Bobcat Banner newsmagazine -- December by The Bobcat Banner

BANNER

THE

Volume 45, Issue 2

December 2009

An Interview With the Professionals Featuring Photography

Pg. 8-9

sports

school

opinions

other

Missed out on the fall season? Check out how the teams did- Pg. 3

Find out what makes Adam Reed Tick- Pg. 9

Take a trip back to your childhood- Pg. 12

Raves for the fall play- Pg. 16

2 Contents

January 6

9 WRESTLNIG VS. SAGINAW HERITAGE 9:00 A.M.

10 11

BACK TO SCHOOL

5 NHS MEETING 6:50 A.M. OR 2:25 P.M.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL VS. CARMEN AINSWORTH (H) 4:00 P.M.

HOCKEY VS. HARTLAND 5:00 P.M.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL VS. BRIGHTON (H) 4:00 P.M.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL VS. HARTLAND (H) 4:00 P.M.

NEW YEAR’S DAY

Chilling

BOYS’ SWIMMING VS. HARTLAND (H) 6:00 P.M.

Chill out this month while keeping these dates in mind.

HOCKEY VS. KEARSLEY 5:00 P.M.

15 14

BOYS’ BASKETBALL VS. PINCKNEY (H) 4:00 P.M.

NHS MEETING 6:50AM OR 2:25 P.M.

HOCKEY VS. HARTLAND 5:00 P.M.

24 25

WRESTLING - GRAND BLANC QUAD 5:30 P.M.

Editor-in-Chief

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL VS. WL NORTHERN (H) 4:00 P.M. BOYS’ SWIMMING VS. HERITAGE (H) 6:00 P.M.

Kayla Cornell

FINAL EXAMS 5TH & 6TH HOURS

FINAL EXAMS 1ST & 2ND HOURS

BOYS’ BASKETBALL VS. BRIGHTON (H) 4:00 P.M.

BOBCAT CHEER CLASSIC COMPETITION 9:00 A.M.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY - NO SCHOOL

The Banner Staff

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL VS. MILFORD (H) 4:00 P.M.

BOYS’ SWIMMING VS. BROTHER RICE (H) 6:00 P.M. GIRLS’ BASKETBALL VS. HOWELL (H) 4:00 P.M.

HOCKEY VS. BRIGHTON 12:00 P.M.

FINAL EXAMS 3RD & 4TH HOURS BOYS’ SWIMMING VS. PINCKNEY (H) 6:00 P.M.

Managing Editor Jerry Hendrix

Copy Editor Sarah Campbell

Staff Writers Chad Bartle Nichole Boehnke Taylor Brown Tuesday Carne Tichina Clark Maggie Command Sydney Daly

Staff Writers cont. Stephani Dungey Angellica Gordon Zeina Hamade Cody Harrell Emily Hines Chelsea Hohn John Lynn Vince McKeoun Ryan Mohland Kaitlyn Santino-Gagne Karli Schummer Hunter Spees Erica Strieter Stephanie Tomczak

On the Team 3

CONCLUDING SEASONS... wrapping up some of the fall activities

Photo: Sancricca

Winning back to back division titles, the girls’ swim team have also went on to become the conference champions in their first season in the KLAA. Three more swimmers qualified for individual events for the state swim meet this season, including one freshmen, Gina Sancricca. Junior Emily Eaton, won the 50-yard free style with a record of 24.63 seconds at the conference meet, and placed second in the 100-yard free style. Although the team is the division champion, they must share the title with Brighton because Brighton beat them in the dual meet. “I’m glad we have the division title, whether or not we have to share it with Brighton,” said junior Lauren Baywol. “But I still do wish we could have another shot at the dual meet against them.” The teams’ overall record is 8-2, and 4-1 in the division. The improvement in the statistics can be credited to the long and tough practices. “Our coach really pushed us hard this year,” said senior Kellie Kirbitz. “Toward the end of the season, the mental training sessions and race visualizations helped a lot, and we were better able to focus on our goals.” Those goals were met through the hard work and dedication. -Zeina Hamade (Staff Writer) Working together and winning is something that speaks for itself.

Reason to celebrate: The girls’ swim team brings home the gold.

Photo: Boze

Make some noise: The marching band worked hard for their award winning season.

Photo: Smith

Line ‘em up: The football team goes undefeated in the KLAA league, a big step up from the Big Nine.

After countless hours of practice and braving the unpredictable weather, the marching band accomplished an outstanding season. The band’s commitment and unification aided in their valor as they look forward to a promising future. Marching band began practice in May and the marching band’s theme this year was “Two Halves.” Despite battles with the flu and weather, the hard work did not go unnoticed. “They took a lot of pride in what they did on and off the field,” said band instructor Cory Hutchison adding that he enjoyed the good work ethic of his students. Leading the band this year were Drum Majors senior Valarie Hansen and junior Cody Harrell. Other than placing, members and sections that took home individual awards. Seniors Matthew Sutter and Joanna Abud, junior Jeremy Kray, and freshman Ryan Franz all received awards. The trumpet section won the Best Section and the drumline won the Most Improved Section. With such a terrific season the only thing that Hutchison wants to improve on is getting more students involved. He also -Angellica Gordon hopes that his students continue to strive for perfection (Staff Writer) The varsity football team, for the first time since 1985, went 9-0 in a season to win the division and become conference championships. They had an explosive running game, a tough quarterback, and a solid defense that stopped anything that between them and their goal—to be the best. Coach Joe Delaney credited the success to the players’ hard work and leadership from seniors Gabe Martin and Tony Jones, and junior Ryan Morley. Morley had 1,886 passing yards while Jones and Martin had a combined 75 receptions and 1,093 receiving yards and combined for 15 of Morley’s 19 touchdowns. “The balanced offense really helped out our defense,” Morley said. The defense put up over 700 tackles, 214 coming from seniors Dean Tobias and Will Reints. Of course one major unknown going into this season was how the team would fit into this new league, the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA). “We had no predetermined notion of the teams we faced,” Delaney said. Going 5-0 in conference play, the closest game was a thriller against Howell, ending in a 34-33 victory. The team went into the first round fifth in the state. They met a wall of force in the first round facing Romeo High School. The game ended in the team’s first and only loss with a score of 35-21. -Cody Harrell It was heartbreaking to season ending, but they fulfilled their (Staff Writer) goals through teamwork and set the standard for years to come.

4 In action

He Shoots...

He Scores!

First impressions are lasting. With this season being the first year that the Grand Blanc varsity soccer team joined the KLAA league, they definitely made their mark. Winning the KLAA West Division and ending their season with an overall record of 163-2, the Bobcats were a force to be reckoned with. According to the members of the team, two of the highlights of their season are the division championship title and the team blow-out, when they traveled to Higgins Lake for a team bonding, camping weekend. A highly respected accomplishment is the achievement of a total of 82 goals in their 21 game season, while only giving up 16 goals. The top scorers this season were Ryan Keener and Eddie Nassar, scoring 41 and 40 points respectively. Senior goalkeepers, Corey Cunningham and Chris Campbell also put up big statistics--Cunningham with 11 shutouts and Campbell with two and assisting in six additional shutouts. Photo: Renee Close Call: Senior Corey Cunningham makes the save. As for the team’s preparation for this new league, senior captain, Ryan Keener, noticed that more playto his soccer career next year playing for Michigan State Univerers attended pre-season captain’s practices and conditionings. sity. The team prepared with a different mind-set than previous seaAs for the team as a whole, they not only played great soccer sons because they didn’t know exactly what to expect from their but kept their grades up too. The team had a total of 10 seniors new opponents. Now that the season has ended, the Bobcats rewarded with the individual academic all-state award, having a believe that their new rival in the KLAA is Brighton. The Bobcats GPA of 3.5 or better. Also, 16 of the 22 eligible players were a part played Brighton twice this year, both games ending in ties. of the academic all-KLAA team, having a GPA of 3.25 or better. “This season was different than previous for a couple reasons; While the team consisted of 13 seniors, eight juniors, one we were a younger team, all learning to play together,” explained sophomore, and one freshman, they will lose over half of their Keener. “Also, there was a lot more travel involved.” team next year, seven being starters. Next year, the under classBeing voted on by his teammates, Keener was named the men will have to step up to take over the positions of the lost MVP of the team. He has been named to the Michigan High seniors. School Soccer Coaches Association first team All State, two years “A key player on our team this year, that really made game in a row. He is one of only three defenders named to the first team changing plays was junior Eddie Nassar,” said Cunningham. “I All State. He is the type of player to step up to any position he is have confidence that all the boys next year will step up and upneeded in and making game changing plays. Keener will continue hold the previously set standard for the varsity soccer team.”

-Karli Schummer (Staff Writer)

MVP, All State player, and Michigan State Soccer bound senior Ryan Kenner goes for the goal.

Varsity soccer team stands proud. Photo: Renee/

Photo: Renee

On Campus

HIGHhopes

Photo: Carne/Banner

Left: Junior Nate Sauvola makes a shot Right: Senior Marcus Tucker passes to Senior Patrick Haggin

The varsity boys’ basketball team feels optimistic towards the upcoming season. Teamwork is key and according to senior Brad Hammond, “The team as a whole has potential. We actually play together this year.” As for players to look out for, seniors Pat Haggin and Marcus Tucker are said to be two of the players with the most potential. More often than not, key players are identified after the first few games of the season. The season had barely started before the team suffered their first loss; senior Bill Sams, who transferred to Montrose, left a hole in the line-up. However, according to the team, they will overcome this loss. Junior Nick Schummer said, “We’re going to be better without Bill and the spot has been filled.” Brighton is thought to be their biggest rival in the new KLAA conference. The players were confident even with the new rivals that they could still beat all of their opponents.

Photo: Carne/Banner

The basketball players hope the season will go well, ending with a win at districts. Some players have even set team goals like only losing five games or just winning as many games as possible. Their first game on Dec. 8 became their first loss of the season. They went up against the Carmen-Ainsworth Cavaliers with the final score 64-74. They started the game leading, but in the last quarter the boys fouled so many times that they allowed the Cavaliers to gain a lead, that they couldn’t catch up. Haggin was the top scorer of the night with 21 points total. Tucker was second with 14 points, senior Luke Ford scored 9, sophomore Jordan Fields scored 8 points. Seniors Brad Hammond and De’mario Johnson, junior Nate Sauvola, and freshmen Bart Williams also contributed to the points scored. The loss does not have a huge impact on the team’s chances at districts, and with teamwork and dedication, the will have a good chance to meet their goals. -Tuesday Carne

(Staff Writer)

Left: Seniors Brad Hammond and Patrick Haggin run through their offensive moves on the way to the basket.

Photo: Carne/Banner

Right: Seniors Brad Hammond, Pat Haggin and Sophomore Jordan Fields make defensive distractions.

Photo: Carne/Banner

6 On Campus

Keeping up with Snapgrades has been around for a couple years, and every semester more and more Grand Blanc teachers are starting to use it as their grading system. Snapgrades allows students, as well as parents, to see grades. Instead of teachers receiving dozens of emails from concerned parents involving their child’s grade, every parent now has their own personal password for viewing grades whenever they wish (for the classes that the teachers use it). “I’ve used two or three other grading systems,” history teacher Heather Grzymkowski said,

“but when I tried Snapgrades, it was very simple and selfexplanatory to use for students and myself. I also like the benefit it has for parents.” Some teachers, such as Señorita Adrianna Bas, have continued to use other grading systems. “I use Grade Keeper and update grades on Schoolfusion because it’s efficient and grades are still posted online.” While others don’t use an online system, that trend in quickly changing. Often, teachers keep a paper copy, just in case; however, students tend to like having their grades online. “Three of my teach-

SnapGrades

ers use it,” said junior Laura DuCharme, “and even though my parents use it more than me, I like being able to check my grades after big tests.” Snapgrades is an excellent way for parents to check –up on how their kids are doing and makes it easier for students to Photo: Boehnke/Banner stay on top of school Logging in: Snapgrades helps students see how they are doing work. They can see in school on a daily basis. missing assignments, be able to hide their test scores, and grades talking about making Snapgrades the daily progress from on all assignments, so standard district wide their parents. if a grade in a certain grading system. Declass is lower than the -Nichole Boehnke termined students will student’s standard, he (Staff Writer) welcome the change, or she can start raising while less-motivated it right away. students will no longer District officials are

Knittingfor a cause

With the chilly weather upon us once again, everyone is digging out their scarves, mittens, and hats to keep warm. A few students, however, are digging out the yarns and knitting needles and getting to work on making these winter luxuries for the less fortunate in Flint, in a new club called “Yarns of Love.” Cindy Cromwell, community service liaison at the United Way of Genesee County, created the program. “The program is about keeping people warm,” said Cromwell. “There are so many gracious people in the community who would love to help.” Including the seven current students involved through the school, over 70 people throughout the Flint community participate. Math teacher, Karen Yunker, is teaching this hobby. The meetings are held in Room 713 at the West Campus. Students will receive NHS points or community service hours for participating. One batch of mittens, hats, and scarves has already been delivered and a second one is on its way. Students are taking part for a variety of reasons. “I

wanted to learn something new,” said junior Dallas Bain, “It’s cool that high school students are involved and doing something for the community.” Because only seven students are currently participating, they will have to work harder to make sure a large amount of people are staying warm this winter. “This sounded fun and it’s a nice project,” said freshmen Felicia Kinkle. Although this hobby comes easy for a few, the majority of the students had a hard time getting started, or in crochet terms, “making a chain.” “I’m a creative person, so knitting and crocheting are a part of me,” said freshmen Brandi Petersen. “Yarns of Love” hopes to ease the burdens of getting these items to make the holidays an enjoyable time for everyone. “We will try to meet once a week until they get a hang of it,” said Yunker. Until then, the students are practicing for as long as they can, they want it to be a -Zeina Hamade holiday present for many to remember. (Staff Writer)

On Campus

Baby Blotter:

December brings many holiday celebrations, and five teachers have one more thing to celebrate, welcoming new members to their families. -Zeina Hamade (Staff Writer)

Business teacher Al Green

Names: Alison Catharin Green and Adison Mai Green Birth weight: Alison, 3 lbs, 6oz; Adison 4 lbs, 5 oz Date of birth: Nov.17 at 10:44 a.m. “They were born six weeks early and are still in the CCN unit but are doing great; we’re excited to have them home for Christmas.”

English teacher Beth Hassenzahl Name: Undecided Sex: Female Due date: March 27

Social Studies teacher Heather Grzymkowski

Name: Undecided but considering Rory Sex: Female Due date: March 11

Health teacher Heather Willing

Name: Livia Grace Willing Birth weight: 6 lbs, 7 oz Date of birth: Nov. 21 at 2:24 p.m. “I can’t explain the joy our new daughter has brought to our life. Being a mom is great!”

English teacher Amy Dunning

Name: Undecided Sex: Female Due date: Jan. 8 “My older kids can’t wait to meet their new little sister; they fight over whose bedroom she should get to sleep in.”

Laser tagging

with the Wilderness Club

What is it exactly that the Photo: Farthing ence, “Though we started off Wilderness Club does? This teaming up with our friends, club provides opportunities for we switched it up and played adventure oriented students to with other peers. Some of the participate in a variety of team teachers even participated and activities to not only bring them thought they were much better together but also keep them in than the rest of us!” close contact with their environThis event seemed to be a lot ment. The latest talk has been of fun for the club (and faculty) about their trip to play three and everyone won a prize, even competitive games of laser tag! those who came in last place. This event took place at Zap The Wilderness Club does Zone in Waterford. one event each month to provide The president of UNITE, a fun opportunity while enforcing junior Nathan Setto also takes an team building. They have already interest in the school’s Wildergone canoeing and horse back ness Club. He stated, “I am riding as well. Next month they Tag, you’re it: The Wilderness Club gets ready for laser tag. a part of the Wilderness Club plan to play paintball together. because I love a sense of advenWhile they take fun trips, this ture. Laser Tag was the first event I have been to, but it club also does their share of giving back to the communiwas fun teaming up with my friends and going after the ty by recycling, cleaning up yards, and doing fundraisers. freshmen and sophomores!” Those interested in joining The Wilderness Club should Some students see clubs as a fun way to get involved visit Ms. Farthing in room 502. -Sydney Daly with school activities, and it is also a great way to meet (Staff Writer) new people. Junior Caitlin Smoot described the experi-

8 On Campus Below: Jerry Wald

Photo: Wald

Photo: Photo:Wald Jerry Wald/Banner

THE COBRASNAKE

MARK HUNTER DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO IN 8 WORDS. Party. Take photos. Golf. The cobra shop.

BEST SUCCESS STORY? Starting a photo website six years ago and not having to have a real job since then

Above: MSTRKRFT Below: Millions of Brazilians

Above: Deastro

JERRY WALD

Photo: Wald

DESCRIBE A DAY IN THE LIFE... I am not necessarily shooting everyday, but I am definitely out there looking for the next project. Time spent not shooting or editing is mostly spent on a day job, running The Factory, and working at Zeitgeist. The time that is left over is spent on educating myself in new and old techniques: by reading books, magazines, websites, and by studying photographs and photographers that inspire me. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SHOOT? My favorite shoot is not exactly a shoot, it was a weekend with the band Millions of Brazilians. The trip consisted of little sleep in my Volkswagen Bus in a parking garage, bikes getting stolen, and about 800 pictures.

FROM

LEARNING

Photo: Wald

POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES? The people that I have met and worked with have been great, and awful. You have the ability to meet some pretty unique and interesting people, and the relationships that are built from such a simple thing as taking a picture have been quite awesome. The biggest negative to me is that I am incredibly in debt. INFLUENCES? I feel that I am influenced by the same things that everyone else is influenced by: ads, music, tv, art, and ideas. I may be more influenced by visual things, but everything else out there is fair game. Pop Culture. ADVICE TO ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS? The thing that helped me the most is to read. Just go sit at Borders and read every magazine and book they have. Work on composition, it is the most important aspect of photography. One does not need a expensive camera or fancy gear to improve upon composition.

THE PRO’S

Jerry Wald and Mark Hunter “The Cobrasnake” tell us what it takes to make it as a photographer.

By Chelsea Hohn

WHAT ARE YOU INFLUENCES BY THE MOST? Pop culture, just sort of the way people interpret it. So the way that influences everyone and makes them dress and what they do and act the way they are. BEST ADVICE TO ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS? You gotta work hard, you gotta have consistency, you gotta have a good reputation. don’t burn bridges you know, you try to do something new and innovative as possible. Practice: practice makes perfect. You should shoot photos ever day. MUSIC OF THE MOMENT RIGHT NOW? I like, um, La Roux, “Bulletproof”, Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta, anything Steve Aoki does. ANY LAST WORDS? Just do a good job in school, I wish you much success. www.thecobrasnake.com

Below: Karl Lagerfeld and The Cobrasnake

Photo: Hunter

Below: Katy Perry at her birthday party

ANY LAST WORDS? Thanks for asking me to be a part of this piece and SHOOT FILM! www.thefactoryrochester.com

BEST AND WORST THINGS ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I mean the best is I get to be around a lot of really amazing people that I respect like a lot of bands that I like to listen to. I get to just have something new and exciting to do every day, and I don’t know, traveling gets a little much being on a flight every other day dealing with luggage and stuff you know, gets annoying and sleeping in your own bed and all that kind of stuff.

Photo: Hunter

On Campus

Photo: Wald Photo: Wald

Photo: Wald

“ONE DOES NOT NEED AN EXPENSIVE CAMERA OR FANCY GEAR TO IMPROVE UPON COMPOSITION.”-JERRY WALD

Photo: Wald

Photo: Hunter

“YOU GOTTA WORK HARD, YOU GOTTA HAVE CONSISTENCY, YOU GOTTA HAVE A GOOD REPUTATION. DON’T BURN BRIDGES YOU KNOW?”-THE COBRASNAKE

Photo: Hunter

10 On Campus

A conversation with Reed: a look into an interesting man

Adam Reed is the guy that everyone wants to be. He’s got his own car, his own pad, he listens to cool music, he seems to have nothing to hide, and when he goes out to chill, it’s always out of town. In fact, Reed may be one of the most popular people in Grand Blanc High School, and one can find can find him chilling on one of the many hallway corners, saying his “what’s ups,” and shaking hands. Sometimes it’s hard to believe to believe that Reed is really Mr. Reed, one of the many, sometimes unremarkable, GBHS teachers. Sitting down with Reed, it’s not too hard to notice his slightly distant demeanor. Speaking and gesturing in his olive green Columbia jacket, Reed doesn’t seem like some overly excited, just out of college, readyto-change-the-world teacher. In reality, nearly everything about Reed at first glance leads one to believe that he may be just average; he might be a little boring, the kind of teacher who just does what the school

tells him to, whether he agrees or not. However, Reed’s outlook on teaching is not only different, it’s simply realistic. “I try to keep perspective in the big picture, what I want them to learn, and what really isn’t important,” said Reed, “There’s a lot of stuff in social studies that is minutia, dates and stuff that you don’t really need to know. I try to keep it down to the stuff that would be useful to know once [my students] are out of high school.” Although Reed’s classroom success still may seem a mystery, the formula is actually very simple when broken down properly: cut through the bull and treat the students like they’re human beings who may not ever want to see a history book again after they receive a diploma, and for some reason they respond better. Who would

have thought that would work? However, Reed doesn’t cut any corners in terms of delivering a meaningful education to the students in his semester long class. Using this teaching style, Reed hasn’t just taken some parts of the curriculum out and thrown them away, but has instead encouraged students to be involved in their local government rather than read about it in a textbook. “I want them to know, first of all, a few things that their government does for them; that the government spends their money, so they should know a few of the people involved in their government. I try to give them examples of what their elected officials can do for them.” Reed manages to accomplish this task by explaining local government in class, making assignments that involve sitting in on local council meetings, and even e-mailing local officials himself. His students don’t only notice the effort he puts into the class, but reciprocate his efforts into respect.

Photos: Hendrix/Banner

Chillin’ out Maxin’: Seniors Jon Waller, Jay Jordan, and Dylan Foster chat with Reed after 6th hour.

Then again, being one of the funniest teachers on the planet can help a bit as well. “I use humor well,” Reed remarks with one of his trademark grins. “I try to mix things up; I try to keep it light; I try to keep people entertained.” And that Reed does. Drawing from a background of a diverse group of friends and experiences, Reed uses his endless arsenal of sarcasm and humor to not only keep his students laughing, but also listening. How-

ever, such a tenuous balance is sometimes hard to maintain. “Sometimes it’s tough because people think ‘Oh, he’s a cool guy, I can get away with this.’ And so [the teacher] has to set expectations and be pretty consistent with them because otherwise people will take advantage of [them] and it’ll be a nightmare to manage anybody.” However, after four years of teaching, Reed has had plenty of experience in dealing

continued on page 13

On Campus 11

...............

the Comic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . corner 1 hr later... It wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop!!!

- Sophomore Bryley DeFriez

NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS -Sophomore Brittany Boza

-Junior Kara West

Alive

12 On our mind

Keeping Childhood memories

Okay, so you’ve joined the Facebook group, “I’m a kid of the ‘90s,” and you’ve taken all the quizzes to see if you’re truly cut out to be called one, but do you remember what you did for the holidays when you were a kid? Personally, it was all about grabbing a blanket and snuggling up by the fire listening to mom read The Night Before Christmas every Christmas Eve. I realize not everyone celebrates Christmas, but perhaps this will take you all back to when you felt happiness overflowing inside you as a kid. Apple cider, holiday animated movies (yes, the Photo: Campbell cheesy puppet ones), and tacky holiday sweaters your Childhood bliss: the excitement of the holidays is so great in children, but as the older generation, grandmother bought you: those are just a few things we should find happiness in the company we keep. that take me back to my childhood. Not to mention running down the stairs to be greeted by presents—my hands, eager to rip all the paper off the boxes, only thwarted by Christmas Mass at 8 a.m. Although the holidays are different for everyone, the time symbolizes the same thing: family time. Yes, now you may say that you hate hanging out with your “annoying” family, but when you were younger, there was nothing better. Especially for your parents: who got you off their hands at the relative’s house for a few hours. When the holidays are all over, you can go back to your Facebook and video games, but when you do click on those “kid of the ‘90s” groups, you are really doing one thing: going back to when you felt safe and comfortable. Nowadays, teenagers have to worry about grades, extracurricular activities, jobs, and preparing for the future; it’s no wonder we want to step back into our past and back into the comfort of not worrying about the future. Traditions are comforting, just like being a child was comforting. The ‘90s are gone, but we’ll always have them in our hearts, as well as our photo albums. When our children are growing up, we can tell them tales of our childhood—just as our parents do now—and pass our joy from them onto future generations. Without our childhoods, the world would be a very bleak place. -Sarah Campbell Don’t forget to share your favorite holiday memories (Copy Editor) Photo: Cornell/Banner by clicking on this story at bobcatbanner.com Remembering the past: childhood shows and toys will never and adding a comment! leave our hearts, even when we outgrow them.

Top Songs You Might Have Missed in 2009 “Animal” by Miike Snow from Animal

“Woods”

“Empire State Of Mind”

by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys from The Blueprint 3

by Bon Iver from Blood Bank

Jay Z has a net worth of over $150 million

“Closer”

“Sweet Disposition”

by Kings of Leon from Only by the Night

Only By The Night peaked in the top 10 in 10 different countries

“My Girls”

by Animal Collective from Merriweather Post Pavilion

by The Temper Trap from Conditions

Featured in the 2009 film 500 Days of Summer

“Everyone Nose” by N.E.R.D. from Seeing Sounds

Toured with Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and Rihanna in the Glow in the Dark Tour

“Anoanimal” by Andrew Bird from Anonanimal

Musically proficient at the violin, whistling, guitar, mandolin, and glockenspiel.

“Watching The Planets”

“Feel It All Around”

by The Flaming Lips from Embryonic

by Washed Out from Life of Leisure

“Walking On A Dream”

“Ready For The Weekend”

by Empire of the Sun from Empire of the Sun

by Calvin Harris from Ready For The Weekend

Won “Best Video” award at the ARIA Music Awards of 2009

“Rats” by Devendra Banhart from What Will We Be

“Mykonos”

by Fleet Foxes from Sun Giant

Sun Giant was intended to only be a tour release, but fans demanded an official release

“Heartbreaker” by MSTRKRFT from Fist of God

Half of the duo Jesse Keeler is a member of Death From Above 1979

“Jump In The Pool” by Friendly Fires from Friendly Fires

“Warp 1.9”

by The Bloody Beetroots and Steve Aoki from Romborama

Bobcat Banner December Issue Puzzle

On our mind 13

Winter Holidays Songs Trivia

1. Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel I made it out of

by: Angellica Gordon 8. The first month of the Islamic calendar: ___________

2. Grandma got Ran over by a ___________.

9. The day in December that the winter solstice begins:

3. There’ll be parties for hosting ___________ for

10. The name of the Korean New Year: ___________

4. Your brain is full of spiders; you have __________

11. Name of custom in which Japanese adults give money to

5. Means first fruits in the Swahili language:

12. Germanic and Egyptian Pagan festival of the rebirth of

6. Celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ:

13. Watch Night is also known as ___________.

14. An Iranian festival originally celebrated on the Northern

___________.

___________

toasting.

in your soul…

___________

children on New Year’s Day: ___________ the Sun: ___________

___________ An eight day celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle that ensued during the 2nd century BC: ___________

Hemisphere’s Winter Solstice: ___________

15. Feliz Navidad prospero ___________ y felicidad.

So, it’s Winter Break...

Here are some ideas to keep you busy!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Build an igloo/snow fort

-Sydney Daly (Staff Writer)

Sip some homemade hot cocoa by a fire

Go snowboarding or skiing Read a new, good book Find a hill and go sledding

Have a holiday themed movie marathon with friends Go to a concert Do Secret Santa with close friends

Listen to Christmas music Help decorate the tree Send anonymous gifts to those in need Have a snowball fight Make snow angels Have a Christmas sweater themed party

Put up Christmas lights outside

Go ice-skating Find a new restaurant to go with a group Catch up on some sleep

answers avaliable on bobcatbanner.com

‘conversation with Reed’ cont. with discipline. In fact, Reed has had a very low suspension rate in his classroom, usually dealing with behavioral issues inside of class instead of dumping students into the Responsibility Room. Such a problem solving attitude has probably arisen from a lifetime full of difficult situations, situations which may arise when someone has cerebral palsy, like Reed. “When I was younger it was difficult. I kind of thought of myself in the frame of ‘I was the person with CP.’ I had trouble identifying outside of that. It probably took me until I got out of high school and I wasn’t surrounded with people who were doing all the high school activities,” Reed explained. College was where Reed found his path. “I’ve always loved sports, and it was kind of tough to see that go-

ing on and not be able to participate. But once I moved on to college, not everyone is an athlete, not everyone is on scholarship, we go to class, we do the things that college students do, and there wasn’t a whole lot of that that I couldn’t be a part of—I guess it was a transformation for me.” And a transformation it was. After years of perceiving himself to be vastly different from his peers, Reed’s college years molded him into the person he is today, a great person and wonderful teacher. The more Reed talks of the different experiences in his life, good and bad, one can see that small, indefinable line that separates Reed from many normal educators, the line that allows him to break the usual guidelines and create something uniquely himself, uniquely Reed.

-Jerry Hendrix

(Managing Editor)

14 On our mind

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What’s on your mind? Cody Harrell The Bobcat Banner A dangerous plague has been sweeping the nations in the last few decades. This epidemic is not just found in homes, but you can find it in schools, libraries, businesses, cities, countries, in almost every corner of the world. What is this virus, you may ask? You are logging on to your fate, because Myspace and Facebook are here to stay. All over the world, millions of people visit their Myspace pages and Facebook profiles daily, chatting with friends and enjoying mini-games. These two social networks have millions of users and are steadily growing, keeping families and friends in touch all over the globe. There’s always something new to see whenever you visit. And thus ends the good side of this story. Find old friends on Myspace or Facebook. Have old friends find you. Have old ex- boyfriend/girlfriends find you. Have stalkers find you. Let everyone you know and don’t know see your phone number, e-mail address, where you work, and personal interests. Well, this sounds like the stalker’s personal paradise to me. I mean how many people check every friend request before saying yes? These sites aren’t safe for anyone, and yet we wonder why we can’t watch a scary movie and not wonder who’s lurking beyond our two story bedroom window. Now I know what you’re thinking. “What if I don’t friend someone?” Do you realize what you are saying? By even saying this you’ve got Shakespeare spinning in his grave. “Friend”ing someone. It burns me to read or hear anyone say that. I may not be a grammar “Stuck”ler, but can’t we at least speak in decent English? Today’s language interpretation may be slipping worse than the economy. You know what else seems wrong to me? My dad has a Facebook. It might be better if he had more friends outside of his son’s, but what is the motive for older adults to even have a Facebook or Myspace? It can not only be awkward for teens, but if parents visit their pages as often as their kids do, you might start getting questions about your “homework” at 1:30 a.m. or why your status is always depressing. Personally, I have a Facebook that I visit every month or so. Unlike most teenagers, Internet and television take up a minimum of my time. Pressing ignore thousands of times for Farmville or Mafia Wars requests is not my favorite task when all I want to do is check my inbox and calendar, maybe take a survey or two. We are a world that prides itself on individuality and nonconformity, yet we all seem to flock to our computers to report the latest mood swing or relationship event. I hope the medicine to this virus is found through hard work doing something productive, of which Myspace and Facebook are minimally included. When people find their voices in the world, great things happen. Carpe Diem—Seize the Day! So stand up, log off, and become who you are, not what Myspace and Facebook want you to be.

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On our mind 15

Doughnut sales: a tradition of the past? If you haven’t noticed, Grand Blanc Community Schools is making strides to create a healthier school setting for students. There have been several changes, such as cafeteria changes, most notably the absence of the 20 oz. Gatorade, an outrage among students. Superintendent Dr. Newton is very adamant that all food and drink provided by the district have a nutritional value.

While the decision is yet to be made, PTO President, Marcie Melton, has stated that come January, doughnut sales during final exams may be a thing of the past. PTO has been informed that selling doughnuts in the hallway may not be the direction Grand Blanc Community Schools is going. Claims have been made that doughnuts have no nutritional value, and therefore should not be an option for students to purchase. What will they take away next? For many students the only thing that makes final exams bearable is having the assurance that

when they leave their exam there will be a delicious doughnut waiting for them just outside the classroom. But there is the possibility of something healthier being for sale, like the school is proposing. However, a healthier choice doesn’t seem like anything to look forward too. I mean what would you rather have a chocolate doughnut or a carrot stick? With doughnut sales, students are given the opportunity to purchase a doughnut for enjoyment, and to get their brain working, helping them to do better on exams. The administration may argue that

students could get the same benefits from healthier choices. While this is true, chances are most students would not prefer the healthier choice, and would ultimately not purchase it, leaving students with no food consumption on exam days. It also has to do with tradition. The administration cannot just take this away, strip us of our rights to doughnuts during final exams, it seems un-American. While on the topic of traditions, the doughnut sale fundraiser is one of PTO’s main fundraisers for the traditional Post Grad

party. What will this mean for the class of 2010 Post Graduation celebration? It seems that doughnut sales may affect you more than you think. If you are outraged, speak up. Let your voice be heard. Express concerns via email to PTO President Marcie Melton at mmelton@ grandblancschools.org or Superintendent Dr. Newton at mnewton@grandblancschools.org. The only way to save this doughnut sale tradition is to fight for what you want, and let them know it.

-Ryan Mohland (Staff Writer)

Letter to the editor

The Banner encourages letters to the editor in order to express viewers’ opinions or concerns. Letters are subject to approval and may be edited for space and clarity. Nothing will be printed that the editors deem distasteful. The following letter was submitted to The Banner in response to a local event and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Banner staff. Kayla Cornell Editor-in-Chief This past July, on a whim of opportunity, our son decided to have an unsupervised party at our home. The result, a life lesson I’d like to share with you before it is your family that suffers a loss as ours has…or worse. I would like to address the thieves who attended. You know who you are. I am sure you are upper classmen of this school. I’m even pretty sure what your names are. You attended this party to take advantage of a great opportunity. The plan..showing up at an underclassmen’s party to see what there might be to gain for yourselves. So, as luck would be, no one is paying a lot of attention and you begin to meander down the long hall to the bedrooms in our home, stopping along the way in each room, feeling free to take whatever you desired. You even stole out of the wallet of the kid giving the party! But wait, once you reached the master bedroom the door was locked! You couldn’t just walk away, could you? Trying to unlock it didn’t work so you decided to just break the hardware. That got you in and your actions in this room prove to be that of a desperate and despicable individual. While scouring through the dressers, you find the jackpot. A drawer containing not only my loaded jewelry box but many smaller boxes containing valuables as well. Diamonds, gold, silver, crystals and other semi-precious stones were contained inside. So much stuff in fact, you decide to take the entire box adding a few more things you found valuable in that drawer too. I’m sure you are probably laughing that you “got away” with this crime. Not so fast, the search isn’t over yet. I’m also sure you could care less that you stole from me precious items I had in that box, including family heirlooms, things that cannot be replaced. My wedding ring, 30 years old…my mother’s gold wedding band of 50 years before her recent death…the handmade ink pens my deceased father made for me…the gold watch which was a gift from my husband…the pearl ring, a gift from my now dead grandmother…the diamond earrings worn in my wedding. I could go on with all the other items which were gifts from family and friends for special occasions of my life, but why bother. You have no conscience, moral convictions or decency about yourself. You are scum by my definition. I have deep faith in my God and I pray to be able to forgive you. After all, what you physically took from me is just stuff, it is a sentimental loss I have trouble with. Unless, I am wrong…and you really do have morals and desire to amend your actions. You know where I live, please return what you have left, if anything. Help me retrieve items gone. You could do this anonymously. I might even be so grateful that I would call off the cops. Yes, of course this crime was reported. It is a felony given the value of what you stole. Paying for this crime will not be a great way to start out as a young adult. As for the rest of you students, watch your back. These people and/or others like them WILL take advantage of you and your family while pretending to be your friend. I am paying a very high price for their “fun” and want their behavior exposed. If anyone has information which will convict for this crime, a handsome reward is waiting. Mr. Popadich will know how to contact me. Submitted November 2009

16 On the list

‘You Can’t Take it With You’ outperforms all previous productions Before watching the production of You Can’t Take it With You there was already a curiosity as to what couldn’t be taken with you. With that intriguing question in mind, viewers took their seats in the auditorium Nov. 19-21 and were treated with possibly the best show ever performed in the Howard Pepper Auditorium. The show focused on the Vanderhof family, the Kirby family, and a handful of other interesting characters. When Alice Vanderhof, played by junior Veronica Creed, and Tony Kirby, played by senior Alex Justice, fall in love and start to consider getting married, interesting events ensue, including an unsuccessful dinner. From the well-executed delivery of lines by the small number of actors to the amazing set created by the crew, You Can’t Take it With You was spectacular. Each aspect of the Photo: Steve Wood/ Banner performance came together to create a show that left the audience laughing even after the final curtain closed. Leaving it all on the stage: the fall play entertained its The comedic timing on the actors’ part was better than any of the shows in recent hiscrowds with spectacular acting and great dialogue. tory. Sophomore Rece Hogerheide played the part of Donald with such comedic ease that it was impossible to resist laughing. Senior Kristen Wood played Rheba, Hogerheide’s partner to complete the dynamic, hilarious duo. Without them, the show would have been drastically lacking. Although the play was filled with wonderful dialogue, at times there were just too many things going on. More often than desired, important moments were missed because there were so many things happening at once, distracting the viewer from the focus. Even with the distractions, the show was filled with superb acting. Junior Hunter Melton could not have been more triumphant in his part as Martin Vanderhof. He not only executed his part flawlessly, but also delivered his punch lines almost effortlessly. A few characters, however, were not necessary for the plot, which focused almost exclusively on the Vanderhof family and the Kirby family. This is more a critique of the play itself than the ability of the actors who played Olga Katrina and Gay Wellington. Sophomore Alyssa Dellorso (Katrina) and senior Emily Hines (Wellington) played the parts well, Photo: Steve Wood/ Banner even if their roles weren’t vital to the success of the play. The show was mainly character-driven and the Vanderhof family which was composed of Melton, Creed, senior Ryan Mohland, junior Rebecca Christensen, sophomore Polina Hristova, and sophomore Isaac Wood, brought the play to life with their fantastic portrayal of an “average” family. They were a cohesive group on stage, making the whole show much more believable. You Can’t Take it With You was a brilliant performance that delivered a moving message about how, in the end, material possessions cannot be taken with you, and it’s the people with whom you surround yourself that really matter. The Thespians really outdid themselves with this one, and now the bar is raised for the next production to be just as amazing. -Kayla Cornell

Spotlight On: Precious

From “Push” to “Precious”

Precious is a film adaptation of the award-winning 1996 novel Push written by Sapphire. Precious is the type of movie that will bring you into tears. There were some scenes in the movie that were unbelievable. Claireece “Precious” Jones, the main character of the film, is played by up-and-coming actress Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe. Her mother Mary, played by comedian and actress Mo’Nique, is the type of mother no one wants to have. She is not afraid to use her fist or throw frying pans or verbally abuse her daughter. It’s a story of a teenager living in Harlem with her abusive mother. Precious is obese and has been impregnated by her drug-addicted father twice, and also suffers mental, physical and sexual abuse by her own mother. When her school finds out that Precious is pregnant again, they kick her out of high school. So she decides to enroll herself in an alterative school where she can get her G.E.D. What Precious doesn’t expect

(Editor-in-Chief)

to find at the school was a teacher who really cared Miss Blu Rain (Paula Patton) tries to give Precious the type of confidence that her mother never gave her. She wants her to know that she isn’t in this world alone. With the help of Miss Rain and her social worker Ms. Weiss (Mariah Carey) she manages to give birth to her second child and escape the torture from her mother. This film was directed by Lee Daniels. In fact, it was a teacher who wrote the book Push that the movie is based on. Sapphire, had students with a little bit of Precious in them. When it came time to make the movie, many directors tried, but only Lee Daniels fit the bill. Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey offered input as producers. I would give this movie five stars because it’s a movie that I think will touch everybody in a different way. It will make you appreciate all that you do have in your life. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, I think you should. You won’t be sorry.

-Tichina Clark (Staff Writer)