NORTH STAR
Francis Howell North St. Charles, MO
VOL 29, ISSUE 2
09.17.14
New Snack Table • Ukulele Player • Ferguson • Drag Racing
THE OFFSETS TAKES OFF
A quarry in southeast Missouri becomes a popular cliff diving destination
page 11
CONTENTS 24 pages every three weeks NEWS 02
SNACK TABLE
The snack table has added some healthier items to its inventory 04
NORMANDY
Lawsuits have surfaced to revoke the decision to not allow transfer students attend FHSD schools.
FEATURES 10
HERE FROM BRAZIL Ana Borba recently moved to Missouri from southern Brazil
U-SWIRL
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A new frozen yogurt shop opens in the Streets of St. Charles
SPORTS NEW TATTOO
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Elijah “Tattoo” Keely is the newest Varsity running back for FHN 18
MARTIAL ARTS
Senior Evan Miller holds a black belt in this dangerous sport
OPINIONS 21
FERGUSON
The situation in Ferguson can teach us a lot about media treatment and discrimination in America
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Have an opinion on something in this month’s paper? Send us a letter about it to room 026 or an email to yourfhn@fhntoday.com.
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FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY MAGGIE TORBECK
09.17.14
Less is more. It’s kind of a dumb saying, and it doesn’t really make sense, does it? No one wants half of their paycheck, half the friends, or half of a waffle taco when they could have the whole thing. So, who would want half the North Star? Well, we think you will. Last April, we started getting restless. As almost anyone at FHN knows, the North Star is one of the top newsmagazines in the country. So it was kind of ironic when on the same day we won second place best of show at Nationals, we decided it was time for a complete overhaul of the paper. We had found our rhythm after switching to the newsmagazine format years ago and were cranking out paper after paper, month after month. We had some of our best issues ever and won our first Pacemaker ever. We had found a system that worked and were dominating at sticking with it. But, there’s no fun in staying stagnant or becoming a machine. We were ready for a new challenge. This is what we came up with, and we think it puts some truth behind that saying, “less is more.” The biggest changes go hand-in-hand. We wanted our issues to be more frequent and more readable. So, we made the decision to have a paper come out every three weeks rather than every four to six. This gets the North Star in your hands more often, and gives everyone something to get excited about every three Wednesdays, rather than once or twice a quarter. In order to do this, we switched to a 24-page format, rather than our traditional 48-page format. Considering most of our readers read the paper only in first hour or Homeroom on paper day, this makes more sense than putting out a paper that takes more than an hour to read cover-to-cover. In the switch to 24 pages, we lost our in-depth section that used eight pages to examine a single topic. Without this confining center section each month, we hope to be more diverse in our coverage and include more faces and groups from around the
school that we previously didn’t have space for. Not only that, but we also will be more diverse in our storytelling. We will devote space to reader-friendly infographics, interesting narrative stories, and outside-the-box ways to get information to readers. Expect more things along the lines of Flat Ameis or the Gatsby character quiz from last year, rather than endless blocks of words that even the most motivated reader abandons halfway through. Lastly, we are going to have special editions of the North Star for the first time ever. We’re keeping those under wraps for now, but the first one is coming later this semester, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Maybe whoever said ‘less is more’ knew what they were talking about. Or maybe it’s just as dumb as it sounds. Either way, it’s going to be a great year and I’m glad you opened up the new North Star for the first time. Thanks for reading and being along for the ride. See you again in three weeks...
Daniel Bodden Editor in Chief
STUDENTS FOR LIBERTY CLUB LAUNCHES This year, students have another option to get involved in politics, in addition to the existing Young Democrats and Young Republicans clubs, with the introduction of a Young Libertarians club. Sponsored by Dan Dilber and created by junior Mensur Koso, who is also the club’s president, the club strives to uphold the Libertarian beliefs of social tolerance and economic self-correction. Koso created the club in order to raise more awareness about these beliefs. The club will meet every other Thursday. “I decided to do it when I saw the other parties’ clubs posting their own fliers,” Koso said. “I thought that it wouldn’t be good if people went on believing that there were only two options and they had to choose one. That’s
really how it was created.” Although Democrats and Libertarians have similar views, according to Koso they differ in their view of government involvement. Democrats favor the government assisting economically speaking while Libertarians favor the government’s assistance socially speaking. Republicans favor government assistance with neither economic or social problems. “The Democrats and the Libertarians have much more in common with their views, so I think that it will be a positive to have another group that has commonalities to the Democrats,” Sponsor of Young Democrats Kim Coil said. (brief by madi graves)
Kyle Tiller and Brian Imboden play chess in the Learning Commons before school. Students are encouraged to come in and socialize. (abby temper)
FIRE & FROST
Homecoming this year is Sept. 27, starting at 7 p.m. at FHN. The theme is Fire and Frost. Decorations include a giant volcano, an ice forest, and icicle lights. “I’m really excited about the theme,” StuCo President Nicole Morse said. “I think it’s going to turn The Fire and Frost theme was chosen by a vote among last years students in StuCo. “Homecoming is a wonderful night because you get to spend it with your best friends and eat food.” sophomore Audrey Baker said. (brief by aly doty)
laptops and hotspots for rent Students will be able to rent laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots in the Learning Commons beginning in October. “It should be useful to people who need it,” senior Matt Helton said. Assistant Principal Chris Birch oversees technology at FHN and created this program and permission slips have been distributed so that students are able to rent out a laptop. A new slip will be handed out with more information regarding this policy. “I’m excited that it will help students who don’t have access to a laptop on a daily basis,” said Media Specialist Ann Travis. Travis believes that this opportunity will benefit both students and the Learning Commons because it will offer more options to students beyond using the computers. “‘I’m excited about it,” Birch said. “I’m anxious to see how many are checked out. I’m glad we have this opportunity for our students.” (brief by stone birkner)
FIELD TRIP CONFLICT
FBLA is going on a field trip to Kokomo Joe’s Family Fun Center for the Fall Leadership Conference on Sept. 26, the same day as the Homecoming pep assembly. Members of FBLA will have to decide which event to attend. “I looked at my priorities,” FBLA President Elise Gertsch said. “I’m in StuCo Cabinet but I’m president of FBLA, and even though I love the pep assembly, I knew it would be more important for me to attend the FBLA Leadership Conference.” The field trip is scheduled by the FBLA District and other schools in the area attend, so it can’t be rescheduled specifically for the FHN pep assembly. “I’m looking forward to our members having the opportunity to network with FBLA members from other schools in the area,” Sponsor Angie Winship said. “I look forward to the workshops that will be available to inspire members to contribute to the community by fundraising and community service.” (brief by aly doty)
RETAKES Senior portrait retake pictures will take place Sept. 19 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in FHN’s auditorium. The photo sessions will include around 12 headshots, along with a cap and gown picture. One session should take about 15 to 20 minutes in length. According to secretary RaeAnn Noah, students should bring nice, appropriate clothing, and if they are involved in any school clubs they can bring clothes from that club to wear as well. Students who have not made an appointment should call 636-438-0829. (brief by stone birkner) Zachary Schneider and Tyler Parrish research a project on a computer before school in the Learning Commons. (abby temper)
SPONSOR SWITCH This year, the Speech and Debate team has a new coach named Joelle Sanders. While Sanders knows there will be some differences, many things will stay the same. “I don’t think there’s going to be a whole lot of changes,” Sanders said. ”We’re still going to be doing the same kinds of events, the same meets.” The team will meet once a week; Speech on Wednesdays and Debate on Tuesdays. This is different from previous years, when the entire team met at once. “I think things are going to be run differently, because we have different leadership this year,” junior Marygrace Cole said. The Speech and Debate team participates in competitions against other high schools. This year, the team will be participating in fewer events than before. Those wishing to join should go to any of the meetings. “We’ve been off to a great start,” Sanders said. “I think this is going to be a great year.” (brief by sami schmid)
SAY HI Students for FHN is a newer club at North in its second year. They come up with events that encourage students to talk to each other and make the school a friendlier place. This month, they are putting on Say Hi September to encourage students to talk to others. Last Wednesday, they gave out name tags and encouraged students to write any name they wanted on them. “I think it went really well,“ senior Luke Guerdan said. “We are happy with how much participation we got with it.” (brief by sami schmid)
FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY MAGGIE TORBECK
09.17.14
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ns
@RedPasty
TOP
@KINGARTSY
I’ve spent more time watching this Simpsons marathon than I have spent on school work ever.
TWEETS Eric Krause, 12
SNACK TABLE CHANGES
remember middle school when we had like homework once a week lol miss that.
Alex Lane, 10
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With new rules and guidelines that school lunches are required to follow, the snack table gets a revamp with a few favorites that stuck around
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Zoo Animals
This type of snack has returned again this year. These crackers are in different animal shapes including lions, elephants, and sheep.
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Grandma’s Cookies
These cookies are classic favorite for most FHN students. The snack table has chocolate chip or sugar cookies on sale for $1. “The Grandma’s Cookies remind me of my grandma because they’re so good.” Genesis Hudson, 9
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Cliff Bars
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5 Baked Lays Chips
Gum
New to the snack table this year, Cliff Bars are a nutricious granola bar packed with protein. They can be bought for $.
The snack table has many different types of gum with several different brands and flavors. These include Trident, Extra, and Stride.
These style of chips are offered with many different flavors including BBQ and original. They can be bought for 75 cents.
“The Cliff Bars are my favorite because they are delicious and filling.” Marykate Feldhaus, 12
“I like how it’s convenient for me to get gum when I need it and the prices are the same as gas station prices.” Julianne McManus, 12
“I like them because they’re healthy and they’re baked and have less fat in them and they’re less greasy.” Olivia Stuertz, 12
STUDENT TAKE Students give their opinion on the changes to the snack table and how they overall feel about it.
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FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY ALEXIS TAINTER
09.17.14
“I disagree with their prices because I look at something that’s $1 for one there but you could go to Dierberg’s and probably get 10 for $3.50. Amber Baker, 12
“I like the new changes because they brought in some good stuff and they’re healthy changes.” Emma Cleaveland, 12
“I think it’s cheaper just to bring your own food because you’re not limited to any type of thing to eat.” Meredyth Wood, 11
@heyyyitsraya
@Samalama_57
To those people who dress up everyday at school , good job, cause I could never do that !
Laraya Griffith, 10
Sam Immekus, 12
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@Ayee_Babbby
Heat index of 102 and I’m going to school in leggings and a long sleeve because FHN is Antartica.
idk how people manage school and work. please teach me.
Anna Chowning ,11
A FUTURE FILLED WITH QUESTIONS After the cancellation of the Normandy transfer program, many lawsuits slowly lead to the return of students they graduated so that meant my senior year was going to be awful because I wouldn’t have any friends and would have to make all new ones.” or the 2014-15 school year, it was anDominique’s mother, Robin Edwards, was nounced in June that students from Nor- involved with this decision to stay at FHN. mandy would no longer be allowed to She knew from the beginning of last year that attend schools in the FHSD. However, on Aug. Dominique would continue her education in 15, a hearing was held involving five students the FHSD regardless of the uncertainty of the to decide whether they should student transfer law. be able to attend the schools “I knew from the beginning that Important dates: they had gone to the previous if the program were to be canJune: FHSD announces year using the transfer program. celled, we would move,” Edwards they will no longer accept The judge ruled in favor of the said. “I wasn’t all that shocked that Normandy students students, stating they would be the program wasn’t continued. She August 15: Lawsuit allowed to continue their educacould’ve returned to her old school results in the return of five tion at their alternative schools but I just didn’t want to make her students effective immediately. This only move schools. Ultimately staying Sept. 3: Pam Sloan sends applied to those five students. was the best decision we could a letter out to the comWithin the following week, anmake.” munity and parents of the other hearing was held to allow While returning to North withDistrict addressing what’s additional students to return to out her friends from Normandy going on with Normandy accredited schools as well. This was difficult, Dominique is still case had the same outcome. happy overall to have the opporAs of press time, 17 students have returned to tunity to stay at FHN for her senior year and, in FHSD from the Normandy school district. her opinion, to get a better education. With this outbreak of lawsuits, FHSD is now “It was better than having to switch schools preparing for a class action lawsuit. This means again senior year,” Taylor said. “I’m happy I’m the lawsuit would cover all Normandy students, still at this school so I didn’t have to go through not just a small group or family. Superintendent that whole process of changing [schools] again.” Pam Sloan sent out a letter on Sept. 3 to parents Dominique may have her friends from Norand the community to informing them of the mandy return after all. In Greiner’s opinion, the situations. The district is preparing for this by go- future for Normandy is very uncertain. Greiner ing through the same process of how the schools and his colleagues only hope to see students in will accommodate Normandy students like they the Normandy School District receive a good eddid going into the 2013-14 school year. ucation, whether it is at Normandy High School “If the judge makes that decision for the or at one of the three high schools in FHSD. students to return, we need to be able to react “I was originally relieved to know that quickly,” FHSD Chief Academic Officer Chris Normandy would no longer be bankrupting Greiner said. “We’re talking about how we can themselves,” Greiner said. “The District was hopsupport the different buildings and working with ing they would fix the transfer law because we transportation.” knew Normandy would become bankrupt if the Senior Dominique Taylor participated in the program continued. I feel pretty confident that Normandy transfer program for her junior year. the transfer law will be changed or modified in When she found out that the program would not the future. But regardless, I’ve been really proud be continued for the 2014-15 school year, her of our district and how our schools and teachers family made the decision to move to be able to have embraced this change. They really made stay at FHN for her senior year. the students feel welcome and if the Normandy “I was super upset when I heard the program students were to return, I’m sure they would wasn’t going to be continued this year,” Taylor repeat that because they really showed how they said. “Most of my friends are from Normandy or cared about them.”
BY ALEXIS TAINTER
alexistainter@gmail.com • @Lexis_Taint
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6 Smartfood Popcorn One of the new additions to the snack table this year, this healthy white cheddar popcorn can be bought for $1. “I like how it’s healthier than most snacks at this school and I like how it’s light in flavor and not over done.” Samantha Donaldson, 10
“I’m mad that they got rid of the Gardettos. Those things were my life.” Jen Mills, 12
FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY ALEXIS TAINTER
09.17.14
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(636) 447-3881
New Grilled Chicken!
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Grilled Market Salad Grilled Chicken Sandwich Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap Grilled Nuggets Grilled Chicken Club Breakfast Served Till 10:30
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Jt Thomas holds up a photo on his phone of he and his kidney donor Niki Borgeson after the transplant surgery. Niki and Jt graduated in the same high school class in 2010. While at North, both participated in StuCo, Jt won Mr. FHN as Mr. Irresistable, and Niki participated in KOE, TASC, and Class Delegates. (photo submitted by jani wilkens)
HOW ONE SAVED ANOTHER An FHN graduate with kidney failure receives an unexpected donation from a former classmate
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FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY DANIEL BODDEN
09.17.14
BY DANIEL BODDEN
daniel.bodden21@gmail.com • @danbodden
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t Thomas and Niki Borgeson don’t have a lot in common. They both went to FHN. They both graduated in 2010. They share a few mutual friends. Not much in common. Well, unless you count kidneys.
HOW IT HAPPENED Jt was a healthy high school student. He was always busy, well known around FHN, and even won Mr. FHN his senior year. He sailed through four years of high school with no health problems, not even the slightest indication of what was about to happen. “In high school, Jt was super outgoing and really fun,” English teacher and StuCo sponsor Jani Wilkens said. “He had a great sense of humor and the staff really respected him. Everyone thought he was fun and he was very well liked.” After beginning college at Mizzou his freshman year, Jt made the decision to come back home sophomore year and enrolled in classes at SCCC. Everything was still going fine and he was as healthy as ever. In late November 2011, though, he began to notice some symptoms. It felt like a run-of-the-mill cold, just a typical winter illness. After a few months, however, he was still feeling ill and became more concerned. A trip to the doctor in February told him he was fine, but the doctor told him to go to Mercy
for precautionary blood tests. The tests came back. On Feb. 11, 2012, Jt’s father John Thomas received a phone call from the doctor. “They wanted to know if there was any way I could get ahold of him,” John said. “The doctor said it was urgent. He was hoping it was a mess up at the lab, but they needed to get the blood test redone.” The lab was waiting for them when they arrived. The tests were carefully redone. The results came back again, and the panic mounted. “They said they couldn’t believe he was walking,” John said. “He could have had a heart attack; he could have had a stroke. They said to drive him straight to the hospital, not to stop for anything.” Jt was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a scarring of the kidney. Doctors could not determine a cause of the disease, but told Jt his kidneys were failing. Because the kidneys filter toxins from the bloodstream, it is life threatening when they fail. It was clear that a transplant would be necessary. In the meantime, Jt started dialysis, a treatment that removes waste from the body and maintains safe levels of chemicals like potassium and sodium. “It was out of the blue,” Jt said. “It took me, my family, and my friends by surprise. I had no medical history or heredity that would explain it. It honestly was out of the blue.” When he heard the news, John immediately told the doctors he would donate his own kidney. “I said take one of mine. Take thunder or lightning. Take anything you want,” John said. “He needed a
kidney right then, and any parent would do that for their child. We had the same blood type, B-positive, but when they did the MRI scan, we found out I had a kidney stone and they said I couldn’t be used as the donor. They said if they took my kidney I could be in the same situation [as Jt]. It was about as devastating as you could think. It’s a powerless, horrible feeling when there’s nothing you can do.”
Jt holds a combination of medications he has taken over the past two years. (photo submitted by jani wilkens)
HOW HE FOUGHT “He came up to North to visit,” Jani said. “It was pretty easy to see he had lost a ton of weight. He would update me on the whole situation. He started to lose color. It was something I never thought a young person would have to deal with. He was so weak. He would come in and just sit down right away because it was so exhausting.” Jani continued to follow Jt’s search for a donor as it made its way onto Facebook. Especially because of his rare Bpositive blood type, Jt was having difficulty finding a match.
“The average wait time for my blood type was 3-5 years,” Jt said. “I had to be on-call 24/7 in case a kidney popped up. At first I thought it was kind of a cheesy joke, but then I began to embrace B-positive as kind of a motto. I started right away on Facebook to bring attention to the need. I said, ‘There’s no pressure for people to donate, but if you want to, it’d be greatly appreciated.’” Jt was still working to complete his second semester of sophomore year at SCCC, but as the weeks went by, his priorities changed. He was going to school, work, and fourhour dialysis treatments three times a week, taking several medications, and still unable to find a donor. “I was feeling frustration, definitely a lot of frustration,” Jt said. “I wanted to go back to normal life. I didn’t hold it against anybody. It was just very scary.” Many friends and family members were tested to see if they could be donors, but there was always a problem. Diabetes. Blood disorders. High blood pressure. No one could donate. But then it happened.
HOW SHE FOUND OUT “Within days after he originally went to the hospital, I saw it on Facebook,” Niki said. “I guess I didn’t realize how severe it was. I figured, he was young, things will go back to normal soon. People our age don’t get seriously sick.” Things didn’t go back to normal. Niki, who was in the pre-medicine program at Whitworth University in Spokane, WA, watched as the posts continued. “In May 2012, someone posted on Facebook, ‘If you’re blood type this or this, think about seeing if you’re a match.’” Niki said. Niki’s blood type is O-negative, which makes her a universal donor. “After I knew I was possibly a match, I told my parents and some friends. My parents said, ‘We think it’s really great, but we don’t know who this person is; you shouldn’t do that.’” Even though Niki’s parents didn’t like the idea, it stuck with Niki through her next year of college. “I thought about it everyday -- I have two kidneys and I’m healthy and there’s no reason I couldn’t,” Niki said. “I think if you asked my friends, they would have described it as a guilty conscience. Just because he wasn’t my best friend or brother didn’t make him any less worthy of a kidney.” Niki’s mother was a physician’s assistant to the surgeon that would eventually perform the transplant. She brought up many concerns she had from her experiences seeing life after donation, including her worry that women who donated had trouble getting pregnant. Niki began doing research to find out what the risks would be. “Google ‘becoming a kidney donor,’” Niki said. “I’ve read every website that comes up several times. I was just like, maybe there’s some truth in what my mom was saying, but I wanted to make sure.” Niki talked to Greg Felock, a friend of both her and Jt, over the course of several months about potentially being a donor. Then, something happened that convinced her she was absolutely sure. “As a pre-med student, you have to have a certain number of hours of experience,” Niki said. “I got the chance to watch a full kidney transplant. I decided that day I would do it. I think it was, while watching, the surgeons telling me about the recovery for the donor, that it was a fairly routine procedure and that the risks were very low. I was expecting it to be a lot more than it was.” The next day, Niki called Jt.
“I was shocked,” Jt said. “I tried to keep it as hush hush as possible because it was not guaranteed to work out, but I had guarded optimism. There were a lot of tears of joy from both family and friends and a lot of excitement. I’m not afraid to say I cried.” Next came the tests. Blood tests, urine tests, chest X-rays, EKGs, blood pressure tests. All came back with good news. “It felt like I was floating,” Jt said. “It was an overload of endorphins. She never had any doubts; she wasn’t backing out.” After that summer, Niki had to return to Spokane for another year of school. The surgery was to take place the following summer once she graduated. But, Jt still had a long year of dialysis to complete. “I was going to dialysis for 12 hours a week,” Jt said. “At one point I calculated I spent more than 60 full days
what fsgs is Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, scarring of the kidney, is what caused Jt’s kidneys to fail.
Causes Diseases like HIV and diabetes can result in FSGS; however, sometimes there is no known cause at all. In Jt’s case, doctors were not able to determine a definitive cause.
Symptoms In early stages of FSGS, there may be no symptoms. Possible symptoms include swelling of eyelids and ankles, as well as protein lost in urine. More than half of those with focal or segmental glomerulosclerosis develop chronic kidney failure within 10 years. Symptoms of kidney failure include fatigue, poor appetite, itchy skin, shortness of breath and nausea.
Treatment Kidney failure is life threatening. Dialysis is necessary once 85-90 percent of kidney function is lost. Dialysis removes waste and excess water from the body to keep it from building up. More than 96,000 Americans are on the kidney waiting list and less than 17,000 receive a kidney each year. About 43% of donations come from living donors. info from http://goo.gl/Qu2ZKm and http://goo.gl/EzXYeI
FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY DANIEL BODDEN
09.17.14
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receiving dialysis. You start to imagine what you could have done with that time. But, you get used to it. If you take it seriously and it means that much to you, you’ll do what it takes to be successful.”
HOW SHE CAME ALL THE WAY HERE On May 24, 2014, Niki arrived in St. Louis. Jt and Niki met for the first time since graduating together four years earlier. “I don’t know if I’ve ever hugged a person that tight before,” Jt said. “I had to be careful not to damage the kidney.” Niki had her final bloodwork and CT scan over the next several days, and the surgery date was set for June 24. A few days after Niki arrived in St. Louis, Niki, John and Jt went out to lunch. “I wanted to meet the person doing it,” John said. “The first time I met Niki, she was one of the most pleasant, spunky, and easy to talk to people I’ve ever met. She came to St. Louis just to do this -- it was huge. I still clearly remember her describing herself as freakishly healthy. Some divine intervention kept me from donating that allowed her to give him a healthy kidney. It all fell into place.”
HOW SHE SAVED HIM June 24 came. Jt’s alarm went off at 4 a.m.; Niki’s at 4:45 a.m. Neither ate; they weren’t allowed to before the operation. They both arrived at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis at 5:30 a.m. and registered for surgery. One last bear hug for Niki from Jt. A fear that a problem might arise at the last minute. An anxious three hours in the waiting room. A moment of panic when the doctors tell Niki to say goodbye to her family. I love you’s. Two beds wheeled to two operating rooms. Three hours of waiting. And then, it was all over.
HOW IT ALL TURNED OUT “It worked immediately,” John said. “It was total joy. There was such a big smile on his face; you couldn’t wipe it off if you tried.” Jt had a new, working kidney. He had his life back. But, a few little things mattered more than anything else at that point.
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FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY DANIEL BODDEN
09.17.14
“I could pee again,” Jt said. “Over two years had gone by when I didn’t have the urge, ability or kidney function to do it. I also had a fluid drain that couldn’t get too wet, so showering was a challenge. I had to avoid getting it wet in very acrobatic ways.” Niki was also able to recover quickly, with only a few minor effects. “The toughest thing was they had to take a chunk out of my ribs because I have a small ribcage,” Niki said. “It was like a cramp in my ribs that didn’t go away for a couple weeks. Other than that, it doesn’t have much effect at all. I’m a big snowboarder, Jt and Niki after the surgery was completed. (photo submitted by jt thomas) so I’II have to be more careful, but it’s really things everyone should do.” Jt and Niki now share a special kind of bond that very few people have. Looking back at their days in high school it’s hard for them to believe the turn of events that took place over the past three years. “If you had told me while I was in high school that this was going to happen, I would have laughed,” Jt said. “In high school I had no health issues; it wasn’t something I could fathom. Over the last two and a half years, I’ve nearly lost my life three times. I can’t compare the bond I have with Niki to anything because she literally saved my life.” John could not be more grateful for the life that Niki gave back Jt looks at his scar three months after the surgery. (photo submitted by jani wilkens) to his son through her kidney donation. “It gave me hope that good things can happen. There are good people in the world and Niki is one of them,” John said. “She’s like an angel. She saw him in pain and suffering and was able to bring him back to life with a piece of herself. She’s a gift.” Jani was inspired by how FHN connected Jt and Niki’s lives after graduation, even though they barely knew each other while in high school. “It made me feel so proud of where I work,” Jani said. “It reaffirmed for me that the students who leave here are really cool people. Someone cared about someone else that much, and they were affiliated by their high school. It’s so amazing that those are the kind of people we graduate from North. It’s a moment everyone can be proud of.”
Traveling Runs in the Family
A Brazilian foreign exchange student shares her experiences adjusting to life in America and her inspiration to participate in the program
BY ERIKA PAAR
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Traveling can be exciting and terrifying, especially when going to another country. Walking into Midwestern America, coming from Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil was more than a minor change for junior Ana Borba, a foreign exchange student from Brazil. Although she was excited to meet new people and have this experience in another country, she was still scared to go to school in a new place where she didn’t know anyone. Ana is spending first semester at FHN, and in November she will decide if she will stay for the whole year. Many things are different in America compared to Brazil. In Brazil school starts at 7 a.m. and ends at noon, then many students get to go do things with friends. There is a different class every day of the week, and sports only practice two days a week. “Here is like robot,” Ana said. “Every day the same, go to school, go to tennis, come home, do homework, and do all same next day. In Brazil sports are only two days a week, and I have the day to hang out with my friends.” Traveling runs in the family for Ana. Both her sister and brother have participated in exchange programs, her sister six years ago, and brother last year. The host family Ana is staying with has a connection with her family as well. Her host dad, Jacob Martensen, traveled to Brazil 15 years ago and stayed with Ana’s family. He and Ana’s dad are now good friends. “Fifteen years ago, I went to Brazil to teach English,” Jacob said. “While there, I stayed with Ana’s family and she was about two-years-old. Her dad and I have kept in contact ever since, and I told him if his kids ever want to come to America they could stay with me.” In order to participate in an exchange program, first a person must contact an exchange program to see what country, city, and school they will be attending. Then the program contacts a host family to see if they are willing to take in a student.
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@hooty_b
@kristen_metts Junior Ana Borba poses with a Brazilian soccer team jersey. Borba is looking forward to seeing the snow. (ashleigh jenkins)
Next, the family contacts their school district to enroll the student in school. Most exchange students stay for the whole year, however, a majority of the time the classes taken while in another country do not count towards the credits necessary to graduate in the person’s home country. “A lot of students do it because it helps them get jobs in the future, and helps them learn English,” Guidance counselor Mary Kerr-Grant said. “It is also a good experience.”
@iamdrewbaker
Strumming to his own tune
Through YouTube videos, a sophomore teaches himself to play the ukulele BY LAUREN PIKE
With the help of several YouTube videos, Dan was able to teach himself chords, which ultimately led to songs. The first of these songs was, ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You’ by Sophomore Dan Borrelli strums to the tune of Jason Mraz’s Elvis Presley: his mother Amy’s favorite. ‘I’m Yours’ on his ukulele as his voice mingles melodiously “My husband and I love Elvis,” Amy said. “I think it was with his friend, junior Marissa Meyers. Yet my husband that asked him to learn how to play that, and we only four months earlier Dan started teaching love it. When he played ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love with himself to play this instruYou’- that was awesome.” ment. According to Amy, Dan’s self-confi“My favorite part is dence, singing, and theatrical abilities Follow the link probably the reactions http://goo.gl/gYBkUZ have improved since learning to play from other people, the ukulele. This change in Dan has to see a video of Dan playing the ukulele and because it’s so encouraged him to perform more portable,” Dan said. frequently, whether it’s around the Dan began playing the ukulele when sevhouse or through an audition, and even led him and Marissa eral of his friends from the Youth Performers to create an Instagram video of a performance. Theater (YPT) began to take up the instru“He’s just really laid back, and lets me take control of everyment. Of the four types of ukulele, soprano, thing,” Marissa said. “He just likes to have a good time when concert, tenor and baritone, Dan plays the concert variety. he’s singing and playing.” laurenpike14@gmail.com • @pike_n_ike
@bchac_33
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@rebeccapurcell82
FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY NICK WYER
09.17.14
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A New Face in a New year New Student Resources Officer adjusts to North’s atmosphere
BY PRISCILLA JOEL pjchristo16@gmail.com
• @JCPjchristo
This school year, Student Resources Officer (SRO) Sarah Brueggeman joined the FHN community due to the rotation throughout the district every few years. Previously, Brueggeman was an SRO at Fort Zumwalt South High School. “[I’m excited about] getting to know the students,” Brueggeman said. “My favorite part is really getting to work with the kids in the school.” As the SRO, Brueggeman assists students who have problems at school or in the community. “The best thing about it is just getting to educate the kids about the law and what their rights are and what to do and what not to do,” Brueggeman said. Brueggeman works at FHN from Monday through Friday, and when school is out for breaks or vacations, Brueggeman works as a patrol officer. “I think that she’s fantastic at what she does,” Assistant Principal Erin Steep said. “I think she’s really excited to get out and talk to students and get to know them.” When Brueggeman is not patrolling the school or the community, she enjoys spending time with her 3-year-old triplets and boating. “I just think she’s going to be really, really involved in the school and the kids,” English teacher Diane Fingers said. “I think she’s going to be really good for North.”
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FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY NICK WYER
09.17.14
The Offsets is a quarry for cliff jumping, scuba diving, and zip lining. The cliffs range from 20 to 50 feet in height. Some experienced swimmers and divers like to do flips and tricks off of the shortest cliffs. (sammie savala, maggie torbeck and kristy forst)
Go jump off a cliff
The Offsets becomes a popular place for teens to go cliff diving with their friends for the day throughout the summer season
BY MEGAN GRANNEMANN
restrictions are no flips or head-first diving off of the high cliffs. Wearing water shoes or old tennis shoes is common because hitting the water can be painful. It’s Look down nervously. Count to three. Hurtle into also common to rent a tube and float after jumping off midair. Let a shrill scream escape and plunge into the of the cliff since the quarry is so large. cold water. This is what most first-time cliff divers “You have a lot of things to do and it was a neat place experience at The Offsets, an old quarry where people to hang out and be with your friends,” senior Bethany can cliff dive, camp, swim and explore Barr said. caves, in Farmington. Although cliff diving is the main attraction “I was afraid to jump; I’m afraid of at The Offsets visitors can still choose from heights and I didn’t want to get my a wide variety of activities. Some of these hair wet,” senior Noor Hashash said. activities include scuba diving in under water The Offsets started 28 years ago caves and zip lining, however, zip lining is when owner, Gary Henson, decided currently unavailable. to buy the quarry that he has been “I’ve only been to the Offsets once, my Use the link going to since he was a child. The friends took me there for the first time this goo.gl/eE4MLE to see quarry circles a lake and is 60 feet a video of cliff divers at summer and it was pretty cool,” Hashash deep and 5 acres wide. The highest said. The Offsets. point to jump off of is 50 feet from To make The Offsets better, Henson plans the water, but there are various to add vending machines, lockers and shower heights to choose from. houses. This will have to wait until next year because “I like having a place where people can come and the Offsets’s season will be ending Oct. 31. have fun and enjoy themselves,” Henson said. “It was a really fun place to go and hang out with There’s a waiver that has to be signed before friends and I hope I’ll be able to go back again next entering, but there’s no age requirement. The only year,” senior Clarissa Sandboothe said.
mgrannemann@gmail.com
• @MGrannemann
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NEW ON THE STREETS
U-Swirl is a new type of frozen yogurt store with more toppings for the yogurt than other places and Rocky Mountain Chocolate
BY GARRET GRIFFIN ggriifin@gmail.com
Alpine Vanilla, Cookies N’ Creme, and Island Banana are just some of the many flavors that the U-Swirl frozen yogurt store has to offer for its customers. With over 35 different toppings, U-Swirl’s slogan “Worth the Weight” holds its meaning. “U-swirl has like all the extra treats,” Senior Taylor McDonnell said. When customers walk into U-Swirl, to the right is an assortment of freshly coated caramel apples decoratively displayed in a glass case. Further along is the huge purple wall that has 16 different flavors of frozen yogurt that are dispensed through eight yogurt machines. Customers can stay to enjoy their frozen treat while listening to the music that is always playing the newest hits. “They basically have a better topping variety and more yogurt machines than most I’ve seen,” Shift Manager Warren Harris said. The Streets of St. Charles is currently the newest hotspot in the new area, and U-swirl has been benefiting from it . Located at 1520 S Fifth Street, U-Swirl is the first store to the left of the strip and it’ll make customers want to stop and walk in to taste the delicious looking fudge and the tasty frozen yogurt, and as other stores around them start opening their doors, owner Drew Gladstein believes that U-Swirl will keep drawing more and more customers in. “It’s a brand new location and supposedly it’s the most up and coming place right now in St. Louis,” Gladstein said. “We got to get these stores around here open. It’ll help us out the best.” Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory teamed up with U-swirl because they wanted to beat their competitors, by being the first frozen yogurt store to sell truffles and fudge at their doors. U-Swirl provides a wide variety of sweets and treats and wants their customers to have a great experience every time they come in by giving them the opportunity to choose from a variety of yogurt and chocolate. “We pride ourselves with customer service, the quality of our yogurt, quality of our chocolate, and give them a good experience when they come,” Gladstein said.
Far above: A customer at U-Swirl puts frozen yogurt in their bowl. After getting their yogurt consumers can add a variety of toppings like pretzels, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and an assortment of nuts, candy, and fruit. (nick wyer) Above: The yogurt machines stand along the back wall at U-Swirl. U-Swirl offers almost 20 different types of yogurt, including cookies and cream and red velvet cake. (nick wyer)
THE STREETS OF ST. CHARLES U-Swirl is one of many venues and resturaunts that make up the Streets of Saint Charles
Prasino: Specializes in locally grown, organic food and offers a variety of options including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free. Tucanos Brazilian Grill : Known for their unique cooking
style, called churrasco, where meat is cooked over an open flame and then brought to your table.
Massage Luxe: Offers facials and waxing services along with a variety of massages, including deep tissue and Swedish.
FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY LEXI WILKINSON
09.17.14
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Josh Dulaney and his allies fire across the field and the French reenacters. Dulaney and the French were fighting over Fort Massac in Metropolis, IL. The fort was originally French and then American. (photo submitted)
A Tradition of Friendship
Two senior best friends encourage their freshmen sisters to follow their lead and become friends BY EMMA PURSLEY
emma1996ecp@gmail.com
• @emma201596
Freshmen Taylor Sheridan and Madison Turnbeaugh have become closer friends this year, because of their sisters’, seniors Sidney Sheridan and Emily Turnbeaugh. “We hang out a lot because of our sisters, we’re always together,” Madison said. “We can depend on each other and trust each other.” During their freshmen year, Emily and Sidney worked together in color guard and winter guard, spending long practices and competition weekends together which allowed them to rekindle a friendship that had been around since second grade. “We were in guard together, and our freshman year we didn’t really talk to anyone else so we became really close,” Emily said. Since their families always come to the competitions which more often than not, last for most of the day, Taylor and Madison will have someone to occupy their time. “They’re always with each other during guard competitions anyway so it just makes this less awkward,” Sidney said. In addition to spending time together at competitions, Emily and Sidney encourage their sisters to spend more time together to help their friendship grow. “I want to make them spend a lot of time together so I can make them become better friends,” Emily said.
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FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY NICK WYER
09.17.14
Josh Dulaney and his fellow soldiers march in the opening ceremonies. During the ceremonies the flags of each regiment are flown and a cannon fires. (photo submitted)
Josh Dulaney stands with the rest of the group as they prepare to march in the opening ceremonies. The reenactors try to keep the battles as accurate as possible. (photo submitted)
living in the past Senior Josh Dulaney and his family keep up the family tradition of reenacting wars BY SARAI ESPARZA
saraiesparza.se@gmail.com • @SaraiEsparza
Every family has their own traditions that they do over the years. Some have annual vacations while others take camping trips, but unlike most families, senior Josh Dulaney’s family re-enacts wars. It all started back when Josh’s parents were dating. Reenacting wars was something his mother used to do with her family while growing up and later, his father found an interest in it as well. “I like that it’s a family activity and all my kids like it, and that my father can do it with them too,” Josh’s mother Lisa Dulaney said. During the events the family does many different things. The re-enactors try to keep the battles as historically accurate as possible; they even shoot at each other with time-appropriate weapons, though they use blanks instead of bullets in order to ensure that no one gets hurt. The re-enactors also stand around and answer questions that the spectators may have, often describing what life was like at the time period of the war. The men are the ones that do the actual battling. The women stay on the
campgrounds and take care of the children. Some give tours of their tents and, like the men, answer questions. The most recent war the family has reenacted is the Seven Year War, also known as the French and Indian War. They have traveled all over the country and even to Canada for many different events. “Whenever people ask me where I’ve been on the weekends I just tell them I’m out teaching history,” Josh’s sister, Meagan Dulaney said. Staying true to the time period, the campers only cook one meal a day, and for the rest of the day the men get bread rations. The younger men, like Josh, have duties including marching in formation and performing drills. “I’ve always been drawn to history so I like it a lot,” Josh said. “ I’d really love to see people down and show some interest.” As for the Dulaney family, they expect to continue with their tradition for many years to come. “Everything about it is just so different,” Meagan said. “It’s just great all over. I have friends there, my family is there, and you get away from technology for a while.”
RECENT SCORES
(as of press time)
FOOTBALL 8/22 Vianney 42-13 L 8/29 FZ East 34-28 L 9/6 FZ South 28-21 L
Boys’ SWIMMING 9/9 FZ South 123-57 L
Senior Sean Pirrone races in the 100 meter breaststroke at the Rec Plex on Sept. 2 against Timberland and FZW. The Knights challenged the Wolves and the Jaguars at home for their first meet of the season. The Knights lost to Timberland and FZW at the tri-meet. (mckenzie shea)
SMALL BUT STRONG
A decrease of numbers on the boys swimming team leaves them in a predicament for the upcoming season
BY BENNETT SMALLWOOD smallwood.bennett@gmail.com
With only a few members, the Boys’ Swim team will be struggling to earn points for the season, according to Coach Chip Crow. However, Crow still feels that the small team consists of strong athletes. “We have a very small team this year, but everyone has experience, so we don’t have to start out with easy practices,” senior Sean Pirrone, a mid-
distance swimmer, said. According to Crow, swimmers like Pirrone and sophomore Peter Lucido, who Pirrone sees as a key diver, are some of the swimmers who are essential to the team because of their combined experience. Even though the team has many athletic members, because of their small size, it will be tougher to win meets. “We’re getting there, but we don’t have the numbers to beat a lot of teams,” Crow said.
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL 9/6 Hickman 2-0 W 9/9 Timberland 2-1 W
Tennis 9/2 FH 8-1 W 9/8 Parkway Central 7-2 L 9/9 FZ West 9-0 W
BOYS’ Soccer 8/25 Seckman 4-2 W 9/2 CBC 2-1 L 9/4 Troy 1-0 W
NEW YEAR, NEW KICK Varsity Boys’ Soccer welcomes more team members this year. Last year, they had eight seniors that graduated, so this year’s focus will be getting to know the new teammates. “I think anytime you bring a different group of players together, you’re going to be excited about how they work together and play together,” Head Coach Larry Scheller said. Because it is so early in the season, the team practices every day to prepare for future games. As of press time, the teams’ record is 1-1. “What I expect most from my players is that they are always working hard,” Scheller said. With the new players on the team, Scheller feels that with plenty of hard work, there will be many wins for the team. “I think they have the potential to do well, as long as they work hard,” Scheller said. ‘There is enough talent on the team to do well this season.” Their next game is home against Fort Zumwalt North at 6:00 PM. (brief by mia elliott)
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FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY MAGGIE TORBECK
09.17.14
Senior Andrew Meyer tries to keep the ball away from a Spartan in a game against Central last year. (file photo).
Senior Maleya Schmidt takes a practice swing in a game on Sept. 2. The game was at the Incline Village golf course. (lauren price)
OFF TO A SLOW START
The FHN Girls’ Golf season has had a belated start, due to weather. Because of the stormy weather at the beginning of the season, the FHN Girls’ Golf team has not been able to compete in all of their matches so far. But the rainy days haven’t stopped the team in the slightest; they still continue to practice at the Country Club after school, with the goal in mind of a winning season and strong team. “Overall [the goal is for] everyone to have fun, and improve scores by the end of the season,” Head Coach Holly Brocksmith said. (brief by breanna relleke)
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GAMES WON (as of press time)
RAINED OUT Despite the rainy start, the FHN softball team is looking forward to a great season. As of press time, the FHN Girls’ Softball team has only played three of the four games they were scheduled for, due to rainy weather. Their current record is 2-1, and the coaching staff and the team remain optimistic. “We like our team,” Head Coach Bob Dunahue said. “The girls have been practicing rigorously. They believe, as the coaching staff does, that we will be quite successful.” (brief breanna relleke)
Freshman Madaline Fields and senior Sydney Vanourney sprint around the corner to finish at their first cross country meet at McNair Park on Aug. 29. It rained right after the girls completed their race and the awards were cancelled. (ariel kirkpatrick)
NEW RUNNERS KEEPING PACE BY BENNETT SMALLWOOD smallwood.bennett@gmail.com
So far the FHN Cross country team has had to face many obstacles. This includes the addition of many young runners, loss of girl runners, and a major rise in temperature. “Everyone does a good job at running,” Varsity Runner junior Chase Powelson said. “Everyone’s out there putting in the same amount of work.” After former seniors Brandon Rosner, Brandon Chac, and Ean Thielbar graduated, the boys’ team lost some essential Varsity runners. The same thing has happened with the girls’ team. “I wish we had some more females out because the more numbers, the better [the season] as we go,” Head Cross
Country Coach Kim Krieger said. Regardless of the amount of girls, Krieger feels confident in the team’s abilities. Members of the team feel that they will still work well with each other and are looking forward to racing together in the season. “We run as a team and we try to push each other to get each other to do the best that we can,” Powelson said. Cross Country has faced extreme heat at the beginning of their season. The team avoided running during the hottest time of the day by practicing in the mornings instead. “We haven’t been able to run as much as we could’ve,” Powelson said. “You can’t run that much when it’s hot out.”
SWINGIN’ FOR SOMETHING NEW This year Varsity Girls’ Tennis welcomes FHN art teacher, Mandy Knight as the new assistant coach. Knight played tennis at FHC all four years of high school and coached a few girls’ and boys’ tennis camps at FHC. “What I like most about being the assistant coach is being a part of a tennis program that Coach Kate has worked so hard to build,” Knight said. This will be Knight’s first assistant coach job for FHN and the first time the team has had an assistant coach. “I’m most excited to watch the progression of the girls, whether they’re learning the sport for the first time or are experienced,” Knight said. (brief by mia elliott)
WHAT TO WATCH THURSDAY
GIRLS TENNIS V. PARKWAY NORTH
HOME MATCH AT 3:30 P.M.
“[Coach Knight is] really nice, laid back, and cool. She’s an all around good coach, and I really like her because shes so relatable because of her young age.”
Emily Roloff, 10
“[Coach Knight is] very nice to the team. Even though it’s my first year, she seems to be doing a good job coaching us so far this year.”
MAYA KING, 11
thursday
BOYS SWIMMING V. FHC and FHHS
TRI-MEET AT 8:30 P.M.
FRIDAY
BOYS SOCCER V. WENTZVILLE HOLT
HOME GAME AT 6:00 P.M.
FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY MAGGIE TORBECK
09.17.14
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ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: DRAG RACER
A senior plans to continue his racing career in college BY KYLEIGH KRISTENSEN Kyleigh1318@gmail.com
• @KyleighKristens
Since he was eight, senior Adam Waddell has raced in over 100 dragracing and go-cart brackets and never lost. His success is the result of not only his talent, but also his two major inspirations: Keith Sullivan, Adam’s uncle and his father Lenny Waddell. Keith supports Adam like a coach, telling him what he’s doing well and what could use improvement. “I’ve been involved with Adam’s racing since he started go-karts as a kid,” Keith said. “A really memorable moment we share is Adam winning his first bracket by 23 seconds.” Adam’s other major inspiration is his father, Lenny. Their time on the track together was short due to his early passing, but Adam still contributes his passion for racing to him. At age 12 he began drag-racing a car that he still competes with to this day, a 1967 Chevelle. “Growing up I loved helping work on the Chevelle,” Adam said. “My dad and my uncle started building the car when they were in high school. It’s really special to me that I get to drive the car that’s been in my family for so long. Being able to drive the Chevelle is like being able to continue my dad’s legacy.” Because of his father and uncle inspiration, Adam has his sights set on attending Pomona Racing School in California after graduation. This course is perfect for Adam’s car because his tires grip the track, giving him better mobility. As the goal is quickly approaching, both Keith and Adam are confident he will achieve it, due to his record that reflects his capabilities and dedication.
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FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY MAGGIE TORBECK
09.17.14
Senior Elijah Keely runs with the ball on Sept. 5 at their game against FZS. The games ended up being rained out and rescheduled for the following day. FZS won the game with an end score of 28-21. (lauren price)
Newest addition
Elijah Keely recently moved to FHN and has been playing Varsity football as the newest running back for the team BY GARRET GRIFFIN ggriffin@gmail.com
Senior Elijah Keely is FHN’s new Varsity Running Back and Corner. Keely leads the team with eight touchdowns, five away from leading the league. Keely is known by the nickname “Tattoo.” Keely got this nickname because when he was younger, he was told he looked like a Chinese man, named Tattoo, from the movie, “Fantasy Island.” From then on, when someone said “Tattoo,” Keely would always answer to it. The name stuck when he came to North. “It wasn’t the name that they gave me, I just always answered to it and so it just went from there,” Keely said. Keely moved to FHN from Maplewood High School. Keely thinks FHN football is different from Maplewood because of FHN’s different division. Keely trains the best he can both on and off season by doing speed and agility workouts to strengthen his football skills for the high school team and a future in college. Keely trains at Running Performance, located in St. Peters, and his teammates expect a lot due to his frequent practice and training. “I expect him to make a lot of plays as our new running back,” Varsity Cornerback senior Trey Flowers said. As the season progresses, Keely keeps a positive at-
titude and helps the younger players learn how to become a great football players through teamwork, friendly competition, and hard work. “You never want to give up on any of your teammates,” Keely said. “Always keep your teammates’ head held high. You never want to doubt someone because you never know how they feel about what they did.” Each football player competes for their spot on the Varsity starting lineup every week. Keely competes with senior DJ Curtis and sophomore Cameron Glenn for the starting running back spot. “There’s no [permanent] starting running back,” Keely said. “Each running back is very different and has big moments when needed, but we ‘show out’ when we go run a touchdown. We set the bar really high in the game. As running backs, we just want to take our talents to the next level and live the dream.” Keely hopes to play for Michigan State University after graduating from high school and eventually play for the NFL. He keeps high expectations for himself so he can perform well for both himself and the team. Varsity Head Coach Brandon Gregory believes that Keely has professional potential. “[He needs to] stay humble and focus in the classroom because sky’s the limit for him,” Gregory said. “He could play for Sunday’s NFL.”
kicking it taekwondo style
Evan Miller started taekwondo at a young age and has worked his way up over the years BY SARAI ESPARZA saraiesparza.se@gmail.com
• @SaraiEsparza
Taekwondo like any sport requires hard work, dedication, passion, and a lot of endurance. These are skills that senior Evan Miller possesses. Evan started taekwondo in third grade when a friend invited him to go to a class. Since then, he has worked his way up to a black belt and continued to practice the art. “I felt very proud because it takes a lot of discipline to do that,” Evan’s father Karl Miller said. “You have to stay with it. It takes so long, a couple of years just to get that black belt or higher.” But taekwondo isn’t always the safest sport- it can actually be very dangerous, something that Evan has learned through personal experience. He has suffered from many injuries including the peeling of the skin off of his whole big toe and tearing his hamstring, which prevented him from doing any form of martial arts for two months. Throughout the years, Evan has learned many different moves, including his favorite: the tornado kick. “I like the tornado kick because it looks fancy and there is a lot of power and I can do it really well,” Evan said. Currently, Evan practices at the US Yong in taekwondo studio, located in O’Fallon Missouri. However, unlike some martial artists, Evan doesn’t compete. At his former academy in Illinois, competing against someone was viewed as wrong, so Evan never got into it. To that specific dojo, taekwondo is viewed as an art that should only be used to express oneself, rather than as a way to show a martial artist’s physical prowess over an oponent. “I think it’s unique,” senior Allison Weyhrich said. “I think that it’s a skill that not a lot of people have and it shows dedication.” As for anyone that’s looking into any form of martial arts, Evan strongly
Senior Evan Miller practices a jumping front kick. Taekwondo is a Korean martial art. It combines hand and foot work to create a form of self-defense and combat. Tae Kwon Do also combines sport and excerise. (ashleigh jenkins)
suggests that people research everything about the art before trying it out. According to Evan, factors such as the place where the classes are held and the instructor are key components of a positive taekwondo experience. Evan aslo suggests that people looking for a dojo should be willing to try many different places out to see where they fit. “Nowadays, anyone can buy a black belt from the internet, so you have to make sure the guy knows what he’s doing and try different places out,” Evan said.
TWO SENIORS, ONE TEAM, NO PROBLEM
Varsity Girls’ Volleyball doesn’t let the fact that there are only two seniors on the team hold them back from success this season
BY ALEX SHANNON
alexshannon96@gmail.com• @therealtwin96
Varsity player Jessica Allison bumps a volleyball during their match against Timberland. North won with a score of 2-1. (alyssa savage)
This year’s Varsity Girls’ Volleyball team is the youngest that it’s been in years. The squad is made up of mainly sophomores and juniors. The senior girls only take up two spots on the team. They try not to let this affect their leadership or their performance, though. They work together to keep the spirit of the team just as vibrant as always. “It’s kinda weird because usually there’s so many seniors,” senior Jessica Allison said. “But Its going to turn out really well for the next few years to come, because there’s not a bunch of us leaving. They’re all training and They’re working
hard, so in two years that senior class is gonna have a really awesome group that’s worked together for so long. So I’m perfectly happy with how many seniors we have.” A lack of participants is somewhat common amongst sports teams and clubs, especially as they approach senior year. In fact, this is not the first time this has happened to Head Coach Robin Yuede. “In order to play at the Varsity level, it takes a lot of time commitment, and not everyone has the willingness nor the option to put that in,” Yuede said. “Sometimes they find other interests and sometimes their schedules academically are very difficult.”
FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY MAGGIE TORBECK
09.17.14
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PLAY WITH PRIDE
Proud supporter of
The Francis Howell North Knights! Steve Hall, CLTC®, FICF Financial Associate 816 South Main Street Saint Charles, MO 63301 636-724-9700
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TIMELINE: COMING SOON
FERGUSON TO A THEATER SITUATION NEAR YOU
What have we learned From ferguson?
THE MAZE RUNNER
BY LEXI WILKINSON
lexiwilkinson25gmail.com • @loupy0925
Rated PG-13
September 19
THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU Rated R
September 19
THE EQUALIZER Rated R
September 26
THE BOXTROLLS Rated PG
September 26
PRIDE Rated R September 26
THE GOOD LIE Rated PG-13
October 3
THE JUDGE Rated R
October 10
ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY
Social media and professional press added to the atmosphere in Ferguson. Tensions spilled over on Aug 10, the night after the shooting of unarmed teen Michael Brown. (ashleigh jenkins)
In society today, one cannot turn on the news without seeing some sort of racial prejudice. Between inaccurate character portrayals of victims, stereotypical descriptions of minorities, and racial prejudice faced on a daily basis, it’s a bit easier to understand why people would get fed up with this sort of treatment and turn to violence, like with Ferguson. How the majority of the media treated the situation in Ferguson can teach a lot about how discrimination is still prevalent today. The majority of media doesn’t exactly have a clean reputation for painting people in positive ways, but it seems that when minorities are involved, things go south rather quickly, as in the shooting of Michael Brown. Not much was known about the character of Brown following the shooting, but that didn’t stop some media outlets jumping to racist conclusions about Brown. They assumed that he was killed due to an altercation with a police officer, without knowing all of the details of the case. This further contributed to the discrimination against black people, not only within the Ferguson community, but across the nation as well. The majority of the media focused on the so-called violent riots more than the efforts some people made to help their community, such as setting up food drives or clean-up crews, which led to more stereotyping of black people as violent and unruly. Not only do black people face this type of treatment by the majority of media, but other minority groups do as well. All too often, the news will portray any non-white Muslim in the media as having terrorist affiliations, adding to the discrimination against them for no reason other than their religion. On the reverse side, a white person that has done the same thing will either be portrayed as mentally ill or not be talked about at all. This sort of injustice leads many people to feel like their voice is no longer heard by society. The treatment of black people and other minorities by the majority of the media contributes to the continued destruction of character, stereotyping, and other racial prejudices further demonstrates how far society hasn’t come from the days of the Civil Rights Movement. How the media should treat these people is just that: as people.
Rated PG
October 10
Longer Screen falls short
DRACULA UNTOLD Rated R
Despite the iPhone 6’s change in size, several updates did not meet expectations BY NICK WYER
nickwyer23@gmail.com • @yeezies
October 10
THE BOOK OF LIFE Rated PG
October 17
OUIJA Rated R
October 24
21
FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY NICK WYER
09.17.14
Every year, Apple releases a new iPhone with substantial updates to both its hardware and software. This year, the iPhone 6 has two versions, the 4.7 inch phone, and the 5.5 inch iPhone 6 Plus. Both phones lack the shine that Apple’s previous phone updates had, and despite a few new features such as Near-Field Communication payments and a Retina Display update, the phones did not meet my expectations. While the 5S needed an update, Apple did
not deliver, both aesthetically and functionally. The 6 now features a protruding camera which could be a potential problem when purchasing a case and is also now too thin for my liking, as it’s only 6.9mm wide, which doesn’t seem too user friendly as it could easily slip out of hands or pockets and break. However, the 4.7 inch screen is a better size compared to the hindering 5.5 inch screen. If I wanted something that large, I would purchase an iPad mini, which falls in a similar price range. The 4.7 inch screen is not too big, or too small, and with Apple’s updates to its software, the screen is definitely less cramped than before, but for me, this was the only positive aspect of the phone. Although Apple tried to make the iPhone 6 a better upgrade compared to the update between the iPhone 4 to 5, it was not comparable in beneficial changes. For those looking to upgrade to the iPhone 6, hold on to your 5S and wait for a better update.
NORTH STAR TAKE: FOOD CHANGES
Editor in Chief: Daniel Bodden
Managing Editor: Lauren Pike Business Manager: Aly Jenkins Business: Brandon Macias Austin Ferguson
Changes in the cafeteria are beneficial for students and their wallets ON BEHALF OF THE EDITORIAL STAFF yourfhn@fhntoday.com • @fhntoday
The new school year has brought about many changes all around campus, but perhaps the most surprising and, in some students’ opinion, exciting changes of them all have been the ones made to the food students can purchase from the cafeteria. These changes include a snack table with healthier options, the change of Creations meals to regular lunch price, and the addition of a new Simply-ToGo program. This section includes ready-made salads, parfaits, and fresh fruit cups for students to purchase and take with them. Because of these positive, healthier changes to the food options, the Board congratulates the district for making students’ health and budgets a priority. The snack table, located in the hallway leading to the senior courtyard, sells items such as Goldfish and Rice Krispie Treats for students to purchase for a quick bite of fun foods. This year, the food that is allowed to be sold there must also comply with government regulations, because any school that receives funding for lunch programs must adhere to their rules. Last year, the changes made were to focus on getting more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into students’ diets. This year, the focus is on the reduction of students’ sodium intake, so high sodium items have been removed from the snack table. This will benefit students in the long run, due to the fact that high sodium intake is a known cause of high blood pressure. By doing this and additionally offering students more healthy options such as fruit cups, SmartPop popcorn, students are benefitting from these healthier choices. Many students in the past would line up for the Creations line in the cafeteria, where on designated days they could purchase items like chicken fingers, pasta, or double cheeseburgers in larger portions. This also meant that the
prices for the food in this line was almost double that of a regular combo lunch. This year, the portion sizes have decreased, along with the prices, making this line much more affordable for students, teachers, and parents’ wallets than before, while still offering plenty of variety. This change is helpful to students who may not have been able to purchase these food items before due to their cost, since the price of these meals went from $3.95 to $2.30. Last year, Sodexo did a focus group made up of students from the three FHSD high schools who said that they would like to see some healthier options be implemented and made easily accessible to students. And it seems the district and Sodexo listened, and put into place the SimplyTo-Go program. Since the start of school, students and teachers have been talking about the new section located on the far right wall in the commons. The large black refrigerated box houses all sorts of healthy items for students to purchase, including items like fresh salads, pudding shooters, and wraps. Students use their lunch account to make purchases from Simply-To-Go, so no extra money is needed. By offering students these additional options for lunch and snacks and also by making them affordable, the district is making sure that students know that their voices are being heard. Students’ health and budgets are a priority to them, and now their school district is making sure that they know that their welfare is and always has been a priority. With the healthier and more affordable changes made to students’ food this school year, the North Star Editorial Board looks forward to students being able to take advantage of these changes. now their school district is making sure that they know that their welfare is and always has been a priority. With the healthier and more affordable changes made to students’ food this school year, the North Star Editorial Board looks forward to students being able to take advantage of these changes.
BLOGGING ONLINE AT FHNTODAY.COM
Team Editors: Emma Pursley Alexis Tainter Design Editors: Maggie Torbeck Nick Wyer Copy Editiors: Lexi Wilkinson Priscilla Joel General Staff:
Alex Arger Kyleigh Kristensen Michal Basford Anthony Kristensen Alex Bohnert Zoe Lawson Alyssa Doty Joe Luley Mia Elliott Erika Paar Sarai Esparza Breanna Relleke Megan Grannemann Sami Schmid Garret Griffin Alex Shannon Jamie Hetlage Bennett Smallwood Risa Takenaka Editor in Chief of Photography: Ashleigh Jenkins Photo Editors: Newspaper Editor of Photography: Sammie Savala Director of Photography: Ariel Kirkpatrick Photo Editor: McKenzie Shae Photographers: Jessica Allison Lauren Price Yasmeen Belakhoua Alyssa Savage Jessie Define Ashton Stegman Amanda Eckhard Abby Temper Madi Graves Jailan Thomas Jordan Mertens Ravyn Winter Katie Worsham
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FHNTODAY.COM PAGE BY NICK WYER
09.17.14
22
MARCHING BAND GETS “TRAPPED”
Junior Mackenzie Schlogl spins a swing flag during the Aug. 22 halftime show. Swing flags are two flags that the guard spins together and then eventually separate. (ashleigh jenkins)
Sophomore Dan Mulawa plays trumpet in the Black and Gold Day show. Black and Gold day was the first performance of the new show. (ashleigh jenkins)
Junior Elizabeth Jansen tosses a sabre during the halftime show at the Vainney game on Aug. 22. Color guard uses sabres, rifles, and flags during the show. (ashleigh jenkins)
ABOUT THE SHOW Working after school four days a week, the FHN Knightpride marching band strives to perfect their show entitled Trapped. This year’s music was written by Richard Saucedo. This year’s music is simpler than it has been in the past which gives the band the opportunity to explore the dynamics and emotion that the music demands of them. The concept of being trapped is
portrayed by using the band members as a framework for trapping the color guard using their movements. The band will only be using their position on the field to portray the concept, the drill is much more difficult than in previous years. The drill that has been written will make the show more dynamic and complex, and will make sure that the band can get their point across.
Senior Brandon Vestal plays his solo on the alto saxophone during the ballad. Knightpride’s first competition of the season was at Belleville on the morning of Sept. 13. (amanda eckhard)
FROM THE BAND
“The show is a lot darker and I really enjoy the music. Even though it’s simpler than last year, it sounds a lot cooler.” -Sean Rhomberg, 10 “I hope we can perform our show to the best of our ability so that other bands can really see what we’re made of and see how hard we work.” -Zoe Willott, 11
UPCOMING SHOWS
“I’m excited for when we finish cleaning the show up and it looks professional.” -Ashley Raster, 9
Sept. 20- St. Charles West Marching Festival (St. Charles West) Oct. 4- FZN River City Showcase (Fort Zumwalt North) Oct. 11- Music in Motion (FHN) Oct. 25- Festival Of Champions (University of Central Missouri)
“I think the season will be a lot better than last year, I think it has the potential to stack up to my freshman year.”
-Patrick Cradick, 12