Category Archives: Claire DeFrancisci

Claire DeFrancisci, Columns

Helpful tips relieve spring break packing stress

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By Bekah Landers and Claire DeFrancisci

With spring break approaching today, many have plans to travel and escape their every day routine and monotony of southern Indiana.

Packing can be stressful and sometimes last minute. Toothbrushes and chargers can be left at home so a packer would need to make a list of essentials. Here are some tips that will make packing more efficient and stress-free.

  • Make a list of everything you need to bring; this is a crucial step in packing. If a complete list isn’t made, things will probably be forgotten. A list will help a traveler stay on track and avoid packing extra and unneeded items. Make a list of the clothes, toiletries, and accessories you will be bringing. Read through the list when you are finished and get rid of any items that seem unnecessary. While packing, check the items off as you pack.
  • Once you have a general idea of what you’re going to wear, lay all of your things out before packing them. This will guarantee that you aren’t missing anything, and it will help gauge how much suitcase room you will need.
  • Next choose a suitcase that will fit the amount of things you are packing, but also has a little room for items you might purchase while traveling. When flying somewhere baggage can be expensive. Get the most out of a piece of luggage by rolling clothing. After you fold a T-shirt or pair of jeans, roll it up like a burrito and tightly tuck it into the luggage. This technique makes more room for clothing and less room for holes and gaps in between clothes. Rolling clothes also prevents wrinkling. After packing the big items, slip small essentials like socks and undergarments into the empty slots.
  • For girls, traveling with necklaces can be a pain. To avoid tangles either wrap necklaces in washcloths or put them in a gallon sized storage bag with a half inch of the necklace or bracelet sticking out of the bag. Seal around the chains and the jewelry should stay in place without tangling.
  • Don’t over pack.

If making a list doesn’t relieve traveling stress, lay a day’s outfit out. Make sure to only pack enough items for the duration of your trip.

Packing for spring break is something many students at FC will be doing in the next few days. Follow these simple steps to keep traveling stress free. Stay safe this spring break.

Claire DeFrancisci, Features

Many faculty members stay local for spring break

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By Claire DeFrancisci

When March comes around not only does it bring warm weather, but it also brings a constant buzz of spring break plans and excitement. Students are usually preoccupied with their own plans and do not consider what their teachers’ vacation getaways are.

“I’ll be going to see family in South Carolina, then coming back through Biltmore. It’s a 10-hour drive though, so I’ll still be grading papers,” said math teacher Melissa Neal.

Many teachers will be staying in the area and focusing on preparing for the rest of the school year. Math teacher Chris Street will be attending class, working on projects, and getting things done at school.

Staying local for spring break does not mean that spring break will not be fun, according to student teacher Jessica Bolduc.

“I’ll be staying home but you can do a lot of things to have fun around here. You can get with friends and just enjoy the time off. Just because you aren’t going on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself,” said Bolduc.

A&E, Claire DeFrancisci

Band’s ‘pops concert’ represents a vast amount of talent

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By Claire DeFrancisci

The lights dim and applause can be heard as young men and women walk onto stage, instruments in hand, dressed in all black. The wind ensemble begins the pops band concert on Feb. 24.

Wind ensemble is mostly composed of freshmen from band teacher Harold Yankey’s sixth-period class.

The concert kicked off with an interesting piece called “Locomotive Chase.” Freshman Mae Galeza on chimes helped create a scene of a busy train track. Later in the performance a different conductor was introduced. Student teacher Raneigh Prall was brought onto the stage to conduct the song “Tricycle.” It is understandable due to the different skill levels, but overall the Wind Ensemble did well and was followed by an impressive performance from the Wind Symphony.

It was composed of not only wind instruments, but also string instruments. Junior Ian Elmore on bass and seniors Anna Patterson and Kendall Flur on cello added a nice twist to the performance. “Summer of 69′” was an arrangement filled with well-known songs, including “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix and “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was very fun to listen to and recognize the songs. I was very impressed with the performance. They ended on a happy note with a “Wizard of Oz” arrangement.

When the first half of the concert was over, there was an intermission and the audience was encouraged to move to the gymnasium. Although it is a necessary move, it did seem like an inconvenience.

Once the concert had been moved to the gym, it seemed a bit more disorganized. The Pep Band quickly began to play while instruments were moved and the band members were changing clothes.

The Emerald Guard then began their performance. Small mistakes were almost unnoticeable because they quickly bounced back and did not miss a beat. It is clearly seen that all of the girls are having a genuine good time by the smiles on their faces.

After about five to 10 minutes of waiting for props to be prepared, Winter Percussion started their humorous and entertaining show. Titled “Robots vs. Teddy Bears,” the performance had me smiling. Inventive props such as robot helmets and teddy bear masks made the show very amusing, but was not so overdone that it distracted the audience from the talent of the group.

Overall the concert was very entertaining. There were no obvious flaws and besides a bit of confusion after the move to the gym, it was very well put together. The band’s reputation continues to impress and  carry on FC’s great legacy.

Claire DeFrancisci, News

Dodgeball tournament raises funds for dance marathon

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By Meghan Poff, Claire DeFrancisci, and Chase Gosman

Last night at the intramural dodgeball tournament, the Student Council was able to raise $480 for Saturday’s dance marathon.

Health teacher Julie Hutson, who came up with the concept of a dodgeball tournament,  said for the first year of the event, it was very successful.

“I was happy that I was able to give students the opportunity to do something that they want to do and would have fun with,” said Hutson.

In the co-ed division, the teacher team won the championship.

Although math teacher Rebecca Cambron was hit early in the first game, she claims to have carried the team to victory.

“I took one for the team in that first one. But I will have you know that Jason VanBuren was later eliminated due to my throwing expertise,” said Cambron.

In the boys division, the championship went to Team 5 and 3/5, which consisted of seniors Chris Glotzbach, Jordan Thompson, Jacob Glotzbach, Quinton Miller, Shane Missi, and junior Kyle Neafus.

Chris recalls the final moments of the championship game.

“It was the third round and some versatile calls had gotten the teams heated up. It sparked a rivalry and we ended up meeting for the championship game. It was me against three of them, and I started calling people out. Then it was down to me and Mike Springer. I faked a throw and he fell to the ground, cowering in fear. In the fetal position. I hit him right on the head. It was an instant classic,” said Chris.

Two all-girl teams, The Purple Cobras and Average Joe’s, battled it out as The Purple Cobras scored early victories.

“It’s really been a team effort so far,” said sophomore Brooke Hinton.

Cambron suspects that with the popularity of this year’s tournament, the student council will be even more successful next year.

“After a long school day, dodgeball is a fun and good way to take out your aggression on kids that give you evil looks in English class,” said Chris.

Boys Basketball, Claire DeFrancisci, Features, Uncategorized

Seniors commemorate four years of wide-spread talent

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By Claire DeFrancisci and Meghan Poff

Tuesday night at the boys’ basketball game against Brownstown Central, the cheerleaders, Dazzlers, pep band, and boys’ basketball team celebrated Senior Night. Between players, parents, and coaches, there was a mixture of feelings.
For cheerleading coach Ashley Nevin, the last home game with the seniors was an emotional night.
“This last home game is bittersweet. I’m excited for the girls and the things they have to come but I am also going to miss them,” said Nevin.
Although the cheerleading team will be losing three seniors this year, Nevin sees it as an opportunity for the younger team members.
“There are always voids to fill every year when your lose seniors, but I’m also excited to see some of the underclassmen have their chance to step up as leaders,” said Nevin.
For other teams, the void will be a tough one to fill. Dazzler coach Todd Sharp recalls his time with his group of girls.
“This year’s senior class was I think the closest group of girls I have ever had. These are girls that if it wasn’t for the team, I don’t think would have ever become friends and I have been able to watch them grow together throughout the years. They are all strong leaders and they compliment each other well,” said Sharp.
As senior basketball player Quinton Miller thinks about his time at FC, he said he will definitely miss practice the most.
“I’m feeling depression and sadness. And happiness and excitement,” said Miller.
For senior Jenna Bain, the last home game of the season reminds her of what she loves most about being a Dazzler.
“Being on this team has helped me push myself to the limit and continue to become a better dancer.”