Nov. 6, 2015 Central Focus

CENTRAL

focus Volume 19, Issue 2 Nov. 6, 2015 Francis Howell Central High School

Three students ditch their phones to experience digital darkness for a week

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NOV. 6, 2015

staff

staff members

letters to the editor

digital media

Editor-In-Chief

Have a letter for the editor or a question for us?

Online

Eden Gundersen

Web Editor

Jared McClellan

Design Editor Morgan Brader

Discover Editor

If something we wrote demands your voice, please e-mail us at fhcpub@gmail.com or drop your handwritten letter off with Mr. Schott in Room 139. The Central Focus staff will print the entirety of your letter, providing it meets the standards of publication laid out in the FHC Publications editorial policy, which is available in Room 139 or at www.fhctoday.com for your perusal.

Cadence Bippen

Feature Editor

FHCtoday.com is the online home of FHC Publications and serves as a hub for all of our breaking news, photography and video work. For all you need to know about the FHC community, head to FHCtoday.com @fhcpublications francis howell central publications @fhcpublications

Olivia Biondo

Voice/Entertain Editor

fhcpublications

Becca Abrams

Photo Editor Taylor Tinnes

Video Editor

Quentin Webert

Staff Reporters

Elizabeth Gerger, Dulci Hedges, Jack Hiegel, Skylar Laird, Elaine Mallon, Emily Mann, Bri Shatto, Will Sills, Leslie Sutton, Elisa Swanson, Kaleigh Zehnle, Stacey Zika

Photographers

Belle Herrera, Josephene Julien, Morgan West, Deairra Williams, Dakota Wisdom

Adviser/for advertising inquiries Matthew Schott matthew.schott@fhsdschools.com

letter from the editor T

echnology is seen as an influential part of everyday life, and it normally allows us as people to grow and communicate with those around the world. We, as students, use technology in everyday life whether it is for homework or for talking to our friends and family. This usage of technology has become a need for humans, to the point of breaking whenever we don’t have our devices on us. This issue in Focus,

three of our staff members explored what it was like to live without their phones for a week. An “unplugged” experience, if you will. Read on to page 14 to go through their struggles with them and maybe reflect on how technology affects your life specifically. Also don’t forget that you can e-mail us at fhcpub@gmail. com to input your voice into the Central Focus.

Eden Gundersen print executive editor

Contents

3 NOV. 6 2015

November 4

Living with the split Elisa Swanson tells the story that many know far too well: living with divorced parents.

20 Best of the best

Fall sports coaches share what qualities they look for in finding ultimate athletes for their teams.

27 DARE to change Dulci Hedges examines the ineffectiveness of the DARE program and suggests ways to make it more effective.

FHCTODAY The finish line at districts

Check out Jack Hiegel’s story about the cross country team’s achievements at FHCtoday.com Junior Lauren Coleman fights through the course at McNair Park in early October.

The cross country team qualified two boys for sectionals, but no members of the girls team advanced past the district race.

Photo by Morgan West

4 NOV. 6, 2015

discover

Living with the

sp l it

Who will go to conferences?

I don’t want to pick a side.

Who will pay for what?

I don’t want two of everything.

Who will I celebrate Christmas with?

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1 in 2 marriages in America will end in a divorce.

Divorces are attributed to a number of things including education level, income, and even genetics.

Majority of divorces are caused by the “seven-year-itch,” meaning most divorces happen within the first seven years of the marriage.

Divorce rates are declining due to couples waiting longer to get married because of educational attachment and job opportunity of divorces are initiated by women.

Although divorce rates are down, there are a record number of children raised in one parent homes.

Information came from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ 2011/05/18/census-divorces-decline-i_n_863639.html

Words of the wiser “Every divorce is different. For me, it was easy, I had people there for me and my parents didn’t fight in front of me.

Talk to anyone who will listen, even if it is just someone interviewing you.”

Lily Hoesel , junior

Living with separated parents can be taxing

By Elisa Swanson staff reporter More than 1,800 students roam the halls of Francis Howell Central and of them, almost every single one has parents that are divorced, or knows someone with parents that are divorced. While divorce becomes more commonplace in the modern day, the effects of it are not.

For junior Lily Hoesel, although the divorce was years ago, the struggle is still there. Her family goes to a divorce counselor and recently the counselor has mediated a conversation due to the tension that has followed her father’s remarriage.

“She [the divorce counselor] helps us through a lot of different things, like when my dad got remarried. My older sister got in a fight with my stepmom and then my other sister got in a fistfight with my stepmom,” Hoesel said, “They [my parents] tried to get all of us in there to talk about it. My other sisters don’t think it helps, but I go to make my parents happy.”

Junior Raina Carter also shares Hoesel’s struggle with remarried parents. For Carter, she does not have a divorce counselor to open difficult conversations between her parents.

“Now that both my parents are getting remarried, it’s kind of difficult to tell what is acceptable to say to them and what’s going to hurt the others’ feelings,” Carter stated, “My feelings towards them haven’t changed but their feelings towards each other have not been cohesive. It hasn’t been great.”

Despite the fact Carter’s parents divorce happened when she was so young she doesn’t remember it, Carter also currently battles having her mother out of town.

“My mom lives out of state. It makes it harder to connect with her on a daily basis and for her to know what’s going on in my life and for me to know what’s going on in hers,” Carter said.

Hoesel finds her situation less challenging than most because both her parents live in the area and now, since she can drive, it eases living in separate houses. In fact, when she was younger, her parents lived within walking distance of each other.

“When they first got the divorce, they were still in the same neighborhood. It was nice just because I could walk [to the other house] whenever I wanted to,” Hoesel said, “Now, that I have been driving, I have been staying at my mom’s but I still go out to do stuff with my dad because, you know, they have joint custody.”

Sophomore Melanie Faron’s parents also live in close proximity and she feels her parents are still great friends. Having separate parents just means the hassle of separate houses.

“It definitely makes it weird because they don’t live together anymore. It’s harder, switching weekends and everything,” Faron said, “It helps that they are so close. They still work together with like the big things, they just don’t live together.”

Junior, Jake Hayden also deals with the struggle to schedule living at two different places. Hayden saw it as something that had to be done.

“I mean, it is kinda hard, it’s not as fun having to schedule going to my mom and my dad’s house, it takes more time, rather than just going to one house,” Hayden said.

Allie McLaughlin, a junior, reflected on the overall split notion of having divorced parents. For her, it meant putting equal time to each parent, which can prove hard with a full schedule.

“It can be kind of aggravating sometimes. You have to put equal time for each parent and sometimes school and extra activities can get in the way of that. Sometimes you don’t see one parent as much as you should, then sometimes you can’t do school stuff because you have to go talk to a parent,” McLaughlin said.

“Don’t worry about it. It is nothing you can change, you gotta live with it. Play the hand you are dealt.”

Jake Hayden, junior

“It’s for the best. They are doing this for you. If they were together, they would just be fighting all the time.”

Allie McLaughlin, junior

“Seek people who understand how you feel. Its nice to know that you are not alone and it’s not your fault. Keep your head off and try to be there for your parents and any siblings you have. Your parents are separating with someone they thought they would be with forever.”

Raina Carter, junior

“It’s difficult, I get it, but things will get better. There is always something better to look forward to.”

Andrew Oswald, junior

“Take good care of yourself.

Eat well. Sleep. Know that sad feelings are part of the process.”

Mrs. Shannon Harting, counselor

6 discover NOV. 6, 2015

After high school, students are faced with a wide range of options ranging from four-year college to technical and trade schools.

Diverging paths Tech school, armed forces provide some Spartans with alternatives to four-year colleges

By Jack Hiegel Staff reporter For most of us, the path after high school is fairly straightforward. Once we graduate, we go to college, and once we are done there, we get a job in the real world. While there may be a few minor differences here and there, our post-high school careers all seem to follow the same path. However, senior Isaac Cutshall decided that this path isn’t for him and made the choice to blaze his own trail, choosing to go into the military instead of a four-year college.

Cutshall, who wants to go into the Marines, said that he made the decision about a year ago. His reasoning behind it dealt with his family’s involvement in the military.

“My brother was also in the Marines. My older brother was in the National Guard. I didn’t want to get left behind and get stuck behind a desk for another four years,” Cutshall said.

However, Cutshall is not the only one who has chosen to join the service.

Several other students, including senior Austin Stevens, prefer to pursue a career in the military immediately following high school. In regards as to why the military would be so appealing to certain students, Cutshall offered an answer explaining why he, as well as many other students, chose this over college.

“I want to push my body and get stronger. I could make a career out of the military,” Cutshall said.

Stevens, whose decision to join the military as a member of the Marine Corps was made in fourth grade, offered reasons that somewhat mirrored those of Cutshall.

“I didn’t want to be stuck in a desk job. I wanted to feel a sense of

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“I’ve always been into computers and so is my dad. I want to go into computer programming, and I feel like tech school would definitely help me to develop those skills. I’ve looked at other four year colleges and they seem to have worse computer programs.” -Trey Von, senior

adventure, and being in the Marines could provide that,” Stevens said.

There are several benefits to joining the military. For example, if you join, you are able to receive a free college education. In addition, several companies, ranging from car companies to restaurants, provide discounts for service members. For Cutshall, there also some personal and patriotic reasons for joining.

“I get to serve and protect my country and come out with some experience about how the world works and how to make a living,” Cutshall said.

Stevens also provided a variety of benefits that the service could offer new recruits. These ranged from housing and travel to feelings of camaraderie.

“Depending on what branch you go into, they’ll provide housing for you. Also, there are many different places that you can be stationed, which means you get to see a lot of different locations.

There’s also that sense of adventure and the thought of being a part of a team, which is always nice,” Stevens said.

Cutshall said that while the military isn’t for everyone, there are some students who would certainly benefit from it.

“It really depends on the student, but I think that if you’re willing to get shot at, then I think it’s for you,” Cutshall said.

However, the military isn’t the only alternative to four-year colleges. In addition to this, there is also

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technical school, which is a two-year school that provides training for a specific skill. According to senior Trey Von, who is considering going into tech school, he decided to pursue this path after he found out that it would assist him in his field of interest.

“I’ve always been into computers and so is my dad. I want to go into computer programming, and I feel like tech school would definitely help me to develop those skills. I’ve looked at other four-year colleges, and they seem to have worse computer programs,” Von said.

There are a number of benefits to going into a tech school instead of a four-year college. For Von, one of the main advantages of tech school dealt with the type of classes he has to take.

“In tech school, I only have to take classes related to my field. I don’t need to take math or science classes like I would in college,” Von said.

In addition to this, tech school doesn’t last as long as regular colleges and is generally cheaper as well. Von said that he would recommend tech school to anybody who was considering it.

“Yes, absolutely. It is very beneficial for students.

You get more experience in your profession than you would in a regular college, and you get it at a lower price,” Von said.

The military and tech school are just two of the many paths available for students after high school, and, just like all of the other paths, they both provide great benefits to the students who choose to follow them.

“I get to serve and protect my country and come out with some experience about how the world works and how to make a living.” -Isaac Cutshall, senior

Military statistics

88 47

Compensation for a military officer with a bachelor’s degree is 88 percent higher than that of a non-military citizen with comparable education.

Military officers with a graduate degree earn 47 percent than civilians with higher learning.

$118,000

At the 20-year mark, annual compensation for a bachelor’s degree is on average $118,000 for a military officer and $63,000 for a civilian.

4

Last year, four students from FHC enlisted in different branches of the U.S. military

Source: http://www.facethefactsusa.org/facts/tanks-andhumvees-caps-and-gowns

Tech school statistics

42 $33,000 Students are currently enrolled in tech school programs through Lewis & Clark Career Center.

The average technical school degree costs $33,000 compared to a $127,000 bachelor’s degree.

$10,000 The average college student debt load is $29,900 while the average debt for students graduating from tech school is around $10,000.

Skilled trade workers are a disproportionately older population, which will create increased opportunities for young workers to find employment.

Source: http://www.thesimpledollar.com/why-you-shouldconsider-trade-school-instead-of-college/

8 Discover NOV. 6, 2015

Something to

believe in

Religion plays a major role in students’ everyday lives

By Kaleigh Zehnle Staff reporter iversity comes in a variety of forms, from age to race and gender to religion. Religion tends to be a sensitive subject: people argue on the appropriate amount of separation between religion and school.

From Catholics Mary Halloran and Abby Dwyer, to Muslim sisters Amina and Malyka Janjua, to agnostic Jordan Nobs, to Mormon Daniel Leon, our school is home to a variety of religions. Though religion and school remain fairly independent of each other, students who are passionate about their religion and aren’t afraid to show it.

Halloran is Catholic, a branch of Christianity that adheres to tradition.

This means Catholics take what they read in the Bible and, in a way, try to recreate those situations.

“It’s really hard to understand sometimes because it’s a really complicated religion and we have a lot of mysteries,” Halloran said, “and that’s kind of the beautiful part of it.”

There are tools and doctrines Catholics have access to in order to help

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them better understand the religion. As for rules they are required to follow, according to Halloran, the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes guide her daily life.

“My life is centered around my religion because it’s where I come from, and it’s a central part of my life,” Halloran said. “I’m really proud of my religion, and I think that’s the way it should be. I just think it’s really cool being close to Christ.”

Dwyer is just as proud of her faith as Halloran. As a Catholic, she is supposed to go to mass once a week and attend confession. Dwyer believes a Catholic person should aim to be a good person in their everyday lives.

Both Dwyer and Halloran are part of the Catholics in Action club. Halloran and social studies teacher Don Lober started the club to give kids the opportunity to talk with other kids about religion.

Catholics in Action meetings usually happen on Thursday mornings before school.

“We just talk about encouragement and being a light in our school, and we read Scripture sometimes,” Dwyer said. “We talk about the Pope and what’s going on in the Catholic realm of the world.”

According to Dwyer, other students are surprised to find out she’s Catholic and not just Christian, and it’s important to her that people understand the distinction.

“Catholics are a lot more traditional,” Dwyer said. “You’ll see more rules than in another Christian faith. Christians just express themselves how they would like, where Catholics say ‘Here is the guideline to follow.’ Catholics have more structure than another Christian faith would.”

Sisters Amina and Malyka Janjua are Muslim, which means they follow the religion of Islam. As Muslims, the way they dress is important. Often, people find out Amina and Malyka are Muslim because they notice the differences in the way they dress.

“Girls are supposed to cover completely,” Amina said. “They’re supposed to cover their hair, which I don’t do, but I don’t wear shorts or capris or tank tops. Guys aren’t supposed to show their knees.”

According to Malyka, not wearing a headscarf doesn’t have any major consequences, but it’s something a Muslim should try to do if at all possible.

“It’s said that it’s not good [to not wear a headscarf],” Malyka said, “because your hair is supposed to be just for you and no one else should see it because it’s something special to you.”

According to Amina, her religion doesn’t have that much of an affect on her in school, though people do notice that she doesn’t wear shorts.

When they ask, she just tells them it’s because of her religion and it’s not a big deal to anyone.

“With stuff we learn, it’s not like it really affects me because we don’t talk about religion too much in classes,” Amina said. “It’s not like in class you talk about it in a biased way, you just spit out facts.”

Religion is important to Amina and Malyka because it’s something they deal with and learn about everyday. Their religion becomes a part of them and it’s a way to identify themselves.

“It’s something you can base yourself off of, for values and what you think is right,” Malyka said.

Nobs identifies as agnostic, meaning she neither believes nor disbelieves in God. Being agnostic is a more uncommon religion than others. According to a Pew Research study in 2014, four percent of people identified as agnostic. Nobs sometimes feels outnumbered by those who do believe in God. “I hear everyone’s different opinions, and I’m not really sure what to think of them,” Nobs said. “I kind of feel like I have to keep to myself because people could get offended if I’m not following their beliefs.”

Though Nobs is cautious in talking about her own religion because of what other people will think about it, she is open to hearing about other people's religions.

“I like to hear all points of view of the story,” Nobs said. “I’m not biased. I don’t tell people that they’re wrong for what they believe, and I don’t tell them that they’re right.”

Being agnostic is different from atheist because an agnostic person believes in the possibility of a god, while an atheist doesn’t believe in any gods.

“My personal belief is that I think that things are possible, and I’m just not really sure how to put them together yet,” Nobs said.

Leon is Mormon, meaning he believes in the priesthood, which is the power to act in the name of God to better humankind. There are some major misconceptions that others tend to have about the Mormon religion.

“People still think that Mormons follow polygamy, but that was back then when the Heavenly Father said it was all right for that to happen,” Leon said.

“I remember in seventh grade we learned a little section about Mormons, and the teacher said that polygamy was still up to date, but it wasn’t, and I was too scared to speak.”

Leon has to attend seminary, a religious program for youth, every morning before school.

After high school, he will attend a two-year mission somewhere in the world with the purpose of spreading the gospel. Other rules include not drinking coffee, tea, smoking, or using profanities.

For these students, religion isn’t just something they are a part of, but something that is a part of them and is a defining factor of their everyday lives.

Religion is a certain faith that you have,” Leon said. “It may not be the right one or something that others believe, but it’s something that you believe, and you’re following it until the day you die.”

Quick facts about world religions Catholicism

Islam

Mormonism

Agnosticism

Catholics believe in the institution of the papacy, an uninterrupted line of successors to St. Peter, the first head of Jesus’ church. The Pope can make infallible statements on doctrine.

The Five Pillars of the Muslim life are the testimony of faith, prayer, giving zakat (support of the needy), fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime.

Mormonism describes the doctrines of the Church that were restored to earth through the prophet Joseph Smith. Jesus Christ is central to Mormonism.

Agnostics believe that it’s impossible to know the truth of religious and metaphysical claims, particularly those of the existence of a deity.

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Feature

Music with meaning To some, music is just noise, but to others, it’s a whole new world

By Emily Mann staff reporter

Music really is a powerful thing, and means so many different things to so many people. Amongst almost everyone, music generally calms and relaxes, but, however, there are often so many more effects. Music can be therapeutic, and is used to help cancer patients, people with ADD, and pain

management. With music therapy, EEG machines are used to help identify the brain waves that are stimulated by types of notes used in music. It has been shown that brain waves affect our heart rate and rate of breathing and this is how music can impact us. Music can be used in language development; with the breaking down of sounds and how we encode and process information, and it has been proven to have a calming effect, and even classical music has been proven to impact learning.

“M

usic therapy works since it engages the brain and people develop an emotional connection with the music. If you think about it you can apply music to almost any aspect of psychology.”

-Stacey Dennigmann, Psychology Teacher

feature

“I

11 NOV. 6, 2015

t’s the soundtrack to our most joyous moments, the most painful times in our lives, and everything in between. In a very real way, music is life.”

Fall favorites

-Mr. Andrew Messerli, assistant band director

enre

ical g ite mus

Favor

nts 0 stude 9 d e w to rvie We inte us questions usic io r f a o re m with v hat gen to among w r e v disco ened : ost list results is the m Here are the s. our hall

e: 28% iv t a n r e Alt % Pop: 22 % Rap: 17 11% y: Countr % 22 Other:

“I

think music can be much more than just a hobby. I think it can be a key aspect and part of someone’s life. It can be their world if they let it, their passion.”

-Aly Janis, sophomore

1

“Carousel”

By Olivia Biondo feature editor

Melanie Martinez

I had never heard of Melanie Martinez before this song, but her first impression was one that will last. This song, “Carousel,” is a great mixture of creeepy and perfect. You can’t help but love this song, it can simply never get old.

2 “Emperor’s New Clothes” Panic! at the Disco

Panic! at the Disco sure is taking back the crown with their new single, “Emperor’s New Clothes.” Like all of their previous songs, it is absolutely perfect. The song has a darker sound, but the emphasis on creepy makes it all the better. The music video ties in perfectly, Brendon Urie as a demon exceeded any expectation that I thought I had.

3 “Hometown”

Twenty One Pilots

This song is one that hits home whenever I hear it. Twenty One Pilots is a band that i can really connect with, and “Hometown” is one that really reminds me of how times are changing and how and how thing won’t always go the way that you want them to.

4 “Typhoon”

Young the Giant

Typically most people are drawn to music and genres by what they like and the message behind the song. Further looking into it from a more psychological viewpoint, we learn our values and beliefs from parents, friends, and schools for example, which affects our music selections. We also use what is know as the mere exposure effect, which radios tend to use, where they replay the same play list for a period of time and we begin to sing along with the song, or actually start enjoying it. The idea of conformity also plays a role in which genre we listen to, if you are a teenager in order to be considered to be “cool” you feel you need to listen to a certain type of music; this is reinforced by our group norms that are determined by our specific age group.

This song means a lot to me. It’s a slower song, but the voice of Sameer Gadhia is so incredibly calming. This song is definitely a go-to when you need to relax, and there is no stopping when you catch yourself singing along.

5 “Colors” Halsey

Featured on Halsey’s newer album, Badlands, “Colors” is a darker song that you can’t help but sing along to. Everyone has that person that has changed them, and they can’t help but notice all of the little details that caused that change, and that is exactly what this song is about.

12 feature

Losing the legacy NOV. 6, 2015

After the loss of last year’s graduates, clubs learn how to keep moving forward without valuable members

By Skylar Laird staff reporter The theater is empty of everyone except the cast and crew who worked for hours upon hours to make this musical amazing. The last production is over, and it’s time to say goodbye to those who made the club great, the people who have spent the past four years working on show after show, the seniors.

Tristan Ratterman, his role as president set to begin before the end of the school year, hugs friends and says tearful goodbyes to people who he’s worked with for the past three years, both behind the scenes and in the cast. It’s not only the end, as it seems in this moment, but the beginning of a new year full of new faces, new shows, and new surprises, all whilst still getting used to the lack of last year’s familiar faces.

Theater isn’t the only club whose loss of seniors makes an impact, however; from Student Council to Epsilon Beta to NAHS, many clubs are feeling the holes left by last year’s members.

Ratterman, after saying his goodbyes to old friends, believes that, although sad, this change didn’t hurt the theater department this year.

“I think it’s impacted everyone most in a friendly kind of way,” he said. “They were all very friendly people, and it’s just a face you miss.”

Sophomore Elizabeth Skelly, a second-year member of the growing book club Epsilon Beta, agrees that although the loss of seniors was sad, it wasn’t detrimental. “[The impact] wasn’t really negative, it’s just different. We miss [the seniors], but it’s not like the club is falling apart.”

Returning NAHS member and senior Elise Wantling feels as though this change has been remedied by the addition of new members, making the graduation of last year’s seniors not an issue.

“There are tons of people [at meetings],” she said. “There are a lot of new freshmen and people I haven’t seen before. It seems like it’s gonna be

even better than last year, honestly.”

Even larger clubs, such as StuCo, agreed that, despite losing officers and other faces of the club, it’s still thriving.

Sophomore StuCo officer Will James thought this was due to the amount of involvement from underclassmen.

“Honestly, I don’t think it made too much of an impact because we had a lot of younger students step up to the plate and get the ball rolling, especially with Homecoming,” James said. In fact, StuCo’s big project was no concern, even with the loss of many influential members. “A lot of the members, especially freshmen, instead of being timid, have been coming to the meetings and helping plan Homecoming, and returning members continue to be active participants.”

Ratterman agrees that with the addition of numerous new members both in cast and on crews, theater has an abundance of fresh perspective and new ideas, making up for those that left the department with the graduates.

“Last year’s class was unique because they knew what they were doing and always took charge, but after they left, we’ve been left with a big loss of leadership,” Ratterman said. “The seniors are usually in charge, so their views are there, but then someone new comes in and wants to design something completely different, or run something differently, and it’s not positive or negative, it’s just different.”

Losing graduates, although it is tough, is an issue clubs have had to deal with year after year, and the addition of new members continues the cycle. According to Wantling, the clubs are strong enough to stay together despite the loss of valuable and beloved members.

“I think it was hard, just like every year, to lose the seniors, but it didn’t hurt the club any, and if anything, we’re doing even better this year than last year,” she said. “They left a lot of good ideas behind, and we’ve had plenty of people to fill in the spaces.”

Photo by Quentin Webert

Elise Wantling works on a project during a meeting of NAHS. Many new artists have joined and begun contributing new ideas.

Photo by Belle Herrera

StuCo Project Manager Will James works on StuCo’s newest project. The club is working hard on following up its success at Homecoming.

Photo by Quentin Webert

Elizabeth Skelly reads in preparation for Epsilon Beta’s upcoming meeting. This book club met today to discuss “Eleanor & Park.”

ad 13 NOV. 6 2015

2015-16 YEARBOOK ORDER FORM

BUY IT! $50 is a pretty affordable price for 300 pages of memories.

Give us your information below (and 50 bucks) and you’ll have your name put down for one copy of FHC’s awardwinning yearbook, the Odyssey.

What we need from you (please write clearly): Your name:____________________________ Year in school:_________________________ Cash or check:_________________________ Date:______________ (ALL CHECKS MUST BE MADE OUT TO FHC PUBLICATIONS)

If you prefer to use a credit card, you can do so at this address: https://ybstore.friesens.com/stores/422005

IMPORTANT DEADLINES: $50 price: from the start of school until Dec. 18, 2015 $65 price: from Dec. 19 until end of school year $75 price: at pick-up, no extra copies guaranteed

RECEIPT

Thanks for ordering your copy of the 2015-16 Odyssey.

Books will be available at registration in the summer of 2016. If you have questions, please contact Matthew Schott at matthew.schott@fhsdschools.org Order date:_______________

Staff signature

Amount paid:_____________

__________________

Dates to know FHC Publications has partnered with Club’s Choice to give students a chance to earn a free yearbook.

Sell 15 tubs of cookie dough and you’ll earn a copy of the 2015-16 Odyssey for free! Get order forms at schedule pickup Collect all money and checks (made out to FHC Publications) at the time of order.

Money is due when you submit order forms.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Order forms submitted to Rm. 139 by: Tuesday, Aug. 25 Cookie pick-up: Monday, Sept. 17 in school cafeteria (2:30-5p) All orders MUST be picked up, as FHC Publications has no way to store your cookie dough if it is not picked up Questions?

Ask Mr. Schott at matthew.schott@ fhsdschools.or

14

NOV. 6, 2015

focus unplugged

by Elisa Swanson

staff reporter Countdown: Right now, I’m feeling anxious. I am a generally anxious person, but I’m feeling really anxious because the truest statement in my life is “Mi celular es mi vida.” My phone is the reason I have any kind of life. It is not like I have no real life because trust me, I have no virtual life, but my phone gives me the impression that maybe I have a life.

Goals for next week: I WILL NOT CRY I will not go insane I will not stop breathing I will love this next week? (maybe that is a bit of a stretch)

by Elaine Mallon

staff reporter Countdown: I’m stressed out. I got off of work at eight, and now I’m cramming to finish all of my weekend homework before midnight.

The fact that I’ll be without my cell phone for a week only raises my anxiety. I’ll admit it. I spend many frivolous hours watching movie trailers and pinning halloween costumes.

However, my phone is a necessity in order to communicate with my friends, and teachers. Would if I miss one of Fay’s remind texts? Between word reference and Schoology, majority of my studies are completed through my phone. The following are goals for keeping sanity in my mental health.

Goals for next week: I will not go on social media I will not binge watch Netflix I will not fall into a depression I will learn how to be an independent human being

by Skylar Laird staff reporter Countdown: This is going to suck.

I’m already nervous. I’ve become obnoxiously conscious of how much I use my phone in the last few days; every time I pick it up, I realize that I won’t be able to do this next week. I won’t be able to update my Twitter, refresh my Instagram, send whatever is making me laugh at the moment to my friends. I’m already feeling the separation anxiety, as though this phone is my baby or something. I never really considered myself as a person who’s addicted to their phone, but I may be wrong.

I’ve set a few goals for the week, just to keep myself sane: Goals for next week: Don’t cry Don’t miss my phone too much Maybe actually do all my homework on time?

Just make it through the week I’m not ready for this. My week hasn’t even started yet and I want it to be over. I’m not ready.

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Black-Out

NOV. 6, 2015

Five days. Three students. No phones.

DAY ONE: THE PURGE SOCIAL MEDIA APPS ELAINE: After surrendering my phone and ipod, my morning was like any other typical day. However, once I reached fourth hour Government, I began to feel the “shakes”. Now it wasn’t extreme withdrawal symptoms that a heroine addict would experience, but I was indeed in distress. I needed to check Infinite Campus. I needed to know my grades. I couldn’t stand losing the convenience of checking my grades. When the bell rang, I was searching for my phone in all of the pockets in my bookbag. I finally remembered that my phone was locked away :(. Still, on my way to lunch I checked my nonexistent phone three additional times. I didn’t really miss using my phone, I just missed having it close. It’s like a security blanket for me.

ELISA: I am a storyteller and majority of my stories are told through my phone. However, now, I am free from the expectation to text back, to fix the problems of others, and, to an extent, even be me. I do find myself jumping when I feel a phone vibrate and realize there is no way it is mine.

My fingers are itching to text a simple “heyy”, but I am living, and fine. I could survive this. :)

USED BY TEENS:

% of all teens (ages 13-17) who use... facebook

71%

instagram

52%

snapchat

41%

twitter

33%

google+

33%

vine

24%

tumblr

14%

other

11%

SOURCE: Pew Resource Center

SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE

BY GENDER: % of girls and boys who use...

SKYLAR: Turns out, I use my phone a lot more than I expected. I don’t have the shakes yet, but I do keep checking my back pocket, where I usually keep it. There’s a tiny moment of panic when I realize it isn’t there before I realize I just don’t have it. It’s like an entire part of me is missing, and it hits me randomly, this weird emptiness in the pit of my stomach.

I can’t tell if it’s anxiety or longing or a strange mix of the two, but it’s there, and it’s making me sad. In a way, I miss the convenience of my phone, but at the same time, it’s only been a day, and I can already feel my mind beginning to clear. It’s like a mental detox. I’ve already caught up on homework and read half a book, the possibilities are endless!

61%

instagram

44% 51%

snapchat

31% 23%

tumblr

5% SOURCE: Pew Resource Center

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NOV. 6, 2015

DAY TWO:

DAY THREE:

ELAINE: So I slept in for an extra half hour, waking up to the shrewd yells of my mother. It was a rough morning. My radio alarm clock only allows me to set two alarms, and I accidentally had both times set at 5:30 pm. (it’s vintage). I need to set eight alarms in the morning as a way to slowly ease my body into waking up. During Trigonometry, I was actually using in class time to complete my homework. Usually I would spend that work time on Kik. I just felt so at ease, and productive in all of my classes. Feeling at peace, I found myself smiling and laughing more with my friends. However at the same time, I noticed how quiet and reserved I am in some of my classes. I realized my phone creates an anti -social bubble around me. Instead of scrolling through text messages before classes started today, I just sat at my desk and absorbed the buzz of conversation that surrounded me.

ELAINE: I miss talking to my Grandma. We don’t text all of the time, but when we do they’re meaningful texts. She lives in Michigan, and I only get to see her twice a year. It’s nice having the ability to send her pictures of what I’m doing with my time, and it’s nice seeing what she is up to. It’s weird, I don’t miss social media, but I just miss texting my Grandma and cousins.

ELISA: I literally have no time concept. Last night, I worked on homework and then checked my Cappex account for possible majors (coal engineer or clergyman?) and reorganized my closet and then went to bed before 9:30 (who does that!?). I woke up to the triple beep of my watch at 5:55am and my first thought was, “I miss my Shawn Mendes.” I am carrying my watch with me and anytime I would usually look at my phone, I check my watch. Do you know how long the last minute before lunch is? (sixty seconds too long.) What surprises me the most is I haven’t felt bored, I have stuff to do without my phone. I do kind of wonder, “How many goodnight texts did I miss last night?”

SKYLAR: As soon as I got home tonight, I was taunted by the temptation of shutting my brain off after a long day of school and band to let myself recharge, as though I’m a phone myself, which is a more-than-concerning thought; the phone and I are one. Or, at least, we were. But without my phone, I have to just keep moving forward, unable to resume my usual mindless state I occupy after school. I miss my phone the way a person on a diet craves chocolate cake: I know it’s bad for me, I know I’m better off without it, I know I can’t have it, but I want it. I’m still okay, though; this isn’t as difficult as I’d expected. It’s already seeming more normal, and I’m beginning to just accept my phone-less-ness as a part of my life.

ELISA: I missed a group message to hit around with the tennis fam. I couldn’t even go, but I should have known. It has shed a light on how left out I feel. I can’t connect with the friends I don’t see at school. My life is not school but it remains stuck in school. I need those people who care enough to ask “How was your day?” to make my day. My parents are having the biggest trouble with me not having my “tracking device”. I have a hectic schedule and they cannot handle not knowing where exactly I am. This exercise requires confidence in my ability to keep track of time and be responsible, two things I have never been good at. Another problem, I only know my mom’s phone number. When she doesn’t answer, I feel screwed. On a positive note, thanks to the lovely people that let me borrow their phones. I am finding certainty. I may not be able predict what my twitter feed is going to blow up with or when impromptu meetings will be, but, without these curve balls, my life is straight-lined. I wake up, I go to school, I go to the meeting I’ve known about forever, I go home, I do homework, I sleep. Then, the next day I repeat it. The consistency in my life may seem boring on paper, but it’s so much simpler! It seems selfish, but I don’t have to worry about what I cannot control.

SKYLAR: I did not have a great day today. It doesn’t have to do with the phone; I’m just in a bad mood. The issue, though, is that I tend to use my phone as a crutch on bad days. Right now, all I want to do is send a text.

Just one text. I don’t actually even send that many texts when I have my phone, but all of a sudden, I feel like I have a million things to get off my chest, and my phone is usually my outlet. I guess this is the downside to my newfound independence: while I don’t have to be worried about anyone except myself, it goes the other way around as well; my friends don’t have to worry about me. Everything has a balance, and we’ve now thrown that off, but I’m going to have to live with this new balance, highs and lows. Besides, I’m halfway done.

focus Use of popular social media apps: DAY FOUR:

52% Instagram of teens use 61%

Girls 44%

Boys

41% Snapchat

of teens use

Girls

Boys

ELAINE: It seems like classes go by faster without my phone. All of the time I’m checking the time in class, but now that I can’t, I’m more focused, and get more out of it. We live in a world where people are always on the go. We are constantly moving on to the next newest phone, the next sport, the next movie, the next everything. We are never content with where we are at. That is my mindset when I have my phone. I can’t wait for French to end. I can’t wait for Trig to end. I can’t wait for lunch. I can’t wait for this day to end. I can’t wait for the weekend. It’s just one big cycle! Fall Break snuck up on me. Junior year snuck up on me! Sometimes we get so caught up in moving on to the next thing, that we pass up opportunities that are right there.

51%

31%

33%

of teens use

Girls

37%

Boys

17 NOV. 6, 2015

Twitter

ELISA: I keep trying to find this big climax, but I don’t think there is one big point. It is just a bunch of tiny ones that add up. Time matters, every second counts, why do I spend it checking for messages? Teenage drama goes away, not to be rude, but the tears dry and everything is going to be okay.

Not having my phone makes me simply feel life. I realize life happens to every single one of us and instead of taking time to tweet about it or text someone about it or snapchatting it, it’s easiest to just let it go, move on. Just live life. The feeling of being free from an inanimate object and knowing I truly don’t need it, is fantastic. I wish I could challenge the world to go without their phones, to feel this freedom.

30%

SOURCE: Pew Resource Center

Phone, computer, and console access 87%

Computer Smartphone Gaming console Tablet computer

81% 73% 58%

SKYLAR: As I sat on the bus in silence this morning, unable to listen to my music, I realized I’ve actually missed my camera more than I expected.

This morning’s sunrise was beautiful, but I couldn’t photograph it like I normally would, and it made me think about how we perceive beauty nowadays, as something that must be shared. This morning, I was forced to acknowledge that, although pretty, this sunrise was impermanent. In an hour or so, it would fade away into the day sky, and there was no way for me to save it so I could go back and look at it later. Yes, it kind of sucks, but it also made me appreciate it in a way I usually don’t; in realizing this impermanence, I made it my duty to take it all in, to absorb every last drop of beauty, and it was truly freeing to do; I suddenly was appreciating this sight without any other obligations, without stressing about how many favorites this was going to get on Twitter or what caption would get me the most likes on Instagram. But my week of this is almost over.

One more day.

Basic cell

30%

SOURCE: Pew Resource Center

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NOV. 6, 2015

DAY FIVE:

AFTERWORD:

Elaine: The final day of my detox has finally arrived. All good things must come to an end, and I hope I will maintain my phone usage to a minimum.

Never once did I miss using Snapchat, or Twitter this week. I may spend a great deal of time on social media, but it’s simply out of boredom. I don’t treasure the time spent on my phone, so why would I miss my cell phone as if it were a friend or my dog? I only ached for Spotify and my contact’s list (which I should have printed off). Obviously, being without my devices did not make my life unbearable. Being with my devices doesn’t make life more bearable either honestly. One’s happiness and support doesn’t come from social media or phone, but it comes from the people who are always there. Experiences and Adventures don’t occur when one’s on their phone, so I challenge everyone to please turn off the tv, put away the phone at family dinners. Interact with your fellow man in the line at the grocery store. Treat every moment like it’s your last, and don’t let your phones rob you from good times and laughter.

Elaine: Honestly, I’m amazed by my new-found self discipline, and productivity. During the break, I didn’t have time to fart around online all day. Basically, I worked every single day, and I studied hard for the PSAT. I wouldn’t allow myself to waste precious hours on twitter or Netflix. (OK, I had an Adam Sandler movie marathon one night!). Instead of texting friends, I would actually call them up. Granted, I still spend a great deal of time on my phone; however, I’m no longer obsessing over tweets by Relationship Goals. I’m learning to enjoy the moment I’m in.

Elisa: Knowing getting my phone back is so soon means it can’t come soon enough. I’ve been writing for the last few days about how great it is to not to have a phone and how much I love it, but, right now, I just want it back. I can already feel the pull of it. Maybe technology is a drug and I’m finally feeling withdrawal. I just want my phone back to get everything I’ve missed.

LOL, when my phone first turned on, it didn’t even buzz, and it seemed like I didn’t get any messages and then 30 missed calls popped up (did someone give my number away?), then Groupme came up...oh groupme.

Skylar: I can feel my heart beating in my throat. We get our phones back today. I’m so excited, I’m beginning to think this break wasn’t long enough, but I want to believe at least some of these habits will carry on for a little while, although I’ll probably be back to my old habits in no time at all. Knowing that, though, I’ve set myself some resolutions for life with a phone, in the hope that having them listed out for myself will make me more likely to keep my word: I will not spend all my time on my phone I will prioritize things that actually benefit me over social media I will use my phone mostly for necessities I will cut down the time I spend on social media I will find the balance between too much technology and not enough

Elisa: Unfortunately, I haven’t given up my phone. I am slimming down. I haven’t opened up social media, I see the notifications but I don’t feel the need to waste that time. I still text away hours at a time, but I appreciate every text I can send. I have almost given up all the games on my phone.

It wasn’t hard to get my phone taken away, the second it was locked away, I faced the truth I wouldn’t get it back til Friday. The impact didn’t dawn on me til later, but the actual action of handing over my phone was not hard. Yes, it required trust in another human being, but once in awhile that is healthy. I am terrible at giving advice but if you wanted pointers for “digitally detoxing” your life, I’d start right where we did. Take it away, adjust, and then bring it back when you realize the role of technology in your life. I think as a teenager I realized I don’t need my phone; it’s more of a distractor than a helper but sometimes that’s what life requires, a distraction.

Skylar: I’m not going to act like I’ve been a saint this past week, shunning all technology for a better life, preaching to everyone I know about how awful social media is. I definitely didn’t stick to the no-phone policy, but I have been better than I was. And after this whole endeavor, I found myself in strong belief of one thing: Technology isn’t inherently positive or negative; it’s about how you use it that counts, and I had a tendency to use it in a more negative way. If anyone is looking for advice about detoxing, first of all, I commend you for realizing you need to break your addiction. I sure didn’t realize it before I gave up my phone. Second of all, I don’t think there’s an easy way to wean yourself off your phone. The best way is to just give it up completely. Maybe not the whole phone; maybe start slow, deleting your biggest time-wasting app first, then working from there. However you decide to do it, though, I can almost guarantee that it will impact your life, probably in a positive way. At least, it did mine. It’s a bad habit I’m still trying to break, but honestly, this technology-less week was like a breath of fresh air, and I am really trying to keep my head above this technological water.

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19 NOV. 6, 2015

Frequency of Internet Use % of teens age 13 to 17 who use

by Teens: the internet with the following frequencies

Several times a week 5%

SOURCE: Pew Resource Center

24%

12%

56%

Almost constantly

91%

Several times a day

About once 1% a day Once a week

of teens use the internet on a mobile device instead of a typical computer

teens who have access to a smartphone compared to only 15% who have basic phones

30

2% Less often

73%

the average amount of texts sent or received per day by a typical teen SOURCE: Pew Resource Center

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NOV. 6, 2015

move

Making a great athlete Fall coaches share what qualities they look for in Spartan athletes

By Sports Staff

Leadership, resilience, good character, and respect. These are the four qualities, as identified by coaches, a student-athlete must have to compete as more than a player on a team, more than someone in a jersey, more than a scholar on the field, but as an ultimate Spartan.

Leadership

An ultimate Spartan could not be an ultimate Spartan without leadership abilities to lead their team and others around them.

According to Jeremy Rohrbach, an ultimate Spartan is not only someone who is able to better their own game, but someone who inspires their teammates.

“They [the other teammates] see what they’re doing at practice and the games and that’s going to challenge themselves to

“Someone who’s willing to not only step up their game, but really work with all the players on the team, make sure that they are doing everything they can to get better every single day.”

ULTIMAT - Coach Jeremy Rohrbach

Abby Conoyer

Tyler McDonell

be able to want to get to that level,” Coach Rohrbach said.

Cross country coach Michelle Breuer agreed leadership is all about motivating teammates to be the best they can be and strive for more.

“A leader gets the kids moving/motivated, warmed up, and sets a good example. Their determination at practice and the meets can be contagious,” Coach Breuer said.

Resilience

Many of the coaches agree an ultimate spartan is someone who faces their toughest battles head on without a ever giving up. First year softball coach Zachary Sheets identifies an ultimate Spartan as someone willing to go above and beyond all expectations.

“My idea of the ultimate Spartan is

Taylor Eichel

someone who is willing to go above and beyond what they are expected to do.

Someone who strives everyday to get better in everything that they do as a person and player. Someone who is relentless in their chase of greatness,” Coach Sheets said.

They do what they need to do without needing to be told to do so all the time. This is big, especially for boys swim and dive coach Jacob Froeschner “They need to be on time and ready to get to work when they arrive, they need to get to work when it’s time without a lot of prompting from me, and they need to give their best effort at all times, both in practice and at meets,” Froeschner said.

Good character

Good character is something that these coaches expect on and off the court or field

move

21

TE SPARTANS “My ultimate Spartan on the team would have to be one of my captains, Ryan Eilers. He’s a great leader for the team, he works hard at practice, and is always pushing the team to better themselves.”

NOV. 6, 2015

-Coach Jacob Froeschner

Cameron Brown

Jordon Cooper

from their athletes. Good character is what will help an athlete grow not only as a player, but as a person. Coach Rohrbach expects nothing less than a good attitude from his players.

“You want them to have good character on and off the court. I always say when you’re playing tennis that if you’re having fun no matter whether you’re winning or losing, the other person is going to have fun — it’s fun for the parents, it’s fun for the coaches. Good attitude and just good character is going to make the sport more enjoyable for everyone,” Coach Rohrbach said.

Coaches want their players to develop and use the skill they have learned in their sport as guidelines for their everyday lives.

“I want them just to grow as a player and as a person,” Coach Rohrbach said. “Most,

Kristy Eslinger

Colton Brown

if not every one of my tennis players are not going to pursue this in college or after, so if we can help them just gain some life skills, so that when they walk out of Howell Central, and move onto their next story, next chapter in life, that they’re a little more prepared and they can look back on that time that we had and say you know they taught us some very good lessons overall.”

Respect

Respect is a trait which is necessary in many ways throughout life, but particularly in sports. Coaches look for respect for the game, other teammates, and themselves amongst their athletes. Coach Froeschner puts a big emphasis on respect when he considers what an ultimate spartan would be.

Colton Schweigert

Ryan Eilers

“A good athlete should recognize that the coach is there for a reason and to take their guidance and advice to heart. Also, when a coach or teacher tells/asks you to do or try something, they need to give it a shot and not just say ‘No, I’m not doing that’ or ‘that won’t work for me’,” Coach Froeschner said.

A love for the game is a must, but that stems from respect for the game. First year golf Coach Paul Otto speaks of this in his athletes as well.

“Read books about the history of the game and respect the game through your behavior/ attitude, always be willing to learn, and to apply the golf skills they’ve learned from their role models to execute the right shot at the right time,” Coach Otto said.

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Yoga &workouts NOV. 6, 2015

(for people who don’t work out)

Yoga is a peaceful way to exercise your body and mind, but may be intimidating to the inexperienced. Just remember, yoga is about what the individual needs, not about doing a pose the exactly like the yoga models.

So listen to your body and its needs that day and let go of the awful fear you may be judged. You don’t even need a yoga mat! A towel will do.

Here are just a few simple poses anyone can tackle.

Warrior I Why you want to do it: stretches and strengthens legs while opening hips and shoulders the torso back.

How to: Square hips and step into a lunge. Pivot the back foot into a forty-five degree angle and send the heel into the ground as you lean into the front foot, bending the knee as you reach high above your head and to the ceiling. Lean back slightly to stretch the abdomen and front quadricep.

Why you want to do it: A great way to improve circulation and eliminate back pain and stiffness How to: Start on hands and knees and press palms firmly into the matt as you lift your knees and hips. Start to straighten your knees without locking the knees and lengthen the spine. Allow the heels to get as close as possible to the mat in order to get a proper stretch in the back of the legs.

Move and Discover editors

Everyone wants to be fit, and everyone wants to manage their time. Too bad that’s impossible, right? WRONG! Here are four very simple exercise you can do while taking care of your everyday business.

Jumping jacks while you microwave your Hot Pocket Jumping jacks are a classic, and are a great way to burn calories and increase your heart rate. They are simple and portable, and you only look a little weird if you do them in public, but I assure you there are plenty of weirder things people could do.

Go ahead and microwave something delicious, and challenge yourself to do jumping jacks the entire time it heats. The hotter your food gets, the hotter your body!

Squats while brushing your teeth

Down dog

By Bri Shatto and Cadence Bippen

Brushing your teeth is (hopefully) an activity you do twice a day, so squats will become twice the fun!

Or they will at least wake you up before school. This may even encourage you to brush your teeth longer, so FHC can be sparkling with pearly whites.

To do a squat correctly, keep your mid-section muscles engaged at all times. The weight of your body should be over your heels, and your torso should remain upright.

Keep your feet hip-width apart and at a slight outward angle.

move 23

Taking the field again

NOV. 6, 2015

Yocum returns to the soccer pitch, but this time as a coach Coach Taylor Yocum has a talk with his athletes postgame. Yocum is a 2010 graduate of Francis Howell Central and is now a Freshmen Boys soccer coach.

“Coaching this team has been an incredible experience. It’s amazing to be a part of Spartan Nation again,” Yocum said.

Photo by Taylor Tinnes

By Leslie Sutton Staff reporter When Taylor Yocum left Don Muench Memorial Stadium in 2010, he thought it would be the last time he would ever play on that field. However, this is not the case. A FHC graduate, Yocum has returned to the field, packed with nostalgia, but for a different reason: he’s the new coach. Yocum was hired this year as the new boys freshman soccer coach.

When leaving Francis Howell Central, Yocum knew he wanted to be a coach.

“It was pretty much a no-brainer for me. Soccer has always been a huge part of my life and it continues to be a huge part of my life through coaching,” Yocum said.

Yocum’s return was unexpected — he was unaware a job position was open. He was attempting to contact former Coach Nick Beckmann for job advice when he was asked to come back as a coach.

“Oddly enough, I was emailing Coach Beckmann asking for a letter of recommendation,” Coach Yocum said. “I had just finished coaching at Kickapoo High School in Springfield and was searching for a job in the area. He replied and said that the freshman coaching positioned had opened up. I replied to him with an answer a few minutes after.”

Yocum has many years experience with soccer.

In addition to playing at FHC, he has played at many other schools and gained experience with many other styles. He has played at Lindenwood University, St. Charles Community College, and St. Louis Scott Gallagher.

“I have played for a number of different coaches during my club soccer years,” Yocum said. “Club is much different from high school in a number of ways. However, the colleges I played at have many similarities to the style of soccer FHC has.

The Coaches at FHC have a very modern style and that is what I saw at Lindenwood and St. Charles Community College. This is a very fun style to coach with.”

With these other forms of playing, Yocum has a varied experience and a vast knowledge to draw from for his coaching here.

“Playing at the collegiate level gives you a greater understanding of the game from a tactical standpoint. You get to watch film and you learn the intellectual side of the game.” Yocum said.

As a somewhat recent graduate, Yocum gets to coach with some familiar faces - the ones who coached him.

“The respect I have for Coach Beckmann, Coach Phillips, and Coach Moe is unbelievable. I learn something new from them every day. I loved having Phillips and Beckmann as coaches when I played at FHC. Having them treat me as a coach and not a player is strange at times, but I really

enjoy having them as mentors,” Yocum said.

With becoming a coach so recently, there’s some adjustments in mentality that need to take place. A coach must be more professional off the field, and they need to keep their negative emotions inside.

“My biggest struggle coaching is keeping my cool and reminding myself that I am not a player anymore. I am a big kid at heart and an even bigger kid on a soccer field. I can’t help but jump in a few drills and knock the ball around,” Yocum said. “I also wear my heart on my sleeve and have a lot of passion towards soccer. Sometimes it is hard to control that passion and or express it in a professional manner.”

Yocum acknowledges that keeping emotions in check can be a struggle when on the sidelines. As a player, keeping emotion out can be detrimental — a game where the players don’t seem to care is as pointless as it is boring. However, whenever a team puts their positive energy into a game, they can pull an amazing win.

“The biggest reward as a coach is when my team scores a goal,” Coach Yocum said. “Especially if the goal is created by something we’ve been working on. I remember the joy scoring a goal brought to myself and my team when I played. It’s great to be able to share that joy again with my team. It’s a feeling that I missed very much when I was away from the game.”

24 connect NOV. 6, 2015

Photos. Video. Breaking news. FHCtoday.com is the place to go for anything you want to know about what’s happening at FHC.

Girl’s volleyball played Fort Zumwalt South on Oct. 8 winning the match. See a gallery of the game online at fhctoday.com with this QR code.

CUSTOM SCREENPRINTING & EMBROIDERY

Your one stop shop for Simply Southern & Southern Couture t-shirts Short sleeve t-shirts: $19.99 Long sleeve t-shirts: $24.99-29.99 Only at Christine’s Hallmark 6069 Mid Rivers Mall Drive Cottleville, Mo. 636-926-3373

in the Schnuck’s & Office Max shopping center

bring this ad in and receive a free cosmetic bag with any purchase. expires dec. 1, 2015 while supplies last

The work program is a choice made by many seniors inside the halls of FHC. Read about the work program and what it does for students on fhctoday. com with this QR code.

www.christineshallmark.com

SENIORS!

Nov. 15 is the deadline for senior photos!

Call 636.237.2732 today!

publications 25 NOV. 6, 2015

Nine students.

Five national awards FHC Publications students earn national and state recognition each year.

Come be a part of our team. Stop by Room 139 and talk to Mr. Schott about how you can come write, shoot, edit and design for us.

In students own words: “I like the freedom we have to do as we wish and have responsibility.”

“I like that we get to share the memories we make with our student body and that we tell the story of our year through our pictures.”

“Everyone has a story, and every story is worth being heard. It is so fun to get to know people and then take their words, face, drawings, and turn them into a medium on a page in a book that they can look back on and remember.”

“The class gets to run itself and be responsible for their work and deadlines.”

“Nothing is better than seeing something that is in your mind come to life through the web, newspaper or yearbook.”

“I love the atmosphere of room 139, and the fact I am treated as an adult in here.”

Why you should do journalism: According to a Newspaper Association of America study, students with journalism experience: u Have higher high school GPA’s u Score higher on the ACT, specifically in English and Reading u When they get to college, their freshman GPA’s are better The study concluded: “Journalism gives them a chance to apply their natural leadership abilities, while also exercising their critical thinking, designing and writing skills.

NSPA sports reaction photo of the year finalist

NSPA feature photo of the year finalist

MJEA sports action photo of the year

NSPA yearbook design of the year finalist photo by Francis LUnatto

F The

word

the controversy behind this word and its impact by meLissa wyas

Editor

Interested?

Stop by Room 139 to talk with Mr. Schott about how you can become the next great journalist at FHC.

26

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NOV. 6, 2015

2015-16 SENIOR AD FORM 1/8 page Color $70

AD SIZES

1/4 page Color $100

1/2 page Color $130

Full page Color $250

circle your ad size please

Student’s name: _____________________________________ Advertiser’s name:____________________________________ Advertiser’s e-mail:____________________________________ Advertiser’s phone #:__________________________________ Messages for the ad should be emailed to Mr. Schott at matthew.schott@fhsdschools.org You may email the form in the email field or attach a Microsoft Word document.

FHC Publications prefers you to send photos via email as well, but does accept hard copies of photos. We will also email a proof of your ad to the email address provided above.

PHOTO DETAILS

1/8 page = 1 photo 1/4 page = 2 photos 1/2 page = 4-6 photos Full page = 6-8 photos

Please submit photos with this form or via e-mail to: matthew.schott@ fhsdschools.org Photos e-mailed should be scanned at 300 ppi. All photos in the book must run at 300 ppi (if you need help, please e-mail us!)

Please make sure you own the copyright of the photo.

The staff of the Odyssey reserves the right to not publish any photo it deems unfit for publication or that do no adhere to guidelines

DETAILS All ads must be paid in full at the time of submission. Check should be made out to: FHC Publications.

The last day ads will be accepted is Dec. 22, 2015 (see right).

Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your photos returned.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Matthew Schott at matthew.schott@fhsdschools.org Please mail submissions to: Matthew Schott, 5199 Hwy. N. St. Charles, Mo. 63304

SENIOR DATES TO KNOW:

All of the dates listed below are firm. No exceptions will be made.

Fundraiser forms due for free yearbook: 8/25/15 Cookie dough pickup: 9/17/15 Senior photos taken at Cilento Photography (636.237.2732 for an appointment) Yearbook price increases to $65: 12/19/15 Senior ad forms due (no late fee): 12/11/15 Last day ad forms can be accepted (with $25 late fee): 12/22/15 Questions?

Email matthew.schott@ fhsdschools.org

voice

27 NOV. 6, 2015

to change

Drug education program needs to be changed to be effective

By Dulci Hedges staff reporter Drug Abuse Resistance Education, most commonly known as D.A.R.E., the program we all had to go through.

Where we were taught the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and where we took a pledge to say “no to drugs” for life, but is this program actually effective? Was all that hard fifth grade effort we put into this program worth it?

According to TIME Magazine, “[A] study, performed at the University of Illinois, suggests some high school seniors who’d been in DARE classes were more likely to use drugs than their non-DARE peers.”

Regardless of being DARE educated or not, kids are GOING to do drugs and drink alcohol. It’s inevitable.

But, I find the irony in the statistic that says that those who participate in DARE are more inclined to do drugs than those not involved, to be painful. Shouldn’t this be hard proof that their program is unsuccessful and they should bow their heads in shame? Yet here they are, still working hard to convince kids to stay away from those horrible substances.

The probable reason behind the statistic is a study by psychologist William Colson, who “argued that D.A.R.E. increased drug awareness so that ‘as they get a little older, [students] become very curious about these drugs they’ve learned about from police

officers,’” according to livescience.com.

So, really, by teaching us how bad drugs are, kids are dumb enough to go out and explore the things that we were taught would kill us. Go teenagers. But, of course, we are going to get curious. It’s human nature.

Statistically, the most effective way of learning is by doing. I’m not telling you to go out and get yourself some illegal substances. Actually, I recommend that you not do that. I’m just saying that to learn from mistakes, you must first make them.

A good idea would be to alter the program. Since the system isn’t working, change what the system consists of. To experiment and see what’s working and what’s not. Give the knowledge of drugs and alcohol, without the constant stressing of “never do them ever or you’ll die because of them.” Let them know that the world won’t condemn them if they take a small sip of beer. Like anything, it comes in moderation, so teach instead that if they do drink, to do it responsibly. No driving, no trying to walk six miles home intoxicated at 3 a.m., no waking the neighbors, all that good stuff.

Obviously there’s good intentions behind D.A.R.E., but ultimately, it’s easy to tell that the program is much less than effective, especially if they’re not going to change their strategy to attempt to make it more useful to those forced to participate.

50 students were surveyed on the use of alcohol and illegal substances Have you tried marijuana?

Yes 62% No 38% Have you tried other drugs?

Yes 34% No 66%

Have you ever consumed alcohol?

Yes 80% No 20%

28

NOV. 6, 2015

voice

United we stand

Diversity in U.S. culture allows all to add something to our identity

By Melissa Wyas Yearbook editor-in-chief There are so many great things about the United States, and I truly feel lucky to live in a country that offers us so many freedoms. One of the greatest things, in my opinion, is that people come from all corners of the world in hopes of a better life, and achieving their dreams.

With those dreams and desires, people also bring with them their cultures and traditions from their home countries. All of these interesting and diverse cultures come together to make the American “melting pot” that we are known for. However, there has been a recent trend trying to reverse this cultural diversity that has been centuries in the making. But before I go too far into that, I feel like I should debunk a few misconceptions.

As far as our military goes, dreadlocks are not discriminated against just because they’re popular among African Americans. That thought alone baffles me. In addition, women aren’t disciplined any more than men for wearing ethnic hairstyles.

Any member of our military, man or woman, Caucasian or of color, is prohibited from having “bulky” haircuts like dreads, braids, or cornrows because they can obstruct important headgear like protective helmets or radio headsets. It has nothing to do with being “dirty” or “unprofessional.”

If I had to choose between my favorite hairstyle and a helmet that could save my life, it would be a pretty easy decision. It’s a matter of safety, not style.

On top of that, employers aren’t allowed to discriminate against job candidates based on their appearance, race, age, gender, or several other factors under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. They also can’t prevent workers from wearing hijabs, bindis, or any other religious clothing, and that’s not grounds for firing either.

That being said, I, a white, middle class, American woman, don’t have much experience with discrimination, or my culture being stolen for that matter. I don’t think I have the authority to condemn anyone for cultural appropriation because I haven’t gone through it.

I’m not saying dressing up as a scantily clad Native American for Halloween is okay either, because it’s not. Wearing Native American headdresses on a lingerie fashion show or black face as part of a Halloween costume is damaging to a culture. It’s associating Native American heritage with risque clothing and objectification.

It’s making people of color the butt of a joke.

But having a henna tattoo on my hand doesn’t mean I’m making fun of Middle Eastern culture, just like wearing dreads or braids isn’t making fun of African American culture. They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

However, people still need to be respectful of other cultures. White people wearing dreadlocks or henna tattoos isn’t promoting a racist generalization of any kind. If people were to learn more about the cultures present in America and become more knowledgeable about it’s origins, it becomes sharing culture, not stealing it. But if

someone were to walk up to you and ask about your henna tattoo, would you be able to back yourself up? Would you truly be able to explain the importance of henna (or any other “appropriated” trend) to its culture? If not, I would behoove you to look into it. When you participate in a culture, you are being a representative of that culture, so be knowledgeable.

Now I can’t speak for people of other cultures, but I would definitely rather people interact with my culture and experience it with me as opposed to it being exclusive to one small group of people.

It’s kind of like the fancy china dishes my mother keeps in cabinets in our dining room. Is it better to take them out when people come over, or to keep them tucked away in the cabinets where nothing can get to them?

In response to cultural appropriation, I’m not exactly sure what the solution is. Is it ignoring other cultures altogether? No, of course not. If the only way to participate in a culture is to be a part of it, what’s the point?

I’m pretty sure people learning about and experiencing other cultures is what diversity is all about! We need to find the middle ground, somewhere between appropriation and ignorance. I think the better metaphor for America would be a salad bowl.

We all come from different backgrounds, and we all bring different cultures with us. But, when we’re all mixed together, we don’t lose our previous identities. New cultures help us to appreciate other cultures and our own even more.

voice

How Wi-Fi ruins my Li-Fi

29 NOV. 6, 2015

By Cadence Bippen Discover editor

I

get up every morning and check Twitter to see if there’s a snow day. Sure, instead I could look out the window, or recognize the fact that it’s early November and 70 degrees, but it keeps me optimistic. Then I see I got a GroupMe notification: meet at the library after school to study for calculus. I turn on Spotify for the car ride to school, and I am ready to start my day.

That’s when everything goes downhill.

The moment I step into the school building, I am greeted with our beautiful Wi-Fi. Free, fairly reliable… and extremely restrictive. I know why it is like that — it’s because we lose all of our rights in this prison.

Just kidding, I completely understand the reason behind blocking certain sites: some things are just inappropriate for school.

On sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, you never know what might show up. But with the changing times, maybe Wi-Fi restrictions should be changing, too.

More and more teachers, clubs, sports, and even guidance counselors are using Twitter as a means of instant communication with

A handful of FHC twitter handles

students, and that is a great idea. The vast majority of high school students have smart phones and access to Twitter, and it’s an easy way to spread news fast.

Accounts such as @FHCAD, @pamsloan1, and @CoachBeckmann are local Twitter icons, and yet students can’t access these at school. Not only that, but band kids can’t get news from @fhcspartanbands, dancers can’t hear from @FHC_Sensations, and plenty of other students can’t get the information they need either. Sometimes, it’s a practice cancellation, a reminder, or results of something, and those are really inconvenient to miss.

It’s also costly, because the way around the blockage is to turn off Wi-Fi altogether, eating up all of our precious data.

Other apps, such as GroupMe, just recently became blocked. Last year GroupMe was accessible, and now it isn’t. I don’t know how this works, but if it became blocked this year due to its rise in popularity last year, that is really annoying. What was going through the Wi-Fi peoples’ minds? “It became

Mr. Harris @FHCAD Mr.Thorpe @FHCsciguy Mr. Reed @FHC_Reed National Honor Society @FHC_NHS Sensations @FHC_Sensations Spotlight Players @FHCtheatre Publications @FHCPublications (follow us) Spartan Bands @fhcspartanbands Mrs. Mair @sramair Mr. Rohrbach @FHCRohrbach Library @FHCLIBRARYLC StuCo @FHCStuCo_ Girls Basketball @FHCgirlsbball Coach Young @COACH_Y0UNG Dr. Arnel @SonnyArnel Color Guard @FHCentralGuard Softball @FHCSpartanSB Guidance Office @FHCGuidance Girls Volleyball @FhcGirlsVB Fellowship of Christian Athletes@spartans_fca

successful because tons of kids were using it. Oh, I know! Let’s take it away from them!

Mwa ha ha ha.” GroupMe has become vital in communication between Apple and Android users, and now it is unavailable at school.

Cool.

A little more besides the point is Spotify.

Sure, it has nothing to do with communication between students and teachers, but music is really useful during dull lectures. (Not really.

Listen to your teachers. But music is ok when appropriate.) Honestly, I don’t see anything wrong with Spotify. Social media sometimes has inappropriate posts, but Spotify is just music.

I know there are plenty of other issues in schools that are probably of more importance, but I just wanted to speak about a fairly simple one that I face nearly every day. It’s not detrimental to my learning, obviously, because I’ve made it this far — but, it would make my life a lot easier. Isn’t that what we’re all about, anyway? Constantly getting better? Unblocking a couple sites is a very easy way to make life at school better.

Coach Beckmann @CoachBeckmann Mr. Stofer @FHCSpartanAP Mr. Menchaca @coach_menchaca Speech and Debate @SpartanSpeakers Girls Golf @GolfFhc Pep Club @FhcPepClub Coach Eberhardt @coachebbe Coach Clark @JClarkFHC Coach Baize @CoachSBaize National Art Honor Society @FhcNAHS Baseball @fhc_Baseball Football @FootballFHC Percussion @FHCPERC Arete @AreteFhc Choir @FHC_Choirs Wrestling @WrestlingFHC DECA @FHCDECA1516 Ms. Henry @FHC_RHenry13 Ms. Fay @LaFay150 Cross Country @FHCXC

30 entertain

NOV. 6, 2015

Star Wars:

still relevant in high school?

Students weigh in on their opinions of the Saga ion

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By Will Sills

“Definitely! I’m really excited to see how they expand upon the Star Wars Universe.”

Since I was eight years old, Star Wars has raced

Buchanan was not the only person I talked to who

through my heart with excitement and wonder. To this

is excited at the thought of seeing the next film in the

day, I still love these films and am eagerly anticipating

saga.

the release of “Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.”

Senior Conner Adkins, a lifelong fan of the franchise, was even more optimistic about the

The other day, I was discussing the film with a

new film. “I’m seeing it for sure. Day one for me. I’ll

friend of mine, who told me that he no longer liked

probably see it one or two more times after that as

“Star Wars.” In fact, he said he hasn’t liked the films

well.”

blown away.”

For junior Jeremy Josar, it was Darth Vader’s reveal at the end of ‘Empire.’

“I still remember the first time Vader told Luke he was his father. I think that’s the earliest Star Wars memory I have to be honest,” said Josar.

For Bianchi, it was a certain character from “Return of the Jedi.”

“Every scene with Jabba the Hutt. They were just perfect,” she said.

since elementary school. That started my curiousity:

One of the strong reasons for the love of “Star

“If you’ve seen Star Wars, you’re a fan,” said

have high schoolers grown out of the epic science

Wars” amongst our student body seems to be for

Adkins. “There is no outgrowing it. It’s not a pair of

fiction film franchise telling the stories of a long time

their strong nostalgic memories of the franchise.

jeans. It’s pop culture.”

ago in a galaxy far, far away?

Many people have grown up with “Star Wars” in one

Even if you are not a fan, you most likely will at least

form or another, and our student body is no exception.

respected. In fact, T.J. Buchanan believes there’s

illustrated by the success of Star Wars action figure

“My dad introduced it [Star Wars] to me like in

something for everyone in the saga, which is why he

sales, and is also huge among adults who grew up

middle school or so. I literally watched all of them

with the original trilogy. That doesn’t necessarily

with him,” said senior Gabby Bianchi

Star Wars is obviously still huge amongst children,

mean students at FHC are into the saga of science fiction space operas.

thinks Star Wars is still relevant.

“It’s definitely still relevant,” said Buchanan. “It’s not

From when I was first introduced to the amazing

like “Star Trek” where it’s not uncommon for people

special effects, the many worlds and aliens, the

to hate it. Everyone can like something about Star

After asking around a dozen students, I feel as if

battles, and the music, I was hooked. It was as if Star

Wars. No doubt about it.”

I can clearly say that yes, “Star Wars” is still a big

Wars had lept out of my TV and pulled me in faster

thing in high school. Huge even. In fact, every person

than the Millenium Falcon jumping into hyperspace.

“Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens” opens on Dec. 18, and it seems much of the student

I asked, which included athletes, girls, band members

When asking students of their fondest memories of

body will be lining up at the local multiplexes to see

and more, said they enjoy Star Wars to some extent

the franchise, I could almost see a twinkle in their eyes.

the continuing adventures of Luke Skywalker, Han

and would see the upcoming “The Force Awakens.”

“I remember watching ‘The Empire Strikes Back’

Senior T.J. Buchanan, who is not a major filmgoer,

on VHS on an old TV in my basement with my older

If you are a proud fan of one of the most influential

declared his intent of seeing the seventh film in the

brother,” Adkins said. “It was the first time I had ever

movie franchises of all time, then you are not alone.

franchise.

seen the battle of Hoth scene, and I was completely

May the Force be with you, always.

Solo, and Princess Leia.

entertain 31

Treasure hunting NOV. 6, 2015

The search for good deals

By Eden Gundersen and Cadence Bippen Print executive and Discover editors

Magazines, websites, and the media glorify high-end, designer products. However, following these trends doesn’t always have to break the bank. We went to Goodwill on a hunt for name brand clothing items, things that looked like name brands, and just good deals.

Mossimo from Target heels: Online we found these shoes for $35.00, and at Goodwill these were our most expensive purchase — at a whopping $6.00.

Soprano brand maroon blouse: We found the brand on Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Von Maur websites. Similar shirts were priced around $30 full price. Ours at goodwill was $3!

Hollister denim button up: The button downs and oxfords I found on Hollister’s website were mainly $39.95. At goodwill, this was priced at $6, but I got it for $3 because it was a “50% off red tag day.”

Ralph Lauren Sport striped cotton T shirt: We found almost the exact shirt on Amazon priced at $38.99. At Goodwill, the shirt was $3.

Cotton Lauren Ralph Lauren sweater: Although I couldn’t find the exact sweater, prices for similar ones ranged from $49.95 to $98.99, as opposed to $3 at Goodwill.

Retail price estimated total: $218.41 Our total: $18

32

ad

NOV. 6, 2015

Have you bought your yearbook?

Now is the time to buy your copy of the 2015-2016 Odyssey. If you buy your book before the end of first semester, we will enter your name into a drawing for a brand new Kindle Fire! See room 139 for details. *See Zach Painter on page 42 of this year’s book.

Only $50

if you buy before the end of first semester