Category Archives: Features

Bryce Romig, Features

Prom goers share hair, makeup tips prior to this weekends festivities

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By Bryce Romig

Prom: The time when teenager girls fret over their hair, makeup, and apparel. Girls everywhere will be spending time arranging hair appointments, selecting dresses, and picking the perfect hairstyle to finish off their look. While hair sounds like an easy task to care of, many would be surprised how much time and effort is put in to make their hair look as though they just walked off a vogue photo shoot.

The big question each year is should I sport an updo or leave my hair down? While taking pictures before prom is the most essential time for hair and makeup to look nice, during prom leaving hair down could become a major disaster.

“I curl, and pin my hair into an updo. Last years prom, I left my hair down. After dancing, my hair was a total mess,” said senior Margo Becht.
If you absolutely must leave your hair down to compliment your dress, try buying a light hair spray such as Dove Extra Care & Shine. Hairspray will help set the hair and prolong the life of the waves and curls. Avoid any cheap hairsprays that cause flaking. These don’t hold well and give your hair a moist look. Also, many girls tend to sport a half up half down hairstyle. These type of hairstyles work well with flowing dresses, and compliment pastel colors well.
“My favorite hairstyle is half up and half down. I attended a prom a couple of weeks ago at another school, and I didn’t realize how fast it got hot,” said junior Allison Walker.
Updos tend to be the most popular hairstyle sported at prom. These simple yet sophisticated hairstyles help top off any prom dress to make you look like you just walked off the red carpet. Try to add a braid or small curls to the updo. To avoid any hairs from falling, make sure the bobby pins are tight and secure. Use a heavier hair spray to ensure the braids and curls don’t move.  Updos flatter any dress, but look fantastic when paired with a shorter dress.
“Updos are my favorite. They are the classic prom look, and don’t frizz and fall when it starts to get hot,” said junior Kayla Ashley.
Many people worry about whether they should set up an appointment with a professional, or attempt to create the hairstyle themselves. While styling the hair yourself does allow you more creative control, it can easily become a struggle and leave you wondering why you never set up an appointment with a trained professional.
“If you feel confident in your hairstyle abilities go for it, If not, I would seek a professional,” said Becht.
A professional hairstylist knows exactly how to secure the hair yet still make it look elegant. If you decide to schedule an appointment, tell the hairstylist exactly how you want your hair done. It may help to research online and find a couple examples of hair that you would like to wear.  If you are unsatisfied with the finished style, tell the hairstylist your problems with the hair. Many salons will give refunds and a free restyling if a customer is unhappy with the final look.
Makeup tends to be another big issue when deciding what to wear for prom. Girls fret over whether they should attempt the natural look, or stick with the classical prom colors.  Classical prom colors should consist of an eyeshadow with a color the same as your dress, and a light lipstick color that doesn’t stand out. When deciding which eyeshadow color fits your dress best, make sure to apply it sparingly. Its very easy to overdo eyeshadow, and a little goes a long way.
“I prefer the classical prom look. It’s prom, you should look fun,” said Ashley.
If you want to go the more natural route, try using a light foundation and a darker or flesh colored eye shadow. Apply makeup sparingly and avoid the caked makeup look. Natural makeup should match your skin tone, so avoid tan colors if you are on the paler side. Avoid heavy and darker eyeliners.
“My favorite makeup is usually going natural but I like the smokey eye look when I’m attending prom or going out,” said Walker.
If you want to be tan for prom, avoid tanning beds and try using a sunless tanning lotion. While many believe these will look orange, investing in a good self tanner is a major part of the problem.  When picking out a self tanner for prom, remember that what you pay for is what you get.  Try the St. Tropez one night tanning lotion for a dark yet temporary look.
Derek Hanke, Features

Radio/TV program provides real-world skills

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Helping to put FC on the map, the Radio/TV program inspires students to put forth their best efforts when covering the school’s various athletic and academic activities.

“Participating in the Radio/TV program is a matter of ultimate accountability: bottom line is, if we don’t advertise, we don’t exist,” said WNAS station manager Tim Dench.

Dench, who has been teaching for 38 years, is proud of his students and what they have achieved.

“The students at FC have shown me that when I demand more of them, they respond by becoming more productive,” he said.

Dench attributes the success of the program to his students and their hard work.

“I teach the students the skills they need to operate things, but when it’s show time, it’s all up to them,” he said.

In the 2012 fall semester, the program has broadcast more live concerts and sporting events than at any time in WNAS history.

“My favorite aspect of our program is broadcasting live sporting events, because more people watch them that any other event and a larger number of students are involved,” said Dench.

Senior Lucas Corley, a sports broadcaster for the Radio/TV program since his freshman year, also favors broadcasting sports activities.

“You get to spend a lot of time with other students and athletes doing what we do. I’ve learned a lot of their backstories from it,” said Corley.

Corley had planned on taking engineering courses once coming to high school until something happened that changed his plans.

“Before Radio/TV, I planned on taking an engineering course. Then, my eighth grade class at Holy Family voted me as Most Likely to Become a Sports Announcer, so I figured I’d run with it,” he said.

Along the way, Corley has made connections that he would not have had he chosen another path.

“I’ve had the chance to work with a lot of great broadcasters and have become good friends with them as a result,” he said.

Corley has also gained higher sense of responsibility unique to the position that he holds.

“I’m like the go-to guy when crunch time comes around. It’s good to feel counted on by my peers and Mr. Dench,” he said.

Co-host of the FC TV program the J n’L show, junior Julie Jackson, is an avid fan of the spotlight.

“I love getting in front of the camera and telling people what’s what,” she said.

Besides broadcasting live video announcements every morning for FC, another accomplishment that Jackson is proud of is the lip-sync video she recently helped produce.

“In March, we created a music video that challenged us to our full capacity. We’re extremely proud of it,” said Jackson.

Jackson spends a lot of her time working on projects for the program, including her TV show every Wednesday and whatever other pieces she may be producing or editing at the time.

“Many students think Radio/TV is an easy A, but that’s a huge myth. There’s a lot of work and effort behind receiving one,” she said.

Jackson has a positive view of the program and is glad that Dench is her instructor.

“Mr. Dench is not just a teacher. He is an amazing friend. He will go to extreme heights to try and get students to succeed,” she said.

Corley recommends the course to anyone with an interest in media as a career option.

“If you’re a student with an appreciation for hands-on work and are looking for real world skills in the production field, this class is a serious option for you,” he said.

Dench, whose days begin at 4 a.m. and end at 12 p.m., said others sometimes ask what motivates him.

“People ask why I do it and I tell them it’s fun. It’s a whole new level of teaching.”

Blake Dykes, Features

Different restaurants recommended to prom goers

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By Blake Dykes

Prom is one of the most exciting times for any high school student, so everything about that night should be perfect. Why not start the night off eating at somewhere classy and different, beyond the same old Clarksville restaurants. Why not look outside the box and try something new?

The first place on our list  is called Del Frisco’s. Del Frisco’s a fairly fancy steakhouse located in Louisville. The menu includes shrimp cocktail, soups, salads, steaks, and much more to choose from. The entrees average around $32-$39. This may be a rather expensive place to go, but it you have saved up for a formal dinner this is definitely the place to be. Del Frisco’s is located at 4107 Oechsli Ave Louisville, KY 40207. Be sure to make your reservations by calling (502) 897-7077.

However, not everyone likes their meat enough to spend $39 on it, so another option, similar to Del Frisco’s is J.Alexander’s. J. Alexander’s has similar menu items, with the addition of some burgers and salmon entrees.  Most entrees stay around the price of $23, not including salads or appetizers (same as Del Frisco’s).  J. Alexander’s is located at 102 Exmoor Court, Louisville KY  40223. For reservations call (502) 339-2206.

Another classy restaurant in Louisville is Jack Fry’s. Jack Fry’s has a more exotic and wide range of meals to choose from. Some of their best dishes include; lamb chops, duck breast, shrimp, deep fried oysters, cheese plate served with nuts and other seasonal ingredients,  and pecan and pear salad. Maybe this sounds good to you, but one person in your group just likes the plain and simple, not to worry, they also have chicken breast and hamburgers. The pricing ranges anywhere from $10-$38, but averages around $28. Jack Fry’s is voted the best restaurant in Louisville, so make sure you call and reserve your spot. (502) 452-9244. Jack Fry’s is located at 1007 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40204.

Maybe you and your group of friends aren’t really feeling a big dinner before prom, but would rather go somewhere fancy, tasty, and isn’t going to make you so full your clothes no longer fit. If this sounds about right, I’d recommend Harvest Restaurant. Some famous dishes for this place include; buttermilk fried chicken livers, sweet potato hummus on a pretzel crostini, vegetable stovetop pie, and pickled Jalapeno bacon grits. Even better, it is not as costly, with entrees ranging from $14-$19. If you think this sounds good, you know what to do, (502) 384-9090. Harvest Restaurant is located at 624 E Market St. Louisville, KY 40202.

There is a possibility that none of these places that have been listed sound good, maybe you don’t like the ordinary, and prefer other foods. Not to worry, try Havana Rumba! Havana Rumba is a Cuban restaurant also located in Louisville. They have a very large menu that provides plenty to choose from. For instance, their Cuban Sampler is pabarella, chicken empanada, and cuban pork tamale all wrapped up together. Or another thing they offer is Empanadas De Pollo, lightly breaded, flaky pastries stuffed with roasted pepper and sour cream. If you prefer spicy, try Calamares Fritos, which consists of fried calamari served with sweet chili sauce and aioli. If all of these are all too ordinary try some fried plantains. At around $10-$13 these prices are not too bad at all. Call (502) 897-1959 today. Havana Rumba is located at 4115 Oechsli Ave  Louisville, KY 40207.

Or perhaps you’d like to avoid crossing the bridge on prom day, well not to worry, there are also nice places to dine on our side of the river. If Italian food is up your alley try La Bocca, located in New Albany. La Bocca has all of the mainstream pasta and pizza dishes plus much more. The entrees range from $15-$17. This restaurant is old time Italian and if that is what you like call (812) 945-7711. La Bocca is located at 2708 Paoli Pike, New Albany, IN 47150.

Use prom as an excuse to go to one of these nicer places that you normally wouldn’t treat yourself to! Don’t settle for your typical resturants that you could go to on any other Saturday night. Whether you are willing to spend quite a bit, desire to venture over to Louisville for your meal, or would like to spend a little less and still have a new experience closer to home, all of these restaurants listed above can provide this for you.

Bryce Romig, Features

Long term tanning leads to harmful consequences

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By Bryce Romig

Ever since Coco Chanel accidentally became tan on a yacht in the Mediterranean, people around the world have adopted it as one of the many signs of beauty and health.

Everywhere you go across the United States, you are almost guaranteed to find a tanning salon. The tanning salon industry has been booming since the nineties, and the industry continues to grow each year. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the tanning industry brings in a surprising revenue of over 2.6 billion dollars. With tanning popularity on the rise, many dermatologists are trying to get to the root of the problem; teenagers.

“I feel more comfortable tan. It gives me a confidence boost,” said freshman Alexus Potts.

Coco Chanel made the tan a popular trademark of beauty and health. The irony of that statement is evident, tanning destroys health. When skin is exposed to UVA and UVB rays, the light penetrates the skin and stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin. Your skin absorbs these rays to protect them from penetrating deeper and doing further damage. Melanin is a dark brown color, and it acts as a wall so more UVA and UVB rays cannot pass through. This is what develops the dark color.

“Tanning is really relaxing and a good stress reliever. I can’t stand being pale.” said senior Margo Becht.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, tanning raises your chances of getting skin cancer by 75 percent. When you expose your skin repeatedly to ultraviolet light without protection, your body develops moles due to the excess melanin. These moles, can be cancerous.

“I do plan on stopping soon. I don’t want my chances of getting cancer to go up. I don’t want to age prematurely either,” said sophomore Kortney Graham.

Tanning can also have numerous effects on your appearance as well. While your tan may look fantastic now, down the long road you could develop wrinkles and sun spots faster than the average human. According to the FDA Promote Health website, the UV rays break down the collagen in your skin. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin from sagging. When collagen is depleted, wrinkles form.

“According to doctors, it’s really harmful to your skin. Tanning too much can cause your skin to look and feel leathery,” said FC nurse aide Earlene King.

Dermatologists strongly recommend buying a sunscreen with an SPF of fifteen or higher. It should be used year round according to dermatologists at the American Melanoma Foundation.

“I think people go overboard with tanning. I think not enough people are informed with the risks they are taking to achieve what society perceives as beautiful,” said sophomore Kaydi Marler.

If you want to achieve a nice glow without the harmful effects, try getting a spray tan or using a self tanning lotion. While most people believe they will have pumpkin orange palms, self tanning has come a long way since then and updated and improved their formulas.

“If you are confident in you as a person, your skin color shouldn’t affect your confidence. If you want to be tan, be tan. Just don’t forget to remember the harmful effects that come along with the tan. If you are truly confident with yourself as a person, you will realize skin doesn’t matter,” said Marler.