BUCS’
BLADE
guide to transfer athletes see page
31
January 14, 2011
Grand Haven High School’s student publication of community significance since 1927
courtesy photo
2 Inside THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
18-19
4
Bikes for kids
7
EDITORIAL/OPINION Giving shouldn’t come and go with the seasons Does anyone’s homelessness end with the New Year? What about poverty?
NEWS Student Senate brings Christmas to those who need it the most
Through the Adopt-A-Family program, Student Senate members bring Christmas to deserving families.
12 photo by Emma Baty
25
21
Battle of the Bands
HEALTH Chocolate milk: the new sports drink
Athletes switch from sports drinks to chocolate milk in order to receive maximum nutrients after rigorous workouts.
FEATURE Hitting all the right notes
Former GHHS student transfers to private arts boarding school to pursue future in opera.
22 27 28 photo by by Amy Amy Potter Potter photo
THE BUCS’ BLADE
Grand Haven High School, 17001 Ferris, Grand Haven, MI 49417 A student newspaper of community significance since 1927
Volume 66, Issue 4 January 14, 2011
PUBLICATION POLICY
ARTS Because she found a future
Senior Jennafer Reeths’ strive for perfection makes her artwork a favorite among teachers and peers.
VIBE Mr. Howard’s infinite playlist
Students admire social studies teacher Kevin Howard’s unique and electric taste in music.
SPORTS The Central way to play
New basketball team at Central High School offers Grand Haven players chance to continue high school basketball careers.
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 Letters previously published, addressed to third parties or photocopied will not be published.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
News
Haley Birkett
Editor-in-Chief
John Cherette
Managing Editor Ethan Beswick
Noah Thelen
News Editor
Ali Steggles
Photo
Dez Burley
Feature Editor
Jenny VandeWaa
Artist
C.E. Sikkenga
Adviser
Mollie LaBeff
Feature Editor
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
Nate Niemerowicz
Design Editor
Staff
Sports
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.
Friday, January 14, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Editorial 3
MLK
Im ww ag w. e c m ou lk rt da es y.g y o ov f
sho We mak uld e
y A da can er we emb rem
DAY
Kids always seem to complain about having school on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We say it’s a federal holiday and not having the day off isn’t fair because we can’t truly observe it. If we were given the day off would we really take the day to STAFF learn about EDITORIAL and honor Dr. King? Or would we sleep in until noon and spend the rest of the time watching TV? If we had school on Martin Luther
King Jr. Day, we could spend our time learning about the Civil Rights movement. So yes, we believe we should have school on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Not because we think we are too “white” of a school to take the day off. Not because we like going to school, but because we believe that if we were given the day off, we would forget. We would forget the sacrifices made. We would forget why every American deserves their inalienable rights.
We would forget where our country was just 50 years ago. We would forget the courage it took to stand up and look hate in the eye. We would forget how one man changed a nation. We would forget. It’s no secret that the school’s attempt to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in past years has been less than memorable. This can’t be blamed on anybody in particular. It was the administration’s fault, the students’
fault and the teachers’ fault. Instead of truly spending a day observing what Dr. King did, we were all content with a five minute power point that could hardly be seen from the back of the classroom. It’s time for a change. This year, let’s spend Martin Luther King Jr. Day remembering. Instead of having school off, let’s spend the school day learning about why the holiday came about in the first place. Not many people receive their own federal holiday. There is a lot more to know about his life than one speech in Washington D.C. If we can learn about Dr. King’s efforts and truly understand what was sacrificed to gain civil rights for all Americans, we will become better citizens and better people.
4 Opinion THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
A series of unfortunate events
John Cherette It feels a little bit like torture... I’ve never been tortured in a foreign prison. And to the best of my knowledge, I’m not a terrorist threat, which is probably the reason I haven’t been tortured in some secret American prison whose files have mysteriously disappeared only to be shown to the public years later by WikiLeaks. I’m not quite sure what torture in a North Korean prison is like but I can imagine it gives a feeling of hopelessness. It may be a less extreme example, but I truly believe that the moment you realize you are about to be pulled over is about as bad of a feeling a human can have. Once you take away the actual prison, the physical pain, the prodding for information and Kim JongIl staring down at you with his crazy eyes and his chubby chipmunk cheeks, being pulled over is pretty much equal to torture. So if you consider all of that, when I was pulled over, I basically survived the attempts of a crazed dictator to make me turn on my country…but I’m no hero. Getting pulled over is nothing like ‘Super Troopers.’ Movies lie. The police officer didn’t see how many times he could slip the word “meow” into the conversation or call me a “violator of barnyard fowl” and run away laughing. He walked up slowly (for dramatic effect I assume) and asked for my license and registration. After fumbling through about 20 different insurance forms and handing the paperwork to him, he strode back to run my information and make sure I didn’t have any outstanding felonies to answer for. A million thoughts ran through my head. Was he going to let me off with a warning? Did I give him the right forms? Should I put my hands up? Where in the world did he get those sunglasses? Was there any way I could get a pair for $20 or less if the store happened to be having a sale at the time?!?!?! He didn’t let me off. I didn’t give him the right insurance form. I didn’t put my hands up (though I seriously considered it until my friend told me I looked like a complete idiot). I didn’t even figure out where he got his sunglasses, or if I could get a pair for a reasonable price. I did figure one thing out: speeding is bad. It costs me a lot of money and makes me want to cry. After the ordeal was over and I had continued on my way, I realized something: I was driving slower! Though I hate to admit it, receiving a speeding ticket actually kept me from speeding. I think sometimes we need little reminders in life to keep us on track. This particular time it was in the form of a $150 ticket, but it could be anything in the future. I’m a teenager. That means I automatically know everything about everything, but this realization doesn’t solely apply to me. I hate feeling like a hallmark card, but the next time I slip up and the repercussions feel a bit like torture, I’ll remember there is something I can take from it. In the words of my favorite rapper: “Expletive expletive, moral of the story, expletive expletive.” Truer words have never been said, and certainly not with as much bass in the background. The instant I saw the flashing lights behind me, I swear I saw the glasses of Kim Jong-Il in my rear-view mirror. It was torture for a few seconds, but after I stumbled out of the imaginary dungeon in my head, I realized there was a lesson to be learned: police officers have REALLY cool sunglasses.
Giving shouldn’t come and go with the seasons Opinion
Toys for Tots, Elves and More, Coats for Kids, Angel Tree and the list of holiday charities goes on. It’s drilled into us to donate, donate and donate some more during the holidays. What about the rest of the year? While fortunate BAILEY COVAL families gather around Reporter a table to carve a turkey, others line up on the streets outside food pantries hoping for a bowl of soup. Some families sit around a fire and read the Christmas story. Others sit around a fire in order to stay warm. What about them? Does anyone’s homelessness end with the New Year? What about poverty? Does that go away when the Menorah is taken down? Are homeless people’s stomachs magically full forever if someone donates a single Thanksgiving dinner to them? No. Therefore those who are fortunate enough need to consider making donations after the halls are undecked with boughs of holly. On Dec. 17, 2010 causes.com released survey results on a poll they conducted earlier that
month showing the donating habits of Americans. Of those that donate to charities, 34 percent are more likely to give during the holidays. This isn’t exactly shocking. After all, it is the season of giving. However there are still other charities out there. Love Inc. and the organization Gleaners community food bank are open year round. Gleaners, which supplies the food truck that does weekly food distribution at St. Patrick church, sees this trend. Agency relation’s manager Nancy Ullery notices that Gleaners loses money in the spring and summer while they make money in the fall and winter. Although they usually break even, people tend to donate more during the holiday season. “It has always been that way,” Ullery said. “I think that it’s taught to little kids that during thanksgiving and Christmas they should be feeding the other man.” Another reason could be tax write offs. The government reimburses those who donate to charities. As the year comes to an end, people jump to get their last minute tax refunds. A selfish move really because any time of the year someone donates, the government gives tax refunds. It’s called the time for giving, not the only time for giving. After all, poverty doesn’t come and go like flu season.
Friday, January 14, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Opinion 5
Future Michigan restrictions on teen driving worth small inconvenience Opinion
RILEY MISSEL
Reporter
Fast Facts • States with restriction laws show up to a 20 percent decrease in deadly crashes • Michigan is one of only eight states without passenger restriction laws • Overall, teens are involved in more accidents than average drivers
T
he new passenger restriction law for 16-year-old drivers is fantastic. It promotes the safety of the driver and their passengers as well as the other drivers on the road around them. When teens are prohibited to have more than one passenger under the age of 21 (with the exception of carpooling to school and work) there is less of a chance of a car accident occurring. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than half of 16 year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes were carrying passengers under the age of 21. When teenagers drive with their friends, it creates the most dangerous atmosphere possible: distraction of the brain-rattling music, obnoxious laughter from the backseat and the temptation to impress the passengers, all in a car full of kids with relatively little experience driving. A deadly combination for the easily distracted new driver. The new passenger restrictions law is a great way to tone down the noise and keep drivers focused on the road. Overall, teens are involved in more accidents than aver-
age drivers. Many of these crashes occur when a driver removes his or her eyes or attention from the road and the drivers around her. Minimizing passengers would minimize distractions, creating fewer accidents. Though this may create a small inconvenience for parents and be very annoying to new drivers, it will be worth it. It’s only a year and it’ll keep many more teen drivers alive. Passenger restriction laws are not unheard of; Michigan is one of only eight states without them for young drivers. According to a June 2006 study done by John Hopkins University, states with passenger restriction laws show up to a 20 percent decrease in deadly crashes among teenage drivers. Even if these rules haven’t been instituted by the state until now, many parents enforce them anyway. They lay down the usual “no more than __ people in the car, no loud music, and be home before 11” before handing over the keys. Teenagers may or may not have listened to mom and dad then, but maybe the police officer waiting around the corner with a radar gun can convince teens to listen now and stay safe.
Better driver education would be more effective than new restrictions
W
hen a teenager receives a drivers’ license, it could be classified as one of the most exhilarating times throughout their life. However, starting March 30 2011, Richard LeBlanc’s bill will put a new spin on the outlook of this golden day; the kind of spin that makes you sick. By taking away teen driving freedoms in three different areas, getting a license won’t be as all its cracked up to be for the youthful generations to come. Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the bill this fall after it passed through Michigan’s congress with a breeze. From the bill, all new drivers who do not have an Operators’ License cannot have nonfamily passengers in the car while driving. That’s the first 4,383 hours after receiving a license- and none of which will be with friends. Plus, until receiving an Operators’ license, only one “non-family member” will be allowed in the passenger seat. With that in mind, consider the factor of carpooling. Saving gas, saving the environment; saving lives. In 1998 alone, over 30,000 Americans
died of lung cancer purely caused by car emissions. Even though carpooling to and from work or school sanctioned events is allowed, it still leaves out a lot of driving. For something as harmless as a day trip up north everyone will have to drive separately. Seems contradictory to the goal of taking new drivers off the roads since eliminating carpooling will do the exact opposite. Teen drivers can be distracted. Statistically speaking, they are more prone to accidents. Young drivers need to be safer on the roads, and the “easiest solution” to that would be to make a law. Still, is it really the most effective fix? Instead of having this new law proposed by LeBlanc, we should be educating new drivers about the dangers driving promotes at a higher level. Also just tightening up the abilities to get a license in the first place could keep “bad” drivers off the roads. When it comes down to a law for teenagers, it is just a matter of getting away from the cops. If teens start to see that driving can jeopardize lives including their own, they will think twice about their actions on the road.
Opinion
LAUREN LUND
Reporter
Fast Facts • New drivers will now have to be off the roads by 10 p.m. • New drivers will be allowed one non-family passenger after the first six months of driving • Teens will still be allowed to carpool to and from school and work functions
6 News THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
New law further restricts young drivers Recently passed law limits number of passengers, driving hours for those with Level 2 license SAMANTHA VANHOEF Reporter
The highlight of a teenager’s sweet sixteen is driving to the Secretary of State’s office and getting their golden ticket for the road. Then, as they sit on their motorized throne, their cell phones go wild from all of the messages they’re getting from friends asking for rides. The teen now holds the key to transportation and is ready to become car-pool king/ queen. However, beginning March 30, new restrictions will be placed on drivers with Level 2 licenses. Signed by Gov. Granholm Dec. 14, 2010, this law prohibits student drivers with a Level 2 license from more than one non-family passenger in the vehicle under 21. This restriction applies unless there is a parent/guardian in the vehicle, or if the student is driving to or from school or
school related activities. This amendment to the state’s Graduated Licensing Law also brings the curfew to 10 p.m. instead of midnight. Unless accompanied by a parent or licensed driver over the age of 21, or on their way to/from work, students cannot be on the road until 5 a.m.
“Teens won’t see these restrictions as a benefit, but they will be a benefit to everyone’s safety.” -Deputy Derek Gerencer “The intent [of the law] is safety for the new drivers as well as the rest of the motoring public,” police officer and Lakeshore Precision driving instructor James Albright said. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, studies
have shown the crash risk is three to five times greater for a teen driver with multiple passengers in the car. Car accidents remain the leading cause of teen deaths in the United States and Michigan was one of just eight states with no passenger restriction for young drivers. Experts say a passenger limit would heighten awareness of the potential distraction of having several passengers in the car and give learners a chance to polish their skills under less risky conditions. “There will be some inconvenience initially for the students who have their license and don’t have the passenger restrictions, but these will be short lived,” Albright said. “The only possible issue would be stopping a 17 or 18-yearold who may look younger. Once the driver is identified they would be released without any action.”
illustration by Jenny VandeWaa
While some believe that it is extreme, bill sponsor and State Representative Richard LeBlanc recognizes the need for the law. “It’s not lost on me that some people could think that this is over-reaching,” LeBlanc said. “However, when you look at other laws that are in place, including the existing Graduated Driver Licensing Law, I wonder why the same argument is not made there. In other words, if I think that on my residential street, I
should be able to drive 50 mph if my parents say so, then who’s the government to say it should have a 25 mph speed limit?” Opponents of the law claim that the restrictions are a parent’s call. Although the bill has its critics, Deputy Derek Gerencer sees the positive impact the bill will have. “Teens won’t see these restrictions as a benefit, but they will be a benefit to everyone’s safety,” Gerencer said.
What are the changes? • Prohibits drivers with Level 2 (graduated) license from driving from 10 p.m. through 5 a.m. • Prohibits drivers with Level 2 (graduated) license from having more than one non-family passenger • Bill takes effect March 30
Ribbink awarded student freethinker of the year
Senior awarded honor in December due to efforts to allow freshmen, sophomores into club NOAH THELEN News Editor
In just its first year of existance, the Freethinkers Club has already added an award to its arsenal. On Dec. 8, 2010, club President senior Erin Ribbink was presented with the honor of Student Freethinker of the Year by Jefferson Seaver of Center for Inquiry (CFI) Michigan.
Each year CFI Michigan branch gives out 3 awards: freethinker of the year, volunteer freethinker of the year and student freethinker of the year. Ribbink was initially suprised to find out she won the honor. “I found out the award exists at the same time I found out I won it,” Ribbink said with a chuckle. Advisor John Mauro was
Erin Ribbink the first to alert Ribbink that she had won the statewide award. “I think it’s exciting that our club is recognized,”
Maruo said. “It’s one of the few Freethinker Clubs in high schools around the state.” The award was given out because Ribbink fought to get freshmen and sophomores allowed into the club after they previously hadn’t been. Principal Scott Grimes said that the material discussed at Freethinkers meetings was “more appro-
“It is nice to be recognized for all the trouble our club had to go through” -Erin Ribbink priate” for the upperclassmen. Then the CFI and Jefferson Seaver helped Ribbink
find court cases against Grimes’ decision. Upon showing the administration those cases, the rule stating freshman and sophomores couldn’t be in the club, was reversed. Despite the ordeal, Ribbink is pleased with the final result. “It is nice to be recognized for all the trouble our club had to go through,” Ribbink said.
Friday, January 14, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE News 7
Student Senate brings Christmas spirit to those who need it most
Senate adopts two families, provides gifts, necessities
Student Senate holiday activities • Candy grams- Student
Senate sold, sorted and delivered candy grams with candy canes included to all students participating.
LUCAS WILDER Associate News Editor A narrow, raggedy Christmas tree stands inside entrance, bringing a slight glimmer of light to the sparsely decorated room. Suddenly a knock sounds on the door, which swings open to reveal a crowd of teenagers standing on the porch, arms full of brightly wrapped gifts. A grizzled old man seated on the couch breaks out into a grin. Speechless while the presents are unloaded about the house, the man finally finds his voice as the teenagers crowd around him and his wife to wish them a merry Christmas. “They didn’t have girls as beautiful as you when I was in school,” the man said, his eyes twinkling with joy. “Thank you, for everything.” This year Student Senate divided its efforts to bring Christmas to two very deserving families through their own fundraising efforts: seniors working with the sophomores and the juniors with the freshman Sophomore Sarah Snider enjoyed getting to know the seniors better.
• Senior citizen drive-
Money was collected during all three lunches, coming to a total just over 150 dollars. This money was given to senior citizens in our community.
• Holiday dance- Tickets
illustration by Lucas Wilder and Jenny VandeWaa
“This whole experience has definitely brought us closer as a Senate,” Snider said. In the past, Senate has worked with the Salvation Army for this project, but this year they went directly to elementary schools to find their families. “With the Salvation Army there are strict rules on who can contact the family and deliver the presents,” senior class advisor and math teacher Elizabeth Gervais said. “This way, we can coordinate with the parents in
“Being able to look beyond myself and
my wants and instead
aiding others was very humbling”
-Corey VanSchaik
order to do the delivering in a smooth fashion.“ Previously, Senate just bought presents using a list given to them and the Salvation Army took care of the rest. The students are now able to bring the presents to the houses, which results in a much more lasting experience for all parties. Senior Cory VanSchaik, Senate Director of Correspondence is one Senate member who went out to stores, shopping for the families. The Senate members bought nonperishable food items and Harbor Transit bus passes for the whole family, as well as a multitude of other necessities such as winter gear and an outfit for each child. With five kids in the seniorsophomore group, each child had a budget of $300. “[The shopping] was a great
time, but to actually deliver the gifts and meet the grandparents was an indescribable thing,” VanSchaik said. “After hearing this family’s story, we as a Senate knew we couldn’t just sit there and do nothing. Being able to serve even in this small capacity leaves an impact.” The Senate budget for the program was $2500 and they indeed spent just shy of their goal. The money comes directly from the Student Senate account, which is filled throughout the year with cash from school dances and other fundraisers such as candy grams and various other charity drives. “I’m very proud of our shoppers this year,” Gervais said. “In past years we had a partnership with Meijer for this event so we could only shop
to this dance as well as homecoming this year went into the Student Senate account, most of which was spent on the families.
there, but now we are free to shop anywhere and that alone made a world of difference, giving students much more freedom. We can get much more bang for our buck.” All fundraisers and programs went successfully this year. Senate was able to accomplish all of their goals and above all else, bring Christmas joy to those in need. VanSchaik, touched to the core, sums up the feelings of the rest of the Senate. “Adopt-A-Family was a great experience,” VanSchaik said. “Being able to look beyond myself and instead aiding others was very humbling. Especially around the holiday season, things can get tough for families even in our area. It was a great experience and I’m honored that I could be a part of it.”
8 News THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
FIRST year for FIRST Robotics Senior LIbby Priese starts FIRST Robotics team after watching event BAILEY COVAL Reporter A team from Zeeland wheels a desk-sized robot on a cart through a gymnasium over to the inspection table, anxiously awaiting their score. Their enthusiasm radiates to a Grand Haven senior sitting on the bleachers, Libby Priese. Seeing FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics first hand pushed her to bring it to Grand Haven. FIRST Robotics began its pioneer season this year at Grand Haven with Libby and her dad, Charles Priese at the wheel. “[Libby] kept telling me, ‘Dad we have to have one at Grand Haven,’” Charles said. “It was up to her. [I told her] she had to get the
teachers and the school to okay it and I [would] do my part.” Libby filled out the paperwork needed to start a club. She also needed to find coaches and 10 teachers later she found them— Rory Callendar, Tim Graham and Joe Nelson. Once coaches were established, the search for students interested in technology, engineering and marketing began. “It’s a really cool cross section of students,” Graham said. “That’s what I like best.” The team has just begun building their robot with the help from Computer Aided Design software such as Autodesk Inventor and Pro/ENGINEER, programs that help layout the design for the robot. Once the robot is built, the team will
travel to a competition at Grand Valley State University. Judging at the event includes checking wiring and mechanical systems, measuring size and weighing the robot. The judges also look into teamwork as well. “They ask questions like, ‘how did you decide to make a robot with that feature,’” Charles said. “Or ‘how did you calculate the size of the motor.’” Although the competition is important, the team and coaches both know it has to do more than just build a robot. “We are judged on whether we are wearing all the same thing and parent involvement,” Graham said. “However winning does not come at the cost of friendships.”
HITTING THE DRAWING BOARD: Seniors Arjun Biddanda, Libby Priese and Claire Reirson plan for their FIRST Robotics Robot. Priese started the FIRST Robotics team after seeing FIRST Robotics events in the past. “[Libby] kept telling me, ‘Dad we have to have one at Grand Haven,’” Libby’s dad Charles Priese said. “It was up to her. [I told her] she had to get the teachers and the school to okay it, and I [would] do my part.” photo by Devin Chan
Activities help remember Martin Luther King Jr. Grant from Community Foundation helps bring in performer Michael Fowlin NOAH THELEN News Editor In order to truly honor the great Martin Luther King Jr., there will be many activities planned around his day. Last year there was a video shown to classes which resulted in technical difficulties for many hours, leaving a less-than-memorable taste in students mouths. However, this year, in
addition to a video being played in all classes, there will also be a school-wide competition and nationally coveted speaker Michael Fowlin.
Fowlin to speak Michael Fowlin is back for the third time! The actor, doctor, speaker and performer will give his “You don’t know me until you know me” presentation. Fowlin focuses on teaching
people how to treat others. Librarian and Media specialist Gloria Klinger arranged for Fowlin to come through both a grant through the Community Foundation and through the school. In the presentation Fowlin utlilizes his acting experience to impersonate several different characters in effort to bring awareness of others. “It really helps all of us see what it is like to be
somebody else,” Klinger said. Social studies teacher and MLK day committee member Tom Puleo has seen Fowlin before. “It’s probably one of the most powerful things I’ve seen in my career of teaching,” Puleo said. Puleo promises the performance will please people. “It’s the only time I’ve seen an assembly and everybody is paying attention,” Puleo said. He is so gravitating that you don’t want to be a doofus and not watch it.”
Competition deadline monday In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., there will be a school-wide competition to help make people aware of Dr. King’s life. The competition will contain three categories: a poster category, a performing arts category and an essay category. All contest entries must be turned into the main office or the library by Monday, Jan. 17. There will be several prizes awarded such as a pizza party for one of the winner’s classes in the spirit of giving to others.
Student-made video captures all aspects of King Jr.’s life In addition to the many other activities, all students will see a video honoring Martin Luther King Jr. in their classes on Monday, Jan. 17. Senior Sarah Shaw made the video as a part of her teaching internship with social studies teacher and member of the MLK day committee, Edward Thomas. “It goes over Dr. King’s life other than his [involvement] in the civil rights movement,” Shaw said.
Friday, January 14, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE News 9
The unemployment crisis 1
About
LAUREN LUND Reporter
Tax cuts
A December compromise had Democrats agreeing to extend Bush-era tax cuts. In exchange, Republicans agreed to support a proposal that would extend unemployment benefits to millions of Americans.The tax cuts provide muchneeded relief for low-income families all across the country. Unemployment extensions provide financial support for the unemployed. Republicans are in favor for the Bush tax cuts, while opposing the extensions. the extensions.
2
Pros and cons
On the plus side, the cuts aid families who sincerely struggle. “There are those individuals receiving unemployment benefits who have been seeking work and rely on the benefits to pay for food, housing and even gas money to get to job interviews,” said Emily Santellan, Michigan Works Employment Services Coordinator for Ottawa County On the other end, some people may use it as a fallback which lowers motivation towards getting a job.
3
Rising rates
Unemployment rates for
CORRECTION In our November issue, we stated the school board did not have a formal policy on bullying. Unfortunately, we were mistaken. The school board does have a bullying policy that can be found in the online policy in section 8260. There is also a policy on Page 8 of the student handbook. In addition, Capturing Kids’ Hearts and the MBLISI Grant Program are two key initiatives that are already demonstrating positive results in regards to reducing discipline issues. The Bucs’ Blade regrets the error.
ART PREVIEW Interested in art? Brush up your skills on Jan. 20 when Loutit District Library (407 Columbus Avenue) hosts Graffia Gallery’s
Linda Dimitroff. Learn about the different types of painting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. when artist and owner of Graffia Gallery will demonstrate acrylic, oil, watercolor, encaustic and mixed media. This preview for those interested in the visual arts does not require registration. —Samantha VanHoef
HOMELESS SHELTER There is still time to join in Interact club’s tour of Degage, a famous homeless shelter in Grand Rapids. Students will tour, meet new people and learn about a different way of life. Anyone is welcome to join
BUC
B r i e f s in the experience. The tour will take place towards the end of January but the date isn’t set currently. If interested talk to director and teacher John Mauro. “We are ready to donate for the homeless and get to know them and their stories.” Mauro said. —Meridith Frein
WINTERFEST 2011 A flurry of events is about to blizzard into Grand Haven for Winterfest 2011. This three day event from Jan. 27 to Jan. 30 is bursting with activities including Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl’s $1 lift ticket day on Jan. 27, ice sculpting at Jack’s & Old Boy’s Brewhouse and the intergalactic human sled
West Michigan are currently much higher than National rates. “The unemployed are in Michigan while the new jobs are in Iowa,” Santellan said, “It’s not easy to get up and move considering unemployment benefits and how much house values have dropped—plus it is expensive to move in itself.”
4
Education
A college education seems to be a major necessity to increase the likelihood of getting a job these days. But are all those years in college really beneficial? Most jobs currently being created across the state require a specialized degree
race on Jan 28., the family dog pull, cardboard sled race, snowboard and ski competition at Mulligan’s Hollow and euchre tournament on Jan 29. Concluding the festivities on Jan. 30 is the snow angel contest in Central Park. Don’t miss out on all these exciting events! For entry forms, times, and other activities and details please visit www.winterfestonline.org. —Samantha VanHoef
GREEN CLUB Every year, countless gallons of water are wasted when water bottles are filled up at the high school inefficiently; the bottles that aren’t filled up are either thrown in the trash
someone could get from a 2-year community college.
5
Local aspect
The rising unemployment rates for West Michigan create hardships for families, even here at GHHS. Everyone that relocates out of state for a job lowers Michigan’s overall state income. With people having less income, they are not purchasing and therefore not putting money back into the state’s economic system. On top of that, tax money that is used for new roads or public schooling is also cut. Sources: www.michigan. gov, Emily Santellan
or recycled. Through the introduction of polycarbonate water bottles, the Green Club hopes to resolve this problem. “What we’re trying to do is sell water bottles to raise money to potentially retrofit water fountains for water bottles,” Aaron Portenga, advisor of the Green club, said. The money raised from the bottles also will offer another opportunity to reduce trash output by the school. “We plan to use the money to buy washable or more biodegradable trays, in order to introduce costeffective methods for reducing environmental costs,” Portenga said. The water bottles will cost around $7 and will be available in green, blue and red. —Devin Chan
10 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
Local musician Lew Russ brings music therapy class to special needs students at Grand Haven High School and it has teacher and students speaking and singing in
A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE EMMA BATY Reporter
S
photo by Emma Baty
itting in front of the row of students, Lew Russ begins to pluck the strings on his dark wooden guitar, tuning it for another class period. Expressions of wonder and eagerness appear on the students’ faces. Once the guitar is tuned, he introduces the song he’s about to play. It’s one the students have never heard before. He starts to sing and moves around the classroom energetically. One student, Jessa Rollenhagen, plays a tambourine along with him, shaking it enthusiastically with the beat. Russ walks over to another student, Jennifer Dewitt, and offers his guitar to strum. At first she hesitates, but eventually reaches forward to play it and a smile spreads across her face. Rollenhagen watches intently as Russ’ fingers change position on the neck of the guitar. Russ continues to play and at one point in the song he looks at Rollenhagen and exclaims, “Isn’t that right Jessa?” She laughs excitedly, and continues to play the tambou-
rine. Every Friday afternoon, Russ volunteers his time to teach a music therapy class for special needs students. He teaches them music theory and leads them in song and dance. Traditionally, the special education program does not have a music class, but special education teachers Melissa Richardson and Dan Sears thought a music class could benefit their students in new ways. “It strengthens their communication skills, their oral language,” Sears said. “It helps them emotionally. It’s a good stress reliever— it also strengthens their physical coordination skills.” Sears previously worked with Russ and knew his capabilities of bonding with people would be helpful to students. “I’ve seen him perform and the way he interacts with people that come to the shows,” Sears said. “He really takes the time to recognize everyone. I thought it’d be a good match to have him work with our students and it really has been because right away he already remembers all their names, after first meeting them. He’s good at giving them compliments and just recognizing them. And that’s all above and beyond his musical talent.” Richardson believes the
“Music was a gift to me and it’s my responsibility to share that gift with others” --Lew Russ
STRUMMING ALONG: Instructor Lew Russ strums his guitar as delivers a tune for student Danielle Erdley in Melissa Richardson’s class at Grand Haven High School as part of a music therapy program. “These kids have different levels of needs,” Russ said, “but music is such a universal language it breaks down and it bridges everyone the same way.” photo by Emma Baty
success is due to Russ’ positive attitude. “Lew is a very enthusiastic person,” Richardson said. “He brings so much spirit into the room through his smile, through his posture. He’s somebody that you just feel good being around” According to Russ, his enthusiasm comes from the atmosphere of the classroom. “Everyone in the whole room is [there] for each other,” Russ said. “They share in their own individual joys, the whole class does. It’s a class that is united. There are no negatives from this class. Everyone’s happy and everyone’s glad to be there. It just makes it an environment that you hate to leave.” Music affected Russ’ life and now he feels the need to make an
impact on others lives in the same way. “It is giving them something to look forward to, because it makes me look forward to it too,” Russ said. “Music was a gift to me and it’s my responsibility to share that gift with others. That’s why I do it— it’s my responsibility to do it.” For the teachers, the most rewarding part of watching Russ instruct the students is seeing the happiness it brings them. “Once you see their smiles you’ll understand,” Sears said. “They are so happy. He captures their attention and he just brings that joy to the surface, sometimes we don’t see that enough in school. It just really brings joy. And these kids deserve that.” Richardson also realizes the difference music can make.
“Being able to look over and know that student is so touched that they are beaming from ear to ear,” Richardson said. “I think it makes you realize how powerful and influential music is and that we all can benefit from music.” Although the disabilities vary among students, Russ believes they can all be impacted by the power of music. “[Music] comes at you at a very common level and you take from it what you want to take from it, but it’s a giving thing” Russ said. “You can see the gift and the reception of that gift just by the expression of their eyes and the smile. These kids have different levels of needs, but music is such a universal language that it breaks down and it bridges everyone the same way.”
At College Planning Professionals we seek to set “A New Standard in College Planning� by providing unprecedented knowledge and professional service to families in West Michigan.
229 Washington Suite B Grand Haven Mi. 49417
616.935.0740
6
12 Health THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
Health myths you thought were true MEGAN BITNER Reporter
1
Everything causes cancer
From microwaves to orange peels, it seems like everything puts the body in danger of developing tumors as fast as Bieber fever. “There is no credibility to anything like that,” Doctor Molly Crissnan said. It is too bad that rumors and media lies have made it so everyone isn’t enlightened. “Rumors start because there’s no way to actually disprove it, “Pediatrician Alanna Barron said.
2
Catching a cold when you are cold
Just because there is five feet of snow outside doesn’t mean your body is doomed to the flu. “If you don’t dress correctly you lower your immunity a little,” Barron said. “Being cold does not give you a cold. The biggest thing is not getting enough sleep, and not eating healthy enough.” The flu is capable of getting at your system even in sweltering of summers. “You get colds when you’re exposed to the viruses, not because the temperature,” Crissnan said.
3
Only ten percent of the brain is used
The brain is the most efficient, complicated and miraculous machine on Earth. Contrary to popular belief, more than 10 percent of the brain is used. Every part of the brain is in active-asleep or awake. “When you sleep you replenish brainwaves,” Barron said. “Sleeping is absolutely essential.” This myth began to pop up in the late 90’s, when a magazine ad for U.S. Satellite Broadcasting showed a drawing of a brain with the caption ‘You only use ten percent of its potential.”
4
Drink eight glasses a day or death
Water is essential to survival. Most people believe that a person needs to drink eight glasses of water a day to stay healthy and keep the body working properly. Little do they know, the body gets most of the water it needs through other parts of the diet. “We get enough fluids from our typical daily consumption of juice, milk and even caffeinated drinks,” Sarah Kliff from Newsweek said. As long as there is a bit of water in your diet everyday, then you will be just fine.
5
Medicines can cure all diseases
When the grape flavored medicine is swallowed, it doesn’t mean immediate cure. “Drugs don’t treat the bug, they treat the systems,” emergency room Dr. J.B. Gilleland said. “It does nothing to shorten the course of the disease.” Practicing healthy habits can keep you safe from the bug. “I wash my hands probably 50 times a day and [use] hand sanitizer 100 times a day,” Gilleland said. “You need a good diet, drink water, lots of sleep and exercise.”
6
Hair grows back thicker after shaving
Shaving is a part of human life, from the head to the toes. But contrary to popular belief the hair does not come back with a reckoning. Unlike many old wives’ tales told you have been told, the hair does’t grow back thicker and darker. “It is [a common] misconception,” Crissnan said. “When it disappears because you shave of course it’s going to feel sharper afterwards. Hair is hair.” Letting hair grow back to it’s full length will show that the hair still has the same texture.
Celiac disease changes diet and lifestyle CHOLE DAULT Health Editor Before senior Jacqueline Destrampe eats anything she has to check the label for wheat or gluten products. She can’t eat most foods at restaurants. Worst of all she is constantly worrying about being sick. But these are just some of the many negatives that accompany someone with Celiac disease, someone like Destrampe. “My diet consists of nothing with wheat,” Destrampe said. “Even a crumb could make me very sick.” This disease is comparable to gluten intolerance but more specifically causes the body to have intolerance for wheat. Living with this disease is not comparable to a normal allergy like cats or pollen; it requires a complete lifestyle change. Everything a person suffering from Celiac puts in their body must be carefully examined to make sure it contains no wheat or they could risk serious illness. “The disease effects your entire life,” Destrampe said. “Within an hour [of accidentally consuming wheat or gluten] I feel like I have abdominal pains or like I am going to throw up.” The effects of Celiac disease can vary depending on each individual’s tolerance to the wheat. Along with being
GO GLUTEN: Senior Jacquie Destrampe eats a gluten free cookie in the lunchroom. Destrampe’s diet can include no wheat or gluten because she has Celiac disease. photo credit Chloe Dault
concerned with her health most of the time, Destrampe deals with being emotionally and physically fatigue, throwing up often, getting canker sores and worrying about possible organ damage if the disease goes untreated. “You have to think into everything and read every label,” Destrampe said. Cross contamination, or the mixing of wheat and gluten
containing foods, with Destrampe’s gluten and wheat free food is always a worry, especially when she is eating in the cafetria and at restaurants. Therefore the process to keep foods in restaurants like Mancino’s in Grand Haven, which have a large gluten free menu, from being contaminated and dangerous for gluten intolerant customers, is strict and critical. “The discipline in the kitchen has got to be 100 percent [to avoid] cross contamination,” Grand Haven Mancino’s owner John Weenum said. “Before [an employee] can start serving and making gluten free food they have to be trained by me.” And the hard work Mancino’s does to keep their food safe for the customer does not go unnoticed. “Mancino’s has really good gluten free pizza,” Destrampe said. Still, Destrampe tries not to get bogged down or frustrated, because she looks at the whole situation optimistically. “People are always like ‘are you mad about it?’ and [I tell them] I am happy because I am not sick all the time and I feel a lot better,” Destrampe said. “If I wasn’t diagnosed [with Celiac] it wouldn’t be good, [because it] makes me healthy.”
Friday, January 14, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Health 13
Chocolate milk: the new sports drink Athletes switch to Chocolate milk after workouts in order to replenish their body’s needed nutrients, keep wallets full AMANDA BENNICK Reporter The first thing senior volleyball and cardio fanatic Emily Franks does after her exhausting workout at the YMCA is to head to the refrigerator for her chocolate milk fix. Though many may think that this drink is tempting her because of its sweet, rich taste, the natural nutrients in chocolate milk are actually calling out to her fatigued muscles. “It affects me better [than other sports drinks] after [my workout] because I don’t feel as weak,” Franks said. “Some protein shakes actually have a lot of sugar in them, which [many] people don’t really realize. Chocolate
milk is better for you and makes for one serving, but you can get a me feel healthier.” gallon of chocolate milk for like Franks feels so good because $2.50 or $2.” chocolate No matter milk does the what the work of both activity, “Some protein shakes actu- proteins and a protein drink ally have a lot of sugar in and water at one them, which people don’t carbs are vital low cost. realize. Chocolate milk is bet- for optimal “The ideal ter for you and makes me feel performance. ratio [for a “You need healthier” recovery drink] -Emily Franks protein in your is 4-1, protein to diet in order to carbohydrates be broken down and the ratio that chocolate milk to be added back to muscle and has, so it’s even better than some the carbohydrates, [which] are of the supplement types that are stored as glycogen, to be used out there at a fraction of the cost,” as fuel for your body during the athletic trainer Patrick Wykes workout,” science teacher Todd said. “Gatorades are like $1.50 Diederichsen said.
The key for chocolate milk to do its job right is in the timing: consuming it when the body is the most worn out. According to Wykes, this means drinking it within a half hour of working out. Just because chocolate milk needs to be consumed when the bodies nutrients are most depleted doesn’t mean the players’ wallets have to be. Franks finds the drink cheap and convenient, unlike other post-workout, body replenishing drinks. “It’s nice not having to ask my mom to go out and buy big containers of that protein stuff,” Franks said. “But chocolate milk, you’ve always got chocolate milk!”
Buccaneers, the place to gather is at
porto bello
41 Washington Grand Haven 846-1221
$3
Student Study SPECIAL
Bring your homework to Portobello on Mondays from 5 to 9 p.m. and get a one topping MINI PIZZA and a pop for $3! BUCCANEER SPORTS FANS: Join us after any Buccaneer game and BUY ONE PIZZA GET ONE HALF PRICE. Dine in or take out.
Wrestling to remember
Friday, January 14, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Photo 15
(Clockwise from far left) RIDING TOO HIGH: Senior Jack Dempsey throws his opponent into a power tilt getting closer to a pin. Dempsey earned second in the 145 pound weight class. FULL HOUSE: Friends and family come to support wrestlers from all over the state. The rowdy crowd kept the adrenaline running for the seven hour tournament. LONE CHAMPION: Senior Jerry Westerman accepts the champion spot for the 215 pound weight class. Westerman was the only one from Grand Haven to receive first. Photos by Ali Steggles
Wrestling program hosts the 18th annual Adam Provencal Invitational varsity wrestling tournament inviting 10 teams from around the state ALI STEGGLES Associate Photo Editor “Adam Provencal was a smart, kind young man who was always willing to stand up for the underdog,” the announcer said at the Adam Provencal Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 8. “Let us take a moment of silence in his remembrance.” The gymnasium full of athletes, parents and friends fell silent as a wave of emotion rolled through. Adam’s life was tragically taken from him during the fall of his senior year in 1992. He was an outgoing teen involved in many activities, excelling in his studies as well as athletics. Adam was an editor on the school newspaper, an honor student and a well-known athlete in track, soccer and most of all wrestling. He had participated in wrestling since the age of six, qualified to go to the state tournament twice and placed fifth and second. As a memorial of his impact and success the wrestling program started an annual, invitational tournament in his name 18 years ago. It is held on the first Saturday after the New Year and is one of the most attended meets of the season. Adam’s father and Athletic Director, Jack Provencal, attends the meets regularly. “What is special is that so many people are kind and they show their love and appreciation,” Jack said. “For me it’s extremely meaningful.” The Buccaneers finished the tournament with nine wrestlers placing in the top four of their weight class. Grand Haven finished in fourth place overall.
(Clockwise from top left) BATTLE IT OUT: Junior Ian Radde competes against a Comstock Park wrestler for a spot in the finals. Radde placed third in the 275 pound weight class. KEEP IT ORGANIZED: The GHHS field house is rearranged with mats to accommodate for the tournament. DIP AND ROLL: Junior Dakota Smith tries to roll his opponent from Comstock Park high school for the pin. Smith placed third in the 152 pound weight class. EYES ON THE PRIZE: Varsity head coach James Richardson analyzes one of his wrestlers matches looking for room for improvement . Photos by Ali Steggles
16 Double Truck THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wrestling with injury is
THE BUCS’ BLADE Double Truck 17
case of mind over matter
When Grand Haven senior wrestler Jack Dempsey won his opening match of the season, there was cause for celebration: he had come from behind to win 1312 in a double-overtime thriller. But Dempsey is no stranger to comebacks. In fact, compared to what he has gone through over the last year, this comeback was nothing Last year after a match against Jenison, Dempsey came off the mat with his right shoulder swollen to the size of a baseball. He was taken to the North Ottawa Community Hospital where the doctors believed he had a broken collarbone. They sent Dempsey to physical therapy, where he discovered there was more to his injury than previously thought. “[Physical therapy’s] really where they started to find out something was wrong because my therapist was realizing symptoms that just weren’t linked to a broken collarbone,” Dempsey said. “The therapist thought that I had a spinal compression, so he sent me to Grand Rapids to get some MRIs.” That’s where things got more complicated. What Dempsey had was a rare congenital disorder called Chiari Malformation, affecting approximately one in 10,000 people, where the bones in the back of the skull aren’t fully fused together. This creates a small hole where part of the brain could be exposed or lodged. If left untreated, it could result in paralysis or
death. “The “I talked to [my doctor] about day before surgery because I knew that if I had surgery I [surgery] probably wouldn’t wrestle,” Dempsey said. “I also was worse than the day wanted to ask it from his perspective, like ‘If this were of,” Dempsey said. “I knew that they told your kid what were the chances [that you’d do this]?’” me the chances of something happening weren’t Dempsey’s doctor told him that few people with great but at the same time there’s a lot of ‘ifs’ that this condition elect to have surgery. However, most you think about. [However], I’m not worried about people with Chiari Malformation also don’t wrestle. something happening because I can’t control that.” When Dempsey asked if he could continue wrestling The idea of Dempsey going through a procedure without surgery, he was with such steep told it was not only out consequences also “The therapist thought of the question, but also had a profound effect potentially fatal. Dempsey that I had a spinal on Dempsey’s father, had been wrestling since Dave. compression, so he he was six and quitting “Before he went sent me to grand rapnow, before his senior in there, he was season, was something he told there was a ids to get some MRIs” just couldn’t fathom. --Jack Dempsey five percent chance “[Wrestling’s] not just of paralysis,” Dave a sport, you’re learning Dempsey said. “You different things about life as you go,” Dempsey said. just sit there (waiting) and it’s hard to say what I “There’s so many things about it: your control of your was thinking because tons of stuff goes through weight, you have to be responsible, you have to be your mind. You try to stay positive, but that stuff’s dedicated…I don’t know any sport that goes longer. still in the back of your head. But we knew the guy It’s hard.” doing the work on him was premier, so that helped With that dedication in mind, Dempsey chose to a lot.” undergo surgery. It was not a light decision to make. Thankfully, Dempsey went through surgery with One of the potential side effects of a surgery gone no complications. But that was only the beginning wrong was blindness. Ultimately, Dempsey’s love of of what was expected to be an agonizingly long wrestling proved stronger than his fears. road back. Initially, he was to stay in the hospital
for a week, followed by a month of lifting no more than seven pounds. After that, he needed to go through two months with no strenuous exercise whatsoever. At that recovery rate, he would never be able to get back in time for the start of his senior season. Instead of despairing, Dempsey approached his recovery with the mindset that he was going to return to the mat no matter what the odds were and how difficult it would be. “I got in and out of the hospital in two days, which [the doctors] thought was remarkable,” Dempsey said. “This season is important to me and I didn’t want to ruin it before it even started.” At three months post-op, Dempsey’s progress was so impressive that his neurosurgeon decided that he could skip two months of physical therapy and cleared him to begin working out again. It wasn’t easy. In order to regain any muscle and strength that he had lost, he gutted through the brutal “Insanity” 60-day workout program. Helping out at wrestling clinics for younger kids allowed Dempsey to practice the moves he needed once he returned to the mat. Jack’s father credits Jack’s dedication to the Insanity workout as vital to him returning as fast as he did.
not
WRESTLING: Se nior Jack Demps ey fights hard to opponent from pin his Northview High Sc ho ol at the Adam Pr Invitational. phot ovencal o by Allison Steg gles
“He did that Insanity workout for five, six able to wrestle this year,” months leading up to surgery and I think that had Richardson said. “Jack prepared and worked out (to a ton to do with his recovery. He was just in tip-top return) completely on his own.” shape. Even with the surgery, he went in at 8:30 and Sitting in the stands as he watched his son make I came in at about 11:30. They told me he’d be in his triumphant return against Cedar Springs, Mr. recovery about an hour and a half. Well, a half hour Dempsey found it easier to control his emotions. came by and they said ‘His vitals are great, we’re “I was pretty relaxed. He wasn’t coming back 95 sending him [to his room]!’ When I got upstairs to his percent; he wasn’t even coming back 99 percent. He room, the first thing he asks me is for a cell phone to was coming back 100 percent or he wasn’t coming text his buddies [that he’s back. It didn’t faze me alright]!” a bit. It was just like “The one thing I realDempsey’s hard work nothing happened.” paid off, as he was able Having conquered ized after surgery is to return to the team something that threatened that it wasn’t how hard in time for the season both his wrestling career you work physically, it opener. Almost a year and possibly even his life, prior, it looked like his Dempsey has every right was the mental piece wrestling career was to be feeling unstoppable. that made all the over. Now, he was back But he knows what the difference” on the mat again. most important thing was “My first match…I --Jack Dempsey in helping him get back to can’t tell you how it felt,” the mat. Dempsey said. “I don’t “The one thing I know. So many things were racing through my mind realized after surgery is that it wasn’t how hard you that I couldn’t even describe it. I was like a bullet out work physically, it was the mental piece that made all of a gun, I guess. Just ready to go.” the difference,” Dempsey said. “The people around Dempsey’s dedication, coupled with his you that are supportive made all the difference. It was miraculously fast return, left varsity wrestling coach family and friends that visited me in the hospital. It James Richardson in awe. was uplifting. When you have the mental piece there, “To be honest, I was stunned when I heard he was everything will fall into place.”
Illustrations by Haley Birkett
Senior Jack Depmsey overcomes brain injury, returns to mat
MIKE GINOCCHIO Sports Editor
WINNE R: Sen ior Jac Freshm k Dem an Abe psey w Westerm ins his an. ph match oto by agains Amy Po teem m tter ate
e mpsey’s skull ar the back of De in s ne bo s al ve family SIDE X-RAY: Re tesy of Dempsey ther. photo cour fully fused toge
Dempsey, Jack
MRI BRAIN
vered. ry was disco
psey’s inju n after Dem ke Ta : N A C BRAIN S psey family esy of Dem photo court
18 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Feature 19
A different kind
BIG SMILES: Volunteer Matt McConnell assists a young girl with selecting a bike at this years’ Elves and More event. The charity’s mission is to provide children with bikes each holiday season. photo by Emma Baty
Volunteers from West Michigan build and deliver bikes to children in underpriviledged neighborhoods each holiday season EMMA BATY Reporter
On a frigid Saturday morning in December, people cheer as the first police car comes around the block, sirens blaring. Five semi trucks follow, the sound of their horns matching the excitement in the air. As soon as the trucks pull up, participants quickly begin unloading bicycles, grouping them onto the playground of the school hosting the event. An hour later, 900 bikes are unloaded. The first child hesitantly walks onto the playground to pick out the bike that will soon be his, free of charge. His eyes light up when
he sees the rows of bikes. Despite the bitter cold and sharp wind, he smiles and runs over to a blue one. After getting fitted, the boy’s father turns to a volunteer and says, “This is such a blessing. Merry Christmas.” All of this was made possible because of Elves and More, a charity whose mission is to provide all of the children in one neighborhood with bicycles every holiday season. These bikes go to a neighborhood of children who may not have been able to receive a gift like that for Christmas. Children under four receive a ‘treasure box’ with miscellaneous toys and supplies. Hearing about an Elves and More in Houston inspired Liz Bracken, mother of a Grand Haven student, to start a
division in West Michigan. “That first year [2005], we raised enough money to buy about 400 bicycles and it has just snowballed from there,” Bracken said. “Every year a few more new people come and join us by building the bikes or delivering them. Then the next year quite often they will get their friends, family or employers to make donations to us.” Five years ago money was donated through sponsorships to build 400 bikes and has now settled at around 1200 bikes each year. “We’re trying to keep our size manageable so that we can get the funding [so] we have the resources to build and deliver,” Bracken said.
(clockwise from left) HELPING HAND: A volunteer adjusts the handlebars on a child’s bike before he takes it home. The volunteers also filled tires and adjusted seats. TORN APART: A toddler opens a “treasure box.” Children under four received a box of supplies and miscellaneous toys rather than getting a bike. FULL OF FUN: A semi-truck is filled with bikes to be brought to the neighborhood. Nine hundred bikes were given away at the event—five trucks worth. PERFECT FIT: GHHS alumnus Brodrick Coval helps fit a child with a helmet. Helmets came with every bike. photos by Emma Baty
of Christmas elf Although Bracken always enjoys the expedelivering the bike,” Bracken rience, this year was especially rewarding. said. “I thought it would be a “We received at least 20 cards from kids “It makes me happy that good way, on a small scale, for telling how they loved their bikes,” Bracken I can provide an opportunity people in the community to get said. “A note from ‘the neighborhood’ [Coit for people to get involved in involved.” Park] saying it was the best thing to ever hapsomething that takes their According to Bracken, it is pen to them and an email from a dad who said mind off their problems” easy for people to find joy in how grateful he was for his kids bikes because working with Elves and More. they didn’t have money for Christmas gifts.” —Liz Bracken “It makes me happy that I Bracken was looking for a charity that she can provide an opportunity for and her family could be involved in. Starting people to get involved in someElves and More allowed them and others to be thing that takes their mind off hands-on in the process. their problems,” Bracken said. “It’s easy to write a check and drop it in the mail but it’s Senior and InterAct club member Maggie Smith has not quite the same as going and building a bike and then participated since she was a sophomore and in all of her
volunteer work, she has found that Elves and More can be more rewarding than other charities. “We do coat drives but you don’t see where the stuff is going, you don’t see the people who get it,” Smith said. “This is more like you’re handing it to them, being able to see the people that you’re helping out, like instant gratification.” InterAct advisor John Mauro feels that participating helps students understand that they can make an impact. “The power you have individually to make a difference for somebody else—it opens your mind up to the possibilities that exist in the world to help,” Mauro said. “And it opens your mind up to the needs that exist in the communities. [It] takes you outside of your comfort zone, gets you seeing needs in the community.”
20 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
The Way I See It Mollie LaBeff
Put it in Perspective AMY WRONSKI Reporter
Gina Kukulski and Trevor Dirheimer
Anniversary: Oct. 3, 2009
It started when: Trevor asked her to be his girlfriend in the Taco Bell parking lot after homecoming Summer destinations: G: Coaching tennis T: Teaching guitar lessons
Special song: Acoustic version of Wells by The Expendables
First date: Buffalo Wild Wings Dream vacation: Road trip to go to all the restaurants from “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” First kiss: The tire swing at Mary A. White
Favorite band: G: Red Hot Chili Peppers T: The Jimi Hendrix Experience photo by Amy Wronski
See, I think that I am Superman. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my 17 years of trial and error, it’s to keep things in perspective. I may not always come out on top; I may not be the best candidate for everything I try my hand at. But when I try my hand at something, let me tell you, I try my arm and leg and heart and brain at it too. I have a tendency to get the wind knocked out of me whenever I’m told I’m incapable. My stubborn nature often serves as a handicap when I’m determined to be the best and the brightest at every detail. My brainwaves tend to automatically convert “no” to “maybe” and “there’s no way” to “try again.” But even in instances where I am forced to realize that I can in fact do wrong, I’ve still learned to focus on the idea that it truly is not the end of the world. I must remind myself to bear my misfortune with equanimity. To keep calm. To carry on. What? I wasn’t given the very lead role in the musical, you say? Preposterous. I don’t even stop to consider how lucky I am to not have to worry about if my dad in Iraq is okay. I’m not worried about whether or not I will have a place to sleep tonight. Keep it in perspective. My petty concerns will not concern a man in a cardboard box on a cold winter night. Regardless if I have a rough day, my seemingly devastating permanent detriment will not reap effects on me for the rest of my life, or for the rest of the week, even. I get a C+ on a chemistry test. I can drive home angrily and I can cry and I can staple Kit-Kats to my homework in attempt to grade-grub Mr. Stanley for the most possible points within his ethical limits. Or I can walk it off, study harder, try again. Either way, my test score and my attitude toward it is a speck of dust in the overall picture of things. Keep it in perspective. There are worse problems that people have to cope with every day. Things I don’t even take into consideration because I’m too busy fretting about my own trivial troubles. I didn’t make the soccer team. Oh well. I’m still healthy, my parents are still married. As teenagers, we tend to lose sight of what can just be brushed off and what’s deserving of a full-scale freak-out. We treat the energy crisis as no biggie, but confiscation of texting privileges as if it belongs as the eternal punishment in the ninth circle of Hell. Our list of priorities is often skewed by the idea that the problems we’re having, no matter how miniscule, overrule any serious hardship of another. So it’s an off-day. Your plans didn’t live up to your grandiose expectations. These minute misfortunes are where lessons come from. It gets better. Put it in the back of your mind. Put it in the grand scheme of things; Put it in perspective.
Friday, January 14, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Feature 21
Kyle Werner’s passion for singing has lead him to attend a private arts school far away from his hometown. His choice has given him a clear path for his future and has him...
Hitting all the right notes MOLLIE LABEFF Feature Editor
SINGING AWAY: Junior Kyle Werner performs in a recital at Interlochen Private Arts boarding school on Jan. 7. His dedication to performing has carried him 142 miles away from home and onto his future aspirations. photo courtesy of Carlo Marucio
“I miss home a lot.” Kyle Werner speaks with an impeccable natural rhythm and flow. His everyday speaking voice carries an unintentional quality only attained through regular exercise of his vocal cords; singing—and years of it. After finishing his sophomore year at Grand Haven, Werner moved to Interlochen, Mich. to follow his love of opera at Interlochen Private Arts Academy. “Grand Haven put in the love of singing,” Werner said. “I chose to pursue opera.” Werner had such a strong passion for his music that he chose to move 142 miles away to attend Interlochen. However, he’s not the only student
attending with a lot of land to cover between school and home. “It’s really diverse,” Werner said. Interlochen Private Arts Academy consists of 470 students ranging from 47 states and 30 countries. Werner‘s class schedule includes a few core courses, but focuses mainly on his vocal major. He attends classes including Shakespeare, French, music theory and opera workshop. He also participates in a one hour voice lesson every week and is a part of two choirs: Academy Choir, which includes 60 members and Chamber Singers, a more elite 20-person audition-only choir. The timing of classes at Interlochen is much different than that of a public school; class is held Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Werner is nostalgic of the
comfortable aspects of public school that he’s grown up with. “It’s a very different environment,” Werner said. “It’s been a big shift.” One significant change in his lifestyle since the switch is adjusting to living on his own, without his parents or any family. Werner lives in a dormitory with one roommate. “It’s strange, but kind of nice,” Werner said. “You get a lot of freedom.” Despite the transition, Werner is still focused on his future. He aspires to attend a conservatory, a university that focuses on music. He hopes to get into an arts college such as Julliard or Overland after graduating, but he’s careful not to restrict his options. “You have to be serious about it,” Werner said. “I don’t want to limit myself.”
More than a convenient aquaintance English teachers Brenda Wunder and Jodi Heard stretch their relationship beyond coworkers, into a strong friendship SCOTT STAAL Reporter As students approach the neighboring classrooms, both teachers stand outside their doors to greet them. Some students enter the door on the left. Others go right. Regardless of which choice they make, the teacher is guaranteed to make the class laugh as she begins 70 minutes of engaging students in AP Literature instruction. Jodi Heard and Brenda Wunder share a common teaching style, a common stretch of pod three and an uncommonly strong friendship. “We are not friends behind closed doors,” Wunder said. “It is a very open, honest friendship that we don’t keep to ourselves. In fact, I try to channel the positive aspects of her into my classroom.” When watched closely, these blonde, almost-identical teachers can give lessons that go beyond the sphere of academics and into friendship—no notes required. Heard and Wunder can be found in each other’s rooms conversing about new lesson plans, or walking and talking in nearby neighborhoods on sunny afternoons. “I feel lucky to have this friendship because many
people keep their coworkers as merely coworkers,” Heard said. “It is a true friendship, not just a convenient acquaintance.” AP Literature student Colin Pellegrom experiences firsthand the effect their friendship has on their teaching. “Listening to their many stories about each other offers great comic relief from the daily classroom grind and creates a bit of a familial bond between the two classes,” Pellegrom said. “Their friendship allows them to tag-team lesson plans and teaching styles.” Senior Alex Chapman is also impacted by her teachers’ companionship. “Having teachers that are best friends makes the class more comfortable,” Chapman said. “I feel like I can approach either of them and ask for advice on an assignment if I need it.” Neighboring English teacher Jared Kram also finds their connection an asset to a comfortable teaching environment.
“They’re friends socially and they’re friends on a professional level,” Kram said. “They’ve bonded through teaching and I love [working with them].” Their friendship didn’t necessarily start off a solid one. Wunder was hired in 1999, a year after Heard. Their first meeting was out-of-the-ordinary as Heard offered her assistance to Wunder, a first year teacher, but she denied the help. Though their first encounter wasn’t perfect, their personalities still gravitated toward one another, even though they have many differences. “Our opposite aspects balance each other; she’s an optimist and I’m more pessimistic,” Wunder said. “There are different parts of our personalities that just work really well together.” Wunder is appreciative of the advantages she’s gained through their friendship in the workplace. “I feel very, very grateful that I had the opportunity to meet someone like her so that I could add this friendship to my life,” Wunder said.
“It is a very open, honest friendship that we don’t keep to ourselves. I try to channel the positive aspects of her into my classroom”
-Brenda Wunder
22 Arts THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
Because she found a future Senior Jennifer Reeths hopes to inspire others with her love of the arts
This story uses a literary device from Brady Dennis’ article “After the sky fell” found in the St. Petersburg Times. Senior Jennafer Reeths sits in an art classroom, concentrating on the portrait in front of her. The charcoal feels soft in her hand and it glides across the paper. Her favorite music group The Maine flows through her headphones and the picture that she’s been envisioning comes to life before her eyes. It’s a work-in-progress
– her strive for perfection makes it a challenge. To some it’s just a drawing, a sketch, a painting. But to Reeths, it’s much more than that. It’s her future. Because ever since she was little she would color pictures. Because when she was a freshman she decided to take Art and Design 1 and she realized she had a gift. Because she was left craving more and she’s taken almost every art class the high school has to offer. Because she loves to make something out of nothing. Because even though sometimes it’s hard and sometimes it’s a challenge, she still loves it. She wants to be an art teacher. Because she loves to help kids.
Haruki-Shelton said. “So it was the instruments and then let the natural for the school system and kids do whatever they want,” Spread the Music to calibrate.” McCelfish said. “They have free During the event various local range to develop whatever they’d bands and singers play in both the like.” Performance Arts center (PAC) The Sculptures will be placed and the auxiliary gym. sporadically inside the high “It is a great way to celebrate school building during the event, the musicians in along with posters Ticket prices our community,” designed by Mr. Tarr’s Haruki-Shelton commercial Arts $10 for adults said. class, promoting the $5 for students Not only will event. Attendees will with IDs Kids are free the event be act as judges and will held at GHHS vote for their favorite but the students poster and sculpture. are also getting involved. Mrs. The best of each will win $250. McCelfish’s Sculpture class will Guests will pay for their build art sculptures out of the ticket at the entrance to the un-repairable instruments that Winter Wonderjam and walk were donated to the Spread The into the event to find themselves Music Foundation. The sculptures surrounded by musical will be submitted in the Recycled sculptures. The bands will play Instruments Art Show. all day long in both the Auxiliary “My plan is to set out all of Gym and the PAC. Breathing
Zephyr is one of the many bands taking the stage. “Dave Palmer gave us a call and told us about [the Winter Wonderjam,”] Breathing Zephyr’s Trevor Dirheimer said. “We love to play music, so it’ll definitely be fun.” Spread the Music planned the event with everything in mind. If guests see a band that catches their eye there will be booths set up in the hallway with merchandise from each performer. Local restaurant vendors will set up post in the cafeteria, allowing guests to purchase food. The event gives locals a chance to admire a variety of art, while giving back to the community. After all, what could be better than giving to new artists while listening to the captivation of a perfect live performance.
EMMA BATY Reporter
PICTURE PURFECT: Senior Jennifer Reeths hangs up her developed photos to dry in the dark room. Reeths plans to share her passion for the arts with children by becoming an art teacher. photo by Emma Baty
Because every time she babysits she learns more about the way kids function and how they learn. It makes her love kids even more. Because she wants to share art with others and “get kids interested in art,” Reeths said. Because to be an artist it takes determination, which according to Reeths’ art teacher Gail Krug, she has plenty of. Because she’s quiet, she watches other people “and to be an artist you have to be an observer,” Krug said. She sets down the charcoal and admires the completed drawing. The face of Tyra Banks stares back at her. She knows that one day she will look back on this piece and see what she could have done better. But for now, she’s satisfied.
Winter Wonderjam calling all artists MERIDITH FREIN Reporter
The lights flick off leaving the room silent, then a gentle strum of a guitar is heard and the stage lights up. All eyes in the crowd are focused in, with one large breath the blast of sound begins, but this is no ordinary concert. There is no preference of style. It is about bands bringing who they are and playing for a great cause. The Winter Wonderjam is an all day music festival organized to raise money for Grand Haven Area Public Schools and the Spread The Music Foundation. The event is sure to bring excitement to the winter season. “The Spread the Music Foundation does a lot for the students within our school district and has been supportive,” District Communications Director Ann
When and where Saturday, Feb. 19 2 p.m- 8 p.m at GHHS in the PAC Professional Artists Quarter Andy Moore Scott Nesbit Kali Rea Steel Doing It Breanna Baron Trippin Justin & Varun Dillon Sterner Buster Blues Band Youth Bands Thermopylae Uncle Rico GOTAK Breathing Zephyr The Gimmies Unseen Irony
Friday, January 14, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Arts 23
Fund raising takes up expensive instrument slack left in budget LAURA BURTON Reporter To students who aren’t in the music program, a “Worlds Finest” chocolate bar is a deliciously cheap snack. To those who are, it’s much more than that; it’s a way to earn money for instruments, camp, concerts, and other programs outside of school to make sure they get the most out of their high school music career. Band instructor Greg Maynard said the parents of band students have been kicking in a lot of their own money this year. The school is fortunate to get about two instruments per year, which he says isn’t enough for the number of students involved. “We’re lucky if we get anywhere from $2,000 to
$5,000 for instruments which will take care of about two instruments, unless you get a tuba that costs about $6,000,” Maynard said. Both the band and orchestra programs are starting to rely more on fundraisers because the budget isn’t covering enough. “We try not to average more than two [fund-raisers] a year,” Maynard said. “We’ve already done two this year and we’ll probably be doing one more. They’re hard to do, they take time, no one really likes going out and doing that kind of stuff.” Orchestra instructor Melissa Meyers mentions that with such a huge music program they have to take turns and share the money available in the budget.
“It seems like we never have exactly what we need because instruments get old and give out,” Meyers said. If the music program is having problems with the amount of money in the budget sophomore Tom Beaver hasn’t noticed it. “I feel the school does a great job providing instruments considering the recent budget issues,” Beaver said. Beaver plays the baritone in the school band and has one to practice at home and one to play at school. During the marching season most students with large instruments keep their marching instrument at school and their concert instrument at home to practice with, and vice versa during the concert
season. “Most of the kids own their own instruments already because they started band in middle school, so they got those through a rental plans,” Maynard said. For a majority of the time, students in band and orchestra are expected to have their own instruments. Instruments can get pricey, but there are ways to help cut down the cost such as the Spread the Music Foundation and the orchestra’s booster program. Despite the fact that the music programs at GHHS don’t have as much money in the budget as everyone would like, the participants have proven they’ll put in the extra effort and do whatever they can to reach the highest of expectations.
Drama’s current production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” brings new challenges 1. Know the Play
Familiarity with the play and the characters is key!
2. Calm your nerves
Stay hydrated, take deep breaths and stay in character. Confidence always sounds impressive.
3. Mistakes happen
Don’t sweat the small stuff. “If you mess up it’s not the end of the world,” Stepanek said. “It’s high school theater after all, now is the time to explore your opportunities, so have fun with it!”
Maggie Ginocchio Reporter After the success of “Beauty and the Beast,” the drama department is already back at work preparing for their newest stage production, the classic— and creepy—comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace.” “I would say the main reason to see this show is humor,” director Rita McLary said. “The characters are crazy and the plot is absolutely hilarious.” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” best known for its film adaptation of the same name, has a black madcap comedy style that isn’t often seen on the GHHS stage.
With characters ranging from a charming, newlywed drama critic to his psychotic, homicidal spinsters aunts, the large cast of 14; five girls and nine guys, is eager to try something new. “I’m looking forward to working on this show with a cast of talented friends,” senior Sarah Stepanek said, who plays the role of aunt Abby Brewster. “I think the audience will enjoy seeing a male dominant cast. We don’t often do that.” Performance dates for “Arsenic and Old Lace” will be Feb. 10-12 at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at the main office or by calling 850-6000.
“I think everybody should get the chance to see this play,” McLary said. “It’ll be a great time for students to really let go, laugh and have fun watching their peers make these wild characters come to life.” There’s still one more chance for interested students to take the stage. The Drama Club closes out its season in late April with “Old Town,” a timeless play examining daily life in small-town America. “How-to” clinics are planned in advance of the actual auditions, which are scheduled for February 21-22. Come on and get some thespian swagger on! But first take a look at a few audition tips that might help to land that part.
Heard in the
Halls What is special about Grand Haven High School Choirs? “It is the connec-
tions between the Hugo Lawton kids and the directors and it is like we are a family.”
How do you feel when you are playing your violin? “It’s hard to explain. You know Kayla Wright what you are playing is reaching out to someone. There is a connection.”
How do you feel about being Drum Major? “I love it. It is the best job in band.”
What is someAdam McMillan thing most people don’t know about you? “I have taken a fencing class. It was cool, but I didn’t like dying.”
How do you feel when you see a finished piece of your work?
“Relieved. I’m a perfectionist. So Ashley Bryant when I am done and looking at my work it is a great feeling.”
Current part and production: Abby Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Why did you want to join Drama?
Sarah Stapanek
“The mothers on my block designed a little play, and of course after that I had to continue.” Reporting by Meridith Frein
G
24 Tech THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
*PlayStation 3 with Move
Sony’s PlayStation Move is a motion-sensor based product that uses an eye webcam, is only usable with a special controller. The eye webcam, reads the remote motion but also computes other body parts movement.
*Xbox 360 with Kinect
The most revolutionary of the three consoles, the Xbox Kinect has an eye cam similar to the PlayStation Move, but does not need a controller. All that is needed is your body. No news on how this ties into Microsoft’s secret plans for world domination.
Get up gaming
Interactive game play and new technologies are revitalizing the gaming industry *Nintedo Wii with MotionPlus
The granddaddy of motion gaming, the Nintendo Wii, benefits not only from simplistic controls and the responsive “Wiimote” controller, but from having beat everyone else to the punch. Even with new competition emerging, the Wii still pulls in fans.
39 years ago, the world was introduced to video gaming with the release of Atari’s PONG. Now, after billions of games sold and money grossed, electronic gaming has evolved to an unbelievable level: motion gaming. Revolutionary systems such as the Nintendo Wii, Playstation Move and the Xbox 360 Kinect have combined for over 70 million sales since last September and that number only looks to go up as more games are released tailor-made for these systems.
The Blade gaming guide 2011 Dead Space 2 Taking place three years after Dead Space, Isaac Clarke must do battle with the Necromorph infection on a sprawling space station, in addition to dealing with the psychological scars he suffers from as a result of what he witnessed in the first game. Don’t play this with the lights off. IF the story is equally as frightening as the first one.
IF the multiplayer feels
like it was added just for the sake of having one.
Gears of War 3
L.A. Noire
Poke’mon Black/White
Mass Effect 3
The thrilling conclusion to Epic Games’ award-winning third-person shooter, Gears 3 takes place 18 months after Gears 2, as Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad face a new foe: the Lambent, grotesquely mutated versions of the creatures they’ve fought for decades. With new weapons and new characters, Look for Gears 3 to be an “Epic” finish.
The latest game to come from Rockstar Studios (who brought us Red Dead Redemption), LA Noire takes place in Los Angeles in the 1940’s, a time when the police department was rife with corruption. So, naturally, you play as the lone paragon of virtue, the former war hero who’s going to bring liberty to LA…or be buried trying.
The latest installment in the cultural phenomenon that is Pokemon, Black and White is more or less a series reboot, with numerous additional features such as animated battle sprites and cinematic scenes that are ground-breaking for the DS, look for Game Freak and Nintendo’s latest collaboration to set record sales upon release.
This is it. After two games of build-up, with each and every choice mattering, it all comes down to the final chapter. As Commander Shepard, it’s up to you to save Earth and the rest of the galaxy from an ancient machine race bent on wiping out all sentient life. It’s time to finish the job.
IF multiplayer issues from the
previous games are corrected.
IF the story leaves more questions than answers.
IF the detective-based game
IF the new Pokemon don’t look
IF the character develop-
IF every case feels like it is
IF the changes to the game are
IF the ending doesn’t tie
play doesn’t feel repetitive case by case. exactly the same thing just with prettier colors.
like they were rejected from 1999. too small to notice.
ment is deep and we get a definitive ending.
every loose end. Oh, and if Shepard dies again. Illustrations by Nate Niemerowicz
Friday, January 14, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Photo 25
High school of
High school bands around West Michigan competed in Battle of the Bands at The In tersection in Grand Rapids Jan. 2
(clockwise from above) FLUORESCENT FIDDLER: Dalton Zautke’s fingers fly along the neck of his violin. The triple threat plays violin, keyboard and guitar for Old School Poultry, an alternative acoustic band from Forest Hills. SHRED THE SOLO: Senior Trevor Dirheimer lights up the stage with his talent. Dirheimer sings and plays guitar for Breathing Zephyr, a reggae band from Grand Haven who did not place in the battle. GANG VOCALS: Junior Schalk Vanniekerk shares his mike with the audience, who all chime in “We dont wanna glow, we wanna shine!” Vanniekerk is the voice of The Gimmes, an indie pop punk band from Grand Haven. KICKIN’ IT OLD SCHOOL: Lead singer Austin Johnson belts it out to one of their originals. Old School Poultry failed to place. RUSS ROCKS: Junior Elijah Russ gets into his groove. Russ is the lead guitarist for The Gimmes, came home empty handed. SPRADER’S SQUEEZEBOX: Kohl Sprader plays the accordion in folk-rock band Mr. Mammoth. This band from Rockford placed third in the competition, as voted by the audience. This was not the only band with a unique instrument; trumpet, violin, stand-up bass and tambourine were also played throughout the night. Photos by Amy Potter
26 Vibe THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
Which
80’s
M O V I E are you stuck in? Let’s set the scene. It’s the 80’s and you’re feeling confused. We’ll help you figure out what’s going on.
Morons.
Yes
As you wish.
Ahh, she’s kissing her brother!
THE PRINCESS BRIDE
Have you ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates?
You warthogfaced buffoon.
Aww, an Ewok Oh, a Wookie
What a weird fuzzy thing.
What’s he armed with?
Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
Wait, this isn’t the 80’s. And my mom keeps hitting on me.
Blaster
What noise does a Wookie make?
It’s INDIANA JONES!
No...
When I was your age, television was called books.
No, I am not wearing a life preserver!
The princess is kinda hot.
This can only be STAR WARS.
OMG! It’s Harrison Ford!
Whip
Snakes. Why’d it have to be snakes?
Look around. What do you see?
Is that a giant marshmallow man?!
Nerds People keep calling me McFly.
You better get BACK TO THE FUTURE.
I know! Let’s have a panty raid!
It’s the REVENGE OF THE NERDS!
No, really, they’re nerdy.
It’s not snakes.
Yes
Who ya gonna call?
Why don’t girls like me?
No
Oh, it’s just an alien.
GHOSTBUSTERS!
He seems nice. If I was in a fraternity all of my I’ll hide him problems would dis- in my appear. closet!
E.T. is in your closet.
Wait, an alien?! ERIN RIBBINK Vibe Editor & JENNY VANDEWAA Artist
The Tourist Looks can only go so far for Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp in the very forgettable film, “The Tourist”. The action (if you can even call it that) begins when Elise Ward (Jolie) tricks Frank (Depp) into becoming a decoy for her criminal lover named Alexander Perce. Their association with the felon prompts police to pursue them and gangsters to hunt them down. All around Venice they are chased on boats, through hotel rooms, down streets, and through more hotel rooms. —Amanda Bennick
Black Swan Take flight with “Black Swan”. Nina (Natalie Portman) has finally gotten her share of the spotlight at an affluent New York ballet company, cast as Swan Queen in a twisted take of Swan Lake. Her nightmares come to life when she begins to drown in psychological ocean of her own terror. Threatened by rival ballerinas, her sex-obsessed ballet instructor and her own consciousness, “Black Swan” will not haunt your dreams, but become them. —Megan Bitner
The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader “For Narnia!” The mythical creatures scream. “The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader” is here and offers plenty of adventure, mythical beasts, treasure and (of course) talking mice. Prince Caspian returns to take you for an unforgettable ride on the Dawn Treader. See it for the adventure, though the next time you attend church, you could be tempted to throw a raw steak into the offering bowl. —Megan Bitner
Friday, January 14, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Vibe 27
MR. HOWARD’S INFINITE PLAYLIST AMY WRONSKI Reporter
Typical classroom music does nothing to pique a high school student’s interest. Students either catch themselves dozing off to soft classical music and waking up in their own puddle of drool, or blast their iPods in effort to drown out wretched 80’s glam.However, if you tune into social studies teacher Kevin Howard’s classroom you’ll find a completely different scene. “I’m not a big fan of silences,” Howard said. “So if there’s work time... I find it refreshing to play different music.” With genres ranging anywhere from popular reggae to upbeat gypsy punk, Howard’s music separates him from other teachers and students are all ears. “He chooses funky, different music instead of the same old classical music that all the other teachers seem to listen to,” senior Cassidy Harper said. Along with his unique and eclectic taste lies a reflection of Mr. Howard himself. Students such as senior Jacqueline Destrampe admire his musical
individuality. “He’s a different person therefore his music doesn’t conform to what all the other teachers generally listen to. His [music] is just kind of describing himself,” Destrampe said. While some teachers play it safe with Taylor Swift or Mr. Glamzi’s country blues, Howard has no problem shaking things up. “For the most part I kind of just leave it on random and it just plays a bunch of different stuff. Usually every trimester I’ll bring in a few more CDs of random stuff that I add to it, but there’s never anything specific,” Howard said. Being music savvy doesn’t just come from Howard’s personal findings, but other students’ recommendations as well. Even more common, students discover their new favorite songs through his random playlists. “I discovered ‘Help I’m Alive’ by Metric,” Destrampe said. “He’s a role model for music to everybody else who joins his class. I’ve never heard photo credit Amy Wronski anyone hate on his music.”
2010: A year to remember
MAGGIE GINOCCHIO Reporter
From fashion faux pas to breakout teen heartthrobs, 2010 started off the decade with a bang
MUSIC
MOVIES
GAMES
ITEMS
“My World 2.0” Justin Bieber
“Toy Story 3”
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Silly Bands
Most of us have grown up along with Andy and come to love Buzz and Woody as if they were our own. Breaking records with a $415 million at the box office, “Toy Story 3” is a funny and heartwarming farewell. Admit it, you cried.
If standardized tests had terms like “clan tags,” “create-a-class” and “kill streak,” test scores would be a whole lot higher for the average teenage gamer. While campaign mode was one of the best yet, online play left something to be desired.
What exactly is so cool about cutting off the circulation in your wrist with hundreds of shaped rubber bands? I’m afraid to admit I will never have an answer for you but it seems the bands gained popularity nearly as quickly as the Snuggie.
“Inception”
Just Dance 2
Jeggings
“Inception” gave us something we haven’t seen in a movie in decades: something to talk about. It’s filled with all kinds of thrilling, intelligent action that left us all asking, “what?!” to the screen. That is, if our jaws weren’t still on the ground.
Hello instant party. With music ranging from Vampire Weekend to Blondie there’s a track for everyone. It’s fun to play with friends, but it may be even more fun to watch them embarrass themselves trying to master all the moves.
Jeans + leggings = jeggings? Some people think jeggings are the best thing since indoor plumbing and others think they’re a fashion disaster. But what exactly are jeggings? No one knows for sure, but if it’s not denim stay as far away as possible.
Make fun of his hair and voice all you want, but face it: America has Bieber fever. There’s no denying that this pop icon will be around for a while, at least until 2012 that is. I mean come on—he already has a signature hairstyle.
“Recovery” Eminem
He’s vulgar, offensive and hated by parents and faculty everywhere—what more could a high school student ask for? With 10 Grammy nominations, Recovery proves that Eminem is back on top.
Listen up to Taylor Swift’s “Speak Now” MOLLIE LABEFF Feature Editor My Christmas list this year was highly confidential. I asked for the typical presents; a hand-knit Cosby sweater, a set of watercolors, a partridge in a pear tree. But even Santa couldn’t know what I secretly wished to find under my tree; I refuse to admit that I really wanted the new T-Swift CD. I refuse to admit that Speak Now was, in fact, one of my favorite presents and has been on repeat since the twenty-fifth. I refuse to admit that the seven tracks on the exclusive content Target-only version are way worth the extra $3.11. I refuse to admit that Taylor’s lyrics always seem to pertain to my current situation, or that she hit the nail on the head in track 11. I have never sung Taylor’s new CD in the shower, particularly not the acoustic version of Haunted, (track 19). I did not compile her previous CDs with this one, nor did I label the mix CD ‘You Know What by You Know Who,’ so that it may stay in the car unnoticed. Taylor’s song, Innocent, did not make me nostalgic and/ or cause me to well up and fake contact irritation. I do not hope you buy “Speak Now,” because I am not an inthe-closet fan of Taylor Swift.
28 Sports THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
The Blonde Side
The Central way to play
Amy Potter Don’t mock these jocks... Men grabbing at each other. Sweaty men in spandex grabbing at each other. Sweaty men in spandex, panting and grabbing at each other, trying to force the other into certain positions. The more detail you use the more you stifle the urge to mock it. But let me tell you, this is not a sport for the faint of heart. Before high school I had zero respect for wrestling. To me, it was a way for men with repressed homosexual tendencies to express it in a socially acceptable way. Notice how I say BEFORE high school. It was freshman year. I was on my way to the weight room when a horrible stench suffocated me. It was like someone had taken a sweaty tube sock, poured rotten milk in it and then wrapped it around my nose. It was my natural instinct to cover my nose and run, but I found my curiosity kicking in. I walked further in search of the culprit. My jaw dropped (yes, I could taste it a little bit now too). This was the wrestling room. The entire team was walking on their hands. In my thoughts, a very impressive feat to accomplish…but this was only their warm up. After completing my workout, I walked by again to see the real work. They were each going head to head with one another. Struggling, fighting, pushing themselves to not give in. While being stronger helps, I noted that most importantly you have to be quicker, both mentally and physically. The one most knowledgeable of strategies and techniques wins. It’s all about body positioning. Not only do you have to control your own body, you must know how to control another. I had found a new respect for wrestlers, especially when I found out one of their most torturous traditions. It’s Thanksgiving, you gather around a table with your family, say a prayer and dig in. You look to the right and you see uncle Joe with his mountain of mashed potatoes, look to the left to see grandpa Scott slicing the turkey. your mouth waters yet you sit still. A holiday centered on eating and you can barely participate. A half ear of corn and a bite of turkey hardly constitutes a feast. The fact that they can bear to be in a room submersed in that odor without passing out is impressive enough. Add that their practices can hit four hours ending with most of them looking like they just came in from a rainstorm and how some have to cut weight…and you’ve got yourself one of the most brutal sports our high school has to offer.
BACKBOARD BOUNCE: Grand Haven senior Joe Schuh eyes the free throw in hopes of a rebound. “At the end of the day, we play basketball for what it’s meant for: which is to enjoy the experience,” Schuh said. “I believe that’s lost in some high school sports.” photo by Amy Potter
New basketball team at Central High School offers GHHS players chance to continue high school basketball careers, grow as players DEVIN CHAN Reporter A few years ago, the Lakeshore Honors League (LHL) approached Central High School principal Paul Kunde about creating a basketball team in Grand Haven to compete against other alternative schools in the Holland-Grand Rapids area. Soon after that, the Central High School Phoenix were born. Through the LHL, at-risk youth are presented with opportunities to participate in character-building activities outside the school day. Since then, Central basketball has flourished as an opportunity for students from Grand Haven and Central High School to play with one another. According to Kunde, a Grand Haven High School student cannot take the place of a Central student. However, if there are spots available on the roster after tryouts, students from Grand Haven can join; this has led to many Grand Haven students joining the team.
“It’s not the OK-Red, but it is an opportunity to come together, grow and evolve as a team. They’re becoming men and it’s fun to be involved in that process” -Paul Kunde While the league isn’t officially governed by the MHSAA, league rules still are enforced to ensure a competitive and fair game. Coaches, MHSAA officials and game-setup, however, are all run by the LHL. “Costs that come with hosting practices and games are turning on the lights, [but] we don’t charge for games,” Kunde said. “Everybody that’s helping is a volunteer. Nobody is getting paid, except for the officials, which is a neat thing to see.” For Grand Haven students, like
senior Joe Schuh, Central offers a chance to enjoy and play basketball once again. “The most basic element is that basketball is a game built on competitiveness,” Schuh said. “It’s more than a game, aside from winning or losing. We lack proper facilities; but at the end of the day, we play basketball [for] what it is meant for, which is to have fun and enjoy the experience and I believe that’s kind of lost in some high school sports.” Kunde stresses that what really matters is the experience shared between everybody on and off the court. “I get a lot from it and personally, I love it,” Kunde said. “It’s not the O-K Red, but it is an opportunity to come together, grow and evolve as a team. They’re becoming men and it’s fun to be involved in that process.” Not only that, but their level of play has players like senior Andres Rodriguez excited about the future. “We have a really good team,” Rodriguez said. “I think we can win an LHL championship this year.”
Friday, January 14, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Sports 29
Putting the PHYSICAL in physical therapy STRETCHING IT ALL OUT:
Grand Haven trainer Patrick Wykes administers treatment as part of a student’s physical therapy. “One reason [physical therapy is becoming more popular] is that people are continuing to stay active even as their age increases ,” Wykes said. “Another reason is awareness. The media and general public are more aware of what physical rehabilitation can do for them and assist them in living a healthier, more active life.” The addition of Shoreline Sport and Spine has helped communication between Wykes and physical therapists. -photo by Mike Ginocchio
Popular workout-based therapy helps student athletes along with other patients to recover from injuries faster, keep healthy bodies for later in life ETHAN BESWICK Associate Sports Editor The pain is enough to make him grimace. As he forces his ankle into different positions, his physical therapist stands next to him, encouraging him to keep going, to keep fighting. He knows that eventually, it will be over and his ankle will be healed, but for the time being, senior Jameson Steffel is stuck in physical therapy. What Steffel is going through is only a small portion of what physical therapy really is, which is a blend of medical knowledge and athletic rigors that are designed to help deal with injuries without surgery. “The goal of physical rehabilitation is to improve a patient’s function back to or above the level they were at prior to injury,” athletic trainer Patrick Wykes said. “Every person has a unique set of goals that they would like to get back to and the athletic trainer and physical therapist are there to assist them in that process.”
Today, physical therapy is becoming more popular for a wider range of people beyond just recovering athletes. “One reason [physical therapy is becoming more popular] is that people are continuing to stay active even as their age increases,” Wykes said. “Another reason is awareness. The media and general public are more aware of what physical rehabilitation can do for them and assist them in living a healthier more active life.” Steffel, who has been through the physical therapy process with two different ankle injuries, knows the path to recovery is not one that happens overnight. “[Physical therapy] helps by keeping you up to date on how your body is doing,” Steffel said. “[It also] gives you exercises to
help it become healthy faster from people who know how to correctly handle sports related injuries. As my ankle got better, the physical therapy hurt less and less.” With the help of Shoreline Sport and Spine there is now easier access to the help needed to treat all types of injuries, with the opening of a physical therapy clinic in the high school to help students get back on track quicker. “The purpose is to provide the Grand Haven community with a location for physical therapy and rehab services on the Grand Haven High School campus,” said Dave Van Andel, Co-Owner of Shoreline Sport and Spine. “[While still] utilizing the Community Aquatic center for aquatic rehabilitation, as well as serving the unique needs of students, parents,
“The goal of physical rehabilitation is to improve a patient’s function back to or above the level they were at prior to injury”
-Patrick Wykes
teachers and administration.” This location has been convenient for patients because they can get the professional help needed while still being close to home and it makes life easier for Wykes and his staff. “This [location] makes the communication between myself (the athletic trainer) and the Shoreline Sport and Spine physical therapists that much better,” Wykes said. “It also allows an athlete or anyone that needs physical therapy to just go down the hall for an appointment instead of having to get a ride from a parent or leave school grounds.” Physical therapy is key in helping an athlete with an injury to get back to the level of performance. But according to Wykes, high school athletes aren’t the only ones that can work so that they too can be at their peak level before the injury and people from all demographics can benefit. “I view every person as an athlete,” Wykes said. “We are all athletic in one way or another and everybody can benefit from physical therapy and rehabilitation.”
30 Sports THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
Sports Lakeshore throwdown Scoreboard HOCKEY
Record: 8-1-1 (3-0 in OK Red)
Key Players: Senior Jake Kramer and junior Doug Zelenka lead the team with 12 goals and 11 assists each.
Next Game: Jan. 15 against the Capi-
Bucs travel on the road, take on heated rival West Ottawa with conference hopes in mind SCOTT STAAL Reporter
tal City Patriots
They said it: “We’ve had a few breakdowns that have cost us, but we’re really coming together as a team and we’re feeling pretty good about the rest of the season.”
Roth
-Senior T.J. Roth
WRESTLING
Record: 14-3
Key Player: Senior Jerry Westerman, currently 27-0, pinned Jake Banaszak of Rockford at 215 pounds in the Grand Haven vs. Rockford dual meet.
Next Game: Jan. 19 at Grandville They said it: “We are improving and have a lot of potential to do some special things in the post season.”
-Senior Jerry Westerman
Westerman
SWIMMING AND DIVING
A desperation threepoint shot in the final seconds tied the score 3838 when the boys varsity basketball team played West Ottawa last year. The Bucs would go on to defeat the Panthers in overtime 55-46. The Lady Bucs also won an exciting, downto-the-wire game at West Ottawa, 43-38. However, the story is still untold for tonight’s matchup as the girls and boys varsity squads’ tip-off at West Ottawa, hungry for another win in a tough OKRED conference. Both teams’ rosters are different than a year ago. For the boys, coach Steve Hewitt employs four new
starters with an emphasis on ball control. “The main difference in this year’s team is our lack of experience and we are smaller,” Hewitt said. “On the positive, we have good balance, we share the ball very well and we are extremely coachable.” The Lady Bucs’ roster has also changed, adding five JV players and two transfers to a team which currently undefeated and ranked second in the state by the Detroit Free Press. Coach Kowalcyzk-Fulmer (Coach K) hopes that the team can take advantage of some of their new-found potential. Though the Panthers graduated three key players, Coach K describes them as scrappy and able to score, which dictates the need for a solid defensive showing by the Lady Bucs. “We need to pound the ball inside the paint and utilize our size,” Coach K said. Hewitt also knows the main challenge they face: stopping Panthers
BOYS BASKETBALL
DRIVING TO THE HOLE: Senior Mike Moorehead drives past a Muskegon defender earlier this year. “We have good balance and share the ball well,” Coach Steve Hewitt said. “We cannot let their role players hurt us.” photo by Laura Burton star point guard Jorddan Myrick. “We have to contain Myrick to some degree and really do a good job on the rest of their players,” Hewitt said. “We cannot let their role players hurt us too badly.” The game tonight also plays a big role in both
Buccaneer teams’ hunt for O-K RED championships. Senior Adam Poel knows what is at stake. “We’re [West Ottawa and Grand Haven] both right in the thick of the conference race and it is important for both teams to get a win,” Poel said. “It’s going to be a huge game.”
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Record: 0-2 (0-0 in OK Red)
Record: 4-3 (1-3 in O-K RED)
Record: 8-0 (4-0 in O-K RED)
Key Player: Diver Mike Vaandering received a score of
Key Player: Senior Marshall Rusco scored 14 points in a
Key Player: Sophomore Abby Cole had 10 points, 10
259.65 in a loss against Holland on Dec 3. The score was a career high.
54-43 victory over Spring Lake.on Dec 21 in the “Drawbridge Classic”.
rebounds and 8 blocks in a 53-41 victory against East Kentwood on Dec 17.
Next Game: Jan. 20 vs. Rockford
Next Game: Tonight at West Ottawa
Next Game: Tonight at West Ottawa
They said it: “The team is working
They said it: “We’ve had a decent
They said it: “I am excited for our
hard. [It is] very young, but composed of hard workers.”
start. We had a couple tough losses but we have some important games coming up that we need to do well in.”
team’s potential [this year]. I think so far [we’re] playing good, but we have lots of room for improvement.”
-Senior Erik Johnson
Johnson
-Senior Jordan Hoogerhyde
Hoogerhyde
-Junior Jordan Keefe
Keefe
Eight things to know about...
Friday, January 14, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Sports 31
being a transfer athlete
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to uproot yourself from what you’ve known your entire life in the middle of your high school career? This became reality for juniors Shar’Rae Davis (Allendale) and Cassie Holwerda (Middleville) who sat down with Conner Jennings to discuss the key things to remember as a stranger in a strange land.
1.
5.
Having friends in many places helps.
SD: I wasn’t too nervous coming in. I knew a couple
CH:I knew some people [through volleyball] so it
of students like Alex [Law] and Kaeding [Skelton] through AAU. They were on my team.
2.
wasn’t really that hard of a transition. I had already met people before school started so that really helped.
6.
It’s an adjustment getting used to a larger school.
4.
Shar’Rae Davis
I ever have homesickness, I just [vent it] towards basketball.
Cassie Holwerda
SD: I love basketball so it was an outlet for me. If
SD: There’s not one person who doesn’t have the tal-
Record: 0-1
Pellegrom
7.
photo by Amy Potter
BOYS SKIING
Record: 1-0
The competition is always a challenge.
CH: The competition is a lot harder. Everybody has a lot more experience and the coaching is a lot more rigorous.
8.
Don’t expect any special treatment.
ent [to play well]. It doesn’t matter who starts [we can have new people each game]...we’ll still be good.
Key Player: Junior Nathen Hix bowled a 190 and 202 in a convincing 21-9 win over the Muskegon Big Reds on Dec 15 at Muskegon.
Next Game: The Bucs look to continue rolling this week as they face Hudsonville and Grandville in some key conference matches.
They Said it: “We have been practicing very really hard and we are playing very well.”
The stacks of paperwork are the worst part.
ute decision so it was a hassle...and to play basketball I had to get approved to be eligible to play.
there’s more stuff to do. I [also] like my classes because there’s a lot more choices and variety.
It helps to use the sport as a stress reliever.
Record: 2-0
SD: It was a lot of questioning and kind of a last min-
CH: I like having a lot more kids here and I feel
3.
Go out of your way to meet people.
BOYS BOWLING
It’s all about taking a leap of faith.
GIRLS BOWLING
Record: 2-0
Key Player: Mariah Olthof
SD: You have to step out of your comfort zone and actually talk to people to make friends. You really can’t be shy or else you won’t meet anyone.
Next Game: The Lady Bucs
GIRLS SKIING Key Players: Juniors Paige Reierson and Hannah
the GS Championships. Senior Connor Davis is out 3 weeks with a separated shoulder.
Rymal placed first and second at the GS Championships.
Next Game: Jan. 18 at Cannonsburg Ski Area
Next Game: Jan. 18 at Cannonsburg Ski Area
They Said It: “This season’s been going a lot better
They Said It: “Its been really nice getting back on
this year. Our early season training went really well and we’re getting a lot stronger.”
the snow. We’re all working really hard and looking forward to a great season.”
Rymal
Morehouse
helped lead a 30-0 shutout over the Muskegon Big Reds by bowling games of 180 and 195 on Dec 15 at Muskegon.
Key Players: Senior Zak Konarska placed fourth at
-Senior Colin Pellegrom
-Junior John Morehouse
-Junior Hannah Rymal
are back in action this week as the extend their dominance over Hudsonville and Grandville.
They Said It: “We really are a team when we are together and interacting. It’s cool to see different players from different grades pooling together.”
Clark
-Junior Becca Clark
32 Amp THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, January 14, 2011
1
Waiting for the call
Rod Jonas the director of transportation calls Superintendent Keith Konarska and discusses whether or not to check the roads based on the weather report. In total, four people, the superintendent, transportation director, lead mechanic and a bus driver inspect the roads.
2
The perfect
4:00 AM
3
4:15 AM
Each driver is assigned to drive one quadrant of the 100 square mile district and assess overall driving conditions.
4
Myth: The superintendent scales snow drifts in his Hummer, never getting stuck and leaving no chance of a snow day. Truth: The superintendent does not in fact own a Hummer, nor has he ever. Myth: The more the thermometer drops, the better chance there is of getting a snow day. Truth: Extreme cold temperatures could warrant an indoor recess but doesn’t scream snow day. Although salt water freezes at 15 degrees F snow crews start putting down sand so drivers have traction and have you ever noticed that cold snow is grippy and crunches underfoot?
4:30 AM
Conditions
Visibility, stopping distance, road passing ability and ice conditions are all components that influence the decision to call a snow day.
Inspection
Popular Myths
Storm
5:00 AM
Discussion
All four drivers meet in the central transportation office at the Education Service Center (ESC) to discuss their individual driving reports and to compare and contrast notes.
Myth: Grand Haven gets less snow days than other West Michigan schools.
From snow advisory to snow day, how the district decides to cancel school The mass of zombie students walking through the schools without any semblance of homework in their possession beckons only one question: why didn’t we have a
5
5:30 AM
Decision time
The obvious goal is to have school. But when it is clear that the road conditions just won’t allow it there are two choices: Call school off or delay school for two hours. Fog, which tends to lift mid morning, an imminent improvement in weather conditions or a heavy response from road crews will bring an extra two hours of sleep as opposed to a full school cancellation.
Truth: The result of voting from four different drivers, not just the superintendent, determines the cancellation of school.
6
5:40 AM
Myth: If teacher Roger Glass doesn’t contact the superintendent with the snow report, no snow day will take place. Truth: Though Glass has an impressive prediction record, his vote does not go into calling a snow day.
Fan out
Both Jonas and Konarska start their respective phone trees, with Jonas calling bus drivers and Konarska the administrators.
7
Truth: Most West Michigan schools close together. In recent years the only time Spring Lake High School has had a snow day when GHHS did not was when there was a power issue. Myth: The superintendent is the only person who decides if a snow day is called.
snow day? And after hours of debating that question over and over again here is the answer. There are many factors and many people who go into a snow day. It requires the perfect conditions at the right time. Often times sheer mass of snow doesn’t make the cut with salt and plows clearing it away just before inspection time. But if that snow is predicted to fall all morning, the wind blows over black ice and the visibility is just under 10 feet, then just maybe...
6:00 AM
Good morning GH
Konarska starts his phone tree by calling Ann Haruki-Shelton who is responsible for reaching media outlets like the news and radio stations. By this time the news is on the district phone line, website and the media is broadcasting the result. Information from Keith Konarska Illustrations by Nate Niemerowicz Research compiled by Zak Konarska