February Issue central focus

central

focus

Volume 18, Issue 4 Feb. 12, 2015 Francis Howell Central High School

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Discover 3-11

Move 12-19

inFocus 20-25

CONTENTS Feb. 12, 2015

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Leake’s first year as head coach Coach Hayley Leake’s first season has focused on raising expectations for the program.

Spotlight 27-33

Voice 35-38

Interact 39

February

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The Spotlight Players traveled to Kansas City to take courses to help improve acting skills

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Greek squad Greek Squad takes on their second year with the help of Mr. Ryan Kelly.

250 exibit

Ilene Holder explores the 250 exibit at the History Museum of Saint Louis and them celebrating 250 years of Saint Louis.

College facts Jake Roach examines what really happens in college, and what students need to know when attending.

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MUST READ

DISCOVER

THREE things we

DISCOVERED

this month

26 qualify for DECA state conference

At the District 6 DECA competition on Feb. 4, 26 students qualified to attend the state competition at the Lake of the Ozarks. The state competition will take place March 15-17.

Mr. FHC set for March 6

The second annual Mr. FHC Pageant will take place on March 6 in the auditorium.

Tickets will be $5 and proceeds will go to a Haitian Children’s home that Mrs. Kim Vest is going to do a mission trip at in March.

District set to trim budget by $22M

Letter From the Editor

lancing through abundant family photo albums of my childhood, I wondered how difficult I was as a kid. Were my parents constantly stressed trying to raise three daughters? Did they have a lot of free time to take a break from parenting? In some photographs I’m grinning a mile wide, but in others I’m crying or hiding behind my mom, trying to escape from getting my picture taken.

My mom was in her late 20s when she had me, but when I see people my age having children of their own, I question how they do it. It appears to challenging, but then I hear of how much they love their child. How even

Feb. 12, 2015

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4 Thespians

3

Ads 40

though it’s hard, they would not change a single thing. How they want to be the best parent they can possibly be no matter how difficult it is.

Being a parent is one of the hardest things people have to do, so when you are also a teenager, it can be double the work. We wanted to explore those difficulties in this issue and investigate the lives of teen parents.

When we look through our old photo albums, we remember who we were and how it affected our lives. We wanted to not just write an article about teen pregnancy, but about the harder part: being a parent.

-Emily Herd, Editor in Chief

Due to tightening finances, the school board approved cutting $22.4 million dollars from next year’s budget, with $4.2 million coming from personnel cuts.

See more in our series of stories on FHC about this topic

n By Anna Dillon

A staff reporter

ll high schoolers fear it; Some might look at it as a symbol of their importance.

Some prepare for countless hours to make sure it’s perfect for them. No, it is not finding a date to prom; it is the ACT test. ACT stands for American College Testing. The scoring scale of it ranges from a 0 to a 36, and the score students receive on it helps determine what college they attend.

When a student applies to a college, they have to give that school their ACT, as that score also gives those colleges a feel for what they are capable of and vice versa.

The test also costs anywhere from $35-50 depending on what form of the test the student wants to take; the writing part included is usually not necessary. n See Acing ACT on page 6 photo illustration by zach grau

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Contrary to the belief

DISCOVER

of many students,

Feb. 12, 2015

there is no numerical requirement for a snow day

The projected forecast is a good indicator on whether or not there will be a snow day. n By Jake Roach

DISCOVER

Sn ’ school Feb. 12, 2015

Weather conditions required for the school administration to consider a snow day n By Jared McClellan web editor

Winter is here, and students look forward to having snow days. The Central Focus spoke with Superintendent Pam Sloan to get some insight on the factors of what it takes for the district to declare a snow day.

voice editor

The temperature of the day is one factor that people use to predict if there will be a snow day. This is mainly whenever the temperature is down below zero.

Existing and predicted road conditions are a staple in figuring out if there will be a snow day for students. When roads are extremely icy, slippery, or covered with snow there will most likely be a snow day.

The existing amount of snow and ice is one main factor that leads to a snow day. This is the most common factor looked for in a snow day.

The wind chill is one factor that can allow people to predict a snow day.

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n ACING ACT, from page 3

DISCOVER Feb. 12, 2015

21.7

This is estimated to be the ACT composite average of the class of 2015

95%

This is the amount of students taking the ACT, COMPASS or ASVAB assessments this year

The importance of the test is astronomical, as it could be a potential make or break for someone wanting to go to a certain college considering their GPA, attendance, etcetera. As the years come and go, the more important the ACT has become; getting a high ACT score could mean scholarship money toward college.

Students have become more aware of the fact that even though they can’t study for what is specifically on the test like usual, there are still other ways to in essence “study” and prepare themselves for their big ACT test day; or days depending on how many times they wish to take it.

For freshmen, Jackson Pepper, the ACT is a foreign concept. Although among those freshmen, some of them understand the seriousness of the test.

“I’m pretty scared about taking this test someday, but I will not think of this as just any other test. It really can determine the outcome of your future,” said Pepper.

There is no doubt the ACT is important, but the real question is what can students do to receive the best score they can? For some the test may be tricky, but what can they do to make it less of a struggle? According to junior Elizabeth Schnarr, the answer is obvious.

“I think the ACT can be less of a challenge if students take all the resources given to them to their advantage,” said Schnarr. “Anyone is capable of getting a better score and should take it as many times as they can. I know there are books, prep classes, and tutors. These are the

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resources that will make your score increase.”

Gaining more knowledge and getting a feel for the test through resources such as books and classes are just some ways for students to improve their score. It is not a typical test, as it is split between the subjects of english, math, reading, science and writing (optional).

The english test is 75 questions and the student will be given only 45 minutes to complete that portion. Math is 60 questions and the student is given an hour to complete that portion. That is a question answered per minute.

In other words, the timing aspect of this test can make it even more difficult on the student. It is an unintentional incentive to make sure the students taking it have practiced being timed and the material.

The ACT is a test that can be taken as many times as needed (the highest score received is what is taken into consideration), and with combining the added experiences of taking it and preparing for it, it can make the money paid to take it multiple times worthwhile, as Devin Williams, senior, knows.

“When I took my first ACT I studied a little, but not a whole lot. I used the same method when I took my second one.

When I saw I had gotten the same score as last time that’s when I knew it was time to crack down,” Williams said.

Although studying is a vital aspect of having success with the test, a student’s well-being is another big part of it. It’s crucial to get plenty of rest the night before, since testing starts at 8 a.m. It is also good to eat a hearty, healthy breakfast so the student’s mind can be sharp and they can perform their best.

MOVE

Feb. 12, 2015

Move

MUST READ

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Taking the reigns With the season in full swing, varsity girls basketball sees improvement with new coach n By David Beecher staff reporter

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Coach Hayley Leake looks on as the varsity girls basketball team takes on Fort Zumwalt West. According to junior Emma Raup, she runs the program like a college program, giving them confidence through the rest of the season, and even next year.

eads of sweat run down every face, legs shake to hold up every tired and sore body, mental strength begins to dwindle in every soul. The cost of victory is always comfort, if no one works through being tired, no one succeeds. The opponent is working too, their legs just as tired, their sweat just as frequent, in order to surpass they must be out-worked.

Every level of every sport focuses more on the fun of the game at the younger ages rather than the competitive spirit of it, but when it comes to high school sports, the state championship trophy is always the goal. The fun is now in the win column and on the court rather than the socializing and making friends.

Every increasing intensity imposes more discipline, maturity, and most importantly

success of a team, the players and coaches know that the stakes are higher, and no one is more aware of those stakes and that fire than coach Hayley Leake.

“At the college level you figure out how important every facet of the game is and how important commitment is,” Leake said, “So at the high school level, I wanted to not only develop the skills as basketball players, but I also knew there were going to be a lot of intangible things to do with character, commitment, and dedication that had to be instilled early.”

The varsity girls basketball coach knows full and well the demands that both high school basketball and Division I basketball entail. She played at St. Louis University, a Division I school and also coached for one year at Virginia Commonwealth University. n See REIGNS, page 10

photo by morgan west

THREE MOVING

stats from this month

Sheets swings in for softball

Zachary Sheets was named as varsity softball’s new head coach after coach Brian Cissel stepped down.

“We feel like he will do a great job of continuing to build on the strong foundation that Coach Cissell established the last three years,” Activities Director Scott Harris said.

Spring sport preparation

Physicals and IMPACT testing must be completed and turned in by Mon. March 2 to be eligible to play in a spring sport.

Sensational travels

Junior varsity and varsity Sensations traveled to Orlando on Jan. 29 to perform their routine in the UDA nationals. See FHCtoday.com for our story.

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MOVE

Feb. 12, 2015

Shattering the

status quo

Many students participate in clubs along with their sport, breaking the stereotype of the high school athlete.

by ???

Sophomore Gabby Loetz and freshman Jillian Thro participate in Central Harmony, the school’s all girl A Cappella group, while wearing their cheerleading uniforms. Many student athletes can be seen participating in after school clubs, breaking the old stereotype that they can only do their sport.

n By Morgan Brader staff reporter

People remember high school athletes from the movies: sports before school.

Their game is the only thing that motivates them to get out of bed every morning, while their mind is set on going to the track to practice sprinting or heading to the basketball court to practice shooting.

The stereotype says that athletes are afraid to branch out to new clubs and activities, and usually stick to playing sports, believing that it’s only socially acceptable for athletes do what they know.

Even though people see this stereotype of athletes to be true, there’s an equal amount of students, like junior Jared Tredway, who has proven not all athletes are only focused on their sport. Tredway plays football, wrestles, and runs track, which occupies him for every sports season of the year. Purposefully not wanting any spaces in his schedule, Tredway is also a member of TSA, the robotics club, and jazz band.

It’s easy for an athlete to get wrapped up in their sport. Students have to find the

perfect balance between schoolwork and athletics, so adding a club to the mix can make the student’s schedule that much more difficult. Tredway, though is aware of the stereotype and has seen both sides to it.

“I think [this stereotype] is true for some people,” Tredway said. “I have friends who will only play sports, and I also have many friends who are in band and play a couple sports at the same time. But there are different cliques at this school. Like you have the jocks and the cheerleaders, then you have the drama kids. It all depends on the interests they have.”

The ratio between the athletes who support the stereotype and those that disprove it is, in Tredway’s opinion, about 2:3. Some athletes who don’t participate in any other activities have many reasons for doing so. According to Tredway, there’s one main reason: “I think that some athletes don’t branch out from their sport because there’s that uncomfortability and unfamiliarity of venturing out and doing something you’re not used to,” Tredway said.

While Tredway’s prediction of 40% of FHC’s athletes fit the stereotype, other

athletes such as junior Brianna Shatto, a third year JV soccer player and a very involved student, thinks other than Tredway, believing the amount of students who actually fit the stereotype is much smaller.

“The amount of kids that fit the stereotype is - I would say none at all really,” Shatto said. “Maybe 1%. You’d get a few students, but most people would do their own thing to meet new people.”

Shatto is one of the many students that disprove the stereotype, as she is involved in many school activities as well as her sport. While conditioning for her soccer season, she finds time in her schedule to be a proud member of four school clubs: Arete, a recognition of the pillars; Art Club, a club dedicated to creating art all day on Saturdays; National Honor Society, an academic club; and Youth in Government, an opportunity for students to take a field trip to Jefferson City and participate in a mock government.

According to Shatto, the stereotype that student athletes are only interested in athletics only exists during an athlete’s season.

“I think a lot of athletes actually try to

venture out and try new things and find new people to become friends with,” Shatto said. “But during season, a lot of times, you do only stick with your team. Because they’re like your second family. You spend nearly all your time with them. And I think people see that and they’re like ‘Oh, that’s all they do all year. That’s who they hang out with,’ but it’s not true at all.”

Junior Kaitlyn Strauser is both an athlete and a member of one, soon-to-be two as she is in Arete, and contemplating joining HOSA, a club for learning about healthrelated occupations.

Strauser is a third year varsity cheerleader and will be starting her third year of girls soccer in the spring as well. Although she disproves the stereotype, Strauser’s ideas are more similar to Tredway’s, as she believes that there is definitely something about a large amount of athletes that keeps them from trying new things.

“I definitely think that [the stereotype] is true. Even if it’s just athletes not wanting to try new sports. Because my dad is always trying to get me to try out for new sports and I just want to stick with the things I’m good at,” Strauser said.

Bracing for battle ABOVE: Junior Bri Shatto defends against a ‘Smurfs’ defender in her game on Feb. 3.

She plays indoor soccer with her team, Tony Glavin, at Vetta Sports Complex.

BELOW: Shatto runs onto the ball that was passed to her. She plays indoor because it helps her prepare for the upcoming high school season in the Spring.

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to touch the ball with

small sided games. I

am strong believer of small sided games and the ability to get in and out of tight situations and touching the ball more often.

- Coach Eddie Mulholland

Soccer players use indoor to help them keep in shape, further develop their skills

move editor

game you opportunities

Feb. 12, 2015

n By Joseph Silver

In the indoor get a lot of

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MOVE

Photos by Taylor Tinnes

As the winter season begins to get into its full swing, many students find themselves harassed by the cold weather.

With the constant cold, many people do not enjoy going outside unless they are layered with copious amounts of clothing.

Coping with this travesty can take its toll on an athlete who ends up stuffing their face with the sweet comfort of a cookie and sipping on a nice cup of hot cocoa.

How does one deal with such awful weather? Some athletes, like junior and varsity soccer player and Coleton Brown takes to the turf inside of a building, playing in an indoor soccer league. They play with their friends on a team called the Nimrods.

Boys and girls soccer coach, Eddie Mulholland, believes indoor is very beneficial when preparing for an outdoor season, given that it helps with speed and touch.

“I believe anytime you can touch the ball is beneficial in preparing for a season, if it is done the right way. In the indoor game you get a lot of opportunities to touch the ball with small sided games,” Coach Mulholland said. “I am strong believer of small sided games and the ability to get in and out of tight situations and touching the ball more often.”

Not only does it help improve someone’s first touch, an all important aspect in the game of soccer, but the fast pace of the indoor game keeps the athletes in shape.

Junior and girls soccer player, Brianna Shatto, uses indoor soccer to help her with conditioning for the upcoming outdoor season. Being in shape is an important feat to have, because soccer players must run 40 minutes non-stop at the varsity level.

“It’s a really good way to get in shape, and it’s more fun,” Shatto said. “It’s a lot quicker pace, just a different game [than outdoor soccer].”

Indoor is a great way to prepare for a season, but its also a good way to pass

time with friends according to Brown.

Since indoor is recreational, the games aren’t taken as seriously and the win/loss record doesn’t mean a thing.

“It’s a good way to get your friends together and play,” Brown said. “You get to play a lot of people you know, and mess around with friends. It’s a lot warmer than outdoor too. Sometimes you play in the snow and your toes get cold.”

Although indoor may be a better alternative than playing soccer in the snow, there are some drawbacks to it. Coach Mulholland realizes that there are drawbacks to the fast-paced indoor game, but he believes that the benefits outweigh the risks.

“There are not major drawbacks, but I believe some of the habits of using the wall and taking too many people on in the indoor can carry over into the outdoor game,” Coach Mulholland said. “Those things can put you in some bad positions in the outdoor game, but also you can improve your ability to take people on, so you do have that confidence in the right situations.”

Getting body checked into a glass wall may not seem very fun, but indoor soccer leagues are a rather cheap way to stay in shape during the winter. The cost of one session (eight games) at Vetta Sports Complex is about $38 per person. At Matteson Square Garden, it is about $33 per person. This is almost 60 percent cheaper than a Gold’s Gym membership.

For that price, it’s a great start to training in the winter months to help improve technical skills and speed, two of the most important things coaches look for in a player according to coach Mulholland.

“For me I think the two most important things to make a good soccer player is technical ability and speed.I think indoor can improve your speed and technical ability, it isn’t enough though,” Coach Mulholland said. “I think a lot of the work needs to be done on your own and not a game like situation.”

nREIGNS, from page 7

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With the experiences of such a high level of competition, Leake expects more of her team than coaches the players have had in the past.

Stars like juniors Emma Raup and Emma Farley appreciate the work ethic they are learning from Leake, and know in the end every workout pays off.

“She holds high, intense practices, we are always doing something, we are never walking around,” said Raup. “She holds us to very high standards and always wants the best for us, so she is always pushing us.”

While the team has probably never worked harder, the basketball squad recognizes the difference from past years and the work that was imperative for that success. Leake has experienced what it takes to get better and brings what she has learned into now her own program.

“She runs our program just like a college program,” Raup said. “And now we already have more wins this year than all last year.”

The season is not off to a completely rocking start however, the schedule given to them predicted a difficult start. Multiple private schools and other schools well above the average mark in the state lay down the bumpy groundworks for their season, but Leake still says her first team at FHC is a memorable one.

“There’s things these girls are going to

MOVE

Feb. 12, 2015

ABOVE: The girls basketball team rallies around coach Leake before its game against Fort Zumwalt West.

Their record is 5-11.

BELOW: Coach Leake and junior Emma Farley discuss a play during their game against the Jaguars. They lost that game by the score of 53-38.

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encounter in terms of challenges, and in terms of victory that you won’t get any other season,” said Leake. “There’s something about going through that grind together, so I think I’ll remember this team with a smile, just because we will go through it together.”

The future is on the mind of every systematic coach, constantly thinking of the season they’re in and the next season coming as well. Considering the fact that the starting squad consists of all nonsenior athletes, the future looks bright for Leake and the girls, and it brings a different energy to the team.

“I like the excitement that’s starting to stir up around the program,” said Leake. “I think whether you’re talking senior through freshman on down to our younger levels, that excitement and that want to be better and to be part of something special is probably what excites me the most.”

The want to be better is often lost within young athletes because of a coach, but the passion and intensity Leake brings instills much more than just the want, she instills a desire to be better. The youth of the team excites next year’s veterans as the effect of Leake’s presence creates confidence for the freshmen, setting down the brickwork for more and more successful seasons to come.

“The freshmen we have now are going to have more confidence next year,” Farley said. “We are just going to keep getting better and keep improving for next season.”

IN FOCUS

FEB. 12, 2015

photos by morgan west

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ur lives are displayed in an old album full of pictures — pictures that show our transformation, jubilant moments, and memories.

When a teen becomes a parent, their life will never be the same.

Moments like these cannot be captured simply by photographs, they have to be captured with words. A story. A voice.

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IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS

FEB. 12, 2015

FEB. 12, 2015

Teen parents face drastic changes in how they live their lives n By Ilene Holder

W staff reporter

AlumMadisonandherdaughter,MaebrieJohnson

hen people are in high school, their life plan is usually along the lines of first graduating high school, second going to college, third going into a career, fourth getting married and fifth having kids. However, there are some people who have skipped a few of those steps and had a child early, but jumping ahead doesn’t always end in defeat.

Central Alum Madison Johnson is a teenager who is taking on this new adventure with a smile. During her senior year in 2014, is when she got pregnant. Her daughter, Maebrie Johnson, is now nine months old.

Even though there is a new sense of joy and motivation, there are still some struggles Maddie tries to handle.

One of the struggles would be financial support.

According to babycenter.com, the total cost for raising a baby with almost every need and want came to $12,467 in just the first year.

Senior Dylan Bond, the father to Maebrie, understands this circumstance. Maddie and him have to work together to pay for their child, which can be a challenge.

“I’m definitely living paycheck to paycheck,” Bond said. “It’s harder to save when there’s always things she could use.”

The overwhelming feeling of needing to make sure there is financial stability and making sure everything will be okay for yourself and the baby is something that is no stranger to Bond and Johnson.

Another obstacle teen parents have to deal with is whether or not to attend further schooling or go straight to working. Some will drop out and go straight to working. Some will continue high school, but stop there. Others will continue to college or to work. It all depends on the person and what they believe will be

the best for their family.

Johnson decided to take on the working while schooling path. Her Monday to Friday routine consists of waking up, taking Maebrie to daycare, heading to school, going straight to work at the daycare Maebrie attends, traveling home to put Maebrie to bed, then working on homework. Saturdays are one of the main days Bond gets to take Maebrie to his house to spend time with her.

Because Johnson has such a packed schedule, having time for homework and studying can be a challenge. Especially with a toddler who loves to explore.

“College requires a lot of studying and she’s not an itty bitty baby anymore, she’s on the move. I can’t get anything done with her crawling around the room and getting into everything,” Johnson said.

Along with not having time for homework or studying, there comes a loss for time with friends, especially when the baby is first born, they take a lot of time and patience. However, having to put time into the new bundle can be a good change. “[Having Maebrie] made me have to give up a lot of going out with friends,” Bond said. “[It] made me have to take responsibility more seriously.”

Not only does taking on this new life help find your true friends, it can help determine whether the relationship you have is strong enough to handle such a big responsibility.

One person who understands how it is to be a teen parent is senior Tori Cooper’s mother, Heather Geringer. When Heather got pregnant, she was 16 and two months shy of being 17. The group she hung around was not the best to start preparing for a child in, explained Geringer. So she decided to start making a new path for herself.

“My life was no longer mine, I was living my life for another person. My future was no longer about me, it was about creating a future for her as well. Everything from

that moment was about creating a life full of opportunities so she [could be] successful,” Geringer said.

Having a baby in high school takes away some experiences as well, like prom. This is another thing that becomes less important to you because there is no time for it anymore, just like there is no time for friends or other activities, as said by Heather.

Now that time is being spent on planning a future, the mind set has to change from juvenile to adult. This task is not always the easiest and leads to some losses, but also leads to rewards.

“The people I brought into my life had to be good for her and I. Which means I gained amazing new friends, friends with responsibility and life ambition,” Geringer said.

Unlike Bond and Johnson, Geringer decided to drop out of school and start working five to six days a week.

Eventually she got her GED, then went on to getting her general education at a community college. Geringer worked and raised Tori, got engaged and married, then became a housewife. Because she became a housewife, college was put on hold. That is, until another life changing event happened.

“After my divorce, I changed my career choice.

It was a make it or break it situation, [but] we made it,” Geringer said. “I finished school with an extreme amount of support from my family and friends. I landed an amazing job and found an amazing man.”

Over the years, Geringer has learned how important a mature mind is when you are raising a child, even with the huge amount of help and support received from her family. She has also become aware of just how special the gift of life can be.

“I have an amazing relationship with an amazing girl, so it was all worth it. Being a parent is still a challenge, [but] now that I’m an adult, I see just how important a mature mind is,” Geringer said. “The biggest lessons I have learned are; Don’t let your circumstances define who you are; and, make your situation a lesson; learn everything you can from it.”

“ThepeopleIbroughtintomylifehadtobegoodforherandI.WhichmeansIgained amazing new friends, friends with responsibility and life ambition.”

— Heather Geringer Senior Tori Cooper and her mother, Heather Geringer

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IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS

FEB. 12, 2015

FEB. 12, 2015

Programs, organizations provide aid to those in tough situations n By Cadence Bippen discover editor

W

hether it was on purpose or on accident, mistakes don’t always lead to failure. Sure, it’s possible, but in no way guaranteed, and besides--it has already happened. The past is in the past. Now, all they can do is prepare for the future. A future that, although difficult, has as much potential to be beautiful as anyone else’s. It will just take some extra work.

Babies need diapers. A teenager can get diapers. Babies need food. A teenager can get food. Babies need clothes and wipes and toys and a crib--perfectly tangible, available things to anyone, with assistance at the very least. But babies also need to be nurtured.

They need to be taught about the world, they need to be taken care of, they need to be loved. Teenagers aren’t used to having to think for someone else. Giving up his or her own life completely, in order to fulfill someone else’s-that’s never crossed their minds.

There are people to help them every step of the way. While the most obvious choice of assistance would be parents--chances are, they know a thing or two about raising a kid-that can be scary, and understandably so.

The parent might not even know what to do exactly anyway. They probably thought they had a few more years to think about it. For that reason, there are experts and resources designed especially for teenage moms and dads, in order to prepare for the roller coaster that lies ahead.

The Sparrow’s Nest is a Christian centered organization located in O’Fallon, MO. It was founded by Carissa Figgins, with the intent to help homeless teenage moms and their

children survive and thrive. According to their website, “basic needs such as clothing, food, shelter, transportation, and education through high school” are provided, as well as mentoring and assistance from over 125 volunteers who teach about finance, bible study, relationships, etc. It is licensed to house up to 8 children under the age of 19, allowing the group of moms and kids to be tight-knit and close, and very adequately cared for.

A main idea of the home is to help the girls continue their education. Figgins said that one of the hardest things for the girls to realize is the best thing they can do is learn, not work.

They are not allowed to get a job while staying in the Nest because everything is provided for them anyway, and getting an education will make them as prepared for the future as they can be. Whether it be through attending their high school, home school, or online classes, education is guaranteed.

The girls staying there also are encouraged to volunteer: “They think their life is over, but they have to know it’s just taking a different path,” Figgins said. “There are a lot of situations worse than being pregnant and there are still many people that look up to them.”

Something much less permanent than living in a home can be accessed in the Francis Howell School District. The Teen Parent Support Group is run by a parent educator each semester. There is one per high school, and it consists of weekly meetings during a class period as well as monthly meetings at home with the child.

Deanna Robbins is the facilitator for Francis Howell Central’s group. As part of her job, she helps the mom or dad get connected to the many resources that might be challenging to attain on their own. Not every teen knows

how to handle insurance for the baby, or how to get childcare assistance. Additionally, she discusses with them the “emotional aspects” of being a parent. “[We talk about] relationship issues with the father, with the grandparents, and even with friends,” Robbins said.

This huge change opens doors for many new struggles, and the support group is there to do just that--support. The program’s (and Robbins’) main goal is that the teens feel like they can handle their new life. “[They should feel] motivated by their new responsibilities to make certain they graduate high school and continue their education afterward,” Robbins said. “It can feel very scary being pregnant in high school, and many young parents do not feel they have as much in common with their classmates anymore.”

This is why the group is such an important program in schools. It gives the kids the chance to communicate with those who are going through similar situations, as well as information and guidance from people who have already been parents.

Being a teenager is a time of self-discovery, enjoyment, stress, making mistakes, and learning from them. Becoming a teen parent is that role, but exponentially more.

Not only is there responsibility for one’s self, but for a whole other life who is learning about the world, too. The challenge, if taken, can be rewarding, and there are people like Robbins and Figgins to make sure of it. ”I think being a teen parent is doable because there is plenty of research to back up that if you intervene in a child’s crisis, in any situation, things can be done,” Figgins said. “If just one person steps in, they can make that difference.”

“Theyshouldfeelmotivatedbytheirnewresponsibilitiestomakesurethey graduate high school and continue their education afterward.”

— Deanna Robbins, founder of The Sparrow’s Nest

Safe Haven

TheSparrow’sNestMaternityHome

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ADS

Feb. 12, 2015

FEB. 12, 2015

MUST READ

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THREE

things in the

SPOTLIGHT this month

Scholastic Journalism Week

FHC Publications will celebrate Scholastic Journalism Week Feb. 2327, with videos, social media and photos celebrating student work.

“Proxy” for Book Club

CUSTOM SCREENPRINTING & EMBROIDERY

Book Club’s next meeting will be held on March 31 during second hour in the Learning Commons. The novel will be “Proxy.” Pick up your copy of the book and your form in the Learning Commons.

Upcoming College Visits

UMSL will be visiting Feb. 23 during second hour. Go to Guidance to sign up and to attend this college visit.

SPOTLIGHT Branching out

FHC’s theatre department makes a scene at ThesCon

n By Becca Abrams

F

staff reporter

or high schools that have big departments such as band or sports, many of their events are recognizable. Someone says “have you heard about the girls swim meet last weekend?” and people will generally have a good idea of what is being asked. However, when Thes Con is mentioned, a question is raised.

What is it? Not many people even have a clue.

As junior Jack Roither, put it nicely, “It’s a conference for thespians.”

People meet together for a conference that is three days long. It’s filled to the brim with classes, competitions and workshops that help further improve the student’s work. Junior Emily Eastman was one of many who got to attend the classes.

“I spent almost the whole time there taking workshops and I have learned a ton from them. The Afro-Caribbean Dance class was the most absurd one I took, but it turned out to be the funnest class I took,” Eastman said. “The instructor, Mama Yeye, made everyone feel great about themselves. I learned I have little to no coordination when I’m dancing, but it was totally worth it.” n See BRANCHING OUT, jump to page 20

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SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT

Feb. 12, 2015

Feb. 12, 2015

The Squad

Valentine’s Day

playlist

don’t miss

David Beecher staff reporter

A playlist of love songs for guys to set the Valentine’s Day mood.

1

“Thinking Out Loud”

by Ed Sheeran

This classic tear jerker describes the feeling everyone hopes to find once in their life. It’s the number one song to have to set the Valentine’s Day mood. The idea of eternal love can literally bring tears to the hardest men on the earth (except me). Love is in the soul and Ed Sheeran sets that mood for every guy on his Valentine’s Day date with “the one.”

2

“All Of Me”

by John Legend

For every guy who plans on just laying it all on the table this Valentine’s Day and confess their feelings, this song puts your crazy stupid love into lyrics.

The feeling you youngsters have of complete and utter love is captured by John Legend.

3

“When A Man Loves A Woman”

by Michael Bolton

The way to any Woman’s heart is singing this song as passionately as you can. This gut wrenching song describes the venom injected into a man when that pretty girl walks by. (Also shows why girls usually wear the pants in the relationship.)

4

“Stand By Me”

by Ben E. King

The classic. Straight out of the ‘60s and no one cares. Ben E. King timelessly describes how just having that one person stand by you through all failed math tests and bad hair days makes it all okay. The soul he brings will send the message you just can’t seem to spew out when you’re with her.

5

“Mean To Me”

by Brett Eldridge

Throwing a little country into the mix (because how can’t you?), this fairly new song is on the 2015 playlist with its humbility and genuinity. Capturing the idea of love is hard but the things that Eldridge describes in his song, those are the things you miss in a girl when she’s gone.

Greek squad: year two n By Tori Cooper staff reporter

For the last year and a half, principal Mr. David Stofer has provided juniors with a chance to get experience in the life of an Information Technologist also know as an IT. The school has been wanting to start up a student technology team for a few years now and it finally happened as District Technician, Mr. Ryan Kelly and Mr. Stofer came together and created the first Junior Greek Squad the spring semester of 2014. The program did well enough that it is continuing this year, giving students a chance to do hands on learning when it comes to IT work.

“Being on the Junior Greek Squad gives the students a good idea of what a tier one and tier two help desk job would be like,” Mr. Kelly said.

The Greek Squad is a student-staffed technology support team. The first semester they work with Mr. Kelly to learn how things work around the school.

After the semester is up they will work the help desk in the library. This all happens after they collect three letters of recommendation, and get a brief resume together. They will turn it into the office and after the deadline then Mr. Stofer will go over the potential candidates and set interview dates. On the day of the interview Mr. Kelly and Mr. Stofer will interview the candidates for 15-20 minutes then will decide if they will work well on the Junior Greek Squad. Students have to apply just how they would if they were to be trying to

“Being on the Jr. Greek

New and old bands keep fans guessing, with up and coming sounds

squad gives the students a good idea of what a job in the IT field Mr. Ryan Kelly and Dylan Wolfsberger tend to a dysfunctional computer. The student members of the Greek Squad aid Mr. Kelly with problems around the building, gaining career experience while in school.

will be like.”

Mr. Ryan Kelly Squad Adviser.

photo by ashley marlo

get a job. Junior Cody Sotolar knows how the interview process goes.

“We go in and sit with Mr. Stofer and Mr. Kelly and talk to them and explain to them how we would handle certain situations that could happen around the school,” Sotolar said.

Most people in the IT field need to start off in either a tier one and tier two helpdesk jobs, helping businesses with any technical problems that they would have around their office. Depending on how long they have been in the field will determine what tier of a job they will have.

Given that the Greek Squad gives them a sense of what that type of job would be like.

It has been combined with the work program and gives the students legitimate experience that they can put onto a resume. This will put them a step ahead when it comes to applying for jobs. The more experience that a person has, the better chance they have of getting the job. It will get them further in their career faster than others that don’t begin training until they are already in school for their career. For senior Silas Barndt, this is an excellent opportunity when it comes to his future of applying for jobs.

“I have already applied to Ranken for specializing in IT and I already have a goal to get up to a system administrator job and this [Greek Squad] has definitely helped me prepare for it with giving me a year and a half of experience, which is something people look at when hiring,” Barndt said.

Both Barndt and Sotolar have an idea of wanting to be apart of the IT field as adults.

Being apart of the Greek Squad will give

them an idea of how it will be when they are building on their careers in the future. They are able to help the school giving them a sense of how they should react in certain situations and with certain people. Greek Squad is not only giving them an experience with computers, but also with people skills that they will need to be in the IT field.

For these two guys Greek Squad has been the base of them learning what they need to know before they are thrown into the world of being an IT and dealing with technology and all of it’s problems that it holds. Not only do they get a chance to work in a business environment, but this is an opportunity to take on some of the same responsibilities that Mr. Kelly has on a daily basis. The are able to work in a high paced environment with the same stresses that any IT would have when it comes to having to have everything up and running for the librarians and teachers.

“We have to know how to fix things, like if a printer breaks down or something goes wrong in the library, we have to know how to fix it,” Sotolar explained.

This gives the Greek Squad a chance to really help Mr. Kelly as he is constantly busy with technological problems around the school, from the wifi not working to computers not running how they should.

Having a back up group of students willing to learn how to fix things and help out the IT department makes the school run much smoother and allows teachers to do what they need without any problems.

“I knew that I wanted to be in the IT field, but Greek Squad has helped me gain experience.”

Cody SotolarSquad Junior

“Greek Squad helped me understand what I want when it comes to my future in IT.” Silas Barndt Squad Senior

n By Kameryn Mellor

M

staff reporter

any bands are coming out with new content, and fans have mixed views on the artists’ new sound .

Every band has something that makes them unique, that little spark that makes them stand out from every other group, at least to their devoted fans. On occasion, some bands, and musicians in general, decide to change up their style. Bands can do this either to spice up their style, look, or general vibe. Their fans can have many different thoughts on this change though.

The deciding factor on whether or not the fans respect, and are even infatuated with, a certain band is strengthened is dependent entirely on the fans, and their views and feeling on the change.

It is always crucial to stay open minded, especially when it comes to the vast front of music and its ever changing styles; however, that can become difficult when styles change from what you are used to and what you like. Junior Mason Brown is a firm believer of this.

“I don’t really like it when [bands] change their sound. I don’t like it when they change from, if they were an alternative band before, to a pop band afterwards,” Brown said. “It’s kind of annoying just because they only have to do it to stay relevant and popular.”

For sophomore Paige Pendleton, music helps her as a dancer.

The familiar beats and rhythms of a quality track help her and her team work out the best choreography possible, according to Pendleton.

“Music is actually really great for me, considering I’m a dancer. It helps calm me down sometimes if I get irritated, or upset,” Pendleton said. “If I like the album, with me being a dancer, I’d think to myself ‘Oh, this would make a good dance number.’ If you don’t like the music then you won’t really enjoy the dance.”

It can also help people, such as Brown, in more mental ways and

emotional. Music can not only be used for entertainment purposes, but can also be a much needed break from the real world.

“I feel like music is a way people can get out their expression and feeling without having to deal with other people,” Brown said. “It’s just a way that they can connect with someone else who has had the same problems.”

For others still, it can help them to access and fuel their creativity, whether it be singing, dancing, painting, drawing, or any other art form. This is particularly true for sophomore Daniella Moore.

“Music is very important because it gives you a broader view of things, and it inspires and helps people,” Moore said.

It can be a very good choice to change the style, to keep the band fresh, because it keeps the fans interested, and keeps the sound from becoming boring, according to Moore.

“When they change their sound, I feel like they’re kind of growing as a band,” Pendleton said. “If it’s, say, a very new band, and they change their sound suddenly, then yeah, they’re growing as a band.”

An album that one does not particularly like does not always affect one’s view on a band in general. There can be positive or negative fluctuations of respect for the band after an album, but it could also have no effect.

This unaffected view is shared by many avid listeners, including Pendleton.

“An album that I don’t like doesn’t affect my view of the band because if I’ve heard past albums from said band, that I liked, then I know they’ll come out with another album with music that I do like probably,” Pendleton said.

Overall, a change in sound can have very mixed views. The reaction to the new stylistic choices can depend on how well the band executes the changes. The changes can be a drastic contrast from the old sound, but it can also be good. Many of the changes are a shock, but they can also be pleasant, according to Moore.

American Beauty/ American Psycho

Fall Out Boy is one of the main bands with a major sound change.

Their first album, “Take This to Your Grave,” has a completely different sound than their latest album, “American Beauty/ American Psycho.” TTYG was more post-hardcore, while ABAP is definitely more on the pop punk side.

Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die

Panic! at the Disco is yet another band that has had significant sound changes over the years. Their first album, “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” was in the emo-punk and pop-punk genres, while their latest album, “Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die,” is classified as synthpop, or much more pop influenced than their previous works.

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SPOTLIGHT

Feb. 12, 2015

Feb. 12, 2015

Fun Facts 1832 St. Louis University (SLU) became the first university west of the Mississippi

MUST READ

voice

22

1862 The Old Courthouse was completed

1874 Eads Bridge was completed

1876 Forest Park was opened to the public

1878 The PostDispatch published it’s first edition

1904 The World’s Fair opened, St. Louis is also first American city to host the Olympics

1916 The first play, As You Like It, is performed at The Muny

1926

The 250 years of St. Louis celebrated at the History Museum with an expo full of fascinating facts

D

uring the year, many places have new and exciting things being promoted and shown. While most are only for a few months, the History Museum had one special exhibit that was presented for a full year. This exhibit was the 250/250 showcase of St. Louis. 250 years in 250 seconds.

The exhibit was filled with well-known and unknown facts about St. Louis. As a visitor walks through the exhibit, they get the chance to discover eras and areas of their city that they may have never even heard about, like the fact that prostitution was legal in St. Louis for four years as long as the prostitutes had the correct legal documents and medical visitations. All kinds of facts and colors fill the room as the exhibit celebrates “The Greater St. Louis” monumental birthday.

The Cardinals win the World Series, the first of their 11 titles

1930 Ted Drewes opened

photo by illene holder

n BRANCHING OUT, from page 17

Being able to attend ThesCon really impacted those who attended and especially junior Katrina Krieg whose outlook was overall affected by Thescon.

“I think the main purpose of it is for people being able to see the bigger picture and to show the theatre kids how big it actually is in everyone’s life and to show that we’re not the only ones who have a passion to perform onstage,” Krieg said.

There are many competitions to partake in at ThesCon, including improv, which Rothier competed in alongside with Regis Wilson, Danielle Duweese, and Ilene Holder.

“It’s on the dot. You say what comes to mind, but it also has to be subjective to what the idea is. My group was given catastrophe,” Roither said. “In catastrophe, you have a modern day event, like brushing your teeth, lead to a catastrophe, which is like the zombie apocalypse.”

Overall, ThesCon has been described as a great learning experience. It was a privilege for the theatre students to be able to attend and get to experience, first hand, the bonding that theatre can bring.

“I think it helped me a lot because I got to watch other people do their thing and I took the good things that they did and it applied it to myself. Overall, it helped me grow and reach new heights.”

By Becca Abrams Staff reporter

W

hen some think of feminism, they visualize a raging, man-hating woman, who plays victim to anything and everything, spouting off nonsense about how she wants equality, but can’t take the heat when a guy makes a sandwich joke. That’s not what feminism is about.

Feminism, by definition, is the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. But women are already equal, right? So why do we need feminism? From lower wages, double standards and social issues women encounter, feminism is a necessary word.

The word feminism is viewed in different ways. Utter the word, and you’ll either have people listening or tuning out the following words. I’m not going to spout all the different ways women have a harder life than men, which is probably the reason why people have adapted to the noise, and ceased to listen.

Instead, I want people to understand what exactly feminism is. It’s about equality for both men and women and it needs to be understood that feminism doesn’t solely exist to benefit women.

People’s opinions are either viewed as completely for, or completely against it, far enough to create a ‘meninist’ movement on Twitter — a word that isn’t even recognized in a word document. That being said, it’s hard to be the one who rides the fence on this subject. Do some feminists take their stance too far? Yes, but those few that have created the negative connotation of the word feminist are those who often feminists wish they had no association with, for they make feminism a complete joke.

In fact, the picture painted by the media only shows the radical and extreme side of feminism. If you were to go up to some random person and tell them why we need feminism, they would dismiss you and roll their eyes because feminism is a joke.

Feminism isn’t even an issue. Because being paid lower wages for the same work is

fair. Because the bodies of women should be objectified. Because our government is predominantly male. Because daily mistreatment of women is the norm.

It’s extremely difficult to get the point of feminism across to those it doesn’t affect; that’s not me saying that all women are oppressed, and woe is me yada yada yada. How can anyone understand if it hasn’t happened to them?

How can anyone understand if they haven’t been cat-called at, afraid of going somewhere alone, being taught to cover a drink at parties, and dealing with the constant belief of others that your work is affected by your menstrual cycle? You can’t get that across to someone who doesn’t live it.

As far as work goes, a woman could have the same exact job and same education level as a male and still get paid less. In what world does that even make sense? You’re telling me just because I was born one gender that it directly correlates to my salary?!

I’m not gonna sit here and say this needs to be changed because DUH, of course it needs to be!

It’s so blatantly obvious that I feel foolish myself

e v e n having t o include it.

There’s a skewed perception of what feminism is. Feminism is not, I repeat, not, all about women. It’s about having women viewed in the same way as men, which in turn means equality for both genders.

That means when I’m looked at, I don’t want to be seen just for my body. I don’t want my appearance to define who I am. I don’t want to have to prove myself to people that I’m worthy. I want to be looked at the same way as a male would be.

I don’t want my fashion questioned. I don’t need to be looked down on by anyone. I don’t need to be treated more kindly just because my little feelings couldn’t take it. I don’t want my power and strength to be directly associated with the all to well known word men use to degrade women. A word that women now embrace because the word is thrown around far too often.

I want to be directly addressed when spoken to rather than the listener of a male party. Feminism is not women expecting special treatment. Feminism is the test of people actually being decent human beings and treating people with the same respect.

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

LOVE Four day weekends

Not only are both weeks that surround it as long as you have off, but it is also Valentine’s Day! So have fun with your friends, significant other, or stuff your face with chocolate. All sound equally enjoyable.

Smooth Jazz

The talented students sort of appeared in the main entrance one day, and have attracted a good-sized audience! The combo is a nice representation of Spartan bands and puts students in a cool, jazzy mood for the rest of their day.

like DECA cookies

They are a great way to satisfy your hunger until 5B lunch, and then maybe again during lunch. Deca should probably start selling M&M cookies too, though. We’re just saying.

Pep assemblies

Although there has been some speculation on them, they are still a fun way to get pumped as a student body. And we can all agree that sitting with friends in the gym is definitely worth getting out of class!

leave No snow days!

Students are freezing their butts off waiting at the bus stop, and yet it is not snowing and school is in session. Even though they all say “we’ll be thankful in June,” some snow days are definitely being longed for by tired high schoolers.

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FEB. 12, 2015

K. Sure. Fine.

The struggle is real when dealing with teenagers

Why do teenagers suck? A shorter answer would be why they don’t suck, but for the sake of this article I will give you the reasons why they do.

Let’s start out with how someone can never be in a room with them without feeling like they are all talking about them; teenagers are the most judgemental group of people someone will ever meet.

There is constantly something or someone they are talking about; sometimes it is about one of their own.

They go from being nice to someone and acting like they are best friends to talking trash on them with another group of friends. They have no respect for anyone or their feelings. Teenagers, only really think about themselves.

Then you have the screaming little girls who freakout every single time they see their friends. Obviously, they didn’t see them an hour ago or anything; I mean goodness, calm down.

There are some normal teenagers who will give their friends a simple nod or smile as they walk pass them in the school hallway. I don’t think that jumping on top of friends is cute.

Actually, I kind of want to push both of them over and walk away.

Teenagers also don’t know what is appropriate and what is not. Almost as if they have a sense of entitlement, which we all know they don’t. They go off on teachers and show no respect for anyone and they then expect respect out of everyone else, but don’t want to give it back. They also don’t know how they can talk to certain people. Basically, every word that comes out of their mouths is

By Tori Cooper staff reporter

irrelevant and full of attitude.

Now to touch on the point of the slow walking in the halls. For some ungodly reason, teenagers have this tendency to walk as slow as they possibly can in the hallway and then just stop. That’s right, they will just stop in their tracks and start talking to someone that was just walking the other way. It is like they are the only people in the halls. No, there are other people behind you trying to get to class.

To make it even better, they will get upset if you go around them, and will mouth off about you to their friends.

They feel as if it is rude to need to be somewhere.

Teenagers also don’t like to follow the rules, especially when it comes to school appropriate clothing. Yes, we know you are skinny, but I do not need to see your dangling belly ring. I get that that is the style now, and yes I do have clothes in my closet that show more skin, but I save those for summer and not for school.

It is winter, for crying out loud, no one wants to hear complaining about how cold you are when you’re barely wearing any clothing.

I absolutely love how teens talk these days. They think the way they are Tweeting, texting and Snapchatting is cool. Dude, I can’t read what you are writing It is so funny to see people Tweeting with improper grammar.

OUR VIEW: Teen parents in our society

They honestly think people find it cool or attractive to talk like they never made it passed the second grade, harsh I know.

Just think about all of those tweets you scroll through a day, how many do you truly understand? The fact most teenagers don’t know the difference between your and you’re makes me want to bash my head into a wall.

Now to touch more on Twitter and teens. Isn’t it funny how subtweeting is actually a thing? They can’t say anything straight to one another they have to be “secretive” about it. Or teenagers will find a tweet that fits how they feel about a person and will retweet it.

Teenagers don’t have any courage to truly have a normal dispute with someone else. They have to beat around the bush and make everyone want to know what is wrong.

Teenagers truly drive me insane.

I guess that means that I drive myself insane as well. Although teenagers do all of this and get under my skin, I still have to remember that I am one of them.

I used to freak out when I saw one of my friends in the hall. There was a point that I thought I had a sense of entitlement, I have walked slow in the halls and stopped at random spots to talk to a group of friends.

Throughout this article, my editors made fun of me for bringing up grammar when, before they looked at it and corrected me, my grammar was terrible. Yes, I am a teenager, and yes I have done almost everything that I have talked about throughout this article.

Teens becoming parents at such a young age is hard to deal with and manage.

Between school, work, and whatever else the teen might have going on, it can be difficult, but if they decide to make a good choice for their child, they can raise them, despite an unideal situation.

INTERACT HERE

our voice

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

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

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

Why do we do what we do?

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

The long road

Caring for a life while trying to discover your own

H

ere on staff, most have experienced some instance of teen parenting whether it was through a friend, a family member, or even their own parent. The general consensus is not necessarily a negative one however. We believe teen pregnancy and parenting can be achieved if the parent chooses to be responsible.

Teenagers should take a stand to make sure they are able to raise their child in a good

our staff

VOICE

Feb. 12, 2015

School wifi

Snapchat doesn’t work, Twitter doesn’t work. Not only can we not send fun selfies anymore, but many teachers, clubs, even guidance counselors update students through tweets, and kids aren’t able to access the app on the school’s wifi network. illustration by tori cooper

home, regardless of pending circumstances.

Now, clearly, teen parenting is a hard road to travel, and those in that position have to hit the ground running. Teens need to learn real responsibility quick because they have someone’s life at their mercy. The issue with bearing a child at such a young age is only responsibility.

A lot teens would prefer to continue their life, slowly collecting the unfoldings of the world through high school and college;

unfortunately, that leasure isn’t granted to anyone as a parent.

That means quit partying, quit staying out late, quit whatever thing could screw with that child’s life. People shouldn’t have to bear that at such a young age, but due to bad decisions or maybe even by free will if someone is put in that situation, then work. And work hard for that child, that’s the only thing that will matter.

-The editorial board

Emily Herd - Editor in Chief Eden Gundersen - Spotlight Editor Cadence Bippen - Discover Editor Jacob Roach - Voice Editor Joey Silver - Move Editor Ashley Marlo - Multimedia Executive Editor Abbie Kaplan - Photo Editor Frank Lunatto - Live Stream Editor Becca Abrams - Reporter Olivia Biondo - Reporter Morgan Brader - Reporter Tori Cooper - Reporter Anna Dillon - Reporter Ilene Holder - Reporter Jared McClellan - Web Editor Kameryn Mellor - Reporter Jenna Adkins - Photographer Mia Baker - Photographer Darby Copeland - Photographer Danielle DeWeeese - Photographer

Zach Grau - Photographer Jerianne Harrison - Photographer Sara Lupescu - Photographer Lauren Nosal - Photographer Kayla Schoenig - Photographer Chloe Siebels - Photographer Taylor Tinnes - Photographer Tyler Tran - Photographer Quentin Webert - Photographer Morgan West - Photographer Dakota Wisdom - Photographer Mr. Matthew Schott - Adviser

FHCtoday.com is intended to provide the FHC community with daily updates on all that is going on in with school sports, communities and news in the Francis Howell School District. iFocus serves as a video magazine, based on the four sections of the newspaper and website, providing coverage and investigation each Friday of the school year.

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

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NEW STORIES, Photo galleries, and more

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FEB. 12, 2015

The ice hockey club won against Oakville 7-1 in the Winter Classic at Shaw Park. As the team journeys toward the Challenge Cup, check out the photos from this game and past games on fhctoday.com using this QR code.

Mr. Miller and Mrs. Lipin are talking about the new things revolving around student registration. Find out more at fhctoday.com

get social!

Interact with FHC Publications on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook for news, video and updates. www.Twitter.com/ FHCPublications www.facebook.com/ francishowellcentralpublications www.youtube.com/user/ iFocusFHC