NEWS
Francis Howell High School - fhhstoday.com - Vol. 50, Issue 2 - May 2021
For the first time in the Golden Girls and Company's history, after competing in the 2021 National Dance Team Championships, April 23, in Florida, JV placed first in Hip-Hop and third in Jazz. Varsity placed fourth in Hip-Hop and third in Jazz. This season was incredible. I couldn't have asked for anything better. I feel so proud of all we accomplished and how far we've come," junior Mackenzie Beckmann said. Seniors celebrated their final season by breaking program history and taking home a first place medal for the first time. When I found out I burst into tears. I don't think I could have asked for a better team to spend four years with, I'm so sad that I have to go, but I wouldn't have it end any other way," senior Lillian Hale said. Dealing with multiple quarantines and virtual practices, the Golden Girls and Company managed to work together to win its first National title. We all made this year unforgettable by creating tough standards and working hard to achieve our goals. Time flew by so fast, but we managed to get all the way through it with only a few challenges," senior Baylie McClellan said.
Libby De La O StaffWriter
As of April 9, anyone 16 and over is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. Over 3.99 million doses have been given to Missouri residents as of April 30. I wanted to take some of the stress offof myself and to make sure that I have the lowest possible chance to give it to my family, so I got vaccinated," junior Nolan Patterson said. However, not everyone is feeling the immediate rush to get the vaccine. I am virtual right now. I'm not at risk of getting COVID at the moment, but I am planning on getting it this summer when I am around people again," junior Abby Ekstrom said. The FDA approved the vaccines for emergency use following clinical trials.The companies expect full approvals to occur. I feel that there hasn't been a long enough trial period to truly see the long term repercussions the vaccine could have on the body, so I'm not getting it as of right now," junior Blayne Holman said. According to the CDC, minor side effects can include tiredness, muscle pain, fever, and nausea. But those side effects usually subside after a few days. Out of over 7.5 million doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, only six women under 50-years-old reported getting blood clots, with one dying. After seeing some of the side effects, I decided I don't want them, so I'm not getting vaccinated," junior Nathan Ferrari said. While some deliberate on whether or not to get the vaccine, a few students aren't given the choice. The only reason I got it was because my mom made me," sophomore Natalie Turnell said, "I really hate shots, so I didn't want to get it." Sixteen and 17-year-olds need a parent present to be officially vaccinated and are only eligible for the Pfizer shot. Adults 18 and older are eligible for the Moderna vaccination as well, and are not required to have a parent present. My mom won't let me get the shot, but I would like to," junior Ryleigh Baker said. Having access to the vaccine has been a huge relief, even with all the uncertainties. Members of my family are immunocompromised, and I was tired of the anxiety surrounding the virus. Even though you can still get COVID after the shot, it just gave me an extra peace of mind knowing I am vaccinated," junior Lily Martin said. Vaccine information can be found at sccmo.org. Appointments are available at the four St. Louis area hospital systems, federally qualified health centers, local public health authorities, and registered vaccinators who aren't affiliated with a hospital association or large health care providers, such as Walmart, Walgreens, and Cosco.
Teens above 16 begin receiving vaccinations
Megan Clark StaffWriter
Virtual learners choose to return to in-person
Lillie Morisaki StaffWriter
Jan. 25, some students returned to school for the first time since March, others logged on to their first Zoom class of the year. Vikings had the option to choose whether they will be taking virtual or in-person classes second semester, regardless what option they chose first semester. As of Jan. 13, 72 students decided to switch to virtual, and 99 made the switch to in- person learning. I'm really looking forward to having an actual teacher and more of a structured school environment," senior Grace Mangiapenello said. "I really missed the social interactions and being able to see people, even if that means having to wear a mask." The stress of learning online is a reason that some are switching. I think online school is harder than in person," Mangiapenello said. "It has to be hard enough so we don't cheat on everything, and there's no motivation to do any of the work because there isn't a physical person making you turn work in. I couldn't do it anymore mentally, and I felt like I wasn't learning anything. I'm hoping with the switch I can start to prepare for college next year." I think I learn better when in person," freshman Marissa Benne said. "I also miss being able to see my friends." Benne returned Jan 25, which was her first time attending on campus. Freshmen had the opportunity to walk their schedule Friday, Jan. 22, and Viking Edge leaders created a video explaining the different parts of the school and how to find buses. Many students switched to virtual in order to avoid quarantining. "I wanted to go online because I didn't want to have to worry so much about getting quarantined and missing school and then getting behind on assignments," sophomore Maddie Illingworth said. "I am looking forward to learning at my own pace while being in the comfort of my own home."
GG's place third at nationals
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Varsity places third for hip-hop, JV places fourth for jazz
Twelve HOSA members place in top five at state
Katie Thuet Co-Web Editor, Broadcast Editor, and Alex Tolan-Hoescht StaffWriter
Many events have had to be altered this year due to the pandemic. The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) State meet that took place March 22-26 was not an exception. HOSA helps to provide a space for networking as well as provide healthcare career exploration opportunities it's members. Every year, we have a state competition with both individual and team events on various healthcare topics including everything from pharmacology to healthcare photography," junior Chloe Kaplan said. Kaplan works as the Junior Class Officer, with the responsibilities of fundraising and assisting other officers in providing for the members experiences, such as, job shadowing and listening to guest speakers. The competition was moved to be online with flexible windows for submissions. Along with this, there was also a weeklong session that still had the interactive sessions that are normally provided at the in-person event. I am disappointed that the International Competition is also virtual so we won't get to go to Disney World, but I'm sure they will do a great job with that as well," Kaplan said. "I felt that HOSA did a really wonderful job of making all the normal presentations informative and entertaining, as well as recognizing everyone for their achievements." 12 HOSA members placed within the top five at state.
First in Epidemiology: Chloe Kaplan, 11 First in Forensic Science: Ashley Wunnenberg, 12 and Rachel Curran, 12 Second in Medical Intervention: Caitlin Mattingly, 11 and Peyton Nguyen, 10 Third in Forensic Science: Will Spence, 12 and Blake Johnson, 12 Fourth in HOSA Bowl: Kevna Konduru, 10, Tanvi Lomada, 10, Anisha Konduru, 12, and Hayden Trezek, 11
The Golden Girls pose with their trophies after returning from nationals. (Photo by Leyna Wimmer) Comic by Ainslee Harkins
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