North Star November 2013

NORTH STAR 11.06.13 • volume 28 • issue 3 Francis Howell North St. Charles, Missouri

CATCHING THE COLLEGE

FIRE Winning Wrestling Coach New Medical Program Announced The Pumpkin Spice Obsession

New Zip line and Adventure Course Opens For Business Ryan and Monroe: A boy and his dog make the perfect team

CONTENTS 04-05 NEWS

32-33 SPORTS

32-33 01

StuCo holds a Holloween event for children to come play games and win prizes.

03

34

VOLLEYBALL VICTORY Hard work and dedication pays off for girls Varsity Volleyball at Districts.

36

ROAD TO STATE

GOING TO COURT Speech and Debate competitors take part in mock trial competitions.

04-05

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

FHSD offers a new course designed for those interested in pursuing a career in the medicine.

GOING FOR GOLD Ritchie continues to make State medalists after 26 years of coaching at FHN.

TRICK OR TREAT

See what Lucido is doing to prepare for his first time diving at State.

36

KNIGHTS IMPROVE

The varsity football team fights back and sees improvement.

10-11

37

LOOKING BACK

Take an up-close look at all of the action from the fall sports season.

FEATURES 10-11

BOY’S BEST FRIEND Ryan Delaney makes an unbreakable bond with his service dog.

12-13

DIY ORIGINALS

See how to create your own clothing to have a style that stands out.

14

A CIRCUS ACT

Check out this senior’s talent for juggling and unicycle riding.

17

FAST FINGERS

These juniors take on the task of solving the Rubik’s cube.

19

ZIP LINING

Go Ape! gives people a treetop adventure right in their backyard.

42 OPINIONS 41

“THE COUNSELOR” This gritty film falls short of other Ridley films.

42

FHSD NEEDS A FIRST The District should bring back the award of Valedictorian.

44

SPICE FIGHT

Students debate on the pumpkin spice epidemic.

Junior Zak Davlin is currently enrolled in the ACT prep class in order to improve his score on the ACT. Davlin scored a 24 on a practice test and plans to score in the upper 20s. (cameron mccarty)

ON THE COVER

This month, North Star takes an in-depth look at the challenges of acceptance into college. Some of these challenges include applying, receiving financial aid, and earning scholarships. (matt krieg)

2549 Hackman Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303

DISTRIBUTED FOR FREE TO FHN BY THE NORTH STAR STAFF / PROVIDING AN OPEN FORUM FOR FHN SINCE 1986 PAGE BY BRIANNA MORGAN

Senior Mike Kuhl volunteered to paint faces for National Honor Society’s room at Trick or Treat Street. In addition to face panting, the room also supplied cupcakes for children to decorate. “I liked painting the kids faces and handing out cupcakes because it made them laugh and smile,” said Kuhl. (ashton stegman)

BRIEFLY SPEAKING

HELPING HANDS Volunteer Knights may have just three members, but they have big hopes for the year. They’ll be meeting Nov. 13 in room 65. They’ll be volunteering at Starving Children locations in December and hope to do a blood drive in March. (brief by chase donaldson)

THE PHARM

T

rick or Treat Street went pretty well.

We had a good turnout, the kids had fun and the people who volunteered had fun as well.

- Abigail Griffin, 12

SCARE AT THE SCHOOL The classrooms and lockers along the Butterfly Hallway, Commons, and the Loft were decked out in spiderwebs and other Halloween decorations for Trick or Treat Street 2013. StuCo hosted the event, which included some clubs such as Speech and Debate, NHS, KOE. The children who came through Trick or Treat Street were FHN students’ siblings, children of faculty members, or students at surrounding elementary schools that will eventually be attending school at FHN. The clubs that participated were assigned a room to decorate in any way they chose and many groups decided to deck out their rooms in a specific theme.

“The club we missed was the Ecology Club with their petting zoo,” Jani Wilkens, one of the sponsors that helped to organize Trick or Treat Street said. “We were sad to not see that because it was a really popular room.”

Though some just told their members to wear any costume they wanted, most of the participants from the different organizations also decided to dress up in costumes that matched the theme for their rooms, such as Young Republicans and Speech and Debate teaming up to make dress up in a Star Wars theme. Each room had a different activity that the club decided on for the children to participate in. Some of the activities included decorating cupcakes and cookies, a superhero skit, and a maze.

“The kids loved the bounce house and the maze that we had set up in the loft in the Commons and the rooms decorated with balloons and streamers,” said Dominique Cutts, a StuCo member. “There were plenty of opportunities for them to get candy and treats.”

PAGE BY KYLEIGH KRISTENSEN

Sophomore Zoe Lawson decorates a cupcake for a child. Lawson worked in the Star Wars themed Speech and Debate room. Young Democrats Club also helped in the room. (ashton stegman) Junior Brandon Macias helps a costumed child with the pumpkin toss game. Macias helped in sign language club’s room. The room was Christmas theamed. (ashton stegman)

Science Club will tour the Saint Louis College of Pharmacy on Nov. 19 to introduce students to career options in the field of pharmacy.

“I’m excited because I think the field trip will be a great opportunity for the club,” Science Club President Nathan Mills said. (brief by ashley eubanks)

GETTING CRAFTY The All-Knighter bake sale will take place Nov. 9 during the FHN Craft Fair in the big gym. The sale will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Parents hope to raise $500 for The All-Knighter, an overnight event for seniors the night of graduation. They will sell a variety of goodies. (brief by chase donaldson)

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Tag tweets about school with

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Overwhelmed by all this college stuff. I just want to go to Hogwarts. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.

Senioritis is a very serious disease and I’m a survivor, but my grades not so much #oops #FHNnews Austin Franzen

Mary Jane Ruiz

FEEL THE BEAT As the fall season comes to an end, the Knightpride Marching Band finishes in the top five in their competition at FHHS

BY NICK WYER nickwyer23@gmail.com • @FINESHRINES

T

he marching band, Knight Pride, had their last competition on Saturday, Oct. 26.

The competition was held at FHHS, and the band placed second in their division for preliminaries. Their score increased by four points in finals, placing them fifth out of 22 bands. According to members of the band, this was one of their best performances this past season since they didn’t have a reason to hold anything in.

“It was our last performance, we didn’t have anything to save it for,” saxophone section leader Sammie Savala said. “By the end of the performance, we were all hugging and crying.

It was just a really cool and emotional experience.”

Throughout the season, the band racked up many awards, including a first place and several caption awards. According to senior band member Chris Steimel, the band did amazingly well this past season, especially considering the Knight Pride band is relatively small, made up of just 74 students, which is significantly smaller than some other schools’ numbers.

“We did great this past season, especially when our size is considered into that,” Steimel said. “We were up against bands almost three times our size this past season, and we scored higher than them. I think that shows our true skill.”

The marching band aspect of Knight Pride was not the only side that did well. Color Guard this season had some expectations to live up to with their placement in last year’s Winter Guard International Finals. Color Guard received many awards as well this past season, including best overall auxiliary at Belleville East, O’Fallon Township, and Central Methodist University.

“I think we only received Best Overall Auxiliary three times because there weren’t many color guard judges this year,” Sidney Sheridan, junior color guard member, said. “I’m looking forward to next season because I’m looking forward to a new show and the new work that comes with it. I’m also looking forward to the challenges that the new show brings along.”

As this season ends, the band members must say farewell to all of the seniors. There will be 18 seniors leaving this year.

According to Savala, the seniors will definitely be missed, although she hopes that they can find more members for next season with the upcoming freshman class.

“I feel like what I’ve done here is really going to help me in the future,” Senior Battery Section Leader Jacob Lesinski said.

I’m definitely going to miss the family atmosphere. We just all got along, we didn’t let anything get in the way of us.”

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PAGE BY ASHLEY EUBANKS

@lukeaBAWS

@ohheymaddieee

@KochMorgan16

@E_Grone

I wish I could tell you Luke fought off the stress. I wish I could tell you that. But AP Biology is no fairy tale. #FHNRedemption

Listening to the band Of Mice & Men while writing an essay about the book Of Mice & Men #sweg

Instead of doing biology in biology class we talk about Tosh.O

Just talked to two German kids all hour. Can I go back with them?

Luke Mayerhoefer

Seniors Sam Oelklaus and Erin Rhomberg play their clarinets during an exhibition event durng the Music in Motion competition October 12 (paige martinez)

Maddie Mitchell

Morgan Koch

Ethan Grone

DECA JUMPS FOR MDA Juniors and faculty look to defend last year’s wins in the annual basketball face-off sponsored by the marketing club

BY DANIEL BODDEN

per team so we’ll start earlier to give everyone a • @danbodden chance to play.”

Tomorrow night at 6 p.m., DECA will host its Players must pay $10 to participate in the annual DECA Jump-Off basketball games. The game and they will also receive a T-shirt. DECA freshmen and sophomore uses the $3 admission team will play against the jutickets to raise money for niors, and the seniors will take charity. This year, they on the currently undefeated have chosen a longtime faculty team.

DECA partner, the “It’s fun for us as DECA adMuscular Dystrophy Asvisors to play against students sociation, as the charity and we have in our classes,” DECA are hoping for a big turnout sponsor Melissa Trochim said. to raise as much money as Use the link “It’s also fun to be a part of the possible. goo.gl/FoKdFn to see undefeated faculty.”

“People should rea video of DECA memThe game will start earlier ally come because it’s bers saying what to than usual in order to allow really fun to watch,” offiexpect at the game. the underclassmen to have cer Abbie Webb said. “It more playing time. raises money for charity Drake Kreup, 12 “We’ve had quite a few people signing up,” and gets people involved in seeing Trochim said. “We usually have about 20 people what DECA does.” daniel.bodden21@gmail.com

WATCH

STUDENTS GO TO COURT Mock trial teams prepare to argue the case of an assaulted guard

BY DANIEL BODDEN daniel.bodden21@gmail.com

Liz Busby and Kevin Balch play the xylophone during a varsity football half time performance. This past season they recieved many awards at competitions hosted by other schools. (ashleigh jenkins) Senior Catherine House performs for Color Guard during halftime.

Color Guard performed with marching band during varsity football games. This year, KnightPride hosted the competition Music in Motion, but didn’t compete in it although they performed in an exhibition event that day. (paige martinez)

PAGE BY ASHLEY EUBANKS

•

@danbodden

The new mock trial teams are preparing to compete for the first time. The teams meet with lawyers on Tuesdays to prepare for competitions.

“I’m excited because when I initially joined Speech and Debate, we didn’t have a team,” sophomore Zoe Lawson said. “I’m excited and slightly intimidated to meet with the lawyers since we are doing what they do professionally.”

Mock trial takes place at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Clayton in front of a real judge and with real lawyers in the jury box. Students compete in teams of seven, four lawyers and three witnesses. The participants will argue one side of the case in late January, then switch and argue the opposite side in February. This year’s case, “Elliott Grantham v. Earhart County, MO,” was written by the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and is based on a real case. In the case, guard Elliott Grantham is suing the Earhart County Jail

Senior Matt Schneider, leads his group in preparing for Mock Trials. The students will be going to trial on January 28 and February 25. (mckenzie shea)

for negligence because of an attack on Grantham during bed-checks.

“You would think it was a real trial because it goes with real trial procedures,” mock trial coach Randy Pierce said. “It gives students a taste of what being a trial lawyer is like and teaches great critical thinking and speaking skills.”

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DISTRICT ADDS FOUR NEW MEDICAL COURSES FHSD implements a new program geared towards students that have an interest in pursuing a career in the medical field

BY BRIANNA MORGAN 1006briannamorgan@gmail.com • BriMarie1006

B

eginning in the 2014-15 school year, all high schools in FHSD will implement a brand new four-year program that is part of Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences. It will do so by integrating one of the four classes that formulate the four-course program each school year. The new program will allow kids who have expressed interest in a career in the medical field to explore their options and get hands-on experience and time with professionals.

“The thing I’m most excited about is the opportunity for kids to really jump in and to get to work with those hands-on, real world problems,” FHSD Director of Student Learning Chris Greiner said. “Those are the types of things they are going to pursue a career in biomedical sciences for, so those are the types of issues they are going to be tackling.”

The decision to introduce the new program was decided after receiving the results from the survey that is always sent out to the alumni two years after they graduate asking what courses they wish would have been offered to them in high school.

One of the most popular topics that arose in the survey was that they would have liked to have been able to take more courses revolving around the medical science field.

The District officials started visiting other schools that already had the program in place, such as the Wentzville, Afton and Hazelwood school districts and talked to different students and teachers and gathered information on how their programs work.

After doing this, the District officials were able to see all of the different features of the other schools’ programs and decide what aspects they thought could be used in the new program for FHSD and also see what changes were going to need to be made to better suit the specific needs of FHSD. The only change that was made was that students will be required to have either have taken or be concur04 FHNTODAY.COM 11.06.13

Jesse Davila puts together part of a human spine. The students of Dawn Hahn’s anatomy class have been studying the skeleton since the beginning of October. The students took a test on the skeletal system on Monday, Oct. 28.

rently enrolled in biology due to the fact that the biomedical classes will count as a science credit rather than a practical arts credit as it is in the many surrounding districts. The program will most likely target eighth graders and freshmen because, in order to complete the program in its entirety, students will have to begin taking the classes their freshman year and continue taking the courses throughout their senior year.

“I think it’s absolutely fabulous that they are doing this,” senior Katie Davis said. “There are a lot of people who are interested in the medical field. I’m sure it would have been helpful for me to have been able to take it, but I’m not too disappointed. I’m excited for the underclassmen to be able take the classes.”

Science teachers will teach the courses and in order to be certified to do so, they must attend a two-week training period at Missouri College of Science and Technology over the summer where they will be immersed in the material that they will be teaching. Then they will be tested over the material they learned to make sure that they are well educated on the topic they will be teaching students about. Depending upon how many students sign up to take the new course, there may be a shift in how many genetics and anatomy classes are offered to make room for the new program since, according to Greiner, those two classes are the most popular taken by kids who are interested in a medical career.

“I think it’s probably going to be very time consuming, like a full-time job for those two weeks, but I’m excited to go through all of the activities that the kids will be going through the following year,” science teacher Dawn Hahn said. “I think it will be eye-opening, and I think it will be fun.”

According to Greiner, because there is such a popular demand for careers in the medical science field, the District wanted to meet the popular demands of the students and better equip them for their future in the particular medical job PAGE BY BRIANNA MORGAN

THE SCHEDULE Sydney Dattilo, Sierra Teuscher, Jesse Davila, and Connor Jansen study how the human body is put together. In Anatomy students have been learning about the different parts of the skeletal system by playing charades and racing to put the skeletal system together. “[I like] learning the different names and learning how they all work together to support the body,” Sierra Teuscher said.

Over the next four years, four new medical courses will be available

2014-15

PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES •

Connor Jansen learns how to put together the human skeleton. The students practiced putting together the skeleton by scrambling all the pieces of the skeleton and trying to put them back together. Later in the year, the class will continue to study the other systems of the body including the circulatory system, nervous system, and respiratory system. (abby temper)

• • •

2015-16

HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS • •

• •

2016-17

PAGE BY BRIANNA MORGAN

Students will: Focus on the structures and functions of the human body.

Use technology to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration.

Use skeletal manikins to build organs and tissues.

Gather information and use it to design and construct an experiment around the different structures and functions of the human body.

MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS •

they are interested in.

The new program will begin with just one class in the 2014-15 school year, starting with Principles of Biomedical Sciences. In each of the following three school years, the next course in the sequence will be integrated. After the first course is implemented, the remaining three courses in the program are Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, and Biomedical Innovations. Each of the courses is year-long and will increase in difficulty. In order to move on to the next one of the classes, the student will have to have completed the previous course.

“One of the most exciting things is that the group that starts in those classes I could, as a teacher, potentially have those students as people in my class for the rest of their years of their high school experience,” Hahn said. “Being able to form that long term relationship would be pretty cool.”

The estimated total cost to teach this new course is around $30,000-$40,000 per classroom. Part of the total cost will be covered by the District’s proposed technology grant, the remaining cost will be figured into the District Academic Budget for the 2014-15 school year. In order to properly teach this highly handson class, there will need to be things such as a classroom set of laptops and miniature mannequins for the students that will be used to look at the nerves, bones, and muscles of the human body. The materials bought for the program will be able to be used in all of the Biomedical courses that follow the first course in the sequence.

“I would take advantage of the program,” sophomore Sarah Garrelts said.

“You get to take advantage of the hands-on opportunity, and it would give me experience in doing what I want to do as a career. It’s good because since it’s not college, I can always change my mind without paying for it.”

Students will: Receive an introduction to the biomedical field.

Have a fictional character that died from a specific disease Have to determine factors that lead to his/her death.

Determine what lifestyle choices they could have made or medical treatments they could have gotten in order to prolong his/her life.

• •

•

2017-18

Students will: Study a fictitious family and a disease they carry.

Focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.

Take an up-close look on the role a particular disease plays in a person’s life and also what influence genetics has over the patient and his/her family.

See how the specific disease may have been better prevented, better diagnosed, or treated more effectively.

BIOMEDICAL INNOVATIONS • •

•

Students will: Demonstrate their understanding of the material they have learned in the three previous classes.

Be given a year-long project to work on with a mentor who is a professional from places such as universities, hospitals, research institutions, or any other place in the biomedical field.

Present their work to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professionals.

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM

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WHILE YOU WERE

SLEEPING Most students barely arrive to school before the first bell, here’s what they miss while they snooze away

Francis Howell North students get off the bus on Oct. 24. Most of the buses arrive from about 6:45-7:10 a.m. Since daylight savings time has yet to happen, most students get to school before the sun rises. (sammie savala) Students walk from the buses into school. On this particular Friday morning, most students were piling on coats due to the chilly October air. Some students prefer listening to music in the mornings to wake them up and block out the sounds of the early hours, while others prefer to meeting friends and catching up, talking about their weekend plans or tests they have that day. (sammie savala) Junior Lucy Covington along with other FHN students enters the school through the bus entrance the morning of Thursday, Oct. 24. Since school begins so early, some students drink energy drinks or coffee to keep themselves awake throughout the day. After the final bell ring at 7:20 a.m., students can only enter the school through the main entrance, where they are counted as tardy. Once a student has received three tardies, they are given a detention. (sammie savala)

Seniors Becca Dorsey and Kaitlyn Eifert walk and talk as they leave their cars in the preferred senior parking section of the school parking lot. Dorsey and Eifert arrived early for a before-school senior NHS meeting. Senior NHS meetings are held once a month on Friday mornings to talk about volunteer opportunities and ways members can earn their required 80 points by spring break. (paige martinez)

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PAGE BY CARLY VOSSMEYER & PAIGE MARTINEZ

Young Republicans meet at 7 a.m. in American Government teacher Chip Crow’s room. During the meeting, donuts were available as President Liz Mayer and Vice-President Matt Denno talk about possible plans for the club to do. One idea was a future trip to Jefferson City to see how the Missouri House and Senate work as they’re in session. (matt krieg) Seniors Spencer Scopel and Robbie Hilker chat with friends in an upstairs hallway before class starts. Upstairs is one of the least crowded places to socialize before school starts. Other places to hang out before school include the Commons, the Learning Commons, and the StuCo nook. (jenna rodriguez)

Above: Math teacher Pam Stratton tutors junior Parrish Ward in Algebra III. Math tutoring is available everyday before school from 6:30-7:15 and after school everyday except Wednesday from 2:30 to 3:30. (alyssa savage) Far Left: Students laugh in the commons before school. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 7:20. Breakfast choices include egg sandwiches, granola bars, hashbrowns and fruit. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunches also qualify for reduced breakfast. (ashleigh jenkins) Left: Senior Emily Klein talks to Marlene Wilcoxen of the attendance office to sign in after arriving late to school. The school has a daily attendance goal of 95% for students to strive for. The Francis Howell School District, as well as Francis Howell North, is strictly enforcing their attendance policy. (areli lara)

PAGE BY CARLY VOSSMEYER & PAIGE MARTINEZ

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Ryan Delaney plays with gears as his service dog Monroe lies nearby. Monroe goes to FHN with Delaney and helps keep him safe and calm. Monroe has been working with Ryan for four years, but Delaney’s first year at North may be Monroe’s last. (ashleigh jenkins)

WALKING WITH RYAN

Freshman Ryan Delaney gets through the school day with help from his service dog Monroe, but Monroe may not be around the halls of FHN for much longer because Ryan’s independence is increasing

BY ASHLEIGH JENKINS ashleighjenkins015@gmail.com

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onroe lies under the table in room 27A, his head rests on his large black paws. Above him, freshman Ryan Delaney stacks multicolored plastic gears on the table and talks about one of his favorite movies, “Finding Nemo.” Under his sleepy black lab exterior, Monroe is alert. He is constantly listening for a change of pitch in Ryan’s voice, and always watching Ryan’s body language for any sign of anxiety or discomfort.

Ryan was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and autism when he was five. FXS is the most common form of inherited mental impairment which Ryan inherited from his mother, a carrier of the gene. Those affected by FXS experience mental and physical delays, such as seizures, stuttering speech, and hypersensitivity.

“It was a relief [to put a name to his condition],” Ryan’s mom, Michelle Del10 FHNTODAY.COM 11.06.13

aney, said. “But it was kinda devastating.”

Monroe’s main task at North is to keep Ryan safe. He is tethered to Ryan with a short leash, that keeps Ryan safe and close to Monroe. Ryan is a flight risk; when confronted, he will flee. He also has no sense of danger.

Watching out for Ryan isn’t Monroe’s only job, he also keeps Ryan’s mood stable. If Ryan can’t cope with his surroundings, Monroe calms his boy with his presence and patience. Monroe helps keep Ryan’s anxiety in check by diverting attention from his boy and onto himself.

“If Ryan’s in a big group and people look at Monroe, he’ll start talking and deflect attention to Monroe,” Michelle said, “He’s helped Ryan socially.”

While Monroe may attract the attention of others, he doesn’t listen to them.

Monroe was specially trained to tune out most people. He has ears only for his handler and his boy. That training allows Monroe to walk down the hallways without getting distracted.

“He’s very good with other people,” Ryan’s para Brian Schene said. “He goes down the hallway almost like a student. He’s trained so other people around him PAGE BY EMILY HAMPSON

Ryan Delaney stacks gears in room 27A. The toy helps with stimulus and fine motor control. Monroe lies nearby even when Ryan is calm. “Monroe’s always working” Brian Schene said. “He lies under the desk or near Ryan, he’s there to help.”

Ryan Delaney throws Monroe’s stuffed monkey in his backyard. At home, Ryan likes to play with Monroe since he gets to be a normal dog when he’s off work.

Ryan also enjoys watching TV and playing video games. (ashleigh jenkins)

don’t bother him.”

Brian has been working with Ryan since Ryan and Monroe switched from Henderson to Fairmount halfway through fifth grade. Ryan was forced to switch schools because another special needs student had problems with Monroe, with whom Ryan had started working with shortly before.

Monroe came from a service dog organization called 4 Paws for Ability, in Xenia, Ohio. Michelle contacted 4 Paws in September 2009, after Ryan escaped Henderson’s after school care for the second time that year. It was fairly easy to prove Ryan qualified for a dog; the more challenging part was raising the money. It costs $22,000 to place a dog, but families are only responsible for fund-raising $13,000. The rest of the cost is absorbed by 4 Paws and charitable donations. In the Delaney’s case, they only had to fund-raise $6,500 because they had a friend willing to help out.

“Mom and I sold cookbooks,” Michelle said. “Lots of people bought them for Christmas. Lots of people went online and donated for the holidays. A family friend said if we raised half, he’d donate the rest. He understood.”

By January 2009, the Delaneys had raised the money; however, they were not placed into a training class until December. In the class, the Delaneys learned how to work with Monroe and form a three-point team: handler, child and dog. On Dec. 1, the first day of the class, 11-year-old Ryan and six-monthold Monroe became a team.

“There isn’t much a difference when Monroe’s gone,” Brian said. “When “In the beginning, it’s all about that connection,” Michelle said. “They Ryan doesn’t need Monroe, he works the same no matter what.” wanted everything to be positive between them. If Ryan acUntil Monroe is officially pulled from school, he will continue cidently stepped on his tail, you got down and you went ‘good to accompany Ryan to school and his various extra curricular boy, good boy’ and gave him a treat.” activities. One of Ryan’s many after school activities is Teen The bond stuck. Ryan will tell almost anyone all about Club. Teen Club is after school care for kids with special needs.

‘Monroe the rescue puppy’ and how Monroe is his best friend.

It is sponsored by Community Living Inc., a local nonprofit Monroe’s loyalties are also clear. When asked to ‘find his boy’ dedicated to helping those with special needs explore the comMonroe will go charging off and smother Ryan with kisses. The munity. Monroe accompanies Ryan to Teen Club everyday and bond has helped Ryan grow as a person. goes with them on field trips. Ryan also participates in special “He’s helped Ryan mature a little more.” Michelle said. “Incineeds baseball, Therapeutic Horsemanship, and swims and dents of him running away have decreased. He knows Monroe bowls for the Special Olympics. will find him.”

Use the link goo.gl/SRlBmZ “They’ve helped him socially,” Michelle said. “He meets other to see a video of Ryan Because of Ryan’s progress, Monroe may be spending more people.

It’s given him confidence.”

Delaney and why he has his time at home and less in the hallways at North in the future.

After Teen Club is over, Ryan and Monroe head home. As service dog Monroe.

The Delaneys plan to pull Monroe back second semester and soon as the harness leaves his back, Monroe goes back to being have him retire completely by Ryan’s sophomore year. Michelle a normal dog. He plays fetch, greets visitors, and chews on bones. Monroe hopes that retiring Monroe will help Ryan gain independence. After retirenever really stops working, though. He looks after Ryan and keeps him safe at ment, Monroe would become the Delaney’s pet. An average service dog’s all times, even in the evening, and then he heads off to spend the night sleepcareer is around seven years. ing next to his boy.

WATCH IT

PAGE BY EMILY HAMPSON

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 11

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DO IT YOURSELF 1 T-SHIRT DRESS

fashion

EMMA CLEAVELAND

STEP ONE: Find a t-shirt that you are no longer going to wear. Make sure it is long enough to wear a dress. Have the t-shirt laying on a flat surface. You will need scissors for the next step.

STEP TWO: Cut the sleeves and neckline to create the straps and scoop of the neck. You can make your own desired thickness of the straps and decide how low-cut you want the dress to be.

STEP THREE: Fold each of the edges of the parts that you previously cut.

These folds should be small and pulled inward, meaning the ends of the fold are on the inside of the shirt. Sew along the folds to create a clean edge and keep the t-shirt from fraying.

STEP FOUR: To create the waistline, add a small belt with any type of style or print. This will make the dress less baggy and help cinch in the waist.

Then the dress is ready to wear.

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PAGE BY ALEXIS TAINTER & MADDIE HIATT

2 HAIR BOW COURTNEY OLSEN

This freshman decided to get crafty during her free time when she created this stylish accessory. Courtney’s bow helps add a fun addition to your everyday hair style to make it something unique and different. It’s made using an old t-shirt, so you can use any pattern of your desire to make the perfect bow. With many options of patterns you can use and several ways you can choose to pin your hair back, this accessory will help capture your own personality. It helps add color and a fun way to do your hair.

“I like the fact that it’s mine and that it’s not expensive and well made.”

HALTER TOP

3

JESSIE DEFINE

This style requires one material and only one step. All you have to do is take a long sleeve shirt and tie it around your neck.

It’s simple and resembles the style of scarf. This type of style can go with almost anything. It can be considered casual or dressy depending on how you accessorize.

“It’s just unique. It’s like your one of a kind style.”

HOW TO Check out these tutorials that describe step-bystep how each of these are made and look at other ideas of things you can create

PINTEREST

Use the link goo.gl/vavIVQ to see other clothing and accessories you can make on you own.

WATCH

5 T-SHIRT MARIA MICHALSKI

This DIY project is common, probably because it is easy to make. As long as you know how to cut, twist, and tie, you can create a shirt with this style. Maria added glitter and ribbon to add a fun design to the t-shirt and show off her personality. She thought the shirt was boring so she decided to tweak it up. Her new design of the shirt makes her stand out when compared to other students with the same t-shirt. Great places to show off this shirt are at school events or sports to show off your school spirit. It’s perfect for Black and Gold Day spirit days as well. Maria made this shirt with exactly that in mind.

“I like how cool it turns out and it’s my own idea and it’s just fun to make something unique.”

PAGE BY ALEXIS TAINTER & MADDIE HIATT

SHOES

4

KAYLA ANDRZEJEWSKI These chevron pattern shoes can easily be mistaken for Toms.

This is because Kayla found a pair of Toms with this print online and rather than spend over $60 on shoes, she asked her mom to make them for her. It only took about $10 and an hour of her time to create.

“I like them a lot because they’re different and no one else really has them and I like how they’re creative and crafty and they’re cheap too compared to the $90 Toms online.”

2. Use the link goo.gl/jU9PN3 to see a video on how to make Courtney’s hair bows.

WATCH

3. Use the link goo.gl/qbuXNf to see a video on how Jessie makes her creative halter top.

WATCH

4. Use the link goo.gl/N2Rftm to see a video on how to recreate Kayla’s shoes.

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 13

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ONE WHEEL WORKS

What started as a new-found love for juggling freshman year turned into a mash-up of unicycling while juggling for one talented senior

BY MEGAN GRANNEMANN

a special show of his talents.

“I was quite With one hand grasped on his mailbox, senior Michael Kuhl steadies his balimpressed and ance. He swings his leg over and mounts his unicycle. He begins a slow pedal a little bit jealous down the street and starts tossing the clubs. my brother took Red, blue, yellow. something that Red, blue, yellow.

I was decent at Red, blue, yellow. and became 10 Above him, there are three brightly colored juggling clubs cutting through the times better at it,” Scott said. “So, like any air. brother, it kind of makes me want to beat “He’s definitely unique, that’s for sure,” Mike’s brother Scott him at it now.”

WATCH Kuhl, who introduced him to unicycling, said. “His ability to The longest distance that Mike has ever juggle and unicycle just goes to show how unique he is and how gone on his unicycle is from his house much fun he likes to have and just do things no one else really across the street from FHN to Henderdoes.” son and back.

Scott was introduced to unicycling through a friend involved “I was very proud of him for keepgoo.gl/qMqjUD in a cycling club during his senior year at North. This sparked ing up with it and continuing to try,” Check this link for Mike’s interest in unicycling. He began learning to ride this Brenda Kuhl, Mike’s mother, said. “The a video of Mike performing his unique time that he rode around Henderson I past spring after receiving his unicycle from his parents last talent.

Christmas. couldn’t believe he went that far.”

“I wanted one, and I didn’t expect to get one really, and I was just so excited Mike tries to ride four times a week for 30-45 that I got it,” Mike said. “I just thought it’s such a cliche for a kid to get a bicycle minutes around his neighborhood to practice and for Christmas. I just thought it’s so awesome that I’m 16 and getting a unicycle.” better his skills.

Unicycling alone is a challenge. Mike took it one step further: he threw jug“If he’s interested in something he tries it until he perfects it,” gling into the mix. He uses tennis balls and juggling clubs when he unicycles for Brenda said. “I guess that’s what I like about him. He doesn’t give up.”

mgrannemann@gmail.com

• @MGrannemann

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: TAKING ACTION ABOUT ACCREDITATION Crow writes another education bill with the help of a state representative

BY JORDIN GRAHAM grahamjordin@gmail.com

Government teacher Chip Crow is now working on writing his second bill for the Missouri legislature with Representative Bryan Spencer.

“There’s a lot of people outside of education who try to write bills and they’re completely unrealistic; whereas, I’m a teacher, I at least understand how the system works and what’s realistic,” Crow said.

His first bill, also written with Spencer last summer, was called Teacher Merit Pay, which means the more a teacher educates and involves him or herself with the school system, 14 FHNTODAY.COM

11.06.13

the more the teacher should get paid. They’re working on trying to find a way to use merit pay and create a system on implementing it in schools. The bill has not been filed or voted on yet, but it will be ready for session in January.

The bill that they’re currently writing deals with how to fix the accreditation problem and under performing schools in Missouri. Right now, they’re in the brainstorming stages.

Spencer is touring the state, as part of the House Educational Committee Tour, listening to ideas from people on different levels of education. Once they figure out something that they think might work, they will write it in bill form.

“This is what I teach,” Crow said. “A lot of people spout a lot of theories, I actually get to do it, walk the walk if you will.“ PAGE BY MELISSA LUKES

HOBBY OF THE MONTH

COMIC CENTRAL

THE MAGIC CUBE

Juniors Sam Ritchie and Bo Nixon solve Rubik’s cubes in their free time and have taught themselves to solve faster than the average human Although there are many types of cubes, from five by five to three by three to digital ones, Bo prefers the saraiesparza.se@gmail.com • @SaraiEsparza five by five while Sam prefers the three by three.

Solving a Rubik’s cube can be challenging. Right, “Just the normal one,” Sam said. “I don’t feel too left, up, down, twist here, twist there and still nothaccomplished, but whenever I do a five by five, it’s ing. But for juniors Sam Ritchie and Bo Nixon, it’s really hard. It takes me like half an hour to 45 minutes become second nature. to do it.”

“The first times I solved one I would be like ‘Oh, Nowadays, Sam and Bo can be found solving the yes!’ but now it’s just like ‘Done,’” cubed puzzle, once known as the magic Sam said. cube, in their free time or after a stats test.

Both Sam and Bo started solvMany students have taken notice of their ing Rubik’s cubes after they saw unique ability. their fellow wrestlers solving the “I would see them all the time at the cubed puzzle and wanted to try for wrestling meets,” junior Charlene Penrod themselves. Sam started around said. “They would do it before a meet and Christmas time of his eighth grade it would just calm them down.” year while Bo started in January of No matter how hard it may seem to solve Use the link goo.gl/Nd1pbp to his freshman year. Once they knew a Rubik’s cube, the boys encourage everywatch Bo and Sam’s they wanted to solve it, they went one to try it and not give up. Their biggest skills at quickly solving on YouTube and watched video tip for anyone that is willing to try it out different size Rubik’s after video to figure out how to do would be to spend some time watching cubes. it. When they had the basics down, YouTube videos, and to keep practicing. it was all about time and getting faster.

“Just stick with it,” Bo said. “It’s really frustrating “You have to, like, want to do it,” Bo said. “Like at first, like you’re not gonna get it on your first time, people ask me and they’re like, ‘It’s too hard,’ and I’m but once you get started doing it you just want to start like ‘Well, you probably don’t want to do it that bad.’” doing it faster.”

BY SARAI ESPARZA

start 0.0 seconds

WATCH

3rd

95.0 sec.

2nd

85.0 sec.

5.5 secs. 1st Sam and Bo’s times compared to the world record time for a 3x3 cube

PAGE BY SARAI ESPARZA

key World Record Sam Bo

The cube started out as a geometry model to help explain threedimensional shapes.

“Rubik, The Amazing Cube” was a TV show that ran from 1983-1984.

Sources: goo.gl/o3t1vf, goo.gl/ouQYCa

‘Cubaholics’ suffer from ‘Rubik’s wrist’ and ‘Cubist’s thumb.

The biggest cube in the world is on display in Knoxville, TN. It weighs 1102.3 lbs and is 9.8 ft tall.

Since 2003, ‘speedcubing’ championships have been held on national and international

There are many types of cubes including edible cubes and jewelencrusted cubes.

A senior’s collection of comics continues to grow throughout the years

BY MELISSA LUKES

lukes.melissa@gmail.com • @randomhyperness

Senior Alex Groenweghe has been collecting comic books since he was 10 years old and has about 500 to 600 comics. He has read and stored every comic in his collection. Some are displayed in his room, each series having its own shelf on his wall in a comic book case for protection. The rest of the comic books are stored near his closet just to the left of his bed in white cardboard boxes.

“Collecting is in the family,” Phillip Groenweghe, Alex’s father, said. “His grandfather collects fans, I collect antiques and he collects comic books.”

According to Alex, he collects all types of comics including D.C. and Marvel, but his favorites are Daredevil and Spider-Man because they’re well written and it’s easy to identify with the characters.

“I always liked the superhero movies,” Alex said. “I remember one day going into Slackers and saw they had a sale, so I bought a few out of curiosity and it turned out I just really liked it.”

Some of the many places Alex goes to add to his comic book collection are Comic Relief on North Third Street and Slackers. Alex enjoys sharing his comics with friends and family members, who occasionally accompany him when he goes to the stores and are very supportive of him continuing to add to his collection.

“Comic books have a kind of nostalgic feeling, like being a little kid again,” Alex said. “The stories are really entertaining and pretty light-hearted.

They’re just fun to read and fun to collect.”

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 17

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GO APE OR GO HOME

A new treetop adventure course in Creve Coeur Park called Go Ape! gives participants an exhilarating view of nature while they ride a zip line through the forest

BY EMILY HAMPSON

370

theemilyhampson@gmail.com

Florissant

St. Charles Go Ape!

270

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GoApe! is located at 13219 Streetcar Drive in Maryland Heights and costs $35 for particpiants 10-17 years old. The course costs $55 for participants 18 years and older.

WATCH Use the link goo.gl/BGK0sU to see a video of the course in Creve Coeur!

• @emilyjhampson

There’s no turning back. Freshman Sami Weyhrich tries to hide her fear by focusing on details that swell in the woods. The blanket of leaves below her feet. The glitter of light that gently pokes through the patchy, green clouds surrounding her. The feeling of bliss in her chest that the birds evoke through their songs. But with a misplaced step, a mixture of terror and adrenaline shoots through her entire body. She clings onto the rope so tight that her fingers cramp. Sami laughs, in confusion of anxiety and excitement. She knows she won’t fall to the ground; the Go Ape! instructor has already given her a 30-minute training session on how to properly use the equipment that connects her to the zip line.

More than 2,600 feet of zip lines and obstacles weave through the woods of Creve Coeur Park, each obstacle raising in height as the course unfolds. The zip lines range from 13 feet to 400 feet and the participants reach speeds of around 30 mph, then slow to around 15 mph for a soft landing in a pile of mulch.

Rope ladders, Tarzan swings, spider webs, suspended logs, and many more obstacles also make up the course--all of which are located up in the treetops.

According to Sami, the course helped her overcome her anxiety when it came to heights. Sami’s sister, junior Allison Weyhrich, doesn’t share the fear of heights and enjoyed being in the treetops.

“My favorite part was the little obstacles

before the actual zip line because they were challenging,” Weyhrich said. “I used to like ‘Survivor’ when I was a kid. I always wanted to be on ‘Survivor.’ It was kind of like that.”

Go Ape! opened in July 2013, taking about four weeks and $500,000 to build.

The treetop adventure course will be open until December and will reopen in March when the weather gets warmer. Not only does Go Ape! offer another activity to do at Creve Coeur Park, but it also takes part in service projects such as park clean-ups and planting. Go Ape! also gives a portion of its proceeds to the park.

“We were looking around at a bunch of different parks in the St. Louis area and St. Louis County really wanted us here,” the site manager at Go Ape!, Anthony Giovino, said.

“When they said ‘Yeah, we’d love to have a partnership with you guys,’ that made us want to work with them because they wanted to work with us, so this course was born. We bounced around a couple of parks and, in the end, this is the one that had a great location, had space to work, and we weren’t going to disturb a lot of other sections of the park here.”

Unlike many other zip line courses, Go Ape! allows participants to travel through the courses on their own without a guide.

According to Giovino, the zip lines are supposed to serve as a rewarding end to the obstacles before them.

“Just come looking to have fun with a positive attitude and try to relax while you’re up there,” Giovino said.

RIDE OF THE MONTH: CLASSIC CAMARO In a deal with his dad, one senior agreed to continue Boy Scouts through Eagle Scouts because his father promised that he could drive his IRoc Z in return

BY CARLY VOSSMEYER carlyvoss95@gmail.com

Cruising down Hackmann Road on a Friday afternoon, senior Jon Rice’s 1987 IRoc Z Camaro that he has named “Billy Jean” is the envy of any classic car-lover. It has an 8-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, and hydraulic roller lifters.

“Normally when I’m driving and I’m at a light, somebody will roll down their window and ask if I’m selling it; a lot of people want to buy it from me,” Jon said.

Because Jon’s Camaro is more PAGE BY MEGAN GRANNEMAN

than 25 years old, it requires a lot of upkeep. Every night, Jon has to disconnect the battery and reconnect it in the morning. He recently changed the transmission and radiator and got new wheel bearings.

“It’s an older model and has potential to be a classic,” senior WATCH and friend Basheir Langi said. Use the link “It’s going to be rare.” goo.gl/0G82PH to Jon says that his Camaro can see a video of details about the car. get up to 160 mph, but he’s afraid to go too fast because of how old the car is. His favorite part of the car is how it says “IRoc Z” on the side in bold black lettering.

“I like it mainly because it fits perfectly with my old-school style,” Jon said. “[The car] is just really cool; it’s a classic.”

Instagram Last month’s winner:

VOTE HERE

Text the number above your favorite photo to 37607 to vote. The winner will be featured on the next paper and on FHNtoday.com.

490722

490723

490724

Want your photo in the contest? Tag pics about school with

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11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 19

f

FINAL DECISION

scHOLARSHIPS

FINANCIAL AID

C

• PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

APPLYING

CATCHING THE COLLEGE

FIRE The challenges for acceptance into college may be fierce, but FHN’s tributes are fiercer

ACT PREP

CAMPUS VISITS

This is it. The platform before the short drop into the arena. The training ground before the games begin. As the promise of college draws closer, the pressure of it all sets it. The application process, the earning of scholarships, and the receiving of financial aid are daunting tasks for the average high school student, but when the cannon explodes and tributes plunge into the arena, the preparation of each student is pushed to the limit.

High school serves as the final training ground to hone the skills of English, math, and science, but ultimately the planning and preparation of the students is what will increase the odds of acceptance in their favor.

The perilous task of paying for college also looms as an ever-present danger. Students must have the drive to succeed in high school.

Challenging courses, extracurriculars and volunteer work all play a role in determining who the dedicated students are from the supine students, and also a role in which students earn scholarships and other types of financial aid.

The scores of the tributes receive on standardized tests are also a key factor in determining the likely academic achievement of students in college as well as their performance in high school. Tests like the ACT, SAT, and PSAT rank possible tributes with nothing more than a number and the highest scores stand out from the competition and draw the attention of the ultimate Gamemakers: the colleges.

While all of these factors present obstacles for students to overcome, the main challenge comes in balancing each of the requirements to become accepted into their desired college. With vigorous training in the forms of challenging classes, with dedicated participation in extracurricular activities, and with unstoppable goals, tributes can strive to become victors in the end. At the end of the games, there will be few victors left standing. It’s up to these tributes to decide their own futures and make their own success. (photo illustrations by cameron mccarty)

• PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 21

ApplYing WhAt the GAmemAkers Are ReAlly Looking For With the fierce competition for acceptance into college, it’s difficult to stand out- even if you are the “Girl on Fire”

BY LAUREN PIKE

Society, Speech Chairman, and Treasurer of Spanish Club.

“Well-rounded students are going to be a big thing,” Titterington said. “Someone who has taken college preparaThe clock begins to tick as soon as high school begins. tory classes, and not every school has AP or IB classes, but In this four-year training period, students are expected to if you’re taking classes that are Pre-AP or Honors that are learn as much a possible in order to prepare for the next going to prepare you for college, then that’s going to be a task at hand: a college education. However, big thing. Obviously competitive ACT scores getting accepted into college presents a is a big thing. Students involved outside of the daunting challenge when each college has difclassroom and that is obviously very important ferent ideologies for its “model student.” as well. We want them to be involved not only in “Being involved is a big thing,” Admisthe academic side of things, but also extracursions Counselor for Truman State University ricularly.”

Lauren Titterington said. “I want students to Not all colleges require a résumé to demonbe involved as much as they think they can strate a student’s involvement in extracurricular handle being involved. I think being yourself activities, but many use this information to is a big part of it, and being involved in the determine what role each student will play on things you want to be involved in is a big part campus. It is also used to determine how they of it as well. Making sure you are staying on will contribute to the community academically top of your classes, that you are able to handle and socially. For many universities, the search everything you are trying to undertake.” for well-rounded students proves to be a top For senior Matt Schneider, becoming lisA woodrum priority when viewing applicants due to each involved in extracurricular activities was a school’s desire for a diverse student body.

Guidance Department priority right at the start of freshman year.

“All activities where students can highly parChair and College Immediately, he became involved in activities ticipate or take on a leadership role help them Career Counselor that were meaningful to him and provided in the admissions-scholarship search,” Guidthe opportunity for significant involvement. What can help a ance Department Chair and College Career He participated in clubs like Spanish Club, counselor Lisa Woodrum said. “I think it also student get accepted?

Scholar Bowl and Speech and Debate to helps them in life because people are going to be “All activities where figure out what he liked best. leaders after high school and after college, so I they can have a “I knew that I needed to stay involved in think that’s important.” leadership role helps extracurricular activities at school and take FHN’s opportunities for involvement range and it helps them in on leadership roles, not just for college, but from foreign language clubs to Student Council. life because people because I wanted to,” Schneider For students, the A+ program enables them to are going to be said. “Every year feel a sense of leadership and pride in commuleaders in college.” since then I’ve benity service by encouraging them to participate come more in 50 hours of various volunteer work. It also involved in clubs at school allows students to earn scholarship money for college. and deepened my involve“Especially for selective college admissions, the biggest ment in each.” thing for you to stand out from other people is to have After freshman year, passions for something or for many things,” Schneider said.

Schneider decided to step “The best way to find what you’re passionate about is to be up to the challenge of leadinvolved in as many different clubs. Right from the start ership in many of the clubs freshman year try things out and if you don’t like them he was involved in. These don’t stick with them, but the only way that you’re going to various leadership roles for be able to really know what you like doing--what you want Schneider now include to be doing--is to try things out; and the best time to start is President of National Honor the beginning.” laurenpike14@gmail.com

MATT SCHNEIDER ACT Score: 36 Advanced Placement Courses and Honors Classes: AP Psychology, AP Calculus BC, AP Literature, AP Spanish, Spectra, Honors Symphonic Band Clubs Involved In: National Honor Society, Speech and Debate, Spanish Club, Scholar Bowl, Young Democrats Colleges Applied To: University of Minnesota, Indiana University, Boston College, Ohio State University What do you think is the toughest part about applying to college?

“Trying to make yourself stand out from the crowd is the toughest part.”

Do think extracurriculars have been helpful?

“I think that extracurricular activities have been huge.

Not just for college, but for my high school experience.

Some of the best friends and memories I’ve made happened through extracurriculars.”

22 FHNTODAY.COM

11.06.13

• @pike_n_ike

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

ACT Prep The UltimAte ChAllenge To gain recognition, tributes must take the ultimate test

BY LAUREN PIKE laurenpike14@gmail.com

ZAk DAvlin ACT Practice Score: 24 Goal: Upper 20s Advanced Placement Courses and Honors Classes: Honors physics, Math Analysis Clubs Involved In: Wrestling Colleges Looking At: Truman State Would you recommend the ACT Prep class?

“If you’re looking for a higher ACT score, it’s an easy way to increase points-especially in English.”

How important do you think the ACT is?

“The higher the score you get on the ACT, the more scholarships and grants that you get. One third of the stuff colleges look for is the ACT, so it’s important.”

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

• @pike_n_ike

Two hundred fifteen questions. Three hours. Four sections.

One score that determines a student’s college preparedness and potential. Perhaps one of the most well known college entrance exams, the ACT is important indicator of a student’s academic performance through high school. It is also accepted by every four-year college and university in the United States.

“If [students] have never taken it before, they don’t really realize how grueling it is,” ACT Prep teacher Pam Stratton said. “I mean, three hours with one 10 minute break is exhausting. Learning how to pace themselves will help tremendously.”

The ACT is broken up into four sections: English, math, reading, and science. The 45 minute, 75 question, English portion measures standard English and rhetorical skills and the 35 minute, 40 question, reading portion of the test measures students reading comprehension. The 60 minute, 60 question math section of the ACT measures the math skills that students have learned throughout high school and contains various topics ranging from pre-algebra to trigonometry and plane geometry. Lastly, the 35 minute, 40 question, science portion of the test measures skills such as interpretation of data and analytic reasoning that are involved in natural sciences.

“It’s all about improvement,” Stratton said. “Some kids have taken it before, we talk about setting a realistic target. Realistically, you should be able to utilize strategies and raise [your score] at least three points.”

Since the ACT plays a key role in college acceptance, FHN introduced an ACT Prep class this year in order to better prepare students and increase their chances for scholarships and various forms of financial aid. Throughout the course of one semester, the two classes switch between Stratton, who teaches the math and science portions, and Dawn Jones, who teaches the English and reading portions. About every two weeks, the students in math switch to English and vice versa.

“Anyone in math first quarter could forget everything, so we just do it back and forth,” Jones said.

The class specifically targets the ACT by focusing on the content of the test, while also teaching students useful strategies to tackle each portion. Some of these strategies include Process of Elimination (POE), estimation, and Personal Order of Difficulty (POOD).

Helpful hints Use this timeline to find out the steps students should take through high school to best prepare for college FRESHMEN should...

SENIORS should...

• Consider taking ACT or PreACT • Meet with a guidance counselor • Get involved in extracurricular activities • Begin taking challenging classes • Sign up for the A+ program

• Take the ACT at least one final time before January • Take the SAT before January • Take SAT subject tests • Continue taking challenging courses • Finish any remaining A+ hours • Try for AP credit by taking the SOPHOMORES should...

AP tests and scoring a 3 or above • Take PSAT in October • Participate in extracurricular • Participate in extracurricular activities activities • Take on leadership roles • Create a filing system for college • Get involved in the community materials • Volunteer more • Start researching schools • Visit schools between sophomore • Read more • Visit any schools left on the list and junior year • Check for application deadlines • Take the ACT at least once • See if the colleges they are applying to are on the Common Application JUNIORS should...

• Continue applying for scholarships • Take the ACT in September • Write colleges essays • Take the PSAT in October to • Find a teacher who would be try for the National Merit good for writing letters of Scholar program recommendation • Try the SAT and SAT subject • Ask a teacher for help with tests editing college essays • Complete all 50 A+ hours • Look into types of financial aid • Research and visit schools • Keep taking challenging classes • Fill out a FAFSA • Start applying for scholarships • Being looking more closely at specific colleges • Take the ACT in June

“POOD is essential on the reading section,” Jones said. “Of the reading passages, students know which they’re best at and which they’re worst at and they put them in order of personal difficulty. They can do drills and decide how they take the test.”

For junior Zak Davlin, the decision to sign up for ACT prep was largely based on his desire to earn scholarships since he must pay for college on his own. With continued practice in class, Davlin is aiming for a 30 on his ACT. “I’ve already seen that by applying strategies to English, I only miss one to two questions per page,” Davlin said. “I think most things [we have learned] are going to improve my score five to six points. I’ve seen improvement through the practice and the homework we get.”

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 23

CAmpus Visits Common Missouri Schools

Check out this map showing some of Missouri’s most popular schools and where each of them are located

• Truman State University- Recognized as the best public university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2014.”

• University of Missouri Kansas City- Offers more than fifty majors and programs in 125 academic areas.

Kirksville Truman State University

• University of Missouri Columbia- Offers more than 300 degree programs.

St. Charles St. Charles Community College

Kansas City University of Missouri Kansas City

Rolla Missouri Science & Technology

ACT Score: 32 Advanced Placement Courses and Honors Classes: AP English Literature, AP Psychology, AP Biology, AP Calculus BC, Band Clubs Involved In: Knights of Excellence, StuCo, DECA, Science Club Colleges Applied To: Missouri State University, University of Alabama What did you think of the college visits?

“They’re very similar schools. It made me very excited to start college, I don’t really want to wait. It felt like it could be my home away from home.”

Explain what you liked about each of the schools you visited.

“At Alabama, I loved the campus and all of the staff was very friendly and informative. For Missouri State, I liked the community. It seemed like there was a lot going on and I wanted to be a part of it.”

24 FHNTODAY.COM

11.06.13

• Missouri State University- Received “Best in the Midwest” distinction from The Princeton Review,.

• Southeast Missouri State- Offers more than 200 areas of study.

Columbia University of Missouri Columbia

CATHERINE HOUSE

• Missouri Science & Technology- Ranked second in the nation for engineering by Online College Database’s Directory of U.S. Colleges.

St. Louis St. Louis University Washington University University of Missouri St. Louis Fontbonne University St. Louis College of Pharmacy

Cape Girardeau Southeast Missouri State Springfield Missouri State Univeristy

• St. Louis University- Ranked first in health law by U.S. News & World Report for 2014.

• Washington University- Offers more than 90 programs in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields.

• University of Missouri St. Louis- Offers the only professional optometry degree in Missouri.

• St. Charles Community College- a public two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs.

• Fontbonne University- Offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on educating students to think critically.

• St. Louis College of Pharmacy- Integrates the liberal arts and science with a professional program leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) degree. info from respective school websites

Big decisions Getting familiar with the territory plays a crucial role in determining the success of a tribute in the arena

BY BRIANNA MORGAN 1006briannamorgan@gmail.com

• @BriMarie1006

With so many colleges to choose from, it’s senior Catherine House’s job to pick which one best suits her.

Without an idea of what she wants to do, she thinks best way to find her ideal college is by visiting each.

“There were some places that I was like ‘Yeah, I might want to go here,’ but after I visited I was like ‘Eh, not so much anymore,’” Catherine said. “So by going on a tour and visiting, it really helped narrow it down.”

During a typical college visit, the potential student walks the campus with a student tour guide, either in a group or one-on-one. This is a time to ask questions and get a feel for the school.

“It was helpful to be able to ask the questions when I was there because it’s to someone who is passionate about their school and will give you more information than you origi-

nally asked for so it’s really informational,” Catherine said.

During visits, the colleges themselves want to make a good impression. Catherine thought the colleges put their best foot forward and really exhibited all of the great things that they had to offer. “[Every college] makes their school sound great,” Catherine’s mom, Mardi House said.

“It can sometimes actually make it even harder to choose a school because they make it sound so good that you want to go there.

Choosing a college is usually difficult for most people. Visiting a campus allows potential students to make the decision after personally seeing and learning about the college.

“It’s important to make sure that if there is anything at all that you have doubts about, that you have a chance to ask those important questions,” Mardi House said. “I personally like communicating face-to face so for me it makes it easier to understand what they are saying to me and it makes it more personal.”

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

FinAnciAl Aid pArAcutes won’t send themselves Tributes must be advocates for themselves if they want aid in the arena

BY PRISCILLA JOEL pjchristo16@gmail.com

Addison Eaker ACT Score: 30 Advanced Placement Courses and Honors Classes: AP Stats, AP Literature and AP Biology Clubs Involved In: StuCo, National Honors Society Colleges Applied To: Ball State University, University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL) How big of a role is financial aid going to play in choosing a school? “[Financial aid] is going to play a huge role because my parents are concerned with me being in debt. They’d rather me not have that. I want to go to an out of state college, but I might have to go to an in state school for that reason.”

Why is financial aid important to you? “[Financial aid is important] because schools are really expensive and you don’t want debt and loans hanging over your head for the rest of your life.”

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

• @JCPjchristo

The fight for college admissions is never an easy one.

Some are torn between their decision to pursue a math major or an English degree. Some can’t decide whether to aim for veterinary school or the medical field, but for many finances are a challenge.

“I’m really excited to be leaving and experiencing new things but it’s also really like, I’m really anxious about it too,” senior Addison Eaker said.

Students often don’t know the right questions to ask when it comes to financing their college education. In consequence, adults often don’t know when students may need help. It’s up to students to educate themselves about financial aid. Students like Eaker are researching scholarship opportunities, one of the three kinds of financial aid.

“Making a decision is definitely the hardest part because there’s so many factors that go into it,” Eaker said.

Many financial advisors believe students should apply for financial aid because they never know what could happen.

There is always the possibility for a family’s economic situation to change.

“I always encourage every student to apply for financial aid,” Rebecca Fallon, financial aid adviser from University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) said. “The way federal aid works is that everyone, no matter how much your parents make, no matter what the financial situation is, every student who fills out a FAFSA, qualifies for federal student loans.”

Financial aid is split into three categories: grants, scholarships, and loans. Seniors are able to apply for aid in January of their senior year, usually after their parents have paid taxes. It is recommended that students talk with their parents before this date in order to form a plan to get the most financial aid.

“I think that a really important piece of information that I would recommend to all students is just be in communication,” said Fallon. “Be in communication with your parents, when you’re filling out the FAFSA, when you’re applying to colleges. If you’re going to need their help paying for it, make sure you have that conversation now, rather than the day before classes start.”

To apply for financial aid, a student must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is an online form that requires some personal information that will help determine how much aid a student will receive.

“You don’t really know [how much aid you’ll receive] till

How to get free Aid Grants can be a good way to help pay for college A grant is a sum of money given by an organization or government, for a particular purpose.

TYPES OF GRANTS: • Federal Pell Grants: Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree.

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Students can receive between $100 and $4,000 a year.

• Teacher Educational Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH): This grant requires students to take certain kinds of classes in order to get the grant, and then do a certain kind of job to keep the grant from turning into a loan.

• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant: You may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant if your parent was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11.

you do it,” Senior Admissions Counselor at Truman State University Matt Magruder said.

Some weeks after the applications come in, a letter is sent back to the student who applied that informs them about the scholarships and grants they are eligible for.

However, they must prepare in advance.

“It’s never too late,” Magruder said. “I think earlier is always going to be best.”

One of the most important things to remember is to watch for deadlines.

“The best advice I can give is to make sure that you pay attention to deadlines,” Assistant Director of Undergraduate Financial Aid at Princeton University, Benjamin Eley said. “A lot of schools have different deadlines for what they call priority consideration so if you apply for financial aid late, you might miss out on some money that you would otherwise get.”

Stay ahead of the clock and get things done as early as possible. The last thing anyone wants to do is lose a potential admission in the college of their dreams.

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 25

SCHOLARSHIPS THE POWER OF the PARACHUTES A devoted senior fighting for scholarships is a regular pro at jumping for any scholarship she finds

BY CLAIRE CARR clrcarr@gmail.com

Kendra Kelch ACT Score: 28 Advanced Placement Courses and Honors Classes: AP Calculus, AP Physics Clubs Involved In: Young Democrats, Cheerleading, National Honors Society, Gay Straight Alliance, Great Moon buggy Race Club, Robotics Club Colleges Applied To: Purdue, University of Florida, Missouri Science and Technology, University of Iowa Why apply for scholarships?

“I’d rather not start my life off after college with a heap of debt. I don’t want to wait until I’m 40 to get all of my student loans paid off.”

Scholarships Awarded: Merit Scholarships, Women in Engineering Scholarship, FIRST Robotics Scholarship, Legacy Scholarship at University of Iowa, Air Force ROTC

26 FHNTODAY.COM

11.06.13

• @clurrburr4

Senior Kendra Kelch completes another scholarship application and grabs the next. Name, ACT score, GPA. She’s applied for the Air Force ROTC and FIRST Robotics scholarships and she’s received the Legacy scholarship at University of Iowa.

“It was awesome to find get the Legacy scholarship,” Kelch said, “mainly because the reason I got in is because my dad went to school there so it’s kind of a sense of pride. And it’s always nice to get free money.”

Some Missouri scholarships include the A+ Scholarship, Bright Flight, and the AP Incentive Grant. In addition, there is the Saint Louis University NCAA Division I Grant-In-Aid which requires that students play the same sport in high school that they are planning to participate in at SLU. The deadline for this scholarship is Dec. 1 and requires a $100 deposit to the Office of Undergraduate Admission at St. LU. “Students should apply for scholarships because they are one of the biggest decision factors when looking at universities,” Admissions Counselor at Truman State University Lauren Titterington said. “They’re important so that you have enough financial aid, and in some cases the amount of effort students have put forth show that they deserve scholarships.”

Scholarships are available for academics, sports achievements, and traits a person has like, race, family income, religion.

“It’s similar to the saying on real estate: location, location, location,” Gifted Education Specialist Jon Travis said. “For scholarships it’s apply, apply, apply.”

Students can also use websites to learn about scholarships in their area of interest by submitting information about themselves. These websites give suggestions based on things students are involved in.

“I found most of the scholarships I’m applying to on college websites and I heard about some from teachers and my parents,” Kelch said.

In 2012 the graduating class at FHN earned $5.7 million in scholarships and in 2013, the graduating class earned $6,030,000. However, some students may not have chosen to use the scholarship money for the school that offered it. Still, Travis encourages all students to apply for as many scholarships as they can so students will have a better chance of receiving one.

“Just like in the lottery, you can’t win if you don’t try,” Travis said.

If a student is interested in applying for a scholarship they should check what the university has to offer and make sure they meet the qualifications necessary.

“I don’t wanna be in a lot of debt,” Kelch said. “I’m working to get more qualified for scholarships to get more money for going to college.”

INSIDE THE PARACHUTE Here are a few organizations that are willing to offer some help along the way for the fight from tribute to victor

nATIONAL

LOCAL

• National Merit Scholarship-up to $2,500: awarded to students who take the PSAT/ NMSQT and are selected from the Finalist group.

• Community Foundation of the Ozark Scholarship-varies: requires a current FAFSA-EFC and tends to depend on where the applicant lives.

• American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship-$2,000: read a short essay about sprinklers and fire safety, then take a 10-question quiz on what was just read to be entered for a chance to win.

• A+ Scholarship-tuition to a community college or vocational/technical school: awarded to students with an overall grade point average of 2.5 or higher, at least 50 hours of tutoring or mentoring and 95 percent attendance.

ODD • Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest-$2,000: Duck calling contest open to any high school senior.

• Tall Clubs International Student Scholarshipup to $1,000: minimum height requirement is 5’10” for women and 6’2” for men. The scholarship requires applicants to find a TCI member to be his/her sponsor.

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

FINAL DECISION The Victory Tour After winning the Games, there is still work to be done by the tributes

BY ELISABETH CONDON econdon2014@gmail.com

JIMMY HIGGINS Colleges Applied To: Truman State University, University of MissouriColumbia, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Murray State University What is the hardest part about finding a college?

“Finding the school that gives me the best chance to succeed later in life.”

CHRIS CATTRON Colleges Applied To: Missouri Institute of Science and Technology Why Missouri S&T? “Because they’re a really good engineering school with lots of opportunity.

It’s not too close, but it’s not too far away and it’s affordable.”

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

• @willowandgingko

While most seniors worry about making their final college decision, senior Chris Cattron has already been accepted to his first choice school: the Missouri Institute of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). Chris believes this is his perfect college because he plans on becoming a civil engineer.

“I was pretty excited [when I got accepted],” Chris said. “It was comforting to know that if I want to go there, that that’s open already, and it was just really nice getting accepted into the one school that I really wanted to go to.”

Many students aren’t sure what to do after being accepted.

Admissions Counselor for Truman State University Lauren Titterington suggests that students like Chris, who have been accepted, visit the school in the fall of their senior year in order to sit in on classes to experience what it will be like as a student.

To prepare for college, Chris reads books on physics and engineering in his spare time so he can be familiar with the material. He has also spoken to students currently attending Missouri S&T which has helped Chris solidify his decision to only apply to one school. However, Chris doesn’t believe that applying to only one school is for everyone.

“You can always apply to more schools, so don’t not apply to a school just because you’re not sure if you’re going there,” Chris said.

Unlike Chris, senior Jimmy Higgins applied to multiple colleges. Jimmy, like many students, wants to keep his options open by looking at many . He applied to six colleges with dreams of becoming a veterinarian and the back-up plan of

becoming an accountant.

“I’m leaning towards Truman right now...because they have the best accounting program in the Midwest,” Jimmy said.

Jimmy will base his choices for his top three schools on location, the number of scholarships available to him and campus appeal.

“I’m going to narrow it down to probably three of my top schools, and then I’m going to look in from there and see which scholarships apply to me,” Jimmy said.

For students like Jimmy, who will not make their final decision until spring of their senior year, Titterington suggests that they stay on top of all the next sets of deadlines. She advises students to get their housing requests in as soon as possible in order to get assigned their top choice.

Right now, Jimmy is taking AP and Honors classes to get practice with handling the workload. Titterington believes this is great preparation for college classes. She said she sees a lot of first year students struggle with the new responsibilities of college.

“Typically in high school, you’re in class for eight hours a day, and then you study for maybe two to three hours,” Titterington said. “In college, that gets flipped on its head. You’re in class for two maybe three hours...and you’re definitely studying for more than two to three hours a day. I think that’s a really new concept [for freshmen] because they don’t know just how much work it is going to take.”

ADVICE FROM PAST TRIBUTES These 2013 FHN graduates and some FHN faculty give their advice to the graduating class of 2014

2013 tributes “There is a lot more time needed to invest in studying in college than in high school.

And if you have a job or are in a sport it restricts your time.

You gotta learn how to manage your time well.”

-Sam McKee 2013 graduate

fhn fAculty “I would say to really work on organization and keeping good study habits. Then when you get into college maintain friendships from high school but get involved as much as possible.”

-Julia Carney 2013 graduate

“Don’t give up too early once you get into college. Get involved in a lot of activities.

Do as much as you can while you’re in high school.”

-Christina DeSalvo 2013 graduate

“Number one, call home.

Number two study hard and remember why you’re there. Have fun and make good choices.”

-Anelise Mossinghoff FHN faculty

“Stay focused and use time wisely because you have a lot more time than you are used to.”

-Kristen Johnson FHN faculty

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 27

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

THE HUNGER GAMES

IMPORTANT SYMBOLS These symbols appear in the movie and have a specific meaning

Use this as a guide before seeing Hunger Games: Catching Fire to catch on the important characters, main plot line and what each district represents

THE HUNGER GAMES recAp Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are chosen from District 12 as tributes.

Katniss’ sister was originally chosen but Katniss volunteered in her place During an interview Peeta says that he’s in love with Katniss

Katniss and Peeta end up being the only two left and they think they won but then the announcer says They get back to that only one person can win the capitol and Haymitch says that things are different Katniss has to and that they’ve nurse Peeta back started something to health big

The announcer says that two people can win if they are from the same district

Peeta forms an alliance with tributes who are hunting Katniss

Katniss and Rue devise a plan to blow up everything in the Cornucopia

Previous victor Haymitch is their mentor for training before the games begin

Rue gets shot by a bow and arrow and dies

The games begin and the tributes start fighting

Katniss kisses Peeta

WELCOME TO

Wilds C

1

5

10 2

9 3

4

Katniss and Peeta decide that if they can’t win together they will just eat poisonous berries and die

BOW AND ARROW

1. KATNISS EVERDEEN

Main character who volunteered after her sister was called for the Hunger Games.

She challenged the Capitol and is known as ‘The Girl on Fire’.

8 6

12

11 2 PEETA MELlARK

District 2- Masonry/Weaponry- This district makes the weapons for the Peacekeepers and trains.

4. hAymitch AbernAthy

Gale is Katniss’ best friend. He also lives in District 12. He and Katniss have been friends for years. He does whatever it takes to provide for his family.

6. PRESIDENT SNOW

Katniss’ sister, Primrose(Prim for short), gets called as the female tribute for District 12.

Katniss then volunteers for her.

7. EffiE trinket

President Snow is the president of Panem. He also has some say about what happens in the arena during the Hunger Games.

District 6- Transportation- This district is responsible for the hovercraft and the trains throughout the nation.

Effie is from the capitol. She is in charge of pulling the names and escorting tributes from District 12 to the capitol. She also teaches them manners.

District 7- Lumber- This district makes hatchets, axes, saws, and other tree cutting tools.

8. CinnA District 8- Textiles- This is where the Peacekeepers uniforms are made.

District 9- Grain- Made up of lots farmland, District 9 provides the grain.

9. Rue

Cinna is Katniss’ stylist during the Hunger Games. He helps to make Katniss memorable with her fiery outfits. They also share an emotional bond.

Rue was a tribute from District 11 who was underestimated by the other tributes due to her small size. She formed an alliance with Katniss.

District 10- Livestock- Where the animals are held.

District 11- Agriculture- Almost everything that is grown here is shipped to the Capitol.

District 12- Coal Mining- Their main source of income is from mining coal.

info from goo.gl/cR6jF

28 FHNTODAY.COM 11.06.13

10. CAESAR FLICKERMAN

He is the charismatic host of the Hunger Games. He interviews Katniss and the rest of the tributes to help potential sponsors get to know them.

To Katniss, the bow and arrow symbolizes survival. She uses the weapons to shoot food to sell for her family. She also uses her time with the bow and arrow to be with her friend Gale. While in the arena, Katniss uses the bow and arrow to hunt with and she used it on another tribute.

The bow and arrow is Katniss’ first choice of weaponry.

5. PRIMrose EVERDEEN

Haymitch is Katniss and Peeta’s mentor during the Hunger Games. He won Hunger Games twenty-four years earlier. He now lives in Victor Village.

District 4- Fishing- This district is known for making fishhooks and people being able to swim.

District 5- Power- This district is responsible for the power and electricity for all of Panem.

3. GALE hAwthorne

Peeta is the boy from district 12 chosen to be in the Hunger Games. His family has a bakery in District 12. He is also in love with Katniss.

District 1- Luxury- District 1 is known for making expensive items.

District 3- Electronics- The people from District 3 are have lots of skills when it comes to electronics, transportation and firearms.

This pin symbolizes rebellion.

The mockingjay pin is a small pin with a gold bird in the middle and a gold circle surrounding it. The mockingjay is a hybrid of the jabberjay bird and mocking bird. Katniss brings this pin into the area as a token from District 12.

When a mockingjay hears a sounds it can then mimic the sounds and whistle it back.

KEY PLAYERS

PANEM 7

Next Up...

CATCHING FIRE

Katniss starts to look for Peeta and finds him with a deep cut on his leg

Katniss becomes friends with Rue, the female tribute from District 11

mockingjAy pin

11. SENECA CRANE

He is the Head Gamemaker for the Hunger Games. He allows two victors, Katniss and Peeta, to win together and was then executed by President Snow.

fire At the opening ceremony of the Hunger Games, Peeta and Katniss shocked the Capitol with their fiery outfits to display District 12. This fire represents Katniss’ will to survive for her sister, Prim, who she cares for more than anything.

This fire also represents the flames of rebellion that began during the Hunger Games. She is given the nickname “Girl on Fire.”

PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT

JOE

TIERNEY

I like seeing how they turn out in the end and seeing what I come up with and how I make it.

Q&A What do you make out of balloons and why?

“I like making masks and characters from shows because I like how they look and you can actually wear the masks.”

How did you teach yourself to make different characters out of balloons?

“I really just kind of look at things and then start trying them.”

How long does it typically take you to make something out of balloons?

“That really varies depending on the project but on average it takes around five minutes.”

What do your friends say about your different balloon projects?

“No one really says anything because I’ve been doing them for a long time and they’re used to it.”

WATCH Check out the link goo.gl/aghzbY to see a video of Joe making some balloon animals in action.

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MAKING MEDALISTS

Head wrestling coach continues to send athletes to State, most of whom medal, more than 25 years after his arrival at North in 1986

BY BRENDA ALVARADO brenduhalvarado@gmail.com

•

@brenduhalvarado

Erik Caldwell. Matt Kanipe. Steve Pisciotta.

These are just three of the 10 State Champions Wrestling Coach Harold Ritchie has worked with, and only three of the 66 State Medalists he’s coached.

66.

It all started in 1979 when four wrestlers went to State.

It was the big cumulation of their seasons. The final tournament. For the seniors, this was it. It was do or die.

“It’s intense,” Ritchie said. “Everyone wants to be a State Medalist.”

Two wrestlers came back with medals. Not half bad for a brand new coach. Not half bad at all.

Having been a wrestler since he was seven years old, Ritchie inevitably wrestled in high school. The dedication he has as a coach was instilled when he was a high school student. He won State as a high schooler, and went on to wrestle for four years at the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou). In his last year of college, he was the As-

32 FHNTODAY.COM 11.06.13

sistant coach at Mizzou. After graduating from Mizzou in 1979, he coached wrestling at Ritenour High School for three years.

“Wrestling is a big part of my life,” Ritchie said. “Coaching was a way to keep me involved in the sport.”

And he did remain involved. After leaving Ritenour in 1981 and not coaching for five years, Ritchie came to North in 1986. In his second year of coaching here, he coached a State Champion, Jason Sexon, his first at North. Sexon also became Ritchie’s second and third State Champion, when he defended his title for two more years.

Ritchie believes part of this success is solely based on the athletes’ mentalities. He works with a lot of non-athletic people, but, because of their mind set, they learn to become better athletes.

Ritchie believes athletes’ mind sets develop quicker when they listen to constructive criticism. This, eventually, produces great athletes. And in turn medalists. State Medalists.

“They have to let the mental aspect sink in,” Ritchie said. “We can talk about it forever, 365 days we can talk about it, but it has to sink in. A bell kinda goes

PAGE BY BRENDA ALVARADO

Coach Harold Ritchie stands by his wall of medalists. On this wall, in his classroom, he places pictures of all the wrestlers who have won medals at State The pictures are provided by MSHSAA after the Tournament.

They go as far back as 1986. (paige martinez) Coach Harold Ritchie demonstrates a wrestling move with his son, junior Sam Ritchie, at a pre-season practice.

Ritchie’s eldest son, also named Harold, won three state medals for FHN, and Sam has qualified his freshman and sophomore year, and is aiming to medal this season. (paige martinez)

off for them, and then they get it.”

In 1997, it clicked for one wrestler. When he started, he showed promised. He was focused and always thought ahead. He always wanted to know what he did wrong and how he could get better. After matches he’d go up to Ritchie and ask him for advice. He worked on his technique. Ritchie would show the moves and practice with him. This is how social studies teacher Sean Fowler won his State Championship.

“I want everyone to be working for a State Championship,” Ritchie said.

And then they just keep coming:The state trips. The medals. The success.

By 2003, Ritchie had coached a total of five State Champions, three of which had won multiple times.

Twenty-seven years later, Ritchie is still here. He’s still coaching. But most importantly, he’s still coaching State Medalists. But, he’s not nearly satisfied. He wants to be like the other schools; the ones that have Champions every year.

“I would say [my coaching style] is no nonsense,” Ritchie said. “It’s very intense. I push wrestlers to be the best. I’m hopefully building State Champions.”

Last year, in the most recent of the State trips, 2013 alumnus Tyler Smith brought back a fifth place medal. He credits this to Ritchie, who taught him everything he knows. Ritchie, along with Assistant Varsity Coach Chris Brown, taught him and his fellow wrestlers the new moves by demonstrating them on each other. Ritchie focused on helping the wrestlers on their technique. Brown, more of a hands on coach, wrestled with Smith. They still use this coaching style today.

“It’s easier to help them [wrestlers] with their technique when you wrestle them,” Brown said. “You can quickly see what’s wrong.”

Ritchie’s favorite part of the whole process is when athletes believe in themselves and prove the expectations wrong. These small and spread out moments are what keep him coming back every year. He comes back for the athlete that isn’t that great at wrestling. The one that progresses and gradually gets better. The one that was a nobody and became a somebody. The journey is what Ritchie lives for.

“Those few moments make it exciting all over,” Ritchie said. “There’s usually few and they’re very far in between. But every year, it’s glorious seeing the wrestlers’ accomplishments.”

PAGE BY BRENDA ALVARADO

This year, he hopes to have many of those moments. He has about four wrestlers with Varsity experience, leading a fairly young team. A team with potential and lots of it.

“We’ll have growing pains this year,” Ritchie said. “It is a younger team.”

But, they also have a lot of hard working athletes. Ones who will learn how to be mentally tough. Ones who are going to have to want a State Championship more than anyone else. But, most importantly, ones who will transform in front of their coaches’ eyes, and bring Ritchie to another State Medalists so he can continue the legacy.

“I’m pretty proud of all of them [State Champions], as well as the other medalists,” Ritchie said. “I guess I’m just a little greedy because I always want more.”

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 33

S

BRIEFLY SPEAKING

THE FINAL GAME

The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team finishes the 2013 season, leaving it all on the court

BY NORTH STAR STAFF yourfhn@fhntoday.com • @FHNtoday

NEW JAZZ DANCE

With the help from Ashley Hanne, an experienced and prestigious college dancer from Minnesota State University, the Varsity Knightline team is excited for the new jazz dance they have added to their routine.

“I think she gave us a lot of helpful tips,” Varsity Knightline dancer Kristina McKay said. “I think it’s cool that she brought the Minnesota dance style to our routine.”

With the new additions to the routine, the team has high expectations of going to State on Feb. 15.

The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball season came to an end after participating in a conference-wide battle between six other teams. This year’s Districts were held at Parkway North for two days, Oct. 29 and 30.

“We played really well the first day but I think we could’ve done better,” junior Valerie Udevenko said.

Because of their win against FZE on the first day of the competition, North qualified to compete on the second day. However, the team was knocked out of the competition after losing to Parkway North. They tied for third place overall, which most players believe is an improvement from last year’s performance.

“Overall, I think we did pretty good,” sophomore Baylie Clynes said. “I think the second game we kind of just gave to them, and I think that if we could’ve kept our heads in the game, we could’ve done better.”

In order to prepare for Districts, the girls spent extra time on their hitting, serving, and defense during practices to ensure the best performance possible. Aside from physical preparation, the girls were also mentally preparing themselves to push through two, and sometimes three, games in order to win the overall match. In the end, though, it came down to the mentality of the players.

“I think we could’ve done better if we kept our heads in the game,” Clynes said. “We got to school early and practiced after school a lot. We should have won.”

The team came in with their 200th win two weeks prior to their Districts appearance with Varsity Coach Robin Yuede leading them. They reached this milestone during a weekend-long tournament in Lebanon.

“I felt proud of Yuede as a coach because she’s worked really hared and that win really represented her hard work,” Udevenko said.

(brief by rodney malone)

WINTER SPORTS TRYOUTS Girls’ Swimming and Diving begins Nov. 18 at the Rec-Plex. Girls need to have a current MSHSAA physical form dated after Feb. 1, 2013, 2012 ImPACT testing forms, and 3 and 1 forms.

Tryouts for Boys’ and Girls’ basketball and Wrestling started on Nov. 4.

“I’m anticipating a 15win season,” Assistant Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach Dawn Hahn said. “We have a lot of seniors coming out this year. The players are all quick and athletic. I can hope for a conference championship.”

Seniors Brandon Chac and Brandon Rosner along with junior Justin Levins and sophomore Chase Powelson take off in a run at the start of GACs. GACs took place on Oct. 17 at McNair Park. The Girls team took third and the Boys team took fourth. (matt krieg)

SURPASSING EXPECTATIONS AT DISTRICTS

The Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country teams push each other to finish in front

BY RODNEY MALONE malonerodney97@gmail.com

For the first time in seven years, the Varsity Boys’ Cross Country team qualified for Sectionals, along with the Girls’ team who also qualified last year. In order for the whole team to qualify, they had to place in the top four teams, and both FHN teams placed third.

“I think we deserve to go to Sectionals,” Varsity runner Gregory Criswell said. “We have been working really hard, and I think we

have a good chance of going to State.”

According to Varsity runner Timothy Bries, the team had to overcome many obstacles like injuries and lack of focus. He believes that the team is better for overcoming these obstacles.

“Sometimes runners are hurting or don’t feel like running,” Bries said. “I think when a runner starts to think about how many medals there are and their determination to place it helps them keep focus and to push themselves a little bit more.”

Sectionals took place Nov. 2 at Blackburn Park. As of press time, the results were unknown.

(brief by claire carr)

34 FHNTODAY.COM 11.06.13

PAGE BY LEXI WILKINSON

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

RISA TAKENAKA Takenaka places fourth at State competition

BY RYAN JENSEN rjjjensen28@gmail.com

Seniors Crystal Webb and Dani Dagenais high-five their teammates after scoring a point against Howell on Oct. 22. The team lost against their rivals in two games. (paige martinez)

PUTTING JUST SHORT OF THE PRIZE The Girls’ Golf team finished their season with a record of 2-9-1.

According to junior Julia Kaminski, the team wasn’t as strong as it could have been and they didn’t perform up to potential, the team got seventh place out of nine schools with a score of 422 points. at Districts.

“I think the team will do better next year,” Kaminski said. “I hope we place at State and we’ll do better because we have some solid freshmen coming up.”

Individually, Kaminski qualified for Sectionals by getting 17th and a score of +21 at Districts. However, she missed State by one stroke, placing 18th with a score of +23.

“My performance was pretty solid,” Kaminski said. “But my putting definitely lost me a Taylor Johnson, 9 place or two in the end.”

PAGE BY MAGGIE TORBECK

Junior AJ Shulze avoids the tackle of two Washington Blue Jays. On October 25, the Knights came out on top with a final score of 39 to 29 resulting in there third victory of the season. (matt krieg)

MAKING PROGRESS

With a record of 3-6 as of press time, Varsity Head Football Coach Brandon Gregory believes the team made a lot of progress from their previous season of 0-10 because of their defense. In addition to their improved defense, the team has had a success in offense due to key players like Jordan Moody, Terry White, and Darrian Wolosyk all of whom are ranked in the top 100 in the St. Louis Metropolitan area for running, passing, and receiving.

“It’s a big accomplishment for me. It shows all my hard work I put into the off-season. And I’m gonna continue to do my best the rest of the year,” Wolosyk said.

Varsity Safety Andrew Cline thinks that the team has come a long way this season and no one should count them out of any game, especially since they won their last regular season game against Washington High School 39-29.

“I think the team is a lot more confident,” Cline said, “ We know we can hang with any team and we always have a chance to win no matter how good the other team is.” (brief by rodney malone)

Junior Risa Takenaka placed fourth at the Girls’ State Tennis competition which took place Oct. 25-26 at the Cooper Tennis Center in Springfield. “[I’m] very, very proud of them,” Head Coach Kate Kleiber said. “They are the best sports team in the school and smart. They work hard, play hard, and enjoy life.”

Takenaka was up one set in the semifinals but lost a set and couldn’t regain her momentum.

“I was really upset I got fourth, but my parents were proud because this year’s State was more difficult,” Takenaka said.

The girls ended the regular season with an 11-0 record and went 1-1 in the post-season. They placed second in the Troy Tournament, second in GAC’s, and second in Team Districts. “[Next year] I plan on working harder on fitness and helping out my team more,” Takenaka said.

While Risa was the only girl to go to State, several other girls participated in the Individual Districts competition which was held Oct. 12 at Parkway Central. Kelsey Schaffrin and Emily Wilson took third in doubles and Yuri Takenaka took fourth in singles.

“Our season went really well this year, We were 14-1 and we got second in Disrticts,” Schaffrin said.

CLICK

Check out FHNgameday.com for all things sports at North.

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 35

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BRIEFLY SPEAKING

DIVING INTO SUCCESS Freshman Peter Lucido prepares for his first State competition after setting a new school record and then breaking his own record

BY LEXI WILKINSON

lexiwilkinson25@gmail.com•@loupy0925

Paige Pauley throws the ball to first base during the Fort Zumwalt South game. North ended up with a losing score of 7-4. (paige martinez)

ENDING STRONG Although the Varsity Softball team ended the season with a record of 11-14, according to Assistant Coach Mike Freedline, the team had good improvement at the end of the season despite starting off slow. The team lost the first game of Districts taking them out of the tournament.

“The way we finished was good, and I’m happy with the team,” Freedline said. “They improved individually and as a whole.”

Sophomore Austine Pauley said the team lacked focus in the start of the season. She hopes for changes in performance for next year’s season.

“We could’ve done better,” Pauley said.

“Our defense and hitting could’ve improved.

We needed to have our heads in the game. At one point we were 2-10 but then we stepped up our game.”

FALL STATS For JV Sports

20 • 18 • 16 • 14 • 12 • 10 • 8 • 6 • 4 • 2 •

(As of press time)

Volleyball Football KEY -Wins -Losses

Soccer

Softball

Cross Country: 1-3 Freshman Soccer: 14-4-3 Freshman Volleyball: 14-2

36 FHNTODAY.COM 11.06.13

As the fall sports season comes to a close, one diver isn’t quite ready to step off the diving board just yet.

Freshman Peter Lucido, who has been diving competitively for more than two years, has qualified for the State competition. State takes place Nov. 15-16 at the St. Peters Rec Plex.

“It’s a great accomplishment for me,” Lucido said.

“I think it’s good to have a diver representing FHN at this level.”

First-timer Lucido is optimistic about his chances, and so is his St. Louis Diving Club teammate Dominique Meyer, a junior who has been diving for more than two years as well. Meyer went to State last year, and came in seventh place overall. From her experience, Meyer believes Lucido will do well.

“He’s really good,” Meyer said. “I think as long as he doesn’t get nervous or intimidated by the level of competition, he could easily place at least third. He could definitely win, though.”

Assistant Boys’ Swim/Dive Team Coach William Crow also believes Lucido will do well based on how he has done this year. He broke the school’s diving record of 216 during his very first meet in addition to setting a new record when he earned 275.05 points on Oct. 1 against Wentzville Liberty. To qualify for State, a diver must earn a minimum of 210 points overall for a set of six dives. Lucido was the only swimming or diving member from FHN to qualify this season.

“He works really hard,” Crow said. “He practices all year round with the St. Louis Diving Club in addition to diving for the Knights. I think it’s a great achievement for him and the school. It’s good for the swim team to get a little notoriety, and it may get more kids interested in swimming and diving.”

Tom Lucido, Peter’s Club coach and older brother, thinks that Peter will go far due to his strong control and great techniques, as long as the judges see it too.

“The judging at the State level is a bit different from other meets, because it really depends on if they like what they see,” Tom said. “Being a freshman, they haven’t seen him before, so they don’t really know what to expect. But I think he could easily place top two. He spins really fast. Most kids don’t spin that fast.”

Lucido is also currently ranked third on the STL High School Sports Boys’ Swimming stats list of the Top 50 divers in the Greater St. Louis Area. To enter the running for a medal at the State competition Lucido will need to get at least 340 points total for a set of 11 dives.

“I’m planning to just train really hard to prepare,” Lucido said. “I really want to try and perfect a back two and a half dive for it. The State competition’s a new experience for me, and I hope I do well.”

Freshman Peter Lucido jumps off of the springboard during the Sept.

2 meet against Fort Zumwalt South Bulldogs. In this meet, North accepted defeat but will face them again at GAC’s on Nov. 5-7. As of Nov. 1, Lucido is ranked third in the State with a score of 275.05. (cameron mccarty) PAGE BY BRENDA ALVARADO & CLAIRE CARR

SUBHEAD HERE

THE FINAL

PUSH

BELOW: Junior Emma Pardo swings at the ball during the 11 inning win against Warrenton. (paige martinez) FAR BELOW: Sophomore Sydney Salzano spikes the ball during the game against FHC. (cameron mccarty)

#

FHNGameday

FHN fall sports teams wrap up their seasons as winter sports get ready to begin

Tag your all of your sports posts with #FHNGameday to see your tweet, photos or video featured here

• Instagram

Freshman Chase Droeg steals the ball during the game against Desmet. (jenna rodriguez)

Last football game ever with my fav senior! I’m gonna miss my bestie!!!

Love you tons!!!! @danielledagenais

@kate_wing Kate Wing

• Instagram

ABOVE: Senior Brandon Chac sprints towards the finish line at a cross country meet held at McNair Park.

Chac, and his teammates won third place at districts later on in the season. (matt krieg) LEFT: Senior Megan Oostendorp returns the ball to her opponent during a match against Fort Zumwalt North (cameron mccarty)

Last night>>>> way to get that win boys! 58-20 #FHNGameday #knightpride

@karley_r_m Karley

McCarthy

• Twitter

@febreezyyy26

Seniors Drake Kruep and Corey Bruns sing the FHN fight song with their teammates after defeating Washington. It is a FHN tradition for the football team to rush to the stands and sing to the crowd after a victory. (matt krieg)

Timothy Bries Good bro run. #Dedication @DatgingerBR @ ForrestRunsFast @Chac_ie_chan

• Twitter

KICKIN’ IT INTO GEAR FOR DISTRICTS

With many obstacles this season, the Varsity Boys’ Soccer team plans on fulfilling expectation for Districts this week

BY RODNEY MALONE malonerodney97@gmail.com

Despite not reaching the high team expectations this season, Varsity mid fielder and top scorer Keegan Fouch looks to lead the Varsity Boys’ Soccer team to yet another Districts Championship this week. Fouch will have to do so without the help of Varsity forward Oscar Guerrero, a key player for the team who suffered an ankle injury.

“I am just going to try my best to score at least one goal every game and to get the whole team involved,” Fouch said.

PAGE BY RODNEY MALONE

Because of their success at GAC’s and Districts last season, the team expected to have a better record than their current one as of press time of 4-12. Fouch is looking to take charge in hopes of reviving their season.

Varsity forward junior Andrew Baker thinks that it is definitely possible for the team to win Districts again and have a better shot at sectinals, especially with Fouch leading the team.

“He definitely helps score goals,” Baker said. ”He helps us move the ball really effectively and smoothly.”

Senior night for volleyball tomorrow night! Come out and support our Lady Knights! Senior theme so free like a “senior”!

@The_Goonies14 FHN Goonies

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 37

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TOP APPS

SCHOOL SMARTS

Reviewed by Brittany Steck

ITUNES U

TED TALKS

LUMOSITY

Learn something new through video and audio lectures on any subject from biology to ancient history to art.

Watch videos from featured speakers to gain new insight on current ideas and theories such as environmental issues and poetry.

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THE LATEST FROM RIDLEY SCOTT

“The Counselor” proves to be a fascinating yet forgettable film

BY DAN STEWART danstewart130@gmail.com • @danstewrocks

R

idley Scott is undoubtedly one of the most recognized and influential directors of all time. His extensive filmography includes the likes of “Alien”, “Blade Runner”, “Black Hawk Down”, and “Gladiator”. However, “The Counselor” feels distant from Scott, being a cool and confident dialogue-driven drama rather than an explosive blockbuster. The film was penned by author Cormac McCarthy, who is most notable for the novelturned-film “No Country for Old Men”. His dense and ambitious screenplay overpowers the star-studded cast, leaving “The Counselor” as much more of a Cormac McCarthy film, rather than a Ridley Scott film.

The movie follows an unnamed lawyer or “Counselor” (Michael Fassbender, “Prometheus”,) who enters the border-crossing drug trade with his clients Reiner ( Javier Bardem, “No Country for Old Men”) and Westray (Brad Pitt). Other players include Reiner’s girlfriend Malkina (Cameron Diaz) and the Counselor’s fiancée, Laura (Penélope Cruz). While the majority of performances, mainly Bardem’s and Pitt’s, are excellent, the biggest downfall of the entire film, is the casting of Diaz.

In “No Country for Old Men”, an unrelenting hitman named Anton Chigurh ( Javier Bardem) embodies pure evil and Use the link harsh reality. In “The Counselor”, a similar goo.gl/dGIvKn to see character is found in Malkina. Though a video of the trailer the ideas presented through her character for the movie which are clear, Diaz’ performance is grossly came out Oct 25. overacted and comparable to an old-time villain twirling his moustache while standing over a damsel on train tracks. She is simply much better suited for her roles in movies like “Bad Teacher.”

“The Counselor” is the first screenplay written by McCarthy, and it shows. This film reaches for the stars of existentialism and thematic storytelling and, occasionally, is spot on. It opens with a dreamy sequence of the Counselor and Laura lying in bed, confessing their love for each other. They are in blissful ignorance. Feeling invincible, the Counselor buys into a cocaine deal to afford a diamond engagement ring and take on a high-rolling, luxurious lifestyle. When the deal goes south, he is hit with that harsh reality that he isn’t bulletproof. This is much more pronounced in “No Country for Old Men”, with the character of Llewelyn Moss ( Josh Brolin), whose ideal life is that of a gun-slinging cowboy, but, like the Counselor, finds much more than he bargained for. “The Counselor” is certainly the work of the same novelist, and it might work much better as a screenplay.

Technically, the film is fine, with some scenes of exceptional lighting and modest cinematography. The sets are well selected, and the music is light but

WATCH

R

40 FHNTODAY.COM 11.06.13

added some subtle emotion. The effects were only in terms of blood and, with the exception of one close-up gunshot, they are intense and gory, adding some grit and horror to the movie.

In all, this is an ambitious and enticing film, with a majority of well-executed facets. It’s a thinker’s film, with an artistic glacier hidden beneath it’s dense surface. Its positives outweigh its negatives, but “No Country for Old Men” is a much better adaptation of McCarthy’s story and ideas. And though his name is attached, “The Counselor” is forgettable in the context of Ridley Scott’s filmography or the other releases of this year in general.

PAGE BY DAVID MCFEELY

STACK THE STATES

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Join childhood characters Tim and Moby by watching featured easy-to-understand videos from their website.

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HISTORY HERE

Ease your fears for this daunting test by taking practice tests and receive explanations for the given answers.

Enter in your current location to view information about various historical sites near you.

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A “SWITCHFOOT” SOUND

Current FHSD students form a band that plays music with creative lyrics and a fluent sound amazing, especially for their age.

As you can tell by their sound, the band has been heavily influenced by Switchfoot. Though Local alternative band Minus Me they play off of Switchfoot’s sound, WATCH IT they make their music different with has been around for about a year and a half. For as young as the band their song structure. The structure is, they still manage to pack a lot of of their songs consists of maintaintalent into their songs. The band ing the same beat throughout the consists of front man Jack McCloy entire song. This allows you to on guitar and vocals, John Grieve listen to the lyrics more closely and on bass, Josh Hayden on drums, and leaves the message of the song up to Use the link to see a video Luke Guerdan, the only member self-interpretation. I really like the of Luke Guerdan’s band from North, on guitar. band’s lyrics because they use a lot of goo.gl/VE1oQd They’ve managed to get quite a literary devices such as metaphors, few impressive achievements in symbolism, and imagery. The usage their short time spent together. The of these devices is really cool because band has released a five song EP and has played they really make you think about what the song at Busch Stadium. The fact that the band has means to you. Anyone that listens to alternative managed to get themselves this kind of exposure is music will enjoy the band as I have.

BY KYLEIGH KRISTENSEN kyleigh1318@gmail.com • @kyleigh15_

SUB FALLS TOO SHORT

BY DAVID MCFEELY

mcfeely1313@gmail.com • @mcfeely1313

Firehouse Subs is located at 1365 Bass Pro Dr., St. Charles, MO (mckenzie shea)

PAGE BY DAVID MCFEELY

When first walking into the Firehouse Subs, it smells like smoked meat and sweet seasonings and sauces. Two TVs are mounted on opposite corners of the restaurant to give each customer a good view of what’s on. The servers were nice, asking me what I wanted on my brisket and beef sub instead of just piling the toppings on there. These things, combined with the cleanliness, gave me the expectation of an amazing experience.

The sandwich I received was far from what I expected. When I got my food, I noticed it was smaller than the picture made it out to be. I expected the food to be of higher quality because of the higher prices, but they turned what I expected to be a good juicy brisket and beef sub into an average tasting sub with too much sauce. While the servers asked what toppings I wanted, the sub came with specific sauces and cheese.

The cheese did not complement the kind of meat on the sub, and I feel that the sub would have been better with mozzarella and less sauce.

Overall, Firehouse Subs has a good environment where people can go hang out, but the food just did not meet my expectations.

Free

Free

TECH SPOTLIGHT

TED TALKS

Engaging speakers make intellectual topics interesting for students

BY NICK WYER

nickwyer23@gmail.com • @FINESHRINES

TED Talks are a new way of learning things in today’s fast paced, technology-centered society. What started in 1990 as a conference based on technology, entertainment, and design, has grown into a helpful learning tool that’s used by a multitude of people.

TED Talks are a series of presentations that give insight on a topic. As I started watching some TED Talks, I found myself learning amazing new things. There are talks for just about anything: from online dating, to relieving stress. I found myself coming home, exhausted from school, to sit down and learn more. I was captivated by some topics, like breathing underwater, or “Schools Kill Creativity,” but some left more to be desired.

Some TED Talks are long, daunting, and very uninteresting. It’s a gamble, surfing through Netflix or TED.com looking for interesting topics. Sometimes, I’ve been completely misled by the title, such as when I thought I was watching a talk about vegetarian diets, but in actuality it was about alternative fuels. Also, if the topic is interesting, like listening skills, but has a boring speaker, the talk will probably come off as boring. However, speakers have also been able to make boring topics interesting because of their ability to engage an audience.

If you’re interested in learning about something new, definitely check out TED talks. I wouldn’t watch a marathon of them, but I’d definitely recommend TED Talks.

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 41

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The Democrats and Republicans continue to fight over the debt ceiling. If the government crumbles in February national parks and monuments will be closed, marriages will be put on hold, and those seeking passports will have to wait. If America shuts down and defaults, thousands of government employees will be out of work as the country struggles to pay its bills. The rest of the world could suffer if the government gets knocked out. (photo illustration by ashleigh jenkins and cameron mccarty)

WORKING TO SUPPRESS DEBT

After the government shutdown and re-opening, the government needs to work together in order to get rid of our national debt instead of picking fights about current policies

BY DAVID MCFEELY

is constantly increasing and we cannot keep spending, giving charity to other countries, such as Eygpt who we give $1.5 billion to every year. While I think charity to countries that are in need of it is a good thing, there is no point in The Government reopened in mid-October when Congress passed a bill to spending money we don’t have. fund the government by raising the debt ceiling. The government originally Also, the government can eliminate Saturday delivery of mail because most shut down due to Republicans and Democrats’ inability to agree on the fundbusinesses that rely on mail only operate Monday-Friday. In addition, this is ing of the government. The agreement to raise the debt ceiling to above $17 the age of electronics where most things are done through email, text, or fax. trillion temporarily funded the government.

Another way we can cut spending is to eliminate excess benefits we give This may have ended the government shutdown for senators, congressional people, and presidents after they leave the now, but it all it did was delay a another possible governoffice. This is because taxpayers should not have to keep paying ment shutdown until Jan. 15. Congress has until that date these people unreasonable benefits when they are only in the office to create a new budget plan to fund the government startfor a few short years. This would work because instead of spending Text 703524 to 37607 if ing on Feb. 7 of this fiscal year. If they are unable to agree our money on that, we can use that money to lessen our debt. This you agree with on a budget, then the government will go into another is essential because according to the U.S. National Debt Clock, the David’s argument or text 703639 to 37607 if you shutdown. average debt per person in the United States is already approxidisagree I think that raising the debt ceiling was the right thing to mately $54,000. do for now because it allows the government to pay its exI believe that if we keep this up, it will not only hurt us, but it will isting bills. This is good because the government would have defaulted because end up hurting the whole world in a domino effect. According to BBC News, they would not have been able to borrow any money. However, while I agree if we go into default, it will most likely make the interest rates rise all across that we needed to raise the debt ceiling, we cannot keep doing this because it the world and make the markets plunge around the world. Since we are one of increases the amount of money we borrow. Rather than raising the debt ceiling the more dominant countries in the world with many countries relying on our again, we should cut our spending so we can work to get rid of our debt. financial aid, if we end up defaulting because we are unable to pay people back, I think the government needs to work together to cut spending on things other countries will collapse as well. Congress needs to work together in order that are unnecessary because it is hurting our national debt. Our national debt to avoid these consequences and keep America economically strong.

mcfeely1313@gmail.com • @mcfeely1313

VOTE

42 FHNTODAY.COM 11.06.13

PAGE BY HANNAH ROSEN

IN THE LEMON TEST I TRUST

Cities across the country are joining the movement to display our national motto, a blatant violation of the Establishment Clause

BY ELISABETH CONDON econdon2014@gmail.com

• @willowandgingko

In January 2013, the St. Peters Board of Aldermen became one of the over 200 cities nationwide who have joined the misguided “Yes Vote” initiative. This 11-year-old movement began in 2002 and two St. Peters aldermen and Mayor Len Pagano joined the movement in July 2011 after attending a conference held by In God We Trust- America, Inc. celebrating the 55th anniversary of establishing “In God We Trust” as the national motto. There, the St. Peters representatives were inspired by the organization’s mission statement, “to promote patriotism by encouraging elected officials to legally display our national motto” is unconstitutional, based on the 237-year-old Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and the 42-year-old Lemon Test.

The Lemon Test was established by the United States Supreme Court in the 1971 precedent case of Lemon v. Kurtzman. The test is made up of three prongs, but only the first prong, “the government’s action must have a secular legislative purpose,” is applicable in this instance. There is nothing secular about any phrase containing “God.” It is clear from the mission statement of In God

We Trust- America, Inc. that the elected officials of the cities involved with the “Yes Vote” initiative are either not clear on the Lemon Test, or have disregarded it completely.

Alderman Judy Bateman was the council member to officially introduce the resolution adding “In God We Trust” to St. Peters City Hall, the Justice Center, and the Rec Plex to the entire Board of Aldermen. The Board and Mayor Pagano unanimously voted in favor of the resolution, and in April 2013, the national motto was installed in the St. Peters government buildings. The installations were not funded by taxpayer money, but instead funded from a private account. Therefore, the citizens of St. Peters did not have to vote on it.

The motto “In God We Trust” was established in 1956, amidst the Cold War and the United States’ effort to prove it was more godly than the atheistic communist Russia. The lack of any Supreme Court cases challenging the Congressional establishment of our national motto or cases like it is disheartening because it allows these ridiculous resolutions to pass close to home and represents a lack of knowledge of the Establishment Clause, as well as a lack of motivation to challenge an initiative that is clearly unconstitutional.

REMEMBER THE VALEDICTORIANS The decision to only recognize a larger group of students rather than naming a valedictorian belittles the work of high achieving students

BY HANNAH ROSEN ms.hannahrosen@gmail.com

• @immaconch

In 2004, FHSD cut the Valedictorian program out of its graduation ceremony and replaced it with a program called Cum Laude. Cum Laude rewards students who take core classes all four years, accumulate a minimum of 27 credits and have a minimum ACT score of 27. Although the Cum Laude program recognizes a greater body of students, it’s unfair to those ranked top in the class. I believe that the Valedictorian program shouldn’t have been cut, but instead those students should be recognized at graduation just as the Cum Laude students are now.

Announced, rewarded, applauded, remembered.

And just as tradition dictates, allow the Valedicto-

PAGE BY JESSICA OLSEN

rian to present a speech rather than having students audition and be selected by a group of adults.

To most, Cum Laude seems like a blessing, but to those few in the top ranks, having just a Cum Laude program is unfair. The purpose of Cum Laude is to create a healthier educational environment by eliminating academic competition, but others would argue that it creates a false view that life is fair.

If there is a fear of competition, we should set solid rules on how a student can qualify to be Valedictorian and what to do in case of a tie. This year, let the class of 2014 hear the voice of not a speaker chosen through auditions, but one from the top of our class.

SHADOWING A PRO:

CAKE BAKERIES

A simple and sweet slice of business advice

BY BRITTANY STECK brittany14steck@gmail.com

• @LittleMsBritt

As if working while the smell of chocolate swirls around you isn’t rewarding enough, the uplifting and stirring rewards while working in a small business are.

While shadowing small local bakeries, I noticed a small action that seemed to have a large effect. The owners of these businesses always seemed to have a smile on their face.

Their smile spread to their co-workers, making the place seem to radiate with a warm, welcoming glow. This spread to the customers, making their day just a little brighter. This contagious act formed a strong personal connection which made the place a fun environment to work in and kept the customers coming back. The sweetest thing that a worker can give a customer isn’t the product, but the personal connection. But this wasn’t just true for these places of business.

It is applicable to every working environment from fast food, to school clubs, to Fortune 500 companies.

Another thing that struck me was the determination of the owners.

Many of them said that they had dreamed about opening their business since a young age and because they fought for their dream, they didn’t seem to settle for anything less than perfection. They continue to strive to improve their business as whole each day, whether it is new cupcake flavors or new advertising plans. These “tough cookies” show that it takes more than just birthday candle wishes to make your dreams come true.

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 43

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THE HOT TOPIC OF:

PUMPKIN SPICE CRAZE The obsession with this pumpkin flavor spreads as the fall season progresses, and girls are under scrutiny for this seasonal craving PRO

CON

BY SOPHIE GORDON

BY MADDIE HIATT maddiehiatt@gmail.com • @maddiehiatt

smgordon@gmail.com • @ sophgordon

It’s that season again. Peacoats are being pulled out of closets, people in boots are walking down the streets and companies are busting out their pumpkin spice themed foods and drinks. The pumpkin spice frenzy has begun and I couldn’t be happier about it.

When pumpkin spice is mentioned, a teen girl drinking a pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks is the first thing that usually flashes into people’s minds. But it’s 2013, people. Pumpkin spice has come a long way. It is no longer just coffee and bagels that are pumpkin spice flavored. Many companies including Silk, Hershey’s Kisses and Pop Tart have come up with their own pumpkin spice inspired food and drinks.

Obviously, since a majority of Americans seem to enjoy pumpkin spice, there is nothing wrong with people getting excited for this season. It’s only here for a short time anyway.

If pumpkin spice were offered all year, it wouldn’t have the same meaning it does now, and I could see why people would be concerned about the obsession. Now, it’s a special thing to get such a coveted flavor. It’s in the same boat as pumpkins. If Walmart or Schnucks had pumpkins for sale all year, they wouldn’t be special for the fall season. Since pumpkin spice is only offered in the fall, I think it’s alright that people become a little obsessed about getting it. Pumpkin spice gets people excited for the fall in the same way that candy canes get people excited for Christmas and chocolate eggs get people excited for Easter. It’s just a fun way to celebrate the season.

Pumpkin spice is just something to make the realization that winter is coming a little more enjoyable. I feel no guilt spending an extra buck or two to feel the warmth of pumpkin spice in this wonderful season.

The leaves are changing colors, the cold weather is creeping closer, and the pumpkin spice craze is sweeping the nation. Teenage girls particularly suffer from this disease, going to get their “weekly pumpkin spice latte” from places like Starbucks. The amount of money society will spend on these special, seasonal treats is appalling. One tall 12 oz. pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks is $3.75. That’s equivalent to three 16 oz. Quik Trip hot chocolates.

Now, I’m not against the pumpkin spice flavor. I’ve tried pumpkin spice cookies and a pumpkin spice cappuccino and liked the taste. However, I think the obsession with pumpkin spice is ridiculous. Many girls talk about how awesome pumpkin spice is. I often see tweets about people wanting to get their “pumpkin spice fix.” Starbucks reported that there have been over 29,000 tweets featuring the hashtag #pumpkinspice since August of 2012. This one flavor has created an addiction that pulls money out of people’s pockets.

Companies have caught on to this obsession and appealed their consumers. McDonald’s recently joined the bandwagon and added the pumpkin spice latte to their own McCafe menu at $2.39 for a small. Mars added pumpkin spice M&Ms to their arsenal which are selling exclusively at Target. Even Glade added the pumpkin spice scent to their various products such as PlugIns, spray and jar candles. Either females don’t notice this, or they don’t care, but it’s ridiculous how much they will spend for some pumpkin spice.

I understand that autumn is the season for pumpkin spice, but allowing a specific flavor to spiral into an obsession is absurd. I’ll gladly sip my hot chocolate and feel sorry for the girls who spent more than enough on their pumpkin spice drink.

VOTE

Text 311903 to 37607 if you agree with Maddie or text 311903 to 37607 if you agree with Sophie

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

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

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

• Letters must be signed by the author and verified.

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

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

• Letters should not exceed 300 words.

44 FHNTODAY.COM 11.06.13

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

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

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

PAGE BY BRITTANY STECK

As a freshman, George is lost and confused.

He’s not sure what his game plan is.

Now that Suzie is a sophomore, she can use the helpful resource map to guide her way.

Editors-in-Chief: Sophie Gordon Maddie Hiatt

Managing Editor: Daniel Bodden

Business Manager: Rowan Pugh

Business: Aly Jenkins Anna Domitrz

Jake, a junior, has started training for the battle, but still has some questions.

Jen is a confident and ready senior.

She is prepared for life in college.

(editorial cartoon by hannah rosen)

NORTH STAR TAKE: COLLEGE PREPARATION PLANS NEED A REVAMP FHSD needs to take a more personal stance when it comes to helping students prepare for life beyond high school ON BEHALF OF THE EDITORIAL STAFF yourfhn@fhntoday.com • @fhntoday

With the deadline for the first round of college scholarships right around the corner, many students are beginning to feel the pressure of choosing their fate for beyond high school. Most of the stress of college comes from the unknown. The decision should be a team effort, including students, parents and counselors. However, the process of preparing high school students for college within the school district doesn’t accomplish this.

Counselors are an important factor in building the bridge between high school and college. Their job is to educate students and give advice throughout the application process. While the district does a decent job in providing many opportunities outside of school, these efforts, such as guest speakers, are optional. There needs to be a greater effort to force students to learn about their futures and how to properly prepare for it.

Students need more than computer databases and guest speakers. They need a strong network of helping hands to point them in the right direction. This connection can be built by improving the steps already established. English classes for all grade levels visit guidance at least twice during the year for presentations. Rather than spending this time exploring sites like Missouri Connections, which can be accessed at home, students and conselors should work in small focused groups. The “workshops” that would take

PAGE BY BRITTANY STECK

place during these annual visits should build upon each grade level.

Freshman workshops could focus on tasks such as looking for potential career options. Students should then focus on weighting the factors that go into choosing a career, such as salary, job opprotunities and degree requirments.

Freshman could also discuss what to do in order to stand out to colleges, such as getting involved in activities and volunteer work.

Sophomore and junior visits should highlight the importance of finding the right college for each student. During these years, guidance counselors and students should work together on finding out college requirements, such as financial aid, location, and ACT/SAT scores.

Senior year should be focused on the college essays, financial aid and more application help. After choosing a school for the following fall, students should complete steps, such as scholorships, boarding, and supplies.

At each every grade level, guidance counselors should talk to students about the goals they are setting and meeting. In addition, they should be prepared to work with “imperfect” cases, such as students who change their minds or have undecided majors.

Through guided training, students can feel relaxed and confident in their journey to college. Stressing the importance of education will help students realize the importance of the bigger education arena that we are approaching at lightning speed.

Editors: News Editor: Brianna Morgan Features Editor: Emily Hampson Sports Editor: Brenda Alvarado Opinions Editor: Brittany Steck Copy Editor: Lauren Pike General Staff: Claire Carr Elisabeth Condon Sarai Esparza Ashley Eubanks Megan Granneman Priscilla Joel Kyleigh Kristensen Melissa Lukes Rodney Malone David McFeely Jessica Olsen Emma Pursley Hannah Rosen Alexis Tainter Maggie Torbeck Lexi Wilkinson Editor-in-Chief of Photography: Matt Krieg

Photo Editors: Managing Editor of Photography: Cameron McCarty Director of Photography: Paige Martinez Photo Editor: Ashleigh Jenkins Photographers: Jessica Allison Jenna Rodriguez Amanda Eckhard Sammie Savala Ashleigh Jenkins Alyssa Savage Hayden Jensen McKenzie Shea Ariel Kirkpatrick Ashton Stegman Areli Lara Megan Tanksley Lauren Price Abby Temper Elle Redel Andrew Wittman

FHNTODAY STAFF Editor-in-Chief of Multimedia: Zack Eaton Editors: Online Sports Editor: Mike Ebert Managing Web Editor: Jake Chiarelli Webmaster: Alex Weinstock Stats/Scores Editor: Mike Hamilton Online News Editor: Carly Vossmeyer Web Staff: Nick Wyer Hannah Dietrich

Video Staff: Aiza Bustos Lucas Dykes Kyle Cuppy Sam Skaggs

Video Editors: Hannah Stillman Dan Stewart Maddie Richterkessing Advisers: Aaron Manfull Beth Phillips

11.06.13 FHNTODAY.COM 45

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