December issue

CENTRAL

focus

Volume 18, Issue 3 Dec. 12, 2014 Francis Howell Central High School

The

Pressure to be PERFECT Students face the challenge of balancing the pressures of achieving perfection in apperance, academics, athletics, and social life.

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Discover 3-11

Dec. 12, 2014

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Soccer’s season of success The soccer team’s third place trophy at state was the best finish for a school team since the 2012 volleyball team, which claimed a state title.

Move 12-19

inFocus 20-25

Spotlight 27-33

Voice 35-38

Interact 39

Ads 40

DECEMber 6

In the studio

14

Rink roundup

30

Gift guide

36

Tuning in

Bands Reconcera and Minus Me share what the process has been like in creating their forthcoming albums.

The FHC ice hockey club has hit the ice on fire, playing fiercely and keeping a winning record.

If you’re looking for ideas of what to buy friends and family for the holidays, explore the recommendations of three of our writers.

Kameryn Mellor and Erin Rowland debate when it is acceptable to become a fan of a hit show.

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Dec. 12, 2014

MUST READ

DISCOVER

6

THREE things we

DISCOVERED

this month

Preparing for finals

Finals will take place from Wednesday Dec. 17 to Friday Dec. 19. Finals for Dec. 17 are 1st hour, 2nd hour, and 6th hour. Finals for Dec. 18 are 3rd hour and 4th hour. Finals for Dec. 19 are 5th hour and 7th hour.

First semester ends, break begins

First semester ends on Friday, Dec. 19th. Winter break starts Dec. 22 and ends Jan. 6.

Students return back to school for second semester on Jan. 6..

Winter weather makes snow days possible Snow days will be posted on the district website between 9 and 10 the night before, or between 5 and 6 the morning of.

Ahead of the crowd

More and more students are electing to graduate at semester n By Emily Klohr

F

discover editor

rom wanting to get out of high school, to wanting to put in extra hours at work or wanting to start college as soon as possible, the reasons students choose to graduate early n See GRADUATING, jump to page 10 are endless.

“

“Things like online classes ... are increasing the options for students, and thus allowing more to graduate early.”

-Mr. Dustin Bailey Guidance Counselor

Photo illustration by Ashley Marlo

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DISCOVER Dec. 14, 2014

A front row seat to

HISTORY

Trio from Normandy, Ferguson area have up close experience to protests, riots unfolding in their neighborhood n By Cadence Bippen staff reporter

It’s safe to say that virtually every FHC student has heard the name Mike Brown, Darren Wilson, or at the very least, Ferguson. But, there are some Spartans who don’t just see the riots, looting and protests on the news or the internet; these kids live it.

The small percentage of Central students who reside nearer to the Ferguson area experience the impact unlike many other students can imagine. Senior Mark Fields and his sister freshman Markita Fields live in St. Louis, and from their home, they can hear the police officers settling the protesters.

“We just see some of it, driving down the streets. [You see] a lot of buildings burnt down, and you get a little worried,” Mark Fields said.

“The riots are still going, here and there.

The other day, it’s burning down buildings.

Like, you never know,” Markita Fields said. “[We] went down to Ferguson a couple times, just to march. It’s hectic. When they’re throwing the tear gas, it’s like, ‘it’s time to go!’”

Senior Tiana Watson sees incidents

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where she grew up, the Florissant area.

She goes back to visit, and she says it’s kind of sad.

“One day I went to Schnucks, and there was a National Guard truck up there. So it’s like, you know it’s gonna get wild. The store up the street from us, [people] actually did rob, when the Mike Brown [case] first came out.”

For these students, their own neighborhoods are being demolished before their very eyes. What began as a cry for justice has mutated into something much bigger.

“Burning it, and stealing,” Watson said, “That’s dumb. That’s your community, you know? You have to live there! I can understand about getting the justice. It’s people taking advantage of the opportunity to steal. Most of the looters are not from there, from Ferguson. They’re from the city, out of state… they’re like, ‘ooh, free stuff.’’

“My opinion,” Mark Fields said, “is they doin’ all this for the fun of it. Cause, the boy, Mike Brown--he dead. Nothing’s getting better, it’s getting worse.”

The majority of FHC students come from the St. Peters area, so it makes sense that

many don’t quite comprehend how violent the protest can be “Everybody out here, like, they hold up signs like ‘hands up, don’t shoot’. So I think some of the kids support it,” Markita Fields said, “But some of the kids don’t get, like... you really have to be there. It’s more than [what they show on] home TV.” “You gotta see it in person, [not] on TV, because on TV they’re not showing how the whole city looks,” Mark Fields said.

“Actually a lot of people, since I’m from there, a lot of people do come to me and ask me about it,” Watson said. “Teachers, students. But I don’t know...really what they think of it. You know, everybody has their own opinion of how they feel.”

Whether students live in Cottleville, Florissant, Albany, or São Paulo, Brazil, it is almost guaranteed they have heard of and been affected by Ferguson.

“It’s like, wow, is this really happening?”

Markita Fields said. “It’s crazy. Like...what?

They’re not gonna let this go. Everything was slowing down, calm, until they made this [grand jury] decision. Then everything went chaos again. St. Louis won’t be never the same, I can tell you that. Never the same.”

“We just see some of it, driving down the streets. [You see] a lot of buildings burnt down, and you get a little worried.”

-Mark Fields, senior

photos courtesy of MCT Campus

More than 150 gun shots fired off the night Officer Darren Wilson was not indicted.

126 arrests from Monday and Tuesday in the St. Louis area.

12 buildings burned during the riots on Nov. 24.

10 cars were vandalized and destroyed during the riots.

2,200 National Guardsmen were issued during these nights.

178 cities held demonstrations on the night the decision was made to not indict Wilson.

12 bullets fired from Wilson’s gun on the day of Brown’s death.

Fighting the flu

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DISCOVER Dec. 12, 2014

n By Olivia Biondo staff reporter

200,000 As the flu 90% season approaches 20% rapidly, precautions need 71% to be taken to prevent getting 2 sick.

people go to the hospital with flu symptoms each season.

of people 65 and older have a higher risk of dying of the flu.

of people on average, will come down with the flu each year. less people went to the hospital with the flu when given the vaccination.

weeks is generally how long people are sick with the flu.

Info from: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/fact_sheet.htm

Helpful tips for keeping the flu away +

Keep a safe distance from anyone who is sick, wash your hands often and practice good health habits.

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If you become sick, stay away from others and make sure you stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

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Take antiviral drugs and gargle salt water to help out sore throats. Let your fever go away on its own and get plenty of Vitamin C.

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Make sure to get the flu vaccine or nose spray, it will help to keep you from getting sick during the harsh winter times.

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DISCOVER Dec. 12, 2014

Making the cut

Reconcera, Minus Me detail process of making a record

A console used for recording audio. This is used to not only record the audio, but make it sound like a finished product, making it a vital tool.

The Gibson Les Paul is a guitar that is being used in studios around the world. It is one of the most recoginizable instruments in the world.

This is a Neumann U87. This microphone has been used on vocals for decades and is one of the most iconic microphones used when making a record.

Drums are a crucial part of any recording.

They generally take the longest and are the hardest to perfect.

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DISCOVER Dec. 12, 2014 2014 Oct. 30,

Pictured above is a session of Pro Tools. This the leading software for recording digital audio.

n By Jake Roach staff reporter

Music is a strange emotional phenomenon. The connection a fan feels to music is unmatched, and that’s largely due to the extensive process the band underwent in order to bring that connection to life.

Music seems to be the most controversial of all forms of entertainment. Books, movies, and even video games have a main stream that is not generally resisted. There are few, but the mass have no problem riding in the mainstream.

This isn’t the case with music, even though people ride the mainstream, they publically resist it. Maybe because music makes us feel in ways other forms of entertainment can’t match.

This process is generally considered the writing and recording of a record, and to most people, that is all that will ever go into it. However, behind the curtain where the limelight finds its resting place, the secrets behind bringing music to life rear their faces, and shake artists in fear.

This fear is birthed out of the unseen work that will never be thought of by their beloved listeners. The timeline that spans months or even years leaves not a single wasted second to bring songs that can bring calm in the storm, to celebrate joy, to vindicate the broken, and to reassure peace.

Connection with listeners is the greatest fear of the artists, so the artist will work through sleepless nights in order to properly prepare to show the collection of songs to the world. nnn Senior Jack McCoy heads the alternative rock band, Minus Me. The band just finished recording its debut record at Encapsulated Studios in Maplewood, Missouri with engineer Gabe Usery. The record is titled “Jupiter” and is heavily influenced by the death of McCoy’s grandfather.

“We usually work lyrics into the music already written and

a lot of that happened to be about my grandpa,” McCoy said.

The record is very special to McCoy and because of that, every member put everything they had into it.

“We sat for a couple days just getting stuff sounding good before we even hit record. I remember spending three hours on one guitar part,” McCoy said.

According to McCoy, the studio is a lot different than people may suspect in regards to the amount of stress that is put on an artist’s shoulders.

“It’s really stressful being there. Not only knowing you’re trying to make something special, but even just playing the parts correctly while everyone is sitting there watching you closely,” McCoy said.

The band is currently awaiting final versions of the songs, although the pressure hasn’t gone anywhere.

“I feel like we’re in a dangerous limbo before it comes out,” McCoy said.

Vocalist Joshua Smith feels this same stress. He is the vocalist of the hardcore band Reconcera. Smith is currently recording vocals on the band’s new record at The Killing Joke Studios and as the deadline draws nearer, the intensity grows.

“The pressure to make something that is going to connect with someone is definitely terrifying. We just tried to take an honest view at what we’ve been through and what we know our friends and family have been through,” Smith said.

The band has a Christian message, and this proves even tougher to put out music, according to Smith.

“We’re swimming against the stream as a band, but that’s okay. It’s worth it to be out talking a seeing kids and seeing the impact God makes through us in them,” Smith said.

With the band being in the middle of the process, every member is in full swing of work. Each member takes a part of work in the band that would normally be handled by a third party, such as production, or design, etc.

“It’s more stressful having the extra workload on all of us, but at the end of the day we’re never pointing fingers. At least we can put exactly what we want into it,” Smith said.

Photo by: Jake Roach

In fact, Reconcera is in the process of re-recording its entire record to ensure it turns to the vision they had for it, according to Smith.

“It just wasn’t right. A little bit of everything was off and it wasn’t what we wanted to put out,” Smith said. nnn

This sort of pressure isn’t exclusive to only Minus Me and Reconcera. Many, if not all true artists, musical ones and not, feel it. Much like when a mother births a child, the day when it goes out on it’s own, one can only hope they did what they could.

Despite all of this, some might ask: Why? Why would anyone force that feeling on themselves? McCoy claims that seeing a record go out and be successful, and connect with people makes the whole process worth it.

“The end product is worth it. All the time it took to get everything perfect joins together and shows exactly what you created,” McCoy said.

Creation is the sole answer, according to both McCoy, and Smith. Being able to look back and reflect on a feeling or emotion inside of a pair of headphones, on a canvas, or between pages, the effect is the same.

The connection is so close for artists, often when their work is trashed, it simply hurts them. For true artists, ones who are invested for the love of it, and nothing else, feel this.

“It’s disrespectful to bash work. Like, you can say I suck or my bandmates suck, but don’t say our work sucks. That’s just disrespectful,” Smith said.

Music, and all art, is a physical token of something thought or felt, good or bad, happy or sad, and because of that artists grow so close to their work.

“I’m married to the stuff. I can only hope for the best when it comes out, I mean everyone can improve, but I am so proud,” McCoy said.

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DISCOVER Dec. 12, 2014

Giving for life

Teen volunteers break the social stigma of apathetic adolescents by giving their time to people in need

Junior Mary Halloran visits with a Mount Carmel resident and helps her paint a Christmas tree. “[Volunteering] distracts me from what’s going on and it’s very nice,” Halloran said.

n By Joseph Silver move editor

It’s a chilly afternoon as cars file out of the student parking lot. Most students are heading home or to work, but not junior Mary Halloran. She is heading out to Mount Carmel nursing home to volunteer there.

Halloran volunteers at Mount Carmel nursing home which is near Lindenwood University and about 20 minutes away from FHC. “I like hanging out with the old people at the nursing homes,” Halloran said. “They are very lovely and make my day happy.

I like it because it kind of distracts from what’s going on.”

Halloran has been able to develop special relationships with some of the residents at the nursing home which helps her want to volunteer more. One of those residents is Lorraine Sheridan, a 93 year-old-woman who lives at Mount Carmel.

“There is this one little old lady that I like to paint with, her name is Lorraine,” Halloran said. “It distracts me from what’s going on and it’s very nice. She likes to paint flowers and these really intricate zen doodle designs, it’s really cool.”

In addition to volunteering at Mount Carmel, Halloran volunteers at St. Agnes nursing home, St. Joseph Parish, and

at school with clubs like All of Us and Catholics in Action.

“It makes me happy, it makes me feel like a good person,” Halloran said. “It makes me feel like I’m doing something right. It’s a nice way to spend my free time.”

Halloran tries to volunteer at least once a week, visiting Sheridan and other residents at Mount Carmel or the Carmelite nuns at St. Agnes. “[Volunteering] is extremely important; It’s definitely a part of my life that I could never give up for anything else,” Halloran said. “The way it makes me feel affects how I live my life, it’s how I know where I’m supposed to be.”

Halloran gives up a lot of her free time in order to volunteer, but she is willing to give up a portion because of how volunteering has impacted her life.

“I still have free time, it’s just I like to spend it volunteering,” Halloran said. “They give me new things to learn about, like some of the older people tell stories, and they’re kind of mind blowing and it’s interesting to hear that, like a first-person story out of history, and it’s really cool.”

Halloran has big plans ahead of her, as she wants to be a neurosurgeon. Volunteering is a tremendous help to her because she gets to learn from and interact with all different types of people.

Photo by Joseph Silver

“I want to be a neurosurgeon to help find a cure to Alzheimer's because I see how it affects the older people, it’s just devastating and hard to watch it progress, so I want to help make a difference in that,” Halloran said. “Volunteering helps me develop a personality to be able to talk with older people and to see where they are coming from.”

St. Louis native and cofounder of Volunteen Nation, Simone Bernstein is an advocate for youth volunteers, giving money through grants to help promote teenagers to volunteer.

“When youth are encouraged to volunteer and problemsolve they help make the world a better place to live and we become part of the solution,” Bernstein said. “Volunteer service heals divisions within communities and allows youth to understand and problem-solve the issues and challenges faced in the world.”

Her organization helps youth easily connect with volunteer opportunities in their area, all around the United States.

“VolunTEEN Nation helps youth easily connect with volunteer opportunities in their community and offers lots of resources and support,” Bernstein said. “Many youth volunteers are amazed by how much they learn from the experience. We hope young people will continue to volunteer throughout their life. Benefits to volunteering include learning more about your

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DISCOVER Dec. 12, 2014

Photo by Joseph Silver Photos courtesy of Mary Halloran

community, meeting new people, adding an opportunity to your resume, and developing new skills.”

Bernstein feels adolescents are very helpful and break the social stigma of teenagers being lazy and selfish. She thinks that youth volunteers gain much more experience and insight on life, and youth don’t just do it to put another thing on their resume.

“When students volunteer, they realize that adults are interested in their input and advice to grow an organization,” Bernstein said. “When adults see students volunteer, they realize that young people are dedicated, motivated, and energized about giving back. It is important that teenagers consider giving their time to support organizations in need of volunteers.

Volunteers are critical to the survival of organizations.”

Bernstein created Volunteen Nation, along with her brother Jake Bernstein because they were frustrated with the lack of information and resources available for teenagers that wanted to volunteer in the community. It started out as St. Louis Volunteen, but quickly took off, and became Volunteen Nation.

Since then, Bernstein was named one the 2013 Glamour Top 10 College Women, 2010 L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth, January 2011 Huffington Post Person of the Day, and listed on the 2012 Forbes 30 under 30 list.

Volunteen Nation supports teenagers like senior Brittany Swaringim for her service for her church, The Crossing in Chesterfield, and her endeavors to help make the community better.

“I grew up in a family that volunteered a lot around the church and my dad worked there, so we spent a lot of time there,” Swaringim said. “It was a way for us to enjoy our time.”

Swaringim helps organize things around the church and helps teach the children there.

“Sometimes I’ll help them organize or I’ll work with the kids on the weekends and teach or lead worship or lead a small group,” Swaringim said. “You get lasting relationships with the kids that last a long time, and it’s really important to me because it’s part of building a community.”

Like Halloran, Swaringim doesn’t have much free time on her hands, but enjoys spending that time volunteering.

“I don’t have a lot of free time because of school, but I make sure that I make time for volunteering,” said Swaringim.

Swaringim plans on teaching because she enjoys spending time with kids.

“I want to go into elementary and special education,” Swaringim said. “I love being with kids and volunteering has helped see that.”

TOP LEFT: Mount Carmel resident Lorraine Sheridan smiles as she celebrates Team USA’s performance in the Winter Olympics. She loved watching hockey.

TOP RIGHT: Halloran and a Mount Carmel resident add the finishing touches on her Christmas tree.

Halloran visited the nursing home on Saturday, Dec. 6.

BOTTOM LEFT: Sheridan yells with excitement as she calls out bingo during the game.

Sheridan enjoyed bingo and painting during her free time and loved the Cardinals.

BOTTOM MIDDLE: Sheridan looks on with content while eating breakfast.

She recently passed away.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Sheridan and a Mount Carmel nurse laugh while Sheridan wears her handmade mask. “She used to paint with her dad.

She had all these beautiful paintings hung in her room of fruit baskets and such that she had painted with her dad,” Halloran said.

I enjoy volunteering. I help out a seventh grader with autism in St. Joseph’s Parish School of Religion class. He has taught me so much in my three years of helping him. He has taught me how to be patient, how to be kind, how to enjoy life, and most

By Joey Silver importantly, he has taught me how to Move editor love. His love and kindness towards others is truly inspiring.

I can recall a time when he had a few pieces of candy he had earned in class, and he gave one to his twin brother, without a second thought. He inspires me and I look forward to helping him out every week; he brightens my day and helps me to be a better person.

I am also a Volunteen Nation Ambassador. This means I must implement two major creative initiatives to promote service and to collectively engage youth to drive change in our community and to maximize the power of youth to make a difference.

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DISCOVER Dec. 12, 2014

n GRADUATING, from page 3

Each year, students are given more opportunities to get enough credits to graduate early with every advance in technology the school delves into.

The amount of students graduating early this year is higher than usual. According to guidance counselor, Mr. Dustin Bailey, there are 33 students planning to graduate early, which is seven more than last year. He believes this number will continue to increase over the the next couple of years.

“Things like online classes

and getting high school credit for high school classes taken in middle school are increasing the options for students, and thus allowing more of them to graduate early,” Mr. Bailey said.

Senior Ryan Beck is one of the 33 students who have decided to graduate early. He is a musician and would like to further his musical career.

“In the near future, I plan on touring and taking steps to further my career in that direction,” Beck said.

Beck plans on using his A+ hours at SCC as well as working a second job during second semester. This will help

him finish college earlier and catch up with his bandmates.

“Many of my bandmates are in a class above me, so graduating early will give me a head start on completing my general education courses in college,” Beck said.

According to Beck, the benefits of graduating early vary from person to person.

Some people could use the extra semester before college to work and earn money, while others can use it to get started on college classes.

“Bottom line, it just gives you more time to make those choices without having to

worry about extra high school semantics,” Beck said.

Junior Dani Rios plans on staying through second semester and attending SEMO for Marketing and Information Systems after she finishes her junior year. Rios is one of three students graduating after their junior year.

“I decided to graduate early because I thought it would be wise to go ahead and start getting a college education as early as possible. I’m graduating as a junior because I have the credits necessary to do so and I feel as though I’m ready to start learning the

skills that are needed to get a degree and go out into the real world,” Rios said.

According to Rios, students who graduate early are given more time to think about what they want to do for college, if that’s their plan. She thinks students who have the opportunity to graduate early should use their best judgement when deciding what to do.

“If they don’t feel they’re ready to leave high school behind, they should stay, but if they feel they’re ready to leave and are eager to start the college experience, then they should,” Rios said.

Number of students graduating early increases dramatically 50

Number of students

40

33

30

20

19

18

26

18

10

1 2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Year

Caleb Mundle, freshman

Angelique Ikeda, sophomore

Chris Roth, senior

topic 1: Do you think students given the opportunity to should graduate early?

“Yes, because if their grades are good and they have all of their credits I think its a good idea.”

“Yes I do. It is a good opportunity.”

“Yes, it’s a great opportunity because I am graduating early.”

topic 2: What do you do to prepare for winter weather and flu season?

“Get flu shots and dress warm.”

“Dress warm and don’t wear shorts or tank tops.

Also wash your hands and take showers.”

“Normally, I find a thin jacket that I can stuff into a binder.”

topic 3: What is your opinion on the events in Ferguson?

“The cop was justified, I don’t think there was anything wrong with the decision that came out.”

“I think it was unnecessary for them to destroy everything they did. It’s in their own home and they are hurting themselves more than anyone else.”

“I’m from down there around Ferguson, in Jennings, and I think they’ve blown this way out of proportion.”

33 on

We walked the halls to find out student opinions on stories we didn’t have the space to cover in the paper.

Each month, we’ll find three students and get their take on the issues and events students are talking about.

11 MOVE

Move

Dec. 12, 2014

MUST READ

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THREE MOVING

stats from this month Wilbourn named to Hall of Fame

Activities director Scott Harris announced on Monday that alum Brandon Wilbourn as the latest addition to the FHC Athletic Hall of Fame. Wilbourn was a four-time state medalist and a state champion in 2010 with a 52-1 record. Wilbourn currently wrestles at the University of Nebraska.

Starting early

Sensations take second

Spring athletes begin training for their sports months in advance n By Morgan Brader

A

staff reporter

s the winter sports approach, an increasing amount of student athletes can be found in the weight room, in the gym, and on the track to train for their sports. It can be assumed that the majority of these students are the athletes competing in winter sports. However, spring sport athletes, such as baseball players and track runners, are flooding the track and weight room to begin their early training.

Second-year varsity baseball player, junior Erik Webb, is preparing to make varsity for the third time. By doing so, he must work out and train on his own. Webb and his varsity teammates can be found in the weight room throughout the winter.

“We usually will start lifting weights or we’ll go out to the field,” Webb said. “On the field, usually we try to play a lot of catch to keep our arms loose; hit grounders and popflies to each other.” n See SPRING SPORTS, jump to page 18

Photo by Tyler Tran

Junior Jonathan Aubuchon pushes himself in the school’s weight lifting class. Many atletes can be seen working out in either the class or on their own after school in order to prepare for the upcoming spring tryouts.

The Sensations placed second in their hip hop routine receiving a precision award for their outstanding hip hop routine.

For their dance routine they placed fifth in their category.

Poenicke selected to state band

On Dec. 6, Taylor Poenicke earned a place on the state honor band, the first FHC student to do so in four years. As a state honor member, Poenicke will perform at the state convention in January.

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Dec. 12, 2014

Losing to win

Wrestlers practice rapid weight loss which may give them a competitive edge, but losing weight quickly could have negative health impact

n By Joseph Silver

Photo by Zach Grau

presented decreased short-term memory, vigor (strength), the amount of weight a wrestler can lose. concentration and self-esteem as well as increased “MSHSAA puts regulations in place to monitor how much move editor confusion, rage, fatigue, depression and isolation...all of which weight is lost by an individual and what is the lowest level they Cutting weight allows wrestlers to get into a weight class that might be easier for them to compete in. Since the goal is are able to compete at during a season once a wrestler’s may hamper competitive performance.”

The study also stated that rapid weight loss can lead to to get into a lower weight class, the athlete would be facing weight is certified,” Mr. Harris said. “I know our coaching eating disorders and could negatively affect growth and staff does a great job of monitoring the student’s kids that are much smaller than they are, giving Weight Class development in adolescence. weights and making sure they weigh in before and them the competitive edge. Competition is fierce, 106 pounds Since cutting water weight is a practice used by wrestlers, after practice and many weigh-in before school and in a sport where size really does matter, you 113 pounds 120 pounds their cells constantly change their volume each day as well during the season to need all the advantages you can get.

126 pounds (the human consists of approximately 65-70 help them monitor where they are at.”

Senior and varsity wrestler Jacob Gajewski It’s never 132 pounds percent water) and thus affect homeostasis With the regulations set by MSHSAA, cuts weight in order to stay competitive against 138 pounds beneficial, within the body. Homeostasis is the way the the school must follow the regulations larger athletes. He feels that cutting weight is a 145 pounds there is no 152 pounds body tries and balances everything out; it in order to compete. If student athletes necessity, which helps him stay fierce among the 160 pounds health benpromotes a stable internal environment. So are unable to cut weight correctly, strong opponents.

170 pounds with the constant variation in water amount, it could lead to some serious health “If you don’t lose weight, then bigger people are efit to rapid 182 pounds issues and could even hamper their coming down to wrestle you,” said Gajewski. “It 195 pounds weight loss.” your body is either over or under producing 220 pounds hormones to help maintain homeostasis performance, both in school and during kind of screws you over.”

285 pounds according to http://www.bbc.co.uk/. These competitions.

Cutting weight is difficult, but it has a lot of -Doctor Tom excess or insufficient amount of hormones Lord “As with all of our sports, student benefits according to Gajewski. can lead to the health problems discussed in “Because you have to run a lot, you get in great shape,” safety is our most important responsibility and we the study.

Gajewski said. “It also makes you bigger for your weight are fortunate to have a coaching staff in place, led Do the benefits outweigh the risks of rapid weight loss? class because you aren’t just dieting, you’re losing water. If by Head Coach Steve Cross, that makes sure all of our you lose water, you still have all of your muscle and you can students are doing what is best for them,” Mr. Harris said. According to family physician Dr. Tom Lord, they do not.

“From a health stand point, it’s not a good idea,” Dr. Lord “With the state monitoring your certification, that only allows just gain it right back.”

There are some drawbacks to cutting weight though. If you you to drop so much throughout the season and it ensures that said. “When you’re talking about intentionally losing five to 10 pounds to get to a certain weight, you’re going to have don’t cut weight correctly, you could face some serious health you are not doing in a short period of time, which is unsafe.”

However, when people drop weight in a short amount of to do that by not drinking much, you’d be dehydrated, and issues. you’d have to basically starve yourself, depriving yourself of “If you don’t do it right, or do too much in a short amount time, there are concerns.

According to a study done by the Journal of the International fuel or energy. Even if you get to the weight you’re shooting of time,” Gajewski said. “You can get tired or bad cramps if you are super dehydrated. It can be unhealthy if you do it to a Society of Sports Nutrition, rapid weight loss can take a toll for, you’re going to be relatively weak, you’re not going to be certain point, but if you do it right it’s not really that unhealthy.” on the young athletes. They state that “several investigations at peak performance. It’s never beneficial, there is no health Activities Director Scott Harris says that MSHSAA limits have reported that athletes undergoing [rapid weight loss] benefit to rapid weight loss.”

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Oct. 30, 2014

Working through winter

races to run

Frostbite series

Runs Dec. 13 through Feb. 7 with all races at Forest Park.

Snowball series

Runs from Dec. 6 through Jan. 31, with runs at Forest Park, Queeny Park, Tower Grove Park, Carondelet Park and Creve Coeur Park.

Workouts in cold help prepare track team members for upcoming track season n By Jake Baumgartner staff reporter

During winter, the red rubber of the track is covered in ice and snow, the high jump and pole vault pits are boarded up and locked away, and the sandboxes for long jump are too frozen to break a fall. But despite all these inconveniences, the 2014 district champion track and field team is gearing up and getting ready to for another shot at a state title.

In preparation for the upcoming season, athletes from all events are putting blood, sweat, tears, and maybe a little bit of frostbite into becoming faster and stronger. Not only are pre-season workouts available for training, but the St. Louis area alone holds many different running competitions to loosen up runners who have been hibernating since last spring.

‘

One of these popular competitions to compete in, especially for track athletes who run distance events, is the Snowball Series. A series of five races sponsored by the Big River Running Company, the Snowball Series is a group distance road fun runs that started Dec. 6 and runs through January. Running in the cold may be brutal, but for junior Kristy Eslinger, the spring season makes the winter runs worth it.

“I use the winter to stay in shape for track,” Eslinger said. “After cross country, a winter off can make you slow, so you have to stay in shape.”

Eslinger says that while the cold weather is rough, it helps the body get accustomed to the cold, which is a big factor in running, especially during early track season when the winter’s cold is still lingering.

Besides the Snowball Series, there are other

winter running events that take place all over St. Louis, such as the Frostbite Series which takes place in Forest Park. All these events give track runners all over the area a chance to train and compete before the official season.

The track team also has workouts every other day after school during the winter, using the hallways as a course, and weight lifting to build strength, as running races, sprint or distance, takes almost every ounce of energy out of a runner.

Senior Devon Enochs, a varsity pole vaulter, explains the winter routine for field event athletes.

“For vaulting training, we usually run a couple times a week and lift, specifically focusing on upper body strength.” Enochs said.

Vaulting requires a lot of upper body

strength, so preseason is focused on building muscle, according to Enochs. The same goes for any field event. On top of that, there are plenty of places with indoor jumping or vaulting pits, and sandboxes for long and triple jumpers to focus on their technique.

According to head coach Bob Breuer, the track team has a shot at winning districts again and moving on to win state.

“Every year I think that the girls and boys programs have a shot at winning a district or state title. If I, or the other coaches didn’t think this way, then we wouldn’t be putting competitive teams on the track or field.”

Breuer said.

Breuer also stresses that any new runners, and veteran runners should participate in pre-season workouts or another winter sport to avoid injuries such as shin splints.

I use the winter to stay in shape for track. After cross country, a winter off can make you slow, so you have to stay in shape.”

- Kristy Eslinger, junior

14 MOVE

Dec. 12, 2014

Coming together

Hockey club’s strong start to season created by early practices, team bonding

photo by Ashley Marlo

Senior alternate captain Shane Quinn handles the puck around opposing Zumwalt North players as senior captain Andy Moats looks on. Quinn has been a part of the FHC hockey team all four years of his high school career.

n By Erin Rowland digital executive editor

Despite a lack of school sponsorship, the boys hockey team continues their hot season with optimism. Many members of the team are seniors, and a few are doing double duty as members of both the varsity and junior varsity squads. Senior right winger and captain Andy Moats is optimistic about the upcoming season.

“I’m expecting us to not only win a lot of games, but to also make a run at playoffs,” Moats said.

According to Moats, the team spent much of the summer doing off-ice training, and has had a number of practices in preparation for the first game.

“I think we’re really coming together as a team. I think for the most part, we’re a really tight-knit group, and other than that, we’re really devoted to winning games and we’re devoted to the team,” Moats said.

Junior defender Nathan Hendrix also has high hopes for hockey this season.

“I’m expecting a pretty good season. We have a pretty good lineup and pretty good roster,” Hendrix said.

However, Hendrix also acknowledges the team will face some challenging opponents.

“A lot of the teams we’re going to be playing are pretty tough, but we should be able to come in there and beat them,” Hendrix said.

Hendrix and Moats both stated private schools like CBC will be their heaviest competition this year. Senior goaltender Graham Nave believes there are many factors that make the team up to the challenge.

“We have a really good team and we’re really fast. Everyone has played a couple of years of high school hockey, so we’re all prepared for it. I think we’ll do really well,” Nave said.

In order to better prepare themselves, many of the team members have been putting in extra work to improve their own abilities. Moats has spent a lot of time doing

off-ice training and has also joined another team to get more ice time.

“This is definitely the first year that I’ve devoted 100 percent to bettering myself as an ice hockey player,” Moats said.

Moats is not the only senior who is working to improve himself this season. Nave is taking a different approach to the season.

“I’m just personally trying to be more relaxed, and trying to have more fun with it.

This is my last year playing hockey, so I’m just trying to have fun with it and I think that’s actually helping me in the long run because I’m more relaxed,” Nave said.

According to Hendrix, the team has been emphasizing team bonding and made many attempts to become a unified team, both on the ice and off.

“We’re all trying to work together as a team and trying to bond together more so that we can look out for each other on the ice,” Hendrix said.

Moats is also excited about team bonding, specifically one of the suggestions for team

events.

“We thought it would be fun to watch the entire series ‘The Mighty Ducks,’ so that could potentially be something that we do,” Moats said.

According to Nave, much of the team bonding has occurred during practices.

“At practice, we end practice with a game.

We split up the team and we play each other, and then the losing team has to do some kind of exercise,” Nave said.

While many of the team members are seniors, Moats believes this year’s team has an advantage over teams from years past.

“I think we’re a deep team. In years past we’ve had one good line and a couple of okay lines. This year we’re a deep team. We have consistently different lines that can put points on the board and keep pucks out of the net,” Moats said.

To Hendrix, what sets the team apart isn’t necessarily skill, it’s attitude.

“I think it’s the effort and the heart we have,” Hendrix said.

15 MOVE

Dec. 12, 2014

Photo by Ashley Marlo

The players celebrate after scoring a goal in their game against Francis Howell. The team’s chemistry, established through team bonding and more practices, is a big reason why they pushed through and beat Francis Howell.

Photo by Ashley Marlo

Senior alternate captain Alexander Calvert carries the puck along the boards toward the opposing team’s goal. The game against Francis Howell marked the fifth consecutive win for the team.

Photo by Ashley Marlo

Junior Jacob Guilstorf defends the puck against a Howell player while carrying it up the ice. The team beat Howell in a hard fought battle by a score of 4-1.

16 MOVE

Dec. 12, 2014

OVERALL RECORD: 23-5-1 DeSmet 3-2 St. Dominic 4-0 Troy 4-0 Howell 1-2 Lafayette 1-1 Howell North 2-1 Oakville 1-0 FZW 4-2 Timberland 3-0 Lindbergh 1-0 P. West 3-0 Chaminade 0-2 FZW 2-1 FZE 2-0 FZS 2-1 Howell N. 3-2 Howell 2-0 Timberland 2-1 Troy 5-1 Lee’s Summit 2-1 Lee’s Summit West 3-1 Vianney 0-3 Marquette 1-0 FZN 3-0 Howell 1-0 Timberland 2-0 Marquette 2-1 Lee’s Summit 1-2 Rockhurst 2-1

‘

It’s pretty exciting I can say I was on the first team at FHC to make it to the final four. We made it to districts four times sectionals four times, quarterfinals four times, and we finally made it to the final four.”

-Tristyn Hasmer, senior

Top goal scorers Photo by Jerianne Harrison

The players from the wall in front of the goal sprint toward the Lee’s Summit players during an indirect free kick in the game against Lee’s Summit on Friday, Nov. 14. The team ended up losing the hard fought game by a score of 2-1.

Kyle Setchfield 16 goals

Coleton Brown 8 goals

Marc Crawford 8 goals

Top goalkeeper

Chase Webert 23 victories

Photo by Julia Becker

Senior captain Ryan Hutson lifts the third place state trophy for the first time in The team celebrates winning the district title for the fourth straight year. They accomplished this by beating Francis Howell 1-0 the school’s history. They beat Rockhurst 2-0 on Saturday, Nov. 15 to win the third on Wednesday, Oct. 29. place game.

Photo by Ashley Marlo

17 MOVE

Dec. 12, 2014

Photo by Jerianne Harrison

The team patiently waits for the game to start as the starting line-ups get called before the game against Lee’s Summit. (From left to right): senior Jordan Henderson, junior Colton Schweigert, senior Logan Schmidt, senior Max Kirkpatrick, senior Andrew Keller, senior Marc Crawford, senior Tristyn Hasmer, senior Justin Stinson, junior Kyle Setchfield, senior Ryan Hutson, senior Chase Webert

Stellar season yields awards n By Joseph Silver move editor

With the conclusion of their season ending in a win, the boy’s soccer program adds more titles to their impressive season. Junior forward Kyle Setchfield was voted as the Player of the Year in Class 4 by all of Photo by Brittney Kennedy the coaches, as well as to the Missouri Junior Kyle Setchfield fights off a tackle from a Rockhurst player in their game on Saturday, Nov. 15.

High School Boys Soccer Coaches Association all-state team.

“I was surprised really, there are so many kids that could’ve gotten it,” Setchfield said. “I’m honored to be the one to get it honestly. All the coaches came together and made that decision.”

Setchfield ended the regular season with 14 goals and seven assists, a total of 35 points, which was a big reason why he was voted as the Player of the Year.

In addition to that, senior goalkeeper Chase Webert was voted as the Photo by Jerianne Harrison Goalkeeper of the Year.

A Lee’s Summit player tumbles over senior Marc Crawford while trying to win the “It’s an honor. It’s just really cool. The ball during the state semifinal game on Friday, Nov. 14. day it was released, I didn’t see it, and Mr. Harris came up and said congrats but I didn’t know what he was talking about, and he told me,” Webert said.

“It made me feel really good, I mean that’s sick, being goalie of the year.”

Webert helped the team to 22 wins Photo by Ashley Marlo on the season, 14 of which he kept a Senior captain Ryan Hutson and Lee’s Summit goalkeeper crash into each other as the ball goes past the keeper and into the net for the Spartans only goal in their 201 shutout, and kept a save percentage loss in the state semifinals. of .82.

“He’s the brick wall, he’s a skilled goalie and he knows what he is I was probably the most pumped I’ve ever doing,” Setchfield said. been in that atmosphere. It was one of the Rounding up the achievement, greatest feelings ever.” coach Derek Phillips was nominated Photo by Julia Becker -Max Kirkpatrick, senior as the Coach of the year.

“They were a big help. I don’t think I would have been twice as pumped if they didn’t “Phillips really worked hard to make come, they were just a huge help. It was great that they could all come out there and us better, I think he deserved it,” support us,” Schweigert said. Almost 100 fans rode buses to Blue Springs, Mo., to root on the Spartans.

Setchfield said.

‘

18 MOVE

n SPRING SPORTS, from page 11

Dec. 12, 2014

Baseball season starts its play in the spring. The baseball players, having been preparing since midto-late December in the weight room and on the field, are ready to prove themselves to their coaches and land themselves a spot on varsity.

“We start early so we’re all loose for [baseball]; so we’re not away from it for a while. It helps you get back into it, so you’re not just jumping right back in, not used to it, right when the season starts,” Webb said.

The baseball players aren’t the only ones working hard on their pre-season training. The track runners are already outside working on their speed and stamina as they run around the track.

Third year track runner, junior Kristy Eslinger practices with her cross country team. The team members from cross country get together to run for their next sport.

“After school, we’ll all meet and just start running. We do it for fun, because there’s not any school programs for us. We have to find

the motivation ourselves,” Eslinger said.

Eslinger has one season off from running for FHC. She spends the fall season running cross country and the spring season running the two mile and the mile events in track. In the off season, she’s running for herself.

“In the winter, me and a couple friends will run in winter races like the New Year’s Day run,“ Eslinger said. “When we keep running, it gives us like a jumping off point when the season actually starts. It gives us a base to go off of; and it keeps us from getting injured from not running for a while.”

Some girls soccer players practice work on their foot skills and fitness during the winter season as well. They spend their time getting themselves used to running in the cold, which will benefit them for the spring season.

Junior Abbie Rademacher, before the high school girls soccer season starts in the spring, prepares herself for the physical requirements that she knows will be asked of her by coaches Mr. Mulholland and Mr. Phillips.

“The girls have conditioning.

We stay after school and work on getting back into shape,” Rademacher said.

The soccer players get together as a group on Tuesdays and Thursdays to work out and condition. This helps with both fitness and team bonding, which Rademacher finds to play an important role in having a successful season.

“When we all get together, we like talk and get to know each other. This teaches us to play as a team and get closer and learn how to work with each other for when the season starts,” Rademacher said. “This conditioning helps us get ready for the season.”

Rademacher, a dedicated soccer player, is eager to try out to make the varsity team for the second time. Even before conditioning begins in February, Rademacher can be found on her own, running to stay in shape.

“My club season ends around December,” Rademacher said.

“That’s when I start running on my own. Right when I finish with club, I start getting ready for high school.

It like never stops,” Rademacher said.

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Photo by Tyler Tran

Junior Edmond Berry lifts in the weight room in prepartion for the upcoming season. He can be seen lifting during his weight training class.

2014-15 SENIOR AD FORM SENIOR AD SIZES 1/8 page Color $100

1/4 page Color $130

1/2 page Color $160

Full page Color $280

circle your ad size please

Student’s name: ________________________________________ Advertiser’s name:________________________________________ Advertiser’s e-mail:_______________________________________ (if you like, you may send your ad text via e-mail)

Advertiser’s phone #:_______________________________________ Message: _____________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

PHOTO DETAILS

1/8 page = 1 photo 1/4 page = 2 photos 1/2 page = 4-6 photos Full page = 6-8 photos Please submit photos with this form or via e-mail to: matthew.schott@ fhsdschools.org Photos e-mailed should be scanned at 300 ppi. All photos in the book must run at 300 ppi (if you need help, please e-mail us!)

Please make sure you own the copyright of the photo.

The staff of the Odyssey reserves the right to not publish any photo it deems unfit for publication or that do no adhere to guidelines set forth in its editorial policy.

DETAILS All ads must be paid in full at the time of submission. Check should be made out to: FHC Publications.

The last day ads will be accepted is Dec. 19, 2014.

Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your photos returned. Photos will be returned after the book has begun printing in mid-June.

DATES TO KNOW: Yearbook price increases to $65 until end of school year: 12/8/14 Senior ad forms due (with $30 late fee): 12/19/14 Yearbook price will be $75 if not ordered before the end of the school year. No extra copies are guaranteed.

Questions?

Email matthew.schott@ fhsdschools.org

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Matthew Schott at matthew.schott@fhsdschools.org Please mail submissions to: Matthew Schott, 5199 Hwy. N. St. Charles, Mo. 63304

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SENIOR BABY ADS STILL AVAILABLE

19 MOVE

Dec. 12, 2014

Got a great group of friends you want to remember forever?

Order an ad in the back of the yearbook to immortalize your high school years.

The final day of the semester is the last day FHC Publications can accept orders for senior baby ads.

Stop by Room 139 and talk to Mr. Schott to reserve your space before the end of the semester.

Order your copy of the Odyssey in Room 139. All copies are now $65.

Buy online here: https://ybstore. friesens.com/stores/422005 Check or cash? Go to room 139

20

IN FOCUS

DEC. 12, 2014

The

Pressure PERFECT

to be

W

hether the flaws are emphasized in sports, physical appearance, academics, or social life, the pressure to be perfect is prevelant.

The pressure to be perfect heavily affects teenagers, regardless their gender or age. Some work vigorously to achieve their goals, others result to unhealthy habits such as eating disorders. Society has trained us to believe that perfection is everything, but how far are students willing to go until they break?

Appearance: n By Emily Herd

B

print executive editor

arbells and weights clink as senior Alex Chiles pushes himself to the limit. His adrenaline courses through his veins as he adds more weight to his machine. Suddenly, the stress of school, work, and sports is out of reach, the only stress is to achieve his goal. His motivation comes from within, outside influences are irrelevant. This is not society’s accomplishment, this is his.

Chiles has played varsity football for three years. Due to football, he has to vigorously work out three to four times a week during the season to stay conditioned. He believes improving his physical self is vital, but it should not be the main focus in his life. Although he is agile, his purpose is to better himself, not just physically, but mentally.

“I love working out because I feel better about myself and just have fun,” Chiles said. “I don’t think you should base your whole life around what you want to look like. You should be yourself and work out to become who you want to be.”

Although Chiles is confident with his workout routine and body pressure, many teens are not.

The pressure to be have the perfect body has been an issue for both women and men, especially teenagers.

This pressure was heightened in the 1920s when theatrical makeup and outfits were woven into Hollywood and society. Today, women’s physical concerns are beauty, making the beauty industry a $50 billion empire just in the United States. For men, their appearance concern is to be buff, or improve their manhood.

Personal trainer Sarah Lawhorn has been a lead trainer at Gold’s Gym in Cottleville for nine years and has worked with many teenagers and adults.

The pressure to lose weight or have the perfect body is prevalent for both women and men, but she believes men are pressured more.

“A man’s body is pretty cut and dry on fitness, a woman’s can be subjective because of embracing curves,” Ms. Lawhorn said.

It’s no surprise that when someone steps into a gym, there are typically more men pumping iron that women, but according to livestrong.com, out of Gold’s Gym three million members, 52 percent are female and 48 percent are male. Although more women are enrolled than men, Chiles agrees with Lawhorn that men are more compelled to be fit than women since they can’t embrace “their curves.”

“Men are pressured to be more physically fit and don’t really have an excuse for not being active,” Chiles said. “Some men work out really illustration by morgan brader photo illustration by ashley marlo

The pressure to be perfect starts with how well students look to themselves and others.

hard, but can never get their body to look like an advertisement, it depends on the person and how their body reacts to exercise.”

While men’s physical concern can be fixed by going to the gym, many women turn to beauty cosmetics as a solution. Senior Maegan DeNardo gets up every morning and skips the step of applying layers of makeup for school.

She embraces her natural beauty and admits she would rather get more sleep then wake up earlier to put on makeup.

Although she typically only wears makeup on the weekend, she believes makeup highlights women’s beauty when done right. When someone has a different physical identity after they put on makeup, then they maybe are not embracing their natural-self, according to DeNardo.

“Makeup can help accentuate your natural beauty. Makeup is designed to help highlight your best features,” DeNardo said. “Highlighting your features is one thing, hiding who you are is another.”

Whether teenagers turn to exercising or beauty, advertisers’ target is the same: appearance is everything. Lawhorn agrees with this, but believes that even though society targets teens physical appearance, they would still pressure themselves regardless of society’s influences.

“Even if society didn’t pressure teenagers, they would still have pressures to be perfect. Society just magnifies it making kids feel more pressure,” Lawhorn said.

Social worker, Karen MacCausland works at the Families in Focus and has worked there for 23 years with many families over varying issues. The pressure to be perfect can lead to serious cases such as: depression, eating disorders, drinking, sexual activity, bullying and even suicide.

According to Federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC), since 1950, suicide rates have tripled for teenagers ages 15 to 19. MacCausland has worked with many people who struggle with the pressure to be perfect. Sometimes she will work with them and help them, other times, they are admitted to a hospital program or other organization to get help.

“It’s a process to help people struggling with the pressure to be perfect, we just have to help them see themselves as beautiful and have to normalize their goals,” MacCausland said.

Also according to the CDC, the average American woman is 5’ 4” and 166 lbs, and the

5’ 4” and 166 Ibs

The average height and weight of American women, according to the CDC

21

IN FOCUS

DEC. 12, 2014

average female model is 5’ 10” and 107 lbs.

Teenage girls will often pin motivation photos on Pinterest of female models with a waist the thickness of a toothpick with the caption ‘the ultimate goal body.’ Teenagers will also look at their favorite celebrity in Hollywood who has airbrushed perfect skin in a makeup ad and wish that they were them. MacCausland believes that in order to fix appearance pressures, advertisers need to model women who meet the average weight and height and to promote healthy eating.

“Advertisers need to have more realistic average-sized models. They need to promote healthy eating instead of promoting diet pills.”

According to The Media Education Foundation, four out of five women are dissatisfied with their appearance and only five percent of women have the body type (tall, genetically thin, broadshouldered, narrow-hipped, long-legged and usually small-breasted) seen in almost all advertising.

DeNardo believes that advertiser’s target women’s insecurities in order to sell their product, regardless if the ad is deceptive and heavily photoshopped.

“No one is going to buy a product unless they think there is a need for it. I think that I’m not as pretty as a model, or an ad makes me think that I’m not good enough, or that I could be better, then I want to fix the ‘problem,’” DeNardo said. “If they can convince us that they can fix the problem, then we are more likely to buy their products.

Coming from a male standpoint, Chiles believes women should not base their appearance goals on false advertisements and Hollywood’s influences.

“I believe that society’s image of perfect is kind of pressuring due to the misleading image. The average woman or man doesn’t look like a model on a magazine cover,” Chiles said. “Filters and photoshop can also be deceiving.”

The dilemma many teens face is how to love yourself and make realistic healthy goals? In 2013, the foundation, Love is Louder, was created to help adolescents overcome the pressure to be perfect. Organizations like this promote the importance of being healthy and dealing with depression, suicide, and to love yourself. DeNardo believes the solution to appearance pressures is to be confident in yourself and to disregard society’s skewed influences.

“I think it has to start with accepting yourself for who you are and others for who they are. Keep in mind that while others seem confident, we all struggle with how we look and we shouldn’t measure up to this imaginary standard of perfection,” DeNardo said.

22

IN FOCUS

DEC. 12, 2014

Academics:

Being a straight A student is more than just studying, piles of homework

n By Cadence Bippen

F

staff reporter or many high school students, grades are not a priority. There are more important things--sports, clubs, jobs, relationships. It can be agreed on that school isn’t just for learning. However, there is that segment of students in honors classes as well as plenty of kids in regular classes who do stress out about grades and achievement. After all, it’s been ingrained into the brains of these students since the MAP test in third grade. How well you do in school determines your entire future… especially in the four years known as high school.

So, what really is the root of students’ negative attitudes towards school? Why are some of the brightest, and most hard-working kids dreading getting on the bus or in their car each morning at 6:45? And how can this mindset be changed?

If students enjoyed coming to school each day, enjoyed doing well in classes, and enjoyed learning, the high school experience would no longer be a cycle of due-dates and deadlines, but would truly prepare kids for the future.

The fact of the matter is, some kids like to learn, and some kids don’t. That’s the way it’s always been, and maybe always will be. But why do some students seem to have academics programmed in them, as if they were born to be good at school? Chris Holmes, the 2014-15 Missouri Teacher of the Year from Hazelwood West, believes that the answer can be found in the first three years of life.

“It may sound cliche, but it’s true: parents (or primary caregivers) are the key to students enjoying school and wanting to be smart,” Mr. Holmes said.

Kids of parents who value education more likely value it for themselves, and have been exposed to mentallystimulating activities as a child, preparing them for 13+ years of school.

For some districts, the biggest struggle to motivate kids to learn might be plain; it could simply be students lacking the skills necessary to be successful in high school.

FHC guidance counselor Kris Miller described what that could entail. “It can mean lacking the academic skills (i.e. reading, math, study skills, etc.), [or] coping effectively with mental health/home issues,” Miller said.

Depending on the district and area students come from, the issues vary.

“Most of the students I see [in the Hazelwood School District] who do not care about their grades are reacting to things going on in their lives outside of school,” Holmes said. “Kids who are hungry. Kids who move four, five, or six times a year. Kids whose father or mother (or both) are in and out of jail.”

The list goes on and on, and for districts that more commonly struggle with such issues, sometimes the motivation to succeed just isn’t there. In these areas, there

can be a mood of accepted mediocrity. The self-fulfilling prophecy might be at fault here, that if one believes he is only capable of so much, that is all he will achieve. It is a lack of confidence and support that may be the demise of some kids’ best effort.

While some students don’t (or in some cases, aren’t able to) push themselves enough, there are also the students on the other end of the spectrum that may push themselves too far. They load on five, six, seven AP courses, and are bombarded with homework each night.

While this lifestyle, to some, may seem suicidal, it is all generally for one purpose: college.

Senior Kaley Black took some less difficult classes for her senior year, but that doesn’t at all mean that her classes are easy.

‘

I still take honors and AP [classes]. I feel that it challenges me more so than other classes do, and it better prepares me for college.”-Kaley Black, senior

According to a study done by challengesuccess.org, more than 70 percent of students often or always feel stressed by schoolwork in general, and 56 percent reported always worrying about grades, test, and college acceptance.

By the time a teenager reaches junior and senior year, there is an almost obscene amount of emphasis put on college, scholarships, and the future. Phrases like ‘ACT score’ and ‘class rank’ linger in kids’ minds, only adding to the stress that already existed from school work.

However, it is the student’s own decision to take on a heavy workload. Senior Emily Lager is enrolled in five honors/AP courses, and wants the transition to college to go smoothly while being prepared.

“I take the classes I do because I like to be challenged.

I don’t want to be one of those students who just goes from class to class getting nothing out of their education. I want all of my hours spent at school to mean something,” Lager said. “I also feel like the transition from high school classes to college classes won’t be as difficult if I’m taking advanced courses in high school.”

Students and teachers agree that a more rigorous academic environment is beneficial to students anticipating their lives after high school. “[Otherwise], a good portion of [students] have not learned the discipline required for success in college,” Mr. Holmes said. “Their freshman year in college is often a shock, and it takes them a semester or two to realize what is expected.”

It makes complete sense that ambitious students want to take on the most laborious schedule possible, but when students push themselves too far, one might wonder if it’s really worth it.

23

IN FOCUS

DEC. 12, 2014

“I think the most difficult thing is some days having homework in seven classes,” Lager said. “It’s annoying because we want to have a social life and enjoy our four short years in high school, but sometimes that’s impossible when we have hours of homework each night. It’s difficult because we want to go home at night and relax, not spend our entire night doing what we were doing at school all day.”

Teenagers are not the only ones who notice that they are receiving too much homework; highly acclaimed scholars are saying the same thing. According to Denise Pope, an author and a lecturer at Stanford, homework is associated with greater stress, sleep deprivation, headaches and weight loss, and, of course, less social time to spend with family and friends.

These issues are apparent in students, and yet, things remain the same.

Homework, quizzes, and tests, while some may hold more weight in the grade book, all really serve the same purpose: to find out what the students know. How smart are you? A’s, B’s, C’s; each letter grade, although maybe inadvertently, labels the students and defines them as better or worse.

But do the numbers and letters on a transcript really accurately depict a person’s excellence? There are plenty of things that matter more than 100 percent on a final, or straight A’s all four years. But with so much emphasis placed on being “smart,” and on the competition of college admissions, it is easy to lose sight on other goals and joys of life.

Fares Akremi, a Mizzou student and residence assistant for the Missouri Scholars Academy, which will be elaborated on shortly, sees the issue that being intelligent is one of the only aspects people illustration by morgan brader

photo illustration by ashley marlo

focus on in a student, especially one who is expected to be smart. ”While I firmly believe ‘smart’ isn’t all about grades, I think that observing the transition from high school to college is a very telling time, where intelligence is tested on a more holistic scale,” Akremi said. “Not only are you tested on your knowledge of class content, but also on your ability to manage your time, peer pressure, social fulfillment, work, and other factors. I believe that true ‘smarts’ come from balance.”

If kids could see that “smart” isn’t all about grades, they could truly delve deeper into their education, and learn out of passion instead of force. That’s where places like MSA come into play. The Missouri Scholars Academy was established in 1985, when some parents in the southern part of the state had heard of Governor’s schools for clever students, and wanted the opportunity for their own kids.

Director of the Academy, Ted Tarkow, explained how the main goals of the three-week residential academy are to open up doors to opportunities that wouldn’t be available in the typical high school setting, (such as a three hour class in the subject of your choice, ranging from chemistry to biography writing to japanese to shakespeare to gaming) as well as to validate to kids that it’s really great to be bright!

“If you’re really bright and not the star football player, you’re not gonna be perceived as being as important or valuable as other people sometimes,” Tarkow said. “We want to tell kids, look — it’s great that you’re as bright and inquisitive as you are! We want to let people know that because they’re bright there are opportunities, and responsibilities.”

The environment of MSA is one of passion, understanding and consideration. Sara Venier and Keertana Jain are MSA alumni from opposite ends of Missouri, and the two

illustrate the truly unique atmosphere.

“Unlike high school, at MSA there were very few cliques or exclusive groups, and not really any ‘social norms,’” Venier said. “People were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and truly be themselves. It’s interesting to be with so many people who have a love of learning and desire to better themselves.”

Jain agrees with Venier that at MSA students learned for the love of learning, while at school students learn for the sake of learning. “There was no pressure to succeed, just an encouraging environment where everyone was inspired to be better, not just achieve the better grade.”

At places like MSA, where everyone has a passion for learning, that’s exactly what happens: learning. The teachers love it as much as the students, and there are no requirements or curriculums to suppress opportunities. There is no competition to be the best, because there is a mutual understanding that everyone learns their own way-- they are their own “best.” And there is the understanding that, although everyone may not think like you do, everyone is entitled to their own thoughts, and that should be respected.

It is clear that this “learning paradise” could not survive in any high school.

For it to work, each student would have to possess the desire to be educated, and that just isn’t going to happen.

However, those students who want to, could start looking at the world through MSA-type lenses.

They could approach their academic responsibilities with the mindset that you will do the best you possibly can, and that’s as much as you can do. Push yourself to do as much as you can, but don’t lose sight of that love for learning, because that’s what will keep you going. You don’t owe anyone anything but your best. And once that is realized, so many doors will open.

24

IN FOCUS

DEC. 12, 2014

Athletics:

n By Morgan Brader staff reporter

T

he students that push themselves to perform their absolute best are the students that keep themselves from appearing any less than perfect; the students that find the strength in them to take the obstacles of maintaining grades and being the best student athlete possible head on. Athletics can be a difficult responsibility to gain complete control of while simultaneously having to keep grades up.

Athletics offer a multitude of challenges and pressures to overcome; but star athletes, like sophomore Morgan Cervera, choose to shine through the difficulties and dominate their sport.

Cervera proudly played her first year of high school soccer on the varsity team, her talents discovered by coaches Eddie. Mulholland and Derek Phillips. After watching Cervera’s seemingly effortless maneuvering around the opposing players and constant goal-scoring for the JV team, resulted in Cervera’s switch from JV to varsity.

Being a varsity player, on a team rostered with the best of the best, can come with a price. The expectations held for the varsity athletes can put a large amount of pressure on them.

“You have to prove yourself to [the coaches],” Cervera said. “Being a freshman last year, you had to do your absolute best, or they would wonder ‘why did I even put you on this team?’”

Cervera having started off on the JV team before being moved to varsity, has seen first-hand how the athletic demands had changed from the two teams. Being a freshman last year, Cervera was one of many on the JV team, but as she moved up, the ratio of freshmen to upperclassmen changed drastically, putting Cervera out of her comfort zone.

“I was excited because I wanted

‘

Excellence always expected on, off court

to be on varsity, but at the same time, I was scared. Everyone was so intimidating,” Cervera said. “On varsity, I had to try harder. Being a freshman, people just saw me as less experienced, so I had to really show that I deserved to be there. It was lot of work.”

Student athletes, whether they play for freshman, JV, or varsity, are all pressured to be the best they can be. They are required to show their talents to their coaches, to their teams, to their opponents, to their fans, and lead their team to victory.

This kind of pressure can cause a student athlete to prioritize the “athlete” instead of the “student.”

Junior Kaitlin Nolan plays both basketball and soccer. She has played through the struggle to be the perfect athlete multiple times since her freshman year and has played on the varsity basketball team all three years of high school.

Girls basketball just got a new coach this year, meaning there was more competition for a varsity spot, but Coach Hayley Leake still maintains high expectations for Nolan, knowing what she is capable of.

“My coach expects me to be confident, be a fantastic defender, and be a shooter,” said Nolan. “She wants me to not react to my mistakes ... because you can’t change the past; only focus on the present.”

Knowing she will be a senior next year, Nolan expects her last year of playing high school basketball to be different than her three years already played.

“I don’t think I will be as stressed because I will know what to expect, but the pressure will probably increase,” Nolan said. “You never know who is going to come to the school and make a difference on the team. As for my coach’s expectations of me, they won’t be different in terms of working hard, but the leadership expectations will definitely go up.”

Nolan understands that there is pressure to be the best she can be

in case of a

college opportunity.

I f the opportunity arises, she would consider taking it. Though, the idea of college basketball doesn’t change how she plays.

“No matter what you’re trying to accomplish, you should always play like there’s a scout watching you,” Nolan said.

As spring arrives and basketball season comes to an end, Nolan transitions from basketball to soccer. Having moved up from freshman to JV soccer in her two years of playing, Nolan has her heart set on varsity this year. Wanting to land a spot on the varsity soccer roster, Nolan is taking extra steps to ensure her position.

“I make sure I just keep working hard and get as many touches on the ball as I can,” Nolan said. “I continue with club soccer in the off-season and make sure I go to all the club and school training programs.”

Sports and grades can be a difficult combination for a high schooler, but that’s where the “student” applies in “student athlete.” Nolan, a participant in two sports, knows the struggle of maintaining grades.

“It’s difficult because you have to make time for your studies.

School comes before sports, but sometimes it’s hard to balance it. If I could just play basketball and make a living on that with no school work, that would be great,” Nolan said.

Activities director Scott Harris, also thinks grades are extremely important. Not only are passing

grades necessary to be able to participate in sports, but it helps the athlete become the ultimate student athlete.

“There are state and district minimum requirements that each student must meet so that is a requirement for all participants,” said Harris. “Most coaches, directors and sponsors do a great job of monitoring students grades and the discipline required to participate in an activity carries over into the academic side of their responsibilities.”

Participating in athletics in high school, according to Mr. Harris, seem to have a positive impact on the upkeep of

grades.

While multiple commitments can be an overwhelming amount of work, student athletes tend to find a way to manage it.

“I think the students are disciplined enough to handle multiple commitments.

The time management skills, prioritizing, discipline, work ethic, etc. that comes from being involved with an extracurricular activity are the life skills that make these activities so rewarding and beneficial to our studentparticipants,” Harris said. photo illustration by ashley

It’s difficult because you have to make time for your studies. School comes before sports, but sometimes it’s hard to balance it.”

-Kaitlin Nolan, junior

25

IN FOCUS

DEC. 12, 2014

Social:

Parents, friends, stereotypes place pressure upon vulnerable teenagers

n By Jared McClellan staff reporter

S

photo illustration by ashley marlo illustration by morgan brader

ociety has p l a c e d multiple factors on people, the three main pressures people experience daily include: money equals success, body image, test scores are all that matter in life.

These are all factors placed on people, mainly adolescents, by society.

Adolescents have been experiencing this idea of societal perfection from the day they were born, due to their parents’ belief of the “perfect” child.

Students also receive these pressures from their idols, such as their favorite celebrities and singers. Mrs. Kathryn McGuire is a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, who is generally connected with being the public relations teacher.

McGuire has seen many students fall under the pressures of society.

“I think it is ignorance passed on/ down from parents. Not all parents, but many idolized professional athletes or celebrities,” McGuire said.

Society has placed these pressures in order to make people more likely to conform to fit into society’s hand.

One of the main influences that makes people conform is the belief to be popular and being who your friends want you to be. Many people feel as though they have to be the perfect friend by always being there for each

other. This creates a problem because always being there for someone else leads to not being there for you which causes this feeling of self-hatred.

This feeling can lead to people feeling weak and falling under societal pressures and starting to feel as though they are not good enough for anyone.

Freshman Taylor Bauer is a student who has fit into the mold that her friends need her more than she needs herself.

“Someone is not a true individual if they are being what their friends want them to be,” Bauer said.

Most people conform to what society wants, but there are those few people who stand out because they have ignored the implicated roles that society has made.

These issues are made very vulnerable by people being allowed to step outside of the box that society wants us to fit inside of because people should not be allowed to be themselves. These pressures can also be destroyed by fighting stereotypes. These stereotypes can range from a gay person loving rainbows to a woman not being able to work outside of the home.

Junior Leslie Sutton is someone who has broken many stereotypes that consist of having a hairstyle that is outside the normal and has dyed it multiple different colors.

“There are certain roles society places aside for people of different genders, race, and sexuality” Sutton said.

These pressures are the reason stereotypes exist, and the reason many people live a depressing life. According to Carrie Silver-Stock, MSW, LCSW social pressure can be a major cause of distress for adolescents. There’s tremendous pressure to fit in and be liked.

Dec. 12, 2014

Accepting senior baby ads until 12/19

26

SPOTLIGHT

2014-15 SENIOR AD FORM SENIOR AD SIZES 1/8 page Color $100

1/4 page Color $130

1/2 page Color $160

Full page Color $280

circle your ad size please

Student’s name: ________________________________________ Advertiser’s name:________________________________________ Advertiser’s e-mail:_______________________________________ (if you like, you may send your ad text via e-mail)

Advertiser’s phone #:_______________________________________ Message: _____________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

PHOTO DETAILS

1/8 page = 1 photo 1/4 page = 2 photos 1/2 page = 4-6 photos Full page = 6-8 photos Please submit photos with this form or via e-mail to: matthew.schott@ fhsdschools.org Photos e-mailed should be scanned at 300 ppi. All photos in the book must run at 300 ppi (if you need help, please e-mail us!)

Please make sure you own the copyright of the photo.

The staff of the Odyssey reserves the right to not publish any photo it deems unfit for publication or that do no adhere to guidelines set forth in its editorial policy.

DETAILS All ads must be paid in full at the time of submission. Check should be made out to: FHC Publications.

The last day ads will be accepted is Dec. 19, 2014.

Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your photos returned. Photos will be returned after the book has begun printing in mid-June.

DATES TO KNOW: Yearbook price increases to $65 until end of school year: 12/8/14 Senior ad forms due (with $30 late fee): 12/19/14 Yearbook price will be $75 if not ordered before the end of the school year. No extra copies are guaranteed.

Questions?

Email matthew.schott@ fhsdschools.org

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Matthew Schott at matthew.schott@fhsdschools.org Please mail submissions to: Matthew Schott, 5199 Hwy. N. St. Charles, Mo. 63304

CUSTOM SCREENPRINTING TITLE: Friday’s iFocus Spotlight: iFocus talks to the twins at FHC and finds out what it’s like going through senior year seeing double.

& EMBROIDERY

27

Dec. 12, 2014

MUST READ

28

THREE

things in the

SPOTLIGHT this month

Senior baby ads still available

For those who missed the Dec. 8 deadline, ads will have a $30 fee added to it.

Final date for ad acceptence is Dec 17. For more info, visit room 139.

SPOTLIGHT Christmas on a dime

“Burning Blue” for Book Club

n By Ilene Holder staff reporter

C

Book Club’s third quarter meeting will be held on Jan. 29 during sixth hour in the Learning Commons.

The novel will be “Burning Blue.” Pick up your form in the Learning Commons.

to be a time of family and love, bright lights,

warm-fuzzy feelings, the smell of cookies and honey glazed ham baking. Anxiousness about what presents will be found under the tree and in the stockings. Sadly, that feeling is not always easily

Upcoming College Visits

ASVAB will be coming to FHC on March 5 from 8:00-11:15 a.m.

hristmas is seen as a time that’s supposed

reached due to the disproportionate ratio of prices to budgets. Don’t fret though! There are many ways Snowman on a stick Powdered donuts Mike & Ike candies Fruit roll ups Black food coloring/icing

to have a savvy, Merry Christmas without breaking into the piggy bank. n See CHRISTMAS ON A DIME, jump to page 33

28

Spreading its wings

SPOTLIGHT Dec. 12, 2014

My Favorites

playlist

Tori Cooper

Staff Reporter A playlist of my favorite songs coming into the winter season.

1

“My Sweet Summer”

by Dirty Heads

This song I blasted almost everyday after school, and recently I have been doing the same again. It is just a sad reminder that my summer is officially gone with winter. With how the song flows, it is easy to get the lyrics stuck in your head and I am not complaining.

2

“The Only Way Out”

by Bush

This song is a different take on the band Bush. Their songs are normally harder and not as slow.

I absolutely love this ballad. It is calming and simple. The song really gets me into my thoughts every time I hear it. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful.

3

“Swing Life Away”

by Rise Against

Rise Against is already one of my favorite bands, and this song is a classic. Now that it is winter, I am starting to switch over to slower songs, putting this song at the top of my list. This song reminds me of the summer that has past and all the memories that were made with my friends.

4

“Weekend”

by Priory

Although Priory is not very well known, I find this song extremely fitting to play when I am finally leaving this parking lot on Fridays. It’s one that I tend to blast mostly because on Fridays it is normally payday and I am more than ready to get out of here and start my weekend.

5

“Afraid”

by The Neighbourhood

Honestly I have always loved this song, it is a little bit edgy which I like in a song. The Neighbourhood is known for Sweater Weather, which is a great song. This song is just on more of my playlists.

‘Mockingjay Part 1’ soars on strength of Lawrence don’t miss nBy Anna Dillon staff reporter

“Mockingjay Part 1,” which came out on Nov. 21, also had night showings the night before, which I attended an 8 p.m. showing.

Although I haven’t read the book, I had not heard the best reviews on it, so I came into this movie with not too high of expectations.

The acting in this movie was fantastic.

Jennifer Lawrence, who played the role of Katniss Everdeen, gave such a gripping performance. There was an extreme amount of heartbreak Lawrence had to convey through Katniss, which she did successfully. There were points in the movie where she would be crying and you wanted to cry with her.

This brings me to my next point. All the actors in this movie made you care about them. Keep in mind, the Hunger Games series is based off of a Capitol determining if you live or die. The dictatorship in this movie, along with the incredible acting makes you genuinely care about the characters and their well-being. In my opinion, if you can’t truly care about the characters, you can’t care much about the movie.

Josh Hutcherson, who played the role

of Peeta Mellark, had to give a distressed performance, which he pulled off very well.

There is a mysteriousness about Peeta in this movie and he acted like you really couldn’t read what he was thinking or what his intentions were.

There were a number of intense scenes with a few plot twists that made Mockingjay Part 1 dramatic, but in a good way. One scene in specific that got to me was when Katniss was finally face to face with Peeta after he had been taken from being a hostage at the Capitol. He was sitting in what the Hunger Games series considers a “hospital.”

As Katniss enters the room, she sees the back of his head and his frail body. As she walks toward the front of him, she sees his bruised, lacerated, face and weak, tired eyes.

As the viewer, you can assume at this point everything is fine between the two; afterall, Katniss would do anything for Peeta and cares about him in a deep sense, despite what her boyfriend thinks. But then, things take a turn for the worse. Out of no where, Peeta wraps his bony fingers around Katniss’s neck and proceeds to choke her.

The amount of betrayal, hurt, and shock in that scene was chilling. Peeta was Katniss’s partner in crime through the “Hunger Games” series. They are finally reunited and now he’d rather see her lifeless body as opposed to her alive expressions of happiness just by his embrace of a hug?

It’s not too long after this scene the movie clears up the fact that Peeta had been badly abused by the capital and had been conditioned by the Capitol to hate Katniss, which makes sense since the capital will do anything to destroy Katniss and her efforts at freedom in the districts.

If you are interested in seeing this movie, you need to know that although “Mockingjay Part 1” starts where “Catching Fire” left off, it is not as action-packed and full of emotion.

The purpose of this movie was to set up the plot for “Mockingjay Part 2,” which won’t come out until November 2015. Anyone who is a Hunger Games fanatic should definitely see this movie.

If you are new to the Hunger Games series though, watching Mockingjay won’t make sense, so get caught up and it should be an enjoyable experience. I highly recommend it.

Josh Hutcherson

In his role as Peeta Mellark, Hutcherson’s role has changed as he has been captured and is being used by District 12 to try and quell the rebellion that started by the actions during the Hunger Games in the previous movie in the trilogy.

17 Days of 20 Christmas Dec 21: Make your way to the historical Main Street, to experience an old-fashioned celebration. “Christmas Traditions” brings you back in time to the magical and simpler times of the holiday season.

Dec 23: Get in the Christmas spirit by watching the twinkling lights at O’Fallon’s “Celebration of Lights”

Dec 25th: Merry Christmas!

Dec 27: Go see the timeless ballet “Nutcracker” at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.

29

Dec 29: Explore the lights downtown by going up to the Arch, or taking a ferry ride down the Mississippi River.

Jan. 2: Go see a New Orleans style show at Jazz at the Bistro with the Funky Butt Brass Band.

Jan. 4: Not ready to let go of Christmas? Visit Anheuser-Busch Brewery Holiday Light Display for a walking tour through the lights. Food and activities are also offered.

4

2

Dec. 12, 2014

Dec 20: Enjoy your first day of break by relaxing with some Christmas movies on ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas.

Skiing

22

2015

Christmas Relaxation

Dec 22: Use this day to finish up on any last minute Christmas shopping and gift wrapping.

24

Shopping

Snow Lights Ice Skating Movies

Dec 24: The day before Christmas is perfect for making cookies, and spending time with family and friends! Take a day to enjoy their company this holiday season.

26

Dec 26: Time to see “A Christmas Story, The Musical” at the Fox Theatre.

28

Jazz Traditions

30

Dec 30: Spend part of your day gliding across the ice of Steinberg Ice Skating Rink, then warm up in their Snowflake Cafe.

Nutcracker

31

Dec 31: Happy New Year!

23

25

27

21

29

SPOTLIGHT

Concerts

Tree

Music

Hot Chocolate

Presents

Cookies

1

Jan. 1: Ring in the new year by inviting some friends over for some hot chocolate and movies.

3

New Year Fox Theatre nBy Michayla Pordea staff reporter

Jan. 3: Explore the slopes at Hidden Valley by skiing or tubing!

5

Jan. 5: Enjoy your last day of winter break by relaxing with some hot chocolate and movies. Be energized for the next semester ahead of you!

30

SPOTLIGHT Dec. 12, 2014

Wrapping up your Christmas list By: Becca Abrams, Tori Cooper, and Eden Gundersen

Christmas is coming, and that means that For the techy all us shopping slackers when it comes to Tablets - For those who love reading, but prefer the technological side of reading, the Amazon Kindle Fire is perfect. There are hundreds of books gifts need to get on the ball. Sometimes, available for purchase and you can even watch netflix. Nothing says hook, line and sinker, like the ability to watch Netflix on a handy dandy mobile we just forget and then all of a sudden, device. $140-$300 to Microcenter - Number one way to not fail at gifts is to simply it’s Christmas Eve and you haven’t bought getGiftcard a gift card. $20-$100 - There’s nothing that says I love you more than not allowing someone any gifts. We understand. And we’re here toGPS lose their way. For those who have no sense of direction, a GPS is perfect.

Yes, there are navigation apps on phones, but it drains the battery, so who to help in any way that we can. wouldn’t appreciate a GPS? $70-$200 Gifts you can do yourself -

For the music lover -

Make your own scarf - For this gift you may want to start this a little earlier, depending if you make a knit one or one out of fabric. This is a cute gift to give a friend or a family member. Also it is homemade, so it means more to the person receiving the gift. $2-$20 Hot chocolate cups - Cheap and simple, easy to make. There is nothing like a hot drink on a cold night. Make that possible with a jar or cup with hot chocolate ingredients. Tie a bow to it and a Merry Christmas tag and boom you have a Christmas gift. $10-$25 Picture frame- Everyone enjoys pictures and need a place to put them. They can be painted, decorated in any way, you can buy cheap and old picture frames at Goodwill and Dollar Tree. These gifts can go to anyone, you can even put your own picture in the frame. $5-$10 Homemade cookies/fudge in cute container - Sweet treats are an easy and sometimes fast gift. Throw it into a cute container and you’re set. Some people have favorite treats, this is a simple way to make someone happy on Christmas. $10-$20 Mason Jars full of small spa supplies - You can go get small cheap spa supplies from Sally’s Beauty Supply or even the dollar store. It’s a cute idea to have it put into a mason jar with a ribbon tied around the cap of the jar. If you’re feeling more creative you could even paint a design on the jar, make it unique for the person receiving it. $10-$20

Beats pill - As seen in Miley Cyrus’ music video for “We Can’t Stop” and Robin Thicke’s video for “Blurred Lines,” this tiny little speaker has been around for a while. It’s still a popular gift for anyone wanting to listen to great music and make it loud enough to block everything out for a while. $199.95 Concert tickets to see their favorite band - So many great artists are coming to St. Louis and its surrounding areas within the span of a couple months. Such as The Who, Hozier, and you could even buy tickets for Taylor Swift’s upcoming tour in 2015. Ticket prices range depending on where you want to sit, or if it’s a general admission concert, but you could always go with them to see a band you both enjoy. $47-$118+ A vinyl of their favorite album - You can go to either V-Stock, where there’s almost all of The Black Keys album’s and even some obscure bands.

You could also go to Vintage Vinyl or CD Reunion where they sell used (but still loved) albums for usually cheap enough for a high school student to afford. $20-$40

31

SPOTLIGHT Dec. 12, 2014

For the fashionista Jewelry - You can never have too much jewelry, especially if you’re a girl. There are many stores that sell affordable, but beautiful jewelry. Even costume jewelry is a good idea if you’re looking for an easy, heartfelt gift for that special someone in your life. $15-$115 Anything on Etsy - Etsy.com is literally a fashion and handcrafted item wonderland of beautiful items and unique gifts, so really, you could go there for anything and probably find the greatest gift you couldn’t ever find in some chain store full of overused gifts and goodies. $10-$50 A gift card to their favorite store - There is absolutely no shame in getting someone a gift card.

Because yes, shopping for the opposite gender and even the same gender sometimes is really difficult. You give them the option of buying the perfect thing for them. As long as you have another small gift like a stuffed animal or a hot chocolate mix to go along with it so you don’t look like you just threw something together at the last minute. $20-$50

For the sporty Favorite sports team t-shirt - Nothing a sports lover likes more than to have multiple shirts of their favorite sports team. They will be able to wear the shirt all year round, it’s an easy gift that you can find almost anywhere. You can’t go wrong with a shirt, unless you get the size wrong. $15-$35 Baseball hats with team’s logo - People like hats, plain and simple. Most guys would have no problem opening up a bag with a hat with their favorite teams logo on it. Hats can be worn almost all year. Nothing like repping your favorite sports team than on a bad hair day. Hats can also be found almost everywhere. $25-$40 Hoodie/quarter zip with team’s logo - It is pretty cold around this time of year, it doesn’t hurt to have a few more hoodies or quarter zips laying around. For sporty people, they may already have a few hoodies, but it doesn’t hurt to have a few more. Almost every year there is new sports apparel that comes out for the teams, having the newest thing is also pretty cool. $30-$100 Tickets to a game - Nothing is better than going to see your favorite team play, if you’re feeling a little more generous, why not get them tickets to see their favorite sports team play? Maybe even tickets to see the team play their biggest rivals. This may turn into the person’s favorite gift. If you guys have the same favorite team this present could be for the both of you. $23-$300 Gift card to Dick’s, Johnny Macs, Rally House or Total Hockey - Sometimes you just don’t know what to get them, or you really don’t want to get them something that they won’t like. The best way to go would be a gift card. It’s quick and simple, you can just walk in buy the gift card and you’re set. It’s not complicated in any way. $25-$100

Prices of general gifts Gift cards - The easiest and cheapest route to go for gifting are gift cards. You get to choose the amount you want and if you hate the person you are buying a gift for, you can put a miniscule amount of money on the card. $15-$50 Books - Who doesn’t like books? Even if they don’t like reading, it will make a nice addition to their bookshelf to make them look intelligent. $5-$20 Warm weather apparel - It’s very cheap and generally easy to find and the people who receive those gifts will most likely use them considering Missouri’s weather is notorious for harsh winters. $5-$15

Illustrated by Tori Cooper

32

SPOTLIGHT Dec. 12, 2014

Traditions with a twist As one drives through any given neighborhood, he/she

will see rooftops glistening with icicle lights, lawns decked with waving Santas and Nativity scenes, and living rooms accompanied by grand Christmas trees, glowing through the Senior Austin Sylvester and family ring in the holiday season with a tradition as sweet as Santa himself.

“We make hard candy. I do it with my mom, my grandpa, my dad and my brother, and we usually do it a week or two before Christmas,” said Sylvester. “You mix the sugar water and syrup into a pot on the stove, and you let it cook till the mixture is at 300 degrees. Then you mix in your flavoring -- it could be peppermint, wintermint, root beer, etc. -and put it in a cookie pan and let it cool.”

Then comes the fun part: “You break it up by hitting it with a spoon, you put it in a bowl, and you cover it in powdered sugar.”

It is a simple process for a rewarding treat. “[When it’s done,] it looks like little pieces of glass; it’s pretty cool,” described Sylvester. He left a fair warning, though.

“It’s fun, except for when you get burnt… but that doesn’t happen that often.”

Junior Mariah Skelly also gets out in the cold in order to prepare for Christmas.

“Every year there’s a Santa parade in Historic Downtown St. Charles,” Skelly explained. “It has Santas from different cultures, and me and my sisters go in and we put on vests and we wave ribbons.”

The girls first got involved through the youngest sister’s girl scout troop about five years ago, and have been participating since.

“It’s really fun, because we jump around and spin circles and interact with the characters. They usually put the kids around Jack Frost or Scrooge, so we can make fun of them,” said Skelly.

It’s something the sisters do once a year; the parade takes place on weekends after Thanksgiving until right before Christmas, and they just pick a weekend to go. Mariah’s advice on how to get the most out of it is simple. “If you pick a later weekend more towards Christmas, there will be more people; those are more popular.”

window. Stockings are itching to be stuffed, and children are eagerly anticipating that special night when, as their milk and cookies vanish, gifts magically appear. However, there are some families who like to add some different traditions to their holiday agenda, making the season even merrier.

Junior Emily Turner, along with thousands of others each year, participates in the real-life nativity experience known as Journey to Bethlehem.

“I’ve probably gone every year since I was eight,” said Turner. She and family head to Harvester Christian Church every December, to partake in this journey. “It’s basically what Mary and Joseph went through. It walks you through a bunch of different stations with fires, and people who tell you, ‘Oh, this happened here.’ At the end they have hot chocolate and cookies inside.”

For Emily, this is a time to spend with family, as well as a time to get excited for the holidays. “We normally go with my cousin and my aunt and my uncle. It’s cool to see what they change every year, and the different decorations. It’s kinda just getting you into the Christmas spirit. And, especially for church people, it’s really cool to hear [the story], and just see it happen out in the open. There’s new things that I learn every year.”

Whether you open one gift on Christmas Eve, attend a church service, or have a family dinner, there are plenty of ways to make the season merry. No matter how your family celebrates the holidays, it can be agreed that in this most wonderful time of the year, any time spent with loved ones makes the winter warmer and the days cheerier.

With these helpful hints, Christmas will hopefully be filled with more joy from family time, than with stress from figuring out budgets. Let the Merry Christmas begin!

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SPOTLIGHT Dec. 12, 2014

Dinner Plans

Decorations

Dinner can be a big, expensive task for some households, but there are some ways to cut costs as listed on frugalfun.com (www.frugalfun.com/ elegant-christmas-dinner): -Host a potluck dinner. Offer the main dish, have others bring sides -Make chicken, turkey, or any meat that will not cost as much as ham, but still be delicious -Shop for ingredients at the Dollar Store or BigLots. Cheap, but still good quality -Use price-comparison websites before shopping; PriceGrabber.com, Google Shopping, Nextag.com -Double check the stock in the kitchen to avoid double spending -Make sure there is room to store the leftovers, that way no food (or money) gets wasted -[For future reference] Shop the day after Thanksgiving to catch good deals for Christmas

Along with dinner, decorations can take a toll on the wallet. But there are many DIY projects that can help you save money while still being presentable as listed on the36thavenue.com (www.the36thavenue.com/category/ holidays/christmas/christmas-decor): The list used to pull ideas from was “25 DIY Christmas Decorations” -Painted pasta gingerbread birdhouse- Little birdhouse, paint, noodles, paintbrush and glue -Dollar Store Christmas village makeover- Dollar Store Christmas village pieces, Krylon indoor/outdoor white spray paint, acrylic paint and water mix (for touch ups) and Krylon Glitter Blast Spray -Whimsical Christmas tree- tree branches, bright/bold spray paint, medium/tall vase, fun, bright ornaments and fake snow/winter type vase filler -Cupcake liner Christmas tree- 12x12 cardstock, cupcake liners and tape -Homemade ornaments- clear plastic ornament, paint

On the site, there are links to other lists of creations and links to other websites with even more fun and creative ideas that are remarkably affordable.

Now for what seems to be the big deal; presents. While there are some people who would still rather get a store-bought present, there is an immense amount of homemade gifts that would be good ones to make and give out.

Gift ideas (object)

Gift ideas (food)

Again, the36thavenue.com is used for their crafts as they had a wide range of gift ideas to choose from. The gift lists used were “25 handmade gifts under $5 part 1” and “Snowglobe - Christmas gift idea” -Hot chocolate art - word collage made by Wordle, can of hot chocolate, styrofoam cups and a note for the recipient -Tile coasters - 20 cent tiles from Home Depot, mod podge, scrap paper, clear acrylic spray and felt pads -Lovely wax luminaries - high melt paraffin wax, party balloons, double boiler and cookie sheet -Snowglobe - clear plastic cup (one with the little bubble design), tinsel Christmas tree, wood plaque, wood knob, small Christmas figurines, glue, fake snow and red acrylic paint -Personalized magnets- adhesive magnetic sheet, photo(s)

So now the object type gifts are out of the way, but there’s always someone who would rather have a food gift. To help find creative gifts made of food, instead of just getting gift cards or something like Taco Bell, a variety of websites were consulted through lists found on the36thavenue.

-Krispie treat Christmas tree - basic rice Krispie Treats with green dyed marshmallows, M&M’s and candy that can be shaped into a star -Snowman on a stick {Donut snowman} - mini powdered donuts, Mike & Ikes, black food coloring and fruit roll up -Candy cane marshmallow pops - crushed candy canes, large marshmallows, mini candy canes and melted chocolate -Oreo elf feet - 20 mint or winter Oreo’s, snack bags, ribbon, 12x12 red or green cardstock, coordinating printed scrapbook paper, elf pattern for feet, 2 pom pom balls or jinglebells and double sided tape, glue dots or glue gun

However, if there is no time to buy these items and make the gifts and decorations, there is a store called Five Below where all things are $1-$5, but still of good quality. There are eight stores within a 50 mile radius of St. Charles, Chesterfield being the closest location. To see what they have to offer before driving out to the store, visit their website; www.fivebelow. com.

Homemade ornaments Plastic ornament Paint

Photo by Ilene Holder

34

SPOTLIGHT Dec. 12, 2014

Step 1: Get the app!

Step 3: Get scanning!

It’s available in the Google Play story and the Apple App Store. Do what you have to so you have this app. It’s free!

What is this?

Aurasma is an augmented reality app that allows publications like this one - to embed further online content into their publications. In future FHC Publications editions (think yearbook, the next edition of the Central Focus) when you see the little Aurasma icon, you’ll know there’s more information for you to check out.

Step 2: Look through the paper for an Aura We’ll guarantee that we’ll get at least one into each issue of the Central Focus. Sometimes it will tie to a story on FHCtoday, sometimes, it will be to a standalone thing.

When we use an Aura in the paper, it’ll look something like this. The Aura will be next to or above a caption, so we can give you some information about the story and then have you scan the image to see the embedded video.

We’re excited about using this technology in some exciting ways to add new layers to the stories we’re already telling you this year.

If you have questions or concerns, please let us know about them by contacting us in Room 139 or via our Twitter account (@ FHCPublications. Look for our Auras in the Central Focus, the Odyssey and on our flyers in the hallway promoting our upcoming issues and live streams of events around school!

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Dec. 12, 2014

MUST READ

voice

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From type one to type none Photo by Olivia Biondo

Many people spent one Saturday morning in September on Main Street raising money and helping to find a cure for diabetes with JDRF, an organization made to find a cure for juvenile diabetes.

By Olivia Biondo Staff reporter

N

ovember was National Diabetes month, and it brought light to the many people who are still suffering and overcoming the disease. Diabetes can be life threatening if not treated, and treating it can be very difficult. There are many different ways to take care of it, some easier than others, but overall it is not a disease you can easily forget about. Follow the QR code at right to learn more about Olivia’s personal story detailing how her family has been affected by diabetes.

36 VOICE

Dec. 12, 2014

love.like.leave Our quick thoughts on issues around school. If you leave this box not knowing how we feel about the topic, we haven’t done our job.

LOVE Winter break

With only seven days until winter break, students are all anticipating the luxurious two school-free weeks. Make sure you find something fun to fill the time!

Peppermint everything

It’s the most wonderful time of the year., the time when every store has something peppermint flavored for sale, from Chik-FilA’s peppermint milkshake to the Starbucks peppermint drinks.

LIKE Epic Deals

Many students and staff took advantage of the sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday and scored some great deals. With stores opening earlier than ever, there was lots of time to save.

Early snowfall

This year’s snowfall started a little earlier than normal. The extra snow has made it hard to focus in class, but it has made it really easy to get into the holiday spirit.

LEAVE

Illness epidemic

With the changing weather comes a wave of sickness that has hit FHC pretty hard this year.

Make sure you take the time to take care of yourself this flu season.

Finals frustration

The bane of every student’s existence, finals are fast approaching. With copious amounts of review guides and studying, it’s hard to get into the holiday spirit.

FAN-de

Old fans are wary of new fans due to past experiences nBy Kameryn Mellor staff reporter

If you’ve ever gotten so into a TV show, book, or band that it’s affected your life, how you think, and what you stand for, then you probably know how important fandoms can be. It starts with just an episode, just a chapter, just a song; until it becomes more than that. Until it becomes binge watching full seasons at a time; tearing through book after book, album after album. It becomes part of your life, and part of who you are. The rest of the fandom becomes your family.

They share interests with you, and are people you’ll be able to relate to the whole time you’re in that fandom.

This show, or book, or band, is something extremely close to you, and you feel the need to protect it. Which is why anyone would be wary of new fans.

Usually, it’s meaningless worry; however, there are time when it’s justified. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s also not unheard of. If you think about it, it’s kind of like an intruder breaking into your house, because that’s what they do. They pose as fans, but end up hurting people in the fan base.

There is nothing to worry about until a new season comes out, or a new song, or album. That’s when they come in, customarily acting as if they’ve been fans for much longer than they have. They pose as the stereotypical “super-fan,” and typically proceed to act superior.

They’ve got all the merch, which, of course, entitles them to all the credibility, right?

Certainly, there is no fault in being

a late comer to the TV show, band, et cetera, of your choice. The real problem arises when the so-called “fans,” aren’t genuine. The majority of the time, they’re in it for the look of it. I can imagine what runs through their minds is, ‘Yeah! It would totally be cool to watch American Horror Story now! Especially since there’s a new season out!’ They become fans because it’s the “cool” thing to do. The major selling point for these people is that they don’t have to give much to this show, book, or band. Just watch each new episode, listen to each new song.

There’s always a percentage of these newcomers that stay after the new album or season is out, because they have a genuine interest in it; however, the rest are merely here for the immediate gratification of each new episode. They are satisfied with just being here for the month or so that the new episodes are being aired.

Surely old fans should accept new fans into the community, shouldn’t they?

At a time, we did, until we had reason to doubt new fans. Until they became plastic versions of the rest of us.

As a fandom, we want to have an image of passion, creativity, and a positive space for people who really like something. This aesthetic cannot be achieved if there are people entering fandoms, pretending to be a knock-off version of a real fan, and then leaving when they lose interest after a month or so. We’re not, in any way, trying to be an exclusive group, but we need to protect ourselves, our family, and what we love.

Doctor Who and Marvel are two of the most popular fan communities on websites like Tumblr.

Doctor Who fans often sport TARDIS (Time and Relative Demension in Space) clothes and sonic screwdrivers while Marvel fans wear clothes showing their favorite heroes or printed with comics.

emonium nBy Erin Rowland

VOICE Dec. 12, 2014

Being a fan of something is a shared experience and should be open to everyone

digital executive editor

Being a fan of something is such a unique experience.

For some, fandoms allow them an escape into a fictional world, far away from real

Photos by Ilene Holder

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problems.

For others, it is a way for them to express their gifts through art, writing, music, and a number of other things. To many more, being a fan builds relationships that can span across countries or oceans. It’s something beautiful and unlike anything else, and denying that opportunity to anyone would be terrible.

The first thing I will admit is that I’ve been a late-joining fan for most of the shows that I watch. Some of my favorite shows are things that I didn’t start watching until they were already in their fifth or sixth season, but that does not makes me less of a fan.

I’ve spent just as much time laughing and crying with these characters as any other fan. I have binge watched entire seasons in a couple of days to get caught up with where the show is now.

The dedication required to be a late-start fan is just as much as the amount required to follow a show from the beginning.

Not all longtime fans dislike new fans. Just like almost anything, it

is a vocal minority who leads the aggressive and hateful campaign against anyone just discovering their love of a show, game, or movie. But being called “newbs” and receiving harsh criticism for not knowing every little bit of backstory and trivia, even from a few people, is enough to turn anyone away.

If you really love something, you should want it to be successful and popular. I always get thrilled when my friends start watching shows that I’ve been a fan of for years, because it means that there are more people to help keep the shows fandom alive. Not to mention, it gives fans more people to talk to and freak out with after every episode and almost every single day.

We were all new fans at one point, and we all had that rush of excitement that comes with becoming passionate about something new. It doesn’t matter if that passion first developed nine years ago in season one or one week ago during season ten. All that matters is when talking to a fan is when they share the passion and excitement of the common interest, and they are willing and excited to share that with others.

None of us are born fans of something. None of us automatically know every bit of information from the history of a show or every little unreleased track by a band. We have to work to find those things as we dive deeper and deeper into a fandom. No one will ever want to work that hard to discover everything a fandom has to offer when they receive prejudice and judgement from the fans that have been there since the beginning.

Fan communities are supposed to be a positive environment where people can create and share and discuss without judgement. We are supposed to encourage new fans and help them as they start on their road to falling in love with something that we once fell in love with as well.

New fans are the lifeblood of fandoms. They keep us alive and fighting. They share our passion and learn what we already know only if we help them. So as older fans, it is our responsibility to help them along, to encourage instead of discourage. Passion for something means that we are willing to protect it with our lives, but it should also mean that we want to share it with the world.

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Dec. 12, 2014

OUR VIEW: SOCIETY’S PRESSURE TO BE PERFECT Parents, coaches, peers, and Hollywood make teenagers pressure themselves to be perfect. In order to meet those standards, they have to to juggle society’s unrealistic standards of what perfection is.

our voice Balancing pressures

Juggling between different pressures leads to stress

W

Photo by Ashley Marlo

e live in a world where beauty and success defines you. Just walking down the hall or scrolling through your Twitter feed, teenagers are stressed and in competition with their peers and

society.

Adolescents will compare their looks, academics, social life, and athletics to their friends and society.

When college approaches, the competition of class rank, GPA, ACT, and scholarships sets in. Why do teens feel compelled to be perfect? Where does this pressure stem from?

Teenagers pressure themselves to juggle society’s unrealistic standards of perfect. Perfection is something that is constantly thrown at us, but is completely unattainable. Whether it is thrown at us by advertisements, colleges, parents, coaches, etc., the pressure is identical. They may not come right out and say it, but they’re all saying the same thing, “be perfect so you can be successful.”

From elementary school on, we are taught that the only way to be successful is to be a high-achieving, well-rounded student. As we get older, we learn this means that we have to stretch ourselves thin, maintaining high grades while being involved in sports, all while maintaining strong friendships and looking perfect. It’s practically impossible.

We never expected how fast everything would change for us. One moment, we’re just beginning to learn the things that will set us up for our future. The next, we’re expected to juggle a dozen different expectations that we can’t possibly meet, all for the sake of getting into a good college or being able to pay for our education.

With all of the high standards we are held to, we sacrifice other things. We lose sleep, we cut out meals, or we let one of the many expectations slide.

Our grades drop, our social lives crumble, we stop taking care of ourselves, or we stop performing well

in our sports. Between the academic, athletic, physical, and social pressures placed on us, it’s a miracle more of us don’t break under the pressure.

Stress becomes more than just an annoyance, it becomes part of our lifestyle. We stop feeling all of the pressure on a daily basis. Instead, we internalize all of the issues and try to fix all of our problems, or try to make them disappear. Stress becomes part of our daily routine and then we are stuck in a monotonous cycle.

But sometimes the pressure does what it is intended to do. It helps us to grow in our abilities and to start preparing for a bright future. We learn how to manage time and balance a full schedule, something that will be a huge benefit in the future. Despite all of the stress and the many breakdowns we may suffer, the pressure we face helps shape us into the adults that we need to be.

- The editorial board

interact with us

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INTERACT

Sept. 16, 2014

INTERACT HERE In this space you can find ways to interact with FHC Publications via social media and FHCtoday.com. In future issues, watch this space for your tweets, Instagram photos and links to videos and playlists.

In addition, the Central Focus is always looking for students to contribute to our newspaper.

If you wish to write a letter to the editor, please bring it to Mr. Schott in Room 139 or visit FHCtoday.com/policies Also at that site, is a link to our editorial policy, which governs decisions we make about coverage.

Why do we do what we do?

The Central Focus, along with fhctoday.com, are student-run publications which look to serve the Francis Howell Central community through relevant, reliable journalism. The newsmagazine is meant to provide an analytical outlook on topics and stories which matter to our readers.

FHCtoday.com is intended to provide the FHC community with daily updates on all that is going on in with school sports, communities and news in the Francis Howell School District.

our staff

Interested in video?

In the 2015-16 school year, FHC Publications will be offering a new class, “Intro to Broadcast Journalism,” which will teach you how to create, edit and interview for the school’s broadcast iFocus. If you’re interested in this, sign up for “Intro to Broadcast Journalism” this winter while deciding which classes to take in 2015-16.

If you have questions, come see Mr. Schott in Room 139.

Emily Herd - Print Executive Editor Erin Rowland - Digital Executive Editor Eden Gundersen - The Scene Editor Joey Silver - Move Editor Emily Klohr - Discover Editor Ashley Marlo - Multimedia Executive Editor Abbie Kaplan - Photo Editor Caitlyn Sanders - iFocus editor Becca Abrams - Reporter Jake Baumgartner - Reporter Olivia Biondo - Reporter Morgan Brader - Reporter Tori Cooper - Reporter Anna Dillon - Reporter Ilene Holder - Reporter Jared McClellan - Reporter Kameryn Mellor - Reporter Michayla Pordea - Reporter Cadence Reed-Bippen - Reporter

Jacob Roach - Reporter Jenna Adkins - Photographer Mia Baker - Photographer Darby Copeland - Photographer Danielle DeWeeese - Photographer Zach Grau - Photographer Jerianne Harrison - Photographer Frank Lunatto - Photographer Sara Lupescu - Photographer Lauren Nosal - Photographer Kayla Schoenig - Photographer Chloe Siebels - Photographer Taylor Tinnes - Photographer Tyler Tran - Photographer Quentin Webert - Photographer Morgan West - Photographer Dakota Wisdom - Photographer Mr. Matthew Schott - Adviser

iFocus serves as a video magazine, based on the four sections of the newspaper and website, providing coverage and investigation each Friday of the school year.

The Odyssey is the school yearbook, published in July of each school year, and creates a yearlong look at the school year. It is sold for $50 until the middle of December and for $65 thereafter. At the start of the subsequent school year, the cost is $75.

GET THE APP!

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CHECK OUT WHAT’S NEW

ADS

Dec. 14, 2014

Did you miss our coverage of the soccer team’s run for state? Read Brittney Kennedy’s story to find out what you missed.

Photo by Jacelyn Blattel

The FHC Spotlight Players brought down the house with their show, “Noises Off”. The gallery by Zach Grau captures all the action and insanity.

Photo by Zach Grau

Curious about what goes on in Room 139, where we put together the newspaper, yearbook and FHCtoday?

Follow the QR code to watch our video, then apply!

Photo by Matthew Schott

LET’S GO Spartans!

Official Chicken of FHC Athletics

Mid Rivers Mall Dr. & Hwy N 636-922-7429 Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm, Fri & Sat 10am-Midnight

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