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Water Polo
See what the water polo team does during the winter to stay in shape! p. 14
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Road Repairs Necessary
Michigan Roads Filled with Potholes and Cracks
Elizabeth Crawford Social Media Editor
In many residents of Michigan’s favor, The House of Representatives passed a comprehensive plan to fix the state’s roads on Nov. 10. It is no doubt that Michigan has some of the worst roads in the U.S. The Washington Post ranked Michigan to have 40 percent of urban roads in bad condition. This is compared to Florida, where 7 percent of the roads are in bad condition. “I have had my license for 37 years,” security guard Larry Glosch said. “And the roads have pretty much been bad that whole time period.” Michigan’s roads are notorious for potholes and cracks. “My street is horrible,” math teacher Jason Youngs
said. “There are potholes all new driver, the winters are tion fees, and a $600-million over the place and it’s ridicuvery scary. shift in money from the state’s lous.” Photo Credit: Elizabeth Crawford general fund to The reason for roads. the terible roads “I think it’s in Michigan is the good because it unique climate and puts the tax on geography that the the people who state sees. A main use the roads,” cause is called Youngs said. freeze-thaw. This “It is directly is where water related to how seeps into cracks, much you use expands, and the roads.” eventually breaks On the other the rock apart. The hand, some disterrible road condi- Potholes litter the roads of Michigan. agree and think tions have caused that Michigan’s Driving in the winter becomes a horrible roads will driving on them to be very unsafe task. never be fixed. in many weather “That’s The plan for the roads to be conditions. what they always say,” senior fixed comes with a few op“The roads are horrible,” Sarah Schmitt said, “but the portunity costs. That includes senior Madison Staudacher money ends up going to somea 7 percent gas tax hike, a 40 said. “Especially for being a where else.” percent increase in registra-
Although, this has been what residents of Michigan have been waiting a long time for, there will still be waiting since the gas hike won’t go into effect until the year 2017. Ultimately, when the funds have been put together Michigan won’t see a change in the roads until the year 2021. “I hope to see Michigan possibly to have the best roads in the U.S.,” senior Jordan Sanborn said. It is a possibility for Michigan to have the best roads, but right now that is very far off. “In the end I would just like to see my street get repaired,” Youngs said. “That’s all.”
Instagram Ads Promote Businesses Social Media Ads Expecting $2 Billion by 2017
Lauren Hobson Staff Writer
Instagram ads, launched in November of 2013, caused widespread panic in the world of social media and got tons of negative feedback. Over the last couple of years these ads have been very inconsistent. Making a comeback in the later months of 2015, the ads might be here to stay. The ads have already earned about $600,000 million
this year alone and the numbers are only expected to rise. Businesses such as Michael Kors, Shutterfly, PetSmart, Kohl’s, GAP, and Dell are jumping at the opportunity to advertise on one of the hottest social media apps next to Twitter, Snapchat, and Facebook. This carousel type ad allows advertisers to post multiple scrolling pictures or videos that appear on every user’s feed. Instagram has not publicly put out a specific dollar
amount for advertising on their app/website duo, but cost could range from $350,000 to $1 million monthly. “The ads are kind of annoying,” senior Taylor Howard said,”I really don’t care and I just keep going through my feed.” People such as Howard are upset with the addition of the advertisements. She argues that advertisements are taking up too much space and are irrelevant. “Obviously it’s a good idea
for businesses to market on Instagram, but nothing I’m seeing is really geared towards the age group of the people who use it,” senior Ashley Fulton said. Fulton makes her point that most of these advertisements on social media do not pertain to clothes, TV shows, or businesses that teenagers are interested in. Others don’t seem to take notice to the ads. “I don’t really notice the ads; I accidentally like them
all the time,” senior Nichole Leach said. Leech adds that advertisers on Instagram are most likely receiving a lot of business from the ads considering she hardly realized the difference between a post from the multiple fashion accounts she follows, and a clothing ad. Instagram is expected to make north of $2 billion from the advertising regularly on their app and website.
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You Can’t Spell “Chipotle” without “E. Coli”
Outbreak on West Coast Has Customers Spooked
Matt Cocagne Staff Writer
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of years, you know how popular restaurants like Chipotle and Qdoba have become. Founded in 1993, Chipotle has been bringing diners a healthconscious version of Mexican fast-food cuisine ever since. But a recent outbreak of E. Coli in restaurants in Oregon and Washington have some consumers concerned about the possibility of the disease spreading to their own communities. According to CNBC, the outbreak was most likely due to contaminated produce. But Washington state’s Department of Health has not pinpointed the source thus far. “[I’m wondering] how they could let this happen,” junior
Steven Semrau said. “How did [E. Coli] get in the food?” E. Coli is a bacterial disease that affects the intestines. Symptoms of the disease can include: cramping, severe diarrhea, vomiting, and even death. This can be unsettling for customers of similar restaurants around town. “If Qdoba had an E. Coli outbreak, then I’d be very concerned,” senior Austin Tripp said. For many however, this news is of no concern to them. “[I think] the media can blow ‘outbreaks’ out of proportion,” senior Thomas Volker said, “and they can become a greater deal than it really is.” Since the outbreak occurred, Chipotle has voluntarily closed restaurants in
Washington and Oregon as precautionary measures. State health officials have laid out steps before reopening of these chains.
you’ve got to watch out for,” Qdoba employee John Mitchell said. But they are confident in their providers and quality of
Photo Credit: Olivia Wyzgoski
43 restaurants scattered along the West Coast were closed as a result of the outbreak Workers of the local Qdoba chain, across the street, also seem concerned about this recent outbreak. “It’s always something
their food. They are confident an outbreak could not occur in Grand Blanc. “We’re not too worried about it,” Mitchell said. “It
seemed pretty localized.” The real question is: is it safe to eat at Chipotle? In response to the outbreak, Chipotle has created a page dedicated to frequently asked questions. They claim that it is safe to eat at Chipotle restaurants and the confirmed sources of E. Coli were limited to 11 restaurants in the Washington and Oregon areas. Since the outbreak, Chipotle released a statement saying that 40 of the 43 restaurants that were closed have been reopened. They say that health officials have concluded that there is no ongoing risk from this incident. It is safe to say that the outbreak has been resolved, and that no one is at risk from eating at their restaurants.
Linden Shooting Scare
Community Left in Shock After Almost Shooting Reagan Fechter
On April 20, 1999, two high school students in Columbine, Colorado, shot and killed 12 students and one teacher. This became known as the Columbine Massacre. Recently, three teens were arrested in Linden, Michigan, charged for attempting to bring guns to school. A resource officer at Linden Community Schools was given information, and reported that info to Daniel Allen, the Police Chief. Allen in turn reported his information to the FBI. The shooting was scheduled to happen on Oct. 30, at both the middle and high school.
Eighteen-year-old Ryan Stevens lead the revolt and was charged with conspiracy to first degree murder, and a false terrorism report. 15-yearolds Lamarr Dukes, West
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The news of an almost shooting at one of our sister schools came as a shock to interviewed students. “I wouldn’t want to come to school,” senior Huda ShaikhKhill said. “I don’t even know how that would affect us. That’s just really scary.” In the case of having an armed attack on the school, the security guards have been properly trained and on alert for any suspicions. “In a case like this, if we were to get any of that information, it would be passed on to the police immediately,” head of security Larry Glosch said. “It scares me that that happens. But all we can do is be prepared.”
It scares me that that happens. But all we can do is be prepared --Larry Glosch
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News Editor
Bloomfield, and Cody Brewer, Wolverine Lake, were charged with legal act/illegal manner and a false terrorism report. All three were charged as adults.
Since 2013, there have been about 159 school shootings in America. Only one of those has occurred in Michigan. The highest amount of shootings occur in big states like California, Texas, and Florida. English teacher Daniel Clark believes you can’t stop something like this from happening. It’s like worrying that every time you get in the car, you’ll be in a car accident. “I don’t think anyone can be shocked by this kind of thing anymore because it’s happening more frequently,” Clark said. In most cases, the people behind the attacks each had personal baggage that was promoting the idea of terrorism
into their minds. Eric Harris and David Klebold of the Columbine massacre suffered from bullying and psychopathic tendencies. Adam Peter Lanza of the Sandy Hook shooting had OCD, asperger syndrome, and sensory-integration disorder. Although it is unclear what the motive behind the three Linden Community students was, it is clear that schools are taking steps for more protection, Grand Blanc being one of them. “We easily have the best security in Genesee County,” Glosch said.
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Technology Bond Passed Expectations of long awaited tech bond Hunter Bostley Editor-In-Chief
Grand Blanc’s Technology Bond was passed in the recent election on Nov.3. This is allowing the Grand Blanc Community schools to use $32,605,000 for new and improved technology. The bond will be broken up into four installments so it has a lesser effect on taxpayers. In 2016, $7,980,000 will be issued, in 2018 $11,970,000 will be issued, in 2020 $10,350,000 will be issued, and 2021, $2,305,000 will be issued. Students have expressed their opinion on what they
expect now that the bond has passed. “For this year my expectations are low, but in the coming years I expect the computers to be updated to something like like Macs, and maybe a better grading system,” senior Thomas Volker said. Teachers at the high school have also expressed their expectations now that there is opportunity for major improvements. “I would like to see the network not crash, the printers not crash, or maybe the wifi being able to work or even the grading system,” said chemistry Teacher Thomas Lemaster.
“Hopefully we see some of these changes in the next two years.” Herb Wansitler, the Technology Architect for Grand Blanc Community Schools, spoke about the bond and what is currently happening to make changes. “The first you have to do when you pass a bond is, you have to hire someone to go out and sell bonds which is where all that money comes from,” Wansitler said. “Our financial team is currently in the stage of selling bonds, and that money will be in before summer some time, and then over the summer we will start some
of our major projects.” The major projects that are happening over the summer are some of the more invasive changes that the technology team has planned. “There is a lot of wiring that has to be done,” Wansitler said. “In order for all our technology to work we have to work to replace switches, that will help with fast wifi, better internet times.” The high school specifically, will be seeing some major changes to the library and computer labs in the next few years. “We will have a more modern looking library,” Wansitler
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said. “The computer labs will also become flexible learning areas.” Wansitler spoke about one major change that every school should seeing “The biggest change is the amount of devices in the classroom,” Wansitler said. “Rather than having to go to a computer lab, you will have devices readily available to you.” The bond has proven well for Grand Blanc Community Schools thus far. “I am just happy to see people excited about technology in our district, and have it working properly for them,” Wansitler said.
Hunger for Language Leads to Strike Spreading World-Wide Deaf Community Starves Themselves in Protest Emma Tripp Staff Writer
Recently, people within the deaf community have been taking turns starving themselves for days at a time to protest against the lack of language provided for deaf students. The Deaf community is protesting something called sim-com, a compromise of English and Sign language. Sim-com is a way to sign that uses the English grammar. When using sim-com, there is no clear language to convey the message. “Sim-com is not a language. Sim-com is consists of spoken English. It’s usually sign language supported
speech,” Kathleen Gates, a hunger striker said. “When you use two languages at the same time it is not a language. It does not relay a clear message. Sim-com has no means of conveying the message clearly or properly.” The protests focus on Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf’s language policy, but can be applied to many schools that have deaf programs. The complaint is that WPSD is not focusing on the deaf student as a deaf student. That they are ignoring the importance of ASL to deaf kids and have hearing teachers teaching in Sim-com.
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It’s like trying to speak Spanish and English at the same time; you just can’t do it -- Kathleen Gates
“Hearing teachers or other staff use sim-com for THEIR convenience. In the long run it weakens the quality of their education. “ Gates said. People like Gates believe that language is essential to be successful in learning academics and in developing social skills. Language is crucial for any person to be able to function in his/her life. Studies show that the most successful deaf or hard-of-hearing students are those that have a fully developed language in their early ages. The protests are taking place all around the U.S. and Canada, one in Paris, including one demonstration in Grand Blanc by Kathleen Gates. “It’s like trying to speak Spanish and English at the same time; you just can’t do it,” Gates said. People are complaining that the school has a perspec-
tive that deaf people cannot communicate with me in an help or teach other deaf people actual language that I could on account of their having so understand.” many hearing teachers. Many Recently, a video that has schools that offer gone vithat actually have ral about the same state of a 15 year mind. old boy, “I had a really Patrick, difficult life growin Uganing up, my dad da who never learned Sign grew up Language but my his whole mom learned Sign life Language that she with no used for sim-com. language It was hard to comat all. He municate with my commuparents as a kid,” Photo Credit: Emma Tripp nicated Rodney Tripp, a The deaf community iswith deaf man raised on protesting “sim-com,” basic sim-com said. gestures as a fake language. “I actually to only played football at a hearing his father. In the video, he was school I went to but it was able to go to a classroom to really hard to understand what learn sign language. Upon remy coach wanted me to do alizing what the gestures were, in the field because he never his whole world changed. took the time to learn how to
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Exploring the Student Store The doors of the jungle have opened Lindsey Beaudoin
“Last year they didn’t chocolate chip and carnival to attract the students to us have that wide of a variety cookies. There’s so many more,” senior Lydia Bauof products so this year we drinks like Arizona tea, doux explained. ordered more,” senior Taynaked juices, water, StarLast year it took a few lor Howard said. bucks Fraps, 4 Crystal light months for students to GBHS has an Outtakes prepare the store for line where students can opening, but this year We have everything purchase snacks and desthey were opened much serts that can not be purOuttakes has and earlier. The students this chased in the normal lunch year determined to make more. lines, but the student store the store a success. is known as a place to visit. “This year is a lot a --Taylor Howard “We have everything better than last year,” Outtakes has and more,” marketing teacher Al Howard stated. “Better qual- flavors, and Gatorade.” Green said. “The group of “Student store is more ity frozen yogurt with more students we have are much flavours like salted caramel, suited for students, the more focused and they have atmosphere is just more fun peppermint, and strawberry. been working tirelessly to overall and the theme seems We have sugar cookies, meet the customers wants
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Staff Writer The student store re-opened on Nov. 11. to enthusiastic students. “It feels amazing,” senior Anthony Schramm said. “These cookies are delicious, they’re really ooey and gooey, and they’re cooked perfectly.” Since last year, the store has changed drastically. From product to decorations, the marketing students did tons of research and asked students during lunches what they would like to see this year.
and needs.” After lots of thought and compromising, marketing students created an eye catching attraction for all the students. This year’s theme is based of the restaurant Rainforest Cafe. “They came up with a very creative theme,” Green said. “They all did a great job decorating; it’s very clean and inviting. I’m proud of the hard work put in by all of the students.”
Traveling with the Debate Team Turning disputes into formal arguments “Should the federal government substantially curtail their domestic surveillance?” Plenty of thought goes behind the prompt. Teams don’t want their research to change mid-way in the season, so the organizers choose a popular topic that is relevant enough and recent enough to make it seem important, but not too recent to keep status quo. “If you know the topic and have the proper information, you will be fine,” junior Tom Ermiger said. The debate team travels on a bus each monday night to Frankenmuth High School, where they discuss the prompt against Frankenmuth’s Debate Team, as well as others. To guide them along the way is English teacher Amy Cot-
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It gives you an adrenaline rush while out there --Max Nylander
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preparing for the eight debates they will have over the Staff Writer course of four nights. A large group of well“It takes a pretty solid dressed students are pulling amount of time,” junior Max out binders, notebooks, and Nylander said, “It becomes handbooks while discusseasier as you go on.” ing their strategies inside Nylander and fellow dethe enormous Frankenmuth bater Mason Freeman have High School cafeteria. teamed-up together on the These Photo Credit: Dayton Hammon students are deciding now how to use argumentative skills, facts, and their stock issues to gain anMax Nylander and Mason Freeman other win for Grand prepare for the final debate. Blanc’s negative side to tackle this Debate Team. year’s prompt for the Lower Forty-one students have Thumb Debate League: spent the last two months
Dayton Hammond
trill, who is in her fourth season of being a debate coach. So far in the season, Grand Blanc’s Debate Team has had 13 wins. “Every year that I’ve coached, we’ve had teams
place,” Cottrill said. “We do really well.” The students involved in Grand Blanc’s Debate Team enjoy competing against other teams, and even if not every Affirmative or Negative duo wins each debate, they still enjoy it. “It gives you an adrenaline rush while out there,” Nylander said, “and it’s a fun productive club.”
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Coloring Outside of Stress The teachers of GBHS start coloring Fridays. Anna Levashkevich
Feature Editor that indicate that coloring agreed that the student body Five teachers are chatting helped cancer patients feel should not get coloring time over a round table in a board generally more comfortable in class, the overall attiroom, as their conversations and some even saw a short- tude towards relaxation for progress, the intricate patterm decrease in symptoms. students seemed to be very terns and designs in front of However, most therapists positive. them bloom with color. make a distinction between “I think it’s important These kinds of colorcoloring and creating art. that we encourage not woring books can’t be picked Seeing as one doesn’t acturying so much, being calmup at the local Toys R Us. ally have to learn a skill to er, finding ways to manage Companies claim that their stress,” coloring patterns will English help “destress” and teacher block worries. Allyson GBHS has joined Walroth in on the trend by ensaid. couraging teachers to The meet and color durbenefits ing their lunch period of managevery Friday. Some ing stress are already ahead of are clear. the game. Constant “I have seven stress has coloring books at been linked home,” English to heart teacher Rachel KenPhoto Credit: Anna Levashkevich disease, ney said. “I got into Mike Paris coloring a mandala at the suppress coloring over the first coloring Friday meeting of the year. the immune summer.” system, color, it is not considered art The obvious motive making it easier to become therapy. seems to be encouraging Most therapists consid- ill. Could doodling on the creativity in schools. margins actually help stuer art to be more therapeu“I think it helps, doing dents focus in class? More tic than therapy and some smaller tasks like these to and more college professors encourage creativity, I don’t teachers agree. encourage students to bring “The point of the coloring know if this would be the in coloring book pages to is mindfulness, and that’s end of the road, but I think fill out as they tune into the something we should enit’s a good first step,” firstlecture, and businesses are courage in students,” Engyear English teacher Nick lish teacher Mike Paris said. starting to encourage emEnder said. ployees to color in meetings. The teachers will be Therapists have always “Coloring is an equal coloring every Friday, but recognized the emotional opportunity activity, whowhen will students get a benefits of art. There have ever wants to whenever they turn? While most teachers been studies with results want to,” Paris said.
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Taking on College at GBHS The Early College program launches Eryn Walter
Staff Writer Why wait until you have classes, and I think they will ahead of my studies,” junior graduated high school to teach me valuable skills that Isabelle Curtiss said. start taking college courses? will help me succeed in colAlthough the students With the Early lege.” enrolled in the program College program, students receive advanced curricuThey will spend their are able to take college lum, they are provided with fifth year on the UM-Flint classes as a junior or senior campus, while taking one many resources. On certain in high school. Students are high school class online. days on the week, academic now allowed to earn college The students in the Early workshops and tutors are credits from University of provided to help the stuCollege program will not Michigan-Flint while they receive a diploma with their dents with newly learned are still in high school. concepts and information. graduating class, they will “Statistics show that most receive it with the class The tutors that are provided students who attend college behind them. However, they have excelled in the courses struggle and do not end up they are supplying help for, are still allowed to particisuccessful,” career specialpate in senior activities, like so the students in the Early ist Janet Roberts said. “The College program have opprom, with them. Early College program will “Some of the students are portunities to receive help if allow students to have a worried about not getting to it is needed. better transition from high “The tutors help a lot participate in senior activischool to college.” ties, but their student career when I’m confused about There are 48 juniors something in the reading enrolled in the program or if I just have a questhis year, 35 females and I think there is a lot tion,” junior Hannah 13 males. In order to be Rutherford said. “The accepted, students need of benefits besides tutors work hand in hand to write an essay, particiwith the college professaving money. pate in an interview, and sors, so they know what --Isabelle Curtis have a GPA of a 3.0 or the professors are expectabove. ing from us.” The students in the The Early College doesn’t change just because Early College program com- they are in the program,” program helps students bemit to the program for three Roberts said. come academically prepared years, so they will attend to start college by giving Students enrolled in the high school for five years. program receive benefits to- them a taste of what it will The junior and senior stube before they are in colward both their high school dents take their high school lege. Some students have a and college careers. Every and college classes on the difficult time transitioning college credit the students high school campus, and are earn while they are in high into the college courses, taught by UM-Flint profesand now the high school school is transferable, and sors. The students take is providing them with an after completion, they are courses that focus on genopportunity to get a head a third of the way towards eral education, and in their earning a bachelor’s degree. start before they finish high 13th year they select courses The program allows familes school. Now that the high aimed at a specific degree. school has a Early College to save between $16,000 “Right now I’m taking program, students no longer and $18,000. Financing and Studio Surhave to wait until they are “I think there is a lot vey,” junior Nicole Smith in college to be considered a of benefits besides saving said. “I enjoy both of the college student. money, it’s helping me get
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Early College Statistics Ethnicities of the Students
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Fresh, Free, Fast Fall farmers market allows CSS students to give back Lauren Hobson Staff Writer
Photo Credit: Dayton Hammon
On Nov, 18 the students and teachers of the CSS program organized a farmers market in the parking lot at west campus. “We did this as an outreach to the community to give back,” CSS English teacher David Clement said. “It’s through CSS, our leadership class. They organized all of it for them to learn leadership skills and organizational skills.” The market offered a large variety of fruits and vegetables donated from the Eastern Michigan Food Bank to reach out to the people of Grand Blanc. Everything from apples, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions, and squash were offered. “The experience is great,” senior Mia Guzman said. “It feels really good to be helping out and seeing people smile. It’s just nice helping those who can’t do much for their families, and it’s just a really good cause.”
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Shaming Women This generation’s bullying
Olivia Wyzgoski Staff Writer
It starts with rumors in the halls or online. A Snapchat story that gets passed around. But even before the birth of social media, slut shaming has been omnipresent and normalized. This type of mocking is most easily defined as the criticism of women based off of her real--or presumed sexual activity. The problem reaches beyond high school gossip circles. In 1998 the Wall Street Journal published an article labeling Monica Lewinsky as a “little tart” for her involvement with Bill Clinton. Was this ethical? It often starts with someone putting themselves into others’ business, and it begs the question, what if the tables were turned? An action that happens between two people belongs to those two. After being in a similar situation as Lewinsky, a Grand Blanc student explained that no one treated her the same after her reputation was tarnished. After losing friends, people she never thought she would, this student was left feeling alone. Another very public example of shaming happened in 2012 between Rush Limbaugh, a conservative radio talk show host, and Sandra Fluke, a woman’s rights activist. After advocating for a no-copay birth control, she was called out on Limbaugh’s program. This despite the fact that Fluke’s
sexual activity was never mentioned--nor relevant. Girls commonly experience shaming just through the clothes they wear. For example wearing high heels to church put a Grand Blanc female student in a hard situation as she walked through a Sunday service. Dirty looks upon whispers kept this girl from feeling welcome in her own religion. Through history, a simple label from others has taken lives down different paths. A woman who is publicly shamed is significantly more likely to be targeted and sexu-
ally assaulted. Giving someone this label can actually put them in danger. Research shows that one in five women experienced either an attempted or completed rape during their college years. Indeed, it can be a lifelong obstacle. A male student shared his experience with me about his girlfriend that has experienced shaming. After many years of being followed by the label, she couldn’t hang out with any guys without new rumors being spread. Later this affected her relationship, she was afraid to touch her boyfriend publically. Though time has healed some wounds, if anyone older than her comes around, she still feels stigmatized.
Some might say to counteract this, just don’t be a promiscuous, but that’s the problem. Any girl, sexually active or not, can be targeted because the basis of being labeled takes no evidence or reason. Beyond the acts of others, some girls given the label are pushed to the act of suicide. A highly publicized case of this is Amanda Todd. In this extreme case, Todd could not escape from her label as it was broadcast across the Internet. From school to school, her reputation followed her. In my own experience, a previous boyfriend of mine spread the rumors about me after we broke up. He told people that I had slept with people I didn’t even know. I experienced a look of disgust at the sound of my own name. It took at least two years to separate myself from this label. But honestly, words are words. I knew I wasn’t, and whether others thought that or not, didn’t make it true. Girls, there is nothing wrong with your sexuality. Whether you’re having sex with a million people or none at all, that’s your own choice and no one has a right to tell you your choices are wrong. “Almost everybody is going to have a sexual experience that they regret, guy or girl,” senior Charlie Fawcett said, “but to be able to look past all that and see somebody as the good person they really are, is something highly worth commending.” He has the right idea, and we need more guys that think like this. Watch what you say GB, and stay strong ladies.
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Staff Editorial-Technology Bond Finally Passes
After three years in the something as small as the making, and support from current computer software the community, the district is included in this transition. was finally able to pass Another thing that should be the technology bond. The introduced is a more adapstudents, and more so the tive form of technology for teachers of the Grand Blanc each subject. Community Schools are Yes, Chromebooks are anxiously awaiting it’s arperfectly utilized in subjects rival. like English and Social After the technological Studies, but when it comes infrastructure is installed, to other classes like Science, ensure the new technology these forms of technology will function property, stuare rarely used. dents will see an upgrade in If Grand Blanc’s objecthe school’s wifi along with tive is to give students the the Internet time. best education they can, This then they will all should equip start in the students the sumwith the best mer of tools avail2016 and able. will also It would include be in the updates school’s Photo Credit: Naomi Sauvola to hardbest interware. This updating proest provide things such as cess will be completed over livestreaming with a field the span of the next seven scientist, exposing these years. classes with a more technoThis transition will also logical outlook. bring about more devices in Another crucial point to the classrooms, and hopebring up is the digital divide fully will will lead to an between those who have the integration of technology money for technology at among the younger grades. home and those who don’t. It would be amazing to see Without technology ofyounger generations adaptfered at school, their future ing to the use of technology, careers may be lessened equipping them with new drastically. world skills, and providing This technology bond them with an easier, more will brighten these students enjoyable, and hands on future’s immensely, equipexperience in the classroom ping them with credible setting. technological skills which With this quick of an may just help them land a update, the future of Grand future career. Blanc’s technology looks limitless! Hopefully things like the projectors or even
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BANNER Staff Listing Adviser Nicholas Popadich Co-Editors in Chief Hunter Bostley Ty Garza
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Technology: Helpful or Hurtful
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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Are we too reliant on electronics?
Managing Editor Angela Kiester News Editor Reagan Fechter
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Hannah Bokor Staff Writer
Over the past decade, we’ve experienced technology like never before. 12 iPhone’s in the last nine years, broadening communication and making things just a little bit easier. iMac’s, tablets, iPad’s; these are just a few of the many devices that have been introduced to society to make things “just a little bit easier.” Always growing up with a desktop computer in my house, I never thought much of it until I bought my first laptop
in 2009. I realized that it was, at the time, the best invention ever. No more waiting 15 minutes for the monitor to load. No more freezing when I clicked Internet Explorer one too many times, or having to sit in the corner of my living room to play a fun game I was addicted to. I could sit in my bed, play music, go online all at the same time. Without question, there are positive and negative influences from technology. Some positive things are that the world is now insanely smaller.
With a click of a button you can contact someone that lives halfway across the world and video chat them. You can locate a local transportation system to take you to wherever you want. You can gain incredible knowledge of different cultural, political and current social matters more quickly. The ease of things has improved immensely and it’s all a big thanks to the advancement in technology. The flip side to technology is that it’s consuming our lives.
Hiring Hierarchy
We rely too much on our phones and computers to complete simple tasks. We are engrossed in our “digital persona” now more than ever. We are worried about how many followers we have and if someone read our text rather than focusing on demanding world issues. Our society is obsessed with being “in the know.” If you walk down the street, you will most likely see a handful of people looking down at their phones, unaware of what is going on around them. Eye contact is becoming a rarity. Sadly, this is not something that is improving anytime soon. Technology will continue to advance and we will see certain things become totally ordinary if not already.
Unique names affect the hiring process
Angela Kiester Staff Writer
John, Mark, Lauren, and Sarah; would you hire these people? What about Latoya, Juan, Chang, and Snana? Well, the first group of names has a 50 percent more likely chance of getting hired than the second group, but why? Because
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they sound white. That’s messed up. Why does a word that my parents picked out determine my career? What about my degrees and past work experiences? Everything I’ve worked my whole life for isn’t as important as someone who has less credentials but a “white name.” Unique names shape people’s lives in many ways, some would say good and some would say bad. “Racial” names are often associated with juvenile delinquency. This is said to be
because as a child people will treat you differently based on the popularity of your name. An alleged criminal record is not determined by my name. Assumptions like that made by hiring managers need to stop. But how does this stop? I’m not going to change my name and change my thoughts on naming my children. Hiring managers could have more restrictions legally, but they already have them and use tricks to find reasons not to hire you. One place to start is having managers that aren’t blatantly ignorant about culture. Empa-
thy is a crucial key. Showing those who discriminate the harm they are doing to people and their families is one possible way of achieving a more equal work force. Another way to show managers how to be empathic is, when certain hiring discrimination allegations are made, they can be placed under supervision and face demotion or unemployment. Not only do you not get your dream job, but that company misses out on a dedicated employee. John has a GED and Latoya has a PhD in Economics, who would you hire?
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Our goal is to provide the entire Grand Blanc Community with accurate and informative news, entertainment, and sports. The opinions expressed in this section are only those of the individual writers and not the entire staff, unless specified.
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GB Girls Swimming and Diving Lady Cats Head off to States
Katelyn Stuck
Staff Writer
After a successful season, the girls swimming and diving team is preparing for the state championship. In order to have a successful end of the season, the girls must prepare during their practices. “The swim practices are designed so each swimmer can focus and train for their individual strokes and events,” head coach Emily Overmyer said. “The divers are refining their individual dives in each category: fronts, backs, inwards, reverses, and twisters.” The team had been awarded third place at Conferences be-
hind the Brighton and Hartland teams. Despite the placement, the team improved significantly. “The team had a strong showing at the meet and earned more points than they have in some years of winning the conference,” Overmyer said. “I am excited for the state championship, especially after their performances at the conference meet.” The individual swimming event qualifiers for States are Emma Curtis, Amanda Quitos, Molly Roberts, Hyacinth Villarin, Stacey Sandy, Jensen Hansen, and Lindsey Sieloff (relay alternates). The diver that qualified was Madison Christensen.
Junior Emma Curtis has qualified for the 50 and 100 freestyle for the meet. She is nervous, yet excited for the big day. Curtis has enjoyed her time on the team. “I like the team bonding and the big swim meets,” Curtis said. “We all like get together… It’s fun.” The divers competed Nov. 12 at Macomb L’Ance Creuse North High School for the diving regional in hopes of qualifying for states. “I believe that they have the potential to have one of the best state meets in team history,” Overmyer said. The state meet was Nov. 20-21 at the Holland Aquatic Center.
Staying in Shape Athletes Maintain their Health
Jensen Hansen Sports Editor Whether it’s running, lifting, swimming, or just little workouts, student athletes like to maintain a substantial physique in between seasons. “I go on a long bike ride to keep my legs in shape for the upcoming season,” senior and skier Austin Baldwin said. Senior and tennis player Hyacinth Villarin said: “I go to the gym or at least get some exercise in at home and I’ll also jog.” Healthy eating is also key to maintaining that elite physical body shape. It’s just not all about working out, it’s also about consuming the right foods. “I usually eat oatmeal and
drink a smoothie for breakfast,” senior and cross country runner Abbey Alexander said. “I try to get in some fruits and vegetables for lunch and dinner as well.” Preparing for the upcoming season is most definitely hard both mentally and physically. These contenders feel the drive to become better, they want to be superior amongst those in their field; the gym calls to them morning and night and they crave a sculpted body and thirst for a fine tuned athletic skill. “It’s hard sometimes,” senior and crossfitter Talon Faculak said. “The workouts vary every day but they could include: squats, clean and jerks, snatches, muscle ups on rings, regular pull ups, box
jumps, and running.” Some players suffer from injuries as well, but they push through them only to surpass where they were pre-trauma. The rehab can be excruciating, but they charge through it because they have the passion, persistence, and determination to. It’s called dedication. “I focus on strengthening my shoulders in the off season,” junior, swimmer, and shoulder surgery survivor Lindsey Sieloff said. “I do exercises that will strengthen it and I also do some workouts given to me from physical therapy.” The athletes will continue to strive for great success in the future.
Photo Credit: Katelyn Stuck
Junior Lindsey Sieloff swims her way through the lane at one of the last State team practices.
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Getting to know Lyneice Trainer helps with healing
Elizabeth Hornung
Staff Writer
Lyniece McNair-Levi is more than just Grand Blanc High School's athletic trainer. She earned 15 varsity letters in high school. Marching Band, Honors Band, Jazz Band, Pep band, tennis, pom, soccer and wrestling. She does more than just working with athletes; in her free time she enjoys reading, camping, hunting, cooking, texting and spending time with her friends and family. McNair-Levi is both a nationally certified and state licensed athletic trainer. Her primary responsibility is the health and safety of the athletes at our school. Her athletes range from your typical football players all the way down to middle school. She also will take care of some club sports such as water polo, lacrosse, pom pon and will occasionally see band kids. McNair-Levi has been with Grand Blanc High School for 13 years now; it was her first job right out of college. She fell in love with working here even though she has some days where she asks herself why she’s even here. “I was going to wait and go to grad school and get a job later,” McNair-Levi said. “But I took this job to get some experience and never really left.” What influenced her wanting to become an athletic trainer was the fact that her dad was a coach when she was younger. After school she would have to go with him and to pass time she started roaming around the school and found the athletic training room that she thought was “really cool.” She started hanging out in there, and when she was 12, she started volunteering to
help all the way through high school. During her senior year in high school, Lyniece played soccer and dislocated her hip. During a game she was running on defense, sprinting as hard as she could, catching her foot under a piece of sod. Not realizing what had just happened, McNair-Levi kept running while two other players had run into her. As she fell, her hip twisted out of place and when she hit the ground it popped back in. This was the only injury McNair-Levi has experienced. “Go big or go home, am I right,” she said. The athletic trainer at her school couldn't tell what was wrong so her injury just got shrugged off. But when she went to college for athletic training, it was actually her athletic trainer who diagnosed her hip injury. Depending on the season she gets more or less injuries daily. Fall season is obviously the busiest, considering the number of fall sports and the abundance of all the players on each team. “Concussions all the time, that's the big one,” McNairLevi said. Most of the time people get injured when they are tired and they are not doing things properly. The most gruesome injury
she has ever experienced was a tib fib fracture. It seemed like her ankle was broken. The bone was bent completely sideways in two different ways, forming a “L” shape, also dislocating her ankle at the same time. During situations like these she has to choose between stabilizing the athlete or waiting for EMS to arrive. “I’m going to stabilize the particular athlete so when EMS comes they can just pick them up and go,” McNair-Levi said. She loves every aspect of her job. “Every given day is different, “ McNair-Levi said, “and that's what I love about it.” Some days she gets to work with awesome athletes and others she has to deal with whiny athletes, but it's all part of the job. She has invested an interest in the athletes; she wants to see them succeed like a parent does. She wants to see her athletes win and do well. The best part of her job is when former athletes come back and visit. Or even if they just give her a call or shoot her a text, it’s really important to her. McNair-Levi hopes to continue her career as an Athletic Trainer and she hopes to help the injured ones in the future.
McNair-Levi knows what it is like to be injured. She injured her hip in high school.
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Flint “Fire”Birds Flame Up
Firebirds staff goes up in flames, rise from ashes
Staff Writer After the game, Sunday, Nov. 8, the head coach of the Flint Firebirds, Jon Gruden and the rest of the coaching staff were fired after the Firebirds 4-3 victory over the CHL Memorial Cup Champions, the Oshawa Generals. Hearing this news, the boys bonded together as a team and turned in their jerseys and walked out together in solidarity, including the team owner’s son. The entire Firebird hockey team basically went on strike when they heard the news. Less than 24 hours later the Gruden, assistant coach Dave Karpa and the rest of the
coaching staff were hired back to the Flint Firebirds for a 3-year deal after a meeting Monday, Nov. 9. After a team meeting, the players decided to come back and play for the team. The players wanted to move on from the situation as a team, and not let the situation interfere with their playing, or let the incident affect them overall. “We are going to go back to how things were,” forward for the Flint Firebirds Dane Johnstone said. “We had a good thing before, this was just a little speed bump in the path of success.” The team used this as a learning opportunity to move
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Nov. 13 and 14. They ended up beating Sarnia 4-3, but they lost to Sault Ste. Maria 3-4. The players have learned a lot about their coaches, their coaches have helped them not only grow as an individual but as a player too. Johnstone likes his coaches. “I am glad they are there for development, most coaches in the OHL are there to win, and our coaches are also here to win but to also help us develop as a player,” Johnstone said. “I have learned a ton from them this year, this really helped me to improve as a player and off the ice as well.” Throughout the season the
We are going back to how things were --Dane Johnstone
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Maddi Vedder
on and bond together as a team. “I guess we can just get together as a team and unify and bond together like we did,” goalie for the Flint Firebirds Kyle Keyser stated. “We did the same thing with the protest so I mean now we just have to be brothers, and move past it.” There were many things that helped the players move forward, but the most important thing was their games on
coaches will continue to make them better as a team and individually. “Our coaches are honest guys who are great leaders and give us everything we need to succeed,” Keyser said. “They’re true to us, and fair, so I like everything about our coaches. With behind-the-scenes issues behind them, the team is committed to giving Flint a quality hockey team. Their next game is Nov. 25 against Saginaw.
Wonderful Winter Water Polo Conditioning during the Off Season
Alicia Woolcott Staff Writer
Students are turning to winter water polo to get them in shape for the real water polo season or it could keep them in shape on their off season for a different sport. “Give it 10 days and if you don't like it,” sophomore Alison Swanson said. “don't do it.” Most people do not know what water polo is or have never heard of it before. It can be described, “Like soccer but with your hands,” Swanson said. “It's a lot of fun.” Although the boys water polo season just ended with a 10-16 record and girls water polo does not start until the spring, there is still a way to play water polo despite the off
season: Winter water polo. People who are interested can sign up on the Parks and rec website. You do not necessarily have to be an expert to join, it is okay if you do not even know the first thing about water polo. “Winter polo is great to stay in shape from boys season or to get in shape for girls season,” sophomore Eli Campioni said. It will be held at the high schools east pool. There, the athletes will participate in shooting drills, scrimmages, and games all for the players benefit. “You should do it because it's really fun.” sophomore Eli Campioni said. The coaches this year are Lindsay Barber, Griffin Howell, and Emily Overmyer. “Coach O is very dedicated
Photo Credit: Alicia Woolcott
The boys varsity water polo team competing against Haslett on senior night. to the sport and to each and every individual player,” senior Mary Pobocik said. She focuses on each person to make every day fun yet also makes them better as players and people.”
“Everyone came together like a family,” sophomore Katherine Turviene said. “They all helped me out a lot and it was fun.” Practice usually starts out with some swimming and then
they move on to treading. After treading they do drills and then scrimmaging if there is still time left in practice. If you’re looking for a new adventure, give it a try.
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Made in the A.M. vs. Purpose One Direction and Justin Bieber face off for the number one spot Isabella Campana Staff Writer
After a long year of waiting the worldwide boyband One Direction consisting of Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan released their fifth studio album titled, “Made in the A.M.”. Although the band lost one member, throughout their journey the group has been solid and coming at us with yet another brilliant piece.
“Made in the A.M.” features the first single released since ex-member Zayn Malik departed from the band. “Drag Me Down” topped the charts at number one in 82 countries leaving it as their biggest success yet. Whether or not this album is a “farewell” like some would say, it’s their best yet. Between the angelic melodies and satisfying lyrics this album is meant to leave a statement. Fans around the world are going through a wide range
of emotions while experiencing this work of pure art. The meaning behind the lyrics are so raw, whether it’s real or someone else’s feelings put into it. Although, I’m not quite the Justin Bieber fan, I will say that his new album “Purpose” featuring the first hit single off of the album titled “What Do You Mean?” and 17 other tracks, is quite tasteful in relations to musically. It’s incredible exactly how much Bieber has matured in his career in both talent and self. However, the songs on “Purpose” give off a similar vibe. I am unable to identify exactly what it is about the album but there’s something there whether it’s true or not.
The lyrics are truly different in each song, for the most part, but the beats and rhythms are quite alike. The album features different artists from numerous genres, including Skrillex, Halsey, and Big Sean. The different range of features adds to the album instead of taking away, like a lot of features tend to do nowadays. “Purpose” is expected to
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be Justin’s 6th album to go straight to number one on Billboard; however, when Bieber learned about One Direction releasing their album on the same day as his, he openly expressed that he felt the competition with the release dates being the exact same day. Both albums seem to go out with a “goodbye” of some sort. The possibility of this being a coincidence is questionable, but while both artists are at a race for most sellouts, who’s to know?
The Whiting announces their December events
Wizard of Oz - 2p.m.
It’s A Wonderful Life 7:30p.m.
Nutcracker 3p.m.
Wizard of Oz - 2p.m. Holiday Pops &SFO 3p.m.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 7:30p.m.
Nutcracker 2p.m, 7:30p.m. Wizard of Oz 7p.m. Wizard of Oz Wizard of Oz 2p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. Wizard of Oz 7p.m.
Wizard of Oz 2p.m. 7p.m.
Victoria Schmitt Staff Writer
Each year, the Whiting puts on a series of holiday themed plays. Some of these plays include the Nutcracker or the Wizard of Oz. This year, the month of December is jam-packed with many different shows. The tickets range between a lofty 72 dollars all the way down to five dollars. Located in the downtown Flint area, at 1241 E Kearsley Street, it isn’t too far out of the way for a fun and carefree evening. For more information on these plays, visit the Whiting’s website: http://thewhiting.com/
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Hungry for more Hunger Games?
The impact that this series has had in popular culture is profound. In a time of social uprising, the culture of this movie can be paralleled with today’s society. Just like the uprising of the poverty stricken districts against the wealthy but oppressive Capitol, more and more Millennials have been raising their voice against the inequal-
ities of today’s society. With movements like feminism, Black Lives Matter, the fight for LGBT rights, the generation that is preparing to take over the world is fighting for what they believe is right, which is exactly what happens in the Hunger Games. Popular media often has a way of connecting and highlighting the problems of today’s society. And while it has been overlooked, the message is still there, loud and clear. If you want change, you have to take some action. Watch Katniss unite the 12 districts against the Capitol and become “a creature more unquencahable than the sun” in “Mockingjay Part Two,” premiering on Nov. 20, 2015.
“Stone Cold” - Demi Lovato Coming from her fifth album, “Confident,” “Stone Cold” is a chilling ballad about finally letting an ex go, with lyrics like “if happy is her/I’m happy for you.” Combine that with Lovato’s powerhouse vocals and unmatchable emotional delivery and you’ve got the perfect fall single.
“Here” - Alessia Cara Aleissa Clara makes her debut with the popular, anti party theme song, “Here.” It stands out among all of the songs about partying and getting high that are usually played and is the perfect anthem for those of us who are uninterested in those types of things.
Cyerra Haywood
Entertainment Editor Just like the Twilight Saga, every great book series must come to an end, and with “Mockingjay Part Two” the Hunger Games trilogy will come to a close. Even though the very first book, “The Hunger Games,” was published in 2008, the movie didn’t actually premiere until 2012. And ever since then it’s been a wave of three finger salutes and Team Peeta vs. Team Gale arguments. But sometimes, like with most things, the much needed message of these popular books has been lost in media, fandoms, and overpriced merchandise.
Yes (58%)
No (33%) maybe (9%)
Top Five Fall Singles Cyerra Haywood
Entertainment Editor
“Hello” - Adele Adele returns after four years with the already mega hit, “Hello.” This haunting ballad is classic Adele with timeless vocals while still remaining fresh enough for pop radio, which is why it shot straight to number one on Billboard and broke numerous Youtube records.
“Hold Me Down” - Halsey Hailing from “Badlands,” “Hold Me Down” is one of the tracks on Halsey’s debut album. She’s become increasingly popular with the indie crow. It’s not her vocals or the complicated beats that make this song amazing, but the dark lyrics like “it’s the devil that’s trying to hold me down.”
“Hotline Bling” - Drake With his quirky dance moves and irresistible charm, Drake raps about how his hotline has stopped ringing ever since he left the city. Basically, Drake left and now this girl is out living her life and he’s not too happy about that. With a catchy beat and fun dance break at the end, it’s perfect for the fall.