The Bucs' Blade Nov. 16, 2012

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Abby Cole, senior standout see page 29

Alternative holiday tunes see page 22

Election wrap-up see page 5

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NOVEMBER, 16, 2012 VOLUME 68 ISSUE 3

49 percent of juniors and seniors surveyed say they participate in a different type of physical relationships — a trend that’s been dubbed...

HOOKING UP see pages 15-18

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

2 INSIDE

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

On the cover...

In depth coverage of the dangerous trend students call ‘hooking up” Illustration by Sam Katt

In this paper... news 4 Teacher teacher evaluation system

7news

The state laws require teachers to be evalutated growth with data to show growth

Blood drive hits target and collects 53 units of blood this year with 77 students participating

Entertainment

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Hello Dolly

Didn’t see the musical?

Check out photos of the production

sports 26-27 Concussions, alarming trend New law brings new requirements for safety of high shcool althletes

Hall of Fame 30 13 new members Grand Haven Hall of Fame adds inductees

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This year’s blood drive success

Katie Harding THE BUCS’ BLADE Brooke VanOordt THE BUCS’ BLADE

14 Feature

From office to surf board Assistant Principal Mike Roberson surfs, runs triathalons, more than a principal

24 Back Outdoor Ed. day to remember Photos showing events of the day eacher Derek Warner describes as the “BEST day of Outdoor Ed.”

We’re on the web

www.bucsblade.com

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Bailey Coval THE BUCS’ BLADE

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Kaia Hayes THE BUCS’ BLADE

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, November 16, 2012

Sex Ed shouldn’t be forgotten District should consider alternative forms of sex education for students

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n today’s world, students are overwhelmed with the idea of sex on a regular basis. Whether it be lyrics to a song or scenes in a movie, it’s everywhere. That’s why we have sex education, right? To teach students.

That would seem logical, but the problem is GHAPS doesn’t offer a sex education course to their students anymore.

In the 2011-2012 school year, sex education was eliminated from the curriculum for 8th grade students. What was once a full semester class is now gone. And what has replaced it? Students in grades five, seven and ten are given instruction on HIV and AIDS, which science teachers are responsible for.

When the budget crisis occurred in 2011, the state of percent in the past few years, students Michigan adopted the Michigan Merit are having sex less discriminately.

Curriculum, which doesn’t include sex If student sexuality is rising, why is education. As soon as it was no longer sexual education decreasing? Is one mandated by the state, the district day of instruction on HIV and AIDS made a decision to cut sex every couple years enough? education in favor of other Sex education should be reclasses that served students, instated for 8th graders. Stulike band or foreign languages. dents deserve knowledge on Although those programs have sex. They need to be informed proved to help further the enough to make their own deeducation of students in many cisions. It would be impossible STAFF ways, isn’t the sexual health of for one curriculum to comEDITORIAL students just as important? pletely prevent STD’s and teen A Bucs’ Blade survey found pregnancies among students, that of 365 juniors and seniors surbut there should at least be something. veyed, 48 percent of them had been What about a sex education month involved in a casual sexual encounter with assemblies and special classes? known as 0a “hook up,” or they had Or certain days of the month that are been in a “friends-with-benefits” rededicated to sex education. Elective lationship. And statistically, although classes have merit, but sex education is the amount of students having interjust as important. The consequences of course hasn’t changed more than four a lack of sexual knowledge could be far

EDITORIAL 3

THE BUCS’ BLADE PUBLICATION POLICY The Bucs’ Blade is a newspaper that publishes information relevant to the times as well as material that is essential to the overall well being of its readers. It is The Bucs’ Blade’s responsibility to cover school, city, state, national and international events and issues that affect the concerns of its readers. During the school day, the Blade staff may be reached at 616.850.6263 from noon until 1:20 p.m.

The Bucs’ Blade strives for the highest standards of accuracy, completeness and careful research in its presentation of material. If an error merits correction, as determined by the Editorial Board or the Adviser, it will be promptly published in the news brief column or on the editorial page. Correction notification forms are available in the main office or in Room 0205 and should be returned directly to Room 0205 upon completion. All correction requests are subject to review.

LETTERS AND SUBMISSIONS The paper will operate on the basis of an open or public forum. Essays and other nonfiction literary works are welcomed. All letters to the editor must include the writer’s name, signature, and class or position, and must be free of obscene and potentially libelous material. Typed, double-spaced letters are preferred, but legible, handwritten letters are acceptable.

Names of individuals will not be edited, except in rare cases to prevent legal liability, to edit material that is in poor taste or to fit space requirements. Letters previously published, addressed to third parties or photocopied will not be published. The Bucs’ Blade can only print as many letters to the editor as space will allow. Letters should be addressed to the editor, and emailed to bucsblade@gmail.com THE BUCS’ BLADE GHHS ROOM 0205 17001 Ferris Grand Haven, MI 49417

Sam Katt THE BUCS’ BLADE

greater than the consequences of not taking a music or gym class. Cutting sex education may be better for the district’s curriculum requirements, but it’s not better for students.

If schools don’t have the funds or time to educate students, students should educate themselves. They should make sure they understand the potential consequences of their actions and know how to protect themselves.

Knowledge is power. If schools don’t empower students, students need to do it for themselves.

STAFF VOTE

Unanimous approval

The staff vote is a vote of the editorial board, consisting of 11 editors

Copies of The Bucs’ Blade are offered on the news stands located in the main office, Room 0205, the media center, the Loutit Library and The Bookman.

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief

Emma Baty

Samantha VanHoef Web Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor

Bailey Coval

News Editor

Katie Wampler

Feature Editor

Olivia Seaver

Feature Editor

McKenna Brinks

In-Depth Editor

Lauren Kruggel Kaia Hayes

Entertainment Editor

Ken Kaufman

Sports Editor

John Strainer

Sports Editor

Haley Bethune

Business Manager

Alexis Carter, Betsey Cook, Casey Davis, Katelyn Hansen, Katie Harding, Amber Keefe, Christie Kline, Jimmy Kloote, Drew LaVercombe, Mike Michalski, Brittney Olds, Austin Schouman, Alexa Shampine, Jake Steggles, Schaefer Thelen, Elizabeth Tibbe, Katriona Vandoorne, Brooke Vanoordt, Madison Wilder, Anna Wilson C.E. Sikkenga/Adviser

4 NEWS

The data dilemma New evaluation system creates problems for school districts KATIE WAMPLER News Editor Science teacher Mike Reed shocked his honors chemistry students by giving them a test, on the second day of school. The students didn’t get many questions right. They weren’t supposed to, it was a pretest. Many teachers like Reed are giving pretests this year in order to prove their students are learning, to satisfy a new Michigan law.

The Michigan government passed a law which requires that all teachers be evaluated yearly using data to show student growth. The law went into effect Sept. 1, 2011.

However, the methods for evaluations and the type of data required are still under debate.

“The thing about student

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schools in Michigan are currently pilot-

ing 4 different “tools” or rubrics for evaluating teachers.

By June the state will decide how many of those tools are acceptable for schools to use for evaluations.

In 2000, GHHS started using one of the tools being piloted,

Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching

Samantha VanHoef THE BUCS’ BLADE

GO OBSERVE: Assistant principal Pamela VanderKamp evaluates a teacher using an iPad app. The principal and two assistant principals have to evaluate each teacher yearly.

growth is a point of great discussion, because there’s no way for anybody to say that student growth, or lack of student growth is due 100 percent to the teacher,” Reed said. “There are teachers who can help students grow, and there are teacher that won’t help students grow.”

Next year, 25 percent of all evaluations are based on student

growth data. Currently it’s up to the individual teachers as to what data they want to use.

“Our teachers are doing a phenomenal job tracking what they're doing in their classes,” principal Tracy Wilson said. “I commend them for going above and beyond when they really don’t even know the target is they’re supposed to be hitting.”

“I like it for the fact that administrators can see what I’m doing and can see how I interact with the students and I think that’s important.”

-- social studies teacher Erik Bye

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

The state is piloting data and four teacher evaluation tools.

After the pilots the state will tell schools exactly what information they want gathered in evaluations. The data they’re looking at using includes the NWEA test (done at the elementary level), the EXPLORE test (7th and 8th grade level), the PLAN test (9th and 10th grade level) and the ACT test (11th and 12th grade level).

“Being a good teacher is a lot more than getting performances on a test,” math teacher Joe Nelson said.

Teachers collect evidence of student growth during the year to show for the end of the year evaluation. In addition, Wilson and the two assistant principals make visits to the classrooms to collect additional evidence based on what they observe.

“One of the effects is [the new law] requires me to do more work to collect data, it’s just another thing on my list of things I have to do,” Reed said.

Reed gave his students a pretest covering all the concepts for both trimesters of the class. He is giving the same test again at the end of the first and second trimesters. He hopes that his students

will be able to score better.

“The big question mark is how do you attach a student to a teacher and how is the teacher held accountable for the student’s score, because the student I have today could have taken the ACT test last year and I have had no impact on that score but I am their senior teacher,” Wilson said.

In past years teachers were either rated satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Under the new law there are four ratings, highly effective, effective, minimally effective, or ineffective. To ease the transition to the new system, the school chose to only use effective or minimally effective last year.

All of the teachers at GHHS were given an “effective” rating last year.

“In a lot of the models the highest rating says basically that the students are doing all the work,” Reed said. “Which is highly unrealistic, even in the best classrooms.”

There are still many kinks in the teacher evaluation process but one thing is clear.

“At the end of the day all [the state] wants to know is, what is the rating you gave your teachers,” Wilson said.

“Growth in the skill level and creativity of the student is much harder to document. It’s hard to show that sequential growth in a more creative atmosphere, so that part I think is more of a struggle.”

-- art teacher Sheri Greene

“I understand the new system is state mandated, but the way it was I felt like I was treated more like a professional. I don’t mind accountability, but it seems like we’re going through a lot of hoops.”

-- math teacher Joe Nelson

“If all we use is a scale, some measuring tool to say if a teacher is effective or not you may have some people who pass the test as far as the scale, but nobody gets along with them and the kids hate the person. Even though they get results.”

-- science teacher Mike Reed

NEWS 5

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, November 16, 2012

The next four years Obama’s victory in the 2012 election will affect students in more ways than one MIKE MICHALSKI Reporter The confetti dropped, the constant commercials are done and Barack Obama has the privilege to live in the White House for another four years. Whether students realized it or not, the decisions made in these next four years could affect their plans for after high school. “[Obama] has more plans to help with financial aid for college,” said junior Braeton Ardell. “He is pretty set on changing, for the better, the education system. In the past he’s talked about how we need to focus on education because the kids of this country are the future.”

Obama made many promises on the campaign trail when it came to education.

One of his main goals is to have more kids thinking about college.

“It is my hope that we not only maintain the current level of Pell Grants available for kids but expand the number of Pell Grants available,” said economics teacher

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Top three political issues to watch

1. Congressional Team Work On election night the republicans kept their majority in the House of Representatives; the democrats also kept their slim majority in the senate. With the balance of power in congress staying the same, it will be important to keep an eye on how much they are willing to compromise and get the job done.

“The republicans wanted to make sure that the President did not get anything done in his first term. If he appears to be ineffective enough we’ll blame him for everything and he won’t get a second term. That didn’t work, so maybe now they will start to compromise more.”

-- economics teacher Ed Thomas

Ed Thomas. “He talked about expanding access to Pell Grants. Where Mitt Romney talked about effectively reducing access to Pell Grants.”

A Pell Grant is a grant from the federal government to students who need help paying for college. It is limited to low income students and they do not need to be paid back. Not only has Obama promised to increase grants, but he also made it easier for college students to get access to health care.

“You guys can stay on your mom and dad’s health care plan throughout your college years,” said government teacher Brian Williams. “Obamacare allows you to do that through the age of 26.”

Even with all of these policies trying to improve students’ chances of getting an education after high school, it is still up to students to recognize them.

“It’s hoped, by I think, every staff member, that students understand the impact of what’s happening at the national level,” Thomas said. “It does impact them.”

2. Foreign Policy Our world is becoming ever more connected and politicians have to work with each other and will have to come together with other nations. The problems that affect Spain, Afghanistan or Greece could have an even larger impact here in Grand Haven.

“Well the last debate was all on foreign policy and I think he takes a very different approach to foreign policy. He’s got pretty much everything on the table, especially, thankfully, more dialogue, more discussion, more diplomacy. As opposed to the last republican president.”

-- economics teacher Ed Thomas

3. Fiscal Cliff At the end of 2012 the Bush Era tax cuts will expire, and the debt limit will need to be raised again. What happens in congress from now until Dec. 31 could affect every person in America. If congress fails to act, the economy may fall back into a recession.

“Congress has to act to stop those tax cuts from expiring.”

-- economics teacher Ed Thomas

Path to the White House Aug. 30 Mitt Romney becomes the Republican nominee.

Sep. 6 Barack Obama becomes the Democratic nominee.

Oct. 3 First presidential debate.

Mitt Romney is seen as the clear winner.

Oct. 16 Second presidential debate. Barack Obama is said to have a slight edge over Romney.

Oct. 29 Hurricane Sandy causes both campaigns to cancel events along the east coast.

Oct. 11 Vice presidential debate.

Seen as a virtual tie.

Oct. 22 Third and Final presidential debate. Barack Obama is seen as the winner.

Nov. 6 Election Day reporting by Mike Michalski

6 NEWS

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

Cans for caring

A sense of community GHHS can drive a success, rasing record number of food ELIZABETH TIBBE Reporter This year the 2nd annual Thanksgiving food drive exceeded last year's results with 1,052 items of non-perishable foods compared to the previous thousand. The food drive ran from Nov. 1 to Nov. 9 to collect food to provide aid for Thanksgiving dinners in families around the community.

English teacher Nate Allen tops the charts with 367 items turned in, towering over all other classes.

“Some students seem to jump on the bandwagon that [the food drive is] dumb but somebody sitting next to you might be getting their dinner from this” english teacher Brett Hershey said.

Last year was the first year of the food drive and all the food was donated to the people’s center. This year, the Salvation Army received some significant cuts and to help

supplement the charity, all of the food collected this year will be donated to them.

The individual winner, freshman Courtney Hylock, won a 25 dollar gift card to Meijer for bringing in 208 items of food. She brought in about 27 items a day and donated 75 on the last day.

“It is a good cause and with the way I grew up, you just automatically do this kind of stuff,” Hylock said.

The day before the food drive ended the total was around 500, halfway to last year's record, but Sara Wiles, the school psychologist who assisted the drive, believed that classes were secretly stockpiling, waiting to turn them all in and shoot up on the charts, hoping to win and score the prize, a pizza party from Mancinos. Wiles’ prediction proved correct, the day of the drive ended with a surge of foods brought in by students. After the drive ended The food was loaded up case by case and brought to the Salvation Army.

Student senate’s “Team GH” aims to bring town together MADISON WILDER Reporter

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ne school, one family, one Grand Haven. What does it mean?

These thoughts may have occurred to students at the start of this school year as they read the sign posted in their classrooms this fall. This ‘Team Grand Haven’ or ‘Team GH’ is now used as the student senate’s new catch phrase.

At the start of this school year Student Senate kicked off their new Team Grand Haven program. The project has an ongoing strategy designed to bring all schools in the district as well as small businesses in the community together.

The first installment in the plan was the incorporation of the community in our homecoming festivities.

Senate adviser Mr. Williams said that this is not an extension of the Bucs Above Bullying campaign that went on last year, but more of an improvement.

All other schools in the district, including all elementary, intermediate, middle school and even Central High School participated in the homecoming tradition of class banners. Also during the week, Student Senate traveled around to many small businesses around Grand Haven and asked them to participate in supporting our schools by posting a Team GH banner in their store windows. The community response was positive.

“I think it’s a great idea for [the businesses] to support the schools,” Office Manager at Farm Bureau Insurance agency Terri Kooienga said. “Walking up and down [Washington Street] I can see quite a few of them now. I am all for it.”

Williams hopes to bring the community together and create a stronger sense of a small-town atmosphere.

“We have never really made an effort to have a community wide support system before,” Williams said. “So this was the first attempt to try and engage them in that process.”

Williams believes this is a great opportunity for the schools to create a real bond with the Grand Haven community.

“We aren’t trying to sell anything,” Williams said. “We are just trying to establish a stronger sense of community in Grand Haven and pride in what things we do.”

NEWS 7

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, November 16, 2012

Blood drive saves lives AUSTIN SCHOUMAN Reporter After about 10 minutes, the needle is finally taken out of the white faced zombie’s arm. You’d think he’s dead (well, all the way dead), if not for the occasional forced chuckles at the nurse’s underhanded jokes.

Our resident undead is then fed pizza and chocolate wafers so that he looks normal enough to return to class. Only then is he allowed to leave. No, you’re not in the scene of a bad movie and no, those are not real zombies, but students at the Grand Haven High School blood drive.

The Michigan Blood hosted blood drive was held on Nov. 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the auxiliary gym. 77 students attended, donating 53 units of blood in total.

“More kids do it now, especially since we’ve gone up to two drives a year,” Anatomy teacher and blood drive organizer John Diederichsen said. “I’m always pleased with the turnout here at GHHS. We have a lot of students who feel that they want to

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One pint of blood and several small test tubes are donated by each donor.

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At a testing laboratory 13 tests are done on the test tubes. Scientists test for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and Parvo.

Test results are sent electronically to the processing center. If the test results are positive (bad), then the donor is notified.

(left) A POWERFUL PINT: A freshly filled blood bag waits for collection by a nurse. The bag was one of the 53 units donated by students at the GHHS blood drive.

help people and this is a great way to do it.”

Diederichsen, who has donated seven gallons himself over the years, says that a single donation can save up to three lives.

“I think kids have seen more of a need for donations,” Diederichsen said. “With the news of 9/11 and the hurricanes, even this past storm, there’s a need for blood around the country. The fact is, 80 percent of United States citizens are eligible to donate, and only 5 percent do.”

One student who felt the need to donate was senior Mallory Vandervelde.

“I think it makes a difference,” Vandervelde said. “One time they sent me a letter that said who I helped. It ended up being some random person, but that’s why I do it.”

Overall, Diederichsen is satisfied with this year’s drive.

“This year’s drive was much smoother,” Diederichsen said. “Last year we had kids standing in line for hours. 53 units were donated. Our goal was 55, so we hit our target.”

(below) CONTROLLED CHAOS: Students fill the auxiliary gym going through the many steps of donating blood. Up to three lives can be saved for every student who donated blood.

Kaia Hayes THE BUCS’ BLADE

Katie Wampler THE BUCS’ BLADE

From your arm to theirs Where does blood go after it is donated?

The blood bag and test tubes are labeled, and marked with identical bar codes for tracking. Until shipment to a blood processing center, the blood is kept in coolers.

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3 Units that pass testing are stored in a refrigerator for up to 42 days, until they are needed for transfusion.

Once at a processing location, the donated blood is scanned into a computer database. The helpful bits: the red cells, platelets, and plasma, are separated by being spun at about 3000 rpm in a centrifuge. The test tubes are sent to a testing laboratory.

reporting by Austin Schouman information from redcrossblood.org

8 NEWS

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

BUC

“Homework Tonight: Read” Samantha Vanhoef

BRIEFS

Orchestra CD Lexi Carter

Both the Symphony and Concert orchestra have recorded a CD called “A Blue and Gold Christmas.” The CDs are being sold for $12 and due to come out Dec. 1, just in time for Christmas.

“We recorded the CD to make money and get a CD out to people who enjoy our sound,” junior Molly McGinnis said.

The orchestra is selling the CDs in order to get new instruments and supplies for their program.

Chamber choir also worked with the orchestras on the CD and will be featured in two songs.

“We’re excited to see all of our hard work pay off,” McGinnis said.

Whatcha Wondering...

Why did all the trees get cut down?

SAMANTHA VANHOEF Web Editor-in-Chief Have a question you want answered?

Email us at bucsblade@gmail.com or stop by our room at 0205.

Bucs’ Cafe coffee

Katie Wampler THE BUCS’ BLADE

Austin Schouman

The Bucs’ Stop will now be offering coffee, hot chocolate, and other coffee house beverages from 7:20 a.m. to 3 p.m. everyday.

Prices range from $1 for a shot of espresso to $2.25 for a vanilla latte. A full menu can be found in the store.

“It’s a great idea,” freshman David Krapohl said. “The french vanilla is killa.”

Upcoming events

According to a press release, Grand Haven Area Public Schools is launching a campaign to increase parent engagement with their children. The campaign titled, "Homework Tonight: Read" focuses on addressing the need for students to read more informational text in order to prepare for a life outside of school.

"The intention is to let parents know that schools in Michigan are expected to raise the bar to teach more rigorous standards," Curriculum Specialist Mary Jane Evink says.

"Specifically, students should spend more time reading. The math homework may have been completed in class, but students need to read every day."

Area businesses are being asked to join the school district in this campaign through letters inviting local businesses to post the message on their marquis or using the yard signs.

Nov. 19: full day 1st Hour Exam 7:45 - 9:10 2nd Hour Exam 9:20 - 10:45 4th Hour 11:26 - 1:03 3rd Hour Exam 1:09 - 2:36 A Lunch 10:51 - 11:26 B Lunch 11:37 - 12:12 C Lunch 12:34 1:09

Nov. 20: half day 4th Hour Exam: 7:50 - 9:15 5th Hour Exam: 9:25 - 10:50

DECEMBER

20: Science Olympiad applications due 21-23: Thanksgiving Break (no school) 26: Second Trimester begins 29: Teen movie night at Louit Library 30: Senior pictures due to yearbook

1: Jingle bell parade downtown 5: Two hour delay 8: Holiday dance at GHHS 8: Teen hobit party at louit library 13: GHHS bands holiday concert 16: The many moods of Christmas in PAC 24- Jan. 6: Holiday Break (no school)

Students and staff may have noticed something different with the parking lot landscaping and sides of the building after midterm conferences on Oct. 25 and 26.

Ditches were filled-in with gravel, trees were removed from along the building and the remnants of dirt idled on the sidewalk for the return of students. Behind these two changes were principal Tracy Wilson and Operations Department facilities manager Jeff Benson, who both had concerns for the students and outdoor school environment.

“The issue was the ditches on the north end of the lot separating student and staff parking lot had become overgrown with bushes and weeds,” Wilson said. “When trying to drive around them there were several concerns that you can’t see around it because of the growth. It’s really been a problem in the parking lot for a couple of

years now.”

Without enough staff to keep the ditches maintained, it didn’t matter to Wilson how this problem was solved as long as the ditches were no longer a hazard.

“I didn’t care what happened other than it needed to be a safe environment,” Wilson said “I just wanted it to be maintenance free and a safe environment.”

Another issue for the building was rooted in the trees surrounding the building.

“The white pines outside of the Aux should have never been planted there,” Benson said. “They were outgrowing the building and the branches were just laying on the brick so all of the pine needles fell onto the roof. Then it plugged up the roof drains when it rained. We had new stuff planted to slowly grow only to 12 feet tall instead of 40 feet.”

NOVEMBER

First tri exam schedule

These trees were then cut down and made into bark and spread as mulch, as a way to reuse the trees.

As for those located at the front of the building, it was an insect that had killed the Fir tree near the flagpole. Called a Balsam Woolly Adeljid, other trees nearby also show signs of this bug and the damage it does. In the spring, the trees will need to be sprayed to keep them from getting worse.

Through funds of the districts grounds operations budget, the project is almost complete.

“Whatever happened needed to take place when students were off from school,” Wilson said. “The big process of ditches being cleared and trees being taken down wasn’t possible with 800 cars around here.

It needed to happen before the snow fell or before a big accident.”

9 FEATURE

Mike Michalski

Life in the left lane: Nerds Nerds don’t get respect. I take that back, they don’t get respect until they are forty and they have started a multibillion dollar company. Only then will nerds get respect. I mean, we are pretty cool people! We know most of the periodic table by heart; some of us can even recite it in a song.

Nerds are those cool cats with the fancy calculators.

Nerds are the kids who can recite every line from Star Wars.We strive for success, yet we rarely get recognition for our work until much later in life.

Some choose to create computers in their basement.

Others can create a sweet customized background for their Twitter account. Yet, where is the recognition? Not found at GHHS that’s for sure. But just to make things fair, I have looked at this story from both sides.

Could nerds just be very humble? Maybe nerds are content with the appreciation they will get in the long run.

Let’s be real, most athletes can play their sport for a limited amount of time. While nerds may stand back now and let other people shine in the spotlight, they are waiting until later to get their share of fame and fortune.

That begs the question, what life is really all about?

Getting recognition for something is not the reason people do what they do every day. I think people do things just because they are passionate about it. Take doctors for example. They put in years of work to get that little “Dr” in front of their last name. The rest were passionate about what they were doing. Nerds are who they are because they are passionate about their studies. The same idea goes for everyone else. I’m a nerd because I really like politics. I don’t care what anyone else says to me, I know who I am.

In a perfect world everyone would strive for success. The sad thing is our economy was not set up for everyone to be doctors and lawyers. That doesn’t mean that people are not passionate about what they do. Teachers work hard because of us. Teachers do what they love.

School might not be the most important thing in your life, but it can lead you to so many open doors.Even though nerds probably won’t get a whole lot of recognition or respect from their peers they still will make a difference in the long run. Personally I feel that if everyone focused on what they loved to do, the world would be a little more productive. Thus I ask the nerds to keep on leading by example, keep being humble, and to keep being passionate.

Keep on inspiring Grand Haven to do what it loves.

Friday,November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

10 FEATURE

I n Fo c u s Senior Morgan Young has achieved a success that some adults could only dream of. After writing for five years, Young has written and published her own novel, Gravedigger, that is now available to the general public. Young sat down with Editor Samantha VanHoef to talk about about her recent achievement and what it’s like to be a published author at just 17.

BUCS’ BLADE: After five years, why do you still enjoy writing?

MORGAN YOUNG: Writing is an outlet. It makes things easier, like the things you’re stressed out about. If you start writing about something else, you’re in that world and forget about whatever your problem was. You are creating a whole new universe.

BB: Where do you get ideas for your books?

MY: I get ideas from anything I see or hear…like a song or a phrase just makes me think of something else and I get my train of thought. My friends, relationships, even with chatter in the hallway or at a restaurant, my mind automatically starts spinning.

BB: What was the process of getting published like?

MY: I looked for a publisher for almost a year. I finally got a contract with an agent, but no publishing companies picked [the book] up. The contract ended while I wrote Grave Digger, but because the first one wasn’t successful, my agent wouldn’t even read it.

That was hard because I knew this one was so much better and no one would give it a chance.

BB: So then how did you get Gravedigger where it is today?

MY: Well, self publishing was a fall back. I used to think it was only if you weren’t good enough, you could pay for it yourself. I had worked on it all summer and after they wouldn’t read it, I thought I’ll just do it myself. I realized you don’t need certain people to like your work as long as the consumers do.

BB: What was it like holding the first copy in your hands?

MY: I just thought, ‘Seriously, that’s so awesome.’ I’m still in shock of how interested people are. I didn’t think anyone would care that much, but people come up to me all the time still congratulating me.

BB: You’ve published a novel but don’t want to be an author?

Can you explain that?

MY: I see it as more as more of a hobby that a job. I want to do it when I want to. If you’re an author I just don’t think it would be fun anymore, with being on a deadline and everything. Sometimes you just can’t write even when you have to. I want to write when I am inspired.

BB: Who is your target audience?

MY: It’s a young adult book.

It’s kind of a romance, thriller, suspense. Its actually a little dark, but people will be surprised by the ending.

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

12 FEATURE

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

Kaia Hayes THE BUCS’ BLADE

the A great leap of faith By numbers...

THESE HOLLOWED HALLS: Lakeshore Baptist Church and Academy is located on Lakeshore Dr. off of Church Hill Dr. The academy closed this past summer.

Students from Lakeshore Baptist Academy adjust to public school OLIVIA SEAVER Feature Editor

On the first day of school, the amount

of students that crowded the building overwhelmed junior Breanna Wallace.

She hurried to her first hour, worried that she might get lost amidst the cliques, a characteristic that practically defines public school.

“It scared me,” Wallace said. “I’ve been apart of small groups my entire life, so almost 2,000 students in one building was so stressful.”

Wallace went to Lakeshore Baptist Academy since preschool where there were only eight students in her grade and about 30 in the entire high school. However, on a Sunday in early July, her pastor informed the members of Lakeshore Baptist Church that he was uncertain of the future of the

school. After an emergency meeting, the members received an e-mail the following Tuesday morning that confirmed the news.

The school was closing.

“I did not see it coming,” junior Michael Woodby, who also previously attended the school, said. “I don’t think any of the kids did. I just thought, ‘I’m gonna sit back and not do anything until I know all the details.’”

And the details came later. The school was originally designed for the children of the congregation, but not enough people were sending their kids. They lost money and support.

“There was a lot of confusion about why it was closing,” Wallace said. “We had always done fine without enough support.”

There wasn’t time for unanswered questions, the new school year was just a little over a month away and everyone needed somewhere to go. The idea of public school

was intimidating for most because it was so different from what they were used to.

“We were told it was going to be so bad,” Wallace said. “I thought everyone would be swearing, the girls would all dress provocatively and the teachers would be super impersonal, but I was being prejudice just because I had never gone to a big school.”

Wallace was surprised but thankful when the high school didn’t match her low expectations.

“The students were actually so nice,” Wallace said. “But the staff is my favorite part. I really underestimated everyone here.”

Besides the size, there are other things that separate Lakeshore Baptist Academy and Grand Haven High School. Because it was a private Christian school, they had chapel, Bible study and even prayed before taking a test. The overall atmosphere of the school helped the students grow together as a family.

“I really miss it,” Wallace said. “We all knew each other, we were all really good friends, and we helped each other through really hard times. I never wanted to leave.”

Grand Haven High School vs. Lakeshore Baptist Academy (9-12)

STUDENTS

57:1

TEACHERS

15:1

CLASSES

FEATURE 11

Friday,November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

New hunting law What does the new law do?

The law allows youths under the age of 10 to hunt with a mentor. Previously the law required youth to be at least 12 to hunt with a bow and 14 to use a rifle.

When does the program begin?

The objective is to have this program up and running for the 2012 license year.

How much will a mentored youth hunting license cost?

The cost for a mentored youth license is $7.50.

(Information recieved from www.michigan.gov/dnr) Photo courtesy of Lexie Teunis

The girl with a gun DUCKS IN A ROW: Junior Lexie Teunis poses by her catch of the day. She shot four geese on a hunt this summer.

Hunting seasons

Junior Lexie Teunis dicusses her passion and talent for a typically male dominated sport

The frosted ground bringing a crunch with each step and the pitch black scenery didn’t change junior Lexie Teunis’ optimistic attitude about the days events. With hand warmers in her gloves and boots, she carried hot chocolate in her hand and followed her dad, John Teunis. She couldn’t wait for the fun to begin as she lugged her school books and a chair over to their spot to begin her first hunting experience.

Lexie was 8-years-old when her dad asked her to accompany him on a hunting trip. It was around 9 a.m. when they spotted their first deer. She stood up and her dad took a shot and the spike, a young male deer without fully grown antlers, collapsed. Now, it was time to gut it. While her dad gutted the deer she asked questions about what each piece was.

“I remember being excited

while my dad was gutting the deer,” she said. “I wanted to poke the guts.”

Lexie and her father enjoy the quality time they get to spend while camped out in the woods.

“She is a fun person to be with and she takes it well when I pick on her,” John said.

The first time they went duck together, John pointed out a duck to Lexie’s right. She shot it, realizing too late that it was a dummy.

“I laughed so hard,” John said.

“I said no not that one the other one, the one that is swimming.”

Lexie also enjoys the fresh air that the environment has to offer.

John says she would be perfectly happy going to sleep in a tent outside every night.

“Being outdoors is something big for me,” she said. “I love it.”

Even though hunting is a male dominated sport doesn’t change

her love for it, she continues to hunt not caring what anyone else thinks.

“It gives me a little run for my money,” she said. “Sometimes its just different because I do get strange looks and I get looked down upon but I ignore them.”

John believes that she doesn’t care if she’s the only girl out there.

“I don’t think it bothers her,” he said. “Her response would be ‘bring it on.’”

John encourages fathers to take their daughters hunting.

“You would be surprised how much fun they have and you have taking them,” he said. “And remember it’s not what you take home, it’s about the time you spend together and the memories you create.”

Squirrel

SEPT. 15 MAR. 1

Deer

NOV. 15 30

Rabbit

SEPT. 15 MAR. 31

Pheasant

DEC. 1 JAN. 1

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, November 16, 2012

Bailey Coval

Here’s to ya’ll I’m a teacher’s pet. I can’t help it. I don’t really do it to get a better grade or to get my papers handed back first or anything like that. I’m not a brown noser who tries to show my teachers my awesome new glitter pen or my first edition of Macbeth or some weird crap like that. I just like my teachers. I think they are cool. And to be honest, the staff at Grand Haven made me who I am today.

So here’s to you guys. Ya’ll are awesome.

To Mauro, for being an example to me. For showing me the importance of adventure in life but stressing the importance of education as well.

To Mr. Duram, for teaching me to speak my mind, even when my peers don’t and it’s okay to be an overachiever.

To Roberson, for showing me I can be cool and professional at the same time.

To Glamzi, for emphasizing the importance of hitting the books, teaching me the greatness of country music and for accepting nothing less than my 100 percent best effort.

To Senora Ochoa, for showing me you can have fun at work.

To Smaka, for teaching me the impact of just saying “hey.”

To Mrs. Bailey, knowing the importance that calling everyone by their name can have.

To Christian, for teaching me that you don’t have to have it all figured out yet and to never be afraid of whom I am. Oh, and that being opinionated is something I need not hide.

To Papa K, (Mr. Konarska) for showing me that regardless of how high up on the totem pole you may be, making connections with everyone yields success.

To Robertson, for allowing me to share my opinions and teaching me to hold my own in an argument.

To Mrs. Wilson, for being an excellent example that t­­­­­­­o be a leader is not to rise above all but rather to be connected to everyone in a way that their problem becomes yours until it is solved and that being my own advocate is one of the most important things in life.

To Nelson, for showing me I can be an athlete and can have a ball at math camp, to enjoy every dee, and to just laugh at your mistakes.

To C.E, for allowing me to be in leadership position that has taught me more about life than all my classes combined, for seeing potential in me, and pushing me to always outdo myself.

And to Warner, for teaching me the importance of doing what you love, and loving what you do, believing in me, and being an example of how there are no limitations to what I can do as long as there’s drive, I have the ability to climb mountains, shoot a gun, kayak class three rapids, ski at state championships, surf huge waves, run a half marathon and anything else I please.

Climbing? climb on

FEATURE 9

New rock climbing club to begin in January, aims to challenge students physically and mentally BAILEY COVAL Managing Editor

with Outdoor Ed. I’m kind of falling in love with it. I love how there are so many ways to accomplish one goal- get to the top.”

He looks to the wall. His eyes follow left, Warner got the climbing bug in high right, right, left up the marked path of bright school. He encourages students to become orange tape. His left arm extends as he reaches involved in the club. For $7 a visit, climbers his hand to bag of chalk clipped to his green can rent equipment and enjoy the climbing Black Diamond “Aspect” harness. He claps four wall free of the general public. times as chalk dust scatters around him and “It’s cool because it provides students with leaves white specks splattered on the gray carsomething they can push themselves with, pet. He asks “Cimbing?” “Climb on,” the belayer but they don’t have the pressure of a varsity responds with. Slowly, fluidly he begins the sport,” Warner said. “Plus, we have the wall ascent. With moves like molasses, he reaches all to ourselves so there’s no pressure for the top-a smiling belayer letting him down to those just beginning. If students want to congratulate him on a near perfect climb. join, it’s a pay-per-visit setup. Meaning they “I love the feeling of accomplishment it gives can come one time and never come back if me,” Joe Bitely, manager of Grand Valley State they didn’t really like it.”

University’s Climbing Center said.“I plan each The club hopes to do a competition move and execute each move carefully.” against other Grand Haven stuThis “feeling” Bitely describes radiates to dents individually or as a team students in Derek Warner’s Outdoor Education against area schools.Compeclass. They talk to Bitely about climbing and are titions go like this: different envious of his skill. routes are graded and awardOver the years students beg Warner to create ed different point values.The more opportunities to climb outside of Outdoor climber with the most Ed.. So this winter, students have the opporpoints at the end wins. tunity to climb at Grand Valley with the newly Warner says the created climbing club. Any student, reguardless competition is not the of their skill livenThe club begins on Jan. 14 and most important aspect meets every Mon. and Wed. for six weeks. of the club. He wants “I didn’t come up with the idea for the club,” students to get involved in the Warner said. “Students did. When we would go sport for the long term. Schild to Grand Valley all they wanted to do was climb hopes to do just that. more. They kept asking me why we didn’t have “After [climbing club], anything with the school that they could climb my goal is to make it more more. So we decided to start a club.” of a routine thing,” Schild Students, like senior Austin Schild, got a said. “I want to climb everyday. taste of climbing in Outdoor Ed and are now Hopefullydo some outdoor climbhooked on the sport. ing sometime too. It is some“I want to try thing I really What is it? A club for rock climbing something different,” Where? GVSU climbing wall, 1 Campus Drive enjoy because it Schild said. “I went When?Monday and Wednesdays after Jan. 14 interwines body and as a kid but now that How much? $7 a visit mind to get to the top I am climbing more Interested? Call Derek Warner 810-734-0272 of that wall.”

14 FEATURE

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

Work, waves and willpower Assistant principal Mike Roberson finds balance between work and play KAIA HAYES Entertainment Editor

When most students picture the assis-

tant principal Mike Roberson, they see his tall frame leaning against the brick pillars of the cafeteria, wordlessly surveying the lunchtime activities. They see him standing in the halls during passing time, walkietalkie in hand, as he keeps an eye on the ebb and flow of students heading to class.

They might even see him sitting at the back of a classroom, quietly typing notes on his iPad as he evaluates one of the many teachers on his list.

But what they don’t see is that same man shredding waves on Lake Michigan, running Iron Man triathlons, or spending time with his wife and two children-- because there is more to Roberson’s omnipresent character than meets the eye.

Roberson joined the school district in 1995 as a high school Earth Science teacher. During his eight years of teaching, he was involved with Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) and Green club and coached Science Olympiad. Roberson also coached volleyball for nine years with principal Tracy Wilson, who was then a teacher at the high school as well.

“I hired him right away for my JV volleyball coach,” Wilson said. “[He was] just a great addition to the staff; always very laid back, easy to talk to, always willing to give input.”

After Roberson stopped coaching in 2003, he looked to triathlon training as a competitive outlet. He completed his first triathlon in 2005, and transitioned from olympic length to full length triathlons in the following years.

“It was physically a good challenge, more for your self than anything,” Roberson said. “[It’s] a ‘how fast can you go’ kind of thing, that’s what got me into it.”

Roberson proceeded to run the Wisconsin Iron Man triathlon in 2007 and the

Lake Placid Iron Man in 2009, this time joined by teachers Tom Foley, Greg Huizenga and Derek Warner. “[Roberson] had already done one before, so he was able to act as a mentor and coach and answer our questions,” Warner said.

Eventually, time constraints made it impossible for Roberson to continue training seriously. He transitioned into surfing, a welcome change from the competitive atmosphere of triathlons.

“My issue with competition is I get obsessed with it; with the whole Iron Man thingI was like, ‘I’ve gotta get faster, I should be faster than this’, and that’s all I worried about,” Roberson said. “Surfing is none of that, it’s just the pure pleasure and joy of being outside in the water. It’s more camaraderie; you get a couple guys out there and just have a good time.”

Roberson began to make and use his own boards, and is currently working on his seventh and eighth in a small makeshift workshop in his garage. He continues to surf, often accompanied by Warner, Outdoor Ed teacher and surf friend of seven years.

“Outside of school he’s a real laid back, relaxing and cool guy to hang out with,” Warner said. “How many vice principals do you know that go home, take off their shirt and tie, and go jump in the lake and surf?”

Whether it’s administrative duties at school, or hobbies and aspects of his personal life, those who have gotten to know Roberson have seen him approach every task with the same strong work ethic, drive and dedication.

“When he was doing Iron Mans, it was all about training for his Iron Man, now that it’s surfing, it’s all about surfing; if it’s doing something with his son Jake or his daughter Anna, it’s all about that,” Wilson said. “He can be very multi-focused on different things, but whatever he’s doing at the time, he’s very passionate and very focused on that.”

Photo courtesy of Mike Roberson

SURF’S UP: Assistant prinicpal Mike Roberson catches some waves in Lake Michigan. He went surfing this fall on one of his own handcrafted boards.

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, November 16, 2012

IN-DEPTH 15

PROTECTION REPERCUSSIONS

SEX

STD

SAFE SEX

ANGER

CONDOM

RISK EMOTIONS ORAL

GUILT

RESENTMENT

MISTAKE

HOOKING UP Grand Haven teens are taking part in a growing trend called “hooking up” EMMA BATY Editor-in-Chief

Christine* assumed when her best friend Mike* texted her to come over one evening last June they would do what they normally do. Watch a movie in her base-

ment. Eat some popcorn. Relax.

Instead, they hooked up. She performed oral sex on him; he performed manual sex on her.

The opposite of their normal.

STORY CONTINUED ON PAGES 16-17

16 IN-DEPTH

Hooking up by the numbers Who we surveyed: -365 GHHS juniors and seniors.

-165 boys and 200 girls -214 juniors and 148 seniors (three people did not indicate their class)

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e rs ou rc te in x se n io al at or ul im st

t ou

If you have refrained from hook ups, why?

nd ha

120

ng

250

Where do you think hooking up most commonly occurs?

em te es

No- 62 percent If you have hooked up with someone, did you consider it a positive experience?

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e ng ve re d un bo re nt of tme i ck la mm co

Yes- 38 percent

i ak M

0

0

If your parents have talked to you about sex, how many times?

150 150 60

100

100 40

50

0

EMMA BATY Editor-in-Chief Q: What can teens do to avoid “hook up culture”?

or 15 ore m 5 -1

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friend, and her goal was to only have sex with people she was dating, but that changed when she and Jake started hooking up.

“I don’t like the fact that I’ve done those things with more than one person,” Kelly said. “It’s a risk of diseases, it’s a risk of pregnancy, and that can ruin any girls’ life at an age that we are.

It’s not morally correct.”

According to Remi Spicer of Great Lakes Counseling in Holland, the risks of these relationships contain potential complications like sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, but there’s also another level of complication.

“The danger is that if you are sexual with someone before you know their character and know that they are a good match for you in the long-term, you can feel a kind of false closeness, and this can distort your judgment, making it more difficult to set limits for yourself and end a relationship,” Spicer said.

Wade believes that women are more likely to suffer the emotional consequences of casual sex than men.

“It’s patriarchal, it pretends like women are on an even playing field

5

[jerks] anyway, so why not have a thing with someone who has that part in my life without the actual commitment?”

Kelly said. “It’s kind of like having a guy in my life without actually having a guy in my life.”

When Kelly’s friend Jake* suggested they start hooking up to help her get through the breakup, she agreed. Even though other guys had proposed the idea before, she had never gone through with it until Jake, with whom she felt comfortable. It didn’t work out.

“It’s really complicated and annoying,” Kelly said. “It sounds like a good situation with two friends and you can just do it, whatever. No strings attached sounds good. But it gets really complicated, someone gets hurt no matter what. And I was that person.”

The relationship started out positive. Jake took Kelly out on a date and met her family. They were good friends, like they had been before they started hooking up. Then, their friendship started to change. They began arguing and hooking up ended up ruining their friendship.

She lost her virginity to her ex-boy-

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her past relationships, even though she ships. She dated one boy for almost was not having intercourse, like she three years, and after pursuing casual had in her long-term relationships, she realizes relationships. how much she dislikes To read The Bucs’ “I was bored and it them.

Blade’s stance on kind of sucks not hav“In all honesty, they this topic, check ing anyone around,” have nothing compared Christine said. “And by to [long-term relationout page 3 hooking up I felt like a ships],” Christine said. “In sense of comfort even [long-term relationships] though there’s no emotions attached.” it’s all emotion, you’re doing that kind Christine was ridiculed by friends of stuff strictly because you like each when they found out about her actions. other and it’s something fun that you They would jokingly make fun of her for can do because you really like each othit when they were together. Comments er, but when you’re just doing a general detailing the specifics of her sexual hook up it’s because you’re horny and behavior were common when she was you don’t know what to do with yourself hanging out with her friends. She didn’t so you just hook up with someone.” find it as funny as they did.

After breaking up with her boy“Once people find out about it, friend, Kelly*, a 17-year-old Grand Hapeople start talking about it and talkKelly’s story ing bad about it, and you get a name affiliated with yourself, and that’s never fun,” Christine said. “And people ven High School senior was also looking always remember you as that girl who for something to fill the void. She was hooked up with so-and-so…You end up discouraged by her past relationships regretting it and you feel horrible about and wanted something different. yourself.”

“I thought, there’s no more guys for Christine prefers serious relationme to date, and all the guys I date are

sh

No- 24 percent

l re

0

Yes- 76 percent

50

20

Heather Alberda, reproductive health educator for the Grand Haven health department, answers questions about “hooking up.”

sexual, and to engage sexually is immense. Having a good core group of friends that share the same values and who have each other back so to speak is so important. Being around others who are going to support someone’s decisions around sexuality is really key.

80

percent said they know someone else who has hooked up with someone or been in a “friendswith-benefits” relationship themselves

Q&A

A: The pressure to be sexual, to act

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d’

Christine had three casual relationships in rapid succession following the end of long-term relationship. She believes her behavior is common. Her casual relationships were limited to oral sex and hand stimulation. “[People] don’t know what to do with themselves when they get out of a relationship because they’re so used to having someone, and the sexual tensions kind of are on the rise and you don’t know what to do,” Christine said.

She was looking to fill a void left by

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Christine’s story

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ho

had vaginal sexual intercourse before in 2011. This number had decreased from 31 percent in 2009. But teens are having sex less discriminately, which Wade sees as a problem.

“Even if students are having intercourse with fewer people, which is actually true, they’re being more sexual with more people,” Wade said in the video.

A study of three Grand Haven High School teens’ relationships reveals much about the nature of “hook-up” culture. Here are there stories.

150

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es

Wade, a sociologist at Occidental College in California, who has helped write various books on the phenomenon. This trend is becoming the biggest issue facing generation Z. Wade told The Bucs’ Blade that information on this topic could be found in video interviews on her personal website. In the videos, Wade said, “A hook-up is a casual sexual encounter,” Wade said in the video.. “It might include intercourse, it might include oral sex, it might be just making out with your clothes on. And to say that it’s a hook up culture is to suggest that it’s something that everyone is doing, or feels like they’re supposed to be doing.”

Statistically, the number of teens having intercourse hasn’t changed much in recent years. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2011, 47 percent of high school kids said they’d had sexual intercourse, a figure that had not changed more than four percent since 2001. According to the Ottawa County Youth Assessment Survey, a survey of 3,700 Ottawa County students, 27 percent reported that they

200

200

en

percent said they prefer long term relationships vs. short term

What do you consider hooking up?

250

rti

90 81

percent said they feel well informed about the risks of hooking up

300

80

fri

H

e left immediately afterward, and they didn’t say a word to each other for the next week.

People found out about their hook up because the friends they confided in told others, and they “ended up having different feelings for each other,” Christine, an 18-year-old college freshman and 2012 Grand Haven graduate, said.

It got awkward between them because of the differences. That day ruined their friendship. They went from talking almost every day to not talking at all.

Scenarios like this are becoming more common in high schools across the country as more students opt for casual sexual relationships, as opposed to longer term ones. In a survey of 365 Grand Haven High School juniors and seniors, 48 percent said that they had hooked up with someone or been in a “friends-with-benefits” relationship (see graphs above). According to a study done by Child Trends, a Washington research group, more high school seniors are saying they never date than saying they date frequently.

This growing trend has been dubbed “the hook-up culture,” according to Lisa

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11-18

If you have hooked up with someone, what was appealing about it?

100

250

percent said they had hooked up with someone or been in a “friends with benefits” relationship

students said they had their first sexual encounter ranging from ages...

What do you think influences hooking up?

300

pa

*Names with asterisks have been changed to protect the identity of students. They feared being ridiculed by classmates for their actions.

49 28

percent said their parents had never talked to them about sex

Is oral sex sex?

s es lin ne e lo sir de al xu se nd la s ho ce co an al bst su er ure pe ess pr

Authors note: This article was written as part of a summer journalism program at Northwestern University. The story was written to demonstrate the trend and survey was conducted as a way to validate the trend with statistical data. The Bucs’ Blade felt that although the topic is sensitive, and some consider it inappropriate for a school setting, it was worth writing about because Grand Haven students are participating in it.

74

percent who said they had intercourse reported using protection

IN-DEPTH 17

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, November 16, 2012

with men when they’re not,” Wade said in the video. “And so women are more likely to suffer the negative things that come out of casual sex.”

Kelly is discouraged by what dating has become—merely an excuse to keep doing sexual things.

“Dating should be hanging out and getting to know each other, not watching a movie and doing stuff,” she said.

Kyle’s story Some young men view the situation differently. According to Kyle, a 17-yearold Grand Haven High School senior who views hooking up as sex, peer pressure is the biggest factor.

“Kids these days are all pressured by their friends because one friend has had sex so the other wants to have sex,” Kyle said. “It just leads to a chain effect of everyone wanting to have sex.

Fewer people care about the long-term relationships and just want to get it done with.”

Wade sees this as well, and believes this pressure is one of the biggest reasons that hook-up culture persists.

Q: What are the biggest obstacles for teens who are hooking up?

A: As a professional I feel like I

am in a boat paddling up Niagara Falls armed with my information on healthy relationships, birth control, condom use, STI information, healthy dating, and coming over the falls is the messages of “if it feels good do it, there are not any emotions or consequences tied to having sex, that men are expected to treat women like sexual objects and women are expected to act and look a certain way.

Q: What factors influence students’ perception of hooking up?

A: We live in an instant gratifica-

tion society at all levels. When we want something... we want it now and again society has shown us that that stand true in our sexual choices as well. A lot of this also has to do with what is modeled at home, as a parent child relationship or lack thereof. story continued on page 18

SEX SAVVY? 18 IN-DEPTH

10 Things you ought to know about sexual health 1. Where can you get tested for stds’? 6. Should you and your partner get a. family planning b. doctor c. family planning or doctor’s office

2. You can only contract STD’s via intercourse. a. true b. false

tested for STD’s even if you think you don’t have any? a. yes b. no

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

Mighty media

Today’s teens are being bombarded with ideas of hooking up. Pressures from social medias with movies such as “Friends With Benefits” and “No Strings Attached” influence the thoughts of dating and hooking up. Several students spoke to the Bucs’ Blade about how these types of movies impact their generation.

Q: Do you think movies like “Friends with Ben-

efits” and “No Strings Attached” influence the idea of hooking up with teens?

7. Wearing two condoms provides ex-

A:

tra protection against pregnancy and STD’s

3. Where is emergency contraception available?

a. over-the-counter to people 18 or over b. by prescription only c. over-the-counter to anyone

4. Who is the best source for information about sex? a. friends b. parents c. doctors d. health teachers

“The movies encourage kids to do things that influence bad morals and tarnishes what the idea of a real relationship is.”

a. true b. false

-- freshman, Vlasia Niotis

8. You can increase your chance of getting STD’s by

a. having multiple sexual partners b. becoming sexually active at a young age c. having unprotected sex d. all of the above

“Movies make it seem like it’s not awkward at all when it totally isn’t normal to start sucking face. A relationship should be emotional before physical and if it’s just physical there’s no base.”

9. The “morning after pill” is a replacement for an abortion

5. Young people ages 15-24 account for what percent of STD cases? a. 25 b. 75 c. 50 d. 15

-- junior, Mckenna Mahacek

a. true b. false

“The movies express the “acceptable” ideas of the culture today but they don’t express what relationships should be. They should be working together towards a common goal and hooking up isn’t that. You don’t hook up, you build up.”

10. You can tell if your partner has an STD.

a. true b. false Answers: 1.C 2.B 3.A 4.C 5.C 6.A 7.B 8.D 9.B 10.B

continued from page 17 “A lot of them are afraid to stand up and say ‘no, this isn’t what I want, and I won’t do it,’” Wade said.

“And they’re so worried about making sure that they don’t stand out, especially in some sexual way that it’s really difficult to disrupt.”

Kyle has been in both long-term and short-term

relationships. His first sexual relationship was when he was 15-years-old. He has had six partners since.

“I prefer the shortterm because lots of sex is involved,” Kyle said. “Long term there’s sex, too, but you actually care for the person and it takes a lot of time and a lot of money is involved. And you can only

-- junior, Kyle Funk

hang out with one girl or the other girl will get mad.”

So why is it so different for girls than boys? Spicer attributes the problem to brain functions. Boys and girls brains react differently to a chemical called Oxytocin, which promotes bonding during physical contact.

“The theory is that

men’s testosterone release during sex can counteract that [chemical], which is why men are less likely to feel as attached after sex,” Spicer said. “So one of the problems of ‘casual sex’ for young women is the discrepancy following their experience,” Although Kyle doesn’t regret his sexual experi-

ences, he wishes that dating was still like it was when his parents dated.

“Back when our parents were in high school and everything was private and it was about finding the person that you wanted to be with,” Kyle said. “And now, it’s about having sex with as many people as possible and then finding

the person that you want to be with.”

*Names with asterisks have been changed to protect the identity of students. They feared being ridiculed by classmates for their actions.

ENTERTAINMENT 19

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, November 16, 2012

REVIEWS

By Drew LaVercombe

The newest in fall music and movie releases Until Now

Artist: Swedish House Mafia Release Date: Oct. 22 What you need to know: The Swedish trio produces house, a type of electronic dance music. For those who don’t know house, it is a mid-tempo electronic techno music genre. Some other influential house artists are Deadmau5, Steve Aoki, Benny Benassi, and Daft Punk. The album has 11 songs in it, or there is a superior “deluxe edition” with 23 total songs. This is the second compilation album made by DJs Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso.

The content:The album has multiple singles from their recent years. There are new ‘album only’ songs along with some remixes from other artists such as Coldplay, Florence and the Machine, Usher and Knife Party. ‘Until Now’ has the full force of Swedish House Mafia’s musical experience with the incredible singing in ‘Don’t You Worry Child’ or the beat in ‘Greyhound’ that makes you want to bust out the cardboard and start break dancing.

The verdict: This album combines great lyrics, fantastic singing, and some sick beats to bring this whole thing together. If you are a fan of dubstep check out this new album, it might satisfy your electronic music craving.

10 Playlist Top

By Katie Wampler

Ten songs to get you through those grueling winter workouts

Skyfall Release Date: Nov. 9 Runtime: 143 minutes Rating:PG-13 for intense violent sequences throughout, some sexuality, language and smoking What you need to know: You don’t need to have seen the other movies in the series reboot starting with “Casino Royale“ to understand and be gripped by the plot of this movie, but for people familiar with Sean Connery performances as 007 there are also some well used references to those movies.

The Content: James Bond (Daniel Craig) is resurrected in an all new movie, Skyfall brings great action, some witty references to old 007 movies and an antagonist that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Mr. Silva (Javier Bardem) the villain comes from M’s past to wreak all kinds of havoc to the British Secret Service Bond joins with Q to take out this formidable opponent.

The Verdict: Daniel Craig does a fantastic job bringing to life the charismatic and well dressed agent 007. Bardem brings a villain who can be compared to Heath Ledger’s Oscar winning character as The Joker. If you want to see what might be the best film of 2012 then grab a ticket at the nearest movie theater this is a movie not only for Bond fans but also for people who enjoy a great action film.

Fashion Boots

Available Now

Visit www.gliks.com to find your nearest location

20 ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

HELLO! SUCCESS

Fall musical production provides comedy, romance, entertains audience of all ages BETSEY COOK Reporter

self tempted to plug my ears. Not because the singing was bad, but more because the microphones were too loud, making it hard can tell this will be a family show beto pay attention to much else. cause there are not only parents and As all this is happening, we have Corgrandparents, but also children of nelius (Clayton Zimmerman) and Barnaby all ages. I find myself overwhelmed, (Owen Loughrin), two of Horace’s lonely being by myself, because people are talking shopkeepers who have decided to take a all around me and the orchestra is warming trip to New York City to kiss some girls. up, quite loudly if you ask me. Anyways, I These two are probably my favorite charfind my seat right in the middle of the back acters. Throughout the play not only do row, just right for me. they both kiss a girl, but they take them to As the lights go down, the audience dinner and fall in love. Cornelius sings one quiets and and the overture begins, it of my favorite songs, “It Only Takes a Mosounds like something I will be humming ment”. This song was not only well done, later, and I feel like dancbut also very loving and ing, but I fight those feelsomething I left humming ings and watch as the show Lead Roles for the rest of the night. begins.

Well it only took a moThe curtains open ment for me to fall in love Dolly Myrtle Lemon and the stage fills with with these characters and the entire cast, all in their love interests- Irene Horace vintage clothing, colorful (Gabrielle Barron) and Jake Jager and bright. This is a nice Minnie (Madison Harloff), Barnaby change from last year, with and while they were obliviOwen Loughrin Phantom of the Opera. The ous to Cornelius and BarnCornelius orchestra is wonderful, aby’s reasonings for being Clay Zimmerman sounding like a recording so stingy and squirrely, they from a professional group. still fell in love with them Irene Gabrielle Barron The group moves as one anyways. mass when they sing, makWhen the men come Minnie ing me almost seasick, but out for the “Waiters’ GalMadison Harloff it was very together, all the lop” everyone is expecting same. a song and maybe some As Dolly Levi (Myrtle simple moves, but whomLemon) begins her first solo, the spotlight ever said men can’t dance, well let’s just say come down, jerking and almost missing these men proved them wrong. With carts, her completely, but quickly finds its mark trays, turns, and even some tricks, the men and becomes more fluid. She sings her part definitely made a point to rise up to the with dramatic movements, which only add challenge. to the overall humor of the show, but that As Dolly’s scheme comes into the light, doesn’t take away from the singing. her humor and attitude is hilarious.When We meet an angry old Uncle Horace all the storylines come together, it’s hard to (Jake Jager) and a very whiny niece named decide which is the best, or funniest.

Ermengarde (Katie Parks) who just wants Like any musical, it ends in love, everyto get married to the man she loves, but he one finding their true loves, even Dolly and won’t allow it. The two fight and you can’t the crabby Uncle Horace. Overall, this was help but laugh at their relationship. As the a very strong show, which is to be expected show is thrust into its next song, I find mywith the support team and cast they had.

I

ENTERTAINMENT 21

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday,November 16, 2012

Put on your Sunday clothes

Hello Dolly opens Nov. 8, cast delivers well-received performance A LEG UP: Members of the chorus lend each other a hand during Dolly’s matchmaking song “I Put a Hand In”. Much of the show’s comedy was derived from her attempts to bring other people together.

Brooke VanOordt THE BUCS’ BLADE

Brooke VanOordt THE BUCS’ BLADE

FINAL FANFARE: Gabrielle Barron, Jake Jager, Myrtle Lemon and Madison Harloff strike a pose in the final notes of “Motherhood March”. The musical ran from Nov. 8 - 11, with a matinee showing on the last day.

Brooke VanOordt THE BUCS’ BLADE

Brooke VanOordt THE BUCS’ BLADE

Brooke VanOordt THE BUCS’ BLADE

HELLO THERE: The Hello Dolly chorus greets each other with a smile.

They opened with the classic “Hello Dolly”, written by Jerry Herman and sung by Louis Armstrong.

KICKER: (Insert Caption)

Brooke VanOordt THE BUCS’ BLADE

(Above) BUCS ON PARADE: The Grand Haven Marching Band plays a song on stage with the cast of Hello Dolly. Cast members consisted of students from the Performing Arts Department. (Left) BUST A MOVE: Owen Loughrin and Clayton Zimmerman perform a number to the song “It Takes a Woman” during act one. The scene was one of many choreographed dances throughout the play.

22 ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

Holiday Music MASHUP Tired of hearing the same songs from Thanksgiving to New Years?

Here are three alternative albums to mix it up this holiday season

ANNA WILSON Reporter

Christmas

(RED) Christmas EP

Glee: The Christmas Album

Artist: Michael Buble

Artist: The Killers

Artist: Glee Cast

Michael Buble’s dark chocolate-covered, peppermint smooth voice, waltzes straight into the heart of a holiday song lover the moment they get a taste of his savory new album, Christmas. His allure is humble, yet captivating. A hint of pop here and there, spices up the classical based atmosphere of his tantalizing ballads. The CD is the perfect recipe for a night of tranquility, kicking back in front of the fireplace to sip a cup of cocoa.

The Killers decided in 2006 that they would annually release a Christmas single and give all profits to charity. The foundation of choice, was (RED), a world wide fund used to defeat fatal diseases such as AIDS. (RED) Christmas EP is a collection of all six Christmas songs composed since then. Although the lighthearted ring of Christmas music doesn’t exactly fit the Killers’ off-thewall style, they were still able to remain true to themselves with these Christmas originals. As all proceeds of each track go to the foundation, the album truly is a gift that keeps on giving.

Glee is a musical based comedy-drama about a high school glee club. In the show, students express themselves through their art in a way that reflects all that they are and where they come from. In this Christmas album, the same is done, only with the origin of music as a focus. These Christmas favorites, performed by school-age musicians, have flavors of pop, jazz and even gospel. Each track emulates one or more of the many multi-cultural influences that come together to make music what it is.

Don’t Miss: The melancholy melody of a piano rolls with a steady heartbeat beneath Michael Buble’s impossibly low voice which floats with longing, cooing those affectionate words to “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” The secret: intensity. Ladies will find themselves lost in the intimacy of this achingly beautiful interpretation of the song.

Don’t Miss: The single “A Great Big Sled” opens with sleigh bells and an electric guitar tune that subtly hints at the melody of the Christmas classic “Jingle Bells”. Swiftly, the melody falls into the Killer’s distinct style. A drum and bass guitar pulse as the electric weaves through the sarcastic irony of of words that teeter on the edge of darkness and merriment. The result: an alternative to Christmas music that add a little buzz to the eggnog that is holiday tunes.

Don’t Miss: The interpretation of ”You’re a Mean One Mister Grinch” on this album is sure to gain notability. The song starts out with a fluttering guitar that is strung gently, with the underlying melody of the more contemporary version of this song. It’s sure to add a jazzy sway, and a mischievous grin to the most humble of Christmas occasions.

SPORTS 23

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, November 16, 2012

What to watch: key returning players JAKE STEGGLES Reporter

With the winter sports season fast approaching, teams across the state are wrapping up tryouts and sizing up the competition against their own talent. Some teams have a special talent in a few specific players.

Here are some players to watch to make an impact this season.

Boys Basketball

Girls Basketball

Hockey

Wrestling

FIFA 13

Sports Editor Kennedy Kaufman breaks down FIFA KENNEDY KAUFMAN Sports Editor The FIFA franchise is kicking it’s way to the top of the sports gaming leaderboards by tackling the number one best selling game, even against such renowned opponents like Madden and NCAA. FIFA is a series of video games based off of soccer (or as Europe calls it, football). To flex it’s superiority, FIFA 12 sold just under 6 million copies, along with the 2011, 2007, and 2006 version sitting comfortably in EA’s top 10 selling games. So how does EA continue to improve perfection? Two words, FIFA 13.

First-touch Control “First-touch control” system was introduced to give players the feeling of having the ball at their feet. Finally! Steps are being taken to put gamers into the cleats of their favorite footballers (not to be mistaken with the American version of the term). Different players will receive, control, and distribute the ball based on their real-life skills. Instead of everyone having the same ability to keep their touches close when dribbling, only people who have sufficient talent will carry it into the game.

Skill Games

Sean Steffel: “He will likely be our main point guard,” coach Steve Hewitt said. “So he will have the ball in his hands a lot. He will also be relied upon for scoring and defending other team’s better guards.”

Steffel looks make an impact on the team to help reach their goals.

“I want to be a team leader and bring the guys together to help get wins and make sure everyone’s working hard,” Steffel said.

Last year’s stats: 6.2 points per game, 78% from the FT line, 1.6 assists per game,

Hannah Wilkerson: “She’s a great defender and we’ll be looking for her to be an offensive threat after losing Alex Law and Sha’Rae Davis,” coach Katie KowalczykFulmer said. “She had a great summer of training leading up to the season.”

On being a key player, Wilkerson said, “It’s hard to focus on one individual in basketball, but I’ll look to help my team reach our goals. I want to make sure everyone’s on the same page and be a vocal leader”

Tom Zelenka: Tom is the returning leading scorer for the Bucs. “He has exceptional skills and is a truly hard working team player,” coach Dan Gadbois said.

He was just recently named one of the three captains for the hockey team. Zelenka is looking forward to being seen as a leader this year.

“I look forward to being on the ice a lot, carrying a heavy workload, and look to be a scoring threat every time I step foot on the ice,” Zelenka said.

Connor Moynihan: “Connor is one of the best leaders and hardest workers I’ve ever had in 22 years of coaching,” coach Richardson said. “He could be one of the top wrestlers in the state, but the true measure of his greatness will be his ability to lead his team to a program changing year.”

When asked about the upcoming season, Moynihan said, “I think coach chose me [as capitan] because I would portray the voice of the the team the best”

Last year’s stats: 3.6 points per game, 39% from the FT line, 1.0 assist per game, 29 steals.

Last year’s stats: 20 goals, 16 assists, 36 points, 1.4 points per game

Last year’s stats: Career win/loss 112-45

“Skill games” are a set of diverse, soccer related mini-games and drills.

This gives an outlet to players who just want to take a break from normal match play. The activities vary from dribbling skilfully through cones and obstacles to attempting to hit crossbar for bonus points. But one word of advice; be careful, they’re extremely addicting!

Complete Dribbling “Complete dribbling” was designed to put players in possession on a 360 degree axis that they can manipulate the ball on. Unfortunately, this trait goes unnoticed. Players with the most outstanding dribbling have the greatest opportunity to beat defenders, but this is no different from FIFA 12.

While an awesome idea, it lacked significance.

In short, FIFA 13 is a near perfect sports game. It hits all elements of keeping a relatively balanced style of play to please anyone who picks up a controller. Whether you’re with a group of friends or just managing your online team, FIFA 13 is enslaving. The few (and I stress few) flaws it has now only leaves improvement for next year. “[The best part is how] players are a lot more realistic. They have the actual tendencies like they do in real life. For example, Yaya Touré makes charging runs like he does in real life and in real games, too. [One thing I hate is] beating all my friends and making them cry.

That’s honestly the worst part. [FIFA] divides friendships.”

-Ian Yetzke

24 SPORTS

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

Winter SET TO WIN Sports Previews

Varsity volleyball wins State Quarter Finals, advances to Semifinals

Hockey

LAST SEASON: 17-7-2

GAME TO WATCH: The Bucs face Mona Shores at home, both are championship contenders.

KEY PLAYER: Senior Ian Hibbard, recently named captain, put up 19 goals and 24 assists last season.

Samantha VanHoef THE BUCS’ BLADE

THE STORY: Varsity volleyball defeats Western Christian in 4 sets on Tues., Nov 13 during the MHSAA Quarter Finals.

THEY SAID IT: “We’re looking

good, we’re starting to work harder, and our chemistry is coming together.”

-senior Patrick Ferris

WHAT’S NEXT:The Lady Bucs will plathe Semifinal game tonight in Battle Creek against Temperance Bedford.

Ferris

Competitive Cheer

THEY SAID IT:

LAST SEASON: Record number of points last year

Junior Taylor Cramer: “I feel on top of the world, on a cloud, and ready to win. We need to overcome our nerves and play our game.”

KEY PLAYER: Leading the team this year is senior Kassi Nelson. She’s been cheering for years.

GAME TO WATCH: Grand Haven

Samantha VanHoef THE BUCS’ BLADE

will host this year’s Conference tournement, which they hope to win.

THEY SAID IT: “I’m excited about

everyone’s drive to be better than we’ve ever been.”

-senior Ryan Scott

Scott

Boys Basketball

Wrestling

LAST SEASON: 21-8

KEY PLAYER: Sophomore Camden Bertucci returns after going all the way to state finals the previous year.

meet presents a key challenge for the team to show their strengths.

Bertucci

Girls Basketball

LAST SEASON: 19-1 regular season, 26-1 including

KEY PLAYER: After aquiring 29 steals last season,

KEY PLAYER: Senior Abby Cole returns as the Bucs’

GAME TO WATCH: A rough loss

GAME TO WATCH: The East

THEY SAID IT: “We’re going to

THEY SAID IT: “I’m excited to get

ing play offs

against Muskegon last year will provide an incentive for victory.

THEY SAID IT: “We’re not ex-

Junior Jami Hogeboom: “I’m pumped.

We’re going into Friday confident, but we’ve never seen this team before.”

LAST SEASON: 10-10 regular season, 14-11 includ-

senior Sean Steffel looks to make an impact this winter.

GAME TO WATCH: The Rockford

pected to do very well but we’re more expectant of ourselves than the public see’s of us.”

-sophomore Camden Bertucci

Above: POWER OF THREE: Senior Stephanie Sedgewick and juniors Jami Hogeboom and Krysteena Davis play defense at the net. Under the direction of coach Aaron Smaka, there are only 11 other girls on the team. Right: I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN: Members of the team cheer during the final moments of Tuesday’s game. The final score for the fourth match was GH:25 WC: 17.

Senior Abby Cole: “I’m so excited and so proud of my team. We know we can play better and that feels good to know going into Friday. We can come back from anything.”

have a good season, we’ll finish high up in conference and do well in districts.”

-senior Ty VanWieren

play offs

leading shot blocker and rebounder.

Kentwood game is pinnicle for Grand Haven. It was their only loss last year.

VanWieren

to know my team. We’re going to have a lot of bonding time.”

-senior Grace Kendra

Kendra

6

SPORTS 25

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, November 16, 2012

Boys Skiing

differences to know...

LAST SEASON: Bucs had a 4-3 record in the regular

about the weight room

season and finished fourth in the conference.

If you’ve been in the weight room lately, you may have noticed an unfamiliar coach Matt Wilber instructing. For three years, he has assisted former coach Jim O’Neill on and off in the weight room. Coming from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor degree in exercise science, and a masters degree in exercise physiology from Western Michigan University, our athlete’s are in good care. Reporter Katie Harding sat down with him to find out what’s really the difference between O’Neill and Wilber?

1.

4.

Progression

MW: “I progress athletes at a much slower rate. My training programs are specific to each team, I look at the team as a whole and I try to take them from where you are when you first start your program and progress you to where you need to be when the season starts.”

MW: “I try my best to work with coaches to create a schedule for when teams use the weight room to try and help minimize traffic in the weight room. This helps ensures athletes can get in and out with minimal waiting time ensuring optimal efficiency.”

2.

5.

Exercise Selection

6.

Testing

MW: “Previously athletes were able to test whenever they would like, I have devoted testing to Fridays only. If you would like to test or just learn you must sign up for a time slot for Fridays, you are no longer allowed to just walk in.”

Physically

MW: “I am 25 years younger, have all my hair, and I am much better looking.”

“O’Neill workouts were more power oriented and Wilber is more technique and getting form down,” Connor Grimes said.

3.

Scheduling

Katelyn Hansen THE BUCS’ BLADE

PUMPING IRON: Coach Matt Wilber perfects his student’s form on bench press.

Wilber works with his lifters Monday to Friday.

Girls Bowling

Philosophy

MW: “The programs coach O’Neill implemented are very similar to what you would see if you were a college level athlete. I have placed a much larger emphasis on, including plyometrics, medball, mobility, core, and stretching into the program.”

Boys Swimming and Diving

LAST SEASON: Fifth place in O-K Red conference.

LAST SEASON: 1-10

KEY PLAYER: Sophomre Marina Chavez bowled a

KEY PLAYER: Senior Trey Jennings has been a key

GAME TO WATCH: Bucs’

GAME TO WATCH: The Bucs

THEY SAID IT: “To do our best,

THEY SAID IT:“We just want to

277 against East Kentwood.

match against Hundsonville will prove pivotal in the conference race.

improve every day and to make new friends.”

-junior Dominique Sauers

first meet of the season against rival Spring Lake.

Sauers

shown consistent improvment on the varsity level.

GAME TO WATCH: Caberfae Race on Friday January 25.

THEY SAID IT: “To Grow as a

team, and for the younger skiers as well as the olders to get better. It’s a growing season. and winning an O-K Red championship.”

-junior Jack Griffin

Griffin

Girls Skiing

LAST SEASON: Claimed the conference championship along with a sixth place finish in the state meet.

KEY PLAYER: Senior Bailey Coval because she has

two years varsity experience and raced at MHSAA state championships.

GAME TO WATCH: Caberfae race on January 25.

THEY SAID IT: “We lost a lot of seniors last year so it might be difficult [this year] but I think we can still do well.”

Challenge: Trying to bring younger skiers up to the next level. season.”

-senior Lindy Vallier

Vallier

Boys Bowling

LAST SEASON: Won a share of the O-K Red confer-

swimmer for the Bucs since sophomore year.

grow as a team and hopefully bring home some trophies.”

-junior Chris Semrinec

KEY PLAYER: Senior Greg Page because he has

Semrinec

ence championship.

KEY PLAYER: Sophomore Kaleb Schmid bowled a 379 in lst years conference championship.

GAME TO WATCH: Rival Rockford comes to town and will have alot to say about the season.

THEY SAID IT: “I think we will be good we have alot of poeple returning with great abilities” - sophomore Kaleb Schmidt

Schmidt

26 SPORTS

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

Concussions, alarming New state legislation signed, safety top concern for athletes, parents, trainers SCHAEFER THELEN Reporter As fans filtered out of Buccaneer Stadium after a 21-14 loss at the hands of Mona Shores on Oct. 14, nobody knew that the Bucs’ senior quarterback Mike Penland suffered a concussion.

Even Penland himself didn’t realize he was concussed. He remembers very little from that Friday night, including how he even got the concussion.

“When I found out the next morning, because that night I was a little loopy, I just basically wanted to get caught up on what happened the night before and like all the events and how long I was going to be out,” Penland said.

A concussion is essentially a traumatic brain injury which is caused by the brain colliding with the skull.

“Imagine it like this: an egg in a jar full of fluids,” radiologist John Strainer Sr. said. “If it’s not much of a hit, the egg will just float around in those fluids but when you shake the jar hard, the egg will bang up against the jar heavily. That’s when you are going to get your damage.”

Concussions are becoming more and more of an issue among Grand Haven student athletes and athletes everywhere. In order to address this growing problem, Gov. Snyder signed legislation on Tuesday, Oct. 23. The new law requires clearance by a trainer before an athlete can return to activity once suffering a concussion or concussion symptoms and also forces youth athletic coaches and trainers to provide education materials and training to athletes regarding concussions. Head

already has a plan in place.

“Part of it is I come out and talk to [football players], I talk at the parent meeting, at the beginning of the season [football players] watched the Heads Up video that’s put out by the state,” Wykes said. “And then just going through and dealing with other guys and things like that, being present at practice, whether it be the radio or being out there [on the field], but it’s just educating guys that if you take a hit and feel dizzy or don’t feel good after a hit, then you have to come out.”

The new precautions are a result of the dangers athletes face when trainers and coaches fail to treat the situation with caution.

“Sometimes if it’s not taken seriously or it’s not handled correctly, it could be potentially life threatening,” Wykes said.

New research and studies have come out in support of these new concussion worries, including the long-term effects of repeated “blows to the head” in all sports, but especially football.

“During recent years we have learned that the majority of concussions in football occur

that a 40 or 50-year-old has Strainer said. “Some people, the The anatomy of aguyconcussion

contact - high hits is what we must pay attention to. We must

studying their brains and seeing

head and have no problem at all,”

Concussion: A traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain functions

When the skull is jolted too fast or is impacted by something, the brain shifts and hits the skull

Concussions cause bruise or swelling of the brain, tearing of blood vessels and injury of nerves. drawings by: Max Andrews Wikimedia Commons

try to have coaches teach blocking and tackling differently than I was coached in the 1960s and differently than I had coached in the 1970s.”

The concerns don’t end at the high school or college level either.

the brain of an 80-year-old just because of all the trauma that he’s had over the years,” Wykes said.

Strainer agrees concussions are not to be ignored.

“I think at all [age] levels it should be taken very seriously,” Strainer said. “I think athletes “I think athletes these days are com- these days are coming with ing with more velocity and speed, even more velocity and speed, even high school athletes are bigger highschool athletes are bigger and stronger. I think it needs to be reexam- and stronger. I think it needs ined as far as the quality of the equip- to be reexamined as far as the quality of the equipment and ment and really monitor the hits the really monitor the hits the kids kids take.” take.”

The difficulty behind deal-John Strainer Sr. ing with concussions is a result of the wide range of cases, and in practice, so we have to pay Much has been learned from the how everybody’s brain behaves attention to practice,” MHSAA way sports are being played on and reacts differently. Also, the Executive Director Jack Roberts the professional level as well. likelihood of a concussion recursaid. “We have learned that 70 “In the NFL right now, they’re ring once somebody has experipercent of concussions in football studying guys who have played enced one.

way their skull is shaped and the way the amount of fluid they have surrounding the brain, makes them more prone to having problems when they get hit. So if they get hit once and they have a problem, chances are if they get hit again they will have continuous problems.”

Adding to the difficulty is the obstacle that every concussion case is different and therefore has to be treated differently, especially when involving youth athletes.

“Every person has different symptoms as far as how long they last, how fast they recover, and the research shows that the younger you are the longer it takes to recover,” Wykes said.

Much like Penland, standout senior volleyball player Abby Cole also suffered a concussion

continued on next page

SPORTS 27

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, November 12, 2012

sports trend

John Strainer

coaches, MHSAA addresses head injuries continuted from previous page while she was playing in the Northview Invitational on August 21.

“Even when I was feeling fine, [my parents] wouldn’t let me go over to my friend’s house, I couldn’t go on the computer, I couldn’t watch TV, it was just very limited.

Cole admits recovery wasn’t easy.

“The day after [I got a concussion] I was nauseous all day,” Cole said. “For the first week I had headaches and those would flare up a few times a day, it was just really hard for me to focus. I just could not focus on anything. They would start letting me go to practices to watch, like I couldn’t do anything physical yet. It was just so frustrating for me to try to focus and not be able to.”

Despite these frustrations from athletes, concussions continue to be a problem in need of attention.

“The biggest thing is safety for the kids and the athletes as they have whole lives ahead of them,” Wykes said. “Basically, the goal is to make sure that the athlete is safe.”

1 3

Concussion symptoms

Emotions/ Physical Mood

Z

Z Z Sleep Z

Thinking/ Memory

Sleeping Diffaculty SensitivIrritable ity to light more than concentratusual and noise ing

Sadness No energy

Sleeping less than usual

Diffaculty thinking clearly

Extremly Fatigue, emotion- nausea, al vomiting

Trouble falling asleep

Diffaculty remembering new information

Anxiety

Blurred vision

Feeling slowed down

What the MHSAA says

Only an M.D or D.O may clear a concussed athlete back to play

2

Clearence must be in writing

After the competition that the concussion happened in, an official form should be filled out for the files of both the school and the MHSAA. If the school’s designated health care professional confirms the student did not sustain a concussion, the athlete may re-enter competition pursuant to the contest rules.

4

You can’t do that Every now or then I will read something, whether it be on twitter, in a book, or online that really gets me going. “Going” in the sense that it makes me start to guess what drug the author of the piece was on. I recently came across one of these articles and it got me scanning up and down the page for an asterisk saying something like “Only in a world without money”. The article I came across was one where the author was attempting to argue the point of high school football being banned.

Yes, reread the end of the sentence and try to wrap your mind around this almost criminal idea. High school football and football at any level for that matter is NOT mandatory. It’s not like people are forced to play the game. You have to pick up a pen and sign up. Everyone who puts a helmet on and straps the pads on knows the risk they are putting themselves into when they sign up for the sport. For most of the kids that do this, they are willing to take that risk.

If you look at smokers for an example, smoking isn’t banned and they know the risk they take every time they light the lighter the same goes for the players when they sign up for football.

But there is also a reward in playing football at the high school level that the author fails to acknowledge. The reward of saving tens of thousands of dollars by getting a scholarship to play football, or helping your family to get out of poverty, or possibly being the first in your family to go to college.

These things would be impossible to many kids without football. To some kids football is the only way they can vent their anger that is built up by uncontrollable factors. To some kids football is the only way they can receive a higher education.

Throughout the article I read, the author fails to mention the billions upon billions of dollars being lost. He must have forgot the all of the college football players were once high school football players and that all of the NFL football players used to be high school football players. No high school football would be no football at any other levels also. The revenue that would be lost would be immeasurable. From all the colleges around the countries who bring in millions of dollars each Saturday to provide for all of the schools other sports to the local sports bar down the street that lives for fall weekends to the fantasy football league that everyone seems to have nowadays.

The lunatic idea of losing all of this money in such a lucrative industry is so illogical to the world we live in, it’s hard to believe the author that wrote the article suggesting to cut football from all of Amercia, was serious. Whether he was or not, I cannot see this ban happening in the foreseeable future.

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, Novermber 16, 2012

LOCKED N’ LOADED One championship later, the Bucs are back

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John Strainer Sports Editor

fter losing seven seniors, the Bucs know they can’t replace the timely threes from Alex Law or the poise and experience of Shar ‘Rae Davis, but the Buc’s season won’t be one of renovation and transition. They have a plan to fill in the void the seniors left this past May when they graduated. For the girls team this year, isn’t a matter of rebuilding, but having other players rise up to the moment.

“We don’t look at it as rebuilding but rather reloading,” Coach Kowalczyk-Fulmer ( Coach K) said. “We got six players back from last year’s team and six kids coming of a 19-1, JV team.”

The loss of all-state talent and irreplaceable leadership on and off the court will create a major speed bump for this year’s season, but another question that some may be asking is, where will the scoring come from?

“We lost a lot in scoring, but I’m not concerned about it,” Coach K said. “I anticipate Abby Cole to step up along with Taylor Craymer and Hannah Wilkerson, I don’t think we have to worry about scoring a lot.”

On defense, the Bucs are excited about their potential to wreak havoc in the opponent’s backcourt and consistently harass them throughout the game with high intensity pressure and scrappiness.

“This year we are more interchange-

New faces, same expectations

With the graduation of seven seniors, Coach K looks to new faces to the varsity level to step their game up and play key roles in determinig the success of this years team.

SPORTS 28

By the numbers

Coming off the schools first ever state championship , the team and coaches now turn their attention toward the upcoming season. This may prove easier said than done when you examine how much the Bucs lost this past year and the success they had experienced.

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straight seasons, the Bucs have made the trip to the Breslin, only once coming away with the trophy in hand. The team sets target on reaching East Lansing again.

Bucs’ Blade file photo

As the final seconds ticked off, the Bucs only had to look to the scoreboard to remind them of what they accomplished. It was the first state championship in school history.

able, we can press and probably pick up our intensity on defense because we have more depth at the guard position,” Coach K said.

Coming off of consecutive final four finishes, the Bucs realize and are ready for the challenge of getting every team’s “A” game throughout the season.

“As far as having a target on our back, that simply pushes us more, junior Mallory Beswick said. “We are picking up right where we left off last year and we also have players from a successful volleyball team that will bring a team unity and winning mindset to help move us forward.”

Replacing what the Bucs lost last May, would not be logical or possible, but the Bucs may have found a suitable substitute.

The team will focus on hard work combined with the team cohesion they have with each other to lead them through the season.

“What maybe we lack with experience and a little skill or talent or whatever, we are going to make up for it with they way this team takes care of each other, just a special group, ”Coach K said.

Coach K may find herself coaching and saying things that she didn’t have to last year due to having a senior led team, but one thing she will not have to preach is effort.

“The kids play with no fear they are just really an aggressive group and hungry,” coach K siad. “I don’t have to teach them how to play hard.”

-“I’m going to treat it like anyother year and stay composed. I will work as hard as i can to hopefull halp the program be successful,”

-junior Mallory Beswick “We just work hard in practice,100%, to try and achieve those goal of getting to the postseason and farther on”

-sophomore Amanda Merz

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percent of the Bucs offense from a year ago is now gone, as they look for points from new faces this year.

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three pointers, collectivley made by seniors, Alex Law and Shar’Rae Davis. The rest of the team, only combined for 16 made shots beyond the arc.

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combined games started last year by the seniors, leaving this team with two returning players with starting experience.

505

points the Bucs out scored their opponets by last year, often times putting the game away before the end of the first two stanzas.

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, November 16, 2012

SPORTS 29

Head above the rest Senior Abby Cole ranked third best volleyball player in nation

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LAUREN KRUGGEL In-Depth Editor

alking down the halls of Grand Haven High School, senior Abby Cole towers over the rest of her classmates. Despite her already excessive height of 6-feet 5-inches, she keeps her head held high as she moves through the crowd.

Cole has self-confidence; and she has a reason for it. In early September, she was ranked third best senior volleyball player in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com. When asked about the recognition, Cole was excited to be among such skillful players.

“It’s a huge honor and I am very blessed to be listed in the top 10, but I also feel a lot of pressure from it, almost like people are watching to see if I belong up that high,” Cole said. “I’ve played against many of the girls on the list and they’re really talented players. It’s very humbling to be put in that group.”

Cole’s ability to shine throughout her four varsity seasons was mainly due to sticking with the sport and working at it to achieve the level she is at today. The Grand Haven varsity volleyball team has supported her throughout her four years while preparing for an end to the 2012 season that makes the record books. On Nov. 8, the team won the first regional title in Grand Haven volleyball history.

“We have working very hard in practice and just need to continue staying mentally tough,” Cole said. “If we play with the heart we have been, good things will continue to happen.”

Regardless of how the season ends up, this will not be the last time to see Cole spike the ball. Cole is committed to wear blue and maize on the court at the University of Michigan next fall. Competing at this level was never an object to her or her family, but passion for the sport pushed her to take the next step and continue her career in college.

“It was never a goal of mine to get a college scholarship out of playing, but I play because I love it,” Cole explained. “I’m really thankful that it lead to it though. I am very excited that this won’t be my last season of playing volleyball. I’m looking forward to developing more as a player, and the level of play that the Big 10 has to offer. I’m also excited to get to know the players and coaches better.”

While the excitement of playing in college is overwhelming, there are some aspects that Cole is anxious about.

“I am most nervous about the time commitment [keeping up with academics, etc],” Cole said. “Also playing against some of the best competition in the nation is intimidating.”

Once the 2012 volleyball season wraps up for Cole, she will be return to the Class A State Champion varsity basketball team that she’s been a part of for three years.

“The Grand Haven basketball program has been such a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Cole shared. “It’s not just the sport that I love, it’s my coaches and teammates and the relationships I’ve developed with them.”

Her last year is precious due to her almost sudden career end as a junior. Luckily, Michigan’s head volleyball coach Mark Rosen obliged to allow her to conclude as a senior.

“I’m very thankful that Mark Rosen has allowed me to finish my high school basketball career,” Cole said.

Most would say Cole has excelled in both volleyball and basketball over her 4 years at Grand Haven High School. Most would also say she is dedicated to the sports she loves.

Asked about her success in either and anyone would say she is modest.

“I have been very fortunate to have had success in both sports, but I deserve no more credit than all of my other teammates, who have put in just as much time an effort without receiving the recognition they all deserve,” Cole stated.

HALL OF FAME inducts 13 new members

31 HALL OF FAME

THE BLADE GUY

Name: Dale Brinks Reason for induction: Taught English. Started AP Comp and the modern Bucs’ Blade.

Years worked at GHHS: 36 Post GHHS education: Hope College Proudest accomplishment: Bucs Blade Most important lesson learned: Work hard, the harder you work, the more happiness you’ll

THE DESIGNER Name: Joey Ruiter Reason for induction: Accomplishments in the field of industrial design.

Years attended at GHHS: 19911995 Most important lesson: Find the balance between doing what you want to do and doing what you have to do.

Favorite GHHS teacher: Karl Rowe Proudest accomplishment: Personal creations.

THE TEACHER Name: Ken Larson Reason for induction: Involvement, accompishments with students, the creator of Outdoor Ed. Number of years taught at GHHS: 33 Proudest accomplishment: Having a wife of 49 years and three great and successful sons.

Favorite GHHS CoWorker: Miss Veneclasen, a super lady with a great outlook on life.

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

Third class spends morning visiting current students before being honored at banquet, reception THE CYCLIST

THE EXECUTIVE

Name: Cecilia Potts Reason for induction: Successes in cycling and mountain biking.

Years attended at GHHS: 1994-1998 Post high school successes: 1997 Cross-Country Mountain Bike Junior World Champion, member of the U.S. National Mountain Bike Team from 1995-1998, member of the U.S. National Road Cycling Team in 1998, was named 1998 VISA/ U.S.A. Cycling Athlete of the Year, and four-year winner of Michigan’s Iceman Cometh cross country race.

Name: Gary Verplank Reason for induction: Community involvement, city council of Ferrysburg, Chamber of Commerce ACI, president of NOWAK. Years attended GHHS: 1965-1968 Post college success: He now owns Shape and Light Corp.

Proudest accomplishment: creating SHAPE Corp. and letting it grow and become part of the community.

Most important thing learned: treat associates with respect primarily because if you work together and show respect to everyone, they will do a better job.

THE PSYCHOLOGIST Name: David Van Dyke Reason for induction: After 12 years of schooling at three different colleges, including receiving a PhD at Georgia, Eventually he came back to Wheaton and created their major program for Psychology.

Years attended at GHHS: 1983-1987 Post GHHS success: A family Psychologist to fix problems within a family or a teenager specifically, and helped to start the masters program for Psychology at Wheaton College.

Madison Wilder THE BUCS’ BLADE

THE SWIMMERS

Name: George Hoogerhyde Reason for induction: Two time State Champion Swimmer (50 free; 21.38seconds-.05 away from state record, 100 free) Years attended at GHHS: 1975-1979 Favorite GHHS memory: Playing war in the pool after winning a special meet. The team would take kickboards and pull buoys and have a full out battle in the pool. Basically whoever was left in the pool when it was over was the winner.

Name: George Kruggel Reason for induction: Swimming accomplishments at the high school and state level.

Years attended at GHHS: 1974-1978 Most important high school lesson learned: Goal setting.

Coach used to sit him down and help him not only set goals, but stay accountable and actually strive for his goals.

Post GHHS education/training: Attended Michigan state university on full swimming scholarship.

THE MOVIE MAKER

Name: Tonko Soljan Reason for induction: Success as a film and television producer.

Years attended at GHHS: 1994-1998 Post high school successes: Projects included the series “Teen Mom” on MTV, the 2007 Sundance Festival Official Selection, “Adrift in Manhattan” and he also spent time in Tornado Alley creating “Storm Chasers.” He is now the executive in charge of production for Leftfield Pictures in New York City including History Channel’s “Pawn Stars,” “American Restoration” and Discovery Channel’s “Oddities.”

THE CHIEF Name: Christopher Howell Reason for induction: Chief of Police in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Also worked in the DEA’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force.

Years attended at GHHS: 1984-1988 Favorite GHHS memory: Overall, he loved it. He enjoyed how different groups of people came together as one school. “Once you’re from Grand Haven and they know you’re from Grand Haven, they’re gonna have your back,”

THE TRACK COACH Name: Carroll Bennink Reason for induction: Coaching varsity girls Track for 18 years Number of years at GHHS: 32 Most important lesson learned: “You have to be fair and you have to be honest,” Bennink said. “Thats true in life, period.”

Favorite GHHS memory: Winning the regional meet at our home track.

THE DOCTOR

Name: Megan Fix Reason for induction: Accomplishment in an academic career as a doctor.

Years attended GHHS: 19901994 Post high school education: Went to Stanford for both her undergraduate and later, medical school. After, moved to Harvard for residency.

Proudest Accomplishment: Getting married and having her two children.

THE BUSINESS MAN Name: Midge Verplank Reason for induction: Services to community and business success at Shape and Light Corp.

Years attended at GHHS: 1944-1948 Favorite GHHS memory: First tackle in football as a defensive guard in the first game of the season against Ludington in 1947.

Favorite GHHS teacher: Mrs. Kling for math: she made it easier.

THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, November 16, 2012

HALL OF FAME 31

Hall of Fame at a glance

WHO: 12 new inductees to the GHHS Hall of Fame.

WHAT: This is the third class inducted into the hall, which is organized by the Grand Haven Schools Foundation.

HOW: Inductees went through Classroom presentations, school tour and an induction ceremony.

WHERE: GHHS WHEN Presentations and school tours occured on Friday Nov. 9.

Induction ceremony was held on Saturday Nov. 10.

PAST INDUCTEES

Madison Wilder THE BUCS’ BLADE

Emma Baty THE BUCS’ BLADE Brooke VanOordt THE BUCS’ BLADE

Madison Wilder THE BUCS’ BLADE

(Clockwise from left) GETTING TO KNOW YOU Megan Fix, George Kruggel and Gary Verplank talk in the pool lobby. For many inductees, this was their frist visit to the new and improved high school and a tour of the facility allowed the alumni to meet eachother and get to know the building. STEPPING UP: Psychologist David Van Dyke talks to Aaron Portenga’s AP psychology class about his accomplishments. All inductees spoke to several classes regarding their successes. SMILES ALL AROUND: Inductees stand for a photo in front of the Hall of Fame interactive boards. The 13 new inductees join the 2008 and 2010 Hall of Fame classes in the display. GETTING ON THE STUDENTS’ LEVEL: Doctor Megan Fix, a 1994 grad, talks to students in Todd Diederichsen’s Anatomy and Physiology class. Fix said High school expiriences and an ambitious attitude helped her become who she is today.

2008 John Douglass Baker Steven C. Jarvi 1981 Girls Basketball Steven Sluka 1960-61 Baseball Team R. Lester (Les) Runk 1931 Basketball team David B. Robinson Ph.D Jill Feyen Miedema, M.D James Timberlake Charles A. Conklin Eugene A. Rothi Donald R. Constant Betty Nagy Gustave V. Cohrs Lane Smith’ Mary A. White 2010 Leonard L. Anderson Donald Badcon Christian Beukema Dr. David Boruta, II Craig Flahive Frank Secory Alvin E. Jacobson Jr. The Honorable Susan A. Jonas Dr. Kathryn Alquire Robert L. Kent Jon McDonald Dr. Larry Poel Michelle (Bishop) Shelton Charles Rycenga Jr. Lynne Sherwood Col. Troy A. Van Bemmelen

32 BACK

Friday, November 16, 2012 THE BUCS’ BLADE

‘BEST day of Outdoor Ed’ On Nov. 7 Derek Warner’s fourth and fifth hour Outdoor Education classes joined with Melissa Richardson and Stacey William’s Social Living class for a day of outdoor adventure at Camp Blodgett. Warner stresses to his students to give back to the community and claims this is one of the best ways he’s ever done that.

“This is one of the coolest things I have ever done,” Warner said. “I had tears in my eyes as I drove these kids back here. This is unbelievable.”

Bailey Coval THE BUCS’ BLADE

WARNER’S WILLINGNESS: Atop the high ropes course at Camp Blodgett, with tears behind his sunglasses, Outdoor Education teacher Derek Warner helps Sophomore Jack Dewitt with his sling line carabiners. “[It’s] the best day as a teacher for me...ever,” Warner said about the expirence with special needs students . (top left) BRIDGE CROSSING: Senior Anthony Perrier and Freshman Aren Desmit navigate the high ropes course’s bridge. The day gave students an expirence teacher Derek Warner describes as rewarding. (right) ROASTIN’: Freshman Brigid Marcinkus roasts a hotdog with assistance from Senior Jake Guy. Outdoor Ed. built a fire so students who didn’t want to go up in the ropes course could participate in the event.(bottom Left) BELAY BUDDIES: Seniors Hillary Land and Nick View belay students up the high ropes course. “This experience has made me start to re-think my career goals,” senior Austin Schild said.

Bailey Coval THE BUCS’ BLADE

THE GROUP: Outdoor Education hangs out with the Social Living class.

They enjoyed a campfire and hot dogs on ‘the perfect day.’

Bailey Coval THE BUCS’ BLADE

Bailey Coval THE BUCS’ BLADE

(left) HOLD ON: Clinging to the ropes, sophomore Jack Dewitt crosses and element on Camp Blodgett’s high rope course. Dewitt was the first one up the course. (right) FOR DEAR LIFE: Senior Austin Schild leads sophomore Jack Dewitt across the high ropes course. “Every time they would smile, instatly I began to smile,” Schild said.

Bailey Coval THE BUCS’ BLADE

Bailey Coval THE BUCS’ BLADE

SCOPING THE HEIGHTS: Before heading up the ropes course senior Brandon Wisniewski describes the course to junior Miracle Wynn. The ropes course has seven different elements for students to tackle at 35 feet off the ground.