North Star November 5th, 2012

FHNTODAY.COM - FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH HIGH SCHOOL - ST. CHARLES, MO.

The Last Chance To pin your political beliefs for the 2012 election p20

november 05, 2012 volume 27 issue 3

NORTHSTAR

contents NORTH STAR / NOVEMBER 5, 2012

6-7 The fall play “While The Lights Were Out” took place on Oct. 25-27. The play was a comedic murder mystery that occured at a dinner party. (matt krieg)

on the cover This month, the North Star gives a last chance look at the 2012 election, providing issues on the ballot, candidate perspectives, and chance to keep up to date on election night.

DISTRIBUTED FOR FREE TO FHN BY THE NORTH STAR STAFF / PROVIDING AN OPEN FORUM FOR FHN SINCE 1986 2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303

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32

43

SPORTS

news

FEATURES

3 back to the future FHN

15 caffeine high Learn about

the effect caffine has on the idividual.

30-31 hunting Junior Collin

teachers get recognized for American Education week.

4-5 for the win Seniors and

16 nursing Two best friends

34 GOONIES Learn more about

staff will go head to head in the 10th annual DECA Jump-Off game.

prepare for their future by shadowing nurses at a local hospital.

FHN’s residential Goonie group that can be seen in the stands at games.

6-7 change in curriculum The

18 kettle corn This locally

37 SPORTS PHOTO PAGE These

Common Core Standards, will all be introduced in the 2014-15 school year.

owned popcorn shop serves up old-style kettle corn in many flavors.

FEATURES

SPORTS

10-11 Elder garden Father and

daughter pair prepare their yard for the winter.

14 BUMpER STICKERS These

stickers can be found on the back of a car, letting you know more about the driver.

Toedtmann upholds a family tradition of hunting.

photos mark the end of the fall sports season, and link to more galleries online.

OPINIONS

30-31 hunting Junior Collin

43 smoking ban No longer

Toedtmann engages in his families tradition.

an issue in the St. Charles country election

34 magic: the gathering

45 Professions Choosing a

Junior Brandon Kitchens plays this card game semicompetitively.

major is more than just what will provide a high paying job, it’s what can fufuill a life.

PAGE BY CARLY VOSSMEYER & AMANDA STALLINGS

news

briefs

Briefs by Alexis Christo and Sophie Gordon

New turf field at north t

ARt CLUB

hree years after FHHS’ turf field was put in, the Board of Education (BOE) approved turf fields on Oct. 18, for the stadiums of FHC and FHN. The money is now available because District construction projects finished under budget, leaving $1.4 million left over.

“We promised both schools and the community that if we had enough of the bond left over, we would provide the fields to both schools,” BOE President Marty Hodits said.

The fields will be finished over the winter season or next summer depending on whether winter construction interrupts spring sports. The FHN football team is anticipating the new field because a turf field won’t be as influenced by the rain.

“I’m not too happy because the rubber pellets are harder than regular grass, but it’s better than the fields we have because when it rains, it won’t get too muddy,” junior Danny Goggin said.

SCAN HERE Christian Pusateri, offensive freshmen player, defends the ball against a player from Troy.

Within the next year, the field will be stripped and turf will be added. (megan tanksley)

craft fair

For a more in-depth story about the new turf fields.

Or use this link: http://goo.gl/Ugkzy

Dinner concert

On Oct. 19 and 20, Choir had its Broadway and musical themed dinner concert. Treble Choir performed medleys from Disney shows. Concert Choir performed a medley from “Footloose.” Knightsound performed a medley from the This years craft fair takes place on Nov. 10. The craft fair helps raise money for FHN’s All-Knightmusical “13.” er. There will be crafts such as ornaments, jewelry and different pieces of art for sale. (file photo) Individual talent was showcased in the show by The craft fair will be held Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in both gyms at North. A bake sale is held during the craft fair in the gym lobby. The bake sale and soloists including seniors Rachel Eckert and Matt Miller.

Craft Fair raises an average of $7,000 for the All-Knighter, which is held June 1 “[At the dinner concert] we for seniors to attend after graduation. worked good together,” junior “Not only is the craft fair a great money maker, it’s also a fun way to let the and Knightsound member community get involved,” coordinator Yvette Pilkington said.

There are 133 booths with anything from holiday crafts to jewelry. Prices can Corey Bruns said. “We did great as a group.” range from $1-$25; custom art pieces could be priced higher than other crafts.

PAGE BY ALEXIS CHRISTO

Since the beginning of the year, Art Club’s membership has increased to 10 members.

Meetings are held after school every other Thursday in room 160. Art Club is currently working on murals. A mural of an abstract dragon was designed by sophomore Zach Schneider.

Sophomore Brian Welker designed a mural of a ship busting through the wall. The murals will be displayed in the art hallway.

“It’s a good drawing, very detailed,” Art Club sponsor Michael Leistner said. “If they pull it off, I’d be very happy.”

DECA CONFERENCE The DECA Fall Conference was held on Oct. 14 and 15 at the Lake of the Ozarks. 550 students throughout Missouri attended and net worked with new peers.

This year, voting for FHN’s District 6 officer was added.

Students also practiced leadership skills and team member skills.

“We just want students to experience DECA at the state level because competition is different than what we do here [at North],” DECA adviser Melissa Trochim said.

Speech and debate

Speech and Debate’s first tournament was on Nov. 2.

Speech had their competition at Brentwood and Debate had theirs at Oakville. The students competed in events such as Interpretation, Lincoln-Douglas and Public Form.

As of press time, their rankings were unknown. With new members’ promising talent and returning members’ experience, coaches anticipate a good season. “[I’m] really excited,” Assistant Coach Whitney Harper said. “We have really high hopes for this season.”

11.05.12 FHNTODAY.COM 01

news

Andrew Curran dribbles the basketball down the court during last year’s DECA Jump-Off. Last year the game was held on Nov. 11. DECA sponsors this game and this year is the 10th annual DECA Jump-Off. During the Jump-Off, there are freshman and sophomore teams that face off against the junior teams. The senior team will take on the undefeated faculty teams. (file photo)

KOE shows teacher appreciation FHN faculty travels Back to the Future for American Education Week

50% Of students will have their eyes drawn to this graphic based on the birght color alone. Pretty neat huh?

Students cheer for guidance counselor Ann Herman.This year, teacher appreciation week will take place during the week of Nov. 12-16. This year the theme is Back to the Future. (iesha boll)

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BY CARLY VOSSMEYER carlyvoss95@gmail.com

The theme for this year’s American Education Week is Back to the Future. Teachers, faculty and staff will get the opportunity to dress up in costumes and apparel associated with the chosen theme throughout the week.

“It’s fun to have a whole week of craziness that just focuses on teachers,” KOE sponsor and FHN English teacher Lindsey Scheller said.

KOE is sponsoring American Education Week for FHN from Nov. 12-16.

American Education Week is a nationwide celebration of public educators, teachers, administrators and other faculty and staff to show school wide gratitude and recognition for what they contribute.

“This week is for the staff because they need to know that we appreciate all their hard work, and so we achieve this through doing American Education Week,” KOE President and junior Catherine House said.

Teachers, faculty and staff will also get to participate in events such as a luncheon, raffle

and fashion show in which they will get to show off their Back to the Future attire.

“It’s a fun opportunity for teachers to be involved in school spirit and to have fun,” Spanish teacher Brian Santos added.

Along with the week dedicated to teachers, administrators and faculty, Oct. 17 and 18 was specifically devoted to cafeteria workers and bus drivers.

“It was exciting,” cafeteria staff member Denise North said. “It almost brought tears to my eyes, I was so happy. It’s nice to be appreciated.”

KOE members are responsible for bringing in $20 worth of donations that will be used in a raffle for staff members.

One day during the week, KOE members will carry around raffle tickets and teachers must come up to them with a compliment about FHN or KOE to receive a ticket. The teacher with the most tickets collected at the end of the week will win a prize.

“KOE is really excited to sponsor American Education Week,” House said. “We feel that teachers really enjoy this, and it’s just a great way for us to show them that we care too.”

PAGE BY DELORES LAMPKIN

jumping into

deca week

This week, there will be a newly added can sculpture competition

BY AUSTIN BARBER

abarber1395@gmail.com | @a_barber95

DECA Jump-Off This Thursday night, Nov. 8, as a part of DECA week, the 10th annual DECA JumpOff will be held in the FHN gym. At 6:30 p.m. the freshman and sophomore team will tip off against the junior team. The seniors will face off against the undefeated 9-0 faculty at 7 p.m. A percentage of proceeds will be given to charity.

“It’s for a good cause,” DECA Adviser Melissa Trochim said. “The students get to root on your class, and you never know, you might be there when the seniors finally beat the undefeated faculty.”

Senior Andy Bartell thinks this year will be different, and this will be the year the seniors finally turn things around and beat the faculty.

“I think we can win,” Bartell said. “It’ll just be pretty tough, I think it’s time for the teacher’s reign to come to an end.”

The Jump-Off is $3 to attend but if a student brings in a canned food item it will only be $2.

All of the cans raised during the Jump-Off will be donated to a local food pantry which will

be decided on after the newly added can sculpture contest Can Sculpture Competition Also during DECA week the first ever can sculpture contest will be held. Each department collected cans Oct. 23- Nov. 2 and are currently building sculptures which will be completed Nov. 7.

“I think more people will participate now because it’s more of a team effort than individual effort.”

The principals will choose the winner by whoever collects the most cans and builds the best sculpture. After the contest, all the cans will be donated to local food pantries.

“Each department gets to choose their charity so we will be able to help out nine charities instead of one,” DECA adviser Mike Freedline said. “And the sculptures will make the students more excited about the food drive and will get more cans donated.”

DECA week Each day of DECA week will have a different theme. Today’s theme is fake an injury, Wednesday is dress for success, Thursday is class colors and Friday is DECA T-shirt day.

DECA week is held annually and is a chance to introduce DECA to the underclassman.

“It’s an opportunity for everybody to participate in the action,” Trochim said, “and it’s a chance for the younger students to learn about DECA.”

SCAN HERE

Scan this QR code to be taken to a preview of the game and to hear from some of the players.

OR use this link: http://goo.gl/3oOo9

baseline IMPROVES

BY DELORES LAMPKIN

deloreslampkin@gmail.com | @delores_lampkin

Band members Zack Beckmann and Jake Lesinski perform at a competition. Knightpride band has participated in many state-wide competitions. (murphy riley)

PAGE BY AUSTIN BARBER

With only five members this year, FHN percussion’s baseline section has had six out of six successful competitions, ranking in at least third place or above.

“Our drum director has a lot more experience than our other coach, which has a lot to do with our improvement this year,” senior Eric Craven said.

The new percussion director Tommy Roam has been a big inspiration to the Baseline section this year. According to senior and Baseline member Nathan Tavares, the fact that Roam writes his own songs, and has a lot of drumming experience encourages the section to make an improvement.

“He’s getting taught by some of the top drummers in the country, that’s why I think he’s a good director,” Marching Band Director Jeff Mormon said.

At their Oct. 19 and Oct. 27 competitions, Marching Band took first place.

This year, the biggest award Baseline has received this year was Best Baseline on Sept. 8 at the Mozingo competition. During last year the percussion section only won one award. ”I think we were very successful as a baseline [this year],” Tavares said. “We’ve improved so much that it’s like a whole different group from what is was.”

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teacher opInion

fhsd

FHN AP Literature and English teacher Shelly Parks believes that with the Standards, the student reading level will become harder and the style of writing will have to intensify.

“I like the idea of the Common Core Standards, but I can see where struggling students will struggle more,” Parks said. “I’m afraid that if we’re not careful those kids might get left in the dust.”

CORE

Standards FHSD adapts to new Standards which will cause changes in the District’s curriculum

teacher

BY AMANDA STALLINGS

amandastallings@gmail.com | @astall13

In 2010, the Common Core State Standards were nationally launched. These new national standards will be bringing new additions to FHSD’s curriculum.

They will also ultimately be causing changes in how a student learns.

FHSD is required to utilize the Standards within the curriculum because the state of Missouri and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education adopted the Standards.

Students will have an increase in rigor of literacy skills such as reading, writing, speaking and listening.

“The standards will impact all aspects of our organization, but students will be better prepared to enter post-secondary pursuits,” Director of Student Learning for FHSD, Chris Greiner said.

Principal Darlene Jones believes the Standards will give students the ability to utilize what they learn in school in college and in everyday life.

“When students learn theorems and formulas, they sit there and think ‘Now when am I really going to use this?’”

Jones said. “With the Common Core Standards assessments, students will have to integrate their knowledge and apply it, which to me, it means it is more challenging but it’s going to help students in the real world.”

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11.05.12

common core

english

process

STUDENT

The Standards will guide FHSD’s curriculum, assessments and instruction cycle and will be fully implemented into the District’s curriculum by the 2014-15 school year.

These standards were can be found at: http://www.corestandards.org

Mathematics STUDENt

OPInion

Sophomore Bailey Bay believes that because she is so used to the way she learns, adapting to a new way of learning may challenge her at first.

“A higher change in my curriculum would help me be more prepared for college, but I think it would be difficult because I’d be afraid of learning in any different way,” Bay said.

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL & AMANDA STALLINGS

scan here

Complex writing

For a link to the Common Core Standards website where you can keep up to date with the changes that are coming.

During this point of planning, essay prompts for an average sophomore English level are looking similar to prompts from a junior English level.

Or use this link: http://goo.gl/RJizF

Value evidence.

Build strong content knowledge.

“[From what I’ve seen] the level of writing will become more complex,” Parks said. “Sophomores will need to include synthesis sources in an essay instead of just being persuasive.”

Within the English subjects, students will be able to build a wide-ranged base of researched knowledge consisting of good quality and substance.

English

STANDARDS Students who are college and career ready in English, reading, writing and language:

Real wORLD

There will be more word problems and topics from higher grades will be moved to lower grade levels. There will also be more focus on why math problems matter in the real world.

“Less will be covered, but what is covered will be deeply explained and students will learn the ins and outs instead of the superficial part of a topic,” Math teacher Steve Willott said.

MATH

STANDARDS Students who are college and career ready in mathematics:

Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

Students will build a wide-ranged base of knowledge and will acquire a broader vocabulary and a better understanding of the English language.

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL & AMANDA STALLINGS

11.05.12 FHNTODAY.COM 05

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news

Mysterious murders The FHN Drama department presented the fall play “While the Lights Were Out” on Oct. 25-27

Junior Kelsey Mcllroy, plays the “Unidentified Blonde”, wields the bloody knife that stabbed Pierre Pourri. The “Blonde” was accused of the murder because the knife was placed in her hand in the dark.

Although a gun sound was played to cause even more confusion, blame fell on the Blonde who was caught red handed. (matt krieg) John Hallemeier, plays Remley the Butler. In the last two weeks leading up to opening night, cast members worked on getting their accents down, and also building relationships with one another. “Working with the cast was a great experience, however, there were a few rough times. In the end, it was fun,” said senior Christina Desalvo. This is Desalvo`s first time directing a main stage production. (matt krieg)

Junior Rain Northrop as Lady Monica Wickingham, senior Rachel Kramer as Bibi Cavendish, and junior Mallory Echelmeyer as Ferdonia Custardine all debate over what exactly happened that night when the lights went out. Cavedish tells her story of what happened when the lights went off. (cameron mccarty)

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PAGE BY MURPHY RILEY

Residents of the estate look over the dead body of Clive Wickenham, played by Matt Miller. The murder mysteriously happened “when the lights were out�. When the lights came back on, a knife was in the hand of the Unidentified Blonde, played by Kelsey McIlroy. (matt krieg) Mimosa and Tom Groggins , played by sophomores Amber Baker and Joey Henry, clutch each other in fear. In this scene. the couple admitted to everyone their love for one another and how they plan to get married. (cameron mccarty)

Pierre Pourri, played by sophomore Logan Coombs, makes a comment about what he thought had happened while the lights were out.

Pierre has fallen for Bibi, played by senior Rachel Kramer.

However, Bibi is engaged to Algernon Wickenham played by junior Michael Kuhl. (dominic pusateri) Alma Threedle, the detective, played by junior Casie Sheppard, attempt to keep the masses at the mansion in control by using some unusual methods. When one of the visitors speak out of turn, Threedle raises her gun to threaten against any further inturruptions. (matt krieg)

PAGE BY MURPHY RILEY

11.05.12 FHNTODAY.COM 07

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Features

THE GARDEN OF ELDER Junior Sara Elder and her father spend an afternoon getting their organic backyard, full of different kinds of plants and projects that they have worked on over the past few years, ready for winter

BY DANIEL BODDEN daniel.bodden21@gmail.com | @danbodden

Sara Elder and her father walk out of their house into their backyard on a chilly October afternoon, scissors and pliers in hand. Birds are chirping and eating from their feeders. The sun is shining down brightly all around. Don’t be fooled: winter is coming.

They know.

They turn to the right and head for the bog, a pond-like water feature in their yard. They see that some stones are out of place, and the fish look upset.

“It must have been a raccoon or an opossum,” father Willie Elder says.

Willie digs the rocks out of the frigid bog.

Next to the bog are some strange looking plants -- pitcher plants. They’re carnivores: meateaters. They lure in bugs to eat. They only want rainwater. And they have to have acidic soil, which is why Willie couldn’t grow them before.

“I made the bog around four years ago because I wanted to grow pitcher plants, and they have to grow in an acidic bog,” Willie says.

The Elders begin to get the bog ready for winter. Sara cuts down the miniature cattails in the back of the bog into small pieces and tosses them into the compost pile. They then put the screen down over the pond and turn their attention to the left of the patio.

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Here, a hot tub used to sit. Days of relaxing in When the tube of bees was delivered, they put the warm water have given way to days of a difit in the fridge. Then, they just put the tube into ferent kind of pastime: a greenhouse. To some, the house to defrost. A little while later, the bees watering and weeding might seem like a chore, emerged and started pollinating. but to Sara and her father, it’s more than that.

The Mason bees won’t sting. But the Elders “I like doing this with my father because we do have another kind that will. On a property don’t really share any other interests,” Sara in High Hill are their honeybees. That’s where says. “Because I’m the oldest, he thinks of me those big white bee suits with the netted sun as the “boy” child. Whenever he has projects, he hats are worn. That’s where the smokers send always asks me to help out.” the bees into panic mode. And that’s where they Right now, about a dozen get the honey that can’t be found pumpkins sit inside the greenanywhere else.

FHNTODAY.COM house. Sara’s sister Rachel, a “The honey depends on the freshman at North, is using it for harvest,” Sara says. “Last year, we her science experiment on how got a ton of it. It tasted like apple Windex affects pumpkins. Nothcinnamon.”

To watch a video about ing to work on here.

But the taste comes at a price. Sara the Elder Garden.

On the back fence of the yard has been stung five times, mostly are three Mason bee houses. The when she was little, and she still gets Elders got two of the houses nervous when handling the bees.

OR use this link: goo.gl/lPJDd three years ago. Sara made “I’m scared, but I try not to show another house as a project two it,” Sara says. “You’re supposed years ago. to be calm, but I’m usually screaming on the “It was actually for Biology sophomore year,” inside.”

Sara says. “We had to build something for nature Bees don’t have it easy either. The process of and explain how it helps the environment, so getting honey involves smoking the hive so that I built the bee house. It made a really good the bees believe it’s on fire. This causes them project.” to start eating the honey to prepare for a long The bees are dormant now, but in the spring journey. They won’t even pay any attention to the fly-looking bees come out to pollinate the the “alien” collecting all their precious food. backyard. The Elders bought the bees online.

In addition, a new problem is spreading:

SCAN HERE

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT & ELAINA PETERS

Sara Elder and her father work in their family garden year round to maintain its good health. The backyard includes attractive features including a pond full of fish, homes for the bees they host annually, many large trees, a greenhouse and a garden full of a variety of plants including some carnivorous foliage. Although the bees that helped grow the garden only stay for a few months out of the year, the garden maintains its beauty year-round due to its tedious tending. (photos by murphy riley)

colony collapse disorder (CCD). This happens when an entire hive disappears for unknown reasons, leaving only the queen bee. This has become a huge problem globally, with a 10% rise in U.S. honeybee losses in 2011. A few years ago, this epidemic may have hit the Elders’ hive.

“We had a hive die. We don’t know what it was, but it had all the markings of CCD,” Willie says. “We just went out there one day and they were all dead and gone.”

Back in their yard, the work is done for now. They will still have to drag all their tropical plants inside, but that can wait a few days. They stand to look at the yard once more before going inside.

“My favorite part is it’s nice and looks pretty,” Sara says. “I have people over, and it’s always a fun discussion, like ‘have you seen my backyard?’”

One of those people is FHN junior Morgan Stock, who has known Sara for 12 years and helped to build a Mason bee house.

“I think it’s pretty cool because not a lot of people have greenhouses in their backyard,”

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT & ELAINA PETERS

Stock says. “It makes the neighborhood more green and it helps the look of the neighborhood. It makes the neighbors want to do something.”

The Elders’ house and yard have many other unique features like a bat house on the roof, grapes, strawberries and bird feeders, most of which take little time to take care of, other than watering the plants. Sara and her dad work on these projects as hobbies because they think it’s fun, and they have an interest in nature.

“It makes you environmentally aware,” Willie says. “You can see how everything interacts.”

They know everyone doesn’t have the time or patience for this, but still believe anyone can help out.

“You can go out and plant trees or flowers,” Sara says. “You don’t have to build a greenhouse. You can just help in small ways.”

But for them, the work is finished. At least for now. Their yard will survive the winter and be ready when spring comes. Sara and her father put the tools away and head inside.

IN ADDITION TO

Sarah tells how over the past few years, her family has continued to add things to their backyard to create their nature-filled oasis.

FALL 2009 The bog was built when Willie got interested in pitcher plants.The bog creates the perfect environment for them to survive.

SPRING 2011 “[Mason] bees are really good pollinators and we thought they would help with the flowers. They’re just something different for my dad to play with.”

SUMMER 2012 “We were watching a movie ‘Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.”Dad paused the movie and said ‘I want my greenhouse to look like that!’ Our greenhouse is based off Gromit’s.”

YEAR-ROUND The Elders constantly plant new flowers and always keep up with landscaping, which is a relaxing hobby for the Elders.

11.05.12 FHNTODAY.COM 11

n o i fash

FEATURES

Fall essentials PHOTOS BY HANNAH STILLMAN

Urb

an O

utfit

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, $3 5

Cut along the dotted lines to the best of your abilities and fold the red tabs over Lexie Biggs and Tabrari Grubbs to dress them. Once you have an outfit that you like, tweet out a picture of it on either of the paper dolls using the hashtag #FHNstyle or you can email a picture to yourFHN@FHNtoday.com by 9 p.m. The person that has the most creative outfit will win a prize and get a shout-out from @FHNtoday and their outfit will be featured on FHNtoday’s Pinterest.

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TJ Max, $35 12 FHNTODAY.COM

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DSW, $34

Nordstom, $43 PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT & EMILY HAMPSON

yle t s r u o y d n i f est on pinter

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Whether you are looking for jackets or dresses this store has it all. You can get your entire outfit pieced together here including accessories.

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If you’re looking for work clothes for a nice occasion this is the perfect store for you.

Express can be expensive, but the quality is worth the money.

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No matter what you’re looking for Kohl’s has it all for a relatively inexpensive price and you can find everything for your school outfits here.

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Here you can find all types of clothes.

Urban Outfitters is a store and not a brand so there is a greater variety of styles that may appeal to you.

“I’m artistic. I like shapes, prints, and textures. I like contrast between soft and sweet with dark and different.” Krista Simon,12

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT & EMILY HAMPSON

11.05.12 FHNTODAY.COM 13

Features

Ride

OF THE MONTH

Bought second-hand from an army veteran, Oelklaus’ truck is full of surprises

BY RODNEY MALONE malone.rodney97@gmail.com

Junior Samantha Oelklaus never knows what to expect when she gets behind the wheel of her ‘78, Ford f-100 Stepside, Ernie.

“I love my car; it keeps life interesting,” Oelklaus said. “You don’t know when he will work, or when he won’t.”

Her truck--bought the summer of 2011 from an army veteran in Illinois--is named after the movie “Ernest Scared Stupid.” She considers Ernie old because he dies everywhere, including an intersection on Jungermann.

“Whenever it broke down I thought ‘Oh my God, I’m gonna die,’” Oelklaus said. “But after 10 minutes, I calmed down and realized people will avoid me.”

Juniors Bailey Whitworth and Elisabeth Condon have ridden with Oelklaus. Whitworth occasionally rides with Oelklaus on the weekends while Condon gets a ride to school every day.

“I think it’s the coolest thing because everyone always shocked that it’s Samantha driving in it and not some hardcore country guy,” Condon said.

SCAN HERE To watch a video about Sam and her rustic truck.

OR use this link: goo.gl/yXLiR

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(photo illustration by dominic pusateri)

Honk if you love...

Students and staff alike place bumper stickers on their cars to express themselves in many ways

BY NATALIE MUELLER

natrmueller@gmail.com | @NatalieeRae

Sitting in your car waiting to get out of the parking lot at the end of the day, you can’t help noticing that the car in front of you has multiple bumper stickers plastered to the back of it. Fascinated, you read every single one, getting to know a lot about who the person in that car is.

“Bumper stickers allow the owner of the car to express themselves,” junior Tyler Ludwig, owner of two bumper stickers, said.

Obama-Biden and Foo Fighters stickers stick proudly on the bumper of Ludwig’s car, he likes to call the “Tylermobile.” As a member of the Young Democrats club, Ludwig feels very strongly about Obama being the right candidate for the presidency, and wants to voice that opinion to the world around him. He chose to stick on a Foo Fighters sticker simply because they are his favorite band.

“My car isn’t all that fancy, so I decided I may as well personalize it,” Ludwig said.

English teacher Laura Kayser also likes to express herself through her bumper stickers. She bought a new car with a flat back and decided it needed some stickers, so she started collecting.

Four of her six stickers support her favorite bands, STS9, the Avett Brothers, Phish and the Yonder Mt. String Band. A “live the life you love” and “city”

sticker also decorate her car’s flat back.

“They communicate that I love music, and I’m really proud of St. Louis,” Kayser said. “A lot of people in St. Charles have negative feelings about the city and think it’s scary, but I think it’s a great city and I love it.”

Some people love bumper stickers, but others don’t care for them quite as much. Some students aren’t allowed to have a bumper sticker on their car, such as junior Brandon Chac whose father told him they were “foolish.” Others find stickers dangerous because when drivers look at the stickers they don’t pay attention to the road.

“I get dangerously close to cars in front of me on the highway so I can read their bumper stickers,” Ludwig said.

Whether stating strong political views or making a joke, many believe stickers make a statement.

Even stickers like junior Brandon Rosner’s favorite which reads, “the reason I am speeding is because I have to poop,” provide insight into the car owner’s personality. Ultimately, bumper stickers are just another way American’s practice the right to freedom of speech, regardless of if others appreciate their message or not.

“Negative messages bum me out,” Kayser said, “but everyone has the right to express that message in our country, and I would never make them take [the sticker] off.

PAGE BY RODNEY MALONE

CAFFEINE

When the word ‘caffeine’ is mentioned, coffee is usually the first thing that comes to peoples minds.

Well, coffee does have caffeine in it, it’s not the only drink that contains caffeine. Other drinks including tea, hot chocolate and energy drinks have the same if not more caffeine in them. There are many foods that contain high levels of caffeine as well. Caffeine

O

is a natural occurring chemical. It can give you the boost of energy that you sometimes need. Although caffeine can help you, it can also hurt you. You need to be aware of the side effects of drinking or eating too much caffeine in a short amount of time. There are many alternatives to caffeine. Caffeine can be ok as long as you have it in moderation.

COMMON FOODS CONTAINING CAFFEINE On average a regular cup a coffee contains 100mg of caffeine in it. Decaf on the other hand have between 2-4mg of caffeine.

Most energy drinks contain about 150mg of caffeine. Most soda beverages have close ENERGY to 90mg of caffeine in an 8oz bottle.

An 8oz milk chocolate bar contains about 50mg of caffeine. White chocolate has contains no caffeine at all.

Insomnia- When a person has too much caffeine during the day, their body may not be able to settle down causing them not to be able to sleep.

Agitated- caffeine can affect someone’s mood.

One can become agitated once the caffeine wears off. Someone can feel the effects of caffeine for up to six hours.

Anxiety- Every person reacts to caffeine differently caffeine is known to give people anxiety.

Anxiety can affect all parts of their everyday life.

Rapid Heart Rate- Since caffeine is a stimulant it can cause someone’s heart rate to increase.

When a persons heart rate increases, they are at risk for more health problems.

79%

of FHN students say that they eat drink caffeine because they like the way it tastes.

Many coffee places such as Starbucks have flavored drinks specific for the holidays.

The way caffeine affects someone depends on the how much and how often they have caffeine. The more someone has of it, the more resistance they build up for it. If someone doesn’t have caffeine often, they will experience greater affects.

How often students at FHN have Caffeine: Multiple times a day One times a day 2-6 times a week

13%

3%

26% 15%

Once a week Couple time a month Never

N N

O

N CH 3

Caffeine is a natural chemical stimulant. It’s scientific name is trimethylxanthine. In its pure form, caffeine is a white powder and has a very bitter taste.

22% 21%

ACCORDING TO THE DOCTOR According to Pediatrician Margaret Mueller caffeine is a problem in high school students. While she doesn’t think that energy drinks and coffee should be consumed everyday as a part of an unhealthy diet, she does think that overall caffeine is the main health problem teens are dealing with. Mueller will have patients come into her office not knowing what is wrong with them and thinking they are sick when really they are experiencing the side effects from too much caffeine.

Fruits are a good alternative because you can get the boost you need but without the side effect of jumpiness.

Also fruits are good for all aspects of your health.

GO FOR A JOG

One would think that jogging could make you tired when really if you use caffeine for a boost in the morning, try jogging because it can wake you up in a healthier way.

EAT BREAKFAST

A well rounded breakfast that has carbs and proteins will keep you full and therefore will help you focus throughout the day reducing your need for caffeine.

GET A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP

If you seek caffeine because you are tired try getting a few extra hours a sleep a week. A few hours a week can make a huge difference.

208 FHN students were surveyed Sources: kidshealth.com, mayoclinic.com, bestuniversities.com, science.howstuffworks.com PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

N

EAT AN APPLE

don’t think caffeine has an effect on them.

Having between 400mg and 600mg of caffeine a day can cause:

CH 3

ALTERNATIVES TO CAFFEINE

50.1% of FHN students

SIDE EFFECTS

H3C

11.05.12 FHNTODAY.COM 15

Features

job

ofthe month Jacobs gets paid to dress up for kids as a famous mouse at work

BY MADDIE HIATT

Juniors Courtney Vishy and Jillian Fields volunteer at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. They take classes there every few days to learn more about taking care of children with various conditions. They shadow different nurses and learn the nurses’ different jobs. (iesha boll)

maddiehiatt@gmail.com | @maddiehiatt

The sweaty, smelly costume of the big cheese encloses her body as she begins her shift.

When kids see her, they swarm.

But this doesn’t bother her.

“I really needed a job,” Junior Rayna Jacobs said. “When they told me I got it, I was so happy.”

Rayna first found out about this job through Facebook. She applied immediately and was quickly hired. According to Rayna’s manager, Mark Ruhr, she is a hard worker and has a type A personality. Former coworker, senior Christian Lopez enjoyed working with Rayna.

“Rayna is a hard worker,” Lopez said. “We always have a blast when we work together.”

Besides working parties, cleaning and delivering pizzas to customers, employees also dress up as Chuck E. Cheese.

Rayna finds the costume hard to see out of since it only has two eye holes and a mouth.

“When I’m in Chuck E., I don’t turn around if someone is calling me from behind because it’s hot and I just want to get out of it,” Rayna said.

SCAN HERE To watch a video about Rayna’s cheesy job

OR use this link: goo.gl/38knd

16 FHNTODAY.COM

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walking in their shadows Best friends Courtney Vishy and Jillian Fields participate in medical job shadowing opportunities

BY JORDAN BRYSON jordan.bryson90@gmail.com | @jordan_bryson

When imagining a future job, many look at their interests, some follow in parents’ footsteps and others try to be like the rich and famous. Junior Courtney Vishy, however, sees herself as a pediatric doctor, inspired by her own medical issues and job shadowing she did over the summer. Her story has played a role in her best friend, junior Jillian Fields’, interest in the medical field also. Courtney is planning on shadowing her pediatrician over winter break to learn more about the field.

“I’d like to see more interesting occurrences,” Courtney said. “Not the day to day stuff, but things that are out of the ordinary.”

Between June and November of 2009, Courtney was diagnosed with Celiac, the allergy to gluten; swine flu; hyperthyroidism--when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone--and anemia.

From Dec. 2009 to Feb. 2010, Courtney spent time in the hospital for severe migraines. Then she lost the ability to move her neck.

“It was definitely hard,” Courtney said. “Once you’d get one thing solved, something else would pop up.”

Doctors assumed this was due to her neck being in the same position while in the hospital.

Courtney’s back became weak, transferring to her leg muscles. She spent until the end of March in a

wheelchair going to her core classes at school. All the while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. “I was like ‘Oh my gosh, this sucks. Why did this happen?,’” Courtney said. “Now I look back, and I realize I actually want to go to med school.

It’s been really beneficial.”

Invigorated by her own personal interest in nursing, as well as Courtney’s story and shadowing, Fields shadowed a normal pediatrician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital on Oct. 12.

“Her shadowing over summer did [inspire me],” Jillian said. “It made me more interested and want to learn more because I didn’t understand a lot.”

This past July, Courtney shadowed a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, a nurse and two pharmacists. She followed and asked questions, made medicine and watched emergency surgery first-hand.

“I liked all of it,” Courtney said. “It just really gave me an insider’s view on the exciting chaos in the hospital. It was awesome to get the experience.

I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”

Courtney took a class called “The Human Lab” in the summer of 2010 where she studied dead bodies donated to science. This class was the main spark to her shadowing.

“I think it’s awesome,” Rebecca Brand, a clinical pharmacist Courtney shadowed, said. “I love seeing people so excited about going into a job I love so much.”

PAGE BY DANIEL BODDEN

.com

www.shirtkong

3G

4:08 PM

Chat

Features

collector of the month Evans finds meaning in her collection of hand painted horses

BY BRIANNA MORGAN

1006briannamorgan@gmail.com | @BriMarie1006

Some may look at sophomore Michaela Evans’ collection and only see a few small hand painted horses and think “no big deal”, but to Michaela, each horse has a unique meaning behind it.

“My favorite one would be the one named Silver Lining,” Michaela said. “It reminds me of a dream which kind of symbolizes to me to keep dreaming and not give up.”

Michaela has been collecting since she was 11 years old when her dad gifted her with her first ceramic, hand-painted horse. Since then, Michaela has gotten them as gifts every Christmas from her parents. She now has 32 ceramic horse figurines.

“I thought it was cool she was interested in starting a collection,” step-mom Holly Evans said. “I used to collect bears when I was a teenager, so I thought it was good she wants to collect too.”

Even though Michaela’s friends don’t contribute to her horse figure collection, they are still supportive of it.

“I think it’s cool because you don’t really see many kids our age collect things anymore,” friend Emily Gast said. “She takes such good care of them and if you ask her about them, it makes a really good story.”

18 FHNTODAY.COM

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Located at 650 Jungermann Road, Kettle Corner serves up gourmet popcorn to the people of St. Charles County. Kettle Corner, which started out as a financial business, has been a family owned and operated restraurant since Oct. 28, 2011. Being a locally owned business, the owner, Shane Coxs, buys and also sells other locally owned products such as Fitz‘s soda. (alyssia luque)

‘Pop’ into the old times

An traditional kettle corn shop features unique flavors of popcorn taking customers on a ‘trip down memory lane’

that it was time to settle down and start spending a little more time with his wife and children. He bought supplies Thanksgiving of 2010 and started The Kettle Corner in St. Peters is always bring- to pop the Original flavor kettle corn and a cining in customers by inventing new flavors to add namon flavored kettle corn at festivals and other to the menu. They make sure they are constantly charity events in March. Then he bought a space popping the shop’s most popular flavors such as and set up shop in September. The building was the Original Kettle Corn and the most popular “St. originally used as a storage area for the business Peters Style,” a cheddar and caramel next door, but Cox and his friends mix, which is a local version of the faset it up and designed everything FHNTODAY.COM mous Chicago Style kettle corn. so the shop gives off a cozy, old“The newest flavor we’ve been fashioned feel. Grand Opening was experimenting with is a white cheddar on the day the St. Louis Cardinals and regular cheddar mix striped towon the World Series, so the busiTo watch a gether,” Owner Shane Cox said. “Sort ness and its menu exploded. video about how Kettle of like zebra stripes.”

“The Grand Opening, October Corner makes All of the flavors are original and 28, was the biggest day we ever popcorn. modified to make sure The Kettle had,” Cox said. ”We spent all day OR use this link: goo.gl/hTZfZ Corner has the best kettle corn it can running around the shop trying to offer. The menu is full of flavors with catch as much of the game as we candies such as chocolates, caramels, Andes Mints, could.”

Reece’s, Heath Toffee and Orange Dreamsicles.

The Kettle Corner’s welcoming employees and “The first time I took my friends there we didn’t at-home atmosphere makes this place a family faknow what to expect,” said junior Paige Martinez. vorite on top of using all fresh, natural ingredients “We’ve already gone back a couple of times to try in their popcorn. The popcorn is made in an oldnew flavors.” fashioned style outside.

The Kettle Corner is a business Cox and his “It’s always really fresh,” frequent customer wife Mary had been conceptualizing since 2010. and freshman Megan Thielbar said. “The kernels After spending the majority of his time working pop bigger and fluffier than others, so you definitely for corporations, such as Fox 2 News, Cox decided know you’re getting your money’s worth.”

BY ELAINA PETERS

elainapeters96@gmail.com | @elaina_peters

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PAGE BY JORDAN BRYSON

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A familiar face on the ballot With the support of teachers and students in the community, Republican Spencer runs against Democrat Stinson for Missouri State Representative

BY ABIGAIL GRIFFIN

aegriffin18@gmail.com

On Nov. 6, eligible voters in Missouri District 63 will have the opportunity to vote for FHN teacher Bryan Spencer, for State Representative.

Spencer, a Republican, is running for his first public office against Bill Stinson, a Democrat of Wright City, MO. “I learned that voting is not enough,” Spencer said. “You have to get involved, and whether it’s to be a volunteer or running for office, you have to be involved.”

FHN teacher William Crow has supported Spencer throughout his campaign and has done his share of volunteering by helping in fundraisers, walking in parades, going to events, putting up signs, working polls, and helping with phone sales.

“He’s been a good friend for a number of years,” Crow said. “Over the years we have talked about his political goals, political beliefs. In many ways we have similar beliefs. I like the fact that he wants to honestly help the people. He doesn’t have a personal agenda; we don’t see that much anymore.”

Spencer’s longtime colleague, Sean Fowler, who teaches Psychology and AP US History, supports Spencer’s educational values.

“Spencer and I don’t see eye-to-eye politically, but I think he would be a good representative of common sense for the interests of education at the State House,” Fowler said.

Spencer has been a teacher in the FHSD for 22 years teaching at Fairmount, Hollenbeck, Barnwell, and currently Francis Howell North. He has taught Social Studies and is teaching Special Education classes at North. Over the years he has also coached wrestling, football, and volleyball. In 2011, Spencer was inducted into the FHSD Hall of Fame.

“One of the most rewarding things that this campaign has been, is that everytime I go walking I run into a former student, volleyball player, wrestler, football player, and they are getting involved with the campaign,” Spencer said. “Whether it’s working the phone banks,

going door to door, hanging posters, or coming to events.”

Spencer has political experience going into this election as well.

He was elected twice to the St. Charles County Central Committee.

Spencer was elected Chairman of the 23rd Senatorial and the 12th Legislature in 2010. He also serves on St. Charles County’s community assistance board.

According to Spencer and Crow, Spencer’s campaign has been very focused on getting involved in the community and being recognized.

“You want to be as visible as possible in every facet you can,” said Crow.

Thus, Spencer has focused on getting involved.

If there is an event he can squeeze into his calendar, he does. Spencer participates in “anything and everything,” including meet and greets, town hall meetings, marching band competitions, and veteran parades.

Some of Spencer’s supporters include Republicans, Tea Party members, some union members, fellow politicians, some farmers, many teachers, as well as some moderate Democrats.

“I have a wide spread of supporters. I am not trying to get any certain types,” Spencer said. “I need everybody.”

If Stinson is elected, he plans to oppose “extremist Republican ideas,” such as Right to Work. He wants to protect senior citizens as well as early childhood care. As a former businessman and veteran, Stinson believes he is better qualified for the position.

“I consider myself a moderate democrat that wants to keep the integrity of schools, senior citizens and organized labor intact,” Stinson said.

Stinson’s wife, and treasurer, Janice stands by her husband and strongly supports his cause. She helps with events and “behind the scenes” details to help make Stinson’s campaign successful.

“I will be there as much as I can,” Mrs. Stinson said. “I am just hoping on meeting wonderful people to bring great things to Missouri.”

However, Spencer believes he is a voice for everyone he meets.

“I really represent everyone who knows me or comes into contact with me because we are making laws for all of them, not just the people I have to represent,” Spencer said. “My goal is to establish the best living/working environment for the citizens of Missouri.”

Bryan Spencer

Issues on the

homefront Issues on the ballot that will directly affect Missouri citizens

HEALTH AND EDUCATION TRUST FUND Should Missouri use the $0.0365 tobacco tax, to create a health and education trust fund for tobaccouse education and require the tobacco companies to increase the amount of money they maintain in their accounts to pay for judgements or settlements?

TRANSFER OF POLICE FORCE Should St. Louis city be allowed to establish a municipal police force, a system to run it, and prevent a member of the police force from receiving punishment for reporting a problem to a superior?

Info from: http://vote-mo.org/

20 FHNTODAY.COM

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PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

Finding a voice in the political noise

BY BRITTANY STECK

brittany14steck@gmail.com

In second semester of the 2011-2012 school year, the Young Democrats Club formed with the help of sponsor and English teacher Whitney Harper. President Tyler Ludwig and Vice President Matt Schneider hold meetings in Com. 10 on Thursdays before or after school to plan events and discuss politics with the club.

From Sept. 24-28, with the help of Young Democrats members, students registered to vote at a table in the commons. Members also went door to door in neighborhoods around St. Charles and volunteered at caller drives in order to educate community members about the Democratic Party leaders. The once small group has now expanded to include around 15 members.

“Everyone in school and in the country is affected by the actions of the government,” Schneider said. “We don’t feel like that is represented enough in our school. We are trying to get people involved.”

Back in 2008, North’s Young Republicans Club was 33 members strong. Without a dedicated teacher sponsor, the club has now dwin-

dled down and become non-existent.

“I want students to participate,” Special Education teacher Bryan Spencer said. “But we don’t have a teacher who is willing to give up all the extra time for it.”

The Young Republicans met on Tuesday mornings with sponsor and History teacher Heather Box. Outside of school, the Young Republicans canvassed local neighborhoods for the 2008 election.

“I think it’s important for students to get involved, whether they are Democrat, or Republican, or any other party, ” Box said. “It’s important to have an opinion and be involved.”

Tyler Ludwig

Budding journalist covers politics as intern in Washington D.C.

BY AURORA BLANCHARD

auroradblanchard@gmail.com

2010 FHN graduate and current Utah State student Betsy Blanchard flew out to Washington D.C. in August to intern for the Salt Lake Tribune where she will cover the 2012 election until December.

In May, her Intro to Journalism professor, Matthew LaPlante, encouraged her to apply for a journalism internship with the Salt Lake Tribune, a paper he used to work for.

Her mom, Leslie Blanchard, encouraged her to take it. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to live in D.C., according to her. Betsy took it.

“Luckily they took a chance on me and I’m sitting here,” Betsy said.

One of Betsy’s biggest surprises is some of the remarks and questions she receives from people in Washington D.C. According to her, people assume she will vote for Mitt Romney because they share Mormon beliefs. Others in

Betsy Blanchard

STATE-BASED HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE Should Missouri be allowed to deny people access to affordable health care through a state-based health benefit exchange, unless authorized by law through the federal government?

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

her office ask her questions about Mitt Romney’s religious beliefs, assuming the two share the exact same ideas.

“I think being a Mormon and being in D.C. has offered me a unique perspective with Mitt Romney being in this race,” Betsy said.

In the newsroom, Betsy still uses lessons she learned in North’s journalism program. She sat in on an interview with Utah Congressman Jim Matheson and writes daily blurbs for the Salt Lake Tribune website.

“Journalism isn’t just a desk job,” Betsy said. “It’s a round-theclock job. At North, it’s always ‘We do it all the way, not just halfway’ and the same thing applies out here. You can’t do it halfway.”

There are some things she has learned being away in D.C. that she could not have in Missouri or Utah. Her mother Leslie Blanchard has noticed a new fearlessness in her daughter. Betsy bravely explores D.C. alone, which is something she would not have done in St. Louis, according to Leslie.

“I think she’s more brave because she had to be,” Leslie said. “She hasn’t had family or friends out there.”

Even though Betsy is far from home, she still has her family’s support.

“My only hope for her is that she’s ridiculously happy with whatever she’s doing and I know writing is her passion,” younger sister and 2011 FHN graduate Stephanie said. “I hope she is able to make her dream her life. I hope she’s sincerely happy with whatever she does.”

SELECTION OF COURT NOMINEES Should the Missouri Constitution be changed from the current selection of supreme court and court appeal justices and give the governor more power to appoint these court members?

SCAN HERE

FHNTODAY.COM Take to an online poll on whether or not new policies for these issues should be enacted. Results available on Nov. 6. goo.gl/nVhaZ

11.05.12

FHNTODAY.COM 21

Where they stand on the topics on the -TABLE-

MITT ROMNEY

BARACK OBAMA

GARY JOHNSON

Education

Goals are to recruit 100,000 early childhood math and science teachers by 2022, increase quality of education by implementing merit-based teacher pay, and turn around low-performing schools with Race to the Top program.

Agrees with teacher evaluation and standardized testing set by No Child Left Behind Act and is highly opposed to teachers unions. Believes education should be handled at local and state level with some federal oversight.

Wants to give parents the right to send their kids where they see fit. Would like to end the Department of Education which would give schools $1 million back and give spending power back to local communities.

National Security

Plans to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by 2014. Wants to ensure that excessive nuclear weapons don’t fall into the hands of North Korea and Iran. Wants good relations with NATO, Israel, Asia, and Latin America.

Wants to return defense spending to its baseline established by Secretary Robert Gates in 2010. One of his goals is help legitimize Israel as a Jewish state and help Israel and Palestine live peacefully side-by-side.

Believes in cutting all foreign aid unless it protects the interests of the United States. Would like to allow flights to Cubato to promote trade and partnership. As a Libertarian, he does not support warfare.

Government Spending

Increased income taxes on those who make more than $250,000 annually and supports closing tax loopholes.

Does not support tax breaks to oil companies. His budget would cut the deficit by $3 trillion the next 10 years.

Wants to decrease income taxes by 20 percent by getting rid of the estate tax and the alternative minimum tax, as well as ending capital gain taxes for those who earn less than $200,000 a year.

Thinks government spending must be cut by 43% and the money spent by the government should be spent on the States. Would like to avoid spending government money on other countries over the United States.

Health Care

Same Sex Marriage Immigration

Intends to keep Obamacare in place, requiring all citizens to have health care insurance. Would like to prevent people from being turned away from health care companies because they have pre-existing conditions.

Plans to repeal Obamacare since he thinks health care should be left in the hands of the states. Believes those who pay for insurance should be granted tax breaks and insurance should be sold more freely across states.

Thinks that if health care is managed by private business on the principles of a free market economy and competition, it will be of good enough quality and have a low enough price according to him.

Believes that couples of the same sex should be able to marry, but wants to leave its legality in the power of the hands of individual states.

Believes that the definition of marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Opposed to gay marriage, but has never opposed granting benefits to gay couples.

Does not believe that government should be involved in marriage, and pressured Minnesota voters to vote against a state-wide ban on gay marriage in October.

Believes immigrants should be protected from immediate deportation, so long as they have a law-abiding background.

Doesn’t support Obama’s plan to halt deportation, but believes in providing more opportunities for legal foreign laborers.

Considers America a land of immigrants and believes legal immigration process should be easier and simpler for immigrant workers.

Info & pictures from http://www.garyjohnson2012.com/ | http://www.constitutionparty.com/ | http://www.barackobama.com/ | http://www.mittromney.com/

Effect on education

BY LAUREN PIKE

laurenpike14@gmail.com

While most emphasis on the upcoming Missouri elections is placed on things like the economy and health care, educational issues play a key role in the immediate future of students in FHSD. Although not all high school students are eligible to vote, issues concerning the classroom environment and teachers will directly impact their 22 FHNTODAY.COM

11.05.12

scholastic career. Voters must keep in mind these issues when making their decision: Standardized testing Teacher tenure and salary Teacher evaluations These issues are important to students in FHSD because they directly affect the quality of education students are receiving. In order to get the best possible education, students need to be aware of the factors that impact their learning environment.

We have taken a more in-depth look at these is-

sues as well as effects they will have in FHSD. President of the Francis Howell Board of Education, Marty Hodits, and State Representative candidate, Bryan Spencer explained some of these issues and why they should interest FHN students.This story also includes links to different candidates and their views on educational issues that will directly affect the learning environment.

“The problem with education is that since everyone has been to high school, everyone thinks they are an expert on what should happen,” Spencer said.

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

e issues VIRGIL GOODE

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http://goo.gl/S9Psy

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campaigning

affects voters

Believes religion shouldn’t be separated from education because teaching derives from knowledge of God and man. Thinks equitable tax relief should be available for families with children that don’t attend government schools.

Believes that neither reserve troops nor state national guard troops should be called to go overseas, except in declared war. He strongly opposes the Patriot Act, allowing surveillance and wiretapping of suspected terrorists.

Government should not spend more than it takes in during the payoff period. Federal lands should be sold and money should not be allocated to unconstitutional programs in order to alleviate national debt.

Thinks private entities must be in charge of health care; otherwise, less effective health care will be provided by the government. Also believes that the FDA should be dissolved because they prohibit beneficial products.

Says marriage is defined as a union between a man and a woman in the Bible, so a government under God cannot allow a practice that doesn’t come from Him to occur.

Does not support citizenship for immigrants who are born into the United States from illegal immigrant parents.

Scan Here To read more on what the educational outcome of the election could be. goo.gl/T4yYi

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

201 2 Election

THE EVOLUTION OF

CAMPAIGNS 1908: President Taft, without television or the internet at his hands, used simple metal pins that anyone could wear to support his campaign.

1952: President Eisenhower had the first ever political cartoon ad to run on television. The cartoon included a song and animals parading around wearing signs that said “vote for Ike.”

1984: President Reagan used “It’s morning again in America,” as a popular commercial that showed happy families and businessmen and women living the American dream.

2008: “Hope” first started up as street art created by Shepard Fairy . It turned out to be the face of Obamas campaign after the image was sold on merchandise everywhere.

CAMPAIGN SPENDING The total amount of money spent in campaigns as of Oct. 15 2012 Info from: http://goo.gl/ZO6gl

Republicans: $530.4 million Democrats : $618 million

86% of Romney’s ads were negative

81% of Obama’s ads were negative

STUDENT VIEWS Do you think that political ads are effective or just a waste of money?

“They’re effective for people who don’t look deep into them because I don’t think they ever come close to being true.” -Sam Scopel, 12 “They’re a waste because they [politicians] could use that money to help others in need or something like that.” -Sara Bargen, 9 What’s the craziest political ad you’ve seen this year?

“Dave Spencer’s ‘Job Creator’. It was just so cheesy. I could just see him making up things up as he went along.” -Courtney Nixon, 12 “Claire McCaskill’s ads on youtube. They were annoying and obnoxious because they played after every video I wanted to watch.”

- Amber Baker, 10

11.05.12

FHNTODAY.COM 23

ra

Sample

am

ing

a ve t e

e art of c

gn pai

th n in

T e d H o u se

BY NICK PONCHE ngponche@gmail.com

As the elections approach, candidates running for office are bringing to a close their long-promoted campaigns. Months of preparation, public relations, self promotion and effort are all coming down to one decisive moment. For one family that has been a part of the FHN community for years, this experience is all too familiar.

St. Charles Circuit Judge Ted House has run several campaigns over his fourteen year political career, including the ones for the position he has now. “[Campaigning] is a lot of work, it always has been a lot,” Ted said. “But it’s exhilarating. You’re talking with people, you get on a roll. You get adrenaline.

You feed off that energy that other people have.”

Plenty of that energy has come from the love and support of his family. His children 2012 graduate Ben, FHN junior Catherine, and FHN freshman Dan have all been active in the political campaigns over the years. Doing everything from stuffing envelopes to putting up yard signs, the House family has always stepped in to do their part.

“Whenever he needed help, I’d do whatever he needed,” Catherine said. “I thought it was pretty fun.”

Ted has welcomed his family’s support, but never forced it out of them.

“I’ve been doing it for years, so it’s been something they’ve grown up with,” Ted said.

Ted will be up for reelection in 2014. And when he begins to campaign, the rest of the family plans to do all they can.

“I’m gonna help out a lot more,” Dan said. “I think the experience is gonna be good for all of us.”

check list

to vote

The essentials to be taken care of before anyone goes to vote

24 FHNTODAY.COM

11.05.12

Every voting issue is catagorized by topic.

Ex: President and Vice President

Bubbles need to be filled in completely and dark.

KNOW HOW TO VOTE ON YOUR BALLOT

MUST BE REGISTERED TO VOTE

Missouri offers paper or electronic ballots, and help is provided for both.

The deadline to register was Oct. 10.

Don’t be the person that tries to just walk up and vote anyways.

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

n tr

a

taking

aig

ple Ballot

d on the camp a e l

ail K ev i n Beerman

BY JORDAN BRYSON jordan.bryson90@gmai.com

Directions will be at the top of the ballot.

A write-in someone whose name isn’t on the ballot, but still wants to be elected

Kevin Beerman, New York University freshman and 2012 FHN alumnus, spent his summer as a field organizer and group leader for Organizing for America (OFA), an organization created by the Democratic National Committee, in downtown St. Louis.

“It’s not a typical job,” Kevin said.

“I never sat behind a desk. Putting in 60 to 70 hour weeks, it feels good.”

Kevin and his group of volunteers registered voters and educated, called and emailed potential voters regarding President Barack Obama and his policies.

“Both of us were guys who wanted to have a good time while helping out,” Srijesh Panth, an OFA field organizer this past summer and senior at Clayton High School, said.

Kevin moved to New York this fall and is no longer a field organizer, though he enjoyed the opportunity.

He now volunteers for OFA due to his cross-country move and start of college. Kevin is looking into working with the November 2013 election for the New York City mayor, however.

“Sometimes as an organizer, you have to take some time off college and move,” Kevin said. “I don’t know what the future is going to hold, but I do know I’m not done.”

RESEARCH THE CANDIDATES

BRING VOTER I.D. CARD

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER

To be an informed voter, you need to know the candidates views on different issues.

This was sent to you in the mail after registration, it tells you your location to vote.

Depending on when you go to vote you could be waiting in a long line outside.

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

11.05.12

FHNTODAY.COM 25

Through the night

stay up-to-date

with fhntoday.com

election connection Whether you’re away from the TV and need a playby-play or want to enter the conversation, make sure follow our social media accounts Twitter

26 FHNTODAY.COM

11.05.12

Stay up to date though our live tweeting on election night. If something we say sparks your interest, tweet at us @FHNtoday.com.

Check out our Storify page as we pull election coverage throughout the night.

Scan to the right to go straight to our page.

Storify

goo.gl/u3KTL

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

r a e g v o e Contest C n o i t c e El As you watch the election results come in on TV, you’ll notice an electoral college map of the 50 states. Color the states either red or blue, depending on the political party that won those states in electoral votes. The people who color their map accurately and submit it by Nov. 8 at 9 p.m. will be entered in a chance to win a contest. You can send a picture of your map to yourfhntoday@fhntoday. com, @FHNtoday, or post it to the FHNtoday Facebook Wall. Happy mapping.

Scan Here To see the different possiblilities of how the states will vote based on each states electoral votes http://goo.gl/wd4tJ

PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL

11.05.12

FHNTODAY.COM 27

S E M A J s i so, this HE 's a baller

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SPORTS

one shot to kill a beast With two big game kills under his belt, junior Collin Toedtmann carries on a family tradition

BY ABBY WEST abbywest19@gmail.com | @abby_west19

A

t 4:00 p.m. on Oct. 7, Collin Toedtmann and his father Jeff Toedtmann, began their hunt on their family farm near Hermann, MO. Dressed in all camo and his safety harness, Collin traveled to a strap-on stand attached to a powerline with ladder sticks leading up the pole. Collin sat, waiting for the perfect shot. As the sun began to set, 15 minutes before dark, a buck appeared. With the buck standing 30 yards away, he took aim with his bow. The arrow sliced through the air, hitting the deer directly in the heart. Collin shot a 12 point buck.

“It was one of my biggest bucks, and my first buck I killed with a bow,” Collin said.

The Toedtmanns are no strangers to hunting. Jeff was taken by his father for the first time at 11 years old. Ever since then, he has passed it down to his two sons.

“I was raised by my father to hunt; it has been passed down from generation to generation,” Jeff said.

Collin was first taken hunting by his father at around the age of eight. Jeff personally taught Collin, but a huge part of his learning came through observation. He first learned to hunt turkey and deer. Once of age, he took his hunters safety test, Collin was ready to begin hunting by himself.

“It was really exciting that I could go hunting by myself, and I didn’t have to be de-

30 FHNTODAY.COM

11.05.12

"I like being in the outdoors, in the woods, and not surrounded by concrete, like i am here."

-Jeff toedtmann pendent on my dad anymore,” Collin said.

From a young age, Collin exhibited signs of a natural born hunter. At 11 years old, he shot four dear within a season. Collin also killed his first bear at the age of 14, using a bow and arrow to strike the lethal blow.

“He is just a natural born killer,” Jeff said.

The family has traveled to Canada the past four years, where Collin has killed two bears so far in his hunting career. It was Collin’s second year in Canada, and his first year using

a bow to hunt bear, when he sat in the raised stand by the water for three hours waiting patiently for the right moment. Suddenly a bear appeared out from the forest. The bear slowly approached the stand ready to take the bait.

“I was so nervous my hands were shaking,” Collin said.

Keeping his composure, Collin held his aim-never breaking focus. The bear walked all the way to the bait barrel which contained things like fish oil, popcorn, and honey. The bear laid

PAGE BY ABBY WEST

Junior Collin Toedtmann and his father Jeff Toedtmann admire Collin’s kill on the Canadian hunting trip they went on together last year. (photo submitted)

WHAT'S

YOUR biggest kill?

Below are some of the students and teachers around FHN showcasing thier biggest kill during hunting season.

Greg Reinhardt

Animal: Turkey Killed on Nov. 14, 2011 Score: 1/2 in. spurs Weight: 22 Ibs. What was your reaction after you killed the animal?

Far Left: Junior Collin Toedtmann poses with the bear he shot on his annual family bear hunting trip in Canada.

Center: Collin poses with a large buck he shot at his family farm.

He killed this deer during bow season.

Toedtmann enjoys hunting with his family at their farm, and they have made a tradition of it.

Right: Collin with an 8 point buck he shot on the Toedtmann farm, during firearm season. (photos submitted)

on its side, virtually an impossible shot. Collin waited patiently. When the bear had lost interest in the bait, he stood and began to retreat. Collin took aim. The bear turned broadside. This was the moment. He took his shot; it was perfect.

“I was relieved that I hit it and got a good shot off--the first shot,” Collin said.

Collin had killed a colored face black bear, referred to as the color cinnamon. The difference between a cinnamon bear and any other black bear is its brown or red-brown fur, resembling the color of cinnamon. These bears can only be found in Southwestern Canada and Central/ Northeastern U.S. Collin’s bear had an estimated weight of 350 to 400 pounds.

“I was excited for him because he did it all on his own,” Jeff said. “He was in his own stand, and he did the entire field dressing by himself as well. He made me very proud.”

PAGE BY ABBY WEST

Collin plans to take all of his skills he learned with his bow, and transfer them over to firearm season for deer which begins Nov. 10. For the Toedtmann family, deer season is like a holiday. The family goes hunting both weekends of open deer season which ends Nov. 20. This event brings the whole family together at the Toedtmann farm. During this time the family hosts many large game dinners, normally eating what they hunt.

“Family dinners are always very important to us but when I supply the food, I feel very special,” brother Clint said.

Collin hopes to continue this tradition within his own family one day. He would love for his kids to hunt, but he would not force them to.

“It will always be a hobby, to my kids, their kids, they will all hunt, it will always remain a tradition,” Collin said.

“To be honest I was nervous. It’s kind of like trying something new then realizing you accomplished something.”

Lucas McDaniel What was your reaction after you killed the animal?

Animal: Buck Killed on Nov. 12, 2011 Killed with a 43 Winchester Score:142 7/8 in.

“It was an adrenaline rush, I was shaking from the cold, it was the best day ever.”

Joe Brocksmith What was your reaction after you killed the animal?

“I tried not to fall out of the tree after realizing I had shot the biggest deer in my life.”

Animal: Buck Killed on Nov. 15, 2008 Killed with a Savage 30-06 rifle Score:142 7/8 in.

11.05.12 FHNTODAY.COM 31

SOFTBALL

sports

an end

to the games

Junior Jessica Grimes, bunts the ball in a game against Hazelwood Central on Oct. 1. The Knights pulled a 9 to 4 victory during the Varsity team’s Senior Night. (zack eaton)

FINAL SWING OF THE year

Varsity Softball didn’t do as well as they would have liked this past season due to a lack of involvement in the team. In addition to the shortage of players on Varsity, the whole program experienced lower participation this year.

“We want more girls to come out and play,” Assistant Varsity coach Mike Freedline said. “I think a lot of it is talking to seventh and eighth graders and getting them excited.”

Final season record: There were 11 girls on Varsity this past season with 12-14 two seniors, Victoria Miller and Monica Cattron. All of the softball teams combined came up to 33 girls total. Freedline said the ideal amount of players for the program would be about 50.

“I thought they did really good for as young as we were,” Freedline said.

The JV team also got a new coach, Jeremy Opfer, but some players believe the JV team could have done better. “We got a new coach, so we were trying to learn new things,” JV player and junior Erin Weaver said.

The fall sports season is over, but for each team they ended on their own unique note

STORIES BY JASMINE WAHLBRINK, CYNTHIA CAHALL, AND JORDAN BRYSON

FOOTBALL

SOCCER

Junior Cory Bruns tackles the running back for a loss of yards durring FHN’s home game on Aug. 31. against FZE. The Knights lost to the Lions with the final score of 20-42 (zack eaton)

Junior Gabe Rish dribbles the soccer ball down the field, while being rushed by Troy’s defense.

FHN managed to pull a 1-0 victory against TBHS at our home field. (cameron mccarty)

new team and new direction underclassmen stepping up Despite their record this year, the Varsity Football team stayed positive with new Head Coach Brandon Gregory.

“This year, there was a lot more motivation,” senior Braxton Perry said. “I believe the program is moving Final Season Record: in the right direction.”

0-10 With the new coach, the team is looking for major change in the coming years. Because he was hired in April, Gregory could not work with the team during the winter or spring.

“I can’t wait to get in touch [with the team] in the winter,” Gregory said. “I’m anxious to be a part of the offseason.”

fall Stats

This year, the Varsity boys Soccer team only had two seniors on their team. With a larger number of underclassmen, it was hard to work together as a team sometimes, according to junior Robbie Frkovic.

“There wasn’t much team chemistry,” Frkovic said.

Final Season Record: “Next year will be better because [the underclass6-14 (as of press time) men] will have more experience.

Districts take place starting on Oct. 30. The Knights are in a group with Pattonville, Hazelwood West, and McCluer North.

“If we put together a good game, we have a good chance at winning,” head coach Larry Scheller said.

BRANDON LEISER FOOTBALL

PAIGE MARTINEZ SOFTBALL

387 passing yards 2 touchdowns 4 interceptions

.313 average 6 RBI’s 4 runs scored

NOAH LUCKER SWIMMING 500 freestyle- 7 minutes 18 seconds 200 freestyle- 2 minutes 23 seconds 100 freestyle- 1 minute 9 seconds

AS OF11/30/12

32 FHNTODAY.COM

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PAGE BY CYNTHIA CAHALL

VOLLEYBALL

CROSS COUNTRY

On Oct. 9. the Varsity Volleyball team celebrates a score that took place on Senior Night. The ladies ended with a loss of 0-2. (jimmy higgins)

Junior Alexis Happe runs in the Varsity Girls GAC race on Oct. 11. Happe placed sixth in her race out of all schools. (hannah stillman)

Coping with the loss an all-new attitude This year, Varsity girls Volleyball finished 4-26. Their record last year was 24-11.

“We knew we were going to struggle,” Head Varsity coach Robin Yuede said. “We don’t play an easy schedule. Just from Final season record: the get-go we started playing 4-26 top-notch teams.”

According to team captain and senior Maddie Eifert the team became more used to the Varsity level and speed as the season went on.

“Everyone has grown as a volleyball player,” Eifert said. “Everyone has worked so hard at practices to get to this point in the season.”

This year juniors, Brandon Chac, Alexis Happe, Jillian Fields, and sophomore Dominique Meyer qualified for State which will take place on Nov. 3 (as of press time.)

“It’s good to know that all of Districts- Girls- 2nd my hard work pays off, Chac Districts- Boys- 7th said.

The Varsity girls Cross Country team placed second in Districts, while the boys team placed seventh. They improved from last year when the girls placed fourth and the boys placed ninth. All runners strive to keep a positive attitude at meets and tournaments.

winning

the gold Sophomore Risa Takenaka wins first place at Districts, Sectionals, and State

BY CYNTHIA CAHALL cynthiacahall2@gmail.com

GOLF

SWIMMING

Sophomore Maleya Schmidt drives the ball towards the flag on the 11th hole at Districts where she hit a 121. (kendrick gaussoin)

Sophomore Sean Pirrone swims against Holt on Sept. 10 at the St Peters Rec Plex Natatorium. There score was 35- 136. (julie schwartz)

more girls, big hopes building up new team With 11 girls on the team and a new home course, Bogey Hills, girls Golf had an improved season.

According to Head Coach Holly Brocksmith, the team was prepared to compete in every match.

“I’m glad there’s more of an Final Season Record: awareness for golf,” Brock7-4 smith said. “Last year, we were short on people.”

At Sectionals, the top 12 scoring girls were chosen to go to State. Senior Sarah Creeley placed 13th and sophomore Julia Kaminski placed 15th.

“My overall performance wasn’t bad,” Creeley said. “But it just wasn’t good enough.”

BRANDON CHAC CROSS COUNTRY Mile Time-4 minutes, 51 seconds 5K Time-17 minutes, 12 seconds

PAGE BY JASMINE WAHLBRINK

Despite two hour practices every night, the Varsity boys Swim team was 0-9 as of press time.

“We’re a bigger team, but we have a lot of less experienced swimmers,” Assistant Varsity coach William Crow said.

Final Season Record: At the start of the season, the 0-9 (as of press time) team worked on basics. To prepare for GAC’s, held Oct. 30 through Nov.1, the boys focused on strokes and techniques. Sophomore Sean Pirrone hoped to place in the 100 fly.

“There’s a lot of people who can place,” Pirrone said. “It just depends on the day.”

MEGAN OOSTENDORP TENNIS Singles Record- 11-0 Singles GAC’s- 1st place Doubles GAC’s- 1st place

FHNTODAY.COM

SCAN HERE

To find out all of the other personal statistics for players.

This year Varsity Gold sophomore Risa Takenaka had an undefeated season and went on to become the State Champion. The final match at State was won in two sets 6-2, 6-2.

“I was really happy, but it didn’t really sink in until the next day,” Takenaka said.

The Varsity girls Tennis team lost in the first round at Districts, but Takenaka placed first which earned her the chance at State.

“I was happy for her,” Varsity silver freshman Addie Heigl said.

Takenaka was determined all season to make it past Sectionals after being eliminated last year.

“When she went away from sectionals she said, ‘That’s not going to happen next year’,” Head Varsity Coach Kate Kleiber said. “She works hard. She sets a goal and she figures out what the objectives for that goal are.”

Risa has been playing tennis for about six years and has been on Varsity both years of her high school career, but hasn’t made it this far before.

“It was exciting because a lot of people were watching,” Takenaka said, “I didn’t feel a lot of pressure.”

OR use this link: http://goo.gl/CImgx

11.05.12 FHNTODAY.COM 33

sports

getto

know the

playing

Zach Ksiazek, 12

WITH WITH

This past summer, senior Zach Ksiazek had the idea to create a group of fans to support the athletes at FHN. He spread the idea to his friends, seniors Hali Long, Jeremy Warden, and others. Then he took the idea to the Booster Club to make it an official club. After attending a meeting, the Goonies quickly gained support from the parents.

“They thought is was a great idea,” Ksiazek said.

“Considering most of their kids were athletes, they wanted more fans at the games.”

The first big Goonie event was the first home football game. The stands were filled with supportive fans. For Ksiazek it was a good indicator of how the rest of the year was going to go.

“When I looked up in the stands, it was a great feeling of accomplishment,” Ksiazek said. “I had done something great for the school.”

MAGIC MAGIC The rapid-fire game of Magic: The Gathering mystifies its players

BY NICK WYER

nickwyer23@gmail.com | @CopperWyer

Junior Brandon Kitchens plays Magic: the Gathering, a trading card game that uses logic and strategy to outwit opponents.

Kitchens plays semi-competitively every Wednesday and Friday at The Fantasy Shop, a comic book shop located near Lindenwood.

“I probably put too much time into it, but it’s really fun,” Kitchens said.

A popular version of Magic involves two players who each have a 60-card deck and try to whittle their opponent’s life points down to zero. Matches include three games that take 15 to 30 minutes.

“The game mechanics are the most appealing aspect of the game,” fellow player, junior Joey Klutenkamper said. “How the game works is different than every other game.”

Brandon normally plays with his brother, freshman Zach Ferguson. They both put around two to three hours into the game a night. The brothers construct decks and practice together. They want to make sure their cards work together.

“It’s fun being able to play with Brandon, I get his insight on what to do when we build decks together,” Ferguson said.

34 FHNTODAY.COM

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goonies

What has been your favorite game so far this year?

Blake Shambro, 12 Andy Bartell, 12

“It gets people excited about sporting events, and gives the players something to play for.”

“The Homecoming, because of how many people were there.”

Why did you choose to join the Goonies?

“I joined to get rowdy with all my friends, and to be a part of the school.”

How do you feel like this club is important to the school?

Drew landherr, 12

ROBERT MILLER, 12

What are you most excited about for this winter sports?

“The basketball games, because our team is going to be good and we are going to get wild!”

PAGE BY ABBY WEST & DAVID MCFEELY

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sports

briefs

Get your fix

Scan here for a video of how the winter sports teams are preparing. http://goo.gl/SFPUH

Briefs by Brenda Alvarado and David McFeely

new coach provides new mindset T

During the Pink Ribbon game against FZE Lions, senior Kyle Lemons dunks on the Lions. The Pink Ribbion game was put on by FHN to support breast cancer. (file photo)

he Varsity boys Basketball team had a record of 9-17 last season and won GAC’s.

“We didn’t do too bad last year, we won GAC’s,” sophomore Derrick Scarbrough said. “But we worked extra hard this offseason and put in extra effort and we are looking to win districts.”

The boys went to the weight room, played in summer leagues and team camps, and got extra people to come to open gyms this offseason. In addition, this fall the Varsity boys Basketball team got a new head coach, Darrell Davis.

He coached at Fulton for 32 years with winning second and third place at state.

“I really like him and am very excited to see what he can do for our team” junior James Gleeson said.

Coach Davis says that the only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. He wants the team playing their best in February when the team has Districts.

“We are gonna play hard and have a positive attitude going into the season,” Davis said. “Most important of all, we are going to have fun and not be too businesslike.”

Girls basketball

Sophomore Kelly Braudis guards againt the Timberland’s team on a drive towards the net at a freshman game. The game ended with a score of 41-32. (file photo)

Coach Matt Watson held workouts during the offseason. The team worked on speed, basketball drills and abs. During workouts they practice doing knights, which are down and back the length of the gym three times. Watson also makes the girls work on flexibility and strength. Sophomore Madison Kelly hopes that these drills will help them win GACs this year.

“I feel great,” Kelly said. “I think we’re going to do good.”

36 FHNTODAY.COM

11.05.12

wrestling The team is expecting to improve from last year because of working out over the summer and having offseason practices.

There are six seniors in the lineup this year with four returning state qualifiers Tyler Smith, Sam Ritchie, Jeremiah Reed, and Brendan Hatchel.

“I expect a lot of experience from our four state qualifiers,” Head Coach Harold Ritchie said. “We are expecting to be better than last year, a lot of our guys did a lot of off season wrestling and lifting, we are confident we are doing the right things.”

girls swimming After losing 10 seniors, Varsity girls Swim Head Coach William Crow is unsure of how the team will do this year.

“I don’t know about this year,” Crow said. “I don’t know what I’ll be getting back. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

He wants to get a big turnout from the freshmen to add to the talent on the team. Junior Megan Hampson has been swimming for eight years and hopes the team’s new focus on strengths will get her to State. Crow wants this to help to fulfill his goal of a top five finish at GACs.

hockey

bowling

This year, due to a shortage of players, there will only be one ice hockey team as opposed to the three teams they had last year. The team hopes to improve their 15-8 record from last year and to win conference.

Last year FHN played Howell in Gold cup and won 5-3.This year Gold Cup took place on Oct. 27 at the Rex-Plex. They won Gold Cup again this year, defeating Howell 8-6 .

“I think we’ll do alright [this year],” junior Kyle Kateman said. “We just need to work together.”

The bowling teams are hoping to increase their average to 170. Last year they had an average of 160. There are two bowling teams at FHN, one is led by senior Drew Landherr and the other one is led by senior Kyle Paaren.

“We will do exceptionally well this year because there are mostly seniors, and we are all really good bowlers,” Paaren said. “To improve from last year, we are practicing more” In Districts only the top 16 teams place, and Paaren’s team placed 14th last year.

PAGE BY BRENDA ALVARADO

RIGHT: Offensive player freshman Jake Beckman dribbles the ball away from one of Fort Zumwalt South’s defensive players.

The game was originally meant to be played on Sep. 1. but was rained out. (matt krieg) BELOW: Freshman Garret Griffin, races to the finish line against a runner from Fort Zumwalt West in the JV GACs race at McNair on Sep. 10.

Schools from all over the state came to McNair park to compete in GACs on North’s home turf. (murphy riley)

FALL SPORTS

EXPIRE

It is the season’s end for Fall sports, so recap that one moment that stood out

FHNTODAY.COM

SCAN HERE To see tbe rest of the fall sports photos and other galleries.

OR use this link: http://goo.gl/dnWlb

Senior Ashley Butterfield putts a hole at a girls Golf tournament on Sep. 20.

Butterfield was one of two North players competing against the Pattonville Pirates in this tournament.

The Lady Knights won their match. (cameron mccarty)

Sophomore Kristen Potter and the rest of the girls tennis team play Howell on Sep. 27, at North.

The team only lost one game out of their entire season. (toni wellman) On Oct. 1, Defensive linemen for the JV team, Mac Sievert, tackles the Jaguar’s quarterback in a game against Fort Zumwalt West. The Knights lost this game and ended the season 1-7. (sidney sheridan)

PAGE BY MURPHY RILEY

11.05.12 FHNTODAY.COM 37

St. Charles Parks and Recreation

Stevie Shee SCC student Francis Howell North alum

Santa’s Little Helpers (Ages 4 - 12) Fee: 15 per person Location: Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park Have your little helpers join us for a day of Christmas crafts, games and movies! We will provide a day of fun Christmas activities, along with a pizza lunch and holiday snacks!

DAY DATE TIME Sat. 12/15 9:00A-2:00P

Breakfast With Santa!

Success.

SCC makes it happen.

It’s never too early to think about life after high school. Whether your next step will be finding a job or earning an associate’s degree before transferring to a four-year institution, you’ll find support around every corner at St. Charles Community College.

Take the next step toward success at stchas.edu/future_students.

(Ages 1 -12) Santa Clause is coming to town!

Join us for this special occasion as we enjoy a lovely breakfast with the jolliest man around. Breakfast will be served at 9:00AM and Santa will be stopping by for a visit to meet your child after.

Location: Lower Level 1 of Memorial Hall Fee: $8 per person PRE-REGISTRATION ONLY - ALL MUST PAY DAY DATE TIME Sat. 12/8 9:00A

Sat. 12/8 9:00A

Winter Job Fair

Thursday, December 27, 2012 Time: 1:00P-3:00P Location: Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park Must be 16 years or older to apply.

Bring your friends to learn about the exciting job opportunities that are available for Spring and Summer 2013 with the St. Charles Parks & Recreation Department. Information about the following positions will be available at the Winter Extravaganza: (Applications for Summer 2013 will be accepted.)

• Concession Stand Workers • Beverage Servers (Must be 21 or older) • Aquatics: Lifeguards/Swim Instructors • Day Camp Counselors • Sports Instructors • Adult Softball Umpires

Introducing your little brothers & sisters to the world’s greatest game!

Soccer Shots Greater St. Charles 5055 Hwy N, Suite 209 Cottleville, MO 63304 636.697.7414 www.soccershots.org

entertainment

your omg moment Both “Argo” and “Hotel Transylvania” beat “Cloud Atlas” in the box office Oct. 26, even though they premiered weeks apart. http://goo.gl/Xl3WT

mind blowing

r

With a fresh perspective on how human lives affect one another, this movie lived up to all of its hype

BY AURORA BLANCHARD auroradblanchard@gmail.com | @auroradbee

“Cloud Atlas,” directed by Tom Twyker, Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski, was one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time, which means it’ll be one of the movies I subject my grandchildren to when I’m 89 and come visit me. It’s that good.

The movie opened with short, choppy scenes, each one a fragment in time, leading up to the revelation at the end of the movie. Because very little theme was told, but shown, I didn’t even realize I had been in a movie theater for three hours, held captive, but also captivated.

The intricacies of the film shots, multi-layered plot links and scenery set this movie apart from other overly-philosophical movies. Don’t write this movie off as just another attempt to push a cliche philosophy down the masses’ throats because you read on IMDb.com that it’s “An exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.” Where other movies have fallen short in exemplifying this idea, this movie followed through.

The well-done costumes and extreme use of makeup to alter age, gender and race helped make this movie believable. Since it spans from the 1800s to the 2100s, the overarching idea would be difficult to convey if all the parts weren’t perfect.

Not only am I amazed at how someone logistically figured out how to pull off the sets, costumes, and dialogue for multiple time periods, but I am also amazed by the philosophy that lay beneath the surface of its high-octane explosions, romance, and tragedy. I left the theater pondering the significance of life, and a hunger to read the book by David Mitchell from which it was adapted. If nothing else, I left with an open mind, which is what was intended when “Cloud Atlas” was created.

fhn’s

Favorite apps

By Jake Chiarelli

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twitter

ibook

Instagram

“It keeps me connected and up to date with my friends.”

“I really like iBook because it helps me take my books anywhere and it’s free.”

“I follow trendy designers so I get great ideas for cute outfits.”

-Deanna Bonney

-Matt Van Coutren

-Ashlynn Laspe

PAGE BY AUSTIN SEAY

VS

from high school to a hospital totally

BY ALEXIS CHRISTO

acchristo15@gmail.com | @alexis_christo

“Emily Owens, M.D.,” which premiered on Oct. 16 at 9 p.m. on the CW 11, is your typical cliche, yet relatable hospital show. Denver Memorial Hospital turns out to be a replica of high school; from the “rebels” in the ER to the “jocks” as the Orthopedic surgeons.

Throughout the show, I couldn’t help but relate myself to Emily’s quirky and awkward personality. As an adult, she goes through situations that your average teenager would go through, and you find her being someone you would want to befriend. At times though, the hospital

seems a little too much like high school. One moment, Emily will be in a serious talk with a patient and then the next she will be proclaiming her love to her crush, Will Rider. Some situations are overdramatic and take away the professionalism of the hospital. I wish there were smoother transitions from situation to situation.

Despite the high school atmosphere, the show does a good job of portraying a lifelike hospital.

Doctors and nurses have a real sense of urgency toward their patients and do so with professionalism. “Emily Owens, M.D.” is comparable to “Grey’s Anatomy” but for a younger audience.

SEE YOU AT HARRY’S Red with hatred

BY DELORES LAMPKIN

deloreslampkin@gmail.com | @delores_lampkin

The main character in “ See You At Harry’s,” Fern, was named after Fern in “Charlotte’s Web” expected to be a hero. But after Fern was blamed for a tragedy, she felt as if she was the villain instead of the hero.

I liked this book because it was a well-organized book with relatable characters and situations. I understood Fern’s situation because my parents always set high expectations for me, and sometimes they’re just too unachievable. Although Fern faces some obstacles, she doesn’t let that get her down. That’s why she was my favorite character. This book shows that through hard times, it may seem like the end of the world, but it can always better.

BY NICK WYER

nickwyer23@gmail.com | @copperwyer

Taylor Swift’s new album “Red” is a definite change up from her past. It’s almost like she has an alternate “super pop star” ego, akin to Miley Cyrus. Essentially, the songs on “Red” are the same annoying, boy crazy songs of her past, just wrapped in new lyrics and some electronic beats sprinkled in here and there.

She’s still love sick as ever, as evident with the lines “You’ll be mine and I’ll be yours / All I know since yesterday is everything has changed” and honestly, it’s annoying. Personally, I hate the album due to the frequent change of style and obnoxiously clingy lyrics. I can see how the masses would like “Red”, but it’s safe to say “‘Nothing’ Has Changed.”

NOT WORTH A

SHOWDOWN The two search engines aren’t different enough to consider switching

BY AUSTIN SEAY

aseay4@gmail.com | @seaystheday

For the past two months, Bing has been advertising “Bing It On,” a blind study revealing that people prefer Bing search results over Google 2:1. Having taken part in the study myself, I believe that “prefer” is a bit too strong of a word in context. Bing does bring up more accurate sources faster, but so does Google three or four results down. If you want to know who the lead actor in “Robocop” was, either search engine will tell you it was Peter Weller.

Even the layout is exactly the same. The only difference is Bing’s stock photo backgrounds and a section of the most popular searches. Something which seems fine in theory but in practice brings up results like “Honey Boo Boo.” My suggestion is this: if you want to stay loyal to Google, you’re not making any major sacrifices. But if the half-second it takes to look a few search results down on Google is too valuable to waste, maybe it’s time to switch to Bing.

Angry Birds

Dolphin browser

Pandora

Temple run

“Its addicting, doesn’t get old, and it’s fun when I have nothing to do.”

“It’s a lot faster than what comes with it and the interface feels like it’s made for the iPod.” -Alex Shannon

“There’s good, new music for free and there are a lot of options.”

“I enjoy it, it’s really a challenge after 2500 meters, I really Like how it never ends.”

-David Hood

-Jesse Davila

-Eric Craven

PAGE BY AUSTIN SEAY

11.05.12

FHNTODAY.COM 41

Opinions

THE DIGITAL

standard

As compared to other countries, our standard of living is based too much on material things

BY TANNYR SEDDON tannyrseddon@gmail.com | @teesedd

The standard of living is now not just having food in my belly, it’s about having that handy-dandy refrigerator to hold all my food (though there’s never “anything to eat”). It’s not having a roof over my head. It’s having a big house with electricity, heating and cooling. It’s having a nice car and full tank of gas. Don’t get me wrong: this stuff is great. However, it’s not the most important.

In third-world countries, the luxuries of our lives are scarce. They don’t have the iPhone 5 or fancy laptop.

Their standard of living is the bare necessities: food, water, shelter. We live in a country where people on government welfare have the latest and greatest phones. Technology is important but the way we all cling to it can be pretty awful sometimes. We’re so dependent on material things, what would happen if there was a huge crisis?

How would we handle that? We’d be extremely vulnerable. Hashtag that with #FirstWorldProblems.

Technology is great. It’s helped the world evolve and develop. Through it, we’ve created many jobs and helpful tools. We’ve managed to explore new possibilities. In a tiny portable device I have a calculator, GPS, camera, planner, and something to talk to me if nobody else will, while I still manage to maintain my sanity, and so much more. This has become our standard, and it shouldn’t be.

There are more important things than all the material items we use so excessively.

Our dependency on material things is ridiculous. It shouldn’t be the definition of the way we live our lives.

We should learn more from other countries.We need go back to a simpler standard and not rely so much on unnecessary things. Slow down. Enjoy the simple things.

(photo illustration by cameron mccarty)

Your take FHN voices their opinions on events happening around the school, country and world.

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ALEXANDRA WILEY

ZACH FETTIG

EMILY MEYERS

Bumper stickers

Hunting

college majors

“I think they show a lot of character. People who have bumper stickers have a passion for what they believe in.”

“Killing an animal and getting meat is the best. The worst part is bad weather.”

“In this economy it’s just harder to follow your dreams.”

PAGE BY TANNYR SEDDON

sc

(photo illustration by matt krieg)

Regulation legislation taken away

Voters will no longer be able to decide to ban indoor public smoking

BY NICK PONCHE ngponche@gmail.com | @ngponche

One important issue that will no longer be appearing in the St. Charles County November election is the long-petitioned smoking ban. The ban would have prohibited smoking in all indoor public places in St. Charles; however, it was pulled from the ballot on Sept. 11 due to its confusing wording. Under the circumstances, this was a very good decision.

I’m not saying smoking is a good thing. Cleaner air and fewer smoke-related illnesses is a worthy cause.

But preventing it would have a negative impact on the people of St. Charles and the students and teachers of FHN. The ban would drive people from local businesses.

In an interview with the Suburban Journals, Mayor Sally Faith stated an outright smoking ban could cause St. Charles to lose up to $3 million annually.

That’s no small amount. In a time when we need money coming in to support our businesses, when we need our economy strong to support our schools (what with FHN’s declining budget and surplus for spending), we can’t afford to turn away paying customers due to a lifestyle choice. Money is money.

The ban had an option to be excluded in some areas, such as casinos or hotel rooms. For the future, this exclusion may be the solution, the right balance between health and economic needs. But for now, until that can be clearly established, it shouldn’t be voted on.

THE MORNING AFTER

BY ASHLEY FLERLAGE

ashleypaytonn@gmail.com | @ashley_flerlage

A solid middle ground between the nonexistant FHSD policy on contraceptives, and New York City’s overbearing policy is simply offering condoms for birth control. 13 New York City high schools began distributing the morning-after pill at the beginning of this school year, in addition to the already available condoms. Providing condoms, in addition to teaching abstinence, provides students with the best opportunity to protect themselves.

Having access to condoms allows students who are sexually active to decide in advance to protect themselves, but does not provide an alternative to doing so. By providing the morningafter pill, New York City schools are offering a back-up plan that basically says, “Don’t worry about making smart choices, we’ve got you covered.”

In addition, condoms are readily available to everyone, whereas the morning-after pill must be prescribed by a doctor to any person under 17.

FHSD does not offer any form of contraceptive to students, and according to district personnel, does not plan on offering any; they claim that teaching abstinence is enough.

(photo illustration by zack eaton)

AMBER ROLLINS

NATHAN TAVARES

school-provided contraception

ASHLEY EUBANKS

The elections

THE IPHONE 5

SMOKING BANS

“I think they’ve influenced society because everybody wants one. They were amazing when they came out and they’ve just stayed that way.”

“I think it’s great beacause I don’t want people to smoke. I don’t want to be around smoke. Keep it in your home.”

“If it keeps them from getting pregnant then I’m all for it. It’s better than a kid having a kid.”

PAGE BY TANNYR SEDDON

“I think that it’s messed up that the rich are paying much less than the middle class.”

JEFF TANDLER

HOme, SWEET HOME Finding acceptance in an unfamiliar community through clogging

BY ELAINA PETERS elainapeters96@gmail.com | @elaina_peters

After living in North Carolina for 10 years, I still don’t understand “southern hospitality.” Heavy southern accents still make me giggle. I’m not a fan of the extremely sweet tea, and I never picked up on the pasttime of clogging.

I never imagined myself shuffling around in wooden-soled shoes to the beat of a washtub bass. But over fall break, that is exactly what happened.

At Sims BBQ, flies were everywhere. Waitresses greeted us with accents too heavy to understand.

Bizarre events happened one after another. Even though there are hints of this culture throughout all of NC, Sims BBQ is the extreme.

After eating “The Worlds Best BBQ” I sat and ‘people-watched.’ A stranger grabbed me. I was prepared for this. I had been watching YouTube videos on how to clog. (The fundamentals, of course.) It seemed simple. Little did I know that intermediate level clogging would not cut it for Sims BBQ. I soon found myself just bouncing up and down.

Being open to this culture and doing something totally uncomfortable made being there a lot less miserable, in fact it was quite enjoyable.

As I was clogging, I realized that if I could fit into this bizarre community so easily, there may be other communities willing to befriend someone who’s not exactly like them.

11.05.12 FHNTODAY.COM 43

(p

north star take:

Twitter no longer “Tweeter,” as teachers get the hang of it

(cartoon drawn by jordan bryson)

There is new potential for social media integration into the classroom ON BEHALF OF THE EDITORIAL STAFF yourfhn@fhntoday.com | @fhntoday

The home feed is refreshed. Close to 23 new posts have been added in the last 10 seconds.

Petty issues over sleep deprivation and a longing to go home control the majority of news for students, but hidden in the mix is something of greater value.

“Mike Janes @fhnactivities : Brenton Griffith and Brandon Chac qualified individually for Cross Country Sectionals. Best of Luck to all of our athletes! #FHNpride” Social media is hot, it’s trending and it can hold a student’s attention for more than two seconds. According to a June 2012 study by Common Sense Media, 20 percent of students report their main social media site is Twitter, and 68 percent of students who use social media say that Facebook is.

So what was the faculty to do when students became permanently fused with their cell phone screens? Well, it took a lot of write ups, bargaining and lessons on how to avoid saying things like “tweeter,” but they did it. Several faculty, administrators and staff have made

44 FHNTODAY.COM

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their way onto Twitter. They’re posting sports announcements, holding contests and keeping their clubs they sponsor up-to-date on events from their FHN accounts.

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center Internet & American Life Project, 95 percent of teenagers, ages 12 to 17, use the Internet regularly. 80 percent of those students are using social media sites. Of those students surveyed, most reported that their school supports a BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) or BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy.

Social media just makes sense. It is the way 80 percent of teens communicate. It allows alumni to keep in contact with past teachers on social media and ask them questions that apply to their life out in the real world. @JoughBroxsmith [Joe Brocksmith] has replied to tweets from former students such as “Brocksmith, what is this animal?” Because he’s connected to his students on Twitter, his teaching can still reach beyond the bounds of the classroom walls or graduating years of his former students.

Social media can bridge the gap between students, teachers and even administrators.

Activities Director Mike Janes, who runs the @ fhnactivities account, retweets accounts ranging from the @TheGoonies to @FHNHeadKnight.

Now, students and administrators are able to relate to each other in a virtual community

where they can both show their support for activities and sports around the school.

There is a lot of media attention given to inappropriate student-teacher relationships and horror stories on social media. However, those are very extreme cases and are not the norm. Most teachers, faculty, and staff tweet about school-related activities professionally.

The light-hearted, open accounts of teachers at North are relating to their students on a different, virtual level. This social networking form of communication will be important to have in the classroom in the coming years because it will only develop further.

Not only are the students ready for social media integration but the teachers are too.

A 2009 PBS report claims that 76 percent of K-12 teachers use social media. Of those K-12 teachers, 26 percent of them use a social networking site or some sort of online community for classroom instruction.

Each year, technology evolves. With the rapid spread of information on the Internet, it is not crazy to think social media integration could become a permanent part of more than 50 percent of classrooms by 2020. These studies show readiness for teachers to begin integrating social media in the classroom. The first step to introducing something new into the curriculum is teacher-readiness, and it looks like teachers are already getting a handle on Twitter [pun intended.]

PAGE BY DELORES LAMPKIN

2012-2013

North star

staff Co Editors-in-Chief: Aurora Blanchard & Nick Bussell Managing Editor: Jordan Bryson Business Manager: Megan Hefner

(photo illustration by anne reiner)

take the dare to deam big as long as it’s practical

BY AUSTIN SEAY

aseay4@gmail.com | @seaystheday

More than 400 seniors will be graduating this year. Each one has been given the same advice since they were kids: follow your dreams.

Since then, their dreams may have become more realistic. There are less future superheroes and more future artists, but the idea stays the same. A job should be enjoyable, even if it isn’t the most secure or highest paying career path.

That does not mean that you can blindly walk into a career without knowing what you’re sacrificing. $40,000 a year doesn’t sound so bad without factoring in the cost of housing, food, insurance and college loans.

According to the Social Security Board of Trustees, Social Security benefits will run out by 2033. So by the time people currently in high school are 65 and may need Social Security, they won’t have the support from the government that their parents and grandparents had. If they want to retire, they need a job that can get them the proper savings.

Even if working for the rest of your life sounds appealing, there are still issues with the quality of life people with low income have. Princeton researchers Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton created a survey asking various questions about fulfillment and well-being. What they found was that people who made less than $75,000 annually were considerably less likely to report highly on life evaluation.

I get that I am saying the exact opposite of everything people are taught. I thought that too. For a while I had wanted to work for a nonprofit organization. But I also wanted to eventually buy a house and put kids through college. I finally decided I wanted to go into the medical field where I could help people, make money and I could still volunteer if I wanted too.

I’m not saying people should give up on their dreams. They just need to look at other options.

Dreams don’t disappear if you don’t major in them. Jobs were never supposed to be the fun part of life anyway. Find a job you can live off of and you can stand walking into everyday and do the things you love the other 128 hours a week.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR guidelines

Have an opinion on something in this month’s paper? Submit a letter, and tell us about it.

• Letters must be signed by the author and verified.

• Letters are submitted to room 026 or Mr. Manfull’s mailbox.

• Letters must include the author’s phone number and e-mail for verification.

PAGE BY JORDAN BRYSON

• Letters should not exceed 300 words.

• Letters will not be printed if content is obscene, invasive, encouraging disruption of school and/or implies libel.

• Letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling and content.

• Authors will be notified if any changes are made to the letter by the editorial staff.

The full version of the Editorial Policy can be found at FHNtoday.com/editorialpolicy

Editors: News Editor: Amanda Stallings Features Editor: Maddie Hiatt Sports Editor: Abby West Opinions Editor: Tannyr Seddon Copy Editor: Sophie Gordon General Staff: Brenda Alvarado Rodney Malone Austin Barber David McFeely Daniel Bodden Brianna Morgan Cynthia Cahall Elaina Peters Alexis Christo Austin Seay Ashley Flerlage Brittany Steck Emily Hampson Carly Vossmeyer Delores Lampkin Jasmine Wahlbrink Newspaper Photo Editor: Zack Eaton Photographers: Logan Bergman Cameron McCarty Iesha Boll Kerry Moriarty Monica Friedman Dominic Pusateri Kendrick Gaussoin Anne Reiner Jimmy Higgins Julie Schwartz Matt Krieg Sidney Sheridan Alyssia Luque Toni Wellman

FHNTODAY STAFF Editor-in-Chief of Multimedia: Murphy Riley Editors: Online Sports Editor: Andrew Cline Director of Multimedia: Christina DeSalvo Director of Live Coverage: Jon Doty Webmaster: Chandler Pentecost Web News Director: Nick Ponche FHNtoday TV Director: Dan Stewart Web Staff:

Jake Chiarelli Ashleigh Jenkins Luke Ellison Lauren Pike Abigail Griffin Nick Wyer Video Staff: Kris Davlin Andrew Oleshchuk Brenton Griffith Sammie Savala Dajah Lasenberry Hannah Stillman Smitha Milli Megan Tanksley Advisers: Aaron Manfull Beth Phillips

11.05.12

FHNTODAY.COM 45

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FHNtoday.com video

Featuring:

Feature Stories Sports News Live Events Recaps and Reviews

fhntoday.com more than 200 videos to choose from!

Free runner Tyler Ayers shows off his free running skills around the school campus.

2012 Dinner Concert The annual dinner concert where there was singing, dancing and chicken Parmesan.

Anti-bullying assembly

Sophomores gathered for a seminar about the dangers of cyber-bullying.