Spo t l i g h tVolume 38 [Issue 3]November 19, 2008

Francis Howell High School [7001 Highway 94 South] St. Charles, MO 63304

CH-CH-CH CHANGES...Economy means penny pinching

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Editor in Chief Andrew CogswellAssociate Editor Dara VintNews Editor Katie GreathouseSports Editor Joe PannulloFeatures Editor Erin KeyAd Manager Maggie HerringStaff Writers

Adviser Michele Dunaway, MA, MJE

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Francis Howel l High School [7001 Highway 94 South] St . Charles, MO 63304

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Spotlight Staff

Hit or Miss

Editorial Policy• Letters to the editor will be printed in the opinion section• Letters must be signed by the author and verified for publication by the editorial board.• Letters to the editor may be submitted to Mrs. Dunaway in room A115 or emailed to cogswell193@yahoo.com• Letters to the editor should not exceed 400 words, must be signed and must include the writer's address and phone

number for verification• All letters to the editor will be verified by a member of the editorial board to determine the authenticity of the writer• No material will be printed where content is obscene, invasive of others' privacy, encouraging physical disruption of

school activities and/or implies libel• The editorial board reserves the right to have letters edited for length, grammar, punctuation, clarity, etc. • If editing is required, the letter will be sent to the author for consent.• The school newspaper will only publish one letter per author per issue

• All letters to the editor become the property of the school newspaper upon receipt and will not be returned

Purpose of the school newspaper“Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...”- The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America

“The vigilant protection of constitutional freedoms is nowhere more vital than in the community of American schools.”- Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District The Francis Howell Spotlight is the official student newspaper at Francis Howell High School. The Spotlight began as a Francis Howell publication in 1971. The Spotlight believes it is essential to preserve the freedom of the press in order to preserve a free society and its purpose is to inform, interpret, and entertain through accurate and factual reports. Therefore:

• This school newspaper will serve the best interest of the students of Francis Howell and keep itself free from any other obligation

• The staff of the school newspaper will accept guidance from its adviser, but will make its own editorial decision• only the editorial board may veto any material intended for publication, judged to be in violation of the Spotlight

editorial policy• this school newspaper will vigorously resist all attempts at censorship, particularly prepublication censorship• the school newspaper will serve as an educational laboratory experience for those on staff.• The school newspaper will run as a limited open forum• The goal of the school newspaper is to cover the total school population as effectively and the staff will strive to be

impartial and responsible in its coverage of issues.

AdvertisingAll ads must be approved by the editorial board. An ad rate schedule and ad policies are available by calling 636-851-4820.

Howell Time homeroomneeds work, tweaking

StaffEditorial

hit s Orpheus Descending The Limelight Theater delivers anotherwonderful performance in the fall play.

No Shave November in full swing Time to once again grow out those sideburns you’ve always wanted.

Prop. B Passed Nov. 4 No more playing basketball in a gym filled with asbestos.

Varsity Football making to State Playoffs Congrats on the good season guys! The Election is finally over No more endless TV ads. No more trashy little signs. No more good SNL. Things are starting to go back to normal.

The Band Dominating After finishing first in Districts, there seems to be little the band can’t do.

m i s se s

Bouncing Weather PatternsWhat can we expect? We do live in Missouri.

Fun Web sites Being Blocked That’s the only reason we take classes like desktop publishing.

The Boring Two-Week Period Between Football Season and Basketball Season This is when we wish we had ESPN 8: The OCHO.

Daylight Savings Time Before long, it’s going to be dark by the time we leave school. Dead Fly Epidemic Live ones are annoying enough, and dead ones are even worse to look at. More Graffiti Threats Seriously people, enough is enough. This has become a case of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.”

to be truly useful. The 40 minutes are a nice start, but it is just about the perfect length to be a wasted time slot.

A full hour would be a much better way to utilize the time, or, better still, a 1:35 school dismissal without any Howell Time at all.

The extra time would most certainly end in a far less stressful environment than the other four days of the week.

As short as Howell Time may be, nothing compares to the activities bogging it down so often. While scheduled, and expected to be planned around, it is not fair to tell kids that they have this time and then never give it to them.

If they want to give students time, go all out and give a real half-day. Left as is it is now, Howell Time is unacceptable.

If activities such as safe driving presentations, and homecoming elections were erased entirely, then perhaps Howell Time could become what students need.

[a quick Howell about the goods and the bads]

Jenn Alloway, Austin Brooks, Kelsey Brown, Hannah Burkett, Katy Carron, Krystle Del Castillo, Dan Dowell, Maggie Flynn, Crosby Franklin, Sam Galloway, Raven Garrett, Michael Gulledge, Nick Holder, Jessica Howard, Moli Hucthinson, Kevin Lanzone, Evan Loveless, Caitlin Page, Tony Pavez, Suzanne Pelley, Kaley Perceful, Rae Strumsky, Sarah Taylor, Austin Thomas, Tara Tracy, Stephanie Wood, Kelsey Wyatt

Howell Time is 40 minutes set aside most Wednesdays to focus on homework, study time, or Viking

Edge. It occurs after second hour, from 8:45-

9:25. School lets out at 1:35, as hours one, two, three, six, and seven are shortened, which is a wonderful bonus for all the students bogged down with the relentless hours of school.

Unfortunately Howell Time is not beneficial as it sounds.

If no homework is needed to be worked on, students are not supposed to be allowed to talk, are not allowed to put their heads down, and can’t listen to music, all of which would be a relaxing advantage.

Allowing such privileges would be a reward on Wednesday, a nice relief in the middle of the week.

In addition, Howell Time is just too short

Francis Howel l High School [7001 Highway 94 South] St . Charles, MO 63304

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“One time when I was student teaching, I rented a movie to show my students. I didn’t preview it beforehand, though. It was so graphic, that after about two minutes, I had to turn it off.”

–English teacherLoretta Wylie

“When I was assistant principal at Barnwell Middle School a kid came dressed as me on Halloween and kids kept asking him if he came as a geek.”

–Math teacher Jim Clark

“I thought I was teaching my level two kids and it was really level one. I taught them all of level two’s lesson. No one said anything to me.”

–Spanish teacherKaren Irizarry

Francis Howell speaksKids voted Nov. 3 to pick U.S. President

“I’m a cancer survivor and during my treatment I wore my wig to school for the first time. I put it on too tight and it popped off in the middle of class.”

–Business teacherJoyce Caldwell

I had four days before homecoming, where I planned to spend time dancing and having fun with my friends. But of course, I managed to screw it all up. I had to go and break my foot.

In a pathetic attempt to perform a stunt I had seen and done before, I had one friend double over at the waist as I ran up to him from the side and attempted to roll over his back in a windmill like motion. When it’s done properly the stunt actually looks pretty good, but unfortunately I landed with my foot perpendicular to the ground, causing me to both twist and bend my foot.

I went to the doctor and was put on crutches for about six to eight weeks, which isn’t really that bad other than the fact that my homecoming plans were completely distorted. I could deal with being handicapped for six weeks; I thought time would fly by. The doctor said, “Come back every two weeks to get x-rays and a new cast.” After the first two weeks I was back at the hospital and they broke the bad news that I have to get surgery. Apparently my joints had moved and my ligaments had separated from my foot. The only solution was to put screws in my upper foot to hold my joints together.

To determine if I needed surgery or not, the doctors were going to knock me out with painkillers and move my foot however they wanted without me trying to resist. T u r n s out I needed surgery after all. The doctors told

me that I would have to stay off my foot for twelve weeks, with no pressure whatsoever. This was the worst part of the entire ordeal because I had so many things I was looking forward to and, according to the doctor’s original estimate, I was almost halfway done being crippled. Now I had to start from scratch and complete some physical therapy after I was done with crutches.

I don’t think I’ll ever be ungrateful for having use of all of my limbs. Moving around the house alone is a challenge, but trying to navigate school is a nightmare. I don’t even miss walking as much as I miss the activities it brings. My plans for Halloween were limited to however far my crutches carried me and, when some of my all time favorite bands come to town, I’m going to be sitting at home listening to their worn out CDs. I’m not trying to make this sound like a pity party. I just wanted to remind everyone not to forget how nice it is to be able to use your body to its fullest potential.

I don’t really feel sorry for myself. I did something stupid and I have to deal with it. People keep asking me if this was all worth it and in all honesty, I can’t really tell yet. I’ve learned to cope with only one leg and I have a deeper appreciation for taking responsibility for my actions. It’s been a period of quick adjustment. Things change and we have to deal with them the best we can. All I know for sure is that next year, when homecoming season is near, I’m not going to try any stunts.

This is Life

Website restrictions cause further problems

StaffEditorial

What is your most embarrassing

moment at school?

by | andrew cogswell

You are on a school computer, doing research on a topic and run a search to find a link to a useful website. You click on

the link and the first thing that pops up are the words ACCESS DENIED.

It seems that today more and

more websites are being blocked. Site from teachers’ blogs to game sites are being taken away.

Students are having a harder time searching for the material they need with all the new restrictions in place. Even the newspaper and yearbook staffs can’t get to their blogs.

It’s understandable that certain sites should get blocked but district administration is going too far. The filters

don’t block any images, so explicit material is still available.

Taking away video game sites will not keep students focused on their work; it will just force them to find alternative sites. Blocking sites will just give them more incentives to find new ways to get around the firewall.

When the district is spending time finding websites to block, they are wasting effots that could be spent training teachers how to use the new technology they are trying to promote. The district should be focusing on bigger issues like student achievement, student protection and overall education. Our dependency on technology is growing and the district is hindering that growth.

47%

44%

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Republican-McCainDemocrat-ObamaLibertarian-BarrConstitution-BaldwinIndependent-Nader

Kids Voting Results

Francis Howel l High School [7001 Highway 94 South] St . Charles, MO 63304

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The Worldat

Largeby| crosby franklin

I was, and am, sorely disappointed in a select few students. Racism at this school is an issue that clearly needs confronted.

I understand and respect the political differences I may have with some of my peers, but I cannot accept blatant ignorance and prejudice.

It’s unbelievable to me that in 2008 there is still such a problem with racism, and I sincerely hope that our school takes it on headfirst. We are better than the petty discrimination that’s happening.

Unfortunately, negative voices grow larger when more people hear them, which is exactly what technology, text messaging in particular, has enabled.

“we are starting an uprising against barack obama. if ur in send this to 5 people and meet at mid rivers mcdonalds saturday at 5”

“Dear white Americans, Please report to the cottonfields early tomorrow morning for orientation. Signed, your president.”

“due to recent events, gold teeth, malt liquor, and 20 inch rims are tax exempt”

“Aunt Jemima holding a chicken wing is replacing the statue of Liberty”

These actual texts made the rounds of student phones before and after the election. Messages also persuaded people to wear all white clothing and white hoodies the day after the election.

I have no idea what would possess people to forward, let alone compose, these messages. I know some people don’t actually believe what the messages say, but they forward them because they think they’re funny.

What these people don’t realize is that by sending the messages on, they are allowing racism to continue. What may be just a joke to one person is another person’s excuse to discriminate and remain prejudiced.

Most students here aren’t racist, and we can’t let the voices of a few taint the reputation of us all. I hope that as we head towards the swearing in of Obama, Jan. 20, we let go of some of the prejudices we hold on to.

Sending out a mass text message that urges people to wear all white in protest of electing a black man doesn’t change the fact that Obama was, in fact, elected. The election is over and we are now obligated to stand together, regardless of race, in support of hope and change.

Suicide Prevention Week

by| krystle del castilloHe was an honor student, an all-state cross country

runner, and a 2004 senior at Oakville High school. He suffered from depression and bipolar disorder. One day Chad McCord ran in front of a bus and was killed instantly, which was his intention.

FACS teacher Pricilla Reed watched McCord all through his high school career, and she watched him struggle with his psychological problems. So in memory of McCord’s death, Reed and FCCLA are raising money for Chad’s Coalition.

Chad’s Coalition is a charity that spreads the word on how to prevent teenage suicide and depression. This week is suicide prevention week, and FCCLA asked 13 teachers and 5 students to volunteer to wear the empathy belly (a pregnant suit weighing 30 pounds).

The one teacher and student who raise the most money for Chad’s Coalition will wear the empathy belly Nov. 21. Aside from the empathy belly, FCCLA is providing two guest speakers and one student to talk about teenage depression. The guest speakers will speak today during Howell time.

The events were scheduled before the November death of 2008 graduate Jana Tarsi, but Tarsi’s death illustrates the need for awareness. Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of

death in the United States according to the National Institute of Mental Heath.

“If everyone is educated about depression and bipolar disorder then innocent lives can be saved, and teens will know how to get help if they are suffering from depression,” Reed said.

By educating students on teenage depression, many lives might be saved.

“I just feel that teens and their parents need to be more educated on suicide prevention and depression. And that’s what Chad’s Coalition is here to do. That’s what FCCLA is working so hard trying to achieve,” Reed said.

“If everyone is educated ... innocent lives can be saved.”

–FACS teacher Priscilla Reed

FCCLA raises awareness

Recession. This word sits in the hearts of

Americans like a time bomb. As each day passes, unemployment rates increase and life becomes more difficult.

“I was forced to go and find a job for less pay than accustomed to, just to make ends meet,” parent Gary Hayes said.

Hayes is a Pilot for United Airlines, but for how much longer is not certain. In February 2009, United is looking to cut pilots; Hayes is very likely to be one of the pilots cut.

“This isn’t the first time. During 2002 and 2006 United Airlines laid off over 2,000 pilots, one of them being me. It’s disheartening, and it really makes you loose faith in the company you work for,” Hayes said.

With the the failing economy, major airline employees such as Hayes have encountered nothing but difficulties.

Another industry taking measures to preserve money is retail. Small companies and some larger ones have been decreasing their numbers just to keep from bankruptcy.

Starbucks is closing over 600 of its locations due to lack of a strong income, including the one at Hwy 94 and O’Fallon Road.

“What’s terrible is that I just quit my other job because I was just promoted to full time at Starbucks, and then it comes out that we aren’t doing too well. I am not sure what is going to happen though. That’s the worst part,” Starbucks employee Jenny Armstrong said.

The economy has already hit home. For former Howell student Taylor Soha, when her parents confirmed they had to move due to financial issues, she was devastated.

“I didn’t believe we would actually have to move. I mean, they said there was a possibility but once it actually happened, it was overwhelming. Having to leave all my friends and memories I made here was the worst part,” Soha said.

However some careers flourish during times of recession.

These careers include law, education and medical care.

The lower gas prices are also welcome.

“It’s easy to see how paying for oil affects drivers, but it also affects people under sixteen,” freshman Devon Chovan said.

On Nov. 11, gas was $1.90. This is quite a difference from the $3.99 when school started. Ten gallons now cost $20 less.

“I just got my license and I sure hope the prices continue to go

down,” sophomore Dale Nelson said.The economy was the number one priority in the election,

and Nov. 5 -6 the stock market continued to fall. Even after the Chinese announced a stimulus, the market didn’t close higher.

Foreclosures remain a concern. “We had to foreclose on our house in February [2008],

and my mom lost her job shortly after that,” senior Amanda Leadbetter said, describing the toll that the current economic crisis has had on her family.

“We have to rent now,” she said. “We can’t buy a house because we had to file for bankruptcy.”

But it didn’t start there. Leadbetter’s parents had lost their previous jobs, and their health insurance, in 2004. Then, in 2007, they had one of their cars repossessed. They have since found new jobs, but things are still rough.

“It’s a lot harder to pay for things we need now, like car insurance, gas, and phone bills,” Leadbetter said.

Leadbetter and her brother have part time jobs and have been working ever since they were old enough. Even with their supplemental income, things are tight, and the whole family is under stress.

“We have to move again,” Leadbetter said, “because the guy who owns the house we’re renting has been foreclosed.”

Bad economy hits home “I just got my license and I sure hope the prices continue to go down.”

–sophomore Dale Nelson

by| jessica howard & kaley perceful with reporting by grant ciezadlo

Francis Howel l High School [7001 Highway 94 South] St . Charles, MO 63304

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DECA members ventured by charter bus to Kansas City for the annual Central Region Leadership Conference Nov. 21-23,.

Twelve different states from the central region-Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, and Nebraska-attended the conference, totaling more than 2,000 DECA members.

“We were lucky the conference was held in Missouri this year. It was far enough to be like a vacation more than a field trip, but close enough that we could all afford it,” DECA president Melissa Hirner said.

One stop and four hours later, the fourteen member team stepped off the bus and into the Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City.

“The hotel was like a mini city,” junior Tyler Huntington said. “It was really cool. The whole weekend was a lot of fun and I’m really glad I got to go.”

The twelve attendees underwent workshops, seminars, and sessions of interactive fun and games, all to better

prepare them for the state and international competitions to come.

“Most of the workshops were actually a lot of fun,” senior Laurin Crangle said.

“They definitely helped me prepare for internationals.”

The international competition is held late April into early May, this year in Anaheim, California.

“Internationals is actually held over prom,” Crangle said. “But it’s internationals. And it’s Anaheim, California. So I want to qualify to go really bad.”

DECA travels to Kansas CityHidden Valley remains open

Ski lifts, rentals, bunny hills, and difficult slopes doesn’t exactly sound like the type of location that could be found anywhere in Missouri, but Hidden Valley Ski Resort located in Wildwood is one of the rare snow sport facilities that allows outdoor activities in the winter.

“It’s the closest thing we have compared to going to Colorado,” senior Jon Bemis said.

However, this fall many St. Louis citizens felt a scare when reports arose that Hidden Valley was going to close.

“I don’t have the funds to travel all the way out to Colorado,” senior Hannah Black said.

People started petitions and websites in order to prevent one of the top St. Louis attractions for more than 25 years from closing.

Restrictions started when Eureka residents complained about noise, lights, and traffic last year, wanting for the resort to close at 11 PM. With midnight skiing and snowboarding being most popular because snow is coldest at night, that would potentially take away most of the business.

According to ksdk.com, Hidden Valley

wanted to expand by adding snow tubing for those who don’t ski/snowboard and 250 more parking spaces.

After many months of negotiation, Hidden Valley signed a grant to keep one of the most popular winter retreats in place for ten more years.

“It’s awesome that it’s not closing,” senior Nick Conover said.

The entire resort is open to the public. Only slope and lifts require tickets and admission fees or access.

“It’s so convenient because it’s close and not that expensive,” Bemis said.

Although Hidden Valley is the most well known, there is a lesser-known resort north of Kansas City called Snow Creek located in Weston, Missouri.

So when Colorado might seem like too far of a drive and whether there’s snow outside or not, Hidden Valley will continue to be a favorite attraction for skiers, snowboarders, and those just looking to have a good time.

“It’s not much, but it’s something. It’s as close to real boarding as you can get,” junior Jana Lynch said.

by| dara vintby| erin key

During Howell time Nov. 19, about 35 students attended a panel on teenage depression and suicide.

“As many people as I thought would come, attended,” FACS teacher Pricilla Reed said.

Two teenage girls spoke about their struggle with depression, sophomore Becca Carter and junior Brittany Loyd. Also speaking were Chad’s Coalition’s founder Mary McCord (Chad’s mother) and the district’s lead counselor, Kim Moody.

McCord spoke about her child’s struggle with depression and how it could have been treated, while Carter and Loyd spoke about their battles with depression. Moody talked about watching one of her family members suffer from depression, and what kids can do to help a friend or family member.

The event was such a success that Reed wants to have it again next semester.

“We would like to do it again next semester, not the fundraising, but the guest speaker,” Reed said.

The 2008 yearbook received an All Columbian rating from the Scholastic Press Association critique services Dec. 1. The award is the highest critique recognition the organization gives.

The book earned 985 out of 1000 points and honors in all five categories possible: concept, coverage, writing, photography, and design.

Editor Stephanie Wood was surprised.“I didn’t think we’d do as well as we did.

Everyone was so excited, even though only a couple members from last year are on the staff this year,” she said.

This is the first time a Howelltonian yearbook has been All Columbian. The 2007

Junior Chelsea Speckert given ‘Do the Right Thing’ award

Speakers share how to handle depression

On Tuesday. Nov. 25, junior Chelsea Speckert was interviewed by News Channel 4 for the “Doing the Right thing Award”. Speckert called 911 when graduate Jake Gregory fell in Klondike Park last fall.

She was nominated for her actions in helping a friend and interviewed at school.

Multiple speakers talked about depression and how to deal with it at the Suicide Prevention panel, Nov. 19.

Yearbook receives national award

DECA members traveled by bus to attend the regional conference held in Kansas City, Nov. 21-23.

by| krystle del castillo

by| kevin lanzone

by| Joe Pannullo

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Junior Chelsea Speckert is interviewed for the the “Doing the Right Thing” award from Channel 4, Nov. 25.

Senior Hannah Burkett builds pages for the 2009 edition of the Howelltonian yearbook. The 2008 volume received an All Columbian rating from the Columbia Scholastic Association in New York City.

yearbook missed the rank by five points. The award means the yearbook has joined the ranks of best in the nation.

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Write a letter to the editor! We want to hear from you!

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Francis Howel l High School [7001 Highway 94 South] St . Charles, MO 63304 Francis Howel l High School [7001 Highway 94 South] St . Charles, MO 63304

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Penny Pinching...There is no doubt the economy has entered a recession and teens, already suffering from limited incomes, are burning holes in their pockets. Adding to the money crisis, hectic schedules leave teens only one option for lunch or dinner on the go: fast food. Everyone knows McDonald’s dollar menu, and $5 at Jack ’n’ the Box buys ten tacos but what other $5 deals are out there? Members of the Spotlight staff set out with $5 in hand to find the best bite for your buck.

1.#7Value MealDouble cheeseburgerRegular friesRegular drinktotal cost: $4.99total calories: 1110total fat: 51g

2. Single cheeseburgerSmall friesSmall chocolate sundaeWater (from home)total cost: $4.79total calories: 970total fat: 38g

3. Regular roast beef sandwich w/ cheddar cheese & BBQ sauce Small sodatotal cost: $4.60total calories: 385total fat: 16 grams

4. Regular turkey sandwich Regular fries Au JusWatertotal cost: $4.49 total calories: 615total fat: 25 grams

5. BananaCoffeeBologna lunchabletotal cost: $4.73total calories: 390total fat: 22 g

6. Apple Caramel Apple Small coffeeHoney roasted peanuts Banana nut muffin Laffy Taffytotal cost: $5total calories: 800 total fat: 50g

7. Whopper Junior Small FriesDutch Apple Pie Small Coke ICEEtotal cost: $4.75total calories: 1030total fat: 48g

8. 6 pc. Chicken Fries Small Fries Small Coke ICEEtotal cost: $4.73total calories: 610total fat: 29g

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compiled by| dara vint

Who wouldn’t want to go to school only four days a week?

In reaction to the recent decline in the economy and rising transportation and operation costs, school districts around the country are considering a shortened school week. English teacher Marti Buchanan is an advocate of the idea.

“I think a shortened school week would help the sleep deprived teenager gain a little extra rest by taking another day off. There are no negative aspects of the idea,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan supports changing the current school schedule from five days to four days by taking Monday off.

Even with her specific details and plans, Buchanan hasn’t exactly received overwhelming support from the school district.

“I have mentioned the idea to some of my superiors, but they thought I was making a joke,” Buchanan said.

FHSD Superintendent Renee Schuster doesn’t subscribe to the four-day week. Schuster believes the shorter week would be a problem for students, especially the younger ones.

“Francis Howell School District is not considering a four-day school week at this time because we believe it would be detrimental to student learning. The longer school day would be difficult for elementary students and we believe they would learn less due to fatigue,” Schuster said.

Since the state of Missouri does not currently allow schools to have four day school weeks, the change is not a possibility at the time. However, this has not stopped other Missouri school districts from considering the change. Sturgeon School District superintendent Stan Ingraham shares the same concerns as Schuster.

“It’s the little ones I worry about. Going to school for a longer day or having a longer school year could be hard on kindergartners or first-graders,” Ingraham said in the Columbia Tribune July 29.

Nationally, school districts such as Caldwell Parish in Louisiana have already made the switch to dropping a day because of rising fuel costs. The catch is that school days will become longer, and the time for recess and other breaks will be shortened.

“We found our budget could only stretch so far. This was the best alternative for our circumstances,” Caldwell Parish superintendent John Sartin said in Time Aug. 14.

The student population has varied opinions on the four-day proposition. Opponents cite that having longer school days is a real turn off.

“I wouldn’t like going to school for a longer day. The school day is long enough

already,” junior Nick Dolan said.Junior Suraj Hansalia supports the idea,

as long as school days don’t become too long.

“Having a four day school week would be good to a certain extent,” Hansalia said. “If we only have to go for one extra hour that wouldn’t be too bad. But two or three extra hours would be too much.”

Junior Megan Olshwanger would enjoy having some more free time.

“It would be nice to have an extra day off just to relax,” Olshwanger said.

Even though state laws prohibit the change, this and other options will continue to be considered as long as transportation costs continue to rise.

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Francis Howel l High School [7001 Highway 94 South] St . Charles, MO 63304

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Collegiate drinking trickles down to major proposal for minors

It’s time to think about your schedule. Don’t forget to take

a FHHS Publications Class!

Photo Journalism

Journalism

Earn a Practical Arts or Elective credit. Learn to

use Photoshop to make your pictures stand out! Look at some of

their work on page 12.

Earn a Communication

Arts, Practical Arts, or Elective credit.

Learn to write like the pros, and you might have your work published in Spotlight or Howelltonian.

These classes meet the prerequisites for Yearbook and Newspaper staff membership.

Jess

ica

Det

ers

With thousands of young adults dying each year from causes related to alcohol, colleges have started sounded a call of action to prevent underage drinking and are proposing those below the current legal age have the right to drink. With campuses nationwide pressuring Congress to change the drinking age to eighteen, the Amethyst Initiative has been causing uproar of mixed opinions throughout the country.

“It should just be lowered because whether it’s 21, people are still going to drink,” senior Kelsey Leonard said.

According to the Center for the Disease Control and Prevention, 45 percent of high schoolers have consumed some amount of alcohol. As a result, many object that a lower drinking age doesn’t constitute for the lack of experience (or time) in driving and being able to drink.

When a new driver hits the road at sixteen, he or she would have little time to experience handling a car before reaching eighteen. On the other hand, by the age of 21, drivers have five years of road experience to handle the responsibility of driving before

adding alcohol to the equation.Colleges supporting the initiative are

primarily working towards the prevention of binge drinking. Because those under the legal age drink in private and out of the public eye, colleges say lowering the drinking age would take the edge off getting alcohol.

Colleges supporting the initiative include Notre Dame, Dartmouth, Duke, Ohio State and Texas A&M. Currently, no schools in the Missouri have signed the petition, but the closest is Quincy located in Illinois.

Still, this might pose a problem for high school campuses because eighteen year olds in high school would have the opportunity to buy alcohol for underclassmen.

“It might fix one problem on college campuses, but it will only cause more in high schools,” senior Nadia Matoug said.

The facts of science are also a factor. According to dontserveteens.gov, studies show that consumption of alcohol can have various affects on the adolescent brain because it doesn’t stop growing until the early twenties. Drinking during important developmental stages can affect performance, function, memory, and can impair the growth of the brain and nervous system. As a result, early-age drinking can lead to dangerous long-term affects such as log-term memory loss, brain growth and permanent nerve damage.

So far, over 125 college presidents have supported the initiative in order to get the change made from across the country.

by|nick holder

Four day school week could help district budget“This schedule would help reduce the district’s costs on things such as heating, cooling, and gas for the buses.”

–English teacher Marti Buchanan

“If you’re allowed to get married, adopt kids, vote, and serve your country, you should be able to have a beer.”

–senior Taylor Schreck

by| erin key

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Francis Howel l High School [7001 Highway 94 South] St . Charles, MO 63304

S p o t l i g h tN o v . 1 9 , 2 0 0 8 9f e a t u r e s

5things

you didn’t know about...

Vegetarian Club

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

Ask your counselor how to get started at St. Charles Community College.636-922-8000 www.stchas.edu

~ Brianna Bernardy SCC Dual Enrollment Participant Francis Howell Central Alum, 2008 Freshman at Truman State University

High school newspaper ad10”x6.5”Based on measurements for FH Central newspaper

1. They’re a brand new club with 17 members and looking for more. “We want to expand, we want the whole school

to know who we are,” club president Autumn Rempinski said.

2. Their goal is explore new foods and inspire a healthy diet. 3. It’s not just for vegetarians. Anyone is welcome to join.

4. During meetings, they talk about recycling, going green, and trying to improve the planet, all while sampling

free vegetarian food provided by the president and vice president.

5. Their next meeting is Dec. 1 and every other Monday after that, in A112 (Mrs. Klein’s room).

According to club president Autumn Rempinski

by | katie greathouse

Now you have to understand something about me before you read this. I am not a huge basketball fan. I can’t watch a basketball game on ESPN for more than 30 seconds. I claim I’m a New Jersey Nets fan but I couldn’t name two players on the team. I have no problem with basketball, and although I am horrible, I try to play with my friends. But I cannot for the life of me bring myself to watch a game on television.

With that in mind, I can’t wait for the varsity boys basketball season to start up. There will be no hesitation on my part to attend a basketball game when there is one. I will drop what I’m doing and be there.

Last season was the first year I followed the team. It was fun watching forwards Cody Sorenson drive to the hoop and Cameron Cathcart play with heart.

Last season was tagged as a rebuilding year for Howell hoops because of the fact the team had only one senior. The squad maintained a record of 17-11, with 4-2 in the GAC. This included beating Howell Central twice in a row late in the season. They were exciting to watch every night as they played for their spot. Returning players now have leadership and experience.

Word around the school is that a clever bunch of kids came up with the term “storm troopers” for the student section, coined in support of the head coach Mike Storm. I personally think that this is genius and it totally fits with Storm’s energetic personality. From what I hear, students will wear storm trooper masks. I definitely want in on that action.

I hope that the crowd for basketball games is huge. We can fill our gym no problem. Coach Storm and the basketball team work hard for fan support and I think we owe it to them to give them a chance.

Last season, at select home games, the boosters gave away items including posters, magnets, schedules, and even t-shirts. That is an awesome idea and I can’t wait for it to continue.

Hopefully I will see you at a game, with a storm trooper mask, and a sweet give away in your hand ready to watch a great basketball game.

10 S p o t l i g h t S h o u ts p o r t s

Francis Howel l High School [7001 Highway 94 South] St . Charles, MO 63304

N o v . 1 9 , 2 0 0 8

Dear Sports Fansby|joe pannullo He’s the first one at practice and the last one to leave.

Not the star quarterback or the head coach but junior Tyler DeYoung.

DeYoung is the sports manager for football, wrestling and girls soccer.

“I played football my freshman year and started helping out with varsity on Fridays. Then I just kind of fell into it,” DeYoung said.

As sports manager, DeYoung has many responsibilities, including taking care of the equipment and uniforms. He also sets up, as well as tears down, the practice and game fields, helps out the trainer and watches over the other sports manager.

“Tyler does about twelve hours of work a week that otherwise the coaching staff would have to take care of,” varsity football coach Bryan Koch said.

“With the amount of work that Tyler does, it frees up the coaching staff to coach and the players to play,” athletic director Dave Witter said.

What drives DeYoung to do so much work for so little recognition?

“I like doing it. I know it saves the coaches a lot of time so I don’t mind helping out,” he said.

DeYoung is no ordinary manager as he struggles with a mild form of autism.

“With autism I’ve had problems socially. I had trouble connecting with other students but watching how other people interact has helped me overcome it,” DeYoung said.

DeYoung is in his third year as sports manager and has built relationships with the players and coaching staff.

“I remember when Tyler pinned Brendan Varner his sophomore year. Brendan was our JV starter and Tyler was just our manager,” varsity wrestling coach Kevin Stroh said.

“He is always there to help. When we need water or equipment

then he can get it for us. He does the work that nobody else wants to do,” junior Jacob Stewart said

Out of the three different sports that he manages, football is his favorite.

“I like managing football the most because they treat me like I’m part of the team,” DeYoung added.

“Managing is better than playing because I can come and go when I please and I have more time for homework,” DeYoung said.

His work might go unnoticed by most people but is still important to everyone.

“When Tyler leaves, the football program is going to have a big hole to fill. Bigger than any player on the field,” Koch said.

Boy’s BasketballEven after a successful 17-11 season,

head coach Mike Storm is focused on the present.

“Any problems that we faced last year are in the past, and we have moved forward focusing on this season,” he said.

Storm also doesn’t want to be too concerned about the future.

“Certainly, there are games that athletes circle before the season starts, but if a team makes the mistake of channeling all of its energy to one opponent or a few games scattered across the schedule, that team will struggle with the inconsistencies that this team hopes to avoid. So, it would be in the team’s best interests to look forward to the opportunities that each opponent presents. If we can do that, then we will have somewhere around 30 games that should have our blood pumping,” he said. With returning seniors Cody Sorenson and Brian Cobbs, Storm has a lot to be excited about.

“We are excited about having a multi-faceted offensive attack, and we are excited about our own expectations of being difficult to score against,” he said.

An early task however, will be against St. Charles West, Dec. 15, who finished runner-up in the class four state championship and had a streak of 26 consecutive wins before

the loss in the finals.

WrestlingThe Viking wrestling team is looking to

have another solid year, but they are going to have to do it without some key members.

“We lost some pretty good wrestlers, one being Matt Baker, who took sixth in the state, and Winston Wolf, who was a state qualifier as well,” senior Julian Donahue said.

Each individual goal may be different, but the goal as a team is the same.

“A top priority for our team as a whole this year is to be a top ten team in the state: plain and simple,” junior Alex Langford said.

Some key meets this year will be against Troy, Dec. 16, who as a team finished ninth in the state; and Howell Central, who finished in second in state. Returning to Central is senior Sean Kennedy, who finished seventh in the state at 27-8 in the 125 lb class.

Girl’s Swimming“We lost a great deal of excellent

swimmers due to graduation, Anna Jovanovic, Caroline Williams, Sujin Chong, Lauren Erhard, and all were a great inspiration and brought team spirit,” sophomore Sydnie Bianchi said.

However, this off-season has been key.“Although we lost some good swimmers,

we still have a lot of good ones, and I know the team and I have gotten better with the

training over the summer,” sophomore Marissa Douglas said.

The team says that they are ready. “I look forward to the meet against Holt,

Jan. 8. They are our biggest competition this year, and my goal is to beat them,” Douglas said.

Another key meet is against Timberland, Dec. 15 and its returning seniors, including Taylor Wohrley, who won the state championships in the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke. She broke a state record in the 200. The Vikings also face Amanda Masters, who took the 200-yard IM and 100-yard breaststroke.

Girl’s BasketballComing off a 10-16 season, the Lady

Vikings basketball team looks to improve. The team has nine seniors returning including leading scorer Maxie Johnson.

“Our goal as a team this year is to simply have fun and be able to play to the best of our abilities. For most of us girls, it is our senior year and we really need to make it count,” she said.

One of the key games on the schedule this year is against division champion Howell Central, Feb. 18.

Behind every great team is a great manager

Junior Tyler DeYoung puts in extra hoursby|evan loveless

Varsity sports plan to heat up winter seasonby|dan dowell

Watching over the varsity football team, junior Tyler DeYoung talks to the team trainer during the varsity football playoff game against Jefferson City, Nov. 7. DeYoung served as the team manager. “I like doing it. I know it saves the coaches a lot of time so I don’t mind helping out,” he said. (Photo by Michael Gulledge)

Don’t forget to order a yearbook!

Call Jostens at 1-866-282-1516

Francis Howel l High School [7001 Highway 94 South] St . Charles, MO 63304

S p o t l i g h tN o v . 1 9 , 2 0 0 8 11B u z z

e n t e r t a i n m e n t

by|sam gallowayMusical Musings

Five days a week, you’re bustling through the hall right past a boy who’s sharing the stage with touring-the-country bands on school nights.

You’re sitting next to a junior who spent his

summer and fall adding the finishing touches to his debut album, Watch Her Dance, which has been for sale on iTunes for about a month now.

I named this column “The Launchpad” after a Jack’s Mannequin lyric – Jack’s is one of my all-time favorite bands, and they were

all I could think of as I watched Joe Slavich rock out with a super-catchy original jam, piano-driven and heartfelt, at the talent show in March 2008.

So it’s only appropriate that this ridiculously talented boy gets my first inner-school music review column all to himself.

I have to be completely honest – he’s just got it. He knows what’s up. With nothing but a sweet Macbook, a beautiful electric-acoustic guitar, and killer vocal stylings, this 17-year old is way ahead of the curve.

Let’s get right down to the music: Slavich plays under the name The Perfect Wonderful, which is all about chill keyboard and synth

effects, great dancey beats, and honest-yet-calming lyrics.

If Slavich is crushing on a girl, he’s not wasting your time by whining about the heartache – he’s saying, “she’s sweet without the cavities.” He’s admiring her dance moves. It’s charming for girls, it’s relatable for guys – it’s the ultimate high school soundtrack, but it is sophisticated.

Listen to the song “Up The Wall” as soon as you can. The recording is phenomenal and his effects are astounding. (And he’s not selfish with his recording expertise – he mixed one of my songs back in August.)

The Perfect Wonderful isn’t just confined

to his own basement, either – this solo act hops onstage with his Mac and his guitar on a regular basis.

Check it out – it’s a busy month for The Perfect Wonderful: Joe is playing at Messiah Lutheran’s Anomaly concert, Nov. 15; the Pit (w/ The Ready Set) Nov. 21; and the STL for Africa benefit show, Nov. 29.

His style is perfect, his music is wonderful, and you better get your cute Myspace pictures with him now before he’s on world tours for years on end.

Check it out at www.myspace.com/theperfectwonderful.

[The Launchpad]

compiled by| sam galloway

In school

Nov. 20 – Business Interview Day in LibraryNov. 21 – Choir Concert at Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7PMNov. 26-28 – No School, Thanksgiving BreakDec. 2 – Winter Band Concert, 7PMDec. 16-19 – Finals

Music and Theatre

Fox Theatre314-534-1678www.fabulousfox.com

Nov. 26 – Smashing Pumpkins 20th Anniversary Tour - $43-130Dec. 11-28 – Radio City Christmas Spectacular with The Rockettes - $30-70

The Pageant314-726-6161www.thepageant.com

Dec. 12 – The Faint - $17.50Dec. 13 – Chuck Berry - $25

The Pitwww.thepitstl.com

Nov. 21 – The Perfect Wonderful, The Ready Set, Hey Mendell, Sammy and His GuitarNov. 28 – Nine Life Fire, Pierside, NovellaDec 13 – Dan Kelley Christmas, BAMF!, Samanywhere

Sports

Edward Jones Dome314-342-5201www.edwardjonesdome.org Nov. 23 – Rams vs. Bears, 12PM

Dec. 14 – Rams vs. Seahawks, 12PM

Scottrade Center314-622-5435www.scottradecenter.comNov. 21 – Blues vs. Ducks, 7:30PMDec. 5 – Blues vs. Flames, 7PM Movies

Nov. 21 – TwilightNov. 26 – Four Christmases starring Vince Vaughn, Reese WitherspoonDec. 5 – Milk starring Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, James FrancoDec. 12 – The Day The Earth Stood Still starring Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connolly

Upcoming Events

EXODUS IS THE NEWEST AND MOST EXCITING LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT HOT

SPOT IN ST.CHARLES COUNTY

OUR GRAND OPENING BEGINS ON NEW YEARS EVE 08

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL EVENT LISTINGS.

Did we make you mad? Happy? Interested? Upset? Overjoyed?

Express your opinions by writing a letter to the editor. Turn in typed, signed letters to room A115. Letters will

be published according to Spotlight editorial policy.

12 S p o t l i g h t F i n a l T hou gh t sb a c k p a g eJ a n . 2 1 , 2 0 0 9

A day in

ww

w.jillyscupcakebar.com

8509 Delm

ar Blvd St. Louis, MO

63124

(314)-993-JILLY www.landmarktheatres.com/market/St.Louis/TivoliTheatre.com

6350 Delmar Blvd St. Louis, MO 63130 (314)-995-6270

www.slam.com (314)-721-0072 1 Fine Arts Dr. St. Louis, MO 63130

Jilly’s Cupcake Bar

St. Louis Art MuseumSaint Louis, himself.

photography by| sam galloway

St.

compiled by| dara vint

Loui sArt Hill

Ti v ioli T heatre

If video games, movies, and music aren’t enough, take a

trip through St. Louis. One way to avoid being

stuck at home are spending the morning at the Art

Museum, catch a movie at the Tivoli, and finish the day off with a cupcake at Jilly’s

cupcake bar.