Francis Howell High 7001 S. Hwy 94St. Charles, MO 63304

Vol. 42, Issue 2Dec. 12, 2012

www.fhhstoday.com@fhhstoday

In BriefHowell publications receive honors: The Spotlight newspaper took fourth place and the Howelltonian Yearbook took fifth in Best of Show competition.

Choir performsThe choir hosted its annual Madrical Dinners, Friday, Dec. 7-Saturday, Dec. 8.

Football playsSaturday, Nov.24, was the first time Howell had made it into the final four in football. Senior Nate Green received a fan award.

Bands performJazz & concert band held concerts Dec. 4.

Class producesIntroduction to Journalism class produced this issue of Spotlight.

UpcomingDec. 18:1st hour finals

Dec. 19:2nd & 3rd hour finals

Dec. 20:4th & 6th hour finalsSchool hours 8:15-11:30 a.m.

Dec. 21:5th & 7th hour finalsSchool hours 8:15-11:30 a.m.

Jan. 3:School resumes at 7:20 a.m.

Jan.18 & 21:No school

Feb. 7-9Winter PlayAuditorium

page 3 page 7 page 8

Top 10 Movies to Watch While Preparing for the End of the World

“It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine.” The lyrics to the REM song became more applicable as Dec. 21 crept closer.

There are plenty of theories based on why the world will end Dec. 21. These include the Mayan calendar ending, global warming and natural disasters. According to NASA, there are no proven theories as to if the world is ending

on the given day. Even the Bible does n’t give an exact date, telling believers to watch for signs.

“I still think the world will end. A lot of tragic stuff has happened and in the movie 2012, New York floods. Hurricane Sandy just hit and flooded New York,” freshman Zach Burkart said.

“I am scared of the natural disasters. They each have a

consequence, but I don’t think it’s connected to Dec. 21,” sophomore Jessica Tarkington said.

Another major theory revolves on when the Mayan calendar ends. The history channel even did a critic-panned documentary. The Mayans were smart people of their time, which gives people no reason to doubt them. But what they have forgotten is that

when the Europeans came over to conquer land, they also brought disease and killed off a lot of the Maya population. Also, according to NASA, the last day of the Mayan calendar was Dec. 21 and then the calendar restarts for the year.

“There is a possibility that nobody was left to finish writing it after disease killed off most of the population,”

sophomore Jacob Beseda said.

“I don’t think they could have even predicted when the world would end. Someone probably started it just to get attention,” Tarkington said.

Along with these theories, there is also fear of what people may do, even if the world doesn’t end.

“People will try to do things from their “bucket list” or possibly

go crazy,” junior Hannah Wooten said.

“People will quit their jobs and do the things they have wanted to do. I don’t think they’ll go crazy,” sophomore Riley Kolkemeyer said.

At Howell, teachers will be giving fifth and seventh hour finals.

“Why waste time studying if the world is going to end a day after?” senior James Watkins said.

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#2Independence Day(1996)

#3 Armageddon(2008)

“I think it’s really ironic how in the movie New York floods, and New York just flooded. It’s actually kind of scary.” –freshman Marissa Dossey

“This movie really put perspective on the world ending. I never imagined something like this could happen.”–senior Courtney Rolfes

“If the world ever gets hit by a meteor, thanks to this movie I will know what to do.”–freshman Dylan Marcelle

#4 Knowing(2008)

#5 The Book of Eli(2010)

6I am Legend(2007)

#7Wall-E(2008)

#8 Day after

Tomorrow(2004)#9

Contagion(2011)#10

Deep Impact(1998)

spotlightThe World is Ending...or is it?

Haley Mills journalism studentKaleigh Thompson journalism student

Sydney Winistoerfer journalism studentLauren Bethmann staff artist

The official name for the winter break is Christmas break, though Christmas is not the only holiday celebrated during this break.

It may be true that the majority of students celebrate Christmas; however, the minority groups

still deserve some respect. After all, Christmas is only one day of the break.

“Congress may not make any law respecting an establishment of any religion,” reads the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Calling the holiday break Christmas break is making a

direct relation between school and religion. Even though this isn’t a law, school is a place where religion should be left out.

All of the other breaks throughout the year are named after the season that they fall in, like fall break, spring break, and summer break.

The school board should

consider changing the name of the break back, in order keep respecting all faiths.

Changing the name back would stop any conflict that may start because of this.

There is a place where religion is important; however, school is not one of those places.

Purpose“Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...”

––The First Amendment 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 FHHS Publications media editorial policy; and 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 designated public 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. The full media policy is available at fhhstoday.com.

AdvertisingAll ads must be approved. Ad rate schedules and policies are available by calling 636-851-4820 or going to www.fhhstoday.com

OPIN

ION

Spotlight

Letter PoliciesAll letters to the editor should be sent to Mrs. Dunaway in room D118 or emailed to spotlight letters@gmail.com. Letters will be printed on the editorial page. All letters must be signed, be under 400 words, and contain appropriate material. Material will not be printed if content is obscene, or if it invades others’ privacy, or if it encourages physical disruption of school activities and/or if it implies libel. The editorial board has the right to have letters edited for length, grammar, punctuation, clarity, etc. The school newspaper will only publish one letter per author per issue and all letters become the property of the school newspaper upon receipt and will not be returned.

FHHS PublicationsWe are one converged staff, with a publication class hour, who publish the Spotlight newspaper, FHHSToday.com, the Viking Report broadcast, and the 320-page Howelltonian yearbook.

This second issue of Spotlight is, as tradition, created by the Introduction to Journalism class. Chance Abernathy, Sarah Anthonis, Alison Bacon, Skylar Cook, Olivia Dinwiddie, Lexi Farran, Allegra Flores, Alison Huskins, Shannon Kelly, Taylor King, Haley Mills, Sonya Naemi, Megan Schulte, Kaleigh Thompson, Maddie Villeneuve, Sydney Winistoerfer.

FHHS Publications StaffEmily Phelps, editor-in-chief; Shelby Steingraeber, web editor; Katie Roberts, photo editor; Larry Guessfeld, social media editor. Staff writers: Emily Aiken, T.J. Bartosch, Lauren Bethmann, Kayla Calandro, Javoni Faucette, Samantha Fleschner, Megan Golliver, Bethany Hartley, Gaby Keim, Monica Khatri, Alex Martin, Kayla Schweikard. Michele Dunaway, MJE, adviser.

Francis Howell High Schoolhttp://www.fhhstoday.comVol. 42, Issue 2Dec. 12, 2012 2

I think it’s a good thing because Christmas is during winter break and Christmas break sounds better anyways. –junior Dan Swoboda

Face Crowd In The

Hits and Misses (a quick Howell about the good and bad)

It doesn’t really matter. It’s a break and getting out of school is all that really matters. –senior Cassi Flores

Winter break sounds better because some people don’t celebrate Christmas, so it might offend them. –freshman Patrick Hambrough

I think renaming it was a good idea because Christmas happens during that break and that’s what people think of when you say winter break anyways. –freshman Jordan Thomas

Being Jewish, I still don’t really care. It’s understandable because it’s mostly a Christian/Catholic community. –junior Sam Kramer

What do you think about the school board officially renaming Winter Break to Christmas Break?

Passing PeriodCrowded hallways make it almost impossible to get to classes on time. And those stairwells? Ugly.

ParkingWith two exits from the school, it doesn’t take as long to exit the school parking lot.

Dropping AP No longer being able to drop AP classes creates problems when homework becomes too much.Vending Machines

More vending machines give students more options to buy.

FinalsEven with a final exemption pass, the performance event still must be taken.

New Gym A bigger gym leaves more room for students at assemblies. We easily all fit!

hits missesThis holiday, give the gift that keeps on giving

Lauren Bethmann staff artist

Winter BreakWe wish it was longer, but we’ll take it.

Christmas break needs renamed to winter break

Tis the season to help othersIt’s that time again,

time to hang the tinsel, deck the halls, and prepare for the holiday

season. Time to be thankful for what you have and what you have been given, or so you would think.

Over the past few weeks, as you walk down the hall, it is often that I overhear people saying how unhappy they are. As we go into the season, it is important to remember those less fortunate.

This holiday season I ask you to remember places like our local food pantries and homeless shelters. I ask you also to remember that for many families this holiday season they won’t have reasons to celebrate. We need to think of them. The holidays need to remain a time for thanks and appreciation.

According to spotlightonpoverty.org, there are over 8,000 homeless in Missouri. On any given night only 1,700 of that 8,000 go through a homeless shelter and get a warm meal and a place to sleep. These simple things that people tend to take for granted, others go without some nights.

According to St. Louis Army Corps of Engineers, more than 1,350 families will be missing a loved one at their dinner table this holiday season.

Overall, the thing to remember is to be happy with what you have, be happy to have a loving and caring family. If you know someone who is less than fortunate this holiday season, volunteer to help them. Be there. Give them a warm meal or a warm place to sleep or simply be a good friend. Pay it forward and make the world a better place.

In my opinion

Larry Guessfeld social media editor

Editorial

Francis Howell High Schoolhttp://www.fhhstoday.comVol. 42, Issue 2Dec. 12, 2012 NEWS 3

Ryan GwaltneySCC student

Francis Howell alum

SCC makes it happen.It’s never too early to think about life after high school. Whether your next step will be �nding a job or earning an associate’s degree before transferring to a four-year institution, you’ll �nd support around every corner at St. Charles Community College.

Take the next step toward success at stchas.edu/future_students.

Success.

Lights. Stress. Juicy-bags. Tech week. “Tech week is intense and super

stressful, but insanely important,” sophomore Danny Junkel said.

During the three days before every Limelight Theatre production, drama club members participate in tech week. The students perfect the show by doing two dress rehearsals each day until 10pm.

“After the first run, with make up, lights, sound... everything but an audience, we get an hour or so to eat. After that we get back in costume and back to work,” Junkel said.

“The first run is always stressful; it’s like our warm up. The second run tends to be 1,000 times better,” senior Clayton Humburg said.

Tradition determines most activities that take place. Parents of the drama kids volunteer to bring in food each night. Monday night is pasta night, Tuesday

is sandwich night, and Wednesday is taco night. Tradition requires Capri-Suns to always be available.

“Everyone calls the Capri-Suns “juicy-bags”. I’m not exactly sure why, but it is some sort of inside joke,” freshman Trevor Joerling said.

“I thought everyone called them juicy-bags! But then last year, the tech week of D i s t r a c t e d ,

everyone decided to make fun of me for it, and I realized it wasn’t normal. It became this ‘thing’ and drama kids still call it that,” sophomore Caleb Kapusciak said.

Lights, sound, actors, costumes, paint, make-up and running crew all come together during tech week to complete the performance.

“Even when things seemed hopeless, everyone came together and perfected our show. Every second counts,” Humburg said.

Tech Week

“Even when things seemed hopeless, everyone came together and perfected our show.”

–senior Clayton Humburg

Cast, crews prepare for the show during intense run-throughs

(far left) The cast sits at the edge of the stage after a run-through while they receive notes from student director, sophomore Danielle Crosno.

(left) Mothers of drama club members prepare to serve the members of the cast and crew some tacos, the Wednesday night meal tradition.

(above) Sophomore Jessie Basler smiles as she receives a classic pep talk from her fellow cast members, sophomores Laura Haug and Caleb Kapusciak.All Photos by Monica Khatri

Sarah Anthonis journalism student

FEATURESFrancis Howell High Schoolhttp://www.fhhstoday.comVol. 42, Issue 2Dec. 12, 2012

Holiday buys

Giving gifts can get complicated

When the holidays come barreling around the corner, bringing with them sugarplum fairies, jolly old men, and that pesky Jack frost nipping

at one’s nose, it can all feel sort of overwhelming. Especially when it comes to buying presents for friends.

“I only buy for really close friends,” freshman Mady Lamoreaux said. “It makes it more personalized. Once, someone got got me a gift and I didn’t get them one. It was really awkward, so I told them I had forgotten hers at home and that I’d give it to her the next day.”

Freshman Presley Schleicher organizes a Secret Santa system among her friends with a price limit of $30.

“It’s so that I can get a present for one friend that is genuine and nice,” Schleicher said.

Junior Melissa Weiss gets the same present for most of her friends.

“That way I don’t have to do as much shopping, and I can buy in bulk,” Weiss said. “My presents are usually ran-dom little things that my friends may find useful. And you

can’t go wrong with candy.”When junior Jackie Molina buys presents for her

friends, she buys a lot of things from Victoria’s Secret. “It’s the things there like lotion and perfume and the

little cute things that every girl likes.” Molina said. “But QT gas cards are among the best things that a per-

son can give. You always need gas.”Guys can be particular. “I don’t want anything,” senior Case Bottoms said. “Re-

ally, it’s hard to think of things. I only buy things I need.““I buy everything I want when I want it,” senior Roger

Beilman said.Good gifts for guys could include gift certificates to auto

parts stores, restaurants and gas stations.“Get gift certificates to clothing stores so that guys can

get what they want,” senior Adam Birenbaum said. “That way it’s not like that t-shirt your grandma gives that no one really wants.

The latest Apple technology. A popular gift for this holiday season. But, freshman Darby

Joerling and sophomore Sara Czach-owski agree that when receiving or giv-ing a gift, it’s the thought is what really counts.

“It’s nice to know that someone is thinking of you, and that they put time and effort into getting it just for you,” Joerling said.

Although receiving socks or puzzles may not be the ideal gift, Czachowski believes that the actual gift is not as important as the time and effort put into getting the gift.

“If someone went out and got

something for you, they obviously care about you,” Czachowski said.

Getting an iPhone is at the top of Joerling’s list, but she agrees that anything would be appreciated, since thought was put into it.

“Everybody wants the newest and best product. But, I think every gift is a good one,” Joerling said.

Junior Jordan Struckman thinks anything handmade is the perfect gift for any occasion.

“It makes it even more special,” Struckman said.

Freshman Breanna Holland thinks a bad gift really isn’t possible.

“There’s not really a bad gift to

receive because even if someone doesn’t have much money to buy expensive gifts, you still know that person is think-ing of you,” Holland said.

To Holland, a gift card doesn’t always seem to contain as much thought as something more meaningful.

“A good gift is something they put their heart into,” Holland said.

On the other hand, junior Rachel Kelly doesn’t support the cliche.

“In today’s society, everybody expects something and if they don’t receive it, they are disappointed. When you get something that you don’t want, the thought is ruined,” Kelly said.

Getting wrapped up in holiday spirit

It’s the thought that counts...

Shoppers go for sentiment when giving

Shannon Kelly journalism student

Maddie Villeneuve journalism student

“ I like how thousands of kids are lied to everyday about Santa Claus.”–senior Kyler Thompson

“I look forward to putting up the tree every year.”–senior Brieana Brawley

“Christmas is about being around your family and being thankful.”–junior Vince Leonard

“One thing I like about Christmas is seeing family from different states.” –sophomore Tristan Stone

“Christmas isn’t about presents. It’s about giving.”–freshman Austin Tierney

“My favorite part about Christmas is having all of my family around.”–sophomore Amy Hirner

4

5FEATURES

Subtweets, Twitter fights, and more...

Move over Facebook, Twitter is here

Blink. 2,387 Tweets are sent. “At first I just followed

bands, but now I use it everyday,” freshman Rachel Moss said. “Twitter is a place to like, let your feelings out.”

With 55 million updates sent per day, Twitter is the number two social networking site after Facebook. However, because each post is written in all of 140 characters, tweets can sometimes be misjudged and cause “Twitter fights.”

“Twitter fights are usually over boys, girls being mad at each other, or trying to get back at someone,” sophomore Sara Czachowski said.

These public disputes can be caused by many things: intentional tagging of a person because of anger, but most likely, a subtweet.

“Without tagging someone, you’re intentionally talking about them so that they see it. That’s a subtweet,”

Czachowski said.A subtweet can be about

a group of people, or an experience that just simply isn’t named.

“Once I tweeted about a goodnight text and that night I got some,” sophomore Anna Mathon said. “Also, I subtweet about girls because they’re catty.”

“I subtweet about school. When I’m in a class with someone and something happens, the next hour I write about them so other people kind of know what’s going on,” Mathon said.

Because over 40 percent of Twitter users use their phone to tweet, updates are continuously sent. Social networking is just a new way to speak about old gossip.

“One time I tweeted about a girl that doesn’t even have a Twitter and she found out,” Moss said.

It’s about the ride

For many, cars are something more than just simple transportation

There are plenty of cars in the world. Fast cars, slow cars, large cars, small cars, old cars, new cars. Cars can become pricey

when it comes to adding new accessories or taking it into the shop when it needs to be fixed.

“I don’t need to take my car in the shop. I pretty much taught myself how to work on cars. I’ve been doing it for about a year or two now,” senior Christoph Mueller said.

Playing around with the engine of his 99’ Ford Explorer, Mueller figured out how to make his car faster and more powerful. But Mueller hasn’t always liked cars. It took some time to spark the interest in his weekly hobby.

“I started liking cars because of a show called Top Gear,” Mueller said. “But I don’t want to make it

a profession. It’s just a hobby.”Dreaming of fully restoring a 67’ Camaro,

Mueller still has a long way to go. Trying to understand and learn about other cars is difficult and will take some time. Getting the money to buy one could take even longer.

“I still want to work on my own car,” Mueller said. “But I only have enough time to do it maybe once or twice a week for only a couple of hours.”

Senior James Watkins has a different motive for working on cars.

“I work on my car so it looks nice. I don’t really have a passion for it,” Watkins said. “If I ever need to be fixed or something I’ll take it to a car place to get it done.”

Sydney Winistoerfer journalism student

Lexi Farran journalism student

It’s that time! Yearbooks increase in price to $70 (from $62). Don’t wait. Order yours by Dec. 31 to receive the discount. www.smart-pay.com or call 1-800-853-1337

Getting ready to leave school, senior Christoph Mueller sits in the driver’s seat of his ‘99 Ford Explorer. (Photo by Katie Roberts)

On an iPhone, Twitter can be accessed at any time in the day. (Photo by Katie Roberts)

Francis Howell High Schoolhttp://www.fhhstoday.comVol. 42, Issue 2 Dec. 12, 20126 ARTS

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PRIZES

Book ReviewFilled with unexpected

plot twists and a rollercoaster of emotion, The Hunger Games trilogy, which includes The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins, keeps the reader entertained in every chapter.

Unlike other trilogies, Collins’ plot of a futuristic dystopia depicts a “fight to the death” battle between children in an event called “The Hunger Games.” Children, ages 12-18, are chosen at random on Reaping Day to volunteer as tributes in “The Games.” Collins puts a realistic spin on clearly fictional events that leaves you wondering, what if?

Since her characters are

so well developed, the reader begins to bond with them. From Katniss, the courageous big sister, to Peeta, the caring baker, Collins makes fictional characters come to life through her writing. Katniss and Peeta, the main characters, come from a background filled with hardships to overcome the adversities and fall in love. Although this may seem like the beginning of a fairy tale, this romance between star-crossed lovers is taking place during the battle.

Some characters will make you want to cheer for them, yet others will make you want to scream at the pages. The character of Rue, a tribute of

District 11 and only 12 years old, is a character who everyone will cheer for because she symbolizes pure innocence in such a volatile and corrupt set of circumstances. However, Cato, a tribute from District Two, is the very definition of a winner of “The Games.” He’s strong. He’s fast. And he is fierce. When he murders one of the youngest tributes in the first few minutes of the battle, you realize just how unforgiving he is. The only way to have a great group of characters is to balance the two types, and Collins depicts that perfectly.

Although the trilogy can be found in the young adult section of bookstores, there

is nothing immature about it. “The Hunger Games” depicts children brutally murdering each other for no reason, other than to keep the society under control. So, parents might want to use some guidance with young children when reading this trilogy.

With all that said, her novels have more than one possible outcome, which keeps the reader guessing throughout the books. The ending of each novel is guaranteed to be unpredictable and thrilling.

From character development to plot twists, Suzanne Collins keeps you wanting more after each book ends.

Music Review

Movie Review

The Hunger Games: A Trilogy worth readingMaddie Villeneuve journalism student

Irish rock band, The Script, entertains with their third album.

“#3” captures the sound of an upbeat Snow Patrol with the inspiring lyrics of lead vocalist Danny O’Donoghue.

The lead off single, “Hall of Fame,” featuring will.i.am,

is the most motivational and encouraging song on the album. Although the trio usually writes ballads, this song has a more hopeful sound to it.

O’Donoghue creates a soft/alternative rock feel to lyrics that touch the heart. In “Six Degrees of Separation,”

he portrays the story of a very personal break up. The track is genuine and believable, while still managing to be exciting to listen to.

Although the band has produced instant hits, such as “Breakeven,” this album has a more intimate feel. The listener

can relate to each song, whether it’s a slow ballad, or an upbeat dance song.

The Script didn’t have much time to crank out this album, yet they still achieved their most mature, well-developed collection to date.

Lexi Farran journalism student

The Script has hit with #3

Nightmare Before Christmas: a must-seeThe movie, “Nightmare Before

Christmas”, incorporated a love story with a Christmas and Halloween story. Main character Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon) has internal conflicts of his boredom with halloween and his feelings toward Sally, a secondary character (voiced by Catherine O’Hara).

My first thoughts when watching “Nightmare Before Christmas” was how outdated the animations were, which, actually, I really liked about it. It was similar to claymation, so it made the movie seem more realistic. It also was incredibly creative in the sense of the extra

characters, like Oogie Boogie’s henchman, Dr. Finklestein (the doctor who created Sally), the backgrounds, and storyline. After watching the movie about a billion times, I can see all of the foreshadowing they put at the beginning of the movie as well.

Oogie Boogie is an interesting “gamblin’ man,” as well as his three henchmen. As the antagonists in the movie, their role was well implemented in the storyline. When the henchman sing the song about kidnapping Sandy Claws and giving him to Oogie Boogie, it lets the watcher know what might come next.

In the plot, Jack becomes bored of the same old Halloween every year. So he goes looking for some inspiration. He comes upon a door which leads him to a completely other holiday land, Christmas. He becomes enthralled with the idea of Christmas and brings it back to Halloween land and gets everyone there hooked. After a series of rough patches and obstacles, his plans started to fall apart. It then became Jack’s responsibility to save Christmas.

If you like old fashioned, creepy, suspense-filled, love stories, you should definitely watch this movie.

Allegra Flores journalism student

Besides sleeping in, there are plenty of things to do in the St. Louis area. Don’t be afraid to cross the bridge–after all, where’s your adventurous side?•Go sledding on Art Hill. No snow? Then check out the St. Louis Art Museum’s new wing. Go see the Impressionistic masters and take in some Egyptian artifacts www.slam.org

•Go eat scrumptious cupcakes at either Sarah’s Cake Stop or at Whipt Cream, both located within 20 minutes in Chesterfield. www.sarahscafesstl.com or www.whiptcream.com Yummy.

•Attend a Howell sporting event (see photo above right). We’ve got girls and boys basketball, wrestling, and even girls

swimming. Just call the sports hotline at 636-851-4700 and follow the prompts. While you’re at it, follow Dave Witter and Dave Wedlock on Twitter to keep up with what’s going on.

•Where can you get both a Christmas tree and a concrete? Ted Drewes, of course. Visit the store on Chippewa and ask for the Chip (or any other flavor). www.teddrewes.com

• Full tank of gas and nowhere to go? Gather some good friends and check out the St. Louis Zoo’s “Wild Lights” event for just 5 dollars every weekend in December until the 23rd. www.stlzoo.org/wildlights

•Venture into Old Towne St. Charles and take part in the festivities. There’ll be characters to meet (look out for Jack Frost!), carolers, and actual chestnuts roasting over an open fire.

• With so many new movies coming out this holiday season, “Life of Pi,” “The Hobbit,” and “Les Misérables” being a few, you should be sure to include a trip to the theaters in your agenda.

•If you enjoy listening to the holiday station and wanted to hear you favorites live, check out the St. Charles Community College calendar and see what times the symphony is performing its holiday concerts. www.stchas.edu

Things to Do Get out and about this holiday breakOlivia Dinwiddie journalism student

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SPORTS 7Francis Howell High Schoolhttp://www.fhhstoday.comVol. 42, Issue 2Dec. 12, 2012

For trip to the DomeQuarterback watches from sideline

POP. That was it. The simple sound was all it took for quarterback Brett Siebenshuh’s season to end.

“It popped. I hobbled off the field and fell down,” Siebenshuh said.

Late in the fourth quarter of the varsity game against Holt, while trying for a two-point conversion, a player’s helmet hit the left side of Siebenshuh’s knee, resulting in a torn ACL.

“You just can’t get game experience without playing,” Siebenshuh said.

The season started on a promising note. Siebenshuh attended camps in the St. Louis area for the Rams high school 7-on-7 team. Coaches chose him out of 600 other players to move on to workouts, where 12 out of the 30 were chosen for the team. Siebenshuh became the quarterback.

“Brett Siebenshuh is firing balls in and making elite-level throws,” Coach Matt Biermann told reporter Justin Stine for ramblinfan.com. “He threw two picks the entire tournament. Two picks and probably 35-plus touchdowns.”

Siebenshuh led the team to eight wins in the pool play portion, but the team lost to the Arizona Cardinals, 24-21, in the single-elimination portion of the tournament.

Once the school year started, he made his way onto the varsity team.

“I’m proud. There was a senior ahead of me and I beat him out for the position,” Siebenshuh said.

He doesn’t know of any specific plans for after high school, but he’d like to follow in his brother

Eric’s footsteps. After being quarterback his senior year, Eric moved on to play for the University of Central Missouri.

“My dream is to play for any division one school,” Brett Siebenshuh said.

Dealing with the injury is not easy, but Siebenshuh knows he has support.

“He [Eric] guided me through the little things,” Siebenshuh said.

Although this injury is a set-back, Siebenshuh’s career is still unfolding.

“Over the last couple years he has grown as a student, an athlete, a leader, and most importantly as a person,” Coach Bryan Koch said. “I truly believe that Brett will bounce back from this injury and come back this off season with a vengeance to get better every day.”

Sports go on a Final Four spreeBoys Cross Country

The team ended its season with an overall record of 68-56, placing third in districts and sixth in sectionals.

Girls Cross CountryWith the first state championship since 1999, the team finished with an overall record of 111-8. The team placed first in the Nike/Fleet Feet Invite, Hancock Invitational, GACs, districts, sectionals, and state.

Girls VolleyballThe team ended the season with an overall record of 13-3, winning 12 matches in the first two sets. They took first in districts and sectionals, and fourth in state.

Boys SoccerScoring 101 total goals, the team ended its regular season 14-2. The team placed second in GACs and districts.

Girls SoftballThe team concluded the regular season 12-7. It placed third at state, defeating Marquette, Troy, St. Joseph’s Academy, and Eureka in the postseason.

Boys FootballAll sections went undefeated, but the varsity team made its way to State with a 9-1 regular season record. The team took second place against Blue Springs. This is the farthest any Howell football team has gone.

Quarterback Brett Siebenshuh and teammate Anthony Rispoli watch the game from the sidelines. Siebenshuh started as quarterback until an injury sidelined his season. (Photo by Katie Roberts)

Athletes sign with collegesOnly two percent of high school

athletes get the opportunity to play in college.

“I worked harder and my outcome is better,” senior Whitney Adams said.

Adams already has eight D1 universities interested in her running.

“I’m interested in Kansas University. I can see myself succeeding there,” Adams said.

After talking to many schools like Tennessee Tech, Florida Atlantic, Eastern Illinois, and Tennessee State, senior Kierra Patton decided to attend Texas Southern.

“I wanted to go down south,” Patton said.

Her visit to the school in April influenced her decision.

“It was a fun campus and the coach cares about his girls. I know that I’m not just money,” Patton said.

Over the summer, senior Jarrett Franklin traveled to multiple football camps that had numerous scouts watching.

“I talked to Emporia State and Illinois State, as well as Buffalo,” Franklin said.

Deciding on Buffalo University was all about the academics.

“There’s two PhD on staff to help with my academics. Also, there’s a good engineering program,” Franklin said. “I won’t see my family as much, but it won’t affect my football.”

Lexi Farran journalism student

The Varsity football team enters the Edward Jones Dome for the Class 6 State Football game. The team placed second in state play. (Photo by Katie Roberts)

Girls Varsity Cross Country takes first place in state championships. (photo submitted by Dave Wedlock)

The Boys Swim and Dive team takes third in State. Junior Alex Crawford placed first in the 100 meter free. (photo submitted by Mrs. Karen Baker)

Boys Swimming and DivingCompleting the regular season with a 10-2 record, the team finished first in conference championships and third in state.

Girls TennisThe team made its way through districts and GACs with a first place title. The team took second in sectionals against

Girls GolfWith a regular season record of 29-19-5, the team took second in GACs and fifth in districts. Sophomore Tess McCorkle placed eighth in state play. She and junior Rachel Kelly were also the only ones to make it to section play.

Senior Maddie Cordia serves for the Varsity Girls Volleyball team. The team took fourth in state. (photo by Kayla Calandro)

Girls Varsity Softball takes third in State Championships. (photo submitted by Ms. Tamie Lindsey)

Maddie Villeneuve journalism student

Lexi Farran journalism student

Mid Rivers Music 355 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. * Sales

Open: St. Peters, Missouri 63376 * Service Mon – Fri 10 – 8 Ph: 636-970-3385 * Rental Saturday 10 – 5 www.midriversmusic.com * Lessons

Serving the St. Charles Area for 17 years

Mid Rivers Music 355 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. * Sales *

Open: St. Peters, Missouri 63376 * Service * Mon – Fri 10 – 8 Ph: 636-970-3385 * Rental * Saturday 10 – 5 www.midriversmusic.com * Lessons *

Serving the St. Charles Area for 17 years

Flanked by Coach Justin Young, sister Jade, father Chuck, and mother Peggy, senior Javoni Faucette signs with Louisville. Faucette graduated at the semester. (Photo by Katie Roberts)

Francis Howell High Schoolhttp://www.fhhstoday.comTwitter: @FHHStodayVol. 42, Issue 2Dec. 12, 2012

SPED teacher Michele Cash leads Me-ME! through her agility course. Cash competes all over the country. (Submitted photo.)

Me-ME! sits behind the 60 medals she has won over the last four years. (Submitted photo.)

Brumby (pictured in story) runs through an agility course. Cash has three dogs. (Submitted photo.)

Going to the DogsBackpage8

Everyday after school, resource teacher, Michele Cash, packs up her bags and heads home to her family. Though unlike many who arrive home to their parents, a sister, or a brother, Cash is coming home to 32 furry paws, eight wagging tails, eight pink tongues for kissing, and a chorus of yips that translate to,“Welcome home, mommy!” They’re not just family pets, these eight dogs are her life.

Of the eight, Cash proudly shows three: Me-ME!, Brumby, and Honey Bun. However, when she first got into dog showing, Cash had no idea that it would mean so much to her.

Me-ME!, a toy blue poodle, was only 18 months old when Cash first went into training. Me-ME! was just a puppy when a friend had suggested obedience classes. Now eight years old, with four years of training under her collar, Me-ME! has achieved a championship along with 60 titles to her name. Me-ME! competes in both obedience and rally. Cash was proud to announce that last weekend, Me-ME! earned enough points to qualify at the national level. Cash and her companion will be finding themselves in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in March 2013. The dog trainer couldn’t be happier.

“Let’s just say I did a dance!” Cash said.Following in mommy Me-M!’s footsteps is the young

Brumby, a black mini poodle. Brumby was born in 2008 and, now four years old, has almost reached his championship title alongside the 40 others he has achieved. He began training at 15 months and Cash taught him herself. She’s even taught him specific directions, like the difference between left and right, for when Cash can’t keep up with him on the field.

Apart from the agility and obedience classes, Cash also shows Honey Bun. However, a Doberman attacked Honey Bun one evening in training class, and Cash’s dog hasn’t been the same ever since. Honey Bun is terrified of nearly everything, and is now only able to compete in the jumping portion of dog shows.

What sets apart dog shows from other sports is not only the dogs, but the people. Cash is inspired by the community of dog owners that she’s come to be a part of. They aren’t arrogant and don’t put one another down. They cheer for each other’s achievements and offer their support unconditionally.

“The best thing about agility is that everybody roots for everybody no matter what,” Cash said. “So that’s really cool.”

At the end of the day, it’s not the ribbons or the titles that matter to Cash.

“It’s the bond that you make with your dog,” Cash said.Her dogs mean the world to Cash, and her face lights up

when she talks about them. Her eyes shine wistfully as she thinks fondly of her beloved pets. Cash couldn’t ask for a better family.

“These dogs changed my life. They’ve made me a better person,” Cash said.

After this year, Cash has decided to retire. She imagines a life continuing to work with her dogs, the one thing that she loves most in the entire world.

“It’s not about winning,” Cash said. “It’s about the journey.”

Teacher Michele Cash’s three dogs compete, place in state, national agility competitionsOlivia Dinwiddie journalism student