Bucs Blade Feb. 2011

BUCS’

BLADE

Meet ESL teacher Ben Lawrence see pages

16-17 February 18, 2011

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

Floods Last month’s flooding in the Rio de Janeiro area left thousands homeless and struggling for survival.

Exchange student, Taynara Seidl worries for the people back home in Teresópolis, her home town.

p. 12-13

Rio courtesy photo

J e d

ro i e an

2 Inside THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011

25

EDITORIAL/OPINION

4

Students create first freestyle ski team in GHHS history

5

Don’t be a zebra

Students should take Michael Fowlin’s message to heart, try to make school a better place

NEWS Club assists ESL students

ESL club provides helpful resources for students seeking help with homework

15 14 photo by Allison Steggles

20

HEALTH How to save a life

Low blood supply leads new state law for blood donors

FEATURE Through thick and thin

Senior Sarah Stepanek gains confidence after losing over 40 pounds, becomes inspiration for students

ARTS Dude, where’s my pep band?

Members of the pep band explain their lack in number, appearance at basketball games this year

VIBE

23 Drinks, dates & deals

6 Chess club

members relax, compete against each other

THE BUCS’ BLADE

Grand Haven High School, 17001 Ferris, Grand Haven, MI 49417 A student newspaper of community significance since 1927

Volume 66, Issue 5 February 18, 2011

PUBLICATION POLICY

The best drinks for a hot day or a cool night, where to take your date for a memorable time together, how to keep your stomach happy and your wallet full

SPORTS

photo by Laura Burton

30- Not flying, but falling with style diver provides key leadership to diving team in unusual 31 Senior way, looks to leave impact on teammates, pave way for future

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 Letters previously published, addressed to third parties or photocopied will not be published.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, and emailed to bucsblade@gmail.com

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. During the school day, the Blade staff may be reached at 616.850.6263 from THE BUCS’ BLADE c/o GHHS ROOM 0205 The Bucs’ Blade strives for the highest standards of accuracy, completeness and careful research 17001 Ferris in its presentation of material. If an error merits correction, as determined by the Editorial Board Grand Haven, MI 49417 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 Copies of The Bucs’ Blade are offered on the news stands located in the main office, Room 0205, the media center, the Loutit Library and The Bookman. returned directly to Room 0205 upon completion. All correction requests are subject to review.

Editorial Board

Associate Editors Lucas Wilder

Haley Birkett

Editor-in-Chief

John Cherette

Managing Editor Ethan Beswick

Noah Thelen

News Editor

Dez Burley

News Sports

Allison Steggles

Photo

Feature Editor

Jenny VandeWaa

Artist

Mollie LaBeff

Feature Editor

Staff

Kali Rea

In-Depth Editor

Zak Konarska

Arts Editor

Chloe Dault

Health Editor

Erin Ribbink

Vibe Editor

Mike Ginocchio

Sports Editor

Amy Potter

Photo Editor

Emma Baty, Amanda Bennick, Megan Bitner, Laura Burton, Devin Chan, Dustin Chrysler, Bailey Coval, Maggie Ginocchio, Meredith Frein, Hannah Hughes, Connor Jennings, Lauren Lund, Riley Missel, Alexa Redick, Scott Staal, Samantha VanHoef, Amy Wronski.

Nate Niemerowicz

Design Editor

C.E. Sikkenga

Adviser

Friday, February 18, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Editorial 3

NOT WORTH A SHOT 64%

of students said teachers should not be allowed to carry concealed weapons in school

60%

of students would not feel safer if teachers carried guns in school

* 250 students surveyed

For more info see News page 7

Proposed changes to concealed weapon law would do more harm than good, provide more risk than reward In wake of the tragic shootings in Tucson, AZ, police. It is easy to say that in a crisis, one would there has been avid debate around the country know how to act. But suppose a carrier saw someone about where the boundaries of gun ownership with a gun and fired on them, only to find out that should lie. Part of this debate has found its way the person shot wasn’t the gunman, but an innocent to Michigan, where a proposed bill would allow bystander who had taken the weapon? In addition, concealed weapons in previously gun-free zones, adding guns to the equation would only make it including stadiums, churches, more difficult for the police when they bars and most importantly to arrive, as Kalamazoo Department of us, in schools. Supporters of Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley told this bill claim that it would help The Kalamazoo Gazette. The time they prevent tragedies like Tucson spend trying to figure out which person from happening again by giving is the shooter is time that the shooter previously defenseless citizens could use to target his next victims. a chance to defend themselves.

Minimizing guns minimizes confusion.

However, thinking like that does Everyone likes to make fun of the not take into account the various lockdowns, but truth be told they are red flags that come with such a not as bad as we make them out to STAFF proposal. In a unanimous decision, be. As long as we take them seriously, EDITORIAL we believe guns should remain lockdowns work and give students a safe illegal in these current “safe” zones. haven to hide. Every door is locked and The first and most important thing that we need to reinforced to give the police more time to respond. consider is the impact in schools. There is currently In addition, every student hides in the corner, so it one person that is lawfully allowed to carry a firearm looks like the rooms are empty from the outside. in Grand Haven High School and that is more than As a society, we tend to overreach when enough. Adding more gun owners to the school only something needs fixing. This proposed bill is increases the chance of something going horribly no different--a classic example of a knee-jerk wrong. For example, a student could steal a gun from reaction. As a staff, we have no doubt there are a teacher and just like that a disaster could occur. several things that can be done to prevent tragedies Another thing to consider is the fact these new like Tucson, Virginia Tech and Columbine. This gun-carriers could lack decision-making skills of bill, though well intentioned, is not one of them.

4 Opinion THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011

A series of unfortunate events

John Cherette A baby problem forever I’ve never liked babies. They poop, cry, puke, fart and cry some more. They have a seemingly unlimited supply of snot in their noses and somehow acquire ear infections that last longer than an Everlasting Gobstopper. (I think I may have just invented the perfect name for a new brand of snot rag, as long as Willie Wonka doesn’t sue me.)

I’ve always been afraid of babies as well. Not that they are going to take over the world, but that if I muster up the courage to hold one, I’ll accidentally push the self-destruct button known as the “soft spot” and cause catastrophic damage…or be vomited on.

I always thought my baby woes were to be permanent.

That was before I met Ryan Fisher. Ryan is my youth pastor’s son. He is quite possibly my favorite person in the world and he is only 20 months old. If there is a cuter child in the world, I defy you to show them to me. There isn’t a single person I know who brings a smile to my face more often than Ryan. He’s never thrown up on me either.

By the time Ryan was 15 months old, he could load and shoot a Nerf Gun by himself. He would grab the dart with his entire hand, load the Nerf Gun and shoot it, with a roaring laugh and a smile brighter than the sun every time.

Ryan has an unstoppable appetite. Combine that with a smile cuter than a puppy and an incredible ability to manipulate and you end up with a spoiled baby. Not by his parents, but by anyone who may be eating dessert at the time. The moment you make eye contact, you are helpless. I think he could get Congress to actually do something just by smiling at them. I’m certain he would make John Boehner cry…but that isn’t saying much.

I spend a lot of time with Ryan. I’m with him and his parents very often and he makes me want to be a better person. He looks up to me (literally and figuratively). Having an impression on somebody’s life gives you a responsibility. I think people need to recognize that. We don’t realize often enough how our actions affect other people. You feel bad if your parents are “disappointed” in you, but you feel even worse if you are disappointed in your parents.

I’ll admit, if I taught Ryan to say the word poop all the time, it would be hilarious, but I would feel bad for doing it. And yes, he would say it again, making it even more amusing, but it wouldn’t be the right thing to do…no matter how funny a baby saying poop is.

I still don’t like babies. I think they are gross. They like to throw tantrums for reasons we can only guess at (especially on airplanes) and love playing with toys that play songs that make me want to pull my hair out. I never thought I would like any babies at all, so I’m making slow progress one diaper at a time. I just hope that my Everlasting Gobstopper Snot Rags can be ready in time for the next cold season.

Don’t be a zebra If you walked into Opinion Grand Haven High School at around noon on Tues.

Jan. 25, you would see some pretty interesting sights. You might see students coming out of the Performing Arts Center trying to contain their tears. You might see girls walking with signs EMMA BATY around their necks that said Reporter ‘free hugs.’ You would see signs posted all around the school that said, ‘you are beautiful. Pass it on’. To someone who hadn’t heard Michael Fowlin speak, this would seem strange. But for the students that witnessed the performance it was a welcome change. And for some, listening to him speak was a life altering experience that they’ll never forget.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Fowlin was brought in to speak about embracing diversity and making the atmosphere in our school better for everyone. And what he said truly embodied what King tried to teach us many years ago.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” King said in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

So how do we do this? We all know we should be

better people, that’s old news. But how do we accomplish that? How about saying ‘hi’ or smiling to ten people you normally wouldn’t? You’ll get some funny looks, but it’ll make those people think. Or have you ever sat down in class and noticed that the person next to you looks like they’re about to cry? What if you asked them what was wrong? Maybe they aren’t willing to talk about it, but maybe all they wanted was one person to open up to. Who knows, you could make a new friend. If we were more aware of the people around us, maybe we could make everyone feel a little bit more welcome.

Have you ever been sitting in class and the teacher calls on a student who has his hand raised and when you turn around to see who’s answering the question, you realize you didn’t even know that kid was in your class? What if you went up to that kid after class and introduced yourself? You might come to find that they’re a really cool person. What if we set a weekly goal for ourselves? Write it down on two pieces of paper, give one to a friend that will you remind you about it daily and put one in a place that you’ll see every day. What if we did this every week? Think about the difference we could make.

If Michael Fowlin can impact so many students in such a profound way, why can’t a whole student body impact the students that are a part of it? If every person tried a little bit harder, it could make a world of a difference. And that truly honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Friday, February 18, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE News 5

Club assists ESL students

ESL club provides helpful resource for students who need help with homework LUCAS WILDER Associate News Editor

The exotic smell of steaming mono, [a cabbage-filled dumpling] garlic, curry and other spices fills the air. Two couches take up the middle of the room, with laptops and other computers making up the borders. Students lounge on the couches with notebooks and pencils spread haphazardly around them. The room is ethnically rich, with representatives of Nepal, South Korea, Guatemala and Mexico.

Despite all their differences, the students all have one thing in common: English is their second language.

To help these students exceed in a foreign culture, English as a Second Language [ESL] teacher Ben Lawrence created an English as a Second Language Club that meets every Monday and Wednesday after school.

“When most kids go home and have a question on their homework, they simply ask a parent,” Lawrence said.

“However, many of my students’ parents don’t speak English and cannot be of any assistance. There’s no Internet at home, no resources. So, the kids can come hang out here after school for an hour or so and can receive all the help they need in order to complete their schoolwork. This is the only place they have.”

Lawrence spent the last few years working to make this club possible. This year the grant finally went through and he received funding for a snack for the students provided by the lunchroom, one bus and one paid assistant, Brice Bush. Lawrence knew Bush through mutual friends and when the job was offered to her, Bush took it without hesitation. “[Bush] has been absolutely great,” Lawrence said.

“She’s here to help the kids with anything they need, be it homework trouble, boyfriend trouble. You name it, she’s there for them.”

Sophomore Hemanta Mishra attended the club since it began after winter break.

“My family came here to Michigan from Nepal on June 2, 2009,” Mishra said. “Being a part of this group allows me to get things done that I would not be able to at home.

The difference is that here we have a teacher to answer any questions we have. It is so helpful.”

Bush is simply pleased just to be a part of these stu-

From above (counter-clockwise) SHOWING HIM THE BOOKS: Teacher Brice Bush gives extra tutoring to sophomore Bhim Tamang. This is Bush’s first year working in the ESL room.

STUDENT TUTOR: Senior Erik Johnson works with senior Jilli Tamang. Johnson has been voluteering after school for the past few weeks. HARD AT WORK: Sophomore Erika Chung focuses on completing her homework. The club allows her to get everything turned in on time. photos by Laura Burton

dents’ lives.

“The kids can do the work,” Bush said. “That has never been the issue. Everyone is eager to learn. They just need guidance, to be pointed in the right direction. In regular classes they might not get that extra few minutes of teaching it takes to make things clear.”

Nepali ESL student Bhim Tamang agrees that the one on one techinique makes all the difference.

“My parents speak a little English,” Tamang said, “But not enough to help me with my homework. Mr. Lawrence helps me with my reading and writing and Mrs. Bush helps

with geometry and my speech class.”

More than anything, Bhim feels comfortable at the ESL club.

“I’m just so happy here,” Tamang said.

Lawrence’s goals go past the club alone “The main goal is to increase homework scores,” Lawrence said. “But my biggest goal is to empower these students. I love having them in class and seeing them after school, but I love when they don’t have to take my class even more. That means they can handle themselves. It makes me so proud.”

6 News THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011

Chess club gains popularity Students gather in Evink’s class Wednesdays to play chess, spend time with friends LAURA BURTON Reporter The minute the bell chiming every Wednesday after school doesn’t always mean rushing home to play video games. For this group of students it means rushing to science teacher Steve Evink’s classroom to whip out their chess boards and start playing some extreme chess matches.

The chess club was created two years ago by senior Erik Johnson, who was a sophomore at the time.

“A lot of people play [chess] in elementary school and then stop in high school,” Johnson said. “I wanted to help them carry it on.”

There’s no hesitation when it comes to starting up the first round. As soon as the students walk into Mr. Evink’s classroom, they set up a chess board, the chess pieces and select a rival.

Despite the obvious competition, it’s clear that everyone enjoys being there.

“Lots of people get competitive, but it’s still really fun,” senior Arjun Biddanda said.

BUC

B r i e f s

The club is made up of rookies as well as chess veterans. Senior Jim Herman played chess in elementary school and thought this was a good way to make up for his loss.

“I played when I was in the first grade and lost in the first round of a tournament, so I wanted to avenge my loss,” Herman said.

Biddanda mentioned that he wants more students at Grand Haven High school to know the chess club actually exists.

“People need to spread the word,” Biddanda said.

The chess club is very welcoming of new members.

“I saw the cool posters and got inspired for fierce battles,” sophomore Harrison Zost said.

The chess club consists of students who want just want to have a good time and what better way than to get competitive while playing a game of chess?

“The kids are exceptional,” Evink said. “They have great attitudes and they’re fun to be around.”

ams will be given to close out the second trimester.

Make sure to hit the books and get plenty of rest for the upcoming weeks.

—Scott Staal

HIT THE BOOKS

APPLICATIONS DUE

Important weeks are approaching for students. On March 1-3, MME testing takes place for all juniors (includes the ACT, Work Keys and MME). The following week, March 8-10, ex-

Current sophomore and junior students interested in Careerline Tech Center must have applications turned into Student Services

by Friday, Feb. 25. Don’t be late!

—Maggie Ginocchio

CHECKMATE: Seniors Jim Herman, Travis Redman, Erik Johnson and sophomore Harrison Zost focus intently on their chess boards. Johnson started the club as a sophomore and has watched it grow over the past two years. photo by Laura Burton

DECA WINS BIG On Jan. 5 the DECA group competed at Ferris State University.

With only 19 students, they brought home 29 medals, the most ever. The students have earned spots at the DECA State Competition in Grand Rapids.

The team will be competing

and staying at the Amway Grand Hotel March 18-20. Junior Andrew Prince is eager for the competition.

“We’re all really excited for State,” Prince said. “Some people have been finishing their projects and getting ready for role-playing.

There’s no dance this year which is a let down but we get to go to a Griffins hockey game and if we do well we can go to Nationals in Orlando, Florida.”

—Connor Jennings

BRING YOUR ID This year, students who attend sporting events at East Kentwood High School and Muskegon High School will be required to present a student ID to enter, on top of paying the student fee.

According to Athletic Director Jack Provencal, this rule is most likely a reaction to a previous event.

“It’s all about crowd control,” Provencal said. “ It’s about being in charge. It’s a preventative measure.”

—Emma Baty

Friday, February 18, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE News 7

Bill would allow concealed weapons in school Allows teachers with Concealed Weapons License (CPL) to carry pistol in school comprehensive training in firearm safety,” Green said. “It is a serious responsibility but one that is The school handbook makes it exercised responsibly each and clear that Michigan law requires every day by over a quarter milstudents who possess “a danlion people in Michigan.” gerous weapon” or firearm to In social studies teacher Ed removed from school for up to Thomas’ opinion, one liaison ofone year. ficer, Deputy Derek Gerencer, is However if Michigan State plenty.

Senator Mike Green’s gun proHowever according to Green, posal, Bill 58, is passed concealed a liaison officer cannot protect weapons will be permitted in everyone who is everywhere on churches, stadiums, bars and even school grounds. schools. If passed, the bill would “If an incident did occur,” go into effect in April.

Green said. “How many innocent “People carry concealed [weap- people would be injured or die ons] around you every day and before the school liaison officer you do not realize it,” said Green, could stop the assailant?” the bill’s sponsor.

However, prinTo earn a cipal Scott Grimes FURTHER READING Concealed Pistol is uncertain about License (CPL), apthe bill.

Bucs’ Blade Staff’s plicants must pass “It’s discourtake on the bill a training course. aging that we’re Their record must getting to the point Page 3 also be free of where people who felonies and certain work in public placmisdemeanors. es feel the need to bring weapons “CPL holders undergo an with them,” Grimes said. extensive application process, Staff is always trying to be thorough background check and prepared for lockdowns but a

DEZ BURLEY Feature Editor

BEST BURGER SAMPLING Sample the best burgers and soups from Grand Haven’s local area restaurants at the first annual Soup and Slider Festival.

There will be a festival benefiting a relief fund for families that have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. It will run from noon to 7 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars building.

There is no cover charge to get in and is open to the public with live music following the judging at 7:30p.m. Tastes can be purchased from noon until 7p.m..

--Samantha VanHoef

GREEN CLUB RETROFITS DRINKING FOUNTAINS While the Green Club water bottles have sold out among students in the Grand Haven district quick, efforts are still being made to raise money in an effort to replace or retrofit some of the water fountains in the school.

Through this, the club hopes to decrease waste output in water and plastic, which total to over 25,000 bottles a year.

“We’re looking for companies that might be willing to sponsor the replacement of the older mod-

“How many [CPL holders] have committed serious crimes? None. That doesn’t mean I want to see them in the schools.”

-Ed Thomas student could possibly be carrying a weapon. “[It would be helpful for teachers to carry guns] if a kid pulls a gun out there would actually be someone there to stop them before they hurt someone,” freshman Drew Van Hees said. “They could stop school shootings from getting out of hand.”

Senior Jacob Harvitt does not think it is worth the risk.

“It could be helpful [during a lockdown],” he said. “But you don’t know when a lockdown will happen.”

Thomas realizes lockdowns are not perfect. Still, he finds them unnecessary.

“Potentially, in rare cases, guns could be helpful,” he said.

“If we’re doing things right it

els, because some of them can’t be retrofitted,” Aaron Portenga, advisor of the Green Club, said. “They cost $1500 a piece to replace, which is a lot of money.”

Because of this, those who would like to purchase the sold-out bottles may still be able to receive one.

“If we have enough demand, people who still want a bottle could potentially order one from me,” Portenga said. “We have a bunch of plastic bottles from GVSU being sold for $3, if anyone still wants to help out.”

—Devin Chan

shouldn’t be necessary.”

Allowing guns in school could be dangerous. Paraprofessional Mike Feesby finds firearms threatening.

“You don’t want someone [with a gun in a classroom] without much training,” he said.

“Mistakes can happen.”

The Supreme Court confirmed that the right to bear arms is lawful in both the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions.

“I simply believe that lawabiding people should be given a chance to protect themselves,” Green said.

CPL holders do not worry law makers.

“The problem is not with CPL holders but with criminals who intend on hurting other people and do not care whether a firearm is prohibited or not,” Green said.

Thomas knows that most citizens are responsible, but dislikes the idea.

“How many [CPL holders] have committed serious crimes?

None,” Thomas said. “That doesn’t mean I want to see them in the schools.”

Financial Aid offered for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp The Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is offering students in all arts programs an opportunity to apply for financial assistance toward their camp tuition with special scholarships. Applications for the Arens Piano Scholarships, The Masterworks Scholarships for winds and percussion, the Falcone Scholarships for tubas and euphoniums, the H. Owen Reed Scholarships for composition and the Shakespeare Scholarship for theater. These scholarships have a March 15th deadline and

FAST FACTS • Bill 58, written by Michigan State Senator Mike Green, would allow teachers with concealed weapons license (CPL) to carry handgun on person • If passed, the bill would take effect in April • 35.6% of students would feel safer if teachers who had a CPL had a gun in school • 60.5% of students think teachers and staff shouldn’t be able to carry concealed weapons in school if they have a concealed weapons license To check out the bill and others, go to: http://www.legislature. mi.gov

audition requirement details and more information are available on http://www.bluelake.org/scholarships.html.

--Samantha VanHoef

REGISTER FOR AP EXAMS 11th and 12th grade students who are enrolled in AP classes have the opportunity to take the College Board Advance Placement examinations on May 2-13 for college credit.

Registration for AP examinations and money will be due next week, Feb 21-25.

--Samantha VanHoef

8 News THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011

The National Deficit about 1

NOAH THELEN News Editor

The Problem America is faced with a devastating deficit, meaning the government is spending more than it brings in in revenue. Our country has had a deficit since midway through George W. Bush’s first term. President Barack Obama said “tough choices and sacrifices” would need to be made in order to control the deficit.

2

Obama’s Solution Monday, Feb. 14, the President sent Congress a $3.73 trillion budget. The new budget for the 2012 fiscal year utilizes tax increases and spending cuts in order to decrease the deficit. However the proposed budget doesn’t cut entitlement programs such as Social Security. The budget, if approved, features a projected $1.1 trillion in deficit savings.

3

Pell Grants Hacked One of President Obama’s solutions for reducing the deficit is to cut funding for Pell Grants for summer college students.

Pell Grants are federally funded grants for college given to approximately the bottom half of the income distribution.

4

Republican Response Republicans are hoping to cut even more from the 2012 budget. They also hope to hack entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare.

5

Effect of Tea Party When the Tea Party jumped onto the American political landscape they wanted to fight for smaller government and reduced spending. Now, even though the Presidents proposed budget included massive cuts, Tea Party members are calling for further cuts, much like Republicans.

Sources: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110214/ap_on_re_us/us_ obama_budget

GIVING INSTRUCTIONS: One Feeding America truck volunteer shows another standard protocall for handing out cottage cheese. The Feeding America Truck, previously known as the “Gleaners Truck,” gives out 10,000 pounds of food to those in need. photo by Allison Steggles

Feeding Grand Haven

Students find gain in passing out food to needy RILEY MISSEL Reporter Towards the front of the line, sitting in her walker and armed with a laundry basket, Spring McPherson waits patiently. She is bundled up in a dark green coat, hat and thin gloves in attempt to take the edge off the bitter January morning. Only her eyes are visible, peeking out over the collar of her jacket. She unzips it slightly, revealing a somber expression, which brightens slightly when the Feeding America truck pulls into the parking lot.

The Feeding America Truck, formerly known as the Gleaners Truck, a mobile food pantry that comes to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church every other Friday, a saving grace for many people in similar situations to McPherson.

The truck is sponsored by different businesses or private donors, who purchases 10,000 pounds of food to be distributed that week.

Love Inc. Executive Director Eric Morgan organized the ministry five years ago and is very passionate about the outreach.

“There’s nothing like getting out of yourself and helping someone else,” Morgan said.

McPherson, unemployed since 2005, relies on organizations such as the Feeding America Truck to help make ends meet from month to month.

“I have a lot of medical bills that I am paying monthly, so that doesn’t leave a lot left [in my budget],” McPherson said. “Sometimes…what I have left is nothing but a bag of potatoes, but I can come down here and know I will have something to eat at the end of the month.”

Volunteers assemble makeshift tables and unload potatoes, apples, squash, soy milk, cans of baby food and yogurt. The menu varies week to week. But community members are there, old and young, rain, shine or snow, lending a hand.

“It’s so rewarding to see people getting something for nothing,” Volunteer Coordinator George McCarthy said.

“The people really really need it.”

Senior Andrew Juodawlkis, who has volunteered handing out food for the Feeding America truck on many occasions, believes it is an eye-opening experience students need to partake in.

“A lot of people in Grand Haven don’t think about people in need here, but by volunteering I can see and realize that,” Juodawlkis said. “And I can help change it.”

Friday, February 18, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE 9 Photo

A killer play Drama department performed Arsenic and Old Lace Friday and Saturday Feb. 9, 10 (clockwise from above) EVIL EYES: Senior Cameron Klein (Jonathan Brewster) stares down senior Kevin McClary (Teddy Brewster).

McClary’s character has delusions that he is Teddy Roosevelt and digs the Panama Canal in his basement. CAUGHT IN THE ACT: Seniors Sarah Stepanek (Abby Brewster) and Bridget McCarthy (Martha Brewster) are surprised by Klein and Senior Erik Lazdins (Dr. Einstein) on their way to the funeral of the man they poisoned. PLAYING THE INNOCENT: Partners in crime McCarthy and Stepanek play dumb when accused of murder by Klein and Lazdins. DAMSEL IN DISTRESS: Junior Alexa Redick (Elaine Harper) struggles to free herself from the tight grasp of Klein. He kills people to use their face to change his and Redick is his next target.

10 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011

Burying biases

Junior Nezbah Wilson tries to combat students’ Native American prejudices AMY WRONSKI Reporter Surrounded by thousands of striving souls and unfamiliar faces, we push and shove through congested hallways to make it to our destination, not thinking about the story behind the kid we just pushed aside.

Junior Nezbah Wilson, also known as “Sparrow,” is used to feeling like her voice is never truly heard.

Born in Flint but raised in Arizona, Nezbah, meaning “woman warrior,” lived on a reservation as an active member of the Navajo tribe along with her parents and four other siblings. She attended school at Navajo Immersion—a public school where curriculum was taught through

photo by Amy Wronski

preserving Navajo language and culture. Until middle school, when her family decided to return to Michigan for a better education.

Her return has presented her family with many opportunities but has been a struggle for respect and understanding.

“The incidents regarding us being American Indian have gotten worse every year,” Wilson said. “My brother and I have had to deal with kids calling us red man, chief, savage and asking us ‘where’s our teepee.’”

Coming from a place where she felt she belonged and being dropped into a small White middle-class community with little diversity has made it hard for her to express her frustrations.

“People in school have made fake teepees, headbands and tomahawks—the whole hokey fictional American Indian stuff—thinking they’re honoring Native Americans when it’s doing nothing more than making an insult of our way of life,” Wilson said. “American Indian culture is beautiful if you take the time to drop your biases and learn something new.”

She has presented her culture in all different forms in many classes—singing and dancing in authentic garments. She taught her classmates how to braid hair and grind corn.

“She has influenced me and my students enormously,” history teacher Mary Jane Evink said. “She’s a real person with a different background and no one will ever fully understand where she’s come from.”

Wilson agrees.

“I just want [everyone] to know that no tribe is the same,” Wilson said. “We have different cultures, clothing, homes and beliefs but we are often grouped into one group. I have my own values, language and way of life.”

Wilson knows it is difficult to understand her culture but hopes students will make an effort.

“All I want is to be respected just like any other race,” Wilson said. “I am proud of who

“American Indian culture is beautiful if you take the time to drop your biases and learn something new.”

-Nezbah Wilson

I am. Dine Nishli…I am Navajo.”

The Way I See It

Mollie LaBeff Barnes and (lack of) Nobility I spend a lot of time on my own. Ever since I gained a good music taste (and refusal to lower my standards), my social scene has taken a serious detriment. As my time is not preoccupied attending raging parties or utilizing illegal substances, a great deal of my weekend is spent in search of alternative means of entertainment.

Sunday afternoons are reserved for homework procrastination and quiet chats in Barnes and Noble. The faint coffee bean and new book smell, the serene atmosphere. The place has a certain je ne sais qua. I’ve grown quite accustomed to the middle-aged men in the B&N Starbucks, clacking away on their Macbook Pros and methodically absorbing black coffee. I’m placed into the background of the setting merely as an observer, sipping my grande caramel light frappuccino and taking close note of my surroundings.

My favorite of the bookstore’s pastimes, however, is awarded to the heated games of inappropriate Scrabble.

The rules are simple: any slang, slanderous term, inappropriate phrase or innuendo that you’re able to muster up is open game. If it’s on Urban Dictionary, you’re golden. Yes, it’s juvenile and immature, but the beet red faces of my opponents are priceless, as are the disapproving glances from the barista and neighboring tables. Not to mention the giggles emitted from my table match the comical embarrassment of that of the kid in 7th grade science class, who mistakes ‘organism’ for ‘orgasm’ while reading aloud from the textbook.

Over time I’ve become more experienced and advanced in the customs and conduct of inappropriate Scrabble, conniving my opponents and creating new terms in reference to the male anatomy.

From time to time I’ll take a break from the intense game of suggestive wordplay and browse the mystery or poetry sections, desperately trying to mask my absolute disapproval for the newly added, “Teen Paranormal Romance” section. (Yes, Edward Cullen and alike mythical creatures have now been awarded their own genre. Brilliant.)

As I meander about the shelves, I can’t suppress a nostalgic chuckle at the sight of a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed little girl, flitting about the children’s section in search of her mother with hopeful intentions, waving Whinnie the Pooh’s Grand Adventure above her pigtails.

My reminiscent train of thought is redirected when the rowdy heard of preteen girls are dropped off at the curb by the entrance, reaching uncomfortably high decibels and stirring up a ruckus before even passing through the airlocks.

“I’M LOOKING FOR A BOOK BUT I DON’T KNOW IF IT EXISTS YET,” screeches the leader of the pack, attracting the attention of the sales clerk and all surrounding parties. My thought bubble returns: Thank you, preteen girl, for your helpfully specific request. I wouldn’t be at all astonished if she was later directed toward the Teen Paranormal Romance section.

As I regain my throne in my usual section on the window seat in the café, I reflect on the day and try to keep my cynical attitude in check. Although there are perhaps better alternative uses for my forever-empty weekend schedule, (as I’m sure Mr. Mauro and my algebra II grade would agree), I still manage to make good use of my efforts while winning the game with ‘peen’ as a triple-letter score.

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FAR FROM FLOOD Senior exchange student Taynara Seidl keeps family, city close to heart

are]families “[There that don’t have

anything to eat, so they are eating their dogs. You see people walking with bodies on their backs for four hours just to give them a [proper burial] --Taynara Seidl

”

Friday, February 18, 2011

THE BUCS’ BLADE Feature 13

Recent floods in Rio de Janeiro have left thousands of people homeless and struggling for survival. Exchange student, Taynara Seidl worries for the people back home in Teresópolis, Brazil.

HALEY BIRKETT Editor-in-Chief

B

graphic by Haley Birkett

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by A

ma

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Be nn ick

12 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011

DEZ BURLEY Feature Editor

eing a foreign exchange student can be an emotional roller coaster. Waking up each day at the top of a new hill, about to plummet into an unfamiliar culture. Grasping for the lap bar, trying to hold on to the comfort and security of home. But for Taynara Seidl, nature has added some challenging twists and turns to her roller coaster ride.

Taynara was just beginning to get comfortable and settled in when floods washed away her home city, Teresópolis, Brazil.

“I was reading the New York Times and was like, ‘uh that’s my hometown,’” Taynara said. “I called my cousin first and he tried to not tell but I knew something was wrong.”

Worried, Taynara attempted to get in contact with her mother.

“It was hard to contact my family because the flood hit the city, no one had electricity, like Internet or phones,” Taynara said. “Then I called my dad, he lives in Rio and then he figured out a way to talk to my mom.”

Taynara’s mother recently purchased a new house.

Unfortunately, it was located in one of the areas affected most by the floods.

“It was four in the morning and my neighbor had to wake up [my mom] and my sister and they didn’t have time to pick up anything,” Taynara said.

Her mother rushed outside, but the car was stuck in the mud. Fortunately, a neighbor was able to drive them to Taynara’s grandmother’s house nearby. With no belongings and nowhere to go, all they could do was wait. “[My mom] could [only] go to our house with the police and firemen close because if something happened they would be able to go inside and help,” Taynara said. “She could pick up some of our things, but the back of the house was washed away.”

What began as floods soon progressed to mudslides, leaving thousands of people without food or shelter. Rainfall totals were the highest in over four decades, leaving many homeless and struggling to survive.

“There’s families that don’t have anything to eat, so they are eating their dogs,” Taynara said. “You see people walking with bodies on their backs for four hours just to give them a [proper burial].”

According to CNN, the death toll has surpassed 800, but Taynara recently spoke with a firefighter in Brazil who indicated the number was closer to 1,000.

“The cemetery is really crowded so they are starting to bury people in soccer fields,” Taynara said. “There are bodies hanging up in the trees, but it’s not one or two, it’s the whole family.”

Senior Maggie Smith is one for Taynara’s closest friends and recognizes how hard it is for Taynara to be here with all that is happening in Brazil right now.

“I lost a friend and I have a friend who lost her house and her mom,” Taynara said. “The worst thing is that I can’t help. It’s terrible, it’s awful, it’s the worst thing ever.”

Taynara is trying to be strong by sending positive vibes to her family back home, but this is easier said than done.

“I’ve seen the mood change,” ESL teacher Ben Lawrence said. “She’s always bubbly but she’s more contemplative now.”

For Taynara, returning home this July will be like plummeting into an unknown territory, only this ride won’t have a safety bar.

“I don’t think the city is going to be the same,” Taynara said. “I saw a CNN video of [Teresópolis] and was like, ‘oh my God, that’s not my city.’”

&THIN

THICK

14 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011

THROUGH

Senior Sarah Stepanek has lost over 40 pounds, gained newfound confidence and comfort in social situations, in herself.

T

MOLLIE LABEFF Feature Editor

he girl stares into cold glass. The reflection staring back tells her what she needs to do, the picture taped to the side of the mirror serving as motivation. The girl in the reflection is not the ideal her, not who she wants to become. She knows she can bring that girl out and bear all the confidence that comes with it, but first she has to lose the weight.

Nineteen months and 40 plus pounds ago, this was senior Sarah Stepanek’s reality.

“I had a picture of myself from one of my biggest points taped to my mirror,” Stepanek said. “I looked at it every morning and thought, ‘I don’t want to go back to that.’”

Stepanek carried that thought with her as she made the choice to start losing weight. She admits that one of the toughest parts was first discovering and accepting that there was a problem.

“Sophomore year, I realized a lunch should be like a Type A,” Stepanek said. “I was getting a lunch, then chips, cookies and candy.”

SELF-REFLECTING: Senior Sarah Stepanek watches herself progress and lose weight. “I had a picture of myself from one of my biggest points taped to my mirror,” Stepanek said. “I looked at it every morning and thought, ‘I don’t want to go back to that.’” photo by Mollie LaBeff

But Stepanek isn’t the only teen struggling with this ongoing problem. The issue of childhood obesity has been a growing problem since the early ‘90s. In a recent study conducted by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, about 25 million kids and teens in the U.S. are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. That’s almost one-third of all young people.

Her decision to get into better shape was finalized when she had to look in the plus-size section for the first time while shopping for a homecoming dress.

“I didn’t fit into any of the smaller sizes,” Stepanek said. “It really was eye-opening. When you just sit and eat, you don’t really think about it.”

Stepanek knew that to become healthy and happy with her appearance, a change in lifestyle had to be made. She began to develop healthier eating habits and exercise techniques including riding her bike, following along to dance videos and choosing healthier transportation alternatives.

“I didn’t have my license at the time,” Stepanek said.

“So my friends and I would walk around downtown instead of being driven.”

Although Stepanek was motivated to drop the pounds

“I didn’t see girls in magazines and think, ‘I want to look like her.’ I wanted to feel comfortable.”

-Sarah Stepanek

on her own, she didn’t look to superficial reasoning for inspiration.

“There wasn’t anyone I wanted to compare myself to,” Stepanek said. “I didn’t see girls in magazines and think, ‘I want to look like her.’ I wanted to feel comfortable.”

She followed a routine of healthier eating habits such as choosing vegetables over desserts and junk foods.

“Whenever I wanted ice cream I’d say ‘put it back,’ because that was the problem in the first place,” Stepanek said.

To be sure to practice healthier eating choices, Stepanek would put everything she ate that day into a log on her iPod. If there was a recurring food that caused weight gain, she made sure to cut it out of her diet.

“You become more conscious of what you’re actually putting in your mouth,” Stepanek said.

After the initial five months, Stepanek began to see significant results. She is now her ideal weight of between 125 and 130 pounds.

“I’m happy with who I am.” Stepanek said.

Although staying motivated and living out her decision was a difficult path, Stepanek’s weight loss brought her confidence and happiness in her own skin.

“I feel a lot more comfortable talking and being in social situations,” Stepanek said. “[I no longer] break down what everyone says. I was always micro analyzing things. Now I can just be myself.”

On the Net: http://www.healthiergeneration.org

Friday, February 18, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Health 15

(above) HELP FROM A FRIEND:

Unit aide junior Casey Miller gives junior Emma Saber support as she waits for a nurse to come take her blood. Unfortunately this 16-year-old didn’t end up giving blood because her vains were too small. (left) HERE WE GO: Junior Brenda Rennels sits up after she is done donating while the nurse finishes labeling Rennels’ blood bag. Rennels chats with unit aide Reiley Butler, who comforted her throughout the process of giving blood. Students each donated a pint of blood that can save up to three lives. Sixteen-year-olds were eager to participate in this blood drive because of the new law. photos by Amy Potter

How to save a life Drop in blood supply influences change in age restriction for blood donors ETHAN BESWICK Assistant Sports Editor

“Sixteen year olds are old enough to get a driver’s license,” says Monica Stoneking, Communications Director for the Great Lakes Region of the Red Cross. “So why aren’t they old enough to save lives?”

On Dec. 28 Stoneking’s question was answered when former Governor Jennifer Granholm signed into law a bill allowing 16-year-olds to legally donate blood. The law went into effect on Jan. 31, after the American Red Cross took a month to educate schools and train employees for the new donors. Now, thanks to the help of the Red Cross and others who promoted the bill, 16-year-olds can make a difference.

Science teacher and Blood Drive Organizer Todd Diederichsen knows giving blood is an important task that can help those in need. He also agrees that the law will impact blood drives held at the school along with local drives.

“A lot of juniors have asked me about giving [blood],” ners. We need to help whoever is in need.”

Diederichsen said. “But they haven’t been able to give Diederichsen says the school blood drives have had because they were only 16.” good turnouts but he would like to see more Stoneking sees the new law as an donors if possible. opportunity for a younger generation to “The students who want to come donate have “Our blood supply to help themselves,” Diederichesn said. “You help out and save lives.

“We just yesterday [Thursday, Jan. is at a critically low have to eat well the day of and you have to start 27] went on a blood appeal,” Stoneking hydrating two or three days in advance. You must level, so we need said. “Our blood supply is at a critically help yourself.” to tap into new low level, so we need to tap into new Students who are 16 and wish to give blood people and raise people and raise our blood level.” must have parental consent and meet the height our blood level” Now, with a wider range of donors and weight requirements set by the Red Cross. eligible to give blood those in need can These are merely safety precautions to ensure receive the amounts necessary.

-Monica Stoneking that those giving are healthy enough to give and “The blood goes to wherever it is will not have negative side effects. needed most,” Stoneking said. “That’s Diederichsen is excited about the new law the great thing about the Red Cross; it’s a national orgaand thinks donating blood is a great thing. nization. When people can’t come give blood because of “We look forward to anyone who wants to come out and weather conditions or other factors, we look to our partsave a life,” Diederichsen said.

¿Where’s Ben?

16 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011

FAST FACTS • Lived in Iran and most European countries as a child • Speaks fluent Spanish

JOHN CHERETTE Managing Editor

• Played soccer at Hope College

• Teaches a dozen new exchange students a year

photo by Amy Potter

• Taught at schools in Africa, India and New York

In his classroom photo albums are spread across the tables, crammed full of pictures that certainly weren’t taken Ben Lawrence doesn’t act like a typical in Michigan-Pictures of Lawrence on teacher. He doesn’t wear typical clothes. His mountains in Europe or at a schoolyard ponytail isn’t typical hair and his Volkswagen in Africa. After spending much of his bus isn’t typical transportation. He doesn’t childhood living all over the world with teach “typical” Grand Haven students. In his parents and part of his high school fact, there is nothing typical about him. career as an exchange student in Mexico, He strolls into the fifth hour class smiling Lawrence decided he wanted to study and yells “What’s up everybody?” Kids are Spanish and become a language teacher. plopped on colored couches throughout the “I remember every summer traveling bright, poster covered room. with my parents,” LawHe asks how everyone is, rence said. “I remember FURTHER READING though he expects few replies. them saying ‘This is what After-school ESL club Most of the students have their teaching affords you and gives students a place noses buried deeply in books, you can take every bit of to study, relax. attempting feverishly to finish this back into your classPage 5 the day’s workload. The room room and make it a more is full. Not with people, but welcoming place for the chatter in different languages kids and a place that is a being breathed into the air. It’s an English as better learning environment for them.’” a Second Language (ESL) class; and it’s not His classroom is an extension of his very typical. experiences. The walls are plastered with The class is the last hour of the day, posters and objects from his travels. He the only time Lawrence can be in the high loses count of the stamps in his passport school. He spends the rest of his time driving at around 50 and has worked at schools his 86 horsepower bus as fast as it can go in Africa, India and New York. between the elementary and middle schools.

“I taught second grade in the Bronx Lawrence is the district’s (ESL) Teacher. for five years,” Lawrence said. “It was a He teaches exchange, refugee and migrant spectacular experience. It was life changstudents from 13 different countries district ing. I got infected with the teaching bug wide. This means lunch in his lap and a hecthere [and I knew] for sure that I wanted tic schedule every single day. to teach for the rest of my life.”

THE BUCS’ BLADE Feature 17

(left to right) GROUP WORK: Lawrence helps a group of students with schoolwork of the day.

Lawrence translates assignments from other classes and helps students adapt. photo by Amy Potter LIFE LESSON: Senior Jilli Tamang recieves help with History class from Lawrence. Lawrence said History is one of his students’ toughest subjects. photo by Allison Steggles

Travel experiences give ESL teacher Ben Lawrence unique perspective on teaching, life

• Traveled to over 50 countries

• Works with students from 13 countries district wide

Friday, February 18, 2011

Today he paces around the class, winding between the sofas, to every student, asking if there is anything he can help with. Lawrence has formed a special bond with his students, many of who are thrust into American culture and can have trouble adjusting. His own experiences have allowed him to connect with them in ways other teachers can’t.

“I have that [special] kind of connection with these kids,” Lawrence said. “I can tell them ‘Hey I know what you’re going through and I’ll help you get through it.’ They know it’s not a farce.

They know that I’m here for them and that I’ve experienced the exact same things they’re going through. It builds an immediate trust and then a lasting trust as we see the kids grow up and learn more English.”

The class is a chance for kids to work on other hours’ assignments. US History seems to be the subject giving the students the most trouble; they furrow their brows and try to take in all they can about their new country. Learning a new culture can be extremely tough, especially for teenagers who have to enter high school where most social bonds have already been formed.

“The hardest part is to keep these kids afloat and encouraged,” Lawrence said.

“It’s so easy to get down in a place where you’re learning a second language and

everything is new to you.”

While he explains, he speaks slowly to the students who are in an exchange program.

His conversations are quicker with others who have moved here and spent more time with him.

“I think the connection I have with the kids is closer and tighter than a lot of teachers because I have the same kids year after year,” Lawrence said. “I know a lot of details about their lives.

I know where they live, I know their parents’ names, I’ve been to their house in most cases and have even sat down to have dinner with their parents.”

Senior Rafael Gamboa, who has worked with Lawrence since he moved to Grand Haven from Venezuela in fifth grade, pops through the door and strikes up a conversation with him.

They speak with a certain ease that comes with years of being around each other.

“He’s such a nice guy,” Gamboa said.

“He’s down to earth and he’s not like a normal teacher. You could consider him as more of a friend. You can come up to him whenever you have a problem without being awkward about it.”

Sophomore Erika Chung, an exchange student from South Korea, feels more com-

fortable around Lawrence than her other teachers. His teaching style makes her feel relaxed, even though she’s only been here since Sep. 4.

“He acts like my friend,” Chung said.

“He’ll say ‘What’s up!’ to me and ask me how my day is going. He is really friendly.”

A constant smile glows across Lawrence’s face throughout the hour. His unusual clothing, mustard colored plaid pants and a black scarf, make kids feel more comfortable and not afraid to be approach him.

“I think looking different is something that has benefited me,” Lawrence said. “[I have] the beard, the long hair, I drive a Volkswagen bus; things that are not regular West Michigan. I think those things have benefited me greatly because my kids know that they’re different and they feel different and they’re looking for someone like them to communicate with and connect with. The fact that I have these different qualities just in my look alone, not that it’s intentional, helps us bond.”

Gamboa understands how unique his bond with Lawrence is, reflecting on the years they have spent together.

“I’ve known him for [such] a long time,”

“I like to think about a quote I heard once that says ‘Everyone smiles in the same language’”

-Ben Lawrence

Gamboa said. “I pretty much consider him as a family member. If I were around another teacher it wouldn’t be the same because I wouldn’t have known them as long. He’s pretty much half family, half teacher.”

There isn’t a discouraging word that comes out of Lawrence’s mouth during the entire 70-minute period. He pushes his students to learn, but understands how tough it can be.

“My philosophy is to overwhelm these kids with kindness,” Lawrence said. “What they need most of all is a welcoming place. A place that they don’t fear. A place they’re not scared of. [I try to] saturate these kids with good feelings, positive energy and encouragement.”

Though this day Lawrence is full of cheer, the stresses of the job can get to him; but he believes he can’t have a bad day and needs to be welcoming all the time.

“You have to stay positive because [being the only ESL teacher] can be overwhelming,” Lawrence said. “I think because I’m so close to my kids and families that I take a lot of stuff home with me mentally and that can be tough.”

None of this stops Lawrence from forming bonds with his students or their families.

His laughter along with the sparkle in his eye when he is around them is evidence of that. He still comes to work every day in his Volkswagen Bus, ready as ever to make a difference in someone’s life.

18 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011

ph

oto by Ha ley B

irk ett

Junior Michael Damm overcomes heroin addiction, personal tragedy as he battles daily challenges

day at a time ONE

Friday, February 19, 2011

EMMA BATY Reporter

On the first day of Jason Duram’s law class, students were instructed to introduce themselves.

Each student shared one interesting fact and why they had decided to take law. Every response seemed pretty normal, until it was junior Michael Damm’s turn to respond.

“Hi, my name is Mike,” he said. “My interesting fact is that I’m a recovering heroin addict. And I wanted to take this class because now that I’ve been through the legal system I want to know more about it.”

Silence overwhelmed the room.

The students exchanged looks of disbelief with one another.

Michael paused after sharing, patiently waiting for the next student to take their turn. Slowly recovering from the shock of what they had just heard, the next student took their turn.

After two years of heroin addiction, Michael is clean and moving forward with a positive attitude. Though it wasn’t always like this.

Michael grew up in a home that was far from warm and fuzzy. His father was absent and he did not have a strong relationship with his mother. As an eight-year-old, Michael witnessed his uncle’s shooting death. This left him with grief that he was desperate to replace.

“When he passed away I looked for revenge and something to satisfy me [emotionally],” Michael said. “I found drugs.”

Michael’s drug use began with marijuana and prescription drugs. One day after he was

involved in a brawl, he went to a friend’s house and decided to try heroin and was immediately hooked. Michael found that the drug filled the holes his home-life didn’t.

“It just gave me this feeling of having power,” Michael said. “[After using heroin] that one time I got addicted.”

He was addicted from August 2007 to October 2009. According to Michael, the area he lived in made drugs easily accessible.

“Growing up I lived in the Heights and the Muskegon area, around a lot of what people would call the worst neighborhoods,” Michael said. “Drugs were always around me and I always, somehow, had someone I could call to get anything [I wanted].”

The lack of structure at home combined with his drug use eventually led him to a gang.

“I wanted love, I wanted a family,” Michael said. “The gang was the closest thing I could come to… Having that feeling of comfort within a family, and knowing that they’re willing to die for you as you’re [going to] die for them.”

“Hi, my name is Mike. My interesting fact is that I’m a recovering heroin addict”

- Michael Damm Although he knew that a heroin addiction could have serious effects on his body, he continued to use because he felt it gave him strength.

“I can honestly say that the high wasn’t what got me to keep doing it,” Michael said.

“It was like a calmed adrenaline rush. It tore me down as a person physically, emotionally and mentally. But at the time I thought it was building me up.”

At the peak of his addiction, Michael faced another tragedy. His older brother

committed suicide. An altercation they had before he passed away ended with unpleasant words, which Michael regrets daily. He realized it was time to move on from the life he had been living. If the challenge of recovery wasn’t tough enough,

“I have a little alarm set on my phone... it goes off every morning at 7:15 and it says, it’s a new day, stay strong, you’re clean”

- Michael Damm Michael and his girlfriend found out that she was pregnant. The motivation to face his addiction was followed by an assault and battery charge. He was forced to quit using by spending two weeks in juvenile detention, where he could not access the things that his addiction demanded. His stay took a turn for the worse when he began having disagreements with fellow detainees and staff members.

Unfortunately, his problems only escalated from there.

Shortly after his stay in juvenile detention ended, his four-month-old daughter and current girlfriend were killed in a drive-by shooting. This was the final push Michael needed to stay away from the people that influenced his choices so heavily. He began to understand the possible consequences of his drug-use.

“Drugs are definitely not a part of my life anymore,” Michael said. “It’s not worth it to me to lose my life over drugs.”

Although he has been clean for nearly a year and a half, he still feels the effects that the drugs had on his body, particularly psychologically.

“A lot of my emotional problems now still have to do with the gang violence and

drug use,” Michael said. “I see pictures [in my head] of things that I’ve seen—murders, fights. When I get in a certain frustrated mood I start seeing pictures of my friends getting shot, stabbed, blood everywhere.

Some very gruesome things.”

His brain functions were also affected.

“It kind of messed up my mental ability as far as being able to learn very well,” Michael said. “I mean, teachers tell me I have a lot of potential... I guess I just never realized it.”

Michael is trying his best to utilize this potential by working harder at his education.

He realizes that his previous lifestyle would not allow him to achieve any of his goals.

“Education is one thing that [will take] you very far in life,” Michael said. “And the way I was living wasn’t going to get me anywhere besides five feet under.”

Michael’s experience with the gang and his rough childhood built him up to be mentally tough, which he says is a crucial part of his recovery.

“Today is tomorrow’s past and tomorrow’s past is today’s future. It’s whether or not you’re going to make that choice to be a failure today and be successful tomorrow or be successful today and tomorrow”

- Michael Damm “It’s very hard but it takes a lot of practice and a lot of time and a lot of commitment to be able to stay strong every day and just say that, ‘You know what? Today is a new day.

Let’s make it better than yesterday,’” Michael said. “You have to be strong to not go back to it. You have to know mentally and physically that you don’t need it. You cannot let your

emotions get in the way of it because it will tear you up.”

Since the passing of his daughter and girlfriend, Michael has realized how precious every day is, and has been working to have a more positive outlook in his daily life.

“I have a little alarm set on my phone… it goes off every morning at 7:15 and it says, ‘It’s a new day, stay strong, you’re clean’,” Michael said. “I wake up to that every morning and I see it and I say it to myself and I know that I can make today better than yesterday.”

Michael’s friends have observed how his past experiences have made him a different person.

“I think that it has made him stronger and it’s made him realize that he doesn’t need drugs to be happy,” senior Cassidy Harper said. “I think he thinks higher of himself now than he did when he was in gangs.”

Although he had a rough past, Michael refuses to let that get in the way of his future. He hopes to join the Marines and eventually have a family.

He tries to make every day better than the last.

“It’s up to you whether or not you’re going to make today a failure or a success,” Michael said. “Today is tomorrow’s past and tomorrow’s past is today’s future. It’s whether or not you’re going to make that choice to be a failure today and be successful tomorrow or be successful today and tomorrow.”

Michael appreciates how his past has shaped who he is today and how lucky he is to be alive.

“If I could go back and change things, honestly I wouldn’t, because I don’t regret any of it,” Michael said. “It made me who I am today… I was 11 years old not thinking I was going to make it to 13—and here I sit at 17 years old and I’m very thankful and very blessed.”

THE BUCS’ BLADE Feature 19

Therapist Dan Qualls answers frequently asked questions How hard is it to stop cold turkey?

“With heroin, you’re talking both a physical dependency and a psychological dependency, to just up and stop requires a tremendous amount of will to be able to do that. In most cases, people are going to need additional outside supports.”

What are the steps you take to help heroin addicts recover?

“I think one of the first things I try to do is help them to understand addiction… I would always seek to have addicts in group therapy with other people dealing with the same issue. And then if it were possible I would try to involve the family.”

How many cases of heroin use do you see in adolescents?

“As far as people less than 24 [years old], those less than 24, in the past year, I’ve had three who were addicted to opiates.”

What can addicts do every day to ensure that they stay on the path to recovery?

“One of the keys is that it really is staying in the day, not getting too far ahead of themselves.

Generally, interactions with somebody else who is in recovery is very helpful. I also advise people to pick up and read some type of recovery literature.”

20 Arts THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011

Dude where’s my pep band?

Maggie Ginocchio Reporter It’s late in the fourth quarter. The home team is down by two, and in possession of the ball. The band plays everything from pop music to the traditional fight song to fire up the team. The student section—decked out with homemade signs and face paint—jumps up and down wildly. In a flash, with only seconds left, a three-pointer sails through the air. Everything goes silent until—swish!

The student section loses control and the band blasts ‘We are the Champions’.

This is not a scene from Grand Haven’s field house. It’s college game day on ESPN. While Grand Haven has had plenty buzzer beaters this season, fans and athletes are asking: where’s the pep band? With the season two-thirds over, the pep band has performed at only one third of the home varsity basketball games. More often than not the pep band is M.I.A. The pep band performs at 10 games per year with each student member required to play at five. With back to back

men and women varsity games, under Title IX, a student band member meets this requirement coming to the gym only two or three nights a season. It’s hard to keep a consistent presence for 15 varsity home dates a year with this formula still at hand.

“There are kids who enjoy and look forward to pep band and come to more than five performances,” band director Greg Maynard said. “And then there are students that dislike it so much they will risk their grades by not coming at all.”

The days are long gone when the pep band would have wacky theme nights like “Hawaiian night” and dress up crazily to perform at not only varsity basketball games but also hockey games and even swim meets.

So, has the pep band lost its pep?

“The pep band used to go crazy,” Grand Haven alumni and long-time fan Jim Kelly said. “They would tape ‘Go Bucs!’ signs onto their instruments and dress up in fun costumes. I really just don’t see them doing that anymore.”

Buccaneer teacher Tom Puleo agrees.

“Most of the kids just don’t seem as into it as they used

to be,” Puleo said. “There’s more of a class requirement feel to it.”

Band members have their own point of view.

“The whole purpose of pep band is to provide support and encourage the team,” senior drum major Allison Knopf said. “I don’t think the fans or student section dislikes us— they have no reason to. It just feels like the student section and the pep band each do our own thing.”

Senior cymbal player Aprille Dahlman agrees “I consider being in pep band both a privilege and a requirement,” Dalhman said. “We get graded for attending but it’s also a bunch of fun. I wish I could say pep band makes an impact but from my perspective it really only makes an impact on my night.”

One thing’s certain—the pep band, like a rowdy student section, an enthusiastic bench and the booming voice of the announcer, can help create an electric atmosphere in “The Big House.”

“I love it when the pep band is there,” basketball player junior Alex Eidson said. “It totally fires the team up. I just wish they would actually come more often.”

The classical instruments of subculture

Students turn to old and odd cultural instruments to fight the standard beat of the synthesizer

Banjo and harmonica

Ukulele

Digeridoo

Quick fact

Quick fact

Quick fact

Derived from two Portuguese instruments: the braguinha and the cavaquinho.

The Banjo was brought from Africa and was popular with slaves in Appalachia.

Researchers believe that the Digeridoo may be the oldest musical instrument.

Senior Kollin Houghtaling, an avid singer, may also add playing the ukulele on to the list of his talents.

Houghtaling has been playing for about a year; after watching graduate, Garrett Borns strum the Ukulele, Houghtaling was instantly intrigued with the instrument. Houghtaling’s step dad gave him the ukulele and from that point on nothing could stand in his way.

“I [perform music] every now and then and would love to incorporate it into my routine,” Houghtaling said. “For now I generally just play at home.”

For Houghtaling the ukulele is different from everything else. It’s not a piano, where you play each key intricately.

“It’s giving me a chance to break away from everyday things,” Houghtaling said.

“Who plays the banjo that you know,” senior Mitchell Borchers said. “No one.

Exactly.”

Borchers has not only mastered the banjo but also plays the banjo harmonica and guitar. After finding the banjo in his dad’s music store, Borchers has spent the past two years playing.

“I play when I’m hanging out with friends or just want to chill out,” Borchers said.

For Borchers, playing the banjo has just made life more fun in general. As someone who likes to stand out on the edge of the crowd it makes sense that he’d find an unusual instrument that’s on the edge of the music scene.. The banjo really just fits him.

“I just like how the banjo is different from everything,” Borchers said. “Nothing out there sounds like it.”

After playing for 3 months sophomore, Connor Moynihan is quickly learning a truly unique instrument, the didgeridoo.

“It was so interesting, I had to give it a try,” Moynihan said.

After hearing that the Australian instrument was good for your lungs Moynihan bought his first Didgeridoo at Sleeping Tiger Imports in the Lakes Mall.

“It’s easy to play and it’s relaxing,” Moynihan said. “Also you don’t have to be very musically talented to play it, which I am not.”

Moynihan normally plays at home but occasionally branches out play with his friends and their instruments. “ Once I played with some friends, one of them played guitar and the oher played the drums,” said Moynihan. “It was actually a lot of fun.”

-- Reporter Meredith Frein

Harbourfront Prom Dress Drive presented by Craig Watson Photography

Friday, March 11, 5 - 8 pm - Harbourfront Grand Hall, Grand Haven

The Prom Dress Drive needs your help!

We are looking for new or clean gently used prom dresses that you don’t need anymore.

We’ll make sure those dresses find a good home at our prom dress drive on March 11.

Dropoff Dates at Porto Bello Restaurant Wednesday, March 2 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tuesday March 8 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Proceeds from the event will go to Love INC’s new homeless shelter in Grand Haven, the Ministry Center.

Leftover dresses will be donated to Love INC’s General Store.

The event will feature new and gently used dresses at affordable prices.

Experts in the fashion and cosmetic industries to help you put together the perfect look.

Questions?

Contact Craig Watson Photography 616.935.7770 info@craigwatsonphotography.com

or find the event on Facebook! presents

22 Vibe THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011

A REAL band t-shirt LAUREN LUND

Reporter

Every High School student has a dream to be a rockstar (whether they are aware of this or not). With the help of the Electronic Rock Guitar Shirt from ThinkGeek.com, the ability to rock out is at every dreamer’s fingertips—and it’s “I stood up on the table only $29.99. and started rockin’ out.

Recorded from an I was nervous at first but electric guitar, this it ended up being really rockin’ shirt can play 15 separate chords. fun.”

This makes it even -Jon Kline more legit for rock-seshing, something senior Jon Kline is very fond of. A couple of weeks ago Kline was persuaded by his friends to rock out to every student in C lunch, while wearing a shirt he borrowed from a friends’ brother.

“I stood up on the table top and started rockin’ out,” Kline said. “I was nervous at first, but it ended up being really fun.

Everyone was clapping.”

Able to clip to a belt or pocket, the amp’s volume can range anywhere from 1-11 (depending on the wearers’ mood). It is also removable, making the shirt completely machine washable. Due to the included pick that is magnetic to the amp rockers’ can jam out wherever, whenever. With a simple strum and add a few button presses, anyone has the ability able to play—talented or not.

Senior Ali Berry received her shirt as a present from her Grandma this past Christmas. Along with some of her relatives who also got the one-of-akind instrument shirt, Berry was ecstatic.

“I thought it was awesome,” Berry said. “My cousin got the drum shirt too, so we all just started messing around with them.”

Stunned by the astonishing musical abilities, most spectators miss the key rock-androll necessity. Surrounding the guitar is an abundance of red, fierce flames. And yes, they are hot.

To all those dreamers out there—purchase a shirt at ThinkGeek, get a pack of ROCKING OUT: Senior Jon Kline shows off his guitar shirt which actaully plays music. photo by Emma Baty AAA batteries, and take a deep breath. In the blink of an eye this ‘wearable rock’ could turn Grand Havens’ entire student body into superstars.

BLADE AD HERE XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX

Friday, February 18, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Vibe 23

DRINKS, DATES & DEALS

3 3 3

of best drinks for a hot day or a cool night AMANDA BENNICK

Reporter

places to take your date for a memorable time together ERIN RIBBINK

Vibe Editor

ways to keep your stomach happy and your wallet full CHLOE DAULT

Health Editor

Pfaff Pharmacy “ . . . But Mom! Pretty pretty please, with cherries on top?” Does this dud of a begging phrase sound like an ode to an unspoiled childhood? A word to the older: If that cherry was on top of a rich, creamy Pfaff Pharmacy chocolate malt, it would have worked. Since 1953 Pfaff Pharmacy has been crafting original, great tasting malts on the same old-fashioned equipment. The best part, they’re a very reasonable price. For just $3.82 you can sit at their soda fountain holding the holy grail of dessert drinks or get one for free if you have a blue or gold card. Just don’t forget to breathe in between sips.

Ray’s Drive-In Guaranteed to make mouths water, Rays Drive-Ins’ delicious strawberry milkshake is rich, frosty, and sure to hit the spot.

This unforgettable treat has temped taste buds since it opened in 1960 and has an impressive collection of awards to prove it. If strawberry is not your thing, no problem. They’ve got everything from chocolate to pineapple as well as temporary flavors and they all kick butt. Smalls are just $1.60, larges are $2.05 and the extra large 32 oz cup is $3.25.

Great Harvest Bread Co. Great bread. Great hot chocolate. Great price. What more could a teenager ask for, with just $1.50 in their pocket? That’s right: for just a buck-and-a-half you could cozy up to a 16 oz (or 20 oz. cup for $1.75) cup of creamy hot cocoa and run a slice of Great Harvest Bread Co.’s sweet free bread over the drinks’ frothy top layer.

This deal is really a steal.

K2 K2 is the place to wow your date.

Located directly above the Kirby Grill, K2 specializes in wood fired pizzas. You can show your adventurous side with a Cajun, shrimp scampi or chicken cordon bleu pizza or any of the other incredible combinations. While their pizza is incredible, the dessert is where the “wow factor” comes in. Their bananas foster, which is bananas, ice cream and caramel, is covered in a shot of rum and ignited at the tableside. Don’t worry—you don’t have to be 21 to order one. Flaming ice cream guarantees an unforgettable date. Enjoy a pizza, drinks and bananas foster for around $20 plus a tip.

JW’s The quiet and classy atmosphere for JW’s makes having a conversation easy and natural. It’s great for a candlelit dinner and dessert without emptying your pockets. The booths are private enough to give eating dinner a romantic feel. They’re known for their burgers and white chicken chili but don’t be afraid to just stop in for a slice of key line pie.

Plus, everyone looks better in candlelight!

The Fortune Cookie It is hard to find good Chinese food in Grand Haven, so asking for good Chinese food at an affordable price is the equivalent of finding your lucky penny on the beach during Coast Guard week—not impossible but a daunting task. Then the Fortune Cookie moved in and it was like someone walked by and handed you your lucky penny. It was more than just good fortune.

This restaurant offers delicious lunch specials, like Orange Chicken or Broccoli with Garlic Sauce, for only $4.95. With a large menu and small prices you can get a filling meal for a steal. Don’t leave without an order of crab meat rangoons for just $3.39!

Ray’s 75 cent Tuesdays The Pavillion Hamburger No place in town If you are a carnican offer a better deal vore with a big appethan Ray’s monthly 75 tite but a small budget cents Tuesdays. While the best place to go in the normal menu is aftown is the Pavillion. k pho to by Amanda Bennic fordable with a hamburger Their burgers can weigh up for $1.05 and fries for $1.10, it is made to a pound while staying under $10. even more enticing when prices drop That means you and a friend or two could to less than a dollar. The famous Ray’s leave here with full bellies and full wallets. burgers, French fries and large sodas are a If you are not into burgers, the entire menu steal for just 75 cents each! But make sure is very reasonable. So with your almost to prepare yourself for the line, which is nonexistent budget you can get a “real” sure to be out the door with all the hungry burger that is sure to have you leaning customers waiting for this great deal the back in your chair rubbing your stomach in second Tuesday of each month. complete satisfaction.

Morningstar A breakfast date is a great change of pace for couples that normally choose to go out for dinner. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and talk about plans for the rest of the day. Morningstar has traditional breakfast foods mixed in with more daring dishes.

Don’t be afraid to let your date order whatever they want—nearly every meal is under $10!

24 Tech THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011

Mobile Devices

HD Televisions

In 2010 Netflix partnered with Apple to make a Neflix app for the iPhone and iPad that would eventually lead to an iPod touch app and a connection to Windows 7 devices. Netflix plans to be available on the Android as well.

After Netflix started streaming to Samsung Blu-ray televisions in 2008 many other companies, such as Vizio and Sony have jumped onboard. Any TV that can connect online can stream live Netflix through the instant queue.

What’s next for

Netflix?

The American company has virtually ran movie rental stores out of town.

With constant expansion into an array of venues, how big will Netflix grow?

Nintendo Wii

Xbox 360

Wii users once needed a disc to download Netflix onto the system but now can do it right from the online marketplace.

Once downloaded a user just needs an account . Supports “watch instantly” movies.

Much like the Wii the Xbox needs a Neflix account and an online connection, unfortunately users also need an Xbox Live Gold membership.

It all started, fittingly enough, with a late fee. Reed Hastings, a former worker at Pure Software, had rented a DVD of Apollo 13, only to lose it and be charged with a $40 late fee. On the way to returning the DVD, Hastings noticed a local gym and was struck with the business model that it (along with most every other fitness club) charged: pay a fixed amount, with the option of using that service as much (or as little) as you wanted. With that, Netflix was born. Based on that fitness club model, Netflix has built a strong reputation as a reliable deliverer of rentals without due dates, shipping or handling fees, per-title rental fees, or the bane of every casual movie buff...late fees. The company was founded 1997.

*Similiar package available for PlayStation 3

First, America. Next... the world...?

Microsoft partners with Netflix to release videos over Xbox Live.

Not-so instant coverage when needed

Netflix is made compatible with handheld devices, including the iPod touch and iPhone.

Sept. 22, 2010

Netflix’s website first goes online, charging $4 a rental.

Netflix starts its monthly subscription concept.

Nov. 18, 2008

April 1998

Reed Hastings devises the idea for an online video service.

Aug. 26, 2010

The Netflix account which is used to activate sub accounts on game systems or mobile devices is are managed through a computer. Instant queue can also be accessed

Sept 1999

Computer

Movies can be recieved by mail through ordering the movies off of the Netflix website for a fee of $7.99 a month.

Order almost any movie imaginable, there are over 1000 titles.

1997

Mailbox

After deciding on a business model that worked, Netflix targeted the biggest entertainment market that it could: America. Primarily, Netflix focused on the American market, with the impact immediately felt by its competitors. Netflix is credited with the bankruptcy and downsizing of companies such as Movie Gallery and the former king of rentals itself, Blockbuster.. But by no means is Netflix stopping here. Current plans are to expand into the Canadian market, depending on how consumers react (most likely quite well), it is expected that Netflix will then take on the international market. With ground-breaking advances (Netflix announced a partnership with video game companies like Microsoft’s Xbox Live that would allow gamers to access their netflix accounts from the home screen of their gaming console) and savvy marketing (Netflix has an “instant queue” for many classics) look for the “Big Red One” to spread quickly.

Netflix becomes available in Canada, beginning Netflix’s expansion plans.

However, not all of Netflix is well and good. One of the key complaints about the instant queue system is that there is not nearly enough movies available and when things are available, often they are in incomplete sets.

While Netflix has made leaps and bounds in expanding into a dizzying array of mediums, it hasn’t quite clicked with perhaps the biggest one: social networking. An attempt to create a “Friends” feature, where users could rate and review films where other users could view, was phased out when it was estimated by the company that only two percent of users used that feature. But despite these minor blips, the future looks bright for Netflix.

Research presented by Michael Ginocchio & Zak Konarska Sources: netflix.com\ articles.chicagotribune.com\ netflix.mediaroom.com\apple.com\xbox.com Illustrations by Nate Niemerowicz

St yl

Skiing in

Friday, February 18, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE 25 Photo

e

Freestyle Ski Team prepares for first official competition (clockwise from above) FLIPPIN’ COOL: Junior Cole Curtiss corks over the gap at the Mulligans Hollow Ski Bowl, where practices are held Monday and Wednesday each week.

At practice team members focus on improving individual technique and confidence in their grabs, flips, spins and corks. Curtiss is sponsored by K2 for snowboarding. X-FACTOR: Spring Lake junior Chase Palmer crosses his skis behind his back while going over a jump at practice. The team is composed of middle schoolers and high schoolers from both Spring Lake and Grand Haven. BACK BEND: Eighth grader Cameron Lund does a cork seven nose grab.

Lund is one of several talented middle schoolers on the team. photos

by Allison Steggles

(above) POWDER FRESH: Senior Elliott Karafa sends powder flying as he hits the gap. Karafa has multiple sponsors for skiing. Towards the end of the season the team will compete against other skiers and snowboarders across the state at a freestyle competition, the time and location is yet to be determined. (left) BIG AIR: Freshman Brandt Gruizenga tweaks his tail grab. Repeating the same tricks several times over, these freestylers perfect their form for future competition. photos by Allison Steggles

6

26 Sports THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011

It’s the scariest moment in hockey: a penalty is called against your team and just like that, you find yourself out-numbered. So how do the Bucs (18-1-1 overall) adjust to this handicap? Connor Jennings sat down with junior defenseman Will Verduin, senior forward Jake Kramer and senior goalie TJ Roth to find out.

HOCKEY

Key Player: Senior Jake Kramer and junior Doug Zelenka lead the team with 27 goals each.

4.

Key Player: Sophomore Ryann Scott has been a standout in recent competitions.

Rockford

They said it: “I think we’ve gotten

SWIMMING AND DIVING

ty

Be cautious while on offense

JK: [On offense] we have a more defensive

Borta

a

stay in between their guys and the net. If there’s a guy in front of the net, it’s my job to clear them out of the way so TJ can see.

3.

Next Competition: Tomorrow vs

Ba

WV: You always want to

m

Record: A sixth-place finish in the conference.

m

COMPETITIVE CHEER

2.

Protect the net at all costs

by E

Hibbard

As soon as you run it leaves you out of position and creates even more of an odd man advantage for the other team.

ot o

They said it: “We’re playing pretty

mindset, [and] to keep the puck out of our zone as much as possible to cut down on scoring opportunities for the other team.

Better to be cautious than to be greedy

WV: You don’t want to run.

we use is the box. We all shift together to get the puck out of our zone so they can’t score. We want to cut down on the passing lanes.

Muskegon Catholic Central

better throughout the season, [and] improved our round one score by almost 30 points.”

- Junior Ashley Borta

1.

Adjust your defensive formation

TJR: The basic formation

Next Game: Feb. 19 against

well. Sometimes we have a slow start in the first period of games but we are really finishing strong.”

-Sophomore Ian Hibbard

killing a power play

ph

Record: 19-1-1

things to know about...

JK: If they make a bad pass or bobble the puck, we attack.

The main goal is to kill time and prevent them from getting good shots until we get our fifth man back out.

6.

Will Verduin

CONNOR JENNINGS Reporter

BOYS BASKETBALL

5.

If an opening presents itself, attack it

Communication with the goalie is key

TJR: I need to be talking a lot more than I normally would. I need to let [my defense] know where the other team is, [especially] when [they] try to sneak in the back door.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Record: 0-10 (0-4 in O-K RED)

Record: 8-4 (4-4 in O-K RED)

Record: 15-0 (10-0 in O-K RED)

Key Player: Erik Johnson, Karl Johnson, Aaron Venema

Key Player: Junior Alex Eidson scored 15 points in a 43-

Key Player: Senior Sarah Kober helped the Lady Bucs to

and Alex Clark qualified for state in the 200m freestyle relay.

39 victory over Grandville on Jan. 28.

a blowout victory against the Muskegon Big Reds with 16 points and 3 assists.

Next Meet: Feb. 24

Next Game: Feb. 4 at EK

Next Game: Tonight vs West Ottawa

They said it: “It was a tough season,

They said it: “The season’s going

They said it: “This is the most pow-

but we have a promising group of underclassmen which will be good for future seasons.”

-Sophomore Trey Jennings

well. We’ve lost some close games but lately we have been playing really well together.”

-Junior Alex Eidson

erful we’ve been in a long time. I know we can come together to pull off the district and regional championships.”

-Junior Morgan Hawver

Jennings

Eidson

Hawver

Friday, February 18, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Sports 27

District Domination Wrestling team avenges loss of District crown, sends several wrestlers to Individual Regionals at East Kentwood tomorrow MEGAN BITNER Reporter Last spring, in a heartbreaking turn of events, Grand Haven’s jawdropping streak of district championships was stopped at 11 after a loss to West Ottawa. All through the offseason and throughout this year, that painful finish gnawed at the returning players.

As the season progressed, it was a clear and constant goal for the players to reclaim what they knew was rightfully theirs.

So come Thursday, Feb. 10, it was no surprise that the Buccaneers would get revenge, reclaiming their crown as best in the district.

To add to the excitement, Grand Haven captured the title by a landslide, winning 56-15.

Head coach James Richardson couldn’t be prouder of his wrestlers.

“It’s not a surprise at all,” Richardson said. “I

knew we’d do great.”

In addition to returning back to the top, Grand Haven also had nine wrestlers qualify for Individual regionals which take place tomorrow at East Kentwood high school.

Of those nine, four were weight class champions: freshmen Dakota Juarez at 140 pounds, junior Allen Torres at 135 pounds, sophomore Connor Moynihan at 171 and senior Jerry Westerman at 189 (who has boosted his individual record to a whopping 35-1).

For Westerman, who was a captain both this year and last, it was a wonderful feeling.

“Nine guys qualifying (for individual regionals) is really good,” Westerman said. “As a senior, this is the best team I’ve been on.”

Fellow wrestler Torres echoes Westerman’s sentiment.

“Everyone was going crazy in the gym,” Torres

BOYS SKIING

BOYS BOWLING Record: 7-2 Key Player: Senior Evan Draft helped the Bucs roll over the Hudsonville Eagles Jan. 17, 21-9, by bowling individual game scores of 171 and 218

Next Game: Tomorrow the Bucs venture north to Muskegon looking for success in the OK-Red Conference tournament.

They said it: “I believe we have done a good job as a team supporting each other and staying focused.”

Hix

-Junior Nathan Hix

GIRLS BOWLING Record: 8-1 CALM BEFORE THE STORM: Junior Allen Torres stares down an opponent at districts. Torres would go on to defeat his opponent in the 135 weight class, claiming the title. Torres is one of several Bucs headed to Individual regionals next week. photo by Amy Potter

Key Player: Meranda Helder bowled games of 168 and

said. “It felt like a really big burden had been lifted off of our shoulders. It feels like we’re going to start another new streak.”

Also headed to Individual Regionals are seniors Tyler Rose and Jack Dempsey, along with juniors Ian Radde, Josh Juchartz and Dakota

ing for success in the OK-Red Conference tournament.

Smith. Haven’s top wrestlers travel to East Kentwood on Saturday, Feb. 19 to compete, with Coach Richardson having a confident outlook.

“I’m not worried about individual regionals,” Richardson said. “Those guys can take care of themselves.”

GIRLS SKIING

200 in a 30-0 shutout of Jenison.

Next Game: The Bucs strikers travel to Muskegon lookThey said it: “We have the motivation [to go to state] and I hope we will to show everyone how good the bowling team is.”

Olthoff

- Senior Mariah Olthoff

WRESTLING

Record: 0-4

Record: 4-0

Record: 16-4, District Champions

Key Player: Senior Connor Davis finished first in the

Key Player: Junior Hannah Rymal raced to a fourth

Key Player: Senior Jerry Westerman has been dominat-

Conference at Cannonsburg.

place finish in slalom and fifth in giant slalom in a recent meet.

Next Race: The Brain Bucket Bonanza at home on Feb. 25.

ing the 215 pound weight class.

Next Race: The Brain Bucket Bonanza at home on Feb. 25.

Rickard

Next Match: Individual regional finals at East Kentwood on Feb. 19

They said it: “I think practices

They said it: “Our team has a lot of

They said it: “I feel we are off to a

are going better this year and our hard work is really paying off.”

depth this year and we’re really hoping to be strong enough to make State.”

good start. We have great captains who show us the way for a successful team.”

-Junior Allen Torres

-Sophomore Cam Rickard

Pepper

-Junior Claire Pepper

Torres

28 Sports THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011

The Blonde Side

Queen of the hill

Amy Potter We all lose in a lockout...

For fans across the nation, early August marks the beginning of the football frenzy. We gather around the TV early on Sunday to watch the pregame babble of Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, Howie Long and Jimmy Johnson; dressed in suits, with ties that surprisingly fit around their larger than life football necks. These former football players joke around, share stories and debate the upcoming game. FOX is my home on Sunday afternoons and these co-hosts are my idols.

However a threat looms over the NFL that may postpone this ritual next fall. A disagreement has pitted players against owners in a gridiron battle over a billion dollars that could potentially lead to a lock out, which would mean not only a massive loss of money, but maybe even no season altogether. No one wins during the lock out...especially me.

I’m attending DePaul University in the fall where they have no football team. Granted, I do have a brother that plays in college, so I’ll probably head to most of his games, but that’s not enough. If you’re like me (and most of America) you need more than one night of football. I need the excitement of a 60 yard pass for a touchdown. I need the bonding with my friends watching the game. I need the hard hits, bad calls and crazy fans. If I were to lose all that over a silly wage issue between some of the highest paid men in America and the even richer men who write their checks, then I’m going to be pretty upset.

The current contract expires on March 3 so the NFL and the NFL Players Association don’t have a lot of time to reach an agreement.

As much as I support these players, it’s hard for me to side with them on this one. These players make more in a season than a lot of Americans make in a lifetime, so to be that stingy seems selfish.

When you’re worth millions of dollars, a few bucks here and there shouldn’t be a problem. seriously guys, get over yourselves and get back to the real reason you play football -- for the love of the game.

Have they forgotten that that’s the reason why they play football? Why anyone plays sports in the first place? Or have they all turned into Jerry Maguire, screaming “Show me the money!”?

Coming from a girl who has about a hundred dollars to her name, the battle between billionaires and millionaires is a little sickening.

SHREDDING THE COMPETITION: Sophomore Brittney Olds pushes through a slalom course Feb. 8 at Cannonsburg. Olds finished second in the event. “I can’t imagine my life without skiing,” Olds said. “I love it so much and devote so much time to it.” photo by Amy Potter

Sophomore Brittney Olds shines for varsity ski team, looks to return to State meet MAGGIE GINOCCHIO Reporter ‘Sandstorm’ by Darude is still echoing in her head as she looks down at the white expanse below her. She concentrates on what’s about to come as she visualizes the course in her head. Thinking of who she needs to beat, she taps her poles twice on each side for good luck. Her heart beating fast in her chest, she pushes out of the gate and flies down the slope.

This pre-meet routine has become the norm for sophomore Brittney Olds, who is turning heads as a standout competitor on this year’s girls varsity Ski Team.

Olds’ love of skiing started when she was just two years old. Her parents brought her to their cabin at Boyne Mountain every weekend.

Since then, skiing has remained a huge part of her life.

“I like that it’s a different sport that not a lot of people do,” Olds said. “It’s hard for me to describe, but skiing just has this different feeling to it, which is special to me. I ski every day, so it’s rewarding to get so much out of it.”

In just two years, Olds has already gained a strong reputation as a super

“It’s hard for me to describe, but skiing just has this different feeling to it, which is special to me. I ski every day, so It’s rewarding to get so much out of it” -Brittney Olds skier. Along with All-State honors in the Giant Slalom event during her freshman year, Olds is currently the only member on the girls team that skis for the United States Skiers Association, an ultra-competitive, traveling division at a level above typical high school racing. Her best race this season with the Grand Haven Ski Team was at Caberfae on Jan. 28, where she took first in both the Slalom and Giant Slalom event.

“Brittney is one of our most consistent and valuable players,” Ski coach Derek Warner said. “She is ultra competitive and skis to win, not just to finish well. She attacks the race course and does not show fear or

hesitancy. But one of the best qualities she brings is that she still understands it’s a team sport.”

Junior Hannah Rymal, another key skier, also admires Olds’ work ethic as a model for the team.

“Brittney works hard no matter what,” Rymal said. “She always wants to be the best she can be.”

After the completion of the regular season the girls team remains undefeated in the conference, with their goal to make it to the State meet as a team.

To qualify for State the team must place in the top three spots at Regionals against tough competition from up north including Marquette, Traverse City Central and Traverse City West. This is setting the bar high, but with such a talented team and an undefeated record, it seems very possible.

Olds aspires to place in the top 10 if the team makes it to State. After high school, Olds is interested in becoming a college skier at Colorado University.

“I can’t imagine my life without skiing,” Olds said. “I love it so much and I devote so much time to it. But for now, I’m just gonna take it year by year.”

Check our website for a seminar near you

Call for a free COLLEGE PLANNING PROFESSIONALS 229 Washington, Suite B, Grand Haven, MI 4917 consultation 616.935.0740 jondault@collegepp.com www.collegeplanningprofessionals.com

30 Sports THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011

6 DEGREES

OF

DIVING DIFFICULTY

Friday, February 18, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Sports 31

Not flying, but falling with style

The six hardest dives that Mike Vaandering attempts over the course of a season

1.

3.

205C: Backward Two and a half somersault

2.

305C: Reverse Two and a half somersault

4. Having twisted and reached the peak of his dive he starts to fall, while still flipping.

5. As he descends, Vaandering tucks his

5333D: Reverse one and a half Twist one and a half

5235D: Backward one and a half Twist two and a half

105B: Front two and a half dive

The diver launches himself in the air and executes two and a half flips while keeping his body in the pike position (or completely in a straight position).

6.

ing his head down and initiating a tuck.

up and prepares to twist his body.

The diver faces away from the pool and freestyles off of the board, by flipping in the air one and a half times, while twisting two and a half times simultaneously.

5.

6.

2.He springs from the board while throw3. After starting a tuck he brings his arms

legs and arms in preperation for the entry.

(Left) SUSPENDED MOTION: Senior Mike Vaandering readies himself for a dive. (Above) TEN FOR THE ENTRY: Vaandering comes in for a landing. “I get scared still,” Vaandering said. “Especially on my reverses, I get really close to the board on them now.

I just have to learn how to get past [the nerves].”

Vaandering looks to qualify for State again this year. photos by Allison Steggles

The diver leaps off of the board and does one and a half reverse flips in the air. But at the same time, the diver also does one and a half twists before landing.

4.

7 Steps to Perfection

of the board while mentally preparing.

Unlike to the 205C, the diver faces the pool. Then, upon jumping, the diver tucks into two and a half backwards flips in the air before landing in the water.

3.

5.

1.Vaandering positions himself at the end

The diver faces the wall, looking away from the pool. Then, once he has launched into the air and tucks into two and a half flips before hitting the water.

2.

4.

403B: Inward one and a half front dive

The diver faces the pool while on the board, his back towards the wall. He leaps straight up. Then, once in the air, the diver does one and a half flips inward towards the pool.

Senior diver provides key leadership to diving team in unusual way, looks to leave impact on teammates, pave way for future of dive team SAMANTHA VANHOEF Reporter Mike Vaandering flips through the air, executing a backward two and a half: a dive that requires two and one half somersaults through the air, backwards. Once completely submerged underwater, he analyzes every moment of the dive in his head. After emerging from the 14-foot abyss of pool, he looks expectantly towards the pool deck at his ever-observing coach.

“Mike, that dive sucked,” diving coach Brad Mulder remarks from the pool deck.

“Okay I will try to suck less on the next one,” Vaandering responds with a sarcastic smile.

Vaandering has been Grand Haven’s top diver since he began as a sophomore. Now a senior, Vaandering is ready to dive into his final season for the Bucs, with his coach and teammates by his Speedo covered side. This has been the case since day one.

It all started with a dive in gym teacher Derek Warner’s class.

After deciding to join the team and choosing to stick with it, Vaandering went on to qualify for the State competition as a sophomore in his first season.

“It was weird because I didn’t think I was good enough to actually make it,” Vaandering admitted. “Everyone else said I was, but I didn’t feel like it.”

Regardless of his initial doubt, Vaandering went ahead to compete at the State level again his junior year. The second time around wasn’t any easier for Mulder.

“It’s nerve-wracking for him to compete, because I never know where his head is,” Mulder said. “He sometimes buckles under the pressure a little bit, [and] has a hard time calming himself down and relaxing.”

“It was weird because I didn’t think I was good enough to actually make it [to the state meet].

Everyone else said I was, but I didn’t feel like it.”

-Mike Vaandering

But in order to reach his State competitor status, Vaandering utilizes a routine of a solid half hour of stretching followed by practice everyday with Mulder, a former Grand Haven All-State diver. Diving practice consists of core work, learning and practicing the dives they will execute during meets.

“It’s like a scale; by slowly learning new things and applying it each and every time you gradually build up higher and harder dives,” Mulder said. “Every once in a while I’ll just throw them in there, but usually I like to make sure they aren’t going to die first.”

For divers, the threat of hitting the board is imminent and an always-terrifying prospect. Launching off of a diving board and throwing one’s body into the air requires both trust and technique.

“I get scared still,” Vaandering said.

“Especially on my reverses, I get really close to the board on them now. I know right away that I’m going to be super close.”

6. With his flips done, he starts to straighten his body while visualizing his entry.

1.

7. During entry Vaandering flexes his

muscles, making as little splash as possible.

photo illustration by Mike Ginocchio, Ethan Beswick, Allison Steggles

“I just have to learn how to get past [the nerves].”

While Vaandering has only hit the board a few times, Mulder understands his concern.

“Mentally, there’s that fear factor he has to overcome,” Mulder said. “It can be very, very painful to hit the board.

Yet everyday he walks his personal 19.68-inch wide tightrope. He jumps into the air with the enthusiasm of a child on a trampoline and once aloft, flips and folds his body in midair.

“I feel like it goes in slow motion,” Vaandering said. “When I look at it on TiVo, it happens so fast, but during the dive it’s like everything clicks.”

As the lone senior on the team, Vaandering has adjusted to his coach and TiVo for guidance, and is accustomed to reeking of chlorine. His last adjustment is spending time with teammates who are all younger than he is.

“I know how it is to be the younger kid on the team with older divers,” Vaandering said. “I remember when I was a sophomore my first year and all the cool upper classmen were trying to make conversation and be friends, so I’ve been trying to do that.”

Mulder is optimistic about the impact Vaandering will leave on teammates

“He leads by example while being a goofball.

He’s someone to look up to [and] helps to guide the team with hard work and dedication.”

-Brad Mulder

7.

sophomore Casey Carlson and freshman Griffin Dwyer.

“Being a captain he fills that leadership role,” Mulder said. “He leads by example while being a goofball. He’s someone to look up to [and] helps to guide the team with hard work and dedication.”

In the future, Vaandering hopes to continue diving at the college level. In the present, he aspires to help his team not just by earning points, but by serving as an excellent example to his younger teammates.

“Hopefully I’ve affected them in a good way,” Vaandering said. “They’ll have someone to go by, like ‘I want to be as good as he was if not better’ and so they’ll work their way up there. My goal is to beat David Craycraft’s [a former standout Grand Haven diver] six dive score by this year, so if they have that same mind set that they want to try to beat me some day, then that’ll make Grand Haven’s diving team even better.”

Governer Rick Snyder supports bill to add additional $10 million to the PureMichigan campaign, on top of existing $10 million.

Local Harbor House owner Linda Dybevcik feels the campaign is fueling tourism.

What are your first reactons to the increased spending on the campaign?

A: All in all, because tourism is one of our biggest industries now and a really good thing to spend money on for our state. It draws people from all over the world actually. The PureMichigan campaign, as far as I understand, has been voted to be one of the best tourism advertising campaigns in the country – I’m sure you’ve probably seen some of the ads on TV, and they’re beautiful ads. Tim Allen, usually voices the ads. Its been a really good campaign and with the financial problems in the state it has been hard to get funding that has been needed. With the new governor and new people in the legislature it has definitely made a difference in getting the funding back. If we have the funding to do the advertising to get people to come to Michigan, hopefully that will benefit us here, especially along the Lakeshore. It’s a great place for tourists to come and visit west Michigan. We have a beautiful beach and wonderful access to our waterfront in a beautiful town. So people love to come and visit.

How do you think the campaign will help your business?

A: Hopefully it fills in some of the empty spots that we have. We usually fill our summer weekends first for reservations.

When those are all filled up, hopefully we’ll fill up those Monday through Thursday nights. Hopefully, it’ll help us fill in those times and days that might not fill up ordinarily. Any way we can do that, it’s good for us. July and August are always the months that we count on to get us through the rest of the year; like right now, it’s really quiet here. But that’s just the way it is [during the winter]. Our visitor’s bureau does a really good job of promoting this area. Marci [Cisneros] works very hard and does a great job promoting the area, and so does Kim. They work hard and they’re involved in a lot of things and have talked to a lot of people. I really support that organization.

Has business in the past gone down at all, because of a lack of spending in PureMichigan and the economy?

A: Summers really have been good every year, but the effects were very evident two winters ago– that would’ve been the winter of 2008. We didn’t have nearly as many business travelers because companies cut back on spending money on people’s travels.

So it did affect us more in the offseason than it actually did in the summer. Between us only having twenty rooms, the economy, and the price of gas, sometimes people will take trips, but they make those trips shorter and they don’t go as far. *estimated 40 million dollars to Grand Haven area if additional 10 million passes

*Overall $20 million will come from 21st Century Jobs fund, a cash pool created from state’s lawsuit settlement against tobacco companies.

*An additional $10

million funding bill was proposed by Representative Wayne Schmidt of Traverse City.

* A recent study

conducted by Longwoods International, a research firm specializing in tourism advertising return on investment, confirmed a 2:1 revenue/ spending ratio for PureMichigan.

* The funding will go

towards advertising that will span through out the country on about a dozen cable channels.

* The additional $10 million, which has to pass the Senate, will be spent on regional advertising to promote the summer and fall seasons

*based on 2 to 1 ratio in past revenue

Michigan

able towards tourism through advertising and marketing from State General Fund.

Proposed $10 million of funding $20 million in estimated return

Push for Pure

*$5.4 million also us-

Research presented by Devin Chan. Sources .michigan.org/PressReleases\Marci Cisneros

32 Amp THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, February 18, 2011