The Photo Issue The Spartan Preschool gives students a chance to get a feel for teaching
From the Editors T
STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tea Perez
o us, being a
PHOTO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Keaton Frye
photographer
EDITORS CENTRAL FOCUS: Faith Beckmann MULTIMEDIA: Hannah Bernard SOCIAL MEDIA: Maya Culian HISTORIAN: Madi Hermeyer VIDEO: Aniya Sparrow DESIGN: Sydney Tran FHCTODAY.COM: Rachel Vrazel PHOTO: Riley Wania STAFF REPORTERS Elisa Carter, Lorelai Finoch, Clara Kilen, Olivia McCary, Lauren Rohde, Reilly Scobey
is not only about finding perfect
lighting or making the color look just right, it’s about capturing a specific moment. This issue is a little bit different than the previous four issues we’ve published this year.
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Samantha Jaramillo Castille, Isaiah Flowers, Rebecca Hornberger, Charlie Rosser, Raina Straughter
Our third photo issue is focused on celebrating our photographers
ADVISER: Matthew Schott
capturing a moment and crafting a story, all in one image, usually
talents in making more than a simple snapshot. In this issue, we wanted to emphasize their skill at approaching a scene and
without words. As you make your way through these 28 pages
THOUGHTS?
Have a letter for the editor or a question for us? If something we wrote demands your voice, please e-mail us at fhcpub@gmail.com or drop your handwritten letter off with Mr. Schott in Room 139. We can also be reached via snail mail at 5199 State Highway N, St Charles, MO 63304. The Central Focus staff will print the entirety of your letter, providing it meets the standards of publication laid out in the FHC Publications editorial policy, which is available in Room 139 or at www.fhctoday.com for your perusal.
you’ll see stories we tried to tell with our cameras, fun projects recreating some of our favorite images, and some of the best images we’ve captured over the course of the year that emphasize the impact a photo can have.
SINCERELY,
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2 CONTENT
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Page by Riley Wania and Keaton Frye
Contents
Table of
of 4 Two photogs
spent a day with Coach Hayley Leake
8 Praise through song
Page by Riley Wania and Keaton Frye
Pursuing a The Spartan 18 12 Viewing 24 profession in Mini Prenature from new angles
high school
20 Recreating 16 Celebrating famous different skin tones
album covers
School gives future teachers real-world experience
Photo by Madi Hermeyer
CONTENT
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English teacher Hayley Leake creates social media posts for the girls basketball team’s game day during her first hour plan period. Mrs. Leake makes posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for every game throughout the team’s season. Photo by Maya Culian
Livin’ Like Leake Coaching, teaching keep Hayley Leake’s game days hectic
Mrs. Leake watching the week’s top ten highlight sports clips with her Sports Literature class. After, they talked about their favorite part of the video, Photo by Samantha Castille
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Page by Samantha Castille and Maya Culian
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LEFT: Sophomore Elizabeth Willham hands Mrs. Leake a pass to leave. Leake monitors study hall for sixth and seventh hour, during which she plans her social media posts for the next game. Photo by Maya Culian
ine hours to be a teacher, a coach, and a role model. Once Hayley Leake arrives at FHC on Feb.
11, she begins her morning with a plan period where she puts together the lessons she has for the day, along with starting to put together the social media posts
BELOW: In her third hour Sports Literature class Mrs. Leake teaches her students about “Friday Night Lights.” They discussed the characters and their personalities. Photo by Samantha Castille
for game day. She continues her day teaching her English I and Sports Literature classes. She then had a very light lunch of cold pizza and her daily, prized, Mountain Dew. Once she is done teaching, Mrs. Leake heads over to Room 3 where she helps students in study hall and begins reviewing basketball videos to prepare a plan for the game that evening against Holt. Finally, it’s game time; with her passionate coaching and planning the girls took home the win over Holt to improve to 14-6 on their season. And just like that Hayley Leake’s day is finally complete.
Coach Leake instructs her team from the sidelines after a turnover. After losing the ball, Coach Leake yells out to the players to remind the, of what they should have done to keep it. Photo by Maya Culian
On Feb. 11, the girls basketball team defeated Holt 47-26. During a timeout, Coach Leake discussed their game plan, and what techniques they needed to be using. Photo by Maya Culian
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Finally FULL faces
After a full year of only seeing the eyes above masks, students were able to show off their smiles
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Page by Riley Wania and Keaton Frye
GRAB ‘EM BY THE LENS: Grabbing the camera with a claw, junior Maiya Boain has a bit of fun before the Environmental Club nature walk on Nov. 10. I like this photo because of the fun expression on Maiya’s face, as well as the way the camera is pointed down the arm of the claw. Photo by Charlie Rosser PLENTY OF PEP: Sophmore Samantha Hantack laughs with her teammates during the fall pep assembly. I love the emotion this photo has, as well as the bright colors that add another fun element- perfectly encapsulating the atmsphere from the day. Photo by Riley Wania
SUNNY SMILE: Smiling as the sun glows around her, freshman Kaydence Bartan walks in the Homecoming parade. During the homecoming parade Barton, a freshman, walked with the Arete Club. I like this picture because she looks so carefree and she’s genuinely enjoying herself. Photo by Raina Straughtrer
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Worship team guitarist Nate McConnaughay sings and plays a song during a recent performance.
Singing Soul for the
The overwhelming passion and love from each and every attendee is obvious when you walk into 2Rivers Church. Since 1999, O’Fallon has been home to the nondenominational Christian church. 2Rivers focuses on worshiping through music. Every few months they host a Worship Night, where members come together and has a concert put on by the Church’s band. A 2Rivers member raises her hand in praise as she sings along with the band.
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Photos and story by Madi Hermeyer
A 2Rivers attendee raises his hand in worship and focuses on the music from the band. Worship Team vocalist and guitarist Nate Siecinski raises his hands in praise. BELOW: Ministry leader Sarah Good sings during the Worship Night Concert.
Worship Team vocalist Jenny McConnaughay sings with the band.
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Continuing the Legacy Our photographers favorite images from the duration of the recordbreaking winter sports season. On the boys basketball team, senior Adam Painter broke the record for most points in a season, earning a total of 534 points. On girls swim and dive, junior Xime Avila broke the school record for the 100 fly. Girls basketball made it to district championships, and hockey won the Founders Cup.
TWISTED: Bending her opponent from Holt into an uncomfortable positin, sophomore Stevie Lupo wins her match as part of the GAC championships. I love this picture because the viewer can really see the struggle in this match and how both girls are fighting with their all in this photo. Photo by Maya Culian
FLYIN’: Freshman Regina Avila swims the butterfly leg of the 200 individual medley on Jan. 6. I like this picture because of the little details like the reflection of the lights and drops of water. I also like the coloring and clear focus. Photo by Keaton Frye
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ELEVATION: Landon Gordon, senior, rises for a basket while being defended by FHN opponent during a high-energy game. The Spartans came out on top winning 40-36 on Nov. 23. This photo is one of my favorites. I love the negative space, and how the two players on the side frame Gordon. Photo by Riley Wania
IT’S A CELEBRATION (ABOVE): High fiving teammate Seeger Trendley, junior Braden Silver celebrats after he scored a goal on Dec. 4 against Seckman High School. The ice hocke club would post a 16-8- record en route to winning the Founders Cup. I really like this picture because of the joy you can see that is captured in this moment. Photo by Maya Culian AVOIDING THE BLOCK (RIGHT): Junior Bri Mason goes up for a shot during a game against Holt High School. I love this photo because of the emotion on Bri’s face and how the background is so blurry while Bri and her defender are in perfect focus. Photo by Madi Hermeyer
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Navigating Nature
“A
nd then I have nature, art, and poetry, and if that’s not
enough, what is?” -Vincent Van Gogh. We can often be
so consumed in our own lives that we forget to notice what’s
right in front of us. The world we live in is full of so much more than we can see. Yet, we tend to perceive the world solely
through our own experiences. Through our photos, we hope
to capture the feeling of tranquility and stillness of the world around us through a different perspective, one that we may not normally experience. LEFT: A whimsical sign points to various fictional locations. The places written on the sign are changed by its owners periodically, usually to reference famous book settings. Photo by Charlie Rosser
RIGHT: A monkey at the Saint Louis Zoo lays in the grass. Photo by Rebecca Hornberger
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Page by Charlie Rosser and Rebecca Hornberger
LEFT: A bridge connects two sides of a trail. Though the bridge only exists to create a path across the water, when viewed through the right lense it can be as interesting as the scenery around it. Photo by Charlie Rosser ABOVE: A king penguin at the Saint Louis Zoo swims with its head above water. Photo by Rebecca Hornberger BELOW: The sky is reflected in the icy water of a stream in a woods. Sometimes, the best way to look up is simply to look down. Photo by Charlie Rosser
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DIVE ON DOWN: Senior Santy Machado walks through a tunnel of his friends on senior night for swim and dive on Oct. 18 at the St. Peters Rec-Plex. The team only consisted of eight swimmers and two divers. I liked the emotion in this photo, of all the swimmers excited for Santy in celebration of his senior year. I also like the perspective the photo was shot at; it looks as if the viewer is experiencing the moment alongside the team. Photo by Rebecca Hornberger
SUNSHINE ON A CLOUDY DAY: Morgan Corbitt, senior, smiling with her mom and sister, senior Morgan Corbitt walks down the track for her fall senior night. I really like this picture because of the emotion that is captured in this photo because it really sums up that night as a whole. It shows that even though it was raining on their senior night nothing could ruin the joy and excitement it was to be there with your family and friends and still have a great night overall. Photo by Maya Culian
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WRESTLING RECOGNITION: As she shakes hands with her wrestling coaches, senior Abby Matson beams while she is recognized for FHC’s Wrestling Senior Night. I like this photo because of the emotions on everyone’s faces, you can tell that everyone’s smiles are genuine. Photo by Madi Hermeyer
Page by Riley Wania and Keaton Frye
Best of: Subject
BITTER SWEET: Senior Sarah Percy is photographed receiving flowers from her coach. Percy pouts her lip in awe at the flowers, as her parents and Dr. Arnel looked toward the interaction. I like this picture because you can understand Percy’s emotions without her having a full smile or her looking straight at the camera. It’s a very sweet and sentimental moment between her and her coach that I was happy to capture. Photo by Aniya Sparrow
A Spotlight on
Seniors
After four years of high school — going to classes, sports practices, after school meetings, clubs — seniors are honored for their commitment, whether at senior nights or as part of dance royalty HOMECOMING ROYALTY: Homecoming court winners Clara Kilen and Tino Javier who looking out at the crowds of people watching the Parade. This photo is really great because of their excitement they both have riding in the jeep together. Photo by Samantha Castille
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Unapologetically, We
The various shades of black women
‘I
t’s in the reach of my arms, the span of my hips, the stride of my step, the curl of my lips, I am woman. Phenomenally.” - Maya Angelou. From the beginning of American history, black women have been belittled and underestimated by their peers. Black women have had a
profound impact on culture from their mannerisms to their slang or speech or to the raising of children. Black women and their contributions have had amazing impacts that have often been overlooked in the past. They are beautiful, bold, intelligent, kind, understanding and much more. One can go on and on about what society needs from Black women and where it would be without them. Black women have been so important to culture that one can’t just examine one contribution like the layers of an onion because there are so many other layers to touch base on. All Black people have a visible similarity. They all have one constant trait: the color of their skin. Growing up, many people of color have lived in different houses, followed different rules, or celebrations with different customs. But they were all Black, and these women explain what makes them unique in their own way and how their skin color affects the way they are seen. From us to you, we love you Black women.
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Page by Aniya Sparrow and Raina Straughter
FAR LEFT: Sophomore Tia Clark shows off her side profile as she poses for the camera. The light hits her perfectly to define her features. LEFT: Clark believes her skin color makes her stand out the most. She expresses that, “I’m just proud to be me. People may make fun of me for my skin color because I’m not as dark as other [black] people, but I like my skin.” Photos by Aniya Sparrow
Junior Aja Brooks gives a light smile away from the camera. She uses her hair to connect with her ancestors. Photo by Aniya Sparrow
Brooks loves going FHC but feels less seen around her peers at times. She mentions, “At first, I felt less seen and heard going to a predominantly white school, it’s like they took the recognition away from me. It’s not easy to
y
grow out of.”
n
Photo by Aniya Sparrow
RIGHT: Sophomore Tamer Fatee gives a faint smile, reminiscing about a good time she’s had with her friends and family. Fatee feels as if her clothes makes her stand out as a black woman. FAR RIGHT: Fatee expresses how her mom is her biggest inspiration and hopes to be like her one day, “My hair and my mom. She’s had a very powerful influence on me so having her here is very important to me. Especially for my womanhood.” Photos by Raina Straughter
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Sammi Reise
First we talked to senior Sammi Reise, who’s involved in all the choirs provided here at FHC along with being in theater as the Student Tech Director in our theater. Being involved in both theater and choir has helped Sammi find different ways to express herself along with finding out what her true passion is and deciding to take the next step of her future with it by going to Lindenwood University.
Already on the
JOB Clubs help prepare students for their future
E
very student has a dream; a dream job, life, car. At FHC there are many
different clubs that allow students to take the next step to becoming closer to their Standing in front of a tree at FHC, Reise talks about how she’s been doing theater since she was 12 and will have done 21 shows by the end of her senior year. Photo by Maya Culian
dream. We interviewed four students to see what clubs they are involved in and how it helps them.
Sammi Reise showing off the theater’ troupe’s board of plans and need-to-do’s. She mentions how she is the Student Tech Director for the troupe and how she is truly doing what she loves most. Photo by Maya Culian
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Page by Maya Culian and Madi Hermeyer
Lauren Sirtak stacks the shelves while working as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens. Photo by Madi Hermeyer
LEFT: Ayden Boss pitches his presentation about Business Finance. Boss later explains how DECA and FBLA [Future Business Leaders of America] have helped him prepare foe the business world. Photo by Maya Culian
Lauren Sirtak
Then we talked to Lauren Sirtak, senior, who is in Hosa which has helped her get a job involving pharmaceuticals and learning what it’s like to be a part of the medical field. As a member of HOSA, Lauren Sirtak has used her experiences in the club to help her prepare for a career in the medical field. Photo by Madi Hermeyer
Ayden Boss smiles after learning he’d achieved third place for his Business Finance Presentation at the DECA Districts. Boss was thrilled with his placement and excited to go to state. Photo by Maya Culian
Ayden Boss
Next we talked to Ayden Boss, senior, who is part of DECA and FBLA [Future Business Leaders of America]. He found in both clubs new ways to help him network and how he is looking to continue this passion of business in his future at the University of Missouri.
MaryGrace Cummings
Finally we talked to junior MaryGrace Cummings who takes part in Pathways to Teaching and is mentored by Coach Chad Carron on how to properly run a gym class and work with kids.
MaryGrace Cummings instructs the students at Warren Elementary the agenda for the day and tells them to make sure to sit down and listen. Shortly after the kids played Scooter Hockey. Photos by Madi Hermeyer
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The Publications Playlist Spartan Photographers asked their peers about albums that hold significance in their lives, and recreated the cover
“Swimming” by Mac Miller has had a significant impact on Senior Luke Cummings. He feels connected with the artist and the meaning behind the album. “To me, the word swimming relates to how we get caught up in life, drowning in our own sorrow, but he wants us to keep swimming-to keep pushing through the good and bad,” Cummings said. Photo by Madi Hermeyer
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Page by Riley Wania
“Songs About Jane” by Maroon 5: is important to junior Avah Pauck because of the memories it holds. It was one of the first albums she listened to and loved, and contains her mom’s favorite songs. Photo and illustration by Riley Wania
“Live Through This” by Hole is an album that junior Hailey Bennett had only discovered a few months ago, yet has become an album that she loves to listen to. Bennett takes some lyrics from songs like “Violet” and interprets them in her own way and relates them to her own life.” Photo by Aniya Sparrow
“Change on the Rise” by Avi Kaplanis senior Alexis Barnes favorite album. Barnes expressed how she really enjoys the range of vocals and believes its dynamics are so impressive and that the drums allow it to have an all around good vibe. Photo by Maya
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is
“Punisher” by Phoebe Bridgers: Elaina Rainwater chose this album by Bridgers as her favorite. Rainwater mentions how the album gives her a sense of belonging and makes her feel okay to make mistakes. “I don’t really know her entire history or her whole background but I feel, sometimes, so close to her and her writing.” Rainwater said. “I see all of it, and I can feel all of it.” Rainwater credits Bridgers as the inspiration for her writing and overall view of the world, including her failures. Photo by Raina Straughter
“Evermore” by Taylor Swift: Senior Kouper Campbell really loves this album because it shows how much Taylor Swift has evolved and matured over the years. Campbell listens to this album to relieve her anxieties, and remind her that one day she will have the same mindset Swift has. Photo by Samantha Castille
“An Evening with Silk Sonic” by Bruno Mars is an album senior Jacob Simpkins loves because the sound of Bruno Mars’s voice. “When he released his new album, it was really nice to see that he was still making music,” Simpkins said. “His collaboration with Silk Sonic and the other vocalists and musicians in that group just sounded really good.” Photo by Rebecca Hornberger, Illustration by Tea Perez.
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“The Blue Album” by Weezer: Juniors Jordan Bilodeau, Joey Seevers, Jerry Forno, and Alex Rodriguez love Weezer’s “Blue Album.” Seevers listens to the album very often, which has become a joke between him and his friends that always makes them laugh. “The only thing funnier than the Weezer album is the Weezer album with you and your friends,” Seevers said. Photo by Charlie Rosser
“Blond” by Frank Ocean is one of my favorite albums, and holds a very special place in my heart. I find Ocean’s voice so calming, and think every song on the album is beautifully crafted. This is an album I can turn to when I really need it, and it never fails to reset my headspace. Photo and illustration by Keaton Frye
“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift: Taylor Swift’s 2021 rerecord of her album Fearless particularly resonates with sophomore Emme Bernard for its ability to capture the feelings of adolescence. “I connect with Fearless, especially the song ‘Fifteen’ because I see myself in it,” Bernard said. “And the fact that she re-recorded the album speaks to her strength, which is very inspiring.” Photo by Hannah Bernard
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Before You Know It
Child Development students get hands-on at preschool
W
Senior Lorelei Hill carries a pre-schooler inbetween activities. High school student teachers adjusted to the emotions and the behaviors of toddlers and continued to keep the classroom lesson calm an on track. Photo by Keaton Frye
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alk into Room 97 during third or fourth hour and witness a place that encapsulates the innocence of a preschool classroom, where the only worries in the world are when snack time is and counting down the minutes until recess. Before you know it, the comforting scent of crayola crayons becomes unfamiliar, the mom-made lunches become a rarity, sipping on Capri Suns during recess becomes nothing but a distant memory, and that one special stuffed animal can’t numb the fear of growing up. Students in the building go from reading “The Great Gatsby” one hour and teaching in a preschool classroom the next. “Teaching has taught me so much,” sophomore Maria Saso said, “I love getting to help [the kids] grow, and learning about their behaviors. In a blink of an eye high school students go from figuring out what maturing is, to being thrown into the real world, and before you know it baby steps turn into walking across a stage in cap and gown.
Page by Keaton Frye and Riley Wania
Freshman Madison Scott assists a sudent while washing her hands after making slime for a fun science activity. Photo by Keaton Frye
Pre-kindergarten students stretch during a brain break on Feb. 22. The kids smile and get out some energy inbetween activities, brain breaks are a great way to regroup and grab the pre-schooler’s attention. Photo by Keaton Frye Left: A masked student makes a bead necklace duirng free play. Creating and recognzing patterns is a crucial part of the pre-k curriculum. Photo by Riley Wania
LEFT: A student traces the letter A with a paint dobber, part of their curriculum includes learning handwriting. Photo by Riley Wania BELOW: Students trace letters and color a handwriting page under the supervision of a couple of student teachers. Photo by Keaton Frye
A student warily steps into the classroom with her mom’s assistance as senior Lorelei Hill looks on. Attendees of the preschool took scary steps into a whole new world of learning. Photo by Keaton Frye
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A pre-school student shows sophomore Abby O’Brien her temperature during free play. Students got the choice of what to do during the first 15 minutes of class, or inbetween the high school passing periods. Photo by Keaton Frye A student reaches for a toy animal before class starts. Student teachers kept chaos to a minimum while all the preschoolers arrived. Photo by keaton Frye
ABOVE: Students peer over a bowl during a science experiment as one of the student teachers adds baking soda to a plastic bowl. Photo by Keaton Frye LEFT: One of the Spartan preschool attendees looks for her next block as she sits in the middle of a large group of buidling blocks. Photo by Riley Wania A group of five students sit at their table and make slime with the assistance of freshman Sara McIver. Photos by Keaton Frye
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