Bucs' Blade February 2010

BUCS’

BLADE

Page

What you 21 might not know about skiing

February 19, 2010 17001 Ferris, Grand Haven, MI 49417 A student publication of community significance since 1927

“ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, MOST SKIN CANCERS ARE CAUSED BY TOO MUCH EXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET (UV) RAYS. MUCH OF THIS EXPOSURE COMES FROM THE SUN,BUT IT ALSO COMES FROM MAN MADE SOURCES, SUCH AS TANNING BEDS...”

--Becky Eggleston on the negatives of tanning indoors

“SUN IS A NATURAL GOD-MADE THING. AS LONG AS YOU ARE TANNING IN A NON-BURNING FASHION MODERATELY INDOOR UV LIGHT, IN MY OPINION, HAS MORE BENEFITS THAN NOT AS LONG AS YOU ARE NOT [TANNING] SIX TO SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.”

vs.

--Trish Treat on the positives of tanning indoors

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2 Inside THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February, 2010

Volume 65, Issue 5

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BUCS’ BLADE STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Megan Birkett MANAGING EDITORS: Matt Deater Marisa Enos Madison Testy

GOING GREEN: GHHS Green Club member Junior Amanda Bennick speaks to elementary students about going green.

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FIVE THINGS: Facts we think you should know about Haiti, Asian Carp and Internet safety.

EDITORS: Haley Birkett Alida Boon Teal Champagne Cam Hewitt Zak Konarska Nate Niemerowicz Amy Potter Grace Sterenberg Tyler Appel John Cherette STAFF: Ethan Beswick, Dez Burley, Devin Chan, Chloe Dault, Scott Deater,Emily Francart, Mike Ginocchio, Camille Johnson, Mollie LaBeff, Riley Missel, Kali Rea, Greg Rokisky,Sam Soule, Ali Steggles, Noah Thelen, Sam VanHoef, Kailin Van Oordt, Lucas Wilder ADVISER: C.E. Sikkenga

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FROM NFL TO SURVIVOR TO JV COACH: Former reality TV star coaches girls basketball.

From the EDITOR

Where has the time gone! I swear I hear myself or someone else say at least once a week that summer is so far off, but 10 more days of school and we are into our third and final trimester . As always, I hope everyone had a chance to read through and enjoy

our January edition.

Some things I learned in this issue are…you burn 26 calories in a one-minute kiss and the average person spends two weeks of their life kissing. (Two weeks!) (page 17). Love INC helps 30 to 40 families daily (page 4).

PUBLICATION POLICY: The Bucs’ Blade is a newspaper 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 its readers.

The Bucs’ Blade operates as an open or public forum. Essays and other non-fiction literary works are welcomed. All letters to the editor must include the writers’ name, signature and class or position and must be free of obscene or potentially libelous material.

Typed, double-spaced letters are preferred. Letters will not be edited except to prevent legal liability, edit material that is in poor taste or to fit space requirements. The Bucs’ Blade can only print as many letters as space will allow. Letters should be placed in adviser C.E. Sikkenga’s mailbox or addressed to the editor and mailed to: The Bucs’ Blade 17001 Ferris Grand Haven, MI 49417 The Bucs’ Blade strives for the highest standards of accuracy, completeness and careful research in its presentation of material. If an error merits correction, as determined by the Editorial Board or the Adviser, it will be promptly published in the news brief column or on the editorial page. All correction requests are subject to review.

During the school day The Bucs’ Blade can be reached at 616-850-6263 or by email at bucsblade@ gmail.com. The Blade staff meets from 11:30 to 1:20 p.m.

We have a student here that practices Wicca (page 14). By texting QUAKE to 20222 you can donate $10 to Haiti . I also learned how to delete yourself from Google searches of Facebook pages (page 8). Any comments, questions, concerns and ideas

are extremely encouraged and should be addressed as a letter to the editor. Thanks to everyone for reading and enjoy!

Sincerely, Megan Birkett

Friday, February 19, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE News 3

FANS GREEN WITH DESIRE TO WIN Known as the ‘Green Men,’ three senior boys see that the crowd stays pumped up and cheering loud MATT DEATER Managing Sports Editor It’s a Friday night home game for the boys varsity basketball team and the Buccaneer Fieldhouse is filled to capacity. Fans cheer over the fight song as the team runs onto the floor, to be greeted not only by the roaring fans decked out in blue and gold, but three seniors wearing peculiar green suits.

Seniors Dave Miller, Bryan Kiel and Kole Suchecki came up with the idea to wear green suits from a well-known TV show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

“There is a guy on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia who wears a green suit and is really funny,” Kiel said. “I bought one, then Kole bought one and we asked Dave to buy one because we thought he would be a good green man.”

Miller hopes the green men will leave a lasting legacy at Grand Haven basketball games.

“I was expecting that when people think of Grand Haven basketball 2010 they will think ‘they had the green men’,” Miller said.

Kiel really enjoys giving the team a bit more of a home court advantage, using the suits to distract the opposing team and keep the student section loud and proud.

“It’s really fun getting the stands riled up and everybody having a good laugh,” Kiel said.

As the season has gone on, the green men have stepped up their style, accessorizing the suits with

various costumes. At the Feb 9 game against East Kentwood, they showed up in fishermen’s gear complete with hats, hip waders and camouflage. Such events are coordinated in advance.

“We text each other the night before and give random ideas and whatever one sounds the best we do,” Kiel said.

The green suits were originally just a way to goof off and have fun, but now students expect the green men to be at the game. The publicity has only added to the fun.

“I just thought that we were going to go to the games and have fun,” Kiel said. “It’s more fun because everybody knows us.”

They never expected to be part of more than the basketball games. However, as they began to get more attention, they soon found themselves in demand for other events.

“When WZZM went to Rosy Mound to promote recycling, they took us,” Miller said. “They wanted us to get all of the kids excited.”

Now, as the basketball team runs out onto the court, players are pumped up even more with the green men high-fiving and cheering them on. Senior varsity player Nate VanArendonk believes the green men not only help maintain the spirited atmosphere throughout the game, but also give the team an extra dose of adrenaline when entering the court.

“The green men are the sixth man on the Grand Haven basketball team,” VanArendonk said. “They get the people going and help bring us the W.”

KEEP ON CHEERING:From left to right GHHS seniors Bryan Kiel, Dave Miller and Kole Suchecki dress in their green suits and fishing gear to cheer front row as the boys varsity basketball team took on East Kentwood last Tuesday night. Photo by Amy Potter

Concerns swirl over proposed turbines Local residents, debate with environmental advocates on merits of proposed construction of wind turbines MIKE GINOCCHIO Reporter Tom Cotter doesn’t want you to think that he’s an obstruction to progress. He’s all for wind turbines and the supposed clean energy that they provide. He’s just not too sure that he wants them in his neighborhood.

If a recent proposal under review by the Grand Haven Township Board passes, that just may end up being the case.

The project, which is being headed by Grand Rapids Commissioners, Rockford Construction and Berge Logistica Energetica, is still in the preliminary stages of development, but already it is feeling the heat over numerous factors, including possible loss of property value.

For Cotter, who lives nearby the proposed construction

site, loss of property value is a very important issue given today’s rough housing market.

“People are concerned that it’s going to look objectionable,” Cotter said. “They’re concerned about potential health issues, and if someone moves into the neighborhood and sees this huge, towering tower, they will be scared to buy into that neighborhood.”

The health issues Cotter refers to are collectively known as “Wind Turbine Syndrome”. Various symptoms include dizziness, nausea, sleep deprivation, and irritability from the noise that turbines give off.

While it has not been substantiated, the reports have raised concerns.

Another concern is the location of the build site, which would be dangerously close to a land reserve that is home to endangered animals.

For local Rob Shantz, this is an important issue that the project must consider.

“The biggest issue is that it’s located right next to a 40

acre bird sanctuary with nesting bald eagles,” Shantz said.

“The nest is 300 yards away and with the blades traveling at over 150 miles per hour we will lose the eagles for sure by either displacing them or murdering them.”

Grand Rapids Energy and Sustainability Director Haris Alibasic defended the proposed building site of the wind turbines, claiming that it is a logical move.

“The reason that we are proposing the turbines on the current site is that the city owns the Lakeshore Water Filtration Plant on which we might like to locate the Wind Energy Turbines (WET),” Alibasic said. “It could provide electricity directly on site.”

Despite the concerns that surround these wind turbines, Shantz points out that the citizens in protest are not trying to hold back clean energy; they simply want it planned better.

“We applaud the township board for doing their homework and taking their time in reviewing this process,” Shantz said.

“We don’t oppose green energy, however it needs to be thought out.”

4 News THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 19, 2010

Love reaches out to local community CHLOE DAULT AND CAMILLE JOHNSON Reporters

STOCKED SHELVES: The Love INC wharehouse is full of necessities.

Items are made available for those in need. Photo by Grace Sterenberg

BUC

Briefs Spirit week is back The Springcoming spirit week kicks off Monday. Student senate members planned the week which includes spirit days and Wednesday night’s Brute Ball competition. The schedule for dress up days is as follows: Monday: Pajama day.

Tuesday: Multiplicity day,

Morgan’s motto is ‘Give a man a fish you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish, you have fed him for a lifetime.’

The application of this motto can easily be seen through the many ways Love Inc. aids Grand Haven.

‘You’ve got mail’ is the first thing Kathy McGraw hears in “[Our ministries] range anywhere from free furniture and the morning. appliances [to] clothing and food,” Morgan said.

E- mailing is where her job begins.

All of Love Inc’s 29 ministries help Grand Haven citizens. “[My job benefits] are not financial. It’s none of the benOne of which is a laundry ministry for people who can’t afefits that the world looks at as benefits of employment, but ford the Laundromat. The state of the economy right now its benefits of the heart,” McGraw said. “[It’s] opening our compelled Love Inc. to start another ministry for the growing eyes to see the world as it really is and to see how there are numbers of unemployed. so many who are in need. We often live with blinders on and “There’s a project that’s really sucdon’t see that. We live in our own cessful right now, its called the Emlittle worlds needing all of our toys, “WE LIVE IN OUR OWN ployee Alliance, where we are helping all of our clothes and all of the things LITTLE WORLDS NEEDING people find jobs in this tough market,” that we think we need.”

Morgan said, as his eyes filled with McGraw is the volunteer coordiALL OF OUR TOYS, ALL OF tears. “We do things like pay for peoples nator at Love in the Name of Christ, OUR CLOTHES AND ALL mortgages when they are being evicted, a nonprofit, non-denominational OF THE THINGS THAT WE or their utilities are being shut off.” organization with the goal of helping Helping 30 to 40 families daily people in need move towards selfTHINK WE NEED.” through these ministries clearly takes sufficiency. She must always leave a lot of effort and a big group of people room to pencil people in from the

--Kathy McGraw to support them. When volunteers are four and a half page list of volunteers recruited, they are not only doing someinvolved. thing they enjoy, but are providing basic necessities for others “When you’re on staff here, you pretty much wear a lot in their own community. of different hats. There are 400 volunteers and only six paid “It’s the feel good kind of things that really are the benefits staff. I could say we are overloaded,” McGraw said with a [of volunteering]. You don’t often get that in the work envigiggle, “but in a good way.”

Every volunteer is after the same goal: improving the com- ronment,” McGraw said. “[Working with Love Inc.] opened my eyes to the other side of life and made me feel like I’m domunity in any way possible. ing something that’s worth while and just gives me that sense “We are the community helping the community,” execuof making a difference.” tive director Eric Morgan said.

similar to twin day but with as many fellow students as possible.

Wednesday: Mardi Gras day, whip out the green and purple.

Thursday: Hawaiian day.

Friday: Blue and Gold Day. GO BUCS! The student senate is hoping for complete participation from the student body and wishes to make this the best spirit week ever!

Scheduling in progress Students need to make their third trimester schedule changes by March 5. Schedule changes will not be accepted after that date.

The counseling department advises students to plan ahead for appointments, as they can take up to a week to get scheduled. Classes are filling up quickly and the sooner students enroll, the better chance they have to get their preferred classes.

“We’re encouraging people to get in and see us now because we’re booked pretty tightly,” Counselor Doug Klemm said.

Outdoor education enjoys trip Derek Warner’s Outdoor education classes recently went to the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex where they enjoyed using the many facilities for winter sports.

“It was so much fun,” senior Cory Pfeffer said. “We went there in middle school but it was way more fun now. We

luged, ice-skated, and went sledding and cross-country skiing. The class is already so much fun and going there just made it better.”

Scholarships due in a few The Community Foundation Scholarship deadline is quickly approaching. Those seniors interested in the scholarship should turn in their application ASAP. According to a longtime observer, applications have been slow.

“It’s very unusual,” student service secretary Kathy Alexander said.

Applications are due by 5 o’clock March 5, No late applications will be accepted after this deadline. Students are also encouraged to turn applications in early so that possible errors can be caught and changed before the actual due date.

Choose choir chocolate All GHHS Choirs are participating in their annual winter World’s Finest Chocolate sale. This year’s candy bars, which sell for $1, have a coupon to Great Lakes Chili Dogs which entitles bearers to two free chili dogs and an order of fries with the purchase of a 16-ounce drink..

Friday, February 19, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE News 5

Music department to host festival CHLOE DAULT Reporter Walking into Grand Haven High School next Wednesday, little will be recognizable.

The building will be transformed into a hosting spot for this year’s band and orchestra’s music district festival.

It will be filled with talented instrumentalists from all over the district. The auditorium will become the performance area, the balcony will host the judges and the auxiliary gym will become the cloakroom.

“We have to come up with how things [will] flow,” orchestra director Melissa Meyers said.

The event will give an opportunity for parents and spectators alike from Grand Haven to observe the talented musicians and see everything in action. The festival will be a great way to put GHHS in the limelight for a day. “[The festival] will promote Grand Haven more in the arts,” freshman violinist Myrtle Lemon said. “It will bring more publicity to see the wonderful facilities we have.”

Not only does the festival have hopes to make the music department look good, but it will also save them a lot of money. The costs of bussing will be eliminated and the luggage

FEELING FESTIVE: Orchestra director Melissa Meyers conducts concert orchestra as they prepare for festival. The orchestras hold their last few rehearsals in the PAC as a preparation. Photo by Grace Sterenberg

that goes along with the band and orchestra will not have to move at all.

“It is nice not having to travel almost two

Trial run to prepare team Science Olympiad’ is set to prepare for the regional competition with the annual Blue and Gold scrimmage.

The practice competition is for the test taking events only.

Participants in tech events do not compete. According to Head Coach Mike Reed, the scrimmage is an important practice event that allows the team to evaluate its progress.

“Blue and Gold is as close to what competitors will experience as we can get,” Reed said.

‘

Committee promotes questions

The Student Senate has formed a Student Advocacy Committee, with the goal of improving the school for students. SAC members visited classrooms early in the month and placed a suggestion box in student services for students to drop their suggestions in for consideration..

“My goal is that the lines of communication are opened between the student body and the student senate so that we can improve the school for students, sophomore Megan Jackson said. “I really hope that students use this box wisely.”

Prom preparations progressing Prom invitations recently arrived and junior senate members are preparing to send them out to all juniors and seniors.

hours away on bus,” Meyers said.

Some wonder if the judges favor the hosting school more so than the other schools,

They committee will select and order favors soon..

“We have plenty of time [to plan for prom] but we don’t meet as often as I’d like to,” junior senate advisor Elizabeth Gervais said. “We have the Trillium, that’s the big thing. All of the little things will just fall into place.”

Advisory team wants help Do you spend lots of time at the Louitit District Library? If this is the case, you might have thoughts or suggestions regarding books, CDs or programs, offered. If this is the case, show up to the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meeting on Thursday, February 25 at 3:45 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to voice their opinion to members of the board.

MME still required for juniors In the past, the Michigan Merit Exam has been a chance for students to earn money for themselves by scoring a one or a two. However, the Michigan “Promise” Scholarship is no longer in effect and pleas to reinstate the grant have not led to its reinstatement. Despite of this tragic reality, all juniors will still be required to take the MME on March 9-11. Seniors who have never taken the MME will test on this date as well. There is no cost for this test and it will be taken at school.

and fear that this may affect the scores that the GHHS band and orchestra groups will receive.

“The judges will give a fair score,” Lemon said. “I don’t think they will be bias, it’s not like a football game with home court advantage. [The scores] are equal anywhere you go.”

The festival will bring the arts department a lot of positives—but that’s not to say it won’t come with a lot of extra effort. “[Hosting festival] makes it a little more difficult for us directors because our focus will be on other things in addition to the performance,” Maynard said.

Making the festival run smoothly will also take a lot of hard work in the short amount of time that is left before the actual date of festival.

“We’ll be preparing until it comes,” Meyers said. “There are a lot of little things that go into [hosting the festival].”

Directors and everyone coordinating the music festival will put in a lot of time and work in to make sure that everything goes as planned.

“We’re looking forward to hosting and that everyone who comes will enjoy our facilities,” Maynard said. “Hopefully we run a good festival, which I think we will.”

Polo conditioning starting up Preseason conditioning is beginning for those interested in playing girls water polo this spring. No previous experience is necessary. These practices will take place Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Grand Haven Aquatic Center (high school pool). There will be a mandatory parent and athlete meeting on Tuesday March 9 at 7 p.m. on the pool bleachers.

Book club to meet next week

The next meeting for book club will be held Feb. 23 in the media center, directly after school. The book that will be discussed is “Angela’s Ashes” by Frank McCourt.

The book, which School Library Journal calls a “vivid wonderfully readable memoir” tells of the author’s experiences growing up in poverty in Ireland and New York City has been one of the most popular reads of the last 20 years.

“It was an inspiring story,” high school librarian Anne Guimond said.

6 News THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February, 2010

‘Hidden Treasures’ vintage shop teaches job-training skills EMILY FRANCART Reporter

ARRANGING THE RACKS: Senior and store manager Elizabeth Brace works at the ‘Hidden Treasures’ vintage shop in the Buc Stop. Photo by Grace Sterenberg

Shell offers deal for skiing customers NOAH THELEN Reporter Craving a ski trip But don’t have the money for gas and a lift ticket? Shell gas station is currently offering a free lift ticket to a variety of different ski resorts with the purchase of 10 gallons of gas and another lift ticket.

Junior Jake Lukasik took Shell up on the deal.

“It was pretty sweet,” Lukasik said. “I mean, 10 gallons of gas is a lot but you get a 45 dollar lift ticket for free [with the purchase of another lift ticket].”

After Lukasik bought the gas, he received a voucher to take to almost any ski resort in America and get a free lift ticket with the purchase of another lift ticket.

Participating ski resorts in Jake Lukasik Michigan include both Crystal Mountain and Boyne Mountain.

The current state of the economy has forced Shell to start the deal, Shell employee Michelle Jensen says.

“This time of the year sales are slow all over,” Jensen said. “So it is probably used to increase gas sales and also inside sales.”

Lukasik initially got the idea from his friend, but he now encourages a lot of his friends to go to Shell.

“I recommend it to everyone,” Lukasik said. “It’s a pretty good deal.”

“Hidden Treasures”, located in the Buc Stop, is a shop within a shop. All that it took was a simple closet clean out and an idea.

“I wanted to give my practically new sweater to a student,” social studies teacher Mary Jane Evink said. “But then the question not only becomes who but how to go about giving the sweater.”

The answer to the question was to create “Hidden Treasures, which would allow the idea to reach more students in need..

“The whole idea is to have students be able to swap clothing,” special education teacher Pam Vanderkamp said. “Because with this economy we don’t want people just throwing stuff away.”

In addition to school clothes, shoes and knick knacks, the vintage shop is requesting special attire with an incentive to those who drop off prom dresses.

“We are hoping to have a large selection of prom dresses and when someone drops off their dress they will get a five dollar coupon to get a new dress,”

Vanderkamp said. . Teachers are helping run this new shop with help from students in the special education department who are learning things that many take for granted. “[The vintage shop] provides functional skills and socialization as well,” special education teacher Jeff Troupe said. “The special education students sort, wash, label, and fold or hang, according to the article of clothing. We have even had some students learn the cash register aspect.”

In addition to teaching job-training skills, all of the proceeds go to a charity called Back To School. It’s a program started here this year, for students that may not be able to afford new school supplies. “[Back to School] provides kids with a new pair of jeans, a new Grand Haven Buccaneers sweatshirt, a new backpack filled with things necessary for school,” Evink said. “That puts the price at about $100 a kid.”

With so much going on at once, this small little shop is a miracle in disguise. It truly is the hidden treasures of a giving spirit.

“It’s quite the undertaking,” Troupe said. “ The staff makes it what it is.”

ALUMNUS OF THE MONTH

From GHHS to WWMT 2000 GHHS grad Jared Werksma was involved in both soccer and tennis in high school among many other activities. After graduating from Colorado State University, Werksma is currently a news reporter for WWMT and enjoys outdoor sports GRACE STERENBERG News Editor What were your favorite classes in high school, and which have helped you the most in life?

My favorite classes were video production and AP Literature with Mr. Query; also, Algebra 2 with Mr. Quick. All three of these classes factor in my success today not only because of the subject matter but the talented and passionate teachers who instructed them. Video production, my sophomore year, was the first time I realized I enjoy telling stories visually and it quickly became a passion. AP Lit helped me cultivate my appreciation for the written word and the art of organized, creative story telling. Algebra 2 was important because it didn’t come easy to me. It was one of my first real challenges and it took constant painstaking effort from myself, and infinite patience from Mr.Quick to get through it...but in the end I got an “A.” It’s a life lesson I use regularly in TV news. In such a competitive field talent is essential...but it won’t get you far without an unflappable work ethic.

What were the best and worst things about high school?

The best thing about high school was the endless excitement of growing up and the limitless possibilities for the future. The worst thing about high school was the endless curfew and severely limited bank account.

What did you do immediately following high school?

I worked about 60 hours a week waiting tables at Snug Harbor and painted for the school district. However, I lost the school district job for painting a racing stripe on a class pet turtle at an elementary school.

(I thought it was funny at the time.) I felt I had to work that hard to save money as I was leaving for Colorado State University in the fall.

How did you get your current job, and what do you love about it?

I got my current job after 4-1/2 years of broadcast school and 3-years of working my way up through smaller TV markets. During those years I developed my skills as a broadcast writer, an investigative reporter and an on-air personality. What you see when I’m on TV now is a far cry from what viewers in Washington saw when I was a snot nosed 22-year-old kid fresh out of college. In this business, like many others, you never stop learning and never stop improving if you want to be the best.

What advice do you have for current high school students?

Listen to people when they tell you “you can’t do that!” and take it to heart. Every time someone has told me I can’t, I’ve used it as fuel to prove that I can. I still have many goals and many dreams that I haven’t chased down and I may never catch them all. But, there is no shortage of people in life who say “you can’t” and as long as they’re around, people like me will be doing everything possible to prove them wrong.

Friday, February 19, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE News 7

SHOWCASE!

GHHS students show what they’ve got in a talent event at the Frauenthal Center GREG ROKISKY Reporter

If you’re looking to watch some of your fellow classmates show off their talents and get acknowledged for what they’ve accomplished then Showcase is coming up.

Showcase is an annual event that brings together students from five counties and invites audience members to witness what these kids have been able to achieve.

“Showcase provides examples of what can be achieved with the potential that every student has,” senior and academic nominee Nick Ackerson said.

“It is the equivalent of a high school Nobel prize.”

A UTOPIAN UKELELIST: Garrett Borns sits and plays his ukelele in a serene setting. Borns is the GHHS Performing Arts Nominee in the upcoming There are several different categories in which Showcase event for seniors from five counties. He will be performing a song he wrote titled “The Only Paradise You’re Ever Gonna Find.” Courtesy photo students can be nominated for. These include literary, visual and performing arts, athletics and beyond the recognition they deserve,” Ackerson academics. The performing arts category is broken down into solo and group performances and requires said. “It shows what you can do in school and sets a positive example for the rest of the student body.” auditions to be considered for nomination. This The date for Grand Haven High School’s night in year, only soloists auditioned.

Showcase is still to be determined. All of “The our schools nominees will perform on the judges for “MY SONG IS CALLED THE ONLY same night at the Frauenthal Theater in auditions Muskegon. were [Shirley] PARADISE YOU’RE EVER GONNA Prizes will be up for grabs to those Lemon, [Rita] FIND...IT’S AN UPBEAT TUNE THAT nominated in the visual, literary and McLary and WILL HOPEFULLY INSPIRE THE AUDI- performing arts categories. Cash prizes [Michelle] ENCE.” for first, second and third place will be Meyers,” available in the values of $300, $500 and senior

--Garrett Borns $1000 respectively. Nominees in three and solo these categories will also be eligible to win performing the additional “showstopper” prize at the end of the arts nominee Garrett Borns said. performance.

For Borns’ number in Showcase, he will be “The Showstopper award is the act that is performing an original song that he wrote while hands down the crowd favorite of both nights of playing the ukulele.

“My song is called The Only Paradise You’re Ever performances,” Borns said. “This prize not only provides $100 cash, but also a $1000 scholarship to Gonna Find,” Borns said. “This song is something a school of your choice.” the audience can relate to and take from. It’s about Showcase provides for great publicity for aspiring giving back to what the earth has given us. It’s an upbeat tune that will hopefully inspire the audience.” young artists.

“Showcase gives kids a chance to perform in front Showcase is something that really sends a of a large audience and provides a workshop that message and rewards students who have worked allows professionals to critique your performance,” extremely hard.

Borns said.“It’s a good way to get yourself out there.”

“It gives students who have gone above and NICK ACKERSON Academic Nominee GARRETT BORNS Performing Arts Nominee

LAUREN REID Visual Arts Nominee

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Show starts at 7:00 p.m. *Date is yet to be determined

ROBYN POWER Athletics Nominee

PRICES: $6.50 for students and senior citizens $8.00 for adults

MEGAN BIRKETT Literary Arts Nominee

Showcase tickets are available at the Frauenthal box office or through Star Tickets Plus

NATE VANARENDONK Athletics Nominee

SHOWCASE NOMINEES

What happened: A massive earthquake, with magnitude 7.0 hit Haiti, near Port-auWHAT YOU CAN DO: Prince on January 12 at around 5 p.m. it occurred in the boundary region separating -Go to clintonbushhaitifund.org to make donations the North American plate and the Caribbean -Have $10 charged to your cell phone bill and doplate. nated by texting “QUAKE” to 20222 How bad: Leaving (at least) 200,000 dead, 196,595 injured, 800,000 to 1 million out of their homes and exposed to extreme damage and danger in and around Port-au-Prince, this quake was the worst the region has seen in over 200 years. It was felt all through Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and even as far as Florida and Venezuela.

How the government helped: The US Government has helped in Haiti by transporting manpower as well as much needed resources “YOU WILL NOT BE including food, water, and shelter in the form of tents. President FORSAKEN; YOU Barack Obama made a promise to the people of Haiti by saying “you will not be forsaken; you will not be forgotten.” The relief in WILL NOT BE Haiti is truly a global effort.

FORGOTTEN’’ How local organizations helped: Local organizations have helped by holding fundraisers and prayer vigils, as well as collecting and sending donations such as food, water, hygiene materials, etc.

DAMAGE ZONE: The above map portrays the damThese organizations include International Aid, Salvation Army, age done by the earthquake in Haiti based on perceived Rays of Hope for Haiti, Church World Service, and many others. shaking and instrument intensity. The red indicates the How you can help: Cash donations are the most convenient and most damage, and the green indicates the least. (www. effective way to help the relief effort in Haiti. These donations provide funding for es- usaid.gov/helphaiti) tablished organizations to get the materials necessary for them to help those in need.

If you’d like to make a donation, visit clintonbushhaitifund.org, or text “QUAKE” to 20222 which charges $10 to your cell phone bill.

To learn more about how you can help, visit usaid. gov/helphaiti

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

ASIANCARP Where they came from: They were imported from Asia in the 1970’s for aquacultural reasons by catfish farmers who used them to remove algae and other floating matter from their ponds.

How they got so close to the Great Lakes: After flooding in the 1990’s, the species found their way into the Mississippi River. After migrating north, they have recently been found in the Illinois River, which connects the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan.

Why they’re a threat: Asian carp are a threat because of their large size (they can grow to be up to 100 pounds and four feet long), large consumptions of food, and rapid reproductive rates. They will disrupt the natural food chain in the Great Lakes ecosystem. They also pose a physical threat because of their jumping habits, and boaters should be aware

3 GRACE STERENBERG

that a specific species, the silver carp, are capeable of jumping inside the boat. They are also a threat to the salmon population in the Great Lakes which would have a very negative effect on not only the fishing industry, but tourism in Michigan as well.

What is being done to prevent them: Many organizations are working in collaboration to install and maintain an electric barrier between where the fish are now and Lake Michigan, but there has been much controversy concerning this barrier What you can do: If you’d like to help in protecting the Great Lakes from Asian carp, you can sign a petition to keep them out at stopasiancarp.com. You can also attend an informational public meeting on the current status of the fight against Asian carp at the Gerald Ford Museum Auditorium on Feb 22 at 10 a.m.. (information and photos from www.epa.gov)

ABOUT THE INVADERS: - Can grow to be100 pounds and four feet in length - Are well-suited to the climate of the Great Lakes region - There are four main species: bighead, black, grass, and silver carp

INTERNETPRIVACY

HAITI

8 News THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday February 19, 2010

...in case you’ve been living under a rock...

Here are a few tips that every Facebook user should know about how to protect themselves from the many dangers of the Internet: Remove yourself from Facebook searches. Is there a certain person you might not want to add as a friend, but you don’t want them to know that you ignored them either? If you remove yourself from Facebook searches, you can turn off your public visibility. Here’s how: Go to the search privacy settings page. Under “search visibility” select who you would like to be able to find you in a Facebook search.

Remove yourself from Google searches. Though not all of your profile is available, someone on Google is able to see your profile picture, a list of your friends, and can send you a message. To remove yourself, go back to search privacy settings, and un-check the public search listing box.

Avoid embarrassing photo/video tags. Everyone’s done something embarrassing at one time or another, but no one would want this moment to be posted for the whole world to see with their name on it, especially future employers. To prevent this, visit your profile privacy page and customize who can see your tagged photos.

Protect your contact info It’s easy to forget just what information you post on your Facebook, and just how public it is. To make it so only certain people can see this information, go to your contact information, click edit, and set custom privacy settings.

Control what gets posted on your wall. We all have embarrassing friends that seem to post things that we’d hate for others to see. You can control wall post visibility, as well as who can post on your wall to avoid this. This can be done in the “Wall Posts” section on your profile privacy settings page.

Friday, February 19, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Photo 9

WINTER FESTIVITIES CREATE FLURRY OF ACTIVITY DOWNTOWN TEAL CHAMPAGNE Photo/Design Editor

Amateur and Professional artists gathered to compete in the annual Downtown Grand Haven on Ice. This event took place Saturday, February 13. People of all ages were out to watch this exciting contest take place.

Walking through the streets of downtown Grand Haven that day reminded me of what a perfect small town Grand Haven proves to be over and over again. Curious kids slid across the ice skating rink and if they fell their tears were soon dried by the soothing words of their mothers and fathers. Local establishments became an escape from the cold along with a great place to enjoy food and conversation. The artists were busy entertaining the gathering crowds by creating their majestic ice sculptures and a flock of ducks put a smile on everyones’ faces.

(Clockwise from) ICE ICE BABY: A participating artist in the ice sculpture contest, Downtown Grand Haven on Ice, sands away the ice to perfect her eagle. QUACKY SITUATION: Going downtown for some family winter activities people didn’t expect to find a flock of ducks in the middle of the road but this is exactly what happened.

CHIPPING AWAY: Another participating artist carves his masterpiece. CHILLING OUT: Many families were out on the ice skating rink enjoying the cool winter weather. photos by Teal Champagne

10 Editorial THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, Febuary 19, 2010

STAFF EDITORIAL

Step 1

Three steps we’d like to see the state consider when planning the budget In our opinion, Michigan’s budget of the next few years needs to slide a substantial piece of the pie toward the education plate. An investment in public schools is an investment in the future of Michigan. Businesses are looking for an educated work force and if schools can’t get enough money to even oper-

Step 2

The Industrial Age threw America above and beyond the international competition. For most of the 20th Century, American cars reigned supreme, General Motors was America’s number one employer, and Ford produced the highest quality cars. Before and through the dot com boom America was king of the Information Age mountain and put American innovation back in the history books. Although we’re like Ford’s new fuel efficiency line and Microsoft is still the most intimidating name in

Step 3

So far we’ve thrown out a lot of ways to spend money that Michigan clearly doesn’t have and we could go on and address the tax code but for now lets talk budget. If you decide to spend some of your precious time examining the Michigan budget graciously laid out at michigan.gov/ budget you will begin to think that no one really wants you to see the budget. 106 pages with atleast 50 pages of that being fluff.

We first note that, like our school district, we aren’t planning on an increase in revenue. We need to maximize our current revenue buy making positive investments and and minimizing spending. If the budget was the pie on the right then we would throw some organic ingreidients in there and toss all those kids on a cardio plan. Likewise we need to stop throwing money where it’s not needed.

ate then how can we expect to lure job bearing business ventures into our state?

Locally, our district has been blessed with a great community and a great administration that has allowed us to raise money for technology and has maximized our operating funds. But we would like to rely less on those sources

computers, the quality of American products too often lags behind that of foreign competitors and that has threatened our place in the global economy. Americans have always found a way to increase the standard of living from one generation to the next. Now, that too is in question. Industry? Not our thing. Automobiles?

Not our thing. Information? Nope.

So what is the next thing? Green collar jobs. America and by extension Michigan needs to lead the world in alternative energy. New technologies

On page 17 of the housse budget packet, which is an extension of the 106 page executive budget, we found that twothirds of the state’s revenue in a 1.2 billion dollar horse racing industry goes back into that industry to support purses and awards at pari-mutual tracks and state regulation of the industry. Meaning the government resources used to monitor racing pay for themselves, but the rest of the state’s money doesn’t go to projects that do the most good.

If high school students can find questionable budgeting, we’re left to wonder what else is hidden in the thousands of pages connected to the budget for the next fiscal year? Our legislation needs to find ways to cut our spending. A close examination of the budget with an eye on saving money by eliminating unneccessary programs would be an excellent place to start.

and see a change in how schools are paid. However we don’t want any strings attached for districts to qualify for extra funds. We think the state should allocate more capital to education funds but only require changes to the qualifications and structure of schools that aren’t operating successfully.

are replacing oil’s role in the economy by utilizing rare trace metals in hybrid and electric car batteries.

The country that makes a new more efficient battery can rise up and claim the next 20 years of economic prosperity.

This is the future and our budget needs to address it. The best place for Michigan to apply tax breaks and government employment is for companies engaged in the Green field, not in feeble attempts to bring Hollywood to Michigan.

Friday, February 19, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Opinion 11

Culture quality slides with radio standards Opinion

KAILIN VANOORDT Reporter Walking down the hallways in schools, it’s not hard to believe that music has become one of the most easily accessible medias in today’s society. It seems like for about every 3 kids

that walk by, at least one is zoned out with Skull Candy engulfed ears plugged into an ipod.

But what exactly are all these headphones pumping? No longer are the days of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd. Instead, turning on the radio frequently means being bombarded by a grating, unoriginal rap, a sickly-sweet over-produced pop song, or Miley Cyrus’s latest three-week-wonder.

But here’s the kicker; good music is still being made all around the world.

The poor taste of our teens today is not due to a lack of

new material; it’s that the radios are not playing it.

Bands less known, such as the Silver Jews, frequently say more with one song than Sarah Palin could say with an entire book, but when does one ever hear that type of music on the radio anymore out side of college towns?

It seems to me that the radio stations today have become more concerned with making money than playing quality music.

Many a talented artist has never been recognized because she or he cannot afford to throw money at radio stations and publicize

their music. The songs that and cycled through fancy are making the cut these computer programs until a days are catchy tune done by the emerges, “THE MUSIC THAT artists that ready for MOST TEENS ARE can afford marketing.

BEING DRAWN TO to throw However, money at the radio TODAY IS BECOMthe radio isn’t the ING INCREASINGstations for only one to publication, LY SUBPAR” blame. When --Kailin VanOordt and so looking for in turn, the culprit the music behind the blaring out of the speakers sonic decadence, we need in your car is not a musical only look in the mirror. masterpiece, or oftentimes The music that most teens even a mediocre melody; are being drawn to today instead, it’s the product of is becoming increasingly hours spent in a soupedsub-par, because the quality up studio, notes trimmed of music that teens are

asking for is also dropping alarmingly.

So what can we do to change this state of musical melancholy? While there might not be a whole lot we can do to change the things the radios are playing today, you can still widen your horizons in other ways. Think outside the box! Find your individual taste, and run with it! Trade ipods with your friends for a day, or check out pandora.com to find some new artists similar to your taste. Go see a local band, suggest an artist to a friend and, above all, TURN OFF THE RADIO!

What role do you want Student Senate to play?

Why are the green men green?

Does affirmative action send an unfair message?

Do you think the dangers of tanning are overrated?

I want to see good communication with what’s going on. Plus their needs to be less apathetic people. That isn’t necessarily senate’s fault though. But senate needs to make sure all groups are represented.

School Spirit. And they have issues.

It helps make sure discrimination isn’t repeated. If everybody accepted everybody this wouldn’t be a problem in the first place.

Some people may tan better than others but still a tan is a result from a burn. The effects are immediate but they will feel the effects later on.

The Legislature and Government need to come up with a structure that will support and sustain school funding for a long time I want members to understand they represent the student body. Their role is to help improve the situations and to approach teachers and staff with solutions, not just problems.

The blue suits cost too much.

I believe it depends on each individual. You can’t say they’re all going to think uniformly about the issue. Minorities as a whole wont all have the same opinion.

I honestly don’t know. But my gut feeling is it’s a dangerous thing to do.

Lowering government spending would help, but really a complete national transformation to socialism is the answer.

I really think we should try to work back in the promise scholarship. That was a big help to my brother.

Break down the pie charts and cut calories. Our spending needs to be reigned in before we can realy fix anything.

Student Senate can continue playing its role of whatever it is that it does besides planning prom out.

They need to keep fundraising for dances and stuff I guess

We want Senate to play an active representative role for the student body so that they can truly improve the student experience in Grand Haven.

What green men?

They wanted to have more green men than Jenison. So they bought three.

Blue plus yellow equals green.

It’s basic rocket science.

Affirmative action sends an unfair message to everyone because its not based off the fair concepts of pure meritocracy. No two students are exactly the same.

I think it send the right message.

It shows that you are strong in how you act and you are not scared

No. Skin Cancer is a real thing.

No I dont think so because a good friend of mine when I lived in New Mexico died of Skin Cancer so I know first hand the dangers of tanning.

Affirmative action assures that the disadvantaged have equal opportunity. It is moments when we approach it as a race issue that it becomes unfair.

The dangers of tanning aren’t stressed enough. But we’re still going to the beach.

Blade Staff

Travis Redman

We should cut the extras that shouldn’t be there, and find a new process to fund things.

I don’t think proposition 8 is doing its job.

C.J. Stock

What changes could be made to the Michigan Budget?

Steve Avram

QUESTIONS

Scott Stanley

Each month we address FIVE problems to a cross section of students, teachers and administrators. Here are their answers and ours. Agree? Disagree?

Write us a letter with your opinion.

12 Opinion THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 19, 2010

Time for Student Senate to step it up NOAH THELEN Reporter “The Senate should have more to do than to just simply plan dances,” a teacher said this year.

That may be a dose of some harsh reality for Student Senate members, but I believe it is completely true. I have been on Student Senate for three years now and the last two years I have been class president. I strongly believe that Student Senate has failed the student body in recent years.

The Student Senate has fallen to a level of mediocrity and carelessness. Sure the Senate plans dances, which according to the student body have sucked lately. And they also assign spirit week dress-up days, which anyone can admit, have been uncreative and do not create much, if any participation and school spirit.

Before this thrashing of Student Senate continues, I must say that some members devote their time on many occasions. Representatives have two meetings a month and Cabinet members have three meetings a month. Most of the meetings are at 7 a.m., which sounds very unpleasant to any teen looking for any extra sleeping time. The Senate also does a good job of reaching out to the community.

Activities such as “Holiday Break-In” and the formerly called “Elderly Drive” provide much needed support to our community. The school as a whole has done a pathetic job of reaching out to the community as of late and Senate actually does a decent job of that.

Now that Senate has received its’ much deserved credit, it must also be known that it has a terribly long way to go to be the organization it should be.

Summary of the problems Representatives constantly fail to represent the student body. When is the last time a Senate member have gathered your opinions and acted upon them? I don’t think we ever do that.

The people on Senate think that Student Senate is a joke. There is very rarely a meeting where the majority of people are on time, and there has never been a meeting within my memory where there has been perfect attendance. Student Senate members need to truly care about Senate.

Students think that Student Senate is a joke.

The title of “Student Senate Representative” no longer carries weight in our school. If you tell someone you are on Senate they just laugh and say, “Senate is a joke!” This needs to change if we want Senate to have a powerful voice in our school.

The administration needs to allow Senate to change things. After the Senate has increased in influence, this will come easily. But currently the administration has a tight stranglehold on the school.

Which to some extent is OK. The school needs order.

But at the same time the administration needs to allow change.

Elections are pathetic. Last year elections didn’t even take place at all. This is embarrassing. How is the Senate supposed to be the best it can be if we don’t get the best of the best? I encourage everyone who wants the school to be better to run.

Thelen’s Solutions in four easy steps:

1

Student Senate needs to gather student input. Senate members will be required to visit 4 classrooms every month to gather feedback. Cabinet members will meet with groups of students once a month and provide lunch. And a suggestion box will be placed in Student Services in order to gather any other opinions that may slip through the cracks Elections must become intense. Pep assemblies will be held the day before Election Day and each person running for president or vice president will be required to give a speech to the entire student body. The students will know all of the candidates and therefore will be able to vote intelligently. Plus this will be good practice because senior class president gives the commencement speech so if they do well on this smaller speech that should reflect how they would do at commencement.

Senate needs to organize. All of these changes require excellent organization and communication. I suggest a Facebook group and everyone checks it frequently. We need to utilize current technology to our advantage Administration…chill. The administration needs to value the input and suggestions of the Senate. Trust us. We want to make the school better so allow us the opportunity to change some things.

Otherwise all Student Senate efforts will be in vain.

2

3 4

For the love of God why can’t there just be a manual?

At times, scratch that--all the time, I wish there was a manual for every situation I may come across in life. Even at 17, I find myself at times where I literally have no idea what to do and I just panic. I’m supposedly getting out of my awkward pubescent stage of life and on to a world of maturity and decision making, but I still think my seventh grade small group girls are more chill than me. My dad often imitates me by talking in a somewhat yell-y high pitched voice saying things like “that’s so awkward!” which annoying as it may be, isn’t far from truthful. I’ve had my fair share of awkward moments in life ranging from ones that most people may think nothing of, to ones that would be fit for a sitcom. Here’s just a few that I seem to run into frequently.

Walking down the hall when there’s only one other person walking. Now this one happens all the time, but still to this day in my senior year I feel weird when it happens. First of all it’s awkward if you’re both on the same side, traveling closer and closer to your sure collision.

You do that awkward little dance to see who will pass which way, always ending up in an embarrassed giggle. Or let’s say you’re walking along and you see someone you know, but they’re still miles away. You give a polite wave, then what? Start making conversation from opposite ends of the school? Or should you wait until you’re actually passing the person to say hello? How long after passing each other would you continue this conversation and is it

My Life Grace Sterenberg worth stopping? I just never know…So next time any of you pass me in the hallway, please do not be offended if I keep my head down and fly by. It’s not me being rude, just not knowing how to be un-awkward.

Being in the bathroom when there’s only one other person. I walk in (after my awkward hallway walk), hear nothing, and think “phew, no one’s here”. That is until I reach the second to last stall and see a pair of frozen feet.

Who likes to pee in silence, knowing everyone is listening?

Should I start the hand dryer, or pretend I just came to wash my hands? What if I came in just to fix my hair?

Should I be polite and make some noise so that the poor person in the stall isn’t waiting desperately for me to move out? No way could I actually try to pee, then we’d both be left there in the silence. As rough as this situation might seem, I think it’s one I’ve gotten over with a little maturity.

I just wish our bathrooms could have some ambient noise, or even some elevator music playing.

Two words: side hugs.

Riding in a car with someone who thinks they’re a good singer. The radio’s playing, a good song comes on, and the awkwardness begins. Now if they know they’re a bad singer, and embrace it, this is no problem. You both end up belting along, both aware of the fact that you’re both awful (but it doesn’t matter, because you both are). The uncomfortable moment comes on when the person, with a dead serious look on their face, begins to sing along with meaning, but clearly not in tune at all. At first you can’t quite tell if they’re kidding, so you just keep quiet. After coming to the conclusion that they’re just delusional, you struggle with the conflict between joining them and singing badly too, or just keeping quiet and bearing the pain.

When you walk into a store and you’re wearing an item that’s still on the shelf. I run into this one especially at the Gap, as half of the clothes I own come from there and their racks rarely change drastically. I walk in, realize what I’m wearing, and pray to God it’s not still being sold. When I see it I immediately look all around to see if anyone has accused me of stealing yet. I never know if I should go up to a store clerk and just let them know that it is indeed my shirt and that I bought it weeks ago, or if I should pretend nothing’s wrong, or just leave?

Hmm…Well…This is a little awkward.

14 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 19, 2010

More than just

Bippity Boppity

Boo

Sophomore Kate Siple tells her story behind struggles she faced at a young age MOLLIE LABEFF Reporter In 16 years of life, Kate Siple hasn’t succumbed to the conventional image of an everyday superficial teenager. Even before high school, she broke the mold of stereotypes and had already begun making her own big decisions. She’s not looking for conformity.

She’s not looking for popularity or publicity. She’s not looking to have a better homecoming dress or more Facebook friends than you—Kate Siple is just looking for acceptance.

Kate’s want for acceptance goes beyond the shallow caste-systems of high school—her concern is feeling welcomed and supported in her own home. By age 12, she knew that the Orthodox Christianity religion her parents had instructed her to follow was not for her. Kate began taking interest in other religions, until she found one that suited her—Wicca; an earth-based religon that has existed since pre-Christian times.

Shortly after Kate’s decision to convert religions, it became very clear that her parents would not support her with this choice. Kate went through counseling with a local pastor. Through years of tears. Overall, she went through hell.

“The only way I express emotion is to just sit there and cry,” Kate said. “It isn’t healthy.”

The stereotypes of Wicca and the way it was seen became very problematic. Kate has made it her objective to educate people in her beliefs. She hopes that the more she teaches others about her religion, the more accepted she’ll become.

“They think if we just say, ‘bippity-boppity-boo,’ we get what we want,” Kate said. “It doesn’t work that way.”

The Wicca religion is not at all like the persona set by the stereotypes—it is a peaceful, earth-based religion based on reincarnation. Kate encounters a lot of hurtful stereotypes such as “potion making” and “devil-worship”, all of which are untrue.

Kate’s struggle with acceptance in her own home and family has been harsh. She has lost some fights, lost some hope and lost some friendships because of her choice of religion. Still, rather that letting her efforts be wasted, Kate has viewed this as a positive learning experience.

“I try to overcome it,” Kate said. “The whole point of life is to learn.”

AMY POTTER Music Editor

Junior Erik Johnson Birthday: Feburary 2, 1993

Hardest class: “I hate English, so probably Advanced American Lit. or Advanced World Lit.”

Favorite colors: Blue and Maize Favorite sports team: Michigan

Easiest class: “Something from freshmen year, or orchestra.”

Favorite type of music: Classical, Christian and classic rock

Hobbies: Hanging with friends,Science Olympiad, chess, church, ping-pong and violin

Favorite sport: Football Best part of football: Hitting people

Future College Plans: “Somewhere out east. Not really sure yet.”

Plans for the future: Graduate from high school and go to college Dream Job: To become an Alternative Energy Engineer People who have influenced you most: “My mom and dad.

They hey encourage me and keep me on the right track.”

How long have you been playing chess?

Since 4th grade

Who taught you how to play chess?

My mom Longest chess match: “Well... I’ve sat at the computer for a while.”

Greatest accomplishment: Setting the state relay record for swimming Reason for quitting swimming: To do science o.

One thing people dont know about you: “I did a triathlon in Three Rivers and plan on doing another one this year.”

Describe yourself in one word: Curious.

Favorite quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

-- Martin Luther King Jr.

If you could trade places with one person for a day: Aang from Avatar The Last Airbender Biggest pet peeve: Public display of hugging Photo by Amy Potter

G.R.E.E.N

going

15 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 19, 2010

challenge HALEY BIRKETT Feature Editor

EXCITEMENT AT ROSY MOUND: Elementary students sit eagerly as members from GHHS G.R.E.E.N. club and the Green Men share the importance of taking care of the earth, and get students enthusiastic about the upcoming challenge. “Their goal is to get every kid aware and involved in recycling efforts,” adviser Dave Stader said. Photo by Haley Birkett

SPREADING THE WORD: Junior Amanda Bennick shares what G.R.E.E.N. club is all about. “Not only do we have fun, but we also get to do lots of great things to help our school stay envionmentally friendly.” Photo by Haley Birkett EDUCATING ON WAYS TO BE MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT: Miranda from Wood TV 8 encourages young students to raise their hands and make an oath to become more enivornmentally friendly at school and home. “Instead of buying plastic containers for your lunch, wash out an old butter tub and use that instead,” Miranda said. “Even unplugging kitchen utensils like toasters and coffee pots can save energy.” Photo by Haley Birkett

Kermit the frog once said, “It’s not easy being green.” While he was referring to the physical trait of being green, his statement sends a message much more than skin deep. GHHS green club members sported Kermit’s quote on the back of their tee-shirts as they traveled to Rosy Mound Elementary to teach children that while its not always easy being green, its an important habit to develop at a young age.

This month, Rosy Mound is taking on a “going green” challenge, where students and teachers try to live a little greener, both at school and at home.

“They’re starting a whole new program,” adviser Dave Stader said. “Their goal is to get every kid aware and involved in recycling efforts.”

Parents involved in the ‘going green’ challenge had heard about green club and all the different things they do to help the environment.

“Rosy was impressed with some of the efforts we were making and asked us to be a part of their assembly,” Stader said.

Club members participated by showing a video of different activities they do to make the high school a greener place.

“Our objective was to spread what GREEN is all about to younger generations,” Emily Depree, junior green club member said. “[That way] they will take part in green club when they get to the high school and hopefully continue being green even after high school.”

With guests including GHHS green club students, the Green Men (seniors Bryan Kiel, Dave Miller and Kole Suchecki), Miranda from Wood TV8 and a Priority Health Cyclist, the assembly was a success.

“We were just trying to be role models,” Stader said. “We want to take care of the Earth, let’s all do this together and start by teaching how to be green at a young age.”

ROLE MODELS: Seniors Bryan Kiel, Dave Miller and Kole Suchecki, otherwise known as the Green Men, reach out their hands to elementary students to get them pumped up for the ‘going green’ challenge. Photo by Haley Birkett

CHEERING FOR CHALLENGE: High school and elementary students cheer for the ‘going green’ challenge. “The best part was seeing the kids get excited and interact with us,” junior Emily Depree said. Photo by Haley Birkett

16 Health THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 19, 2010

Expert opinions vary on the new benefits and old risks of tanning Local tanning salon owner and doctors aid in the investigation by providing their helpful knowledge, opinions on indoor tanning benefits versus potentially deadly health risks MADISON TESTY Managing Editor

“Vitamin D fights many internal cancers, sclerosis, Mole heart disease, psoriasis and eczema by relieving pain and Top Layer of Skin itching, acne and even the flu,” Treat said. “There have been many tests done that have proven the body’s need for ore than a million cases of non-melanoma skin Melanocyte vitamin D. cancer and 60,000 cases of melanoma will be Michigan residents don’t see the sun for a large portion diagnosed this year in the U.S., according to the of the year, which causes many people to become vitamin American Cancer Society.

D deficient. This may cause other problems like Seasonal Although information about the risks of tanning is out Depression Disorder. there, Society of Melanoma Research President David E. “Indoor tanning does have its benefits, especially when Fisher, MD, PhD says that the tanning industry tries to we live in a northern state and don’t see the sun for 5 confuse the public about the benefits of tanning and often months out of the year,” succeeds.

“SUN IS A NATURAL GOD-MADE THING. AS Treat said. “Tanning “This effort to portray releases endorphins, tanning and tanning beds LONG AS YOU ARE TANNING IN A NONwhich can help treat as good for health ignores BURNING FASHION MODERATELY INDOOR UV seasonal depression.” the fact that exposure LIGHT, IN MY OPINION, HAS MORE BENEFITS There are other ways to ultraviolet radiation to get vitamin D in your represents one of the THAN NOT AS LONG AS YOU ARE NOT IN HERE body although Treat says most avoidable causes of SIX TO SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.” that the sun is the best cancer,” Fisher said in an

--Trish Treat way to get what your interview with Web MD. body needs.

“There is no question “It is so hard to get that this exposure causes “While a limited amount of vitamin D can be obtained vitamin D from food, milk, or supplements,” Treat said. thousands of skin cancer deaths a year.” from exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, “One session of tanning can significantly boost your Tahiti Tan owner Trish Treat disagrees and thinks that the health risks of UV exposure — including skin cancer vitamin D level.” the dermatology industry has gone overboard.

— are great,” Eggleston said. “Instead, The Skin Cancer Fisher disputes this claim, and adds that people can get “Heart disease is the number one killer of women, not Foundation suggests you get the recommended daily 1,000 all the vitamin D they need by taking supplements of the indoor tanning,” Treat said. “Most people only hear the IU (international units) of vitamin D a day from food vitamin. bad side of tanning. Dermatology is a multi-billion dollar sources like oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), fortified “In this day and age, advocating exposure to a industry. They put SPF in every product. They use anti dairy products (orange juice and milk [both with 100 IU carcinogen to get a vitamin doesn’t make any sense,” tanning scare tactics which cause people to completely cut per 8oz] & yogurts), cereals (Kashi, Grape Nuts and Total Fisher said in an interview with Web MD. “People who out tanning, causing them to become vitamin D deficient.”

[100 IU per serving]), and supplements.” are truly vitamin D deficient should be monitored by The Indoor Tanning Association launched its International Tanning Association Executive Director a physician who can recommend the right amount of nationwide campaign with a full-page ad in the New York John Overstreet supplementation.”

Times questioning the link between sun exposure and the still believes “ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN CANCER Becky Eggleston, RN deadly skin cancer melanoma while claiming that tanning OCN of The University of promotes good health by boosting vitamin D levels.

SOCIETY, MOST SKIN CANCERS ARE CAUSED BY that in moderate tanning can have Michigan Hospitals & Health Exposure to ultraviolet light causes the body to produce TOO MUCH EXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET (UV) many benefits.

Centers confidently believes in vitamin D, which research suggests is protective against a “The fact is, RAYS. MUCH OF THIS EXPOSURE COMES FROM the direct link between indoor host of diseases.

UV light provides tannning and skin cancer.

THE SUN,BUT IT ALSO COMES FROM MAN vitamin D which “According to the American MADE SOURCES, SUCH AS TANNING BEDS. THE helps the body ABCDE Melenoma Characteristics to Cancer Society, most skin cancers AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RECOMMENDS ward off many are caused by too much exposure look for when checking your moles types of disease,” to ultraviolet (UV) rays,” Eggleston PEOPLE AVIOD TANNING BEDS ALTOGETHER.” Overstreet said said. “ Much of this exposure comes

A. Asymmetry: one half unlike the other half in an interview from the sun, but it also comes

--Becky Eggleston B. Border Irregularity: irregular, scalloped, poorly with Web MD. from man made sources, such “The rewards defined as tanning beds. The American that come from moderate and responsible exposure to UV Cancer Society recommends people avoid tanning beds C. Color: varied from one area to another, shades of light far outweigh the consequences of not getting enough altogether.” tan and brown, black; Sometimes white, red or blue of it.”

Treat strongly advises people not to over do it.

D. Diameter: greater than 6mm, but can be smaller Eggleston still advises not to take the chance.

“Sun is a natural God-made thing,” Treat said. “As long E. Evolving: looks different from the rest or “There is no such thing as a safe tan or a safe amount as you are tanning in a non-burning fashion moderately of time in a tanning bed,” Eggleston said. “My advice: skip changing in size, shape, color indoor UV light, in my opinion, has more benefits than not the tanning bed and try a bronzing lotion or self-tanning as long as you are not in here six to seven days a week.” cream.”

Eggleston suggests alternatives to get vitamin D.

M

1

Friday,February 19, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Health 17

Kissing th se germs goodbye

(let’s hope your partner wants them)

ALIDA BOON Associate News Editor

one is sometimes we’re like okay, you have to back off a bit,” Klein said. “But a lot of the times we don’t really care. We’re like okay we’ll get sick, whatever. Then I get to skip school.”

Not everyone shares Klein’s nonchalant attitude about isses are supposed to be romantic, passionate and sickness. deep. Take a walk through the halls of any high “I wouldn’t [kiss someone who was sick] because of the school and the definition will sharply shift from risk of getting sick or giving that sickness back to the person dreamy lip smacking, into the sound of suction cups being I kissed after they were better,” junior Heather George said. peeled apart and a whole lot of less than sensual slobber.

On the other hand not every person who Though it may sound like an exciting participates in a kiss will walk away with activity but there are actually numerous Fun Facts: extreme fatigue, swelling lymph nodes and a health risks to kissing.

-You burn 26 neon sign that marks them with the kissing In fact, the more saliva that is passed curse but there is always the chance. between two people, the more likely they calories in a one And as stated on the Oral Health Care are to be harmed. minute kiss website your mouth is home to between 700 “[Saliva passes] germs and certain disand 800 bacteria making it literally imposeases that are contagious,” Otolaryngologist -- The average person sible to remove all of the bacteria ever, let Dr. Paul Lomeo said. “The most common is alone in a 30 second brush. infectious Mononucleosis.” spends two weeks of “The mouth is actually the most bacteria More commonly referred to as Mono or their life kissing filled part of the body,” Lomeo said.

“The Kissing Disease,” Mononucleosis is not To be fair, sharing all this bacteria is not as fun as the name makes it out to be. It is always bad. In fact, according to research most often characterized by swollen lymph done by body language specialist Larry Rodigues there is a nodes, high fever and extreme fatigue. But, kissing is by no sort of “friendly” bacteria that if picked up can help in the means the only way to get Mono. body’s digestion and metabolism of food.

There are also some slightly less terrifying sicknesses So do the benefits outweigh the hazards, or is the potenthat can be caught through kisses, including the common tial peril involved in a saliva swap just too much to bear? cold, cold sores and according to the Better Health Channel, “There are risks in life that you have to take,” Klein said. transmittable mouth warts.

“And when’s the last time that you’ve heard of someone dy“The chance that you will catch a cold if you kiss someone ing from a kiss?” with one is greater than 50 percent,” Lomeo said.

While death may not be a realistic side effect of particiThe simple fix would be to make sure that everyone is pating in a kiss, some students feel that witnessing slippery healthy before letting him or her essentially spit in your spit exchange in the hallway is quite the upsetting event. mouth. Some people though, such as junior Kameron Klein, “It sometimes bothers me because in my opinion, that don’t always mind if their significant other is fighting a bug. stuff should be shared privately, not in front of the whole “It really depends on the severity of how sick the other

K

school,” George said.

But despite what others may say Klein thinks that people should take a more positive outlook on the prospect of public display of affection.

“It used to [bother me] but the reason that it bothered me was because I was lonely,” Klein said. “Now, it doesn’t bother me at all. I see someone kissing in the hallway and I’m just thinking: hey, congratulations.”

GHAPS staff walk their way to wellness RILEY MISSEL Reporter

M

ost New Years Resolutions are made with good intentions, but unfortunately end up being thrown out within the first week of the new year. This year Karrie Francis breaking the norm with her resolution is implementing a healthier living style this year.

Much of her motivation comes from this years exercise program initiated by the GHAPS Wellness Committee. The program started one year ago as a way to motivate staff to be more active, which would in turn create a happier, healthier workforce,and cut down on sick days. The theme for the second annual walking program for GHAPS staff is Around the World in 80 Days.

Staff are challenged to walk or exercise, 15 minutes = one mile, to rack up the miles until they reach 25,000, the distance ‘around the world.’ Each week participants turn in their weekly distance to be calculated into the

grand total.

Francis participated in this program last year as well, but the effects from the first annual program didn’t have a memorable effect on her, something she plans to change this new year. Exercising is much easier when you’re working with a program that keeps track of how much you exercise. This program includes incentives for turning in your weekly mileage such as lottery drawings in order to win donated prizes. “[There is more] motivation to working out, to continuing to walk,” Francis said. “It makes me accountable.”

Also holding her accountable is fellow secretary Betsy Sleva.

“[I’M JUST LOOKING FOR] THE PERSONAL SATISFACTION THAT I COMPLETED IT, THAT I TRIED TO KEEP MY GOAL, AND HELPED KEEP MY NEW YEARS RESOLUTION.” --Karrie Francis “I don’t really work out with her,’” Francis said. “But she and I keep each other on track.”

Although the two women achieve their weekly miles in different styles, they both are continuing to be much healthier and contribute to the distance around the world for the competition.

“I try to do 2-3 miles a week and that’s it,” Francis said. “That’s my own personal goal. I do the exercising more. I have some programs that I just use through my home and I

really enjoy the wii fit.”

Sleva also gets her weekly miles through exercise.

“I joined snap with my husband,” Sleva said. “We try to work out four or five times a week, three miles each time, so for sure 12 miles a week.”

Secretary Denise Sabo has joined the program as well, but not just for health purposes.

“I like to meet other people in the hallways and as we’re walking you meet more students. They notice you and a lot of them make comments like ‘what are you doing?’

And even just our coworkers, you talk to them and you don’t always get to see them everyday.

Participants are all looking to get in shape, lose weight, and have more energy but for Francis it’s also about keeping a promise to herself. “[I’m just looking for] the personal satisfaction that I completed it,” Francis said.

“That I tried to keep to my goal, and helped keep my new years resolution.”

18 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 19, 2010

Teen leadership class teaches students life skills

CLASSROOM EXERCISES: Students of the teen leadership class practice games and other SHARING ABOUT THE CLASS: Students interact with administrators and explain what the class is all about. “[The class] procedures to get to know eachother better. “In the beginning of the trimester we start off with emphasizes three main goals:” Jorgensen said. “Developing strong relationships with eachother, developing better self conteam building exercises,” Jorgensen said. Photo by Amy Wronski cept and building leadership skills.” Photo by Amy Wronski

Typically high school classes are filled with formulas and equations, quizzes and tests. But this year, Grand Haven High School has instituted a pilot leadership program where students are able to improve their leadership skills and work on other important qualities in life.

The teacher of the class, Kirsten Jorgensen first heard about the program after she was invited to attend a Capturing Kids’ Hearts workshop in 2008. She immediately fell in love with the program.

“The workshop was phenomenal,” Jorgensen said.

“The group who does the training also promotes the Teen Leadership program. The whole experience was great and changed my entire philosophy on teaching.”

After the training, Jorgensen convinced the administrators to start the class. Now, she is able to spread the information she learned to the students as they follow a Teen Leadership textbook.

“The book has six chapters that focus on important leadership qualities,” Jorgensen said. “But it really emphasizes three main goals: Developing strong

relationships with each other, developing better self concept, and building leadership skills.”

Besides reading from the book, the class also participates in many activities to help with their selfconfidence and leadership skills.

“In the beginning of the trimester we start off with team building exercises and partner speeches,” Jorgensen said.

“We also have a social contract where students agree on how to treat others with respect.”

Assistant Principal Mike Roberson, has observed some of Jorgensen’s classes and is fully on-board with everything the program is teaching.

“The class is really powerful, I am very impressed,” Roberson said. “It is a great program and we have a great teacher for it. The kids have really bought in, and feel more confident. There is no doubt they have all benefited from it.”

Principal Scott Grimes also feels that Jorgensen is a perfect fit for the class.

“She has been through the training that the class recommends,” Grimes said. “But more than that she has such a great spirit and energy for it. And soon our whole staff will go to the training so they can incorporate what they learned from the workshop into their own class.”

Sophomore Kaley Klinger tk a little longerto warm up to the class.

“At first I thought it was like a guided study class and I even tried to switch out,” Klinger said. “But I gave it another shot and really began to like it. It teaches you self esteem and other ways to positively live your life.”

Jorgensen recently finished her first tri-mester teaching the class and like Klinger, had some doubts at the start.

However, she kept with it and the group was able to show important people their improvement.

“At first I wasn’t sure we would get anywhere,” Jorgensen said. “But once the kids started getting into it, we took off. At the end we invited board members into the class where the kids were able to demonstrate all the progress they had made. It meant a lot to me and to them.”

Now, Jorgensen is in her second round teaching the class as are some students from the fall who were even allowed to take the training again, to learn new skills.

Jorgensen says the best part is seeing the kids mature more and more everyday.

“Watching each individual grow personally was awesome,” Jorgensen said. “It was an incredible journey and it is an amazing class. I am lucky to have taught them and now I get to experience it with a new group.”

ENLIGHTNING ADMINISTRATORS: Teacher Kirsten Jorgensen shares about the progress the students have made. “Once the kids started getting into it [the class] we took off,” Jorgensen said.

Photo by Amy Wronski

STUDENTS SHARE THEIR ADMIRATION FOR JORGENSEN: Sophomores Breezy Vanderlaan and Kailey Klinger greet Principal Scott Grimes during the first trimester exam. Klinger appreciated the life lessons taught by the class Photo by Amy Wronski

GETTING TO KNOW BOARD MEMBERS: Caralee Nietering and John Seimon meet with students who easily carry on conversations.

“The class is really powerful,” Assistant Principal Mike Roberson said. “I am very impressed.” Photo by Amy Wronski

CAM HEWITT Associate Sports Editor

Friday, February 19, 2009 THE BUCS’ BLADE Feature 19

“I am a good role model for them...

Super Troupe-r

...I teach them how to respect women and be a gentleman”

Jeff Troupe’s students admire his unique style of teaching, give readers an inside look at how his class is run on an ordinary day.

DEZ BURLEY Reporter With wide eyes and waving hands, students wait eagerly to tell the class about their exciting plans for the weekend ahead.

One student talks about a movie she wants to see, while another complains about being “babysat” and playing video games TEACHING GOES BEYOND REQUIRED CURRICULUM: Teacher Jeff Troupe listens intently as each student shares stories from the previous weekend with the with a family friend. Other students share class. Some talk about the boling tournament they participated in on Friday, while others chatter about movies they saw with friends. Photo by Haley Birkett their enthusiasm of an upcoming bowling tournament.

“Put your iPods away,” special education wever had. accustom to his routines.

“On Fridays he let’s us listen to mp3 teacher Jeff Troupe said sternly, but “I am a good role model for them,” “All of my students are in special players,” Plutschouw said. “On other days without a note of irritation. “You can listen troupe said. “I teach them how to respect education classes so they are with me all he’s like ‘get down to work.’ [However], to them at the end of class.” women and be a gentleman. [Many of my day,” Troupe said. “During my planning he helps you figure out the problems, you He continues to ask students about their male students] don’t have the opportunity time they are in adaptive art [for this don’t have to have a big argument for days plans as they fire back questions at him to learn that because they have no father in trimester]. I know them exceptionally well on end.” about his life. their life or they aren’t because I have them year Troupe recognizes that his students like “I FEEL I’VE GOT A GIFT “The last thing I did [for my wife] was I a good influence.” after year.” his relaxed style and that keeps him going. made coffee for [her]. The last big thing,” Troupe’s teaching Like many students, “I try to use humor as much as THAT ALLOWS ME TO Troupe said, talking about his wife, who style is different from Troupe’s students work possible,” Troupe said. “A lot of [the REALLY CONNECT WITH he married this past summer, “I got her a other special education hard each day and by the students] come from tough backgrounds MY STUDENTS. THATS ring.” teachers. end of the week they are and don’t trust or respect authority. Using His students all laugh at his simple joke “The first year is exhausted and ready for humor and speaking their own language WHAT TEACHING IS while he gets an online teen news show especially hard [for the weekend. can break down walls.”

ALL ABOUT, FINDING A started on the interactive white board. the students],” Troupe “Fridays are more laid English teacher Rachel Twa, a close “These guys don’t have many said. “My teaching is so NICHE WHERE I CAN back,” Troupe said. “It’s a friend of his wife, admires Troupe’s opportunities outside of Grand Haven,” different from middle MAKE CONNECTIONS.” day for them to get caught teaching.

Troupe said. “[The show teaches the school. I put a lot of up, a lot of the students are “He has a really hands on approach,”

---Jeff Troupe students] that there are people in the world responsibility on them. gone throughout the week.

Twa said. “He’s open and involved in his that don’t necessarily live as nicely as some I really, really try to It gives me time to meet students’ lives.” people around here do.” give them the full high school experience. more individually with the students and Troupe knows this is necessary for his Watching the teen news program Once they get used to the flow, after a make sure they are progressing well. They students. gives the students a chance to learn about year or so, they are more relaxed and are like survival days.”

“I feel I’ve got a gift that allows me events going on around the world, from the themselves.”

Junior David Plutschouw enjoys to really connect with my students,” earthquake in Haiti to the Olympics.

Troupe’s teaching is more challenging Troupe’s easygoing teaching techniques, Troupe said. “That’s what teaching is all Troupe acknowledges that he is one of than middle school, but they get along with not only on Fridays, but every day of the about, finding a niche where I can make the few male teachers his students have him and are more at ease after growing week. connections.”

20 AD THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 19, 2010

1

Friday, February 19, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Sports 21

Time makes the

DIFFERENCE

Ski team members don’t just get on the hill and ski, a lot of time and preparation goes into getting ready for four quick runs down the slope, sharpening, waxing and basic tuning are all aspects that play into a successful run

Step 1: The cutting edge

Brush- Brushes add texture to the waxed bases.

Racers start with a firm bristle brush and progress to lighter brushes, to build more texture.

Tuning is 50 percent mental and fifty percent actually improving your skis. Racers use special files to sharpen their ski edges to race stock, or specific angles that are best for racing. Three degrees on the sides and one degree on the base.

Wax- Swix is the most popular brand of wax with a few different variations. Letters show the amount of fluorination in the wax. The lowest is CH and the highest is Cera F which is straight fluoride. The numbers show what temperature range the wax is best for. On a cold day a lower number is favored. In contrast, a higher number would be beneficial on a warmer day.

Step 2: Fast bases To prevent the snow from sticking to the skis, racers wax their bases or the bottom of their skis, the wax helps repel the water and reduces friction on the ski.

An iron melts the wax and drips it on the skis, then the wax needs to be spread out so it can seep into the pores.

Scrape off the wax and use a cork to force the wax into the ski base. Brush the remaining wax to add texture.

Rotator brushes- Swix roto brushes and corks attach to a drill for faster more effective results. The negative is that only hand brushes can be used at the top of the course

PREPARATION IS KEY: Senior Brodrick Coval sharpens his skis for a race at Cannonsburg. photo by Nate Niemerowicz

TIME IS EVERYTHING: Junior Zak Konarska gets into a tuck to gain speed as he progresses down the course during a race at Cannonsburg. photo by Nate Niemerowicz

Step 3: Game time After inspecting the course there is a final tuning session. On a normal day with average wax a quick brush is the extent of the tuning. However if a racer is privileged enough to have Cera F wax then they will apply it like a crayon, cork it and then brush the skis. This is done on top of the hill right before the run and racers usually won’t get on their skis until right before the race is about to begin.

FAST WAX FACTS Edges- The metal corners of the ski that run down the length of the base and the side of the ski.

GEARING UP: Senior Brodrick Coval and junior Connor Davis debate the race course after waxing and brushing their skis. Coval and Davis are the top two male skiers on the varsity ski team. photo by Nate Niemerowicz

Ski texture- The ski base has natural ridges the second it comes out of the factory and brushes temporarily add additional texture. Texture ridges create an exit for melted water that could slow skiers down.

22 Bucket List THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 19, 2010

ZAK KONARSKA Op/Ed Editor

SCOTT CHRISTIAN

W

hen people talk about their best moments, they usually can’t put it into words. When people discuss “True Love” with that, it always seems to come out a little on the corny side.

No matter how funny teacher Scott Christian gets he is no exception.

Continuing on this point Christian’s best life moment is a particular time during his wedding ceremony.

“The ceremony was kind of wild and crazy, kind of like my life,”

’ ‘so what’s your point?’ ‘I think we Christian said. “There was a moment were supposed to be done after five,’” in the ceremony where we had to Christian said. Although the wedding walk over to the statue of Mary and was his first choice, Christian had say a prayer and it was away from trouble limiting himself to just one the priest and the audience. It was at moment. that moment that I felt true love. We “I think every were supposed to be praying but “THE CEREMONY WAS... parent will tell you we seriously just WILD AND CRAZY, KIND this,” He said. “My other best moment joked around.”

OF LIKE MY LIFE.” was the births of my The new -- Scott Christian two kids Ben and Mr. and Mrs. Skylar.”

Christian spent a Christian’s kids fell into a long line substantial amount of their wedding of events in his life. enjoying a very blessed comedy hour.

“The wedding was one of the “[We should’ve been saying our,] greatest moments of my life,” Hail Mary, Full of Grace you know, Christian said. “I’ve had a lot of good but instead we joked and talked and moments, about every year I have a then my wife said ‘Hey we’ve been great moment.” over here for 15 minutes’ and I said,

What’s On Your Bucket List?

Cam Hewitt

“A bucket list includes goals you hope to achieve and whether or not you achieve them, they should show others the type of person you are.”

1. Return to Honduras to help at an orphanage 2. Meet Stephen Curry or Peyton Manning 3. Be a sports writer for a newspaper or magazine 4. Watch my little brother, Drew, play basketball for Grand Haven 5. Go to a good college and stay in touch with friends

TEAL CHAMPAGNE Photo/Design Editor

Jeff Glamzi Bachelor/Master Degree Math teacher Jeff Glamzi always thought getting his bachelor/ master’s degree was important.

“Always furthering your education is important,” Glamzi said.

Not only did Glamzi achieve his goal but he achieved it faster than most. However, this did not happen without some hardships. “[I obtained my degree] through Western and Michigan Universities,” Glamzi said, “I got it done in two years where most people take three to four years. I was doing it at the same time I was teaching, so that was very busy. Having to do both that and get ready for school everyday, it was tough.”

Glamzi knew he wanted to be a teacher, but many college-bound students aren’t sure what they want to do.

“I would say anybody that is going to college should try to do a job shadow,” Glamzi said. “So that they can see or experience what kind of job they are interested in, before they actually go to school for it.”

“ALWAYS FURTHERING YOUR EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT.” 1

Miracles on ice

Friday, February 19, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Sports 21

(Top Left) EYE ON THE PRIZE: Junior varsity player Patrick Ferris fights Sled Wings player Aaron Wemple for the puck. (Above) SCOOT ALONG: Eighth grade JV player Jacob Steggles begins to adapt to the different way of transporting himself across the ice. Photos

by Allison Steggles

GHHS Junior Varsity Hockey competes in ,sled hockey game against the Grand Rapids Sled Wings GRACE STERENBERG News Editor

GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT: Freshman Jacob Poel dives to try to prevent Sled Wings player Tyler Anderson from getting the puck down the ice. Photo by Allison Steggles

SLED HOCKEY OLYMPIAN: 18-year-old Sled wings player Tyler Anderson participates on the national junior olympics team in addition to the Sled Wings Team in Grand Rapids. Photo by Allison Steggles

Playing teams ranging from the Grand Rapids Griffins, to Grand Haven’s own junior varsity hockey team, the Sled Wings have made the best of their disabilities.

This sled hockey team featuring players from all over Michigan is made up of men and boys ranging from nine years old all the way up to age 40 . Every member is affected by some sort of handicap that limits their ability to walk, or in this case skate. What it does not affect is their talent in the hockey rink.

Playing hockey from a seated position is not an easy task.

Despite having to use the ends of their mini sticks to not only move around but control the puck too, these players amake their way across the ice with surprising agility.

Though senior Jon Dewent, a varsity hockey player did not get a chance to play with the Sled Wings, he has still watched them play and has developed an admiration for them.

“They are really fast on those sleds and they’re very athletic,” Dewent said. “You can tell they’ve been doing it for a long time, they made the JV team look like amateurs.”

JV hockey player Seth Colbry, a junior, definitely enjoyed the opportunity to play against the inspirational team.

“It was pretty radical,” Colbry said. “They had a disability but continued to do cool stuff instead of just sitting around.”

IT’S GAME TIME: Grand Haven JV players Hayden Gerwig, Partick The players were inspired by the Sled Wings’ determinaFerris prepare for the faceoff against the Grand Rapids sled hockey playtion and impressed by their skills on the ice. ers Tyler Van Ooyen, Scott Stever and their teammates. Photo by Allison “They were really good,” Colbry said. “It was incredible.”

Steggles

24 Vibe THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 19, 2010

GHHS students share their best and worst Valentine’s Day experiences with stories that will make you sigh to stories that will make you cringe “My boyfriend got me a rose and we had a cute dinner from Olive Garden.”

--senior Heidi Hudd

“He picked me up from my house and he opened the car door for me and sitting in the seat was a teddy bear and box of chocolates.”

--senior Shawna Finos “My boyfriend got me a necklace that was wrapped in a box that a stuffed animal bear was holding and a dozen roses. My cat ended up eating my roses.”

--senior Taylor Sodini “For my girlfriend, I came to school in a suit with a teddy bear and a bunch of roses and met her in the rotunda. After that, I took her to the top of Five Mile Hill and played her favorite song and danced to it.”

--senior Steven Harrell

“My boyfriend forgot it was Valentine’s Day. When he figured it out, he went to Wesco and got me a slushie.”

-- freshman Adrienne Whisman

“Those boxes of candy hearts are a disgrace to candy and should never be produced again. I hate those things SO much! I get them every year!”

--senior Matt Heydenberg “I got a text message that said ‘Happy V Day’. Not even a card, or a visit. All the others gave me stuffed me animals, or candy or a rose. That’s good.”

--senior Victoria Petersen

“The worst experience is not having any experiences. Valentine’s Day is about love, and it sucks not having anyone to share it with.”

--sophomore Rachel Letsche

Friday, February 19, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Tech 25

OR

LAPTOPS

CAMERAS

HEADPHONES

Use these tips to get the best bang for your buck when buying technology, whether you’re buying a camera or a laptop, there is always a way to save some cash Name: Skullcandy Hesh

Name: SONY Noise Cancelling Headphones

Price: $49.95

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The Facts: -Lightweight -Plush ear pads for maximum comfort and soft contour fit.

-Artist inspired design.

-Headphones adjust to fit any head size. Perfect for high movement activities or sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding and scootering.

The Facts: - Cancel noise up to 90% - Lightweight - Built-in monitor function allows you to hear surrounding sound without taking off the headphones. Perfect for listening to announcements, flight attendants, or any external sound without the need to take the headphones off.

- Soft ear pads for comfort.

Name: Nikon Coolpix 12.0 Megapixel Digital Camera

Name: Nikon 10.2 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera

Price: $179.95

Price: $549.99

The Facts: - Captures high-resolution images up to 4000 x 3000 pixels.

- 5x optical/4x digital/20x total zoom - Captures 0.9 fps or up to 5 pictures for fastaction shots.

- Red eye reduction.

- Includes black, white, sepia and cyanotone

The Facts: - Captures high-resolution images up to 3872 x 2592 pixels.

- 18-55mm f/3.5 - f/5.6 zoom- Nikkor VR lens.

- Flash includes slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction and red-eye reduction with slow sync for ideal lighting in a variety of situations. Hot shoe for attaching an external flash.

Name: Sony VAIO laptop with intel core

Name: Apple Macbook Pro with 15.4 display

Price: $699.99

Price: $2299.99

The Facts: - 320GB hardrive.

- Intel Graphics Media Accelerator.

- Built in Motion Eye Webcam.

-Can browse the net more efficiently and look at more things with more quality due to the amazing energy saving display. Includes built in webcam and voice recording for video chat with friends and family.

The Facts: - Intel core Duo Processor.

- Records 8.5 GB of data and 4hours video.

- 500GB Hardrive.

- Digital Media Card slot.

- Built in webcam, and microphone to easily chat with friends and family, as well as built in speakers for great sound quality.

- Energy efficient.

Research By Nate Niemerowicz and Sam Soule

Sources: bestbuy.com

sony.com

nikon.com

skullcandy.com apple.com

26 Music THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 19, 2010

Potter’s Playlist

Spectacular Spektor

February’s theme: Meaningful songs for those sick of shallow lyrics Hope You’re Happy by Dashboard Confessional. We’ve all been there. Someone asks “how are you?” and you suppress the feelings inside, plaster on your most “sincere” smile and reply with a lie, hoping they can’t see through you.

You Can’t Always Get What You Want by Rusted Root.

The message of positive thinking is the main point of this song. A situation may seem bad at first, but ‘everything happens for a reason’ so open your eyes, and look around to find the good.

Live Like We’re Dying by The Script. You never know when you’re going to die. If your life ended right now, would you have regrets? Are you living your life the way you want? This song makes you take a second to ask yourself these questions.

Old Man by Neil Young. Ever feel like your parents were born on a different planet? That they can’t relate to you, or have set high standards that no matter how hard you try you can never reach? This song is about the struggles of striving for love and acceptance.

Aint No Reason by Brett Dennen. It’s not hard to point out everything that is wrong in this world. Living with love is the answer to all this turmoil. Only then will our world will be at peace.

Coma White by Marilyn Manson. This is a song about a girl who takes drugs to escape the reality and pain of her own life. Life got too hard and she couldn’t stand herself anymore so she wanted to get out.

Tonight We Have The Stars by Bryan Adams. Live in the moment and enjoy what you have because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

Reporter Camille Johnson takes a look at the complex personal style of music Regina Spektor has created

ROTHBURY Rocks OUT BUMMER OF THE SUMMER. Fans at last summer’s ROTHBURY music festival relax in the summer sun awaiting the next performance. Hopes of returning this summer were crushed as ROTHBURY decided to cancel the 2010 performances. photo by C.E. Sikkenga

2010 summer festival cancelation leaves fans shocked and let down RILEY MISSEL Reporter Picture this: the perfect summer heat, your good friend next to you, a cold Arizona in your hand and your favorite band playing on stage a few feet in front of you.

You’re at the ROTHBURY Music Festival. Absolute bliss.

Then picture this: the sinking dissapointment of finding out that this year’s ROTHBURY was canceled.

“For 2010, we have had to make the tough decision to postpone our efforts,” reads an announcement on the ROTHBURY website homepage, presented by Madison House and AEG. “The result for this year is that we are not able to move forward with the integrity and high standards that we demand from ourselves and for the festival.”

Sophomore Hobie Hagen attended ROTHBURY the past few years and was upset to learn it was canceled.

“I was really dissapointed,” Hagen said. “It’s kind of a family event for us.”

Like Hagen, so many fans will be let down due to the cancellation of ROTHURY 2010, something the owners ascribe to the hectic schedules of the bands that would’ve performed.

“A contributing factor in our decision is that, due to various artists’ recording and touring schedules, we now believe that timing will not allow for us to assemble the cutting edge roster that everyone has come to expect from ROTHBURY,” reads the online announcement.

Rumor has it that isn’t the only reason.

“The county was going to make an ordinance saying it was a disturbance of the peace to be playing loud music at 2 am. They were basically saying they didn’t want them to do it anymore,” Hagen said.

Hagen doesn’t believe it has to do with the bands’ schedules.

“They always come out with a really good lineup,” Hagen said.

“You can tell all those bands have a lot of fun doing it and they always want to go. It’s what they do all summer.”

Math teacher John Mauro, who attended ROTHBURY for the first time last year, wasn’t happy when he learned he could not return again this summer.

“I’ve got to be honest, I’m a little dissapointed,” Mauro said. “I had an amazing time last year. It

was really cool.”

Mauro’s experience was one he won’t soon forget.

“I went last year because my two favorite bands, Flogging Molly and Guster, were there.

If there were going to be some good bands this year I probably would’ve gone again.”

With ROTHBURY out of the question for music-festival-goers this summer, another option may be Wheatland. This festival takes place in Remus, Michigan.

Performing artists have not yet been decided.

“If I would go to a different [festival] I’d probably go to Wheatland, probably because everyone I know goes to Wheatland,” Mauro said.

It looks like ROTHBURY fans are in luck.

“Despite the 2010 postponement, we intend to move toward continuing ROTHBURY in 2011,” reads the ROTHBURY web page.

One thing you won’t have to worry about is a poor quality show in potential future ROTHBURY festivals.

“This event is something very special,” boasts the ROTHBURY web page. “And we are unwilling to potentially tarnish what ROTHBURY is and can become, by working under conditions that will produce anything less than a magical experience.”

The composition of lightly plucked stings and strong piano chords slide together smoothly beneath Regina Spektor’s warm and pure voice in her newest album “Far.” As a young child, Spektor absorbed her father’s bootleg tapes of Western rock and pop, along with piano lessons. When her family moved from Russia to the Bronx at age nine, she was immersed in the American culture, which has helped develop her diverse style of music.

The singer songwriter has an entirely unique way with words; Weaving unrelated images together and unexpectedly drawing you into the melody. Rolling Stone Magazine says Regina Spektor writes the kind of crazy-quilt confessionals we used to hear a lot from 1990s alt-rockers but don’t get enough of these days.

With her alternative folk sound and her message bearing lyrics, the combination makes a song like “Laughing With” one that you can relate to your own life. In the song “Eet” her airy voice floats across the musical staff as she holds out the end of words such as sw-eet, f-eet and b-eat. Ending the song using the consonant “T” she creates the sound like a syncopated snare.

Although the album has a likeable variety of musical elements, the cymbals and trombone in her song “Dance Anthem” are too far out for my taste. It seems to lose the listener in the middle and makes waiting for the ending recovery too much of a task.

Spektor’s new album includes a range of musical ingredients unlike the popular single-guitar sound of John Mayer. With an off the beaten path take on music, buying the album will be sure to spice up your play-list but you may find yourself favoring some songs over others.

Friday, February 19, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Vibe 27

STAFF PICKS TELEVISION: “I only have two channels. So I don’t really have much to choose from but lately I’ve been watching Modern Family. It is hilarious because it is almost like real life except then they go off and do things so stupid that I’m like, do people really act that stupid?

Apparently they do.”

Editor Alida Boon

MOVIES: “The Hangover” is a ridiculous and funny take on what happens at bachelor parties. The entire movie is laugh-out-loud funny, even when things are going horrible for the characters. I definitely recommend it.”

Reporter John Cherette

MUSIC: “Dreaming With a Broken Heart” by John Mayer. The catchy lyrics and strong emotion Mayer portrays in this song will keep you singing it for days on end. Turn this song on and reflect on the complexity of life.”

Reporter Chloe Dault “The first ever rendition of “Pants on the Ground” has had an impact on the whole country. What isn’t funny about a 60-year-old man rapping/ singing about fools with their pants on the ground?“ Reporter Ethan Beswick

BOOKS: “I recommend “The Book Thief” By Marcus Zusak. It’s written during the height of World War II in war-torn Europe, and is especially inviting for a unique narrative perspective: Death itself is the narrator. And Death proves more than up to the task, blending dark humor and harsh truth into his observations to the events of a crackingly good read.”

Reporter Mike Ginocchio

VIDEO GAMES: “NCAA Basketball 10.” It was a major step up from 09, and gives the gamer a great look at what is inside an actual college basketball season like; recruiting, tournaments, training and dealing with alumni.

Editor Cam Hewitt

Romans could do better

‘When in Rome’ features cute story line. Unfortunately it’s dragged down by a predictable fairytale ending Review in short: Movie: ‘When in Rome’ Rating: PG-13 Stars: 3/5 Genre: Romantic comedy Running time: 95 minutes DEZ BURLEY Reporter “When in Rome” is the story of a fast paced New Yorker named Beth (Kristen Bell) who has given up on love when out of the blue her sister’s wedding sends her to Rome. Beth meets Nick (Josh Duhamel) and decides to give love a second chance.

When she sees him with another woman— something that could have easily been cleared up in a simple conversation—she drunkenly decides to take some coins out

of the Trevi Fountain to save a few souls from heartbreak. Instead, five men end up chasing Beth around New York, hopelessly in love with her—a street magician (Jon Heder), a meat curator (Danny DeVito), an aspiring artist (Will Arnett) and a self absorbed male model (Dax Shepard). At the same time, she can’t decide if Nick’s love is real or if he is under the same spell as the rest of them.

Although the movie will make you laugh, the previews give away most of the humor. The fact that all of the people “in love” with Beth are all men living in New York is a little too Hollywood for me, she could have picked up anybody’s coin, from anywhere in the world. The beginning and the end are predictable, the average love story plot line—boy meets girl, boy/girl screws it up, boy and girl fall in love. While the beginning and the ending hold the same congruence with a stereotypical love story, the meat of the plot is refreshing and unique, a twist on the average fairy tale.

Despite the lame humor and long ending, it is a cute movie and I give it three out of five stars.

YOUR VIEWS “NICK HAVING TO SAY THAT HE WAS IN LOVE WITH BETH SO MANY TIMES MADE THE END DRAG ON.” --junior Natasha Leclerc “THE OVERALL PLOT IS JUST KIND OF THE SAME [AS A LOT OF OTHER MOVIES].”

--junior Tori Royce

Modest Mouse pulls through again With eight years under their belt, Modest Mouse is still able to create unique, refreshing music while staying true to their sound Review in short: EP album: “No One’s First and You’re Next” Artist: Modest Mouse Stars: 4 1/2 /5 Genre: Indie KAILIN VANOORDT Reporter Isaac Brock, lead singer and guitarist of Modest Mouse, really delivers with his new EP album, released Oct. 8 of 2009.

The new EP “No One’s First and You’re Next” is a fantastic album with something

to offer to all Modest Mouse fans. Dynamic and colorful, it ranges from the original alternative MM sound that they became known for to the new and unique style found on their latest full-length album, “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank”.

Whether you’ve been with MM since the

beginning, or just started listening, the EP holds beats for all MM lovers. Songs like “Guilty Cocker Spaniel” and “Perpetual Motion Machine” are vibrant with the more intricate, upbeat new sound. “Autumn Beds” sounds like it could be a track from an Ugly Casanova album, Brock’s side project band in 2006. And for the avid MM follower are tracks like “King Rat” and “I’ve Got It All (Most)”, that echo with Brock’s old style.

However, many critics feel the new EP lacks the drive and energy that the live versions portray. There is also speculation about Brock’s change in lyrical style over the past eight years, and why Johnny Marr (guitarist in “We Were Dead”) did not participate in the making of this new EP. But, all considered, Isaac Brock once again really pulls through with this new addition to the MM family.

28 Sports THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 19, 2010

Spouses support coaches

HELPING OUT: Paul Fulmer keeps stats at a varsity girls basketball game last year. “I’m kind of in a different world during the season,” Kowalcyzk-Fulmer said. “He doesn’t know any different because I’ve always been coaching, but he’s really so supportive and he deals with [the stress] well.”courtesy photo

While Paul Fulmer supports from the scorers table by keeping stats...

MIKE GINOCCHIO Reporter The coming of December brings a flurry of snow, cold and general frustration for snow-bound citizens. It also brings about the dawn of the new varsity girl’s basketball season, which means another months-long stretch of total immersion into the job for girls’ basketball coach Katie Kowalcyzk-Fulmer. For her husband Paul Fulmer, the challenges of adjusting to his spouse on the job can be painful.

But along with supporting his wife as a loyal fan, Paul helps by keeping stats.

“I’ve been keeping stats for my wife ever since we moved to Grand Haven,” Fulmer said. “I volunteered myself, because she needed someone and I like to do that kind of stuff.”

Katie praises him for his unwavering support as well.

“I’m kind of in a different world during the season,” Kowalcyzk-Fulmer said. “He doesn’t know any different because I’ve

always been coaching, but he’s really so supportive and he deals with [the stress] well.”

Because his stats job gives him one of the closest seats in the house, Paul believes that it lets him connect even more with his wife during the season.

“I think it helps me stay in tune with her team,” Paul said. “So [that way] I have a better knowledge of what is going on and understand things better when we talk about the team.”

Taking stats doesn’t mean that you get a free pair of earmuffs from the inevitable rumblings that disgruntled fans may have about the coach and her decisions.

Fortunately, those moments are few and far in between.

“I’m usually keeping stats, but I do hear a little,” Paul said. “I’ve only reacted once to a fan I knew when we were in Hastings. He was out of line and I let him know it. Most of the time I just laugh to myself, because they don’t really know what they’re talking about, or they don’t know the situation.”

Paul believes that the decision to follow his wife each and every season is one worth making again and again.

“I really enjoy watching my wife coach,” Paul said. “She does a great job and works well with the kids. I love it and hope that it never ends.”

LETS GO: Kate Hewitt cheers at the Jan. 8 boys varsity basketball game against the Muskegon Big Reds.

While dealing with the challenges of having her husband, varsity basketball coach Steve Hewitt immersed in coaching during the season, Kate enjoys showing support along the way. photo by Amy Potter

Kate Hewitt shows support from up above, in the stands MIKE GINOCCHIO Reporter For Grand Haven Boy’s basketball coach Steve Hewitt the season may officially start at the beginning of December, in truth it begins much sooner with off-season conditioning and weight lifting. To be a coach at any level is a challenge that is almost never-ending.

For Coach Hewitt’s wife Kate, the challenge of handling her husband away at work can be equal to or even greater.

“It’s a big adjustment,” Hewitt said.

“It used to be an even bigger adjustment when the kids were younger…it was really hard because a lot more responsibility fell on me. But as the kids have gotten older, they just kind of know that during basketball season, we come together more as a family and tend to lean on each other more for support.”

Being the coach’s wife offers a unique chance to offer suggestions and advice that a casual fan would never be able to do. For Kate, that opportunity happens

frequently.

“He asks my opinion a lot,” Hewitt said.

“Mostly for a different perspective. I don’t know if he ever uses it, but he definitely uses me as a sounding board, more than anything.”

Perhaps one of the hardest parts of being the coach’s wife is dealing with the grumbling after a poor play, with “what the heck is he thinking?” and “the coach should’ve done that” leading the charge of negativity.

Most of the time, Kate simply chooses to not even bother engaging it.

“If they don’t know [I’m the coach’s wife], I usually just be quiet or move if it’s bothering me,” Hewitt said. “It’s just something that I don’t need to hear, so it’s like ‘Why should I put myself through that?’”

While having her husband being on the job constantly in season may seem difficult, in the end Kate Hewitt has no regrets.

“As hard as it is, and as negative as it can be, and as much time as he puts into it, you might think that it might not be worth it,” Hewitt said. “But I know that he believes in it, and I think that he believes in doing things the right way, and he really takes a lot of pride in that. For me, I look at it more that way. I’m supporting not necessarily the basketball team, but that I’m supporting him as well.”

Friday, February 19, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Sports 29

Team becoming powerhouse ETHAN BESWICK Reporter With any program there are seasons of greatness and seasons of rebuilding. This season for the Grand Haven hockey team is definitely one of greatness.

The team, which has only been at Grand Haven for 10 years, has been working extremely hard to make this season special.

Coach Dan Gadbois believes the team has achieved great things because of one word.

“The key to our success best described by the acronym that we live by,” Gadbois said. “SWEATS- Sacrifice, Work, Endure, Attitude, Team, Sportsmanship.”

He knows his team excels not only on the ice, but off it.

“I am very pleased with our overall performance again this year,” Gadbois said. “We have 17 players on the Honor Roll and have achieved the ‘All State Academic Team’ status again this year.”

Sophomore Will VerDuin attributes the success to work.

“Our attitude has changed,” VerDuin said. “We’re practicing harder and our offense has been clicking, our defense has been strong and our goalie has been a wall.”

With an assortment of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors on the team getting along can be pretty tough and junior goalie T.J. Roth knows it.

“We are coming together better than I thought we would because of the grade difference,” Roth said. “It seems like every game we come together even more.”

With this year’s lineup working at their full potential the team has been very successful. They are leading the OK Tier II conference and are hoping to move up to Tier I next year. Gadbois trusts that the program is going to continue to improve.

“GHHS has a lot of potential and highly skilled players who are playing travel hockey,” Gadbois said. “We are hopeful that they see the value in playing High School hockey and representing their school. There are also players playing junior varsity hockey who are working very hard to earn a spot on next year’s Varsity squad.”

Since it began, the program hasn’t really been getting recognized, but recently it is becoming more acknowledged.

“The team has become more known as a team with a little more class than a couple years ago,” Senior Heath Wagenmaker said.

VerDuin, along with the rest of the team would like to see more students at the games.

“If you haven’t been to a hockey game, come and see what its like,” VerDuin said. “Grand Haven is really starting to build a great program and the more support the better we’ll play.”

GOAL: Juniors Jake Kremer, Branden Grevel and sophomore Will VerDuin celebrate a goal in a recent game. The varsity hockey team is having an impressive year, sporting a 17-3-0-1 record. photo by Emma Baty

30 Sports THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 19, 2010

From big time to the big house Ex-professional football star Gary Hogeboom ‘surviving’, thriving during rookie year as junior varsity girls’ basketball coach

G

Cam Hewitt Associate Sports Editor

ary Hogeboom’s past is one in a million.

He was a quarterback at Central Michigan University for four years and later drafted into the NFL, where we played 10 full seasons. But he didn’t stop there. Five years ago, Hogeboom appeared on the eleventh season of the hit reality series Survivor where he finished in the top seven. Behind all of this, he is married with four children and living in Grand Haven. Hogeboom’s life is quite a story.

Now, Hogeboom is in his first year as the girls’ junior varsity basketball and even after everything he has been through, he still is enjoying every moment of it.

“I absolutely love it,” Hogeboom said. “Coaching at this level is so rewarding. Anytime you can help young athletes you have the chance to coach them in sports but also in life and I am lucky I get to help them with that.”

This year is Hogeboom’s first time coaching at Grand Haven but not his first coaching job. From varsity football, basketball and tennis to his daughter’s travel soccer team, he obviously has a passion for coaching. But there is one difference with this year’s role than his other coaching experiences.

“Most of my other coaching jobs I was the assistant and not the head coach,” Hogeboom said. “Now as a head coach I have to make practice plans and know how to keep my team motivated. But most importantly I have to know what players to play and when to play them.”

Over the past couple years Hogeboom has helped out the girls’ varsity basketball team from the bench and when the JV coaching job opened up he was approached by varsity girls’ coach Katie Kowalczyk-Fulmer.

“After helping Coach K out for a few years, it really made me realize how much I enjoyed and missed coaching,” Hogeboom said. “So when she came and asked me, it was a good opportunity and I felt very fortunate.”

Coach K is pleased to have Hogeboom as the junior varsity coach and also appreciates the extra set of eyes he adds to the bench during varsity games.

“Gary is very observant,” Coach K said. “He is also vocal, which helps a lot when the kids come off the court he is there to give them some encouragement. He is very positive and in-tune and he has a true gift in coaching.”

As for the JV team, Coach K sees how they have benefited from Hogeboom’s coaching and she is not

USING HIS EXPERIENCE: Gart Hogeboom talks with players on the sideline on Feb. 4. Hogeboom who played in the NFL and starred on Survivor is now in his first year as the girls junior varsity basketball coach. Hogeboom claims his NFL experience helps him on the bench. “I learned a lot about how to relate to coaches. . . I had so many different coaches, I incorporate their styles into my own.” Photo by Amy Potter

surprised.

“Everyday,” said Hogeboom with a chuckle. “I learned a “The kids love him,” Coach K said. “He is very lot how to relate to coaches then. And since I had so many knowledgeable and his passion for the game inspires the different coaches I incorporate many of their styles into my kids to work hard. But also he has a good fun-serious own.” balance and he knows how to use his bench and utilize Hogeboom also starred on Survivor and claims that everyone.” without a doubt that experience was harder than coaching Sophomore Carly Grimes, a player on Hogeboom’s teenage girls. team, agrees “These girls are with Coach K so awesome,” said HOGEBOOM FILE and appreciates Hogeboom. “Being all Hogeboom on Survivor was • Quarterback for Central Michigan 1976-1980 does for the more challenging. team.

Although, I do • Played 10 years in NFL with Dallas Cowboys, “Gary is think I could have Indianapolis Colts, Phoenix Cardinals and really a nice guy, used this team’s Washington Redskins which makes high energy and • Married to Kristi Hogeboom. 4 kids: Heidi, Jake, playing easier,” teamwork on the Kasi and Jamie Grimes said. “He island. Besides I is a great coach eat a lot better as a • Contestant on Survivor: Guatemala in 2005 and tries to play coach then I did in everyone as Guatemala.”

• 2009- present Girls’ junior varsity basketball coach. much as he can.”

Hogeboom’s Started season 17-0 Point team started out guard Jordan the year with a 17-0 Keefe notices record, making his Hogeboom’s ability to have fun in practice while still first season much easier. But he knows that even without improving the team as a whole. their perfect record this team has the quality of making any “He is always positive,” said Keefe. “Practices are season a great one. sometimes hard but he knows how to keep us motivated “I have enjoyed so much getting to know these players and still finds time for us to have some fun.” and their families,” Hogeboom said. “They are truly a Hogeboom has been through a lot of amazing special team. They are intense, good athletes and they have experiences, including playing in the NFL. But does he use fun competing. All of that is very important in a sports life. his NFL experience in coaching basketball?

I am so fortunate to have been their coach.”

Friday, February 19, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Sports 31

SCOREBOARD

Bucs vs. Rams Teams head into Rockford for battle to decide OK Red title MIKE GINOCCHIO Reporter

VerDuin Hockey Key Games: Win against Reeths Puffer 2-1 Top Player: Junior Jake Kremer had five goals in the last meeting with Forest Hills Central.

Upcoming Games: Saturday against Forest Hills Central.

They Said It: “The season is going great, we have a big game this Saturday against Forest Hills Central and whoever wins will be the Conference Champion,” sophomore Will VerDuin said.

Girls Skiing Key Games: Regional Meet at Marquette Mountain where the girls took fifth.

Top Players: Junior Claire Reirson and freshman Brittany Olds qualified for the State Finals at Boyne Mountain.

Upcoming Games: State meet for Reierson and Olds.

They Said It: “We had a really good year, we won conference,” freshman Olds said.

Boys Skiing Key Games: Regional Meet where Connor Davis qualified for the state meet. Zak Konarska and Brody Coval also barely missed the state cut off.

Top Player: Connor Davis is the lone qualifier for the state finals.

Upcoming Games: The state meet at Boyne Mountain for Davis.

They Said It: “As a team, this season went well. I was so pleased to have made state,” junior Connor Davis said.

When the Grand Haven boys and girls basketball teams head to Rockford tonight to take on the Rams, it will be more than just a grudge match between two rivals. When the opening tip is thrown in the air, both teams will be competing for the title of OK Red conference champion.

To add more fuel to the fire of what already looks to be an exciting set of games. The Rams will be playing on their home court, with revenge in mind after both the Grand Haven boys’ and girls’ teams won in overtime in their last meeting The Lady Bucs battled with the Rams back and forth through four quarters and then two overtimes, but in the end sophomore Alex Law’s clutch free throws down the stretch made the difference in the Lady Bucs 58-52 victory.

Coach Katie Kowalcyzk-Fulmer expects another great game.

“I think that both teams played really hard and it was a great game,” Kowalcyzk-Fulmer said. “I think that Rockford actually outplayed us for the majority of the game, but we battled back and got into a position where we were able to win in two overtimes. Bottom line is that we need to play well to win, we can’t expect to turn the ball over 20 times and expect to win again.”

Varsity boys Coach Steve Hewitt knows his team has some improving to do in order to come out on top again.

“We need to do a better job guarding them on the perimeter and not let them have so many outside looks,” Hewitt said. “I think we match up well with them inside, we just have to slow them down outside.”

The boys game took an equally exciting finish. With less than three seconds left and the Bucs trailing by three, it looked as though the Rams had wrapped up the victory. But sophomore Alex Eidson had different plans, nailing a three from the corner to force overtime.

“I was just hoping it was going to go in,” Eidson said. “I definitely got lucky.”

Nate VanArendonk’s dramatic dunk helped the Bucs to a 14-6 overtime advantage and a 67-59 win.

Hewitt expects that Rockford will try to control the game with their

Swimming

OVER HERE: Sophomore Alex Law calls for the ball in a game against Muskegon.

Law was a key part of the 58-52 overtime victory over Rockford at Buccaneer Fieldhouse nailing clutch free throws to seal the big win for her team. courtesy photo

pressure defense.

“I think they’re going to come out and press us, it’s what they do well,” Hewitt said. “I think they believe they can turn us over, so we’ve just got to handle their pressure.”

SCOREBOARD

Girls Basketball

Wrestling

Boys Basketball

Key Games: Tie vs. Spring Lake

Key Games: District Finals

Key Games: win vs. Rockford

Key Games: Win vs. Rockford

Top Player: Sam Schulze set two

Top Player: Westerman is ranked

Top Player: Sophomore Alex Law

Top Player: Senior Nate VanAren-

pool records against Spring Lake.

honorable mention in Michigan.

scored 27 points vs Jenison

donk leads the team in scoring.

Upcoming Games: Senior Night

Upcoming Games: Regionals for

Upcoming Games: Tonight at

Upcoming Games: Tonight at

today vs. Grandville

Westerman and Colin Bertucci.

Rockford

Rockford

They Said It: “It’s been fun to

They Said It: “I’ve improved a lot

They Said It: “We’re playing our

They Said It: “We need to beat

hang out with the upperclassmen,”

this year,” Westerman said.

best basketball of the season,” Law

Rockford tonight,” Eidson said.

said.

Jennings said.

-- Freshman

Trey Jennings

-- Junior

Jerry Westerman

-- Sophomore

Alex Law

-- Sophomore

Alex Eidson

32 Amp THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 19, 2010

“The ground is lava, I must retreat back to the homeland.”

“Taste that rhino before I order it.”

“I lost my truck in the gravel pit.”

“Meet me at the flag pole for a wand duel.”

“Dude, hunger just snuck up on me like a hooded ninja in slippers.”

“We don’t want it really salty just a dash, in fact just a pinch of salty.”

“A girl in this school has a rats nest on her head.”

A

lthough I’m a senior I am still surprised on a daily basis by some of the things that come out of students’ mouths. Throughout the years I have heard everything from the non-classy dirty joke to someone asking me if I had a sonic screwdriver in my pocket. Most people at our school have experienced this exact same thing. We’ve all been walking through the halls and caught the tail end of a conversation and been like “WHAT?!” In these

MARCH 3-5

Exams begin with a full day. Two half days follow and that concludes our second trimester, only one left to go!

situations you really only have three options. Number one, you can just ignore it and move on with your life. Number two, you slow down just enough to figure out what they are talking about without being obvious.

Number three, you own up to the fact you were eavesdropping and ask them. This month’s Amp Editors, Nate Niemerowicz, Tyler Appel and Teal Champagne chose option number two and now bring you Did you hear that? We scoured the school and found some of the best quotes in our classrooms and hallways. Were you there when they were spoken?

MARCH 5-6

Catalina Cuties present ‘Dipping Through the Decades.’

Shows begin at 7 and 9 o’clock on the 5th and 3rd, 5 and 7 on the 6th

MARCH 8

No school today.

Enjoy this day off because soon enough you’ll be beginning your third trimester.