March 16, 2022 - North Star

N ORT H

CONSCIOUS OF TOMORROW This issue of the North Star is focused on FHN’s environmental impact and how FHN can be more environmentally conscious

FHNtoday.com

Francis Howell North St. Charles, MO 63303 3.16.22 | Vol 36 Issue 05

@FHNtoday

CONTENTS ENTERTAINMENT 2 Sonic Quiz

Figure out which Sonic character you are after taking a quiz.

5

Comics

Check out various comics made by our illustrators.

NEWS

FEATURES

10 Meet the Board

25 St. Patrick’s Day

14 Budget Update

29 Starting Young

Learn more about the candidates running for the school board.

Find out more about the new FHN and the update to its budget.

SPORTS

OPINIONS

37 Star Lacrosse Player

41 French Fries

39 Practice at Central

43 Homework

Kendra Swope is one of of the top ranked lacrosse players in the state.

Some of the FHN track and field team is practicing at FHC this season.

Many fast food restaurants serve french fries, but which ones are the best?

Check out more about the history and celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day.

Learn more about Quinn Marable and her journey with French.

ON THE COVER

Several trash cans filled with trash overflow onto the ground in the halls of FHN. (Photo by Macy Cronin)

Homework is a reality faced by nearly every student, but should it be?

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Conscious of Tomorrow. What exactly does that mean? The answer is actually simple and is something that everyone can do. Being conscious of tomorrow means making smart, educated decisions. These decisions don’t need to be drastic measures like converting your home to solar power or cutting meat out of your diet. They are things as simple as turning the lights off when you leave the house or taking shorter showers.

Here at FHN, we can do things like recycling more and working to reduce our carbon footprint. Not everyone has to do everything but everyone can do

something. Change starts with us.

In this edition of the North Star, we covered a diverse group of people, places and things. We featured everything from unique students in the FHN community to a “Friends” themed coffee house in Eureka. We also covered some more serious topics like the school board elections and the district lawsuit. With every page turn comes a new story that is sure to broaden your scope of knowledge. Let this paper serve as a true reflection of the hard work and dedication that everyone on the news staff puts in.

Editor-in-Chief, Justin Brewer

North Star | 03.16.2022

by Justin Brewer

TIME FOR A TOUR

(Photo from Tada Images on Shutterstock)

Big artists are making their way to Missouri to perform in late March and April. (Story by Maya Helbig) Alec Benjamin

(Photo from Tony Norkus on Shutterstock)

Glass Animals

(Photo from Rene Oonk on Shutterstock)

Cavetown

(Photo submitted by Aidyn Gleason)

by Maya Helbig

Alec Benjamin is a 27-year-old American singer-songwriter who released his first ever single “Paper Crown” in 2014. He had a breakthrough in 2018 with his song “Let Me Down Slowly” and started getting more popular ever since. Benjamin announced the tour on Jan. 24 on social media informing he would have a currently unknown special guest alongside him. He’ll make his stop in St. Louis at The Pageant on Saturday, Apr. 30 at 8 p.m. General admission tickets start at $29.50 and go up from there.

“I haven’t been to a concert in a couple years and I’m excited to go to his concert and I’m excited Sara Kays is opening for him,” senior Sarah Martin said.

Glass Animals consists of lead singersongwriter Dave Bayley and his three childhood friends Joe Seaward, Ed IrwinSinger and Drew MacFarlane. The group is a British Indie rock band formed in 2010.

Bayley has written and produced all three albums for the band while the rest played the instruments. The band started their tour and are stopping by on Tuesday, Mar. 22 at The Factory at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $198.50 and go up from there.

“I’m really excited because whenever I listen to the songs with just headphones in, it’s already such an experience but I know as soon as I hear it in concert it’s going to be overwhelming in a positive way,” senior Marijane Clubbs said.

Cavetown, also known as Robin Skinner is the 23-year-old English singer-songwrwiter, record producer and YouTuber. He started making music in 2013 and gained popularity after his YouTube channel launched in 2014.

Skinner’s style is a blend of Indie rock, Indie pop and bedroom pop with ukulele ballads.

The hit artist is playing at The Pageant in St. Louis on Tuesday, Apr. 26 starting at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets start at $29 and go up from there.

“I’m so excited because I am going with my best friends. I didn’t pay for mine but it was decently cheap for a high school student,” junior Liam Freeman said.

Find more information about the artists themsleves, their tours and their upcoming music below.

Alec Benjamin

Glass Animals

STREAM SENSATION

Check out different music streaming platforms and their abilities.

Spotify

Cavetown Need to know where to go? Check out these links to The Pagent where Alec Benajmin and Cavetown will be performing and The Factory where Glass Animals will be performing.

The Pageant

The Factory

Spotify is a platform to listen to music, podcasts, and personalized stations based on the music you like.

Listeners can either pay or get the free version. The free version consists of letting you make playlists but wont let you pick specific songs, you have to shuffle the playlist and can use your numbered skips to get to the song you want. The paid versions are called Spotify Premium and there are a few different kinds each having their own special features starting at $9.99 a month.

Apple Music Apple Music is a paid app to stream music and podcasts that you can add to a library and create playlists with. There is a free trial that lasts 7 days once someone signs up for Apple Music. After the first week however, features like offline listening, track skipping, and music recommendations are limited.

YouTube Music

Youtube Music is a music platform connected to Youtube that preshuffles music. On this app, there is a free and paid version called “Youtube Premium” that also includes regular Youtube with no ads and a download feature. The Premium version is about $10 a month and varies by plan. (Story

by Tayler Ross)

North Star | 03.16.2022

01

(Photo by Paramount)

YOUR SONIC CHARACTER IS...

Find out which Sonic character you are by following the streaks of blue to each question until you find a match (Content by Ryleigh O’Donnell) START HERE TIES

Do you prefer notes or activities to learn?

IVI ACT

Would you prefer to play a sport or be on the computer?

S YE

NO Do you enjoy technology?

YES

NO

Tails is a clever, gentle hearted and sweet natured fox. He’s not one to grab the spotlight or have much confidence but, since he’s met Sonic he has opened up more. He is always willing to help others in need without expecting anything in return.

“The results that I got were pretty good, I would like to think I’m a patient person.”

- senior Lily Cash

PU TE

NG OI

YES

Knuckles is independent, wild and hot-headed. He is rather antisocial in nature making him not really care about what others think about him or how they perceive him. Knuckles is blunt, straight-forward and comes off as egotistical.

“I agree with all of it like, being hot-headed and having a hard time controlling it. Knuckles is my favorite, I’d like to believe we are similar.”

- freshman Kat Burrows

K AC TR Would you prefer track or wrestling?

NA

I AM T S

H

North Star | 03.16.2022

Would you describe yourself as hot-headed?

Do you value strength or stamina?

T-G

H

OU

MA TH

OM

NGT

02

DY

O E-B

E STR

On Apr. 8, “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” will be out in theaters for all eyes to see. The first “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie came out in 2020 and left off with Dr. Robotnik out to get Sonic, traveling anywhere he can with the intent to destroy him. During the end credits, an orange two tailed fox, named Tails, emerges from a ring portal on a search for Sonic as well.

“I saw the first one and liked it,” junior Sean Ireland said. “It was good, normally they make video game movies kind of bad but that was a good one.”

In “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” Sonic settles down in Green Hills and is eager to show that he has what it takes to be a real hero. As Dr. Robotnik is on the search for a mystical emerald that has the ability to destroy civilizations, he brings along his sidekick Knuckles. Sonic and Tails meet up and they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands. “[I’m excited for] Knuckles, he’s pretty cool,” Ireland said. “I’ve always liked Knuckles the most so that’s pretty cool to see him on the screen.” (Story by Maya Helbig)

Are you out-going or a home-body?

ELA

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is coming to theaters after two years since the first movie.

CO M

NO

Do you prefer math or ELA?

SPEED INTO THEATERS

RT SPO

Are you a competitive type?

R

S

TE NO

K AC TR

Sonic, although a bit sassy and cocky, has a good heart. He’s confident in himself and gets bored easily when forced to stay in one place. He’s truly optimistic to the point of causing trouble for his friends. However, his ego isn’t to be confused with pride.

“Yeah I agree with it, it’s facts.

The temper, cockiness and I’m pretty fast.”

- junior Jonathan Ohst

Amy is very open and expressive about her feelings, always speaking her mind and protecting others over what she believes is right.

Though she can be a bit possessive of her friends and act aggressive to those who cross her or her friends.

“I feel like it was pretty on the spot. It does describe me well because she is very open, and emotional and expressive. I relate to that.”

- senior Rana Shaker

by Ryleigh O’Donnell

TOP 5 INDIE GAMES

(Illustration by Alex Wheadon)

Top 5 indie games of the past decade (Content by Ethan Simerda)

5 4 3 2

CUPHEAD In Cuphead the players play two brothers who made a deal with the devil, so to get their souls back they have to collect souls of the devil’s debtors. The game is inspired by early American animation. The game was announced in 2013 and was released in 2017 after much anticipation.

UNDERTALE In Undertale the player plays as a young child after they fall to the underworld. The player has to decide to kill or spare the monsters in the underground who are trying to take the player’s soul to re-enter the overworld. The game started to gain a large fanbase after its 2015 release.

THE BINDING OF ISAAC The binding of Isaac is a game loosely based on the Biblical story of Issac. In the game you wander through multiple dungeons and battle monsters with Isaac’s tears.

Although it came out in 2011 the game has held a very loyal and dedicated fanbase.

TERRARIA Terraria is a 16 bit sprite sandbox game where the player can explore, build, craft, fight, survive, and mine. The game came out in 2011 after the success of Minecraft and became loved by players.

“Its very easy to play multiplayer which creates a fun thing to do with friends.”

James Barklage, 12

1

STARDEW VALLEY In Stardew valley the player leaves their city job to take over their grandfather’s farm, the player can farm, mine, fish, or forage to make money. The game has sold 15 million copies and has a large following online. It is known for its relaxing game play and fun sprites.

“It’s a simple yet still interseting game that is very relaxing to play yet allows limitless opportunities.”

Ryan Simerda, 10

by Alex Wheadon

GB DEFINITION

GB stands for the Gameboy, it was the first handheld consoles made by Nintendo and was released in Japan and North America in 1989.

It sold 118.69 million units. It was successful due to it’s simplistic design. It was also portable so you could take it anywhere. It was affordable only costing $90 with a big library of games.

It was the start of the Pokémon and Kirby franchise.

NES DEFINITION

NES means Nintendo Entertainment System which was the first ever system produced

by Nintendo and released in 1983 in Japan and 1986 in the US selling 61.91 million units. This console was popular and birthed some well known characters like Mario and Link.

N64 DEFINITION

N64 stands for the Nintendo 64 which was released in Japan and North America in 1996. The console sold 32.93 million units. It was revolutionary for the time being the first console to have full 3D graphics.

3DS DEFINITION

3DS the successor to the DS was released worldwide in 2011.

The 3DS sold 75.94 million units. The 3DS was like the DS but it had glasses free 3D while the DS could only do 8-bit graphics.

This handheld console was successful getting five different models after the original the Nintendo 3DS XL, the Nintendo 2DS which removed the 3D effect thing, New Nintendo 3DS, the New Nintendo 3DS XL, and the 2DS XL. (information from nintendo.com)

KIRBY TIMELINE

A timeline of the Kirby games from the past Kirby’s Dream Land was released on the GB in 1992 around the world.

Kirby’s Dream Land is the first game in the Kirby franchise. This game takes place in Dream Land where Kirby has to defeat King Dedede after he steals all the food from the Dream Landers.

Kirby’s Adventure was released in 1993 in Japan and North America on the NES. In this game King Dedede breaks the Star Rod which goes in the Dream Spring which makes it so no one can have dreams. In this game you play as Kirby with his new copy abilities which he gets from inhaling enemies to get the pieces of the Star Rod back and restore the dreams.

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards was released on N64 in 2000 for North America and Japan. A being known as Dark Matter appears on a planet called Ripple Star, inhabited by peaceful fairies. The Dark Matter tries to steal a powerful crystal that lives there. A fairy takes the crystal and flees. She gets hit which breaks the crystal and falls to a planet called Pop Star landing on Kirby. In this you play as Kirby trying to put the crystal back together.

Kirby Triple Deluxe was released in 2014 around the world for the 3DS. In this game, after Kirby wakes up from sleeping, he sees his house and King Dedede’s castle raised by the Dream Stalk. Kirby sees Taranza take King Dedede so Kirby sets out to save King Dedede. (Story by Alex Wheadon)

North Star | 03.16.2022

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COMICS

THE BRODER BROTHERS

by Maya Helbig

WELCOME TO HIGH SCHOOL

by Micheala Manfull

JOME’S WACKY ADVENTURES

by Alex Wheadon . .

04

North Star | 03.16.2022

by Tayler Ross

CATASTROPHES

by Ryleigh O’Donnell

19p8 x 24p8

The Dino Tales

by Ankita Pandurangi

BANTER

by Sam Hebisen

19p9 x 20p8 18p8 x 14p5

by Tayler Ross

North Star | 03.16.2022

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HAVE YOU PURCHASED YOUR 2022 YEARBOOK YET?

If you see your name below, it means that you have purchased yours! If you haven’t, you’re not too late...but don’t delay. Yearbooks are currently $60. You can purchase online at Balfour.com (by searching FHN) or bringing a $60 check made out to FHN or cash to Mrs. Kiel in room 131. Don’t miss your chance at this irreplacable student created keepsake featuring YOU and the story of FHN this year. Questions? Email adviser Jordyn Kiel at jckiel@g.fhsdschools.org or visit room 131.

Natalie Abanathie Kadin Abusoud Anora Addison Hanzalah Ahmed Justin David Alega Mason Alford Mason Alford Mikinna Andel Derek Archer Anthony Are Jo Chase Arehart Sophia Arnold Chase Atwood Sara Ausbury Evie Ausbury Chloe Averbeck Elias Avila Quinn Badgley Jake Badgley Nigel Bailey Jax Baker Antonio Baker Anshul Bandi Ellanore Bargen Mallory Barker James Barklage Elizabeth Barnum Amaya Barron Drew Barteau Charlotte Bartels Will Bascio Jacob Bass Allisom Bass Mason Baue Matthew Baur Lauren Becker Neely Bengtson Rex Berry Devin Best Liliana Beyer Landon Bievenue Austin Bitter Sophia Black Autumn Blake Jackson Bland John Blank Chad Blanke Trystan Blenis Logan Blount Ellen Bommarito Luciano Bommarito Joseph Borgschulte Sean Borgschulte Tayshaun Boyd Wesley Boyd Emma Bradsher Cameron Bradt Allison ( Leigh) Bratton Natalie Breen Lillian Brethauer Mikayla Brewer Wilson Brewer Justin Brewer Madelyn Brewer Alex Brinkley Caden Brockman Claire Brockmann Jace Brockmann Kendall Brombolich Kendall Brombolich Mekhi Brooks Trenton Brooks Peyton Brown Rebecca Bruemmer Rachel Bruemmer Parker Bruns Liza Burgos Kalib Burris Connor Buschmann Addison Butler Kyle Button Hannah Button Christopher Bylsma

Kainoa Cabrera Paul Campoverde Abigail Carpenter Caitlin Caswell Calvin Caswell Cayla Caswell Gavin Chapman Lacy Chapman Cameron Chapple Eshan Chishti Jiyoon Choi Jaden Christensen Amelia Chruma Cherry Ann Clark Mason Clark Riley Clemons Trent Clifton Alexander Cluney Ethan Cluney Carter Cole Collin Cole Lucas Collins Catherine Connolly Luke Coonrod Amelia Cosper Collin Costello Sadie Cotton Josiah Couch Isaac Crackel Hayden Crafts Walter Crane Dylan Crites Owen Cuddy Nicholas Culler-Barnard Joseph Cuneo Amari Cunningham Brendan Curtis Dajah Daily Renee Dannegger John Darling Jacob Davis Landon Davis Kaitlyn Davis Anna Derosier Meranda Derosier Luke Dickherber Landon Diers Dustin Dillon Chasen Dishon John Dittmar Ryan Dittmar Phoebe Dollins Madison Donnelly Aidan Donnelly Alexis Drazic Aaron Dubale Dylan Dufour Logan Dufour Matthew DuLaney Lily Duncan Colton Dunn Rylan Dunn Madeline Dustin Rebekah Easterling Rebekah Easterling Chloe Ellison Sophia Ely Cloei Evans Cloei Evans Huntington Everhart James Eyman Carter Eyman Lucy Fajatin Logan Faries Logan Farkas Brendon Farkas-Pack Riley Farrow Olivia Fennell Carleigh Fernandez Drew Fienup Jackson Fifer Jack Fisher Mikaela Fisk

Max Fitzsimmons Sam Fitzsimmons Shaylea Flieger Breyana Flieger John Flieger Jr. Austin Floyd Will Fodor Ellenna Forbes Thomas Forth Collin Foster Travis Foster Dustin Fox Lilly Frick Grace Fromme Maia Fuentes Valerie Galantowicz Emily Gantz Layne Garland Cody Gelven Dane Geringer Brendon Gibbs Natalie Gill Jessica Gillen Luke Glaze Aidyn Gleason Benjamine Gledhill Olivia Gledhill Isaac Gonzalez Carly Gordon Jt Grabowski Gabriella Grace Cameron Graham Connor Graham Gianna Grapenthin Hunter Grashoff Jesse Greives Madison Griffin Austin Griffin Ian Gronemeier Sydney Gronemeier Seth Grumich Tyler Grygiel Nicole Gunning Kai Gustafson Luke Hahn Katelyn Halbeck Danielle Hall Grey Hamelin Miles Hamelin Alexander Hamilton Walter Hammond Sean Hampton Griffin Hanson Johna Hargrove Lauren Harmon John Harris Sean Hartley Brooklyn Harvey Rachel Hathcock Logan Hawkins Kennedy Hayes Grace Hebert Sky Hebisen Amelia Hecht Madeline Hecht Leah Heischmidt Kimberly Henry Adrian Hensley Madelyn Herrell Nina Hewlett Phoenix Hewlett Kelly Hiatte Daphne Hickman Taylor Hill Danielle Hill Wyatt Hines Adam Hodge Cailyn Hodges Cassidy Hodgkins Lacie Hoffman Laura Holloway Lauren Holzwarth Victoria Hom

Dominic Hopkins Laramie Horstman Carter Houdeshell Connor Howell McKenna Hudson Hannah Huelsing Morgan Huff Heidi Huff Olivia Huff Logan Huffaker Randal Hufford Logan Hummel Tiger Hutton Taylor Inman Max Ising Matthew Jacobs Bonnie Jang Parker Jaques Brady Jarman Aiden Jefferson Drew Johnson Luke Johnson Logan Johnson Destiny Johnson Destiny Johnson Jacqueline Jolly Kennedy Jones Emma Jones Emma Jones-Boushell Chase Just Eva Kaminski Jonathan Kast Aiden Kehoe Jada Keller Ryan Kennedy Braeden Kettinger Joseph Key Jacob Kiefer Noah Kiefer Grant Kilen Emma King Joshua Kipper Avery Kitchel Cade Klein Paige Klein Justus Klestinski Emily Knight Caroline Kolath Alex Kootsobenas Niko Kootsobenas Julia Kottmann Camille Krekeler Joshua Krupp Hayden Labarge Wesley Lammers Emma Landwehr Melia Lanig Melia Lanig Lynette Larsen Isabelle Lash Landon Lauer Claire Laurentius Leah Laurentius Kaitlyn Le Teagan Lee Natalie Legg Stephanie Lichtenegger Eleanor Lichty Miriam Lichty Ava Liley Alayna Lohaus Kaylee Lohnes Alyson London Anika Long Brandon Lowery Ethan Lowrey Riley Lowrey Derek Ludwig Ian Ludwig Samuel Mahurin Owen Maire Michaela Manfull Sophia Manzella

Rory Marable Preston Maris Sarah Martin Patrick Martinez Braydon Massman Paige Mathews Ethan Matlack Brenna Maxey Kyleigh McAtee Brittany McBain Riley McBride Sophia McClure Ethan McCoy Colin McCrary Ian McDermott Jackson McGowen Sarah McGrael Kevin McGuire Lane McKee Danton McManness Katherine McNevin Courtney McQueen Natalie Meers Natalie Meers Kayleigh Meine Coy Melvin Elliana Miller Owen Miller Kathryn Miller Rylie Miller Jordan Minter Mason Mitchell Logan Moll Leland Monroe Jack Mooney Alaina Moore Ashley Mora Drake Morris Hope Moseley Dominic Mueller Cole Mumford Isabel Munyat Olivia Munyat Jack Murray Reina Murrell Maddison Musil Emma Musselman Manisha Muthukaruppan Summer Neiner Lucas Neuschwander Andrew Nevenner Allison Newport Avery Newson Violet Newton Wyatt Nicholson McKenna Oconnor Kaylie Odell Antonio Oestereich Tyler Oestreich Sydney Ortbals Rebecca Ortwerth Jackson Otto Peter Pae Owyn Pearson Bradyn Pearson Collin Peck Weston Peck Alyssa Perkins Chloe Perkins Allie Perryman Jacob Peterson Jacob Peterson Morgan Phillips Ian Pierce Ethan Pirtle Logan Pitts Jeremiah Pollard Addison Polsgrove Erin Poninski Christian Portell Peyton Postier Andrew Powell

Braden Powelson Chase Pray Adam Prinkey Mason Pryor Riley Puhr Brandon Puzniak Laney Quandt Jana Rawashdeh Brandon Reale Ryan Redell Ana Remolina Alex Renkey Shannon Renkey Gavin Rentfro Bryce Renz Emma Renz Ava Richmann Freya Rieken Dominick Robinson Lauren Robnett Jessika Rogers Brandon Roider Johnathan Rorie Tyler Rundel Elizabeth Runge Lance Salke Reese Sanders Ajay Sandhe Molly Satterfield Bailey Scarbrough Koen Schaffer Danny Schanks Nick Schanks Nina Schindler MacKenzie Schlemper Jazmine Schlup Mallory Schmid Emily Schmidt Abigail Schmitt Grace Schnarre Trey Schneider Cole Schneider Carter Schroeder Gavin Schroeder Nico Schuchman Nina Schuchman Nathan Schweitzer Anna Scognamiglio Logan Scott Bhawani Sehjpal Rashil Senthil Jonah Sevier Khalin Shah Rana Shaker Kaitlyn Shariff Heather Shea Hunter Shoulta Valerie Showers Ethan Simerda Ryan Simerda Henry Singler Stephen Smith Lacy Smith Colin Smith Hunter Smith Lisa Smyth Mariah Snelson Enzo St Gemme Morgan Statzer Megan Steutermann Delaney Stjohn Melanie Stone Zachary Stratmann Elizabeth Struble Gavin Swart Madison Swart Kendra Swope Marshall Swope Jada Sykes Kylie Taliaferro Aliyah Taliaferro Cooper Tatlow Finn Tatlow

Kevin Taylor Jessica Terrell Caleb Thompson Logan Thurman Faith Todd Angel Tolota Rachel Trapf Dakota Triller Camryn Tucker Andrew Tueth Joshua Tueth Heidi Turek Samantha Turnbull Adarsh Varma Uppalapati Hunter Van Dyne Ethan Van Horn Olivia Van Horn Elijah Vandyne Ella Varvera Gabryel Vaughn Kate Vernon Makiyah Vila Logan Vissak Skylar Vogel Isabella Vollmar Jackson Vollmar Austin Vollmer Calvin Von Arb Navy Voss Keira Walker Malik Wallace Cole Walther Derrick Warren Cameryn Washington Jaydn Wells Matthew Wells Lea Wenger Alexander Wheadon Caitlyn Wheadon Dominic White Paige Whitfield Marina Williams Alex Williams Alexander Williams Sydnee Williams Eleena Williams Alexander Williams Henry Willie Samuel Wilson Ryan Wilson Lea Wilson Mason Wilson Colin Wilson Hannah Wineman Avery Witherbee Braeden Witherbee Olivia Wolfe Mason Wolfe Brianna Wortman Kellen Wright Jr. Mira Wunder Phillip Wunderlich Hailey Zhang Sophia Zimmerman Zach Zimmerman Alexandria Zorn Brenden Zull

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Still trying to decide what you want to take next year?

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FHNtoday.com/TellMeMore

Knights of Excellence sponsor, Kristen Johnson, speaks to her KOE members at a meeting. (Photo by Addison Polsgrove)

VANDALISM AT NORTH This year there has been an increase in vandalism around North

KOE PICNIC

The Knights of Exellence Picnic is back after two years.

Communication Arts teachers Kristen Johnson and Lindsey Scheller will be hosting the Knights of Excellence (KOE) picnic on April 13. The KOE picnic is a way of celebrating students that don’t usually get the recognition they deserve.

“Normally it’s the kind of thing that just, people know what it is because every year they see it or just hear about it,” Johnson said.

In the past the KOE picnic would have been held in the stadium which made room for different kinds of inflatables and food. Students would get sixth and seventh hours off to go to the stadium, while students who helped set up could stay all day. This year it will be held in the large gym, auditorium and the wrestling room. According to Johnson, it will be held in the middle of the day instead of the end.

“Students are missing out on some of the things that make them excited to come to school,” Johnson said.

Students don’t have to do much to be able to go to the picnic. It could be any form of achievement such as straight A’s or being involved in a club that helps out with the community.

“This is one that looks at your snapshot of the year and says ‘Have you done something this year that we want to make sure we recognize you for?’”Johnson said. (Story by Mikaela Fisk)

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North Star | 03.16.2022

During the 2021-2022 school year there has been an increase in vandalism around North. With the increase in destruction at North, administrative staff has attempted to encourage other behaviors to the students regarding vandalism. These behaviors consist of being a positive leader and reinforcing rules when you see another student doing wrong. Vandalism has been mainly targeted to the bathrooms here at North and around many other schools due to a TikTwok trend. Many soap dispensers and other school property have been destroyed as well as graffiti within the bathroom stalls.

“Before we even knew it was a trend we would just replace the soap dispensers and clean things up,” Dr. Lammers head principal here at North said. “Then when it started happening much more frequently we got to a point where we didn’ t have soap dispensers to replace them with and when we went to order them we couldn’t because it was happening everywhere and they ran out.”

When vandalism was at a high, the restrooms

frequently needed to be shut down in order to repair missing items or graffiti. With the increase in vandalism school staff was instructed to check in on bathrooms to make sure no harm was done.

“Some teachers I know, myself included, keep track of who’s going to the restrooms and during class,” history teacher Kimberly Coil said. “Some teachers I have heard are even limiting kids going to the restrooms during class time.”

Vandalism has been happening so much that staff had to check cameras to see who was doing

On Feb 10, sophomore Piper Orzel auditions for the upcoming spring play, The Plot (Like Gravy) Thickens. The play is a murder mystery, mixed with comedy. “I’m playing a character named Peggy Sue, and also co-student directing.” Orzel said. (photo by Payton Johnston) Want to buy tickets to the show? Scan this QR codes to go to the ticket website.

PREVIEW TO THE PLAY

Director of Performing Arts teacher Kimberly Sulzner and her student teacher Julia Wolz will be co-directing the spring play The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens. The play will be held March 31 through April 2 in the auditorium.

The Plot Like Gravy Thickens is a modern murder mystery comedy where anyone can find amusement. The show is appropriate for a young audience while parents are still able to enjoy it.

“I think it’s going to be hilariously funny, ”Sulzner said, “We have a lot of

really strong, comedic personalities so it will be fun to see them in something not serious.”

Tickets will be sold at the door and through Fhn-masqueplayers@onthestage.com.

“I have such high expectations, It’s a really super fun show. You break the fourth wall a lot so I expect the students to just have a lot of fun with it and experience talking to the audience and just using a lot of physicality to tell our story,” Wolz said. (by Mikaela Fisk)

by Mikaela Fisk and Patricia Fechter

The FHN Jazz 1 ensemble performs at Jazz Howell Night on Feb. 19(Photo by Sophie Stachula)

this and limit the amount of students in bathrooms.

But instead of forcing students to come forward Dr. Lammers and staff have encouraged students to be a positive role model and tell other students to do the right thing.

“I didn’t want people to come forward and tell on whoever they saw doing it,” Dr. Lammers said. “But I did want people to look, if you see this happening tell them to stop, be a positive leader, and you put a stop to it you will be more effective than we will.”

(Story by Anna Scognamiglilo)

BAND GOES TO STATE

An FHN bathroom sits without a soap dispenser after weeks of not having one.

Vandalism, especially in the bathrooms, has become a real issue in the school this year. (Photo by Justin Brewer)

The FHN Band program is competing at state today

(photo submitted)

NEW TARDY POLICY IN PLACE This year at Francis Howell North, the administration has started instituting tardy parties in an attempt to reduce the number of tardies in the school. These tardy parties will be held every few weeks during lunches. The reward for having no tardies as of right now is an airhead but may be a bigger reward as the semester goes on.

“We knew tardies were an issue here at North,” assistant principal Erin Steep said. “We wanted to give students motivation to get to class on time and give recognition to the kids who have no

by Mikaela Fisk and Patricia Fechter

tardies.”

Steep and several other administrators run the tardy parties.

To qualify for them you must have zero tardies but the number restarts every semester. It gives students more motivation to get to class on time.

“This type of thing has never been done here at North but other schools have done a similar thing and it seems to be a proactive way of lowering the number of tardy students,” Steep said.

(Brief by Patricia Fechter)

How do you feel about the new tardy policy?

“I don’t think it is a bad idea, People should be getting to school on time so this may be good.”

Grogan Kraus, 12 I feel like this is a good idea, but sometimes kids can’t help being late for school, but overall I think it could be beneficial” Riley Kloecker, 9

The FHN bands will be going to the state contest on March 16, 2022. There are several bands here at North including in and out of school. Some in school examples are Jazz 1 and 2, wind ensemble and concert band. Some extracurricular bands include basketball and marching band. The in school bands will be going to Holt High School in Wentzville Missouri.

This is an all bands competition meaning that all of the band classes will be attending.

“The next concert will be for the state contest,” FHN Band Director and Teacher Robert Stegeman said. “[it’s not a recording] we’re going and it will be in Missouri.”

They will be playing Country Gardens by Percy Grainger and A Weekend In New York by Phillip Sparke. Other bands will also be playing Hillside March, Spiro and Them Basses. Oftentimes, people are in band to have fun but they should also remember to practice and use their time wisely.

“Band is a good community overall,” 5 year band student and sophomore Luke Schwent said.

“There’s a lot of good people that you can meet.” (Story by Tayler Ross)

North Star | 03.16.2022

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BOARD OF EDUCATION

There are six candidates vying for the two spots in the upcoming Francis Howell Board of Education election. Here are their thoughts on the current state of the district and what they’d like to see happen. (Content by Michaela Manfull)

ELECTION DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE WAY Q: HOW THE DISTRICT HAS DEALT WITH THE

Visit this link to hear their full interviews

INCREASE IN BUDGET FOR THE NEW NORTH HIGH BUILDING?

think they’ve done a pretty terrible job overall A: onI communicating and being transparent to the district on all the finances, really, with Prop S, including Howell North.

ADAM

BERTRAND

ARE YOUR PRIORITIES IF Q: WHAT YOU GET ELECTED? Make sure we have a financially strong district A: because I think it kind of rolls downhill with

everything else. If we’re not financially strong, it’s hard to do a lot of other things. Educational excellence, which includes great curriculum as well as great teachers, and then really improving transparency which goes into that process piece for the parents and patrons of the district.

don’t think it was handled well, I think that A: it’sI going to be a bruise on the district for several

The big thing is to find out why academics are A: trending the way they are.

way I look at it is the district made an error A: withThecommunication.

When they came out with

to make sure that we get the most bang for A: Iourwantdollar, you know, taxpayers provide us with

years to come. I’d like to think with my background I would’ve been asking these kinds of questions, you know, questions about this and certainly about the contracting method long before we ever got to that point.

REQUIREMENTS TO VOTE IN MISSOURI

NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO MAKE IT? ABSENTEE BALLOT:

RANDY

COOK the $86 million number, it was a base model...it didn’t go into the extras and needs of the district that we need to meet the needs of our Francis Howell North community, and the district today, tomorrow, and years to come.

most of our funding and we need to make sure that we are responsible with every dollar that they give to us.

Communication, I know we need to do a better job of communicating with the public.

A:

Bringing the community together and finding A: common ground. Sharing out results of surveys

MIKE

HOEHN I think they did the best that they could. I, personally, when I answered that survey, would’ve liked to have seen the work that was already going on continue, but I think taking a brief pause to look at what happened and if going forward we could maybe do better.

CHRISTINE

HYMAN We were presented with a pretty disappointing A: crossroads where we had to decide to move forward and spend a ton more money or go back to the drawing table and get more bids and leave a project half-finished.

JUSTIN

MCCOY the district did had to be done, you had A: toWhat go through with it. If you’d put a halt on it, as

is, it would’ve cost even more. Once you’ve laid the foundation, literally, for the building, you have got to go through with it, even though it’s going to cost an extreme amount of money, or more so than estimated originally.

HERE’S WHERE TO FIND THE POLLING PLACES.

that happen throughout the district. Asking questions and concerns of all of the stakeholders, not just folks who have students in our buildings, but the community in general. And then I’d like to take a look at the budget and I’d like to take a look at teacher pay, and I’d like to make sure our kids are safe.

I want to make sure that we are able to hire and A: retain quality teachers and support staff and pro-

vide them with the necessary tools for success. I also want to work on transparency in our school district, making sure that all the decisions that are being made, that there’s no question as to why they’re being made.

And then the other thing is to make sure that we are providing our students with the tools they need for success. sure there’s proper procedures in place A: forMake purchasing, whether it’s construction, new

FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE BELOW.

construction, the rest of the money that’s left from Proposition S, another bond issue to replace the money that was used for North.

RICK

RICE 10

North Star | 03.16.2022

by Michaela Manfull

Senior Mary Lauritzen shops for her senior prom dress in Mid Rivers Mall on March 2.

(Photo by Sam Hebisen)

Scan this QR code to read the full prom story

CELEBRATE PROM AGAIN Here are some of the details for the 2022 junior-senior prom This year, Francis Howell North is holding their prom on AprIL 22 at Old Hickory Golf Club from 7 to 10 p.m.

This year’s theme for the dance is the Red Carpet. FHN has not had a prom like this in two years, which marks this year’s prom as the return to normal.

Prom will feature food, music and a fun experience for all. Tickets will be on sale one week prior to prom and guest forms will be available two weeks before.

“Junior class officers, delegates,

and I have been working to create the best prom for the juniors and seniors,” FACS Teacher and junior class sponsor Marissa Heyer. “All juniors are welcome to attend weekly meetings on Thursdays in room 8 at 7 a.m. to help plan this year’s prom.”

While some COVID restrictions may still be in place, Heyer is speaking with administrators to see what steps need to be taken to have a safe and healthy prom. (brief by Patricia Fechter)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS What: Spring Break When: March 19-27 Where: Wherever you please Description: Spring break is coming up next week. There are only two more full days of school left before break begins so get geared up to sit back, relax and take a break from homework.

What: STUCO Elections When: March 30 Where: FHN Description: Student Council will be holding their officer elections on this day. These people elected in this election will be the officers for next school year.

What: Senior 4.0 Luncheon When: April 1 Where: Old Hickory Golf Club Description: This luncheon is held to honor seniors who have achieved a 4.0 or higher cumulative GPA. The event is for students only and guests such as superintendents, school board members and principals will be in attendance to honor the seniors.

What: ACT Test When: April 2 Where: Dependent where you live Description: The ACT test is the test to be taken for both college and scholarship purposes. The test is held at several different schools and students are assigned locations based on location and testing center availability.

What: FBLA State Conference When: April 10-12 Where: Springfield, MO Description: In mid February, FHN had 11 FBLA members qualify to compete at the FBLA State Competition. This competition features the best of the best and gives FBLA members the potential to compete against tough competition.

What: KOE Picnic When: April 13 Where: Large Gym, Auditorium & Wrestling Room Description: The KOE picnic is an event put on by KOE as a way of rewarding students .Students who have stayed in good standings with the school throughout the year get an opportunity to skip class and have some fun.

What: No School When: April 5, 15 & 18 Where: Wherever you please Description: There will be no school on Tuesday, April 5, due to a professional development day.

There will be no school Friday, April 15 as it is Good Friday as well Monday, April 18 making Easter weekend a four-day weekend.

What: Prom When: April 22 Where: Old Hickory Golf Club Description: Juniors & seniors alike can dance the night away at prom. The theme for is Red Carpet and will feature food, drinks, music and a gift for each student.

Tickets will be on sale the week prior to the dance and guest forms will be available two weeks prior.

What: EOC Testing When: April 19-29 Where: FHN Description: Many classes here at FHN require students to take an EOC, end of course exam, as a part of the course. The testing window opened roughly two weeks ago and will close as we approach the end of the school year

by Justin Brewer

FHSD has recently had many changes to the academic calendar, many of which due to snow days. Here are some of the most recent and important changes due to the incelment weather.

Senior’s Last Day June 1* Underclassmen’s Last Day June 2* No School April 18 Underclassmen Final Exams May 31 June 1 June 2 Senior Final Exams The district administrators are currently working on a plan for senior final exams. They are trying to develope a plan that allows seniors to balance exams and graduation preparation.

Scan this QR code to see the full updated academic calendar:

*information as of March 10

North Star | 03.16.2022

11

A gavel sits on the district’s mask policy papers. Francis Howell School District updated their mask policy on Feb. 7.

(Photo by Matthew Wells)

Black Student Union members decorated the main lobby of FHN on Feb. 9. The club members were decorating for Black History Month to share information and spread awareness to students. (photo by Taylor Hill)

“I want to promote and show different perspectives on black culture.“ Alise Simon, 12

FHSD MASK LAWSUIT MO Attorney General sues FHSD for Mask Mandate

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed lawsuits against 45 school districts over mask mandates, Francis Howell being one of them. While some other schools backed down, the FHSD Board of Education fought back, saying that the school board members are, in fact, elected officials and can implement mandates if that’s what they believe to be best for their students.

“I’ve read the court case and it does talk about elected officials,” Dr. Lucas Lammers, Principal, said, “And our school board, they are elected officials.”

Since the mandates were established at North, there was an increase in attendance and grades, according to Lammers. Students miss school due to quarantines, putting them behind and resulting in worse grades. With masks required, COVID-19 has less of a chance to spread and prevents students from missing school as often. Masks are now optional, but the district is ready to reimplement them should the need arise.

“The valid science is on the side of masking,” Lammers said.

A few months ago, a court in Missouri ruled that unelected officials can’t require masks, quarantines, or anything of the sort. Schmitt interpreted the law to include school districts and proceeded to sue. The mandate has since been lifted within the Francis Howell district, due to the slow in COVID-19 cases, but the case is still active. (story by Michaela Manfull)

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North Star | 03.16.2022

“I want to build the black minds in the program to make people more aware of black history.”

Jada Sykes, 12

“I want to make a safe and comfortable space for black students at the school.”

Ian Kelly, 11

“There needs to be a Black Student Union in this school and in the district to help out black students and the prejudice they face.”

Jeremiah Pollard, 12

“My personal goal is to speak about issues black students face at the school. Just brining things to light.”

Hugh Kibera, 12

BLACK STUDENT UNION

FHN now offers a new club at FHN that aims to create a safe community for black students

what we’re going to decorate because we recently Black History Month, or we will just try to get to know each other he Black Student Union (BSU) because now that’s what the club is is a new club here at Francis really about,” Reese said.

Howell North. The BSU officially While the BSU has only done projects started in early January by seniors for Black History Month the club plans Arie’yauna Fullenwider, Nila Milo and on doing much more in the Aair Reese. Meetings are future. held on Wednesdays either “So, once you’re 17 you during school in Knight can vote in the state of Time or after school. The Missouri,” Milo said. “We club was created in hopes of wanted to set up a station creating a community and for students to register to a safe space for the black vote somewhere here at students of FHN. school so they can voice “I felt like people needed A video on the Black their vote.” a space where they felt Student Union Club For those who want to comfortable and able to join they can find anyone express themselves and already in the club and they can put you their stories,” Fullenwider said. “I want in the group chat. For those who are the people in the group to feel heard questioning joining, members say to and to feel important. I want them to just try one meeting. feel like they matter.”

“I would tell them just come try it out,” Even though the club has only been meeting for a short time they have done Milo said. “See if you can find someone to connect with because there’s a handful of projects especially last someone for everyone. There’s all these month during Black History Month. different people into different things.”

“Well usually we either talk about

by Morgan Chairs

mchairs303@g.fhsdschools.org

T

by Peter Pae

.COM PHOTO GALLERIES

COMIC CENTRAL

bit.ly/FHNJazz

SOCIAL MEDIA

INSTAGRAM

FHN’s Jazz bands performed in the annual Jazz Howell Night Concert. Jazz bands from FHSD schools showcased selections of music they’ve been preparing. (Photos

by Sophie Stachula)

instagram.com/FHNtoday FHNtoday’s Instagram has new content every day. Outstanding students and student athletes are featured and there are photos from sports games and events, as well.

LOTS OF GREAT STORIES bit.ly/SquidDisect

On Feb. 9, Joseph Brocksmith’s Biology 2 classes dissects squids to understand the anatomy they are learning about. The dissections were held during 3rd and 6th hour. (Photos by Andrew Goffinet)

TWITTER

Jeffrey Fletcher will become FHN’s new head principal starting July 1 and he hopes to make a positive impact.

Recently, clothes have become less vibrant colors but the classic & colorful clothing of the 70s should make a comeback.

bit.ly/FHNGirlsBBall On Feb. 25, Girls’ Varsity Basketball played their final home game. They were able to close the game out with a decent point gap of 41-31. (Photos by Hannah Button)

twitter.com/FHNtoday FHNtoday’s Twitter page posts daily about current school news and information about sports. It also builds a community between students and staff through weekly features about staff at North.

TIKTOK The FHN puppy who was brought to school on Jan. 31 has found a new home with an FHN staff member.

2022 Prom will return on April 22 after being gone for two years. It is set to take place at Old Hickory Golf Club from 7-10 p.m.

tiktok.com/@fhntoday Our TikTok account is home to many types of entertaining videos, such as interview with students around the school. Not only do we reach our own students, but we’ve reached over 140,000 people from around the country in one TikTok alone.

CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE June 2nd, 2020

Meetings were held with the District’s architect and at the time FHN Principal Dr. Nathan Hostetler, along with members from all of FHN’s departments for feedback on the schools layout

The City of St. Peters Planning and Zoning Commission approved site plans for the new school. testing was conducted in the footprint of the new building.

January, 2021

September, 2020 November, 2020

The community voted yes for Prop S, which approved a $244 million bond issue which greenlit the construction of the new FHN and other district projects

Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) process began for the new FHN High School

This month was focused on refining for the new Francis Howell North.

The District and SM Wilson agreed on a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contract model

Febuary, 2021 March, 2021 The architect for the project met with staff member from all departments to discuss design plans for the new FHN.

NEW NORTH UPDATE

In recents months, there have been problems sournding the construction of the new Francis Howell North. Last month a news story was done on channel 2 about the district and increase in price of the new school.

T

here has been a lot of debate and problems surrounding Prop S especially when it comes to the construction of the new Francis Howell North. Last month there was a story about the district. The story was on ‘Fox 2 News’ in a segment called ‘You Paid For It’. During this segment reporter Elliot Davis interviewed administrators and community members about the situation dealing with the construction Davis reported that the district figured the school was going to cost about $86.3 million however, the final bid came out to be $164.7 million. By this time construction had been underway and while they expected prices to be higher by about 10% they didn’t expect this.

“Once the work started and as we were moving forward, we started to understand that yes, there were going to be some increases to the cause,” Superintendent Nathan

Hoven said. “Never did we expect them to come in as high as they did” While the price of the school is significantly bigger than originally planned there are ways for the price of the school to still go down. It is called Value Engineering Work is still ongoing to continue to find ways to bring the cost down,” Hoven said. “They look at ways that they can find alternate options within the current building, that won’t hurt the quality of the building, but could save some money” For those who want more information on this matter it’s a topic at almost every board meeting.

For past board meetings the can be found on the Francis Howell school district website under the district tab.

“At every board meeting we do give an update,” Hoven said. “That includes pictures and some slides. Sometimes we’ve had some drone videos at times. So if they wanted to look at any one of our board meeting agenda, they could see the updates from that month that we’ve provided for the board in public.”

Want to read more? Check out the QR codes down below for more information.

Scan the QR code to view a video story on FOX 2 News about the budget update.

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North Star | 03.16.2022

Scan this QR code to visit the FHSD Board Docs website. There you can view agendas from meetings about the budget as well as watch the recordings of the meetings.

Scan the QR code to visit FHNToday.com’s ‘The Kingdom’ where more information about several events on this timeline above are housed.

by Morgan Chairs

Revised cost projections for North were presented to the Board

May 20th, 2021

August, 2021

December, 2021 November, 2021

District administrators and the board of education joined S.M. Wilson in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new FHN

Problems arose as the construction site extended into the school parking lot. Admin determined an efficient parking plan for the school year.

A board meeting was held surrounding the large cost of building the new North. A 6-1 vote was taken to approve the new cost and in return continuing construction.

On Feb. 10 the construction crew works on finishing the foundation of the new school, and began to expand the building into the old track area, as of now they are working on the back corner of the construction site. The plans for the construction for next week are to add steel to the foundation of the school. Even with the budget issues going on with the construction the planned date of completion is still to be in the Fall of 2024. (Photos by Andrew Goffinet)

by Morgan Chairs

North Star | 03.16.2022

15

Keep up to date on all the news and happenings at FHN TWITTER: @FHNtoday

INSTAGRAM: @FHNtoday

YOUTUBE:

youtube.com/FHNtoday

TIKTOK: @FHNtoday

SNAPCHAT: fhntoday

PINTEREST: fhntoday

FACEBOOK:

facebook.com/FHNtodayFan

FHN media

WEBSITE:

www.FHNtoday.com

*These are social media accounts that are part of the FHN Journalism program.

They are student accounts, run entirely by students.

FHN ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB

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Join the Booster Club and support your student!

Funds raised by the Booster Club provide monetary support for FHN sports, including over $10k in scholarships awarded in 2022.

To Join Email:

HowellNorthAthleticBoosters@gmail.com

Black Membership: $25 Black and Gold Membership: $50 (comes with $25 concession bucks) Knights Membership: $100 (comes with $50 concession bucks)

BAKER POOL CONSTRUCTION

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We don’t just build swimming pools, we transform backyards.

Let our team of innovative pool and landscape designers bring your dreams to life.

To request an appointment or receive more information, call us at 636-519-POOL BakerPoolConstruction.com

CONSCIOUS OF TOMORROW

As the climate heads toward a point of no return, what is the North community doing to ensure our future. With changes coming to the building and the completion of the new school, what does the future look like for students at North who are conscious of tomorrow?

BUT WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

WHO GETS OUR TRASH?

WHERE DOES THE TRASH GO? WHY SHOULD I RECYCLE? (Illustration by Maya Helbig)

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North Star | 03.16.2022

by Macy Cronin and McKenna Hudson

CONTRIBUTION FOSTERS CHANGE

Being environmentally conscious is important in order to revive the environment and start the uphill trend of growth. Learn more about what it means and how to be more conscious

by Justin Brewer

justinbrewer15@gmail.com

W

hat is the first thing that everyone does when they wake up in the morning?

Many may say something else but the true first thing is taking a breath of fresh, clean air. People often don’t realize how reliant they are on a clean environment and take for granted things like that.

Unfortunately, the environment is in a bad state and some of the things people do are just fuel to the fire. Fortunately, there is hope.

“The good news is that there are lots of things to do,” SLU professor Benjamin de Foy said. “Not everybody has to do everything but at the same time everybody has to do something.”

One of the problems with the environment is that there isn’t just one issue that can be pinpointed and fixed.

There are many issues working together to slowly degrade the environment.

Some of the biggest issues the world is facing are air pollution, climate change and water pollution. The combination of things like increased carbon emissions and greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere are causing natural disasters and weather extremes to become more prevalent. Picturing what the future looks like is not difficult as many of the future predictions that experts have made are coming true presently.

“I don’t want to paint too catastrophic of a picture but we are already seeing how in some communities and places around the world, they are experiencing the conditions we would expect to see in a few years,” Associate Professor in Earth Sciences at Lindenwood Ana Londono said.

Being environmentally conscious may seem like no easy task, but in reality all it comes down to are choices. People make choices everyday, whether it be what to have for breakfast or what song to listen to in the car. People also make choices like driving gas powered cars to work and keeping their heaters high in the winter. In some instances, choices like these are unavoidable and have to be made. However, there are choices that everyone can make to make a difference. By making those smart choices, people inherently become more environmentally conscious.

“I am an optimist and there is time but we need action promptly,” Londono said. “Of course the sooner we start, the better. We should have started this decades ago but we are here, and this is the moment.”

Using reusable bags, turning the lights off when you leave the house and running the dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes. These are all things that many do out of habit and are all things that contribute to the betterment of environment. In order to fully understand the scope of change that needs to happen, it is important to visualize it in a 3 tier system: personal actions, societal actions, and hopes for the future.

The personal actions are what each and every person can do and can be as small as eating healthier locally sourced food when applicable or as large as trading in one’s gas car for an electric car. Societal actions are what everyone can work to do and those are things that can be done collectively at a local or national level. These are things like speaking with local legislators or working to get involved in an environmental organization. Finally, one has to look at their hopes for the future, and see if those actions are in agreement with caring for the earth. If those things aren’t, then one must work to think what kind of things they can do

to maybe make those hopes in agreement with caring for the earth. All of these actions build off each other, but most importantly it starts with the individual and what they can be doing to start the chain of change.

“I’m not expecting everybody to become vegan overnight,” de Foy said.

“But we could eat healthier, we could eat better food, we could save money and we could reduce our carbon footprint all in one go.”

The big question that may be laying heavily on some people’s mind is “what does the future look like?” One of the biggest issues that many face today is the negativity surrounding the environmental crisis. Many are led to believe that our environment has been messed up to the point of no return.

Many people see the advertisements about the melting poles and the polar bears whose homes have been stripped away from them. According to de Foy “polar bears have become the poster child of climate change” and many fall into the trap of believing that the world is hopeless. While this is a harsh reality now, it is not necessarily what the future will look like. The changes people make now directly influence the future. There is always a chance and there will always be ways people can work to help the environment. By doing those things, the future of our environment will only look more and more bright.

“Your generation and younger suffer from all the stress of what our future will be and it’s very sad to see the youth feeling hopeless,” Londono said. “We should think about it in a positive way.

There is still a chance but change starts with us. If everyone does a little bit, the collective does a lot.”

To learn more about what schools can do to help engage students in helping the environment, scan the code below.

(Illustration by Maya Helbig)

by Macy Cronin and McKenna Hudson

North Star | 03.16.2022

19

BUILDING ON SOLID GROUNDS

In the past, North has done little in the ways of environmental protection, but as the new school goes up, what will North do to be more environmentally conscious in the future

environment at FHN. These clubs were run by Yvonne Kehoe, an English teacher for the special education department.

“The Gardening Club kind of started an extracurricular he school has changed drastically over the last two activity,” Kehoe said. “We wanted to invite all departments to years. With the new head principal coming to FHN understand something about the agriculture in the area and next year, it is important to see how the school is participate in any way they could.” currently impacting the environment to understand some of Like the gardening club, the recycling club created a the many changes the new principal aspires to bring to FHN. community around the school. Mainly with staff and teachers, Unfortunately for FHN, many of the environmental activities blue recycling bags were placed around the building for have been severely hindered by COVID-19. students to collect and recycle. However, this project was “Some of these things have been quite affected by COVID,” postponed indefinitely.

Assistant Principal Jeff Blankenship said. “It just interrupted “It was COVID,” Kehoe said. “Even though the students some of the things that have been done.” wore gloves every time they collected the blue bags, I still A very important position affected heavily by COVID-19, are didn’t want them exposed to whatever germs might be on the the custodians at FHN. Because of how rampant the virus recycled materials.” has been, many people are unwilling to work That being said, if a group of students as sanitation workers. This has massively is willing to continue these clubs or have impacted our current custodians by forcing other ideas to help the environment, they them to balance between keeping the always have the opportunity to create a school maintained and limiting the school’s club. impact on the environment. Administrative “People can start a club for any reason,” Assistant Stephanie Slaughter expresses Blankenship said. “Anytime we have a how difficult it is for the custodians. group of students interested in anything, “We are very low on custodians,” Slaughter and they can’t find a sponsor, they go said. “I know some evenings it is difficult for through the activities office and ask for what them to get the building cleaned. Adding one they need.” more thing to their plate would be very difficult The incoming Head Principal Jeffrey for them.”

Fletcher believes in allowing students more There are only five main custodians. With freedom with the activities they wish to 1,750 students and staff members at FHN, pursue and some of his plans involve the the custodians cannot do everything reuse of materials. everyday. However, this is not the only “Starting that club back up would be factor currently restricting the school’s awesome,” Fletcher said. “I think being very (Illustration by Maya Helbig) ability to help the environment. Head Principal conscious of making sure we’re using the Dr. Lucas Lammers elaborates on how important the materials we’re purchasing or are given to us, and reusing new building can be when it comes to conserving energy. them and not just throwing them away.”

“It’s an old building,” Lammers said. “Old buildings are Fletcher is very conscious about making sure the school inefficient when it comes to heat. The new building should usage of paper is drastically reduced. be far more efficient when it is built. That’s one of the “There’s a lot of technological things that we can do,” many reasons we needed a new building, is to have more Fletcher said. “Something I try to be very conscious about efficiencies built in.” when I’m leading meetings or sending out information The building currently has issues with vents and A/C to students, parents, and teachers, something I would do constantly breaking. With how old the infrastructure is, the personally is sending more of these things out electronically efficiency of the ventilation system has deteriorated. This instead of making flyers or posters about it.” requires the school to use more energy to keep it maintained, Although the school’s capabilities to stay environmentally skyrocketing our carbon footprint. However, this problem conscious were hindered due to COVID-19 and the building’s will linger until the new building is completed. Previously, age, Fletcher hopes to cushion that impact and bring a new FHN had various clubs that worked to alleviate the school’s environment overall to FHN. carbon footprint. These were clubs like the gardening club

by Peter Pae

ppae338@g.fhsdschools.org

T

Becky Holtkamp is the lead custodian at North and has been in that position for 2 years. Holtkamp elaborates on her job as lead custodian.

“

When I first started we were fully staffed, so it was easy to keep up on stuff and get things done. Keep the school clean.

It’s just been a challenge to now that we’re down to three people at night,” Holtkamp said.

“

It’s hard to get everything cleaned like we want to get cleaned. And stacking all the toilet papers in the bathrooms and you just want to get in there and clean the room like it’s supposed to be cleaned, but we can’t, we don’t have time to do it like that all the time every night,” Holtkamp said.

and recycling club made specifically for students to help the

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North Star | 03.16.2022

by Macy Cronin and McKenna Hudson

ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE FUTURE

With the climate constantly changing at an alarming rate, teachers are working to educate students on the importance of bettering our climate

by McKenna Hudson

mhudson365@g.fhsdschools.org

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core class in school, the sciences are an imperative piece of education that students often overlook, especially when it comes to environmental sciences. Many see this and other similar classes as lesser than its counterparts like chemistry or physics. But like those classes, environmental classes can be important to better understand our changing environment. These classes will teach students ways they can help protect our environment and how they are leaving their mark on our everchanging world.

At North, environmental science and biology are two classes that teach students about our environment. Environmental science focuses on ways that humans affect the environment and ways to help prevent the pollution of our earth.

Biology focuses on the study of life and touches on the subject of our environment. Larry Scheller has been teaching biology at North for 17 years and finds the subject of environmental science to be important in his curriculum for decision making.

“I do think that learning about the environment is important because it’s something that [students] can see and will experience in their lives,” Scheller said. “They’re gonna need to know it to make important decisions as a society in the future. I think a lot of times people go into voting not actually having the knowledge they need in order to make a proper decision. So I think it’s important that they know what they’re talking about.”

Being knowledgeable about the issues surrounding our environment is important in making more informed decisions. As students moving through high school reach the voting age, information learned from environmental science classes will become critical in making educated decisions that are environmentally friendly.

As for students not yet able to vote, being knowledgeable about the problems facing our environment is important to being more environmentally conscious in the future. Sean Ireland is a junior taking environmental science taught by Joe Brocksmith. Through the class,

by Macy Cronin and McKenna Hudson

Ireland has learned several ways in which he helps to better protect the environment.

“Personally, what I try to do is pick up things on the side of the road that I see,” Ireland said. “And I try to recycle things, If it’s a plastic bottle, for example, I’ll put it into recycling instead of just throwing it into the trash.”

Not only are students concerned with the environment, teachers around the building are passionate about helping to protect the environment.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Yvonne Kehoe, a special education English teacher at North, was head of the recycle club; an after school program which helped promote recycling around North.

“We picked up recycling, which were blue bags, so each teacher that wanted to participate, we gave them some blue bags, and that was through the city of St. Peters,” Kehoe said. “And about once a week, we went around after school recycling all that to ensure that it got into the proper recycling bin.”

Unfortunately, due to COVID, the club was shut down and has not made a return to North. Despite this, Kehoe and other students around the school remain passionate in protecting our environment. Through clubs like the Sun Club or Ecology club, the legacy of the recycle club carries on. And without classes like environmental science, students may not be able to learn about the damage being done to our environment.

“I think that [students] need to be aware that they, their children, their grandchildren, all need to share this one Earth,” Kehoe said. “I hope that they see value in saving the Earth and that they will pass it on to their family members and friends.”

(Illustration by Maya Helbig)

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THE DAWN OF SUN CLUB

Sun Club hopes to set North on the right path to become environmentally conscious

by Amber Winkler

amberewinkler@gmail.com

T

(Illustration by Maya Helbig)

“

So we actually broken down the sun club into four different committees. Each committee has different goals as the climate crisis is huge, and there’s so many different tactics to approach it. The goal of our climate talks committee is to teach children, our younger generation.”

Hailey Zhang, 10

he idea for Sun Club started in October of this school year after sophomore Hailey Zhang saw that the school’s recycling went nowhere and the school didn’t have many environmentally-friendly plans in place.

She planned, found support and asked a teacher to sponsor the club she had envisioned in her mind.

“I really wanted to create a club at our school to really give people the opportunity to do something about [the climate crisis] because a lot of times, the problem is way too big for us and we feel very overwhelmed by it,” Zhang said. “We feel like we are helpless against it. And I created the club because I felt like students needed a way to, little by little, bring change to that global crisis we’re facing.”

After Zhang came up with the idea for this club that she believed the school needed, she reached out to her friend and fellow sophomore Claire Laurentius. Laurentius had experience with the agricultural aspect of environmental activism and Zhang wanted her input while coming up with a plan for this new club.

“Claire’s family owns farms and stuff,” Zhang said. “So she knows a lot about agriculture and gardening and things like that. She helps with a lot of things. I got my friends to help me with different things.”

After Zhang and Laurentius created their plan, they had to find a teacher to sponsor the club. French teacher Jenny Liberson was Zhang’s choice for who she wanted to be the sponsor for the club.

“I know a lot of teachers care about the environment, but I felt like she was the most approachable in the sense because I knew that she cared about the environment a lot and I knew that she did a lot of gardening at home,” Zhang said. “So I

thought she would be the perfect teacher to help us with all the things we do and plus she gives us a lot of freedom. She doesn’t control the club at all. The club is really just a student run. And she understands that and I think that’s why I chose her because she’s a really understanding teacher.”

Currently, Sun Club is split into four committees that each have their own major projects that they are working on. The Climate Talks committee aims to reach out to the younger generations by speaking to elementary schools in our district. The Sunrise committee is working on the national movement called the Sunrise Movement, which is a youth movement that aims to make change through legislation.

The Volunteering and Fundraising committee works to create volunteer opportunities for those who are interested. The last committee is the Garden committee who works to create gardens in our community and bring back the one we have in our school to use for composting.

“One committee has to do with talking to kids, the elementary schools, about the environment,” Liberson said.

“Another one has to do with the Sunrise Movement, which is a nationwide thing. Another one has to do with creating a garden and composting in our school and recycling. And then another one, their goal is to create a farmers market that we can have at our school.”

While Sun Club is a new club and just starting out with their progress toward change, Zhang and Liberson are hopeful that Sun Club will be very successful in the future. They hope that they can help set FHN on the right track to be more environmentally conscious.

“I hope we make change and I hope that change is a lasting change,” Zhang said. “I really hope that people will see the change, and they feel inspired to also make more change. In the future, I just really hope sun club will be a place in which we all are working towards a common goal and really just make change.”

Want to learn more?

Check out fhntoday.com

...especially after the Industrial “ Revolution, which is when we start

burning the crap out of fossil fuel,” Joe Brocksmith, a science teacher and sponsor of the Ecology Club said.

(Illustration by Maya Helbig)

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North Star | 03.16.2022

by Macy Cronin and McKenna Hudson

8WAYS 1. Waste Survey

Completing a waste survey will show a complete view on how much FHN throws away and how much can be recycled.

Scan this QR code to see findings from a Minnesota county school’s waste survey

3. More Trash Bins

Once the waste survey is complete, its findings will show what kinds of material FHN can divert from the landfill. From there new trash bins can be placed like recycling for cardboard, plastics, paper and more.

Scan this QR code to view an image of how the Saint Louis Zoo sorts their waste

5. Reusable Trays

With hundreds of students purchasing their lunch each day, the amount of waste generated adds up quickly. This can be reduced if FHN re-introduced reusable lunch trays.

7. Garden

Students should be able to utilize the courtyard as a garden space. This will allow students to form positive relationships with the environment around them. It can also help educate students on how to take care of the environment in a way that can be mutually beneficial.

Scan this QR code to learn about some good starter crops for beginner gardeners

by Macy Cronin and McKenna Hudson

FHN CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

(Content by Macy Cronin)

2. School Supplies

At the end of the school year it can be cathartic to just throw away everything school related, but some of those items can be reused. Half-empty glue sticks and mostly empty notebooks can be saved for the next school year or donated to a teacher who can give it to a student in need.

4. Inform

One of the biggest ways FHN can make a difference is by informing students and staff the impact they can make on the environment around them. This can be by sharing resources on how to be more environmentally conscious at home, work or school.

Scan this QR code to learn how to educate yourself on more environmentally conscious practices

6. Food Waste

Frequently students are seen throwing away the fruit or vegetable they were required to get if they wanted to have a free lunch. This can be prevented if there was a secondary container students can put these extra food items. These food items can then be reused and given to students who will actually eat them.

Issues seen by FHSDs custodial manager, Denis Nasufovic:

“ “ “

We have pizza day, and obviously on those days you know we have a lot of boxes that quickly overfill the dumpsters.”

Sometime in the past the cafeteria used to provide trays and now it’s all disposable plates which can increase the trash in our building.”

The biggest problem is towards the end of the school year where a lot of teachers and students are disposing a lot of trash no longer needed and that’s overwhelming for our dumpsters”

8. Compost

FHN can use composting as a way to reduce the schools food waste. Composting would be a way students can learn how to reuse scraps of food to improve the soil around them.

Composting would be especially beneficial to FHN right now because the contruction of the new building will leave poor quality soil.

Scan this QR code to learn how to compost and the effects of composting

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Junior Andrew Nevenner sits and reads the Bible. Nevernner has been going to Harvester Christian Church for a little over a year. Nevernner is planning on graduating early to be a part of the church. (Photo by Kyle Button)

Junior Ian Pierce talks about his podcast in the recording studio at school. Pierce started his podcast Nov. of 2020. (Photo by Sam Hebisen)

Steps you can take to graduate early : Step 1 Inform your counselor that you would like to gradaute early.

You will need to contact your grade level counselor and the college and career counselor Ms. Prestidge.

WHAT’S NEXT Ian Pierce records a school

podcast called Noble Knights At FHN, everyone is creative in their own way. Some sell things and make small businesses at a young age, others offer services, and others get a little more into and make youtube videos or podcasts and share to anyone and everyone who is willing to listen. That is exactly what Junior Ian Pierce is doing.

“I come up with a topic and then I go home, write my script and edit it, as well try to make them longer,” Pierce said. “Sometimes it is a very long process and other times it’s very quick”.

Pierce posts a schedule of about once a month, announcing on social media when he posts new podcasts.

Recently he has taken a break but is getting back into it. Pierce has had multiple people on the podcast.

Sometimes it is friends, and other times it is people that he meets and gets to know throughout their time on the podcast. Pierce has many types of people on the podcast.

“Ian has inspired me to make my own podcast. I don’t like being restricted on what I can and can’t say with it being a school podcast,” sophomore Kevin Smith said.

Podcasts can talk about many different topics. The creators of podcasts choose what they are truly invested in. Pierce chooses to talk about one of his passions, FHN. “Most of [the podcasts] are 25 minutes long,” Pierce said. “If they are quick bits it’s less than five minutes”.

(Story by Stephanie Lichtenegger)

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Step 2 You will most likely need to take more than 7 classes during the day or take classes over the summer. You can take classes through the community college or other colleges that have your needed classes.

Step 3 You will need to make sure that you take final exams for the classes and pass them to master the class.

Keep in mind that if you plan on going to college that they accept what classes you are taking.

Step 4 After you have passed the classes they will be added to your transcript. When you register for classes you will still need a full 7 hour schedule for course registration.

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S PLAN FOR THE FUTURE Andrew Nevenner, a junior, graduates early to pursue ministry and share the gospel with the world

by Stephanie Lichtenegger

slichtenegger419@g.fhsdschools.org

H

arvester Christian is a church that many students go to throughout the year. But there is a student that has taken a step further than going to life groups and church on Sundays. Andrew Nevenner is a junior that goes to Harvester and plans to graduate early to pursue ministry.

“I’ve wanted to for a few years now and I felt like God has been pulling me to it and I would always shut it down because I thought that it wasn’t for me,” Nevenner said. “But over time I realized that I didn’t need to be a perfect person because we are all broken and I can use my brokenness and mistakes to help minister and relate to others.”

Many people have been helping along the way to Nevenner’s journey. But there are a few in particular that have really given him a push into what he wants to do with his life and how to deal with the tasks that God throws ones way. He has taken a step in a new direction to help himself and other people with being broken.

“I’ve seen Andrew grow in the community as he started to attend Harvester and our life group,” Nick

Ballard, Next Gen Pastor said. “I saw him grow with friendships that he made there which has also helped him grow in his faith and build more confidence in who God created him to be.”

There is one person in particular that is excited for him to go away to college and to watch him grow as he goes through life. He knew Nevenner only a short period of time, but time doesn’t always mean much when it comes to relationships at church.

“He gets to go further away from home than he has been and figure out what God wants for his life,” Saxton Green, Student Ministry Intern said.

Many people can have misconceptions with what church is supposed to be, what being a Christian means and what being a disciple of god means. Being a Christian can mean that sometimes you have your life looked at under a microscope and can feel like people are waiting for you to mess up.

“I want to spread the good news of Jesus to people who haven’t heard it and to speak to the truth about who Jesus is because a lot of the American church has a common misconception of who Jesus is and what Christianity is,” Nevenner said.

by Stephanie Lichtenegger

TAKE A LOOK AT ST. PATRICKS DAY (Content By Ray Hathcock)

2022 ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

The Metropolitan St. Louis’s Parade Reappears this Year

T

he Metropolitan St. Louis’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back in session, as one of the top national parades. In 2020, the parade was canceled, then in 2021 it became their first virtual parade. This year, it’s back in person for all to attend on March 12, 2022 at downtown St . Louis

in Market and 20th Street at 12:00 pm.

“There were little stands of people selling stuff and the parade was really cool,’’ Finn Zimmerman, a junior at FHN who has gone years prior to the start of COVID-19, said. “I remember that there were big balloons [on the floats]. There were bands, people throwing candy lots of green. I would recommend it, because it’s pretty fun to go to. You just have to be there early to actually get a good view.”

Jim Curran is the chairman of the Metropolitan St. Patrick’s day parade, and has been for the past two years. He oversees all of the managers of each section of the parade and is the grand orchestrater. “[The parade is still going] to celebrate culture. It started small and grew to what it is today. It’s one of the largest parades in the country,” Curran said. “On a good weather day we draw over 300,000 people.”

Even though this is an Irish holiday, it’s widely celebrated throughout the world. Irish-Americans have built the fundamentals of St. Patrick’s day, to become the holiday that we know today.

“People just love getting together and celebrating something. It’s a very-family friendly event,” Curran said.

A Tradition element of St. Patrick’s Day food is Sheperd’s Pie. Shepherd’s Pie is a warm, main dish, usually served at dinner. It’s a mix of lamb and sirloin topped with mashed potatoes.

Drowning the shamrock is an activity in which people take their last whiskey container of the night, and dip their shamrock in. This tradition came from the legend of St. Patrick taking a partially drunk whiskey and a tale of the devil.

Originally, people wore blue for St. Patrick’s day, because St. Patrick was depicted as wearing sky blue. It was a symbol of Irish sovereignty. They later decided on the color green from the Irish’s Shamrock to represent themselves, because Ireland is nicknamed the ‘Emerald Isle’.

HISTORY OF ST. PATRICK

He’s not a canonized Saint, but is praised as one, St. Patrick is celebrated all across the world. All this appraisal is of his story of him converting Irish folk to Christianity.

When St. Patrick was 16, he was raided of his wealthy British family’s estate by a few Irish people. He was held prisoner there for 6 years, until he escaped, because he heard God say that it’s time to leave, while he slept. He walked 200 miles to end back up in Britain.

15 years passed, he studied as a priest, but heard a voice in a dream again.

This time, an angel, telling him to go back to Ireland to convert more people.

He does so, and many people call him a Saint for his conversions, and is celebrated on his death date.

(Information from Reader’s Digest, Parade, The Food Network and All Recipes)

ST. PATRICK’S DAY TRADITIONS Known for its superstition with the color green, St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday celebrated by many around the world. Since the potato famine forced the Irish to move, its most well known celebrations are in the United States.

“St. Patrick’s Day, when my brother and I were younger, my mom would set up a little treasure hunt for us, ‘’ sophomore Reese Dannager said. ” It was kind of like Easter, but it would be leprechaun themed. Everything would be green and gold. She also makes cabbage every year for it. Sometimes

By Ray Hathcock

we’d go to a parade, but not every year.”

Randal Hufford is a senior at FHN with Irish descent. Every year he celebrates his culture through this holiday.

“I usually participate in making corn beef, shepherd’s pie, Irish soda, and colcannon,” Hufford said. “And I went to the Downtown St. Louis parade and the New York parade with my Dad, Step-mom and grandparents.”

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Conner Rowland draws his bow back at the range. Rowland has been doing archery for 4 years. (Photo by Sam Hebisen)

SHOT ON TARGET Sophomore Conner Rowland is a competitive archer

Archery, or shooting using a bow and arrow, is a skill that has been around for thousands of years. Although a dated weapon, enthusiasts still use the bow and arrow to practice archery. One such person is sophomore Conner Rowland, who has been competing in archery since he was in 6th grade.

“I started [archery] just to pass time,” Conner said. “Then I started competing at different ranges around the state and in different states.”

Conner’s path to competing in archery was unexpected and unintentional, with Conner never actively seeking to compete. Conner first got a bow and arrow by accident, finding it in his grandpa’s house.

“One day I was cleaning out my grandpa’s house, and I found an old bow,” Conner said. “I started using it, and liked it more and more.”

After picking up archery, Conner started winning many different competitions, from local tournaments to Missouri State. He even placed in the top 5 multiple times and won state once. After winning state, Conner went on to compete and win regionals. “[Winning State] was really exciting, Tamra, Connor’s mom said. “Especially being so new into the sport.”

However, COVID-19 put a hold on many state and regional competitions.

Conner’s personal life also prevents him from doing archery as much as he wants.

“COVID kind of shut it down,” Conner said. “Now I mostly compete in local tournaments. Work and school also make it hard to do. It’s kind of been something I want to do, but I’ve been too busy to do. I can’t really find time.”

(Story by Aadhi Sathishkumar)

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Hongxu and Hongyu Lin pose together for a photo. The brothers came to the US from China when they were 14 years old. Both twins enjoy living in the US. “I’ve gotten a good education, an open experience, and have broadening view,” Hongyu said. (Photo by Andrew Poertner)

Archery Equipment Archers use more than just a bow and arrow. Here is some of the essential equipment of an archer’s kit

WELL ESTABLISHED

Seniors Hongxu and Hongyu Lin came to the US from China

by Aadhi Sathishkumar

W

aadhikumarblue@gmail.com

An arrow is one of the essential parts of archery. Competition arrows are usually made of carbon, allowing them to be light and sturdy.

Arm guards are used by competitive and casual archers for safety. The guard prevents the arrow from being injured by the bowstring or arrow.

Used by archers for thousands of years, quivers are made to hold arrows. Quivers can be worn on the back, around the waist, or on the bow depending on the archer’s preference.

North Star | 03.16.2022

hen twins Hongxu and Hongyu Lin were 14 years old, they had to set off from their home in China and travel to the U.S. Despite having time needed to get used to the customs of the US, they’re now well adjusted and happy to be here.

“I was born in Fujian,” Hongxu said. “I lived with my Grandma for a long time, and my parents had been [in the US] for a while. My Mom lived in the US for longer than she had in China. When my Grandma died, they wanted us to come live with them so they could take care of me.”

Neither twin knows exactly why their parents came to the U.S. before them, but they don’t care much about why.

Rather than focusing on the past, the twins are more interested in what’s happening now.

“I never asked, and they never told me,” Hongxu remarked when asked about why his parents moved here. “It’s kind of strange, but I don’t really ask questions, cause I don’t think they are important.

Current situation is more important. And to be honest with you, I’m just lazy.”

The twins first lived in Philadelphia when they came to the U.S. After a few months, they came to St. Charles to live with their family. Many things were different in the US from China, but the twins quickly realized that the differences were expected and quickly got used to them.

“I don’t feel a lot of emotional stuff.

[Moving] wasn’t harder than I thought it’d be, but it’s not easier than I thought it’d be either,” Hongyu said. “It’s a brand new place we’ve never been before and a lot different from China, but you just get used to it.”

Among the differences, school was a big one that the twins quickly realized. Rather than a very formal, strict education like China values, the twins had a seemingly casual, open education that focused on different skills. “[School in China] had more rules. More rules, more time, more school days. More homework out of school,” Hongxu said.

“In the U.S., they’re all friendly. I talked to teachers a lot at first.”

Coming to the U.S. right as they were finishing up middle school, the twins had a lot to overcome in order to become adjusted to U.S. life. Outside of school, their family helped them a lot, especially their siblings.

“Honestly, my little brother and little sister helped me the most,” Hongxu said.

“My Mom would take me out to dinner to see how the restaurant to show like how to order. It just made me more experienced.”

Now, the twins like life in the U.S. more than they thought they would. Although there are some aspects of China they miss, they like many things about the U.S. “It’s harder in China to get a job or something,” Hongyu said. “You can know more too. The knowledge is free. You can say anything you want. There’s more freedom here. Now I have a lot of good memories here.”

by Aadhi Sathishkumar

TOP

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Outdoor Gear on a Budget

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You don’t need to sink loads of money into expensive camping gear and gadgets to have a good time outdoors. The items on this list are perfect for beginner campers and should get you started on the right trail. (Content by Ben Henry)

Coleman Sundome Tent The most basic form of shelter, a good tent will keep you and your gear safe and dry. A good tent for beginners in the Coleman Sundome 3 Person Tent ($80). It’s durable and easy to set up, even in windy conditions. The rainfly keeps you dry even in a torrential downpour. Just remember that when a tent is rated for 3 people, thats without any gear.

Nalgene Triton Water Bottle Staying hydrated outdoors is important, so a durable water bottle like the Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth Tritan Water Bottle ($12) is a great choice. The wide mouth makes it easy to clean and it’s made of durable plastic that can take a fall without cracking or not melt when filled with boiling water.

The CDC recommends you drink about a liter of water per hour when outdoors, but remember to drink more when it’s hot or at higher altitudes.

“They’re pretty useful because they’re durable and hold a lot of water” - Ethan Simerda, 12

3 4 5

by Ben Henry

Water Purfication Tablets If clean running water isn’t available, your only option may be to treat your own. After filtering it through a cloth, use Iodine and Taste Neutraliser tablets ($13) to kill bacteria and remove the iodine taste.

Coast FL65 Headlamp Having a portable light source is a powerful tool to keep you safe and make tasks easier. A tough and reliable headlamp with a bright light like the Coast FL65 Headlamp ($20) is a good choice for lighting your way. Outputting over 400 lumens at just over 3 ounces, it’s both lightweight, powerful, and reliable.

Portable Compact Fist Aid Kit Having a way to clean and cover the scratches and scrapes you’re bound to get is a valuable tool. A pre-made first aid kit like the J&J All Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit ($12) is a good idea for beginners. It is prestocked with items you’ll need for first aid, and comes in a rigid plastic box so it doesn’t get crushed.

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Plano Medium Storage Trunk Keeping your gear safe and dry is important when outdoors. Most campers use a weatherproof tote with locking handles, like the Plano Medium Storage Trunk ($44). It’s sturdy and low enough to fit almost anywhere. With 17 gallons of storage space, it has plenty of space to fit all of your gear “If you don’t keep your stuff dry, it’ll feel like constantly stepping in a puddle of water with socks on” Connor Brinkman, 11

Ozark Trail 8 x 10 Tarp A waterproof tarp can go under your tent and keep ground moisture from getting to your tent, or it can function as a shelter on it’s own. An 8’’ x 10’’ one like the Ozark Trail 8x10 Heavy Duty ($13) works well and holds up against rain.

“With a tarp, you can make lean-to shelters, a-frames, and even hammock covers - Stephen Smith, 10

8 9

Repair Kit It’s best not to rely on hopes and prayers to keep your gear together.

A small bag with duct tape, rope, patches, a pair of scissors, and a small sewing kit can go a long way.

You can assemble one at home for about $15. Put your tools and materials into a small container or bag, and have an idea of how to fix your gear.

Ozark Trail 10F Sleeping Bag Something to keep you warm when it gets cold is a necessity. A “mummy” style bag like the Ozark Trail 10F ($37) has a survival rating of 10° F. Just remember it can’t keep you warm when wet.

“You dont want your sleping bag to get wet becuaqse it will make you a lot colder than you want.”

- Nathan Anderson, 9

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Top 3 campgrounds in the St. Louis area One of the best parts about living in Missouri is the easy access to great campgrounds. Here are some of the best campgrounds in the area. #1. Cuivre River State Park Pronounced ‘Quiver River’, the name isn’t the only unique thing about this wonderful park.

Plenty of aquatic activities are available around Lake Lincoln, twelve quality hiking trails of varying difficulty levels and both modern and primitive camping sites appeal to all levels of campers. #2. Johnson Shut-ins State Park - Nestled in the St. Francois mountains, it’s the premier state park in Missouri. The iconic shut-ins combined with rugged trails and great places to swim make it an ideal destination for anyone wanting to take their camping experience to the next level. #3. Pierre Marquette State Park - Located near Grafton, Illinois, just across the river. It has some of the best trails and is near the Grafton zipline, one of the biggest in the country, with over 9000 feet of zipline at 700 feet of elevation.

Venture Outdoors Sleeping Pad Having a sleeping pad under you can make a night more comfortable. Something like the Venture Outdoors Foam Sleeping Pad ($19) is both lightweight and comfortable.

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COFFEE WITH FRIENDS The Orange Couch Coffee House is a “Friends” themed coffee house in Eureka, MO right in the middle of the pandemic, Schamber opened The Orange Couch alking in, the Coffee House. Opening famous orange couch in the corner during a global pandemic came with many challenges, grabs ones attention and the in turn making normal sweet aroma of coffee beans fills the vibrant colored room. challenges of owning a business harder.

The smiling staff says good “Challenges are happening morning as people search all the time, especially now the menu for the perfect because I opened during the drink to order. Will it be an pandemic,” Schamber said.

Orange Couch Mocha or an “So the biggest challenge is Iced Chai Latte? the pandemic. Sometimes “The coffee is really good, we have which shortages of always different things helps,” and we have to Eureka High deal with that as School much as we can.” student Orange Couch Mocha The “Friends” Megan Clar espresso with gourmet theme is special said. “But chocolate syrup, swirl of to Schamber caramel, steamed milk I kind of because she is a just like the major fan of the vibe. It’s so show. The name colorful in represents the here and famous couch a lot less Iced Chai Latte from the show. hectic than freshly brewed organic Schamber chose walking into black tea, with honey, this for the name a Starbucks.” vanilla, cardamom, because it wasn’t The coffee cinnamon and foamed trademarked house milk, served over ice by the Warner became the Brothers. So, talk of the town, especially originally the coffee house for its “Friends” theme. The started out with just the Orange Couch Coffee House orange couch and “Friends” is popular among Eureka quotes on the wall. Then High School students, some when Schamber saw the of which work there. In turn reactions of the customers, making this an honorary that they loved the theme, hang out spot. she began to add more.

“I just think it’s a really “You have to have cool place that is special to something that you love, Eureka,” Clar said. you’re passionate about,” The owner of The Orange Schamber said, “So I love Couch Coffee House, Maggie ‘Friends’, I love the show.

Schamber, moved to the I am happy to see a new United States from Poland generation of young people in 2004. Schamber, her watching ‘Friends’, knowing husband and their son then Friends, and loving ‘Friends’.” moved to Eureka in 2016 The Orange Couch Coffee which sparked her long lived House is a unique staple dream of opening a coffee of Eureka, MO. Whether house. someone is a “Friends” fan or “We love this town, this not, it is enjoyable to anyone community, the people and who likes coffee.

I was like ‘oh my gosh, this “If you’re looking for a is the perfect place to open cozy, relaxing place with the coffeehouse,” Schamber good drinks and kind staff, said. “Especially that there then we’re here for you,” wasn’t any at that time.”

Schamber said.

Finally in July of 2020,

by Hope Moseley

hmoseley517@g.fhsdschools.org

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North Star | 03.16.2022

The famous orange couch displayed right when you walk in the coffee house where the first scence of “Friends” takes place. (Photos

by Stephanie Lichtenegger) People line up to order from The Orange Couch Coffee House menu and sit down to enjoy time with friends and family.

Scan the QR code below to go to The Orange Couch Coffee House website.

Building LEGOs takes a turn as there are LEGO setups in the form of the coffee house and apartments from “Friends”.

by Hope Moseley

Junior Maria Aguirre sits with 7th grader Quinn Marable in Jenny Liberson’s 2nd hour French III class. Aguirre (pictured at left) is a part of Marable’s table pod where they became friends. “She’s one of the most responsible, smart and kind people in the class and she’s always helpful,” Marable said.

(Photo by Faith Smith)

France has a diverse culture and set of customs. Here are some facts about France, its language and more.

Nice is located near the south of France and has a population of 342,669.

Valbonne means "the good valley," it’s a town located near Nice.

France is the largest country in the European Union France is 1.2 times smaller than Texas

“Bonjour” is the common way to say hello in French, another way to greet somebody is “Salut”.

“Vouloir, c’est pouvoir” is a common French phrase and translates roughly to "where there’s a will, there’s a way."

“Mon chou” is a term of endearment, it directly translates to "my cabbage."

“Ah, la vache” is the French equivalent to "oh my god."

STRAIGHT OUT OF FRANCE Seventh grade Barnwell Middle school student Quinn Marable takes French III

by Olivia Van Horn

ovanhorn332@g.fhsdschools.org

29 countries in the world currently are "Francophone" or countries that have French as their official language.

May 1 or Le 1er Mai is International Worker’s Day. Friends and families offer each other lily of the valley for good luck.

Bastille Day, is the most popular holiday in France occurring on July 14 every year. (information from normandale.edu and theexpeditioner.com)

by Olivia Van Horn

S

ome may have seen Quinn Marable walking to her French III class in the halls, but what people may not know is that she actually attends Barnwell Middle School most of the day.

Marable gets to school via her parents driving her to and from Francis Howell North. Marable, a seventh-grader, does not have a pack time at Barnwell Middle, which allows her to come to Howell North for second hour, her French III class.

Taking French III has not affected her education at Barnwell.

“Some of the challenges of coming to North at first were not knowing who people were but now as the year has gone on it’s become fine,” Marable said.

Marable is the first middle school student Jennifer Liberson, the French teacher at North, has taught in her five years of teaching. Liberson was surprised to have a middle school student in her class but Marable has put effort and hard work into her class which has shown that she is as capable as any other student in French III. Students were also first surprised when Marable joined the class but soon after she was just another student, making jokes in the class.

“I think it’s really awesome to have her in my class and she’s really good at French,” Liberson explained, “She also does very well in the social part of the class.”

She has a sister, Rory Marable, who is a freshman at North taking French V. Marable lived in France for three years; she went to an international school while she lived there. The Marables’ lived in Valbonne, France. The school taught in French one day and English another day, so rather than the school teaching the language they taught lessons in French.

“I got to learn both languages, French and English, and there were kids from around the world at the school so it was many different cultures in one place,” Marable said, “I would love to move back to France if I am given the opportunity to.”

Only 13% of students in the United States take French in school. FHSD middle schools only offer a French I class, which is why Marable has to come to North for her French Class.

Marable is planning on continuing her French studies through high school, she will be taking French V her freshman year.

“Students are super welcoming towards her, and she’s pretty mature for her age so she fits in well,” Liberson said. “She also has an incredible work ethic, always does her best, and works hard. French III is a rigorous course but she does well in the class.”

North Star | 03.16.2022

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1

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Rainbow Roll The Rainbow Roll is the best roll you can get at a sushi restaurant because of the variety of fish on top of a classic California Roll. The cucumber and crab on the inside give it a nice, crunchy texture, and it still has the fishy flavor on top.

Spicy Tuna Roll Spicy Tuna incorporates the best fish but also adds more flavor than a normal Tuna Roll because of the spicy mayo. When you bite into it you get the crunch from the cucumber and some from the fish, this roll has loads of flavor. This roll will be different pretty much everywhere that you go, it usually just uses tuna and spicy mayo, but every different roll is delicious.

6

“I usually go for a Spicy Calfornia Roll. I like the flavor of California Rolls, but the spicy things they add to the roll makes it even better” -Bryce Renz, 9

7

3

TOP 4

10

Sushi is good in all forms, but sometimes its difficult to chose a roll because of all of the different options. This is a list containing the top 10 sushi rolls so that it is easier for you to choose a roll the next time you are out and need some help deciding. (Content by Nina Schindler)

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North Star | 03.16.22

5

California Roll The California Roll is a good roll for people that dont like the idea of raw fish. Instead of fish on the inside it has crab. It is a basic roll that many people get when they go out for sushi, but it is the best roll to pair with soy sauce and wasabi.

“I am a picky eater, so a simple California Roll is what I like. It’s a good starter roll for people that dont like the idea of raw fish.”

-Ellenna Forbes, 9

“I like the Spicy Tuna roll, I’m allergic to shellfish so my options are limited but it’s spicy and sort of tastes like chicken so I like it,” -Sophia Black, 11 Dragon Roll The Dragon Roll includes eel, eel sauce, and cucumber. It may sound odd, but the Eel and the smoky but sweet Eel sauce pair so well together.

The cucumber adds a nice refreshing taste to the roll and the crab adds a nice pop of flavor to the roll.

Spicy California The Spicy California Roll has an explosion of flavor because of the spicy mayo and chile powder. These two things do an incredible job of spicing up a roll as basic as a California Roll.

The crab on the inside still gives it that fishy flavor that just adds even more flavor to the roll.

8

Philadelphia Roll The classic Philadelphia Roll is a roll that combines salmon, avocado, and cream cheese. The avocado and cream cheese add a creamy texture. The salmon and cream cheese pair very well together and both add lots of flavor.

“I like the Dragon Roll. Its honestly the only roll that I can eat that i dont get sick of.”

-Lisa Smyth, 9 Unagi Roll The Unagi Roll is similar to the Dragon Roll, just without the crab and with roasted sesame seeds on top. The sesame seeds add a sweet almond flavor that tastes yummy with the eel sauce and they also add a crunchy texture.

Spicy Salmon Roll A Spicy Salmon Roll is very similar to the Spicy Tuna Roll other than the fish. Salmon has a very powerful flavor and the avocados add a smooth, thick texture while the cucumber adds crunch, so as you are biting into the roll you get the spicy flavor with the different textures.

“I like the Spicy Salmon roll, I’m not a big sushi eater but it has a nice spicy flavor.”

-Addie Butler, 9

9 10

Masago Roll A masago roll is rice packed inside seaweed and then topped with orange masago, aka fish eggs. People usually question the fish eggs but when you try them they burst with flavor, literally. They pop in your mouth and have a salty flavor so there is nothing else needed with this roll.

Shrimp Tempura Roll The Shrimp Tempura Roll includes shrimp, avocado, and eel sauce.The avocado gives this roll a smooth texture and the shrimp gives the opposite, crunchy. The shrimp adds on a delicious sea food flavor and the eel sweet and smoky eel sauce makes it top 10.

by Nina Schindler

Patrick Faulkner smiles as he gets his head shaved for canver awareness on March 5. In support of his younger friend, Faulkner raised $353 for the cause. (Photo by Kylie Taliaferro)

(Illustration by Ashley Setzer)

CHARACTER CREATIONS

SMALL GESTURES, BIG DIFFERENCES Patrick Faulkner raised money and shaved his head for cancer

by Hope Moseley

hmoseley517@g.fhsdschools.com

O

ne person can make a difference.

An individual may be one fish in a huge ocean, but if everyone in the world donated $5 toward cancer research, that’s a total of over $38 billion. $38 billion contributed to finding a cure for cancer. That is the goal that senior Patrick Faulkner had in mind when he began raising money for cancer awareness.

“I don’t care how much money I gather in total, it’s just every penny counts,” Patrick said. “In the end, it’s all going to the same cause to help out with cancer awareness and cancer research.”

Patrick started raising money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in support of his 9-year-old friend, Logan Smith, who suffers from Neuroblastoma. Logan was diagnosed at the age of 2 and began treatment. He is now on his third round of treatment.

“He’s our little warrior,” Patrick’s mother, Michelle, said.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation has lended a helping hand to Logan and his family during his treatments.

by Anna Scognamiglio

Patrick’s parents have raised money and shaved their heads for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in the past and now so has he.

“Patrick has always seen my husband and I put others before ourselves and we’ve passed that onto Patrick,” Michelle said. “I think he’s taking that as even if it’s something small, he can make a difference in somebody’s life.”

Patrick’s parents had one condition that he raise the money on his own. He ended up raising $353.

“He’s learning that he can raise this money himself to help the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, he just has to ask and people are willing to help especially when they know what it’s going towards,” Michelle said.

There are many other foundations like the St. Baldrick’s Foundation that are raising money for cancer research.

The Faulkner family will continue their tradition in support of Logan and others suffering from cancer, and they hope that others will take action too so that a cure can be found. “[I do this] to inspire them to help out and donate money to cancer research,” Patrick said.

Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer that starts in immature nerve cells (neuroblasts).

The term “neuro” refers to nerves, and “blastoma” refers to a tumor of immature or developing cells.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation Their mission is to find cures for childhood cancers and to give survivors long and healthy lives.

They are the largest non-government funder of childhood cancer research grants.

Creating a character and the world they live in can bring many feelings, the way their life turns out is completely up to the creator. Junior Ashley Setzer has been creating her own characters, deciding how another fictional person lives day to day. Setzer started becoming serious about drawing her characters in April 2021, starting with her now favorite character Akari. She has always drawn characters here and there but didn’t become really focused until she got the idea for Akari.

“On April Fool’s Day the Roblox server added cat ears and a cat tail to the avatars and I was like ‘Oh cool, this avatar looks cute,’ and so I sketched it in my sketchbook and the next day I was like ‘Wait a minute, I can make a character out of this,’” Setzer said.

Setzer decided to make her favorite character Akari a brother named Alex. Little did she know in just a few months she would meet junior Alex Jacks, someone similar to her character.

“Our personality is similar even the way we dress is similar because their character wears jeans and sweatshirts and I wear jeans and sweatshirts all the time,” Jacks said.

Akari is somewhat based off of Setzer in real life. Personality wise, they are kind of similar, with Akari being a little more sarcastic. Whenever situations get tough, Setzer likes to put herself in her character’s shoes.

“I’m normally really nervous when it comes to tests and Akari however, she’s like really confident and kind of courageous and I’d just imagine ‘okay wait, calm down Ash, it’s like you’re now Akari,’ and normally when I do that, all my fear goes away as if I’m acting,” Setzer said. (Story by Maya Helbig)

North Star | 03.16.2022

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North Star | 03.16.2021

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WHISTLE BLOWS ON WINTER SEASON

With Winter sports coming to an end, take a look back at some of the best photos taken and some of the top performers from each sport (Content by Hannah Button and Chase Pray) Senior swimmer Rylie Montgomery extends her arms for the butterfly stroke at a meet on Dec. 6.

(Photo by Sophia Stachula)

Boys Basketball Varsity Hockey player Jeffrey McKinney raises his hockey stick in preparation to shoot a goal.

(Photo by Kyle Button)

Senior and Varsity Girls’ basketball player Hannah Ermeling drives towards the basket at the Senior Night game on Feb. 25. Ermeling has officially scored 1,000 points in her high school career. (Photo by Hannah Button)

TOP PERFORMERS IN WINTER SPORTS BOYS BASKETBALL

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Top Point Scorers

Top Point Scorers

Kendra Swope

Trenton Oglesby

168

Total Points

663

Ryan Murdock

34

208

North Star | 03.16.2022

122

Paul Campoverde

Total Points

287 285

830

Hannah Ermeling

423

Alicia Hunn

by Chase Pray and Hannah Button

Senior Marshall Swope jumps for the tip-off at the start of a basketball game. (Photo by Kyle Button)

Senior Joey Key cleans his golf clubs in between holes at the Warrenton Invitational on April 14, 2021 . (Photo by Taylor Hill)

Senior Mason Apple stands on the podium at State Wrestling chamspionships. Apple got 6th place.(Photo submitted)

NEW SEASON, NEW PEOPLE

FHN golf team had a large turnout this season

Freshman Izzy Apple wrestles a competitor from Fort Zumwalt North at a meet on Feb. 1. (Photo

by Avery Witherbee)

BOYS WRESTLING

HOCKEY

Players That Scored The Most Goals

Top Number of Matches Won

38 Matthew Wells Seth McNary

16

24

22

11

Aidan Stowers

19 Mason Apple

by Chase Pray and Hannah Button

Wyatt Nicholson

With a new season starting, many new athletes and many new opportunities come. The FHN varsity golf team has seen a big jump in numbers this season with a total of 27 athletes showing up to practice.

This was one of the biggest turnouts head coach Mark Wright has seen in his 10 years of coaching golf.

“It was a really difficult decision to determine who to cut since we had so many talented kids come out,” Wright said.

Since there’s a larger amount of athletes compared to last season certain players might not get as much play time as they usually would. While this might turn off some people, senior Pavan Kolluru doesn’t believe this will have any effect on the athletes enjoyment playing.

“I mean if there’s more people it would make sense that we’d all get a little less playtime but I don’t think that it’ll make that big of a difference,” Kolluru said.

“The enjoyment also comes from the team and the upperclassmen have already made friends with the underclassmen and we keep getting closer everyday.” (Story by Chase Pray)

Dominc White

North Star | 03.16.2022

35

Sophomore Parker Smith gets set to receive a ball at volleyball practice on March 4. The boys volleyball team lost many seniors from last year due to them graudating. They are looking to come back strong this season. (Photo by Natashe Haverly)

Senior Josiah Couch poses with his blue tennis racket in his hand. (Photo by Macy Cronin)

44%

FHN Graduate Avery Ward had 375 of 837 total team assists during the Spring season. Wards 375 assists contributed to 44% of the team assists last season.

SENIOR SEASON Josiah Couch hopes to improve in his final season After being introduced to tennis by his parents, senior Josiah Couch only played periodically with his family. Once he got to FHN, he decided to join the team. During his time, he has had great success, won many awards and made it to GACs. Despite that success, tennis coach Samantha Soltysiak believes the highlight of his high school career is something else entirely.

“I think some highlights would just be that he has really adapted well to some of the adversity kind of thrown at him at the last minute, especially with COVID, being thrown in positions that he has never played, moving up in rank and things like that unexpectedly,” Soltysiak said.

Couch hopes to continue this growth and success into his senior season and finish stronger than previous years. He hopes to make it all the way to state this year. But also hopes to serve as a guide to the underclassmen this season.

“I try to help those below me, try to help them get better. For those above me, I try to learn from them and work with them to improve both of us. I think that with the team this year, as a senior, I’ll be even more of a leader.” (Story by Amber Winkler)

36

North Star | 03.16.22

93%

FHN Graduate Cole Hopper played in 97% of the sets during the spring season.

Playing in 80 of the 86 sets durng the season. Only Grogan Kraus, Zack Zimmerman, and Avery ward played more than Hopper.

23%

FHN Graduate Avery Ward had 218 kills during the spring season, leading the entire Varsity team.

Ward’s 218 kills came out to be 23% of the teams total kills during the season.

67% FHN graduate Robert Fairless had a kill percentage of 67% last spring season, Meaning 67% of the kill attempts he had, he converted to kills. This was the highest kill percentage on the entire Varsity team.

7 SENIORS GONE

Knights Boys Volleyball needs to rebound after losing 7 seniors

by Maggie Koester

mkoester830@g.fhsdschools.org

L

osing seniors and learning to adapt is a challenge that most high schools sports teams face every year. It is especially challenging when the team did well and there were many seniors on the team. The boys varsity volleyball team is learning to adapt and make these changes for their upcoming season. Senior Grogan Kraus is looking forward to the start of the new season and taking these challenges head on.

“The beginning of the season will be a struggle,” Kraus said. “Even though it might be harder at the beginning, we have the potential to be really good. Our important tournaments are at the end of the season and I think by that time we will be really good.”

Being a senior on the team, underclassmen will look up to Kraus to give them guidance. Kraus is going to have to step up and be a leader on the team. After losing seven seniors from the 2021 season, the team is in need of new leaders to step up the plate.

“I plan to be a leader on the team by leading by example,” Kraus said. “I am going to do exactly what coach tells

me to and I won’t mess around during practices.”

The team has a lot of goals moving forward with the 2022 season. The boys will have to work together and hard inside and outside of practice. Junior Braden Powelson has a goal of winning the team’s conference which includes beating Howell and Howell Central.

“I know that winning the conference is a big goal and we are going to have to work hard to achieve it,” Powelson said.

“We are going to have to watch a lot of film to know what Howell and Howell Central are doing. We’re really good at adapting and we are going to have to adapt often. We will also have to do the right things during practices.”

While the boys work hard during the season, they also have a unique bond which makes the team more enjoyable to be a part of. Leaders on the team want to include everyone in all the things that they do.

“We can accomplish all the goals that we have by having a good team dynamic,” Kraus said. “I want to include everyone in the warm ups and team things that we do. We have had a really good system from what past seniors have put in place and I want to uphold that.”

by Tony Biondo

SWOPE TOP IN MO

Sophomore Kendra Swope was ranked 4th in the state last year in girl’s lacrosse

by Tony Biondo

abiondo548@g.fhsdschools.org

S

The lacrosse stick is the most important piece of equipment that you will need.

Its comprised of a shaft (long part) and a Head (net).

A mouth gaurd is a required piece of equipment if playing in an organized game.

The mouth gaurd protects your teeth from stray balls or sticks.

The womens lacrosse helmet is a bit different, as they are more like caged goggles to protect your eyes, compared to mens lacrosse with full helmets.

Lacrosse is a sport that requires a lot of agility and quick movements, having a good pair of cleats not only protects you feet and legs from injuries , but are often a style piece.

by Tony Biondo

ophomore Kendra Swope is a straight A student in the classroom, but behind that, Swope is an incredible multisport athlete specifically excelling in lacrosse.

For the last seven years of her life, Swope has been playing lacrosse, and she has no plans of stopping anytime soon. Swope started playing on the varsity lacrosse team her freshman year and she had no trouble proving her spot on the team. She tallied 78 goals and 19 assists placing 4th in the state of Missouri. Cat Connolly, a senior at FHN and one of Swope’s teammates on the varsity lacrosse team, speaks very highly of Swope.

“For only playing with Kendra for one season so far, it’s sad I only get one more season with her, because I’m graduating this year,” Connolly said.

“She is a remarkable player and an even better teammate.”

Swope let all of the Knights competition know that she is a force to be reckoned with, with her Freshman year performance. Scoring 78 goals and assisting 19 of them herself, Swope finished with 97 points on the season, 3 shy of an elusive 100 point season.

Swope was 2nd in league scoring, and second in total points during the 2021 season. Keeping the next season in mind, Swope is preparing and readying herself for anything.

“I’m just always trying to improve and work hard,” Swope said. “Outside of my club lacrosse team, I’m consistently training to improve my play and get more college exposure. I want to play in college so I have to put the extra practice in to stand out and be on college radars.”

There are two sides to a player of Swopes caliber, the individual work and the teamwork. Swope put up 19 assists last season, leading the team by a long shot. Leading the team in goals and assists shows the duality of Swope’s game as she can be a threat in all areas.

Playing on a team isn’t just playing with the team, but growing and building off each other as teammates and friends. This is another aspect that Swope excels at. The freshman season in particular is the time where everything is new and there are quite a few memories to be made.

Connolly and Swope instantly clicked last year, making lasting memories before they knew it.

“It’s tough to pick a favorite memory with Kendra, but I would say it was probably when I had an open cut straight to the goal and she passed it to me perfectly,” Connolly said. “I scored a really nice goal and we celebrated by doing the stanky leg. It was definitely something I’ll remember for a while.”

As an athlete, finding the balance between personal life and sports can be tough but it’s not impossible. Swope is an example of that, keeping straight A’s while still continuing to dominate on the lacrosse field.

“It take a lot of time management and organization skills, but I manage to get it done. I know I have to keep up in school and stay ahead of things in order to keep pursuing my goal of making it to play college lacrosse,” Swope said.

It cannot go without mentioning the impact that Swope’s parents have had on her success in the sport of lacrosse.

Her father Todd Swope, a PE teacher, had a big impact on Swope growing up and still continues too, to this day.

“Athletics wise, Kendra has always been a team leader and realizes that every game takes team effort. She knows what’s important and sets goals of good grades and playing lacrosse in college. I’m so proud of her,” Todd Swope said.

North Star | 03.16.22

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COMMITMENTS TO BASEBALL

Juniors Sami WIlson and AnnaRose Eldred stand together on a soccer field at Lou Fusz Soccer Comples. (Photo by Etaf Abdallah)

FHN senior baseball players sign off with colleges (content by Hannah Button)

Fulton, Missouri Divsion 3

Derek Archer is a senior who has commited to Westminster College, he will pitch for the school.

CLUB VS HIGH SCHOOL

The differences between club and high school soccer may not be apparent at first glance, but both have something different to offer for players of different skill levels and competitiveness. As the girls high school soccer season has begun and players step onto the field, Sophomore Sailor Sulin shares her opinions on her high school soccer experience.

“The soccer here is definitely a break from club for me,” Sulin said.

“It’s relaxing in that way, and It is fun to be on a team with girls from different clubs that I would usually play against during club season.”

For most players, club soccer is much more serious and competitive than high school. Teams are tightly matched in skill level and passion for the sport. Junior Sami Wilson plays for Sporting STL Girls Academy which is a very high level team that provides players with the best training and opportunity to be seen by coaches and college scouts.

“The competition is very competitive in club,” Wilson said.

“We play some of the best teams in the state and we travel a lot to play in high level tournaments.

Things like game film and college showcases help me with chances to play at higher levels.”(Brief by Aiden Manthey)

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North Star | 03.16.2021

Hannibal, Missouri NAIA Divison 1

Moberly, Missouri NJCAA Division

Union, Missouri NJCAA Divsion

Lebanon, Illinois NCAA Divsion II

Doug Kfigian is a senior who has commited to Hannibal-Lagrange University, he plays 3rd and 2nd base.

Hunter Shoulta is a senior, he plays shortstop, 2nd base and 3rd base.

DeVon Jennings is a senior who has committed to East Cebtral College, he plays 3rd base.

Not many people can say they continued their journey in baseball all the way into college. Even though the spring baseball season is just starting up, five of FHN’s seniors have committed to colleges to further advance their dream of playing baseball.

Many of these players can give their fathers credit for “starting ‘em young.”

“We used to go in the garage and he would throw the tennis ball and I would hit it,” senior Hunter Shoulta said.

Shoulta has been out on the diamond since he was 4 years old. He was first introduced to the sport by his dad, who is still a big supporter and attends nearly every game. Since he discovered his love for baseball, he joined many teams over the years: The Crush, The Vipers, The Predators, The Sox, and two different Premier teams. Now, on FHN boys varsity, he plays second and third base and shortstop.

Shoulta was contacted by Moberly Area Community College this year and committed, very content with his

decision for a couple of reasons.

“It’s just like a family, the town is so small, and it’s the first year they ever had sports there, so this is the first time they’ve had baseball and it’ll change the town,” Shoulta said.

“They’re excited to have sports.”

Like Shoulta, senior pitcher Derek Archer has been in baseball since his dad put him in t-ball as a 4-year-old.

Archer committed to Westminster College, located in Fulton, Missouri. Though he sealed the deal with this division 3 college, he was considering many other in-state options beforehand.

His future coach at Westminster first noticed one of Archer’s pitching videos over Twitter.

The coach came out and watched Archer throw the bullpen.

Soon, he visited the college’s campus, where his coach gladly announced that he would take him on the team.

“I’m excited about the amount of effort that goes into it and the time I’ll spend with the team. It will be fun to build those relationships,” Archer said.

Spencer Stephenson is a senior who has committed to McKendree University.

by Hannah Button and Aiden Manthey

The FHN track and field team stretches and does drills. The track team is split up into several team. These teams are: long distance, sprints, jumps, pole vault and throwers. All teams except the long distance team have to practice at Francis Howell Centrall due to the lack of a track at FHN. (Photo

by Natasha Haverly)

PRACTICE AT FHC

FHN’s boys and girl track team will be practicing along side the FHC team

by Chase Pray

praychase315@gmail.com

Due to all of the construction of the new North, the track and field was destroyed to make room for the new school.

With nowhere to practice the track team needed to find an alternative. Luckily, Francis Howell Central is allowing North runners to practice alongside them for the foreseeable future.

“These definitely are some really interesting circumstances to say the least,” Head FHN track coach Kim Martin said.

“Every day of the season our runners are going to have to drive over to FHC after school for practice.”

Even though the two teams may be practicing on the same field, they still are competitors trying to represent their team at the end of the day. But even as competition, it doesn’t hurt to work together and learn from each other at times. Coach Martin and FHC Coach Bob Breuer will be working hand in hand to ensure the most success for both teams.

“At the end of the day we’re sister schools and we should be helping each other out,” said Breuer. “When we heard about North’s track team needing someplace to practice we were open and willing to help out.”

To ensure FHN long distance runners safety, their practice will remain the same as previous years. In past years, long distance runners have run around the neighborhoods near North so they get a feel for other environments instead of just running around the track.

“It’s really a safety thing,” Martin said. “We don’t want these athletes running around in unfamiliar neighborhoods where they could possibly get lost.”

Both coaches are hoping this change can build a better

by Hannah Button and Aiden Manthey

sense of community between both schools as athletes can see how other schools train and prepare. Everyone will be learning alongside each other as this is a first time occurrence for even the coaches.

“The team mentality will be affected a bit being with the Central kids, but we’ll know what to expect from their team and how we can better our team,” sophomore Sean Hartley said.

This new change isn’t supposed to separate the two teams but rather help bring them closer. If the two teams end up working together and growing from each other, then both teams will improve, making the Francis Howell district look even stronger.

“You’re destined to run into someone from the opposite school at some point,” Breuer said. “Our athletes shouldn’t be viewing each other as someone they should stay away from at all costs since then what’s really the point of Coach Martin and I working together to help improve all of us as a whole.”

While not a permanent change, for the foreseeable future these new circumstances open up a wide variety of opportunities. They allow for overall growth and improvement as a team for North before construction is finished and the Knights runners can return home for practice.

“I’m really excited to say the least to see how this season pans out,” Breuer said. “I can’t wait to see how we work together to better improve our program as a whole. This is a great learning opportunity for not only our athletes but for us coaches as well to possibly learn a new thing or two.”

“I’m happy to back on the track, being at central and having acsess to there track gives us a good place to practice, train and become btter runners.

-Jack Engelhard , 10

“The practices are better when we are at FHC since both teams are training together on the same track and field, interacting with other runners from FHC is very fun.

-Alise Simon, 12

North Star | 03.16.2021

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FHNTODAYTV PODCASTS

KNIGHTLY SHOW

bit.ly/TABpod

COMING SOON...

KNIGHTLY SHOW

In Take a Breath Sam, Austin, Will, and Lilly have a talk about their experience with inadequacy.

Teenagers everywhere struggle with insecurities and feelings.

bit.ly/KnightlyShow The Knightly Show is FHNtoday’s weekly show featuring News Announcements, Podcasts, DIY’s and More! Check out this episode that drops on March 18, hosted by Parker Smith and Jackson Calhoun.

LOTS OF GREAT VIDEOS bit.ly/CertainPod On Pretty Certain Podcoasters, Haley Aldenderfer and Max Ramirez go over the extensive stories behind many of the famous rollercoasters of Disney and other theme parks

TEAM TALKS

Lauren Holzwarth, a current senior, crochets a jacket using plastic bags for a FCCLA competition.

Allison Bass demonstrates how to make an origami elephant. These are super cute and make perfect decor or gifts.

bit.ly/crimekooks In Crime Kooks, Emily Gantz and Rachel Trapf discuss the stories behind many of the famous and not so famous serial killers in history.

fhntoday.com/podcasts In Team Talks Sophia and Jackson talk about various different school sports and their team stats along with individual player facts. They talk about their opinions and ideas on the sport and what they personally feel about it.

SUPER CRAZY Varsity Boys Basketball defeated Washington High School in their final game of the regular season.

Jack Darling and Max Brewer look into the stress that teenagers deal with from school, work, and others give their insight.

fhntoday.com/podcasts In Super Crazy, Laney and Sophia go into a deep discussion about marvel and DC. They debate over different characters discussing the pros and cons to deduce who would win at the end of the podcast

FRIES FOR ALL

After tasting six different fast-food restaurants fries, one brand of fries come out on top (content by Chloe Ellison and Violet Newton)

RATINGS FREDDY’S: 8.5/10 Price: $2.49 Type of Fry: Skinny Crispiness: Thin and crispy Saltiness: Satisfactory, they weren’t too salty.

Flavor: Delicious seasoning with a little bit of spice.

Presentation: Arranged nicely and had a very nice cup.

Overall: The flavoring was really good and was the overall best fry we tried.

CHICK-FIL-A : 7/10 Price: $2.15 Type of Fry: Waffle Crispiness: They were fluffy but not soggy.

Saltiness: Good level of salt.

Flavor: There was not much seasoning, but they made it work.

Presentation: They had a decorative cup. Although, the cup was pretty greasy.

Overall: They have a basic flavor but a unique shape balancing each other out.

WHATS NEXT? What foods should we rank next?

Vote on the QR code below.

- Lemonade - Burgers - Donuts - Mashed Potatoes - Chicken Fingers

MCDONALD’S: 6/10 Price: $2.79 Type of Fry: Classic Crispiness: They were crunchy on the outside but not crispy.

Saltiness: Not a lot of salt on these fries.

Flavor: They were pretty plain, a very basic fry.

Presentation: The cup was very nice.

Overall: McDonald’s fries are very basic and they didn’thave much salt or flavor.

DAIRY QUEEN: 4/10 Price: $2.69 Type of Fry: Thick Cut Crispiness: A little crispy on the outside, Overall very fluffy.

Saltiness: They were semi-salty.

Flavor: Had a classic taste and could definitely be more flavorful.

Presentation: They had a different kind of cup which was nice, had a cute quote on the fry-boat.

Overall: They lacked in flavor.

ARBY’S: 3.5/10 Price: $2.79 Type of Fry: Curly Crispiness: Had a crispy coating with a softer inside.

Saltiness: Didn’t have much flavor. Definitely need more salt.

Flavor: There was no salt or seasoning.

Presentation: The cup was very greasy and not very appealing to the eye.

Overall: Arby’s was the only place that had curly fries. They were consistent in flavor but unfortunately the flavor wasn’t very good.

WENDY’S: 1/10 Price: $2.49 Type of Fry: Thick Cut Crispiness: They were dense, semi-soggy, and kind of fluffy.

Saltiness: These fries had barely any salt.

Flavor: They were bland, didn’t have any flavor, and had a weird after taste.

Presentation: The box was pretty but it was also pretty greasy.

Overall: Wendy’s fries were not good, they had no salt or flavor. If someone wanted to just eat fries, Wendy’s is not the place to go.

by Violet Newton

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Heres how we ranked the fries: 1. Freddy’s 2. Chick-fil-A 3. Mcdonald’s 4. Dairy Queen 5. Arby’s 6. Wendy’s

Think we got it wrong? Well vote for your go-to fry spot on the QR code below!

FREDDY’S FINISHES FIRST

F

ries are the main side for many different meals, therefore having a good fry is essential to a good fast food experience. In judging these fries we came up with a few criteria to properly name the best fry: crispiness, saltiness, flavor, presentation, and the overall satisfaction with the fry. Ideally a perfect fry has a crispy outside with a soft and fluffy inside. The fries need an even salting upon which to be satisfying, but not too much because that’s just disappointing. Coupled with a fun and well designed cup without grease stains splattered upon it. Although these are our basic requirements for a good fry, some definitely went above and beyond. For instance Freddy’s fries have a delightful peppery seasoning on them.

This extra boost of flavor puts them at a higher placing than Chick-Fil-A. Out of the six different fries sampled, Freddy’s came out above them all. A medium fry from Freddy’s gives a perfect amount of fries to eat them alone or with a full meal. These fries were crispy, salty and flavorful, they brought everything a fry needs to the table. Not only did they present a great fry, they also presented a very appealing cup.

The white and red on the cup give it a classic look. If a go-to fry is needed, then Freddy’s is your place to go to.

North Star | 03.16.2022

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In her classroom, English teacher Amy Stoker reads a textbook she uses in her AP English Literature and Composition class. (Photo by Pavan Kolluru)

WAVE OF THE FUTURE

English classes best prepare students for the future All students have to take classes in English, Math, Science and Social Studies throughout their high school experience. These core classes have a variety of skills taught in them but the core class that teaches the most important skills for college and the future is English.

In English classes they teach the best ways to speak, write and read.

No matter what field or major is chosen, all of these skills will help students more than skills learned in other classes. Of all of the majors taken in college, writing essays and reading texts is certainly a task that will be given out in all of them.

Math and Science skills are certainly important but they don’t translate well into all fields like the skills taught in English do.

Along with being the core class to provide students with the most skills, it’s also the only core class that students have to take the equivalent of four years worth of classes in high school. After the three years needed by other core classes, not all of the material taught would completely sink in and help through college. In the English core class, all of the skills and material taught truly prepare students for a life after high school.

(Story by Chloe Ellison)

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North Star | 03.16.2022

English classes that will prepare students for college offered at FHN AP English Language and Composition: In this class students learn skills to help them become skilled writers and readers of a variety of different works.

AP English Literature and Composition: Students in this class further develop their communication skills including writing, reading, speaking and finding and interpreting information.

Scan the QR code to see the full list of FHN classes

In the publications classroom, Junior Chloe Ellison lays down stressed on a pile of homework.

Ellison has a lot of homework which causes a great amount of stress. (photo by Justin Brewer)

LESS HOMEWORK, A NECESSITY Homework, while beneficial, needs improvement

by Evan Becker

evanbecker64@gmail.com

T

he best part of me getting home from school is unzipping my backpack and pulling out the math homework for the night,” said no student ever.

For many kids getting home is a chance to decompress and relax after a day of learning, and the thought of the homework they have to complete is daunting. From test scores to preparation for future careers, homework can be beneficial. However, the benefits of homework are only seen when given appropriately, which following most literature, FHN does not currently do.

Homework can improve students’ test scores. Duke University found that for middle and high school students, those who did their homework regularly, earned better grades on their tests than the students who did not. This logic follows from the fact that you would have more exposure with the material that your teacher created and what you

are tested on. Classes at FHN are no different. The teachers write the tests.

By using their materials to prepare for the tests you can ensure your success.

Homework likewise can improve preparation for future careers. Most future careers will require you to perform under pressure and using time management skills. Study habits that you form through homework will positively impact your ability to do so in any career you go into. Take for example paperwork you must fill out. Homework helps set you up for the focus and attention ability to sit down and do so for hours at a time.

However, all of these benefits stem from the right amount of homework being given out. Most experts agree that it’s 10 minutes per grade level.

This would mean that for freshmen it would be 90 minutes of homework, sophomores 100 minutes of homework, and so on. But oftentimes in AP or Honors classes, individual teachers themselves have assigned 90 minutes of homework to complete on any given

by Chloe Ellison

On a shelf, four books stand out from the rest by showing their covers. Parents have shared their disdain for the books at school board meetings. (Photo by Avery Witherbee)

CEASE TO CENSOR Book banning in school libraries is harmful

night. When assigning homework, teachers need to give a greater emphasis on succinct assignments that allow for targeted practice.

Further overworking of students actually has an opposite effect. Overdoing homework can lead to a reduction in sleep. Test scores and number of hours of sleep are directly related, with less sleep students score worse on tests. The same thing happens with career performance. Homework can lead to mental health issues related to stress in certain classes. This would tend to lead to worse performance in and outside of schools. With lesser homework and homework that is more specific, FHN students could retain more material and be better prepared for the future, however, as it stands, that isn’t happening.

Banned Books Many books in school libraries have been banned or challenged.

Due to many different controversial themes, important books are getting taken out of libraries.

Primary Stressors For Students: (Stanford University, 2013)

A few of the banned books include: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison: This book is commonly banned because of explicit material, graphic descriptions and graphic violence.

All Boys Aren’t Blue

by George Matthew Johnson: This book is commonly banned because of sexually graphic material, sexual abuse and queer themes.

by Chloe Ellison

A major discourse has been going on over book banning in school libraries. This started after the Wentzville school district banned the book “The Bluest Eye.” Just recently they have overturned the ban. This book showcases the main character’s oppression due to race and gender. Many other books being challenged include topics of identity, society, and injustice.

Most people that are for banning these books argue that having these books banned protects children from difficult topics and graphic scenes. Many of these books include sexual scenes which leads to them be challenged to “protect children.” The harsh reality is that in this day and age sexualization is all around us. On average kids are given complete and unmonitored access to the internet by the age of eight according to a survey done by Microsoft. Expecting that they’re not already exposed to “graphic scenes” is very unreasonable.

The beauty of literature is that even though you may not relate to the characters, you get to see things through a different point of view.

High school students are at an age where challenging their pre-existing ideas is extremely important, that is precisely what these books do.

Keeping books like “The Bluest Eye” in school libraries is imperative simply to give kids an opportunity to read them. (Story by Violet Newton)

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How do you feel about the removal of Homecoming King and Queen?

(Graphic by Maya Helbig)

Why It’s Important:

“It doesn’t really affect me, [but] I think it doesn’t matter what gender they are and that it should be able to be anyone.

It doesn’t have to be a certain gender.”

Mia Eimer, 11

More than 2 million people across the United States identify as transgender.

Three out of every 10 Americans know someone personally who is transgender.

Nonbinary and transgender people have existed in every culture, only now gaining widespread knowledge.

Facing Discrimination:

“It’s a tradition, but sometimes things can be changed. If students want to change then they should be able to make the decision to change things.”

Marissa Heyer, FACS Teacher

“I’m fine with it. I feel like if it’s gender neutral a lot more people would not have problems with it.”

Jackson Cutlan, 11

Around 29% of all transgender people live in poverty.

27% of transgender people have faced some form of workplace discrimination for their transgender status A majority of transgender people have experienced a form of violence from their intimate partners Lack identifying documents that are needed in order to gain important access to resources like flying and voting.

Reason for Hope:

“I think we should have a gender neutral court to make other gender identities feel welcome.”

Reese Sanders, 11

“I don’t really feel any different about it. I think it’s good enough to just have a dance with people and have a fun time.”

Rana Shaker, 12

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North Star | 3.16.2022

Being seen and supported in environments cause a more widespread acceptance of people.

More diversity allows for more visibility.

(Information from Human Rights Campaign)

Increasing Inclusivity

The FHN Community needs to move towards less emphasis on gender On Behalf of the Editorial Staff fhntoday@gmail.com

A

nd your 2021 Homecoming King and Queen are…

The last ones in Francis Howell North history. Gender and tradition in school events have gone hand in hand for decades. The first vote for dance royalty has always been in the form of nominating different boys and girls across the grades. Thinking of everything in the binary in that manner, pushes North backwards. This move towards school functions becoming less gendered should be encouraged in all aspects of what we do at FHN. By doing so we can promote less heteronormativity, more comfort, and more opportunity.

Heteronormativity. It’s not a word you’ll hear often, but one that deserves recognition. The definition of it can be simplified to the fact that most often when we think of relationships we think of one boy and one girl. That in and of itself is problematic. The spectrum

of sexuality continues to expand, and modeling that one way or another reduces the ideas of heteronormativity.

As a school FHN should be promoting diversity. Each and every student has a story, the North Star and all of our media work to share those stories. The more we transition away from a focus on this idea of there only being one kind of relationship, one fairy tail ending of king and queen, the more we represent those who often don’t have a voice.

By providing more representation, our school creates comfort. The California Healthy Kids Survey this last year found that fewer than half of LGBT students, of 800,000 surveyed, felt safe in their schools. While yes, taken from a small part of the US, the results can be extrapolated to the larger population.

Students who aren’t receiving representation feel less safe.

Small actions can leave a big impact.

The more representation that is out there the greater safety people will have.

They will feel like their fellow classmates

by Evan Becker

NORTH STAR

support them and are more willing to talk about their experiences. What feels normal to one student can’t always be expressed. Simple things like holding hands in public are normalized… unless it’s anything but straight.

When we prioritize any one group of people over another we create a divide. Therefore by removing gender in school functions we are opening up an opportunity. An opportunity for diversifying the royalty within each function. Take for example Homecoming. Why was there ever a need to be two boys and two girls?

Couldn’t there be three girls and one boy? Or vice versa? Letting the students make more choices allows more people to be on court who may not have had the opportunity before.

While some students complained that there were mainly male identifying students on Snowcoming court, that outcome doesn’t represent a problem.

Students should be able to choose who they feel represents their classes regardless of their gender identity. It allows for the opposite to happen as well. These courts are meant to be a fun activity, pushing certain requirements takes away some of the fun of getting to see your peers recognized.

by Evan Becker

That’s not to say that there aren’t times that gender has been purposeful.

There are unique problems that are associated with genders. Sexism continues to be rampant in schools and professional settings across the US. Therefore it’s important to acknowledge the adversities that face both men and women. However, that does not mean that events themselves inside our schools need to be gendered somehow.

Our student leaders should continue to update policies on dances, and make it a more supportive environment for all. The benefit of Student Council and Class Delegates being run primarily by students is our chance to make those changes ourselves. They have the opportunity and necessity to not only remove those gendered aspects of courts, but also in things such as supporting different relationship types.

This small first step followed by our school’s continued support of more action can better the environment for all students in our dances and hopefully even farther. With more progress towards diversity and action throughout our organizations we can cause even more representation and better the treatment of our students.

Editor-in-Chief (Design): Macy Cronin Editor-in-Chief (Writing): Justin Brewer Editor-in-Chief (FHNToday): Amber Winkler In-Depth Editor: McKenna Hudson Features Editor: Aadhi Sathishkumar News Editor: Morgan Chairs Sports Editor: Chase Pray Opinions Editor: Evan Becker Entertainment Editor: Maya Helbig General Staff: Tony Biondo Aiden Manthey Hannah Button Hope Moseley Chloe Ellison Violet Newton Patricia Fechter Ryleigh O’Donnell Michaela Fisk Peter Pae Ray Hathcock Tayler Ross Stephanie Lichtenegger Anna Scognamiglio Michaela Manfull Olivia Van Horn Alex Wheadon Editor-in-Chief of Photography: Taylor Hill Managing Photo Editor: Sophia Stachula Sports Photography Editor: Matthew Wells Yearbook Photography Editor: Avery Witherbee Newspaper Photography Editor: Sam Hebisen General Staff: Etaf Abdallah Payton Johnston Sam Cotton Pavan Kolluru Brianna Dunham Amoolya Pandurangi Liam Freeman Ankita Pandurangi Andrew Goffinet Andrew Poertner Bryn Gonzalez Addison Polsgrove Teegan Gonzalez Emma Rodriguez Natasha Haverly Faith Smith Kylie Taliaferro Editor-in-Chief of Video: Kyle Button Managing Editor of Video: Marina Williams Chief Editor of Video: Rhea Patel FHNgameday.com Editor: Parker Smith Podcast Storytelling Editor: Rachel Trapf Livestream Editor: Jenna Brouk Video Storytelling Editor: Madelyn Clark Video Staff: Haley Aldenderfer Om Nair Devon Alexander Aidan Neu Allison Bass Will Perry Max Brewer Laney Quandt Jackson Calhoun Max Ramirez Jackson Cutlan Sam Reimer Jack Darling Freya Rieken Emily Gantz Delanie Riggs Sassy Garcia Hunter Van Dyne Cailyn Hodges Logan Yarnell Claire Laurentius Hailey Zhang Sophia Zimmerman Advisers: Aaron Manfull Jordyn Kiel

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