Bucs' Blade October 2009

BUCS’

BLADE

Super Scary Stuff Pg. 24

October 16, 2009 17001 Ferris, Grand Haven, MI 49417 A student publication of community significance since 1927

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2 Inside THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 16, 2009

THE BUCS’ BLADE

A student newspaper of community significance since 1927 Volume 65, Issue 2

October 16, 2009

EDITORS Megan Birkett

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Deater Marisa Enos Madison Testy

Managing Editor for Sports Managing Editor for The Vibe Managing Editor for Production

Haley Birkett Alida Boon Teal Champagne Hayden Creswell Cam Hewitt Zak Konarska Nate Niemerowicz Amy Potter Ali Steggles Grace Sterenberg

Feature Editor Associate News Editor Design Editor The AMP Editor Associate Sports Editor Editorial Page Editor Technology Editor Music Editor Photo Editor News Editor

Tyler Appel Scott Deater

Graphic Specialist Artist

REPORTERS: Ethan Beswick, Dez Burley, Devin Chan, John Cherette, Chloe Dault, Emily Francart, Mike Ginocchio, Camille Johnson, Mollie LaBeff, Riley Missel, Kali Rea, Greg Rokisky, Sam Soule, Noah Thelen, Kailin VanOordt, Lucas Wilder.

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers: Hi everyone. I hope you all enjoyed our first-day edition. If you have any feedback concerning out content, we encourag you to write a letter to the editor. We’d also like to invite you to become our fan on our new Facebook page. there, you can contribute ideas for things such as the front page or stories you

feel need to be told. Search “The Bucs’ Blade” and you should find us. I believe there is something in this month’s edition that appeals to everyone, so please, take the time to page through.

Sincerely, Megan Birkett Editor-in-Chief

IN THIS EDITION

Adviser C.E. Sikkenga 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 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.

LETTERS AND SUBMISSIONS The paper will operate on the basis of an open or public forum. Essays and other nonfiction literary works are welcomed. All letters to the editor must include the writer’s name, signature, and class or position, and must be free of obscene and potentially libelous material. Names of individuals will not be edited, except in rare cases to prevent legal liability, to edit material that is in poor taste or to fit space requirements. L The Bucs’ Blade can only print as many letters to the editor as space will allow. Letters should be addressed to the editor, placed in an envelope and mailed to: Bucs’ Blade c/o 17001 Ferris Grand Haven High School, placed in C.E. Sikkenga’s box in the main office or hand-delivered to Room 0205.

Staff editorials represent the collective opinion of the The Bucs’ Blade staff.

The Bucs’ Blade may be reached at the following address:

Room 0205

Grand Haven High School

17001 Ferris

Grand Haven, MI 49417

Borns takes the mic for new band BCBT

CONTACT US During the business day, The Bucs’ Blade staff may be reached at the following telephone number: 616/ 850-6207.

Copies of The Bucs’ Blade are offered on the newsstands located in the main office, Room 0205, the media center, the Loutit Library and The Bookman.

News p.4

Students feel buses too crowded

Music p. 18

Kiel contributes while spending season on the sidelines

Sports p. 22

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4 News THE BUCS’ BLADE

Friday, October 16, 2009

FIND A SEAT ...if you can JAM PACKED: A long line of anxious bus riders file on to bus 26 last Thursday after school. This year, buses seem to be more crowded than years in the past, causing both student riders, as well as drivers wanting additional buses in order to make more spacious and safer rides. However this would be highly expensive and not practical to fit into the current rather tight school budget. Photo by Grace Sterenberg

School buses fill capacity with more student riders DEZ BURLEY Reporter Every year, buses are crammed with cranky teenagers.

Unlike years in the past however, the number of students per bus has not dropped down to a tolerable amount after a few weeks.

Junior Bre Badgley is one of many students that ride a crowded bus.

“Last year I had a seat all to myself, but now I have to sit with one or two other people,” Badgley said. “It’s really irritating.”

The 77 passenger buses are typically filled with 60 to 64 middle and high school students. That is about two to three students stuffed in each seat. The buses contain 26 seats,

with a maximum of three elementary school kids per seat.

“The high schoolers aren’t willing to scooch over for the little ones,” junior Natasha Leclerc said, “so they sit like four to a seat.”

The bus Badgley rides is similar.

“It’s annoying when you have to sit there and wait for people to find a seat because people won’t scoot over or there’s just not enough room, ” Badgley said.

Director of transportation Rod Jonas doesn’t think the number of students on each bus is excessive.

“At the beginning of the year there are quite a few students,” Jonas said. “[The buses are] full, but never overloaded.”

Jonas says the reason there are so many students on every bus is to save money for the district.

“They’re cutting back to save money,” Badgley said, “but they’re cutting back on the wrong thing.”

Jonas says that when the buses approach 70 students they look at getting another bus.

“Sometimes in the morning it’s even harder to find a seat,” Leclerc said, “and there are so many stops after [me] it seems like they should split the route in half. ” Although a lot of students ride a bus, the fact that so many high school students drive or get rides with friends is helpful.

“If nobody drove we’d be adding a lot more routes and buses,” said Jonas laughing nervously. “Which would get expensive.”

Bus driver Kristi Brown doesn’t see a way to fix this situation without spending a lot of money.

“The kids don’t like it but there isn’t a lot that can be done,” Brown said.

Leclerc is one of the many students that are unhappy with this change.

“I used to get home at 3:15 but now I get home at 3:50, that’s ridiculous to me,” Leclerc said. “[I’ve been riding] since I was four and I’ve never seen it as crowded as it is this year.”

Junior senate plans new dance style next month CHLOE DAULT Reporter With attendance at dances dropping, dance organizers have been searching for solutions.

“Dances go in cycles,” assistant principal Tracy Wilson said. “And ours is on a downward one.”

The junior class senate will change up the format of the Nov. 13 dance. Instead of just the dance portion in the auxilaary gym at casual

dances, the field house will host a number of other activities for students The new activities are meant to include more people and help dances appealmore to the masses. Wilson hopes the new format will bring something unique and fresh to the dance. Inflatable obstacle courses, bungee runs, and card games are all in the plan to draw more people into the dance.

Junior Senate adviser Elizabeth Gervais is help-

ing her students plan these activities.

“We haven’t officially decided what we are doing yet,” Gervais said. “There are a lot of different things entertainment companies have to offer.”

Overall Student Senate president Shelly Bultje is excited for the new activities.

She believes the new format will draw in underclassmen and those who are nervous to participate in dances.

“It will be really fun, espe-

cially for guys who get really into it,” Bultje said.

The activities will be very similar to those at after prom. The rules for the activities as well as school rules will still apply.

“You can now pay $5.00 to go to a regular dance in the auxiliary gym or $5.00 to go to the field house and do activities like after prom such as blowup things,” Wilson said.

To some, these sound a little like the “Buc Blasters”

from middle school.

“It sounds like a middle school dance all over again,” sophomore Megan Newhouse said.

Those in charge of the dance still hope it will be a success. Along with being fun, those putting on the dance hope it will be profitable.

“The dances are fundraisers,” Wilson said. “So the money we make has to cover the expenses with profit also.”

Gervais, and others helping with the dance, are hoping for the best for the first dance using the new format.

She holds high hopes that the dance will be a step toward improving attendence and engaging more kids in the dances.

“We thought that it would bring more people in and give everyone other options than just dancing,” Gervais said. “We are trying to create more opportunities and more for people to do.”

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Friday, October 16, 2009 THE BUCS’ BLADE

News 5

Students, teachers adapt to new technology RILEY MISSEL Reporter Sophomore Megan Yasick walked into biology on the first day of school and did a double take at the huge white gadget fixed to the front of the classroom. That sure wasn’t there last year.

Interactive whiteboards have been added to every classroom this year as part of the technology bond passed last April.

A few teachers attended a four-day training session led by instructional technology coordinator Doug Start on how to get the most use out of their interactive boards. In turn these teachers were in charge of instructing other staff on how to use them during a two -hour training session before school started.

Teachers have been continuing to participate in optional after-school training classes.

“We still need more training on how to integrate it and not just use it as a glamorized projector,” marketing teacher Chad Jettner said. “There’s so much to do with them, and without training most teachers won’t understand all that it can do interactively.”

These training programs are appreciated by less technology-savvy teachers.

“I didn’t grow up with a great deal of technology so I feel like I’m playing a game of catch-up with this,” social studies teacher Ed Thomas said. “ I hope we continue with frequent training on these boards so I can continue to get better and increasingly use it in my instruction.”

TECH SAVVY: Chad Jettner uses his interactive whiteboard to teach marketing. Some students and teachers feel these new boards are a big help, while others find them unnecessary. Photo by Ali Steggles

While teachers enjoy using this new equipment, few use them for purposes other than a whiteboard or projector.

“So far I’ve used it for a bigger screen for DVDS, the overhead, and soon I hope to incorporate clips of still photos into my lecture,” Thomas said.

However, other teachers like Jettner, are using their board as more than just an upgraded overhead screen.

Promise scholarship in jeopardy NOAH THELEN Reporter The Michigan Promise Scholarship, a commitment made to Michigan high school students, might become an empty promise from the State of Michigan. Due to the recent economic issues, the state legislature is currently deciding whether or not the funds from the scholarship should be cut from the state’s budget.

The scholarship provides $4,000 for high school students who achieve qualifying scores (Level 1 and Level 2) on the Michigan Merit Exam (MME). However this money could soon be partially reduced or even completely dropped from the states’ budget.

Earlier this month, the legislature voted to cut the scholarship as part of a proposed plan to help offset Michigan’s $2.8 billion budget deficit. Governor Granholm subsequently stated that she would veto any budget that cut the grant. Last week, legislative leaders also discussed a potential tax raise that could restore $120 million to the promise fund.

Currently, the state has a 30-day emergency budget as part of an agreement reached Oct.1 in order to avoid a government shut down. By the end of the month the state will have reached an agreement for a new budget, but so far it is hard to predict what will become of the scholarship.

“It is so early to speculate because it’s still all part of the

negotiation process and they aren’t there yet with the K-12 budget,” principal Scott Grimes said.

Each year, on average over half of a particular graduating class qualifies for the scholarship. Last year, over 270 GHHS students qualified for the award. Grimes feels the promise grant helped motivate students to do their best on state tests.

“I think it is a big incentive for some kids to really take that ACT and MME seriously,” Grimes said. “If you know that by doing well on that test you could earn $4,000 toward wherever you attend college [or trade school] in the future, that’s a pretty good motivator.”

Students such as senior C.J. Stock, who qualified for the scholarship, are also hoping it is not cut from the budget.

“That is a whole summer and a half extra of work, so it [affects] me pretty badly,” Stock said. “It’s tough to make up for it really, as far as the money coming out of my own pocket. I should get other scholarships though so that shouldn’t be my only one, but $4,000 is a chunk of change.

It’s a lot.”

The state could also decide to take the scholarship from current college students. College students have protested, forming Facebook groups to spread the word.

“I am upset that they are cutting the scholarship,” said Derek VanderLaan, currently a freshman at Michigan Tech. “That was pretty much the determining factor in me staying in-state.”

“It is a great time saver,” Jettner said. “It’s also very useful when I want to breakdown and point out certain things on a website to students, and its even better when they can get up there and do it too. Having kids [up at the board] doing that is much better than having me up there all hour.”

Jettner is a big technology supporter.

“Not that we’re entertainers, but I think that we as teachers need to realize that technology engages kids and increases their attention span,” Jettner said.

Students enjoy using technology in the classroom.

“I think [the interactive boards] are awesome,” senior Ben Rankin said. “They are a good investment and in the long run everybody’s going to benefit. We are converting into a technological age. It’s good that the school’s promoting that.”

However, not all students are in agreement. Some believe the interactive whiteboards aren’t necessary.

“I think the boards are kind of pointless because the things that teachers use them for are the same things they would use a whiteboard or overhead for,” Yasick said.

“And on top of that, most of the teachers still use their overheads and white boards. The interactive boards just seem like a waste of money to me.”

Senior Shaun Erdman agrees.

“Not everybody needed one,” Erdman said. “For technology classes they’re wonderful to help explain during a class, but for [some other classes] they’re just a fancy projector.”

BUC SPEAK “If they were going to end it this year, they should have had their act together before the college year started” --GHAPS Board of Education Trustee Brandon Hall

“That is a whole summer and a half extra of work, so it [affects] me pretty badly. It’s tough to make up for it, as far as the money coming out of my own pocket”

--senior C.J. Stock “I am upset that they are cutting the scholarship. That was pretty much the determining factor in me staying in-state”

--Michigan Tech freshman

Derek Vanderlaan

“If they said there is no more promise scholarship that is a $4000 hit to every student who would of qualified for it. It would be very unfortunate if that happened.”

--principal Scott Grimes

6 News

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday October 16, 2009

ALUMNUS OF THE MONTH Cecilia Potts was a professional cyclist winning the Junior Women’s Mountain Bike World Championship in 1997. She attended University of Colorado, and graduated from Central Michigan University as a news reporter. While the 1998 GHHS graduate was an ideal student, she veered off from the traditional path of education, and chased her dreams. Now, she gets to go surfing, bike riding, and sailing in California, while doing a job she loves.

Reporter Devin Chan had the opportunity to talk with Potts about her success.

What made you get into cycling?

Family members - my uncle was an avid mountain biker, back when mountain biking was just getting started in the ‘80s and I fell in love with riding my bicycle. And when I found something I just loved, it was like everything I could dream for and I got really involved.

How did you feel when you won the Junior Woman’s Mountain Bike World Championship?

The biggest feeling you could imagine. If you think about the feeling that makes you the most excited, happy and every feeling in the world - knowing that you won, and the combination of everything you worked for and dreamed of.

What made you quit riding?

It wasn’t because I didn’t love it, but it was really hard on my body and the traveling was exhausting, I mean by that time I was a Platinum United Airlines member because I traveled so much in a single year.

WILDERNESS CALLS: Cecilia Potts in Matanuska Alaska. She was on a buisness trip for Wilderness Trail Bikes Inc. Courtesy photo

How did you choose your career?

When you’re young you think you know exactly what you want to do. I was very driven, and I decided I was going to be a journalist and go for it. I was very meticulous and I had everything planned and did it as efficiently as possible. I didn’t do journalism for the money initially and I loved that job. When I finished college I became a reporter, and got a job in California. I didn’t want to be in Michigan anymore, much less eastern Michigan…I hated shoveling snow. I decided to move into the non-profit world, and got recruited by California State University Channel Islands to be a spokesperson, and a public

Not (W)ITCHY, just BUSY Attendance secretaries understand why students may feel rushed; it could just be that they are usually busy doing 100 other things GRACE STERENBERG News Editor Two women sit back to back in the same place everyday, dealing with any and everything that comes their way. One student is throwing up in the back, another impatiently awaits a pass, an angry parent complains about an unexcused absence and the answering machine never stops blinking. All this and first hour hasn’t even begun.

“We might be writing a pass, coding something, talking on the phone, and looking up at you all at the same time trying to get everything done,” attendance secretary Robyn Dahl said.

As one can imagine, this doesn’t leave much time for chit-chat.

“I like my job a lot,” attendance secretary Deb VanCleave said.

“But what I don’t like is that it’s so busy that I can’t take the time to talk to people like I’d like to. I just have to talk really fast so I can get to the next person in line.”

Some students say they don’t enjoy visiting the attendance office because they find the environment too stressful or uncomfortable.

“They’re nice to me most of the time, like when I’m the only

one in the office,” senior Brittney Heatherington said. “But other times when I go in I just feel really rushed and like they’re yelling at me.”

However, VanCleave doesn’t mean for this to be the case.

“I think that most people who have sat in here realize why we are the way we are, and realize that we’re not really mean,” VanCleave said. “They realize that it’s nothing personal against [them], we just have a job to do.”

Dahl chimes in.

“People should come in and try to meet us,” Dahl said. “We’re not all that bad.”

Life in the attendance office is busy all day, rarely giving Dahl and VanCleave a chance to take a breath. There are many things however that everyone could do to make their job just a little easier.

“Having a note really does make it easier [than calling and leaving a message],” VanCleave said. “By the time I get here at 7:15 I might have 99 messages already, and I can’t get through them all and have passes out that quickly.”

Even small gestures can be a big help, whether it’s teachers taking correct attendance, parents being patient and understanding, or students following simple rules such as not texting at school.

“Some of our rules may seem silly to [the seniors who may think they’re adults], but for us they’re not,” Dahl said. “We don’t make the rules, we just have to follow them just like you guys do.”

In the end, these two women are in no way mean, maybe just outnumbered.

“There’s almost 2,000 kids here,” VanCleave said. “And only two of us.”

relations officer. I decided then I wanted to have a fun and happy life, and now I work with the company, Wilderness Trail Bikes Inc., which has been manufacturing bike parts since 1982, so I get the best of both worlds.

What is your favorite part about your job at Wilderness Trail Bikes Inc.?

I get to advocate and talk about trail work and trail maintenance and go to community events where they’re opening up bike trails or bike lanes. I get work on both sides, on the sale side and the advocacy kind of thing, which makes me happy. I get to travel all over the state to new bike stores. Over time we’ve hired other people, and now I oversee other people that work in other states, so I can stay in southern California for a majority of the time.

Hawaii and Alaska are also part of my territory, and in June I went to Alaska for a week and one month later I went to Hawaii, and in November I get to go again. I love to travel. It wasn’t traveling so much that burned me out [as a teen], it was all the being away from home and training.

Looking back on high school, what advice would you give to students now?

Do your homework, but be creative about it. Write your essays, not to get an A, but write it how you feel about whatever you were reading. Don’t go to school to get a good grade, go to learn. When you’re not a school, go do things that make you learn. Turn off your television, turn off your computer, and go out and experience the world.

I was always afraid I was going to mess up, but there is no messing up, the only thing you mess up is when you regret what you didn’t do.

FUN FAVORITES

5Things you probably didn’t know

about your attendance secretaries

Robyn Dahl COLOR: fuschia FOOD: any kind of seafood MUSICIAN: Josh Groban or Tracy Chapman FALL ACTIVITY: It’s my favorite season! I love all fall activities.

MOVIE: The Notebook

COLOR: yellow FOOD: anything Mexican MUSICIAN: Dave Matthews Band or Elton John FALL ACTIVITY: I like summer, better. I’d rather be at the beach!

MOVIE: There are too many to choose from!

Deb VanCleave

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Friday, October 16, 2009 THE BUCS’ BLADE

This is only a drill:

Buc Briefs

LOCKDOWN LOCKDOWN LOCKDOWN

Reporter Riley Missel sat down with administrator Steve Avram to find out five things you need to know about lockdown drills

seminars and workshops specifically for school emergency drills.

4. Are you planning to make any changes or improvements to the lockdown procedure?

All procedures need to be constantly reviewed to find potential weak areas.

This year I’m going to up the ante and we are going to have a lockdown drill during passing time, because it’s considerably less difficult to do a lockdown drill when class is already in session. It adds a whole different dynamic to attempt to do it during a passing time.

1. What is the purpose of a lockdown?

Lockdowns are intended to provide safety and security for building staff and students in the event of hostile action, primarily an assailant. What we want to do is provide the highest level of protection for the largest number of people in the shortest amount of time... It’s a stalling mechanism, intended to provide protection until the first responders are able to get here and deal with the threat.

2. Could a student take advantage of the knowledge gained through practicing these drills?

It’s impossible to fashion a procedure that doesn’t have some areas that aren’t as strong as others. Obviously we want to practice drills so students know what to do in the event of a real emergency, but there is always that potential of a student who’s attended here previously or is attending currently. If somebody was to enter the building, they would have a very short amount of time to wreak their havoc because first responders are going to be here very, very quickly. But I don’t put everything out there. What you see is not the whole procedure.

photo by Ali Steggles

3. Where did the procedures that we use for lockdowns originate?

Some of them I inherited; they were already in place when I got here. Some of it I’ve based on training that I’ve had, between military training, and also

5. What is the purpose of the “OK” or “HELP” cards the teachers slip under the door? Can’t they be used to tip off the assailant in the hallway that there are people in the room?

Even with it’s potential for communicating something to an assailant that we don’t want communicated, what first responders and school personnel get from that outweighs the negative. It does indicate to somebody that there’s people in that room, however if we don’t have a means of communication, when the first responders arrive heavily armed and equipped, are running down the halls, if they don’t see something the assumption they have to make is that something’s wrong in that room. Then every single room would have to be checked, forestalling dramatically how long it would take them to clear this building.

NHS finally cracking down KAILIN VANOORDT Reporter National Honor Society has undergone several changes this year. Many students and teachers alike have attested to the rumors that NHS is finally “cracking down”.

“The only real change has been that we are really cracking down on the ‘three strikes and you’re out policy,” NHS president Elizabeth Shay said. “People didn’t really use to pay attention to it, but we are compiling a list now of people who have missed too many meetings, and they will be dismissed.”

Director of NHS Karen Flanigan agrees.

“We are trying to improve communication, attendance and make everyone responsible,” Flanigan said. “This is a nation wide society and people need to recognize that and be willing to put forth

“WE ARE TRYING TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION, ATTENDANCE, AND MAKE EVERYONE RESPONSIBLE. THIS IS A NATION WIDE SOCIETY AND PEOPLE NEED TO RECOGNIZE THAT”

--Karen Flanigan the effort.”

The changes may be startling to many students who had previously thought NHS was a simple and work-free way to gain college credibility. The “crack-down” is focused mostly on students fulfilling their responsibilities as NHS members.

“That means if dues aren’t in, if you are missing meetings, if you don’t meet the service requirements, if your grades slip,”

Flanigan said. “We are really watching that.”

This is far from an empty threat.

Students should be warned that if they do not meet the requirements, there will be consequences.

“If seniors do not meet the requirement and they have already applied to colleges, and they used NHS on their transcript,” Flanigan said. “We will notify the college and say that they have left NHS for the following reasons, whatever those reasons may be.”

However, many students feel that these changes are unfair and uncalled for.

“I think these changes are unnecessary,” senior Connor Dault said.

“Poor communication in NHS make it so I never have a clue what’s going on, where to be, where to go, or what I need to do. I think it’s partially their fault that we aren’t attending these meetings.”

News 7

Spanish Club

The Spanish club will hold a kick-off potluck breakfast on October 30, at 7:20 A.M. For those interested in signing up, see Ms. Jorgenson in room 8206 for more information.

Interested students are encouraged to bring a dish to pass for the entire group.

Orchestra Concert

The Halloween Orchestra concert is taking place in the PAC Oct. 22 at 7:00p.m. Costume contests will be held for both the audience and performers. Dessert, coffee, and punch will be offered before the concert at 6p.m. and there will be a Jack-O-Lantern competition. The theme is “Night At the Oscars” and the music will all fit this genre.

NHS Help Lab

NHS wants to get more involved with the students. They’re setting up a writing lab where students will be able to bring their papers and rubrics to a station during their lunch. When initiated, the lab will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at each lunch. Students who submit their paper and rubrics for peer editing will receive a stamp,” NHS head Karen Flanigan said.

“This will make papers coming back to teachers require less correcting because the assumption is that NHS students are editing proficient.”

Feminine Issues Club

This year students are putting a feminine issues club together. This club will focus on issues of feminine equality in the world, the female’s place in history, feminine health and knowledge, and any current events that pertain to these subjects.

To find out more about this club, please contact Lauren Roscoe, Kailin VanOordt, or Ms. Serniak from the English department

Mid Terms

Midterm reports will be mailed home Friday, October 16. Students will have the day off Wednesday October 21. School will be closed for ParentTeacher Conferences. Parents can come in and talk to teachers from 12:15-2:45 and 6:30-9:00 p.m. Class will resume as usual on Thursday.

8 Editorial THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 16, 2009

State cuts threaten Promise scholarship Ben Perfect is used to paying for things himself.

When the state told him he’d be given money towards college every year, he thought he’d caught a break.

The “Promise” scholarship program, which gives students $1000 a year for college, could be cut in an effort to balance the state budget.

A staggering 96,000 students statewide could see the $4000 they were guaranteed disappear.

Along with the scholarship, a proposed $165 per student cut could be passed.

Perfect doesn’t agree

with the proposed budget cuts. He planned to use the money from the Promise scholarship to help pay for college. Other than student loans, Perfect will be paying for college on his own if the Promise Scholarship is cut from the state budget.

The state is punishing children for a deficit they didn’t create. If the state cuts the Promise scholarship, they will be taking back money they already promised to thousands of kids who need it. If the state cuts funds to schools for each student, class sizes could increase and teachers could lose jobs.

STAFF EDITORIAL

Ben Perfect works three jobs. He didn’t know he might have to come up with an extra $4000 to pay for his education. He wasn’t even informed the money he was promised was in danger of being taken back. The state of Michigan dug itself into a hole, and it’s using children’s education as a ladder to get itself out.

GHHS Principal Scott Grimes is perplexed about the situation. He feels GHHS has been fortunate in not having to drop programs in the past, but the proposed changes could force Grand Haven to make cuts that could affect the classrooms.

The state doesn’t seem to realize cutting educational funds won’t do anything positive for future generations. Snapping

Community athletes and tax payers deserve high school turf time JOHN CHERETTE Reporter Any field deemed ‘indestructible’ would be expected to almost always be in use. Any field but the one at GHHS. The athletic complex at Grand Haven High School is considered one of the best in the state. Citizens of Grand Haven were deceived into thinking the fields were meant for activities other than official school business. It was built over two years ago and the community that supported and helped pay for it still isn’t being allowed to use it. Even the athletes that pay a fee to play aren’t allowed on the fields to train unless a coach schedules it.

Currently only the track is open to the public and even then users must purchase a $10 key card.

“If you open the fields up, who’s going to monitor them,” Athletic Director Jack Provencal said.

The school believes if they opened up the facilities to the public, people would golf or even bring their dogs on them.

The school also fears the turf will wear down faster if the community uses it. The

opinion of the people isn’t being expressed by anyone. Athletes at Grand Haven think that we are being cheated out of an opportunity to become better players.

You play your home games on the turf, so training on the turf helps you get ready for the season.

Morlock believes if they opened up the fields during the summer for players to come and train, it would be a fair compromise. All it would take is one person to supervise the players while they train.

From personal experience, I can say that playing on turf is much better than playing on grass. The turf helps an athlete improve their touch on the ball because there aren’t unpredictable bounces. During the summer you can train on fields that won’t help you become game ready, or you can trespass on the turf fields.

The school’s fear of vandalism doesn’t really make sense. It’s like keeping an action figure in its box for 50 years because you think it’ll make you rich. The fields are decreasing in value whether we use them or not.

already tight school budgets and making education for kids worse will only negatively affect the state when our generation is running it. The state is possibly causing harm

to the most important program they fund.

The legislators need to fight to atleast extend the Promise scholarship to those who are expecting it. Write the local

representatives, they represent us and our opinions. Make it clear to them that we needs to invest in its’ future through the education of the next generation.

Climate change promising ZAK KONARSKA Opininon Editor The beginning of every year starts out pretty much the same.. But as you all know things were slightly different this year. On the first day we had a pep assembly and got a few objectives for the year.

Over the summer, teachers prepared a new first day activity. Teacher Mary Jane Evink said the staff tried really hard to change the climate and culture of the school. Evink feels if relationships are built between teachers and students than the number of absences and drop out rates will improve. If the first weeks of the school year are any indication, we’re off to a great start.

The teachers gave us a big kick here. They’ve created an environment where it is easier to interact and therefore learn from teachers. Lets take advantage of this. If building relationships with teachers helps our grades and our participation imagine what a good polite social environment would do. If we can ease the drama of our school lives and relax a little what

would that improve?

In addition to our social environment some other things need to be noticed. Every single team, club, or program should take a page from the first day agenda. We came together as a school. Which means that everyone that brandishes Grand Haven on their chests should know that they represent all of us. But it goes both ways, we can’t just expect every athlete or club member to represent a faceless mass.

We need to support them too. The student body needs to support everyone who is pushing to win pride for the blue and gold.

The three goals laid out on the first day, join something, support something and meet someone new, should all lead into one and other. First off participate, in doing so you will meet new people and make new friends. Then go support your new friends. That’s all three done easy.

We’ve done a pretty good job of improving our school. Now if we can all build on the message of that pep assembly just over a month ago this can’t help but be a great year.

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Friday, October 16, 2009 THE BUCS’ BLADE Opinion 9

Lockdowns are all clear CHLOE DAULT Reporter

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veryone is quietly sitting in darkness. Then someone makes a fart noise, or cracks a joke.

They all start laughing. The teacher tries to stop them but nobody listens.

Lockdown drills are a familiar event for high school students. They may seem kind of insignificant, even silly to some of us. We tend to not take them serious, because we fail to see the purpose in them.

“We want to provide the highest level of protection for the largest number of people in the shortest amount of time,” assistant principal Steve Avram said.

This is exactly what our lockdown drills have been doing, protecting us from potential danger.

Some people find the drills to be stupid or boring, but if there were ever a real emergency they would be thankful they had practiced them. Students should be more appreciative of the lockdown drills and the safety that they provide for them here.

One of the key elements of the drills is the location of everyone during the lockdowns. It could be the difference between life and death, literally.

That is why this year, along with our normal lockdown drills during class periods, there will be a drill during passing time.

“It’s considerably less difficult to do a lockdown drill when class is already in session,” Avram said.

KAILIN VANOORDT Reporter

As far as those cards that say “OK” and “HELP”, they actually do serve a purpose.

They communicate to the first responders that the room is safe or the room is in danger. This makes it quicker for the help to get to the people in need So for those of you complaining and

messing around during the lockdown drills, consider this. Learn to appreciate them and the comfort you should be getting from them. Give the administrators some credit, they put a lot of work into these drills to secure our students protection from any potential harm.

Theatre department musical moves to fall GREG ROKISKY Reporter The switch from our traditional spring musical to a fall one means an easier schedule for some, but for others it still requires the same amount of effort, possibly even more.

According to Choir Director Shirley Lemon, the main reason is because of the conflicting schedules for the music department festivals going on in the spring.

Lemon also said that teachers are students are “fresher” at the beginning of the year, sports in fall are easier to work around and many high schools already have a fall musical.

Although these reasons may be

Health and inflation push up cookie prices

relevant, it seems to me that the main reason is to cater to the choir kids’ needs.

But is this truly fair to all of those people who aren’t in choir that join the musical?

It’s true that most cast members usually originate from the choir halls, but this new switch seems to send the message that we don’t want non-choir students participating in the musical.

Fall sports don’t seem to be all that more convenient to the musical either.

In fact, if the Bucs win their first playoff game, the Nov. 6 showing of Oklahoma! will have to be re-scheduled as a Saturday matinee the following day.

When I think the beginning of the year, I think chaos. Most students are still in the summer funk for at least the first month of school. The only people who are going to

auditions before school even starts are the ones who are already involved in the plays, or siblings of the cast members.

This new change seems to only have the music department’s needs in mind. No matter what the change, there are going to be conflicts. What I am simply asking is why we must bring about change that only benefits a small group of people.

One of our school goals is all about getting people involved. I just don’t see how we’re going to avoid seeing the same leads for four straight years with this new switch.

The message being sent is that only choir kids are wanted as cast members.

What kind of example do we want to set for all incoming freshman that already have trouble getting involved in activities?

Walking into the cafeteria this year, it’s quite obvious that there have been some changes. The one that has recieved the most attention from students is the lunchroom cookies, which now cost 75 cents and come in oversized plastic bags.

So of course the first questions to ask are why? Why are the cookies being bagged and why have the prices of everyone’s favorite a la carte snack foods gone up?

With the economic crisis, most would consider this a particularly ill-timed price rise. However, the answer is not quite so simple.

“First of all, the health department has rules about bare hand contact with ready to eat foods,” says Director of Food Services Mary Darnton. “And a cookie is a ready to eat food.”

A ready to eat food is any food that doesn’t need cooking, preparing, or prepping to serve; one simply receives it and then eats it. Bare hand contact allows for the spreading of germs from person to person to take place more easily. This is especially crucial to avoid now because of the H1N1 virus running rampant through the country.

“The health department didn’t like the fact that we were leaving too much possibility for bare hand contact,” Darnton said “So we had to come up with a solution for that and part of that is the baggie that the cookie comes in. That’s part of the reason why the price went up. However, the cost of the cookie dough itself has risen steadily over the last few years. We’ve absorbed that price change over the past 6 or 7 years. It was time for the price to go up.”

However, with the price increases on oil, flour and sugar, this really isn’t a change that can be viewed as inappropriate. Especially with the increased risk of H1N1, who wants everyone else putting their dirty hands all over their food? Although the price change is unfortunate, it really is a necessary motion. Students need to ackknowledge the problem and accept the change.

Darnton acknowledges that this change will be frustrating for a lot of people, and sympathizes.

“Its tough but [after this] we won’t raise the price on cookies for a long, long time.”

10 Halloween THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday October 16, 2009

With a little help from international students it’s easy to find...

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Halloween around the world at GHHS MEGAN BIRKETT Editor-in-Chief

Basma Khudhar

Iraq

Hyemin Jang

Belinda Kannmacher

“Halloween is nothing in Korea, but it seems cool.”

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“The little kids go house to house for candy and the older kids go out to parties and sometimes dress up.”

Guilherme Gomes “In Brazil Halloween is just an excuse for people to go out and party. No one dresses up for school or anything like that.”

Br az il

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“We knew what to expect for [Halloween] from the movies and stuff, but we don’t celebrate any type of it in Iraq.”

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rea Ko

China

Antonio Alverez

“We have a party for dead people.

The families go to the tombstone and bring food and drinks and flowers and set them by the grave and make a party right there at the gravesite.”

ico ex M

Yunxiang Ren

Day of the Dead

Ge rm an y

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“Only some people celebrate [Halloween]. School does not let us dress up, but some people dress up for parties.”

10 Bucket List THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 16, 2009

Pet Peeves

Students have them...

Students

Teachers

SAM SOULE Reporter

The last bell rings and you sit in your desks, waiting for the class to begin. Seventy-two minutes under fluorescent lighting and very little sleep, you begin to notice the little things. “ WHEN THEY LICK THEIR FINGERS AND GIVE YOU PAPERS. I DON’T NEED YOUR SPIT ON MY PAPERS.”

-- Junior Alex Schurkamp

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Trying to teach even after the bell has rung- The bell ringing usually signifies the end of something, in this case, the end of class. If class is over, the time to teach is also over.

2. Awkward chucklers- Remember you’re from a different time than we are. Your jokes are aged and, well… sometimes we just really don’t get what you’re saying.

3. Talking 100% monotone- You have no enthusiasm, raised voice, lowered voice, voice that fluctuates in pitch and speed.

Nothing whatsoever. Please talk like a normal person, not the robotic voice we could log online to hear if we really wanted to.

Well, there you have it teachers. Which one are you: Are you a jokester? A spit talker? A monotone speaker? Which is it, because the students know and have called you out.

EMILY FRANCART Reporter

Everyday in the halls students complain about homework, classes and teachers. But what students don’t usually realize is that everyday in their classrooms teachers gripe about students.

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Saying things are ‘gay’ or ‘retarded’—It is just rude and shows incompetence. Many students need to learn what the words mean, not to just say things.

2. The students’ expectance of their teachers to pick up after them—Teachers are not you parents despite the fact that many students seem to think they are.

3. Idiotic comments for the sake of humor—these aren’t funny or necessary. We are here to learn not to listen to you trying to be comedian of the year.

Students at one time or another annoy even the nicest happy-go-lucky teacher. The trick is to know what annoys them and try to stay away from committing these crimes.

What’s On Your Bucket List?

Megan Birkett “A bucket list gives people motivation.

After I wrote mine I felt I could actually go out and do those things. I can’t wait until I get to cross another thing off.

Crossing out ‘Attend a Blink 182 concert’ felt amazing.”

1. Attend a Blink 182 Concert 2. Visit every continent (only been to 2/7) 3. Sky Dive 4. Edit for a major magazine 5. Help build a school in a 3rd world country

Teachers have them...

“I ESPECIALLY DON’T LIKE IT WHEN STUDENTS COME TO SCHOOL SICK. THEY HAVE THEIR BUGS AND THEY SHOULD KEEP THEM AT HOME INSTEAD OF GETTING EVERYONE ELSE SICK.”

-- Teacher Joanne Morehouse

TEAL CHAMPAGNE Design Editor

Carol Wilhelm 1. Visit Machu Picchu Spanish teacher Carol Wilhelm crossed off her number one bucket list item on her 40th wedding anniversary with her husband, twin sister, brother, sister-in-law, and fourteen friends. The best part for her was getting to Machu Picchu, Peru.

“It was beyond description, it was awesome. No one can imagine, through pictures or movies, what this place actually is like,” Wilhelm said.

She and her companions hiked all over the ruins and even to the highest point.

“Visiting new places,” Wilhelm said, “helps build bridges, we need to help build bridges among our different societies and cultures.”

“VISITING NEW PLACES HAS ALWAYS CHANGED MY VIEW ON LIFE.” 1

12 Health THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 16, 2009

6 Tips for Falling Asleep Faster GRACE STERENBERG News Editor

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s it impossible for you to drag yourself out of bed in the morning?

Do you often find yourself dozing off during most classes throughout the day and have difficulty remembering half the things you learn? Do you wake up in the middle of the night exhausted but can’t seem to fall back asleep? Are you a grumpy mess by the end of the school day? When the weekend finally comes around do you sleep through half of it just to “catch up”?

If none of these apply to you then congratulations, you’re probably one of the few 20% of teens that get an optimal amount of sleep each night. But no worries to the rest of you sleep deprived adolescents, there are tons of small ways you can improve the way you feel and become healthier by just catching a few more Z’s.

Studies show that as teens with growing minds, we should be sleeping nine hours a night at least, which is probably more than any of us ever consistently get. Sure you might get 12 a night on the weekend, who doesn’t love sleeping through Saturday mornings, but are you sleeping enough during the week?

For most of us, that answer is no. So what to do? Sure having school start at 10:00 am instead of 7:50 would be ideal, and mesh much better with our internal clocks, but unfortunately that’s not up to us. Lack of sleep makes concentrating harder for teens, especially early in the morning.

Instead of snoozing through the first half of the school day, why not try some of these tips to help you get some much needed sleep.

For more information, please refer to the National Sleep Foundation at sleepfoundation.org.

Lay off the coffee and soda. Caffeine free drinks are a good alternative that can keep you healthier and help you sleep a little easier. Instead of the morning run to Starbucks, why not help the environment and save yourself some cash by investing in a Nalgene water bottle to fill with some good old H2O.

Turn off your cell phone. Yes, it is your social life-line, but can that middle of the night text really not wait until morning? And yes, there is a setting on your phone called alarm only, so don’t even try using the “I use my phone as my alarm” as an excuse.

Trust us, it will not work.

Don’t save the worst Give yourself a homebedtime. Sure it work may make you feel for last. like a 10 year old, and but if you set a time definitely don’t save your hardest homework that you need to be assignment for right before bed. Putting it in bed by and stick off may seem like a good idea at first, but to it, you’ll be more doing confusing and frustrating homework motivated to get right before bed is a really bad idea. Leave things done sooner some time for your brain to get out of deep and get a consisthinking mode and you’ll fall asleep easier. tent amount of sleep even during the school week.

Don’t spread yourself too thin. With all the opportunities for extracurriculars around here, it’s hard not to overinvolve yourself. Try to set priorities for yourself and find a balance between activities, homework, friends and sleep.

Don’t fall asleep to the sound of your favorite sitcom.

You may think that the sound of the TV helps you fall asleep, but really the sound and the flashing light coming from your television prevents you from sleeping soundly.

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Friday, October 16, 2009 THE BUCS’ BLADE Health 13

3 Daily Tips and Tricks to avoid getting sick HALEY BIRKETT Feature Editor Exercise It’s easy to come up with excuses to put off exercising, but its important to fight the urge. Exercising is a key component in building up the immune system, and keeping it strong. For teens, doctors suggest 20 minutes a day, or two and a half hours a week. Nobody likes getting sick, and exercising is an easy way to start fighting them off. For more information, visit (mayoclinic.com).

Eat healthy Eating healthy can be a challenge for many people, because it’s difficult to find nutritious food that actually taste good.

Fruits like strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, oranges and pineapple are full of vitamin C and help build up the immune system. It’s also important to get a variety of meats for protein. Try switching steak with turkey and eating seafood like crab, tuna and salmon.

Seeds, vegetable oils and whole grains are good for vitamin E. Sweet potatoes, carrots, winter squash, cilantro and thyme are all foods that contain high levels of carotenoids, which help lower the chances of getting chronic illnesses.

To get started, try some of these easy substitutions. Cereal for yogurt, chips for whole grain Wheat Thins, gummy snacks for dried fruits like raisins, soda for green tea and water. For more foods, check out (Naturalmedicines.com).

Take Your Vitamins An easy way to prevent getting sick is simply remembering to take vitamins on a daily basis. A commonly recommended vitamin for teens is the Once a Day Teen Advantage vitamin. It helps muscle function, bone strength and overall strengthens the immune system. All vitamin supplements also supply fuel and energy thoughout the day.

SWINE FLU VACCINE HERE ALIDA BOON Associate News Editor Everyone knows about the seasonal flu bug and most have heard of H1N1, more commonly referred to as “swine flu.” But what this new virus is and what it’s composed of is frequently misinterpreted or simply

left unknown.

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) website, the H1N1 virus is actually composed of two versions of European and Asian pig genes as well as bird (avian) genes and human.

While the large media hype that surrounded H1N1 has dissipated since it was discovered last spring, there is still a great concern for what is to come, all around the world and in Grand Haven’s school district.

Assistant Superintendent of Human Services, Dr. John Thatcher thinks it is important to keep everyone informed.

“The week before school started we sent a letter to the secondary buildings for them to give to the parents,” Thatcher said.

“Those letters went out about steps to take [to prevent the flu].”

The district is not only telling the students how to remain healthy but will also be stepping up in the cleaning department as a precautionary measure.

“We’ll have hand cleaners in every classroom and we’re disinfecting more

than we have in the past,” Thatcher said.

Even with these preventative measures, many are still worried about the swine flu. But have not fear. The vaccinations will soon be here!

“The vaccine they made had the different flu strands in it,” Registered Nurse Sherri Boon said. “It should be available to the public sometime mid October.”

The first people to receive this vaccine, along with anyone who as a compromised immune system or is pregnant will not be the expected elderly crowd but rather, five to 24 year olds.

“With the swine flu, the people that you think would be most healthy, the young people, they’re what’s targeted,” Thatcher said.

After all willing younger people are vaccinated, older people will have their shot at it, so long as the supplies last.

After the vaccination all that is left to do is wait, cleanse and hope for the best.

“A lot of states around us have really had it bad with H1N1,” Thatcher said. “In Michigan it hasn’t been very severe yet, we’re just holding our breath and hoping that doesn’t change.”

“IN MICHIGAN IT HASN’T BEEN VERY SEVERE YET, WE’RE JUST HOLDING OUR BREATH AND HOPING THAT DOESN’T CHANGE.”

--John Thatcher

Photo by Grace Sterenberg

14 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 16, 2009

A CELLO kind of friend Junior Alyssa Adamovitch pursues her passion with the Holland Area Youth Orchestra.

DEZ BURLEY Reporter

“I wanted to play the saxophone but I decided I wanted to play an i nstrument [before fifth grade] so I chose the cello, I thought [cello players] were special because they got to sit down, but later on I figured out that’s not true. When we started playing for concerts the violinists and the violists got to sit down like the cellos.

Not cool.”

--Alyssa Adamovich

pho to b yH ale yB irke tt

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veryone has a talent. Whether it is out in the open or you have to search for it, it’s there somewhere.

Junior, Alyssa Adamovich has tremendous talent, yet not many people are aware of just how gifted she truly is.

Although Adamovich is talented, she knows that hard work and determination will allow her to go even farther.

Adamovich plays the cello in the Holland Area Youth Orchestra (HAYO). This is her first year and so far she loves being apart of the program.

“I think it’s fabulous,” Adamovich said. “The music is terribly, terribly hard but it’s just wonderful to play.”

Adamovich began playing the cello in fourth grade and she loves to joke around about how her career started.

“I wanted to play the saxophone but I decided I wanted to play an instrument [before fifth grade] so I chose the cello,” Adamovich said. “I thought [cello players] were special because they got to sit down, but later on I figured out that’s not true. When we started playing for concerts the violinists and the violists got to sit down like the cellos. Not cool.”

Although Adamovich was disappointed to learn that she didn’t have special privileges, it didn’t stop her from working hard. She practices for at least an hour a day and practices with HAYO on Mondays for two and a half hours.

“On weekends I might play longer [than an hour] if I lose track of time,” Adamovich said.

Adamovich’s practice doesn’t stop there. She also takes private lessons with the conductor of HAYO, Richard Piippo.

“My lessons are usually at [Piippo’s] office at Hope College,” Adamovich said.

“But if I can’t make it we’ll do it on Saturday at his house.”

All music and artists inspire Adamovich.

“I don’t have a favorite but certain soundtracks make me love what I play,” Adamovich said.

“Pirates [of the Caribbean] is probably the best soundtrack in the world, especially the third [movie].”

Her cello is more than just an instrument, it’s a friend.

“My cello’s name is Alice,” Adamovich said. “In middle school we used to name our cellos, like the freaks we are.

[I named it that because] Alice is my favorite name. It’s sort of old fashioned and no one else really has it. I thought it would be unique.”

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Friday, October 16, 2009 THE BUCS’ BLADE Feature 15

Cool Beans Alida Boon

Girls, its time to stop the act

FORMER GHHS TEACHER BUSY AT WORK: Kevin Polston works diligently in his new office at Lakeshore Middle School. After many years of teaching at the high school, Polston decided to leave to become vice principal at LMS. (Photo by Allsion Steggles)

OLD face in a NEW place MIKE GINOCCHIO

Reporter

Step into Kevin Polston’s office and the first thing visible is how organized the place is. Several plaques adorn the walls, each containing a different degree or certification of excellence. A few personal things rest on his desk and cabinets, mainly reading phrases that start with “Michigan,” continue with “State” and end in “Spartans.” From a glance, it looks as if he has completely settled into his new job as vice principal of Lakeshore Middle School.

However, that doesn’t mean he’s forgotten where he came from.

I miss working at the high school,” said Polston who left his position as social studies teacher and curriculum specialist for his new post.

“I’m really enjoying the middle school, but you know, you work any place for a significant period of time and you build relationships with people. . . you’ll miss them.”

His former colleagues miss him as well.

“I like Mr. Polston,” fellow social studies teacher Mark Roberston said. “He was all business in the class, but a really fun guy outside. I miss him.”

Polston spent the past seven years at the high school. For the past three years he worked in the he worked in the curriculum office as well where his responsibilities included working with teachers to develop and implement curriculum—tasks that fit well with his degree in leadership from Grand Valley State University.

In his new job, Polston appreciates the support he’s received from his colleagues at Lakeshore.

“They’ve been wonderful,” Polston said. “The office staff, in particular [Lakeshore principal] Julia Houle has been unbelievable to me. They have welcomed me and treated me as well as someone could be treated. It’s just above and beyond. It really makes you feel good when you’re welcomed like that.”

Although this is a new setting for Polston, he has had plenty prior experience dealing with middle school kids. For two weeks last year he served as interim assistant principal at White Pines Middle School and for nine weeks served as a chaperone at a summer camp predominantly for eighth graders.

Having worked with both middle and high schoolers gives Polston a unique perspective on how kids change between the levels.

Surprisingly, he doesn’t see major differences.

“I really don’t think that kids change a great deal,” Polston said. “I think that what kids today do now are things kids have always done. What’s changed, I think, is that our expectations of kids have changed.”

To Polston, this job provides a different realm of possibilities.

“As a teacher, you have more direct contact with kids than in this role,” Polston said. “However, you have more of an influence on the kids. You’re setting the environment for which they’re coming to school in. Even though you have less direct contact with a group of students every day, you can end up having a bigger impact on a bigger group of kids.”

“AS FAR AS WHAT HAPPENS FOR ME DOWN THE LINE, I LOVE BEING IN A SCHOOL BUILDING WITH KIDS. WHATEVER ALLOWS ME TO STAY IN THAT ENVIRONMENT WORKS FOR ME.”

-- --Kevin Polston

Teenage girls want to be beautiful. Correction: teenage girls want to be hot. Not pretty, not cute and definitely not average. Above all, we just want to be noticed, to be that one gem that sticks out from the others the one that shines and screams: look at me. I am hot. Why do we want this? The obvious answer seems to be to make ourselves feel good. This is partially true, but it also skips over the part about how we’re all too insecure to love how we look and who we are unless someone else tells us that we fit their definition of gorgeous, someone being a guy.

It’s one thing if your best friend tells you that you look great.

It’s a completely different story if a guy so much as “gives you the nod.” What do we do to accomplish this goal of appearance acceptance? We change our clothes, our makeup and even our hair to become carbon copies of what we think is hot.

Stop the act. It’s unnecessary, time consuming and all in all will get you nowhere. So have a couple zits? It seems obvious, in the world of the self-conscious teenage girl that the most reasonable plan is to apply orange foundation and cover-up so thickl that you might as well be icing a cake. Because if you don’t the whole school will be sure to see you and will not be able to notice anything but the big whomping zit protruding off your forehead. Big deal, the worst that can happen is that they will realize that you are a teenager. I know, the realization that normal teenagers get zits is a shock to us all.

While I’m trashing on the makeup department lets get real about eyewear. Lots of people, girls specifically, believe their eyes to be their strongest point. To score on the hot points a lot of us make them up with eyeliner, dark eye shadow, mascara, and even go as far as curling their eyelashes. Now, I admit I had no problem doing this until recently when I was wore lots of eyeliner and dark purple eye shadow to a football game. My purpose was to match my tee-shirt and I thought there was nothing wrong with it. But, the next day when I was with my brother at my grandparents he told me that he saw me at the game the night before. I hadn’t seen him so I asked him why he hadn’t tried to talk to me.

“I did, I practically screamed your name but,” He said. “You didn’t hear me so then I said, your eye makeup makes you look like a whore.”

I was relatively shocked but I figured it could be worse. All it took was my brother telling me a looked like a whore to lighten up on the eyes and I now definitely realize that was a good idea.

I still use makeup on them but go for the lighter look without making myself look like well, you know.

Apparently Hollister is where it’s at. This for some reason stumps me. They excel in selling tight fitting low cut jeans and shirts. It makes you happy when you wear it because you but it’s because everyone else has it. Get over it. Just because something has a little maroon birdie on the bottom right hand corner of it, doesn’t make it any better than the same exact thing piece of clothing that doesn’t have one on it. If you truly wish be a Hollister girl, be my guest. I’m just saying, how you look and more importantly, who you are, is bigger than what you wear.

And so I leave you with this, you’re most likely hotter than you think. You don’t have be perfect 100 percent of the time to be accepted by your peers. Heck, you don’t even have to be accepted by your peers if you don’t want to be. And above all, its not about how you look. It’s about who you are.

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24 Amp THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 16, 2009

Pay to Play

Uniform (Away): $50

Sports can get expensive. Find our what uniforms and equipment cost for these seven sports

All weather set: $90 Cotton Sweat Set: $50

Uniform: $89 Leg Pads: $35

Pants: $45

Uniform Top: $25

Football

Uniforms: $50

Uniform Shorts: $25

Cross Country

Shoulder Pads: $100

Team Caps: $60

Uniform (Home): $50

Soccer

Helmet: $160

WarmUps: $100

Tennis

Assorted Spikes: $2

Suit: $30

Team Caps: $60 Swim Caps: $7

Nylon Running Suit: $90

Water Polo Uniform: $80 Swim Suit: $60 Hayden Creswell Amp Editor

Swimming

Oct

Come out and support your varsity football team at their home game tonight.

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Practice Sweats : $80

Cross Country

Oct

Grab a date and a bucket of popcorn because the “Saw VI” comes out today.

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Oct

Coming Up

Grab your family and friends wear your fancy costumes, Halloween is here.

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Nov

Dont forget to roll back your clocks, daylight-saving time ends today.

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Nov

For all the avid holiday people Disney’s A Christmas Carol comes to theaters.

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Nov Gamers

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get ready, Modern Warefare 2 comes out.

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18 Music THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 16, 2009

Staff Picks A SONG FOR...

Waking Up: “Let The Drummer Kick”

by Citizen Cope. Starting off mellow, it slowly picks up, producing a gentle and tasteful way to start your day.

(Chloe Dault)

Potter’s P laylist October’s theme:

Rocking Out in the Car: “Boss of all Bosses” by Slim Thug. This song has one of the sauciest bass lines I have ever heard and with my friend’s stereo system blasting, this song reaches its true potential. ( Nate Niemerowicz)

Chill. For hectic days in need of a little R & R. Grapevine Fires - Death Cab For Cutie Something New - The Airborne Toxic Event Fables - The Dodos Fix You - Coldplay Somewhere Only We Know - Keane Cartwheels - The Reindeer Section Sleeping – The Swell Season One Last Song - Josiah Leming Say Please - Monsters of Folk Popular Mechanics For Lovers - Beulah One Day - Matisyahu For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti - Sufjan Stevens Sea And The Rhythm - Iron & Wine Paint The Silence - South The General - Dispatch Oh La La - The Faces Peaceful Easy Feeling - The Eagles Masters Of War - Bob Dylan Ohio - Neil Young Who’ll Stop The Rain - Creedence Clearwater Revival For What It’s Worth - Buffalo Springfield

Getting Pumped Up: “Heart of a Champion” by Nelly. This song is inspirational and brings out the inner champion before a game. The upbeat tempo and dominating lyrics allow me to get focused and not easily accept defeat. (Cam Hewitt)

You’re on your way, kid BORNS BELTS IT OUT. Garrett Borns sings with Brown Sugar Brown Trout at the Grand. This summer, Brown Chicken Brown Trout played weekly at The Grand throughout the summer. Courtesy Photo MOLLIE LABEFF Reporter Most student bands get gigs at local places like The Fire Barn and VFW. Other groups such as Brown Chicken Brown Trout have been playing at parties, bars and even recording their music in a studio.

“We’re actually going into the studio next week,” lead vocalist, Garrett Borns said. “We’re gonna lay down some funky grooves, just for a little demo CD and for our MySpace.” (www.myspace.com/ brownchickenbrowntrout).

The group, which came together early this past summer, will record at Bill Chrysler’s studio in Grand Haven. “[Chrysler] actually produced Maroon 5’s first album, and worked with Christina Aguilera and John Mayer,” Borns said. “It’s in a warehouse.

You’d never know it’s there, but it’s really nice.”

Other Brown Chicken Brown Trout band members include drummer Scott Pellegrom, bass player Jeff Baldus and Kevin Kozel on guitar.

Their sound isn’t limited to one specific genre; it’s more of a unique blend of jazzy funk rock.

“All in all we’re kind of a ‘get-up-and-dance, have-a-good-time’ type of music.” Borns said.

Since the band never practices together, the gigs and shows they play double as rehearsal time.

“We learn songs on our own time,” Borns said.

“Then we go into gigs and it’s basically up to us to sound good.”

Borns started out small by playing music for fun in his former band, Follow Suit. Now he’s playing more serious gigs with Brown Chicken Brown Trout and even making money. Playing songs by wellknown artists sets a better atmosphere for shows, because the audience is familiar with the music.

“We play mostly covers, because we play at parties and bars,” Borns said. “That’s what drunk people want to hear.”

However, Borns writes original songs for his band and himself as well.

“Throughout the day I get tons of ideas,” Borns said. “I’ll write them on my phone, or call myself and leave a message of a little melody line so I don’t forget it. I’m constantly recording myself.”

For Garrett, making music comes naturally.

“It just happens,” Borns said. “You can’t ever force songwriting.”

In Between Class: “Changes” by Tupac. My friend, Cory Pfeffer, and I like to show off that we know the whole song, and the hallways would be a great place to brag. (Cam Hewitt) “Float On” by Modest Mouse. It makes you feel like everything will be ok even though you failed that chemistry test. (Kailin VanOordt) When You’re Angry: “ Truth of a Liar” by August Burns Red. Fast. Heavy.

Driven. Everything you need when you need to blow off some steam.

(Tyler Apple) “Let’s Start a Riot” by Three Days Grace. It makes me want to throw things, push people and kick them in the shins. (Megan Birkett) When You’re Sad: “Don’t Call Me Peanut” by Bayside. If you are feeling down in the dumps, grab a carton of ice cream, a warm blanket, and put this song on repeat. Go Ahead… self- loathing is OK every once in a while. (Tyler Apple)

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Friday, October 16, 2009 THE BUCS’ BLADE Technology 19

New Halo game falls short NATE NIEMEROWICZ Technology Editor Ever since Microsoft came out with the Xbox, the Halo franchise has been a powerhouse in the gaming world. Every two or three years Bungie puts out a new installment to the franchise, sending gamers into a crazed state. However the latest edition, Halo 3 ODST, is sub-par compared to previous installments.

The game is an add-on to Halo 3, however in ODST the gamer plays as a marine, which means no performance enhancing MJOLNIR suit. The whole game is played through multiple story lines trying to discover what happened to the player’s crew.

One fairly decent part of the game is that before starting the level, the player drops in on a pod, which gives a fresh beginning to every level. The game is enjoyable while engaged in combat, but the problem is the breaks between fighting are long and drawn out, leading the player to become bored and end up putting the controller down.

Unlike previous Halo installments, when the gamer could be very creative with decisions and character movement, in ODST once discovering the GPS, the player simply moves from spot to spot killing a few aliens and moving on. The game is really repetitive and gets old within the first level. In addition, the fact that the character is a marine takes away from the original Halo experience. The marine can’t jump as high and has less health, which gets really annoying as the game progresses and the enemies become stronger. Game play as the marine could have added a nice new approach to the game, but fell short due to poor execution.

Overall the game is not impressive by any means but is still a decent play. Expect boredom while playing and be ready to take breaks. ODST is not a one night straight shot, “Oh my gosh I need to play this,” kind of game but is still a mildly entertaining gaming experience.

Mini notebooks, Mini trend

User-friendliness, low prices, portablity are selling points helping the latest wave of tiny laptops become more common and more useful GREG ROKISKY Reporter

“I decided to put a little bit of Word on it,” McCarthy said. “I put it on there so I could see attachments.”

The downsizing of products continues to be The mini notebooks can range from $300 to apparent. Now mp3 players that are smaller around $1500. than a credit card. Cars have shrunk. Now McCarthy noted one fallback of her mini. computers have followed this path with the mini “My mini doesn’t have a lot of memory for notebooks. things like music,” said McCarthy.

Junior Bridget McCarthy bought her Dell Although some minis may lack memory, Inspiron Mini five months ago. memory capacity can range according to “The best features of my mini are its size and type. There are minis available with 160GB of it’s easy to carry around,” memory. If memory is a McCarthy said. “It makes problem, external hard “THE BEST FEATURES OF MY it very convenient if you drives are always an want to study anywhere option for those who are MINI ARE ITS SIZE AND IT’S other than your house.” avid music downloaders EASY TO CARRY AROUND, IT Apple, Toshiba, HP or require excess and other big name MAKES IT VERY CONVENIENT space for papers and brands are makers of the assignments.

IF YOU WANT TO STUDY mini laptops. They can Most minis have be customized in terms a video output port ANYWHERE OTHER THAN of features and style and that enable the user YOUR HOUSE.” are designed specifically to display PowerPoint for Internet usage. Minis

--junior Bridget McCarthy presentations on a larger typically are significantly screen. less expensive and weigh “The video output less than average laptops. The smaller size port is great for business use if you need to of the minis causes some features of average present something or for personal use with laptops not to carry over to minis. For example, presentations,” the Best Buy associate said. minis do not have CD/DVD drives.

“The mini is great for those who mainly use “They are not designed for video games or Internet,” McCarthy said. “I would recommend multimedia use,” a Best Buy employee said. minis to those who use Internet a lot and don’t McCarthy found that she liked the want the trouble of bringing a large bulky laptop customizing options for her mini. along.”

Mini

Product- mini notebook Price- $300-$1500 Available at- Best Buy, online or Staples Features- smaller screen, light weight, convenient size Drawbacks- no disk drive, smaller keyboard

Standard

vs.

Facebook launches new simplified application, Facebook Lite to compete with Twitter, a web site based on status updates and posts MOLLIE LABEFF Reporter Facebook Lite looks like severe competition for another popular sharing web site, Twitter. Facebook Lite offers a broader selection for their users, such as allowing videos to be uploaded, multiple pictures, and no limit to status post size. Where as Twitter only allows one photo to be uploaded, and a limit of 140 characters on status updates.

When the original Facebook first came out it 2004, it was competing heavily with MySpace, another sharing web site. Now Facebook is much more popular and widely known. With a new version on the rise, will other web sites fade with the upcoming technology? Friend request denied.

Become a fan of Facebook’s new, simplified version of their web site; Facebook Lite. Facebook launched the new application on Sep. 10. This revised edition of the ever-rising Internet phenomenon is not yet open to the public, but offers a preview for a limited amount of users on a first-comefirst-serve basis. Users must have a regular Facebook account in order to use the Lite version, and may use both applications at once. The friend list is automatically synchronized to match that of the user’s normal account. Facebook Lite is more convenient for quickly updating a status or shooting someone a comment via iTouch. Load time is cut down immensely because there are only four tabs; wall, info, friends, and photos & videos. No chat, applications, groups or fan pages. No tiresome masses of cause invitations, or tedious ‘Which Sex and the City character are you?’ quiz updates. Friend request accepted.

20 Vibe THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 16, 2009

fall fashion fun

Downtown Grand Haven transformed into a runway on Oct. 3, strutting models sported the new fall trends available at local stores KALI REA Reporter It’s a gray autumn day and the smell of freshly prepared food swirls in the breeze. Observers gather under the white tent and the school fiddle group can be heard playing on the stage. There is excitement in the air as people hustle about to get ready.

As the fiddle group finishes and exits the stage, owner of the local clothing store Down To Earth and Main Street Downtown Development Authority (MSDDA) director of events Sholeh Veiseh takes the stage. While she speaks models get ready to walk the runway. It’s all part of the first Fall Fashion show in Grand Haven.

The event, held on Oct. 3, was organized by the MSDDA and Spread the Music Foundation. With the money raised, the MSDDA will be able to sponsor more events. The inspiration for the show was to bring a general awareness to the community of local clothing stores and fashion.

Participating businesses were Aberdeen’s Clothing for Children, Dockside Clothing, Down to Earth, That Hat, Mackinaw Kite, The Store of Grand Haven, Michigan Rag, Buffalo Bob’s, Borr’s Shoes and Accessories, Be Medical Spa & Salon, Donaylle Nicole Hair Studio, Harborview Eyecare and Must Love Dogs.

Michigan Rag Company models included Maggie Smith and Chelsea Basset. Smith was responsible of finding models for Michigan Rag and picking out their clothing, which included an assortment of large graphic tee’s and hoodies.

Buffalo Bob’s sported many bright, neon colored snowboard jackets and other winter wear. Mac Kite Company had a spring preview at the closing of their display. The models confidently wore swimwear in the 61-degree weather. Borr’s Bootery supplied shoes to match with the clothing modeled from Down to Earth.

“Overall I thought it was a huge success”, Veiseh said. “For the first year it really pulled together. There were a lot more people here than I even expected.”

DRESSED FOR THE WEATHER: The vest is back. The puffy vest is best worn with other layers, perferably a long sleeved shirt. Jeans are a must, being the most compatable with the vest. Finish off with some cute accesories, and whatever shoes you feel like rockin’.

Store: Mackinaw Kite

OUT FOR A STROLL: For the cold fall weather, a sweatshirt is an easy way to stay warm yet trendy.

To get the desired layered look, put a light jacket over the sweatshirt/hoodie and put up the hood. This will keep you extra warm and in style.

Store: Mackinaw Kite

PARTY TIME: Leggings are here to stay. Leggings are very versitle and can be worn dressed up or for casual everyday wear, depending on the top.

Here, the model is ready for a causual outing, sporting a light jacket and a cargo bag.

Store: Mackinaw Kite Photos by Haley Birkett

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Friday, October 16, 2009 THE BUCS’ BLADE Sports 21

Senior goalie achieves success this season.

The freshman season was a wake up call to Morlock, who admits he was humbled to find he wasn’t as good as he With a blue-sky overhead and turf under foot, senior thought—and that this realization frustrated him. goalie Will Morlock is the only person to be found on the “I contemplated quitting but I made a decision to take soccer field. the game more serious, and I couldn’t be happier with Morlock is somebody who works extremely hard at what how everything turned out,” Morlock said. “The guys on he does. The summer before his junior year he spent hours the team and the coaches were really supportive as I made training and working on the technical side of his game. my way up from the freshman team to the JV and then the He knew that he had a chance at being the varsity varsity team.” goalkeeper and he wanted to take advantage of that Coach Aaron Dean took notice of Morlock’s opportunity. off season efforts.

“I really took the initiative to get myself going,” “Over the last two years I know I’ve seen Morlock said, “but Coach Dean and my parents him at the track and getting workouts in on the helped me along the way, before junior year I field,” Dean said. trained 2 hours every day in the summer.”

Morlock attended camps at Hope College Morlock has grown up around soccer. As a result, and the Soccer Plus National Training Center to he has tremendous experience in the goal box. improve himself. The hard work really helped Will Morlock “I started off [playing goalie] when I was 12 or him improve and his teammates noticed the 13,” Morlock said. “I really liked the feeling of making the transformation. big save and feeling like you’re the hero.”

“I was amazed, he was really good,” senior Tanner Morlock hasn’t always been a star. He has climbed the Schaap said. “But at the same time I really wasn’t [surprised] ladder from the bottom to become the varsity goalie. On because he’s really dedicated.” the freshman team he was a backup goalie. His sophomore Dean isn’t shocked by the improvement either. year on the JV team he split time in the net. As a junior, he “He’s a smart kid and with his dedication plus came back from summer a new person and won the starting commitment he picked up everything he could,” Dean said. position on the varsity team, a role to which he returned Morlock is more than just an excellent goalie he’s also Ethan Beswick Reporter

an extraordinary student and teammate. He has held a 3.9 GPA for his high school career and his teammates think highly of him.

“He’s a really good leader,” Schaap said. “He’s an example for people, they want to be like him.”

His skills haven’t gone unnoticed either. After his junior season he was named All-District, All-Region, All-Area, AllConference Honorable Mention and All-State Honorable Mention.

“It really made me feel like all the hard work I had put in paid off,” Morlock said. “And it gave me a big boost of confidence.”

One secret to Morlock’s game is acupuncture.

“The acupuncture makes me more focused and the visualization builds confidedence and mentally prepares me,” Morlock said.

Even though the Bucs entered this season with high expectations after falling to Portage Central in last year’s regional finals, Morlock’s goals aren’t focused on wins and losses.

“My goal is that we reach our potential every game,” Morlock said. “The rest will take care of itself.”

Overall, the last few years have taught Morlock lessons about more than just soccer.

“Hard work really does pay off,” Morlock said. “And if you’re confident in yourself, you can really get what you want.”

22 Sports THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 16, 2009

DOWN but not OUT

Injured Star: Senior quarterback Bryan Kiel watches from the sidelines, after a recent surgery, as his team takes on the West Ottawa Panthers. Before the season Kiel was considerered by many to be one of the better quarterbacks in the state but a devasting foot injury in the Bucs’ first game ended his final season. Now, he is doing the best he can to stay involved and to remain a captain and leader to his team. Photo by: Amy Potter

Senior captain continues to contribute despite his season-ending foot injury Cam Hewitt Associate Sports Editor Five years of constant lifting, training and bruised, banged up bodies. Five years of early morning conditioning, throwing workouts and the memorization of hundreds of plays, all leading up to his senior year. For Bryan Kiel, five years of heart and dedication came down to a mere four plays, before an injury ended his season.

As a junior, Kiel started at quarterback for the varsity team. When that season stopped just short of the playoffs, he was determined to work hard so his senior year would not end as quickly. Unfortunately, in the Bucs’ first series of their season opener, Kiel was tackled from behind causing a foot injury, forcing him to limp his way to sidelines. Although he did not know it at the time, he was stepping off Gene Rothi Field for the last time.

“It hurt but I stayed in the game for two more plays and even punted. I sat out the rest of the game but knew it was not too bad of an injury and that I would be back,” said Kiel.

According to Kiel’s first doctor, he would be back, just

in time to lead his team against Muskegon. But a second opinion brought dreadful news, leaving him in tears.

“The doctor said I tore ligaments in my foot and chipped a bone,” Kiel said. “It was hard to be told I’d still play and the next day it’s eight weeks. It crushed me.”

Losing the season not only surprised Kiel but also left his team and head coach, Mike Farley, shocked.

“Coming into the season Bryan was one of the top quarterbacks in the area and maybe the state,” Farley said. “He was a duel threat and an effective weapon to our offense. But most of all he is a great leader and a deserving captain.”

Farley knows how hard Kiel worked at his game and knew it was unfair to be done so sudden.

“It disappoints me to no end,” Farley said. “Bryan worked so hard, always doing the little things to improve as a player, including lifting and speed school. He would do whatever was asked of him without any complaints.”

Despite all of this, Kiel’s passion for the game has overcome any injury or obstacles slowing him down and he is staying involved, helping the team any way he can.

“I helped giving the offense signs on the sidelines during the first couple games,” Kiel said. “At practice I help with plays, getting cones, and keeping everyone motivated and positive.”

Farley says Kiel is like having an extra quarterback coach. Teammate and longtime friend, Grant Gillissie, is pleased with Kiel’s positive attitude and enjoys having him at practice.

“He has not once been negative around the team,” Gillissie said. “He is very encouraging, making sure we never get down during practice or games. It’s also fun to see him smiling, wheeling around on his scooter, running errands for our coaches.”

Kiel had definite potential to play football in college, with many Division 1 schools interested in him. According to Farley, Kiel can still compete at the next level.

“The situation is, after his injury heals he will not be in playing shape,” Farley said. “He will work hard to regain that strength and could get the opportunity to walk on somewhere or play Division 2. But Bryan is a natural leader and competitor and with those qualities, he can go a long way.”

Missing Kiel’s talent is an enormous loss but junior, Adam Poel, stepped in and has done a fantastic job, helping the Bucs qualify for the playoffs.

“Adam has adapted really well,” Farley said. “Our team has also done a terrific job rallying around both Bryan and Adam. They worked so hard and need all the support they can get.”

Kiel did not plan on watching the season from the sidelines. Now, after any win, look to the sidelines to see the crippled captain with his crutches raised high in the air, enjoying the season nonetheless.

“I knew I could help my team out a lot by staying positive,” Kiel said. “I’m very proud with how they are playing so far and am excited to see how we do in the playoffs.”

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Friday, October 16, 2009 THE BUCS’ BLADE Sports 23

Soccer Record: 13-4-2 Key Games: Beat Rockford 3-0 and lost to East Kentwood 1-0.

Key Player: Matt VanZytveld is the leading scorer.

Coach Dean: “The pre game feel is my favorite with the guys bonding in the team room.”

Player quote: “We have lost some games we shouldn’t have lost, but overall we are doing well.”- Senior Nick Heyboer

Football Record: 6-1 Key Games: Beat Hudsonville 13-9 to qualify for playoffs.

Key Player: Alec Smith caught two TD passes vs. Hudsonville.

Coach Duram: “I am looking for us to continue to play agressive physical football.”

Player quote: “We are very excited to be in the playoffs for the first time since 1999.”

- Senior Kelsey Kilbry

Bucs make playoffs Matt Deater Managing Editor

Last Friday the Buc football team went into its game at Hudsonville with a goal: beat the Eagles and reach the playoffs. It was a hard fought game but the Bucs came out victorious 13-9 and that goal was fulfilled for the first time since 1999.

“It’s the second time in school history,” coach Mike Farley said. “It’s exciting for the kids, staff, school and community.”

Senior captain Jordan Goetz believes it’s a great accomplishment but is still focused on finishing strong.

“We want to win out and take Grandville and East Kentwood out of the playoffs by beating both, our goal is to make a run at State,” Goetz said.

Farley’s goal is to enter the playoffs with as much momentum as possible.

“We have two games left, our goal is to enter the playoffs 8-1 not limp in 6-3,” Farley said.

Farley knows that tonight’s game against Grandville is not to be overlooked.

“They are a very tough, physical football team,” Farley said. “Our kids are focused on the game at hand and they know it is important to win.”

Junior quarterback Adam Poel agrees with Farley.

“They are a good team, we have to take them out of the game early,” Poel said.

Junior Tyler Rose hopes the team can get better against the Dawgs.

“Hopefully we can get our offense going and our defense can continue to play well,” Rose said.

RUSH TO PAY DIRT: Junior Trent Hitsmen runs the ball against the Muskegon , an important game the Bucs won.

With the win over Hudsonville they qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1999. Photo by Amy Potter

Goetz believes that Grandville has some weaknesses that the defense will try to exploit.

“Grandville has a slow line hopefully our defensive line can get a good pass rush,” Goetz said. “They also run an offense that our defense is good at stopping.”

Sticking to the game plan will be the key.

“We are going to run the ball a lot because

they only have six people in the box,” senior Vince Kuzma said. “We need to establish the run to set up the pass.”

Senior Logan Cuddington believes focus is the key.

“We need to keep working hard, so we can get to the 8-1 mark and hopefully get a home playoff game,” Cuddington said.

Golf

Water Polo

Swimming

Volleyball

Tennis

Cross Counrty

Record: 7-5

Record: 25-10

Record: 4-3

Record: 2-3

Record: 3-1-2

Record: 5-2,6-1

Key Games: Regionals where they barely missed the State Finals.

Key Games: Beat Rockfod 11-10, ranked fourth in the state.

Key Games: Beat Spring Lake 112-74.

Key Games: Lost to Hudsonville 26-24, 25-20.

Key Games: Regionals where they barely missed state.

Key Games: Both teams beat Grandville and Hudsonville.

Key Player: Audrey Austin was the top golfer on the team.

Key Player: Sam Schulze had 17 goals in East Kentwood Invite.

Key Player: Sophomore Lydia Hoogerhyde is a rising star.

Key Player: Mindy Marx 65 kills in the East Kentwood Invitational.

Key Players: Mitch Borchers and Spencer Krug were undefeated.

Key Player: Laura Addison is leading the girls with a 19:00 race.

Coach Glass: “We finish third in the OK Red and improved all season.”

Coach Briggs: “The guys have worked very hard to put themselves in position for a title.”

Coach Jensen: “We are very youg but led by a solid upper class.”

Coach Burmaster: “The season is going well, we are continueing to improve.”

Coach Case: “I have seen a huge amount of hardwork and dedication from this team.”

Coach Tarr: “For a young team we have had alot of success this season.”

Player quote: “The Season went well, I enjoyed getting to know the girls I played with.”

- Senior Jeane Spelde

Player quote: “The season is going really well we are winning alot of games.”- Senior Sam Schulze

Player quote: “We have confernece next month and we are working hard to do well.”

- Senior Hannah Bodrie

Player quote: “We have had alot of injuries but are excited for districts.”- Sophomore Kristen Reenders

Player quote: “The season has been good, many of our teams made the regional finals.”

- Senior Nate VanArendonk

Player quote: “We are looking forward to the big races coming up and hopefully state.”- Junior Joe Duff

2 4 Impressions THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 16,

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...

The Story: Once upon a time, there was a mass jail break at Ottowa County Jail. The escaped convicts chose to enter the local circus. Then they disguised themselves as clowns, and fit right in.

Strutting around, unnoticed, they started kidnapping children, and harrassing all of the poor citizens of Grand Haven. The criminals then took all of the children to an empty building they came accross. Their ‘lair’ perse. The children have become a part of the clown clan now. This “Psycho Clown House” is meant to show that clowns really aren’t so nice after all. Don’t be afraid of the dark, be afraid of the clowns in the depths of it. Happy Halloween!

What: “Psycho Clowns” Haunted Hall When: Fridays and Saturdays in October 7-11 p.m.

Where: Grand Landing, behind Culvers at Jackson and US31 Cost: $6. $1 discount with canned goods for Love, Inc.

Be afraid of what’s in it.

For more information on the “Psycho Clown House”, visit www.hauntedhall.com

Ali Steggles Photo Editor

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