A1·news·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
THE
BOBCATBANNER GBHS STUDENT PRESS
vo l . 5 0 i s s u e 8
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Synergy glitch TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION A NEWS A1-A2 OPINION A3 FYE A4
SECTION B SPORTS B1-B2 FEATURE B3-B4
IN SECTION A
A2 AP CLASSES A3 ABSENCES A4 VACATIONS IN SECTION B
B1 WATER POLO B2 WRAP- UP B3 MEMORY BOX B4 ELECTIONS
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Will this be the final straw before switching to a new system?
tive grades, and 20 percent formative grades. When that HunterBostley system is taken out grades are NEWS EDITOR calculated by adding up all the points of the assignments, Synergy has caused some which changes the percentserious issues this school year. ages drastically. At the end of our third markThis teacher reported the ing period the school experiproblem to assistant princienced one of Synergy’s worst pal Trish Poelke and it was glitch yet. discovered just over twenty The glitch was discovered teaches had the weighting of when a student emailed her grades removed in at least one teacher about a random drop in her grade. It was after the grades were due, and at that time there is little a teacher can do to change the grade. The issue class. was looked into further, and “This was not a teacher it was discovered that the error, this was a system error,” weighting of the grades had Synergy building contract “disappeared”. Grades are Marie Baurmeister said. “We weighted 80 percent summastill cannot tell you why it
happened, we cannot pinpoint why it happened only to some teachers in some of their hours.” Once it was discovered that this error occured in a some classes of select teachers all class grades had to be checked and redone. The news of this error was released to students and parents and several complaints were filed with Poelke and Dr.
Hammond. “It is a difficult conversation to have with parents, because I wouldn’t want that to happen to my own kids,” Poelke said.
PhotoCredit: HunterBostley
Students and staff are angered by the major Synergy glitch affecting end of 3rd period grades. Dr. Hammond had addressed the teachers affected giving a certain amount of latitude in how teachers could address the situation. “By the time students had been informed that a glitch had occurred, teachers had already been given the opportunity to look at grade books and reach some conclusions,” English teacher Daniel Clark said. Clark and a handful of other teachers decided to let the students who were helped by the glitch keep their grades, and those who weren’t
Tis the season for fines Find out what movies will be big this summer
The end of the school year could cost you more than you think...
book I checked out two years for quite some time, which ago” senior Lena Yang said. was a break from traditional Head librarian Amy Schhigh school library policy.” NEWS WRITER weitzer explains exactly what Books aren’t the only You know that six pound is expected of students when thing you can be charged for. Humanities book your teacher checking out materials. Materials such as science makes you lug around? When “The current policy, as of lab materials, calculators or is the last time you saw that? borrowed class mateOr how about that copy rial can rack up a hefty of Wuthering Heights fine. In addition, when it for AP lit? It’s that time I don’t think i should came time to buy prom of year again to find all of those overdue books, be kept from walking tickets, several students but now there’s a price at graduation because were unable to buy their tickets due to fines. to pay. “Students do resolve of a 5 cent book fine. Recently, the library any overdue materials has begun enforcing by renewing or returntheir policy of overdue --Emily Benson ing the item and settling book fines, which hasn’t the overdue fine prior exactly sat well with stuto purchasing tickets.” dents, especially those Schweitzer said. who are avid readers. Some feel the reperStudents who frequently last October, is ten cents per cussions for not paying fines check books out from the due to the library may be too library have found it increas- day up to, but not exceeding, $5,” librarian Amy Schweitzer extreme. ingly difficult to keep up with said, “Prior to then the library “I think it’s dumb, they just the growing fines. had not assessed overdue fines shouldn’t be able to walk or “I was charged once for a
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Senior athletes look back on their favorite moment this year
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Do you know how to write a proper thank you letter? Find out!
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they helped get back to their original percentage. Teachers were asked about their personal opinion of the Synergy grading program. “I personally really dislike Synergy, I have had several times where I will put grades in and it doesn’t save and they just disappear,” Baurmeister said. “We are looking to switch to Jupiter grades next year, we need to see if the system fits.” Clark agreed with Bauermeister in the fact that Synergy seems to be unreliable with grades. Several teachers, including Clark, still use programs such as Juno for class assignments and quizzes. This program is linked with Jupiter Grades, which would make the transition to Jupiter Grades much smoother.
something until they pay their fine, but not screw up buying their prom tickets, especially when we only had a couple days to buy them,” said senior Alli Stephen. But don’t think you’re getting off the hook now that prom has passed. Seniors are also required to pay any existing fines in order to walk at graduation. “I don’t think I should be kept from walking at graduation over a 5 cent book fine” senior Emily Benson said. Student adviser Kevin Keilitz says these policies were only implemented as a way to make sure all fines are paid by the years end. Schweitzer says the overall amount of fines owed varies year to year, and hopes it to be zero this year.
A2·news·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
A tale of two AP Classes Grand Blanc Alumni talk about their experiences with AP classes
SabrinaJarrah NEWS WRITER
Former Grand Blanc student, Roseanna Rayyan has taken so many Advanced Placement courses throughout her high school career. Classes such as AP Government, AP Microeconomics, AP Biology, AP Psychology and AP Literature either had a positive or negative outcome as she moved on to university. “I go to Detroit Mercy and they don’t accept any AP science classes so AP Biology didn’t help me at all,” said Rayyan. The rigorous classes not only introduce students to collegelevel academics but also help students save on college expenses. “The only class my university accepted that pertained to my
major was AP Psychology,” said Rayyan. “It saved me three college credits which equaled one class. In other words, I saved about $1,000 from taking it.” High School AP classes consists of a range of subjects including United States History, Government, Economics, Geography, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, Statistics, Literature, Psychology, and Foreign Language. In addition, students have the option to take a 5-point AP exam, allowing students to score a 3 or higher to pass. However, scoring may be different to some universities. “When I was in high school, AP classes was a new system that was just introduced to us so there wasn’t a lot of classes we can choose from.” said Rayyan. “I really enjoyed AP Psychology and AP Government, I think both of those classes were well organized and taught. I didn’t
You Snooze you Lose
Racking up too many absences can have major repercussions Peggy Wray, there were a total of 150 students on attendance contracts last semester. NEWS WRITER “Our biggest concern 6:00 am. Snooze. 6:10 am. is why are there so many Snooze. How many times students missing more than do you hit the snooze but10 days a semester?” Kevin ton before deciding it’s not Keilitz said. “Also the kind of even worth it to get out of impact it will have on the stubed today? But believe it or not, dismissing that alarm too dent’s academic achievement and or potential when they many times can have major miss so many days.” consequences. Some students missing We have all had days when we missed miss school, these large amounts of school say that their absence has not whether it was due to an appointment, personal issue, or had any noticeable affect on just plain didn’t feel like com- their academics. “I got one because I’ve ing. After obtaining a total missed 11 of 10 days in my absenchumanities es, you class,” senior get put Our biggest Madison on an concern is why so Miley said, attenmany students are “It hasn’t dance contract, missing more than affected my grades though stating 10 days in a because I still you will have an A in semester. not miss that class so anyI think I still more --Kevin Keilitz deserve the school, credit.” and any Besides extra just not “feelabsencing” it, or es obtained will cause you to wanting to come to school, lose credit for your classes. some students have to miss According to secretary
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like taking AP Biology because I never got the college credit for it which could have helped me big time with my major.” Sharbel Massoud took three AP classes between his sophomore and senior year at Grand Blanc. “I took APUSH, Microeconomics and Macroeconomics” said Massoud, “I absolutely hated APUSH because I had to pay like $80 for the standardized test and I got a 3 which was a passing score but I ended up receiving no college credit for it anyways and instead I had to take World History my freshman year in college.” Now a sophomore at University of Michigan- Flint, Sharbel is studying Political Science. “Microeconomics and Macroeconomics both helped indirectly with my major,” said Massoud, “ I didn’t take the exam for both of them because
The Feminist League What is feminism, and how is it affecting you? Grand Blanc, but to have all of our fliers ripped down in three hours is beyond what I NEWS EDITOR was expecting,” Arbit said. Feminism is a fight for gender There isn’t just push back equality and the fight conhere in GB, there have been tinues here. Kaite Martin groups of men around the and Eyman Mohammed are world who have started “Methe founders of the Feminist ninism.” Arbit went on to exLeague. plain more about that group. “We want to find a way “The people who are to make positive change,” meninist would say they are Feminist League fighting against sponsor and math the stupidity that teacher Michael is feminism, they Arbit said. “We are the people who want to get people know that the world thinking about what does not need femifeminism actually nists,” Arbit said. means.” “They aren’t actuMartin opens up ally sticking up for about how this permen’s rights, they sonally affects her. are just hating on “This is what I feminists because want to do with my they don’t underlife, empower womPhotoCredit: HunterBostley stand what it is, and en, so I thought that they are afraid they it is better late than never to asked why and he responded are going to lose their privistart the league,” Martin said. with ‘this is just a little lege.” “GB needs feminism.” much,’” Arbit said. “ApparThe Feminist League is Feminism is often misently just talking about gender seeking to make positive construed based on its title. equality issues is a little change in the fight for gender Arbit when on to explain what much.” equality. feminism truly is. Both Arbit and Martin “You just have to listen to “Some people think it is found this frustrating. people who are different than about hating men which is “In a way I expected there you,” Arbit said. not true at all; it is just about Feminist meets every Tuestrying to get the genders to be would be some push back to starting a feminist club in day after school in room Mr. equal,” Arbit said. Arbits room, 238.
HunterBostley
school for circumstances out of their control. “I was on an attendance contract my freshman year because I used to get awful migraines that would keep me out of school for days,” senior Bree Klaus said. “I think I missed 11 days.” No matter your reasoning, in order to maintain your credit in the class, you must submit a letter of appeal to Dr. Hammond for approval. Generally, students give an explanation as to why they missed so many days and why they deserve to keep the credit for the class or classes. So whether you’re a senior and you’re in the homestretch of high school, or a freshman with three years lengthy ahead of you, your attendance can play a huge role in your success in high school.
I didn’t want to waste money on something I knew I was going to fail anyways but I still ended up taking more advanced economics and financing classes in college which are helping me right now.” Even without receiving college credit, AP classes are supposed to help students handle more challenging issues and problems and gives an idea about what to expect as student prepare themselves for their next journey. “My biggest advice to students who are taking or thinking about taking AP classes is that you must commit your time to the homework, pay attention and take really good notes.” said Massoud, “You can’t afford to be lazy especially if you are or thinking about taking more than one AP class. Just do what you have to do and you will be fine.”
The League posted several posters around the school to attract people to come join. The posters featured phrases like “Clothing doesn’t equal consent” and “Fighting for social justice.” Several of the posters were torn down by the next day. “Our vice president Eyman Mohammed caught a student taking down a poster and
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A3·opinion·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
A letter to incoming classes
Studying Abroad
Some perspective on Expanding your experiences the years to come from a graduating ShelbyMorrish senior OPINION WRITER
Senior year approaches just as quickly as it ends. As the class of 2015 leaves, the class of 2016 is buckled up and ready to cruise through the rest of their high school career. Juniors, Please don’t take your last year of high school as a joke. It goes so quickly and nobody can ever get that time back. Don’t get me wrong, taking blow off classes and making jokes about senioritis is the hip thing to do, but more importantly, senior year is the year that large amounts of adult decisions are forced to be made. Take it seriously but take full advantage of all of the opportunities coming your way! Embrace the fact that senior year is the shortest out of all high school years, and time really does fly by. Having a countdown of days makes every school day easier in a sense. There isn’t an easy way to elaborate the decisions seniors are faced with daily. College, financial aid, senior pictures, graduation, open houses, and so on. All of these are factors that need to be considered. Early on in senior year, you must fill out college applications. It is always a safe bet to fill out 3-5 applications in order to have options. Financial aid (FASFA) forms are also key. Don’t procrastinate the important things. Have fun while you can, but still keep life decisions in mind. There are great amounts of senior related activities that can be participated in, walking at graduation being just one of them. Do you already know who you plan on walking with? Do all that you can and make the absolute best of it because it will all be over before you know it. Take care of the important aspects of everything first and don’t wait until the last minute to start your credit recovery class knowing it will probably end in summer school. Nobody wants to spend their summer between high school and freshman year of college dwelling on high school work. It is a new chapter of life that everybody should be able to embrace with an accomplished feeling. Dive in head on, and make the most of the time you have left in GBHS.
LucSavoie OPINION EDITOR
As the end of the year approaches, so does the end of many of our high school careers. For seniors, college is finally right around the corner. That thing we watched movies about, anticipated, and, for some of us, dreaded, is finally here. So of course, the decision of where to study is a very important one. Many have waited 18 years to move away. Whether it’s a few hours away in Michigan or even out of state, many people are going to experience real independence for the first
time. This can be terrifying and exciting for many young adults, however, many people are facing these challenges while staying at home for college. When making the decision, it’s important to remember that there are several outstanding universities here at home. Also, it’s a very efficient way to save money. As for myself, because I’m staying home for school, I’m paying for college upfront without any loans. For underclassmen without any strong college preferences, I definitely recommend this approach. Sure, going away to school is so tempting, but financially, staying home can be a very sound decision. Now, if you save up, there is a way to go even farther away for college eventually. Many people choose to study abroad their junior year of college. It can be a chance to experience the world before you get too old. If you work hard enough in your early years of college, you might
be able to get scholarships or even just save the money to move across the world to study what you love, even if it’s not an English-speaking country. If you’ve kept your grades high, you might qualify to enroll for an honors program in college. Some honors programs, such as the one at UM-Flint, actually require studying abroad experience for its graduates. The good news is that they offer up to $3,000 for every honors student to study in another state or country. If you’ve always wanted to see the world, this may be one of the last chances you have to get out and see what other places have to offer, while studying what you love in the process. Although many set their sights on the school they’ve always loved and the stadiums in which they’ve always spectated, I for one have my sights on the globe. Studying abroad is an opportunity I don’t plan on missing.
Ten absences, ten chances
Rethinking attendance contracts and what we can do to improve Staff Editorial
Some of the Banner staff are excited for the last issue to come out. They put thumbs up for having a great year.
Bon Voyage What we leave behind will be a handing down of leadership from the senior class to the juniors. It may seem odd, but it will happen to all classes eventually. The graduating class was once the underdogs. All students start at the same spot. It is working up to senior that is important because once you graduate, the rest of your ChaseChism life begins. OPINION WRITER Although the seniors It’s that time again. get out a month and a half The time of year where early, this time is used for the seniors leave and the preparation and relaxation. school becomes one quarter Graduates use this time to empty. Some classes will get everything done that be vacant, the hallways will they need to before they go appear less full, and there on to college. Editor-in-Chief: Rylie Daniels Advisor: Nick Popadich Managing Editor: Ty Garza Business Manager: Andrea Northrup
News Editor: Hunter Bostley News Writers: Corrin Fancher Sabrina Jarrah Photo Editor: Mikayla Gilbert
For some, senior year is easy, days filled with blowoff classes and simple assignments. But for some, it is a very stressful conclusion to a high school career, planning for the future. After all tests and exams are done, it is nice to be able to sleep in, or just spend time with friends. Graduating is something to look forward to, but also something to prepare for. It cannot be put on the back burner, but have fun. High school happens once, and it is what you make of it that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Ten days. That’s all you get in a semester to miss school. This includes when you are sick, family problems, and personal days. Is this fair? Some students have lives and experiences that are so stressful and tempestuous, we cannot even begin to imagine what their lives are like. On the other hand, when students get out into the workforce, there are no attendance contracts. When you are working, you do not get a warning. It is either you show up, or get fired. “I’m really not sure why students feel that they can miss so many days,” student advisor Kevin Keilitz said, “Unfortunately, we are a very
large two campus school with hundreds of students crossing every day which allows easy access to skip class.” What is the solution? Maybe we could have alternatives, like creating a system where students make up for missed days in a constructive way. Maybe making students who skip too many days give up their free time to be here to make up for lost time. We also could try to get to the root of the problem of why students are missing so many days. “[Students miss school] because you don’t really need to be in school to learn anything,” senior Tia Patrick said, “[Teachers could] make it more interactive because (now) they just put the notes
REAL LIFE LAUGHS
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
online so you could just do everything at home.” If students feel that they can do everything from home, why would they want to get up at 6 a.m. and sit through the day? Honestly, because they have to. “I know when I was in high school it was unheard of for students to miss more than 10 in a school year let alone a semester,” Keilitz said. One could argue that the times are different. There are situations now that other generations haven’t dealt with. But should it make a difference? Bottom line, students need to understand that school is important, and the school needs to be understanding of different students’ situations.
By: LucSavoie
Sports Editor: Jake Rogers Sports Writers: Aliiah Esquivel Jensen Hansen Illustrator: Naomi Sauvola
A4·FYE·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
Summer Vacation Investigation AngelaKiester FYE EDITOR
Not sure what to do this summer? Take this handy quiz to find out.
Answers: If you answered mostly “A”
A road trip across the country would be best for you! Meet new people and enjoy some independence while trying new things. The experiences on this wild vacation are endless.
When you’re on a family vacation you: a. Go off on your own and meet new people b. Spend time with your family at the beach c. Are on the phone talking to friends back home Shopping for this summer, you mostly bought: a. New style trends b. Bathing Suits c. Post Cards
If you answered mostly “B”
What’s the most important thing to bring on a vacation? a. Camera b. Sunscreen c. A friend
While away you bought: a. Surfing lessons b. Clothes c. Souvenirs for friends
The worst part of vacations is: a. Being stuck in a hotel b. Getting sunburnt c. Not having service
Movies to see this summer:
1400 E. Hill Road Grand Blanc MI (810)603-2750
This summer it would be great to visit family out of state. Not only are there multiple new ways to have fun, you can enjoy those fun activities with people you care about.
If you answered mostly “C”
Try something new this summer and go on a vacation with a group of close friends. You can try new things and still enjoy them without feeling left out of what’s happening at home.
B1·sports·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
Sports wrap-up The spring sports season nears an end
Photo Credit: KallieWheeler
Senior Ryan Bartkowiak gets ready to swing at a pitch. The next varsity baseball game is 5-15 against Flushing.
LaurenCarr
playing on varsity, he’s now FEATURE WRITER facing the last few days of his career. With an entire school year “We’ve had quite a few barely peeking in the reartournaments this year, and view, students are finally we’ve gotten better since the getting a taste of something beginning of the season,” Casother than bitterly cold tempstanos said. “Everyone on the summer. But with a new team has gotten to know each season, comes the close of other. We’ve all become good another. Spring sports spent friends, so it’s tough to see the their season in rain, snow, season wrap up.” sleet, and eventually- sun. Over the course of a After a whirlwind of weather, few weeks, and even a few however, it’s come the time to months, many players on difwrap up the sports, and face ferent teams form friendships towards the fall of next year. that don’t end with the final For many athletes, the game. Junior Parker Koons close of the year has brought returned to the varsity lacrosse with it a bittersweet end. team to face a new handful of Senior Anthony Castanos has challenges that tested not only spent his whole life working him- but his team as a whole. up to high school golf. After “Honestly, we’ve had a
lot of bad things happen to the whole team,” Koons said. “But we’ve finally start to pull together as a team. We’ve started improving in the past couple weeks. From here, I’d say our goal is just to finish up with a winning season.” For senior Madison Behm, her lacrosse career may be coming to an end, but she has seen a lot of success. “In the start of the season we were losing to some tough teams,” Behm said. “Since then, we’ve pulled together and started closing the score gap. Coming up to the end of the year, I hope to see a lot more wins.”
B2·sports·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBanner
The polo-cats GBWP conquers the pool
JensenHansen SPORTS WRITER
Water Polo girls are some of the toughest girls in our school. They sharpen their nails for battle, have two practices every day five days a week, and require the strength to stay off the bottom of the pool for entire games. The Lady Cats have competed in three tournaments: The East Grand Rapids Tournament, The Mason Bulldog Tournament, and the Groves Tournament. Out of those
retirement of Dan Command, the girls have had to adjust to Overmyer’s coaching. “The whole team hasn’t really changed,” senior and Captain Andie McNally said. “Some of the older kids (seniors) have a had a hard time because they’ve dealt with Command the longest.” The Lady Cats are a very tight knit group. Every chance they get together, they’ll take it. Even through the hard
water, sprinting through the water, and having something called “The Circle of Death.” “We had to tread in the water while holding medicine balls and chairs above our heads,” sophomore Lauren Hammond said. With many games, hard work, dedication, and time, the girls are keeping their heads up and supporting one another. “Our season is going re-
Photo Credit: JensenHansen
Senior Andie McNally participates in practice. The next game for the girls water polo team is Friday, May 15 at Regionals. three tournaments, the Bobcats conquered the Mason Bulldog Tournament. “We did great,” senior and Captain Mackenzie Kryska said. “Everyone came together as a team and knew what they had to do.” Second Year head coach Emily Overmyer has big goals for the team. Since the
times, the ladies try to stay as close as possible. “We stay close by not letting the games ruin our relationships,” McNally said. “We all try to stay positive and keep practicing as best as we can.” The girls have harsh practices. Treading all four directions, carrying weights in the
ally well,” sophomore Sophia Urbanski said. “There is so much that we have learned from each other and playing the game. The season is going “swimmingly” and the girls hope to have many more victories in the future.
Running lady cats
They’re off and running Boys track team aims to finish strong
MikaylaGilbert SPORTS WRITER
As a season ends, there are always seniors that leave high school and take the next step in their life, whether it involves sports or not. For the track team, this season has been successful but there is also room to improve. “We haven't lost a dual meet, but the season is still young so we still have time to improve.” senior De’Aundre Simpkins said. Each team’s goal for the season is to not only be the best they can possibly be, but it’s also a reflection time for them to show that they have improved. Looking back to previous seasons also helps
them understand the level of improvement they have done thus far. For seniors, this reflection is vital because of all the things that have been accomplished by them from then to now. “I was pretty big my freshmen year so I got a lot faster and stronger,” senior Trent Edwards said. “I didn't really think I would see myself at this point, but it surprised me and it;s turned out for the better.” Moving on from high school to college is a huge transition that should never be taken lightly by anybody. This change is also used as a time
to come to senses with the fact that your high school career is over. For senior Drake Gauthier, coming to terms with the end of high school approaching is something he can handle. “It’s a little weird, its more surreal than anything. It’s not as weird because it’s not like tracks ending for me,” senior Drake Gauthier said. “I’m just ready to move on to the next chapter for me at the University of Iowa.” For some, track is coming to a close, but the next chapter in their life is something they're looking forward to.
Moments as a Bobcat
Senior athletes reflect on their most memorable moments AliiahEsquivel As the school year comes to an end, all seniors must say goodbye to high school and take the memories they made with them. But what were the
SPORTS WRITER
we were getting ready for kick off at a game versus Howell and one of their players made a racist comment,” senior Tony Roland said. “So I took him down so hard that it gave him a concussion.” With all the seniors only
districts. “I think the memory I will remember the most is when I scored the winning goal,” senior Mackenzie Kryska said. “That goal got us into districts.” Then there were those mo-
Girls track team kicks it into gear routine that they go through at every practice. "It varies what we do," JakeRogers Plair said. "Some days we'll practice our handoffs and othSPORTS EDITOR ers we'll do block starts." With all of the attention The girls are led by seniors focused on spring sports like Claudia Smale and Jordyn soccer, baseball, and softball, Tipsword. The girls do a many people forget about lot for team and help be role track and field. The girls track models for the youngers girls. and field team is putting up “I think it’s my job to be a a solid season so far with a good example for the underrecord of 2-2. Being 2-2 may classmen to follow,” Smale look okay on paper, but that said. “I would say that they doesn’t say anything about the look up to me for knowledge work ethic of these girls. and advice since I’m a se"We work really hard," nior.” sophomore Destiny Plair The seniors aren’t just role said. "Everyday we warm up models, but they are also very by stretching and running a talented. mile." At the Jacksonville InvitaUnlike sports like baseball, tional, Jordyn placed second the track team doesn't have a in the high jump with a jump
Freshman Baseball: 5-15 vs. Flushing 5-21 vs. Walled Lake Northern JV Baseball: 5-15 @ Flushing 5-19 KLAA Conference 5-21 KLAA Association Varsity Baseball: 5-15 vs. Flushing 5-18 KLAA Conference 5-20 KLAA Association
of 16 feet, five inches. Claudia placed third place in 300 meter hurdles. Not only are the older runners talented, but there is also a lot of solid young talent on the team. “I think the team will be successful as long as they keep working hard and have heart for it,” Smale said. This talent was shown in a recent meet. Taking third place in the 4x200 relay was a team of underclassmen that included, Destiny Plair, Destiny Wilson, Marisa Wade, and Spirit Brooks. The team is looking to finish the season strong and looking to become a good team for years to come.
Senior Jaquan Taylor and trot off of the field. most memorable moments in sports for all the seniors? “My most memorable moment would have to be when I got accepted to Ferris State University for a football scholarship,” senior David Ragatz said. “It really was that moment when I finally knew all the work payed off.” The football team had their ups and downs during the season with playing against rivals such as Howell. “My most memorable moment would have to be when
Photo Credit: HunterBostley
teammates Anthony Tucker and Connor Haskins having so many days left until graduation, seniors Griffen Seguin and Andy Molzon are going to miss the time they spent together on the ice. “Not only am I going to miss playing for the Grand Blanc hockey team,” Seguin said. “But I’m going to miss most being with my two closest friends because it was more than just a sport to us.” The water polo team was able to finish their season off with a great end to the year, making it all the way to
Upcoming Games
5-23 vs. Eisenhower @ CMU 5-26 Districts Freshman Softball: 5-19 vs. Lapeer 5-21 vs. Walled Lake Northern JV Softball: 5-18 KLAA Conference 5-20 KLAA Association Varsity Softball: 5-16 @ Kearsley
5-18 KLAA Conference 5-21 KLAA Association 5-26 Districts
Girls Varsity Tennis: 5-19 MHSAA Regionals Freshman Girls Soccer: 5-15 @ Salem JV Girls Soccer: 5-16 vs. Troy 5-18 KLAA Association 5-20 KLAA Association
5-21 vs. Saginaw Heritage Varsity Girls Soccer: 5-16 vs. Troy 5-18 KLAA Association 5-20 KLAA Association 5-21 vs. Saginaw Heritage
Boys JV Golf: 5-19 Lakeland JV Invitational 5-26 KLAA Association Boys Varsity Golf: 5-16 East Lansing Classic
5-18 Mona Shores Invitational 5-19 @ Walled Lake Northern 5-20 Districs 5-26 KLAA Association Boys Track: 5-15 MHSAA Regional @ Davison 5-26 Badar Classic @ Carmen Ainsworth 5-30 MHSAA State
ments that not only the player will remember but will stay on in Grand Blanc history. “My most memorable moment would have to be at our game when I hit a home run,” senior Alex Rye said. “That’s a memory I hope my team as a whole will remember once I graduate.” Many Bobcats will walk out of high school without memories like these, but there are those certain people that will live with that moment forever.
Girls Track: 5-15 MHSAA Regional @ Davison 5-30 MHSAA State @ Rockford
B3·feature·bobcatbanner.com·@BobcatBan-
Graduation Craft:
Making a Memory Box
THANK YOU How to write a proper thank you letter as the school year winds down
OliviaWyzgoski FEATURE WRITER
For a fun graduation piece, a memory box is one of the best ways to interact with your guests even after your
open house. Place this box next to memory boards, card box, and guest book.
Materials: One wooden box Memorable photos Photo Editor program Printer Scissors Gift Card or Credit Card Matte Gel Medium Mod Podge (shiny or matte) 2 different paint brushes Towel Index cards or paper squares Pens
Dear person being thanked: Begin with a greeting Thank you for the gift of (This could be gifts from an open house, scholarships, or gifts they have given over the years such as time, certain memories, etc.) How it has helped in the past or is currently helping How it will help in the future Thanks again Regards, Your name
KellyGrant FEATURE EDITOR
Whether it be staring at the homework that was just assigned or staring at the beautiful day out the window, or whether it be listening to one of the last lectures of the 2014-2015 school year or simply listening to the birds chirping outside, the final days of the school year can be some of the toughest - and most important.
With the end of the year comes final assignments, final exams, and final goodbyes. Those last final days are is also a perfect opportunity to tell that one teacher, scholarship donor, or friend how deeply they affected and helped you. Although a spoken thank you can be just as effective as a written one, by articulating thoughts via the written word, that specific person can keep it for years to come. If trouble or confusion
comes as the letter is being written, try the following template to get thoughts going until thoughts are expressed perfectly and gratitude is prominent. The thank you letter can be simple and concise or in-depth and lengthy, but overall, be sincere, be personal, and be sure to express your gratitude and gift them the letter before the school year ends.
What they leave behind Steps 1. On your photo editor, re- 5. Lay the photo flat on verse the picture. Also check the DPI of the picture to make sure it doesn’t look pixelated when printed. Take into account the size of the picture being printed. If you want a collage look, print more smaller pictures. If you just want one focus picture, print a larger photo. This process can also work with word art.
your wooden box where you want it placed, picture side down. Use your gift card (or credit card, popsicle stick) to smooth out the picture
2. Print your photos out,
wet towel, not dripping wet, and soak the picture.
preferably on thinner paper (24 lb. You’ll thank yourself later).
3. Cut your photos out. 4. Put a thin coat of a gel
medium over the front of your picture.
6. Let your photos dry for at least 8 hours.
7. After it has dried, take a 8. Next, and this takes a
good amount of time, rub the fuzzy white paper off of the wood with your fingers or towel. Underneath should be your picture on the wood.
9. Let the picture dry completely.
10. Use mod podge to
seal the picture to the wood.
How young siblings feel about their older siblings graduating “When it comes to education, I look up to [Preston]. Definitely when it comes to FEATURE WRITER future endeavors like college As the class of 2015 gradu- and stuff,” Zaremba said. ates and leave to go off on Another factor commented their different adventures, on was what their siblings do they may leave behind a to annoy each other. younger generation of family. “[Annie] hits me with her The siblings of the graduathair,” sophomore J.D Walker ing class commented on their said. emotions, good and bad, It may be tough right now during this whole process of for these siblings to deal with someone close to them leavone another at home, but ing. as soon as the idea of them Siblings have a tendency to leaving was mentioned, the irritate each other. They get on atmosphere changed. each other’s nerves. “Even though I hate the “I mean, he does like nor- smart remarks now, I’ll miss mal sibling stuff,” sophomore [Anthony] when he leaves. Madison Zaremba said. ”Like I’ll miss when he makes fun he tries to annoy me, the little of me and when he annoys things.” me. I take it for granted now While Zaremba’s other but when he’s actually gone, brother tends to annoy her, I know I’ll miss him,” sophoshe also told of how she looks more Amanda Quitos said. up to him.
MollyRoberts
Even when asked if they’ll miss the things that annoy them the most about their siblings, most said that they would with a grim look upon their faces. “I will definitely miss those annoying things, I mean he’s a huge chunk of my life and all of a sudden he’ll be gone,” Zaremba said. When it comes to the day their sibling leaves, the emotions seem to be pretty conflicting. ”It’ll be bitter sweet. I’ll miss [Tony] when he’s gone, but I’ll look at it in a positive way too, I can use his room!” freshman Austin Roland said. While many of these little siblings seem to be irritated by their older siblings and yet a little excited for them to leave, they realize what it will mean when they’re gone.
“I don’t know, it makes me sad. [Preston’s] growing up, he’s an adult now,” Zaremba said. Some even commented on what they’ll miss the most after they’re gone. “I’m not gonna have anyone to play soccer with anymore,” Walker said. Many of these younger siblings realize that they’re taking these seniors for granted right now, but as soon as they’re gone, they know in their hearts that they’ll miss them. Here’s to the seniors who have younger siblings that they’re leaving behind. It’s a hard thing to do, but just know that little siblings are there to help and support whatever great adventures may be ahead.
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