15 Years Later: Sept. 21, 2016

NORTH STAR

FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH | ST. CHARLES, MO | 09.21.16 VOL 31 ISSUE 01

15 Years Later...

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15 Years Later The events of Sept. 11, 2001 changed the world. From laws and policy to the way everyday life is viewed, 9/11 changed how things run.

ON THE COVER

“The twin towers of the World Trade Center (New York) at night in July 2001” by Filipe Fortes (http:// fortes.com/), https://www.flickr. com/photos/44124371264@ N01/266858218/. License at https://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-sa/2.0/. Desaturated from original.

WE’RE SOCIAL,

ARE YOU? TWITTER

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Kardashians

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A step-by-step tutorial on how to make your own homemade speaker.

Find out which Kardashian sister you are most similar to with this quiz.

ENTERTAINMENT

Do-It-Yourself

@fhntoday

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SNAPCHAT

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A look at the new, improved tardy policy for this academic year.

fhntoday

INSTAGRAM

Tardy Policy

NEWS

Superintendent With a new superintendent, the District tries once again to fund itself.

@fhntoday

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FACEBOOK @fhntodayfan

Allman Brothers

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Orion Allman shares his experiences with The Allman Brothers Band.

FEATURES

Rooster This restaurant highlights the sense of community by purchasing food locally.

TUMBLR fhntoday

YOUTUBE fhntoday

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Ukrainian Runner

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Ukrainian foreign-exchange student, Anastasia Krasun, runs cross country.

SPORTS

Football Coach New coach Brett Bevill promotes character and leadership on and off the field.

PINTEREST fhntoday

SMUGMUG fhntoday

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42

OPINIONS

CONTENTS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY ETHAN SLAUGHTER

Face Off Reasons why students should use either book bags or drawstring bags at school.

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Supreme Court With the presidential election on the way, the Supreme Court is a member short.

OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS

At FHN, there are a lot more media outlets provided than just the newspaper. Feel free to take a look at some of publications other media, each containing different types of content

SCHEDULES

ARTICLES

SCORES

OPINIONS

on all sports games and locations

FHNGAMEDAY

FHN’s sports-related online media, located at FHNgameday.com

news-related online FHNTODAY FHN’s media, located at FHNtoday.com

of the current sports season

VIDEO

YEARBOOK copy at goo.gl/mbqftY

FHN’s year-long coverage. Purchase your

about professional sports

The FHNtoday Web Team is constantly on their toes looking for the “what’s now” of FHN. They can be found covering pep assemblies, clubs, interesting class activities and community events through FHNtoday.com and FHNgameday. com. On social media, they work to keep the FHN students, staff

and surrounding communities up-to-date with the current news events and interests of the school.

They’re constantly working to tell the deeper, true stories of FHN and in the community. With such a versatile platform to give you news, the web team never stops bringing you the latest content of FHN.

This month the staff started getting more into their in-depth stories.

Each month the video staff makes two videos. The first video goes

along with a newspaper or yearbook story and the second video has a different theme each month, such as homecoming or 360 camera.

VIDEOS FHN’s video storytelling, located at youtube.com/FHNtoday

about the teams, coaches and players

of events, places and people

The Excalibur Yearbook staff works to document every week, every sports season, every student event and all student portraits of the year in 320 pages. Yearbooks are available for purchase throughout the entire year, but prices will continue to increase at the end of each quarter. Yearbooks can be purchased for $60 in room

PODCASTS showing events in the school

105 until the end of first quarter.

Information about Senior Ads will be mailed to seniors homes and will also be available at FHNtoday.com under the Yearbook tab. Senior ads are purchased by students or the families of students as a celebration of them graduating high school. Make sure to purchase a yearbook today.

CONTENTS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY ETHAN SLAUGHTER

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MUSIC CHARTS Closer The Chainsmokers

WHICH KARDASHIAN SISTER ARE YOU?

The Greatest Sia

Heathens Twenty One Pilots

Cold Water Major Lazer

START

Yes, I have to make sure I look the best.

At a party, you’d typically be

Only on special occassions.

Do you spend a lot of time worrying about your appearance?

On a weekend, you’re normally

Trying to pick up a date.

We Don’t Talk Charlie Puth

Gold Kiiara

Unsteady X Ambassadors

Standing in the corner unbothered.

Dancing with my friends.

Do you respect people’s private lives?

Let Me Love You DJ Snake

Spending it relaxing at home.

Hanging out with friends.

Ignore them.

When you’re mad at someone, you

Yes, I respect everybody’s right to privacy.

Confront them.

No, I gotta know what’s going on at all times.

Sit Still, Look Pretty Daya

CAN’T STOP THE FEELING! Justin Timberlake

Make Me...

Britney Spears

KIM You are most like Kim Kardashian.

You like to be in on all the gossip, but aren’t as good at hiding it as you think you are. You enjoy sleeping, eating and everything inbetween. Despite your selfish and materialistic attitude, you care about family the most.

(Source: iTunes Charts)

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ENTERTAINMENT | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY ALY DOTY

KOURTNEY

KHLOE

You are most like Kourtney Kardashian. You’re sarcastic, witty and loyal to your friends. You like to have a lot of fun and enjoy life as it is. You don’t like to deal with much drama because of the negative effect it has on your attitude.

You are most like Khloe Kardashian. You’re typically the funny one in the group, but you’re not afraid to speak your mind and stick up for the people you care about. You’re family oriented and are thankful for all the blessings you have in your life.

TOP 3 APPS

Pokemon GO

Spotify Music

Game of War-Fire Age

This app has people hunting and collecting 3D Pokemon that make it feel like they’re actually there.

Spotify is an app used to listen, create and share a free music playlist with yourself and friends.

Join alliances and chat strategy with other online players. Make a game plan a dominate other kingdoms.

UPCOMING MOVIES A look at four of September’s upcoming movies from cartoons to old school remakes

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN PG 13 RELEASE DATE Sept. 23

With this movie being a remake of the 1960 version, it retells the story about seven mercenaries from the town of Rose Creek.

They come together to fight for the protection of the desperate townspeople from the control of a dangerous industrialist, Bartholomew Bogue, in this western action flick.

STORKS PG

RELEASE DATE Sept. 23

The new animated feature tells the story of a young stork, Junior, who will inherit a packaging company. However, when he accidentally activates a machine that makes babies, even though storks don’t deliver babies anymore, he and a human named Tulip, must deliver this baby before anyone finds out.

MASTERMINDS PG 13

MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN PG 13

RELEASE DATE

RELEASE DATE

This heist, comedy flick is about a night guard named David Ghantt at an armored car company, who has always felt that he was destined for a life of adventure. With the help of his work crush, Kelly Campbell, he gets lured into organizing one of the largest bank heists in U.S. history.

From the visionary director, Tim Burton, this movie centers around a boy named Jacob who discovers clues to a mystery that extends to different worlds and different times. His journey leads him to Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children where he meets residents with strange, unique abilities and their even stranger enemies.

Sept. 30

Sept. 30

(Summaries by Jake Price)

ENTERTAINMENT | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY OLIVIA FETSCH

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FACTS ABOUT

Despite her youthful voice and disguises, Sia is older than you might think. Sia is 40 years old and will be turning 41 on Dec. 18.

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DO IT YOURSELF

SIA

“I love that she values her music more than her appearance. It shows that she is genuine.” -Christina Turnbull, 11

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Sia is a vegan and is involved in many animal rights organizations, such as the Oscar’s Law campaign and the Beagle Freedom Project.

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Sia started her singing career in the Adelaide acid jazz band Crisp in the mid 1990s.

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Her talent was discovered by an Italian DJ in a karaoke bar, proving that true talent can come from anywhere.

CUSTOM HOMEMADE IPHONE SPEAKER Many people oversee the many uses of everyday materials. You could use an empty paper towel roll, two plastic cups, a sharp object and a pencil to create a custom speaker for your phone. This is a great cheap, fun way to amplify your music jams

GATHER MATERIALS Get an empty roll of paper towels, two plastic cups, a sharpened object to cut holes and a writing utensil to trace holes. Start by laying down the empty roll longways. Then place the phone on the roll with the speaker facing into the tube.

“It was an inexpensive and handy project for myself when I was bored.” -Kyle Dearing, 12

“My favorite song of hers is “Cheap Thrills”, because it has a good beat.” -Rachel Ludwig, 12

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Sia has battled drug addiction, bipolar disorder and suicidal thoughts, giving a background to some of her songs like “Breathe Me.”

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In an interview, she revealed that she is a feminist and believes in a higher power.

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Sia is inspired by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Sting.

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Beyonce thinks very highly of Sia, who originally wrote the hit song “Pretty Hurts.”

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STEP 1 TRACE AND CUT HOLES

WATCH

STEP 2

CONNECT MATERIALS After all holes are cut, insert your phone in the tube where your speaker hole is. Then slide the ends of the roll into the bottom of the cups. Once all connected, start playing music from your phone. The sound will now travel through the encaved tube and intensify the music.

Her full name is Sia Kate Isobelle Furler.

“She has some unique beliefs and I like that about her. She likes her anonymity, but she’s not afraid to stand out.” -Emily Butler, 10 (Sources: Useless Daily, Famous Birthdays, Tell Tales, Interview Magazine, BoomsBeat, Popsugar, Music Feeds, Facts by Rebekah Maye)

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Once the speaker is lined up, trace around the phone speaker on the Follow this link to tube. Then trace circles watch how to make around the bottom of your own speaker: the cups and make sure goo.gl/9EQO8D they are large enough for the tube to fit in. Once they are drawn, cut all holes with the sharp object. Repeat this step for the other cup.

STEP 3 (Graphic by Alex Lane, Photos by Riley McCrackin)

ENTERTAINMENT | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY ALEX LANE

“I’ve been doing it since middle school and I think that it’s just really cool how the spund can do that and really come out with just a few tools.”

-Evan Bernard, 12

30 SECONDS OR LESS

TARDY POLICY REVAMP

NEW SPEECH AND DEBATE COACH Retired teacher and previous assistant speech coach Randy Pierce is taking over Speech and Debate this year. Along with the help of assistant coach Patrick Voughn, Pierce hopes to provide a positive, enjoyable and educational experience for Speech and Debate members and see a growth in the team’s size and skill.

“He seems like an interesting guy who has a lot to offer,” Speech and Debate member Abbie Chruma said. “He’s an incredible speaker who I can learn a lot from.” (Brief by Paige Prinster)

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SIGN LANGUAGE CLUB Sign Language Club will be holding its next meeting on Sept. 22, after school in room 132. The club encourages any students interested in learning sign language to come and see what the club is all about.

Members will learn how to use, understand and communicate in sign language. The club brings together a variety of students to learn and have fun.

“This club brings together a group of students to learn a language that isn’t offered at our school,” Follow the link to see junior Jake Price Sign Language Club member Svetlanna use sign language: goo.gl/sydl1K Feddersen said. (Brief

by Paige Prinster)

WATCH

Junior Destiny Smith and Senior Tamarcus Lee walk to class after the recent announcement of the new tardy policy. FHN enforced this policy hoping to encourage students to be on time rather than slacking to get to class. (Photo by Alex Rowe)

UPCOMING EVENTS Friday

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September

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FHN OKTOBERFEST

Oktoberfest, the Munich-based festival, is celebrated across the globe by millions every year. Here at FHN, students can take part in these celebrations by attending German Club’s Oktoberfest on Sept. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the commons.

German club invites students to come and celebrate with them and the event costs $3.

The event gives students an opportunity to celebrate German Culture, and it is a chance to meet some new people at the beginning of the year and celebrate in a casual setting by playing games, listening to music and eating.

“You can’t see everything in life so it’s a cool opportunity to see what German culture is like,” German Club President Danielle Gallahan said. (Brief by Paige Prinster)

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With the new academic school year comes a revised and stricter tardy policy, allowing only three tardies as a whole rather than per class each quarter.

“Ultimately, I think that it’s going to continue to improve the quality of classes and make sure that we’re also continuing to provide kids with an experience that they’re going to translate into the next series of their life,” Principal Andy Downs said.

Some students feel that the new policy is a little too harsh, but understand that it was introduced to reduce class interruptions and improve the learning environment.

“I can see why they want people to be on time everyday,” junior Grant Freitas said. “But I also feel like it’s a little too restrictive.”

Having been formulated over the summer, it was introduced with a one-week grace period, giving students time to adjust to the change.

“I think it’s been working,” Downs said. “We’ll continue to monitor and see how it progresses throughout the year.” (Brief by Martin Groves)

Friday

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September Saturday

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October

NEWS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY PAIGE PRINSTER

What: Pep Assembly Time: 8:30 a.m.

Place: FHN Gym Teams will be showcased and Knightline and Studline will perform at the annual homecoming assembly.

Homecoming courts of each class will be announced, and there will be plenty of activities for school spirit.

What: Tailgating Time: 5:30 p.m.

Place: FHN Stadium At 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 30, there will be a tailgate gathering in front of the stadium before the homecoming football game. The tailgate will include bubble soccer, bounce houses, a dunk tank, hot dogs, soda and a fund raiser

What: Music In Motion Time: 10:00 a.m.

Place: FHN Stadium Starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 15, the KnightPride marching band and color guard will be hosting one of their annual competitions, Music in Motion.

At Music in Motion, bands from around the area come together to

“I really enjoy demonstrating school spirit and representing the senior class,” senior Spenser Bailey said.

(Brief by Rebekah Maye) Spirit Days: Mon - Black Hole (wear all black) Tues - Cowboys vs. Aliens Wed - Black and Gold/ Senior Toga Thurs - Sports Fri - Class Colors

to help raise money to purchase a washing machine for Harvest Ridge Elementary School. Admission is free, so bring your friends and some food to share and be ready to cheer on the Knights.

“I think the tailgating thing is a lot of fun and bringing it to high school is amazing,” senior Nic Savala said. (Brief

by Rebekah Maye) compete against each other.

“I really have a lot of fun hosting competitions and guiding the band, and I like seeing other bands we wouldn’t usually see,” senior Fionna Pillow said.

The first performance will be in the stadium at 1 p.m. Come out and show your support for KnightPride. (Brief by Rebekah Maye)

Step team members preforming their dance routine at last years snowcoming pep assembly. “Stepping” as the dance is called, became popular the 1900’s. (File Photo)

STEPPING UP THEIR GAME The step team prepares itself for this year’s upcoming season The new marching band director, Robert Stegeman, watches as FHN’s band plays during the half time preformance for the crowd at the first football game of the year on Aug 19. (Photo by Jared Kinnard)

NEW DIRECTOR, NEW DIRECTION

Marching band faces changes as new band director Robert Stegeman introduces some different approaches and ideas to the group

by Mackenzie Pugh

kenzie2019@gmail.com | @mackenziepugh_

Fresh ideas are being implemented this year for marching band as Band Director Robert Stegeman integrates some of his original philosophies.

“I can tell you we’ve got a lot of things in the works,” Stegeman said. “I hope that all of our students see and hear the band very frequently... I’m trying to keep the kids rooted in the tradition of band while at the same time do some new and fun and exciting things.”

The band is making an effort to raise their presence within the school and the community. They are making plans to play for local elementary and middle schools and there is talk of going out and playing at nursing homes. Also, they are increasing their level of participation in the cheering section by coordinating more with dance and cheer teams and moving their place on the bleachers during football games from being on the edge of the bleachers to between the

students and parents.

“I want the band to be not just an active part of the cheering section but the most active part,” Stegeman said. “I want to use the band as a tool to bring our school together through pep assemblies and different events.”

The band is working to adjust to the new leadership, become a bigger presence in the school and prepare for the six competitions and four football games they will be performing at this year. They recently traveled to Iowa for two competitions which took place on Sept. 17.

“At first everyone was a little skeptical but we’re all slowly getting used to him, we’re all slowly coming together,” junior Christian Witte said.

This is Stegeman’s fifth year directing band. He previously directed in Miami, Oklahoma.

“I’m very happy to be here where teachers are supported, it’s a really great thing to be part of the team,” Stegeman said.

by Martin Groves

martingroves413@gmail.com

Composed of a group of 15 girls, the step team is geared up for its second season.

“The girls have already started working so very hard,” sponsor Elizabeth White said.

Usually practicing down in the lower atrium by Office 23, the beat created by their foot stomps and hand claps can be heard from down the other end of the hall.

“I like dancing and I like rhythm,” freshman Makiya Edwards said. “It’s about expressing the way you feel.”

Over the past couple years, stepping has become an increasingly popular form of high school dance. Last year, a group of girls decided to get together and form FHN’s very own step team. However, due to the limited budget the team has, they are unable to perform as much as they would like to.

“We’re hoping that in the years to come if we get [Proposition Howell] to pass, that we will be able to do more activities than what we are doing now,” White said.

Currently, the step team prepares and rehearses routines for their upcoming performances during the basketball season, at the DECA jump-off and the Snowcoming pep assembly.

“They’ll put their heart and their soul into what they do and they’re really excited to let FHN know that they’re sticking around and that they’re ready to go,” White said.

NEWS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY MACKENZIE PUGH

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with a New Superintendent, the district faces the Same Challenges As Mary Hendricks-Harris begins her first year as superintendent, the District tries once again to fully fund itself

by Christopher St. Aubin cgs8833@gmail.com

T

his year, FHSD has a new superintendent, Mary Hendricks-Harris. She inherits this job at a time when the district has been running a deficit budget for the past year. With a new tax levy, Proposition Howell, on the ballot in November, FHSD is hopeful to make up for lost revenue in order to provide essential student services. FHSD and Hendricks-Harris face an eminent challenge in the coming months.

“Immediately it is certainly our financial situation,” Hendricks-Harris said. “So right now we have Proposition Howell that will be on the ballot in November that will help with that.”

Last August, Proposition Y was placed on the ballot. This was another tax levy that was larger than Proposition Howell by 30 cents per $100. The proposition was

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NEWS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY REBEKAH MAYE

defeated as last year’s school year started. The money that the district was not able to obtain after the proposition failed directly affected students and school activities.

“Examples of that will be, right now we have a freeze on technology, we are not able to provide new textbooks in areas where curriculum has been updated, we have cut interventions for our students, we have cut some AP classes, we have cut extracurricular activities,” Hendricks-Harris said. “We need to put all those things in place in order to continue being a leading district.”

Before becoming the new superintendent, Hendricks-Harris worked closely with former superintendent Pam Sloan during the election season last year when Proposition Y was introduced.

“Having gone through an initial attempt at a tax levy, it is a learning process for anyone who is bringing about such a thing,” Principal Andy Downs said. “I think that is a perspective that [Hendricks-Harris] is able to bring that others have not

Getting Ready for a Cosmic Knight GIRLS

4:00 HAIR

Many girls use YouTube to find ideas on hairstyles to try.

“I would probably start [my hair] at 4:00 so I have enough time and I won’t run late,” freshman Maria Wall said.

4:30 MAKEUP

Most girls have their friends do makeup, but there are plenty of tutorials online to do it yourself.

Kevin Supple (Chief Operating Officer) , Mary Hendricks-Harris (Superintendent) and Mark Lafata (President of Board of Education) hold a board meeting on Aug. 30 at Francis Howell High to discuss Proposition Howell. At the meeting they allowed parents and teachers to ask questions about the new tax levy. “We heard from the last tax levy is that we needed to share more information, so this board meeting is an opportunity to do that,” Hendricks-Harris said. (Photo by Aaron Dupske)

been able to. When you have an opportunity to do something and reflect on it, that gives you perspective the next time you take on the same sort of task.”

FHN teacher Donna Malkmus has worked closely with Hendricks-Harris while Hendricks-Harris was the Chief Academic Officer of the school district. Malkmus is an officer for the teacher’s association in FHSD, so she has had many meetings with Hendricks-Harris.

“I think that the school board and Dr. Hendricks-Harris have both realized that in order to maintain high standards, we have to pass this tax levy… and I think she is a person who will work well with the school board and with the community, and I think she will do a fantastic job of that,” Malkmus said.

Proposition Howell is on the ballot on Nov. 8. FHSD is expecting an 80 percent voter turnout for that day because of the presidential election. To spread more information, FHSD is having various informational nights at the three high schools.

The Proposition Howell information night at FHN is on Oct. 8 in the auditorium at 6:30 p.m.

“We want to provide the community with information on where we stand and where we go from here,” Hendricks-Harris said.

BOYS

6:00 SHOWER

The first and probably the most important step in the process of getting ready.

“I would shower before so I can smell nice and I’ll feel better,” sophomore James D. Adams said.

6:15 HAIR

There are even tutorials online for guys on how to do their hair.

5:00 PICTURES

6:30 PICTURES

“I would have my date come over at 5:00 so we can take some pictures then go get food,” sophomore Moe White said.

“I would start getting ready two hours early so I would have some [time] to take pictures,” sophomore Justin Rhomberg said.

Lots of girls use Instagram or Pinterest for creative ways to pose for pictures.

5:30 DINNER

Whether posing with your date or other guys, creativity is a must.

7:00 HOMECOMING

Steak and Shake is generally a popular spot for students to eat so there’s always a big crowd.

Be sure to have your I.D. and ticket to be able to get in.

7:00 HOMECOMING

11:00 DINNER

Make sure you have your ticket and student I.D. to be able to get in.

Fast food restaurants are generally pretty busy so avoid those if you want a quick dinner.

“I get to Homecoming at like 6:50 to find my other friends before the crowd,” sophomore Payton Mauldin said.

“I would eat after so I don’t go to bed on an empty stomach,” sophomore Edson Garcia said.

NEWS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY KYLAH WOODS

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NEW SHOWS FOR A NEW YEAR Drama Club starts the season with a new focus

by Martin Groves

martingroves413@gmail.com

Sydney Weber and Zac Cary stand backstage at the Drama Club meeting. The club put on short workshops for the new members demonstrating a successful audition and various crew jobs. (Photo by Bernadette Kornberger)

Just over a month into the new school year, the Drama Club is already in full swing. The club has also expanded its focus from just acting, now using club time to train theater crew as well.

“We always start off huge, and then it kind of settles into a medium,” club sponsor Kim Sulzner said. “Our first meeting was really full at almost 80 people, which is a little more than last year.”

The club has already begun auditions for its upcoming fall play in early November, which will be ‘Wait Until Dark’. Beyond that, the club already has plans for another escape room around

Halloween and preliminary ideas for the spring play.

“We haven’t done anything really funny, everything we’ve picked so far has been really serious,” Sulzner said. “Beauty in the Beast was kind of light-hearted, but I think everybody’s interested to do something funny.”

The club opens up opportunities in theater to everybody, hence their new vision statement that “drama is a place for everyone, and everyone has a place.”

“I’ve been doing theater since I was 5 years old,” Club President Zac Cary said.

“I want to afford different opportunities for other students who want to pursue theatrical arts to try different things and really get a full exposure to what theater really is.”

NEW FACES OF NORTH

A wide variety of new staff members have been introduced for the 2016-17 school year

Name: Elizabeth Allen

Name: Amy Field

Name: Kayla Horn

Name: Kaitlynn Jansen

Subject: Intro to Art

Subject: Resource- Special Ed

Subject: Foods and Nutrition I

Subject: Geometry, Intermediate Algebra, ACT Prep

Is on his/her 4th year

Is on his/her 17th year

Is on his/her4th year

Plans to: Go with the flow Retire from North Other: Finish Master’s in Art Education and teach college level.

Plans to: Go with the flow Retire from North Other:

Plans to: Go with the flow Retire from North Other:

In regards to North: “North is a lot more organized, structured and has more activities than a lot of other schools.”

In regards to North: “It’s got a lot of character. The staff is very friendly and it has a wide range of students.”

Name: Sandra Mullen

Name: Brooke Prestidge

Name: Rob Stegeman

Name: Kelly Stemmermann

Subject: Para

Subject: Counselor

Subject: Band

Subject: Essential Skills- Special Ed.

Is on his/her 3rd year

Is on his/her 5th year

Is on his/her 5th year

Is on his/her 13th year

Plans to: Go with the flow Retire from North Other:

Plans to: Go with the flow Retire from North Other:

Plans to: Go with the flow Retire from North Other:

Plans to: Go with the flow Retire from North Other:

In regards to North:“It’s a very large school, and everyone seems very nice.”

In regards to North:“It’s an environment where everyone wants what’s best for the students.”

In regards to North: “There’s a very good atmosphere in excellence, academics and in our extracurricular activities.”

In regards to North: “There’s a good vibe between the students and staff.

Everyone is very friendly.”

In regards to North:“The students are quieter, in a good way, and are always on task.”

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Is on his/her 4th year

NEWS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY KEEGAN SCHUSTER

Plans to: Go with the flow Retire from North Other: In regards to North: Everyone works together to benefit the students. It’s collaborative, not competitive.”

Ryan Hale and Luke Floyd pose on their bikes in front of the school. Hale rides a 2009 Yamaha fz6r while Floyd rides a Ninja 500r. “It’s hard to explain to someone who doesn’t ride but there is nothing that makes you feel more independent and one on one with your surroundings,” Hale said. (Photos by Alex Rowe)

RIDING IN WITH A ROAR

While most students come to school by bus, by car or by foot, senior Ryan Hale and junior Luke Floyd feel the unique joy of riding their motorcycles to school every morning

by Heeral Patel

heeral.patel03@gmail.com | @HeeralPatel12

It’s a weekday morning. Busses pull in, sedans and trucks fill up the student parking lot as kids make their way through the school doors. The air is filled with the sounds of student chatter and screeching bus breaks. Among them are the roaring engines of motorcycles.

“It turns a lot of heads,” senior Ryan Hale said. “It gets everyone’s attention.”

Using a motorcycle makes going to school an incomparable experience for Ryan and junior Luke Floyd. They experience the rush of riding every morning along with some other benefits, including being able to get out of the parking lot faster. As another added bonus, motorcycles are more fuel-efficient than cars.

More than anything, it’s the joy that comes with riding that leads them to bring their motorcycles to school.

“The first time I rode, I just realized how great it was,” Floyd said.

Getting permission to start riding was relatively easy for Luke. His dad is also a motorcyclist and is part of the reason why he wanted to ride. He was the one who taught Floyd to ride by telling him what to do along with the occasional demonstration.

“It makes it easier to ride knowing that they’re not as worried,” Luke said.

“They don’t discourage it.”

WATCH

Ryan, on the other hand, had a different journey. His ex-boss was selling a motorcycle to get some extra money, and offered Ryan a deal on the motorcycle. He was offered an armor-plated jacket, a helmet and gloves in addition to the bike. Concerned for his safety, Ryan’s parents opposed letting their son ride.

“It was a straight up no’,” Ryan said. “There had never been a more stern no in the history of everything. Especially from my mom.”

Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. This is mostly because people driving cars don’t always see motorcyclist, which leads to accidents. Sometimes these accidents are fatal. The Luke Floyd and Hales personally know people who’ve been killed in Ryan Hale ride motorcycle accidents. A combination of a week and a motorcycles. Check half of begging and a good track record with his car was it out here: enough to persuade his father, Douglas Hale, to accept goo.gl/dRdn2e the deal.

“Knowing people who’ve died on motorcycles, it’s hard,” Douglas said. “If he hadn’t been responsible, it would’ve just sat in the garage until he was.”

Motorcyclists take precautions to make riding safer so they can enjoy this unique experience. It’s said to be an indescribable experience known only to the few people that do ride. The only way they explain this feeling to the rest of the world is that it’s fun.

“Not everyone gets to do it, so the fact that you’re a part of a tight group is a really cool thing,” Ryan said.

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Gregg, Devon and Orion Allman pose for a family photo. Gregg Allman is an American artist best known for his work in the Allman Brothers Band. He also has multiple solo albums. He currently lives in Savannah, Georgia. (Photo Submitted)

Living with fame in the family Junior Orion Allman shares his experiences of what it’s like growing up with Gregg Allman from The Allman Brothers Band, a famous ‘70s rock group, as a grandpa

by Anna Lindquist

alindquist709@gmail.com | @annalindquistt

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rion Allman sits comfortably backstage, his hand tapping along to the thumping music emanating from the speakers. The sound is crisp and clear, echoing around the room. The crowd screams in response to the start of a new song. He’s been to concerts before, but this is different. He isn’t out in the throng of people like a normal person, he is backstage listening to his grandpa’s music. Gregg Allman of The Allman Brothers Band plays a riff on his guitar and the crowd roars again.

As the song continues, he starts getting lost in the sounds he grew up with.

“I got a different outlook on concerts and the music scene in general from an early age,” Orion said. “It’s definitely a cool experience growing up like that.”

The Allman Brothers Band’s era began in 1969 and lived well into the 2000s. Many band members had left and others had joined since the start, but Gregg Allman was always a constant. Even though a lot of things changed for the band, the sound of the group still managed to make them one of the greatest rock bands of all time, according to Rolling Stone.

“They’re really catchy, honestly,” junior Riley Kampff said. “If you hear it, you know who they are and growing up listening to them with my parents, I always got this comfortable tone from them like a mellow rock. There’s really no genre for them. They’re just really unique.”

Many people, like Kampff, have said they’ve been

impacted by The Allman Brothers and their music. Orion’s dad, Devon Allman who is a touring musician in Europe right now, is a major example. But even though Orion’s grandpa is in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, Orion doesn’t feel like he is any different.

“I definitely feel a little strange that he’s done that much, and he’s related to me,” Orion said. “But I also just see him as a family member rather than a musician.”

Gregg Allman is just a grandpa to Orion, but he’s still famous to everyone else. Having Orion’s father also be famous gives their family extra liberties like special treatment at music stores and free concert tickets, according to Devon Allman, but he still tries to keep Orion’s life as normal as possible like going to a regular public school for example.

“I could have easily put him in private school, but I wanted him to be able to attend school with neighbors and others he grew up with,” Devon Allman said via email.

“Having a solid foundation in your childhood is important later in life. A building, after all, is only as strong as its foundation.”

Even though the Allman Brother’s fame is widespread and their name is well known, most students don’t know who they are because of the band’s age, but many teachers recognize the name and ask about it.

“I was afraid to approach him and tell him I was a fan of his dad and his grandpa,” Mim Eaton, PLTW Computer Science Application teacher, said. “And [when I told him] he kind of went ‘You’re kidding,’ and then somebody said, ‘She knows your secret.’”

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The nickname ‘Zombie Road’ comes from the legend of a serial killer who was called “Zombie” by locals. “There are stories that have spread about a man escaping a psych ward and hiding in the woods by the road and killing a bunch of people, though it has never been proven to be true,” weekly walker Tricia Berry said. (Photo by Hannah Medlin)

PECULIAR PATH

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There are also many bridges covering creeks on Zombie Road. People say that by day Zombie Road is just a nature trail, but by night it is haunted from the tragedies that started over one hundred years ago.

COLLECT THEM ALL

Collect all of the North Star Trading Cards in this edition of the newspaper. The cards have information about Knights and their activities.

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Gianna Sulzner

KOE Position: Team Leader Other Hobbies: Running, HOSA, playing with dog, church Fav Club Moment: “Seeing the teachers’ faces light up when I give them a cookie at parent teacher conferences.”

Card by Chris St. Aubin | Photo by Aaron Dupske

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Grant Freitas

On Rock Hollow Trail there are many signs showing twists, turns and huge hills. Rock Hollow Trail is used widely throughout the day for biking, dog walking and running.

Zombie Road is located in the city of Wildwood, a suburb of St. Louis County. Zombie Road is listed as one of the top haunted places in Missouri. Most people visit at night trying to find ghosts and spirits, but most find themselves being ticketed for trespassing after dark. (Photos

by Hannah Medlin)

Zombie Road is a quiet trail that holds a hidden mystery when the sun sets

by Morgan Bridges mbridges2001@gmail.com

The Rock Hollow Trail is supposedly a haunted trail, although the hidden mysteries make themselves noticed at night. During the day, the trail shows much of the nature along Meramec River.

“The scenery along the trail is just beautiful,” weekly walker Tricia Berry said. “I’ve been coming here to walk with my son since he was two to enjoy the peacefulness and see the beauty of nature.”

The Rock Hollow Trail, also known as Lawler Ford Road, is a hiking trail in Bluff View Park in Wildwood, and was built in the late 1860s, including a railroad that is no longer in use, small caves and different parts of the trail labeled by both letters and numbers, going a-z and one through 100. Many stories have spread, saying many of the workers that helped build the railroad died while in the process; others say people died due to their foot getting stuck in the railroad tracks. These stories have been making people wonder which of those stories are true.

“There are supposedly ghosts there that throw rocks at you and orbs show up in pictures and videos,” new

visitor Alyssa Buckley said.

There have been a variety of stories told about the road, most of which were simply spread to scare others.

However, one story about the first settler in the area, Ninian Hamilton, has been documented to show it is true. It is said that Hamilton’s sister, Della Hamilton McCullough, was killed by a railroad car on the railroad.

People still claim her ghost lingers in the area. “[The trail] is so sketchy and creepy, but cool at the same time,” Buckley said.

As of today, the road’s name has been changed to Rock Hollow Trail, though the stories still spread and the trail has many visitors. The trail is calm and surrounded by the most recognized sights on the trail, such as the railroad, caves and woods around the area. Although the first railroad is no longer in use, there is a separate railroad for families to ride on for a small tour along the trail. Though the trail may be peaceful and calm when the sun rises, when the sun sets the spirits that are hidden during the day emerge from the shadows to live true to their stories, continuing to spook visitors.

“I don’t necessarily believe in ghosts, but I don’t not believe in ghosts either,” Berry said. “I think it’s fun to believe.”

STUCO & Field STUCO Position: President Other Hobbies: NHS, Science Club, Speech and Debate, Mock Trial, HOSA and Class Delegates Fav Club Moment: “I really liked Snowcoming last year because I really liked the decoration because I was head of decoration committee.”

Card by Olivia Fetsch | Photo by Aaron Dupske

Rasha Shaker

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Band Instrument: Saxophone Other Hobbies: Marching band Fav Club Moment: “Going to Tennessee last year for a band competition.”

Card by Olivia Fetsch | Photo by Riley McCrackin

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Cut the cards out and collect them all Learn about your fellow Knights and support school sports and activities. Let us know what you think by tweeting us @ FHNtoday with a picture of you with the trading cards.

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THE EXCHANGE OF A LIFETIME Junior Julia Hass has come from Germany to join FHN this year. She came through EF High School Exchange Year and will be here for 10 months. She suggests to anyone wishing to travel to try new things. “ When you go to a new country you’re just afraid to try new things like food or sports,” Haas said. “You should always be open for new things. Try it.”

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FEATURES | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY SAMI SCHMID

Junior Tuomas Hyypiä came from Finland this year for school. This is his fourth time visiting the U.S. but his first as an exchange student an he will be staying here for 10 months. He is trying to experience new things during his stay and learn more about the country.

“I wanted to have the experience and to learn the language better,” Hyypiä said.

Anastasia Voropayera, more popularly known as Stas is a senior from Ukraine. She’s known since she was a kid that she wanted to go to the US. “Everything is so different here,” Voropayera said. “Even the way that people treat each other is very different. The attitude, the manners. How people can easily pass by you and say hi.”

Ahmad Ghanem is a junior from Lebanon. He joined a U.S. exchange program called Youth Exchange Students to come to the U.S. “I’m here not just for education but for cultural exchange” Ghanem said.

“So I’m here to learn more about the U.S. culture and also I’m here to let everyone know where I’m from. To show people it’s not what you see in a lot of things like TV.”

THE CROWD CAWS FOR ROOSTER Rooster is a cafe in St. Louis, bringing originality with its unique style and wide variety of foods

by Myah Blocker myah447@yahoo.com

Rooster is a cafe with eccentric paintings on the walls adding to the modern-chic atmosphere as the waiters greet people with a warm smile as they pass with plates to cater customers.

“The laid back atmosphere is what I like the most,” employee Keith Webb said. “It’s awesome.”

Owner David Bailey emphasizes the community environment he wants his customers to feel. When entering the restaurant, customers notice the conjoined tables.

“We call them ‘community tables’,” Bailey said. “We want our customers to have a shared experience and to be around each other, and you can’t do that being 10 feet away.”

Rooster also highlights the sense of community by buying their fresh ingredients from local farmers, which gives the restaurant its originality along with its French influenced style and menu that caters to all.

“Restaurants are a community gathering,” Bailey said. “And you have to apply that to the people you’re serving. Sometimes people want the heart of Rooster brings a new your meal, and some days feel to STL. Check out they want something more this link for more: goo.gl/w82HSD light.”

Rooster has its own There’s another Rooster garden located on Grand Restaurant. Check out Blvd.that supplies some the photo gallery here: of the fresh herbs that are goo.gl/58xwmt served in the meals being prepared. Along with their garden, they have their own bakery, where they serve fresh baked bread that’s made from scratch.

“We wanted to experiment with our own garden,” Bailey said. “Because ours is too small, we still get some of our ingredients from other gardens.”

Rooster sets itself apart with its decor and varitions of foods. It gives each customer a new shared experience that other restaurants don’t usually include.

“I would give it four stars,” senior Kelly Mahaffey said. “It was good food, good service and unique.”

WATCH

Rooster is a European urban-style cafe located on South Grand Boulevard known for their sandwiches, crepes, brunch items and fresh ingredients. Their produce is locally grown and raised. This was their first location which is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. While their second location opened on Locust Street. (Photo by Kelsey Decker)

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15 YEARS LATER 2,996 lives were taken. Billions of dollars were lost. All the result of one day, the day of the largest terror attack of all time, not just in U.S. history, but world history. After 15 years, the events of Sept. 11 still impact the lives of people all across the country, as the events of that day brought about new laws, new wars and a new outlook on the world. As the world changed, controversy bloomed from every corner, from the new laws to the wars. Today, the attacks of Sept. 11 will not be forgotten, and their impact on the world today can still be felt on every corner of the globe. (Center design by Carolynn Gonzalez)

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remembering 9/11 15 years after the attacks on 9/11, we still face problems today

By Ethan Slaughter

then went down to the library because they had it on TV. I took my third and fourth hours down there and we watched it live. I then was asked by Dr. Jones to make an announcement as to what was going on to explain to the student and that was about the same time second tower fell. All activities and events were canceled that day.”

The attacks caused the U.S. and the world to change in many different ways. Security in airports around the world, and the border patrol around America, increased dramatically. Departments such as the Transport Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Homeland Security were created to further American efforts to protect its citizens. The attacks cost over $100 billion dollars, freezing the country’s economy until the stock market reopened on Sept. 17, 2001. A month later, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan in order to find and capture al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, capturing him 10 years later on May 2, 2011.

“I had a girl that day that started crying because her dad was in New York and she didn’t know where he was and she got real upset,” Crow said. ”I don’t think anything happened to him but I remember she was real upset.”

Many problems the world faced 15 years ago still occur in society today, such as security and Islamophobia. Still today we face a problem with Islamophobia, attacks against Muslims have grown since the attacks on 9/11.

Security changes in airports included scanning all checked bag for explosives, and searching passengers for weapons.

“9/11 is something that won’t ever fade into history, because like Japan and Pearl Harbor, it was an attack on our home land that changed our perspective,” Crow said.

ethanslaughter0@gmail.com

The World Trade Center’s Twin Towers stood 110 stories over the New York City skyline for over 28 years, until their fall on Sept. 11, 2001. 15 years after the attacks, the world has changed in more ways than one might think.

“It was the perfect day, not hot, not cold it was not a cloud in the sky, a beautiful day,” art teacher Michael Leistner said. “I was walking to the library and a guidance counselor, Ms. Cope, goes ‘Did you hear that a plane crashed into the World Trade Center?’, and I was thinking it was a small little private airplane. When I got to the library, a T.V. was on and a bunch of teachers and students were all sitting around the T.V. watching it live on CNN. Then I realized it was something big and everyone was in shock and thinking it’s really serious.”

When the North Tower was hit, many people were confused about what was happening. Many people just suspected it was an accident, but it wasn’t until American Airlines flight 175 struck the South Tower 17 minutes later that people started to wonder if it was a planned terrorist attack against the U.S. During the time of the attacks, phone lines were jammed with over 230 million calls, making it impossible to communicate with anyone in the city at the time. All planes were grounded for three days following the attacks.

“It was second hour on a half day, and I had heard something going on and tried to jump online using Yahoo News, because the Internet was kinda new for us here at the time,” government teacher William Crow said. “I

TIMELINE OF THE DAY American Airlines Flight 11 takes off from Boston en route to Los Angeles with 92 people aboard

7:59 A.M.

American Airlines Flight 77 takes off from Washington, D.C. en route to Los Angeles with 64 people aboard

8:14 A.M.

American Airlines Flight 175 takes off from Boston en route to Los Angeles with 65 people aboard

8:20 A.M.

Hijackers crash American Airlines Flight 11 into floors 93-99 of the North Tower of the World Trade Center, killing everyone on board and many inside the tower

Hijackers crash American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon, killing 179 people

8:46

9:37

8:41 A.M.

United Airlines Flight 93 takes off from Newark en route to San Francisco with 44 people aboard

A.M.

9:03 A.M.

A.M.

Hijackers crash United Airlines Flight 175 into floors 75-85 of the South Tower of the World Trade Center, killing everyone on board and many inside the tower

American Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, killing everyone on board

9:59 A.M.

The South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses

10:07 A.M.

10:28 A.M.

The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapses

(Source: History.com)

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The Borrelli family stands in front of their home in Yorktown Heights, New York. They moved to Missouri after Benny Borrelli, Dan’s father, received a job promotion in St. Louis. (Photo Submitted)

RECALLING A TRAGEDY

The Borrelli family lived in the suburbs of New York City when the attack on the Twin Towers occurred

by Carolynn Gonzalez

carolynnnn.182@gmail.com | @carolynng0

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(Source: The Hilary Clark)

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he events that took place on Sept. 11 impacted not only those in New York City, but also those in the surrounding area. For senior Dan Borrelli and his family, the attacks caused for a chaotic day in the New York suburbs, where they lived at the time.

“Even now when I see that date coming, I still think back to that day,” Amy Borrelli, Dan’s mother, said. “It was a very dark and uncertain time.”

The Borrellis lived in Yorktown Heights, a suburb about 20 miles north of New York City.

Many people living there worked in the city, including Dan’s father, Benny Borrelli.

According to Amy, Benny was about to leave for his job as a field service technician when they received a call from his sister telling them to turn on the news.

“We were shocked and glued to the television set,” Amy said. “Were we under attack? Were we safe anymore? At first, it was just a rumor that a plane had hit, but I remember watching the plane hit the second tower on the news. It must have been very traumatic for those in the city.”

Matt Borrelli, now a freshman in college and an FHN alumni, was three at the time while Dan was two. Amy recalls her and her husband taking them into a separate room from the television where the news was playing, even though they were too young to understand.

“I think New York’s reaction was a lot different because that was the city that got hit,” Dan said.

“People were probably a lot more scared and confused.”

Children that were in school were sent home, and Amy recalls their local fire station going into the city to provide help. Those who worked in the city returned and the Borrellis’ neighbor, who took public transport to work, walked home. Amy described him as so shell-shocked he could barely talk.

“I was a stay-at-home mom at the time, and I remember around this time of day it was normally fairly quiet, but that day there was a stream of cars coming down our street from the city,” Amy said. “I had taken Dan and Matt for a walk and our neighbors were outside, discussing what had happened, and children were on the playgrounds. Even though it was very busy, at the same time, it was very quiet.”

According to Amy, people were very hesitant to go in public after the event had taken place.

Weeks later, “Have You Seen This Person?” posters that were posted by loved ones with missing relatives or significant others after the attacks were still hanging in the city.

“We visited the city not long after the attacks,” Amy said. “We paid our respects and I remember that whole area around the towers was like a big crater.”

Four years later, the Borrellis moved due to Benny receiving a job promotion in St. Louis.

Now as the 15th anniversary of 9/11 passes, both Dan and Amy agree that it is still important that today’s generation learns about it, even if they weren’t alive when the attacks took place.

“I think it is an important date and event in U.S. history because we were attacked by not another country, but terrorists,” Amy said. “It caused a lot of fear but you have to carry on, you can’t be afraid in everything you do.”

taking time to heal Barnwell Middle School teacher’s cousin was in one of the Twin Towers during the attack

by Sammie Herr

sammieherr17@gmail.com | @ouchthatherrt

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n Sept. 11, 2001, a total of 19 terrorists took over four of America’s planes. They then continued and attacked the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and landed in a field in Pennsylvania resulting in killing thousands of people and destroying buildings. Around 3,000 people were killed during these assaults.

Barnwell teacher Angie Wheelehan’s cousin, Michael Schnable, was working in the South Tower on the 68th floor in the World Trade Center that morning.

“I know that that day totally changed Michael’s life,” Wheelehan said. “I don’t know how profoundly. I’m sure he doesn’t talk about it and I would never force him to. I can’t imagine what it was like to run down those stairs and finding out there’s some people you just can’t help.”

Since that day he’s only talked about that day to one person: his mother Norma Schnable, Wheelehan’s aunt. According to Norma, that day he was attending a meeting for Morgan Stanley, the financial planner for the company Michael sold missiles for. They were taking all of the newer workers to New York for training when the first plane hit. Everyone ran outside, including everyone in their building. They were told that it was safe to go back to their tower, so they did.

Then the second plane hit their building. As they attempted to make their way out of the building, fire and gasoline created a cloud above them.

They felt the heat coming down and they ran for their lives. An assembly of police and firemen scampered up the stairs. As Michael passed, he saw disabled people off to the side sitting by elevators waiting for their chance to get to safety.

“He knew [the disabled workers] weren’t going to make it because the elevators weren’t working since the building was on fire and falling to the

Michael Schnable poses in front of a ship. Schnable moved to Maryland following the attacks and finds comfort in hunting and his family. (Photo Submitted)

ground,” Norma said. “He wanted to help them and he couldn’t because he said if he would’ve sat to help them he probably wouldn’t be here today. He said he saw tennis shoes with feet in them. It was just very terrible.”

Right as the attack was happening his wife, Lisa Schnable, called Norma, who had just gotten to work. She was told to sit down and was given the information that they were under attack and her son was in that exact building. Norma was told that she could leave work. She went home to be with her family and sort things out with Michael. As for Wheelehan, she was excused from school early to go be with her family. Another teacher actually left that day too because a family member of theirs was also involved.

“He called me about 20 minutes later crying,” Norma said. “Now my son is a very, very strong person who would never cry, ever. I knew that it was bad. He told me the story and I told him that we would get in a car and drive there, because it’s a 15 hour drive. I told him we will come to New York City and get you. He told me that he would be fine. I regret to this day not going to get him, even though he caught a train that night and got out of New York.”

Today Michael doesn’t talk about what happened that day. He has two children and lives with his wife, Tammie Schnable, in Maryland.

Every year around Sept. 11, he goes on hunting trips to clear his mind. He uses this as another one of his coping skills besides spending time with his loved ones. The family remains close and visits each other yearly. Regardless of the devastation they go through, they claim that there’s always a way past the trauma that Michael went through.

“It’s taken time for him to heal,” Norma said.

“I don’t know if he’s quite there yet but he’s definitely working on it. I’m sure he thinks about it daily but time heals everything.”

2,996

people died in result of the 9/11 attacks

2,606 1,402 WTC & Surrounding Area Deaths

614

Deaths in North Tower

343

Deaths in South Tower

Firefighter Deaths

Police Officer Deaths

Military & Civilian Deaths Inside the Pentagon

NY Resident Deaths

NJ Resident Deaths

American Airlines Flight 11 Deaths

United Airlines Flight 175 Deaths

American Airlines Flight 77 Deaths

United Flight 93 Deaths

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125

1,762 674 87

59

60 40

(Source: Statistic Brain)

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Armando Cordova poses with his wife, Myriam. “There are no words to describe the feelings I had when faced with a tragedy of that magnitude,” Myriam said. “The shock leaves you numb.” (Photo Submitted)

Lost to history St. Charles resident Armando Cordova worked in the World Trade Center and had friends and coworkers that were killed on 9/11

by Anthony Kristensen

anthony.kristensen17@gmail.com | @anthonyk17slsg

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ew York City, Sept. 11, 2001. The blue sky has been stained by the gray smoke. The World Trade Center is on fire. Another plane just flew into the south tower. Ear-piercing screams can be heard all around, with terrified and confused people only being able to watch in horror. Then, the towers fall, engulfing the city in a thick fog of dust, soot and the remains of those lost in the largest attack to ever occur on U.S. soil. A nation stands still,

THE TURNING POINT FOR MUSLIMS Muslims Akira Muhammad, Nuri Muhammad and Saudah Muhammad all experienced 9/11 differently. After the attack on the World Trade Center, friends, family members and classmates had a new perspective of them and changed their views on Muslims. (Q&A by Ashya Roberson) Saudah Muhammad Nuri Muhammad Akira Muhammad

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as millions, including St. Charles resident Armando Cordova, stop what they they are doing to lay witness to an event that will forever live on in the history of the world.

At the end of the day, almost 3,000 innocent people were gone in an instant.

Some of those that were taken from the world that day were the friends and coworkers of Armando, who was a tax auditor for the Hertz Corporation at the time, and he frequently went up into the towers that came tumbling down. In fact, Armando was supposed to have a meeting in the World Trade Center the week that the attacks occurred, but he had to reschedule the meeting so he could travel to Oklahoma City for other work-related endeavors.

“I was supposed to meet an auditor for New York State that was located in the World Trade Center, but the week before, because of some conflict in my schedule, I had to go to Oklahoma City,” Armando said. “In fact, I sent a letter of condolences to the state of New York.”

When the first plane hit, Armando was hard at work at his office in Oklahoma City. Like most others, when the news of a plane flying into the World Trade Center first surfaced, the public idea was that it was an accident. But when the second plane made impact, it became clear to everyone that what was happening was no accident, but it was an attack on U.S. soil, one of much greater magnitude than any other attack that had ever taken place in the U.S. After the attacks, Armando went to St. Louis to be with his family.

“For me, not knowing the exact location of everyone was a horrible feeling,” Armando’s son-in-law Mark St. Aubin said. “For my father-in-law, knowing he did business in the [World] Trade Center and not knowing if this was one of those days, panic set in.”

Upon returning to his residence in New York, Armando found his apartment covered in dust, the same dust that once was part of a building that defined the New York City skyline, but now was the horror story that left nearly 3,000 people dead.

“I think it changed the way [Armando] viewed his hometown,” Armando’s daughter Jeannette St. Aubin said. “I don’t think people felt as safe anymore [after the attacks].”

After it was all said and done, people across the globe woke up on Wednesday, Sept. 12 to a changed world. As for Armando, he returned to New York City after the attacks, but it wasn’t the same as it was before. What he once called his workplace was transformed into ruins, with the lives of many of his friends and coworkers taken on that day. To this day, when he visits New York City from his current residence in St. Charles, Armando has not been back to Ground Zero, and he will not go back, as the memories of the towers are too much for him to handle.

“When we were flying from St. Louis to New York, there were not too many people on the plane,” Armando said. “When we were arriving to New York, the plane flew over the Hudson River, and the pilot said ‘on the left side.’ So we all moved to the left side to see the area. It was touching, because you can see the spot where the building was, and it looked like a giant tree was pulled out.”

Walking into school, I kept my head up. I had a level of maturity to where I didn’t let this affect me or them. I was older so I knew more. I was not scared and I personally found it interesting how I would get those mean looks.

What was it like walking into school knowing your students/ classmates knew you were a Muslim?

I had to deal with a lot of rude comments from one side of my family whenever I would wear my headpiece around them.

How did this affect you in a way, since you are a Muslim?

I knew I had to start dealing with stereotypes that supposedly [all] Muslims are bad and terrorists.

Did the attack on the World Trade Center affect you in any way?

BRACE FOR LANDING Sandy Fletcher experienced Sept. 11 at 35,000 feet

by Bryce Fletcher

brycefletcher517@gmail.com | @bfletcher23

S

uspended at an altitude of 35,000 feet, she sips her grande caramel macchiato and completes the Mensa Quiz in the Skymall Magazine, easily. She flips to another page and begins on the crossword puzzle. For Sandy Fletcher, this was a routine.

“I’ve flown dozens of times before,” Fletcher said. “I didn’t think that this flight would be any different.”

Fletcher was flying from Lambert International Airport to Melbourne, Fla. for a contractor meeting. It was something she had done many times, but this time it was different.

“About two hours into the flight the captain came onto the speaker and said, ‘Folks, I don’t really know how to tell you this,’ and I thought he was going to tell us we were about to crash,” Fletcher said. “It felt like five minutes before he finally said ‘there has been an attack on the World Trade Center, two planes have been hijacked and at this moment, there is a third suspected hijacking.’ It was something I had never imagined.”

The flight took off from St. Louis at 7:10 a.m. on Sept. 1, and approximately two hours into the flight, the plane was ordered to land at a small airport in Macon, Ga. When they landed the passengers were escorted to a metal shed, which doubled as the airport.

“We got off the plane and no one said a word to each other, we were all in such disbelief,” Fletcher said. “We were moved to the waiting area and were all allowed to call our families. I remember there was a flight attendant who lost her husband in the attacks on the World Trade Center in 1993, and her fiance was working in

the towers that day. I never saw her get a hold of him.”

In the waiting area there was only a small television screen for them to see the news. Due to the crowds in the room, they were unable to see the destruction in New York at the time.

“We called in to work and asked what we were supposed to do,” Fletcher said. “We got the last car out of Macon and drove all the way to Tennessee that night. All that was on the radio was talk about what happened, but it didn’t seem real. It wasn’t until almost 12 hours after the first attacks that we arrived at a motel in Nashville and saw what had happened.”

After her stop in Nashville, Fletcher continued her journey back to St. Louis, back to her job where she remained curious about the effects on the agency. Fletcher is a Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, a government program that provides satellite images of countries across the world. These images are analyzed for military strategy and foreign aid.

“Being in the business that we’re in and defending our country, it was hard to see,” Fletcher said. “So many things have changed since then with defense spending and the effort to destroy terrorists. There was a major funding increase to Homeland Security and to counter terrorism.”

As each anniversary of the attacks passes, Fletcher keeps that day in mind, stating that it reminds her to take every moment she has as a gift.

“Everyday on Sept. 11, my coworker that was with me and I talk,” Fletcher said. “We talk about our lives, how it’s been because we both just get it. No one else I talk to knows what it was like to be on board that plane.”

For me, I leaned on God more than ever and everything that happened seemed surreal. Literally, when I turned on the TV, all I saw were the towers falling or [I would be] hearing about terrorists.

Tell me about the days after the Twin Towers were no more?

Who treated you differently during that time?

Many of my extended family who are non-Muslims and even my close friends, who went through everything with me. Just seeing my immediate family hurt made me upset because I knew I couldn’t do anything about it.

(Source: Worldpics)

For at least two or three days, I watched the towers go down over and over, just seeing it, and [seeing] people hurt and upset, made it worse.

There was an aftershock. It was truly a low point honestly.

How were the days after 9/11 happened?

26

reliving the past

The North Star newspaper and Excalibur yearbook’s past coverage on 9/11

In the edition of the North Star that released on Sept. 20, 2001 the North Star covered 6 pages informing readers of the events taking place on Sept.

11.

The lower half of the page shared photos of officers searching Lambert Airport, passengers at airports and other effects of Sept. 11 on Saint Louis.

The North Star ran a story about members of the community’s reactions to the towers falling while at Lambert Airport.

The top half of the page shows photos of how individual citizens reacted to the events of Sept. 11.

The Excalibur had a story dedicated to how students coped with the events. Some students donated blood or raised money.

The Excalibur Yearbook dedicated two pages to the events of Sept. 11. It featured a timeline of the events of the day as well as how the members of the community showed support for the victims of the events. It also featured opinions from students on how the country should respond to the attacks.

27

(Photos By Alex Rowe)

changes throughout U.s. security After the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 many changes happened all throughout security and law enforcement

by McKayla Bogda

mckayla5bogda@gmail.com | @mbogda5

(Photo Submitted)

The attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 changed many people’s lives, from the victims, to the average American citizen and to the departments of security all across the country. That day caused for all kinds of security and law enforcement to rethink their plans to maintain the safety of the public. The changes have helped prevent some attacks, but the departments feel that events could still happen.

New Laws and Departments The United States responded to the attack by creating the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). After the attacks on Sept. 11, Missouri was the first state to create an office of Homeland Security. Along with the new departments came new laws, such as the Patriot Act, which made it so the United States has the programs and technology needed to detect and prevent another event from happening. Another law made was the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act, which required the Immigration Service and State Department to inform each other of visa and immigrant information and make the information easily accessible.

“One of the biggest changes was the federal and local law enforcements had to communicate more,” Michael Grzyb, Battalion Chief of the Fire Department in St. Charles, said.

Airport Technology and Administration Changes The Transportation Service Administration (TSA), part of the DHS, is in charge of airports now. Before Sept. 11, airport security was mostly controlled by private contractors, but now TSA is in charge of it. In November 2001, Congress passed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which created TSA through which many of the

changes in security in airports came from. TSA’s mission is to prevent another terrorist attack from happening. Once TSA was in charge, changes such as X-ray machines, explosive-detecting machines and full-body scanners were put in place, so nothing goes through uninspected. Also, friends and families can no longer walk with the person flying to the gate, only people with tickets can get through now.

“The atmosphere was different,” a worker for customs and border protection said. “Much more serious. We knew that moving forward, the stakes were much higher. We now knew that we had to be much more vigilant because they had exploited a vulnerability of everyday American life.”

Law Enforcement Refocus Programs Along with airport security, many others forms of security had to make changes too. There are anti-terrorism officers in every zone of Missouri.

Different levels of law enforcement had to learn how to communicate with each other so they would be prepared in a situation of terrorism.

Part of the reason why so many people in law enforcement lost their lives on Sept. 11 was because they were unable to communicate with each other, so now they have radios and systems in the event that something would happen.

Before Sept. 11, firefighters thought of terrorism as more of the police’s job, but afterward it became more of a focus for them. They have developed programs about how to recognize and respond to an event in a safe manner. Also, firefighters train with the police so they know exactly what each other will be doing in the event of another terrorist attack.

“Our main focus is to save as many lives as possible,” Grzyb said. “We want to make sure that we do it in an informed way that is safe for our personnel and saves as many people as we can.”

28

AN UNEXPECTED TURN

A beautiful day off work for Brian Orlando became a national nightmare

Biggest event of their lives Sept. 11 began as a normal day. Adults worked, kids went to school and many enjoyed the nice weather. That all changed at 8:46 a.m. when Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower.

Americans then realized that what started out as a beautiful day was anything but. The following are stories from family members who watched the events of 9/11 play out, knowing that their country would never be quite the same again.

by Bella Orlando romagir66@gmail.com

Planes. Crash. Smoke. Death. All of these words can describe the horrific events that occurred on Sept. 11.

America paused. Airports closed. Schools locked down. Bold, flashing words reading “Explosion in New York City” expanded across TV screens, painting a picture of fear in Brian Orlando’s head.

“Terrible, terrible event,” Orlando said. “It’s hard to believe something like that could happen. It was saddening and frustrating that it did happen. Just so unbelievable. You wondered if people you knew were there, and it turns out that a guy that was a really good friend of a friend, and I played soccer with his brother was there, and he died. My cousin Nick worked in the city and lived in Jersey. He said you could see all the smoke, rubble and damage.

Basically everything changed in the United States.”

On Sept. 11, 2001 the U.S. changed. The country was invaded, and this was the first time many people experienced such a huge, impactful event that happened on U.S. territory.

“We were attacked on home soil by Middle Eastern terrorists,” Orlando said. “They hijacked four planes.

They flew two of the planes in New York at the World Trade Center and the third plane into the Pentagon.

The fourth plane was meaning to crash somewhere but the passengers overthrew the terrorists and ended up crashing into a field in Pennsylvania.”

For most people, Sept. 11, started out as a normal day. People went to work and kids went to school.

No one was really prepared for what happened on that day. Orlando was excited: he finally had a day off work. He was going to spend it with his daughters. Little did he know his good day was going to take an unexpected turn.

“Well, on Sept. 11, I remember I was off work and I was going to take [my daughters] to the park,” Orlando said. “But the TV was on before we left, and they were talking about an explosion at the World Trade Center. I just thought it was talking about

TEACHING THROUGH TRAGEDY Sept. 11 was a normal school day for Jennifer Wise until she heard the news

by Sydney Wise swise475@gmail.com

29

the anniversary of the bomb that happened in the parking garage. So we left and had a good day. On our way home we stopped at Dierberg’s to get food and people were talking about it, so we hurried home and it was all over the TV. Crazy.”

Many people didn’t know how to react toward such a traumatic event like Sept. 11. Some were angry and frustrated, some were scared and confused. Orlando explains how he was stunned, how this tragedy consumed his life. He was scared, yet it made him have gratitude toward his fellow Americans who came together and the men and women who protected us during this time.

“I was just in shock, I couldn’t believe it,” Orlando said. “I was mad and felt horrible for the people that were there. The situation pretty much dominated not just mine but most of American’s lives. I’ve never watched the news more in my life than I ever did during that time.”

There are many times in history when the U.S. has been there to offer foreign aid to other countries.

But other than candle-lit vigils and prayers, no other countries were really there to support us in this time when we were struggling, according to Orlando.

“This may sound controversial to say, but I don’t care,” Orlando said. “We took care of ourselves during this. We dug ourselves out of this. But when a disaster happens in other countries we have to go help them, there were a lot of other countries that didn’t help us the way we usually help them.”

Some Americans describe the aftermath as a bit inspiring because the country banded together.

The U.S. came together as one, hand in hand, and showed empathy and sympathy. All together the U.S. was on the same page.

“It was just shocking and weird because it brought the country together,” Orlando said.

“There hasn’t been more patriotism than it ever has in my whole entire life. But unfortunately it has probably disbanded at this point. Just you saw flags everywhere, and people supporting the first responders and military. So just a horrible event brought us closer.”

Teacher Jennifer Wise sat on the top floor of St. Mary’s High School. It was Sept. 11, 2001. She had her TV on and she was taking care of the kids in her class.

As she was feeding the kids, she overheard the news.

Her co-worker rushed in just moments after to see if she’d heard yet.

On Sept. 11 2001, the terrorist group al-Qaida attacked the Pentagon and the World Trade Center in New York City. Over 2,000 people were killed and over 6,000 others were injured.

“It makes you realize everything you have can be

WHEN THE ASH CLEARED

WATCHING FROM WORK

Chris Askew’s company had workers in the World Trade Center that day

Kristi Kendrick remembers what it was like to see the tragedy unfold on the news from her office

by Zach Askew

by MacKayla Kendrick

I.T. worker Chris Askew walked into work at 8 a.m., but little did he know that five minutes later, the event he would call the biggest news event of his life would occur. He also wouldn’t think twice about his employees that worked in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

“At that time, I was at work and our company had employees in one of those buildings,” Askew said. “I started wondering what would happen to the people that I work with and if they would be OK or not.”

Sept. 11, 2001 is a significant day in history because it is the day that thousands of people died and two major buildings fell. It is a day that will be remembered for centuries to come.

“I was at work and it was about 8:00-8:30 a.m. in the morning and the company that I worked for had offices in Washington D.C. and in New York City in one of the World Trade Center buildings,” Askew said.

Askew remembers watching it happen, watching innocent people rush out of a crashing building and trying to find their friends and family. He couldn’t comprehend it. He just knew it wasn’t an accident.

“A little while later another airplane crashed into the second tower, and I thought, how could that be accidental there is no way it could be accidental,” Askew said.

After all the chaos ended and the dust and ash had cleared, Askew remembered it being so important to him because of the magnitude. It was so unpredicted and difficult to realize.

“I was first in disbelief that it had happened,” Askew said. “When I found out why I was angry, and I was sad for all those involved that lost their life.”

He remembered feeling a whole clutter of emotions. Anger. Sadness.

Confusion. It opened the eyes of a lot of Americans that day. It made them realize how easily this could happen. It also made the U.S. come together and grow stronger in some ways.

“It made me realize that it could happen, would happen and will happen again,” Askew said.

To this day, people still remember Sept. 11 and all of its tragedies. They remember the sight of the planes crashing, the sound of the buildings falling and waiting for the dust to clear.

“It’s being able to trust anybody and people from other countries,” Askew said.

“It makes you think that what you do can body parts were collected impact the rest of the world. We should be from the Twin Towers. sure to do the right thing for the rest of the (Source: theguardian) world and not just for us.”

Sept. 11, 2001. A day that America would remember forever, even average Americans like Kristi Kendrick, mom of two. Almost 11 years later, it still takes victim’s breaths away and even children who weren’t alive yet and only hear stories know. Kristi remembers the day like it was yesterday.

“The whole world just stopped,” Kendrick said. “Nobody was working.”

Kendrick was one of millions who were emotionally traumatized on Sept. 11. Americans couldn’t foresee what was coming that day, or how the country would be changed forever. Kristi was an average, single mother of two. That morning after she overslept, her ex-husband Daniel Kendrick got there to watch the kids and she headed for work.

“I woke up late so I was rushing to get ready,” Kendrick said. “Then I got in the car to drive to work. About 10 minutes before arriving, I heard the radio. I couldn’t believe it. I think my jaw literally dropped. I remember watching the sky the rest of my drive to work.”

Once she arrived at her State Farm office, it looked like something she had never seen before. People weren’t working. Computer keys weren’t clicking. Notes weren’t being taken. It was surreal to her. She mentioned that it was like America just stopped in sync to listen to the news.

“When I showed up to work, nobody was moving,” Kendrick said. “All eyes were glued to the television, tears running down my coworkers’ faces. It was so weird for work to be completely silent besides the news reporter.”

After what happened on Sept. 11, many Americans were terrified of planes or traveling in general. Kendrick had to do both. Just a couple of days after the attack, she had to fly to Saint Louis for work and to look for houses, as her family was relocating there. She kissed her children goodbye and prayed on the way to the airport.

“I had to fly to Saint Louis, I think it was three days later because I was looking at homes for us to move into,” Kendrick said. “I was actually nervous and the security was so precise and strict. I felt like a prisoner.”

It has been 15 years since the attack on America and not a day goes by that Kendrick doesn’t thank God for still having her family.

“I am just very blessed that I personally did not lose anybody that day because so many lives were lost and so many special people with families,” Kendrick said.

Many lives were lost that day; 2,996 to be exact, according to CNN, and many families suffered in the aftermath.

“I will always be speechless at what happened to innocent people who couldn’t see it coming,” Kendrick said.

zmaskew1@gmail.com

mackaylaprivate@gmail.com

19,500

gone in a second,” Wise said.

Wise sat watching the TV. As the second plane hit, she thought it was a replay of the first crash until she could see the first building destroyed in the background.

She remembers saying “holy crap” as she watched the live footage on the television.

“It was the biggest thing that’s ever happened in my life,” Wise said.

Most of Wise’s students were too young to comprehend what was happening on the television,

but she and her co-worker sat in front of it in disbelief. They soon turned off the TV because they were afraid that some of the children would be able to realize what was happening.

“I think everyone was in shock,” Wise said.

Even though the television was off and Wise went back to work, she still couldn’t get her mind off of it.

“I don’t even know how to explain it,” Wise said. “It was really surreal.”

Wise’s panic later began to really set in when she thought about her family.

“My cousin was there on a business trip, so I was terrified,” Wise said.

She called her cousin multiple times, unable to get an answer. The rest of her family also tried reaching her, and luckily she was alright.

Fifteen years later, Wise still thinks back on that day every once in awhile. She still remembers everything that happened, including what she said and what she did.

“It was a horrible, life changing experience for everyone,” Wise said.

30

SCHEDULE SOFTBALL 9/22 FHN VS FHHS: HOME 9/23 FHN VS MHS: AWAY 9/27 FHN VS FZW: AWAY

GIRLS’ TENNIS 9/23 FHN VS PCHS: AWAY

CROSS COUNTRY 9/23 HAZELWOOD WEST 10/1 PARKWAY WEST 10/6 GACs

Sophomore Luke Davis smiles up at his teammates as he finishes his swim. Davis swam in the 50 meter and 100 meter races against FZS and Holt at the Saint Peters Rec-Plex. In the 50 meter race Davis finished with a time of 29.2 seconds. “I wish I swam a little harder at the beginning but my times increased which was a really good thing,” Davis said. (Photo by Alex Rowe)

HIGH HOPES FOR BOYS’ SWIM AND DIVE SEASON

SWIMMING 9/22 FHN VS FZN/WASH 9/26 FHN VS FHC/HZW 10/1 FZN INVITATIONAL

With a new school year, comes a new season and start as Head Coach Steve Kelly prepares the boys’ swim and dive team for their next meets on Sept. 22 and Sept.

25. As the team members learn new strokes and dives, sophomore swimmer Luke Davis sets a few individual

goals for the season.

“My goal is to improve my time on the 50 free and possibly see if I can make it to state,” Davis said. “Last year I was pretty close, but not close enough.” (Brief by Sarah Zimmerman)

FOOTBALL

VARSITY SOFTBALL STARTS OFF SEASON WITH A BANG

9/23 FHN VS FHC: AWAY 9/30 FHN VS TBHS: HOME 10/7 FHN VS THS: HOME

SOCCER 9/22 FHN VS SDHS: HOME 9/27 FHN VS FHC: HOME 9/29 FHN VS FZW: AWAY

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL 9/22 FHN VS TBHS: AWAY 9/27 FHN VS FHC: HOME 10/4 FHN VS THS: AWAY

On August 28 Julia Hanan and the Varsity Knights played against the Troy Trojans. The Ladies lost 16-4 but plan to regain a win with their next game. “We’re playing pretty good to start this season, so just getting to do the little things right and getting to play mistake-free softball,” sophomore Julia Hanan said. (Photo by Haleigh Schlogl)

"

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SPORTS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY MCKAYLA BOGDA

This softball season, the varsity team stepped up their game with hopes to go far in the post-season. The team has come together to try and reach their goal by using their practice time after school to improve their skills.

“We are a very solid team that works well with each other,” sophomore Julia Hanan said.

Last year, varsity made it to the quarterfinals before losing to Marquette. This year, the team is working to advance to state.

“Hopefully we can repeat as District and Sectional champs and win our quarterfinal game to get to State,” Varsity Assistant Coach Mike Freedline said. (Brief by Hannah Wilson)

Briana Schmidt takes a swing at the ball at the Incarnate Word golf match. “This season is going good, some have hopes to qualify for State,” said Coach Chris Witthaus. (Photo

by Aaron Dupske)

Freshman Emily Hood poses with a volleyball. Hood is the only freshman who made varsity. “I was really excited, I’ve been playing and working hard for a long time so it was nice that it paid off,” Hood said. (Photo by Morgan Bales)

CLOSE TEAM, INDIVIDUAL SPORT

FRESH FACE, FRESH TALENT

As individualized as golf is, the Lady Knights are still a team, and that’s exactly how they act. The ladies practice every day and since freshman year, the veterans have stepped up to fill the role of leaders.

“We are all really close, we’re pretty much best friends,” junior

Emily Hood is a freshman on varsity volleyball and has been playing since she was 7 years old.

Emily plays middle blocker and has practiced vigorously to get where she is. She realized she was better than most at around 5 grade and she has always been above average. She’s always wanting to

Briana Schmidt said.

Coach Witthaus and the girls both agree they are more of a team this year.

“The unity of the team is important, golf is so individualized but you have to be able to rely on your teammates.” (Brief by Stacy Beasley)

improve but she’s not sure if she wants to play volleyball when she’s in college.

Being a competitive person, Emily hopes her team makes the playoffs this year.

“The season’s going really well, it’s a big adjustment from before,” Emily said.. (Brief by Stacy Beasley)

NEW COACH, NEW SEASON, STRONG GOALS

The Varsity Girls’ Tennis team huddles together listening to their new coach to prepare for their next game on Sept 23 at Parkway Central at 3:30. “It’s been going really well,” junior Rhe’Aun Griffin said, “She has helped me out a lot this season.” (Photo by Emily Beihle)

The girls varsity tennis team is optimistic about their season. With a new coach and a strong 12-member team, they are all enthusiastic about how far they will go.

“I am excited about the season,” new Head Coach Beth Jameson said. “The girls are doing good and we have had some good matches so far. I feel like we have potential to do well in GACs and Sectionals and go on to State. I see the girls are playing better every day.”

With a new head coach, the girls on the team are having to adjust to a different coaching style. Coach Jameson relies more on working on the drills and tries to

further the players through real play time.

“It’s a lot different than having our old coach because she had a very set way of doing things, but Coach J. is doing a great job and working really hard,” junior Maddie Oswald said.

The tennis team has two-hour practices five days a week with an optional Saturday practice. Their next home match is Sept. 25 against Parkway North.

Parkway North has proven to be a tough opponent for FHN in the past.

“I am excited to see the girls play them again,” Jameson said. “They are always a good match for us and they give us good practice.” (Brief by Heidi Hauptman)

SPORTS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY MCKAYLA BOGDA

32

A NEW SPORT IN A NEW LIFE Ukrainian foreign exchange student Anastasia Krasun runs Cross Country

by Sarah Zimmerman volleyballtwin8@gmail.com

After years of aspiring to travel to the U.S., Ukrainian foreign-exchange student Anastasia “Stas” Krasun has finally made it and is living her American dream while learning to fit in and adjust to U.S. culture by running with the cross country team for the first time.

“I knew that I always wanted [to come to the U.S.], so I’m just really happy and blessed, and technically I’m living the dream,” Krasun said.

However, living the dream requires leaving everything she was used to in Ukraine. To face the new world, the cross country team helps guide Krasun in her school and social life.

“They definitely support me in making friends and knowing each other better,” Krasun said. “They definitely help me adjust in the school life and every time I see each of them in the school they say hi and act like we’re best friends, so they’re very helpful in this point.”

Not only has she received help from her fellow crosscountry runners and friends, but she’s already left her mark on the team by bringing a new attitude and motivation to the team.

“She’s a really positive person and I think she’s really bringing a lot of excitement and different experiences,” sophomore To find out more about teammate Hannah DeGraw said. how Anastasia adjusts “She’s a really supportive teammate to her new life in the and it’s really nice having her on the U.S., go to team for that.” goo.gl/hDTJtG Both students and coaches have high hopes for the season with the runners encouraging each other as they continue to strive for greatness. By pushing each other both during the runs and in school, the cross country team aspires to have a great season, with special anticipation for Krasun’s first season ever.

“I think she’ll do well as long as she pushes herself in practice and keeps working away up the ranks,” Head Coach Kim Martin said.

As everyone perseveres to meet their personal finish lines, Krasun sprints throughout the season with a certain special smile, making her optimism for the season contagious.

“I just love it and I think that our team is just great and will improve and develop and grow and it’s going to be a great season,” Krasun said. “It’s anyway going to be a great season for me because it’s my one and only cross country season so I’m just super thankful and appreciative for what I have and the people around me everyday in these practices, especially coaches and friends.”

WATCH

On Friday, Aug. 26, Anastasia Krasun competed in the First Capital Cross Country Meet for their first meet of the season. The JV boys and girls ran together in a 5K race around the park at 5:15 p.m. Clayton High School took first place. (Photo by Alex Rowe)

33

SPORTS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY ANTHONY KRISTENSEN

Juniors and seniors prepare for the annual Powder Puff game this upcoming month to support their grade and kick off the homecoming celebration. The girls practiced Sept 13. and Sept. 20 from 6:307:30 p.m. The players wear matching customized jerseys as a tradition along with their class number and colors on the back. (Photo illustration by Morgan Bales)

The Tradition Continues The annual Powder Puff game continues to be a large part of homecoming week and gives students and everyone involved an opportunity to show school spirit

by Heidi Hauptman

game day. The girls meet at school at 5:45 the night of the event to prepare. heidihauptman9@gmail.com | @HauptmanHeidi “My favorite part about playing in Powder Puff is being the This year the junior and senior girls will take the football wide receiver and actually being good at it,” senior Jessica field in the annual Powder Puff game. The game Jones said. will take place on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will Lindsey Scheller and Johnson do a lot of work be sold for $3 in advance and $5 at the door. For to organize the Powder Puff game to ensure that over 10 years, the Powder Puff game has been it’s a great event for everyone involved. There Junior and senior one of KOE’s fundraisers and has gotten students aren’t any changes being made to the event or girls prepare for excited about homecoming. The profits made the organization this year that are different than Powder Puff: from the game goes to all of the things that KOE previous years. Last year, the graduated senior goo.gl/py8Igx does throughout the year to recognize students class of 2016 won with a score of 147-70. and teachers.

“I think it is a good way to show your school “It’s a tradition at this point to get the upperclassmen spirit, so even if you’re not a junior or a senior you can cheer excited about homecoming and it’s a super fun school event on whoever you want to win,” Johnson said. “It’s a good time for everyone to attend and participate in,” KOE sponsor to hang out with your friends and a great way to have some Stephanie Johnson said. community involvement because we have a lot of parents This year, 64 junior and 78 senior girls will get dressed up in and people around who want to come watch. Even if you’re their jerseys. They will have two school-run practices before not a junior or a senior you should come just for the fun.”

WATCH

WHO WON?

2015

Seniors 147-70

2014

Juniors 84-72

2013

Seniors 161-77

2012

Seniors 99-70

2011

Seniors 119-98

2010

Seniors 77-70

2009

Seniors 105-91

2008

Seniors 105-91

2007

Seniors 113-91

2006

Juniors 70-63

2005

Juniors 126-105

SPORTS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY HEIDI HAUPTMAN

34

Donnell Hawkins’ mom, Laura Hawkins, cheers along side the Goonies at the varsity football game against Fort Zumwalt South.

Hawkins has come up with some of the chants the Goonies cheer. The Knights won 43-27. (Photo by Sam Alexander)

COLLECT THEM ALL

Collect all of the North Star Trading Cards in this edition of the newspaper. The cards have information about Knights and their activities.

Audrey forth

football mom SCORES big ON School spirit

Laura Hawkins fires up the student section at football games

by Hannah Wilson

hannahmae691@gmail.com | @hannahwilson30

B

right lights, whistles blowing and crowds cheering. These are all to be expected at high school football games.

But one voice stands out above the rest. Laura Hawkins, senior Donnell Hawkins’ mom, is the person who decides what cheers to do and when to do them for the student section.

“I started leading the cheers in the student section when Donnell was a freshman,” Laura said. “I wanted to support my son first of all, and then again, it’s in me. I’m a cheerleader. You know, 52. I’m a cheerleader, I’m a cheerleader at heart. And my mouth is big.”

On a spur-of-the-moment decision, Laura stood up and took control of the student section, and it’s only gone up from there. For the next three years, Laura has got the crowd going and helped the players feel support.

“I feel like there is somebody in the stands that does have my back and [is] always there for me,” senior and son Donnell Hawkins says. “Without her there, it’s kinda down and depressing.”

Laura uses her background as a cheerleader to stir up school spirit. Because she was a cheerleader, she has the skills to get everyone excited.

“I like how involved she gets,” senior and Goonies leader Nicolas Savala said. “Like when

I do the chants, sometimes it falls flat, but when she does the chant, everyone gets in on it because everyone is like ‘Oh, that’s Donnell’s mom.’”

Laura’s passion and energy allows the student section to get more involved in the game and understand what’s happening on the field.

When the student section starts to get loud, the football team responds and tries to score. When they score, the crowd gets louder, so they end up encouraging each other.

“Everyone loves her and her energy always gets everyone up even when we’re losing,” junior Jordan Chapple said. “She adds a bunch of positive energy.”

It is unusual to see parents take the task of leading the student section, but Laura will do whatever it takes to help the football team win.

“I think she’s trying to bridge a gap between our spectators and our student fans so anytime we can have that happen will always be a positive,” Activities Director Mike Janes said.

The whole goal for Laura was to get the student section interested in what was going on in the game, and by doing that, she was able to support the football team. By having a cheering crowd, the team is able to get excited and try and score to keep the energy going.

“If we’re loud and radical, and all of that, that gets them fired up out there and the crowd and the school fired up, and I believe that sometimes that helps them win,” Laura said.

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Tennis

Years Playing: One PR: N/A Other Hobbies: Vice President of French Club, Class Treasurer and Mentor Fav Moment: Has no memory but hopes to make new ones Card by Olivia Fetsch | Photo by Aaron Dupske

Malik Johnson

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Football Years Playing: Four PR: 135 yard receiving, an interception, eight tackles and a fumble recovery Other Hobbies: Singing Fav Moment: “Starting the season off 1-0 with new coaches and teammates.”

Card by Olivia Fetsch | Photo by Riley McCrackin

brenden mollett

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Cross Country

Years Playing: Four PR: 18:38 in 5k

Other Hobbies: Track in the spring and roller hockey Fav Moment: “I always love the Forest Park meet.”

Card by Chris St. Aubin | Photo by Aaron Dupske

" SPORTS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY HANNAH WILSON

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Cut the cards out and collect them all Learn about your fellow Knights and support school sports and activities. Let us know what you think by tweeting us @ FHNtoday with a picture of you with the trading cards.

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MORE THAN JUST A GAME New football Head Coach Brett Bevill stresses character and leadership on and off the field for a more positive impact on players’ futures N

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reader524@gmail.com|@ngs524

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The new head football coach Brett Bevill walks amongst his excited players on Aug. 29 facing Northwest. Before coming to North, Bevill was a coach at Fort Zumwalt East. This was the Knights’ first game of the season and won with a score of 54-26. (Photo by Kyra Peper)

Football is all about being bigger, faster and stronger than the opposing team, but that’s not all it takes.

New Head Coach Brett Bevill stresses character development and leadership skills this season and has already seen a positive change in the players.

“Eventually, everyone puts the pads away,” Bevill said. “A very low percentage actually play pro, so we talk a lot about how we want them to be better brothers and better husbands and better sons after they’re done with our program than they are better football players.”

To address the lack of leadership he saw in the past, Bevill started what he calls “Above the Line.”

Coaches bring out lines for the players to walk over, symbolizing the transition from life to field and reminding players to work hard and to be of good character.

“I feel like in their mindset, [players] are a lot more prepared,” quarterback Connor Gallagher said. “They know that hard challenges will be in front of them, but I think they’ve changed their attitude toward the way they take [challenges]. Instead of going away from them, they face them now and conquer them.”

Bevill works with other groups to promote school

SPORTS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY JAKE PRICE

spirit and togetherness. From the band leading players onto the field to Knightline and cheer interacting with the crowd, students have noticed a change.

“I think the whole idea of football has been a lot more positive this year,” junior Danielle Gallahan said.

“We started off with a winning season, and I think everyone’s excited about that. The band’s playing with everybody, and I think the students in general are enjoying it a lot more.”

The team also works on physical training, including weightlifting and conditioning. Bevill believes that physical readiness plus Want more on this the team’s positive attitude topic? Follow this link will carry them to success for to see more about the the rest of the season. new football coach: “If we can come together, goo.gl/da4924 and if we’re all ready to play and ready to go, I’ve been telling them since day one that we can compete with anybody,” Bevill said. “I don’t care who it is. When we fall off is when we get selfish, when we don’t hold up those beliefs, when we’re not the hardest-working team. If we’re all here, if we’re all above the line, then we can play anybody. I believe that.”

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Risk it for the biscuit

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THE HOT TOPIC OF...

DRAWSTRING VS BOOKBAGS

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OPINIONS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY SAMMIE HERR

@rachelarena8

@NicolasSavala1

@rachelludwiggg

just incase anyone was wondering Harambe got 42 homecoming court votes

I’ve slept all day so far and I don’t regret it one bit

The things I would do for a fat bowl of ice cream right now

THE CHOICE THAT REALLY HAS YOUR BACK

by Noah Slaughter

reader524t@gmail.com | @twitter

High schoolers carry a lot. We’re expected to lug around notebooks, textbooks, pencils, homework, lunchboxes and other cumbersome school supplies. To achieve this feat, we’ve been graced with the invention of the backpack: a midsized cloth vessel in which we stow our most beloved - or hated - possessions. The backpack is a friend to every high schooler and is clearly superior to its younger and more athletic cousin: the drawstring bag. Traditional backpacks are larger, which means they can carry more, and they come in more styles than drawstring bags.

The main purpose of a bag is to carry our belongings. They do the dirty work that our arms are too lazy or incapacitated to do. Imagine: the bell rings and you have to dash to your next class. Instead of throwing your trig textbook into your book bag, you have to carry it in your arms. The humanity. That’s why traditional bags are better. The average student can have anywhere from one to four or five

textbooks at once, plus folders, binders, notebooks and more. Drawstring bags do a really nice job of carrying everything, but book bags can simply carry more.

The string bag is the Volkswagen Bug of bags, not really apt to carry heavy loads.

On the other hand, bookbags are the Ford F-150 of the baggage universe. They do the heavy work when no one else can, making book bags the more practical and obvious choice.

Book bags also come in many different styles. From fashionable to casual, expensive to cheap, book bags have a customization factor that string bags simply cannot claim to beat. Drawstring bags come in one style: athletic. This is a fine style, but many students want something a little different. Brands like Converse, Jansport and more offer customization options to compliment every student’s desired look.

On the surface, book bags and string bags are both fine modes of school supply transportation. However, traditional backpacks are more dependable because of their larger holding capacity and are more customizable thanks to their different styles.

STUDENT-PICKed FAVORITE BAGS “It [the bag] has a lot of pockets for schools supplies. I can keep all of my pencils in the bag.”

Ethan Winchester, 10

“I like that it’s really sturdy and durable I’ve have it since last year and it’s hasn’t broken. I also really like that there’s pockets for each of my school supplies.”

Mark Van Coutren, 12

“There’s a lot of room to keep my books for all of my classes.”

Drew Meier, 10

PULLING THE RIGHT KIND OF STRINGS

by Jake Price

japrice024@gmail.com | @dragonjake158

Most students in school have one of two types of bags they use throughout the school year. One is a drawstring bag and the other is a book bag. Each bag has their advantages and their disadvantages, but a drawstring bag is definitely more handy and unique to use in school than a book bag.

Space is everything to a person, especially to students. Regular, old book bags are just too big to place anywhere. You can’t store it in a locker, under a desk or even under a lunch table. However, drawstring bags are the perfect size to place in any locker, room or any space in general. Also with book bags being so big, it’s hard for students and teachers to walk down the hallway when there is a large book bag in front of them, especially in a crowded space like the butterfly hallway.

Compared to book bags, drawstring bags are easier to open and require little to no effort. All you have to do is pull the top of the bag to open, and then pull the laces to close the bag. With book bags, however, they have zippers that can easily get stuck, and could create even more problems accessing the bag. Also, the laces on a drawstring bag hold the bag really tight so that nothing will fall out.

With book bags having so many compartments it’s very easy to lose or misplace something important. Drawstring bags are the answer to this problem. The only compartments drawstring bags have are usually just one. You can easily separate items in your drawstring bag and still easily find them in a short amount of time.

Book bags and drawstring bags are commonly used in school, but you can use drawstring bags for anything at any place. Drawstring bags are easier to use at gyms, public showers or at any event because of their size and mobility. You can easily fit small, important things for a trip to the zoo, and not have to worry about carrying a large backpack around all day.

There is something unique you can do with drawstring bags that aren’t very common with book bags. You can customize a drawstring bag. The design of a custom drawstring bags can have any of the following things: a different color, a different logo, a different picture, a different size and a different shape. Having a bag that is uniquely different is a lot more appealing than having the same bag like everyone else.

Even though book bags have some good advantages like having more room for more stuff, the drawstring bag, ultimately, is the better choice to make if you want to have an easier time through the school year.

OPINIONS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY SAMMIE HERR

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TOP EIGHT:

places to eat in st.louiS From pizza to pancakes, here are eight of the best places to eat in St. Louis

by Stacy Beasley

sbeazley125@gmail.com | @sbeazley125

DON’T BREATHE IS LEAVING VIEWERS BREATHLESS

By Olivia Fetsch

oliviafetsch2001@gmail.com | @livvyfetsch

“Don’t Breathe” is a horror movie about a trio of burglars in need of money to get out of town, so they decide to rob a blind vet with $1 million in his home. I liked how we got to see a little history of the characters’ lives in the movie to get why they needed the money.

Also, within the first 15 minutes, the action already started. For an 88-minute movie it could not have been a minute shorter. It grasped my attention the whole time, and all the twists in the movie kept me on the edge of my chair.

Unlike most scary movies, there were no ghosts or evil spirits, just a blind man with a whole lot of anger. Also, I sided with the criminals because of all the things that they went through inside of the house.

I didn’t recognize most of the actors but one that did catch my eye was Jane Levy.

She really played a good role as one of the robbers.

This movie has definitely made my top 10 list because it’s unlike most scary movies leaving me scared to go to bed. It left me wanting more of the story. I wanted to see what was going to happen next.

If I could have changed one thing about the movie I really wouldn’t change anything.

Everything was great: the sound, the camera position, even the brightness since the movie was filmed mostly in the darkness.

This movie has me waiting for the sequel.

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OPINIONS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY STACY BEASLEY

1. Spiro’s Spiro’s is more of a Mediterranean style restaurant, with tasty Italian, Greek and American options on the menu. It can get kind of expensive depending on what you get, but their food makes all of it worth it.

2. Pi Pizzeria Pi Pizzeria has got to be some of the best pizza in the universe.

If you’re a pizza lover, you’re going to love this place. They serve a menu of creative deep dish and thin crust pizzas as well as milkshakes and Fitz’s soda.

3. The Shaved Duck This place is a brick walled setting with barbecue and southern specialties.

If you’ve never tried duck, now is the time.

Also try their baby back ribs.

4. Original Pancake House This place is pretty self explanatory: they have awesome pancakes.

That’s not all though, they also serve dinner and other Americanstyle classics.

5. Gingham’s Gingham’s is more of a place you’d visit with your grandparents, but give it a chance and you’ll love it. They offer very homey American foods and their breakfast is delicious.

6. Eleven Mississippi This place has a stylish renovated atmosphere with bistro style cuisine. Their pasta is to die for and the salmon is very good as well. If you like Californian food, you’ll love this place.

7. Pappy’s This cozy local barbecue restaurant offers smoked Memphis-style barbecue and a nice laid-back atmosphere. The lines can get pretty long but it’s worth it.

8. Fountain on Locust This place is amazing.

There’s an extensive menu of homemade entrées and it’s definitely one of the best restaurants in the Lou. Their grilled cheese is delicious.

a not so wild world

Bastille returns with a new, slightly lopsided album

by Keegan Schuster

keeganschuster98@gmail.com

In an effort to further ride against the grain of modern pop music, Bastille are back on the shelves with their sophomore album, “Wild World.” Released on Sept. 9, the album serves dual purposes, both pushing the boundaries of experimentation and maintaining the band’s signature sound that won them their worldwide fame.

Much like “Bad Blood”, Bastille’s debut album, “Wild World” relies on a very precise formula, this time adding a more electronic take on their staple sound.

Despite such a sharp vision, the band seems to entirely overuse the newly found formula, leaving the end result a slight misfire. With only a handful of songs truly sticking out above the rest, the majority consists of dime a dozen upbeat pop tunes masked with repetitive samples and vocal delivery.

Though the album as a whole feels too consistent, the songs stand very strong individually. “Good Grief” serves as a fitting opener, while “An Act of Kindness” showcases the slow, emotional side of Bastille. Unfortunately, “Wild World” begins to fall flat well before its halfway point, when the track “Glory” starts a trend of unmotivated filler tracks.

Although it seems to be brought down by a cloud of catchy choruses and drum machine beats, the band’s talent is demonstrated on many levels. From an atmospheric use of guitar and piano to singer Dan Smith’s vibrato, “Wild World” will further push Bastille in their quest to the top of the pop industry.

COURT HANGS BY A THREAD

The 2016 Presidential election is now a race not only for the White House, but for the person who will choose the ninth justice of the Supreme Court. This decision will effect what party will be the majority in the courts

by Christopher St. Aubin cgs8833@gmail.com

The upcoming election has more implications on the government than what people may realize. It will decide who will pick the ninth member of the elite juris branch of the United States government, the Supreme Court. Currently, Senate Republicans are not allowing for the highest court in the United States to fully function with their reasoning based in a hypocritical fallacy.

The United States Supreme Court is comprised of nine justices who serve life terms. The President is the one whose constitutional responsibility is to appoint new justices when a vacancy appears on the bench. Since the President is always trying to have a policy impact on how the country runs, the President appoints someone who has very similar beliefs to themselves.

Our country’s court has had to operate without a ninth justice for the past seven months since Justice Antonin Scalia’s death. Scalia was appointed by a strong conservative president, Ronald Reagan, who was admired throughout the Republican Party as one of the greatest presidents of all time. Scalia was one of the most articulate leaders in neo-conservatism, which was a renaissance of conservative ideas following Reagan’s term in office that included a free-market economy and an interventionist foreign policy stance.

The Constitution outlines that it is the president’s job to appoint a new justice and then for the Senate to confirm the appointee to the bench. So, as to follow the Constitution, President Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland for the position. However, the senate has not had confirmation hearings for seven months. What is holding them up from completing their constitutional

responsibility?

Senate Republicans are acting with strong trepidation because the loss of a majority in the Supreme Court could mean that conservative legislation may be blocked and conservative ideas may not be held up in the decisions that set precedents for the future. This comes at a time when large public issues such as LGBT rights, abortion law, and Second Amendment issues are hotly debated in the Supreme Court chambers.

Therefore, with the lead of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Republicans refuse to hold hearings on Merrick Garland. Republicans hypocritically argue that the president cannot appoint justices in the final year of their term. Even though six supreme justices have been confirmed in an election year since 1900.

The Senate Republicans should not continue to refuse to complete their Constitutional responsibilities. However, since they stay steadfast in their decision to block Merrick Garland’s hearings, voters must look at the election as a race for what way the court will swing, liberal or conservative.

The country’s most controversial Supreme Court cases must be curtailed because there is, and will continue to be, gridlock within the court. Furthermore, due to the lack of cooperation the senate majority has demonstrated, our country will have to go many more months and maybe even a year or more without an effective court.

“Every day that passes with the Supreme Court below full strength impairs the people’s business in that crucially important body,” Former President Ronald Reagan said while appointing Justice Anthony Kennedy during Reagan’s last year in office.

OPINIONS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY ASHYA ROBERSON

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STUDENT TAKE:

SHOULD VOTERS PASS PROP HOWELL?

“In a way, I can see how it’s supporting the school and is helpful, but the increases in taxes could be a problem.”

MYA HUDDLESTON, 10

“I think it is a good idea. I totally support that.”

TAYLOR BEYE, 12

“I feel like it’s good because we had to drop drug testing for sports and it’s import to get back.”

TAVIA WILSON, 12

“Yes so kids can have more options for what they want to do in school.”

JAKE GRESSO, 10

NORTH STAR TAKE

MORE FUNDS FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES FHSD desperately needs to pass the upcoming Prop Howell in order to prevent future cuts to educational resources On Behalf of the Editorial Staff yourfhn@fhntoday.com | @FHNtoday

“I’d say do it because we’re on a tight budget here at school and I think it’d be a good opportunity for schools.”

MIKAYLA THEROS, 12

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On the Nov. 8 ballot St. Charles County voters have the decision whether to support the new tax levy named Proposition Howell or not.

FHSD first brought up the idea of the new tax levy after the previous proposition for a tax levy known as Prop Y failed back in August 2015.

This time, FHSD has been trying to get more information out to voters by sending home flyers, doing news stories and using social

OPINIONS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY NOAH SLAUGHTER

media to promote the passing of Proposition Howell. While Prop Y failed many have hopes that Proposition Howell will pass as it is only an additional 60-cents per $100 of property value compared to the previous tax levy proposition, Prop Y, which was planned to be raised 90-cents per $100 of property value, according to fhsdschools.org. This is something FHSD needs in order to give students an environment in which they can thrive.

Due to the failure of Prop Y, FHSD had to cut an additional $8.2 million out of the budget in

north | star Editor-in-Chief: Anthony Kristensen

Business Manager: Kayla Martinez Business: Madison Clifton Gabriel Avalos Managing Editor: Carolynn Gonzalez Design Editors: McKayla Bogda Aly Doty Content Editors: Ethan Slaughter Noah Slaughter General Staff: Stacy Beasley Heeral Patel Myah Blocker Jake Price Morgan Bridges Paige Prinster Olivia Fetsch Mackenzie Pugh Martin Groves Ashya Roberson Heidi Hauptman Samantha Schmid Samantha Herr Keegan Schuster Alex Lane Christopher St. Aubin Rebekah Maye Hannah Wilson Anna Lindquist Kylah Woods Sarah Zimmerman Editor-in-Chief of Photography: Alex Rowe Newspaper Photo Editor: Riley McCrackin Yearbook Photo Editor: Hannah Medlin Photographers: Sam Alexander Matthew Jewsen Morgan Bales Jared Kinnard Emily Biehle Bernadette Kornberger Sam Cary Kyra Peper Aaron Dupske Haleigh Schlogl Madi Graves Savannah Wandzel Kelsey Zitzner

the 2015-16 school year, cutting things such as some AP classes, tutoring and the purchase of new technology that would help students in the classroom. 36 full-time positions were also cut this year, increasing the size of the average classroom. Currently 85 percent of the budget goes to salaries, causing the district to cut even more staff and freeze the salary for the staff.

Passing this tax levy would prevent FHSD from cutting additional money out of the budget for this coming school year and solve the on-going budget problem. Cutting from the budget would also mean that the board of education would raise the question of whether or not to cut the current transportation to school that is available for students.

The district has been cutting from the budget since 2008. In the past two years, FHSD has had to make bigger cuts in order to keep schools running. If the tax levy doesn’t pass, programs created to help struggling learners will be cut more than they were in the previous school year. While a 60-cent levy won’t be enough for FHSD to create new programs, it will help

prevent the district from cutting more. If the community votes against this tax levy FHSD will have to cut even more.

Proposition Howell is something that FHSD needs in order for the District to keep having programs that help students succeed.

By not passing Proposition Howell, students won’t be able to get the help that they need from school. The purpose of school is to help teach students information they will need in life and to create a better future for the world.

However, if FHSD can’t find the money to fully fund itself then it will have to continue to cut programs that help students due to budget cuts, then schools won’t be doing the task they are supposed to do: preparing students for the future. If the tax levy doesn’t get passed then students can’t get the help they need, leaving them unprepared.

If Prop Howell doesn’t get passed then that would be the last tax levy FHSD would be able to put out for the next few years, creating a bigger budget problem than they currently have.

FHNTODAY STAFF Editors-in-Chief: Michal Basford Chase Meyer Social Media Editor: Isaiah Bryant FHNgameday Editor: Jacob Lintner

Web Staff: Madison Abanathie Jadon Herrman Gavin Atkinson Daniel Mulawa Tyler Rogers Editor-in-Chief of Video: Brayton Larson Special Projects Editor: Alyssa Barber Sports Editor: Adam Quigley Podcast Editor Taylor Sheridan Video Staff: Kamryn Bell Madilyn Shinault Kelsey Decker William Skaggs Daniel Kuhn KalI Skikas Lupe Medina Lily Sontheimer Reide Pearson Cole Wilkinson Taylor Perry Nathan Williams Advisers: Aaron Manfull Jordyn Kiel

OPINIONS | FHNTODAY.COM | PAGE BY NOAH SLAUGHTER

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