A1·news·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
THE
BOBCATBANNER vo l . 5 0 i s s u e 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GBHS STUDENT PRESS
D e ce m b e r 1 7, 2 0 1 4
GB Arches FERGUSON New beautification project started
SECTION A
HunterBostley
NEWS A1-A2 OPINION A3 FYE A4
NEWS EDITOR
MeghanOtenbaker
SECTION B
NEWS EDITOR
SPORTS B1-B2 FEATURE B3-B4
IN SECTION A
A2 IMMIGRATION A3 CIVIL UNREST A4 FASHION IN SECTION B
A4
Check out the GB fashion layout on page A4. You could look like a celebrity.
B2 Boys vs. girls in sports, what is it really like? Turn to page B2 to find out!
B4 What other holidays are there? Read on page B4 and find out!
Civilians protesting in Ferguson, Mo. The case over the death of Michael Brown has sparked protests just like this one all across the nation.
Ferguson protests not only take over Missouri, but America as well the beginning of what “I want everyone to stop seems like big revolution look at the criminal accuagainst police brutality. sations of these men and HunterBostley There was another polook at the big picture,” lice brutality case involving junior Ruby Johnson.said. NEWS EDITOR the New York Police DeBoth sides do have The Ferguson case partment recently as well. very valid evidence to has put a spot light on Eric Garner was illegally support their claims police brutality and has selling cigarettes. When he though. The first argument sparked tension across did not cooperate with the siding with the victim has America. police, he was attacked and the past cases, and obviWhen the grand jury did died due to the measures ous policies tampering not indict Officer Wilson taken. with evidence before it is for the death of Michael There are common presented in court. And Brown, riots broke out and trends in these cases: it is a for the Ferguson case protesters took to the specifically they have streets. serious facts includIn Michigan, we had ing Brown’s dead more than our fair share body being left out for of protests. College hours before Emercampuses were wild gency Services could with protesters. There reach him. was also a group of “From the offiprotesters who marched cer’s stand point, he in a line on the north seemed to be bending entrance of I-75. This the truth, or missing resulted in shutting pieces,” junior Nate down the freeway for --Protesters in Detroit Gilmore said. half an hour in order to On the other hand, get the situation under Officer Wilson was control. black victim against a white told to apprehend Brown, This group chanting “no officer, and the officer faces and told the court that justice, no peace” spread mild or no charges. he seemed like a serious their demonstration across There are also two threat, in which case using downtown Detroit. The dominating opinions in his gun was appropriate. police quickly broke up this most of these cases. The Whether that was the protest for it was seen as a first being that the victims case in Wilson’s situation, danger to the public. were handled too severely we may never truly know, Eastern Michigan and the officer was at fault. but the jury did believe University students also Those who carry this opin- Wilson in his explanation protested not just against ion usually lean towards of the crime. the verdict of the Ferguson and obvious indictment, The facts of this specase, but against several and a heavy punishment for cific case are few and far cases much like this one the officer. between and some don’t with the same outcome. In The other side of this is add up. In the end it is the one of the demonstrations that the officers are either word of the officer and the students laid on the untrained and have to make a dead victim, and there ground as if they were dead snap judgments, or are sim- is no disputing who that with the names of deceased ply doing their job when favors. victims on them. they use the force they do What the future holds These are just a few of against these supposed for this case and the othso many protests going on criminals. ers just like it is currently at EMU, the state of MichiThe two sides being so unclear, but America is gan, and all around the different have divided the anxiously awaiting. nation. This case has started nation.
News Analysis
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NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE
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B1 B2 BOWLING B3 TEACHER ED B4 HOLIDAYS POM PON
Photo Credit: JamelleBouie
If you’ve ever driven on Saginaw Street through downtown Grand Blanc, there’s about a 100 percent chance that you've seen or even driven under - the massive rusting viaduct that branches off of Center Road and crosses over Saginaw Street. The viaduct serves only two purposes in Grand Blanc; as a section of railroad track and as an
and act as the new entryway into the town. “I just think it'll be a wonderful welcome to our community instead of looking at that viaduct,” Mayor Sondrestrom said in an interview with MLive earlier this year. According to MLive. com, the Grand Blanc community has raised approximately $100,000, with donations from the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce and many others. On Wednesday, Nov. 26, GBCS hosted a “Hat Day” to help raise money for the arches through Photo Credit: SignsbyCrannie
This is the official design plan for the GB arches. Although there is one, there will be two arches built.
eyesore to the entryway of downtown Grand Blanc. However, as of July of this year, Grand Blanc Mayor Susan Sondrestrom proposed a building project to beautify the viaduct. The project consists of the construction of two arches, one on the northbound and one on the southbound sides of the viaduct. The arches will feature signs that read “Welcome to Grand Blanc”
donations from the students and staff. According to the Business Office, the overall total raised on Hat Day was $1622.45. There is about $80,000 left to raise in order to begin construction on the GB arches. With such a “small” amount left to go, our town is only that much closer to becoming a more attractive place to visit and live in.
M-STEP
Students facing new test for 2015
and be used as another assessment tool for grade 11. NEWS EDITOR One feature that sets this test apart from it’s counterThe one thing students parts of the MME is that it are always warned about through their entire school is an online exam, and will be tested during the end of careers is the ACT. The April 2015 instead of being ACT, being the most imbulked in with regular ACT portant test of a student’s test week in March of 2015. academic life, not only Each building in the disdetermines academic skill, but can also be the deciding trict got to decide whether or not to go with the online factor on college applicatest or the paper and pencil tions. But now, as of the 2014 school year, there is a version. The high school new test to prepare for, The has elected to stick with paper and pencil this year. M-STEP Test. “The MME will conThe Michigan Student tinue to be a graduation Test of Educational Progrequirement, which consists ress, or M-STEP, was developed by the Michigan of ACT plus writing, the Department of Education’s WorkKeys, and the MOffice of Standards and As- STEP,” Dr. Hammond said. Now, not only do your sessment and is a branch of brains and your pencils the Michigan Merit Examihave to be sharp in March, nation (MME). but be sure to brush up on As of this year, the MSTEP will take the place of your facts for the M-STEP in April. Get ready for anthe MEAP for grades 3-8 other test GBHS.
MeghanOtenbaker
A2·news·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner Photo Credit: HunterBostley
What happens After School? Students commiting crimes through After School app inappropriate comments, pictures, and video of other NEWS EDITOR students and faculty at the school. This issue was MeghanOtenbaker shared to administrators and parents. NEWS EDITOR After the school threatThanks to the creative ened the use of police minds and brilliant talents intervention, the issue died of many technologically down. What we had no idea savvy people, in this modabout was that the issue ern era of iPhones and apps was only beginning for - the world is gifted with other schools. many new games and social Flushing High School media sites on a daily basis. was next in this “cyberbulWith these advances lying domino effect.” On there are also set backs; Dec. 2, reports were made glitches in this divine to the administrative staff system. The After School that a threat was made over app being one of those the After School app that imperfections. This app read, “Bringing a gun to has caused some serious School.” complications in numerous The staff acted immedischools here in Michigan. ately, contacting the police More specifically, this to track the student through app has caused issues here this “anonymous” app. The at GBHS. There was said student’s name has not been to be students posting disclosed to the media, but
HunterBostley
reports are showing that not only the Flushing Township police were involved in the situation, but also that the FBI got involved in the matter as well. As of recent reports from MLive, the 18-year old student is now in custody of the Flushing Township Police following an investigation and had an arraignment date of Dec. 9. According to MLive, “The student faces a charge of misuse of a telecommunications device and is expected to be arraigned Tuesday, Dec. 9, in Genesee County District Court.” In his arraignment, the court analyzed the situtaion at hand. It has now been decided that the student faces up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000. Because the arraignment was not an actual trial case,
the student will be held until his official pretrail date, which is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2015. One might wonder who the masterminds behind this app are. Cory Levy and Michael Callahan are employees of One, a SanFrancisco - based social media startup company. The two men released the app in mid-November with a description that reads, “After School is an anonymous and private mesage board for your school! Post confessions, funny experiences, compliments, and more!” At first sight, the app sounds innocent, but recent events have proven that sometimes even good intentions have negative consequences. This can be inferred from the reviews that follow the description
as well. Titles like “Truly Disgraceful” and “SHUT DOWN THIS APP” head many reviews, each followed by a full page write up of the terrors of After School. Although a vast majority of the app is used for posting inappropriate subject matter, there are some posts made out of attempt to bring the kindness back into the app. “ There were some nice things that people were posting,” junior Morgan Otero said. “But then it got really mean and awful so I got rid of the app. I didn’t want to see stuff like that.” Due to recent events in the Michigan area alone, schools all over the United States are warning parents and students of the app and the dangers that it can present if used.
Since the app’s release, Levy and Callahan have not made any statements regarding the bullying and inappropriate comments posted on their app. However, there have been some modifications made to help limit the amount of negative or inappropriate content posted. The app’s rating, which was originally 12+, has now been increased to a maturity level of 17+. There has also been the addition of a report button for users to help identify inappropriate content. The Apple Store has currently taken down the app, but for how long is uncertain. For those who already have it, the damage is done. Efforts will need to continue in order to stop the spread of negativity and inappropriate content.
Obama speaks on immigration
President Obama makes an executive order on illegal immigration, but will congress fit the bill to enforce it? many Americans. Obama’s execuNEWS EDITOR tive order was put Immigration has been into place to push a heated topic for several congress to draft years. Some feel that since a bill. The reality this is a country nicknamed is nothing can be “The Melting Pot” that all done unless Conshould be welcome. Others gress can fund his believe that there should decision. be little to no immigration “For a year because the people coming and a half, Rein are taking jobs and other publican leadopportunities. ers in the House President Obama exsimply would not ecutive order focuses allow the vote,” deporting those who aren’t President Obama paying taxes and comsaid in his speech mitting crimes, and allow about his order in Photo Credit: ChuckKennedy the opportunity to acquire Chicago. ConPresident Obama speaking about his order on citizenship to those who are gress has “the working for their families. power of the immigratoin. Will congress fund the order? This has stirred up a purse” and they serious amount of controone at a bit of a cross roads. themselves to come to an cannot come to versy among congress, and an agree which puts everyIf Congress cannot bring agreement nothing can
HunterBostley
be done for anyone. The order can neither be rejected, or funded. This order would allow 5 million illegal immigrants currently living in the U.S. to live out of hiding and not have to live in fear of deportation. Obama expressed some of his frustration in his speech, “What you’re not paying attention to is, that I just took an action to change the law,” What happens next seems to be in the Hands of Congress, and America is patiently waiting.
FAST FACTS + 11.7 million illegal immigrants in U.S + 5 million illegal immigrants being given citizenship
A3·opinion·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
Black lives matter
Civil unrest in America in response to police immunity
LucSavoie OPINION EDITOR
On August 9, Mike Brown of Ferguson, Missouri was shot and killed by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. There’s been a lot of debate over the circumstances of the shooting, but there are a few things we know for sure. Officer Wilson gunned down 18-year-old Brown in the street because he claims the teen had stolen $5 cigarellos from a nearby convenience store. Despite this, even if someone was to steal ci-
gars, it is in no way justifiable to shoot an unarmed man several times over petty theft. Even if he tried to defend himself, a police officer is literally trained to subdue unarmed men they deem a threat. So, all in all, we have a police officer who shoots a black unarmed 18-year-old several times in the head and chest for a crime that possibly wasn’t committed and for a crime that would not have warranted such violence anyway. But that’s the deep South, right? That’s expected from them. What’s going on in other parts of the country, say, New York. On July 17, black citizen Eric Garner, 43, of Staten Island, New York City was accused of illegally selling cigarettes. He asked the officers to please leave him alone, and claimed he hadn’t done anything. In the middle of his sentence,
NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo snuck up behind him and put him into a chokehold, a tactic which was deemed unethical and
ing was already difficult enough before an officer of the law illegally wrapped his arm around Garner’s neck until he stopped strug-
Photography Credit: JamelleBouie
Across America, citizens in mourning create memorials to Michael Brown
banned for practice by the NYPD. Soon, Garner was swarmed by several other white police officers and pressed into the ground, all the while screaming that he was not able to breathe. With his asthma, breath-
gling and died. How do we know so much about Garner’s death? Just like Ferguson, all we have are several similar eyewitness reports, right? Wrong. We have a legitimate, clear, and audible film recording of
the entire incident. From start to finish, Americans got the chance to watch a video of a gang murder of a non-violent father of six by a bunch of thugs wearing black outfits and shiny, bronze badges. On August 1, medical examiners confirmed that death was to be considered a homicide. So, all these horrible murders aside, at least there’s justice for these murders, right? Wrong. Both officers Darren Wilson and Daniel Pantaleo were not indicted by the Grand Jury. Despite everything that happened, there weren’t even trials for two men who had been murdered, both of which very publicly and in broad daylight, and one of which was entirely on film. It may be a coincidence that these men were black and that the officers were white. It may be a coincidence that similar situations happen
to minorities all over the country every year. If you really believe that the white-dominant American police force never treats citizens differently based on race, despite seemingly obvious evidence, then that’s up to you. But you have to at least acknowledge the fact that people are being publicly murdered for petty or nonexistent crimes and the police officers are walking with immunity to their actions. All the ambiguity in the Ferguson incident didn’t exist at all in Staten Island, and it didn’t make a single difference. In times like these, it’s important to stand together and show everyone that black lives matter. All lives matter. Regardless of skin color, there cannot be any more police brutality if we ever dare to call ourselves “The Land Of The Free” again.
Photography Credit: NickPopadich
Rumors behind the bell ringers
Is the beloved Salvation Army actually advocating hate? couples. Is this really the case, or are people trying to find a way out of donating to the organization? Venturing out into the public, just to get guilt tripped into putting money into that box isn’t anybody’s ideal situation. There are numerous articles posted online about ShelbyMorrish “why you shouldn’t donate to the bellringers” and that OPINION WRITER “the Salvation Army is ‘Tis the season for the ringing anti-gay bells this Salvation Army bell ringholiday.” From year to year, ers to start appearing on the these articles are shared streets again. It never fails; on other social media sites every year people stand and cause people to second out in the freezing cold in guess giving their spare those red aprons collecting change. money for the Salvation An email was sent to the Army. head of the Salvation Army, Rumors have been goand for some reason, no ing around for years now response. that the “bell-ringers” have Don’t get me wrong, a problem with same sex what they do for people is
Real Life Laughs
Where will you look?
Editor-in-Chief: Rylie Daniels Design Editor: Zach Manes Managing Editor: Ty Garza Business Manager: Andrea Northrup
News Editors: Hunter Bostley Meghan Otenbaker Illustrator: Naomi Sauvola Advisor: Nick Popadich
really thoughtful but the rumors are getting out of hand. It has obviously been brought to everybody’s attention since there is a tab on the Salvation Army website, salvationarmyusa. org, titled “The Salvation Army and the LGBT Community.” It states in the article the Salvation Army fully supports the LGBT community and that they don’t discriminate against sexual orientation. So, there you have it. After a period of time with seemingly suspicious behavior, the company has come out and dispelled the rumors. So, I would say feel free to donate this holiday season, and remember to always do extensive research before boycotting an organization!
NaomiSauvola ILLUSTRATOR
Bobcat Banner staff hard at work creating the layout of this issue.
Kid’s cash well spent?
What would you do with $185,000? What could a community do with that kind of money? Well Grand Blanc has decided to cover up an eye sore with it. The viaduct that is seen while coming into Grand Blanc are owned by CSX, a company that refuses to clean it up. Grand Blanc Mayor Susan Soderstrom set out to find a solution to this problem and found the company would let her do very little and not pay for a thing. “Since CSX requirements will not let us do anything to their bridge, I, along with the Viaduct Committee, initiated an alternative to put arches across Saginaw Street,” Soderstrom said in her open letter to Grand Blanc as featured on the Grand Blanc View. “This will welcome everyone to our community and draw one’s eyes away from the ugly CSX structure.”
STAFF LISTING Opinion Editor: Feature Editor: Luc Savoie Kelly Grant Opinion Writers: Feature Writers: Chase Chism Corrin Fancher Shelby Morrish Olivia Wyzgoski Photo Editor: Sabrina Jarrah Mikayla Gilbert
Staff Editorial
This cover up will come at a cost though, $185,000, according to MLive. Where is the city getting this money from? “We have at this time pledges from the City, Township, DDA , Chamber of Commerce, Joe Serra Enterprise and McDonalds,” Soderstrom said. “We are excited about this project and look forward to engaging the whole community in our fundraising challenge.” And including the whole community also means Grand Blanc students from kindergarten to high school. On November 26, Grand Blanc schools held a district wide “hat day” meaning that if a student paid one dollar, they could wear a hat inside the building all day. All of the money raised, over 1,600 dollars, went to the arches cause. That means that the city asked our school district for funds.
For one fundraiser, classes “adopted” families and raised money to buy them Christmas presents. We also had a competition for bringing in non-perishable food items to fill the FISH pantries. How could we possibly place higher importance on something “ugly” than on food for those in need? There are plenty of worthy causes that need money. There are people in our city who have their lives on the line from various diseases that don’t have cures. How can the school take money from students that is expected to go to a good cause and then give it to a vain one? Who is the city to ask for money from our schools to fund their beautification project? The city is supposed to help the school, it shouldn’t be a two way bridge with money running across it.
FYE Editor: Angela Kiester
Sports Editors: Aliiah Esquivel Jake Rogers Sports Writer: Caitlin Johnson Lauren Carr
FYE Writers: Cyerra Haywood Maddi Vedder
A4·FYE·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
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FYE WRITER
students at Grand Blanc High School watch Netflix with some friends when snowed in: Netflix is an online movie streaming app that has movies, TV shows, and documentaries that you can watch. So why not spend some time on the sofa, and relax with your favorite thing to watch? With so much to choose from, almost everybody can enjoy the many options of Netflix.
2) Twenty-three percent
of students would choose Snowboarding/ Skiing/ Sledding: Shred the gnar bro! No but really, go have fun with your friends or even alone. Take a sled to a big hill or hit Mt. Holly. Whichever one you choose, remember that there’s always competition.
3) Ten percent would en-
gage in a Snowball fight: Who doesn’t want to pelt someone with balls of frozen water? Pick some friends and maybe even teams, then get snowballin. You can even make a fort to defend yourself from getting hit. Remember to stay safe though, you don’t want to hurt anybody.
4) Six percent of students
would have photoshoots: Take some cool pictures of you, your friends, animals, or random things in the snow. This option might be for someone who wants to stay active and not just be lazy for the day.
5) Only 2 percent of
students would Paint Some Snow: Snow painting is when you mix food coloring and water in a squirt bottle. Then take the bottle outside and squirt the colored mixture onto the snow to make art. Remember everything is considered art, so have fun with it.
Celebrity style Grand Blanc Making Fashion wear Affordable RylieDaniels EDITOR IN CHIEF
Regardless of our thoughts on individual celebrities, they appear in the media and therefore appear in our minds. We see what they do, how they live, and what they wear. Individuality is a huge part of growing up. Showing your true colors in everything that you do, including your fashion sense, means you take pride in yourself. That’s what the stars do and even though we might not like to admit it, we copy them sometimes. Fossil Leather Jacket $448
Fashion trends are different for every season. The floral pieces from spring or the crop tops and high-waisted shorts from summer might not be the warmest pick for the cold season. Since we got those ideas from our fashion-gurus in the media, why not choose our outfits based on what they wear during the winter too? Winter is the perfect time to sport a warm, heavy leather jacket. Casual long-sleeve dresses go well BCBG Long Sleeve Dress $368
Photo Credit: Wenn
Pacsun Leather Jacket $45
Target Long Sleeve Dress $17.50
with any occasion. When it’s too cold to wear your leather jacket, a big fur parka is perfect for your chilly days. Underneath your jackets and coats, a nice, thick cable-knit sweater will be sure to keep you warm. Even though we can’t always afford what the celebrities wear, there are always pieces that we can find to fit our budget. Here are ways to take the looks of celebs and turn it into everyday Grand Blanc Wear.
Marc Jacobs Fur Jacket $415
Gucci Cable Knit Sweater $730
Photo Credit: Rex Features
Target Fur Jacket $45
Forever 21 Cable Knit Sweater $22.50
Photo Credit: RylieDaniels
Photo Credit: PA Photos
Photo Credit: Rex Features
1) Fifty-nine percent of
B1·sports·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
Ruthless Rivals Teams prepare for their toughest competitors LaurenCarr Sports Writer
M
Bryan Pollard reaches to stop the lay-up from the opposing team. The Bobcats won the game against Carmen-Ainsworth with a score of 54-40.
ichigan State crushed their rivals, Michigan, in football with a 35-11 win. Michigan State went on to be defeated by Ohio State 49-37. The biggest question for students and athletes alike now is who will be the biggest competitors at the high school this season? With a history of high ranks, the water polo team looks forward to facing big schools on their trip back to the top. After hours spent in the pool, the team hopes to see their stands flooded
with fans. Working with returning players, as well as new faces, both boys and girls look forward to big titles. “We’re facing a lot of really good teams this season,” senior Kara Chinavere said. “Grand Ledge will be the toughest team, though. We’ve been training hard for that meet.” While the swimmers hit the pool, many students headed to Perani Arena to cheer on the hockey team. Aside from Grand Blanc fans in the stands, many
Davison hockey players dropped in to watch their rival play against Powers. Davison senior, Brandon Orth, played for varsity in the 2013 season. He attended the game to see how his old teammates measure up. With the game being on Feb. 18, both teams are preparing for Perani to be packed. “Playing GB is always a huge game for us,” Orth said. “It’s one of the most looked forward to games, since the team is a big competitor.”
Shake it like a Pom Pon
CaitlinJohnson Photo Credit: KaylaMayer
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
The team gets together, pointing their right toe towards the center for their “team prayer.”
minute and 30 seconds, to two minutes and 30 seconds, but their competition dance mix happens to be 2 minutes long. “So far my favorite memory was our team sleepover because we all got super close, and were able to form a bond that’s unbreakable,” junior Libby Wicker said. Many people that are on teams have someone that they can come to for any troubles within the sport. “I look up to Alli because even if we do something wrong, she always has something positive to say, and she’s always there for you, and I love her for that,” Mackenzie Clark said.
said. “We’ve made a lot of improvements this summer, and we really hope we can beat Hartland this year. That's been the team's goal for a long time.” The basketball team has also had a multitude of goals in mind. Varsity alumni Alex Brackett has kept an eye on the new team and gave his prediction of the season. “Carman will be an important game for the team,” Brackett said. “They’re Grand Blanc's crosstown rival and it’s for city brag-
Photo Credit: MikaylaGilbert
ging rights. Howell will be a big rivalry, as well. After they ended our season last year, the team will want to beat them for that. They really need to focus on having a good defense if they want to play a lot, though.” Aside from the differing goals of each team, Brackett offered words of advice that can apply to athletes of all kinds. “New athletes need to go out and play hard,” Brackett said. “It’s important to play smart, and always listen to their coach no matter what.”
All Sports Scores
GBVP transitions from football to basketball
Dancing on the football field as opposed to the basketball court may not seem like that much of an adjustment. Well, according to the varsity pom pon team, it is quite a transition, as it is an exciting change. “Because we are on a gym floor, it is a lot easier to do certain tricks because we don’t have to worry about the mud on the football field so it’s easier to put more turns in,” captain Alli Berry said. Not only does this team have to make up new dances for all of the varsity home basketball games, but they are also training for a competition coming up in Jan. called UDA Pom Nationals, high school division. This competition will be hosted in Orlando, Florida, and brings in teams from all over the country. “We have added in weekend practices in edition to our regular practices, which are everyday of the week beginning at 5:30 a.m.” Berry said. Dances for competition can range between one
While the hockey team concentrates on big upcoming games, the cheerleading team began prepping and pepping for their competitive season before the football season concluded. With regionals being a major goal achieved last year, they aim to break new boundaries and attend larger competitions this year, as well as triumph over other highly ranked teams. “At the rate we’re going, we could have a chance at making it to states,” sophomore Elizabeth Evans
The team captains, Alli Berry, Lindsey Landon, and Sarah Kennedy, try to make their last year on Pom the best for the team as they are graduating in 2015. “I really appreciate all that the captains do with their leadership roles, helping the team be the best that they can be, and being so dedicated day in and day out,” Wicker said, “I hope to be a captain someday.” Nevertheless, the girls will try their best at practices, and performances while maintaining their personal life schedules. “The girls inspire me to try my hardest every day because of their work ethic,” captain Lindsey Landon said.
Hockey: 2-4-1 vs. Pickney 5-5 T vs. Waterford United 10-5 W vs. Powers Catholic 4-3 L vs. Hartland 4-1 L vs. Canton 3-2 L vs. Milford 6-2 W vs. Lakeland 4-1 L
vs. Davison 51-48 W vs. Saginaw Heritage 40-29 L
Freshman Girls Basketball: 2-1 vs. Carmen-Ainsworth 50-42 W vs. Davison 40-23 W vs. Saginaw Heritage 41-27 L
Varsity Boys Basketball: 1-0 vs. Carmen-Ainsworth 54-40 W
Freshman Boys Basketball: 1-0 vs. Carmen-Ainsworth 69-46 W JV Boys Basketball: 0-1 vs. Carmen-Ainsworth 57-55 L
Boys Bowling: 1-0 vs. Hartland 22-8 W
JV Girls Basketball: 1-2 vs. Carmen-Ainsworth 42-23 W vs. Saginaw Heritage 53-27 L
Girls Bowling: 1-0 vs. Hartland 28-2 W
Varsity Girls Basketball: 1-2 vs. Carmen-Ainsworth 66-47 L
Boys Swimming: 1-0 vs. Saginaw Heritage 115-68 W
B2·sports·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
Modern Day Mermaid
Rolling into bowling
Swimmer becomes state champion
The bowling team’s ready to knock down competiton
JacobRogers
TyGarza
FEMALE SPORTS EDITOR
MANAGING EDITOR
Photo Credit: ErynScannell
“Did you catch the bowling match last night?” This, is probably a question most students aren’t usually asked. Nor is it something many would even know how to answer. Although bowling is not a particularly rare or uncommon sport, it is a high school sport much like other smaller team sports that can be often overlooked. Bowling is a game that has been around for hundreds of years (10-pin Emma Curtis celebrates with teammate Eryn Scannell after bowling originating in 300 becoming the 50 yard free state champion. A.D.) and the simple layout Grand Blanc swim and dive would win during the race, of the sport is something Grand Blanc is at it yet champion in 22 years. but she pulled it off.” that nearly everyone can again. State champions. “I’m really proud of Curtis later earned alleasily get into. Not as a team though, one her,” junior brother Bailey state honors in the 100-yard Most people have had athlete on their own. Curtis said. “She really freestyle by finishing fourth some experience or another Sophomore Emma Curdeserved it.” with a time of 52.01 secwith bowling. But few retis went to state finals with Not only was her family onds and in the 200-yard ally understand the pressure the girls swim and dive proud of her but so were freestyle. and stakes that bowlers face team and swam out as state her teammates, even though It was a great year for every time they enter the champion. they didn’t necessarily see Curtis and an even better alley. In the 50-yard freestyle, it coming. ending. With two years left No, Wii bowling and a Curtis qualified for finals “We were hoping she with the team, things are handful games with your and was seeded second would get into the top three looking great for the rest of family with the bumpers up with a time of 23.69 secthis year, but we weren’t Curtis’ high school career. doesn’t count. Real bowling onds. She then won the 50expecting her to win,” seis much different. yard freestyle by .01 secnior teammate Eryn Scan“It can take hard work onds with a time of 23.60 nell said. “I didn’t think she sometimes but I have a lot seconds becoming the first
son, guys tickcet sales were 3926 and girls 1079. For soccer, guys sold 1462 tickets and girls 769. Swim and dive sold 327 tickets during guy’s matches and 597 during girls. Not only do male sports have more powerful boosters programs, they are also larger programs throughMikaylaGilbert out the school. How many SPORTS COLUMNIST people can say that they went to a girls basketball There are many sports game over going to a guys that both males and females basketball game? play. At GBHS, the overall As a female athlete, you season ticket sales are not are already prepared for surprising (these numbers the fact that not very many don’t include the amount of people will come to watch punch cards sold). It’s a sad you. Some people say its fact, but everyone knows because guys have a more that male sports are more rounded skill set and that popular than female sports. they are “stronger” than the The amount of people in girls, but that is completely the stands proves this. false and stereotypical. For the basketball seaTitle IX a program that
That pretty much sums up the attitude for most bowlers. “I don’t try to take bowling too seriously,” junior Patrick Ross said. “I mean, it is just a game and I like to play it that way, just for fun.” Fun always seems to be an important factor to the students. But no matter how they look at the sport, each player is vital to the success of the team. “It’s important to me because I’ve been doing it since I was a kid,” Kubick said. “I take pride in my bowling.” The team’s next match is on Jan. 8 at Century Bowl against Waterford Mott.
Illustration Credit: RylieDaniels
Does it make a difference in sports?
is helping females get more of an equal opportunity with athletics, scholarships and competitions at an elite level. Not only is Title IX helping with the participation rates, it is also trying to get more funding for female athletics because the funding provided, is lacking. This school year, we had a great start when Alicia Woollcott joined the freshman football team. She is showing everybody that girls can be just as skilled as the guys on a competitive level. “I liked watching football my entire life and I was a football cheerleader in seventh grade, I was just watching the guys play and I was kinda like ‘Hey, I can do that,’” Woollcott said. Following that, she de-
cided to play for the school that both male and female girls game. With more exand has played since then. sports are publicized. posure, it might just change She plays wide receiver Check out the upcoming the minds of other people and middle linebacker. sports schedule and go to a attending GBHS. Throughout the season she played almost every game for the freshman team. “At first, I think he thought I was kidding, but as the season progressed they realized I was serious,” Woollcott said “They treat me like one of the guys, and they push me just as hard as they do everyone else” Woolcott’s case determination shows that girls are every bit as passionate about sports and should be valued for their athleticism. The trouble is the bias against female sports is Alicia Woolcot poses side by side with varsity football player David everywhere. This year, in Ragatz. She played on the freshman the Banner we decided to football team for almost every game. have a male and female sports editor to make sure Photo Credit: MikaylaGilbert
Boys vs. Girls
of fun,” senior Jaquan Taylor said. “I’ve always really enjoyed playing.” The team has regularly scheduled matches as well as tournaments. Preparation for these events are key. “It takes a lot of commitment for the team,” senior Taylor Kubik said. “It’s not easy to be consistent and you need to really focus on it and concentrate.” The athletes express great passion and dedication to the game but this is not all it takes to compete against other athletes from around the area. The Grand Blanc bowlers possess serious skill. Senior Andrea Sykes, a member of the varsity team, has made the only state championship appearance the team has had during her time at the high school. “I just really like bowling,” Sykes said. “It’s really fun to play and compete.”
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Select: female How girls are depicted and affected in the video game industry like the game went five years before it introduced FEATURE EDITOR a female character that Turn on console, select little girls could choose to play,” English teacher Dana game, press start, activate Bleicher stated. “Before protagonist. Activate a that, you just had to play male protagonist, most likely. Even though a 2014 Steve, which was fine, but my daughter was so excited study from the Entertainment Software Association when they introduced Alex as a playable girl characstates that 48 percent of gamers are women, repre- ter.” According to the Consentation and fair portrayal sumer News and Business of women is not so close Channel (CNBC), out of to equal. With a majority of games starring primarily the top sold video games of 2014, only about 20 percent male heroes, that 48 perhad a female protagonist or cent of women may feel a even strong female lead. bit slighted. “There are points in “Minecraft is one of the most popular games among some games where it is definitely relatively sexist, but kids and I think that, I’m estimating here, but it feels then again you could also
KellyGrant
think it could go the other way,” senior Silas Brumwell said. “They are portraying it to their audience, because most audiences of video games, especially video games with more sexist portrayals of women, are aimed towards young men who want that. So it’s a good marketing strategy.” Another component is when that 48 percent does choose to play, how many feel harassed or viewed differently simply because of their sex? “Before my daughter was born I played a game called Everquest; it was an MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game), and while I never
felt harassed, there were in-game chats and things where there were comments made,” Bleicher stated. “I think the assumption was, first of all that as a female gamer I wouldn’t be as strong as the male counterparts. And you’d get hit on and things like that which was weird because I was married at the time. Hitting on like a gnome character is whole other kind of perverse. But yeah, I think that sort of thing happens.” Of course progress isn’t nonexistent. Popular series such as Minecraft are offering more options for girls, and interchangeable male and female protagonists are starting to appear
more often in the gaming world. Does that mean harassment is starting to appear less in the gaming world? “It kind of depends,” Brumwell said. “If there is a girl who is an actual gamer and doesn’t just say ‘I’m a girl gamer!’ just to get attention, then no, they don’t really get harassed. But I mean I’m sure there is some harassment because people are mean in general. A lot of the harassment that I’ve seen are towards people or girls who are faking it, or just trying to do it for likes or views.” Senior Lizzi Deneen doesn’t see it as a big deal. “I mean, I’ve seen it,
and jokingly by my friends. But besides that nothing serious.” Senior Zach Tse had similar thoughts, “All of the people we hang out with don’t really do that,” Both Deneen and Tse are avid players of Xbox games including Call of Duty. Even if that may be the case, progress is apparent in society. “It’s getting better,” Bleicher said. “I think that there’s more awareness on the product developers especially as things like ‘Gamergate’ are in the news. But I think that there’s still a long way to go.” Photo Credit: KellyGrant
Teaching the future
CTE program gives students hands-on opportunities in the field FEATURE WRITER
From the first day of kindergarten, teachers play a huge role in shaping who students become as people. The high school, as part of the Career Technical Education program, gives students the opportunity to get some experience in the teaching field. Led by teacher Deborah Gibbs-Halm, the teacher ed program gives passionate kids the chance not only to learn the history of education and the components of a quality classroom, but
it gives them the opportunity to go out and actually student teach a classroom of students in Grand Blanc schools. “The goal of the program is to train interested students in the field of education,” program advisor Deborah Gibbs-Halm said. “I hope students find out if they are interested in working with children as a teacher, or in another field. I hope the hands-on field placement is important in giving students a realistic view of being a teacher.” Students take an indepth look into the thought
processes of a child’s brain, assess the qualities of a good teacher, and even form their own lesson plans. A few days of the week students have the chance to take their knowledge to an actual class. As long as participants have a mode of transportation, there is an option to teach with any teacher at the elementary, middle, or high school level, whichever is best suited for the student. “Teacher ed prepares us in giving us the opportunity to make lesson plans and teach them to actual classes
with students at any grade level,” senior and second year teacher cadet Cameron Rush said. “It’s a lot of work, but it prepares me to become a better teacher.” The teacher education program gives a good insight into the responsibilities of what an actual teaching position might entail and is an ideal experience for anyone truly interested in becoming a teacher. Knowing that, senior Jenna Yager said, “It kind of gives you the chance to see if that’s what you really want to do as a job.”
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CorrinFancher
Teacher ed prepares us in giving us the oppor tunity to make lesson plans and teach them to actual classes with stu dents at any grade level
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-- Cameron Rush
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Holidays United
Different holidays this winter all have something in common the world today. Although Christmas is said to be only FEATURE WRITER a Christian holiday, different religions like to particiDressing the tree with colorful ornaments, adorn- pate in it as well. “My parents participated ing the house with shimin the holiday when they mering lights, stuffing yourself at your Christmas came to the United States and its become more of Eve dinner, hanging up a tradition in our family socks, leaving out cookies and milk for Santa, opening than a holiday,” junior and up presents underneath the practicing Hindu Selena Mirchandani said. Christmas tree and enjoyChristmas has made ing a good time with family a universal impact on so and friends is the common many people throughout routine of Christmas to the world who do not most of us. However, in some parts practice Christianity. Many contribute for of the world, people celthe sole purpose of ebrate differently. For an example, Ukrainian people family get togethers, experiences, decorate the tree with spider webs which insures gifts or just for the fun of it. blessing, luck and good “I am fortune for the coming year. Other countries, such Chinese as the Philippines and Italy, but me have celebrations that last until January. In America, Christmas is often celebrated by people regardless of their religion, race and cultural background. “I am Muslim but my family and I still like to celebrate Christmas,” senior Selena Haidar said. “Seeing everyone in the Christmas spirit makes me feel just as passionate and that’s why me and my family enjoy celebrating it.” According to the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, there are 2.2 billion Christians, 1.6 billion Muslims, 1 billion Hindus, 376 million Buddhist, and 14 million Jews in
and my family don’t practice any religion,” senior Lena Yang said. “We like celebrating Christmas because it’s a way to get together with family and it gives that ‘life-is-wonderful’ feeling.” Although many religions enjoy participating in the celebration, some people don't contribute and stick to their own religious notion. “We celebrate Hanukkah,” freshman Anna Gottlieb said. “It’s a total of eight days and each night we light the Menorah with a candle of the number of days.” “Sometimes my parents get us presents
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Dec. 5, Ashura Dec. 5 is a day of mourning for most Shia Muslims. On this day in 650 A.D. at Karbala in modern day Iraq, the martyrdom of Hussein was lost. Every year the day is marked with men and women marching the streets wearing all black as well as passionate reenactments the martyrdom. Fasting is also common among the people. Dec. 6, Feast of St. Nicholas Many Catholics celebrate the Feast of Saint Nicholas. This is to reposition focus on Advent and the true meaning of Christmas. To celebrate this many have a large feast then before bed children leave their shoes outside their doors and on window sills. If they were well behaved the past year they will receive candy and other sweets in their shoes for the next morning.
Dec. 8, Bodhi Day Bodhi Day is day of remembrance for Buddhists. On this day Buddha became enlightened under the bodhi tree. Many will spend the day meditating and concentrating on their personal journey. Usually a tree is set up with three jewels to represent Dharma, Sang, and Buddha. The usual diet of this holiday will only be rice and milk, which was Buddha’s meal upon replenishment. Dec. 12, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebrated primarily by Catholics of Mexican descent, this is a feast in celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of the Republic of Mexico. Our Lady of Guadalupe is deeply woven in the lives of Mexican citizens; almost every city has a church devoted to this saint. This whole day is celebrated with food and drink for every social class.
Dec. 16, Hanukkah This eight day celebration is in remembrance of the rededication of the second Jewish Temple of Jerusalem. This holiday depends on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, normally though this is occurs around the month of December. Each night a candle is lit on the Menorah while the family sings a special hymn. Each night a gift is given and received.
for the eight days but mostly my cousins and grandparents all enjoy celebrating it together, which is kind of like Christmas,” Gottlieb said. According to religioustolerance.org, the month of December is a time of many religious celebrations. Jews celebrate Hanukkah which is an eight-day celebration that reminds them of the redictation of the holy temple in Jerusalem and the Jewish victory over the SyrianGreeks. The Buddhist celebrate Bodhi day which is believed that Buddha sat underneath a fig tree and achieved enlightenment. Some Africans also celebrate Kwanzaa, which is a week long celebration that focuses on seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Although Muslim holidays are fixed and not always set on an official date, in December between the years of 2006-2008, it was Eid-Al-Adha which is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Even though not everyone celebrates Christmas, the holidays are a time when many people put aside their differences and come together. Every religion has a unifying factor which hopes for peace on earth and good will toward mankind.
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Dec. 22, Winter Solstice This is the longest day of the year with the south receiving 24 hours of sunlight and with the north receiving longer nights. Many cultures celebrate the winter solstice and it is commonly referred to as the Yule. This is a time of rebirth and new light.
Dec. 25, Christmas One of the most common and celebrated holidays in December is Christmas. The birth of Jesus from the Virgin Mary is the basis of the holiday. However, it has evolved to much more; huge parades and tree lights, along with large gifts and blindingly bright houses strung with Christmas lights.
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Dec. 26 Jan. 1, Kwanzaa Though Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, it is still a week-long celebration commonly celebrated by Western Africans and African Americans. This was created by Dr. Ron Karenga to create and preserve traditional ceremonies and ethics of the culture. These include unity, faith , sense of purpose, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, and creativity. Everything is decorated with African Art as well as the colors red, black, and green.