North Star May 2010

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INSIDE With 11 days left of clubs, sports, and classes, the North Star gives you the last issue of the paper for the 2009-2010 school year.

FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303

Vol. 24 Issue 8

MAY 12, 2010

contents 14

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

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

Editor-in-Chief: Barbara Jean Palmer Managing Editor: Betsy Blanchard

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

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news features sports opinion online

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

fhntoday.com Photographers:

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Science teacher, Christopher Dalton receives a warm welcome home from touring in Iraq for eight months, bringing relief to friends and family.

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A ceremony will be held for eager sophomores to receive their class rings, that they designed, in the commons tomorrow.

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MMA been a part of junior Dani Hanners’ life for only a short time, but she isn’t letting her gender get in her way of competing and sparring against the guys.

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Fun and creative art can be made at the Painted Zebra where people can come and paint and sculpt their very own masterpieces.

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Juniors Dan and Andrew Brodnik have split up their tennis doubles team to play separately for the first time in their high school careers.

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This year’s boys volleyball were state conference champions through hard work and team success making a strong comeback from last year.

FHNtoday.com facebook.com/fhntodayfan twitter.com/fhntoday page design by logan.ponche

Renner shares her belief that in today’s modern era all beliefs and religious affliliations should be tolorated.

Kelsey Habighorst Nicole Thompson Sam Hurrell Stephanie Graflage

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Meier speaks about how he believes that happiness does not have to come from monetary items, but rather from oneself.

COVER ONLINE

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Brandon Neer Fareeha Amir Jacqueline Sage Jessica Streiler Kaitlyn Williams

To view pictures and read stories of everything happening during Senior Week, check out FHNtoday.com all week.

North Star photographers submitted their best pictures of the memories made during this school year in academics, clubs and sports.

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

Adviser: Aaron Manfull

Dalton stands with his brother after reuniting by visiting each other at different bases. Being able to see his brother was very important to him. (photo submitted)

Chris Dalton stands (second from left in second row) with his troop while celebrating Christmas. Out of the 70 members in the company, Chris spent most of his time working side by side with these men and women. Throughout their eight months in the service, they spent their free time, work time and just every day life around each other and made friendships that will last them forever. (photo submitted) bethany. brady

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he crowd of families pour in, the time is set for arrival, all are expecting loved ones to walk through the terminal at Lambert International Airport. Carisa Dalton, her twins Ashley and Matthew and family members wait in anxiousness.

Finally, they spot him; he’s thinner than remembered, but beside himself with happiness. His three year old twins greet him first with bright smiles and family members sigh a breath of relief at his safe return. Biology teacher, Christopher Dalton, had just returned from an approximate eight month mission to Iraq. On March 5, Chris’ children and family were very happy when greeting him in the airport.

“I was a little bit nervous; I went with a unit where I didn’t know anybody,” Chris said. “But I made a lot of new friends and received a sense of accomplishment once the mission was complete.”

During Chris’ time in Iraq, the only contact he and his family had was over Skype, a web cam and voice setup for long distance communication. Ashley and Matthew listened to their father’s voice through undecipherable, choppy video.

“The main thing was my kids, I was so happy to come home to them and I didn’t think about anything else,” Chris said.” My kids had grown almost a year older, they were so much bigger.”

Carisa had hardly any contact with her husband and worried when overhearing explosions in the background of their conversations.

Carisa had to keep busy while Chris was away, to keep her mind off of him in Iraq.

“At first, when I learned he was to be deployed, I was scared and terrified because I didn’t know if it’d be the last time I saw him. It was a lot of uncertainty,” Carisa explained.” I was pretty upset and angry in a way, I didn’t want him to put his life on the line, but oh my gosh, when I saw him home safe- it was a big relief to know and see he was alright.”

Here at school, teachers like Linda Lott had a similar attitude as Carisa. Lott believes Chris to be a phenomenal teacher who works exceptionally and consistently with his students and was pleased to have Chris back and to share a room with him this year, teaching together.

“I was concerned, I know he has a family and kids,” Lott said. “And I was also extremely proud of him.”

While Carisa had the children to look after and her job, a SPED teacher at Parkway Middle, Chris had a different, more strenuous job to complete. In Iraq. Chris was Captain and his mission there was logistic support of American troops, or to supply things such as fuel and water. Chris worked in transport, which consisted of building and managing convoys, in what Chris described as a highly volatile area. Chris was surrounded by frequent rocket mortar attacks, but was not out in the field of combat, so received no injuries. Chris was located at Joint Base Balad, Northeast of Baghdad. Chris had very busy days, working 9-12 hour shifts sometimes.

Chris and others on the base had no weekends, as the days of the week blended together.

“Being far away from home was tough, I can’t say I enjoyed rocket mortar attacks and it was just being away form home, I was happy when I left for home,” Chris said.

After eight long, daunting months, Chris safely returned to his family.

Chris continued to greet his family members in the love filled, crowded airport. Carisa approached, hugs were contagious.

“I’m so glad you’re home and safe.”

This room was where Dalton spent some of his free time for relaxing and slept for eight months. According to Dalton, conditions could have been worse. (photo submitted)

Dalton stands holding a thermometer to show family members and friends the 118’ tempertures that he and his other troop members had to experience while on their mission (photo submitted)

Dalton was forced to ride in these vehicles when commuting or driving off of the base. Being in these vehicles kept the soldiers safe while on a mission. (photo submitted) page design by chelsey. damalas

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Dalton’s return from Iraq is heartfelt

Preparations begin for next year’s freshman

Q&A

with new board members as told to sam.dulaney April 7, Cynthia Bice and Amy McEvoy were announced as the new members of the FHSD Board of Education. The NS had a few questions to get to know them.

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HN students who will be upperclassmen next year had the opportunity to become Mentors for the 2010-2011 school year. Part of the mentors’ job is to lead Freshman Transition Day, and complete activities with freshmen during homeroom throughout their ninth grade year. Next year’s mentor list has already been chosen. These select students had preliminary meetings May 6-8. During each of the two-hour sessions, Mentor administrator Anne McPartland educated the students on what they will need to know in order to become good mentors. Thus began the preparation for the incoming freshman class.

“It’s important to have mentors to help the freshmen transition into high school,” sophomore and future mentor Nicole Yuede said. “We all know it’s a hard time. It is always nice to have someone there to help you through those kinds of things.”

The lessons are from the program “Link Crew,” and they are designed for upperclassmen so that they can help incoming freshmen ease into the environment of high school. In order to teach the freshmen proper skills, Mentors must be taught themselves.

Throughout the training the mentors

NS: What are you looking forward to most while working on the board?

CB: My experience in education and my perspective as a parent.

AM: I hope to bring leadership, communication, and knowledge. Both Dr. Bice and I have a lot of education background that can be helpful.

NS: What do you hope to bring to the board meetings?

CB: Getting to know the students and faculty as well as the community member and building relationships.

Senior Rebecca Kramer and junior Zac Schaffrin celebrate the end of the year mentor party with their freshman class. Being a mentor means setting a good example for new freshman and teaching them the way of FHN. (submitted photo)

are put through various tasks. Some include tips on how to break the ice between the mentors themselves in order to ensure they can work well together as a team.

“They [the activities] teach you qualities on how to be a good role model,” junior Kelly Philabaun said.

In addition to those training sessions, today Mcpartland will host a committee meeting for active mentors. The meeting’s purpose is to brainstorm how the students can improve upon their mentoring skills.

Once the mentors begin to preform well as a team, they will go through another seminar on July 22-23. This will be their final training session and their last time to brush up on the skills they will need as mentors next year.

Finally, when they have finished this process, the mentors will reach the very potential that they pursue.

“That is where the mentors are taught to lead the freshmen,” Mentor administrator Anne McPartland said.

“They need to walk away with a deep understanding of their responsibilities”

AM: Meeting as many people as I can. Meeting community people who volunteer. We have a lot of long nights while working on the board which can get pretty boring.

NS: What do you want the students to know about you and your views and actions while on the board?

CB: I’m definitely pro student. When people come to me with things the first question I ask is “Is it good for the kids?” and if it is what I would want for my own kids. I think it’s a pretty high standard to hold.

AM: I am a teacher, I have kids that go to this school district. I care about activities, ideas and creativeness they bring to the district. I was really involved in high school.

Color guard prepares for next year’s season with new members scott.jones

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ry outs for Color guard were held May 3-4. Current guard members hoped that a lot of students would try out; however, they did not expect to accept many new members due to the fact that Color guard is a limited group.

Students trying out had to learn one flag routine, one dance and a few of the basic moves such as tossing and Abby Hoffman

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spinning. The guard directors looked for talent, technique and enthusiasm, as well as judging whether or not guard hopefuls can catch on quickly.

“You need personality to get through and shine,” junior Ashley Rehm said.

According to current guard members, new members will enjoy Color guard for many reasons: the positive chemistry between that occurs between members.

“Everyone in Color guard is really close,” Junior Megan O’Loughlin said.

“There is not a lot of fighting like in other groups.”

Not many guys tried out this year, something that guard members would have liked to have seen.

“We weren’t really expecting it,” O’Loughlin said. “But it would have been nice.”

More guys on their team would make guard a more diverse group. Also, the girls feel that it’s advantageous to have a guy on the team because they have more strength, and they can do things girls can’t because they have the muscle tone for it.

“Guys should try out because Color guard is not a judgmental group,” Rehm said.

“We’re are very open and will let anyone in.”

The girls feel that it’s advantageous to have a guy on the team as they have more strength, and can do things girls can’t because they have the muscle tone for it.

“We had a good turn out,” O’Loughlin said.

“We have 12 new members, and we’re looking forward to planning for next year.”

Samantha Best Makenzie McColloch

Beth Kruse

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New construction in science department nicole.renner

Over the summer months while the students and staff are away enjoying their vacation, the new science labs will begin construction in the main building in the science hallway.

“They’re adding 4 new science rooms with phenomenal labs,” Biology teacher Joe Brocksmith said. “It will mainly be the Chemistry classes that will be getting them which makes sense because they honestly need them the most.”

The need for expansion of the labs was brought to the attention of the board. They then put the issue on the voting ballot in fall of 2008. The vote went through and the new chemistry labs will be ready for use some time next school year. Many of the science teachers will benefit from this new addition.

“It will allow more space in the lab so there is an opportunity for students to work individually and not pair up.” chemistry teacher Karen Hill said.

“More space is going to be conducive for students.”

Many students are already looking forward to the expansion.

“I really think the labs will be an improvement,” Briona Perry said. “It will give us a better experience too.”

Concert Choir practices for the spring concert that was held on Tues. April 27. Knightsound competed in Dallas, Texas April 22 through 25 and received an Adjudicator Award. Choir students competed at state solo and ensemble May 1. (kelsey habighorst)

Choir banquet celebrates achievements nicole.clouse

On May 19 at seven p.m., the FHN commons will be filled with around 300 award-winning choir students and their families. The annual choir banquet will include awards, food and friendship.

“I like seeing everyone together for one last time before the year ends,” sophomore Sarah Miller said. “We have a good time and end the year on a good note.”

Once the banquet begins, the commons area is filled with sweet treats that the families bring. The dessert potluck consists of homemade and store bought snacks including things like brownies, cookies and cake.

“[My favorite part is] the funny “The food is always really good,” awards handed out by the officers,” Choir teacher Lorraine Smith said. sophomore Wesley Vaught said.

“It’s a fun time where everyone “Some really random awards are can just relax and have a good time given out and I like seeing who gets together.” them.”

While Given that the choir members standard I like seeing everyone work hard all year achievetogether for one last time long, the banquet ments are is a time when recognized, before the year ends.” students can be special honored for their awards are successes. also given.

“I like to see the expressions on Choir officers, presidents and Smith the kids’ faces when they receive the create random, humorous awards awards,” Smith said. “We want to that selected choir students receive.

Among these awards is the years ‘Most recognize students that have gone above and beyond.”

Kind Person’.

“

What does your ring look like?

See some of the class ring that students have purchased from Herff Jones.

Name: Jeff Rackham, 11 Ring design: Century, Gold, Aquamarine Stone Why do you like it: “I wanted school colors and Marching Band as my prideside.”

Name: Lauren Ball, 11 Ring design: Princess, Gold, White Sapphire Why do you like it: “I picked the princess because it wasn’t bulky like the guys’ rings.”

Name: Charles Cantrell, 11 Ring design: Century, Ultrium, Blue Cubic Zirconia Why do you like it: “I chose the Prideside because it shows my intrests; its a mini-me.”

Name: Beth Hillis, 11 Ring design: Princess, Pink Cubic Zirconia, Why do you like it: “I chose the Prideside with the dancer because I love dance.”

Sophomores anticipate class rings in hopes of creating memories elizabeth.diggs

On May 13 during homeroom, the commons will be filled with around 200 sophomores who will receive their class rings. The rings will be accompanied by a box, ring pop, ring necklace and t-shirt, along with breakfast from McDonalds. There were many options provided by the ring company, Herff Jones, such as different ring cuts, stone colors and

pride-side options.

Many students who have purchased a ring in previous years believe that the significance of the class ring is something that students will cherish throughout their lives.

“The ceremony was nice,” Junior Kieran Myers said. “It’s like having a memory you can hold forever.”

The sophomores will be receiving their class rings from Herff Jones representative Jeff Rodenberg. According

to four-year ceremony planner, Diane Fingers, Jeff is very dedicated to the students throughout their high school years. The ring will be insured for life, and Herff Jones gives 5 dollars to FHN for every ring purchased. That money will remain with the sophomore class through to junior year, when they will have to pay for prom. Fingers has high hopes for the ring recipients.

“I love walking around the commons that day and seeing what every

one has got.” Fingers said. “There are no two rings the same. They encapsulate four years of your life. I hope the rings create memories” The class rings are meant to remind students of some of the most important years of their lives.

“To me, [the class ring] represents a memory of high school,” sophomore Megan Lesinski said.

“It will always symbolize who I was in high school.” page design by emily.forst

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KOE picnic rewards students with activities paige.yungermann

Food, activities, music, and 1,100 North students will be present at this year’s annual Knights of Excellence picnic. The picnic is on May 14 during sixth and seventh hours on the football field.

“I think that students will think the picnic is a great way to celebrate the end of the year,” sophomore KOE member Kelli Corrao said. “It will be awesome and lots of fun.”

For the picnic, KOE has rented inflatables, planned games, and there will be a raffle. There will also be free food and live music.

“There are a lot of really fun things planned,” sophomore KOE member Megan Weber said . “It is going to be

a great time to hang out with friends.”

On April 21, students received invitations to the picnic. Those who were eligible to attend are honor roll students, Knights of the Round Table nominees, students of the week, students with perfect attendance, seniors with a 4.0 GPA, and mentors.

“I just think that students need to know that we appreciate all their hard work,” KOE sponsor Diane Holmes said. “I think it is great that we have so many kids that are successful.”

To prepare for the picninc, KOE has had fund raisers and planned the picnic.They will also be setting up for the picnic and cleaning up afterwards.

“I appreciate the KOE members so much,” Holmes said. “I absolutely could not do this without them.”

KOE members placed cups in the fence last year sticking with the green and yellow theme.

Students stand around in concession stand lines and waiting to go on inflateables.

Two students go head to head in a battle on one of the inflatables.

Other inflatables included obstacle courses and giant slides.

There were numerous other activities such as small games, contests and a live band, Screaming Glory, was preforming.

Juniors get prepared for boys, girls state competition lindsey.harms

In June, a select group of juniors from FHN and across the state will travel to the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg to create and run a mock government.

“It’s a great opportunity for our juniors to develop leadership skills,” guidance counselor Tom Daugherty said.

In this camp, juniors experience setting up and running “cities” for the purpose of learning what running a government is like.

“All the girls go to Central Missouri for a week, and we’re basically from different cities,” last year attendee Crystal Friedman said. “We run a mock government and have mock positions.”

Government isn’t the only focus at Boys and Girls State. Participants also learn about journalism/media, law,

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page design by heather.odonnell

and law enforcement. Further, the different “cities” also compete in 10 different sporting events. There are college scholarships available, and it is an excellent organization to put on college applications.

“First off, they have an opportunity to develop some leadership skills,” Daugherty said. “They get to meet with some of the top juniors in the state. They’ll form relationships and continue those relationships.

There are also scholarships available for those participants. It’s an excellent thing to put on their resume for college. And, they could compete to go to Boys and Girls Nation, which is held in Washington, D.C.” Being selected to go to State is an honor in itself. The juniors must first be nominated by teachers or guidance counselors. Even after they have been nominated, they still have to fill out applications. The selection is made at

Girls and Boys state quick facts • • • •

Missouri Boys State was started in 1938 by the American Legion. Missouri Girls State followed shortly after in 1940.

The only years it has been canceled were 1943 and 1945 because of World War II. The program was started to promote patriotism and democracy amongst the Amarican youth.

In 1988 they officialy adopted the slogan “Today’s Youth Is Amaricas Future”.

Juniors attending state - Elizabeth Diggs, Lydia Ness, Taylor Bell, Chip Dozier, Logan Ponche, Gus Theis, Andre Wooten, Chris Zerr, Brandon Peterson, and Dan Brodnick.

a guidance meeting and is based on students who display excellent leadership skills, good grades, and charisma.

“I was excited because it’s a great leadership opportunity that I’m excited to participate in,” future attendee Taylor Bell said.

Boys’ state will be held from June 12-19, and Girls’ state will be held from June 20-26. This year’s juniors

are expected to earn high offices and do well in other categories.

“I think we have a very good group,” Daugherty said. “I look for them to be successful. I think they should do well.” more details on boys and girls fhn For state check out www.moboysstate.org

today and www.missourigirlsstate.org com

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TJ and his father, Rob Steggman, stand in front of their Cessna 187 on April 20. Rob is a commercial pilot for Nestle/Purina/Energizer. He taught TJ how to fly a plane when he was a kid, and the two have shared a bond through flying ever since. (kelsey bell)

Sophomore TJ Steggman scans the landscape as he flies over the Saint Charles area in his family’s 1967 Cessna 182. Pilots wear headsets in order to communicate with others in the plane and the air traffic controllers. Steggman has been flying since he was 7-years-old, he received his Solo license Feb 3. (kelsey bell)

An aerial view of Francis Howell North shows the school from the Steggmans’ plane 1,600 feet in the air. (kelsey bell)

Steggman sits at the wheel of his family’s plane.

When flying there are many gauges he has to pay attention to in order to fly safely. (kelsey bell)

Steggman learns to master the skies as a sophomore kevin.beerman

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he sky? Clear, speckled with puffed clouds.

The weather? 72 degrees with a slight breeze.

Runway 27? Clear for take off.

The pilot, sophomore TJ Steggman, checks the airplane’s controls and makes a radio check. Last item: check the engine. He holds the brakes and pushes the throttle.

He makes one last call to the control tower.

“St. Charles Community Airspace, November 3457 Foxtrot taking off runway 2-7.”

He pauses, looking through his aviators at the 1,000 foot stretch of asphalt ahead of him. He pushes the throttle up, the engine roars and the plane jerks forward, bouncing with

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divots in the runway. The plane accelerates from standstill to 85 mph in a mere 10 seconds. Then, Bernoulli’s Principle takes charge; the plane ceases to be earth bound. * * * TJ Steggman has been around planes since he was 6-weeks-old. His father, Rob, who is a corporate commercial pilot, introduced TJ to avionics at a young age. He first flew a plane at 7-years-old when his father took him up. Since then, he has logged over 200 hours of flight time, which is 120 hours more than the required amount for the private flying license.

“I like it because you can be free, you have a lot of responsibility,” Steggman said. “There is always something to learn while flying.”

Three months ago, Steggman tried for his solo license. His intent was to

get it on Feb. 2. However, the weather was too bad to fly that day, so he was forced to go for it the day after.

“I was a little mad, a little disappointed,” Steggman said. “Obviously a hard decision to make.”

It didn’t matter which day Steggman took it, he had the confidence that he would get it regardless. He received his solo license on Feb. 3 and since has been enrolled in the avionics school available at the airport his family houses their plane. His father feels more comfortable with an instructor teaching him to fly, rather than himself.

“It’s better to have a guy who does that every day do that,” Rob said. “I might let him go up just because I want him to be ready, but an instructor will make sure that he is ready. They don’t care if he goes up or not.”

Steggman and his father have a bond in flight. They frequently go flying together, using a 1967 Cessna 182 that TJ’s father restored. They do mechanical work on planes together.

They are rebuilding an engine so it will run on regular gasoline, as opposed to standard avionic fuel. They’ve spent the past two years restoring a 1946 Luscan single-engine plane. In fact, Steggman is planning on going into the same profession as his father. The next step for TJ is to get his private flying license when he turns 17. After that he’ll go for his multi-engine license, then his instrument grading license, and finally, his DATR. And as hard as it will be for Steggman, for him, there’s no other choice.

“It feels cool to get into your flying attitude,” Steggman said. “I love going up and being free.”

life.style

Anatomy of a fighter

Practicing one of her drills, junior Dani Hanners works on her hardest move - the one-two kickbox step.

She plans on competing in competitions this summer, especially in ju jitsu. (lydia ness)

Hanners throws down with MMA girl power sidney.shelton

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t’s 5 p.m. at the Finney’s Mixed Martial Arts studio. The “school” is filled with students who are practicing grappling:a technique that is similar to wrestling. Fighters kick, lift and condition, training intensely for something; it can’t be seen, but they can feel it. Of the hard working students, only two of them are females, one of whom is junior Dani Hanners, a female MMA fighter in a sport dominated by men.

MMA has been a part of Dani’s life for the past two months, becoming a big part of her schedule. She trains Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for three hours. Sometimes though, she may be found at Finney’sthe devotion of an athlete that hasn’t played a sport before in her life.

“I wanted to do something that I could just do for myself and not anyone else,” Dani said. “I wanted to have a goal and work towards something.”

In mixed martial arts, a variety of different skills are combined to make one mesmerizing art. Grappling, boxing and jiu-jitsu are just a few of the combined techniques.

“When I’m training it’s a lot of hard work and it takes a lot of time,” Dani says.”No matter what or how sore I am I keep going for what I want.”

Even though there are other female fighters at Finney’s, they aren’t always there when Dani is for her to practice with. In these situations, she

is forced to go up against men, but that doesn’t concern her.

“I definitely don’t feel intimidated when fighting a man,” Dani says. “because in grappling you guys are pretty much at the same level or you learn off each other.”

For the short time that Dani has been involved in MMA, it has come to be a major part of her life. And that has brought it into her home, involving her parents in her experience as well.

“I know it’s a dangerous sport but she does her best at it,” Dani’s father Danny Hanners says. “When I’m watching her compete, cheering her, on that’s the best you can do for a dad.”

One of Hanners’ inspirations to compete in MMA was found in a world renowned athlete; Muhammad Ali. “He’s definitely the greatest world boxer,” Dani said. “His quote: ‘I was the greatest before I knew I was.’

That’s basically what I live for. That’s my motto- if you don’t think you’re the greatest then who does?”

She was also inspired to do what she now loves by Brittany Anic- a confident and strong female MMA fighter who has won a U.S kick-boxing title.

“It has taught me to be confident and to be confident in what I do,” Dani said. “I just have a lot of self confidence and I know there’s still stuff I need to work on and I know I can be the best.”

fhn

today com

Inspired to learn a move? Check out FHNtoday.com today for a how-to video with Dani.

Fighters wear mouthguards while sparring to protect their teeth and to prevent their lips from splitting too severely.

Amateurs are required to wear 6 oz. glove for a little more protection for the hands and wrist than the 4 oz. of pros.

The more recently developed mixed martial arts fighting allows most maneuvers except eye gouging, hair pulling, groin strikes, and finger bending.

Kneeing an opponent while down is illegal in the ring. A fighter is “down” when any body part but their feet touches the ground.

Headbutting is widely banned because it is a very easy and brutal move and generally ends fights based solely on injury and not a skill or technique.

Many U.S. states have a “no elbow policy” for amateurs to help protect the young fighters from serious injury by cuts or concussions.

Leg flexibility and clothing durability prompted the creation of various fighting shorts brands. Dani’s favorite brand is Pimpit which sells both men’s and women’s MMA clothing.

Sprained fingers and toes, cuts and bruises on the head, face, and neck, and bloody noses are typical injuries among fighters.

page design by sam.dulaney

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In the Painted Zebra there are many objects on display. A variety of painted clay pieces that past customers have painted are showcased on tables and shelves throughout the store. (sam hurrell)

Worker Brigit Ciskowski makes the most of her time as she paints details onto a cup at the front desk.

She does this as she waits for customers to arrive at the Painted Zebra. (sam hurrell)

There are a variety of objects you can choose to paint at the Painted Zebra. The clay pieces range from plates to little clay sea horses. (sam hurrell)

Painted Zebra provides a fun, creative outlet for all emily.forst

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Each week pieces that were painted are fired in this kiln and then stored on a shelf and a table full of those pieces waiting to be picked up. (sam hurrell)

In the back of the store is a table with supplies that range from stencils to paint brushes for painters to use. (sam hurrell)

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page design by rj.howes

hen customers walk into the pottery studio at 3941 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, they are greeted with walls covered in paintings and bisques lining the shelves. Many see this place as a creative environment where there can create their on masterpieces. The Painted Zebra offers people of all ages the opportunity to paint pottery and make something unique.

Mike and Kay Hagen, the owners and founders of The Painted Zebra, had always toyed around with the concept of opening an arts and craft type store. Their idea started when Kay received a gift from her daughter, Dawn. It was a mug painted at a “paint-your-own-pottery” store in Houston.

This sparked the idea to open St. Louis’ first paint-your-own-pottery studio.

“The opportunity presented itself to us one day, and we just jumped on it,” Mike said.

The Painted Zebra has been providing a place for people of any age to paint their own ceramics and express their creativity for 12 years now. The Painted Zebra can

be found at two different two locations: the original, in Kirkwood and their second one located off Mid Rivers Mall Drive.

There are many things that bring people to The Painted Zebra: birthday parties, wedding showers, dates and fun with friends. Most are looking to make something special and individual. They get something they can’t buy from a store and something they can keep for a long time.

The Painted Zebra is great place to just hang out and paint or create a personalized gift for someone. Not only does The Painted Zebra offer ceramic painting, but customers can also enroll in painting classes.

“The fact that they create it themselves and made it keeps them coming back for more,” Mike says.

According to Gwen Lane, employee of seven years, The Painted Zebra means different things to different people. For kids, it’s a very exciting experience. Most of the kids who come make animals. The older customers, on the other hand, usually pick from the tons of other bisques available, including plates, vases, bowls and much more.

“Everyone sees and wants something

different,” Lane says. “There is something for everyone.”

The painting process is very simple.

First you pick out a bisque, the unfired ceramic piece. There are nearly 300 bisques to choose from. Next comes painting. Many glazes -paint for the bisques- are available to give your bisque personality. The Painted Zebra offers idea books to help decide what designs you want to paint. After the bisque is painted, it’s left in the store for the employees to glaze and finish it. It takes less than a week until the finished product is ready to be picked up.

“You get to customize something,” visitor Brittany Kabacinski says. “You have the chance to use your creative mind.”

The satisfaction that employees get from their customers are what Mike and Lane like the most. Lane finds that the people who visit are very enjoyable and she loves to see how their artwork turns out.

“People come back and tell me how much they enjoy it and that it’s their favorite place to come,” Mike says. “[That] makes it worthwhile.”

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To find out more information about the Painted Zebra please visit www.paintedzebra.com

jared.glose

T

he lights flash, the smoke rises, and music is made. Only being 16 years of age, a young man stands steady and prepared with his electric guitar, a white, 1957, vintage Fender Stratocaster. People gather around to listen to him play, as his guitar sings when he moves his fingers across the fret board. This is the dream sophomore Nathan Luistro possesses. To him, a guitar is more than metal strings on a chunk of wood.

Guitar is his outlet. Guitar is his passion. Guitar is what he loves.

“I love the feeling of being taken away into my own zone,” Nathan said.

“I am not worrying about school or any problems that are going on.”

Ever since Luistro was a little kid, he had an interest in playing the guitar, but he didn’t begin playing until the age of 11.

According to Nathan’s father, Noel Luistro, “he was always fascinated with it.” Being inspired by his family, he soon picked up on the instrument and learned to play.

“I was inspired by my uncle, and his brother, along with my cousins,” Nathan said. “I was excited because [they] were always playing guitar together and now I could join them.”

Now that Nathan has been playing guitar for six years, he has grown a

Learn how to play X: Do not play that string 0: Play that open string -Numbers represent the finger used to play the note -High E string is at the top

great deal as a musician. He has developed his own taste in music, which lies somewhere between a blues, jazz and rock sound. Through countless hours of practicing on his own time and jamming with other musicians, he has advanced his guitar playing into something greater than the average guitarist.

“Nathan’s guitar playing is a gift,” music teacher and drummer of 33 years, Steve Guiffrida said.

“He is definitely gifted and you can’t say that about a lot of people. He has progressed quickly and he has matured, God-given gift.”

Currently, Nathan is utilizing his talent by being a part of a youth band at his church, called Awakened. On top of this, he also plays solo music on the side. He is working on creating an album of his own called Mixed Emotions.

Through that album, Nathan hopes to show people who he truly is, and let them know what he is all about. Nathan plans to go far with his music. Not just to be an average player, but to go above and beyond that to become the next great guitarist.

“I hope to have a career in playing in the future,” Nathan said. “I want to be more than just a weekend guitar player but have it support me as a living.”

Along with his family, friends,

D Major

Sophomore Nathan Luistro stands with his Stratocaster electric guitar at his house. Nathan has been playing the guitar for six years and plans to pursue a future career in music. (jared glose)

and the other musicians he plays with, Nathan believes that he has what it takes to rise to the top.

“I think he will be able to go as far as he wants to,” Nathan’s mother, Darla Luistro said. “He is very determined.”

Nathan is continuously trying to improve, and he is striving to become

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a better guitar player. His dream certainly is to continue to reach as his heart continues to chase his passion.

“I really try to give God all the glory,” Nathan said, “No matter what and how I play,”

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For a video of Nathan Luistro playing his guitar, visit FHNtoday.com.

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life.style

Guitar Hero: Luistro hopes for success

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A Minor page design by elizabeth.diggs

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Tony’s Restaurant serves as home, family for long time staff member Willie Bonds sits in front of the bar and wall of fame at Tony’s Restaurant at 410 Market Street in St. Louis. Bonds has been working at Tony’s Restaurant for 31 years. He cherishes the relationships that he shares with his co-workers and with some of the customers. (photo illustration)

10 page design by nicole.clouse

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illie “Donny” Bonds walks into Tony’s Restaurant at 3:45. Parties won’t arrive until 6, but until then his night is filled with preparation. First, he is told what job he will be working: bartender.

However, he also will seat parties and go from table to table making sure they have the drinks they want. Donny refers to his bartending job as “drink boy”.

Once he finds out what job he is working, he goes through the restaurant and checks all of the waiter stations.

Silverware, check.

Cheeses, check.

Burners, check.

And the water pitchers? Missing.

Since one of the stations is lacking water pitchers, he informs someone and they work to replace it. He also has to check that the wine cellar is locked, there is back up liquor in the bar, and the private room is either set up for a private party that night, or everything is closed up if there is not.

Even though this is what Donny calls work, it is also a place where he goes to be with his family. Donny has created a very close and irreplaceable relationship not only with his coworkers, but with some of the regular

Tony LaRussa, Frank Sinatra and customers as well. both George Bush’s. Some famous “The longer I work here, the more people who have come in that are not I get to know people,” Donny says. on the wall are George Clooney and “We are just like family, I’ve been President Barack Obama. here so long.”

“Barack Obama came in one night,” Some of the customers who come Donny in are just says. “[He] regular Find Your Way To Tony’s Restaurant walked people right up to looking N everyone for a good W E who was meal, Wash ingto n Ave working in some are S the restaucustomers rant and who come shook their in very St. Louis 70 hand.” frequently, Including and a Donny’s. certain few This may are famous Mark et St sound like a celebrities. lot of glitz Donny Waln Clar ut St k Av e and glamgets to our, but meet them Busch Donny’s all. Even Stadium 64 job is not though everything the people it is made who come out to be. into the Every night, restaurant vary, they’re all the same to the manag- Donny puts in hours of work in order to ensure that the whole night is sucers and workers. cessful.

“Everybody’s a star here,” Donny As soon as everything is in proper said. place, the parties and guests start Some of the people on that wall are S Tu

katharine.carney

arriving.

The first party of the night arrives at 5:50. It’s consisted of two women and three men.

“Good evening may I serve you something to drink?” Donny asks.

Once Donny retrieves the drinks that they have ordered, he seats the second party of the night, asking the all too familiar question. Not monotonous-familiar.

The woman orders a cosmopolitan and Donny heads to the bar to make it for her. He carries the pink drink over to her and checks to make sure that everyone has napkins.

Next, Donny seats a party of five, which has now grown into a party of eleven, to one of the biggest tables in the main dining room.

“This evening, Aaron will be in charge of your table,” Donny says to the party.

Donny goes through the same process for the rest of the night, enjoying the time he can spend meeting and chatting with new people.

“I enjoy meeting different people every night,” Donny says. “Every night is different.”

This may all seem like a lot of work, but Donny’s night has just begun.

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To preview Tony’s Restaurant’s menu or to set up reservations visit www.saucecafe.com/tonys

life.style Friends Tyler Shaefer, Ryan skinner, Jeremy Wandiling ,John Richardson, and Josh Jeffords park their trucks next to each other everyday. Each one of the boys took careful consideration when buying their trucks and although they park similarly the trucks are not the same. Each truck is unique and significant to the owner. For some their trucks are for personal entertainment, while others it has family significance. (lydia ness)

They make the friendship, the trucks add to the fun danielle.yuede

I

t’s 7:15 a.m. as students pull into the parking lot. It’s early and most people are still half asleep as they drive into an empty parking spot. Although many are not completely aware of their surroundings, the one thing that most students notice are the five large trucks neatly parked in a row: two white, one green, one burgundy and one black.

“A lot of the time there is one [truck] in front of me and then they always want to back in right in front of me,” senior Niki Borgeson said.

Most people see the trucks and don’t understand why they are parked there, but to juniors Tyler Wiebe, John Richardson, Josh Jeffords, Ryan Skinner, Tyler Schaefer and senior Jeremy Wandling, the trucks are a part of them and their friendship.

“It’s a lifestyle,” Jeffords said. “The trucks are a choice.”

The friends are just like normal friends with the only difference being they have trucks.

“We hunt and just hangout,” Schaefer said. “We do a little fishing but mainly we just hangout at someone’s

Ram 1500 V8

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and don’t really like us,” Schaefer said.

“A lot of people think it’s cool but most people probably think ‘Why would you do all that to be friends?’ The trucks didn’t make us friends. We were friends before.”

As to what their ‘gang’ should be called, Richardson doesn’t give them a name. In fact, he doesn’t see them as a ‘gang.’ They drive the trucks just because they can, they park together just because they can and they are friends just because they can be.

“I wouldn’t call us anything, just a group of friends with trucks,” Richardson said.

F-250 Truck Facts

Name: Tyler Schaefer The Ford F-250 has three body styles and four trim levels Nickname: Schaefer Truck name: The Green Machine F-250 ha 6.2L V8 engine Gas cost per week :$75 Name: Ryan Skinner Nickname: Skinner Truck name: Cummins Gas cost per week: $50

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The North Star Surveyed 10 percent of the juniors and seniors in order to find out what type of cars they drive as well as how much they spent on the car and how much gas they buy and how often. ck How much 9% Tru What is money does it the model cost to fill up of your 8% your gas tank? vehicle?

11% $10-$19.99 +$40 13% SUV 44% $20-$29.99 78% car

house. It’s nothing special.”

For them, the trucks aren’t just something they drive. They’re much more.

Before Wiebe sold his former green truck, “Tyler Wiebe Jr.”, his truck was always ranked Wiebe’s top priority.

“Out of all the things I would do, I would rather wash my truck than anything,” Wiebe said. “Truck or girl... truck first.”

Perhaps the only discrepancy they have is that they feel many people do not understand their friendship and the reason why they park their trucks next to each other.

“A lot of people take it the wrong way

Name: Jeremy Wandling Nickname: Cowboy Truck name: Big Black Gas cost per week: $70 Name: John Richardson Nickname: I’m a professional Truck name: Big White Gas cost per week: $60-$70 Name: Josh Jeffords Nickname: Money Bags Truck name: Hilly Billy Deluxe Gas cost per week: $120

The Ram 2500 starting cost is $28,165 The Ram 2500 has 17-inch Painted Argent Steel Wheels The Ram 1500 has has10,450 LB maxium towing capacity.

The Ram 1500 won the Strategic Vision’s 2009 Total Quality Award

The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a five star rated pick-up truck The Chevy Silverado 1500 gets 22 hwy mpg

The Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is the only Chevy truck with 350 horse power The Chevy Silverado 2500 has six-speed automatic transmission

information from www.ford.com, www.chevrolet.com/silverado-family, www.ramtrucks.com/en page design by mallory.mueller

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One last goal for the senior going their separate ways.

Meet the seven: Betsy Blanchard: a starting forward for the Knights who Years from now, if someone were to led the team in points her freshman look up how the seniors of the 2010 year. Kelsey Hieb: A starting wing Lady Knights soccer team did, they midfielder, Kelsey is the current would most likely find themselves points leader on the team. Bre Kinlooking at some kind of stat sheet or worthy: A starting forward, Bre has form online. If that sheet included just come back from an injury that career totals, then they would see that kept her out her entire junior year. the class of 2010 combined to score Mo Murphy: Has played the same over 80 goals, earn over 80 assists, position her entire career at North and win more than 60 games. If they as a wing midfielder. Becky Lackey: The Knight’s starting center midfielder. Becky was once a kicker for the football team at North. Cindy Lackey: Becky’s counterpart on the field, Cindy is the team’s sweeper.

Jacy Waldrop: The Knight’s starter between the pipes has earned 22 shutouts in her career, but has never played club soccer.

Of the seven, three have played varsity all four years, two for three years, and two have played for two years. Of the seven, all have decided what school they will attend next year. However of the seven, only five will go on to play college soccer.

“They’re a good group,” Head coach Dan Hogan said. “They’re doing exactly what you expect seniors to do, which is lead. They’re gonna give you that extra effort seniors always have. They’re up there with the best we’ve had.”

With the season almost at a close, there is only one thing left for the seniors to do at North, only one thing left for them to leave their mark on: State. Two years ago they came close before losing to Hazelwood Central in the quarterfinals.

Last year, all signs pointed to them going at least that far until they were shocked by Pattonville in their District final. So far this year, no time has been wasted. With 14 wins in 17 games, State is the team’s single focus.

What senior is going where? Who are the two who aren’t going to play college soccer?

What’s in store for the Lady Knights? Their stories, along with their fate can be found in part two of the senior seven.

logan.ponche

Betsy Blanchard, forward

Kelsey Hieb, wing mid

Bre Kinworthy, forward

Maureen “Mo” Murphy, wing mid

Becky Lackey, center mid

Cindy Lackey, sweeper

looked further, they would see how the Lady Knight’s won two conference championships and a district championship. They would see the 19 and 20 win seasons. However, no matter how much they looked or how many numbers they saw, they wouldn’t see the story behind those numbers, the story of seven girls, seven seniors, seven teammates, all preparing for different paths in life, who stayed together for one final season before

fhn

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Go to FHNtoday.com to finish the end of the story. Plus, check out pictures of the girls’ season in the photo galleries.

Jacy Waldrop, goalie page design by abbey.grone

13

Baseball season not going as well as expected chelsey.damalas

If you were to ask many of the players on the baseball team what their record would be 25 games into the season, 14-11 would not have been the most common answer. Despite that fact, many players still feel confident that they can still reach their full potential by the end of the year.

“Honestly, I am very disappointed in the way our season has been going,” senior Tyler Christeson said.

“Everyone hasn’t been putting in all their effort and we definitely have not been working as a team. If we don’t start making plays we won’t be headed in a good direction. Hopefully by the time districts start we will have all our kinks figured out.”

There are a variety of different things the team wants to improve on, their biggest would be defense, because the team puts up to 5.5 runs every game. For them to improve they will have to work on different strategies and techniques to use.

“Defense is our biggest concern,” Christeson said. “We have put up a lot of runs on the other teams, but we just

your bag?

Tennis- Caleb Lavezzi 10- Tennis racket, tennis balls,water bottles, sunglasses, and sweatpants.

Baseball- Sean Hogan 11- Two batting gloves, few baseballs, helmet bat, gloves, cleats, and water bottles.

Senior Wes Simone attempts to get a player out from Fort Zumwalt South on April 20. The game was held at FHN and the knights found a victory. (jacqueline sage)

can’t get 4 or 5 outs an inning every time.”

From the downfall spiral of the teams playing potential, according to Christeson the team has the ability to succeed, they just need to learn to work together.

“A lot of teams we’ve played have been tough,” junior Jack Woods said. “ We’ve played 5 out of the top 10 teams in the area and if we would have made the plays, we could have won. There hasn’t been any game that would have been impossible for us to

win.”

According to Christeson, the pitching staff as a whole has cut down walks and are battling through the errors as best they can. Throughout all the defeats, let downs and injuries, the team still has hope to be able to turn their season around.

“The team has been faced with a lot of obstacles,” Coach Bob Donauhe said, “But we all still have high hopes and determination for a better season.”

olivia.ong

abby.west

14 page design by olivia.ong

Volleyball- Ethan Bohnert 11 Uniforms, shoes, red light saber, gameboy, pretzels, water bottle.

Track and Field- Kelsey Roberts 12 - Spikes, normal tennis shoes, clothes water bottle, rotten fruit, icy hots, a watch and a pair of socks.

Soccer- Lindsey Bell 9 Cleats, adidas flip-flops, head band, sunscreen, shinguards, and a deodorant.

Team discovers their chemistry

New team lead by new coach For the first time in their careers at North, the track athletes running distance have experienced a shake up in the coaching staff. Already the head coach, Greg Hennenfent has taken over distance from previous coach Bob Doak, who moved to Mississippi to coach. Hennenfent feels the change has had a minor effect on the team.

“They know my style as a head coach, so it shouldn’t be any different as a distance coach,” Greg Hennenfent said.

Many team members have confidence in the change and the positives that could come out of his coaching.

“He has many years of experience, and hopefully will push the team harder,” freshman Chad Conaty said.

As distance members adjust to the change, one thing that won’t change is the effort to be the best. Their goal is to place at GAC’s, and earn 18 to 20

spring sports: what’s in

Junior Stevie Raines sprints a 200 during a practice track meet on March 22. The boys track team has been sucessful this year, coming in first at Friday Knight relays, one of the biggest meets of the year. (kelsey habighorst)

points as a distance team. They also want to prepare for the state meet.

“I think it is good,” senior Kevin Stein said. “He is definitely working us hard and making us better.”

Standing at 12-3, the Varsity girl’s soccer team is experiencing more than average success.

“We work really hard to get to where we are now, everybody just puts in their best out there in the field,” junior Ashley Trautman said, “We as a team just pushes each other to do our best, we each give it our all.”

As Districts approaches, the team hopes to win all their Conference games against their competitors Holt, Fort Zumwalt South, Howell Central, Troy, Fort Zumwalt West, and Francis Howell. As of right now the girls are currently undefeated in their Conference. If they go on to win their conference they will be able to play against less competitive teams during Districts. It is said that Districts will be held approximately by May 17.

“This year our goal is to win all our conference [games] so that we can improve on our records and set a new high for ourselves,” junior Maddie McMillen said, “ I want to end this season feeling good about myself and what I did, and same goes for the rest of the team.”

Varsity head coach Dan Hogan is very proud of the girls and what they have accomplished so far this year and is hoping to keep the good streak going until the end of the season. “ As a whole team, the girl’s have a great chemistry, they all play well together and get along well with each other both in and out of the field,” said Hogan, “Also this year we have great new players on our team, and I’m very happy about that.” more photo’s and scores of fhn For the girls varsity, JV and freshmen

today girls soccer teams check out com FHNtoday.com.

abbey.grone

Sophomore Ryan Salmon at the Varsity Roller Hockey game May 1. North won the game 4-3, with a last minute goal. (nicole thompson).

Experience brings boys state play-offs

Tomorrow and Friday night FHN will be hosting one of the largest meets of the season: districts. There will be 12 teams at the meet, all with the hopes of making it through to sectionals. The top four in each race will make it through to the sectional competition that is next weekend.

“We have enough to push people through to sectionals,” jumping coach

kelsey.bell

For coach Erick Cantrell and the varsity roller hockey team, this year’s season has had its ups and downs. The team was forced to play without some players for the first few games, but they were able to excel once the whole team became available.

“It started off tough because we really didnt have our whole team for every game,” senior goal tender Robbie Friedlein said. “[Some] players were still doing ice hockey, but then we played really well and won by a lot.”

On top of missing players in the beginning of the season, the team also felt the absence of last year’s seniors.

According to Cantrell, because of this his coaching approach took a complete 180 degree turn. He couldn’t rely on players that weren’t on the team anymore, this meant he had to rely on the team as a whole.

“I just rolled everyone out and played them all equally,” Cantrell said.

“Last year we had a pretty young team, and now they have a year of experience under their belt.”

This year of experience led the team to the point on May 1 when the boys won their last two games against Francis Howell and Wentzville. These wins seeded them second in the state play-offs. As of press time, the boys must beat Francis Howell in the semifinals May 6 in order to get to the state championship May 7.

“We have a really good chance of making it [to state],” sophomore Ryan Krakosky said. “We want the whole school to be there cheering us on.” out the results of semi-finals fhn Toandfindwhether or not the boys made it

today

to the state championship game or

com not, check out fhntoday.com

Kristen Johnson said. “The competition is tough at districts but once you get through districts you have a good chance of making it to state.”

Not only is this the last meet for most of the track athletes, but it will be the last meet of many seniors’ high school career- if they don’t make it through. This situation gives senior Lauren Veihman encouragement to break her personal record (PR) and place in the top four.

“I feel I have to try my hardest because I don’t think I’ll ever jump again,” Veihman said.

“It’s one of those unique experiences and I want to

try my hardest to break my PR, the school record and make it through to sectionals.”

While the coaches and teammates are planning for state, some are planning for the future of the track program here at North.

“I think we have a chance of taking a handful of kids to state,” Johnson said, “and we have enough underclassmen for a strong promise for next year.”

Lauren Veihman Beck Nabzdyk

Boys experience more success than ever before logan.ponche

Senior Brian Peth goes up to spike the ball over the net to score a point against Pattonville on April 28. The Knights won the both matches. (jacqueline sage)

Five more wins from season to season typically doesn’t translate into instant success, but for the Volleyball boys, whose 20 wins are four more than last year’s 15, it has done just that. Sitting at 20-5-1, this year’s team is currently fifth ranked in the area according to an stltoday.com coaches poll, and was crowned GAC champions on May 1. With only one game left in the season before districts, the team is confident in their ability to play with anyone, although Head coach Ryan Vonfeldt hopes that confidence doesn’t come back to hurt them.

“At times [our ranking] affects us,” Vonfeldt said. “But it all depends on the competition. If the team we are playing is easy then we don’t play as hard as we could, and in volleyball

any team could beat anyone on any given night.”

Most nights this season, it was North who seemed to be beating anyone. With four starting seniors, three of whom will play in college, blocking and hitting have been the key factors to their success.

“They’re dedicated, and are normally a good blocking team,” JV coach Roberta Boschert said. They have one of the best hitters in the league as well.”

With Districts coming up, the boys are still confident that they can play anyone, even the second team in the coaches poll, SLUH. “If we come to play we’ll win [against SLUH],” junior Adam Mulherin said. “We’re a really good team, if we come to play we’re hard to beat.” page design by zach.meier & abbey.grone

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Girls work to push through to sectionals

Brothers split up for benefit of the team adam.rapert

more beneficial to the team if we didn’t play together,” Andrew said. “It’s a lot different not playing next to Dan, but we just fought way too much. We were successful as doubles partners, but if one of us made a mistake, the other just couldn’t let it go.

According to Dan, after they have divided, they still continue to rely on each other for advice after matches and practices.

“We still influence each other a lot even though we aren’t playing next to each other anymore,” Dan said.

“I mean, we still live with each other, and we’re still brothers, so naturally there is going to be some sort sibling rivalry to play better than the other.”

So far this season, the decision is turning out to be the best for both of them.

Andrew’s personal record this season is 8-4. Dan and Hess’ record together is 13-0. Both of which have lead to the team’s overall record to be 10-3.

“They both have kept a positive attitude, and are determined on being the best they can be, even though

Last winter during pre-season workouts for the boys varsity tennis team, juniors Dan and Andrew Brodnik made a decision that would drastically change their tennis careers. They decided to split up as doubles partners and go their separate ways for the upcoming season.

Dan and Andrew weren’t just any doubles partners, Dan Brodnik they are brothers.

However, they aren’t just brothers either, they’re twins. For their first two seasons playing tennis, they were partners. Freshman year, they played first doubles on J.V. Sophomore year, they were first doubles on varsity. Now junior year, they have parted ways. Andrew decided to go the solo route and plays third singles for varsity. Dan stuck with doubles, and now plays one doubles for varsity with junior Ben Hess.

“We both agreed we would be

they have split up,” head coach Kellie Voyles said.

Their split up has greatly influenced them both, as well as the rest of the team, according to Voyles. Neither Dan nor Andrew have any regrets of their decision to split up.

“I like it better not playing with him,” Dan said. “He has taught me a few things while we were playing together, but now I don’t have to worry about him always critiquing me. If this season continues to go as good as it has so far, then I think I will still play doubles with Ben Hess next year, and Andrew will continue to play singles. It’s what’s best for the both of us individually, as brothers, and it’s what’s best for the team.”

Andrew Brodnik

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Sophomore Tommy Friert puts the ball on a green at the Mid Rivers Golf course. The Knights won their meet against Fort Zumwalt North by 26 strokes. (fareeha amir)

Losses affect golf team performance kevin.beerman

Every year, sports teams lose key members. It is inevitable.

Seniors make up the cream-ofthe-crop, and when they leave, leadership is anything but clear.

Take that concept and apply it to a team of 11, then subtract an assistant coach, and you have a shaky foundation to build a season on.

That’s where the boys golf team found themselves at the dawn of the new year.

After losing Brandon Lewis- a state qualifier who averaged 36 strokes in nine holes last year- the team needed someone to step up to the plate.

“I don’t talk about negative things,” head coach Hager says.

“Great kid, good golfer.”

But as if losing the leader of the team wasn’t problem enough, the assistant coach James Allison, cutting morale according to sophomore Jaxon Nagel.

“It was a loss. He was fun to be around,” Nagel said. “He really boosted morale.”

The losses appear to have affected the team’s over all performance. Last year, the team placed 5th at the GAC tournament, compared to this year’s last place, and qualified only one golfer for state.

“It was rather depressing,” Nagel said. “I wanted to go to state, it would have been really cool.”

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

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North Star Take: Live it up, differently editorial.staff

W

hen the bell strikes 11:25 on June 1 this year , we all will flee to our cars, seniors will mount the retaining wall opposite the school entrance, and the teachers will revel in the absence of students.

Then we’ll all go home...and sit on our couch. Nothing more than a Saturday morning pastime that we simply become involved in. The notion seems to slip us completely that we have two months of freedom without the attachment of homework or other school responsibilities.

There seems to be an epidemic in our generation with people not wanting to go out and do new things, to experience the areas that we live in. Even in the next two months, we’ll wake up at 11:30 (at the earliest) eat a bowl of Our-Favorite-Cereal, plop on the couch for an hour or so, then go to a friend’s house and do the same thing. There may be gatherings and bonfires, but that is the extent of it.

We seem to get lost in the middle of our break and our desire to have fun.

What seems like a harmless little habit at the dawn of summer turns into a two month long relapse that we can’t get out of. We don’t go out and try new things.

The editorial staff believes that summer is a time for high schoolers to explore, and do things they normally couldn’t during the year. (nicole thompson)

Let’s not forget other responsibilities though. We don’t want to break laws. It is still illegal for most of us to smoke. It is still illegal for any of us to drink. Let us not throw our futures in the toilet during this summer because we wanted to push the limits of fun.

This summer, don’t make it about lounging and “chillin”. Go and DO

something. Hanging around with our friends is something that we can all do on a Friday night. Everyone has something that they want to do, but that say they don’t have the time for.

Whether it be training for a marathon, or reading the entire Lord of the Rings series. Do it. Maybe you want to go camping for the first time (some of us

still haven’t) or you want to take flying lessons. Do it. Go to a summer camp, a soccer camp, a football camp, a boy scout camp, a construction camp, or even a fine arts camp.

There are so many things that we can all experience now that we are older, things that we can’t do when we’re in school because they take up our already limited time, but now is our opportunity. Summer is two months that we have the world for. To be cliche, it is our oyster.

But in the midst of all this excitement, we can’t forget our basic responsibilities. Some of us may still have summer homework for English that we need to do. We may still have jobs that we have to work at. If we don’t have jobs, we need to take advantage of the time and go find them. There may be some of us who have to watch younger siblings for our parents while they’re working. Those are things we need to do first.

We can still experience great new, things with out any legal ramifications.

And we should. on behalf of the

North Star editorial staff

Different religions are to be welcomed, not discriminated nicole.renner

T

here has always been an underlying sense of prejudice felt from one person towards another. Among the many shameful discrimination’s of sex and race there is that of religious beliefs.

We read in our history classes how numerous wars have carelessly been waged over who worships what god and why. You would honestly think that in this day and age, we might have finally learned how to coexist with others’ of different beliefs. Unfortunately, the truth is we have not.

I can see that in many cases it may be difficult to find an understanding of a religion that is not

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your own. Mostly because so many have it instilled that their own religion is the right religion. However, rather than shun a person because of religious affiliation we might actually try to learn from them. There can be a lot to gain from those from other cultures. Why should religions be any different?

As a country who celebrates it’ss freedom, there should be an embrace to those who worship peacefully. We all tend to shy away from what we do not understand, but the danger and fear comes when we put up walls.

There is a dire need to set aside differences and come together as people. Far too many things need to be accomplished, we cannot afford

to let something so small stand in the way. Especially with worries such as world hunger, violence in homes, and growing crime . That’s where all of our focus should be.

If there is any chance we could put aside such a minor difference we might actually accomplish in the abolishing those growing problems.

Countless lives throughout our world’s history have been lost because of their creed rather than their character. In order to fully understand each other we must break away from the trend of not accepting those around us We must take a step forward and learn from each other so we can take one step creating better understanding of diversity.

elizabeth.diggs

White House Madness

In the very back corner of my favorite Quik-Trip (on the corner of Muegge and Mexico Road), surrounded by endless snacks, coffee machines, and the occasional doughnut, lies one of the most delicious inventions ever created; the Rooster Booster Slushie. At first, I thought was surely going to have a disgusting flavor because I am not the biggest fan of drinking energy drinks. However, I tried it when I was with my friends one day, and I fell in love with it.

Sure it may not provide an enormous amount of energy like the original energy drink, but it tastes great, it is a refreshing way to stay cool and it improves the day all around. Now, I enjoy going to QT in the mornings, after school or on the way to or from work on some days when I need to indulge in a beverage, and I always leave satisfied.

I have even introduced this treat to my siblings, and they love it almost as much as I do. Plus, on certain days, the slushie is only 89 cents. I recommend this beverage to anyone because it is the perfect drink for a searing summer day.

Junior Zach Meier shows that not always having money can be a good thing by pulling his pant pockets out. Life is not all about what you have to show off to people but how you act. (jacqueline sage)

Happiness is only an emotion zach.meier

illustration by rj.howes

Immature actions lead to painful break-ups hannah.hamilton

I

think that all relationships are overrated and consist of immaturity and drama. No exceptions. In relationships, any form of drama is inevitable.

High school relationships especially are not worth the effort and anxiety so many put into them. High school is the time to go to dances, have fun hanging out with friends, and to focus on school. We are still growing and with age comes maturity. Wait until you reach that point where you are ready to take on a relationship outside of school. We have enough drama going on already, why bring someone else down with you? They say that in high

speak.out

R E V I EW

school, teenagers cannot experience a real relationship because of how young we are, and I agree with this. I have personally tried everything possible to maintain a “good” relationship, but sometimes it isn’t enough.

The pettiest things could lead to fighting that could otherwise be easily avoided. Fighting with a boyfriend or girlfriend becomes a daily activity if you are not careful about what you do or say. Fights may occur because of jealousy or just because the person is childish. When all the fighting is over with, you can only hope that another argument will not make it’s way to the surface.

Through my personal experi-

ences and my friends’ experiences, I have witnessed that teenagers cannot handle everything that comes with being in a relationship without it all falling apart a time or two. Even though there are certain high school relationships that last and stay strong through hardships, the majority of relationships that end are due to the immaturity of people that comes with being young. My point I am trying to make is that high school relationships cannot last without a mature couple who can withstand drama. A relationship has a better chance of lasting once you are out of high school and have reached a level of sophistication.

I wake up at 6 o’clock with no money in my wallet.

I forgot to study for a test, my mom is yelling, and I have work after school.

I am sure that just about everyone can relate to this situation. At first glance you might agree that I seem unhappy, but the truth is I am actually happy because I believe happiness can be self obtained.

Unfortunately, happiness [for most people] is normally determined by two main variables: money and relationships.

Years ago, I thought in order to be happy I needed money so that I could buy any thing I wanted. I got a job and started making money, and yes I was happy for awhile. However, I eventually wanted something more after I had reached my goal of getting a paycheck. Instead of trying to complete myself with materials I realized that they are a hollow substitution.

Therefore if you are relying on materials to make you happy, then happiness will never be absolute, because you can’t buy everything in the world. If you feel that you are unhappy, then the only thing that you can do is control your mind and create happiness yourself through concentration and a good mind set. page design by scott.jones

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