north star
ns Vol. 22 Issue 7
03.13.08 Francis Howell North 2549 Hackmann Rd St. Charles, Missouri www.northstartoday.com
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paper The indepth section is all about the 2008 presidential election. It features stories on two politically active students, survey results, and is filled with places to get more information on the candidates, issues and voting.
Where do you stand?
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online This month the website features a whole new page, northstartoday.com/election2008. Right now it includes several photo slide shows with audio and two online exclusive stories.
podcast
The first ever Young Republicans and Young Democrats Clubs’ debate will be held on April 30. Check out the NS podcast to get the low down.
reader’sguide north star 03.13.08
north star
“Providing an open forum for Francis Howell North since 1986.”
contact 2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303 636.851.5107 www.northstartoday.com
Editor in Chief: Leah Carter Managing Editor of Writing: D.J. Shewmaker Managing Editor of Design: Taylor Bell Managing Editor of Photography: Amy Gleaves Head Writing Coach: Zach Vicars News Editor: Luke Christisen Features Editor: Amy Qualls Sports Editor: Hannah Meyer Copy/Opinions Editor Chavon Chester Photo Editor: Cami Wade Online Photo Editor: Dominique Hamilton Online Editor: Adam Weber Podcast Editor: Michelle Godar Staff: Josh Ahrens Betsy Blanchard Leslie Bland Kate Block Tori Bowden Jessica Bremer Nathan Bryant Alexis Chandler Chelsea Eifert Emily Fanara Andrew Hairlson Kayla Hatcher Jon Henderson Kaila Kamp Lauren Kastendieck Chelsea Kaufman Tyler Kirk Jordyn Klackner Arlen Kunkee Barbara Jean Palmer Mandy Palmer Jessica Payne Logan Ponche Katie Robertson Taylor Robinson Felix Ruediger Brittany Schulze Jay Scott Sarah Semmel Allison Sheffler Katie Siebuhr Laura Simon Vicki Viehman Adviser: Aaron Manfull
02 page design zach vicars
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highlights news
5|NHS inducts sophomores
Sponsor Donna Malkmus will watch in anticipation as her new group of NHS members walks into the society on March 26.
6|CSLP pumps out donations
The blood drive will be held on March 28. CSLP hopes to increase donations this year, especially from young-blooded 16-year-olds.
8|Winterguard forges through snow
This season has been marked with improvement for Winterguard. The team qualified for World Championships and advanced to a higher division.
spotlights features
Not only are the smoothies on this page delicious, they also provide a quick and easy way to shed a few inches around the waist.
13|Experience a New Earth
This helpful compilation of ways to protect the environment might give your grandkids a beautiful earth and save you a few bucks.
14|Bowers saves a life
Hometown hero Jack Bowers, a 24-year air traffic control veteran, directed a troubled pilot out of the clouds, saving his life.
playhard sports
22|Langness battles back
Dani Langness went to Minnesota at the top of her soccer career. She’s returned with an injury and a legal nightmare.
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12|Smoothies can shape you up
contents inshort 10|Journals 15|Indepth 28|Editorial 32|Photo Story
04.17.08
April issue
|Mr. FHN preview |Prom mask how-to |Spring sports update
on the cover
Most students shy away from anything political, but some students at FHN realize that politics impact everyday life. The center spread of this issue will help other students find where they stand. (photo illustration by amy gleaves)
23|Health and Fitness
With Prom just around the corner, many students find themselves hitting the track or the gym to fit into that smaller size.
24|Dunahue shifts his focus
After 29 years at a teacher’s desk, head baseball coach Bob Dunahue will retire in May, but he won’t give up the ball and glove.
on the web
ns today online
The NS today is an expansion of the newspaper, containing what’s in the paper, as well as exclusive videos, stories and photos. Check it out at:
www.northstartoday.com
speakout opinions 28|Editorial
The Writing Lab will change in the coming months. Instead of focusing on individuals, the lab will work to increase MAP scores.
29|First of firsts of Kirk
Columnist Tyler Kirk relives some “firsts” in his life. To Kirk, life isn’t just about the firsts; it’s about the stories we tell later.
30|The power of friendship
Felix Ruediger realized that letting go of shallow friendships and holding onto the deep ones is the key to solid relationships.
This month the web site will cover the America’s Next Top Model audition that swept through St. Louis recently, focusing on the process required for the diva-hopefuls.
ns podcast video
The podcast usually airs on Friday and can be downloaded on iTunes, YouTube, and northstartoday.com. Every week there will be a news story, a student profile and a random segment.
Episode #71 of the North Star Podcast comes out at a special time tonight (March 13). This installment will include an explanation of the snow days, an exclusive web pick and a segment on the baseball coach Bob Dunahue.
highlights
north star 03.13.08
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Meet the Candidates
New Candidates for 2008 Board of Education discuss the issues that they feel are most important within the Francis Howell School District. (katie robertson)
On March 3, Candidates running for Board of Education positions met with potential voters at the District’s Administrative Building. The election will be held for voters on April 8. by leah carter
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he names are out, soon the polls will be open, and voters will go out and show who their support falls behind. But this time it isn’t a national event. In fact, only the voters in the Francis Howell School district get to vote for it. You guessed it right. It’s the Board of Education elections, and they are coming up faster than most realize. In the end, the Board may be left without their President or Vice President. Maybe they will only have one. Or maybe, they will both be re-elected, and not too much will change... this year. “The Board has been doing a
wonderful job forwarding the district,” Superintendent Renee Schuster said. “No matter who is elected, or what changes are made, everything decided will be for the good of the district.” Every three years, each of the Board members are up for re-election. This gives voters the chance to either invite them back to serve for three more years, or give someone new a chance to take their places. This year the two up for re-election are the current Board President Mark Lafata and Board Vice President Bill Spencer, and they both have many other candidates eager for their spots. “While there hasn’t been much talk of who is favored to win, I have heard
Meet them for yourself... Debbie Bixler
wants to keep buildings safe for kids.
TK Jones
wants to create an environment for learning.
Steve Papin
wants schools to be safe for all students.
a great deal about the election itself,” Schuster said. “That is a great sign. We hope to have a large turnout this year.” On March 3, members of the district were able to go and meet all of the candidates, excluding Lafata and Spencer. Those in attendence were able to speak with the other candidates and ask questions.. “I just want to give back,” TK Jones, one of the Board candidates said. “I think that to be a part of a community, you need to give back to it.” Elections will be held on April 8. Only then will the Board know if they will have their President, Vice President, or if they have some new faces to fill those empty chairs for the next three years.
Mike Hoehn
Stephen Johnson
wants more students to complete the high school plan.
wants there to be less micromanagement.
Don Kostello
Mark Lafata
Mike Sommer
Bill Spencer
wants to involve the community and parent communication. wants adequate staffing and facilities.
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How everyday decisions affect students...
wants to make the district an outstanding place for education. wants to be on the board of education for another year.
This month NS online will be featuring these topics as exclusive online stories: -Check out northstartoday. com for an exciting audio slideshow featuring The performances at Frau Fest. -Wanting to see more of the band Red Lamps and Staircases featured at Frau Fest? check out the audio slideshow this Friday. -To see the entire story of the tech theatre II trip to the Fox check it out online.
This month the NS podcast will have the following news topics to keep you informed: -HAM radio club has a segment on the pocast showcasing their work this year. -Want to know all of what’s going down with snow days and spring beak? Checkout episode 71. -The first FHN’s next top Mural contest is taking place in the following weeks so look for more information in the next edition.
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highlights
north star 03.13.08
GSA now meeting after absence
New procedures frustrate students
Peer support group starts to make its return after three years
by felix ruediger
Colleges make their way to North
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by brittany schulze
Due to the snow day, the college night for juniors has been rescheduled for April 15. The workshop will last from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will start in the auditorium. At 8 p.m. students and parents will be relocated to the gym lobby for a small college fair which will involve 16 colleges from the state of Missouri. “Any college bound junior and their parents are encouraged to go,” College Career Counselor Tom Daugherty said. “It is a good look at the college process now and a jump start opportunity to talk to schools.” Some topics that will be discussed are academic goals, financing education, and applying to colleges. Last year about 175 juniors attended the College Night. The event has no cost and has been at North for 15 years.
North’s largest clubs, with well over 30 members in past years, but has just eb. 29, five students recently come off of hiatus sit in the College after a three year pause. Career room, near “We had really active silence. Moments later, Crisis Counselor Deborah students that graduated,” Mason said. “And there Mason walks in, and after wasn’t a exchanging Why Alliance Matters commitment a few pleasantries, suicide: 30% of suicides are commited by by students homosexuals to join the she opens high school: 28% of homosexuals drop club for the out of school Gay-Straight violence: 45% of gay males and 20% of past few Alliance’s gay females experiences verbal and physical violence years. But (GSA) third homeless: 26% of homosexuals leave this year, I meeting home because of family conflict remarks: 97% of students hear homohad several with “So, phobic remarks form peers and students has anyone 53% hear from the school staff approach experienced information from: www.pflag.org me about any getting one started, discrimination that you’d and I thought that it like to bring to the table? was definitely a good Or any intolerance?” possibility.” The members Mason doesn’t have too shrug their shoulders. many activities planned But moments later as of yet because of the conversation is abundant, reflecting back on previous club’s recent start. Although the club years. The five members there is small, its members remain optimistic about its are but a small shadow outcome. of what once was one of by chavon chester
On The Side
This quarter the Writing Lab Procedures at North have changed. Requirements for dropping off papers and having them edited have become stricter due to the lack of teachers in the lab during the day. Writing Lab teachers have to be in Junior Comm. Arts classes nine times before the upcoming MAP testing in April for which they practice with the classes. “I think that students are responding pretty positively to have another teacher in their class,” English teacher Shelly Grimshaw said, “but students who just want to drop off something in the lab are pretty frustrated.” According to literature teacher and department chair Mary Baker this year will be the only one with changed procedures. In the future the Comm. Arts department will return to its former system.
Junior Jennifer Stuller writes notes during the Gay Straight Alliance meeting held on Feb. 5. The group has made a return after a slight absence and is trying to recruit new members. (bethany wilkins)
“We’re going to get a lot of support,” Senior GSA member Stephen Leitch said. “I’m not going to say we’re going to be the most popular, but we’re going to get a lot of support, and a lot of hate.” Despite the small numbers and late start, GSA remains a safe haven for all students, regardless of sexual orientation. “Gay and Lesbian students in high school are typically high risk students,” Mason said. “And we needed to form a support group to help them cope better. And as a school, we’ve made a strong commitment that all students, regardless of race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation have the right to learn in an environment free of harassment.”
STUCO to hold yearly officer elections in spring
Students are looking forward to seeing who will be next year’s officers to represent the school classes
by laura simon
A
s the end of April approaches, the hallways will be filled with posters and talk of students aspiring to fill the shoes of this year’s Student Council officers. Elections will be held on May 2. Those interested in running will be given the information and necessary requirements that must be met
prior to actually running for an office position at the StuCo meeting on April 14. From April 23 to May 2, students are encouraged to campaign by making catchy posters, flyers, and other signs. “You just have to work with your audience,” Chief of Staff Caleb Krenning said. “You really have to know the school and what people want.” Krenning plans on
running for Vice President with high hopes and big ideas for next year. There is no limit to the number of students who can run for each StuCo position. They just have to meet the standards of the StuCo Constitution. “The more people who run, the more interesting it gets,” senior cabinet member Nickpreet Singh said. “The more people, the more options for the best leader to be chosen.”
There are certain characteristics that a StuCo officer should possess. “It’s important to have good people in leadership positions,” StuCo sponsor Jani Wilkens said. “They must have the ability to lead, be organized, come up with new ideas and work well with their peers and the faculty of the school.” The spring pep assembly, where candidates
deliver a speech giving them one more opportunity to gain votes, is critical to their success. Even if the candidate is running unopposed, they still must obtain a twothirds majority vote. Current President Katie Gallagher advises to all those who plan on running: “Be enthusiastic, go crazy with your posters and don’t be nervous,” Gallagher said.
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Students light their way to NHS
Group for outstanding students will be accepting new members
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n March 26, around 80 students will walk up to the stage in a candlelit auditorium to be inducted into National Honor Society. The sponsor, Donna Malkmus, will be calling the names of the students to come up and receive a certificate for induction. “Everyone looks nice and they’re all dressed up to take pictures,” Malkmus said. The students will be called up alphabetically. After students are called they wait until the ceremony is over to get up and file out. All the students who are inducted have to work hard to get inducted. “Students must have a 3.75 cumulative G.P.A.
and have turned in the application on time in order to be inducted,” Malkmus said. All students who fit the requirements are inducted. Most students feel that it is an honor to be inducted. Helping people is their main focus. Sophomore Kaitlyn Schikore feels it is a great opportunity to be able to join. And she is joining this year. “I’m excited,” Schikore said. The opportunities available are a chance to help people and earn honor chords to wear on your robes for graduation. To earn honor chords students have to fit the requirements made by Malkmus and the elected officers of NHS. “The students have to get community service
Junior Sarah Semmel, Vice President, discusses the NHS induction ceremony. In order to be inducted students must have a 3.75 GPA. The ceremony will be held on March 26 at 7 p.m. (kayla hatcher)
points,” Malkmus said. “Students also need to attend required meetings at the first and third week of the month.” Usually only twothirds of students get
honor chords, but the number grows every year. NHS works with Variety, St.Louis Children’s Charity, St.Charles and St.Peters Parks and
Recreation, along with Henderson Elementary just up the road. NHS believes they do a great job of helping the community and most enjoy it very much.
Teachers will be nominating students to be featured in this years ceremony for being great influences From nomination to graduation
by emily fanara
1. Teacher nominates student. 2. Student recieves letter notifying them that they have been nominated. 3. Student is honored at an award ceremony where they find out who nominated them. 4.Student recieves medal that they can wear at graduation.
Size does not stop Scholar Quiz team by jon henderson
Knights of the round table will again be inducting The step-by-step process that a student goes through when they are nominated for Knights of the Round Table.
north star 03.13.08
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nights of Excellence is showing appreciation for students by another year of Knights of the Round Table. Every year a teacher or staff member picks a student that tends to stand out above the rest. “I think Knights of the Round Table is a great way to reward students for something other than grades,” marketing teacher Miriam Eaton said.
Knights of the Round Table will be held on April 7 in the commons. It usually runs for about 45 minutes to an hour but this year literature teacher Katie Holmes thinks it will last a little longer due to a new addition. The staff members that participate will speak about the student and tell why they picked them. “This is just a way for teachers to recognize students that don’t have perfect grades,” Holmes said.
There are no real criteria that teachers have to follow but they all usually pick students that are in their class. If they work hard, go out of their way to help, and if they show respect they will probably be picked by their teacher. About 120 teachers and staff members pick students. The teachers first started nominating March 3 and the students were notified a little before Spring Break.
On The Side
by josh ahrens
highlights
The Knights of Excellence will be holding a fundraiser in order to help renovate the entrance to the stadium. To gain the amount of money needed KoE will be selling customizable bricks at $25 each. The bricks can have two lines of dialogue and 16 characters on each line. Originally Ed Gettemeier came up with the idea, and eventually asked KoE to sell the bricks. “Yeah he [Gettemeir] had the idea a few years ago, but it wasn’t working out so he approached us,” KoE president James West said. “[When you buy the bricks] It’s kind of like leaving a sense of ownership of the school,” West said. KoE has had a huge increase in members this year and is hoping for more great things to come.
Gifts given to honors students by katie siebuhr
With their last meeting on March 5, the Scholar Quiz team, a jeopardy style trivia answering club, has a lot to overcome this year. With first year sponsor Spectra teacher Jon Travis and only five members, they are practicing hard to get ready for a possible competition. “It is better than two,” Travis said. “I don’t think we are ready, though, as a team for a competition.” With only freshman Brannan Peterson and juniors Kevin Rogan, Jacob Wilson, and Josiah Carney as the only members of Scholar Quiz, President Hayden Slivinski does not seem to be worried. “It would be nice to have more members, but I have been in scholar quiz all four years and there is never very many people so I am used to it,” Slivinski said.
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highlights
north star 03.13.08
CSLP readies for new blood drive
Mu Alpha Theta hosted bake sale
by hannah meyer
by allison sheffler
With all of the snow days, many students are wondering when we will make them up and if our Spring Break will be cut short. While some students enjoy the day off, others find the interruption aggravating. “I hate pointless snow days,” sophomore Stephanie Wilson said. “It just sucks because we have to go to school later and make up for it.” We have had six snow days thus far, and will have to attend school Easter Monday that we would have normally had off. We will be making the days up on May 23 and will continue to make them up from May 27-30. However, these days this won’t greatly affect final exams. “The seventh hour exam will be on the 28, then the 29 and 30 will be half days for the rest of the finals,” Joan Baur, Administrative Assistant Finance Secretary, said.
On The Side
On March 11 and March 13, Mu Alpha Theta hosted their annual bake sale. “The students bring in all the goods,” sponsor Shalaunda Spencer said. “I give them change to start with and they make sure that it gets done.” Usually the club sells the baked goods all week during the day, but due to the Wellness Policy, they were only allowed to sell two days during first, second, third, sixth and seventh hours and could not sell during lunch.
Winter weather disrupts school
leader Melanie Wilson said. This year there will be many tudents will walk in to the big incentives to get the students to gym and see a line of students, donate. The members of CSLP have nurses, and needles. On March been busy going to places like res28 CSLP (Community Service Learntaurants and tanning salons for gift ing Program) is hosting their annual cards and different coupons for the Blood Drive. students who give blood. The students will start by walking “I plan on giving everyone a pep into the gym where they will check in. talk about how [giving blood] saves They will then three lives,” Wilson have to meet with said. “Also, I plan So What’s in it for you? a doctor to check on telling everyone Students who donate their blood type. about the cool incenblood will recieve: After the students tives.” has given their In order to give •A compimentary meal blood they will blood there are no be fed pizza and requirements except •A chance to win Cardinals sweets to make that the student tickets sure they are okay must be sixteen or •Free tanning salon to proceed with older and could not coupons their day. have been out of the The American country for the past •The feeling you’ve Red Cross sponyear. helped someone sors the Blood Wilson and Drive, which was others are trying to chosen because it get more and more is a non-profit organization. sixteen-year-olds Each member must get forty people because in order for sixteen year to sign up to donate. CSLP is hoping olds to participate they must have for twenty percent more students to a parent signature. If the student is participate in the blood drive than in seventeen years old or older then the previous years. student can just sign up and donate “In previous years the members [of blood. CSLP] would not even donate, but this “By getting a little finger-prick, I years everyone involved in the blood can save three lives,” CSLP member drive is trying to donate,” committee Nicole Hume said. “It’s a big deal.”
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by andrew hairlson
Find out more on the snow days at www.northstartoday.com
The annual blood drive will take place on Thursday, March 28 in the small gym. It is sponsored by the American Red Cross, and being hosted by CSLP.. (file photo)
Choir classes prepare for their yearly dinner concert Annual singing event is being eagerly anticipated by both students and staff due to prior showmanship by allison sheffler
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n April 4 and 5, Knightsound will hold its annual Choir Concert Dinner. The selection of songs will be from Broadway shows, which the students will pick. “I’m so excited for the Broadway tunes,” sophomore and choir member
Jennifer Helton, said. “I’m a Broadway fanatic!” Although auditions happened in the middle of February, it’s still to be determined how many soloists there will be performing. “[All I know is that] the singers will mainly be soloists,” choir teacher Lorraine Smith said. “But there will be small
groups, too.” Along with soloists and small groups, there will be Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Treble Choir and a group of nine girls called Triple Trio. Even though this is Smith’s first year here at North, she has done similar dinners at her old school in Ohio. “We serve the guests
a catered dinner with three courses,” Smith said. “And all throughout the meals, it’s singing.” Although to an audience member, it may seem like the student performers aren’t very nervous at all, but behind the scenes it’s a totally different story. “I get nervous about singing in front of people,
even though I’ve done it a lot,” sophomore and choir member, Jessica Allen, said. The choir concert will take place in the commons and tickets will sell for $20 each. “The cost includes the dinner, it’s pretty cheap,” Smith said. “So everyone should come to it. Enjoy dinner and the singing.”
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highlights north star 3.13.08
What YOU Need The Flag
Winterguard practice from 6:30-9:30p.m. the night before their competition at Kansas City. The guard practices three times a week then they have competitions on Sat. (katie robertson)
Winterguard is heating up
The Sabre
As team gets rolling, they progress to Scholastic A class
The team feels “Alive” as they work towards their most successful season yet On the first of this month, the guard participated at the WGI Regional compeinterguard is off to a winning tition in Kansas City. They placed sixth start this 08 season. with a score of 78.2. That is the highest “The first competitions score winterguard has gotten in years. started off rough but as the season went “I’m most excited about how the kids on and we got more experience, we kept have progressed and grown this year,” getting better,” Senior Sarah Maxey Williams said. “I’m not really nervous said. “We have already beaten the highat all. The kids are doing a great job, est score we got all season last year.” there’s no reason to be nervous.” This year’s show The WGI Regional in Check Out is called “Happiness Kansas City was not the WGI.org Is…” and is perfirst WGI regional that the for more pictures video and scores formed to Jennifer Guard took part in this year. of the Winterguard season Lopez’s song “Alive.” The Guard also competed This years show was in another WGI regional in created by North’s Winter and ColNashville Tennessee where they placed orguard instructor Duane Williams. fourth and received the score of 75.4. “I first picked the piece of music WGI is the worldwide Winterguard which I thought was a beautiful piece competitive circuit. and the kids could handle well,” Wil“The judging is equally as hard in liams said. “Then, the theme just comes guard as in drumline,” Senior Courtney from the lyrics.” Boudreau, member of Winterguard and The guard still has three competiprevious member of Winter Drumline tions. Their final competition is World said. “The competition is still as stressChampionships on April 10 in Dayton, ful, I mean you are still working just as Ohio. hard to make it to the top. In Drumline by kate block
W
The most basic and fundamental piece of equipment is the flag. The flag is used as a prop along with dancing to create a strong show. Flag is the first piece of equipment learned by those new to guard. A solid flag phrase where everyone is spinning in unison is included in most shows.
we have made it to finals and guard hasn’t, so guard may be a little harder than drumline as far as scoring goes.” North’s Guard has earned much respect throughout the MCCGA circuit by starting out in Scholastic B and being promoted to Scholastic A. They are the first in the circuit to be advanced like this.The promotion process involves a panel of judges voting through the top guards. This past weekend, the guard participated in a competition at O’Fallon Township in Il. They placed first with a score of 80.3. This is the largest Winterguard that Williams had taught with a total of seventeen members. This year, the guard is better off because they have four seniors when last year they didn’t have any, more seniors allows for stong leadership. Since this season is going so well, the seniors are hesitant about leaving. “Out of the three seasons [I’ve been a member], this is the best,” Maxey said. “It’s definitely the people who have made it the best. I’m going to miss it.”
The sabre is one of the “weapon” pieces of equipment used in a guard show. Sabres are tossed and spun in stunning displays of coordination and can get a large response from the audience. Sabre work tends to be more on the graceful side of weapons usually engaging with dance for a light appeal.
The Rifle The rifle makes up the other half of the “weapon” line in a guard show. Rifles like sabres are tossed and spun to give the crowd a show. Rifle is more aggressive than sabre and is used to impress the judges with strong motions and high tosses.
I want individualized attention from professors who understand me and know where I’m coming from. I get that here.
2 Julie Ebeling, 2006 high school grad, St. Charles County
Ask your counselor how to get started at St. Charles Community College. For more information, call 636-922-8000 or visit www.stchas.edu.
08page design hannah meyer
spotlights
Jack Bowers, air traffic controller “I actually thought I lost him twice, He was kind of below the Arch and flying towards it. That’s when we lost radar and radio.” Story on page 14
Hero Jack Bowers, who works for the St. Louis Air Traffic Control, sits in front of an air traffic monitor observing plains flying within the St. Louis area. Bowers recently saved a lost pilot from crashing due to an ice build-up that formed on the outside of his aircraft. (cami wade)
spotlights
north star 03.13.08
LIVINGCOSTUMED
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Student has a unique performing opportunity
online clusive
Profiles online
Go Online and read about more students and teachers than ever before. The North Star will be featuring online exclusive profiles.
Ryan Johnson Johnson wanted to become a teacher after mission trips to China and Costa Rica. He taught English in Beijing and when he returned to the U.S. he changed his college major. Story will be posted on March 27.
Senior Kelly Muehling sits in a popcorn box on the set of the musical Cats where the setting is an alley. “I play Old Deuteronomy, the old, wise and all-knowing cat that brings kittens to be reborn,” says Muehling. After six years, this will be her last performance with Young People’s Theatre. (portrait by dominique hamilton)
Muehling acts, sings in Cats with local theater group by chelsea kaufman
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he will be taking her last bow soon. Senior Kelly Muehling thinks about this as she runs the eyeliner across her face. She repeats this over and over again until thick stripes are painted across her cheek. With fur on her face, whiskers painted on, and a tail hanging loosely behind her, she pushes the thoughts of the final bow out of her head. It’s time to rehearse.
Kaylie Habighorst Habighorst wants to use her love of singing to pursue a career. She dreams of someday being on Broadway and is working to reach her goal. Story will be posted on April 4.
Muehling is risqué,” Muehling said. “This is really going to currently involved in show our strengths and the production of Cats weaknesses.” with her theater group ‘Cats’, one of the held at the St. Charles Community College, longest running musicals which she has been on Broadway requires actors to be able to act, involved with for the past dance and sing. six years. Of all the many “There is different productions no training Check Out she has here,” northstartoday.com/features for more pictures Muehling put on, of Muehling said. “I ‘Cats’, she couldn’t believes, is sing or dance, but I the hardest. “Anybody doing an ended up getting parts amateur Andrew Lloyd that required me to have solos. Doing ‘Cats’ is like Weber play is pretty
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a final test for me.” For most people who view the show, Cats is seemed as strange; almost pointless. For others, it is seen as art. “It’s a pretty fun show to do,” Muehling said. “I mean it is kind of weird. It’s about cats. But overall it’s still a good show.” Muehling rehearses every Monday and Thursday for three hours, and on Saturdays for nine hours, taking breaks for lunch and a bit of down time. “It does get hard,”
Muehling said. “The rehearsals are long and there are a lot of kids.” As this will be Muehling’s last show, she hopes that she can leave the theater group that she has worked with for so many years on a high note. “Being in a show like this is crazy,” Muehling said. “I’m dressing up as a cat and singing. But it’s all worth it. I know that all my past experience will lead me up to what I’m going to do, and that is to put on a great show.”
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spotlights
north star 03.13.08
soaring to new heights Sophomore Clayton Buback sits with his father. Buback waits to be accepted into Missouri Academy, an elite school for high school students who excel in mathematics and science. Buback and his father are close, so it will be hard for Buback to leave him next school year. Missouri Academy is 5 hours away. In order to be accepted into Missouri Academy, one has to excel academically. Buback was accepted due to his academic record and impressive ACT score. (leslie bland)
Student faces possibility of leaving home behind by betsy blanchard
S
ophomore Clayton Buback has a knack for learning. He is an exceptional student who soars in math and science. His teachers and friends all agree; he’s got something going for him. Perhaps it is for these very reasons that he decided to apply to the Missouri Academy. The Missouri Academy is a two-year residential program for students who are talented at and interested in studying math, science, or technology. It replaces a student’s junior and senior year of high school, and with the completion of the program they can receive both their high school diploma and Associate of Science degree. “He is very well-prepared for the Academy,” sophomore Paige Cheever, good friend of Buback’s said. “He is a very intelligent and a hard worker.” The Academy is located at Northwest Missouri State University, a five-hour drive from St. Charles. The program allows for students to visit home on the weekends, and bus transportation allows for students to be picked up on a Friday evening and be dropped
off on a Sunday afternoon. Buback plans to visit his dad regularly. “I knew he’d go away sooner or later, and this is two years earlier rather than a few years later,” father Dan Buback said. “Once, we took him there on a weekend and the kids looked like they were having so much fun, I’m afraid he won’t want to come home on the weekends.” It all began last Nov., when Buback received a letter in the mail from the Academy, inviting him to apply to the program. Since that time former FHN students now attending Missouri Academy, Maggie Doerge and Neeraga Ganeshraj, have visited North, presenting a slideshow to sophomore science classes. They are hoping to spark even more interest in the Academy. Buback feels it’s a perfect fit, seeing as he hopes to work with “something involving chemistry” in his future. He’s excitedly awaiting the head start the Academy will provide, the opportunity to learn about college life, and the freedom that comes with living on a college campus. He can’t wait. “The Academy is the perfect place for Clayton,” sophomore Brittany Stanley, who’s also considering
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the Academy, said. “He’s a good student and the Academy is the best way to prepare him for a career in science, mathematics, or computing.” Buback will undoubtedly benefit from such an experience, but it is not only him that will be affected by his decision to apply. Both his friends and family back home will miss his “entertaining” personality, but they all have said that they feel he’s made the right move. It took Buback hours to fill out the application. He answered the short answer questions, wrote the required essays, and listed his achievements and awards. Now after all that work, he can only wait. “It’s a pretty selective program, but recently they’ve been accepting more people to make it more well-known,” Buback said. “I’m uncertain [if I will be accepted], but hopeful.” Academy or no Academy, Clayton Buback will go far. Family, friends, and even teachers have acknowledged the fact. “He will do very well,” Honors Biology teacher Laura Montgomery said. “He will excel.”
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spotlights
north star 03.13.08
10
Top Smoothie Facts
. .
Check Out northstartoday.com/features/index for this information and more on smoothies
Get a
Turn your everyday, unhealthy smoothie into a low-fat, low calorie snack.
The BAD smoothie
Currently there is no legal definition for a smoothie. The smoothie was first in the spotlight back in the 40s, when movie stars enjoyed a fruit-rush before going on set.
.
The best time to have a smoothie is in the morning, because your body is
.
at its lowest level of Glycogen.
Drinking smoothies will effectively raise metabolism, because they fill
. .
Chocolate and vanilla sauces are fattening and can raise calorie count to over 700.
Peanut butter can give protein, but can also raise the number of calories, and give unnecessary fats.
you up and make you less hungry.
Smoothies can help to fight aging, because they are
high in antioxidants.
Exotic smoothie flavors can help smokers quit,
because they offer more flavors than bland smoothies.
. . . .
True smoothies do not contain dairy products, preservatives, colorings, additives or sugar.
Most smoothies are high in fiber, low in fat, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
If legislation followed juice market guidelines, only a few brands would stay true smoothies.
National smoothie week is June 16-22 this year.
12 page design 足 jessica payne
smooth figure
Added sugars are unnecessary because the fruits are sweet enough by themselves.
A typical peanut butter-banana smoothie has 795 calories, plus the calories for the chocolate sauce.
The The GOOD GOOD smoothie smoothie
The variety of fruits gives the smoothie more flavor, so that it contains more naturally sweetened fruits and less added sugars.
Low fat yogurt makes the smoothie creamy like ice cream, but is much healthier. Fresh fruit, or fruits frozen at home are much healthier than artificial or store bought frozen fruits. A typical Strawberrybanana smoothie has about 190 calories.
spotlights
north star 03.13.08
x
online clusive Join the new movement to start saving the planet. Here are the top 10 things YOU can do to become a more eco-friendly person and join the cause. We can renew the earth one student at a time. All of the information on this page was found online at multiple “go green” websites including gogreeninitiative.org.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6.
Rethink your transportation. Instead of driving to places within a short distance from your home, walk on foot or ride a bike. It saves money and gas. Perk: Helps you lose weight or keep in shape.
Cut down on the meat. While strict vegetarianism isn’t for everyone, even the most devout carnivores can cut back on meat consumption without cramping their style and can save money in the process. Industrial meat production requires huge energy inputs and creates waste problems.
7. 8. 9. 10.
Start composting. Composting helps reduce
the amount of waste you send to the landfill, which can save you money if you live in a municipality with a “pay as you throw” system. In the process, you create free, healthy fertilizer.
used products, you’re not only helping the environment, you’re helping those who take a stand for recycling. Many companies are taking a stand on the issue and making more items out of recycled goods.
Do some research! There are always new websites popping up on the Internet which can help students conserve energy and sustain our world for future generations.
Start changing your thermostat settings (or
Instead of Blockbuster or Borders, hit up the library. Borrowing from libraries, instead
Use less plastic items. Instead of using plastic
silverware use a metal fork or spoon. Plastic items such as these fill up our landfills, creating needless waste.
TECHNOLOGY
Buy used or recycled products. When you buy
Stop drinking from only bottled water. Filter your tap water for drinking rather than using bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but also it produces large amounts of container waste.
ask your dad to). Setting your thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and a few degrees higher in summer can translate to substantial savings on your utility bills and lower energy use.
For the seventh month, the What’s New page features current web sites, in order to connect more readers to the web.
popsci.com This site will update you on science and technology research. The site offers pages with updated research concerning things like the environment, games, and the Air Force. Also this site has a DIY (do it yourself) page, a science and technology page, and a cars page with new gadgets for your vehicle.
FASHION
of buying personal books and movies, saves money and printing resources. Consider donating the money saved to your local library.
Buy local products. When you buy food from
a Farmers’ Market, you get a higher quality product and also all of the money goes directly to the farmer. Buying any goods produced locally saves energy by reducing the fossil fuels needed to transport foods and other items across the country and around the globe.
What did YOU say about the fight against pollution
yourprom.com This website allows you to find what you’ll be needing for prom. It includes the latest hair styles, and many links to the most popular dress ordering sites. This site also includes articles on what is in and what is out in prom fashion this year.
The North Star surveyed 300 students Feb. 29, and here are the results...
42%
How often do you recycle? 42% of students answered “Not at all”
5%
How concerned are you about the environment? 5% of students answered they were “Completely concerned about the environment.”
60%
AMUSEMENT
Do you make an effort to buy used and recycled products? 60% of students answered “Not at all”
11%
Do you believe your generation cares for the environment? 11% of students answered “I believe my generation cares little for the environment.”
puzzles.com This site has puzzles to play, puzzles to buy, puzzle word problems, and links to other puzzle websites. This site is a great place to go if you’re bored or just really enjoy puzzles.
page design amy qualls
13
spotlights
north star 03.13.08
Beneath the
CLOUDS hides a HERO
For the seventh month, the North Star takes a look into the life of extraordinary people.
Bowers saves life by aiding endangered pilot in need of direction by dj shewmaker
Air Traffic Controller Jack Bowers sits in front of an air radar screen in the Weldon Springs Air Traffic Control Center. The center controls all air space in and around St. Louis. Bowers has as been a controller for over 20 years. (cami wade)
I
n the middle of a December storm, a pilot starts to lose control of his plane. “Cessna Six-Charlie-Alpha, how are you doing?” “Eh. I’m not having a good day here, sir,” the frustrated pilot said. “Cessna Six-Charlie-Alpha turn left heading 0-3-0,” the air traffic controller said. “Yeah, I’m getting some ice on my wings. I guess that’s why I can’t handle this damn thing!” On the evening of Dec. 28, 2007, a local pilot came perilously close to crashing his Cessna 182 Skylane private airplane, and probably would have, had not Air Traffic Controller Jack Bowers been there to talk the pilot through a navigation and landing at Scott Air Force Base. Bowers, at Saint Louis Approach Control in Weldon Springs, spent two hours and 147 transmissions on the radio with the older pilot, who, according to Bowers, got in over his head in a winter storm. “He kind of panicked,” Bowers, the part time flight instructor said. “They got me because of my experience as an instructor. The weather was so bad, and he couldn’t navigate. We had to do what’s called a surveillance approach.” When the plane’s navigational instruments weren’t operational and ice covered the windshield, the pilot became disoriented. Bowers had to tell the pilot where he was and where he was going by looking at his radar in Weldon Springs. Now they knew where the pilot was going, but the plane was barely hanging in the air, and at times Bowers thought the situation wasn’t going to turn out well. “I actually thought I lost him twice,” Bowers, the 24th year Air Traffic Control veteran said. “Before he landed we lost radio contact a few times. He
Air traffic controller Jack Bowers sits in front of an air radar scene (cami wade)
was kind of below the Arch and flying towards it. That’s when we lost radar and radio.” When approaching Lambert International Airport, the pilot actually came dangerously near the Arch. The Air Traffic Control team in Weldon Springs decided to redirect the pilot to Scott Air Force Base, where there was a better chance of a successful landing. Then, according to Bowers, once the pilot landed the plane, he made a turn on the runway that put him on a restricted part of the base. The pilot still isn’t entirely out of the clear. According to Bowers he is now being investigated by the FAA for currency violations. These violations
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mean a pilot would have been flying in weather and conditions he shouldn’t have been. But for Bowers the situation brought on some recognition that he says is all a part of the job. The National Air Traffic Controllers Associations (NATCA) picked Bowers and fellow controller Dave Brown for the Central Region Flight Assist of the Year award. “It’s kind of wild that we got Flight Assist of the year and there was only three days left in the year,” Bowers said. With this regional award under his belt, Bowers has been automatically nominated for the National Flight Assist of the Year award which will be announced April 1.
“The nice thing about this award is that it’s not the FAA. It’s not any pilot groups. It’s coming from Air Traffic Controllers,” Bowers said. “It’s coming from the big group of my peers. It’s like I’m ending my career on a high note.” Bowers will be retiring in the next three years so this award seems to be coming at the right time. In all 24 years as a controller he hasn’t lost one person, and he attributes that success to his experience as a pilot and his natural ability to do his job. It’s just who he is. “You can teach people to be a controller, but you almost have to be born to be a controller,” he said. “It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but it’s the personality. It’s an attitude and a personality.”
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indepth
Sean Fowler, government teacher “I mean voting is great, but really the best way to make your voice heard is by joining a campaign.� Story on page 16
Students throughout the hallways of North have strong views on both sides of the political spectrum, but how many actually take a stand? Senior Kara Wilson and junior Eric Peters have both chosen to actively take a role in the political future of the United States. (amy gleaves)
How will you Pa
indepth
north star 03.13.08
Election
Meet the
There are three candidates currently left in the race. After John McCain’s wins on Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama a
How are you getting involved in the 2008 election? Josh Bryan senior
Barack Obama
Senior Kara Wilson followed her mother’s footsteps and found her own political voice years ago. “If you’re passionate about it, that’s how we get to a solution,” says Wilson. (portrait by amy gleaves)
“ “ Wilson catches fever for elections
I’m going to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama’s speeches.
F
or most students, politics are like a disease—a virus, even—like some contagious pathogen infecting a few boring hosts then spreading like The Plague every two to four years. The dangerous politics, if ever to be touched at all, should only be dealt with when using the sterile safeguards of textbooks and televisions. But not for senior Kara Wilson. For Kara, politics aren’t something to meticulously examine in the lab of a history classroom, but rather something to embrace in reality. Kara views politics as a tool, as a way to shape society, a way to get her voice heard. “I’m really a moderate,” Kara admits, but bluntly adds, “I really don’t like George Bush, so freshman year I joined the Kerry campaign.” It’s kind of a novel concept: a 14-yearold taking an active role in politics, but Kara Wilson, conspicuous foxtail and all, did it four short years ago. Though it would be years before she could cast her own vote in the elections, she still wore the Kerry button with pride, hoping she could persuade others to vote along with her. “I made phone calls to registered Democrats in the area, just reminding them to vote,” Kara says, “and I also went door to door passing out flyers.” By getting involved on what the politicians like to call “the grass roots level,” Kara did much more than the average voter. After all, what’s one vote
when you can influence two, or when you can influence 200? “I mean voting is great,” government teacher Sean Fowler said, “but really the best way to make your voice heard is by joining a campaign.” Kara’s vigilance may have gone largely unnoticed—at least in the halls of North—had it not been for a former FHN teacher who toed the Kerry line right by Kara’s side: the indomitable Sandy Berthold. But, of course we all know how the Kerry-Kara campaign ended four years ago—in a sobering defeat. Kara’s moved on and now focuses on this year, though she doesn’t think the stakes are quite as high. Kara’s favorite candidate in the upcoming elections, the radical Ron Paul, is no longer in the realistic picture, so she’s decided to switch tickets. She now supports Barack Obama because she thinks Hillary’s a “brat” who doesn’t address the issues. And no matter what strand the virus adapts, whether McCain, Obama, Clinton, or—by some act of God—Paul, serves as the next president, it’s clear that Kara will continue to experiment with this ever-developing epidemic. She’ll keep catching election fever. Story by Zach Vicars For more info on the democratic party log on to democrats.org
April 22- June 3 final presidential primaries
16 page design taylor bell
Hillary Clinton
Democrat Senator from Illinois information from barackobama.com
Democrat Senator from Illinois information from hillaryclinton.com
Stance on the War
Stance on t
Nick Adams junior
Obama wants to remove troops from Iraq immediately, having all combat out 16 months after he comes into office. He plans to keep some troops in Iraq to protect our embassy bout will not build any permanent bases.
Watch all the news and argue with friends about who their voting for.
Obama plans to make a new national health care plan that will be affordable and available for everyone. The coverage will be similar to the plan available to congress. All children will have coverage allowing them to be covered through their parents until the age of 25.
“
“
Kacey Shoemake junior
Stance on Health Care
Stance on Education
“
“
Breaking out the spray paint.
Obama plans to reform No Child Left Behind by giving it more funding and supporting schools needing improvement. He also wants to make college more affordable with a new tax credit that will cut the tuition costs for most public colleges and universities and make community college free for most students.
Clinton wants to immediate home starting in the first 60 da She wants to focus her efforts ping up the gov
Stance on He
Affordable, available and reliab scribe Clinton’s vision for Ame Her plan will provide tax credit available even to those with
Stance on E
Clinton plans to end No Child IDEA a program for childre plans to create “Green Scho programs. She also plans to able accessible with tax cred $500 million investments
How do y
The North Star conducted an anonymous survey o What are your feelings towards the 2008 presidential election? not interested 19%
indifferent 16%
April 30
young republican, young democrats clubs debate
very interested 26%
Where do you get most of your information about the election online 21%
family members 23%
friends 9% fairly interested 39%
tv 34%
Aug. 25-28
democratic national convention denver, co
8
teachers 13%
dates to remem months before t
Sept. 1-4
republican national con minneapolis-st.paul,
articpate n 2008?
e Candidates
indepth
north star 03.13.08
How are you gettig involved in the 2008 election?
n Tuesday March 4 he was able to gain enough delagates to win the Republican nomination. Currently are running a close race for the Democratic nomination.
Meagan Bruns sophomore
John McCain
Republican Senator from Arizona information from johnmccain.com
“
ely start bringing troops ays of her administration. s on stabilizing, not propvernment.
McCain’s goal is to control the violence in Iraq . He believes the current force structure demands a more robust strategy. He plans on making an increase in employment-gathering economic projects.
Stance on Health Care
ealth Care
ble: these three words deerica’s health care system. ts for working families, be h prexisting conditions.
Education
d Left Behind and supports en with special needs and ools” and more after school make college more afforddits, a larger Pell grant, and s in community college.
“
Listening to stuff on the news .
Stance on the War
the War
Junior Eric Peters holds values he believes should never be compromised. These strong and immovable convictions comprise his political view and keep him speaking out. (portrait by amy gleaves)
The best way to make health insurance affordable is to save Medicare and Medicaid, protect private health benefits, and allow for companies to compete. He also plans to promote healthy lifestyles that will keep millions from developing diseases.
Peters’ beliefs lead him to politics
Brandon Ivy senior
“
“
Go vote and go home and watch tv.
Garrett Muller freshman
Stance on Education
Our schools should compete to be the most innovative, flexible and student centered. They should also compete for the best teachers and reward them. McCain also believes that No Child Left Behind has compelled us to find solutions to students with low standards.
you feel?
““ Nothing.
on Feb. 5 asking students their opinion on the 2008 presidential election Which candidate would you like to become president?
What political party do you belong to? undecided 31%
third party 3% independent 12%
republican 28%
democrat 26%
hillary clinton 8%
don’t know 17%
mike huckabee 11%
mitt romney 5% ron paul 3%
john mccain 17%
barack obama 38%
W
henever junior Eric Peters sees a Hillary Clinton commercial calling for change, his blood
boils. How can the people of America even consider her at all for our next leader? It’s just ridiculous. How can they listen to her calling for huge alterations that don’t need to happen? He does not know the answer. Nor will he ever know, because Eric Peters is everything Hillary Clinton is not. He is pro-Bush, anti-gay marriage, antiabortion, and a seventeen-year-old kid. Few students in high school are more involved with politics than Peters is. As a sophomore, Peters and his friends discussed politics amongst themselves, often talking about Bush, the economy, and other daily events going on in the country. He began researching the issues and forming his own opinions. “I’ve always debated people about politics,” Peters said. “With the election coming up, I started to research different views [on issues because] a lot of people think they know what they’re talking about when they actually don’t,” This year, Peters and friend Josh Bryan decided to take action with their views by cofounding the Young Republicans Club. Peters says it has been a success with over 50 members. “Considering that being a conservative is a minority at FHN, we want to create a time for them to get together to just [be able to] fellowship,
talk, and have fun,” Peters said. As the one of the leaders of this new group, it is fitting that Peters be an extremely conservative Republican. “If there were ten issues up for debate, Eric would side with the Republicans on eleven of them,” teacher Bryan Spencer said. But no matter how conservative Peters can be, he always understands that there are two sides of the coin, and is willing to listen to the other view. “He is a very hard core Republican with all issues,” history teacher Heather Hallvax said. “[But] I think Eric is a very open minded individual who understands the issues.” Peters’ values have led him in his politics and in his actions by trying to improve America in any way he can. “He does a lot of American things,” Bryan said. “He drives an American made car and he just supports and honors America.” The future for Peters in politics is unclear. One thing is for sure, Peters doesn’t want to run for any offices. Peters for now, is content with his current goal of making North more politically active. “Politics are fun and it’s good for everyone to get involved because no matter how old you are, politics affect you,” Peters said. Story by Logan Ponche For more info on the republican party log on to gop.com
mber the ‘08 election
4
nvention , mn
Sept. 8
deadline to register to vote in the nov. 4 election
Sept. 21-29 early voting
Oct. 2
vice presidential debate washington university
Nov. 4 election day
17
page design taylor bell
indepth
How will you Particpate
north star 03.13.08
Election 2008?
How do you feel? The North Star conducted an anonymous survey on Feb. 5 asking students their opinion on the 2008 presidential election
Senior Bobby Bearden signs in at the voting poll. Bearden is a first time voter, he has researched into the candidates in order to know more on his vote. Bearden who is an independent found it hard to pick a candidate but because of his research he is confident in his vote. (leslie bland)
What quality is most important to you in your decision for the next president? stance on the war 28%
other 16%
personal attributes 11%
stance on abortion 9%
economy 36%
Are you registered to vote? (only juniors and seniors were surveyed)
Teens learn processes of voting
T
hrough out the country there are Presidential primaries and people are getting ready for the big election day. Office clerk at FHN Joan Baur helps students register to vote. She believes students need to educate themselves on the issues before voting. “Voting is the only way you can express your opinion.” said office clerk Joan Baur. “If your not voting some body could get voted in you don’t want in office”. Before voting someone must register four weeks before the election. This gives time to receive your ballot in the mail so someone can
go to the poll and take their vote. You must also bring a document with the most current address of yours on it. Registering doesn’t take a long time at all. Anyone above the age of 171/2 and a legal resident of the U.S. can register at a public school, library or county clerk office. Parents and Government teachers are good people to go to for help. Poll workers are willing to help first time voters too. “The election judges help at the polls, they can’t tell you who to vote for but can help you fill out a ballot,” Baur said. Some students who are at the age of voting
requirements might not vote. “No, I won’t vote because I really don’t care about politics,” Mike Payne senior said Others might take their right to vote. Voting is a way to use my voice,” Dustin Obrien senior said. Though registering and voting only takes a little bit of time, some students might not think they have time to vote. “Students live busy lives, some don’t see how electing someone into office is going to help them in any way,” Government teacher Kim Coil said. Sometimes the cases might be that students
vote411.org
rockthevote.com Haven’t had time to register to vote? On this site you can register, find ways to get involved in the election and much more.
18page design barbara jean palmer
might not feel they are educated enough to vote on what is happening in their country. Though it would be good to do research, watch the news, and read literature on the topics being voted on, some people just don’t have the time and might not feel the need to vote on something they don’t understand completely. “If you don’t know, it’s better not to vote on that particular person or topic,” Baur said. What are you going to do this year for elections? Decide the Fate Election2008
Did you vote in the Missouri Primary election on Feb. 5? (only juniors and seniors were surveyed) yes 11%
no 88%
Story by Barbara Jean Palmer For two more exculsive stories on the election go to northstartoday.com
northstartoday.com
cnn.com/POLITICS On this site you can find out where your polling place is and find out all the voting requirements for Missouri.
no 57%
yes 43%
On this site you can find out up to the minute information on all of the candidates.
Check out this site for two online exclusive stories about the election, audio slide shows and an interactive poll.
spotlights
north star 03.13.08
HowOrigami to make an Swan For this months ‘how to’, we’re going to show you how to make an origami swan in six easy and convenient steps.
OT
Check Out podcast episode 70 for a live step by step guide to origami
Origami
Step 1
Here are some other animals you can make through origami:
Step 3
Step 2
Crane- symbolizes honor, loyalty, and joy
level of difficulty:
medium
Butterfly- symbolizes beauty, elegance, joy level of difficulty: medium First you want to fold your paper into a triangle across the paper. This is the start of your kite base. Once you have done this, cut away extra paper.
Finish the kite base by folding the lower edges of the paper towards the center crease. Make sure not to overlap!
With the edges already folded towards the center crease, re-fold the tops of those folds towards the outside of the kite.
Dove- symbolizes faith and love
level of difficulty: easy
Turtle- symbolizes good fortune
Step 4
Step 5
level of difficulty: easy
Step 6
Eagle- symbolizes power and strength
level of difficulty: hard Rabbit- symbolizes quick minds
level of difficulty: easy Fold up the end of the kite base to the middle of the kite. This starts the neck and head of the swan.
Lauree’s “Your Place for Prom” 827 N. Second St. St. Charles, MO 63301 • Store: 636-940-1711
From the end of the head that you just folded back, take the very end of the paper and fold back towards you again. This creates the head of the swan. When you finish, fold the back half of the bird down.
Horse- symbolizes energy, freedom and devotion
Congrats! You have just made your own origami swan!
level of difficulty: hard
Pezold Banquet Center “No hassles, full service, all inclusive banquet center”
School Banquets / Reunions, Fund Raisers, Meetings, Award Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions, Anniversaries, Birthdays 5701 Highway N St. Charles, MO 63304- 7643 Banquet Center: 636-936-1813 www.PezoldBanquetCenter.com info@PezoldBanquetCenter.com
Every BODY looks better with a TAN! 30 DAYS + BOTTLE OF LOTION... ONLY $25 see store for details 636.447.3553
(Owned and Operated by Knights of Columbus #7198
1104 Jungs Station Road St. Peters, MO 63303 (636) 447-3553
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page design chelsea kaufman
spotlights
north star 03.13.08
yourplace
For the seventh month the North Star looks at a place around the area that peak our interest and keep us entertained.
JUMP into a new STREET boutique
Tips for starting your own business
Customer skates in front of Jump Street located in St. Andrews plaza. Jump Street sells many skate brands and skate boards. The store is open from 12-9 Monday through Saturday. (kayla hatcher)
Identify your talents. Define your passion and think of it in terms of profit.
Consult with colleagues. Mentors, friends, and family can provide valuable feedback about start-up ideas.
Research, research and more research. Learn about the business by attending meetings and talking to owners in similar fields.
Know your money. Analyze your financial resources before pouring your savings into a business venture.
Lindberg brings authentic brand names to the St. Charles area by amy qualls
20page design allison sheffler
Hey, where you at?
Here’s a map to help you find the shop and see it for yourself
y rd
dr highway
finn d
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at Natural Bridge Rd and Highway 70. Directly across from the airport, seen from Highway 70. Although Lindberg’s second shop, Jump Street, is new, business is going steady. “We’re new so we still need to build up steady business by getting more clientele,” Lindberg said. “We’ve got time.” Lindberg gets hold of his merchandise by going to a clothing convention in Las Vegas. There, he meets with representatives of clothing brands such as Ed Hardy, Greedy Genius, and Famous
r 70
west clay st
campus d
huck
Get business counseling. Discuss your business ideas with an experienced counselor.
golfway
70 boge
Keep records. Complete, accurate records are needed to file taxes and properly manage your bank accounts.
Located at Hwy 70 and Zumbehl in St. Andrew’s Plaza
dre ws dr
200 ft 100 m
St. an
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ocated in St Andrews’ shopping center, Jump Street clothing store sits hidden, like a diamond in the rough. Jump Street is a new clothing and shoe boutique that recently opened in St. Charles in June 2007. Jump Street is full of authentic jeans, T-shirts, hats, skateboards, shoes, and limited edition items. “We’re the type of store St. Charles needs,” 24-year-old Justin Lindberg said as he folds another limited edition T-shirt. Lindberg is his own boss. At age 19, Lindberg started up his own vending machine business. “I actually sold shoes off eBay until I raised enough money to start up The Shop,” Lindberg said. Then after making enough money, at age 21, he started selling clothing. “I decided I wanted to be a business man in high school,” Lindberg said. “I just saw that how you made all the money was by being your own boss.” The Shop was first in business in October of 2005. “For his age, his business is going great, and he’s doing pretty good,” friend Natalie Lindberg said. The Shop is in the center of St. Louis,
Know yourself. Evaluate your personal strengths and weaknesses.
Stars & Straps. “People come in saying I want the stuff no one else has, and we can give it to them,” 19-year-old employee Eric Kilbourne said. This type of business brings in a number of unlikely customers. “Our first customer was a 60-yearold woman buying Ed Hardy shirts for herself,” Lindberg said. “But we get a lot different kinds of people in here mostly high school and college kids. Everybody wants this kind of stuff.”
Talk about lifestyle changes. Discuss financial and emotional changes your family will encounter.
Find necessary resources. Determine sources of capital, equipment, employees, and vendors. Always have backup sources.
Remember your reasons. Before starting a business, write down why you decided to do it. Keep the list handy, it will motivate you in good times and bad.
tips provided by www.score.org
playhard
Brittany Grieshaber, senior “What we are doing is 25 minutes on the elliptical for warm-up, and then we run the treadmill on high incline to build endurance.” Story on page 23
Junior Andrew Hairlson and senior Sarah El-Qunni race down the track as part of their prom workout. This month’s fitness section includes a series of workouts to help students get in shape and tone up for the upcoming prom in April. (portrait by amy gleaves)
playhard
north star 03.13.08
PROFESSIONAL PICK’EMS Each month, the North Star’s Professional Pick’em duo will take on a random student, a random staffer and the professional. The professional is the KSDK news anchor Art Holiday. The overall winner will be crowned the Professional Pick’ems’ winner.
the north star
19-10
Hannah Meyer & Nathan Bryant the staffer the professional the student
24-5
18-11
Chris Brown Teacher
Mike Payne senior
St.Louis
21-8
Art Holiday KSDK news anchor
Puck Pick’ems
Anaheim
Blues
Ducks
Sat. 15
VS the staffer the north star the professional
the student
Men’s College Basketball Pick’ems Winston-Salem
Rams
Sat. 15
North Carolina Central
Eagles
VS
the staffer the north star the professional
the student
Men’s College Lacrosse Pick’ems Princeton
Hofstra
Pride
Tigers
Sat. 15
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t’s almost April, the beginning of spring and the season where dress shops and tux rentals are full of teens preparing for the big night. Prom. Yes, it’s good to be in shape to look perfect in that dress or tux, but despite what some may believe it does not take non-stop exercise or any fad diets to get there. For seniors Brittany Grieshaber and Lindsey Boville, all it takes is an hour and a half a day. “What we are doing is twenty five minutes on the elliptical for warm-up, switch every other day between leg and arm workouts on the machines, at least 15 minutes of abs, and then we run the treadmill on high incline to build endurance,” Grieshaber said. When just starting out it is important to start slow, so the body is not overworked.
“It is a good idea to start off slowly with some cardio, like a stairmaster or treadmill and then gradually work yourself up,” trainer Joe Bommarito said. If weight loss is the ultimate goal, it is also important for the workouts to be consistent. “If you work out every day and keep things consistent you burn more calories during the workout, leading to a loss of weight the healthy way, and tone up the target area,” Bommarito said The best part is that workouts can be easy and done at home. “Many people have gym like machines at home that can be used for workouts, but if not, simple exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and crunches can tone up the body,” Bommarito said. Workouts can also be done at a gym, like Greishaber and Boville choose to go to, but often gyms charge membership
fees, which hold some back. A good workout does not have to take up the whole day either. “A good workout can be done in as little as 30 to 45 minutes. You get out what you put into it,” Bommarito said. Getting fit the healthy way is easy, so why not start now so you, too can look good on the big night?
No GYM? No PROBLEM! Work it out on the track with these SIMPLE exercises.
Cardio
Upper Body
Core
Lower Body
If you’re worried about those love handles or even that spare tire, you need some cardio workout. To start off, run two laps everyday. Then add a circuit every few days. A circuit is when you run up and down all the stairs on circuit run the bleachers, run around the track to the other bleachers and do the same thing. This will not only help your endurance but it will also burn fat.
To tone your belly, begin with 50 basic crunches. To work your lower abs, lay flat on the ground and lift your legs up 30 degrees. Do one set of leg lifts 25. To tone your sides, lay on your side and lean your body toward your feet. These are called oblique crunches and you should do 50 on each side. To improve, add a few reps every time you do them.
This workout will be great for your arms and your chest. Start off with 10 push ups. If you want to focus on your triceps, try some bleacher bleacher dip dips. To do these, place your arms behind you on the bleachers and stick your legs straight out in front of you. Slowly bend your elbows to lower then straighten them out again. Repeat each of these exercises three times and increase the number every time you workout. Girls, unless you’re wearing a short dress, you may want to leave these exercises for the boys. Begin with a set of ten squats and ten forward lunges on each leg. Repeat each three times. To tone your butt, forward lunges lay flat on your stomach and lift your legs off the ground behind you. Keep going until it burns and increase the number of reps for each excercise.
Students strive to make Cheerleading squad
NBA Pick’ems Sun. 16
VS
Houston
Rockets
the student the staffer the north star
the professional
Arena Football Pick’ems
the student the staffer the north star the professional
by jordyn klackner
by brittany schulze
Lakers
Rivercity Rage
The prospect of prom has students excited to get in shape
VS
the student the staffer the north star the professional
L.A.
health&fitness
Sat. 15
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Wichita
Wild
The future cheerleaders of North entered the gym to prove to the coaches that they have what it takes to be on the Varsity squad. At th end of last month, on Feb. 25 and 27 at 6 pm, parents gathered in the commons for a cheerleading informational meeting. Students who were looking forward to cheering on the different squads were encouraged to attend the meeting with parents in order to find out information about tryouts, which started this week and end tomorrow on the 14. During the meeting some of the varsity cheerleaders were there to demonstrate stunts, jumps, tumbling, and dance requirements. “Our style of dance is cheer hop which incorporates cheer motions,”
Varsity coach Karla Holland said. “We [coaches] look for rhythm, movement, attitude, and memorization which is a key point.” On the first two days, the students had a cheer clinic from 5-8 pm, which will also carry on today. The final tryout will be tomorrow. “I’m really looking forward to cheering for Varsity again next year,” freshman Alysse Chowning said. “I am going to miss the senior girls a lot though.” Among the many students trying out is junior Allison Callow. Callow has cheered for North since her freshman year, two of which were on the J.V. level. “I have been working really hard in order to make the Varsity team,” Callow said. “I enjoyed cheering for J.V. but it is time for me to move up to the Varsity level.”
Freshmen Heather Durrwachter and Alysse Chowning and junior Lauren Christoff fill out forms at the cheerleading meeting on Feb. 27. The meeting was for parents and upcoming cheerleaders. (nikki vahle)
page design chelsea eifert
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north star 03.13.08
Check the Stats VOLLEYBALL
BEST HITTER: Mike Kipper [Sr.] BEST PASSER: Matt McCarty [Sr.] BEST BLOCKER: Sean Ell [Sr.] BEST SERVER: Dan Enke [Sr.] BEST SETTER: Dan Enke [Sr.] OVERALL RECORD: 0-0 FIRST GAME: Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Central
BASEBALL STAND-OUT PLAYERS: Luke Collis [Jr.], Jeremy Nowak [Sr.], Nick Woodson [Sr.], Jerry Roam [Sr.] OUTSTANDING PITCHERS: Shawn Spainhoward [Sr.], Luke Collis [Jr.], Nick Conley [Jr.] OVERALL RECORD: 0-0 FIRST GAME: Monday at 4:15 p.m. at North
TENNIS SINGLE PLAYER: Eric McCollough [1st place player three years in a row] OUTSTANDING PLAYERS: Felix Rudieger, Kyle Richards, Ben Hess, Adam Roberts, and Matt Roberts OVERALL RECORD: 0-0 FIRST MATCH: Tuesday March 25 at Pattonville at 3:30 p.m.
SOCCER OUTSTANDING PLAYERS: Marisa Rapp [Sr.], Kara Hammann [Sr.], and Katie Gallagher [Sr.] OVERALL RECORD: 0-0 FIRST GAME: Monday at 4 p.m. at Sport Port vs. Visitation
TRACK AND FIELD OVERALL RECORD: 0-0 FIRST MEET: Wash U relays on Sat. March 22 at Wasington University SECOND MEET: Friday night relays on Friday March 28
GOLF OVERALL RECORD: 0-0 FIRST MEET: Monday at Wentzville Timberland at 3:30 p.m. SECOND MEET: Wednesday at Warrenton at 3:30
Take It to the extreme
Track team sprints at chance to compete with the best of the best in Washington by chelsea kaufman
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fter much wait, the Varsity track team recently learned the date of the annual, and much anticipated meet at Washington University, held on March 22. Unlike most meets, the competition will be strictly for the Varsity girls and boys only. Players who don’t go however, still have the opportunity to go and support their team through the competition North will face. “It’s going to be tough,” track coach Gregory Hennefent said. “It always is.” For Hennefent, who has coached the team for over ten years, this competition has become one of the hardest and most important meets of the season. As North heads into the meet, much competition will follow. Schools all across Missouri send their best Varsity track players to the meet, all of whom range from the best sprinters to the best throwers and field games. “This is where we will really stand with other schools and show where we need to work more.” Hennefent said. Aside from the competition aspect however, Hennefent enjoys being able to coach his team at a spot he believes to be somewhat historic spot. “The neatest thing is that we get to run the same track that was run in the 1940 Olympics,” Hennefent said. “It’s just a real neat thing to think about.” Being such a historic spot, players feel that the atmosphere helps the mood, and will push them even further
to do their best at this meet. “A lot goes on,” Hennefent said. “Knowing that they are there in a historic spot and feeling the competition around really gets everyone pumped up.” The annual Washington University competition is one of the biggest competitions the track team faces each year. It is a big deal for the Varsity players, who have worked hard to reach the event, and a big deal for the players who know how exclusive it is. To be given the chance to compete in Washington is just another factor to drive the members to their best. For Varsity members of the team, such as junior Daniel Kirkpatrik, the biggest challenge will be the different events and relays the team will run. Challenges common with this sort of event. “The 4x4 will be the hardest thing for me,” Kirkpatrik said. “At this competition, there are the best athletes that come and compete, and the 4x4 is already hard for me.” Until the event, the team has much work to still do. Hennefent plans on coaching the team through regular drills and practices, continuing to increase times. Overall the team is hoping to set the tone now and high with this meet so that they can progress even further later. “We still have a lot to work on,“ Hennefent said. “We’ll keep working and increasing our times. When we head out to Wash U, we’ll be ready.”
Polley says good-bye to coaching at North by betsy blanchard
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online clusive
Take it to the NET Fot a story on the intense track and field try-out process For photos of boy’s golf try-outs For photos of boy’s volleyball try-outs
24 page design luke christisen
Sophomore Jake Schneider and Junior Daniel Kirkpatrick run their second warm up lap on March 6. Both Kirkpatrick and Schneider will be competing at the Washington Univesity invitational. (mandy palmer)
School nurse Sally Polly looks out over the tennis courts. Polly has been a nurse at FHN for over a decade and the boys tennis coach for seven years. (sarah semmel)
ally Polley, many knows the name. Maybe it’s because she’s been the school nurse for 14 years. Then again, it could be because she’s been the tennis coach for seven. When Mr. Grippi became an Assistant Principal, the coaching job opened. Polley, whose son played on the team, volunteered for the position. “It adds more excitement to my job, that’s for sure,” Polley said. “I enjoy working with the tennis players. They’re cooperative and willing to learn.” In 2001 she became the girl’s coach, but didn’t become the boy’s coach until a year later. She had helped out with the teams before, but never had other coaching experience. Yet, she willingly took the job. Her favorite part of coaching is seeing the students succeed after putting a lot of work into it. She loves seeing North’s players beat athletes
they had never beaten before. She truly wants the best for them. “She really knows what she’s doing and helps us out a lot,” returning player sophomore Matt Roberts said. “She makes it enjoyable, but she’s also competitive and gets us ready to win.” Just as Polley is committed to her team, she’s committed to her family. She has two grandchildren that need to be picked up after school. She has decided to retire as the tennis coach, mainly to be more available to them. She will continue to work at FHN, but this is her last season as coach. “They’re not going to be young for that long,” Polley said. She wants her athletes to always remember to have respect for themselves and others, and to be sportsmanlike. She wants them to put out their best efforts and work to achieve. “It’s not my accomplishments,” Polley said. “It’s the kids’.”
playhard
north star 03.13.08
Dunahue continues coaching despite retirement Dunahue’s passion for baseball keeps him on the field after time in the classroom is done to step down from his teaching post in favor ince he was four of new, young teachers. years old, Bob Nevertheless, he will Dunahue has been continue to coach in love with the game baseball for North even of baseball. He just after he has left his couldn’t get enough of it. classroom. Whether it was watching “I think he wants the Cardinals on T.V. or to continue coaching playing with his friends at after he retires because the local ballpark, playing baseball is a hard thing baseball was always his to give up,” Varsity favorite thing to do. ballplayer Nick Woodson “My dad had the said. “Most people Cardinals game on when just can’t stop loving I was four baseball.” Check Out years Dunahue podcast episode 71 OT old and played high for an exclusive interview with Coach Dunahue instead of school and playing college outside like other little ball and was the only kids, I stayed inside freshman on his Varsity and watched the whole team. His many years of game,” Dunahue said. “I baseball have helped his always asked my dad if players on their way to there were any baseball the top and his love of the games on, even in the game keeps them excited winter.” and ready to play. After 29 years of “My favorite part teaching in the Francis about having Dunahue Howell School District, as a coach is sharing Dunahue has decided the love for baseball,” by
vicki viehman
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Baseball coach and teacher Bob Dunahue will be retiring at the end of this year. Dunahue will continue coaching the baseball team next season, but no longer has the same passion for teaching as he does for coaching. (portrait cami wade)
Varsity pitcher Shawn Spainhoward said. “We always have a good time during practices and games.” Dunahue found his love for coaching after tearing his hamstring his senior year of college and started student teaching in the spring. His freshman baseball coach had him help with practice one day and that’s when it hit him. “It was then I knew I was destined to be a coach,” Dunahue said. “I enjoyed it so much.” Dunahue’s passion for baseball has made coaching a much more enjoyable experience for him, as well as his players. “He’s been there and has done all the things we’re going through now,” Spainhoward said. “When you have that much passion for the game, it makes it easier to do it and enjoy it.”
Knightline looks forward to new members, new opportunities taylor bell
W
hile the school year is winding down for many students, members of the varsity Knightline dance team are putting their dance shoes on in anticipation for tryouts for the 08-09 school year. After the season was wrapped up with a trip to the State competition on Feburary 23 and a banquet, they are ready for a new year. Tryouts will be April 1-4 in the evening. They
will consist of three clinics where the try-out routine will be learned and required techniques will be reviewed. Then on the fourth day, the actual try outs will take place. The girls will perform the dance they learned and the required techniques in groups of three in front of a panel of judges. “[The biggest challenge] is learning a dance in such a short amount of time,” junior Kelsey Monroe said. “It’s tough to get down.” There are generally
35-40 girls who try out for the team each year. Of that, only about 15 make the cut. According to coach Heather Hallvax, all girls trying out are judged on execution, showmanship, technique, precision, memory, crowd appeal and appearance during the tryout performance. “You always want to try to set an example,” Monroe said. “[You want to] try your hardest and impress people, you want the judges to remember you.”
The tryout performance was choreographed by Hallvax and senior and co-captain, Amber Freidman. Many of the returning members of the team devote time to helping new members with their technique. “If Hallvax sees someone one having a problem she’ll send one of older girls over to help,” junior and cocaptain of the team Lilly Williams said. “I like to help, it’s fun to see them do well.”
Williams and Monroe have both started preparing for tryouts by practicing their technique, stretching, and dancing at their studios. Monroe offers advice to those who will be trying out for the first time. “Just have confidence,” Monroe said. “Hope for the best and try your hardest. The best thing to keep nerves down is to try your hardest and be confident.”
by adam weber
A
s this year’s wrestling season came to an end I began having some serious second thoughts. I wrestled my freshman through junior year and I really loved everything about the sport (besides not eating, obviously). As this school year’s season came around I had to make a tough decision. Due to my compounding responsibilities, I chose to give up wrestling for my senior year. Right before the season I had gotten two new jobs to save for college. I had also gotten a band together with some of my friends, and we had began planning for FrauFest. With higher expectations in newspaper and so many other things to take up my time, wrestling just didn’t seem like a smart decision for me when I could be preparing for college. In the aftermath, I’ve come to realize something. When you give up a sport you truly love, you lose a lot more than just the sport itself. Through quitting wrestling, I gave up a part of myself. I lost my drive to overcome challenging obstacles. I lost a few friends that I used to considered some of my best. I lost my strong desire to work out consistently and stay in shape. When state came around and the varsity line up began their morning practices to prepare for districts, I couldn’t help but wonder how the season would have ended up. Through giving up the sport of wrestling, I gave up my last chance to experience going to state. Although I’ve had fun over the past four months, I can’t help but think about how districts would have gone. If you truly love a sport, I would advise you to stick with it throughout your high school career. Sometimes it’s better to realize you’re still just a kid and put off your other priorities. Don’t make the same mistake I did and be left just wondering.
baseball
Shawn Spainhoward, senior “My brother inspired me to play. He played ever since I can remember, and I’ve always wanted to be like him.”
tennis
Eric McCollough, senior “My mom inspired me to play. She wanted me to play tennis and she brought me out to the courts and taught me how to play.”
soccer
This month the All-Stars were asked: “Who inspired you to start competing in your sport?”
Morgan Boudreau, junior “My dad inspired me to play. He always played sports his whole life, so I wanted to play too.”
knightline
Each month, the coaches from the teams playing in the particular season will pick a member of the team to be chosen as the “All-Stars.”
volleyball
Meet the All-Stars
cheerleading
by
Giving it all up
Dan Enke, senior “All my friends played when I was growing up so I decided to play too.”
Ellen Ransom, sophomore “My sister inspired me to dance. I watched her in the Muny and wanted to do the same thing.”
Courtney Schulze, freshman “My friends told me to try out. My favorite part about cheerleading is cheering with all my friends.”
page design vicki viehman
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north star 03.13.08
Searching for true talent
A closer look The North Star asked four students how they feel about already being signed with a school
Nicole Hopp
There are often college scouts watching prospective players at Varsity games and tournaments. “They need to know that there is always someone watching,” Carl Hutter, Lindenwood University Men’s soccer coach said. (photo illustration by amy gleaves)
volleyball “These are the three places that have talked to me [State Fair Community College, Fontbonne, and Indiana Tech] It’s really crazy, I just started playing my freshman year, I’ve come a long way.”
Eric Hutson University of Rhode Island soccer “It’s pretty cool having all the coaches talk to you.”
Scouts look to FHN for future players by hannah meyer
E
very season, athletes train, work out, and practice for their one chance to play for their favorite college team and for some, even the Pros. There is only one way to make their dream a reality and that is to be signed by a college scout. A scout’s job is to look for players they would like to represent their school’s team. Most college scouts are just the coaches of the specific sport’s team that the athlete is involved in. “It is everyday recruiting,” Lindenwood University Men’s soccer coach Carl Hutter said. “It’s twelve months a year of scouting talent.
I am constantly looking for people who perform physically and emotionally well under pressure.” To get a hold of players, scouts send out applications asking sport specific questions. They want to get every bit of information about each athlete they are interested in. “I think it is a ‘feel-good’ thing for athletes that scouts are interested in them,” Hutter said. Some scouts simply send business cards with numbers to high school coaches. Coach Bob Dunahue pulls out his whole stack of cards of scouts who
have contacted him about players in the past such as the Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Texas Rangers. Once a scout has heard of a player, they look into the player’s character. “There first question to me is Check Out always ESPN.com ‘what to make a sports profile kind of for scouts to find you kid are they?’” Activities Director Mike Janes said. “Then, they ask about a player’s grades. Then, finally they get sport specific.” Scouts don’t want to take any chances on a failing student or a student they have to fight to keep eligible to play on their roster.
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They look at an athlete’s record with the law, suspensions, and grades to keep that worry far away from their team. “In high school, one hundred kids come out, sixty percent make it,” Dunahue said. “In college, thirty percent of the kids make it. In the Pros, five percent make it and of that five percent one percent make it as a Major League player. That goes to show how big of a crap shoot it is.” Hutter would like to remind all athletes that someone is always watching even when they do not know it. “We are always looking for good character, attitude, and work ethic,” Hutter said.
Bridget Moriarty Wagner College, New York volleyball “It makes me feel like all the work I’ve done over all the years is finally paying off.”
Andrew Klump Mckendree University, Illinois Soccer “I’m grateful that I’m getting such a great offer. All the hard work I put in actually paid off.”
“Like a good neighbor
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State Farm is there.” Providing Insurance and Financial Services Steve Oien, Agent CLU, CPCU 4131 Mexico Rd. St. Peters, MO 63376 636-936-1111 Fax: 636-447-3155
speakout
Editorial Staff “Since the days of playgrounds and kickball, students have known how little the MAP scores affect them directly. They tend to take little consideration for the new system and feel it’s a waste of time...” Story on page 28
Due to the new writing lab policy this semester, students have been denied access to the writing lab for class work. This is because teachers are trying to improve map testing scores by giving the junior classes access to the writing lab with in-class preparation. (photo illustration by dominique hamilton)
speakout
north star 03.13.08
Editorial It’s Still My Word And I’ll Stand By It
Learning to apply the Butterfly Theory to life by chavon chester
I
’m a fixer. Some people are ‘do-ers’ and others are ‘thinkers’. But no. Not me. I’m a fixer. Whenever I see a problem, I have a compulsive tendency to need to fix it. No matter what it is. Whether it’s something as simple as a crooked poster on my wall, a spelling error, or a problem amongst friends, I always have to step in and save the day. The problem is, well, it’s two things. One: it stresses me out endlessly. And two: I always try and control everything. Every small detail of everyone’s lives. I always want to know what is going on, who’s fighting who, and namely, ‘What can I do to make it better?’ I become like a little superhero amongst my friends, always taking their burdens on my shoulders. This seems all fine and dandy, but trying to control everything is like trying to grab a fistful of sand. The harder you fight to hold it, the tighter you squeeze, the more grains that slip through your fingers, only to be never seen again. That’s how my life is. I always fight to control my friends and every aspect of my life. But the more I struggle to keep everything in check, the more it all slips away from me, and the less I’m left with. When I try and fix all of my friends’ problems, try to keep them all safe and sound and are making the best decisions for themselves, I not only start neglecting my own problems, but I only end up pushing my friends away, like grains of sand blowing away in the wind. So, I’ve decided to start applying the Butterfly Theory to my life. The whole, you take a butterfly and let it go, and if it comes back to you then it’s yours. If it doesn’t, then it never was. I’m going to start letting things go, relinquishing my attempted control on everything in life, because it only leads to me losing what little control I have. Instead, I’m going to hold sand with an open palm instead of a closed fist. Instead, I’m going to start letting things go, and seeing if they come back to me. If they do, then it was meant to be, and if they don’t, then it never was.
Many are upset over the new writing lab policy. Some students think it’s unfair and don’t agree with it. Juniors and seniors are feeling like they are being excluded and not getting the help they need. (comic by jon henderson)
Writing Lab Policy causes complications
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s the lesson continues, students stare on, they stare right through the teacher into that familiar space known to all when focus just can’t make its way home. The students click pencils, chew pens, and nod in and out all because of one thing; MAP day. Junior students and teachers were informed of a new policy this month. The English department this year, in an attempt to stay on top of the school’s Missouri Assessment Program scores, must give up one day a week of their usual lessons. This will take place for nine weeks to make room for the Writing Lab teachers to give a lesson. Lessons vary, but focus mainly on the constructed response portion of the MAP. Since the days of playgrounds and kickball, students have known how little the MAP scores affect them directly. They tend to take little consideration for the new system and feel it’s a waste of time, however it does make for an easy class period. The root of the problem with this system is that during the days when students had the option to get help with assignments that
affect their grades from the Writing Lab have been greatly restricted. This restriction is due to the Writing Lab teachers spending time teaching the junior classes. Students find it a pain and even some teachers tend to feel that the new system is more of an irritancy. The Writing Lab teachers have reported an increase in the quality of constructed responses, but what good does that do if the student can’t have their actual assignments and essays checked? Solving this predicament could come as easily as filling in “C” on a multiple-choice question. Simply have volunteer students in the Writing Lab to take the place of the teachers to peer edit so that those who want feedback can get it, which is similar to the math tutoring system. Another solution would be to offer these MAP study sessions as an optional session, so that students who are truly interested can take advantage of them, and student who aren’t don’t have to.
Quotes from the Commons
Every month four random people will answer four random questions about four random topics The People Alyssa Roberson Freshman Alicia Delaney Sophomore Anna Frkovic Junior Dustin Cupp Senior
28page design barbara jean palmer
What are you looking forward to in the next month?
My Birthday Spring Break Nothing really is going on. Getting out of school
What do you most like to participate in at school?
Running track
What is your favorite thing to do out of school?
Hanging out with friends and going to church
What would you like to grow up to be?
A music producer
Knightline, I love to dance.
Hanging out with friends
Interior designer I like to decorate
Volleyball, it’s fun
Hanging out with my friends
Teacher
Hackeysack club
Art and painting
Artist
speakout
north star 03.13.08
Regarding Letters to the Editor To write a letter to an editor:
Junior Vicki Viehman feels the stress of a hectic life in and out of school. “When I started to get bad grades on tests and I stopped doing my homework,” Viehman said. “I realized I needed to make time to get caught up in my life.” (photo illustration by tori bowden)
One chance, one Shot, one life
Stressing on life helps student realize life is just too short by vicki viehman
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few weeks ago, I had softball practice, swim team, my brother’s carpool, a doctor’s appointment, homework, and newspaper stories due. I was home a total of about 15 minutes each day. I only saw my family in the mornings and I usually ate dinner by myself or wherever I was when I was out. I always had tons to do for everyone else and no time to do anything for myself. I was super busy and super worn out. When I was doing all these things, I was always tired. Usually I’m very hyper and fun, but being so busy drained me of my spunk, and I wasn’t acting
like myself at all. I didn’t enjoy hanging out with my friends or my family because I was too worn out to be social. Being so busy is not a good thing. I got behind on my schoolwork, I missed out on things with my friends and family. I never had any time for myself. I like hanging out with my family and friends, but being so busy denied me this. I missed being able to go home and do things that I liked to do instead of things I had to do. When I got so caught up in my sports and extracurriculars, I forgot about what was really important. I didn’t do my homework for several of my classes and I got really far
behind. I did badly on tests and I got very upset. I didn’t realize that what I really needed to do was to skip a practice and do something for myself. I think sometimes we get so caught up in getting everything done we don’t leave any time for ourselves and what we want. You only get one life to do what you want. Time doesn’t slow down and you can’t repeat anything. If you want to spend your life running around, doing things that others want than be my guest. I would rather do things for myself, enjoying times with my friends and family, staying caught up in my schoolwork, and living my life my way, in my time, the way I want.
* letters to the editor will be printed in the opinion section. * letters must be signed by the author and verified for publication by the editorial board. * letters to the editor may be submitted to Mr. Manfull’s mailbox or room 26. * letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words, must be signed and must include the writer’s address and phone number for verification * all letters to the editor will be verified by a member of the editorial board to determine the authenticity of the writer. * no material will be printed where content is obscene, invasive of others’ privacy, encouraging physical disruption of school activities and/ or implies libel. * the editorial board reserves the right to have letters edited for length, grammar, punctuation, clarity, etc. * If editing is required, the letter will be sent to the author for consent. * the school newspaper will only publish one letter per author per issue. * all letters to the editor become the property of the school newspaper upon receipt and will not be returned.
* letters must be signed by the author and verified for publication by the editorial board. * letters to the editor may be submitted to Mr.. Manfull’s mailbox or room 26. * letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words, must be signed and must include the writer’s address and phone number for verification. * all letters to the editor will be verified by a member of the editorial board to determine the authenticity of the writer.
Got a letter for an editor? E-mail it chavon.chester@gmail.com
Remembering to keep all of your important firsts in life
My First by tyler kirk
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ife is full of firsts: first word, first day of school, first kiss. The list goes on. Some of life’s greatest moments are unforgettable. They’re the kind of stories you tell your kids, who go on to tell their kids, who go on to tell their kids. And since I’ve got no kids to tell my stories to, I guess you’ll have to do… My first visit from the tooth fairy: To be honest, this wasn’t the first tooth to fall out – it was the first tooth I had knocked out. The year was 1996. My mom and I were doing the
‘butt-bump’ dance to the Quad City DJ’s newest hit “C’mon N’ Ride It (The Train).” As we were dancing it must have slipped my mom’s mind that I was about two and a half feet shorter than her, because I absorbed her next butt-bump with my face. We never found that poor, defenseless tooth. My first (visible) scar: This is a false memory, if I may. I’ve heard this story so many times that it’s as if I actually remember it, although I don’t. When I was five, according to my grandma, I was running through her house and looking at a book at the same time. When I was three, according to my mom, she had told me to stop running because I was going to hurt myself. When I was four, according to my baby book, I tripped. But no matter where you hear – or read – the story, it always ends with me bashing my forehead on the corner of a wall. I’ve got the scar to prove it. The point is that life is full of memorable firsts, and each one should be just as special as the last. Because one day, when you’re bouncing your grandson on your knee and telling him the stories of your life, you’ll share your favorite first with him: the story of your first true love. Those are the memories we live for.
jon henderson 2008
page design josh ahrens
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speakout
north star 03.13.08
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online clusive
Keeping best friends really matters by felix ruediger
Every month, members of the North Star will speak out their opinions online. Here’s just a piece of them.
When it was all said and done, we were best friends again until the next fight happened. That is what I miss most about kindergarten. Being able to be you and having fun while doing it.
brittany schulze
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“Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the others gold.” Most high schoolers have at least a hundred people they call their “friends,” but only a few of those are true friends they enjoy spending time with every day. (photo illustration by kayla hatcher)
three serious friends that need some time to actually build up trust and true care for one another. Serious friends don’t have to pretend that they are totally exhausted when they see you every time you walk by. Best friends are the only ones that you can be silent with, or really loud. Best friends will still be there after one year of
separation. You don’t have to be the one to call every time. Best friends will call you. After several months of trying, succeeding and failing, finding new friends and losing old ones and one cultural shock after the other I can say that it´s letting go the pseudo friends and keeping the good ones that really matter.
amy qualls
make as many friends as possible, as if every person is a possible best friend and can possibly mean a good time. In the end though, it’s not about having tons of people that say “hi” to you in the hallways. It´s not about the people that you hang out with once and then not talk to anymore. It’s about the two or
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very friendship certainly goes through many stages. A different environment and different interests as well as growing experience can lead to change in friendships. The relationship between two people never stays the same, because each person depends on too many things that have impact on the person and therefore on the friendship. As a stranger that suddenly came into a different culture and that was given only one year to experience as many different things as possible and make as many friends as at home, it was hard in the beginning to stay true to one’s opinions, beliefs and non-beliefs. But the realness of one´s behavior is what makes a friendship strong. In the beginning of my American school year, I wanted to
Speaking Out
We can’t be the people we see on TV. They only have a few seasons to face the consequences of their actions; we have years to come. They always end up okay; we always end up… how we end up.
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The Ultimate Write Off
Gauging which has become a controversial trend among young people. I used to hate gauging. I was totally turned off by the sight of the giant holes in my older brothers ears and thoroughly disgusted out when he would tell me tales of ripping his ears in the middle of stretching. Ears, apparently, bleed a lot. But recently I decided I would give it a shot. My parents were not so pleased, like most people I told. The majority of people seemed to have a response somewhere along the lines of “Ew” and “Why would you do that to yourself?” Mostly, I would because it’s awesome. Besides being super hip (which it is, and not at all the reason I
want to), it’s also a very interesting culturally and aesthetically. While a lot of people don’t like the look of gauged ears, it’s still the kind of thing that makes them stop and look, and to some being different is appealing. If you’re worried about pain and healing, as long as you stretch carefully and take care of your ears afterwards they’ll heal fine and they will close up. OK, they might make getting jobs difficult and people will be grossed out by it. But if the people you’re hanging around with are going to judge you by outward appearance, well, I wouldn’t want to be around them any ways.
30page design felix ruediger
jessica bremer
leah carter
People can say all they want about them: “They look cool! They express my individuality! They look so cool!” Bottom line is that they are unnecessary. Teens are trying anything today to be considered “unique” and gauges are just one of all the trends. The problem is that it’s not creating individuals, it’s only creating more people who will regret this decision later on in life. Personally, I’ve never had the desire to stand out of the crowd and be someone people look at twice. So maybe that is why I can’t understand the want for gauges. What does a missing chunk of skin do for your image except make people grossed
out when they look at it? This is nothing against the people who get gauges. I’m trying to help out those who are thinking about getting gauges soon in the future. They will regret it later on in life if they go through with getting the gauge. It’s no secret that as you get older your skin already starts to sag and by getting these huge wholes in your ears, you honestly aren’t helping yourself any. All that does is start the process of aging early. So plan ahead, and think about your future. Maybe it’s best to find another way to express yourself.
speakout
north star 03.13.08
Latest releases making all the noise the product
moviereview: Warner Bros: Enchanted
productreview: Gatorade: Gatorade Tiger
productreview: SoBe: SoBe Life Water
cdreview:
the awesome
the awful
Awesome: The casting was amaz-
Awful: It was almost impossible to find a flaw with this film. But as with many movies, this one was highly predictable. I already had a general idea of how it would end before I was even half way into the film. Yet, I want to believe that that’s how most fairytales should be.
ing. With Patrick Dempsey and James Marsden in one film, how could anyone complain? Not to mention that Amy Adams was absolutely perfect for the lead role. She has a beautiful voice and even prettier personality that both come out on screen. You can’t help but want to believe she is a princess in real life.
Awesome: Gatorade Tiger comes
in three flavors: Quiet Storm, Cool Fusion, and Red Drive. The thing I found really cool about these products is that it is endorsed by Tiger Woods, and Woods helped in the developing of the product line. The interesting thing about the product is that it has a really elaborate design of Tiger woods on the label.
Awesome: Besides the cute Super
Bowl commercial, Life Water has lots of other positives. SoBe offers a variety of flavors so you can choose whichever one appeals to you. Another plus is that this flavored water is really low in calories.
Awesome: After already deliver-
ing four albums, it seems that the surfer has found a great formula for a relaxing CD that anyone can listen to all the way through. As is the case with all of Jack Johnson’s albums, each song could be a hit. Whether it’s the short serenity of “Angel” or the piano-rich sound of “Hope,” each tune is impressive.
Jack Johnson: “Sleep through the static”
moviereview: Sony Pictures: Untraceable
Awesome: This movie has great
acting by Diane Lane and the story line is easily followed, and not too complicated like other horror suspense sort of movies. The filming is done well and the music always seemed to perfectly fit the moment. It kept a sense of tastfulness not often seen in its genre.
the aftermath
rating (out of 4 stars)
Aftermath: I had high hopes for this movie as I walked into the theater, and I was not disappointed walking out of it. This light-hearted modern-day fairytale kept my attention its entire 107 minutes. Anyone who hasn’t yet seen it would be crazy to not rent it when it comes out on DVD March 18. -review by: betsy blanchard
Awful: Unfortunately there are
quite a few things I didn’t like about this product. The Red Drive is a combination of cherry and citrus, which is not a good combo, and it tastes funky. The others are fine but I don’t really like them either. The Quiet Storm has a very odd grape taste; it reminds me of purple popsicles.
Awful: The taste of Life Water
seems a little watered down but not overly bad. Also, on Vitamin Water labels they print stories to go along with the drink flavor and SoBe doesn’t do that. Other than that, I didn’t see any negatives about Life Water.
Awful: Most fans of the Hawaii na-
tive love his music for its quiet, soft melody and acoustic guitar. While the quietness is still present, an electric guitar has replaced the acoustic, making for a more distinct sound with less softness. The goofy songs that are great to listen to from previous albums are missing from Sleep.
Awful: The torture scenes in this
movie were gruesome and it was a little bit like a watered down version of Saw. Sometimes the killer’s actions seemed a little fanatical but that’s to be expected to make a good movie. It could actually have had a bit more suspense and creepiness but it was okay.
Aftermath: After this strange experience I would not recommend this product to anyone who does not usually drink Gatorade normally because it has some weird tastes. If you don’t like Gatorade then this is not the time to try it. I think this product has a really cool package but not very good flavor. -review by: jay scott
Aftermath: If you like Vitamin Water, this drink is a nice change. The price is cheap, it costs only around $1.25 a bottle. It tastes good and having the different flavors for different moods is a good idea. -review by: allison sheffler
Aftermath: Although the electric guitar shines on some tracks, the lack of acoustic guitar is a minor disappointment. Next time around, we can only hope that Johnson will stick to the fun, up-beat tunes that fans love. Nonetheless, Sleep is a relaxing album perfect for a cross-country road trip to the beach. -review by: tyler kirk
Aftermath: I actually really liked this movie even though I detest gore. If you really like gore this isn’t the movie for you. It’s not really a ‘Teen’ movie so most of the kids I have heard saw it didn’t really like it but that’s all a matter of taste. I personally would definitely watch it again when it comes out on DVD. -review by: luke christisen
St. Andrews Cinema 1
Al & Cheryl Greunke Insurance Agents 1360 South 5th St., Suite 202 St. Charles, MO 63301-2446
(FIRST TIME CLIENTS ONLY OFFER EXPIRES 06-01-08)
North Star Advertising
(FIRST TIME CLIENTS ONLY OFFER EXPIRES 06-01-08)
North Star Advertising
Bus: (636)946-6222 Fax: (636)946-6228 agreunke@farmersagent.com
We provide a full range of Physical Therapy services, along with Wellness, Body and Energy work. We believe in treating the whole person! Kathy schmidt, Physical therapy, owner 2039 Old Highway 94 South St. Charles, MO 63303 (636) 949-0202
•St. Charles’ original cinema •$3 admission •For shows and showtimes go to www.standrews3.com 2025 Golfway Street St. Charles, MO 63301 (636) 947-1133
2025 Golfway Street St. Charles, MO 63301 (636) 947-1133
page design chavon chester
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photostory north star 03.13.08
Their
ROCK will not be MOCKED photography by ashley cooper Check Out northstartoday.com for an audio slide show on the band Red Lams and Staircases
Senior Adam Weber belts out to the song “Ten Steps Ahead”, which was written by the band MSC. Other members include JP Vindikthorst, Mike Shannon, and Travis Haubner. Junior Eric Peters performs a drum solo during Red Lamps and Staircases’ act. Their song called “Liberal” portrayed some of the band’s political beliefs. Senior Matt McCarty, lead guitarist and singer of Table Bay, plays riffs for the song, -8920.
Zach Clark plays guitar during the performance of New Breed. Eric Peters plays drums and Eric Wiedemeier plays bass.
Junior Eric Wiedemeir plays bass solo with his band Slater Yeah! who were the first performance of Frau Fest.
Sophomore Connor Usry, bass player for the band Meggido, bangs his head to their song.
Morgan Hamby Priya Chandel and Amber Robinson dance during Frau’s traditional Zoo Song. Her band is called Beiss Mich Nicht.
32page design cami wade