central focus april 2010

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CFApathy drains Spartan spirit p. 8 - Bieber blown out of proportion p. 10

Tough crowdTurnout at Central Conquers Cancer results from lack of communication

Downcast meanders from name to name, genre to genre

Sean Nanney is first tennis player to make it to State

The who?

State caliber

Do you bleed blue and silver?

Photo by Chelsea Carroll

Students, teachers, administrators evaluate school spirit

FOCALPOINTS

Central2

Page designed by Chelsea Carroll

Visit us on the web today at www.FHCtoday.com.

t the end of a school year, school spirit tends to be at a minimum. Students are

overcome with the desire to flee these halls, to embrace the sweet summer air without the burden of homework, essays, projects or tests. At the same time, there is maximum opportunity to be completely filled with spirit. There are teams doing well, there is prom, and many students are receiving rewards and recognitions. Additionally, seniors can look forward to graduation on June 5.

What better time to examine the amount of

school spirit at Central? With all the ups and downs, the middle is exposed--there lie the students who truly care. This final issue of the 2009-10 Central Focus looks at the different perspectives on school spirit: the views of students, teachers and administrators. The goal is to see the current status and hypothesize how to make it better. If not now, then maybe next year; as a senior, I want this school to continue to get better for many years to come.

Sincerely, Kayla Mugler

Focus

4 Pet owners go too far when trying to style

their dogs. In the picture to the right, a poodle is groomed to look like a lion.

2Freshman Sean Nanney, the school’s first state qualifier in its 13 year history, and the boys tennis

team competed in regionals Tuesday, May 18. 6 A Washington D.C. resident

created a website which documents his goal to give away ten dollars every day for one year. Check out his stories at yearofgiving.wordpress.com.

7 The U.S. Coast Guard estimates 210,00 gallons of oil per day is

pouring into the Gulf of Mexico as a result of an explosion on a British Petroleum (BP) oil rig.

3 Sandra Bullock has a lot of paperwork on her hands. She and Jesse James have been in the process of

adopting a child for the last four years. The adoption of a baby boy from New Orleans was being finalized just before rumors of James’ affairs surfaced. Bullock and James have decided to divorce, and Bullock plans on going through with the adoption as a single parent.

10 Two teens were arrested in

Colorado for pulling up to the drive-thru of a McDonald’s and reciting the infamous YouTube video “McDonald’s Rap.”

5The boys volleyball team has another successful season,

winning districts for the second straight season. Going into the state tournament, the boys’ record was at 23-6, this following a second place state finish last season.

Letter from the editorA

King Leonidas, Central’s mascot, lies defeated on the floor. Dean of students Mr. Lucas Lammers said a lack of spirit may result from taking Central for granted.

8 A 90-year-old woman gets to attend her first high school dance. The great-

grandmother from Kansas City, MO was invited to her great-grandson’s prom. She was never allowed to attend when she was in school because her father was very strict.

9 A group of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan

made their own parody to Lady Gaga and

Beyonce’s hit song “Telephone.” You can check out the

video on YouTube by searching

“Telephone Remake.”


1 An organization called Falling Whistles sells four-inch whistle necklaces to support children affected

by the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. One-hundred percent of the proceeds for their t-shirts and jewelry go toward helping the children of Congo. To learn more go to fallingwhistles.com.

Wired 3

Page designed by Margaret Borgmeyer

Theatre inducts new members See page 4 | Graduation speakers inspire See page 5

By Alaina BabbWired Editor

O n Thursday May 6, Student Council hosted a walk called Central Conquers Cancer

and raised more than $250 for the Karen Weidinger Foundation. The event was planned to support some of the current fighters and survivors

of cancer, like FACS teacher Mrs. Grace Clifford.

“It was at Cottleville Park and lasted from 4-7 p.m.,” said junior Jamie Downey, former vice president of StuCo. “It was a lot of fun, despite the fact that no people went because of the barbeque and the fact that people did come.”

Just walk away

Participants walk miles to battle cancer

Please read more | CANCER WALK , PAGE 6

Senior awards reach new heights

Photo by Kelci Davis

Student Council advisor Vicki Pohlman laughs as she walks with her daughter, Tiffany and Mrs. Amy Roesslein at the Central Conquers Cancer Walk on Thursday, May 6. Student Council raised more than $250, which was given to the Karen Weidinger Foundation for cancer research.

Photo by Kelci DavisDr. Sonny Arnel gives his opening speech as the award recipients sit on the stage in the auditorium. The night was spent honoring over 200 seniors.

By Margaret BorgmeyerCommunications Editor

On May 13th, seniors were awarded with scholarships, academic accomplishments and athletic awards celebrating their four years in high school.

Over 782 awards and scholarships were given out. Awards ranged from the President’s Academic Fitness Award to awards given by each department chair.

The Band’s Department Award was given to Athony Hebel, Business to Victoria Pyron, Dramatic Arts to Mary Kathryn Jacobi, Family and Consumer Science to Alaina Ruhlman, Industrial Technology to Stephen Clark, Language Arts to Kayla Mugler, Math to George Yu, Physical

Education to Cody Woods, Science to Alexandria McLaughlin, Social Studies to Daniel Wolz, Special Services to Alyssa Uro, Visual Arts to Cullen Hilburn, Vocal Music to Emily Struckmann, Spanish award to Mallory Leber and French award to Cameron Aldrich.

More than $4.2 million was given in scholarships to seniors. Scholarships were given regarding the school they would be attending or by the Francis Howell School District.

That night, performances from the Jazz Band and from two choir soloists were shown.

Seniors Lindsay Gingrich and Erin Richey were vocal soloists at the awards

night. “It was really cool because my brother

got to sing at Senior Awards Night too,” said Richey.

Richey sang the song “Time of Your Life” by Green Day to say goodbye to her fellow seniors.

See a photo gallery of games and events, including the Thespian

Induction Week.

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4 Wired May 21, 2010 C FFHCtoday.com

Page designed by George Yu

Theatre continues traditionsBy Brendan Kinnison

Staff Reporter

As the theatre year comes to an end and the final curtains close on stage, students (especially seniors) will have a lot to recall at this year’s Thespian Induction Ceremony and induction week; from new directors to memorable shows the year has been a busy one.

Induction Week is a five-day-long themed week in which inductors and inductees go though a few goofy days in order to make everyone feel welcome.

“During Prop Day, inductees are told to get a prop from a past show that took place this year and carry it around all day. For Wacky Day, inductees and inductors all dress in their wackiest outfits possible. On Line Day, inductees are given a line that they must recite every time their name is said. While participating in Dress Up Day, inductees are made to wear their finest clothing. Lastly, on Twin Day, inductees and their inductors dress exactly the same,” said Thespian President Chris Parker.

Induction Week is used to bring everyone together

and create a family attitude throughout the department. The themed days create a bond between inductors and inductees since they both participate in certain days.

“We just show them hey, now you are a part of our family,” said senior Emily Beckmann.

The traditions do not end there. Induction week is just the beginning of the ceremony. There is also a awards ceremony and at the last show there was a slide show containing memories from the past year. The slide show is meant to honer seniors and showcase memories.

“At the Thespian Achievement Ceremony we have traditions that take place. I cannot talk about those. But we hand out awards and

announce the winners of the officers’ positions,” said Parker.

Thespian induction week is meant to be an overall positive week in order to bring students together and honor the seniors before they go on to college.

“I’m not inducting anyone. There were not enough people to induct this year because the point system was ran differently. I could have inducted someone, but that would mean I would’ve stolen them from someone else because they’d been claimed.,” said junior Patrick Hurley.

Many new theater performers will not be inducted this year do to the new point system.

“Before, all you needed was ten points to be inducted. Now, if you only do cast or crew you need twelve. Those twelve points were so hard to reach because crews weren’t recognized under the system we have used in the past,” said Hurley.

This year’s induction brings happiness to inductees and sadness to inductors that are left in the dark due to the new point system.

Seniors celebrate graduationBy George Yu

Copy Editor

For one night in the year, the seniors will have the building to themselves. There will be no classes, homework, tests nor underclassmen. This year, the graduation lock-in, known as Party Central, will be June 5 around 11p.m. The event lasts well into the morning. Jamie Motts is one of the parent organizers of Party Central.

“[There will be] inflatables, volleyball, basketball, ping-pong, a hypnotist, board games, movies, a casino and a carnival,” said Mrs. Motts.

In order to participate, seniors need to fill out some forms and pay $60; Brad DiMariano and other seniors have already signed up for Party Central.

“I’m going because I think it’s a senior tradition to go, and it looks like a lot of fun,” said DiMariano, the senior class president. “I think there will be a lot of seniors that will be going as well.”

Alumni Shawn Buescher attended Party Central when it was held last year. He thought it was well worth the fee.

“I spent a large majority of my night in the casino they made us,” said Buescher. “My mom was one of the parent volunteers involved in organizing it and started getting concerned about my time spent in there. I’m not even 21 and I’m a gambling addict.”

Many events are organized for the seniors. Buescher felt that the parent organizers had no troubles keeping every senior busy and satisfied. Last year there were roughly 300 seniors participating.

“I had a blast jumping around on the big inflatables too,” said Buescher. “There was just so much to do it was crazy.”

Last year, students received a t-shirt based off of the movie Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. The cost of the t-shirt was included in the $60

registration fee.“We have many things that the

students will receive,” said Mrs. Motts. “The t-shirt will be given out before the party so that it may be worn to the party.”

Beyond receiving the T-shirt, DiMariano sees Party Central as a final farewell to all seniors and their memories.

“I’m hoping to see a lot of friends before the summer officially hits,” said DiMariano. “And hoping to see some of the shenanigans I’ve heard about.”

Party Central is an experience that Buescher recommends to all seniors after graduation.

“The best part of the whole night was just having one last chance to have fun in our school,” said Buescher. “It was great being there with all my friends for us to look back, and also look ahead to our future. Many tears were shed that night. I won’t name names.”

New members are inducted while seniors reminisce

Parent volunteers handle registration for Party Central. Last year, more than 300 seniors registered for the lock-in.


Freshman Rachel Eikmann sports a large bow and antennas for the International Thespian Society’s Spirit Week. Eikmann was inducted by seniors Dominique Jackson and Ryan McPartland; upperclassmen who were already inducted into Troupe 5743 had the opportunity to induct new Thespian members.

Photo by Zac Hebert

See a photo gallery of games and events, including the Thespian

Induction Week.

WANT TO SEE MORE?

visit

5WiredMay 21, 2010C F FHCtoday.com

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By Kayla Mugler Print Editor

Three seniors sat down at different times, their minds full of unorganized ideas, and wrote the words that will ring out the end of a journey for the class of 2010 graduates. The inspiration allowed seniors Elizabeth Eikmann, Paul Haluszczak and Katie Schlimpert to earn the opportunity to speak at the graduation ceremony on June 5 at the Family Arena.

Eight seniors auditioned to speak at the ceremony. Dr. Sonny Arnel, his secretary Mrs. Laura Heidenreich, assistant principal Angie Kozlowski, dean Lucas Lammers, comm. arts teacher Kelly Gerdiman and others were present for the auditions.

A night Eikmann had intended to be for planning and organization of ideas turned into the creation of the unabridged version of the first of three student graduation speeches.

“I was going to just write my thoughts down, but then it all kind of just poured out in that moment and it was nothing I had planned,” said Eikmann.

Haluszczak had a similar experience.

“It wasn’t really organized,” said Haluszczak, who will speak second out of the three student speakers. “I just sat down at the computer and wrote most of mine in one night.”

Schlimpert, too, simply let

the words come out unplanned. According to Schlimpert, if one feels that he should speak, the words will come.

“The words just flew out of my fingers,” said Schlimpert. “I just wrote what I feel and tried to make people think and tug at their heartstrings.”

Schlimpert has wanted to do this for seven years.

“Ms. Bach said she could see me giving a speech at graduation,” said Schlimpert. Ms. Bach was Schlimpert’s seventh grade Comm. Arts teacher.

The speakers are anxious for the ceremony, hoping the listeners get something out of their speeches.

“I think that they were looking for people that conveyed ideas that can apply to the majority of the

graduating class or even members of the audience,” said Eikmann. “I hope what I’m saying everyone can relate to.”

Schlimpert believes that she, Eikmann, and Haluszczak are a good selection from the senior class.

“The people chosen are inspirational. If you’ve ever spoken five words to Paul, you know he’s going somewhere. Elizabeth has a really good head on her shoulders. Paul is the sports guy, I am the artsy girl and Elizabeth is academic,” said Schlimpert.

The first and last speeches are constrained to a two-minute time limit, and the middle speech can last up to five minutes long. Schlimpert considers this process to be a rewarding one.

“It might not matter to them while they’re there, but if it makes a difference to one [listener], it was well worth it,” said Schlimpert. Her speech focuses more on past than future.

“I wanted everyone to have that visual that they could go back to the football field and see Michelle [Neukirch] again or see that random kid in the hall that they always saw,” said Schlimpert.

Seniors have two weeks left before graduation, where they can determine whether or not these speakers accomplish their goals.

Speakers close out school year

“ I was going

to just write my

thoughts down, but

then it all kind of

just poured out in

that moment. ”— senior Elizabeth Eikmann


Senior Class President Brad DiMariano speaks to the class of 2010 at graduation practice on Friday, May 7. DiMariano demonstrated the turning of the tassels to the seniors.


Elizabeth Eikmann encourages seniors to pick up their “spoons.” Eikmann poured out her emotion into her speech.


Katie Schlimpert paints a picture of a year past in her speech at practice. Schlimpert edited it for weeks.


Paul Haluszczak invites seniors to the edge in his gradua-tion speech. Haluszczak said he was anxious to speak.

Page designed by Alaina Babb

6 Wired May 21, 2010 C FFHCtoday.com

Junior Patrick Hurley believes the lack of participation was because of AP testing preventing announcements from occuring in the morning and afternoon.

“I didn’t even hear about the walk until like the day of,” said Hurley. “I think if word had gotten out more, then more people would have came to the walk. Either way, I had a lot of fun.”

Senior Kayla Hecht was one student who could not attend the walk because she had not heard about it and had to work.

“I heard a little bit about it,” said Hecht. “I mean I saw a poster about it, but I never really knew when it was and by the time that I found out, I was already working.If it had been a different day I would’ve gone.”

Senior Deanna Susek had the same issue with scheduling.

“I didn’t really hear about it until too late and then I had other things

to do,” said Susek. “If it had been on that Saturday, I definitely would’ve been there because it sounded really exciting.”

Despite the lack of participation, Student Council continued on with the walk and participants chose to walk either two, four or six miles around the course.

The cost to enter was $5 to just walk or $2 extra for the barbecue.Hurley tried to make the walk more enjoyable by making a t-shirt to show his support for the cancer fighters and survivors.

“I had a blast making t-shirts for the walk,” said Hurley. “I wrote ‘Patrick the Pulverizer: I Crush Cancer’. I felt a little ridiculous because I was like the only person who made their own t-shirt, but it was still really fun.”

Even with the added spirit, turnout was not as high as some students, like Susek had excepted.

“I’m suprised more people didn’t come becasue it’s such a good cause,” said Susek.

Susek was not the only person who wishes the event had even more participation from both students and people in the community.

“I wish more people had come because more than three people are diagnosed with cancer every day in St. Charles County and can use the support of the entire community,” said Downey.

Cancer walkfrom page 3


On Thursday, May 6, junior Patrick Hurley walks up to the registration table to pay $7 to participate in the walk and eat the barbeque. Hurley made a t-shirt specifically for the walk to display support.

“ I wrote ‘Patrick the Pulverizer: I Crush Cancer.’

I felt a little ridiculous...but

it was still really fun. ”

— junior Patrick Hurley

Heard 7

Page designed by Brendan Kinnison

Be

What is it about being seniors? I get that they

are nearly done with high school, and that is great and all. But seriously, the egotistical attitudes that are adapted over their time spent here are getting worse with every year. Is it

a power thing? Do they all feel like they can step on people to get what they want? I really do not understand where seniors get off acting like they are better than everyone else. Just because you all are leaving school after this year does not mean you

Please read more | SENioRS, PAGE 8

Seniors exploit the fact that they are leaving

By Allie CorrierStaff Repoter

Students are thankless See page 8 | Kinnison gives purchasing perspective See page 9

The draft you see before you is the third attempt to write this editorial in a week. The third time I have scrapped all two-and-a-half paragraphs I got through before starting over.

If you write about what is important to you, you usually have an easier time with it.

Not this time, not with me, because it is just about the most difficult thing in the world to try and advise teenagers to think for themselves.

I have labored over the computer, starting broad and narrowing, or starting narrow and broadening, but it just doesn’t work. The topic remains unclear. What do I want to say? I want to point out that I see

dozens of students every day doing things for the wrong reasons.

Let me clarify: I see students doing things for reasons that they got from someone else and didn’t think about a bit, as long as it seemed like a good idea.

Such as wearing certain clothes, or saying certain things, or parroting someone else’s thoughts or beliefs. Why do you wear skinny jeans? Why do you dress the way you do, however that is? How much do other people’s opinions go into your choices? Who’s opinions do you care about? Why?

A good percent of you reading this are going to answer those questions with “I don’t wear skinny jeans, and I wear my clothes because I like them, and I don’t care what anyone else thinks. I care about the opinions of the people I respect,

Students blindly follow high school rulebook

Please read more | ExPECtAtioNS, PAGE 9

Superior mentality

By Damiana McGraw

Staff Reporter

Photo illustration by Chelsea Carroll

Photo illustration by Brett Story

Staff cartoon by Margaret Borgmeyer

8 BeHeard May 21, 2010 C FFHCtoday.com

Page designed by Kyle Kofron

Students lackappreciation5

199 Highway N. Just an address. Francis Howell Central. Just a building. The

Spartan. Just a mascot. That is the attitude so many

of the 2,000 students at Francis Howell Central High School bring with them to school everyday. High school is heralded as the “best years of your life...until college.”

The student body displays this attitude on a daily basis. For many, high school is just a place they must attend everyday for four years until they can graduate and move on to bigger and better things.

There is no attachment to the school for many students. Many have never attended a sporting event besides the homecoming football game. Many are not involved in clubs or sports. Students arrive at seven every morning and leave promptly at 2:20 after the final bell rings.

School spirit is not strictly going to sporting events. If anything, school spirit has nothing to do with attendance at sporting events. Showing spirit is showing respect to your fellow classmates inside and outside of school. The mad rush in the parking lot after school is a prime example of Francis Howell Central’s lack of spirit. There is no common respect for others.

Our advice, find your niche here at Francis Howell Central. Try out for a sports team. If sports aren’t your thing, join a club that does something you love.

By joining clubs and sports, you are not just having fun, you are making a contribution to your school and community.

And if clubs do not interest you, at least show some respect for your fellow classmates,teachers and administrators.

Teachers and administrators put in hours of work everyday to help you succeed in and out of the classroom. They deserve your respect.

For seniors, as you go in which ever direction you’re heading to in life, remember the four years you have spent at this school. Do you want to think back on Central as a place you dreaded coming to, or do you want to remember a place where you learned and grew over the years? Think of how being a Spartan for four years has helped you become who you are today.

For those of you that will be returning next year, a difference can be made. Spirit is showing that you care about your school and your community. Spirit is giving your all in your club or sport. Spirit is not just being a Spartan by force, but by being a Spartan by choice.

Staff editorial: School spirit

can be a jerk to everyone. I have thought maybe it is an age thing, but then I realize that I am the same age as most seniors and I have never felt superior to anyone in this school. I am a smart kid; I do not drink or do drugs or anything like that, and yet I feel as if everyone is equal. I wish the seniors at this school had the same mindset as me.

I am in marching band and being an upperclassman in marching band means I have to spend more time with seniors, unfortunately. I was completely exposed to their behavior and this has brought up my new found hatred for seniors’ attitudes. The seniors in marching band have

the mindset that they are the only ones that matter in the whole band; they are the only ones who count and they deserve special privileges. I am going to go out on a limb and say that the rest of the seniors at this school feel the exact same way. The arrogance is never-ending.

I have been told that it is a “senior thing” and that I will understand when I am one. But I do not get it. Just because I am a senior, and just because I am graduating, does not mean I will want to turn into a big-headed idiot that everyone hates.

Now I am not saying all seniors are like this, because there are many that are not. I know many seniors that are some of the nicest people I will ever meet. There are a few in particular that would love nothing more than to be in a different class, simply because the seniors this year, well let us face it, suck. I know many more who are completely full of themselves; this is where the problem lies. I pray to Zeus that the senior class next year, my class, will learn how to treat people with the respect that they deserve.

Seniorsfrom page 7


This year has made me wish that I was born in a different time, a time when being polite and selfless was a commonality. Now, if someone was to drop his books in the hall, rather than helping the person, everyone who walked by would look the other way.

I saw a story on the news the other morning of a woman getting robbed when a homeless man, Hugo Tale-Yax (now being called the “Good Samaritan”), ran to try and help the woman. After saving the woman, the robber stabbed the man and fled. Tale-Yax attempted to chase the man, but fell over on the side walk.

As Tale-Yax laid dying on a New York City sidewalk, 25

people walked past the man, never once calling for an ambulance or help. The footage even shows some people taking pictures of Tale-Yax while he lies hopeless. By the time any form of help got to him, the “Good Samaritan” had died.

Stories like this, stories that prove that humans are ruthless, make me wonder where humans went wrong.

Our generation has taken the saying “put yourself first” to a new level. It used to be that you put yourself first if it was a life or death situation, but now when we see another person headed toward the lunch line, we speed up.

Our manners, the good we all possess inside, have disappeared with the evolution of this culture we now support. The lifestyle practiced

by America as a whole is one of a egotistical, self-absorbed brat. Whether it is material possessions, having the perfect family, or being in control of absolutely everything, Americans have strayed from their happy paths.

I have grown to want what I see in old-fashioned films; when someone’s arms were full of boxes and books, anyone nearest the door happily held it open for that person.

Novel writer Leo Tolstoy once wrote, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” This quote holds true today; you can say you want to change the world all you want, but until you change yourself, nothing will ever change.

Good samaritans seem to have gone

Photo illustration by Kelci Davis

A student has her books knocked from her hands as people walk by without offering help. Communications Editor Margaret Borgmeyer wrote that students care nothing for their peers at all.

Click on BeHeard to read Kayla Mugler’s blog about

heading off to college.


Page designed by Kyle Kofron

9BeHeardMay 21, 2010C F FHCtoday.com

1. Summer break

2. Grad countdowns

3. Party Central

4. Prom

HOTBOXLOVE IT

1. Silver Shield awards

2. Dinner theatre

3. 25 cent drinks at On the Run

4. Arete Field Day

LIKE IT

1. AP testing

2. EOCs

3. Snow day make-ups

4. End of the year projects

LEAVE IT

66.7%“Flowers”

What are you giving your mom

on Mother’s Day?

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If you are thinking about starting a band you better be ready to shell out some serious cash.

From guitars, m i c r o p h o n e s , cables, amps, and

whatever else you may need, the cash adds up quick. I am going to tell you a great way to get started for less and also warn you about brands that you pay extra just to have their name put on the guitar.

For a starting guitarists they do make “starter packs” that you could go with. But these guitars will break within a year of just normal playing and I would never recommend one.

If you just want to get started, you should expect to spend at least $250 on just your first guitar alone. But you may be confused as to which brand is the best to go with, well here is the breakdown of the main brands.

Fender: Do not get me wrong, Fender does make a good guitar. The only problem with their guitars is one, the price, and two, they are very basic. Not only are they basic in shape ranging from telecaster to the stratocaster. What a wide array of types.

These guitars are good for starting out but offer a very limited expansion abilities. I would not recommend Fender unless you are looking at a bass guitar, such as the Fender Special P Bass. This is a bass that I own and have played shows with.

Because of this, I would recommend any Fender bass to either a beginner or a professional. (Mike Dirnt from Green Day even has his own bass with the company). So overall, stay clear of Fender unless you are looking into playing the bass guitar.

Gibson: There is not much to say about Gibson. Except that you must have some serious cash in order to get one of their guitars. Their cheapest guitar is about $500 and

the most expensive guitar they sell is $15,000 retail. Who would pay so much for a guitar? Not anyone that I would know and certainly no one just starting out.

Gibson guitars are only so expensive because they have the word “Gibson” on them. Instead of Gibson, I would recommend Epiphone. Epiphone is a division of Gibson that makes cheaper guitars that are just as good.

Last but not least, Ibanez: For anyone just starting out playing guitar as their instrument, Ibanez is the way to go. Not only are they cheaper than Fender, they also produce a better sound and are made out of a better quality wood.

I personally would recommend the Ibanez GRG170DX Electric Guitar. That guitar is the perfect guitar for anyone starting out, or even for an intermediate player. You can never go wrong with Ibanez, I can personally vouch for this guitar also as I own one myself.

For a starting amp you could go with Marshall (who make quite the amp) but this would not make sense as their amps are very expensive and a beginner amp could get beat up on the road-which you do not want.

I would say go with a Crate amp. They are cheap, small, portable, have great sound and are tough as nails.

In order to get started as a guitarist you should not go with the most expensive guitar or the one with some big shot brand name. Such a decision will come back and bite you later.

These Gibson and Fender guitars are nowhere near worth the price and will break down from use eventually anyways.

Always go with a guitar that is of equal value but is not so expensive. Most people seem to think that Ibanez or Epiphone are cheaply made guitars because the price-these people could not be more wrong. These guitars are the same quality for half the price. Do not just throw your money away.

Brand name breakdown

By Brendan Kinnison

Staff Reporter

How to get the starting guitar you need for the right price

they are good people.” Go you! This article is not aimed at you.

The fact is, there are not enough people in the category mentioned above.

In high school no one knows what to do, where to go, who they are.

Everyone is confused. Everyone

wants to break out of that uncertainty.

They jump at any way to be that seems to work. Everyone wants to know what they should do.

It is like there should be a rulebook, a how-to book to high school, to life. Someone to know. Adults have to know, they know what is going on.

Confident people, they seem to know what is going on. It is like they

have access to that book, and you might be able to pick up rules from it if you hang around them and do what they do.

But there is no rulebook. The reason that other people seem comfortable with themselves is because they have figured that out. All you have to do is think, think about yourself.

Forget — and I mean really forget — about whatever anybody else

thinks, or what they might say. Form your own opinion in a vacuum and be comfortable with it.

Ask yourself why. And then if people say things, you can tell them.

Look at that — it is defending your beliefs. It is being your own person. It is like writing your own rulebook. The only rulebook you will ever have you will write yourself. Get writing.

Expectationsfrom page 7

Photo Illustration by Brendan Kinnison

Junior Brendan Kinnison owns many different instruments, including the ones shown above. Kinnison bought his favorite guitar, the acoustic-electric Ibanez AEG20G, after Christmas.

Page designed by Brendan Kinnison

By Katie SchlimpertTheScene Editor

It astounds me that intelligent people actually run their mouths mocking a kid like Justin Bieber.

In my opinion, intelligent people don’t waste their time, and if you really have any amount of time on your hands to talk about how much you loathe and despise something or someone like teenie-bopper Justin Bieber to any extent at all, you’re a little ridiculous.

First of all, he’s a young kid. Which for some of you, may be cause to mock him for all of his wannabe dance moves or cliche songs about loving girls who, to you, look way too old for him.

For one thing, since when did you become an expert on the differing ages of young females, and for another thing why do you care? If Bieber wants to go around macking on girls who are older then him, I say go ahead.

I mean, he was able to impress the people you need to impress to make a record in the first place, and I’m positive that it can’t be easy to impress Usher or Justin Timberlake, can it? Hmm.

Now, I will never in a million years try to fight the musical relevance of Justin Bieber’s music, because believe it or not, I am well

aware Bieber is worth nothing to the world of music.

I am aware he doesn’t write all of his own songs, and I am also aware that he strums his guitar in his music video for “One Less Lonely Girl” with no rhyme or reason whatsoever.

The thing that’s not wrong with Justin Bieber? The fact that he has a decent voice, and that a kid his age has a drive and love for music. I see no problem there.

To be honest, I really haven’t heard many young male voices around here with his kind of control and purity. It’s actually quite sweet.

The thing that bothers me most about people who bash Bieber? The fact that they bash Justin Bieber.

He is a happy and positive influence on the younger generation. His songs are upbeat, and have nothing to do with sex, drugs or partying at all.

Can we all agree that most songs in this day and age do? Tell me then, what is so wrong for a kid who sings decent melodies, and is a good role model for young people to look up to, and why do people feel it so necessary to crush a good force in the world?

I say save your bitter disposition and cruel remarks on more important things like bashing Fox News or the Cubs.

10 BeHeard May 21, 2010 C FFHCtoday.com

Bieber leaves teens distraught Bieber too shall pass

Editors and StaffKayla Mugler Print EditorTed Noelker Multimedia EditorZac Hebert Photo EditorAlaina Babb Wired EditorMegan Berberich BeHeard EditorBryan McCreary Sweat EditorKatie Schlimpert TheScene EditorMargaret Borgmeyer Communications EditorBrett Story Design EditorCory Schmitt Copy EditorGeorge Yu Copy EditorAllie Corrier Staff ReporterMollye Doering Staff ReporterHannah Ibos Staff ReporterMichael Jeter Staff ReporterAlli Keisker Staff ReporterBrendan Kinnison Staff ReporterKyle Kofron Staff ReporterDamiana McGraw Staff ReporterJesse Patch Staff ReporterMorgan Vetter Staff DesignerChelsea Carroll Staff PhotographerKelci Davis Staff Photographer Jessica DiMariano Staff PhotographerMr. Matthew Schott Adviser

Letters PolicyThe Central Focus is produced monthly as an

integral part of the Newspaper Production class at Francis Howell Central High School. Students learn all aspects of printed media production and are responsible for contributing to each issue.

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

The staff welcomes comments and suggestions from the student body. All letters to the editor must be typed and no more than 300 words. Names must be included with the submission of the letter, but may be withheld at the request of the author. The staff reserves the right to withhold content at its discretion.

Francis HowellCentral High School

5199 Highway NSt. Charles, Mo., 63304Phone: 636.851.5636

Fax: 636.851.4111

Is Justin Bieber just another

fad?

Katie Schlimpert

Brett thinks Jusin Bieber is just another

wash-out fad.

Katie thinks Justin Bieber is just having

his fun.

Who won this month’s PointCounter-Point? Go to FHCtoday.com to vote!

Brett Story

The results of last month’s PCP about Birth Control:

Bieber is singing outBy Brett Story

Design Editor

The world is an amazing place. Humans have achieved great accomplishments. We are the great civilization that has expanded past the animal kingdom. So tell me, how in the world did Justin Bieber get so famous?

This young boy sings with the voice of a young girl and reaches high-notes Aaron Carter could never have imagined.

With the ever expanding mediocrity of the Disney Generation music scene, he stumbles through generic songs featuring artists nobody cares about anymore (I’m looking at you, Ludacris, you disgraceful man).

Justin Bieber goes on to sing about his love and his heartbreak with the immaturity of a middle-schooler.

In his defense, I don’t think it’s been very long since he wandered the halls of middle school with his acoustic guitar and overpowering synthetic instruments.

If you look at Bieber’s entire catalog of music, you will not find a single song written solely by him. Always in the credits, someone elses name looms (often several) in the footnotes of these pathetic excuses for music collaboration.

It is my personal belief that maybe it’s too soon in little Bieber’s musical career to have full knowledge of the English language.

Bieber makes attempts at maturity, especially in his video for “One Less Lonely Girl,” which features Bieber dancing and singing, much too suave for me to understand, and creeping out on a girl who is clearly older.

He stares at what I’m assuming is her behind in an empty laundromat as he stumbles on his acoustic guitar, which he just strums randomly like a Chuck E. Cheese robot band.

If I had known girls liked such preposterous and futile attempts at love when I was 15, maybe I would have followed suit. Then again, I don’t have all the same good looks.

Even further disgracing himself, for no reason whatsoever, his new album has a “Walmart Exclusive” track, “Where Are You Now.” Anyone featured with a “Walmart Exclusive” is worth passing up.

His high pitch vocals are just another part of the mass producing engine of the world, where originality is dim and quickly passed trends are common-place.

I doubt you’d ever find a Justin Bieber album featured so highly in a real record store where real music is released, but that’s just my opinion.

Kelci Davis’opposing birth control argument won the

FHCtoday.com web poll with 97% of the votes.

11AdvertisementsMay 21, 2010C F FHCtoday.com

OdysseyPick-up Central FocusEarn a free 2010-11 yearbook! We will be

running our cookie sale fundraiser again. Selling 15 tubs of cookie dough

will earn you a free copy of the 2010-11

yearbook. Stay tuned to FHCtoday.com and our

Facebook page for more information.

Pick-up your 2009-10 copy of the Odyssey at registration at the

end of July and start of August.

You can also purchase your copy of the 2010-11 yearbook at registration

at the end of July.

The Central Focus and FHCtoday.com will be

providing you the most up-to-date news and

information about what’s going on at FHC starting on the first day of school,

August 11!

12 InFocus May 21, 2010


By Alaina BabbWired Editor

Throughout the course of her high school career, senior Rachel Pulley has found school spirit lacking an important factor: spirit.

“This school isn’t really spirited,” said Pulley. “Some kids have spirit and those are the kids who go all out and dress all crazy and everybody else just doesn’t care.”

To Pulley, school spirit should be something that is initiated by students.

“School spirit should look like a bunch of people who honestly enjoy coming to school and are proud of it,” said Pulley. “It doesn’t look like a bunch of kids counting down the hours and minutes until 2:20 or whenever school ends that day.”

This idea is reciprocated by senior Shane Kozlowski; however, he believes that the reason behind the low spirit comes from people holding a higher position in the district.

“The administration has way too many rules and guidelines that keep [students] from expressing it how they want to and how they feel comfortable,”

said Kozlowski. “Things like body and face paint, and chants, or even standing at games shouldn’t be grounds for getting in trouble or getting kicked out of games.”

However, according to sophomore Elliot Russo, students are just missing out on good opportunities.

“There are plenty of options that are offered to everyone to participate that they should take advantage of,” said Russo. “They can try out for sports or do band or the can go to the assemblies and show spirit.”

True, there are many things to do that students can get involved in like 300 Club, spirit days, and coming to cheer on Spartan teams at games.

For junior Erica Grogg, students only show real spirit while on the field.

“Face it. Some of our teams are horrible,” said Grogg, “so most kids have nothing to get excited about. Personally, I’m only spirited when I run cross-country and most kids feel the same way about their sports. I know I would never come to school with my hair painted blue, but I did that exact thing at one of our meets.”

By George YuCopy Editor

Serving as coaches, educators and sponsors, teachers are heavily involved in the school community. They work to encourage school spirit.

Math teacher and cheer coach Mrs. Dena Rulo tries to foster school spirit.

“It’s important for the students, fans and family to see cheerleaders’ school spirit, sportsmanship and support of the team,” said Mrs. Rulo.

Although cheerleaders are in full support of the school, some students are just as active.

“There’s a lot of kids that go all out for every game, but most are not involved,” said Mrs. Rulo. “Those that go all out make it worthwhile. Those students are the ones that are appreciative.”

Mrs. Rulo sees school spirit having far-reaching benefits.

“[Spirited students] are the ones that will have the best

memories in high school,” said Mrs. Rulo. “[They] will be able to carry on the enthusiasm after high school.”

The 300 club is another organization that supports our sports teams. This student club is headed by history teacher tom Whelan.

“School spirit should not be led by teachers or administrators. It should be led by students,” said Mr. Whelan. “The students don’t get how important their role is.”

According to Mr. Whelan, school spirit has been on the decline ever since the school opened.

“When this place opened up for the first time, there were very few people who weren’t wearing blue and silver,” said Mr. Whelan. “This campus has the students, especially the underclassmen, to begin the turnaround that started with last year’s 300 club.”

Mr. Whelan observes school spirit outside of common sports.

“Spirit is improving in non-traditional sports — hockey, ultimate frisbee, drama, band, and quiz bowl,” said Mr. Whelan, “as well as beating Howell and

North in EOCs every year.”However, history teacher Brian

Cissell feels that the numerous activities students can find at Central might work against school spirit.

“Because of the quantity of events, there is less support of the whole community,” said Mr. Cissell. “In my opinion, that is why we feel like there is less school spirit. It is harder to identify because it is too spread out over so many different activities.”

Mr. Cissell views school spirit as encompassing more than just activities.

“It is simply supporting the school community, whether it be by cheering at sporting events, having a good attitude about the school, or by simply being a person who appreciates those who do those things,” said Mr. Cissell. “It is something that cannot be forced through assemblies, pep rallies, or field days.”

Mrs. Rulo finds many advantages of school pride.

“Students take pride in the school, they take better care of the school, it gives a better image to the public about what goes on here,” said Mrs. Rulo.

“ I just know when my sisters

went here in the early years,

almost every person had

spirit. ”— freshman Andrew

Henke

“ Students need to take pride in

being a Spartan. 2000 students,

200 faculty members. ”— senior Matt Mason

“ I feel like no one really cares

about this school. We as a school body are supposed to be

unified. ”— senior Elizabeth

Eikmann

“ School spirit is when students don’t

just sit down and complain

about school. ”— junior Shawn Moore

Diminished student spirit has many roots

Teachers believe spirit creates memoriesWhat

youthinkthe state of school spirit is?

do

“ I see many teachers rushing out of

here faster than students. It would

be one thing if they were going

to another school for a sport or club, but many of them are just

going home. ”

— social studies teacher Nick Beckmann

Vote

in ou

r web

poll

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

at

Facebook.com/CentralFocus

Leave your comment at

13InFocusMay 21, 2010


By George YuCopy Editor

Serving as coaches, educators and sponsors, teachers are heavily involved in the school community. They work to encourage school spirit.

Math teacher and cheer coach Mrs. Dena Rulo tries to foster school spirit.

“It’s important for the students, fans and family to see cheerleaders’ school spirit, sportsmanship and support of the team,” said Mrs. Rulo.

Although cheerleaders are in full support of the school, some students are just as active.

“There’s a lot of kids that go all out for every game, but most are not involved,” said Mrs. Rulo. “Those that go all out make it worthwhile. Those students are the ones that are appreciative.”

Mrs. Rulo sees school spirit having far-reaching benefits.

“[Spirited students] are the ones that will have the best

memories in high school,” said Mrs. Rulo. “[They] will be able to carry on the enthusiasm after high school.”

The 300 club is another organization that supports our sports teams. This student club is headed by history teacher tom Whelan.

“School spirit should not be led by teachers or administrators. It should be led by students,” said Mr. Whelan. “The students don’t get how important their role is.”

According to Mr. Whelan, school spirit has been on the decline ever since the school opened.

“When this place opened up for the first time, there were very few people who weren’t wearing blue and silver,” said Mr. Whelan. “This campus has the students, especially the underclassmen, to begin the turnaround that started with last year’s 300 club.”

Mr. Whelan observes school spirit outside of common sports.

“Spirit is improving in non-traditional sports — hockey, ultimate frisbee, drama, band, and quiz bowl,” said Mr. Whelan, “as well as beating Howell and

North in EOCs every year.”However, history teacher Brian

Cissell feels that the numerous activities students can find at Central might work against school spirit.

“Because of the quantity of events, there is less support of the whole community,” said Mr. Cissell. “In my opinion, that is why we feel like there is less school spirit. It is harder to identify because it is too spread out over so many different activities.”

Mr. Cissell views school spirit as encompassing more than just activities.

“It is simply supporting the school community, whether it be by cheering at sporting events, having a good attitude about the school, or by simply being a person who appreciates those who do those things,” said Mr. Cissell. “It is something that cannot be forced through assemblies, pep rallies, or field days.”

Mrs. Rulo finds many advantages of school pride.

“Students take pride in the school, they take better care of the school, it gives a better image to the public about what goes on here,” said Mrs. Rulo.

By Kayla MuglerPrint Editor

The administration is often looked upon with disparagement. In some cases, as with the case to keep school spirit alive, they are misunderstood.

Students, teachers, and administrators tend to play the blame game when it comes to school spirit. Administrators, while they take some responsibility, feel that responsibility rests primarily on students’ shoulders.

Administrators are disappointed with the lack of enthusiasm evident in the halls at school.

“I don’t think we have much,” said assistant principal Mrs. Angie Kozlowski.

Mr. Lucas Lammers, dean of students, thinks that school spirit fluctuates from season to season, event to event.

“It’s situational. It depends,” said Mr. Lammers. “Usually at the beginning of the year, it’s at a pretty high level with football. Homecoming also plays a big role, but it seems to slow down during the year.”

In addition to the ups and downs that are expected each school year, winning teams attract fair weather

fans, temporarily increasing school spirit.

“Obviously if we have successful teams, there is more spirit,” said Mr. Lammers. “In a perfect world, I wish that it wasn’t that way, but that’s not the reality of it.”

Assistant principal David Stofer believes spirit automatically floods the halls when Central’s teams are winning.

“I haven’t seen many kids coming to games lately. It’s kind of sad,” said Mr. Stofer. “If the teams aren’t doing well, it’s kind of frustrating to cheer when there’s nothing happening.”

Administrators observe that there is always spirit there in certain students, but others refuse to show unless they will see a game ending in their favor.

“The spirit hasn’t gone down. The number has gone down,” said Mr. Stofer.

Students have other things they would rather do, according to Mrs. Kozlowski.

“They’d rather go to a party or work than go to a school event and support their team,” said Mrs. Kozlowski.

Mrs. Kozlowski asserts that responsibility falls mainly to the

student body.“I think it’s the students who are

most responsible for it. That might mean the pep club, which they’ve tried to, but no one really rallied around it. When it’s not a big event, everything just falls apart,” said Mrs. Kozlowski.

Central has a framework in place to induce school spirit. Certain faculty members and students have worked to encourage enthusiasm, but it is not always enough.

“We’re doing a lot of the right things. I think we’ve got the programs in place,” said Mr. Lammers, citing that Central, unlike many schools, has three full-blown pep assemblies. “We just need the buy-in from the student body. It’s tough. People are busy.”

Reactions to pep assemblies, however, have done little to boost spirit.

“A lot of people leave. I don’t like that,” said Mr. Lammers. “I’m disappointed that a lot of parents will call and sign their students out.”

This school’s spirit is riding on the shoulders of the few who step up. History teacher Mr. Tom Whelan, who initiated the 300 club last year, is the first to come to Mr. Stofer’s and

Mr. Lammers’ minds.“Mr. Whelan starting the 300 was

a real good start getting an organized group at the games,” said Mr. Stofer.

Mr. Lammers fears another drop in school spirit when the class of 2010 graduates.

“I think it helps to have a mascot. It would have been great to see the 300 club take off. I hope it doesn’t die with the senior class,” said Mr. Lammers. “Whelan is very dedicated. If he’s willing to take a leadership role, it will help.”

While Mrs. Kozlowski believes it is incumbent on students to be spirited, she takes responsibility for the administration, as well.

“Our job is to maintain school spirit but to still keep an appropriateness to it,” said Mrs. Kozlowski. “Kids see it as us trying to squelch their spirit, but in reality we are trying to show them sportsmanship.”

School spirit will be where FHC members want it to be when they start showing up and investing in school, according to Mr. Stofer.

“School spirit is when everyone is collectively involved and attending,” Mr. Stofer said.

Teachers believe spirit creates memories

“ I see many teachers rushing out of

here faster than students. It would

be one thing if they were going

to another school for a sport or club, but many of them are just

going home. ”

‘I don’t think we have much’

“ The students are the ones who want to do stuff, but the admins

are the ones who keep killing it. ”

— senior Rebecca Ilges

“ Everyone is necessary to keep school

spirit up, if one of them isn’t

excited, none will be. ”

— senior Emily White

“ I think FHC’s school spirit is

not very good at all, students are not that involved with the school.”

— freshman Kristen Warncke

More

student

opinions

Students, teachers and administrators attest that school spirit is not up to par. The Central Focus searches for the solution:

how can school spirit be improved?

— social studies teacher Nick Beckmann

Page designed by Kayla Mugler and Brett Story

C FFHCtoday.com14 InFocus May 21, 2010


“ I think school spirit used to

be a lot better, but people don’t get excited for assemblies or

anything. ”— junior Tyler Schmuke

“ I think you should be able to

take your shirt off and have

‘SPARTANS’ on your chest. ”

— sophomore Tyler Jones

“ Students are school spirit.

Administrators make sure people

get there. ”— sophomore Josh Wade

“ The administration shouldn’t force

school spirit upon us. ”— junior David Lanza

“ No one really cares about cheering for

anything. It is the students’ school, they should get

excited. ”— junior Janna Kannard

“ Kids are so busy now, it’s hard for them

to truly get involved and

stay involved. ”— StuCo sponsor Vicki

Pohlmann

“ You have to put blue and silver

everywhere. ”— freshman Jenna

Terhune

“ Our school doesn’t let us do anything fun. We can’t paint faces. Freshmen don’t

have spirit. ”— senior Lindsay Vickery

“ School spirit is having pride in your school and not being afraid to go to school events looking like a

dork. ”— sophomore Sydne

Glenn

“ It’s our school and we should support each

other. ”— junior Emily Zinn Photo by Crystal Thompson

Students swarm the attendance office to sign out before the spring pep assembly. Secretary Tammy Cissell printed notes for students with appointments who were avoiding the school spirit event.

Cheerleaders attempt to pump spirit into the students during the Homecoming football game. The majority of attendees paid little attention to the cheerleaders and ignored the performances.

weat 15

Page designed by Bryan McCreary

SPole vaulter follows dream See page 16 | Summer won’t stop them See page 17

Page designed by Alli Keisker

By Mollye DoeringStaff Reporter

Next year the hallways will gain new students and lose some old ones, but one person who will never fully be replaced is the Activities Director Mr. terry Kasper, according to his administrative assistant Mrs. Mary Shepherd.

Mr. Kasper has been leading most of his life. Like most accomplished leaders, he started at the ground level and worked his way up.

His career started at Francis Howell High School, where he worked to become the assistant principal, before he joined the Francis Howell Central staff. Mr. Kasper has been working for the Francis Howell School District for more than 30 years. According to the district, it is his time to leave the family.

For his friend and co-worker, history teacher Mr. Nick Beckmann,

it is going to be tough not being able to see him and talk to him every day at school.

Mr. Beckmann was Mr. Kasper’s first Silver Shield of Excellence selection, and he has been a huge part of Mr. Beckmann’s life since Mr. Beckmann was 14.

“I didn’t realize what an honor it was at the time,” said Mr. Beckmann. “But now I realize that being able to know that I did something right was special.”

Mr. Terry Kasper is more than just a guy to go to about sports questions; he takes the time to learn who the student is as a person and help out whoever needs it, according to graduate tyler Beamer. Mr. Kasper has been more than just the activities director. He likes to see the students succeed.

“Senior Awards Night is always one of the highlights of my year,” said Mr. Kasper with a grin. “It is a goal

of the school to have the students succeed not only in academics, but in sports as well.”

Mr. Kasper has seen many achievements throughout his 13 years at Central. One of his favorites was seeing the basketball team beat a highly-ranked team from Dallas at the KMOX Shootout in 2005.

According to Mr. Beckmann, Kasper is always up at school; he devotes all his time to the kids and gives all he can to the school.

“He has contributed time and hard work to this school,” said Mrs. Shepherd as she tried to hold back her tears. “Kasper is a mentor to not only the students, but the staff as

well.” According to Mr. Kasper, coming

to work was not something he dreading doing; he enjoyed that every day was different. For him, it is going to be tough passing the crown to the new activities director, Mr. Scott Harris, but it is something that he is ready to do.

“It’s time to go,” said Mr. Kasper. “Scott is plenty qualified for this spot. I feel he will take this job to a new level.”

Even though Mr. Kasper will be leaving, at the end of this year, he plans on attending a lot of Central sporting events at a distance whenever he can.

While the thought of leaving brings him sadness, Mr. Kasper is excited to travel and enjoy his life, but will never forget the friendships that he has made with the students and the staff at Francis Howell Central High School.

Activities director leaves lasting impactFreshman Sean Nanney swings his tennis racket to return the ball across the net to his oppenent during a singles match. Nanney was announced as the first tennis player in school history

Photo by Jessica DiMariano

Mr. Terry Kasper and Mrs. Mary Shepherd discuss the school sports. They have worked together for many years at Francis Howell Central.


Living in spotlight

Please read more tENNiS | PAGE 17

Boys tennis team discovers new talent, success

By Alli KeiskerStaff Reporter

A new player. A new dedication. A new team.

The addition of freshman Sean Nanney and the dedication from returning members have caused the boys tennis team to reach a height of success that it has not before reached. Their dedication brought

them to regionals this year, which is a big accomplishment, according to the team. As the team has made it to regionals, Nanney has been playing well and has qualified for state.

“I’ve been playing tennis for about 10 years,” said Nanney. “When I found out I made it to state, it felt good. I was happy about winning.”

While practicing has paid off for the team, a new player and new

By Bryan McCrearySweat Editor

The sensation of complete euphoria and adrenaline consumes the body as one soars through the air with no restraints, no boundaries and no cares. A description of a feeling sees itself become a living, breathing reality for senior Jake Beckman every day.

As a 14-year-old boy, running and jumping was not enough for Beckman. As he walked nearly every day from the narrow halls of Saeger Middle School to the open track of Don Muench Memorial Stadium to watch his brother pole-vault, he began to see himself growing more and more willing to take his athleticism to the next level.

Seeing his brother perform vault after vault of what seemed to him to be a death-defying stunt, he slowly found himself loving the thrill of the sport.

From the time that he was a freshman in high school, Beckman took to task, following in his brother’s footsteps as a pole-vaulter and has never looked back.

“I used to watch my brother almost daily,” said Beckman. “It was so much fun to watch him pole-vault because it is such an exhilarating sport. I knew I wanted to try it one day.”

It took just a few vault attempts to grab Beckman and pull him in for good. As he made the transition from middle school to high school,

Beckman quickly learned to love pole-vaulting.

Joining the track team his freshman year, he strove for greatness in every aspect of the word. Learning the new sport was difficult for him at first.

According to Beckman, since the sport is so different from any sport that he has ever even attempted, it did not come as naturally to him as

other sports had.“I play football and I wrestle, and

the practices for pole-vaulting are nowhere near as hard as the other sports,” said Beckman. “Pole-vaulting is a whole different animal, though. It is more based on skills that you have and have to develop.”

Beckman’s love of the sheer adrenaline rush that one gets from the sport is what has kept him

coming back day in and day out.“It feels like you are lost in the

air,” said Beckman. “There is nothing around you and it is very free when you are in the air.”

Beckman describes the sport as something that sane human beings would not find themselves doing on an everyday basis. He said the sport is 90 percent mental because it is something that one does not exactly feel comfortable or safe doing.

“The sport is all about doing the opposite of what your body wants you to,” said Beckman. “That is why I love it so much.”

According to senior and long time friend Paul Haluszczak, Beckman’s overall talent may not be the best, but he works as hard as he can to be the best he can be.

“He may not have the most outward ability, but one thing about Jake is that he will always do the best that he possibly can and he will get the most out of what talent he has,” said Halusczczak.

Paul is not the only one of his friends who has recognized his dedication and love of pole-vaulting. Senior Chase Stoneking has seen the dedication first hand as well.

“Jake is always setting his goals high,” said Stoneking. “He is always talking about pole-vaulting and he is always talking about his goals for pole-vaulting. He just loves the sport.”

Caoches have noticed his intense

p a s s i o n for the sport more than his friend s even. second year pole-vaulting coach Nick Renfrow feels that Beckman is a very competitive pole-vaulter.

According to him, he is in the top five of pole-vaulters in almost every meet that the track team attends, but he feels that it is not just his talent that has gotten him to where he is.

“He’s a great kid,” said Renfrow. “He shows up to practice everyday, and he works hard everyday. I think that is why he is where he is at in the sport.”

Before each vault, Beckman listens to Bob Marley. The calm music makes him more relaxed. As he waits for the adrenaline to kick in, he stares at his target. When he is ready, he begins sprinting down the runway.

He glares at the box where he will be planting his pole and readies himself for the plant. With two steps left in his sprint, he raises his arms and then plants the pole, launching himself into the air.

As he soars through the air he starts in a “c” position where his back is slightly bent and his arms are outstretched.

After holding that position for no

l on ge r than a second, Beckman breaks the arrangement and begins the swing where he will get parallel with the pole and push himself into a handstand using just one hand on the top of the pole.

At this point he is just seconds from the landing, so he keeps his eyes focused on the bar as he glides past it. As his body rotates through the jump, he lands on the other side, completing a successful jump.

According to Beckman, jumps where you victoriously thrust yourself over the bar are not always considered to be the best jumps. There is more to the sport than the end result.

“I have had jumps where I did not even make it over the bar that were actually better jumps than some of the ones where I do make it over,” said Beckman. “The sport is all about knowing your technique and perfecting that technique.”

Get up, stand up...

jump up

Jake Beckman

senior: age 18

16 Sweat April 16, 2010 C FFHCtoday.com

Page designed by Morgan Vetter

“ The sport is all about doing the opposite of what your body wants

you to. That is why I love it so

much. ”— senior Jake Beckman

talent has contributed to the betterment and achievement of the team according to coach, Mr. Donald Lober.

“[Nanney] is the type of player that our school should get excited about. It’s rare for a player of his caliber to show up at a public school. I would encourage more of our students to come out and watch him because they’re not likely to see another player like him anytime soon.”

Senior Jordan Roberts, a four-year player, believes that the team has improved a great amount within the last year.

“Sean Nanney is the new No. 1 singles player for our team this year,” said Roberts. “He’s the only freshman we’ve got on the team.”

Although the addition of having Nanney on the team this year has brought in new talent, the dedication of returning members has also contributed to bringing this team to the top. This has helped the boys tennis team greatly, improving its win records this year.

“This year our team is so much better. We’re amazing and 100 times better than last year, hands down,” said Roberts.

Thanks to the improvement the team has made, its confidence level has boosted a lot in just one year. The team has been spending many hours

after school on the tennis courts this year, which has helped to excel their talent.

“We have been playing extremely well. I attribute that to the strength of our four-year players: Jordan Roberts, George Yu, Cameron Aldrich, and Kyle McGowan; and the addition of our stellar freshman player, Sean Nanney,” said Mr. Lober.

By the end of the season, the team has high hopes to win the Gateway Athletic Conference (GAC). They are very spirited to win this year because of their high standings of wins in their doubles and singles matches. With the anticipation of winning GACs, the school and team

hope they will keep up the good work and effort they put into the sport.

“I would say that the other major factor for our success is that we finally got a number of our players to commit to playing in the off-season,” said Mr. Lober. “I’d say that from top to bottom we are better because of that.”

17SweatMay 21, 2010C F FHCtoday.com

Page designed by Alli Keisker

Triple jump

8

according to Brianna Albers

2

5

7

9

4

10

It is important to know the part of track and field that the triple jump is in. It is a field sport of track and field.

It is much like the more well known sport of long jumping in track and field, except there are three parts to the jump.

Your first step in the triple jump is the hop. This starts the momentum for the rest of the jump.

The second part to the jump is a leap. This is where you will get a lot of your distance on the jump.

The third and final part is the actual jump which is the most important to your overall distance of the jump.

If you start your jump after the board it will be considered a scratch. The jump will not be measured if you do this.

6You start from a line on the runway known as the board. This is where you will begin the entire process of the hop, leap, and jump.

One of the hardest parts, and most skilled parts of the triple jump, is being able to accurately start your jump at the board each time.

You end in a pit of sand just like a lot of the other events in the sport of track and field.

The most important part to the triple jump, and any sport, is to have fun with it. Land your jump with a smile and have a lot of fun.

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3

Ten things you need to knowTennisfrom page 15


Athletes stay in shape over summer

By Cory SchmittCopy Editor

School sports seasons only last a few months during the year. This leaves a void for many athletes that needs to be filled in by clubs and teams outside of school.

Many student-athletes dedicate the summer months to playing for select and club teams for their respective sports. These teams can be used for athletes to focus on improving their skills and work out defects in their play.

Junior goalie Adrianna Corcione plays on her select team, Mid Rivers, to keep herself in shape and active year round.

“[Playing year round] helps me improve; I’m not just sitting around during the off season,” said Corcione.

Corcione spends up to six

months during the year playing with her select team, compared to the three month length of the school season.

“Being with my select team for a majority of the year causes me to become closer with my teammates on my select team,” said Corcione. “But I am still close with the players on the school team.”

Some coaches create summer teams to help their school teams play better during the fall. This includes varsity boys soccer coach Dan Hogan, who coaches a varsity showcase every summer in order to see where prospective players for fall’s team stand and to see where players are at skill-wise and chemistry-wise.

Those preparing to play in the varsity showcase include junior soccer player Dan Rozycki, who intends to play to get ready for the

fall soccer season.Other sports also have seasons

outside of the school season. Junior volleyball player Jordan Alsobrook has played for the select team St. Charles United for two years and plays for the team when he is not playing for school.

The select season lasts through the winter months and ends before the school season starts in March.

“There is a one-month break following the school season, and then we compete in three tournaments during the summer,” said Alsobrook.

Alsobrook prefers to play for his school over his select team for many reasons.

“High school play is more fun,” said Alsobrook. “You are playing for something. You can’t compete for a state championship with a select team.”

Freshman Sean Nanney follows through during a match at the Central tennis courts earlier in the season. Nanney became the first tennis player in school history to qualify for State.


See a photo gallery of the boys tennis team, including

freshman Sean Nanney.


Beckmansenior: age 18

18 Sweat: Editorials May 21, 2010 C FFHCtoday.com

Right mixAthletes should always know that they

are in the public eye. No matter how big, or how small their status as a premiere athlete may be, they should be well aware that they are constatntly being watched.

Somehow many athletes seem to forget this. The NFL saw yet another one of its glorious competitors fall victim to performance enhancing drug usage. The

Rookie of the Year in the 2009-2010 NFL season: Brian Cushing of the Houston Texans, was discovered to have failed a drug test in last September. This raises one question in my mind, why?

Why would a player who is as successful at what they do stoop to these lows? He knows that, with his great amount of success, comes great amounts of publicity. So why then would he continue his use of performance enhancing drugs knowing that the NFL would eventually drug test him?

Did he think that he, like so many other superstars, would get away with it? Oh wait he couldn’t have because at some point these kinds of things are always discovered. Athletes need to shape up and become the role models that their respective leagues expect of them, and live up to the hype.

By Bryan McCrearySweat Editor

Page designed by Mollye Doering

The best baseball teams have a great combination of hitting, pitching and fielding.

There must be a mixture of home runs, singles and doubles in order to balance where the scoring comes from for a team.

The Cardinals have run into this balance problem this season. Home

runs have been easy to come by when the team is facing poor pitchers from weaker teams in the division and league, but runs have been hard to come by when the team is facing some of the top pitchers in the game.

The reason for this unbalance of runs scored comes from hitting coach Mark McGwire. McGwire, a home run hitter throughout his career, is helping the players improve on home run hitting, and the amount of home runs has increased.

However, hits inside the park are hard to come by when the opposing pitchers are good. This unbalance in scoring may help the team beat up the weaker teams in it’s division and league, but a World Series win will be impossible to attain unless a balance in scoring is achieved.

By Cory SchmittCopy Editor

Under watch

Central is lacking many things, but the most powerful thing is school spirit.

At school there is more Cardinals spirit than Spartan spirit. Why is

our school missing such an important component?

For me, going to a Cardinals game is more enjoyable than going to a school game. When you are at Busch Stadium, you are surrounded by people who are hoping for the Cards to win. Whereas at a school game, if the Spartans are losing by the third quarter, the hope for a win depletes and students filter out.

When I attend a Cardinals game, I dread getting up out of my seat. Just the thrill of being that close to major league athletes excites me, even if I am all the way in the nosebleed section.

Cardinals baseball to me is more than just my hometown team; it is a chance to bond with other fans and meet new people. The atmosphere at

the stadium is always the same; I am always able to see the hope glistening in the little blond-haired, blue-eyed twelve-year-old kid sitting in front of me.

It is clear that anyone who attends a Cardinals game is a true fan. The fans walk into Busch Stadium expecting a win; when that does not happen, they pray for Albert Pujols to miraculously pull through and save the day. It is no wonder why FHC students wear red and white versus blue and silver.

Take a school football game for example. When I attend one, I hardly ever watch the game unless I am standing in the student section. The games are mostly a cheap way to hang out with your friends.

Realistically, more than half of the student body who attend the football games are standing around by the concessions or underneath the bleachers just chatting it up. The only students who actually watch the game are those crazed 300s and the extremely spirited seniors who are up in the student section.

Amazingly, the 300 and seniors are nowhere to be found when the football season is over. You are always

going to have those students that go to support the friend that is playing, but most students need some sort of incentive to attend games.

Incentives like a free t-shirt or maybe some sort of punch card that allows the student to enter a raffle once it is fully stamped.

Maybe the reason that students are more spirited during the football season is because it is the most publicized sport at school.

Authorities at FHC need to promote more than just the football team. Students and teachers are

always speaking about the results of the football game; rarely do students hear about how the girls soccer team won last week. School needs to kick it up in the sense that its main focus needs to shift as the seasons shift.

I think that FHC needs to present the other sports more. Winning is a key factor for a sport to get more publicity. Obviously, the coaches are focusing on the team winning, but I feel that they need to work on having the players spread the word and success of the team.

It is possible that students are

more pumped for the football games because it is the beginning of the school year and the energy, in general, is much higher than it is in the spring.

There is also the fact that when most students think of football, they think of the homecoming game and the powder-puff game. Those two games are events that students prepare for when the previous season ends; it is something for them to look forward to.

Making students do something they do not like will not work. I am pep club president and I find it difficult to plan activities to do at the pep assembly because there is no way of knowing how many students will show up.

Pushing school spirit upon the students is not the way to encourage them to deck out in blue and silver every time there is a game.

If students do not see the point in what they are doing, they will not participate. I see the lack of spirit as an opportunity to improve it. It is going to take time for Central to be excited for a Spartan baseball game, but it is definitely something that needs to be fixed.

Cardinals bring spirit to Central

By Mollye Doering

Staff Reporter


Senior Blake Alexander shows off his Cardinal spirit by wearing his blue Cardinals jersey. Alexander enjoyed going to Cardinals games at the new Busch Stadium.

Scene 19

Page designed by Cory Schmitt

Senior gets shot at fame See page 20 | Summer concert tours previewed See page 21

The

Finding a strideLocal band transforms through names, styles

By Brendan KinnisonStaff Reporter

From Corvettes to Mustang GTs, classic cars have become the hip look for the current generation. Taking a look into the parking lot at school shows the popularity of fast cars amongst the student body. Teens these days are getting their hands on better and faster cars to boost their reputation. Some other teens are not taking to this so lightly; they believe that teens should work for this, not have their parents pay for them to get whatever color z28 Camaro they want.

“I believe kids get these cars because their parents baby them and

buy them anything they want on the flip of a dime,” said junior Michael Arnold. “These cars give them a good feeling and high self-esteem.”

The cars have a higher price range for some, but students can save their money or get loans in order to fuel their need for such cars.

“The average cost of a 2002 z28 Camaro is $7,770. The average price of a 1998 Corvette is $12,175. The average price of a 2004 Mustang GT is $8,505,” according to KellyBlueBook.com.

These cars are not only pricey; they are also quite fast, sporting large amounts of BHP (Base Horsepower). The more horsepower and torque the

car has, the faster it is. The slowest of these cars is the Mustang GT with 260hp, and the fastest is the Corvette with 345 hp.

Junior John Gresham believes that kids should work for their cars so that they know the true value of their cars and are more responsible.

“I believe that it is dumb because the kids are irresponsible. They are novice drivers and try to street race,” said Gresham. They do not even know the true value of their own cars since they did not work for them,” said Gresham.

Street racing is prevalent with teens nowadays. A story from the Standard-Times in San Angelo

reports that 38 percent of teens have street raced before. Even while just driving around, you can see people racing or speeding excessively.

“The number of people who die from street racing per year is 135,” according to examiner.com.

Although the number is not too great, it is still there.

“I think that teens are abusing the power their cars have. It is nice to have a cool car but not worth risking it all in one stupid race,” said junior Jamie Downey.

Even the teens who do own cars like these understand the risk and know that it does affect a person’s attitudes toward driving.

Junior Jake Greissel owns a Z28 camaro, and he feels the same way about racing.

“Having a fast car with more power definitely makes you want to race and speed. Some kids are naive and think that they can handle the car, said Greissel. “They believe they have more control than they actually do.”

But Griessel’s thoughts on how teens get these cars differ from other students.

“I think that lots of people get a starter car from their parents that they use to get around while they save up to buy their own fast car.” said Griessel.

High speed theoretically brings high price

By Allie CorrierStaff Reporter

Way back when familiar faces such as sophomores Drew Anderson, Brad

Goldman and Curtis Reed were in eighth grade, these gentlemen decided to start a band now known as

Downcast. But from the start, the band has changed and morphed from two guys just having fun to five guys creating real music.

“We just started jamming together, then we were like, ‘let’s start a band,’ so we did,” said drummer Anderson. Back then

Please read more | DoWNCASt, PAGE 21

Photo by Mollie Lager

Downcast members, senior vocalist Brett Barry and sophomore guitarist Tyler Jones, perform during Talentpalooza. The band was started more than two years ago when it was known as The Handicaps.

Page designed by Cory Schmitt

20

tune in volume delishmy style

May 21, 2010

By Katie SchlimpertTheScene Editor

On April 9, senior Caity Rose Laramie got her 15 minutes of fame (in this case, 30 seconds of fame might be more accurate) and a chance at stardom.

Laramie auditioned on Fox News Channel 2 with two other hopefuls, Janay Sanders and Ross McConnell, for a guaranteed chance to have their audition tapes sent directly to the producers of “Glee.”

“I didn’t even know my mom was entering me,” said Laramie. “She is

always entering me for contests. She found this one on

fox2now.com.”Laramie’s mother entered a picture

and 100-word b i o g r a p h y

about her

s inging a n d

d a n c i n g e x p e r i e n c e .

Out of 66 contestants, only three were chosen to audition. Laramie was lucky enough to be one of them.

“It was only two days after my mom surprised me with the entry that I found out I got the chance to sing on Fox,” said Laramie. “I only had about a week after that to get myself ready.”

Laramie has been dancing, singing and

performing from a very young age. When she was younger she was in a production of “The Nutcracker” and has been dancing since she was about two years old.

Currently, Laramie works at Excel where she teaches dance classes. Though she did not have much time to prepare for her moment in the spotlight, Laramie made due with the time and training she had. “I practiced with my voice teacher, Ron Jones, and I just tried to memorize the lyrics and learn the song the best that I could,” said Laramie, who practices with Jones on a regular basis every Wednesday after school.

Laramie arrived at the Fox studio at 8:15 a.m. and began singing around 45 minutes later. Originally promised two minutes of singing time, the Fox staff informed the contestants that they would only be allotted 30 seconds to make an impression on the viewers.

“I had to choose which part of the song I really wanted to sing,” said Laramie, who chose to sing “Lean on Me” out of a list of a few songs previously performed on “Glee.”

“The people at Fox were really shocked to hear us sing. It was like they thought we might not be able to sing a lick,” said Laramie. “They said whether I won this contest or not they were sure I would be going places.”

It was up to the viewers of the news broadcast to vote for which singer they would like to see on “Glee” the most. The contest also continued with videos and comments on the website, fox2now.com, where the voting took place. Students including senior Emily Beckmann voted for Laramie on the website.

“I even made my parents vote for her too,” said Beckmann.

Laramie had good things to say concerning both of her opponents.

“I thought Ross was a good singer. He started out weak in the beginning, but he really improved towards the end of his song,” said Laramie. “I loved Janay. She was so sweet and nice.”

Unfortunately for Laramie, Ross McConnell went on to win the most votes, but Laramie remains optimistic about her experience.

“I think I would try out again. I was so nervous the first time, but I thought it was a great experience,” said Laramie. “If I’m going to pursue the performing arts in the future I’m going to need to go through things like this. You’ve got to learn to get back up again when you fall.”

In fact, Laramie does plan to pursue a life in the performing arts.

“I have back-up plans because you don’t just become a star over a couple of days, but when I go off to college I want to major in the performing arts.”

Senior Lindsay Gingrich thinks that “Glee” is taking the right measures to get different people onto the popular show.

“I think that the open casting call for ‘Glee’ was such a fun and interesting way for the producers to find new talent for the show,” said Gingrich, who also submitted her information for the contest.

Senior pursues ‘Glee’ful dream

21


Page designed by Megan Berberich and Brett Story

“Everything Collide”by Sing it Loud

See full reviews on our website, FHCtoday.com

May 21, 2010

Onlinemusicreviews

Upcoming local shows

“The Future Kings of Nowhere”

by The Future Kings of Nowhere

“ Achin’ and Shakin’” by Laura Bell Bundy

6/6Pointfest

Verizon Ampitheatre

7/17Lady Gaga

Scottrade Center

6/25Michael Buble

Scottrade Center

8/14The Black Eyed Peas

Scottrade Center

1. “You’re So Last Summer”Taking Back Sunday

2. “Ride to California”Paper Tongues

3. “Coppertone”The Academy Is..

4. “Summer in the City”The Lovin’ Spoonful

5. “Summer of 98”The Secret Handshake

6. “The Beach”All Time Low

7. “No One Can Touch Us”Sing It Loud

8. “Sleeping In”The Postal Service

9. “Stay Out”Hit the Lights

10. “Too Much Too Often”Phantom Planet

By Megan Berberich

Summerplaylistsongs

Genres of Music: Alternative, Rock Date: June 6 Cost: 29 bands for 29 bucks Location: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Atendee: Miranda Pomar, junior Pomar’s favorite performances: Chevelle, The Offspring, Shinedown, and Hollywood Undead Pomar’s favorite moment: “Overall, it’s just really diverse and there are lots of different bands. It’s also cool because Pointfest does a good job of showcasing local bands.” Pomar’s worst moment: “The mosh pit for Ludo was bad, it is usually huge and they were trying to get everyone to “recycle” but it was more like people just throwing their bottles all over the place.” Pomar’s advice: “Wear as little layers as possible because it is very hot, but bring lots of sunscreen. Also, make sure you have lots of money to buy what you want.”

Pointfest

Genres of Music: Alternative, pop-punk, punk Date: July 5 Cost: 40 bucks Date: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Atendee: Gabe Remolina, junior Remolina’s favorite performances: AttackAttack!, Devil Wears Prada, Escape the Fate, A Day to Remember Remolina’s favorite moment: “Just relaxing and seeing bands with my friends.” Remolina’s worst moment: “The heat was really bad. I went without water the whole day because I didn’t have enough money.” Remolina’s advice: “Bring a lot of money. You will need food, water, and might want a t-shirt. People were getting dehydrated and you definitely need to have water.”

Warped Tour

By Megan BerberichBeHeard Editor

Learn more about this summer’s festivals with a preview of upcoming shows. BeHeard Editor and music lover, senior Megan Berberich takes a peek at the festivals making their way to the area.

Anderson, Goldman, and Reed called their new found band “The Handicaps.” “We started out not really having a clue what we were doing, so everything we wrote came out as a really crappy version of Green Day” said Anderson. The bands’ next stage involved a new name, a new sound, and a new member. The change in line up was Anderson on drums and sophomore tyler Jones as the rhythm guitarist. The bands new

name was “Daylights End.” The music changed as well

with the new name, it went from the Green Day-esque sound to a slightly more alternative sound. Finally at the beginning of this year the band got a new singer, senior Brett Barry, and changed their name to Downcast. The name came from one of the bands favorite songs, “Alexithemia” by a band called Anberlin. As a band, Downcast changed their sound once more, now playing a cross between slightly more hard rock and alternative music. At this years Talentpalooza, the boys made a statement to a majority of the

student body, and that statement was showing just how truly talented they are.

“I heard Downcast for the first time at the talent show this year,” said junior John Daniel Gresham. “I was really, really impressed.”

Members of Downcast are drummer Anderson, bassist Goldman, rhythm guitarist Tyler Jones, singer Brett Barry, and guitarist Curtis Reed. The five boys are a growing sensation. “The two songs they put on their Myspace have been getting more plays almost everyday,” said freshman John Bunch, a fan of the band, “They’re very talented musicians and show a ton of promise.”

The band’s music was played on the very popular radio station KHKZ The Bone, in Oklahoma, reported Anderson and Goldman.

In addition to their success and growing fan base within the school and popular radio stations in Oklahoma, Downcast has recently made a demo CD called “Demo CD” and has several upcoming shows.

“We want to get out there and show everyone what we can do,” said Goldman. “I think we’ll go pretty far.”

The band will be playing at Cicero’s in the Loop on May 22 and then another show on June 19 at Fubar in St. Louis.

Downcastfrom page 19

Find more concert tour previews.


Ringsmake impact

in fashion world

Page designed by Margaret Borgmeyer

22


May 21, 2010


High school students have moved from simply wearing the conventional class ring to wearing multiple rings as fashion statements.

Rings can mean a number of things; whether it symbolizes one’s loyalty to his or her significant other, if the ring is a family heirloom or if the ring is simply a fashion statement, rings are becoming a frequent sight on the hands of both girls and boys.

Sophomore Madison Mendel thinks that all rings are good for any and every occasion.

“I usually wear eight rings everyday, “ said Mendel, “One of them is my dad’s from the 70’s. It is basically a promise to him that I will stay pure and stuff.”

Jewelry designer Hutton Wilkinson dresses stars and civilians alike to shine wherever they go.

“If it is not fabulous,” said Wilkinson on his website, “it is

meaningless.” The most outrageous numbers

and types of rings can come off as gaudy at some points; the artists of Etsy, a group of artists hand making one-of-a-kind items, put focus on making jewelry from recycled products.

On the Etsy website, more than 39,983 pieces of recycled, hand-made jewelry is featured. Over 3,000 of those pieces are rings. Whether the rings are made out of spoons,

scrabble letters, or dimes and nickels, these rings are making a break in the fashion world.

Senior Emily Struckmann wears six rings everyday.

“One of them was my grandma’s. The diamond was from her engagement ring,” said Struckmann.

According to Struckmann, it is important to insure that rings are not random and distracting, but that they match.

“I make sure they compliment

each other,” said Struckmann. “I do not mix gold and silver. I usually just wear silver.”

Junior Collyn Currie wears a Claddagh ring to symbolize her relationship with her boyfriend.

“The hands around the heart symbolize keeping the heart safe,” said Currie, “if the heart and hands face towards you it means that you are taken, but if the heart and hands face away from the body it means you are single.”

Photo b

y Zac H

ebert

Custom Jewelry and diamond setting

“We Make Quality

Affordable”309 South Main

O’Fallon, Mo. 63366

Call Toll Free (636) 978-1953 or at (636) 281-1953

Students utilize fashion rings to have myriad of meanings, symbolizations

Page designed by Hannah Ibos

23


May 21, 2010

By Hannah IbosStaff Reporter

When it comes to lunch or dinner, Subway is definitely a strong choice for a delicious sandwich. When it comes to breakfast, Subway may want to consider leaving breakfast sandwiches off the menu entirely. Not to say that my entire Subway breakfast experience was bad, there were some good parts, but overall, this morning at Subway left me a little disappointed. The best part about Subway breakfast is the best thing about its lunch too: the choices. Just like the subs, the breakfast sandwiches can be topped “any way you like it,” or rather any way you like it given what you like is in the selection of breakfast toppings. Breakfast ingredients are a combination of selected vegetables from the regular menu and new breakfast toppings. The new breakfast ingredients are basically just egg and egg white. While it is nice to see those familiar Subway veggies staring up at you behind the counter, things you eat at lunchtime just do not taste so good in the morning. For instance, I typically order onions and peppers when I get a sub for lunch or dinner, but at 7:00 in the morning, those spicy vegetables just were not

tasting like good choices. Also, like the subs, you can get a foot-long breakfast sandwich, though I do not know why anyone in his right mind would be hungry or awake enough in the morning to eat a foot of egg and cheese. You can also get a six-inch, and if you decide to go with regular

bread you can choose from Italian, nine-grain wheat, nine-grade honey oat and Italian herb and cheese. Sandwiches can also be made on English muffins and flatbread.

However, while you have your choices of toppings, your choices of standard sandwiches are few. First of

all, everything has egg and cheese. Western egg and cheese, Black Forest ham egg and cheese, steak egg and cheese or just egg and cheese. If you do not like egg and cheese, you should skip this establishment in the morning. There also is not that much variety of meat for breakfast. There

is basically ham, bacon and steak. True, these are the typical breakfast meats, but at least McDonald’s offers chicken.

Walking into Subway, I noticed a sign advertising a breakfast combo. For only $2.50, you can get a breakfast combo, which includes any of the English muffin sandwich varieties and a 16 oz. coffee. Coffee can be substituted for a fountain drink for non-coffee drinkers. This is actually cheaper than I thought breakfast would be here, but it does not equal the value of other fast food breakfast combos. While most fast food places offer a sandwich, hash-browns and a drink, Subway skips the hash-browns (probably for nutritional reasons) and only costs a little bit less than these combos at other places. You can get your breakfast starting at 7:00 on weekdays (not very convenient for a before school breakfast), 8:00 on Saturdays and 9:00 on Sundays. Breakfast ends at 11:00, which is pretty standard for fast food places, but for breakfast starting times, Subway actually opens pretty late. This is especially true when compared to other fast food places which open at 6:00 or even earlier. A more convenient breakfast can certainly be found elsewhere.

Subway breakfast offerings lack zesty flavor, originality


A Subway English muffin breakfast sandwich sits on a napkin. The new breakfast combo cost $2.50 plus tax.

Visit your neighborhood store for any of our 5 great tasting meals under 550

calories6170 Mid Rivers Mall Drive

Saint Peters, MO 63304636.447.8532

24ApertureMay 21, 2010C F FHCtoday.com

Photos and page designed by Kelci Davis

Sophomores Patrick Earl and Kurt Carlson dive forward to put their markers as far as they can. Carlson lost to Earl despite flipping over the barrier and falling onto his opponent.

Junior Julia Diller embraces junior Eric Zvanut after a water fight. Diller and Zvanut helped organize Field Day.

Mr. Tom Whelan and Mr. Nick Brinkman begin preparing the hot dogs and bratwursts on the open grill. The two teachers began cooking in third hour and cooked for more than students.

Students laugh over their lunches before heading into the gym. All the members were fed free of cost.

Arete honorees were let out of their sixth and seventh hours

on Friday, May 14 to enjoy a bit of food, fun and freedom as a reward for their academic and

athletic achievements.

Sophomore Josh Burns lifts senior Brandi Wyatt as they dance across the floor. The two dancers were joined by many of their friends as the day ended.

An Arete member celebrates after scoring a point. Three tables were set up for game play.

Field day

LEFT: Two Arete members fight on top of an unbalanced platform until one falls. There were two other inflatables for members to use, and all had long waiting lines.

central focus april 2010

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