April 29, 2026- Senior Edition

Letter From the Editors

Going to college is like elementary school all over again—knowing no one, the innocence of bliss. Much like elementary to high school, college is a period of growth and evolution into a different person.

We haven’t known a life without the same people for the last 12 years. But over the summer, we’re expected to grow and move, leave this foundation behind and meet an entirely new set of friends in a matter of weeks.

Most of our lives, we are getting ready for the next step. The future. Trying to stay ahead when we don’t even know what we’re preparing for. What people don’t talk about is that moment when life gets real. Most don’t even notice the change from “you don’t have to have everything figured out” to “why don’t you know what your plan is?”

This change can be overwhelming and causes us to recall the days when decisions were simpler. Instead of choosing roommates for the year, we chose who to play with at recess that day.

In this issue we’re going back to the

basics, reflecting on our lives in school from elementary onwards. Most of our early memories and connections with others come from the classroom and the playground, setting the foundation for our future.

Adults in our lives remind us that this stage in our lives will fly by, and we’ll soon be looking back, bittersweet. In this issue, we’ve worked to capture the moments that students want to remember.

With elements weaved into this issue that most students will recognize, we hope that this issue will remind seniors of how far

reflect on the past in a time so dedicated to

(Illustration by Naomi VanDyne)

Senioritis Spreads Through North

by Riley Jensen rjensen810@g.fhsdschools.org

Everyone remembers their first week of high school. The nervous yet exciting tingle, the anticipation as you meet your teachers for the very first time, and all the new people you meet. At first, it all seems like too much to take in. However, after repeating this cycle for four years, novelty turns into burnout and boredom. That’s when senioritis hits.

Although many underclassmen look forward to a laid-back senior year where they can slack off and have study hall for four out of their seven classes, for many seniors, this isn’t even close to reality. During senior year, not only is there pressure from family to stay on top of academics, but we also have to decide what we want to do for the entire rest of our lives. Then, we have to apply somewhere that meets our needs for these careers. To add on to all of that stress, many seniors choose to work during the school year in order to get a head start on paying for college. With so many outside distractions pushing and pulling seniors in every direction, it’s no wonder high school often gets put on the back burner.

Senioritis acts as a disease. It spreads around the entire senior class until everyone is infected, including their teachers. This often leads to a lethargic lack of energy in classrooms, which only accentuates our dreadful boredom.

Senioritis isn’t just laziness. It’s a mix of every different type of stress and the exhaustion from four years of hard work finally catching up to us. However, senioritis can also teach us an important lesson about growing up: it’s not always going to be easy, but we have to push through.

With all of this exhausted energy in the air, it can be easy for us seniors to give up academically or just stop showing up to school. However, it’s important that we refocus our attention to the thing everyone has been bothering us about for the last six months: college. Colleges like to see consistency, especially when it comes to GPAs. It can be hard to stay on top of things while feeling constantly pushed over the edge, but now more than ever, we need to “lock in” and finish strong.

Important Information

Day Of G

raduation

The day that many have been waiting their entire education to reach, graduation for the class of ‘26 is right around the corner. Here are details about the day to ensure you walk across the stage prepared

What to Wear:

Date: June 6

Place: Family Arena

Time the Ceremony Starts: 12:30 p.m.

Time to Arrive for Graduates: 11:45 a.m.

Time to Arrive for Guests: Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

All-Knighter

There is a formal dress code. Flip flops or shorts are not allowed.

Summer dresses and slacks should be worn under gowns.

What to Bring:

Remember cords and stoles.

Do not bring bags, or anything you can’t easily carry. There will not be room to store things inside the arena.

The All-Knighter is a tradition that students have been contributing to through trips to the snack table all four years of high school. Here’s what to expect on this highly-anticipated day

Date: June 6 (Night of graduation)

Location: Kokomo Joes 4105 N. Cloverleaf Dr., St. Peters, MO 63376

Doors Open: 10:30 p.m.

Must Be Admitted By: 11:30 p.m.

Entertainment:

What to Wear:

Many students wear pajamas and don’t change throughout the night.

There will be a shirt given to every student.

What to Bring:

Bags are allowed. They must be kept in the designated room, although you have access to it at any point in the night.

There will be bowling, laser tag, a trampoline park, a photo booth, karaoke, 2 cariacature artists, a magician, a casino room, and pickleball and other outside games.

(The karaoke booth can make music videos that you send to your phone)

Seniors Recall Memorable Moments

Each year in high school brings something new. For seniors, each year at North brought a moment that was chaotic, but memorable

by Olivia Abeln oabeln467@g.fhsdschools.org

I Survived: The Last

Football Win

The last time the Knights won a Homecoming football game was on Sept. 30, 2022—the seniors’ freshman year. Due to the construction on the football field at North, Lindenwood University provided a field for North to play against FHC.

“I just remember being on those big stairs,” senior Lily Devine said. “I just remember everybody cheering and chanting, and it was just so fun. I remember being surrounded by my friends.”

The Knights ended up winning 42-21. There weren’t many wins for football in the senior’s high school experience, but this was surely a

night to remember. However, some football players wish they could have changed that.

“It’s not a fun thing to think about,” senior Jacob Foster said. “I wish the football team had done better, and I wish we would have been closer as a team and as individuals.”

When comparing the two fields, many students have difficulty choosing which one they like better.

“I liked Lindenwood because of how big it was and how different it was,” Devine said. “It felt more special, but being at the new school and getting the new field and being on your home turf, that feels even more special.”

I Survived: The Black Sludge

In the senior’s sophomore year, the old building was falling apart. Many false fire alarms had gone off multiple times, but this day was different. On Jan 17, 2024, it was College and Career Day, and sophomores had just finished their practice ACT. The fire alarms went off, causing mass confusion. Students evacuated and many noticed black, sludgy water coming out of the sprinklers. The basement floors were flooding.

“I remember it took up the whole floor on the bottom of the stairwell,” senior Moya Jefferson said. “It just kept growing and growing. It was disgusting, and no one knew

where it came from.”

Everyone had to stay outside the building for over an hour. Students played games and talked with friends while the staff tried to figure out what caused this mysterious sludge.

“Everyone was just saying, the school’s gonna burn down,” senior Cody Cox said. “I thought we wouldn’t have to come in for a week.”

In the end, it was discovered that the real cause of the problem was that the sprinklers got triggered, and black goo came out of them due to dirt and lack of use.

I Survived: The Prom Flood of 2025

April 4, 2025, was supposed to be a night to remember. Juniors were ready for what they thought was their first prom. However, due to rain and flash flooding issues, the dance had to be canceled and rescheduled fifteen minutes before the dance was supposed to start.

“I was actually feeling very excited to experience my first prom with good friends,” senior Logan Upchurch said. “So I was excited to come in with my friends, just to hear that it

got canceled.”

Prom was then rescheduled to April 17, which caused some concerns with students who had already bought their tickets.

“I actually wasn’t able to [go],” senior Isabelle Wilkie said. “I had a trip to Disney planned, and the day that they rescheduled prom was the day that I was gonna be gone.”

The school knew that this might become a problem, so students were able to get a refund on their tickets.

I Survived: The First Senior Olympics

On Jan. 6, 2026, seniors were the first to try a new activity for College and Career Readiness day (CCR). The Senior Olympics were a series of events, varying from dodge ball to trivia, which got students out of the classroom and allowed them some fun.

“My favorite was the tag game,” senior Colin McGuire said. “I just think it was a lot of fun. I’m a runner, so I enjoyed the running aspect of it. There were teams [and] I got to get my friends out.”

With it being the first Senior Olympics, there were a few ups and downs when it all came together.

“I feel like it could be a little more organized so that everybody knows what was happening,” senior Addyson Brenner said.

“Finishing tournaments and having everyone in the same room and then telling them the whole schedule would be one thing they should fix.”

At the end of the day, students who stayed won gift cards, a free trip to the movies, and other prizes. Administrators hope to make this a yearly event in order to promote attendance and connection between the seniors.

contentment in the chaos. Coming from a house of five siblings, there was never a moment of silence. Whether eating at the table together or playing on the trampoline, we were never quiet. My family has always been a part of the person I am today, helping me learn to read and, in turn, I helped my younger siblings with multiplication at the kitchen table.

Wanting to be an elementary school teacher isn’t a random decision for me, it’s who I have naturally become. As the kids have gotten older, the house has gotten quieter, and being in the classroom is where I am reminded of that comfort that I found in earlier years. It started in my home and now continues in a home I hope to make for others.

Growing up has also taught me patience in many ways. When you are surrounded by so many personalities, you quickly learn that not everything goes your way. Someone is always louder, someone is always upset, and someone always needs help. In my own home is where I first learned how to listen, not just hear. Whether it was calming a sibling or trying to explain an equation in a way that made sense, those small moments created something bigger inside me. It also taught me how important it is to be seen. In a busy household, it is easy to get lost in the noise, but the moments that mattered most were the ones where I was slowed down enough to be noticed. That is something I still carry with me now. I want every kid who walks into my classroom to feel the same way that I have. To feel seen, and understood even on the loud days.

Looking back at my childhood, I don’t just see chaos. I see laughter, late night drives, beach volleyball, shared tears, family meetings, and constant growth. I see a place that shaped me into someone who finds joy in helping others and enjoys seeing the comfort connection creates. Growing up with my family didn’t just prepare me for life, it gave me a purpose.

Various Changes in Administrative Positions from 2022-2026

Head Principal

Jeffrey Fletcher, 2022-25

Jon Schultz, 2025-26

Class Principals

Jeffrey Blankenship, 2023-24

Brett Bevill, 2025-26

Matthew Havermale, 2025-26

Dusty Weiskopf, 2025-26

Assistant Principals

Erin Steep, 2022-26

Monica Perry, 2023-26

Counselors

Emma Scholl, 2025-26

Kurt Laughmann, 2022-23

Kyle Harris, 2022-26

FHN Faces Recurring Shifts In Administration

The change in principals, counselors, and other office workers may seem extreme at North, but some administrators explain their reasons for it

by Naomi VanDyne nvandyne312@g.fhsdschools.org

Changes in administration can cause disruption in communities, and North has seen some changes in recent years. The best part of FHN for many of its teachers and administrators has been the people and the connections between them.

“It’s really a family feel with all the adults in the building, you form really close relationships with people,” Dean of students Matt Havermale said. “Everybody’s supporting each other.”

That support is built on years of collaboration in the same building; consistency that creates a tight-knit community.

build a relationship with,” Havermale said. “So, as a new principal comes in, they might have a different way of doing things, which is sometimes good but sometimes bad. They might change things that were going well just to put their stamp on it.”

Because Havermale started at FHN as a teacher before moving to an administrative position, it is easier for him to see the situation from both perspectives.

“As a teacher, it always raises a level of uncertainty, of, like, ‘what’s the new person going to do?’” Havermale said. “How are they going to be? Are they going to change a bunch of things? Is my job going to change?’”

“You go to a new place to bring fresh perspective and renew your career a little bit.”

- Matt Havermale, Dean and Assistant AD

“There’s been some years where we’ve gone through some rough things, and even then, just the people that work here have been super supportive and amazing, and just a good community to be a part of,” Associate Principal Erin Steep said.

But when those people are new every year, it can be hard to establish such relationships over and over. Compared to surrounding schools and districts, FHN has remained consistent in administration positions until a few years ago. Getting a new head principal, along with other positions in the last few years, has created major change within North.

“For some people, they don’t want to leave the building, but for some people, I think they see it as kind of preparation to move into a director or superintendent role,” Steep said.

Havermale will be moving to a full Assistant Principal position at Ft. Zumwalt East next school year. He explained that his current position was never meant to be long term, instead a stepping stone to bigger opportunities later on.

“You go to a new place to bring fresh perspective and renew your career a little bit,” Havermale said. “I think that’s a big part of why administrators change so often.”

While the frequent changes provide positives for those in administrative positions, teachers and students can feel some negative effects.

“You are always having somebody new to

However, there are benefits of bringing in a new person to the team.

“I think when you have a little bit of turnover, you get perspective sometimes from other districts or from new leaders who are coming out of the classroom, which can be really helpful,” Steep said.

The decision to move to a different school does not come easy to Havermale or Steep, but it’s important for both of them to further their career.

“I’m about two thirds through my educational career, and want to make sure that I’m doing something that I love the rest of it,” Steep said.

After 13 years at North, Steep will be starting as the Director of Non-Traditional Learning in the Rockwood School District next school year.

“I really am passionate about supporting students who have maybe had some roadblocks in their life, or just really need somebody to be their cheerleader,” Steep said.

Administrative change can be hard for students, teachers, and administrators. Starting over in a new building, or with a new principal, can take time to adjust to. Ultimately, that change can be the catalyst for new ideas and stronger connections, and allows administrators to be more satisfied in their career.

“It’s not that I want to leave North-- I don’t,” Steep said. “Half of me is like, ‘what did I do?’ But the other half of me knows that this is a job that I’m really excited about and passionate about.”

PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORS

GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS

John

SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS

• Cheryl Abeln

• Lydia Allen

• Amy Bartels

• Gerry Bass

• Kim Berriman

• Prakul Bhattarai

• Alicia Cendejas

• Zyra De Los Reyes

• Jessica Devine

• Tom Dubis

• Abby Dunbar

• Rachel Dyson

• Kelly Elli

• Patryicia EsparazaMedina

• David Feiler

• Judy Feiler

• Kathy Gralike

• Isaiah Hester

• Bethany Huddleston

• Trayvond Jacobs

• Timothy Jensen

• Nelly LamWong

• Zoe Lobato

• Kyle McKay

• Nielsen Family

• Keith Osborne

• Shelly Parks

• Mandakini Patel

• Smitha Raghavan

• Kirk Randle

• Susan Schneider

• Ann Williams

• Alfredo Zacarias

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS

• Linda Norton

Ed Robins • Alice Shofner • Naomi VanDyne

We put senior’s baby photos into artificial intelligence to generate them as teenagers. Some more accurate than others, their actual senior photos are there to contrast

Ellie McCoy

Age: 7-8 months First Words: “Uh-oh” Ellie

Age: 4 months

First Words: “Ball” and “Hi”

will attend University of Central Missouri for elementary education Age: 5 months Fun Fact: Loved watching Dora

2026 Senior Soundtrack

LANDSLIDE

Fleetwood Mac

GOOD OLD DAYS

Macklemore FT. KESHA

FIVE MORE MINUTES

Scotty McCreery

by Olivia Abeln oabeln467@g.fhsdschools.org

“I’ve been listening to this song (‘Landslide’) since I was very young, and I think that it’s always resonated with me, especially this year,” senior Kailyn Curtis said. “A whole new chapter of my life starting after this.”

“‘Five More Minutes’ represents my whole high school experience,” senior Courtney Epplin said. “Thinking back on all the fun times I had, especially in sports, just having five more minutes with the girls would be amazing.”

SLIPPING THROUGH MY FINGERS

ABBA

WHO YOU SHARE IT WITH

Katelyn Tarver and Layup

RIBS

Lorde

GOOD TIMES GO BY TOO FAST

Dylan Scott

I LIVED

OneRepublic

PURPLE RAIN

Prince

“‘Ribs’ shows the growth that you have senior year,” senior Mykole Hodge said. “It also shows the emotional-ness of it, but it’s still fun with your friends.”

“I had a blast in high school,” senior Stefania Gentile said. “I wish I would have taken a bit more time to soak in every one of the good moments.”

The Real Cost of Senior Year

by Ethan Scott escott963@g.fhsdschools.org

With the end of FHN’s 2026 senior year quickly approaching, seniors are just now starting to realize how expensive this year is turning out to be. The school dances, All-Knighter, and little purchases in between add up to a total higher than some might expect. With all of these expenses, senior year has been far from cheap.

“Senior year, I’d estimate the cost at about $299,” senior Landon Stirrett said.

Stirrett is far under the total number. It can be hard to keep up with how many things seniors at FHN pay for, from a small art fee to the elaborate prom dress or suit you’ve always wanted; it all adds up. Dylan Cosper and Maddoc Bray assumed prom was the most expensive part of this year. With the purchase of tickets and attire, the additional price for hair, nails, and flowers can increase the price dramatically for some students.

Seniors Give Preferences on Old Vs New Buildings

“I would estimate it costs around $1,000,” senior Isabell Wilkie said, regarding the average total price of all three school dances if purchasing new attire and accessories for each.

While the dances alone can cost up to $1,000, the magic number that fuels senior year could be twice the amount that some seniors expected. It comes out to be anywhere from $800 to $2,000. Despite the great number, many seniors were more than satisfied with what they got out of senior year.

“I really feel all the expenses during senior year were worth it, especially with all of the great memories and experiences. I got to do so many fun things this year with my friends,” senior Maddoc Bray said.

The price of their final year may be costly, but it provides FHN’s senior class with many fond memories, from a zoo trip to sporting events, creating moments they will never forget.

“The new school is just so much more visually appealing. Just the layout in general, is a lot better.” Tyler Schweitzer, 12 Submit Your

by Haley Beffa hbeffa397@g.fhsdschools.org

Old School

Through all of its flaws and quirks, seniors called the old FHN home for their first two years of high school. They got used to the layout just long enough to have it memorized by sophomore year, only to have to re-learn it all over again junior year. Many seniors have a preference for the old building, as it is what they were introduced and accustomed to. Many enjoyed the character, life, art and homey feel that the old building housed. Some bathrooms were painted with cartoon characters, a World War II memorial lined the old Butterfly Hallway, and the art wing was customized by past graduating classes.

New School

While the old school was home, a lot can be said about the new building. Officially finished and opened for use in the 2024-2025 school year, seniors spent their last two years of high school here. The new building offers more spacial learning opportunities with the offered Google Steps, Collaboration areas and more open floorplan, making it easier for students to find the perfect spot to focus on their education. The new building is also made safer, with a bomb-safe auditorium, unopenable windows and a more structurally-sound design. Some seniors love the new spaces and opportunities the rebuild gave

“It just had a more lively feel to it,” senior Alyssa McIntyre said. “It just felt more personal.”

Best Parts

- Uniquely structured

- Library and gallery art

- Windows that open

- Elevated lunch area

Worst Parts

- Gas and sewage leaks

- Unorganized classrooms

- Structurally unsound

- Confusing layout

- Mold issues

- Unstable Wi-Fi

“There’s so much more space, and it makes getting through hallways a lot easier,” senior Travis Jones said. “It’s a lot more safer than the old school.”

Best Parts

- More space

- More professional

- Designated study spaces

- Organized class layout

- Newer equipment

- Tornado-proof auditorium

Worst Parts

- Unknown reocurring smell

- Minimal natural light

- Industrialized, office aesthetic

- Separated basement

- Wi-Fi issues

- No control over AC preferences

The Coach That Knows Her Best

Varsity basketball player and her mother reflect on the times that they shared on the court.

by Morgan Smith msmith922@g.fhsdschools.org

For senior varsity basketball player

Elise Grimshaw, her childhood coach wasn’t just anyone. Instead, from third through eighth grade, Grimshaw was coached by her mom, Shelly Parks, assistant principal at FHN.

“It is kind of cool getting to watch it,” Bennett Parks, Grimshaw’s younger brother, said. “Getting to see my mom and sister share the court together is cool to witness.”

Shelly Parks’ desire to help a group of girls was one of her hopes for the team of young third graders she had created years ago. They would practice twice a week at BeckyDavid Elementary or Barnwell Middle School. Practices would consist of layup drills and scrimmaging with siblings.

“I just wanted them to get better but also have fun with it,” Parks said. “They were all so young, and I just wanted it to be something that they did for fun.”

Having someone you see every day, not

were a joy to coach and just be around all of the time.”

As Grimshaw closes out her senior year of high school, both Parks and Grimshaw will always remember the dribbling in the living room before practice, or the early morning car rides to games and tournaments. Grimshaw is grateful that it made her the player and ultimately the person that she is today.

and middle school, the connections that were formed made it easy.

“It really was such a fun group of girls to coach,” Parks said. “Each one of those girls

“I have really liked getting to watch my sister because she is a really great role model for me,” Bennet said. “I know she makes my mom proud every single day.”

Horstman Receives Full Tuition Scholarship

FHN senior Scarlett Horstman explains how she received a full ride to her potential future college, the University of Maryville

by Riley Jensen rjensen810@g.fhsdschools.org

For the last four years, FHN has housed many talented students who are now part of the senior class. One of these students is Scarlett Horstman, who recently received a full-ride scholarship to her future college.

“I received the Trustee scholarship at Maryville after interviewing there,” Horstman said. “It covers a cost of up to ten semesters, and is given to 5 students out of the five hundred people that were interviewed.”

Although the scholarship is a big deal, Horstman explains that the process was not particularly stressful. The only task she had to prepare for was her interview, where she was asked a series of questions, both academic and personal.

“When it was time for my interview, they called me back into a room, and it was really laid back,” Horstman said. “There was a student and a staff member, and they asked me some questions about myself.”

This interview was the sole determiner of who would receive the scholarship. Although Scarlett has participated in a multitude of extracurricular activities, clubs, and kept an impressive GPA, the only thing that mattered in the moment of the interview was her ability to effectively communicate her strengths.

“[Maryville] did not

have a copy of my application or transcript,” Horstman said. “Everything they knew about you, you had to tell them.”

One of Horstman’s most valued abilities is her social skills, which she built on by being a part of FHN’s drama club.

“[During the interview], I mentioned that I was in the drama club, that’s one of the big activities I do,” Horstman said. “Just being in drama club, having that experience talking to people and being in front of people is really helpful.”

Horstman’s main talking point during her interview was a special program she participated in. Horstman credits this experience as one of the primary things that helped her decide her major, and, consequently, earn the scholarship.

“[The program] allowed me to talk to people in federal investigation,” Horstman said. “That’s how I discovered that that’s what I want to do. I want to major in criminal justice. So, one of the main things I covered was my experience with [the program].”

Horstman reveals that personal anecdotes about overcoming adversity is what she believes ultimately led to her receiving

the scholarship.

“I also talked about my experience with ADHD and dealing with that and how to manage that,” Horstman said. “In the interview, I focused on telling them something that I could show who I am and who I could represent with my skills.”

After she graduates, Horstman plans to make the most out of her college experience by taking full advantage of her scholarship. She thinks using the benefits provided by her scholarship will allow her to go above and beyond academically, which will in turn help her get a headstart on her professional career.

“I’m thinking about double majoring in criminal justice and computer science, and now that tuition allows it,” Horstman said. “Hopefully that won’t be too much of a problem. If I decide I want to go into [investigation], it’s good to have as many majors as possible. Double majoring will allow me to specialize in something specific. So if I do criminal justice, and then I do cybersecurity, that would allow me to investigate cybercrime and be more adept.”

Horstman’s friends and family are still celebrating her success, and have nothing but pride for the brilliant daughter they have raised.

“We called all the family, we were super excited for it,” Scarlett’s mother, Wendy Horstman, said. “They gave us all this stuff. We even have a yard sign that we’ve put up. Now we’re just planning the next steps.”

Stuck At Prom Scholarship Duck® Tape

Deadline: June 3, 2026

Amount: $10,000

For this scholarship, applicants must build a prom outfit out of duct tape and submit a photo of their creation. There is no need to actually wear this outfit to prom.

National Rice Month Scholarship Contest USARice

Deadline: October 15, 2026

Amount: $5,000

Applicants must create a three minute video explaining the importance of rice and upload it to social media. Winners are determined by video quality and online engagement.

Which Childhood Toy Best Describes You?

Take this quiz by choosing one of two options and following the arrows to find out what your favorite toys say about you (Photos by Shutterstock)

Start Here

Creative and Focused Kid

You enjoyed using your brain to bring your imagination to life, and often played with toys you could build with. You also used fidget toys in class to focus on your work.

You enjoyed making your own stuff and giving gifts to friends on the playground. You played with all the most popular toys, and loved to be active. or or or or or or or or or or or

Chaotic and Energetic Kid

You enjoyed playing with the loud toys and all things vehicles, whether Hotwheels or dump trucks, you did it all. You were most excited when it was time for recess.

Trendy 2010’s Kid

Reliving Memorable Moments of Senior Year

Senior Sunrise

On August 18th, the first day of school, seniors arrived early to watch the sun rise up above the school. With nostalgic music playing in the background, seniors placed their thumbprints on a poster and took pictures with friends before the school day began. (Photo by Taylor Griffin)

Powderpuff Game

Knights of the Round Table

On Feb. 25 the annual Knights of The Round Table was held, allowing teachers to recognize outstanding students. (Photo by Madalyn Bridgewater)

Zoo Field Trip

Held on March 10th, the Zoo Field Trip gave the senior class the chance to explore the zoo with their friends. Many choose to feed the giraffes, ride the train, and enjoy the day outside. (Photo by Aubrey Henning)

Deck the Seniors

On Dec. 5, the Senior Delegates put together a day of arts and crafts. Students were encouraged to bring supplies to make keepsakes such as senior boxes, jeans, sweatpants, and ornaments. (Photo by Eashaan Patel)

Homecoming Football Game

On Oct. 3, the Knights went up against Ft. Zumwalt West. Despite the loss, students showed school spirit by participating in the Black Out theme, hyping up the team, and cheering for performances by Knightline and Cheer.

Finding Lessons in the Losses

by Nathan Smith nsmith395@g.fhsdschools.org

share. The memories we hold carry pain, loss, sadness, and defeat. They smell like blood, sweat, dirt and dust in the barren middle school field we practiced on. I feel the judgemental gaze of peers in the stands as I exit the stadium, after spending a second season defeated. But experiences are worth more than the wins and losses they carry; and the lessons I was taught by the absurd amount of defeat have made me into a person I am proud of after the fact. Most kids in sports don’t feel the pain we experienced, and that is exactly why I’m proud to have done it. Football taught me to be resilient in the face of adversity and challenges in life, to never back down from people that don’t believe in you.

In life, you’re going to be uncomfortable, you’re going to face situations where the odds don’t favor you succeeding. What I learned through my experiences is that the only way you can survive is if you fight these odds, push through these situations with mental resolve and toughness, and never quit on anything you start. I thank my former head coach Brett Bevil for instilling this mentality in me and hundreds of other young players just like me. I would not be in the position I am today without his guidance and inspiration back then.

If I can pass along anything to those who may be in the same shoes as I was, I would say to sign up and play. It’s hard and losing really sucks, but you become a winner in the long run. Don’t let life push you around, stand up and fight for yourself- push through the adversity and those who doubt you. That is how you become great, through relentless pursuit and effort and toughness. Anyone can join a good team that’s guaranteed to win, but it takes heart and grit to sign up to make a change and turn a program around.

Senior Melanie Breen Finds Purpose in the Unconventional

Breen shares her plans to be a mortician, a dream that was inspired by her grandfather

by Rayna Aathreya raathreya505@g.fhsdschools.org

As graduation looms closer and closer, many seniors can relate to being constantly bombarded with questions pertaining to their future. While the future remains unclear for many, some individuals are quite certain as to their plans.

One of these individuals is senior Melanie Breen.

“I’m gonna go to school, to hopefully become a mortician,” Breen said. Morticians, commonly known as funeral directors, are those whose job it is to prepare bodies for either burial or cremation. Beyond that, they also play a crucial role in supporting a family through the grieving process, arranging funeral services, and filing the legal paperwork that comes with the death.

After graduation, Breen plans to take a gap year to work before possibly attending St. Louis Community College, as they have a Funeral Services Education program under their Applied Sciences division.

Breen’s path has been clear since her desire to become a mortician arose in freshman year, partly inspired by her grandfather.

“My grandfather was a mortician,” Breen said. “So growing up, I got to hear all of the stories. Many don’t realize it’s an important job.”

Given the unique nature of the career, these stories played a crucial role in fostering Breen’s desire to become a mortician.

“People think it’s a weird job, but the body retrieval and the whole process of planning the funeral is important,” Breen said. “I thought it was really cool that my grandfather was able to be there for all of those people, and help in that way, because it’s a really difficult thing to go through.”

By the time these goals of hers had solidified in her freshman year, Breen’s grandfather, her inspiration, had already passed on.

“I think my goal of being a mortician might be a way to feel closer to him, also, because I’ve always been interested in it,”

Breen said. “And then his stories definitely helped me realize that’s what I wanted to do. Because, once someone passes, it’s important to get closure.

And being able to help someone get that closure is important.”

As graduation is fast approaching, Breen feels as though her remaining time at North is bittersweet.

“I’ve been going to school for 12 years,”

Breen said. “So it’s a big change, but I’m also ready to be done. I’m excited, and also nervous for the future. Sometimes I’m like, ‘what if I don’t do good at it?’ But it’s reassuring to think I have time to figure that out when I get there.”

FHN Publications - Seniors

Class Carpet

ClassSeniorCarpet, Cont.

“Someone loves everything you hate about yourself.”

something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

- Winnie the Pooh

you,

“I put the pro in procrastination.”

- Morgan Smith

“Well, I guess we should probably split into a certain number of groups and start doing something.”

- Badger, Fantastic Mr. Fox

talent doesn’t work hard.”

“Take the moment and taste it. You’ve got no reason to be

The Importance of Remembering the Past

One moment that stuck out from our childhood was the parachute game from gym class. Collaborating with your friends to keep the parachute from falling as you all sat in the bubble is much like how we’ve collaborated together in our little journalism community to keep the program alive. During the creation of this paper, we got to reminisce on the past 13 years of our lives. We chose the most memorable pieces of childhood to preserve here, in hopes that they will stick with us in the years to come.