North Star May Edition

Page 1

north star

ns Vol. 22 Issue 9

05.15.08 Francis Howell North 2549 Hackmann Rd St. Charles, Missouri www.northstartoday.com

OT

paper This month the indepth section includes a tribute to the graduating class of 2008, a look back on their last four years and a look into the future.

ns

OT

online

podcast

This month the Web site will feature exclusive senior profiles and a story on Mike Parker’s worldly travels.

Episode 79 will be a special senior edition and will include a story called ‘New Town Brings New Hope’ and a segment by the seniors.


reader’sguide north star 05.15.08

north star

“Providing an open forum for Francis Howell North since 1986.”

contact 2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303 636.851.5107 www.northstartoday.com

Editor in Chief: Leah Carter Managing Editor of Writing: D.J. Shewmaker Managing Editor of Design: Taylor Bell Managing Editor of Photography: Amy Gleaves Head Writing Coach: Zach Vicars News Editor: Luke Christisen Features Editor: Amy Qualls Sports Editor: Hannah Meyer Copy/Opinions Editor Chavon Chester Photo Editor: Cami Wade Online Photo Editor: Dominique Hamilton Online Editor: Adam Weber Podcast Editor: Michelle Godar Staff: Josh Ahrens Betsy Blanchard Leslie Bland Kate Block Tori Bowden Jessica Bremer Nathan Bryant Alexis Chandler Chelsea Eifert Emily Fanara Andrew Hairlson Kayla Hatcher Jon Henderson Kaila Kamp Lauren Kastendieck Chelsea Kaufman Tyler Kirk Jordyn Klackner Arlen Kunkee Barbara Jean Palmer Mandy Palmer Jessica Payne Logan Ponche Katie Robertson Taylor Robinson Felix Ruediger Brittany Schulze Jay Scott Sarah Semmel Allison Sheffler Katie Siebuhr Laura Simon Vicki Viehman Adviser: Aaron Manfull

02 page design

luke christisen

ns

highlights news

5|FHN crowns new king

The title of “Mr. FHN” has found a new home in senior Drake Robertson, after the guys strutted their stuff in this year’s contest.

6|Mentors rewarded for service

After a full year spent serving as role models for freshmen, the Knight Mentors earned their medals at the spring assembly.

spotlights features

12|Student’s wish comes true Sophomore Lizzie Groenweghe fights a tough disease while getting the chance of a lifetime from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

ns

paper

ns ns

podcast

online

contents inshort 07 |Journals S-08|Indepth 13 |Editorial 16|Photo Story

on the cover

Juniors Sara Stubbert and Craig Yeager enjoy themselves at the KOE Picnic. As the end of the year quickly approaches, students realize that the end is near. (photos by sarah semmel)

13|Web sites connect friends

The creation of social networks like Facebook and MySpace have turned into a new way for students to keep in touch and have fun.

playhard sports

22|Spainhoward strikes ’em out Senior Shawn Spainhoward has the opportunity to take his pitching talents with him to college.

23|Wrestlers find new style Although the regular season has ended, North’s wrestlers have joined Team St. Louis and begun free-styling.

speakout opinions 28|Editorial

Summer gives the opportunity for some to make memories and others to take it easy, but which is best?

29|Kirk talks respect

Columnist Tyler Kirk explains the finer points of respect he has learned in school and from everyday life.

highlights news

S-02|Walk of a lifetime

After four years of hard work, frustration and maybe a little fun, seniors take the walk of a lifetime at the Family Arena on June 7.

S-03|Seniors burn for freedom Tomorrow the seniors will have fire in their eyes as they celebrate their graduation with the fourth annual Senior Bonfire.

playhard sports

S-12|In a league of their own

Most students play high school sports to have a good time; these athletes used their sport as a springboard to the collegiate level.

S-13|Teammates share troubles Football players David Kowaleski and Jon Horton both underwent serious knee injuries during their last season

on the web

ns today online

22

The NS today is an expansion of the newspaper, containing what’s in the paper, as well as exclusive videos, stories and photos. Check it out at:

www.northstartoday.com This month the web site will have the exclusive stories on the First Due Firehouse Museum in the Mills Mall by Luke Christisen, and the 1940s themed “T. Alderson’s Cities Service Diner.”

ns podcast video

The podcast usually airs on Friday and can be downloaded on iTunes, YouTube, and northstartoday.com. Every week there will be a news story, a student profile and a random segment.

Episode #78 of the North Star Podcast came out on May 9 and was the last underclassmen edition; Episode #79 will be coming out tomorrow May 16, and will be the special senior edition.

knightlight senior edition spotlights features S-06|Doggendorf overcomes

Doctors diagnosed Sean Doggendorf with Juvenile Diabetes when he was four. Now he and his brother tackle the disease together.

S-11|Irwin, Baker go herping

Ecology club members Kyle Irwin and Tony Baker take their knowledge to the swamps as they wrangle various reptiles.

senior exclusives S-01 to S-16|The Web

How are Ashley Caudle and Jeffrey DuBois related? Trace The Web across this section to find out; your connection might surprise you.

S-04 & S-05|A glimpse of goodbyes This spread shows some of the touching moments of the senior class and alludes to the many goodbyes that are ahead.


highlights

north star 05.15.08

Side

Effect

How everyday decisions affect students...

Students prepare for class elections

Today the student body will decide who will lead each grade by taylor robinson

For the last couple of weeks, students have been running around getting approval for their peers to run for class office. Now their names are on the ballot, and the only thing left to do is vote. Elections are held near the end of every year. This year, students will vote in homerooms today, and the results will be announced in the afternoon. “The class officers do most of their work around homecoming,” senior class advisor Kim Rastberger said. “They also are responsible for any class clothing that you see, and each class has its own other responsibilities.” Class officers have other jobs besides decorating for homecoming and class clothing. They are responsible for fund raisers and helping out their class. “Just have fun with it,” Cooke said. “Don’t take it too hard if you don’t get elected. There’s always another year.” The candidates were required to attend a meeting with Rastberger before running for office. They must fit all criteria expected of the class officers including a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, good attendance, and good discipline. They are also given instructions to follow. Students

What was your favorite thing about teaching? Vince Nowak, World History and Physcology teacher: “I guess my favorite thing is when people really understand the lesson. And ask questions.” Bob Dunahue, Communication Arts teacher: “The interaction with the students.” Junior class delegate Sponsor Kim Rastberger sits in front of class delegates meeting on April 1 and explains the rules and regulations of being a class officer. Elections will be held on May 15. (cami wade)

running for office first complete paperwork, then must get at least 50 students from their class to sign a petition allowing them to run. “People should definitely run,” junior treasurer Lauren Cooke said. “It takes a lot of responsibility and people should experience that.” According to the sponsors, there are

about 20 students all together running for class office. Four officers are needed for each class: president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. “[Class officers] make all of the memorable things of high school more memorable,” sophomore Soo Yang said. “They just basically work to make that year the best year ever.”

Class of 2010 Candidates

President: Lou Tzerov, Jordyn Klackner

Have you ever run for office before?

President: Crystal Friedman, Ellen Ransom

How do you think the elections will turn out?

Vice President: Dani Langness

“No, my friend told me to this time and I think it will be a lot of fun.” (Katie Stock)

Vice President: Soo Yang, Jodi Wurm, Lauren Reiche

“I think they well turn out good, there is more competition than last year.” (Ellen Ransom)

Secretary: Kaitlyn Fouch Treasurer: Katie Stock

about the five teachers retiring this year

Question:

Know Your Candidates Class of 2009 Candidates

Q&A

Secretary: Zach Short, Rukhaiya Amir, Leah Carter Treasurer: Lynette Rowland, Tori Stepanek

“Complete remodeling services” Bathrooms • Basements • Carpentry Repairs • Decks • Kitchens • Room Additions Free Estimates Owners: Tim and Kathy Weber

Phone: 636.949.0389 Fax: 636.949.0027

kweber01@hotmail.com

Class of 2011 Candidates

President: Chris Zerr Vice President: Emily Wilkins Secretary: Brandis Moody, Charlotte Johnston

Do you think the elections are going well this year?

“Yeah, they’re going pretty well, except not a lot of people are running this year.” (Chris Zerr)

Kathy Green, Freshman Communication Arts teacher: “Just the interaction with the students.”

Question: What was your favorite thing about their teaching and their classroom? Mike Hrdlicka, Math teacher: “I personally got a really good grade in the class and I learned a lot,” sophomore Whitney Speaks said. Sue Bohnenn, Business teacher: “She’s always encouraging students to try their hardest,” sophomore Thu Nguyen said.

Treasurer: Ellen Yarde, Alexis Simmons

Discover Your Perfect Getaway

%0//" 8"%& 5SBWFM $POTVMUBOU

238 Mid Rivers Center St. Peters, MO 63376 Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm CST Sat & Sun by appointment only Phone: (636) 397-2100 Fax: (636) 397-6092

dwade@majestictrvl.com www.majectictrvl.com

THE

Optical Shop

FAMILY

Dr. M.E. Weigle, O.D. Comprehensive Eye CarePersonalized Office Hours: 8:30-5:00 Monday- Thursday 7:30-3:30 Friday 8:30-12:00 Saturday Eye Exams by Appointment 2127 Blue Stone Drive St. Charles, Missouri 63303 Email-theopticalshop63303@yahoo.com

Telephone: (636) 947-0207

DENTISTRY

Dentistry with a caring touch

Dennis L. Schulze D.D.S 4001 Highway K O’Fallon Mo. 63368 636-926-9221

page design ­tori bowden

03


Highlights

north star 05.15.08

Mentors chosen for next year

FEA finishes up year, plans for next

Members show they have qualities to lead freshmen to success

by jordyn klackner

Robertson gets the label Mr. FHN

by jessica payne

A

On The Side

With the school year ending, Future Educators of America are starting to prepare for next year. “I’m really excited for next year, and I think it will be great,” Historian Izzy Boyer said. “I’m just ready to have a leadership role; it’ll be fun.” FEA plans events such as Read Across America, Teacher Appreciation Day, and American Education Week. “Stuff FEA planned this year went really well, so we want to do them again,” Treasurer Megan Moore said. “Right now we are trying to recruit freshmen and sophomore members.” New officers are going to keep working to find active members and fulfill the club’s purpose. “It’s really just to get to know one another, support teachers at FHN and learn more about what it means to be a teacher,” sponsor Kim Coil said.

by tyler kirk

After showing his moves in the opening dance number, performing his monologue, strutting his stuff in a “fancy” tux and answering questions asked by the faculty, Drake Robertson – known as Mr. Sign Language Club – was crowned Mr. FHN on April 25. “I tried to do a Batman and Robin routine, but that scared a lot of people,” Robertson, a senior, said jokingly. Robertson was the first senior to win the “man pageant” in three years. After watching him perform his monologue, many students believed Robertson was a shoe-in as the big winner of the night. “I thought [Robertson’s] skit was so funny,” junior Alison Cooke said. “He was charismatic, charming and had a sense of humor. That’s what Mr. FHN’s all about.”

Mentors train for upcoming school year by doing communication exercises. The exercises helped mentors relate to freshmen. (cami wade)

pplications were sent out in February for any sophomores or juniors interested in being a mentor. Roughly 130 students applied; about 122 were chosen. “The job of a mentor is helping freshmen transition to high school and to help them throughout the year,” sophomore Kevin Bonney said. The mentor department was looking for kids who were enthusiastic about improving the school, communicated well with others, and who showed strong leadership qualities. It was also a goal to get a wide variety of students so that freshmen could relate to them well. “One of the goals is to get all different types of FHN students,” mentor sponsor Anne McPartland

said. “Not always the NHS, head-cheerleader type.” As a mentor, students learn how to be responsible and how to be the right kind of role model to the kids younger than them. “It makes me think more before I do something,” sophomore Lizzie Johnson said. “I want to be a good example to the people I’m mentoring.” Next year’s mentors will have training days to get ready for the new freshmen. The new thing next year is that mentors can apply for leadership positions. Freshmen transition day is where all of the training pays off. This is where mentors run through schedules with the freshmen and give them a basic overview of the school. “It gives young kids an

opportunity to have an impact on their school in an outstanding way,” McPartland said. “It’s a way for kids to step up and be sort of a teacher to these 9th graders.” While the mentors are looking forward to next year, some of them might have fears about how to deal with a class full of their peers. “I’m nervous about walking into a classroom with a bunch of kids I won’t know,” sophomore Dianna Prost said. The overall goal of the mentors is for the freshmen to have somebody to look up to while they’re starting at a brand new school. “Kids listen to other kids more than adults,” McPartland said. “They know ‘hey somebody cares about me,’ even if they’d rather do their math homework.”

Ecology plans for their annual upcoming float trip The group will either choose to float on the Meramec or the Huzzah for their third year in a row by joe jacobi

A

s the school year winds down, clubs start planning their final events. Ecology Club is starting to plan one of their biggest events: the float trip on June 4. “It summarizes the entire Ecology Club philosophy,”Sponsor Joe Brocksmith said.

On the trip, members plan to participate in Stream Team trash pick up and relax and enjoy themselves. They also plan to do some water quality monitoring. The river to be floated is still to be determined but it would either be the Meramec or the Huzzah. “It’s going to be fun,” junior Rachael Ward said, “because Brocksmith is

crazy and all of our trips are always interesting.” The trip is for members but Brocksmith has this advice for people that would like to join. “Should be outdoorsy kids that enjoy outdoors,” Brocksmith said. There are between 15 and 20 people participating in Ecology club. “Just show up to

meetings,” junior Amy Mcgarry said. “If you want to know when the meetings are just contact Mr. Brocksmith.” Ecology club has also planned trips like caving, fishing, campus beautification activities, trash pick up, a behind the scenes at the St. Louis Zoo and other activities. “We are a pretty active

club that is motivated to better the environment,” Brocksmith said. Ecology club differs from other clubs because they don’t just care about bettering the school, but the environment, too. This quality is highly regarded by some. “It involves things outside and in school,” junior Lisa Baniak said.

Providing Professional Solutions for Tough Pest Problems

Culver’s of St. Charles 2750 Muegge Road St. Charles, MO 63303 636-922-7537 FAX 636-922-6300

- Free On-Site Evaluation of Current Issues - Guaranteed Services and Prevention Programs Locally owned and operated by the Mannino Family for over 40 years

636-928-3084

1-800-343-5417 (fax) 636-928-3873

www.amcoranger.com

04page design barbara jean palmer


Choir groups finish up the year Members participated in May 5, 8 concerts, ended on a high note

O

n May 5 and 8, choir had their last concert for this year. The classes that participated in this event were Chorus, Chamber Choir, and Women’s Concert. Just like in the previous years, the event was held in the auditorium. It was on two separate days. “It’s nice to have friends and family all come without having to worry about them not being able to fit in the auditorium,” choir participant Kaylie Habighorst said. “I like to bring them to watch, so the separate day thing helps a lot.” All choirs practiced hard for the concert, considering for some it was their last. Most prepared during class

time as much as possible. Knightsound practiced for 45 minutes at least one day a week before school to get some extra help. “We went over all of our parts like crazy,” choir participant Amber Rogers said. “We really worked on tone and note accuracy.” This concert was different then others the Choir held in the past. The dinner concert’s main theme is Broadway music, the winter concert is holiday music, but this concert had no certain theme. The wide variety of music included folk, spiritual, traditional, and patriotic. At the end of the concert, all choirs performed a song called “Battle Hymn” together. “We performed music I really liked,” Habihorst

north star 05.15.08

Scholar Quiz goes to Buffalo Wild Wings by betsy blanchard

Senior Taylor Lane, Stephanie Theis, Eddie Barton, Junior Emily Meier, Jimmy Rueschhoff, and Sophomore Mike Hutson, sing at their last concert that was held on May 5. (katie robertson)

said. “The last song sounded really cool with all of the groups.” Many people had solos including Bob Strickland, Lauren Minor and Tyler Brinkley. Except for the

seniors singing at graduation, this choir concert was the last choir event for this school year. Next year choir will start up again with a lot of new freshmen but also with returning

members. “I am very optimistic about how choirs will sound next year,” Choir director Lorraine Smith said. “I have exciting things planned for them.”

Requirements for North’s new A+ program information provided by www.stchas.edu Students must meet with an Academic Advisor every semester to have their schedules approved in order to ensure A+ funding. Unapproved registrations will be at the expense of the student.

Benefits cannot be used during the summer, or any other semester, if the student is enrolled at a fouryear institution. The program does not cover the cost of telecourse fees, private music lesson fees, nursing or art supplies, or insurance. Students are responsible for any charges not covered by the A+ program. Students are required to be enrolled full-time (12 or more credit hours).

A+ will pay for a student to take a course only one time. How do you feel about the A+ program? “It’s an awesome opportunity to further their education.” -principal Ed Gettemeier Check Out northstartoday.com/news for more information on “Noises !” the A+ Off program

Students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

The Tintypery

Photography Studio

On The Side

by barbara jean palmer

highlights

The Scholar Quiz team visited Buffalo Wild Wings on May 13 as an end-of-the-year celebration. “[We went there] because they have the trivia game there and it’s like a version of the scholar quiz questions,” Spectra teacher and Scholar Quiz sponsor Jon Travis said. “And I like wings.” Throughout the year, the team practiced before school in room 13 on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Travis is looking to expand the team, and invited interested students to join the celebration. Trivia topics vary from healthcare to education and sports. Once, the team tested their Pokemon trivia knowledge. “We don’t have enough kids to get a competitive thing going,” Travis said. “I’d like to have enough to have a Varsity and Junior Varsity level.”

Robotics to give demonstration clinic by luke christisen

Raven Robotics, the local robotics club for students in the area has had a very strong season during this school year. With two member’s going to the championships in Atlanta to help the Missouri team and multiple competition participation, the team has proved to be another great option for students to get involved in. The group has received the Chairman Award and will be giving a demonstration clinic this summer at Lindenwood June 23 and 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. They hope many members will attend to further their groups success. “We will do an hour long club presentation for the gifted science and space summer camp,” sponsor Kate Seznak said.

$ederburg

&

Associates

“Your Accountants and Income Professionals.”

96 Hubble Drive Dordenne Prairie, MO 63368 (636) 300-8224 Bryan Fakes, Campus Minister BFakes@harvestercc.org Bryan Heinrich, Associate Minister BHeinrich@harvestercc.org Lisa Hubecky, Children’s Coordinator LHubecky@harvestercc.org

Now taking Senior photos! 636-925-2155 510 South Main St. St. Charles, MO 63301 www.tintypery.com

BUSINESS START-UP

928-1040 St. Peters/O’Fallon/Wentzville

page design allison sheffler

05


highlights

Trivia night success for math club

north star 05.15.08

French Club visits foreign-themed cafe

Mu Alpha Theta does fund raisers that help students within the community with education and their future

by jon henderson

T

by allison sheffler

Hats cover FHN heads for small fee by jessica bremer

On Friday May 2, an anomaly took over FHN; students walked the halls with hats, and with no fear of repercussions. It was Volunteer Knights third Hat Day of the year. At only a dollar to participate, the fund raiser usually draws between $400 and 600. However, this time they only earned $275. “[That] is low from past years,� Volunteer Knights’ sponsor Jana Reiter said. Volunteer Knights does not know exactly how many people participated because some donated without taking a sticker, and some people donated more than the dollar required. “[In the past,] not enough people participated,� junior Brittany Gallagher said. All the money was donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that works to improve the lives of children with life threatening medical conditions. “[The money] goes to a good foundation,� sophomore Fareeha Amir said.

On The Side

For the fourth year in a row, French Club went to the French CafĂŠ, La Bonne Bouchee, with 15 to 20 students in attendance. The cafĂŠ has a quiet atmosphere. The restaurant is in Creve Coeur. “It’s the best local French restaurant for the price,â€? French Club sponsor Dave Fritz said. “They have authentic dishes and pastries.â€? Some dishes they serve are salad, ham and cheese on a croissant, and puff pastries. They also have a pastry case you can buy things from afterwards to take home. “I recommend the chocolate truffles because they are amazing,â€? Fritz said.

rivia Night was held on May 3 in the Commons with approximately 160 people in attendance. The event was sponsored by Mu Alpha Theta, which used the money raised for scholarships and funding. “With these fund raisers, I think that [Mu Alpha Theta] is helping the students within the community go towards a better education and future,� senior and club member Sara Cantrell said. Each table consisted of eight players who all worked together to answer the questions. There were ten rounds where tables answered questions in categories ranging from “Movie Quotes� to “Alphabet Soup.� The winning team was a table consisting of all teachers that ironically named themselves ‘The Misfits.’ The team who received the most total points was awarded a refund for the $100 entry fee and $100

Danielle Denure gives Shalaunda Spencer a gift Mu Alpha Theta gave her as appreciation for being the clubs sponsor. The gift was a crystal candle holder. Spencer will be leaving the school at the end of the year. (katie robertson) Junior Caleb Krenning, seniors Kate Block and Danielle Denure present Shalaunda Spencer with a gift showing Mu Alpha Theta’s appreciation. (katie robertson)

worth of Pizza Street gift cards. Denure said. Throughout the night Mu Alpha Clubs got involved by getting Theta ran raffles and gave away tables and donating baskets that baskets full of prizes. There were also went along with the theme of their silent auctions held club. The faculty also throughout the night got involved with helpCheck Out as well. ing make the event northstartoday.com/news For more “The night was happen by providing pictures from Mu Alpha Theta really hectic, but we basket ideas, and made a lot of money, thinking of ways to so we’ll be able make help run the event smoothly. multiple scholarships,� senior and “I helped come up with some Mu Alpha Theta secretary Danielle categories and questions that

Science and chemistry club field trips long from over Clubs visit Pharmacy College, give all FHN students opportunity to learn about new interests, careers by alexis chandler

O

n May 20 FHN’s science club will be going on a field trip to the College of Pharmacy. They’re taking a little more than 25 students. “The trip to the pharmacy college is to give students a chance to view what it’s like to be a pharmacist,� Donna Malkmus, science club sponsor, said. “And to see if they’re interested in that as a career.� This trip will be one of the many end of the year

events that science club has planned to participated in. “We haven’t really done much because all our stuff is at the end of the year,� junior Zach Shollar said. Students who went on the field trip last year got a good idea of what it would be like to actually be a pharmacist. “It made me think about a career in pharmacy because it was easy and interesting to see what you can make out of the elements and to see how you can cure peo-

ple.� senior Nia Payne, who went on the trip last year said. “But chemistry involves a lot of math, and I’m not good at math, so it wasn’t for me. But I would recommend it to students who are good at math and are interested in chemistry.� The students will take a bus downtown to St. Louis. They will attend a seminar from a student who’s currently enrolled in the college about college life and the programs that are offered there. They will get breakfast and lunch

“Like a good neighbor

Proud sponsor of team Fredbird! 1636 Country Club Pl. St. Charles, MO 63303 (636) 947-8833

06page design ­ vicki viehman

would be both fun and interesting to figure out,� math teacher Steven Willott said. At the end of the night, club members gave sponsor, Shalaunda Spencer, a crystal candle holder as a goodbye present because of her retirement at the end of the year. “It was very touching, but very sad, because with Mrs. Spencer leaving it won’t be same,� Denure said.

there. They will get a tour of the college, and then they will have the opportunity to make something in a lab. Last year they made calamine lotion, an anti-inching agent, mostly used for poison ivy. “It was so fun making the lotion,� Payne said. “It was cool, and we got to see how Icy Hot is made.� This field trip is open to anyone who would like to go. But this isn’t the first or last field trip of the year for the science club. “Going to the Science Center to see the Body

Works exhibit was pretty fun,� Shollar said about his favorite memory from science club this year. Also coming up is the trip to Henderson Elementary for the magic show. Malkmus is very excited for this trip, and feels it will be the science and chemistry club’s biggest achievement this year. The members of science club and chemistry club will come together as one big team and travel to Henderson to perform magic tricks for the students.

Roger’s Sparks Tire & Auto 4DIFSFS 1LXZ 4U $IBSMFT .0 1IPOF

State Farm is there.� Providing Insurance and Financial Services Steve Oien, Agent CLU, CPCU 4131 Mexico Rd. St. Peters, MO 63376 636-936-1111 Fax: 636-447-3155

1450 Jungs Station Rd St. Charles Mo. 63303 Phone: (636)-928-1344


Howlife changes aftersurvival

Lizzie Groenweghe and her horse Xerox share a quiet moment before an afternoon ride. Groenwhege and Xerox share a special relationship; Xerox was a gift from the Make-A-Wish foundation. (portraits by brittany stanley)

spotlights

north star 05.15.08

Lizzie Groenweghe pauses for a picture while riding her horse, Xerox, whose calm demeanor was exactly what Groenwhege needed to help her through her illness. Although they have only been together for two years, the pair has formed a lifelong bond consisting of love and mutual partnership. (portraits by brittany stanley)

Student’s wish comes true while pushing past illness by jessica payne

I

t all started when sophomore Lizzie Groenweghe was in seventh grade. She found out that she had an unexpected auto-immune disease, and her kidneys were about to fail. Her face got puffy because it was full of fluid, and kidneys are what remove extra fluid in bodies. About a month later, they failed. “I was really scared because it was a very serious condition in which there is really no cure except for a transplant,” Lizzie’s father Philip Groenweghe said. “Even with the transplant, there’s a danger of the disease reoccurring.” Lizzie was put on dialysis. At first, she did Peritoneal dialysis, which is where, through osmosis, toxins and fluids are removed, and later drained back out. This works for most, not for Lizzie. “The doctors didn’t realize it wasn’t working,” Lizzie said. “I lost a lot of weight, and they thought I had an eating disorder.” When Lizzie was at her sickest, she was sent to a hospital in Kansas City. Earlier, a social worker told Lizzie and her dad that anybody who had kidney failure was eligible to apply for Make-A-Wish. Lizzie

wished for a horse of her own. She’s been riding for about three years, but never had her own horse. People came to her house to find out what she wanted, researched on the internet, then sent the horse over from Kentucky so Lizzie could pick it up. All of the walls of her hospital room were covered with pictures of her horse Xerox. He was her inspiration to stay strong, to see the positive in the situation. Although she was sick, she still found time to be with her horse. “She was so sick that she could barely stand,” Philip said. “She still got on the horse and rode him though. I think that horse might have saved her life, because it gave her something to look forward to when things were really bad.” She was later put on Hemodialysis, where blood is taken out through a machine, cleaned, and put back in. This procedure takes three hours, and is done at home. Lizzie was the second minor in the U.S. to do this at-home dialysis. On July 4th, 2007, Lizzie got her kidney transplant. Most people are on the waiting list for at least a year, but she got called after two weeks. “I was afraid of how bad it would hurt when I woke

The Flower Stop FULL SERVICE FLORIST

5209 HIGHWAY N ST. CHARLES, MO 63304 CONTACT JOHN ROY PHONE 636.939.4401 FAX 636.939.0566 www.theflowerstop.net

up,” Lizzie said. “I’d heard everything from I’ll be walking around in a week, to it’s the most painful thing ever.” It wasn’t that painful for her though. She was hospitalized for four days afterwards. The transplant made it possible for Lizzie to do much more in her life. The horse has been great for Lizzie. She keeps him near Troy, Missouri, and rides him three to four times a week. Her wish really did come true. “If you have a serious illness, don’t let it get in the way of doing something you really love,” Lizzie said. “Someone told me ‘if you’re going to get a kidney transplant, why would you not live a little?’ If you’re going to live in fear afterwards, then there was no point in getting it.” Want to read some other stories about interesting people? Check Out northstartoday.com for another spotlight on George Denninger’s art gallery

Check Out northstartoday.com for a story by Felix Ruediger about Mike Parker’s travels

St. Peters Chiropractor Dr. Jason James

Located at 1247 Jungerman Road St. Peters MO Call for an appointment [636]-447-0707 Open Monday through Thursday 9am to 6pm Friday 9am to 12pm page design ­ jessica bremer

07


spotlights

north star 05.15.08

ce a p S y Make M YourSpace

Facebook acts as link for peers by jordyn klackner

F

by alexis chandler

T

Newer Homepage

This is just a new version of the home page from up above. Anybody can get this homepage, or easily switch back if they don’t like it.

Profile View

This is a view of your profile where you can place your unique layout and many other things of your choosing.

here are so many social networking sites now where people can go to meet up with friends and basically create their own little world. It can be hard to choose. Many base their decision on what site most of their friends are on. Which makes sense. But maybe it’s time to branch out. Maybe it’s time to venture into new territory. A good site to try is MySpace. Each online site has features that can be appealing to different people. Facebook is good for talking to friends but it’s not as easy to personalize. On MySpace there are tons of layouts to choose from. And there is the option of creating a unique layout that nobody else has. “Facebook is more organized but MySpace is cooler looking and allows more freedom,” sophomore Annie McFarland said. MySpace also has a wide variety of music. People can visit bands’ pages and get any of their songs (if the band has it available) on their page. Facebook, on the other hand, is just beginning to get music on their site. “I spend 2-3 hours a night on MySpace,” Ellen Ransom, sophomore, said. “Mostly listening to music.” MySpace music is about to get a huge upgrade. It’s going to make its music downloadable. And they’re working on making it compatible with any portable device, according to usatoday.com. So maybe to get the joy of friends and music someone could try talking their Facebook friends into joining MySpace. And then they would have a network of friends on a site with music and personality.

Top Friends

Got a couple friends whose pages you’re always on? Put them here and you can have easy access to them from your homepage.

Bulletin Board

If you have something to tell all your friends, but not much time, put it here. And all of your friends can read it next time they get on.

acebook. The world wide web’s way of keeping people connected. Facebook for some is a place to get in contact with long lost friends, simply chat with everyday friends, and view and comment on others’ pictures. For others Facebook is a place to do all this, play games, and add every new application possible. In today’s world Facebook plays a big part in most teens’ lives, but is it a good thing? I use Facebook to simply keep in touch with people and comment on pictures. It’s a great way to see what friends are up to or even just chat for a while. I tend to ignore most invitations for applications, only because they clog up your Facebook page. Applications such as Superpoke, Hot or Not, Bumper Sticker, Jet-Man, Compare People, Big Photo, Graffiti, and Quizzes are available to all users. All it takes is for one Facebook user to invite another and so on and so forth. Another feature of Facebook is the ability to create your own page. All users that have accepted your friend request can view personal information you choose to include, your pictures, and any applications you choose to include on your page. Facebook is a really fun way to stay connected, but can be a little time consuming. With all the options, sometimes when you plan to just take a quick peek to see if anyone has left you comments, it’s easy to get caught in someone else’s pictures, or playing games. In fact, that’s probably the case with most. Also, it’s easy to accept anyone who asks to be your friend, but it’s the world wide web. You really do have to be careful. Facebook allows me to have conversations with my friends and allows others to see photos I’ve taken. Many teens already come home, jump on the computer and log onto Facebook, and I think it’s only going to grow from here.

Walk-ins available 205 North Fifth Suite 307 St. Charles, MO

We Care *FREE TEST with immediate results. Detects pregnancy 10 days after it begins. *ALL SERVICES FREE AND CONFIDENIAL

636-724-1200

Photography & Fine Portraits 8FEEJOHT t 'BNJMZ t $IJMESFO t 4FOJPST t #VTJOFTT t Copy and Restoration

1049 First Capitol Drive St. Charles, MO 63301 Debbie Kertz, CPP Phone: 636.724.4519 debbie@ehlmann.com

08page design ­ alexis chandler

Specified stocks only.

Specified stocks only.


class of senior edition “It matters not what you are thought to be, but what you are� -Publilius Syrus

(kayla hatcher)

(amy gleaves)

(dominique hamilton)


class of

The Chain After graduation we will all say goodbye and travel in our own separate ways. Even though we are all going down separate paths, we are all still connected as the class of 2008.

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

by: taylor bell, leah carter, and hannah meyer

was a neighbor with

nickpreet singh sccc

was in band with

andrew burich umsl

lauren reuther truman

was on crosscountry with

was in 6th hour (Coil) with

matt schwab wash u.

zach hess mizzou

sat at table #19 at prom with

was in 1st hour (Fingers) with

jon woods sccc

amanda bean lindenwood

was a wrestling manager for

chris nicolas undecided

was a wrestling state qualifier with

bryan hawkins sccc

went to senior homecoming with

hallie culver lindenwood

Are you ready

It’s time to

to take the next step?

Last year’s All-Knighter had many games and activities including a rock climbing wall that nearly touched the ceiling. (file photo)

was a stuco cabinet member with

All-Knighter to occur night of graduation by felix ruediger

A

s a last chance for graduating seniors to spend time with their high school friends, this year´s All-Knighter will take place on June 7 at midnight through June 8. “(We organize the All-Knighter) because we want to provide an alcohol-free and safe environment for the seniors that graduate,” Chairperson and mother of a graduating senior, Nancy Hutson said. Students can come in after 10:30 p.m. and leave at 5:30 a.m. The All-Knighter will be held at the two gyms, the wrestling room and several classrooms on the lower level at FHN. Students or their parents had to pay $120 for a ticket. The organizing committee used this money, along with the fundraising from the candy table, to provide the prizes that students can win throughout the night. “The prizes are by random drawing,” Hutson said. “Everybody will win something, ranging from gift cards to something like a laptop.” Senior Kayla Watson will attend the All-Knighter and has one favorite prize: “A plane ticket. That would be sweet,” Watson said. Hutson expects about 450 graduating seniors to come. For many graduates, the All-Knighter offers the last opportunity to spend time with senior friends before going to different colleges or into different jobs. One of them is senior Maddie Meyer who would love to win money for college. “I think it will be a fun way to say goodbye to everyone,” Meyer said. “I will probably cry.”

colton lucas undecided

was on roller hockey with

jacob hill lindenwood

was in the work study program with

Over the years the percentage of seniors graduating has remained about the same, but what will it do this year?

88.7% 2004

88.6%

The graduating class of 2007 listens as someone speaks at the podium. This year’s graduating class will be at the family arena again for the ceremony. (file photo)

Graduation ceremony planning begins

2005

Preparations for graduation stress some, relieve many by michelle godar

S

aturday, June 7 marks the day when seniors will walk across the stage to receive their graduation certificates. It’s the time when homeroom teachers will announce their students’ names, and the moment when tassels will be switched from right to left. “I feel relieved that it’s over and I made it through high school without committing suicide,” senior Bobby Bearden said jokingly. Assistant Principal Nancy Wade will sit and watch this ceremony for her sixth time. Just as it has in year’s past, the cermony will begin with the seniors coming down to the stage, walking back around their chairs, and then filing into the front rows. “It’s very impressive,” Wade said. “It’s the whole thing. I think parents, family, and friends will be really

lana labarbra slu

was in the 2005 fall play with

was in German Club with

was in women’s choir with

donna jones nwms

S-02page design ­ amy qualls and d.j. shewmaker

impressed with it.” She has been preparing with Kim Rastberger and Marilyn Jarvis for 515 students to graduate. Although this number may change after finals, caps and gowns have already been distributed. “I’m looking forward to graduation,” senior Lauren Minor said. “I’m excited to start a new part of my life.” Every senior is given 12 seats to reserve for their family and friends at the Family Arena. The ceremony starts at 3 p.m. and is the second graduation of the day. All three Francis Howell School District high schools will be doing their graduations that day. The stage will be decorated with flags, flowers, and school-spirited emblems. Items like air horns and balloons are not allowed during graduation. “We don’t want anything that would be really tacky,” Wade said about graduation. “Because you guys deserve a nice celebration.”

maggie smith undecided

was in STUCO with

lauren ashton umkc

jenna vaughn mizzou

was in 3rd hour (Myers) with

2006

89.6% 2007

2008 ? *not to scale

went to Barnwell with

was on the baseball team with

was in 4c lunch with

will woods sccc

89%

nick woodson merrimac community

jeremy nowak sccc


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

was a class officer with

nia payne spellman

priya chandel mizzou

played soccer freshman year with

was in Spanish 5 with

played basketball with

jessica noble slu

natalie ganousis msu

played varsity football with

worked at shop N save with

jesse hillis sccc

jack bailey mizzou

vince hickerson truman

was a coach for powder puff with

by chavon chester

T

omorrow, the Senior class delegates and officers will hold the annual Senior Bonfire on the football practice field located behind the stadium. The event started three years ago, and wound up being a tradition more or less by accident. The bonfire will basically be an outdoor picnic for seniors only, which will have various field games like kickball and red rover, as well as food such as hot dogs, hamburgers and soda. “It’s a lot of fun,” senior class sponsor Kim Rastberger said. “I like

“ That would be when I met and fell in love with Darius Holmes” - Jessica Watson

“ Hanging out with all my friends before we all have to go away to different schools” - Thomas Flack

was on JV cheerleading with

emily fanara sccc

emma van de reit sccc

had freshman algebra with

jessica rentel mizzou

being out there with the seniors and some of my fellow teachers who help us make food and get the bonfire done. It really is just a lot of fun.” The bonfire, which will have a luau theme this year, has taken a lot of preparation in order to be pulled off successfully, including getting an open fire permit, as well as designing and ordering t-shirts which will sell for $10. “[I’m looking forward to] the bonfire because it gets you pumped for summer,” senior class officer Bridget Moriarty said. “It’s going to be sweet, just hanging out with my friends.”

Seniors prepare for week by chelsea eifert Seniors from last year’s Awards Night anticipate receiving their awards. Seniors are awarded for their academic excellence and extra-curricular participation throughout their years in high school. For photos from this year’s awards night, check www.northstartoday.com. (nikki vahle)

“ Being able to sleep in while the rest of the classes had to be here for MAP testing.” - John Saparito

sarah el-qunni mizzou

ryan buxton sccc

was a class delegate with

Bonfire sparks interest

What is your all-time favorite memory of your senior year?

“ Definitely when Dr. Jones fell down during the relay race at the spring pep assembly.” - Ali Nichols

will room in college with

was on yearbook with

Seniors receive awards Tom Daugherty, college counselor, said. “What we do at the end, is we ast night, seniors go through and read the filed into the scholarships the students gymnasium around were offered.” 6:30 p.m. and attempted Admitto find tedly their seats Check Out Daugherty amidst northstartoday.com believes the newly for a listing of the awards received that some decorated at the Awards Night students bleachers. don’t look Nearly forward to the awards the entire senior class night until they get there attended the highly anand realize that they will ticipated Senior Awards be recognized for what Night and many came away with their hands full they have done. He says that parents are usually of medals, chords and the ones that are almost certificates. “[Senior Awards Night] always very excited to have their child receive is to recognize the an award. seniors for their achieve“I am looking forward ments in high school,” by d.j. shewmaker

L

was in spanish club with

was in BBBS with

sarah baker umsl

samantha kennon undecided

josh bryan sccc

was in a light saber battle at Mr. FHN with

to senior awards night, because I deserve to be honored and exhalted for my greatness,” senior and AP student, Scott Henson said. Many students and staff members look forward to this night, including those who worked so hard to put it together. “The main thing is that it’s one of the things you enjoy putting time into,” Daugherty, who has been in charge of the program for a number of years, said. “It’s kind of neat looking out and seeing the entire senior class, and seeing what they’ve done over their four years in high school. It’s really satisfying.”

played soccer with

sean doggendorf truman

matt clohessy umsl

was in 7th hour (Malkmus) with

S

enior Sarah ElQunni sits with the senior class delegates as they search for a design for the senior t-shirt. This has been just one of many days ElQunni has spent planning the events for senior week along with spirit days to go with it. Senior week this year consisted of five days with a different theme to go with each day and will finish this Friday with the senior bonfire. “[Senior week] is more or less a reminder to seniors that we’re seniors and this is the last time to dress up with school spirit,” El-Qunni said. The first day of spirit week was “Fresh to Def” day where seniors were to dress up in their most professional clothing. Tuesday was “Superhero” day, Wednesday was “Senior

kristen philabaun st. joseph’s college

was in 4th hour (Fowler) with

Citizen” day, and today is the day for seniors to wear their class T-shirts. The class t-shirts were picked and designed specifically for the class of 2008 by their class delegates. Tomorrow, seniors will wear tropical style clothing to go with “Beach Bum” day. “The ‘Superhero’ day [is going to be my favorite],” senior Natalie Dearing said prior to spirit week. “I think it would be fun to dress up as a superhero because my friend has a batman cape that I’m going to wear.” Many students are excited to dress up one last time but also students appreciate this final event put on just for them. “I think it’s a good way to end high school by having a final good memory with your classmates,” senior Marquise Green said.

courtney boudreau ucm

played trumpet in marching band with

naomi kline undecided

page design ­ adam weber

performed at the coffeehouse with

S-03


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

nicole hopp stephens

played varsity volleyball with

chelsea eifert mizzou

participated in Mock Rock with

went to SESR with

marissa rapp semo

ryan manning semo

went to senior Homecoming with

ambrose mak mizzou

was in 3rd hour (DeiCheci) class with

worked at Gordmans with

was in DECA with

sarah lack undecided

jessica ellis msu

krystal brown hickey college

was in the work study program with

a year in our lives...

chris borgerding mizzou

was next door neighbors with

rode the bus with

tyler dickenson undecided

Senior thespians Maddie Meyer, Scott Henson, and Jenna Thomas perform in their Senior Ross Kimpling lip syncs with style during the talent portion of Mr. FHN. (dominique hamilton) last play together, Noises Off, before they head away to new stages. (kayla hatcher)

Seniors Meghan Gardiner, Natalie Meier and Rachel Diekmann dress for group day as the Average Joe’s Dodgeball Team. (mandy palmer)

Senior Andrew Brooks imitates his selfportrait. Brooks has even been paid to draw portraits for students and teachers. Brooks will continue his art career at Kansas City Art Institute. (portrait by kayla hatcher)

Senior Jesse Hillis hugs fellow teammate Lee Edwards after dunking their football coach and getting out of a day of hard conditioning. (leslie bland)

Seniors Amy Qualls and Natalie Ganousis celebrate after the Senior women defeated the Junior girls in the Powderpuff game on Oct. 3. The final score was 63-42 and the MVPs were Lauren Reuther and Jesse Vogt. (amy gleaves)

was in anime club with

meredith bossard webster

went to Hollenbeck with

nisha manzoor undecided

S-04page design ­ leah carter

was on the wrestling team with

jeff lindsey sccc

robert lall sccc

was in a pokemon tournament with

tyler baxley air force

was in the same homeroom (Dalton) with

trevor bell sccc

was in the work study program with

played powder puff with

brittany mendez undecided

was in band with

was on the bowling team with

kim hoelscher sccc

nicole kaufman undecided

was in spectra with

shawn votaw sccc


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

played freshman volleyball with

nick custer sccc

john yang lindenwood

was in 3rd hour (Baker) with

went to Henderson with

played JV baseball with

d.j. shewmaker mizzou

shawn spainhoward sw illinois college

lauren elmsted sccc

lived in the same neighborhood with

adam trimpe sccc

played varsity basketball with

was in 7th hour (Stover) with

chris kopf semo

amy gleaves truman

was on Homecoming court with

marquise green semo

was a defensive powder puff coach with

Senior Bobby Bearden assists a young girl onto a horse as part of the Theramutic Horsmanship Program. Bearden volunteers as a member of the C.S.L.P. program every Tuesday. (dominique hamilton)

was on track with

david kowaleski undecided_ Senior Dan Lute and his date and Jessi Owens and her date dance at Prom on the night of April 19. The dance’s theme was “Midnight Masquerade” and was held at the St. Charles Convention Center. (kayla hatcher)

Senior Julie Alderson peeks through a row of books at the McClay Branch Library. After two years volunteering, this was her first year working as a Page. (portrait by amy gleaves)

Seniors Nickpreet Singh, Nia Payne, Ashton Whitehurst, Leslie Bland, and Priya Chandel performed a Jackson 5 montage for Mock Rock on Jan. 23. (ally stewart)

Seniors look toward the action on the gym floor during the Homecoming Pep Assembly. (ally stewart)

was on the golf team with

andy jacobsmeyer tampa u.

drew kielty undecided

was in the same homeroom (Fingers) with

was on varsity soccer with

kelcie kinworthy undecided

lizzie weitzel sccc

Paige Muniz sits among a collection of objects that describe her post graduation plans. After graduation Muniz plans to spend six months in Mexico living with her relatives and studying her Mexican culture. (portrait by leslie bland)

went to Harvest Ridge with

lyndsey johnson undecided

was in the work study program with

fidel hernandez sccc

was in cultural awareness with

Senior Matt Bogowith is duct taped against the wall at the Spring Sports Assembly on May 2. (amy gleaves)

was in DECA with

darius holmes undecided

matt felock undecided

was a Knight mentor with

was in STUCO with

allyson snyder sccc

was in the Spring play with

sara brasier sccc

S-05

page design ­ amy gleaves


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

was a guidance worker with

nate shipley semo

beth elli semo

was on the Knights of the Round table with

stephen zerr mizzou

was on the varsity hockey team with

went to Hollenbeck with

joey heimberger lindenwood

adam cochran sccc

rode the same bus in middle school with

ryan harnagel msu

was a “new kid” at FHN with

sat at the same prom table with

nick tingle sanford

was in 4c lunch with

was on STUCO with

julianne estrada sccc

anna snider rockhurst

michelle godar drake

was on the Northstar Podcast with

Senior reaches out to acting, giving a hand to others

As Thomas shares her passions for music, foreign languages, she dreams of sharing her experience in college by chavon chester

I

t seems as if she’s always known what she’s wanted to be. Her love for the stage and for creativity blossomed at a young age, and ever since, senior Jenna Thomas has wanted to be in the spotlight. To perform. To write. To be a singer and an actress. “The singing and the writing came from elementary school,” Thomas said. “I just always loved to sing, and I’ve always loved to write. ‘Lord of the Rings’ really set up my music love because of the movie sound track. I was playing the flute at the same time, and I would translate the music into flute and play along. It also got me into acting because when I saw those actors, I just wanted to be able to do things like that.” Over the years, her goals and ambitions kept growing. She kept writing, keeping notebooks upon notebooks piled high with stories and incomplete plays in her room. She kept acting, getting involved with various school plays, theater and Masque Players, North’s drama club She kept playing the flute as part of marching band, and eventually switched over to treble choir. She even

Senior Jenna Thomas shows off her instrumental talents. Thomas will be attending Webster University, and studying music, vocals and theater Thomas had no trouble choosing her future since her passions have always been the same. (kayla hatcher)

began to delve into foreign languages, becoming heavily involved with French, and eventually becoming club president. But it was in high school that a new interest emerged. “High school was really when I wanted to get into philanthropy,”

Thomas said. “I want to reach out to areas that need aid and need help. There’s just so many places that need it.” Though she dreams big, her goals aren’t without plans. After graduation, Thomas will head off to Webster

University, where she plans on majoring in Musical Theater as well as obtaining a minor in Foreign Relations, so that she can reach out to the people in need in different countries. One day, she’d like to start a charity for students who are not able to afford studying abroad, since she feels that it’s an incredible, but expensive opportunity that many can’t afford. “My dream is to be involved on a global scale,” Thomas said. “Being able to connect with people all across the world and share interests and befriend each other. It broadens your horizons and what’s going on around you. I think it’s important to not limit yourself to one country’s mind set.” Thomas, at just 18, is dreaming big. Her goals are not the easiest to achieve, but she recognizes the dangers in her way. She knows that it takes a lot of time and work to be out there. She knows that if she doesn’t start performing at Webster, it’ll be difficult to get started on her acting path. If casting directors aren’t interested in her, it’ll be too hard to find a job. But despite, of all, Thomas, continues to work hard towards her dreams. “I just want to reach out to people,” Thomas said.

Doggendorf adjusts to the routine of diabetes with older brother, stays positive by kate block

I

magine being four years old and finding out that you have Juvenile Diabetes. Think of all of the questions you’d have. What is diabetes? What is insulin? Sean Doggendorf experienced this, but that wasn’t the end of the diabetes struggle in the Doggendorf family. Fourteen years later, another member of the family found out that he too has Juvenile Diabetes. That person is Sean’s older brother, Ryan, a former student of FHN. “I thought I was getting it because I had some of the same symptoms,” Ryan said. “I was real comfortable because I was used to him [Sean] having it and

went to Barnwell with

liza woods undecided

drew merritt sccc

helping him with it.” After Ryan was diagnosed, the bothers became even closer and could relate on a whole new level. “My brother has been there for me,” Sean said. “Since we have so much in common, we’re always there for each other and we can talk about our diabetes and other things.” Sean has always turned his diabetes, something that could be a negative, into a positive. He continued to play soccer when some would have given up. He puts his soul into the things he does and he doesn’t take life for granted. “I still played soccer and everything so I had to be careful to watch for my blood sugar getting too low,” Sean said. There are a lot of difficult

was on the freshman football team with

cody shannon sccc

played roller hockey freshman year with

S-06 page design ­ lauren kastendieck

was in 5b lunch with

was on the golf team with

scott logan mizzou

symptoms that come with diabetes and unfortunately most are overlooked by people who don’t deal with the disorder. “The biggest thing is when you go out to eat with your friends because you have to go to the bathroom and give yourself a shot,” Sean said. “You have to carry your insulin and testing supplies everywhere. Some other hard parts are just like the routine, it does take some time to do everything. Oh and the shots suck too sometimes.” Even though Sean has a disorder there are still a lot of people who look up to him. His biggest fan is his sister. “He’s really smart and never does anything wrong.” Sarah Doggendorf said. “He learns from his mistakes. I know I can look up to him for anything.”

jordan anderson sccc

was in 4c lunch with

was on the JV baseball team with

ryan wenick undecided

Senior Sean Doggendorf kneels next to some of the supplies and food he uses to regulate his diabetes. Doggendorf has been dealing with diabetes for about fourteen years. He often helps his brother, who was diagnosed at fifteen. (mandy palmer)

drake robertson rochester tech

jessica blanke sccc

was an office worker with

suzanne hajek sccc

was in Knight mentors with

was in treble choir with

keely kinkade msu


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

went to Ball State over the summer with

laura simon lauren kastendieck columbia college-chicago webster u.

was in 3rd hour (Besse) with

leslie bland mssu

was in the jackson 5 mock rock group with

ashton whitehurst merimac jr. college

threw discus junior year with

was in world history (Olwig) michael schumacher with

amber friedman mizzou

sammy sills semo

was in the 2006 fall play with

went to Becky David with

was a class delagate with

lindenwood

kelly muehling undicided

mark grimm sccc

was in 4th hour (Baker) with

marquela rawls semo

was in the same homeroom with

The Class of 2008 Rocks... “because we graduate and get out of here” -lauren pickett “because we get to leave after this year” -tyler gerler “because we have the best looking people” -murtaza amir “because we smell like success” -jamison glose “because we’re classy” -zack hess “because we won powder puff” -kristin wiedimeier “because we know how to have a good time” -mary recklein “because we’re the most spirited, amazing class ever” -jessi owens “because we’re not annoying” -jenna wright “because we’re smart people who know what we’re doing” -drew merrit “because we do not follow others” -tina west “because we don’t hate” -beth elli “because 09 is not enough” -ali nichols “because we’re great” -chelsea curless “because we rock at everything we do” -kara hammann “because we owned the assembly since sophomore year” -stephen zerr “because we are the most athletic, smartest, and have the best personalities” -natalie ganousis “because we’re good at everything we do” -marquise green “we have th best STUCO and we have made the most impact on the school” -nickpreet singh “because we won powder puff” -david kowaleski “because we are hot” -kaitlin bearden “because we are the best” -teri mcelheny “because we are actually smarter” -allison rosick “because we are more mature and we know the ropes of the school” -stephanie koko “because we know how to dress” -meghan gardiner “because we are prepared for the future” -jenna thomas “because that’s just a given” -ashley edelen ”because the rules just don’t apply to us” -nikki singh “because we are older and we put down the law” -ambrose mak “‘08 cause we are hecka great” -hannah meyer “words don’t describe why ‘08 is better, we just are” -katie gallagher “we don’t have drama and we all like each other...i love ‘08 i think it’s amazing” -ryan manning “there’s more hype, we have more spirit and we are classy” -nia payne “we are one of the smartest classes fhn has ever seen” -alyssa schaffrin “we are more experienced” -mckay coffey “we are more experienced and we have grown more mature” -nick tingle “we just are” michelle godar Congratulations class of 2008!

we are the class of

2008 don’t hate appreciate

went to Henderson with

nicole runnels sccc

justin saale undicided

played freshman volleyball with

went to Hollenbeck with

was on the football team with

vince flugge undicided

dan obermark undicided

steve swartstrom air force

was in 7th hour (Stover) with

went to tech school with

was in homeroom with

ryan stines undecided

sean ell missouri baptist u.

was in STUCO with

played JV baseball with

kyle jeppesen semo

tim fry undicided

was a class delagate with

melissa ingrande mizzou

page design ­ taylor bell and hannah meyer

S-07


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

was a T.A. with

kasey reed ranken tech Julie Alderson, Truman Sabreen Ali, SCCC Murtaza Amir, SLU Naaseha Amir, UMKC Jordan Anderson, SCCC Frankie Arthur, MSU Isaac Asaro, UMSL Lauren Ashton, UMKC Craig Aslin, MO-Bap Ted Baalmann, Truman Jack Bailey, Mizzou Sarah Baker, UMSL Cody Basala, SCCC Amanda Bean, Lindenwood Bobby Bearden, Creighton U. Kaitlin Bearden, SCCC Taylor Bell, Stephens Travis Bell, SCCC Trevor Bell, SCCC Ashleigh Bello, Mizzou Cody Bingaman, SCCC Kaytelynn Black, UMKC Leslie Bland, MSSU Jessica Blanke, SCCC Scott Blanke, STL Floor Laying Jacqui Blevins, SCCC Kate Block, MSU Matthew Bogowith, ITT Tech Meghan Boithott, Rockhurst U. Chris Bolduc, SCCC Mark Boren, Airforce Chris Borgerding, Mizzou Meredith Bossard, Webster Courtney Boudreau, UCM Lindsey Boville, MSU Erick Brown, Airforce Krystal Brown, Hickey College Kelly Brewster, SCCC Andrew Brooks, KC Art Institute Josh Bryan, SCCC Andrew Burich, UMSL Tara Burkett, SCCC Kyle Butts, Missouri S&T Brittany Buxton, SCCC Ryan Buxton, SCCC Leah Carter, Mizzou Ashley Caudle, SCCC Priya Chandel, Mizzou Chavon Chester, Webster Jieun Choi, SCCC Danielle Clifton, Mizzou Ellen Clippard, Mizzou Matt Clohessy, UMSL Kimberly Cobb, SCCC Niki Coco, Regency Beauty Academy McKay Coffey, Brigham Young U. Dusin Copp, Printmaking Apprenticeship Rebekah Corbitt, SEMO Ashley Cooper, Columbia CollegeChicago Holly Cracraft, MSU Megan Crafton, SEMO Jamie Crimi, Lincoln County Tech School Danny Cross, Mizzou Hallie Culver, Lindenwood Chelsea Curless, SCCC Nick Custer, SCCC Richard Dalton, Military Cody Daniel, Navy Danielle Denure, SEMO Sean Doggendorf, Truman Chelsea Eifert, Mizzou Beth Elli, SEMO Jessica Ellis, MSU Lauren Elmestad, SCCC Sarah El-Qunni, Mizzou Clayton Engel, MSU Daniel Enke, Lindenwood Carl Evans, SCCC Emily Fanara, SCCC Rachel Fitzwalter, SCCC Thomas Flack, UMKC Amanda Floyd, Navy Samantha Fogerty, Mizzou Nick Francis, SCCC

sam fogerty mizzou

rode to school with

kelly brewster sccc Kayla Freeman, SEMO Amber Friedman, Mizzou Eric Fromme, SCCC Danny Frye, Lindenwood Katie Gallagher, K-State Natalie Ganousis, MSU Robby Gantz, SCCC Meghan Gardiner, Westminster Erin Gardner, Mizzou Nicole Garger, Undecided Shawn Gast, SCCC Danny Gay, Truman Joanie Gillette, SCCC Amy Gleaves, Truman Jamison Glose, SCCC Michelle Godar, Drake Wes Gordon, SLU Andrew Gosney, SCCC Chase Greene, Lindenwood Marquise Green, SEMO Brittany Grieshaber, SCCC Jackie Griffin, Jefferson College Mark Grimm, SCCC Mike Grygiel, Medical U. of Poznan Jake Hagen, SEMO Megan Hallenmeier, Navy Kara Hammann, MSSU Dominique Hamilton, American U. Dulany Harms, SCCC Ryan Harnagel, MSU Holly Hansel, UCM Susan Harris, Le Coale Culinare Fatin Hashash, SCCC Kayla Hatcher, Indiana Wesleyan U. Bryan Hawkins, SCCC Kaitlin Haywood, SEMO Joey Heimburger, Lindenwood Tiffany Henson, SCCC Fidel Hernandez, SCCC Zach Hess, Mizzou Vince Hickerson, Truman Dan Higgs, Truman Jacob Hill, Lindenwood Kim Hoelscher, SCCC Brandon Hoffman, SCCC Alaina Hollensbee, SCCC Brad Hood, Missouri S&T Nicole Hopp, Stephens Austin Hopping, Mizzou Heather Horst, SCCC Jon Horton, Lindenwood Cassie Humphrey, SEMO Brittnee Hunt, SCCC Eric Hutson, U. of Rhode Island Melissa Ingrande, Mizzou Kristen Inman, BYU-Idaho Kyle Irwin, MSU Brandon Ivey, SCCC Brittany Jackson, Liberty U. Trisha Jacobs, SCCC Andy Jacobsmeyer, Tampa U. Paige Jarzemkoski, SCCC Kyle Jeppesen, SEMO Donna Jones, NWMS Nicole Kampplain, SCCC Lauren Kastendieck, Webster Ashley Kelly, Stephens Samantha Kennon, SCCC Adam Kerekanich, UMSL Dani Kerns, Stephens Mandolyn Kerr, SEMO Drew Kielty, Undecided Sam Kim, Ranken Tech Ross Kimpling, Lindenwood Michael Kipper, Lindenwood Ann Kneib, UMSL Carson LaLonde, West Point Amarjoth Lall, SCCC Robert Lall, SCCC Taylor Lane, Lindenwood Jamie Lang, SEMO Samantha Larkin, Pivot Point Academy Stephen Leitch, Undecided Jeff Lindsey, SCCC Steven Lingle, ITT Tech Brittany Lindhardt, Undecided Travis Loebs, BYU-Idaho

was a knight mentor with

8 holly hansel ucm

jenna wright umkc

was on freshman cheer leading with

was on team 6 for powder puff with

allison rosick mizzou

was on the tennis team with

kristen roberts msu

teri mcelheny mizzou

went to Chicago instead of prom in a group with

zach vicars truman

went on the physics field trip with

We all made shirts [for the central game], we did it so we could be remembered for something and we wanted to get people pumped up for the game.

On almost every friday night during the fall sports season the stadium was filled with fans rooting for the varsity football team.

7

(leslie bland)

-danny enke

5

the top 8 mome our senior ye

I think toga day set our senior year apart from our other years because it was our day to stand out as seniors and be recognized.

6

-chelsea eifert

4

planning for the future

homecoming and

One of the most exciting events senior year, for some students, was getting their college acceptance letters, choosing a dorm room, and finding a roommate. Other seniors planned on joining the military or taking the next year off.

Homecoming was held on Oct. 6 in the gy Knights,” the homecoming queen was A was Marquise Green. Snowcoming was commons, the theme was “Blizzard Black of the highlights of the dance were the b lights, glow sticks, and techno bubble

I cried [when I found out i was getting into SLU] I felt like all my hard work had finally paid off

Blizzard Black dance ever. It d senior year.

jordan swing missouri s&t

S-08page design ­ taylor bell and leah carter

was in spanish club with

julie alderson truman

-katie gallaghe

-amber robison

was on volunteer knights with

20

As a tradition each sports team had a senior night. The seniors and their parents were all honored before the game, with flowers and posters. It was actually really bittersweet. It was fun celebrating our senior year but at the same time it was really sad having to end such a great experence.

October 5 was senior toga day. Many seniors wore homemade togas that they made with bedsheets or material. They also decorated their togas with spray paint.

-sarah el-qunni

jessica stock paramedic community

was an emcee for the fall pep assembly with

senior nights

toga day

stephanie koko u. of richmund

was on StuCo cabinet with

we are th

friday night football games “

was on the JV soccer team with

lindsey boville msu

was in 7th hour (Nowack) with

was on prom court with

was in nhs with

kristen wiedmeier semo

alyssa schaffrin semo

hannah meyer mizzou

was an editor of the newspaper with

taylor bell stephens

worked at chevy’s fresh mex with

was on the track team with

kevin wilcoxen sccc

went to batnwell with

elliot pearsall sccc


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

tina west sccc

was a guidance worker with

was in the senior one acts with

ann kneib umsl

will be rooming with

megan opich undicded

allison morgan undicided

008

he class of

was in the masque players club with

scott henson undicided

lived in the same neighborhood with

3

kara hammann mssu

went to children’s world daycare with

was on the football team with

jay palmer lincoln u

ryan winchester sccc

was in 1st hour (Breen) with

The theme for prom was “Midnight Masquerade.” It was held on April 19 at Embassy Suites.

2

Winning prom queen was the best thing that ever happened to me. It was my last high school dance ever and it was a lot of fun.

(kayla hatcher)

-alyssa schaffrin

winning powderpuff

The powderpuff game was held on Oct. 3. The annual event was sponsored by KOE , the seniors won beating the juniors 62-42

Powder Puff is something you look forward to for a long time and we killed [the juniors] it felt good.

(ally stewart)

-holly cracraft

1

d snowcoming

(amy gleaves)

graduation

ym the theme was “Hollywood Amy Gleaves and the king s Feb. 23 in the kout,” some blackes.

Many seniors agree that graduation will be the highlight of their senior year and of their high school career. Graduation will be held on Saturday, June 7 at the Arena. I’m excited to get out Family of here, graduating will mark a new chapter in my life. I will go on to broaden my horizons and experience new experiences.

kout was the best definitely made my

er

-tony castilitto

kyle lucas undecided

was in the work study program with

was in homeroom with

erik southards sccc

went to Becky David with

went to Hollenbeck with

alex southards sccc

erik fromme sccc

leah carter mizzou

was in girl scouts with

was in band with

was on nhs with

stephen butts undicided

amanda floyd navy

michal grygiel medical u. of poznan

was on the freshmen basketball team with

John Saparito, SCCC Sam Salio, SAIC Alyssa Schaffrin, SEMO Nicole Schinker, SCCC Jeffrey Schmitendorf, Marines Samantha Schuchmann, SCCC Michael Schumacher, Lindenwood Matt Schwab, WashU Jay Scott, SCCC Michael Shannon, Undecided Chad Sharkey, SCCC D.J. Shewmaker, Mizzou Nate Shipley, SEMO Samantha Sills, SEMO Laura Simon, Columbia College Chicago Nickpreet Singh, SCCC Hayden Slivinski, Lindenwood Kortney Smith, SCCC Anna Snider, Rockhurst Jessica Snow, Undecided Allyson Snyder, SCCC Erik Southards, SCCC Abigail Spain, Lindenwood Shawn Spainhoward, SW Illinois College Ally Stewart, Mizzou Ryan Stines, Navy Jessica Stock, Paramedic Community Dustin Strothecamp, SCCC Matt Sutton, Coast Guard Steve Swartstrom, Air Force Rose Swain, Elon University Jordan Swing, Missouri S&T Katie Taylor, SCCC Desiree Theriault, Undecided Stephanie Theiss, SCCC Emily Thiel, SCCC Jenna Thomas, Webster Erin Timmerman, SCCC Nick Tingle, Sanford U. Kevin Todd, USMC Rita Torrero, SCCC Amanda Trueb, SCCC Adam Trimpe, SCCC Cody Turner, Sanford Brown Michelle Utlaut, SCCC Kimberly Vahle, Mizzou Emma Van de Riet, SCCC Jean Van-Dijhkorst, SEMO Patricia Vasquez, SCCC Jenna Vaughn, Mizzou Lucas Verret, SCCC Zach Vicars, Truman Jesse Vogt, MSU Shawn Votaw, SCCC Jason Wagner, Flo-Valley Zachary Wagner, Mizzou Kyle Wallen, Air Force Megan Warren, NWMS Jessica Watson, Mizzou Kayla Watson, Lindenwood Adam Weber, SEMO Sam Weber, SCCC Kristin Wedemeier, SEMO Lizzy Weitzel, SCCC Ryan Wenick, Undecided James West, Lindenwood Tina West, SCCC Ashton Whitehurst, Meremac Jr. College Caleb Williams, Undecided Lauren Willie, SCCC Alexandria Wisey, STL Academy Kara Wilson, Truman Melanie Wilson, SLU Ryan Winchester, SCCC Jonathan Woods, SCCC Will Woods, SCCC Nick Woodson, Meramac Community Jenna Wright, UMKC Ron Wurmb, SLU John Yang, Lindenwood Bryan Yarde, Marines Mazin Zakaria, SCCC Stephen Zerr, Mizzou Catherine Zielinski, SCCC Saralyn Zorn, SCCC

was in german club with

was in 4c lunch with

brittany buxton sccc

amy qualls msu

Andrew Loeffler, Linn State Tech Scott Logan, Mizzou Erich Lohmann, Purdue Colton Lucas, Undecided Kyle Lucas, Undecided Richard Lusa, SLCC Merimac Nicole Maassen, SEMO Jennifer Macinski, Stephens Matt McCarty, SCCC Chris Macintosh, Iowa State Sara Maier, Mizzou Emily Mainieri, SEMO Ambrose Mak, Mizzou Ryan Manning, SEMO Nisha Manzoor, Undecided Tim Martin, Rolla Sarah Maxey, SCCC Kurt McCarthy, Lindenwood Kylie McCarver, SIUE Eric McCollough, Truman Garrett McColloch, Mizzou Teri McElheny, Mizzou Lesley McVay, Regency Beauty Institute Drew Meritt, SCCC Amanda Meyer, Regency Beauty Institute Danielle Meyer, SCCC Hannah Meyer, Mizzou Maddie Meyer, William Woods U. Joe Milner, Mizzou Lauren Minor, California Community Bridget Moriarty, Wagner Britani Morris, Flo-Valley Justin Mosher, STL Fire Academy Megan Mossberger, Mizzou Greg Mueller, Georgia Tech Paige Muniz, Mexico Brittany Murrell, SCCC Stephanie Nerviani, SCCC Ali Nichols, UMKC Jeremy Nowack, SCCC Dustin O’Brien, Missouri S&T Courtney Oelklaus, SCCC Brandon Oliver, Wyotech Ben Olson, SCCC Joseph O’Rourke, Mizzou Jessi Owens, DePaul Hunter Paige, SCCC Amanda Palmer, SCCC Jay Palmer, Lincoln U. Mike Payne, Air Force Elliot Pearsall, SCCC Kristin Philabaun, St. Joseph’s College Darren Piasse, SCCC Lauren Pickett, MSU Sydney Pomirko, SEMO Mallory Pratt, SCCC Courtney Price, SCCC Yadira Puente, Undecided Amy Qualls, MSU Marisa Rapp, SEMO James Rasnic, SCCC Marquelia Rawls, SEMO Mary Recklein, Mizzou Kasey Reed, Ranken Tech Zach Reese, SCCC Dan Reichert, SCCA Monica Reinhart, SCCC Monica Reinhart, SCCCC Jessica Rentel, Mizzou Lauren Reuther, Truman Austin Rezendes, Lewis and Clark Tech Melissa Reigerix, SEMO Lauren Ritter, MSU Jerry Roam, Meremac Kristen Roberts, MSU Drake Robertson, Rochester Tech Amber Robison, SLU Ava Roesslein, Webster Allison Rosick, Mizzou Carie Sadich, Hannibal LaGrange Chris Saladin, Lindenwood

senior prom

ents that made ear so great

frankie arthur msu

went to first united methodist christen church with

was on the foolball team with

jeff schmitendorf marines

page design ­ taylor bell and leah carter

S-09


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

was on yearbook staff with

ally stewart mizzou

was a member of band with

michelle utlaut sccc

sat at a lunch table with

was a cadet teacher with

kaitlin bearden sccc

kate block msu

courtney price sccc

our top 8 favorite teachers that made our years in high school so memorable

was on the defensive powder puff team with

was in treble choir with

susan harris undecided

leslie mcvay rejency beauty institute

was a knight mentor with

nicole maassen semo

was in the work study program with

lauren ritter umsl

was in the same homeroom with

was on the tennis team with

adam roberts undecided

teachers

rockin’ with the

At the Fall Pep Assembly Hallie Culver helps Spanish teacher Ryan Johnson put on his sash after winning the make-up competition against Science teacher Joe Brocksmith. (ally stewart)

grimshaw

“As students they were a dedicated group that wanted to learn and wanted to be at school, but then as people they didn’t take anything too serious. I’m going to miss this class more than any other class.”

manfull rastberger wilkens willott kenny

“It was a fun group with a lot of highly motivated, nice people.”

Assistant principal Jonathan Schultz poses with a purse during one of the Guidance Office’s “purse parties.” (ally stewart)

Nancy Wade balances a book upon her head as she crosses the gym floor during the Spring Sports Assembly on May 2. The assistant principals defeated the new officers of STUCO. (amy gleaves)

“It was a very diverse class with lots of different personalities. They were good, fun kids.”

“They are full of very awesome leaders.”

“They kept things fun. Even when they were stressed, they kept at it.”

“I saw them as freshman, and because they have been involved in so many activities, I see how they have grown and become seniors. Seniors are always the best class and they didn’t let me down.”

brocksmith scheller

“In four years they were the most well behaved class. They were very entertaining.”

The principals dress up and perform for teachers at a “welcome back” meeting at the beginning of the 2006 school year. (file photo)

“They were fun and very respectful. When you have fun and respectful people, you get a lot done in your class.”

went to Hollenbeck with

kevin todd usmc

was in ecology club with

andrew leoffler undecided

james rasnic sccc

S-18page design ­ leah carter

was in walking fitness with

was a cheerleader with

ashleigh macmann undecided

tiffany reeves undecided

was in the same homeroom with

went to Barnwell with

daniel reichart scca

christine bocci undecided

played SESR basketball with

was in 5B lunch with

was in chemistry club with

danielle kerns stephens

samantha larkin pivot point academy

was in treble choir with

monica reinhart sccc


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

murtaza amir slu

went to the 4.0 luncheon with

rose swaine elon university

was in Knightsound with

tim tomaszewski college of columbia

worked at White Castle with

went to Hollenbeck with

megan mossberger mizzou

ashleigh bello mizzou

was in the same homeroom with

travis bell sccc

was on homecoming court with

faybian penn undecided

was on team 7 for powder puff with

was in spectra with

went to Henderson with

tony castelitto san diego state u.

courtney oeklaus sccc

micheal shannon undecided

was on the varsity baseball team with

Irwin and Baker go herping for snappers, snakes, skinks by zach vicars

S

eniors Kyle Irwin and Tony Baker scan the murky swamps surrounding the KATY Trail in Weldon Springs Conservation Area. As they pedal on May 5, they’re looking for any strange movement, any ripples in the water, any sliding rocks. Then they see it. Fifty yards away, Irwin spots a large shell tracking across the mud. “You see that, Tony?” Irwin asks his partner. “Yeah. I see it,” Baker replies. “Alright,” Irwin says. “We got a snapper!” Together they throw down their bikes, charge headlong into the weeds and slop through the ankle-deep muck until they reach a mound of upturned mud. After ten minutes of

1. Kyle Irwin unearths a snapper. 2. Tony Baker admires a Midland Brown Snake. 3. A skink dances across Irwin’s fingers.(zach vicars)

probing the goop, Irwin pries a Common Snapping Turtle out of the water and lifts the dinosaur by the tail. Baker shouts and notes the physical traits of the monster. This is their idea of a good time. This is what

they do on the weekends. This is herping. Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians, so just about any search for reptiles— whether by foot, boat or bike—can be called herping. For over two years,

Irwin and Baker have invested time, gas money and a significant number of calories in this hobby. “It’s about 35 miles from Kyle’s house and back,” Baker said. “Yeah, it’s a good work out; pretty much the only one

I’ve been getting lately.” As for Irwin, reptiles have been in his blood ever since his brother brought home a 12-foot Burmese Python. Over ten years later, Irwin now makes videos under the YouTube name

of RepKyle to explain reptile behavior. And he’s got an eightfoot Burmese of his own. As their interests in reptiles has grown, Irwin and Baker have developed a friendship with the ecology club sponsor, Joe Brocksmith. “We go out in the field looking for reptiles at least once every other week,” Brocksmith said. “And I’ve gone on float trips with Kyle before.” As reptiles creep into their lives more and more, Irwin and Baker can see herping affecting their futures. But for now, Irwin offers a unique outlook on reptiles. “A lot of people are scared of snakes because of the story about Adam and Eve,” Irwin said. “But I don’t really think that applies. I mean, if Satan had used a kitten, then would everyone be scared of kittens now?”

Morgan dedicates herself to FHN theater “I agreed with what she said in the letter,” Carron said. “She also posesses leadership qualities. ... I think here’s the one moment in the auditorium on the the students have respect for her, because she has day of a drama show, when the lights go down integrity. It was an easy decision.” and the audience gets still. Senior Allison MorMorgan’s job as a student director was very differgan has experienced the feeling right before a show ent from her job as an actor. many times. She was the student “There’s a lot more thinking and director of this year’s spring play that planning,” she said. “You have to picture Check Out took place on April 10-12. everything and not only your own part.” northstartoday.com for a senior profile on “I enjoy the theater,” Morgan said. In “Noises Off” Morgan worked with amber robison “I’ve enjoyed it since I was little. I was an ensemble of nine actors. first involved with my dad, then with “I think Allison is like Mary Poppins,” real performances at high school.” senior and “Poppy” in the play, Megan Morgan has been involved as an actor in many Opich said. “Practically perfect in every way.” different plays in her four years at North. The job as a Morgan was happy about the show’s outcome. student director was a new challenge for her. “I am extremely satisfied,” she said. “It was a lot of “She is in charge of leading the actors to the final fun and work.” performance,” Drama and Speech teacher Kathy CarMorgan is confident that she will be able to conron said. tinue working with theater after senior year. Carron is in charge of the drama department at “I’ve had the dream for theater forever,” she said. North. She decided to make Morgan the student direc- “Basically there’s nothing that’s going to stop me trytor after Morgan sent her an application letter. ing to pursue [it].” by felix ruediger

T

Senior Allison Morgan has been with FHN’s theater department for four years. Morgan plans to pursue her love for theater in college. (leslie bland)

was in concert choir with

lauren hagee undecided

taylor lane lindenwood

was on the freshman soccer team with

was a T.A. with

kayla freeman semo

amanda trueb sccc

went to Harvest Ridge with

jacquelyn blevins sccc

was in band with

went to Hollenbeck with

was in german club with

bryan yarde merchant marines

sarah maxey sccc

ashley horton undecided

was on the cross country team with

was in 4c lunch with

carson lalonde west point

was in treble choir with

nicollete leon undecided

page design ­ amy qualls and hannah meyer

S-11


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

worked at Bellacinos with

matt bogowith itt tech

sat at the same lunch table with

jake hagen semo

danny enke lindenwood

was on the varsity volleyball team with

matt mccarty sccc

was in third hour (Leistner) with

participated in Mock Rock with

competed in Mr. FHN with

michael payne air force

ross kimpling lindenwood

stephen leitch undecided

was on the track team with

went to Lutheran High with

was on the basketball team with

brittany bollig undecided

kayla watson lindenwood

abby spain lindenwood

was in 5th hour (Hanke) with

Cheerleading Danielle Clifton- University of Missouri- Columbia

Soccer Bridget Moriarty- Wagner College-NY Kara Hammann- Missouri Southern University Kristin Philabaun- St. Joesph’s College Eric Hutson- University of Rhode Island Andrew Klump- McKendree University-IL

Baseball Jerry Roam- Merrimack College Nick Woodson- Merrimack College Shawn Spainhoward- Southwestern Illinois College

Track and Cross Country Matt Schwab- Washington University Nate Shipley- Southeast Missouri State

Vollleyball Nicole Hopp- Stephens College Anna Snider- Rockhurst Uinversity Sean Ell- Missouri Baptist University Danny Enke- Lindenwood University Mike Kipper- Lindenwood University Ryan Manning- Fontbonne University

played powder puff with

rebecca klaus undecided

jackie griffin jefferson college

was on the varsity softball team with

holly cracraft msu

S-12page design ­ hannah meyer

was in the same homeroom (Hicks) with

Hockey Adam Cochran- St. Charles Community College Joey Heimberger- Lindenwood University Jake Hill- Lindenwood University

was in Publications with

megan crafton semo

was a photographer with

was in 4c lunch with

rachel fitzwalter sccc

kayla hatcher indiana wesleyan u.

was in 3rd hour (Fingers) with

ashley cooper columbia college-chicago

ashley caudle sccc

was in work study program with

jeffrey dubois undecided

was in the same homeroom (Green) with

was on the football team with

lee edwards undecided


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

was in 5b lunch with

emily krenning sccc

chelsea curless sccc

was on the freshman soccer team with

sydney pomirko semo

was in 2nd hour (Fowler) with

was in newspaper with

chavon chester webster

dominique hamilton american u.

rode dirtbikes with

went to Hollenbeck with

was in chemistry club with

mackenzie cullinan ranken tech

joanie gillette sccc

adam weber semo

was on the online newspaper staff with

arlen kunkee sccc

was on the homecoming court with

was on the wrestling team with

jamison glose sccc David Kowalewski and John Horton struggle to regain strength in their right legs. Friends since freshman year, Kowalewski and Horton have played football together for two years. The two boys were injured in 2007 and both plan to continue their athletic careers. (portrait by jay scott)

Moriarty heads to the big city Moriarty prepares for college soccer after four years at North by felix ruediger

H

aving played soccer since the age of five, the hard work and practice finally paid off for senior Bridget Moriarty when at the beginning of this school year, one of her biggest dreams came true and she got offered a full 4-year scholarship to Wagner College in New York City worth $120,000 dollars. “Soccer taught me a lot of things,” Moriarty said. “You have to be dedicated and just work hard towards a goal.” Moriarty plays for the local soccer club JB Marine. A scout from Wagner College contacted her after her coach told the scout about Moriarty’s strength. “The coach contacted him and told him that I wanted to go to the East Coast,” Moriarty who always wanted to play college soccer, said. “I went there [New York City] the beginning of this school year. Then he came down here to see me play.” After a long time of waiting and hoping, Moriarty finally found out that she got accepted. She will start practice in New York in August. After playing soccer at North for three years, she tried out for the track team but finally decided to join the soccer team during her final year at FHN. Being an important part of the team and with her leadership qualities as a senior, the team was happy to have her play for North this year. “I like how Bridget is willing to compromise her fitness regiment and still makes time for the team,” senior Katie Gallagher who plays goalie for FHN, said. “Because we really need her.” Moriarty will have to face a major change when playing soccer for Wagner College. High school and college soccer are different in many aspects of the game, but Moriarty has been preparing and practicing for a long time. “The game is so much faster at the college level,” Assistant girl’s soccer coach Vince Nowak said. “It is so much more physical

went to Hollenbeck with

dustin strothcamp sccc

than high school. Sometimes players are shocked.” Moriarty doesn’t want to be a professional player. She plans on going to law school after undergraduate college. For now, she is confident and excited for the big city with all its struggles, hopes, dreams and possibilities. “I just expect to meet a lot of new people that I wouldn’t have met in the Midwest, new ideas, to be less narrow minded,” Moriarty said. “In college you are supposed to find yourself and figure out what you believe in.”

was in ecology club with

travis loebs byu-idaho

kyle butts missouri s&t

Players struggle through injuries

Horton and Kowalewski miss last year of football to knee problems by kate block

T

wo seniors, two boys, two football players. One sports related injury, one more extensive than the other, one defying the odds. “The chances were better that I get hit by lightning than to tare my ACL again,” senior David Kowalewski said. Kowalewski along with one of his teammates tore his ACL or anterior cruciate ligament during their last year of playing high school sports. “I just landed straightlegged,” senior Jon Horton said. “My leg got bent back so it was hyperextended and it had twist at the same time. I also tore my meniscus and I had a hairline fracture to my tibia.“ Horton’s injury took

was on the scholar quiz team with

hayden slivinski lindenwood

was in 1st hour (Santos) with

was in FEA with

was in spanish club with

ashley kelly stephens

carrie sadich hannibal lagrange college

natalie meier mizzou

place during the first football game of the last season that Horton would ever play for the Knights. “I felt horrible,” Horton said. “The worst part is watching your team out there, especially when they are struggling, and not be able to help them.” Horton was unable to play the rest of the season, leaving the team without their star runningback. Fortunately, Kowalewski’s injury wouldn’t take place for another couple of weeks. “I missed out on getting to play basketball for the second time due to ACL injuries,” Kowalewski said. “[Tearing my ACL again] was probably the worst feeling I’ve had because knowing all the work you did to get back the first time to fail and have to start off on square one.” Kowalewski had torn his ACL for the second

was on varsity cheerleading with

time in just two years. This time he tore it when he stopped and started to turn. Even that wasn’t enough to stop Kowalewski from playing the games he enjoys so much. He played soccer during freshman and sophomore years, basketball during freshman and sophomore years, football junior and senior years and ran track all four years. “It’s difficult their senior season,” football coach Mike Parker said. “They are expecting so many great things and they come out and tear their ACLs. It’s really tough as a coach because you want so much for all of your players.” Both Horton and Kowalewski were team captains this past football season. Even through all of their trails and tribulations, the athletes kept good sportsmanship and supported their school and their team.

went to Barnwell with

was in yearbookwith

danielle clifton mizzou

danielle denure semo

justin mosher stl fire academy

page design ­ chelsea eifert & lauren kastendieck

was in the same homeroom (Smith) with

S-13


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

shawn gast sccc

was in the same homeroom (Besse) with

was in concert choir with

was in Knightsound with

chase green lindenwood

samantha schuchmann sccc

lauren minor california community

was in Knight mentors with

was in the nhs with

was in CSLP with

naasheha amir umkc

ashley edelen _________

melanie wilson slu

went to the 4.0 luncheon with

chris macintosh iowa state

was on Scholar Quiz team with

Your Sophomore 2006

Junior 2007

june may april march february january december november october september august

june may april march february january december november october september august

Sept.. 25, CSLP participated on a Habitat for Humanity project, helping build houses on Central School Road.

Jan. 12, Students from local First United Methodiist church started a hurricane relief fund in the commons.

April 2, FHN drumline finished third in the competition held at Missouri State University.

went to SESR with

joseph milner mizzou

Aug. 20, JV cheerleaders performed their award winning camp routine at Black and gold day.

Nov. 23, St. Louis was ranked third out of 25 of the most Dangerous cities in America.

Feb. 11, robotics club placed second during regionals at Family arena.

worked at Shop N Save with

madison defillipo __________

Aug. 24, after many students in the district boycotted school lunches due to the healthy choices and smaller portion sizes. an announcement was made that the lunch room would be getting back some of their more unhealthy foods.

Jan. 9, an argument took place outside of the commons between two girls resulting in one of the girls getting stabbed. March 30, the first ever hall sweep commenced. May 2, three DECA students placed in the top20 percent f their events.

was in 4a lunch with

was in concert choir with

brandon ivey sccc

S-14page design amy qualls

kristin inman byu-idaho

brandon hoffman sccc

Senior

erich lohmann purdue

2008

Aug.14, the first day of our last year. Sept. 8, football tam played game at Lindenwood University. Oct. 8, the Senior Powderpuff team won 63-42. Nov. 5, Otis Spunkmier cookies came back for one week only.

Dec, 21, 2008’s l sat Christmas break at FHN.

Feb. 23, Snowcoming was themed Blizzard Blackout.

june 7 GRADUATION!

was in the same homeroom (Kenny) with

billy wurm _________

was in 4th hour (Fowler) with

looking back...

june may april march february january december november october september august

Freshman 2005 june may april march february january december november october september august

Follow the class of 08 through their four years of high school.

was in german club with

was in 5th hour (Lott) with

thomas hootselle __________

aaron sheets _________

What was your most memorable moment in high school?

My most memorable moment was in Mr. Scheller’s class. He was a cub fan so we made fun of him a lot. Garrett McCollouch

Freshman Year

[My most memorable moment in sophomore year was] my surprise birthday party!

Jon Cleair

Sophomore Year

I liked printmaking class. It changed my life, and opened me up to all new art of multimedia.

Dustin Cupp

Junior Year

was in the same homeroom (Wilkens) with

john saparito sccc

went to Harvest Ridge with

kurtis myler _________

was in 7th hour (Hausner) with

brandon oliver wyotech

lived in the same neighborhood with


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

sat at prom table 32 with

krista ruskus mizzou

was in spectra with

thomas flack umkc

16 was a photographer with

jay scott sccc

mandy palmer sccc

was in the work study program with

SENIOR

16

Say no to senioritis and finish out strong in all your classes.

12

11

14

Finish up that old homework from the beginning of the quarter and get all your homework in.

I want to plan a summer vacation. I want to go to Maui with my friends.” - Tim Martin

10

13

Get involved with any lastminute activities going on. Do as much as you can to help out the school one last time.

went to Christian High with

travis bowles cmsu

zach wagner mizzou

was in the same homeroom (Hahn) with

kyle wallen air force

Buy your outfit for graduation, and please, for the sake of everyone else, WEAR IT underneath your graduation gown.

9 was in the work study program with

Set a date for your graduation party, and while you’re at it, remember to invite all your friends.

went to Barnwell with

aaron coffey church mission

was a T.A. with

was in DECA with

kaitlin haywood semo

andrew klump mckendree u.

Mo Downing msu

was in the same homeroom (Green) with

The top 16 things you seniors MUST do before you graduate! (well, we recommend you do them)

Plan a mini-vacation with some friends.

Clean out your NASTY locker!

eric hutson u. of rhode island

anthony dizon sccc

Pass out the rest of those oh-so sexy senior photos to all your friends and teachers.

“I really want to pass art class. I won’t graduate if I don’t” - Ryan Barks

15

hunter paige sccc

played varsity soccer with

went to hollenbeck with

went to becky david with

8 7

Get your college dorm and classes figured out so you won’t stress about it over the summer.

6

Make the most of your last few days at North.

5

Say thank you to all your favorite teachers.

was in 4c lunch with

greg williams sccc

3

Pay your lunch fines and make sure you have money because you can’t charge anymore. Pay all your library fines so you can graduate.

“I want to take what I’ve learned with me to use through the rest of my life for social situations and school.” - Rebekah Corbitt

daniel sinclair sccc

was in 7th hour (Stover) with

2

Hang out with all your friends one last time.

“I’d really like to have some last great times to spend with my friends before we go our separate ways.” -Jenna Thomas

Get peoples’ cell numbers so you can call them over the summer or when you’re off at college.

1

played powderpuff with

katie kaczmark air force

4

Leave your mark (preferably a good one).

HAVE FUN! Enjoy your last few days in high school and have a great summer! was in NHS with

was in french club with

katie gallagher k-state

kara wilson truman

was in DECA with

greg mueller sccc

page design ­ chelsea eifert

S-15


class of

‘08

north star senior edition 05.15.08

went to Hollenbeck with

matt drown undicided

was in first grade with

robert gantz sccc

was in nhs with

was in marching band with

brittany lindhart undecided

niki vahle mizzou

mckay coffey byu

was in 1st hour (Baker) with

was on the hockey team with

was on yearbook with

lucas verret sccc

jessi owens depaul

chris knobbe mizzou

was on JV roller hockey team with

sam semmel sieu

was in 4th hour (Brune) with

cori fitzpatrick undicided

(file photo)

(leslie bland)

(nikki vahle)

(nikki vahle)

(ally stewert)

here’s to the future... was in 5b lunch with

paige muniz mexico

kyle flemming undicided

was in 3rd hour (Yuede) with

went to barnwell with

was in study hall with

nicole garger undecided

S-16page design ­ taylor bell

erin gardiner mizzou

duston o’brien missouri s&t

was in the same homeroom (Spencer) with

darren paisse sccc

was in woodworking program with

anthony baker undicided

was in the same homeroom (Eaton) with

went to Barnwell with

cody basala sccc

was in the same homeroom (Hennencatherine zielinski fent) with

sccc

mazin zakaria sccc


spotlights

picture THIS 1

Spray paint the inside of the oatmeal box black. Then poke a hole in the front of the box with the sewing needle.

2

Tape a one inch by one inch piece of cardboard over the hole you made; it will act as a flap to cover the hole.

north star 05.15.08

This month the North Star will be showing you how to see the world in a whole different way: through a hole in an oatmeal box.

3

2

1

What You’ll Need...

3

Take your box into a completely darkened room and place the photo paper in the box with the shiny side facing the pin hole.

4

5

6

4

We are located at 5867 Mexico Road, St. Peters, Mo. 63303, just west of Jungermann.

Oatmeal box or cylinder Black spray paint Cardboard Scissors Photo paper Tape Sewing needle

While still in the dark room, tape the lid of the box shut so that absolutely no light can get into the box, then take it outside.

5

Find something to place your ‘camera’ on, then point the hole at what you want to take a picture of, and open the flap for about a minute, then tape it completely shut.

Check Out ehow.com/how-to for more quick and simple How-To’s

Girls- The new look now is two or three colors of highlights/lowlights in your hair. Guys, clipper cuts are $10.00 and all other cuts $15.00. Call today for appointment. Walk-ins welcome also.

• • • • • • •

6

Take out the piece of photo paper in a photographic dark room and develop.

Check Out ehow.com/how-to to learn how to develop your new photo

I want individualized attention from professors who understand me and know where I’m coming from. I get that here. Soups, Shakes, Sandwhiches, and Steakburgers. OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY! 1460 Jungermann Rd. St. Peters, MO 63376

Julie Ebeling, 2006 high school grad, St. Charles County

Ask your counselor how to get started at St. Charles Community College. For more information, call 636-922-8000 or visit www.stchas.edu.

page design ­ tyler kirk

09


playhard

north star 05.15.08

Check the Stats VOLLEYBALL

MOST ATTACKS: Mike Kipper [419] MOST KILLS: Mike Kipper [196] MOST BLOCKS: Sean Ell [59] MOST ASSISTS: Dan Enke [454] MOST DIGS: Max Nagel [214] OVERALL RECORD: 14-7-2

Taking it to the track

Heading off to sectionals

BASEBALL

left: Junior Daniel Kirkpatrick attempts his third long jump for the GAC competition at North. (sarah semmel)

TENNIS SINGLE’S RECORDS: McCollough [17-0], Richards [9-5], Ruediger [10-4], Nicolas [9-1] DOUBLE’S RECORDS: Gerler/M. Roberts/Nicolas [7-7], A. Roberts/Hess [16-1], Amir/Whitehurst [8-5] OVERALL RECORD: 10-0

SOCCER MOST GOALS: Kelcie Kinworthy [9] MOST ASSISTS: Betsy Blanchard [8] GAME WINNING GOALS: Kelcie Kinworthy [5] OVERALL RECORD: 16-4

TRACK AND FIELD HIGH JUMP RANK: Eric Hutson [1] 800 RUN RANK: Nick Happe [4] 1600 RUN RANK: Matt Schwab [2] 100 METER DASH RANK: Fiona Brooks [6] HIGH JUMP RANK: Lauren Viehmann [3]

GOLF OVERALL RECORD: 2-6

District success allows sixteen students to advance by betsy blanchard

Excitement rushes through her body; her knees tremble. “Oh my gosh,” freshman Coleen Grone said. “Before the race I was literally shaking on the line. I knew this was the most important race.” Grone, along with many other members of the varsity track team, competed in districts last Saturday at Zumwalt South. Eleven teams participated. Looking to her left and right, she sees four girls. She looks for a way to pull ahead. Top four finishes in each event qualified for sectionals. FHN students competing in 16 different events will travel to Camdenton High School this upcoming weekend for sectionals, where they will fight for a chance at State. As the last 800 approaches, the pack begins to break apart. She pushes herself, securing a top four finish. After five minutes and 31 seconds, she crosses the line. Fourth place.

District Results following events qualified for sectionals

Boys (second overall): High Jump - Eric Hutson, first (6-04.00) 4x800 meter relay - Nick Happe, Matt Schwab, Nate Shipley, Eric Hutson, first (7:57.07) 800 meter run - Matt Schwab, second (1:58.47) 1600 meter run - Matt Schwab, second (4:23.34) 3200 meter run - Nick Happe, second (9:33.20) 1600 meter run - Nick Happe, third (4:27.95) 3200 meter run - Nate Shipley, third (9:33.87) 4x400 meter relay - David Kowalewski, Mike Castro, Eric Hutson, Daniel Kirkpatrick, third (3:32.16) Discus Throw - Taylor Byndom, third (144-04.00) Triple Jump - Eric Hutson, fourth (42-05.00) Girls (fifth overall): 300 meter hurdles - Fiona Brooks, second (48.05) 1600 meter run - Coleen Grone, fourth (5:31) 3200 meter run - Dianna Prost, fourth (12:03) Discus Throw - Ashton Whitehurst, fourth (118-11.00) 4x800 meter relay - Dianna Prost, Lizzie Johnson, Jacki Wolf, Danielle Yuede, fourth (9:59.5) 800 meter run - Jacki Wolf, fourth (2:21.98) High Jump - Lauren Viehmann, fourth (4-10.10)

St. Andrews Cinema Jeff Coffey Renee Meyer Independent Consultant (314) 578-4121

reneemeyer@myarbonne.com

www.reneemeyer.myarbonne.com

PURE SWISS SKIN CARE COLOR/NUTRITION/AROMATHERAPY

10page design ­ betsy blanchard

by logan ponche

far left; Senior Mike Payne races against a Fort Zumwalt opponent during the track GACs on May 2.

MOST RBI’S: Nick Woodson [22] MOST HOME RUNS: Nick Woodson [2] MOST RUNS: Brad Hood [21] MOST INNINGS PITCHED: Shawn Spainhoward [41] BATTING AVERAGE: Jerry Roam [538] OVERALL RECORD: 14-8

636-947-4709 2060 Exchange Drive St. Charles, MO 63303

•St. Charles’ original cinema •$3 admission •For shows and showtimes go to www.standrews3.com 2025 Golfway Street St. Charles, MO 63301 (636) 947-1133

Under Pressure

Two or three weeks ago I saw a group of kids, no more than nine or 10, playing baseball on an old dirt field. Something about them made me do a double take. The kids were completely alone. There were no minivans in the parking lot; there were no coaches on the sidelines, it was just the kids, playing baseball because they wanted to play and have fun. As I watched them, I began to think about how I played baseball growing up, and how I was always in some new uniform. In my case, it was either; the Jaguars, the Sharks or the Crushers. I remembered how I never even got to swing at a pitch without at least one middle-aged Jaguar, Shark or Crusher watching my every move. I hated that. I hated having someone watch me all of the time and deciding whether or not I was working hard enough; I hated that constant pressure. As I continued to watch those kids, immersed in memories of my own, I realized why they were so happy. It was because they were free. They were free from all of that pressure I had growing up in little league, to play baseball like the kids in The Sandlot, free to just be kids for once, who actually choose to be future Derek Jeters. Because in that moment, it was just them and the field, the way baseball should be. What is sad is that a group of kids like that today is rare. Almost all youths, no matter the sport, are in some kind of league, in some kind of uniform, each of them with their very own set of middle-aged Jaguars, Sharks or Crushers breathing down their necks and putting pressure on them the likes of which no kids need. If I ever am going to have kids, I want them to be like the ones I saw playing baseball on that old, dirt field. I want them to have fun playing sports. I want them to never have to worry about a tryout or a coach or a bad play. I want them to be free.

subscribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook - subscribe@northstartoday. com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday. com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday. com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday. com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday. com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday. The -Excalibur staff will be offering any student who -wants a free -subcom free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com free yearbook 2008-09 yearbook the chance- to sell 10 tubs of cookies over the sumscribe@northstartoday.com free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday. mer.-Iffree a student sells-subscribe@northstartoday.com 10 tubs, they get a free yearbook. If they sell 12, com yearbook - free yearbook -subthey get a free yearbook and -a free free yearbook tub of cookie dough. To get an messcribe@northstartoday.com -subscribe@northstartoday. sage-when forms are-subscribe@northstartoday.com available in July, send an email -to: com free yearbook free yearbook -subsubscribe@NorthStarToday.com scribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday. and you’ll be sent the info as soon as we get it. You’ll- free also yearbook be registered com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com -subtoscribe@northstartoday.com receive the weekly student-media email update that will begin in free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday. August. com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com - free yearbook -subscribe@northstartoday.com

Want a

yearbook next year?


playhard

north star 05.15.08

Team looks back

Meet the All-Stars

by jordyn klackner

Each month, the coaches from the teams playing in the particular season will pick a member of the team to be chosen as the “All-Stars.”

tennis

Brandon Lewis, junior “My teaching pro. I went to get a lesson, and he told me to keep on playing.”

volleyball

track

soccer

Ben Hess, freshman “My brother Josh because it looked like he was having fun.”

golf

This month the All-Stars were asked: “Who inspired you to start competing in your sport?”

Freshman Jared Glose wrestles his Fort Zumwalt West opponent on Dec. 5 at FZW. Glose trampled his opponent after a tough and rigorous match. Although their season is over, the wrestlers are looking to other opportunities to keep them in shape and prepare them for next season. (file photo)

Wrestlers find ways to stay in shape

Bridget Moriarty, senior “My parents because they just stacked me in there at the YMCA, and the rest is history.”

by lauren reiche

W

hen the wrestling season ended this year, the wrestlers didn’t fade with it. With high hopes of state next season, the team has taken its potential to new heights by joining a free-style wrestling team called Team St. Louis. “It’s one of [the] styles of wrestling done in the Olympics and other international competitions,” Harold Ritchie, Varsity Wrestling Coach, said. “It’s similar to what you see in high school and college but the scoring is totally different.” For most wrestlers, mat time is hard to come by in the off season. “It gets them much needed mat time and experience,” Coach Ritchie said. “It forces wrestlers to improve on their takedowns, both offensive and defensive.” Varsity wrestler Harold Ritchie III loves free-style wrestling, and is called Do by his teammates. “My favorite part of free-style is throwing people,” Harold III said. “It keeps you active during the off season, and any mat time is good.” Practice is twice a week at Whitfield High School, where wrestlers from many different high schools attend practice to improve. Many wrestlers, such as Ian Fortier, Jeff Shell, Jared Glose, Alex and Valery Casetta, Zach Smith, and Kyle O’Rourke are doing more than just weight lifting to prepare for the upcoming season. “It helps us to stay out of trouble,” sophomore Ian Fortier, a two-year wrestler, said. Aside from free-style practice, the team also spends time in the weight room with high hopes of seizing more state titles next season. “My hope for next year is that we just don’t get last.” Shell said.

Eric Hutson, senior “My dad was a runner in high school and my brother ran track too, so I just kind of started.”

Michael Kipper, senior “Freshmen year I had detention with Mr. Spencer. When I was signing my name, he asked if I wanted to play volleyball and I said sure.”

Four months ago, boys volleyball players stepped out on the court to fight for a chance on the team. Now, with the season coming to a close they have had the chance to prove themselves to fans, coaches, and teammates. “It was a great season,” senior Dan Enke said. “We beat a lot of the teams that we weren’t supposed to.” The team has played for top spots in many tournaments this season, including districts, and have become stronger as a team. “We started good, because a lot of the seniors had played club ball, and as we played rival teams our skills as a whole improved,” senior John Yang said. After wins and losses the team kept their cool, and kept strong. “It was really all about having fun and being there,” Enke said. “I’m going to miss playing volleyball here, but I’m looking forward to playing in college.

Champs are born by betsy blanchard

The boys’ tennis team won the GAC South Conference with four first place, one second place, and one third place medals. On May 6, 7, and 9, the boys participated in districts. Senior Eric McCollough led the team to a second place medal, while winning districts himself. “He played awesome,” Coach Polley said. “He put his head on and did what he needed to win.” As a team, Parkway Central won this year with 37 and a half points. FHN came next with 17. McCollough qualified for State his freshman and sophomore years and will be headed to State once again this upcoming May 2324.

LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE A 2008 YEARBOOK Yearbook sales for the 2007-08 yearbook will finish June 1. Books are still available for $65. After that time there will be no more yearbooks for sale. If there are any extra yearbooks shipped, they will be available for $75 at registration but generally there are very few. If you’d like to buy a book for this year still, you can bring money to the yearbook room (room 026) or you can logon to www.PurchaseYourYearbook.com and pay with a credit card. If you’re returning to North next year for the 2008-09 school year, be sure to buy your yearbook at registration when it’s only $50. Check out one of the other ads in this paper to find out how you can get next information on obtaining next year’s yearbook for FREE!

Check both staffs out online at: www.ExcaliburYearbook.com www.NorthStarToday.com

Your first choice for food and fun! TGI Friday’s 2000 First Capital Drive St. Charles, MO 636-940-2000 page design ­ jessica payne

11


playhard

north star 05.15.08

PROFESSIONAL PICK’EMS

Take It to the extreme

Spainhoward moves on

Senior Shawn Spanhoward sits with his hand in the pitching position, Spanhoward is one of the many pitchers for North’s varsity team, however he is one of the few that recieved a scholarship. (portrait by cami wade)

Each month, the North Star’s Professional Pick’em duo took on a random student, a random staffer and professional KSDK news anchor Art Holiday. This year’s winners of the Dan Grote Memorial Trophy are the staffers!

first

Senior will be under the guidance of former Cardinal

the staffers

by katie siebuhr

S

29-10

second

the north star

the professional

26-13

third the student

24-15 Start the year off right Buy an Art Carved

.Lower prices than at school .Higher Quality .Faster Delivery .Year-Round Service Class Ring

75 Charleston Square St. Peters, MO 63304

636-939-9500

ect.

Diamond and Jewelry Repair on Premises

12 page design ­ betsy blanchard

hawn Spainhoward walks up to the pitcher’s mound. The batter steps up to the plate. Spainhoward’s teammates cheer him on. “Shut him down Spain!” Having been inspired by his brother and with his parents’ support, Spainhoward has been playing baseball for fourteen years. He has received a scholarship to pitch for South West Illinois College. “Maybe at first the switch will be difficult,” Spainhoward said. “[The] only thing different will be that practice is going to be harder.” Tim Fry taps gloves with Spainhoward and walks back to third. Spainhoward kicks the dirt mound and readies himself for his throw. The catcher signals and he nods his head in agreement. He winds up for the throw. “Strike one!” The excitement of the scholarship was only the beginning of his good news. Spainhoward will get to work with former Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds player Neil Fiala. Spainhoward will have the opportunity to learn what to expect from professional ball. Until

then, he focuses on improving at every practice and game. He has made North history already by pitching a no-hitter against St. Charles West. “We are excited to have him on our team next year,” Fiala said. “He will do a great job for us the next two seasons!” He looks over his shoulder to see what Brad Hood is thinking. Looking down he smacks the ball in his glove. Then as quickly as he can, he throws the ball low and inside. “Strike Two!” Both of Spainhoward’s coaches are extremely proud of all he’s done. He’s grown with good teammates, good coaching and good determination. The road ahead for Spainhoward’s baseball career at SWIC is showing him a great look into the future. “Under Coach Fiala’s experienced tutelage Shawn should experience great success,” FHN coach Bob Dunahue said, “and be able to continue his baseball career at a four-year school.” The last batter stands with determination in his eyes. Teammates cheer. Coaches yell. Parents watch. With another kick at the dirt, he looks at the catcher, nods his head, then winds up the throw. “Strike three! You’re out!”

Sophomore Becky Lackey battles for the ball against an Ursuline player on May 5. Knights won 3-2. (sarah semmel)

Lady Knights come back by logan ponche

In one year, the Lady Knights soccer team has gone from being shut out 12 times to having 12 shutouts of their own. This defensive effort has turned into a full team turnaround from last year, as the girls are currently 16-4, and co-champions of the GAC South. “I think this year we’re more mature,” senior Kara Hammann said. “[The defense has played with] each other for over a year and we’re clicking really well.” This maturity on the back line has led the girls to a first seed in districts. On May 10 North was scheduled to play the winner of the Parkway North – Ritenour game. “It’s really an overall team effort,” Coach Vince Nowak said. “We’re not giving up shots. We’re just shutting them down.”

Golf looks toward future by brittany schulze

As the golf season ends, the Varsity team will be losing two seniors: Jordan Anderson, a three year performer, and Drew Kielty, a two year performer. However, the remaining underclassmen are thinking Check Out prepsports.STLtoday.com of new ways for more statistics to better their and information performance for next year. “I think what hurt the team was that we were not prepared,” Lewis said. In match play this year Varsity took two wins and six losses. On the team were top performers Brandon Lewis, earning three medals and Anderson, earning two. Freshman Clint Toedmann earned a spot at the District Tournament and took second best for his team.

Pezold Banquet Center “No hassles, full service, all inclusive banquet center” School Banquets / Reunions, Fund Raisers, Meetings, Award Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions, Anniversaries, Birthdays 5701 Highway N St. Charles, MO 63304- 7643 Banqet Center: 636-936-1813 www.PezoldBanquetCenter.com info@PezoldBanquetCenter.com

(Owned and Operated by Knights of Columbus #7198)


speakout

north star 05.15.08

Editorial My Lesson by tyler kirk

Kirk shows a little respect I can only imagine what it’s going to be like to shake Dr. Jones’ hand as my parents watch me graduate from their seats in the Family Arena. I can only imagine what it’s going to feel like to hear Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance pumping through the intercom system. I can only imagine what it’s going to feel like to stand on the corner of Hackmann and Diekamp Farm Trail as the underclassman drive by, horns honking; it’s too bad I can only imagine for now. However, the last three years have been anything but imaginary. They have been the best three years of my life, and I can only imagine that next year is going to be even better. Next year I’ll get to dress up like a Roman gladiator for Toga Day during Homecoming’s Spirit Week, I’ll get to sleep in while my younger peers fill in circles with their #2 pencils, and I’ll get to stand by the sides of my fellow Hollenbeck Hawks as we pull our hardest in a game of tug of war against the Barnwell Bulldogs. With each of these events under my belt, I’ll have learned more lessons than words in the Dictionary. As a senior, sometimes we’ll have respect bestowed upon us, but those situations are the time to prove yourself, to show you truly understand. I finally began to understand it 23 days ago. See, this story you’re reading didn’t meet the deadline and was turned in late. A fellow staffer and my adviser said a few words to me about respect; that was enough to turn my world upside down. I realized that by not turning in my story, I gave off the message that I didn’t care about what I was doing; I was at the plate with the chance to hit the walk off home run and I was striking out. I learned that people don’t think I care unless I swing for the fences. But you’ve got to step up to the plate, too. This isn’t a column you’re supposed to read, ball-up, and throw in the trash; this isn’t free advice. You may not realize how important respect is, but when you do, the changes will be instantaneous. I’ve changed for the better; why can’t you? I can only imagine how my life will change. I can only imagine how I will change your life. I can only imagine how you will change other’s lives; it’s too bad I can only imagine for now. However, in time, I’ll get to see lives change, and you and I will be the ones changing them.

It seems many students don’t take advantage of all the opportunities summer brings; be sure when that last bell of the school year rings on May 30 that you strive to remember, to live, to impact, to share and to enjoy your summer. (photo illustration by cami wade)

Savor the sweet taste of summertime With the year coming to a close and only 10 days of school left after today, many of us have summer on the brain. At the end of every summer, whether you are going to college, coming back to North or hitting the work force, you will undoubtedly be asked by the boss, teacher or professor ‘What did you do over your summer?’ Be sure to have something worthwhile to tell because so many don’t. Be proud of something you have done, move people, refresh people, make all the difference. Don’t be the kid that spends hours on the couch with the chips and soda watching TV, wasting their summer away. For some this is their last, for others there are three left, but three is still a small number. Do something that you will never forget. Remember. Many summers go by forgotten. Be able to reflect on your last three months as an accomplishment, as a growing experience, be able to say that you never wasted a single

minute. This is a time of decisions, a time of living life. Don’t let the couch consume you. Live. Volunteer, create art, discover, travel, impact lives, take walks, build a tree house, drink from the hose, eat the last piece of cake because no one does, and enjoy it, remember it, cherish it. Impact. Be able to make a difference in someone’s life by your actions, your experiences, and your love for life itself. Share. When your boss, teacher or professor asks at the beginning of August, be able to tell a moving story and be proud of what you spent your summer doing. Take time to enjoy the small things, to appreciate the big things and to let go of the hard things. We are all storytellers; summer is a story many fail to tell.

Quotes from the Commons

Every month four random people will answer four random questions about four random topics The People Wade Dismukes Freshman Luke Schriber Sophomore Cassie Bremer Junior Danielle Meyer Senior

Where is the farthest place you What is the best movie you have What is your favorite flavor of Who is your favorite super hero? Propel? have ever traveled? seen in theaters?

Florida

I Am Legend

I don’t like Propel

The Black Power Ranger

Florida

I Am Legend

Kiwi Strawberry

Green Lantern

Great Britain

Disturbia

I hate Propel

Is Ms. Pac Man a super hero?

Texas

Horton Hears a Who

Grape fo sho

Optimus Prime

page design ­ taylor robinson

13


speakout

north star 05.15.08

Being yourself is the greatest reward by luke christisen

T

hroughout my entire life I have been ruthlessly and relentlessly chased. I have always run as fast as I can, all in the foolhardy hopes that somehow I can elude my greatest fear. That fear being difference. Since I can remember I have always tried to assimilate to the norm, never successfully quenching my undying thirst for acceptance. In middle school I was brutally rejected and isolated, simply for being overweight. I then, in an attempt to gain acceptance within myself and from others, started running, and watching everything I ate. I managed to drop the weight, but I found no solace. However with the coming of high school I have had to come to terms with something that will forever keep me apart from my fellow classmates, something that will forever prevent me from gaining my long sought after acceptance: I’m gay. Trying to seek some sense of normalcy while being openly homosexual in a less than accepting

environment such as high school opens doors to many outlandishly hurtful and humiliating experiences. I’ve been through it all, from the food throwing, name calling lunch table my freshman year to random people shoving me to the ground my junior year. I’ve tried my best to walk with my head held high and stay true to the inner me, but that’s not always as easy as it sounds. When it comes to matters of sexual orientation, it doesn’t matter how you break it down; people have their opinions. Sometimes they are brutal and unfounded opinions that hold others and myself back from being considered “normal” and leading constructive teenage lives. Despite others’ personal opinions, I know what’s true to me. I have always been this way and I feel that it’s due to my homosexuality that I’ve tried to compensate for my difference by trying so hard to be like others. When I take the time to reflect on all that I have foolishly tried, simply for the tiniest hint of acceptance, I feel completely

Check Out northstartoday.com for a story from vicki viehman on popularity contests

Check Out northstartoday.com for a story from tori bowden on people changing for the worse

Letter To The Editor Dear FHN Newspaper, I find your article about STD’S, namely the HPV virus, incorrect. HPV has no affect on men and does not cause penile cancer! Men have no side effects or symptoms of HPV. Men can only transfer HPV. There actually is no way to test men for HPV. On a separate note there are over 400 different kinds of HPV, and genital warts are not a guaranteed symptom. When a woman is diagnosed with HPV they are basically being told that they have abnormal cells in their cervix. These cells may cause cervical cancer later down the road but it takes many years to develop. Getting a Gardasil shot is a good idea whether or not you have HPV. The Gardasil shot is meant to prevent cervical cancer later in your life. At least 70% of girls have HPV and if there were a way to Junior Luke Christisen holds out the painting “Pride” which was a gift to him from his best friend. Christisen expresses the rewards of individuality as being a true treasure in life. (portrait by cami wade)

and utterly silly. Being myself is the greatest gift that I can possibly give myself. If I don’t take the time out of my day to remember how great of a person I am, who will?

The path that I am on in this lifetime has never been very clear, nonetheless I am on the path for the long haul, so I’ll just try to avoid the potholes and make it to my destination, whatever it may be.

test guys the percentage would probably be the same. The only difference in men is that they are carriers of the virus only, HPV does not affect men in any way other then the fact that they are carriers. Please thoroughly research your information before leaking it to a school full of impressionable students. Thank you, Sara Jehle *EDITOR’S NOTE: All information was taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site cdc.gov and from interviews with medical professionals. All information in the April stories was verified.

Regarding Letters to the Editor * letters to the editor may be submitted to Mr. Manfull’s mailbox or room 26. * letters should not exceed 300 words, must be signed and must include the writer’s address and phone number for verification * letters will be verified by a member of the editorial board to determine the authenticity of the writer. * no material will be printed where content is obscene, invasive of others’ privacy, encouraging physical disruption of school activities and/or implies libel. * the editorial board has the right to have letters edited for length, grammar, punctuation, clarity, etc.

The Ultimate Write Off

Two new contestants fight the age old battle of boys vs. girls

Which would you rather hang out with? A mud-covered, loudmouthed, action starwannabe, demon or a smile-sharing, huggiving, flower-picking angel? Personally, I’d pick the angel. Why would anybody want to chill with a five-year-old ball of compact energy whose main goal in life is to annoy everyone? Little kids need attention; however boys like negative attention way more than positive. Does the phrase “I’m not touching you” ring any bells here? They spit, they play in dirt, and they like to fight each other... where’s the good here? Little girls, on the other hand, like to play with dolls, they

like to color, and they love slumber parties. They are so much cuter and more creative. I grew up with three older brothers and I was the one who brought my mom to tears every Mother’s Day with my loving poems and whatnot. Little girls actually care about people, whereas little boys would rather eat bugs than think about someone else for a change. Plus, when little girls get all dressed up they are careful with their clothes. They like to look adorable, but boys will jump into the nearest pile of dirt as soon as they get out of your grip. I’m still a big believer in the whole “girls rule, boys drool” concept.

14 page design ­kaila kamp

Check Out northstartoday.com to vote for Sarah or Tyler

sarah semmel

tyler kirk

Don’t take this the wrong way, but I love little boys. I have a 3-year-old brother and he is without a doubt the funniest part of my life. Although he’s half my size, I still get to teach him day-to-day life lessons that I could never teach a girl. A couple weeks ago I taught him to how to play basketball and baseball. If my brother was a flower-sniffing girl, she would have thrown the basketball below the belt and the baseball would have gone the same direction, because everybody knows girls can’t throw. Another great thing about the tiny tots is that they stand up when they

go to the bathroom. My brother is being potty trained right now, and it goes much faster because he can stand up and do his business at the same time. I’d like to see a little girl try that – wait, no, I wouldn’t. Dress-wearing children also complain a lot more than their peers of the opposite sex. I’ve never heard a little guy whine about falling in the dirt and getting his new white shoes dirty. In that situation, my brother hops up, spits in his hands and rubs some dirt on his wounds. All right, maybe he doesn’t do that, but he and the rest of his male companions could totally beat any number of girls in, umm, hopscotch?


speakout

north star 05.15.08

Latest releases making all the noise the aftermath

the awesome

the awful

dvdreview:

Awesome: There’s no doubt that Cloverfield was one of the most anticipated movies of 2008. Did it live it up to the hype? I think so, and the DVD also does it justice. Chalked full of extras, this DVD shows the making of Cloverfield, including a more in-depth look at the monster and the computer design used to recreate New York City.

Awful: Despite the many special fea-

Aftermath: Now that Cloverfield is finally on DVD, we are able to catch every glimpse of the monster in slow-mo, and then rewind it again and again. This is the type of movie that will leave most viewers with their jaws on the floor, either from complete shock or from talking their mouths off about the many conspiracies. -review by: tyler kirk

productreview:

Awesome: I have dry skin thatneeds lotion twice a day to keep from chaffing. Using this, I didn’t have to use any lotion. The first time I used it, my skin was smoother before I got out of the shower. It’s easy to use, just like using a liquid body wash. Smoother legs made for easier shaving. Even if you skip a day or two, your skin still feels smooth.

Awful: I don’t know about you, but

Aftermath: I would definitely recommend this product to anyone. It pretty much fixes your dry skin, and if you don’t have dry skin, this just makes it that much smoother! It really is like a conditioner for your skin.

the product Cloverfield directed by Matt Reeves

Olay’s In Shower Body Lotion

Awesome: I love to tan and this lotion is the best product I have used. It helps you get that amazing tan in a few visits that would normally take a full week to achieve. It includes 12 bronzers and also has a feature called body blush. If you don’t like the tingle lotion, three body blushes combine to give an immediate vibrant glow without the sting.

Awful: I adore this product but

Aftermath: If you like tanning and want the best product for your skin, this lotion is just for you. It sparkles when you’re done and the smell is great. The body blush keeps your tan lasting longer without the tingle unlike some other lotions. Your skin will feel extremely soft afterwards too. So what are you waiting for? Go buy it! -review by: brittany schulze

Awesome: I love a colorful ward-

Awful: A bad thing about these Converse is that they have to be broken in, which can hurt when your feet are rubbing your heels and squishing your toes. They’re also not an easy shoe to slip on in a hurry; they have to be tied and untied everytime, which isn’t good on the go. They also lack support for your arch because they are flat.

Aftermath: These shoes are great. You can wear them with many different outfits because there is such a big selection at a cheap cost. Even though you may have to take the time to tie and untie them they’re worth it because they won’t break down easily. They are a classic and look great with everything.

productreview:

fashionreview: Converse One Star

Did you know that the North Star has a Web site?

robe, just like a pair of classic Converse. The Converse One Stars come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, so I found a brown pair that was right for me. Because these shoes are available at Target (you can buy them at a cheap price for $30); cheaper than Journeys. They are also very durable.

(out of 4 stars)

-review by: tori bowden

Aftermath: This book, even though it is old, is a great book with vivid emotions and scenes from the atomic bomb dropping on Hiroshima. It is a book that you should go out and read. Some classes have read this book for its curriculum, and I wish I would have been in those classes so I could have read this sooner. -review by: nathan bryant

Awesome: This book was a very good read. The details used in the story and the plot in general had me flying through the book and not wanting to put it down. It is the story of the atomic bomb being dropped on Hiroshima, and what it was like for six survivors. It is very dramatic and it made me feel very bad for the people living in Hiroshima.

Australian Gold’s Crystal Tan Lotion

I usually don’t have forever when I take a shower. It’s usually either late at night before bed and I’m half asleep, or early in the morning when I have to be ready for school. Using this just adds another step that I didn’t always remember to do.

Awful: Hiroshima is a very power-

bookreview:

Hiroshima by John Hersey

tures about the making of the film, many questions about the beast are left unanswered. Hot topics, such as the origin of the monster and what really happens at the end of the film, are never touched on, which could anger some viewers.

rating

ful and very graphic book. There are some parts that are very disgusting, but those parts add to the turmoil. The book also uses language that can be hard to understand. Since the books setting is in Japan the places and some of the words are hard to figure out.

there was a price to pay; I paid about $120 dollars for it, but I also got a bottle of crystal face tan lotion for free since it was during the Imagesun special. Even though I like the sparkle of the lotion, some men that tan may not like that about this product.

-review by: kaila kamp

Lloyd & Company LLC Certified Public Accountants & Financial Advisors

Al & Cheryl Greunke Insurance Agents 1360 South 5th St., Suite 202 St. Charles, MO 63301-2446

Bus: (636)946-6222 Fax: (636)946-6228 agreunke@farmersagent.com

Just because summer arrives soon, it doesn’t mean we’re going away. Check out updates all summer long with exclusive photos, stories and more at www.NorthStarToday.com You doing something special this summer? Send us photos! We will include them in our summer photo section that will appear all summer beginning in August.

Jim Lloyd, CPA Caryn Lloyd, CPA Sue Miller Julie Pryor 40 Portwest Court • Saint Charles, MO 636.946.3411

15

page design ­ jordyn klackner


Here’s to 2008 the Knights

photostory north star 05.15.08

far right: Mr. FHN 2008, Drake Roberts, delivers his answer to the judges on April 25. right: Freshmen Brett Sloan and Cody Billet race through ‘Adrenaline Rush’ at the KOE picnic. (sarah semmel)

S AINT L OUIS { TRUE SLU UNIVERSITY { BLOGS

During the pre-prom assembly on April 18, a drunk driving accident was reenacted; Students involved in the reenactment were put onto stretchers and carried off as if they were injured. TASC arranged for the fire department, an ambulance, and even a helicopter to put on the demonstration. (cami wade)

www.northstartoday.com

The Varsity girls soccer team attempts to duct tape senior Beth Elli to the gym wall during the spring sports assembly on May 2. Although about 20 rolls of tape were used, all teams were relatively unsuccessful in the duct tape challenge. (katie robertson)

16page design ­ sarah semmel

true slu blogs

Student Special

50% OFF all tanning purchases* *Student ID Required See store for details. 1104 Jung Station Road St. Peters, MO 63303 636-447-3553

Graduation Specials Available!

08.311 Francis Howell North HS Ad 5x6.5.indd 1

5/9/08 4:48:20 PM


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.