The Bucs' Blade: The Homeless Issue | March

p. 11-21

Grace Glessner THE BUCS’ BLADE MARCH 30, 2017 Volume 72 Issue 2

Grand Haven High School’s student publication of community significance since 1927

www.bucsblade.com

Contents

March 2017

7

24-25 11-21

8

What’s inside Briefs Head to Head Haven United Strong finish for a first season

Editorial

Letter from the editors A very hairy situation Staff editorial

2 INDEX

5 6 7 7

30-31 32

Life

Some place different than here 8 Dressing to code 9 Living with POTS 24-25

Arts 3 10 12

27

22

9

NEWS

Volume 72, Issue 4

Triple Threat Movie reviews Artists of the month

22 26 27

SPORTS

Strikingly motivated The Waterboys

28-29 30-31

PHOTO STORY Cosmic cuties

32

INDEPTH

11-21

Featured topic: Homelessness

www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

THE BUCS’ BLADE STAFF 72 EDITORS IN CHIEF

Sarah Jane Chrysler Maddie Brockmyre ARTS EDITOR Karianne Turner

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Our call to action

Sarah Jane Chrysler The Bucs’ Blade

Dear readers,

Positive Ideas

This year we (the editors in chief) have worked to bring at least one call to action in each edition of the Bucs’ Blade. The thought is, we report on the community but have made little effort to actually be a part of it. Every once in awhile we need to step beyond the school doors and do something for the community that has done so much for us.

That is why we have decided that before the end of the school year the Bucs’ Blade staff will do a service project. While we still have not worked out exactly what that will look like or what cause we would like to focus on, the staff has decided to make it a priority.

We’ve realized that in the world we live in it is easy to sit behind your computer or phone claiming to be passionate about an idea or cause without ever actually involving yourself in it, this has become normal. The way to incite change is to stand and work, not to sit still and simply tell others to.

Since the last edition was released we have been working hard on writing and reporting the issue of homelessness in a way that will express this problem in the best way possible, as it is not something to be taken lightly. That is why we wanted to use this space for both reflection and a call to action.

There are so many opportunities and ways to have a positive impact on not only the community but the world, and we want to help be apart of that in any way, shape, and form that we can. This is not about politics or religion or anything of the sort. Helping the people of your community is not, nor should it be, a part of a political agenda.

So instead of our typical single cause letter, we are using this space to provide ideas and ways to get involved. Below you will find ideas for various volunteer/donation groups and organizations.

Think of the things you see around you that you believe are unjust or wrong, you have the power to change them. All you have to do is seek the resources and stand up. We are a community that stands together, so let’s be fierce for one another and start a cycle of good.

As always, thank you for reading,

Volunteering at/for: the library, a food truck, local churches, benefit events, Donating to: Love In Action, The People’s Center, Children’s Advocacy Center Donating: Clothes, shoes, books, money, toys, food, bedding, gift cards Organizing: An awareness run, a benefit concert, a bake sale, a can drive Other ideas: Pay it forward, random acts of kindness, hold doors, smile at people

www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

@thebucsblade

@TheBucsBlade @BucsBladeSports

Caitlin Shampine NEWS EDITOR Alexis VanSingel SPORTS EDITOR Drew VanAndel PHOTO EDITOR Ben Werkman COPY EDITOR Aliyah Austin AD MANAGER Chris Hudson REPORTERS Anna Ackerman Isabel Bird Julia Drabczyk Grace Glessner Ysabela Golden Jamie Gretzinger Sawyer Hamm Sam Hankinson Abby Holman Madison Holub

Ben Ingall Kelly Klouw Madeline Monroe Jack Nicholson Jack Reus Talia Rosenberg Sarah Sanders Spencer Sortman Macy Swiftney

PUBLICATION POLICY

Sarah Chrysler and Maddie Brockmyre

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FIND US ONLINE AT:

LIFE EDITOR

bucsblade.com

The Bucs’ Blade is a student-produced news publication that publishes information relevant to the times as well as material that is essential to the overall well-being of its readers. It is The Bucs’ Blade’s responsibility to cover school, city, state, national and international events and issues that affect the concerns of the campus, its students or its readers.

The Bucs’ Blade operates as a designated public forum for student expression. The Editorial Board consisting of student editors is the sole decision-making and policy setting body of The Bucs’ Blade and has final say over all content decisions.. The adviser and administration have a non-review role and may offer advice on sensitive issues and will offer criticisms as warranted after publication but the Editorial Board reserves all rights to determine what material shall be published.

Editorials represent the collective opinion of The Bucs’ Blade staff.

LETTERS AND SUBMISSIONS Opinions expressed by individuals and in letters to the editor represent those of the author. Letters to the editor should be typed, double spaced and must include the author’s name, signature and class or position. Names of individuals may be withheld upon request, pending a vote of the Editorial Board. Letters may be submitted in hard copy to room 0205 at Grand Haven High School or via email at bucsblade@gmail.com. All letters are subject to review by the Editorial Board. Letters will not be edited except to fix space limitations.

Should the Editorial Board deem a letter to be potentially libelous or containing content inappropriate for publication it will return the letter to the author with an opportunity for corrections. The Editorial Board is solely responsible for these decisions. Letters need to be received one week prior to print publication dates to be included in print.

The Bucs’ Blade

EDITORIAL 3

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4 ADS

TRI-CITIES FAMILY YMCA 616.842.7051 www.tcfymca.org www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

Michigan public school average salary drops MME testing to start According to the state Center for Educational Performance and Information, public school teacher salaries in Michigan dropped for the fifth year in a row. Here are some of the average salaries of schools in the Ottawa-Kent area. $67,322

$69,081

$64,989

$69,156

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after Spring Break

Juniors will have Michigan Merit Exam testing following the week of Spring Break. The SAT is scheduled for Tuesday April 11, WorkKeys will be on Wednesday April 12, and M-Step will take place on Thursday April 13. Freshmen and sophomores will be taking the PSAT during testing on April 11.

“WorkKeys covers more work related skills, and many employers, including Grand Haven Area Public Schools, ask to see your WorkKeys scores,” testing coordinator Connie VanSchelven said.

Freshmen and sophomores will be taking the PSAT during testing on April 11, while Seniors take this day off.

“They take it to get the experience and the background of what the SAT is going to be like,” VanSchelven said. “The SAT is the biggy.”

For most students, the SAT will be the most important, as it plays a significant factor in the decisions process of many colleges and universities.

“SAT is a college entrance exam,” VanSchelven said.“In the past in Grand Haven, up until last school year, all the juniors took the ACT, WorkKeys and M-STEP. It’s one of the two, ACT versus SAT, college entrance exams, and the state decided to change over to the SAT.” As well as their roles in the college application process and career applicability, all students must take the tests in order to complete high school.

“This year it is a graduation requirement of the Grand Haven Area Public Schools that all juniors must take all three tests,” VanSchelven said. “They have to take all three.”

By Sawyer Hamm

Alexis VanSingel THE BUCS’ BLADE

Online school spirit store offers customizable gear GHHS has partenered with Jostens to offer a variety of customizable clothing and gear.

The website holds hundreds of options in men, women, and children’s sizes. T-shirts, backpacks, hats, and more, all come with different logos and colors to choose from.

Jostens.com COURTESY PHOTO SLING PACK $30.95: This bag has room for all your items, whether it’s for a day out or a sports practice. It includes a large main compartment, a front zippered pocket, and a stretch mesh side pocket. www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

Jostens.com COURTESY PHOTO BEACH TOWEL $47.95: This towel comes in a striped pattern.

Whether you’re at the beach or the pool, this water-time neccessity becomes a fun accessory. It’s perfect for an upcoming vacation.-

Jostens.com COURTESY PHOTO CRESTING CAP $31.95: This Adidas hat is suitable for any sporting event. The cap provides a classic look with a metal fastener in the back for a comfortable fit. An Adidas logo is presented on the side.

NEWS 5

HEAD TO HEAD

Homework Overload

It provides needed practice

It contributes to student exhaustion

Steph Curry currently holds the record for most three-point shots in one game. Mo Farah is a double-Olympic champion in the 5,000 meter and 10,000 meter run. Shaq is both a successful basketball player and mediocre film actor. The Williams sisters won 22 major championships in tennis. There is only one way each of these people were able to achieve these amazing feats. Practice.

There’s a reason after-school clubs and sports have required practices. It is the only true way to ensure success and improve your skillset; it is a hard thing to argue when you look at the facts.

So far, Grand Haven’s Science Olympiad team has been to the national tournament 24 times over the past 25 years. The girls cross country team has been to the state competition 17 years in row. Drake Morley got second in the state for wrestling this year and Jimmy Mitchell has finished top 10 in the state for bowling three years in a row.

This success seen from Grand Haven would not be possible without mass amounts of practice and dedication. It is improbable that these recurring performances would be seen if there was not required practices and extra work put in before competitions.

That’s the functionality of homework. A form of practice teacher can give out to make us better and more knowledgeable students. I can firmly say that I think the amount of homework teachers provide is acceptable.

It’s my senior year of high school, and my ultimate goal is obviously to get into a good university to continue my education next year. I signed up for two AP classes to help me achieve this goal and I know that if it weren’t for the work that I was assigned in those two classes I would not seem appealing to colleges.

Mr. Glamzi often says, “Perfect practice makes perfect,” and I truly believe that there is nothing but truth behind that statement. It means exactly what it says, and that is a reason why homework is so important and we are Senior Ben Ingall assigned a certain amount.

FOR I remember last year I had thought I got too much homework and I doubted the methods of my teachers, but once I saw the results I knew that all the practice was worth it, even those nights spent finishing up that last math problem or reading my history text book.

Alfie Kohn says that homework can create an overly competitive atmosphere that can take away from the free time of students and cause a lot of stress at a young age. While that can be true in some cases, the competition can also be what motivates students to do better and continue to have success in education.

The main point is the continued excellence of Grand Haven relies not only on the talent of students, but the practice of their studies through methods like homework because of the competitive atmosphere it provides.

In the words of famous author Anton Chekhov, “Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.”

The time says 10:00 p.m., I’ve been working for three hours. I’m only through my two out of six classes. With blurry vision creeping in, I have no idea what I’m ‘learning’ anymore. Just a typical homework load.

Every day exhaustion is an understatement. Especially to those who have sports, clubs, any extracurricular or even just to work after school, providing money to themselves or for others that need it. It’s depriving.

Every little action throughout the day takes it’s toll on the clock. Individuals who want to participate in school sanctioned groups and recreational interests are more or less being placed at a disadvantage for getting involved with something that interests them. The combination of social interaction and enjoyment of an activity holds huge benefits but there often are not enough hours in a day to accomplish massive amounts of homework and have any sort of life beyond that.

The common example given by educators is that homework is the best way for students to practice and (theoretically) fully grasp a concept to perfection. There lies the problem, perfection is an idea, not a reality.

It is supposedly something that can be achieved through rigorous work and consistency. However, no living, breathing human being has been capable of perfecting one task or area of study. Perfection is a fabricated ideal that many educators are demanding. An ideal that many students still attempt and are told they’re failing when it is not acquired.

Homework, instead of being helpful, is leading more students to confusion, causing them to copy answers from a friend because they don’t want to be marked down for not being able to complete the assignment. I’m not saying we need to eliminate homework, it just needs to be lessened.

Allow more time for the students to study notes, textbook readings, and Junior Jack Nicholson online examples to prepare for larger AGAINST workloads such as tests and quizzes.

Genuinely rework the homework system to provide better classroom results and comprehension of lessons, after all we are supposed to comprehend, not just memorize the concepts.

By rerouting the usage of homework, students and educators can expect greater presence in the classroom primarily due to the amount of rest to be gained overall.

Without sleep those who are running on four to five hours of rest and three cups of coffee, are going to crank out whatever needs to be accomplished, but the understanding of the material will, more than likely, be adequate at best .

Expanding the push for homework reform can generate better results for the school in other areas as well. Higher grade point averages and greater physical and mental presence of students in the classroom are just a couple examples. Better, greater, and more more more. Homework has to be lessened.

6 NEWS

www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

Haven UNITED Two alumni band together to fight stigma behind mental health through online video communication

By Jack Nicholson

The mental stigma of depression is a consistent problem that many individuals in the community and around the country don’t understand. Mental depression is a tough subject to tackle due to it’s personal severity and complex comprehension for every specific person. Everyone’s story can be similar, but no one’s story is ever the same.

Alumni Robert Arterburn and Andres Contreras are attempting to address this issue.

These Grand Haven graduates are creating and improving upon a website based on stripping away the complications of this stigma and creating a comfortable environment.

Haven United is a non-profit organization centered on mental health awareness through website communication and video sharing.

“We’re mainly focusing on depression through an online video campaign while promoting healthy lifestyles,” Ar-

COURTSEY PHOTO FRIENDS UNITED: Alumni Robert Arterburn and Andres Contreras pose for a photograph in their sweatshirts with Haven United logos.

terburn said. “We are working on the website so people have a place they can go if they ever feel alone in their struggle.”

The two hope the website becomes a shelter for those who are struggling with depression, harsh times and anyone who feels alone. The website also caters to those who aren’t completely informed.

“Haven United is our personal effort to show support and comfort to the people who are currently struggling with mental Illnesses,” Contreras said. “We try to provide security, comfort, and support in an attempt for others to gain enough courage to seek professional help.”

Haven United offers videos for mindful lifestyles, articles written by mental health and wellness experts and web links to nationwide organizations. It includes local groups with phone numbers attached for those who need a someone to talk to.

“We do hope people are impacted positively knowing they aren’t alone in their struggle with mental health,” Arterburn said. “We hope to eventually lower any stigma surrounding the issues of mental health.”

There is a clear indication that mental health is concern for the community. Haven United will bring all needed information to one easily accessible platform once the website is complete. The only problem present is awaiting the grant for creating the web URL.

“Once our website is complete, we hope that you will share it with anyone who might benefit from seeing it,” Arterburn said.

The usefulness of the site expands vastly beyond it’s original intention.

“It’s an attempt at normalizing their problems,” Contreras said. “We believe that sharing raw, genuine stories of people who have battled and continue to battle various mental illnesses will provide the first step to seek more help.

The website will also provide nutritional guidance to live a lifestyle that not only promotes a healthy mind, but a healthy body as well.”

The most important issue that depression creates is negative cognitive effects on the mind, including isolation.

Generally, isolation is seen as excluding oneself from others.

But, it’s also extremely deficient on an individual’s health and drains a large amount from that person, including strength, sociability and sleeping and eating habits..

“It could save somebody’s life.” Arterburn said. “In the worst stages of it, you just feel so alone, and it doesn’t seem like there’s any way out, and because of that you don’t really want to talk to anybody and you become so enclosed. I guess it’s kind of hard to imagine anybody else to go through it as your going through, and there’s something about knowing that you’re not alone.”

Strong finish for a first season

Mock Trial Club looks to future as their first season comes to a close

By Ben Ingall

This year was the first for Mock Trial Club. The purpose of the club was to teach students about law and pit them against other students from across the state in legal battle simulations.

“Competitions were modeled very much after real life,” Senior member TJ Friedgen said. “The difference was that in this case the people who judged everyone and gave out points acted as the jury.”

Mock Trial club advisor and Law teacher Jason Duram is satisfied with the club’s first year.

“I’m very proud of how we competed, but there are definitely schools there spending three to four hours a day on preparation,” Duram said. “Our goal next year is try and be more competitive and prepared.”

The club also has a lot more to offer to the students than just another competitive atmosphere. It also focuses on real www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

life skills. and academic abilities, rather than physical abilities like in “It focuses on a lot of very important principles like pub- sports. The club did well with this despite being a first year lic speaking, and getting students to go out in a formal public team against some well prepared schools. setting and try and convince them of an argument,” Duram He assures that it will impact students in their future, but said. “It’s the ultimate social studies class.” for right now the focus still remains on what the club will The club is still small, but there are hopes to grow and look like next year. participate in the bigger “Our focus right now is to events that are offered for grow the club, grow the talent TIPS: Mock Trial Club mock trial events. of the club, and there’s no “The question we’re doubt Grand Haven has plenty 1. Take Law: although this isn’t a going to discuss as a of that to give,” Duram said. group is where we want Friedgen hopes that his requirement, the class familiarizes you with to go,” Duram said. “If efforts in his first and last year the trial processes we want to compete for of the club will help with its 2. Prepare: in order to do well in a mock trial, regional titles, state titles future participants, and the you have to be ready for anything that or even the national future of the club. comes your way level. There’s the State “By being the test group, 3. Brush up on public speaking skills: your of Michigan tournament, this year’s seniors and everypeers will be witnessing the trial and a larger national tourone really got to learn with nament and we send one Duram, and I think that the of those if they qualify.” problems that some of the Duram believes students enjoy the club, as it offers an groups may have had will hopefully be fixed and will make environment for them to be competitive with their intellect the club better as time goes on,” Friedgen said.

NEWS 7

Some place different than here: Holland

Looking for something new to do at a nearby travel destination? Holland is full of places to go.

Julia Drabczyk THE BUCS’ BLADE

Julia Drabczyk THE BUCS’ BLADE

Julia Drabczyk THE BUCS’ BLADE

Julia Drabczyk THE BUCS’ BLADE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: RIT Music Not only is this place filled with guitars of all different types, but a combined skateboard shop. They specialize in repairs, lessons, and products of guitars and skateboards. When you first walk in you get the feeling of an old vintage store. As if you’ve taken a time machine back in time. LemonJello’s This hip coffee cafe is on the rise. Lemonjello’s is located in the heart of a college based town, so the seats will likely be filled with students at work. It’s a great place for any study sesh to get out of the house to go to a mellow destination. They are known for their mood lattes that contain an unique design in each cup. LemonJello’s It is located a block off of the heart of downtown and is open 7 days of the week. This coffee shop also associates itself with Madcap coffee which is located in Grand Rapids. Their staff is filled with high energy that adds to the uniqueness of the place. They also sell homemade organic, vegan, and gluten free goods to complement a nice cup of jo. Mizu Sushi The perfect place for a night out or even for a nice lunch combined with a walk around the town. It is primarily catered toward sushi however, they also feature Japanese and Korean dishes. They are open every day of the week and are just a short stroll to nearby shops. Urban Found Sometimes the same chain store can lead to boring outfits that everyone has. This boutique, however, is filled with unique styles. It feels like a localized urban outfitters.

They stock everything. Clothes for both men and women, to jewelry, home decor, and shoes.

8 LIFE

Julia Drabczyk THE BUCS’ BLADE www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

Sarah Jane Chrysler and Caitlin Shampine THE BUCS’ BLADE

Dressing to the code

Weather gets warmer, clothes become more revealing, leaving teachers unsure of how to address clothing that violates district rules

world. It is only there to help students realize that in the professional world there is dress standard that at one point or another, many of us will have to follow. Most of the time when you come to school wearing short shorts and a tank top, though you will not be called out for it.

“We deal with 100 percent of what is brought to our attention,” Principal Tracy Wilson said. “But with three administrators and our parapros, we couldn’t be the only ones enforcing the dress code.”

Over the past couple of years a few things have been added or changed to bring the code to a realistic place. Hats and hoods are now allowed, although teachers still have discretion in their own classrooms.

By Sarah Jane Chrysler When it comes to how much skin is appropriate to show, not everyone is on the same page. et’s be very real, it can be super awkward to have a “I think everyone is on the same page as far as teacher talk to you about the dress code. Here’s the advertisements goes,” teacher Dennis Striegle said. “If it has drug references or profanity on it. But when it comes thing though, it is super awkward for them too. to skin, that’s where the lack People often argue of enforcement comes in. It’s a that clothing rules do little more tough spot for us.” than sexualize women’s bodies The fact of the matter is that and teach boys that that is not every dress code violation will acceptable. In 2014 the hashtag be brought to the attention of #iammorethanadistraction gained 1st Offense: Student will be required to an administrator.

The style these popularity after harsh dress code change offensive garment. days is short everything, dresses, incidents popped up around 2nd Offense: Change offensive shirts and shorts.

It is almost the country. That is not what garment/parent contact/detention. impossible to tell nearly 2000 the GHAPS dress code is about 3rd Offense: ISS/Parent contact. students not to wear clothes that though. The rules regarding 4th Offense: ISS/OSS/Parent meeting are in style. clothing in this school district are “Our school board has over not about gender or to encourage arching policies for the whole the idea that a woman’s body is district,” Wilson said. “The dress distracting. code is one of them that is being looked at, condensed and With that out of the way, it is safe to talk about the policy revised right now.” for what it is: another attempt to prepare us for the ‘real’

L

www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

Discipline for dress violations

From the student handbook: official dress and appearence rules Dress and grooming are the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian. The student must be clean and well-groomed. Shoes must be worn at all times. Dress and grooming must not be hazardous to any educational activity, nor may it be damaging to property, sexually offensive or violate reasonable standards of safety, health, hygiene or decency.

Recently, it seems as if fashion trends have been for young people to wear clothes that are not really appropriate in the educational setting. Specifically, there has been an increase at school as well as school sponsored events, in the number of students wearing disruptive clothing such as tank tops, short shirts, shorts, trench coats, and/or tight fitting apparel. In order to help students (and parents) determine the appropriateness of their shorts/skirts, we’ve added a length requirement. It states, “Short Skirts/Shorts - place your hands at your side, fingertips extended, the hem of your shorts/skirt must be at or below your fingertips.” These are not to be worn either in school or at extra curricular events such as games or dances.

Disciplinary action may be taken for any violation of these guidelines. Students may be sent home to change, placed in In-School Suspension, given Out-of-School Suspension, and/ or be required to have other clothing brought to them.

LIFE 9

Caitlin Shampine THE BUCS’ BLADE TO SHAVE OR NOT: Julia Drabczyk (LEFT) and Jack Nicholson (RIGHT) posed legs. Julia shaves her legs while Jack leaves them hairy, like most guys. It is everyone’s personal right to decide whether to shave their legs.

A very hairy situation Summer is coming up fast, girls everywhere are struggling with the fact of having to shave again.

Being an exchange student means experiencing lots of new things. For exchange students in the United States, it means hamburgers for breakfast, lunch and dinner, crazy socks and sandals and no judgement about how you look and what you wear; unless you haven’t shaved your legs.

Last August, when I was volunteering in Alabama, guys would come to girls and touch their legs. If they could feel the hair, they would make fun of the girl. Unshaved legs don’t look neat but I believe that it should be a personal choice. I feel like girls that respect themselves and want to make a good impression should shave their legs. But it’s very unfair to reject from society the ones that do not shave.

10 OPINION

Before about 1940’s women had no need to shave their legs. In the ‘20s the bottoms were cropped below the knee, but females were not concerned at all. The topic became moot when the ‘40s fashion brought short skirts, sheer stockings and revealing swimsuits.

Men started to shave the legs around the turn of the 20th century for sports such as cycling, swimming and bodybuilding. The thing is, shaved legs help to improve time taken in long distance swimming races because of the effects of drag. According to the survey taken by “Men’s Health” on Oct. 11, 2015, 48.4% of men shave their legs on daily-basis at least partially. And I don’t think the statistics should scare you - it’s needed, and it’s happening.

I do think girls should shave their legs when wearing shorts, dresses, swimsuits or any other summer outfits, but it is still their choice. Today’s world is aspiring equality. So, why should girls shave their legs while guys do not?

In my homeland, Ukraine, the whole European girls shave

their legs and guys do not. We do not have sports at school, so if people want to join swim teams, they join separate clubs just for fun. Sports are less competitive, and that’s why guys have no physical need to shave their legs.

Even when I go out with my best friends wearing a skirt or shorts, I will definitely shave my legs to avoid sarcastic comments about hairy legs.

My friend Anzhelika Korolova, who is spending her exchange year in Kalamazoo, joined the swimming team and their tradition is not to shave legs the week before the competition. She got irritated with the hair because of today’s beauty standards. She didn’t want to look less attractive and was afraid of her friends’ reaction. So Anzhelika pretended that her religion doesn’t allow unshaved legs. Nobody knew she is actually an Orthodox Christian. This is how the society is influencing people’s personal opinions.

Overall, it’s a personal choice for everyone.

Girls with unshaved legs and guys with shaved have to be treated the same.

If you’re annoyed getting rid of the hair every other day, stop making yourself fit to others standards.

Opinion

Anastasiya Kahanova

www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

the

HOMELESSNESS

issue

p. 12 Staff ed

Why we need to step out of the comfort of Grand Haven

p. 12 The Connection

Homeless Liaison works to guide the homeless to success

p. 14 The Realist

Grand Haven grad looks ahead, finds uncertainty, ambitions

p. 16 The Transporter Van driver transports homeless students 200 miles per day

p. 17 The Independent,

The Wanderer

Senior Lindsey* moves in with her boyfriend’s mom; senior River Young stayed at friends’ houses

p. 18 The Starting Point Local center helps struggling families find permanent housing

p. 19 The Believer

Alumnus found faith in time of homelessness as teenager

p. 20 The Instructor

know where “II’mdon’t going to go next.

not our norm, “It’s it’s not what

people expect in our community, so we need to break that bubble, break that box.

A lot of them just “don’t know where their lives are going to end up.

John Mauro builds empathy within students as result of volunteer work www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

INDEPTH 11

the BOX that needs to be Maddie Brockmyre THE BUCS’ BLADE

Grand Haven is a bubble. We’ve heard it many times before, from teachers, parents and friends. We’re sheltered, homogeneous and privileged. We’ve been told time and time again that it’s easy for us to turn our backs on what is happening outside of this high school.

We knew all of this to be true.

And yet, when we, as a staff, found out that last year, there were 216 homeless kids in GHAPS, we were shocked. We felt blind, upset. We asked ourselves, “How didn’t we know this? How could we have missed the statistics right in front of our faces?”

The answer is simple: it’s easier to pretend that troubling situations aren’t there, rather than seek out information that confirms them.

We don’t hear about our fellow 187 students without homes this year because it’s not something people want to talk about.

Because we don’t want to talk about it, a

stigma is created and upheld. And because ment and fear that creates the very bubble that stigma exists, the victims of circumGrand Haven is surrounded by. stance stay silent.

As young people, as privileged individuals, The teens that hop from couch to couch as game-changers, the Bucs’ Blade believes because their parents that it’s our job to break kicked them out don’t want that bubble. to be singled out, even We talked about it bethough youth of the ages fore in our Pay It Forward 12-17 are more likely to be paper last year, we have a homeless than any other call to action in all of our age group. letters and staff editorials.

But this time, we wanted The families that get to show students exactly evicted because 45 percent STAFF what is outside of Grand of people in Grand Haven EDITORIAL: Haven High School. report struggling with payEditorial Board Support 8-0 This edition’s in-depth ing for expensive housing is a collection of prodon’t seek help because files about people who they’re afraid of labels, have been homeless, including two current afraid of a world that calls those who need assistance “lazy” or tells them to stop relying students and two alumni. We also introduce you to a teacher who has dedicated his time on “handouts.” to helping those in need. You’ll read about It’s a vicious cycle of ignorance, judge-

staff members who work to aid students and families without homes.

We hope that in hearing their stories, your idea of homelessness will be changed. We hope that you will share what you read with your friends, and look upon those without homes without a predetermined stigma. We hope that you will develop empathy, and most of all, we hope that you will be inspired to help.

Because, as always, the Bucs’ Blade believes that taking action is always the best solution. We have provided a list of volunteer or donation opportunities as well as places to call for help in place of our letter, on page three. We also will be posting information about what we, as a staff, will be participating in as our upcoming service project, so keep an eye out for posts on our social media.

Only when we work together to step outside of our comfort zones will that so-called box truly be broken.

The following stories are by Alexis Vansingel and Maddie Brockmyre

the

CONNECTION Homeless Liaison works to guide homeless to success

Cindy Benson COURTESY PHOTO

INDEPTH 12

A sharp ring echos through the office, bouncing off of walls covered in framed family photos. Grand Haven Area Public Schools (GHAPS) Homeless Liaison, Cindy Benson, swivels in her chair and answers the phone, grabbing some loose paper next to her to take notes. She jots down a phone number, names and various details and thanks the caller. Then, she gets to work.

She has a new client.

Benson has been working with homeless students for six years, and services children in grades preschool to 12, as long as they are in GHAPS. Every school district is required to have a homeless liaison, and it’s usually someone who holds another job in the

system. Benson is also GHAPS’ Information Services Specialist. According to her, homelessness is supposed to take up about five percent of her time, but because the cases are plentiful, diverse and incredibly important, it takes up more like 40 percent.

“When you start to talk about families and homelessness, they look like you and I, however, we’ve got families that live in cars,” Benson said. “And because we have the community that we are, we have families that live in tents, that live in campers, and families that live in shelters.”

Many of these families have young children in the area’s public schools. That’s where Benson comes in. She serves as the primary link between GHAPS and homeless students, finding ways to create a stable environment. Often times, school serves as that a large factor for that security.

“It’s a place that they can come that they know they will be warm, they will be fed, www.bucsblade.com, March 29, 2017

“

they will be dry, top to achieve their Just feel something, have their needs will be goals, or do we go met,” Bensen said an emotion that is attached to the north or the of the school envisouth where housto this. Care about other ronment. “Things ing is a bit cheaper are consistent. human beings who are not but the schools They’re in the aren’t necessarily as the same as you. same classes with great?’” the same kids with As the area’s Cindy Benson the same teachers, homeless liaison, they have the same Benson doesn’t just administrators. It’s focus on housing just more about consistency. The number and schooling. She works to teach individuals one role is to make kids that are going how to be self-sufficient, give them options through trauma, to make school a safe place and help them find resources. for them.”

“So many of these families, no one has But because they wish to fit in and are ever stood by them,” Benson said. “No one often facing physical and emotional instabilhas ever given them boundaries. No one has ity, Benson says their first reaction is to turn ever taught them how to grocery shop to away from help. Teenagers and adults alike sustain their family, so it’s standing by them, commonly remain under the radar, embarteaching them, restoring their dignity and rassed about their situation. their faith in the humanity of our society and “There’s a fear of, ‘Oh my goodness, evjust helping them and telling them, ‘It’s okay eryone is going to know,’” Benson said. “So, to fall, you’re gonna fall. You’re gonna fall they try to keep it private. But there’s also a backwards. You might lapse, but we’re here fear of, ‘How am I going to eat? How am I to help you and pick up the pieces.’” going to get clothes? How am I going to get Although her main job is to find ways to my homework done?’” physically help her client, Benson realizes Those concerns are heightened when the that creating empathy is also a necessity to misconceptions and lack of information are help the homeless. factored in as well. In a recent survey by the “I want people to react,” Benson said.

Bucs’ Blade, 41 percent of students said they “I want them to feel something. That’s my were unsure if homelessness is a problem in number one goal, just feel something, have the area, while 36 percent it wasn’t at all. an emotion that is attached to this. Care “When you think of homelessness you about other human beings who are not the think of everything that you see and hear same as you.” about in movies or what you see on teleThat care is typically expressed through vision, and that’s not what our homeless donations, monetary and material. Benson population looks like,” Benson said. “I can says she graciously accepts any gifts to the tell you stories about kids that are current department, and if she can’t use it, another students right now, that are homeless teenag- local shelter will. She also notes that simply ers because their moms are heroin addicts. supporting families and individuals is proThat’s here. That’s in Grand Haven. These ductive as well. kids chose to walk away from that situation “Whether it’s a teenager, a family, a mom because they wanted better for themselves. or dad or whatever, just by talking to them But that’s here, and we just don’t see it. It’s and letting them know that you care and not our norm, it’s not what people expect letting them know that it doesn’t matter how in our community, so we need to break that they got this one spot in their life, nothing bubble, break that box.” back there matters,” Benson said. “We just However, she usually faces disbelief when want to take each day as one point in time explaining to administrators or citizens that and move forward.” last year, there were 218 homeless kids in She also aims to help students succeed GHAPS. in the long run, which is why she personally “When you say those things, people are goes to the laundromat teaches them how to like, ‘Wait what? How can that be? We live in wash clothes, shows families how to grocery Grand Haven, everyone has what they want, shop and advises individuals on financial deit’s a beautiful place!’” Benson said. “Well, it cisions. She says she isn’t afraid to be tough is. But it’s also a sad place for some folks.” and strict because she knows she is setting According to Benson, costly housing is each case up for future prosperity. the main cause of homelessness in the Tri“Homelessness isn’t just a tick in time,” Cities area. A 2016 study by the United Way Benson said. “It’s something we have to help reported that 45 percent of people living in them get through, help them get out of.”

Grand Haven struggle with housing costs.

“Its an expensive place to live,” Benson Contact Cindy Benson said. “We have great schools and so they’re phone: 616.850.5045 torn between, ‘Do I give my kids the best I email: bensonc@ghaps.org possibly can and the best chance by letting fax: 616.850.5094 them have the best opportunity to rise to the www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

Q&A

with Kayleigh 22-year-old Kayleigh is from North Muskegon, but she spends some of her time standing on the corner of Robbins Road and South Beacon Boulevard. We asked some questions about what it’s like to ask for help from the side of the street, and this is what she told us.

Photos by Grace Glessner Q: How long have you been out here today?

A: Well...it’s 4:30 now...I’m pretty sure I got here around 1:30 so, like, three hours?

Q: Why come to Grand Haven if you live in North Muskegon?

A: I’m kind of embarrassed. I don’t want to see people that I know.

Q: How do you feel when cars just drive past you?

A: Ashamed. I feel invisible, like I don’t matter as much as everyone else.

Q: What about when people stop and offer some help?

A: It feels really good. I feel like I’m a human being again.

Q: Do you think standing out here is an effective way to reach the goals that you have or get the things you’re asking for?

A: I’ve been trying to get a job, actually since May, it’s just that now we have a shut off notice so I need the help now. I didn’t know what else to do. In the Bible it says to ask and you will receive so I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll go ask then.’

(Top) GIFT OF GIVING: Kayleigh holds the gift cards and cash that she has recieved by people driving past.

(Above) STANDING IN SOLIDTUDE: Cars pass Kayleigh by as she holds a sign with a photo of her two-year-old son, Ashland, attatched. Above it reads, “even a prayer helps.”

INDEPTH 13

the

REALIST

Grand Haven grad looks ahead, finds uncertainty, ambitions

W

Maddie Brockmyre THE BUCS’ BLADE

Maddie Brockmyre THE BUCS’ BLADE WORKING HARD (top): Vandoorne smiles while she hostesses at the Kirby House. She has worked there for around a year, saving money for housing and, hopefully, college. She says she has struggled to find a job, since she has to fight against the stigmas of disability and homelessness.

SEASONAL SITUTATION (above): Vandoorne poses on the front steps to her current home. She’s been staying there for several months, but as summer draws nearer, the pressure of finding a new home grows heavier on her shoulders. Vandoorne has been moving from place to place for two years, and is hoping that she will soon be able to find a more permanent apartment to live in year-round.

14 INDEPTH

hile most 20-year-olds are thinking about what to do when they graduate college, Brittany Vandoorne, a 2014 GHHS graduate, is worrying about where she will be living in next two months.

She currently lives with three roommates in a seasonal rental downtown Grand Haven, just a short walk away from where she works.

“I’m supposed to be out in May,” Vandoorne said of her current residence. “I don’t know where I’m going to go next.”

This isn’t the first time she’s been unaware of what her living situation will change to.

Vandoorne has been homeless for two years.

She was adopted from her birth parents by her aunt and uncle when she was 11. According to Vandoorne, her parents were poor, but chose to spend what little money they had on drugs and alcohol instead of caring for their children. Her aunt and uncle raised her until she was forced to move out for repeatedly breaking family rules.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, individuals aged 12 to 17 are more at risk of being homeless than other age groups. Vandoorne was 18.

She then lived with her grandparents for several months before moving to the Hope House, a homeless shelter run by Love In Action. It houses women and children, but men are moved to the Harbor Hall, a program also serviced by Love In Action. An application is required to be accepted into the shelter.

Vandoorne says she was suffering from depression during the time and eventually was removed from the home after three months.

“I was kind of brand new to the homeless thing so I was depressed, I didn’t really want to be in the world and I didn’t want anything to do with anybody,” Vandoorne said. “I was mad at myself for making a mistake that cause me to get kicked out of my parents’ house. I was always hidden. But living there was actually pretty good for me because I was under a roof with bedding with blankets with food. There was a point where I got kicked out because I was having suicidal thoughts and they wanted me to get help.”

Vandoorne stayed at a hospital for two weeks because of her mental health. Desperate for release, she called her friend Kate, who took Vandoorne into her home for four months.

With the help of Kate and her parents, Vandoorne was able to finally find a job at a local restaurant, the Kirby House, where she still works. However, she believes that getting hired was one of the toughest obstacles she faced because of the misconceptions some have about homeless individuals.

“I guess just to people, homeless people don’t work hard.”

Vandoorne said. “That’s just what people put in their minds.

Before I was homeless I was that kind of person too. I would look at a homeless person and think, ‘You could totally just get a job,’ but now I see where they’re coming from.”

Not only did she have to deal with the stigmas of being homeless, but Vandoorne also had to fight to prove she was a viable candidate despite her disability. She suffers from a www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

birth defect that caused her to be born without hands.

“A lot of the jobs that I apply for, there are certain things I can do, but there’s always that one thing that I can’t do,” Vandoorne said. “Sometimes I just wish people would let me show them all the things I’m able to do even though I don’t have hands.”

After Vandoorne got the job at the restaurant, she wanted to move out of her friend’s home, so she applied to live at the Hope House again. Despite having a positive experience when she stayed in the shelter previously, she says that there were pressures to leave quickly.

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to have a bed and a place to go, but it’s stressful and they try to get you out as fast as possible,” Vandoorne said. “But sometimes when you’re homeless, people won’t hire you right away because you don’t have the proper clothing or you’re not super clean so it’s kind of hard to be rushed out of a homeless shelter.”

She stayed there for around two months before she was kicked out for arriving late during Coast Guard Festival. According to Vandoorne, the shelter had mentioned their strictness regarding rules like curfew but they allowed anyone who held a job to be a few minutes late, depending on their shift hours. However, she says they didn’t account for the heavy traffic that the annual celebration brought along with it.

“I was 10 minutes late and they were like, ‘You’re late for curfew, we can’t have you here, you have to leave right now, you have 30 minutes to pack up,’ even though I was working that night,” Vandoorne said. “I was a little stressed.”

Hope House said they cannot comment on specific cases but they do stress the importance of the shelter rules to all of its inhabitants.

Discouraged and out of options, Vandoorne moved in with her then-boyfriend.

“He just wasn’t the greatest for me,” Vandoorne said, her mood sombered. “I’d just sit on his couch and think, ‘I’m never going to leave this place and if I do, I’m going to be on the streets.’ It was really tough. I started to feel depressed about myself. Leaving him was probably the best thing for me.”

She suffered through weeks of feeling isolated, depressed and defeated when she got a message from one of her former-roommates from the Hope House.

“If my roommates had never texted me and asked me if I wanted to move in with them, I’d probably still be there,” Vandoorne said.

Laura, who is in her 50’s, was Vandoorne’s roommate from the first time at the Hope House and was the one that contacted her about the seasonal rental. Together they got in touch with Kelly, who roomed with Vandoorne during her second stay at the shelter, and Katherine, who was an Resident Advisor at the Hope House. Even though all three are more than ten years older than her, Vandoorne says that she thoroughly enjoys their company.

“Having people that have also had struggles too along side me make it easier,” Vandoorne said. “I’d say that now is the best I’ve been in a long time, probably two years.”

Although her current living situation is coming to a close and the uncertainty of where she will be in the coming months is looming over her shoulder, Vandoorne continues to focus on building her future.

“I actually really do want to go to college,” Vandoorne said. “It’s something I really want to do. My birth family

HAVEN ON HOMELESSNESS 55.1%

of students know someone who has been homeless Is homelessness a big problem in Grand Haven?

“

Anyone can experience homelessness and you don’t really know their situation unless they are willing to share. Homelessness comes in all shapes and sizes, you can’t just narrow it down to the people you may see asking for money in the streets.

How many GHAPS students were homeless this year?

“

I guess just to people, homeless people don’t work hard. That’s just what people put in their minds.

Before I was homeless I was that kind of person, too.

Brittany Vandoorne

didn’t go to college so I want to be the one person in my birth family that actually did something.”

She tries to keep her ambitions realistic, however.

“I used to have huge goals,” Vandoorne said. “I used to want to be a social worker and help people but college is so expensive and I don’t have that money and I don’t know when I’ll get that money. My goal is at least to get a full-time job and be able to keep that and live in an apartment. That’s pretty much my goal right now because my goals are so little since I know I can’t get to the biggest one.”

Despite having to keep her objectives small and the unpredictability of her living situation over the past two years, Vandoorne choses to see the good that has come out of her experiences.

“I believe that it is made me stronger,” Vandoorne said.

“There are times where I’m like sitting there and I’m just thinking, ‘How am I going to do this, I’m not going to make it, I should just give up, I should just kill myself.’ But I’m still alive. I know how strong I am now because of this.”

Information collected by a Bucs’ Blade poll.

A total of 499 responses were submitted.

32.9%

of students say they ignore people holding a sign on the street What should schools do to help homeless individuals?

Provide some aid 49.9%

< 100 29.1%

Unsure 41.1%

< 50

21.6%

Nothing 3.8%

20.2%

< 150

Yes 22.2%

14.6%

Other 10.8%

> 200 11.6%

No 36.7%

None 1.8%

www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

< 200

Do as much as possible 38.5%

Other 1%

INDEPTH 15

the

the

Van driver transports home insecure students to and from school every day

Senior Lindsey* chooses to live with boyfriend’s family

TRANSPORTER

through, even though every situation is different.”

The five children that ride her van have had to move out of the district after losing their housing. There are four other vans, but Kuhlman has the longest route, driving all the way to Fennville and back through Holland A little girl nervously climbs into the dark to make sure these students get to school on navy van with golden letters on the side spelltime. She then drops them all off at the end of ing out, ‘Grand Haven Area Public Schools’. the day.

Seat belts are attached to the gray polyester “It’s a very rewarding role, because someseats, unlike the familiar blue leather of the times they just need someone to listen to them normal school bus seats she’s been used to. As and understand what they’re going through,” she buckles up, a smiling face turns around to Kuhlman said. “It’s very rewarding. The kids greet her. are very grateful for their ride because what Van driver Wendy Kuhlman, or Miss Grand Haven does, is they provide the ride to Wendy, as the displaced children who she takes keep their schooling stable because their housto school call her, has been driving the homeing is not at the moment.” less van 200 miles a day, for five years.

The students who ride Kuhlman’s van range Whenever a new student rides her van for from kindergarten to high school age and go the first time, she tells them the story of when to Ferry Elementary School, Lakeshore Middle she herself, was once homeless and living in School and Central High School. her car. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Kulh“They do not miss school at all,” Kuhlman man brought her son and daughter to Potsaid. “Nobody misses my van, very rarely the tawattamie Park for a other ones either.” picnic. They were always Kuhlman heard curious about who lived about the job in the house on the through her friend That’s why I took the other side of the fence who was a bus driver. job, because I’ve been next to their picnic spot.

She told her that it Today, Kuhlman lives there,” Kuhlman said. “I would be the perfect in that house. job for her after exknow what they feel like. I “I get goosebumps periencing homelesskind of know what they’re every time I tell that ness herself. story,” Kuhlman said. “I going through, even “It made me a try to tell the kids, ‘You better person,” Kuhlthough every situation is may not know where man said. “I had a different.” your life is going now, good job, a condo, but it may be right next Wendy Kuhlman I had a great life. It to you.’” made me appreciKuhlman became ate life every single homeless when she day, and what other grew sick and had to be hospitalized. This people are going through or may be going caused her to lose her job and condo. When through. I’m a giving person anyways, but it faced with the option to move hours away to made me more giving.” her family’s house, or stay near her kids who When Kuhlman was first hired, there were lived with her ex-husband, she chose to live in only two vans. The amount of children needher car, near her children. ing the van has grown, as they’ve expanded to “That’s why I took the job, because I’ve four. In Kuhlman’s opinion, they could have been there,” Kuhlman said. “I know what they used five or six vans in the past couple of feel like. I kind of know what they’re going years.

“

Homelessness through time See important points in history for housing in America 16 INDEPTH

INDEPENDENT *name changed for anonymouty

River Young COURTESY PHOTO UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: Senior River Young poses for a photograph highlighting his eye and freckles.

the

WANDERER

Wendy Kuhlman COURTESY PHOTO VAN PALS: Wendy Kuhlman stands with the children she drives to school every day. She took the job as a van driver of home insecure kids after being homeless herself. The kids have thanked her every day.

“It’s not widespread talked about because families don’t talk about it, because a lot of times they’re embarrassed or feel bad,” Kuhlman said. “The children don’t talk about it openly a lot because they also feel bad. A lot of those times, a parent has lost a job or gotten divorced. Some of them have struggled with alcohol or drugs. We also have picked up foster kids who have been put in a foster home. They also ride the homeless van if it’s a temporary situation as well.”

Although all of these students come from different backgrounds, they share similar worries.

“I think the common thing is they’re not sure where they’re going to end up, or where they’re going to live or if they’re going to be permanently out of their school district the following year, because it ends up where their housing ends up,” Kuhlman said. “So a lot of them just don’t know where their lives are going to end up or where they’re headed.”

The 2016-2017 school year began with 187 living without permanent housing.

“A lot of us are not aware how many homeless people are out there in Grand Haven, and every situation is different,” Kuhlman said.

“There’s not one that’s just like the other one either.”

Kuhlman is glad the van program exists, for the sake of the children.

“They would be jumping from school to school to school and never making any true friends, and never being able to put their feet in and dig into their education goals,” Kuhlman said. “They would be lost, they truly would be. My kids tell me thank you every day when I drop them off. It’s crazy, but they do.”

The goal of the van program is to keep students’ lives stable in hopes of them re entering into housing into the same district as their school and friends.

“Their schooling, all these students, I haven’t met a student who didn’t care about their grades or didn’t care about anything when they were homeless,” Kuhlman said. “They’re goal-oriented and they want to be able to get through those goals.”

Senior River Young finds himself after moving out of home

Humidity and tension were in the air as screams echoed through senior River Young’s house. This summer, fights like these weren’t uncommon. Today was different though.

Today was the day they had finally had enough of all the arguing. Today was the day Young left his home.

“Stuff at home was super rough all of a sudden,” said. “I guess you could just say everything was kind of like the snowball effect down the wrong way. Things just got super slippery and ugly really quick and I didn’t know how to handle anything.”

On the second day of August, River left his childhood home.

“We weren’t seeing eye to eye on anything whatsoever,” Young said. “When they told me to get out it was kind of just like to figure stuff out.”

While Young was struggling with his family situation, his friends were always by his side.

He emphasizes the importance of keeping reliable friends near you in a tough situation.

“Totally just be yourself,” Young said.

“Don’t take anyone else’s criticism. Just make

yourself happy, do what pleases yourself. Find yourself a comfortable group of friends that you know will be there for as long as you need them.”

Two days after Coast Guard Festival, all the hype was starting to die down, and he decided to visit his parent’s house for the first time in a week.

“I was staying in touch with my parents, so we were trying to figure stuff out,” Young said. “Once we started seeing eye to eye again, we slowly started getting more in touch and I eventually came home to visit, see how everything was, and I ended up staying that night.”

His move out was difficult for his parents as well. When he made the transition back into their home, they were happy to have him back.

“That break, in a way, was nice because once I came back and we figured stuff out, it was like we all kind of started back over,” Young said. “It’s crazy to say, but I feel clean. I feel so much better just about everything, like school, working, just everything.”

Through all the ups and downs, Young kept a positive outlook on everything he went through.

“I learned a bunch actually,” Young said. “It was actually a good time to figure out the real life on your own. It was kind of a good experience to figure that stuff out.”

1908

1933

1983

Theodore Roosevelt appoints a Housing Commission to investigate homelessness in America

2 million Americans are homeless because of the Great Depression

The Housing and UrbanRural Recovery Act of 1983 establishes rental rehabilitation programs

Senior Lindsay often reminisces about the times when she got to play her favorite sport with all her best friends. For years, her softball team had been like family, but she had to give it up her senior year.

Lindsay had to drop softball when she moved out of her mom’s house at age 17. In order to pay rent, she spend to more hours at work, and less on the softball field.

“I was very close to all of my teammates and coaches and we played together for a lot of years,” Lindsay said. “As much as I miss it, I don’t regret leaving it.”

A couple months before her birthday, Lindsay and her mother had been fighting all the time. At the time, she considered moving out, but wasn’t quite sure yet. Her mother and her got into one final big fight, and that was the deciding factor.

“Before I moved out, I was in a depressed state and that’s why I wanted to move in the first place,” Lindsay said. “Leaving kind of uplifted me, because I didn’t feel pressure and anxiety as much.”

She had formed her plan long before she actually moved out, it was just dependent on whether or not she actually wanted to leave.

“I told myself that I couldn’t really take that environment anymore so I decided to leave,” Lindsay said.

Although her mother was upset, under Michigan State Law, Lindsay was legally able to leave her home.

Lindsey packed up her stuff and her

boyfriend of three and a half years helped her move from her house to his. She then had to notify the school and sign that she was no longer living under her mother’s care.

“It was pretty easy, mostly because my boyfriend’s mom supported my decision so it was an easy transition from my house to her house,” Lindsay said.

She has been living with her boyfriend and his mom for a year now.

“The more immediate people in my life know that I don’t live at home,” Lindsay said.

“But if you were to go ask someone in the senior class, they probably wouldn’t know, even if they do know me. My living situation is my choice and I’m not affected by what other people think,” Lindsay said.

Lindsay works at Kentucky Fried Chicken after school, in order to pay her boyfriend’s mother rent.

“I focused a lot on other things like work,” Lindsay said. “I just put all of my time and energy into staying busy so it helped me work through my situation.”

This year, she became certified as a manager.

“I don’t really hang out with people much because I work all the time but that’s a decision that I made,” Lindsay said. “I do enjoy working and I enjoy the people I work with so it wasn’t difficult to give up my freetime. I’ve always liked staying busy and work definitely helps with that.”

Within her current living situation, Lindsay does not often feel homesick.

“I’m much happier and even though I have a lot more freedom and can do whatever I want, I still choose to go to school and go to work,” Lindsay said. “It’s all together much happier.”

2014

Ben Werkman THE BUCS’ BLADE

Michigan’s homeless population reaches 97,642 people INDEPTH 17

Maddie Brockmyre THE BUCS’ BLADE NEIGHBOR HELPING NEIGHBOR (ABOVE): The People Center sign advertises their need for hot and cold cereal. The center includes a food bank, clothing bank, and transitional housing for needy families within the Tri-Cities and surrounding area.

SOUP FOR ALL (LEFT): Soup cans are stacked up in the food bank. The bank offers a variety of non-parishable foods.

the Maddie Brockmyre THE BUCS’ BLADE

Local center works to help struggling families find permanent housing

K

aren Reenders sits at her office desk wading through credit histories and rental applications, struggling to find a home for the home insecure community members she serves. Reenders has been the Director of the People Center for 18 years, and every year she’s finding it more and more difficult to find permanent homes for families in need.

“If you don’t have at least one parent making really decent money, it’s hard to live here,” Reenders said. “It’s just a popular place, and it’s a tourist town and everybody

PEOPLE CENTER Where: 307 E. Exchange, Spring Lake Contact: 616.844.6710 Provides: transitional housing

18 INDEPTH

wants to be here, so it’s hard for the clients to stay here. I’m finding that really has come to a peak over the past couple years. I’m having it harder and harder to move people on once they’ve been here.”

The People Center runs out of Spring Lake to provide housing for families who face some sort of a housing crisis in the Tri-Cities area.

The clients must be working full time to qualify for the program.

They are required to attend the Financial Empowerment Center through the City of Grand Haven to become mortgage and rental ready and can live there up to six months, rent and utility free. The intention is for them to meet their housing goals so that they can move on.

The center also provides food and clothing through donations

STARTING POINT

to anyone who stops by and is in need. All aspects of the center bring out different emotions in people.

“They are stressed out, they are teary,” Reenders said. “It’s very emotional for them. They are at rock bottom. For the food and clothing, more grateful. ‘Oh my gosh, thank you. We’re able to feed the kids when they get home from school.’ That kind of stuff. I see a lot of gratefulness with the food pantry. A lot of emotional stress if they’re applying for housing.”

Every once in awhile, a high schooler passes through the center with their life turned upside down.

While the People Center helps out students and their families as much as possible, sometimes all a teenager in this situation needs is a friend.

CENTER FOR WOMEN SALVATION ARMY IN TRANSITION Where: 310 N Despelder Where: 300 N Ferry St # 4, Grand Haven Contact: 616.846.0674 Provides: supportive services to domestic violence victims

“I do see sometimes when we have high school age kids here, it’s the worst time of their life,” Reenders said. “They’ve just lost their housing, wherever they’ve been secure, and now they don’t even know what’s happening in their lives. They become upside down and they really need someone to go, ‘Hey, I get it. Come over to my house.’ Just be a friend, it would be really cool.”

Reenders believes that much of the housing crises happening in Grand Haven came about because of the decrease in housing that supports lower incomes.

With six apartments, the People Center can house 24 people at a time, only taking a small portion of the people who apply.

“It’s definitely a hidden issue here in our community,” Reenders

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Provides: transitional

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said. “I think what causes it is not only the financial mistakes that the adults are making and continue to make, but also there’s no affordable housing here. We live in a really expensive community where they keep building but then the apartments are going for market value.”

Although homelessness isn’t often seen or talked about within our community, Reenders assures that it’s still happening all the time.

“Our hidden homeless, they’re not on the street,” Reenders said.

“They’re not on the corners.

They’re not down by the factories where the factory’s pushing out warm air. All the friends are staying in one place. I think there’s no place for them to go like a big city.

I think people take you in, in our community, before you have to live on the street.”

HOLLAND RESCUE MISSION Where: 356 Fairbanks Ave, Holland, MI 49423 Contact: 616.396.2200 Provides: immediate or emergency shelter

www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

the

BELIEVER Anna Wilson COURTESTY PHOTO

Anna Wilson COURTESTY PHOTO FAITHFUL FACE (left): Anna Wilson poses in an auxilary room at Life Church. She attends the mass there, as well as youth group.

HAPPY FAMILY (top): Wilson, her sister, Emily, and her step-father Chris celebrate Emily’s ninth birthday together in 2007.

SISTERLY LOVE (above): Anna and Emily smile together before homecoming in 2012, while they were staying at the Hope House.

Grace Glessner BUCS’ BLADE

Grand Haven grad relied on faith when living in homeless shelter for six months

L

ong brown hair frames Anna Wilson’s face as she flashes a bright smile directed toward the teenagers surrounding her. Life Church parishioners mill around the youth group room. The low chatter of mingling conversation hums, barely audible above the upbeat church songs that play in the background.

Wilson converses with her self-proclaimed “faith family” about struggles that had strengthened their relationship with their God. Although her belief is solidified now, there was a time where her faith was put to the test.

In eighth grade her mom had a stroke that affected her motor, speech and memory abilities. Because of that, she had a hard time holding a job and Wilson’s step-father became the main source of income for the family of four.

He held a laboring construction job and was often in physical pain, but he continued working. Despite the stressors of his career, he provided for his family until Jan. 5th 2012, when he died of a heart attack.

It was a typical day. After being dropped off at the bus stop, Wilson told her step-dad she loved him, and she would talk to him later.

She didn’t know that would be the last time she would see him.

With her step-dad gone and her family grief-stricken, 15-year-old Wilson was left to care for her mother and sister.

“It was really hard,” Wilson said. “I think the hardest thing was seeing my mom come crashing down, and my little sister, too. She was just running away from home all the time, my mom was just an absolute mess and I felt like I had to be the parent, I had to be the strong one.” www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

Wilson did her best to hold her family together, but because of her mom’s disability the bills quickly piled up. By Sept. 2013, most of their belongings were moved to a storage unit and she, her sister and her mother moved into the Hope House, a local shelter for the homeless run by Love In Action.

“There are so many worse places in the world,” Wilson said of the Hope House. “We were very, very blessed to have the situation.”

Although she acknowledges the positives of the shelter, she also says there were many hardships brought with it, usually involving school. “[In the Hope House] we weren’t allowed to have electronics after 9, so they would take our cell phones and laptops,” Wilson said. “So, if I had a paper due, because I was trying to take AP Lang at the time, it wasn’t going to happen.”

Not only did she struggle to finish her school work, but because her mom’s vehicle was repossessed, she had no transportation to the high school “When you’re 15 or 16, which was my age, you’re learning how to drive and stuff but I was just trying to make sure I could get to school because my mom didn’t have a car anymore,” Wilson said. “I actually wasn’t able to actually make it to school a lot, and a couple of my teacher started stepping up.”

Wilson recounts different high school educators providing aid to her, including John Mauro who drove her to school for a short time before helping her arrange different rides with more flexibility.

Teachers weren’t the only people that aided and befriended her, however. According to Wilson, she made many connections during her six months at the Hope House.

“There was this one worker, her name was Jessica and she was probably like in her mid-twenties,” Wilson said. “Whenever I was stressed out about school or I had boy problems

or anything, her and I would sit together on Saturday morning and just talk for hours.”

She also found friendship with a girl named Hope, who struggled with addiction. Wilson says that Hope had “the biggest heart” and would often listen to her rehearsing for chorale ensemble.

“I would go downstairs and shut myself in the bathroom [to practice],” Wilson said. “I’d come out and all the ladies would be in the basement sitting outside the door so they could hear me sing and [Hope] would always be there, in tears.”

Despite having unexpected companions in the shelter, like many teens facing homelessness, Wilson’s school social life struggled to survive.

“I just got so frustrated looking around hearing people complain about their boy problems, and their friend problems. and not getting the perfect dress for prom,” Wilson said. “They’re just these materialistic things. I started to feel really angry and I didn’t really want to connect with anyone and I shut everyone out.”

Wilson says that even though she knew her situation was not her fault, she was still ashamed of it, which caused emotional problems. Her mindset has since changed, however.

She now speaks of her experience as enlightening, rather than disheartening.

“I don’t regret it,” Wilson said. “I mean, it’s been hard, but at the same time I’m so very grateful that I have had the perspective that I have.”

Wilson plans to take that perspective and become a social worker after she’s graduated college, which she will be attending in the fall. She credits much of her success to her faith in God. “I’ve always been pretty deeply rooted in my faith,” Wilson said. “God has been my rock definitely. I’ve always felt like no matter how hard things are there will always be something better, something to look forward to.”

INDEPTH 19

Julia Drabczyk THE BUCSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; BLADE TEACHER TALK: Math teacher John Mauro talks to his fourth hour class. Throught his career, he has taken every opportunity he can to help those in need, while also heading the Interact Club at school.

the

INSTRUCTOR

Math teacher John Mauro works to break stereotypes and build empathy within his students by giving opportunites for personal volunteer experience through Interact Club

By Sarah Sanders

20 INDEPTH

www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

“

I think just the experience itself when you hang out with homeless people and see how nice and cool everything is and that it’s not scary. I think that it’s important in breaking down stereotypes. I think students learn a lot from being super cold for a night as well

John Mauro When math teacher John Mauro looks back at his senior year National Honors Society trip to New York City, he remembers the Disney store on Broadway.

He looks at the picture he has of himself and his two best friends at the time and can’t help but think of what the version of him in the photo is completely unaware of.

On the trip the group went to the Empire State Building, saw a Broadway show and went shopping on Broadway. As part of the trip, they also had the opportunity to hand out soup to people in need.

Mauro handed a man a bowl of soup and then stepped back and realized the man was sleeping in the entrance of the Disney store- where he had his picture taken and shopped at a few hours before.

“It was one of those moments that you never forget,” Mauro said.

During college, Mauro got involved with Grand Valley’s alternative break program. Through the program he had the opportunity to go to Fries, Virginia his sophomore and junior year to help with the aftermath of a factory closing in the area. His senior year he went to a shelter in Harlem in New York City for homeless drug addicts.

“During the day we did work inside the house so we like cleaned and organized and repaired things we interacted with some of the clients,” Mauro said. “Essentially, someone would show up on their door step addicted to a drug and on the street and say ‘I want to change.’ The people would go to detox for a week and go into the house.”

This shelter had a one year plan for the people. By the end of the year the people needed to secure a job on their way out and also they needed to be pursuing some form of education.

“There was one woman who was doing great she had been there for like a year and she was applying to be a New York City bus driver,” Mauro said. “Which is good wages, benefits, decent living; but she couldn’t pass the math portion of the test, so I tutored her in math, I taught her how to do fractions.” www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

The shelter also offered a free lunch for people in the community to have. Each day the volunteers also ate the food served.

“I remember that some days it was terrible,” Mauro said.

“One day we had split pea soup and crusty old bread and it was awful and I remember we kind of snuck back into the kitchen and found some pastries that a bakery had donated and that’s what we ended up eating.”

People would show up at the lunch some days and then walk on by. Mauro remembers wondering how someone could be hungry and still turn down food, even if it tasted and looked terrible.

“Whether you’re rich or poor, food is good or bad,” Mauro said. “Of course these people don’t want to eat this food, but I have other options and they don’t so they’re just going to be hungry for the rest of the afternoon and I’m not, which is not fair.”

As a teacher Mauro has strived to push students to also have moments where they can relate to other people’s experiences. Mauro is the advisor to Grand Haven’s Interact Club.

Interact is a service club that is sponsored by the Rotary Club in the area.

In 2001, his first year as an advisor, the club participated in a Box city event where they slept in boxes and listened to speakers. The event is an educational opportunity for students to learn more about the homelessness issue.

“So a woman from Grand Rapids brought an actual homeless person with her and he gave a speech and told us about his life so it was really powerful,” Mauro said. “I talked to the lady afterwards and it turns out she was from this place called Degage Ministries in Grand Rapids.”

Mauro asked how him and his students could help and they were able to have a tour and volunteer at Degage. Interact club has been going every year ever since. The club goes during their dinner time and they bounce from table to table to talk to the people.

“Honestly it’s just refreshing, I think, to just talk to somebody and hear their story- how they got here, why they’re in

the situation they’re in,” senior Allison Matz, member of the Interact club, said. “I think that people just like to be heard.”

Matz has gone to Degage every year since her Freshman year.

“I think it’s important to seek out those groups of people who live and think differently than you,” Matz said. “I always make an effort to talk to different people and hear their stories, I feel like you can always learn from different people.”

Mauro has pushed his Interact club members to step out of their comfort zone and meet and talk to the people at Degage.

“He really emphasized meeting people and at one point he was talking to a guy and I walked up and he was like ‘hey this is Russell talk to Russell,’” junior LoraEllen Hilborn said.

Junior Fiona Nic has volunteered at Degage every chance she gets with Interact club. At first she thought she would have nothing in common with the people in the shelter but as she took time to talk and get to know the people she realized that they’re not as different as she thought.

“The last time I went, I met a man who had just been laid off from his job he had been working at for 30 years and yeah,” Nic said. “That struck me because he had been working for 30 years and then all of sudden now he doesn’t have any support except for Degage.”

Mauro has emphasized the idea of having good conversations with people at the shelter and has also had the students go on a tour of Degage. On the tour the students are able to see the services Degage provides to confront homelessness in Grand Rapids.

Mauro brings students to Degage in hopes that they will have some of the moments he had in college and in high school.

“I think just the experience itself when you hang out with homeless people and see how nice and cool everything is and that it’s not scary, I think that it’s important in breaking down stereotypes,” Mauro said. “I think students learn a lot from being super cold for a night as well.”

INDEPTH 21

TRIPLE THREAT

Senior Eric Moerland

pursues all performing arts while juggling

Julia Drabczyk THE BUCS’ BLADE

school work

Julia Drabczyk THE BUCS’ BLADE

By Julia Draczyk Three times the charm is what they always say, or in this case three instruments is the charm for senior Eric Moerland. He is involved in band, choir, and orchestra all at the same time, which is unheard of for a high school student.

In 4th grade Moerland started out playing the violin, but going into his freshman year, the band looked appealing.

“I talked to my friend Noah and said ‘if I bought an instrument and learned how to plan, could I join band?’ They said sure, but nobody believed me,” Moerland said. So he went out to buy a clarinet and they realized he was pretty good.

But why stop there.

“Junior year I did a musical and I thought ‘well if I’m in band and I’m in orchestra, I may as well add choir,” Moerland said. He auditioned out for the choir and ended up in choral ensemble.

Being a high school student is a balance between workload and activities is of great importance.

So the solution is having a low workload. Moerland only has two other classes which allows him more time to focus on his musical classes. Most of his free time includes practicing and sleeping a lot Moerland says with a smirk. He claims music is pretty much the extent of his social life.

“It’s kind of nice I can leave my

22 ARTS

Julia Drabczyk THE BUCS’ BLADE 3 INSTRUMENT CHARM: Eric Moerland takes on all the performing arts offered at the school. He started with orchestra (TOP LEFT) in fourth in grade, then band freshman year playing the clarinet (RIGHT), then choir his junior year (BOTTOM LEFT). Moerland is ambitious musically and puts all of his talent and energy into performing.

• • • • • • •

BIO BOX Favorite animal is the elephant shrew Dream school is Stanford Favorite color is blue Favorite movie is The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Favorite place is Florence, Italy Favorite holiday is Christmas Favorite song is “Puff the Magic Dragon”

phone somewhere and not have to worry about missing something,” Moerland said.

At first when Moerland approached the band teacher, Iain Novoselich, about joining the three music classes Novoselich was sceptical about his ability to schedule all three.

“Eric had never touched a clarinet prior to his second semester of freshman year,” Novoselich said. “His Mom had played clarinet while in high school, and Eric, having been in orchestra since middle school, had an obvious interest in music.”

From the beginning Moerland had aspired to be in the Wind Ensemble.

“Eric sits as our principal clarinet in the Wind Ensemble having worked his way through every concert group,” Novoselich said.

“Eric has incredible drive and is a great asset to our program(s).”

Moerland admits that because the band group has grown to be his favorite.

Junior Zach Tyler a member of band has gotten to know Moerland’s and describes his best moment of Moerland.

“At band camp before they went they bought a plunger and they went into their cabin and they stuck the plunger to Erics’ back and literally picked him off the ground,” Tyler said.

Even though most of his day is spent singing, playing the clarinet, and violin, his favorite instrument is the piano which does not have a class for. He began the piano in 8th grade by teaching himself how to play.

“I like that because you can play it as a solo, you don’t need and ensemble or an orchestra to play with you,” Moerland said. “So I can play it whenever I want and however I want.”

Interestingly, it’s not a primary part of his future plans. He aspires to pursue engineering as a career.

However, he hasn’t given up on the idea of keeping it as a hobby.

“I could have a professional engineering job and then do orchestra on the weekends,” Moerland said “I see no reason to stop playing.” www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

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Living With POTS

Julia Drabczyk THE BUCS’ BLADE TRUSTFALLING: To demonstate her fainting. “When I faint I lose control of my body,” Parker said. “It’s good when someone near me notices soon enough to catch me but that doesn’t always happen.”

Junior Celia Parker deals with Postural orthostatic tachycardia sydrome(POTS) as well with all the symptoms that comes with it

By Kelly Klouw

F

or junior Celia Parker, it starts with a rapid heartbeat, like her heart is pounding out of her chest, gaining speed every minute. Then, her vision begins to blur, and her surroundings turn cloudy. One person becomes three or even four dismembered looking humans. Then, it happens.

She passes out.

“Sometimes I’ll get a tingle down my arm then I know it’s coming,” Parker said.

“When I am out, there will be points that I am awake but I can’t open my eyes or move my body and I can’t talk but I can hear people. Other points I’m just out and I can’t hear anything.”

Her eyes feel like they’re glued shut.

When she finally wakes up, she doesn’t know where she is or how long she’s been out; sometimes she’s in a hospital bed, other times she’s still in the cafeteria. Wherever it

24 LIFE

may be, she’s surrounded and overwhelmed by crowds of people asking the same question: “Are you okay?”. For Parker, this event happens monthly, weekly and even daily.

Parker passed out the first time in 2014 and thought she was just dehydrated but Detroit’s hospital wanted her to come back and check. That’s when Parker was diagnosed with Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome also known as POTS. Her body doesn’t pump enough blood to her heart causing her heart rate to go up, while her blood pressure goes down.

“I had never heard of POTS before and I was nervous of how I would go about life,” Parker said.

Passing out is a symptom of POTS, along with nausea, headaches, and crippling pain in the body. These are not the only side affects, just the most common ones. Due to the variety of symptoms, doctors often have

a hard time diagnosing someone with this syndrome.

“When I develop these symptoms the first thing I do is lay down,” Parker said. “I also make sure someone that is very close to me is around me, that way if I do pass out, they’ll know what to do.”

Parker had to take a tilt table test to determine if she had POTS syndrome or not.

With the tilt table test the patient lays straight on a table for thirty minutes, they then tilt the table 90 degrees to regulate the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure. A tilt table test is one of the ways doctors can successfully diagnose someone with POTS. Aside from the tilt table test doctors use the bedside measurements, where the they measure the heart rate of the patient while lying down, then upon standing.

“It was a very weird experience I have never experienced before,” Parker said. “I went through periods of trying to stay awake because during the tilt table test it is very common to pass out.”

Parker has passed out many times since she was first diagnosed. There is not a specific pattern to these episodes; although, when Parker is under serious stress, she notices the episodes to become more frequent. Parker experienced some changes to her diet after her diagnosis which included adding more sodium, and decreasing her gluten intake.

“It used to be super scary but now I’m kinda used to it,” Parker said. “It depends on how bad, sometimes I can tell I won’t wake up because I’m so sick at that point.”

A few times this school year Parker underwent some symptoms while at school, one of the times being in the lunchroom.

“I felt embarrassed about passing out in front of that many people,” Parker said.

“It made me feel uncomfortable that people started taking pictures and videos of me while I was out.”

It may appear that Parker is faking it because she’ll pass out so quickly, then a couple minutes later be fine.

“Just know that it’s all what part of what she’s going through, it’s very painful to her,” Para Pro Lisa Holm-Johnson said. “It takes her a lot to get back to herself once she’s gone through one of her episodes. She gets hurt every time she falls.”

Passing out is scary enough, Parker doesn’t know where she’s going to be, or when it will happen. Depending on where she is, the possibility of hitting a chair, desk, table, floor, is very high resulting in cuts, bruises, stitches, and potential concussions.

“I passed out in the shower last summer and cut my head open and needed stitches,” Parker said. “I’ve also fallen down the stairs at school and got a concussion.”

POTS prevents Parker from doing some www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

Julia Drabczyk THE BUCS’ BLADE

normal day to day activities such as driving a car, and taking very warm showers. Although Parker faces these challenges thrown at her daily, in the future there’s a chance things might fade away.

“Your heart rate and blood pressure can change when you’re older so there is a chance POTS could go away, or come back it just depends,” Parker said.

POTS increases Parker’s potential of missing days, even weeks at a time. Due to doctor appointments which range from locations in Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor.

“She could so easily just give up and fall behind in all of that but she doesn’t,” HolmJohnson said. “She has the drive to be what

she wants to be in life and I give her all.”

As Parker’s high school career is coming to a close, and the door is opening on a new experience, college.

“In college I have to be careful,” Parker said. “I can’t room by myself, and I might be getting a therapy dog.”

For now she just has to make sure she stays safe by having a friend help her from class to class, that way if sometime serious happens, she is not alone and has someone with her that knows what to do.

“I walk with Celia after some classes to make sure if she were to pass out that I can help her,” Junior Autumn Buikema said.

“I’ve been with her before when she has

Ben Werkman THE BUCS’ BLADE (Left) CAFETERIA INCIDENT: Parker has fainted many times at school, but one that sticks in her mind is when she fainted in the lunch room around a lot of people. This is her pointing at the area she fell.

(Above) ALL SMILES: Parker talking with her friends at lunch. Throughout this whole situation Parker has been super positive.

passed out in school, and when this happens I lay her down and push her pressure points to try and wake her up.”

If you are in a situation where you see Parker start to develop symptoms, the best thing one can do is make sure she has someone with her, and find help if needed.

“With her we make sure that she’s breathing and a lot of times her eyes will flutter so we’ll know if she’s just kind of in a small seizure but breathing.” Holm-Johnson said. “We put her feet on her backpack because with her syndrome it’s good to have her feet propped. Then I just talk to her and hope that she’ll come out” Each and everyday is a never ending

battle of constant worrying and pain, but for Parker giving up isn’t an option.

“She is so courageous, and just wants to be as normal as she can be and do things like every other kid and be in school and learn.”

Holm-Johnson said.

For Parker POTS is part of her life now, and she’s learned to accept her challenges and continues to fight the syndrome each and every day.

“I may pass out but I will be fine no one needs to worry or freak out,” Parker said. “Just let my friends or people that know what’s going on help me. If you don’t know what’s going on just stay away because it might make it worse.”

Serious passing out dates Last

First 9/15/14

2/13/15

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3/26/15

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6/7/16

9/30/16

12/14/16

2/22/17

LIFE 25

MOVIE REVIEWS “Get Out” will freak you out For someone who usually only goes to cheap early morning matinees, walking into a full theatre of moviegoers was almost as nerve-wracking as the horror movie we were about to see. But I’m glad I watched “Get Out” with a crowd; there’s something weirdly affirming about shrieking in shocked terror with a whole group of people. And let me tell you, there was a lot of shrieking during that showing of “Get Out.” The movie, written and directed by Jordan Peele of Key and Peele fame (you know, that show with the substitute teacher comedy sketch every high school student in America has seen at least once?), has all the humor you would expect from his background in comedy. In fact, even the horror is ridiculous if you take a step back. One of the most menacing shots in “Get Out” is of a woman eating dry froot loops and sipping on a glass of milk while scrolling through pictures of college basketball players in Google images.

Now that I type it out it just sounds weird, but at the time I was yelping incoherently and making obscenely angry gestures at the screen. I did that a lot, actually. It’s just that

By Ysabela Golden

kind of movie.

The suspense that had me on the edge of my seat wasn’t just from ridiculous menaces that only barely make sense in context.

“Get Out” also uses the racial tension in our culture to raise the tension in the movie. You know that feeling you get when American racial relations are about to come up in history class, and there’s actually a non-white student in a Grand Haven classroom? Or when Aunt Petunia is clearly about to ruin Thanksgiving dinner by making a blatantly racist comment about black people and welfare? “Get Out” is like that, except you can’t cut off Petunia by asking her to pass the mashed potatoes.

Horror movies usually play off of common fears, but Peele takes this up to eleven by utilizing a culture-wide anxiety in a way I’ve never seen before. As a result, unlike a lot of recent horror movies, “Get Out” makes you anxious in a way you can’t just brush off.

You’re just wincing as you watch the movie unfold and mentally begging the protagonist to get out of the house and never come back.

That’s the basic plot - a black photog-

“A Cure for Wellness” confuses all

Creative Commons COURTESY PHOTO

Imagine you’re sitting in the movie theater with you parents, or friends, or significant other. Now imagine that someone on the screen enters the room, then starts undressing in front of a man, with no context whatsoever. Then this man starts playing with himself, with noises that would make anyone want to barf. Finally, imagine that the whole scene had absolutely no value whatsoever to the plot.

This may seem out of reach, but it truly happens in the move “A Cure for Wellness”.

The worst part (well all of it was the worst part) of this scene was that after it happened they made no reference to it at all. It took up at least 2-3 minutes of the movie. The way it was placed into the movie made me think that the directors just wanted to make

By Caitlin Shampine 26 LIFE

their movie 2-3 minutes longer. Like when you’re writing a paper and you need a certain amount of words, people start putting a bunch of sentences together that have nothing to do with the subject.

To tell you the truth though, it didn’t seem like there even was a plot.

The whole movie was chaos. I was confused from start to beginning. The bases of the story was that this man who was the king of the town, married his sister and got her pregnant. The wife was killed but the fetus survived. The man this whole time uses ‘the cure’ to make sure he and his daughter are healthy. He does this because later he wants to have sex with his daughter for a ‘pure-bloodline’.

I was disgusted the whole time.

It left me so confused. What was the point of the eels? How do you create ‘the cure’? What does ‘the cure’ even cure? How is the government not stopping this? Why do the people like being there?

I was excited to see “The Cure for Wellness”. It upset me because I know the idea of the movie would be so cool, but they did it terribly.

Creative Commons COURTESY PHOTO

rapher and his white girlfriend visit her parent’s house for the weekend. Their visit, already uncomfortable, coincides with an annual family get-together - and then things get downright weird. The secrets and plot twists in this movie are off the hook, but unlike in a lot of media where they’re just ultimately unimportant mind-screws thrown in for shock value (cough, LOST, cough), the “weird stuff ” in “Get Out” all have horrifying purpose once you’ve seen the ending.

In fact, “Get Out” is one of the few horror movies I’ve seen with the potential to be just as nerve-wracking on the rewatch, once the

viewer knows exactly what’s going on behind the scenes.

So if your taste in horror is slasher-flick torture-porn, you can probably sit this one out. Maybe rewatch Texas Chainsaw Massacre until Saw Legacy comes out in October. If just existing on this planet is already nerve-wracking enough for you without horror movies in your life, I’m pretty sure A Dog’s Purpose is still in theatres. But if you enjoy a good suspense film, do yourself a favor and see “Get Out.” It’s brilliant, it’s sure to be a classic, and it’s definitely a movie you want to see in a theatre.

“La La Land” leaves viewers lovestruck

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Simply from watching the trailer of “La La Land,” this movie comes across as a cheesy musical where the characters all burst into song every few minutes, the whole town joins, and everyone knows the words to whatever song and dance. So as I sat down in the theater, I prepared myself for another lovey-dovey musical.

But as the movie progressed, I found there is more to like than a few love songs.

First of all is the colors in this movies. From start to finish, the outfits, settings, and lighting was heavily analyzed to produce just what they wanted. Many times during the movie, the lights dim as a spotlight falls on a character as they sing, dance, or play an instrument. This choice makes you zero into their talent, and breathe in awe of each note

By Karianne Turner

or movement.

Then there is the soundtrack. Mia, played

by Emma Stone, and Seb or Sebastian played

by Ryan Gosling, were an excellent choice for this musical. While their voices aren’t as polished because they aren’t known for singing, the realness of their voices makes you want to sing along. If you were listening to Adele or Justin Timberlake, you would want to erupt into song, but you would know you will never be able to hit the note the way they did. With Emma and Ryan’s voices, you get the feeling you too can actually sing.

The ending is then the icing on the cake.

While many movies play out something similar to ‘La La Land,” love, heartbreak, excitement, music, this movie takes those elements and uses them almost against their audience. We are used to boy meets girl, love trumps all, kind of stories but “La La Land” doesn’t give you that happy ending. It shows you reality, that two people don’t always end up together, even if they are “meant to be.”

This self-aware, heartbreaking and downright loveable film is the ideal for anyone looking for a movie that doesn’t give you what you want, but gives you what you need. www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

ARTIST OF THE MONTH Senior MaKenzie Strazanac

Orchestra Senior Ethan Jacot

Junior Hailey Bethke

Band

Visual What brought you to this?

It started when I was little. I was never interested in toys, I was always just doing crafts.

What keeps you doing it?

The final product, like what could it become.

Who has had an impact on you or helped you?

Mrs. Sipe, I’ve had her since elementary as an art teacher and she always pushes me to continue with it.

Will you do this after high school? I will probably go into psychology

What brought you to this?

I wanted to do band. It was my choice.

What keeps you doing it?

I like playing an instrument.

Who has had an impact on you or helped you?

Novoselich and Stoner definitely, I look up to them as models.

Will you do this after high school?

Yes, I could take several paths, I could go into jazz which I did consider but I don’t think I will do that, or music teaching or performance.

www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

What brought you to this?

My family is full of musicians so I have been playing instruments for as long as I can remember. When I was in 3rd grade, I saw the 4th graders playing violins and I knew that was the next instrument I wanted to tackle.

What keeps you doing it?

I have such a passion for music. It is such a stress reliever and it’s so great that people can connect on a different level than most people just by playing music together.

Who has had an impact on you or helped you?

My dad and my teacher Mrs. Meyers have had the biggest impact on me.

Favorite thing about orchestra?

My favorite thing about it is how music ties people together. I also suffer from severe anxiety and depression and music makes me feel better like nothing else can.

What would you say to someone who wants to do the same thing but isn’t good at it?

I would say that playing an instrument is very powerful. It can help you when you are sad, stressed, happy, excited, really anything. It brings you to a different place and helps you express your feelings no matter what you are going through. Oh, also, playing an instrument just makes you a cooler person in general College choice?

St. Juilliard contacted me and asked me to audition. I had a little “pre-audition” which was basically just answering some questions about myself. After that, they asked me to come play with their orchestra! Sadly, it was during the week and I really don’t have time to miss a week of school. It is like my dream school but sadly they are a music performance school which is not what I really want to do. Like I said, I either want to go into music education or music therapy which they do not offer sadly..

Will you do this after high school?

I am planning on going into Music Education or Music Therapy so yes, I am going to be doing this not only just after high school but the rest of my life.

Sophomore Lareyna Plescher

Senior Addy Knoth

Theater

Choir

What brought you to this?

When I was 8, my mom saw that they were during Pinocchio at the local community theater. At first I didn’t want to audition, but my mom forced me to audition. I fell in love with theater from there.

What keeps you doing it?

I love literature and theater is basically acting literature out.. I love seeing the audience have an emotion.

Who has had an impact on you?

Mrs Mclary, all her stories and how she is so involved in it and how passionate she is. I have thought of becoming a drama teacher because of her.

Will you do this after high school?

Probably. I want to study it in college too so I can learn the history behind it.

What brought you to this?

I had to take it in 6th grade, and I decided to stick with it, I ended up really loving it in high school.

What keeps you doing it?

My friends and the music.

Who has had an impact on you or helped you?

Mrs. Dick because she always so positive and brings great energy.

Will you do it after high school?

I going to try, yes.

ARTS 27

Strikingly motivated Senior bowler James “Jimmy” Mitchell faces tough financial decisions regarding schooling post graduation and love for his sport as he commits to top bowling school McKendree University

By Drew VanAndel

A

s the Grand Haven bowling team gathers to break down the end of a recent practice, community bowlers strap on their shoes and wait for the lanes to clear. The team disperses, packs their balls into their bags, and scurries out the door toward home.

However, one bowler remains.

He chalks his hands and throws the chalk bag on the monitor as he steps towards the lane. One thing is on his mind: consistency. This bowler, senior James “Jimmy” Mitchell, throws for six more minutes until he is satisfied with himself as the league bowlers move in around him.

This isn’t uncommon for Jimmy.

He is constantly working towards perfecting his game as he helped lead the Bucs’ bowling team to a 9-1 overall record and an eighth place finish at the state tournament this season.

Individually, Jimmy rounded out his high school career with a third place finish, significant improvement from his ninth place finish the year prior.

“To be honest, I was disappointed at first,” Jimmy said on the third place finish. “I really believed that I should have won that tournament. On the other hand though it was bittersweet as it was my last one.”

Jimmy doesn’t want to look into the situation too much however. Everyone dreams of winning a state title, but Jimmy finds the takeaways to be much more beneficial going forward.

“I was able to keep my head in it,” Jimmy said. “I was able to stay positive over some bad breaks and face adversity. It’s what I have worked on the most this season as it was my biggest downfall last season.”

Last season comes with bitter remembrance as Jimmy finished in ninth place at the state tournament. What is so special about Jimmy is his ability to always get back up from these drawbacks, and help his teammates do the same.

“He (Jimmy) is a really good team player in the aspect that if I were to miss a shot or

28 SPORTS

something like that I know that he can pick me up,” junior teammate Logan Batka said. “I bowl fourth on the team and the only person that can pick me up is Jimmy. I know and have faith that he can always pick me up.”

As a leader, Jimmy keeps his fellow bowlers in check. He gives them confidence and advice to help improve their game as he improves his own. There is only one person who can keep Jimmy in check and that is the coach. The relationship Jimmy has with his coach isn’t that of a normal coach and athlete; Jimmy is the coach’s son.

“I think any time you coach your own child there are challenges,” head bowling coach Pat Mitchell said. “He has always been a good listener, even prior to being on the team we’ve been working with him. We worked at his own pace, we never pushed anything on him, but once he started asking questions and wanted to have help that’s when we started offering it to him.”

Often times having a parent as a coach can be frustrating, but Pat does not feel that was ever an issue with Jimmy.

“A lot of parent coaches push their kids, just like a lot of parents push their kids even though they aren’t coaching,” Pat said. “You know as a coach you try to push them because you want them to be the best and you don’t want them to make mistakes.”

Pat has never placed and pressure upon Jimmy but he has one stipulation: work hard.

“The only thing that I really put pressure on him was to make sure he was working hard to achieve where he wanted to go and what he wanted to do,” Pat said. “Whether it was back when he was playing football or with what he was doing with bowling and what he is doing with his work life.”

As long as he worked hard, it looked like a clear cut course straight to the Professional Bowling Association (PBA) for Jimmy. Until a job opportunity diverted his thoughts severely.

Working at the shoe store Tradehome, Jimmy had gotten hit with a potential managerial position once he turned 18. Making $47,600 per year was enough money for Jimmy to take the offer into serious consideration.

“It was just really tempting,” Jimmy said. “It sounds good for money but also I was thinking in the back of my head, ‘I don’t know if I can do this, you know what if I get fired I don’t have a college degree and i just want that security (of having a degree).”

Ultimately, Jimmy decided to continue with college and reject the job opportunity.

With a bowling future in mind, it is only fitting to attend one of the most attributed bowling colleges in the nation, Mckendree University.

Coming in atop the collegiate bowling rankings, Mckendree seemed Drew VanAndel THE BUCS’ BLADE like the perfect fit as soon as Jimmy stepped onto the campus.

“I had visited Mckendree and then I went to Whitewater (Wisconsin),” Jimmy said. ”After the Mckendree visit I wasn’t even sure I wanted to go to Whitewater because I was just so impressed (with Mckendree).”

He was welcomed with open arms at Mckendree. www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

STRIKE: Senior Jimmy Mitchell throws his ball down the lane as his teammates watch. Jimmy competed in the high school state tournament on March 3rd, helping the team to a fourth place finish as team while taking home third place in the individual competition.

Ben Werkman BUCS’ BLADE

“The team was really inviting,” Jimmy said. “They were more impressed with the skill that I had where Whitewater was jealous that I was already at their potential, and that’s kind of what helped me choose Mckendree over Whitewater.”

WIth a 95 percent job placement for undergraduates and 99 percent placement for graduates, Jimmy will have no trouble finding a job, this time with more security.

As for his future, Batka believes if Jimmy continues to be consistent, he will continue to excel.

“There’s few bowlers and Jimmy being one of them that is always focusing on that one thing,” Batka said. “It’s kind of just getting your mind in the right spot, focusing on that thing www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

and then executing it.”

Executing will be the point of contention for Jimmy, who looks to compete for an A-team spot next year. As for what he thinks on his future, he plans to stick around the sport.

“I plan to keep bowling and do PBA events and just travel around the world,” Jimmy said.

“Because bowling is pretty much specifically off the earnings that you win I’d have to get a different job, so (I would probably be) a ball or distributor representative.”

His father believes this goal of becoming a professional is attainable.

“As long as he’s diligent and he does himself due justice and continue to get better and improve to find new ways to solve problems when they occur he’ll do fine,” Pat said. “He’d be able to do that.”

SPORTS 29

The Waterboys WATCHING WHILE WORKING: Sitting on the sidelines, Noah Reinecke and Luke Berry follow the varsity boys basketball game. This dynamic duo have been the team’s waterboys during the 2016-2017 season.

From basketball camp to varsity benches, Luke Berry and Noah Reinecke will play any position on the team Photos and story by Abigail Holman

T

he buzzer goes off at the end of the third quarter of the boys basketball team’s Feb. 24 game against Grandville. It’s time for Luke Berry and Noah Reinecke to rush and grab water for the exhausted basketball team.

Getting the job

Luke, nine years old and Noah, age 10, both attend Rosy Mound Elementary and have a huge love for basketball.

When Luke was at basketball camp Coach Greg Immink considered him to become a waterboy.

“He had gotten to know Luke in basketball camp” Luke’s mom Emily Berry said. “He made the connection that he was my son and we were meeting about something else related to guided academics and he said ‘Hey would Luke ever be interested, we need a waterboy’ I said ‘are you kidding me?’”

Luke found out the news that he was offered the spot and was excited to say the least.

“One year my mom asked me if I wanted to be waterboy with Coach Immink,” Luke said. “I was like ‘okay, sure I’ll try it out’. It was awesome.”

Luke was the waterboy by himself for part of the season when the other boy quit. He then decided he wanted a partner.

“Luke asked if he could have a buddy with him and Noah is one of his closest friends,” Emily Berry said. “They are both diehard basketball fans.”

Noah was also looking forward to joining the team after he was offered the spot.

30 SPORTS

“I thought it would be fun at first but now that I’m into it I think it’s more than fun,”Noah said.

Game day

On game day the boys participate in all team activities.

They get to go in the locker room for the pregame talk, go onto the court during warmups and the boys say they just love giving them high fives. The team also cherishes this time that they have with the water boys before games.

“My favorite part is always having them around cracking jokes on the bus and bringing us pregame treats,” junior Tucker Beland said. “I would definitely consider them part of the team since they are always with us.”

basketball community,” Emily Berry said. “As a part of it they have included all of us in so many things, I feel like we are part of the team.”

The water boys have created a lifetime of memories throughout their seasons on the bench. One of the boys favorite memories was when they played at Rockford and they filled up water for the wrong bench. They have also had a fair share of tough memories as tears were shed at the end of the season.

“When it was the very final game and it was a really tough loss (Luke) just lost it,” Emily Berry said.

“There were pictures of him hugging the guys and he was so so sad. He has gotten so attached to those guys.”

Learning from the bench

The team is not the only people that see the importance of the boys being involved with the basketball program. The water boys are able to learn so much from their experiences on the bench.

“Basketball is a passion of Noah’s and to be a part of the team in this way, and see first hand what goes into each game has been a dream for him,” Noah’s mom Jen Reinecke said.

As the boys have spent many hours on the sidelines bringing the team water they have developed an increasing friendship with the players.

“They all (the team) include us and they really make us feel a part if the team,” Luke said.

Not only do Luke and Noah cherish the bond with the players, but the players also love the connection that they have with the guys as well. Whether it is just Luke and Noah handing the guys water, giving them a high five or cheering them on in the game, every moment has brought the waterboys closer with the players.

“As a team we have a really close bond with Luke and Noah,” Beland said. “They are a big part in keeping the team light hearted.”

Lasting Memories Even the families of the boys feel welcomed into the basketball family. Luke and Noah’s families have been very involved and have spent so much time in the gym as well as going to team dinners.

“I love that we’ve gotten to feel a huge part of the

Team Thoughts: What the team thinks of their waterboys “(The waterboys) are really fun to be around and they make us laugh all the time. They are really hype on the bench and they get us pumped up to play” Senior Ross Koella “If we are feeling upset then they make us happier because they’re always in a good mood and they never give up.”

Sophomore Bryce Taylor

www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

Life long impacts

The bond between Noah and Luke has grown with being water boys as well. They are always together since they have taken on this role with the team. “(Luke and Noah) have a blast together, they ride the bus, and I think that it’s helped them bond over their love of basketball,” Emily Berry said. “As a result they are on a couple basketball teams together so they spend a lot of time together and I feel like they’re brothers.

Luke and Noah also look up to the boys on the team in a special way. They both say that they look up to their leadership, both on the court and off the court as well as their great sportsmanship and how they play.

“I think the way that they include us will help me when I’m older so that I will include other people,” Noah said.

Being the waterboys has given the them the opportunity to observe how much work it takes to reach where you want to be. They have been shown great examples of guys that have worked very hard to get where they are today.

“I feel like the team has influenced Noah by showing him how hard they have worked to achieve their goals,” Jen Reinecke said. “I feel like Noah has seen first hand what it takes to play ball at the varsity level and that these boys have worked hard to be where they are.”

Looking up to the team

The boys will often try to incorporate some of the things they are learning from the guys into their own lives.

“I think because basketball is such a huge part of his life and he wants to play high school basketball he is able to really see the hard work that it takes, the drive, the focus, not only academically but also physically too with sports,” Emily Berry said. “I am already seeing him apply some of the things that he is learning from the guys in his own games and practice at home, and it really consumes him.”

Even now Luke and Noah are looking ahead to high school and how they want to take what they are learning from their experience of being waterboys and are applying it to their future.

“I think it’s the feeling of how they feel and seeing how it is and it’s giving me a thought of when I’m in high school maybe I can do this,” Luke said.

Greater than anything, the waterboys have gained an amazing set of people to look up to, people they will remember forever.

“It is a very unique group of students,” Emily Berry said. “I feel completely comfortable with Luke hanging out with all of them. I think they are kids that are amazing role models for my son.”

The water boys are loved by the basketball family and will forever mean so much more than the title ‘water boy’ to the team.

“I feel like (Noah) is so much more than being a waterboy,” Jen Reinecke said. “He truly is so passionate about Bucs Basketball.”

(Top) TEAM TALK: Luke Berry talks with senior Zac Holman. “They all (the team) includes us and they really make us feel a part of the team,” said Luke.

(Middle right) REINECKE REFILL: Noah Reinecke, fills a cup as a player exits the court. “I’ve been one for one and a half seasons,” said Noah. “I joined when the other waterboy quit.”

(Middle left) HYDRATION STATION: Luke Berry gets ready to hand off water to a thirsty teammate. “I’ve been one for these past two seasons,” said Luke. “It was awesome.”

(Bottom) GAME TIME: The waterboys laugh with junior Charlie Brown. “I think the way that they include us will help me include when I’m older and I will include other people,” said Noah (To the left) SIDELINE SIDEKICKS: The boys fill cups to get ready for the team. ““We always do the where my Bucs at and that’s really exciting,” Luke said. “we go onto the court while they do warmups and just giving them fives is awesome.” www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017

SPORTS 31

Cosmic Cuties

Photos by Maddie Monroe

The exciting and colorful Catalina show drew large crowds to every performance of the club’s syncronized swimming

1

OUT OF THIS WORLD: A featured performance by junior Kennedi TenHagen warms the crowds hearts with her rendition of “The Girl Who Won’t Be Moved.”

(1) PATIENTLY WAITING: The Catalina groups take a seat in front of the stands as the crowds fill the bleachers and prepare for the show to begin.

(2) STRIKE A POSE: Officers Tom Stock, Sawyer Hamm, Ben Ingall, and Sam Hankinson all pose after their preformance of a song.

(3) STARRY EYES: The Catalina girls take their first walk out past the crowds to “Walking on Sunshine” smiling along the way.

(4) WALK THE PLANK: Catalina officers Sophie Kleyla, Eliza Lowe, Libby Plowman and president Allie Wexall, have their first dance to “Counting Stars.”

(5) COME ON AND SLAM: The boys’ group perform their first dance to a mix of “Space Jam” “Ocean Man” and “Starboy.”

4

PHOTOSTORY 32

3

2

5

www.bucsblade.com, March 30, 2017