Bucs' Blade September 2009

BUCS’

BLADE

Fall

Sports Previews

Page 11

September 8, 2009 17001 Ferris, Grand Haven, MI 49417 A student publication of community significance since 1927

back into the Get‘swing’ of school 1

2 Inside THE BUCS’ BLADE Tuesday, September 8, 2009

THE BUCS’ BLADE

A student newspaper of community significance since 1927 Volume 65, Issue 1

September 8, 2009

STAFF

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 Hayden Creswell Cam Hewitt Zak Konarska Nate Niemerowicz Ali Steggles Grace Sterenberg

Feature Editor Associate News Editor The AMP Editor Associate Sports Editor Editorial Page Editor Associate VIBE Editor Photo Editor News Editor

C.E. Sikkenga

Adviser

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.

Correction notification forms are available in the main office or in Room 0205 and should be returned directly to Room 0205 upon completion. All correction requests are subject to review.

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. Typed, double-spaced letters are preferred, but legible, handwritten letters are acceptable. 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. Letters previously published, addressed to third parties or photocopied will not be published. 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 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.

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

F

Dear Readers:

turn to Internet, T.V. and magazine resources (Look for us on Twitter rom freshman and new and Facebook). As a staff we destudents to the faculty cided that it was our duty to presand returning sophoent you, our readers, with informamores, juniors and setion in its easiest form, in a more niors I would like to inefficient and enjoyable way. troduce you to the new Bucs’ Blade.

With that in mind we have To the veterans, this looks nothing changed our format to a tabloid like our old, broadsheet [regular and have started a new tradition newspaper] student publication and with this, a first day edition. We to the rookies, in my opinion you’re look forward to providing you with in for a treat. many fantastic stories throughout

For those that are unaware, the 2009-2010 school year! the ways of media are changing at a rapid pace. People no longer Sincerely, look to a newspaper as their first Megan Birkett source of information and now Editor-in-Chief

IN THIS EDITION

Community, Bucs open 2009 football season with win --Impressions p.7

Technology upgrades to change life for students, staff It’s been a busy summer for the GHAPS Technology department as they have worked to install the new equipment purchased as a result of last spring’s technology bond. Students arrived this morning to find new labs and interactive white boards in every class. SEE NEWS p. 4

Students learn powerful lessons on Honduras trip --Feature p. 8 1

Summer’s over but the celebration goes on at

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41 Washington Grand Haven 846-1221 MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL BUCCANEER STYLE! Join us on Monday nights at 7 during football season as we host the taping of Coach’s Corner with Buccaneer football coach Mike Farley.

INDIVIDUAL PIZZAS ONLY $3 HOMECOMING SPECIAL: Homecoming is October 3. Mention The Bucs’ Blade when you make your reservation and we’ll take15 % off your party’s check!

CALL 846-1221 TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION NOW! 1

4 News THE BUCS’ BLADE Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Buc Briefs Foofball Fundraiser

BRAVE NEW WORLD BRAND NEW: One of three open labs new this year. 5 new portable laptop labs as well as interactive whiteboards in every calssroom were also implemented this year as part of the $4.9 million 5 year plan. (Photo by: Grace Sterenberg)

New technology updates school

Classical Mythology

GRACE STERENBERG|News Editor The $4.9 million bond issue passed in May has begun to take effect with huge additions in the technology department.

Doug Start, instructional technology coordinator for the district, has and continues to play a huge role in the implementation of the new resources this year.

“I kind of act as the branch between the technology department and the classroom,” Start said.

Start’s tasks include training the teachers with the new equipment and Gradebook system and all other web systems.

The asset that Start has the most excitement for this year is the interactive whiteboard, one of which will be in every classroom. “[The interactive whiteboards] are going to provide for more student engagement,” Start said. “It’s really about getting the students up and working with whatever it is they’re learning about.”

These interactive boards allow teachers to do more than they’ve ever been able to do on a normal whiteboard with markers, or a projector screen hooked up to a computer. They also allow teachers to save screens, record lessons, or other things to make it much easier for an absent student to catch up quickly.

The new gadgets may seem like a dream come true to many teachers, but to others may be a confusing change in their teaching style. Start believes that in the beginning some teachers will adapt very quickly while others may be slightly

This Friday at the Grand Haven Vs. Muskegon football game, there will be donation buckets around the stadium and stands to collect money for the American Cancer Society. The team will be wearing purple jerseys, which is the official color of cancer awareness. You, as the Fans are also invited to participate by wearing purple, so that the stands will be a sea of purple people, sticking up to cancer.

Classical mythology will be offered this year as a new class to the English department. The class will be taught by Jared Kram and Scott Christian and will focus on Greek, Celtic and Norse mythology. Within these areas the class will touch on creation and destruction myths, heroes, and specific people in mythology. The class will be offered all three trimesters for your learning enjoyment.

Math of Games resistant.

“I think a good way to go about it is that if teachers find one thing to do on the whiteboard and get good at that one thing, it helps build confidence,” Start said. “It is a whole different way of teaching and to expect a snap switch is a little unrealistic.”

Nevertheless Start is still very optimistic for the new technology and in the end hopes the students’ education will be improved.

Another new addition will be five portable laptop computer labs. These will be helpful especially in situations where not every student in the class needs a computer at the same time. Students can bring a few laptops to the classroom so that teachers don’t have to have students spread out all

over the building. These laptops are anticipated to be something students will be excited about, while still benefiting their education.

“We’re trying to create those links between student interest now, and what the curriculum says we need to get taught in the classroom,” Start said.

In the end Start thinks it will be a combined student and teacher effort to get the new technology up and running, to form a new way of learning at GHHS. “I think a lot of it is going to be student pressure that moves all of this forward,” Start said.

“As students want to use this new technology, teachers will be more encouraged to try it out and experiment with it.”

Learn to win games at school! The math department will play host to a new class this year called “Math of Games” to be taught by Chad Williams. In this class students will study and analyze the math behind games such as Battleship, casino games and Deal or no Deal. A large portion of this class will also be spent actually playing the games.

The class will only be offered third trimester.

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009 THE BUCS’ BLADE Opinion 5

BLADE

aims to inform, entertain For Our Readers: As we begin a new year and a new era in our paper, The Bucs’ Blade staff would like to share our beliefs with you the reader. We would also like to clear up some things that we feel are important for you to understand. We would like to like you to know that it is of our belief that the most important aspect of journalism is the STAFF audience.

EDITORIAL We promise you that as a student journalism program we will provide you with accurate and thoroughly researched coverage of news and events that affect readers. Finally, we want you to know that your opinions matter above ours so any input from you is encouraged.

1. The Bucs’ Blade is a student newspaper. As a student publication that strives to be elite, it is our job to not only explain the meaning and significance of a news story, but also to analyze to you how the story affects you and our community.

2. Although it is our job to entertain and inform you, we will do neither without proper journalism devices.

Entertainment is just that much more satisfying to read when it can be backed up by well researched and supported facts, something we strongly believe in.

3. We cannot stress enough that the Bucs’ Blade is a student run publication. It is our job as writers to provide a school forum for the unrestricted exchange of ideas and opinions, not only from our own staff but from our readers as well.

4. Letters to the editor are greatly encouraged. Express your opinions to us, and we will print them.

Trip to Honduras results in friendship CAM HEWITT|Associate Sports Editor

I

t was my first time ever traveling out of the country and it wasn’t how I pictured it. It wasn’t a cruise, or a family getaway, or a senior spring break trip. With the circling vultures above and vicious wild dogs roaming through the mountains blanketed by towering piles of garbage, it was more like a nightmare.

I would be working at an orphanage in Honduras and because of a little boy named Naun it would become life changing.

Naun lives at the orphanage and at eight years old he is innocent and doesn’t completely understand the situation he is in. He has no brothers LIFELONG FRIENDS: Senior Cam Hewitt and his Honduran friend Naun spend some quality time together during Hewitt’s July mission trip to Honduras. Although Hewitt was only in the Central Amerior sisters. And his parents are either can nation for a short time, his friendship with Naun made a deep impact. (Courtesy Photo). dead or unable to take care of him.

Either way they’re gone. harder it would be to leave. were thrown. No soccer games played.

When I arrived at the orphanage he When I climbed down the ladder, his It was quiet and gloomy, just waiting for stuck out to me right away. I could see coarse hand with its cracked skin grabbed the bus to force our goodbye. him in the back of the church kicking my wrist and dragged me around all day.

Finally I saw the bus pulling in. I a popped, mud covered soccer ball at We played soccer, ate lemons, and played picked up Naun, and felt his tears drop on a badly painted, chipped white wall. I more soccer. I even got stung three times my shoulder; I tried to tell him it would walked up to him and we began to kick after Naun told me to throw a rock at a be okay but he could not understand. He the dented ball back and forth. He had bee’s nest. Although my swollen hand kept repeating the words, “No manana?” the most contagious smile and laughed throbbed in pain, Naun found enjoyment meaning “no tomorrow?” Desperately I every time I missed the ball on purpose. from it and the pain was worth it. It was looked around for help, only to hang my We would play for hours usually until the another good day but the last full one we head in shame knowing it was my fault. ball was too wrecked would have together.

It got to the point where I was the to play anymore, or The third day, the last only one not on the bus. Tears filled when Naun’s so-called day, was one of the most both of our eyes. I looked at him and shoes ripped through eye-opening days of my said. “Amigos todos anos,”, “Friends the front. Twice this life. I stepped off the bus all years,” I just hoped he would get the happened and he would and saw Naun sitting on message through my cluttered mind just take it off and a bench all by himself. It and my level two Spanish. As his finger throw it to the side like was what I was afraid of. rubbed across the bottom of his nose he it is almost meant too, I had become too good said, “Si,” and hugged me. I ran to the when really they had of friends, and now I was bus, disgusted with myself and left. failed him. Too soon breaking his heart. Why It took me a while to finally realize, the first day was over, didn’t I just go about my but what Naun and I shared was and I yelled “Adios,” business and keep working amazing. There are no other words for to my new friend and on the roof ? Why couldn’t it. We were able to have a basic, human stumbled onto the bus.

I have been less selfish and hung out friendship without even being able to The second day I worked on a roof. with more than Naun? Now he will go speak the same language. Now, he has Naun, and the other kids were doing their back to playing soccer with a stupid wall, seen that there are people who care. I chores so they could happily swim in without his shoes, laughter and joy. Now will never forget Naun. I am thankful to their tiny, dirty pool. When they got out, he will think there is only bad in the have made him happy, even if it was just I got really excited. I didn’t understand world and that there is no hope. Now I for three days. why I was so anxious to see him. It had am just one more thing that will be taken It was my first time ever traveling only been nine hours. But deep down I away from him, one more thing that will out of the country and it wasn’t how I knew it was because our time was limited let him down. pictured it. But because of Naun it was and the stronger our friendship grew the The day went slowly. No lemons an unforgettable experience.

“I am thankful to have made him happy, even if it was just for three days.”

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6 Blink THE BUCS’ BLADE Tuesday, September 8, 2009

BLINK

And in the of an eye the best night of my life was over I

Megan Birkett|Editor-in-chief will deny it to my last breath, but some call me a drama queen. So I get a little emotional and cry over things most wouldn’t…but I’m an 18-year-old girl! I would say that that alone is more than enough to entitle me to a few good cries now and then, especially in relation to my favorite band.

In 1999, my life changed forever—at least musically. For the third year in a row my dad had bought me the new Now That’s What I Call Music CD Although it deeply saddens me to admit I no longer have the disc, it is one I’ll never forget.

It had a sweet gray and chrome design, topped with huge yellow letters spelling out NOW 3. Yeah, that CD was the bomb.

I’m sure that the first two songs were great, maybe some Britney Spears or Backstreet Boys, but it was track 3 that really did me in-- ‘What’s My Age Again’ by Blink 182. I JUST FOR FUN: We will never were so obsessed that we forget it, needed more than just a Now 3 t-shirt, so we bought this Track 3.

It was the Blink 182 underwear! first song I had ever heard by them, and I fell truly madly deeply in love. So in love that “maybe I should marry tears of pure joy and excitement. I received calls and texts it,” according to my best friend. So in love that I didn’t want from everyone, trying to inform me of the fantastic news to show my big sister my new favorite song in fear that (like I didn’t already know, please). I was going to see Blink she may like it too, maybe try to like it more than I did. I 182! I absolutely had to get a ticket for their Detroit show. immediately wanted their entire album and soon after had Tickets sold out in one day, allowing me no choice each and every Blink song memorized. but to bid on two random tickets a Facebook friend Blink 182 stayed my favorite band throughout elementary had somehow snagged. And did I ever break my bank. school but it wasn’t until 6th grade that I had another mindBuying expensive concert tickets on Dairy Treat blowing experience. That’s when I heard their live C.D. I wages in not an easy feat let me tell you. But you heard them play the first two notes of ‘What’s My Age cannot put a price on HAND MADE:The Again’ and the crowd erupted in screams and cheers. It that kind of excitement. was at this very moment when I knew what it was I had My friends t-shirts we made for the to do, and that was get myself to their concert. I made a made fun of big show took us 9 hours! permanent promise to myself that if they were ever around me, telling here, I would go. No matter what the price of the ticket, I me my hopes would find a way to go. were too high, In 2005 when the news that Blink was breaking up hit they weren’t me like brick. Actually scratch that, it hit me like a train. I going to be cried in my room. How unfair that I waited so long for a that great chance that would never come. But I didn’t give up hope. I etcetera, but swore to my friends that Blink would re-unite, and someday I didn’t let it I would hear them play to an audience of only me, no one in get to me. My the crowd but me. Of course, to my friends this was a joke. best friend and I could only imagine their shock when the band announced I spent endless at the 2008 Grammy’s that they were getting back together hours hand and going on tour. sewing the most amazing tee-shirts That night was the second time I cried over Blink 182, for our big day.

THE BIG NIGHT: Right before Blink 182 came on stage, Spring Lake senior Avery Zynewicz and I posed for a picture in our shirts. I will never forget the excitment i felt that night, it turned my stomach!

As the day approached ever so slowly, thinking of the concert had terrible side effects. Each time I thought of the show I’d get so overly excited I would become short of breath, begin to hyperventilate, jump up and down in the most annoying girly way, and give an obnoxious equally girly squeal. When the big day finally rolled around, we listened to Blink 182 and nothing else all the way to the show. I couldn’t believe I was actually seeing this band, something that was on my Top 10 Things To Do before you die list, and come on that is a pretty darn serious list!

Chester French (whom I met afterwards… hottie for sure) Panic at the Disco and Fall Out Boy opened. I had seen FOB before, and I love them really I do, but that night I just could not wait for their part to be over and to finally FINALLY hear Blink 182 live.

It was the third song they played that night, just like track 3 on my old CD They played the first two notes of ‘What’s My Age Again’ and the crowd went wild, and for the next few minutes I was in pure ecstasy. I screamed and hooted and hollered until my throat was raw and my voice was gone. Even though I just turned 18, I’ve seen my fair share of concerts, but I’m pretty positive nothing I see will ever come close to my night on August 22, 2009, the third time I cried over Blink 182.

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009 THE BUCS’ BLADE Impressions 7

Friday Night FRENZY Grand Haven Community takes on Traverse City West as a whole

Clockwise from upper left : TAILGATING FUN: A young Buccaneer fans tosses a football before the start of the first game of the season. PEP TALK: After warm ups, the Bucs’ head to the locker rooms to get that first game speach from coach, Mike Farley. TAKING A BREAK: Cheerleaders Katie Cook and Lillian Kortman take a break to watch their team play. Bottom right: HIKE!: The Buccaneer offensive line prepares to begin the play that will bring them one step closer to a touchdown. Bottom Left: CONCENTRATION Senior Quarterback, Bryan Kiel paces the sidelines waiting for his chance to get on the field. BLOW YOUR HORNS: Trumpeteer Jenny Vandewaa plays the halftime show with the marching band. (Photos by: Ali Steggles)

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8 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Tuesday, September 8, 2009

TRIP OF A LIFETIME: Students from Grand Haven high school travel to Honduras to do voulenteer work. During their visit, students undergo a lockdown due to political unrest issues in the country and leave friends and family at home worried. (Photos by Cam Hewitt)

Students help in Honduras HALEY BIRKETT|Feature Editor Junior Katie VanZytveld stood on the top of her hotel roof in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras and watched in awe as protesters burned tires and garbage outside of President Jose Manuel Zelaya’s house.

On June 26th, Katie, and seniors Matthew VanZytveld, Cam Hewitt and Nate VanArendonk all set of on a trip that would open their eyes to the realities that people living in third world countries face every day.

Signing up for the trip, the participants were made aware of the political issues going on in Honduras at the time, yet they had not expected what was about to happen.

“It was Sunday morning and we were all eating breakfast, when we heard these really loud military jets flying by,” Katie said. “The hotel workers told us all to go back to our rooms and to stay calm.”

For the remainder of Sunday Katie, Matthew and the rest of their church group were in lock down.

“When the city of Tegucigalpa was put on ‘lock down’, we were aware of the fact that the president had been kidnapped,” Matthew said. “All power was shut off, there was an 8:00 p.m. nightly curfew put into place and there were armed Honduran jet planes flying overhead during daylight hours to assure that the government still had some control of the country and to prevent further

rioting and protesting.”

According to the VanZytvelds, Honduran presidents are only allowed two terms just like in America. However, President Zelaya wanted to re-write the constitution so that he could receive a third, he even eliminated the vice presidency spot so that he couldn’t be replaced. He also felt that the current constitution favored the elitist. The poor were then all in favor of re-writing the constitution and were strong supporters of President Zelaya. He planned to distribute a ballot for the people to vote regarding rewriting the constitution, however the armed forces told him that they would not distribute the ballots for that Sunday’s vote.

“While President Zelaya had the support of the people, the Supreme Court didn’t like him because of his close relationship with President Chavez of Venezuela, a country that is run under a dictatorship,” Katie said.

“The Supreme Court felt that by giving President Zelaya a third term, he would try to convert the government into a dictatorship.”

Aside from the lock down, Katie was still able to see and experience many new things.

“It was really interesting to see the differences in the classes,” Katie said. “There were lots of houses that were small and worn down, but there were also big houses, but those ones were surrounded with big cement walls and barbed wire.”

Along with Katie, Matthew learned some new tricks as well.

“While spending time at an orphanage, I was able to make new friends and practice up on my Spanish,” Mattthew said. “ They also taught me some new moves for soccer season.”

Overall, Katie and Matthew both got to experience what every day life is like in and underdeveloped country.

“This was the most important place I had ever been,” Matthew said. “I was amazed to see the extent to which people went to keep their families fed, clothed and housed.

It was an overall great experience for me. I was humbled by the differences in the culture and now have a new perspective on life. I will no longer take the simple things in life for granted.”

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College Funding Nights

“How to Pay for College Without Going Broke”

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10 Book Reviews THE BUCS’ BLADE Tuesday, September 8, 2009 Instead of a science textbook check out…

Extras By: Scott Westerfeld Extras is the happymaking conclusion to the Uglies series. Bring on the face ranks, kickers, Techheads, and surge monkeys in this thrilling story about a girl who just wants to be famous. However, in the process of kicking a huge story she discovers something much bigger than her own face rank status. Something that could possibly change the new world forever and despite her truth-slanting she might in all honesty find love.

Instead of a foreign language textbook check out…

Girl Overboard By: Justina Chen Headley Syrah, not to be mistaken as Sarah because it’s See-rah like her father’s favorite wine, is the little rich girl with the perfect life. Except that she will never be the size zero her mom wants her to be, she messed up her knee and along with it her dreams of becoming a pro-snowboarder, her parents are only home enough to make sure she does her duties that come along with being Ethan Cheng’s daughter and her best friend’s girlfriend is trying to ruin their friendship. Will she be able to repair her knee enough to fly down mountains again?

Can she repair her broken heart and trust it enough to let herself find true love? Is it possible for her to find something more important than snowboarding?

Instead of a psychology textbook check out…

North of Beautiful By: Justina Chen Headley

Instead of sheet music check out…

The main character in North of Beautiful is Terra, a self-conscious girl with a port-wine stain on her face. She wears a mask of makeup every day to cover her port-wine stain because despite the many surgeries Terra has undergone to get rid of it, it won’t go away. Everyone says she is lucky to be dating a popular jock but Terra’s not so sure. One day she almost runs over Jacob, a quirky misunderstood boy, with her car and her life is forever changed. This book takes you on a journey through the characters as they search for acceptance, love, friendship, and self-confidence.

Instead of a history textbook check out…

BETTER than textbooks...

Seven great reads to transition you from lazy summer beach days to back to school.

TEAL CHAMPAGNE| Design Editor

Mr. Monk Goes to Hawaii By: Lee Goldberg This book, based off the TV series Monk, is definitely a page-turner. Mr. Monk is an “Obsessive Compulsive Detective.” This time he’s off to Hawaii to investigate Helen Gruber’s murder. The rich tourist supposedly died by “a fatal blow from a coconut” but Monk isn’t letting the investigation stop there. TV psychic Dylan Swift is on the island and claims to have a message from Helen Gruber but Monk is highly doubtful of his reliability. So Monk must now find Helen Gruber’s killer and prove that Swift is a fake.

Instead of an English textbook check out…

Just Listen By: Sarah Dessen Annabel’s life is seemingly perfect if you look at the surface. But underneath the surface she’s dealing with a friendship that ended badly, her sister’s eating disorder, and a school filled with people that hate her. Then at lunch one day she met Owen, absorbed in the music coming from his headphones. He teaches Annabel how to trust in herself and speak truthfully. “Just Listen. You might totally hate it, or not. It might be the answer to all life’s questions.

That’s the beauty of it. Don’t think, or judge.

Just listen.” Will she be able to follow Owen’s advice?

Instead of a math textbook check out…

I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You By: Ally Carter The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women may look like any other private all-girls school on the outside and if you’ve been inside it probably looked pretty normal too. The minute you left though the labels telling the names of classes such as Math, Science, and English were replaced with Martial Arts, Breaking CIA Codes, and Pavement Artist 101. This school and the students who attend are not only geniuses but also spies in training. Cammie knows fourteen languages but can she figure out how to talk to an ordinary boy who can never know the truth about her?

Instead of an English textbook check out…The Rescue By: Nicholas Sparks Denise is a quiet, single mother who moves from the big city back to her hometown so she can concentrate on her son, Kyle, who has trouble with his speech. Then one day Denise and Kyle meet Taylor, the volunteer fireman who rescues them both. Denise starts to fall hard for Taylor because he is so nice to Kyle; he treats him like a normal little boy. While Taylor, to his dismay, can’t stop thinking about Denise either. Soon they are all left to learn that life is unpredictable. They face hardships financially, anguish that threatens to devour them, a bond of love that might just save them, and a lesson in second chances.

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009 THE BUCS’ BLADE Sports 11

Fall Sports Preview Girls Volleyball

Girls and Boys Cross Country

Girls Golf

Boys Soccer

Last Year: District Champs

Last Year:: 7-0 and 6-1

Last Year:: OK Red Champs

Last Year:: 20-3-1

Key Player: Senior Mindy Marx will lead the team from her middle hitter position.

Key Players: Juniors Cristina Perez and Joe Duff are returning state finalists and top runners.

Key Player: Senior Audrey Austin will be the top golfer this fall.

Key Player: Senior Nick Heyboer, set the school record in goals scored last year.

Key Games: Rockford, Jenison, East Kentwood

Key Games: Rockford, Grandville, West Ottawa

Key Games: Rockford, Hudsonville

Key Games: Rockford, East Kentwood

Up Next: Sept.10 @ West Ottawa, Sept. 17 @ Rockford

Up Next: Sept. 12 @ Fremont Hill and Bale

Up Next: Sept. 8 vs. West Ottawa and Rockford

Up Next: : Sept.8 @ Holland Christian, Sept. 15 vs. Muskegon

Girls Swiming

Boys Water Polo

Boys Tennis

Boys Football

Last Year:: Sixth in OK Red

Last Year:: 19-21

Last Year:: 3-3-2

Last Year:: 4-5

Key Player: Junior Gretchen Spoelman is a returning State Finalist and is ready to lead the team.

Key Player: Senior Noah Veach was second team All State last year. Senior Jon Lown is also returning.

Key Player: Senior Farid Damasio is the top singles player and a four year varsity competitor.

Key Games: West Ottawa, Rockford

Key Games: Jenison, West Ottawa, Rockford

Key Games: Grandville, West Ottawa

Last Year:: Senior Quarterback Bryan Kiel passed for over 1,000 yards.

He hurt his foot in the first game and is listed as day to day.

Key Games: Muskegon, Rockford, Hudsonville

Up Next: Sept. 12 :West Michigan @ East Kentwood

Up Next: Sept. 11-12 Shoot- out at the Shore Invite @ GHHS

Up Next: Sept. 8 vs Whitehall, Sept. 9 vs. Muskegon

Up Next: Sept. 11 vs. Muskegon, Sept. 18 vs. West Ottawa

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12 Amp THE BUCS’ BLADE Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Freshman Fundamentals Hayden Creswell|Amp Editor

When traveling in the pods from a class on the first floor to a class on the second floor do not use the main stairs, use the backstairs. This way you avoid the jam of half the school trying to get up and down a four foot wide staircase as fast as they can.

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When excitedly waiting for you next class with your friends do not stand in the middle of the hallway unless you want to be trampled by angry people who just want to get to class, a feeling few know. To avoid this grab some bench of areas by them.

Work really hard for the first few days of class. No not the homework, the teachers.

Figure out your teachers and learn what classes you can do other work in. If you do this you could go through the year doing very little work outside of school. Or just do your work as your told. That works If you are late, excited, or a natural runner still do not run in the hallways. All this action does is make people dodge you and attract unwanted attention to yourself and you don’t want that on your first few days of school do you?.

If you want school to be easier be nice to the upperclassmen. In othe words don’t speak unless spoken to, but if you are nice they will help you with school or anything else you need and most of the time they are bigger than you.

When the weather is sub par wipe off your feet on the rugs without standing there for more than three seconds.

Once this task is accomplished avoid at all costs the colored tiles, if done correctly you have nothing to worry about, if not then it’s game over.

Marisa’s Declassified School Survival Guide MARISA ENOS|Managing Editor Entering my fourth and final year at GHHS, I’ve realized how much I’ve learned in the past three years. If I had known what I know now back then, (wow, that’s a mouthful), I would have saved a lot of time and effort my freshman year. Luckily for you freshman, I have decided to share my vast knowledge, wisdom and secrets of surviving the years to come at GHHS.So read carefully and follow for a smooth year of high school.

Tip 1. Avoid the hallway During major traffic times, such as before school, in-between classes, and directly after school, the main hallway and stairwells become crowded and congested. This can

cause several problems, including, but not limited to, tardiness, irritability, and personal bubbles being popped. And if you happen to drop something, or if you’re unlucky like me and your backpack rips open and the contents spill out, items may be lost, stolen, and will be damaged by the herds of students pushing and shoving their way to class.

The best way to avoid all of this is to take back stairwells whenever you can. It may be a little out of your way, but it will save time and frustration. Also, avoid standing in the middle of the hallway! People are trying to walk and upper classmen can and will shove you. There may even be a few choice words said. So, just avoid the main hallway and you’ll be all set!

Tip 2. Plan Ahead

It’s a few weeks into the school year, you’re past the first day high, and you’ve already switched auto pilot on. Walking into civics, you realize that there was a reading assignment there’s a quiz Dun, Dun, DUN! Guaranteed this will happen at some point, but a great way to avoid this situation multiple times is to use a planner of some sort. Not only will this help keep you on track and organized, but will also show you how to manage your time for the night.

Related to this is the “Do It Now” philosophy. Let’s say you’re assigned a project and have 10 days to finish it. Instead of waiting until the night before it’s due to start it, do it the first night. If it’s a huge project, set time aside each night and knock some of it off. Sadly, last year I didn’t follow

this tip, and it was bad. Ask the Sern (aka Ms. Serniac). She’ll tell you all about it. AP Lang killed me. So please, if you’re in AP Lang, or any class for that matter, JUST GET IT DONE! Tip 3. Have Fun Yes, high school is a major stepping stone for your future and de can also be a major factor in how your future goes, but remember, we’re all still kids! I’m not saying that you should blow off all homework to enjoy being young, but remember not to take it too seriously.

To help with this, create a time in the planner that you just bought after reading tip two where you can just chill for a bit.

It will help clear your mind and give you a break from work.

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