Bible study provides sense of unity for cross country team

Sophomore Grant Vellinger bows his head reverently for a prayer led by senior Gannon Yeaton on Aug. 26, 2012.
Photo by Gabriela Justice

Senior Gannon Yeaton decides to build a shoe tower after the Bible study meeting to keep the get-together lighthearted.
Photo by Melanie Parrish

by Melanie Parrish and Gabriela Justice

“So, what was the bad thing that we discussed last week?” senior Gannon Yeaton asked. When an awkward pause reigned for a while, he said, “Sin! Sin!” “Oooohhh….” came the collective response.

A group of people from the FC cross country team gathers every week for a completely student-oriented Bible study. This study group was started and is run by Yeaton. Although right now the group is made up of mostly cross-country teammates, they are very open and welcoming to anyone wishing to join.

In fact, sophomore Chad Lawrence said, “I’d love to see the group grow and expand, and for more people to come, and learn about God and His Word. The group we have is great, and I think it’d be awesome just to have more people come in.”

Yeaton seems very enthusiastic about this group, which has grown from just a couple of people to anywhere between eight and 15 members. He has high hopes that these people will understand just how important faith is in their lives and that they “really see what the scripture has to offer, what God has to offer, and what He wants for us.” He believes that people should come to realize exactly what the Bible says and know who Jesus is.

Freshman Paige Vellinger said, “The Bible study is a good way for me to keep in touch with like-minded believers and share questions we may have about the Bible. It’s a good opportunity to talk with each other about how God has been working in our lives, and to learn more things about the chapter we are studying.”

Intimate topics like this bring people together. Yeaton confirmed this when he said, “I feel a lot closer to anyone I talk to about spiritual things, just because it’s such a deeper level of connection with people. . . when we talk about really spiritual things, stuff that considers our soul, that considers our entire life and purpose, that’s when you really start connecting.”

This group is not completely serious, however. After Yeaton closed the meeting with a prayer, the group headed upstairs for delicious homemade pizza and muffins, baked by the mother of sophomore Alec Heitz, the host for that week. Yeaton seemed especially energized by this, and decided he would take all of the group’s shoes and build a tower. Fortunately, everyone got their shoes back in the end.

“[People] need it. The Word is so important, it’s not just something to be taken for granted,” said Yeaton. “It’s a really great feeling to purely look at God’s Word and not get anything else mixed up in it, to just look at what He wants for us, and what our relationship could be like.”

New, veteran teachers deliver expectations

German teacher Noel McRae teaches his seventh-hour German I class. McRae helps new students with one of their first assignments. McRae is a veteran teacher with 20 years experience. McRae said, “A model student for me is a student who learns for learning’s sake.” Photo by Garrett Cotner.

by Garrett Cotner and Lucas Bennett

“This year is going to be awesome,” said algebra and Project Graduation teacher Roxanne Wolfe. Wolfe has been teaching for 20 years. Though a veteran teacher, she is still looking forward to what’s coming this year and the responsibilities that come with being a veteran teacher.

Reflecting on her first years of teaching she lists the responsibilities that have come over the years aside from just teaching. She’s entrusted with the Student of the Month program, helps with the V.I.P. Breakfast, and even takes tickets at football games.

Not to be underestimated is the everyday responsibilities of teaching as well, German teacher Noel McRae who has also been teaching for 20 years, elaborates on this. Not only does he have to do all the typical things that come to mind when teaching such as grading homework, quizzes, and tests but also must attend meetings, record final grades, and keep his teaching credentials current.

McRae does all of this with the same amount of time that students go through their school day with. “Then you have to teach a class for 50 minutes whether you feel like it or not,” said McRae.

The new year also brings challenges and expectations for a newcomer. Earth/space teacher Tim Korte, who has five years of experience at FC, said, “Earth space is the most interesting of the sciences. My teaching philosophy is that learning is more important than memorizing, if you can get something out of my class than I’m doing my job.”

 

Freshman actor Henry Miller plays in theatre

Freshman Henry Miller and freshman Grace Neal are in introduction to theatre class. They work on their Fractured Fairytales skit. Neal said “It’s so much fun!” She loves working on skits in class. Photo by Emily Stock.

by Claire Watkins and David Frank

Remembering lines, rehearsing dances. These are only a few of the many things that freshman Henry Miller has to do for his first year at FC as an actor. Miller’s first play was actually at FC when he was seven, “A Christmas Story.” He was Ralphie.

“My mom made me go into acting, and ever since then I’ve just loved it,” said Miller.

“He’s a very talented young guy,” said theatre director Robbie Steiner. “From what I’ve seen so far he’s a hard worker.”

“He’s very enthusiastic about theatre,” said senior Mary Schreier. “I think his biggest strength is dance.”

Miller is now working on getting into the play “Music Man.” “I’m really nervous about it, but I’m also excited,” said Miller.

Miller has always been a really nice guy and a hard worker.

“He’s very easy to get along with; he’s got a great attitude,” said Steiner.

“Based on what I’ve seen so far and what Mr. Steiner gave feedback on, I would say yes he’s a decent actor,” said Schreier.

There’s always the question of how hard acting is.

“The hardest thing about acting is trying to get in the right emotion to fit the certain scene and to have good facial expressions,” said Miller. “I like musical theatre the best because you can sing and dance.”

Miller has done both professional and school plays; he’s done some at Actor’s Theater and Derby Dinner Playhouse.

“Personally, I like school plays better because you don’t have to stick exactly to the script,” said Miller.

Freshmen handle stress of honors and AP classes

by Delaney Smith and Siaya Murphy

Book after book, paper after paper, hour after hour. This is a small glimpse into the life of a freshman honors student. All of this does have its rewards, though.

Freshmen Tyler Crowl said, “The sense of accomplishment when I do well in one of these honors or AP classes is my favorite part.”

Freshman Paige Muntz studies for her honors algebra homework. In addition to her algebra, Muntz plans to take all honors classes for all four years in high school. Photo by Delaney Smith.

They handle their stress each in different ways. Freshman Paige Muntz handles hers by not trying to take any short cuts and keeping caught up in her classes. Crowl, on the other hand, said that he just holds all his in until the weekend and lets it out through sports and talking with friends.

All this stress and work can add up to a less than perfect social life. “It has definitely had an affect on my social life. It has made it harder to go do stuff like seeing a movie with friends. You mainly do homework until you go to bed,” Crowl said.

Homework, homework, homework. Muntz and Crowl both said that the homework for these classes can take anywhere from one to six hours per night.The hardest of the freshmen classes honors classes is AP European History. This class is said to have the most homework and is the hardest to study for. So how do they study?

Muntz said “constantly re-reading the material and studying with a group is the best way to study and get support from friends.” If it has so much of an affect on students’ lives then why take these classes? Every one of the three freshmen had a different story.

Freshmen Connor Sturgeon said that he is taking these so that he can get into Stanford University as the valedictorian of his class, with the IB diploma, to pursue a career in architecture.

Crowl added, “It is a stepping stone towards my end goal of making it into a college with a ROTC and flight program or the Air Force Academy, then to fly fighters for the U.S. Air Force.”

Faculty remembers Sept.11

by Danielle Mooser and Moses Estepp

Sept. 11, 2001 was a day most Americans will remember forever. That day terrorists high-jacked four planes. Two of them flew into the World Trade Center in New York City. One collided with the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The last one crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, missing its target, which was believed to be the White House or the U.S Capital Building.

“I thought it was a mistake or hoax. I was shocked,” said biology teacher Lisa Lee.

Lee was driving to the Jefferson County Administration Building for her first day of work, when she heard about the attacks on NPR Radio. “I felt sad and angry. I didn’t really know how to react,” said Lee. Lee’s main concern was for the safety of the people in that area and the country.

“When I found out I thought it was a hoax, it didn’t look real,” said library media specialist Pamela Poe.

Poe found out about the event of 9/11 by a phone call from a friend to see if see was okay. “I just sat and watched the news with my kids when they got home from school,” said Poe.

English teacher Lesley Austin said, “It frightened me. I called my parents to see if they were okay and how they were they were taking the news,” said Austin.

“I think we needed to fight back, but it’s become bigger by becoming a way of life and that shouldn’t be,” said Austin about the war

Coaches reveal their secrets on pressure

by Taylor Uhl

Sophomore Olivia Appel stays after school for rifle team to shoot targets for NJROTC. This is one of the many activities sponsored by the NJROTC coaches. Photo by Bessmah Elashawah.

Willing. Committed. Honest. These qualities define FC coaches. Being a teacher and a coach is hard to balance, as told by varsity football coach Brian Glesing.

“Coaching engulfs my life, having to improve my team constantly.”

Coaching any high school team can be stressful, from trying to plan routines to adjusting to the team’s needs. Training a team to work as one can be a challenge.

“The team works as a machine and when a part of the machine isn’t performing then it can be a puzzle,” said Glesing.

To lead a team to victory takes lots of practice and a lot of repetition. FC coaches enjoy their role in sports and other activities, such as JROTC.

“It’s very rewarding to see the kids progress and do well,” said Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin D. Gipe, one of the coaches in JROTC. They feel a sense of pride to know they are coaching. Coaches feel no pressure from the school to win competitions or games. The student body attends many sporting events. Sports are considered extra curricular activities and although are extremely competitive, they are enjoyable. Coaches promote a fun and healthy environment for athletes to practice in.

“We really push our team to do their absolute best,” said Glesing.

Gipe, Glesing, and other coaches are not only teaching their teams how to play but teaching them values.

“These teenagers are our future,” said Gipe.

These mentors give students confidence and opportunities to try new things. Coaching high school teams are rewarding in many different ways. When the team wins the entire school celebrates. Glesing has brought FC a 35 victories over his five-year coaching career and hopefully more in the near future. On the other hand Gipe has coached the air rifle team to win the state championship.

An athlete’s coaching is extremely important. Their coach must teach them everything. They rely on the coach’s guidance and advice, to make themselves not only a better athlete but a better teammate. Coaching is not a burden or an obligation, but a reward and an experience all on its own.

Marching band enjoys beat of joy

by Rachel Lamb and Caitlin Davenport

The marching band sets up for their performance at the FC vs. Madison football game on Aug. 31, 2012. Before anyone steps on the field the band gets in sections and give pep talks to each other.
Photo by Caitlin Davenport.

Multi-colored flags, entitled “joy,” flap in the air to the music of Harold Yankey’s marching band.

“The band is my instrument,” said Yankey, the marching band instructor. This school year, the band’s theme is JOY. “A feeling way beyond happiness,” is Yankey’s thought of it. Also, he added that he has joy in the band as well but, “Everyone has one main weakness and it’s themselves.”  It holds them back from looking like a single group, yet it adds dimension to the appearance.

Senior Maggie Staples, the field commander, has seen this band progress this year already, and her excitement towards the theme is rising. “Joy is when I can think about everybody, everything in my life and think about what makes me happy,” Staples said. “Listening to what comes out and the beautiful sounds that you can make,” describes exactly what she hears.

Senior Oscar Anderson, who plays the baritone saxophone, describes joy as “a way of fulfilling what I want to in life.” When having joy in playing your instrument, Anderson thinks of it as “a way to help me play a happier tone.” He was enthused when saying, “It’s pretty magical,” to play in the marching band for FC.

Last year’s theme was Laws of Motion, and from what the band had said, the two themes didn’t have much of a relation.  “Everyone had on lab coats,” Anderson said.

“It still has the idea of moving forward,” said junior Chelsea Roe. The response from her on the topic of last year’s theme relates to this year’s because they both have to do with, “Finding joy in the life of music,” said Roe.

She also said marching band is about more than the music.  “I really like it and you really feel like a family, and you do everything together, so you really make good friends.”

Gwyn Jones is welcomed to varsity volleyball

By Alex Jamison and Alivia Harbison

Intensity soars as freshman Gwyn Jones roofs the attacker of the opposing team,  Seymour High School. The FC cheer section goes crazy when the ball hits the squeaky gym floor in front of the opposing team.

Freshman Gwyn Jones bounds up for a kill in the FC vs. Seymour High School on Aug. 27 at FC. Even though FC ended up losing 3-1, they did put up a fight. Photo by Sarah Murray.

Jones prepared for volleyball with a focused mind by spending the summer at KIVA training and attending open gym at FC. She plays volleyball and club volleyball, so she’s always in season.

“Volleyball is basically my social life,” said Jones.

Being on varsity is a big accomplishment overall, especially since Jones is the only freshman. The team made Jones feel right at home though by supporting her and making her feel like part of the family. Even though the team has expectations for Jones, she never felt the pressures of being the youngest.

“She’s big and tough. She is way ahead of the game and plays at a higher level of club and that makes her ready for varsity,” said varsity head coach Bart Powell.

Jones is a 6’2” middle hitter and a blocker for front line. Her height makes her a more valuable player in which other volleyball players in the front row thrive to have in common. This height advantage helps her consistent blocks or touches on the ball.  Jones’ dedication is unbelievable, she has played since she was five years old. She really got into volleyball and got competitive in sixth grade when she first started playing for UNION, and then two years later moved to KIVA.

“You need to be extremely dedicated because it takes up a lot of time, especially if you play club too. I think you need to be able to work and communicate with others, and have a good work ethnic,” said sophomore teammate Remi Bowman.

Not only is Jones dedicated during the week but she is always working on the weekends. Her mom gets her to be competitive about her sport by pushing Jones to be the best she can be. Jones’ mom, a former Kentucky volleyball player, knows how hard you have to work to become great. Jones also grew up with her brother, her only sibling, which made them compete against each other. Making Jones that much more competitive on the court.

“When Jones is on the court she is very positive, intense and very much a team player,” said Powell.

“I love having Gwyn on the team, she is such a hard worker and she gets along with everybody,” added Bowman.

It’s hard to say how Jones will be in the future. But she does the best she can, whether it’s practice, a match, or lessons.

“Over the weekends my friends get together, but I try to get in a lesson every weekend so I can keep improving. My love for volleyball is overwhelming and I never want to stop playing,” said Jones.

“So basically, she just walked into our gym so I have only known her for a month or so. She is a great kid to have around on and off the court,” said Powell.

Higdon enthusiastic about teaching art

by Michael Bolus and Danielle Shealy

Art teacher Susan Higdon holds one of her own art pieces with pride. Straight out of the case in the visual arts hallway she explains that art is everywhere, and that it can bring color to people’s lives. Photo by Kesley Moorefield.

Sports and the theatre are covered in school, but guess what’s severally overlooked? Art, but art teacher  Susan Higdon begs to differ. She thinks art can teach you several life lessons.

Higdon has been teaching art for 43 years and 28 of those years have been spent teaching art at FC, where she teaches all grades. She has had several adventures that have brought a new aspect to the art program.

Higdon is a trained silversmith and has spent a good amount of time making dinosaur sculptures. These have stood in museums and will most likely be there for generations

Higdon was presented with the question have you made an impact on the art society and she said. “I hope I have been a positive impact.”

Higdon’s three favorite types of art are ceramics, sculptures, and textiles, but likes sculptures because she loves working with three dimensional art figures.

“Art is everywhere. Our clothes are art, furniture is art, and even buildings are considered art!” said Higdon.

Not only does art challenge your creativity, but it also teaches students critical thinking skills and how to problem solve.

Higdon would also like to inform students about the events that art classes participate in. One of these great events are helping out with the Riley Hospital Dance Marathon. They also made puppy pillows for Riley Hospital. The big event they specialize in though, is the annual art show. The date for this is Nov. 15, 2012. She hopes you will be there.

Higdon hopes students learned a lot about art (and about her). She asks that students please stop by and visit the art show.

School security cameras provoke thought

by Christine Scharrer

Assistant principal Joe Voelker sneaks a peak of the school’s security camera setup. He observes the system straight from his office. Photo by Kesley Moorefield.

They are watching. What is not realized by most students is that they are constantly being watched by the school security cameras. So are these cameras silent guardians, or should they be classified as “Creepy Stalkers”?

According to Officer Brad Scott, there are 50 plus cameras distributed throughout the school. These cameras are mainly in the hallways and only in public places. Cameras are NOT permitted in any private places such as restrooms or locker rooms. Cameras are also not allowed in classrooms due to the classroom being a place of learning and doing so could violate the students’ right to a private learning environment.

The school security cameras are anything but the clichéd little, low tech tape recorders that spit out film. Each camera is colored and in high definition. The cameras are also live and can be viewed through the computer of resource Officer Brad Scott, as well as assistant principal Rob Willman.

Though the cameras are mainly preventative, they can aid in multiple ways. They can be used to sort out discrepancies in stories, or even catch small crimes such as vandalism.

When asked if these cameras are productive, Scott responded, “Yes, they always assist.”

Here is the controversy that has swept the nation ever since security cameras were put in schools: “Are cameras violating students’ rights?”

When Willman was asked his opinion he responded, “No, they are not in private areas,” and went on to say, “Yes, administrations have gone overboard on security, but I don’t want it to have the feel of a prison.”

When sophomore Hannah Starrett, was asked her views on privacy violations of the cameras, she stated that she thought the cameras were a good thing and felt safer. She also added, “They aren’t anywhere I feel violated.”

Crime is a major issue in today’s society, so are these cameras enough? Should we lessen or enhance security here at FC? Scott stated, “Enhance, there could never be enough.”

Willman, however, responded by saying, “The school is pretty secure right now,”

“We want the school to be a welcoming environment,” said Willman, “but too much freedom is no freedom at all.”