Bucs' Blade November 2015

the

blade

One Love

With a prominent LGBTQ+ community, students must be educated on their fellow classmates NOVEMBER 20, 2015 V o l u me 7 1 I s s u e 2

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p. 15

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

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www.bucsblade.com

What’s Inside 6

November 2015

Road to recovery

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Science teacher Todd Diedrickson was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July.

After five weeks, he has returned to school.

On the cover the

blade

With a prominate LGBTQ+ community, students must be educated on their fellow students

NOVEMBER 20, 2015 VOluME 71 IssuE 2

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p. 15

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

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www.bucsblade.com

Photo by: Jonas Quirin Page: 15 FEATURED TOPIC All stories with this logo are connected to the indepth topic.

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Best of the Bucs

Junior Quinn Blankeney and sophomore Ayebah Wilson are featured for their talents in visual and performing arts.

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE TATTED UP: Sophomore Tommy Kowalski shows off his two tattoos. Kowalski received his first tattoo freshman year.

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One LOve

Volume 71, Issue 2

Student tattoo trend rising Alexis VanSingel / Reporter

Walking through the hallways, you might happen to spot a boy with bleached hair, earbuds in, and gold chains around his neck surrounded by his friends. If you look closer as he skips through songs on his playlist, you may notice the tattoos on each of Sophomore Tommy Kowalski’s wrists.

He is one of the students that has gotten a tattoo during his high school career. The trend of inking your skin may go mostly unnoticed, but a hand full of kids at school have tattoos.

Kowalski had long been interested in tattoos before finally deciding to get one.

“The fact that it will be with you forever intrigues me,” Kowalski said. Whenever I would see them on other people I was fascinated because there is usually reasoning behind it.”

The decision was made to get his first ink during his freshman year. He got a cross tattooed on the underside of his left wrist as a starter.

“Honestly, I’m not super religious,” Kowalski said. “I just thought it would look pretty cool and it’s easy to add on to.”

This isn’t his only tattoo. Kowalski also had his other wrist done shortly after his grandmother passed away in remembrance of her.

“My grandma was a second mom to me and we

were really close,” Kowalski said. “We had lots of happy memories. I had her birthday, January 1, 1941, tattooed on my wrist because she will always live on in my heart and every time I look at it, I know she is with me.”

Although Kowalski strongly desired tattoos, he first had to convince his parents. His mother, Leanne, didn’t put much thought into his request until she realized her son was very serious about it.

“When Tommy first asked us about getting a tattoo we didn’t really take it into much consideration,” Leanne said. “Him being 15 years old at the time, we told him he had to prove to us that he was mature enough to make the decision. The next few months he managed to show us he was mature enough. After finally agreeing on one, he walked out of the tattoo parlor with the biggest smile on his face. He was truly happy with the decision and that’s what really mattered to us.”

Kowalski is still satisfied with his decision and believes tattoos are a significant way for people to express themselves.

“Everyone has there own way of perceiving what is meaningful to them and tattoos let you put that meaning into permanent art on your body,” Kowalski said.

22-23 Just a guy

Senior Tyler Billett has struggled with his identity for years. With the help of testosterone injections, he has finally found himself and what makes him happy.

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In Immink we trust

Greg Immink has been named the new boys varsity basketball coach. The athetic department also appointed two more new coaches. www.bucsblade.com, November 20

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

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE LEND A HAND: In order to achieve a harmonious atmosphere, we need to tolerate and accept one another. Pushing personal beliefs aside, we need to treat everyone with respect regardless of the differences between us. Everyone has issues they are dealing with, so we need to be considerate of each other and work together.

Finding middle ground We need to create an environment where everyone feels they are safe and accepted

W

When you try so hard to change the school, to change society, you are e overuse the word respect. It gets thrown around like forcing yourself and your way of life onto those you criticize for doing it’s a game of hot potato. We say it, but do we mean the same.

You have undoubtedly brought upon change in this school and it? We’re told in school to uphold it like it’s one of our we applaud you for that, but realize not everything can be fixed in an nation’s founding values. We treat the seven letter word as instant by posters, speeches and school improvement. Not everybody will a prevention to potential problems, a tactic to tackle bullying, a necessary immediately be politically correct and call you the appropriate pronoun noun our classroom walls and social contracts would be void without. or sexuality.

This doesn’t mean the mistakes are made maliciously.

Respect is being considerate of one another. Simply saying that we For people who have been raised with a certain mindset, it may not “must respect each other” will not solve any issue nor will it change be easy to readily accept.

For people who simply don’t understand it, someone’s ways. Respect doesn’t mean there won’t be any fights. It it’s hard to come to terms with something so unfamiliar. This doesn’t doesn’t mean it will patch up friendships or stop somebody from talking mean we won’t get there and it doesn’t mean you have to try harder to when someone else is. It won’t cure hurt feelings. The word respect is win every battle.

There are plenty of people in this school not our saving grace. The idea is nice. It’s something for us that support you or look at you as no different, be careful to fall back on. But it’s not a quick fix. that you don’t turn those people against you by pushing so And here’s a secret: it won’t work unless everyone plays hard. their part. If we want this utopian society to exist, it’ll take a We must find a middle ground. One where everyone is whole lot more than respect. It’s a work in progress, and we free to live their life without someone else’s beliefs forced all need to contribute. upon them. It boils down to the golden rule. Treat others To the LGBTQ+ community, we say this in the kindest how you want to be treated. Recognize that everyone is way possible, you are beginning to walk a fine line. Of course STAFF different but also realize that many of us share the same those who don’t identify as part of your community need to EDITORIAL: issues others face. Nobody is perfect. But if we act more respect you, but you also need to respect them. This is a two Editorial Board mature, we could create a community we feel safe in. way street and if anyone waivers, a crash is inevitable. There Support 9-0 We need the exposure, we need the education to know is no argument that you have gone through oppression, what’s out there and we need to accept it. We are willing depression, bullying and other hardships. But you aren’t the to work at this, but we need all hands on deck. Everyone’s fighting a only ones. According to the American Psychological Association, 48.7 battle, so let’s put down our weapons and work together. Unity is power, percent of students received counseling for mental health concerns acceptance is key. related to stress, depression and anxiety in 2012-13. www.bucsblade.com, Novvember 20

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

Editor in Chief

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

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 (Senior Staff Writer)

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

EDITORIAL 3

upstairs Bring drinking

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE

Legal drinking age should be lowered to keep teens from unsafe drinking Kevin Swain and Connor Weber / Senior Staff Writers

N

ear a heavily fortified North Vietnamese bunker in 1969, Gordon Ray Roberts committed a nearly unmatched act of bravery and maturity: risking his own life in the face of the enemy. Roberts, who was 19, though pinned down by enemy machine fire, charged and silenced a two-man fortification. Though cut off from his platoon, he then continued to silence two more enemy bunkers, and fought toward a fourth to join an adjoining company which had been pinned down. Roberts then assisted in moving wounded comrades to an evacuation area before returning to his unit. For his actions that day, Roberts was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

When Roberts returned to the United States, he was not yet 21. He had the maturity to save the lives of over 20 fellow soldiers, yet in the eyes of the law, he was not mature enough to purchase or consume alcohol.

The National Minimum Legal Drinking Age Act was passed by congress in 1984.

The Act doesn’t set drinking age, rather it punishes states with a drinking age below 21 by reducing its annual federal highway apportionment by ten percent, (which ranged from 8 to 99 million dollars) acting as a sort of incentive.

4 OPINION

Though every state in the US has set its minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) at 21, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), people aged 12 to 20 years drink 11 percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States, and more than 90 percent of this alcohol is consumed in the form of binge drinks. Underage binge drinking is done primarily in private, uncontrolled environments, which leads to more life-endangering behavior by teens.

Legal drinking in licensed places like bars and restaurants, is much more supervised and regulated, which makes consuming alcohol less dangerous. Since 1984, kids have found ways to get around the age limit.

Lowering the national drinking age would help to herd drinking teens from basements and closed dorm rooms into safer and more controlled environments. John McCardell, former president of Middlebury College in Vermont, agrees that lowering the drinking age to 18 would make kids more safe.

“This law has been an abysmal failure,” McCardell told 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl. “It hasn’t reduced or eliminated drinking. It has simply driven it underground, behind closed doors, into the most risky and least manageable of settings.”

Safe, young drinking practices prove to

not only improve safety but the economy as of fatal crashes with alcohol as a factor than well. According to the CDC, binge drinking- other nations with a lower MLDA than the which accounts for 90 percent of underage United States. drinking- costs the US approximately $223.5 Whether it’s up to the states or the federal billion annually. A lower drinking age and government, lowering the minimum legal less binge drinking would drinking age (to 18 or 19 allow the governyears) would benefit ment to collect the people in a vast more revenue from array of ways. At the money previously appropriate age, teens lost to bad drinking could be eligible for a practices. Also, private drinking permit upon 90% of underage drinking businesses like bars and completing an alcoholis binge drinking restaurants would post education course. The higher profits from the permits would be needed 22% have participated in increased number of to purchase alcohol, drunk driving available customers. and could be revoked if The U.S. has a higher abused in the form of drinking age than most an offense such as drunk Underage drinkers countries. According to driving. account for 11% of total a 2014 report on alcohol Currently, at age 18 in alcohol consumption and health by the World the US, a citizen can legally Health Organization marry, serve on a jury, vote *Information collected from (WHO), 83 percent of the for government officials, a 2013 CDC survey 190 countries with available sign contracts, be prosecuted data have a minimum legal as an adult in a court of law, drinking age of 19 years or use tobacco products, and die lower, and only 10 percent of countries have for their country while in the military. Why a drinking age of 20 or 21. Also according to shouldn’t they be able to have a beer or two the WHO, the U.S. had a higher percentage with their friends?

21 and over?

www.bucsblade.com, November 20

Science Olympiad applications due before team tryouts next month Megan Kostner / Reporter

COURTESY PHOTO

ACCEPTING ANXIETY: Alumnus Nick Sterenberg focuses on his task during his event, Mission Possible. This took place at the state tournament last spring at Michigan State University.

Tryouts for Science Olympiad will take place on Dec. 1, 2, and 3. Students should be prepared to work at high speeds and come with a calculator, pencil, and chromebook in hand. Anyone with a passion for science and building is encouraged to try out for the team and must have their application turned in by Tuesday, Nov. 24.

The team members study and compete in events that cover 23 different scientific subjects. There are technical events, and there are test events.

“We need students who are self-motivat-

ed, responsible, honest, mature, and have a thirst for knowledge,” coach Mike Reed said.

Although Science Olympiad competes against other schools, Reed assures students the team is less concerned with competition and more involved in the educational, memorable experience.

“Science Olympiad is about learning science, learning how to work with a partner, learning how to work with a team, learning how to perform under pressure, and learning how to deal with problems you did not expect.” Reed said.

OBITUARY

F

reshman Devyn Harris passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Nov. 16.

Devyn was a member of the freshman chorale choir, and was known for her positive attitude that she brought to the classroom.

“She sang first soprano, very beautiful voice,” vocal music teacher Juli Dick said. “Most of the time she was high energy, very enthusiastic, and really loved to sing.”

Her German teacher, Rory Callendar, agreed that Devyn was a pleasure to be around.

He enjoyed speaking to her and listening to her talk about her interests and tell different stories.

Devyn will be sorely missed by those who knew her.

“Devyn was a super nice student, and she was easy to get along with,” Callendar said.

“She was well-liked by her classmates.”

Devyn Harris COURTESY PHOTO COASTING THROUGH COSTA RICA: Alumna Brittney Werner smiles while she ziplines through Arenal, Costa Rica. She was part of the group that toured the country in 2013. Spanish teacher Josh Walters is making plans to take a group of students on a similar trip in Costa Rica in the summer of 2017.

Students encouraged to sign up for Costa Rica trip Maddie Brockmyre / Reporter In the summer of 2017, Spanish teacher Josh Walters will be travelling to Costa Rica. For $2,305, the Walters will be taking students along and exploring the cities of Tortuguero, Sarapiquí, and Guanacaste.

“I’ve done three trips before,” Walters said. “They’re always really fun and we welwww.bucsblade.com, November 20

come everyone to come.”

Over the course of nine days, students will go whitewater rafting, zip-lining through national parks, and observe an active volcano. Other activities include canal tours, snorkeling, and relaxing in the hot springs of Arenal.

Anyone interested in attending can speak to either Walters or his wife. He is in room 8212 and she is in room 0154.

“Both my wife and I grew up in Grand Haven, so we know how important it is to see the world outside of this small town,” Walters said.

Dec. 2

Swing Society event

The Swing Society will host an event in the cafeteria on Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

There will be live music from the Jazz Band and everyone can go and learn how to dance. There will also be desserts, drinks, and door prizes.

Admission is one non-perishable food item that will go to a local food pantry.

Everyone is welcome to join.

NEWS BRIEFS 5

ROAD TO RECOVERY

Science teacher Todd Diederichsen is back at school after battling prostate cancer Kevin Swain / Senior Staff Writer

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cience teacher Todd Diederichsen is used to a hectic first week of school.

With people buzzing about his classroom, he spends most of the first week meeting new students and trying to make a good first impression. This year, however, he had another first-week task, preparing to leave.

Known to his students as “Mr. D” or just “D”, Diederichsen, who has taught at Grand Haven for 21 years, was diagnosed with stage I prostate cancer in early July. He immediately chose the option of surgery to completely remove his prostate, a procedure which takes nearly a month to recover from. Diederichsen, 51, says he has a family history of prostate cancer including his father, grandfather, and uncles on both sides.

“It was not unexpected for me,” Diederichsen said. “Anytime you’re told you have cancer, obviously people react differently. For me, I wasn’t upset about it because I had been expecting it with my family history...I thought I would maybe be a little bit older than I was. The best option, I already knew, was surgery. I knew that I’d be out for a month.”

To his satisfaction, Diederichsen didn’t miss the first day of school, but was on medical leave for nearly five weeks starting on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

“I’ve never missed more than three days in a row with my classes,” Diederichsen said.

“Having to tell someone else ‘Please take control of my class,’...I’m a control freak.

I don’t like giving up my responsibility and

my control. Especially that first month, it’s so important for building relationships and finding out about my students- who might need some extra encouragement...and I wasn’t there to give that. That was frustrating.”

Substitute teacher Lindsay Green did not hesitate to accept after she was notified the week before school started that there was a long-term sub opening at Grand Haven.

“I was all in,” Green said.

Green, who has been a long-term substitute in the school’s science department before, spent the school day with Diederichsen the day before his departure to get acclimated to the classroom.

“For me, that was plenty of time,” Green said. “I could tell throughout the day that he was starting to get more comfortable with him having to be gone and me taking over his place.”

Green and Diederichsen were in regular contact throughout the period, which Green thought was healthy.

“I’ll ask him questions, he’ll respond, or he’s still checking on student with his grades, and their attendance so he’s emailing them and then carbon copying me so that I know who he’s talking to and if they’re supposed to come talk to me as well. It’s worked pretty good, the communication is good. I’m glad that he has felt comfortable, and he’s even told me he’s glad to have me behind his desk.”

Since his diagnosis and procedure, Diederichsen has become an advocate for early

“Even if I just got one male to think more about it than he did before, then it’s been worthwhile.”

-science teacher Todd Diederichsen

6 NEWS

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE SUDDEN SCARE: Science teacher Todd Diederichsen was diagnosed with stage I prostate cancer in July, 2015. He was on medical leave for five weeks, starting Sept. 15. Diederichsen, 51, was frustrated with missing so much school, as he had previously never missed more than three days in a row.

WHAT IS THE PROSTATE? The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland of the male reproductive system WHAT IS ITS FUNCTION? Its job is to make seminal fluid, which is mixed with sperm to create semen HOW CAN PROSTATE CANCER BE DETECTED? Prostate screening tests include digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests conversations and early tests for prostate cancer, like prostate-specific antigen tests.

“It’s a very easy, very curable cancer if it’s found quick enough,” Diederichsen said.

“The problem is, with most guys who don’t go to the doctor regularly, many times they don’t necessarily find it until they have symptoms...And once you have symptoms, it’s a lot harder obviously to diagnose and help.”

Diederichsen explains that most men don’t openly talk to each other about sensitive topics, such as getting your prostate

checked out by a doctor.

“At first, I just wanted to sneak away and just go do what I needed to do and not tell anybody the real reason why,” Diederichsen said. “I’ve had a handful of male teachers who have said ‘It was really nice to hear, I’ve already had that test but if I hadn’t I would definitely be going for it now,’ or someone said ‘I need to get on that,’ and some have come with questions…Even if I just got one male to think more about it than he did before, then it’s been worthwhile.” www.bucsblade.com, November 20

COURTESY PHOTO GIVING HOPE: For every hammock the company sells, they give one away to someone in need.

The man above is the first person to receive a hammock from High Hopes Hammocks. He was previously sleeping behind bars and restaurants around Mount Pleasant, and he was also given a sleeping bag for warmth.

COURTESY PHOTO SWINGING TOWARDS SUCCESS: The High Hopes Hammock company co-founders Christian Cullinan (left) and Connor Moynihan (right) stand with Cullinan’s girlfriend. The blue and gold hammock is one of the three styles the company sells. The hammock business is based out of Mount Pleasant.

High Hopes for homeless

Grand Haven alumnus starts High Hopes Hammock company, every hammock sold provides one hammock for someone experiencing a form of homelessness Maddie Brockmyre / Reporter

H

iking on the Appalachian trails, surrounded by nature, Connor Moynihan had an idea. Business ideas often develop in his mind, but this one was different. This one meant something. This one had potential and a purpose. This idea was High Hopes Hammocks.

Moynihan, a 2013 Grand Haven graduate currently attending Central Michigan University (CMU), has always been a businessman.

He’s established several businesses, starting with a small landscaping gig when he was in high school. Since then he’s been involved in many others, but he says that High Hopes Hammocks is the one he feels most passionate about.

“I once had a professor that said ‘help as many people as possible when you’re creating a business and you can do anything’,” Moynihan said. “Since then, helping people has been my goal, and this is it. This is my way to help others.”

Established in September, High Hopes Hammocks is a small business that exercises the one-for-one idea. Much like TOMS Shoes, when you buy a hammock for yourself, High Hopes donates one to a person www.bucsblade.com, November 20

experiencing a form of homelessness. Those they can go for a safe night of sleep. These hammocks can help the homeless escape who are living on city streets, refugees, and dangerous living situations, ensure the safety victims of natural disasters are the three of their belongings, and stay warm with the groups of people High Hopes is targeting specially designed velcro cocoon feature. their focus toward.

Along with Klem and Christian Cullinan, High Hopes’ intention is to offer those also students at who are in tough CMU, Moynihan situations the created their plan strength to get to get High Hopes back on their feet WHERE TO BUY ONE up and running. and to let them www.highhopeshammocks.com They started a know there are Facebook page, as people rooting for well as a website them. Co-founder KICKSTARTER LINK that includes a Georgiana Klem is https://goo.gl/R3Ii7F blog to document concerned about important events. the people receivPRICE OF A HAMMOCK ing the donations Together, the $49.99 thinking that they three students are being made spread the word fun of. about their new “The last thing we want to do is offend company. High Hopes is partnered with them,” Klem said. “Our goal is to give those several homeless shelters and recently got in who need it a sense of hope and stability.” touch with Strategic World Impact who is When they receive the donated hammock, helping them send hammocks to refugees in Africa who have left their homes because of the individual experiencing homelessness a civil war. is also taught how to set it up and where

HELPFUL HINTS

However, it hasn’t been easy.

“It’s been a little wild,” Klem said. “With any start up, you don’t know what is going to happen. You have to expect the unexpected.”

The trio has entered High Hopes in CMU’s New Venture entrepreneur contest, but this year there was no financial backing given to contestants. As a result, the cost of creating the company has come from the co-founders’ pockets and any donations they could gather.

“Of course money’s been an obstacle, like it is in every business,” Moynihan said.

“But that just made us think of creative ways to raise money, which is why we got on KickStarter.”

Kickstarter is a company that helps creative ideas get started. In 30 days, High Hopes has to raise $10,000. Here, people can buy their hammock or just donate some money and receive a smaller gift depending on the amount donated. Only five days after the kickstarter launched 10 percent of the goal was already donated.

“It’s been amazing,” Moynihan said.

“We’ve had a lot of support and we continue to keep growing. It’s like a dream.”

NEWS 7

Grace Glessner THE BUCS’ BLADE TOUGH DECISIONS: Going to the restroom can be stressful for people who do not identify with either gender. The school does not have designated gender-neutral bathrooms, but students are allowed to use staff bathrooms in break rooms or in the main offices and student services with permission. However, going to staff restrooms can make some students feel isolated because they are inconvenient to use.

BATTLE OF BATHROOMS

FEATURED TOPIC

Lack of designated gender-neutral bathrooms causes anxiety for some students Emily Bruch / News Editor

S

ophomore Faeren Converse stands in between the men’s and the women’s restroom, filling with nerves and anxiety as students rush past on the way to class. No one knows about the internal struggle Converse is having over which bathroom to choose.

Converse is gender-fluid, and does not identify with either gender. Converse prefers to use gender neutral pronouns such as

8 NEWS

“they” and “them.” They are left in between the bathrooms almost daily, debating over which one to use. And every day, Converse ends up pushing through the anxiety and entering the girl’s restroom.

“It’s really uncomfortable for me to go to the women’s bathroom because I don’t identify as a woman,” Converse said. “I don’t identify as a man either, so it feels uncomfortable going into both restrooms, although I would rather

go into the guy’s restroom than the girl’s.”

The problem is, Converse does not use the men’s restroom because they don’t have anyone to go with them to make them feel more comfortable.

“I’ve never been inside a men’s restroom, and I’m afraid of how people are going to react if I do, because I’m clearly a female even though I don’t identify with my sex,” Converse said. “It’s terrifying

to not know how people are going to react or if people are going to be supportive of you, because clearly I can’t use a urinal. So I would have to sit down to go to the bathroom and honestly I don’t need to be harassed for using the bathroom.”

According to Converse, a solution to this problem would be for the school to create single-stall, gender-neutral bathrooms. This would eliminate the need to make a

choice between two bathrooms.

For Converse and others in similar situations, the school offers the option of using the single-stall staff bathrooms located in the center of each pod or in student services and the main office, although Converse feels that would be inconvenient.

The director of community engagement at the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center (KGLRC), Meg Bauer, agrees with them. www.bucsblade.com, November 20

Graduation gowns get remodeled

All seniors will wear blue graduation gowns to solidify one team mentality Alexis VanSingel / Reporter

Maddie Brockmyre THE BUCS’ BLADE ACCEPTING ANXIETY: Sophomore Faeren Converse is gender fluid, and is often torn between which bathroom to use during the school day. Although they feel very anxious using the women’s restroom, they use it instead of the men’s. Converse would prefer to use the bathroom for men, but is unsure how people would react to it which terrifies them.

Using break room bathrooms can make things difficult for students.

“I think it’s important to make sure that bathroom is accessible to the entire student body as opposed to using like a break room bathroom because that does still segregate the student,” Bauer said.

“However, if there are no bathrooms that the whole student body can access that can be designated as gender neutral, then the next best option is to have a bathroom in a staff break room or in the office.”

According to Bauer, there are no laws that specifically dictate how schools must provide bathroom accessibility for genderqueer individuals.

Social worker Emily Berry works closely with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning (LGBTQ+) students.

Along with granting students permission to use staff bathrooms, student services will also notify teachers if students would like to be referred by a different name, www.bucsblade.com, Novemer 20

although they cannot change the name on school records.

“Legally we can’t do anything in the system until they legally change their name,” Berry said. “However, the staff is very willing to work with students so if students ask to be called by a different name or to have different pronouns used, the staff abides by that.”

Converse came out as gender-fluid last summer to friends and family. They asked to be called by a different name and to use different pronouns.

“My friends have all been very accepting,” Converse said. “My parents, they aren’t really approving

of the name change, but my dad says as long as I’m still his child he’ll support me all the way.”

Converse hopes to legally change their name with parental permission when they turn 16, otherwise they will wait until they are 18.

Berry and other staff members have gone through extensive training to educate themselves and learn how to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ students.

“We’re definitely doing what we can to try and accommodate students with some of those issues, but it’s not perfect because we’re all still learning too,” Berry said.

“It’s terrifying to not know how people are going to react or if people are going to be supportive of you.”

-sophomore Faeren Converse

As the graduating class of 2016 walks across the stage to accept their diplomas and close a chapter in their life, they will be sporting newly designed graduation gowns. Previously, there were gold gowns for girls and blue gowns for guys but starting this year everyone will be wearing the same gown.

“The premise behind it all was the number of kids who were asking to pick which color they wore,” Principal Tracy Wilson said.

Over the years, there have been complaints about the gowns that were worn, mainly concerning the gold color that girls wear.

“The gowns have traditionally been two different colors for a number of years and every year we hear the girls don’t like the color,” Wilson said. “They all don’t like wearing the gold.

They think it’s an ugly color.”

Many had requested one gown for everyone, so a decision was made to create a gown that incorporated both blue and gold.

“When we asked Jostens (the company that provides the graduation gowns) if there was any chance we could create a gown that has both of our school’s colors on it, they said a lot of schools do that now and have gotten away from two different colored gowns,” Wilson said.

Wilson and Jostens representa tive Amy Hollandsworth

worked together to come up with a design for the new gowns.

“Mrs. Wilson came to me with a request to make one gown for everyone,” Hollandsworth said. “We collaborated to think of unique ways to dress the gowns up.”

The main worries among students and families are pricing and when the caps and gowns will come in. Wilson assures there is no need for concern.

“They are doing the package for the same price as they were before,” Wilson said.

“We did our order at the usual time and we’re expected to have delivery at the same time.”

Although cost and shipping aren’t a significant problem, Wilson is nervous about procrastinating students.

“The biggest issue will be for kids who choose to wait until the last minute to order,” Wilson said. “That will be a problem if kids don’t get their order in by the deadline because those aren’t something they can just grab off the shelf, whereas with blue and gold they were able to do that.”

Despite possible issues, Wilson hopes the new gowns will help to bring graduating students together.

“We hope this will advance our trying to think and come together as one team, one Grand Haven, as one graduating class,” Wilson said.

NEWS 9

Putting in

work High schoolers who make minimum wage have harder time covering college costs

By the numbers Year Federal minimum Average tuition of fourwage year university

1985

$3.35

$5,504

1995

$4.25

$10,330

2005

$5.15

$17,447

2015

$7.25

$23,600

Connor Weber / Senior Staff Writer

S

enior Samantha Striegle quietly ambles upstairs to her bedroom where she begins to spread homework assignments out across her bed. The glow from her twinkling christmas lights faintly illuminates the papers, and she can just barely make out the time on her clock. It reads 10:10 p.m. and she has just arrived home from a day of school, sports, and five hours of work at The Pump House.

Striegle is not alone in having a job outside of school. She is part of a growing trend of student workers in West Michigan. According to the 2013 Ottawa County Youth Assessment survey, approximately 68 percent of seniors reported holding a part-time job within the past 12 months. This is an increase from 63.7 percent holding jobs in 2011, and 54.7 percent in 2009.

This year’s data is likely to surpass that of years past, considering the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced the lowest rate of teen unemployment since 2010 during their annual report this August.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that students who work 15 hours or more (comparable to sports commitments) tend to have lower GPAs and higher dropout rates than students who are working fewer hours.

According to Co-op Coordinator Diane Mahacek, not all students are equipped to handle the additional workload.

“I also see students working late at night,” Mahacek said. “And

10 NEWS

so they kind of get caught up, and they want to get the most hours, and then they don’t have time to do their homework; then they’re coming to school tired because they might be working a late shift.

I think I see a lot of times students can’t juggle both, especially if they have a job where they’re working 20-25 hours (per week).”

Michigan youth labor laws state that minors are not permitted to participate in both school and work for more than 48 total hours each week, meaning the limit for most full time students is 20 hours of work.

“I find I have a lot less time for school work and for myself in general,” Striegle said. “Especially doing a sport and being an inseason athlete.”

However for many students, the long hours and lack of sleep are worth the end goal. For some this goal is spending-money, college savings, or simply experience.

Senior Taylor Hodges landed a job at Wendy’s during her sophomore year in hopes of building her resume.

“I was looking to get into the workforce because it’s easier to get hired when you have already had jobs,” Hodges said.

This decision which often places students (especially those working their first job) in the difficult position of deciding between academics and work. For those who choose work, the impact of their choice may have an adverse impact as other similar time commitments.

Students who participate in high

school sports typically have have higher grade point averages than non-athletes according to a 2012 study by the American Statistical Association.

“You would get home, and then you would be exhausted from working and so you’d kind of have to choose what you were going to work on that night,” Hodges said.

“I still got my work done but it was more stressful because you had to be like ok, I can’t do this tonight, but I’ll make it up some other day.”

Hodges soon discovered she couldn’t keep up with a 20 hour work week and school. This is a lesson she has taken into consideration when scheduling her current job at Fricano’s, striking a better balance between professional and student demands.

“I decided that I wanted to put more time into my school work,” Hodges said. “And kind of catch up on sleep because it was getting to be a little too much for me.”

Besides a little extra cash flow, prospective teen workers should consider the other benefits of a job outside of school.

“The experience I’ve gained is incredible,” Striegle said. “I’m honored that after six months of working at The Pump House I was promoted to a shift manager, and it has taught me amazing people skills and I know how to work with conflict.”

Striegle’s main goal in working at The Pump House is to try and offset the cost of her college tuition. This is an endeavor which attracts many students to the

Graphics by Emily Bruch

Drew Hewitt THE BUCS’ BLADE MAKING BANK: Senior Samantha Striegle works as a barista for The Pump House. She has gained work experience and was also promoted to the shift manager after six months of employment. Striegle is part of a growing trend of teenagers joining the workforce in order to help pay for college tuition.

workplace.

Although with rising costs of tuition and a stagnant minimum wage, students have to work longer hours to offset these prices. Economics teacher Ed Thomas said it takes longer now than ever before.

“They can put a dent in it ( the cost of college),” Thomas said.

“But it’s going to take a lot more work than my generation.”

The average price of a four year university is almost $23,400 per year according to The College Board. At minimum wage this

would require over 3,000 hours of work to afford.

“We’ve almost priced the middle class out of a college education at state universities,” Thomas said.

“For my generation it was possible to go debt free.”

According Thomas it’s almost impossible for students to pay their own way through college without some form of scholarship or financial aid.

“I think any little bit helps especially if your tuition is falling all on you,” Striegle said. www.bucsblade.com, November 20

Owen Sanborn THE BUCS’ BLADE REHEARSAL: The musical crew practices the song “Murder, Murder”. They are rehearsing for both the Michigan Thespian Festival and the production’s opening night, which will take place Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.

Off to Festival they go

The cast of Jekyll and Hyde anxiously prepares for its December performance at Michigan Thespian Festival Jess Ashburn / Reporter

D

irector of Theatre and Drama and Hyde” cast members are thrilled to Club Rita McLary did not perform at such a prestigious event. think she was going to get a Senior cast member Ryan Montgomery is follow up call, but when she excited about the opportunity. did, she was thrilled. “Jekyll and Hyde,” the “It is going to be an amazing once in a play she had been directing, was chosen to lifetime experience,” Montgomery said. be performed at the Michigan Thespian Michigan’s Thespian Festival is the largest Festival, an event held for theater students. theater event held in Michigan. There are After receiving the news of their around 100 different workshops students performance, excitement can choose from to attend, spread like wildfire through compete in individual “Grand Haven the cast. They began events, audition for counting down the days scholarships from colleges was chosen as until the festival, which will and universities, and visit the only musical be on Dec. 4-5. information booths and “They called back events during the to perform at this theatrical with results,” McLary two days they are there. year’s Thespian said. “Grand Haven was “Jekyll and Hyde” chosen as the only musical cast member, senior Festival” to perform at this year’s Maize Converse is -Rita McLary taking advantage of the Thespian Festival, which is a huge honor, it’s like being opportunities the festival the state champions.” brings.

Any school is welcome to come to the Their performance at the festival is a shows and individual events and attend huge opportunity for students who want to workshops. To perform, you must be a continue with theater after high school. member of the International Thespian Colleges invest a lot of money into Society, which is an association that scholarships for the students who signed up recognizes the potential of high school and to audition for their scholarships. Converse middle school theater participants. “Jekyll is participating in solo theater, and plans on

www.bucsblade.com, November 20

taking monologues to Thespian Festival to try to get scholarships.

“I am performing in the individual events and then in the scholarship,” Converse said. “I have two monologues that I have memorized, I go up in front of judges and a group of people and perform them. Then the next day I just go up in front of some judges and they see how good I am and a bunch of colleges are there to see how I do and they might offer me money.”

For this musical, the cast is changing the style of how they set up the stage. McLary planned on making a way for the stage to be more portable for the festival.

“We’re known for pretty elaborate and realistic sets,” McLary said. “But this time I chose not to approach it that way. I want something more representational, something that is maybe suggestive or symbolic rather than an actual complete location.”

The cast and McLary are excited for the festival and plan to take in all that it brings for them. For some of the cast it is just another year but for others it is going to be a new experience.

“It’s this incredible weekend,” McLary said. “Kids across the state get the arts and get why it’s something that enhances our life.”

Show dates and times

Performances have already begun but you still have time to catch the show on

Friday Nov. 20 @ 7 p.m.

Saturday Nov. 21 @ 7 p.m.

Sunday Nov. 22 @ 7p.m.

Tickets are avaliable online at ghhs.ghaps.org under “seat yourself” ARTS 11

Best of the Bucs School is the center of motivation and creation for artistic students Multi musician Scott Bays / Reporter

Owen Sanborn THE BUCS’ BLADE DRAWING: Sophomore Ayebah Wilson focuses in on ink pen in her fingers and the paper below her hand. For Wilson, following in the artistic footsteps of her family, is the most enjoyable 59 minutes of the day.

Extraordinary talent, family inspired Lily Ives/ Reporter

With a stroke from the pencil in her hand and a creatively brilliant mind, sophomore Ayebah Wilson never fails to create stunning drawings that fascinate everyone.

Art teachers Sheri Greene and Irene Sipe wanted to expose Wilson’s creative gift of drawing, a gift that’s almost impossible to miss when students walk into the class.

“It’s great to showcase younger students like Ayebah,” Greene said. “There is so much talent.”

Although this is Wilson’s first art class since starting high school, it is an understatement to say that she is excelling in the course.

“I’ve always liked drawing,” Wilson said. “It comes pretty natural.”

Wilson’s passion for art stems from her family’s creative drawing history. Though, as a kid, watching her older sister draw, made her want to follow in her artistic footsteps.

“My sister inspires me the most,” Wilson said.

“She’s way better than me, she tried teaching me some advanced stuff but it was a lost cause. ” When your mind is exploding with creativity all

12 ARTS

the time, it’s hard to stay organized with drawings.

Whether it’s a doodle on the side of a school notebook or a random journal in your bedroom.

“I have a lot of notebooks lying around filled with random drawings,” Wilson said. “I always lose them so I just pick up a random one and start in it whenever I have an idea.”

There’s never just one category when it comes to art. Whether it’s capturing every curve perfectly or simply making something abstract with just your imagination.

“I’m not good at one certain style,” Wilson said. “So I usually just do my own thing and see what I come up with. It’s easy for me to just picture something and make something awesome out of it.”

Overall, Wilson’s creative flow comes from the artist on her playlist. She plugs in her headphones and lets the inspiration burst.

“I get in different moods when I paint or draw with music,” Wilson said. “I listen to music when I draw because it helps me focus. I think it would be really cool to have a career in art someday.”

If you are looking for junior Quinn Blakeney, chances are you’ll find him somewhere in the music wing. For the second year in a row Blakeney is enrolled in three music classes: Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and Chorale Ensemble. Last year, Blakeney returned after a break from choir.

Blakeney started choir in 7th grade, but was unable to do it during his freshman year because he was required to take Spanish.

Blakeney chose to come back to choir to help improve his ear and musicianship.

“Choir helps me audiate pitches,” Blakeney said. “For example, for jazz it is helpful to know intervals and being able to look at a note and be able to sing it.”

Blakeney sees choir as a way to better appreciate music, an industry he hopes to find a career in.

“It’s good to understand the choir world,” Blakeney said. “I’d like go into recording arts or music arts and technology. Or performance, I’d like to do Jazz at western.”

His three music classes, including jazz band, which takes place during zero hour, definitely differentiates his schedule from anyone else’s

at the school. Blakeney lives and breathes music and his focus is on preparing to study it in college.

However, at times he finds his schedule taxing. The varied musical styles he engages in everyday, combined with his normal classes, can add up to a lot of work.

“I am really tired a lot.” Blakeney said. “I get distracted by music, sometimes my grades aren’t great.”

Blakeney continues choir to further his knowledge of music. He has found trips the choir has taken have taught him valuable lessons.

“I liked going to Michigan State and doing clinics with good people like Dr. Quist from Westminster College,” Blakeney said. “She had good advice and inspiration.”

Blakeney likes to bring relevant knowledge between his classes to teach people about musical concepts they might not normally encounter. Despite all of the work he is happy with his choices, because he gets to collaborate and make music everyday. Blakeney’s summarized his high school schedule in one quote.

“I’m passionate about music,” Blakeney said. “That’s all I do.”

Owen Sanborn THE BUCS’ BLADE CHOIR: Junior Quinn Blakeney rehearses with the rest of Choral Ensamble. This is just one of the three music classes he takes throughout the day.

www.bucsblade.com, November 20

FEATURED TOPIC

Gay Straight Anthems

Music for, by and about LGBTQ+ life Maddie Brockmyre / Reporter

She Keeps me Warm by Mary Lambert

In 2012, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis released the song Same Love. Mary Lambert was featured on the song, singing the chorus. After the release, Lambert decided to take the content she wrote for Same Love and develop this song. Being a lesbian herself, she sings powerfully about falling in love with another woman and creates a beautiful love song.

202 Washington Ave Grand Haven, MI 49417 (616) 846-4095

Sun: noon- 4 p.m Mon- Fri: 11 a.m- 6 p.m Sat: 10 a.m- 6 p.m

WILD by Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan is a teen singer, actor and youtuber. In 2013, he publicly came out as gay on his youtube channel, making him a role model for young LGBTQ+ teenagers.

WILD is one of the songs off of his new EP that talks about falling in love -- even if it hurts.

From Afar by Vance Joy

This song tells a story of one person falling hard for someone else and being kept away from them. After being told that that is not the way friends behave, the singer decides to settle from loving the other from afar, a situation LGBTQ+ people may have experienced.

YOUR AD

HERE Every issue of THE BUCS’ BLADE reaches over 2000 students, staff and community members. Our website www. bucsblade.com provides thousands of opportunities to reach your target audience while supporting student journalists.

End of the Day by One Direction

While it is sung by a boy band, many fans have dubbed this as a song about two girls falling in love. With the theme of following your heart, this song can be interpreted easily as a LGBTQ+ anthem. www.bucsblade.com, November 20

Take Me To Church (cover) by Neon Jungle

Originally by Hoizer, girlband Neon Jungle covers this song beautifully. They choose to keep the female pronouns, turning the message about one woman loving another.

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

ARTS 13

You Tube unveils new service

The competition Spotify Premium Pros Includes social features such as following artists and friends. There is also a 50 percent off student discount available Cons The android app is slow and clunky and the generated radio stations aren’t as varied or the best option for discovering music.

Netflix

THE WAR IS ON: YouTube released their promo video for YouTube Red, providing a new and improved viewing and listening experience. The company created Red to keep up with other advancing music and video streaming outlets.

YouTube Red released to compete with Spotify, Netflix, Google Play Music Scott Bays / Reporter

YouTube recently released YouTube Red, Google’s new music and video streaming solution. If you pay for a subscription to Youtube Red you also get a subscription for Google Play Music and vice versa. The package costs $9.99 a month, the same price as Spotify Premium and the most popular Netflix plan. If you have an iOS device, make sure to purchase your subscription on another platform, Apple takes a 30 percent cut from all subscription services purchased from the App Store, costing you three unnecessary dollars each month.

YouTube Red is an evolution of the YouTube Music Key beta, a now defunct service previously bundled with Google Play Music that improved music videos. Youtube Red expands the background play, allows you to save offline and includes ad-free features of Music Key to nearly every video on the site. The ability to listen to videos with a locked phone and have music playlists advance without interruption are features that users of the YouTube mobile app have long requested.

As much as YouTube Red is Google’s answer to Spotify and Netflix, it is also Google’s answer to the use of adblockers. Many people use adblockers to remove intrusive or malicious ads and have a cleaner web browsing experience. However the use of blockers cuts into the

14 LIFE

revenue of both YouTube and its content creators. The $10 subscription solves this problem by doing away with ads all together. Of your $10 a majority will go to the YouTube channels you watch and the rest goes to YouTube. The money will be distributed based on the percentage of time you spend watching videos from a given channel. On average, the revenue a YouTube Red user will generate for a channel is much greater than money from a month of ad views, so if you want to support your favorite YouTube creators, Red is a good option.

In addition to being a good deal for YouTube and it’s creators, Red is also a good deal for users.

The real meat of the YouTube Red subscription is the complimentary offering of Google Play Music, just like Spotify, it boasts a library of 30 million songs and high quality 320kbps audio.

YouTube Red currently isn’t really in direct competition with Netflix. It is more of a competitor to Spotify, along with some added quality of life improvements on YouTube add the promise of exclusive content down the line.

YouTube will be funding exclusive videos from creators like PewDiePie, RoosterTeeth, College Humor and more.

As for now, the YouTube convenience features are the only real advantages of the YouTube half of the subscription.

Pros There is a large catalogue of TV shows and movies as well as many high quality original series. They are constantly adding more content and do so in a timely manner. Available and well designed for all streaming devices.

Cons There is a high turnover rate of content. Current seasons of TV shows are not available.

Google Play Music Pros Stations are generated based on your mood or tastes and are good for discovering music. You can upload up to 50,000 songs to the cloud to take your library anywhere .

Cons There are almost no social features to speak of and it is hard to find good user made playlists.

YouTube Red Pros All YouTube videos are ad free. Exclusive movies and original series are in development.

Cons By downloading app blocker, you prevent popups. No movies or TV shows are currently available. www.bucsblade.com, November 20

Know your LGBTQ ’s +

The real state of equality for LGBTQ+ community in law

A guide to understanding what LGBTQ+ really is

The controversial debate of religion and its role in love

Emily Bruch / News editor

Landon Hudson / Editor in chief

Aliyah Austin / Life editor

www.bucsblade.com, November 20

INDEPTH 15

Taking the first step The topic may be uncomfortable, unwelcomed or downright foreign to some, but to move forward we must start by being educated on the LGBTQ+ community

Gender Expression How you demonstrate your gender In ice cream terms: The cherry on the sundae, image portrayal and vanity

Sexual Orientation

A person’s sexual identity in relation to the gender to which they are attracted to In ice cream terms: You preference in many topping options

Gender Identity

A person’s sense of being male, female, or nonbinary In ice cream terms: The flavor of ice cream

Biological Sex The physical anatomy and gendered hormones someone is born with, not the same as gender.

In ice cream terms: The structure, waffle cone, bowl, waffle bowl

Graphics by Elizabeth Tibbe

16 IN DEPTH

S

Landon Hudson / Editor in chief

enior Natasha Jablonski writes out the names of different sexual orientations across a sheet lined paper.

Phrases and genders colored in bright greens and highlighter pinks stand out amongst lists that look borderline overwhelming. She writes out abbreviations and helpful bullet points. Like studying notes for an exam, she memorizes multiple sexualities, sexes and gender variations.

That’s a lot for the average person to learn. And even Jablonski, the secretary and an active member of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) club has trouble keeping track of all the identifications.

But here are the basics: sex is what you were born as.

There are three sexes- male, female or intersex, a physical combination of the two. Gender is one’s deeply held sense of identity. There can be multiple branches and combinations, but can be referenced as either gender binary or non-binary. Gender binary refers to the three sexes, other gender affiliations fall under the category gender non-binary.

Attraction is who you are romantically interested in.

Sex, genders, attractions, it may take awhile to grasp the terminology, but according to GSA advisor Katy Walters, educating the student body is the best place to start.

“I think that the first step to understanding and acceptance is education,” Walters said, who also teaches earth science and biology. “We need to educate our students and staff about this community and ways to help them feel safer and accepted.”

A Bucs’ Blade survey found 9.5 percent of students out of 475 identify as part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning (LGBTQ+) community. The Brown Herald discovered the national number is about 12 percent as of 2010. Out of the 9.5 percent at GHHS, 40 percent of LGBTQ+ students report depression and self confidence issues in relation to their identification.

Social worker Emily Berry works closely with Walters to ensure all students feel safe in the school. Berry, along with other staff members, have attended trainings throughout the community to learn strategies to better assist the LGBTQ+ students.

“Education is key,” Berry said. “Students and staff could benefit from learning about the difference between gender identity and sexuality. We hope to provide them with more learning opportunities in order to educate them on the current issues that LGBTQ students face so that as a GHHS community we can appropriately support and advocate for these students.”

Walters emphasizes that the LGBTQ+ community needs to be treated the same as any other student, with respect.

“These kids are just like you,” Walters said. “They have insecurities like you, and they desperately want to fit in, just like you. If we make our school safe for ‘these students’ we will be making it safer for everyone.”

Despite personal feelings some may hold, Berry stresses that tolerance of one another is essential in order for all students to feel safer within the school.

“Educating ourselves and offering kindness and respect to LGBTQ+ students does not necessarily mean that you are agreeing or disagreeing with a person’s gender identity or sexuality,” Berry said. “It does mean that you are contributing to a community of safety and where all students have the right to learn and be successful without feeling discriminated against or judged.”

One way to respect these students’ identities is to use the correct pronoun and call them by the name they chose to associate with.

“A lot of times they will usually give grace because they realize it’s a change and that’s hard for people,” Berry said. “If you screw up, just apologize. Just be real and tell them, ‘Hey, I’m sorry’.”

Berry does not belittle the fact that all students have their own battles that they go through, but she does underline that the issues LGBTQ+ students face need attention.

“Not only are LGBTQ+ students dealing with the everyday pressures that every adolescent faces, but in addition, many of them are working through figuring out their identity and what that means for their life, their role in society and the impact it has on family,” Berry said.

“LGBTQ+ students face complex challenges such as getting family support or lack thereof and having access to essential resources in the community.”

Berry believes that the school has made great improvements in making sure these students feel they are in a safe environment, they are allowed to use gender neutral bathrooms and have the option of receiving individual help if needed. However Berry knows that there is still a very long way to go.

“A lot of times people are afraid of what they don’t understand,” Berry said. “I know sometimes it’s uncomfortable to learn about those things or talk about those things, but that will give us a better understanding.”

Walters wants students and staff members to be aware of the issues LGBTQ+ students face, and the secrets they may hide.

“Understand that they come to this building every day trying to hide a huge secret and some are desperate to not have that secret discovered,” Walters said. “They live in fear every single day because they feel who they are is not good enough, according to some. Imagine what that would feel like, to be told that who you are is wrong and that there is something wrong with you for wanting to express who you are. Try to put yourself in their shoes before you judge them.”

“Many of them are working through figuring out their identity and what that means for their life, their role in society and the impact it has on family” -Emily Berry

Your turn Bucs’ Blade recently surveyed 476 students about the LGBTQ+ community

9.5%

surveyed students identify as part of the community

77.2%

of those who

do not identify with the community, support them

“Bisexuals exist, we aren’t unicorns”

41.7% report less than pleasant coming out experiences

56%

of those who do not identify with the community correctly understand the definition of sex, gender and sexuality

40%

of LGBTQ+ surveyed report depression and self confidence issues in relation to their identification

“This should NOT be an issue discussed in school”

L ve vs. sin

Two Christians with two different beliefs of the Bible’s view of LGBTQ+ relationships Aliyah Austin / Life editor The crimson T-shirt senior Ryan Montgomery wears hangs loose on his tall frame. “Jesus Chirst” is plastered across the front in white Coca-Cola lettering. Underneath, it reads “Eternally refreshed” in small capital letters.

Montgomery’s fingers cling to the cross hanging from his neck as he discusses how his unwavering belief in the Bible and his title as a strong conservative Lutheran Christian shapes his views on the LGBTQ+ community.

“I feel for them, I feel really sympathetic for them because it’s really tough what they have to deal with,” Montgomery said. He scours the notes he prepared for the interview, speaking with hesitant conviction. “It definitely is a sin. In the Bible, there’s six places where it’s dealt with, and it’s explicitly stated that it is a sin.”

Junior Haley Lafrance is also a devoted Christian. While she believes in the Bible, she also believes in love.

“I’m kind of a go with the flow person, do what you love,” Lafrance said. “I think some people just aren’t that way, they are very firm to their religion and that’s how it has to be. I also believe in the freedom of the people.”

Montgomery says Christians who believe love is love have not read the Bible enough.

“It is time for them to revisit the Bible,” Mont-

gomery said. “God clearly states that marriage is between a man and a woman, that is why he created Adam and Eve.” Montgomery inherited his religion from his parents. He explains that, though he hasn’t read the entire Bible, he believes that everything in it is true and has been proven.

“Considering the Bible’s been around for about 2,000 some years, it’s not gonna change, so I’m not gonna change,” Montgomery said.

Though Lafrance seems small compared to Montgomery, her opinions are just as large.

“I believe that love is love,” Lafrance said.

“Freedom of religion, freedom of marriage. I think that if you love somebody, do what you want with it. Love is good.”

Montgomery explains that he does love members of the LGBTQ+ community, but refuses to accept what he believes qualifies as sin in the eyes of God. “Every sin is terrible,” Montgomery said.

“Whatever size, whatever scale it may be, every sin is the same in the eyes of God. And so, the person is not terrible. It’s Satan that causes sin and it’s terrible. I just, I want my friends to be out of Satan’s grip. I want them to be back in God’s hands where everything is great so we can all go to Heaven and have a big giant party up there.”

Legal LGBTQ+ policies in Michigan While advancements have been made, LGBTQ+ community is still not equal in terms of law Emily Bruch / News editor Same-sex marriage was legalized in all 50 states on June 26, 2015, however this did not mean the fight for equality was over. In Michigan, there is no state law that protects members of the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination, and many are working to change that.

The Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act bans discrimination based on height, weight, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, race, or color. This means that a person cannot be denied housing, employment or any civil right because of these factors.

Nowhere in the law does it state that people are protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2011 a law was passed forcing Michigan school districts to adopt anti-bullying policies. The state did not pass the enumerated bill banning bullying or harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The office manager at the LGBT Network of West Michigan, Larry DeShane Jr., is in the fight to include members of the LGBTQ+ community in the civil rights act for protection.

According to DeShane, the community almost reached their goal last year but lawmakers did not want to include transgender rights in the law.

“We’re no longer taking the ‘half a pizza’ rule, which is half a pizza is better than no pizza at all,” DeShane said. “It’s either all of our community gets protection or we’ll just continue fighting.”

Although there is not a state law providing protection, individual cities are beginning to enact their own laws. In Grand Rapids, it is illegal to deny someone housing or employment based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.

For the city of Grand Haven, the Title VI Non-Discrimination Plan protects people no matter race, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, persons with low income, minority populations, and the elderly.

DeShane believes that the best way to show support for the LGBTQ+ community is to have a Gay-Straight Alliance at school.

“Instead of always trying to change laws, what we need to do is we need to change hearts and minds, laws will follow,” DeShane said.

IN DEPTH 17

Reviews of the Month Movie filmed in parts of Grand Haven turns out to be a big hit Jacob Wencel / Reporter

Movie: The End of the Tour Overall Rating: 4/5 Cast: Jason Segel, Jesse Eisenberg Available at/on: DVD Blu-Ray, iTunes

Many of you might remember when production for a movie was filmed in Grand Haven early last year. That film, entitled The End of the Tour, is out now on DVD and Blu-Ray. Based on David Lipsky’s memoir “Although of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself,” this adaptation takes viewers through a week in Lipsky’s life. Reporting for Rolling Stone, Lipsky meets up with famous author David Foster Wallace to interview Wallace for the newly released epic novel “Infinite Jest,” which was commended for its ground-breaking size and composure into a new field of American literature. Lipsky joins Wallace for the last week of his book tour.

Wallace, played by Jason Segel (Freaks and Geeks, The Muppets Movie), is said to be the greatest writer of our time. This leads for a more defensive character who is afraid to flaunt his ego and is often wary of strangers.

This makes for interesting chemistry between him and the eccentric journalist Lipsky, played by Jesse Eisenberg (Adventureland, The Social Network), an admirer of Wallace’s work.

The two, both intrigued to understand one another, wander through a query of questions over modern entertainment, the art of writing, and struggling with loneliness while travelling through Minnesota on Wallace’s tour. Appearing at public events, holding book signings and visiting the Mall of America, Lipsky and Wallace enjoy the

more prestigious side of fame while holding on to their true convictions; that they are two normal people just dealing with life.

Backed by amazing dialogue, the two actors give stupendous performances that any yearning artist/writer can empathize with. Director James Ponsoldt (The Spectacular Now) worked hard to accurately portray and bring viewers into the interesting dynamic of the true-story of a growing friendship. Originally made out to be a play, he expanded the concept and found it more fitting as a road-trip type film.

In order to create the visual context for the film, production was held throughout West Michigan; specifically Grand Rapids and Muskegon. Many driving scenes show familiar landmarks all throughout cities.

From the “Homework Tonight; READ!” sign hanging in the backroom of The Bookman to familiar faces of Grand Haven locals used as extras, the loving warmth of Grand Haven sinks deep in this existential movie.

Although the film is filled with inappropriate language and mature conversation, I believe it’s a must watch for those struggling with the depths of depression, loneliness, or self-importance.

Artists/writers/thinkers alike can come into this film with familiarity to the difficulty in dealing with egocentrism. It’s a deep and touching movie meant for the strong-willed and curious.

Grand Haven alumni releases first full length album Scott Bays / Reporter Grand Haven native Garrett Borns, stylized as BØRNS, released Dopamine, his first full length album on Oct. 16. The album ranges from punchy electro pop to more mellow indie jams.

A common thread that spans the album is its density, the reverb and varied instrumentals create a wave of sound that washes over the listener. Over these busy backings BØRNS soars vocally. While BØRNS may have ear-pleasing vocal chops, the actual words he’s singing are largely vapid pop fodder. The songs may lack in lyrics, but they make up for it with emotion. The album is full of sincere deliveries and kinetic melodies and this provides much needed depth.

In many parts of the album, the instrumentals begin to sound overproduced. The song “American Money” shows this as the whole track has a fuzzy feel to it. The drums are crunchy and the bass has a crackly quality.

This isn’t a bad thing perse, but it feels like a

18 ARTS

gain effect was applied to the whole song.

The track “Holy Ghost” is vaguely reminiscent of older pop tracks and is a glitzy amalgamation of high energy vocals, distorted drum fills and a sweeping tsunami of synths. “Fool” has it’s roots in soul music.

The danceable title track “Dopamine” is straight out of the playbook of psychedelic duo MGMT. BØRNS wears his inspirations on his sleeve and his new California inspired sound distances him from his earlier work.

While the album is largely iterative the varied influences give it a dynamic feel.

Dopamine is nothing you’ve never heard before. At the same time it doesn’t have anything you’d never want to hear. The eclectic collection of pop songs offered is an excellent proof of concept for the budding BØRNS brand. More than a slideshow of catchy hooks, Dopamine shows that BØRNS has the talent to continue to refine his style in future releases.

Your Turn What music are you listneing to right now?

“I really have liked the band Radiohead, since I like 90’s grunge music.”

Lily Sportell, freshman

“If I had to make my own station, it’d be full of rock alternative.”

Megan McCarthy, sophomore

“I was raised with old rock music since my dad’s a professional guitar player.”

Allison Matz, junior

“This is a hard choice. I guess I’ll go with jazz, since I play it myself.”

Album: Dopamine

Grant Teeple, senior

Rating: 3.5/5 www.bucsblade.com, November 20

Locks and

Loaded

Less girls are straightening and chemically altering their hair, instead embracing what they were born with

S

Savannah Vickers / Reporter

he looks in the mirror at her bronze spiral hair and with a face of disappointment, she struggles to gather it up into a bun hiding all of her curly mane away. It was just another normal day.

Straightening and chemically altering textured hair has been a popular routine for decades. But now, fewer girls are using heat and chemicals on their hair and are instead accepting what nature gave them.

Junior Arianna Sandoval went from wearing her hair up every day to embracing her curls.

“I felt like if I didn’t have straight hair, I didn’t fit in,” Sandoval said.

The problem was that Sandoval never really liked the texture of her hair.

“It was super frizzy and I felt like a cotton ball,” Sandoval said grinning. “It was my friends who mostly inspired me to wear my hair down. They would just bug me to wear it down and I was like, ‘Guys I can’t. There’s a lot more to it than that.’”

Junior Zoe McGregor, a close friend of Sandoval’s, felt different about her hair being up all the time.

“I’ve known her since kindergarten,” McGregor said with a shy smile. “I didn’t understand because her hair is so pretty and I just wanted her to express herself.”

This hair trend has developed into a Natural Hair Movement that has been exploding in followers. Sales in relaxers, a chemical product used to tame curly hair, have been decreasing.

The hair-care company, Design Essentials, found that 26 percent of women stopped using relaxers in 2010. The percentage increased to 36 by 2011 and is continually rising.

The movement is inspiring girls and women of all hair types to unleash their natural beauty.

According to Huffpost Women, the movement shows no sign of slowing. They say that everyone has a story, and we each have our unique history and background that makes everyone’s natural hair so personal and special.

Kali Reagan, a stylist at local hair salon, Donaylle Nicole, has noticed the trend.

“The style is influenced from the 60s and 70s,” Reagan said. “The textured and natural looks are in, even in haircuts influenced for the runway.”

Natural hair is healthier than chemically and heat treated hair.

“It’s healthy to keep your hair natural because you’re wearwww.bucsblade.com, November 20

Grace Glessner THE BUCS’ BLADE CURLY CHAOS: Junior Arianna Sandoval flashes a smile as her curly mane frames her face. Sandoval is part of an emerging natural hair trend. More and more women are accepting what nature gave them. “It was super frizzy and I felt like a cotton ball,” Sandoval said grinning. “It was my friends who mostly inspired me to wear my hair down.” Since embracing her hair, Sandoval has become more confident.

-ing down the under layer of cuticles when using heat on your hair,” Reagan said.

This change didn’t happen overnight.

For Sandoval, having natural hair demanded a lot of confidence, especially when she wore it down for the first at school.

“I really didn’t want to go to school at all,” Sandoval said with wide eyes. “They really liked it, I was really surprised actually. It was a good feeling, a happy, warm feeling that everyone liked it.”

But she admits that it was all worth it.

“I feel accepted,” Sandoval said. “I’m happy now.”

McGregor has seen her transformation in hair style and is happy with her change.

“This summer I was talking to her and I was like, ‘You know what, you just gotta do it,’ and she did it,” McGregor said. “I was so excited to see it.”

McGregor and Sandoval agree that embracing yourself is better than hiding it away.

“I have been so much happier now that it’s down,” Sandoval said. ”Why haven’t I done this sooner? It feels great.

Don’t be afraid to embrace what you got.”

LIFE 19

Teenagers guide to

Thanksgiving

How to make it through awkward family encounters and interrogations Elizabeth Tibbe / Editor in chief No Thanksgiving family dinner ends like a hallmark card.

Typically, it results in bickering, hurt feelings and someone walking out in a storm. The old-fashioned set table turns to a mess of turkey carcasses, dirty plates and napkins used for wiping food and tears from your face.

Especially for a student, the get-together can be a form of torture. We get bombarded with questions about the future we should have planned already and the “special people” in our lives.

Tis the season for awkward aunt and uncle interrogations, we’ve provided you with tips on how to handle yourself when political debates and family tensions arise.

Steer the conversation away from possibly controversial topics This includes religion, politics and touchy topics in general.

If your aunt’s recent divorce pops up, shut it down as fast as you can along with any talk of failing grades or upcoming tuition bills.

Instead, bring up something lighter that everyone can enjoy with no fear of being attacked such as the newest, very relatable episode of Modern Family.

Conceal don’t feel Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE FREAK OUT: An all too familiar scene for high school students, stressing over questioning around the dinner table.

Simple things such as driving the conversation and going in with a plan can help curb these family pains.

Easy apple crisp Impress your family with a home cooked fall dessert Ingredients

Directions

10 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup water 1 cup quick-cooking oats 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

20 LIFE

Place sliced apples in a 9x13 inch pan. Mix the white sugar, flour and ground cinnamon, sprinkle over apples. Pour water evenly over all.

Combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and butter together. Crumble over the apples.

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes.

As a student, you easily become the topic of conversation no matter how hard you try to hide. When it comes to that part of the night, don’t fight it. It is bound to happen and people will without a doubt say things that offend, demean or just in general annoy you.

It’s those times that you need to pick your battles, is it really worth dragging on the kids or no kids debate when you are still in high school?

Strategize

No matter how much your family members annoy you, there is always that trusty cousin, cool aunt or sister sidekick who will tag team awkward moments with you. Go in with a plan to call in backup when the topic goes over the line. Another attack plan could be inviting a “significant other” if they are brave enough to face your family. Manners and conversations tend to be more reigned in when new people are introduced.

Minimize the booze

Family get-togethers are hectic enough without people being loosened up and running the risk of their filter being absolved by alcohol. Besides, those problem relatives who always seem to have a drink in their hand will probably either deny the invitation to a dry party or leave early. This saves your entire family from those who can’t handle themselves when alcohol is involved.

Set up escape plans

For the shy or non-confrontational relative, set up the game in the T.V. room, a deck of cards in the living room, and ask for help in the kitchen to give them another option rather than an uncomfortable, ongoing conversation about conflicting religious views. Not only will this be the saving grace for them but it will lead to a smooth night for everybody. www.bucsblade.com, November 20

Combating

Healthy CAPTIVITY H lidays Work off Thanksgiving football munchies with a drinking game minus the beer belly and alcohol Landon Hudson / Editor in chief With all the sitting we’ll be doing next week, driving to relative’s houses, watching the Thanksgiving Day parade, rooting for our favorite football team from the comfort of the sectional couch, enjoying a feast around the kitchen table and relaxing after a lazy day, turn a classic drinking game into an effective way to burn calories and get blood flowing.

Touchdown dance Get up and groove when your favorite team scores a touchdown, or if you are a hardcore Lions fan and are not expecting many of those, field goals will work as well. This is a fun activity to get even the biggest sore losers up and moving, and it keeps a light atmosphere going.

If a ref throws a flag on the play, you know what to do, teach your older family members how to hit the quan.

Taylor Fase / Senior staff writer Try not to over eat

Holding call If you’ve got some household team rivalry going on and your team just intercepted your uncle’s favorite quarterback’s throw, make him do a one minute plank.

Anytime there’s some obvious gains going on, make the losing side get down low and hold it. For a 150 pound person, a one minute plank burns three to four calories.

Seven minute stretch Football players may have 15 minutes per quarter, but any true fan knows they can take up to 45. When it reaches the seven-minute mark, stretch out stiff limbs. Do five lunges, each side. Bend over and touch your toes (or as close as you can get) and reach towards the ceiling, stretching out your back and abdomen.

Backs to the wall If you didn’t call seat check before you got up to get some more chips and dip, you might be stuck sitting on the floor, dodging heated jumps and cheers from your slightly buzzed relative.

But you could turn this unfortunate loss into a major calorie burn. You can burn up to fifteen calories during a thirty second wall sit. Sit with your back against the wall and knees at a 90 degree angle until the next poor soul makes the same mistake as you did. Feel the burn.

All photos by Grace Glessner www.bucsblade.com, November 20

Ways to balance food indulgence, stress and traveling time over break

While the third piece of pie may look appealing, it would probably be best to pass. You’ve already had a full meal, and the extra dessert might push you over the top. Try to monitor how much you’re eating, and don’t push yourself to the point of not feeling well.

Portion control is a huge part of staying healthy, try eating off a smaller plate, it tricks your brain into thinking you’ve had more, which in turn leads to getting full faster.

Drink water and exercise

Your body is made up of 60 percent water, be sure to refuel your system. Water not only is good for you, but can help cut the cravings and fill you up faster.

Staying hydrated also helps to boost your immune system and fight off the seasonal bugs and viruses.

While you’ve got enough water in you, try going for a run or even doing an at home workout a few days before and after Thanksgiving. This will help ensure you burn off some of those extra calories from the holiday indulges.

Go on germ patrol

Especially if you are traveling to see family, germs are everywhere. Your immune system immediately gets weaker with the season change, pair that with touching those rest stop stalls or airplane seats and you’ll be coughing the whole way home. You don’t have to wipe down every surface you come in contact with but it wouldn’t hurt to pick up a pocket hand sanitizer to have with you.

Enlist a buddy

Jump for joy Every time a commercial comes on, instead of mindlessly watching the same advertisements over and over, turn this into a jumping session. 10 jumping jacks per commercial. And if you want to be an overachiever, turn them into jumping squats. After you come down from the jumping jack, get low, stick your butt out, keep your feet shoulder width apart and feel the burn.

We all know it can be hard at times to stay motivated when you’re the only one working out or holding yourself back from tempting food. So find a friend or family member who would be willing to join you. This not only gives you somebody to talk to, but also keeps both of you accountable for each other to make sure you don’t slack or skip a workout.

Take a shopping trip

The sales we’re waiting for come once a year. Take advantage and get to the stores. According to the American Psychological Association, retail therapy is effective during cold months that keep you trapped inside. After a shopping trip without buying anything, men and women alike had a reported 47 percent happiness increase on average. Not only does it get you out of your slump, it requires you to be active and walk, maybe even run after some deals.

LIFE 21

Just another

GUY

FEATURED TOPIC

Senior Tyler Billett starts to feel comfortable in his own skin

I

Landon Hudson / Editor in Chief

t was the start of senior Tyler Billett’s sophomore year. He was at home in pajamas, about to get dressed for band practice when an intense feeling of discomfort entrapped him. He held his chest, upset with the way it looked. Gasping for air, he knew what was wrong. For the first time, he was experiencing severe unhappiness with his body and gender.

Tyler was born in a body that feels wrong to him. Specifically, Billett is a transgender male.

When he was young, he knew he didn’t fit the female mold. Instead of skirts and dresses, he preferred more masculine clothing. He took pride in the tag, “tomboy”.

“I always felt uncomfortable with my body and my identity when I presented as a female,” Billett said, anxiously twitching his leg.

Billett attended Grand Haven Christian School (GHCS) through the eighth grade. He never had much exposure to different sexualities or genders and felt sheltered to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) issues.

“I had no idea about it,” Billett said. “I didn’t know it was a thing you could do, I don’t want to say ‘choose’, but that you could be a gender other than what you were assigned.”

Despite feeling like he was pretending to be something he wasn’t, Billett tried dressing more feminine for a while, hoping it might just be a phase.

“I was trying to dress and act more feminine and I’m not sure if it was because I wanted to or if I was trying to convince myself that this wasn’t a thing because I didn’t want it to happen,” Billett said. “So I was just kind of like, ‘Okay this is not really what I want to do’. So I completely started dressing more masculine and anything that I wore that was feminine I stopped wearing.”

It wasn’t until tenth grade when Billett started coming to terms with what he was feeling. As a junior, he began the long transition to present as male. He opted to cut his hair and now sports a short faded blue style.

One of the first big changes was Billett’s band concert uniform. He’s been in the marching band all throughout high school. Band has been a large part of his life since fifth grade when he began playing the clarinet.

“I talked to my band director and was like, ‘Okay, here’s what’s going on with my gender, can I not wear the female uniform, can I wear the male uniform instead?’. That wasn’t a problem. But he was like, ‘Okay, I can’t just do this, you have to talk to your parents about it’. And that’s when I came out to my parents.

Billett’s mother, Mary, shared she wasn’t very surprised when she found out, but wanted him to be open with her about what he was going through.

“I remember Tyler seemed like he wanted to tell me something, but was hesitant,” Mary said. “I just tried to be patient and kept assuring him there wasn’t anything he could tell me that would make me not love him. Eventually he found the words and he was comfortable enough to get the message across that he was not comfortable in his body.”

22 LIFE

www.bucsblade.com, November 20

Effects of testosterone Testosterone is a sex hormone naturally produced in a man’s testicles, small amounts are produced in woman’s ovaries

Body hair and Fat redistribution facial hair Upper body Adam’s apple and muscle Lower voice facial structure mass thickens

Graphics by Landon Hudson

When Billett began his transition, he identified as genderof the steps we took than it should have,” Mary said. “But fluid. Gender-fluid describes someone that whose gender we went to the counselor he chose, especially since he was varies over time. They can choose to identify as female, male, concerned we would take him to a Christian counselor who neutrois, a non-binary identity or a combination of any would try to 'fix' him. We changed the name we called him, thereof. (there has been a progression of a few before he was sure).

“There were some days where I was okay with female Most difficult, we changed pronouns and began referring to pronouns and my birth name him as our son.” and presenting female where other days I was more in the Big steps GLOSSARY middle and I didn’t want to After months of attending Trangender present as either and other therapy sessions so he could times I was uncomfortable receive professional approval, on gender doesn’t match the sex with male identification,” BilApril 20, 2015 the family travelled assigned at birth lett said. “It changes, it’s not to Chicago so Billett could receive necessarily set.” his first shot of testosterone.

Transition “It was a big step,” Billett said. process of switching to identified Who he is “There was that feeling of exciteNot all coming out stories ment, I couldn’t believe this was acgender have been as positive as tually happening, it was a big deal, Bisexual Billett’s. Billett considers his but there was also nervousness parents’ reactions abnormal because there are several ways you attraction to both binary genders compared to what others can get testosterone but I knew the have shared. way that would work best would be Gender non-binary “Most people's parents I injections.” identifying with a gender other would say are definitely not Billett’s experienced anxiety as supportive as mine and I with needles in the past and it than male or female was lucky that they were so took almost a half hour before Dysphoria proactive with getting me his nerves settled. But he’s had to the help and things that I adjust to the injections since he’s extreme discomfort with body needed,” Billett said. “A lot administered three milliliters of of parents, from the stories testosterone every Monday in the I've heard, try to ignore it, tell their kids that they're going care of his own home. through a phase, and generally try to shut it down by doing “There’s no really end to transition especially with testoswhatever they can and making their kids feel bad about it.” terone,” Billett said. “If you want to keep having the effects Ever since Billett was young, he persisted he was a boy. of testosterone you don’t really ever stop taking them. You Mary knows this isn’t just a temporary decision, it’s who he is get testosterone for the rest of your life.” as a person. She and his dad, Warren, have continued to love The next step for Billett is a legal name change. This and support him through the changes he’s undergone. would usually take around three weeks, but the financial as“I wish others would understand this is not a choice pect has delayed the process. As a result, Billett will not apply people make, or something they do to get attention,” Mary to college until the change is official. said. “It's not a phase or a fad, or something to be outgrown.

“I could just notify the college, but that’s going to be a It's about not feeling legitimate in your own skin, and it's real. pain in the butt and I don’t really feel comfortable with that Also, the embarrassment they feel when misgendered can be especially with some of the colleges I’m looking at applying devastating, whether it's intentional or not. You are not going to,” Billett said. “As much as it sucks, I don’t really want it to to prove anything by deliberately misgendering someone, hurt my chances. Not that I want to hide it, but I don’t know except that you yourself are either disrespectful or just plain if I’m comfortable with pointing it out.” ignorant.”

Mary is disheartened by the idea that Billett’s future could Billett’s parents were determined to help their son through be impacted by his gender. his transition, doing whatever they could to help him.

“Looking forward, Tyler's dream has always been to join “To be honest, it probably took us longer to take many the Air Force and be part of the NASA mission to Mars,”

Glossary

www.bucsblade.com, November 20

Mary said. “It hurts my heart that because of the current policies against trans people in the armed services, he most likely will not be able to make that dream a reality. It would be one thing if he just didn't make the cut, but he actually has the brains and capabilities to have a pretty good chance.

Now we'll never know because of government policies, and that just isn't right.”

Long way to happiness Billett quietly sits in the back of the AP Lit classroom, solving a rubik’s cube between his fingers. He clears his throat before raising his hand to contribute to the discussion.

He speaks fast. Usually reserved around his classmates, it will take him awhile before he truly ever feels comfortable.

Billett has come a long way to be more content with his gender and bisexuality, but still has rough days where he feels overwhelmed.

“I’ll just have days where it’s really upsetting and I’ll feel really dysphoric,” Billett said. “It doesn’t go away, because you can’t really change anything about it. My perception of myself and the uncomfortableness I have with myself, the stress gets to me.”

Billett finds comfort in the friends he’s met through the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) club. He has been an active member since he moved to GHHS his freshman year. Most of Billet’s former classmates attended West Michigan Christian after completing GHCS so he was offered a fresh start.

He now holds the title of club president.

The club’s goal is to educate peers and promote acceptance throughout the student body. Billet’s girlfriend, senior Sierra Lewis is also a part of GSA and has known him since freshman year.

“Tyler’s really intelligent and pretty funny, he’s really open minded,” Lewis said. “He does a lot of things to connect the club, he wants to spread awareness.”

Billett wants to emphasize that LGBTQ+ students are the same as everyone else.

“It sounds like a cliché thing to say, but honestly that’s the biggest problem,” Billet said. “I feel like a lot of the kids who come to GSA are often times treated like outsiders like they’re different than everyone else. I feel like that’s the major problem is just that ignorance and lack of understanding.”

Despite the struggles he’s faced along the way, Billett has realized he needs to put his happiness first.

“I feel like it’s important to do what makes you happy regardless of what other people think of you,” Billett said, smiling. “I feel like people need to put themselves first, not in a selfish way, but what’s important is that you’re doing what you’re comfortable with, you’re being who you are and that you’re happy.”

LIFE 23

Life in

color Sophomore Pearl Slayton has synesthesia, a pyschological rarity that allows her to see different colors in people and songs Karianne Turner / Reporter

S

ophomore Pearl Slayton was listening to the Steven Universe soundtrack when pink flashed in her mind. As the melody changed, sparks of emerald green and flecks of light blue began to blossom in her brain.

Her attention to detail and color is hard to miss, but she has a deeper understanding than most people because of her synesthesia.

Synesthesia is known as a “blending of the senses.”

Colors appear in the mind when various things happen.

People with this can see colors in situations or objects that shouldn’t have color, like people or songs. Different colors trigger in the person’s mind, or outside in the real world.

“Synesthesia is a neurological situation where different sensory stimuli responses get crossed in their pathways,” psychologist Brian L. Roscoe said. “There are numerous references to this condition. Commonly this involves primary pathways leading to a secondary pathway of sensory stimulation. References can be found commonly in psychological literature.”

Depending on the level of synesthesia, a person can see colors in numbers or letters that corresponds with the music they’re listening to, or people they are speaking with.

“I thought it was normal,” Slayton said. “I never really talked about it with people, so when I described the colors I saw in a song, my friend looked at me like I was insane.

I then did some research on it, and found out I have synesthesia. I always knew I had something different from other people, and I honestly thought it was really awesome.”

Various colors can match with different personalities.

“Every person is a different color,” Slayton said. “Each color helps me determine what they will be like, and whether

24 LIFE

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’BLADE SPLASH OF COLOR: Sophomore Pearl Slayton poses with a colorful face. Slayton has synesthesia or, the “blending of the senses.” People with synesthesia can see colors in situations or objects that, for most people, wouldn’t have color. Slayton can see different colors in people and songs. Slayton dedicates her artwork to her synesthesia. Because of the rarity, she’s able to give her art a unique spin.

or not they would be a good friend. For example, a kid in my class is the color orange and gray. With those colors together, I know that he will probably be annoying and someone that I don’t want to be around. If someone had a light blue color, I know that I would enjoy spending time with them.”

Slayton sits at the lunch table, pencil in hand. She draws a few lines, then looks up. She cocks her head a little to the left and looks out at the falling leaves.

As if a stroke of genius came to her, she looks back down at her pad. She adds intense detail to the face of her newest character that most artists would have never thought of.

Slayton dedicates her artwork to synesthesia.

“Usually artists are told it’s not good to use bright colors and different colors, but for it me it helps create designs that is on a whole new level,” Slayton said. “It helps me to create designs that become more complicated than they would have otherwise.”

Sophomore Fiona Nic has been friends with Slayton for four years.

“Pearl has been drawing forever,” Nic said. “I don’t mean to be super poetic, but she was born to draw. When I first saw her artwork, I was amazed. It takes a lot of effort to draw like she does, but if you just watch her, it looks easy and flawless. She is highly imaginative.”

Slayton’s mother, Mary, is a professional artist. She has spent a lot of time with Pearl and her artwork.

“Pearl is a very unique and sensitive person and there is a lot more going on inside her than meets the eye,” Mary said. “As a matter of fact, I feel that she is better and more focused than I was at the same age. I love how imaginative her work is. She thinks of people, music and thoughts in the form of color. Sort of an extra sense of perception. I think this is something that many natural born artists have and it helps them translate ideas into another form, as in art. In our home, ideas are more important than technical abilities and she really has both skills.”

Slayton’s synesthesia has enabled her to better connnect with the world around her. Weaving together the colors most people perceive and the colors that Slayton visualizes has helped her create her own style and her own artwork. This has encouraged her to be unlike anybody else, making her artwork one of a kind.

“It helped me to develop my own style that was as bright and varied as the world seemed to me,” Slayton said.

“I thought it was normal. I never really talked about it with people, so when I described the colors I saw in a song, my friend looked at me like I was insane.”

-sophomore Pearl Slayton

www.bucsblade.com, November 20

4

steps to...

HITTING THE S APSHOT

There are several kinds of hockey shots, a backhand, snap shot and a wrist shot.

Then the most famous, the slap shot. This is a very powerful, but at times inaccurate, shot that is meant to blow by goalies.

Junior hockey player Alex Franczek is here to teach you how to make an arena go crazy with his four steps to a slap shot.

Eric Stolarski / Reporter

2. Wind up: Pull the stick back to build power and keep your eyes on the puck.

AF: “Starting your wind up, you’d wind it all the way up until your stick is just about at your shoulders.”

3. Downswing: Bring the stick down at full speed and make contact with the puck and ice.

1. Get the proper grip: find a hand placement that works.

Alex Franczek: “Make sure your bottom hand is halfway down the shaft and your top hand stays in place. Slide your bottom hand lower on your stick, it makes it easier to shoot the puck.”

AF: “Start from above your shoulder, you want to make sure you catch a little bit of the ice before you hit the puck. ”

4. Follow through: Finish with the stick pointing towards your intended target.

AF: “This allows your stick to flex and bend that puts the extra whip on the puck.”

Drew Hewitt / Photographer www.bucsblade.com, November 20

SPORTS 25

Boys and girls cross country teams excel at state meet Eric Stolarski & Zac Holman / Reporters

State Meet Results

T

he boys in their blue warm-ups. The girls in their hand crafted shirts. A deafening cheer erupted from the student body as they entered the rotunda. The cross country team marched through the crowd of students, handing out high fives and hugs as the marching band sent them off to the MHSAA state cross country meet with the school fight song.

The boys team was able to advance all seven of their varsity runners after taking first place at the regional meet on Oct. 31.

Sophomore Jack Nicholson took first place individually at regionals with time of 16:11, his teammates finishing close behind allowing them all to qualify for the state meet, an achievement that Grand Haven has not experienced for a couple years now.

“In the past we’ve gone with one or two athletes and the experience is diminished when you don’t go with your team,” boys head coach John Tarr said. “Every great runner that we’ve had that have gone by themselves said, ‘I wish my teammates would’ve gone with me.”

According to Tarr, the trip to the International Speedway for the state meet this year was not only more enjoyable because the whole team was there but also because of the successful season they have had.

“It was bigger this year because of our regional win, I think they were even more excited about going because they had the confidence that they are one of the best teams in the state of Michigan,” Tarr said.

That confidence paid off. At the state meet on Nov. 7, the team ran with conviction, allowing them a 20th place finish out of 27 teams.

Nicholson was the first runner in for Grand Haven, only two positions away from all-state nominations with a time of 15:57. Other honorable mentions are juniors Quentin Couvelaire and Eric Johnson finishing with times of 16:35

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY:

26 SPORTS

BOYS *Out of 248 runners

32.

Jack Nicholson -15:57.9

117.

Quentin Couvelaire -16:35.2

121.

Eric Johnson -16:37 Brianna Moynihan THE BUCS’ BLADE RUNNING START: The boys cross country team speeds away from the starting line at the state meet on Nov. 7. The Bucs qualified for the state race after a first place finish at regionals. They went on to receive 20th place out of 27 teams at state.

and 16:37 respectively.

“Overall, I think this season was one of the best we’ve had in awhile,” Nicholson said. “Everybody came into the season with high expectations, and in the end, we had seemed to fulfill those expectations and prove that we can handle being number two in the conference and being regional champs.”

The girls team has been successful in previous years, always sending the whole team to the state meet. To continue this tradition the team needed to finish in the top three at regional.

“At first we did not think we made it, we were devastated,” junior Andrea Strainer said.

But the Buccaneers were able to sneak in with a third place finish at regional that guaranteed their spot at the state meet.

“When coach P. said we have one more race left in the season we were all shocked and tears started rushing down our faces, we were all very fortunate to be able to race again one last time,” Strainer said.

The team traveled to the state meet with high expectations in mind. Last year they were the 20th seed but this year they were seeded at 18th.

“We didn’t limit ourselves with our goals,” senior Hannah Kenny said. “If we would have set our goal as just qualifying or being

“This season was one of the best we’ve had in awhile… The team trained hard, and we earned this season,” junior Quentin Couvelaire said.

195.

Jordan Diephouse -17:11.4

200.

Dominic Hetemann -17:13.8

202.

Aidan Martin -17:14.8

217.

Nathan Wollfis -17:28.2

GIRLS *Out of 242 runners Brianna Moynihan THE BUCS’ BLADE

KEEPING PACE: Freshman Gabby Hentemann keeps up with two runners from Waterford Mott high school at the state cross country meet on Nov. 7.

in the top 20, we would just be satisfied with being average and wouldn’t have been as motivated to push ourselves so hard, so our goal was to win every time, we needed to believe that, to remind ourselves that we are capable of anything we work for.”

They took these higher expectations in strides, succeeding their seed and claiming 16th out of 27 overall.

“We were 2nd in the O-K Red, which is like being first anywhere else in the state,” head girls coach, Scott Przystas said. “Third at regional, earning our 16th straight trip to the finals. I think we had a successful season.”

Freshman Gabby Hentemann

FINAL STATS: Finished first in the region and 20th at the state meet

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY:

lead the way for the Bucs finishing 17th overall individually and earning all-state with a time of 18:21.7.

Junior Eliza Lowe and freshman Abby Buitenhuis also both had successful races, achieving lifetime personal bests.

“I went into the race thinking simple,” Lowe said. “I just wanted to pass the girl in front of me and then move on to the next, and it worked.”

Although the boys and girls teams finished successful seasons, they are already using looking towards next season..

“Going to states has improved our team for next year,” Strainer said. “We have the determination to do better next year.”

“We accomplished many of our goals this season, including making it to states,” junior Andrea Strainer said. “We will continue to push each other.”

17.

Gabby Hentemann -18:21.7

120.

Eliza Lowe -19:39.7

122.

Abby Buitenhuis -19:40.4

159.

Hannah Kenny -19:55.3

164.

Audrey Boersen -19:57.8

208.

Andrea Strainer -20:44.3

218.

Kelsie Bovee -20:59.9 Graphics by Brianna Moynihan

FINAL STATS: Finished third in the region and 17th at the state meet. www.bucsblade.com, November 20

Don’t call it a COMEBACK

Volleyball player, Allison Knoll, recovers from shoulder injury in time for senior season Caitlin Shampine / Reporter

S

enior Allison Knoll’s flushed face went dull as soon as she hit the volleyball last spring during a club game.

Pain shot from her shoulder to her fingertips. Her sweaty body chilled. She knew something was wrong, but she never thought it would be this serious. She continued playing for the rest of the game but had a burning sensation in her arm the whole time.

A week after Knoll was still experiencing pain in her shoulder and had no choice but to go to the hospital. As soon as the bad news left the doctor’s lips, tears welled in her eyes. There was a chance she would never play volleyball again.

Everything had changed.

Knoll, who stands tall at 6”3’, has been on the varsity volleyball team since freshman year. During a club game last April, she tore her labrum and split her bicep tendon down the middle due to overuse of her arm. This makes it uncomfortable to even lift your arm above your head.

“By March, I didn’t swing at all and then finally I took one swing before spring break and I felt my bicep light up and pain was shooting down all the way to my middle finger,” Knoll said with a pained look on her face.

Her bicep tendon defrayed from the bone. Luckily, the surgeons found the tear in Knoll’s rotator cuff during surgery and were able to repair it.

“When I went to the surgeon after the MRI, I kind of had the gut feeling something was wrong,” Knoll said. ”When he told me, I held it together in the office and then when I got to the car, I just bawled to my mom knowing I would have to get surgery. It was scary.”

Knoll had a labrum and bicep repair surgery. Doctors had to remove the muscle and place it back in. Only four out of 10 people fully recover from this surgery. But Knoll’s happygo-lucky vibe wasn’t going to let her down.

“I think I told myself I need to be positive,” Knoll said. ¨It’s not easy. I have my good days and bad days, but I think coming in with a smile helps.”

Knoll’s doctor told her from the start it was not likely for her to come back from this surgery. Knoll took this as a challenge and made sure to remind herself daily that she would be able to play college ball like she’d always planned.

Knoll’s mom, Sheryl, tried to keep her spirits up but also stay realistic.

“We kept reminding her volleyball was fun and all, but it wasn’t everything,” Sheryl said.

Despite the odds, Knoll persevered. She went to all the practices and games of her teammates and cheered them on because it helped her focus on the future and the rest of her volleyball career to come.

“I think you can look at the glass half full or half empty,” Knoll said. “I mean if I were to be negative, what would I

VOLLEYBALL:

“It’s the fact that we did it ourselves and didn’t have to rely on anyone else to win or lose,” head coach Aaron Smaka says. “It was a sense of relief.”

www.bucsblade.com, November 20

James Harding THE BUCS’ BLADE CHEERING SECTION: Senior middle hitter Allison Knoll encourages her teammates from the sidelines at a home match on Oct. 8.

have to look forward to? What would I have to be happy about?”

Knoll’s peers noticed her positivity. She kept up a brave smile, only showing her other feelings to her close friends and family.

“She did a good job,” Knoll’s athletic trainer, Patrick Wykes said. “I think with any patient that has to go through that, it’s a long process. Anytime you have somebody who has that type of injury, you have to put it into perspective and understand that it’s a long journey but there are milestones you will hit like the first time you’re able to not have your hand in a sling or even the first time you wash your hair.

These little things help people stay positive.”

It was often tough for Knoll to look towards the bright side.

“It’s really hard and I think it takes a certain mind set because there are certain days where it is just rough and I don’t want to be there, especially just sitting on the side,” Knoll said.

But on Oct. 8, her wish came true. She was able to step back on the court, all smiles.

“We were thrilled,” Sheryl said. “Back in June, we didn’t think she would be able to play at all. It was a victory. A big celebration for the whole family.”

After the game, she went directly to the trainer’s room to ice and stretch out the muscles.

“They shortened the bicep tendon,” Knoll said, “I can definitely notice this. It feels weird coming back and I still have to ice my shoulder every night because of pain.”

This December, Knoll will graduate early to attend Central Michigan University. She’s been planning on this since freshman year. Last year, she finally committed to Central.

She will be starting her first semester there in January and practicing with their volleyball team.

Knoll is excited for the opportunity but also recognizes how much she has grown as a person and as an athlete.

“It’s not the easy times in life that we get stronger,” Knoll

FINAL STATS: Overall: 48-4 O-K Red: 9-1

BOYS SOCCER:

James Harding THE BUCS’ BLADE SET IT UP: Senior Allison Knoll prepares to set the ball to her teammates at a home match on Oct. 8, where the Bucs lost to EK 3-0.

said. “I have learned to enjoy the journey and not be so focused on the final destination. Everyone struggles with something In their life. Rather an injury, family problems, happiness or whatever. We all carry baggage. It’s the empathy towards one another that we can also grow as people and learn to see others not from the outside but looking in.

Through this I learned mental pain can be just as challenging.

Things happen for a reason when you find the reasons. Find the positives in any situation. We all go through pain. But believe there is good that comes from the challenging times.

Find the good.”

“Our team was one big family who would do anything for one another and because of that this season is one none of us will ever forget,” senior Connor Jettner said.

FINAL STATS: Overall: 14-5-2 O-K Red: 7-2-1

SPORTS 27

The Immink Files

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Michael Jordanbasketball player

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Detroit Lions

FAVORITE QUOTE: I can do all things through him who strengthens me: Philippians 4:13

Drew Hewitt THE BUCS’ BLADE EXPERIENCE: New basketball coach, Greg Immink, brings a wide range of knowledge to the court.

IN IMMINK WE TRUST Former Traverse City West coach, Greg Immink, named boys basketball coach Brianna Moynihan / Sports Editor 27 applicants.

Nine phone interviews.

Six face to face meetings.

Two large group interviews.

But only one coach was chosen to lead Grand Haven’s boys varsity basketball team.

Hope College graduate, Greg Immink, was named head coach following Bob Eidson’s one year stint as interim coach.

“I guess they liked some things they saw in me,” Immink said. “So they gave me the honor of being the coach here at Grand Haven which I am very grateful for.”

Immink had many qualities that stood

BOYS TENNIS:

28 SPORTS

out from other applicants. His long resume of experience that includes playing professionally in Europe, being an assistant under Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and serving as Traverse City West’s head coach during two of their most successful seasons, is impressive. But Athletic Director Scott Robertson recognized something more in Immink.

“The biggest thing that kept ringing true when talking to people about Greg was his ability to connect with kids on a very personal level,” Robertson said. “I think that is very important. That has always been a

“The season was overall a success, many lineup changes throughout the season,” coach Chris Wilton said. “But the good side was that many of our kids had the opportunity to compete at the varsity levels.”

FINAL STATS: Overall: 3-6-1 O-K Red: 1-4

tradition in our program. I think he fits that bill in a big way.”

The team seems to be in agreement with Robertson’s decision .

“We all just really like him,” junior Ross Koella said. “We love hanging out with him and playing with him. He fits well with our team’s style. He is just a great person and a great coach.”

Immink recognizes that creating a team atmosphere will lead to success.

“I think with any team chemistry is an unbelievable important piece of the puzzle,” Immink said “That is worth a few wins right there if a team has good chemistry. So that is something I really like to focus on.”

Basketball has always been an immense part of Immink’s life. His father was a long time high school coach and he played for Hudsonville before moving on to Hope College.

“Being a player and a coach are very closely related, so it was great training ground for being a coach.” Immink said. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else other than coaching. I love to help teach kids the game, watch them learn, show them something new and watch them master it.”

Although so much time around the sport could lead to burnout, Immink remains as passionate as when first stepped on the court.

“When you get to a certain level, the taste of success and the striving to be the best is what really drives you,” Immink said.

FAVORITE SPORTS MOVIE: “Hoosiers”- Story of a college basketball coach who takes over a high school program.

Graphics by Brianna Moynihan

“Everyone is wired differently, for me it just became a competitive thing. Once I felt what it was like to win I wanted to that more and that gave me the passion to play.”

According to Robertson, Immink’s quiet demeanor is nowhere to be found when it comes to his coaching style.

“He’s a little reserved,” Robertson said.

“But he coaches with a ton of passion and energy. I have no doubts that our athletes will be held at very high expectations.”

Immink believes that by giving athletes something to live up to, they will be successful.

“The biggest thing is holding them to that standard,” Immink said.

“But the ultimate goal is to help players realize that they can do more than they think. That’s what I am going to try to do here at Grand Haven.”

This idea is already evident among the players.

“We have a lot of confidence going into this season,” Koella said. “We have a lot of talent as a team and I think coach Immink will help us put that together.”

GHHS has a history of a strong coaching legacies and Immink is looking forward to becoming a part of it.

“They have to have trust in the coach that you have their best interest in mind,” Immink said. “I think Grand Haven basketball has a very proud tradition,” Immink said. “They have had really good coaches all the way through, I am going to try my best to continue the excellence and put our stamp on the history of Grand Haven Basketball.”

“They have to have trust in the coach that you have their best interest in mind, so that’s what I am going to prove to them.”

-Greg Immink

GIRLS SWIM AND DIVE:

“At the beginning of the season, no one had a lot of hope in us, but as we progressed we saw a lot of improvement,” junior Sophie Kleyla said.

FINAL STATS: Overall: 2-7 OK-Red: 5th place

www.bucsblade.com, November 20

Ferris on ICE

Keegan Ferris claims hockey coaching position, high expectations for players Tyler VandenBrand / Reporter

K

eegan Ferris took the job openHaven as a district, just has that tradition of ing for the Grand Haven hockexcellence. Kids are highly motivated, and ey team with a simple vision: for they want to be the best they can be, and I the team to improve every day want to be a part of that as well.” they take the ice, uphold the “Tradition of Senior hockey player, Nick Emerick, says Excellence”. that he is very pleased with the decision to To say that hockey is important to Ferris hire coach Ferris. is an understatement; it has been a part of “He’s going to be a great coach,” Emerick Ferris’ life since he was four years old. said. “He’s young and laid back, but at the “On that first team I made some of my same time he knows when to be serious. He’s best friends to this day,” Ferris said. “That is going to put together a good hockey team.” a big reason I love hockey. The brotherhood.

Junior teammate Trey Bledsoe agrees.

The hockey family that is developed.”

“I’m really excited about coach Ferris,” Athletic Director, Scott Robertson, went Bledsoe said. “I’m hoping he can lead our through a lengthy, challenging process to find team to a better record and make us better the right coach, and Ferris was the perfect fit players, and a better team.” for the job.

Ferris’ goals extend not only from getting “(He) is very different than what we had better, but also trying to get more players in place before,” Robertson said. “Based involved in the program. on the feedback I’ve gotten from kids that “It comes down to getting kids excited have been in the program, they were really to come play for Grand Haven,” Ferris said. looking for a breath “There’s lots of of fresh air, and I kids in the area that think he certainly play for different provides that. He travel teams, and works with a real just getting them to high level of encome back and play ergy, and there’s no high school and FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: doubt about that.” getting back to the A year after fundamentals of Detroit Red Wings and graduating from hockey.”

New England Patriots Northview High Ferris hopes that School, Ferris his take on coaching began coaching at will help the team, Forest Hills Central FAVORITE SPORTS MOVIE: as he holds each alongside the two of his players to “Miracle”- When the USA coaches who taught high standards and Olympic hockey team him the game. expects nothing less upsets the Soviet Union Ferris graduated than their best. from Grand Valley “I’m very State University in intense,” Ferris FAVORITE ATHLETE: 2014 with a teachsaid. “I’m a very ing degree, and is passionate person Tom Brady - quarterback currently in his fifth so our practices will for the New England year of coaching. be very up tempo, Patriots Much like he loved with lots of complaying, Ferris loved petition. I guess I’m Graphics by Brianna Moynihan coaching. very aggressive, so I “When I saw the expect the best out job opening for the Grand Haven hockey of each player every single day that they step job, I jumped all over it,” Ferris said. “I knew on the ice.” what a storied program Grand Haven has, Robertson can relate to Ferris’ attitude. and I wanted to be a part of that. Grand “(Keegan) works with a real high level

The Ferris Files

FOOTBALL:

“I had a lot of fun this season and I got a lot better,” junior Trevor Callahan said. “I am glad the seniors got to end with a win at the last game of the season.”

www.bucsblade.com, November 20

FINAL STATS: Overall: 3-6 O-K Red: 1-4

Owen SanbornTHE BUCS’ BLADE ON ICE: Coach Keegan Ferris takes a hands on approach during the first week of hockey practice.

Ferris previously coached at Forest Hills Central and graduated from Grand Valley University in 2014.

of energy, and there’s no doubt about that,” Robertson said. “Surprisingly for his youth, he had some incredible experiences, including being part of the coaching staff that won a state championship at Forest Hills. We want our coaches to be winners, in all of our programs.

We want them to accomplish great things.”

This season will be the second year that Grand Haven and Spring Lake have combined for one hockey team. Last year’s team had its highs and lows, so Ferris hopes to take things one day at a time, and to

keep the Grand Haven tradition alive.

“I think one of our main goals this year is just to get better every time we’re on the ice, that’s kind of our motto ‘Just get better every day,” Ferris said. “We just need to make sure that we have a goal for every practice, every game, and to improve based on previous games or practices. That’s ultimately what we will strive to do. It is an exciting time to be a part of Grand Haven hockey. I look forward to growing with the group we have and getting better each and every day.”

“Just get better every day.

That’s ultimately what we will strive to do. It is an exciting time to be a part of Grand Haven hockey.”

-Keegan Ferris

EQUESTRIAN:

“The best moment was probably realizing we won,” junior Rya Greene said. “We were so close to Howell, it came down to the last few events.

FINAL STATS: The team took first place in the state championship.

SPORTS 29

WRESTLING

WITH TRADITION

Drew Hewitt THE BUCS’ BLADE WARMING UP: Varsity wrestling coach, Vincent Gervais, observes as wrestlers run drills during the first week of practice. Gervais was previously the assistant varsity coach for the Bucs but stepped into the role of head coach this season after former coach James Richardson announced his retirement.

Vincent Gervais steps into head coaching position, extensive history within program Luke Blauvelt / Senior Staff Writer

F

or the past 17 years, James Richardson has coached a successful wrestling program based upon tradition, the very tradition he once learned under his coach Jack Provencal. But after deciding to step down last season, the torch will be passed on to a familiar face, Vincent Gervais. But the same “Tradition of Excellence” will continue to be upheld.

“I couldn’t feel any better about anyone taking over our program; without coach Gervais, I would be still coaching,” Richardson said. “He’s I’d feel really comfortable about being able to step in and take over the program; he’s the perfect person to take over that job.”

After being influenced by his friends, Gervais stepped onto the wrestling mat for Grand Haven his freshman year. He was coached by both Provencal and Richardson.

It is the tradition that these two coaches instilled in the program that helped Gervais

BOYS WATER POLO:

30 SPORTS

at that same time so it was a perfect storm developed his coaching philosophy. of circumstances,” Gervais said. “I was trav“People describe success as winning eling 2 hours a day to go to work and I still championships, I don’t always define it that feel very fortunate to work in the community way,” Gervais said. “If you give your best in which I teach.” in whatever you’re doing, you’re going to be Gervais, who grew up in Grand Hasuccessful; that’s always been my philosoven, assistant coached phy.”

“Everyone has various alongside Richardson Gervais continued to levels of abilities, but effort for two years, and built wrestle at Grand Valley Covert’s program up, he State University where is something you always was the natural choice for he graduated from with a have 100% control over.”

Athletic Director Scott teaching degree. During -Vincent Gervais Robertson. the 2004-2005 wrestling “Find somebody season he spent a year that has something negative to say about an student teaching at Grand Haven while asinteraction they had with Coach Gervais,” sistant coaching the varsity squad. He then Robertson said. “I’ll be surprised because I coached at Covert High School for eight couldn’t find anybody. He understands that years. But when a teaching position opened there’s more to it than just winning wrestling up at Grand Haven, Gervais seized the opmatches.” portunity.

The transition of head coaches is made “My job in Covert was reduced and a teaching position opened up in Grand Haven much easier because of Gervais’ familiarity

“I am so proud of these boys,” head coach Bill Hamm said. “They have had a long season filled with ups and down, played as a team and ended on a wonderfully high note.

FINAL STATS: Overall: 20-15 O-K Red: 2-2

GIRLS GOLF:

“After a slow start to the season it kept improving,” coach Roger Glass said.

“We basically only lost one senior so we are looking forward to next year.

and experience in the program.

“I have gotten to know him over the past two years and I go to him whenever I need help with anything, wrestling and non-wrestling related,” senior wrestler Alec Benton said. “I am very excited and confident in him, I have no doubt that we will be right back on track with where we left off last year.”

Last year, the team qualified for team state, however, they also graduated a very strong class of wrestlers. Though, many people might think of the upcoming season as a building year, Gervais thinks otherwise.

“What I’m excited about is when you graduate that kind of a class of kids, it allows other people to step in and replace them,” Gervais said. “I think we’ve had people that were ready to be varsity but were just behind some pretty tough kids, I’m excited to see who steps up.”

Tradition has played a vital role in the success of the program. Although the Bucs have made a tradition of winning wrestling matches, Gervais is ultimately going to continue the traditional philosophy that he shares with Richardson and Provencal. Seeking success on and off the wrestling mat. His coaching philosophy is to improve not only wrestling skills, but also fundamental lessons that can be used outside of wrestling.

“Everyone has various levels of abilities, but effort is something you always have 100% control over,” Gervais said. “If I only teach kids how to do moves I feel like I’m doing them a disservice; my ultimate goal is to see kids set and reach their goals and do things that they never thought were possible.”

The Gervais Files FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Detroit Lions FAVORITE SPORTS MOVIE: “Miracle”- When the USA Olympic hockey team upsets the Soviet Union FAVORITE ATHLETE: Basketball player Michael Jordan and Olympic wrestler Jordan Burroughs FAVORITE QUOTE: “In all of life you are either working to better yourself or allowing yourself to get worse.”

Graphics by Brianna Moynihan

FINAL STATS: Overall: 9-6 OK-Red: finished 9th at regional. www.bucsblade.com, November 20

Bucs Boosters urge student involvement Brianna Moynihan / Sports Editor

Jonas Quirin THE BUCS’ BLADE SUITED UP: The volleyball team recently packed up their uniforms as the season came to a close. Volleyball is just one of the many sports the Bucs Boosters program supply concessions and funding to.

LIMITED LAWS, LIMITED BARRIERS

FEATURED TOPIC

The Michigan High School Athletic Association chooses minimalist approach to policies regarding transgender athletes Brianna Moynihan / Sports Editor The cold metallic clank of lockers closing, athletes of all shapes and sizes bustling about in various states of undress. For some, the locker rooms are an uncomfortable place.

Particularly for those who do not feel they are in the right locker room, such as transgender athletes.

“Participation in sports shouldn’t mean feeling uncomfortable,” Athletic Director Scott Robertson said. “I want to make that a reality for those who play sports.”

Many states have established lengthy policies regarding transgender athletes. The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) President, Jack Roberts, believes there is a balance when it comes to these policies.

“Other state high school associations across the countries have developed long and prescriptive policies,” Roberts said. “These almost preachy policies have had lots of controversy and we have had none.” www.bucsblade.com, November 20

The MHSAA developed a policy five years ago regarding participation of transgender athletes. It is very limited, only addressing when a born male student is transitioning to a female. It is only called upon in post-season tournament play. Roberts believes the minimalist approach to these issues has been beneficial.

“I think part of the wisdom of our policy is that it doesn’t put barriers in front of students to participate,” Roberts said. “Our brevity and silence on so many of the thorny local issues is actually more of a help than a hindrance.”

The policy requires that various documentation, such as the sports physical, be provided to the MHSAA office when a male transitioning to a female wishes to play on a girls athletic team. The officials will then make a decision regarding the student’s eligibility.

“We try to be very factual,” Roberts said.

A group of cheerleaders gathered excitedly around cardboard boxes, days before the football season opener. The boxes are opened to reveal pristine blue and gold skirts with matching tops. The new uniforms had finally arrived.

“It was like Christmas morning,” cheerleading coach Gabrielle Torrosian said. “We were so excited. We could not have gotten them without the boosters.”

The Buccaneer Sports Boosters Club was founded by former Athletic Director, Steve Sluka, in the late 1960’s. That small group of coaches and administration evolved into what it is today; a large non-profit organization that works to fund various aspects of Grand Haven athletics.

“We provide money to the sports programs that allow them to get things, like new uniforms, that the athletic budget doesn’t allow for,” club Vice-President, Jeff Burel said.

The club provides financial grants, awards college scholarships, recognizes scholar athletes and a number of other commodities to the sport teams. Last year the organization provided $28,000 to Grand Haven’s athletic programs.

“The club saves our behinds,” Athletic Director Scott Robertson said. “They generate a lot of funds that fill in the gaps where

our school budget doesn’t fill our needs.”

These funds are secured through a number of different fundraisers. But most are generated through the concession stands at home sporting events.

“Biggest thing is volunteering time to help in concessions,” Burel said. “Without volunteers we don’t have enough people to run everything.”

The Boosters support students in many aspects. To maintain the program, they need students help.

“Everything the boosters do is for the students,” Torrosian said. “Whether they are in a sport a not, what the club does for us affects everyone, that’s why students should get involved.”

Presently, the club is comprised of parents, administration and coaches. But the program would like to see more students get involved.

“Students can become members of the club,” Robertson said. “I think it would be awesome to see some kids at the meetings.”

Learn more about the organization at ghbucsboosters.com. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month. Students are encouraged to attend.

“We want the students to understand who we are and what we do,” Burel said.

“We look at what the actual documents say about the student. If they all line up male or female our decision is very simple.

The MHSAA will also look into other factors such as if the student has commenced testosterone suppressant therapy or undergone gender reassignment. Other policies and procedures that arise in these situations are strictly determined at the local level by the administration.

“We let schools determine locally how to manage the very tough issues,” Roberts said. “The toughest issues of all isn’t eligibility, it is locker rooms and supervision and those sorts of things. They are very difficult and schools need to answer those based on the kind of resources they have.”

The MHSAA has only had three cases where they have had to make a decision, but they have had countless discussions with schools and athletic directors on the matter.

“We help them prepare for the conversation locally by first sharing with them our policy and how limited it is and secondly reminding them what other issues might come up,” Roberts said.

Grand Haven currently does not have any policies in place regarding transgender athletes. But Robertson believes there must be a discussion before any rules are made.

“The topic itself is difficult to talk about,”

Robertson said. “People want to be sensitive, because it is such unfamiliar territory. All of us have a certain level of ignorance and I would include myself because I have not walked that walked with anyone. If we avoid talking about it we aren’t going to make anything better, we won’t be able to find any common ground.”

Robertson believes that the born with biology of a student cannot create an inherent athletic advantage.

“Obviously it is a bit subjective,” Robertson said.

“But I think common sense has to prevail at some point.

If a person has a certain physical stature that would inherently lead itself to a competitive advantage over females then that person should probably be competing with males. If the transformation was complete then we are obligated to let that person to compete with the gender that they are fully transitioned to.”

Sports serves to instill a sense of belonging in many students lives and it is the belief of the MHSAA and the athletic department that every student be given equal opportunity to compete in athletics.

“We would like to be able to facilitate as much participation as possible,” Roberts said. “We would like the schools to be the one to locally determine how to make that happen for their students.”

“If we avoid talking about it we won’t be able to find any common ground.”

-Scott Robertson

SPORTS 31

Ink’d Up

Students show off their tattoos and express the meanings behind them Jonas Quirin / Photographer

ON THE SIDE: Junior Brooke Schaut displays the tattoo of her grandpas hand writing which was from a love letter to her grandma. “He was my biggest role model growing up and meant the world to me.” Schaut said. “I guess I didn’t know how much he meant to me until I gave a speech about him my freshmen year and started crying in front of the class.”

Alexis VanSingel / Reporter Walking through the hallways, you might happen to spot a boy with bleached hair, earbuds in, and gold chains around his neck surrounded by his friends. If you look closer as he skips through songs on his playlist, you may notice the tattoos on each of Sophomore Tommy Kowalski’s wrists.

He is one of the students that has gotten a tattoo during his high school career. The trend of inking your skin may go mostly unnoticed, but a hand full of kids at school have tattoos.

Kowalski had long been interested in tattoos before finally deciding to get one.

“I’ve always wanted a tattoo,” Kowalski said. “The fact that it will be with you forever intrigues me. Whenever I would see them on other people I was fascinated because there is usually reasoning behind it.

The decision was made to get his first ink during his freshman year. He got a cross tattooed on the underside of his left wrist as a starter.

“Honestly, I’m not super religious,” Kowalski said. “I just thought it would look pretty cool and it’s easy to add on to.”

This isn’t his only tattoo. Kowalski also had his other wrist done shortly after his grandmother passed away in remembrance of her.

“My grandma was a second mom to me and we were really close,” Kowalski said. “We had lots of happy memories.

I had her birthday, January 1, 1941, tattooed on my wrist because she will always live on in my heart and every time I look at it, I know she is with me.”

Although Kowalski strongly desired tattoos, he first had to convince his parents. His mother, Leanne Kowalski, didn’t put much thought into his request until she realized her son was very serious about it.

“When Tommy first asked us about getting a tattoo we didn’t really take it into much consideration,” Kowalski said.

“Him being 15 years old at the time, we told him he had to prove to us that he was mature enough to make the decision.

The next few months he managed to show us he was mature enough. After finally agreeing on one, he walked out of the tattoo parlor with the biggest smile on his face. He was truly happy with the decision and that’s what really mattered to us.”

Kowalski is still satisfied with his decision and believes tattoos are a significant way for people to express themselves.

32 LIFE

FAMILY FEET: Senior Jaida Goetz and the rest of her family each have an Ohana tattoo on their foot. They got the tattoo after vacationing in Hawaii. “It was the best family vacation that we went on.” Explained Goetz. “Ohana means family in Hawaiian, and family is a really important part of my life.”

TWO TATS: Sophomore Tommy Kowalski reveals his two wrist tattoos. The tattoo on his left wrist is of a cross, something simple that he hopes to add on to later in life. The second tattoo is the birthdate of his grandmother, who was like a second mom to him.

“Everyone has there own way of perceiving what is meaningful to them and tattoos let you put that meaning into permanent art on your body,” Kowalski said.

THE TREE: Senior Brandon Brown’s leg tattoo is of the Tree of Knowledge from the book of Genesis in the Bible. “It is a symbol of the good and bad choices in life, and it serves as a reminder to help me guide me to make the right choices.” Said Brown. Brown received his tattoo at Screaming Needle in Allendale late October.

www.bucsblade.com, November 20