Category Archives: Features

Features

Prayer group brings students together

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By Sydney Sears and Rachel Lamb

Early every Tuesday morning a small group of students meets with Highland Hills Middle School teacher April Elmore to gather in prayer.

“Prayer can change the climate of the school,” said Elmore.

Elmore started this group last year after a couple of girls in her small group at Northside Christian Church wanted to begin a prayer group at their school. Elmore took the initiative to create this group so that students can grow closer to God in high school and help prepare their faith for college.

“The prayer group is just a few high school kids that come to school early before school on Tuesdays and pray. It exists to be a time for students to simply read a few verses of the Bible and pray for what they feel like,” said junior Reagan Kurk.

Reagan is one of the girls in Elmore’s church small group.

The group meets every Tuesday morning at about 7:05 a.m. outside the athletic office. During this time they talk about life, complete a devotional, and then finally finish with prayer. This all ends at about 7:30 a.m., giving students enough time to prepare for their first class.

Senior Scott Schuchartdt shares how he has personally benefitted from the prayer group.

“You get to connect with others that share the same faith that you do and realize that you are not alone.”

Reagan and Schuchartdt agreed that this group creates a positive influence in your life.

“Allowing students the opportunity to meet, encourage one another, and pray together is a wonderful thing,” said Reagan.

“You are able to grow your faith so that you can impact the school in a positive way through prayer and fellow devotions,” said Schuchartdt.

Some students that attend this group like Schuchartdt said they not only grow closer with one another but God as well.

“This group helps brighten my day and opens my eyes to what He has done around me,” said freshman Elise Kurk.

Features

Jackson to add co-host to TV show

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By Sydney Sears and Delaney Smith

“How many high schoolers can say they have a show?” said sophomore Kylie Wheeler, who is soon to be a co-host with senior Julie Jackson on her TV show entitled “Everybody Talks.”

Wheeler will start to co-host the show with Jackson starting next semester in January.

“I’m in love with change, especially change that will benefit everyone. The show will be a lot more exciting and a lot more fun when Kylie joins the show crew,” said Jackson.

Jackson said the idea for a co-host came up when she was brainstorming because she felt that there was something missing from the show.

“The idea for a co-host sparked my mind when I was in the shower. I went to Mr. Dench the next day and he thought it was a great idea,” said Jackson.

Radio/TV teacher Tim Dench said that the original idea for the show included a co-host and that will make the show more fun and interesting.

“Different ideas will come along with a new co-host,” said Dench.

Wheeler originally took radio/TV because others had suggested to her that she could be a broadcaster and she ended up loving the class and therefore took the co-hosting opportunity.

“She [Wheeler] is outgoing, loves to talk, and with her pageant history she would fit in,” said Dench.

Also, with Wheeler as an underclassman she will take over the show when Jackson graduates this May.

“She may only be a sophomore, but she knows what she’s doing,” said Jackson.

Wheeler has high hopes for the future of the show

“I hope to just have fun with this opportunity and get to learn a lot more about this field,” said Wheeler.

Jackson concludes her thoughts on Wheeler’s introduction to the show.

“This is more of a friend title than a co-host stamp,” said Jackson.

Features

Dual personalities share experiences in radio/TV and softball

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By Rachel Lamb

Between producing a FC radio/TV production to standing in the outfield during a softball game, sophomores Emily and Erin Keenan are still able to manage within their busy lives. For some students, having this hectic schedule is hard to fulfill alone. This is not the case for the Keenans, since they are twins.

“It is pretty cool having my best friend with me 24/7 since birth,” said Erin.

These sisters may have the same interests, but their opinions on the hobbies they share are not necessary the same.

“Softball keeps me in shape and gives me the opportunity to meet new people,” said Emily.

Erin shared that her favorite part leans more on the energetic side of the sport.

“I like the feeling of the adrenaline rush you get from outrunning a play, sliding into base, or catching a line drive.”

Softball coach Rick Keenan, also the twins’ dad,  shared a few of Erin’s strengths on the softball field.

“She always has a good sense of where the ball is going to go and her good arm always comes in handy.”

This sport is only a small part of their lives. Emily and Erin also help produce “Everybody Talks,” a radio/TV production.

“Both girls are hard working, responsible, and take pride in their work. However, they are a little quiet and shy; I think that’s why I can’t tell them apart,” said radio/TV teacher Tim Dench.

Last year, both girls took the first radio/TV class. Instead of continuing on to the second class, Emily and Erin decided to take sports broadcasting this year and get involved in helping produce “Everybody Talks” with senior Julie Jackson.

Emily shared her opinion on why she enjoys being in the class and producing “Everybody Talks.”

“It is preparing me for my career as a filmmaker, but most of all that my twin sister does it with me.”

Features

Campus Life helps students grow in faith

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Photo submitted by Melissa Jeffries DeLuca

By Sydney Sears and Rachel Lamb

Every Monday night a group of students and adults meet at various places including students’ homes,  churches, and even local restaurants to socialize with others that have the same faith.

“Campus life is a place where kids can hang out and grow closer to not only the people around you, but God,” said junior Hayley Wilson, who regularly attends Campus Life.

Campus Life (CL) meets every Monday night at 7:07 p.m. Here, they play games and do a variety of Bible studies.

“At CL we play games, learn lessons through the word of Christ, and enjoy meeting new people and making memories with new and old friends,” said junior Carly Franklin.

Senior Joshua Becht shared that his favorite part of Campus Life is the friendships that come out of it and how it made him more outgoing.

“Some of my best friends are from CL. You meet people that you have a lot in common with and you have the ability to put a huge focus on strengthening relationships with others,” said Becht.

Many have joined CL due to friends and their experiences.

“I started going to CL when a friend told me about it and ever since my first time I was hooked on the Bible studies we have done and are doing, since they relate to everyday life,” said senior Kylie Davis.

She also explained that CL is a place where you can be around people who have the same morals.

Davis is one of many students that is involved in the FC Student Christian Ministry. This group of students also lead Monday nights at CL.

However, the FC Student Christian Ministry is not alone in the leadership on Monday nights.

“I direct CL along with a team of adults and student leaders,” said Campus Life director Kevin Becht.

Kevin shared his opinion on why he enjoys having Campus Life for students and above all, see them take charge.

“There aren’t enough places in this world today where students are able to share their story and be real. I enjoy seeing students step up to lead by being there for their friends in everyday life.”

Most people feel that Campus Life is a place where beliefs are shared, people connect, and where many friends have been made.

“I love this group so much and I cannot imagine not being apart of this group. Looking back on all of the positive things that I have gained from coming to Campus Life, I want as many people to experience all the wonderful things that come out of it,” said Wilson.

Features

Columnist questions Facebook thankfulness

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By Megan Johnson

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It’s that time of year again, ladies and gentleman. When everyone dedicates their Facebook statuses, Twitter updates and yes, even their Instagram selfies to things they’re thankful for. This range of “thanks” goes from the average “family thanks” to the “little things in life thanks” that honestly the person claiming this “thanks” really doesn’t care about. I mean, I can totally understand being thankful for your parents, siblings, even your pet. But when it gets to a pitiful update such as “2day im thnkful 4 schl.” A) You need to get a dictionary and B) You’re most likely lying to appease your parents by saying you like school.

Now, I’m not trying to say that their aren’t people who don’t appreciate such common items and are thankful for them. However, there’s a difference of actually being thankful for it and not. If you’re thankful for something, you’re going to try your hardest to succeed at it or take care of it. If you aren’t thankful and you’re just trying to make yourself look better on social networking sites, you’re going to procrastinate and make it your last priority.

Not being thankful doesn’t just apply to items or technology. This also applies to those who surround you and love you. Sure, you say you’re “thankful” for your grandmother, but when was the last time you visited her? Yes, you definitely appreciate your parents, but when has there ever been a time you cleaned the house without them asking? Yeah, you took a selfie with your best friend and captioned it, “I luv my girl! Soooo thnkful for her!”, but how long has it been since you’ve taken time to hangout with her?

So here’s the catch: Instead of claiming you’re thankful for these people and privileges, go out and do something about it! Show these people you truly love them and try your hardest to succeed. If you really are thankful for school, study hard and get an “A” on that impossible Chemistry test. If you’re thankful for your grandma, call her up and go out to dinner with her.

This holiday make it your priority to really follow through with what your thankful for. Or for the sake of social media: #TrulyBeThankful