Nov. 20, 2020 - Pulling Vaping Out of Teens by North Star

| NEW ACT POLICY PAGE 07 | TWO-TIME GAC CHAMPION DIVER PAGE 33 | FHSD SUING JUUL PAGE 44 |

NORTH | STAR

FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH | ST. CHARLES, MO 63303 | 11.20.19 | VOL 34 ISSUE 03

PULLING VAPING OUT OF TEENS

FHSD WANTS RETRIBUTION FOR THE DAMAGES VAPING AND THE COMPANY JUUL HAS INFLICTED. FIND OUT MORE ON PAGES 23-29.

FHNtoday.com

CONTENTS

Junior defensive lineman Adel Mountassir goes to tackle a offensive lineman. On Oct. 4, the FHN football team competed against Francis Howell Central. Mountassir is thinking about pursuing football after high school. (Photo by Riley Witherbee)

ENTERTAINMENT 1 Vinyls vs. Streaming Compare the differences between how you can listen to music

Black Friday Deals Find out where to shop and get the best deals for this upcoming Black Friday

NEWS 6 Changes for FHSD Superintendent Mary Hendrick-Harris has plans to improve facilities

New Film Club New Social Studies teacher starts a new club to watch and analyze films

FEATURES 15 Student Fashion

Take a look at how students throughout FHN use fashion to express themselves

Off to The Circus

Adelle Gertch takes online classes so she can train for the circus during the day

SPORTS 34 From Soccer to XC

Joey Albers Prize switches his sport in his last year of high school at FHN

36 Dribbling in Pink

For breast cancer awareness, the boys’ varsity soccer team wore pink jerseys

OPINIONS 42 Environmentalists Read into the debate about weather enviornmentalists are benefital or not

Christmas Music Festive music should wait to be played until November and December

ON THE COVER

A Juul is being pulled out of the game Operation. This issue addresses the prevalent vaping at FHN. Many school districts and levels of government are taking action against vaping. (Photo Illustration by Phoebe Primeau)

FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | CONTENTS

Freshman Wonder Reed reads her script for the upcoming play. The second rehearsal of “Once Upon a Pandora’s Box” was held in the FHN auditorium. The performance will take place Nov. 21-23. (Photo by Alyana Furch)

Senior Leann Smyth dresses up like Princess Jasmine before she goes to a child’s birthday party. Smyth interacts and sings songs with the kids. It is a weekend job for Smyth. (Photo by Riley Witherbee)

PAGE BY KARSYN WILLIAMS

VINYL VS. STREAMIING Making the case for vinyl, a once forgotten format in the new era of quick and easy listening on streaming services by Jack Cleaveland

of the song or album in question is going to get a cut out of the total profit from the song. If you listen to this song on Spotify once, an independent artist f you look around the hallway at school, most if not every person wearing without a label or any collaborators makes about $0.0044. Now to make headphones is using a streaming service. Whether it be Spotify, Apple minimum wage off that one song it will need to be played 366,000 times. Music or Soundcloud, streaming services are the cheapest, quickest and Yeah, that’s a lot. Now imagine someone huge like Playboi Carti. Currently his undoubtedly the most convenient way to listen to music today. So, why song “Magnolia” has 342,248,579 plays on Spotify. Doing the math, Carti and would anyone want it to be different? his management have made approximately 1.5 million dollars off that song’s There are many reasons why someone may choose Spotify streams alone. Physical sales are another story. If not to use a streaming service. There’s sound quality someone releases their album to record stores on standard Where to Shop differences, more benefits towards the artist and a feeling 12-inch LP’s, those records are going to retail for around for records: of pride when one is in a conversation about an album and $20-$25. Let’s use Prince’s “Purple Rain” for this example. they can say, “Yeah, I have that one on vinyl.” Currently, the album is at 25 million record sales worldwide. Vintage Vinyl First, sound quality. While a lot of people don’t pay A rough estimate for the profit of that album is around Music Record Shop any mind to the sound quality of their music, it’s there. $562.5 million. So, it’s obvious to see that if you can get your Record Exchange For example, on Spotify, all the song files have been album in stores and people are buying it, the profit will be Discogs.com compressed to make the song smaller and able to be much higher. Euclid Records played back faster and easier. This compression process Finally, the pride that you feel when you own a record. Music Reunion is what makes your music sound different on your phone There’s something about listening to an album on a Planet Score Records than it does on vinyl. There is more flexibility to how much streaming service, falling in love with it and then going to a Record Reunion content you can put onto a 12-inch record than there is for record store and making the commitment to spending the Dead Wax a single song on a cell phone or computer since streaming money on it. It can make the album resonate in a different Slackers services have a predetermined amount of space a song can way once you can physically hold it, look at any exclusive take up. Compression reduces your music’s dynamic range: cover art or listen to any exclusive songs that only came out the variation between the song’s loudest parts and its quietest parts. on the album’s physical copy. Second, benefits toward the artist. Everyone knows the artists we look up All in all, whether you’re streaming your music or listening to all your to are pretty financially successful, but we never think about how the money favorite records, music is music. While streaming’s convenience and ease of actually gets to them. If an artist is signed to a label, they own the rights to access makes it a rational choice for the casual music listener, vinyl has higher the music and, therefore, they decide where and who the money goes to. The sound quality, record sales are more beneficial to artists and it makes you feel artist’s management, their label and anyone else involved in the production much cooler. jack.cleaveland@gmail.com | @Braackn

PAGE BY JACK CLEAVELAND

ENTERTAINMENT | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

(Photo from Pixabay.com)

BLACK FRIDAY BARGAINS Save big with great deals while shopping on Black friday at these places. (Content by Aadhi Sathishkumar)

Walmart Being the largest retail store in the world, Walmart certainly has deals for Black Friday. Deals range from home appliances, TVs, game consoles and furniture. Notable deals include the Apple Watch and the iPad.

THE RISE OF SKYWALKER: AN INTERNAL WAR The year is 1977. The theaters are packed like cans of sardines. Audiences erupt with pure joy, excitement and wonder. The world gathers to watch the birth of an era. It has been 42 years since the very first Star Wars movie. The beginning of a franchise so beloved and powerful it has managed to remain relevant for almost half a century. Fans of the movies are some of the most diligent and loyal in the galaxy. But their patience with the series is running thin, and it’s evident that “A New Hope” may not be possible for this series. “Am I excited? Yes. Am I optimistic? No,” said junior William Pundmann concerning Disney’s newest endeavor. “No Star Wars movie this century has been good.” Pundmann has been a Star Wars fan since he was six years old, when he accidentally got a movie from the library. Pundmann mentions that the series kills off the wrong characters. “I wish [The Last Jedi] didn’t exist; there were too many plot holes,” Pundmann said. Though Pundmann dislikes the more recent movies, he still showers them with an unwavering affirmation. “Yes, it’s the best movie franchise,” Pundmann said. “No other movies compare.” 21st century Star Wars movies may have gone in directions many despise, albeit this, a fan cannot deny that it draws them to the theater. ‘“A New Hope’ is my favorite...I think the newer ones rely more on the nostalgia of the originals,” said art teacher Courtney Flamm. “I don’t think [continuing] was necessary [but] I think it’s good kids get to experience it.” Despite the story failure Pundmann feels it has suffered from and the uselessness Flamm feels, seeing Star Wars is an event. The packing of those who love it from one theater wall to the other, everyone who’s followed the story for years and years erupting with ecstasy. Despite all the hate, when asked if they love Star Wars, a fan will still say, unflinchingly, yes. (Story by Minnie Adams)

FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | ENTERTAINMENT

“I really like Walmart. I like to get the right things, and they have everything.” Anthony McDonald, 12

INFO Shop Walmart’s Black Friday deals now: bit.ly/2KhYYgX

Target Selling exclusive and hard to find items, Target has an allure to those interested in high end items. Deals include headphones, toys and home appliances. Notable deals include AirPods and Google Home Mini.

“I like the service. Immediately when they see you at the store they’ll help you. If you don’t need anything, they’ll leave you alone.” Devon Grapenthin, 11

INFO Amazon

Follow this link to check out Target’s Black Friday deals: bit.ly/2CE1MRa

For those who don’t want to go “It’s convenient. You can get through the hassle of shopping on stuff easily at the comfort of Black Friday, Amazon offers an alteryour own home.” native to packed and crowded stores. Brady Jarmen, 9 With deals on almost anything you can think of, shoppers can expect to find what they want for cheap. Notable deals include the Echo Dot and the Fire Stick.

INFO

Explore Amazon’s upcoming sales here: amzn.to/2CHQXgU

Best Buy One of the biggest retailers of electronics, Best Buy sells just about any TV, computer or appliance you could think of. Notable deals include this Samsung 8k TV and the Surface Pro 6 laptop. (Illustrations by Kiley Beiner)

“I like to shop at Best Buy because I like tech, and usually a lot of the stuff is really expensive, but on Black Friday, I can afford some of it.” Pavan Kolluru, 10

INFO Shop Best Buy’s Black Friday prices here: bit.ly/2rHtJa5

PAGE BY MINNIE ADAMS

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS TUNES

(Photo Submitted by Liy Taliaferro)

Whether heard on the radio or sung by holiday choirs, these are well-known songs of the Christmas season (Content by Ryleigh O’Donnell) “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU” BY MARIAH CAREY The song was released on Oct. 28, 1994, and was written by Mariah Carey and produced alongside Walter Afanasieff. The track is a love song and it’s one of the best selling modern day Christmas songs. It sold over 14 million copies and in Dec. 2017 it had an estimate of over 3,415,000 downloads. Many artists and bands have made covers of the song such as My Chemical Romance, John Mayer and Justin Bieber. “I like it because it’s a traditional song,” sophomore Emily Armbruster. “It’s catchy and you can dance to it.” “LAST CHRISTMAS” BY WHAM! “Last Christmas” is a pop Christmas song that was released in Dec. 1984. It was written and produced by George Michael. The song ranked number one on the charts in Denmark, Slovenia and Sweden and was the most popular Christmas songs in the UK until it was overtaken by “Fairytale of New York” in 2015. It’s been covered by Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Glee. “I like that so many people have made covers of it and that the covers are all different and I’ve liked it since I was a preteen so its always been an all time favorite,” English teacher Brittany Morgan said. “JINGLE BELL ROCK” BY BOBBY HELMS This song was released in Oct. 1957, and has been frequently played in the U.S. ever since. The song is an extension of Jingle Bells and even includes some aspects of Jingle Bells in it. It’s been covered by the show, Glee. “I like the song because it was a song I grew up listening to,” senior Kevin Meyer said. “BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE” BY FRANK LOESSER Written by Frank Loesser in 1944, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” has been a classic since it came out, but has received criticism for its lyrics and even cancelled by a number of radio stations in 2018. It’s covered by Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé, Glee and Dean Martin. “Christmas is favorite time of the year, so it reminds me of family and loved ones,” sophomore Natalie Venegoni said. “FELIZ NAVIDAD” BY JOSE FELICIANO This song was written by Puerto Rican singer José Feliciano in 1970. The song has become a classic Christmas pop song with the lyrics “Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad” which translates to “Merry Christmas, a prosperous year and happiness”. “I like the song Feliz Navidad because around Christmas time I’d help my Aunt Jill paint and it was our favorite song to listen to while painting,” junior Josh Reily said. “IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR” BY ANDY WILLIAMS “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” was recorded and released in 1963 by Andy Williams for his Christmas Album but it was written by Edward Pola and George Wyle. The song focuses on the joyful things about Christmas like spending time with friends and family. “You can sing it over and over again and it never gets old,” senior Zylinnea Rogers said.

PAGE BY RYLEIGH O’DONNELL

SOUR APPLE USERS This fall, Apple became a trending topic due to the release of the new iPhone 11, 11 Pro and Pro Max with new changes and upgrades introduced to the new phone line. “I like it because it’s the new phone. When you have it, it works well,” sophomore Dominic White said. “It works fast, you can do all of the latest things with it. It’s just better. The camera is better.” A lot of users are impressed by the rate of technological advancement in iPhones with new features such as multiple cameras, variety in phone colors, increased artificial intelligence and increased performance and speed. However, some people wish Apple would consider different, fresher features. “I just wish that Apple was moving in a different direction instead of adding more glass, like making it more industrialized with corners and metal,” White said. “I was hoping that they’d have more, newer features like a thumb reader on the screen, because it’s more accurate than the face reader. There were other features too, so you could put AirPods on the back and they [iPhones] would charge them wirelessly from your phone instead of having a wireless charging pad.” Although Apple users anticipate the yearly release of new phones, some users also feel the same about the tech company’s focus on appearance and style over efficiency. “Every time the new iPhone comes out, it just keeps getting better and better and with the new phone, the camera is so much better and just the intelligence of the phone itself,” Briana Bennet, a freshman Apple user with an iPhone 7 said. “It’s just more sophisticated. Honestly, I just really want them to return the home button.” Apple users admire Apple’s technological growth, and are compelled to continue using their products, they just hope that Apple won’t continue to neglect the common complaints and changes their users want them to make to future phones. “Actually, no I wouldn’t [recommend the iPhone 11],” Toni Morris, a sophomore with an iPhone X, said. “With the 11 I feel like they’re doing a little bit too much, and they just keep coming out with phones back to back.” (Brief by Liy Taliaferro)

ENTERTAINMENT | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

comic central

FIVE MORE MINUTES

MICROWAVING Dude, you want a grilled cheese?

Sure.

Are you putting that in the microwave?

Yeah? I don't know how to use a stove.

You are a disgrace to society and I am surprised you have made it this far.

(llustration by Ryleigh Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell) (llustration by Maya Helbig)

04 04

ENTERTAINMENT | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

PAGE BY ASHLYNN PEREZ

PERFECT VISION

CATS ARE WEIRD

(llustration by Jena Pae)

LIFE OF A JUICE BOX

(llustration by Sky Hebisen)

PAGE BY ASHLYNN PEREZ

(llustration by Minnie Adams)

ENTERTAINMENT | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

FHN faculty and students eat in the lunchroom every day for lunch. Lunch tables were purchased last year as an improvement to the school. Superintendent Mary Hendricks-Harris and Principal Nathan Hostetler worked together to purchase new tables for the lunchroom. (Photo by Adam Hogan)

PLANS TO IMPROVE FACILITIES

The FHSD school board makes new plans for facility renovations within the district and budgets their money for it by Ashlynn Perez

“We are the oldest building, so a lot of our stuff is beginning to age,” Hostetler said. “We have approximately 50,000 fewer square feet than the other two [FHSD HSD’s superintendent Mary Hendricks-Harris will retire after the 2019-20 high schools]. And honestly, the HVAC and roofing are going to be significant school year after working in the district for years. In her final few months, issues moving forward.” she is pushing for an improvement of facilities in the school district in 53.33% of people surveyed said they would strongly support the bond issue if it order to create lasting physical change that can assist in the learning of students was $250 million and resulted in no tax increase. No one said they would strongly through creating a healthy, safe academic environment. oppose. A common theme among responses on why the bond issue should “Our current strategic plan calls for safe, secure, well-maintained and equitable be supported was that the facilities FHSD currently works with are outdated facilities that meet the needs of 21st century learners,” Hendricks-Harris said. “All and need innovation. Many responses stress the necessity of updates. Building bond issues, including a new FHN, would be aligned with this goal.” envelope, utilities, and updates were considered highest priority according to the Earlier this year, the FHSD School Board met to discuss the projects that will go survey, while safety systems were runner up. into the improvement of the schools in the district and what it Of the proposed $250 million, current improvements to FHSD will cost. The session’s agenda contained discussion of fiscal facilities to satisfy these priorities would cost approximately responsibility and school policy reviews before they entered $66,840,000. Elementary schools will cost the most money for into a work session about the bond issue, which is the facility the district, mainly requiring HVAC modernization and exterior improvement discussion. There is a current debate on when improvements, while the minor updates in the high school Below is a survey conducted by the school this issue will run, but Hostetler said rough plans were for either category would cost the least due to a smaller amount of board on the bond issues : April or November of 2020. schools, aside from the cost of building a new building for FHN. bit.ly/2p1Bh52 The school board conducted a survey among FHSD For some time now, talk has gone around about the creation employees, parents and people living in the community of a new FHN to replace the current one, and this is estimated surrounding the district. Survey questions included questions to become a reality within the next three to four years, and will inquiring about the observed condition of the facilities, the prioritization of be built close to Henderson Elementary School. This project is high on the School certain renovations and the support behind the proposed bond issue. Board’s priority list, according to Hostetler. The pre-construction cost estimate While none of the people surveyed said that the district’s facilities were in bad is $86,350,000. The building of a new FHN has raised concern among the people condition, 12.90% said they were in poor condition, 48.39% said it was in average responding to the school board’s survey, mentioning that the school may need a condition, and 38.71% said they were in good condition. In the end, facilities remodel but do not see it necessary to build an entirely new facility. could be improved in order to contribute to the improved learning environment. “If North is going to be in the same place in terms of physical plant as the other According to head principal Nathan Hostetler, the main concern at FHN is the two buildings, then this one really does need to be replaced,” Hostetler said. “It messy HVAC systems and leaks due to roofing problems, and the rifts between really is time for this. It’s not like the building’s falling down around us, but it’s the roof panels. time.” ashlynnkaeperez@gmail.com

MORE INFO

FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | NEWS

PAGE BY SKYLAR VOGEL AND ANNA BESANCENEZ

Studying for her ACT, senior Phoebe Primeau does the English section of her ACT. “I think that the new ACT policy could benefit students that do not do well with taking each section one after another, however I do feel that separating the tests could affect students who do well on lengthened tests,” Primeau said. (Photo by Salam Abouchleih)

STUDENTS’ TAKE: How do you feel about people being able to retake the ACT in sections? “I think it’s good. You can focus on the areas that you need to fix but at the same time I don’t like the ACT because a student shouldn’t be judged by one test.”

Grace Moseley, 11

“I think it gives kids a chance to improve in certain areas at different times.”

CHANGING RETAKES

Students retaking ACTs will soon have the opportunity to retake sections of the ACT rather than retake the entire test all over again by Liy Taliaferro

ACT next September when the change is put into play. The American College Testing (ACT) organization “I feel like it’s a really good system because if you announced a new change to the ACT that will be put don’t fail the whole test you shouldn’t have to retake into place at the end of next year. the whole test- there’s no purpose for it,” sophomore In the past, students wanting to retake the ACT Kaylie O’Dell said. “It’s time. It’s a four-hour test, so would have to retake the entire test. This means if a if you only failed one section and you have to take student were to do poorly in one section of the ACT the test again, that’s four hours of wasted time and in contrast to how they performed on the other three if you get a worse score for a different section that sections, they would still have to doesn’t make any sense because retake four sections math, science, you already got your score.” Upcoming reading and writing - in order to The ACT is $68 including the ACT Dates improve their grade on that one written portion. Although it is not December 14, 2019 section. yet confirmed, some believe that “From what I understand is that having to retake individual sections February 8, 2020 students are allowed to retake is going to be significantly cheaper certain subjects,” Patty Bartell, a than having to pay $136 combining April 4, 2020 math teacher at FHN, said. “They the cost of the first ACT attempt and can retake math or they can retake the retake when only one section June 13, 2020 the English part of the ACT [and so needed to be retaken. In some cases on].” it is too great of a financial strain July 18, 2020 Some sophomores were allowed on some families, especially when to take the ACT in seventh grade students have to pull that money because of their Measures of out of their own pockets. This Academic Progress (MAP) Test scores from that year. can also be stressful for students receiving private Some underclassmen who have taken the ACT for tutoring. JBA and Missouri Scholars are planning on retaking “Instead of paying $60 I would hope that it would it. With underclassmen aware of this change, some be cheaper to just take the one part,” junior Olivia may feel more hopeful towards having to take the Neunaber said.

liytaliaferro@gmail.com | @liy.leee

PAGE BY LIY TALIAFERRO

Joey Wallace, 11

“It would give kids a break to switch gears to the next subject first.”

Jeremiah Meador, 12

“It makes it easier to take more time on the sections that affect their future career goals.”

Madi Molle , 11

“I think it’s a really, really good thing. It gives you the whole time to just focus on just one section and [do] a lot better on just that one section.”

Caroline Mitchell, 11

NEWS | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

UPCOMING EVENTS

November

27-29 Wed. - Fri.

Freshmen Jessika Rogers and Makayla Hayes watch “The Ring” attentively. The club was started by Anjolina Blackwell and they meet on Thursdays to watch and discuss films. “I joined so I could watch a different type of movie, ones that I usually wouldn’t watch,” freshman DaNyla Creacy said. (Photo by Sam Waltkins)

NEW FILM CLUB IS STARTED AT FHN The film club is a new group at FHN, recently founded through the joint efforts of social studies teacher Anastasia Hercules and senior Anjolina Blackwell. The club was created in order to watch movies and promote an appreciation for the art of film. The group has watched more than five movies so far. “I’ve been in film clubs at other schools,” Hercules said. “This is the best one I’ve had. Everyone here is interested and they actually want to be here.” Hercules and Blackwell had discussed movies during school, and their shared interest bloomed into the film club. Starting out with roughly 10 people that regularly attended meetings, the film club took off. The club chooses a genre for each month and watches a movie from that genre every Thursday after school in Hercules’ room. They started with horror movies to celebrate October’s spooky season, and then moved into

a more light-hearted comedy genre for November. They plan on watching holiday-themed movies for December. “We get a variety of movies,” junior film club member Luis Hernandez said. “They pick ones that fit a mood.” Students start the meetings discussing what movies they watch and the plan for the upcoming months. They have a large say in the decisions the club makes and are able to have a say in the way it works. “It’s their club,” Hercules said. “They have a lot of films they’re passionate about, so we’ll try to work those in.” Hercules tries to incorporate a wide range of movies within the genre, both for entertainment and enjoyment, but also to educate the students on the different types of films. “Movies affect people,” Hercules said. “They draw you in and they’re an expression of people. (Brief by Ashlynn Perez)

FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | NEWS

December

Thanksgiving Break

Wednesday

Curriculum Info Night

Time: 6 p.m. Where: Auditorium and both gyms

A cup of coffee sits on a plate with the logo of the new St. Charles Coffee Company above. The company was established in 2017 as a pop-up coffee shop in the St. Louis area and they pride themselves on donating profits to a charity of their choice. (Photo Illustration by Ella Manthey)

LOCAL COFFEE STAND OPENS ON MAIN Main Street is home to a community of many local businesses and storefronts filled with antiques, clothes and coffee. Geries Shaheen, owner of a local coffee stand called St. Charles Coffee Co., wanted to join that in a different way. “Every now and again we collaborate with different people in the community and we set up a [coffee booth],” Shaheen said. “A couple years ago we did it at the old post office down the street and it was a hit so we decided to do it again this year with [local restaurant] Tompkins on Main.” Shaheen sends part of his proceeds to charities and at his most recent event his money was sent to an organization called Sparrow’s Nest STL. They are a teen maternity home for homeless, pregnant and parenting teen moms. It’s organizations like these that inspire Shaheen. “All the time, we get surprises [donations] like the one Geries did,”

Sparrow’s Nest director Elisa Zieg said. “We get surprised all the time with just this beautiful generosity for our own community.” Geries began his business in 2017 as a hobby and has continued it since then. It started when he and his wife took a trip to his homeland of Israel. They saw many micro coffee shops and fell in love with the concept of a small menu which was the inspiration behind his establishment. He offers one drink on the menu at each of his events and it comes as a latte or iced. In a recent event, Legends and Lanterns, it was a butterbeer latte, his most popular drink, inspired by the popular Harry Potter series. As to where to find him, he is always looking for inspiring venues and ways to collaborate with the community. “A lot of places you go to you’ve got infinite choices,” Shaheen said. “It’s kind of a unique engagement.” (Brief by Justin Brewer)

PAGE BY CONNOR PEPER

December

Saturday

Breakfast with Santa Time: 8 a.m. Where: Commons

December

Thursday

All Knighter Meeting

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Where: Commons

Senior Anjolina Blackwell reads from her script in preparation for the upcoming fall play. The show, Once Upon a Pandora’s Box, written by Monica Flory, will be performed by the FHN Masque Players on Nov. 21-23. (Photo by Alayna Furch)

DRAMA PREPARES THEIR SECOND PLAY After putting on a production of the play “The Lion and Mouse Stories” earlier this year, the drama club is working on the show “Once Upon a Pandora’s Box” for their second fall play. The play will be shown from Nov. 21-23. “Usually, productions take six to eight weeks to complete,” Kim Sulzner, drama teacher and director of the play, said. “These last two have been done in three to four.” Instead of having their traditional one fall play and one spring play, the drama club has opted for two fall plays. This was done in order to minimize expenses and save money for the spring play. “Addams Family was really expensive,” Sulzner said. “We like to carry over a big enough balance to look into doing a musical every year and usually children’s shows bring in a lot of extra money.” The general plot of “Once Upon a

PAGE BY CONNOR PEPER

Pandora’s Box” revolves around two siblings in New York, Tabitha and Louis, played by Ashlynn Bozich and Collin Foster respectively, after opening a strange box. By opening the box, the siblings release five fairy tale villains. Together, they must figure out how to contain them. “I feel like Sulzner knew what she was doing when she was casting,” Bozich said. “Tabitha has a really strained relationship with her mother, and I just lost my Mom, so I feel like I can really get into her.” Auditions took place on Friday, Oct. 25. Sophomore Bryce James will play the role of Rumple, one of the five villains in the play. “I think I am going to like this play more than ‘Lion and Mouse Stories’,” Bryce James said. “It is deeper than ‘Lion and Mouse Stories’, and I like the characters more.” (Brief by Aadhi Sathishkumar)

December

Friday

Drama Trivia Night

Time: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Where: Auditorium and

A flag waves next to FHN, which was founded in 1983. In the past couple years rumors have been going around about a new school that is going to be built. The school board acknowledged the possibility that they are going to build a new school close to the soccer field, tearing down the one standing. (Photo by Sarah Williams)

FHSD POLLS SUPPORT FOR NEW BOND ISSUE The Francis Howell School District (FHSD) has previously asked the community for more money by putting a tax levy proposition on the ballot. It has failed each time so the Board of Education is thinking of doing a different approach; a ‘No Tax Increase Bond’. Currently they are looking towards the community to see if this new option would pass if it’s put on the ballot. “Thus far, the reaction has been very positive because we have explained what we’re looking at and why,” Patrick Lane, treasurer on the Board of Education said. “We have had some negative responses, but we feel like we’ve answered most of those questions.” A ‘No Tax Increase Bond’ is similar to a loan. The bond will allow the district to receive how much they asked for at small increments throughout several years. That will allow them to pay it off at a slower rate, and keep tax rates

the same. “If you don’t act on things now and you wait the costs are going to go up and it will be more expensive at a later date,” Chuck Dale-Derks, a parent in the district, said. “Then we put the district at risk of having a facility that has an emergency need.” The district allowed architects to walk around all the buildings in FHSD and assess the repairs that are needed at each one and roughly how much it would cost. This showed some concerns for a couple buildings and how much longer they can last without repairs. “We need to upgrade our facilities,” Janet Stiglich, a Director on the Board of Education, said. “We need to for the safety of all of our buildings, for the safety of our kids to bring some of our facilities into the 21st century [and] to make sure that we have a creative learning environment for all.” (Brief by Macy Cronin)

NEWS | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

A mugful of hot chocolate sits on a trail that thousands run on every year. The Hot Chocolate Run is an annual choice of a 5k or 25k and is hosted by the insurance company, Allstate. (Photo by Pavan Kolluru)

RUN FOR WARMTH Few things would make running in freezing temperatures worth it except maybe a nice cup of hot chocolate. That is the purpose of the Hot Chocolate Run, “America’s sweetest race”. “All finishers, from top to bottom, get hot chocolate, a medal and a care package,” Rana Shaker, a sophomore who will be competing in the race for the first time said. “You just have to finish the race.” The race offers a five kilometer run and a 10 kilometer run. The St. Louis race is on Nov. 24 and set in Forest Park. “I just want to stay on track with my running,” Shaker said. “Last year I stopped running after cross country, and that didn’t help me during track season. I just thought that by running [the race] my endurance will stay up and my speed will increase.” Since the Hot Chocolate Run’s 2008 inaugural run in Chicago, it has had over 200,000 participants with runs in 24 cities from San Francisco to Charlotte. A 5k run is longer than three miles. That doesn’t scare Lilian Cash, another sophomore and first time Hot Chocolate Run racer. “I’ll be doing the 5k because that’s what I’m used to,” Cash said. “I’m currently still going to [off-season] cross country practices. The past few months I’ve had consistent practice and I’ve already been doing 5ks so I’m pretty used to them.” The frigid cold presents a change of environment compared to the races one would expect in the summer or spring, a change competitors will have to adapt to. “The air is very thin so it’s harder to breathe and your heart constricts,” Shaker said. “What I do is wear a lot of layers, two layers of pants and three layers on top. It hurts your ears when the wind is whooshing, so I cover my ears.” (Story by Connor Peper)

FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | NEWS

Senior Emma Temper and freshman Emma Landwehr passionately play their flutes in a performance of Freeze, the FHN’s marching band set. The marching band played at every home football game and performed at competitions. The band qualified for finals in the Sullivan Marching Festival. (Photo by Courtney Wortman)

THat’s a wrap

FHN’s marching band season has ended after months of competitions by Macy Cronin

Throughout the season the band went on overnight trips and spent over 50 continuous hours HN’s marching band starts to thaw from their with one another. fall Freeze. The show took hundreds of hours “[Iowa] was a hard competition,” Sickendick said. of practice and many sleepless nights from “We had to compete at the buttcrack of dawn, but students, but with hard work came the successes of you know, it’s fun. As exhausting as it is from being the season. together, you are able to go ‘Alright I don’t need “[The show was] about being a kid and having fun to think about school right now, this is my band in the snow,” Stegeman said “You family.’” get in your overalls, right. You UPCOMING SHOWS This season gave lots of pad yourself up, put three layers opportunities for seniors. Senior Nov. 26 of socks on because you know Matthew Juhlin, despite this being only Choir/Jazz Concert at FHC you are going to get wet. You are his second year in band, was placed in trying desperately to not get your the position of drum major due to all January* body wet with the cold water of his hard work. Knight Pride Trivia Night the snow. It’s about that, being a “It means a lot [to be a drum kid and going out having fun in major],” Juhlin said. “It means that Mr. Feb. 1 the snow.” Stegeman trusts me enough to put me Missouri State Jazz Festival Each new marching band in that position despite not knowing season jumps off to a rocky start, me all that well, but I’m really glad he *Date not confirmed but this one was especially hard did because it has given me so many for them because of the intricacy opportunities to push as hard as I can.” that the show held. Marching band ended their season off with “This year was a hard show, you got ‘how big are performing at St. Louis Super-Regional BOA, Bands those ramps out there’ that people are sliding down of America, where they competed against bands in and you got kids dancing,” senior drum major Grace their class, or bands similar in their size. Sickendick said. “You are teaching nerds how to “I was extremely happy [at finding out FHN placed dance. I love them, I’m a nerd, I am a super nerd, but 11th in their class],” Juhlin said. “I wasn’t entirely only a couple of these kids have a dance background sure how the run had gone after performing, but it or a sports background, so it’s a lot to put into one was great to feel that it had been a really good last season.” competition run.” macycronin03@gmail.com

PAGE BY IVY LOWERY

P R Y E A SEN D O T N TS H F MORE INFO

Check out FHN’S Nerd Culture coverage here: bit.ly/FHNnerdculture

NERD CULTURE

Find popular nerdy movies and books from Harry Potter to Napoleon Dynamite.

Watch an in-depth tutorial of how to play Dungeons and Dragons.

Learn how to dress like a modern nerd from students at FHN

Test your nerdy knowledge with a quiz on popular nerd culture.

Learn about local businesses, ‘The Fantasy Shop’ and ‘The Collector’s Store.’

Learn about card games that FHN community members play and love.

Find all this and more on FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY SOPHIE CARITE

FHNTODAY | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

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In the FHN studio, junior Brandon Bridgeman smiles as he shows off his style on Oct. 28. Bridgeman enjoys wearing fashion pieces of people he likes, like Tyler the Creator. An important piece in his outfits would be his dads hat that he wears everyday. “I can express myself through my clothing,” Bridgeman said. “I wouldn’t add anything because I like how I dress already.”

FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | FEATURES

Sophomore Cierra Brown poses to show off her unique style in the FHN studio on Oct. 24. Brown shops at Savers, Hot Topic and Zumies in person but shops at Dollskill and Demonica online. Brown described her experience wearing unique clothing as isolating since nobody else dresses like her. “I get most of my ‘out there’ pieces online and then my regular clothing from thrift stores, like Savers,” said Brown.

Junior Kyle Helton shows off his fashion style on Oct. 25 in the FHN studio. Helton likes to shop at places like Zumies or Spencers because they have unique items. Helton shops online more because he can find certain items he is looking for or certain brands. “I like looking different than others but I don’t like to be the center of attention,” said Helton. (Photos by Ryan Ginn)

PAGE BY LIV ENGLE

STATEMENTS IN FASHION

On Nov. 2, senior Leann Smyth poses as princess Jasmine before a birthday party. Smyth portrays the parts of different Disney princesses. “I love my job because it is fun. Singing and performing as someone else is exhilarating,” Smyth said. (Photo by Riley Witherbee)

Students at FHN use fashion as a unique way to express themselves by Liv Engle

OEngle158@g.fhsdschools.org

Picture this: rolling out of bed to that 6 a.m. alarm clock, pairing white washed jeans with that vintage t-shirt of yours and the black converse high tops that may have been worn one too many times. That might just be any ordinary outfit to someone, but it’s your favorite. One of the many perks of picking that t-shirt or those jeans, is that it’s a unique style all your own. Fashion has been around for centuries, but each person’s style is like their DNA, what they’re made of. Junior Kyle Helton is one of many with a style all his own. “I’m not really a social person, and I don’t like talking to people,” Helton said. “So, my way of showing people who I am is expressing that through my clothes.” Helton describes his style as inspired, mainly by music artists and influencers that he follows, and a good amount of his wardrobe are brands made by not-so-famous designers. “I’m the only one that wears the brands that I wear [FTP, Ransom, Gnarcotic, Foulplay], and I think that it’s cool,” Helton said. “It makes me feel comfortable in public.” On the topic of more unique styles, sophomore

Cierra Brown thinks that being fashionable is influential. “I think it’s important because it touches on personality,” Brown said. “If I wore what everyone else wears, then I feel like I’m following a crowd.” Brown likes stepping out of norms and dressing her own way. “If you line people up and put me next to someone wearing a hoodie and sweatpants, I’d definitely stand out.” Brown said. While others are looking for the latest trends, Brandon Bridgeman likes to incorporate sentimental pieces into his outfits. Bridgeman incorporates his dad’s hat into his outfits. Bridgeman holds his hat close as a reminder of his father and the bond they shared. Bridgeman is fond of the current day fashion. “Everyone gets a chance to have their own style and it’s pretty unique.” Fashion can be defined in numerous ways. It is interpreted differently by many people. Whether that is using it as a way to express yourself, embodying something sentimental in an outfit, or looking outside of the box because fitting in is boring, you create your own style.

What sets you apart from the latest fashion trends? “The only consideration I make when buying clothes is ‘do I think that looks cool?’ Half of my clothes were stolen out of my dad’s boxes of old military stuff anyways.

“Instead of copying trends, I like to take bits and pieces of them and make them my own.” Emma Osterloh, 12

Colton Conley, 11

“I like being comfortable because I don’t care what people think and I like doing what makes me happy.” Haley Hall, 10

“I feel like I combine different elements of different fashion styles, rather than sticking to one style.” Ash Swift, 10

PAGE BY LIV ENGLE

“I try to do what is considered ‘Not the norm’. I like standing out, rather than looking like everyone else.” Anthony McDonald, 12

“I just do my own style. I don’t follow any of the trends going on.” Hadi Syed, 9

PRETTY PRECIOUS PRINCESSES She walks into the office/studio at Enchanted Events with her hair in a tight wig cap and makeup already done, ready to transform herself into a princess. She warms up her singing voice and gets the party bag together, including the props and the coronation poem along with the certificate attached to the tiara. Then, it’s time for the party to begin. Senior Leann Smyth works to make little girls’ dreams come true as a party host at Enchanted Events. “I mostly dress up as Jasmine, Moana, Belle or Anna from Frozen,” Smyth says. “There is also mascots from Paw Patrol. Those are really popular at parties right now.” When Smyth arrives to the parties, after greeting the parents and kids, the kids have ecstatic smiles and jump up and down at first sight of the princess. The kids gather around saying hello. The kids and the princess talk for a while about the princess’ movie. After they sing happy birthday, the coronation begins. “During the party and coronation, we turn the birthday girl into a princess,” owner of Enchanted Events Kelly Scheider said. “She repeats a magical poem and the princess waves the magical wand and then places the tiara on her head. The princess now presents the new princess to her guest as a real princess.” After the coronation, the princess gives the child an autograph card signed by the princess and fun children’s games are played like hot potato or freeze dance with songs from the princess movies. When singing and performing, Smyth uses her choir voice to add strength to her performance. “I think that my experience in choir has really helped me,” Smyth said. “I don’t think I would have excelled in choir as much as I do now without this job.” (Story by Anna Besancenez)

FEATURES | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

Reading song lyrics, junior Zoe Meier sings Ne Poy, Krasavitsa Pri mne by Rachmaninoff. Meier started getting involved with opera singing when she was going into seventh grade. Meier is apart of Union Avenue Opera Theatre and has been in three productions with the company. “I just happened to audition and in the midst found my passion,” Meier said. (Photo by Anna Hollinger)

BIG VOICE, BIGger STEPS Junior Zoe Meier was selected out of many to participate in the AIT program for opera singing by Julia Sampolska

To participate in auditions, Zoe had to pick a piece of classical music and perform it in front of a panel of judges. It was a good opportunity to test her stage here are people who know in their childhood who they are going to presence. be. One of them was 8-year-old Zoe Meier when she was standing on “I was very excited about the opportunity for Zoe,” Angela said. “She was very stage one day, realizing that in the future she would like to be a singer. nervous, way more than me. My job was to keep her encouraged and redirect her That dream came true when Zoe decided to take part in the auditions to Opera energy to be excited instead of nervous.” Theatre Saint Louis Artist in Training (AIT) Program. Zoe likes to listen to some music genres, mainly jazz and classical music. “I heard about the auditions from a lady at my church,” Zoe said. “Then, I went Everyone probably would ask her why opera? Why does she sing such a beautiful, to see the performance from that program, where I got all information and dates but hard type of music? about auditions.” “Our FHN’s concert choir teacher, Ms. Jennifer Onken was the first one who AIT has set out to coach and encourage talented students from high schools produced the idea of me being involved in classical voice,” Zoe said. “She across the St. Louis area since it was established in 1990. In AIT, participants definitely influenced that decision and helped me to meet up with my voice work to improve voice skills with professionals, performing with major opera coach.” companies and symphonies across the United States and Being a participant of this opera program gives lots Europe. Graduates of the AIT program have gone on to study of experiences. Zoe is most excited for watching artistic at the nation’s top music schools like Juilliard School of Music, performances, talking with famous opera singers and Manhattan School of Music, Northwestern’s Bienen School of performing in The Sheldon Concert Hall. This is a big step in her Check out the AIT Program here: Music and New England Conservatory. early career. Despite previous experience, the young artist still bit.ly/32jt6pT Only 25 students from Saint Louis have been selected to discovers more and more about her artistic soul. participate in the 2019-20 AIT program. Meier is one of them. “Zoe’s bent towards theater and singing has been evident “We don’t get involved in what she earns or accomplishes,” since she was a toddler,” Angela said. “When she made a Angela Meier, Zoe’s mother said. “Auditions were all on her. She gets what she conscious decision that she wanted to do this professionally her father and I earns and we stay out of all that, for sure.” have done everything we can with our schedule and our finances to get her the Zoe worked hard and prepared for auditions, attending choir class and taking training she needs. We have done all we could.” private lessons with a voice coach. Her first artistic experiences had with St. Support from family and friends certainly helped Zoe spread her wings and Charles Community College, performing as a kid. After a few years, when she achieve this success. came to FHN and took choir class, she started improving her voice in a big group “In 10 years, hopefully I’ll have my masters and I’ll be somewhere in Europe or of singers. in a big city in the USA performing,” Zoe said.

j.sampolska@gmail.com

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FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | FEATURES

PAGE BY JULIA SAMPOLSKA

Help some families from FHN this holiday season Science teacher Joe Brocksmith handles his classroom pet that he uses to improve the learning experience for his students. “He has multiple snakes in his room,” senior Alayna Furch said. “He used to allow students to hold them, but he doesn’t anymore because they were getting out.” (Photo by Kaili Martin)

A SCALY STRATEGY

Joe Brocksmith uses snakes in his classroom to enhance learning by Linsey Zerbonia

lzerbonia419@g.fhsdschools.org

Walk in. Sit in an assigned seat. Listen to the snakes,” Granjeno said. teacher talk. Take notes. Many times, the learning Although snakes are a unique incorporation into environment looks the same, but that’s not the the classroom, they are not just meant to be any case for science teacher Joe Brocksmiths’ class at normal class pet. Brocksmith says he did not want FHN. Brocksmith teaches both biology as well as the smell of snakes in his home, but also wanted a environmental science. Brocksmith owns five snakes purpose for the snakes. that he keeps in his classroom. “Many kids are scared of snakes Just as he is going into his 16th for no reason, so I like to bring them year teaching, the snakes are in and educate kids about them so going into their 16th year living they can get over the fear of them,” at North. Brocksmith said. Follow this link to “I got them when I was in Some students feel opposite about watch Brocksmith college,” Brocksmith said. “I the snakes as Granjeno feels. Another mostly got them so I can breed one of his AP students, junior Adel talk about his job at them.” Mountasir, enjoys having the snakes FHN: Brocksmith loves the snakes, around. bit.ly/2rELxkw but some of his students do not “I actually like them here because seem to feel the same way. they’re so cute,” Mountasir said. “They “Many of my students are curious about them and don’t bother anyone unless you aggravate one.” . ask a lot of questions, but I always get a large group With all the fun that comes along with owning of students who walk into my room and say ‘Oh Hell snakes inside of the classroom, there has to be some no,’” Brocksmith said. educational purpose. One of his students, junior Isabel Granjeno, is “The snakes come in handy when doing the reptile currently in Brocksmith’s Biology Two class. unit.” Brocksmith said. “We get them out and use “When I first walked in I was terrified, I literally hate them as a fun educational prop. They’re just so fun.”

KOE is selling bracelets with all proceeds going to the FHN Adoopt-A-Family Program. Purchase one from a member today or drop by room 130 to get yours or make a donation.

WATCH

PAGE BY MACY CRONIN

FEATURES | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

(Photo Submitted by Ashlynn Perez)

ASPIRING ARTISTS There are plenty of AP classes for students to take at Francis Howell North, one AP class stands out more than the rest is AP Studio Art. Junior Jenna Weber is actively involved in AP Studio Art and has a deep love and passion for the class and overall art. “My favorite thing about the class is that we have a lot of freedom,” Weber said. “The class used to be a lot more strict, but since the curriculum changed, we’re given a lot more freedom.” Weber’s love Take a look at the art for art made by FHN students : began at bit.ly/3774pJm a young age and plans on continuing her love for art after high school. “I’m going to try to get into the illustration and animation field,” Weber said. AP Studio Art is more difficult and holds the students to a higher standard than most other art classes at FHN. Before taking the class, a student has to apply with their art and the teachers analyze and decide weather or not to give them a spot within the classroom. “To take the class, you have to make a portfolio showing your artwork to the art teachers,” Weber said. For some people, criticism can be one’s worst enemy, but for Weber, she takes it and views it as a positive and influencing experience and uses it to help improve her art. “I would say listen to critiques and turn it into something positive so it helps you grow.” Weber said. (Brief by Skylar Vogel)

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FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | FEATURES

Mary Lauritzen’s soon to be service dog, sits on her lap in her home. Lauritzen’s dog has not officially started training, yet at a specific place. Lauritzen at the moment does most of the training for her dog at her own home. (Photo Submitted)

HUSKY HELPER

Sophomore Mary Lauritzen is preparing to have her pet husky, Penny, trained to be a therapy dog for emotional support by Maya Helbig

helbigmaya77@gmail.com

Her furry friend sits right next to her, helping her through every emotion going through her head. The smile they give to each other and all the responsibilities that come with owning a normal dog is the life of Mary Lauritzen as she prepares her pet to be a therapy dog. “I think the best part about owning Penny is how much she has really helped out with Mary as far as helping her when she gets really upset,” Lauritzen’s mother Stephanie Combs said. “She makes Mary really happy when a lot of other things can not make her happy.” Lauritzen and Combs, will be putting their twoyear-old Siberian Husky Penny into Therapy dog training sometime soon. Penny has yet to be put into training because of her age. Dogs being trained have to be at least two years old and Penny only turned two recently, so she has yet to start. Just because she’s not in therapy dog training now doesn’t mean that she isn’t being trained the typical dog commands like sit, stay and down. Lauritzen’s family tries to perfect these skills everyday for around an hour, using many treats, but not forcing her if she gets stubborn and refuses to continue. “I don’t want to do an intense-intense training with her just because like, I want to give her some time to just be a dog too,” Lauritzen said. “Especially because she is just a puppy, which is something different than a lot of people would do. A lot of people when they know that they’re going to be a certain type of dog start training for that

immediately. But I’m in no rush to get her to be a therapy dog.” Getting any pet can be exciting, but getting something you have always wanted, and that is specifically for you can make you feel something more. “There are different types of service dogs,” Lauritzen said. “There’s like personal therapy dogs but there’s also therapy dogs that are trained for others. Like at hospitals and stuff, they will bring animals into the sick kids and let them play for a bit. My therapy dog is different because she’s specialized to me, not everyone else.” Huskies are dogs that have a lot of natural energy and need a lot of play time. Penny sometimes has the trouble of wanting to play during training or while Lauritzen is doing homework, but a lot of that energy gets put to use with many varieties of play time. “Penny is definitely energetic but she also knows when something is wrong and she knows when something’s wrong with Mary,” Combs said. “And she knows what she needs to be there for.” Therapy dogs are a real thing and people don’t just get them because they feel a little sad. People do go through things and have actual reasons to get anything that is able to help them through the bad times. Penny is that something. “It’s something that my family thought would be a good idea, and even my doctors thought that it would be a good idea,” Lauritzen said. “It’s not like, ‘Haha I get depressed sometimes.’ It’s a lot deeper than that.”

PAGE BY ANNA BESANCENEZ

Time management is a talent

Senior Courtney Helmick balances band, gymnastics, a job and school, along with other activities by Marina Williams

mwilliams807@g.fhsdschools.org

unning to her car late in the older sister. afternoon, 18-year-old Courtney “I originally started band because Helmick is ready to begin her of Emily,” Helmick said. “But I also third activity of the day. She swings wanted to be involved in a high school her marching band bag into the back sport, and that’s really all I knew how seat of her car, checking again for to do.” her gymnastics bag. She sets off to Of course, such demanding activities the gym, trying to make practice on come with their own pros and cons. time. The only thing on her mind is “I really like performing, which I do how she also has to close for her job in both band and gymnastics. I really at Fazoli’s tonight. She rests her head like the little successes along the way on the wheel before walking into her in gymnastics,” Helmick said. “And I gymnastics practice, she knows it’s really like being a part of something going to be a long night. so much bigger than myself, which is Gymnastics and band have always what marching band is all about, but been a huge part of Helmick’s life, the physical demand in gymnastics is doing gymnastics since second grade, really rough on my body, and the time concert band commitment in marching since sixth grade band gets rough, but I can and marching manage.” band since ninth. A week in Helmick’s life Learn tips for time Helmick can’t can be described as tiring, management here: think of anywhere hectic, busy and long. bit.ly/2Noa7yx she would rather She sets aside 19 hours a be. week for gymnastics and “It was really hard at first, but once 15 hours a week for marching band, I learned time management and not including football games and developed a routine, it wasn’t nearly as competitions. She also goes to school, bad,” Helmick said. works at Fazoli’s, is involved in many After seeing her older sister do school clubs and is very involved in her gymnastics, she started gymnastics church and family. at just seven years old and fell in love “It’s all about time management and with the sport, not knowing at the time prioritizing,” Helmick said. “I haven’t that the gym would soon become her watched a Netflix series since the second home. beginning of August.” “I was the annoying little sister who Helmick has made many friends wanted to be just like her older sister,” along her journey through gymnastics Helmick said. “So, when Emily did and marching band. Jenna Brown, her gymnastics, I wanted to. I didn’t know friend since kindergarten, and someone how much I would love the sport or who has done both gymnastics and how big of an impact it would have on band with Helmick, has nothing but my life until I tried it.” good things to say about her. Her sister, Emily Helmick, had always “She’s very kind and trustworthy, been a huge role model to her. So and she is always ready to help you when her sister took up band, it was with anything you need,” Brown said. impossible for Helmick to pass up “She manages her time really well and another opportunity to be just like her makes time for her friends and family.”

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Since she was 11, Senior Courtney Helmick has been performing at GT Performance Gymnastics and Cheer for seven seasons and one season at Olympia Mid Rivers. Helmick has won over 100 medals since she started competing. In her most recent match, Helmick came in second on beam. (Photo by Addy Bradburry)

PAGE BY CHLOE HORSTMAN

FEATURES | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY.COM

Sophomore Adelle Gertsch balances on a rock to test her flexibility. Gertsch has been recently been training to join the circus after high school. “I’ve always loved watching people preform in the circus, but at the same time I would be a little sad.” Gertsch said, “Then one day I decided to try aerial silks and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

A BIG BENDY DREAM

Sophomore Adelle Gertsch is training to become an acrobatic circus performer at Circus Harmony

by Evan Becker

a bridge and then someone will do like a chin stand on the person doing a bridge, stuff like that. In my aerial classes we work on trapeze skills and Aerial octors, lawyers, firefighters; the common answers to “What do you silk tricks.” want to be when you grow up?” But sophomore Adelle Gertsch doesn’t The path to a career in the circus is paved the same way as many other want to be common. She wants to live in a unique way, and for her, careers. She studies hard, applies for colleges, and after going to the colleges, that means as a circus performer. she can be hired for the best gigs. The only difference is in the content of the As a child, Adelle was very active, even doing gymnastics at the age of five. classes. She showed a clear inclination towards the performing arts. “You don’t have to take science or math classes because it focuses on what “I mean, Adelle has always been a monkey basically,” Adelle’s mom Carolyn your actual career is,” Adelle said. “It’s more of your art form and trying to Gertsch said. “She was always climbing on things, hanging on things, always master it.” been a kind of a daredevil not afraid to try stuff. So yeah, Deanna Massie is a college professor, educator and it wasn’t surprising to me at all that she wanted to do [the researcher. She’s known Adelle since Adelle was about five circus].” years old and was ecstatic to hear that Adelle wanted to be a Circus Harmony, the program Adelle uses to learn circus part of the circus. Check out the Circus skills has multiple levels. Seeing the highest levels of their “We have become a society that’s too focused on stuff that Harmony website here: classes, Circus Flora, perform was what inspired her to join. won’t make everyone happy,” Massie said. “Adelle has always bit.ly/36JraTq “I always went to the Circus Flora, and I always was been bored in school and she’s always had higher goals. I was enjoying the show,” Adelle said. “But I always thought like, super excited that she found a track she wanted to do that man, I just wish I could do that. I always wanted to be able would make her happy.” to do those amazing tricks. When I quit softball my parents were like let’s For Adelle, it’s not just a place that she can expend her energy but, it’s also a harness this energy, and I was like, maybe aerial silks?” place where she feels like she truly belongs. Every performer at Circus Harmony has to take basic classes covering the “Circus was originally where all the weird people went, the outcasts, where usual skills of juggling and plate spinning. Adelle, however, focuses specifically they could be outcasts together,” Adelle said. “And so it’s just nice that the on contortion and aerial silks. circus community is very inviting and appreciates everyone. I love everything “In my contortion class, we get all bendy,” Adelle said. “Sometimes we’ll do about it.” ebecker066@g.fhsdschools.org

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FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | FEATURES

PAGE BY MAYA HELBIG

FHNTODAYTV FEATURED VIDEOS ART TODAY with Red Lee

HUMANS OF FHN | CHLOE HORSTMAN Chloe Horstman is an aspiring clothing designer, with a dream of becoming a good dress designer. Horstman has made her own dresses for Homecoming and many other events in the past. Horstman’s passion for sewing comes from playing seamstress

AZ’S ANALYSIS

with her sisters as a child. In the future, she would love to work in the fashion industry to showcase her creativity. She tells us how she got into clothing design and what inspires her to continue creating. (Video by

with Az Anderson

Francisco Jimenez and Emily Zhang)

HUMANS OF FHN | BRIANNA WORTMAN

THE HOOD REPORT with Emily Hood

In this episode of Humans of FHN, freshman volleyball star Brianna Wortman shares some things that motivate her and why she loves her sport. (Video by Anjolina Blackwell and

Morgan Hanson)

HUMANS OF FHN | BECKA BRISSETTE

FOOD FRENZY

with Louis Primeau and Tom Jamison

Listen to Becka Brissette speak about her love of softball. In this video, she covers her place on the team and the hard work that goes into being an athlete for FHN. (Video by Gabriel Lobato and Nadia Abusoud)

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PULLING

VAPING

OUT OF TEENS

After seeing the hold Juul and vaping has on students, FHSD is making choices for change. Vaping has become more prevalent in teens in recent years. More and more studies are showing the possible harmful effects.

JUUL VS FHSD

On Oct. 7, FHSD filed a lawsuit against the e-cigarette company Juul by Sydney Ellison

sydney.ellison55@gmail.com

fter seeing the effects vaping and Juuls have had on teens and paying for the damages FHSD has experienced because of this, FHSD has filed a lawsuit against the e-cigarette company Juul. The lawsuit was filed on Monday, Oct. 7. It follows the actions taken by two Kansas city school districts Goddard and Olathe. More and more districts are now filing lawsuits against Juul including school systems in Long Island, New York and La Conner, Washington. “Juul improperly advertised to individuals that were too young to legally purchase their products without informing the individuals of the dangers of vaping,” District Attorney Cindy Ormbsy said. The idea of the lawsuit was first brought up within FHSD when Ormbsy was asked by a Kansas City law firm, already in the process of suing Juul, to bring the proposition to the school districts she represents. According to Ormbsy, the FHSD school board then decided that suing Juul was the correct decision for the district. “We see teachers having to take time out of class to deal with student vaping,” Ormbsy said. “[FHSD needs] additional hallway monitors because students are vaping in the hallway and in the bathrooms.” From 54 nicotine related infractions five years ago in FHSD, to 248 last year, there has been increased disruptions throughout the school district. According to Ormbsy, FHSD doesn’t have the resources to deal with this. Money is being spent on more programs and resources to help stop students from vaping. In the 81 page lawsuit against Juul, it lays out the groundwork for the case. It provides detailed examples of how Juul is marketing towards teens. FHSD wants reimbursement for the costs and damages Juul use has had on the district. “The number of nicotine related discipline incidents is going up and that is probably not going to reduce anytime soon, so the goal is to get funding to deal with and pay for all of these programs and education and time spent by employees for past, present and the future until this problem is resolved and that way taxpayers money is not having to be spent to deal with these

FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | IN-DEPTH

issues,” Ormbsy said. The lawsuit has gotten mixed responses from the public. Many are concerned about how it was being paid for, but the lawsuit is not using taxpayer money and any settlement from Juul will be used to pay for the cost of legal fees. This lawsuit also was under some controversy from parents, many commenting on FHSD’s Facebook statement about the lawsuit saying that it wasn’t the school district’s right to sue on behalf of the students. Others commended the district, saying they are proud that FHSD is doing something to stop nicotine addiction in students. “The school district’s still going to hold students accountable for violating school policy, it’s not letting students off the hook, it’s just they [FHSD] decided to also not let Juul off the hook,” Ormbsy said. At FHN, assistant principal Jeff Blankinship has noticed the effect vaping has had on the school. He believes the biggest problem vaping has caused is disruption in classrooms. Teachers are spending more time disciplining students and getting less time to actually teach, according to Blankinship. “It’s just taking away from a learning environment and kids are trying to get away with something that they shouldn’t be doing,” Blankinship said. FHN changed their policy on vaping for the 2019-2020 school year to hopefully cut down on the vaping infractions. Now both vaping and having possession of a vape will earn three days on in school suspension. Blankenship hopes for students to realize the potential damages one can get from vaping. “I guess the biggest thing is just understanding that it’s not healthy and it’s not something that you may not feel the effects of today or tomorrow or even this year but you are doing things to your body that are not healthy and are not natural,” Blankinship said. Ormsby hopes for more schools to join the fight against Juul. She claims to confident going forward. “We are just dealing with an issue that the district didn’t create but they are having to deal with,” Ormbsy said.

PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN

Hazardous to health

Reports show a link between vape use and illnesses within the lungs and the effects may be more drastic in adolescents by Karsyn Williams

karsyn.williams15@gmail.com

ithin the past 20 years, vaping has become more and more prevalent across the U.S. and with it, the reports of respiratory issues and lung disease from those using vape products have increased dramatically. “Vaping is almost like smoking cigarettes on steroids,” FHN nurse Brooke Magilligan said. “You’re actually smoking and inhaling more than if you were to smoke a pack of cigarettes.” Unlike cigarettes, which have had hundreds of studies throughout the century that demonstrated the dangers of smoking, vape products haven’t been studied nearly as much since it’s a newer product. Due to this, no one is entirely sure of the long term health effects of vaping. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported that over 1,500 vape users have been shown to have respiratory issues and the majority of them are under the age of 35. Also according to the CDC, 34 deaths caused from respiratory diseases have been linked to vape use. “There has just not been enough studies on it to even rule that it’s safe, there’s been tons of people going to the hospital,” Magilligan said. “The more you do it the more you increase your chances of developing problems.” Consistent and frequent vaping has also been shown to cause acute lung injury and fills up one’s lungs with inflammatory cells rapidly. The inflammatory cells can block and fill the air sacs in the lungs, preventing the flow of oxygen. This snowballs into critical lung illness and diseases, such as emphysema, a disease that prevents the body from getting the proper amount of oxygen, and can pose a potential threat of death. “We shouldn’t think that vaping is safer [than smoking] in anyway,” pulmonologist Gary R. Goldstein said. “It is, plain and simple, not safe. You are putting something into your lungs and you don’t know what it

is.” Within the past decade, vape products have become more widespread as more brands and flavors are released. The compelling flavors of vape are believed to be part of what’s causing a rise in teenage vaping, despite the laws preventing anyone under the age of 18 from purchasing vape products. To combat this, the FDA has recently been working towards banning the flavors targeting younger audiences. Adolescents and teenagers are more affected by the use of vape and nicotine than adults, as they are more likely to develop an addiction due to the brain not being fully developed. “The flavoring is being targeted towards high schoolers and younger persons because adults aren’t interested in flavors like that,” Goldstein said. “They are being used by the market to enhance their sales.” Since vape products primarily contain nicotine, an addictive chemical, it’s hard to stop once one starts. The best way to prevent vaping from becoming a habit is to never start in the first place. A younger addict should let their parents, a counselor or doctor know about their addiction to help start taking steps towards recovery together. Recovering from addiction will remove a major stressor in one’s life and help them live a healthier future. “First thing is the realisation that you don’t want to vape anymore, and once you reach that conclusion, to stop and set yourself up for success,” Goldstein said. “Get rid of all the vaping you have available, because the withdrawal symptoms and temptations can be very strong. Once you get over the first few days it should hopefully snowball into success.”

COMPONENTS OF A VAPE Learn about the mechanics of the average vaping device (Content by Karsyn Williams)

E-Liquid

Mouthpiece

After the e-liquid is converted into vapor, the gas is inhaled through the mouthpiece and into one’s lungs, allowing for the chemicals, nicotine, and water in the e-liquid to go into the lungs and body, before being exhaled.

PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN

Cartridges of e-liquid contain a mixture of nicotine, flavoring, water, and other chemicals. The FDA has After receiving energy and heat only recently began regulating the from the battery, the atomizer ingredients in e-liquids and many vapes boils the e-liquid, converting it and cartridges are sold without prior into a vapor, then traveling up into approval from the FDA. the mouthpiece.

Atomizer

Battery

The battery of a vape requires charging, as is the element that provides the heat and energy to the atomizer and fuels the vapor. Using a charger that wasn’t designed for the battery can be dangerous and cause electrical problems. There have been multiple reports of the batteries from vapes overheating or even exploding during use.

IN-DEPTH | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

EASY ADDICTION FHN graduate Tyler Crook admits to struggling with a nicotine addiction from vaping in high school by Sydney Ellison

sydney.ellison55@gmail.com

It’s almost always on his mind. It’s inescapable. The urge to vape is a never ending cycle, one where picking up a Juul is the only way to decrease stress. FHN alumni Tyler Crook started vaping in high school and hasn’t stopped since. “Whenever I’m really stressed out, all I can think about is hitting my nicotine,” Crook said. “It sucks though, it would be so much better to find healthier coping mechanisms.” Graduate of class 2019, Tyler Crook is now taking a year off and saving up money for college. His journey with vaping began in high school when his senior friends offered him a hit off their Juul. According to Crook, the smoke tricks and having friends who vape is what influenced him to take that first hit. “I started off with no nicotine, it was just cool to do the tricks and practice the tricks,” Crook said. “Then I started hitting Juuls and liked the nicotine buzz and kept going, kept buying it.”

Soon after vaping, the road to addiction became clear. That need for the buzz of nicotine took over his life. Crook remembers leaving classes to vape in the bathroom. Even now, Crook vapes frequently throughout the day. “In the mornings after like the first five, ten minutes after I wake up, I think about the nicotine and I think about how I need to get it,” Crook said. “I’m just in a bad mood until I hit it in the morning.” Vaping has caused other problems in Crook’s life besides struggling with addiction. Vaping caused tension between him and his parents who continually tried to stop him from vaping. According to Crook his parents would find and confiscate his Juuls back in high school but now they are more accepting of his habit. “They don’t mind anymore because I’m 18 and they understand that I’m going to make my own choices,” Crook said. Because of multiple vaping-related infractions during high school, Crook lost out on the A+ program. This program could have given him two years of free college at SCC. “I’ll still get there [college] but I had no idea how much that [A+ program] would have helped me now,” Crook said. “It [vaping] ruined a lot of things.”

HERE ARE THE NUMBERS

218 FHN students were surveyed to see how many students in the school have vaped (Content by Andrew Reese)

26%

34%

of the freshman class have vaped at least once.

(20% of the freshman class was surveyed)

of the sophomore class have vaped at least once. (34% of the sophomore class was surveyed)

HIT FROM THE PAST

Alumni Jake Miller got the strength to quit his vaping habit from high school by Sydney Ellison

sydney.ellison55@gmail.com

The simple fact of growing up is how alumni Jake Miller got past his nicotine addiction. Miller began vaping in high school but after graduating in 2019 and going to college his vaping habit ended. Initially it was the variety of flavors that convinced Miller to vape but it was the nicotine that made him stay. “It’s just what nicotine does,” Miller said. “It just makes you addicted, you just like it. You like the feeling.” Miller said. Though often surrounded with peers and friends who vape, Millers’ decision to vape was entirely his own, there was no peer pressure. Miller’s friends who didn’t vape often voiced their disapproval about his vaping habits. “They would always just pressure me to stop and they would just keep telling me there’s no point in doing it,” Miller said.

FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | IN-DEPTH

Vaping also made a big dent in his bank account, which is a large factor in why he regrets vaping in high school. According to Miller, he bought a pack of pods a week as a high school student. To put that in reference, the E-cigarette Juul has pods that sell for $15.99. “I know it’s like everyone’s doing but it’s just a big waste of money,” Miller said. “Save up your money and get some stuff that is actually valuable to you.” Miller is now going to SCC pursuing a job in the medical field. Miller still sees plenty of people vaping while on campus but stays away from gaining back that habit for himself. Miller’s advice would be to go against the trend and don’t vape. “It is definitely harmful,” Miller said. “Nothing should be going into your lungs except for air.”

56%

45%

of the junior class have vaped at least once. (23% of the junior class was surveyed)

of the senior class have vaped at least once. (22% of the senior class was surveyed)

PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN

HERE ARE THE

FACTS

218 FHN students were surveyed to see how the rise of vaping has effected the FHN community. Displinary actions because of vaping infractions have increased by hundreds over the past three years (Content by Andrew Reese)

STUDENTS’ ISN’T VAPING BETTER THAN SMOKING? TAKE “I think it [vaping] is stupid and people who do it are throwing their lives away.” Max Brewer, 9

“I think it [vaping] is pretty dumb and stupid and it’s essentially people killing themselves for pleasure.” CJ Montgomery, 10

“I think the people who are doing it [vaping] will realise it’s not healthy and stop doing it.”

One Juul pod is equal to 20 cigarettes, which is one whole pack.

58%

of the student body see vaping as different from smoking cigarettes.

IS VAPING EVEN A THING ANYMORE?

15%

of the student body vape currently.

Anthony King, 11

“It [vaping] is fine and it’s a better alternative than smoking. Alivia Faupel, 12

About one out of four students vaped 20+ times.

IS IT REALLY THAT BAD?

58% 27%

PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN

of the student body believe in the negative health aspects of vaping. of the student body believe that more research needs to be held about vaping.

10% 5%

of the student body believe that vaping can’t result in death.

of the student body believe that vaping won’t cause any harm.

IN-DEPTH | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

REPEATING

HISTORY

As vaping becomes a popular trend among youth, history may be repeating itself by Chloe Horstman clshorstman@gmail.com

n 1993, a girl smells the scent of cigarette smoke as she walks off campus to meet her friends to study. A cigarette is passed to her and she smokes with her group between classes in her first year of college. At age 19, Leslie Firebaugh began smoking, unaware that it would become an addiction MORE INFO that dictated Check out part one of The New York Times her, until she vaping podcast here: battled to http://bit.ly/33NpJmB reclaim her life. Now in 2019, a 16 year old girl hears peers talk about vaping. Junior Allie Moore listens to them, worrying about the new trend they’ve become involved in. “I assumed that it wasn’t going to be a huge part of my life,” Firebaugh, mother of Moore, said. “I just thought it was not going to happen to me, little did I know that I wouldn’t be able to quit. The worst is when you realize that you’re addicted because you’re by yourself and you’re not in control of it like you think you are.” Now at age 44, Firebaugh had attempted to quit smoking multiple times throughout her life, and defeated the habit once she found out she was going to have a baby. Quitting proved to be an immense struggle, but Firebaugh prayed for help to avoid hurting her unborn child. “I wasn’t even able to on my own,” Firebaugh said. “One day I was like ‘Okay God, I’m pregnant, I don’t want to hurt the baby that you’ve graced me with. You’re gonna have to stop this for me. There’s

FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | IN-DEPTH

no way I can quit on my own.’ The next time I went to light up a cigarette, it tasted like I had been chewing tin foil. It was like ever since I prayed for him to stop it, it stopped. I couldn’t physically smoke another cigarette.” After defeating smoking, Firebaugh sees the vaping trend that engulfs teenagers similar to how her experience with getting into cigarettes was. Her daughter, Moore, believes that vaping poses a lot of potential danger, even though it wears a mask of safety. “If you say ‘I can drive recklessly, I won’t get in an accident,’ and you continue to drive recklessly, one day you’re going to get in an accident,” Moore said. “Same with vaping. It might not hurt you in the beginning, but it’s going to catch up to you and something bad is going to happen.” As vaping related health issues become increasingly prominent, it’s as if the history of smoking is repeating itself, but this time it smells like strawberries, or nothing at all. “The struggle that people our parents’ ages went through with nicotine addictions is the exact MORE INFO same thing Check out part two of that we’re The New York Times going vaping podcast here: nyti.ms/2qgyfdA through, but with Juuls,” Moore said. “We’re just repeating history rather than avoiding it, it’s just come in a new form. People are attracted to it and don’t realize that it’s literally the same idea.”

PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN

VAPING IN AMERICA;

HOW TO STOP THE EPIDEMIC

Teens vaping has become the new norm over the last decade. All of America is coming to an agreement- to end illness and death due to vaping among teens (Content by Ivy Lowery) The Federal Government is Keeping an Eye on Vaping. The National Government has become aware of the new teen crisis. President Donald Trump delivered a speech at the White House earlier this fall, declaring that he is moving to ban flavored vaping products in an effort to stop the teen vaping epidemic in America The FDA and CDC have recently been looking into vaping, to see what has been causing deaths among vape users. The FDA regulates legal vapes by lab testing them and giving them legal approval to sell. The issue with vapes that aren’t tested by the FDA is that they are what has been causing recent deaths and illness. While Federal and Health officials look into these illegal vaping products, the FDA has been keeping the public informed on these legal and illegal vapes, and how to stay safe.

Updated Policy For FHN.

The Francis Howell School District introduced a new policy for students struggling with drug abuse of all kinds earlier this year. The old policy stated that students must be suspended for 10 days with a Code of Conduct hearing, which then would be decided their punishment. FHSD has updated this policy, students who are caught with any substance or paraphernalia for any reason will be suspended for three days and go to 9 mandatory days in the Alternative Intervention Program (AIP). AIP offers counseling and support for victims of addiction instead of punishing them for their actions.

Missouri is Taking Action.

After noticing the new trend America is in action to prevent, Misssouri took the nation’s lead. Gov. Mike Parson of Missouri signed an executive order on Oct 15, 2019 stating that research and education discouraging from the use of vaping products must be done. The campaign is set to use current assets to launch within 30 days. Over 20 health cases in Missouri alone are due to illness or death of vaping-related products. The order states that Elementary and Secondary Education, Public Safety and The Departments of Health and Senior Services must develop a statewide campaign to educate and inform youth about the dangers of vaping.

HOW TO STOP AN ADDICTION Vaping has become a very relevant thing in teens, and at FHN. If you or a friend has a vaping addiction, this is how to make quitting easier (Content by Ivy Lowery)

Find a Reason to Stop Whether it’s wanting to positively influence your siblings or wanting to avoid health issues, quitting is the right thing for you. Considering how vaping affects your life, school work, and emotions is key to start quitting. Ask a friend if they have seen any changes in your life since you started. Some people who vape also use other drugs. If you or a friend smoke other things, now would be a good time to try to quit those habits too.

PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN

Prepare Yourself to Quit Setting a plan and a date of when to quit. Set yourself up to be ready for the stress and health issues that come with quitting. Depending on the severity of the addiction, you may experience withdrawals. Certain situations may cause the victim of addiction to crave nicotine to the point of physical illness. Preparing strategies to help fight the addiction and resist temptations to take another puff are essential to quitting.

Create a Safe Place Gaining new friends who support your choices and who will help you to resist the urge is the most important thing. Leaving those habits behind also means leaving bad influences behind. Creating a vision in your mind of what you hope to achieve and who you want to be surrounded by will help you become who you want to be, while also staying drug-free.

IN-DEPTH | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

WARNING!

55% OF STUDENTS HAVE NOT PURCHASED THEIR YEARBOOK FOR THIS YEAR YET. Why is this a big deal? • The price goes up to $65 March 12 • The staff will not be ordering extras once the final number is set at the end of the year Check on FHNtoday.com to make sure your name is on the list of who has purchcased a book. You can find that list here: http://fhntoday.com/yearbook-sales/ You can purchase a 2013-14 yearbook: • in room 026 • in the main office • on FHNtoday.com under the YEARBOOK tab on the top menu

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Sophomore Logan Schelfaut dives into a pool at the RecPlex. He won state last year and worked hard this year to prepare for GACs. Schefault plans to continue swimming through high school. (File photo)

DIVING INTO ANOTHER WIN

Sophomore Logan Schefault takes his second win at the GAC Diving Championship by Gracie Bowman

graciebowman310@gmail.com

Logan Schefault has impressed many. Through He works hard along with his other teammates, who his win in regionals and his state win last year, he were there to cheer him on at the GACs. has proved himself a great swimmer. On Nov. 5, “He works very hard,” Galati said. “He is a leader. Schefault won the GAC Diving Championships for He puts 100 percent effort in and does a great job.” the second year in a row. Not only did Schefault come in first place, but he “I go to practice and do my dives,” Schefault said. also broke his own GAC diving record from last year. “I was happy [that I won.]” He holds the point total of 582.8. Schefault competed at the St. “[I beat my] GAC record,” Peters Rec Plex. He swam against Schefault said. “It was exciting.” Francis Howell, Francis Howell Schefault will continue to Check out the article Central, Fort Zumwalt and Holt keep swimming in high school when Schefault won High school. Schefault came and hopes to continue during state his freshman year here: bit.ly/34Z74CV in first place against the other college. Galati also hopes that schools. Schefault will continue to swim. “I was very excited,” FHN swim He sees a lot of potential in coach Joshua Galati said. “It’s nice to see all his hard Schefault’s swim and dive career. work pay off.” “I think Logan is going to have his choice of where According to Galati, Schefault is always the first he wants to go [in the future] because he is that one at practice and the last one to leave. He works good,” Galati said. “He’s not just the best of the state, extremely hard to improve his swimming and diving. he’s one of the best in the country.”

MORE INFO

PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN

SPORTS |11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

FINISHING THE SEASON FHN’s varsity football team ends their season with a 1-9 record, an improvement from last year by Abby Martinez

amartinez240@g.fhsdschools.org

FHN’s football team looks back at their season and how they hope to improve it next year. FHN’s varsity football team finished their 1-9 season with a hard-fought loss during playoffs against Battle High School on Nov. 8. “I would describe this season as a struggle, but I would say there’s beauty within the struggle,” running back AZ Anderson said. “With every loss we had, I gained a valuable lesson to become a better player.” The team went through many hardships throughout the season, but they always worked together to overcome those. One of the main challenges the team faced were the close-game losses. “I think the biggest challenge all season was definitely finishing in the later quarters,” lineman Logan Currie said. “That’s where we always came short.” Along with the challenges the team faced, there

Junior Braedon Salter plays outside linebacker against Washington High school at a home game. He has played for the past three years of high school. Salter subbed his freshman year and played varsity his sophomore and junior year. “I feel like the seniors really stepped up and led the team,” said Salter. (Photo by Riley Witherbee)

were also very special moments the team cherished. The team beat Ft. Zumwalt South for the first time since 2017 on Sept. 13. “Beating FZS was the biggest moment this season,” Currie said. “It showed us that we can compete.” As the boys look back on the season, they begin to notice patterns throughout each game: the mentality of each player. “The biggest improvement was definitely our attitude change,” Anderson said. “Even when we were down losing, it didn’t matter, people still had their heads held up. Last year we’d be down by a certain amount of touchdowns and everybody

would be like ‘oh my gosh’ and I think that has to do with leadership.” Though the season didn’t end the way the players or coaches hoped it would, they still took away the importance of being a team and to play like they know how to. The team has found a way to find the importance in each game of the season, whether it ends in a win or a loss. “I wouldn’t do-over any games because I honestly believe that everything happens for a reason,” Anderson said. “Even the ones we lost by one or two points, because it built me into the person I am.”

DRIBBLING TO RUNNING Senior Joey Albers Prize runs cross country, making a change from soccer by Justin Brewer

justinbrewer15@gmail.com

After playing soccer for three years, one athlete has almost completely set on running cross country. He found a new calling. Senior Joey Albers Prize made had played soccer his whole life, but he also knew the big decision to choose to run cross country his that he was going to have fun on the cross country final year at FHN. team. “I did track my junior year and I just kind of fell in “By the time tryouts came, I already knew I wanted love with running,” Albers Prize said. to run cross country,” Albers Prize said “I had been Although Joey is new to cross thinking about it the whole summer.” country, he is not a new face to FHN Albers Prize sometimes wishes that he sports programs. Aside from soccer, had run cross country earlier, but if given he ran track last year. This, in part, due the chance, he wouldn’t change anything. Follow this link to to his love of running. He loved not He loved the years he played soccer. watch a recap pf Cross Country at only the sport itself but also the team. However, he has also loved running cross Districts A lot of the track team also run cross country and hopes to do it in the future. bit.ly/33tYjAj country and encouraged him to run Head cross country coach Kimberly cross country. Martin believes that he definitely has the “A lot of my friends and family knew that it would ability to succeed and hopes he does. be good for me because in soccer, I was always “After seeing him on the track I knew that he was known for having a lot of endurance,” Albers Prize going to be good in cross,” Martin said. “He has a said. really good work ethic and anybody who has that is Changing up a sport as a senior can be hard. going to be able to improve really well throughout When the time came for fall tryouts, Albers Prize was the season.”

WATCH

Senior Joey Albers Prize passes a competitor at a 5k race during a cross country meet. He has one of the fastest personal records on the team. Albers also played volleyball and soccer in the past. (Photo by Allie Moore)

SPORTS | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY.COM

PAGE BY ABBY MARTINEZ

Junior Lucy St. John is playing on softball varsity for her second year. The junior will play anywhere she is needed but she is in on field most of the time. (Photo by Jordyn Sgroi)

REFLECTING ON THE SEASON Juniors Emille Miller and Sophia Gabel attempt to block the ball from Liberty High School on Oct. 9. This is Miller and Gabel’s first year playing on varsity. During their sophmore year, the two juniors played on the JV team together. (Photo by Ella Manthey).

SETTING THE SCORE

The varsity volleyball team played their final away game on Oct. 24 against St. Charles High School and look back at this year’s season by Mollie Roberts

to varsity and a bit scary because the girls were much taller and hit a lot harder, but I was ready hen the 2019 FHN girls varsity volleyball because I always used to talk about being varsity season came to an end, there were mixed when I was younger,” Bargen said. “I trained really emotions from both new and returning hard by playing club volleyball and by doing clinic players. For many of the girls, it was their final season and camps. I worked on things I struggled with and I playing volleyball especially since five players on the mastered them. Just in this season alone I improved team were seniors. by knowing how to read the ball not only by seeing “Since being a senior, I think the thing I am going where she was hitting by how the hitter was hitting.” to miss most is getting to spend everyday with my Junior Cate Hahn was another new player who closest friends that I would moved up from JV to varsity. Throughout Varsity Girls not have made if I didn’t play the season she developed her skills and volleyball,” Kylie Schaffer eventually won All Tournament team Volleyball Stats said, who has been playing at both the St. Charles High School on the varsity team since her Tournament and the Lutheran St. Wins: 14 sophomore year. “Even though Charles Tournament. Hahn has been I am going to be playing in playing volleyball since her freshman Losses: 15 college it won’t be the same year and has played for all three teams; Ties: 1 playing without my girls from freshman, JV and varsity. high school.” “My favorite game was when we played Many new players joined the team this season, Lutheran High in the championship game of their including sophomore Ella Bargen who moved up tournament, because it was the best we have ever from the freshman team to varsity in one year. She played and although we didn’t win we played for attributes this success to playing club volleyball each other to reach a common goal,” Hahn said. “I during the winter. Many girls play club volleyball hope that next year we are still able to play for each during the off season to keep up with their skills and other, not individually, and although we are losing prepare for the fall season. our seniors, we can keep the team unity that we “It was a very big jump from the freshman team developed this year since it is so strong.” msroberts6536@gmail.com

PAGE BY JUSTIN BREWER

The Knights softball team started competing in their first game of districts on Oct. 16. They were ranked as the number five seed and played Fort Zumwalt North, who had the number four seed, and the Knights defeated them 13-3. “We played pretty well so we were pretty excited to play the next day at Francis Howell Central who had the number one seed,” head coach Mike Freedline said. “They had already beat us three times this year so we knew it was going to be a tough game.” Francis Howell North played Francis Howell Central on Thursday and started off the game well, but then had a couple errors, gained unearned runs and eventually lost 0-10. For next year the Knights have high hopes and expectations. “We’ll be changing conferences, so going into the new conference our goal next year is to win the conference as we come into it next year,” Freedline said. “Our seniors led the team real well, and everybody stepped up and improved from the year before, so they all did a pretty good job.” Last season, the Knights had six starting sophomores and were a young team. The Knights will be losing seniors such as Adria Schmidt, who led the Knights with 36 hits and two RBIs. Next year, the Knights will have several returning members, such as junior Becka Brissette and freshman Lucy Fajatin who led the team in home runs. “This season we ended up having a lot more upperclassmen since we were such a young team last year and we ended up getting farther into districts this year,” junior Becka Brissette said. “We want to win conference next year, we changed conferences and we want to ended up winning and go farther in districts, and I want to hit better and get my stats up.” (Story by Parker Kilen)

SPORTS | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

Junior Jack Ferry swims at the RecPlex against FZS on Oct. 29. Ferry has been swimming on the varsity swim team since his freshman year. The team came in third place. (Photo by Addy Bradbury)

SWIMMING FOR SUCCESS Junior Jack Ferry has participated in the school’s swim team for all three years of his high school career. His swim experience goes back further than high school, however. Ferry started playing sports at a young age. In first grade, Ferry joined the Dolphins, an outdoor swim team associated with the Rec-Plex. He found he had a natural stroke. “I choose to stick with swim because I thought it was easier on your body,” Ferry said. “I also enjoy the competition.” Ferry practices in all strokes but he favors the breaststroke. FHN swim practice starts surprisingly late. In some cases, this can be stressful and swim can get in the way of other obligations. Ferry spends a good amount of his time swimming, but when he’s not at the pool, he’s usually studying or doing homework. With his busy schedule, it doesn’t leave much time for himself. “Swim requires a lot of prioritizing,” Ferry said. “Otherwise I am swimming generally four to five nights a week.” Ferry swims practically all year round, and he’s even on a summer swim team. All that practice and hard work has paid off. One of Ferry’s best times has been on a 50 free which he swam in 24 seconds at a meet. One length of the pool is 25 meters. Ferry plans on continuing his swim career into the future, and he plans on swimming all the way through college. “I think swim’s helped me keep a healthy lifestyle when the workload gets bigger,” Ferry said. Ferry’s coach Josh Galati has had a major impact on his success by helping him practice for many meets throughout his career. “He’s a strong swimmer,” Galati said. “He really pushes himself.” (Brief by Emma Fischer)

FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | SPORTS

Junior Liam Levins attacks the goal, looking to pass the ball to his teammate, Louis Primeau. Players on the varsity boys soccer team compete in a nail-biting soccer game against Holt on Oct. 8 at FHN. The team was led by Coach Scheller. (Photo by Phoebe Primeau)

KNIGHTS GO PINK The boys’ varsity soccer team brings awareness to breast cancer by wearing pink jerseys for home games throughout the month of October by Abby Akers

aakers454@g.fhsdschools.org

uring their games in October, the boys varsity “We choose as a team and we usually wear it soccer team wore pink jerseys in support [the jersey] every other game,” junior player Dane of breast cancer awareness. The team, who McManus said. has a 4-19 record, thought it would be a good way to According to UCSF Health, breast cancer is most show that they support breast cancer awareness. common in older individuals. One in eight women “Coach [Larry] Scheller decided it would be a good who live to the age of 80 will be diagnosed with idea to get them,” said sophomore varsity soccer cancer. Nearly 77 percent of women who are player Cannon Murray. “In years past we have always diagnosed with cancer are over the age of 50. Less had pink-themed jerseys in October.” than 5 percent of women under the age of 40 are The team likes being able to wear the pink-themed diagnosed with breast cancer. jerseys. It brings awareness to something that isn’t There are many ways to reduce the risk of getting talked about as much as it should be. breast cancer. According to City of Hope, exercise “The whole team enjoys can reduce your risk of being wearing them to show support,” diagnosed with breast cancer. said sophomore player Jackson Reducing the amount of alcohol Houk. you drink and not smoking can also Read more about breast cancer and help by The month of October reduce your risks tremendously. donating to the cause: is National Breast Cancer Breast cancer does not only affect bit.ly/2Qg9rgp Awareness month. Breast cancer women. Although rare, men can is one of the most common develop breast cancer. Male breast cancers among women. cancer symptoms are the same According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, as women. One in every 1,000 men will develop an estimated 268,600 people will be diagnosed with this cancer. Men also have a higher mortality rate invasive breast cancer this year. because it usually isn’t caught as early. “It’s scary to think that so many people will have The team is grateful that they had the opportunity breast cancer,” sophomore Rebecca Orthwerth said. to wear the pink jerseys. They are glad they are able “You never really know how big of a problem it is to show support in such a big way. The boys hope until you read about it.” to continue the tradition of wearing the pink jerseys The team typically wears black jerseys for home next October. games and white jerseys for away games. During “Yes, [we will continue the tradition next year],” October, the pink themed jerseys are worn in place Houk said. “I think it’s a cool thing to do to support of the black home jerseys. breast cancer awareness.”

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PAGE BY ANDREW TUETH

FINISH OF A MEMORABLE SEASON The girls’ cross country team has had a successful season with Chloe Horstman and Allison Vernon moving on to sectionals. They have led a team of 17 girls this year, with 14 runners who have returned from the previous season. Many of the athletes on the team improved throughout the season and developed healthy habits in order to successfully compete against other rival high schools. Alise Simon, an athlete on the team, is no exception. “I maintain good grades throughout the season because I have a much stricter schedule during cross country season,” said Simon. Before a meet, the team performs several normal routines. They did activities together such as receiving race number bibs, putting on spikes, warm up jog and stretching. “My favorite thing to do before and after I run is cheering on the other races FHN competes in,” said Simon. The team spirit is what helps to fuel these girls as they race against competitors. During practices and meets, the athletes all cheer for one another and coast alongside the race to motivate the runners to move faster.

Freshman Leah Heischmidt follows though on her swing on Sept. 24 at a match against Troy Buchanan. Heischmidt has become a valuable player during her first year on the golf team. (Photo by Nadia Abusoud)

Junior Chloe Horstman runs during a cross country meet for FHN. Horstman has participated in cross country for three years. (Photo by Allie Moore)

“Team spirit makes cross country enjoyable and tolerable, I don’t know what we would do without it,” said Simon. There are three main workouts every week during practice: distance runs, track workouts and timed runs. Distance runs are focused on form and cardio, slower than race pace, but usually go farther distance coverage. Track workouts tend to be the hardest of the three, and are focused on pushing yourself physically and mentality. Timed runs are the easiest of the three. Those are done a day before a meet and it is a thirty minute jog on your own at FHN. “The workouts done at practice not only help to prepare the athletes, but also act as a stress reliever from school,” assistant coach Valerie Green said. (Brief by Andrew Tueth)

JUNIOR HELPS LEAD THE TEAM This year there was one tennis player who stood out from the bunch: Allie Moore. She is a junior who first started playing her freshman year. She was looking for something to do outside of school. “I thought it would look good for college and for businesses,” Moore said. Moore’s teammates think highly of her and enjoy her motivation and her passion for tennis. “She’s a very motivated person,” junior tennis player Iris Lee said. “I guess if she has an idea she has the drive to make it happen.” Moore wanted to become a better leader to the other members in tennis, so over the summer she learned how to coach younger kids. With the knowledge she learned from coaching them, she went into the season ready to help people. “I have started giving people on my team advice and helping them out with little things,” said Moore. “But there is only so much you can do when also trying to better yourself but I try to help out where I can.” One of the pieces of advice Moore had for the team is to practice more during the off season. “If people practiced more during the off season we could be better than other schools,” Moore said. Moore helped her teammates with PAGE BY KARSYN WILLIAMS

Junior Allie Moore prepares to hit the tennis ball back across the net to her opponent. Moore has been playing for three years and has experienced coaching change. Moore enjoys helping her teammates. (Photo by Avery Witherbee)

techniques and forms. She also helped newer players improve. She wanted to work on specific ways to move and hold the racket while doing a front hand or backhand. “She has definitely helped me in tennis whenever I started out,” said Lee. “She helped teach me the techniques and I definitely improved thanks to her.” Moore is a motivating person, often hosting and setting up group bonding events for the tennis team with Lee. “Watching her play itself was pretty exciting,” Lee said. “We’d always just watch her play really well and it motivates us to be better.” (Brief by Jon Fitch)

ACHIEVING HER GOALS The first year of high school for many students is an opportunity to not only find new things to do and experience, but also a chance to continue and build upon things previously enjoyed. Freshman Leah Heischmidt used her freshman year to continue playing golf, as she had as a child, but went in with the goal of making friends, being able to manage everything and growing in the process. “I’ve played golf since around fifth grade,” Heischmidt said. “I played CYC [Christian Youth Channel] through my old school, but for high school I was excited to meet all of the girls because they’re all so nice, and all so welcoming.” Since Heischmidt had previously played golf and made the team when she tried out this year, and she found that the biggest struggle was playing against the upperclassmen. “We have rankings for who we get to play with, and I was number one, so I played against juniors and seniors,” Heischmidt said. “And I’m a freshman so I was just like ‘uhhh.’” Heischmidt looked forward to meeting the girls, and she formed many friendships throughout the season. Her favorite memories were from bonding with her teammates. “Leah is valuable as a teammate because she is very good at golf and helps our team scores,” freshman teammate Chloe Perkins said. “As a player she’s calm and easy going, and as a friend Leah is funny, kind and fun to be around.” Heischmidt hopes to play golf for the rest of high school. With her dad’s encouragement and her desire to continue playing, she thinks it makes the most sense. Going into the next few years she hopes to make it to sectionals and continue to improve her skills. “My favorite thing about golf is the sportsmanship,” Heischmidt said. “Everyone is usually kind of nice to play with so it’s not there’s any bad environment with anyone. It’s just a good environment to be in.” (Brief by Hannah Davis) SPORTS | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

A peek into Winter As winter sports began in early November, players and coaches have been working hard and training. Take a look into their goals, plans and what’s new for the current season

BACK ON THE MATS During last season, three boys’ wrestlers qualified for state, one returning to the team this year. This season, many underclassmen are in a position to move into the varsity spots. With many freshmen having gone through the school’s little league wrestling program, some newcomers are already experienced in the sport of school wrestling. Previous state qualifier, sophomore Mason Apple hopes to return to state this season, and is currently preparing for the teams first home duel on Dec. 4th against St. Charles West. “I’m cautiously optimistic,” coach Chris Brown said. “I’m hoping our varsity spots will rise up to the task.” With this being the second

year of a separate girls wrestling team at FHN, the team is continuing to struggle with gathering a sufficient amount of wrestlers within each weight class. During the previous season, not all of the wrestlers were able to make it through the entire season as many suffered injuries. Thankfully, this season has had an increased interest in the team overall and new wrestlers have decided to try out. The team is working hard training to prepare for the Wonder Woman Tournament on Jan. 4th. “[Last year] was definitely an experiment,” Brown said. “I’m excited for this year and I hope the team rises excitement for wrestling.” (Brief by Karsyn Williams)

Senior Trace Martin takes down an opponent on the home fields. Martin has been on the wrestling team all four years of high school. “I wanted to be in wrestling because I wanted to be in a sport that would push me and make me stronger,” Martin said. (File Photo)

DIVING INTO THE SEASON Last season, diver and alumni Kamryn Bell had gone to state and many previously inexperienced swimmers got up to speed with learning the swimming strokes needed at meets and improving overall. Many underclassmen swimmers had also joined swim club last year, giving the returning swimmers, such as junior Olivia Neunaber and sophomore Natalia Salazar the ability to apply their new and improved skills to meets for the

FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | SPORTS

current season. The team will also be going to more meets this season to gain some experience, and they are working hard at the pool in order to prepare and hope to make it to state and improve their times. “We lost some really good swimmers this season because they were seniors,” sophomore Ana Remolina said. “But, this year’s seniors and juniors are amazing and many of the sophomores have improved a lot.” (Brief by Karsyn Williams)

Junior Lexi Triller cheers as her teammate finished a relay during a swim meet. Triller has competed in breast stroke and freestyle swim during the previous season. (File Photo)

PAGE BY KARSYN WILLIAMS

Senior Sterling Jones takes the ball down the sideline of the FHN basketball courts. Jones has been on the varsity team since his sophomore year and he plans to play again this year. “I chose to play basketball because it’s my favorite sport,” Jones said, “and I have been playing since I was a little kid.” (File Photo)

SETTING OUT TO SWISH Last season, the team struggled but found that they had improved as the season went on, and they aim to continue building off that improvement. Seniors Ben Oster and Kyle Foster are returning to the court for their last year on the team and plan to bring their best game. This is the first year with coach Mark Wright being the head coach of the team. He and the other players are

looking forward to competing this season as they prepare for their first tournament on Dec. 9 at St. Charles West. “Our team goal is to be playing our best basketball in February,” Wright said. “We are working hard each day, each practice, each game to get a little bit better each time we step on the court.” (Brief by Karsyn Williams)

Senior Jenna Thompson hides the ball away from an opponent from Francis Howell Central at a game on Jan 29. Jenna Thompson played both on the varsity and JV girls basketball teams during her junior year. “I have been interested in the sport all my life.” said Thompson, “My parents both played it in high school and even my mom played a little in college.” (File Photo)

Q&A

WITH JENNA THOMPSON Take a look into how the only senior on the varsity girls basketball player is preparing for the 2019-2020 season Why did you start playing basketball? “It was a sport my family has always played and it was really easy to play in the backyard. It was a sport I grew up to love.”

What are you looking forward to this season? “Getting to know the new coach and getting to move very well with all the new girls that we have.”

What are some of the teams goals this season?

Sophomore Matthew Wells takes a shot on goal against the Holt Indians. Wells glided through the opposing defense to get a one-on-one with the goalie. Wells played varsity since his freshman year. (File Photo)

RETURNING TO THE ICE With new players and many returning players stepping up to varsity this season, the hockey team has been working hard on improving individually and as a group. Returning players, sophomores Max Ising and senior Blaine Longmore, are putting their best effort in during games. Last year, The team had won a playoff game and aims

to improve their record this season. On Nov. 22, the team competes against Timberland and is looking forward to getting on the ice to play. “I feel pretty good about our practices,” sophomore player Matt Wells said. “I think varsity is going to do pretty good this year.” (Brief by Karsyn Williams)

“To somewhat do the same of last year. To grow as a team with the new coach and all the new players and just really have the best season that we can.”

How does the team plan on reaching these goals? “We’re gonna really work our butts off this year and we’re definitely going to try and hit the weight room as much as we can. We’re going to keep working hard every practice and get better each one.”

How is it being the only senior on the team? “It is kind of crazy being the only senior. But, it’s also kind of nice because I’m someone the rest of the teammates and the JV team look up to.” (Content by Karsyn Williams)

PAGE BY KARSYN WILLIAMS

SPORTS | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

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A wilting flower sits outside during a snow storm. An enviromental activist is a person that works towards protecting plants and animals in nature. The activists could end up hurting the Earth though with their actions and protests. (Photo by Kaili Martin)

Helping or Hurting

Environmental activism without purpose or solutions contributes to the problem more than it helps

Environmental activists get a bad wrap and are helpful and essential towards the future of our planet

Remember back to US History class, when Martin Luther King Jr. stood at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC and twerked on national television, or when in protest to the Vietnam war, peace activists flew into Vietnam and set it ablaze with Napalm? Of course not. These protests would’ve been ridiculous instead of game changing if any of that was true. So, why does the climate hysteria that has gripped the world in recent months expect to be treated seriously? Starting with #ShutDownDC, an event that aimed to block major highways to force government action. Instead, as recorded and later posted to social media, protestors twerked, littered and threw confetti (which they didn’t clean up) and glitter into the air. Glitter is awful for the environment; it kills marine life. That combined with the fact that several protestors thought “twerking” was a form of protest. It isn’t. Not to mention police had to, as journalist Julio Rosas reported, power a gas guzzling generator to destroy protestor-erected barricades. Great job, protestors. Then there’s Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swede who made headlines after sailing across the ocean in a zero-emission yacht to avoid a plane ride. Except she flew in a crew. Also, as Vox and Bloomberg explain, not only would Thunberg’s trek not decrease plane emissions for a single flight, but it’s counterproductive. Flying overseas is when planes are most environmentally friendly. It’s also impractical: not everyone can borrow a millionaire’s yacht. Upon arrival, Thunberg threw a temper tantrum at the UN, like a child. She has no moral supremacy because she’s a child, nor is she immune from critique. Thunberg been made a victim of climate hysteria, not climate destruction. Both of these were virtue signals. Real environmentalists aren’t twerking in DC or building custom yachts. They’re cleaning up trash. The same time as the DC protests, real activists went down to Los Angeles to clean up 50 tons of garbage. Even Stream Team in Missouri and Recycling Club at FHN have done more to save the planet than these “protests”. It’s time we stopped giving legitimacy to those who don’t deserve it. (Story by Connor Peper)

The earth is heating up. According to NASA, the earth has heated up about 0.8 degrees Celsius since 1880. This has been caused by the increased carbon emissions due to fossil fuels. The United Nations has stated that it has a goal to keep global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. For this to occur, action must be taken in order to change policies regarding carbon emissions. Environmental activists express their concern for the government to provide a better future for the planet. Environmental activists are key to getting policy to change regarding climate change. They communicate to the government their want for better policies on climate change. During the week of Sept. 20, there were a series of international climate protests demanding action to be taken against climate change, with CNN reporting 7.6 million people taking part. Without their voice, nobody would know their demand to prevent climate change, and policies would not change to prevent it. The EPA shows that 45 percent of global carbon emissions come from two countries, China and the United States. They only have nine and 12 climate laws respectively, relatively low compared to Brazil’s 28 climate laws. Brazil has about two thirds of the population of the United States, and yet they only account for about two percent of global carbon emissions. China and the United States need to regulate their carbon emissions, especially since they are two of the most industrialized nations in the world. The activists are demanding policies that would decrease carbon emissions by phasing out fossil fuels, creating sustainable agriculture and more. Activists hope to keep global warming to well below two degrees Celsius. Left untreated, climate change will lead to stronger storms, more droughts, heat waves and rising sea levels, according to the EPA. More people are going to be affected by global climate change, whether it be through more and frequent strong storms, or they may be displaced due to rising sea levels. Every voice is necessary to help get the world to act on climate change. (Story by Justin Christensen)

Do environmental activists help or hurt the environment? 42

FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | OPINIONS

“It is good for the enviroment, it allows others to see what others are doing for the enviroment. It spreads awareness.”

Emma Musselman, 10

“They have admirable passion, but there is no actual effort being done by them or influenced by them.”

Julian Washington, 9

“What enviromentalist do is imperative to the survival of the human race. Everybody should strive in one way or the other to protect the environment.”

Logan Holloway, 10

PAGE BY AADHI SATHISHKUMAR

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE M&M’S Two of the best selling candies in America are evaluated. M&M’s are the better choice, for more reasons than just their delicious taste by Ivy Lowery

ilowery408@g.fhsdschools.org

Everyone has seen the bright, colorful, and seasonal advertisements and begged their parents for these candies at some point. Whether it’s chocolate bars or fruity sugar pellets, people of all ages love candy. Two of the most popular in sales and flavor come down to be evaluated by a candy enthusiast. M&Ms by the candy company MARS, or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups by the arguably most famous chocolate company, Hershey’s. Who will win? Why should someone buy M&Ms instead of Reese’s? Other than the exceptionally smooth chocolatey taste, the price for each unit is a great amount lower than Reese’s. In a typical $5 candy bag for Halloween, there are 14 units of one piece Reese’s cups, and 21 packs of Fun Size M&Ms with 17 candies, 357 in total. This comes out to three and a half ounces worth of Reese’s Cups and a whopping 11 ounces of M&Ms. By buying M&Ms, you get more than triple the candy for your money. As well as getting more sugar filled delights, MARS offers more variety of M&M flavors such as the classic milk chocolate, hazelnut, almond and

First sold in 1941, M&M’s spill out next to a relative of theirs, Reese’s Pieces. Although the first Reese’s candy hit the shelves in 1928, its small, candy coated counterpart wasn’t seen until 49 years later in 1977. Despite the obvious inspiration that Reese’s took, they continue to rival M&M’s. (Photo by Aidyn Gleason)

more. Unfortunately, Reese’s doesn’t have much console? M&Ms were designed to prevent this very variety: only various chocolates and Reece’s Pieces problem. Forrest Mars, Sr. came up with the idea in Cups. With more choices, the 1941 after seeing soldiers during the combinations and possibilities of Spanish Civil War eating chocolate flavors are endless. For some, the pellets with a hard candy casing. The classic M&M cookie filled childhood candy was made with hard casing so Check out some more memories with mouth-watering the soldiers could carry them around facts about Reeses’ and M&Ms here : smells and smiles all around. With all during warm weather. So thanks bit.ly/2MNK3MW these M&M flavors, you could make to Mars’ great observation, you no endless varieties of these cookies longer have melted chocolate in your with M&Ms. What cookies or recipes can you make beautiful car. with Reese’s? Although M&Ms have many benefits, both M&Ms by Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups blend the taste of MARS and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups by Hershey’s peanut butter and chocolate seamlessly, but have are great candy in their own ways. The smooth pure you ever come back to your car and had melted taste of the classic chocolate candy is a beautifully peanut butter and chocolate all over your seat or crafted recipe, and is severely underrated.

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KEEP CHRISTMAS TO ITSELF The best time to hear Christmas music is after Thanksgiving by Justin Christensen

season. If it was played every day, it would no longer be special, like any other song played on Christmas comes with many special things. One the radio. of the biggest ones is Christmas music. There is Some people absolutely detest Christmas music a great variety of Christmas songs in existence, and would rather not hear it at all. They say it all like “Jingle Bells,” “All I Want for Christmas is You,” sounds the same, upbeat and happy, which isn’t “Jingle Bell Rock,” and lots more. their style. That is very true, but There is an ongoing debate as to that’s the point of it. It’s a happy when these tunes are appropriate to time of year: people give gifts listen to. Some people are Christmas to each other, spend time with Check out some popular lovers and are happy with listening their families and much more. Christmas music here: to Christmas music all year, while Christmas music reflects the bit.ly/33XCAki some people have a set time frame overall feeling of the holiday: for when it is appropriate. The best happiness and joy. Besides, time for Christmas music should be reserved for the lots of people really enjoy listening to Christmas Christmas season. music, so it still should be played widely during the Holiday music all year long is inappropriate. It holiday season. should be saved for after Thanksgiving through When played during the right times, Christmas New Year, however, because playing music year music is a fun, special addition to the holiday round would take away from some of the special season. To keep the special quality of Christmas quality of the music. Christmas music is special music, the best time for it to be widely played because it is only widely played around the holiday would be just the Christmas season. 11justintc@gmail.com

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(Photo submitted by Gracie Bowman)

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OPINIONS | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

STUDENT TAKE: WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON FHSD SUING JUUL? “They can sue them, but I don't know how effective it is because there are different brands .” Abby Keathley, 11

“I don't like Juuls, but I think it's kind of stupid to sue them because you'd never win. It's not about FHN. It's just kids Juuling.” James Struble, 12

“I think it's waste of time. It's the individual kids so it's kind of silly to sue a whole company. We should focus on something else.” Alex Harris, 12

"It seems kind of stupid because they don't have any power over who they can sell to. It's the kid who chooses whether or not they buy one.” Aiden Kehoe, 9

“I think it's kind of dumb and waste of money, but I don't know much about it.” Emily Nelson, 10

NORTH STAR TAKE:

FHSD SHOULD TAKE THE FIGHT TO JUUL FHSD is currently in a lawsuit against Juul Labs On Behalf of the Editorial Staff @fhntoday.com | @FHNtoday

“It'll probably help with banning Juul, making it harder to access. It'll also help with the other schools that sued.” Calvin Caswell, 10

FHNTODAY.COM | 11.20.19 | OPINIONS

he Francis Howell School District has decided to join other school districts around the country to sue the e-cigarette company, Juul Labs. The decision was brought forward to the board by their lawyer, Cindy Ormsbry. After the federal government released a statement saying that Juul Labs advertises towards underage kids and the rapid spike in e-cigarette related offenses in the school district, FHSD didn’t want to leave Juul unpunished. The Editorial Board is in support of the

Francis Howell School District. FHSD has done the most they can do with trying to keep the students away from e-cigarettes. They have tried to prevent them from being used by under-age kids with their health effect warnings and have tried to help students with nicotine addictions. According to Ormsbry, the district has spent an excessive amount of their time and resources trying to take care of this e-cigarette epidemic. After a spike from around 50 to 280 e-cigarette infractions within the school district, PAGE BY ANDREW REESE

North | star Editor-in-Chief: Grace Bowman

Copy Editor: Ashlynn Perez Entertainment/Opinions Editor: Justin Christensen News Editor: Macy Cronin Features Editor: Sydney Ellison

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the board has taken action to fix the underlying issue of nicotine addiction. Figuring that detentions and suspensions don’t work, they have spent excessive resources to hold information programs for their students and enforcing a new drug policy. None of the funds from the lawsuit are coming from the taxpayers or the district either. If there is any recovery from a settlement or after a trial, the legal fees will be paid out of that settlement, but there will be no funds and no taxpayer funds to pay for the lawsuit. Although this lawsuit does punish Juul Labs, FHSD will not blame Juul for students being caught with vapes on their person. The student is still held accountable for their behavior. The student will be punished with in school suspension and will be go through programs to help with their nicotine addiction. The district’s end goal of the lawsuit is to get reimbursed for the issue they didn’t create, but that Juul did. FHSD wants the funds reimbursed PAGE BY ANDREW REESE

to them that they had to use towards the vaping problems they have had over the past three years. They want to be able to pay for the programs and rehabilitation that is used and the administrators and professionals that help as well. If no actions were taken before this, the lawsuit would seem impractical. But FHSD has spent time and finances trying to fix a problem that they didn’t create for their students. Juul has created a mess that FHSD has had to clean up for the past three years. The district isn’t using their own funds to pay for the lawsuit, they have tried other ways to fix the problem, they aren’t blaming only Juul, but also the students; FHSD has all their I’s dotted and all their T’s crossed. The district cares about their health and well being of their students. If they win this lawsuit, they are hoping to be able to cure this vaping epidemic once and for all with the resources they will be able to provide, including rehabilitation programs and help for the students’ addiction with nicotine.

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OPINIONS | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM

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Nov. 20, 2020 - Pulling Vaping Out of Teens

Articles inside

Christmas Music

Environmentalists

Off to The Circus

New Film Club

Dribbling in Pink

From Soccer to XC

Black Friday Deals

Changes for FHSD

Student Fashion

Vinyls vs. Streaming