A1·news·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
THE
BOBCATBANNER GBHS STUDENT PRESS
vo l . 5 0 i s s u e 6
M a rc h 27, 2 0 1 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION A NEWS A1-A2 OPINION A3 FYE A4
SECTION B SPORTS B1-B2 FEATURE B3-B4
IN SECTION A
A2 PAGEANT A3 LATE STARTS A4 STREET ART IN SECTION B
B1 B2 STATE CHAMP B3 SENIORITIS B4 E-CIGS
CHEER HISTORY
A4
Check out what is hot to read with GB’s book worm.
Auto shop students proud of what they do The auto shop students are very proud of themselves as they hold up their event awards at the University of Northwestern Ohio.
AndreaNorthrup BUSINESS MANAGER
Do you have an idea of what career you want to go into? The students that attend the Skills U.S.A. competition have an idea, and are also getting experience in their field. Students go to competitions that encompass a variety of different technical areas from
welding to automotive technology. This helps teenagers really experience what that career would be like. “I signed up for the auto program my sophomore year and kinda picked it up and became one of the top students in my class,” senior Kyle Preston said. Preston plans to go into the automotive field. He also said that if he wins at the state
level competition, then they will give him a scholarship to continue his education. “I’m looking towards automotive career possibilities,” junior Matt MacDonald said. “College wise, I’m thinking maybe the University of Northwestern Ohio or maybe Delta college in Saginaw.” Both Preston and McDonald said that they spend hours after school in the auto
classroom in school prepping. This is in addition to other activities they are involved in like sports. They will both be going to the state level competition because they placed in the top three in their events. Preston placed second in Automotive “Brake Systems,” while MacDonald placed first in Automotive “Electrical Systems.” Career and technical training
Third time’s the charm? Read more about Noah Gonser, our award winning wrestler!
B4
Find out if senioritis is a myth or if it is a real issue.
show. Luckily, Mrs. Powers has a lot of experience and we have a wonderful group NEWS WRITER of students who work really Many people want to be hard.” Shaver said. recognized for their own But despite such a series talents and creativity. But beof obstacles, UNITE says the ing in high school, there isn’t show is still a go. always the best opportu“We are hoping nities to do so outside of that we can have it the their academic abilities. it fills my heart with second Friday in May,” Even though there’s said. “We have joy to see kids shine Shaver choir, band, drama, etc, to wait until the musical sometimes it’s hard to outside of acedemics. is over now that they put your own individual have begun building the -- Dana Shaver talents in the spotlight. set.” Until the annual talent Shaver says she looks show. forward to putting this UNITE club puts on a on because the creativtalent show to give students a and we couldn't have people ity here at GBHS exceeds all chance to express their abiliin the building under those expectations. ties. But the show, which was circumstances.” “I rarely get to see the originally scheduled to take Besides trying to establish artistic side of students in my place in February, has been a concrete date for the talent day, and it fills my heart with postponed twice since then, show, a lot of hard work goes joy to see kids shine outside leaving students in confusion. into making it a success. of academics,” Shaver said. “The talent show was post“We set up auditions, have “It blows my mind to see poned the first time because different acts sign up, judge how brave they are to get up of the cold day. UNITE and the auditions, have a dress on stage and do what they I decided that it would be rehearsal, and then put on the do!” best since there would most
CorrinFrancher
likely be a low turnout due to the cancellation of school that day,” UNITE advisor Dana Shaver said. “The second time it was cancelled was due to the water main break at HS East. They had to turn off all of the water to the building
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B1
Will the talent show ever see the stage...
has proven to benefit these young men. Their dedication is obvious in the time and effort they put in. Preston shows his dedication to learning and improving his skills daily. “I’ve torn apart my whole truck to work on it (to practice),” Preston said. “I also get paid to do other people’s breaks too.”
A2·news·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
Miss Grand Abdella’s Logic A look into Dr. Abdella’s view on snowdays Blanc and how he makes the call Pageant tant, education is our mission, and therefore, whenever we can come to school, we should.” With the “polar vortex,” came frigid temperatures around the region; going outside was extremely treacherous. The Genesee County Health Department provided Grand Blanc with information regarding hypothermia and frostbite. At a temperature of -19/-20 degrees, frostbite could occur at just 30 minutes of exposure. Hypothermia could occur at any temperature lower than average body temperature. “I think it’s important to
conditions are within the Grand Blanc School District,” Dr. Abdella said. “I don’t NEWS WRITER subscribe to the practice of ‘If Thousands of school The point of the pageant is AndreaNorthrup such and such a district closes, not to pick the most beautiful districts from Midwestern and then we will close too.’” BUSINESS MANAGER girl, but the most well-round- Eastern regions of the United Having students go to States braced themselves for ed one. Filling out scholarship school on a cold day has the inevitable snow days on “The biggest thing I want applications can be a serious spurred many angry parents girls to know is that this is not account of glacial temperahassle that takes a long time. as well. tures, unsafe roads, and steep Girls 16-18 that live in Grand a beauty pageant,” Dewley “Honestly, it doesn’t bother inches of snow. Educators Blanc will be presented a new said. “There is no talent or me,” Dr. Abdella said. “There opportunity for earning schol- swimsuit competition either.” across the country crammed are some well-meaning people more assignments due to mulNot arship in our community that think tiple days of weather cancelonly is money. that cold days should never be lations. there Tiffany a reason to close school. Other Although a lot of elated the title Dewley, equally well-meaning people of Miss students surely tossed their a member believe that it is an important homework aside in favor of Grand of the reason to close. The same is sleeping or parked in front of Blanc, Grand true about snow days. And as there are the television, these random Blanc is their right, many individudays off could be three comals feel compelled to share a nuisance to a court munity, their opinions with the school school’s schedule. memdecided to district.” Superintendent bers organize Social media has also that are Dr. Abdella shared a local given people a public opportuhis perspective pageant after they had such an chosen to travel around midnity to express their opinions Michigan attending queen re- towards school impact on her as a teen. on these decisions. ceptions and parades promot- closings and the “I have been a part of the “I’ve never been on ing Grand Blanc community. misconceptions Miss Davison scholarship Facebook or Twitter or any that many students If local girls are looking pageant for many years,” of the other social media for an opportunity to earn col- anticipate. Dewley said. “I ran in 1985 outlets,” Dr. Abdella said. “I “Please know lege money and dress up, this when I was in school and it don’t know whether people that snow days helped me build my self confi- may be for them. are praising my decisions or are not ‘entitle“I have been involved in dence and gain friendships.” PhotoCredit: Hunter Bostley criticizing them anyway.” ments’ because the Miss Davison pageant Contestantss will particiIn addition, Grand Blanc Dr. Abdella speaks more about how he it happens to for awhile now and the fun pate in three events: formal, decides on wheather or not there will School guidelines are relaand friendships that are made be winter,” Dr. interview, and shorts for a be a snowday. tively the same compared during the pageant is once in a Norm Abdella small skit. The queen will to other schools. However, lifetime,” Dewley said. “This said. “Often receive a $500 scholarship, conditions are often different is a fun easy way to represent students will say to me ‘Gosh, know that I make my deciwhile two runner-ups will throughout school districts. Grand Blanc and earn scholar- we get six free snow days receive $250 scholarships. sions, right or wrong, based “Goodrich, for instance, from the state, why don’t you on what I know at the time ship money.” The winners will also get has lots of dirt roads,” Dr. use them?’ School is importo be a part of local and state and how weather and road Abdella said. “We do not. A events to promote the Grand Blanc community.
SabrinaJarrah
very small percentage of our students live on dirt roads. So, if the dirt roads are hard to negotiate for buses, we might have school, whereas Goodrich would be closed.” With snow or ice, Director of Transportation Jeff Wilson and Dr. Abdella drive the streets around 4:30 a.m. to see if the vast majority of roads are school bus drivable. If not, school will close. “On a day like Feb. 13, the main roads were clear but many of the subdivision roads were like ice rinks,” Dr. Abdella said. “The day before, three of our buses slid off the road at dismissal time. Since those conditions had not changed the following morning, I closed school. Yet those driving along Saginaw Street and on our main roads must have thought I was either crazy or just wanted the day off even though I actually worked all day!” After four years as superintendent, Abdella says he still makes each decision thoroughly and delicately. “Student and staff safety is my number one priority,” Dr. Abdella said. “It is the number one priority of every superintendent in our state. Therefore, snow days are called when we believe that the roads or weather conditions make it impossible or unsafe to attend school.”
Deaf Culture Club begins
SabrinaJarrah
thoughts, interest and dreams by reading their lips and it is and if you were to study ASL a skill I have developed over NEWS WRITER you’re not only learning a time, but most of it goes to my Culture and language internew language but you would parents because they worked twine, with language demonhave the gift of helping people every day to teach me how to strating the delicate essence understand one another.” listen and communicate.” of culture. Humans commuAmerican Sign Language Deaf culture consists of nicate with each other using a is said to be the fourth most anyone who is deaf, hard of exquisite array of languages, used language in the United hearing, or who considers each differing from the next States. There are 70 million themselves to have any type in perpetual ways. No culture deaf people who use sign lan- of hearing loss. This also incan emerge without language guage as their first language cludes beliefs, history, values, and no language can emerge however there are many deaf art and behavior shared by without culture. Learning people who prefer to verdeaf people. about the culture of deaf bally communicate with other The aim of the Death CulPhotoCredit: Mikaya Gilbert people is also learning about people instead. ture Club is to recognize the (right to left) Melissa George, Jordyn Tipsword, Hunter Stiff, Shankar Kaushal, and the way they communicate. significance of deafness Benjamin Kent-Bryant are all merit scholar finalists out of over a million entrants, American Sign and gain perspective of Language (ASL) is the the lifestyles of hearing primary sign language CorrinFrancher It is something differ- impaired individuals. used by deaf and hearThey will interact and NEWS WRITER ing impaired individuals ent and unique and it Initially there are some tice tests...it was just a lot of go to events, learn sign in The United States in hefty odds against you with practice.” will give me a chance language, living skills, The price of tuition is over a million entrants for this If chosen, Tipsword plans which the shape, moveno question one of the most to experience a real and share experience ment of the hands, facial scholarship nationwide. Later on using the scholarship the problems that stressful factors in determinexpressions and body conversation with one and that year, the entrants are money at the University of deaf people are facing ing your college education. movements all play signarrowed down to the 50,000 Kentucky to study psycholof my members. in their lives. And the heavy costs can nificant parts in underwith the highest scores on ogy. “Just treat them like follow you for years prior to the PSAT. In September the “I never studied specifical- standing information. normal people.” Otero your graduation. In order to GBHS had its first --Sabrina Hargraves said, “Also, be more paly for the PSAT but I prepared take some of the weight off, a candidates are even further Deaf Culture Club meetcondensed to about 16,000 pretty much every day by tient with them because large variety of scholarships ing on March 2 with the semifinalists on a state-repre- studying and doing homeit can get frustrating are available, based on your purpose of exposing stusentational basis. work. It has certainly been sometimes. It’s easier GPA, extracurricular actividents to the language and And finally in Februchallenging to stay focused “My mother spent time for us when we know someties, ACT scores, etc.. the cultural norms of people ary, 15,000 high schoolers at times,” George said. “I’ve with me every day teaching one cares enough to repeat Five of GBHS students, throughout the U.S. become worked hard throughout high who are hearing impaired. me new sounds and words,” conversations without getting Melissa George, Benjamin The club meets every other finalists, and could be potenschool, and I’ve had great junior Morgan Otero said. annoyed.” Kent-Bryant, Hunter Stiff, Monday, after school until Otero has been dealing Those interested in signing Jordyn Tipsword, and Shankar tially considered for the schol- teachers who have taught 3:30 p.m. in room 421 to learn arship. Every year approxime a lot, but I know a lot of with hearing impairment her up to the Deaf Culture Club Kaushal are out for possibly about deaf culture. mately 7,600 are eventually people for whom that is true whole life and although it has can join anytime between now one of the most prestigious “It is something different awarded $2,500 to go towards and in the end it was only one been a struggle for her, she until May 11. scholarships out there, the and unique and it will give the costs and fees of college. test that decided who would has gotten better at dealing For more information National Merit scholarship. me the chance to experience a It goes without saying, be recognized.” with it throughout the years about joining, contact Katelyn “It feels pretty neat (to real conversation with one of many long hours went into the The countless days of and doesn’t let it hold her Anderson at kanderso@grandbe considered) because a lot the members,” senior Sabrina preparation to be even qualipreparation and dedication back. blancschools.org. of scholarships are available Hargraves said. “We are all fied as a finalist. these students have put into “My mom wanted me to for people who are finalists,” “It was a lot of hard work their entire high school career the same, the only difference speak instead of learning sign senior Melissa George said. “I is the way we communicate getting there and it paid off,” have now been paid off with language,” Otero said. “It is plan on going to the Univerthe honor of being considered with others. Learning ASL easy for me to ‘hear’ others sity of Michigan, and I think I senior Jordyn Tipsword said, would help share our ideas, “I did vocabulary and pracfor this scholarship. want to study Biology.”
Five merit scholar finalists
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A3·opinion·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
Later Start Times
Would starting later be worth it?
Photo Credit: LucSavoie
Bobcat Banner editors and staff writers collaborate to complete this issue. They work all month to design the layout and write articles for the sections.
next and would definitely give teens a valuable energy boost, but at what cost? Sure, many people are aware of the positive effects of starting later in the day. Later start times have been linked to increased grades, test scores, and attendance. They have also been linked to lower depression, substance abuse, and car accidents in EricaDavis those areas with implemented OPINION WRITER lower start times. However, most people Imagine waking up refreshed in the morning instead don’t stop to consider the of having to drag yourself out negative effects of a later start of bed. Imagine being focused time. If school starts later, it and full of energy in first hour. must end later as well. StartLater start times are being ing an hour later would considered for the year after
ultimately not make a big difference. Most teenagers’ brains do not start working efficiently until 10 or 11 am, so it would need to be a big change to have any effect. Imagine if the start time was pushed from 7:20 to 10:20. This means school would end at 5:16 instead of 2:16. There would be less time for sports, after school activities, jobs, and babysitting siblings, which are necessary activities for many teenagers. Nobody likes getting up early in the morning. However, I think it is a necessary sacrifice so we can have more time later in the day for the things we enjoy.
New clubs in our Self-funded high high school Increase in representation school bands How many school clubs are you in? How many meetings have you went to? With the start of Grand Blanc’s newest club, the Deaf Culture Club, it’s refreshing to see some more representation for the student body through clubs. Regradless of how helpful they are, some of them may be in danger of not having enough members. It wouldn’t be a first if a club disappeared for not having enough people interested. In a school with around 2,800 people, how can these numbers be so low? Why do you think that more students aren’t involved
when we have so many possibilities? At the moment, clubs do almost everything they can to promote. They advertise through the 3rd hour announcements and hang posters in the hallways. The members can often be seen spreading the information on the clubs they love through word of mouth at every opportunity. Is there more they can do? It may be helpful for Mr. Nicholson to run creative mini commercials for these smaller clubs and teams to help get the word out. Another issue is that the majority of our clubs run on
REAL LIFE LAUGHS
P ursuing an art degree
Staff Editorial
Wednesdays after school. It’s hard for students to go to more than one club if the meetings overlap. Another problem a lot of students face is lack of transportation to the clubs, which will most certainly affect the attendance rates. What is being done to get more students involved? With new clubs appearing in the school, the importance of advertising cannot be stressed enough. New and innovative ways to spread the word will be necessary to keep many clubs alive.
By: LucSavoie &ChaseChism
NaomiSauvola OPINION WRITER
For all the artistic people out there who want to pursue art, they can come face-toface witha lot of negativity. I want to encourage you and tell you to go for it. There should be nobody to hold you back from living your dream. As an artist myself, it is easy to relate to the people
Editor-in-Chief: Rylie Daniels Adviser: Nick Popadich Managing Editor: Ty Garza Business Manager: Andrea Northrup
News Editor: Hunter Bostley News Writers: Corrin Fancher Sabrina Jarrah Photo Editor: Mikayla Gilbert
numerous amount of different bands and orchestras. And yet, there’s a lot of musical artists who are completely independent of organized high school events. What drives them? One of the local bands based out of Grand Blanc High School is called Orlando Syrup, and is comprised of two seniors, Levi Pettus and Jonathan Nas. When interLucSavoie viewed about the band, Pettus OPINION EDITOR allowed us some insight on In high school, there’s a lot the thoughts from a young of opportunities for organized band member. “None of the school creative outlets. There are sanctioned bands ever really several art and craft elective appealed to me,” Pettus said. classes to take, not to men“None of the types of instrution extracurricular clubs ments or music they played and teams, such as Art Club, interested me. So me and Jon Snow-sculpting Team, and broke off and did our own World Cultures Club, which often creates and replicates art thing.” A lot of high schoolers join from specific cultures. bands like these as a creative Of course, for the musioutlet and a chance to relax cally talented, there’s also a
with friends and make something for people to enjoy. Several small music venues, such as The Flint Local 432, give younger bands a chance to play on a stage and start somewhere if they want to seriously pursue music. Being independent means a lot of dedication. The band members are required to practice on their own time and organize everything themselves. This includes purchasing and maintaining equipment, advertising, transportation, and organizing and obtaining shows to play. Most of all, I’d say bands are a conduit of maturity. A lot of the things that would be taken care of by the school or band director in a formal setting are now on the shoulders of any independent musicians, and that’s a good step in the way of adulthood.
Strict teachers vs. liberal teachers Photo Credit: JenniferRensel
Shedding the light on a myth who want to study for an art degree, but are discouraged because of the pressure and ridicule that they go through. Parents believe that art degrees will not help their son or daughter in the real world, because they believe that they will not be able to find a job, but in reality, there are several jobs out there involving art that go unnoticed. There are over 200 career options that require an art degree, such as an architect, an art teacher, a medical illustrator, a textbook illustrator, and many more. In all of these, substantial careers can be pursued. With information from U.S. News and World Re-
Why these musicians matter
port, an architect can make up to almost $75,000 annually. As you can see, that is a significant amount of money for a career that centers a lot of its trade off an art degree, incorporating the use of it into mathematical schematics and highly detailed sketches. Careers like this aren’t often associated with the arts, but you’ll find that art is involved in almost everything. Art degrees should be encouraged, not something to be discriminated upon. And remember, at the end of the day, you career is about being happy in life. Don’t sacrifice joy for a higher paying career. Do what you know you’ll enjoy; you only get one life.
their lesson plans since they first started teaching. Everybody has had that teacher that advocates for the students and would do anything to get the students involved. There is a flip side to everything though. This is where the conservative, close minded teachers come into play. ShelbyMorrish Teachers are always a hit or miss situation. There OPINION WRITER are many teachers that are extremely appreciated for High school sounds like their ability to break students such an intimidating place when you are first introduced out of their shells and give them new ideas to work with. to it. The easiest way to be comfortable within an uncom- Those teachers are often recognized for being able to fortable position is to know somebody that you can go to. make school more enjoyable. However, there are teachAt school, teachers are a huge ers that make school a little contribution on whether you more less bearable. Baby are comfortable or not. talking to students, and treatThere are typically two ing them like children is not types of teachers, a group going to motivate them to do that is willing to adapt to the better. If anything, it is going students and then there are to be the initial sign that the others that haven’t changed
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
FYE Editor: Angela Kiester FYE Writers: Cyerra Haywood Ali Kone
class is going to be horrible. Especially when it comes to senior-level classes, most of the seniors are 17 and 18 years old. There is no need to talk down to the students. Quite frankly, it’s annoying and really doesn’t give students any motivation to try in that class. The students are almost adults, if not already, so that’s how they should be treated. It makes school difficult to cope with when there are complete opposite kinds of teachers. Students get used to having the more laid back teachers, so when they get around the more strict and condescending teachers, learning is a lot more dreadful. Thankfully, there are more liberal and open minded teachers at GBHS, making education easier on the students.
Sports Editor: Jake Rogers Sports Writers: Aliiah Esquivel Jensen Hansen Illustrator: Naomi Sauvola
A4·FYE·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
Street Art or Social Activism?
Banner’s Bookworm
Mindy Kaling: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)
AngelaKiester ENTERTAINMNT EDITOR
The street art to the right is one of Banksy’s pieces representing censorship and the government’s control.
“Keep your coins, I want change.” This graffiti paints a political picture showing that change is needed and opens the eyes of many to the problem with our society and homelessness.
Photo Credit: AngelaKiester
RylieDaniels EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Imagine living in New York City, working small jobs, and trying to make it big; all while dealing with friends and boys. That was Mindy Kaling’s life. Her book “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), Kaling talks about these things and everything else. She tells stories about her childhood and her upbringing so that people can understand why she is the way that she is. Kaling’s life in the big city was much different than when she was at home. The story she tells is just like a movie, with success and failure and then more success. She gives advice on how to make friends and then how to distinguish the good
ones from the bad. She tells about her first boyfriend and even her most recent one. She even gives suggestions for
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“I would rather have someone read my diary than look at my iPod playlists.” --Mindy Kaling
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Artist Banksy uses his artistic talent and popularity to express his political views. Graffiti is classified as vandalism which is a possible felony. The legality of the act puts more pressure on artists to make a stronger impact on the viewers.
She attended New York University and had to work her way up to the top and play hardball a couple of times to get what she wanted. Mindy Kaling invites readers into all aspects of her life with the intention of helping others with their own. “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other concerns) is not just an autobiography or another selfhelp book; it’s a funny and engaging journal-like writing that the reader won’t want to put down.
criteria on what makes a good boyfriend. Kaling also offers advice for the professional world from her own experience. Since she auditioned for, acted in, and wrote for NBC’s “The Office,” she has plenty of insight in that category.
Empire Excels African American TV Show Challenges Popular Stereotypes
what anyone really would exFor an hour on every pect it to be. There’s always a Wednesday night at 9 p.m, FYE EDITOR certain air of mystery in each millions of people are sucked Taraji P. Henson, Terrence episode, as if there’s someinto this enticing world, Howard, Trai Byers, Jussie thing that the audience doesn’t watching the struggles of Smollet, and Bryshere Gray. know but desperately wants to Cookie as she tries to bring What do all of these people find out. her family back together, have in common besides their The cast tells the story and watching her three sons: unique names? They’re the conveys their characters and Jamal, Hakeem, and Andre cast of the Fox’s latest hit in such a convincing way that struggle through things like show, “Empire,” the show that it’s hard to remember that being unaccepted by his father has been dominating televiTaraji P. Henson isn’t actually for being gay, mama issues, sion since it premiered in and bipolar January. disorder. For No an hour people one truly forget about underthe world that stands they are living what and enter the makes enticing world this of “Empire.” show so “Empire” appealis breaking ing to its down barriers. audiIt joins the rank ences, of great shows, and how like “Scandal” it has and “How to gained Photo Credit: FOX.com Get Away with the Empire cast members gather to break barriers and add Murder,” that suca cryptic aspect to television history. showcase black cess Cookie Lyon, one of the main people who hold positions of that it has in such a short time. characters of the show who power and aren’t just maids It might have something to served 17 years in prison for who serve people all day. It do with one of the executive drug dealing; or that Terrence showcases a successful black producers, Lee Daniels, who Howard isn’t actually Lusfamily battling through issues has also directed or written cious Lyon, the CEO of Emthat are considered to be taboo popular and successful movpire Enterprises, a successful in today’s society, and that is ies like “Precious” and “Lee Daniel’s The Butler.” Most of record label that has changed why it is excelling on televithe music industry in ways sion and will continue to excel Daniel’s projects have been that can’t even be described; until the very last episode. a hit or miss, but Empire is the Beyonce of record labels definitely a home run. The plot of the show is not if you will.
CyerraHaywood
B1·sports·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBan-
Coach of the Year
Photo Credit: CourtneyEvans
The varsity cheer team poses for a picture before the state competition in Grand Rapids. The ladies placed eighth among dozens of school.
Cheer makes history The team’s first time at states MikaylaGilbert PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
In previous years the Grand Blanc varsity cheer team has attended the state finals competition to see what the teams there are like. Not this year. The girls got to take the mats for the first time ever, at the biggest competition in the state. “Going to the state finals has been a goal of mine since freshmen year,” senior Emily McCoon said.
While picking out long term goals for the team, the senior girls have had “Qualify for the state finals” as a goal since freshmen year. Each girl had to write down a personal goal and a team goal, they then assess at the end of the season if that goal was met. Well the day has come for them to finally say that they reached their goal, and they were excited. The girls competed Deltaplex for a spot to be among
the states best teams. Cheer teams across the state compete for a chance to get on the Delta Plex mats. To make it this far is an amazing accomplishment for the entire team. “Even though we didn’t get top five like we we’re aiming to, we still felt proud of ourselves because it was out first time ever going to states,” sophomore Elizabeth Evans said. Although the girls didn't
meet their goal of making top five, they did meet their goal of going to states as a team. To continue the tradition of excellence, they hope to continue qualifying for states for years to come. “I’m just glad me and my team have come this far,” senior Alison Rousseau said. “We were ready to leave it all on the mat, no matter what happened.”
Academic allstars
Hard work paying off in a big way
LaurenCarr
season advanced. “At times, it was difficult to find time in the day to finThere are 168 hours in ish my homework with hours one week. Thirty-five of of practice taking up my free those hours are consumed time,” Drye said. “The further by school. Of the 133 hours we progressed into the sealeft, 20 are spent at cheer, not son, however, it was easier to counting the all day Saturday prioritize my time.” competitions. After cheering from Divvying up the remaining an early age up through time between friends, family her senior school year, and work, how does one set as well as excelling aside enough time to strive for in school, Drye was decent grades -- let alone exAfter a long three to four achieved her biggest goal. cel? For several cheerleaders, hour practice, the last thing I “I was accepted to the the effort put in on and off the University of Michiganwanted to do was come home mat is finally paying off. Ann Arbor,” Drye said. High marks are a priorand do homework. “I was indescribable. ity for many of the girls even Undoubtedly one of the with the pressures of being most gratifying, reward -- Samantha Denicolo state-level competitors. ing events of my life.” Senior Emily McCoon Currently enrolled at was determined to give her UM-Flint, alumni Shanall in school and sports when non Frederick fondly she made the varsity team her cheered all four years of high gotten it three years now. It remembered her time spent on freshman year. school as well, and has main- means a lot to me that my the team, even with the stress “The biggest challenge was tained her grades throughout hard work was recognized.” of school, work, and practice. having so much work and not and dedication throughout. Advancing through the “I used to think it was enough time,” McCoon said. “There has definitely been season, juggling school work impossible,” Frederick said. “Last year, for example, I had hard times,” Denicolo said. and staying committed to the “I thought I couldn’t handle four AP classes. I would go to “After a long three to four team could have proved a doing all of it at the same time. bed at 10 p.m. and wake up at hour practice, the last thing I challenge for some, but for Looking back, I’d do anything 4 a.m. just to do homework.” wanted to do was come home senior Madison Drye, learning to relive it, and I wouldn’t Although, advancing in and do homework.” to find balance came as the change a thing.” both areas of her life proved
SPORTS WRITER
to be a challenge, it was one McCoon was willing to take. “The biggest reward I received was scholarships for having good grades,” McCoon said. “I also got plenty of awards for Academic AllState.” Senior Samantha Denicolo
Despite difficulties, one of Denicolo’s proudest moments was being awarded for her work. “At the KLAA Association Competition, they give awards for a certain number of girls from each team based on their GPA,” Denicolo said. “I’ve
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Photo Credit: ChristinaSwansey
Coach Swansey poses with senior Emily Emerick and her mom Vicky. won the Class A MCCA State Champion. After taking time PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR off to start a family, she began Every coach in the district to coach at Grand Blanc and has been with here ever since. is put on a ballot and then “My reaction was shock,” all of the coaches vote. The Christina Swansey said. coach with the most votes “There were many fantastic wins the title. Although they coaches that were on the balare awaiting a three way tiebreaking ballot for Regionals lot and it didn’t even cross my mind that I would be honored Coach of the Year, there has in that way. I was looking at been a request for a revote the coach that I thought was between the three coaches. going to win and when they Coach Swansey has been said my name it took a mocoaching since she was 14. ment for it to register.” Swansey started coaching a The team had a reaction of youth pom team in Waterford. shock, but also one of pride After cheering for Waterford Mott, she went on to coach for because their coach has received such a great honor. the team. In 2002, her team
MikaylaGilbert
Achievements CCCAM Scholarship for $3500 Requirements: GPA Above 3.8 (first semester, on an unweighted scale) Recipients: Madison Drye Allison Rousseau CCCAM Scholarship Champions Bobcat Classic Champions KLAA West Division Champions KLAA Lakes Conference Champions KLAA Association Champions Regional Qualifiers State Finalists 8th Place in the state Academic All-State team District Coach of the Year: Christina Swansey
Grand Blanc Eyes Dr. Peter M. Agnone Dr. Ann A. Walker Dr. Stacey A. Alarie 1125 S. Saginaw Street Grand Blanc MI
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Getting to know Noah
Swimming off to states
Grand Blanc wrestler becomes state champ
The boys swim and dive team advance to the next round
JakeRogers
JensenHansen
SPORTS EDITOR
SPORTS WRITER
Photo Credit: MikaylaGilbert
Grand Blanc senior Noah Gonser has been named state champion for wrestling. Weighing 119 pounds, Noah defeated his competitor with a final score of nine to two. This was Noah’s 202 win in his high school career. Gonser is the first state champion at Grand Blanc since 2005 and only the third state champion in school history. Not only has Gonser gotten recognition around the school, but he has also gotten recognition from colleges around the country. Gonser has many college offers, but has narrowed it down to three. Let’s see where the future takes him.
Q: How does it feel to be the first state champion wrestler in Grand Blanc in 10 years let alone state champion? A: “It’s a good way to close out all of my hardwork. It’s actually kind of a relief.” Q: When did you begin wrestling? A: “I began wrestling when I was eight.” Q: Who got you into wrestling? A: “My dad did.” Q: How much work did it take to get to this level? A: “It took a lot of work. I would have to drive hundreds of miles to go to practices every Sunday to find the right partners.” Q: Did you ever have any doubters? A: “The only doubter I’ve ever really had was myself.” Q: Have you gotten any offers from colleges to wrestle? A: “I have. My top three choices are Army, Michigan State University, and Alma College.”
Illustration Credit: jpneok
Q: Do you want to take your wrestling career farther? A: “I’m not sure. The only step farther you can go after college is the olympics which is a whole different style of wrestling. If that never happens I would like to be a coach.”
Varsity hoops roundup
Boys basketball season comes to an end
As the season ended, the Grand Blanc divers headed off for Regionals. The divers had a great appearance at Regionals with sophomore Jared Berger placing 13th, sophomore Tai Sims 19th, and sophomore Kay Whitmore, 21st. Only the top 12 finishers make it to States. The Diving Bobcats had a fantastic season, according to coach Emily Overmyer. “Regionals was a success,” Sims said. “It was very easy for us to come together as a team because we’re all really close.” The Bobcats had a “Last Chance” meet at Waterford Mott High School. This meet was the last meet for the boys to make the state cuts. During the first run of the meet, the Bobcats fell short of state qualifying times. During the second run of the meet, they picked it up and fought. There were six total events for the second run, and the Bobcats qualified for three of the six events. Overall, the team challenged themselves, and came out fierce. On Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 at Eastern Michigan University, the Swimming Bobcats competed
The future is bright
Pistons look to make playoffs
The Detroit Pistons have been on a rollercoaster ride of a season. After starting the season off 5-23, general manager and coach Stan Van Gundy decided to cut big name player Josh Smith.
"We're 5-23," Stan Van Gundy told the Detroit Free Press. "If we were 12-16, we'd be looking at this differently. But when you're 5-23, we had to reassess what we were doing. Nobody saw 5-23 coming. We weren't getting the results we were looking for. It was decided that it was best that we went in another direction." Unfortunately, a few games after the release of Smith, Detroit lost starting point guard Brandon Jennings for the season due to a torn achilles. Since Jennings’ injury, the Pistons have made two trades which brought in point guard Reggie Jackson to Detroit. These trades have changed the way Detroit looks and makes them a talented squad for the future. The only problem with the future of the Pistons is bringing back coveted big man Greg Monroe. Monroe is a big name big man and will draw a
Boys Varsity Lacrosse: 3-27 @ Brighton
Girls Varsity Tennis: 3-28 @ Holly
Girls JV Lacrosse: 3-25 vs. Novi 3-30 @ Canton
Girls Water Polo: 3-26 @ Chelsea
JacobRogers SPORTS EDITOR
AliiahEsquivel Even though a lot of the seniors are going in different As the season concluded, directions, some still plan to the varsity team played Brancome back to watch next year. don with a final score of 57“Of course I plan to re37. Later that week, turn,” Schroer said. the team faced off “I want to watch all Trevon and I have against Holly where the juniors and sophobeen playing basketclose friends went mores and see how head to head. Holly the team does,” senior ball together for player Jake Daniels Hayden Fraiser said. a long time, if anyand Bobcat Trevon Although the Avery came head to thing it’s going to season may be over, head in the playoffs the team will continue be an honor playing for the first time. Betheir bond as well as with him again. ing good friends, and their love for the sport. also being their last Returning players season, the two both are hoping for a great -- Jake Daniels wanted to see each season next year. other do great. “I am hoping for an “Trevon and I undefeated team next year and have been playing basketto go to states,” junior Zach ball together for a long time, high school games,” senior Leedom said. if anything it’s going to be Jake Schroer said. an honor playing with him again,” Daniels said. Being seniors, a lot of pressure as well as teamwork came into play. The team as a whole wanted to make the JV Baseball: JV Softball: best of their final season. 3-24 @ Lapeer 3-24 @ Lapeer “I want to be proud of the 3-26 @ Swartz Creek 3-31 vs. Hartland way we played as a team in 4-1 vs. Walled Lake North4-1 vs. Walled Lake Northern the end,” senior Bryan Pol3-31 @ Hartland ern lard said. 4-1 @ Walled Lake Northern The team showed teamVarsity Baseball: work all throughout the Track and Field: 3-24 vs. Lapeer year with the help of head 3-26 @ Saline 3-26 vs. Swartz Creek coach Rob McRae. All of 3-31 vs. Howell 4-1 @ Walled Lake Norththe seniors on the team had 3-27 @ Brighton ern one goal: to finish great. The 3-30 vs. Canton 4-7 @ Lanseville, Indiana seniors will miss a lot though 4-10 @ Lake Orion as the season ended SPORTS WRITER
“I am going to miss playing on Friday nights and just having those Friday night
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against teams from all over you have constantly worked the state. Grand Blanc had for all season to achieve is seven qualifiers. Junior Ryan Johnston, junior Bailey Curtis, Photo Credit: JensenHansen junior Julian Jonathan Hansen speeds through a Rus- 100 freestyle during practice. They sell , then went to states. junior Nick Price, junior Matt Wolf- one of the best feelings ever.” gram, sophomore JD Walker, Preparing for States can and senior Kenny Joynt. be a very hard thing to do. The swimmers have prac“I’ve made sure to octiced strong, and have gone casionally visualize my race through practices focusing and think of the goals that I mainly on the events that they have for the meet,” Wolfgram are swimming at States. said. “I’m also just trying to “We worked a lot on techstay composed and excited.” nique to perfect our events,” Staying focused during a Johnston said. “We also thrilling meet is also a very worked on starts and finishes hard thing to do. so that we can drop time for “I need to think about how our relays.” to swim my event efficiently States is the biggest meet and go through the fundafor the Bobcats. They have mentals,” Curtis said. “The put in the work to get there. small stuff really counts in a All the hard work, time, and race, especially at States.” excruciating pain is finally The boys finished out a paying off. fantastic season, and hope to “It feels great,” Joynt said. break numerous records next “Finally reaching a goal that year.
Photo Credit:KeithAllison
Andre Drummond shoots a free throw against Washigton.
lot of attention this offseason. It would be a huge blow if he left the Motor City. If Monroe does in fact stay with the Pistons, they have to worry about free agency in 2016. Both star big man Andre Drummond and Brandon Jennings will be free agents. Luckily, Drummond will be a restricted free agent so we could get him back for cheap. But then there is Jennings. Now that we have acquired Reggie Jackson, coach and president Stan Van Gundy has said Jackson is the point guard of the future. Where does Jennings go? Probably on another team. Even though he’s a great talent, there won’t be room for him on the roster. There are going to be some really tough decisions in the coming years for the Pistons. But, with a solid core, Detroit has a bright future and it would be a surprise if they didn’t make a championship run in coming seasons.
Upcoming Games
Girls Varsity Lacrosse: 3-25 vs. Novi 3-30 @ Canton
Illustration Credit: KatteKrab
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Please excuse: Seniors
Photo Credit: KellyGrant
Are students with senioritis suffering a myth or actual condition? Christian LaRue said. Alsenioritis all you like on May though only two years into the 14th, which is the day the high school game, LaRue after our AP exam. These kids FEATURE EDITOR was already affected. “Yes, I can’t afford it. We’re talking Whether myth or actual already am and I’m a sophothree credits on the line, that’s condition, the infamous and more. [Senioritis] started the potentially close to $5000 incapacitating senioritis is very beginning of freshman in savings by NOT getting as dangerous as it sounds. year. Day one.” senioritis.” Students suffer from days Although this epidemic Whether it be Statistics or to weeks to months of semimay affect the general poputhe hard sciences, educators conscious schooling, drooling, lace, not every senior is buyhave seen similar patterns and another grueling 3 months ing into it. Regularly, seniori- among students. of late work and laziness with tis depicts lethargy, lack of “Over the years I’ve notheir only reasoning being, motivation, and major proticed a drop in motivation,” “Eh. I’ve got senioritis.” crastination. Some not only physics teacher Craig Trom“It is a real condition,” find it a myth, but an excuse. bly said. “A decrease in prosenior Janelle Owens said. “It’s stupid, it’s not a real duction, overall attentiveness “When I was a sophomore, I thing,” senior Najelle Gilmis down, attendance is down, took APUSH (AP U.S. Histo- ore said. “[Seniors] are using people start looking for ways ry), and when I took APUSH, senioritis as a crutch to get off to work the attendance policy. I was convinced that I already on an easy senior year so they It may affect some students, had senioritis. I would wait can have more fun rather than but from year to year, whether until the day before to study doing work. People say that it be my first year or my ninth and do all that jazz, but in the they have senioritis, but its re- year, there are always students end I was still studying, I was ally just when we get a lot of who work all the way to the just waiting a really end and there are a long time to study. large portion that But this year, I go just get lethargic.” home and I don’t Senioritis efstudy at all.” fects all subjects, I think that is Whether it is including English, senioritis; just going home which has had its waiting until the last minute to do and doing share. homework, not “I can’t tell absolutely nothing and doing homework you how many at all, or just being hoping it will still be okay students take that so ‘done’ with high last eighth semesin the end. school, the definiter off,” English tion of senioritis teacher James can be a bit elusive. Stuck said. “Their “So I’m doing grades slide, their nothing when I focus slides, and go home,” Owens --Janelle Owens then they have the said. I think that summer off. A lot is senioritis; just going home homework to do. It’s not real, of the times those kids, and and doing absolutely nothing get over it.” this has shown with research, and hoping it will still be okay Just as some seniors aren’t they start their first year of in the end.” falling into the senioritis sub- college basically being cold Although senioritis is only terfuge, neither are many of and untrained and not having for seniors by trade, its effects Grand Blanc’s teachers. put forth any effort for six are slowly trickling down “I mean it really affects months or more. Those kinds to the lower grades. Juniors, people, but it’s a fabricated of students typically flunk sophomores, and even the condition,” math teacher out at an incredibly high rate. occasional freshmen testify to Sarah Johnson said. “You can Most of them, at least half having senioritis. train your mind to believe of them, don’t finish the first “It’s definitely an actual whatever you would like it to year of school. A lot of them condition,” junior Brendan believe, but it’s a choice. Did I won’t even last two years Rogers said. “I’m not as afmake that same choice? Prob- of college and then they’re fected as much as I would say ably, but it is a choice.” done.” a real senior, it’s definitely That raises the question, Whether a genuine conthere. There are times where I does curriculum slow down as cern or a half-hearted alibi, don’t want to work in class or students slow down? seniors throughout the school get stuff done just because I’m “No, that’s the sad part,” either persevere through looking forward to getting out Johnson said. “Especially the their fourth and final year, or of school or graduating, stuff kids with AP courses, those find themselves hell-bent on like that.” classes don’t test until midhopelessness, all at the feet of Even sophomores undergo May. I always tell my kids in senioritis. symptoms. AP Stats that you can have “Very real,” sophomore
KellyGrant
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Recommended Treatment:
“Know that it’s a decision, and that you can change that decision at any time. Is it okay to kind of relax sometimes? Sure. Senior year is supposed to be fun. But it’s also a time when, especially our AP kids, there’s just too much on the line in those courses, but also there a lot more colleges demanding 8th semester grades. We’ve gotten a couple of letters that students have shared with us over the years where students were unadmitted based on their 8th semester grades. So senioritis has very real implications.”
--Sarah Johnson
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“Work hard. If I had the answer to that I could bottle it up and sell it, it happens to virtually all seniors every year. Just try to stay focused and if other people are checking out don’t let that affect you... but it’s easier said than done.” --Craig Trombly
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“Knock it off. Honestly. While you might be tired, get over it, get with it, and then get something accomplished. Graduating high school is not an accomplishment, it is an expectation. You should graduate high school. The accomplishment comes later on. When you actually get a degree, or you get a career. This is not the finish line, this is just a leg in the race and you need to treat it as such.” --James Stuck
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E-cigarettes are on the rise
FEATURE WRITER
Over the years cigarette smoking has become less of a popular activity and more of something that is frowned upon. Less people smoke compared to the past and programs like the ‘Finish it Campaign’ are showcasing the gradual switch in feelings directed away from cigarette smoking. However, with the rejection of cigarettes, a new product has been brought to the front line known as the electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette delivers the same feeling as if someone was smoking an actual cigarette. This may be because of the similar chemicals in the e-cigarette as there are in an actual cigarette. ”Yes,” Health Education teacher Heather Willing said. “Obviously cigarettes have all these chemicals that you’re exposing your body to just like vaping.” While some enjoy the
Celebrating women this March
2015 is “Weaving the Stories Gryzmkowski knows full well of Women’s Lives.” how women are often ignored The main focus of this in history. FEATURE WRITER year’s theme is “hearing “What’s sad is that even The ending of winter, St. women’s stories, both person- girls and women don’t realize Patrick’s Day, and longer and ally and in a larger context,” that (women) are undervalsunnier days are what most according to the National ued,” Gryzmkowski said. people look forward to during Women’s History Project. “There are still misconcepMarch. What they often forget The goal of the recalling of tions about the roles women is a frequently overlooked women’s talents and sacriplay as leaders.” month-long celebration. That fices is to pave the way for Overall, women in the celebration is Women’s Hismore women to be inspired to workplace still make less than tory Month. achieve greater things. men at the same jobs. The March is dedicated to the The importance of the average was a startling differrecognizing of all the great recognition of women’s imence of 78 cents on the dollar achievements according to women have the Institute feeling of smoking and feel “These cigarette compamade to America for Women’s healthier vaping as opposed nies are marketing vaping to throughout hisPolicy Reto smoking, others can see the kids, but kids never smoke in tory. search. dangers and the disadvantages the first place,” Willing said. It was first Not only of both smoking cigarettes “They’re exposing kids to erecognized nado they sufand vaping. cigarettes at a young age.” tionally by Presifer from the ”Vaping is definitely just as Just as peer pressure has its dent Jimmy Cartgender pay gap dangerous as smoking,” Will- effects on teens, so does com- er on March 8, but they hold ing said when asked about mercial marketing. Students 1980 as a week far fewer posithe differences between the aren’t necessarily forced to long dedications of power two. “There are four cancersmoke e-cigs, but the market- tion to women’s throughout our ous causing substances in it: ing of it certainly does have achievements. country from heavy metals, nicotine, volaan impact on them. Eventually it the board room tile organic compounds, and This vaping trend isn’t just expanded to the Women marching to Versailles, France. Although to the floor the March of Versailles occured in October 1789, it carcinogens.” on the rise in GB, but, the entire month is still a prominent example of early women taking of Congress. Some students have also entire U.S. Statistics show as each presi- a stand against injustice. Women only been suspended for using an that e-cigs are a rapidly rising dent since has make up 20 electronic cigarette on school product. proclaimed the month as pact on American history still percent of the Senate and property. According to vapenewsWomen’s History Month. 18.2 percent of the House of holds strong today. Office records indicate that magazine.com, from 2008 to In addition to the presiden“Women make up over 50 Representatives.In total, there there have been eight students 2013, e-cig sales have risen tial proclamations, the Nation- percent of the population but are only 99 women of the 535 suspended this year for vapfrom 20 million to 1 billion. al Women’s History Project members in Congress. yet take secondary roles in ing, whereas last year there That’s five times more the (which has always been a In a country that has yet the textbook,” history teacher were none. Those statistics in- number of e-cigs sold than in main driving force behind to see a woman as our naHeather Gryzmkowski said. dicate a 400 percent increase 2008. the recognition of the month) “You need a women’s month tional leader, it is the hope of in vaping from the 2013-2014 Some are more open to the declares annual themes for Women’s History Month that to highlight the fact that school year to this school idea than others, but the new the month. These date back people continue to acknowlwomen have had to endure year alone. While it is against product that’s been brought to March 1987 and include edge the success women have things that maybe haven't school policy to be using eforward due to the lack of such themes as “Discover been documented throughout had and to realize the crucial cigarettes on school property, analog cigarette purchases is a New World,” “Living the contributions women have history.” some teens at GBHS have rapidly on the rise across the Legacy,” and “Our History is made to the nation’s overall As a female teacher in a still fallen under the spell of country, especially in GB. Our Strength.” The theme for male-dominated subject area success. advertisements.
Cigarettes take a back seat to the e-cigs across the nation and in GB MollyRoberts
HERstory TyGarza