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Vaccination rate worries
TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION A HunterBostley
go through several timeconsuming steps to get their NEWS EDITOR waiver approved. Physicians’ worries of SECTION B If one is to get their non vaccinated students waiver approved they must SPORTS B1-B2 can now be put to some submit documentation that FEATURE B3-B4 ease with the 2015 immuthey want the immunizanization rules passed this tions to be waved, and then IN SECTION A January. In the past couple years they must be educated by a certified medical official there has been a slight MOCK TRIAL decline in the percentage of about the risks they pose to themselves and others by students in Michigan that FRIENDZONE not getting their immunizaare fully vaccinated, this tions. FESTIVALS has caused a scare among Reasons some families parents and physicians. choose not to vaccinate IN SECTION B Currently at GBHS, 98 are for various religious or percent of the students are person moral reasons. GIRLS SOCCER immunized. “The only other reason “Yes, 98 percent of our LACROSSE students have all their vac- for a student to be exempt from the vaccinations is if cinations, but every year PROM they have an allergy to the the goal is 100 percent,” vaccination,” Dolzynski Mary Dolzynski, the high LAVA LAMPS said. “Other than that they school’s registrar said. have to go through the With the new rules complete process.” that were passed, the 100 With the recent outpercent might not seem so breaks of diseases like the unreachable. measles and whooping The new rule makes it more difficult for parents to cough in the U.S., pediatrisend their student to school cians are urging parents to get their children immuwithout all of their vacnized, if not for them but cinations. Parents have to
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Enginerds are victorious Robotics team was awarded second place and qualifies for national tournament “This is the first time our team has won the Industrial Design award, it was the only NEWS WRITER robot related award, as opWinning isn’t everything; posed to one on outreach or second place can be pretty other team based things,” nice too. Especially when senior Silas Brumwell said. you’re up against 41 other teams. On March 7 and 8, the “The judges had to call their EngiNERDs competed in the higher ups earlier in the day to make sure we could even win Kettering University FIRST two awards, just because they Robotics District Competition getting second place with thought that we were the top team to receive them.” their 12 qualification rounds. According to Brumwell, Competing alongside Carmanreceiving the Industrial Ainsworth, and Vassar, the Design Award means “you three teams passed a total of have a great robot but more seven elimination rounds. importantly, you can explain If that wasn’t enough, the EngiNERDs received several to judges why and how you designed it they way you did.” awards,including the IndusThe Industrial Safety trial Design Award and the Award is given to teams who Industrial Safety Award.
CorrinFrancher
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children,” English teacher for those around them. zation process. As much as and parent Dana Bleicher The number of parents this benefits a great deal of said. “But for me what is that see benefit to having people there are still people best for the children is getthese new rules is much who find vaccinations ting vaccinated.” greater and we see that in ethnically or religiously Others agree that vacpercentages of students unacceptable. cinations are in parents that are immunized. Across The health department and students best interest, hopes that with these new “I think all kids should be rules that waiver rates will vaccinated, I see no reason decline. In the years that the not to be,” math teacher and I think all kids waiver form was available parent Elizabeth Elias said. they noticed parents signNinety to ninety-fiveshould be ing the form out of conve- percent of the population vaccinated, I see nience, and with this new must be vaccinated to reach no reason not process that will no longer “herd immunity,” meaning be acceptable. for the disease to be kept to be. Michigan is the has the at bay, at least 90 percent nation’s fourth highest per- of people need to be vacci--Elizabeth Elias centage of kindergartners nated. With the low nummissing at least one vacci- bers or immunity our state nation. about 5.9 percent of is facing it becomes more the state’s kindergarteners difficult to reach herd imwere exempt from one or munity. Michigan these percentages more vaccines in the last The possible solution of students vaccinated rare- school year. of educating those wishing ly drop below 85 percent. We hear from concerned not to be vaccinated is not Michigan is one of 20 parents, “My daughter is to defer all of them, but to states that actually allow vaccinated. I can undermake everyone aware of vaccinations to be waved. stand people being conthe possible threat going That still leaves over half cerned about vaccinations unvaccinated can cause. the country that allows no because obviously everyone deviation from the immuni- wants what is best for their
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go above and beyond when it comes to safety. Preparing for such a highly anticipated competition takes extreme hard work and dedication from the entire team. “We only have six weeks to build our competition robot, but when we took our practice bot to a scrimmage between build season and competition season, we
noticed we were having trouble pulling in the game pieces, so we quickly made intakes,” Brumwell said. “We had to prepare a presentation for the Chairman’s award, as well as write an essay.” For demonstrating exceptional commitment and passion for robotics, juniors William Garland and Michael
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Olmstead were nominated to be awarded the “FIRST Dean’s List.” “I was super excited that my mentors chose to nominate me for Dean’s List,” Olmstead said. “Especially reading the nomination essay they wrote; I appreciated all of the nice things that they had to say about me.” “To prepare for this competition, we spent a lot of time letting the drivers practice,” Brumwell said. “We also added a device to stabilize stacks, since this year’s game is based on stacking. On the non-robot side of things, we altered our award presentation.”
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Early College Fifty students will start their college careers next fall
to the college lifestyle while must have a GPA of a 3.0 or maintaining the ability to par- higher to make it to the proticipate in high school sports gram with an additional appliNEWS WRITER and extracurricular activities. cation process and also taking Grand Blanc High School “Students will leave here part in a personal interview. PhotoCredit: BrendenRaspberry will be starting an early colwith 48 credits,” Roberts said, “Students are graduating lege program (GBEC) starting “Meaning they will be a third high school and continuSeptember 2015. This oppor- of their way through their ing on with college yet they tunity provides students with bachelor's degree, but just like aren’t successful because a five year high school and any other traditional student they haven't really learned the college experience. you will get to participate skills that are necessary to be “The intention to estabin things such as prom and successful in college,” Roblish high standards, engaging walk across the stage during erts said. academic experiences and graduation. Other early col“The college courses are post-secondary opportunities lege programs do not get this offered Monday, Tuesdays, within a supportive environopportunity because they are Wednesdays and Thursdays ment resulting in high levels removed from the campus.” and every Friday we will For the tournament, two Dubie said. “Practices repeat- of achievement.” Not have a workshop where mock trial teams would pres- ed themselves; nothing could only do students get a students will participate ent their cases and face off in ever be completely perfect.” high school diploma, the intention is to in which it provide them front of a panel of judges, and Just being in Mock Trial but also an adequate with the skills and knowla winner would be decided requires quite a workload itamount of college establish high edge that are necessary to based on a total score. self, without the tournaments. credits to become a be successful once they standards, engaging “We would go into a legit “The amount of work you college junior all by the to college. When they academic experiences get courtroom where there’s have is massive,” Dubie said. time they are 18 years make that transition, they three judges, that are usually “We practice for hours a day, of age. and post secondary will already have all the it is very hard to balance in Students will begin oppertunities within a skills that are necessary to our schedule. There is also their junior year of succeed.” supportive lot of pressure and work high school and will One of the main points Next year we are abefore and during the actual take a combination of environment. of GBEC is that it will coming back for tournament.” high school and college motivate students to work The passion and dedicaclasses over the develfirst place. hard and will provide tion put into a successful per- opment of three year --Janet Roberts guidance through the first formance at the tournament gaining a total of 48 two years of college while --lisa kim definitely paid off with a win credits by the time they making the transition at the regional level. finish the curriculum. According to CBS News, simple with the help of educa“Hearing we got first was “You will participate in early college programs are tors to train the students. seriously fantastic, all out three high school courses and a great way for students to “The benefits are definitely lawyers, or actual judges, and work finally paid off. We two college level courses and remove financial barriers to the cost savings, the college we’d present our case,” Kim definitely deserved it,” Dubie those college courses will be college. credits and the ability to be said. “At the end they’d tally said. located in the Grand Blanc Typically, during your more prepared to succeed up scores, they wouldn’t actuEnding the season third in High School campus,” Career sophomore year in college, when you actually arrive at ally give a verdict.” the state set the bar high for Resource Advisor Janet Rob- credits add up to approxicollege,” Roberts said. The team has put in numer- next year. erts said. “Students will not mately $2,000. University of For more informaous hours practicing and pre“It was nice to get third have to leave our facility, the Michigan - Flint is providing tion about the Grand Blanc paring for each competition. because we got to take home classes will be taught here by the cost of the credits about Early College, contact Janet “We put in 100+ hours a trophy, but I felt like we put actual University of Michigan 25 percent less than what a Roberts at jroberts2@grandduring our season of practice, in a lot more hard work than professors.” normal undergraduate student blancschools.org or go to the I spent my weekends working that,” Kim said. “Next year GBEC will provide classes pays per credit. Career Resource Center. hard with our attorneys, and we’re coming back for first that relate to real-world proDuring their sophomore we constantly revised everyplace.” fessions and will be exposed year of high school, students thing,” sophomore Ashleigh
SabrinaJarrah
Mock trial success The team places first in the region and third in the state Third out of 60 is definitely more impressive than it sounds. The 11 members of GBHS Mock Trial team competed at the 2015 Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament at Veteran’s Memorial Courthouse in Lansing on March 28. Not only was the team ranked third at state level, but they were also awarded first in the region for the second time in a row. According to team advisor Michael Paris, the students involved in Mock Trial are extremely dedicated and passionate, considering the amount of time they put into preparation. “We’d meet three times a week for the first month or so, but like the last month we would meet every single day, including Saturdays, from about five to nine at night,” sophomore Lisa Kim said. “It was tough because you’d go home and be really tired but you’d still have homework to do and stuff but it was a lot of fun.”
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CorrinFrancher
The truth of bottled water APES makes an alternative for bottled water
PhotoCredit: HunterBostley
SabrinaJarrah NEWS WRITER
In honor of Earth Day, the AP Environmental Science classes are selling glass reusable bottles during all lunches to promote better health, convenience, and to raise money for charity. Plastic is the world’s greatest source of pollution. More than 60 million plastic water bottles end up in landfills and incinerators which contaminate our soil, waterways and animals. Only one out of five plastic water bottles are recycled contributing to the 22 billion plastic bottles that are thrown out each year. According to Huffington Post, Americans alone use enough plastic water
bottles in one year to wrap around the earth three times. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is described to be a galaxy of garbage, polluted by billions of sediments in the water. About 80 percent of the garbage that creates The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is plastic. Because of this, it is killing the ocean and the inhabitants that live in it. According to ocean crusaders, it is now believed that there are 5.3 trillion plastic debris in the ocean and 269,000 tons are floating pieces on the surface. Animals often mistake these plastic pieces for food which could poison and kill them. “I think it’s important that people become aware of
the damages a simple plastic bottle can do not just to the environment but to humans as well,” senior Mairna Ishaq said. The average cost for bottled water is about $8 per gallon. American Water Works Association calculated that tap water costs $0.004 a gallon. In addition, tap water doesn’t use plastic, produces no waste and doesn’t need to be transported, making it an efficient alternative to utilize. The APES classes formed multiple groups to start selling reusable glass bottles during all lunch hours instead. Each group is responsible for selling seven bottles. Glass, unlike plastic bottles, does not contain harmful chemicals such as BPA or polycarbonate
in which could negatively affect reproductive organs. Also, glass is better for the planet. It is made from all natural and sustainable materials and is approved as safe by the U.S Food and Drug Administration. Furthermore, you can save money and refill your glass bottle as much as you want. “This is a great way to draw awareness to the issue of using plastic water bottles in a fun way,” senior Jenna Endsley said. By contributing, you will be making a tremendously positive impact to the environment and saving countless animals. Imagine a better planet and a better you with your own glass bottle.
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The truth behind ZOOS Are they helping or hurting? anything like that. All spaces are wide open and clean, and the separation between animals in 2015 zoos is not dictated by bars, but by wide,
Photo Credit: LucSavoie
setting a precedent for the healthy treatment of animals for centuries and establishing American zoos as a place for endangered animals to live in safety.
Bobcat Banner staff writers work endlessly to finish articles for this month’s layout. They specialize into certain sections, such as opinion, sports, and news.
Refusal of vaccinations A rising trend to decline medicine for your child
Imagine a world where a two-second injection could protect thousands of people from what were once common diseases. Imagine if polio, measles, and even common flus could be easily prevented. Obviously, that world is a reality. Throughout medical advancements in the 20th century, we have always been thrilled to be able to save lives. But for some reason, there has been a recent trend of people refusing to vaccinate their children. Under what circumstances would we not want to take the advantages of these life saving vaccines? There are rumors floating around on social media websites that have convinced a considerable amount of parents to be skeptical of vaccinations, despite the assurance of doctors and professionals that the injections are necessary for health and safety. Funny how humans tend to maintain a natural state of distrust in these situations. If anyone has doubts, history will prove the truth. Not ancient history, but a little more than a decade ago. In
Staff Editorial early 2000’s Nigeria, rumors surrounding polio vaccines led to a nationwide boycott of the medicine in 2003. Not so surprisingly, a new wave of the polio virus erupted in the country three years later. Despite this, some parents of small children are deciding to opt out, making the vaccination rate of school children in Michigan only 85 percent. New state laws are trying to draw attention to this and encourage students to be vaccinated. It’s clear that these numbers need to be higher. While 98 percent of Grand Blanc High School’s students are vaccinated, who are those 2 percent? There’s a number of reasons this minority excuses their actions with. Some believe that it will give their children autism. Some have religious beliefs that don’t allow for it. Others just don’t like the government telling them what to do. But is the defiance worth putting other children in danger because you refuse to give your child medicine? Is your stubbornness worth risking the lives of families you’ve
REAL LIFE LAUGHS
never even met? Of course, there are students who are immunocompromised who cannot receive vaccines. That means that students who are just electing to not get them could pass on life threatening diseases to these people. Those who have not gotten their vaccines may not get the disease themselves, but could pass it on to younger siblings or to a teacher’s children. How can anyone be so selfish? Yes, there have been outbreaks. From January to April this year there have been 159 measles cases in the U.S. that stemmed from just four outbreaks, according to a CDC Report. These outbreaks have convinced some Americans that the vaccinations are useless. But they fail to realize that the reason these recent outbreaks happen is due to the rising trend of refusing vaccinations. It’s a vicious cycle of stubbornness and ignorance. Vaccines prevents many diseases that could be lethal. Bottom line: deal with the two seconds of pain to save yourself and others. You might even get a sticker.
By: LucSavoie
LucSavoie OPINION EDITOR
Growing up, my favorite part of the summer was always going to the zoo. The assortment of animals from all around the world was amazing to me and it sparked my love for animals and nature in general. When I got older, I started to hear a lot about zoo cruelty. It finally hit me that maybe these zoos were like prisons for animals. After all, when one thinks of zoos, they think of cages and bars, something everyone relates to a jail cell. And yet, in reality, I’ve never been to a zoo that enacts
Photo Credit: TambakoPhotography
safe spaces and fences. So, what’s the truth behind zoos? As it turns out, modern zoos are extremely beneficial to animals. Zoologists are trained to preserve animals, breed endangered species, and keep animals happy and healthy. In fact, Michigan has its own history rooted in zoo freedom. First opening in 1883, the Detroit Zoo is credited with being the first cageless zoo in America,
Impending costs of senior year An increasing list of purchases for your last year in high school be extremely stressful. Not everybody has the extra cash set aside for senior year. Another huge expense of senior year is of course open houses. Not everybody has large enough houses/yards to hold open houses at home, so venues are a huge contribution to money that must be spent. Parks, tent rentals, and halls can get pricey when it comes down to the penny. ShelbyMorrish Although dances are optional, it is expected of you to OPINION WRITER go to your senior year dances since they will be the last As if senior year isn’t ones you have. Tickets range stressful enough, seniors are from $15-$75 depending on expected to spend far more money their last year of high the dance. Then you add all the additional expenses such school than previous years. as dresses, tuxedos, shoes, Not only are there all the nails, hair, dinner and so on. It expenses of a typical high school year including dances, can all add up very quickly. Yearbooks are the same yearbooks and parking passes, price every year, averaging but add on cap and gowns and grad announcements, and around $75 depending on you have yourself senior year how early you buy it. It’s more overwhelming during expenses. senior year to dish out the Having all of the extra extra money considering all money throughout senior the money the seniors have year that has to be spent on senior-related apparatuses can to spend already. The same
goes for parking passes; it’s an every year expense but it’s $25 that is added onto the senior debt. In the beginning of October, seniors must place their orders for caps and gowns and grad announcements. Depending on the packages the student’s parents pick, it can get expensive. The cap and gown itself is only around $25, but when you add on the announcements it can turn into hundreds. Senior year comes with a long list of things that must be done, mostly money related, so make sure all upcoming seniors are ready to whip out the check-book and get another job. Saving the money is easier if you start off early. Perhaps starting to save the beginning of junior year would get a head start. I suggest putting away a little each month, and by the time senior year rolls around, you might just be all set. And if it ever seems too overwhelming, just remember, it’ll all be over before you know it.
yourself in the process. Remember, relationships are also about finding yourself. Get to know what you are looking for in a significant other. A very attractive quality is caring. Lack of caring doesn’t ever lead to anything good. If you don’t care, there is no point in trying to begin a relationship that is doomed to fail. If the person you are trying to get in a relationship with does not care, it is not worth it. It
cannot be one sided, that does not work in any circumstance. The most important thing to remember is that it’s nobody’s fault if they don’t want to date you. There is zero reason to act frustrated or be insulting if someone is uninterested in you. However, if you believe there’s something there, with a little kindness and pereseverance, it’s possible to turn that friendship into something a lot more.
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Sports Editor: Jake Rogers Sports Writers: Aliiah Esquivel Jensen Hansen Illustrator: Naomi Sauvola
Escaping the friendzone Becoming more than a pal
ChaseChism OPINION WRITER
Editor-in-Chief: Rylie Daniels Advisor: Nick Popadich Managing Editor: Ty Garza Business Manager: Andrea Northrup
There is no place in the universe less understood than the friendzone. One minute you’re fine, the next minute you are in it. However, this is not always the end. If you still want more than friendship, do not fear. There are ways to get out. Things are never set in stone. There might be small problems that keep forcing you into the friendzone. This could possibly be on ac-
News Editor: Hunter Bostley News Writers: Corrin Fancher Sabrina Jarrah Photo Editor: Mikayla Gilbert
count of showing off. Being yourself is the best way to be around people. There is no point in faking who you are to be cool in front of others. This will cause people to have the wrong impression of you. In any potentially romatnic situation, you gotta stay gennuine. If anything is to happen eventually, you’re going to want to be yourself with them and you can’t do that if you’ve acted differently from
According to stlzoo.org, “Zoos work well with others. We collaborate with one another in Species Survival Plans and other programs to manage endangered species for the best genetic diversity possible.” So before going on about how zoos hurt animals, please remember that in modern times, zoos work restlessly to protect animals and are the number one source of survival for many different endangered species.
when you first met them. Similar interests are important as well. People can connect better if they are into similar things. The difference is that it gives people things to talk about. It cannot be all about looks. If there is nothing to talk about, there is no relationship. If there are not enough similar interests, find new activities to get into. You might find something out about
STAFF LISTING Feature Editor: Opinion Editor: Kelly Grant Luc Savoie Feature Writers: Opinion Writers: Lauren Carr Chase Chism Molly Roberts Shelby Morrish Olivia Wyzgoski Erica Davis
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Music FEstivals
Upcoming Festivals
Electric Forest June 25-28 Lollapallooza August 31- Sept. 2 Movement: Detroit Festival May 23-25 Vans Warped Tour July 8 Coachella April 10-12 and April 17-19 Bonnaroo June 11-14
The Concerts That Keep On Going
RylieDaniels EDITOR IN CHIEF
Music has been a part of our culture for a long time. It has infiltrated society and the media therefore infiltrating our lives. When society wanted more music, that’s what they got. The first rock n’ roll concert was The Moon Dog Ball. Held in Ohio, the concert had enough room for 10,000 attendees. There was a printing error and
20,000 tickets were printed causing a riot outside of the
show. When outsiders with tickets raged inward through the gates, the concert was shut down after only one song. The Moon Dog Ball made way for other concerts which in turn brought concerts with many bands called music festivals. Music festivals happen throughout the country and even throughout the world.
There are tons of different festivals that happen with a variety of music genres. One of the biggest festivals in the United States is Lollapalooza. Since 1991 it had been held in Chicago. Originally created as a farewell concert for a single band, it now holds many bands on multiple stages. Sociology teacher Matthew Pearce has attended many music festivals including Furthur Festival in California, The Clifford Ball
in New York, H.O.R.D.E.in Oregon, and others around the country. “My wife went to the very first Lollapalooza.” Pearce said, “She fell in love with festivals there and thats why we have gone to so many together.” Coachella is another rock and indie festival, like Lollapalooza, but on the West Coast. It’s in California and is known for big parties and flower crowns. Another big festival held
in Michigan is Electric Forest. Being more of an
Pearce said. Since there’s festivals for all music genres, if you’re electronic and rap festival, not into electric or rock it is much different than music, there’s also one for Lollapalooza. It is held in Rothbury with three days of country. The CMA Music Festival is held in Nashville shows. Festivals give off the idea every year. This includes the top country artists and even of freedom and a closeness some upcoming singers. to others enjoying the same If you’re into music and music as you, but Pearce going to shows, check out likes them for another reaone of these music festivals son. this summer. Take friends “I like it (festivals) because it exposes me to many and enjoy the creative atmosphere and leave wishing it smaller artists that I would would have never ended. have never even heard of.”
Photo Credit: wikipedia.org
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Bringing life to the locker room Girls soccer takes decorating into their own hands STAFF WRITER
The parents see them train mercilessly for hours. The fans see them take the field in hopes of conquering team after team. The school sees them rake in victories. But what goes on behind those closed doors of the locker room? What does that one room mean to the one group of girls who spend the nerve racking minutes before the game pacing in? What provoked them to spend the days updating, painting, and
revamping the entire space? While hanging lights, painting and cleaning every inch of the ancient locker room brought the girls closer as a group, they didn’t expect the dedication and effects of their work. “The Grand Blanc soccer teams have always wanted to redecorate the locker room because it has always been really run down and old,” junior Alexis Trudeau said. “Then finally this year we got the initiative to redecorate. Redoing the locker room took a lot more work than we imagined.
We spent Friday, Saturday, and Sunday cleaning, and painting. Once we finished, it finally gave us something to be proud of. We are really thankful for all our parents that contributed their time in helping us, we couldn’t have done it without them.” Since the boys soccer team uses the locker room in a different season, they didn’t get to see the transformation be made, and for the seniors -- they won’t get the chance to experience using it. Senior Alex Finsterwald finished his varsity soccer
career earlier in the year, and was amazed when he saw the work the girls put into the room. “Honestly, it looks awesome in there, and I’m really sad I won’t get to spend time before games and practices in there,” Finsterwald said. “To be honest, I’m kind of mad us guys didn’t do it ourselves. The girls really took care of it, and I’m really proud of them for taking the initiative and doing an incredible job.” For senior Annie Walker, the moments enclosed between those four walls mean
more than just putting on a varsity jersey, and slipping on cleats. “It’s not just a locker room,” Walker said. “Yeah, it looks amazing, but making something so cool out of what it used to be brought us so much closer. We’ve been really close since tryouts started, which doesn’t happen very often, so it’s really cool to be a part of. We’re really proud of what we made, so that gives us that much more to have in common and bond over.” With this being her final
year on varsity, Walker was thrilled when she found out that the girls were approved to clean up, and paint the locker room. What she didn’t expect was the friendships that were built during the days working, and the relationships that came simply from working together. “One of the most important things about sports is the companionship between you and your teammates,” Walker said. “If you are willing to fight for one another, other teams are going to have a really tough time beating you.”
The girls put a lot of hard work into making the locker room what it is now. The ladies changed it for the future and are very excited about it.
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Swinging into things
A strikeout to Louisville
Varsity softball looks to kick The baseball team’s trip to it into gear Louisville was cancelled JakeRogers SPORTS EDITOR
Photo Credit: OliviaJackson
Olivia Jackson slides safely into thrid base. The next softball game is May 2 against Pinckney. After a rough start the the season, the varsity softball team is ready to roll. With a record of 1-3, the varsity softball team looks to make a change for the better. “We need to focus on getting on base, getting into scoring position, and ultimately scoring,” junior Whitley Huelskamp said. A lot of the runs scored against the Lady Bobcats have been unearned which means that the other team has scored off of errors made by the defensive team. “Once everyone gets used to playing with each other, the defense will be stronger,”
from every player, not including the other money that went SPORTS WRITER into this trip, it was a major problem for the team. Eleven thousand dollars Not only was the trip raised, buses booked, playcancelled, but the money that ers ready for spring trainwent into it now had to be ing. That is until Louisville, returned somehow. Kentucky was faced with a “One hundred percent of flood causing the baseball all the money will be reteam to stay home for spring turned,” coach James Wheeler break. Originally, the trip was said. supposed to last five days, Financial concerns aside, which would have included members of the team also playing against a total of three were upset because they teams, one from Indiana, missed out on the road trip Ohio, and Michigan. The team and time to spend bonding also planned on attending a away from home. University of Kentucky base“I was really bummed it ball game. With a total of $75 was cancelled,” senior Matt
AliiahEsquivel
Huelskamp said. “We have a lot of talent, but just need to work on bringing it all together.” Not only does varsity know that they have talent, but so does the JV team. “I look up to the varsity players,” sophomore Mattie Garza said. “The all are really good players.” The younger players don’t only look up to the varsity players, but they also look to them for advice on how to play better. “After scrimmaging against them, you get to see how they bat and play your position so you know how to
Lady Lax
McKean said. “I planned on that being my senior year spring break and ended up having to stay home for the whole break.” Also, the kids who weren't going on the trip originally still have to miss out on games, because the team ended up practicing at home because of the cancelled trip. “I will have to miss out on three games because I wasn't there for the practices,” senior Alex Rye said. Since the trip was cancelled, the team’s focus is now on games and practices with the season being in full swing.
play your game better,” Garza said. For some girls on the freshman and JV teams, it's a sibling they look up to. Sophomore Olivia Jackson has learned from her older sister Noelle. “It’s really cool to have someone to look up to because she always give me positive advice and tips,” Jackson said. “She motivates me to do the best that I can and to have confidence in myself.” With all of the chemistry between all three of the squads, the future of the Photo Credit: KallieWheeler softball program is looking Senior Matt Mastromatteo catches a ball on its way to first base. The next very good. game is April 29 against Howell.
Girls lacrosse team looks to improve on the season JensenHansen SPORTS WRITER
Although varsity girls lacrosse team lost their first two games, they have come back with recent wins against Swartz Creek (26-1) and Waterford (16-3). Most athletes have a desire to win, and the want to strive higher towards their goals. They also set personal limits for themselves, and their season. “Pace yourself,” junior Abbey Alexander said. “Don’t go all out right in the beginning and don’t push your boundaries.” A lot of the girls have looked up to their coach Kevin Patterson for their
success. Patterson pushes the girls to be better, and to work harder every day. “My coach has helped me with my running skills and making it more of a learning experience rather than competitive,” junior Lainey Garner said. “We work really hard on our defense every practice too.” Lacrosse takes a lot of hours, time, dedication, and determination on and off the field. Whether it’s coming home at 11 p.m., or practicing in all sorts of crazy weather. “We have a light warm up,” senior Hannah Sippell said. “Then we usually do
sprints and work on the things that we need improvement on.” Being a lacrosse player requires an amount of things. Lacrosse players have to be ready for anything. Meaning, they have to be able to have a fast reaction time on the field. Lacrosse players also have to be very physical. Most sports injuries tend to be from lacrosse due to its physicality, and brutality. “I got a concussion last year,” senior Kaylee Patterson said. ”A girl collided heads with me.” They have their way for preparing themselves for a
game. Whether it’s listening to music, jumping around, etc. Being nervous for a game/ meet is completely normal. “I try to pump myself up before games,” junior Megan Grahn said. “I also listen to music and do anything that I can to get my mental integrity up.” The girls hope to strive higher and compete well this season. The girls still have time to focus on what they need to do, and how they’re going to do it as a whole. The laxing Bobcats are currently 3-3, not including Photo Credit: JessiHass the results of Thursday’s game Abigayle Alexander follows the play and looks to agasinst Lake Orion. score. The next game is against Milford.
Upcoming Games
Boys Varsity Lacrosse: 4-29 @ Waterford Mott 5-11 KLAA Crossover
Freshman Baseball: 4-30 @ Brighton 5-5 vs. Howell 5-7 vs. Waterford Mott
Freshman Softball: 4-28 vs. Milford 5-1 @ Waterford Kettering 5-4 @ Owosso
Boys JV Lacrosse: 4-27 @ Walled Lake Northern 4-29 @ Waterford Mott 5-11 KLAA Crossover
JV Baseball: 4-29 @ Howell 5-4 vs. Walled Lake Central 5-6 vs. Hartland
JV Softball: Girls Varsity Water Polo: 4-27 @ Lakeland 4-25 @ Groves 4-29 @ Howell 5-8 @ Seaholm 5-4 vs. Walled Lake Central
Boys Varsity Track: 4-28 vs. Hartland 5-1 @ Saline 5-9 @ Pinckney
Varsity Baseball: 4-29 vs. Howell 5-4 @ Walled Lake Central 5-6 @ Hartland
Varsity Softball: 4-27 vs. Lakeland 4-29 vs. Howelll 5-4 @ Walled Lake Central
Girls JV Water Polo: 5-1 @ Seaholm 5-2 @Seaholm
Girls Varsity Track: 4-28 vs. Hartland 5-1 @ Carman-Ainsworth 5-5 @ Brighton
Boys JV Golf: 4-27 @ Brighton 4-28 @ Brighton 4-30 @ Pinckney 5-5 @ Hartland
Girls Freshman Soccer: 4-28 @ Davison 5-1 vs. Northville 5-4 @ Canton
Boys Varsity Golf: 4-27 @ Seaholm 4-28 @ Hartland 4-30 @ Pinckney 5-5 @ Hartland
Girls JV Soccer: 4-25 @ Heritage 4-28 @ Milford 4-30 vs. Howell
Girls Varsity Tennis: 4-28 KLAA Crossover #1 4-30 KLAA Crossover #2 5-2 Holly Invitational
Girls Varsity Soccer: 4-25 @ Heritage 4-28 @ Milford 4-30 vs. Howell
B3·feature·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner x·feature·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
The best night of your life
New club GB Dignify advocates a new frontier
The backbone supporting the high school promenade MollyRoberts
FEATURE EDITOR
Glitter, loud music and awkwardness abound at what teen-beat magazines say Before sophomores Marwa should be the best night of Tahboub and Gracie Joseph, your life. It’s the climax of 75 finding service hours for NHS, percent of high school movcollege applications, or even ies, it’s the final gathering of just looking for a way to help your classmates and you. It’s out was much more difficult. prom. Other than helping out in the Aside from tutoring lab after school, kids the streamwould have to scavenge for volunteer hours left and right ers and punch bowls, there is a on their own. lot to prom that Sophomore Marwa Tahgoes on behind boub has now created a club FEATURE WRITER
for students that are dedicated to helping out the community and can help fill service hours, GB Dignify. “It wasn’t until this year when I was talking to Ms. Jacobson about volunteering that the subject of a club came up,” Tahboub said. “I never knew it was simple to start one, so then I wanted to start a volunteer club, Gracie backed me up with the idea, and we decided to make it.” However, Tahboub and Joseph wanted so much more than to make a club for those that needed volunteer hours. “There’s always things that could be done to help out our community, and I thought that it would be good to have a group at the school that could do things to make that possible and have fun at the same time,” Joseph said. Tahboub and Joseph’s club members feel the same, they feel that they can make an impact now with the environment that these girls have created for them. “It’s a very open environment where people are kind and willing to help each other and the community,” sophomore member, Madison McDonnell said. “We have the mindset that we may not be able to help everybody, but a little bit of kindness can make a big difference for one person. And that personally is a huge accomplishment for me.” Many of the girls in GB Dignify are also looking to pick up life skills from this experience as well. “I hope to gain leadership and teamwork skills,” sophomore member, Rachel Goodheart said. While many clubs at GB don’t survive due to a lack of members, GB Dignify is nearly up to 60 members already after two meetings. They have also already helped out the Humane Society by making dog chew toys. GB Dignify meets every Thursday in room 513, and is open to anyone who wants to make a difference in the community. Tahboub and Joseph are well on their way to making a substantial club at GBHS and to helping out the community as they and their members hope for.
senior Lena Yang said. “I the scenes that most students to decide what color tablemean it’s insane how much are not fully aware of. cloths, what color napkins, “Food, we have to plan what color chair covers, what people spend on dresses and alterations and decorations, stuff. But then tickets, we have to again there’s only plan chaperones, one prom, so I kind you have to have of get going all about 36 chaperIt’s basically like out.” ones to do all this, Even when the planning a wedding so trying to find school pays close all those people,” except on a very, very to half a million English teacher and large scale. dollars every year prom coordinator for one single Lori Brunskole night, many said. “It’s a lot students are of paying for still rooting for things along --Lori Brunskole it nonethethe way. Makless. ing sure everything is lined “People are just up and ready to go. The color sashes. Where are we excited like it’s a location itself, we have going to arrange the tables? How many people per table? It’s basically like planning a wedding except on a very, very large scale.” And weddings are no small feat. Where an average wedding in America last year costed $28,400 according to CNN Money, prom’s total price tag this year is almost double that at about $45,000. Last year was $42,000. So with such a huge cost to the school and the student, why is prom such a necessity for high schools throughout the nation? “Prom itself is a good way to unite the class,” Brunskole said. “Everybody is there, everybody is having a good time, it’s the final thing where all the seniors are together.” Students had similar thoughts. “To be honest I feel like people waste a lot of money,”
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concert or something,” senior Idara Ubong said. “Something to look forward to at the end of the year.” As the last big hurrah, enjoy prom as seniors get ready to say goodbye to the last four years. Tickets, $75. Dress, $300. Location, transportation, tablecloths, and everything else, $45,000. One final night with the people you’ve known and the friends you’ve made over the past twelve years, priceless.
Puppy love with a big cost The truth behind many pet store puppies
breeds known as “designer of survival of the fittest. As are purebred or the newest puppies.” well, parent animals are taken designer brand. The lives of Commonly these dogs are advantage of until they are innocent puppies are wasted FEATURE WRITER kept in cages for the entirety no longer able to reproduce. because people want the perMany students in Grand of their life so the puppy mills After this, their future is pretty fect animal. Blanc take the trip up to mall can continuHowever, puppy stores to get their fix of these animals a little puppy love, but do they ously distribute new pupare not bred know where these puppies pies to their to perfeccome from? According to the customers. tion, nor are ASPCA, about 90 percent of These cages they healthy. all animals in a pet store, are are often only Puppy mills products of a puppy mill. big enough are focused “It makes me really for the puppy on producuncomfortable,” senior Iris to stand and ing puppies Gooch said. “I dont know, it sleep. They in mass, but just doesn’t seem like a posithese puptive place.” Gooch has always are very often not cleaned pies are very been made aware of the misat all. This prone to fortune in puppy mills by her genetic mutafamily who has close relations causes many animals to tions and disto many private breeders. become sick eases. They Now, normally referring to Photo Credit: TimDawson also have the an animal as a product would due to unLucy the Neapolitan Mastiff, pictured here, is one of possibility of sanitary food, seem a little harsh, but this is many dogs the Humane Society takes care of. When developing a exactly how these animals are water, and looking for a new pet, try searching for rescue pets. personality conditions. treated. Puppy mills are in the This can disorder. This business of mass producing lead to many puppies dying. bleak. later causes many owners to puppies for the distribution to Even though some of their So why would anyone abandon their dogs. Because pet stores. Commonly these problems can be easily fixed support this? For the perfect they receive inadequate vetpets are purebred or a very with a little veterinary care, animal. These dogs are bred erinary care, many of the dogs calculated mixture of two puppy mills follow the system to perfection, whether they are already suffering from
OliviaWyzgoski
infection, malnutrition, skin abscess, and cysts. There are many groups in Michigan organized to boycott The Family Puppy at the Genesee Valley Mall. They don’t only focus on just The Family Puppy however, they boycott multiple puppy-mill-petstores. For more information on their puppy mills and their website is http://michiganpuppymills.com. What many people don’t realize, is that buying animals from a pet store is very detrimental to other animals. Puppy mills are one of the biggest factors to the problems of strays, abandoned animals, and the overpopulation of dogs. The best option to bring a furry friend in to your life is to adopt a rescue animal. Though they may not be the youngest, or the picture perfect breed, they are a life long friend. All information on puppy mills was gathered from aspca.org, michiganpuppymills. com, and humanesociety.org.
Cinco de Mayo Grand Blanc students celebrate their Mexican-American heritage “When I lived in Texas there wasn’t really a big celebration, but my whole family gets together and celebrates as family,” junior Emily Turner said, whose mother is Mexican. “It’s good because there’s always lots of food.” Another student had similar thoughts. “Eagle Pass is a very hispanic town because of the fact that it’s right on the border,” sophomore Mattie Garza said when asked about her hometown. “I think because of that no one really ever had much of a celebration, it wasn’t like a big deal.” And that’s because it isn’t. In Mexico, Cinco de
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Mayo isn’t a nationally recognized holiday and most people treat it like they would any other normal day. “What has happened is it’s become this sort of big day for Mexican-Americans to celebrate their heritage and their ethnicity,” Spanish teacher Susan Stockton said. “My classes usually do a food day, and we’ve done it for the past four or five years now, we always have a good time.” The most well known celebrations are in San Antonio, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Phoenix according to the “10 Best” Editors at USA Today.
Michigan has nearly 10,000,000 people of Hispanic or Latino background as of the most recent national census in 2010. There are plenty of Cinco de Mayo celebrations throughout our state held annually. Some of the more prominent celebrations that are put on locally are Bay City’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta “Desastre” and Saginaw’s Cinco de Mayo festival. “My grandparents throw a party to celebrate Cinco de Mayo,” junior Elisabeth Hamilton said. “I think they enjoy just having fun with everyone and celebrating their culture.”
Materials: Food Coloring Vegetable Oil Water Alka Seltzer Vase or water bottle (Voss water bottles are best) Step One
Mix one cup of water with your choice of food coloring
Step Two
Fill your water bottle or vase ¾ of the way full with vegetable oil
Step Three
Pour the water into your container, leaving at least one inch at the top of the bottle
Step Four
Break the Alka Seltzer tablet into small pieces and drop it into your container
FEATURE WRITER
Mexico in their efforts to drive them out and the European empire eventually left due to political as well as militant pressure. Because of this involvement with the issue, and in part due to many other reasons, Cinco de Mayo has become a greater celebration in the US today than in Mexico. Celebrations in Mexico are fairly unimportant, except in the location of the battle in Puebla. However, in the states, celebrations are common and extravagant. Cities and areas with high populations of Americans of Mexican descent usually play host to some of the biggest celebrations.
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and France took advantage of the country’s financial FEATURE WRITER struggles to attack and make it a French Territory. The fifth of May. The Battle of Puebla in For the average student 1862 pitted a meek amy of that’s about the extent of Mexicans against one of the knowledge they have on greatest military forces in Cinco de Mayo. the world. Led by General “It’s like Mexico’s Independence day,” junior Ignacio Zaragoza (a Texas Laura Graham said. “Isn’t it native) the sorely outnumbered troops miraculously like their Fourth of July?” were triumphant and deNot quite. spite the relative unimporThis is one of the most tance of the battle, it was a common misconceptions about the holiday. The day huge morale boost for the country. celebrates the victory of The victory also gained the Mexican army over recognition in the United the much more powerful French army. The Mexican States. Mexican-Americans government was in debt to were inspired in their struggle in the Civil War. Afmany European countries terwards, the U.S.-backed
TyGarza