Central Focus October 2014

CENTRAL

focus One. More.

Hour.

Endless piles of homework, demanding jobs, little sleep shine light on need for better sleep

Volume 18, Issue 2 Oct. 30, 2014 Francis Howell Central High School

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Oct. 30, 2014

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Be an ultimate Spartan Always wanted to go crazy at sporting events but just didn’t know how? You’ve got no excuse now after you read our comprehensive guide on how to be the best Spartan fan you can be.

Move 12-19

inFocus 20-25

Spotlight 27-33

Voice 35-38

Interact 39

Ads 40

OCTOber 6

Studio quality AP Art Studio allows artists to stretch their creativity and get lost in the process of creating their art.

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Fantasy fun

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Best. Trip. Ever.

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Horror stories

For fantasy football players, engaging in the wildly popular pastime gives them an added layer of enjoyment to one of their favorite sports.

Exchange students follow in footsteps of their parents, both of whom participated in study abroad programs when they were young.

Need something scary to watch tomorrow night?

Check out Tori Cooper’s list of the best scary movies of all time.

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Oct. 30, 2014

MUST READ

DISCOVER

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THREE things we

DISCOVERED

this month

Mandatory A+ meeting will be held on Nov. 11

Any students interested in doing A+ tutoring this spring must attend a meeting on Nov. 11 in order to be able to participate.

Those who cannot attend should speak to Mr. Bailey in guidance.

Health Occupations Student Association replaces Science Club

The Health Occupations Student Association (HOSA) is a place for students who want to persue medical careers.

See sponsor Mrs. Rowe for more details.

Speaker series to feature EMTs The Guidance Department’s career series will focus on becoming a paramedic or firefighter during its next installment on Nov. 18.

Bullets and bookbags

New Missouri law allows teachers to carry guns in schools n By Ilene Holder staff reporter

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andy Hook. Columbine. Virginia Tech.

With all of the school shootings that have happened, several state legislatures have brought up the idea of giving the teachers the right to bear arms in school. n See BULLETS, jump to page 10

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“I don’t think we’re in a school where [armed teachers] is necessary.”

-Mr. Nick Beckmann Government Teacher

Photo illustration by Ilene Holder

An override of Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto in early September put into effect a law passed by the Missouri legislature that allows school districts to designate teachers as being allowed to carry a firearm at school, providing they have a conceal and carry license and a required number of hours of firearms training.

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A club for any interest

By Jared McClellan Staff Reporter

FHC has so many clubs to offer it’s student body, and here are three of the clubs that not many people know about. Take a second away from thinking about things like sports, your date, and other high school drama, and focus on these unknown clubs to find more interests within this school you might find.

Anime invasion Anime and manga are the Japanese equivalent to comic books and cartoons, but they cover a much wider variety topics from fighting demons to being a high schooler. Anime and Manga Club is a club for people who enjoy all of these aspects of Japanese culture.

Senior Jocelyn Sanders has been interested in anime and manga since she was a little kid, and she carries a sketch book from class to class drawing when there are breaks in the class.

“Anime and Manga Club is a social club that shares an interest with the drawing and animated aspects of Japanese pop culture,” Sanders said.

This club allows students to share opinions and ideas on what different genres of anime and manga they enjoy, and these genres can be very light and fluffy to very dark and ominous.

“The first anime I watched as a kid was Sailor Moon, but a series I’m into now is called Berserk,” Sanders said.

Sailor Moon is an anime directed toward young females. It tells the story of a human who was born on the moon and helps fight evil on the Earth. Berserk is an anime known for it’s extreme violence, and it is about the good and bad nature of humanity.

Anime and Manga club look at these different types of writing and drawings every week.

Senior Jessica Ellison is the Vice President of the Anime and Manga club, and has always had an interest in this aspect of Japanese life.

Anime and Manga Club meets every Wednesday in the cafeteria.

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Dungeons & Dragons and school n By Jared McClellan staff reporter

Singing to the beat

photo by Frank Lunatto

Choir director and Central Harmony sponsor Elisabeth Baird instructs the members of the all-female a capella group during their meeting on Friday.

The group was started by senior Kara Hubecky last year and focuses on singing without instrumentation.

A perfect way to work on a capella singing n By Jared McClellan staff reporter

High notes. Low notes. Blending voices. Central Harmony is an all-girl a capella group that has a love for music and performing without instruments.

The club has vocal sections such as the choir classes.

The sections are Soprano I, Soprano II, Alto I, and Alto II which is the same way the choir classes are split up. The difference between these sections is the ranges on the musical scale they can sing.

Mrs. Elisabeth Baird is the choir director and music teacher, as well as the sponsor of Central Harmony. This leadership is giving Mrs. Baird the leadership she needs for her choir classes as well as Central Harmony. She gets to select two of the songs performed by Central Harmony.

“The songs that I have decided on right now are ‘Blackbird’ by The Beatles and ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrel,” Mrs. Baird said.

Central Harmony is not organized like that of other clubs.

Instead, Central Harmony has a president who represents

them at the school’s choir board. Central Harmony does not have a vice president or treasurer like other clubs.

Central Harmony is opened up to any female student who can read music. The students do not even need to be in choir to join. Sophomore Evelyn Arthur is a student who enjoys Central Harmony, but is not in choir. She joined because of how much she enjoys singing.

“It’s a little more challenging, but it is easy once you get used to the way they run things,” Arthur said .

Central Harmony is a group that is looking to grow and develop by the introduction of new students.Central Harmony has 47 women in it and is open for all grade levels.

Central Harmony is a place for female singers to come together and sing to their heart’s content. This club was founded by senior Kara Hubecky last year.

Hubecky is someone who really enjoys singing and wanted a place where she can sing in a more laid back environment.

“I founded Central Harmony because I really like a capella music, and I just thought the school should have one,” said Hubecky.

Fighting dragons, racing through dungeons, and opening treasure chests are scenarios faced by the Games Club every week. Games Club is a weekly meeting where people who enjoy roleplaying games can meet. The sponsor of Games Club is Ms. Kimberly Okai an English teacher.

“Its a set time once a week where people who enjoy role-playing games can get together to run scenarios while relaxing with others of similar interests,” Ms. Okai said.

Games club is an enjoyable experience for all people who enjoy social interaction while playing games. Sophomore Michael Ludwig has been a member of Games Club for two years.

“Games Club is a really social experience and talk to your friends and have a laugh while playing games,” Ludwig said.

The club plays mainly role-playing games.

These games are quite a bonding experience for the members.

“They play ‘Gurps’, ‘Dungeons and Dragons’, and ‘ShadowRun’,” Ms. Okai said.

These games are all scenario based games that have no definite ending. The dungeon master is the one who proposes the scenarios for Games Club to play through so each week is completely different.

“We use teamwork, so the dungeon master who makes the challenges we use each other and our skills to solve the problem,” Ludwig said.

photo by Darby Copeland

Members of the Games Club set up for their meeting on Oct. 27, directly after school. The members of the club focus on role playing games like “Guprs and “Shadow Run” in Mrs. Kimberly Okai’s classroom every Monday after school for a minimum of an hour.

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Dripping with talent

AP Studio Art students have opportunities to compile portfolios for college credit TOP:Senior Katelyn Liggett smiles while tracing a photo of Hugh Jackman MIDDLE: Senior Sydney Sullivan smiles while painting a new piece for her portfolio.

BOTTOM: Senior Sydney Sullivan focuses on her new addition to her portfolio.

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Photos by Abbie Kaplan

Senior Katelyn Liggett traces a picture of Hugh Jackman on Mrs. Switzer’s Smartboard. Liggett was painting a piece of Jackman for her AP Studio Art portfolio, which requires 24 pieces of art to be submitted to the AP board. n Jake Roach staff reporter

While almost every student has walked past room 243, most of them don’t know what goes on in there during seventh hour.

Sure, it’s an art room, an accepted fact, but students may not understand the work that takes place there.

This is the meeting place of AP Studio Art, an advanced placement course designed to build a portfolio to submit to the college board to receive credit hours in high school.

This is a rigorous class designed to push the best artists in the school to their absolute limit.

One of these many artists is senior Katelyn Liggett, a returning student to the AP Studio curriculum, or lack there of. According to Liggett, the class consists of open studio time where students build a variety of projects working towards a 24-project portfolio to submit to the AP board at the end of the year.

These portfolios can be submitted in three categories: drawing, which focuses on hand stability, two dimensional, which concentrates on the implementation of different media in

work, and finally three dimensional, focusing on sculptures, clay work, etc.

The course requires the utmost dedication and perseverance in order to get the credit required, according to Liggett. She takes her work home almost every day in order to keep up. Many other AP students, suggest taking either Drawing I or Painting I before making the jump to AP Studio.

“I know most people take art classes as blow off classes, but AP Studio is different.

You need to be recommended to the class and can’t drop out once you’re in,” Liggett said.

Another returning student to AP Studio, senior Sydney Sullivan decided not to submit her work to the board last year.

Instead, Sullivan built her portfolio over the last two years in order to put only the best forward.

“I’ve been working on my portfolio for longer than most students, I’m up to about 40 or 50 pieces right now,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan hopes to attend The Art Institute in Chicago next year and is working towards gaining a scholarship from her portfolio in

addition to gain AP awarded credit.

“I’ve been working my [butt] off to try and get a scholarship. I’ll probably just go to college now and worry about paying later,” Sullivan said.

However, Liggett is in the class for other aspirations. Unlike Sullivan, Liggett is taking the course in order to further her artist ability and her love of art.

“I might minor in art in college, but it probably wouldn’t be my career path, as great as that would be,” Liggett said These different views on the class and plans for the future are brought together under AP Studio instructor Mrs. Judy Switzer. However, Mrs. Switzer doesn’t teach AP Studio the way she would teach any other art class, according to many students in the class. Instead, she lets creativity flow throughout the room with helpful lessons as background noise.

“It’s not my job to be the teacher in this class and I’m not. I’m a facilitator. My job is to push the students along,” Mrs. Switzer said.

According to Sullivan, Mrs. Switzer

accomplishes this perfectly and inspires her work. Mrs. Switzer understands taking on an AP course as a teacher can be rigorous as well, but Mrs. Switzer invited this with open arms.

“14 years ago, the art department had a void for students who wanted to pursue a career in art, not just a hobby, so I investigated what I could do about it and did it,” Mrs. Switzer said.

Mrs. Switzer says she pushes her students to do their best work and tries to treat them as college students in the room, letting them do their work without interference.

“These kids are basically college students, so I treat them like that. They are responsible to manage their time and to make sure they are making progress on their portfolio,” Mrs. Switzer said.

According to Sullivan, Mrs. Switzer let’s students do whatever projects they want to do and due to this kind of classroom, there is no barrier between students and artistic creativity.

“I’m never told what to do in here. I can do what I want to do. Nothing can limit my artistic creativity in here,” Sullivan said.

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photo by Michayla Pordea

photo by Frank Lunatto

Junior Esther Davis, left, and senior Paige Hofmeister, right, are both planning to study foreign languages to aid their careers once they graduate. Davis, a talented singer, is planning on being an opera singer and intends to study French, as well as German and Italian. Hofmeister is hoping to join the Peace Corp and travel with doctors around the world. She intends to study Spanish due to its prevalence around the world.

Languages for life

Secondlanguage careers

Students who have fluency in a foreign language can find employment in these fields: n Interpreting at embassies, social services, or consulates. n Tourism, in customer service for airlines or hotels n Teaching a foreign language n Translating websites, books, other written material. n Customs inspector. n International finance and banking Source: UniXL. com

Speaking second language makes students more marketable in future careers n By Emily Klohr Discover editor

Ever since she was a child, senior Paige Hofmeister has had a passion for volunteer work, as well as a love for traveling. Her parents got her involved in volunteer work at a young age, and this passion for helping people is what gave her the idea to join the Peace Corps.

Hofmeister’s desire to be in the Peace Corps and to travel with other doctors around the world to help people is also what led to her planning to get a minor in Spanish in college. She is currently taking Pre-AP Spanish IV. “I chose Spanish because it is a widely used and more common language. So many people speak Spanish and it would be amazing to be able to communicate with them by speaking their language,” Hofmeister said.

Hofmeister is going to work in the medical field as a pediatrician, and feels Spanish will be beneficial for her to know in this field. Knowing Spanish will also be beneficial to her while she’s in the Peace

Corps because she will be traveling to other countries.

“Spanish has always interested me, and I wanted so badly to speak another language. I have been very fortunate that my parents have taken me many places such as the Dominican Republic and Mexico many times, so I’d often heard the language and it fascinated me,” Hofmeister said.

In addition to benefitting students going into the medical field, studying foreign languages is essential for some musicrelated careers.

Junior Esther Davis plans on being an opera singer after college, which is why she is choosing to study foreign languages. She started by studying French in high school, and will continue to study French in college, along with German and Italian.

“I won’t be getting a minor in these languages, but I will be taking classes to complete my opera program. I’ll take classes geared more towards pronunciation rather than being fluent in

all three; however, I’d really like to learn them as well as I can through classes and singing,” Davis said.

According to Davis, opera singers perform in foreign languages, specifically Italian, French, and German.

Being familiar with these languages will make it easier for her to learn the music and get into her character.

“I will be singing in foreign languages a majority of the time as most operas are from Europe. Each performance must sound authentic, so my dialect and ability to understand what I’m singing to convey my story to my audience will be crucial,” Davis said.

Alumni Emily White minored in Spanish at Missouri S&T and graduated in 2014. She is working towards a career in geological engineering and focuses mainly on environmental and geotechnical investigations.

“I chose to study Spanish in college because I loved learning it in high school and knew that by having that skill I would be more marketable in finding

a career. I plan on using my minor in Spanish by hopefully traveling for work.

I have already used it by traveling to Peru and Guatemala for school trips,” White said.

According to White, studying a language is beneficial because it is really hard work.

“You have to really open your mind in unusual ways and work at it a lot to be good at it,” White said.

Studying foreign languages is something most colleges require students to do in high school in order to be accepted. However, according to Davis, students also benefit after high school and college from studying these languages.

“Studying languages is so beneficial because it helps in school recognizing other words in your reading, and also it will help you in the world. Just by learning one additional language you open the door to communicate and connect with thousands upon thousands of other people,” Davis said.

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On the math portion establish a personal order of difficulty (if you don’t know it skip it and return to it later)

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Be familiar with your calculator

Take a few practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions

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Get a good nights rest and eat breakfast!!

Ms. Macmillan:

Better scores for bigger tests First of all, the main goal should be to get as many questions right as possible

Students should always answer questions starting with the easiest and then finishing with the hardest. This means it is necessary to skip around. This applies to all parts of the ACT.

For the reading section, do not read the passages in order. I suggest reading the passages in the following order until students know which order is best for them individually: 2nd, 4th, 1st, 3rd. No matter what order a student chooses, most should always read and answer the 3rd passage last.

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ACT Prep teachers, Tiffany MacMillan and Patty Shockley offer various tips on how to improve your score on the ACT. n By Morgan Brader staff reporter

Ms. Shockley:

For the English section, it would be a good idea to review grammar, such as subject-verb agreement, comma/semicolon rules, and pronoun agreement.

Look at the questions in the reading passages and answer those that refer to specific line numbers first. It is also a good idea to bracket the lines in the passage and label with the question number. Then go back and answer the other questions.

Do not leave any answers blank. If time is running out choose one letter and fill in any questions that were not previously answered. Chances are you will get a couple of answers right just by doing this with one letter.

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“I think I like what we currently have. Officer [Troy] Inserra is a well-decorated officer. He really has a rich background in law enforcement. I’m very confident that he can protect us and make a safe environment. I pray we never have to engage in a situation like that.”

- Dr. Sonny Arnel, principal

n BULLETS, from page 3

Though Governor Nixon vetoed this law, the Missouri legislature overrode his veto.

The override of the veto allows school districts to “designate one or more elementary or secondary school teachers or administrators as a school protection officer” who will then be permitted to carry concealed firearms on campus.

This makes Missouri the tenth state in the nation to pass a law allowing teachers to be armed.

With this new law being enacted, it is important to hear Dr. Sonny Arnel’s views and what he has come to know of this situation involving FHC and the rest of the Francis Howell School District.

“I know there’s been lots of talks since 9/11 and even more recently with Sandy Hook, just

Kevin Bayer, senior

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the concern about safety at school,” Dr. Arnel said. “There’s been discussions about trying to have teachers be more prepared to support one another in situations, in tragedies like [Sandy Hook].”

While there have been other districts around the country that have started allowing their staff members to conceal and carry on campus, Francis Howell still does not allow this. In the Code of Conduct, it states that guns are not allowed on campus.

According to the Francis Howell Central School Code of Conduct, “The Francis Howell School District seeks to provide a safe, violence-free educational environment for its students and workplace for its employees. The District affirms that firearms have no place on school grounds.”

Resource Officer Troy

Inserra is one of the only faculty allowed to conceal and carry on the campus. While this may not be enough in some people’s opinions, Dr. Arnel has a different view.

“I think I like what we currently have. Officer Inserra is a welldecorated officer. He really has a rich background in law enforcement. He has to go through periodic weapon checks as far as marksmanship,” Dr. Arnel said. “I’m very confident that he can protect us and make a safe environment. I pray that we never have to engage in a situation like that.”

According to Dr. Arnel, in order to conceal and carry, Officer Inserra, and anyone else who is allowed to conceal and carry on the campus, must go through a minimum of 100 hours of training and receive a permit. Routine weapon checks

and hours of training must also be done in order to have their permit remain valid.

This would also go for any other staff member that would conceal and carry if the law was passed. However, some people still would not want to take part in the ability to carry a gun on campus, like Associate Principal Lucas Lammers.

“I would not [partake in this law]. That’s just a personal opinion on my side. I do not own one. I don’t foresee ever owning one. If it’s something the school district ever does decide to go with, then okay, we’ll go with it,” Mr. Lammers said.

However, considering where FHC is located, some feel that this law doesn’t need to be in place, or if it were, that FHC would not need to take part.

“We have Cottleville police department that is a mile away,

literally, that would be here by driving in two minutes. And we are also fortunate to have Officer Snodgrass that’s literally 100 yards away. So we have two police officers at our disposal within five minutes, if that, so we are fortunate to have a pretty safe environment when it comes to high schools,” Dr. Arnel said.

Alongside Dr. Arnel, AP Government and Contemporary Issues teacher Nicholas Beckmann feels our school does not have a high threat level.

“I see both sides of it, but personally I don’t think we’re in a school where [armed teachers] is necessary. We’re not in a high crime area, and we don’t have students that are dangerous to us on a daily basis. We might every once in a while have a kid, but I don’t think that’s the norm,” Mr. Beckmann said.

“We’re not in a high crime area and we don’t have students that are dangerous to us on a daily basis. We might every once in a while have a kid, but I don’t think that’s the norm.”

- Mr. Nick Beckmann, social studies teacher

Allie McLaughlin, sophomore

Devin Williams, senior

topic 1: SHOULD TEACHERS be able to carry guns in school? why or why not?

“I think some teachers should be able to carry and conceal, especially nowadays with how crazy it is.”

“No! Guns have caused so many accidents in the past and bringing them into the school would just make things worse.”

“Yes for the most part. Of course there are some teachers that I wouldn’t trust with it, but then there are some teachers I trust my life with.”

topic 2: do you think it is beneficial for students to study foreign languages in high school and college?

“I think it’s very beneficial to study a foreign language in high school, but I don’t think it should be required to go to college.”

“Yeah because the world gets more culturally infused. [Knowing a foreign language] will come in handy.”

“If there is a situation outside of school, where you are trying to help someone that speaks a foreign language, you could help them.”

topic 3: do you think getting involved in after-school activities and sports is important for students to do?

“That’s the biggest thing in high school; if you aren’t involved it’s not going to be fun. The more involved you are the more fun you’ll have.”

“Getting involved in stuff, especially in things you like, you find other people who have the same interests as you and you make friends.”

“It gives you more of a sense of belonging to the school. It makes it a little more interesting and fun instead of just coasting by.”

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We walked the halls to find out student opinion 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.

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MUST READ

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THREE MOVING

stats from this month Softball seniors

This year’s varsity seniors have won the most out of any other group.

Although they lost districts, the seniors have accomplished plenty to be proud of, such as winning their home tournament.

Music of champions

Senior sisters

The Spartan Regiment won second place in the finals of the Mizzou Champion of Champions competition.

They performed their show, “Go”at the competition.

Four years of playing together creates strong bond for four teammates Photo by Darby Copeland

The varsity volleyball team goes to congratulate each other after winning a point for their team. Seniors Tori Mannino, Brittany Howard and Sarah Mueller have been playing since their freshman year, providing the team with plenty of leadership and cohesion this year, en route to a season where they lost to Fort Zumwalt West in the district semifinals. n By Olivia Biondo

F

staff reporter

or the past four years, four girls have been playing on the volleyball teams together. Their relationship has become strong and they have developed a lot as players. From their freshman year to their senior year, these girls have stuck together and done great things.

Since their freshman year, Caroline Green, Brittany Howard, Tori Mannino, and Sarah Mueller have been playing volleyball together at FHC. Their journey up to their senior year has resulted in wins and

losses, ups and downs that has brought them closer together. Although there are now five seniors on the varsity team, their coaches have done their best not to separate them, making the bond between those four seniors stronger.

“Over the years we just got to play at more of an advanced level and with coach keeping most of us together throughout the years, it helped as we did play at a higher level,” Mueller said.

Danielle Robbins is the newest senior to the varsity volleyball team this year, and she has been able to see firsthand how close the girls are.

“I think all of them have been together and it made me so nervous because I thought they wouldn’t accept me, but they did from the beginning and they help me whenever they can,” Robbins said. “At first it was weird, but now we are all pretty close and do things as a team.”

The four years the girls have been together they have been able to impress the school with how they have played. The bond that the players have together has helped them to be better players, they are able to work together and keep each other going on the court. n See VOLLEYBALL, jump to page 18

Soccer goes big

The boys soccer team finished its regular season with a record of 18-4-1.

They began competing in districts starting on Oct. 27. They hope to repeat the success they’ve had over the last couple of seasons.

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Crossing a new sport

Introduction of girls lacrosse team sparks interest across grade levels n By Jared McClellan staff reporter

A field full of players covered in masks and carrying sticks with a net attached. Lacrosse is a sport coming to FHC in the near future, but is only for the female students this year. Lacrosse requires its player to wear goggles, gloves, and they need to carry a lacrosse stick. There are four different positions in lacrosse: attack, midfield, defense, and goalie.

There are twelve people on the field for the team at one time, and women’s lacrosse has a field that consists of three attackers, five midfielders, and three defenders. In lacrosse there are three boundaries:an 8-meter fan in front of the goal (this is a semi circle surrounding the goal), the 12-meter half circle that surrounds the 8-meter semi-circle, and the draw circle which is where lacrosse draws take place ( also where they restart the game).

In lacrosse, you are not allowed to enter the goal circle unless the goalie steps out of the circle, in which case a defender can fill in as the goalie.

It has has been on the minds of the Francis Howell School District’s activities directors for quite some time. Lacrosse has spiked a lot of interest throughout the halls of FHC, but this is a bittersweet moment for the seniors. Senior Alyssa Mathis is a student athlete who is interested in joining the team.

“It’s unfortunate that it’s just now starting, since it’s something we’ve wanted for a while.

And also, we may not end up being very good

because of it coming up so sudden and most of us have never played before,” Mathis said.

Students have different reasons to try this sport. Some of these reasons have been from watching a friend play the sport to the exoticness and differentness of the sport.

“Lacrosse has always been something I wanted to try because it’s not as common as other sports, like softball or basketball, and I love trying new sports,” Mathis said.

Lacrosse has brought interest from many girls who have played other sports. These sports have ranged from basketball to soccer or track and field. Sophomore Elisa Swanson has had many interests throughout sports and she has played many sports throughout her life. She has also played basketball, tennis, and soccer.

Lacrosse has gotten a number of people interested, but one problem surrounding this sport is the willingness to play a new sport.

People might be interested in something, but that does not mean they will be ready to play it.

“I think that there are a lot of people interested, but I don’t know how many people will be willing to play,” Swanson said.

The sport will be played during the spring and will be a different experience for students who are interested in the sport. Freshman Kaitlyn Chadwick has always had an interest with lacrosse and has even watched lacrosse games on television. To Chadwick, Lacrosse shouldn’t be intimidating to play, it’s all about having fun and learning the sport.

“Lacrosse is just another sport to play, and everyone will just have fun,” Chadwick said.

“Lacrosse has always been something I wanted to try because it’s not as common as other sports.”

-Alyssa Mathis, senior

Before the games n Morgan Brader

With crazy, traditional pre-game rituals, FHC’s sports teams are pumped up and motivated to put on their best performances for their games.

The members of the volleyball team come together before their match begins to get pumped up for their game.

staff reporter

The ‘I Believe’ chant. It’s the chant that shoots through the stands and within the team and motivates the athletes to compete for the win. It pumps school spirit throughout the crowd. It causes both athletes and fans to be overcome with a strong sense of pride in being a Spartan.

The varsity volleyball girls, stand in position waiting for the buzzer to sound, eager to play and

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adrenaline pumping. Thanks to their chants and pre-game team snacks, the girls are more than prepared to for the match to start. Second year varsity player, sophomore Emily Ziegler, warms up with her team before the games.

While other volleyball teams might settle on just a pep talk, the varsity volleyball girls, before the start of the game, get together as a team and chant the “I Believe” cheer in the hallway to boost their team’s morale.

“We usually do something that pumps us up before a match, like the ‘I Believe’ cheer or we get together and get a snack,” Ziegler said. “Doing this stuff together, I think helps us play better because we get closer and can play as a team.”

While varsity volleyball sticks to their ‘I Believe’ tradition, the varsity boys soccer players find their motivation to play in the outstanding pep talks delivered by senior Chase Webert, one of the four captains; senior Jordan Henderson, senior Ryan Hutson and senior Tristyn Hasmer being the other three.

Second year varsity player, junior Blaise Bachman, gathers alongside his teammates in a huddle in the middle of the field before a game.

While other teams’ coaches are usually the ones seen attempting to get their players ready to play, the coaches for the varsity soccer team have left this responsibility to the players.

“Instead of our coaches giving us pep talks, they leave it up to us and the captains,” Bachman said.

“Usually Chase will tell us some things to pump us up; he’ll tell us what we need to do to win.”

In the players’ opinions, these pep talks positively contribute to the team’s performance on the field.

“We could be going from not really ready to play to getting heated and pumped and wanting to get on the field and win us the game,” Bachman said.

The varsity girls cross country runners have a method that doesn’t differ much from that of the boys soccer players. Their coaches, in attempt to get their runners ready to race, hold a pre-meet warm up. first year varsity cross country runner, junior Kristy Eslinger, warms up with her team.

“We usually do our drills and stretches and stuff, then we all sprint to the middle and have a nice pep talk,” Eslinger said. “They mostly consist of going out there and having fun and maybe a little bit of strategy like ‘Work together,’ or ‘If someone comes up next to you, go with them.’ We just discuss how we’re going to perform in the meet, and mostly, it’s just all positives.”

After listening to the pep talk, Eslinger performs her own personal pre-meet ritual with her friends before the start of her race.

“I do that thing from ‘High School Musical’ that Sharpay does before singing. Then we jump twice and get our legs ready to run,” Eslinger said.

14

MOVE

Oct. 30, 2014

‘Fantasy

“The whole idea is having fun with your friends, being in a league together and talking smack on each other.”

-Zach McKinley, senior

football adds fun Leagues with friends, colleagues add dimension to popular pastime n By Jake Baumgartner staff reporter

So long, “Clash of Clans,” there’s a new game sweeping the nation. It’s that time of year again where the number one thing to do is to head to a draft party and pick the players for your fantasy football team.

Adults, kids, teachers, students, almost everyone is part of a fantasy league. But what’s the hype all about? What is it that makes fantasy football so great? According to senior and varsity football player Zach McKinley, all the fun lies in the competition.

“The whole idea is having fun with your friends, being in a league together, and talking smack on each other,” McKinley said. “It’s a fun way to connect with your friends.”

Each fantasy league pits friends against each other in friendly competition. The prize of each league could range from the pool of money that was created at the beginning of the season as a buy-in, or simply bragging rights. The game is simple, easy to follow, and fun. Music director Mr. Nathan Griffin is also an avid fantasy player.

“I’ve always loved just watching football, and I always heard that if you play fantasy it makes watching football more enjoyable, so when I started playing, it made watching the games more enjoyable because I would be watching my players,” Mr. Griffin said.

The beginning of the season always starts with a widely

Photo illustration by Tyler Tran

Sophomore Sam Drnec checks his fantasy team to see how they can improve their team for the weekend’s games. Fantasy football allows students to get more involved into the competition with friends without a huge time investment.

enjoyed draft party, consisting of snacks, drinks, and stats for every player in the NFL. After randomly choosing the order (usually by pulling names or numbers from a hat), the drafting begins. One by one they choose who they want on their fantasy team based on how good the player is.

The better the player, the sooner he will be picked for a fantasy team. Each person chooses players to fill every position. Sophomore Zach Painter says that the drafting is part of the fantasy hype.

“Its fun being able to pick your own players and build a unique team to play,” Painter said. Fantasy gives players the sense that they’re the coach of their very own team, adding to the fun of the game.

But fantasy football, as friendly and fun as the game may be, requires constant attention and work if one wants to win the league.

Every week, stats for players will change based on their performance in the games, resulting in the change of the value of the player. A major change in a fantasy player’s lineup might be the result of one of their players getting injured, or in most cases, ejection from the league.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson recently was suspended from the NFL for child abuse, hurting the lineup of anyone who had drafted him.

“He was a good player,” McKinley said, “But after what happened, anyone who had him immediately took him out.”

Peterson was reinstated shortly after, therefore, fantasy

lineups changed again. These kinds of events (injuries, ejections, suspensions, etc.) need to be handled by fantasy players by changing the lineup, benching the player who cannot play and putting a benched player, usually one with potential, into the lineup.

Lineups can also be changed based on performance of a player. If a tight end starts to play poorly, the fantasy player who has him might bench him for a different player. The only downside is the risk the fantasy players take, considering that the player they benched might do something that would have given them a lot of points for that week. Fantasy football is a game that could easily change at any time.

It may sound like a lot of work, but for some fantasy players, they don’t work more than they have to on their teams.

“I don’t put a lot of time into it at all,” McKinley said. “Every week I’ll check my lineup and make sure all my guys are playing, but I don’t research anything like upcoming rookies or breakout stars, I just go week by week.” Painter says that he checks it only twice a week. Other players will modify their teams every single day after researching player stats and who teams are playing that week.

This season, everyone’s heads are turned to the TV on Sundays, eyes glued to the computer screen before games, and fingers scrolling through lineups on smartphones as fantasy football takes over football fans across the nation.

FANTASY

FOOTBALL

LINGO

15 MOVE

Oct. 30, 2014

ADD Adding a free-agent player off the waiver wire.

AUCTION DRAFT Owners take turns nominating players, who are then bid on by all owners.

BASIC SCORING SYSTEM The most basic scoring systems award points only for touchdowns, field goals and extra points.

BREAKOUT A player who goes from average to full-fledged fantasy football star.

BUST A player who enters the season with high expectations but finishes with minimal statistical results. RB Arian Foster and WR Hakeem Nicks were two examples of players who failed to live up to high expectations coming into the 2013 season.

COMEBACK PLAYER A player who returns from a significant injury and re-emerges into a legitimate fantasy starter.

CUSTOM-SCORING LEAGUE A league that decides to assign its own value to touchdowns, field goals, extra points, etc.

DRAFT DASHERS People who enjoy drafting a fantasy football team but disappear long before the season is over, abandoning their team.

DROP Releasing a player back into the free-agent pool.

FIRE SALE When a team’s season is lost and they cannot make the playoffs, owners of teams sometimes like to trade away their stud players to boost another team’s chances of winning the championship.

FLIER Taking a gamble on a player (either in the draft or off the waiver wire) who has high potential but also carries a high risk. Many times, this can be a backup quarterback, backup running back, a player coming off an injury, or a rookie.

INJURED RESERVE Some leagues will allow you to tag an injured player and add someone else to your roster.

LEAGUE MANAGER The person in charge of running the league, setting up the draft and, if necessary, controlling all of the league fees. The league manager also can have the final word on all transactions and disputes between owners.

MOCK DRAFT A “fake” fantasy draft that isn’t played out during the season but often is used by team owners to practice drafting and prepare in advance.

OWNER The person who runs his/her own fantasy team and ultimately is responsible for making all personnel decisions.

PERFORMANCE SCORING SYSTEM A scoring system in which players are given bonus points for passing, rushing and/or receiving milestones

RESERVE Backup or bench players.

SLEEPER Typically, a late-round pick or waiver-wire selection who exceeds his statistical expectations and becomes a prominent option in fantasy leagues.

STARTING LINEUP Most basic leagues will allow owners to start one quarterback, two running backs, two or three receivers and one tight end, one kicker and one defense.

SUPER BOWL SLUMP Players from the previous Super Bowl losing team always seem to struggle the next season. Following this, be wary of Bronco players.

TRANSACTION Any roster change (waiver-wire add/drop, trade, etc.).

Courtesy of NFL.com

16

A step-by-step guide on how to be

MOVE

Oct. 30, 2014

THE ULTIMATE SPARTAN FAN n By Joseph Silver move editor

Step 1: Know the sport

‘

What does it mean to be a fan?

“It means that no matter how your team is doing, you give 100 percent spirit no matter what, and you stick with them the whole time. The better our student section is, the more our team is supported, and the more they feel supported, the more they want to prove to the student section. They want to bring the student section back. When principals and teachers see how big our student section gets and they see us doing all we can to support fellow classmates, it unites everybody. We come together and support each other, not just on the field, but off the field, the student section goes around congratulating players, wishing players good luck. The camaraderie around the whole school increases. The more you commit to the themes, the more fun the games are. That can make the entire game, even if we lose, you can have a great night, just by giving all the spirit you have in you.”

- senior David Beecher

“Football is a very violent

you don’t get the first down, you

a

“Cross country consists of a lot of

sport, they call it the gladiator

have the choice of either going

physical and mental sport.

running. Teams compete at meets

sport

“Tennis

is

both

actually.

for the first down on your fourth

You have to have power,

where they race between two and

Basically, you have a nice leather

down, and if you don’t get it, it’s a

agility, a good sense of of

3.1 miles, depending on experience

pigskin ball, an offensive and

turnover on downs and the other

placement, and a strong

and skill. Teams are scored based

defensive team. You have four

team gets the ball where you left

attitude to not let anything

on placement of runners in the

downs, and every ten yards,

off. You could also punt it to the

get you down. You have

races. The more runners that finish

you get a first down. If you get

other team. After touchdowns

to be willing to learn.

closer to first, bring in lower points.

the first down, you continue the

are scored, you get to kick one

It’s much more than just

A team wins a race based on how

drive all the way down to where

in between the yellow posts

hitting it as hard as you

many points they have, kind of like

you can score a touchdown,

called the field goal, it calls for

can from one side of the

golf. Individuals can medal based on

which is there where you can

one point.”

court to another.”

their placement.”

of

our

age,

get six points on the board. If

- Senior Dyllan Lindsey

- Senior Elise Thomas

- Junior Nate Limbaugh

“There are six people

“There are two teams

“You’re going for the fastest

“You hit a ball with a

“Softball is just like

on the court at a time, on

with two goals on either

time, back and forth in a pool.

golf club off of a tee box.

baseball, but the bases

each side. There are three

side of a field that is 120

There are different strokes

You have to chase down

are a little shorter. They

in the front, and three in

yards long and 80 yards

you can swim, so it’s not just

the ball and look for it,

are 60 feet instead of

the back. Someone will

wide. There are 10 field

getting there and back, it’s

sometimes it’s very hard

90 feet. The pitching is

serve from the back row

players and one goalie

really technical. There are a

to find if you hit it really

different [from baseball],

and serve it over to the

on each team, you have

lot of different events you can

bad. Depending on where

Instead of overhand, they

other side. You get points

defenders,

midfielders,

swim like different distances,

you hit, whether you are in

do a windmill and throw it

when the ball drops. You

and forwards, and you ball

different strokes, there can

the fairway, which is the

underhand. The runs are

play two games to 25,

with a spherical ball. There

be relays. The objective is to

middle of the golf course,

counted the same as

and if you need a third

are 40 minute halves, and

get more points than the other

you pick a golf club to

in baseball, whenever

game, you play to 15.

the object is to score more

team. The points are scored

see how far you can hit

someone crosses the

During the middle of each

goals than the other team

based on which place you

the next shot. You chase

plate that’s a run.”

game, you switch sides at

and keep possession of

finish. For example, first place

it again and hit the next

seven points.”

the ball for as long as

will get more points than third

shot, then you putt on the

possible.”

place.”

green.”

-

Senior

Danielle

- Senior Tristyn Hasmer

Robbins

- Junior Tyler Buchanan

- Senior Satiah Duval

- Junior Mary Halloran

Step 2: Know the chants “I Believe”

I

I

I Believe

I Believe

I Believe That

I Believe That

I Believe That We

I Believe That We

I Believe That We Will Win

I Believe That We Will Win

I Believe That We Will Win

I Believe That We Will Win

“Let’s Go”

Let’s Go

Let’s Go

Let’s Go

Let’s Go

Let’s Go

Let’s Go

Let’s Go

Let’s Go

Let’s Go

Let’s Go

Let’s Go

Let’s Go

“FHC Say What”

FHC Say What!

What!

FHC Say What!

What!

FHC Say Whaaaaat!

Whaaaaaat!

“Let’s Get a Little Bit Rowdy”

Let’s Get a Little Bit Rowdy

Rowdy

Rowdy

Rowdy

Rowdy

Let’s Go Spartans

Let’s Go Spartans, Let’s Go.

Let’s Go Spartans, Let’s Go.

Let’s Go Spartans, Let’s Go.

Let’s Go Spartans, Let’s Go.

“We are the Spartans”

We are the Spartans

We are the Spartans

The mighty mighty Spartans

The mighty mighty Spartans

Everywhere we go

Everywhere we go

People want to know

People want to know

Who we are

Who we are

So we tell them

So we tell them

We are the Spartans

We are the Spartans

The mighty mighty Spartans

The mighty mighty Spartans

17 MOVE

Oct. 30, 2014

Photo by Francis Lunatto

The student section celebrates as the football team kicks off the homecoming game by throwing streamers and flour into the air for the white out the student section planned.

Step 3: Know the teams Boys - Jake Drnec, Jake Baumgartner, Zach Painter, Nate Limbaugh, Austin Hoth, Mitch Devening, Collin King (Zach Mckinley). Girls - Kristy Eslinger, Bailey Bieller, Megan Ryan, Lauren Coleman, Emma Duckworth, Luta Young, Katherine Wolf

Grace Miller, Maddie Gunnell, Elise Thomas, Katie Pavia, Abby Conoyer, Rachel Bohrer

Erica Hixson, Mya Lupo, Amanda Ottinger, Kristen Kolkmeyer, Meagan Day, Becca Stocker, Avery Davis, Alyssa Mathis, Haley Allen, Shae McSpadden, Satiah Duval, Sarah Kabacinski, Kaitlyn Chadwick, Kaylee Sheridan, Lindsey Lewis

Cooper Redington, Cameron Zalmanoff, Christopher Baxley, Austin Boehne, Michael Gerling, Zachary Higgins, Michael Lippincott, Dominic Prince, Avery Arms, Campbell Bee, Tj Buchanan, Ryan Eilers, Devon Ridout, Jacob Slone, Zachary Harrellson

Chase Webert, David Beecher, Nick Johnson, Cody Siebert, CJ Brown, Blaise Bachmann, Ryan Hutson, Coleton Brown, Kyle Setchfield, Justin Stinson, Cameron Webb, Tristyn Hasmer, Marc Crawford, Zemene Muche, Andrew Keller, Max Kirkpatrick, Justin Strauss, Jacob Guilstorf, Logan Schmidt, Colton Schweigert, Jared Sanford, Jordan Henderson

Mackenzie McDowell, Emma Wolf, Rachel Masotti, Hannah Lager, Mary Halloran, Savannah Womack

Step 4: Wear blue and silver

Alexis Diffley, Rachel Emery, Emily Ziegler, Johanna Burroughs, Eva Mich, Caroline Green, Brittany Howard, Tori Mannino, Sarah Mueller, Danielle Robbins

Patrick Hoth, Kevin Bayer, Nathan Garthe, Dyllan Lindsey, Frank Davis, Micah Skebo, Austin Fuqua, Evan Mooney, Daniel Yates, Cameron Brown, Devin Puni, Zach Mckinley, Jackson Berck, Nick Warner, Kyle Kutcha, Brock Shearon, Collin Etter, Ashaad BlueWilliams, Teddy Harris, Corey McCoy, Brenden Enochs, William Davis, Brandon Stahlhuth, Alex Chiles, Jordan Cooper, Trennon Curry, Kaleb Perkins, Nathan Lane, Max Kujath, Cameron Julian, Matt Oswald, Tyler Masek, Andrew Oswald, JP O’Gorman, Taylor Eichel, Jared Tredway, Matt Creeley, Trent Diener, Alex Stumpf, Joe Hull, Dylan Gillette, Brandon Murray, Mike Lipski, Chris Desir, DeShawn Barnes, Cody Nevins, Joey Ziegler, Tyler McDonnell, Tahveet Sams, Bryce Sanders, Cyle Apt, Alec Shierding, Ben Orlet, Nate Buchholz

18

n

MOVE

Oct. 30, 2014

photo by kayla schoenig

The varsity team celebrates after winning their game on Senior Night. The final score of the final match of the game was 28-26. As they played together for four years, the team had a successful season, posting a record of 20-10.

VOLLEYBALL, from page 11

“My freshman year we were undefeated and my sophomore year we were 20-2. My junior year we were 30 all and this year we were 20-10 I believe,” Howard said.

The seniors on the team have had four years of success, and that has come from their bond.

“I would say the main reason we have bonded so much is that before most of our games we all go get food together, or like before the Howell game we all came to my house to just be together before the game. It helps if you’re close with your teammates and the majority of the girls we have have been playing on the same team for four years,” Mueller said.

Over the past four years, the girls have not always been on the same team.

Although they were all on the same freshman team, Green got moved up to play varsity their sophomore year while Mueller, Howard and Mannino played on the JV team. Their junior and now senior years, all four plus the new addition of Robbins are all together again on the varsity team.

“Playing together for the past four years has brought us closer because we all know how each other plays and we build as a team together by pushing one another,” Howard said. “It’s been great

with them all. Each year we get closer and come together better and stronger as a team.”

Although it is their final year playing, the four girls that have been together since their freshman year have accomplished many goals, they have faced success on the court in their games, which has brought them together as a team.

“I’m going to miss the whole thing, having practice everyday with my teammates.

I’m going to miss my coaches who have taught me so much over these years, not just about volleyball but about the person I want to be,” Mueller said.

Playing volleyball for the past four years has brought these girls together, they have been there for each other and have supported each other throughout the seasons.

“It’s been something I’ll remember and value for the rest of my life. I’ve grown and learned a lot from my experiences, teammates and coaches. I wouldn’t change any of it,” Green said.

Although their time left together is dwindling, the seniors will not forget these memories and the great friends they have made over the past four years.

From their freshman year to their senior year, they have been there for each other throughout, giving them a tremendous amount of success.

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19 MOVE

Oct. 30, 2014

boundless By your yearbook before Dec. 8

Believe it or not, spending $50 on The Odyssey, is saving you money.

Because if you don’t buy the book by Dec. 8 for the introductory price, you’ll be spending $65 on the book. So be smart and buy the book before the end of this semester and save some yourself $15.

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

20

IN FOCUS

OCT. 30, 2014

One. More. Hour.

Endless yawns and daydreams linger throughout the classrooms; drivers steer to school exhausted. The balance between sleep and school weighs on students as they wish they could just lay in bed for one more hour.

One more hour could heavily impact schools and students’ biological wellbeing. One more hour is all it takes to make a difference.

21

IN FOCUS

OCT. 30, 2014

Photo illustration by Ashley Marlo

n By Emily Herd

T

print executive editor

he annoying sound from the alarm clock blares, but her eyes yearn to remain shut. The restless battle between getting up on time, or sleeping in and being late dawns on her. After she thinks the battle is over, she is faced with a barricade of endless yawns and motionless periods of time. Her yawns and shuttering eyes do not stop before school, they last until the end of third hour when she should have been more attentive instead. School work becomes dull, motivation drops, and lectures are filled with blank stares and complaining students. She wakes up early after a horrible night sleep and then goes to school, stressed to succeed academically, especially when she has a Calculus test first hour.

Senior Paige Hofmeister is one of the many high school students who stagger out of bed like zombies each morning, after staying up late studying and finishing homework. Unlike other high schoolers, she gets an average of eight hours of sleep, unless she has a lot of homework or a test the next day. Not only is she is enrolled in four AP classes, but she is also heavily involved in the All of Us club and National Honors Society. The balance between after school activities and school work causes her to overload herself.

n See ONE, jump to 22

8:30 a.m.

The recommended delayed start time for schools, according to the American Association of Pediatrics

11 p.m.

The average time adolcents start getting tired, according to the American Association of Pediatrics

22

IN FOCUS

OCT. 30, 2014

8.5 hours n ONE, from page 21

“I definitely stress and worry, but I feel like that’s my personality,” Hofmeister said. “I always want to do my best in school while also doing things that I enjoy such as school extracurriculars.”

Students like Hofmeister stay up late due to their adolescent sleep-cycle.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, adolescent sleep cycles cause teens to not be tired until after 11 p.m and want to sleep in. Also by students going to to school early, they are not following their natural and biological sleep-cycle.

Dr. Phillip Reichert is a pediatrician at Mercy Clinic Pediatrics in O’Fallon.

He said student sleep-cycles change when teens start puberty (which can range from age eight to 13 in girls and nine to 15 in boys), causing them to need more sleep and be more tired in the morning. Due to this exhaustion, they will be sleep deprived during the week and want to catch up on their sleep over the weekend.

“Teenagers will actually sleep longer because the changes with puberty are more taxing to the body,” Dr. Reichert said. “Everyone needs a ‘catch-up’ sleep, but sometimes continuing to sleep in late on the weekend doesn’t really help the situation. It’s better to be on a more regular routine if you can.”

He stresses to his patients the importance of eating well and having a good sleep schedule, he also recommends that teenagers should get more than nine to ten hours of sleep. By accomplishing this amount of sleep, students overall well-being will be agile for the school day.

“The purpose of sleep is for your body to regenerate at that time, it’s almost like charging your batteries,” Dr. Reichert said. “So it’s important because physically if you’re not feeling better, then that would affect you mentally and then; therefore, academically.”

By not being sleep deprived, adolescents will heavily benefited and be healthier. The National Sleep Foundation claims that sleep deprivation will result: in a higher risk of obesity, alcohol and nicotine use, caffeine use, unsafe driving, illness, and aggressive or inappropriate behavior (for more information go to the graphic on page 23).

The cost of insufficient sleep not only can affect the body physically and mentally, but also can cause people to be less immune to illnesses. Sleep deprivation also causes students to feel inattentive in class, and can hurt their score on a test.

“If you’re not well rested, you’re more susceptible to being sick generally,” Dr. Reichert said. “When you’re tired you’re not as sharp and you’re not as quick with your responses.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) recommends students should get eight and a half to nine and half hours of sleep every night, and that schools should consider this when setting their starting times. In August, the APP also recommended that middle and high schoolers should

T

The recommended amount of sleep for teenagers, according to the American Association of Pediatrics start school no earlier than 8:30 a.m. By doing this it will “align school schedules to the biological sleep rhythms of adolescents, whose sleepwake cycles begin to shift up to two hours later at the start of puberty.”

Although the APP stresses both of these recommendations, only 15 percent of US schools actually start at this time, and 87 percent of high schoolers get less than eight and a half hours of sleep.

Senior Tara Parnacott is in the top of the senior class and is also enrolled in five AP classes, but she only logs an average of six hours of sleep during the school week. She claims her sleeping problem is due to the excessive amount of homework and her commitment to band; the combination can be stressful and time consuming. Parnacott often stays up late doing her homework, or goes to bed and then wakes up before school to finish.

“If I fall asleep doing my homework, my light will still be on so I’ll usually wake up at like three in the morning from that and work on my homework,” Parnacott said.

Unlike Parnacott, Hofmeister believes that her success in school is affiliated with her sleep schedule. Without a good amount of sleep, she believes she would be unmotivated and alert for the school day.

“I think my success in my classes have been affected by my sleeping habits, because I know that I never focus as well when I’m really tired,” Hofmeister said.

Both Hofmeister and Parnacott are academically successful, but both differ in their sleep schedule. Sometimes being successful in school is not due to sleep, but due to a student’s healthy well-being, suggests Dr. Reichert.

“I don’t think necessarily just because you sleep well means you are going to be more successful, you will have a better healthy well-being,” Dr. Reichert said.

With the stress of homework and limited time to do it, many believe that by school starting later, students will get better sleep and be more agile for the school day. The difference of sleeping for one more hour is beneficial to students like Parnacott.

One more hour of sleep will give Parnacott an extra hour to do homework, or it will give Hofmeister an extra hour of sleep. Although both students will benefit from school starting later, Dr. Reichert does not know if an extra hour of sleep will really make a difference.

“I think it depends on the person and their schedule or routine, the difference it will make is on the individual,” Dr. Reichert said.

Parnacott believes that one more hour would ease her homework stress, and that it would benefit other students too. Although it would benefit her, she also wonders how after school activities would be limited.

“I think school starting later would be a lot less stressful on students because most teenagers really aren’t morning people and can’t focus that early,” Parnacott said.

he purpose of sleep is for your body to regenerate at that time, it’s almost like charging your batteries.”

-Dr. Phillip Reichert, pediatrician

23

IN FOCUS

OCT. 30, 2014

photo by emily herd

Photo by Emily Herd

Sleeping for success?

The repercussions of bad sleep may result in sporting scrubs and yawns

Pros

of good sleep

Cons

of bad sleep

Improves your: memory, could help you live longer, help creativity, helps improve athletic performance, improve grades, healthy weight, lowers stress, stronger immune system

Physical and mental health problems: heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, obesity, higher depression symptoms, greater use of caffeine, more likely to abuse substances.

Well rested: able to retain information well and pay attention in class

Declined academic performance: core subjects, attendance rates, state and national tests all suffer

Safe drive: 70% drop in car crashes involving teen drivers after a delay in the start time.

Attitude: the lack of sleep leads to being unmotivated to excel in school and out of school.

- Graphic by Joey Silver

24

IN FOCUS

OCT. 30, 2014

Not. Enough. Time.

The desire for students to get more sleep questions school starting times n By Olivia Biondo staff reporter

T

he constant fight to stay awake during school hours is a neverending conflict in any teenagers life. Instead of being constantly tired, what if teenagers were able to get more sleep at night?

Changing school start times could solve that problem, and would end up giving out better opportunities for all students and teachers.

Throughout students four years of high school, they become exhausted and rundown because of the copious amounts of homework, activities or sports they play, and the jobs they might possibly have.

The amount of sleep students get is varied, and not only can that cause health problems, it can also cause students to not get a good education that other students may not have.

Principal Sonny Arnel fully supports changing the start time of our district to become later. He believes it

Local schools stats Kirkwood: School day: 7:50am-2:50pm Avg. ACT score: 24.1 Ladue: School day: 7:40am-2:20pm Avg. ACT score: 25.9 Ritenour: Zero hour: 7am-7:50am School day: 8:05am-2:50pm.

Avg. ACT score: 19.2 Rockwood: Zero hour (Not Monday): 7:08am8:10am School day: 8:16am-3:05pm Avg. ACT score: 23.7

Pattonville: School day: 7:23am-2:13pm Avg. ACT score: 22.4 Fort Zumwalt: School day: 7:25am-2:25pm Avg. ACT score: 21.8 Clayton: Zero hour: 7:23am-8:10am, School day: 8:10am-3:05pm Avg. ACT score: 25.7 Francis Howell: School day: 7:20am-2:20pm Avg. ACT score: 23.2

will be beneficial for all students and their health.

“The makeup of the human body, it’s proven, that adolescents need more sleep. They want to stay up later, get up later, while younger children want to get up earlier and go to bed earlier. So starting school earlier for elementary school would make a lot of sense for parents and for us,” Dr. Arnel said.

Not only would later start times have a positive outcome on sleep schedules, they would also be able to support students who play sports, participate in clubs, and have jobs. With the later time, the students would be able to get more sleep during the night. Even if they had a lot of homework one night, they would still be able to be refreshed the next morning.

Junior Emily Tourville, has played many sports since her freshman year, such as cross country and basketball. She knows firsthand how it feels to have to struggle to stay awake at night to finish homework.

“When I was in cross country a couple weeks ago

I would stay up until midnight to one in the morning probably three nights out of the week to finish my homework, eat dinner, and shower. It was really hard to get up in the mornings because I was only getting 5-6 hours of sleep,” Tourville said.

Although, a lot of work would have to go into making this change possible. One person saying something could get the ball rolling; one person starting the movement could make a monumental change to our district and to our students.

“It would have to start with the calendar committee, someone proposing exchanges there and see if they were able to gain any traction,” Dr. Arnel said.

Many schools in the St. Louis area start times are later than the Francis Howell School District, such as Ladue Horton Watkins and Kirkwood high schools.

Ladue starts its day at 7:40 a.m. and ends at 2:20 p.m. and Kirkwood begins at 7:50 a.m. and ends at 2:50 p.m.

Even with start times being 20 minutes later, it would be beneficial to students.

‘

25

“Starting school later would allow me to stay up later after work and do homework if I stay up later and wake up in the morning later, I’ll be awake and I’ll feel better.”

IN FOCUS

OCT. 30, 2014

-Emily Tourville, junior

Students who work one day a week or everyday of the week are similar to athletes in the sense of how they spend their time. Junior Jonathan Aubuchon, who works at Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, and understands what it is like to be busy with many tasks.

“Starting school at a later time would allow me to stay up later after work and do homework and if I stay up later and wake up in the morning later, I’ll be awake and I’ll feel better,” Aubuchon said.

If the proposal were to spiral and turn into something, many adjustments would have to be made. For example, many parents that have day jobs that would possibly require extra care for their kids who are middle and elementary schoolers. With the help from daycares such as Vacation Station or babysitters, younger kids would be able to have someone with them if they are not able to be home alone.

If the middle and elementary schoolers started their day before high schoolers, there would be better ways of transportation and it would be easier on the parents of the students. Parents who must leave for their jobs early would be able to drop their younger children off at school, or be there to make sure they get on the bus safely, whereas parents of high schoolers would easily

be able to send their kids to school without having to worry about them.

“I believe that at the high school level, most parents view their young adults as vastly independent, compared to their elementary age children,” Dr. Arnel said.

As well as better sleep schedules for students, having a later start in the day would benefit the school as a whole.

“It transfers right into better attendance, with better attendance its going to mean better academic achievement because you’re here, you do better, you’re part of it, you’re engaged, and all those things are positives,” Dr. Arnel said.

Students who are involved in activities such as sports or clubs would also benefit highly from this change.

They would be able to improve their grades while getting enough sleep and having enough time in the evenings to do their homework or other things they need to complete.

Another addition to changing the start time of school could be adding in a daily seminar or zero hour where students who participate in other activities and can’t always get their work done have a chance to work and get help from their teachers and peers.

“I think the seminar would be very beneficial to athletes because we have the teachers right there to help us and we could finish some or all of our homework so that we can go practice for our sport without having to stay up really late at night to finish,” Tourville said.

For some athletes, they may feel as though the later start would not benefit them, they feel as though the change would only cause them to get home later.

“Personally, I don’t think changing start time would benefit athletes because, to me, it would in turn start sports at a later time and that would mean getting home later also. I guess you could get up earlier to do your homework but I believe the bad would outweigh the good,” Tourville said.

Overall, this change would be huge and may cause a few complications, but nothing a little adjusting can’t fix.

This change would be superior, according to Dr. Arnel, and for the students, it would open up a whole new world of possibilities. There could be problems at first, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed.

“Either way there is issues, and people have made it work and would make it work, but doing what is best for our kids is what should drive us,” Dr. Arnel said. “Having high school start later is in the best interest of our kids, so trying to find a way to make that work is a priority.”

Photo illustration by Ashley Marlo

26

SPOTLIGHT Oct. 30, 2014

SENIORS! Your senior photo for the 2014-15 yearbook must be taken by Cilento Photography

by Sunday, Nov. 16. If Cilento doesn’t take your photo, it will not be in the yearbook.

Senior baby ads are due in Room 139 by Monday, Dec. 8.

CUSTOM SCREENPRINTING Today’s iFocus, Voice: Mackenzie Morris creates her own Halloween costumes, as well as works for The Spotlight Players costume crew.

& EMBROIDERY

27

Oct. 30, 2014

MUST READ

SPOTLIGHT

28

THREE

things in the

SPOTLIGHT this month

“Poseidon” up next for Book Club

The Book Club’s second quarter meeting will focus on the novel “Of Poseidon” on Nov. 14, during third hour. Pick up your copy in the Learning Commons.

Dodgeball tonight

It’s too late to sign up for 10th annual DECA Dodgeball Tournament, but you can watch the action in the big gym tonight.

Senior photo deadline draws near

Seniors must have their senior photo taken by Nov. 15 at Cilento Photography in Chesterfield for inclusion in the yearbook and senior composite. Call 636-237-2732 to schedule an appointment.

Behind the curtain Working off stage, theatre crews help make show come to life on stage

n By Anna Dillon Staff reporter

W

ith any musical or play theatre produces, not only is the cast up for their provocation, but being on a crew working backstage faces challenges as well.

For senior Kara Hubecky, being costume’s crew head requires a lot of time and effort.

She’s the person that keeps the crew in check, makes sure

what they are doing is done correctly, and that it is done within a certain time limit.

Costumes crew, like other crews, has a lot to consider.

Every detail from the color of the costumes, to the fabric used, to the style of the clothing,it all matters in aligning it with the theme of the production.

For example, for the upcoming play “Noises Off,” the style is more outdated, as it is meant to be taken place from the 80’s time period.

The decisions made on this are finalized by Hubecky, as she claimed that, “Because the clothing for this play is suppose to look more outdated, it’s not as simple to just go to the local thrift shop and pick something out.

To make it as believable as possible we buy the fabric and have to make some of our own clothing,”Hubecky said.

That is only costumes crew though. While the crew is busy using their sewing machines

and drawing out costume sketches, other crews, such as set, have things to build. Paint is occupied bringing color to what set builds and so on. They rely on eachother Although cast puts in a great deal of effort, energy, and time, the backstage aspect of theatre makes the production complete.

Just a few of the different crews that make up the n See CURTAIN, jump to 34

Attack of the apps

28

SPOTLIGHT Oct. 30, 2014

My Favorites

playlist

Becca Abrams Staff Reporter Playlist of my most recent favorite songs.

1

Phone games make school time easier for some students

“Immortals”

by Fall Out Boy

Newest song released by FOB for the upcoming Disney movie, “Big Hero 6.” In my opinion, FOB can do no wrong and this song was definitely not a game changer. This song makes me feel like I can do anything, like parkour from building to building.

2

n By Eden Gundersen spotlight editor

Looking to ignore your homework or maybe your chores for a while, but can’t find the perfect way to do it? Find a good game (for free of course) on your phone’s app store and settle down for hours of endless entertainment.

Are you the raiding type? Always needing to expand your territory from the living room to the kitchen? Clash of Clans is your game.

“Right now, probably ‘Clash of Clans’ is my favorite game to play just because it’s a game that a lot of people have and it’s something that I can compare with other people to,” junior Tyler Buchanan said.

Now you’ll have to interact with other people to get your clan up and running, but other than that, conquer all the land and goods you want. Steal from everyone, just keep it restrained to the confines of your phone, don’t go around acting like a barbarian in the lunch line.

“The fact that you can connect with other people and you can have the same clan and invite other people to it is great too,” Buchanan said. “Even though I’m not with anybody else in the school, it’s still a fun way to team up with other people and have that sort of competition.”

But still others (mostly girls) enjoy the finer things in virtual life. Such as the infamous Kim Kardashian game where

“Ode To Sleep”

by Twenty One Pilots

If you already know Twenty One Pilots, then you know that they are rad. I love how this song changes pace; it’s a song that keeps you on your toes because it contains such a different sound to it.

3

“For Reasons Unknown”

by The Killers

This song is a a few years old but the killers are always relevant. It’s one of those songs that once you hear it, you have to completely stop what you’re doing and just listen and reflect on life. At least, that’s what I do.

4

“Mind Over Matter”

by Young The Giant

This song is on their newest album Mind Over Matter, and Sameer Gadhia’s voice gives me chills and he does not fail to do so in this song. It’s a song that makes me feel nostalgic for some reason.

Top free iPhone games:

“Shut Up and Dance”

by Walk The Moon

This is definitely a feel good song. It’s a song you want to play full blast in your car while driving. Everytime I hear it, believe it or not, it makes me shut up and dance. Imagine that.

Photo illustration by Eden Gundersen

5

you can travel the world being a model or actress and anything in between. With Kim’s help, of course.

“The fact that you can talk to Kim K like she’s an actual person on there and that you can act like her and follow in her shoes on the game [is the greatest part],” senior Reality Bolin said.

Alas, we all must move on from our world travels and onto much brighter futures in the world of tile and balloon games. Or as some might call it, the undefined category of the app store. You have to actually search for these games they won’t just pop up in your feed.

“Before, I was playing the Kim Kardashian game and now I just play ‘Don’t Touch the White Tile’ or something like that.” senior Anita Patel said. “It’s just a fun game. If you don’t get addicted to games that much, I feel like you’ll get addicted to this one because you’ll constantly be trying to beat your score.”

Tile games just not for you? Not to worry, balloons are here to save you from boredom. Or more specifically, bloons. ‘“Bloons Tower Defense 5’ keeps me entertained during Algebra II. I can do math and Bloons Tower Defense at the same time. Go ask Mr. Le,” sophomore Dylan Gillette said. “Actually, last year I got like three detentions because I played Pokemon on my phone, so this is better.”

Spider-Man Unlimited

Amazing Thief

Two Dots

Swing, run, and fight your way through this amazing hand-drawn comic turned game.. Defeat the Sinister Six and save planet earth from total destruction.

A stickman is running and jumping from rooftop to rooftop, trying to evade the authorities. His sucess depends all on your skill level in finger-tapping.

Navigate your way through frozen tundras, fiery jungless, and the deep blue seas. Complete with two adorable dots and plenty of cuteness, the perfect mix.

Around the town

29

SPOTLIGHT Oct. 30, 2014

Exploring the overlooked, fun activities in the St. Louis area

photo by michayla pordea

If you’re looking for a good book and don’t want to visit Barnes and Noble or surf over to Amazon, Main Street Books is filled with reading selections both new and old. The shop has been on Main Street St. Charles for 21 years under the ownership of three different people.

Skyview Theatre n By Michayla Pordea staff reporter

If you want to take a blast to the past, Skyview Theatre is the perfect place for you. Opened 49 years ago, the drive-in theatre still stands today. Playing movies every Friday and Saturday until early November, Skyview Theatre is the perfect fall activity. With two big screens, each playing a double feature, you have four movies to choose from. Skyview also provides a concession stand which serves popcorn, cold drinks, hot chocolate, and more. Grab a bunch of pillows and blankets, and spend your late, cold evenings with friends and family at this memorable drive-in theatre.

Plank Road Pizza

Plank Road Pizza has found its way into the small, growing community of Cottleville, providing local residents a new restaurant to explore. Though Plank Road may be new to Cottleville, the story that inspired its name is not.

In 1851, the Western Plank Road was built in order to connect Westward points to St. Charles. Starting at Boone’s Lick road, and ending in Cottleville, the old road made of wood, helped bring more people to Cottleville. The goal of Plank Road Pizza is to bring the people of the community together just like the old wooden plank road. Their lunch special provides an 8-inch pizza of your choice also served with a Plank Road Classic Lunch salad.

Close to home, Plank Road Pizza may be a fun place to explore this fall season.

The Crooked Tree Nestled in the small corner of one of St. Charles most visited areas, The Crooked Tree is one of the lesser known coffee shops on Main Street. Welcomed by vintage coffee machines and an upright piano in the corner of the room, the feeling of warmth and home quickly settle in. The Crooked Tree’s name was inspired by the catalpa tree located at Lindenwood.

Legend says that the tree was so saddened by the death of a great chief buried beneath it, that it bowed over in it’s sorrow, now inspiring the name of this quaint family owned coffee shop. You can enjoy a cup of coffee and a selection of lunch and breakfast food, seven days a week at The Crooked Tree.

Main Street Books If you are a lover of books and small hidden book stores, then this is the place for you. Main Street Books has been an independent book provider for 21 years. Since then, it has had three different owners, each trying to preserve the old escence that the bookstore has had since 1993. Perfect for a fall day, Main Street books provides a quiet and relaxing environment for browsing the wooden shelves of old and new pages. With a couch and a vast selection of literature up in the loft, it is the perfect place to come and relax after a long day. Sometimes, in the craziness of life, it’s okay to simply sit in a bookstore.

30

SPOTLIGHT Oct. 30, 2014

‘The best

“I really love it here. I’m really lucky that I got this family, because I never thought it would be like this.”

-Moritz Tiedemann senior

of both worlds

Two students travel all the way from Germany to experience the American life, as well as teach FHC students about their own European cultures. n By Cadence Bippen staff reporter

As high schoolers, most of us only travel the world through a glass screen, a book, or vocab in a foreign language class. We can dream of seeing the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, or the Coliseum, but for two transfer students, that dream has become a reality. Moritz Tiedemann and Helena Rex are exchange students this year, from the towns of Ihlienworth and Klein Nordende, respectively, in Germany.

Rex is a sophomore, and transferring to a school in America is something she’s dreamed of her entire life. Her mother, Katrin, was an exchange student as well, so she has grown up hearing stories of what such a journey entails.

“I went to New York, I think five years ago, and I loved it.

I really love, like, different cultures, and I wanted to learn [English] better than you could learn in school,” Rex said.

Her host mother happens to be one of Rex’s mother’s best friends, so that aspect worked out very well. It is obviously dangerous and risky for children to be sent away

to a country for a year, but Rex says the organization she went through was very safe. “[International Exchange] controls the host family’s house beforehand, and [checks in] like every three months to make sure you are good, and everything is okay,” Rex said.

Tiedemann is a senior this year at FHC, and he, like Rex, was influenced by his family. Both his father and cousin had participated in foreign exchange programs. Tiedemann received a scholarship through Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange, or Parlamentarisches PatenschaftsProgramm in Germany. He had to be interviewed, write letters in English, and travel to Würzburg, near the center of Germany, to be chosen.

Tiedemann was a bit more apprehensive than Rex about the entire situation. Maybe more than a bit, actually.

“It was the most scary thing I ever did in my life, to go in a new country without really any contact,” Tiedemann explained. He had only Skyped with the Luebbert family twice, and had some email correspondence with his

host father, but other than that, they were complete strangers.

Trey Luebbert, a senior, has had a foreign exchange student stay at his house before, but this is the first time the two went to the same school. It’s a cool experience living together, because neither boy regularly got to live with someone so close in age.

“My brother is a bit younger, so it’s a different relationship,” Tiedemann said. “Also [Trey and I] are foreign to each other.”

Luebbert enjoys having Tiedemann around; he not only lives with him and goes to school with him, but Tiedemann joins Luebbert on his many marching band activities as well, like a real sibling would.

“We are in the same grade, so we can talk about school and stuff, which I couldn’t as much with my brothers,” Luebbert said. “I just treat him like one of the guys.”

Although they get along very well now, their first meeting was, as one might expect, slightly awkward.

“It’s a really odd situation to be in. It’s kinda, ‘Hi, you’re

31

SPOTLIGHT Oct. 30, 2014

Ilhienworth is 7,181 km from Cottleville (4462.067 miles) Population: 1,549

Klein Nordende is 7,223 km from Cottleville (4488.164 miles) Population: 3,136

A different experience

Schools in Germany have many differences from American schools, according to Rex and Tiedemann. Below are just a few of the differences n They have no school sports, all teams are club teams n Because there are no school teams, there’s less “school spirit,,” and no school rivalries nSchool for them is more just a place to learn, rahter it being your whole life at this age nThere are a lot less rules, too. Students are treated more maturely, more like young adults nTheir school experience is similar to the American college experience, schedule-wise n Classes are 45 minutes long, taken in groups of two, then there is a 20 minute break before the next two classes n For lunch, students are able to leave campus. They can go home to eat, or go buy food. n Depending on the day, there are 7 or 9 classes n Students (at least at Helena’s school) stay in the same classroom for most classes, and teachers switch around instead n Since they stay, students decorate the classroom with paintings and pictures (Helena’s has a wall dedicated to the US) n Their class options are a bit more limited than at FHC. A german student may take Bio, Chem, and Physics, but never get to take Actor’s Studio.

going to be living with me… for a year. Nice to meet you,” Luebbert said. “It’s hard to react to.”

But the two have gotten used to each other in these past two months.

“I really love it here,” said Tiedemann. “I’m really lucky that I got this family, because I never thought it would be like this.”

Things came into perspective for Rex when she headed for the airport in Germany.

“I hadn’t fully realized I’d be leaving my home for one year,” Rex said. However, she was not scared. “I was excited. I can do it now, when I’ve been waiting for so long.”

Rex said she wasn’t too concerned about leaving her family, either.

“I know that I can see them after this year, I can see them my whole life long. And it’s cool living with two older [host] siblings. It’s worth it.”

Although both Moritz and Helena are here as foreign exchange students, the real adventure isn’t so much in the school, but in the experience. While this is a learning

experience for the two, it is also a chance for any American student they cross paths with to learn as well.

For everyone he meets, Tiedemann is greeted with questions and requests that are somewhat ridiculous, yet flattering. Do you drive on the other side of the road? What language do you speak in Germany? Do you ever ask for more Ritz? These are just some of the questions pelleted at him.

Rex is sometimes caught off guard when people ask, “Can you say something to me in German?”

“I never know what to say. I always ask them what they want to hear then I tell them,” Rex said. “It’s cool for me if they ask me, and are interested in Germany and ask questions about traditions, and the language.”

For both, some of the hardest things to learn have been the slang. Although they are learning English here, high schoolers sometimes seem to speak a whole language of their own. “‘What’s up’ was really confusing,” said Tiedemann. “In North Germany it’s ‘Moin’. It means hello, just a slang word.”

Somewhat amusingly, Tiedemann had to be taught words as simple as “wallet” and “restroom,” yet he already knew the words “yolo” and “swag,” as they are prevalent in Germany, too.

Rex says she’s learned a lot about English since being here, especially pronunciation and speed.

“If I have to speak fast, so the people don’t have to wait for me, I get confused on if I have to use go, or went, or gone, or whatever,” Rex said. “That is a little bit difficult.”

If becoming fluent in a foreign language, immersion in new cultures and traditions, and the experience of a lifetime seem attractive to you, then a year abroad might be something to look into. Both Rex and Tiedemann highly suggest the programs they traveled with, (International Exchange and Congress Bundestag-Youth Exchange) and highly suggest an exchange year.

“I was really frightened, nervous to come,” said Tiedemann, “and it turns out it’s really the best thing I did in my life.”

32

SPOTLIGHT Oct. 30, 2014

The late-night craze photo by zach grau

Netflix causes many to binge watch TV shows for days on end Most viewed shows on Netflix

1) “American Horror Story”

With the twisted story lines and characters, AHS will keep you watching until the entire season is finished.

2) “Orange is the New Black”

A Netflix original, this show offers a great deal of comedy all the while set in a women’s prison.

3) “Supernatural”

Nine seasons of this show that allows you to isolate yourself for a week or two.

4) “Breaking Bad”

Shows the depths of how far someone is willing to go in order to gain money and power.

n By Becca Abrams staff reporter

It truly is underestimated what it actually takes to binge watch Netflix.

Over the years, Netflix has become well known due to the plethora of shows and movies that are available to subscribers.

Some watch it before bed or some watch it when they have free time; however, the true masters of Netflix, are the ones who make time to watch, rather binge watch, their favorite shows. That’s not meaning 2-3 episodes a night, it means staying up till three in the morning finishing a season they may have started two days before or even the morning before. Netflix, to some, is seen as a waste of time, but to those who watch it, like myself, it is much more. It is a way of life.

If you binge watch, you already know that it doesn’t take much to become so enveloped in a show that you spend hours on end watching it. They don’t even have to be award-winning shows to capture attention.

I once spent seven consecutive hours watching “L.A. Ink.” A reality show.

It was not my proudest moment.

During these binge watches, there are always two things that are for certain. I am in my sweatpants and hoody looking like the equivalent of a cave woman, which isn’t far off. This is mostly because I had binged watched a TV show into the wee hours of the night before. Second thing is I am almost always binging on some type of food while I watch my TV shows. I wish I could say it was some kind of fruit or vegetable, but let’s be real.

If you’re a pro like me, you watch multiple shows at once. It’s gotten to the point where I am confusing storylines. I could be watching “Gossip Girl”

and be expecting of some kind of entity or demon to show up all because I had binged watched “Supernatural” prior.

How did I get like this? How did I become a zombie who spends all day watching Netflix? Let me tell you, I didn’t used to be this way. Part of myself misses the freedom I once had.

Now, all I think about is whether or not Tina Belcher and Jimmy Jr. will end up together. Those characters are from “Bob’s Burgers,” for those who are unfamiliar. It is a cartoon. A cartoon that has almost brainwashed me into wondering whether or not not only two fictional characters, but two cartoon fictional characters end up together.

I never thought I would be one of those people that spends all their time watching Netflix. Then again, you never think it could happen to you, right?

During these binge watches, I become non-existent to my family. I disappear into my room and don’t see my family or the light of day for many hours. In fact, my family has learned to be quiet when I’m watching my shows just so I will stay in their presence; not that I’m in any way affected by them. I’ve developed selective hearing, so I only hear what I am watching. I become Charlie Brown and all I hear around me is “womp wo- womp womp womp”.

Most TV shows I watch, I find a character I am completely and utterly in love with, which in turn keeps me watching to find out what will happen with them. Usually, if a show contains lots of character development, I become more attached. The more attachment I feel towards the show itself, the more time I’ll spend watching it. The more time I spend watching a show, the faster I get done with a series. The faster I get done with a series, the sooner I can start another show.

It’s a vicious cycle that I have yet to break.

What’s scaring you?

33

SPOTLIGHT Oct. 30, 2014

illustration by morgan brader

n By Tori Cooper staff reporter

Sitting in a dark room hiding behind the covers, jumping every so often. Sleeping with the lights on, not being able to turn the corner without thinking that there is something waiting for you. What causes this feeling of insecurity? What makes people wake up in the middle of the night to the smallest noises in their home?

It’s a halloween favorite: horror movies.

Horror movies have been around forever, from the classics such as “Halloween” and “Nightmare on Elm Street,” to the newer ones such as “Insidious” and “Annabell.” They have been terrifying us for generations.

They keep making them, so that has to mean that people like them. There are people out there that actually like to be

kept up all night scared out of their minds, horror movie junkies like senior Miranda Leo. “The scariest movie that I have ever seen has to be between ‘Signs’ and ‘Gremlins.’

‘Signs’ really freaked me out though,” Leo said.

Alien movies are not as known in the horror movie industry, but the ones that they do have are well known such as “The Fourth Kind” and “Signs” have been known to scare people more than others. People ask why this is; people fear the unknown.

They’re a thought in the back of peoples minds that it could actually happen, thats the point of the movies. For senior Jacklyn Angel one of movies that really freaked her out was “The Fourth Kind.”

“You see this owl and you get possessed, it is so freaky and so sadistic, it is a great horror movie,” Angel explained.

Movies that will scar you are what people live for. “Juan” and “The Grudge” are movies known to follow you into your adulthood. These kind of movies will keep adults up at night, thinking that the girl is coming. They are also Japanese horror films, which if one is a horror movie junkie, will understand that those movies can be extremely scary.

There is no holding back in scary movies, it is go big or go home. There is no slowly getting into them for people like junior Nadeen Ahmed. People like her believe that one should jump straight in and allow themselves to get as scared as they can. Scary movies were made to get someone’s mind racing; not make them feel safe and secure.

“You can’t start off easy, if you are going to be watching a scary movie, you have to be scared you have to be fearful, hiding behind the covers or into someone’s

shoulder, you have to be scared and not expect it,” Ahmed said.

There is no forgetting about the classics.

Such as “Halloween,” “The Ring,” “Juan,” and “The Exorcist.” All those movies have been watched by most in their lifetime.

Those movies opened doors to the movies that are out now, like “A Haunting in Connecticut” and “Paranormal Activity.”

Movies then have been remade as well, “Halloween,” “Nightmare on Elm Street,” and “Friday the 13th” have all been remade for the newer generation to take interest in them, and they have.

There are certain movies that have been recommended to watch on Halloween, some of the best one’s were given by Leo and Ahmed. Both girls really understand what people look for when it comes to horror films. They aren’t afraid to get afraid.

They are just movies.

34

SPOTLIGHT Oct. 30, 2014

What is this?

37

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 1: Get the app!

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!

Step 2: Look 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.

Step 3: Get scanning!

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

Sketches by Kara Hubecky

As the costumes crew head, senior Kara Hubecky is responsible for all of the costumes for every character in the show. Her sketches show how characters will look during different scenes in “Noises Off.” n CURTAIN, from page 28

backstage community of theatre are set, paint, lights, make-up, costumes, and props. Junior Brooklyn Grimes, a newbie this year to set crew, can say for herself that being on a crew is not a walk in the park.

“We are definitely on a time crunch to make sure everything is ready for the upcoming production ‘Noises Off,’” Grimes said. “It takes a lot of people to create a play or a musical. It’s not just a one crew thing, it has to be an every crew effort to make the production everything it should be.”

Not only are all the crews beneficial to the making of a production, but they also rely on each other to bring the play together.

Hubecky, describes the work put into theatre as important and crucial to the production.

“You can put on a performance,

you can improve…but to make a show believable, you need to set the mood, time period, clothing …that’s where all the crews come into play,” Hubecky said.

There is another aspect of “backstage theatre” that people might not take into consideration.

Working on a crew requires creativity, responsibility, and proper people skills. It is meshing students from all walks of school and bringing them together to make one whole product meant to bring people entertainment and joy.

Mrs. Cori Nelson, the new theatre director of this year, understands how this creativity, student opinions, and independence needs to blossom.

“You are still working with your other peers, so there’s an opportunity for leadership, as well as being creative,” Mrs. Nelson said.

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Oct. 30, 2014

MUST READ

voice

37

Photo by Ashley Marlo

At 2:22 p.m., two minutes after the final bell has rung, student vehicles line the parking lot in hopes of leaving the parking lot quickly through the single exit used at dismissal. It usually takes approximately 20 minutes to empty the student lot at the end of a typical school day.

Exit strategy needs rethinking

M

ost students have witnessed the insanity that occurs daily inside and around the student parking lot. The student-piloted vehicles seem to be relentless in their plight to make it out of the school that much sooner than the next student.

Personally, I never really took part in any of the madness. Sure, I’ve tried to get out a couple of times, but have always arrived at the conclusion that waiting for the lot to clear out is the best option. That was working just fine too, until my van was rear-ended by another student outside of Central on Highway N. Now, let me be clear. I drive like a grandma around school. I keep too much distance between cars and ease up on

By Jacob Roach Staff reporter

stops in the slowest possible fashion.

Despite all that, I was hit at almost full speed, causing my trunk to be latched shut permanently, and my bumper mangled beyond repair.

I understand I am one of many who have been in this situation, and that’s a problem. The parking lot is crazy enough because there are plenty of students who shouldn’t be operating a vehicle in the first place, but the problem carries out of it. Recklessness carries onto the streets of Cottleville.

Teenagers driving like this is not a new concept by any means, and I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel. However, when the format in which the school has based its student parking policy promotes reckless driving, people in the school and community have to ask if there’s something more that can be done.

I believe there is quite a bit that can be done to disperse the traffic from the single exit that the school has.

First off, the school needs to recognize this behavior and put in policy to promote safe driving among the students. I know last year, the school, enforced a speed limit for a solid two weeks. After, the enforced limit was swiftly abandoned and forgotten about.

Now that students aren’t driving over

each to get home two minutes quicker, it’s time to deal with the exits. There are two roads that lead out of Central, both of which lead directly to Highway N. Plus, one of the exits isn’t supposed to be used so the second road isn’t helping anyone.

Every vehicle, students and parents alike, are funneled to a single location, causing them to clot. The exits need to be dispersed around the school so people have options.

Roads can’t be built overnight and teenagers won’t stop driving idiotically, but if the issue is brought to light, maybe something small can happen and then build till the problem is solved. After all, if 50 diesel filled beasts can file out of the lot in an orderly fashion, students should be able too as well.

36 VOICE

Oct. 30, 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 Costumes and candy

You may not trick or treat anymore, but it is still fun to dress up and pass out candy.

Why not dress up as a zombie or princess?

Hockey returns

This is the season that fans have been anticipating since the Blues lost to the Blackhawks last year. Redemption is a must.

The Blues got off to a good start with a 3-2 victory over the Blackhawks this Saturday.

LIKE Pumpkin galore

Whether it’s a pumpkin candle, pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin donuts, or a pumpkin patch, pumpkins are something to be obsessed with. The scent and taste of it says it all, but use your pumpkin spice/aroma in moderation.

Lacrosse

A sparked interest in lacrosse has many girls signing up to try this new sport. Lacrosse is for girls only and would likely be a spring club sport if it happens this year. More likely? It’ll be an official sport in spring of 2016.

LEAVE 7:20 start time

If you’ve read the cover story of this issue, starting at 7:20 doesn’t work for teens.

The district needs to have a discussion, that includes students, about when high schools begin. This change needs to happen, for both health and academic reasons

Candy crush

This game has been popular since its relase last year. But staring at colorful candy after awhile doesn’t get any sweeter.

What I’ve learned...

About a year and a half ago, my family and I packed all of our belongings into 15 suitcases, traveled from Europe all the way to St. Peter’s, Missouri. If you asked me if it was hard, I’d say yes. If you asked me if I would change anything, I’d say absolutely not. Although the journey was strenuous, and there were days I wanted to give up on everything, I kept going. Starting a new school my junior year, in a new country, and never having experienced public school, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

I cried the first day of school, and second, and third, but as the days passed, it got easier.

A few months ago I found out that I was able to graduate early.

A handful of difficult questions were thrown at me. Why do you want to leave if you just got here?

Where are you going to college?

What are you majoring in? Are you going to get a job? Honestly, I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m

Early graduate reflects on her short time as a student at Central

By Michayla Pordea Staff reporter

still just trying to finish high school.

I do know that I learned a lot during my short time here, though.

First, I learned that it’s okay to not know everything. It’s perfectly fine if you don’t have your life figured out, and frankly, I barely have anything figured out. Despite the pressure to be perfect, and to know exactly what your hopes and dreams are, it’s acceptable to be confused. I’m confused, but that’s okay.

Second, I discovered friends are easy to make, however, they are not easy to keep. During my lifetime, I have had a handful of people I have considered to be my close friends. As the months and years passed, those people changed. It was inevitable. One of the hardest things I had to learn during my high school years

though, was to let go. If people drifted away, it was probably for the best, and the only thing I could do was let them go.

I learned school is hard. The work itself is not, but the expectation of completing homework, staying socially and physically active, and balancing work and family, is very hard. I learned that you shouldn’t wait until 9:26 p.m on a Sunday night to write a Government essay that’s due the next day. I learned that if it’s midnight and you’re still up and wrestling between the option of sleeping and studying, choose to go to sleep. So what if you fail the test next morning?

Sometimes, your mental health is more important than your mental ability to graph parabolas.

I learned to take advantage of the simple things in life, like walking to class with your friends, or waiting for them after study hall. One day, there will be a last day you can do that. High school ends, but life goes on. Celebrate successes

like finishing junior year.

Accept the end, and embrace the future. Go to Friday night concerts in the city. Hug people no matter how sweaty they are.

And most i m porta ntly, it’s okay to be scared.

It’s normal to be intimidated.

It’s okay to analyze life. I learned that sometimes you just need to take a deep breath, and hold on for dear life, because before you know it, life will pass you by.

I have learned so much more than textbooks could teach me by just living my life and paying attention to my surroundings. The best part is that I’m still learning, and although I have seen the world, I am now ready to experience it.

don’t miss

37 VOICE

Oct. 30, 2014

Bigger really is better

iPhone 6 specs Display size: 4.7” Weight: 4.55oz Resolution: 1334 x 750 pixels Battery: up to 14hr on 3G

Apple’s launch of iPhone 6 stuns owners with new features, design n

iPhone 6 Plus specs Display size: 5.5” Weight: 6.07 oz Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels Battery: up to 24 hours on 3G

Amount sold: The first weekend of release, Apple sold more than 10 million iPhones, setting a new record.

in reviews Each month, members of the Central Focus staff will give you their thoughts on some of the newest movies, concerts, books, televisions and music circulating through the hallways of the school.

By Emily Herd

print executive editor

In an age where technology encompasses our society, everyone wants the next big thing.

Feuding companies are revamping their products making them thinner, sleeker, faster, and the best on the market. Apple and Samsung are among the biggest competitors, both releasing new phones and tablets every year.

On Sept. 16, Apple launched the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and Apple Watch. Although the Apple Watch will not be sold until next year, the iPhones went on pre-order Sept. 19. I pre-ordered my iPhone 6 and it was delivered to me on Sept.

23.

As soon as I ripped open the package, I was intrigued by its sleek curved new design and thinness. I upgraded from an iPhone 4S to an iPhone 6, so the difference for me is huge. One of my favorite design improvements is the screen

Sheeran shines: Pop star busts a move

VIDEO: “THINKING OUT LOUD” For me, I was not prepared when I clicked on the video, for what I was about to watch. Ed Sheeran normally doesn’t star in his own music videos. He may be in a clip for a second, but he is not the main focus of the video.

This time when I saw him walk into frame I was shocked.

I don’t say that lightly. I couldn’t believe that it was him.

Not only did he look slimmer, but he was dancing. I’m so used to how awkward he is with movements and such, that when I saw how graceful he was being I was taken back. The girl in the video was an amazing dancer as well, her moves were smooth and she didn’t miss a beat. I don’t know if this was because they redid scenes or if they were just that good. Her white dress flowing behind her with every movement made her look even more graceful.

She may be the reason that Ed looked as good as he did.

They were wonderful together.

See the full review at FHCtoday.com in Spotlight.

- Tori Cooper

size. I also have an iPad mini and love to watch videos on it, and due to the lack of size that the 4S has, I used my iPad more than my phone. Now that I have a much bigger screen, streaming the internet, watching videos, or playing games is a lot easier and more fun. Not only is the screen bigger, but so is the quality too. Apple claims a 50 percent boost in their graphics and a 25 percent speed boost compared to the iPhone 5S. I transitioned from 4G to LTE so the speed was incredibly enhanced as well as the graphics.

Although I adore the new design, the thing that impresses me the most is the new camera. When I would capture pictures on my 4S, the front facing camera was horrible making it impossible to snap a good selfie. My face would look grainy and textured due to the blur and lack of good quality. Now the front and back facing cameras take clear high quality photos. If my pictures still don’t turn out perfect, I almost always edit

Long-awaited return: Seether’s new album rocks

album: “isolate and medicate” After two years of no new material from the South African post-grunge band (besides one single from their “Best Of” album in 2013), July 1 brought us Seether’s sixth studio album, “Isolate and Medicate.” I’ll just start with saying I love Seether. Along with Papa Roach and Three Days Grace, they were my very first concert. There isn’t a single song by the band I dislike. Most bands’ styles change over time; it’s just a fact, but Seether’s music has retained the same feel it has since 2002, without boring their fans. I fell in absolute, unadulterated love with the single they released called “Words As Weapons,” and was not disappointed when the album was released.

The opening song, “See You At The Bottom” kicks off the album with a hard rock tone that matches the style of Chevelle. The whole album has influence from other hard rock bands of Seether’s time. “Isolate & Medicate” continues to maintain the sound that Seether has made their own.

- Jake Baumgartner

my photos by changing the brightness, adding a filter, etc. The option to edit photos has always been accessible, but there are now many options to improve photos. Another new feature I love about the camera and iOS 8, is the new filming features. Now I can film and create time lapses, slow motion videos, and more.

Apple’s new products really have lived up to my expectations and the hype. The last few iPhones have not impressed me that much due to the similarity of models. The iPhone 5 was a huge breakthrough, but the iPhone 5S and 5C were basically the same as the original, but with few advances. Due to this, I didn’t feel it was necessary to upgrade. When I heard that Apple was releasing the iPhone 6, I researched and compared it to the 5S, but felt that the 6 was worth the money. Overall, the iPhone 6 continues to impress me; the iPhone 6 has changed my iPhone experience, at least until the iPhone 8.

Apocalype now: Season five takes off

Television: “The walking dead” The zombie apocalypse series left off season four with the crew split up and headed for Terminus (a place of sanctuary). Terminus was everything except sanctuary as the crew was imprisoned into a box car ending the series with Rick’s famous line, “They’re screwing with the wrong people.” Rick’s taste for revenge left audiences desperate for the season five premiere.

The season five premiere showed the escape out of their imprisonment and literally out of the box of familiarity.

The premiere was by far the best and most action-packed season premiere of “The Walking Dead,” next to the show’s pilot. I was on the edge of my seat, curious how and when they would escape, and where they would travel to next. There are rumors that the crew will travel to Washington D.C. to find a cure, and I believe that they will, since AMC has renewed the show for another season.

See the full review at FHCtoday.com in Spotlight.

- Emily Herd

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Oct. 30, 2014

OUR VIEW: SCHOOL START TIME

our voice

We believe that school starts too early, and delaying the start time would be beneficial to the students, teachers and the school.

Ultimately, students and teachers need their sleep in order to have an agile and effective school day.

Shatter the schedule A later start time would aid health, academic performance of students

S

chool, homework, work, eat, repeat. We have no time for sleep, so why does school start so early?

Biologically, teenagers can’t fall asleep until after eleven, also their sleep cycle shifts about two hours once we hit puberty. Very rarely do any high school students get the recommended eight and a half hours of sleep, so why are we still stuck in this traditional bubble of starting school before eight o’clock?

Extracurricular activities are the driving forces behind the early starts. We think that it’s ridiculous that our education suffers because the district values athletics over our education; which prevents students from efficiently learning and retaining information.

So, why not play games on the weekend?

Extracurriculars are just that; extra. It isn’t a right, it’s a privilege. Why should some student’s education suffer

because other students choose to do after school sports?

Sports are an option in this school, a statement that was reiterated to us since the first day we stepped foot into school freshman year. Yet, student-athletes get more recognition and more precedent over other students. The school has the student-athlete of the month, yet there is no ‘high-achieving student of the month’ or ‘nicest student of the month.’

High school schedules are filled to the brim. From homework and work, sleep is a luxury for the average high school student. Sleep is a luxury most highachieving students can’t afford. We have to make sacrifices; from giving up our social life, cutting hours at work, or getting a bad grade in a class.

We pride ourselves on having good grades, so that we can get into the expensive college we want to go

to, but with the cost of college is rising, we need as much money as we can get so that we aren’t drowned in debt when we get out.

Half of the time, it’s hard to remember the homework for the first few hours of the day. We forget to study for an important test because of the lack of sleep we get.

Sometimes, it’s impossible to finish a homework assignment because of other obligations in our busy lives. Sleepless nights lead to forgetful days. It’s a never-ending cycle of wanting sleep and wanting good grades.

If our district wants to improve our academic performance, which helps the district receive more recognition, then a later start time to school would be beneficial. If the school truly values our education over athletics, high schools should switch to a later start time.

- 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, 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

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Oct. 30, 2014

Photo by Jacelyn Blattel

Curious about Art Club? Read Jake Roach’s story about their first meeting to get an in-depth look at the club.

The football team faced a hard loss against Howell on senior night. The gallery by Julia Becker, Zach Grau, and Darby Copeland captures the game from start to finish.

Photo by Julia Becker

The latest edition of iFocus focuses on local band Minus Me. Check out the video to watch their rapid climb to success.

Photo by Zach Grau