North Star October Edition

FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH Vol.23 Issue 2 2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles MO, 63303

We’re Going Green

FHN Publications

Your number one source for knightly news

newspaper Coming to you monthly with all the best features that North has to offer!

online Daily updates and crazy contests, this is for all to enjoy. Check out FHNtoday.com

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MAGAZINE

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HIGHLIGHT

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Young Democrats and Republicans get involved in the Nov. Presidential election.

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North’s Womens Choir will perform at the Women’s Choir Festival on Oct. 27.

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LIFESTYLE

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Frog hunting has become the uncommon niche for senior Shelby Wysocke.

This year’s Rose Bowl will be featuring one of North’s very own clarinet players.

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THEWEB

Come visit us! at www.FHNtoday.com

If you haven’t heard who won the “So You Think You Can Sync?” make sure to check that out on FHNtoday.com. And don’t forget to read the weekly newsletter, FHNtoday Express, for all things North.

Also, make sure to watch the NS Podcast for a scrap booking how-to by Betsy Blanchard and a feature on the Homecoming Parade. page design cami wade and tyler kirk

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“Providing a open forum for Francis Howell North since 1986.”

2549 Hackmann Road St. Charles, MO 63303

PLAYHARD Brothers Glenn and Andre Wooten have the opportunity to play alongside each other.

After playing North soccer for three years, Daniel Kirkpatrick now runs cross country.

VOICE Junior Betsy Blanchard looks to find herself in her best friends every day.

Please, quit being hypocritical and turn North into the school you wish it was.

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Your #1 source for Knightly news

Freely distributed to FHN by the North Star staff.

Co-Editors-in-Chief: Cami Wade, Tyler Kirk & Jordyn Klackner Editors Dir. of Photography: Sarah Semmel Features Editor: Brittany Schulze Business Manager: Nathan Bryant Marketing Director: Luke Christisen Copy Editor: Betsy Blanchard Co-Podcast Editors: Tori Bowden & Kaila Kamp Digital Media Dir.: Andrew Hairlson Opinions Editor: Chelsea Kaufman News Editor: Barbara Jean Palmer Online Editors: Katie Siebuhr, Jon Henderson, Xenia Klimenova and Katie O’Neil General Staff Josh Ahrens Gabrielle Moore Fareeha Amir Kieran Myers Bethany Brady Lydia Ness Jessica Bremer Jessica Payne Nicole Cuneo Logan Ponche Elizabeth Diggs Lauren Reiche Sam Dulaney Katie Robertson Ryan Firle Taylor Robinson Kaitlyn Fouch Allison Sheffler Pat Flynn Hanna Sherman Julia Gabbert Lauren Skinner Rachel Hunt Lauren Smith Joe Jacobi Krissy Torkelson Miranda Lindquist Vicki Viehman Monica Martinez Nicki Wittman Adviser Aaron Manfull

THECOVER

This month the North Star goes in depth and takes time to focus on how North’s students and staff are going green.

www.FHNtoday.com

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Senior delegates leave their mark taylor robinson

Students from North give secret gifts to teachers on special occasions such as birthdays and holidays. (lydia ness)

NHS hosts year long gift exchange krissy torkelson

The senior National Honor Society is hosting yet another secret scholar.

Sponsor Angie Mason has paired NHS members with a staff member, and a gift exchange takes place throughout the year.

Information sheets are exchanged between partners and include personal information, including: interests, favorite hobbies, sports, etc. The information sheets give each partner an idea of what kind of gifts to buy their assigned person.

“My favorite present was a white basket with small boxes inside,” guidance counselor Sharon Nordlof said. “Each box had a gift in it. I was so thrilled that I saved it and still have it to this day.”

Approximately 40 staff members in the building are participating. Each staff member’s secret scholar is disguised by a code name of their own choice.

“I think it’s going to be really cool because a lot of kids got the teacher they wanted,” NHS officer Sonal Desai said.

“Even if they didn’t, I think they will enjoy it.”

A luncheon will be held at FHN towards the end of the year, and there the scholars will reveal their identity to the staff members. Faculty and students alike are excited about the program.

“It’s all about having fun and making each other happy. Nothing is worse than a faculty member or secret scholar that doesn’t come through,” Nordlof said.

Senior delegates are currently working to add more activities to the agenda for the year.

“We want [the seniors] to know that they don’t necessarily need to follow tradition,” senior class sponsor Jani Wilkens said. “They can plan their own activities and events.”

Several ideas - both new and old - were discussed by the delegates.

They are planning to keep the senior bonfire and all of the other activities while adding a few more into the mix. There has been talk of adding a float trip, a banquet, and another lock-in. However, nothing is set in stone.

“We’re trying to do something

02 www.FHNtoday.com

new and fresh this year,” delegate Izzy Boyer said. “We want to leave our mark on FHN.” The delegates hope to have a good time and make new memories before they graduate and go their separate ways.

“All the new stuff we’re

adding will definitely bring us together,” senior vice president Danielle Langness said. “We get to spend time together and show off our ‘09 spirit.”

Junior achievement students promote shirt sales supporting the troops Senior Katie Kirkman designs a t-shirt for her Junior Achievement class on Sept. 18.

The class has been working to improve their sales and designs for their shirt. (fareeha amir)

Get more online In the anticipation of Homecoming STUCO plans a week long event of Spirit days. Every day will have a different theme for students to show spirit for the school. Check out the web now to see what’s going on the rest of spirit week. Info available all week starting Sept. 26

Senior class president Jordyn Klackner talks to her delegates about their homecoming hallway and the possibility of a new senior tradition. (monica martinez)

lauren reiche

To see how successful selling Junior achievement shirts sell go to FHNtoday.com on Oct. 10

After last year’s record-breaking sales, Junior Achievement students are looking to sell just as many t-shirts this year.

“How well our [J.A.] company promotes the shirts will depend on how well they will sell,” J.A. teacher Melissa Trochim said. “I also think that it’s a different design from the normal black and gold wear.”

The design will be a ‘support our troops’ version of last year’s Breast Cancer Awareness. Students voted on what would be sold. Option two was a ‘going green’ theme.

“I think a lot of people are big into ‘support our troops’,” junior J.A. student Dylan Smith said.

Students are expecting to sell to 10 percent of the student body population. To do that, they wanted to sell something that was close to home.

“Students here at North [would buy the shirts because] have family and/or friends in the armed forces,” Trochim said.

www.FHNtoday.com Meetings are being planned for the Homecoming parade. Which will be held right before the Powderpuff game on Oct. 2. The parade is a way for the clubs to show enthusiasm for the school.

Story available on Sept. 30

page design allison sheffler

Trick or treat street returns bethany brady

Senior Jennifer Raster plays the flute at Howell-A-Palooza on Sept. 10. All Francis Howell School District bands played at Howell as well as dance teams and cheerleaders. (mike lightner)

Band partakes in competition josh ahrens

On Saturday Sept. 20, Oxford, Ohio was booming with gracious, instrumental music played by the schools participating in the Bands of America tournament.

FHN’s Knightpride Marching Band participated in the event. The band practiced their routine since July until they got the music down to the final note. They played an assortment of four songs, each lasting about ten minutes. “[The band did] wonderful,” Moorman said. “They are getting there. They made strides over the last week.”

The band left for their weekend in Oxford early Saturday morning

at 5 a.m. They arrived home on Sunday evening at 6 p.m.

The band played their show powerfully and enjoyed their successes. Their performance, titled Transfiguration, received tenth place. Some of the students believe that this is a big improvement from last year and that their performance will lead to better things.

“It was an amazing weekend,” junior Abby Hood said.

“We didn’t place as high as I thought we would, but we still placed in the top ten. It was awesome.”

Student offered scholarship barbara jean palmer

On Sept. 12 the National Merit Scholarship was announced.

This is a huge honor; there are only 16,000 semifinalists in the country.

Senior Jacob Wilson is one of them.

“This is the first semifinalist I have ever had and I have been here for 13

years,” Wilson’s counselor Joyce Barker said.

The last semifinalist at FHN was Jonathan Kunkee in 2005.

To receive this honor, students must have an outstanding academic record all throughout high school and be recommended by the school’s principal. They also must have high SAT scores.

Wilson qualifies for all of this, seeing as he scored high on his

The homecoming dance, Vegas Knights, will take place on Oct. 4. from 7-10 in the big gym.

For last minute tips, check out the online story available on Oct. 1.

page design allison sheffler

On Oct. 30, children from various elementary schools around the area will gather with their families at FHN’s main entrance at 5 p.m. for the second Trick or Treat Street.

“The best part [of Trick or Treat Street] will be seeing all the kiddo’s dressed up,” sophomore FCCLA treasurer Rachel Schwer said.

Going through dim, spooky hallways to festively decorated classrooms, the children will see FHN students and teachers also dressed in costumes for the occasion.

STUCO, the creator and founder of Trick or Treat Street, will have an admission fee of approximately $1. Like last year, FCCLA plans to have photos taken of each child so that the children can create their own

Trick or Treat Street is held on Oct. 30 to give a safe place for parents to bring their kids to trick or treat. Several clubs are planning to participate this year after such a good turn out last year. (file photo)

masterpiece picture frames for their portrait.

“Families bring their kids here dressed up and ready to participate in the games, activities, face painting and more,” FCCLA sponsor Rebecca Just said.

STUCO’s objective for this event is to bring the community to school, and to provide safe trick or treating for kids on Halloween night.

For Pictures of Trick or Treat street go to FHNtoday.com on Nov. 3

check it Powderpuff is the most popular student event, with roughly 2,000 people in attendance. If you can’t make it, go online and check out photos and a recap.

PSAT and has around a 4.7 GPA. These semi-finalist students have the chance to advance to be a finalist; approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship earning the title “Merit Scholar.”

“I am really excited about being a semifinalist,” Wilson said.

“It could be really helpful in getting into a college.”

Three different types of the

National Merit Scholarship awards will be offered in spring of 2009.

Approximately 200 colleges and universities will be expected to give out Merit Scholarship awards for the finalists.

“Jacob Wilson is a great kid and has come along way,” Barker said.

To find out more about Jacob Wilson earning this scholarship go to FHNtoday.com on Oct. 6

FHNtoday.com hosted lip syncing contest for the chance to win an iPod. To see who won and watch the videos go to FHNtoday.com

www.FHNtoday.com

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students take sides

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What Ar take this quiz 1.

jessica payne

ith the election coming in history,” sponsor Heather Box said. only a couple of months, the “It’s great that so many young kids are Young Republicans Club getting involved, no matter who they are has been actively involved with the John voting for.”

McCain campaign. Whether it’s walking Sarah Palin’s Vice President nominadoor-to-door, or calling tion has also made people at random, the people view the elecgroup is determined to tion differently. get their word out.

“She brings youth

to the Republican The club holds meetParty,” junior member ings every Wednesday Ellen Ransom said. morning where they “She brings something discuss current events fresh and new that and the next thing on people want, but still their agendas. They sticks with conservative are already involved morals.” in the campaign at the The Young RepubMcCain St. Charles Republican licans strive to show Headquarters. About 15 students were others why they should vote for their able to attend the rally in T.R. Hughes party.

Ballpark where most of them met the “[If someone were to vote for candidate himself. The director for the Obama], I would ask if they actually rally campaign, Kaileigh Dean, also know why, or if they just want the party came in to speak to the group. change,” senior member Jim Rueschhoff “I think it’s awesome because this said. “When you ask most people, they is one of the most historic elections in don’t know.”

A I

Who influences your political views?

Wouldn’t think anything of it

B

She should keep the baby because abortion is morally wrong

C

Abortion is a woman’s right and should be legal

Do you support gay marriage?

A

It doesn’t bother me if someone is gay or straight

B

No, marriage should only be between a women and a man

C

Yes, a person has a right to pursue happiness; gay rights and marriage are a civil right

3.

Do you support the troops in Iraq?

A

I don’t really care if the troops are there or not

B

Yes, we are establishing a democracy in another nation

C

No, our country’s money could be better spent elsewhere

Do you follow politics?

Health Care 8% Family Members 54%

Other 17%

Religion 3%

Teachers 2%

No 53% Iraq 12%

Education 6%

Friends 10%

04 www.FHNtoday.com

A

2.

What political issues do you think the candidates should focus on?

Other 31%

What would you think if you knew a friend who was going to have an abortion?

Economy 30%

Energy and Gas Prices 27%

Yes 47%

The North Star did a political survey on 10% of the people in the school to see what their political views are on certain subjects.

Young Republicans participate in rallies and campaigns for the November election

page design barbara jean palmer

What are your political views?

Senior Felicia Lopez Democrat

“I don’t believe Obama is actually going to change things and McCain has had a lot more experience and I am against abortion I don’t believe in taking the right of a child”

“The economy is going down hill everything is going to cost more eventually and I think Obama will help fix that.”

“I am for abortion and gay marriage.

If you really love someone why should you not be able to marry them?”

Junior Greg Watkins Democrat

4. Do you support the death penalty?

A

As long as they are not bothering me I don’t care what happens to them

B

Yes, if they committed a crime it’s necessary and effective

C

No, innocent people are in jeopardy

If I don’t see the gun, I don’t care

B

Gun control is unconstitutional and puts people in danger

C

Gun control is necessary with the society people live in today

Young Democrats focus on getting the students in the school interested

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A

chelsea kaufman

ith the highly anticipated While the Republicans have focused election quickly approaching on volunteering to work at local McCain this Nov., members of the rallies, the Democrats have turned their Young Democrats club have geared up attention primarily to the student body. and begun holding meetings and plan“We’re looking into getting people ning out events. The club, which was involved with the campaign,” senior created last year along member Allison with the Young RepubCooke said. “But the licans club, focuses on school is the main contemporary issues focus right now.” such as the economy, As the election health care and educadraws closer, the tion. While last year Democrats will be they worked on getting working on getting its foundation started, flyers printed and this year its focus is the announcements made election. to get people involved.

“As of right now, Their main goal: getwe’re holding meetings ting students to attend Obama about the debate between the Demothe meetings, which are held every crats and Republicans,” senior member Tuesday morning in sponsor Melissa Muhammad Dulal said. “It went Trochim’s room. really good last year, and it’s important “We’re always looking for new because if people come to watch the members,” Dulal said. “We’re really debate, we can really show them what trying to get more people involved with the Democrats stand for and get people the club. Ours is relatively small, but we thinking.” still have a lot of good people involved.”

5. What do you think about gun control?

A

O B

Freshman Eric Lundin Independent

Freshman Kaitlyn Williams Republican

Are You? z and find out

“I think the left and the right don’t have a plan that resolves the problem, they(republicans and democrats) are one sided”

theRESULTS If you got mostly As you are Other If you got mostly Bs you are Republican If you got mostly Cs you are Democrat

What political party do you consider yourself?

Other 6%

Other 14% Democrat 38% Independent 16% McCain 40%

M

What is your involvement in the election?

Sharing your beliefs 24%

Who would you vote for?

Obama 54%

None 55%

Going to rallies/ Volunteering 3%

Showing Support 4% Voice 14%

Republican 32%

page design barbara jean palmer

www.FHNtoday.com

05

Women’s choir festival Choirs from local schools get together to sing in an annual event at Francis Howell Central

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Choir students Jessica Jimenez, Marita Shaw, and Amanda Carlsen practice for the Women’s Choir Festival On Sept. 11. Lorraine Smith, the choir teacher, accompanies them with piano and song while they practice. The festival will be held on Oct. 27. (kaitlyn fouch)

sam dulaney

HN choir women get the chance to amaze an audience of hundreds on Oct. 27.

Women’s Fest is a non-competitive showcase of local school choirs. All the choirs will rehearse at Francis Howell Central and later hold a concert that night at 7 p.m.

The event was set up by the choir directors in the Francis Howell School District to give the choirs an opportunity to learn from a guest director.

North’s choir will be working with Dr. Jim Henry, a musical director from UMSL to prepare songs to sing altogether. Each school also prepares their own songs and all perform at the concert in the evening.

“There is no judging. It’s more of a learning experience,” choir director Lorraine Smith said.

Although it is a relatively small event with only five to six schools, singers still enjoy the experience.

“I look forward to hearing all the other schools sing,” sophomore choir member Samantha Schambach said.

Q: What part of the women’s choir festival are you most excited about?

a:

“My favorite part is getting out of school.”

-Hope Mares, sophomore

a:

“I like to hear other choirs perform.”

-Alyssa Schwalm, junior

a:

“I am most looking forward to interacting with the other schools. ” -Chelsea Thomason, senior

a:

“I like learning the new songs with the foreign languages in them. ” -Kristina Shultsev, sophomore

a:

“Having the experience to be there and sing with them.”

-Abbie Krenning, freshman

To see how the choir concert went and to look at photos from the event go to FHNtoday.com on Oct. 29

Issue arises to improve Howell’s campus Schuster gives speech to introduce a new bond at the Howell-a-Palooza event

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luke christisen

rancis Howell School District Superintendent Renee Schuster introduced a bond proposed by the district at Howell-APalooza on Sept. 10.

“The strategic plan was crafted by a group of citizens between three and four hundred,” Schuster said. “Then a facility committee was formed, followed by a task force.”

On Tuesday Nov. 4, the bond known as “Proposition B” will be formally voted on. It requests that the FHSD be allowed to borrow the amount of $78,500,000 for the purpose of constructing, renovating, and improving various parts of the district, including: Francis Howell High School, Daniel Boone Elementary, Francis Howell North, and other building projects.

06 www.FHNtoday.com

“At North the science rooms are what needs attention and it’s really needed at Howell,” Assistant Principal Nancy Wade said. “It’s getting to the point that maintenance costs are so high they may as well have a new facility.”

If the bond isn’t passed, the district’s budget is to be used only for matters like student security. The $30 million that the district currently has in the bank must also cover other costs.

“We need four-fifths or 57.1 percent to say yes to ‘Building your Children’s Future,’” Schuster said.

If the ballot is passed, the first order of business will be to decide on which bank and construction companies to involve. The bonds given to the district will need to be paid off within 20

years; however, the district will not increase the tax levy of 67 cents.

Teachers and administrators are not the only ones who have taken notice that the schools in the district require more upkeep.

“It would be nice to see the school cleaner and more up to date,” senior Rachal Doeren said. “Things could be a little safer.”

The district feels that “Proposition B” is just what it needs.

“Our investors have already put a lot into these buildings and anyone who owns a building or home knows you must upkeep your investment,” Schuster said. “Your investment [in Proposition B] allows all students to have a similar building experience.”

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Cupcake bar serves sweets

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chelsea kaufman

rank Marris comes in for a S’murtle cupcake at least once a week. Each time he does, he says the same thing.

“God, I wish I could eat one everyday.”

Located on Delmar, sits a very quaint shop that would almost be missed if not for the bright purple and green sign that flags down customers with a single glance.

Inside, the strong smell of sweets and batter fill the senses.

Immediately the eyes travel to the counter where an assortment of cupcakes sits out for all to see, ranging from a simple chocolate and vanilla, to an elaborately decorated red velvet cupcake.

“This one here’s the best.”

Frank insists, gesturing to a large chocolate pastry topped artistically with a toasted marshmallow, pretzel and graham cracker.

Jilly’s cupcake bar was opened in July of -2001 and has had nothing but success since its opening.

“We have had so much publicity,” store owner Jill Segal said.

“Several TV news stations have come in and done reports on us. It’s

pretty exciting to know that other people are so excited about it.”

The bar, which serves breakfast and lunch, is open every day which brings in many different customers.

“It’s nice to have a big variety of people,” Segal said. “During the week we get to see businessmen and women, and on weekends it’s all about the kids.”

Although the bar serves regular foods, the main attraction is the food for which the store was named.

Cupcakes.

“I was looking through a Time magazine and noticed an article about cupcake shops in other places, and I thought to myself, ‘Well that would just be fun,’” Segal said. “I mean, what could be more fun than opening up your own shop of cupcakes? That’s when I started doing research on how to make this dream a reality.”

For Segal, the bar has become something of a home to her.

“I love to come into work everyday,” Segal said. “It’s a great thing to see everybody enjoying the cupcakes and getting so many compliments. It’s one of those things where you just can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

chocolate cake stuffed with dark chocolate ganache and topped with chocolate and white chocolate butter cream, white chocolate shavings and chocolate bark

apple pie vanilla cake with apple pie filling

twisted red velvet red velvet cake stuffed with chocolate syrup, caramel, and pralines, topped with cream cheese, cinnamon, caramel cream and toasted pecans

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ALL IN THE

pool

Gas prices, global warming, and insurance costs are just some of the difficulties teenage drivers are faced with.

Carpooling is a simple solution that helps cut down on emissions, lowers costs and even helps you go green.

Personal benefits of carpooling DRIVE EASIER: Carpool participants lower their commuting stress by sharing the driving, which reduces traffic congestion by eliminating over 40 million driving miles from the region’s roadways annually. “It’s quiet which makes me less angry in the mornig,� senior Stefany Gregory said. “It’s rather nice being with someone I know also.�

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Commuters that share the driving/riding do not have to exchange money since everyone drives an equal amount. In carpools where one commuter will do all the driving, the commuter(s) riding should pay an equal share of the driver’s vehicle operating costs.

Agree up-front on issues like choice of radio stations, smoking, eating in the car and side trips.

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TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR AND DRIVE SAVELY

Will you pick each other up at home or meet at another location. Give each other a 5-minute window for unexpected delays.

Keep it well-serviced, comfortable and clean.

Always make your carpool partner(s) feel they are in good hands.

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“Work Hard - Play Hard�

Fashion Amber Tierney, owner of the new fashion store Seve’s exposes the hottest items in fall fashion. photography

cami wade

Yellow chunky shell necklace.

Chunky jewelry is very in for fall.

Belts can be pulled together any outfit whether its dressy or casual.

Turquoise is the trendy color for fall jewelry.

For guys, a band with a simple design is in.

Big chunky rings are very in for girls.

10 www.FHNtoday.com

page design nicki wittman

“The skirt she has on is comfy yet classy, not too short. Looks trendy. Some thing you can dress up or down,” Amber Tierney, Seve’s owner said.

1

page design nicki wittman

“It’s a new brand called Monarchy it’s completely hand crafted. Detailed shirts are really in for guys and a nice pair of jeans,” Tierney said.

2

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“Cute simple fall dress.

You can wear it as a dress or with skinny jeans,” Tierney said.

www.FHNtoday.com

11

SEEINGDO Despite many differences, Rutledge twins remain close

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barbara jean palmer

n Sept. 26, 1991 at 6:43 a.m., junior Kelsey Rutledge was born. Seventeen minutes later her fraternal twin sister Kaitlyn was born.

Kaitlyn and Kelsey’s parents had been trying to have kids for seven years before they found out that they were not only going to have one child, but a pair of twin girls.

“It wasn’t exactly hard for me having twins, considering I had never had any kids before,” mother Debbie Rutledge said. “I didn’t know any different.”

Growing up the two have been more different than alike. Kaitlyn dances and Kelsey plays Basketball. Kaitlyn is two inches taller, has dark hair and wears make-up.

Kelsey has light hair and doesn’t typically wear make-up.

“Pretty much everything is different between them,” Debbie said. “Kaitlyn is more the leader and Kelsey is the follower.

Kaitlyn is more outspoken and a go-getter while Kelsey is shy.

“Kelsey, as a kid, always

.

Juniors Kaitlyn and Kelsey Rutledge may be twins but don’t let that fool you. The two couldn’t be more different. (portrait by sarah semmel)

wanted to be by herself but Kaitlyn wanted someone to play with all the time. Kelsey would be reading a book and Kaitlyn would get upset and ask ‘Why is Kelsey mad at me?’”

Their friends also notice differences between them.

“They are really different and unique at the same time,” friend Jamie Brannan said. “Kaitlyn is more outgoing and loud and Kelsey is more quiet and laid

Did you know?

GENDER FREQUENCIES IN FHN TWINS

28. Not only is it the atomic number of Nickel, but

girl-girl

the number of twins we have roaming around FHN. Once it’s broken down, there are:

8 5

Mandy and Megan Burleigh, 9

10

pairs of freshman twins.

10

back.”

Between sports, clubs, and schoolwork, the girls don’t see each other that often during the school week. When they do have free time they like to work out together. They enjoy being twins and spending time together when they can.

“A lot of the time we get the same homework and it’s almost like having a friend to help,” Kaitlyn said. “And since we are

the same age we can relate to each other instead of having an annoying younger sibling.”

Growing up, the girls have learned to become independent people. The girls have learned that they don’t have to be connected at the hip. The girls have learned that if they need each other, they will always be there for each other.

“I always like knowing I have someone to go to,” Kelsey said.

“She will always love me no matter what.”

As for their future, Kaitlyn plans to go to school to be a pharmacist while Kelsey plans to be an engineer. They plan on attending separate colleges to suit their individual career paths.

“Going our separate ways probably will be a little harder for me than I think it will be,” Kaitlyn said. “We have always shared a room; it will feel weird not having her there. Some people sleep with a night light, but I have always shared a room with Kelsey. So in a way, she’s my night light.”

boy-boy

To see even more twins from around the building, check out the soundslide going up on the web site this Friday.

Dan and Matt Spak, 10

pairs of sophomore twins.

5

pairs of junior twins.

5

boy-girl Kayla and Adam Lanier, 11

pairs of senior twins.

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Chemistry teacher Donna Malkmus is a statistical anomaly. She’s an identical twin. Her two freshman daughters, Mary and Carolyn, are also identical twins. According to speech-language-therapy.com, the chances of an identical twin giving birth to twins is approximately 0.6%. “[It helps because] she knows what we’re going through,” Carolyn said. (portrait by sarah semmel)

Sophomores Andrew and Dan Brodnik open up about being twins as told to Rachel Hunt

1

What’s your favorite part about being a twin?

2

What’s your least favorite part about being a twin?

3

You always have someone there with you to talk to, to hang out with, or just be there. AB

Well...he’s always there. He can get on [my] nerves. Our personalities are similar and we’re both too stubborn to change if we get into a fight. AB

Have you ever pulled any pranks as twins?

We switched classes once and the teachers didn’t even notice. DB

Dan page design betsy blanchard

4

If you could, would you change it so you weren’t a twin?

No! It’s pretty uncommon and cool to be a twin. I’d keep it! AB

5

How do your friends treat you when you’re together?

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They usually treat us differently, but they sometimes act we are the same person. DB

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Dan is definitely more stubborn. AB

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s soon as it gets dark, senior Shelby Wysocke carries a bucket and flashlight to the pond behind her house. She is getting ready to frog hunt, a hobby that she has been familiar with since she was eight years old. She shines the flashlight on a frog to block its vision, and then puts it into the bucket to observe. When she is finished looking at the frog, she returns it to the pond.

“I just like animals and being outside,” Shelby said. “I think everyone should try it because it’s really fun.”

The senior first went frog hunting with her cousins when she was little and decided to turn it into a regular activity.

“When my friends first found out about how I frog hunt, they weren’t too surprised because they know I love animals,” Shelby said. “However they still thought it was a little weird.”

Even though many of her friends weren’t interested in frog hunting themselves, they have realized the positive effect the hobby has had on Shelby.

“It noticeably improves her mood because it’s just really fun for her and something different,” close friend Katie Stock said.

Shelby has caught as many as six frogs in one day and has a lot of fun catching and taking pictures of them.

She has even convinced a few of her close friends to try the activity with her.

“My favorite part of frog hunting is when I’m with my friends holding the frogs and they jump,” Shelby said. “It always makes my friends scream and

1•

You can often tell if a frog is a female or male according to the size of their eardrums, which are located behind their eyes. If the eardrum is about the same size as their eyes then it is a male frog.

Seniors Shelby Wysocke and Katie Stock hold up three frogs they caught during the summer. Wysocke has a pond in her back yard where she frog hunts. (photo illustration submitted)

flip out.”

Even though Shelby enjoys most things about it, there are some things that she doesn’t particularly care for.

“I hate when I get down to catch a frog and they jump back into the water,” Shelby said. “It really scares me.”

Although Wysocke first frog hunted with her cousins, not all of her family was motivated to try this unique activity. Regardless, they still supported her every step of the way.

“I really enjoy her being outside instead of sitting in front of a TV all day, but I have never gone with her,” mother Sally Wysocke explained.

The senior goes frog hunting a couple times every month. For the future, she is interested in majoring in biology and hopes to somehow involve frog hunting with her career. She also looks forward to passing it on to her own kids one day.

“I’m definitely going to try to get my kids to do outdoor things,” Wysocke said. “I’m not going to have a girly girl.”

Fast facts on frogs 3•

2•

Frogs tongues are attached to the front of their mouths rather than the back like humans.

Every different species of frog makes it’s own special sound and it is only the male frog that can croak.

They have a small sac in their throats that vibrates the air as they slowly let it out. www.kidzone.com

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Junior Ryan Firle suggests a balance between physical activity and food smarts to equal a healthier lifestyle. (portrait by cami wade)

Firle gives tips for teen health habits

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ryan firle

s high school students, we want to feel good everyday and part of feeling good is looking good. However, many students are ashamed of their bodies and how they look.

We are unfortunate to be living in a time where fast food restaurants are on every corner, and video games hooked up to nearly all TVs. Over time, this combination of high fat food and little exercise will cause us to gain unwanted weight. But with a little hard work and determination, this ever-growing problem can be relinquished.

The first step to this problem is exercise. The best kind to get in better shape is cardio (running, biking, swimming, etc.). Cardio conditioning not only works to make your heart and lungs stronger, but it is the best solution for burning the unwanted fat. I would start with cardio for about 20 minutes a day, three days a week. Now page design jessica bremer

you’re probably thinking 20 minutes? Are you serious? Ease your way into it, and up the intensity every couple of week or once the current pace does not make you tired.

In addition to cardio, a weight lifting plan is very helpful.

Weight lifting will help you gain strength and get leaner. As beginners, you might not know how many times to do the exercise.

A good goal is about three sets of ten reps (repetitions) for each exercise. The high amount of reps will tone your muscles, and make them stronger for a longer period of time.

Many people think that just because they are exercising that they will lose weight or gain muscle. Something that most overlook is the diet program. It is extremely important. In your diet, you should have a good combination of protein (chicken, red meat, fish, etc.), carbohydrates (breads, rice, pasta, etc.),

and fats (nuts, oils, etc.). The protein is going to help build muscle and recover from workouts, and the carbohydrates and fats aid in giving your body energy. However, make sure you stay away from Trans Fats (fried foods).

Now that you have a beginner’s workout plan, and an idea of what to eat every day, the only thing left to do is to start. You will never regret this decision to become a healthier person. Not only will it benefit you, but it could also benefit your peers or even your family. Think how wonderful you would feel if you helped change someone else’s life.

This is evident in my life as I have helped my family transform their eating habits, and encouraged them to exercise as well. Also, do not be afraid to ask any questions.

Especially if it involves making you healthier. Good Luck!

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Etienne Perrault is graduating after first semester to go into the Army. (kaitlyn fouch)

josh aherns

A

s a child, senior Etienne Perrault watched as his brothers left for a place that would change them forever: boot camp. Ever since then, Etienne grew up wanting to fight alongside his two brothers in the army.

“I was really little [when they left],” Etienne said. “I thought it was cool that they were joining.”

Now at 17, Etienne will get to follow in their marching footsteps and fall in line with his fighting countrymen.

“It seems like the right thing to do if you’re American,” Etienne said.

Etienne will graduate from FHN at the end of the semester to leave for the army boot camp.

“It’s going to be hard but it’s for his own good,” mother Judi Perrault said.

Etienne’s father, Greg Perrault, is also behind his decision.

“I think it’s a good move,” Greg said. “It’s not a bad idea for someone to do something bigger for someone else rather than themselves.”

Etienne will be leaving for an army camp around January and returning late March. He wants to move into the Armored Recon Division, which scouts out enemy troops ahead of the infantry.

After time off from armed forces training, he will attend school in late August of next year.

“I’m glad he’s going

this route instead of just enlisting,” Greg said. “I think joining the army and going to school is a win-win. When he gets done with all of his training and school at 22, he will have more life experience than some people who are 30.”

For Etienne, the army is a start to a new life away from home. Etienne has been waiting for this since he was just ten years old. His friends wish Etienne the best and will be awaiting his return.

“It’s sad because he’s my best friend, but I’m glad he’s doing it,” senior Nick Berra said. “This is what he’s wanted and focused on for awhile and I am behind his decision 100 percent.”

Who influenced you to march into services?

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“A recruiter came into my band class and talked about how joining can help you become a better person, and better things will come of your life” -Craig Yeager, 12

“My dad was in the army, and I just want to get a good start on life” -David Hallman, 12

“Both of my grandparents were in the military so it influenced me” -Matt Fountain, 12

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Living Life Free small fry photography cami wade

Senior Allison Welter makes make up her art of choice

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ights, camera, action! At a show at the theater, people are immediately drawn in to the intricate costuming and make up. While most of them would move on after that initial ‘wow!’, they don’t stop to think that there really is someone who put time and effort into making their theater experience so realistic. As far as North’s plays go, one of those certain people would be senior Allison Welter.

Welter has had many dreams for her future, ranging from studying dinosaurs to computer animation. Her current one, however, is theater make up. Her inspiration came to her once through a horror movie.

“I loved the goth and horror effects,” Allison said.

“I thought it would be so cool to make someone look like that.”

Welter is taking an Intensified Theater class at North where she studies the art of make up and design. She has done the make up for many of North’s shows, including: “The Importance of being Earnest” and “Noises Off!”. She is currently involved in the musical “Little Shop of Horrors.”

“When I work with her, I let her do everything on her own,” Drama teacher Kathy Carron said.

“Sometimes she draws her inspiration from nothing.

The more restrictive I get, the more of a problem it is for her.”

Welter feels that the hardest part of the shows is page design luke christisen and cami wade

staying calm..

“I get stressed out,” Allison said. “Usually the actors are like “Alli, calm down!’”

Allison was never one of those little girls who played around with her mom’s makeup until she was old enough to wear it. In fact, as ironic as it is, she hardly wears make up now.

“She basically self-taught herself everything later on in life,” Allison’s mother Patricia said.

This type of creativity is what makes her so good at what she does.

As of now, Allison is considering attending the Kansas City Art Institute and Steven’s College. She wants to apply to these places because they both specialize in art and theater.

“The art world is unique and different, and takes a certain personality,” Patricia said. “I think Allison has that to where she can join an eclectic crowd and be accepted.”

While Welter is currently in the theater business, she would love to work in movies someday. She likes the idea that movies provide a much larger audience and more time to prepare.

“I just want her to stay independent and happy,” Patricia said. “If you can’t enjoy your job, find something that you do want to do.”

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Hamilton experiences moving to Hawaii

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ith its warm sea breeze and smooth, sandy beaches, Hawaii is a popular tourist hot spot. Thousands of people fly down to this tropical island every year to vacation or soak up some sun. For sophomore Hannah Hamilton however, this was her new home.

When Hamilton first found out she was leaving Missouri, she didn’t believe it. Her family had plans to move there since her eighth grade year, but nothing had ever actually come of it. Although she was excited, she was disappointed she had to leave the school and friends she’s known for so long.

“My friends were sad, but excited for me to go there,” Hamilton said. “They were even more thrilled when I told them I was coming home.”

In February 2008, she and her family moved to Mililani, Hawaii, to join her extended

family on the beach. Hawaii is now just a memory for Hamilton, as she and her sister moved back to Missouri in June. They are glad to be home, despite the fact they had to leave their island paradise.

“We moved back because I wasn’t used to the school or the culture or the people down there, “ Hamilton said. “It was too hard to make an adjustment and I missed my friends and North.”

In order to live in Hawaii, Hamilton had to change her lifestyle quite a bit. Rain or shine, school was held in Hawaii, despite the fact that all the classrooms were wide open - not a roof in sight. The five-hour time difference often caused problems for Hamilton’s friends.

“It was hard to keep in touch because if I wanted to talk to her on the phone I had to stay up until 12 so the phone would be free,” junior Amir Shahri said.

“We had to talk through the

computer, the phone, and even letters.”

Although she had to make so many adjustments when living in Hawaii, there were a lot of things she liked. One thing in particular was the magnificent scenery. With its numerous beaches, mountains, and volcanoes, Hawaii has always been known for its captivating beauty.

“It was beautiful,” Hamilton said. “We lived right by the mountains and every day there would be a rainbow.”

To some, Hawaii is paradise or even home.

To Hamilton, it was an interesting experience, but she is glad to be back in Missouri in her old home, with her old friends, and back at the school she started at.

“The best part about her being back is that I have a best friend,” Shahri said.

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Hardin marches her way to California found out I made it]. I was really excited. It was something I really wanted.” ust hours before the highlySara first heard about this anticipated national Rose opportunity at the BOA Summer Bowl football game, one of North’s very own will be stepping Symposium, a band camp held out onto the streets of Pasadena, this past June in Normal, Ill. After receiving the required music, she Calif.

Junior Sara Hardin has recently auditioned through a computer program called SmartMusic. It been accepted into the BOA Honor Band and will be perform- wasn’t until a month later that she ing in January’s “Tournament of found out she had been accepted.

She’s played the clarinet for Roses” parade.

“I didn’t think I had a good over five years, and has marched for just over two. Her freshchance of making it because I auditioned so late,” Sara said. “I man year she attended a school cried [when I in Georgia and was new to the Knightpride marching band last fall. She transitioned well and has worked her way into the Symphonic Band class.

“She doesn’t really need a lot of encouragement because she loves it so much,” mother Jennifer Hardin said. “It’s really kind of effortless.”

Friends, too, have seen Sara’s passion for music firsthand.

“She has a great

J

betsy blanchard

personality,” junior Danielle Wu said. “She’s very hardworking and takes this stuff very seriously.”

Sara leaves on Dec. 27 for Pasadena, Calif. There, she and the rest of the 300 high school students from all over the country will practice together for the first time to prepare for their Jan. 1 performance.

“I think it’s neat that she’s going to meet different people from all over the United States. She’ll probably grow up a little bit and I think she’ll learn a lot about different kinds of music,” Jennifer said.

“She’s already well-traveled but I’m excited to hear what the west coast is like since she’ll be the first in the family to have gone that far west.”

Sara will be using this experience not only to improve her marching and playing abilities, but also training for a possible career in the industry. She’d like to study music education and performance, and ultimately wants to be a band director or part of a symphony that records movie sound tracks.

“In general,” Sara said, “I just want it to be an experience I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.”

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Junior Betsy Blanchard has a new definition of a best friend. “I’m making new friends - and best friends - everyday,” Blanchard said. (cami wade)

Senior Alyssa Fixley admires her brand new tattoo- a pink and yellow peace sign.

Fixley got her tattoo only one day after turning 18-years-old. (sarah semmel)

Seniors Lauren and Alison Cooke have something more in common than their parents. As of August, they both have torn their ACL’s. Alison tore her left ACL during basketball’s preseason last year and Lauren tore her right ACL during a basketball summer league this year. (sarah semmel)

Senior Tyler Kirk talks about his views on love on page 45. Kirk believes that love is more than just a three word expression. (sarah semmel)

Senior Stevie Johnson shows off Seve’s clothing. Seve’s is a new fashion store. (cami wade)

GOING

GREEN 7 & photography and page design

cami wade

how you can

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the story of WHO DID

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eco-friend nature lover globalwarmin

ENVIRONMENTALIS EARTH ee-hugger hippie

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reen may just be a color for some, but for thousands of Americans it means so much more: it highlights a way of life. We will take a look at seven lives, the seven ways that they are making a difference and the seven decisions they had to make. We will help you to see that going green isn’t just a fashion statement, but that it’s the future of our planet.

It is what we make of it.

tree-hugge hippie ENVIRONMENTALIS nature lover

GOINGVEG Water and air pollution. Green house gas emissions. Deforestation.

You can change the environment.

Go Green. Go Veg. betsy blanchard

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THEFACTS

1

Animals fed on grain, and those that rely on grazing, need far more water than grain crops. According to the USDA, growing the crops necessary to feed farmed animals requires nearly half of the United States’ water supply and 80% of its agricultural land. Additionally, animals raised for food in the U.S. consume 90% of the soy crop, 80% of the corn crop and 70% of its grain.

2 3

Eating 1 lb. of meat emits the same amount of green house gas as a 40-minute ride in an SUV. It takes up to 16 lbs. of grain to produce 1 lb. of animal flesh.

go togoveg.com to get your own vegetarian starter kit for free. goveg.com and chooseveg.com

ewind a few years - six to be exact. Jennifer Meyers was in the Fairmount Elementary lunchroom tossing out a carefully-packed turkey sandwich, trying to make her classmates believe she didn't eat meat.

Fast forward - Jennifer, now a sophomore, is a real vegetarian.

While in seventh grade, Jennifer made the decision to cut out meat products from her diet.

"I've always thought that eating animals was like eating a person," Jennifer said. "It's kinda gross."

She first started out as what she calls a 'semivegetarian,' where she only ate white meat. She eventually transformed into a 'Pescatarian,' where she would only continue to eat fish and eggs. Becoming a full-fledged vegetarian was the next step.

"I think it's great," mother Kathleen Meyers said. "She really loves animals, so this is part of her. She's not doing it just for herself."

Although she's the only one in her family to actually practice vegetarianism, her family supports her decision.

"I know what to buy for her at the grocery store," Kathleen said. "When we eat together I try to incorporate a side dish and a vegetable that she can eat."

Her mother is often concerned that Jennifer's new diet won't provide enough protein, so she has her take vitamin supplements. Peanut butter and tofu have also played a key role in her consumption of protein.

However, the sudden change in diet was no easy task - Jennifer compares her first three months as a vegetarian to those first three months a smoker goes through without a cigarette. Every now and then, she sits down in restaurants only to find that they don't offer vegetarian options and people often challenge her views on the subject.

Regardless, she's held tight to what she believes in. She credits some of her success to her best friend - and fellow vegetarian - whose encouragement has kept her going.

"It's refreshing to be with someone who shares your values on the topic and doesn't make you feel bad for not eating meat," friend Alex Schad said.

"At first I didn't know if she'd stick with it, but she did and I'm proud of her for that. It's a fun thing we can share."

Ideally, Jennifer would love to become a vegan.

But for now, she's reaping the rewards of vegetarianism.

"It's made me healthier," Jennifer said. "It's changed my life."

GO ECOCLUB Scattered assignments. Discarded bottles. Garbage.

You can change Francis Howell North.

Go Green. Go Eco Club.

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jordyn klackner

ake a look around the halls trampled by the feet of 2,000 students every day. Aside from a few paint touch-ups or new signs and flyers, the halls never change. What most students don’t realize is that it’s the things that are overlooked each day that make these halls what they are. If those wads of paper weren’t smashed into the corners, and those empty bottles weren’t kicked from foot to foot, it could actually make a difference in the world today. It’s a little something called going green.

“Going green is something as simple as doing your part to save energy and resources,” Ecology Club member Erin Connaughton said. “For students, it doesn’t even have to be in big ways. You can do little things and make a big difference.”

Recycling more of every day items is what Ecology Club is currently focusing on. The group is working to come up with a plan of action.

“We’ve got some plans to make recycling a bigger deal around North,” Ecology Club sponsor Joe Brocksmith said. “If we pull this off and get things going, it is definitely going to make a difference in how students do things. Plus, we’ve got a larger number of students in Ecology Club now that can influence their peers.”

They know what they want to do, and the next step is reaching out to the student body.

“Once in Brocksmith's class, I watched this movie about the world and its problems, and it just showed

me how terrible people are to the world,” Connaughton said. “I've learned a lot and researched it too. I think if students understood what bad shape our world was in and how awful people are to it, then they would want to go green.”

While going green is a worldwide effort, Ecology Club is working to make it a focus in the daily lives of students at North.

“I think it’s awesome what this club is trying to do,” junior Zack Short said. “If more people realized the damage they cause or how they could fix it, I think people at North would be more willing to get involved. [I know] I would.”

So, for now, taking baby steps is the way to go about making a difference. It starts here. The little things that this club works to do - like trash pick-ups, water quality monitoring, and simply recycling - are only the beginning of a big change; a movement many around the world are striving to promote. And now, it’s North’s turn.

“We want students to want to recycle and make them realize they can make a difference not only in the school, but in the things they do all the time,” Ecology Club member Rachel Ward said.

This club is ready to make a difference. Maybe the halls of this school will start to follow in their path. Maybe more students will go green. And maybe those empty bottles and paper wads will make their way to where they need to be.

RECYCLE

As the rest of the world strives to go green, these three individuals are working together to improve North’s willingness to recycle.

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THEFACTS GOODNEWS: In 2005, the amount of recycled material was up to 32% through recycling and composting programs. Considering this percentage was less than 10 in 1980, this data is significant in proving the United States' willingness to go green.

BADNEWS: Since 1980, the amount of municipal solid waste collected (which is basically anything that can be thrown away) has increased by 60%, which is almost 246 million pounds in 2005.

THESTATS: Almost half the paper that is used in the U.S. is being recycled, which is more than glass, metal and plastic combined.

For every ton of paper that is recycled, three cubic yards of landfill space is saved.

The largest category of recycled paper goods is newspaper at 89%, followed closely by corrugated cardboard, at 72%.

The most commonly recycled product is lead acid batteries with a recovery rate of 99%.

1 2 3 4

greenhq.com and environment-green.com

tyler kirk

ast year, Howell North students and faculty recycled 15% more than they did in the 2006-07 school year, a sign that students and teachers alike are willing to go green, and ultimately, save the environment.

Every month, an average of five tons of paper products are collectively thrown into the blue recycle bins proudly displayed in the corners of every room in the building.

If you do the math, you’ll realize that that’s 90,000 pounds in a single year. And that’s just paper. Imagine the numbers if the school recycled glass. Or aluminum. Or plastic. The numbers would be staggering, considering all the beverages in the cafeteria are contained in either aluminum or plastic. So ask yourself: Why isn’t the school jumping on the green machine?

It's because the other green, money, is getting in the way.

Abitibi Paper Retriever, the company that collects North’s recycling, charges to collect glass and plastics. And although they’ll collect cans for free, they won’t provide receptacles for anything but paper. “[Abitibi] can come and get [the glass and plastic products], but they would charge for it,” Robin Yuede, the recycling coordinator for North said. “There’s just no one to pay for it.”

Yuede, who has been coordinator for the last eight years, said that teachers and students are concerned about recycling and are constantly trying to improve it.

“There’s more of an awareness, but more could be done,” Yuede said. “On locker clean out day, the trash cans are stuffed with notebooks and papers while there is an empty recycle bin right beside the trash cans.

“Students need to be more conscious of their decisions. They need to take the extra step and ask themselves ‘Do I put this in the recycle bin or the trash can? Do I use a spiral light bulb or a regular one?’ They just don’t think about it; sometimes that’s hard. But the thing is, it’s your future.” owever, students and teachers are working together to make a difference.

"I think the amount of paper we recycle is wonderful," senior Ashley Campise said. "But there's always room to expand and do more."

H

Campise, Yuede and Ecology Club sponsor Joe Brocksmith have discussed a system that would enable North's population to recycle aluminum products.

Currently, they're trying to come up with an arrangement that would allow them to collect cans during lunches. The only problem, says Yuede, is that there isn't a way for them to be constantly cleaned out.

"If we did have receptacles, I think at least 60% of the students would utilize them," Brocksmith said. "They already do great [with paper.] I always see the bins full." he team of three is also devising a system that would allow students and staff to recycle plastic bottles.

However, in Yuede's opinion, the district's contract with Pepsi Co. is the major setback. But Abitibi is also doing their part to make North's transfer to green all the more hectic.

Abitibi charges $15 every time they come to pick up recyclable plastic materials.

A representative for the city of St. Peters told Yuede that picking up plastic bottles isn't "cost effective" and that bottles are "too light and take up too much room in the trucks."

After hearing this, Yuede spread the word to Campise and Brocksmith, who wanted to do anything they could to make recycling plastic possible.

"I suggested that Ecology Club could pay the $15," Brocksmith said, "but our funds would dry up quick."

Currently, it seems that for every solution these three come up with, a menacing dilemma waits just around the corner.

However, the school is doing what it can.

The students make sure the blue recycle bins are always full. Teachers are recycling their run-down ink cartridges. And even the custodians installed power-saving lights in the hallways late last year.

"I think we're doing better than we used to," Yuede said. "I don't think [anything we do] can be bad; it's helping us."

T

LIVING GREEN T With simple yet effective habits, two teachers have found ways to go green beyond the classrooms of North. jessica bremer

Everyday

Tips for

1 2 3

Going Green

Help wash dishes: Running water uses large amounts of water and energy.

Washing dishes the old-fashioned way can save water, energy and money.

Ride the bus to school, ride a bike, or car pool: Taking a simple step like this can help keep gas-guzzling cars off the road and keep our air cleaner. Riding a bike can keep you healthier too, and car pooling means less gas money for you.

Recycle and pick up trash: Organize your metals, plastic, paper and glass together.

The more we recycle and the more we reuse, the better the environment. Even if items aren't recyclable, at least pick them up so litter doesn't consume our streets and hallways.

4

Turn off lights, TV and computers when you leave the room: Continually powered items such as these account for almost $100 million worth of wasted electricity each year. Turn off what you are not using and save energy.

5 6

Turn off running water: Simply turning off the sink when brushing your teeth. Cutting down shower times can help improve the environment as well.

Eat organic foods or pack your lunch: No matter what you eat, it's always good to pack your lunch in a lunch box rather than paper bags. Reuse your plastic bags and avoid using paper bags to cut down on waste. Refillable water bottles are also a good option to reduce waste.

7

Choose "green" books and products for school projects: Use recycled notebooks and paper to reduce waste, and support environmentally conscious authors by choosing their books for projects. everydayactivist.com

his isn't how you'd expect them to be. They're not chaining themselves to trees or fighting a cause. There is a plastic water bottle nestled on the desk of art teacher Michael Leistner like it belongs there; they aren't claiming to be environmentalists.

What they're talking about is common sense.

"I would think that most people would say that concern for the environment is a good thing," Leistner said. "I think that people are reasonable, but when I hear people yelling "drill, baby, drill" [at the Republican National Convention] I think maybe they aren't."

Married for a year and a half, Leistner and substitute teacher Jen Gruenloh are talking about their lifestyle - driving less and walking more, cutting out consumption, taking canvas bags to the grocery store, going vegetarian - the kind of changes they feel anyone and everyone can make.

"It's got to require lifestyle change," friend Michael Franklin said. "You can't just find new ways to exploit the earth."

With change as the hottest word this election season and green as the new black, these sentiments might strike some as getting on a bandwagon. They agree that it might be just that for some people, but not for them.

"It was something I've always done, and I realize that green is something on everyone's lips right now," Leistner said. "It was just how I was raised, really. I've been recycling forever."

Along with growing up recycling, Leistner was taught to not waste, which he says came from his parents experiences with economic downturn. Greunloh became a vegetarian when she was 17 after reading Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle." And while originally not for environmentally reasons, vegetarianism is now a major part of green savvy.

"Meat production causes certain environmental problems," Greunloh said. "I went to school in a small town, and these pig farms were disgusting."

Leistner, an avid bike rider, dislikes the dependence on cars and the "urban growth" he believes is becoming rampant through the area. Greunloh didn't even own a car until she was 30, and even then she was hesitant to make that purchase because she "always structured [her] life around living without one."

Both Greunloh and Leistner love nature - and want to protect it. But they're not talking about radicalism; what they want is for people to make simple changes to their lives. Some may believe these changes are difficult - or impossible - but Greunloh and Leistner have made them, as they believe, for the better.

"What I do is just think of the natural world as my playground," Leistner said. "I'll use it, but I won't abuse it."

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Senior Glenn Wooten stands in front of sophomore Andre Wooten. Glenn taught his brother the fundamentals of football and continues to act as a role model for his brother. The two now play together on the Varsity squad. (andrew hairlson)

UNDERTHELIGHTS Brothers learn to play as teammates

I

jordyn klackner

t’s a Friday night. Bright lights line the football field and black and gold line the stands. As the team huddles, they look into each other’s anxious eyes. For two of them, they’re looking at more than just their teammates.

Brothers Glenn and Andre Wooten are now playing together at North for the first time.

As a senior, this is Glenn’s third year playing varsity football. For sophomore Andre, this his first year on the Varsity team, making a jump from the freshman team last year.

“When I made the Varsity team it wasn’t really a shock,” Andre said. “I had played with them over the summer, so I kind of expected it. We were both really happy. I was really happy because [Glenn] taught me what I know about the sport. He’s why I do this.”

Because they play different positions, they work to page design lauren reiche

overcome different obstacles and play different roles on their team.

“The things that I do for the team is the nitty-gritty stuff,” Glenn said. “Andre takes care of the big things that get noticed.”

No matter what happens in the game, they always are proud of one another. Brothers, let alone teammates, do not always get along, but working alongside one another for the ultimate goal of victory has made these two closer.

“It’s a really good experience for us,” Andre said. “He gets to see me play and I get to see him play. It gives us time together on and off the field.”

Glenn also feels that playing as teammates gives them time to strengthen their relationship.

“Playing together means we’re working hard together and it gives us that time to bond,” Glenn said. “We don’t get jealous of each other when one of us has a good game. We congratu-

late each other.”

The bond these brothers have formed proves to stretch farther than the field.

“They talk to each other about the games,” mother Stephanie Wooten said. “Glenn tells Andre what he needs to do differently; he almost plays a father role.”

Playing together has proved to benefit the family and allows them to show support to both their boys, even though it may get tough at times.

“I don’t like watching them get tackled, but it’s what they choose to do so I will support them,” Stephanie said. “I can support both of them at the same time and that is nice.”

This being Glenn’s last season at North, he has worked to make an impact on his brother.

“We work well together,” Glenn said. “I just try to teach him the work ethic and how important it is to work hard.”

“Give a man a ButterBurger© and you’ll have a friend for life.”

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Take it to the EXTREME

Check out a few moments from this past month’s contests and see what’s next for fall sports action.

SOCCER

Senior Max Nagel battles for the ball against Holt during the varsity soccer game on Sept. 16. Knights won 1-0. (sarah semmel)

PROFESSIONAL Pick’ems Each month, the North Star’s Professional Pick’em trio will take on a random student, a random staffer and an administrator. The administrator will change every month along with the random student and staffer. The overall results will be tallied in the second to last issue and the winner will be crowned the Professional Pick’ems’ winner.

the north star

UP NEXT: The varsity boys will take on Ft. Zumwalt West tomor-

0-0

row at 4:00 p.m. at FZW

SOFTBALL

Freshman Casey Goettel hits a softball during the game against Washington on Sept. 9. (fareeha amir)

UP NEXT:

Softball will take on Marquette on Oct. 2 at Marquette at 4:15 p.m.

Tyler Kirk, Jordyn Klackner & Nathan Bryant

the student 0-0

the teacher the admin 0-0 0-0

TENNIS

Senior Mandy Zielinski prepares to return the tennis ball during her match against Holt on Sept. 9. (torey corder)

UP NEXT:

Girls tennis starts districts on Oct. 6 at Timberland

VOLLEYBALL

Senior Kendall Blanzy and junior Danielle Yuede prepare for a block against Holt on Sept. 18. (fareeha amir)

UP NEXT:

Girls will take on Ft. Zumwalt South tomorrow at home at 4:00 p.m.

FOOTBALL

Sophomore Clint Toedtmenn and Junior Mike Castro tackle player number 42 from CBC on Sept.5. (katie robertson)

UP NEXT:

Football faces off against Troy at home for the Homecoming football game on Friday Oct. 3 at 7:00 p.m.

CHECK THE STATS online

Check out www.FHNtoday.com for all your fall sports current stats and keep with how the teams are doing for the rest of the fall season. Also, keep up with your teams. Go online to see all teams season schedules.

34www.FHNtoday.com

Matt Meier junior

Ryan Johnson Thomas Potteiger spanish teacher asst. principal

College Pigskin Pick’ems Mizzou Nebraska Tigers Cornhuskers Oct. 4 the north star the student the staffer

the administrator

NFL Pigskin Pick’ems Minnesota New Orleans Vikings Saints Oct. 5 the north star the student

the staffer the administrator

NHL Puck Pick’ems St. Louis Atlanta Blues Thrashers Oct. 4 the administrator

the north star the staffer the student

Powderpuff Pick’ems

‘09

SENIORS

Oct. 1

‘10

JUNIORS

the student the staffer the north star the administrator

spread design jordyn klackner

MEET THE ALL-STARS VOLLEYBALL

Chrysa Goris, senior “Volleball is fun and I enjoy the team bonding and getting to know the younger girls. [I can attribute my success to] coach Yuede. She’s by far the best coach I’ve ever had and she pretty much knows everything.”

SOCCER

Each month, the coaches from teams playing in the particular season will pick a member of the team to be chosen as the All-Star. This month they were asked: “What do you enjoy most about your sport?” and “Who do you attribute your success to?”

Eric Stanowski, senior “I like winning. It’s the best part about playing. I would say I owe my success to my dad because he’s the one that got me started.”

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Brooke Whiteside, senior “Well my favorite is this year because I’m a senior, but overall I like the team bonding things we do. Defintiely my dad is who I owe my success to. He’s always telling me what to do different and try. He taught me how to play.”

C. COUNTRY

Nick Happe, senior

CHEERLEADING

Kayla Lanier, junior “Stunting is my favorite part. It’s fun and I like being with the squad and teaching them new things. [I can attribute my success to] coach Gettemeir because she helps me when I don’t know what to do and my friend Maggie who got me started.”

Rachel Hunt, junior “I just like being able to have fun and express myself by dancing. I owe my sucess to my first dance teacher, because she taught me everything I know about dance and I wouldn’t be able to do this without her.”

TENNIS

Jake Schneider, junior “I love everything about football. Just the sport in general. I owe my success to my dad because he played and inspired my to play.”

KNIGHTLINE

11-30-08

“I like the excitement of competing and racing. [I can attribute my success to] my mom because she’s who made me run and Chris Loseman who graduated last year. He kept me running and trained me.”

Mandy Zielinski, senior “Tennis is a lot of fun and you don’t have to blame your mistakes on others. I owe my success to coach Polley and my parents because they push me and make me do my best.”

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CHANGE

Fall brings sports change for Kirkpatrick

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enior Daniel Kirkpatrick laces up his shoes and prepares for another day of practice. These days, however, Kirkpatrick is lacing up a different type of shoe.

Kirkpatrick has given up soccer to run with the cross country team.

“Soccer just wasn’t as fun as it used to be when I was little,” Kirkpatrick said.

Kirkpatrick had played soccer for 11 years and has ran track for the last three.

“Honestly, I felt he should have kept with it one more year,” mother Linda Kirkpatrick said. “He had done it since he was six and had done it for the last 11 years, but I think he will be okay.”

Although leaving the soccer team was hard, Kirkpatrick has much to look forward to and he has taken on running with the varsity cross courntry team. “[Kirkpatrick] made the switch...probably because the coaches are cooler for cross country,” joked cross country coach Brooke Roe. “But I think he will be varsity. From watching his workouts, I think he will definitely be varsity.”

Already, Kirkpatrick has shown that he has a great work ethic.

“Daniel is a hard worker and very dedicated to doing his best, no matter what sport it is,” Roe said.

However, at the beginning of the season Kirkpatrick struggled with the physical differences between a cross country and soccer practice.

He feels that his body has fi-

Senior Daniel Kirkpatrick looks back onto the soccer field where he played for three years of his high school career. Kirkpatrick has given up soccer for cross country this year. (andrew hairlson)

nally adapted to the differences.

“Cross country, to me, is a lot more physically demanding.

Soccer takes more of applied years of practice and skill,” Kirkpatrick said. “Building up the lung capacity was hard. At first I kept losing my breath and the leg strength is a totally different strength.”

Not only has Kirkpatrick had to adapt to the physical differences, but he had to adjust to the team nature of the sport as well.

“Cross country focuses more on individual ability, not as how you work as a team,” Roe said.

As Kirkpatrick ended a large chapter of his life, he

turned a new page - a page in which he was and continues to be confident that he will succeed and make himself physically and mentally stronger.

“I am really going to miss the [soccer] team but I think I’m a good fit in the cross country team,” Kirkpatrick said. “I look forward to having a good year. I have high potential. I have no mark on how good I could be. There are no limits on how good I would be at the end of the season.”

Check out photos of cross country meets on FHNtoday.com and results of GAC’s on Oct. 17

spread design vicki viehman

OFPACE FAMILY

Sophomore Brendan Harney lays on the soccer field with his crutches after fracturing his growth plate in his pelvis during soccer tryouts. Harney will be allowed to play again on Oct 4. (kaitlyn fouch)

Injury puts game on hold for Harney Coaches, teammates await return from fractured pelvis

A

lauren reiche

fter starting on the JV soccer team as a freshman and training hard all summer, sophomore Brendan Harney didn’t think he would be watching the season from the bench.

Harney has been playing soccer since he was four. During the last week of soccer camp this summer, he suddenly saw everything come to a halt when he fractured the growth plate in his pelvis and pulled the tendon from the bone. Sitting on the sidelines has been hard for Brendan, but with the help of his friends he says he can usually keep his mind off not playing.

“My friends have helped me by just sitting around with me and hanging out when they knew I couldn’t play, or run around,” Brendan said.

Brendan enjoys going to the games to support his team . He wants to be able to contribute as much as he can as soon as he is able to return.

It’s not only been hard on him, but on his family as well. They support him and regularly take him to the doctor and his physical therapy appointments. “[The hardest thing for him has been] sitting spread design vicki viehman

on the bench and watching the game and not being able to play,” father Mike Harney said.

“The hardest thing on me is knowing how much Brendan wanted to represent his school by playing soccer.”

His teammates and coaches miss him playing as well.

“He’s a good player,” JV soccer coach Mark Olwig said. “We miss him a lot. He was a great freshman, and he brings a lot to the field. We can’t wait to get him back.”

Doctors say that if Brendan does what he is supposed to and works hard, he should make a full recovery. He may even be back for the end of this year’s season. To make that happen, Brendan is trying to get back in shape by doing what he can and attending his therapy sessions.

As far as next year, Harney still plans to try out even if he can’t return to play JV this season.

“I will just have to practice more and get back into the shape I was in,” Harney said.

For pictures of the soccer team check out FHNtoday.com

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Golf bonds family crystal friedman

It seems that every family has some sort of characteristic that sets them apart from all of the others. For the Trautman family, that one thing just so happens to be playing golf.

Former FHN students Kim Trautman and her older sister are beyond high school, but still love to participate in the sport. Their sister Ashley is now a sophomore and enjoys playing on North’s team.

“It is just another thing for us to compete at and help each other out at,” Kim said. “I help her and she helps me but, when we play, we love to compete.”

Ashley is working to break some of Kim’s records at North and also reach the State level like she did last fall.

“I’m trying to beat my sister this year and get a hole in one, but that is going to be very hard,” Ashley said. “My goal for this year is to shoot in the lower 40s.”

After already placing in her first three matches, Ashley is consistently working hard

Sophomore Sara Watson cheers at a Varsity soccer game on Sept. 16. Watson injured her foot and had to sit out from cheer for a couple of weeks. (sarah semmel)

Back in action jordyn klackner

While the rest of the Varsity squad prepared to cheer at the first football game of the year, sophomore Sarah Watson sat on the sidelines.

Watson’s second year on Varsity started out a little differently than she expected. Instead of rooting the Knights on, Watson stood on the side of track held up by crutches.

“It was so depressing to have to sit out,” Watson said. “I love to tumble and show off what I got and it was so hard for me to sit there and watch everybody else show their stuff. I actually almost cried it was so hard for me to watch and not actually be out there.”

It wasn’t the cheering that put Watson in crutches, but a book that fell on her foot. It broke a blood vessel that caused a severe bruise. There was no long term damage, but it could affect future injuries .

“We missed her tumbling,” squad member Leilani Ballesteros said. “She’s amazing. We couldn’t wait for her to come back. We knew she would be great when she came back to us” Watson finally returned to the squad and cheered at her first game since the injury on Tuesday Sept. 16 at a Varsity soccer game. Recovering from such an injury made cheering that night a much more rewarding experience.

“It felt so good to be back,” Watson said.

“Everyone else has been cheering so I was a little nervous. I was actually afraid of falling on my head, but it was fun. They were looking at me again and I didn’t have to just watch.”

to keep her performance level up and her number of strokes down. She takes the knowledge that has been passed down to her from family members as well as from her coach, Paul Otto, to be successful.

“Other than just qualifying for State, I hope the whole experience will provide her with fantastic memories so that she chooses to make golf a life- long sport,” Otto said.

Running injured sam dulaney

Sophomore Jordan Summers sits on the grass during practice on Sept. 16. He suffers from Osgood-Schlatters Disease, a pain right below the kneecap. (lydia ness)

Get more online Girls golf hosts the annual Knight Cup tournament on Oct. 8. Go online on Oct. 10 to see photos of the event and find out how the girls ranked against others in the tournament.

38 www.FHNtoday.com

Ashley Trautman loves to golf. Both of Ashley’s older sisters and her dad play. Trautman is working to break one of her sister’s school records. (kaitlyn fouch)

Cross country is not a contact sport. However, North’s team currently faces approximately ten runners with some sort of injury.

Running for any period of time with an injury is very difficult. The most common injury in runners are shin splints, which are a general soreness of the overused shin muscle. Hip and knee problems have also become an issue.

“Everyone gets [shin splints],” cross country runner Gus Thies said. “But otherwise, the team is looking good. We’re pretty lucky now.”

Injured runners generally train on an elliptical machine and bike for a few miles to minimize the stress from running. “[Injuries] really teach them the importance of stretching,” Coach Tonishia Moore said.

“The really good athletes are the ones that work through it and don’t let it hinder them.”

www.FHNtoday.com Volleyball faces off in the Lutheran/St. Charles tournament on Oct. 3. Look online for tournament results and photos.

page design ryan firle

Off to nationals

Districts in sight luke christisen

Backhanding their way through the competition, the girls tennis team remained undefeated heading into GACs on Sept. 29.

GACs posed the perfect opportunity for the team to accomplish what they had strived for all season. The girls will now have the opportunity to participate in districts on Oct. 6 and 7, a chance most members of the team are looking forward to.

“I just want our team to win,” senior Kristen Ponzar said. “It feels cool we’re undefeated and haven’t lost.”

Even through all of the changes the team faced this season, they remain grounded by pushing their limits for an incredible season.

Their hard work and determination has paid off putting them in a good position getting ready for districts and possibly even state.

“We’ve been doing fantastic,” coach Kellie Hausner said. “It’s very exciting being the new coach and I have a great group of girls to work with, they are all just so outgoing and

Senior Lisa Baniak and junior Jessica Payne play an intense game against FHC on Sept. 17. The Varsity tennis team won all seven games. (katie robertson)

self motivated.”

The girls have been consistent all season, winning match after match. Now that the season is coming to a close, the time has come for the team to reflect on past victories and set goals for the last few matches in the season.

“I hope we can stay undefeated,” Hausner said. “And also [I hope that we] have a couple of people make it to districts then to state.”

Sophomore Nate Weiss prepares to race against Timberland on Sept. 4. This is Nate’s second year swimming for North and he has qualified for nationals. (torey corder) vicki viehman

In Howell North history, only one swimmer, Thomas Neimeir, has qualified for nationals. Until now.

Sophomore Nate Weiss has recently qualified for Nationals, making history himself. It is a huge success for both Weiss and the school.

“When I found out I qualified I was actually kind of confused,” Weiss said. “I didn’t even know there was high school nationals.”

However, qualifying for nationals wasn’t an easy task. Weiss has been swimming year-round for eight years and has been lifting weights in hopes of dropping time in his events.

“He has to meet certain time standards to qualify,” Coach Steve Kelly said. “His chances are pretty good though.”

Although Weiss may be considered fast around these parts, when he swims in nationals he will have a much higher level of competition. There are high expectations for Weiss, and no one is sure exactly how well he will do in the national races.

He still remains confident.

“I’m excited for nationals because it will be a challenge,” Weiss said. “I don’t get nervous easily though.”

For pictures and results of tennis GACs check out FHNtoday.com on Oct. 8.

Dance holds clinic logan ponche

To raise money for Nationals, which take place in early February of next year in Orlando, Fla., Knightline held a dance clinic on Saturday, Sept. 13. Girls in Kindergarten through eighth grade were allowed to participate.

“I think that it’s great that the girls will get to work with the little girls,” head coach Heather Box said. “It will remind them of how much they all have grown as dancers.”

While the clinic was a success, the girls are still short of their goal of $16,400.

Knightline plans to hold more fundraisers, including a trivia night, a pancake breakfast, and another clinic.

“It’s kind of a hassle to do all of the [fundraising],” sophomore dancer Cat Pherigo said. “But it’s a lot better than saving the money on your own, and it’s a lot more fun because we do it as a team.”

The homecoming football game takes place Friday Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. Check out pictures from the game and the night’s events on Oct. 7. Also, don’t forget to check out the game recap.

page design ryan firle

One of Knightline’s trainees poses in her dance during half time at the Varsity soccer game on Sept. 16. (sarah semmel)

For pictures from the Oct. 4 FZN Invitational, check out FHNtoday.com

Check out photos and results from the Varsity boys soccer game against Wentzville/Timberland on Oct. 9.

www.FHNtoday.com

39

Finding strength through pitching

A

Senior Katie Stock returns to pitching for the varsity softball team “I didn’t have much of a choice, I had pitched for them last year and they needed me again this year,” said Stock. (fareeha amir)

stevie johnson

s she steps up to the mound, her heart starts pounding faster and her palms sweat. There’s one strike to go until the batter is out. The pressure is on. Senior Katie Stock goes through a similar experience every time she steps up to pitch.

Although she originally considered playing different positions this year, she was still more than happy when she saw she was going to be the Varsity softball pitcher once again.

“I pitched last year for the team and I did OK,” Stock said. “I think since it’s my senior year I earned the right.”

Stock has been playing softball for nine years and has been pitching for seven. She quit pitching at the end of her junior year, but was still excited for this season.

“She was quite comfortable with pitching,” Varsity coach Bob Dunahue said. “She does it in the summer time. I think she knows what her talent is and positionally speaking she knows her strong points.”

Although Stock is not the only pitcher, she usually starts and finishes her games striving for her best. Despite the nerves that come with not pitching at the end of her junior year, she still came back strong.

“It’s all been positive this season,” teammate Kati Vogt said. “She loves pitching. She is never down and she always has her head up and in the game. She is good, a very good pitcher and is good at striking people out.”

Goris and Blanzy lead young team

F

melissa shannon

our year Varsity volleyball players seniors Kendall Blanzy and Chrysa Goris were in for a surprise this season as they took on the role as captains after losing many of last year’s teammates.

“Both girls have this fighter spirit in them that makes them say to themselves ‘We can win this’ before every single game,” coach Robin Yuede said.

For Blanzy and Goris, their freshman year on varsity wasn’t much different from their sophomore or junior years.

“We stayed with the six sophomores on the team all the way up until they graduated, which was last year. Once they left we had six open spots, so we have a pretty young team,” Blanzy said.

Although the team has a lot left to learn, with Blanzy

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Seniors Chrysa Goris and Kendall Blanzy are the only seniors this year to have been on Varsity girls volleyball for all four years of high school. The two lead the team in warm-ups every game and keep everyone’s spirits up. (sarah semmel)

and Goris as team captains they hope to continue their success from previous years.

“We have a lot of responsibility this year,” Goris said.

“We aren’t just here to enjoy the ride anymore. When the team gets down they look at us to bring them up.”

The girls are close even off the court. Their strong relationship that impacts how they play. They have known each other since grade school.

“They are best friends on and off the court. I have never once seen them mad at each other, and they always push each other to be the best they can be,” Yuede said The team currently has a winning record. They hope to win many games to finish up their high school careers.

“I work hard and listen to the coaches, I always try my hardest and am always improving,” Goris said.

MySacrifice

L

betsy blanchard

ast fall, anyone who asked me what sports I played would have gotten the answer, “Soccer and cross country.” And in that very order.

Soccer has always been a top priority in my life. Earlier this year I was given the opportunity to play for a team I’ve only dreamt of playing for. Considering the higher level of commitment this team would entail, I wasn’t the least surprised to learn that my new coach didn’t like the idea of me running cross country during the same season.

By no means did I want to give up cross country and everything that came with it: the feeling of accomplishment after every race, the coaching staff I learned so much from, and the girls who eventually became my best friends.

Regardless, the idea of quitting slowly grew on me. I told myself over and over that it was for the best – soccer is what I’ve always wanted to do, and this sacrifice was deemed necessary... so I didn’t sign up for cross country. I didn’t turn in a physical. I didn’t even buy new running shoes.

Now that school has started, I walk home from school everyday and pass the team as they warm-up.

If it was up to me, I would run home, slip on my old mud-stained Adidas, and join the girls. I would ask, “How many miles today, Coach Roe?” And the moment she leaves, I would turn to the girls and we’d plan our schemes for the day.

But I can’t.

As much as I miss cross country, I love my new soccer team. I don’t think I would be satisfied playing anywhere else. Soccer has taken on a new role in my life, and I’m not about to mess it up. At North’s next cross country meet, you won’t see me sporting the uniform… you’ll see me three feet away screaming for the girls I’ve grown to love.

page design julia gabbert

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the excitement is

photo by cami wade

Over.

S

Blanchard’s own definition of best friend

S

betsy blanchard

terotypically, we consider our best friend to be the one person closest to us.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have more best friends than I can count on two hands - and if it got down to it, I would run out of toes too.

Personally, I would define a best friend as someone I can trust. Someone who won’t judge me. Someone who will make me a better person.

We all know what we look for in our closest friends, and I won’t even begin to pretend to know what others look for in theirs. Some of us simply want someone who shares our

42 www.FHNtoday.com

interests, while others want someone of the same faith or religion. Some just want a person to talk to. It’s a bond that no one can explain - a rare and special commodity. I’ve learned to never take friendship for granted. It’s comforting to know that someone cares about me and is ready to listen the moment I call.

I’m making new friends and best friends - everyday. I’m getting to know people I never thought I would. Nevertheless, the expectations I have of them never change.

And it goes both ways; I always try to be the person I look for in them. It would be hypocritical to be anything

less. However, I know I’m not perfect; I’m far from it. I’ve messed up... I’ve fallen short...

I’ve let people down. Lucky for me, there’s a second part to the definition: a best friend is someone who will be there for you no matter what.

My friends have seen me at my worst. They’ve seen me at my best. They’ve made me who I am today.

I would never be anywhere without them. Radio commentator Walter Winchell defines them best, “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”

So, to my best friends thank you for walking in.

jessica bremer

ummer is officially over, and I couldn’t be more excited. This is not excitement for things like turkey, family, or watching holiday movies (it might be a wonderful life, but it’s a terrible movie). This is excitement for the Olympics. I’m not looking forward to the arctic variety, I am excited that they’re over.

I am not fond of the Olympics. I never understood why I should cheer for the U.S. over anyone else. I don’t know anything about Olympic athletes. Why is an American gymnast better than a Chinese one? Just because they’re born in the same country as me?

I think the Chinese gymnasts are pretty fantastic, but that’s mostly because they schooled us while still being in elementary school.

The Olympics feel like a distraction, and we really don’t need any of those. We’re at war on two fronts, and as I type this it appears that Venezuela has, for all intents and purposes, made a virtual declaration of war. The economy isn’t looking so hot, we’ve got an election coming up, and a new season of Gossip Girl has started. We’ve got enough distractions already.

And then we add in the chest-pounding of the Olympics, and suddenly we all have to care about the little girl who lip-synced the Chinese national anthem and Michael Phelps spending 87 hours a day swimming. In the days following Phelps’ record-smashing extravaganza, I heard a lot about his freaky, hairless, fish-like body; meanwhile, Russia and Georgia were still at conflict. While President Bush was hanging with women’s beach volleyball players, Russian troops were opening a second front.

It might be an ancient tradition, but I wouldn’t give more value to the Olympics than that. Olympic defenders say the games bring nations together by pitting them against each other in grueling, intently media scrutinized events once every four years.

We can do better than that. page design lauren skinner

the

D

North Star takes

uring the summer hours while students were comfortably lounging and enjoying their break, North's staff was hard at work cleaning and preparing our school for our infamous return.

With it only being the third month of school, it seems hard to believe that upon our entry into our daily accommodations that the floors had been cleaned and classrooms kept neat and tidy. The various slew of wrappers and bits that ever so casually make it to the floor of the hallways throughout the course of the day could simply be picked up.

The lack of respect for the restrooms that we all have to share could be just as easily prevented. After putting all this into consideration, an assumption could be fairly made

Action

that the students are slacking where the staff is excelling.

The start of the year saw an influx of concern for school cleanliness and overall appeal on the part of its staff, with the installation of hand sanitizer dispensers in the commons and the resurfacing of the gym floors. The school has also been recycling for years as a means to help the environment and reduce the amount of trash produced throughout the day.

When students throw paper and other recyclable products away at school, it is not only a waste but it also is disrespectful to the faculty who have provided a better alternative. With all of the hard work and concern for our well-being,

the least students can do as a matter of courtesy is simple and matter of fact: clean up after yourself.

When we complain about about our school's cleanliness, it's really unfair to place blame on those who have had only noble intentions for us from the very beginning. Take the time to reflect upon your own actions and work to show respect for both the staff and the school.

on behalf of the

North Star editorial staff

Love seeing

in a new light

A

tyler kirk

s English musician Newton Faulkner said, “Love. Love is a verb. Love is a doing word.”

Love isn’t the silencer of awkwardness after your girlfriend whispers those three magic words a bit prematurely.

Love isn’t an obligation you must fulfill just because you share a bloodline with someone. Love isn’t a burden on your shoulder at all times, reminding you to send her a dozen pink roses. Love is the action of all actions. Love is the verb.

It’s using your heart. It’s the little extra you put in front of ordinary. It’s about what you do.

Love is hugging your 60-year-old grandpa only seconds after he watched his mother descend slowly underground.

Love is giving your little brother the last bite of Cookie Dough ice cream, although you had intended to enjoy it all on your own. page design chelsea kaufman

Love is going to your friends’ volleyball game when you should be at home, finishing your Lit paper.

Chances are, you’ve loved something or someone before - or so you think. But did you really? Finding love is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; you see the rainbow but you don’t go searching for the reward right away. But, eventually, you come upon the prize and you’re instantly overcome by heartwarming passion. You fall upon love more than you fall into it.

Either way, you’re happy. Love seems to open up the pearly gates to happiness. All you’ve got to do is squeeze tighter, smile wider, or wait longer, and happiness will follow closely behind.

Love is easy. It’s at every corner of your life, waiting to be embraced.

So get out there and love.

www.FHNtoday.com

43

SAY it to my FACE

What we

think

not

Each month the students and staff give their opinions on different topics around the school.

my phone

what are your plans for homecoming?

photo illustration by sarah semmel

T

brittany schulze

he one thing that I cannot stand is when someone is mad at me and doesn’t tell me about it. They end up waiting until I do something else and then they finally have the guts to text - not call - but text and tell me that we need to talk. They explain to me everything that I have done wrong and in the end I ask, “And you didn’t tell me this earlier because?”

I like to be honest with my friends. If I have a problem with something, I let them know. Honesty is the best quality in a person. Why would I want a friend that lies to me when something is wrong?

Instead of waiting for me to screw up multiple times and then telling me about it, call or talk to me in person after I screw up the first time. When you keep waiting until there are more screw-ups, you’re just making things harder on yourself. In the end, you’re the one being the bad friend by not speaking up in the first place. There is no need to keep waiting and waiting until you finally have the nerve to push the ‘send text’ button on your phone; you know, the text you read over and over again, thinking, does this sound right?

Should I wait a little longer?

So how about instead of texting me, call me.

Maybe even go the extra mile and talk to me in person.

“I’m going out to eat, then to the dance and after, I’m going back to my friend’s house for a party.”

-Sam Stubblefield, 10 “Well I have to be up at school at 8 a.m. to decorate, and I don’t know when I will be out of here to get ready. I’m going to rush to get ready, maybe go to dinner and then come to the Homecoming dance.”

Best of both Worlds hannah montana Taylor and Allison fight it out over teen pop star

O

B

allison sheffler

ver the last few months, Miley Cyrus has proven to America just how normal she is. As a 15-year-old pop star, she makes thousands of dollars a year, headlines a sold-out tour, and has an already-famous family. Miley has a lot on her plate.

She posed with only bed sheets in Vogue magazine and explicit photos of her surfaced the internet. This showed that she was just like any other teenage girl who makes bad choices.

Miley Cyrus has always been an idol of mine.

She never forgets who has helped her get where she is today. Her family has influenced her and supported her, but people who have always been there are her fans. I’ve realized celebrities are normal people just like me. Relating to her makes me look up to her more.

While some of you are ashamed that you race home to watch the Hannah Montana show, I’m proud to stand up and say I love Miley Cyrus and her alto-ego Hannah Montana. I’m a fan along with your nine-year-old cousin, and I’m not afraid to admit it.

44 www.FHNtoday.com

photos by cami wade

-Ashley Campise, 12

taylor robinson

rittany Spears, Paris Hilton, the Olsen twins, and now Miley Cyrus. Teenage stars start out as an idol for kids and teenagers alike; however, they all end up going crazy.

Take a look at Spears. She started out as a teen pop star, everyone knew her, and now she’s been through a whole lot of rehab and shaved her head.

Who can say that things like that won’t happen to 16-year-old Miley Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana? There are stories about pictures of her online - the kind of pictures you wouldn’t want your family to see. She has been witnessed at wild parties, and she gets everything she wants. What a wonderful example for all of the 6-year-old kids that love her and her show.

To be quite honest, “Hannah Montana” has turned into just another messed up rich girl.

“For Homecoming, I am going out to dinner with a group of friends, and then going to take pictures, and then going to the dance.”

-Whitney Speakes, 11

“I will probably go with a big group of friends and hang out somewhere after.”

-Katharine Carney, 10 “I’ll be going with my girlfriend and then probably go out to eat somewhere after and just hang with some friends.”

-Dylan Smith, 12

page design elizabeth diggs and chelsea kaufman

VIEW 1

3

each month the north star will review the latest hits and misses

Gossip Girls

Frankie Toccos

jordyn klackner

2

vicki viehman I really liked this restaurant. The place isn’t that big, but the food is excellent. I like to go here because it is never too crowded and there is always a place to sit. The food they serve is mostly Italian. The waiters are friendly and everything looks very nice.

This season of gossip girl is better than ever with even more conflict and drama than before!

Friends, school, relationships - no matter what it is, the dramatic twists will definitely keep you watching. Every second there is a new “oh my gosh!” moment where relationships are turned upside down. Styles are hot, families are falling apart, the love triangle is getting more tangled every Monday night at 8:00 p.m. You don’t want to miss this gossip-spreading season, but you have to be dedicated or you’ll lose track of who’s doing what!

Acid Tongue

The whole atmosphere is charming. The only bad thing is the location - it’s located on Main Street, which is about 15 minutes away, but it's totally worth it! Definitely a good restaurant.

lauren skinner

I only had one thought when hearing the new song “Acid Tongue” for the first time: please still be country. When a swell of backing vocals came in behind Jenny Lewis, I knew that while the band lineup had changed, Lewis’s unique take on country music remained the same.

O.A.R. just came out with a new song called Shattered. Some could say it’s a love song. It talks about how the main singer keeps going back to this person, but at the same time is better without them. It’s a great song and it’s easy to relate to real life and real love situations.

Choke

Clique Girls

page design bethany brady

miranda lindquist

5

Chuck Palahniuk is known for his twisted style of writing. His latest book “Choke” is no exception. It’s about Victor Mancini, a normal middle-aged man trying to help his forgetful mother who is in a nursing home.

While helping his mother, we see Victor go through a lot of changes. The book foreshadows the life he has with his mom in ways that you would have never thought of.

The foreshadowing makes this book really hard to put down.

6

chelsea kaufman When I saw the CD cover, initially I thought I was looking at three twelve-year-old girls. But when I listened to the music, I thought I was listening to a 25-year-old. This CD was just another mainstream pop group that really has no originality in their music. Each song sounded exactly the same

4

Shattered

jessica bremer

www.FHNtoday.com

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