March 18, 2026

NORTH STAR

BETWEEN THE LINES

This issue’s in-depth seeks to highlight the vibrancy of the art department and the students within it. Page 20-26

RESOURCES

Page 3

Pages 8-9

BOARD OF EDUCATION SEATS UP FOR ELECTION THIS APRIL

On April 7, the community of the Francis Howell School District will vote to decide who will hold the three seats on the Board of Education that are up for reelection. Out of the six candidates running, the three with the most votes will step into the seats currently held by Jane Puszkar, Ron Harmon and Mark Ponder. Learn a little about each candidate below.

by Peyton Thies pthies629@g.fhsdschools.org

Francis

GREENWOOD JAWORSKI

“My lens after the [previous] three years is more experienced and more knowledgeable.”

PUSZKAR DILLARD

Jane Puszkar is currently at the end of her first term on the board of education and is in the running for reelection. She has been a member of the district for 17 years and plans to continue working on goals she set in her first three years if reelected. This election cycle, she has participated in meet-andgreets with Greenwood and Jaworski. Other focuses for her this cycle are test proficiency scores, attention to bullying, fiscal responsibility, parental rights and research-based curriculum.

“I’m there to help you as a student become the best student you can be. My concern

is going to be about your well-being and how well you’re being educated.”

MCGUIRE

David Jaworski has lived in FHSD for 31 years and has enrolled his children in its schools. During a career that included teaching a metal fabrication class at Washington University, he took up reading history books. Some of these gave him insight into issues relating to the district, providing him with the passion to run for the board. If elected, he hopes to focus on fiscal conservatism, discipline policies and a research-based curriculum.

“I’m going to try to do what’s right and help the community, because it’s not just about my kids.”

Lauren Greenwood has lived in the area for 20 years, and has been involved with the district for four. She has children in the district and is very active in the community, advocating for parental involvement and protecting taxpayer dollars. During her campaign, she did radio interviews as well as partook in meet-and-greets to give voters a space for comments and questions. Her main focuses, if elected, are fiscal responsibility, parental rights, and research-based curriculum.

ADAMS

“I am here to work with you, not to tell you what’s going to happen. I want you to be a part of it.”

Sara Dillard has been a part of FHSD since she was in first grade. Now, her kids are enrolled in the district as well. While she has been thinking about running for the past few election cycles, after a staff member reached out this year, she decided to go all in. Her main focuses, if elected, are staff retention, maintaining and building Diversity Equity Inclusion curriculum, and fiscal responsibility. She hopes to incorporate monthly meetings with students to provide a space for all voices to be heard.

“Things change, circumstances change, but the idea that every student who graduates gets an opportunity to succeed, that is what we need to focus on.”

Kevin McGuire has been a member of the district for 13 years, and has been involved with FHSD through volunteer and fundraising efforts throughout his kids’ education. Setting up websites, Facebook pages and fundraisers have helped McGuire gain the ability to speak to more community members. If elected, some of his main focuses will be student achievement through fiscal responsibility and combining the knowledge of each school to create a better overall district.

“I just want to help teachers teach and students learn, and the best way I can do that is by listening to students.”

Jason Adams was involved in the district from 2012 to 2023 as a district technician and eventually Technology Services Manager. He still remains connected through his wife and kids, teacher and students in the district. On Feb. 21, he held a space in McClay Library with an entire day dedicated to hearing community members’ comments and thoughts. According to Adams, he is determined to join the BOE without stepping in drama or politics, to restore stability for FHSD.

Proposition RT would not only affect homeowners, but it will affect school districts as well. This timeline shows how it will affect students through steps over time.

Proposition RT

The tax reform is focused on easing the weight of increasing prices among homeowners. This decreases the taxes that are owed.

Homeowners

This would likely be an exciting thing for most homeowners because their taxes are going down, meaning they won’t be paying as much to support schools and businesses in the community.

Schools

Since the taxes will lower, that means the money getting recieved will decrease. This means the schools will have less income from taxes, therefore there will be need to cut funds and job spots.

MISSOURI LAWMAKERS PROPOSE PROPERTY TAX REFORM IN APRIL

Lawmakers are hoping to decrease property tax rates to relieve citizens of high costs, creating waves of impact

by Carly Dyson cdyson683@g.fhsdschools.org

FCommunity

If the pattern continues, the schools will not have the resources to be considered above others in terms of academics, potentially leading to people not wanting to live within the district boundaries.

ollowing the rapid rise in property values in recent years, Missouri lawmakers have proposed Senate Bill 3, also known as Proposition RT, a bill designed to lower the cost of property and vehicle taxes in specific counties. Aiming to relieve citizens of increasing tax burdens, the bill proposes different property taxes for different types of property, as well as changing the current method of calculating property taxes.

taxation system set in place.

“The district estimates a loss of $4 million in the first year if Proposition RT passes...”

- Steven Blair, School Board President

“I just think [the taxes are] too much,” said Comparato. “I think it should be up to the government to sort out those finances. Not federal, probably state and local governments, because they’re going to have the tightest grasp on the current situation in any given area.

I certainly think taxes are super

president Steven Blair said. “The district has been very stingy in getting taxpayer dollars to cover all of the necessities that make Francis Howell the number one school district in St. Charles County, but there’s no ability to pinch pennies or find any other way of moving funds…that can overcome the damage of Proposition RT.”

According to Blair, with a potential loss of money as large as $54 million in five years, FHSD would be forced to cut jobs and decrease salaries, reducing instruction quality and opportunities for students across the district.

“I don’t think it would impose too much of a strain on government facilities that rely on [property taxes],” St. Charles homeowner Parker Comparato said. “I think the pros of the common person being helped by that would massively outweigh the few people in the institutions that don’t want to lose a large sum of their paycheck.”

Some homeowners are looking forward to the proposed tax rates. However, others are divided about what this could mean for public services, and even criticize the current

beneficial, but the amount that, at least, I have seen, I think is way too much to be logical for the services that they provide.”

Property taxes fund a variety of public services, such as public safety, infrastructure, local government services, and public K-12 education. This means, if property taxes decrease, funding for these services will decrease as well.

“The district estimates a loss of $4 million in the first year if Proposition RT passes, and an estimate of $54 million total during the first five years,” FHSD School Board

“When we think about individual students, we have to consider students of all ages,” Blair said. “Throughout the district, there are current jobs that are needed that remain open intentionally, because we don’t want to hire somebody for a position that ends up being removed next year. Some of these positions include a reading specialist who can go to an elementary school… and have some dedicated one-on-one time with kids who have fallen behind in reading. This would also include services beyond elementary school, but middle school and high school services also.”

DISTRICT EXPLORES POTENTIAL 1-TO-1 FOR STUDENTS

FHSD considers giving students their own chromebooks to carry, starting next school year

by Aerilyn Ide aide261@g.fhsdschools.org

As school materials and curriculum are becoming increasingly digital, changes to student resources are being considered. FHSD will potentially be instituting a five-year plan beginning next school year to provide each individual high school student schoolwide with their own Chromebook as a way to effectively evolve into this digital age of learning.

“A lot of districts around the area are 1-to1 with devices,”

delay to similar action is largely due to cost of devices. It is estimated to cost $1 million per year of the five-year plan to supply Chromebooks for each student, but the cost of class sets of Chromebooks is relatively equal to this cost, while also being inaccessible to some classes at all times. In the Feb. 19 district board meeting, Director of Technology Scott Gowan commented on the concerns with budgeting for devices.

“We’ve adopted materials that are online and so students are needing access at home and even in the classrooms.”

- Jon Schultz, Principal

Principal Jon Schultz said. “We’ve adopted materials that are online and so students are needing access at home and even in the classrooms. Instead of buying class sets of books for every student, it makes more sense to buy platforms.”

Schultz confirmed that no decision has been made, but he predicts the idea will be confirmed or denied at one of the next Board meetings, either tomorrow or April 14. This initiative would bring an opportunity for students to demonstrate responsibility with carrying and charging their own Chromebooks daily.

“I think people are going to like having access to the technology when they need it,” Schultz said. “I think they’re going to like having the same Chromebook, but it’s an added responsibility, an extra couple hundred bucks that you’re carrying in your backpack every day.”

Other local districts have conducted device distribution this way since as early as the Pattonville School District in 2012. A recent census stated that roughly 80% of high schools nationwide allow students to take devices home with them. FHSD’s

“We would be able to do more things in the classroom, but there’s also a possibility of some behavioral issues.”

Liz Auchly, Art Teacher

by the Editorial Staff

Following the recent district events in March, Speech and Debate prepares to participate in state and national tournaments in the weeks ahead.

“The million dollars per year for student devices is pretty consistent with what we’re spending on student devices as we have them,” Gowan said. “We’re actually buying more student devices per classroom now than we really need. You can have a cart of 30 and only have one class that reaches 30, and the rest of those devices are sitting idle all day long.”

Though there are many positives for providing students with their own Chromebooks, teachers have expressed concern about specificities of the measure that have gone undiscussed.

“It would be nice because sometimes it takes a long time to log

“A lot of students do not have computers at home, nor do they have an access to a computer so I think it is an excellent idea.”

Nancy Haupt, Special Education

“Say there is a family that doesn’t have technology for their child because they can’t afford it, and the child gets technology from the district, then it gets destroyed or damaged,” English teacher Amy Stoker said. “Is the parent on the hook, who couldn’t afford a Chromebook in the first place? It might put a greater financial responsibility on the student than there is now.”

Despite these concerns, things are looking positive for the district.

“Having distributed devices out to secondary students in multiple districts, I’ve not done it in one that’s more prepared on the instructional technology side as Francis Howell School District is,” Gowan said.

“I think it would be great for students who don’t have access to technology at home, and I think it would be great for AMI days too.” Nora Babitt, 9

“Our team this year has definitely been a lot different, but in a positive way,” Speech and Debate Officer Vanessa Ng said. “We have diversified our entries and grown a lot in numbers as compared to last year. We have had a lot of dedicated individuals who have stepped up or improved significantly from last year.” State competitions will be on April 2425, in Springfield. This year, the national Speech and Debate competition will be June 14-19, in Richmond, Virginia.

“I’ve seen a lot of progress, not only in myself, but with the team as a whole,” Speech and Debate member Prakul Bhattarai said. “On the season as a whole, I’ve really enjoyed my time on the

SPEECH AND DEBATE PREPARE FOR DISTRICTS BAND PREPARES FOR FESTIVAL

by Katie Paul kpaul371@g.fhsdschools.org

The FHN Band participated in the District Solo and Ensemble March 7, with state solo and ensemble taking place May 1. This allows students to perform either a solo, a group performance or both. At this event, they perform in front of judges and compete for a spot at state.

“When I first started doing it I wanted to just do an ensemble because I thought I would get nervous and mess up if I did a solo, but then I decided to do both,” junior Rylan Trotter said.

Getting ready for the competition requires weeks of preparation outside of

“You have to discipline yourself to sit down and practice and get better,” sophomore Gibson Hunt said. “Not just because the teacher told you to, but because you want to perform.”

The competition pushes students out of their comfort zones and helps them grow as musicians.

“It’s just a learning experience more than anything,” band director Ryan Curtis said. “So, it’s best that they just try it.”

TEACHER SHORTAGE STRIKES THE DISTRICT

by Riley Jensen rjensen810@g.fhsdschools.org

Since 2016, the number of teachers in Missouri has been on a steady decline, namely high school teachers. FHSD has been notably impacted by this shortage.

“Looking at the trends, not many people are going into education,” FHN assistant principal Monica Perry said. “And if they do, they’re not staying.”

FHSD School Board President Steven Blair states that this shortage may stand to worsen due to a new bill being discussed for the district.

“In Francis Howell [school district], we have a unique concern because of Senate Bill 3,” Blair said. “Senate Bill 3 flattens income and revenue into the school district…which means if you’re a teacher in St. Charles county, your budgets and benefits will be stifled– capped– in many different ways.”

Perry emphasizes that in order to end the teacher shortage, serious changes must be made. However, the school itself has little power when it comes to increasing teacher salaries.

“[The teacher shortage] is something that needs to be addressed state-wide,” Perry said. “At the building level, we’re not privy to [discussions that happen among district administration]. All we can do is look at the trends.”

The shortage has resulted in numerous repercussions for schools across the district. Some of these issues can already be observed here at FHN.

“I have several classes that are either at capacity or very close to capacity, which has not always been the case,” English teacher Amy Barnhouse said.

Bigger class sizes mean less teacherstudent communication, which can impair student learning and diminish involvement.

“Things can get crazy when there are 32 kids in here, especially when I cannot move them to another desk without rearranging the entire seating chart,” Barnhouse said. “So some of [the full capacity classes] get less done than other classes.”

Perry encourages students to build a positive school environment for the teachers the school has been lucky enough to retain.

“Don’t come in here and disrupt the school environment when teachers and other students…are working hard to build better understanding,” Perry said.

years.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE KOE

KOE TO CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE

by Zoe Lobato zlobato998@g.fhsdschools.org

The KOE Picnic, set for May 1, is an annual celebration honoring students who have maintained a 3.0 GPA and 90% attendance. Executing a large event such as this takes time and effort from both students and staff.

“We have to find a date that works with testing— because that’s a hard thing to do in the springtime,” English teacher Lindsey Scheller said. “And then we usually order and choose the inflatables, and then we start compiling the list of everybody who’s gonna

Selected students are both part of KOE and are allowed to volunteer during this event, lending a hand in several tasks.

“Our main job last year was to help with setting up the picnic before the other students got there,” junior Morgan Conlon said. “I also helped hand out hot dogs, and then for the rest of the day was told to watch over the area.”

Because it is a recurring event, most of the details are already fine-tuned; however, every year, a meeting is held where KOE leaders Scheller, Jordyn Kiel, and Kristen Johnson talk over and discuss any possible changes for next year.

“[The event] generally runs the same course every year, but we adjust just a few things here and there,” Scheller said.

COFFEE SHOP RETURNS

by Carly Hedrich chedrich@g.fhsdschools.org

The unused coffee shop in the cafeteria has seen its first use, with more to come. Specialized service students at FHN who take the essential skills class deliver coffees door to door to the staff.

“We take orders up until 8 a.m., and then we deliver during first and second hour,” Essential Skills teacher Juli Smith said. ‘’And we also have worker experience fifth and sixth hour.”

In the essential skills class, the students learn to make a list of orders, make the coffees requested, put the lids on, deliver and have conversations with their customers.

“Because of USDA guidelines, selling to the student population is not an option right now,” Smith said. “We can only sell to faculty and staff.”

When the coffee shop does open to students, it will most likely be open in the mornings before school.

“We had this coffee shop just sitting there for a while and people were like, ‘What are we doing with this?’’’ assistant principal Shelly Parks said. ‘’But there was so much behind the scenes work that took place to make this happen.”

(Illustration by Naomi VanDyne)

LOOKING INTO AI DATA CENTERS

by Sienna Randle srandle822@g.fhsdschools.org

FBLA AND FCCLA TAKE ON NEW YORK

by Lily Thompson lthompson080@g.fhsdschools.org

Members of FBLA and FCCLA traveled to New York this past February for an unforgettable, educational experience. Due to the timing of the trip, the full story featuring students from both clubs can be found on FHNtoday.com. Scan the QR code below for the full story on this collaborative experience.

POST-TRIP UPDATE

Scan this QR code to view the updated story.

Low water pressure, frequent power outages and constant humming are all a risk that people may encounter once AI data centers are built near homes. Late last year there was a proposal for a highly controversial AI data center to be built on protected land in St. Charles, right by Highway 370: Project Cumulus.

“I don’t think that big data centers belong in the city,” city council member Bill Otto said. “It’s just too much to ask the residents to put up with, with the impact on the water and the electric and all these other things we just don’t understand or know about. My job is to represent their opinions and I believe that the ward is 90 percent against data centers.”

The idea for this project was to build a $1 billion, 440-acre, 1.5 million square-foot data center to help with the high demand of artificial intelligence. The project was proposed to St. Charles City Council, though there was a heavy lack of information given to them on the idea which led them to feel unsure.

“They want to build a data center, but they won’t reveal to us who the data center is going to serve or what its purpose is,” Otto said.

Data centers pop up more around the country as more businesses seek to use AI in their workplaces, whether or not employees and customers care to use it.

“It’s just growing so fast, it’s almost like a gold rush,” English teacher Amy Stoker said. “Whenever something new is discovered or created, everybody rushes to build and

then you realize you don’t need that much to build. So, there needs to be a pause, or at least a filter on, let’s gradually roll this out. Instead, it’s just a mad rush and a mad building. We may not need half the data centers they end up building.”

Project Cumulus’ risk factors led to very heavy backlash against the project from the community. There was a petition started against the data center, by local resident Scott Stratton-Henderson, which gained thousands of signatures in the span of just a few days. There were organized movements held called “Stop the Hazardous Data Center,” where people would wear red and hold up signs, protesting at city council meetings. Awareness was spread through these protests, social media and community meetings.

“[The community] responded quickly and very negatively,” Otto said.

Due to the heavy amounts of backlash from the community, the idea of Project Cumulus was withdrawn.

“The reason that [Project Cumulus] got killed as a proposal is because the applicant withdrew the proposal,” Otto said. “They saw the writing on the wall I believe, and that it wasn’t going to be approved.”

After seeing the negative responses and the now withdrawal of the proposal, St. Charles City Council decided to put a one year moratorium on any data center applications for the city, and plan to do much more against them.

“We would not entertain applications for data centers,” Otto said.

Scan this QR code to sign the petition against the AI data center being built in St.

HOW MUCH WATER IS USED?

According to the Enviormental and Energy Study Institute, on average data centers can use up to five million gallons per day, which can eqaute to the water usage of tens of thousands of people.

HOW MANY DATA CENTERS ARE CURRENTLY IN THE U.S.?

With AI’s rapid development, research suggests there are thousands of AI data centers currently in the U.S., with more in production.

HOW MUCH ENERGY IS USED?

According to the PEW Research Center, in the U.S., data centers use 183 terawatt hours of electricity, which is roughly the same to the energy usage in Pakistan, as of 2024.

WHERE DOES THE ABOVE PETITION STAND NOW ?

The signatures against Project Cumulus have more than doubled within the last year.

SINGERS RECLAIM THE STAGE

Musical artists Noah Kahan, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars and more tour this year.

Pages 8-9

Designed by Carly Hedrich

ARTISTS PERFORM FOR LOCAL FANS

This year tons of popular artists are going on tour. Theres tons of varity from artist style, music style and venue styles. Tickets for most concerts can be purchased through Ticketmaster, though some other smaller artists may sell tickets through other platforms.

ETHELCAIN•APRIL28

• TH E FACTORY

ETHEL CAIN

by Ashlyn Thies athies277@g.fhsdschools.org

Growing artist Ethel Cain is coming to St. Louis on April 28 at the Factory for her “Willoughby Tucker Forever Tour.”

This isn’t Cain’s first time touring, as she has toured a few times starting in 2022 with “The Freezer Bride Tour,” supporting her debut album, “Preacher’s daughter.”

“I’m really excited to see all the outfits,” junior Lucy Haar said. “And then also, I think she’s so good live, and I know I’m gonna, like, freak out when she starts.”

This is a great opportunity for friends to bond over something that they share interest in. Cain’s songs fall into sad indie genres, so people can relate to her music in all different ways. Cain also has many songs that exceed the 10 minute mark, such as “Pulldrone” and “Waco, Texas,” which are both around 15

“I really like how she words things a lot in her music,” senior Maggie Fetcher said. “I like how she can take the feeling of something, and she can explain it in a really deep and poetic way.”

BRUNO MARS

by Ashlyn Thies athies277@g.fhsdschools.org

Pop star Bruno Mars is touring after years of being on the low. “The Romantic Tour” will start off in Las Vegas on April 10, and will come to a close in Vancouver on Oct. 24. His last tour was the “24k Magic World Tour,” which ended late 2018, and there is some hope that he will sing some of his older songs.

“I’m really excited for the tour, because I want to hear the old songs live,” junior Scarlett Fischer said. “I didn’t get to go on the tour the first time around, but I’m really excited to potentially go with my friends.”

Even though Mars won’t be taking a stop in St. Louis, he will be touring in Chicago on May 16 and 17 at Soldier Field.

“I’m not sure what city [I’m going to] yet, because I’m trying to plan it with multiple people, but I want to be close, and I’m willing to spend a lot of money,” Fischer said.

Many people may recognize him from his Grammy Award-winning album, “24k Magic,” and some of his hit songs like “Locked Out of Heaven” and “Uptown Funk.”

“I just feel like his creativity is different from a lot of other artists,” junior Charley Klestinski said.

HARRY STYLES

by Naomi VanDyne nvandyne312@g.fhsdschools.org

Noah Kahan’s upcoming album release, “The Great Divide,” on April 24 is highly anticipated. Tickets are on sale for his tour beginning in June and coming to St. Louis on Aug. 2.

“I’ve seen videos of him performing live and he seems like he has a really good stage presence,” junior Lucy Schmid said. “And he has really good live vocals so I’m excited to see that.”

After his previous tour concluded in September 2024, Kahan has remained popular.

Many of his fans found his music due to his internet-famous title track, “Stick Season.”

“I heard one of his songs on TikTok or something, and I really liked it,” Schmid said. “I was starting to get into more of his music by going on albums and exploring some of his other stuff.”

by Katie Paul kpaul371@g.fhsdschools.org

After nearly three years off the stage, Harry Styles is stepping back into the spotlight as he prepares for his tour, “Together Together.” However, it is not a traditional city-to-city tour. Instead, he will be doing a residency at Madison Square Garden in New York beginning Aug. 26 and ending Oct. 31. The anticipation rises across the fan base as the opening night gets closer.

“One of the songs I really like is ‘As It Was,’” sophomore Allison Birk said. “I hope that he will sing that song.”

With this tour in only one city, fans are excited to go but disappointed by the format, reducing their chances of getting tickets.

“I was excited until I kind of realized he’s only doing one spot in America for 30 nights, and that’s ridiculous,” junior Katie Gaynor said.

Even with limited ticket access, fans are eager to experience the tour through social media.

“I’m definitely excited for a lot more of his posts every night that he does, and all the lives that you get to watch that they livestream,” Gaynor said.

Whether the tour is experienced in the arena or online, this residency is unifying fans around the world.

Much like Kahan, music artist Gigi Perez has been growing in popularity since the release of the social media hit “Sailor Song” in 2024 and will be the supporting act and opener for many of the show dates, including the performance in St. Louis.

Fans look forward to seeing them both and reflect on the meaning behind Kahan’s songs from past albums.

“I think the lyrics are well thought out and very meaningful,” Schmid said. “And I think he is a very good writer.”

Sweet Corn Kit-Kat

For most, sweet corn and white chocolate do not belong in the same sentence. This Sweet Corn Kit-Kat flavor is noted to be creamy and sweet but still clearly corn flavored. The constrasting flavor combination alone is enough for this candy to be considered top on levels of weird.

Cheeseburger Lays

These are meant to taste like an entire cheeseburger in chip form. You can taste beef, cheese, onion, and even pickle seasoning in one chip. The fact that a thin potato chip can copy a full meal is both impressive and slightly concerning.

“Cheeseburger Lays were probably the weirdest things I’ve eaten.”

Emre Devecigil, 10

Green Tea Matcha Kit-Kats

Compared to the others, this one is more refined than chaotic. Matcha has an earthy flavor, so mixing it with white chocolate probably creates a sweet but slightly bitter taste. It feels unusual, but not completely random.

Cappuccino Lays

Wasabi Kit-Kats

Wasabi is usually paired with sushi, not chocolate. Even if the spice level is mild, the idea of heat mixed with sweetness is unexpected. It’s the type of flavor that surprises you after the first bite.

Pumpkin Spice Oreos

Pumpkin spice notably ends up in everything, so Oreos were inevitable. The filling is supposed to taste like cinnamon and nutmeg, basically fall in a cookie. It sounds like something people either love or immediately get tired of.

WHAT IS THE WEIRDEST FOOD YOU’VE EATEN?

Students at North share the strangest

Pumpkin Spice Little Bites

Coffee flavored potato chips already sound confusing. Cappuccino has sweet and bitter notes, which is strange on something salty and crunchy. This chip is like breakfast and snack time combined in the weirdest way possible.

Watermelon Oreos

Watermelon flavored cream inside a chocolate cookie are two snacks that were never meant to meet. It tastes more like artifical watermelon candy than real fruit. Either way, it is definitely not traditional.

4

10

WEIRDEST SNACK FLAVORS

Content by Mahdi Abdallah

9

5

Little Bites are already small muffins, so making them taste even more like dessert sounds like a lot. However they a taste like mini pumpkin bread which makes this snack 50 times better than it

Pikachu Oreos

These are not strange because of the flavor, since they are still classic Oreos. They are strange because of the bright designs and collectible aspect. The hype notably comes more from the look than the taste, which is why it’s placed lower than more unique

10

Birthday Cake Lays

Birthday cake flavored chips sound like something made as a dare. Sweet frosting flavor mixed with salty potatoes are just not natural. It is one of those flavors most people only try once just out of curiosity.

“They were horrible.” Jackson Buelow, 10

TEAMS CHASE GLORY

by Ethan Scott

escott963@g.fhsdschools.org

This year, March Madness spans from March 15 to April 6. College basketball players leave it all out there in games played all across America.

“The top 68 teams in the country in college basketball get together, play, and try to win a national championship,” Larry Green, varsity boys’ basketball coach, said.

One loss means the team’s season is totally over, and as if that isn’t enough pressure, there are so many factors that go into the games. One major factor is crowd energy.

“When you get down to crunch time, that excitement, that crowd, it definitely does something to players, to the team, to the coaching staff, cause they’re yelling like they are right in the game with you, and you feed off that energy,” Green said.

Another factor that makes the tournament special is that any team has a chance to win on any given day.

“The tournament is a big deal because, once you get in, it doesn’t matter what your regular season record is, it doesn’t matter who you play, it doesn’t matter what conference you’re in, if you’re in the tournament, you can win,” junior varsity boys basketball coach Gaite Brauns said.

AI TAKEOVER OF PINTEREST

by

Claira Price cprice948@g.fhsdschools.org

(Illustration by Claira Price)

The idea that OpenAI is considering buying Pinterest has been garnering attention on the internet. It may be in the company’s best interests, as it has lots of information on how people organize and search for images, making it more efficient for people to purchase things. Pinterest users have been getting increasingly concerned that their favorite site might be overtaken by AI, and their images might be used for training generative bots.

NEEDOH CRAZE GROWS

by Aerilyn Ide aide261@g.fhsdschools.org

The brand NeeDoh has recently seen a surge in popularity, with the NeeDoh Nice Cube at the forefront of this rise. With multiple shapes, designs, and colors, NeeDoh stress balls can easily be dubbed as one of students’ favorite stress toys.

“My favorite is the cube,” junior Sydney Cotton said. “I use it at school. I have like five. I’ve had two [NeeDohs] break, but these ones feel more durable.”

Though NeeDohs began production in 2010, new styles are still being produced. One of these is the Dream Drop, a sparkly water drop with a squishy display stand.

“My favorite kind is the Dream Drop,” freshman Rose Leary said. “It has a little stand so it doesn’t get dirty when you set it down. It has a different texture than my other NeeDohs. It’s a good consistency, it’s not too soft.”

NeeDohs have seen many big and bold designs throughout the years, but some students prefer the pocket-sized minis.

“My favorite is my mini dog NeeDoh,” freshman Jacey Whitworth said. “All my other ones are bigger and take up a lot of room, but this one just goes right in your pocket and you can take it anywhere.”

“People genuinely put their own artwork on there or other things that should not be used for AI,” junior Jillian Lange said.

Pinterest’s reputation was built on being a site for creatives to find inspiration for whatever art form they happen to be interested in. Under OpenAI’s influence, Pinterest risks being flooded with AI generated material. This would likely distance artists from each other and discourage them from posting their art online since it may be used for scraping.

Pinterest has a variety of information, photos and other media. Many students take inspiration from what they see to the site.

“It takes away a platform that people use to share their art, and I don’t think that’s fair,” sophomore Ayla Wise said. “It’s going to be harder to find actual art from real people.”

MISCHIEF FILLS THE DAY

by Lily Thompson lthompson080@g.fhsdschools.org

April Fools’ Day is the one day a year when mischief isn’t just allowed, it’s expected. Kind gestures feel like a setup while laughter and smiles come with caution. Stories of pranks could be clever and lighthearted, but some leave a bigger impression.

“Once I was eating Taco Bell with one of my friends, then he thought it’d be funny to spike my taco with laxatives while I was in the restroom,” sophomore Matthew Villar said. “I went back to the bathroom 30 minutes later and he left me because I was taking too long.”

“I like boredom scrolling on Pinterest. And I’m always finding cute summery crafts to do with my friends and I’m always finding funny animal fails.”

Lillyanne Wardle, 11

The first of April is known for goofy jokes,funny pranks or even ones that go too far.

“The best April Fools’ Day prank was when I pranked my mom that I was missing and I was really just at my grandma’s house.”

Jayden Brown, 10

While pranks like this are more extreme, it just highlights how unpredictable April Fool’s pranks can be. However, not every prank goes that far. Many are harmless jokes that still get a memorable reaction.

“I’ve told people I am moving to Colorado, I’ve put toothpaste on someone’s Oreos instead of the filling, and I replaced someone’s Chips Ahoy cookies with small cookies,” junior Layla Pohtos said.

From small tricks to more elaborate setups, April Fool’s Day gives people a chance to be playful and creative, all in good fun.

“Maybe I’ll get back at the guy who pranked me last year,” Villar said.

“I dyed the toilets with food coloring, like I put blue food coloring in there. I also pretended that I broke my leg and faked that I bought a dog off the street.”

Moira Dustin, 11

COMICS

ADVENTURES OF HENRY AND FRANK

BENEFITS OF MAGIC

PROJECT:

BETWEEN THE LINES

MAKING SPACE FOR CREATIVITY

The reasoning behind the art hallway’s secluded location

FHN IN GALLERY

MIXED MEDIA TOWNSCAPE by sophomore Vanessa Sholka, Drawing I and Art Club.

“I do mixed media, but mainly markers and outlining pens…it’s more stress relieving.

It’s my hobby, and it is calming to doodle and draw different shapes.”

MIXED MEDIA artwork by senior Jenna Laur AP Art and Design. representing her transition from 16 to 17 years old her sophomore year.

“I’ll draw things that are really simple… just single things, and then find a way to connect it to something.”

Take a look at the story behind the work of students taking classes in the FHN art hallway (Photos by Bri Taliaferro)

DIGITAL ARTWORK by senior Tyler Lawson, AP Art and Design. Inspired by anime series, “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure”

“I mean, yes, you can express yourself through writing or music, but…I was able to connect with art the most, I feel like.”

UPROAR digital artwork by senior Marisa Beiner, AP Art and Design

Created to be featured in the FHN’s Bella Voces program for the SWACDA conference in March, AP Art and Design (right).

“[Jennifer Oncken] wanted me to kind of show transformation through elements.”

CERAMIC WORK

While there are many 2D art classes, sculpture and ceramics have a prominent presence in the art hallway as well.

(Photos by Bri Taliaferro)

to fuel her creativity,

“I connect most with EVERYMAN AND Ceramic sculptures by sophomore Paul Boock, Intro to Art Boock makes clay pieces both at home and at the St. Charles Art Foundry, where he gets lessons on clay work.

“I think art has always been the one thing that I’m at least decent at. It always just gives me a break. I remember I wanted to do clay because I remember I saw a music video for Primus’ “The Candyman.”

MONTGOMERY EXPRESSES IN ART

Intro to Art student Molly Montgomery embraces her creative side through class in the basement and independent artwork (Photos by Riley Jensen)

by Grace Weldy gweldy196@g.fhsdschools.org

Molly Montgomery, a freshman at FHN, believes that but is also open to other interpretations of it, such as passion for art continues to grow. What started out as

touches brought to the building, something adjacent to the painted walls and murals of the old building. Outside of the building, holding more art shows and having school social media accounts that display student artwork are valuable ideas that could be easily implemented.

“I think that, especially posting things on social media, it’s just better when people get to see something, that’s how I feel,” Valleroy

about the old building was the artwork that was riddled all over the walls, like the painted bricks and stuff.”

The art department recently acquired a bulletin accordion wall that can fold and be wheeled around all sorts of places in the school, the transportability of which could potentially lead to more front and center displays depending on where they are authorized to display it. Beyond this, the art teachers are always looking for new ways

made far more noticeable.

“I’m getting happier with it, I love our bulletin walls we have down here,” Flamm said. “I also like our accordion wall. I’ve just been brainstorming and looking for new places to display that wall, and then Mr. Schultz also gave us that glass case where we can display stuff in the main entrance… So I feel like people upstairs can see more of our stuff.”

SISTERS TAKE THE STAGE

Senior and freshman siblings play the lead roles in the Spring musical ‘‘Mamma Mia’’

Page 29

SPRING FORWARD

Jump into the spring season by finding your way out of the maze, decoding a spring themed cryptogram and grabbing a friend to play tic-tac-toe. Both the maze and cryptogram are generated and used with permission from Discovery Education. (Content by Katie Paul)

Puzzlemaker is a puzzle generation tool for teachers, students and parents. Create and print customized word search, criss-cross, math puzzles, and more-using your own word lists.

SOLVE THE CRYPTOGRAM

is your Cryptogram!

Puzzlemaker is a puzzle generation tool for teachers, students and parents. Create and print customized word search, criss-cross, math puzzles, and more-using your own word lists.

Use the letter key to match each number to its corresponding letter on the

2/24/26, 10:28 AM

Decode the message.

Decode the message.

Puzzlemaker is a puzzle generation tool for teachers, students and parents. Create and print customized word search, criss-cross, math puzzles, and more-using your own word lists.

Each letter in the phrase has been replaced with a random letter or number. Try to decode the message.

ESCAPE THE MAZE

Each letter in the phrase has been replaced with a random letter or number. Try to decode the message.

is your Maze! Copyright © 2026 Discovery Education. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2026 Discovery Education. All rights reserved.

hold a sign at their first campaign event at Top Golf in

STRONGER TOGETHER

Riley Kesel joins together a team to be part of her campaign, “Strong Like 23”, honoring her brother and his battle with cancer

by Bella Vassoller ivassoller054@g.fhsdschools.org

Blood Cancer United is a nonprofit dedicated to helping blood cancer research. They work to support patients who are struggling, those witnessing the ones struggling, and work to make a change in the suffering of many around the world. Last school year, junior Riley Kesel witnessed her brother, Nolan Kesel, battle cancer, and her life was forever impacted.

“When my brother was diagnosed with cancer he was selected to be the honorary hero for the campaign last year, and so when I went to the grand finale, I wanted to be involved because I saw how nice it was,” Kesel said. “I saw how happy it made him, he had a lot of fun, and without Blood Cancer United and all the fun things they did throughout my brother’s treatment he wouldn’t be in the place that he is now.”

“I heard about it through the posters at school, because she was hanging them up at a lot of convenient locations, so I just saw one and was like, ‘I know her, let me reach out’,” junior Isabelle Demoss said. “I found out it was for a good cause and I knew her personally because I had a class with her, so I was like, ‘why not?’”

With her reach, Kesel got other girls to join her campaign, named “Strong Like 23” in honor of her brother’s baseball number. Soon meetings were being held and involvement grew.

“From the beginning I knew this campaign was very much not a one person job.”

After Nolan recovered and Riley learned what Blood Cancer United could do, she learned about the student visionary program that the nonprofit offered to those who wanted to be part of something great. The program was a seven week long campaign offered to high school leaders, to help raise awareness and funds to help cure all types of blood cancers.

“At meetings we talk about donations we have gotten, people and companies we can email to help us raise money and give big donations, we talk about fundraising events that we have coming up to help boost the program,” junior Anna Archibald said. “Riley is great at making them not like a meeting vibe, if they’re at Panera, or if they’re at her house, it’s always a very fun atmosphere.”

- Riley Kesel, 11

So far the group has raised over $8,000 and that number continues to grow every week. Through their engagements with their families, places and events, this money will all successfully be used to continue improving research, which over the years has spread all over St. Louis and continued its outreach.

“There’s even a moment where we go and visit

some of the labs at WashU that are working on cancer research, kind of as an example of where our money that we raised could be going,” junior Arianna Dangi said.

Though a very important process, when Kesel is around her team, the fun never stops. The girls working together on this campaign have not only become part of an everlasting impact, but also made memories that are forever.

“Our first event was a Top Golf introductory event, where we all got to go, hear from the honorary hero this year, (4 year old, Claire) they did a presentation, announced all the other groups, talked about what school they were from, and we got to play top golf of course,” Dangi said. “It was fun to hear from other people who had the same goals as us, who wanted to give back to the community and really just help out others.”

Kesel is proud of her team’s accomplishments and their involvement in something that she found to mean as much to those in her community as it does to her.

“From the beginning I knew this campaign was very much not a one person job,” Kesel said. “I was really nervous that we weren’t going to raise any money but it obviously has proven me wrong, and we still have four weeks left so I’m excited to see where it goes.”

SIPPING FOR STATUS

by Ethan Scott escott963@g.fhsdschools.org

There’s a new digital trend of performative matcha drinkers that has people talking.

Some describe matcha as a soothing drink, as it is a type of tea made from the ground powder of green tea leaves. It’s usually known for its green color and large traces of caffeine. However, the internet is bringing commotion to a calming drink with the new performative matcha trend that describes the kind of person who often drinks matcha.

“[It’s] someone who shows it off, as they’re drinking it,” senior Mackenzie Hill said. “Like, they don’t just drink it because they enjoy the taste, but they drink it to show what kind of person they are; they may also match the drink with a more classy style.”

Senior Kayla Spoors sees the trend similarly.

“I think it’s a trend where people try to seem more superior than their peers,” Spoors said. “They try to look cooler and dress more professionally, and then [try to] just have more of a better vibe.”

As Hill and Spoors described, some on social media sites like Instagram and TikTok have posted with the green drink and have been labeled as a performative matcha drinker.

The performative matcha trend has even reached educators within FHN. Kreighton Tyler, a business teacher at North, is one of many who have faced performative matcha drinking jokes even though he started drinking matcha about two years ago.

“Yes, I’ve had it many times in class, and kids have made fun of me for it,” Tyler said. “But I feel like I’ve been drinking matcha before the trend.”

He still said some of his students poke jokes, calling out “matcha and quarter-zips” at the sight of his drink.

Although it’s clear some people only drink matcha to keep up with the trends, others are confident that they will continue their habits long after the trend because it’s simply their lifestyle.

WHERE SECOND CHANCES BEGIN

Animal shelters help to house animals in hopes of getting them adopted. Places like Five Acres seek to end pet homelessness and provide the animals in their care with love and support

by Alexis Hicks avolz811@g.fhsdschools.org

Five Acres is a place that helps animals find their forever home, and the kind of place where everyone is welcomed with kindness when they step in the door. It’s a place that everyone wants to be at and volunteer at. Five Acres is a home for all animals. One of Five Acres’ biggest challenges is getting animals adopted, because many people do not want an animal from a shelter. This is where Mallary Vasquez, Five Acres engagement manager, comes to the rescue.

“Our mission is to end pet

animals aren’t well taken care of,” Kirby said. “They are the complete opposite. All animals there are so well taken care of and all so sweet. People might think that the animals are bad or they will have issues, but they are all so kind and sweet, you will probably find your best friend there.”

Another big challenge shelters face is the adoption of older animals, because people might think that they won’t be playful or they are stuck in their ways.

“Older animals tend to be more

during tug-of-war, but they still have a lot of energy that they need to burn off.”

Shelters face a lot of difficult challenges, but they look at the good in every situation. No matter what it is, they try their hardest to get all of their animals adopted.

“All animals deserve to be in homes,” Vasquez said. “They don’t deserve to spend long periods of their lives in a shelter, because a shelter is only a temporary home until they find their real one. All of our animals are really sweet, they will

KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE

The annual awards ceremony Knights of the Round Table was held in the FHN auditorium on Feb. 25. Throughout the event there was shared laughter, applause and photo ops. (Photos by Madalyn Bridgewater and Kira Pierce)

Junior Layla Pohtos walks across the stage during the ceremony. Pohtos was given her award by math teacher Emilee Fisher. This medal is given to all students in attendance and may be worn to graduation.

Jordyn Kiel and senior Aubrey Henning pose for a photo and a round of applause. Parents and family sitting in the audience were allowed to take photos during this part of the ceremony.

Deena Ermias smiles toward Jennifer Scarbrough. A professional photographer was also located behind stage and took photos of each teacher and student. These photos were printed and handed out during the following week.

ESPORTS OFFERS A CONNECTION THAT GOES PAST THE SCREEN

by Katie Paul kpaul371@g.fhsdschools.org

While most students pass the esports room without noticing, inside, players are collaborating, improving strategies and preparing for tournaments. Esports at FHN gives students an alternative to traditional sports, allowing them to build friendships and community while competing with each other. The program is open to all students interested in gaming and has grown in recent years.

“People think it’s for nerds and all that stuff,” freshman Luke Abeln said. “It really isn’t, [it’s] just for anyone who wants to play games.”

Behind every match is a collaborative effort that drives the team. Players rely on communication and teamwork to improve both individually and as a group.

“We normally communicate a lot, because that’s a big part of any sport, really,” sophomore Anna Teschendorf said. “You talk about what you’re trying to work on with your teammates, so they can tell you what you need to work on as well.”

However, according to esports coach Zach Goodsell, esports is not all about competing, it is about connecting with others and feeling part of a group.

“I like being able to give students the opportunity to play, meet new people, and become teammates with people they may have never met,” Goodsell said. “The camaraderie and community of esports is awesome.”

HOW HAS SHE IMPACTED NORTH?

Students reflect on how they’ve noticed Scoggins’ impact in the building every day.

every morning, she greets people, and she’s always there to talk.”

FHN SECURITY GUARD BRIGHTENS MORNINGS

by Canyon Dubis cdubis608@g.fhsdschools.org

Supervising the parent drop off in the morning is security guard Rodessa Scoggins. She greets everyone she sees, rain or shine, with a bright smile and a cheerful “Good morning.” At 7 a.m., it is easy not to interact with anyone at all, but Scoggins makes it her goal to be a friendly face early in the morning.

“I think [Scoggins is] a very friendly person, and looks like she enjoys interacting with everybody,” FHN mother and substitute teacher

to you five to 10 times a day if I see you in the hallway.”

Prior to living in the St. Charles area, Scoggins lived in South Carolina, where she was born, and eventually raised her own family there. Growing up, Scoggins was the oldest of four children and often took care of her younger siblings.

The program has also helped members improve confidence, giving them a sense of accomplishment in and out of the game.

“It helped me join the community and feel more like a knight at FHN, and it’s helped me make more friends,” Teschendorf said.

In addition to building friendships and confidence, it has helped them develop their skills in games and teamwork.

“It’s definitely improved me a lot,” Abeln said. “Some of my friends have noticed.”

Esports continues to welcome all students looking to meet new people, improve their gaming techniques, and enjoy friendly competition.

“You don’t have to pay anything to do it,” Goodsell said. “You get to meet people you may have never met. You get to have that accomplishment of being successful or learning or getting better at whatever game you play, and just come to have some fun.”

Monika Lobato said. “She’s a very warm face to see in the morning.”

“She’s a very warm face to see in the morning.” - Monika Lobato, Substitute teacher

After her shift at parent drop off, Scoggins secures all the school doors and returns to the front of the building to check the late arriving students for their blended passes. Throughout the day, Scoggins can be found in the hallways or in her office in the English hallway across from room 1224. She also supervises lunch periods every other day. She then checks blended passes again at the end of the day and monitors parent pickup.

“[Scoggins is] really nice,” junior Lillyanne Wardle said. “She always says ‘Hi’ to us in the hallway when we leave early for blended classes, and she always greets us in the morning.”

This is Scoggins’ second year working at FHN. She was initially given her position as a temporary placement last year, but was offered an official position this year. This was offered to her as she was not only good at her job but also enjoyed it, and the staff and students enjoyed her as well.

“Last year, I just loved all the people,” Scoggins said. “The kids, the students, the parents, I talked to everybody. And I will talk

“It was a lot of responsibility,” Scoggins said. “I had to go to school, then I had to come home because both of my parents worked. And I had to get lunch for my brother and sisters and make sure they got their homework done.”

Scoggins took care of her siblings from a very young age, starting when she was nine. When she was 16 years old, she drove the school bus for her school.

“Back home, you could drive a bus at 16,” Scoggins said. “You can’t now, but I would pick up my kids on the way to school. Then we would all get to school, and we would go in school and do our school work. I would get them in the evening and take them back home.”

Along the way, Scoggins’ life has had many ups and downs, not only in her having to help raise her siblings, but also in the tragic passing of two of her children. While these moments could have defined her, she looks past them and continues to be a happy and bright person to the people around her.

“Even when things happened to [my husband and I], it didn’t make us bitter,” Scoggins said. “We weren’t angry, we just love people, we go on with life. We know everything happens for a reason, for whatever happens. So you live with it, and you learn to move on.”

SLUNAKER SISTERS TAKE THE LEAD

Two sisters set to play the lead roles in the Drama Department’s spring production, “Mamma Mia”

by Oliva Abeln oabeln467@g.fhsdschools.org

Samantha Slunaker has been involved in drama throughout her high school career. Now in her senior year, she shares the stage with her sister, freshman Kayla Slunaker. Both play key roles in the upcoming production of “Mamma Mia.” Samantha will be playing the role of Donna, while Kayla will be playing the role of Sophie, and they will be acting as mother and daughter. This isn’t the first time the Slunaker sisters have performed together; they both had roles in the fall musical “Hadestown.” Even though this is their first year together, they’ve made a big impact on the stage.

shaping her to be a better person.”

Getting closer as sisters has not only had a big impact on Samantha, but also on Kayla. Kayla has been in theater since sixth grade. With this being her first and last year with her sister, it’s more than just a show.

“It’s definitely impactful playing mother and daughter,” Kayla said. “My sister’s a senior, and I’m a freshman. She’ll be leaving for college, so when we sing ‘Slipping through my Fingers’ we’ll all be crying.”

The year is coming to an end too quickly for the Slunaker sisters. The effect the sisters have on the drama department has impacted the cast greatly.

“I’ll never forget my last show with my sister. It’s just special because not every sibling gets to have that, and I like that I am able to share this with my sister.”

“The Slunakers are a huge ray of sunshine in our theater department,” Doverspike said. “They are not only very talented, but they’re always uplifting and sweet – not just to each other, but to everyone around them – and they definitely make the drama department a place [where] we all want to be.”

- Samantha Slunaker, 12

“Just the difference already from the beginning of the year through Hadestown up till now, it’s been incredible,” director of theater arts Taylor Doverspike said. “At first, when I met them, they were both kind of quiet. But then, once they felt like they could open up, they did. And with both of them – Kayla being a Fate, and Sam being the understudy for Eurydice – they just really latched on and grew more confidently, and I could see that in their ‘Mamma Mia’ auditions.”

Given the sisters playing mother and daughter, there was a lot of thought going through Doverspike’s mind when it came to casting. She had to consider the chemistry and the vocals of the two stars. She thought the bond they have, both inside and outside of school, grew during this year. They seemed perfect for the roles.

“Not only do we get to enjoy the same things and are a part of the same things, but now she’s in all of my friend groups, and all my friends love her,” Samantha said. “She has also grown a lot this year. I feel like it’s

With this year being Samantha’s last, she has big plans for her future. Samantha wants to go to Missouri State to major in Vocal Education. With one of the sisters graduating, it makes the sisters’ roles all the more meaningful.

“I will forever be able to talk about it with my sister and with my family,” Samantha said. “I’ll never forget my last show with my sister. It’s just really special because not every sibling gets to have that, and I like that I am able to share this with my sister.”

Even though Samantha is graduating, she’s eager to see what the future holds for her sister.

“I love my sister, and she’s amazing,” Samantha said. “Even though I won’t always be here to watch her when I’m in college, I’m excited to come see the shows and see the amazing things she will do further in the future.”

MEET

BROOKS as Sam Carmicheal

MATTHIAS KLESTINSKI as Bill Austin

LOGAN UPCHURCH as Harry Bright

(Photo by Eashaan Patel)

COIL TO RETIRE AFTER 23 YEARS OF TEACHING

by Rayna Aathreya raathreya505@g.fhsdschools.org

After 23 years of teaching, Kimberly Coil will retire at the conclusion of this school year, leaving behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the walls of her history classroom.

Coil has shaped generations of students, teaching courses such as World History and Modern American Culture.

“I realize that not everybody loves history, but I love it enough for all of us,” Coil said. “History has so many different facets, so my hope is that students find something that interests them by the end of the year.”

Even students who have never sat in her classroom have likely experienced her influence through the curriculum she has developed for other classes within the department. Throughout her time at FHN, Coil has supported various student clubs and organizations, such as Varsity Cheerleading, the Young Democrat and Republican Clubs, and Scholar Quiz. She currently runs the senior chapter of National Honor Society, whose members are incredibly grateful for her contributions.

CONNOR MCNULTY as Sky

EVIE HOFFMAN as Tanya

REAGAN MOELLERING as Rosie

“She genuinely really cares about the club,” president of Senior NHS Kayla Spoors said. “She wants to make a difference in our community, and she’s very much a motivator, always helping all of us officers out. Not only does she want the club to do well, but she wants us to do well as people.”

That desire to teach and to help students grow has always been central to who Coil is.

“I have always wanted to be a teacher,” Coil said. “I have just always loved everything about school. I loved the whole environment. I loved learning. I loved the kids. I loved the teachers, and I just wanted to do what they did.”

As she retires alongside the Class of 2026, Coil’s career has come full circle.

“Up and down the halls, there are a lot of my colleagues that were people that I’ve taught, and it’s so very rewarding to be back working with them,” Coil said.

Needless to say, when Coil retires at the end of this year, she will be leaving a school shaped by her steadfast presence throughout these years, and countless students that appreciate all that she’s done for North.

“She’s always the one I’m able to go to if I ever have any problems or issues,” Spoors said. “She was always just there for me, so I’m definitely gonna miss her when she’s gone.”

STUDENTS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE MUSICAL

NEW FRENCH CLUB BEGINS AT NORTH

by Sienna Randle srandle854@g.fhsdschools.org

FHN has a wide variety of clubs, spanning from Mock Trial and FBLA to Sun Club or Ecology Club. There’s something for everyone, and just recently the new French Club has been starting up. The club is welcoming to all and encourages everyone to join and take a look at all that there is to do and learn.

“French Club is a club where people can explore more French culture, language, cuisine, music and more traditions,” junior Melanie Juarez said. “It will go more in depth than what we learn inside the classroom and it opens it up to all people.”

“I think they can make someone feel represented in a scene that they’re surrounded by people who share the same interests as them, and they’re all working together as a

“You

get to join different groups and other people encourage you discover new things.”

Rigoberto Gaona Sanchez, 9

STUDENTS FIND CONFIDENCE THROUGH MUSIC

Students discover self-acceptance through band and choir, where supporting classrooms encourage them to take risks and express themselves

by Jersey Dubis jdubis410@g.fhsdschools.org

Starting up a club isn’t easy. It comes with many obstacles and challenges one has to face. There is a whole process one has to consider and then go through.

“I’ve had some challenges within starting the club with speaking with activities directors, getting to know how many people are interested and hanging up flyers,” Juarez said.

Joining French Club can bring one many new insights and chances they might not have had the chance to get beforehand.

“I think that starting French Club will open up a lot of opportunities to those people who maybe drop French because they couldn’t fit it into their schedule, so they can start practicing again,” Juarez said. “I think it will open up opportunities to those who couldn’t even take a language at all, for if they would at least want to learn some phrases or words, or those who just want to experience more games, cooking, and stuff like that.”

The students at FHN are already enjoying the experiences they are able to get from the new French Club after partaking in the first meeting, and there is already a positive view on how the club will impact the students who join.

“I think [the benefits that students will get is that] they’ll learn about the culture in other countries, which is of course good for anyone, and that it will be a place where people can have fun,” sophomore Pinar Koc said.

“I think choir kids work really hard. They’re here after school so many days, even when I come out of basketball practice, I see them still practicing, and they’re very talented.”

Courtney Epplin, 12

onfidence is a word that everyone has heard, but not everyone has felt. Many people discover confidence through activities they enjoy, whether it’s sports, clubs, or the creative arts. At FHN, many students express themselves through programs such as band and choir, which provide them with opportunities to grow both musically and personally.

These places create a safe and welcoming environment where students can learn from mistakes and take chances.

“After

joining

said. “I feel like I’m part of a whole big family in class.”

Joining a class or an activity outside of regular subjects can give students a chance to try new things and build confidence. Athletics and the arts let students practice and perform in ways that are visible not just to teachers, but also to classmates and an audience.

[choir], I learned I can do things that I couldn’t do before, I used to be shy in class, but now I talk to almost everyone.”

-

Ella Bentley, 9

“Time on a task builds confidence in that specific section,” band director Ryan Curtis said. “Certain subjects or activities help branch out beyond just school, like athletics, music and the arts, because they’re visible not just to the teacher, but to an audience or spectators.”

For those who are usually quiet or feel left out, these classes offer a space to push themselves, speak up, and discover their voice.

“Since joining choir, I’ve definitely come out of my shell a little bit,” senior Jaiden Minnella said. “It’s helped my overall confidence and being more secure in who I am, which definitely helps me in group settings more.”

“The program is awesome because we support each other a lot. Also our rehearsals are long, but we understand each other a lot. It’s a community.”

Leigha Faber, 9

For many students who join musical activities, they find a new part of themselves. They step into a classroom with students who have all chosen to be there, unlike normal required classes, where students are required to be there. Locations like these can make students more comfortable, leading them to take greater risks and step out of their comfort zone.

Students notice changes not only in their performance on stage, but also in how they interact and connect with each other, turning the classroom into a family rather than a roster.

“I’ve seen differently that I’m kinder and I broaden my horizon with people,” Bentley

Playing a solo, singing in groups, or performing in a concert forces students to trust their abilities. With each rehearsal and performance, mistakes become learning opportunities rather than setbacks. Over time, students begin to feel more comfortable being seen and heard.

“That comfort in class often turns into confidence that reaches beyond the music room,” Curtis said. “I do think it’s a life skill that they take to not just class, but outside of the school.”

Confidence doesn’t always begin with applause and satisfaction from others. It grows as students make mistakes, take risks and push themselves. Over time, these little wins build a sense of self-assurance that doesn’t just stay in the classroom but continues into the rest of their day.

“I used to think confidence was either something you had or you didn’t have,” Minnella said. “But being in choir, I’ve noticed that you can build it from nothing. Some of the most confident people I know were even silent their freshman year.”

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SPRING SPORTS BEGIN

View the sports features and news updates on student athletes during the spring season. Pages 33-41

Sophomore Noah Button shares what each disc he uses on the disc golf course does.

WHAT DISC IS DISC GOLF GROWS IN MISSOURI

Putter Disc

This disc is slower than most discs and is used for more of the up-close shots. It flies dead straight and is more accurate when trying to complete each hole.

Local recreational disc golfers in the community share their perspective on the rise of disc golf

by Elise Grimshaw egrimshaw432@g.fhsdschools.org

WFairway Driver

This disc is very versatile, as it can be used from many distances on the course. It helps with having maximum control and accuracy, and is best used for moderate to long distances.

hile millions of Americans love traditional golf, the lesser-known sport of disc golf is not one to count out, as it is steadily gaining attention. Courses can be found all over Missouri and around the country. Although this is a professional sport, many people consider it to be a hobby they picked

“The popularity of disc golf, I feel, peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic because many people were looking for a recreation opportunity that allowed for social distancing and at the same time some level of camaraderie and reason to get out of the house,” community member and

Midrange Disc

This disc works well for approach shots which provide precise shots at your distances from 100-300 feet. This disc also has shorter rims which helps with making more straight line shots.

Many courses offer options based on the number of holes preferred and the golfer’s skill level. Some of the most popular courses include Creve Coeur Hillside, Quail Ridge Park, and many in the metropolitan St. Louis Area that have great courses to choose from that vary in level of difficulty. There are even a variety of

“People living in St. Charles have many options available for them to play at different courses that range from short and simple courses to professional courses that require much higher levels of skill,” Schutte

Driver Disc

This disc is one of the ones that are first used on each hole. They give maximum speed and distance and cover the longest distances on the course. With its sharp edge and shallow rim, it is a good starting shot for each hole.

Sophomore Noah Button, on the other hand, loves to play the sport and usually gets around three to five rounds in each week. He doesn’t play it for a team or for a school, but just finds tournaments whenever he can to make himself improve.

“I try to play in tournaments as much as possible to help myself get better and because I’m very competitive, so I really enjoy it,” disc golf amateur Button said. “Part of what makes tournaments so fun and disc golf in general is the people. Mostly everyone I’ve played with has been nice and encouraging.”

Disc golf has a way of connecting people of all different ages and backgrounds, but especially reconnecting families and building lifelong relationships.

“One main connection I’ve made is growing closer to my brother,” senior Logan Niederer said. “Growing up, we were very competitive, but disc golf is the one activity that we both enjoyed getting better at and watching each other get better.”

COURSES ACROSS THE STATE

A variety of different disc golf courses across the cities and counties of Missouri along with information about the courses and local golfers preferences.

The underrecognized sport has plenty of pros. Whether someone is looking to play competitively, meet new people, stay active, or just find a new hobby, this sport has been all of those things for a wide variety of people.

“The disc golf community, in my opinion, is very welcoming to new players and the sport has a wide variety of levels of competition for everyone to participate in,” Schutte said. “If someone is looking to enjoy an outdoor activity that allows them to hike with a purpose and a competitive aspect, I feel that disc golf is a fun activity for them to participate in.”

However, most people don’t understand what it takes to get into disc golf, which can make it an intimidating sport to get into; some overlook it and don’t fully understand all the work it takes for it to become enjoyable. Disc golf follows the same structure as traditional golf, with the exception of discs and metal baskets.

“One common misconception is that it is easy,” Niederer said. “A lot of people think it is something you can just show up and be good, but there is a lot of technique that goes into it.”

The disc golf community is a small population of today’s sports; however, most don’t seem to mind the close-knit group it has created. Players often recognize the familiar faces on the course and bond over the love of the sport that not many share.

“I think disc golf is a great recreational sport that nearly anyone can find some fun and enjoyment doing, but I don’t feel that disc golf should necessarily receive more recognition,” Schutte said. “If the general population has the opportunity to try the sport, I feel that a certain number of people will find the experience enjoyable, and a portion of those people, like myself, will find the sport enjoyable enough to become more invested in it.”

Wolf Pack Park is a park located in Branson, Missouri and has many different amenities. Along with the 9-hole disc golf course, the park has tennis and pickleball courts for all people to have fun.

“[Harmony Bends] It is one of my top 3 courses I have ever played because it is a challenging course.”

- Noah Button, 10

HARMONY BENDS PARK

Columbia, MO

QUAIL RIDGE PARK

Wentzville, MO

PLAYING FAMILIAR COMPETITION

CAPAHA PARK

Cape Girardeau, MO

City Lake DGC is a park specifically used for disc golfers. It is located in a county called Sullivan, Missouri, an hour and a half northwest of Jefferson City. City Lake is known for it’s more technical shots and a unique type of disc golf course

Lake DGC Review on Yelp.com

“I really enjoy getting to play high school volleyball with my friends and getting to represent my school.”

- Luke Hollinger, 12

Performance and MOVA really built up their chemistry. Many argue that some of the strongest connections are with setters and their outside hitters, which is what brought them closer together.

“Obviously he is a great outside hitter which as a setter is great to have,” Hollinger, a senior, said. “He is always willing to try new things and is always good at them.”

As all of the club playing athletes head off to their high schools, some may not get to see those teammates until after the season is over. But for Hollinger and Campbell, they share a commonality of being in the Gateway Athletic Conference, playing in the South division along with other teams such as Francis Howell, and Fort Zumwalt West. This forces the two schools to play each other game.”

As key players for Howell North and Howell Central, Hollinger and Campbell being thrown off of their game, can very much throw the rest of their teams off their game. Hollinger was one of the leaders in the St. Louis-Metro area for assists, averaging 7.42 a game. Campbell was also one of the top contenders for kill leaders in the metro area, averaging 4.63 kills a game.

“Luke really just loves what he does and is a great advocate not only for himself, but for his teammates,” Yuede said. “As far as Campbell goes, there are so many things that we do to try and stop him from getting kills on us, but he still always finds a way and is a great outside hitter.”

ONE FAMILY, TWO SWINGS

by Kaycen Scott

kscott-hutton517@g.fhsdschools.org

A bond between siblings is something that can never be matched. For the Larson brothers, though, their bond doesn’t just grow at home, but on the course as well.

“Golfing together has made us significantly closer, it’s definitely a huge common interest for us,” junior Austin Larson said. “And I mean every time we are together, that’s pretty much all we are doing now is golfing. He’s also made me the golfer I am today, if it wasn’t for him I’d suck at golf.”

Ayden and Austin Larson are a year apart and both play on the boys varsity golf team. Ayden was the one who introduced Austin to golf, and since then, golf has been playing a major role in their life. Their mom Robyn Larson has been a huge support throughout their golfing experience.

“I think golf will give them something to bond over for their entire lives, and then individually I think it will help them find a close group of friends when they go to college, if they end up going to different colleges,” Robyn said.

Ayden is a senior at North and the upcoming season will be his last at FHN. Austin and Ayden have played together since the beginning, so separating after this year is one of the many challenges they’ve had.

“[It’s] bittersweet,” Ayden said. “I mean, obviously, I don’t wanna leave them behind, but at the same time, I’m leaving him the torch. It’s been passed down year after year, so I wouldn’t wanna leave it to somebody other than him.”

Playing together is no easy feat for siblings, but the Larsons persevere. The brothers both compete for the one and two spots during golf, so there is bound to be a bit of rivalry on the course.

STRONGER THAN THE SETBACK

Marena Weatherspoon works hard to return to soccer this season after tearing her ACL last year during a long basketball season

by Audrey Grimshaw

agrimshaw029@g.fhsdschools.org

As soccer is Marena Weatherspoon’s main sport, it was a big heartbreak, tearing she has for it.

“I think the injury pushed her even harder than she had to push and

during practices and games motivated her to keep going, reminding her why she fell in love with soccer and

“I think it’s mainly just built into what we do,” Ayden said. “I think both of us are so competitive that we’ve learned growing up playing sports together. We can just leave it aside at the end of the day.”

Lots of people understand that having siblings is not easy, but Ayden and Austin have made a lifelong friendship, beyond the built-in one they already have with each other.

“I would describe it as more than just a brotherly relationship,” Robyn said. “I think they’re definitely brothers, but they’re also best friends, and I think one reason they’ve become so close is that they’ve been able to bond over golf.”

Feb. 17, 2025

Last soccer game played before injury

Feb. 20, 2025

Injury in basketball game

WEATHERSPOON’S INJURY JOURNEY

Jan. 29, 2026

March 11, 2025

Date of surgry after confimed ACL tear

March 14, 2025 First physical therapy appointment

Began soccer specific return to play physical therapy

MCGUIRE BRINGS IT HOME

McGuire made her run to state worthwhile by bringing home a first place medal in pole vaulting, surpassing the District

by Jocelyn Kuker jkuker325@g.fhsdschools.org

The FHN track team had two girls qualify for state and one girl who took home first place.

Senior Rebecca McGuire took home the first place spot for Pole Vault at state with a record of 12’6” or 3.81 meters. Going into state, McGuire wasn’t sure what the outlook would be and what competition would look like, but the results were definitely in her favor.

“I wasn’t quite getting the height I wanted to in practice when I was preparing for state, but when I got to state, it was like something just clicked,” McGuire said.

With Pole Vault, there's not a lot of competition in this area, so competing at regular meets, McGuire wasn’t receiving the challenge that she needed, but the competition at state was what set it apart from a normal meet.

“All year we kept track of how everyone in the state was, and we knew she would be in the mix to win, but you just never know how it will shake out on that day,” coach of last season, Kyle Morris said.

One of the biggest things that has been a driving factor for McGuire was the atmosphere she was surrounded by at state and having people to cheer her on.

“The biggest thing that motivated

me at state was being surrounded by friends and family and knowing that I had that support,” McGuire said.

McGuire has paved a path for the program and added to the success of the team by leading the track team to another first place state spot. It will also hopefully lead to more interest in the track program and pole vaulting in particular.

“Francis Howell North's pole vaulting program is really successful, even going back to the early 90’s, so it’s really cool to have another example of a really high caliber pole vaulter here,” Morris said. “It’s always good to recruit and build the size of the team, and my role is to get more people to qualify for districts, sectionals, and state, and get others in the position that Becca's in now.”

There are always things to improve on and practice, especially before a big meet like state, but with McGuire, she was already prepared and had put herself in a good position for success at state, knowing her limits and what she could succeed at.

“I just practiced with different height poles, and continued to do practice until state,” McGuire said. “My biggest goal for this season will be to continue increasing the height I'm jumping and qualify for state again.”

BY THE NUMBERS

Rebecca Mcguire’s state-winning performance wasn't pure luck. Lets see how it stacks up against her personal best.

- 2025 State Results

- 2025 District Qualifying Standards - Personal Best

3.26 3.81 3.81

“I was pretty ecstatic. They've been grinding hard and putting in the work, and doing more training outside of school. I felt very proud of them when I found out."

Shawn Farrar, Assistant Coach

State Results

Scan here to look at all of the state results during the 20242025 track season.

SENIOR BASEBALL STANDOUTS

TAKE THEIR TALENTS TO JUCO

Different schools, same drive—these seniors are ready for the next challenge past the high school level

by Alexis Hunter ahunter097@g.fhsdschools.org

Four seniors on the varsity baseball team are taking the next step in their careers, each committing to play at different junior college programs after graduation. While plans after high school vary, Caden Ziha, Carter Singler, Carson Howard and Kooper Herrell, all share the same end goal.

“I’ve known I wanted to play past high school for a while,” Herrell, who will be playing at Saint Charles Community College, said. “Honestly, it’s always been a dream to play college baseball.”

For Singler, his versatile talent across multiple positions and significant playing time during his first year on varsity caught the attention of Moberly Area Community College and helped shift the idea of playing college baseball from a dream to a realistic opportunity over the summer.

“I’ve always wanted to play, but this past high school year and summer was when I knew that it was really possible to continue playing,” Singler said. Driven by this dream, the athletes invested in weekly training while waiting for the opportunity to finally arrive.“I’ve been doing lifts and then hitting a ton,” Howard, a pitcher going to East Central College,

during preparation. However, building strength and adding muscle will be key as they prepare for the next level.

“My training right now is very high intensity, and I am just trying to put on weight so when I get on campus, I make an immediate impact,” Herrell said. The journey to meet this goal required patience and commitment. Some days looked doubtful but ended fulfilling dreams. “It was really slow at first, not talking to many schools,” Howard said. “This year, I switched summer ball teams and started talking to a few coaches. Missouri Southern State University had me for a visit, which went well, but ended up having some unfortunate events happen, and that’s when ECC contacted me and offered me a scholarship.”

Seeing the process through and consistently reminding themselves of the long-term goal became essential. Ziha made an additional effort to outwork his peers to get to where he wanted. His grit mindset helped keep him determined and excel more.

“It’s definitely not easy or fun, and there’s definitely some parts where it’s, like, I just want to get this over with. But it’s important that you stick it through and find your best fit,” Ziha, an infielder committed to John Wood Community College, said. The

@22.

athletes while showcasing why they earned the opportunity to compete at the next level.

“The workload is going to consist of balancing morning weights, then having a hitting group during the day, and then practice and still having to do school work in between,” Herrell said.

While high school baseball emphasizes development, college baseball operates with greater discipline and a more competitive environment.

“The atmosphere will definitely be a little different. It’s not just for fun and games,every single person here has the same mindset of getting to the next place,” Ziha said.

With the adjustment from high school to college, staying calm and keeping composure will be necessary to not get overwhelmed.

“Just taking time to reflect and realizing how blessed I am to be where I’m at today,” Singler said. It’s a mindset shared throughout the team. Sophomore Charlie Mock, has had the privilege to be on the team with the talented group going on two years. Mock is confident that by taking some of their best qualities to the next level, the transition to junior college will be one these

SOCIAL MEDIA COMMITMENT GRAPHICS

IMPROVING AND ADAPTING FOR THE FUTURE

by Eric Taylor etaylor790@g.fhsdschools.org

For the lacrosse team, this season comes with a huge number of obstacles and challenges. With the departure of eight seniors last season, the lacrosse team has limited experience and leadership on the roster, with only senior Ari Larsen returning this year. However, according to junior Jocelyn Kuker, the team is still holding its spirits high and is preparing for a good season.

“I would say we’re hoping for a positive outcome this season, and we’re hoping to increase our winning record,” Kuker said. “But also, just like figuring out how to navigate everything without as many experienced players on the team.”

Even with the limited amount of experience and senior leadership, the lacrosse team has still managed to find established leadership on the team.

According to coach Rowan Pugh, it’s just about finding the right qualities in a player.

“I’m looking for people who are kind, first and foremost, who can take initiative, but also can take constructive criticism,” Pugh said. “We have some girls who are pretty experienced, even though they’re young, so I think just leaning on those players who have experience, trying to help the more inexperienced ones.”

One of those players is junior Morgan Conlon. She has been playing on the lacrosse team for three years and sees herself as a crucial leader on the team. I think I have to step up into a bigger role this year. I think that, again, because I think there are just fewer people who are playing and know what they’re doing. So, being able to help them,” Conlon said.

Even with the lack of returning leadership this season, the lacrosse team sees this as a window of growth and opportunity and is ready to adapt and stay mentally prepared throughout the season ahead.

“I would just say like relying on each other as a team [is going to be important for us to adapt] because we know that people are going to make mistakes and we know that we’re going to have some rough patches,” Kuker said. “So, I think just like relying on each other and knowing that there’s going to be hard times, but like, we can get through it, is going to be the biggest thing for us this year.”

However, this season isn’t just about wins and losses for the lacrosse team either. It is about preparing this young roster for the future and rebuilding it. The lacrosse team is hoping for a varsity and a JV roster this season, but it is dependent on the number of returning players and interest in the program to determine whether they will have a varsity team or not.

“My goal is just to build the team back up,” Pugh said. “We’re losing a couple of returning players this year. So right now we are down a third of our team, so just kind of rebuilding that team. My focus is rebuilding that skill, building that team chemistry, and then having a really successful next year or two after that.”

WINTER SPORTS

and sports whom competed deserve

TEAM RECORD: 10-16

HIGHLIGHTS: Elijah Bollinger hit 1000 points against

TEAM RECORD: 13-13

HIGHLIGHTS:

Coach Danielle Rampley hit 100 career coaching wins.

Addy Jones was one point from tying the school record for most points scored in a game. She scored 36 points.

BASKETBALL BASKETBALL SWIM & DIVE

HIGHLIGHTS:

Junior Joanna Jolly placed 11th at GACs her first year diving.

for

OPINION

LASTS FOREVER

moment I would wake up and go. I grew up very anxious, could almost never sleep, excited for what was to come the next day. Looking back, I wish I had known to take my time. To sleep that night, to enjoy the moment. To notice that being appreciative of what you have is important. Because moments don’t last forever.

When Saturday morning finally came around my parents would drop me off at my grandparent’s. They lived in the same street for 40 years. They knew every corner, every neighbor, every street dog.

During those mornings, right after we had eaten the fresh bread that my grandpa would pick up at the end of the street, we went out for a walk. Now that I am older and have learned many things, I realize it is healthy for an elder to go on a walk and move their body, but I like to think he did it because he wanted to spend time with me.

Down the other end of the street, there was a cheap store that sold almost anything someone could need. My grandpa never second guessed walking down every aisle they had, as I stared in awe at the notebooks displayed on the shelves, adorned with Elsa, Anna and Olaf.

A milkshake shop was next door. They had every flavor combination someone could imagine, but I never chose any besides the cotton candy milkshake. The flavor was incomparable to anything I had ever had before and part of my dreams during the week.

I don’t remember when was the last time I had that milkshake. All I remember is a blur and suddenly my grandpa was in the hospital, struggling to stay alive. I had never considered the possibility that he wouldn’t be in my life forever, and as a 9-year-old, it was the worst pain anyone could ever go through.

I had many friends at school but no one ever compared to him. No one pretended to have the same interests, made me laugh, or walked me to the milkshake store the way he did.

THREE WEEKS, COUNTLESS MEMORIES

The adventures included in a fun three-week long family road trip all across the United States

OPINION

here’s nothing like a road trip for quality family bonding. I’ve been on quite a few in my life, but the most memorable has to be the threeweek trip that my family and I embarked on in June of 2020. Four people and a dog

“What

Washington and Idaho. Then, we reached Utah. While departing from Arches National Park, our roof rack slid off of the top of our car and fell onto the road, burning holes into our camping chairs, which we had intended on using for the remaining two and a half weeks of our trip.

A couple of months following his passing, the milkshake store became a deli. And similar to how I never found a milkshake as good as that one, I never found a friend like the one my grandpa was to me.

country, starting from Everett, Washington, stopping in states on the way to Indiana and back. What started as a way to get out of the house turned into lessons learned, memories made and new inside jokes.

started as a way to get out of the house turned into lessons learned, memories made and new inside jokes.”

- Aerilyn Ide, 10

The beginning of the trip was just like any other, we were excited to go see friends and family at the start of the trip, beginning in Eastern

Towards the middle of the trip, we camped in Kansas for a night. This was the worst place to camp. Bugs flying around, unbearable humidity, crickets chirping louder than your thoughts. Oh, and raccoons. Lots of raccoons. Every time I peeked outside of our tent, there were dozens of pairs of beady eyes staring back at me from the distant trees. The next morning, our food had been rummaged through. The funny thing was that they had somehow gotten the lid off a bottle of vitamin gummies, but they couldn’t figure out how to take the simple paper film off the top, and presumably gave up and tossed the bottle aside.

OPINION

Canyon Dubis

WITH LOVE

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

It’s the start to every one of my favorite recipes. For as long as I can remember, I have been setting the oven and following a recipe to make desserts. From baking Christmas cookies with my aunt and grandma to helping my mom with my siblings’ birthday cakes, it always starts with those six words.

Baking has been my family’s way of showing love for generations, always starting when the kids are little and wanting to help out. So naturally, when I was little, I wanted to help out too. My first job was mixing in the ingredients. Slowly, as I got older, I was given harder jobs. Instead of mixing the ingredients, I was cracking the eggs, then I was measuring the ingredients and putting the pan into the hot oven, and eventually taking it out too. It then turned into me following the recipe with my mom standing off to the side, ready to help out when needed. Eventually, the “Mom, I want to make cookies. Is that ok?” Turned into “Mom, I’m making cookies.” And now it’s even my mom saying, “You’re making cookies, what for?”

The answer to that question is often just because or for a last minute surprise of a sweet treat for my friends. For me, baking is just something I do in my free time and gives me a way to stop stressing about things and take a break to enjoy the process and the final product.

Something that was recurring throughout the trip, unfortunately, was my dog choosing to dump randomly. The first time, my family and I were walking in Cody, Wyoming looking for a place to eat dinner, my sister gave us a heads up as my dog was number two-ing on the sidewalk, but it was too late. My pink Croc flip flop was covered, which had to be wiped off in the grass in front of some restaurant. Then, in Vail, Colorado, right on the brick road. Luckily, this one avoided getting smushed. Finally, inside of a Bass Pro in Illinois. My sister and I had to figure out how to hide a pile of dog poo while waiting for my dad to go find a bag to pick it up.

So, what have I learned? Strap your roof rack tight onto the roof of your vehicle when camping, don’t go camping in Kansas, keep your vitamin gummies sealed tight, and let your dog go to the bathroom before walking into Bass Pro. I remember other things from that trip, but it’s always the funny or unfortunate things that I remember more vividly. My family and I still joke about these incidents, and I look forward to every road trip knowing that there could be more jokes to come.

IDE’S DESTINATIONS

• Arches National Park

• Yellowstone National Park

• Badlands National Park

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial

• Moab, Utah

• Vail, Colorado

• Cody, Wyoming

• St. Charles, Missouri

• Logansport, Indiana

• Winterset, Iowa

• Wall, South Dakota

• Lawrence, Kansas

Because I enjoy the process so much, it makes it really easy for me to offer to bake something for family dinners, hanging out with friends or even bringing them to school for a class party or event. It has also become my way of showing love, just like the rest of my family.

Due to this love and the fact that I have a hard time saying no, anytime I am asked to make something, I always say yes. This was what first got me into making cake pops, which quickly became a favorite among the people around me and myself. But no matter what sweet treat I have in my clear container that my friends and family have come to look forward to, it was made with love by a girl who enjoys giving them out and seeing the smiles on people’s faces.

EDITORIAL

On ami days, there’s two types of students...

One more paper snowflake for my ami attendance and i’ll be free... ...to go do my actual classwork

SNOW DAYS SHOULD FOSTER LEARNING, NOT HINDER IT

Recently changed AMI days have benefits and drawbacks that should be reconsidered before the next school year

On Behalf of the Editorial Board yourfhn@fhntoday.com

It’s safe to say that students don’t learn much on AMI days—and in part, it’s not their fault, nor the teachers. The format for AMI days needs to be changed, but it’s been a struggle for the past few years to create something that works for administrators, teachers, parents and students at the same time.

Why It Makes Sense:

Snow causes the community to shut down whether we like it or not. Planes can’t fly, cars can’t drive, and kids can’t get to school. Instead of simply adding a day to the end of the school year or just losing a day of work to make snowmen and go sledding, technology has allowed us to access assignments online.

This was vital during the years of COVID, as students could complete an entire year of school without ever stepping foot inside the classroom. Post-pandemic, we have realized that the same principle can be applied to individual snow days. In recent years, there has been a push for Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI) days in FHSD to prevent

the school year from ending later than planned and to allow classes to continue like normal.

AMI days count as attendance for each student and encourage them to stay ahead on their work. Everything is uniform across the district and even between classes. Previously, some teachers would assign more amounts of work for their students than others, so district- or at least school-wide assignments ensure that students are fairly given work to do during the day at home.

Why It Doesn’t Work:

Our current AMI structure only requires a signature on a piece of paper to count as attendance and assignment completion for each student. This system is both easily manipulable and ineffective for students and teachers alike. Each student is trusted to do simple assignments, although not for their classes— instead, a simple task per subject that is likely unrelated to anything they’re actually doing in class. Some students may take advantage of this system, forfeiting any work while getting their paper signed to say they’ve done so.

Snow days are more fun that way, but from an academic perspective, grades and attendance will likely take a hit. Students in AP classes are at a disadvantage because they may get behind on scheduled classwork—and even if the classwork is pushed back, the test is not.

Solution:

AMI days should not be removed from our school district, but modifying the required work will provide students with an opportunity to learn something actually relevant.

Instead of making high school students count the number of points on a snowflake, it would be better to teach them life skills that will be helpful outside of school. This could be things like learning how to follow a recipe, change a tire, or what kind of taxes and utilities they can expect to pay in the future. This would not require teachers to create any extra assignments, and rather than being busy work that doesn’t impact what students are learning, it can be a life lesson that students actually find useful. Another option would be to educate

wha-? dude just lie and make your mom sign the ami sheet, the school doesn’t check that work anyway

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE AMI

NORTH STAR

“I think their point of AMI versus what they give us to do is very different, because they want to keep our attendance at school while we’re not able to come in, but at the same time, what am I gonna do make a snowflake at home for math class?”

Shreya Patel, 11

“I think the AMI day paper is really unnecessary. It’s just a random thing you have to do to be counted present so the school board can get their money.”

Evan Bentley, 10

students on current world events and encourage them to think about what’s happening in the world outside of their immediate surroundings. Provide them with several unbiased sources to educate them on important issues within our community, state, country and world, which will help to raise a generation of more knowledgeable young adults that can share their voice and opinion on important issues. These assignments would be the same district-wide, providing uniformity and ease for grading and attendance.

While this doesn’t solve the issue of students, especially those in AP classes, falling behind, it is at least a step in the right direction to providing a learning environment for students.

There will always be some students who don’t do the work, and some that get credit without actually doing anything. But for those who complete the assignments, it would be more beneficial in the long run to teach students something they will carry into their future instead of giving them grade school assignments from years past.

“I think it’s good because at least you do something during your AMI days. It’s really easy because you really just have to do one assignment.”

Addison Howard, 9

on the AMI are too dumb. Nobody wants to do it and I promise you nobody is gaining from it.”

Suhan Penugonda, 10

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