In the shadows

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.

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

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

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