North Star Sept. Issue 2009

north.star fhn

today com

INSIDE DIVERSITY IN OUR HOMES Looks may be deceiving.

The North Star takes a deeper look inside the homes of seven students living with varying situations.

FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303

Vol. 24 Issue 1

Sept. 16, 2009

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Find pictures of YOU, order customized t-shirts, mugs and more.

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08

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

2549 Hackmann Road St. Charles, MO 63303 Distributed for free to FHN by the North Star staff.

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Editor-in-Chief: Barbara Jean Palmer Managing Editor: Betsy Blanchard Editors: News Editor: Sam Dulaney Features Editor: Julia Gabbert Opinions Editor: Lauren Skinner Sports Editor: Logan Ponche Copy Editor: Ryan Firle In-depth Editor: Rachel Hunt Dir. of Photography: Lydia Ness Buisness Manager: Allison Sheffler

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news features sports opinion online in.formed

life.style

band faces a 02 Marching significant drop in mem-

bers and as a result will be attending fewer competitions this year.

play.hard

speak.out

McKenna Roberts Wanting to be 17 IN-DEPTH: 35 Junior directs her opinions on more independent, Senior

thieves throughout the school, hopeful that they realize the consequences of their actions.

Dan Vogt has lived on his own for a little over a month.

security cameras Kyle and Ryan 04 Additional 28 Brothers are being added to the 25 Buxton are on the field previously installed over the summer in an attempt to monitor out-of-control theft.

together. Kyle manages the team and Ryan works to become a coach.

Mallory Mueller 36 Senior addresses her distaste

for the lack of school spirit among her peers.

Photographers: Fareeha Amir Greg Felock Jacqueline Sage Kaitlyn Williams Lauren Buxton

Nicole Thompson Sam Fitzwalter Sam Hurrell Stephanie Graflage

FHNTODAY.COM STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Melissa Shannon Editors:

AP Lit. teacher Kim Rastberger taught Media Studies and English Lit. for a year in England.

St. Louis City Musuem 10 The has added a new por-

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Logan Ponche talks to Kelly Gannon about her Knighline experience.

ONLINE

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fhntoday.com

General Staff: Abbey Grone Liana Ramsey Adam Rapert Lizzie Johnson Bethany Brady Nicole Clouse Brittany Lounsbury Nicole Renner Chelsea Damalas Olivia Ong Danielle Yuede RJ Howes Elizabeth Diggs Scott Jones Emily Forst Sidney Shelton Hannah Hamilton Taylor Berra Heather O’ Donnell Zach Meier Kelsey Bell

FHNtoday.com: For a preview of the knightline car wash this Saturday and other stories about what’s going on at North, check out FHNtoday.com.

tion on its roof, opened unexpectedly to the public in June.

fhntoday.com

Online Editors: Katie O’Neil, David Hoehn Podcast Editor: Tori Bowden Beats Editor: Mallory Mueller Director of Digital Media: Lauren Smith General Staff: Ashley Niehaus Katharine Carney Crystal Friedman Kayla Vogt Daniel Spak Matt Higgs David Hoehn McKenna Roberts Jared Tompkin Nicole Piatchek Joe Robbins Paige Yungermann Josh Grezinger Zachary Chandler

Adviser: Aaron Manfull

page design by bethany.brady

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find.it

contents

Juniors, seniors prep for a girl fight brittany.lounsbury

Freshman Alexa Cooke beats the drum during the half-time performance on Sept. 4. The marching band performed their new routine titled “Relationships 101” in which they go in depth about flirting, courtship, dating, and marriage. (greg felock)

Marching band numbers shrink scott.jones

Marching bands numbers are surprisingly low this year, going from last years 98 members to this years 87 members performing “Relationships 101”. As a result, the band directors are frustrated and are trying to dig for reasons why not as many kids came out this year.

“I just feel that parents aren’t pushing their students to be involved in extracurricular activities,” Assistant band director Paul Ahlemeyer said.

The section that has been hit the hardest is the clarinets which only has five members this year. Some students just think music isn’t being

promoted as much. Others blame the middle school band teachers for not pushing students to continue with band in high school. Despite these setbacks, the freshman that did join marching band this year have been getting a lot of training from the upperclassmen which has been noticed in their performances.

“They’ve [the freshmen] really put their hearts into it,” soloist Michael Opich said.

The loss of the seniors has hardly affected marching band on a musical level according to some.

The entire band supports one another and they are able to cope even without the graduates. However, the students do feel sad about the

seniors being gone.

“The seniors were a big part of the band,” drum major Jordan Schupp said. “Losing them is sad because they were always there for you.”

The Marching band will only be going on one out of state trip this year, compared to three trips last year, due to a lack of funds.

Students are disappointed, but they understand the situation.

“As far as numbers go, I know its frustrating but we have a stronger core of people that want to be here to make up a great marching band,” Ahlemeyer said.

barbara.jean.palmer

“We have a great group of cabinet members,” StuCo sponsor Shelly Grimshaw said. “They are working really hard and it will be really good.”

Just like last year, there will be a big back drop, a refreshment room and tents to dance under. The same DJ that played at Snowcoming has been hired to play.

“We will be working closely with the DJ, making a play list,” StuCo president senior Crystal Friedman said, “And making sure we have a variety of music that people will like dancing to.”

Powder Puff is Sept. 23, junior and senior girls will face-off in their annual football game.

“I am really excited for this year’s game,” KOE co-sponsor Lindsey Scheller said. “I just watched last year’s and this year I got to do more with it because I’m on KOE.” Last year, seniors won with 105-91. Many juniors claim the game was rigged and now as seniors hope to dominate.

“There was one play where the two refs said that our touchdown was no good and [Coach Mike] Parker said it was,” senior Kendra Caldwell said. “Then us not getting that point made us lose. We will win [this year].”

The last time the underclassmen won was 2007; however, the class of 2011 plans to win.

“I definitely think that the juniors will win because junior girls are pretty tough,” junior Sam Schambach said.

The class of 2010 believes that their experience will help them this year.

“Because of last year’s game and seeing how good the juniors were and how they brought it last year,” Scheller said, “I think that the seniors will win.”

StuCo preps for a Shanghai homecoming theme

Students discuss about plans for homecoming on Sept. 3. This year StuCo is hosting tailgating activities before the Homecoming game on Sept. 25. (sam fitzwalter)

02 page design by sam.dulaney

StuCo started working on the Homecoming dance early; the Shanghai Knights theme was picked at the StuCo breakfast at the end of the 08-09 school year.

It will be held from 7-10 p.m in the large gymnasium on Sept. 26.

Last years dance was a huge success with approximately 1,200 people attending.

StuCo has over 200 members, six officers and eight cabinet members working on getting Homecoming ready.

Early bird tickets were sold for $15 last week and regularly priced tickets are being sold for $20 this week. Approximately 1,200 tickets were sold last year and StuCo estimates a similar number will be sold this year.

“I am excited because we are putting a lot of work into it,” senior cabinet member Kyle Morris said.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

fhn Check out our web site for today pictures of homecoming com on Sept. 28.

nicole.clouse

Senior Lauren Brown sells one of KOE’s North shirts to senior Dianna Prost on Sept. 9. North’s KOE sponsors the opening of a new school store selling FHN merchandise and school essentials. The KOE store will be run through Ms. Holmes room, 133, open Monday through Friday. (greg felock)

Theater produces “Fools” danielle.yuede

The cast list is complete for the Nov. 19-21 fall play.

Students including senior Zack Short, and juniors Ellyn Yarde, and Alec Broeker will be a part of the production.

“There’s a lot of interest in the play this year,” Short said. “There’s a lot of kids who are interested in it too. With more kids interested, it will make the play better.”

This year drama club is performing “Fools” by Neil Simon.

“It’s about a new teacher,” Drama teacher Jeff Tandler said. “The town is cursed with stupidity and he has to break the curse. If he doesn’t, he becomes cursed as well.”

Tandler is enthusiastic about the play and so are some of the students including junior Nicole Cuneo. According to Cuneo, about 40 people attended auditions. “Fools”

has 24 parts giving many students a chance to be in the production.

“A lot of their friends will be in it,” Cuneo said. “It’s a big cast and it’s a really cute, funny play.

Because there are a lot of parts, there’s a better chance they will get one.”

With auditions done, Tandler is ready to get down to business to make this fall play successful. His goal is to get more students to see the play. “[Students should come] for one to see their classmates,” Tandler said, “And two all the money we earn goes to the drama department. Also it’s cheaper and more entertaining than seeing a movie.”

fhn

Check out our web site today today for an complete list com of the “Fools” cast.

From pencils to t-shirts, the new Knights of Excellence store has everything a student wants and needs. The store will provide an easy, new and quick way for students and teachers to purchase school essentials.

“Students always need new school supplies,” KOE sponsor Diane Holmes said. “I think students will like all the unique clothing.”

In the first three days KOE sold 70 t-shirts and Holmes believes that they are bound to sell even more. From 10 cents for pencils to only $10 for clothing, these prices will keep students and staff coming back for more.

“This is stuff that everyone needs,” senior KOE president Lauren Brown said. “Students can’t go to school without school supplies and everyone wants cheap, new school apparel.”

Currently the store is located in room 130 and will be open Monday through Friday. Students will be able to go to the store before school during the week.

“The school store gives students easy access to school supplies all year long without having to drive to a retail store,” Brown said.

The store has a wide variety of items. Basic supplies includes pens, pencils and folders. Basic tshirts that display the school name are sold in colors such as green, pink and black for $10. Long sleeve shirts, pants and sweatshirts will be sold this upcoming Fall and Winter.

“I would like to see sweatshirts for the freshmen because I want to have cool clothes that feature my school on it,” freshman Matt Miller said.

The store is scheduled to relocate to under the loft in the commons in the upcoming weeks.

All students are encouraged to check out items offered. KOE is open to any suggestions or advice concerning the store. Students with input should contact Holmes or Lindsey Scheller in room 130.

“I hope that students are interested in the store,” Holmes said. “It will help to get students more involved with KOE.”

Show some SPIRIT! Last year, StuCo’s pre-Homecoming spirit week was a huge success.

MILLIONAIRE MONDAY

TWIN TUESDAY

CLASS COLOR THURSDAY

B&G FRIDAY

WACKY WEDNESDAY

This year, StuCo is mixing it up with some fresh new ways that you can show your school spirit during Homecoming week.

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decades day wear clothes from your favorite decade

mon.

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stoplight day

single it’s complicated taken

tues.

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wild wednesday /powder puff dress up crazy, colorful and kooky

weds.

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class colors/ toga day seniors wear togas, underclassmen wear class colors

thurs.

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black & gold day wear school colors for homecoming game day

fri.

page design by sam.dulaney

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get.informed

New KOE store brings supplies to North

Cameras installed to promote security zach.meier

O

ver the summer, the school’s security cameras were updated. The old security cameras have been at FHN for ten years, so some believe a tune-up was well needed.

“The security cameras have been updated to enhance security and [the] protection of our school,” Assistant Principal Tony Grippi said.

Grippi was in charge of the update. There have been 25 security cameras installed in strategic areas throughout the school. Next year they hope to install an additional 25 as well. Whether or not the cameras will be effective though is still debatable.

“The cameras improve security around school,” junior Britni Strong said. “But it won’t stop people from doing stuff they shouldn’t be doing.”

The cameras give administration an advantage to react quickly to vandalism, fights and stealing.

Principals, secretaries and the resource officer all have a monitor on their computer screens so they can monitor the halls.

“I think they will reduce the number of people committing violations,” Grippi said.

According to Officer Fitzgerald, one of the biggest violations in our school is stealing. By the second week of school, Fitzgerald already had six reports of stealing and one arrest. While the cameras can not guarantee the safety of everyone’s belongings, they can increase the chances of the violators being caught.

“Usually the people who steal are the last ones out of the locker room,” Fitzgerald said. “On the cameras you will have a clear identification of who that person was.”

04 page design by danielle.yuede

current art hallway new bathrooms new biology classroom new chemistry classroom

relocated classroom new chemistry classrooms

An early draft of the proposed building plan is currently under review from the local fire and police departments. The current proposal would have the new classrooms built near the art hallway, expanding into four new science labs and one rebuilt classroom. While this is the District’s first choice location, they have a secondary plan if approval is denied. (photo submitted)

Science dept. plans for big facelift FHSD seeks to improve North’s science department with new classrooms betsy.blanchard

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ast year, the District predicted construction on FHN to start this past summer; while it is has yet to start, definite plans are currently in the works.

According to District Superintendent Renee Schuster, North is but one of three projects on the district’s mind right now, with a fourth - unnamed - project to be possibly added at a later date if bids continue to come in as they are now.

Daniel Boone Elementary School will receive a new cafeteria, set of restrooms and a renovated library in addition to other things.

Howell will gradually be torn down in almost its entirety, keeping its gym, auditorium, and band room among just a few others. It will receive a turf field as a result; with the original field torn down during construction, it was discovered that transportation to alternate fields for all sports for the year would cost approximately half the price of an

artificial field. The investment was then made and the field is expected to be ready near the end of September just in time, Schuster hopes, for their homecoming game.

Four science lab rooms, one regular classroom, and a new set of restrooms await North, with construction expected to begin no sooner than spring 2010. The District is currently working with local police and fire departments to get building plans approved. The science rooms will consist of three intended primarily for Chemistry and one for AP Biology.

“The labs we have now have an inadequate amount of space,” Biology teacher Laura Montgomery said. “They’re designed for a maximum of 24 people.”

Size alone is not the issue.

North presently struggles to simply find a home for all of its science teachers. Even though one of last year’s art rooms was transformed into a science class room, Science Department Chair Steve Kelly still

must wheel his “classroom” around on a cart, going from room to room for any given class period due to a lack of space.

“We’ve needed this for so long,” Assistant Principal Nancy Wade said. “It is something we knew was really important for our science program. It’s amazing how well our kids do in science. Our teachers are really a hands-on group.”

Apparently “hands-on” is the perfect way to teach; according to Wade, North scored the highest among Saint Charles County high schools in science on the End of Course exams and landed in the 98th percentile of all MO high schools that took it.

“I’m so excited about the learning environment we’re going to be able to create at these three schools with this bond issue,” Schuster said.

“We can’t do anything else until we know we’ve taken care of North, Daniel Boone, and Howell.”

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from across the pond

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While she was in England, Kim Rastberger visited as many historical sites as she could. Here, Rastberger visits Stonehenge with Orwell’s Textiles teacher and Rastberger’s close friend, Hayley Dodd. Stonehenge is in Wiltshire, England which was only about 150 miles away from Felixstowe where Rastberger was staying. (photo submitted)

In 2008, AP Literature teacher Kim Rastberger left FHN to teach for a year overseas. She lived in a small, seaside port town called Felixstowe in Suffolk, a county east of England.

Now that she has returned, the North Star takes a look at her time spent in England, and her experiences with teaching students from another country.

sam.dulaney

W

hen most people think of changing schools, they think of moving across town, across state, or maybe even across the country. Moving to another continent, however, does not often cross the mind. However, for AP Lit teacher Kim Rastberger, this is exactly what she had in mind.

“I wanted to see how education

08 page design by julia.gabbert

systems work in other countries,” Rastberger said. “England was an easy choice because it was similar, but different enough to learn from.”

In preparing for her leave, Rastberger compared leaving her life in Missouri to a college student moving out of the house for the first time.

“It was so emotional,” she said.

“Shutting down my life here, packing up my house, my classroom, calling credit card companies. I had to pretty

much start from scratch over there.”

For 11 months, Rastberger taught English Literature to a class of 11 to 16-year-olds and media studies to a class of 16 to 19-year-olds in a small port town called Felixstowe in Suffolk, England. Felixstowe is on the southeastern side of the UK with a population of less than 30,000. In a town with only half the population of St. Charles like Felixstowe, it was not uncommon for her students to

be prone to assumptions about their new American teacher.

“Most often I heard, ‘you’re not what we really thought Americans would be like’,” Rastberger said of her younger students. “They assume that Americans are really slow, stupid, fat and lazy. The older kids knew it was just a stereotype, but the younger ones grew up with that image of Americans.”

It was not only Rastberger’s

life.style

Felixstowe vs.

St. Charles Orwell High School • Felixstowe, Suffolk, England • 1,000 students • years 7-13 (American grades 6-12) • additional required courses: Food Technology, Resistant Materials (wood shop), Textiles, Religious Education • two-week block scheduling • more fights because of student age difference and less adult supervision

American accent that turned heads, but her Australian roommate, Lyn Cohn, also caused some commotion.

“When we were together out in public, we would say whoever talked first got stared at because of her accent,” Rastberger said. “But the one that talked second got doubly stared at. People were like, ‘two accents?’”

Along with Cohn , Rastberger set out to start off her one year English adventure. After finding an apartment and sleeping without beds for two weeks while they bought all their furniture, she was set for teaching.

Although walking to school everyday was only a minor difference in her school day, she had a whole other issue to deal with.

“It was like student teaching all over again,” Rastberger said. “The first day in general is stressful, but their schedule was so different and I was so nervous and didn’t want to screw up.”

More students wasn’t the only major change for Rastberger. The schedule of her students there was very different as well. Not only do they have block scheduling, but their blocking was set up on a two week schedule, so the students see their teachers twice a week and schedules repeat every fortnight (two weeks).

“It took me ages to get used to [their schedule],” Rastberger said.

One thing that did not take too much time to grow on Rastberger, however,

Francis Howell North H.S. • St. Charles, MO, United States • 1,900 students • grades 9-12 • required courses: English, Science, Math, Social Studies, Personal Finance, Physical Education • daily schedule • more teachers and security, less fighting

was traveling which she did at every chance she got. Visiting places like Cambridge, Stone Henge, Cornwall, London and Beachy Head, she quickly took a liking to visiting such old and noble places.

“There is not nearly as much history [in the States],” Rastberger said.

“Those places are old. There are no words for how historic they are.”

As many people that visit England do, Rastberger quickly fell in love with London. So did Rastberger’s long time friend, librarian Angie Gunnell, who visited Rastberger in England in July.

“I liked traveling and I want to go back,” Gunnell said. “We decided before I left that we were going to take pictures like teenage girls. You know, us together in the front and the landmark way in the back, all blurry.

It was hysterical!”

But no matter how much Rastberger enjoyed her stay in England, she was sorely missed back at FHN. “I missed her crazy sense of humor,” senior Anne Rackham said. “We have the most interesting classes ever in there!”

And even though while she was abroad she missed her home in Missouri, the city of London caught Rastberger’s heart.

“So many people say this, but London is just amazing,” she said. “I love London. End of story.”

The promenade, or boardwalk, is a big attraction in Felixstowe. The promenade has traditional beach huts spanning the majority of the way, as well as several recreational activities such as a billiards hall, an amusement arcade, and food outlets. Citizens of Felixstowe also enjoy playing rugby and tennis.

Yet another major attraction is the nature reserve.

^ While in England, Rasberger’s close friend Angie Gunnel visited her. Gunnel stayed with Rastberger for a week. They visited attractions such as Big Ben and the House of Parliament, as pictured. The two had never traveled together before. (photo submitted)

< Rastberger’s classroom desk at Orwell High School.

“It was so cluttered,” Rastberger said. “I felt like I just wasn’t organized at all. There was just stuff everywhere.” (photo submitted)

page design by julia.gabbert

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The heart of the city raises the roof julia.gabbert

T

Here at the roof top there is a water fountain where kids can play with the water. The roof top looks over the city. (jacqueline sage)

fhn

A challenging course where kids can climb a rope to the top of a steep slide and slide back down sits on top of the roof. Once they get to the top they can explore more and are able to ride the ferris wheel. Admission to the roof costs an extra $5, and children com under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. For more photos of the roof go to www.FHNtoday.com, and for more information about the City Museum go to www.citymuseum.org. (jacqueline sage)

today

10 page design by taylor.berra

he City Museum, where the imagination runs wild. A place that is always growing, always expanding, most recently to the roof. The giant building - located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, off of 16th and Washington - is easily recognizable to passersby because of several distinctive attractions.

The colossal mass of metal artfully constructed into a creative and original obstacle course, known as MonstroCity. The giant praying mantis, veered up and ready to strike. The school bus, now a decade old, seemingly dangerously teetering off the edge of the 11 story building.

“I think the bus is a good indication of the crazy things you’ll find inside,” Kara Wall, head of public relations, said.

The City Museum first opened its doors in October, 1997. Since then, it has been providing adventures for the kid in everyone, both young and old. Within its walls is everything from giant slides, caves, an aquarium, a circus, and even the world’s largest pair of underwear.

“The City Museum offers an experience that you can’t find anywhere else,” Wall said. “It’s a good place for families to realize what [they’re capable of.] It provides an authentic kind of fun.”

Bob Cassilly, the mastermind behind the wonders found inside the City Museum, is also responsible for the newest edition to the museum - the roof.

“This has been a dream of Bob’s for a while now,” director of engineering Rick Erwin said. “On the first day, I think we had 1500 [visitors to the roof.] It’s been fantastic.

People have really been responding well. We’re very happy with it.”

The roof - complete with another giant slide, a pond with fountains, a ferris wheel, among other things - recently opened in late June, 2009. After a construction process of about two years, the roof finally opened on a whim.

“We just decided to open it up in the middle of the afternoon,” Erwin said. “So Bob just came up, ripped off the ‘under construction’ sign, and started cutting down the barriers. We were doing all the prep work as kids were starting to play.”

Admission to the roof costs an extra $5, and is open to people of all ages, as long as visitors under the age of 16 are accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.

“My kids love the slides,” Balby Cardenas, a tourist from Michigan, said. “We love it. My husband is in the military, so he’s in meetings all day. This gives us something to do while he’s busy.”

Because of the water in the pond and the ferris wheel, the roof will begin closing at the end of October for the winter. However, during its off season, the roof will not just be abandoned. Plans to expand on the roof will most likely begin this winter, to continue the growth and improvement on the City Museum.

“Bob is always thinking,” Wall said. “Eventually he wants to connect everything together, with the MonstroCity outside.”

The City Museum is often described as “like nothing you’ve ever seen before.” Always stretching the boundaries of what can and cannot be done, the possibilities of where the City Museum may go next seem to be endless.

“It’s just whatever Bob thinks up,” Erwin said. “He’s the only one who knows what’s next.”

life.style

Sturis spends year in his native country nicole.renner

Junior Noah Sturis is a student from Denmark and is staying with Junior Gus Theis and his family, former family friends.

In his free time, Sturis enjoys playing the guitar and mixing songs.

Noah will be living with the Theis family for a year. (lydia ness)

The first day of high school can be a stressful surreal blur. For a sudent going to a school in a different country, the experience can be even more chaotic. Yet for Junior Noah Sturis, going to school in a foreign country isn’t so unfamiliar; in fact, it is becoming a tradition in a way.

“My dad was [an exchange student] when he was my age and I’ve always wanted to since I was little,” Sturis said. “I planned to finish grade school and start going to the States.”

When Sturis does leave his home country of Denmark to visit the States, he stays with Gus Thies, a junior here at FHN, and his family.

“Noah had been a friend of the family for years,” Thies said. “My parents came up with the idea for him to come over for a year and we were up for it.”

Since Sturis is an American citizen and had been in the country numerous times before to visit his grandparents and friends, the new experience of life in a different culture came somewhat easy to him.

“I knew a lot of stuff already since I’ve been over here almost every year,” Sturis said. “My parents kept saying I’d get this huge culture shock but it’s been alright.”

However, many adjustments still had to be made. The biggest acclamation perhaps was school. At Noah’s school, Soendersoeskolen in Copenhagen, Denmark the school system is quite different.

Schedules vary from day to day and change every week. On top of that, high schools in Denmark are only attended for three years rather than four. Sturis also noted the different atmosphere in schools here as well.

“School is more formal here,” Sturis said. “In Denmark we call teachers by their first name; it’s just more relaxed. For example, there was this kid back in Denmark who hugged the teacher every day. Over here you’d probably get a detention if you did that.”

Even with such a change in culture, Sturis certainly seems to

Sturis stands in his temporary room holding the Denmark flag from his hometown of Cophenhagen. (lydia ness)

be fitting in here with the greatest of ease. He just recently attended Pointfest and has found a band to play in. As far as school spirit goes, he has already joined a sport here at North.

“I run cross country,” Sturis said. “I hate long distance, but I knew if I didn’t have some kind of exercise it would be bad. I’ll probably run track in the spring and be a sprinter.”

Many of Sturis’s teachers at FHN would agree that he has adjusted more than well to school life considering the many challenges he’s had to overcome. Being in high school is difficult enough without being from a different country.

“I think he’s doing great,”

French teacher Tracy Heaton said.

“What I like about him is he’s willing to talk about his schedule in Denmark so I look forward to hearing more about that. I think he fits right in here.”

page design by chelsey.damalas

11

Ashley Rehm works at the St. Louis Zoo for the non-profit volunteer progam, Zoo ALIVE. Rehm has done volunteer work at the Zoo with children for almost three years. (kaitlyn williams)

Zoo experience proves useful for Rehm bethany.brady

Many teens go out to find a first job by picking up a few applications at the local restaurants and stores. Junior Ashley Rehm followed a different path. Ashley was looking for jobs online in the field of zoology when she came upon the St. Louis Zoo web site. Ashley has volunteered at the Zoo for almost three years now for a program called ZooALIVE. It is a group camp for teens 15-18 who do volunteer work with children at the Zoo during the summer.

“A lot of the funniest things are the kids,” Ashley said. “They’re just hysterical.”

Ashley hopes to get a paying job at the Zoo by next summer. But even though she doesn’t currently

get a physical pay check, the experiences and people she’s met have been far more rewarding than any amount of money and they keep her coming back year after year.

“I’m looking forward to next year’s camp,” Ashley said. “It’s long, but it’s possibly the most fun I’ve ever had.

Ashley has many responsibilities throughout the year, ranging from volunteering at her work to keeping up with her school work and performing in the color and winter guard. Even though the responsibilities can be tough at times, Ashley has learned how to manage her time wisely.

“You know, she’s handles it all with amazing stride,” mother Cassie Rehm-Kent said. “It takes a lot out of her and she handles it well.”

12 page design by barbara.jean.palmer & betsy.blanchard

Ashley’s love of animals has played a big part in why she works so hard at her volunteering, as well as what she is striving for in a future working with animals. According to her mother, Ashley always comes home after work with a random fact about animals. She talks about everything in reference to her work.

“After college I will hopefully have a job at the Zoo,” Ashley said.

“I can hopefully get higher rank with my foot in the door.”

Along with being taught responsibility, she also learned a lot about animals, patience, and how to work with large groups of people.

Perhaps her greatest experience has come from working with children in summer camps and working with them two to four times a month in the offseason. During the summer

camp, Ashley’s responsibility was taken to a new level as she provided the children with supervision and took general care of them. Along with the supervision, she sings and dances with the kids to provide entertainment. As summer winds down and there are no longer camps, one of Ashley’s main duties is to throw Zoo birthday parties.

Because of all the activities she helps with and the responsibility she has taken on, she is having a fulfilling experience.

“She’s always happy and upbeat,” boss Eve Cooney said. “It’s good to be working with someone who wants to be involved. She’s got a lot of initiative, and she’s willing to jump in, take on responsibility, and be a leader.”

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D d

a wo r l

of

iversity in our homes

There are roughly seven billion people in this world. From Honolulu to Tokyo, people range in color, culture, and environments. Just as our finger prints are distinct from others and our DNA is wound solely for our own bodies, each person on the planet lives a different life. Whether it be a hut in Sudan or a mansion in Beverley Hills, everyone has a different living condition and habitat.

Seeing as how our summer days have diminished and homework is making a fast retaliation, students are returning to their more routine schedules and surroundings of responsibility, alarm clocks, and the hallways of North.

Within the next six pages, the North Star shows five different stories of how diverse North actually is. Together, we are one world united by diversity..

16

page design by rachel.hunt

an

Independent life

Living on his own, senior Dan Vogt stands outside his apartment. He now has to do laundry and make sure the bills are paid. He has had to take on a lot of responsibilty and maturity while living on his own.(lydia ness)

Composition of diversity Throughout the world and throughout FHN, there are multitudes of groups and ethnicities. Whether a student lives with a single parent or grandparents, we all are different. Whether a student is African American or Caucasian, we all are different. These are our statistics.

Vogt experiences new life Of 1,976 students in FHN ages 14-18 in 2009:

3% Asian

3% Hispanic

1% other

6% African American

88% Caucasian

Of 74 million children in U.S. ages 0-17 in 2008:

15% African American

4% Other

4% Asian 21% Hispanic

57% white

Of 74 million children in U.S. ages 0-17 in 2008:

26% live with one parent

4% without parents

70% live with two parents

information supplied by www.childstats.gov and FHN

ryan.firle

T

he 18-year-old boy, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall wearing basketball shorts and a plain white T-shirt, parks his 1998 white Ford F-150 in the parking lot and heads up the asphalt path to a door reading the letter “D.” He unlocks the semi-crooked door and enters the apartment.

On the coffee table sit several Play Station 2 games, a laptop lays open on the couch, and an old iPod rests on the end table. As he enters the kitchen, only a container of JIF peanut butter and a half loaf of bread sit on the counter, a Cecil Whittaker’s pizza box occupies the entire refrigerator, and only boneless chicken wings and Jimmy Dean’s pancakes and sausage remain in the freezer.

The apartment is extremely quiet.

The only noise heard is through a half-open sliding glass door, through which there is a mumble of voices from the floor below and birds chirping in the distance. As he enters his bedroom - the master bedroom - a picture of his mother and father can be seen on his desk. Other than pictures he may came across looking through old photo albums, this picture in his bedroom is his only chance to look into his parents’ eyes.

“Sometimes I think how it could have been different,” senior Dan Vogt says. “Like my whole world would have been changed. It’s the reality of how quick things could get taken away.”

This exact reality is something most believe will never happen to them. But for Dan, it is something he must live with each and every day of his life, as his parents were taken away from him when he was just three page design by rachel.hunt

17

years old. Now, sitting on the couch and trying to recall exactly what happened to his parents, only stories from his relatives can help him relive this experience, simply because he was too young to remember.

As Dan sits and gazes into the distance, his eyes are watery as one such story sticks out to him.

His mother, Sue, was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer at the age of 38, and passed away nearly two years later at the young age of 40. Dan’s father, Dan, did not even make it that long. A year after his mother passed away, Dan’s dad was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, which quickly spread throughout his back as well, and the cancer was so severe that he only made it five months. He was 36.

No parents to tuck you in at night.

No parents to buy you Hot Wheels from Walmart. No parents to take care of you when you’re sick.

Fortunately for Dan, his parents knew they were going to pass away; his parents were able to coordinate with Dan’s aunt and uncle, who agreed to take care of and raise their nephew. “[My aunt and uncle] were always good to me and raised me in a good manner,” Dan says.

Although Dan was raised in a positive way with his aunt and uncle taking on the mother and father roles, he got the feeling most teenagers get as they grow older: the sense of independence. Because this feeling was cast upon him, the time came for him to move out when he turned 18.

He decided to move into Sandalwood Creek apartments on Aug. 3, but with the freedom of the apartment came added responsibility.

Now, he must make breakfast, lunch, and dinner for himself every day.

Now, he must remember to do his laundry each week.

Now, he must pay $600 for rent each month.

While most students could not even imagine taking on these extra responsibilities, for Dan, they have became reality and he has adjusted fairly quickly. His monthly rent fee is covered by his $1,067 social security check and the money he acquires from working at Spiro’s restaurant.

His meals span from ordering pizza, to picking up fast food, to cooking Ramen Noodles. His laundry is done

18 page design by rachel.hunt

once a week in the apartment’s laundry room. Even though an 18-yearold kid living on their own is not the ideal lifestyle, Dan is fortunate to be learning valuable lessons at a young age, which he will use for the rest of his life. “[Extra responsibility] makes me more mature and helps me make smarter decisions with my money,” Dan said.

s

s

s

As Dan sits on his couch drinking out of a McDonald’s cup, he hears a twist of the handle to his front door as two of his friends walk in. They exchange “heys” and “what ups” and immediately sit on the couch opposite of Dan to start playing video games. Dan leans back in relaxation, critiquing his friends’ play. This is Dan’s life now.

He does not have to worry about getting yelled at to cut the grass.

He does not have to worry about getting yelled at to pick up clothes in his room.

He does not have to worry about getting yelled at for coming home past curfew.

Many kids will get yelled at for these types of things, but for Dan, his freedom of having his own apartment allows him to do things on his own time.

“It’s nice and relaxing,” Dan says. “Coming home to my own place, I know that I can do stuff on my own and when I want. It’s the feeling of being independent.”

Although he has this feeling of independence, he admits it can be too much at times.

As many kids wake up to their parents saying “it’s time to get up,” Dan must make sure his alarm clock rings or else he will be late for school.

As most kids get the luxury of at least talking to a sibling or parent throughout the day, Dan must play video games, watch TV, or listen to his iPod for entertainment. As most kids have a feeling of security when they have parents at home, Dan is his own security and has no one to “protect” him in adult-like situations. And with his front-door being broken into before, he admits it can be scary or even nerve-wracking when there is an unwanted knock at

Vogt holds pictures of his mom and dad, taken when he was young. His parents both died of different types of cancer when he was a child. He since lived with his aunt and uncle until he turned eighteen and moved out on his own in an apartment. (lydia ness)

the door.

To limit the lonely moments, he follows a fairly regular schedule to make sure he always has something to do. During the week, it is pretty easy as he has school during the day and work at night. However, weekends are more tricky, as he must find things to do. He seems to have limited struggles though, as Saturdays and Sundays consists of waking up, hanging out with his friends, going to work, and having friends over after work.

So, in retrospect, he is only by himself for a few hours in the morning when he wakes up and again before he goes to bed at night.

s

s

s

Another day without his parents and living on his own is coming to a close as he walks into his master

bedroom to go to bed. What Dan has gone through over the last 15 years is something most kids could never dream of. But it is not about dwelling upon tragedies and terrible situations one must fight through, but how one deals with it. Although most kids who lose their parents at a young age do not leave a safe home and get their own apartment, Dan has made the most of his decision and has learned responsibilities that are years ahead of him.

As he lays down in bed, the small picture of his mother and father on their wedding day stares back at him.

“I wish you could be here,” Dan says. “Everything would have been completely different.”

two

Separate parents

Freshman Megan Hefner stands between her two biological parents. Hefner visits her father, Eric, at least three times a week with her brothers. She currently lives with her mother, Martha. (jacqueline sage)

Hefner deals with separate houses, divorced parents rachel.hunt

S

he wakes up. She goes to school. She goes home. The “same” essential daily routine of all 1,976 students of North. However, for freshman Megan Hefner, this routine is not so routine. While most students always sleep in the same bed, always sit in the same chair for dinner, and always take the same route to school, Megan is different.

The summer of 2002 changed her.

She did not see it coming. Her parents sat her down just as many other parents have had to report the unfortunate news to their precious child. The word “divorce” was choked out of her mother’s mouth.

As a mere girl of second grade, nothing more than her father’s suitcase could be comprehended from that conversation with her parents.

Now a 14-year-old, Megan is beginning to understand the meaning behind her diverse home.

“We are typical to any other household,” mother Martha Hefner said. “There’s finances, driving, cooking...”

Megan lives with her mother and younger brothers, Sam (age 12) and Max (age 9).

“

It’s better...for all of us that this happened

”

For Megan, having a single mother brings an entirely new meaning to chores, cooking, and responsibility.

When married parents are in a household, responsibilities are decreased and run smoother, whereas Martha must be available at any given moment for Megan, Sam, and Max. To some, working together to complete everyday chores of the

home may be easy, but for Megan and Martha, communication is vital to keep up with everyday activities. “[Megan and I] have a different type of relationship,” Martha said.

“We have to work together as a family to get things done.”

While Megan has increased responsibilities with her mother, she visits her biological father, Eric Hefner, multiple times a week. Megan and her brothers pack their bags from their everyday two-story house to their father’s one-story home, always moving and rearranging their living space.

“We’re closer this way,” Eric said. “The kids can see that there’s no negative animosity in the house.

They can see how a house is supposed to work [because Eric is remarried].”

Just six miles away, Megan visits Eric three to four times a week.

To walk into the two-story Hefner

home with Megan’s mother, one would not know the difference in living and housing. Nothing is of significant difference from the average home except for the absence of a fatherly presence.

“Most of [my friends] know about my parents’ divorce,” Megan said.

“Most understand and are supportive. Whenever I do have to explain to someone where [my father] is, most just say that [their parent’s] are also divorced.”

It has been seven years since that tearful talk between Megan and her parents. Seven years of having her mother always a room away and her father 6 miles away.

“It’s better...for all of us that this happened,” Megan said. “We get closer as a family.”

page design by rachel.hunt

19

Baby

responsibilities

Senior, Amanda Evola recently had no choice but to drop out of high school because of the birth of her child. Evola now stays home most of the day with her mother and her son Charlie. (sam fitzwalter)

Child brings responsibility close to heart julia.gabbert

W

hen most 18-year-old girls are waking up bright and early to get ready for school, she is waking up to calm down a fussy baby. When most 18-yearold girls are staying out late on the weekends with their friends, she is at home with the baby. When most 18-year-old girls are struggling to manage their school work with their jobs, friends, and family, she is struggling to provide for her baby as well as help out around the house for her mother.

Last year, senior Amanda Evola was just like any other girl. And then she got pregnant, and everything changed.

“I was scared when I found out,” Amanda said. “I honestly didn’t know what I was going to do.”

The news evoked emotion not only in Amanda, but in everyone close to her.

“We both cried,” Amanda’s mother Terrie said. “It was a mix of happy and sad. I was happy that she was OK with it, but I was sad that her dad is not around to see it.”

Amanda’s family is unique not only because she is such a young mother, but also because Amanda’s father Charles Joseph passed away from liver failure in April 2007. Understandably a devastating blow to

20 page design by rachel.hunt

everyone, the family still grew closer.

And as the end of one life brings the beginning of another, a healthy Charles David - named after his late grandfather - was born August 3, 2009.

“Everything changed as soon as I saw him, pretty much,” Kyle King, the baby’s father and Amanda’s boyfriend of a year and a half, said.

Life has changed significantly for Amanda since the birth of her son.

She never goes out. She rarely sees her friends. She takes online classes and does home bound instead of going to school.

“I’m still in school because of [Charlie],” Amanda said. “I need to get a good job. I’m scared I’m not going to be able to support him.”

For now, Amanda lives at her mother’s house. She feels lucky to have a family that has supported her so much throughout all of this. “[My family has been] incredibly supportive,” Amanda said. “They help out a lot with everything I need like formula, diapers, and watching him. It’s made our relationships stronger just because they are always supporting [Charlie].”

Amanda’s family does not seem to mind helping with the baby either.

“It’s taken up more of my time,” Terrie said. “He has made me happier, though. I think he’s given me a sense of purpose again.”

In addition to the support she has received at home, Amanda has also gotten help from Shelbi Dillon, FHN math teacher and Amanda’s 08-09 homeroom teacher. As a mother of two, Dillon did many things to assist Amanda during her pregnancy, such as donating clothing, toys, and a baby bath.

“I was happy for her,” Dillon said.

“I was also ready to dump all of my baby stuff to her.”

Despite the fact that Amanda had some concerns before Charlie was born, she now feels the wonders of motherhood on a daily basis.

“Being able to love something so much is definitely a positive,” Amanda said. “I love just staring at him. He’s the cutest thing ever.”

Although many people view early motherhood as a burden or a setback, Amanda stays determined to be successful, both in life and as a mother. The support she has from her family and friends only furthers her motivation.

“Amanda might be a little young for taking on all the responsibilities of a baby,” Dillon said, “But with a little help, I think she can handle it.

I don’t think having a child is ever a bad thing. She’ll be a great mother.”

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stroller: $50-$200

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babysitter: $5-$10 per hour

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formula/food: $100 per month information found at www.costhelper.com

Grandparents as parents

Steins have unique role models after downfall olivia.ong

A

Kevin and Nita Stein sit with their grandparents who they have lived with for the past 11 years after being taken from their mother who at the time was using illegal substances. (stephanie graflage)

sking for some money to go and see a movie, maybe buying a couple of new clothes, or trying to borrow the car keys for Friday nights are all normal things that teenagers ask from their parents. For senior Kevin, junior Nita, and thirteen-year-old Lewis Stein, having to ask those questions not to a parent but to a grandparent is not really that unusual.

“Living with our grandparents really doesn’t make us any different from other people who lives with their parents,” Kevin said. “We’re just like everyone else.”

Grandparents Virginia Stein is a stay-at-home grandmother while Martin Stein is a long-time maintenance technician on big machinery.

Normally, part of being grandparents is spoiling the grandchildren, however in this case, special treatments only come once in a while.

Sometimes, just like a parent would, an enforcement of rules is given in order to live peacefully.

“They pretty much know what the punishments are if they break a rule,” Virginia said, “Depending on what they did determines how long they’re grounded for: either their phone taken away, no friends for a certain time, and for Kevin, the keys for the car gets taken away also.”

Eleven years ago, after being told

by Child Protection Services that their grandchildren were not being properly taking care of by their parents due to the usage of illegal substances, they were asked if they were interested in taking care of the three children. Having already raised their own children, Martin and Virginia were very unsure of this idea.

“I really wasn’t sure about adopting the three children when we first found out,” Virgina said. “But we decided to go down in California and see them for ourselves. After we met them the first day, the second day little Nita was four, she put her little hands in my cheeks and said, ‘I know you’re my grandma.’ How do you know I said. Nita said ‘cause you look like my mama.’ I said to myself, how can you say no to that?”

Eleven years have passed and now that the Steins are living with their grandparents, their needs are all taken care of. Though sometimes getting what they want is not easily given to them right away.

“Money is not tight. We do all right,” Virginia said. “Sometimes they just don’t get to go to the movies as often as they want to, or six flags or anything like that with their friends.

They do get to go, just not as often.”

Virginia and Martin believe that making the decision to have Kevin, Nita, and Lewis be a part of their lives was not a mistake, far from it.

Today, Virginia and Martin are proud to be their grandparents. They enjoy seeing them grow into respectable young men and women.

“I’ve come to love them a whole bunch,” said Virginia, “They’re always there to help.”

As for Kevin, Nita, and Lewis, they are very glad that they all could be together safe and loved by their grandparents.

“Now my life is good,” Nita said.

“I have people who love me.”

page design by rachel.hunt

21

a

Bilingual home

Senior Suong Nguyen sits with her mother, Tina Trinh and brother, junior Steve Nyugen at their house. When at home, the family enjoys speaking their first language, Vietnamese. (fareeha amir)

Nguyens work with language barrier in American home elizabeth.diggs

W

alking through the halls of FHN, they speak fluent English, but at home they are immersed in Vietnamese language and culture. Senior Suong and junior Steven have the benefit of being born into a bilingual world as their mother, Tina Trinh, and father, Tung Nguyen, try to balance living in an American society and keeping up with their Vietnamese culture.

“Moving to America was exciting, scary, and nerve wracking with a lot of mixed emotions,” Tina said. “I thought it was scary because I didn’t know English too well at the time.”

Arriving in America in Jan. 1992, Tung and Tina were ready to start a new life. Suong was only three months old upon arriving to the states and a year later, Steven was born in St. Louis, MO. Now living

22 page design by rachel.hunt

in a world with two different cultures influencing them, the Nguyen’s are still adapting well to the English language. Suong, Steven and their two younger brothers are fluent in English along with their mother.

Tung, however, struggles with the English language and needs some help at times.

Because of this struggle, it is a necessity to have a translator when someone calls the house asking for him; usually it is Suong or Steven that translates the phone call. They also translate for their parents when they have friends over which can cause some mixed emotions. “[My friends] are lost and confused,” Suong said. “They also think it’s cool.”

The Nguyen family has many advantages in being able to speak multiple languages. For example, they can have private conversations

in Vietnamese with no one being able to eavesdrop on the discussion.

However, the language can cause frustration, from the confusion of switching back and forth and from their peers.

“It can be frustrating when they tell us to tell them something in Vietnamese,” Steven said.

One would think switching from speaking all English at school to all Vietnamese at home would be tough, but for the younger children in the family, it really isn’t all that hard. According to Suong, they are becoming more and more “Americanized.”

Suong also uses Vietnamese more often than her younger siblings.

“She speaks more [Vietnamese] because she wasn’t born here,” Steven said. “I am considered ‘First Generation’ because I was born here.

[Steven and his younger brothers] names are different for blending into

American culture. Also, my brothers and I don’t have middle names.”

The Nguyen’s know their roots, though. They will be teaching their future children the Vietnamese culture so they will be able to spend time with their grandparents.

Both Suong and Steven agree that it would be a little embarrassing if their children didn’t know their own language and culture. Tina and Tung prefer the Vietnamese language over English because it is easier to speak and it is their native tongue. They also concur that their children are lucky to get an education and a better future. They are proud parents of bilingual children. “[I am] very, very proud of my children and they are the greatest help to me,” Tina said.

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end your summer in

forest park

photos by nicole.thompson

ABOVE: A big fountain sits in the middle of Forest Park. It is only about 1-2 ft. deep and people can wade and swim in it.

Behind it is a place where people can hold weddings and wedding receptions.

Just down the street from here is the Saint Louis Zoo. It is free and you can see animals such as lions to seals.

Another thing close to there is Steinberg Ice Rink. It has sand volleyball during the summer and ice skating during the winter.

LEFT: A mom and her kids fly a kite on the hill leading up to the Saint Louis Art Museum. Many people use the hill to relax after a bike ride, read a book, or just hang out. The Saint Louis Art Muesuem holds many historic artifacts, including art from all decades. On somedays they have arts and crafts classes, which are free. There are also seasonal events, such as the Balloon Race, St. Louis Wine Festival, Shakespeare Festival Of Saint Louis.

Near the middle of Forest Park, there is a lake.

You can rent boats, or bring your own, and ride around in the lake. There is also a boat house that you can rent the boat from, have lunch, dinner, and enjoy live music.

This is another little part of the park. You can hold a wedding or wedding reception in this area. The water is also only about 1-2 feet deep and you can wade/ swim in the fountain. With a large amount of lawn space, this is the perfect place to have a picnic.

A family is enjoying a bike ride together.

You can also rent bikes at Forest Park.

It cost $10/ hour. You can rent them in front of the visitor center in the park.

You must be 16 to rent a bike, but a parent can rent one for you. This is a way many people spend time at Forest Park.

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a family tradition

Brothers, Ryan and Kyle Buxton, work as football mangers with hopes that one day they will be coaches themselves. The brothers have a great impact on the football team and enjoy everything that they do to help the team succeed.

logan.ponche

S

tanding in at 5’11, 120 pounds and 5’7, 117 pounds respectively, brothers Ryan and Kyle Buxton don’t have what one would call the average football build; their success record on the field in recent years stands as proof. One of the few times that they have been in practice, both brothers managed to find themselves flat on their backs, looking straight into the helmets of a pair of linebackers.

“My freshman year was the worst hit,” junior Kyle Buxton said. “Me and my brother were holding bags,

28 page design by logan.ponche

and the freshmen were supposed to just come up and tap them. [But] then this kid just came up and nailed me 5 ft. into the ground. I was laughing though, everybody was laughing.

Then two plays later the exact same thing happened to my brother. It was funny.”

While the brothers are two of the smaller guys in the football organization, they are two of the guys who have the greatest impact on the team.

However, their work is not done on the gridiron. Kyle’s work makes him the behind-the-scenes guy, his job-description varying day-to-day.

Some days he spends practices helping the coaches out, other days

he fixes the player’s equipment. On game days, and if the guys are home, he sets up above the press box and video tapes the games. Whatever he does, his title remains the same, the football manager. Ryan’s work on the other hand, is much less varied. Most days he works in close contact with the coaches watching them operate, helping work with players and set up plays. His goal: to become an coach someday.

“The Buxton’s, both of them, have been absolutely amazing for the program,” Head coach John Brune said. “It’s to the point where I don’t have to tell them what to do; they know what needs to get done, when it

needs do be done, and where. [They] take lots of stress off of the coaches.”

Ryan, a 2008 graduate, was the first brother to be involved in the football program. After a year playing wide receiver for the freshman team, he decided not to suit up anymore.

“I decided not to come back,” Ryan said. “I didn’t want to play and [coach] Calloway came up with the idea of me being the team manager, so I went for it.”

Ryan managed in the program his entire sophomore, junior and senior years. During his senior year, Kyle decided to follow in his footsteps and become a manager himself.

“My brother was a senior and

Both Ryan and Kyle Buxton spend a majority of their time around sports because they enjoy it. The Buxtons have dedicated their time to making sure the players are in the right places at the right time and that the game is filmed. This year is different for Ryan because he will be making the transistion from manager to coach. So far he has enjoyed it, and can’t wait to see what the rest of the season brings.

(Stephanie Graflage)

play.hard

everyday after school I would hear about how much fun he would have being a manager,” Kyle said. “So I decided to do it. I walked up and asked Brune if I could manage, and he said if you’re anything like your brother we’d be happy to have you.”

Two seasons and three years later, the Buxton brothers are still out on the football field. Ryan is going to community college now, but he comes to practice still and helps out.

“Ryan’s been coming back [and] volunteering his time to work with the team,” Brune said. “His commitment to the program is insanity.”

Now Ryan’s main goal at practices is to not only help the team out, but himself as well. By watching the coaches operate, he is learning how to become a coach, a goal that was started on the same football field he’s on now. “[When I was a manager] a lot of it was just helping out with drills,” Ryan said. “[Coach] Calloway used

“

It was a really cool feeling to feel like you orchestrated something, like you put together a giant puzzle.

“

me for a lot of different things. Then the other coaches slowly started using me. Eventually Coach C. trusted me enough to call some plays at practices. It was a really cool feeling to feel like you orchestrated something, like you put together a giant puzzle.

Football is unlike any other sport where you work on your individual position and then everything just comes together. It’s cool to piece it all together.”

Ryan needs at least 60 credit hours to become a licensed coach so, for now, he and Kyle get to share a unique bond that most brothers separated by college do not get to experience.

“Probably the farthest I’d go [with this] would be coaching high school,” Kyle said.” So if my job cooperates then Ill do it. I like the sport, I like the challenge of it, so I definitely want to do it.”

Although Kyle only wants to go as far as highschool, Ryan’s coaching aspirations go as high as they can, even the NFL is an option.

I wanna go pretty far with coaching,” Ryan said. “I want to go as far as I can with it because there’s nothing I love more than football.” page design by logan.ponche

29

New coach contributes to overall team success hannah.hamilton

Eyes on the tee, sophomore Erika Pack swings and hits the golf ball. She looks to her coach, James Allison, for approval. Allison, previously a football coach, has now decided on coaching only girls golf.

“I’m really really happy with our turnout this year,” Allison said.

With several new players and a new coach, the team chemistry is better than years past.

“I think this year we will all get along better,” Pack said. “Having a new coach will bring us together and make us do better.”

Along with a better team chemistry, the team has been improving leaving high hopes for many players.

“I want to play in as many tournaments as possible and hopefully make it to districts,” freshman Sarah Creeley said.

Junior Ashlee Schneider hits the ball during a match against Francis Howell on Aug. 25. The Knights played a close match but lost by just over 20 strokes with a score of 192 to 170. This was the team’s first match and they plan to use this loss as a building block to better their game.

Weiss brings experience

numb3rs

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abbey.grone

From Aug. 10-14, junior Nate Weiss competed in Junior Nationals held in Federal Way, WA. There he swam the 100 and 200 backstrokes and the 400 medley relay.

“I feel I did good at the meet,” Weiss said. “I dropped times and swam pretty good.”

The meet gave Weiss experience swimming in more competitive races, which his coach believes will carry over to school meets this year.

“I think it will help him because that’s an extremely competitive meet with a lot of high caliber swimmers just like our State meet,” swimming coach William Crow said. “The more experienced he gets with those meets the more comfortable he will feel.”

With Weiss’ experience, he will be leading a group of eight returning swimmers who have high hopes of doing better with an extra year under their belts.

“As a whole, I think the team will do better as individuals,” Crow said.

The next meet will be tonight at 9 p.m. at the Rec-Plex.

30 page design by elizabeth.diggs

27

north athletics: by the

3

football players at FHN

6

left-footed Varsity soccer players

fall sport managers

6

seniors on Varsity Knightline

Varsity cheerleading outfits

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miles ran in a typical cross country meet

blondes on the JV volleyball team

laps per swim team practice

57,600

3

softball JV and varsity floaters

sq. feet on FHN’s football field

Junior Gus Theis runs with sophomore teammate Mack Weaver at McNair Park. This meet, which was held on Sep. 4th, included both Varsity and JV boys and girls. (lauren buxton)

Cross country finds new leaders adam.rapert

Last year the boy’s crosscountry team lost one of its best runners: Nick Happe, Gatorade’s

MO runner of the year. Since Happe graduated, there is a void for the role of team leader.

Senior Kevin Stein and junior Jordan Summers are working

to fill it.

“Kevin and Jordan have really stepped up the intensity in practice,” Head coach Bob Doak said. “Over the summer they put in a lot of miles, and will definitely be looked up to by other teammates.”

For the girl’s team all Varsity runners have returned, including junior Coleen Grone and senior Dianna Prost - both of which are previous State qualifiers. With only ten freshman on the boy’s team and two on the girl’s, there will certainly be a lot of runners looking up to the new leaders.

“It is really inspiring to be looked at as a leader,” Stein said.

“It’s like when a little sibling looks up to you for advice. It makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something. “

rj.howes

Junior Brooke Oostendorp hits the ball in her match against Howell. The girls tennis team lost with an overall score of 2-5. (sam hurrell)

Coming off another undefeated season, the Lady Knights tennis team has a lot to live up to.

“A lot of people had to step up into different positions this year,” Head coach Kellie Hausner said.

“So it’s a big step that they step into those positions.”

Hausner has a lot of confidence in the team and she expects a great season, regardless of the amount of seniors that are left.

“I think the [junior] girls taking their place are pretty good,” junior Hope Mares said.

This year there are four seniors and sixteen underclassmen, leaving many wondering if this year’s team

can live up to the success of previous seasons. “[Leadership] is pretty big,” senior Emily Alderson said. “You have to encourage players to do well, and if you do well [then] they will do well.”

With this being the senior’s last year, their record will be a tough one to follow up. For the past three years, the Knights went undefeated until earlier this year where they lost their first match against Howell 5-2.

“For the team [the loss] makes me feel nervous because they’re a conference school,” Mares said.

The girls next match will be against Pattonville at 3:30 today.

Seniors lead knightline to improvement liana.ramsey

This year Knightline has already got first place at camp over summer, received a bid to nationals, and performed in front of approximately 40,000 people at Busch Stadium, all in preparation of going to state.

“Winning state [is our ultimate goal],” Head coach Kelly Pierce said. “State is something major, we always get approved but never make it, but it’s not about winning it’s about the quality we have.”

Knightline doesn’t just bring them recognition but much more.

“Knightline has allowed me to experience a real high school experience,” sophomore Maggie Jasper said. “It’s brought me sisters and nationals.”

Cheerleaders prep for state heather.o’donnell

With back-flips and high-kicks, the Varsity cheerleaders will be going to state to compete against 15 teams at University of MissouriColumbia on Nov. 14.

“I was relieved because they had a rocky performance but [they] pulled it together to get the bid,” coach Karla Holoand

Katie Stepanek dances on Varsity Knightline during Black and Gold Day. They danced their camp routine to “On Top of the World.” (nicole thompson)

said.

It’s been two years since North’s cheerleaders made it to state, but because of their hard work practicing ten hours a week, the girls feel more than prepared for the competition.

“Since we haven’t had a lot of wins, I think it would be really exciting,” freshman Miata Walker said.

Perhaps the one thing that unites the team is their strong tumbling ability led by senior Brooke Johnson and junior Alysse

Chowning.

“Our doubles, our jumps, and our dance [contributed to our success],” sophomore Leilani Ballesteros said.

The judges at state will be looking for personality, skill, and sharpness in the teams’ routine.

A win would give the girls a sense of accomplishment, respect and confidence.

“It will keep us in the running against other Howell Schools and give us more recognition” Holoand said.

play.hard

Tennis hopes for another undefeated season

Potential players are encouraged david.hoehn

We have a plethora of talent on our Varsity sports teams. Take our soccer teams for example; the Varsity boy’s team has placed second at the state championships twice, won districts 14 times, and the Varsity girl’s team has won state. Our baseball team has even produced one of the most phenomenal pitchers currently in Major League Baseball, Mark Buerhle of the Chicago White Sox. Despite these accomplishments, many students shy away from going out for a team. Sometimes, they don’t think they have the skills to make it and they believe they will just get cut. Others see only the failures in a team’s past and label it as not worth their time.

What these potential players don’t see is that they are presented with opportunities for improvement. If you don’t make the team, you have a whole year to get in better shape and hone your skills, ultimately bettering yourself, not to mention impressing the coaches with your dedication.

If, in the end, you find that North’s athletic programs just aren’t for you, then that’s OK. At least you gave it a shot.

All in all, just don’t be afraid, especially you underclassmen. If you feel even the slightest desire to tryout for a particular team, don’t hesitate. You never know if it could lead to bigger and better things.

page design by sidney.shelton

31

with freshman Kelly Gannon

A dancer since she was little, Gannon was one of the only two freshman to make the 09-10 Varsity Knightline team.

Morgan Robben made it as well. as told to logan.ponche

NS: How did you get started?

KG: Actually Deidre [Meyer]’s family got me into it. She was dancing at a studio and her mom pushed me to go.

NS: Did you think you were going to make Varsity when you tried out?

KG: Well she [Deidre] has seen me dance before and she was confident that I would make Varsity, but I was nervous I would make JV. NS: How is dancing at the Varsity level?

KG: It’s not that it’s hard, like Knightline is different than dancing because of the technique. I just have to adjust there.

NS: What do you think of Morgan?

KG: I only met her through dance, but she’s a really good dancer. I look up to her sometimes.

NS: How was dancing at Black and Gold day?

KG: We were all nervous about it, but after we danced it was like a whole bunch of weight was lifted off our shoulders.

NS: You guys danced at Busch Stadium right? How did that go?

KG: We danced in that area where you walk around; I think it was called Ford plaza. We did good.

NS: So how will you guys do this season?

KG: As long as we keep working together as a team we’ll be fine. But I’m bascially clueless still [laughs].

32 page design by rj.howes

Youthful teams sets season’s pace lizzie.johnson

F

or the second year in a row, North’s Varsity girls volleyball team has been faced with the same dilemma: few veterans on a very young team. The team lost six seniors last year, four of which were starters and all of which were considered important members of the team. Even though this year’s team has a large number of underclassmen, it does not mean the team is not ready for the older competition.

“Just because we’re young doesn’t mean I don’t set the same expectations every year,” Head coach Robin Yuede said. “Same as always, we plan to win Conference.”

Of the fresh faces, three were on the JV team last year and are working hard to adjust to the lightning speed of Varsity as compared to the somewhat slower pace of the JV team.

“I’ve had to work a lot harder this year than last year,” sophomore hitter Erin Powelson said.

Yuede also realizes the challenges the new girls will have to overcome in order to be successful.

“Playing at the Varsity level is hard,” Yuede said. “It’s faster and more competitive. It’s a lot of pressure.”

However, having so many new girls does present a golden opportunity for growth and improvement in the team as a whole; for all but one

get to know

your athletes V. BALL

&A

SOCCER SWIMMING FOOTBALL

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Sophomore Nicole Yeude strikes the ball at the St. Charles West volleyball game on September 1. The Lady Knights’ had a close win with a score of 25 to 17 the first game and 25 to 23 on the second game. (lydia ness)

member of the team will be together once again next year.

“It’s a fresh start,” Yuede said.

“They’re working really hard to earn their spots. There’s a little competition going on which always makes life good, but it’s a very friendly rivalry.”

Despite the several new additions, the team continues to have great chemistry. Regular practices and outside of school team bonding activities have brought the squad

closer together.

“We all get along and we’re all friends,” sophomore Katie Dozier said. “We play like a team.”

Varsity volleyball next plays tonight at 5 p.m. at Holt.

a food that makes you gag

your pre-game ritual

the sport that shouldn’t exist

your sport pet peeve

flan

listening to music with team

cheerleading

people wear bangs down w/ pre wrap

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soccer, basketball

when your teammate gets suspended

hamburger helper

hard core music

under water basket weaving

when people don’t swim the entire practice

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pass with Ryan Gannon

definitely football

headbands

Kelsey Warden, 11

Mike Boschen, 12

Jake Simms, 11

Taylor Bell, 11

taylor.berra

E

ven though Varsity boys won Districts in 2008, a feat many teams only hope to accomplish, their 14-12-1 season record last year was the third worst in team history, leaving the returning players hungry for more.

“Last year we just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net,” junior Chip Dozier said. “If we could have scored more goals then it would have taken more pressure off of the defense. This year we have more depth and more guys who can score and work the ball around a little bit more.”

Head Coach Vince Nowak has worked the boys hard throughout the summer camp, tryouts and practices. He is anticipating a good season of hard work with a lot of support from the fans. However, not only is Nowak ready for the season, but so are the boys.

“I believe we will do pretty well this season,” junior Scott Raver

said. “We changed our formation so we will win more [balls] in the midfield. But our team is looking good in all areas of the field.”

One advantage the team has this year is that they are returning all upperclassmen with the exception of sophomore Sam Worsley. Many of the upperclassmen have worked together throughout the years, earning each others’ trust.

“It’s always an advantage to have more upperclassmen on the team because they have more experience,” Nowak said. “The seniors know it is their last chance to do well.”

Being the only underclassman has not bothered Worsely; he feels the occasional trouble from the upperclassmen only makes things fun.

“It doesn’t make a difference [being the only underclassman],” Worsley said. “It’s the same game really.”

With the team’s hard work and high expectations, this season is looking in a positive direction for the boys.

A Lady’s Inn resident spends a typical day with her six-year-old daughter and one-month-old son. “I hope ]\n, currently houses 15 women,

Senior Logan North fights for the ball against a Fort Zumwalt North opponent. North defeated them 2-0 at home on Sept. 3. (fareeha amir)

“I’m looking forward to the season and all of the support from everyone,” Nowak said.

In their first week, the boys beat St. Charles West 5-0, lost to CBC 0-3 and beat Fort Zummwalt North

2-0. Their next game will be tommorrow at SLUH.

Veteran seniors lead young team, hope for a strong season emily.forst

Junior Rachel Pauley bunts the ball on Sept. 1 against Lutheran South. The Lady Knights won with a score of 5 - 1. This was the second win for Varsity softball. (jacqueline sage)

This season the Varsity softball team is expecting alot from the two seniors on the team, Randi Yousey and Lindsay Craig.

Jenelle Louis, softball assistant coach, is really looking out for them.

“Randi and Lindsay both have had three years of varsity experience and have played over 100 games in the summer,” coach Jenelle Louis said. “They both display good attitude, positive character, and they always trust their team.”

Both girls work well with the team, and they don’t let the fact that they are older make them overconfident.

“We connect with each other, we help each other, and we support each other,” Craig said.

They have taken on a leadership role, and have helped instill the teams expectations to all the younger players.

“I feel like a lot more pressure is put on each of us because there is only two of us,” Yousey said. page design by logan.ponche

33

play.hard

With talented team comes high expectations

North Star Take: Patriotic is not a season editorial.staff

S

ept. 11, 2001. 19 al-Quaida terrorists. Four commercial airplanes. Untold numbers of lives changed. Students at North probably remember where they were when they heard about the hijacking.

With such a tragedy and the profound effect it had on their lives, it is around this time of year that Americans remember and mourn the day that will live on in remembrance. 9/11.

When tragedies such as this one happen, the country grows closer together as Americans feel connected by a love of their homeland.

Inspirational songs are written, flags are proudly waved, and people are just generally nicer.

But what about when the time of grieving and remembering is over?

Independence Day, 9/11, Veterans Day, Labor Day. These days are spent commemorating the fallen and honoring the living. The next day, life goes on. People talk about how much fun they had on their day off. Most do not talk about how they

honored the military on their day of recognition.

Why do we just remember on those given days? Do they not deserve recognition every day of the year?

What the NS editorial staff asks is for students and staff of FHN to not just honor service men and women on the given holidays, but to remember them always. As citizens of our nation that dedicate their lives to serving others, they should be commemorated.

Veterans deserve as much thanks and recognition as heroes in comic books. When Superman saved the city of Metropolis from the bad guy again, the whole city rejoices. Children look up to them and the citizens are forever thanking him for his help. Veterans are simply real life heroes, minus the capes.

They put their lives in jeopardy to make us safe and comfortable.

So, honor the service men and women . When you see a vet walking down the street with a hat saying Purple Heart, say thank you. When you see a yellow ribbon, remember that families are separated for

Tragedies like 9/11 increase the country’s growth in patriotism. For some, the red, white, and blue can be seen as a comfort or safety, and maybe even a reminder of how far we have all come, for freedom together as one country. (sam fitzwalter)

months at a time because a family member serves overseas. Remember the true significance of those holidays in honor of the men and women in uniform.

Thank a veteran by remembering them. Remember, all gave some.

Some gave all.

on behalf of the

North Star editorial staff

Appreciate opportunities that others strive to have allison.sheffler

A

Many students complain about how jobs are too difficult when it’s as simple as putting clothes away on racks or cooking food; what they don’t realize is many people have jobs that risk their lives every day. (sam fitzwalter)

34 page design by mckenna.roberts

s teenagers, we often complain. We complain about anything from waking up early for school to the food choices at lunch. If I had a dollar for everytime I heard a teeanger complain about their job, I’d be rich.

The workforce in America has slowly been shrinking because of the economy and you should consider yourself lucky if you have a job! Adults across the nation are struggling to find work and many are living on unemployment.

Yes, I have a job and no, I don’t think it’s the greatest job in the world, but I’m happy to have it right now. As teenagers we’re forgetting that we could be doing something much more dangerous. While most of us are flipping hamburgers at a grill or folding clothes in a retail store, there are others in the world

who are fighting fires and chasing criminals.

Jobs adults hold are only getting harder. But jobs that teenagers are working aren’t changing much. In a sense, we have no reason to complain. In reality, no one has a reason to complain about a job. It’s not like they’re doing it for free. You get paid for the effort and labor you put into the job.

You should be thankful for what you have. There are adults who can’t buy what their kids want and there are older adults who are forced to put off retirement because of unemployment.

Just remember, finding a job is tough. Never take for granted what others are struggling to get.

So keep your head held high and be proud of what you do.

speak.out

S N A P

the result of FHN’s crowded classrooms.

kayla.vogt

Are you looking for a new digital camera? This could be the camera you’ve been searching for! The high quality Sony Cybershot W230 is not only extremely user friendly, but also comes with some really cool settings for taking photos. My favorite thing about this camera is the “smile detector” setting. You can turn the dial to this setting when your taking a group photo, and it makes sure the camera does not take a photo until everyone in the picture is smiling. Also, you can do various forms of editing right after you take the such as cropping, getting rid of red eyes, and sharpening your photo. You also can do this really neat thing called “partial color” where you can select an area you want to stay color, and then the rest turns black and white. The extra long lasting lithium battery will come in handy also, so you don’t have to keep re-filling your camera with new batterys. These cameras are sold at Best Buy for around $230, and I definitely think it was worth every penny.

Stealing is a problem here at North, especially with iPods and money. More these items get stolen than any other item at North. (lydia ness)

COULD I BORROW A PENCIL?

No sense of security mckenna.roberts

illustration by rj.howes

Communication limited by today’s technology katharine.carney

“U r a loser, I hate u lol.” This text message or Facebook chat message could be taken several ways. How is someone supposed to know if the person who sent this to them means that they are actually a loser or they are just kidding? People use things like lol and jk to make rude comments seem unhurtful, when in truth they are meant to be harmful. Today’s technology creates a huge breakdown in communication in addition to other problems.

I love Facebook and texting just as much as anyone, but there have been times when I got a message and was not sure what it meant. Through a text you can-

not see someone’s facial expressions or hear their tone of voice.

All of these factors put together also creates a million more problems. And with our busy high school lives, who wants to deal with more drama than needed?

The technology today also limits face-to-face conversations with your friends. I do not know how many times I have just been sitting on my couch texting while my friend is doing the same thing. It seems to me though that we are too lazy to actually get up and do something together. This also limits the amount of time I spend in my friends company. I love to hang out with my friends, so something as simple as Facebook or texting shouldn’t limit this.

Teenagers also lose manners used for face-to-face conversations becuase of technology. It seems like teenagers don’t know how to talk to adults becuase they spend all of their time texting or on Facebook. Using technology instead of face-toface conversations limits your ability to function in everday situations. Take job a interview for example, if you don’t have the ability to have a face-to-face conversation with adults, how are you supposed to get the job?

I think it all really boils down to this: do not let the new world of technology replace the older lifestyle of nonharmfull conversatoins, face-to-face interactions and going out and having fun with your friends.

Wouldn’t it be nice to go to a school where everyone could be trusted? Where you could bring your valuable belongings such as iPods, cell phones, money, or cameras and know at the end of the day you would still have them? Unfortunately, here at FHN stealing is a huge problem and honestly, I don’t know if it’s ever going to get any better.

I don’t understand the point behind stealing either. Does it really make you feel good about yourself knowing you stole something of value from someone else? The only thing that comes to my mind when I think about thieves is greed, selfishness, and jealousy. Is that how you really want to be perceived?

Sure a brand new, shiny iPod touch would be nice to have, but is it worth taking it from one of your classmates and ruining their whole week? It just irritates me that people have the drive and the nerve to simply reach into a purse sitting on a desk and snatch something up with no hesitation at all. Not to mention, is it really worth the consequences you’ll encounter if you get caught? Or do you simply just have no respect for yourself to care? Whatever the motives are, it needs to stop.

I cannot stand people who just think they’re so tough and can do whatever they want. Think about how you would feel if someone turned around and stole something from you. Maybe it would open your eyes a little bit and make you realize how stupid it really is. page design by mallory.mueller

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TA S T E jared.tompkins

While 180’s AÇAI Berry Energy drink is a sophisticated blend of all-natural ingredients, it is difficult to drink. The taste is definitely not one of its high points. The taste is tart, tangy and bitter with an even more tart after-taste. Sour is an understatement when describing this beverage as it is sure to make you pucker up your face.

On the other hand, it is immensely healthy and contains 100% daily value of vitamin C. It also gives plenty of energy to keep you focused and doesn’t leave you groggy or jittery. The all-natural aspect is definitely a positive, but this beverage literally made me want to lose my lunch because of its terrible taste. definitely not one of its high points.

T O U CH nicole.piatchek

If you really like the old iPods or you’re looking for a quality hand-held device to satisfy your musical needs, the iPod touch is a must. I had the old iPod Nano which was getting a little outdated, so I bought the iTouch which was definitely a wise decision.

Unlike the older models, the iTouch allows you to access the internet along with the traditional downloading of music and videos.

Also the touch has applications that you can’t get for a normal iPod such as a texting application and so much more. While the price is costly your money is sure to be well spent.

Senior Mallory Mueller dances with Norm the Knight and enjoys herself as she expresses the importance of having good school spirit. (stephanie graflage)

It is time to show your school spirit within mallory.mueller

I’ve got spirit yes I do. I’ve got spirit. How about you? Here at FHN, the school spirit is terrible. Is it that hard to wear a tacky outfit during spirit week, attend sports games, and cheer at the pep Assemblies?

People wear clothes everywhere always worrying if they match or not.

It is a pain. So to the people that hate having to worry about matching all of the time, they should clearly take advantage when tacky clothes were the “norm” for that day not.

Is it because you’re too cool? You can’t let everyone in school see you dressed like that; the hot guy in your

games is one of many great ways to show school spirit; it gets the athletes pumped up and lets them know you care. But not only does it gets the athletes excited, it helps you get energy about your school.

It’s the same with pep assemblies. Everyone complains about them. “They’re so boring” and “all we do is sit there.” And they are right - without school spirit, they will be boring. The solution to not being bored during pep assemblies and at school is to get involved and to not be so concerned with what everyone thinks. As the saying goes, the high school years are the best of anyone’s life...enjoy them.

melissa.shannon

to it, are clothes and make-up that big of a deal? It is ridiculous that people judge by such things; they don’t show the heart or sense of caring towards others. Sure, I understand everyone is different and unique - it’s our right to be - but should people really be judged just based on appearance?

What counts the most is not on the outside, but on the inside.

That “nerd” sitting to your left could be the next Bill Gates. The “cheerleader” in the back of math class could be Sean Johnson’s next rival. The person in the front right corner could end up marrying you.

No one knows what the future holds for us, but judging someone now can limit the possibilities for your future.

Who you are isn’t who you’ll be tomorrow

N

Junior Melissa Shannon shows the importance of accepting each other by taking a stand against stereotypes this year. (jacqueline sage)

36 page design by melissa.shannon

second hour will never talk to you if you dress like that. Right? Wrong. If everyone had school spirit and was not afraid to show it, school spirit would be the cool thing to do.

You can show school spirit in other ways too. Imagine being a athlete looking into the stands seeing about twenty fans, all of them parents. It definitely is not the greatest feeling in the world. Of course it is nice to have support from the parents, but it would be so much nicer to be able to look into the bleachers and not see an open spot anywhere. So why don’t students go support their teams so the athletes can see the whole bleachers filled with fans? Going to sports

erd? Jock? Prep? None. The many stereotypes of our school buzz around us each and every day.

Stop for just one minute and think about the positives of the people around you. You might be thinking yellow shirt, green eyes, long hair, or you might even be thinking cheerleader, nerd, or jock.

The judgment towards others is not a good way to start your year.

First impressions are very memorable and judging someone by how they look makes you come off as a jerk.

Everyone comes to school for one common purpose: to learn. Should people really be judged? I mean most impressions are judged off clothes and make-up. When it comes down

EDITORIAL POLICY

lauren.skinner

W

ork, work, and more work.

That’s all I used to do on the weekends which can be very frustrating when you’re a high schooler. We all have busy lives as high school students whether it being with school activities, a job, or both.

Having a job during high school is a good thing. I believe it teaches us as students valuable lessons, but we can also learn these lessons in the other activities we do as well. The lessons you learn when you’re in a work place can vary from how you handle customers to counting change.

While you can learn these lessons at a job, you can also learn them at school or doing extra curricular activities outside of school. For example, say you’re in an authority position at school (like being the president of StuCo). You learn how to deal with disagreements between two parties.

While working can teach us valuable lessons, we usually end up giving something up as well.

Usually when students work we

The following content is included in our Editorial Policy: • Freedom of press • The editorial board • The adviser • The building administration

Having a job during school days can be very difficult and at sometimes very stressful. It becomes hard to manage your time and you are forced to make some sacrifices. Without having a weekday job one has more time to focus on school work, and hang out with friends. (fareeha amir)

are trying to juggle work, school, extra curricular activities and our friends. As teenagers, friends are a big deal. They usually help keep us sane. But when you’re working and doing other activities as well, it’s hard to find time to hang out with your friends. Being able to see your friends is important but looking on the academic side having a job can hinder your school work. If you work after school

student

employees

the North Star talked to four students about their jobs and all that they entail.

Alex Belton,11

SHII SHOE STORE

?

what’s your pay?

$7.25/hr + commission

and get home late, how much of your homework actually gets done? Not a lot.

Not being able to see your friends and having your grades slip because of a job doesn’t really make the job seem worth it. My senior year is here and I’m not working and I’m actually enjoying my weekends. I’m actually enjoying my high school experience.

?

pros of your job?

• Purpose of the school newspaper/ magazine/publication •Regarding profanity •Regarding paper content •Regarding staff writing •Regarding editorials •Regarding controversial issues •Regarding letters to the editor •Regarding trivia •Regarding reviews •Regarding bylines •Regarding news and features •Regarding deaths •Regarding illustrations, photos, graphics, etc. full-length version of the editofhn For rial policy check out, the editorial

today com

?

cons of your job?

policy footer on our web site.

?

do you think all teens should have jobs?

“It’s a happy environment and the managers are pretty cool.”

“The hours kind of suck and selling can be hard at times”

“Yes, because it prepares them for future responsibility and you can get money so you don’t have to ask your parents all the time.”

“Yeah, because eventually you will have to have one so it will teach you responsibility.”

Melissa Alexander,12

$7.45/hr

“Flexible hours and free movies.”

“Customers can be annoying at times and managers can be rude at times.”

Laney Cowden, 11

$7.25/hr

“Good flexible hoursand the bosses are fair.”

“There is a lot of food to prepare and there is always something broken.”

“It’s an easy paycheck and it’s your money your parent cant tell you how to spend it.”

“Helping the girls pick out their clothes and I love the people I work with.”

“Not always being sure of what is supposed to be done with cashing people out.”

“I think they should because it teaches you respect and humbles you as well.”

WEHRENBERG THEATERS

SUBWAY RESTAURANT

Stephanie Agre, 12 JUSTICE CLOTHING STORE

$7.55/hr

page design by lauren.skinner

37

speak.out

Don’t work your life away too quickly

Thursday Sept 17 Opening acts 6:30pM Doors at 5:30pm

BUILDING 429 & TODD AGNEW

< KIMBER RISING & INTRODUCING

OPENING SIDE STAGE

COS HOUSE BAND, 6:30 PM THE BRANDON SALTER BAND, 7 PM

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JOIN US

This is an outdoor concert event with lawn seating - rain or shine! Food and beverages are available on site from Chevy始s Fresh Mex. Snag a ticket, some great food and a worship experience like no other. of A night rockin'

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$10 in advance ($12 at the door) Group pricing available online.

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worship

you won't forget

Tickets Just $10!

FIND US

The back lawn of Church of the Shepherd (www.coswired.org) Just off Hwy 94 and Jungermann (behind WalMart) in St. Charles.

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