Bobcat Banner newsmagazine -- February

BANNER

THE

Volume 45, Issue 3

6 minutes is not enough!

February 2010

sports

school

opinions

other

Boys’ swim team keeps up traditions in spite of changes - Pg. 4

Go behind the scenes of video announcements - Pg. 7

Need a reason to break up?

- Pg. 15

Find out what Mock Trial is all about - Pg. 10

2 Contents

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february 9

Chilling

MOVIES: ‘DEAR JOHN’ ‘FROM PARIS WITH LOVE’ ‘DISTRICT 13 ULTIMATUM’

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BOYS’ BASKETBALL VS. HOWELL

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HOCKEY VS. BC CENTRAL

10 HOCKEY VS. LAPEER EAST WRESTLING DISTRICTS

BOYS’ BASKETBALL VS. MILFORD MOVIES: ‘THE WOLF MAN’ ‘VALENTINE’S DAY’

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WRESTLING DISTRICTS BOWLING VS. WL WESTERN BOYS’ SWIMMING VS. SOUTH LYON

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Fight the midwinter blues by staying busy with the help of these dates.

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BOYS’ SWIMMING VS. HOWELL

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VALENTINE’S DAY PRESIDENT’S DAY NO SCHOOL

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BOYS’ SWIMMING DIVISIONAL MEET SADIE HAWKIN’S DANCE 8:00P.M.

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BOYS’ SWIMMING DIVISIONAL MEET MOVIE: ‘SHUTTER ISLAND’

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BOYS’ BASKETBALL VS. SAGINAW HERITAGE NHS MEETING 6:50AM OR 2:25 P.M.

The Banner Staff

Editor-in-Chief

BOWLING CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT

Kayla Cornell

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BOWLING MHSAA REGIONAL BOYS’ SWIMMING CONFERENCE PRE-LIMS

Managing Editor Jerry Hendrix

Copy Editor Sarah Campbell

Junior Editor Cody Harrell

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UofM FLINT 5th hour

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LATE START 9:40A.M. WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP

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RECORD’S DAY NO SCHOOL

BOYS’ SWIMMING CONFERENCE FINALS BOWLING MHSAA REGIONAL HOCKEY VS. FRASER

Design Editors Tuesday Carne Chelsea Hohn

Staff Writers Chad Bartle Nichole Boehnke Taylor Brown

staff writers continued

Tichina Clark Maggie Command Sydney Daly Stephani Dungey Angellica Gordon Zeina Hamade Emily Hines Chelsea Hohn John Lynn Vince McKeoun Ryan Mohland Kaitlyn Santino-Gagne Karli Schummer Hunter Spees Erica Strieter Stephanie Tomczak

Signing out seniors commit to college sports

On the Team 3 Jonathon Roosen

Photo: Hamade/ Banner

(Football- Saginaw Valley State University)

“Saginaw Valley gave me a great offer I couldn’t refuse,” said Roosen.

Photo: Hamade/ Banner

Ryan keener Photo: Schummer/ Banner

jenna Fraser

Rachel MCCOLLUM

(Soccer- Liberty University)

(Soccer- Ferris State University)

“She was a very positive influence. She is “She is fast and skillful. She is the kind of person that always looks at the versatile and can play on field or glass half full,” said coach Greg Kehler. in net,” said coach Greg Kehler.

Kaitlyn Brasher

(Soccer- Michigan State University)

“He is one of the best young men I have ever coached and the best defender I have ever had,” commented coach Greg Kehler.

(Golf- Madonna University)

Photo: Hamade/ Banner

“I am very excited. I never thought that I would reach the level in my game where I would be able to play at the college level, especially because I just started playing when I was a freshman,” said Brasher.

Emmanuel petrich (Golf- Bethune Cookman University)

“He is the most improved player.

No one will ever out work him,” said coach Phil Urbanik.

Photo: Hamade/ Banner

Tony Jones (Football- Northwestern University)

“I feel accomplished.

Go Cats!” said Jones.

Photo: Hamade/ Banner

gabriel Martin Jr. (Football-Bowling Green State University)

“My work has just begun. I’m excited to be a Falcon,” said Martin.

Photo: Hamade/ Banner

Taylor Ward (Soccer- Grand Valley State University)

Photo: Hamade/ Banner

“Taylor is a versatile player.

She can play every position (besides net). She’s an intense competitor and has a never quit attitude,” said coach Greg Kehler.

Photo: Hamade/ Banner

Aaron Pfister (Tennis- Michigan State University)

“No one has worked harder,” said coach Don Leavy.

4 In action

Boys’ swim team keeps up traditions in spite of changes With various teams such as football and basketball garnering success in a new league, it’s only expected that the GBHS boys’ swim team follow suit, and the team is certainly striving to meet these expectations. With a 3-4 record, the swim team has already won the county and is now looking forward to stiff competition at the conference meet.

However, though the conference will be tough, the boys’ swim team has already had a fairly solid year, and is only looking towards improvement.

“Well, this year we headed off to a shaky start because we have a new coach, but he’s been doing really well,” said also senior captain Chris Campbell. “[The county meet] was the probably the biggest win we’ve had, we won against Fenton and Milford.”

Even though the meets they’ve won were the result of excellent swimming, the Bobcats feel as though their best performances didn’t come with their wins.

“Our best swims have been against [teams] we lost to, like Brother Rice and Hartland,” said Campbell. “Looking at divisions is a toss up because schools like Brother Rice and Hartland will definitely be stronger when we meet again.”

Although entering into a new conference, boys’ swim didn’t really need to change the way they swam in order to prepare for the new competition.

“We definitely didn’t change anything, because Grand Blanc always swims their heart out and then we get good results. In the past it’s been enough to completely dominate the Big Nine, so we’re hoping it’ll be enough to pull off the win in this new division,” said Campbell.

Though Grand Blanc boys’ swim team was known for dominating the Big Nine, winning conference in this new division seems like it is going to be more of a challenge.

“I knew we were going to win county, we always win county,” said senior captain Will Reints. “I’m kinda worried about the conference meet, but we’re going to do what we normally do.”

Campbell agrees.

Holding your breath: The boys’ swim and dive team holds onto their excellent performances even with changes in leadership and divisons.

Photos: Command/Banner

“I really want to win conferences, I know if we work the hardest we can we’ll definitely win.”

Helping them along their way to victory is the new boys swim coach, Charlie Corazza. Although filling the shoes of previous coach Matt Pearce may be difficult, the team seems to approve of Corazza, especially because of his willingness to go along with the important team traditions. “[Coach Corazza] is working the team, he keeps traditions and he’s adding his new ones, and he’s bringing the team together,” said Campbell.

Reints also stresses the importance of tradition.

“Everything we do there’s something traditional that backs it up.

From the Christmas tree to the swim parties, we always have our traditions.”

So what does tradition hold for next year, the team’s second year in the KLAA without this year’s captains?

“We’re gonna keep winning. They’ve gotta keep the tradition going, it’s all about tradition.”

The boys’ swim team will attempt to do just that next year; with strong swimmers like Ian Moore and Alex Grimmer returning, the GBHS boys’ swim team will represent in the -Jerry Hendrix KLAA for years to come.

(Managing Editor)

Ads

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6 On Campus

Giving more than just time

A

group of 110 brave students got the opportunity to get out of class to save lives on Friday, Jan. 22. How? These students, , were donors for the Red Cross blood drive.

At first some students were nervous about needles and the idea of giving blood.

“I’m really, really terrified right now,” said junior Meghan Bade. Luckily, Bade had some assistance as good friend and fellow donor, Nicole DeSousa, supported her with encouraging words and a hand to grip. DeSousa was “superstoked” to give blood for the cause.

For readers who have never donated blood before and are planning to in the future; here is a crash course for the donation process: First, the runners fetch you from class and send you to a waiting area. A Red Cross nurse will call you over to do a background check, and prick your finger to check iron levels. You have to describe any recent tattoos or piercings, you have to meet the weight and height requirement, and they even check if you have traveled to a foreign country during a certain time period.

If approved, you are sent back to the waiting area until it is your time to donate, if you are rejected, then you don’t have to clue your teacher in on that fact.

The actual donation is what really gets students’ blood pumping, no pun intended.

According to student donors, it’s really nothing to worry about; although there are some things you’re going to want to do before you give a donation of blood.

“Eat a lot before you come in, take iron pills, and don’t freak yourself out,” said senior Kelsey Moultan. Having donated the year before, Moultan’s words reassured first time donators.

The “hydration station,” run by NHS mem-

Scholarship Search Choosing which college suits you best, buying things for your new dorm, and making new friends can be very exciting. There is one factor that can be very overwhelming: cost. With the cost of tuition, housing, books, food and other things, college can get very pricey. For students who are looking for ways to pay for college, try searching for scholarships. There are scholarships out there for many things that almost anyone can qualify for. Check them out and try to apply for one before the deadline. Why struggle when there are ways to help?

-Kaitlyn Gagne (Staff Writer)

bers, is where you are sent for a little rest and relaxation before going back to class.

In the end, all who donated accepted what they had to go through, because the doctor gives you a card telling you that your blood will be saving at least three lives.

“Even if you’re scared, make yourself do it,” Bade said. “You’re helping dying people. One little prick is worth the help.”

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Where would my blood be going? I spoke to the team supervisors of the event, Sherrie Bristol and Jeff Belanger, a GBHS alumnus, to shed some light.

“Most people have been asking if the donations will be going to Haiti,” Bristol said. “Our motto here at Red Cross is blood for anyone, anywhere, anytime. We take care of where the need is the most, while making sure the blood is safe for donor and patient.”

Belanger was excited to return to his old high school, reminiscing on how he had been kicked out of the very gym he was working in. He was much more excited by the turnout of kids for the event.

“There’s a lot of energy at schools,” Belanger said. “They get to save a life and skip class while doing it.” Now even that encourages me to donate.

So even if you’re afraid, remember these tips and sign up for the next blood drive at the school. Everyone can make a difference even with one donation.

-Cody Harrell (Junior Editor)

Scholarship: Flint Community Players Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc Alice O’Neal Save and Make the Grade Mott Community College American Legion

More Scholarships

Photo: Harrell/ Banner

2

Photo: Harrell/ Banner

1. Seniors Stacie DeSousa, Veronica Choe, Matthew Hamilton, and Sydney South waited for their turn to donate.

3

4

Photo: Harrell/ Banner

Photo: Harrell/ Banner

2. Senior Nicole Desousa holds Junior Meghan Bade’s hand as Bade gave blood.

3. Senior Christina Halbeck recooperated after donating.

4. Junior Haleigh Kent-Bryant donated for the first time.

5

Photo: Harrell/ Banner

5. Al Green continued his day in a normal manner after giving blood.

Deadline: Requirements/ Awards: March 1 $500 for students pursuing an active interest in performance or technical theatre arts.

March 6 Submit two letters of recommendation and a 200-350 word autobioFeb. 28 Varies Varies

Oh, the Places You’ll Feb. 15 Go Abbot and Fenner DECA Weekly Alert

1

graphical essay. Must have at least a 2.0 and proof of acceptance.

For High school seniors who plan to enroll in a two or four year university and live within a 20 mile radius of a Family Dollar store.

For students attending Mott Community College next fall. Must have been accepted and have completed the scholarship application.

For children and grandchildren of U.S. Military Veterans. Information is available at www.michiganlegion.org.

High school seniors; your original literary composition must be submitted in personal essay/memoir format; applicants will be writing an essay connecting Dr. Seuss’s book to the chances and troubles that life presents For any .student between the ages of 16-30. No other criteria are listed.

Must be a member of DECA--see DECA website.

Free scholarship information emailed to you ever week.

Go to www.weeklyscholarshipalert.org Get the scholarship papers in the guidance office .

Behind the scenes: Video Announcements On Campus

In this technology-savvy society, the school has been doing its part to stay current. Video announcements, ran by the multimedia productions students, have been airing since mid-March of last year.

The announcements are filmed second hour and aired third hour, running for about five minutes.

Students have varied opinions about the announcements.

“The quality is horrible,” said junior Ryan LaDuke, “You can’t even see their faces. Wansitler’s GBTV is better.”

The announcements are filmed clearly, but according to anchors, the problem that they’re played on Windows Media Player.

Because of time constraints, the multimedia team does not have time to make the announcements look as professional as they’d like.

“You have to be able to work fast because we only have one class period to get everything done,” said GBH-TV anchor Christina Halbeck.

The daily announcements are e-mailed to the class, giving them even less time to start filming and editing.

“In a dream world we would have a block class,” said multimedia teacher, Andrea Zech.

Photo: Hamade/Banner

Lights, camera, action: The multimedia productions team works on delivering announcements in order to inform the school of events.

While some students complain about the announcements, others find them enjoyable and worthwhile.

“I like them a lot better than the announcements over the PA because students actually listen to them,” said freshmen Danyelle Shultis.

Filming announcements isn’t as easy as reading words off a teleprompter. “You have to make sure the anchors are there, get the teleprompter ready with all the announcements, do sound checks, make sure the camera angle is

Staff Survey

staff, 62.5 percent say they show them at least 80 percent of the time, 12.5 percent say they show them less than 80 percent of the time, and 25 percent did not respond.

“My teacher always forgets to play them so I never know what is going on,” said senior Roseanna Rayyan, “I’m always missing NHS meetings.”

Whether video announcements are a hit with the students body or not, they won’t be going away anytime soon.

-Zeina Hamade (Staff Writer)

“Do you show the announcements at least 80% of the time?”

-60 -48 -36 -24 -12 -

-60 -48 -36 -24 -12 -

no response

yes

u res

good, and get all the transitions and subtitles ready,” said Halbeck.

There are also the pressures on the anchors to look good in front of the camera. “A good anchor always has to smile,” said anchor, Cassie Ableson.

Unlike the PA announcements that were announced consecutively at the same time everyday, teachers are now in charge of showing them to their class, making the announcements more susceptible to being forgotten.

Teachers are supposed to show them third hour. In a survey of

In an e-mail poll, the staff was asked:

no

lts:

7

-60 -48 -36 -24 -12 -

8 On Campus

Dress Ideas

Last Minute

Under The Radar

A Look at Sadies ‘10

- Chelsea Hohn and Sydney Daly

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2

3

4

5

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Bebe – A little more expensive, but if you’re pressed for time there’s guaranteed to be something here.

2 3

Caché – a lot more expensive, but there will definitely be something here.

Charlotte Russe – If you’re willing to dig, you can always find something good.

4

Forever 21 – Always has cheap dresses online and in the store.

5

H&M – Only at Great Lakes Crossings, but has a lot of different styles to choose.

Taking Chances

Girls get creative asking their dates to Sadies

Check Please!

Brickstreet – Not too expensive, easy to find something everyone will be happy eating. Call and make reservations! Location & number: Grand Blanc (810) 603-2114 Saganos – Worth the price for the great food, always entertaining chefs while you watch them make your food. They will take reservations. Location & number: Flint, (810) 230-7300 Rainforest Café – The tropical atmosphere makes for an entertaining night, but slightly overpriced for an ordinary meal. Will also take your reservations! Location & number:

-Take a bucket that you make sand castles with, fill it to the top with all his favorite candy. On the outside put a sign that said dig for treasure and in the candy, at the bottom of the pail include a picture or sign that says “Sadies?”

-Fill a large toy truck with a plate of cinnamon rolls, attach a note that reads: “I was wondering if I could haul your buns to Sadies.”

-While he is away decorate his room in all pink and leave a big sign for him to come home to that says: “It would tickle me pink if you went with me to Sadies.”

Photo: Hodge

-Spray paint the snow outside their house asking them to Sadies, surprise them when they come home.

-Make cookies for your date, and spell out Sadies on each cookie.

Auburn Hills, (248) 333-0280 Make dinner – Sadies isn’t very formal as it is, and making dinner for your friends can be a lot of fun, not to mention a lot cheaper than going out, no tip required.

-If you have a class with the guy you want to ask, make an announcement at the beginning of class asking your date to the dance.

Photo: Henderson/ Yearbook

On Campus

9

Studio art students sculpt in cold at annual Frankenmuth Snow Fest Students from Steve Barker’s Studio Art class volunteered to represent GBHS at this year’s ice sculpting competition in Frankenmuth. Seniors Rebecca Thresher, Kaitlynn Brasher, Ariele Harris, and junior Jessica Kallie, with sophomore back-up Jin Kwag showed their determination and left right after school to carve the sculpture during the last days of midterms for the competition.

“Our ice sculpture, actually made from snow, starts as an 8-

foot tall and 6-foot wide and deep snow block,” Barker explained.

Team captain and previous member Thresher recalled, “We had the same dates last year, and even with the busy week, it was still a fun experience.”

Because finals were the same week as the sculpting times, the Grand Blanc team lost out on five hours of work. The first day they were able to stay later than the other groups to try and catch up.

“Since we had such a short

time we picked the design of balloon animals because it’s creative yet still quicker than other options,” said team member Ariele Harris.

Even though the previous weeks’ temperatures were close to or above the freezing mark, they plummeted during the competition to allow for decent carving and sculpting weather. The teams all had to stop sculpting at 5 p.m. Jan. 29. First place went to an Owosso High School team

but unfortunately, Grand Blanc’s toppled over with 40 minutes left of the competition.

-Nichole Boehnke (Staff Writer)

Sculpting in snow: (Far right and center right) Grand Blanc’s team works on their sculpture as other schools work on their designs (Far left and center left).

Photos: Boehnke/Banner

Store Specia t n e d u l St

2 bags of chips and a KoolAid for

$1

10 On Campus

An inside look:

Mock Trial

Sitting in a circle, the various lawyers and witnesses of the Mock Trial team discuss the possible strengths and weaknesses in both the defense and prosecution cases, and throw out different strategies on how to counteract them and catch other teams off guard.

Among these individuals is senior Jay Jordan, an attorney that is serving on both the defense and prosecution teams, demanding a large, yet equal understanding of each case. After the meeting, Jay and I sat down to have a discussion about Mock Trial, the team’s plans for the year, and what exactly takes place: -Jerry Hendrix

(Managing Editor)

JH: So could you give me a general

JH: As a team, how well would you

JH: What exactly do you do?

JJ: I’m on both teams as a lawyer,

JH: In past years, how has the

overview of what Mock Trial is?

JJ: High school students have a case that all high school students have in this state. We evaluate the case, and then separate the plaintiff and defense teams and challenge opponents from different schools who have done the same.

say you function together?

JJ: Right now we’re ironing out the ambiguities of the case so it’s kind of hectic, but each day our case becomes more logical and differing opinions make for a strengthened perspective as to how we will present our case in court.

Photo: Harrell/ Banner

so I have to make questions for four witnesses, two of whom are loyal to me as a plaintiff or defendant, and the other two are witnesses that I have to cross examine to strengthen my case.

JH: What would you say is key of

winning in Mock Trial?

JJ: Being on the same page. Lawyers have to communicate with their witnesses and every teammate has to be enveloped in the same strategy and know what they need to do in order to strengthen their case.

JH: How do both defense

and prosecution teams prepare for the trial?

JJ: We evaluate witness statements and build up strategies and theories as to the outcome of the case and/or crime.

JH: As a team member, how does Photo: Harrell/ Banner

Photo: Harrell/ Banner

JH: Could you summarize what the case is this year?

JJ: This year two students are

caught cheating, a girl says she’s going to turn them in, both students corner the girl on a cliff, the next day the girl ends up dead, one student blames it on the other-- murder trial.

JH: How are these trials judged?

JJ: You have a judge and then you

have a jury which is composed of actual lawyers and they evaluate the high school lawyers and witnesses and they deem the winner. Usually it’s by witness and lawyer scores combined, not by who actually won the case.

Mock Trial team faired?

JJ: Last year we didn’t do as well as we hoped we would. The year before that, they made it to states.

Mock Trial help focus your skills as an attorney?

JJ: Oral communication is increasingly important, right? So, this activity has helped me express myself more fluently in an actual, professional setting. It’s one thing talking to your friends and proving your point, but it’s another thing being judged by actual members of a profession which I respect, and being rewarded by my efforts to communicate to their level.

JH: Do you think you willl be Photo: Harrell/ Banner

Developing a case: The all senior Mock Trial team, including Radhika Gutta, Kelsey Moran, Ruhi Ahluwalia, Michael Brown, and Megan Flattley, prepare for their competition in March.

sucessful this year?

JJ: We’ve got a strong team. All of

our members are seniors, and all but one are returning to the team. I’m confident that we’ll make it to states and win.

On Campus 11

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

the Comic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . corner -Junior Kara West

-SophomoreBrianna Naegle

-Sophomores Ashley Campos and Bryley Defriez

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On our minds 13

Stay Healthy “I was sick the morning of the ACT, and I couldn’t focus on the testing because I was so distracted with how awful I felt.”

-Morgan Overstreet

Be Prepared With the Needed Materials “I forgot my calculator the morning of the test and had to do all of my math by hand. I could have gone faster, been more accurate, and saved myself a lot of stress had I just remembered to bring it.”

-Taylr Holbert

Eat “I took the test at another school that fed all of us. It really helped because it would have been impossible to focus while testing when all you can think about is how empty your stomach is.”

-Erin Shea

Get More Sleep “I was so nervous before the test that I barely Ready or not, the dreaded month of March is approaching. slept the night before, While most people think of March as the beginning of spring, and then the only thing I for juniors, March is the much-feared month in which you will Pay More Attention could focus on was how be forced to take the ever so terrifying ACT. During Daily Classes tired I was during the Odds are, despite your teachers doing their best to prepare “The stuff your teachers are teaching on a test.” you, most of you are still shaking in your skin with anxiety. But daily basis actually does show up in the ACT -Anna Darzi never fear, in order to take some of the stress off of you, your and it will help you in the long run if you loving seniors have compiled a list of things that they wish they just listen in the first place.” had done during their ACT experience in hopes that you will -David Christian learn from their mistakes to make your experience the best that Take a Practice it can be!

-Emily Hines ACT Study the (Staff Writer) “I feel that if I had pracMaterial More Dress Appropriately ticed before the real test then I “There were a lot of unfamiliar “The room I was testing in was very would have had a better idea of things on the test that I should have hot, and I was very uncomfortable the whole what it would have been like and just taken the time to look at before time which made it hard to focus. I should have it wouldn’t have been such a the test which would have made it dressed in layers so I could have been prepared culture shock.” a lot easier.” for any temperature.”

-Alyssa Gibson -Deanna Satkowiak -Jon Waller

Keep Your Space

There is a reason residents of Grand Blanc avoid the Saginaw Street, Holly Road intersection around 7 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Yet every teenager is stuck in the midst of the mass chaos known as the high school parking lot.

The parking lot is a mess on a normal day, but when a freak snow storm hits, it’s like us mid-Michiganders have never seen snow before. Arriving at the school at my normal time, I was stuck in the last row of the upper lot, when I should have been about three rows closer. Cars made curved lines, they were so close, students cannot even open their doors. Some were even so far apart a Smart Car could have created its own spot between them.

I realize there are no lines to go by, but you passed your driving test didn’t you? You know the dimensions of your car, and what it looks like when you normally park, so why

Photo: Hines/Banner

Photo: Hines/Banner

can’t you keep your one to two feet distance between cars?

Don’t forget about the lower lot, I didn’t even stick around to see how the afternoon rush played out. Cars were bumper to bumper. No aisle ways to pull out into—you had to wait for the person behind you to leave.

There are not even enough spaces for the amount of students who drive at this school to park, let alone when students forget what a parking lot looks like when the ground is covered in snow and the lines are lost.

The school can do little to solve this, but they can try to keep the lots as clean as possible in the time they have before the students arrive. Students just need to gain some common sense when it comes to parking. How hard can that be?

-Sarah Campbell (Copy Editor)

Photo: Campbell/Banner

Photo: Hines/Banner

14 On our minds

Running out of time Second semester means a new start for many students, but for some of the upperclassmen, it’s a flashback to freshmen and sophomore year. The “new” six minute passing time has students ranting and raving about how this new policy is affecting classroom efficiency and the administration’s attempt to fix the hallway disaster.

This change has some students speaking out against the policy, most of them weren’t so pleased with our administration, and some were reliving memories of when the six minutes used to be the passing norm.

-Cody Harrell (Junior Editor)

Sophomore Ardie Williams “There are too many people in the hallways.”

Sophomore Jeremy Shelton “It’s not enough time to do what I need before class starts.”

Junior Calil Nickola “There’s not enough time to get from class to class.”

601 At time of publication:

Junior Laura DuCharme “When classes are on the opposite side of school, there’s not enough time to get there.”

Senior Jessica Weber “I don’t care. It doesn’t affect me.”

people had joined the Facebook group “GB’s new 6 minute passing time sucks”

97.5% Out of 230 students polled:

Senior Jon Waller “Extra three minutes gives us a mental break.”

of students want a nine minute passing time over the new six minute one.

Senior Valarie Hansen “The extra three minutes aren’t being utilized, so we aren’t getting any benefits.”

Junior Bernadete Rodriguez “If it’s supposed to help unclog the halls; it’s not helping at all.

No one cares about tardies.”

Senior Jake Palmer “Why change the majority to accommodate the minority?”

Senior Jason Ethington “It’s dumb because you can’t use the bathroom and get to class.”

Senior Audrey Ditri “I want more time to get to class because I need time getting from the English wing to the band room.”

Junior Justin Wetenhall “There isn’t enough time. I had a hard time with nine minutes.

They could make it more efficient by eliminating crowds.”

5

On our minds 15

reasons to break up after

Va le n ti n e ’s Day

Valentine’s Day brings a certain tension to the air. I wouldn’t be surprised if guys particularly loathe the fact that they are ‘pressured’ to make sure that this day is perfect for their girl, and that she still wants to be with him when all is said and done. Breaking up is harder when you don’t have an incredibly good reason. Here are some reasons that should make it really easy for you girls:

-Tuesday Carne

1.

3.

He spends Valentine’s Day with another girl: Why wouldn’t your boyfriend spend Valentine’s Day with you? He shouldn’t have anything better to do. Spending this certain day with someone else shows you that she means more to him than you.

You two agree on exchanging gifts, but he doesn’t get you anything: What, did he forget? He shouldn’t if you’re his girlfriend; he should be thinking about you often enough to remember to get you something. This totally screams, not boyfriend material.

2.

He tries to pressure you into taking your relationship to the “next level:” Any guy that tries to pressure you into doing physical stuff, stuff that you aren’t ready to do, should be dumped. He should accept that you aren’t ready. The excuse, “Ohh, but it’s Valentine’s Day,” is pathetic. No girl needs a guy like that in her life.

(Design Editor)

4.

Hmm, this looks familiar. Oh wait, that’s because I gave it to you last Valentine’s Day. Photo: Carne/Banner

He takes you on a date, but his eyes are glued on other girls: Seriously dude, this is a no brainer. Any guy that does this has near to no respect for you, and is therefore not a keeper; respect is a must.

5.

He re-gifts something that you gave him: I mean wow! If he doesn’t want to keep said present, it obviously has no sentimental value when it should. He is your boyfriend – anything he gets from you should mean at least a little something. It should be a little special to him. The only thing that would make this worse would if he knew it was a re-gift. He knew that you gave it to him, yet is stupid enough to try to give it back to you. That idiot needs to be kicked to the curb, and quick.

Slap worthy pick up lines to avoid

Photo: Strieter/Banner

Save it: Senior Jessica Haggerty knows a bad line when she hears it.

Ladies, we’ve all heard them; second-rate pick-up lines with content so appalling you wish you’d never been approached in the first place.

Now if you think Joey’s (from the sitcom Friends) famous, “How you doin’” is unoriginal, and you’re frustrated by the ever so overused, “Did it hurt, when you fell from heaven?” Well, just wait.

To the right, are the ten raunchiest, yet printappropriate pick-up lines heard throughout the halls of Grand Blanc High School.

-Erica Strieter

(Staff Writer)

1.“Do you come here often?”

-John Lynn, senior

2.“Heavy Penguins…glad I could break the ice.”

-Jessica Haggerty, senior

3.“Do you do karate? ‘Cause your body is kickin’” -Jake Troyer, senior

4.“Are you a parking ticket? Cause you have fine written all over you.”

-Kate Sanford, senior

5.“I saw your picture; it was in the dictionary next to KABLAM!” -Gabe Martin, senior

6.“Say girl, do fries come with that shake?”

-Jon Waller, senior

7.“I just noticed you noticing me and I just wanted to give you notice that I noticed you too” -Chris Machielse, alum

8.“What’s cookin’ good lookin’?”

-Will Sanford, senior

9.“What’s that on your hand? That’s my hand…”

-Sam Cox, junior

10.“Excuse me, but there’s something wrong with my cell. It’s missing your number.”

-Chris Machielse, alum

16 On the list

‘The Lovely Bones’ is bone chilling

The book was better: While audiences will leave the theater chilled by Peter Jackson’s movie, check out the book for the whole story.

Fans of the book The Lovely Bones written by Alice Seybold will love and hate the new movie. It’s directed by Peter Jackson, the same director who brought the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and King Kong to life. The story centers around a graphic murder, which is actually not adapted on screen exactly as it appeared in the book, in order to maintain the movie’s PG-13 rating. Several other scenes from the book were cut, which may disappoint some readers.

When Susie Salmon is raped and murdered in 1973, her family is devastated. The book centers around how her family is trying to move on, while the movie centers more around finding the killer and bringing him to justice.

Susie’s parents Jack and Abigail Salmon portrayed wonderfully by Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz, show a level of emotion that matches the book almost perfectly. However, the star of the movie, Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, makes the film unique. Her soft voice narrates the story while she is in her heaven, as she watches her family grieve and move on.

The entire film has a creepy, disturbing tone. Almost as if these sort of things could really happen, as it too often does in today’s society. The film used color to represent a number of significant people and objects, as well as creating a very dream-like version of heaven for Susie. The soundtrack used many light, soft vocals to lighten the overall feel of the movie, despite its dark mood.

In the end, audiences will be left with a lump in their throat as Susie’s father desperately searches for his daughter’s killer, evoking every parent’s worst nightmare.

This movie is a must see, and was nominated for several Golden Globe Awards as well as Screen Actors’ Guild Awards.

-Stephanie Tomczak (Staff Writer)

‘The Sea’ washes a wave of maturity over Corrine Bailey When one thinks of the sea, renaissance and purification are words that come to mind. Corinne Bailey Rae’s “The Sea” is a manifestation of her journey towards purification after the death of her husband in 2008.

Rae first appeared to mainstream music with her self- titled album in 2006. The album garnered praise for songs like “Put Your Records On” and “Like a Star.” On her recent album, Rae has not lost her soulful sound but definitely conveys the

maturity that accompanies a great loss.

Songs on the album like the single “I’d Do It All Again,” exude the pain that she has yet to overcome but copes with through the memory of magnificent love. Though the CD is dedicated to her late husband, Rae finds time to have fun in the edgy song “The Blackest Lilly” or the poppy song “Paris Nights/New York Mornings.”

With this album, Rae hoped to convey the human emotion that she felt that people do not usually sing about, grief. The album was not exactly a distraction from the loss of her husband but it was a goal that she could accomplish for him.

The album overall is heartfelt, mellow, and enchanting. Rae uses an eclectic direction for her songs and challenges herself to bring forth yet another memorable and relatable album.

-Angellica Gordon (Staff Writer)