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MAY 13, 2016staff2
T his past issue was a challenge: the majority of my responsibilities have been passed on to two ladies who will continue the legacy of the Central Focus, just as all the other editor positions have been passed on, as well. Through this changing of roles and learning and teaching experience, the relationships among our staff have grown and deepened. A result of this deeper connection is deeper conversations conversations that are often unacknowledged and left in the shadows. The subject of mental health arose from the relevant
topic of teenage suicide. All kids know that depression, anxiety, and other illnesses exist, but often shy away when the topic is brought up. The hope is that through this issue of the Central Focus, conversations can be sparked. Through talking about mental health, the whole student population can be informed, and those who do or have suffered from mental illness can be reminded that they arent alone, and there are people who have successfully made it through the same thing they are going through right now.
Print Executive EditorCadence Bippen
Multimedia Executive EditorJared McClellan
Design EditorMorgan Brader
Discover EditorEmily Mann
Feature EditorOlivia Biondo
Move EditorBri Shatto
Voice EditorBecca Abrams
Entertain Editor Elisa Swanson
Photo EditorTaylor Tinnes
Staff ReportersAbram Cutshall, Elizabeth Gerger, Jack Hiegel, Skylar Laird, Elaine Mallon, Haley Mills, Mackenzie Morris, Will Sills, Leslie Sutton, Kaleigh Zehnle
PhotographersBelle Herrera, Josephene Julien, Morgan West
Adviser/for advertising inquiriesMatthew [email protected]
Have a letter for the editor or a question for us?If something we wrote demands your voice, please e-mail us at [email protected] or drop your handwritten letter off with Mr. Schott in Room 139. The Central Focus staff will print the entirety of your letter, providing it meets the standards of publication laid out in the FHC Publications editorial policy, which is available in Room 139 or at www.fhctoday.com for your perusal.
@fhcpublications
francis howell central publications
@fhcpublications
fhcpublications
letter from the editor
staff members letters to the editor digital mediaOnlineFHCtoday.com is the online home of FHC Publications and serves as a hub for all of our breaking news, photography and video work. For all you need to know about the FHC community, head to FHCtoday.com
Cadence Bippenprint executive
editor
-
Contents 3MAY 13, 2016
may
Just vote noWill Sills explains why he thinks the billionaire shouldnt be considered for the presidency in November.
onlineTeacher
appreciation 2016
Faculty members get honored by FHC Publications members in our fifth annual teacher appreciation week feature.
Go to FHCtoday.com
29
Why-fi?Recent decision by district prohibits students from accessing Wi-Fi on mobile devices, restricts previously accessible websites.
6
No debateMackenzie Morris makes history as first FHC debate team member to qualify for state competition.
10
Anatomy teacher Scott Dauve speaks with a student during his sixth hour class. Dauve was one of Photos by Belle Herrera
-
MAY 13, 2016 discover4
New faces on the BoardVoters elect new members for the Board of Education
With the local election season having come and
gone for this year in April, a few notable issues and
elections were put on the ballot. One of these was
particularly noteworthy for Francis Howell School
District students and faculty,
and this had to do with the
election of two new members
of the Board of Education. The
two people that the voters
chose were Michelle Walker
and Mike Hoehn.
The election, which took
place on Apr. 5, featured four
candidates on the ballot. This
included incumbent Board
member Cynthia Bice and newcomer Kimberlyann
Granger along with Mr. Hoehn and Ms. Walker. The
two seats open were those of Dr. Bice and Amy
McEvoy, who filed to run, but dropped out of the
running earlier this year. Board President Mark Lafata
said the two candidates whom the voters chose
were excellent choices to fill these seats.
I work for the community, and I trust them when
they make decisions like this, so I trust them now and
hope that it works out, Mr. Lafata said.
Both of the two new Board members have a
long history inside of FHSD as well as plenty of
experience outside of it. Mr. Hoehn, a district resident
for 33 years who previously served on the Board
from 2008-2014, owns a business and has been on
several district committees. As for Ms. Walker, who
was on the ballot for the first time this year, the path
to the Board of Education was a bit different. She
graduated from Francis Howell
in 1994 and has had a variety
of occupations since that time,
including some service in the
Navy, in addition to being on
some of the district committees.
Over the years, both of them
have met Mr. Lafata.
I met [Ms. Walker] briefly
this year when she decided to
run, Mr. Lafata said. I met [Mr.
Hoehn] several years ago, and we served together
on the Board for six years.
Both candidates had a reason for filing their
candidacy in late Dec. of 2015.
I feel that I can provide a proactive approach in
representing the taxpayers of our district. I will not
spend money we dont have, Mr. Hoehn said. It has
been my opinion that the current Board reacts to
issues and is not visionary in their approach.
As for Ms. Walker, the reasoning was bringing her
unique skill set to the district in order to improve it.
Professionally, I bring real estate industry and
community credibility with an educated insight that
will guide my school board decisions. Affordable
home ownership, great schools, and an engaged
community will keep us successful, Ms. Walker said
in a statement on her campaign website. I want to
ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely and our home
values continue to rise.
According to Mr. Lafata, he isnt sure how these
two new members will improve the district, but he is
sure that they will try.
The board is just seven people trying to get the
job of serving our students done, and I think that the
new members will definitely try to accomplish this
goal, Mr. Lafata said.
As far as what these plans are, Ms. Walker said
that her main focus was on community engagement.
[I want to work on] increasing community
engagement and community involvement in the
district and work together as a board to figure out
what we need to do to get our financial situation
under control, Ms. Walker said.
As for Mr. Hoehn, community involvement ranked
high on his list. In addition, fiscal responsibility was
one of the more important items on his plate for the
next few school years.
The current administration and board have
approved budgets that have depleted the districts
reserves and will place the district on the states
distressed list, Mr. Hoehn said in a statement on his
campaign website. The Board is making the kids
pay because of irresponsible spending.
I work for the community, and I trust them when they make decisions like this, so I trust them now and hope that it works out.
School Board PresidentMark Lafata
Photo by Beth WeirichNewly elected board members Mike Hoehn and Michelle Walker listen to a questioner at the FHC Publications candidate forum on March 30. Walker and Hoehn were the top two vote getters in the April 5 election, earning two-year positions on the Board of Education.
-
5MAY 13, 2016
DISCOVER
Feeling By Cadence Bippen
Print Executive Editor
Students consider choosing upper level classes which ultimately help them grow
APprehensiveWith the end of the year comes happiness and
excitement, but for those taking one or more AP
tests in May, it is a time of a lot of stress. One could
argue that the stress put on students at the end of
the year is too much, but the students chose to
take these classes, right? Should underclassmen
be worrying about their summer plans, or, like
Gillian Pendel, look even farther ahead and make
sure their choices in high school will benefit them
in the college admissions process?
Pendel is a sophomore who has already taken
some interest into Washington University and St.
Louis University. She is aware that the schools
she is looking into are competitive, but so is she.
Pendel has taken all of the honors classes offered
to her thus far, and plans on enrolling in four AP
courses for her junior year. She is hoping to do
well in these classes, to show the colleges what
she can handle, but believes that even if she had
taken regular classes she could still stand out.
My counselor told me you could get into
just as good of a school if you have all regular
classes. [Colleges] probably just look for good
grades - it doesnt really matter if its rigorous as
long as youre doing well, Pendel said. Because
of this, Pendel experienced the understandable
hesitancy many students do when choosing AP
classes. Junior Zach Painter also acknowledges
the additional workload that comes with an upper
level class, and he took that into consideration
when deciding how many AP classes hed put in
his senior year schedule.
You dont want to be stressed out and have
six or seven AP classes and not have time
to do anything, Painter said. If youve got an
extracurricular activity, its hard to manage AP
classes with that after school. Painter said that
he is limiting himself to four AP classes next year,
to keep it safe.
As far as admissions go, Painter believes
that the schools look a lot into how the student
challenged him or herself in high school.
I feel like [college admissions] care about
class rank, what classes youre taking, how hard
the classes are, Painter said. He believes AP
classes help especially. They can see that you
already have that [subject] sort of down, and they
can tell if youll do well.
For Painter, the pressure of college has some
impact on what classes he chooses to take, but
he finds additional benefits of the difficult courses.
It kind of challenges everyone to try to do
better and excel in that subject that you think
youre good at, Painter said. [It] gives us an
opportunity to go outside of the box and see
how well we can do in classes that are similar to
college-based.
Since Pendel believes that a more rigorous
schedule wont necessarily give her a cutting
edge in the college admissions process, she
too proves she isnt taking difficult classes just
because it is what others expect of her, but
because it is what she expects of herself.
I personally dont feel like Im doing my best
like Im pushing myself, if Im taking regular
classes, Pendell said, considering the fact that
she has taken honors classes her whole life.
Both Pendel and Painter have done what any
FHC counselor would advise, and that is to at least
try an AP course if you are capable.
Counselor Dustin Bailey hopes students will take
AP classes to help with the confidence necessary
for taking a college class. According to Bailey, a
student who has taken AP might think Hey, I can do
a college-level class. I already did one, I did okay in
it, Im going to succeed at this level.
Besides that, AP students have the opportunity
to earn credit for college, potentially bringing
the cost down. Mr. Bailey warns, though, that
a student bringing in very many credits may no
longer be considered a freshman, thus losing
some scholarships.
The biggest amount of scholarships are there
for incoming freshmen, Bailey explained. Its all
a number game, cause if youre already done with
your whole first year of college, you might still
save $20,000.
In the end, Pendel and Painter have both
chosen to spice up their schedules with some
challenging classes next year - for colleges and
for themselves. But, the two are being smart
about it and dont plan to exceed what they are
capable of handling.
Pendel encourages you to take as many as
you can handle and to challenge yourself. Every
person is different in what classes he or she
should take.
I know some people take five or six AP classes
at once, and thats too much for me, Pendel said.
But I mean, [take] as much as you can handle. If
you can do it, do it.
A day in the life of an AP student
After school, Gillian participates in theatre and then heads to work at Platos Closet, leaving a small amount of time for homework.
Zach gives himself time to eat breakfast every morning so he is prepared for the busy day that lies ahead.
Gillians day
Zachs day
917232
Approximate number of hours per day
Approximate number of hours per day8
1.57221.52.5
-
MAY 13, 2016
discover6
The district turned off access to the Wi-fi and students are wondering why
Why, oh why isthere no Wi-Fi?
-
7MAY 13, 2016
DISCOVER
By Kaleigh ZehnleStaff reporter
For the weeks prior to and during EOC testing,
access to Wi-fi on mobile devices was restricted.
This caused some irritation among teachers and
students, as service worsened and data was
used up. Though the situation may have been
frustrating to some, the district was only trying to
help the schools and students.
According to the technology services manager
for FHSD, Jason Adams, the bandwidth available
on the computers was decreasing as more and
more people used Wi-fi on their mobile devices.
Bandwidth is a measurement of the ability of an
electronic communication device or system
(such as a computer network) to send and
receive information (Merriam-Webster).
In recent years, FHSD has seen an acute
increase in the demand for Internet services,
Adams said. During a six-week period in
February and March, FHSDs network reached its
capacity due to overutilization. This overutilization
interfered with classroom instruction and
administrative duties.
The district wanted to fix this interference and
improve the amount of bandwidth accessible for
the upcoming EOC exams.
To ensure adequate bandwidth is available
for classroom curriculum and online testing, one
of the decisions made was to disable wireless
access on personal devices, Adams said. We
are currently looking at all available options for
allowing this access again in the future.
Principal Dr. Sonny Arnel said that the
bandwidth with an excess of devices
connected to the Wi-fi is similar to a highway
clogged with traffic.
If its traffic time, everyone goes 5
mph. If youre driving to the airport at
two in the morning and no one is out,
its easy to get there, Dr. Arnel said.
Four years ago, that highway was
big enough, but nowadays if you
walk into a classroom, 95 percent
of students have a smartphone. As
soon as you walk in the building, it
uploads to our guest service which
puts more people on the highway.
According to Dr. Arnel, having
10,000 students and 3,000 employees
connecting to the Wi-fi daily clogged this
highway so much there wasnt room for
academics on it, so the district adjusted access to
the guest provider.
The guest provider is open before school
and after school, but its shut off during school.
Its open on the weekend also, Dr. Arnel said.
Basically, its like shutting down the on-ramp on
the highway so people cant get on and people
already on it can drive faster. Until the highway is
big enough, they have to shut down the ramps so
the highway moves as fast as possible.
At first, students were angry and frustrated
by not having access to the Internet at school,
including junior Lukas Mendel.
I can understand why they would do it, for the
people that get distracted, Mendel said, but
for instance, in my class right now, I need to use
the Internet and its really slow [on my phone] ,
so I can only use the iPads. Theres other classes
where the iPads havent been available, and I cant
do my work.
Senior Riley Wilson agrees the restrictions on
Internet access have been causing problems for
teachers and students in classrooms.
They have to use their own data
now to get on the Internet,
Wilson said, and some
teachers feel like
they cant let
us use our
phones
l i k e
we usually do, like using Kahoot, because we
would have to use the Internet. Also, teachers
cant access all of their things, like YouTube, for
learning purposes.
After some time without Wi-fi on their phones,
these students and others began to understand or
just got used to it.
Its not a major inconvenience to me. I think Im
more used to it, Mendel said. I know when Im
near all the marketing classes, Im not gonna be
able to text anybody.
Wilson has accepted the fact her last few
weeks of her high school career wont include
having Wi-fi on her phone.
At first I was kind of annoyed because I have
limited data, so I dont wanna have to use it all
during school, but Ive kind of gotten used to it
now, Wilson said. It does help with learning. I
dont feel like I need to get on my phone because
I feel like I cant get on my phone.
-
Enrollment, board decisions cause problems for 2016-17 school year
MAY 13, 2016
Discover8
By Abram CutshallStaff reporter
During next school year, our school will be
facing budget cuts, but many are unsure what
that will look like. Rumor has it we wont have wifi
and will be cutting a lot of our transportation and
classes. Most of these rumors are false.
Unfortunately, the responsibility of cutting
spending on our school falls on the shoulders of
Principal Sonny Arnel.
With budget cuts already made in previous
years, it makes it hard to take more off of an
already meatless bone. The only place left that
will really have an effect on the budget is the
staff.
We had to cut $4.2 million out of budget and,
unfortunately, one of the only places to take that
from is staffing, Dr. Arnel said.
These budget cuts not only greatly affect the
teachers and their jobs, but also the courses they
teach. Choir teacher Elisabeth Baird had to have
two of her choir courses cut.
I have to travel to and from Saeger now, Ms.
Baird said, I am still full time and they didnt cut
the whole program, which is great, but traveling is
going to make the program harder and the day a
lot more stressful.
The classes that are cut are all based on the
enrollment history they have with students. Dr.
Arnel has to look at the enrollment history from
the previous year.
Its all based on how many kids sign up for the
classes and student enrollment. We have to have
at least 20 students for me to consider running the
class, Dr. Arnel said. I look at what the dropout
rate of that class is for the last three years.
The final decision doesnt only lie with Dr. Arnel.
He meets with his fellow principals and guidance
counselors to decide if its in the schools best
interests to drop a class.
We base the cuts on current staffing and
history of drops and alterations on academic
focus, Dr. Arnel said.
For teachers, like Ms. Baird, these cuts mean
an overcrowded class and an overstressed
teacher.
My classes will be oversized. I will teach three
of my classes of over 45 kids each by myself,
Ms. Baird said.
Many are concerned that the overcrowding will
result in a less personal teaching method with the
teachers and the students. However, Dr. Arnel
clarified that, although class sizes will increase, it
will not be such a drastic amount that teachers are
being completely overwhelmed.
Think of it this way, Dr. Arnel said, If we are
cutting one of the seven history classes, each
class with 25 kids in it, we only have to put four
kids in each class to even out again.
Whenever you hear someone say that
the principals need to stop cutting classes,
remember that it also up to you which classes
are dropped.
-
9MAY 13, 2016
DISCOVER
FINALIt is that time of year again, dreaded finals week. Throughout this week, you will hear lots of advice, tips and tricks, and myths and truths about how to
truly survive the standardized tests; however, some of which you will hear are entirely not true. So, this article is here to help you get through finals week.
countdown
The dos and donts for studying for finalsDo Dont
Tips
Chewing gum can
help improve test
scores; but, only if
chewed before not
during.
50-10 rule:: The
basis of it is to study
50 minutes of every
hour, and keep the last
10 minutes to chill.
Exercise and good
nutrition help control
your stress levels,
and also maintain
your emotions stable.
Having trouble
sleeping? Use the
QR code to the right
to get some peaceful
sleeping music.
How to prepare for test day:1. The night before
Eat a well balanced meal: your meal should be nutrient dense to help your body. Set your things out: this will help you the next morning, no last minute panics. Get a good nights sleep: a solid 7-9 hours; your brain needs rest to function. Treat yourself: reward yourself, take breaks, dont overwork yourself.
Drink lots of water: staying hydrated helps to maintain proper brain function. Eat SOMETHING: no matter how upset your stomach is, fuel yourself. Get comfy: this makes you less likely to be distracted or irritated. Arrive on time: this eliminates any unnecessary last-minute stress and chaos.
2. The morning of
3. The test
1. Pull an all-nighter It is better to study for a while, then go to sleep at a decent hour, if
you feel it necessary its better to wake up early and finish studying than to stay
up all night.
2. Drink coffee It is better to drink water to stay hydrated, and no jitters. 3. Cram last minute It is better to study over a period of time, rather than cramming
everything last minute. You retain the information longer.
1. Use colors Colors help your eyes and make concepts so much easier to grasp. Also, they keep things organized, and make things look pretty.
2. Draw it out Studies have shown your brain is more likely to remember information
when drawings or other visuals are associated with it.
3. Study groups One mans trash is another mans gold, help others in areas you flourish
and get help from your peers in areas you struggle with..
Preview the test: quickly looking over the test gives you an estimate on pacing.Dont rush: read over things twice and make sure you think the question through.Dont know it? Skip it: do what you know first, then process of elimination.
By Emily MannDiscover Editor
1 2 3 4
-
MAY 13, 201610
Feature
By Skylar LairdStaff reporter
J unior Mackenzie Morris, clad in a striped dres she bought specifically for this day, enters a classroom at Missouri State University, the words of A Bad Case of Stripes running through her mind as she prepares to perform them in competition at the state speech and debate tournament. She looks out into the room, seeing the four judges who will decide her fate sitting alongside
her competitors, including two of her friends, the girls who ranked first and third to Morris second place
at district. Morris begins to speak, reciting this story that she has read over and over, first as a child and
now as a competitor, making it come alive with the voices shes assigned to each character and the
movements shes incorporated into it, giving the best performance since she joined speech and debate
as a sophomore, even better than the one that landed her a spot as the first Spartan to ever compete
at state.
State was Morris goal for the entire year, but making it still came as an enormous surprise.
For the first time in the schools history, speech and debate
sends a speaker to state
Speaking at state
-
feature 11MAY 13, 2016
I was more shocked than anything [to make
it], she said. My goal the whole year was just to
make it to state, so I was really excited when I
got there, and to get there getting second place
[at districts], too. Last year I got fifth, and I was
just aiming for fourth to get to state. It was just
really unexpected and exciting, and being the first
person from our school to ever go, its an honor.
This honor extended further than just Morris,
though; it was a huge deal for the club itself to
finally send a speaker to state for the first time
in the seven years since it was established at the
school.
Weve been
growing and growing
ever since I took over
the team, head coach
Sheri Baize said, and
that was my goal, just
to get bigger and
more kids involved,
and the fact that were
going to state with
somebody is huge! Its
an accomplishment
I didnt even see
coming yet.
Since Mrs. Baize became head coach three
years ago, her goal has been to not only create a
club that is successful in a competition aspect but
one that is fun for every student who joins.
Mrs. Baize has really created an environment
for kids of all different interests who might not
necessarily talk to each other in the hallways to
come and hang out and get to know each other.
The kids are so comfortable when they come to
the meetings, its like all these different kids just
become best friends, assistant coach Chrissy
Young said. Thats the coolest part, and thats
why she is so good at being the coach, because
she dedicates all that to them.
Morris, however, joined to compete. As a
thespian, the performance aspect was familiar;
the competition was what first enticed her and
what continues to keep the club exciting.
I actually wanted to join speech and debate
my freshman year, but because I got so busy with
theater, I didnt, she said. But I decided to join
mostly because I liked the idea of competing. Ive
never really done anything competitive before;
Ive never really been athletic or anything like that,
and speech and debate was a fun way to actually
compete. I think thats probably one of my favorite
parts of it; its like a way to really do your best and
just keep getting better.
Although both competition and environment are
important aspects of the club, sophomore and
club president Garrett Allen most appreciates
the opportunity the club gives him to speak out
about important issues.
Were not giving the kind of speeches you
would write for an English class, he said. These
are speeches that can change peoples lives.
[These people discuss] the questions of our era,
and there are people raising their voices to stand
for them.
The questions discussed through these
speeches reach across
a wide spectrum, from
bullying to recognition
of guilt to why mankind
should leave earth
behind, Allens most
recent topic. Speech
and debate, however,
is more than just
giving speeches it
encompasses a wide
variety of events,
including everything
from radio speaking to storytelling to poetry
reading.
There really is something for everyone,
Morris said, Its just a matter of taking the time to
research all the different things that you can do
and finding something that fits your personality.
This year, Morris was sent to state competing
in storytelling, in which she adapts and recites a
childrens story, adding voices and movements to
make it come to life.
I decided to do storytelling because it is one
of the more fun things in speech and debate, she
said. You dont have to do research about politics
or anything like that; you just take a kids book
youve loved since you were five years old and
you memorize it and share it with other people,
and sometimes you get to perform in front of
children, which is always fun because they love
listening to the stories.
Even those who werent competing could find
a spot at state; sophomore Chris Carrillo, who
usually participates in debate, accompanied
Morris as a timekeeper; his job was to not only
keep track of how long the speeches were but
also to notify competitors of how long they had
left through hand motions.
I didnt make it to state, but I did want to go, he
said. Francis Howell Norths boy who was gonna
be timekeeper dropped out, and Mrs. Baize knew
I wanted to go to state even if I didnt make it, so
she offered it to me and I said yes.
State itself took place at Missouri State
University. The duo along with both coaches left
April 22 after school and returned April 23. The
trip was cut short after Morris was eliminated
early in a close loss. This however, had little effect
on Morris; for her, simply competing was more
important than winning.
Im glad I got to compete, which was a great
experience to have, because now I know what
to expect from next year. And I know how to get
myself to that caliber to compete at state and do
well, so I had the learning experience, she said.
Im ultimately really pleased with how everything
turned out.
Morris enthusiasm towards competing despite
these losses is one shared across the club; for
Allen, the club is more so about the skills it has
taught him.
People always tell you to think before you speak,
this takes it almost to an extreme level, he said.
When youre actually up there, facing the audience
and giving your heart out to them, without fail,
something goes wrong. And in life, something will
always go wrong. And there are the people who will
shut down and run away, and there are the people
who will smile and glide through it effortlessly, and
thats what this teaches us how to do.
Mrs. Young agreed that the club teaches kids a lot
of valuable skills, but even above that, it allows them
the opportunity to make some more unlikely friends.
[My favorite part] is just looking at a tournament
and seeing two kids, one a freshman, one a junior,
who come from two different worlds, but they just
accept each other. And theyre just sitting there
having a conversation about the most random thing,
but they both respect each other, she said. These
kids are so different and they get along like family.
Morris agrees that what she has learned from
the team is more important than any award she
could have received.
I think speech and debate is important because
it teaches people how to speak in front of other
people and how to not care about what other
people think. Its just a fun way to let go and be
more comfortable and confident, and I think thats
really important in life, to just have confidence,
she said, and then in a lot of the more serious
[events], it teaches you a lot about life, it teaches
you a lot about politics, and its a way for you to
get involved in more of whats really going on in
the world. I just think its great.
Ive never really been athletic or anything like that, and
speech and debate was a fun way to actually compete. I
think thats probably one of my favorite parts of it; its like a
way to really do your best and just keep getting better.
-Mackenzie Morris
-
FEATURE12MAY 13, 2016
Melodies for a cureIndividuals from all walks of life find support in music therapy
By Elaine MallonStaff Reporter
From elderly suffering from
Alzheimers disease to the patients
in a psychiatric ward, a session of
songwriting or instrument playing can
work miracles. To skeptics, a session
spent with a music therapist may appear
as simply recreational- just another
way to relieve stress. To skeptics, it
seems impossible that traumatic brain
injury patients could regain the ability
to speak and write by listening to the
rhythmic beats of drums. To Jennifer
Nelson, it is her lifes work.
I have seen a lot of progress from
people receiving music therapy
throughout my years in school and
work and have seen the power music
has over peoples lives, Nelson said. I
have seen individuals with Alzheimers
remember lyrics to songs when they
cant remember their own childrens
names. I have experienced children with
cancer be able to express how they
are feeling through song writing and the
same children having a little normalcy
in their lives while fighting that awful
disease. While music therapy is not for
everyone, I am blessed to have seen so
many people reap its benefits.
For the past two years, Nelson has
worked in a maximum security forensic
hospital, helping patients overcome
hallucinations and paranoia when
traditional prescription medicine has
failed.
I had an individual client who
responded really well to music. He
was not responding to psychiatric
medications and was constantly hearing
voices, seeing things, smelling things,
and feeling things that were not there,
Nelson said. He was able to distract
himself by singing and listening to music
so he was not hearing voices, even if it
was for a short period of time,
For many students music therapy may
seem obscure, but for junior, a twelve
year pianist, following a career path that
allows her to shape peoples lives with
music is more than she could ever ask
for. Through witnessing a young girls
experience with music therapy, Rachel
Emmerich has found her passion.
She suffered from a severe learning
disability, and her connection to the
music really inspired me seek out more
kids who have this hidden desire to
express themselves through music,
Emmerich said.
From the growing support of the
healthcare community and universities,
Jennifer Nelson sees great promise for
her field .
Our field is growing rapidly and more
and more facilities are realizing the
benefits their clients can gain from this
wonderful profession, Nelson said.
Photo courtesy by Jennfier Neslon
Music therapy is an effective therapy because it is great at disguising the work being done. -Jennifer Nelson, music therapist St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center
A colleague of Jennifer Nelson works with residents of an assisted living facility, engaging their minds through the strums of her guitar. Music therapy is used to help patients suffering from a variety of different ailments or conditions, including Alzheimers disease.
-
feature 13MAY 13, 2016
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Read and watch our series of videos and letters to our teachers, thanking them for all they do for Teacher Appreciation Week.
This is the start of The bully issue series on the web. Read this story, and many others, and join us in the fight against bullying.
-
MAY 13, 2016
focus14
-
focus 15MAY 13, 2016
By Jared McClellanWeb executive editor
Depression, a mental illness, is known
all too well by high school students,
and therapists are always there to help
out these students.Mr. Dustin Bailey is
a counselor at FHC who helps out kids
that are going through depression. Going
through depression is something that
should be dealt with a support system at
school and at home.
We do definitely have students that
struggle with depression, and how we
handle it also depends on what the student
and family already have in place, Mr.
Bailey said. Some of our options include
communicating with the family, helping
the family locate and set up appointments
with local counselors and psychiatrists, and
meeting with the student ourselves to help
them work through more temporary or
one-time struggles.
There are many symptoms of depression
that influence the lives of teenagers
and adults alike. These symptoms are
detrimental to the well-being of those
who suffer from the illness. Mrs. Martha
Ankney is a counselor at Kaleo Counseling
Services who helps students suffering with
clinical depression.
You are not enjoying things you normally
enjoy, Mrs. Ankney said. Hanging out with
your friends, eating a whole lot or not at all,
your appetite changes, sleep all day long
or not be able to sleep at all. Wanting to
be by yourself isolating yourself wanting
to be alone. And sometimes people have
thoughts of hurting themselves or someone
else.
Depression is a somewhat common
illness that affects over a majority of people.
According to Ankney, depression affects
more than half of the teenage population
due to the vulnerability experienced.
I think that school is very much an
influence, you have a lot of situations going
on, your brain is still developing so six out
of ten people will be depressed. But I think
that teenagers are in an environment where
emotions are much more intense, so your
brain processes differently than an adult
brain, Mrs. Ankney said.
In order to be diagnosed with clinical
depression, you must exhibit six of of the
symptoms listed above.
That is almost the diagnosis for it is, it
is six out of ten symptoms for two weeks
to be diagnosed with clinical depression,
Ankney said.
This, however, is the difference between
depression and feeling depressed because
feeling depressed is the symptoms based
off of a singular event while having clinical
depression is the symptoms being present
for a span of multiple weeks.
Feeling depressed is a certain situation.
But clinical depression [is when you are]
sad about what happens at home and
feeling sad for multiple weeks, thoughts of
hurting themselves, you would isolate from
the community around, its not just feeling
sad, Ankney said.
Depression can come about due to
many different things surrounding people.
These things can be from the environment,
chemicals in the body, and genetics.
There is a lot of different things that
cause a chemical imbalance in your
brain. It can be genetic, there is also an
environmental factor, such as a divorce or
just breaking up, its more about how you
perceive that event in your life, events can
certainly cause it, over stressing can also
cause it because you start to tear yourself
down and be overall more critical. Ankney
said.
The environment is a major force in
helping people with depression, especially
people and how they perceive depression.
This perception can be very misleading in
dealing with those who have depression.
People around those who are depressed
say if they went out more or ate their food
they would be over it, but that is not the
case. They are unable to enjoy the things
they used to enjoy. Ankney said.
A good support system can lead to a
drastic improvement in the mood of people
who suffer from depression.
I think that one of the biggest things with
fighting depression is having a community
around you, Ankney said. People with
depression want to stay isolated but being
able to be honest with people about what
you are going through.
At FHC if a student is going through
depression, there is a counselor who
specializes in helping students with mental
illness.
Our Educational Support Counselor,
Mrs. Harting, works with a lot of students
struggling with various mental health issues,
and depression is included in that. She
does groups for stress management, grief
and loss, interpersonal relationships, and
general mindfulness, among other issues,
Bailey said.
depressionfeelings of severe despondency and dejection
-
MAY 13, 2016
focus16
By Haley MillsStaff reporter
Anxiety. It motivates us to study for tests or
finish assignments. It can warn against walking
down a creepy alley at night and is the key to a
fight-or-flight response in a dangerous situation.
Having a little bit of anxiety once in awhile isnt
just normal, its healthy. It allows us to make good
decisions and get things done. Anxiety itself isnt
the problem. Being anxious becomes a problem
when it doesnt just affect a person occasionally.
Sophomore Teegan Winkler, who suffers from
anxiety, knows the difference between being
anxious and having anxiety, first hand.
When [anxiety] begins to consume your
thoughts on the daily, thats when it becomes
something more serious. If it starts to affect your
work, personal life, or health, then you might have
a real, diagnosable anxiety disorder if you have
symptoms for more than six months, Winkler
said.
If someone is anxious, then it is probably
triggered by something specific happening
in your life. Maybe meeting their boyfriend/
girlfriends parents for the first time, or maybe a
really big paper to finish thats worth 50 percent
of their grade.
The pressures put on future plans are things
that triggers junior Jon Evans anxiety.
The biggest modern stressor, or cause of
anxiety, for teens is undoubtedly the weight put
on our futures. Especially in high school, it seems
like any action from a missed question on a test to
a lost friendship can dramatically alter your future.
As such, teens tend to get weary feet stepping
through life out of fear, Evans said.
However, just because anxiety is being felt
on certain occasions, it doesnt mean it is a
diagnosable anxiety disorder.
School counselor Kris Miller has seen a rise in
anxiety that is shown by students in recent years.
Diagnosed anxiety disorders will often need
third party intervention. Many students that pass
through the school guidance office dont have
diagnosed anxiety, they are just feeling anxious
over upcoming events, Miller said.
Sophomore Talia Thambyrajah, who like
everyone is occasionally anxious, shares what
makes her feel anxious.
Everyone experiences periods of being
anxious. Personally, I get anxious over tests, track
meets, things like that. Those things are normal
to get anxious about, but I am far from having an
anxiety disorder, Thambyrajah said.
Those specific events, such as tests, games
or meets, or big events, are what bring on the
anxiety, they make sense, and the anxiety will
eventually go away when the event has passed.
People with anxiety disorders are often anxious all
the time. There is no specific stressor that sets
off their anxiety, and their fears are often irrational.
When people have anxiety versus just being
anxious, the feeling never goes away. Sometimes
they dont even know why that feeling is there in
the first place, they just know its there and they
want it to go away, Winkler said.
Even though the person with anxiety knows
that, in theory, they should not be so worried, they
simply cannot get their body to listen to their brain.
As mentioned above, if someone has an anxiety
disorder, the amount of anxiety is not equal to the
size of the stressor.
For someone who has anxiety, the idea of giving
a quick and casual three-minute presentation in
class is not just undesirable, but will actually put
you out of commission and leave you unable to
get the job done, Thambyrajah said.
These cases of having diagnosed anxiety
versus just being anxious have risen by nine
percent (www.adaa.org) over the past five years.
Mr. Miller weighs in on why he believes this
number has risen.
Personally I believe that the raise in cases of
anxiety can be resulted to high stake testing in
school, increased expectations from parents and
schools and busier home lives, Miller said.
The symptoms of anxiety, while being similar to
those of being anxious, are amplified. Anxiety is
not just being worried, but being physically ill from
it. Intense anxiety can often cause headaches,
dizziness, trembling, nausea, etc. Getting red
or sweaty. This is more than just butterflies in
the stomach. The feeling leaves those affected
unable to talk, breathe, think or concentrate about
anything other than fear.
While being anxious will go away on its own,
anxiety will not and needs to be dealt with
accordingly.
To deal with anxiety comes down to two major
factors. First, seek help from friends, family, or
professionals if it comes to it, Evans said.
After help is sought the process is long from
over.
Afterwards, make sure you have outlets to
go to. Taking time away from stressors can help
endurance through them spectacularly. Find a
healthy hobby like music, video games, arts,
sports or whatever (healthy) thing you can find to
act as an exit from those stressors, Evans said.
anxiety vs. a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive
uneasiness and apprehension
When speaking to someone with a mental illness there are things to stay away from, to keep from offending or upsetting them, and in some cases making the situation worse. Use this QR to get the full list of things to stay away from.
-
focus 17MAY 13, 2016
anx-iousexperiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about
an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome
If you know someone withMake sure not to make light of their condition. Think of it as their kid brother they can make fun of it if they want to,
but you cant. Instead, make sure that you are simply there for them if they need help. Dont tell them to calm down they know they need to calm down. Dont tell them that you are frustrated or annoyed by their anxiety theyre probably already super self-conscious about how their anxiety affects the people around them. Some people may be helped by distractions, others by you sitting and listening, and others simply by sitting in silence with a friend. Each persons anxiety is different, just like each person is different.
anxiety
Photo Illustration by: Elisa SwansonPhoto taken by: Emily Mann
-
MAY 13, 2016
focus18
Tips from the FHC hallwaysTAKE A DEEP BREATH - Focused on how to calm your body through slow, intentional belly-
breathing. Belly-breathing is free, location independent, and easy to implement
POSITIVE SELF-TALKING- An important thing to remember about anxiety, or being anxious, is
that it doesnt have to define you. Remind yourself of all the other great qualities you have.
ELIMINATE SODA-That morning jolt of joe can jumpstart your day and provide warmth and
comfort, but anything with high fructose corn syrup and 177 other ingredients will not.If youre
accustomed to that 3:00 p.m. Dr. Pepper, switch it out for a soothing green tea. Not only does the
caffeine jack up your central nervous system, soda depletes vitamins and minerals from your diet
and wreaks havoc on your smile.
PLAN A DAY TRIP- When you spend time in nature, you give your mind and body a much needed
break from the hustle and bustle
GO TO BED EARLY- This may sound impossible if youre accustomed to staying up late to catch
up on the to-do list. But this ones a MUST.
Sleep deprivation is a huge anxiety culprit. Inadequate shuteye can amplify the brains anticipatory
reactions, upping overall anxiety levels, according to research.
GET YOUR LAVENDER ON-Lavender oil has many healing properties and can be used as a
natural remedy to reduce anxiety and other nervous conditions
How to deal withanxiety
-
focus 19MAY 13, 2016
Mental Health HelplinesSt. Charles County Youth Connection Helpline 636-642-0642 or text BSAFE to 31658
Behavioral Health Response 314-469-6644 or 1-800-811-4760 TTY: 314-469-3638
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1 (800) 273-8255
National Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1-844-CAN TELL
Domestic Violence Crisis Lines 1.877.946.6854 or 636.946.6854 St. Charles County1.877.462.1758 Lincoln County
Online Resource DirectoriesOptions available for medical services, mental health, financial assistance, domestic violence, etc.communitycouncilstc.orgSearch Resource Directory
211helps.org
Search directory
Youth in Need 636-946-0101 ext. 1424
*Call to complete an intake for free and
reduced mental health counseling
Crider Center:
For Medical - Pathways Community Health
1-888-403-1071
For Mental Health Crider Center 636-332-
6000
for more hotlines and resources scan this QR codePhoto Illustration by: Elisa SwansonPhoto taken by: Emily Mann
-
in focus20MARCH 18, 2016
By Emily MannDiscover Editor
Junior Lyndsey Barillier, victim of social anxiety
disorder, meticulously and carefully plans each
and every part of her day; making sure she and
her actions are nothing worth noticing. It starts with
an outfit, she struggles to find something comfy-
but not a mess- so people dont talk about her, or
something cute-but not too cute- so people dont
talk about her.
The thoughts continue to race through her mind
as she walks downstairs to get breakfast, she is
on constant alert, even around her family. As the
day continues, she worries and panics just a bit
more and more, and the anxiety builds with every
step. What are they thinking about me? Do
they think Im dumb? Do they think Im ugly?
Do they think Im annoying? All of these thoughts
have buzzed through Barilliers mind, and it is not
even first hour, yet.
Body shaking, legs bouncing, arms scratching,
and adrenaline rising, Barillier goes into sensory
overload. She is focused on every single action
she is doing, and from her feet to her fingertips
she is anxious. So focused on everything around
her she finds herself unable to focus on anything
else but the feeling of being overwhelmed, and in
the moment nothing else matters besides getting
out of there. Every day, Barillier will repeat this
exhausting routine, as a victim of social anxiety.
When most think of social anxiety, large events;
such as prom, graduation, public speaking, and
award ceremonies, come to mind. As these
instances are situations in which social anxiety
can temporarily strike in an average persons life,
a victim suffering from social anxiety disorder
is faced with that same fear and worry, in many
forms and areas everyday situations, all the time.
Sophomore Megan Gereau, who also suffers
from social anxiety, describes her anxiousness as
something that leaves her in sensory overload, no
matter the time or place.
It just makes everything so much more
apparent, like the little things that most people
wouldnt think about, Gereau said. Even
something so small becomes something you think
about all the time.
Further, Gereau explains these thoughts are
inevitable, and one truly living with social anxiety
is not able to just turn it off or stop thinking that
way.
It is like you cant think, like the only thing that
goes across your mind is what is happening, or
whats making you anxious. [In that moment],
nothing else matters.
Barillier further explains these fears as a soft
undertone to her entire life and explains the
lengths that her anxiety puts her through.
Some days my friends want me to go out with
them and most days I dont know if I can, because
Im afraid to go out, Barillier said. [Some days] I
dont even want to leave the house because I am
just terrified.
You know in your mind you have no reason to be afraid but then you go out there and youre like well what if there is a reason though
-Lyndsey Barillier For senior Emily Tourville, her social anxiety
has shaped and affected her in such dramatic
ways that it has changed how other view her and
act around her.
Behind doors Im this really bubbly and giggly
and I want to make everyone laugh, Tourville
said. But when Im in social situations everybody
says Oh that girl is so dry, she has no personality,
shes so shy. And thats not me.
Mrs. Shannon Harting, educational support
counselor, feels social anxiety has the ability to
affect and drastically impact the victims life on
numerous playing fields, ultimately negatively in
all cases.
Mentally [when] the anxious thoughts get so
jumbled [and start] taking over with so many
competing things, mentally that much negativity
gets people down, affecting their mental health,
Harting said. This affects ones physical well
being because it brings on higher levels of anxiety
and depression, so you dont take care of yourself
as well it just takes a toll on your body to be
thinking negatively all the time.
Furthermore, Mrs. Harting explains social
anxiety is crippling to ones ability to live life
as everyone else. She further explains that
because of this, it starts a cycle; one of fear
and isolation.
[With social anxiety] its hard to make friends
its hard to participate in class its hard to
go out for sports its hard to have a job, Mrs.
Harting said. All of our realms have to do with
connecting with people, and when its harder for
you to connect [because of your social anxiety],
its isolating, and when youre isolated, it can bring
on depression.
Interpersonally connecting with one other
person is so key for people we are made to
connect as human beings. But when there is [so]
much fear, when youre always in fight or flight,
you may long for those connection, but then not
feel able to connect, so then you further and
further become more introverted or isolated,
Mrs. Harting said. The whole spectrum [of ones
life] is affected [when dealing with social anxiety]
from being able to survive in your school, to being
able to survive outside of your school the whole
spectrum gets affected.
Social anxiety is a jumble of racing thoughts, and
shaky movements. It is something that follows the
victim everywhere, and leaves them in feelings of
isolation, self hatred, paranoia.
Its like isolation, you constantly pick yourself
out and obsess over every little thing that you do
and you try to make it better...self hatred, you just
focus on literally everything bad about yourself,
Barillier said. Paranoia youre just constantly
worried about everyone. Youre like they hate me
they hate they hate me they think im so stupid
they think im so dumb they think im so fat like
its just any terrible thing that anyone could think
about you, you think they are.
social anxietya specific form of anxiety characterized by a discomfort or
a fear in a social interaction that involves a concern of being judged.
-
in focus 21MAY 13, 2016
Photo taken by: Amy WilkersonPhoto Illustration by: Emily Mann
-
MAY 13, 2016
MOVE22
Fresh start
By Elizabeth GergerStaff reporter
After winning second in state last year, girls soccer is back with coaches Derek Phillips, Eddie Mulholland, and new coach Taylor Yocum. Last season the girls lost to St. Teresas High School 6-1 in Blue Springs, MO in the state championship game.
Our expectations are to win conference and to be the best team in the state, said Coach Mulholland. Each year our expectations are the same.
This year, the team consists of five seniors, five juniors, one sophomore, and six freshmen. This is the most freshmen weve had on the varsity team in past seasons. In the 2015 season, there was only one freshman on the varsity team. In the 2014 season, there were three.
The freshmen make up most of the team, on average each has at least ten years of experience with soccer. They all play outside of high school with club soccer teams around the area.
With all the new recruits, the team hopes to meet its high expectations.
Freshmen talk about making the girls varsity soccer team
Jenna Mathis, #9
Molly Krispin, #16
MidfieldHas been playing for 11 yearsClub Team: Lou FuszItll be sucky to see the seniors go, but by the time were seniors I think well have a really solid team and itll be good until then too.
DefenseHas been playing for 10 years
Club Team: Lou FuszWere just like a big family, the seniors accept the
freshman. Its not like were divided by age or whatever, we all hang out and have a good time.
Photo by Morgan West
Photo by Morgan West
Jenna Mathis receives the ball during a game against Timberland.Mathis shared that she has confidence in her team and believes they will pull through and show intensity all season long.
Krispin lines up to send the ball up-field towards goal. She scored one goal for the team during this game against Timberland. She admits that be-ing a freshman on varsity comes with a lot of pressure, but she thinks she is preforming well.
Photo by Morgan West
Coach Eddie Mulholland gives a halfime speech during the game against Timberland on April 8. The Spartans won 2-1. He says that the decision of having six freshmen on the team came from wanting to pick the best players to help the team compete at a high level.
-
move 23MAY 13, 2016
Rayna Thomas, #7
Mackenzie Daiber, #23
Cailyn Hendrix, #18
Mariah Johnson, #22Defense
Has been playing for 9 yearsClub Team: Missouri Rush
I think we have a really good program right now, next year I know that theres a couple seniors leaving, but I think we have a lot of good younger kids also coming
in and theres a lot of great JV players also.
Striker and MidfieldHas been playing for 7 yearsClub Team: Real STLI think all the returning varsity players have a good chemistry together, but theres six freshmen that are new and its kind of hard to all mesh together, but I feel like Im doing that.
Midfield and forwardHas been playing for 10 years
Club Team: St. Louis Scott GallagherI felt like a lot of weight was on my shoulders, but it was just competing against [teammates during
tryouts]
Photo by Morgan West
Photo by Morgan West
Photo by Morgan West
Photo by Morgan West
Thomas taking the ball in to score a goal. She shares that the biggest challenge of being a freshman on varsity is pushing herself everyday to make sure she keeps her position.
Daiber during the second half of the Timberland game. After playing for 10 years, she hopes to win a state championship trophy with the team in the future.
Hendrix defending the Timberland ball during second half. She s been staying confident as a freshman on varsity, but admits that she does get nervous going up against bigger girls during games.
Johnson greets a Timberland opponent before the game. Johnson usually plays midfield or forward, but this season she took on the challenge of playing defense, a position she had no experiance in before.
DefenseHas been playing for 10 yearsClub Team: Lou FuszI feel like sometimes I need to get out there and work harder and just be up there more
-
MAY 13, 2016
MOVE24
By Leslie Sutton Staff reporter
Every moment fans spend sitting in the
bleachers, watching people compete in
their school sports, their minds are filled with
the fight they face. The desire to win, the
competition gaining on them, the sore, achy
muscles, the sweat pouring down their faces
- every moment on the sidelines is spent
thinking of the challenge. However, sometimes
the things the audience wont notice is what the
team member is dealing with - some things that
arent visible. A heart that flutters because of a
weak valve, an inability to breathe because of
cystic fibrosis and clogged lungs, a pressure
in the chest due to incorrect rib growth; not all
physical fights are visible.
Junior Jacob Baxley had dealt with Pectus
Excavatum as a swimmer at FHC for the past
three years.
You know how with your ribs, theres bone
and then theres cartilage? Well, the cartilage
part [of your ribs] deformed while you were
being born, so [your sternum] is kind of indented
in a way, its going into your body. So, basically,
over time, that gets deeper and deeper,
because youre growing, and as youre growing,
[your sternum] is going in, and it all depends
on severity, Baxley said. Mine was not too
severe, but it was getting to the point where it
was dangerous and I could start to feel it.
Although the condition caused him some
issues, he still continued to fight to hold his
place on the team.
After a prolonged session of exercise, I
started to feel a little short of breath, not light
headed, but I had a little trouble breathing, and
Id feel a little pressure [in my chest] and my
heart was beating, and pushing against my ribs,
Baxley said. I was short of breath, I still did pretty
good in my swim season, I didnt do terrible, [but]
I couldnt be in the water all the time.
Soon after this season, he decided it was
time to do something. His condition seemed
a bit dangerous, so he approached his doctor
about ways to improve his situation.
So theres two procedures that can be done.
One, they make two incisions underneath your
armpits, kind of where your ribs are, and basically
take a bar a big bar - and they slide it in, and
they twist it, its a curved bar, and kind of just
pops [the sternum] up, then it just stays there
for a long time, Baxley said. Theres another
procedure, which I did, where they basically go
in and get rid of the cartilage entirely. So they get
rid of it with a laser, and they raise your sternum
up, after that they put a bar, a smaller bar, and
then they put [in] a plate, which degrades over
time, so when they go in to get the bar, the plates
not there anymore; mines still there.
Surgeries like these are invasive and take
a lot of healing time, so they take a lot of
consideration. However, Baxley realized what
was at stake beyond the healing process.
This is a very common condition, one in
every 1,000 people have it, and it can be severe,
thats why you see some people with the big
braces and things, but luckily, mine was not
that bad. I just decided to get it fixed because
it was starting to become dangerous, so it
couldve become a bigger problem, Baxley
said. Theres one person I met who had it, and
he never really felt bad, but one time he got up
real quick and he fainted, and slammed his head
on the ground, and it was really bad.
For the procedure itself Baxley was under
the effects of anesthesia, however he could
recount what he remembered.
I went in, they did the whole anesthesia, I
was nervous, obviously, so basically they bring
you in and they give you an epidural, like they
give women who are pregnant, and then you
go to sleep, and then you wake up and its
like, oh. It was probably some of the worst
pain Ive experienced, Baxley said. So, after
that, you stay in the hospital for at least a week,
or two weeks depending on how bad it is, and
then after about two weeks, you leave, after
about a month or so youll start to feel better,
and yeah, thats about it.
Baxley is still in his healing period and lives
day to day with a metal bar in his chest as a
reminder of what he has gone through.
Right now, Im about two months in, so now,
for me, they said theyd bring [the bar] out
about November, so like after swim seasons
over, so itll still be in there, but for people who
did the other surgery, itd probably be in there
for at least two years, Baxley said.
From this procedure, Baxley is excited to
continue in sports at FHC and his daily life
without hindrance. Hes not sure exactly how
it will impact him and his abilities, but he is
hopeful for a successful future.
After I had [the surgery] done, I havent
gotten back to sports yet, and I dont know how
it feels. I feel as if its going to be fine, like Ill be
back to normal, I just cant do a lot of pulling
motions yet, I can kick fine though, Baxley said.
Im pretty sure itll help me breathe better, itll
help me be in the water more.
Baxley had a word of advice to anyone living
with Pectus Excavatum.
If anyone has it, I honestly suggest that you
go to a doctor just to check it out, just in case,
because you cannot be aware of how bad it
hurts you.
The invisible battleJunior Jacob Baxley continues to fight to participate
in sports despite a serious health condition
-
MOVE 25MAY 13, 2016
Freshman sportsInstead of playing 16 games and two tournaments, already two to
three weeks shorter than the JV or Varsity schedule, a typical freshman
schedule will include six to eight games and end with a GAC tournament.
This reduced schedule will not affect the JV or Varsity level.
For freshman boys basketball coach Scott Dauve, the reduced
schedule brings new challenges, as well as hinder the learning
experience that playing at the freshman level offers.
Reducing the time spent in a structured, learning environment would
limit their growth as a player, Duave said. As the freshmen coach, I try
to let all players get into each game. It doesnt always happen, but I try.
If we are playing fewer games I will probably reduce the amount of time
the bench/non-starting players are playing so that the best players get
enough time to understand and implement offensive and defensive skills
needed to play at the next level next year.
Cutting a coach in big programsBand, football, and track will all lose one coaching position in their
upcoming seasons. For football and track, this means not replacing
coaching positions left vacant. According to Band Director Nathan
Griffin, the head of the marching band program, the people who will be
most impacted by this decision are the students. While one less coach is
not something the program wanted, it could have been worse.
Everyone is feeling the crunch and everyone is trying to accept some
of the weight of these cuts. We are fortunate that it was not anything
more, Mr. Griffin said. Fees unfortunately have to go up in a situation like
this. Now losing just one staff member for a year means a small increase,
but ultimately the students and their families feel the burden in a situation
like this. We hope that this is a one year thing.
Student interest groups (any club or activity offered outside of school that is not a sport)
Three student interest group sponsors will no longer be paid. Prior to this
upcoming school year, our school had 12 student interest groups with paid
sponsors and now there will only be nine. For Mr. Harris, it is not as big of a
deal as it seems because our school already has multiple groups that have
sponsors that volunteer their time.
Weight room sponsorsFHC lost all three weight room coordinators, which means the weight
room will not be available every day after school the way it has been in
previous years. This will hinder anyone not affiliated with sports because
the school cannot have students in the weight room without supervision.
The only time the weight room will be open is when the coach of a
particular sport takes their team into the weight room and it will be closed
when the team is done working out.
For sophomore Conner McAfee this is an unfair cut to athletes out of
season or just people wanting to get a workout in after school. McAfee
uses the weight room every day outside of the volleyball season and
encourages people not playing sports to workout as well.
I dont think people will agree with [the cut] because not everybody is
with a team, McAfee said. If someones working out by themselves, they
should be able to work out by themselves when they want.
- Art Club- Cultural Awareness- Epsilon Beta (right)- Fellowship of Christian Athletes- Future Educators of America- National Art Honor Society- Table Tennis- Ultimate Frisbee (left)- Gay-Straight Alliance
Clubs that made the cut:
Due to the failed tax levy at the beginning of the year, the Francis Howell School district, as well as our school, prepares to make
cuts for the next school year. According to Activities Director Scott Harris the good news is transportation to and from activities
will remain untouched for the time being as long as transportation to and from school remains untouched. Other aspects of the
activities program will face some changes to accommodate the budget cuts.
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MAY 13, 2016
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27MAY 13, 2016
By Bri ShattoMove Editor
As children, we grow up admiring the adults in
our life, wanting to be exactly like them without
really knowing why or truly understanding there
are other opinions to be formed. As children, we
do not possess the complex thought process to
determine what we ourselves believe to be good
or bad without just accepting what our parents,
friends, or school teachers tell us.
However, here I am, an 18-year-old in high school,
and I see some of my peers who still refuse to
break free from the influences of those around
them in order to form their own ideas and opinions.
No matter where we go, we will always be
influenced by some sort of external ideas from the
people around us. What else can you expect? We
are social creatures who crave acceptance, but
this should not be an excuse for ignorance. To just
accept what we have been told is irresponsible,
and quite frankly, lazy.
We carry a world of knowledge in our pockets
almost always, and yet we tend to fall into a habit
of only using it to update the world that we are
drinking Starbucks or feeling less than happy
about waking up so early for school. Hardly
ever do we use these devices to challenge or
research what we hear or see around us.
We should not just totally disregard everything
our parents have taught us, or shut out any ideas
we hear around us. In fact, it is important that we
have that as a base for us to grow from, but we
should not completely let it consume our own
minds without questioning it.
We are a generation of technology, a generation
only possible because of creative minds and here
we are, settling for what we have been given
without exploring our options.We have allowed
ourselves to fall into the trap of familiarity and
comfort. Our biggest obstacle is fear.
It is so much easier to just accept what we
are told, for it is all we have ever done since the
beginning of our lives. But, if you are old enough
to choose your own classes, to make your own
decisions and to know you are responsible for
those decisions, you are absolutely old enough to
form your own opinion.
Dont just bandwagon things, like supporting
Bernie Sanders, or hating Donald Trump because of
the memes you see. Do your research, understand
the political process yourself, and make your opinion
based on what you have found to be true. It is so
much easier to just say yes to what your friends and
parents say, I know, but how boring.
Yes, it is terrifying to defy what you have always
known because there is always the possibility you
may find what youve always known to be true goes
against what you have found to be your own truth.
I know so well the fear of deciding to explore my
options outside of what I have grown up with, for I
once went to my parents with trembling hands and
explained to them that I was not going to blindly
accept Christianity just because that is all I ever
knew. I had decided I would do my own research
and land on a religion, or even no religion, based on
what I had experienced and learned myself.
I was not denying Christianity or removing it
from my life completely, I had just decided, for
me, it was important that I made the decision on
my own, yet it was still terrifying because it went
against what I had always been taught to accept.
But every person is different, as long as we
are living and breathing we will be taking in unique
information and making our own experiences,
which is where our thoughts and opinions and
prepositions will come from, and yes, sometimes
that is different from our friends and family, but
that is the fun of this thing called life. The most
important thing we can do is resist generational
ignorance by forming our own opinions and never
just settling for the easiest path in life.
Question the truthWe must escape ignorane through forming our own opinions
voice
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MAY 13, 2016
VOICE28
Cadence BippenPrint Executive Editor
The connotation of complacency suggests
satisfaction to the extent of no longer seeking
improvement or effort. In a classroom,
complacency is detrimental -- especially for
a school, such as ours, that aims for so much
accomplishment.
Student complacency is inevitable, and often is
diagnosed as senioritis. Its been a long 13 years
of school, and the future on the horizon is so, so
close, I can almost feel the biting Chicago winds
that await me.
But, I havent given up completely: I may have
quit putting on makeup and waking up at 6 am
every day, but I havent neglected my love for
learning. I may have mastered procrastinating
to the literal last minute, but I still get my stuff
done. I know the year isnt over yet, and I have my
whole life ahead of me to work towards. So when
teachers seem to have given up, some in as early
as November, students struggle.
The role of a teacher, as weve so often
been told, is to guide students. To an extent,
I understand this. As mature young adults, we
dont need to be spoon-fed answers, and we
can handle challenges. A lot of us want to be
challenged, because we know thats how we
grow as learners.
The difference is that some teachers work
their butts off to guide students,and some use
it as an excuse to be lazy they dont have to
teach, they just have to guide. Dont get me
wrong I really love a lot of my teachers. Even
if I dont like the class, I appreciate all of my
teachers as people and human beings. Its just
that, sometimes, its frustrating when my teacher
doesnt seem to want to do everything in his or
her power to help me succeed.
I know it sounds like thats asking for a lot,
and it is, but I know its doable because Ive had
teachers who made me feel that way before. I
know being a teacher is hard Ive been raised
by two. I hear the horror stories and I see the tears
of stress and anger, and I know students can be
awful sometimes. But I also hear the success
stories, and hear my parents cheers when the
student who has been struggling finally made
improvements. The old adage, Those who cant
do, teach, couldnt be any more wrong. Teachers
prepare the future of the world, and should
really be passionate about their job because it
truly is amazing. So, when I see my teacher not
burning with passion, and not excited to show me
something new, its disappointing.
I, like so many other students, have a passion to
learn and to be taught and to grow and get better.
When I see the goal on the board is a 70 percent, its
discouraging. I know I can be better than average
with some guidance, and Id hope that my teacher
sees that in me too. The point of these goals isnt to
meet them every single time and win the donut party,
but it is to have something to work towards, and
something actually worth celebrating when it is met.
Teachers expect respect, and students deserve
it too; for either group to receive it, it must be
reciprocated. Respect doesnt just mean using
manners and following the rules, but it means doing
your duty teachers should teach and students
should learn. I want my teachers to teach with
excitement, love, and happiness. I want them to be
open to new ideas and a change of pace, and to
attempt to keep us engaged through the very last
day of school. I want to want to learn, and the way a
teacher acts in class makes all the difference.
For teachers to expect respect, they need to display it as wellPhoto illustration by Mackenzie Morris and Cadence Bippen
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Will SillsStaff reporter
Businessman, television personality, celebrity,
president? Since last summer, Donald Trump
has taken the political world by storm with his
say what I want personality. Currently, Trump
leads the GOP nomination to be its presidential
candidate who will in turn take on the Democratic
presidential candidate for the highest office in
America, the President of the United States. Sure,
he talks a big game, but in reality, is he really
what America needs right now? In short: no, he
isnt; in fact, he will never be what America needs.
The wall
First off, lets address the elephant
in the room: Trumps precious wall.
Mr. Trump has proposed that, if elected
president, he will build a wall separating
the United States from Mexico. The
catch: Mexico will pay. Unfortunately, not
everyone shares his enthusiasm.
Former president of Mexico, Felipe Caldern,
has spoken out regarding the issue, saying that
Mexico wont pay for the wall.
We are not going to pay any single cent for such
a stupid wall, said Caldern. If this guy pretends
that closing the borders to anywhere either for trade
[or] for people is going to provide prosperity to the
United States, he is completely crazy.
Americans themselves seem equally negative
regarding the wall.
I think the idea of a wall is ridiculous, said
senior Cameron Lundberg. The mere idea of
building a wall and forcing others to pay for it is
stupid and will most definitely backfire.
His constant flipping and lying
Trump has been widely praised for not being
an institutional politician nor having any ties to
Washington D.C.. However, considering how often
he lies, flips, or contradicts himself on an issue, Im
kind of surprised that he isnt one.
Trump has preached about bringing
jobs back to the United States from
countries such as China. This message was
seemingly muddled, however, during the San
Bernardino killer fiasco in which Apple refused to
break into one of their own phones. In response,
Trump said that he would only use Samsung in the
wake of the controversy.
I use both iPhone & Samsung. If Apple doesnt
give info to authorities on the terrorists Ill only be
using Samsung until they give info.
Samsung, however, is not American. In fact, it
is a South Korean company with manufacturing
plants throughout Eastern Europe and Asia.
This is the same Trump that has boycotted
Oreo because they have a few manufacturing
plants in Mexico. Makes a lot of sense, doesnt it?
On top of it all, Trump has flipped several times
with his views on planned parenthood, abortion,
the Iranian nuclear deal, and even David Duke and
his Ku Klux Klan.
Earth Science teacher Kelly Struckhoff, a
normal working class adult with a job not relating
to politics, credits much of this to his lack of
knowledge and his poor word choice.
I dont think that its necessarily bad that he
flips, but I think that he should know what hes
talking about first, said Mrs. Struckhoff. He
doesnt have a filter, so sometimes I think he
talks about things he knows nothing about.
Torture
While in New Hampshire back in
February, Trump expressed interest in
bringing back forms of torture.
I would bring back waterboarding and
Id bring back a hell of a lot worse than
waterboarding, said Trump.
This came following a debate last winter in
which Trump talked about harming, and possibly
killing, terrorist families.
Frankly, that will make people think, because
t h e y [terrorists] may not care much
about their lives, but they do
care, believe it or not, about their
families lives, Trump said in
defense of his earlier quote.
Former director of the Central
Intelligence Agency Michael Hayden said
the military would potentially revolt if Trump truly
followed through.
If he were to order that once in government,
the American armed forces would refuse to act.
You cannot you are not committed, you are not
required, in fact youre required to not follow an
unlawful order. That would be in violation of all the
international laws of armed conflict, said Hayden
during his appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher
Trump, however, insisted the military would still
listen to him, regardless of laws preventing them to.
I know our soldiers, and I know our military
heritage and the American way of war through
study and experience. When well-led and well
trained, Americans who wear our countrys cloth
are pure in spirit and decisive in purpose. They will
go where they are sent, fight where they go, and
do everything to win where they fight.
In the end, no presidential candidate is without
flaw nor controversy. That said, the substantial
amount of flaws with T