January 2016 combined

the

blade Landon Hudson THE BUCS’ BLADE

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE

Drew Hewitt THE BUCS’ BLADE

James Harding THE BUCS’ BLADE

Pop the Grand Haven bubble

Pay it Forward students organize events to benefit organizations that taught them about hardships faced by those in and outside our community p. 9

JANUARY 18, 2016 Volume 71 Issue 3

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

www.bucsblade.com

What’s Inside

January 2016

17

15

Benchwarmers

Under the sea

Five boys cheer on their fellow teammates from the bench, they have dubbed themselves, “the benchwarmers”

Chad Jettner gives new life to Costa Rican sea glass in his joint jewelry buisness, Glassroots.

On the cover blade

the

14 Hidden talent

Pay it Forward students organize events to benefit organizations that taught them about hardships faced by those in and outside our community p. 9

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

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Cover by: Elizabeth Tibbe Page: 9 FEATURED TOPIC All stories with this logo are connected to the indepth topic.

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2 INDEX

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE SURROUNDED: Counselor Doug Klemm stands with his art in a Holland showcase. Klemm’s art floourished in college.

Pop the Grand Haven bubble JANUARY 15, 2016 VolUme 71 IssUe 3

Volume 71, Issue 3

Check out our website

bucsblade.com

Just like everybody is fighting a battle you know nothing about, everyone may be harboring a secret talent you know nothing about. Counselor Doug Klemm has been a Grand Haven counselor since 1997. While many students may notice the colorful canvases covering his walls, what they don’t know is those are his own brushstrokes.

Klemm’s passion for art started with photography, it then evolved to pottery but as time went on he found that he truly loved painting, specifically landscape. He began his teaching career in art but once he found an interest in psychology, he studied at Western Michigan University and became a counselor, putting his art on hold. But he could not stay away for very long.

“My interests are divided between counseling students and art,” Klemm said. “Art seems to be the thing I keep coming back to. I have a passion for counseling, but art will always be there.”

He returned to his art and after just over a year, he opened an exhibit where he first began taking classes, the Holland Area Arts Council, titled “Illumination”.

“When one of my paintings was on exhibit, someone came up to me and said ‘Doug, your painting looks like it’s illuminated from within!’” Klemm said. “And I said, ‘Wow, I think you just named my exhibit.’”

To find out more about Klemm’s art history and career, read “Illuminating Klemm” on page 14.

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New man Get to know Mr. Spaman, the new vice principal replacing Pam Vanderkamp

8

Old times

After 25 years, Grand Haven has a record store back to keep up with demand for classic and new records www.bucsblade.com, January 18

THE BUCS’ BLADE PUBLICATION POLICY

The Bucs’ Blade is a student-produced news publication 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 the campus, its students or its readers.

The Bucs’ Blade operates as a designated public forum for student expression. The Editorial Board consisting of student editors is the sole decision-making and policy setting body of The Bucs’ Blade and has final say over all content decisions..The adviser and administration have a non-review role and may offer advice on sensitive issues and will offer criticisms as warranted after publication but the Editorial Board reserves all rights to determine what material shall be published. Editorials represent the collective opinion of The Bucs’ Blade staff.

LETTERS AND SUBMISSIONS

Elizabeth Tibbe THE BUCS’ BLADE REGURGITATE: Lectures and note taking are not for everyone. These lessons are very important, but simply teaching students to recite what they study is not enough.

They need to learn life skills that will stay relevant past graduation. Classes like Pay it Forward are making an educational breakthrough with project-based learning.

Stop reciting, start learning Instead of lectures and notes, we need more classes that offer real-world lessons

I

It’s classes like Pay it Forward that break the mold and open our eyes t’s that point in the day when your teacher’s monotonous lecture to different types of learning. Not only does this class create positive continues to hum in your ears, as you slowly slide your elbow change around the community, but each student is able to walk away with across the black table, laying your head on your sweatshirt sleeve. knowledge and abilities they can continue to use long after the course is You strain to keep your eyes open but can’t help but give in to the completed.

They learn people skills. They become aware of problems thickening flutter. You’ll tell yourself, it’s okay, you’ll read the chapter that happening right now and how close they hit to home. night and study the review packet just in time for the test. All that matters Other classes such as iCreate360, personal finance and is that you can regurgitate what you’ve learned. It’s not really learning, it’s entrepreneurship teach students how to market themselves, how to memorizing. Memorizing is what gets you a passing grade. You probably conduct themselves in the business world and how to be smart with won’t remember the makeup of the cell next week, but at least you money from the first job to retirement. retained it long enough to get an ‘A’.

These are the things we will remember until that With a schedule packed full of lectures and note taking, retirement day comes.

These are the classes that will help us students’ brains are fried by the end of the day and their get jobs, help us move up in the world and for some, teach nights are spent robotically reading textbooks, cramming lessons they couldn’t get anywhere else. away information for their quiz the next day when the cycle Now, we’re not saying that every teacher needs to ditch restarts. These classes teach tricks to pass tests that will be their teaching style.

We recognize that the state requires left at the podium after a handshake with Wilson. specific curriculum that makes it nearly impossible to teach It seems to us the education system makes more of an any other way and that many college classes will continue emphasis to guarantee we get the proper math and english STAFF to be taught in lecture halls.

But high school is supposed to credits, not that we are thoroughly prepared to succeed EDITORIAL: prepare us for college and the real world, and there is more outside of the classroom.

Editorial Board to college than taking a test, more to a job interview than For many students, some of the most helpful lesson Support 8-1 reciting your resume. plans are designed around projects with real-world What we would like is more innovative, project-based, applications. According to Edutopia, project-based learning real-world classes that teach us how to ask for a raise, write a professional classes not only provide the fundamental traits from core classes, but also email and buy and maintain our home. We need classes that help us plan life skills. Students receive the benefits of personal responsibility, strong for our lives beyond the walls of Grand Haven High School. communication capabilities, teamwork and problem solving tips. www.bucsblade.com, January 18

Opinions expressed by individuals and in letters to the editor represent those of the author. Letters to the editor should be typed, double spaced and must include the author’s name, signature and class or position.

Names of individuals may be withheld upon request, pending a vote of the Editorial Board. Letters may be submitted in hard copy to room 0205 at Grand Haven High School or via email at bucsblade@gmail.com.

All letters are subject to review by the Editorial Board.

Letters will not be edited except to fix space limitations.

Should the Editorial Board deem a letter to be potentially libelous or containing content inappropriate for publication it will return the letter to the author with an opportunity for corrections. The Editorial Board is solely responsible for these decisions. Letters need to be received one week prior to print publication dates to be included in print.

THE BUCS’ BLADE GHHS ROOM 0205 17001 Ferris Grand Haven, MI 49417

Editorial Board Landon Hudson Elizabeth Tibbe Sarah Jane Chrysler Aliyah Austin Emily Bruch Brianna Moynihan Vlasia Niotis Jonas Quirin Maisy Hoffman

Editor in Chief Editor in Chief Arts Editor Life Editor News Editor Sports Editor Web Editor Photo Editor Public Relations

Writing Staff Kaysi Abbatoy (Reporter), Isabel Andrini (Reporter), Jessica Ashburn (Reporter), Scott Bays (Reporter), Luke Blauvelt (Senior Staff Writer), Maddie Brockmyre (Reporter), Micala Carpenter (Reporter), Emma Dale (Reporter), Jordan DeKlyen (Reporter), Taylor Fase (Senior Staff Writer), Mason Harloff (Reporter), Zach Holman (Reporter), Lily Ives (Reporter), Megan Kostner (Reporter), Marisa McElrath (Reporter), Abby Reyenga (Reporter), Emma Sachteleben (Reporter), Caitlin Shampine (Reporter), Eric Stolarski (Reporter), Kevin Swain (Senior Staff Writer), Karianne Turner (Reporter), Drew Van Andel (Reporter), Tyler VandenBrand (Reporter), Alexis VanSingel (Reporter), Savannah Vickers (Reporter), Connor Weber (Senior Staff Writer), Jacob Wencel (Reporter)

Photojournalists Grace Glessner, James Harding, Drew Hewitt, Owen Sanborn

EDITORIAL 3

Elizabeth Tibbe THE BUCS’ BLADE NEW YEAR, SAME FAILURE: Many people follow the ‘New year, new me” mentality, changing their life with the ball drop. These resolutions are doomed to fail with the harsh weather and marketing campaigns.

Don’t let hype get your hopes up The New Year’s over exaggerated marketing makes resolutions difficult to achieve

A

new year of inflated self optimism only leads to a new year of disappointment and promise of evolving next year. When you set a New Year’s resolution, you trick yourself into thinking that the one second difference from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1 will be the change you need to get fit, be happy and welcome new people into your life. When in reality, that change can come in Sept., June or any other time when you have the motivation. You can’t force change to come, it is counter-productive and studies by the American Psychological Association show that not only does the timing not help with fulfilling your dream but the massive marketing campaign linked to the new year also decreases the probability that you will lose those 15 pounds in your time frame.

I’ve always thought the hype around New Year’s was nothing but an excuse to drink and make a big deal of staying up past midnight, so much so that you count down, but if you were to pick a day to start a drastic change in your life, it shouldn’t be the one where you wake up hungover or just plain exhausted, greeted by a windchill of 12 degrees and a

4 OPINION

Elizabeth Tibbe / Editor in Chief driveway full of ice.

According to the American Family Physician, up to 20 percent of the American population is affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), commonly known as seasonal depression. This is a form of depression that follows the season changes, most commonly starting in early winter and can last into summer. This disorder is also more common in the northern parts of the country with more harsh winters, AKA, Michigan. This storm of a cold morning, dreary weather and the chance of SAD setting in can lead to a lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, lower energy levels and isolation. All of which make reaching any goal slightly less obtainable.

Yes, your chances and ability to reach that goal will increase when the weather clears up but by then, your brain has told you to ‘give up’ considering you have not yet made new friends, lost the weight or picked up a new hobby. Your life changes shouldn’t depend on the calendar but on when you believe your support system is solid, your motivation is top notch and mental health in a good place.

Despite the dreary times, marketing campaigns and the media take full advantage of

the new year and cash in big time, advertising time. Try to cut out fast food, then go to the discounted gym memberships, classes to help gym four days a week, then change what you buy at the grocery store. Set small goals to get you pick up that new hobby and financial aid you to the big one or else you will discourage to finally pay off your car. All this hype gets yourself and ultimately your hopes up and fail. Small success’ add makes you believe that up, but big failures set you can go from the you back. couch to a marathon 1) Get to the gym more Everybody goes in overnight. Now I’m and lose weight thinking a new year not saying everyone means a new you but believes in the magic the date does not that marketers bank 2) Enjoy life more and change who you are, on, but in the back of be happier only you can do that. your mind, they get to It’s not easy when the you too. A 2010 study on resolutions by the 3) Pick up a new hobby media shoves goals down your throat and American Psychologithe weather is fighting cal Association found 4) Budget and save $ back but that doesn’t that 45 percent of mean that they can’t be people ages 18-25 done. Everybody genugive up on their goal 5) Help others inely wants to achieve because they saw whatever they set out others achieving while *Information collected from American Psychological Association for, but you must be they were not or it committed to change did not happen fast before the ball drops enough. When you and have a plan. set a resolution you must go in one step at a

Top 5 Resolutions

www.bucsblade.com, January 18

City to host 40th annual Winterfest Grand Haven is celebrating its 40th annual Winterfest this year. The festival began in the 1970s with locals trying to get together and have a good time in the middle of winter.

Kicking things off is the Glow-Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 28 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Mulligan’s Hollow will sell lift tickets for five dollars. Be sure to come dressed in apparel that glows or lights up.

If the winter winds get to you on Saturday, go warm up by one of the dozens of bonfires downtown from 3 to 10 p.m. As part of the Bonfire Bash, there will also be music, a large screen pro-

jecting movies, fire jugglers, and more. Concluding Winterfest is the snowboard and ski competition on Sunday, Jan. 31. The event is open to all ages at Mulligan’s Hollow.

The competition is free with the purchase of a lift ticket.

Whether the event is skiing or sledding or just playing in the snow, all of the Winterfest activities have the common goal of bringing all of the locals together and getting them active after the holidays.

“Seeing everybody come out and have a great time in the middle of winter is what it’s all about,” Winterfest President Galbavi said.

Emma Sachteleben

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WINTERFEST FESTIVITIES THURSDAY, JAN. 28 Glow-Bowl at Mulligan’s Hollow from 4 to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 29 Art Reception at Tri-Cities Historical Museum from 6:30-8 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 30 Cardboard Sled Race at Mulligan’s Hollow, registration starts at 10 a.m. and race begins at 11 a.m.

Bonfire Bash at Harborfront Lot from 3-10 p.m.

Select winter prints on sale for $19.99

SUNDAY, JAN. 31 Snowboard and Ski Competition at Mulligan’s Hollow, 1-3 p.m.

District donates over $46,000 to West Michigan United Way program For over 50 years, the West Michigan United Way has been working with communities to solve the local education, health, and income problems within them. Through collecting donations from local businesses and individuals, United Way pools the money to go to the town’s choice of issues. This year, staff and students from several schools in the district donated $46,282.10.

The district’s liaison, Mary Evink, is ecstatic.

“I was astounded,”

Evink said. “It’s actually is gathered, Grand Haven’s the most needs are we’ve ever evaluated raised. by a group We’re feelof local ing pretty individugood about als called a it.” community The investment team, who campaign then choose lasts from to which late summer programs and goes until March, the donaMAURO tions go. but the The focus areas change evmost donations are gathered between August to ery year to meet the needs October. After the money of the community.

“They do so much to help the community,” high school liaison John Mauro said. “From homeless populations to struggling students to people who need transitional housing, the United Way works to help everyone as best as possible.”

Donations are welcomed year round, and students can also sign up to help as volunteers through Students Live United. Information is available in Mauro’s room which is 2112.

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Maddie Brockmyre

711 Washington Ave.

Select winter prints on sale Mon. - Sun. 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. for $19.99 (616) 844 -1131

121 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417

www.bucsblade.com, January 18

NEWS BRIEFS 5

Super Spaman New assistant principal

adjusts to life as buccaneer

Alexis VanSingel / Reporter

Grace Glessner THE BUCS’ BLADE NEW GUY: Assistant Principal Travis Spaman sits in his new office. He took over for Pamela VanderKamp this school year when she left the position she held for four years because of personal reasons. Some of Spaman’s new duties include maintaining campus safety, and dealing with discipline. He previously worked in the Fennville school district, where he gained experience that makes him fit for the job.

T

ravis Spaman races his kids down the sidewalk on their bicycles.

Sweat trickles down his forehead from the early summer heat when he feels a buzz in his pocket coming from his cell phone. He presses talk on his phone and hears Principal Tracy Wilson’s voice on the other end.

“When Mrs. Wilson called and offered me the (assistant principal) job at Grand Haven I was incredibly excited, to be honest I think I may have even cried a little bit,” Spaman said. “I knew so many great things about the students, staff and educational community of Grand Haven High School and to have the opportunity join that was something I was immensely appreciative of.”

Spaman’s first day on the job was before the school year started where he was able to meet some members of the staff and get familiar with the building.

“My first day at Grand Haven was actually during the summer, which was nice because I was able to meet some of the staff members, get acclimated to the building, policies, procedures and many other things that were different than my previous job,” Spaman said.

On the first day back to school, Spaman felt slightly overwhelmed but with the help of his co-workers and students, he was able to get used to his new job.

6 NEWS

SPAMAN FILES

FAVORITE COLOR Green (claims it looks awful on him) FAVORITE BOOK The Miracle at St. Anthony’s FAVORITE FOOD Tacos or pizza (he could eat it every day) DREAM JOB Golf Course Superintendent FAVORITE ACTIVITIES Exercising and golf “The first day of staff and students was a lot to process,” Spaman said. “The enormity of the building and all the things it had going on during the regular school day were quite different than what I was used to but thanks to the help of Mrs. Wilson, the staff, the students and even Mr. Roberson I quickly felt at home.”

Spaman oversees students 9-12 with the last names A-K and runs the Renaissance Program. Part of his role also includes the day-to-day operations of maintaining safety and security in the building. In regards to disciplining students who have made a wrong choice, sometimes his job has been difficult.

“The hardest part is dealing with some

really good kids and having to maybe discipline some kids who just make bad decisions, although they have some really good intentions,” Spaman said. “But it’s also a bright side too because you get to help them make better choices.”

His roles are shared with fellow assistant principal Mike Roberson, whom he works closely with. Roberson believes Spaman’s transition was made easier through his interactions with students.

“Probably his best strength is he’s really great with kids, he just connects well with kids,” Roberson said. “He’s made an easy transition because of his ability to work with people.”

The assistant principal position opened

up when Spaman’s predecessor Pamela VanderKamp left for personal reasons.

“It’s a balancing act between personal and professional life and after four years of going solid and strong, she needed to just kind of step back and reflect and kind of make a decision on whether this position is the best career position for her as a mom and a wife,” Wilson said.

When applying for the job as assistant principal in replacement of Vanderkamp, Spaman’s prior experience and knowledge stood out to Wilson.

“He brought to the table the comprehensive experience of assistant principal and athletic director,” Wilson said.

“Our building obviously is a much larger size than Fennville, but because we offer so many activities, having that working knowledge was really important to us. The other thing that was attractive to us is that he had a good grasp of the teacher evaluation process.”

According to Roberson, Spaman has brought many new ideas to the table within our administration staff.

“It’s been a lot of fun, he’s easy to work with, he enjoys having a good time,” Roberson said. “But he also understands what he has to do and gets his job done.

He’s coming in, he’s bringing new ideas and sharing things. He’s been able to add to what we’re already doing.” www.bucsblade.com, January 18

COURTESY PHOTO MAP MAKING: The map shows the blueprint created as an outline for the spring 2016 parking lot construction project. The new lot by the baseball field would be used by baseball and softball fans, as well as overflow football parking during Fridays in the fall.

PARKING GAINS Plans made for new lot, road construction scheduled as part of 2014 bond proposal Connor Weber / Senior Staff Writer

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ars bob and weave, horns blare, and a sea of teen drivers painfully inch their way towards freedom and the open road. This is a scene unfolding on a daily basis, with many students finding themselves trapped at school long after the final bell rings. This logistical mayhem may soon be simplified thanks to the next phase of the latest bond proposal.

In the plans for spring 2016 comes the groundbreaking of a new road construction project, which will link the current parking lot to a new parking area near the baseball fields, with the potential for a connecting road to www.bucsblade.com, January 18

Rosy Mound Drive.

“Right now we’re just going from next to the tailgate area, around the tennis courts, to the baseball/ softball area,” Operations Director Ted Rescorla said.

“And that will be the first phase of the road itself.”

This phase of road construction will cost approximately $800,000 and be linked to a brand new parking lot near the baseball diamonds, saving fans the long walk from parking in front of the football stadium.

“That will create 50 spaces for the baseball/ softball fans to be able to get back there,” Rescorla said. “And then also the possibility of overflow for graduation or big football

games, or soccer games.”

Phase two of the construction project, which has yet to be scheduled, is to connect the new lot to Rosy Mound Drive via a road running parallel to US-31. A project which has been complicated due to a lack of land access.

“The road commision originally, when the bond went to vote, had given a verbal agreement that we would be able to get an easement,” Principal Tracy Wilson said. “Now that’s changed.”

According to Superintendent Andrew Ingall, the 27 acre parcel was recently sold to a private owner whom the school board is in negotiations with.

This complication has

shifted priority to completing the new baseball parking lot and connecting driveway.

“Later on we’re looking at the possibility of purchasing the property, or easement or something like that but right now we’re not in the market for property,” Rescorla said.

Depending on how far the $1.2 million construction project can be stretched, as well as the availability of land, the Rosy Mound connecter is a project which may be pursued later on.

“This is just another phase of trying to make the use and accessibility as good as we can for everybody that comes and goes from (school),” Ingall said.

30-40% off select seasonal items

136 Washington St Grand Haven, MI, United States 49417 NEWS 7

Vinyl revival

Corner Record Shop opens up shop in Grand Haven to fill growing demand for classic music form Kaysi Abbatoy / Reporter

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS: After 25 years without a record store in Grand Haven, Peter Cary opened up The Corner Record Shop to fill the growing demand of students becoming interested in the older form of music. The shop carries new and used CDs and DVDs, VHS, 8-track tapes, cassettes, vinyl LPs and 45s. Prices range anywhere from five to 25 dollars based on the condition of the item.

I

n a digital world where listening to music is dominated by streaming sites like Spotify, Pandora, and Soundcloud, technology like record players have to struggle through to be remembered as an art form all their own. But their organic untainted sound is making a comeback as people are dusting off their players and record stores are popping up on every corner.

“It’s not because records are the most convenient or are cheap,” said Peter Cary, the shop’s manager. “It is because the quality is notably different.”

Records have better fidelity than CD’s, more range and separations between the instruments and the voices, whereas with a compact disk you get less of that and with a download you get almost none.

In 2014, vinyl record sales grew by more than 50 percent to hit over a million. For the first time since iTunes started selling music 10 years ago, digital music purchases started to wane and people became more interested in the quality of the music they were listening to. The Corner Record Shop took advantage of the growing demand and opened up on Aug. 31, in Washington Square.

“Grand Haven used to have so many record stores,” Cary said. “Now after 25 years without them, we finally have one again.”

The shop is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and on Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Lining the shelves are hundreds of CDs and DVDs, VHS, 8-track tapes and cassettes they also sell used vinyl LPs and 45s. Anything used starts at five dollars on up depending on wear and tear. They sell a wide range of music genres from classics to recent hits. Many students have been purchasing records lately.

“I collect records because and this sounds cheesy

8 ARTS

but vinyl has a ‘warm’ feeling to it,” junior Brandon Gonzales-Bertapelle said. “It is way more relaxing than speakers blaring.”

The warmth many listeners experience is caused by the way records are made.

Songs were “carved” into vinyl records long before they were made digitally, compared to the series of ones and zeros that make up digital or CD music.

The grooves of records correlate with the original analogue sound waves, making it sound like when originally recorded.

“Instead of either a compact disc,” Cary said.

“Which is much smaller or an mp3 download which has nothing other than maybe a picture of the cover of the album itself.”

The accuracy of a record is better than on a CD. Most of the music listened to everyday is stored and broadcasted in a glossy format, which means details are lost and quality is reduced. The glossy format compresses the audio in order to make it small enough to be shoved on to a phone, or to broadcast it over the airwaves.

“People go back to records because there is a certain timelessness to them,” Cary said. A lot of times original records would include posters, pictures, or lyric sheets. In many cases today, having these accessories draws people to records and depending on their condition, will increase the value of it. Artists of today are catching onto this fact and starting to include more additives in with their vinyl albums.

“Most of the records I buy come with all the extras,” Gonzales said. “I like to see what sort of designs they put on lyric sheets, and I hang the posters on my wall.”

Music has evolved tremendously over the years, but new does not always mean better, records provide something that you just can not get with a discover Spotify playlist or the newest Justin Bieber station on Pandora.

“That is the way it used to be issued, records are interactive,” Cary said. “People are starting to become picky and they want to listen to good, quality sound again.”

For the record

Location

1114 Washington Ave

Hours

Mon-Sat 11 a.m - 8 p.m Price range

$ - $$

www.bucsblade.com, January 18

James Harding THE BUCS’ BLADE ROCK OUT: Alumni Cameron Lund, lead guitarist for the band RYYO, plays at the Pay it Forward benefit concert.

Proceeds from the concert went to the Children’s Advocacy Center and featured two other artists from Grand Haven.

Students pay

it Forward

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE (ABOVE) DOUBLE TROUBLE: Senior Jacob Falconer winds up for a double throw at the Pay it Forward dodgeball tournament. Falconer’s team was one of 13 teams that competed last Sunday night to raise money and awareness for the People’s Center of Spring Lake. (LEFT) SOLO ACT: Alumni Loren Johnson took the stage at Life Church with nothing but a microphone and her guitar. Johnson was one of the two solo performers of the benefit concert for the Children’s Advocacy Center.

James Harding THE BUCS’ BLADE

Teacher Brian Williams aims to educate seniors on how to combat the “Grand Haven bubble” Maddie Brockmyre / Reporter

Between murder, corruption, and terrorism, the news can be hard to watch. It often contains a sense of hopelessness, and a feeling like the world will never be fixed. Living in small, scenic and safe Grand Haven, it’s easy to feel isolated, encased in a bubble that lets certain issues be ignored. Social studies teacher Brian Williams is trying to pop that bubble and make students realize there are issues that need to be addressed, and we all have the power to make a difference, the actions may be small, but the effects are mighty.

Williams runs the Pay It Forward class offered to seniors. Everyday at 6th hour, he and his class discuss ways they can make a difference in the community. For the first ten weeks, the students work on developing a sense of empathy through experiences and training. They switch between visiting shelters and nonprofit organizations to listening to speakers talk about their situations, making the class unusually structured. What really www.bucsblade.com, January 18

makes the class different, however, is the roller coaster of feelings that the seniors go through.

Some days it’s a smooth ride but most days the emotions are doing loop-de-loops.

“It’s physically and emotionally draining,” Williams said. “The days are very emotional. It’s not uncharacteristic in our class to have lots of wet eyes as we work through these situations.”

Whether it’s listening to a speaker talk about struggles like homelessness or poverty that they have encountered or going to a shelter to see the people who find refuge in it, there’s always some amount of emotional impact. According to senior Emily Miller, it’s also eye opening.

“You don’t always think about homelessness and malnutrition and unemployment in Grand Haven because you only see Washington Street,” Miller said. “You’re not exposed to those populations very often.”

Continued on the next page (10)

Drew Hewitt THE BUCS’ BLADE (ABOVE) HARD WORK: Senior Sophie Sagan prepares food for a Christmas dinner. JW’s Food and Spirits hosted a dinner for families in need as part of Pay it Forward. (BELOW LEFT) TEAM WORK: Seniors Brenna Housler, Meghan Bannink and Emily VanderMoere string a bracelet at The Amazing Race on Saturday, Jan.9. The community event raised funds for the school’s special education program. (BELOW RIGHT) SELLIN’ IT: Seniors Jaida Goetz, Jennifer Barcenas and Sophia Diffin man the charity bake sale table before school. This group raised money for Every Womens Place.

Emily Bruch THE BUCS’ BLADE

Owen Sanborn THE BUCS’ BLADE

IN DEPTH 9

TURNOUT

Benefit Concert

$2,000

Raised by the Amazing Race event

Bake sales raised over $500 for Every Women’s Place

Pay it Forward (cont.)

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE WHAT AN ARM: Senior Alec Benton lets out a powerful throw at the dodgeball tournament on Sunday, Jan.10. The tournament was held to benefit the People’s Center of Spring Lake, an organization that aims to help get families and individuals back on their feet.

Continued from page 9 Understanding the situations others experience is a valuable skill. In this small town, certain issues aren’t as prominent as they would be three hours away in Chicago or Detroit, but they exist. When you look for them, it’s not hard to spot the social issues hiding around the corner.

“The problems of sexual violence, of homelessness, of poverty, they all exist in your sweet little cozy Grand Haven nice town,” Williams said. “Imagine what it’s like when you get to bigger cities and you can actually see the people struggling.”

The different people and centers the class meet with are from the local community. A major shelter the Pay It Forward program is partnered with is the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in Holland. It’s a center for sexually, emotionally, and physically abused children.

Founder and executive director Darcy Komejan says that Pay It Forward has been a moving group to work with.

“I was incredibly impressed with the vision and passion of Brian Williams and the classroom of students that I met with,” Komejan said. “It has inspired my staff, board, and partner agencies to see what a small, dedicated group of high school students can accomplish.”

Last year, Pay It Forward collaborated with CAC to set up the teacher-student basketball game in the center’s benefit. This year, a charity concert was held on Dec. 17 to raise awareness about the children affected by abuse and what the center does to aid them. The concert was one in a series of six final projects that the students in Pay It Forward have been developing over the course of the class.

Divided into groups based on personality and strengths, the seniors pick a population to assist and think of ways to raise funds or awareness for their charity of choice.

Williams instructs them to produce 200 ideas in 30 minutes

10 IN DEPTH

to encourage diversity and from there, class members worked to develop a plan of action. From contacting professionals to planning the fund-raisers, the students are dependent on themselves from start to finish.

“The only time I get involved is when I think they’re not biting off enough and I help them find something they can do to take it to the next level,” Williams said. “I really want them to feel the intensity of thinking ‘How do we fix this ourselves without Mr. Williams getting involved’?”

It’s up to the seniors which organization they help, how they do it, and who they collaborate with on their plans.

The independence and amount of responsibility can be tough to manage, but students say they get a lot out of it and learned from having the massive job.

According to senior Erin Miller, another student in the class, there is something that everyone can learn from being in the program.

“The idea of empathy and opening your eyes to the world is something that we’ll take with us everywhere,” Miller said. “We’ll always have a broader mind about what we were doing and looking at.”

Whether it’s building a professional relationship or learning how to reach out to other populations in need, Pay It Forward works hard to refine the talents that seniors have and will need in the future. The class hopes to teach things students will need in the work force, their social lives or any other aspect of their life, that aren’t taught in the state required classes.

“We all are going to have skills that can better our community and that should be a goal as a human being to think about what you can do to contribute to the rest of the world,” Williams said. “And if you are not living that kind of life then I do not really believe you are living a good life.”

5

It’s not uncharacteristic in our class to have lots of wet eyes as we work through these situations.

The Benefit Concert featuring RYYO, Loren Johnson, and Christian McCallister raised a total of

$1,846.36

13

teams participated in the dodgeball tournament on Jan. 10

“

Knowing that such a simple thing had such a major impact was rewarding in itself

“

Hundreds of students and community members listened intently to 2014 graduate Loren Johnson singing songs from her new EP Sleepsick.

A benefit concert was held at Life Church to raise money and awareness for the Children’s advocacy center. Performers included local singers Christian McCallister, the band RYYO as well as Johnson.

Senior Tayler Vanderlaan and her Pay it Forward group were showing the community that the workers put in a lot of work towards these kids, to make the public aware of the abuse of children around them. Most of all, they work to inform the people that there is help out there and to show how much this center does to help each and every kid they can, especially to make them feel safe.

“I am doing this because when I first stepped into the center it touched me,” Vanderlaan said. “Realizing the hard work the workers put in for the children is truly amazing. They strive to make all children who arrive at the center as comfortable as possible.”

Vanderlaan and her group want to make sure that they have a strong impact on the community and show how much of an impact the Children’s Advocacy Center had on their lives as well.

The group raised around 1,800 dollars.

“It doesn’t matter how much money we raised or how many people came to the concert,” Vanderlaan said. “All that matters is knowing that my group and I have impacted one person in the crowd.”

Micala Carpenter / Reporter

Dodgeball Tournament Senior Tristan Tongue remains the last of his team on the gym floor, facing off against his final opponent. His team cheers him on from the sideline as he dodges balls left and right, waiting for the perfect moment to strike and come out victorious. When the final ball was thrown, the crowd erupted as Tongue threw up his arms, welcoming the enthusiasm from his team and viewers alike.

Funded by community donations, a dodgeball tournament was held on Jan. 10 at the fieldhouse to raise money for The People’s Center out of Spring Lake. They manage supplies such as clothes, food and household things to help families and individuals get back on their feet after hardships. The event would not have been possible without contributors such as West Michigan Molding, Two Maids Cleaning service and Galloway Custom Homes.

The Pay it Forward group gave the 1,606 dollars raised by donations, concessions and entry fees to the center in order for them to stock up their food pantry and purchase new clothing.

“I love that they give people a second chance at life,” group member Kaylee Hartwell said. “I am doing this because I feel like everyone deserves a second chance or a third chance. So if I could do anything to help them I will do it.”

The group who organized this tournament was moved by their experience with the People Center back in Sept. when the entire Pay it Forward class visited the organization for the first time.

“We have learned empathy throughout this class and the People Center touched my heart right away,” Hartwell said.

Megan Kostner / Reporter

The Amazing Race

High school students sprint up and down Washington, with multiple layers of coats on racing to receive their next clue.

A Pay it Forward group organized the “Amazing Race” to raise money for the Special Education Program. The funds raised will go towards interactive field trips, cooking classes, new Chromebook apps and special equipment for the program. According to group member senior Emily Miller, the donation will provide opportunities to further the students’ independence while they are in high school so they can be prepared for life post graduation.

“The money raised will go really far in helping this program expand and be able to take kids farther in life,” Miller said. “Hopefully, this impact will be felt for years to come.”

Christmas Dinner As JW’s Food and Spirits began to get busy on Dec. 13, Pay it Forward seniors bustled in the kitchen, preparing plates and mashing potatoes. The Christmas Dinner was an opportunity to have a holiday sit-down dinner for those who didn’t get to have one of their own. Families from the district were able to enjoy a free meal prepared

by Pay it Forward students.

The seniors worked with Cindy Benson, the homeless liaison for our school district. She gave them information families in need and how to contact them.

“For me, the biggest take away was just seeing the families come and be able to enjoy each other’s company,” project member senior Samantha Striegle said. “We heard from Cindy after the event about how much the families appreciated it. Knowing that such a simple thing had such a major impact was rewarding in itself. Being able to be apart of something more is really empowering.”

The students who are involved in Pay It Forward have put in hours of work and effort to make the Christmas Dinner a success.

“I think the best way to describe our motivation is just being able to step up,” Striegle said. “We are capable to step up and be a leader and have an impact. Why let that capability and true gift go to waste?”

Megan Kostner / Reporter

Each team that participated got a clue from their starting point at the Armory that led them to their first local business. Once their challenge was completed, they repeated the process. The first team to finish got a 25 dollar gift card or sweatshirt from a local business.

The group collected their funds through local business donations, a GoFundMe account and the 80 dollar team entry fees.

There was also an amazing race competition for special education students to participate in. Their final clue was all the money that was raised to support this program.

“Seeing it all come together was really rewarding,” Miller said. “It was for such a great group of GH students, which made it even better.”

Micala Carpenter / Reporter

Bake Sale The rotunda was more packed than usual as students gathered around the bake sale table, manned by seniors from the Pay it Forward class. The table held homemade cookies, brownies, rice krispie treats and cupcakes, but their intentions were sweeter than anything they were selling.

The group held five bake sales and raised over $500 to donate to Every Women’s Place in Muskegon, an organization that provides shelter, counseling, and other services to victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse.

Senior Jennifer Barcenas’ group wanted to benefit an organization that genuinely needed the funds.

“When we actually got to (Every Women’s Place) we saw that they were actually a place in need and I think that’s what drove us to have more determination to raise money for them,” Barcenas said.

All members of the group were able to take away different lessons from being a part of the project, but Barcenas walked away with a newfound sense of empathy.

“You never know what others are going through or how their life is,” Barcenas said. “Everyone has different struggles and we need to be more aware of other people’s feelings and situations.”

Emily Bruch / News Editor

Mental Health Campaign

Many students in our school have personally been impacted by mental health issues either through themselves, friends or family. It is a topic that has been tabooed by society but hit Grand Haven hard in recent years In March, one of the Pay it Forward groups will host an assembly to discuss mental disorders while sharing some of their own personal experiences. Each class will have a separate assembly.

“This topic is such a difficult topic to touch for the

school, so having a student led assembly will hopefully create a better turn out for this to be a positive impact on our student body,” group member Mikaela Kroll said.

Giving students an idea of what their peers are going through will hopefully help them talk about any issues or feelings they have. The idea is to create a safe environment where people will want to open up to others they feel comfortable with.

“Also having three deaths in the year just from mental health issues is something that needs to recognized and we have to get that to change for the better,” Kroll said.

Megan Kostner / Reporter

IN DEPTH 11

Owen Sanborn THE BUCS’ BLADE PENCIL TO PAPER: Sophomore Fisher Mancilla sketches a combination of species. He first developed an interest for art when he was in fourth grade. He especially enjoys drawing and creating animals.

Best of the Bucs Artist Fisher Mancilla is highlighted for his unique artistic style, combining animals to create his own

Visit www.gliks.com to find your nearest location

202 Washington Ave. (616) 846-4095

Lily Ives / Reporter

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ophomore Fisher Mancilla fixes his creative mind and the margin of a lined his slightly crooked glasses before piece of paper. putting his pencil to the paper. As “I don’t really keep a drawing journal,” he sits without a word in the back Mancilla said. “I just pick up whatever I have of the classroom, he pensively stares at his when I have an idea, I don’t have time to blank canvas. keep one.”

When artist Mancilla was in fourth grade, Mancilla’s inspiration didn’t come from he discovered he had a passion for art, spehis parents or siblings. It began when he cifically drawing. He still enjoys to draw to turned on the TV. this day.

“I’d watch a lot of “I draw quite a bit that ancient alien stuff,” outside of school,” Mancilla said. “Like alien Mancilla said. “I like to movies and the shows mix animals together and on the history channel, Favorite color make something weird, it inspired me in a weird Red like I’ve done a spider way. Nobody in my famand a squid. I’ve tried ily draws at all, so I really Favorite food drawing humans before don’t know where my Burrito but it’s really hard for creativity comes from.”

Favorite band me.”

Drawing is Mancilla’s When art teacher go-to activity when he’s Green Day Sherri Greene was asked bored. He has never Favorite medium to reveal a few of her aspired to have an art Graphite unique artists in class, career, but instead someshe didn’t hesitate to say thing more scientific and Mancilla’s name. creative in its own way.

“He takes his time,” “I’m into biology,” Greene said. “He’s willing to put in the extra Mancilla said. “And Paleontology, the study time for art and is definitely a very meof fossils, I’m really interested in that. Or ticulous worker. The designs he creates are Zoology, I like it all.” always high in craftsmanship, he really thinks Mancilla, although quiet, has a loud pasall his work through.” sion for art that can be clearly seen in each Mancilla’s creative thought is the definiand every one of his drawings. tion of unique and spontaneous, mixing dif“It started with just doodling,” Mancilla ferent animals or science fiction creatures to said. “Then it eventually turned into somemake a one-of-a-kind masterpiece with just thing bigger.”

Free 16oz POP with any order of $5.00 or over.

This offer valid only to GHAPS students with valid school ID. Offer valid Jan 15th thru March

The Fisher Files

12 ARTS

31st, 2016.

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here For ad rates and info, email us at bucsblade@gmail. com or call us at 616.850.6263

Every issue of THE BUCS’ BLADE reaches over 2,000 students, staff and community members.

Our website, www.bucsblade.com, provides thousands of opportunities to reach your target audience while supporting growing student journalists www.bucsblade.com, January 18

Your Turn What are you excited about in entertainment in 2016?

“I’m really excited to go see Les Miserables.”

-Selaya Mehra

“I’m very excited about Finding Dory.”

Previewing 2016 Goodbye to last year’s entertainment and hello to 2016, the new year brings with it the hope of good new movies, albums and adaptations Sarah Chrysler / Arts Editor

Music festivals If you have never been to a music festival, there is no time like the present.

Tickets are going on sale and lineups are going to be released soon. It is easy to get caught up in the ‘experience’ of a festival and forget to enjoy the music.

This year, lineups are bigger and better. Lollapalooza will celebrate its 25th anniversary in July and the lineup for the Chicago event will almost undoubtedly be one for the books. In June Electric Forest will once again take the stage in the trees of Rothbury Michigan.

While lineups for these two festivals have yet to be released, they both have a history

of amazing talent, and it is safe to bet that this year will be no exception.

Though it may be a lower profile event, Common Ground Festival in Lansing is also a good choice. It is more of a series of concerts than a festival but makes for an amazing five days in July.

If you are looking for a country music festival there is the Faster Horses festival in Brooklyn, Michigan.

If you are excited for summer and enjoy big, singing crowds, give a festival a try.

Whatever type of beats you like, there is most likely an extravaganza for you. Go find it and enjoy the music.

Movie sequels

-Adam Nelson

“I really want to go to Electric Forest.”

-Sage Horan

“I’m pretty excited about all movies coming out this year.”

-Nate Todd

www.bucsblade.com, January 18

2015 was a relatively good year for movies. We saw young adult book adaptations displayed on the screen, but in 2016, you can look forward to sequels.

We found Dory almost 13 years ago in Pixar’s Finding Nemo. The cute little blue fish voiced by Ellen DeGeneres just kept

swimming, while we just kept waiting for a much anticipated sequel. This family film is getting a lot of hype for its release in June.

That’s not all though. In May, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising and Alice In Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass will be released.

Now we hope that the sequels succeed.

New albums and singles Old favorites such as Blink 182, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Killers all have new material in the works. In the music industry today, there are fewer bands and more individual artists.

This year though, a few of the bands popular in the late 90’s early 2000’s are back.

Hopefully better than ever.

The artists of today are also working on putting out new albums and singles.

Since many singers such as Rihanna, Kanye West, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and Chance the Rapper have taken a few years off of recording, lots of people are hoping their waiting expectations will be more than fulfilled this year.

New and returning TV shows As far as TV shows go, there is something for everyone.

If you like to see blood and guts, there is AMC’s The Walking Dead, or if you like drama there are all of the #TGIT shows on ABC. This year we will see the return of Orange Is the New Black on Netflix, New Girl on FOX just started its fifth season, and

NBC’s The Voice is set to start at the end of next month.

A new show will be on FX called Baskets, which is about the life of a clown, played

by Zach Galifianakis. ABC Family recently changed it’s name to Freeform and will have a new show called Shadowhunters, based off of the Mortal Instruments novel series.

ARTS 13

New year, new food People resolve to lose weight, but don’t realize that a simple first step is substituting everyday foods and ingredients Emma Dale / Reporter New year, new you. The biggest and most common resolution of them all, losing weight and getting healthy. For many, it’s too hard, they start but don’t continue because of the drastic change.

Going from yum to none, all the cutting of fat foods that you love so much, the irresistible ones that ruin your health streak with how undeniable they are.

But what many don’t know is healthy eating can be easy and not as big of a fiasco as it seems. Simply changing little things you eat and cook with can benefit yourself more than you’d ever imagine. This is called substitution and it’s the easiest first step to that healthy life you’ve envisioned for yourself.

First, start out with just the simplest form of identifying the health rank of the item by the color.

White is your enemy. Pasta, bread, anything white is not your friend. Try first switching out all the white foods for either wheat, or whole grain. When it comes to rice, go with brown. When it comes to pasta, go with whole wheat pasta. The difference in taste is almost unnoticeable.

When cooking, there are items you can switch out that will hardly make a taste difference and are much healthier for you.

Instead of using fattening butter or oil, use unsweetened applesauce, which still does the same job and does it well.

Baking sweets is a fast way to end your healthy diet, but one thing you can substitute for frosting when making cake or cupcakes is marshmallow fluff, it seems just as fattening but it’s so much better for you. A can of frosting can having a whopping 100 calories with 14 grams of sugar while six tablespoons of marshmallow fluff has only 40 calories and six grams of sugar.

Calories aren’t technically bad for you. In fact, we need calories for energy. But accumulating too many calories leads to weight gain.

Substituting items for healthier choices will just become a habit after a while and make you feel so much better. These items will cut down on the sugar, fat, calories and salt by simply switching out an ingredient or two.

When it comes to weight loss and leading a healthier life, health.com has proven that slow and steady truly does win the race. Take it step by step; don’t try to change your life at the snap of a fingerstart by changing an ingredient.

14 LIFE

How to keep your resolutions Promises made for the new year are often abandoned, so here are four ways to help you accomplish all of your goals Aliyah Austin / Life Editor

4...

3...

2...

1...

It’s natural to want to make big changes, but in order to get to those, you need to start by taking small steps.

Don’t just say you’re going to lose weight. How are you going to do that? Give yourself a path to follow. Make a plan, and lay out what you’re going to do weekly, or even monthly.

Resolutions can be personal, and maybe hard to share. But we all need someone. The support from the people you love, or just one person you care about, can help by encouraging you to follow through with your plans. If you’re aware that other people know, you’ll be more likely try to succeed.

Don’t forget why you’re doing this. You have a goal, and you have a plan to reach it. When you feel like quitting, reflect on your past to remind yourself why you made this resolution.

If something’s not working, change it. It doesn’t matter what day it is- it’s never too late to make a resolution.

The end may seem like it’ll never come- like you’ve been waiting, and the clock finally begins to count down.

It ticks five, four, three, two...but that last second, the last stretch, your goal, still seems far away. That’s OK. Because it will come. And the beautiful thing is, you’ve got a year to work at it.

Stay specific

Get support

Be motivated

Don’t give up

“This year, my resolution is to be nicer to people and to make more friends. “ -freshman Lexi Hook

“I want to ride my horse over 200 miles. It’s fun and it’s really good interaction for the horse.”

-senior Nikota Easterling

“I’m on the bowling team and I want to beat my high score because I’ve been trying to beat it for so long now. My current high score is 256. I bowl almost everyday.”

“My new year’s resolution is to be healthier by exercising and eating better because I put on a lot of weight after my surgery over the summer and I want to change the way I look.”

-junior Meagan Batka

-junior CJ Deal

Starter guide to healthy substitution foods Frosting

White pasta

A can of frosting can have 100 calories with 14 grams of sugar

White grain foods are consumed faster yet not as fulfilling as wheat

Replace with

Replace with

Marshmallows Six tablespoons of marshmallow fluff has only 40 calories and six grams of sugar

Butter

A stick of butter has 92 grams of fat

Replace with

Wheat grain

Wheat tastes similar to white, but offers fiber, iron and B vitamins and is more filling

Applesauce Using applesauce instead of butter cuts calories and fats

www.bucsblade.com, January 18

Chad Jettner COURTESY PHOTO CLASSY GLASS: (from left to right) Teachers James Richardson, Melissa Richardson and Chad Jettner and his wife, Jenn Jettner, stand next to their jewelry, which is handcrafted from sea glass. They were inspired by the glass they found on a beach in Puerto Rico and created a business called Glassroots. “It’s been great to do it with our families and it’s something that we enjoy,” Melissa Richardson said.

Down by the sea

A visit to Puerto Rico inspired teachers Chad Jettner, Melissa and James Richardson to begin business handcrafting jewelry out of beach glass

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ast year, the chilly months of winter prompted three teachers to take a spring break vacation to Puerto Rico. Their tropical getaway lead to an unexpected jewelry business.

On the trip to Aguada, Puerto Rico, the families of business class instructor Chad Jettner, and teachers James Richardson and Melissa Richardson met a man named Luis.

“Mrs. Jettner is hugging this guy on the beach the first day and I’m literally looking down thinking what is she doing,” James Richardson said on reflection of the first time he met Luis.

Luis, a Puerto Rico native, befriended the group after noticing them collect sea glass on the beach. He introduced them to a prime location to find more.

“He turned us on to a part of the beach that was probably a mile and half away that had a ton of sea glass,” Melissa Richardson said. “We went down there and we found this little honey hole.” www.bucsblade.com, January 18

Emma Sachteleben / Reporter Inspired by the glass that Luis had showed them, the teachers came home and started crafting with it.

“When our girls were little, we would go downtown to Creative Fringe to make jewelry,” Melissa Richardson said. “So when we were finding all this sea glass we thought, ‘Let’s do something with this.’ So we came back and we just did it.”

The process of making the sea glass into jewelry took some practice.

“Mr. Jettner and Mr. Richardson did a lot of research on trying to figure out how to drill the holes and make that work and Mrs. Jettner figured out the artistic side to them,” Melissa Richardson said.“It’s been great to do it with our families and it’s something that we enjoy.”

The group started bringing the jewelry to the Muskegon Farmers Market, where it was well received.

“Thirty to forty percent of customers come back. Sometimes every week,” Jettner

said. “Credit to the Muskegon Farmer’s Market. It’s where we got our start.”

What started as a hobby turned into an idea to market the jewelry under the name Glassroots.

“It turned into something a whole lot bigger than we thought,” James Richardson said.

Beyond making jewelry from sea glass, the group also upcycles old glass bottles. Mugs Party Store allows the group to come and take their recyclable bottles. This way, the store doesn’t have to pay for recycling and Glassroots gets the materials they need.

Mugs is not the only location the group gets glass bottles from.

“I go to the Ottawa county recycling center twice a week,” James Richardson said.

“I’m not saving the world. I’m just doing my piece and we are doing our part.”

Glassroots is not only doing its part in keeping bottles out of landfills, but it is also providing an example for Jettner’s students.

“When I can bring in real world examples

of marketing or entrepreneurship, I do,” Jettner said.

He has started many businesses, ranging from deli shops to coffee shops, but they became too stressful with a full-time teaching job.

“You have overhead, rent, utilities and with (Glassroots), there is really no overhead,” Jettner said.

Besides the Glassroots website and Instagram, marketing occurs from past customers.

“It’s through a lot of word of mouth,” Jettner said, “Someone sees a picture on Instagram and heads to the farmer’s market because they know we will be there.”

The current goal of Glassroots is to stay low-key.

“Because we are teachers and that is our passion and our commitment -- that and our families -- we just want to make sure that our business stays fun. When it gets to be work, then we will reevaluate,” Melissa Richardson said.

LIFE 15

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE CATCHING CLOUDS: Counselor Doug Klemm’s paintings aim to capture the beauty of nature. “Painting is the one thing that I keep coming back to now,” Klemm said. “Clouds seem to be something that I start with. Then I fill in the landscapes with whatever I want.”

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE KLEMM’S CREATIONS: Klemm poses next to two of his paintings hanging in the Holland Area Arts Council. Klemm used to teach art, but then found himself intrigued by psychology, and eventually chose a career in counseling. But he soon realized his connection to art was undeniable. 18 months after getting back into art, Klemm was offered the chance to have an exhibit, which was called “Illuminations.”

Illuminating School counselor reveals his hidden artistic talent

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Karianne Turner / Reporter

trolling into counselor Doug Klemm’s office, a beautiful landscape catches my eye. The clouds pop, as if they are moving. The brushstrokes in the intricate green grass make the painting sway. Bright baby blue gives me an undeniable feeling of warmth.

Klemm sits across from me with a heartfelt grin, ready to hear anything I have to say.

I ask about the landscape and his eyes begin to sparkle.

He pours out his soul to me, going more in detail about his favorite landscape. The next thing I know, I have been in his office for an hour.

Klemm started taking classes at the Holland Area Arts Council. He began in photography, then in ceramics making bowls. He enjoyed it, but quickly realized that bowls were not for him.

“I used to teach art at the high school level, but that was a really long time ago,” Klemm said. “I quit when I was 25.

I got interested in psychology and got into the counseling

16 LIFE

and the vibrancy of the colors,” Executive Director of the Holland Area Arts Council Lorma Freestone said.

“The subject of his paintings - clouds, incredibly blue sky and rolling pastures- transport the viewer into the landscape.”

He submitted his work into many exhibits.

Sometimes it was accepted, sometimes it wasn’t. But because of his love for the craft, he never stopped working and applying to be featured.

“Art is a major passion of mine, and I refused to let a simple rejection stop me,” Klemm said.

After only 18 months of being back into art, Klemm had his own exhibit called Illuminations, featuring landscapes and sculptures.

“When one of my paintings was on program at Western.” exhibit, someone came up to me and In ‘97, Klemm arrived at Grand said ‘Doug, your painting looks like Haven High School as a counselor. it’s illuminated from within!’” Klemm Despite focusing on counseling, his love said.

“And I said, ‘Wow, I think you just for art continued to linger under the named my exhibit.’” surface.

Klemm battled with his conflicting “I find that making art is very passion for art and counseling career. interesting to me,” Klemm said. “With But he began to realize that he did not each one, it’s a challenge.” need to choose between the two- he will Klemm rented studio space and always be an artist and a counselor. began painting again. Eventually, he was “My interests are divided between asked by the Executive Director to start counseling students and art,” Klemm leaving his canvas up in the Armstrong said. His voice, gentle and reassuring, studio, no matter what exhibit was going grew wistful as he spoke. “Art seems on.

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE to be the thing I keep coming back to.

“When Doug finished his first CLOUDS: Klemm’s art aims to capture his passion for landscapes. He enjoys the I have a passion for counseling, but art painting in our Artist Studio Space, I challenge and finds himself captivated will always be there.” was absolutely astounded by the light

KLEMM

www.bucsblade.com, January 18

BENCH WARMERS

Five members of the boys basketball team dominate the sidelines Brianna Moynihan / Sports Editor

James Harding THE BUCS’ BLADE FIRE AWAY: (left to right) Juniors Jeffrey VanDalen, Jack Riopelle and seniors Jordan DeKlyen and Connor Jettner fire up the bench after a three-pointer during the home game against Muskegon on Jan. 5.

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hen senior guard Tyler hype,” junior Ross Koella said. “The bench is Wiedeman knocked down a a lot better than it has been in the past.” three-pointer two minutes The crew jokes about why they get so into the first quarter of the fired up during games, but everything they Muskegon game, the fans attention was do is for the good of the team. dragged from the court to the extravagant “We get hype so they do well and if they celebration occurring at the bench. The non- do well we get to play,” Mahacek said with a starters, or “bench warmers”, were pulling laugh. “We just like to bring the energy. It’s back imaginary bow and arrows, holding up about helping each other out.” three fingers, wildly Basketball is a jumping around and mental game. So generally getting when the team is rowdy. down, the bench Five members warmers boost the of the boys basketteam’s morale.

Connor Jettner ball team, juniors “We just feel that BOW AND ARROW THREE Jeffrey VanDalen, energy when we are Mac Mahacek, Jack out on the court, Jordan DeKlyen Riopelle and seniors especially on defense Connor Jettner and and it just helps us FIST PUMP Jordan DeKlyen play harder,” Koella have rid themselves said.

Jack Riopelle of the stigma and Students have GENTLEMEN’S CLAP embraced their title. taken notice of the “The term bench savage squad that Jeffrey VanDalen warmers is not ofdominates the end TRAIN CONDUCTOR fensive, that’s what of the bench. Fans we are,” Jettner, claim that they aren’t Mac Mahacek the five-foot-four just hyping up the energetic leader of team, but they get JOG IN PLACE the self-proclaimed the student section crew, said. “We are excited as well. the captains of the bench. When the team is “It’s really a good spirit booster for out there getting buckets, we get hype on the everyone that is there,” junior Noah Huyler bench.” said. “When you see the players themselves But this hype squad isn’t all fun and being really passionate about their game it games, they take their job seriously. makes everyone want to be more passionate.

“The cheers we do help out the players The players see the student section supporton the court and give them energy to keep ing them and it just creates a family atmopushing and play better,” Riopelle said. “It’s sphere.” the responsibility of the bench to pump up The bench warmers recognize their misthe starters and they do the same for us.” sion and know that it is all about the team.

Some believe that players that don’t see “The team is everything,” Mahacek said. much court time are unimportant; the start“We have a lot of amazing individuals but we ers of the team disagree. are not that good unless we all play together, “They help us get the (win), they get us each of us are important.”

Hype Crew’s Signature Moves

Isabel Andrini THE BUCS’ BLADE ROWDY: (left to right) Juniors Mac Mahacek, Jeffrey VanDalen, Jack Riopelle and seniors Jordan DeKlyen and Connor Jettner get excited on the bench during a game against Hudsonville on Jan. 8.

WINTER SPORTS BOWLING: KEY ATHLETES www.bucsblade.com, January 18

Junior Jimmy Mitchell brings experience to the team after going to the state tournament last season.

HOCKEY:

Junior Joey Zelenka is a captain on and leads the team in goals.

SKIING:

Senior Lauren Klaassen returns for her fourth season bringing leadership and consistency.

SPORTS 17

4

steps to...

SHOOTING A SINGLE LEG

Alright wrestling fans, it’s what you’ve been waiting for. Here are the steps on how to complete a single-leg take down, one of the most successful take downs in the sport. Sophomores Daniel Guillen and Ryder Smith show you how to get those two points and take down your opponent using this essential move.

2. Penetration: Shoot for the leg Daniel Guillen: “The second step is a penetration step, which is basically the shot to the leg when you go down to your knees.”

Isabel Andrini / Reporter

1. SET UP: Make your opponent step

3. STAND UP: Change positioning and height with the leg

Ryder Smith: “You set up, which is really just a push pull motion. You push their shoulders and pull them to make them step.”

RS: “Next you are going to want to make a level change.

So it’s exactly what it sounds, change levels and just stand up with it.”

4. Finish: Choose the best finish, take down your opponent DG: “There are a bunch of different finishes, but it depends on what position your opponent is in.”

Grace Glessner/ Photographer BOYS SWIM AND DIVE:

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Senior Hayden Schouman stepped up in the backstroke so the team could qualify for state in the 200 medley relay.

COMPETITIVE CHEER:

Senior Brooke Park is a four year member of the team, bringing experience and leadership.

WRESTLING:

Junior Drake Morely is a consistent wrestler at the 171-pound weight class and a captain on the team

www.bucsblade.com, January 18

For 46 years, the basketball team called the small gym on 900 Cutler St. home, on Feb. 5, the Bucs return to face Hudsonville in the....

Kevin Swain / Senior Staff Writer “Yes that is the winning team!” thunders the student section, the sound reverberating through the small gym as a couple hundred of students point toward the Bucs’ bench.

The year is 1995, and the Bucs are about to win their eighth straight game. The gymnasium is small and musty, yet electric and alive with sound. Visiting teams dread playing there, if they’re not getting jeered at by the student section, then it’s probably too loud for players to hear their own thoughts.

The fall of 1953 was the first time that students attended the new high school, now Lakeshore Middle School, at 900 Cutler Street . On December 11, 1953, 1,100 people watched the Buccaneers lose 40-37 to Benton Harbor, the first varsity game in the new basketball arena where, according to the Grand Haven Tribune the following day, “For the first time in years you could get a seat.”

For the next decade and a half, losing results like that one in the new gymnasium weren’t uncommon; Grand Haven’s basketball teams were mostly mediocre, and the gym wasn’t regularly filled to capacity.

The rest is history. In the summer of 1969, Al Schaffer was hired by the district as a high school math teacher- and the new varsity basketball coach. In December of that year, the Bucs snapped a 23-game conference losing streak. The 1972-73 Bucs went 11-11, matching the highest win total for a Buccaneer basketball team in 15 years.

The teams were getting better, and so was the gym itself. By the mid-1970s, the east walls of the gym were knocked down to create room for more seating. At about

GIRLS BASKETBALL:

RECORD:

www.bucsblade.com, January 18

3-5

the same time, when people were referring to the gym as “a pit” (as in armpit), Schaffer Courtesy of the GHHS Blue and Gold yearbook dubbed the name “The Pirate’s Pit”, and had OLD SCHOOL: Gary Speer of the 1972-73 Buccaneer basketball team looks to make a pass at a game “Welcome to the Pirate’s Pit” painted in large in the Pirate’s Pit. The team played at the Pit, now the Lakeshore Middle School gym, from 1953-97. letters on the west wall of the gymnasium, a mural that still stands today.

The Grand Haven basketball program Tri-Cities on a Friday night was right there in fans up there. It was an event. You were very was being revitalized, and it didn’t go unthe Pit.’” excited and pumped up for every game.” noticed by the community. People started to Many took pride in the fact that the Pit A new Grand Haven High School buildshow up for games in huge numbers unlike was one of the toughest arenas in the state ing, including a 3,200-seat arena, was comever before. The fans, who in the small gym to play in; people often lined up for tickets pleted in 1997. After the 1996-97 season, the were seated (or standing) close to the floor, hours before games. Kids in Grand Haven Pirate’s Pit became a memory, lodged in the were louder than ever. The Pit became a dreamed of one day playing in front of the hearts of all players and fans who it touched. frenzy. crowd at the Pit. “I had some tremendous, tremendous Under the 1995 graduate JP young men play for me,” Schaffer said.

“The Pit became just direction of the Huntington, who “I think of those guys all the time. It was newly-hired Craig grew up 2 blocks special. I loved my 18 years in Grand Haven. really really important in Flahive, the pep away from the high The Pit became just really really important the lives of Buccaneers, band began to play school, remembers in the lives of Buccaneers, including me. It’s at every home game, his aspirations of very special, and I’m excited that they’re havincluding me.” and remained for playing in the Pit. ing another game there.”

-Al Schaffer the game’s entirety “It was someThe Bucs returned to the Pit once to face (Previously, the thing you always Jenison in 2007, after a power outage at the pep band only made appearances on Friday wanted to do,” Huntington said. “You got to high school. Since then, basketball games at nights, and typically dispersed after playing sit there and feel how exciting it was, and you the Pit have been limited to middle school the national anthem). The exciting band, always looked up to the players too, because play- the gym’s 84-foot court length is too which many remember for its renditions of you knew them from summer camps and short per state athletic rules.

“Proud Mary”, became a rallying point for things.”

On Feb. 5, the Bucs will return to the the boisterous crowds, cheerleaders, and Though the school and gym were bePirate’s Pit to face Hudsonville, marking the winning home basketball teams. All of coming old and worn-down by the 1990s, just the second time a varsity game has been these meshed together to create the electric people’s love for the Pit only grew. Huntingplayed in the historic arena in over 18 years. atmosphere of The Pit- which remained the ton went on to score 1,406 career points at Schaffer won’t be on his feet nor coachfocal point of the community on Tuesday Grand Haven, the school’s all-time scoring ing the Bucs, and JP Huntington won’t take and Friday nights for years to follow. record. over the game in the fourth quarter. Still, the “‘It was a great place to play and an even “You never had a problem getting Pit’s electric atmosphere will be resurrected, better place to coach,’” Schaffer told the pumped up for a game,” Huntington said. and for one more time, “Hail to the Blue & Grand Haven Tribune in 1997. “‘The atmo“When you were down in the locker room, Gold” will echo through the tiny gym and sphere, the noise. The best place to be in the you could hear the floor shaking from the the halls of that old place at 900 Cutler.

Freshman Allison Keyser’s dominates the court and lead the team with 33 points so far this season.

BOYS BASKETBALL:

RECORD: 6-2

Junior Ross Koella is a consistent player and has contributed 40 points so far this season.

SPORTS 19

PLAYING in the PIT

Everything you need to know about the basketball game on Feb. 5

VISITORS WHEN? On Friday, Feb. 5 Girls at 6 p.m.

Boys at 7:30 p.m.

STUDENT SECTION

WHERE DO STUDENTS SIT? The student section will be in the bleachers on the far East side of the court.

VISITORS

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS? Tickets will be for sale in the Athletic Office starting Monday, Jan. 11, and will not be available for purchase at the door.

Graphics by Brianna Moynihan

HOME

HOW MANY TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE? Due to the small size of the Pit, only 900 tickets will be available. 250 of those will be given to Hudsonville for purchase.

WHO? The boys and girls varsity basketball teams will take on the Hudsonville Eagles.

COST? Tickets are five dollars for adults and three dollars for students. Athletic pass holders will be able to secure a tickets in the Athletic Office during ticket sales times. 200 tickets for a live feed viewing in the Auxiliary Gym will be available for two dollars once the other 900 tickets have sold out.

HOME

Former basketball coach recounts how “Pirate’s Pit” received name Kevin Swain / Senior Staff Writer

I

n 1969, Al Schaffer didn’t stumble upon Grand Haven by chance. Bill Beach, who coached against Schaffer in the early 1960s and then later became high school principal at Grand Haven, invited Schaffer to interview for a teaching and coaching position.

Schaffer interviewed in front of Beach, Superintendent Ralph Van VolkinBurg and Athletic Director Steve Sluka (who was known for leading the basketball team to state championships in the 1920s). Upon being asked if he had any questions, Schaffer inquired about the 16 year old gym, which was small and bland.

“I coached at a class B school where they just built a new gym,” Schaffer said. “Here was a class A school, and you walk in the gym and there’s nothing there about the Grand Haven Buccaneers, there’s nothing on the court.”

Van VolkinBurg then proceeded to turn red, Schaffer recalled. “I’ll have you know we take pride,’ he told Schaffer. ‘Every one of our buildings is post-WWII.”

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Schaffer said that Van Volkinburg immediately told Beach that maintenance and work should be done on the high school gym.

“I thought maybe that allowed me to get the job,” Schaffer said. “Van Volkinburg had so much pride in the buildings, so he said ‘Let’s look into this.’ I wanted to paint the lane blue, put a wide stripe, and put a buccaneer head in the middle of the floor- Sluka wasn’t wild about that. But he agreed to put it in the middle.”

Schaffer, along with art teacher Steve Groters, arrived at the school before Sluka one evening to make as much progress on the court as possible.

“If we’ve got part of it down, I don’t think he’s going to say ‘Hey, take it off ’,” Schaffer told Groters.

Though surprised at first, Sluka eventually became enthusiastic about decorating the gym for more spirit. With further improvements in the coming years, the gym, though small and aging, gained its immortal identity of the Pirate’s Pit.

Grace Glessner THE BUCS’ BLADE www.bucsblade.com, January 18