North Star January Edition

St. LouisHOTspots

FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH Vol. 23 Issue 52549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303Jan. 14, 2009 Issue

Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of the

Registration is taking place for the 2009-2010 school year. Interested in being a part of the award-winning student publications at North? How about trying your hand at writing for the magazine? Maybe you have a design eye that the yearbook is looking for? Spend a lot of time on Facebook or Myspace or just surfing the Web? FHNtoday.com might be a great fit. Making videos on Youtube or just at home that your friends love? Thinking about getting into broadcast? The staff’s podcast might be right up your alley. Heck, are you even interested in pursuing a career in business? Maybe you could be the next Business Manager and get real-world experience as you would be in charge of the publica-tion’s advertising and budgeting.

Step 1: IntroSign up and take Journalism. It counts as a 1/2 English Credit toward the four you need for gradu-ation. In that class you will learn all you need to know to fit right in with the staffs. You also may take Digital Photojournalism but it does not count as an English credit, it does count as a Practical Art Credit though.

Step 2: StaffPass the intro class and you’re eligible to become a mem-ber of one of the staffs. They are co-curricular classes and credit is offered. Which one will you choose?

magazine

podcast yearbook

FHNtoday.com

For more information contact adviser Mr. Manfull in room 026 or email him at [email protected]

REGISTER NOW! Check out FHNtoday.com for more info.

2549 Hackmann RoadSt. Charles, MO 63303

As newly-appointed StuCo Presi-dent, Izzy Boyer will be heading the charge on Snowcoming.

THEWEB Come visit us at FHNtoday.com,your #1 place for Knightly news.

VOICE

HIGHLIGHT

LIFESTYLE

PLAYHARD

Co-Editors-in-Chief: Cami Wade, Tyler Kirk

& Jordyn Klackner

EditorsNews Editor: Barbara Jean PalmerFeatures Editor: Brittany Schulze

Sports Editor: Vicki ViehmanOpinions Editor: Chelsea KaufmanDir. of Photography: Sarah SemmelDigital Media Dir.: Andrew Hairlson

Copy Editor: Betsy BlanchardMarketing Director: Luke ChristisenBusiness Manager: Nathan BryantAd Design Editor: Xenia Klimenova

Podcast Editors: Tori Bowdenand Kaila Kamp

Online Editors: Katie Siebuhr, Jon Henderson and Katie O’Neil

03 Five students and one teacher became the first ever high school Iron Chefs in early December.

With the technology of today, up-to-the-minute conversations are becoming increasingly dangerous.

10 Making a career out of ghostly conversations, Betsy Belanger has become a paranormal investigator.

Without a diving team this year, the girls swim team focus’s on improving scores.

Senior Kyle Freeman has an uncle different than most: profes-sional wrestler Randy Orton.

Senior Vicki Viehman explains why she loves reading and stands up against its negative outlook.

With the winter season in full force, one student tells why dressing modest is the hottest.

www.FHNtoday.com 01

FHNtoday.com has added a new application to its front page, Twitter. Don’t know about Twitter? Well check out page 13 to find out what all the fuss is about.

The weekly newsletter, FHNtoday Express, will be receiving a design overhaul next week. Stay tuned on Monday.

On Friday, the North Star podcast will be posting their newest video, featuring a segment on how to make a scarf.

“Providing an open forumfor Francis HowellNorth since 1986.”

MAGAZ INE

page design cami wade and tyler kirk

THECOVERBuilt in 1965, the Gateway Arch

has become a national symbol of expansion, and acts as a St. Louis

hot spot for locals and tourists.

AdviserAaron Manfull

Freely distributed to FHNby the North Star staff.

21

03 20

15

38

H

L

P

V

02

08

21

23

26

28

02

27

Fareeha AmirBethany Brady

Jessica BremerElizabeth Diggs

Sam DulaneyRyan Firle

Kaitlyn FouchPat Flynn

Julia GabbertRachel Hunt

Joe JacobiMiranda Lindquist

Monica MartinezGabrielle MooreKieran MyersLydia NessJessica PayneLogan PoncheKatie RobertsonAllison ShefflerHanna ShermanLauren SkinnerLauren SmithKrissy Torkelson

General Staff

Nicki Wittman

06

FHNtoday.com

and see everything working out.“I think it’s a great thing. She’s

very organized, responsible and works well with others,” StuCo sponsor Jani Wilkens said. “It’s always a shame when you have turnovers like this. Grimshaw and I have been disappointed in that, but we still have great leaders who will get things in order.”

StuCo is trying their best to work together as a team and keep forging ahead with the new changes.

With the dance staying with the same theme, students can expect black lights and neon colors. Jeans and a cute top are acceptable for girls, and khakis, jeans or black slacks with a nice shirt is appropri-ate for guys.

President Boyer leads first event

www.FHNtoday.com02 page design elizabeth diggs and bethany brady

THEBRIEFS

With Snowcoming coming up, Stu-Co is working busily to prepare. This year’s dance will face a lot of change and many details are still in the works; however, it has been decided that it will be held Feb. 21 from 7-10 p.m.

The biggest change is that StuCo has a new president, senior Izzy Boyer. Boyer was bumped up to president over the Winter break. All other members of the office and cabinet were bumped up as well. With Boyer as the new president, her main focus right now is the Snowcoming dance.

“My first priority is Snowcoming and getting all the details ready and the committees lined up,” StuCo President Boyer said. “I feel like I can do it. All I can do is try my best.”

Though this is a big change for Boyer, many believe in her as a leader

Robotics competelauren skinner

barbara jean palmer

Winterguard has first competition

The robotics club - which of consists of students from all three Howell schools - will be joining other students from around the country on April 15 in Atlanta, Ga to see who can make the best robots.

To help with hotel and registration costs, the club has received donations from major companies such as Boeing and Cuivre River Coop. However, in order to buy the parts that they will need to build their robot, the team needs to raise over $1,000.

“In the past we have won numerous awards,” Kathleen Seznak said. “Once we won an inspire award, which really means a lot to me since I work so hard to try and pull all of the students to do their best and work together.”

Members hope to utilize this competition to not only bring home awards, but to sharpen their skills.

“This year I am hoping to familiarize myself with the new control system,” Francis Howell High junior John Faulkner said. “I also hope to start teaching a lowerclass-man the ways of programming so the club will have a programmer when I go off to college.”

Senior Kelly

Warden stretches in prepa-ration for practice.

Winter-guard’s

first competi-

tion will be later this

month. (file photo)

elizabeth diggs

Scheller, Wilkens make their mark

To see photos from snowcoming, go to FHNtoday.com on Feb. 22.

Winterguard will be attending their first competition on Jan. 31 at Missouri State University. There will be 40 other guard groups in the entire competition, with 10-12 in their class. In order to prepare, choreographer and director Duane Williams leads his 10 Winterguard members through three and a half hour practices three times a week and eight-hour rehearsals on a few Saturdays.

“We’re getting there,” Williams said. “We’re still learn-ing the shows and we hope to have the entire show ready by the first contest.”

Two sophomores on this year’s Winterguard, Sarah Sutton and Beth Kruse, both agree that this year’s guard is faster-paced than it has been in previous years. Both Sutton and Kruse enjoy guard for various reasons and are excited to participate in their first contest of the year.

“My favorite part of guard is seeing everyone everyday and hanging out in the hotels,” Sutton said. “We are like one big family.”

Prior to the competition, Winterguard will perform at the Parent Preview on Jan. 29 in the small gym.

For a quick preview on what robotics members are planning on taking to the competiton in April go to FHNtoday.com on Jan. 16

Late last year, Lindsey Scheller and Jani Wilkens joined five of their colleagues in the English department by becoming board certified. Scheller and Wilkens spent one year and two years, respectively, to complete their certification, and endured a difficult process to gain their certification:

What’s it take?Take a look at the process the Wilkens and Scheller went through to become board certified.

Teachers must create four portfolios, each containing 15 typed pages, analyzing them-selves as teachers.

1.

They must submit two videos of in-class teaching.2.

infographic tyler kirk

They must take six self-evaluation tests, each one taking 30 minutes to complete3.

This year, Stu-dent Council will be holding its second Blizzard Blackout on Feb. 21 in the Commons. Last year, this winter dance was a big success and StuCo rented black lights, neon paint and glow in the dark bubble makers to complete the theme. (file photo)

Each of these steps is part of the difficult process of self-evaluation that these teacher’s endure in order to become nationally board certified.

Jani Wilkens, English School: Hope College in West Michigan, under grad; UMSL, Master’s

Why did you want to become certified? It’s a really reflective process, so it helps me to look back and decide what needs to be changed in my teaching.

How did it feel when you found out you were board certified? It was very exciting. It felt as good as when I got my Master’s degree.

Lindsey Scheller, English School: UMKC, under grad; Lindenwood, Master’s

Why did you want to become certified? It gives me so many opportunities to reflect back on how I was teaching and now I know the best way to teach.

How did it feel when you found out you were board certified? I had never had to work so hard at anything in my life, so it was great to accomplish it. It was wonderful.

Date for StuCo’s Blizzard Blackout has been made

Cooking classes compete at Central

Q:

03www.FHNtoday.com

On Friday Dec. 12, FHN participated in the district’s first cooking competition at Howell Central. FHN’s cook-ing team - composed of sophomores Danielle Schinker, Taylor MacMann, Darin Voyles, Andrew Cisneros, and junior Kayla Baker - competed against teams from Central and Howell.

“We decided on an Indian theme, so we made Bombay chicken, bosmotti rice, curried sweet potatoes, and a cucumber salad,” Schinker said.

They had been practicing both after school and on weekends since before fall break. Teams were judged on presentation, taste, the healthiness of the meal, safety, and sanitation. FHN’s team came in first place, winning certificates and gold medals.

The team was chosen through an after-school tryout. Out of the approximately 20 students to try out, only five were chosen to compete based on their ability to follow a recipe, work together, and have a good end product.

“One thing I was very impressed with was that all of our kids but one are sophomores in their first semester of foods. The kids from the other schools are all seniors in the sixth semester. So it was like rookies vs. pros,” foods teacher and coordinator Rebecca Crawford said.

ONLINEWith first semester out of the way, this year’s

eighth-graders are already preparing for their freshman year. Counselors met with them on Jan. 12 to run over course selections and decisions for their high school years.

The counselors will have a power point for the stu-dents and forms that need to be filled out and returned to the students’ current middle school counselors.

“[As an eighth-grader] it was helpful to meet with counselors, because it helped me plan my classes,” freshman Shane Gleaves said. “I felt excited for all of the new chances.”

Following this is an introduction night on Jan. 20

1.

2.

3.

Go to FHNtoday.com to see pictures from Winterguard’s first competition on Feb. 2.

For a preview of what’s to come for graduation plan-ning for senior officers and delegates, go to FHNtoday.com on Jan. 15.

jessica payne

julia gabbert

Go to FHNtoday.com for your Knightly news.

For a quick recap story on Fraufest and for photos go to FHNtoday.com on Feb. 6.

Chopping sweet potatoes, Kayla Baker rushes to prepare a meal for 30 within a two-hour time period during the Iron Chef Competition Dec. 12. (stephanie graflage)

Q&A

For a quick recap on the Clothing Drive, go to FHNtoday.com on Jan. 31.

page design elizabeth diggs and bethany brady

A: Q:

A:

What is your bands name? And what kind of music do you play?

Axium is the band’s name and [we play] heavy rock with some metal/Punk.

Have you played in Fraufest before?

This will be our first year, we haven’t gotten to play in the past due to conflicting plans.

Q:A:

When did you become a band and what inspired you to start one?

We all just decided to jam together one day and thought we should start the band.

Q&A with Billy Rivers, Jake Seamon and Tommy Roam.

with band

Fraufest

Fraufest will be held on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Buy a ticket for $5 and see FHN bands showcase their talent for all.

Infographic bethany brady and elizabeth diggs

Class of ‘13 freshmen register for classesfor eighth grade students and their parents. It will be held in North’s large gym at 7 p.m. Here coun-selors will once again speak to the new freshmen and have another program to go over. For private school students, this will be their first meeting.

“In February we’re returning once again to meet and review the students’ course selections,” counselor Tom Daugherty said.

At this February meeting, the counselors will double check the students’ selections and finalize what they want to sign up for.

B M W

3755 Mexico RoadSt. Charles, MO 63303

(636) 949-8181

Bogey Rd.

Old Muegge Rd.

Mexico R

d.

KENMARK IMPORT SERVICE & TIRE CENTER INC.

Lloyd

CompanyTax Planning & PreparationAccounting & Bookkeeping

Business ConsultingEstates & Trusts

Certi� ed QuickBooks Advisors

ACCOUNTANTS & ADVISORS

40 Portwest Court St. Charles, MO 63303

636.946.3411“Work Hard - Play Hard”

Free small frywith the purchaseof any sandwich

coupon valid with any sandwich purchase excluding junior steakburger

North Star

1460 Jungerman RoadSt. Peters, MO 63376

636-441-3351

Expires: 6-1-09

BUSINESS START-UP

INCOME TAX

St. Peters/O’Fallon

2073 Zumbehl RoadSt. Charles, MO 63303

(636) 947-4277

Student Special10 Tans for $35

(Regular Beds Only)

Airbrush Spray Tan

$30

15% o� All ProductsExpires: 2/28/2009

Howell North - North Star

Think you’re too busy for exercise?Think again! At Switch Fitness for

Women, you can complete the quickstart workout in just 18 minutes.

Switch Fitness for Women is located at 8612 Mexico Rd. in O’ Fallon.

(636) 970-2444

Open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PMMonday through Friday

8:00 AM to 4:00 PMon Saturday.

For more information please call,

or visit our website at

www.switch�tness.com

Get your color fix.

Imagine your world awash with color - rich, gorgeous shades that’ll make you look twice. I’m talking sheer mineral makeup that glides on and stays on. And fearless looks that are ready to wear anywhere. Ask me about ideas that’ll awaken your inner makeup artist!

Dawn MyersIndependent Beauty Consultantwww.marykay.com/dmyers4 (636) 922-2109

Barber

#9 Charlestowne P12St. Charles, MO 63303

636.447.3077

Chervil Dr.

Westport Dr.

Caul

ks H

ill R

d.

S Old Hwy 94

Hwy 94

PowderRoom

the

ManicuresPedicuresSkin CareHair CareWaxingBare Minerals Make-upPurses, Jewelry, and Gifts

Hours Mon. 9-6Tues, Wed, Thurs. 9-8 Fri. 9-5 Sat. 9-4

apowderroom.com

4075 Highway 94 SSt. Charles, MO 63304

(636) 928-9757

ENTERTAINMENTMobile DJ Service

Gary Hairlson

* Parties*Sweet 16’s*Reunions

Weddings*

(314) 556-4279

† JOHN 14:6 PROVERBS 16:3

www.dynamicsalescoinc.com

9419 Koenig Circle Berkeley, MO 63134

314-428-2702

Since 1966 - A Proven Leader

Supplying Construction & Industrial Customers for

more than 40 years!

1665 Scherer Pkwy St. Charles, MO 63303Phone: 636-946-5900

Zumbehl Rd.

Hwy. 94

Scherer Pkwy.

Friedens Rd.

Providing quality car care in St. Charles, MO since 1984.

Vehicles Serviced: Domestic and Popular ImportsAlso open Saturdays 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

SEARCH & RESCUE

www.FHNtoday.com 06 page design nicki wittman

Powell takes in canines to become part of SCCSRR

On a typical day in 2004, Patty Powell was sitting in her living room with her dog Da-kota enjoying a nice evening of watching

TV. She was flipping through the channels when she stopped at a show on police dog training. At the end of the program, a man came on the screen asking if anybody was interested in dog training to call the number on the screen. Interested, Powell called.

On New Years Eve she got a call back from a John Beck asking her to head to Nebraska for a week-long seminar. In April of 2005 Powell went to Nebraska and learned the basics of tracking and trailing training.

“It was the best week of my entire life,” Powell said. “I had so much fun. I had a blast.”

When she got back from Nebraska, she taught her dog Dakota the new tracking and trailing skills used to find someone with a scent already given to them.

She eventually came across a story in a magazine about search and rescue dogs - dogs that find someone without a scent given to them. She decided to call a number found in the story to get more information. She got a hold of her soon-to-be first search and rescue dog trainer, Mike

Weiderhold.“Mike was one of the best trainers on this

planet,” Powell said. “He really knew what he was doing.”

Weiderhold informed her if she was interested in training she should get a Malinios breed dog because of their energetic and persistent attitude. On July 6, 2006 a Belgium Malinios named Contessa, was born. That Labor Day weekend, Contessa - now known as Tess - found a new home with Powell.

“I didn’t pick Tess, Tess picked me,” Powell said. “When I went to go see the dogs, Tess kept running after me and trying to climb over the little wall to get to me. I thought that was pretty cool.”

After training Powell and Tess for awhile, Weiderhold told her about Stacy Shaver, another dog trainer who has been training for seven years and has trained over 20 dogs. Shaver lived closer to Powell and they now get along very well.

“Oh I instantly liked her,” Powell said. “She was awesome.” Shaver then began to train Powell for the many tests and obstacles that she will have to go through.

“First of all, its not a hobby, it’s a job. It’s

very time consuming,” Shaver says to all her first trainees. “You are out in all kinds of weather. There is heat, rain, snow, ticks, poison ivy, snakes, skunks, and so much more.”

For a dog to become a certified wilderness search and rescue dog, the trainer and their dog have to pass many tests. The tests usually consist of finding a certain amount of people in a certain amount of time in 20-160 acres of wilderness, daytime or nighttime in many different kinds of weather and terrain.

“The first time you go outside at night, it’s just you and your dog, pitch black, new territory, 40 acres,” Shaver said. “That is the test that really bonds you with your dog. You realize that they are your partner. You find out how smart dogs really are.”

Powell and Tess now work with the St. Charles County Search and Rescue (SCCSRR) along with Shaver, firefighter Kristi Thurman with her dog Coco, Terry Knipp with his dog Chrissy and Tom and Jen Rausher with their dog Nicka.

“We all are good friends,” Thurman said. “We are more than a team, we are a family. We protect and support each other.”

They all volunteer to train these dogs so that maybe one day they could actually help someone.

“Dog training is very important,” Shaver said.

jamie brannan

Tessie, left, is a Belgium Malimois who is a certified NASAR (National Association Search And Rescue) dog who was received as a pup by owner Patty Powell. As her way of alerting Patty she found something, tessie will run up and push her over and run back to the person. (andrew hairlson)

Tessie is seen here receiving her reward for finding a lost person: a tennis ball. Tessie is able to clear an 80 acre field in 11 minutes by making big tracking circles. (andrew hairlson)

Local citizen trains dogs for the benefit of the community and personal joy

SearchRescue

SEARCH & RESCUE

07page design nicki wittman

Powell takes in canines to become part of SCCSRR

“Wondering if their loved one is dead or alive ... these are things that parents go through and you just want to help. When you have a dog that can bring closure to them, it really does make a difference.”

Powell and Tess have now been working together for over two years. They have been through a lot together and have had what Powell considers a very successful year. Tess is now certified in SCCSRR wilderness and the National Association for search and rescue Area Search I, meaning Tess can be used for any missing person in a wilderness environment. Tess is currently training for Human Remains Detection.

“People say that Tess is Brilliant,” Powell said. “It is utterly amazing what these dogs do.”

Pam Seyer, a very proud friend of Powell says that this experience has changed Powell into a caring, disciplined, and sharing person.

“I don’t see her dropping this anytime soon,” Seyer said. “Not until at least she is in a walker.”

Powell agrees that she isn’t going to stop anytime soon. She loves her dogs and loves seeing them work.

“I can be so dead tired and having the worse pos-sible day but when I am asked to train I forget about everything and train,” Powell said. “It’s the neatest experience.”

What makes a search and rescue dog different from your everyday pet?

WorkaholicsSearch dogs are on a consistent routine, strict diet and exercise program are all required.

24/7Disaster Search Dogs are with their handlers close to 24 hours a day, every day: at home, on the job, on vacation, wherever the handler needs to be.

The Nose Search Dogs are trained to focus on one scent: live humans buried under rubble. In order to find the victim as quickly as possible, the dog learns to ignore all other scents and noises.

Magic PawsThe dogs are able to negotiate unstable, slippery and uneven surfaces while keeping absolutely focused on the job at hand.

1

2

3

4

www.FHNtoday.com

From left to right: Tessie, owner Patty Powell, Dakota, Boris, Linda Lott, a social studies teacher at FHN, Pepper. Boris, Dakota, and Pepper are all Rotweilers that Linda got, in 1991, for draft-cart pulling. (andrew hairlson)

Powell throws Tessie the tennis ball after finding the “missing person.” Powell received Tessie as a pup. “It was like Tessie chose Patty,” Linda Lott said. “She just kept watching and following her.” (andrew hairlson)

With all of today’s new technology, text mes-saging while driving has become more trendy and dangerous than ever before.

Now with touch-screen Blackberrys, iPhones and phones with built-in MP3 players, many find it hard not to get excited over it. Though these new gadgets can be fun, they can be a serious threat to safe driving. Text messaging demands a high level of attention which when behind the wheel should be directed only towards driving. Doing it while driving causes the driver to take their eyes off the road, making them less conscious of cars around them and more likely to get into an accident. Not only does it make the driver lose focus, but it even requires them to remove one or both hands from the wheel. However, as text messaging while driving becomes a larger danger everyday, teenagers continue to do it.

“Cell phones are convenient, but text messaging [requires] a high level of attention,” Police Officer Matt Jacobson said.

Jacobson agrees that text messaging in the car is a distraction. Even though phones are often perceived as a convenience, they can be as equally dangerous as drink-ing and driving. Jacobson estimates that approximately 80 percent of teens text while driving. According to parentingteens.suite101.com, nearly 50 percent of teenagers will openly admit to text messaging while driv-ing. Jacobson thinks there should be a law prohibiting it in Missouri, but does not think teenagers would stop texting while driving entirely.

“Teenagers normally do not consider the consequences,” Jacobson said.

Parents seem to share the same views as Jacobson. Most teenagers think parents overreact about texting, while in reality many just worry about today’s young drivers, and their lack of experience behind the wheel.

“It’s not that they’re careless, it’s that they’re inexperi-enced,” local mother Beverly Fogliani said.

Besides law enforcement, parents also agree a law pro-hibiting texting while driving should be passed in Missouri. Many think it would cause less accidents.

“I feel very strongly about having a law enforcing that you aren’t allowed to text and drive,” Fogliani said. “It’s very dangerous.”

Students, on the other hand, think texting while driving is not as big of a deal. Sophomore Cat Pherigo admitted to text messaging while driving. Pherigo thinks if its possible to eat as you drive and still pay attention, you can text because that isn’t even as messy or distracting. Many teens would agree it is not a big deal and that adults overreact.

“I can keep one hand on the wheel and both eyes on the road and still text message because I know where all of the keys are on my phone, so really it is no more dangerous than eating while driving,” Pherigo said. “Actually that’s probably more dangerous because it is messy.”

However, not all teens share this sentiment. Sophomore Chip Dozier claims he does not text while driving, and thinks it is at the top of the list of most dangerous driving distrac-tions.

“I kind of think it should be banned because there are too many other people out there on the road not paying atten-tion,” Dozier said. “And that’s kind of dangerous.”

TTYL

www.FHNtoday.com 08

when

+Before you drive, tell your friends you will be driving so they will not text you to distract you.

+Turn your phone off so you won’t be tempted.

+Try having your passenger text for you. Have them read your received text and tell them what to reply.

+If you have to text, pull over.

Texting while driving is becoming increasingly dangerous. Try these

instead.

page design sam dulaney

taylor crittenden

‘LOL’becomes dangerous

alternatives to texting while driving

Texting is a huge part of a teenager’s lives, and many teenagers are making the dangerous decision to text while driving. (photo illustration by cami wade)

It’s hard not to notice the Science Center’s big dome.

This dome, known as the Omnimax, is used for projecting many movies. One show currently playing is titled “Mysteries of the Great Lakes.”

“I heard it was very interesting, a must see!” audience member Bill Higgins said.The “Mysteries of the Great Lakes” is a way to experience the Great Lakes like never before: on

the Omnimax screen. It has a 15,000 watt sound system and film ten times larger than a regular theater.“The technical aspects like the broad screen and surround sound makes you feel like you’re there,” Higgins said.

This movie not only informs viewers of the history of the Great Lakes, but also raises awareness about the different ani-mals that are near extinction due to pollution of the Lakes’ waters by the human race, and what measures can be taken to stop it.

“It’s very educational, very informative, and interesting to see on the big screen,” usher Brittany Tabor said.The video focuses primarily on the nearly-extinct sturgeon that lives in the Great Lakes. The sturgeon has been in the lakes for 150

million years, and has depreciated by 99 percent in the last 200 years. Most of them were wiped out when the Europeans came over and burned them for fuel. Now biologists are trying to save the sturgeons by gathering eggs and relocating them to eight different rivers in the Lakes.

“It’s very enlightening and informative,” Higgins said. “It touches on a subject people don’t know a lot about.”The show is aimed towards an adult audience, but the featured wildlife has made it an enjoyable event for younger age groups and families too.

“I think it’s for all ages,” audience member Jason Cole said. “My son loved it and he is three.” This show will remain at the Science Center through April 16. Admission is set at $8 for adults and $7 for kids and is being played at different times

between 9:30 a.m-5 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m. on weekends. On Tuesdays senior citizens can view the show for $5. “It’s not boring at all,” audience member Atlas said. “I always recommend people to see it.”

O

mnimax

www.FHNtoday.com 09page design barbara jean palmer

allyson rebhan

Science Center projects movie on a grand scale screen until April 16The Omnimax plays “Mysteries of the Great Lakes”

presents...

Located in the Saint Louis Science Center, the Omnimax Theatre is the home to a four-story screen which displays several different shows throughout the year. Currently, the Omnimax is showing “Mysteries of the Great Lakes”. Adult tickets are $8 and child tickets are $7. (sarah semmel)

www.FHNtoday.com10

Betsy Belanger can communicate with spirits. Standing under the dimly-lit, orb-

like lamps that hang low from the ceiling, her eyes are closed. The Monday night tour group at the historic Lemp Mansion sits in awed silence as they watch intently. In her hands is a pair of dowsing rods which face straight forward. The one in her left hand indicates the word “yes.” In the right hand, “no.”

“Is there a spirit here with us tonight?” She asks the air around her. The rod in her left hand begins to move

on its own, now pointing to the side. She opens her eyes.

Yes.She has been able to do this for over 15

years. Starting out working at a local theatre, Belanger never expected her life to make such a turn.

“I have really been able to do this since I was a girl,” Belanger said. “But I never had anyone to talk to about it.” The room has a mixed response. A wom-an in front begins to breathe heavily and hold her chest, asking about how claustro-phobic the house will get. On the other side of the room, a group of teen boys glance at each other and role their eyes. A red-haired boy whispers something to another and they

snicker. They’re skeptical. Betsy sets down her rods and smiles. “Then let’s get started.” Every Monday night, Belanger goes through this same routine. Taking a group of people through the Mansion, she explains the history of the Lemp family and the paranormal experiences that occur in their house. As the tour draws to a close, Betsy takes the group up to the attic for the dark room experience. Here is where most of the activity takes place. The same woman who felt claustrophobic at the beginning of the tour begins breathing heavily and lays her head on her friend’s shoulder. Scared voices around the dark room begin to fill the silenced room.

page design chelsea kaufman

Themysteriesof the MansionBelanger takes her love of the paranormal to the next level...

chelsea kaufman

11www.FHNtoday.compage design chelsea kaufman

Someone just walked in the room!”“It’s freezing over here…”“Did you just here that?” A woman sitting on a bed gasps. She

can feel a dog at her feet.“Oh, that’s just the dog,” Betsy explains.

“She goes wherever people usually are.”“Is she the one that was killed?” A voice

from the corner asks.Betsy’s silhouetted figure nods.As the tour begins to draw to an end,

guests are both shaken and excited. The group of teen boys who were seemingly skeptical at the beginning of the tour are now silent as they make their way back down the spiral staircase and back to the dining room. The red haired boy, Tyler McGuire, walks towards Betsy, who is holding a pair of dowsing rods again.

“That was insane.” Belanger is not sure where what lies

down the road. One thing is for certain, however: she’ll always be with what she likes to call her “ghostly friends.”

“It was an unexpected turn in my life,” Belanger said. “But I’m glad that it happened. It’s not an everyday job you hear about and always makes for a good conver-sation starter. I’m not sure how long I’ll do it. Probably forever. We’ll just wait and see where life takes me.”

Located at 3322 DeMenil Place, St. Louis, The Lemp Mansion is believed to be one of the most

haunted places in Missouri. The mansion now acts as a Bed and Breakfast, allowing its guests to stay overnight. The Lemp Mansion also offers a murder mystery dinner theatre as well as tours of the facil-

ity. (katie robertson)

Belanger takes her love of the paranormal to the next level...

Are you inquisitive, interested in health and wellness, love

math and science, and enjoy helping people?

Earn a degree that allows you to benefit individuals and

the community. Become an integral part of a close-knit

campus with more than 40 student organizations.

Take advantage of the surrounding Central West End medical community,

the expertise of faculty, and all St. Louis has to offer.

4588 Parkview PlaceSt. Louis MO 63110-1088 TEL: 314.367.87001.800.2STLCOPwww.stlcop.edu

The Oswald Law Firm, LLC

Most Traffic Tickets $60.00

$60.00 Rate is for Students, Parents of Students, Faculty, and Staff of Francis

Howell North High School who mention this ad

3159 Fee Fee Rd., Suite 211, St. Louis, MO 63044Tel: (314) 770-0975 Fax: (314) 770-1975

Email: [email protected] choice of a lawyer is an

important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements

FREE COLLEGE TUITION!!

SERVE PART TIME CLOSE TO HOME WHILE GOING TO COLLEGE FOR FREE!!

CALL THE ST. PETERS TEAM @ 636-278-6088

FREECOLLEGE

TUITION!!

Serve Part Time close to home.While going to college for FREE

Call the St. Peters Team

(636) 278- 6088

Academy of BeautyPivot Point member School

Bring in this coupon for 50% o� any service $20 or more

On Wednesdays and ThursdaysValid through

March 31, 2009Please call for appointment

Cosmetology Nail tech Instructor Training

636-447-06505065 Highway N Cottleville, MO

www.praob.edu

Education By Design

Now enrolling for 2009 classes. Please call for details.Financial Aid available for those who qualify. All services performed by students

under the supervision of licensed instructors

What are you doing?

Home Profile Find People Settings Help Sign out

Latest: Twitter is a social networking site, like Facebook, that allows you to use 140 characters to answer one simple question: What are you doing? less than 5 seconds ago

update

FHNtoday

184 203 26updatesfollowersfollowing

Home

@Replies

Direct Messages

Favorites

Everyone

Following add

View All...

Not every tweeter is boring, mind you. Some of your favorite celebrities take a few seconds out of their day to tell you what they’re up to.

lancearmstrong The seven-time Tour de France winner keeps you updated on his excursions, sending many pictures via the Twitter-friendly photo site TwitPic.

diablocody The Oscar-winning writer of “Juno” let’s you into the far corners of her odd mind, mostly offering hilarious depictions of what she’s up to.

jimmyfallon This former SNL funny man comedically fills you in on his day-to-day encounters/experiences and frequently replies to his followers’ tweets.

Like MySpace, Twitter allows you to redesign your profile by offering many font colors, as well as the option to create your own background.

Have something to say about a follower’s tweet? Comment on it with an @Reply, which can be seen by all of your follow-ers and is not private.

As you know, anything you post on the internet is pretty much on the Web forever. Direct Messages can easily keep your conversation private.

If you find yourself bored with the people you’re following, take a look at what everyone else is doing with these up-to-the-second updates.

If you come across a brilliant or hilarious tweet, mark it as a favorite and it’ll go here, allowing you to look back on it when you’d like.

darthvader Even the Sith master tweets. Luke’s masked father lets you into his hilarious life on Earth, often falling victim to simple, everyday tasks.

Twitter even has its own lingo - updates are referred to as ‘tweets,’ and updaters are known as ‘tweeters.’ Also, friends are now followers.30 minutes ago from FHNtoday.com

FHNtoday

Editor’s note: Every sentence and/or state-ment on this page is 140 characters or less, including the one you’re reading at this very moment.about 22 hours ago from FHNtoday.com

FHNtodayDevice Updates

phone off

You can even tweet when you’re away from your computer with mobile Twitter and iPhone/iPod Touch applications like Twitterrific and Tweetie.

140

www.FHNtoday.com 13 page design tyler kirk

ljponche Unlike other networks, Twitter allows you to be personal with a smaller group. Twitter is just you, your updates, and your friends’ updates.about 1 hour ago from web

jordynklackner TwitPic adds a nice visual flair to your post. Don’t just tell, download TwitPic and let your fol-lowers see what you’re up to at the moment.about 3 hours ago from txt

bschulze Twitter is very simple - I log on, tell everyone what I’m doing, then log off. I don’t have to go through notifications about relationships.about 6 hours ago from TwitterBerry

tlkirk Unfortunately, Twitter doesn’t allow you to edit your tweets once you’ve selected ‘update.’ Once you tweet, you’re stuck with what you said.about 12 hours ago from Twitterrific

betsykay When I reply to someone’s status, the comment shows up on my own page as an update and it’s hard to tell which specific status I replied to.about 18 hours ago from web

Bored?You don’t have to be...

This month the North Star looks into a few places in the STL that can tame your winter boredom

Located a few minutes away from the Arch, Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym contains 10,000 square

feet for climbers of all skill to test their abilities. Classes are also available for those who want to get

more serious about climbing or get belay certified. (sarah semmel)

People pass by the display dinosaur at the Saitn Louis Science Center. The Science Center also has a Build-A-Dino store where visitors can make their own stuffed animal dinosaurs. Visiting the Science Center is free to all visitors. (sarah semmel)

“Thanks to SCC, I am prepared for college, and have taken a leap forward in my four-year plan.”

Register Today.To enroll at SCC, call 636-922-8000or visit www.stchas.edu.

Brianna BernardySCC Dual Enrollment ParticipantFrancis Howell Central Alum, 2008Freshman at Truman State University

Need help with your ACT, SAT testing, AP Classes, or

CLEP testing? All you need is your library

card. Visit:www.youranswerplace.org

Click on the links LearnATest &

Testing & Education Reference Center

-Immediate Scoring-Complete Answer Explanation

-Individual analysis of your Results.

www.FHNtoday.com 19page design ryan firle

Gir

ls S

wim

Harold Ritchie, 10

You know them, you love them, and you support them, but you don’t always know who’s who. Each month the North Star will highlight an athlete from each team. We asked these players about their favorite part of their sport and what

their season goals are.

MEET THE TEAM PLAYER SPOTLIGHT,

“I love getting to meet new people and being a role model for the freshmen on the team.”Years swam: since age 14

Season goal: “I just want to make it to the end of the season without quitting.”

“I like that no one else can ruin it for you. It’s all on you.”Years played: “I’ve been into it my whole life because my dad was coaching even before I was born.”

Season goal: “I want to be in the top three in state this year.”

Gir

ls B

aske

tbal

l

Fiona Brooks,11

Bo

ys B

aske

tbal

l Andre Wooten, 10

“Being with my friends on the court. It’s a very social sport. You see a lot of friends from other schools too.”Years played: since age 8

Season goal: “To be the best I can on defense and contribute to the team however I can.”

“I just love the to play the game, and I love its intensity.”Years played: since age 10

Season goal: “My goal is to average 12 points a game.”

Kni

ght

line

Katie Stepanek, 9

Che

erle

adin

g Katy Sullivan, 12

“My favorite part is bonding with all the girls and getting to know them better.”Years played: since age 9

Season goal: “I just want us to do the best we can at Nationals, and I want to spend as much time with the girls as I can.”

“Pretty much keeping the spirit up for the whole school is my favorite.”Years cheered: since age 14

Season goal: “I just want to improve our communication and tumbling to overall improve everything we do as a squad.”

Ho

ckey

Robby Friedlein, 11

Bo

wlin

g

Kyle Buxton, 10

“My favorite part of hockey is the speed of the game. The nature of how fast the game is played is what I love.”Years played: since age 7

Season goal: “As a team we just want to win the Wickenheiser Cup, which is our end of the year tournament.”

“I like hanging out with my friends while I’m bowling.”Years played: since age 9

Season goal: “I want to get a 165 average by the end of my season.”

Wre

stlin

g

Lizzie Johnson,11

Knightline dances to Nationals

On Saturday Dec. 6, the Varsity Knightline squad participated in a dance competition held at Lindbergh High School against many schools around the area.

“It was our first competition of the year,” junior Ellen Ransom said. It was fun.”

The squad performed two dances at the competition. They received a fourth place honor for their jazz routine to “State of Shock” by Michael Jackson, and they received a third place honor for their hip hop routine that was choreographed by junior Rachel Hunt.

“I think we did good, but it wasn’t to our full potential,” junior Lauren Buxton said. “We can do better.”

Since they will be performing the same jazz routine when they head to Nationals in Disney World on Jan. 29, this competition allowed the girls to see their mistakes and work on the little things that make a big difference such as more dif-ficulty, more floorwork, and more showmanship.

“The competition was a great learning experi-ence on all levels for these girls,” Box said. “We were able to get an idea of any changes that may need to be made and they hopefully finally realized how important [showmanship] is.”

THEBRIEFS

Hockey team improves with support

This year’s team is younger than ever before; consisting primarily of sophomores and juniors with just a few seniors, the team’s rough start has been serving as fuel to get the season going.

Tim Wilkinson has coached the hockey team for two years. He’s really enjoyed de-veloping the team, teaching the players, and helping them excel.

“I think such a young team is beginning

www.FHNtoday.com20 page design rachel hunt and pat flynn

Girls basketball team hopes new year brings changes

After winning their first home game against Fort Zumwalt East, the Lady Knights placed fourth in the Rockwood Summit tourna-ment with a 1-2 record.

“We learned that we are better than we played, we need to go out and play our game and just pull together as a team to get there,” junior Dianna Prost said. “But we are slowly getting there! We will just do a lot better and adapt to the changes we’ve made.”

Head Coach Dawn Hahn feels that the team needs to work primarily on rebounding

and getting back defensively.“We have so many players

with not a whole lot of experi-ence,” Hahn said. “It’s been a big focus to work on both of those things at practice.”

The girls are aware of their weaknesses and are looking to improve both individually and as a team.

“Since there are only three returning full-time Varsity players from last year, it was a learning process having us step up to play varsity and play together,” junior Stephanie Agre said. “I think of the three years I’ve played, this is the season I have the most hope for.”

betsy blanchard

ryan firle

Junior Stephanie Agre prepares to shoot one of her foul shots against opponent Fort Zumwalt East Dec. 9. The Knights were triumphant, winning the game 61-20. (andrew hairlson)

Check out FHNtoday.com to see the results of Knightline’s National competition in Disney World

bethany brady to improve,” Wilkinson said. “They’re battling, but will develop better in a couple of years. By the end of the year they will be better than last year.”

Many on the team feel as though a larger au-dience would encourage them to perform better.

“Players really appreciate the support when it’s there,” goalie junior Robby Friedlein said.

Their next game is Jan. 19 at Affton against CBC and begins at 9:15 p.m.

On Dec. 12 junior Joey Julian defends FHN during the FHN vs FHC hockey game. Julian has been playing hockey for more than five years. The Knights lost to the Spartans 9-1. (kaitlyn fouch)

Check out FHNtoday.com on Jan. 20 for a recap of the game against CBC

ONLINE

Swimmers take on new strategy for season

21page design rachel hunt and pat flynn www.FHNtoday.com

rachel hunt

Senior Vicki Viehman swims freestyle at the varsity meet against FZN at the St. Peters Rec Plex on Jan. 6. Despite the pool being closed from Dec. 19-23, the team succeeded at their first meet back. The team is now 3-1. (fareeha amir)

1.

2.

4.

Check out results from the girls basketball Warrenton Tournament held Jan. 12-17 on FHNtoday.com

Wrestlers faced off in the G.A.C. tournament on Jan. 10. See results and pics on FHNtoday.com

Check out the re-sults from the girls swim Timberland/FHHS TriMeet on Jan. 13.

Go to FHNtoday.com for your Knightly news

For scores from the 1/15 game against Parkway North check FHNtoday.com

page design rachel hunt and pat flynn

krissy torkelson Junior Wes Simone dribbles the ball during the game against St. Charles West on Jan. 5. The Var-sity Knights were defeated by the Warrriors with a score of 48-23. (lydia ness)

The boys basketball teams returned to the gym on Jan 3rd. for the first home game of the season. The teams played against St. Charles West and JV basketball took the court first at 5 p.m. The Varsity team played at 6:30 p.m. The first home game was originally supposed to be held on Dec. 15, but had to be rescheduled as a result of a snow day. The teams have been practicing everyday in order to perform at their best during the games.

“Our main goal for this season is to get back on the court and play better,” coach Bill Moyer said.

There were no new players on the court for the first time. However, there were players on Varsity this year that have moved up from the JV level from last year. The players tend to anticipate home games more than away games.

“Having our fans back created excitement and intensity for the game,” junior Stefen Whitehurst

said.There are eight players on the JV team and ten on the

Varsity level. Although the first home game is over, the coach still has hopes for the rest of the season. The team record as of Jan. 6 is 3-5.

“I hope that we win many games and play with more intensity,” Moyer said.

Check out FHNtoday.com to see the results of yesterdays TriMeet with Timberland and Howell

After beginning the season this year with two new coaches, the girls swim team has already started introducing an entirely new strategy for their season. The girls will no longer put any focus on the diving category at regional meets; instead, the team will solely work to improve swimming scores.

“Coach Ramach and I both feel we can be better used as swim coaches for the girls, than to put all of our attention onto one single diver,” head coach Chip Crow said.

In previous years, one diver, even on a full team of swimmers, would occupy all of one coach’s time, while the other coach would focus on swimming. However, to have a team of only swimmers, like this year, would mean

both coaches putting full attention on swimming alone. Consequently, not participating in the diving category at meets is slowly hurting North’s scores. However, the points lost by not participat-ing in the diving category are now earned back with increases in other swimming categories, due to this new strategy.

“It can bring our scores down sometimes,” junior Lizzie Johnson said. “Just swimming helps us to stay more focused as a team though. It brings us together.”

Boys basketball returns to the court

3.

• Batting Gloves• Fielding Gloves• Bats, Shoes & Shirts

20%

11-30-08

2750 Muegge Rd.St. Charles, MO 63303

636-922-7573

“Give a man a ButterBurger© and you’ll

have a friend for life.”

1104 Jungs Station Rd.St. Peters, MO 63303

Only 1/4 mi. south of Dairy Queen!636-447-3553

HOME Perfect inc.“Complete remodeling services”

Free Estimates

Phone: 636.949.0389Fax: 636.949.0027

The Flower Stop

5209 HIGHWAY NST. CHARLES, MO

63304PHONE 636.939.4401

FAX 636.939.0566www.thefl owerstop.net

FULL SERVICE FLORIST

tant, everything is more in perspective and things couldn’t be better,” Orton said.

When Orton is out of town, Sam stays at home to take care of Alanna. Also she makes any appointments that Orton may need when he comes back home. To help Sam, her parents Michelle and Michael Speno come over to give a hand.

“I like to be around her,” Michael said, “If it helps them out then it’s just a by-product.”

Although Orton may be out of town a lot, it’s not different than any other job. He is home during the middle of the week instead of being home on the weekends.

“Nothing really is different,” Sam said, “every job you have to make sacrifices.”

On WWE Raw, Orton’s character is an arrogant person and is better than everyone else. But at home he is a completely different man.

“He’s a very good person, ”Mi-chelle said, “he’s a kind hearted good person, a great family man.”

www.FHNtoday.com23 page design vicki viehman and luke christisen

Standing in the ring, in front of thousands of people, holding the World Heavyweight Title

proudly over his head, WWE super-star Randy Orton has become the youngest champion at the age of 24.

It all started when he was a child watching his grandfather and father wrestle, being backstage around his favorites such as Jake the Snake, and seeing how the business works. Although he was involved in the wrestling lifestyle, after high school he wanted to do something different and joined the marines.

“ I was in the Marine Corps for a year and a half and decided that I really wanted to wrestle instead,” Orton said.

After the marines, he moved to Louisville and began training for another year and a half, and then in 2000 he was given a chance to wrestle for the WWE, where he became known as the Legend Killer. He earned the nickname by taking down some of the biggest names in history such as the Undertaker, Sgt. Slaughter, and Shawn Michaels.

“My favorite match was in 2004 at Backlash against Mic Foley,” Orton said. “It was a hard core match where anything goes and I tried to slam him into a bed of about 10,000 tacks but I ended up with them all in my back.”

Shortly after the match against Mic Foley, Orton won the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time against Chris Beniot. He has since won that title two more times and prior to that title he was the Intercontinental Champion and a Tag Team Champion also.

Wrestling isn’t all fun and games though. He endures a heavy travel schedule, traveling 600-1000 miles in four days and is only home three days a week. Traveling all over the world some of his favorite places to wrestle are in Manchester, England, Wellington, New Zealand, and for the troops in Iraq. They perform about four shows per week unless they are overseas where they could possibly do six or even seven shows. But now that him and his wife Sa-mantha have a baby girl things have changed.

“Now I see what’s more impor-

kyle freeman

WWE wrestler Randy Or-ton poses in front of part of his collection of title belts. He displays the belts for his family to see including his nephew, Kyle Free-man, a senior at North. (photo submitted )

BECOMING A LEGACY

Where Can

YOU SEE

- Jan. 25 Randy will be participating in the annual WWE Royal Rumble on pay-per-view

- April 5 Randy will be in WWE “Wrestlemania 25” on pay-per-view

- Feb. 15 Randy will be participating in the WWE “No Way Out” on pay-per-view

- April 26 Randy will be participating in WWE “Backlash” on pay-per-view

Randy?

2/3

www.eatonproperties.com

SELLBUY INVEST

Don [email protected]

Cell: 314-249-9990Fax: 636-441-3952

O�ce: 636-939-3808

EATONP R O P E R T I E S

3828 S. Old Hwy. 94, St.Charles MO 63304

Specailizing in Investment Real Estate

FAMILY

DENTISTRY

Dennis Schulze, D.D.S.

Dentistry with a

caring touch

4001 Hwy KO’Fallon, MO 63368

Phone (636) 926-9221

irthrightWalk-ins available

205 North FifthSuite 307St. Charles, MO

636-724-1200

WeCanHelp.

*FREE TESTINGwith immediate results.

Detects pregnancy10 days after it begins.



636-724-1200

WeCanHelp.



*FREE TESTINGwith Immediate results.

Detects pregnancy10 days after it begins



636-724-1200

WeCanHelp.



8070 Veterans Memorial PKSaint Peters, MO 63376

(636) 474-2695

Cosmic BowlingLaser Tag

Huge Game RoomGreat Food

Great for Parties

Full Service AccountingTax Planning & Preparation

Individual & BusinessBusiness Start-Ups & Consulting

(636) 477-9130

“Over 15 Years Experience”

APPELMAN EYE CARE

Lasik ConsultationSpecializing In

Contacts, Friendly Sta�1-2 Days Service

Lasik ConsultationSpecializing In

Contacts, Friendly Sta�1-2 Days Service

100 Piper Hill Dr. Suite DSt. Peters, MO 63376

(636) 928-3937

Serving St. Charles County Since 1985

GO NON- FAT...avoid whole fat commissions.

Call: 636-441-7777Visit: ShowMeHomes4Less.com

Fees may vary. Call for details. If your property is already listed with another broker, this is not a solicitation for your listing. Each office Independently Owned and Operated © 2006, Assist-2-Sell, Inc.

America’s Leading Discount Real Estate Company

Or

Start the year off right Buy an Art Carved

Class RingLower prices than at

school Higher QualityFaster Delivery

Year-Round Service

....

75 Charleston SquareSt. Peters, MO

63304

636-939-9500

ect.Diamond and Jewelry Repair

on Premises

Gabs, etc.

10 %off

2550 First Capitol Dr. S.St.Charles Mo , 63303Phone:(636) 477-8100

Quality Honest Automotive Repair

Tony Kasper

north star advertising 08-09With proof of coupon

entire invoice

4 WHEELALIGNMENT

$39.95By appointment only

Shims and bushing extra

Quality HonestAutomotive Repair

4 WHEELALIGNMENT




4 WHEELALIGNMENT




4 WHEELALIGNMENT




4 WHEELALIGNMENT




4 WHEELALIGNMENT




4 WHEELALIGNMENT




4 WHEELALIGNMENT




4 WHEELALIGNMENT




4 WHEELALIGNMENT




C & KAUTOMOTIVE

Hours

: 7AM-6PM, M-F

4 WHEELALIGNMENT




Life is a har-bor, full of coming

and going. A place where people can take advantage of their time and take a boat out into the world and explore. It’s also a place of choice, choosing to take that ride out onto the open ocean of an

uncertain future, or staying safe on land never really getting your sea legs.

In life opportunities arise for each of us, whether it be going on a church mission trip, taking part in an art show, or even auditioning for that dream part in the play. Walking down that jetty to the boat can be scary but once we stop worrying and step onto the deck the rewards can be life-changing. It’s not worth the time spent wondering “what if?” Life is not going to wait for anyone. When opportunities come up they should be embraced whole-heartedly because they may not come back.

The waves may be rocky and storm winds might buffet the sail but by pressing onward making way across life’s waters a magical thing happens: a legacy is born. Making the most of time spent is the only way to live forever, and by carving a path others are sure to follow.

We are all given plenty of chances and if for some reason one is missed, there is nothing to do but to wait for the next great thing. It’s this cycle that makes life great. It’s a never-ending spiral of opportuni-ties. Only we have the power to control our own destinies through choices made. Looking back later in life should not be a mystery of wondering about how things might have been. Simply cast off and apply for that dream school that seems out of reach, or submit that artwork for a contest. Follow dreams and follow passions, and let the future unfold.

Don’t miss the boat.

www.FHNtoday.com 26 page design monica martinez

Don’t miss the boat

luke christisen vicki viehman

S o many kids complain about how they hate reading, how they would rather have any

other assignment than a book. The thing is, those kids have only read the stories that teachers assign to them. There are so many other types of books and readings out there. Books aren’t just horrible assignments that teachers give out to torture us. It’s true, some books aren’t as exciting as playing video games or being on the computer, but there are some really entertain-ing books that can keep you busy for hours. You have to go beyond what is given to you at school and find what interests you. Once you find a style of writing that you like, the whole world of books and stories opens up for you. It’s as simple as going on to Amazon.com or any other bookstore web site and seeing what new books are out there. With so many new books being pub-lished every day, your choices change constantly. Reading sometimes comes off as dorky or boring. I disagree. I read all the time - before bed, while I’m eating, and even on long car rides. Just because reading books isn’t as cool as watching a movie or being on the computer, it’s one of the most intelligent activities you can do for fun. I’ve learned a lot of what I know from reading books and applying it to everyday life. Once, on a test, there was a word I didn’t know in a question. I thought back to a book I had read,

Silver, and that word had been used there too. I remembered how it had been used in the book and applied it to my question. Thanks to that book, I got the answer right.

Books are easy to bring with you too. You can just stick a book in your bag and it doesn’t need charging or batteries. You can read wherever you go and not disturb anyone around. You can bring one to class and most teachers won’t yell or take it away. There are so many different types of books out there, if you read one you don’t like, just toss it and find a new one. It doesn’t hurt to try all kinds of stories. For instance, I read Twilight and I didn’t like it. Some of you may be shocked or scream, but it just didn’t grab my interest. So I stopped reading

it and picked up a new book.Before you complain about how

much you hate reading and how boring it is, try some new books. Look up what kinds of books are selling big and go to the library and check one out. You may actually end up liking it. If you really don’t like books, there are other reading mate-rials out there. Open up a magazine and instead of just scanning the stories, read them. There is a reason for places like libraries, bookstores, and Amazon.com: to give us more ways to find something to read. More and more people are becoming writ-ers and the only way their stories will be read is if we keep reading. New stories come out every day and it’s up to you to explore them.

illustration jon henderson

Senior Vicki Viehman expresses her love of reading. Viehman is a firm believer that read-ing is a suitable replacement for games, movies and other electronics. (fareeha amir)

Give reading a chance

www.FHNtoday.com 27 page design miranda lindquist

North Starthe Be the change

you want to seetake:

Don’t let spirited decorations become trashy celebrations tyler kirk

North Star on behalf of the

editorial staff

photo illustration jon henderson

Senior Tyler Kirk wrestles with a strand of Christmas lights after the holidays have passed. “Christmas lights are a bad display of what the holiday season represents,” Kirk said. (sarah semmel)

Please, tell me they’ll disappear for a while. Please, tell me they’re going to be replaced by something a little easier on the eye,

something fresher. Please, tell me they’ll be gone soon.

No, no, not the Bush administration – your Christmas decorations.

Does your home still glow from dusk to dawn with small LEDs, strewn together by latex-covered wiring?

Is a miniature, plastic baby Jesus still sleeping in your front lawn, surrounded by Joseph, Mary and the Wise Men?

Do you still have a mangled tree displayed proudly in the front room of your house, as to let passer-bys catch a glimpse of your holiday spirit?

You disgust me.To me, it seems that Christmas’ meaning and

intentions have been completely altered over the last couple decades or so.

What started out as a day to celebrate the birth of Christianity’s spiritual leader has become a gaudy, tacky day of greedy gift receiving.

And leaving your epileptic shock-inducing decorations to hang from your roof after their demise is obviously due, well, that’s a disgrace to everything that Christmas should represent.

It’s January, your holiday décor isn’t going to make the new year’s Christmas arrive any faster; your ornaments will still be gathering dust, waiting for rescue while the next 11 months pass.

So, please grab the ladder out of your ga-rage, mount it against your gutters – maybe find a spotter, too – and get to that un-decorating you’ve been wanting to get to.

Head into your family room and begin the disassembly of the enormous plastic bush rest-ing in front of your window.

And please, just go ahead and throw away those awful depictions of ol’ St. Nick standing on your mantle.

It’s time for every ornament to be wrapped in tissue paper and stuffed into cardboard boxes, because I’m sure Santa wouldn’t appreci-ate this abomination of Christmas.

Besides, Christmas decorations are so last year.

With 2008 gone and a new year starting, many changes lie in store for

us. Future President Barack Obama will be taking office by the end of the month, and with his inauguration comes the change he has promised America. And although he will be taking the step to change the country, he will not be the one to change us.

Every year, thousands of people declare, on the stroke of midnight, their New Year’s resolution. Countless times we watch as these individuals state how they want to get into shape, start a new hobby or just change themselves for the better. And countless times we see these people fail to follow through with their plans.

People need to take the time to

remind themselves that change is not something that just happens. In order for you to change something or acquire something you want, you have to take the initiative.

Throughout our lives, we are going

can hold on to our parent’s hand everyday and have them make our choices for us. It’s our job to make the change we want. It may have worked that way ten years ago, but we are all old enough by now that it’s us that needs to take the step to make it happen. With change in store for the country, comes change for all of us as individuals. It’s time we stopped just talking about what we want and sit back and wait. It’s time that we step it up and make the progress. It’s time we make the change happen.

to be faced with choices and opportuni-ties. We’re going to decide on colleges and jobs, marriage and overall life.

If there is something you want, it’s your job to make it happen. Unfortu-nately for us, life is not such where we

It’s January, so naturally it’s cold outside. I walk into school with a hat, a coat, a scarf, long pants and boots.

Why? Because the temperatures are only reaching about 20 degrees and I want to stay warm.

I look around and see girls in mini skirts and boots and think to myself, “Do the boots really make up for the lack of clothing from ankle to thigh?” They can’t be warm in that. But girls still want to wear mini skirts that aren’t practical, just because they’re cute.

Guys are not exempt from wearing impractical clothing either. They want to sag their pants because it’s the cool way to wear their jeans. OK, that is their choice, but when their jeans are so low on them that they have to hold them up just so they can walk, isn’t it just a bit more practical to wear a belt? And, being January, boxers can’t be that great against the cold either. Is it really worth sacrificing warmth and comfort for fashion?

I see the girls in their mini skirts and the guys sagging, and they’re all shivering. I can’t help but shake my head and feel a bit warmer with all of my winter gear, and continue to trudge along to school.

www.FHNtoday.com 28

2009 has come What the new year bringsJordyn and Chelsea debate whether changes should be dreaded or anticipated

page design krissy torkelson

jordyn klackner

sam dulaney

photos by katie robertson

Changes forthe

better

Guidelines:-letters must be signed by the author and verified for publication-letters may be submitted to room 026 or Mr. Manfull’s mailbox-letters should include the author’s phone number and e-mail for verification-letters should not exceed 300 words-letters will not be printed if content is obscene, profane, invasive of privacy, encouraging physical disruption of school, and/or implies libel-letters will be edited for length, grammar, spelling, and content-authors will be notified if any changes are made to the letter by the editorial staff

Want to see your letter in the paper?

chelsea kaufman

We all like New Years Resolu-tions, but only half of us keep them. We all like bettering

ourselves, but we sometimes always fall short. We all would like a little change, but sometimes change seems to be impossible. A New Years Resolution is a commitment, a commitment that an individual makes to reform their lifestyle. There is always something in life that is seeking change, it could be from eating better and running more to not eating chocolate or drinking soda. Some of us set the bar too high when making our New Years Resolutions. If you have too high of expectations for yourself, they are a lot harder to follow. The way I see it is slow progress is still progress, slow change is still change and slow improve-ments are still improvements. New Years Resolutions aren’t about trying to make your life perfect, or trying to be better than someone else. They are about improve-ments, and changing to better yourself, and to be able to look into the mirror and feel better about living. If you can do it, that is a reward in and of itself. If you can’t, then set your bar lower because a little change can actually be a lot of change in the end. So instead of worrying so much, just enjoy yourself.

W ith the New Year finally here and 2008 out the window, I can’t help but feel a sense of

relief that 2009 is finally here. Over the past year, everyone has

had their share of hardships, laughter and moments that will forever be held as memories. Let’s keep them memories.

It’s time for a new year and a new start. With upcoming events such as Prom, Graduation, and summer, we shouldn’t be saddened by the end of a long year. We should be excited for a new one. Sure, some of these things may frighten us, but we shouldn’t be afraid to move on. For seniors, many of us will be going off to college soon and starting a new chapter of our lives.

We should always keep the memories of our times past, but we shouldn’t continue to live in them. It’s time to look ahead and figure out what we want from the New Year, not continue to dwell on the happenings of the past. It’s time for a change.

Goodbye, 2008. Hello, 2009.

I t seems that each time the end of one year rolls around, we already start looking forward to the next year. It’s almost as if

we don’t have time to wait for what’s coming. This time it’s 2009; a year a lot of us have looked forward to for forever. But now that it’s finally here, I feel a little different.

For seniors, this time of year marks the beginning of an end; an end I’m not ready for. While some are thinking they only have five months left and then they can be free, some of us have the “I only have five months left and then they’re forcing me out,” feeling. Think about the friends you’ve made, the memories that have shaped who you are, and just living the life of a high-schooler. Now, write 2009 at the top of papers and think that for some in five months it will all be past.

Although most of us still celebrated, to me New Years was less of an excitement and more of the mark of a ticking clock. I’m going to have to work to make this year incredible until the clock stops and my time is up. The future is nice to think about, but I’m not ready to leave my past, and reality has set in that it’s right around the corner. That’s what 2009 means to me.

Sophomore Sam Dulaney dresses up for winter to voice her opinion on what she believes is appropriate attire for the winter season. Dulaney is fond of wearing fash-ionable yet functional attire. (katie robertson)

Modestis thehottest

miranda lindquist

WATCH

29

THEREVIEWS

PLAY

SNAP

WASH

giving you the low-down

Healthy Balance Juice

Wii FitOxy wash

Nikon Coolpix 7560

GIVE

Step Brothers

page design lauren skinner www.FHNtoday.com

lauren skinner Katie O’neil

josh ahrens

nicki wittman

allison scheffler

molly jasper

DRINKAs I scanned the juice row at the grocery

store, a bottle I’ve never seen before caught my eye: Healthy Balance by Old Orchard. I thought to myself “Can juice even be consid-ered healthy?” So I picked up the bottle and read the label.

Six grams of sugar, six grams of carbs, and 30 calories. OK, not bad. I decided to give it a try. Since I love apple juice, apple was the flavor I chose. I poured a glass and had a little sip, knowing I wasn’t going to like it. But as soon as it hit my taste buds, my mind

set changed. Not only was the juice healthy, but it tasted exactly like “unhealthy” juice. Usually you pay more for healthier products, but it was priced the same. My mom was happy about that. I was just glad that it didn’t taste disgusting. Now I think I found a new

favorite juice!

If you want a camera that is pretty much like a photoshop on wheels, the nikon coolpix 7560 is just the camera for you. It is also the first touch screen camera out! The high quality 10 mega pixel pictures move across the screen just as an iphone does. After you take a picture you can crop it, change the color, remove red eye or even draw and put stamps right onto your picture. You do not even have to take the time to transfer your pictures onto your computer. Everything is right there! I still have not figured out all of the accesso-ries on the camera, which is probably the biggest downfall. It is a great new piece of technology and definitely worth the price. Get one while it is at the top of technology and learn to be your personal photo expert.

Last year Nintendo came out with the Wii Fit, a game and balance board combination to exercise with. The game is great fun and you are definitely exhausted after playing the game for a few minuets, however I’m not convinced that you should retire your gym membership just yet. There is no alternative to getting in shape with a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine. I’m not saying that the game is not great. The game is fun to play for all ages. It’s fun to watch others play if they don’t mind, because the game really does tells you your weight, but it is really only a one player game. You can compare your scores to other people who play and compete to be at the top of the list if you need the extra competition. Nintendo has a great game here but keep in mind, it’s just a game.

Things Remembered

When it’s time for friends birthdays or a present for your significant other for valentines day don’t you want to find the perfect gift without paying the price? As a teenager I know, I don’t have a lot of money to spend on fancy things, but I want to give gifts with meaning. Things Re-membered is a great place to get a reasonable priced gift but with a lot of meaning. There’s a Things Remembered in Chesterfield, Mid Rivers and West County malls. You can bring in something bought from somewhere else to get in engraved. Personally I brought in a leather-man knife to get a name engraved on. It was only $16 for the engraving and took a little over an hour. If you don’t already have a gift they sell things like bracelets, photo frames, key chains. I also bought a flask for my dad and got a quote engraved on it. It looked great! The flasks range from $20 to $35 and then engraving was $10. Things Remembered is a great place to get personalized gifts for any holiday or occasion.

Up until a year ago when a dermatolo-gist prescribed it to me, I had no idea that Oxy Wash face wash it existed. It worked like a charm. Since my experience with this face wash, I have almost no reason to wear make-up. After trying just about every other cleanser, none of them worked as well as Oxy Wash did. Oxy Wash doesn’t dry out my skin like other cleansers do. It also doesn’t make it oily. This is definitely a five star product.

Just released on DVD, 40-year-olds Will Fer-rell and John C. Reilly are forced to be brothers in an epic comedy: "Step Brothers." In the DVD, the special features page is filled with extras that make the movie even more satisfying. In this is the making of the movie, along with excluded jokes and scenes. The commentary section explains each scene of the movie from the director and ac-tors' point of views. The features on this DVD will keep you laughing long after the movie is over!

FHNtoday.comfor sports photos, podcasts, daily updates and more

Documents

North Star January Edition