FHNTODAY.COM - FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH HIGH SCHOOL - ST. CHARLES, MO.
are they
working? Five major District policies were analyzed to determine if they’re fulfilling their purposes. Read more on PG. 18
september 12, 2012 volume 27 issue2
NORTHSTAR
contents NORTH STAR / SEPTEMBER 12, 2012
10-11
43
33
features
news
SPORTS
9 COUPONING Business teacher Angie Mason
3 Library gets tech The
32 cross country With no re-
takes on the hobby of couponing, and tips are given on how anyone can save money. 10-11 HOMECOMING TRENDS This month’s
fashion page shows how to show up to homecoming in style, and gives a look into preparation for the night. 12 HARVESTER GIVES BACK A local church
gives back through packaging meals that they send to third world countries. 13 ONLINE SHOPPING Learn about the growth
library at FHN creates a Genius bar, where students can use their technology. 4-5 Tax rate The Board of
Education starts to debate the new tax rate for the 2013-14 school year.
OPINIONS 41 Chick- fil- a This fast food
of online shopping and what the best apps are to shop the web.
chain caused controversy after voicing their opinions on gay marriage.
16 Missouri academy Four juniors from North
43 GUN CONTROL
have already started their college career and will receive two years worth of college credits.
With more shootings on the rise, concerns about gun control have been raised.
turning seniors this season, underclassmen on the team rise to the occasion. 33 SOFTBALL After gaining 15
30 After gaining a new coach, the Varsity football team is working to build a stronger team. (murphy riley)
freshmen girl players this year, softball starts their year off with bigger goals.
34 MEET YOUR CAPTAINS Get to
know some of the fall sport’s captains and their goals for the season. 37 sports photos This page is
a showcase of sport photographs from various fall sporting events.
on the cover This month, the North Star takes an in-depth look at five policies put in place by the district over recent years and how far they’ve come.
DISTRIBUTED FOR FREE TO FHN BY THE NORTH STAR STAFF / PROVIDING AN OPEN FORUM FOR FHN SINCE 1986 2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303
news
briefs
Briefs by Carly Vossmeyer and Daniel Bodden
NEW LUNCH LAW MAKES MEALS HEALTHIER
T
his year, lunches at FHN will be a lot more colorful. After two years of nation-wide interpretation and training, The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act passed in 2010 will now require all students eating school lunches to eat meals that include at least three of the five food groups: Grains, Fruits, Veggies, Meat and Milk. If students don’t want to eat their fruit or drink their milk, they can place it in the “harvest basket” located past the cash registers where it will be donated to a food pantry once a week.
“I don’t like the new guidelines because you don’t have as much freedom of choice.” Ryan Hyde, 10 “The harvest basket is a good idea because it’s better than throwing it away and it gives other kids a healthy snack.” Ilya Lazarev, 9 Students are now required to have foods from three of the five food groups included in their lunch. (kendrick gaussoin)
fall play
The cast for FHN’s fall play While the Lights Were Out gather after school to rehearse their roles in the play. (zack eaton)
The 2012 Fall play is going to be a murder mystery-comedy While the Lights Were Out. The play will take place on Oct. 25 through the 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the play can be bought for $5 in advance and will be sold at the door for $6. “It’s a farcical play, so kind of slapstick, sitcom-type of comedy, but also, it has a dark side to it,” Drama Director Jeff Tandler said. “There’s a lot of twists in the plot; a lot of things are unexpected.”
PAGE BY DANIEL BODDEN & CARLY VOSSMEYER
MENTORS The Mentor program is again helping freshmen make the transition from middle school to high school. Mentors meet in homeroom once a month and discuss topics like goals, social choices, study habits, respect and college with their groups. About 20 of the selected mentors this year didn’t complete the mandatory training, leaving half of the groups with one mentor as opposed to the usual two.
ATTENDANCE FHN is putting an emphasis on being at school on time this year. The goal is to have a school-wide attendance of 95.33 percent. All first hours will be keeping track of their attendance on a calendar. Every month the classes that reach the goal will receive some type of reward. Classes can receive the award as many times as they meet the requirement all year long.
HOMEROOM POLICY
Homecoming
A new school policy has prevented extra-curricular clubs like StuCo from meeting during homeroom. This policy encourages extra-curricular clubs, or clubs that don’t take place during school hours, to only meet before or after school days. “We can’t do everything during that one 40 minute period so this seems to allow the best use for academic purposes,” Principal Nancy Wade said.
This year the Homecoming dance will take place on Sept. 15. The theme this year is “A Knight in New York.” Tickets for the dance are still being sold until Friday Sept. 14 for $20. Tickets can be bought before and after school in room 133. Tickets will not be sold at the door. “We’re hoping to increase attendance and make decorations really good this year,” StuCo Treasurer Hannah Mason said.
09.12.12 FHNTODAY.COM 01
news
2013 seniors stand at last year’s Powderpuff game where the 2013 class was defeated. The 2012 Powderpuff game will take place on Sept. 12. Powderpuff is a flag football game between the senior and junior girls. At the game, there will also be guys dressed as females to be crowd pleasers to cheer on the girls. (file photo)
What do you think about the new Tailgate instead of a parade?
50% “The parade was boring and the tailgate could bring more people in.” Erika Allen, 11
“The tailgate will be a big party with music and free food, I’d have more fun than just looking at floats.” Brett Snyder, 12
“I think I would have more fun at the tailgate because I’d be with my friends and there would be free food.” Jessica Stelzer, 11
02 FHNTODAY.COM
09.12.12
The Parade Becomes a Tailgate StuCo brings back the tailgate to boost school spirit for Homecoming BY BRIANNA MORGAN
1006briannamorgan@gmail.com | @BriMarie1006
It is generally expected to see various clubs putting the finishing touches on their floats for the Homecoming parade before the game. However, the Homecoming parade will no longer take place this year due to the lack of participation from clubs. Instead, a tailgate will begin at 4 p.m. on Sept. 14 in the school parking lot and will run up until game time. “I was shocked when I found out there was not going to be a parade because that’s what we’ve had since I’ve been here,” junior Bre Black said About six years ago, tailgating before the Homecoming game was a regular thing. StuCo officers wanted a tailgate and a parade but there wasn’t enough time or people to pull them both off. Over summer break, StuCo decided it was in the school’s best interest to bring the tail-
gate to replace the parade. “I think [the students] will really like it,” StuCo President Austin Wiedner said. “It’s different and since students generally have their own tailgates before the game anyway, they’ll enjoy it because there is free food and music.” According to Wiedner, one of the downsides of not having the parade is that the tailgate only gets the student body involved rather than the whole community. “I’m hoping the tailgate will bring in the students and get them pumped for the homecoming game as well as the dance,” Wiedner said. Hot dogs, hamburgers and water will be provided during the tailgate. There will also be a variety of games and prizes. Students will be able to bring their own coolers with other food and drinks if they want. “I’m just hoping that a good number of people come out before the game and that they have fun,” StuCo sponsor Shelly Parks said.
PAGE BY AMANDA STALLINGS
powderpuff kicks off early Tonight, fans will see it all come together after weeks of practice BY ASHLEY FLERLAGE
ashleypaytonn@gmail.com | @ashley_flerlage
This year, KOE was forced to make Powderpuff earlier than usual because Homecoming is Sept. 15, which is earlier than it has ever been. Powderpuff will take place tonight at 6:30 p.m. This year’s earlier date adds some extra pressure to the upperclassmen as they struggle to pull their teams together in only a few weeks. “Getting people to sign up and letting people know information about Powderpuff is really hard,” KOE Vice President Annie Wheeler said. KOE was concerned about the number of senior players this year because their class did not have as many players as expected last year. Despite the time crunch, they now have 112 players and 8 coaches, which is more than the number of players and coaches they had last
year. The total number of both junior and senior players and coaches altogether is almost exactly the same as last year. “We already know what we’re doing from playing last year,” senior Powderpuff coach Jake Haubner said. “I’m looking forward to dominating the juniors.” The junior team doesn’t appear to be giving in easily though. The junior class has the same number of coaches as the senior class and only 8 fewer players. “You would think these girls were going to play in the NFL,” KOE sponsor Lindsey Scheller said In addition to players and coaches, there are 12 crowd pleasers. Crowd pleasers are male students who dress up, often as females, and cheer on the Powderpuff players. For crowd pleasers, an earlier game day means less time to learn all the necessary cheers. “The guys get together, crack a couple jokes to get everyone in the spirit and energetic, then the cheerleaders teach a couple cheers,” senior crowd pleaser Sean Small said. “I like to show school spirit, and if its by wearing a dress so be it.”
SCAN HERE
Scan this QR code to be taken to a preview of the Powderpuff game and to hear from some of the players. OR use this link: http://goo.gl/ZjVxM
ns TOP TWEETS @Allyson_Zimmer Applying to college is scary, I don’t want to grow up. Allyson Zimmer
@kt_bau Whenever I’m in need of a good laugh I picture everyone in the hallway with a bowl cut #FHN Katie Bauer
@springman160 Stinky football pads <<< #FootballProbs
Robbie Springman
@starky32 Yeah... I regret not doing my homework last night. #GrindModeToday
learning commons BY JAKE CHIARELLI
Jchiarelli97@gmail.com| @ChiarelliJake
Students sit near the Learning Commons in the Library. The Genius bar will be providing iPads for FHN students by the end of the semester. (kendrick gaussoin)
PAGE BY BRIANNA MORGAN
iPads, e-readers and a Genius bar are all part of the FHN library’s renovation this year. “We have updated entirely,” librarian Tara Willen said. “We’ve painted, changed our signs, and we are making the library more modern and teen-friendly.” Recently unveiled was the Genius bar, a countertop where students can charge their tablets and devices to use them for research and projects. The 2012 All-Knighter Committee donated the money for the countertops, outlets and barstools. “Our next big renovation, besides the Genius bar is definitely getting the iPads,” Head Librarian Angie Gunnell said. “We have the funds. Now it’s just a matter of ordering them. It’ll definitely be this semester.” The iPads will be purchased with funds from the Class of 2012 and will be available for use by students and staff. The e-readers may replace class sets of books. “I like the idea of having iPads,” sophomore Hayden Jensen said. “It’s kind of bringing the modern technological era into the school and the library.”
Anthony Starks
@ipitch10 trying to read tiny print on the smart board. I feel like an old lady taking her eye test.
Victoria Miller
@kelly_gannon I got three homecoming dresses... #whichonetochoose Kelly Gannon
@abbiewebb14 Why do I always have trig & ap Econ tests on the same days?!#stressful Abbie Webb
Want to see your tweet here? Tag tweets about school with
#FHNnews
09.12.12
FHNTODAY.COM 03
fhsd
making
the decision
on Tax
Rates The Board of Education’s choice to raise taxes directly affect what changes are made to the FHSD programs AMANDA STALLINGS | AMANDASTALLINGS13@GMAIL.COM
04 FHNTODAY.COM
09.12.12
D
uring Sept. 18, the Board of Education (BOE) must make a million-dollar decision on the tax rate. The proposal is to raise the tax rate from $5.13 to $5.18. According to Chief Financial Officer Kevin Supple the decision of the tax rate affects what changes in FHSD programs would be necessary. These changes include staff reductions, cut backs on the number of capital projects and the number of supplies the District can afford. If the tax rate increase was implemented, the average homeowner would pay $17.92 more than they pay with the $5.13 tax rate. “At this point and time, if the tax rate was to be increased, I don’t think it would be excessive to me,” FHSD parent Kelly Lyons said. “The quality of education my student is receiving compared to past districts I’ve lived in is much better, so I know the five cent levy can only improve it more.” The Decision The Sept. 18 tax rate hearing will take place during the public BOE meeting. Supple will propose where to set the tax rate. The county assessor will estimate the assessed value, the dollar value placed on a piece of land. There will be a time when people are welcome to say what they believe about the proposed tax rate. If the majority of the Board doesn’t agree with the $5.18, they will vote it down. A Board member would then make a motion to set different tax rate and four Board members must agree on the set rate for it to be applied. “Now comes the time when the Board is actually going to set the levy,” Supple said. “I think the groundwork has been laid in prior conversations about our intention. I haven’t had significant resistance from the Board in prior discussions. So while I would certainly assume that the Board would want to have conversation about the course of action, I don’t have, at this time, an indication that it wouldn’t pass.” The Numbers On the Aug. 16 BOE meeting, Supple made the proposal to the Board to increase the tax rate. The budget for next school year was built on the $5.18 tax rate, and with that tax rate in place, it’s funding the programs the District has already budgeted for this year. “It’s a relatively small amount [for taxpayers to notice],” Supple said. “We do
PAGE BY AMANDA STALLINGS
The
DIFFERENCE IF THE PROPOSED TAX RATE OF $5.18 WAS PASSED, HOW MUCH MORE WOULD IT BRING IN FOR THE DISTRICT? Fiscal Year 12 (Last year) July 1, 2011- June 30, 2012 Revenue from taxes: $95,135,262 Fiscal Year 13 (Estimation, if passed) July 1 2012- June 30, 2013 Revenue from taxes: $96,234,561 Estimated difference: $1,099,299 These numbers reflect the revenue for General, Teachers and Capital Project spending.
The decision on the proposed tax rate will be made on the Sept. 18 Board meeting. An assessed value will be given from the county assessor which will aid the Board in making their decision. (photo illustration by kendrick gaussoin)
try to work to provide the best possible education we can for our students within the resources available to us, and I think we’ve been very successful at doing that.” Supple believes with the potential increase in tax rate, the District will continue to do well with the means that have been provided to them from the FHSD taxpayers. FHSD is asking for this raise to support the extra expenditures included in the 2012-13 school year, including salaries for employees, capital projects and supplies for the District. The tax rate generates property tax revenue which is a little more than 50 percent of income to FHSD. A little more than 25 percent comes from the state of Missouri, seven percent comes from statewide sales tax and the other 18 percent comes from a variety of different sources. “We take the levying of taxes very seriously and understand that it’s important to our conscientious that we demonstrate that we’re being responsible with the money they’ve entrusted with us,” Supple said.
PAGE BY AMANDA STALLINGS
Sunset Provision In 2004, voters approved the Sunset Provision, which added an extra 89 cents to the tax rate. 69 cents became permanent and the other 20 cents had a five year Sunset Provision, meaning the District could levy it for the next five years. In 2008, voters decided to extend the provision for another five years. That same year, legislature passed a law saying if a taxing jurisdiction like the school district voluntary reduces its tax rates, then in a reassessment year the District cannot levy the tax amount. “If the legislative decreases the funding for public schools next year, the max we can use is whatever we set this year,” BOE president Marty Hodits said. “We’re guessing on how much the state of Missouri has next year to decide what our tax amounts will be and what our assessed value next year should be.” Unless the Sunset Provision is voted on and passed again, FHSD will lose the 20 cent provision in their budget. As of right now, there is only consideration on having the Sunset Provision revoted on.
OWN D K A E R B E H T S E WHERE IT GO
The following numbers are where the District uses its expenditures. These numbers are based on the 2012-13 school year.
63.4% toward salaries.
Of the expenditures go
20.5% toward benefits.
Of the expenditures go
5.3% towards transportation. Of the expenditures go 10.8% toward other funds. Of the expenditures go
09.12.12 FHNTODAY.COM 05
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Features the extreme fascination with
COUPONing Some do it to save money. Some do it for sport. Others take it to the extreme.
STORIES BY MADDIE HIATT | MADDIEHIATT@GMAIL.COM PHOTOS BY ALYSSIA LUQUE
BUFF TAKES TIME, SAVES MONEY
Sophomore Hannah Buff sits with her family’s collection of coupons. The Buff family collects coupons through mail and family friends.
08 FHNTODAY.COM
09.12.12
Sophomore Hannah Buff’s father, Jim Buff, has been couponing for over 20 years. On average, Jim saves between $50 and $300 weekly at the grocery store because of his coupons. He receives his coupons through mail and from friends. Jim visits many stores with coupons including Walgreens, Shop N Save and Schnucks. “Schnucks is my favorite because the people that work there are friendly,” Jim said. Although Jim usually gets most stuff for free or very cheap, he does not keep everything for himself. Jim gives some things to his friends and family or donates them to O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry and Thrift Shop. “I don’t feel the need to have 100 deodorants,” Jim said. Nearly all of the items Jim buys, he uses a coupon. Jim spends many hours a week cutting, reading and organizing his coupons. He buys mostly men’s products such as deodorant, toothpaste and body wash. Hannah occasionally helps her father with his coupons.
“I help cut them out and read expiration dates,” Hannah said. Although Hannah is not nearly as intense as her father, she does know the dedication her father has to couponing. Hannah has seen her father coupon most of her life. “Keeping track of them and how to use them is the hardest part,” Hannah said. “It seems like a lot of work.” When someone mentions couponing, the show ‘Extreme Couponing’ on TLC is what most people think of. It’s a show that follows extreme couponers to the stores and showcases how much they save. Jim, however, is not a fan. “It’s not realistic,” Jim said. “I know the rules at Shop N Save, and it couldn’t happen.” Hannah has been embarrassed by the attention her father gets but she doesn’t feel that way anymore. Jim goes to the store about 15 times a week. “I haven’t purchased the basic items in 15 years,” Jim said. PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT & CYNTHIA CAHALL
BEST Apps TO GET STARTED Use these free apps to help get started couponing. All of these apps are available on Apple and Android devices
Grocery IQ
Coupon Sherpa
Shooger
Grocery IQ not only creates grocery lists from their database through barcodes, text, and voice search, but also syncs lists with other devices. Grocery IQ also has a feature called Favorites that helps you keep lists of your most frequently bought items.
Coupon Sherpa has a feature that can figure out one’s current location and find coupons that can be used in the local stores. It also allows you to search the name of a store you want coupons for or you can search by category.
Shooger has a database that has over 100,000 coupons and other ways to save money. Shooger can send you notifications straight to your phone when special offers are happening. You can also leave tips at your favorite places for the next people.
info from http://goo.gl/a0FcU
do you know about
GROUPON
Groupon, an online source for all of your coupon needs, offers a deal-of-the-day service for everyone. Once a day, Groupon offers a coupon online for either a restaurant or store in your local area with discounts from up to 60%. To find a groupon search through the categories on the website, purchase it, and then an e-mail will be sent confirming the purchase. The e-mail also acts as a print off for the groupon.
FUN FACT Groupon got it’s name from a city in Switzerland where Goodyear tires are sold at very discounted prices. info from groupon.com
PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT & CYNTHIA CAHALL
MASON PRACTICES WHAT SHE PREACHES Angie Mason has a hobby that she loves: couponing. For the past eight years, she has been couponing. Mason has an 8-year-old and a 3-year-old kid, and her oldest is the one who got the ball rolling. “I saw that diapers, wipes and formula were so expensive so that’s when I started, and it’s grown ever since,” Mason said. Mason usually hits the store once every two weeks. She uses her coupons at Walgreens, Target and Shop N Save. Mason has a process that she uses every time she goes to the store. Her process starts before she goes to the store. First, she makes a list of the things that she wants to purchase. Then, she organizes her coupons, trying to match the coupons up with what she needs. Lastly, she heads to the store and uses her coupons. “I usually save between $20 and $40 per trip,”Mason said. Couponing is something Mason has the most time for in the summer. Since school has started, she has had less time to do it. Although a lot of her students don’t know about her hobby, Daniece Tate, one of Mason’s Accounting I students, is fond of couponing. “I think it’s cool because I don’t know a lot of people that coupon, and people that coupon save a lot of money,” Tate said. Over the summer, Mason would spend between five and ten hours a week organizing her coupons. Mason keeps her coupons organized in a binder. She organizes them into 11 sections. The sections include categories such as beverages, frozen foods and cleaning products. She receives her coupons through her family, entertainment books and she has subscribed to some through the mail. “My kids think I’m extreme, well, at least my 3-year-old does,” Mason said. One deal Mason keeps her eye on is at Shop N Save. About once a month on a Thursday, Shop N Save will have a deal where if customers spend $50 or more they can get $10 off of their purchase. “Over the summer, I would go twice to Shop N Save,” Mason said. “I’d get all of the nonfrozen things I needed and take it back to the car and then go back in for the cold stuff. My kids hate it.” Recently, Mason went to Target and spent $200 but with all of her coupons, she got $20 and some change knocked off her total. Mim Eaton, who teaches Intro to Business and Personal Finance, likes to talk to Mason about coupons during their lunch time. “She’s an Accounting teacher, so she knows the value of money,” Eaton said. Mason has storage in her basement where
FHN teacher, Angie Mason poses with her coupons that she spends hours cutting and organizing. Mason coupons year round.
~ Steps
to getting ~ started saving money 1. Before going shopping always look for coupons online. 2. Keep an eye out for specials at the local grocery store. 3. Sign up at your favorite store for a frequent member card and they will mail or e-mail out discounts. 4. When walking up and down the isle at the grocery store check out the coupons right on the shelf. 5. Start watching the Sunday Paper for coupons to stores in your local area. 6. Once you have some coupons network with your friends or co-workers and trade for coupons that you will use .
she keeps the extra items she has. She has even taken a class at the county library about coupons. Mason plans to continue couponing as long as she has time. “I think there is always going to be a need for couponing and for saving money,” Mason said. “I’m a business teacher, it’s all about saving money.” 09.12.12 FHNTODAY.COM 09
n o i fash
FEATURES
Homecoming trends PHOTOS BY IESHA BOLL
y s s a l c
"My style is classic because sometimes the freshest things can be timeless."
-Matt Schneider, 11 “Classy” is associated with neutral colors and simple accessories, it is often referred to as boring but that is not the case. It is sophisticated and presents a sharp look. Senior Katie Bauer is putting an indie touch to her outfit with her bracelet. To jazz up your classy look, try adding bright accent colors through your jewelry, shoes, nails, etc. Colors associated with this style: black, white, beige, gray and navy blue.
"Simplicity always looks cute and is easy to dress up or down."
-Katie Bauer, 12
Aug. 20: Purchase Dress “Its important to get your dress early so you have plenty of time to accessorize and find the perfect shoes and make sure everything matches.”
GIRLS
-Jackie Jorel, 12
GUYS
Aug. 30: Buy Accessories “I buy my accessories and shoes after I buy my dress because it’s easier to make everything match.” -Lauren Hogan, 10
Sept. 5: Buy Shirt and Tie “I get my stuff a week before because there’s not much guys have to do before Homecoming.” -Tyler Brown, 12
10 FHNTODAY.COM
09.12.12
PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT & JASMINE WAHLBRINK
Often the word “glam” is used to describe clothing with sparkles and glitter. Although that may be true, there are many different types of glam. One could wear a dress covered in sequins like Emma or one could wear a simple shirt and dress it up with all kinds of flashy jewelry. Glam doesn’t usually have specific color but has unique patterns and fabrics. Sequins, glitter and animal print are the most common types of glam but bright colors and lots of jewelry also work. Pink and sparkles are a great way to make glam look girly and fun.
glam
yle t s r u o y d n i f est
"My style is glam because it can be girly and edgy and a lot of fun at the same time."
on pinter
Scan here to get to a Pin Board on Pinterest to find the perfect Homecoming hairstyle for you. Also you can find the dress and shoe style that fits your personality.
-Emma Gordon, 10
e g a t vi n
“Vintage” usually refers to previously worn clothing or accessories, used for a retro look. Part of Ashley’s necklace belonged to her great-great-great grandmother. If you like vintage, you can pair gold accessories with your outfit. Thrift stores and resale shops are great places to find vintage pieces in good condition. Colors associated with this style: maroon, olive green, gold, cream and pale pink.
"I dress vintage because it makes me feel girly."
scan here
OR go to: goo.gl/Rffnm
#FHNstyle
-Ashley Eubanks, 11 Sept. 9: Try Out Different Hair Styles “I think it’s important so in case you’re not sure of what you want you have time to play around with it and figure out what you want. I just don’t want to feel rushed with it.”
Sept. 14: Get Nails Done “Getting your nails done is important because it gives a nice clean look to your whole outfit. No one wants to look at dirty nails.” -Priscilla Canto, 12
-Kayla Koeneman, 12
SEPTEMBER 15
HOMECOMING Sept. 9: Buy The Tickets “I buy them the late because it’s not that big of a deal.” -Ryan Clifton, 11 PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT & JASMINE WAHLBRINK
09.12.12 FHNTODAY.COM 11
Features
Ride
OF THE MONTH
With the help of power tools, elbow grease, and YouTube, Che puts life back into a wrecked car BY BRITTANY STECK brittany14steck@gmail.com | @LittleMsBritt
Wrench in one hand and iPad in the other, junior Ray Che searches the web for videos on how to fix up certain parts of his car. Over the course of four months, Che transformed a totaled Nissan 350 Z roadster into the car of his dreams. “I felt accomplished because I did something that was very hard for a 15-year-old boy to do,” Che said. “It took a lot of time, but at the end, it was an amazing feeling.” With the help of two laptops, an iPad and a few mechanical friends, Che rebuilt the entire exterior. He even customized the interior with features such as red seats, purple interior lights, a new shift knob and a stereo. “I think it’s really cool that he fixed it up by himself,” junior Andrew Scherff said. “But it’s crazy that he learned how to fix it off of YouTube.”
SCAN HERE To watch a video about Ray and his car.
OR use this link: goo.gl/Y3Ofv
12 FHNTODAY.COM
09.12.12
(photo illustration by kendrick gaussoin and zack eaton)
funding for food
Members of Harvester Christian Church provide food for third world countries BY CYNTHIA CAHALL cynthiacahall2@gmail.com
Volunteer Missionary Dennis Dowdall has taken mission trips to Nicaragua through Harvester Christian Church (HCC) for 11 years. The missionaries build wells, teach necessary skills for adults to make a living and share messages from the Bible. Their main goal, however, is to get food to the people. “Meals is a very small part of it,” Dennis said. “It’s just a tool that’s part of a bigger picture.” HCC starts by asking the congregation to donate rice. Next, they buy vegetables, protein soy and rice in bulk from either NICE (Nicaragua Christian Education) or the Kids Against Hunger Foundation and package in the church or at the foundations’ warehouse. “The biggest goal is to get people to realize how much every grain of rice counts,” Volunteer Director of Packing Days Susan Henke said. “Everything we drop is something that could have gone in somebody’s mouth.”
Packing day starts with a demonstration of the packing, weighing and boxing process by Susan and her daughter Hannah Henke. “It’s just a happy atmosphere,” Hannah said. “Everyone’s excited to help the kids.” With 50 to 75 volunteers it usually takes two to three hours to package all the rice. “I think [the best part is] at the end when you realize how many boxes you packed and how many kids get to benefit a meal out of it,” Hannah said. After HCC has enough rice to send, the boxes travel by train to Florida, then by boat to Nicaragua or Haiti where they are sent to distribution warehouses. “If it wasn’t for them having a packing event, we wouldn’t have any food to distribute,” Dennis said. “I enjoy my part being the connection for both ends.” Trucks deliver the packages to schools. Either the school or a parent cooks the rice for all of the students to eat. “I appreciate the opportunity God has given me to see,” Dennis said. “You get to see the full circle.”
PAGE BY BRITTANY STECK
mall thecybermall
experience
Online shopping is a growing habit due to increase in technology and many people are now using smart phones, tablets and computers to online shop
Online shopping on the rise $248.7 billion online sales are expected by 2014. A survey of U.S. online customers found that 82% are satisfied with buying experiences that started with and ended with the online store.
63%
72 hours
Is the average time that you have to wait for something to be shipped to you. Although there are many factors that go into the estimated shipping time, one can expect the items to arrive in three to five days.
Of online shoppers are women. The most bought items online include computers, clothing and electronics. Amazon and Ebay are the most common Cyber Monday is the Monday followonline websites for people to ing Thanksgiving. This is the day when buy and sell items on.
Cyber Monday fiasco
“I prefer online because there aren’t people bumping into you and it’s a lot more organized way of finding what you need.”
-Priscilla Canto, 12
most if not all of the online shopping websites advertise free shipping and it appeals to many because it’s easier than going with the stores with everyone else and easier to compare different stores prices in the privacy of one’s home. This year Cyber Monday is on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012.
The pros and cons of shopping online -One pro is that you don’t have to deal with lines or rude people and the check out but a con that goes along with that is you have to pay shipping. -Another pro is you can search for and find coupons exclusively for online shopping but the downside is stores don’t always have the same things online as they do in the store. -One con of online shopping when it goes to buying clothing is that you can’t try it on before you buy it and you’d have to pay another shipping fee to return or exchange it. -One pro about shopping online is that if you receive the stores e-mails, they can be used online but not always in the store.
Where they shop
1
Finish Line “I shop at Finish Line online because you can always find good deals.” -Adriana Condren, 11
PAGE BY MADDIE HIATT & NICK BUSSELL
2
Hollister “They have really cool clothes.” -Jacob Salas, 9
3
American Eagle Outfitters “I love that their boxers have cool designs on them and I like their jeans.” -Trevor Levins, 10
Top Apps To shop around with The American Eagle app allows you to get deals sent straight to your phone that you can use online and in the store
The Macy’s app lets you locate a store near you and learn about upcoming events. Also you can store the entire store on your phone
The Amazon App allows you to search through categories to buy things new or used. You can buy and sell through a phone
The Discount Calculator is a great tool to have with you when you shop because it can figure out how much you can save The Overstock app allows you to get all of the items from Overstock that are discounted up to 70% off straight to your phone
Info Sources overstock.com iTunes Store http://goo.gl/PYS9M www.wwwmetrics.com
4
Hot Topic “They have my style and a lot of black clothes.” -Jenn Mills, 10
9.21.11 FHNTODAY.COM 13
Features
job of
the month Senior Nathan Rhomberg makes calls for Great American Pastime BY EMILY HAMPSON theemilyhampson@gmail.com
Senior Nathan Rhomberg squats behind home plate watching the game at a local park. The bat clatters to the ground and dirt swarms the cleats of the little boy as he dashes to first base. This is Nathan’s second year umpiring for the St. Peter’s Athletic Association. “I like being able to watch baseball because I’m a big baseball fan,” Nathan said. “I like especially the younger kids, kind of just helping them along and teaching them the game of baseball. It’s a lot of fun.” Nathan umpires out in the field or behind home plate for kids ranging from nine to 13 years old. As parents scream angry comments at the umpires, Nathan keeps his focus on the game and making calls. “You need to pay attention and not lose focus on the game for either two to four hours,” Nathan said. “Because even if you don’t pay attention for 30 seconds and something big happens, then you just missed it.”
14 FHNTODAY.COM
09.12.12
Morgan Highfill poses with all her souvenirs from the Netherlands. She recently moved back to the states, after living there for two years with her family for her dad’s job. She visited many different places in Europe like Italy and Paris. (kendrick gaussoin)
finding netherlands Highfill family finds the positive in changing their lifestyle and moving halfway across the world BRITTANY STECK
brittany14steck@gmail.com | @LittleMsBritt
The summer of 2010, senior Morgan Highfill traveled about 4,000 miles away from her Missouri home and moved to the Netherlands leaving behind friends, family, and boyfriend, Adam Rebhen. “I was pretty sad when I found out she was leaving,” Rebhen said. “But I was relieved that she wasn’t going to be gone forever.” The Highfill family moved to the Netherlands because Steve Highfill, Morgan’s dad, was positioned there for a temporary two year assignment. “It was pretty cool to think that we were traveling to all the places we have read about in history class,” Mother Joyce Highfill said. While away, Morgan and her sister Paige attended the American International School, a community of students from around the world who travel abroad with their families. With only about 90 kids in the 2013 class, the American International School allowed its students to become quickly adapted into the new environment.
“It was like one big family since the classes were so small,” Morgan said. Over school breaks, the Highfills would travel to famous European sites, such as the Eiffel Tower or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. “My favorite place to visit was Venice, Italy,” Morgan said. “The weather was warm and sunny. I was used to windy and foggy, so it was a nice change.” July 6 of this year, Morgan, Mom and Paige returned home. Dad stayed in the Netherlands to continue working. He is expected home sometime this semester. Family, friends and their dog Daisy greeted them with smiles. “I can’t even express how much I love her being home,” Rebhen said. Looking back on the experience, Morgan sees the opportunity as a positive thing. She plans to go to a University somewhere in the states, but sees the possibility of visiting the Netherlands and keeps in close touch with the friends she made while there. “I’m thankful for it because it taught me a lot,” Morgan said. “I feel like I’m more aware of global problems and what is going on in the world. But I’m glad to be home.”
PAGE BY EMILY HAMPSON
Stevie Shee SCC student Francis Howell North alum
& Roses Florist & Gifts 492 S. Fifth St. St. Charles MO 63301
Success.
SCC makes it happen. It’s never too early to think about life after high school. Whether your next step will be finding a job or earning an associate’s degree before transferring to a four-year institution, you’ll find support around every corner at St. Charles Community College. Take the next step toward success at stchas.edu/DiscoverSCC.
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www.heartsandrosesinc.com 636.940.7673
Features
school
AWAY FROM HOME FHN juniors start their first year of college at Missouri Academy BY AURORA BLANCHARD aurorablanchard@gmail.com | @auroradbee
Juniors Matt Fennell, Shipra Singh, Becca Dolph and Matthew Wedewer will not be shouting at this week’s pep assembly. They won’t even be at North. They started college at Missouri Academy Aug. 30. This is the first year as many as four North students have gone to MO Academy, which is an opportunity to get a head start on college. Those students have the opportunity to receive two years worth of college credit in a separate building on Northwestern Missouri State University’s campus as high school juniors and seniors. MO Academy classes are science-based and as challenging as college courses. According to Becca, Shipra, Matt and Matthew, all the students they’ve met so far are driven and easy to talk to. “It was really easy to make new friends with everybody because we were forced into situations where we had to meet everybody,” Becca said. “I thought I’d be alone in my room most of the time, but that’s not the case anymore.”
16 FHNTODAY.COM
09.12.12
Chuck Taylor shows off his break-dancing skills with a sprained ankle. In the courtyard Taylor preforms a move called “Freeze”. Taylor sprained his ankle while landing wrong practicing a backflip. (photo illustration by zack eaton)
A PASSION FOR DANCE
Randy Taylor occupies his free time by teaching others different types of dances as well as competing himself BY BRIANNA MORGAN
matter what people say about his dancing, he does it regardless,” Taylor said. Taylor does many types of dance includThree years ago, sophomore Randy ing turf, a street dance that originated in “Chuck” Taylor began doing what he is pas- California that involves smooth, flowing leg sionate about: dance. and arm movements. Taylor is part of Team “I got inspired to dance because I grew up Swazi, a dance group that competes in street in a bad area, and I needed something to keep battles and at malls like Jamestown Mall. me out of trouble,” Taylor said. “ So I started “I prefer to do a street battle because at [to dance], and I liked it.” the mall you can be put out Taylor dances at Herbert FHNTODAY.COM by security,” Taylor said. Hoover Boys and Girls Club , a Taylor has many videos of school of visual performing arts him and his group dancing on in St. Louis. He started dancing as his public YouTube account. To watch a a student and eventually acquired “When I first saw him GIF and see Chuck do enough skills to begin teaching dance I thought it was pretty some of his moves. his own advanced classes. cool because I like to see peo“He’s a great dancer,” fellow OR use this link: goo.gl/HvxVD ple dance, but I like to dance dancer Jamal Richie said. “We as well,” friend Shawn Conlearn something new everyday, nors said. and we have a lot of fans.” As time goes on, Taylor plans to better Though he appears to be an unlikely himself by learning new skills and continudancer, Taylor actually finds inspiration for ing to follow his passion of dance. his dances in a modern day R&B icon, Chris “I think I will expand my dancing skills Brown. and learn new styles of dancing,” Taylor “Chris Brown has inspired me because no said. “ I will definitely improve.”
1006briannamorgan@gmail.com | @Brimarie1006
SCAN HERE
PAGE BY DELORES LAMPKIN
SENIORS
YEARBOOK ADS DUE SOON DON’T MISS OUT! GET THE FORM AT: WWW.FHNtoday.COM/ADVERTISING
Deadline is November 2, 2012
SENIORS
Francis Howell North High School Yearbook
2549 Hackmann Rd. u St. Charles, MO 63303 u 636-851-5107
FHN Student Recognition Ad Order Form
: T A O G F IN SIN E TI R R O E M V D AD N A m/ M .co R FO day E to H N T H T .F E G WW W 1) Choose the type of ad you want. 2) answer the following questions for us: Parent/Guardian Name:
____________________________ ____________________________
ALL ADS ARE FULL COLOR!
The 1/9 page ad, which is approximately the size of a business card, has enough room for one picture and a message. In the 2/9 page ad, you may use one or two photographs and a message. In the 1/3 page ad you may have up to four photographs and the full page could have up to 10-12 photos. Remember, the more photos you want in the smaller they will be.
Please check the box of the size you would like:
Address: ______________________
Full Page (10.8x8 in) - $360
____________________________
2/3 Page (7.1x8 in) - $250
City: _____________________
1/3 Page (3.5x8 in) - $140
State: _________ Zip:_________
2/9 Page (3.5x5.3 in) - $95
Phone: Home (___)___________
1/9 Page (3.5x2.6 in) - $60
Work (___)___________
email address: _______________________
NEED IDEAS? See last year’s yearbook for ideas or call 851-5107.
MIXING PHOTOS? Feel free to include black and white photos in your color ad if you wish. Both types of photos can be reproduced without a problem.
LOST/DAMAGED PHOTOS? While every effort is made to ensure photos are protected, on rare occurrences accidents happen. Please don’t send photos you would hate to be without. We will do everything we can to safely return what you send us. PAYMENT? Ads need to be paid for at time of placement. Please do not send cash through the mail. We do accept checks. Please make checks payable to FHN Yearbook.
___________________________________
STUDENT’S NAME:
__________________________________
STUDENT’S GRADE LEVEL:
____________________________
MESSAGE: Please include your message on a separate sheet of paper. Include the student’s name, if you wish it to be part of the actual message in the ad. PHOTOS: Photos must be included with the order. They cannot arrive after the Nov. 2 deadline.
Number of photos enclosed
3) send it to us
Attach photos (do not staple), payments, and this complete order form (with return stamped envelope) and mail to:
Aaron Manfull FHN High School 2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303
18 FHNTODAY.COM
09.12.12
PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL
revisitingthe past exploringthepresent enteringthe future From technology to drugs, the North Star goes in-depth to explore major policies that effect FHSD students to understand what they are, why they were implemented and where theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re headed.
PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL
09.12.12 FHNTODAY.COM 19
tying up loose ends The District is now tweaking the calendar for 2013-2014, but over the next few years, student test scores and budget will drive any major calendar changes AURORA BLANCHARD auroradblanchard@gmail.com
Two-Year Calendar It’s been a little over a year since the elementary, middle, and high school calendars merged to save money on bus transportation. The current calendar consists of a 10-day fall break, 10-day winter break, and two-week spring break. A calendar committee will propose a new academic calendar for the next two years to the Board of Education on Oct. 14. There is talk of shortening spring break next year so teachers will have more time to prepare students for semester, EOC and AP exams. The committee will send out a version of the calendar with a survey to parents and teachers to get the feedback before setting the calendar in stone. There are certain scheduling parameters the District needs to meet. They can’t make teachers come back to school before Aug. 1. They need students to graduate by the first week of June and schedule Professional Development days for teachers, which are those No-School Fridays this year for students. Spring Break Math teacher Patty Bartell who is on the committee with 19 others, believes the District should keep spring break but shorten it to a week. According to her, a general consensus is being reached among members of the calendar committee, but the length of spring break is still
up in the air. “The placement of it is good,” Bartell said. “It’s just that the length is probably too long. Rather than a break, it becomes a vacation, and it’s tough getting the students refocused.” Fellow math teacher Debra Finkes also believes one week for spring break is sufficient. She had to move part of second semester’s curriculum into first semester to finish teaching in time for EOCs. “It makes it much harder to get everything covered -- having two weeks for spring break,” Finkes said. “Luckily, last year we only had one snow day.” English teacher Lindsey Scheller also had to plan around the breaks but was able to because she knew about the calendar changes before the year started. “I don’t really know that it benefited us,” Scheller said. “But it hasn’t hurt us either. I think it’s always nice to have something to look forward to, like a significant break. It just keeps us fresher.” Students who are self-driven in school report that the longer fall and spring break did not affect their studying for the AP exam. Senior Sam Scopel, who is taking four AP classes this year, is one of those students. “[I felt] well-prepared just because I had more time to do independent study which is the way I learn,” Scopel said. Sometimes more time off only increases the amount of work students have to do outside of school. “That’s awful long for a spring break,” Chemistry teacher Donna Malkmus said. “It needs to be shorter.
lifespan at north Seconds in high school 25,200 in a day 126,000 in a week 4,284,000 in a year Minutes in high school 7200 in a week 244,800 in a year 979,200 in high school career Hours in high school 35 in a week of a students day is spent in school
29%
20 FHNTODAY.COM
09.12.12
Times you wake to go to school in the 2012-13 year
169
On a lighter note the weekend consists of 2,024,229 seconds 3,420 minutes 57 hours Fall Break holds 264 hours Winter Break holds 228 hours Spring Break holds 360 hours Breaks, holidays, and weekends account for the 196 days in the school year school 53% ofis notthosein days session
PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL
What would happen for me, if I want my AP kids to do well, which I do, is I’d have to give them work to do over spring break.” According to a school-wide survey, only 5.2 percent of students said they did not the two-week long spring break. That leaves 94.8 percent of students who are happy with the length of spring break. The Cost Whether or not the school loves or loathes this year’s calendar, it is saving the District $735,000 on bus transportation from merging all the grade levels’ schedules, according to Purchased Services Director Dr. Mike Sloan. It costs less to run the same buses for elementary, middle and high school on the same days rather than running buses on a year round schedule plus a more traditional high school schedule. The new calendar got rid of extra days the buses had to run, which is the main reason the District came up with this solution. “It’s successful from the cost standpoint,” Sloan said. Is it working? There are discrepancies between teachers
and administrators on whether or not the new school calendar has benefited students. One of the small benefits, according to Superintendent Dr. Pam Sloan, is that families can take vacations at the same time with all the levels synced to the same schedule. She describes the problem with the old system, when elementary students were on a different calendar than the middle and high school students. “Once you start having kids at various levels it became harder for families to take vacations and do things at the same time,” Sloan said. According to Chief Human Resources Office Dr. Steve Griggs, there was no decrease in student success last year from with the new calendar based on data from test scores. Because the District does not make conclusions from one year’s worth of data, they will continue to look at test score trends for the next few years with the merged elementary, middle and high school schedule. “Change is hard,” Griggs said. “I think getting used to something new wasn’t easy but there wasn’t a large number of people who said it didn’t work.”
do you think it's
working? See for yourself For each policy covered in this issue you can decide if it’s working by checking a box below. Is the new calendar worth it?
yes no
loss of appetite A nationwide law brings healthy eating to FHSD lunches, along with praise, controversy, and a student body grieving over the loss of familiar school foods NICK PONCHE
ngponche@gmail.com
The Problem A number of changes have been made to the school lunch menu this year. Grilled cheese sandwiches and pudding are gone, salads and hummus have filled the sides bar. French fries are being served in fewer meals, and tater tots are gone altogether. “They need to bring the fries and tater tots back,” senior Jacob Obst said. “They just keep taking away things every year.” FHN students are not alone in their shock and confusion. The changes in lunches this year have been experienced in schools across the country. Signed into law on Dec. 13, 2010, PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL
the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) set a national standard for the nutritional requirements of high school cafeteria food. In accordance with the law, all school meals must reflect the latest USDA “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” in their nutritional value and variety. Sodexo Food Service Manager Karin Mann, who is in charge of the food in all FHSD high schools and middle schools, believes that the HHFKA is an important step in improving the health of American teens. “It’s huge,” Mann said. “It’s not something that the District put in place or Sodexo put in place. It’s the law.” The HHFKA was put in place to help solve some of the health issues associated with teens eating unhealthy foods. Although interpreted by each state individually (this and the training of employees were the reason for the law to 09.12.12 FHNTODAY.COM 21
become fully active), the basic idea of the law was to be the same. Every high school must offer nutritional food options for students to choose from, and every lunch must have at least three of the five following food groups: Dairy, Proteins, Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains. “They say that about one in three kids nowadays are dealing with obesity, which can lead to other health issues later in life,” Mann said. “It recognized that this country needs to eat healthier.” The Solution Since the law’s passing, changes have been gradually made to the lunch items available in all FHSD schools to include more healthy items, such as whole grains and vegetables. This was done in an effort for students to begin “waning off” the more unhealthy foods, so that they might accept the new policy and new foods more readily when they arrived for the 2012-2013 school year. “This District has been very proactive in having the nutritious options,” Mann said. “Once the bill was signed, we knew it was gonna be in place by July 2012, so we wanted to be prepared.” Is it working? The requirement that has brought on the biggest reaction amongst students at North, aside from the loss of tater tots, is that one of the three chosen food items must be a fruit or vegetable. Some believe it is
the daily intake Nutrition Needs Calories
1400-3200
Protein
46-52 g.
Carbohydrates
45-65% of calories
Fat
30-35% of calories
Grain
5-8 oz.
Sugar
>25% of calories
09.12.12
Listed below are nutrition facts intended for students between the ages of 14 and 18
The schools lunch menu is molded around these facts to provide every student with a healthy breakfest, lunch and snack -1 ½ to 2 cups of fruit -2 ½ to 3 cups of vegetables -5-6 ½ oz. of meat -3 cups of dairy
All info from US Department of Agriculture & Center for Disease Control
22 FHNTODAY.COM
inspired, while others find it pointless and wasteful. “It’s a good idea, but it’s not gonna work,” senior Kyle Paaren said. “I see a lot more empty trays at lunch and people throwing away vegetables and apples.” “If you don’t want to get it in the first place, then you’re not gonna eat it when they make you get it,” sophomore Bo Nixon said. An option the District has provided to students who don’t want to eat the required food is the harvest table. It gives the option for uneaten fruit or milk to be stored and delivered to local food banks weekly, instead of it being thrown away. Another concern raised by students this year is if they are receiving enough to eat. Without french fries and tater tots this year, many more are leaving the lunch line with the minimum amount of food on their trays. This puts additional pressure on students in the Free/Reduced Lunch program, which limits the entree options to those on the basic menu. “It’s just a chicken sandwich and fruit, and it’s not enough,” Obst, who qualifies for the program, said. “I can’t buy anything else because I don’t have the money.” To help accommodate, Sodexo plans on potentially introducing new food items later this year. They will fall within the new national standards, but will also be tastetested and critiqued by students prior to their release. This will take place sometime in December or January, and will be done by having students try the food during lunches and either fill out review forms or be interviewed directly by Sodexo employees. However, this does not guarantee that all of the students in the District will begin eating healthier. “It will really only be a positive change if the students understand why it is being made,” Mann said. “Lunch is just one meal out of the day. [Students’ eating choices] will only change if they understand what needs to be changed and why it is so important.”
do you think it's
working? yes no PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL
drug
facts
Not a"gotcha"
Testing 15 percent of FHSD students in the drug testing pool, many have opposing views of the effectiveness of this program JORDAN BRYSON
jordan.bryson90@gmail.com
Administered drug tests in FHSD over the last five years Info from FHSD
Year
Issued Tests
Positive Results
07-08
755
2.3%
08-09
772
6.6%
09-10
775
4.7%
10-11
716
5.0%
11-12
696
2.9%
Common drugs abused by ninth grade students in FHSD and Missouri at large for 2012 FHSD Missouri Marijuana
19.4% 20.0%
Inhalants
4.6%
5.5%
Rx Not Dr. Prescribed
7.9%
9.2%
OTC for Non- 5.7% Medical
6.5%
Cocaine
1.4%
1.3%
Heroin
1.1%
0.6%
Hallucinogens 3.1%
2.5%
2.3%
1.8%
Ecstasy
do you think it's
working? yes
The Program When FHSD’s drug testing system was established in 2007-08 school year, it was seen as more of a deterrent program than one designed to bust students with drugs in their system. Now, five years later, many view the program successful in its intended purpose though there are many who believe it’s not as effective as possible. “The kids we catch violating policy are those not in the drug testing pool,” Principal Dr. Darlene Jones said. “The kids who get caught at school are the ones under the influence or someone says they tried to sell them something. Kids in the pool hardly get caught.” To be in the FHSD drug testing pool, students sign a drug testing consent form at the beginning of the year if they plan to participate in a sport or club or drive to school. “I feel that it is a good program in the way it can give students a way to say ‘no’,” Director of Student Services Dr. Jennifer Patterson said. “We want our student athletes and those driving to school safe and drug-free.” The Stats Randomly testing eight students a week in the three high schools for five years has brought back 158 positive tests, four percent of the tested students. However, in the past three school years, 78 students have been caught either while under the influence or with possession of drugs at school just at North. “They’re more in the spotlight, they hang out with the party kids and feel they have to do what everyone else is to keep their reputation,” senior Hallie Mitchum said. Looking into information, FHSD found 97 percent of students who had hearings for being caught with drugs or under the
influence at school were not attached to the school through activities. “Our kids that are attached to the school and involved, those are not the kids in possession or under the influence,” Patterson said. Is it working? According to a survey of 215 students conducted at North last school year, about 26 percent of students at FHN have tried an illegal drug at least once. Also according to the same survey, about 25 percent of thise 215 students have been drug tested before. “After they get tested, it makes them think twice,” senior Katie Busby said. “It might get them kicked out of things they care about in school.” Many students don’t view the drug testing system as a deterrent or prevention of any type. Even despite being drug tested before, some students say they don’t consider the program or how their sport or club participation or driving privileges may be revoked when they’re about to do drugs. On the opposing side, there are many who believe drug tests are present in the school and helps students think twice. “If the previous time they tested positive, obviously test them again,” senior Rachel Kramer said. “If they’re clear, don’t test them again. If it was a ‘random sample,’ it’d be a wider variety, but clearly since it’s not, it’s not.”
no PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL
09.12.12 FHNTODAY.COM 23
the result
of impact
It’s been one year since ImPACT was implemented, one sport made it to the testing list while many are still susceptable to unknown concussions
SOPHIE GORDON smgordon14@gmail.com
The Situation It’s Feb. 18, just two hours before the FHN Winter guard’s turn to compete at the Winter Guard International (WGI) competition in Kansas City. Sophomore Emily Turnbeaugh falls on the floor on cue. Behind her, senior Abigail Hoffman tosses up her saber, but misses the catch. The four-pound saber hits the rubber floor and bounces back to hit Emily in the head. She never sees it coming. “I was laying down, and I blacked out for a second,” Emily said. “When I opened my eyes, everyone was looking down, asking me if I was okay.” Emily sat out for half an hour at the parents’ suggestion. She then finished practice and went on to compete in the first round of the competition. “I didn’t think anything was actually wrong with me,” Emily said. “They didn’t think anything was wrong with me. I felt okay and only had a little headache.” After their performance, Emily felt queasy and needed to lie down. She was taken to a local doctor who recommended she didn’t participate for the rest of the night. Emily was out of the competition. “I was really sad for her,” teammate Maddie Corrao said, “because I know how much she loves guard. Then I felt bad for Abigail because she felt like it was all her fault.” The next day, Emily was taken to her own doctor who determined she had a concussion. It was recommended that Emily sit out for the next two to three weeks.
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“If I didn’t get a concussion, then I would have felt more part of the team,” Emily said. “Not so different.” Emily is back with the Color Guard this year. She, along with the other members, is required to take ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) this year. Due to the probability of a saber or rifle hitting one of the girls, parents found it important that the girls take the test. They have now been added to the ImPACT list. “We’re most likely to get hit in the head next to football players due to flying objects,” Emily said. “If we had ImPACT testing we could know more quickly if we had a concussion.” the reaction One of the leading causes of concussions is playing sports according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In order to take preventative measures, FHSD has implemented the requirement of ImPACT for some sports. ImPACT is a scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. “I think it gives you a little bit of relief,” Activities Director Mike Janes said. “It can give coaches, parents and students an ease of mind to find out the extent of brain injuries.” Most sports on the ImPACT list are sports with a higher probability of collision. Concussions occur most in contact sports. Sports required to take ImPACT are softball, baseball, football, cheerleading, wrestling and Color and Winter Guards. “I think it’s important,” Varsity boys Soccer Head Coach Larry Scheller said. “I think that anytime you’re dealing with the brain you have to be as careful as possible.” The only other change to ImPACT this year is testing being required for freshmen and juniors only because the brain goes through so many changes in those few years. In an interview with PBS, neuroscientist Dr. Jay Giedd M.D. explained his discovery that the brain loses gray matter, the section of the brain associated with intelligence, when stabilizing and strengthening connections. This means the brain of a teenager loses one percent of its gray matter every year. This makes ImPACT important for teenage athletes to take PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL
what's in the test?
every few years. “I think it’s given us a positive effect,” Athletic Trainer Joe Bommarito said, “due to the fact that we can track concussions, treats the injury, and diagnose the severity.” the uncertainty While ImPACT has addressed some sports, others have been left off the list due to a lower collision risk. Volleyball is among these sports. It was a normal day at practice when junior Katie Proebsting dove for the ball as she had done a million times. However on this late October afternoon, she slammed the back of her head on the hardwood floor. “My first thought was ‘Wow, she hit her head hard,’ because you could hear it echo through the small gym,” teammate Kaitlin Eifert said. Katie felt dizzy and lightheaded when she got up. JV coach Carolynn Wallington sent Proebsting to the trainer’s office where Bommarito asked her a series of questions to determine whether she has a concussion. “He asked me some questions,” Katie said. “Then he said, ‘No, you don’t have a concussion; you’re just fine.’” Because volleyball is not one of the sports required to take ImPACT, Katie’s concussion went undiagnosed that day at practice. Katie participated in a volleyball tournament that weekend. Following the tournament, Katie went to her doctor who determined that she had a minor concussion. According to Coach Robin Yuede, had they known Katie had a concussion, they would not have allowed her to play. “We did not know she had a concussion,” Yuede said. “We have girls sitting out now with injuries that we will not let play until they are cleared to go.” Though Bommarito tried to determine whether she had a concussion to the best of his abilities, his evaluation was not as accurate as the ImPACT may have been. Due to this, Katie participated in a tournmament that might have worsened her concussion. “I believe volleyball should be required to take ImPACT testing because there is a lot of diving and intense plays in volleyball and you never know what could happen to you,” Katie said. “It would help determine if you should play or not. If you have a serious concussion, you shouldn’t play.” PAGE BY NICK BUSSELL
Memory
The participant watches a series of words and must recall which ones were shown when given another set of words
Reaction Time
The participant is given two images and must quickly hit the button corresponding to the image when shown
Recognition
The participant must recognize when a color matches its name
SCAN HERE To take a demo ImPACT test online and see what it’s like for the athletes Or use this link: goo.gl/wBybH
Fast facts on ImPACT 400 students tested last year 98 percent passed 112 students tested so far this year Seven reported concussions in the last year
do you think it's
working? yes no
09.12.12 FHNTODAY.COM 25
“
Jumping on the bandwagon with
Technology
It's not about tech, it's about what tech can do to help instruction in education.
”
In the past it was hardly utilized in schools, now students and teachers are becoming a part of a generation that merges technology with learning to enhance education
the future of social media in the classroom Some see social media as a bad habbit or distraction, while others see the possibility of incorporating it into the classroom. Journalism Adviser Beth Phillips oversees the social media aspect of FHN Media at Francis Howell North. She’s recently earned her Masters in Journalism Education. She would like to start a class that purely focuses on teaching students how to use social media in a professional manner. “No one is teaching students how to use social media, and it’s going to be a important part of their future,” Phillips said. Social media can find its way into any class. FHSD Chief Information Officer Ray Eernisse sees teachers becoming more of a facilitator in the future. “[Students] can learn the way they want to,” Eernisse said. “Students can choose who they need to listen to, or find the information for themselves.” That means that students could potentially be encouraged to use social media to help them understand a new topic, or aid them with their homework. All of these ideas are possibilities that will take a few years to come into being.
- Ray Eernisse
fhn rankings classroom
enhancements
Recent policy changes including Acceptable Use and Info Security led to a positive outcome at FHN
56.3%
Wireless network in all buildings
Decrease in technology related disciplinary issues in the 2011-12 year
Stride for students to bring their own devices Use of iPads and tablets
Student to computer ratio Francis Howell School District: 2.98 to 1 FHN: 3.1 to 1 FH: 3.02 to 1 FHC: 2.55 to 1 FHN is believed to have the lowest ratio because of the lack of mobile carts
Smartboard inventory FHN with the most FHC with 91 FHHS with 71
Internet speeds increased by one and half times in the last year District email and e-news Kindergarten to fourth grade classes have sound amplifying systems Last 100 classrooms in FHSD receiving their smartboard by next school year Inclusion of a new robust network to handle internet needs of the District
2012 NMC
horizon report The New Media Consortium sends their vision for schools across the nation First Horizon: Next year: mobile app and tablet usage in the classroom Second Horizon: Three to four years: video game based learning Third Horizon: Four to five years: Kinnect-like technology to use the Internet
are they
working?
Now you’ve gotten to explore the policies. Scan here to vote yes or no on each policy at FHNtoday.com.
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what would
you say At the VMAs
Powderpuff
livestream Are you not able to make it to the Powderpuff game tonight? Don’t miss a minute of it. Be sure to keep this paper and your smart phone handy to scan this QR code at 6 p.m. for a live stream of the game.
scan here For a hilarious video of FHN students giving their speeches as if they won an award at the VMAs Or use this link: goo.gl/J18Tp Like what you see? Submit your own video at FHNtoday.com
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SPORTS
Get your fix
Scan here for a video of the teams goals for the homecoming game. http://goo.gl/1jbkS
oneteam one family With a new coach, the football team gets a whole new outlook on the season
BY ABBY WEST abbywest19@gmail.com | @abby_west19
A
s thunderous applause fills the air, and under the bright lights, the Knights enter the stadium as one, lead by new head coach Brandon Gregory. The crowd is captivated as they cheer on the home team. Sweat runs down the players faces in the huddle, as quarterback Brett Magilligan discusses the plays given by the coach. The team talks about what needs to happen for the team to come out on top, and how everyone has to be ready to go out and do their job. Three ideals drive the team: hard work, motivation, and discipline. Gregory began playing football at the age of six, so he is no stranger to the game of football. Playing in high school and college, he gained tremendous amounts of experience which he now transfers over to coaching. This will be his 10th year coaching. This season at FHN, Gregory hopes to turn the game around, fixing the flaws from last year and building on the strengths, and creating more of a family dynamic within the team. “You could tell they were not committed to being a football player,” Gregory said. “It wasn’t full time for them; it was part time.”
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"It will be one of those game where we have to work hard and minimize mistakes, but like with any team on the schedule, we can win." -brandon gregory With a record of 2-8 last year, the Knights are striving for a better record this year. One important quality to Gregory is family. He believes that to become better the team must become one. Each member of Varsity has a younger player on the JV or freshman squad to watch out for on the field and in school. “We aren’t just a football team but a family,” Gregory said. “We laugh together
and cry together, but when it comes down to it, we are a family.” With Vianney, FZE and FZS already under their belts, players feel like they are ready to take on FHHS for the Homecoming game. Some players feel that in the game last year they had the skill set, but just couldn’t put it together at game time. “It will be one of those games where we
PAGE BY ABBY WEST
Senior David Purley celebrates after a scored touchdown against Vianney on Aug. 24. North ended with a loss against Vianney with a total score of 20-39. (zack eaton)
football
by the Numbers Below are some statistics from the from the first two games played this season, against Vianney and FZE. Stats as of 9/5/12.
A TOTAL OF 105 BOYS ARE APART OF FHN’S FOOTBALL PROGRAM FOR THE 2012 FALL SPORTS SEASON
9 coaches 17 20 31 37
PAGE BY ABBY WEST
scored
PASSING YARDS
passing yards
Varsity football players squared off against Vianney on Friday, Aug. 24 in the home opener game. Coach Gregory was selected this past off-season to lead the Varsity team. All of the fans wore black to support the “black out” themed game. (murphy riley)
Brett Magilligan: 78 Brendon Leiser: 78
TACKLES
56
Drake Kruep: 8 Jake Hampton: 6
tackles
220
RUSHING YARDS DJ Curtis: 101 Jordan Moody: 200
TOUCHDOWNS Brett Magilligan: 2 Jordan Moody: 1 DJ Curtis: 1
4
touchdowns
rushing yards
driving force that cheers the team on. They want to have a sense of family with their teammates and with their school as well. The team wants that crazy student section, especially during the Homecoming game. “Fan support during a game is very important,” senior Lineman Zach Morris said. “It keeps you going, playing in front of a loud, energetic crowd hypes you up!” From the face and body paint to the thunder sticks, the football players look forward to seeing all of their fans on Sept. 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the FHN stadium. “Everything needs to click,” junior Quarterback Brett Magilligan said. “Everything needs to turn out as planned. Our killer mentality has to come out.”
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Coming together as one
have to work hard and minimize mistakes, but like with any team on the schedule, we can win,” Gregory said. With practice everyday from around 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the team is working to improve key parts of offense like blocking and parts of defense like tackling. Gregory stresses the idea of competition. In practice, the players compete with everything they do because when it comes down to it on the field, you have to practice the way you play. “Every player will have to be there physically, mentally and give 110 percent,” junior Wide Receiver Ethan Bond said. Another important thing to the football team is school spirit. The team wants to gain the school’s support because they are the
seniors juniors sophomores points freshman
26 total games 14 HOME GAMES 12 AWAY GAMES info from: stlhighschoolsports.com
9.12.12 FHNTODAY.COM 31
sports
On Aug. 30, the Junior Varsity softball team faced-off against Troy for their second game of the season. After playing seven innings at our home field, the Knights lost their game with a score of 14-2. This is the team’s second game this season and their first home game, but have yet to win any games this season. (murphy riley)
50% Of students will have their eyes drawn to this graphic based on the birght color alone. Pretty neat huh?
In her sophomore year, Alexis Happe competes at Districts for FHN’s Cross Country Team. (file photo)
Stats AS OF 9/6/12
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keeping the pace despite losses Girls Cross Country team still confident about this season without seniors BY ELAINA PETERS
elainapeters96@gmail.com | @elaina_peters
The FHN girls cross country team seems fearless even though there are no returning seniors running this season. The underclassmen have had to step up during the off season to take on the seniors’ roles. “I don’t feel like it’s hurting us this year,” junior Rowan Pugh said. “We already knew last season that there wouldn’t be any returning seniors. Juniors have really been stepping it up.” The girls feel just as fine about losing the seniors’ speed as they do losing those leadership roles. The team’s three fastest girls, junior Alexis Happe and sophomores Dominique Meyer and Brenda Alvarado, make up for the
sofia quintana VOLLEYBALL
AJ lozada
Attacks: 6 Digs: 1 Games played: 2
Tackles: 3
FOOTBALL
lost speed. “I’m going to miss the seniors,” Happe said, “but now it’s our turn to be the role models for the team.” The team shows so much confidence for the upcoming season and they hope they will be returning to State again this year. Last year, Happe was the only girl from FHN to go to State, and Assistant Coach Joe Brocksmith hopes a few more of the younger runners will be joining her this time around to make up for the lack of upperclassmen. “We’re not at a huge disadvantage with the younger runners,” Brocksmith said. “With the body maturing you tend to increase your speed anyways--until you reach my age that is. But our girls will be just fine.” Gabe rish SOCCER Goals: 3 Shots: 7 Assists: 2
PAGE BY ELAINA PETERS & ALEXIS CHRISTO
More girls
moretalent With more players, the girls have higher expectations for the season
BY BRENDA ALVARADO
brenduhalvarado@gmail.com | @brenduhalvarado
FHN’s softball teams hit off the season with more players and bigger goals. With 15 freshmen, for the first time in three years, the softball program is now able to hold a Varsity, JV and freshman team with a minimum amount of swings. “I’m really positive about this season,” assistant Varsity coach Mike Freedline said. “I’m just here to help the girls with the little things.” Last year, the softball team suffered from the lack of players and had to have many girls play both JV and Varsity. Due to this, those girls missed games and practices. Sophomore Bailey Bay thinks that the constant swinging could have affected last season’s 18-10 record. “We might win more because we won’t have to do as many swings,” Bay said. “Like last year I was swinging, and I would have to miss some games for other games. It was crazy.” Fresh off their select season, Bay and senior Victoria Miller were not intimidated by what they
believed to be a massive number of girls trying out this year. “There was more freshmen,” Miller said. “Some of them couldn’t even play. If it was a previous year, they would’ve gotten cut.” Cuts or no cuts, Freedline still wanted more girls to try out. He wants more girls, so they bring out the best in each other and intensify the program. “I wish more girls would come out,” Freedline said. “That brings us better players and an overall just better team.” Playing well together this year is what Freedline believes will bring the girls to their conference victory and the reclaiming of their FHHS Tournament champions title. He relies heavily on his strong hitters, sophomore Alexis Allen and junior Paige Pauley, as well as his offensive player, junior Jessica Moceri. However, everyone coming together as a team is what he thinks really sets North’s team apart from the others. “The girls are really good this year,” Freedline said. “They’re going to go as far as they want to, as long as they play as a team, and they just hustle.’’ Having already played in the Parkway Invitational, and against FZS, FZN and Timberland, they look forward to the rest of the season. “The hardest part of the season will probably be the ending, because then you know it’s over,” Bay said. “You’re done with another season of high school softball.”
rebuilding basics
s
BY ALEXIS CHRISTO
acchristo15@gmail.com | @Alexis_Christo
Sean Pirrone swims the Butterfly stroke at the Knight`s first swim meet against FZS on August 28th. The Knights ended up losing in the meet. (matt krieg)
JESSICA MOCERI Runs: 5 Hits: 9 Average: .450
PAGE BY ALEXIS CHRISTO
SOFTBALL
Losing six senior swimmers last year, coaches Steve Kelly and Chip Crow were anxious to see the new turnout. “The expectations were very low,” Kelly said. “We only had three people coming back and praying for at least one more for a relay.” Even with an initial fear of a drop in numbers, the team increased from nine boys last year to 11 this year. “It’s a rebuilding year,” senior Brandon Sandbothe said. “Most swimmers are new, it’s a younger team.” With newer swimmers, practices have become ‘Varsity swim lessons’. Coaches have been focusing more on reiterating stroke and technique. In their Sept. 4 meet, both times and strokes showed improvement. “They’ve improved significantly overall,” Crow said, “considering seven swimmers never competitively swam.”
Sean pirrone SWIMMING 100 Butterfly: 1:06.00 100 Freestyle: 1.00.11 200 Individual Medley: 2:29.00
FHNTODAY.COM
SCAN HERE For FHN sports stats. http://goo.gl/ck8LQ
SPORTS TALK:
TEBOW TIME
Just because everyone knows his name doesn’t mean he’s more talented BY DRAKE KRUEP
D.V.Kruep@gmail.com | @DVKruep
Tim Tebow can be a dynamic utility player, someone who can be used in multiple positions and may be one of the best in the NFL. He is a New York Jet who helps his team with his athleticism and on-the-fly creativity, things the Jets keep in short supply. All in all, he’s a secondstring quarterback with firststring drive. It was always a good idea to hire him. Head Coach Rex Ryan wanted to play to his strengths and, yes, to use him to rouse the competitor within Mark Sanchez, assuming he’s in there somewhere. If Sanchez is to be hurt, the Jets will be in panic mode. Tebow can do many things to help the team win games, but playing quarterback full-time isn’t one of them. All in all, Tebow is a great example of what being a hard worker, and an all-around good person. If you put in the effort and work hard at your craft, you can be accepted for just being a good person. Even if it’s not for the starting position.
9.12.12
FHNTODAY.COM 33
sports
get to know the captains The captians of three fall sports teams were asked 1. Why they were chosen as captains. 2.One word to describe them. 3. What they are going to do to lead their team. VOLLEYBALL
Passion FOR THE
GAME
Freshman Austine Pauley brings fresh talent to Varsity softball BY LAUREN PIKE
laurenpike14@gmail.com | @pike_n_ike
Ever since her dad introduced her to it in fourth grade, freshman Austine Pauley has had a love for softball. She’s been in a church league, the Warcats U18 team and hopes to make an impact on FHN’s Varsity team with her .556 batting average. “I was surprised,” Pauley said. “There weren’t a lot of freshmen, so I thought I would make freshman.” Not only is Pauley one of the youngest members of Varsity, she also has one of the highest batting averages. “We’ve only had six games, so she started out the season right by having good at-bats and hitting the ball hard,” Assistant Varsity coach Mike Freedline said. Her batting average didn’t just happen. Pauley puts in about five extra hours of practice each week and plays a lot of summer ball with her sisters with her dad coaching. “I think she’ll stay as one of our top hitters all season long and drive in a lot of runs,” Freedline said.
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Maddie Eifert, 12 1. “We voted on captains.” 2. Motivated. 3. “As a captain I will set an example for the rest of the team by working my hardest, and playing my hardest so others can follow.” Claire Ford, 12 1. “The team voted on captains and I was chosen.” 2. Determined. 3. “I will encourage people to do their best, and play to the best of their ability.”
TENNIS Jackie Jorel, 12 1. “We are captain cause we are seniors.” 2. Spicy. 3. “I give inspirational, motivational speeches, because we don’t want every match to be the same.” Kerry Moriarty, 12 1. “We are senior captains.” 2. Firework. 3. “I am myself and I do me.” Jasmine Wahlbrink, 12 1. “Because I’m a senior.” 2. Fierce. 3. “Make sure we are all doing our best, and sing on bus rides”
SOFTBALL Monica Cattron, 12 1. “I think I was picked because I was a senior and have leadership qualities.” 2. Nice. 3. “I’ll try to make sure everyone is here to play and that we all get along and play well together as a team.” Victoria Miller, 12 1. “It’s the seniors that get picked.” 2. Determined. 3. “I will throw strikes, don’t give away any free passes, and always give 130% when I’m pitching cause every pitch counts. I will work hard to encourage and keep the girls pumped.”
PAGE BY ABBY WEST & LAUREN PIKE
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sports
briefs
Briefs by David McFeely and Austin Barber
new season, new team, new talent As of press time, Sept. 5, the boys Varsity soccer team has a record of 2-1. The next Varsity game is the big rivalry game against Central on Sept. 13 at 6:00 p.m. at FHC.
“I think we will do pretty good. We are still a young team since we only have two seniors on the team. We still need to learn and work as a varsity team. The season will get better as long as we can get better every single time out.” Coach, Larry Scheller “I think we will do better than last year because every one got stronger, and the chemistry is better.” Tyler Walters, 11 “I think we will do good. I think we will win districts if we play as a unit and work hard.” Andy Bartell, 12
CHEERLEADING The Varsity cheer squad is preparing their competition routine to preform at the homecoming game pep assembly on Sept.14, in addition to their Tuesday amd Thursday practices for football games. “I’m really excited for the football games. We got a new football coach and I’m excited to see how the boys do this year. Also I’m really excited for the new club, the Goonies,” senior Brittni Hight said.
VOLLEYBALL On Sept. 13, all three levels of volleyball will face Central. The Varsity record, as of press time, Sept. 5, is 0-3. Games begin at FHC at 6:00p.m. “Our goal is to win, but when you have a young team our goals are different. Our goals are to get better every game and contend for conference and districts at the end of the season,” coach Robin Yuede said.
Junior Keegan Fouch fights for the ball in a game against FZE, on Sept. 26, 2011 (file photo)
GIRLS TENNIS
KNIGHTLINE
Squads are preparing for the Yvonna Cole Invitational. The teams will compete on Dec. 1, from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lindbergh High School. “We say we always want to feel like we have done our best. If we can stay focused, Risa Takenaka a swing during her match on Aug. 24, against FHC. (toni wellman) work hard, and come off the competition floor feeling The team strives to keep their undefeated 4-0 record, as of press time, like we did our absolute Sept. 5, as they prepare for GAC’s on Sept. 24. best, then our season will be “I think we have a good chance of doing well this year, and we have a good chance of winning GAC’s because we have some good players,” coach a success,” coach Tammy Rokita said. Kate Kleiber said.
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GIRLS GOLF With a record of 1-1, as of press time, Sept. 5. The Golf team prepares for a match against FZW on Sept. 12, at 3:30 p.m. at The Falls on Turtle Creek. “Well this year, I’m not sure how I’ll do. But so far it’s starting out rough, but I really hope to work towards state this year. Since I made it to sectionals last year,” senior Ashley Butterfield said.
PAGE BY DAVID MCFEELY & AUSTIN BARBER
RIGHT: Juniors Becca Dorsey and Mary Jane Ruiz block a spike at a Varsity game on Aug. 28. The Knights lost their set with a score of 0-2 games won for the home team. (matt krieg)
BELOW: Zack Zsiazek, president of the Sports Management club called â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Gooniesâ&#x20AC;? led a cheer at the Varsity Girls Volleyball team on Aug. 28. (cameron mccarty)
let the games
begin
Fall sports are starting off with a bang, FHN crowds gather to support the Knights MIDDLE: On Aug. 30, the Freshmen football team played Vianney. Although the Knights lost their game, they fought to score for a final score of 28-27. (matt krieg) LEFT: The Freshmen cheer leading squad performed at the freshmen football game on Aug. 30. This is the squads third performance this year including two games and black and a performance at Black and Gold day. (matt krieg)
The Junior Varsity football team played Fort Zumwalt East on Sept. 4. The Knights lost their game 13-19, making this their second loss this season. (zack eaton)
PAGE BY MURPHY RILEY
On Aug. 30, the Junior Varsity softball team played Troy. Although the team played hard for seven innings, they lost with a score of 14-2.(murphy riley)
09.12.12 FHNTODAY.COM 37
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entertainment
your omg moment
The Possession took number one in the box office and racked up $17.7 million from Friday Aug. 31 to Sunday Sept. 2 http://goo.gl/KN6Hy
heart tremor
pg-13
The Possession is a shrewdly psychological horror film that is sure to make anyone quiver BY AURORA BLANCHARD auroradblanchard@gmail.com | @auroradbee
This is the only PG-13 movie that has permanently disturbed me, a desensitized 17-year-old. It left me with an irrational paranoia that followed me the whole drive home. I was half-convinced a semi was going to t-bone me as I turned onto First Capitol, given what had happened to the man who witnessed an exorcism in the movie. The Possession played off of our old, irrational human fears wonderfully. There was a large swarm of alienesque bugs, hard-to-explain supernatural occurrences and an innocent child possessed by evil. I was forced to confront my greatest fear. I had to watch human eyes shift to dark, treacherous eyes. I still look away when Bilbo Baggins’ eyes pop out in The Lord of The Rings when he is overcome by the Ring’s evil before Frodo. What was also haunting is The Possession is based on a true story. It was about a family who had recently gone through a divorce. The children stayed part of the time at their mom’s house, and part of their time at their dad’s house. The youngest, Emily, found an antique Dybbuck box at a garage sale. She became obsessed with it. It talked to her. It was her friend. Besides the idea that something evil could live in a box, I couldn’t shake the feeling that all of this could happen because the backstory of the family was plausible and any child could find this type of box at a garage sale. These boxes were actually believed to hold restless souls in Jewish tradition, making The Possession all the more realistic. Do not watch it alone.
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stars aren't soaring to0 high BY RODNEY MALONE malone.rodney97@gmail.com
The reality television show, Stars Earn Stripes, on KSDK channel 5, was an action packed thriller, full of excitement and explosions. The show involved celebrities taking on different military inspired missions and had an exciting season premiere. However, the episodes weren’t consistently good. The challenges were basically the same every week. This show was short lived with the season only having five episodes, and the
episodes just kept getting more boring as the season went on. There is also controversy about this show. Nine Nobel Peace Prize winners think that this show glorifies war and armed violence while others think it’s glorifying the people in the war who risk their lives. I think this show is honoring people in the war by showing what challenges people in the military face. However, I don’t think there should be a second season just out of respect for the veterans who think the show is offensive.
order to kill hope
scars and stories
BY AUSTIN SEAY
BY NICK WYER
aseay4@gmail.com | @seaystheday
nickwyer23@gmail.com | @copperwyer
If there is one good thing I can say about James Dashner’s “The Kill Order” is that it was unique. This book seems to have a personal vendetta against any emotion but soul-shattering despair. The book takes place after solar flares destroy most all of civilization. Just as things seem to look up, a new disease breaks out, driving all insane. Overall, development was weak, the story was slow to progress, and the dialogue of the action scenes were ridiculous. As interesting as the premise was, most of the time I felt sad and bored. If you want a good action-survival, this isn’t it.
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PAGE BY RODNEY MALONE
Two Door Cinema Club, an indie-pop band from Northern Ireland, released their album, Beacon. The album feels like one drawn-out, annoying continuation of their first album, Tourist History. The band found a formula, added a few things like a poppy sounding synth, and rolled it out as a “whole new album.” Lyrically, there are a few stand out songs, such as Settle and Beacon, but most of them sound like a homesick teenager. If you’ve never heard of the band, I suggest you check out their prior work. If you’re a fan, I suggest you give it a quick listen. That’s all it deserves.
ACTION SHOT Never again will you miss that epic moment. Every second will be captured in one wonderful photo.
RAY
WILLIAM
JOHNSON The most subscribed to person on YouTube is full of rude and snide remarks to waste viewers’ time BY TANNYR SEDDON tannyrseddon@gmail.com | @teesedd
Ray William Johnson has over 5 million subscribers and over 1.9 billion video views on YouTube. The question is: why? They’re just offensive jokes coming from a 31-yearold with an inability to filter his thoughts. He typically just reviews “funny” videos such as people falling through trampolines or drunkenly singing on glass tables only to go crashing through. He then spits out obnoxious, snide comments. The jokes Johnson tells are on highly sensitive subjects. Religion, sexuality, race and other touchy topics tend to be the punch lines. Poking fun at them doesn’t actually make a good video. I just don’t get the appeal of watching a man who knows better than to act and talk like a immature teenager. Johnson’s videos are definitely not worth the time people spend watching them.
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FHNTODAY.COM 41
Opinions
everyshot
counts
People are rebelling against vaccinations without considering the repercussions BY AUSTIN SEAY aseay4@gmail.com | @seaystheday
Medicine has come a long way since the days of having 12 kids just so one of them would reach adulthood. Here in America, our generation has never had to worry about polio or whooping cough thanks to the vaccines we were given as kids. Because we’ve always been immune, people are becoming more and more concerned with the vaccine itself rather than the disease it fights. We are so blissfully unaware of the damage the diseases could cause that many begin to be more afraid of the rare deadly allergic reaction or its rumored link to autism. I understand being concerned, but don’t jump the gun and assume every doctor in the world has formed some sort of conspiracy. According to Physician Assistant Melanie Pilkenton, these deadly allergic reactions are very rare, especially considering that almost everyone in America gets these shots. “I think it’s very unfortunate that vaccines have gotten a bad reputation in the last couple years” Pilkenton said. “I’ve never seen anything serious.” As for autism, groups like NBC, ABC, and our own government have been saying for years that vaccines weren’t at fault. I can see how these side effects can be concerning but don’t throw out a hundred years of medical research over isolated incidents. Do the smart thing and trust your doctor, the guy whose job it is to make sure you don’t die.
(murphy riley)
Your take FHN voices their opinions on events happening around the school, country and world.
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JON HAUG
on Chick-fil-a “Everyone has their own opinion. They shouldn’t be protesting [for] gay marriage just because Chick-fil-A doesn’t support them.”
ANDREW WITTMAN
on Vaccinations
“I don’t think it’s fair that parents can let their kids get sick [by not vaccinating].”
BAILEY SMITH
on gun control “It should be more strict. You should have to have a legitimate license or be a police officer to own a gun.”
PAGE BY NICK WYER & AUSTIN SEAY
(photo illustration by cameron mccarty)
The Controversy of the Chicken
Chick-fil-A’s CEO’s publicized opinion leads to negative reactions BY RODNEY MALONE malone.rodney97@gmail.com
Recently, the Chick-fil-A Chief Executive Officer Dan Cathy publicized his insensitive opinion on gay marriage. His opinion on gay marriage left the gay and lesbian community and supporters of gay marriage outraged. I believe gay individuals should have the right to get married. Everyone deserves happiness. Cathy was insensitive to gay employees and customers of Chickfil-A. He publicized his views very inappropriately. Though everyone is entitled to their opinion, his opinion should not have been publicized on such a large scale. To some, it could’ve come across as an act of hatred.
To show the anger to Cathy’s statement, the gay community scheduled a same-sex kiss day in which gay couples went into Chick-fil-A restaurants and kissed. The gay community has every right to voice their opinion, but I think they went overboard. Even though the statement caught the public’s attention, protesters could’ve found a more effective way to voice their opinion. They could’ve organized a protest march, or just protested outside of the restaurant. I personally view Cathy’s stance, not as a view of hatred, but as discrimination and prejudice. Even though everyone is entitled to their opinion, I think it shouldn’t always be publicized as Chick-fil-Aʼs. “Eat more chicken.” Maybe not.
new locker colors BY TANNYR SEDDON tannyrseddon@gmail.com | @teesedd
Much changed over summer, but few expected lockers to. There are those who hate the color, and those who don’t mind it. I’m, however, in the middle. The money for this new paint job was provided by the District after it was prioritized on North’s facility need list. According to principal Dr. Darlene Jones, the painting company chose the locker color because it was closest they had to the wall color, but it doesn’t match well enough and clashes instead. However, the new color is better than the previous colors. They were tacky, probably due to the fact that they had been there since 1982. Take a moment to look closer at the odd texture the paint has left on the lockers. This is caused by the special paint designed to adhere to the metal, but it’s bumpy and rough, adding to the unattractiveness. Overall, I’m pleased the lockers match, but there are things that could have made them much better.
(photo illustration by matt krieg)
AMY BARLOW On Lockers
EMMA FOUNTAIN
On cafeteria policy
“I like them. I think it makes the school look a lot cleaner.”
PAGE BY NICK WYER & AUSTIN SEAY
“[The policy is] kind of stupid. They shouldn’t make us buy fruit whenever we buy a meal.”
GREGORY REINHARDT
on POWDER PUFF “I am kind of excited. I want to see how it turns out this year.”
BECKY JUST On homecoming “It builds school spirit. It makes a lot of fun for the kids and lets them express themselves.”
will paint FOR NOTHING
My first attempt at leaving my comfort zone: becoming a starving artist BY ELAINA PETERS elainapeters96@gmail.com | @elaina_peters
After deeming this my “selfimprovement year”, being rained on and receiving a thousand strange looks in hopes of selling my art in Shaw Park, my little hopes and dreams of becoming an artist slowly began to melt. I sat in that park staring at my art, wondering if someone would acknowledge me. Each passing hour reminded me more of why I kept my artwork a secret. Looks grew weirder. I tried to laugh them off and doodled in my sketchbook. I started to doubt myself until a lady (definitely a crazy cat lady) finally approached me. I began taking her through my sketchbook, which holds my most personal work, until three poppy flower paintings caught her eye. She loved them; I love that she loved them. I gave them to her for free. I immediately regretted that decision knowing that I ended my new career the same second I started it. After feeling blue that I gave my work away to a stranger and ruined my start of “self-improvement year,” I realized my art displayed in this woman’s sunroom, instead of piled in my studio, was more rewarding than the money. 09.12.12 FHNTODAY.COM 43
north star take: Food changes won’t change much right now
Federal law requires students be healthy, but it won’t reform overnight ON BEHALF OF THE EDITORIAL STAFF yourfhn@fhntoday.com | @fhntoday
There is a three-word controversy undulating beneath the feet of cafeteria customers on the coast, across the fields and into the inner cities: No. More. Tots. Students nation-wide can no longer eat some of the traditional school cafeteria foods that they’ve been fed for decades, like tater tots and whole milk. And they’re mad. However, concern over the loss of tots needs to be dialed down. This ideal that schools will magically adopt a 100 percent healthy menu right away is impossible to achieve. Even North knows that and is phasing in more healthier foods each year. So for all of you who are worried that the school is upsetting your freedom of choice and unique lifestyle by forcing you to take a side of vegetables with your chicken sandwich, don’t get too worked up yet. It will be years until The Healthy, Hunger-Free
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Kids Act’s ideal is even close to being fully reached. For one, North just began weaning students off the “bad foods” it used to serve in 2011. That means there are plenty of old favorites left to choose from, and they probably won’t completely disappear for another few years. Also, if you look back on almost any school’s track record, you’ll find that change is slow to gain traction. Even after it was common to carry cell phones, FHSD was hesitant to allow cell phone use in class. Last year was the first year FHSD adopted an open cell phone policy, even though people had been using cell phones for almost a decade. Even more extreme, it took schools in the South years to completely embrace different races into their public institutions effectively after President Kennedy signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that desegregated schools. This new food policy will be no different. It will take some time for the full change to shift over into effect. Furthermore, the government and school district can’t control what you eat and how you exercise outside of school grounds. You can eat all the tots you want when you get home from school, watch as much television
as your heart desires and engage in the least amount of physical activity possible, as long as you show up to school and bear the extra side of fruit or vegetables the cafeteria serves you. Here’s another idea: Bring your own lunch from home. That way, you won’t have to be forced to choke down canned peaches as well as the school’s ideals. Think of all you could bring: ice cream sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. The possibilities are endless. Lifestyle choices, such as healthy eating and regular exercise are shaped by a generation’s attitude. Maybe in 20 or 30 years, every child of the United States will have been around healthy foods enough to accept the cafeteria food that resulted from The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. But maybe not. Unless you had good experiences eating healthy foods and exercising from a young age, it’s probably too late for the District to swoop in and save you during the 25 minutes they have you on lockdown in the Commons five days a week.
PAGE BY TANNYR SEDDON
2011-2012
North star
staff Co Editors-in-Chief: Aurora Blanchard & Nick Bussell Managing Editor: Jordan Bryson
(photo illustration by murphy riley)
tighter gun control needed
to prevent criminal plots BY NICK WYER nickwyer23@gmail.com | @CopperWyer
Sept. 1, a 19-year-old boy is shot in New York over a pair of shoes. Aug. 22, a man shoots himself in the leg less than a mile from FHN. July 20, there are 12 dead and 58 injured in the Aurora shooting. If the United States as a whole tightened up gun control we would have less of these incidents. I get the “I use my gun for self protection” and even the whole “we have the right to bear arms” argument because, yes, we do have the right to bear arms, but I doubt you need a shotgun or an AR-15 to protect yourself from a home invasion. When our forefathers wrote the second amendment, I don’t think they had the weaponry of the future in mind. Our country needs to have an improved process for purchasing weapons. Those with a criminal record, or even a DUI, should not be able to own a firearm. In the U.S., alcohol
isn’t even mentioned in the Firearms Transaction Form. Even after a year long incarceration, someone can still own a firearm. At the Aug. 5 Sikh Temple shooting, the gunman had a criminal record of drinking and driving. He also had a history of alcoholism. If he would have been further screened before purchasing the firearm, this incident may not have happened. Another possible solution to this debate is taxing ammunition. If ammunition were to have a tax rate of even an extra two percent, I think we would see crimes or gun-related incidents go down. James Holmes, the Aurora shooting gunman, had hundreds of bullets in his car in addition to ammunition in his weapons and on him. There needs to be stricter gun laws and current laws need to be better enforced. There are still going to be ways for criminals to get weapons illegally, but hopefully stricter gun laws will help clean up the streets. There’s no need for senseless violence related to guns.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR guidelines
Have an opinion on something in this month’s paper? Submit a letter, and tell us about it.
• Letters must be signed by the author and verified. • Letters are submitted to room 026 or Mr. Manfull’s mailbox. • Letters must include the author’s phone number and e-mail for verification.
PAGE BY TANNYR SEDDON
• Letters should not exceed 300 words. • Letters will not be printed if content is obscene, invasive, encouraging disruption of school and/or implies libel. • Letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling and content. • Authors will be notified if any changes are made to the letter by the editorial staff. The full version of the Editorial Policy can be found at FHNtoday.com/editorialpolicy
Editors: News Editor: Amanda Stallings Features Editor: Maddie Hiatt Sports Editor: Abby West Opinions Editor: Tannyr Seddon Copy Editor: Sophie Gordon General Staff: Brenda Alvarado Rodney Malone Austin Barber David McFeely Daniel Bodden Brianna Morgan Cynthia Cahall Elaina Peters Alexis Christo Austin Seay Emily Hampson Brittany Steck Delores Lampkin Carly Vossmeyer Jasmine Wahlbrink Newspaper Photo Editor: Zack Eaton Photographers: Abigail Griffin Luke Ellison Alyssia Luque Matthew Krieg Ashleigh Jenkins Megan Pavolka Brenton Griffith Megan Tanksley Cameron McCarty Monica Friedman Iesha Boll Toni Wellman Julie Schwartz Sammie Savala Kendrick Gaussion Smitha Milli
FHNTODAY STAFF Editor-in-Chief of Multimedia: Murphy Riley Editors: Online Sports Editor: Andrew Cline Director of Multimedia: Christina DeSalvo Director of Live Coverage: Jon Doty Webmaster: Chandler Pentecost Web News Director: Nick Ponche FHNtoday TV Director: Dan Stewart Web Staff: Jake Chiarelli Matt Krieg Luke Ellison Lauren Pike Ashleigh Jenkins Nick Wyer Video Staff: Dajah Lasenberry Jimmy Higgins Andrew Oleshchuk Kerry Moriarty Anne Reiner Kris Davlin Dominic Pusateri Logan Bergman Hannah Stillman Sidney Sheridan Advisers: Aaron Manfull Beth Phillips
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First Day time lapse Multiple parts of a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day time lapsed. Arrival, and lunch in the commons.
Make a change
Summer break stories
Christina DeSalvo shares a list of things students can change during the new school year.
In this quick video, FHN students were asked about the highlight of their summers.