Central Focus December 2010

CF

Tardy bell proves effective p. 5 Music for every mood p. 21 CENTRAL FOCUS FRANCIS HOWELL CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 14 ISSUE 4

School schedule inhibits student learning, health

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Time crunch

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Delve 3-6

Shots

Be Heard 7-10

2

Letter from the 16 editor

In Focus 12-14

Sweat 15-18

The Scene 19-23

Opening

HOT BOX

LOVE IT 1. Record funds for Adopt-a-Family 2. Terrel Wilbourn's “Rise” cover 3. Winter break

4. Kyle Chumbley in State Choir

F

inals are coming around the corner. Coming with them

are late night trips to Starbucks for caffeine, hours spent into the early morning cramming for the

LIKE IT

upcoming examinations and less sleep for an already sleep deprived

1. Snow

student population.

2. “Inception” out on DVD 3. Paul's Donut Mondays

As high school students, we have

4. Toys for Tots Shirts

become accustomed to the smaller amounts of sleep we receive during week days. Unbeknownst to us, there are serious consequences that come along with the lack of sleep we receive due to the schedules of school, extracurriculars and jobs.

On pages 12-14, we look at the biological necessity for sleep and the impacts that a lack of it has on our bodies. We also examine when a teenager’s biological clock begins ticking in the morning and the impact this has on student performance early in the day. The question of starting school later is also raised.

Sincerely,

Cory Schmitt Print Executive Editor Francis Howell Central High School 5199 Highway N St. Charles, Mo., 63304 Phone: 636.851.5636 Fax: 636.851.41

6

Cover With many demanding aspects of

teenage life, students commonly de-

9

LEAVE IT 1. Packed shopping malls 2. Icy roads

prive themselves of the sleep that

3. Short skirts and Uggs

doctors say is vital to their health.

4. Finals schedule

Many found themselves being run down and exhausted as finals set in at the end of the semester.

Photo by Kelci Davis Page design by Kelci Davis, Cory Schmitt and Ted Noelker

Editors and Staff

Cory Schmitt Print Executive Editor Ted Noelker Multimedia Executive Editor Kelci Davis Visuals ExecutiveEditor Brendan Kinnison Delve Editor Alli Keisker Be Heard Editor Ellen Hinze Sweat Editor Margaret Borgmeyer The Scene Editor Mikelle McClintock Communications Editor Michael Roundcount Business Manager Anna Gingrich Copy Manager Claire Henderson Copy Manager Kyle Braden Staff Reporter Karley Canova

Staff Reporter Sean Carroll

Staff Reporter Jolie Denton Staff Reporter Destiny Pipkin Staff Reporter

Kamrie Reed Dylan Richardson Julianna Smith Victoria Walker Jessica DiMariano Patrick Hurley Mr. Matthew Schott

Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Adviser

Letters Policy

The Central Focus is produced monthly as an integral part of the News Production class at Francis Howell Central High School. Students learn all aspects of media production and are responsible for contributing to each issue.

The Central Focus is a public forum for the students at Francis Howell Central High School. The staff ’s editorial policy is available in Room 139.

The staff welcomes comments and suggestions from the student body. All letters to the editor must be typed and no more than 300 words.

Names must be included with the submission of the letter, but may be withheld at the request of the author. The staff reserves the right to withhold content at its discretion.

Delve

Impact of tardy bells on students p. 5 Airport steps up security with pat-downs p. 6

3

Charitable acts

NHS members come together, commit to a cause

By Karley Canova Staff Reporter

D

uring the holiday season, many members of society are anxious to receive gifts and praise from family and friends.

If you ask a child what the holidays are truly about, it seems more than likely that they will say “presents,” rather than the spirit of giving and family. Despite the vast amount of greedy hands during this time of year, there are a handful of students who

set aside what they want and give to families in need.

One of those students is senior Courtney Crocker, who donated a check of $158 to Adopt a Family.

“My money was getting to the point where it needed to be donated, and the charity presented itself,” said Crocker. “It wasn’t that big of a deal for me. I did it before; it’s just something I do.”

Please read more | Charity, PAGE 4

Photo by Michael Roundcount

As she colors another holiday picture, senior Madeline Ragsdale earns hours for National Honor Society. She worked at St. Charles Community College along with many other NHS members who wanted to fulfil their project commitments.

Students feel pressure from AP classes

By Brendan Kinnison Delve Editor

With the end of the semester coming closer and closer, ramblings can be heard amongst students about what classes they will be dropping.

Be it from the workload or a bad grade, according to guidance counselor Kathy Bargeon, there has been a slight increase in the amount of AP and honors class drops.

The problem not only lies with

being taught to a test but also within the massive workloads that are paired with after school activities.

Students find themselves caught up in the massive amounts that are expected of them.

“I just do not have enough time to do all the work while doing two sports at a time. I am up until 1 or 3 a.m. every night working,” said senior Nina Beckham who is dropping AP World History.

Central Focus December 17, 2010 FHCtoday.com/Delve

Students are given notice as to what is ahead of them, such as what is stated in the Enrollment Guide, as well as warnings by the teachers for the class. Mrs. Bargeon said the reason so many students are dropping now is because they were not allowed to drop during first semester. Dr. [Sonny] Arnel wanted students to participate in the class for at least a semester to see what the class was like and to experience how

college courses would be taught.

Seniors are not the only students who are trying to drop their classes; other grades of students deal with the same problems.

“I think juniors have the temptation to drop as well. We are approaching the end of the first semester, had Thanksgiving Break, and everyone is tired. The idea of dropping an AP class is very appealing,” said Mrs. Patti Shockley

who teaches AP Literature.

The possibility of dropping an AP class can also hurt a student.

Colleges check transcripts to see if a student challenged themselves by taking an AP course; they focus less on the grade received.

“Students just need to realize that a break is coming. When they come back it is a fresh start and they already know what to expect,” said Mrs. Shockley.

Page design by Brendan Kinnison

4

Delve

FHCtoday.com/Delve

Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Cory Schmitt

Charity from page 3

Photo by Michael Roundcount

While smiling to herself, senior Charissa Stone tapes down the wrapping paper while volunteering at St. Charles Community College. NHS members were required to complete at least one project, and the gift wrapping was one of the two choices.

Crocker and her family believe that they should give back 10 perent of what they receive. According to Crocker, her parents have a big influence on her charitable personality.

“There’s always someone less fortunate. If we have the ability to help, then I think we should,” said Crocker.

After doing several charity events with NHS, Crocker continued her own acts of charity. That is when she got her job, and donated parts of her paychecks. Crocker’s classmates and teacher, Ms. Gubany were shocked by her charitable act.

“Mrs. Davis called me to the office and gave me a certificate of appreciation,” said Crocker.

“People are making a lot of hubbub about it,” said Crocker. “For one, I’m getting interviewed. I thought it was something I needed or could do, so why not?”

Helping to get these students involved are NHS sponsors, Mrs. Dena Rulo and Mrs. Tiffany MacMillan.

“It gives students the opportunity to get involved with school and

community,” said Mrs. Rulo.

Mrs. Rulo first got started working with NHS after she quit coaching cheer.

“I still wanted to work with something and this was open,” said Mrs. Rulo. “I worked with kids anyway, so why not?”

The charities the members ends up donating to are based on the location, need, and time frame.

“I think it really helps them feel a part of something,” said Mrs. Rulo.

Initially, she was interested in getting help for the humane society, which NHS helped a few years back.

She continues working with NHS to help many other charities.

“The economy is so bad right now, people truly need a boost,” said Mrs. MacMillan.

Mrs. MacMillan said she wants to help persuade the students to take active roles in their community and set good moral examples. “[NHS] enables the less fortunate to feel better about life,” said Mrs. MacMillan. “It makes me feel better, the thought that I’m able to help others.”

Another member of NHS is senior Michelle Howard, who volunteered at the Oasis Food Pantry, helping Boy Scouts organize and stock the shelves.

“I really enjoy community service,” said Howard. “Instead of sitting around and watching TV, I help the community.”

Howard describes the experience as uplifting. She believes the people she helped felt good people were willing to help them in a time of need without being asked. In the future, this senior wants to be a nurse to continue helping those in need.

“My parents encourage me to help people whenever I can,” said Howard.

She wanted to contribute to this charity in particular because, being a National Honor Society member, she participated with other members to make the process go faster among the Boy Scouts.

“You should help just to help,” said Howard. “I just feel like we should help because it’s right, not because we want to. I feel like I’m serving God when I’m helping.”

Want to see more pictures taken of the

Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service

Adopt-AFamily?

See the Aperture section on the back cover for a photo story

FHCtoday.com/Delve

Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Claire Henderson

Saved by the bell

By Claire Henderson Copy Manager

From the beginning of this year, students have become accustomed to a new sound: the warning bell. Starting in the first few weeks of the school year, the administration established a bell that sounded one minute before the tardy bell of each class.

The warning bell was a result of one of the administration’s meetings early in the school year where they adjusted the School Improvement Plan. Targeting the area of attendance and tardiness, the administration took the bell from the other schools in the Francis Howell district and adopted it into their program.

“We target certain areas and support them with money and create programs,” said Dean of Students Mr. Ed Nelson. “We try to help the kids who are struggling.”

Students who strive to be on time to class have voiced their gratefulness for the warning bell.

“It helps me for sure,” said junior Dalton Clark. “I definitely notice [the bell].”

The bell seems to have changed tardy numbers tremendously, with first quarter’s tardy referrals dropping by 28% from 188 detentions in first quarter of the 09-10 year, to 135 in the first quarter of this year. This is the lowest number of first quarter tardies in

the past four years. However, administrators are worried that the drop in tardy rates could also be attributed to teachers not having the know-how to record tardies accurately in Infinite Campus.

“We’re excited, but it’s a cautious excitement,” said Mr. Nelson.

The current record for second quarter has increased to a number closer to the expected rate, but still shows a decrease from last year.

Regardless of the administrator’s concerns, teachers and students alike have noticed changes in the hallways.

“I have noticed that when that minute bell rings, then the students begin to move faster to go to their classes,” said Mrs. Erin Thurston, Communication Arts teacher.

“I’ve noticed two things really. That, and that before the warning bell they used to meander and talk, while now they stand in one place and talk, then leave when they hear the bell.”

Though the changes in the hallways are clear, teachers and students have both pointed out that regardless of the programs in place to help those students who are trying to do their best, there will always be students who do not care.

“I think that people who don’t want to be on time to class at all don’t care anyways,” said Clark.

Teachers and administrators on hall

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5

duty use the bell as a way to validate their authority in telling the kids to get to class.

“When the warning bell rings, I start talking to the kids. Loud,” said Mr. Nelson.

“Sometimes I even say ‘All right you’ve got 30 seconds’, just to psych them out. It’s like setting your clock five minutes fast.”

Although changes have been noted, other concerns can be heard from both students and teachers. One concern heard from administrators being that the bell could just become a part of the background noise that students tend to tune out.

“It’s so repetitive,” said Mr. Nelson. “It could become white noise.”

Students who have a lunch that does not align with the standard bell schedule do not have a warning bell because of the lunches changing while a large part of the school is in the middle of class. As a result, tardies have not seemed to change in these middle three hours of the day.

“The kids come tardy from lunch, that’s not different from before,” said Mrs. Thurston.

A warning bell during lunch hours, though helpful, would be an another bell that rings while many students are in the middle of class.

“It is a confusing period of time for everybody,” said Mr. Nelson. “[A warning bell] is just one more interruption.”

Detentions received due to tardies Year

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Sem. 1

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

Sem. 2

‘07-‘08

234

365

599

204

339

543

‘08-‘09

136

241

377

131

259

390

‘09-‘10

188

370

558

291

250

541 Photo by Patrick Hurley

‘10-‘11

135

336*

471*

N/A

N/A

N/A

Change

-28%

-9%

-16%

N/A

N/A

N/A

*record as of 12/14/10

Students walk past the guidance office on their way to their seventh hour classes. Since administrators instituted the use of a tardy bell one minute before the end of passing period, the number of tardies has dropped by more than 50 reported tardies as compared to the same time frame last school year.

Fine print fools students

By Brendan Kinnison Delve Editor

Graphic by Kelci Davis

A classic iPod displays the “Sad Face Error” screen due to technical problems. Few students put down the money to insure their electronics are covered in case of accidents and mishaps.

Senior Mike Arnold left Best Buy with his 160Gb iPod Classic, then proceeded to return home and load it up with over 6,000 songs. After turning down the protection plan offered, he would soon realize that this was a mistake.

Six months later he went swimming with friends; at the time he had no swim trunks with him so he swam in his cargo shorts.

Little did he know that the shorts would be his downfall. Nearly an hour later he exited the water only to find his iPod completely ruined. Looking back he can see where it all went wrong.

“Well, first off, get a warranty. If you do not get a warranty because you plan on treating it like a baby, it is time to realize the inconvenient truth. Stuff happens, it

will get broken one way or another,” said Arnold.

Company policies do not cover such accidents, they only cover things that go wrong with the product internally, such as a simple malfunction.

According to their Legal Warranty, Apple only covers electronic malfunction, not anything physical. So one would have to purchase a separate protection plan in case of physical damage and other things such as that. You can buy these plans where you buy the product. Best Buy offers such a plan; their plan is entitled “The Black Tie Protection Plan.”

“Geek Squad Black Tie Protection provides a variety of plans for different products, and lets you choose your level of protection. Every protection plan includes: Performance, Support and Security,”

according to their website (bestbuy.com) and the Geek Squad website.

Buying this plan will thus protect your product from any physical injury as well.

No more worries about jumping in a pool, or running your phone through the washer.

The product protection plans may cost more in the beginning, but also could end up to cost less than replacing your product and all the information on it.

Some students choose not to buy such protection plans. They plan on fixing the item themselves or just getting a new one.

“If anything I buy breaks I just try to fix it myself if it is an electronic malfunction, if it is physical damage I will just go purchase a new one. I also buy electronics from Costo because they are cheaper,” said senior Dino Corella.

6

Delve

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Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Kamrie Reed

Students prefer safety

By Kamrie Reed Staff Reporter

As eager students were fresh off the airplane from Costa Rica, they were immediately directed to the airport security in order to make it to their next flight to St. Louis.

Some students were directed to a machine that examined their entire body on a predominant screen for security gaureds to view to make sure they were not harboring any items that may threaten the lives of others on the airplane.

Some of the students were challenged with this as they made their journey back home to St. Louis while taking a connecting flight from Atlanta, Georgia.

As the students approached the airport security in Atlanta, they were guided to two different lines. One line had normal airport security, while the other line contained a new technology: in short terms, it was a body scanner.

The airport security informed the students that it was new technology, but neglected to tell them what it

was exactly.

Unlike people who have appeared in the news lately, the students were fine with going through the machine.

“This did not offend me at all because somebody is doing something to keep us safe. This sort of thing happens to keep us safe [and] protesters need to understand that,” said senior David Lanza.

Lanza has also been to India, where the airport security was increased. Every man was wanded while every woman was patted down by a woman guard.

“People are freaking out just to freak out. [I] thought is was professional [and] did not think anything of it,” said senior Elizabeth Leath.

Leath believes that if people refused to go through the proper airport security, then they cannot fly.

The students were fine with the fact that they entered the body scanner because they understood that it was solely for security reasons.

However, some were a little troubled because the security guards never informed them what the machine

was exactly.

There is quite a controversy going on at the moment with airports taking extra precautions as the holidays approach.

Many people visit loved ones in far away places and have the opportunity to take a plane to get them there in a short amount of time. Major airports have taken potential threats to their passengers’ lives very seriously.

“We had the right to know because we are paying to go on the airplane, [and it] is a courtesy to know,” said Mackenzie Hofmeister. “It is part of the deal [and] just for safety. If there is a problem then they could come up with a different way.”

The security at major airports body scanner machines will take a jump from 300 body scanners to 450 scanners by the end of the year according to Desert Newspaper. If one refuses to go through the body scan machine, they can go through a pat down by given by an airport security gaurd of the same sex even though student said the airport never gave them this option.

Photo by MCT Campus

A TSA screener pats down a traveler at the B-side security checkpoint at Orlando International Airport on Nov. 24, 2010. Many travelers became upset when they were withheld and searched for reasons unknown to them.

Heard Be

Christmas lacks true joy for a student p. 9 Appearances should matter p. 10

7

Bringing life into holidays Traditions become important for families

T

By Anna Gingrich Copy Manager

radition: an inherited pattern of thought or action.

The ritual of grandma’s poorly knitted sweaters and teeth-gritting shopping lines has once again come to pass. With the lights being hung, the trees being cut, and the music resounding throughout the house, everyone is excited for the much-anticipated day when St. Nicholas will appear with all of their holiday wishes tightly wrapped in his oversized knapsack.

Granted, these could all be considered common traditions that will take place no matter whose house you visit.

Nevertheless, there are so many traditions in existence during this season, there is no way of fully knowing. But how about those traditions that are specific to each family?

In the Gingrich household, there are a plethora of holiday traditions that take place for 25 days of the year. A custom Please read more | Traditions, PAGE 8

Many families enjoy curling up to a brightly burning flame to keep warm in the winter. The Gingrich family always lit fires for their children’s enjoyment when they were younger, and continue to now.

Photo by Ellen Hinze

Businesses should make own decisions As you have probably heard on the news over the past few months, St. Louis City and County will be enforcing an

By Cory Schmitt Print Executive indoor smoking Editor ban on Jan. 2, 2011.

These bans are similar to bans enacted in 27 states across the United States. There have also been talks in St. Charles County of implementing a similar ban countywide.

Once again, we have the government focusing on a relatively minor issue that should be handled by each individual business instead

on focusing on the more important issues permeating our society.

My problem here is not that I think it is wrong to ban smoking in indoor businesses; it is not that at all. My problem is that it is the government that is forcing businesses to comply to a law that they might not support.

Bars rely on liquor sales and an estimated 45.9 million Americans smoke according to the American Heart Association. When smoking is banned, where are these people are going to go?

They are going to go to a place that allows smoking. When Illinois enacted its indoor smoking ban in 2008, there was an immediate economic impact. The smoking

Central Focus December 17, 2010 FHCtoday.com/BeHeard

ban resulted in $1 million loss in revenue and a layoff of six workers at the Alton Belle Casino according to an article in the St. Louis PostDispatch.

The same article states that Illinois casino-goers who were smokers traveled across the Mississippi and spent their time at Missouri casinos where smoking was legal indoors.

The economic effects of a ban effects more than just casinos.

California’s indoor smoking ban cost the state $8.5 billion in 1998 due to slower business according to statistics by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

It isn’t that I don’t see the health benefits of banning smoking

indoors, but I am wholeheartedly against a law forcing businesses to change their practices. Blanket bans that target all businesses are lazy and ineffective.

A much more effective route whether a ban is state, county, or city wide would be to allow each business to decide whether they should allow or disallow smoking.

People are not forced to go to any establishment that allows smoking, so why should businesses have to comply when the customer already has the freewill of entering a facility with smoking if they so choose to?

If a business thinks it would be better for their business to

ban smoking, then it should be the business’ own choice, not the government’s.

As an example, Steak-n-Shake went smoke free without a law forcing them to do so. If a business thinks it would be to their advantage to ban smoking, let them go ahead and make the decision for themselves. If a business wishes to continue to allow smoking inside their institution, let them do so. A forced ban may be detrimental to some of these businesses financially as well.

Our government’s at all levels have much bigger problems to deal with than a smoking ban. Let your taxpaying businesses decide this one for themselves.

Page design by Alli Keisker

8 Be Heard Traditions

FHCtoday.com/BeHeard

Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Alli Keisker

Staff editorial

from page7 which we follow diligently is that we construct our Christmas tree on the last Friday of November, instead of participating in the shopping experience commencing at 4:00am, which is running wild with psychotic consumers.

Also, with the siblings being in town from college, it is the perfect time to hang those glimmering lights, which can be a daunting task in itself. Another thing we enjoy is watching movies such as The Nutcracker, and last year, we bought the anniversary edition of all of the old Christmas Claymation movies.

These are movies that bring about a certain tone to a household, and those are just to name a few. Or how about all of the cheerful music?

The only reason movies and music become a tradition is because you simply cannot watch them or listen to them any other time of the year.

Let’s not neglect our senses. Who does not enjoy the holiday recipes and cookies? Who does not adore all of the holiday scents that fill the air, which are only present during December? Like the sweet scent of Mulberry candles, or the rugged smell of burning wood in the fireplace.

I once asked my dad why it is that we burn the wood, even if it isn’t necessarily cold in the house. He replied with, “Well, it’s a seasonal thing. We don’t do it for warmth, but for the experience of the time of year. Plus, it’s fun building a fire, and your mom digs it!” That made sense enough.

Truly, there is no other time of year that requires wood to be burnt or so many decorations to be hung!

That is also what makes the season so unique. There are decorations for the spring season, and for the fall season. However, the holiday of Christmas itself has 25 days dedicated to it, and it alone.

Christmas, though being a time for money-spending and time consuming, is not all about the material things. The traditions themselves are what bring families together. Although there is much to do and make and buy, there is more time spent together. Tradition keeps the holiday alive, and it keeps the family close.

Cartoon by Alli Keisker

More rest generates success Starting school later would benefit students When we were younger, we used to love school because of recess and music class, but now with so much homework, extracurricular activities, jobs, and our social lives, having to be at school at 7:25 a.m. becomes a nightmare most high school students dread. We appear zombielike, or lazy. We do not dread school because we are lazy, but because we lack the sleep we need to perform well throughout the day.

According to studies done by the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers need at least 9.25 hours of sleep each night. A majority of teenagers probably do not even sleep anything close to that number though; therefore, we aren’t lazy, we aren’t slackers, we are just tired.

Studies show teenagers have a

biological clock that causes us to not be tired until later hours of the night, such as 11 p.m., and then not be awake until eight or nine in the morning.

Changing the time we start school would be beneficial to high school students; and if it is shown by studies that teenage students work better when they are fully awake, then why continue having school start so early?

A lot of teenagers could potentially do better in school if we started even an hour later.

Students would more than likely receive higher grades in their earlier classes, the classes they normally wouldn’t do as well in.

If you look into nearly any first hour classroom, you could probably find at least one student asleep during it.

Many of us do make an attempt

“ We lack the sleep we need to perform well throughout the day.”

to stay awake throughout the seven-hour school day through the consumption of caffeine. Some even become dependent on it, but even with caffeine, we are still are lacking the energy it takes to perform efficiently at school.

Our bodies are weak, we are sluggish, and our grades are slipping.

And so we ask, why does the district still force us to be at school by 7:25 a.m? Why do they force us to wake up much earlier than our bodies should be waking up? It is not healthy for us to lose sleep, nor does it help our grades; waking up so early just causes us to lose more and more sleep over time, and makes us feel more tired each and every day.

word of mouth word of mouth THOUGHTS ON THE STORIES WE COULDN’T FIND SPACE FOR word of mouth word of mouth

King Leo

King Leo to Xerxes, we offer our thoughts on issues we couldn’t get into the paper.

JAZZ BAND: CULTURAL DIVERSITY CLUB: Cultural

Jazz band performed inside the main entrance and will do so next Wednesday.

Diversity Club held a raffle to raise money for the Friends of Children’s Charity.

TOYS FOR TOTS T-SHIRTS:

Stuco sold T-shirts for Toys for Tots and in memory of Phillip Vinnedge.

VARSITY SENSATIONS:

PAUL’S DONUTS MONDAY’S:

FHC Club started selling donuts Varsity Sensations took from Paul’s Donuts for $1 every first place in jazz and Monday this year. second place in hip hop at their competition at Lindbergh High School on Dec. 4.

Xerxes

THE SCALE: Word On a scale of

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Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Anna Gingrich

Be Heard

9

Holiday humbug Lights are being hung.

Carolers are making their rounds. Families are booking their plane tickets home.

By Margaret Borgmeyer The smell of The Scene Editor freshly baked cookies fills the air. The Christmas season is in full bloom. I am hating every second of it.

For those who take note, the truth of the season is revealed.

Materialistic, self-centered people obsess with the purchasing of gifts - gifts bought with the notion that giving guarantees receiving. Children behave for a short time to ensure Santa will climb down their chimney on Christmas Eve. Families torn apart from the prior years’ struggles put on fake smiles for a picture to place in Christmas cards.

Joy, a term typically associated with Christmas, is artificially created during the season.

People are joyful during Christmas, not because of love or any of the other cliche terms used to describe the season, but because they will be receiving gifts. True

joy cannot be obtained through the receiving gifts.

A lasting joy will never be created through computers, phones, cars or anything else that modern civilization obsesses themselves with. Happiness is not simply a phase or feeling, but a state of mind.

People holding all the material possessions in the world will never remain happy - no matter how much they buy.

True joy is not found in possessions, but in people. It has often been seen that people who have absolutely nothing often obtain more joy than that of someone who has obtained many materialistic things.

When a person has close to nothing, or does not let material objects run their life, they have the chance to focus all of their attention on finding joy in the little things.

So, when the lights are torn down, when the smell of pollution takes back over the air, when Christmas is no longer the season, what will you let run your life?

Will it be possessions, a career, a relationship? Let this be the year the joy of Christmas becomes something tangible, something lasting, something real.

Taking measures to avoid the pressures High school is a time where most teenagers start the trial and error process to uncover the “ unknown” purpose for their

By Mikelle lives.

McClintock Meanwhile, Commumications with school, Editor work, and other major responsibilities, life becomes hectic. Everything starts to pile up.

There are so many different priorities to be taken care of, yet there is so little time.

Simultaneously, many teens get involved with relationships. The relationships soon become number one priority in their life. They become consumed with the other person and soon after several months of dating, a hefty decision is to be made: should we, or shouldn’t we?

Partaking in a sexual relationship in high school is a challenge that many teens face. They’re in love and they want to prove it.

What they soon find out though, is that it lays a heavy burden on top

of their previous concerns, along with the fear of becoming pregnant.

I personally have close friends who deal with the pressure of sex and it holds true to create tension in their lives.

The mental effects that sex has on teenagers sticks with them forever.

That person may be stuck in the back of their head and constantly reminding them what they did together. If they become regretful of their decisions, it makes it so much harder to break the tie.

Then, if it turns out that they were not “the one,” the regret becomes more prominent in their mind. So the next time they partake in sexual activity, the person they first had relations with comes to mind. This thought repeats itself with every relationship that follows.

In today’s society and in Hollywood, sex has been portrayed as no big deal.

Sex has become a marketing strategy because today, sex sells.

The seriousness and effects of it have not been taken into consideration the way they should be. I think this subject has been taken too lightly in today’s society. The seriousness of sex

Photo Illustration by Mikelle McClintock

A student shows off her purity rings with pride during school. Some teenages chose a life of abstinece for religious reasons, while others for moral choice.

has been neglected. No one takes into consideration anymore all of the outcomes of sexual intercourse especially at such a young age.

Teens and young adults have used sex for entertainment and enjoyment but discover the mental and emotional effects soon afterwards. They begin to regret their recent decision.

Without being previously warned about these outcomes, the hole they have dug only gets deeper. Once sexual activity has begun and the further it goes, the harder it is to stop.

The only way to prevent this it to stay abstinent. I believe that abstinence is best for high schoolers encountering all the day to day struggles of life.

The amount of time you spend together also affects your physical relationship. You become more comfortable around that person while you get to know them better and the next thing you know, you’re becoming more physically involved each time.

There are many actions to take to not put yourself in a risky situation where you are allured to have sex. I think you can decide together to set boundaries for your relationship.

Instead of always being alone, maybe hang out with a group of friends. This way you and your significant other are not tempted to do anything you would do if you were alone.

The drama that every teenager encounters during their high school career would be dramatically decreased if we abstained from sexual

activity. I think this is important because as teenagers, we already have a lot on our plate. There are so many expectations we have to meet, but if we become side-tracked with the sexual temptations, our focus on what really matters becomes lost.

According to the The Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI), “most young people have sex for the first time at about age 17, but they do not marry until their middle or late 20s. This means that young adults are at risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) for nearly a decade.”

We often pity pregnant teens and wonder what they will do with the baby. I know I do. What if that pregnant teen were you, or your girlfriend? As you are walking down the hallway of your high school all alone, you feel the eyes of everyone around you staring at you. There is no turning around. You might feel regret or shame.

Or you might wonder what things would have been like if you would not have gone too far that night. One decision can affect the rest of your life.

10

Be Heard

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Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Destiny Pipkin & Dylan Richardson

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Richardson

Becoming a cleaner teen Lacking personal hygiene, lacking respect

By Destiny Pipkin Staff Reporter

By Dylan Richardson

Staff Reporter

When you look good, you feel good. It’s as simple as that. No one wants to be that greasy kid that forgot a shower for about the third time in a row. You can’t take pride in yourself like that. It only takes

maybe a half hour of extra time in the morning to look cleaned up and make a good impression. Or you could wake up five minutes before the bus rolls down the block, barely take time to grab that shirt and pants off the floor, cram some shoes on and maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll remember socks. Notice how I didn’t mention brushing your teeth? Yeah that’s gross, stop it. Presentation is a key element in today’s society, and that won’t change. So do everyone a favor, yourself included, and set that alarm a little earlier.

A good appearance can make all

Meet the bloggers at Read as Cory Schmitt talks about his journey through senior year.

the difference. If everyone sees you take yourself seriously, then they will feel obliged to take you seriously as well. Not to mention that it will give you a confidence and self esteem boost, and make you feel good about yourself. Whether it is for school or a date with that special someone, an extra five minutes to brush your hair, put deodorant on, or maybe even change those lucky underwear and give them a good wash, (the luck won’t wash out, and they will thank you for it). These little things can make the biggest difference.

The self-conscious feeling of “what

Read as Victoria Walker tests different types of facial cleansers.

Read as Kyle Braden gives advice on ways to get in shape.

if they smell me” will no longer be an issue. You can relax and enjoy the claustrophobia of the hallways without the extra anxiety. Don’t be afraid to hug that random kid in the hall. Don’t be scared to crowd around the door when Mr. Bohning lets out his students after hypnotizing them.

Go ahead, consult with your teacher so you don’t end up failing English, again. You can do it! All you need is a shower!

A first impression is crucial and our appearance plays a big role in that. When you pass someone in the hallway, all they can judge you by is

Read as Anna Gingrich gives opinions on music.

the way you put yourself together and the way you present yourself. If you prefer to be seen as a confident individual you have to play the role and dress confidently. The way you treat yourself gives the world a good idea how you treat life, and its not often that someone wants to associate with someone who does not even care enough about themselves to brush their hair. If you can not even take the time to do the most simple of things for your very own appearance, how much can anyone depend on you to do anything?

Read as Kamrie Reed speaks about sex trafficking.

Read as Brendan Kinnison analyzes the aspects of humanity.

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December 17, 2010

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11

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NEWS, SPORTS AND MORE

12

In Focus

FHCtoday.com/Print

Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Cory Schmitt and Ted Noelker

welcome to

CENTRAL STANDARD TIME

C

9 a.m.

A teen's body is finally fully awake. It is already nearly third hour.

Remember to set your clock forward two hours

“ ”“ ” I started high school at 8 a.m. and I never thought it was ridiculously early.

— Mrs. Sara Martens, English teacher

I like getting out of school early and having more [time] to do things.

— Samantha Kennedy, junior

8:15 a.m.

A teen's internal biological clock begins to wake up; a natural alarm.

CST: Two hours too early

By Claire Henderon Copy Manager

High school students are tired.

Tired because they stayed up too late cramming for their Government test the next day. Tired because they spent their entire night playing video games, or chatting on Facebook.

Tired because they worked until close. Tired because they have basketball practice every day after school. They are tired because they are only getting a fraction of the amount of sleep that adolescents should be getting.

Over the past 20 years, studies have been released all over the world giving high school students

everywhere a small light of hope that they might get a little more of the coveted sleep they all daydream about. The studies have shown if schools were to align their schedules with their students sleep patterns, their attendance, academics and overall health of the school would raise a significant amount.

“Adolescent sleep deprivation is largely driven by a conflict between teens’ internal biological clocks and the schedules and demands of society,” says the Nations Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) website.

“Therefore, it makes sense to look at school start times, which set the rhythm of the day for students,

parents, teachers and members of the community at large.”

While a few schools, including two in Minnesota and one in Kentucky, have taken the necessary steps to provide an optimal learning environment through changes in start times, most high school students hear the many reasons why this schedule would be next to impossible for their district from their administrators.

According to Mr. Ed Nelson, dean of students, there are too many variables that would be affected by a change in the school’s schedule.

These include sports, extra-curricular activities and bus transportation.

“In a perfect world, without these

variables, we could do it, but because of those, we just can’t make that happen,” said Mr. Nelson.

According to the NSF, the high schools that changed their start time faced the same obstacles of sport practices, after school activities, bus schedules and many other factors that affected not only the school, but the community. Countless people had to be involved in the process to ensure that the transition went smoothly and that teens were getting more sleep, which was the most important goal.

“The impact is felt at a community level, but it is also felt individually, and the individuals who are affected

need to have their views heard and acknowledged so that discussions can move forward in search of common ground,” the NSF says. “Obviously, moving bell times is one major step in a larger picture of ensuring that adolescents get the sleep they need.”

Students also see and understand these conflicts, even if they need that extra hour or two of sleep in the morning.

“It would benefit me because I need more sleep, but I wouldn’t like it in the same breath because if they started school later, I would have to change my availiability [at work] and Please read more | Perspectives, PAGE 14

6

S w s a

“

I t b c — d

Sleep deprivation impacts stude

By Cory Schmitt

Print Executive Editor

With six hours of teaching Spanish I and Spanish II students every day, Spanish teacher Mrs. Katie Lozano must move at the same pace in all of her classes throughout the day. However, she says this is difficult for her during her morning classes, due to the lack of alertness in her students.

“During first hour, my students are just

not awake,” said Mrs. Lozano.

“It’s hard to get kids to talk and to participate.”

With the way the curriculum is set up, Lozano must keep her morning classes at the same pace as afternoon classes.

“I cannot slow down with [my early classes],” said Mrs. Lozano. “I still have to cover the same amount of material in all of my classes.”

AP Language and Composition teacher Ms. Laurie Fay also notices a huge difference between her AP classes in first and third hours.

“It is like night and day,” said Ms. Fay. The intensity and amount of people participating is vastly different between the two classes, according to Ms. Fay. “In my first hour, the same three or four people participate in discussions daily,” said

Ms. Fay. “In my third hour AP class, the intensity of discussion and the number of students participating is much more [than in my first hour].”

Ms. Fay believes this has to do with the lack of alertness in her students early in the day.

“They are both AP classes, so there are equally smart people in both classes,” said Ms. Fay. “[The students] are just not awake

enough to part Junior Jorda first hour AP herself struggli her tiredness.

“Some days, Fay] as she talk because I am s Grades have lack of student

CF

FHCtoday.com/Print

Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Cory Schmitt and Ted Noelker

2 p.m.

The lack of a full night's sleep impacts the student. A noticeable crash in alertness comes as the day continues.

Statistics by National Sleep Foundation and Central Focus staff research

According to the National Sleep Foundation,

6:30 a.m.

Students at Francis Howell Central wake up for school. According to studies, students only went to bed around seven hours prior.

“

In a perfect world, without these variables, we could do it, but because of those, we just can’t make that happen.

— Mr. Ed Nelson, dean of students

”

most teenagers get an average of

7hours 9hours

of sleep; An average teenager needs

of sleep a night.

ent grades, learning

ticipate on that level.” an Kurdi, who is in Ms. Fay’s P Lang. & Comp. class, finds ing in the difficult class due to

, I just sit there staring at [Ms. ks,” said Kurdi. “I cannot focus so sleepy.” e also been impacted due to the t alertness early on in the day.

“I have a higher percentage of A’s with students in my afternoon classes and more F’s overall in my morning classes,” said Lozano. “I think that the fact that students are not awake yet definitely has something to do with their performance.”

Kurdi has discovered that scores on her in-class essays depend on how tired she is in class.

“When I come to school awake, I do much

better on essays,” said Kurdi. “But when I am very tired I don’t do well at all [on the essays].”

Student determination is also an important factor as well to student learning, according to Ms. Fay. “I can witness the students that really care about school pushing through the sleepy state,” said Ms. Fay.

In Focus

13

Getting enough sleep is a necessity

By Alli Keisker Be Heard Editor

With finals coming up and teachers piling on up homework, students are finding themselves waking up earlier and staying up later. The lack of sleep not only affects their performance throughout the day, but it also affects their health.

Teenagers have a biological clock in their minds that, because of hormones, does not cause them to be tired until later hours at nigh, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Although teens are able to function with only seven hours of sleep, they need about nine hours of sleep each night in order to function efficiently, according to NSF. With schools starting at about 7:30 a.m. and teens not falling asleep until late hours such as 11 p.m. or midnight, many do not get the full amount of sleep they need to fully be “awake” throughout the day. According to a NSF study, 44 percent of teens get less sleep than eight hours on school nights; just one in five teens get a full nine hours of sleep on school nights.

“Teenagers are more likely to go to bed later than younger children and adults, and they tend to want to sleep later in the morning,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “This sleep-wake rhythm is contrary to the early-morning start times of many high schools and helps explain why most teenagers get an average of only 7-7.5 hours of sleep a night.”

Having a lack of sleep can become unhealthy for a teenager if not changed. According to NSF, the lack of sleep limits a person’s ability to listen, learn, and concentrate; it can cause a person to become more easily confused too. It also can cause skin and acne problems. In addition to that, the lack of sleep can lead to the increased consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, and can create a person to become more prone to getting ill, according to both NSF and helpguide.org.

Sleep deprivation slows down a person’s reaction time, which is especially important to driving and other things that require a person to quickly respond, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Therefore, a person should not drive when sleep deprived. Several studies made by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that when a person lacks sleep it causes their thinking process to slow down, which can also lead to more risk taking and

poor decision making. Sleeping is a necessity; without sleep, a person can become unmotivated, lazy, and fatigueed, according to helpguide. org.

According to helpguide.org, sleep deprivation can lead to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. Sleep is a key role in human development, without it, a person can seem zombie-like, according to webmd.com. Teenagers, and people in general, are not able to function properly without the full amount of sleep, which only causes them to perform poorly throughout the day and can harm their health in the long run.

If sleep deprivation goes on for too long, over time a person will find that it is difficult to catch up with their sleep debt. Although sleeping in on the weekend might seem like it will make up for the sleep that has been lost, it does not.

According to helpguide.org, one or two full nights of sleep are not enough to pay off long-term sleep deprivation; however, a few ways for a person to fix their sleep debt are to aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night and for every hour you miss of sleep, try to make it up the next night.

While teenagers are busy with school, extracurricular activities, jobs, family, and their social life, it leaves little time for them to get enough sleep. Teenagers should make sleep a priority according to NSF. Another way to solve a persons sleep debt would be to create a solid time that they will go to bed and wake up each day.

According to RN Mrs. Lori Godby, teenagers have a biological clock cycle.

“Younger children are more alert in the mornings, while teenagers are not as alert until later in the morning.”

Because a teenagers biological clock is not tired until late hours and is not fully awake until later in the mornings, some say that a solution would be to start high school’s later in the mornings so that students will be more alert, according to NSF. It is crucial for a person to get enough sleep each night. While losing an hour or two of sleep may not seem like a big deal at the time, the lack of sleep can cause many health and performance risks for a person. According to webmd.com, without enough sleep each night, a person can dig themselves deep into sleep debt.

14

In Focus

Perspectives from page 12-13

I would make less money,” said junior Samantha Kennedy. “Plus, I like getting out of school early and having more things to do.”

Students who don’t see a schedule as a positive change argue that a later morning routine would result in a later bedtime, because students know they can sleep in later.

“If you need to study for a test, and you get out an hour later, then you will stay up that extra hour to get your work done,” said junior Hannah Koester.

The NSF acknowledges this concern, but says students need to understand their bodies and their need for sleep. Anatomy teacher Scott Dauve, however, argues that students will not understand that need.

“Kids don’t realize how much sleep they need,” said Mr. Dauve.

“Teens need more sleep than adults, but they don’t [get it]. They get by on Monster and whatever caffeinated drinks they can get.”

Teachers who struggle to engage their first hour classes in discussion and have to force their students to participate agree that a later start time would benefit teens and help them function in their first couple of classes.

“What I think is the difficult part is that you guys are expected to

FHCtoday.com/Print

Central Focus

December 17, 2010

change gears seven times a day,” said Ms. Laura Kayser, Communication Arts teacher. “I think block scheduling might alleviate some of those problems, making it easier to transition when you’re sleepy.”

In 2007, the school board put together a committee to discuss the schedules of all education levels in the district. The committee discussed many changes to the schedule, but specifically discussed the changes in start times at the high schools.

Communication Arts teacher Mrs. Sara Martens, was a member of this committee, and strong supporter of the time changes that were proposed. A change, however, was not approved.

“We said, ‘Listen. The reality is, our students have jobs that keep them out late, and that is a legitimate reason to not have their homework done,’” said Mrs. Martens. “We were saying that we could improve so many things by letting them start later.”

Though students, teachers, and administrators understand the struggles in taking such a huge step towards the health of the entire school, most agree that the benefits might outweigh the struggles, and put learning as a priority in the district.

“I think if we have learning as our objective, and understanding as our motive, we should go with the odds, and follow the studies that say students would do better if school started later,” said Ms. Kayser.

Page design by Cory Schmitt

A typical day for senior Erica Grogg 5:30 a.m. Finish homework / get ready for school

7 a.m. Leave for school 3-5 p.m. Cross country practice

5:15 p.m. Quick dinner 5:30 p.m. Homework 6:45-9 p.m. Skate 9:20 p.m. Homework Photo by Kelci Davis

Kneeling down to gain leverage, senior Erica Grogg shoves her books into her bookbag. Grogg usually keeps her books at home to avoid hauling them back and forth.

11:30 p.m. Sleep

MAKE FHC

PUBLICATIONS pa r t o f yo u r f o u r - y ea r p l a n

Why join FHC Publications?

1. We’re on the cutting edge. New Macs.

Facebook. Twitter. Mobile. Video. We do it all and we do it well.

2. Gain skills that will help you no matter what you do once you leave FHC. Students also run the classroom and make all content decisions, a freedom you won’t find in many other classes. Also, you’ll do better on the ACT and in college (there are studies to prove publications kids do better in these areas).

3. HONORS. Publications students can now take

their class as an honors class, eligible to earn an honors point, just like an AP class 4. Learn from an amazing adviser. Mr. Schott is the current Missouri Journalism Adviser of the Year and a Special Recognition Adviser recognized by the Dow Jones News Fund.

5. Have fun. While we work hard and produce an amazing website, yearbook, newspaper and podcast, Room 139 is nothing if not a fun atmosphere. Imagine, having fun while learning to be a better writer, photographer or designer.

G E T A N A P P L I C AT I O N I N R O O M 1 3 9 O R A P P LY O N L I N E AT F H C T O D A Y. C O M !

Sweat

Steroids lead to negitive outcomes p. 17 Lacrosse players cannot play at FHC p. 18

15

No limits Novak Kyle Novak has dream of career playing professional hockey

By Cory Schmitt

Print Executive Editor

F

or most seniors, their major decision is where to attend college the following year. However, for senior Kyle Novak, the decision would be between finishing high school in Missouri or moving to Green Bay to play hockey on a professional level.

Having been drafted by the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League in May, Novak had the opportunity to play hockey with the best junior hockey players in the country. Novak ended up playing two games for the Gamblers before returning to Missouri.

Please read more | Novak, PAGE 16

Photo by Jessy DiMariano

Before their game on Friday, Dec. 10, senior forward Kyle Novak (left) and senior captain Adam Otten (right) joke around with each other on the ice. Novak has been on the team since he was a sophomore and is working toward a career in hockey.

Central Focus December 17, 2010 FHCtoday.com/Sweat

Page design by Ellen Hinze

16

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Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Cory Schmitt

Senior Kyle Novak Plays with Spartan Club Hockey and the St. Louis Amateur Blues

Photo by Jessy DiMariano

Kyle Novak scores his second goal in the game against Duchesne High School.

Novak went on to score a third goal in the third period for a hat trick.

This season with the Spartans

Novak

6 goals 4 assists 10 points

from page15 “I wanted to stay at home for my senior year in high school,” said Novak. “So I decided to come back to Missouri.”

While he gained a lot of experience playing with some of the best young players in the country and in front of crowds of up to 5,000 spectators, Novak believes he made the right decision in returning to Missouri.

“I feel like I am still improving as a player while still being at home,” said Novak.

Since returning, Novak has still been invited to come back and play games with the Gamblers, but has not been able make the trip with having games with both the Howell Central team and the Junior Blues organization.

“I have been asked to come up and play again, but it has been on weekends that I have had games with the Junior Blues,” said Novak.

Hockey started at a young age for Novak, who first started playing roller hockey at the age of seven

This season with the St. Louis Amateur Blues 17 games played 17 goals 9 assists 26 points

In 2009

48 games played 28 goals scored 28 assists 56 points

Schools under consideration

University of Wisconsin-Madison Colorado College

Other honors

Drafted by the Green Bay Gambles of the United States Hockey League

“

because of his brother.

“My brother played hockey, so I decided to start playing, too,” said Novak.

Novak then started playing ice hockey when he was eight, and eventually started focusing more of his attention on ice hockey.

“Ice hockey is more serious than roller hockey,” said Novak. “Plus, there are more career opportunities with ice hockey.”

Accolades have also come with the persistence and dedication to the sport.

Novak has been named Most Valuable Player twice in two separate tournaments and is a four-time team All-American for junior players.

Novak hopes this persistence will play off by being able to play professional hockey some day.

“The plan is to play in the National Hockey League [NHL] someday,” said Novak. “But it all depends on how well I play in college.”

Novak plans to play collegiate hockey at either the University of Wisconsin-Madison or at Colorado College in Colorado Springs.

“Both schools have great hockey programs,” said Novak.

I feel like I am still improving as a player while still being at home.

”

— Novak

Photo by Jessy DiMariano Graphic by Cory Schmitt

Kyle Novak skates after a loose puck in a game against Duchesne High School. The Spartans won 11-1 over the Pioneers.

FHCtoday.com/Sweat

Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Ellen Hinze

When steroids are taken with stimulants, depressants, pain killers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other hormone replacement pills, the negative side effects are canceled out.

TRUE Teenagers and adolescents who abuse anabolic or androgenic steroids are at risk to remain short their entire lives, never reaching their body’s intended natural height.

TRUE Users can become addicted to steroids despite all the negative side effects. The users become so dependent on the drugs and their positive effects that their body image becomes addicting.

FALSE Steroids build muscle mass without the labor of working out in any way. They simply work when the user eats what they want, and they do not have to work out, and they will get the same results as if they did.

If a user works out longer and harder, his muscle mass will grow in union with the amount he worked out.

Steroids then multiply this effect depending on the amount of steroids the user takes.

Facts according to the NIDA

High school students turn to steroids to increase muscle mass without being educated about the negative effects

By Ellen Hinze Sweat Editor

He wants to be stronger. He picks up the needle and puts it to his skin. His blood rages and soon the injection is complete with the anabolics running through his veins.

With every heartbeat they creep closer and closer to having full control of his body. He is an athlete, and they are steroids.

This athlete knows the short-term affects of the steroids he is using.

The lean muscle mass, strength and the ability to train longer and harder is the result to what he wants, but he does not expect the opposite side, the side that includes acne, increased risk of cancer, heart and liver disease, high blood pressure, development of breasts and more.

The effects are not only physical, but mental.

Studies show paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability and delusions have all been linked to steroid use, but the athlete does not know that; he is just concerned about becoming stronger and bigger, completely ignoring the fact that when his muscle mass increases while using steroids, his testicles and sperm count shrink, which could end in infertility according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Side effects from taking the wrong type of steroids could also affect the person taking them.

“If a male were to take estrogenbased steroids they will

develop breasts and females will develop facial hair if they take testosterone- based steroids,” said Heather Olson, athletic trainer for Excel. “Since the high school students aren’t really educated, they most likely won’t benefit because they won’t be using them right.”

If the athlete does not stop the abuse when they start seeing negative changes, these changes

“

Since the high school students aren’t really educated, they most likely won't benefit because they won't be using them right.”

- Excel trainer Heather Olson

could become irreversible and the sport aspect of his life could be lost forever.

Even though only five percent of the United States high school population uses steroids, according to the Office of Diversion Control, of those five percent, nearly all of the users were affected in one of the ways listed above.

ROIDS Arnolds Slop Roid rage

Although the steroids used by athletes are illegal, from a administrative and federal point of view, and harm the body, some steroids are used to ease pain or calm inflammations. These steroids have also been known to help with hyperactivity and cancer, and they are an entirely different drug.

“The steriods [that are given for health reasons] cannot be abused in the same way illegal steroids can,” said Schnucks pharmacist Lan Nguyen. “The ones we give are in pills and patches.”

The illegal use of steroids does not stop in society. Schools also take serious action when it comes to steroids. “[The Missouri State High School Athletic Association or] MSHSAA tries to do a good job to educate teachers, students and coaches about the risks of steroid uses,” said Scott Harris, “If a student was caught using steroids, which hasn’t happened since I have been here, there would be a level of discipline that involves [the police and the administrators].”

The athlete is a lawyer. He changed his ways after being caught using steroids in high school. His chances of heart disease and cancer have increased, he cannot have children, he takes hormone replacement pills and anti-depressants to keep his body and thoughts in a normal state.

With every breath he breathes, his body becomes less and less useful.

This is steroids, and he is the victim.

STACKERS

JUICE

FALSE

17

Shooting up to pump up

sauce

FALSE

Sweat

Anavar GYM deca CANDY

Weight Traners

Pumpers

Graphic by Ellen Hinze

18

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FHCtoday.com/Sweat

Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Cory Schmitt

Lacrosse players forced to travel West to play

By Karley Canova Staff Reporter

those who switch between offensive Mike Neal, senior, enjoys playing and defensive positions, and of a sport by the name of lacrosse. course the goalie.

“I think it teaches the Since Francis Howell Central does not offer this sport, he heads over to fundamentals of teamwork, exercise and work, but it’s fun,” said Neal.

Fort Zumwalt West for practices.

For now, the team at Fort “It’s a mixture of constant activity Zumwalt is just looking for new and violence,” said Neal.

Neal has been playing lacrosse players, according to Neal. The since his sophomore year. Along sport, due to lack of local teams, is considered a with the club sport. graduating “It’s not class of 2010, I think it teaches a school two other sponsored l a c r o s s e the fundamentals sport, or a state players left of teamwork, recognized the Francis activity,” said H o w e l l exercise and work, Mr. Harris.

Central last Ac c o rd i n g year.

Neal but it's fun. to the activities is the only - Mr. Scott Harris, director, there one left who are not enough is actively activities director schools that interested in sponsor the the sport. sport.

The “I got cut Missouri State for the second year in a row from baseball,” said Activity Association is the group Neal. “I tried track for a week, but I that decides whether or not a sport is state recognized. didn’t care for it. It was boring.”

“Some states in the South East After his friends left the school, he contacted them to find out where and North East regions sponsor they played lacrosse, since FHC lacrosse teams,” said Mr. Harris, “Missouri does not at this time.” does not offer it.

“I would love to have it if there was enough interest,” said Mr. Scott Harris, activities director.

Lacrosse started as a Native American sport, originating on the east coast, according to Neal.

It includes a stick, the netted goal and a ball. Three players stand on defense, offence and the “middies,”

“

Photo by Jessy DiMariano

Students can see new grass being laid down on the barren baseball field as they are leaving the campus. Due to the many hinderances of the field’s layout and location, the athletics department decided to invest in a renovation.

An infield homerun Baseball field’s new changes lift morale of baseball team

By Jolie Denton Staff Reporter

For the baseball team, yearly maintenance is needed on its fields.

Every year, the athletic department puts out about $1500-2000 to fix fields and toward general up keeps.

This year, there was a larger, one time purchase; it will cost more but it will last longer.

This year’s total repair cost was between $2,000-$2,500. The baseball team used its fundraising money to pay for the additional costs.

“The grass in the infield and outfield [was] not great. [It] didn’t stand to the weather really well,” said junior outfielder Josh Wade.

Baseball Coach Ray Howard agreed that the weather has been affecting the field’s condition for a long time. “[There were] water problems in front of second base. That was a low spot that was holding water,” said Coach Howard. Activities Director Scott Harris invested in the baseball fields for a feild that looks nicer and lasts longer.

Turning Points Key points of games from the past 30 days

“Every couple of years [we] rebuild the mound, cut grass, edges, and roll out sod. The new things for a larger price were the crushed granite into the bull pins, dug-outs, walkways to batter box, so it does not get as muddy in high traffic areas as to not replace sod every year,” said Mr. Harris. “We dealt with the playing fields this year, but in the future, seating is something that we’ll address.”

The renovated field has caused a sense of excitement and pride in the players, coaches and activities director.

“We’re excited about the renovation we’ve done this past year,” Coach Howard said.

With the renovated field, the team has a positive outlook on how it will play this season. “[It] might affect in a good way, and definitely make us happier to play at home and help us play with better field conditions,” said Wade.

With the better field conditions and more confidence, the team can start to bond together and focus more on the game.

“I think its going to help us and develop as a team,” said junior catcher Jake Henson.

For the coaches and sponsors of the baseball program, hopes are high that this will make a difference. “[We are] doing this for the players and hope they take pride in their field,” said Coach Howard.

With this renovation, the school is starting to acknowledge its school spirit.

“The fact that people are noticing it already can only add to our essential school spirit,” said Mr. Harris.

According to Wade, it gives him pride too.

“It was just nice before. Now, it just makes you want to play here more compared to fields around,” said Wade.

The players are looking forward to facing their opponents on the new field.

“The new field will help us bond as a team more. All the teams in our conference will have something to look forward to when they play us instead of losing,” said Henson.

”

Wrestling ranked No. 1 in state

Hockey's remains undefeated

The wrestling team is ranked No. 1 in the state with wrestlers Terrell Wilbourn leading the team to victory.

The Hockey team has won every game they have played.

Senior Kyle Novak and junior Chase Rey have both helped in the victories.

Scene

Slender Man leaves mark on students p. 20 Miller chooses tasteful career p. 23

The

19

Vintage vision Student draws inspiration from 1980's to create personal style

By Julianna Smith Staff Reporter

P

ersonality, style, and attitude are constructed together to make up everything that a person is. For sophomore Amy Sweeney, she rocks her style to show the world. Every three months, or whenever she gets bored, she is down for something new and exciting for her appearance, according to Sweeney.

Every night, her winning outfit is picked out for the next day, and Sweeney uses this motivation to Please read more | Sweeney, PAGE 22

Photo by Amy Sweeney

While sporting a blonde bob with uneven lengths, sophomore Amy Sweeney poses for a self-portrait to show off her style. Sweeney makes the majority of her style changes and statements through her hair.

The Powermat: all charged up

By Destiny Pipkin Staff Reporter

The Powermat: both a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to having multiple chargers.

The Powermat is a charging device that can charge up to six items at the same time. The energy efficient mat conserves energy by connecting through the mat and the receiver allowing the exact amount of energy

to be transferred for the exact amount of time so that the transfer of power is safe, efficient, and no energy is wasted. When the device is fully charged, the mat shuts its self off to both prevent over charging the battery and to conserve energy.

A simple explanation of how exactly the Powermat works is electrical power is put into a coil of wires, producing a magnetic field around the coil that affects

any metal within the field, change the field quickly over time and an electric current will be generated in the metal; which will charge objects with chargeable batteries.

“The Powermat is really reasonably priced,” said junior Caitlin Eshenroder, Best Buy employee.

The Powermat’s price range in cost from $39.99 to $129.99, making a very popular Christmas gift this year.

“I have a lot of people asking

Central Focus December 17, 2010 FHCtoday.com/TheScene

questions about it, and Best Buy provides a protection plan for the Powermat,” said Eshenroder.

With Christmas right on the corner, the Powermat has become a popular gift this year with some students such as senior Jon Gee. “Its just a lot easier with the Powermat, I don’t have to worry about searching for chargers and all of my stuff being plugged in different places around my house.

It’s just a super rad way to conserve energy,” said Gee. So if you have a busy life; if you just hate running around the house before you leave; if you are sick of unplugging your phone and iPod and assortment of other devices when you’re in a hurry, and you are concerned with energy conservation the Powermat may just have to be added to your Christmas list this year.

Page design by Margaret Borgmeyer

20

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Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Mikelle McClintock

From legend to internet phenominon

Harry Potter 7: Book vs. Movie

By Patrick Hurley Staff Reporter

It is a well known fact: the book is always better than the movie. While I have loved each Potter film that has been released so far, to enjoy them they have to be thought of as two different entities. The movies have to squeeze roughly 30 chapters of these books into two and a half hours of movie. Deathly Hallows was no exception to this rule, but they still made a top-notch continuation.

The novel opens with the end of their somewhataverage lives. The Dursleys depart and Hermione erases her parents memory and sends them to Australia for their own good. I was surprised how moving this scene was in the movie. Hermione fades from all of the photos around the house as she stares, teary eyed, at what use to be her parents. I was a bit disappointed that they cut out Dudley’s atonement with Harry. It really showed the change in character from “Sorcerers Stone” to now.

And now, to the first death: Hedwig. The movie portrayed Hedwig in a much more valiant manner. I loved it. Instead of the death eater’s unforgivable curse just glancing past Harry and accidentally blasting the poor owl, she died protecting him. The bird flew at the death eater to save Harry.

I was a bit disappointed that Andromeda and Ted Tonks were removed from the movie. While they were only in about a chapter of the book, they were two of my favorite characters. Instead of crashing into the company of the Tonks after the battle in the night sky, he goes straight to the Burrow. I was looking for a bit more with the return of George too. While the twins are always cracking jokes, I was hoping the loss of George’s ear would have been more sad.

The emotions were perfect while they were on the run. Ron’s anger was flawless and you could really tell that all of this non-stop hiding was wearing them down.

The scene where Dean Thomas is seen in the forest was cut from the film, which was a bit disconcerting, but nonetheless, it was all perfect.

Grindelwald stealing the elder wand from Gregorovich should have been a bit more covered in the film. When Grindelwald returns in the second part (which he should.

He has to.) it will be a bit confusing to those who haven’t read the book.

The addition of the “mudblood” being carved into Hermione’s arm was fantastic. It was a powerful scene and only made it so much better when Ron, Harry and Dobby came to the rescue.

The end left me wanting more. The spot in which it ended just seemed so sudden; whether that was me just wanting to see the epic battle at Hogwarts or how quick it seemed to reach that point. I wanted it to continue on just a bit more to feel closure (at least for this part one). I was hoping it would end with Harry making plans with Griphook to retrieve the next Horcrux. Instead, it ended after Voldemort stole the elder wand. Besides minute differences, the movie was flawless. I can say is: accio July 2011.

Mythical creature becomes Youtube sensation

By Victoria Walker Staff Reporter

Graphic by Mikelle McClintock

The story of the Slender Man stems from an old German myth, sophomores Sean Gunderson and Alex Layton commented.

As the ancient myth goes, mothers used to tell their kids not to wander around the woods. The Slender Man, not previously known by this name, would stalk children, then kidnap and kill them by pulling them into a trance that forced them to walk right into his arms and they were never to be seen again. Kids were told this to keep them out of trouble when they were young, and for a while, a story is all it was.

But that would change.

People began seeing this mysterious, tall, skinny, and formally dressed man in the Black Forest in Germany.

However, he would only kill certain people this time, and not just children. Then the story, and the man inside it, vanished.

The story was presumed dead until a Renaissance wood carving was found, with a picture of the Slender Man on it. In the carving, he looked exactly like the man described in the Black Forrest.

“He’s like a German boogieman,” Gunderson said. ‘‘It is a genuinely scary story.]’’

Layton had his own description.

“The original myth was…this wood-chopper guy,” he said. “He’s terrifying, absolutely terrifying. He’s intimidating. I don’t like the idea.” The worst part is not knowing if it is really real or not.

He said people who have watched the videos begin to see him around.

“It’s creepier at night when you’re alone,” said sophomore Chris Schukar, another viewer of the modern day myth. “It’s definitely creative.” He said his favorite aspect is the suspense of it all.

The suspense isn’t the only thing. This myth is legitimately scaring people.

“I was kind of paranoid for a few days, like at night,” said sophomore Nick Jones. Gunderson and Layton also said the same.

“It’s just scary. It’s a unique and scary experience,” Gunderson said.

“If you get freaked out easily, you shouldn’t watch it.

Ever,” Layton said.

Gunderson, on the other hand, would recommend this to anyone, with the conditions that it be seen with friends. Watching it alone is intimidating and frightful.

It should be viewed at night to get the full effect of the videos. They can be found on Youtube.com. It is what you can see, and when you do see him, it is like ten times scarier than ever believed.

tune in tune in REVIEWS OF MOVIES, TELEVISION SHOWS AND MORE tune in tune in

Review: ''Megamind''

by Karley Canova Staff Reporter

Even as a young adult in high school, it never hurts to return to the old Disney productions, or the new ones. Recently, I went to see Megamind, directed by Tom McGrath. I absolutely loved this movie. The plot was unique, and the end was an unexpected twist

in which the blue - skinned villain in spiked boots gets the girl. I also think the message of “be careful what you wish for,” because it is not always exactly what you want, is good for child audiences.

The main character, the “humble” Megamind, was voiced by Will

Ferrell. I loved his sarcastic, humorous personality in the movie. The egotistical Metro Man was the voice of Brad Pitt.

Tina Fey played her part as the reporter, Roxanne, who was Megamind’s main victim that Metro Man continuously came

to rescue and save the day.

Megamind’s minion ­— named Minion — is the voice of David Cross.

Want to read more?

Go to:

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Central Focus

December 17, 2010

The Scene

21

Finding the right beat Music affects the mood of Central students

By Dylan Richardson Staff Reporter

It somehow is able to weave it is way into every aspect of life. It is heard in class, in the mall, in the car; it is found everywhere.

Music is a natural and necessary part of many students every day. It starts and ends their days and fills all the quiet times inbetween.

People use it to soothe them when they are mad, comfort them in sadness and compliment their happiness.

Music is as different and unique as a person. It raises spirits when nothing else seems able to. For some it is like breathing - without it many could not survive. Whether it is there to pick someone up when they are down or congratulate them on the happiness they have found, music is always there when no one else is.

After interviewing several students at Central, a symphony of songs was orchestrated to Graphic by Dylan Richardson

compliment each mood.

volume volume MUSIC REVIEWS, UPINCOMING MUSICIANS, BANDS AND CONCERTS volume volume During the Christmas season, You see, the thing about the ruin the songs. So why spend Want to read more? there is holiday music playing no classics, is that they are classic for money on those albums when you matter which department store you a reason. There is nothing classic could purchase the originals? Why Go to: enter. There is no escaping the about Taylor Swift’s version of “Santa waste your income when you could cheery, bright, and frankly...annoying Baby,” or Jump 5’s performance spend your shopping days and hot music. However, that last statement of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas chocolate nights enjoying “The Rat For album reviews, movie reviews,

By Anna Gingrich is restricted to the recent renditions Tree.”

The poppy, upbeat covers of Pack Christmas” album?

Copy Editor recipes and fashion tips. of the classics. the good ole’ holiday music simply

Review: 'Rat Pack'

22

The Scene

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Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Margaret Borgmeyer and Julianna Smith

Photos by Amy Sweeney, graphic by Margaret Borgmeyer

Sophomore, Amy Sweeney shows the contrast of her past hairstyles that feature various colors, cuts and influences. Sweeney has already shown off a multitude of different hairstyles, including her current style which is dyed brown boy cut.

Sweeney from page 19

wake up in the morning.

“I look forward to getting myself up, putting myself in front of the world, and showing my style,” said Sweeney. According to Sweeney, she gets her ideas from the websites Tumblr and LookBook.nu. On this website, some people from all over shop at thrift stores such as GoodWill, and they display pictures of themselves and their various new creations.

1980’s England style is where Sweeney is greatly draws inspiration.

“You can get so many pieces from decades past and put them together, it’s just more interesting!”

Sweeney says she is just stuck in the 80’s, and every drastic change is remotely just an impulse; a sudden decision.

“It’s definitely different and makes her stand out in the crowd, I mean I dig it,” said sophomore Andrew Henke.

Sophomore Jasmine Chandler said she agrees with Henke.

Sweeney used to care what people thought, now she is proud to represent what she created.

“I don’t believe Amy cares what people think, but in a good way,” said Chandler.

According to Henke, he does not believe Sweeney would be able to do such things with her hair and style if she did care what people thought.

“I really don’t now, because I

wouldn’t have as much fun,” said Sweeney.

Sweeney says she found whats makes her herself, and she has a blast doing it.

Confidence is always important to personality and style, according to Sweeney. Henke and Chandler say they believe she is pretty confident.

“If she wasn’t confident I don’t think she would wear what she does,” said Henke.

Sweeney says she knows she has confidence, and that it takes confidence to be yourself.

“I’m probably more confident than I should be,” said Sweeney.

She is not afraid to be the person she is, as others are afraid to show their actual selves.

Some people have the difficulty of

standing out and being one of their own, but for Amy, she loves to stand out and be recognized, “It’s hard to stand out, but once you find your own way to do it, it’s spicy,” said Sweeney.

Human nature, particularly adolescent girls, tend to care largely about what other people think and say about them. Sweeney looks at it in a positive way.

“I have the guts to be different, and I give myself respect for that.

It’s so uncommon for people to be weird, I think it’s flattering to get recognized,” said Sweeney.

Though her style is unique, she says her peers do not really have negative imput about her. She believes it is her confidence and how she carries herself that has influence

as to what people do or do not say.

Sweeney says she is very satisfied with the image she gives off, and the message she tries to show, “Life doesn’t have to be boring, just wearing a new shirt can make your day,” said Sweeney.

Sweeney says her style changes are just her being herself, because she says she is a person that can make style changes quickly, that are far different from most of students. She believes if other students saw it as cool and unique also, they would open up and be unique themselves.

“We’re in high school, so now is the time to mess around with your self-image, because you can’t really do it in the real professional working world,” said Sweeney.

my style mystyle FASHION TIPS AND GUIDLINES FOR STUDENTS REGARDING CURRENT TRENDS my style mystyle

Touch screen gloves

By Anna Gingrich Copy Manager

With the weather cooling off, the snow beginning to fall, and the freezing wind blowing at wind chills of 40 miles per hour, it is considered plainly idiotic to enter the outdoors without proper hand protection. Nonetheless, we all know those people who are undeniably dedicated to their technology-centered lives.

In our heads, we think, “What is that person thinking? We’re in the middle of a blizzard!”

They continue to be oblivious, however, because they cannot take a moment from their handheld equipment.

Evidently, there is now a way for those people to keep their hands warm and

continue to use their touchscreen appliances.

Introducing, the gloves that have a special thread woven into the fingertips which allows them to be cohesive with touchscreen technology. They are made by various companies, so there is no specific indication of a name or trademark.

FHCtoday.com/TheScene

Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Page design by Margaret Borgmeyer and Patrick Hurley

The Scene

23

Culinary bound Paige Miller prepares for life in the kitchen

By Patrick Hurley Staff Reporter

While others decide on business or teaching majors, students interested in cooking prepare for life after college in culinary art schools. Senior Paige Miller is one of those students.

“Food network is actually what got me interested in cooking,” she said. “I always watched it. I started looking into going to school for pastry, but once I found out culinary offered more for me in the future, I really started looking into that instead.

The chaos of the business is what keeps Miller interested.

“I love the fast past of it all.

I love constantly cooking. Like I love my job, I just get to make salads and appetizers constantly and it’s great.” she said. “Standing around watching people cook is just not my thing. I would love to just cook for one person even if I don’t want anything!”

While enjoying cooking in general, baking is one of her more prominent interests. “[Baking] is what got me interested in culinary arts. I really love baking cookies, especially peanut butter and jelly cookies.

Also Baklava, which is a greek dessert made of phylo dough,

butter, honey and nuts.”

Miller was part of the school’s Iron Chef team last November and found it a chance to build her talents.

“Iron Chef, [the cooking competition last month], really worked on everyone’s team skills,” said Miller. “For me, I find it hardest just to keep my cool and be patient.”

Miller has been looking into the culinary arts for two years, and has grown as an aspiring chef since. Once graduated, she hopes to attend Forest Park Community College. She would eventually like to transfer to Robert Morris University Chicago. Her dream would be to cook in the city, preferably Chicago, and own a restaurant.

“I love the sound of telling people I’m going to school for Culinary Arts. It’s like nothing else out there. I don’t have to be amazing at math or science or anything, although I do believe it is a science as well as an art that anyone can learn.” said Miller.

College majors for culinary arts have a great range, from hospitality to restaurant baking and pastery.

“Unfortunately, there are not too many ‘prestigious’ culinary art schools in Missouri,” says Mrs. Kathryn McGuire, culinary arts

teacher and sponsor of the school’s Iron Chef team. “The good thing is, there are a ton of scholarships for cooking.”

While a great majority of the cooking class students look into some kind of culinary future, some just find it an interesting past time. Angelo Lavalle is one of those students.

“I love cooking, I have since freshman year, but I actually plan on going into med school,” said Lavalle.

Miller believes that cooking skills can grow over time. “Cooking is a skill you can most definitely build. Just start small and gradually get to making bigger, more complex dishes.”

“It’s awesome to know that I’m going to create my works of art on a plate for some stranger to eat. Even if the person isn’t fond of it, that’s fine. I still just love cooking.”

Senior Paige Miller spreads icing onto the top of a Gingerbread house she was making.Culinary students enjoyed preparing a multitude of holiday dishes and deserts in the past months.

Photo by Dylan Richardson

Dining-out robs the pockets of students

By Ellen Hinze Sweat Editor

When eating out, someone can pay anywhere from a buck for a burger to a small fortune for a fourcourse meal. Even if the meal is not gourmet, the prices can seem like it.

With a dish as simple as fettuccine alfredo that can be made

1

Listen to the fortune cookie The lucky numbers on the backs of those things are never more than two digits. If your bill for eating out is more than those numbers you are OVER SPENDING!

at home for about 2 to 3 dollars, the at home cook could save between 9 and 7 dollars per meal. At The Old Spaghetti Factory the price of Fettuccine Alfredo is $9.99 and at Olive Garden it is $12.25.

Even though the holidays are about spending time with the family,

2

Never super-size it Keep the portions small. Do not try and beat everyone at the table and eat as much as possible. Too much is too much!

it does not take the same effect with money. Presents may be bought but conserving money in this economy is on the priority list of middle class citizens daily.

With these tips, saving money on food during all times of the year, can become second nature.

3

Do what mama did Did mama go out to eat every night? No. She made homemade dinners each night and going out to eat was a specialty. The standards have reversed for most.

4

5

NEVER do the shopping cart dance Picking random things in an isle is the best way to be surprised at the price when you check out.

Write a list before getting to a store and ONLY buy those things (Excluding sales and coupons).

Buying in bulk can also be a waste of money if its buy ten get 1 free DO NOT do it. The food will most likely spoil beforeit gets eaten which just wastes money.

Brown bag it!

Try bringing a “brown bag” lunch to school instead of paying for lunches a student could save up to two to three dollars a day (when normally buying a school lunch at the price of $3.65.) saving ten to fifteen dollars a week can amount to approximately 300-500 dollars in savings a year. Not to mention the shorter lunch lines giving a student more time to enjoy their delishious cheap meal.

delish delish HEALTHY RECIPES, HOLIDAY TREATS AND NUTRITION FACTS delish delish

Holiday specials

By Claire Henderson Copy Manager

During the holiday season, some restaurants introduce holiday themed menu items. These include Christmas flavored coffees, ice cream treats, and specialty pastries.

Many people wait all year for these seasonal items, such as Starbucks’ Christmas blend.

Starbucks pours out specialty latte flavors, such as:

Steak 'N' Shake mixes up some Holiday shakes:

Bread Co whips up some Christmas inspired pastries:

Caramel brulee latte

Egg nog

Peppermint mocha

Gingerbread latte

White chocolate

Peppermint chocolate

Egg nog latte

Peppermint chocolate

Gingerbread men cookies

24

Aperture

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Central Focus

December 17, 2010

Photos by Michael Roundcount, page design by Kelci Davis

While coloring holiday pictures, seniors Lacey Cather and Julie Diller, junior Melissa Mossinghoff and seniors Michelle Howard and Madeline Ragsdale joke around. The girls worked for three and a half hours.

800 families, one cause

Members of National Honor Society gathered at St. Charles Community College on Dec. 10-12 to wrap presents and help out the Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service

Senior Nathan Donovan tapes up the ends of one of the presents that were wrapped on Saturday. Many students enjoyed getting a taste of the holiday season through the project.

While talking through their work, seniors John Taszarek and Charissa Stone wrap up toys to be given out. “I was the one carrying all the boxes in; toys, gift cards, clothes and food,� said Taszarek.

Seniors Julie Diller and Lacey Cather use crayons to color. The pictures were of stockings, snowmen and other holiday scenes.

Stumbling through the packages, junior Ryan Macy searches through donated items. Hundreds of items needed to be wrapped.