAAHHHH!!!” senior Jacob Obst screams at the top of his lungs. No response. He is told to keep going.
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!” Still nothing. He isn’t surprised. After all, he is screaming at a shoe. This unusual exercise is one of the many training procedures practiced at Jefferson Barracks in Lemay, MO. Here, Jacob got his first glimpse of the next eight years of his life: Service in the Unites States Marine Corps. Jacob was accepted into the military during his junior year on a delayed entry program. Although his interest in becoming a Marine didn’t reveal itself until shortly before that time, his motivation had been building slowly throughout most of his life. “I was never really included in a lot of sports growing up,” Jacob said. “I know it sounds cliche, but I was always picked last. I don’t know, it’s just one of the things that’s always bugged me.” Jacob also admits to being bullied throughout middle school and going into high school. These dejections, along with a desire to make his family proud, have helped to solidify his resolve. “I wanted to join [the Marines] because I wanted to improve myself from back then,” Jacob said. “I want to reach my highest potential as a person.” For more than a year, he has worked to turn this into a reality, acting in military workouts twice a week. He does everything from running to flipping tires to going to other events such as mini boot camps. Despite the heavy commitment, his devotion hasn’t faltered. “He’s never said a thing against it, or complained about how hard the workouts are,” Bonita Obst, Jacob’s mother, said. “I didn’t know at first if he was going to do it for sure, but he made the decision and stuck with it since.” Jacob plans to “stick with it” for eight years or possibly longer, depending on how his experience in the military is. He will serve as a weapons mechanic, mostly working on Humvees and other vehicles. Along with providing him with a skillset for after his service, this will
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put him at less risk of being called into direct combat. However, as with all positions in the military, it is a very real possibility. “I don’t really think about it too much,” Bonita said. “You can’t live worrying about it all the time. Thousands of troops come home just fine, and I can just hope he’ll be one of them.” On June 24, Jacob will begin a three-month training period. During this time he will be closed off from the outside world, his only communication: sending and receiving letters. He will have very limited contact with loved ones back home. However, this does not mean he will be completely leaving them behind. “I’m apprehensive about it, but I’ve been told sending letters is actually a better experience,” senior Samantha Foulks, Jacob’s girlfriend, said. “They’re more sentimental, more sincere because they’re something you can actually hold on to.” He will hold on to the letters, just as he will hold on to the ones who wrote them. He will learn, grow, and fulfill his goal of improving himself. He will serve the nation wholeheartedly, earning himself honor that he didn’t ask for in the process. He will become a U.S. Marine. “It shows he’s confident in himself, to do something as amazing as that for his country,” Samantha said. “I have a lot of respect for that and I’m very proud of him for it.” page by nick bussell & abby west
DRAWN IN
By Tannyr Seddon
I
t’s in-class essay day in AP Senior Lit. It’s announced that the time for completing the essays draws to its end. Senior Megan Bammann takes note of how little she’s completed; only an introduction and a single body paragraph reside on the page. As someone studious, Megan becomes frustrated. After the allotted time is up and Megan has turned in her incomplete analysis, she begins to draw one of her favorite characters. With mouth agape, eyebrows furrowed, and paper and pencil in hand, the cartoon conveys Megan’s emotions. “Aw man, I was only on my first paragraph!” Soon, relaxation replaces frustration and she keeps “doodling” away. To Megan, drawing or, as she refers to it, “doodling,” is much more than a way to relax or forget her troubles. It’s a passion. “Drawing has just taken over my life,” Megan said. “Every time I have extra time to do stuff or I’m just bored, I get out my sketchbook and draw.” After graduation, Megan will prepare to head to Peoria, Ill. and attend Bradley University where she will turn her passion for drawing into a job. Megan plans to study to become an animator. “I really got into animation when I’d go to my grandma’s house and she’d tell me to pick out a movie, like a classic Disney movie, and I’d just be amazed that they’re just drawings-- that it’s bringing something to life,” Megan said. Since Megan’s interest in art started at a young age, she knew early on it was what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. “She’s always kind of been artistic,” Megan’s mom, Teri Bammann said. “She was probably four or five where she kind of knew she wanted to go into art.” The problem was, whenever Megan would answer the classic question of “What do you want to do when you grow up?” people didn’t quite understand. “Well I knew I wanted to be an artist since I was like five,” Megan said. “But page by nick bussell & abby west
then when I got older, people would be like ‘Artist? Do you mean like painting and stuff?’ and I’d be like ‘No, no. You know, like cartoons and stuff.’ I don’t want to be traditional, like abstract, like go-to-a-museum kind of artist. That’s not what I do.” Megan often draws characters from her favorite shows, movies, and books, but is considering taking on character design where she would get the chance to be the creator of such beloved characters. With character design, the director would tell her what character is needed and what qualities or distinct features the character needs to possess. The designer then creates a character that will fit the bill. “I believe she can do whatever she wants, and it’s been a passion of hers for a very long time,” Teri said. “[She can] achieve her dreams and I’m proud of her.” While most people just see a simple cartoon, Megan sees imagination come to life. “Animation to me is just anything that brings something that’s ‘not real’ and breathing life into it, making it move, and making the audience care about that character,” Megan said. “Like as if you can talk to it, like it’s right there. In two hours, you feel like you’ve known this character your whole life. Animation brings a certain charm that we don’t have in real-life movies. This being came from this person’s imagination. You can’t find this in reality. Animation just lets your creativity flow and anything is possible.” Inspired by John Lasseter, Brad Bird, Rob Paulsen, and her dream to work at Pixar Studios, Megan keeps doing what she loves. Though she knows it won’t be easy, she’s confident she’ll enjoy what she does in her career.
With a simple fascination with drawing, senior Megan Bamman plans to make her mark in a career she will love “I want to have a job I love going to every day,” Megan said. “I can’t work in a cubicle dealing with numbers all day. It’ll just be a really creative atmosphere. I know it’s not going to be easy-going and loose. There’s going to be crunch times and stuff, we’ll have deadlines. There’s going to be things that the director wants to be done, but it’s going to be drawing characters and animating them. And I’ll know that in a few years from now, the movie will come out and there’ll be kids like me, maybe, wanting to be an animator.”
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photos by fhn media photographers
SENIOR
These guys have been bringing you the news all year. While we have worked very hard to cover as much of the school's population as possible, we though it was finally time to show our faces to the school community photos by murphy riley Scan Here
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To watch the North Star senior staff talk about their time in the publications and what they plan on doing now that 20122013 year is at an end. goo.gl/o02L5
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Our last words On behalf of the editorial board
I
t’s June 1. Graduation. You’ve donned your cap and gown, stood waiting for what seemed like forever with the rest of the class of 2013 and now sit facing the stage to wait some more. Your mind begins to wander. You think back on all the years that have led you up to this point. How lost and confused you felt freshman year, and how you tried desperately to get to class on time. You became a master of navigating North sophomore year, and you found a home at FHN- a club, team, department or even a favorite class that took you in. You pushed through junior year, which seemed longer and tougher than the rest of high school put together. And finally you watched senior year fly by, having to leave before noticing it had even gotten started. Looking back, you suddenly come to a realization: High school is ending. Everything is about to change. Whether or not you noticed it before, now it’s hitting you full force. Your name is called. You begin walking up the steps to get your diploma. Aside from “Please, please, PLEASE don’t trip,” your only thought is, “Am I really ready for this?”
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At first, you couldn’t wait to graduate. A fresh start. The beginning of an exciting future and the next step in a lifelong journey. But then you began to realize just how big of a step it’s going to be. It’s a step into the unknown, leaving behind so much of what has made you happy and has helped you over the years. Maybe you’ll trip up after all. Nervously, you glance out and see them staring up at you. Classmates, teammates, old friends, bitter rivals and that kid you’ve seen every day but still can’t name. For better or worse, they’ve been with you every step of the way, sharing experiences and memories. Things that’ll last a lifetime. You wonder what’s in store for them, how they’ll be changed by the times you shared at 2549 Hackmann Road. You know you’ll miss many of those faces, but the time spent together was worth it. You’re comforted by the thought that in the final days of high school, you made the most of it, and those last experiences together were some of the best. Struggling to hold back tears, you finally reach the center of the stage. You are given a piece of paper, a handshake and some words of encouragement. As cheers and applause surround you, a smile breaks out on your face. You’ve come to another realization. Maybe with the knowledge, the experiences and the friendships you’ve gained during your time at North, the future won’t be so bad after all. Just maybe.
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SUMMERTIME
at
FONTBONNE U.
* CITY SUMMER PROJECT: Photos, discussion, essays, field trips and more centered around St. Louis cultural and social points of interest. THREE college credits available. June 10 – 14. * SUMMER LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: Learn about being a leader, your style, skills needed and more. THREE college credits available. June 17 – 28. * SUMMER OPEN HOUSE: Tour, academics, scholarships, financial aid and a BBQ lunch! July 18.
FIND OUT MORE TODAY: www.fontbonne.edu/fhn