October 2009 by North Star

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INSIDE Making a Difference Throughout the world, people are giving a helping hand. Take a look at six stories even closer to home. FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303

Vol. 24 Issue 2

OCT. 21, 2009

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“Providing an open forum for Francis Howell North since 1986.” 2549 Hackmann Road St. Charles, MO 63303 Distributed for free to FHN by the North Star staff. Editor-in-Chief: Barbara Jean Palmer

Managing Editor: Betsy Blanchard Editors: News Editor: Sam Dulaney Features Editor: Julia Gabbert Opinions Editor: Lauren Skinner Sports Editor: Logan Ponche Copy Editor: Ryan Firle In-depth Editor: Rachel Hunt Dir. of Photography: Lydia Ness Business Manager: Allison Sheffler

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DECA traveled to the Lake of the Ozarks for their annual conference the weekend of October 18th and 19th.

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General Staff: Abbey Grone Liana Ramsey Adam Rapert Lizzie Johnson Bethany Brady Nicole Clouse Brittany Lounsbury Nicole Renner Chelsey Damalas Olivia Ong Danielle Yuede RJ Howes Elizabeth Diggs Scott Jones Emily Forst Sidney Shelton Hannah Hamilton Taylor Berra Heather O’ Donnell Zach Meier Kelsey Bell

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IN-DEPTH: The annual walk for Autism at Forest Park on Oct. 10 brought many together to raise money for a good cause.

Senior Julia Gabbert survived one week without a cell phone or any online social networks. She shares her difficult experience.

Fareeha Amir Greg Felock Jacqueline Sage Kaitlyn Williams Lauren Buxton

Nicole Thompson Sam Fitzwalter Sam Hurrell Stephanie Graflage

FHNTODAY.COM STAFF

140 choir students will be performing on Oct. 23 and 24 for choir’s annual choir concert dinner in the Commons.

Tag along with seniors Nikki Borgeson, Callie Karstens and Kelsey Roberts as they experience their first night at The Darkness.

Senior Austin Haywood battles juvenile diabetes as he lives his life and plays varsity soccer.

Megan Ashton and Brianna Schroer competitively ice skate at the Rec Plex for the Ice Gems skate team.

Football team continues to exceed expectations as they are 4-3 with more talent on each side of the ball.

Junior Nicole Renner discusses her thoughts on making everyday count and really living life to the fullest. FHNtoday.com: Take a look at our online photo gallery of Oktoberfest to see all of the music, games and fun sponsored by German Club.

ONLINE

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Editor-in-Chief: Melissa Shannon Editors: Online Editors: Katie O’Neil, David Hoehn Podcast Editor: Tori Bowden Beats Editor: Mallory Mueller Director of Digital Media: Lauren Smith General Staff: Ashley Niehaus Katharine Carney Crystal Friedman Kayla Vogt Daniel Spak Matt Higgs David Hoehn McKenna Roberts Jared Tompkin Nicole Piatchek Josh Grezinger Paige Yungermann

Adviser: Aaron Manfull

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FHNtoday.com to open online store

Senior DECA members Thu Nguyen and Brittany Velasco discuss their excitement for lunch at America’s Incredible Pizza Company after attending the fall leadership conference at St. Peters City Hall. (stephanie graflage)

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DECA attends annual conference in the Ozarks hannah.hamilton

On Oct. 18 and 19, DECA attended their annual conference trip to the Lake of the Ozarks. All high schools that are affiliated with DECA attended the trip. “I’m most excited for Lauren Reiche because she’s running for Missouri State Vice President,” Coadviser Melissa Trochim said, “and [also excited for] helping her with her campaign.” While at the conference, students were required to take a 40-question

test, participate in role play activities, attend workshops, and vote for DECA MO state officers. “I hope all the DECA students have a great time and the rest of the school can learn what DECA is about,” senior Thu Nguyen said. In order to take part in the trip, students must be a member of DECA and have had paid their dues. The conference lasted two days and many students from all over the state will be attending. Perhaps the biggest part of the trip for FHN DECA members is to support Lauren Reiche during her

RIPSTIK HOW TO

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liana.ramsey

GET ON: step onto the rip-stick with your front foot.

PUSH OFF: kick off using your back foot and put it on the other end of the rip-stick.

WEAVE: move your feet back and forth like you’re hula hooping.

TURN: move your front foot in the direction you want to turn.

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For a recap of the DECA fhn conference, check online.

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New club has big plans for the year

Senior Callie Karstens shows how to ride a ripstik. Karstens was taught how to ride by Crazy Wheels Club president Coleen Grone over the winter of 2008.

campaign to become MO State Vice President. “I’m least excited about my speech,” Reiche said. “I have to say in front of 500 people and I’m kind of nervous.” The next event that DECA has planned after the conference at the Lake of the Ozarks is the DECA barbecue. The barbecue will be held at Laurel park on Oct. 28.

On Nov. 1, Publications will open their online store that can be found on FHNtoday.com. Items from clothing to flashdrives will be sold. “I definitely think [the store] makes for a nice option,” Online editor Katie O’Neil said. Although there is also the KOE store that can be found in school, the Publications store is unique because it will give people the ability to use credit cards. KOE and Publications will actually be working hand in hand as they will be selling certain items from each others’ stores. “We talked with [KOE] and said that there wouldn’t be competition,” Journalism adviser Aaron Manfull said. “They will deal with in-school [transactions], and we will deal with credit cards.” Publications is hoping that students will find this way of purchasing school items to be a convenient alternative. “I think [the students] will like it because their parents can buy things for them,” FHNtoday.com Editor-inChief Melissa Shannon said. “Or if they forget money, they can just buy it online.”

As most students are gossiping at lunch, Coleen Grone and her friends find things other than teenage drama and sports scores to talk about. Actually, this is where the idea of the Crazy Wheels Club developed. “[She] came up with the idea and the cabinet [for the club],” senior and member Maggie Kube said. “As soon as I heard about it, I was stoked to join.” In the Wheels Club, people can get a chance to learn and experience rare and original hobbies such as riding unicycles, ripstiks, and other wheelrelated objects. They may only have 13 people in the club now, but the club members plan on working to develop a well-known club any student can

join. They plan on meeting every other week, totaling to about twice a month. “I think that monthly meetings and events will help add more people to [the club],” senior and Vice President Callie Karstens said. So far, only two informational meetings have been held. However, they already have much planned for the year. The group wants to host a charity event, plan multiple fund raisers and order club t-shirts; they’re even planning a club Christmas party. “The group is completely unique and different,” sponsor Kristen Johnson said. “We’re hoping that everyone can join and FHN can have another great group added to the charts.”

fhn Check out the podcast tomorrow

today for a video on the new Crazy com Wheels Club

logan.ponche

FRONT FRONT

Trick or Treat street is a fun, safe way for children in the community to enjoy themselves around Halloween time. Clubs decorate rooms on the main floor as different themes and compete for the best room. (file photo)

Trick or Treat Street returns

BACK

The T-shirt sales will end this Friday and are being sold during 4a, b, c lunches for $10. The t-shirts will be available for pick up in early November.

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With Homecoming in the past, StuCo is beginning to prepare for Trick-or-Treat Street which will take place on Oct. 29. Over 500 hundred attended last year’s event. Once again, there will be little kids running and playing throughout the halls of FHN dressed up in their costumes for Halloween. Jani Wilkens, seven year StuCo sponsor, believes Trick-orTreat Street will give students the opportunity to help others. “I hope the students feel like they can contribute to society and give back to charity organizations as we did last year,” Wilkens said. Clubs other than StuCo are planning to decorate a room this year such as KOE and the World Languages. KOE is discussing the possibility of renting an inflatable to put in the Commons. Diane Holmes, KOE sponsor, enjoys Trick-or-Treat Street because of it’s family environment. “I hope we have a good turn-out, Holmes said. “I think more parents prefer something like this rather than neighborhoods.” The event is primarily about fun activities for kids of all ages and parents as well. The student volunteers look forward to seeing the kids. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone that comes in the room to have a ton of fun,” junior Charles Cantrell said.

fhn Check out our web site for the

today winners of the Trick or Treat Street com room contest and pictures.

After two hard months of practice, the marching band players are in mid-swing of what is their favorite time of year: competition season. “Sometimes it gets boring doing all of the practicing all of the time,” junior Kayleen Lindstrom said. “But competition is what everyone is in band for. It’s what makes all of the practices worth it.” One issue that had plagued the band this year is their size. Down from 98 members to 87, the decrease in students has left many wondering why kids are not coming out. “Smaller numbers mean its harder to be effective musically,” Band director Jeff Moorman said. “It’s

like fighting without replacement troops, only using 10 speakers when you could have 20. I don’t think its frustrating [but] we’re judged subjectively not objectively. It’s based on someone’s opinion not how many points we score like a sports team [and] that can be frustrating.” The smaller size, however, has not had as negative of an impact on competition performance as some originally thought. In their first four competitions, marching band and color guard took first in their division at Belleville East; color guard took first in O’Fallon, IL and Belleville. However, their true test will be this upcoming weekend when they play at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival at the Edward-Jones Dome. “We have a really tough last competition,” Moorman said. “So I hope they’re willing to put in the time needed to do well and succeed. It’s really tough.”

The outdoor classroom is overrun by weeds and overgrown grass but the Ecology club is taking it into their own hands to provide a clean environment to learn outside. The ecology club helps out a lot with the environment in the community and cleaning it up. (sam fitzwalter)

Ecology club cleans classroom kelsey.bell

Ecology club has shifted gears to take on its annual project of transforming the outdoor classroom from an over-grown jungle to a well manicured nature corner of FHN’s campus. Both students and teachers have the opportunity to utilize the classroom in order to get up close and personal with nature. FHN’s outdoor classroom is located at the top of the hill next to the locker room doors. “[Its important to FHN] because it’s a different way of learning,” junior Amanda Dejarnett said. “You can see physically how tell how things are grown and how they develop. It’s more

hands on.” Every year weeds, brush, and overgrown trees overtake the clearing. The normally accessible benches are swallowed up, the forest floor engulfed in tall grass, and poison ivy plants are scattered among everything. Plans for the transformation include repainting the entrance sign, putting in a raised flowerbed, and spraying herbicide as an attempt to keep the weeds under control. “Ecology club helps the environment,” sophomore Ashley Haywood said. “And [the classroom is] in the environment, so we should help clean it up.” This year there are about 30 stu-

dents involved with ecology club that are planning to make classroom accessible again. Once the project is complete, Club sponsor and Environmental studies teacher Joseph Brocksmith will use the classroom during his lessons. However, his classes are not the only ones able to utilize it. “It’s open to anyone,” Brocksmith said. “It’d be nice to see more people using it, especially from an environmental teacher’s standpoint. If it were up to me we’d have class out there every day.”

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J.A. T-Shirts For Sale Junior Acheivement’s company S.T.U.N.T. will be selling shirts. The profits will go to a charity that will be decided after the sales are made.

Band doesn’t let size affect competition

Teachers tweet to their students

! U L F INE

ACHOO!

SICK

FHN teacher, Mr. Besse tweets to his students on Oct. 11. He is one of many teachers known to tweet. (photo illustration by lauren buxton)

nicole.renner

ver the years, teachers have developed new teaching methods to keep up with the times. The newest development here at FHN is teachers using Twitter, a social networking system. “I started an account for students and parents to basically just update date them on what’s going on or what’s coming up,” Besse said. While the idea of associating Twitter with school may take a while for students to catch on, some are already using it to their advantage. “I just started using [Twitter] this year,” junior Katie Baily said. “I don’t know that a lot of other students are “following” yet, but I feel like the more people hear about it, the more they’ll realize what an asset it is.” Overall, though, it is still something new for students and staff. “I had never even heard of Twitter before one of my teachers showed it to us,” sophomore Mary Malkmus said With the growing trend of schools being to involve more technology in the classrooms, the possibilities and ways of incorporating Twitter into the classrooms are on the rise. “I’d like to see other student’s posting questions they have on homework that was assigned,” Baily said. “That way someone in your class or even your teacher can discuss it with you so when class comes the next morning your all set.” out the website for links fhn Check to follow: @FHNtoday.com and

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com @MrBesse

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DAYS

FHSD is taking the flu season seriously this year. Preventative measures are being taken to make sure that infected students remain at home to prevent spread of the virus. Posters have been hung on the walls with tips for sick students and hand sanitizers have been installed all over school. (photo illustration by sam fitzwalter)

FHN attempts to contain H1N1 virus

Flu season has hit full force early this year, North tries to keep students healthy are a vital tool in our fight against disease,” junior Nick Hunkins said. “It’s ith winter approaching, the really convenient that they’re right on district is taking more precau- the walls of the hallways.” tions than they did last year to Even though the District has taken prevent the students from catching any different precautions, there have sort of sickness. already been several outbreaks of the “I think they’re practicing prevenflu this year. tion medicines,” School nurse Sally “You normally see the flu at difPolley said. “They’re taking action ferent times every year,” Stiglich said. instead of waiting for the disease to “But this is the earliest we’ve seen it.” spread and closing the school. I think If there is a severe outbreak of it’s a very forward thinkthe flu at the schools, They’re taking the district must take ing.” This year, to help action instead of many steps. The district protect the students waiting for the evaluates each case on from the flu, the district an individual level and installed numerous new disease to spread. then, depending on hand sanitizer lotion the severity, a letter is dispensers around FHN and all the sent out to the entire school so other FHSD schools. the employees, students, and parents “I like them,” Spanish teacher can be aware. Stacey Berberich said. “They’re H1N1 has struck the nation since more obvious ‘hey keep your hands it was first detected in April. The virus clean’ type of thing and they’re more is originally thought to come from convenient.” pigs; however, you cannot get infected Students also appreciate the easy with H1N1 virus from eating pork or access dispensers. pork products. It is most common in “The hand sanitizer dispensers people 25 years and younger and can sidney.shelton

“

”

infect a person for two to eight hours after being deposited on a surface. With H1N1 so common, the FHSD district is now more concerned with the spreading of influenza, more commonly known as the flu. A cold, runny nose and tiredness are a few symptoms of the flu. The virus is a viral infection of the respiratory tract (lungs). The flu is spread directly through coughing, sneezing, and contact with nose or throat discharges, and is most common in late fall, winter, and early spring. It affects between 10 and 20 percent of the entire population. “Hopefully it won’t affect the district because we’re encouraging people to cover their cough and not to come to school if you have a fever,” FHSD nurse coordinator Janet Stiglich said. If a student is showing signs of infection, they are encouraged to stay home from school until all of the symptoms have vanished. They want students to wait 48 before returning. “[We’re] just practicing safe habits,” principal Darlene Jones said.

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Some of the Choir students tell the North Star what they like about the class.

Kendra Caldwell,12 “The process of learning the song is difficult, but in the end the song turns out and we sound awesome.”

Tom Ehlmann, Brittany Cole, Derek Humphrey, Malaysia Rice, and Kaylie Habighorst perform at last year’s choir concert. Choir dinner concert this year will feature several medleys from numerous popular Broadway musicals. They will be performing for their friends and family in the commons as they enjoy dinner and a show. (file photo)

Shannon Albert,12 “I like how interacted people are with each other, but I don’t like how you have to go to every concert no matter what.”

Choir hosts annual dinner concert

Students perform medleys from various Broadway musicals heather.o’donnell

T Tom Ehlmann,11 “I like how close everybody is. We all get along. The only thing I don’t like is sometimes people goof off and don’t do what they’re supposed to.”

Jake Simms,11 “I like how it’s my first hour. You can just relax and take it easy [and] there’s really nothing better than that.”

he Francis Howell North’s annual choir dinner concert will be held in the commons on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 at 7:00 p.m. 140 students will be performing to the “Night on Broadway” theme and they will be performing medleys from various different musicals. It costs $20 to get in and that includes a catered dinner. The MCs hosting this event will be Ryan Firle and Jose Pagan. “I think students should attend the concert because they can watch their friends perform and it’s something for them to do and be entertained by,” senior Nick Marquart said. Marquart has been on Knightsound since his junior year. Knightsound rehearses Wednesday mornings and treble choir has two rehearsals before the concert. In addition, all the students practice in class everyday. “It’s fun,” Choir director Lorraine Smith said. “The students worked

really hard and are talented. People would be amazed at what the students are doing.” Not only will the choir students be singing and dancing, but they will also be serving up dinner to the audience. The performing artists here at North will be in good company as many Broadway singers such as Jeri Sager, Savannah Wise, and Rob Evan have started out waiting tables while making their way to stardom. “I’m kind of nervous because we’re serving food and I’m worried I’m going to spill it on someone,” sophomore Kim Warden said. “I’m relaxed about the singing though.” Smith selected the medleys and songs for this concert by finding out which musicals were popular with the students. A couple that were chosen were Bye Bye Birdie and Wicked. Bye Bye Birdie takes place in 1958 and is about how a group of teenagers in Ohio are affected by rock and roll singer Conrad Birdie joining the army. Wicked is a spin off that takes place

before the events in The Wizard of Oz where “The Wicked Witch of the West,” Elphaba, becomes friends with, Glinda, “The Good Witch of the North” while they attend school together. Both of these musicals won Tony Awards in various categories. My favorite song is One Short Day from Wicked because I like the dynamics and different parts the two sections sing,” Warden said. Along with Bye Bye Birdie and Wicked, the choir will be performing to some other songs such as The Circle of Life from the Lion King, Run Freedom Run from Urinetown, You Can’t Stop the Beat from Hairspray and Rio De Janeiro. “I’m excited because it’s the first dinner concert I’m going to be in and I’m excited to show everyone what we learned,” Marquart said

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Check out our web site Oct. 26 for pictures of the Broadway inspired dinner concert.

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This model represents: A. The Knight’s secret football play B. The swimming pool on the roof C. A knee replacement D. All of the above E. None of the above

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falls across the land danielle.yuede

8:52 p.m. Seniors Niki Borgeson, Callie Karstens and Kelsey Roberts chatter happily as they are listening to the song “Party In the U.S.A” by Miley Cyrus. I got my hands up, They’re playin’ my song I know I’m gonna be OK Yea, It’s a party in the USA They sit in Niki’s red Pathfinder and are heavily awaiting the experience that awaits them in the near future: The Darkness.

With the Halloween season already here, haunted houses and other Halloween attractions around FHN are beginning to open their doors. One of the biggest Halloween attractions, the Darkness, has won worldwide awards. Three FHN students take a trip to the Darkness in Soulard for the first time to start off the season.

08 page design by julia.gabbert and hannah.hamilton

8:56 p.m. They stop at a Quick Trip gas station to fill up before the drive to Soulard. Niki, standing at 5 feet 9 inches, is not a fan of haunted houses or scary movies. “I don’t like them,” Niki says. “They scare me and I have nightmares. I sleep in the basement, so I get really paranoid.” Along with being afraid of haunted houses and scary movies, Niki is also afraid of the dark, but she is optimistic about her first time at the Darkness due to the fact that her friends can ease the tension. Callie and Kelsey stay in the car. Kelsey, an outgoing bubbly blond girl, is nervous about going to the Darkness as well. Her fears are spiders and snakes. “I’ve always been afraid of them,” Kelsey says with her contagious giggle. “They always seem to surprise me.” Callie sits quietly waiting for Niki to pay. Unlike the other two girls, Callie likes scary situations, and does not get scared easily because according to her, “It’s more in my head and I don’t let things like that get to me.” The girls are back in the car and continue their trip to the Darkness.

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9:27 p.m. As they get closer to the haunted house, the mood of the car starts to turn. Niki becomes quieter and more focused on the highway ahead. There is no music playing in the Pathfinder anymore. Kelsey sits quietly. The only one to talk is Callie. “I’m so excited.” Kelsey with a nervous giggle: “This is my first haunted house in five years, so I don’t know what to expect.” Niki: “Wet pants.” Laughter erupts. 9:30 p.m. The Darkness is only 100 feet ahead, but Niki takes a wrong turn and is back on the highway. Niki: “I knew we should have turned left.” 9:34 p.m. The Pathfinder parks in a deserted looking parking lot. The girls get out and make their way to the ticket booth. 9:36 p.m. Niki buys her ticket and is suddenly greeted by an older-looking man with white hair. He has blood gushing from his forehead and is wears a tongue around his neck. Monster: “Hey pretty red head. Want to marry me?” Kelsey: “She doesn’t have red hair.” Monster: “She will when I cut her throat. Ha ha ha!” 9:43 p.m. The girls are in the Darkness. They make two rows of two people each. Callie and Kelsey are holding each other for dear life. Niki walks in front of them. She is hunched over with her eyes facing the ground. “If I can’t see them, they don’t scare me that bad,” Niki explains. Niki forces through the many different-themed rooms ranging from the jungle to “Saw” movies to a mirror hall. Fog and strobe lights make it almost impossible to see even her own hand. Callie and Kelsey are screaming in the back. A man with blood running down his face and one arm missing growls in Kelsey’s face causing a heartwrenching cry from her. Even Callie,

the one who does not get scared easily, lets out a few screams. Even though the overall mood of the haunted house is full of fright, there are occasional times where the tension eases. Callie: “I have to pee!” Monster: “The girl in the blue jacket has to pee.” The girls burst into laughter. As the two laugh in the back, Niki is still fighting her way through. Niki: “We should have brought a guy. Why didn’t we bring guys?” “Whoa! Holy crap!” “The guy on the tricycle is not legit. That’s not okay with me.” As Niki is still hunched over, she runs into one of the monsters. Monster: “Hey watch where your going. Lady, you hurt my nose.” Niki: “Oh, sorry.” Laughter is heard from the girls but disappears as another monster attacks them from behind a wall. They are back to screaming.

10:21 p.m. As they walk to the Pathfinder, they relive their experience. Callie: “That was so much fun!” Kelsey: “It wasn’t even that scary.” Niki: “We should have brought guys.” The ride home is a calming environment. “100 Years” by Five For Fighting is playing. Time to lose yourself 15, I’m all right with you 15, there’s never a wish better than this When you only got 100 years to live The girls sit quietly with a content look on their faces. The have faced monsters threatening to cut throats, creepy clowns, and crazy guys on tricycles and are alive to tell the story. As the song plays, the girls drive off into the Darkness.

10:10 p.m. They move into Terror Vision. The girls are handed glasses and are split up into twos. Kelsey and Callie form one group leaving Niki. Inside, the walls are painted with bright neon colored images. With the glasses, the images become life-like, making it hard to tell what’s real and what isn’t. The images are of clowns: big-eyed, crazed-smiled, malicious laughing clowns. Niki jumps as a “fake” clown attacks her. Unfortunately for Niki, he follows her through the attraction. He leaves when Niki reaches a whirling tunnel that she must cross as it moves back and forth, creating the feeling of spinning in a circle. Finally, the three girls emerge from the Darkness...they have survived.

page design by julia.gabbert and hannah.hamilton

Harmon discusses treatment plans with her client. Her basement salon has all her necessary tools and resources for a successful salon. She has a massage bed, several machines, treatment chemicals, and various moisturizers. (fareeha amir)

Special service teacher Gina Harmon works on extractions on one of her clients. She has her own salon that is in her basement. (fareeha amir)

Harmon massages her client giving her a spa treatment on Oct. 6. Her facials involve massaging, extractions, moisturizing, and more. (fareeha amir)

Harmon finds successful second career as salon owner chelsey.damalas

rom seven to two, Gina Harmon is a special service teacher, but when the bell rings at 2:20 her day doesn’t stop. She is off to work at her home beauty salon, Permanent Touch Cosmetics and Aesthetics. “I do what I love,” Harmon said. “I work with kids then I come home and do hair.” At Permanent Touch, Harmon does a lot more than just the basic hair trim and color. She also does massages, tattoo makeup, facials and even Laser hair removal. “I’m in the aesthetic business

Gina’s Nightly

Facial Cleansing MATERIALS: + Neutrogena Oil-Free Face Wash + wet washcloth + one teaspoon baking soda + Witch Hazel + cotton ball + night cream (specific to your needs)

10 page design by elizabeth.diggs and emily.forst

which means to make things beautiful,” Harmon said. “My job is to help people take care of their skin and hair. I just try to make life a little bit easier for the clients.” Harmon’s dream of owning her own beauty salon was a childhood inspiration. Harmon grew up receiving and giving makeovers with her five older sisters. Eventually she received a job at a salon in Ladue where she worked until the business closed. When the business closed, Harmon didn’t want her career to stop there. She then decided to take this setback and turn it into something positive: her own business.

Squeeze a quarter size amout of face wash onto washcloth. Sprinkle baking soda on top.

Apply Witch Hazel with a cottonball on face. Let dry for five minutes.

“Owning a business is something I have always wanted to do,” Harmon said, “because I have always worked under somebody else.” From being a teacher, beautician and mother, Harmon had to gain responsibility to handle all three occupations. Even though there have been rough times, things are working out in her favor. Business has grown rapidly for Harmon, with her seeing up to around 100 clients a week. Though extremely tired at the end of each day, she continues to put her job of satisfying the clients first. “I am extremely proud of my mom,” daughter Kelly Harmon said.

Scrub. Rinse Thoroughly. Pat dry.

Apply night cream.

“She has worked really hard and has been through a lot of tough times.” From a lot of hard work and dedication, Harmon is now stepping towards pursuing her career as a business owner. One day she hopes to upgrade to having her own building to work at instead of working out of her home. At the moment, her business is not only progressing financially but the support from her clients is progressing as well. “It was professional, it was simple and pretty painless,” Marlene Wilcoxen said. “ She provides a very nice service that is less expensive [in] price than salons.”

Gina says... Never use bar soap on your face! The wax in it clogs pores. It is a proven fact that your skin replenishes itself the most between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Gina’s Nightly Facial Cleansing is good to reduce fine lines and acne.

scott.jones and ryan.firle

Ever since childhood Austin Haywood, now a senior in high school, has been living with diabetes. He now donates money every year and wears his orange bracelet every day to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (crystal friedman)

Pumping insulin into the syringe, Haywood prepares to inject it into his body. Insulin must be put in the body in order to moderate blood sugar. (crystal friedman)

Haywood spends time on his fall break hanging out with friends. Although he has diabetes, he is still able to participate in the same activites as he used to, and does not let it hold him back. (crystal friedman)

t was an ordinary summer night in which he had already played two baseball games and recently gotten home and ready for bed. He performed his normal routine of brushing his teeth and putting on his pajamas and then went to sleep like every other night. He did not know, however, what was in store for him. Because of the fact that he can not remember anything more from this night, he was told the heart-wrenching story from his mom, Becky Haywood. “My mom could hear me moaning in my room and thought I was having a bad dream so she came to check on me,” Austin said. “And she noticed I was in diabetic shock so the ambulance came to pick me up and took me off on a stretcher.” Fortunately for Austin, he was OK from the shock other than being unable to remember the night. Although this was the scariest moment of his life, according to Austin and Becky, this was only one of many scary situations that Austin has encountered. These encounters are due to the fact that Austin has suffered from juvenile diabetes since the third grade which is a disease that attacks the pancreas. “[The] white [blood] cells over attack the pancreas and slowly but surely the pancreas starts dying and quits producing insulin which makes it real hard to control blood sugar,” Becky said. As the pancreas stops producing insulin, Austin’s body can no longer break down blood sugar which will, in turn, cause his blood sugar level to rise too high. This causes his vision to be blurry and does something to his body to make him go to the bathroom

a lot. Because of this, he must wear a pump that injects insulin into his body so he can control these levels and symptoms. On the other hand, his blood sugar can drop too low which causes him to have shaky hands and extreme tiredness, and he must do the opposite treatment. This treatment consists of consuming various types of sugar such as sugar tablets, sweets, or sports drinks. By doing this, his blood sugar is able to quickly rise and get back to a “normal” level. “Everytime I eat food I must check my blood sugar and give myself insulin depending on how many carbohydrates I eat,” Austin said. “I have to watch my blood sugar throughout the day and if everything is normal, then I am just like every other person.” Austin is indeed like any other high school student. He plays on the Varsity soccer team and is involved with many clubs such as STUCO, class delegates, and KOE. His disease is hidden so well that even some of his friends did not know he had diabetes for a while. “I see Austin everyday and I don’t even think about it,” senior Josh Ahrens said. “It was a surprise when someone told me Austin has diabetes.” Because he’s had the disease since third grade, Austin has learned to deal with circumstances that many other kids his age can not relate to. “It’s just something you have to live with,” Austin said. “It will always be part of my life. I’m not going to let it get me down just because I have diabetes. People deal with worse things in their life.”

comparison of diabetes

Type 1 Type 1 diabetes is located in the stomach. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. With Type 1 diabetes, your body does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that lowers the level of glucose in your blood. It is needed to convert sugars, starches, and other foods into energy that is needed for daily life.

Type 2 Type 2 diabetes is also located in the stomach. It is a lifelong disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood.

Type 3 Type 3 diabetes is located in the brain. It is when the brain stops or reduces the acceptance of the brains secreted insulin within the brain cell receptors. This could eventually cause Alzheimers Information provided by dev.nsta.org & burrillreport.com

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life.style

Austin Haywood looks beyond his diabetes

Cafe offers locally-grown foods bethany.brady

Local Harvest Grocery features food that is sold after it is bought directly from farmers and other local places. The store was the first to open of two businesses. Local Harvest’s specialty is offering a variety of fresh and seasonal foods, which are essential in today’s changing society. (bethany brady)

Center

Arsenal St.

Tower Grove Park

Heartford St. . ve. Alfred A

Morgan ford Rd

ay Blvd

Cross D

location

shighw

is the Morganford Mediterranean, a big sandwich consisting of Azeefa lentil dip and fresh organic veggies - all on foccaccia for under eight dollars. Another customer favorite is the Vegan Chili Cup. “Everybody really likes this place who come in,” employee Nick Zngerling said. “They’re pretty much all regulars.” Local Harvest also gives its chefs some freedom; they often get the opportunity to make up their own menus and specials, especially around dinner time. For example, every Tuesday is Vegan night, meaning that the cook for that night prepares vegan food for the dinner special. Because of the seasonal produce, the menu changes. The changing seasons create a need for green plate specials, which are where the cooks get to be creative with their work due to lack of the right ingredient or the need to use products going out of season. “I love the people that work here and the product, the ol’ p and p,” Gunsten said smiling. “I really get up and look forward to coming here, and I’m really happy to come to work.”

S. King

he scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods fills noses; the warm colors of the copper ceiling overhead, brick wall to the left and hard wood floors underfoot meet customers’ eyes as they enter Local Harvest Cafe. Local Harvest Cafe & Catering has been open for one year as of this past September. There is not only a cafe but also a grocery store, and both businesses are located on Morganford Road in St. Louis. The cafe is located at building number 3137 and the Local Harvest Grocery is across the street at 3148. These are two businesses with the common purpose of selling locally-bought and grown produce and ingredients. Local Harvest has many meats, cheeses and produce at their disposal because of the farmers markets and the grocery store being so easily accessible. The local ingredients are bought directly from farmers as well as farmers markets, and for the businesses to call their products local they must be within a 50 mile radius of these stores. “The neighborhood benefits most,” employee and chef of Local Harvest, Matthew Gunsten said. “Having better options than Mickey D’s is changing the way people look and think about food.” Local Harvest cafe specializes in mostly serving for the vegan and vegetarian crowd, but they do serve for the non-vegans and vegetarians as well. A varied audience can be seen coming in and out of the cafe. It ranges from people with special food needs such as being gluten-intolerant, to people who simply wish to support local farmers and others that just want to eat healthier. There seems to be something for everyone. “I’ll tell you what I love - the Borscht, and it’s one of the very few places you can find it,” customer Kathy Hempel said. “Everything here tastes homemade.” The cafe serves every meal of the day plus items ranging from smoothies, salads, soups, coffee drinks, and even bowls of granola. One of the most popular items on the menu

The Local Harvest Cafe and Catering is a great place for conversation while enjoying a healthy meal. The cafe worker’s have pride in its support for the local food system that consists of farmers, ranchers, and food artisans. Local Harvest Cafe provides its customers with ingredients from places like these in St. Louis, in order to help reduce customers’ carbon footprint, and guarantee fresh, available food everyday as well. (bethany brady)

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life.style

Life-long passion produces a second family nicole.clouse

Kaley wears a riding outfit to her competitions when she shows her horse and competes. Kaley is currently not riding her horse for the moment because the barn she rides in is being built. (sam hurrell) Junior Kaley Short looks down at her ribbons that she has won riding horses. Kaley has received many ribbons ranging in different colors depending on what place she received. Kaley’s favorite ribbon are her blue ones, which represent first place. (sam hurrell)

something wrong. But, you can never find that bond again with anything else.” Over the years, Kaley has shown great improvement in her riding skills, technique and overall confidence. According to her current trainer, Ashley Gowin, as a beginner Kaley was not as relaxed and secure as she is now. “She’s become more confident,” Gowin said. “She learns on her own and I give her guidance. She is calm and comfortable and has a natural ability with the horses. We have gotten a lot closer. She is definitely more advanced than she was when she started.” With a new barn and new horses, Kaley will be attending and participating in more shows and competitions next year. For now, it’s hours upon hours of training and bonding. Preparation is key for a good relationship

between Kaley and her horses. Kaley’s father, Keith Short, believes that trust and communication are needed for an excellent performance at a show. “Knowing what I’ve been told, [Kaley has improved] immensely,” Keith said. “Kaley is very dedicated and just loves to ride. She loves the horses.” From the start, Kaley has loved the bond that she has found with her horses. Riding has presented her with new obligations and many unforgettable memories. “I just think she is really independent because of riding horses,” Fetsch said. “She’s taken on a lot of responsibility. She has really grown up.”

fhn Check out our web site today for pictures of Kaley Short com riding her horse.

How much does a horse really cost? HORSE: anywhere from $1,000 to $500,000 depending on pedigree of the horse BOARDING: $400 per month SADDLE: $1,500 GROOMING SUPPLIES: $200 (yearly) BRIDLE: $400 SHOEING: $100 every 6 weeks SHOW SUIT: $1,000 TWO-DAY LOCAL SHOW: $400

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Information provided by Kaley Short

assion is defined as a powerful, compelling emotion or feeling, such as love. For junior Kaley Short her passion comes with a saddle and four hooves. At the age of only ten, with black boots on and reins in her hand, Kaley found her calling. Now, standing 5 feet 3 inches tall Kaley straddles over the five foot tall horse that she calls Flint. With a swift kick, they’re off, riding into the arena. “[Riding horses] is a lot of work and it’s a lot of bonding,” Kaley said. “Your horse has to trust you. If your horse doesn’t trust you, then you’re going to run into some problems. You never know what your horse might do.” Kaley began riding at Wild Adventure farms in second grade on a field trip to a barn with her local Brownies Girl Scout group. Kaley got to see many horses and their stables. One of her fellow Brownies members had already begun riding horses, and it sparked Kaley’s interest. This spark would eventually lead to a long journey and bonding experience between Kaley and the horses she rides. “I think she just relates to animals very well and they relate to her,” Kaley’s mother Charlotte Fetsch said. “Kaley is not afraid. She is always very gentle.” Just recently, Kaley has switched barns because her previous trainer, Maggi Montgomery, passed away from juvenile diabetes. The new barn that she attends is located in Windfield, Missouri. Silver Spur Equestrian Center is Kaley’s new second home. Over the summer, as the barn was being constructed, Kaley spent most of her time helping to build, construct and clean the stables. Although the drive to get to her new barn can be close to 45 minutes long, Kaley does not mind making the trip everyday that she can to train with her horses. At the Equestrian Center, horses are taken out once a day, fed twice a day and are given hay to eat three times a day. Although taking care of the horses is a lot of hard work, Kaley really enjoys the experience. “[Riding] is a lot of fun,” Kaley said. “You always have that unexpected fear that your horse could do

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Appointments & Walk-ins Welcome Cosmetology is a Beautiful Career Choice. Classes now forming. Please visit our Web Site at www.praob.edu for more information. Financial Aid available for those who qualify. All services performed by students under the supervision of licensed educators. Two Locations: #18 Northwest Plaza St. Ann, MO 63074 (314) 298-8808 5065 Highway N Cottleville, MO 63304 (636) 447-0650

Skateboarding Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a way of life photos by Lydia Ness page design by lydia.ness

Junior Jake Simms and Sophomore Patrick Fountain have both been skateboarding for about 4 years. Simms started skateboarding when he saw his friends and went and bought a board at Walmart. Fountain started skateboarding when he got his first skateboard for Christmas. To them skateboarding isn’t just a hobby, its a way to express yourself. “It’s not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. You don’t have to be bossed around. Once you get on the skateboard you’re free,” Simms said.

Simms begins to Ollie into a 50-50. When skateboarding, a high pain tolerance is needed. When Simms is first learning a trick he does’t automatically land or get the board to flip right it takes a lot of practice. “Patience is key to skateboarding,” said Simms. Once you get that trick it’s worth all the practicing because you want to keep doing that trick.

Fountain is in the middle of doing an Ollie off the edge. When he is skateboarding he can’t be upset, it throws you off completely. “You need to be chill about [skateboarding],” Fountain said.

16 page design by lydia.ness

Simms doing an Ollie of the edge of a sidewalk. He’s pet peeve when it comes to skateboarding is when people ask him to do a trick, he thinks it’s not for entertainment. He does skateboarding for himself and that’s what he loves most about it.

Simms is doing a nose stall on the edge of a brick wall. His favorite trick is the flip, in which the board flips while he is jumping in the air. He recommends getting into skateboarding but one thing not to do is shove it in other peoples faces.

Fountain does a boardslide on the sidewalk while adding a little character to the trick. “You can {skate} however you want, you don’t have to rely on people {to skate}, it’s not like a team sport,” Fountain said. He believes skateboarding is an outlet, you can go at your own pace and skateboard whenever you feel like it.

Simms and Fountain wax the edge of the sidewalk to make it more smooth to grind. Since they have been skateboarding, they feel as if people view them as deliquents because they are skateboarders. “People sterotype skateboarders, if your on a skateboard you’re a deliquent,” Fountain said.

page design by lydia.ness

Making a

Difference Helping. Volunteering. Community service. The world around us is full of poverty, starvation, and people that just simply need another hand. The world around us needs help. Whether it be a simple pat on the back every once in awhile, or a house given away freely as a donation, it is a contribution to the world. Sometimes we all need help. Sometimes we all need an extra push. Sometimes we all need hope. Always, We are one world.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

We felt that we had a lot

of blessings that we could and we wanted to

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

share with o thers

share them to make more of a

permanent difference.

Coffey raises money, brightens kids’ futures sam.dulaney

From her experience of having a cleft palate, Kristi Coffey now collects and donates money to children who also suffer from cleft palates. She has begun a website where people can make contributions; the money then goes directly to the children. (stephanie graflage)

Cleft palate and lip quick facts illustration by sam.dulaney

upper gum

hard palate

roof of the mouth including bones, whereas the soft palate has none

cleft palate

where the roof of the mouth does not fuse

soft palate

the tongue usually touches the soft palate to cut off air flow making sounds. Without this, words are not clearly defined

information found at kidshealth.org and emedicine.medscape.com

Most children have reconstructive surgery within the first 12 to 18 months of life to correct the defect and significantly improve facial appearance.

In the United States, clefts occur in 1 in 700 to 1,000 births, making it one of the most common major birth defects.

20 page design by rachel.hunt

back of mouth

Clefts occur more often in children of Asian, Latino, or Native American descent. Cleft palates can be detected through a prenatal ultrasound. Because of this, most are diagnosed before birth.

hen babies are first developing, everyone has a cleft palate. This means that the sides of the roof of the mouth are split and later grow together. The evidence of this is found in the ridge in the roof of a mouth. This is perfectly normal, unless for some people, those two pieces never fuse. This means that children who are born with their palates still split are barely able to talk because the palates do not function properly. As freshman Kristi Coffey was developing, she was one of the unfortunate children to have her palates never fuse together which in turn, left her with this birth defect. Kristi grew up in a Chinese orphanage in the northeastern part of China and as a girl with a cleft palate and lip, her chances of adoption were slim. This was until the Coffey family saw her picture eight years ago. “We felt that we had a lot of blessings that we could share with others and we wanted to share to make more of a permanent difference,” Kristi’s mom Deborah Coffey said. “The idea for adoption came up, and we thought we could share the blessing of family to those who didn’t have it.” Kristi was adopted in a little over a year and soon became a regular part of Coffey family. As she grew older and her speech improved, she too began to want to share blessings with those less fortunate, and as a former Chinese orphan with bleak prospects, Kristi knew who she wanted to aid. “The director at the Hope center told me of three babies with cleft palates,” Kristi said. “I made them my goal.” Her intention to help other orphans with cleft palate is more deeply rooted than merely just lending a hand. Kristi knew what it was like to feel different and she knew she wanted to make a difference to those also affected as she was. She recently began thinking of returning to China to help other orphans with cleft palates. Kristi is now raising money through Children’s Hope International

to return to China with her parents for two weeks in June 2010 and volunteer in orphanages as well as tour her native country. “I want them to feel normal.” Kristi said. “They might think they look different, so I hope that these surgeries help them just feel more normal.” With orphanages all over without medical care, the Hope center where Kristi will volunteer cares for kids who need medical attention in hopes of getting them adopted. Kristi, along with her family, understand the effect of the cleft palate and do not want these same effects to haunt other children and orphans in China. “It was very hard to understand her,” Deborah said. “The palate wouldn’t function right to help her form separate words. It was very nasally sounding. Her speech has improved progressively after each surgery.” For Kristi however, she more vividly remembers the pain of the surgeries. “Afterwards, I was nauseous and just didn’t want to be in the hospital,” Kristi said. “There was just so much pain.” As Kristi knows all too well, the effects of a cleft palate could be detrimental to the children’s chances of adoption, as well as the quality of life they could have. She hopes to change the lives of those who do not have the means to do it themselves. So far Kristi has raised $1,055 through her Children’s Hope International website from many anonymous donors as well as saving up money from babysitting, but her goal is to reach $3,000. Kristi’s parents will accompany her on her trip to China and volunteer as well. When they volunteer, they will hold and interact with the babies with cleft palates as well as other children. “It’s a great cause,” Kristi’s friend Cassie Roeslein said. “She’s making a difference by helping people who can’t help themselves.”

fhn Check out our web site for a today link to visit and make donacom tions to Kristi Coffey’s website.

in.depth

Members of Big Brothers Big Sisters meet with their Little Brothers Little Sisters. They meet regularly on a one-on-one basis. The program is the fastest growing in the country. (photos submitted)

Big Brothers, Big Sisters grow with program nicole.renner

he stillness of the room breaks when Vita Gleason walks through the threshold. She is greeted warmly by Ginny King, a Big Brothers Big Sisters Team Leader. Ginny shakes Vita’s hand and offers her to make herself comfortable in any chair in the room. Vita is looking to officially become a “Big Sister” tonight. There is no ceremony or special place where these potential life altering relationships take place, but instead in a peculiar building with a feeling unlike anything else. Suite 1236 is an average building off of Jungerman. Its interior may seem average at first glance as well. The main room is nothing extravagant. with its quaint size and soft blue paint. The furniture consists of nothing more than a secular green patterned couch, a round black table, and a side table strewn with various brochures of smiling children on the front. Yet if a closer look is taken, one may notice the walls are adorn with happy faces as well. A collage of smiles hangs symmetrically on the far wall. Above them hangs a plaque spelling FRIENDS. On another wall, two large banners proudly hang. The blue banner has Big Brothers printed out. The purple reads Big Sister. “I had been thinking about it for a couple of years,” Vita said. “Finally, I just said ‘where’s the phone book’ and I made the call.” They go over some paper work

and Vita signs various agreements and regulations that are required by the foundation. Small talk is made to pass the time. According to King, there are more Big Sisters than Big Brothers who have volunteered so far this year. This shortage in “Big Brothers” is a growing problem as there are constantly “Little Brothers” who are waiting to be matched with a mentor. After 15 minutes of waiting, the front door clicks open. In walks eight year-old Genesis and her mother, all smiles. Introductions are made and each person takes a seat at the table. Genesis takes the seat nearest Vita, her new “Big Sister.” Vita turns her gold jeweled bracelet and looks over at Genesis. “So, what do you like to do?” Vita asks thoughtfully. Genesis shrugs and picks at the flowers stitched elaborately onto her blue jeans. “Well, I like to shop...” Vita offers. Genesis looks up smiling. “So does my mom.” Year after year the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization makes matches, like Vita and Genesis, around the community. These one on one relationships are meant to help children reach their full potential through the guidance of mentors. Conversation between the two speeds than slows. Yet through the intervals, there is never a dull moment. Genesis, who is no longer timid, shows her true colors as she interjects her opinion here and there about the

places she’d like to go or what she choose the wrong path, the program likes and dislikes. There relationship is about more than that. It is also is already starting to grow. Ginny then meant for the “Little brothers” and changes the direction of the dialogue. “Big brothers” to share a longGenesis is explained her responsibililasting relationship ties in the program which she must “I hope that they’ll get together agree to. on a regular basis and eventually I understand in order to have a build a good relationship,” Ginny friend I need said. “From to be one. there Genesis “Yes” has someone BBBS quick facts she says she can trust BBBS is the oldest, largest and once again and talk to. most effective youth mentoring smiling. Vita will be organization in the country. I will be a positive clean and roll model in BBBS mentors children, oneon-one, ages 6 through 18. ready when her life and Vita arrives. influence in “Yes.” BBBS operates in all 50 states her life.” and in 12 countries around the I underOnce all world stand the remaining best way to questions are Little Brothers, Little Sisters are make Vita answered, 52% less likely to skip school. proud of me the adults information found at bbbs.org is to do well shake hands at home, and thank school, and one another. the community. Genesis once again flashes an ador“Yes.” ing smile at everyone while she’s Genesis and Vita are now officially guided by her mother out the door. “Sisters.” They will both go on outAs Genesis walks out the door, she ings together and enjoy each others takes on last look up at her new “Big company. Sister” who grins back. Vita and Statistics show that the program Ginny follow them on their way out. is a success to the youth that join it. Quiet settles in suite 1236. Tomor“Little Brothers” and “Little Sisters” row will unite two new strangers are 46 percent less likely to use illegal with the hope that they can build a drugs and 52 percent less likely to strong relationship and stay out of skip school. Even though the statistics trouble. showing that kids are less likely to

page design by rachel.hunt

logan.ponche

As the bus gets ready to leave North, chaos reigns inside as the volleyball girls prepare for their upcoming games at Hazelwood West. Throughout the entire bus there are girls digging through bags, putting on pre-wrap and plugging in their ipods. There are girls talking with their best friend in the seat next to them and girls shouting to their best friend sitting halfway down the bus. The farther you get from the front, the crazier things seem to get; in the way back, there are even girls singing the national anthem. “Oh, say, can you seeeeee? By the dawn’s early light,” In the front, three rows behind the bus driver, sits just about the only person on the bus who is quiet. Senior Devan Lemaster, wearing glasses, dark blue jeans and a blue t-shirt that reads ‘We jump Superman high’ on

22 page design by rachel.hunt

the back, is in his uniform for tonight’s game. He sits, one leg in his lap, next to the window rocking his body slowly back-and-forth, back-and forth, back-and-forth as he stares out at the traffic on Highway 70. Devan, 19, is the manager of the volleyball team this year.

Born with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects 1 in every 733 newborns where the child is born with an extra chromosome, Devan has always had extra hurdles to overcome. Routines are important for him, change is difficult according to his parents and teachers. “Anytime you have a transition into something new it’s a big change for them.” Special Education teacher Elizabeth Roberts said. “Kids like that get used to a daily routine and when

something new comes along, that’s hard to deal with.” Being the manager has been a challenge as it has forced Devan out of what he knows and into a world of interaction, responsibility and expectation; even if it takes a bit of encouragement sometimes.

The bus rolls into the parking lot at Hazelwood West and comes to a stop in front of the lower entrance. As the girls file out of the bus, Devan stands up and waits for everyone to leave before getting off himself. After the bus pulls away, the team walks through the hall and into the gym. When the girls enter the gym, which is divided into two courts by a large red canvas, they split up. Varsity heads for the bleachers as JV and freshmen file out onto each court to get ready for each their respective games. Devan goes with the Varsity girls and sits down next to head coach Robin Yuede in the front row to watch JV warm up. Not long afterward, five or six girls come over by Devan.

“

“Devan do the drums!” They yell. “Don’t encourage him,” Yuede says sighing. Too late. Devan is already in his rock stance, arms pumping as he smashes the air drums and cymbals like he is in front of thousands. The girls all cheer. Devan drums harder, his smile getting bigger with every beat. His solo ends in applause, his grin is so big it can hardly fit his face. After the solo, JV begins their warm-up. “Devan, you gotta go help them warm-up,” Yuede says. Devan shakes his head, reluctant to go. “Come on, Lauren will take you.” He shakes his head and begins to back away from the court. In the drill, Devan is supposed to stand in line with the Varsity girls and catch the balls JV hits towards them. Then he is supposed to give the balls back to JV coach Kent Stover; the entire drill should last 5-10 minutes. Eventually, with patient persuasion from Yuede, Devan gets out on the court. At first, he hangs onto the net behind the Varsity players like a kid who can’t swim hangs onto the wall at the community pool. Anytime a ball gets near him, he ducks like a

Having him here is getting him out of his comfort zone. We’re pushing him to try things he would never normally do.

“

Lemaster deals with Down syndrome, helps to manage varsity volleyball through season

in.depth

hand-grenade has been thrown in his direction. But as the drill progresses, Devan eventually leaves his clinging spot on the net to join the players in line. Even though he still ducks when a ball is hit near him, he stays in line for the rest of the drill. “Having him here is getting him out of his comfort zone,” Yuede said. “We’re pushing him to try things he would never do normally.” Yuede was the first person to push for Devan to manage the team. Devan’s parents wanted him to be involved in an after-school activity, and as one of his Special Education teachers, she thought that the interaction between him and the team would be good for him. “Actually we left it up to Devan,” Devan’s father Bill Lemaster said. “And he was the one who said yes, which is surprising, because Devan usually doesn’t take to new things well.”

Game time. Devan takes his seat in the front row. This is when he doesn’t need anyone telling him what to do. This is when he is most engaged. At home games, this is the time Devan runs the scoreboard, but today he plays the role of number one fan. As the game starts, Devan leans on his knees and watches with such intensity that nothing can distract him. A man walks in front him and Devan leans to the right in order not to miss one second of play.

JV gets a point. “Good job girls!” he says clapping his hands. A few plays later, the other team bounces back and gets their first point. “That’s right now push it!” he says hitting his fist into his palm. JV wins their first game quickly 25-11 and their second 25-18. Varsity follows suit taking both games 25-16, 25-14 to complete the sweep. It’s time to go home.

Ever since Devan has been a part of the volleyball team, his family has seen a major change in his behavior at home. “He talks about the girls a lot,” brother Josh Lemaster said. “Before he’d barely come out of his room, he would listen to music, watch movies and play video games, now he’s a lot more interactive with the family.” The simple act of helping others and feeling included in a group, is what has made a difference for Devan. “Everything is kind of a trial and error with Devan,” Devan’s mother Dawn Lemaster said. “You just try it out and see how it goes. “He has matured a lot, the early teens were really hard for him, [but] this has been his best year so far.” While the volleyball team tallies their victories in the win-loss column, Devan’s victories are tallied with every new risk he takes.

1 3 5 7

Down syndrome quick facts

One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome.

2 4 6

There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome.

People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems. The life expectancy of someone with Down syndrome has increased from 25 to 60 years old. A woman (age 35) has about a one in 900 chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome.

Physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm.

All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate

To develop fully, people with Down syndrome should have quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community.

To date, National Down Syndrome Society has provided more than $3 million in direct research funding to support the work of scientists information found at kidshealth.org and ndss.org

page design by rachel.hunt

and

QA with

Volunteer Knights sponsor Kellie Hausner-Voyles Kellie Hausner-Voyles volunteer's inside and outside of North. Hausner-Voyles has been sponsoring Volunteer Knights and CSLP for 2 years. Outside of school Hausner-Voyles helps at a non profit organization in which they volunteer in the community. (jacqueline sage) as told to brittany.lounsbury

Why do you get so involved so much in organizations like these?

KH I just like giving back to people.

I was always taught as a kid to give back. I had a lot of people that did a lot of great things for me when I was growing up, they always made sure that I had what I needed. I was taught a lot of lessons, and I did martial arts and they always taught to give back to people and try to help out people in need or if they ever did need anything.

NS What was one thing you

and your group did that you will always remember?

Last year we had an additional group here called CSLP. It was a community service program here at North and we did The Honeysuckle Removal. We did that over at St. Peters park. It was an all day affair but it was completely fun. It was great. It’s like getting out all of the dead trees and it was just a great experience for all of us.

What’s a few things you hope that the kids get out of being in one of these groups?

KH I hope they actually make some friends out of the group and get to live some life experiences by helping others and that hopefully in the future if they have the means to help people out, that they will step forward in their church or another organization and help out.

24 page design by rachel.hunt

NS What advice would you give to all North students about volunteering?

KH I try to let them know that giving back...it’s a feel good thing. We’re getting ready for January. We’re going to go play bingo at one of the nursing homes and were going to take snacks and do some activities because a lot of the time they don’t get offered these things. NS How is Volunteer Knights

different from other organizations?

KH I think that the Volunteer Knights is slightly different in the fact that a lot of the organizations in the school actually do things for people in the school here and we step outside the box. We’re actually going out into the community and helping people in the community, as well as helping people in North too. NS What are some things that you love about all of these organizations? KH Well I really like being a part of Volunteer Knights because it’s an organization similar to the one I was in in college and all of the years that I have been a part of St. Peters Jaycees and it really has given me the opportunities to teach kids that there are organizations out there as you get out of school that can actually give back and do all kinds of fun things such as the blood drives and raising money for donations and we do stuff for kids that have cancer.

sharing her personal experiences NS What was your best and worst experience from volunteering?

NS How do you hope to im-

KH My best experience was when we did a Habitat For Humanity years ago for St. Peters Jaycees and we went into this ladies house and her house was pretty much destroyed inside and out. But we worked on this house. They put in new floors and new bathrooms, a whole new kitchen. We had all the appliances donated through our organization and it was only like twenty of us. But we wanted to paint and put new windows in and we spent the whole day there. Her hands were a little crippled and she had a hard time working and she had two grandsons that lived there, but she actually slept on the floor cause she didn’t have a bed and we had gotten her a bed. When we had signed over the information stating all the items that she could keep and were now hers she was pretty much in tears and it was really just overwhelming. It was just an over all good experience. My worst experience was when we were working with some nursing homes and we had just seen some people who really needed care. It was really depressing and we actually worked in some nursing homes with some people and it was just really sad seeing people in those stages. But we went in and cleaned up and played bingo with them but some were in really bad shape so they couldn’t really get around. But it just really tells you that some people do need a little extra help.

KH I would like to get more students

prove your organization in the future?

involved and be able to add in a couple of field trips per year and basically let the kids know that they can do things out side of school, like to try to do things at some of the hospitals and kind of show them all areas were they can help and benefit others so that way in the future if they wanted to run an organization they can.

How has being a part of all of these groups changed the way you look at things today?

KH Well it just really makes you thankful for everything that you get in life because when your raising money for people you realize that there aren’t as many people as fortunate as you are. I try to teach the kids that, here at North, that’s the reason why we are looking at working at a soup kitchen over Thanksgiving and trying to help the kids learn the details of how people actually live there throughout the holidays. NS If you had to pick one organization that you enjoy the most what would it be and why? KH Well that’s an easy one, The Volunteer Knights and we are always fun and we have excitement and we always have things going on.

in.depth The Walk for Autism has been occurring since 2003 in which you walk for 1.2 miles and raise money to find a cure for Autism. Ryan Delaney, Senior Alicia Delaney’s brother, was diagnosed with Autism and his family have been walking and raising money for this walk since it has started.(lydia ness)

Walk reaches cure, brings people together

rachel.hunt

8:30 am alloons and posters of autism’s blue puzzle piece float over the popular Muny Theatre parking lot. It’s Oct. 10, the 7th Annual Walk Now For Autism walk. In Forest Park, there are thousands of people anxious and waiting-together. The world of autism in St. Louis is at its finest this crisp fall morning. Games begin. Music booms. Signs read: “Autism Speaks. It’s time to listen.” 8:47 am To the left of the arch way of balloons and Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale’s trailer and across from the 100 ft tall American flag, a blue wagon sits on a curb. A red United States Marine Corps hat shadows 11-year-old Ryan Delaney’s face. He sits in his fold out chair, completely intoxicated by his Game Boy DS. “Hey sissy,” Ryan shouts as sister Alicia walks up to the giant group of tangerine yellow “Ryan’s Rugrats” shirts. The “Ryan’s Rugrats” team has been walking for a cure to Ryan’s autism for seven years now. “Hey sissy,” he repeats. Up until 2008, “Ryan’s Rugrats” had consisted of mostly relatives. Grandparents came. Cousins came. Aunts and uncles came. This year, “Ryan’s Rugrats” is different. Senior NHS and Varsity Knightline

are new walking companions to the yellow-shirted team. Senior NHS and Varsity Knightline are new walking companions to the world. “I’ve never done this kind of thing before,” senior NHS member Meagan Bruns says quietly. She individually raised $50 for the walk. “Seeing how many people there are supporting autism is...amazing.” She gets quieter. Through hundreds of different team shirts, autism shows its affect on our world. Meagan looks around. Kids diagnosed. Family supporting. Parents worried. 8:59 am “Good morning everyone and welcome to the Seventh Annual Walk Now for Autism; Autism Speaks,” blares the microphone. Ryan looks up. A Y98 radio van is parked by the 6 ft tall platform near the starting line archway of balloons. The female voice announces the amount of donations made just in change from that morning: $64,700. The parking lot cheers as one voice, one group, together. “We wanna see this grow,” another addition from the microphone. Autism speaks through donations. 9:49 am Eleven minutes. Kids are getting anxious. Parents are getting even more anxious. Ryan stands calmly, blowing bubbles that his mother Michelle gave to him.

“Come on Ryan,” Alicia says. Mobs of different colored T-shirts begin to congregate and form lines towards the black and white “Team Photos Here” sign. For the past hour, games have kept kids happily entertained; Bounce houses, beanbag tosses, and hopscotch satisfy the kids. Adults, however, are reached out to in a different way. In the back corner of the lot stands a green and white tent labeled “Resource Center.” Passersby inevitably walk out of the tent with hands full of pamphlets and flyers, all smiling. Diane Southard, director of Fragile X Organization St. Louis, stands at her table, smiling. “Fragile X deals with the X chromosome given by the mother, where proteins are not produced in the...,” she continues her medical explanation. After a minute, she stops, smiles, continues. “My son is fragile, not broken. Don’t ever say you can’t do something. He is my proof that if you don’t dream, you can never achieve.” The stranger on the other side of the table takes one of the pamphlets in Diane’s hand. Teaching, communicating, working as one. Autism speaks through research. 9:59 am “Ten, nine, eight, seven, six...” Ryan covers his ears from the buzz of the thousands of people counting at once.

“Five, four, three, two, one.” Time to walk. “Ryan’s Rugrats” begin their journey. Alicia and Ryan hold the traditional team sign, walking through the archway of balloons together. Alicia turns to the back of the group, slowly lagging behind. “Let’s go guys. Only a mile and a half to go.” The walk had just started 30 seconds ago. Seniors Kyle Morse and Holly Edmondson smile. “Ryan’s Rugrats” continues to walk as one team. Thousands of people continue to walk as one unit. Autism speaks through unity. 11:05 am The finish line. Walkers slowly migrate back to the Muny parking lot. Again, the speakers blare from the black platform. “And the grand total donations of St. Louis: $574,110.” Ryan stands next to Alicia. He still is blowing bubbles. From age four, Ryan has been coping with autism. In Dec. he will receive a service dog. Grandparents have helped him. Cousins have helped him. And now, students of North are helping him. Autism has no cure. Each day, each moment is another opportunity for “Ryan’s Rugrats” to take another step closer towards finding a cure. Each day is a chance for us, as one world, to take another step towards finding a cure. “Autism Speaks. It’s time to listen.” page design by rachel.hunt

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Nurse Craig donates medical equipment barbara.jean. palmer

s the bright sun shines outside, Teri Craig and her family walk into their home church, Church of the Nazarene. They walk to the front lobby and make their way up the straight and narrow stairs like they do every Sunday. Her and her four family members walk into the door and walk down the path to the pews that the congregation has filled up. They sit down in the second pew of their church; this is where it all began for Teri. This is where she decided to donate medical supplies. This is where she started making a difference in peoples' lives. It all started because one man needed a bed. One Wednesday night, Teri wanted to pray for a man who

26 page design by rachel.hunt

needed a bed in her Sunday school class. Teri has been a nurse for 15 years and now for five years she has been giving back to the community by donating medical supplies. She works at St. John's home-care and helps care for the ill, where she also gets extra supplies that she's able to donate. Teri started donating medical supplies after she started making close friends at her church, and also making a close friend in her heart by accepting Jesus as her Savior. This relationship with her Savior and her church has helped her become a giving person. "I see the needs first and for most," Teri said. "I get it because I am all ready in the health care business. I started donating supplies right after I

of wound care supplies and I have been able to give her everything she needs. She has been stressed out with being sick and not having a job and I have been able to help her since she can't afford it. She kept putting [getting medical supplies] off, the least I could do is provide." Giving for Living has even had the opportunity to reach out to people in other countries like Liberia, Lybia, and China. The pieces for her organization have really come together. Teri knows someone who works for the shipping company and can ship her supplies for free. She chooses to ship a lot of medicine to other countries because if there is left over medicine here in the United States, American medical experts are not allowed to reuse it. But in other countries, on the other hand, their need for medicine is a lot bigger so they don't have the same limitations we do. "It's very awarding when I get a letter from overseas," Teri said. "It's nice to know the supplies aren't going to waste in some landfill." Teri's family also understands the need that is out there for medical supplies and they help her with donating the supplies when she is busy and can not do it herself. "I'll do whatever she needs me to do," husband Dan Craig said. "I'll pick up and deliver supplies for her. They [sons] have been with me many times. Me and my oldest son have delivered and set up hospital beds." Giving for Living estimates that they have donated about $1 million worth of supplies. Teri's willingness to help in her community never stops. The needs in this world keep getting larger and Teri keeps giving back more and more. "Teri is always dealing with people who are very ill," Cargill said. "She talks to people about the soul. When they are dying, they aren't thinking about that they wish they had spent more time in the office, they are thinking eternally and she's there to help give them hope."

Teri is always dealing with people who are very ill. She talks to people about the soul.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Nurse Teri Craig works in her office at home talking to a possible donor. Craig collects donated hospital items from various health organizations to give to those in need financially. (fareeha amir)

got saved. If someone has tons and tons of supplies I collect them." The man was sick and dying. His wife was trying to take care of him, but the man was laying on the floor. Teri's church class decided to pray that the man got a bed the next day. Not just any bed, a bed with all the bells and whistles. Teri has met many people who have needed the donation of her medical supplies. When she started donating the supplies, she came across many people who were willing to help. She was surprised to find that her director at St. Johns home-care thought it was a great idea to donate the left over medical supplies they could not use anymore. The pastor and people at her church also thought it was a wonderful idea. People in Teri's life really understand and see the need as well. The next day Teri went to work. Someone she worked with asked her if she knew anyone who needed a bed because a patient had just passed away and they no longer had a need for the bed. The bed was then delivered to the man and it was everything he needed. "It was then we knew God really did answer prayers,â&#x20AC;? pastor George Cargill said. After helping one man she realized there was a need out there. So she decided to start her own organization called Giving for Living. Her church helps out majorly. Teri started out storing all the supplies in her garage but when that came to not be enough room, the church offered to pay for another storage area. Teri donates a very wide range of things: hospital beds, electric carts, wheel chairs, crutches, and oxygen supplies. Teri can also things that even insurance can not offer such as a bench for showers. Teri comes across a lot of people who can not stand in the shower and need a bench, but can not afford it because their insurance will not pay for it or they do not have insurance at all. "I have a patient who doesn't have insurance but had major surgery," Teri said. "She needed tons and tons

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a synchronized life on

MEGAN ASHTON,11

ice

BRIANNA SCHROER,10

Junior Megan Ashton and sophomore Brianna Schroer work together to form part of the Ice Gems, the Rec-Plex’s second-ranked Ice Skating team. The dedicated girls contribute to the team of 13 and enjoy competing together. (nicole thompson) elizabeth.diggs

All is quiet on the ice. The lights in the rink slowly brighten as the young coaches gear up for ice skating practice. The Ice Gems emerge from the locker rooms as Whitesnake’s 1982 single “Here I Go Again” starts to play and the skaters begin to rehearse their Long Program. Here I go again on my own, going down the only road I’ve ever known. Counting aloud, the synchronized ice skaters take their places at the end of the rink. The temperature hovers around 55 degrees and the atmosphere in the ice rink intensifies as junior Megan Ashton, sophomore

Brianna Schroer, and the other 11 members of the Rec-Plex’s secondranked Synchro team begin waving rock symbols to the rhythm of the music. They link arms and perform as a unit to create elegant blurs of blade reflections and black and purple practice dresses. Two lines of girls become one as they intertwine and the remixed 80s music comes to a halt. “Again.” Synchro coach for 18 years, Heather Hyatt orders. As former team captain, Megan can be heard assisting the coaches on the ice. “Five, six, seven, eight. Again!” Megan hopes to become this year’s team captain as well. Being captain has been a major accomplishment for

30 page design by brittany.lounsbury & logan.ponche

Megan and her mother, Joyce Ashton, believes being captain has brought Megan out of her shell. Winning Nationals in 2008 was just icing on the cake. Megan will look back at this accomplishment for years. The social aspect of the team is what Megan enjoys most. “It’s fun being able to skate with all my friends and I like being able to travel and compete,” Megan says. Unlike Megan who only performs with Synchro, Brianna Schroer competes by herself in addition to performing with the team. Competing solo adds a totally different aspect to ice skating. Usually, the coaches choose what the skaters wear and what

music they skate to, but in Brianna’s case, she gets to make her own decisions while performing solo such as her outfit. Brianna mainly skates with Synchro, but she enjoys participating in the Rec-Plex solo competitions a few times a year as well. The 13 members of the Ice Gems will repeat their program at least ten times so they continue to improve their footwork. The girls practice once a week as a team and two to three times the week of their scheduled competitions. This year, Midwestern’s are in Iowa from Jan. 28-31 and Nationals are scheduled for March 26-28. Totaling to around 14 practices between competitions, Megan feels the team

play.hard

will be well prepared. I don’t know where I’m going, but I sure know where I’ve been. Coach Heather and assistant coach Kelly Haynes break down the program step by step, spin by spin, twist by twist. The St. Peters Rec-Plex has six Synchronized Ice Skating teams; The Ice Gems are two-time Ice Skating Institute (ISI) National champions. Despite the girls’ success, their nerves are still evident. “A lot of my friends get nervous on Synchro, so it makes me nervous as well,” Brianna says. “I am more nervous when I perform solo, though.” About 45 minutes into the rehearsal, the Ice Gems are joined by the Ruby Edges, a Synchro team that’s just a level below them. The Rec-Plex emblem glistens under the scratched and tattered top layer of ice while the girls take a ten minute break and everyone grabs a snack. Eating granola bars and yogurt parfaits, the Ice Gems rest their feet, give positive feedback to each other, and talk about their flaws. “But I fell,” said one team member. “Don’t worry, you’ll get it next time,” says another. Other team members, the spectators in the crowd, and the parents all contribute to the skaters’ success. Joyce has been assisting the Ice Gems since Megan began skating seven years ago. She usually volunteers to chaperone their trips and bring food for the competition judges. She has also been an ice monitor in the past, telling teams when to enter and exit the rink. After the team’s break ends, it’s back on the ice for more practice. The same tune plays over and over again. The girls begin to get tired. Their movements become slower as they gracefully perform the rigorous routine as a whole. The music slows and stops suddenly. Coach Heather throws up her arms to close the practice. “Great job tonight, girls!” “Have a great night!” Coach Kelly chimes in. The girls twist and turn in excitement off the ice and back to the locker room. Practice will resume the following Tuesday. The dedicated members of the Ice Gems and both of their coaches will return to prepare themselves for their next competition. “[It’s] a fun sport and it’s unique; it’s not offered at school,” Megan says. “I’ve made a lot of new friends. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t like it as much.”

Junior Megan Ashton and sophomore Brianna Schroer enjoy spending time ice-skating on their team the Ice Gems. Megan only skates on a team, but sometimes Brianna skates solo. In this photo they are preforming their routine to “Here I Go Again”. (nicole thompson)

page design by brittany.lounsbury & logan.ponche

Girls volleyball hosts Districts

north athletics: by the

numb3rs

rj.howes

Senior Lauren Reitche swings to the ball during a match against Howell Central on Sept. 15. The Knights played a close match and won with a score of 199- 229. This year was the first year of coaching girls’ golf for James Allison. (sam fitzwalter)

Golf team has success taylor.berra

Last Wednesday, Oct. 14, the girls golf team placed fourth at GACs and sophomore Erika Pack took sixth as an individual. With only a fatherdaughter round to follow, the team has basically finished their season. As the girls look back on the year, they have a positive outlook on the competitions they entered - especially the Knight Cup, their home golf tournament - along with their own individual improvement. With a new coach and a few new players added to the team, the team felt confident going into things. “We have done really well so far,” freshman Sarah Creeley said. “We won most of our matches so I think we have done pretty good.” As a returning player, junior Ashley Trautman worked really hard to help her teammates improve their scores, which in turn, further helped the team. “Our returning players know what they are doing,” Trautman said. “We help the newer players improve their game. In the long run it helps the team a lot. We win more matches and just have a good time.”

32 page design by bethany.brady

Last year, coach James Allison helped coach the boys’ golf team. This year, however, is Allison’s first year coaching the girls’ golf team. He was impressed with the girls and their ability to work together. “The team has a really really good chemistry and they help each other out when they need to,” Allison said. Although the girls worked hard and concentrated on improvement, they liked to take time to grow together as a team and grow closer as friends. “Driving to the away matches was always the best,” Creeley said. “We really got a chance to sit down and talk to each other and make a lot of good memories together.” Not only did the girls enjoy spending all of their time together, but Allison himself enjoyed playing golf and spending time with the girls. “It is a lot of fun [coaching the girls team],” Allison said. “I like coaching because all of the girls are fun and golf is a sport I have a passion for. This team has a really good chemistry between them which makes the overall season so much better.” see photos from the girls’ golf fhn Toseason, check out the albums

today com

page on FHNtoday.com.

This year, girls volleyball Districts will be held at North’s home court for the first time in FHN history. “Our goal is to put on a well-run event so we can be a model for the other schools,” Head coach Robin Yuede said. “If it’s organized, well-run, and we play to the best of our ability, to me that is a successful tournament.” In last year’s Districts, held at Parkway Central, FHN took second place, being beat out by Parkway West in the finals. This year, however, North will play Districts - held the last week of October - with a bit of a twist. Because of several new players, experienced players coming back to the team will have to break into new positions that are relatively new to them. “We have a new setter so that will be different,” junior Lauren Jacobson said. “Our libero will be different this year and former players are playing different positions.” According to sophomore Alex Oppenborne, Districts serves a bigger purpose than just boosting the team’s record. “[Districts] shows how well you’ve worked over the season and the progress you’ve made,” Oppenborne said.

fhn

today com

shut outs for boys’ soccer

3,872

average strokes per practice a night for boys swimming

20-25

footballs used in one season

1 .87

senior on varsity girls volleyball

average ERA for Varsity softball pitchers

Wilson brand tennis raquets used by the team

miles run on average per practice for cross country

To see the results of the Volleyball game against McCluer North on Oct. 24, check out FHNtoday.com.

Team works for great ending olivia.ong

As the year winds down, the Cross Country team prepares for one of the biggest meets of the season: Districts. Districts will be held Oct. 24 at McNair Park. “[It’s] such a big deal because the team has to be qualified [in] the top four teams [in order to qualify for Sectionals],” Assistant coach Brooke Roe said. “The team is very excited.” Those who don’t qualify as part of a team can qualify as an individual as long as they placed top thirty. “In a regular competition it’s hard, you have to be prepared,” Prost said. “And in a Conference it’s even harder, because you have to be able to make

Senior Kelsey Roberts runs the JV girls Cross Country race at the Parkway West Invitational. The meet was held at McNair park on Saturday, Oct. 3. (kaitlyn williams)

the top 12.” The team has high expectations. “I’m hoping that I’ll be able to win,” Summers said, “also that things will go smoothly for the team.”

play.hard

Boys’ soccer gets their groove back betsy.blanchard

The Varsity boys’ soccer team seems to play in extremes; out of their first seven games, they won six. Out of the next five, they lost four. Now, they seem to be back on target, seeing as they went undefeated six games straight. As of last Tuesday, their record stood at 12-4-1. Last Monday gave Head coach Vince Nowak his 400th win. “I think altogether we have been working harder at practice and working harder at games,” junior Taylor Bell said. “The level of intensity has really picked up and it has helped the team really come together and play better.” Earlier on in the season, Nowak felt the team needed to focus on “playing better, smarter and harder more often,” and incorporating “more intensity” into their game. Several players have noted specific issues that need to be dealt with. “Our scoring [needs work]. We have the opportunities we just haven’t been able to finish [them],” Bell said. At practice the team has emphasized fundamental skills, passing, receiving and moving off the ball. Fortunately, the team has got a lot going for them. “[Our strengths are] our athletic

fhn Sophomore Ben Adams swims the

today 100 yard Butterfly. Results from Fri-

com day’s 3:30 p.m. meet at McCluer will be found online. (nicole thompson)

Diver joins team zach.meier

Sophomore Sam Worsely looks ahead for way towards the net. North beat Duchesne 2-0 on their noon home game on Oct. 3. (sam hurrell)

talent and chemistry,” junior Chip Dozier said. “Every one works to help out the team.” Nowak notes that the team has strength coming from yet another direction, goalkeeping. Senior Austin Haywood and junior Logan Ponche split time in the back. With a solid defense and a strong offense on its way, Nowak expects the team to pull

through the rest of the season nicely. “We want to keep improving,” Nowak said. “And obviously we want to do as best we can in Conference. When you play soccer at FHN, the expectations are always high.”

fhn

today com

Go online tomorrow night after the 8 p.m. home game against Howell Central for scores.

Softball shows improvement in the record books abbey.grone

Senior Randi Yousey is safe sliding into home base on Sept. 14. The Lady Knights played Central and lost with a score of 1-5. Yousey is one of of two seniors on the team. (lydia ness)

With only six new members to the team, FHN varsity softball has had an over all better season than last year. Finishing with a record of 13-11, the Knights have improved from last years record of 8-16. “[Our biggest accomplishment this year was] beating Central because last year we were short gamed (when one team beats their opposing team by ten and the game is cut off) twice and they have a lot of really good players on their squad,” Varsity assistant coach Janelle Louis said. Not only have they beat central and obtained a better record than last year, but the girls’ bond has improved as well. “We’ve all gotten along really well because we all knew each other before the season even started,” junior Taylor

Jonason said. The veteran sophomore and junior players have picked up some extra responsibilities due to a lack of seniors on the team. “I think the sophomores and juniors have done a really good job learning their rolls on the team,” Louis said. “With the low number of seniors, the juniors have really stepped up.” With an overall better record and a distinct bond between the players, the team is content with their season. “We’ve had a great season and we’re way better than last year,” sophomore Ami Francis said. “Even with the little leadership we had.”

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To see the results of tonight’s Varsity boys soccer game against Holt, check out FHNtoday.com.

Freshman Austin Anderson decided to take on the role of being the only diver on the team. “Well I used to do gymnastics so that’s why I decided to dive,” Anderson said. He’s been involved with gymnastics for ten years and never thought he’d one day be a diver. “We heard that he had gymnastic ability so we just followed up on it,” Swim and diving instructor Chip Crow said. Anderson is the first diver on the team in four years. “We had to change our shirts from North Swimming to North Swimming and diving,” junior Nick Ganousis said.

Tennis finishes second place julia.gabbert

From Sept. 28-30, Varsity girls tennis had GACs at Troy High School. Out of 11 schools, FHN placed second. From FHN, three out of four singles and two out of three doubles teams made it to finals. “I think that the team played up to their potential,” coach Kellie Hausner-Voyles said. “They showed a lot of persistence, and they played with a lot of heart.” Top FHN players included junior Hope Mares for singles, and seniors Fareeha Amir and Lynn Roemer for doubles. “I’m really happy,” Mares said. “I think I played the best that I’ve ever played. I’m really proud of the team. We did very good.”

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Now that the season is over, check the Web site for tennis galleries from throughout the fall. page design by rj.howes

North reaches new level of spirit

with junior Brooke Oostendorp

This is Oostendorp’s first year playing tennis competitively and she’s already worked her way to the top half of the Varsity lineup. as told to adam.rapert

NS: Who got you into tennis? BO: My boyfriend Brett Sloan. He beat me at the begining of summer and we kept playing every week since because I wanted to beat him. NS: How do you warm up? BO: I don’t hit the ball around which is very uncommmon. I just run and stretch and run and stretch.

NS: What is the most embarrassing thing you have done on the team? BO: At the first day of try-outs, I was

Sophomore Brie Wilson and her teammates cheer at the Blackout game on Sept. 18. The cheerleaders along with many fans wore all black to the game to support the varsity football team playing against Fort Zumwalt West. (Kaitlyn Williams)

rachel.hunt

hroughout the past two years, the Varsity cheerleading squad has not traveled to the annual State competition. They have been to camp and regionals numerous times, but nothing compares to the State competition. This year, they finally made it to State. “Finally,” junior Sara Watson said. “The last time North went to State was my freshman year. It’s my first real experience at a State competition.” This year, State will be held at the Univ. of Missouri-Columbia on Nov. 14. More than 40 squads from around Missouri will be competing.

running on the court, and I tripped over my own feet and fell really hard on my face. Also, during a match, I was going for a ball and I hit it, but after I hit it, I kept running and I ran into the fence.

NS: Who was your hardest match? BO: St. Dominic. This girl was really

good at placing the ball. [So] to beat her, I just became really aggressive and came up to the net alot and ended up winning.

page design by scott.jones & zach.meier

SOFTBALL FOOTBALL SOCCER

was my first match. I still didn’t really know when it was my serve, what side I had to stand on for the serve or when we [were supposed to] switch sides.

your athletes

DANCE

NS: What went through your mind on the first serve of your first match? BO: I was a little nervous because it

get to know

“It’s a little nerve-wracking,” captain Maggie Kube said. “I hope that we all go out and do the best we can and place.” Because of the girls’ high placement at their camp competition over summer, practices are slowly increasing. The cheerleaders are now practicing two to three times a week for two hours each. “We decided as a team that we need to step up our practices,” Varsity head coach T’Neisha Harris said. “The girls all get along this year. It’s the first time in a long time that I’ve had a team that gets along like this. We have been working as a team all year.” In June, the cheerleading squad

visited the Univ. of Missouri-Columbia for a 4-day camp. The squad learned multiple cheers, dances, and bonded as a team. In addition, the squad took home the “Top Two Performance” ranking at their camp competition of six to seven schools. At the State competition, the squad will perform a longer version of the routine they performed at FHN’s Homecoming pep assembly. The girls have been preparing for well over a month. “[The squad] is like a second family to me,” Watson said. “We just all want a good performance and place.”

an animal that scares you

your coach in one word

athelete who inspires you

sport you hate to watch

chimpanzee

leader

Jason Witten

golf

bear

experienced

Lisa Fernandez

volleyball

Kodiak bear

competitive

Tiger Woods

basketball

snakes

intense

Leo

like them all

Alex Seamon,9

Ami Francis,10

Zach Johnson,11

Jodi Wurm,12

play.hard

Football players exceed expectations ryan.firle

Off to a 4-3 start, Varsity football can already label this season as a success as they have exceeded their win total from last year. “It doesn’t matter who we play,” Head coach John Brune said. “We come to play every week.” Unlike the previous years, this years team has many options on the offensive side of the ball which has translated into an increase of 18.5 points per game. “We’re more versatile,” Brune said. “[We’re] not very predictable, [and] it’s hard to defend us” Even with more talent on each side of the ball, players and coaches alike believe that one of their weak points is finishing games. “[The CBC and Fort Zumwalt West games] taught us that we can’t lighten up in the third quarter,” senior

Sophomore Katie Stepanek dances during the first pep-assembley on Sept 25. The dance was choreographed by senior Deidre Meyer. (nicole thompson)

Senior Jake Schneider is tackled while running the ball on Sept. 4. Knights lost with a close score of 35 to 31 against CBC. Their next game is at DeSemet which is one of the three games for Districts. (greg felock)

running back Mike Castro said. With the Knights success this year, the team has found trust in each other. “Everyone is real close and we

look out for each other,” senior Nick DiMarco said. “We have good team chemistry, we’re really competitive and we hate to lose.”

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DEFENd

AG A I N S T C HOC ONOGO Prep a re f or b a t t le. Te x t CHOCO to 74 64 2 . Sta nda rd te xt and d a t a r a t e s a p p l y.

t w Y w t 3VO BT # 8

Knightline remembers MJ danielle.yuede

n Oct. 30, Knightline will be performing a Michael Jackson tribute dance at the Varsity football game. It will include the songs Beat It, Bad, and Thriller. Senior Alicia Delaney came up with the theme of the performance. “I was assigned senior night,” Delaney said, “And since it is so close to Halloween and Michael Jackson just died we thought we’d do a whole mix of Michael Jackson moves.” Since Delaney and others on Knightline are enthusiastic about doing the dance, they realize the amount of effort, time and focus needed to make it unforgettable. “We still have work to do,” Delaney said, “But we are excited. It’s difficult just because there are so many steps to the dances.” Even with the dance’s level of difficulty, Knightline coach Kelly Pierce believes her girls can give a great performance and have the crowd dancing along with Jacksons’ famous moves. “I think it [the dance] will be very entertaining,” Pierce said. “Also the crowd will like it because the moves will be very familiar to them.” Not only does Knightline want to tribute the dance to the former ‘King of Pop,’ but also display their skill. “I hope that the school realizes the outstanding talent we have on Knightline,” senior Lauren Buxton said. page design by sidney.shelton

Riti’s love for her country causes love for the game adam.rapert

rowing up in Palmerston, Canada Barb Riti has always had a passion for hockey. Although she is a woman she feels that she is mentally stronger and has as much skill as most of the men she plays against. Recently after moving to Missouri, Riti joined an all women’s hockey team called the Missouri HER-ricanes. She has been playing with them for four years. The team plays both men and women teams. Riti feels she has no disadvantages being on an all women’s team. “Growing up in Canada it’s instinctive to play hockey,” Riti said. “I know I’m a woman obviously and I feel I have just as much advantage as the men I play, considering the league is semi contact free.” After winning the national championship this past season Riti feels that the team has definitely made progress from previous years. “After winning the championship game I was stunned,” Coach Ron Hirsh said. “I mean I knew we could do it, but just actually accomplishing it feels great. Barb and all the other women played great and hopefully we can keep the title for next year and many years to come.” The Missouri HER-ricanes’ record the past season was 25-0. Eleven games were against all men’s teams. For some it may seem to be an advantage, but Riti and the other women on the team feel otherwise. “I feel that we have an upperRon Hirsh,coach “It was so awesome to win the National Championship. We played other states and we had fun.” Felicia Durst,teammate “[Last season was] the best, National Champs, you can’t get much better than that.”

hand when we play men’s teams,” Team-mate Felicia Brown said. “The men look at us and feel as though they can’t be as aggressive or don’t want to hurt us, but we still play strong and as aggressive as we always do and come out on top” Riti got into hockey in Canada from her father, Dave (Curly) Wright. He taught her the basic fundamentals and the overall strategies of the game, which is Riti’s favorite part of hockey. “I enjoy watching the women fly through the ice and skate around all the men,” Denise Hogan, a HER-ricane’s fan said. “That’s the only reason I come, is to watch them show-up the men’s team’s.” One could call Riti’s love for the game a passion. With being a full-time teacher at Francis Howell North High School, she tries to practice as much as possible. “Sometimes before I even go out to turn on the score board I see her [Riti] out there skating around and getting ready.” Manager Mark Holbrook said. For Riti hockey is not just an activity, it’s a lifestyle. “I simply just love hockey,” Riti said. “I love everything about it. I have already accomplished beating men, I have already won a National Title for playing hockey, I guess the only thing left I have to do is get in a hockey fight to complete my experience as a hockey player, but I don’t think that will happen. Overall, hockey just makes me feel like I have done something with my life and I’m certainly proud of it.”

08-09 season statistics: GAMES PLAYED: 19 GOALS: 19 ASSISTS: 12 POINTS: 31 PENALTY MINUTES: 4 PLUS/MINUS: +31 HAT TRICKS: - 3

Above, Riti’s Coach and teammate were asked how they felt about their overall 08-09 season. Alongside is are Riti’s statistics from the season.

36 page design by taylor.berra

Above Riti playing left wing, stands in front of her goalie to block a shot from going on the net. Below is the Missouri HER-ricanes after they won the National Championhip in the 08-09 season. (photos submitted)

Begin Fall

in Downtown Saint Charles Photos by Fareeha Amir

Historic Main Street has been a popular place for shopping since the 19th century. It has still preserved its old style look with the brick road and small antique shops. Main Street has become a greatly-visited attraction in Missouri because of the history behind it.

page design by fareeha amir

One of the most famous attraction of main street is the horse drawn carriages. A carriage is out every Friday and Saturday waiting for people to come and take a ride down the beautiful street. The cost for the carriage is $30 for two people and $5 for any additional guest.

Sisters Pat Pionke and Kathy Klok enjoy popcorn together on Sat Oct 10. The two sisters have been coming to Main Street for the past 20 years. The love spending their weekends eating and walking around Main Street.

page design by fareeha amir

As one moves closer to the river front from Main Street they will reach Frontier park that encompasses the riverfront. Frontier Park also contains the famous Katy Trail and bikers can be seen often riding through the park. Many events are hosted in the Park such as Oktoberfest, festival of Little Hills, and Autism Walks.

Downtown Saint Charles visitors are invited to take a trolley tour when they come to visit the site. The trolley has seven regular scheduled stops that include the Foundry Art Centre, Ameristar Casino, and St. Charles Convention Center. The trolley runs everyday of the week except on Mondays, but has set hours.

Picasso’s is a popular coffee located on the corner of Main and Jefferson. Picasso’s strives to serve the best coffee to visitors and have an unforgettable coffee shop experience. In addition, Picasso’s host live music every Saturday night and also host many other events through out the year such as poetry readings, open mic night, and book club meetings.

Small shops align both sides of the brick roads of Main Street. These shops are mainly privately owned with goods that can be found no where else. These unique shops draw different shoppers form everywhere to come to their exceptional stores.

page design by fareeha amir

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Powderpuff Game 2009

FHNtoday.com Soundslides of events that happen around the school and community.

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Daily updated scores from the games here at FHN.

Become our fan on facebook, follow us on twitter and check out our myspace page.

If you want a weekly update on what is going on with FHNtoday.com you can order a weekly newsletter to be sent straight to your email. Order photos of you and your friends from school activities here.

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Need to order your senior ad for this year’s yearbook? Go online and you can find the forms.

All photos from our web galleries are available to purchase. Check out our photo galleries where you can order prints of photos, prints on shirts, and even put a photo on a coffee mug for presents.

Varsity Soccer

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Look at our photo galleries where we cover sporting events and school activites.

Add us

Check out our podcast Knightlife that covers things from sports features to how to’s.

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weekly soundslides

You can find photo galleries of sporting events and activities at school

KnightLife Soundslides come out weekly and you can find photos with music or an interview with the focus of the soundslide.

41page design by barbara.jean.palmer

Minisodes come out weekly. They cover things from news , features, to how to’s.

The podcast comes out every other week. It informs us about features at school and around the community. You can also hear about sports from Ryan and Kaitlyn. Also you can watch some How to’s on it.

North Star Take: medicine is not candy editorial.staff

ith winter coming and the illnesses pouring in, people are using medicine more than usual. Tylenol, cough syrup, and Advil are commonly used but if you’re caught with any sort of medicine with you at school, it can result in suspension. All medicine is to be kept in the nurse’s office with a note from your doctor and parent. Many people complain about not being able to take medicine at school or only getting eight doses from the nurse per year. Well honestly, that’s because of the student body’s misuse of these medicines in the past. When it comes down to it, administration doesn’t trust us with medication. An extra tylenol here and there. Another tablespoon of cough syrup. Treating cough drops like candy. Students take for granted the help medicine provides for us. It was created to help us not, to get us high. When administrators are enforcing this medicine policy, they realize that they did not make this rule to hurt us or to cause us inconvenience, but only to protect us. Those in the past have made dumb mistakes that have ruined the chances for all the rest of us to carry medicine with us. We realize that many of our role models in the world

Many medicines, from prescripion to over the counter, are misused by teens every single day. Many, however, fail to see the extremely harmful and dangerous effects they can have on the body. (Nicole Thompson)

today do abuse drugs, but we have to stand up against that and realize that its not right. If we were all more responsible with medication and how we use it, to better ourselves not to worsen ourselves, we really could show the adults that we are responsible and we do

know how to use medication without abusing it. Medicine helps us a lot and it’s a shame that people misuse it so often. Think about what would happen if medicine wasn’t available to us. Our headaches, sore throats, body aches, everything that medicine helps would

persist. It’s amazing how much we use medicine without even realizing it. Steroids, cough drops and vitamins - these all help us in different ways. Vitamins help our bodies to grow and stay healthy, Steroids are used after surgeries to regain strength, and cough drops are used to sooth sore throats. There’s so many uses other than bad ones for medicine. If you think that popping pills will make you look cool or help you to look cool, it doesn’t. Not only does it make you look bad but it also makes the people around you look bad. You may “feel good” or “look good” while doing it, but in the years to come, or sometimes sooner, you won’t be looking or feeling very good when you find out that your body is experiencing problems that you could have solved earlier on. This high school is now ours. We need to treat it with respect and show responsibility. Don’t bring your medicine to school and get in trouble when you can easily take it when you are at home or you can go grab some from the nurses. Be responsible with it and we wouldn’t have a problem, on behalf of the

North Star editorial staff

Say unto others what you would want said unto you allison.sheffler

alking down the halls during an average school day is a struggle. People run into you, people stop in front of you, and people hit you with their book bags. But the most bothersome thing is the words that come out of students’ mouths, terms referring to peoples’ clothing, character, and sexuality. The words coming out of these people’s mouths are directed towards their friends their best friends. I don’t think it’s alright to call anyone, let alone your friends, these names. These names are hurtful and many are degrading. Today’s society and community make it seem acceptable when in reality, it’s not.

42 page design by mallory.mueller and lauren skinner

The only solution to the problem is to stop and think. Everyone knows these terms are profane and wrong; however, we keep saying them and putting others down with these disgraceful names. The simple fact of the matter is that when I hear people call their friends these names, I think to myself “Wow, I really don’t want to be friends with someone who’s going to call me that all the time.” Another issue I have with calling people these names is the amount of disrespect it shows. There is no reason to call someone out based on things like a persons’ lifestyle and the way they act (or dress). When it comes down to it, it’s flat out disrespectful to call people any sort of name (rather it

be inappropriate or not). When people use curse words, it shows others that their vocabulary isn’t very big. The use of profanity is a last resort for them instead of finding a more appropriate way to express themselves. I was always told “If your grandma doesn’t want to hear it, you shouldn’t say it at all” and I highly doubt any of your grandparents would want to hear you call your friend the b-word. So before you casually spill out a word that’s known as profanity or make a rude remark, think of what you’re actually saying. Using these words make you look ignorant and uneducated. You’re only hurting your character, reputation, and someone else, no big deal...

danielle.yuede

Attention all Beatles fans and anyone who considers themselves musically savvy: here is a game for you. It’s called “Beatles Rock Band”. It’s similar to the original Rock Band, but has a complete music playlist featuring only the Beatles. It includes songs like “Paperback Writer”, “Yellow Submarine” and “Ticket to Ride.” Each song is arranged by its level of difficulty, starting at “Beginner” and advancing to “Demanding.” The game’s graphics are also great. It really does feel like you are on stage rocking with John Lennon. The only downfall to the game is the price. Amazon.com prices it at $45.97 which is a bit pricey but definitely worth the endless hours of entertainment you will enjoy. Even if you are someone like me who is both vocally and rhythmically challenged, you will still find this game fun, entertaining and addicting. You won’t be able to put down your fake, plastic Gibson guitar.

speak.out

P L AY

June, 25 2009 Breaking news! Michael Jaskson has passed away!

Senior Julia Gabbert spends one week without the Internet and her cell phone, feeling that she was too dependent on it. (sam fitzwalter)

10 years later...

Living phoneless

Breaking news! New theory on Michael’s death!

julia.gabbert

illustration by rj.howes

Junior experiences happiness through music taylor.berra

In the movies you often see a teenage girl home alone listening to her music extremely loud. That girl is most likely dancing around the house screaming every word as loud as she possibly can. As she sings into a hair brush and plays the air guitar it seems as though she does not have a single care in the world, besides enjoying that small moment in her life when nothing else matters at all. Almost every day of my life I often find myself acting like that crazy, insane, and energetic girl you see in all of the movies. Anyone who knows me knows that music is a huge part of my life. Music has the ability to change the way I am

feeling within a matter of minutes. I can go from being stressed out and wanting to rip my hair out, to being completely happy and peppy. Every word and every line of every song means something to me. As a whole, a song tells a story or makes a statement. Whether that statement is to have a “Party in the USA,” that I’m in “Over my Head,” or to live my “Love Story” it doesn’t matter, music can change my overall mood and how hard I work to make it through the day. Almost all the time I am a very happy person and I owe that singlehandily to whatever song is going through my head at the time. When I’m happy, the people around me are happy. No one likes it when someone is in a terrible and depressing mood

because then it just brings everyone else down. When I’m in a good mood I am absolutely, ridiculously crazy. I dance, I sing, I scream at the top of my lungs and I do not care at all what people think of me. I am being myself and I think that everyone should have the chance to act as carefree and outgoing as they please. Music surrounds me every second of everyday. I wake up listening to music, I go to school listening to music, I come home, do homework and then fall asleep listening to music. Basically, music is my life. Without it I would not be the happy, smiley person that many people know me as. I do not think that my life would ever be the same if I did not listen to the music that makes me the person I am everyday.

Out of all of my friends, I was one of the last to get a cell phone. Even when I did, it didn’t take over my life. But this year, I finally got a phone with unlimited texting and Internet, and then I turned into a mindless drone. On Sept. 21, I decided to put a stop to my madness. I turned off my phone for 7 days. No texting. No Twitter. No other social networks. At first, it was brutal. Being a complete Twitter-holic, I had to come to terms with the fact that I wasn’t going to get updates filling me in on what my friends were doing. I couldn’t post my frequent random, erratic thoughts. Pathetic, I know. I compulsively checked the pockets of my bag, searching for my phone, only to realize it wasn’t there. Not to mention it was awful trying to make plans with friends. Eventually, I began seeing that I don’t really need my phone. I felt somehow free and on my own. I also couldn’t be distracted during school or on the road. I once again began to see the perks of being without a phone, like I did before I had one. Could I make it without my cell phone? Absolutely. Would I ever want to? Not again. see the day-to-day struggle that fhn ToGabbert had to endure during her

today

phoneless week, check out her

com video blogs on FHNtoday.com page design by katharine.carney

LI ST EN zach.meier

Jay Z’s brand new abum, “BluePrint 3,” is a well put together two disk album. For once someone changes the game up and of course it is none other than Jay Z that does it. His song “D.O.A” is an awesome song. D.O.A stands for Death to Auto Tune which is a pitch corrector that artists such as T-Pain, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West use. In the song he uses a non-electronic beat and a guitar which gives you a more down to earth vibe. The song “Run This Town” with Rihanna and Kanye West is also a great song which has a classical feel to it. I agree with Jay Z and think that rap should quit with the robotic voices and stick to what’s natural which is exactly what he did in this album.

SI N G kelsey.bell

With a catchy melody, upbeat lyrics, and a toe-tapping beat, Justin Bieber’s new single ‘One Time’ is definitely a song I recommend having on your play list. I heard the song for the first time when I was clicking through the top 100 list on Itunes, and it immediately caught my attention. Bieber’s youthful voice is unique, causing you to stop and ask; “Who is this?” He’s a 15 year old pop singer who was recently signed to Island Records after being discovered on Youtube. ‘One time’ is his first single since he’s been signed, and after hearing it a few times it’s one of those songs you just can’t help singing along with. The lyrics are easy to understand, quick to catch on to, and easy to relate to. The music is fast, happy, and super fun to dance to. These qualities make it the perfect feel-good song any day of the week.

44 page design by lauren.skinner

Senior Tori Bowden expresses her passion for dance and its importance in her life. Dancing for Bowden is an opportunity to escape everything going on around her and just have fun. (stephanie graflage)

Life lessons realized through dance tori.bowden

alking into the studio, I’m greeted with a crowd of faces that I haven’t seen since June, along with the familiar smells of hairspray, sweat, and fast food. I’m back at Performing Arts Centre for the last time. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with dancing ever since I started when I was five. I was fully convinced that I was going to be a famous ballerina/ pop star someday, and nothing could change my mind. Now, twelve years later, a lot has changed. Believe it or not, I no longer want to be a pop star. But through it all, I’ve always been

a dancer. Yes, there have been days when the thought of putting on tights and slicking down my hair sounded like torture to me. Still, on other days, I’d rather be dancing than anything else in the world. Entering my last year of dancing, I’m realizing all of things that it has taught me.Two things that stick out are determination and perseverence. The feeling you get the first time you do something is incomparable to anything else. Dancing has taught me that through my hard work and determination to get better, I can persevere to become the best I can be. Perhaps the most important thing it’s taught me though, is confidence. Yes,

I still have some insecurities, but that’s because I’m human. Being in dance, I’ve learned to appear confident in everything I do in life. I couldn’t have learned any of that if it weren’t for my dance teachers, though, who helped me be the person I am today. Still, with the memories and lessons that dance has given me, I won’t be pursuing it after high school. Dancing has been a huge part of my life that will leave with me things that I never could have learned anywhere else, and I don’t regret a minute of it from the past twelve years. And I as I go through college and the rest of my life, I will always be a dancer.

Don’t let the moments of your life pass you by nicole.renner

he term “Carpe Diem” is Latin for “Seize the Day.” Unfortunately, this is not what people have in mind when they live day to day. It seems apparent to me that as soon as I roll out of bed in the morning I’m already relishing the thought of the day being over. Most of us spend our days staring at the clock wishing, waiting, wanting. While we’re anticipating the passing of time, we miss out on something: every day is a gift. Why waste away our days full of dread when we can celebrate the time we still have? Everyone should realize there is no turning back the clock. If your someone who sits at home on the weekends, go out and live a little. Go to a sports event, be with friends, or do anything to make that day count.

If you’re someone who never does homework and is barely skating by in a class, do your work and accomplish something to improve your grades. If you’re someone who thinks a good exercise is changing channels on the remote, go outside and be truly active. So often I hear people list off regret after regret when they reflect on their life. Or how the many opportunities they would take advantage of if they could go back. I know I personally want to be able to look back on my life and appreciate the way I cherished my days. Whether it’s making memories or making grades, we all need to live life instead of letting it pass us by. After all, we’re all allotted so much time in life, why wouldn’t you want to live to the best of your ability. So go on, take risks, live in the moment, and seize the day!

Many students count down the minutes left in the school day, Nicole Renner decided she wasn’t going to be one of them anymore. (lauren buxton)

betsy.blanchard

ow it could just be my conservative upbringing talking here, but the violations of the seven B’s at North has gotten ridiculous. In all honesty, it always has been. And I’m not blaming the Administration in the least bit. Students should be able to take care of themselves. The other day I was walking up the stairs behind a couple of girls when I saw a few things I would have lived better off without seeing. I’m entirely befuddled; do they realize what they’re wearing? The sad thing is, they do. In the halls I constantly see girls showing too much up top, too much down low and too much in between. I don’t want to see any of it. Not only it is a violation of school policy, but in a sense it’s a violation to the girls themselves. Those who dress in such a vulgar way most definitely do not send others a positive message. I know for a fact that I’m not the only one who thinks this way; it screams desperate. It’s degrading. I have very little respect for the person who thinks being so scantily dressed is in any way, shape or form appropriate for school (or anywhere for that matter).

Letter to the Editor Guidlines • Letters must be signed by the author and verified for publication • Letters may be submitted to room 026 or Mr.Manfull’s mailbox • Letters must include the authors phone number and e-mail for verification • Letters should not exceed 300 words • Letters will not be printed if content is obscene, profane, invasive of privacy, encouraging physical disruption of school, and/or implies libel

Following the seven B’s has become a serious problem among students. Students do not realize that the clothing they wear reflect how others think of them. The clothing one wears represents one’s character and personality. (fareeha amir)

I’ve been told on numerous occasions that I sound like a grandma and I’m okay with that. It’s not hard to pull up your shirt. It’s not hard to wear a different pair of shorts. It’s not hard to pull your sleeves over your bra straps. Seriously, please. I don’t want to see what your momma gave ya.

students

helping others the North Star talked to four students about how helping others has impacted their lives.

Kayla Conoyer, 12

Modesty has always played an important role in my life and I understand that others don’t feel the same way about it as I do. However, rules are rules and they’re there for a reason. If you wear more skin than clothes, you might want to freshen up on school policy.

• Letters will be edited for length, grammer, spelling, and content • Authors will be notified if any changes are made to the letter by the editorial staff

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what has someone done to help you that really stood out to you?

how have you helped someone else out?

who’s one person you would do anything for and why?

what job do you believe helps the community out the most?

Someone has helped me pick up my binder when it fell off my desk.

I have helped people understand their homework better.

Kendra Caldwell because she’s my best friend and we understand each other.

Probably firefighters because they risk their lives for ours.

My dad taught me how to pitch for baseball when I was little.

I helped my little brother learn how to play soccer.

My friends because they would do the same for me.

Firefighters because they save peoples’ lives daily.

My best friend helped me when I was going through a lot in life.

I split $300 with my friend to help her buy a new wardrobe.

Summer Pauley because she’d do the same for me.

People who work at Jack ‘n the Box because they feed us everyday.

A friend helped me get through a hard time in my life.

My friend was honestly going through a really rough time and I was there for her.

My best friend Katie Martin because we’ve always been there and we’ve known each other forever.

Teachers because they help us learn every day.

Tyler Simpson, 11

Abbie Krenning, 10

Alexis Christo, 9

page design by mckenna.roberts

speak.out

Dress code is a matter of responsibility