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BANNER GBHS STUDENT PRESS VOLUME 51, ISSUE 2-OCTOBER 30, 2015
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Making the Cut
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GPA requirement emphasizes the ‘student’ in ‘student athlete’ p. 3
GBHS STUDENT PRESS VOLUME 51, ISSUE 1-OCTOBER 7, 2015
New Look in Town
R&B Used Bookstore is making renovations you’ll want to know about
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Spooky Schools Discover some of the most haunted colleges in Michigan p. 4
State Finals
GBHS marching band is off to compete in the State Finals p. 8
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Breakfast All Day
Mcdonald’s adds 24 hour breakfast to the menu Elizabeth Hornung Staff Writer
If you have ever seen the movie “Big Daddy” you would know the scene where Adam Sandler goes ballistic when he finds out McDonald’s breakfast ended at 10:30 a.m. not 11 a.m. This is not a problem anymore. On Oct. 6, McDonald’s started an All Day Breakfast menu, with limited options based on location. Some people are agitated about the limited options for all day breakfast. “Ummm I’m kinda ticked off because they don’t have McGriddles,” junior Janae Smith said “that’s literally what I’m there for.” On the other hand others are really favorable of it. Sophomore Taylor Price is one of those girls who’s lovin it. “I love it,” Price said. “The pancakes and hash browns and orange juice and everything.
It’s just amazing.” Senior Anthony Schramm agrees with Price. “All day breakfast is freaking amazing” Schramm said. After speaking with some
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that they have no workers, on top of the piles and piles of orders they have coming in. “We’re slammed everyday,” Townsend said “all day breakfast is hoppin.” It would be nice if they could get some people in there to work and help out though. When asked what the most popular all day breakfast item is Townsend said “hash browns, burritos, NO HOTCAKES, HOTCAKES AND SAUSAGE!” Another employee, 17-year-old Jimmy Barns doesn’t let the stress get to him. “At noon you could have six large fries, five sausage McMuffins, 17 hash browns all at once,” he said. But Barns just works through it. According to the Chicago Tribune, all day breakfast will increase the stores sales by
When they didn’t have all day breakfast I didn’t get up on time to get it, now I dont have to worry about that -- Natalie Bowers
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of the Saginaw Street McDonald’s employees, one can realize how stressful this is on them. With the recent loss of a lot of their workers, it makes it hard for them. Twenty-three year old Dylan Townsend is struggling with working everyday now
Photo Credit: Hunter Bostley
McDonald’s addition for all day breakfast is boosting business for the chain and making customers happy. Customers no longer have to wake up on time. about 1.5 percent in the current quarter, and should add 1 percent in sales over the next year. McDonald’s is getting a lot of money off this so they assume it’s going to be here for a while. Senior Natalie Bowers enjoys the all day breakfast. “When they didn’t have all
day breakfast, I didn’t get up on time to get it, now I don’t have to worry about that,” she said. It sounds like McDonald’s all day breakfast is here to stay, and the customers are loving it.
New Technology Bond Opportunity Editor In Chief Nov. 3 voters will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed technology bond. Grand Blanc Community Schools has proposed a $32,605,000 bond to improve the schools’ vast technology needs. “I think the biggest enhancement will be the infrastructure and the wifi,” computer science teacher Michael Wesner said. Along with infrastructure and wifi enhancements, GBCS is also looking to purchase more mobile devices like Chromebooks and
iPads for student use. Other instructional equipment enhancements include projectors and document cameras. “I know in my class I have a hard time with the projector, it is pretty small,” Wesner said. “With the bond I could get a high definition projector so students could see it.” At GBHS specifically there will potentially be improvements in the wifi. This year alone our school has encountered incidences where students and faculty could not connect to the wifi.
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Everything, like the computers, are just really slow, -- Claire Morris
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Hunter Bostley
“I think it would really enhance the school especially with a lot of the communication tools we are using these days,” Wesner said. “The technology bond would help my classes tremendously,” math teacher Elizabeth Elias said. “So
often it is difficult just to get the technology we have to work.” The tech bond seems unappealing to some voters due to the effect it will have when it comes time to pay taxes. The tax increase estimates to $120 per $100,000 of house value. If passed, the bondwill be broken up into four installments. In 2016, $7,980,000 will be issued, in 2018, $11,970,000; in 2020, $10,350,000; and 2021, $2,305,000. Students have expressed their opinion on the school’s technology and the bond.
“Everything, like the computers, are just really slow,” freshman Claire Morris said. The wifi speed has been slow and unreliable for students. “Without that reliable technology in our classrooms we cannot effectively teach the students,” Elias said. For more information on the Technology Bond, voters can go to http://www.gbbond2015.com/
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R&B Used Books And Coffee
The Local Book Store Renovates Space For Cafe
Reagan Fechter News Editor
Picture this: you’re sitting in a small cafe, a steaming cup of coffee in front of you, a solid novel in your hands.
Relaxation takes over your body as you sip and read. But why imagine, when that can become a reality? R&B Used Books, located near Grand Blanc Instrumental Music and Rachel’s Hallmark, is renovating the next door space to create a coffee shop. The book store started when the owner Beth Dumity’s husband tried to motivate her to get a job. “I didn’t want to get a real job,” Dumity said. “I was always a book worm. My husband said it would be a good way to get rid of my collection. And that’s how this came about.” Her store took
off, and Dumity liked owning a small business compared to having a different job (she is also able to keep her cat in the store -- something not usually allowed in companies). She kept up with her passion, and after 11 years of sharing good quality and great priced books, she decided it was time for an add on. Although the coffee shop does not have a finalized date, or name, Dumity and her husband are already starting on ideas. She holds a wall in her store dedicated to themes for the cafe. Friends and customers can leave their ideas to be considered, like cat therapy, for children with reading disabilities
Dumity’s cat roams the store. The resident feline is a part of the store, just like the books.
to read to kittens, or simpler things like poetry slams and karaoke. The coffee shop is hoped to be the gathering place for everyone around town. “There is no real good gathering place for kids after school,” Dumity said. ”I think this will be good for both myself, and for them.” Many kids participate in after school activities such as cheerleading and marching band, and need time to get a quick snack after school. Teachers can also stop by to grab a coffee before heading home for the day. The bookstore is only a short walk away, and Dumity believes that will motivate students to drop by. So if you’re interested in having a chill place to hang out after school, read a novel, or drink your favorite coffee, keep your eyes open for R&B’s new edition.
Effects of GPA Minimum Rising Some kids“don’t do anything and it’s not
Staff Writer
Recently, the school board approved that GPA minimum for student athletes rise from a 1.75 to a 1.85.The reason the GPA minimum went up is because the school believes sports do not override grades. “I think I like it cause it kinda requires you to actually do school work because some kids don’t do anything
and it’s not that hard to get a 2.0,” senior and varsity athlete Anthony Schramm said. “On the first eligibility check we had nine ineligible so obviously it affects the freshmen quite a bit,” coach Green said. “You might as well get them now and give them an opportunity to get back.” Coach Carney of the JV football team says that with
room before practice begins. The varsity football team, on the other hand ,carried on with practice as if everything that hard to get a 2.0. was normal. “Oh it’ll run the same,” -- Anthony Schramm coach Delaney answered. “I mean you just have to with football things happening, him being a teacher they had injuries, sickness, other kinds to push practice back so that of things happen and you just the students have time to do have to have the next guy step their homework in his class in and step up and you know and also in coach Moore’s
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Victoria Aubry
that’s just part of the deal.” When some of the football players were asked how hard is it to keep up with school and football they both replied saying it’s pretty tough. School on top of a sport is incredibly stressful. Over all, 13 students were found ineligible on the first check. For these students, grades will be checked every Monday for the rest of their season.
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Most Haunted Colleges
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Seniors beware of these Michigan schools! Hannah Bokor Staff writer
Students planning on attending Michigan State, Eastern or Central might want to reconsider their options if they are not a fan of the paranormal phenomenon that occurs within the corridors of these schools. Eastern Michigan University, located in Ypsilanti, has had many encounters of the paranormal creeping up and frightening the students . There are several reports of a lingering presence haunting the
dorms of EMU, like Hill Hall. Another big hit on the hairraising, scare list of haunted colleges is Central Michigan
University, located in Mt. Pleasant. “I always heard rumors of there being secret underground tunnels running through campus.” English teacher Valerie Belill had to say when asked about haunted rumors at CMU. “They were always closed off because of a murder that happened a long time ago down there,” Belill said. “There were also ghost tours advertised around Halloween time when I went to school there, but I didn’t personally have any ghost experiences happen to me.” Belill said. All this talk of the supernatural spooking you yet? If not, check out what GBHS graduate and current student
at CMU, Megan Fulton had to say about these rumors. “I know a building here called Warriner Hall is haunted,” she said. “It used to be an all girls dorm in the ‘70s or so, and a little girl died in the elevator. People have said there is some eerie things that have happened with the elevator randomly opening, going to the next floor, opening and no one getting off.” Fulton also shared that the Platcha auditorium is haunted as well. “I’ve actually been inside of the theatre because I worked for CMU catering and we had to clean up an event in the basement of the theatre.,” she added. “I went alone and
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couldn’t turn the lights on so I went to go check out the basement and was super freaked out. I don’t think anything happened, but you can imagine what was running through my mind while being in a scary, dark theatre that you know is haunted, by yourself.” These aren’t the only colleges that will make you want to sleep with one eye open tonight. Last, but certainly not least, is Michigan State University. MSU is a sprawling campus located in East Lansing. This school isn’t only known for their impressive education program and “couch burning” parties but also has been linked to several
stories regarding the haunted grounds. “I haven’t had anything happen to me personally but definitely know of some potential hauntings or myths,” GBHS alumnus and current MSU student, Hanna Norris said. “The most popular one that almost everyone has heard about is Mayo Hall,” she said. “It’s named after Mary Mayo. The top floor is actually blocked off but no one seems to know why. I’ve heard people say that there were tons of reports of seeing Mary Mayo walking throughout the first floor and sometimes playing the piano. It’s really creepy.” Next time students plan on visiting any of these colleges, watch your back. You never know what could be lurking behind the corners.
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Voice of the Future The Model U.N. Experience
Katelyn Stuck Staff Writer The Model United Nations club is “a simulation of the U.N. General Assembly and other multilateral bodies,” according to the United Nations Association of the United States of America. In the club, students act as U.N. ambassadors and debate current issues that are faced. A wide variety of skills are used for the club. “The skills that we need for Model U.N. are understanding parliamentary procedures and doing research on different countries,” vice president Anisha Nagpal said. Members of the club
Photo Credit: Rachel Lissner
The entirety of the Model United Nations club in their element.
interested in, like international affairs, so I just thought that it’d be really fun to try out,” Mirchindoni said. At the after-school meetings, fundraising for the club, current I started Model U.N events, and procedural because it really information are discussed enhances people’s among the knowldege of the group. world... Fundraising is a major part of the club. have to act as a delegate of Each conference costs the the country and have to act team approximately $5,000. according to that country’s So far the team has done a beliefs. bake sale and a book fair Senior Selena Mirchat Barnes and Noble’s. indoni joined the club after They’ve raised over $2,000. her friend told her what it At the conferences, was all about. “It had to do members of the club are with a lot of stuff that I’m
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required to represent different countries and also have to debate world politics. Their first conference is the Great Lakes Invitational Model United Nations, which will take place on Nov. 18-21. Some of the topics to be discussed at the upcoming conference will be disarmament and international security, economic and a financial committee, a special political committee, world health, environmental issues, human rights, and security. “I started Model U.N. because it really enhances people’s knowledge on the world,” Nagpal said. “When you represent a country at a conference, you actually feel like you’re doing something productive, and you feel like you are representing a nation of people.”
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BOBCAT
OPINION
BANNER Staff Listing
Policy Out of Touch
ing too much to do in-class to monitor an individual taking video is not an excuse to prohibit students from using accessible technology for their benefit. Second, make it very clear that you can take photos of other people as long as you have their permission. No permission, no photos of other people. These changes aren’t drastic but they’re enough to give students the benefit of the doubt. We aren’t first graders, so if you just treat us with enough respect to get rid of a part of a policy that is the equivalent of being forced to raise your hand for everything, we will treat you with respect, and not abuse the precious trust you have bestowed to us.
dents come off as uneducated! terest to pay attention in school The silent killer a.k.a. the and get good grades, because These athletes need to reeligibility requirement. It’s when it comes to the real member that they are students strikes ever so quickly in the world, the ability to perform a before athletes, certainly not realm of school sports. So far marketable task is valued highit’s claimed the 13 stuer, and the likelihood dent athletes potential that these students will sports careers at our be playing these high school. As of this year, school sports outside the eligibility requireof school and making ment has been up to it a career is zero to a cumulative GPA of none. 1.85, as compared to Sports are a privithe previous years’ lege, not a right, and GPA of 1.75. need to be earned and For starters, the fact maintained. Yet again the cumulative GPA student athletes need requirement is even Illustration Credit: Naomi Sauvola to remember that they that low is completely athletes before students. are playing a school sport. The horrendous. For someone to School should be perceived word “school” even comes first even have a cumulative GPA as a priority, above all other in the title! of 1.85, it means they average things, even above sports. The Granted, participating in a a 73 percent in all six classes, subjects and skills you learn school sport does consume a in other words an overall C-. in high school are utilized the large portion of one’s day, but Then to hear that 13 student for the rest of your life. It is in this does not give the student athletes couldn’t meet this every student athlete’s best in- an excuse to ignore or to slack requirement makes these stu-
off when it comes to school. Sports coaches should consider these student athlete’s academic schedules, and even plan accordingly when it comes to game time. There are also a handful of teachers at our school that are coaches on the side. Many students perceive these teachers as mentors, in the aspect of sports and school, so an idea these teacher coaches should remember is that if they set a good example in the school, and on the field, these student athletes will be quick to follow. The update in the eligibility requirement is definitely a step in the right direction. Hopefully, this will be a constantly updating eligibility requirement, and it would be perfect to see this requirement raised to a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or even higher.
Managing Editor Angela Kiester Dayton Hammon Staff Writer
Feature Editor Anna Levaskavich Opinion Editor Brendan Rogers Entertainment Editor Cyerra Haywood Sports Editor Jensen Hansen Photography Editor Emma Tripp Business Manager Alanah Houston Social Media Editors Lauren Hobson Elizabeth Crawford Staff Writers Victoria Aubry Lindsey Beaudoin Hannah Bokor Isabella Campana Matthew Cocagne Elizabeth Hornung Dayton Hammon Sha’niya Hayman Naomi Sauvola Victoria Schmitt Katelyn Stuck Madison Vedder Erin Walter Alicia Woollcott Olivia Wyzgoski
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more vital to everyday lives and occupations, so why are we being limited in the Electronics Policy? The rules are simply not specific enough. They are too general, and are degrading to high schoolers, making it seem like teens cannot handle using their phones maturely. So, here’s my suggestion on what to do for the Electronic Policy. First, change the policy to state that students are allowed to take pictures and video without permission from their teachers for educational purposes. We don’t need the Internet Acceptable/Appropriate Use and Electronic Policies forcing teachers to overlook our actions. At the same time, the excuse of teachers hav-
Co-Editors in Chief Hunter Bostley Ty Garza
News Editor Reagan Fechter
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It’s essential that I bring up a major flaw in Grand Blanc’s Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook Assuming the passing time combined for each student is 30 to 45 minutes, in addition to the 30-minute lunch period, we are allowed to be on our phones unrestricted for 60 to 75 minutes. This is for a 7:20 to 2:16 school period, averaging up to 14% of the day. This is only assuming
that students do not use their phones in class Teachers post assignments for the day and sometimes for the week on a whiteboard or chalkboard, in order for students to know what they’re doing that day, in the week, or what’s due. Now, one could dig to find their planner and write this all down in the little time they have, or they could be convenient and take a photo of the board. According to the Student Handbook, you have to ask for a teacher to use your phone (for educational purposes only). Taking pictures of your assignments is educational, but why do students have to ask to use their phone for this educational purpose? Technology is becoming
Staff Editorial -- Increased GPA a start
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Staff Policy
Our goal for The Bobcat Banner is to provide the entire Grand Blanc Community with accurate and informative news, entertainment, and sports. The views and opinions of the indiviual writers do not reflect the views of the staff as a whole. We welcome letters to the editors, however, letters may be edited for space or content.
ENTERTAINMENT
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Fun in the Fall Madison Vedder Staff Writer
Top Five Disney Halloween Movies Cyerra Haywood Entertainment Editor
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Tim Burton’s classic hit is all about Jack trying to turn Christmas into a second Halloween. If you love Christmas and you love Halloween, then you’ll love this!
Go to a Haunted Trail or a Haunted House: A haunted house may be scary, but a lot of people actually love getting scared at this time of year.
Don’t know what to do this fall? Check out some fun things that you can do this fall without breaking the bank!
4. Mom’s Got A Date with a Vampire (2000): Three siblings work to prove that their mom really is going on a date with a vampire. It joins in the rank of the thousands of vampire movies that are already out there, just minus the sparkles!
Have seasonal drinks: There are many places that have specialty drinks such as Starbucks, Biggby Coffee, Tim Hortons, McDonald’s,and etc.
Eat Candy Corn: Even though most people don’t favor it, stores still sell all kinds of candy corn during the fall.
Eat a Caramel Apple: It doesn’t just have to be a caramel apple. You can practically have anything on there: white chocolate, dark chocolate, peanuts, caramel; the possibillities are endless!
3. Twitches (2005): Twins who were seperated at birth meet up and discover that they’re witches. Twin + Witches = Twitches! Tia and Tamera Mowry shine in this Disney Halloween hit and you can catch the sequel, “Twitches Too!” 2. Hocus Pocus (1993): Catch your three favorite witches on their quest for revenge and everlasting youth in this spooky tale. Not only does it come on Disney Channel, but it also shows on ABC Family all of the time.
Visit an Apple Orchard or Pumpkin Patch: There are tons of fun things to do at an apple orchard and lots of different ones to go to.
1. Halloweentown (1998): Don’t just watch one of them, watch all of them! Follow three siblings as they get sucked into “Halloweentown,” where it’s Halloween every day. Have a marathon of all four movies with your friends and it’ll get you in the spirit.
Illustration Credit: Naomi Sauvola
TAKE A BITE OUT OF ORCHARDS Erin Walters Staff Writer
Going to the apple orchard has become a tradition for many families who are ready to get in the fall spirit. “I think that during the fall season everyone craves apple cider and some donuts,” junior Hannah Kranz said. “I think apple orchards are a great way to spend time with family and friends.” The apple orchards that receive the most attention
near Grand Blanc are Spicer’s Orchard and Porter’s Orchard. Spicer’s Orchard, located in Fenton, attracts customers by allowing them to view the apple cider and donut-making process. “I love going to Spicer’s Orchard,” sophomore Gabrielle Pearce said. “They have so much to offer to all ages, and it gives you something fun to do in the fall.” Porter’s Orchard, located in Goodrich, is a third gen-
eration family-owned apple orchard with award-winning apple cider. Many families go to Porter’s Orchard for the fun-themed corn mazes, this year the theme is “Once Upon A Time.” “I think the corn mazes are the best part,” sophomore Sophia Hamelink said. “The different themes each year always give you something to look forward to.” Both Spicer’s and Porter’s Orchard have hayrides, petting
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zoos, and fall-themed play areas that younger children can enjoy while the rest of the family helps pick out fall treats and the perfect pumpkins. “Whenever we go to the orchard, there’s something that every member in my family can enjoy,” freshman Kate Hill said. “We all like different things, but there’s something there for everyone.” Apple orchards offer fun activities and treats, but one of the main reasons people
go there is in the phrase itself -- for apples. The beginning of October marks the beginning of the apple picking season. The fun thing about orchards is that they have apples for you to purchase, but you can also take a hayride out to the fields to pick them out yourself. “Picking apples is a fun way to hang out with friends, and at the same time it’s healthy for you,” sophomore Braedon Shick said.
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SPORTS
Marching onto State Finals
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GBWP off to districts Jensen Hansen
Sports Editor
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Crawford
GBHS Marching Band is back
Elizabeth Crawford Staff Writer
Dedicated. That is one word to describe the GBHS Marching Band. With home football games on Fridays, competitions on Saturdays, and everyday practice after school, the Marching Band is Marching on to States. “We have been doing pretty good,” saxophone player Austin Tripp said. “Our scores have been the pretty high at our competitions.” The Marching Band competed on Saturday, Oct. 17, where they received the high-
est score yet being a 89.7. The point system is out of 100. The band only has a 130 members and they beat a band that has 270 members. “It shows that if we work hard it will help us a lot,” Tripp said. Currently, the band is fourth in their flight. Flights are based on school population. They are in flight one which is the top flight in the state. There are 13 teams in flight one. “We are playing the best that I have ever played in the four years that I have been a part of the marching band,” senior Thomas Volker said.
The Marching Band staff is in charge of writing their shows. This years show is called “December.” “We have gotten a lot more done this year than we did last year this time,” senior Hannah Dutton said. The Marching Band will compete at state finals on Nov. 7 at Ford Field. They will fight to keep their position on the leaderboard and possibly get a higher position. “We are doing really well right now,” Dara Shapiro said. “So I think we will get high placement at states.”
With a record of 10-15, the boys varsity water polo season is slowly coming to an end. During the season, the boys have accomplished numerous achievements. “Our team has improved greatly over the season,” senior and captain Ryan LaHaie said. “We have had several tournaments this season that we have won,” LaHaie also added: “We’ve had some tough losses but we’ve always stayed positive.” Positive mental attitude is key to any athlete, especially before a game/meet/match. Thinking about how to execute the fundamentals of the sport before a performance is also key as well. “I think about defense,” senior Dustin Ford said. “I also try to focus on how I can better our team for the game.” Also before a game, it’s very important to think about things that an individual would
like to accomplish during his/ her performance. “Before a game, I think about the practice that we did before each game,” LaHaie said. “We go over team and personal goals to accomplish during the game.” As a team, It is very important to stay close to one another. Because there is no “I” in team. “We come together by doing cheers before every game,” captain Austin Balow said. “We also stay after school on game days and eat at Subway as a team.” Every athlete has their pregame ritual whether it’s jumping around, listening to music, stretching out, cheering, etc. “We do this really cool cheer called ‘The Kill Chant’ before every game,” LaHaie said. “It gets us all really hype and ready to go.” The Cats haven’t lost their positivity yet or their team spirit, that’s for sure. The Cats have districts on Oct. 30.
New uniforms on their way for Marching Band Erin Walter Staff Writer The Marching Band started off wearing matching band shirts and jeans, but they have come a long
way since then. time for new uniforms. “We haven’t gotten new uniforms in 10 year,” band director Cory Hutchison said. “So everyone is really
GB
looking forward for it.” The uniforms will give the band a new professional look. They will have a crisp look to them along with a
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colorful plume to top them off. The jackets are mainly red with some white and black on the torso. The sleeves will be black, to go along with the black pants
CENTER
Boys Varsity Soccer: Boys Varsity Football: 10/20- GB vs. Swartz Creek: 1-0 GB 10/22- GB vs. Flushing: 5-0 GB 10/24- GB vs. Clarkston: 3-2 GB
Alterations in size will be easier for the years to come because they are made out of a material that is more lightweight and easier to sew.
10/2- GB vs. Pinckney: 3815 Pinckney 10/16- GB vs. W.alled Lake Lakeland: 35-28 WLL 10/23- GB vs. Northville: 37-20 Northville
Boys Varsity Waterpolo: 10/23- GB vs. Ann Arbor Pioneer: 19-4 Pioneer