BUCS’
BLADE
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October 15, 2010
Grand Haven High School’s student publication of community significance since 1927
2 Inside THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010 photo by Amy Potter
Borchers brings it home see page
THE BUCS’ BLADE Grand Haven High School, 17001 Ferris, Grand Haven, MI 49417 A student newspaper of community significance since 1927
Volume 66, Issue 2
31
October 15, 2010
Editorial Board Haley Birkett Editor-in-Chief Noah Thelen News Editor John Cherette Ed/Op Editor Mollie LaBeff Feature Editor Kali Rea In-Depth Editor Zak Konarska Arts Editor Chloe Dault Health Editor Erin Ribbink Vibe Editor Mike Ginocchio Sports Editor Amy Potter Photo Editor Nate Niemerowicz Design Editor Associate Editors Chloe Dault, Ethan Beswick, Dez Burley, Lucas Wilder, Ali Steggles. Staff Emma Baty, Amanda Bennick, Megan Bitner, Laura Burton, Devin Chan, Dustin Chrysler, Bailey Coval, Scott Deater, Meredith Frein, Hannah Hughes, Connor Jennings, Lauren Lund, Riley Missel, Alexa Redick, Scott Staal, Sam VanHoef, Amy Wronski C.E. Sikkenga Adviser
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 11:30 a.m. 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
15 8&9 STRIKES A CHORD The impact of an accident has given sophomore Patrick Ferris a new outlook on life.
READING BEYOND THE
PLAYBOOK Varsity football team takes time to read to elementary students every friday.
18 BEYOND BAND Students exposed to a different, more outgoing side of music teacher Greg Maynard.
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 or mailed to THE BUCS’ BLADE c/o GHHS ROOM 02015 17001 Ferris Grand Haven, MI 49417 Copies of The Bucs’ Blade are offered on the newsstands located in the main office, Room 0205, the media center, the Loutit Library and The Bookman.
Friday, October 15, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE News 3
The future of Capturing Kids Hearts
With just over a month of school in the books, first year program is already greatly changing school SAM VANHOEF Reporter Every day in school teachers greet students at the door of their classrooms, giving a positive start to the students’ class hour. This year is only the beginning. In the next few years even more things are expected of the pricey program “The first year isn’t necessarily the best year,” Principal Scott Grimes said. “It’s what happens after the first year. It takes a while to implement the program, [including] getting everyone on board. Then things really start to take off as that happens. It’s years after that.” Although recieving the maximum benifit from the program may take a while, some changes are already evident. “I think [in the] first week of school, for me at least, the overall feeling was just so much more positive from students and from staff,” Spanish teacher Kristen Montroy said. “I think that people were in a better mood, people were smiling at each other more. So I think that the positive attitudes were most evident the first day and the first week of school.” With many staff members already trained, the program seems to be working. By next summer 250 more will be trained,
including elementary teachers, bus drivers, kitchen workers and custodial staff. “The idea is to have every employee of Grand Haven Area Public Schools using the process so that the words, the language, the signs and the expectations are the same for students no matter where they are in the district,” Assistant Principal Tracy Wilson said. Beginning their fourth year of Capturing Kids Hearts, Kentwood Public Schools sees the effects in their district and expects the same for GHHS. “From a staff standpoint, kids don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care,” Kentwood Public Schools Superintendant Scott Palczewski said. “We have worked really hard with our staff about building positive adult and student relationships. Education is real subjective to fads, things that come and go. But to me relationships aren’t a fad. As a former teacher, when I think about people that had an impression on me, I know it’s because they were committed to my success.” The increase of student and teacher support, combined with the new standards for social conduct in the school district will change things in many ways. “What I think is going to be
Warm Welcome: Assistant Principal Mike Roberson exchanges words with a student outside the rotunda. The program is based upon forming strong relationships with students. “From a staff standpoint, kids don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care,” Kentwood Superintendant Scott Palczewski said. photo by Dez Burley
“THE FIRST YEAR ISN’T NECESSARILY THE BEST YEAR. IT’S WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE FIRST YEAR ” -Scott Grimes different is the way we treat people and the way that people will expect to be treated, will be very clear,” Wilson said. “Instead of people wondering whether they fit in with a group of friends or not, whether they are wearing the right color shoes or wearing the right name on their sweatshirt, I think that what we will see is that people will be more accepting of all people. People will be more accepting of those who don’t in their eyes measure up. Maybe there isn’t a ‘measure up’ any more.” With hopes that student comfort levels will greatly increase, educators are expecting to see more individual achievements from students, such as graduat-
ing from high school, doing well on the ACT and acceptance to college. “What we want to do is pull everybody up, not just those top 20% of the kids who are going to do great anyway,” Grimes said. “We want the kids in the middle and the kids that are maybe struggling a little bit, to also get pulled up and realize that we care about what they do as well.” With a basis of forming relationships that will reach well beyond one trimester of class, many staff members are truly dedicated to Capturing Kids’ Hearts and it’s positive outcome. “For some people, this can be a very rotten four years and we
want to try to make that not happen for anybody,” Montroy said. “We just have to keep going... Don’t lose your energy towards making some changes to really make a difference.”
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Training for Capturing Kids’ Hearts was a total of 3 days, 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. each day By the 2011-2012 school year, all staff members in GHAPS will be trained. The total amount invested in the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program is about $250,000 Cost of training per staff member is $400 (normally $600, but discounted because of the large group receiving training) Grand Haven Area Community Foundation funded a grant to partially cover the total expense.
4 News THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
Lip-Dub aims to “inspire the future” Video accompanying “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz, hopes to promote school spirit, connections to Hall of Fame tradition EMMA BATY Reporter New alumni are being inducted into the Grand Haven Schools Foundation Hall of Fame this fall. As a way to showcase the new additions and represent clubs and activities at the high school, a Lip-Dub will be created at the high school on Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. “[A Lip-Dub] is a video to a popular song in which the people in the video mouth the words to [the] song,” teacher Mary Jane Evink said. “A defining characteristic of a LipDub is the camera is always moving... It’s done in one take, you can’t edit it and you see bizarre things, like people in a banana costume or people doing cart wheels or standing on their head.” The Hall of Fame inductees will be represented in the Lip-Dub. “The goal of the Hall of Fame is to honor the past and inspire the future,” Evink said. “The Lip-Dub has the same
goal. Because we’re going to put actors of the inductees in the Lip-Dub… The Lip-Dub is to raise awareness about the Hall of Fame and hopefully raise awareness for a bright future for our students.” Besides raising awareness, the Lip-Dub will give students a chance to think and work in a different way. “We just want to provide a fun opportunity for students to get together and work cooperatively on something from start to finish that totally requires thinking outside of the box,” Grand Haven Schools Foundation member Lana Jacobson said. The Lip-Dub will take roughly two to three hours to film, and will be shot in various spots around the school. It will feature the song “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz. “We’re going to start in the PAC where we’re going to show [a Lip-Dub] so people understand what the goal is,” Evink said. “Then were going to explain what our Lip-Dub is going to look like. So we’re going to station people, we’re going to do a practice run, and then you have to shoot it in
one take.” Evink is channeling her efforts into recruiting 500 students to participate in the Lip-Dub. “We want to represent,” Evink said. “We want people from Science Olympiad wearing their shirts, we want people from The Bucs’ Blade holding the newspaper as the camera goes by, people from G.R.E.E.N. club. Anything that we’re proud of that represents us.” Jacobson agrees. “We want to see as many students as possible show up to appear in this video,” Jacobson said. “Our goal is to make it available for showing on the day the inductees visit the high school on Nov. 5,” Evink has big hopes for the Lip-Dub. “The hall of fame is one piece to inspire our kids right now, the Lip-Dub is another… The medium is specifically geared towards teenagers,” Evink said. “The song was picked by kids that go to this school, adults didn’t pick ‘Dynamite.’” We want you to not only think that that’s a cool thing to watch, but the message of the Lip-Dub is to go out and be great…. You could be next. You could be the next inductee.”
Friday, October 15, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE News 5
Axis of Awesome
JAM SESSION: Junior Jeff Rickfelder and senior Maggie Smith strum along to the sheet music in Intro to Guitar. Both Rickfelder and Smith had little knowlede of reading music before entering the class. photo by Amy Potter
Learning the basics Intro to Guitar taught by Greg Maynard a hit with students LUCAS WILDER Associate News Editor Walk into the music wing during fifth hour and one will be blown away by the distinct sound of twenty-five plus guitars all playing at the same time. Conceived just two weeks before school started, the new elective class, Intro to Guitar is a tremendous success. Students of all levels of musical proficiency come together in the band room to learn the fundamentals of guitar. “I heard about it the first day of school from a friend,” senior Trevor Miller said. “I switched in as soon as I could.” Miller is one among many students who have always dreamed of learning to play the guitar. Both of Miller’s younger brothers already play, but until now he has never had time. Assistant Principal Mike Roberson and music teacher Greg Maynard put their heads together before the school year began to devise this new class.
“There has been a shift in schedules in recent years,” Roberson said. “More juniors and seniors are finishing their core classes early and need electives to fill up their day. [Maynard] had an open hour and guitar has always been an area of high interest for many students. It was a natural choice.” The students stare intently at the music on the stands in front of them, their brows furrowing with concentration. When one student does a solo, the rest of the class responds with applause, whether the performance was dreadfully off-key or flawless. The class contains people of varying skill levels. “There’s the kids who can’t read music and have no background in guitar, the kids who can read music but don’t know guitar and the kids who can read music and are already skilled guitarists,” Maynard said. “I find myself looking to the kids in the third group for assistance, because I fall in to the second group.” Contrary to what one would expect, the teacher of the class is also learning to play guitar. However, he is greatly enjoying learning right alongside his students.
“It’s certainly a challenge,” Maynard said. “I’ve always wanted to learn but I never had the time. Teaching this class forces me to play and I appreciate that.” Roberson said the class is in the books for all three trimesters. Roberson is a guitar player himself and is encouraged by the progress students are making. “I’ve walked into the class multiple times and I’m impressed with the progress they’re making,” Roberson said. “It’s amazing to see all the students working together, along with their teacher who is also learning. The course is focused on the beginners right now, but I’m hoping we can develop more related classes in the future. It has potential.” The class focuses on teaching the basics. The main goals for Maynard is to have students get the exposure to music and to hopefully instill a deeper sense of music appreciation. “The one thing I appreciate the most about this class is the opportunity to see many new faces,” Maynard said. “I’m so used to seeing the same kids year after year and I’m greatly enjoying getting to know the rest of the school.”
NATE NIEMEROWICZ
ZACHARY KONARSKA
For the love of God just get the girl Your life would be so much better if you had a girlfriend. Every guy knows this. It’s a big step for them to latch on to a place above their social level, and an even bigger step if the girl drags the guy up with her. Well to all you God forsaken souls who have trouble picking up ladies, here’s what you do. Most guys immediately want to be charming, and it might work. Go ahead, be the dude you never want to be. Allow the guys to question manliness and open her door for her, let her sit first, and pay for her at high-end establishments like our local Taco Bell. But just know that she’s not always the priority. Sometimes her friends are the ones who need to like you. If they like you chances are she will grasp onto the illusion that she likes you too. You have her attention, now you really need to impress her. But since you’re looking to a column in a high school paper for help, you are not good enough. Accept this fact. To impress her you can’t be yourself, you need to be better than yourself. Last time I checked there were over 6 billion people in the world, any of them just might be an improvement. Become a good old American Captain Awesome who wakes up in the morning and pisses excellence; is a big hairy American winning machine, and probably isn’t sure if he owns an iron. Become this man and move along to the next step. Just a heads up, “Hairy American winning machine,” hairy is optional. Especially if you are a pubescent male and the extent of your facial hair is a Pedro stash and an Estebon goatee. Many men have fallen in the following steps, they generally lose their balls. They are no longer a man but instead an emotionless robot built solely to make her happy. If you want to join them, go buckle down and watch Glee or One Tree Hill on a non-stop marathon just because she wants to. Go ahead and see that new Twilight movie because Blood and Guts: Revenge of the Guts probably won’t cut it with her. Also refer to the first step and pull the gentleman card whenever you can. This is not the next step but rather a warning. When in gentlemen mode, don’t let her be in complete control. You’re still the American winning machine. You are being helpful and considerate, you’re not a mindless suck up. There has honestly been no structure to any of this column and you’ve largely wasted your time. But if nothing else remember this last Awesome hurrah. Get your balls back! Become a man. A man is open and direct no matter what the consequences. A man always speaks his mind. And if a man says it with confidence he’s always right. We believe in you mister Pedro stash, Estabon goatee, horny teenage guy. Now crack open a cool refreshing bottle of confidence and get that girl. Go, fight, win.
6 News THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
Baseball raises funds, sparks school spirit Project will help pay for trip to Vero Beach, Fla. LAURA BURTON Reporter
the words ‘Go Bucs!’ in bold writing easily visible from the road. The paint used is Skip the bake sale. intended to last as long as Forget the can drive. The road paint. baseball team has found To do the actual painta new way to earn money. ing about four people are The goal of this fundraiser needed, but twelve volunis to help the freshman, JV, teers rotate to help with the and varsity baseball teams project, including assistant go to a camp in Vero Beach, varsity coach, Tom Puleo. Florida However this spring “IT SAYS ‘GO BUCS!’ none of break. the playFor $25 HOW COULD IT GO ers are fans can involved purchase WRONG?” with the an atpainting. tention -Tom Puleo The grabbing fundraiser driveway entrance featurbegan in mid-August and ing the face of a 3 foot by 3 will continue until orders foot yellow Buccaneer and stop coming in. So far there
BUC
B r i e f s Costa Rica Trip
There will be a trip to Costa Rica over spring break this year from April 2 to April 10 of next year. The cost is $1,982, which includes visits to over 7 different locations across Costa Rica, 3 meals daily, accommodation, transportation and airfare. “It’s going to be an awesome trip and it’s a great
deal,” Language teacher Kirsten Montroy said. “We get to zip-line, visit the rain forest, plant a tree and go kayaking.” EF Tours will host the trip. Contact Kirsten Montroy for more information. --Connor Jennings
First Priority First Priority is a multidenominational Christianbased club that meets in the LGI Room during all three lunches on Thursdays. First Priority provides an opportunity for students to meet with others who share similar beliefs, talk about faith in an open, safe environment and build new friendships. As an on-campus ministry, the doors of
have been about 85 driveways completed and the coaches believe they will complete driveway number 100 very soon. “Word of mouth will help [the fundraiser] pick up more,” Puleo said. “But people who wanted it are real fired up about it.” The response from customers has been very positive which is helping the coaches to stay busy. Faith Engel has had her driveway painted for a few weeks and loves the reaction she’s getting from neighbors and other curious passers-by. “I think they should offer it again next year,” Engel said. “I’ve had a lot
First Priority remain open to everyone. “[First Priority is all about] being able to bring our faith into school,” junior Andrew Prince said. “My friends are in it and I’m able to learn about God and have fun.” --Scott Staal
Bouncy Boxing Student Senate will host a Bouncy Boxing tournament on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Field House. Audiences can watch their favorite teachers battle in the inflatable boxing ring with jumbo boxing gloves. Admission will be $3 for bleacher seats and $5 for floor seats. “It should be a pretty fun
Driveway Design: a freshly painted Buc head decorates Faith Engel’s driveway at 12976 Woodridge Dr. in Grand Haven Township. The baseball program sells the stenciled paintings for $25. photo by Laura Burton
of comments on it, it looks cool.” Puleo is pleased by the reaction as well, noting many people are excited
about it because they want to show school spirit and support the team. “It says ‘Go Bucs!’ how could it go wrong?” Puleo
said. To order one for your driveway go to the baseball teams’ website, www.grandhavenbaseball.com.
and cool event,” Student Senate President Noah Thelen said. “It should be fun for students and a great fundraiser for Student Senate.” --Emma Baty
Portenga said. “The problem is the school will only accept it if it saves them money, so we’re researching methods to make it affordable.” Any helpful suggestions are appreciated; Green Club meets in room 5206 every Thursday after school. --Devin Chan
spearean monologue of 2-4 minutes or a group scene of 5-7 minutes. All work must be memorized, blocked and polished and costume/prop use is welcome. Winners receive cash prizes and commemorative award of achievement. Registration is free and due by Oct. 22, call 331-3150 or email libmank@gvsu.edu for more details and to reserve your spot. “It was really super fun,” said Bridget McCarthy, a previous contest winner. “It was really good for future stuff because you got a lot of critiques. They were good about giving you pointers for the rest of your theater life.” --Sam VanHoef
Green club While Green Club does its daily recycling and its annual beach cleanup, this year, the club’s ultimate goal is to make the materials the school uses greener. “We’re trying to find a way to get rid of Styrofoam trays the school uses during lunch,” advisor Aaron
Drama Competition Students in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in the second annual Grand Valley Shakespeare High School Drama Competition, taking place on Nov. 6 in the Loosemore Auditorium on GVSU’S Pew Campus from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interested studentshould prepare a Shake-
Friday, October 15, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE News 7 ALEXA REDICK Reporter
1
About the
ELECTION
Why is redistricting important?
Every 10 years the state house has to determine how many representatives are going to be from each state. Because of declining population, Michigan lost a house seat so now districts will have to be redrawn. The party that gains a majority in the legislature will be able to control this process, perhaps giving them an advantage. “It is really important to be in charge of the election because the legislature draws the districts for both the congress and the state legislature” Government teacher Keith Swets said.
2
What is the Tea Party?
A new political group working primarily thin the Republican Party rather than running their own candidates as a separate party because they know that third parties don’t win. They are trying
to get their people has a nominee in the Republican Party. In some states like Delaware for example they nominated somebody who beat the traditional Republican nominee. “They are primarily Libertarian in outlook and want smaller government, lower taxes and less spending” Swets said.
dates, which took place in the August primary election.. The Democrat, Republican and any third party candidates who may choose to will run in the general election, “In general you will choose one of those people and then they will take office officially starting in January,” Swets said.
5
3
Why are student loans an issue?
4
How do we elect the governor?
Recent reforms have taken private companies out of the student loan business and changed it to a direct loan from the government. The government says it will save money because you don’t have to pay someone in the middle. Republicans have challenged President Obama’s proposal to replace private, bank-based loans with government-sponsored loans. If the Republicans take back congress, they might be able to derail the president’s plans.
Parties first nominate their candi-
Who are the candidates for governor.
Republican Rick Snyder currently leads the race by almost 13 points, according to a poll taken last week. Snyder is a businessman from Ann Arbor who is running on a promise to promote economic growth and to reduce taxes. Although he has no prior political experience, supporters say his business background makes him the best choice to fix Michigan’s economy. Democrat Virg Bernero is the mayor of Lansing. Bernero cites his record of job creation in Lansing as well as his strong support for public education and health care reform as reasons why he should be the state’s next top executive.
SENIOR HONORED BY AWARD AP removes guessing penalty EMMA BATY
is presented.” Reporter Coutre learns the results of the competition in February. Even if she doesn’t win it Every year the National Merit Scholarwill still provide many opportunities. ship program receives 1.5 million applica“A lot of times schools… even if you tions, of them, 16,000 semifinalists are don’t get a scholarship [from the National selected. Senior Carolyn Coutre is one of Merit Scholarship] they will give you spethem. One percent of applicants are named cific scholarships because you are a finalsemifinalists— Carolyn Coutre is part of ist,” Coutre said. that one percent. Klemm attributes “IT FELT REALLY GOOD TO Coutre’s success to “It felt really good BE RECOGNIZED FOR THAT to be recognized for her drive and motivathat and also it’s a tion. Coutre is taking AND ALSO IT’S A GREAT OPgreat opportunity for complete advantage of PORTUNITY FOR SCHOLARscholarships,” Coutre all her resources. SHIPS.” said. “That’s what I’m “She’s very bright,” hoping for.” Klemm said. “I think Now that Coutre that she has the mohas been selected as a tivation to achieve at semifinalist, the next step in the competithe very highest levels. She takes the most tion is to send in letters of recommendadifficult classes that we can offer her, she’s tion and an essay. academically talented.” “If she hasn’t taken the SAT she is Science teacher Michael Reed agrees. required to take that as well,” counselor “It would be really nice if she could make Doug Klemm said. “They’re going to cerit all the way so she could be recognized tainly place a great deal of emphasis on as a National Merit Scholar,” Reed said. that score and the other information that “We would like to see her get all the way.”
-Carolyn Coutre
College placement tests will no longer dock students points for wrong answers on May exams RILEY MISSEL
choices is usually to your advantage.” AP Psychology student Mitch Oilschlager is relieved to hear of this change. Pencils down, boys and girls. A former “It gives students a better advantage rule for Advanced Placement testing has to getting a higher grade on the test,” been removed; Test takers used to lose Oilschlager said. a point for blank According to AP answers, but a point “IT GIVES THEM ONE LESS World History teacher and a quarter for THING TO THINK ABOUT” Kevin Howard, the incorrect answers. change may also have They will no longer been made with the be penalized this test correctors in extra fraction. mind. The College “It was a much Board changed this more complicated process and in the end rule specifically for AP tests (SAT excluded, ACT never had such a rule). Those tak- it didn’t matter that much anyway.” Howard said. “[The change] made it easier ing the test used to be discouraged from and therefore cheaper to grade.” guessing if they did not know an answer. The change in grading will be impleThe College Board now acknowledges the mented for the AP tests May 2011. Test fact that test takers may not just be taking taker and correctors alike will benefit from random guesses by saying “if you have this new regulation. SOME knowledge of the question and can “It gives them one less thing to think eliminate one or more choices, informed about,” Howard said. guessing from among the remaining Reporter
-Kevin Howard
8 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
S
EMMA BATY Reporter
itting in the cafeteria among the buzz of his fellow students, sophomore Patrick Ferris tries to have a conversation with his friends. They repeatedly ask him, “what’d you say?” He’s been asked this question before, too many times to count. His voice is still raspy and quiet, but compared to the way it used to sound, it’s much stronger. Five years ago in February, sophomore Asa Pellegrom stood at the bottom of the run at Crystal Mountain, watching his friend and classmate ski under the same boundary rope he had skied under seconds before. It was the last run of the evening and the boys were heading toward Pellegrom’s cabin for dinner. Hurrying, Patrick tried to duck under the rope, but it clothes-lined him in the neck, separating his trachea from his larynx. Pellegrom sensed something was wrong when he heard the gargling sound coming from Patrick’s throat and saw the panicked look on his face. He knew he had to do act quickly. “First I took off his helmet and then I raced down the hill to get the ski patrol,” Pellegrom said. “They told me to go home and tell the parents. I wasn’t allowed to say the injury because they didn’t want them to be panicked.” When Pellegrom went home to tell Patrick’s parents what happened, they could tell that their son’s injury was significant. “Once I realized the anxiousness of Asa’s actions and his voice… I realized it was a little more serious,” Patrick’s mom, Beth Ferris said. “Of course when he told us, ‘they told me not to tell’, that’s when I flew.” Patrick realizes how vital Pellegrom’s actions were to his survival. (continued on p. 9) ty
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Sophomore Patrick Ferris faces daily challenges after damaging his vocal chords in an accident five years ago. The experience has given him a new appreciation and outlook on life that really
STRIKES A CHORD
Friday, October 15, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Feature 9 “If one thing went wrong, then nothing else would have mattered because I would have been dead,” Patrick said. When ski patrol officers reached Patrick they immediately got him into an ambulance and on the way to Munson Hospital in Traverse City. Upon arriving they were told the injury was too severe for them to treat and Patrick was airlifted to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. “Grand Rapids did a six hour surgery to repair everything in my neck and lungs,” Patrick said. “My heart stopped three times and they had to revive me.” During his first surgery, a tracheotomy tube was placed in his airway to stabilize his breathing. After the operation, he was moved to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where he stayed for two weeks. While he was recovering, Patrick was in a medically induced paralytic state. The extent of the injury was unknown. “They had this sign up that said ‘spine not cleared’ which meant they didn’t know if he was paralyzed or not,” Beth said. Prior to leaving the hospital, doctors performed a Microlaryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy to determine the damage to Patrick’s airway. They found that his vocal cords had been paralyzed due to nerve damage, leaving his voice similar to the volume of a whisper. “He was evaluated by someone at Mary Free Bed [Rehabilitation Hospital] before we left the hospital, that’s how they determined that he wouldn’t need inpatient care,” Beth said. After leaving the hospital, Patrick had to do Occupational, Physical and Speech therapy. “I did some physical rehab because I lost all strength and I did a little bit of voice therapy,” Patrick said. “It didn’t really work because the nerves in my vocal chords were severed.” Following the first weeks of
PERFECT HARMONY: Patrick Ferris and Asa Pellegrom strengthened their friendship throughout the tragedy and healing process. He attributes a huge amount of his still being alive to his best friend, and according to Patrick, “Asa was one of many that saved my life.” Photos by Emma Baty
therapy at Mary Free Bed, Patrick The summer after Patrick’s was sent to an ear nose and throat sixth-grade year, he did more specialist in Cincinnati. Doctors voice training and was taught removed the tracheotomy tube in how to use his diaphragm to May 2006. He then had to do a produce more volume when he sleep study due to a noise he was speaks. His voice has changed making while he slept. Now Patsince the accident, but will always rick has to wear a Bi-level Positive be quieter than normal. Airway Pressure machine “It was real quiet, a (BiPAP) while he little bit raspy, it was sleeps. almost like a loud “A BiPAP whisper at first,” “I’m not the same breathes when Patrick said. kid... I think it’s he breathes,” “It’s gotten led to a more posiBeth said. louder, a little The BiPAP deeper.” tive outlook on helps to reduce Permanently life.” other risks paralyzed vocal -Patrick Ferris that come with cords are an effect Patrick’s injury, of Patrick’s injury, including the risk of along with the use of an enlarged heart. the BiPAP. However, more “He doesn’t put out enough studies will be conducted to make CO2 as a result of the injury,” sure the BiPAP is being used corBeth said. “If a person doesn’t put rectly. out enough CO2, they work their “He’ll be tested to see how he heart too much and it causes an does before and after exercise enlarged heart.” and more than likely [the doctor]
prescribe another sleep study,” Beth said. “So he’ll go back to the hospital and sleep with the BiPAP to see if his BiPAP machine is set at the correct level,” Patrick’s injury not only handicaps the way his voice sounds, but handicaps other aspects of his life as well. “It’s affected me negatively,” Patrick said. “Like in sports, it gets hard to breathe and [there are] a lot of extra precautions I have to take.” Patrick says he runs out of breath much quicker during hockey games and that requires special substitutions. “A lot of people describe it to me as a wheezing sound, kind of like someone with asthma,” Patrick said. “And then I go for a line change.” Patrick’s accident has not only changed the way his voice sounds to others, and how he plays sports, but the way he looks at life. “I’m not the same kid,” Patrick said. “I think it’s led to a more positive outlook on life.” This has made the obstacles caused by his accident easier to deal with. “We just don’t look at any of this stuff as a challenge,” Beth said. “Along the way it might have been a bump in the road, but we’re both very keyed in to the positive side of everything.” Beth agrees that Patrick’s perspective on life has changed into something more positive and has made him value things in a way others would not. “I think he appreciates life,” Beth said. “He’s not going to take the risks that somebody who hasn’t gone through this will. I think he realizes how precious life is.” If Pellegrom hadn’t acted as fast as he did, Patrick might not be alive. “Patrick wouldn’t be here,” Beth said and then paused. “Patrick would not be here. Asa is our hero.”
GOOD TO KNOW
As a result of the many medical procedures Patrick faced, at times, his story reads like a study guide for a first-year medical student. Here’s a glossary of key terms
Microlaryngoscopy: A procedure done by looking into the throat with a small telescope, used by doctors to determine the extent of damage done to an airway. Tracheotomy Tube: A tube that is placed in a small opening in the trachea. It allows someone to breathe without using their mouth or nose. Trachea: “Windpipe” Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure machine (BiPAP): A machine that helps someone get more air into their lungs. Bronchoscopy: Insertion of tubes into the nose or mouth so that allows the doctors to examine the patient for abnormalities in the throat.
10 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
The Way I See It Mollie LaBeff
Jan Erik Bøyum Revheim ALI STEGGLES Photographer
Hometown: Bergen, Norway
Host family: Senior Seth Colbry’s family.
Favorite thing about America so far: Beef jerky. Something you’d like to do before you leave: Travel outside of Michigan. Favorite traditional meal: Pinnekjøtt (Ribs) and Raspeballer (soaked potato that has a consistency of a hard sponge). Favorite subject: Outdoor Ed. Favorite candy: everything.
Favorite quote: “We have to focus on the future because that’s where we’ll spend the rest of our lives.” –Mark Twain Favorite place you’ve been since you got here: The bike path and Mr. Stader’s class. Least favorite thing about America: “The computer keyboards don’t have my letters.”
Favorite American meal: Pronto Pups & Taco Bell. What do you miss most about home: The electronic learning system, the air, the water, friends.
Favorite T.V. show: “Friends” “Norwegian T.V. is not very good.” Something different about America: “You mix peanut butter with everything. Like ice cream and chocolate. It’s just weird.”
photo by Ali Steggles
Allow me one moment of your undivided attention. Allow me to explain. This is high school. I am not looking to get a lasting impression from you; I am not here to make knee-jerk judgments. The trivial attributes that categorize you into a certain group or stereotype are inconsequential to me. I don’t care where you came from or what brought you here. Your ethnicity, placement on the political spectrum or extensive superior knowledge of underground metal music is insignificant. I don’t care if you come from a poor family, struggling week-to-week on food stamps, or if your purity ring and elitist straightedge mindset restrict the majority of your weekend activity. I don’t care whether you’re wearing a Ralph Lauren polo or a Hello Kitty belt with neon green skinny jeans and trying to pass off your 3D glasses with the lenses punched out as prescription. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an A student or a half-assed hip kid spending your evenings showing off your triangle tattoo and chainsmoking in the back of the Rendezvous. I am not asking you to share my views or take my side. I don’t care if you’re generically categorized as an outcast; drawing on your Converse while your spare time is devoted to calligraphy and those Japanese cartoon books that you read backwards. It doesn’t matter to me whether you spend your passing time studying for early admission into your Ivy League school of choice or breaking dress code in the back of Pod 8 as your skater boyfriend has a hard time keeping his hands inside his tall-tee. Whether you’re a dreamer, follower, painter, designer—it doesn’t matter. Gay, straight, somewhere in-between—it doesn’t matter. Size 3, size 16—doesn’t matter. The way you are and where you fit in have never been a deciding factor for me. You all have backstories, you all come with rumors and preconceived notions. I refuse to buy into these patterns and categories in which you are placed. I just don’t see it. When I sit at the foot of the stairs at 7:40 every morning, awaiting the descending major scale that will dismiss me to Pod 1, I look at you and I see people. I do not look at you and see the preps and jocks, the burnouts, the choir geeks and the scene kids. I do not look at you and see the flawed architecture of teenage human nature; I do not quietly judge you from the bottom of that stair. I see people. In my eyes it all blends together, into one mass of human bodies. Muscular, skeletal and circulatory systems herded together in a common place. I refuse to buy into the idea that everyone here is ruled under some omniscient unwritten social status that categorizes you and decides the way you’ll be perceived. I will not put boundaries and restraints around whom I choose to spend my time based on where you stand in this imaginary caste system. For those of you who lack a friend, I am a friend. Whether you admire me, disagree with me or despise me. Whether that animosity be just or unjust, I will still open the door for you. I will still offer you some common courtesy because I am a person, you are a person and this is not a heirarchy. I don’t see it. As diverse in personality and structure as you are, I just don’t see it.
Friday, October 15, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Arts 11
Searching for a scare?
As Halloween rolls around, screams fill forests, and spill out of haunted halls. Those seeking a scare, look no further. Our area has a group of haunted halls that will scare so well, you’ll run away, screaming for your mother.
THE HAUNTED FOREST Address: Herman Miller Manufacturing Plant, 17155 Van Wagoner Rd., Spring Lake, MI 49456 Dates: Oct. 15-30 weekends Hours: 7 - 11 pm Phone: (616)566-6659 Admission: $7 per victim. Proceeds go to support The National Kidney Foundation www.hauntedhall.com
Address: Winstrom Park, 160th Ave. at Perry St., Holland, MI 49424 Dates: Oct. 15-31 Hours: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Phone: (616)399-4520 Admission: $5 per victim over 5 years http://holland.org/events/14626halloween-haunted-forest
Pizazz Salon & Day Spa
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Address: PO Box 94 5900 Water Road Rothbury MI 49452 at the Double JJ Ranch. Dates: Oct. 15-31 Hours: 6 to 10 p.m Phone: (800) 368-2535 Admission: $15 per victim to each of the three attractions or $20 for any two, $25 all three. www.wickedranch.com
12 Editorial THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
Sext-ual tension There is no question that when it comes to experience, us teenagers think we are the pinnacles of society. We have an aura of invincibility surrounding us, always self-promoted, and no matter what that aura is, it’s never easily broken. We think we can do whatever we want and it will never hurt us. It does not matter what it is, nothing is out of our control, be it smoking, STAFF drinking or drugs. Yet as EDITORIAL technology grows more and more advanced, the things we often take light heartedly, can quickly spiral out of control. Such is the issue of sexting. The act of sending explicit messages or pictures to one another is not necessarily something new, but with the advent of cell phones and other forms of mass communication, the means to obtain them is far easier. Unfortunately, so is the means to spread them. With the click of a button, one image of yourself can
My family is pretty large. I’m the youngest of four children. The baby of the family. And I’m pretty sure my parents would give me away to the highest bidder if they could get a fair deal on me (and if selling your children was, I don’t know…legal). I think I would catch a pretty penny for them as long as I’d been eating my wheaties. I imagine the ad in the paper reading something like this: Kid for sale Completely potty trained! Five foot 8, blond hair, blue eyes, dashing smile Likes pizza, long walks on beach and can solve a rubik’s cube Must be fed at least twice a day and walked on a leash We would keep him, but we just don’t have enough yard space and we are out of town a lot. If we can’t sell him, we will give him to a farm. Call 555-5555 or email jcherette@msn.com for inquiries Yeah, I’m pretty sure it would look something like that. It’s not that I think my parents don’t love me; I’m just pretty sure they are burned out after 25 years of kids (which is understandable considering our family is more
be transmitted from the safety of your phone into the ugly, inerasable, mess of the Internet. As we all know too well, once something is sent onto the information superhighway, it is impossible to contain it. What goes through our minds as we do this? Do we think that somehow, some way, our façade of invincibility is in fact a truth? That we really are protected from the pratfalls of our choices? One of the first things that we realize as we begin to grow up is that the world can be cruel. That our actions have far-ranging consequences. That if we make a mistake, one that we may not realize is a mistake at the time, it may end up haunting us for the rest of our lives. Overall, sexting can lead to more attention than you bargained for, attention that you may not want to be associated with. Even if you are sending messages to somebody you trust, you’re boyfriend or girlfriends phone may not be as private as you think. By putting yourself out into the open, you set yourself up for embarrassment and even legal action, including possible child pornography charges. All across the country, authorities are taking steps to address the fast-rising problem that sexting has become. Take an example from those who were unfortunate enough to be punished for what they thought was harmless. Consider the consequences before you send your next sext.
A series of unfortunate events
John Cherette dysfunctional than a Toyota Camry’s gas pedal). There’s an SNL skit where a family is having dinner and they can’t go more than two minutes without somebody getting up to leave because they’re angry. I’m almost positive that skit was based on my family. Our dinners together aren’t exactly harmonious. We pray. We chew. We argue. My mom cleans up. That’s about it. Actually, sometimes we have dessert too. Peace talks between Israel and Palestine might be less tense than family dinner at the Cherette household. Our upstairs hallway is covered in family pictures. There is a picture of the family that was taken by a professional photographer a long time ago and there are individual pictures of the kids along the rest of the wall. Did I
GHHS sexting survey 200 students surveyed
• 19% of females admitted to sending explicit pictures
• 31% of females admitted to receiving explicit pictures
• 22% of males admitted to sending/ forewording explicit pictures
• 61% of males admitted to receiving explicit pictures
mention I’m not in any of them? Nope, not even the family photo. They tell me I wasn’t born at the time it was taken, but I think it’s a message; they want me gone, and now. There used to be a school picture of me among the other kids, but it has mysteriously disappeared (Another clue to my parents’ plan to sell me like an unwanted puppy). I asked my parents about the pictures and they never really gave me an answer. I just hope they poke air holes in my box. If I’m being shipped to a frail woman in Peru, I’d at least like to be able to breathe. I think being the youngest of the family is kind of like a Frankenstein experiment. You take aspects of every family member’s personality (preferably with a hacksaw), strap them to a table, add a hunchbacked minion and some electricity and presto! I’M ALIVE! I’M ALIVEEEEEEEE! I think I screamed that when I was born (and I’m positive I screamed it when I was circumcised). Thanks again, Doc. I am a mixture of all my family members. I have my oldest brother Matt’s stubbornness and his writing style. I have my sister Amy’s outgoingness and her love of a good time. I have my second oldest brother Danny’s sarcastic sense of humor and his smarts. My parents should have named me Mamanny. It took me 15 minutes to decide on that name. Did I mention I have my Mom’s indecisiveness?
Friday, October 15, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Opinion 13
Capturing hearts and catching attention Have you ever wondered why some teachers have been standing at their doors, flashing you a big toothy grin as they welcome you to class? It’s because they’re making an effort toward Capturing Kid’s Hearts. Though it’s still early in the year, the Capturing Kid’s Hearts (C.K.H.) program has already shown significant signs of progress. With the goal Opinion of maximizing academic success in mind, this three-day summer seminar taught teachers the process to make a better connection with students through greeting them at Amanda Bennick the pod entrances, Reporter shaking hands at the classroom doors, creating social contracts, saying “good things” before class: the list goes on. For C.K.H.’s effects to be cemented into our school system, Language Teacher—and one of the eight members on the district wide Implementation team—Kirsten
Montroy, has researched scientific studies regarding the program and estimates that it should take approximately five years. Though it seems like a long time, with enough work put in, it will be worth the wait. I have already noticed big differences. One change that stuck out to me the
most was the first day of school. Instead of those absolutely boring syllabus lectures that put everyone to sleep, we were blessed with humorous video clips that incorporated our school rules and policies. Sure enough, when I looked around the room everyone’s eyes were stolen by the
screen; and the real attention grabber: our teachers were the actors. Who knew that these grade thrashing, homework givers could actually be fun, right? That’s exactly the message to the students that C.K.H. is trying to show. “The goal is to maximize the connection with students,” Montroy said. “If teachers can model how to help build relationships then students can [mirror] them to build better relationships.” In my book, anything that strives towards goodness—may it be a simple as a happy vibe that makes students want to go to school a little more than the year before—is worth every penny; and thanks to the abundance of staff that attended this seminar, our district only had to pay a fraction of the original price tag. Instead of paying 600 dollars per teacher, the cost was only 400 dollars. Montroy has already heard good things from various people in the school, confirming that C.K.H. is indeed worth the money. With continued dedication, patience and overall nurturing of this program by the student body and staff, Capturing Kid’s Hearts has the potential to exceed everyone’s expectations.
Considerable cafeteria changes call for celebration What a drag it always was to forget One of the most significant changes is lowering Opinion my packed lunch. When I did, I knew one the amount of sodium in the foods. In order to thing for sure; if I wanted to eat I had to keep the foods flavorful, the café is introducing purchase myself a school lunch. In my “replacement” salts with natural herbs and spices. mind, eating a school lunch was just about Salty foods such as banana peppers and pickled as awful as snacking on some dog food. veggies are not even available in the lunch room Actually make that twice-regurgitated dog anymore. They also recently took out all of their food. With a slim chance of being able to cured, smoked and salted meats. recognize what was on my plate, enjoying So maybe lunch ladies are mothering us more it was a rare miracle. I couldn’t continue on than we think. Even though the kids of the school clueless of what exactly was in the meals may think it is not the easiest decision to chew, Lauren Lund my classmates were shoveling into their the nutrition and health of the meals was more Reporter mouths every day. of a major concern to the staff. In order to be I simply had to investigate. I decided I healthy, students might just need that extra push. needed a chat with Mary Darnton, Head of Food Services. The staff is hoping they can provide that to ensure a more While we talked, I was surprised to find out about the nutritional future. With this in mind, I gained more respect changes being made to the food we eat in the lunchroom. for the ladies and saw the lunch food through their eyes.
Along with lowering sodium, they are also lowering the amount of sugar. In order to make the breakfasts healthier, they eliminated pop tarts and lowered the sugar in cereal. Darnton also mentioned that next year they are taking out the fryers, so everything would be baked. Instead of white wheat, albino whole wheat will be used in all hotdog and hamburger buns. In the future, Darnton wants to see more plant based proteins such as beans or hummus. The idea of non-meat proteins excited me, because I never was a fan of meat- let alone school meat. So maybe the cafeteria isn’t as bad as I had thought. A healthier future is to come and these changes in the cafeteria are just the start. Even after my trip to lunch lady land, I will still be sticking to my packed lunches. I’ll still be eating snack packs, but at least now I won’t feel so guilty about what my classmates are devouring during their lunch periods.
14 Opinion THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
Some sports’ student sections stink There are 10 seconds left and spandex. Opinion the shot clock is ticking. They What makes a touchswim with all they have left, while down in football more fighting off the opponents who important than an ace in will take possession of the ball and tennis? One may have more aren’t afraid to commit fouls. The action, but either one can buzzer sounds and the last shot is decide the winner of the fired towards the goal. Cheering match, or game, or meet. for the Bucs’ victory are 21 people The players on most of mainly consisting of family. There our teams wonder why no is no student section for the Grand one cares about their sport Sam VanHoef Haven boys Varsity Water Polo when the game is so imporReporter team. tant to them. Sports such as golf, tennis and If the only support the water polo are not renowned in our combasketball team received was from each munity unless they have a habit of winning other, wouldn’t it be difficult if they were tournament after tournament, or meet losing the state championship game? To after meet. Whether they win or lose, these say “Let’s go Bucs! We can do this!” to are still Grand Haven’s HOME teams. each other would be pretty hard if all they When was the last time major local wanted to do was give up. Or say you’re in sports news didn’t consist of football plays the third quarter of your wrestling match, or basketball scores? There is nothing fighting off your back and trying to avoid wrong with these types of recognized recbeing pinned. You take a quick glance at reation but other sports deserve acknowlthe stands to see not one cheering fan. edgment for the hard work the athletes put What would be stopping you from quitting into their season too. Whether you wrestle, and letting your opponent pin you? When ski or play lacrosse you still deserve the it looks like no one cares and your team is same amount of attention the volleyball behind, keeping up motivation is tough. team gets…Even if you aren’t wearing The issue is that there are sports not
everyone is aware of. This ignorance shows our bias for certain sports over others and defies the constructive, supportive environment from which we could all could benefit. Change is possible if more emphasis is placed on the sports that are put on the sidelines from the typical mainstream buzz. Whether posters need to be made of sports other than football or a mention of other teams’ schedules over the announcements,
there needs to be equality in the promotion of Bucs’ sports. So, if you’re ready for some action, try watching water polo, lacrosse or wrestling. Looking for focus? Try watching tennis, golf or skiing. Just because their publicity isn’t constantly shoved down your throat until you’re suffocating, doesn’t mean they’re any less important or deserve any less attention.
They are strong. They lift traits, such as strength, Opinion each other with ease. They agility, and endurance that are throw one another into to the necessary for physical exercise sky. They flip and fly. They are or sports.” Cheerleaders cheerleaders. They are athletes possess all of these traits. For and cheerleading is a sport. you nonbelievers out there, About a week ago, if cheerleaders may not grunt or someone had said this I be as burly as football players, would have denied it. I would but are athletes nonetheless. have said that cheerleading Each stunt cheerleaders is absolutely not a sport. perform requires agility. When Bailey Coval However, after doing research they are tossed up in the air Reporter my perspective changed they twist and turn, sometimes completely. more than once. They do this It may be shocking to some, but the all in about two seconds. That’s pretty definition of athlete is not football. By extraordinary. It takes a great deal of agility definition, the word athlete means “A for the “flier” to flip and turn in the air with person possessing the natural or acquired such ease.
I used to think that cheerleaders didn’t exert much energy. I now know this to be completely false. The stunts that they do are incredible, such as Libs and Tick Tocks. These involve lifting legs, switching what leg is held up and other things way over my head. The bases that hold up the flier are unbelievable. I cannot imagine the strength it takes to hold up a high school girl for an entire cheer. Those aren’t 10-second cheers. Not only does it take major strength to hold someone up, but also the endurance cheerleaders have to hold up another person for more than a few seconds is remarkable. I don’t think I could do what they do. Cheerleading stats on cheerleading changed my mentality as well. The amount
of injuries cheerleaders suffer is great. According to www.livingscience.com over the past 25 years, 65.1 percent of all sport related injuries among female high school athletes were cheerleaders, Live Science staff (August 11, 2010). “Girls’ Most Dangerous Sport” Retrieved from the Live Science website October 7, 2010. This is unbelievable. Cheerleaders are hardcore. So next time you think that cheerleading isn’t a sport, take into consideration that they are the most injured female athletes in high school. They physically exert themselves and they spend countless hours in practices. Even if you don’t think it’s a sport, don’t diss cheerleaders. The hard work they do and sportsmanship they create fuels our student section.
Cheerleaders don’t get no respect
Friday, October 15, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Impressions 15
Every Friday Varsity Football players visit elementary schools where they are...
READING
beyond
the
PLAYBOOK
CLASS PHOTO: Senior quarterback Adam Poel poses with Sarah Klumpel’s second/third grade class at Rosy Mound Elementary. Poel, along with a few of his varsity football teammates visit Rosy Mound every Friday during football season. The team takes time to read to the children and go out on the playground. READING WITH THE CHILDREN: Kids so intrigued in his jersey, Senior Jake Rickfelder tries to sway their attention by reading about ladybugs to Barb Andrus’ third grade class before the kids head out to recess. Photos by Ali Steggles
JUNGLE GYM: Junior Mike Ginocchio acts as a jungle gym for the children at recess. Photo by Amy Potter
HANDS IN: Junior Matt Jacobson wraps up reading to Mrs. Pikes first grade class with a cheer. Photo by Ali Steggles
TAKE ‘EM DOWN: Junior Danny Cotter gets tackled by a third grader at recess. Photo by Ali Steggles
16 In-Depth THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Dangerous Trend: SEXTING Teens Exposed to Legal, Emotional Hazards
Three years ago
Kali Rea In-Depth Editor
Photo illustration by Kali Rea
“ There was nothing I could do and no one I could go to...I felt like I was stuck in a hole digging myself deeper ”
- Holly
Holly*, a 17-year-old student, found herself walking the long and shaky tight rope of sexting. It’s a term that describes people sending sexually explicit text messages or, especially, multimedia messages. “You know, raunchy [pictures and videos].” Holly said. “Basically two boys asked me [to send pictures]. At first I was like ‘I don’t know, maybe I’ll send you some in bra and underwear or something’. But it was like once you got that attention and you felt like that person liked you or was connected to you in some way you could send them more.” Like many things in high school, it didn’t take long for Holly’s pictures to be seen by a wider audience than she’d intended. “I sent them to one boy who. . .sent them to a couple of his friends,” Holly said. “Then people started asking me for them. So probably by the end of the year I had sent pictures to at least 10-15 guys.”
Holly is one of many teens in America dealing with the same sort of situation. The dangerous trend has made headlines around America on networks from ABC to CBS, CNN and MTV. There are many levels of risk involved when it comes to sexting. Consequences of sexting include fines, jail time, finding oneself on the sex offender list to name a few. Depending on the severity of the event(s), jail time could reach seven years or more. Ottawa County Assistant Prosecutor Judy Mulder says there is no specific charge in place for sexting yet. Discovery of sexually explicit photos of minors being distributed through phone, email or other method falls into a broad category of child pornography laws. “In my opinion if it’s [sexual pictures/ media being sent] between a boyfriend and a girlfriend that’s a different situation,” Mulder said. “But if it’s [sexually explicit pictures of minors] being passed along and distributed it’s considered to be sexually abusive child pornography.” The many dangers of sexting are being overlooked and misunderstood by teens. Some learn the hard way. “Tenth grade year was when it got crazy,” Holly said. “Everyone had my pictures,
everyone was asking for my pictures. The attention felt good but then after I’d sent them I just felt sick.” Holly’s classmate, Tonya*, found herself in a similar situation. “I sent pictures out freshman year and they got out to everybody,” Tonya said. “Parents, like the whole school and other schools.” Tonya explains that the nude pictures she had sent over the phone were then forwarded in an e-mail. At first Tonya believed her pictures were the only ones distributed this way, however now she doesn’t know how many other girls’ pictures have been forwarded. “[One girl] took a picture of herself bending over and spreading her ass cheeks apart and then spreading her [vagina] open,” Tonya said. “People need to think about if their parents saw it and how they would feel later in life and stuff. There’s no way you can really erase them once they’re on the Internet. Even if it’s someone like a boyfriend, you can’t trust them.”
In a survey conducted at random on 200 Grand Haven High School students, nearly 21 percent of teens from ages 14-18 say they have sent naked pictures of themselves. Almost 45 percent of those surveyed say they have received naked pictures. In a survey conducted by The National Campaign, 20 percent of teens said they posted nude or semi-nude pictures and/or videos of themselves and 39 percent of teens sent or posted sexually suggestive messages. Though the motivation behind the behavior isn’t specified, cases such as Holly’s give insight to what’s really going on.
“School has always been really hard for me,” Holly said. “So if I couldn’t be the smart girl I had to be the pretty girl,” Things began to spiral out of control at that point. Holly would send pictures to any cute boy who was asking for them. Toward the middle of the summer she realized the situation had gone too far and she could get in serious trouble for this. Things were getting increasingly worse for Holly. The harassment from her female peers nearly destroyed what was left of her
THE BUCS’ BLADE In-Depth 17 THE LAW SAYS: In Michigan, sexting can result in felony charges. As it stands, teens under 18 sending or receiving/distributing nude or semi-nude pictures or other explicit multimedia messages is considered distribution of child ponography. In the U.S it’s against the law to posses naked pictures of minors, although some have petitioned for federal sexting legislation that would make sexting a misdemeanor for minors.
“I would just sit in my bathroom and bawl my eyes out and I would feel so sick because I knew I couldn’t take it back” -Holly inner dignity. “The worst part of this whole thing, this whole two years is I would get these phone calls from these girls and they would pick and prod at my body from my legs to the things about my cheeks, about my hair,” Holly said. Things that I never really thought about until then.” Holly would turn her phone off in the evenings to avoid the increasingly familiar ‘Private Call Incoming’ “Inside I ring that promised the was dying” harassment of other teenage girls. -Holly Sometimes the taunting would be straight to Holly’s face. Girls would walk past her and say things like ‘you’re such a slut’ or ‘you’re such a whore’. “To people I’d be like ‘whatever, I’m not a slut, I’m not going around having sex with everybody’,” Holly said. “But inside I was dying.” With no one to talk to or to turn to, Holly found herself alone and feeling ruined. She believes it was one of the biggest mistakes she had ever made because it had gone on for so long and gotten so out of hand. “It’s one thing to have guys call you a slut,” Holly said. “But when it’s a girl; somebody who knows what you go through, somebody who knows what its like being a girl...when you have that against you too it’s like ‘what do you have left?’”
Counselor Claudia Phipps hasn’t dealt with any specific sexting cases before but explains the action that would be taken in the event that a sexting scenario occurs. “The first thing we would do is call the parents and make sure that the parents know,” Phipps said. She says the second course of action is to go see a deputy and find out the laws pertaining to the situation. The third is to proceed from there with the appropriate consequences. “Everyone would be in trouble and we
RECENT CASES: •
Two Valpariaso, Ind. middle schoolers (a 13-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy) were refered to juvenile probation on charges of possesion of child pornography and child exploitation as a result of an incident last January.
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One story, featured on The Today Show, told of an 18-year-old girl, Jesse Logan, who had sent inappropriate picture messages to a boyfriend via text. The pictures got around the school and others outside of school. Eventually, the harassment became so intense that Logan committed suicide.
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According to ABC News, 20-year-old Phillip Alpert distributed naked pictures of his 16 year old girlfriend when he was 18. He was hit with 72 charges centered around child pornography. He was added to the National Sex Offender list which prevents him from living near any schools, bus stops, parks, etc. as well as making it difficult to get a job or a girlfriend for that matter.
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In 2009 13-year-old Hope Witsell commited suicide as a result of bullying. She had sent a picture of her breasts to her boyfriend. Once the picture cir-
Photo illustration by Kali Rea
would call police,” Phipps said. Still, police aren’t the first thing on the mind when it comes to sexting.
“I would always feel pressured to send pictures,” Holly said. “Like it was my job to give them what they wanted,” At one point Holly found herself being blackmailed. A boy had her picture on his email and would tell Holly if she sent a picture then he would delete it but if he didn’t he would send the ones he had out. “There was nothing I could do and no one I could go to because if I went to an adult I would have to tell everyone everything,” Holly said. “I felt like I was stuck in a hole digging myself deeper.” Reality began to hit Holly, and fear made itself comfortable in her everyday life. “I would just sit in my bathroom and bawl my eyes out and I would feel so sick because I knew I couldn’t take it back,” Holly said. She was afraid the pictures would get out to the authorities. Holly has always been known by her parents, parents’ friends and teachers as a respectable girl. She likes that older people and adults think highly of her.
17-year-old Nicole* experienced Holly’s fears first-hand when her family found out she had been sexting. Though Nicole felt her actions were stupid, her reasoning is one many teenage girls can relate to—insecurities. “I didn’t think that I was pretty, I didn’t think people thought I was pretty,” Nicole said. “When guys would ask me for them I
would feel like they were attracted to me.” Nicole expressed how she never really wanted to send the pictures. She would have preferred the boys liked her as a person, but the attention made her feel better. Nicole and Holly regret their actions, but both have learned from it.
Holly wants to reach out to others and let them know how awful the consequences of sexting can be. “It’s important for me to get my story across because it’s scary, it’s really scary,” Holly said. “To this day my image has been that girl who sent pictures and it’s hard.” It seems to Holly that every time she likes a boy someone tells him she’s sent “ pictures,” ruining the chance of a relationship. Holly has a new perspective on the situation and behaves differently when it comes to her phone. “I’ve completely changed,” Holly said. “I have so much respect for other girls who said no. I think that makes them look like such a strong person.” *Names have been changed to protect identity
18 Arts THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
Beyond Band “AFTER THE WORK IS DONE AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS ARE ACHIEVED THEN WE CAN LAY BACK AND HAVE A LITTLE MORE FUN” -Greg Maynard
MARCHING REHEARSAL: Band director Greg Maynard coaches the marching band. Maynard has built a sizeable reputation as a perfectionist with many musical honors under his belt. photo by Ali Steggles
Meridith Frein Reporter Marching, left right, left right to the beat of a whistle. Every step has to be perfection; every turn has to be in sync. With megaphone in hand, band teacher Greg Maynard has taught the art of music here for the last 12 years. Maynard is best known as a fire-breathing perfectionist who demands excellence from his band students. However, there is a side of him that most people don’t know. Growing up in a home filled with music, Maynard learned from a young age that it was always going to be a part of his life. Over time the music not only filled a part of his life, but woven through his future. “I’ve always used music
to get away from everything,” said Maynard. “It is part of who I am.” As a high school junior Maynard was drum major and helped take over pep band. The band room had developed into his home away from home and he could not have been happier. “I loved music, but the thought had never occurred to me to become a teacher.” Maynard said. “My band teacher came to me and talked me into it. I didn’t think I was the kind of person to do it, but I followed her advice and decided to pursue a teaching career.” Maynard has taught for 32 years and couldn’t be more sure that he made the right decision. He has the students’ best interest in mind and does not hesitate to push them to the limit.
“I hold high expectations and I know it,” Maynard said. “I never expect more from them than I think they are capable of. I give them my absolute best. Which can be misperceived as inflexible.” Senior Aprille Dahlman understands. “He is strict on everything,” Dahlman said. “But think about it—one person in charge of 100 people. He has to be strict, which is where he gets his bad reputation.” By spending so much time with his band students Maynard not only creates a student-teacher relationship but also, on a deeper level, creates a working relationship. They all learn each other’s pet peeves, weaknesses and strengths. All the while creating memories with Maynard and
forming a sort of second family in their home away from home. The band room becomes their sanctuary, as it is for Maynard. Even interviewing Maynard I couldn’t get through asking a single question without a band student knocking on the door, whether to ask a question or stop by to say hello. By the time I had opened the door to leave his office there was a crowd of a dozen grinning students waiting outside of his office to talk to him. That’s when it hit me, he wasn’t just a band teacher with a sore throat. He is a mentor, counselor, leader and teacher all in one. Maynard kindly apologized for the constant knocking, but all I could think was why apologize for being admired? It’s not just the band.
This year Maynard began teaching a new Intro to Guitar class. It was an interesting challenge, given that Maynard did not play guitar before the course started. His students appreciate the effort. “I thought it was cool how he hadn’t ever played before, but yet attempted still to teach a guitar class,” senior Joe Schuh said. “It shows character. I didn’t expect to put so much effort into it. He’s learning with us and he wants us to like it too, so it’s exciting.” Maynard believes focus is an important asset for his students. “Time is precious and valuable,” Maynard said. “So you have to make it worth it. Make every minute count.” Those of us that only see halftime of the football
games or the occasional assembly have no clue what goes on in the band room. Seeing nothing of the occasional class joke of hiding Maynard’s favorite batons, which he laughs about. We aren’t there at band camp when both students and Maynard are pushed out of their comfort zones to attempt different stunts that leave kids laughing for minutes at a time. It all adds up to one thing; a teacher who may have a reputation for being stern, but one that isn’t afraid to have a little fun. “After the work is done and high expectations are achieved,” Maynard said. “Then we can lay back and have a little more fun. I just want them to be able to walk away with an understanding and an appreciation for music.”
Friday, October 15, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Arts 19
A walk of art photo story by Lauren Lund (clockwise from left) CARDBOARD FOR $2,800? Sounds unreasonable to most people. Not Reb Roberts, the artist who decided to make it happen this fall. Those who wanted to express their love but couldn’t afford the price could contribute just as much with a simple vote. MAYTAG MAN: At nearly 20 feet tall Colleen Duga’s sculpture “Boredom” aims to stand taller than the rest in the competition. FINE PHOTOS: In high spirits Tori Stoika shows off the work she entered in the Youth ArtWalk. Entered in the oldest division, she selected her favorite pieces to represent her artistic abilities as a photographer for the competition. GIANT GIRAFFE: This life-size giraffe is more than delighted to be in the heated competition on a sunny afternoon. . YOUNG ARTIST: Inspired six-year-old Jonah Wilhelm scribbles away his artistic abilities in the
ArtWalk Headquarters. Happy to contribute to the event, he carefully colors in his walrus with crayons to hang on the wall with other childrens work.
20 Health THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
HEADING OFF CONCUSSIONS
Two new football helmets use new technology to help prevent concussions
The revolution helmet is a new shape, which sweeps back toward the ear then juts out along the jaw, making it larger but lighter than previous helmets. The facemasks are rounded so they can deflect hits as opposed to absorbing them and may also be made in titanium to make them lighter.
The Pro Elite helmet by Adams also has a new shape forming to the head with a curved indentation in the back. It is similar to the revolution helmet because it is designed lighter and offers a titanium face mask.
I THINK I HAVE A CONCUSSION BUT I DON’T REALLY REMEMBER
As concussions become more common, medical personnel are taking action to keep injured athletes from permanent brain damage MICHAEL GINOCCHIO Sports Editor
the baseline mental abilities of an athlete before they get a concussion. After getting diagnosed with a concussion, the test is used to determine how far from the baseline the athlete deviates in subsequent testings. t could be little more than being dizzy, similar to spinning To Athletic Director Jack Provencal, the HeadMinder test is one of the around like a top and suddenly stopping. There’s a ringing in many important steps taken by the athletic department your ears, but you can’t remember to reduce risks. why or how it happened. You open “It was about a year and a half ago when we met with COMMON SIGNS OF your mouth to talk, but nothing that the head trainer at CMU regarding concussions and TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY leaves your lips makes sense. You the HeadMinder program,” Provencal said. “The Board think you’re sick--and you’re right. enthusiastically endorsed the project, and action was • Lightheadedness But it’s not the kind of sick that you’re use to. taken to secure the funding. It was all done to enhance the • Confusion One of the more problematic trends in sports • Dizziness safety of our student-athletics.” has been the prevalence of concussions. TrauPrograms like HeadMinder are only a recent develop• Slurred speech • Nausea ma-induced injuries occur during a moment of ment so athletes who suffered concussions previously had • Vomiting high impact where the brain slams against the to endure painfully long waits to get back on the field. • Headache skull and bruises. Concussions can cause a vari“When I had [my concussions], there wasn’t any elec• Balance problems ety of negative effects, including memory loss. tronic testing for it,” Appel said. “I didn’t do PT (physical • Blurred vision Junior Torrey Appel, who has suffered two therapy), so I just had to miss football…it sucked.” • Sensitivity to light and noise • Sluggishness concussions in high school, can definitely attest Despite the concerning effects of such a debilitating in• Ringing in ears to that. jury, Wykes doesn’t see the trend spiraling out of control. • Changes in personality “There are days of my freshman football sea“I don’t think [it’s a panic-worthy problem],” Wykes • Drowsiness son I have trouble remembering,” Appel said. said. “A lot of it has to do with awareness. There have • Difficulties concentrating and under“Teachers will come up to me and say ‘Hi!’ and been a lot of studies [to raise awareness], what with the standing • Memory loss I’ll be like ‘Did I…have you [as a teacher]?’” NFL and the brains of players years after they had retired What causes concussions to be more trouble- • Anxiety or nervousness basically looking like mush because of the constant dam• Uncoordinated movements some than the standard injury is that there are age.” sources: http://www.webmd.com/brain/concusno noticeable signs of damage on the outside, Wykes also recommends a number of preventative sion-traumatic-brain-injury-symptoms-causeswhich makes it difficult to diagnose just how measures for athletes seeking to avoid concussions. treatments?page=2 badly someone is banged up. However, he finds, there is no single perfect solution for “There’s a lot that comes into it,” high school minimizin the risk. athletic trainer Patrick Wykes said. “You have to run a lot of neurological “What makes it difficult is that there really isn’t one specific thing to tests, which are similar to a field sobriety test. You also need to check if [prevent them],” Wykes said. “Proper hydration helps, as well as proper [the brain cells] are firing.” technique. It’s also important to have a good mouth guard.” Recent advances in testing have made it easier to determine the readiAnd though the threat of concussions is always there, that is not stopness of athletes that want to return to the field of play. One of these is the ping Appel from enjoying sports anyway. HeadMinder program, which runs a series of tests in order to determine “I love it,” Appel said. “It’s just a part of the game.”
I
“I DIDN’T LIKE LOUD NOISES, EVERYTHING IRRITATED ME AND I WAS DROWSY,” -Jake Vanderlaan
“I DON’T REMEMBER A LOT OF THINGS, LIKE FROM FRIDAY [AT THE GRANDVILLE FOOTBALL GAME] WHEN I GOT HIT, UNTIL NOW,” -Tanner Jacobs
“THERE ARE DAYS OF MY FRESHMAN FOOTBALL SEASON I HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING,” -Torrey Appel
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22 Photo THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
Battle of the Bands
(clock wise from above) TWO BY TWO: Drum majors Adam McMillan and Allison Knopf file the Buccaneers out of the stadium in sync. As hosts, the Buccaneers did not compete for awards. GLOWING FACES: Whitehall’s Drum Major and lead color guard personnel try to contain their excitement after receiving multiple awards. Whitehall out-performed every band at the invitational and took home the grand trophy. CURTAIN CALL: McMillan instructs the band in the last performance of the night. FOLLOW SUIT: Trombone player, Christian Vrablic walks in line, keeping time with the rest of the band as they exit the stadium. HAPPY FEET: Whitehall stands in front of the crowd, with their trophies at their toes. Before being handed each award the recipients do a short choreographed routine. ALL ALONE: A Mona Shores Trumpeter performs a solo in the middle of their first song. The Sailors performed but did not compete for an award. photos by Amy Potter
Gene Rothi Field held the Grand Haven Band Invitational Saturday October 9th
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24 Tech THE BUCS’ BLADE
Friday, October 15, 2010
Sept. 14. became an important date in gaming history with the release of Halo Reach. The newest Bungie project and the final game in the Halo series answers all of the questions relating to the successful Halo franchise. /5
Halo 3 was released, ending the Halo story arc. The only RTS Halo game, Halo Wars was released.
the vast array of characters, from the no-nonsense Commander Carter to the walking tank Jorge and possibly insane knifewielding Emile. But what will draw you in is the near-blank slate your player is. Reach gives players just enough information about their own character, but leaves out enough for personal interpretation. So for all intents and purposes, the player really is Noble Six. What makes Reach so special is the sense of finality of the entire project. It closes the loop on the Halo series, and finally stamps shut the story of how you found Halo in the first place. That, and Bungie, the company that has literally made itself with the Halo series, is leaving the project to pursue other interests. So, barring some major announcement from Microsoft, this is it. No more Halo games. No more Master Chief. No more Spartans. No more Covenant. So sit back and enjoy the fun while it lasts. Because if video games are an art, then Halo: Reach is a masterpiece. Set between Halo 2 and 3, Halo 3 ODST included beta multi player with purchase.
Sept. 14, 2010
Halo 2 was released complete with Xbox Live multi player.
Sept. 22, 2009
Sept. 25, 2007
The first game in the series Halo: Combat Evolved was released.
Nov. 9, 2004
Nov. 15, 2001
2001 marked a year that all gamers remember fondly the way parents remember their baby’s first steps: the release of Halo: Combat Evolved. A first-person sci/fi shooter, the Halo series set a benchmark in many facets of gaming, including an online multi player system that has defined the games. Subsequent releases of Halo 2 and Halo 3 only raised the degree of difficulty even higher, and it seemed impossible to top the success of Master Chief over the years. Then came Reach. Halo Reach, released Sept. 14, 2010, is a direct prequel to Combat Evolved, but by no means is it inferior to the rest of the series. As a matter of fact, Reach is by far the best game in the entire series. Reach incorporates the traditional Halo elements, and elevates the game to a whole new level. In multi player, there are new armor abilities that allow
temporary offensive or defensive advantages. For example, players can project a hologram of their character running across the map, or use a feature called “Armor Lock”, where the player locks down their armor to invincible levels but sacrifices mobility. In addition, Reach introduces a credit system for players to spend on armor design (don’t get too excited, the designs are just for show.) Reach also takes the Fire fight mode that was introduced in Halo 3: ODST and vastly improves it, to the point that you forget ODST ever existed (which is a good thing). Even if a gamer just wanted to play the campaign mode, that would still be good enough on its own. Reach has a gripping story line, detailing humanity’s futile defense of their most valuable planet outside of Earth itself. The player takes control of “Noble Six”, the newest sixth member of an elite squad of super soldiers tasked with helping humanity in its hopeless task. What makes the campaign so memorable is
Mar. 3, 2009
MICHAEL GINOCCHIO Sports Editor
A prequel to the Halo series, Halo Reach, was released as the final installment.
Characters- Though the Master Chief is sadly not present in Halo: Reach, there are plenty of other personalities to fill in the emotional void. Fight alongside a score of memorable characters, from the brilliant strategist Kat to the laser-accurate sniper Jun, and build your own story as Noble Six.
Weapons- The M319 Individual Grenade Launcher fires powerful grenades with EMP capacity, which can decimate an opposing defense single-handedly. Or if you’re more for the old-school approach, mow down your foes with the Designated Marksman Rifle.
Vehicles- Take to the stars with the YSS-1000 Sabre, a top-secret star fighter designed for fast, explosive dogfights against the Covenant. On the alien side, the Revenant is a Covenant equivalent of a motorcycle plus a sidecar, with very big guns.
Game play features- Take your game to another level with crazy power-ups. Utilize invincibility, jet packs, and hologram projections to get the drop on your foes. And once you’ve done that, finish them with style with Reach’s allnew assassination animations.
Multi player features- Thought Halo 3’s Forge Mode was ground-breaking? Reach introduces Forge World, a massive landscape with no limits to what you can do. Laws of physics need not apply. Also new to Reach is Headhunter mode, where killing a foe results in them dropping a skull. The player with the most skulls at the end of the round wins. Illustrations by Nate Niemerowicz
1
Friday, October 15, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Vibe 25
SCHOOL PICKS VIDEO GAMES: “FIFA 11 is the best. It’s amazing, just everything about it—the graphics and how realistic is. Your touch on the ball, when you shoot it and how you can shoot it is great. I play everyday.” sophomore Willie Bennick
Coming Soon...
8 movies arriving in the next month you won’t want to miss
MUSIC: “Freelance Whales is a pop-indie band and they have a lot of unique styles and instruments. I like them because they sound pretty.” senior Mac Carlson
BOOKS: “I read Night for class. It was kinda cool. It was good to hear someone’s perspective who went though the holocaust. The book was gory and really graphic.” sophomore Anna Ribbe
MOVIES: “I saw The Princess and the Frog last week. It had sweet songs in it and the lightning bug made really funny jokes.” senior Jake Rickfelder
October 15 R
October 15 PG-13
RED
Hereafter
Paranormal Activity 2
Watching other people do stupid things is always entertaining Seeing all of the awful squealinducing action the series is famous for is even better in three dimensions.
Morgan Freeman. Helen Mirren. Bruce Willis. All with guns. Lots and lots of guns. If you can’t get excited about a plot concept as zanily awesome as that, then your status as an American moviegoer needs to be revoked.
We haven’t seen the last of Clint Eastwood yet. He directs this thriller staring Matt Damon, which includes the constant theme of death.
This is probably going to suck as much as the first one, but watching it at some point may be inevitable. Hopefully there will be more plot and less awkward suspense.
Saw 3D
Wild Target
Due Date
Megamind
Experience the newest edition of the Saw series in three dimensions. There’s no promises on any sort of a normal plot, but the usual terror should be even better in 3D.
Wild Target takes your favorite red-headed Weasley, Rupert Grint, and gives him a gun. This movie may determine whether he will continue to be an A-list actor or forgotten as the Harry Potter series comes to a close.
Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis film their first movie together with the director of The Hangover. If this movie is anything but hilarious it will be extremely surprising.
This animated film combines the comedy of Will Ferrel with the charisma of Brad Pitt. Nearly everyone is sure to enjoy it.
Jackass 3D
October 22 PG-13
October 22 R
TELEVISION: “‘Teen Mom’ shows us what not to be like and it’s really a moving program.” freshman Emily Lenahan
MUSIC: “‘The Devil’s Made a New Friend’ is an album by Jarred Garbel. There are catchy songs with fairly deep lyrics. He’s supurb live, better than on the CD.” junior Rebecca Shay
BOOKS: “Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater is a book about wolves. The style is flowy, poetic and has a refreshing storyline. It also doesn’t have the same romantic junk most Romance stories have.” sophomore Adrienne Whisman
TELEVISION: “‘Phineas and Pherb’ is fun and fabulous. It’s a little cartoon that reminds me of my childhood.” freshman Mckenna Mahacek
October 29 R
October 29 PG-13
November 5 R
November 5 PG
26 Vibe THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
Are teenagers too old to trick-or-treat? QUICK FACTS MEGAN BITNER Reporter
When you open up your door to answer eager trick-or-treaters this year, will you see a pair of tiny ghosts or a couple of players from the Varsity soccer team? We’re all familiar with the glory days of trick-or-treating—running around in light up shoes until your ankles go numb in the dark, your teeth buzzing from the glorious piles of corn syrup. I remember a Halloween when I was eight. I’d been dressing up in a Tigger footie suit, as Cinderella and Cleopatra in a cleverly devised pattern for the past six years. With each of those costumes, I’d been an unstoppable force of adorable and irresistible. All of the adults might ogle over my orange and black striped ears, but more importantly, I could win more candy than my sister. (She had only adopted the strategy of dressing up as Tinkerbell for four years straight. The fool.) These things are important when you’re a kid. And sometimes, when you’re a teen.
When I go out on Halloween night, I see the occasional baggy gray sweatshirt over jeans, the sugar-thirsty princess or a baby decked out as a sugar snapped pea. However, they mostly all receive the same amount without question. “Unfair!” Cries the child within me. The older kids are taking over the game, without even putting in the hours of watching Mom sew the homemade costume of a rainbow jellyfish. Some kids are turned away when adults notice they’re not dressed up
at all; some slip under the radar with a giant rhinestone crown or a Batman mask. Halloween is a fun time marking the middle of autumn, bringing people together with vampires, chocolate bars and a ghostly full moon. It should be up to all ages whether they want to participate or not. Chances are, if you’re bordering on a questionable age to be running around in the dark with a three foot tall Jack Sparrow, put some effort into it. Leave the gray sweatshirt at home and strap on some fairy wings instead.
In a survey of 160 students...
Students who trick-or-treat: 69% Reasons for not trick-ortreating: 1. Too old 2. Parties
Where to go:
1. Forest Park 2. Downtown 3. North Holiday Hills 4. Northshore Drive
Top Candies:
1. Reese’s 2. Snickers 3. Kit Kat 4. Twix 5. Hershey’s 6. Skittles
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28 Sports THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
SCOREBOARD CLOCK
BUCCANEER BASH: The ever-faithful Grand Haven student section celebrates during a 26-23 win over Rockford. The victory over the Rams marked the first time Grand Haven has come out on top in the past 11 years. Photo by Amy Potter
BOYS SOCCER
FOOTBALL
BOYS TENNIS
THIS YEAR’S RECORD: 12-4-1
THIS YEAR’S RECORD: 5-1, 3-1 in the conference
THIS YEAR’S RECORD: 7-2-2
KEY PLAYER: Senior Marco Bertella scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Hudsonville.
KEY PLAYER: Senior Quintin Vandoorne recorded eight tackles, recovered an onside kick and blocked a field goal in a 31-14 victory over Hudsonville.
KEY PLAYER: Senior Arjun Biddanda is the number one ranked singles player on the team.
KEY MOMENT: Two 1-0 victories over Rockford.
KEY MOMENT: A 26-23 victory over Rockford, the first win over the Rams in a decade.
KEY MOMENT: The Bucs qualified for the State tournament with a strong showing at regionals.
QUOTE: “We’ve had to deal with a lot of injuries but other players are really stepping up and it’s going well so far.” -junior Andrew Byrne
QUOTE: “We out-hit teams. We’re smart and know what we’re doing [on the field.] We are starting to come together a lot more.” -junior Danny Cotter
QUOTE: “After losing to West Ottawa and finishing 4th at conference, [the team] still found ways to come back and win the next week.” -Varsity Coach Jeremy Case
WHAT’S NEXT: Luck has not been with the Buccaneers in terms of health, as injuries have plagued the team. With conference finals wrapping up this week, Grand Haven will look to hold together to finish strong in time for the district playoffs next week.
WHAT’S NEXT: With a victory against Grandville last week, the Bucs became the first team in school history to clinch back to back playoffs spots. However, even with that security blanket, Grand Haven looks to continue going strong and win the conference championship as well.
WHAT’S NEXT: Grand Haven’s tennis squad finished off a successful season with a qualification for the state tournament after an impressive showing at the regional tournament. With the state tournament starting today, the tennis team looks to finish off what has been one of their best seasons in recent memory.
Friday, October 15, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Sports 29
VOLLEYBALL
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
GIRLS SWIMMING
THIS YEAR’S RECORD: 26-14 overall (2-2 OK-RED)
THIS YEAR’S RECORD: 5-0, with 3 invitational wins
THIS YEAR’S RECORD: 3-4
KEY PLAYER: Sophomore Abby Cole had 12 kills in a 3-2 victory over East Kentwood.
KEY RUNNER: Senior Joe Duff finished third in a field of 294 at Portage, with a time of 15:57.
KEY PLAYER: Senior Gretchen Spoelman clocked a 26.4 second 50-yard freestyle against Traverse City Central.
KEY MOMENT: A victory at East Kentwood, the team’s first victory against the Falcons since 2004.
KEY MOMENT: A victory over Forest Hills Northern.
KEY MOMENT: A 173-129 win against Traverse City Central and Traverse City West.
QUOTE: “We’ve definitely had our ups and downs [this year], but overall it’s been a good season.” -junior Megan Newhouse
QUOTE: “We’ve had a great season so far and it’s looking like we’re only getting stronger.” -senior Joe Duff
QUOTE: “We have a lot of new girls and it’s been a really good year as far as improvement.” - senior Gretchen Spoelman
WHAT’S NEXT: The Lady Bucs have had their highs and lows this season, but have put on a strong showing recently to pull themselves out of a mid-season slump. On October 21, the Lady Bucs will have a cancer awareness game against West Ottawa where they will don purple uniforms to show support.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Buccaneers have been rolling along all season long, with a very deep roster of talented runners who have led them to one of the best seasons in recent memory. After a very strong showing at the Portage Inivitational, the team is looking to show it is one of the teams to beat in the state.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
BOYS WATER POLO
WHAT’S NEXT: Adjusting to a new coach is never an easy task, especially for a sport as grueling as swimming. That being said, the Lady Bucs have hung tough behind a strong upper class along with very talented underclassmen and will push to finish over .500.
GIRLS GOLF
THIS YEAR’S RECORD: Ranked first in the state
THIS YEAR’S RECORD: 9-11
THIS YEAR’S RECORD: 3-9
KEY RUNNER: Senior Laura Addison finished ninth at the Portage Inivitational with a time of 19:19.
KEY PLAYER: Senior Cody Duston scored six goals in a heartbreaking 8-13 loss against Hudsonville.
KEY PLAYER: Junior Kristen Carlson shot a 47 in a tri-meet against Rockford and West Ottawa.
KEY MOMENT: Taking first at the Portage Invitational , making Grand Haven number one in the state.
KEY MOMENT: A 10-5 victory over West Ottawa, a key divisional rival.
KEY MOMENT: Three victories against East Kentwood.
QUOTE: “Cross country is a long season but we’re all healthy. All of our times are improving, and we are definitely getting better.” -junior Priscilla VanHeest
QUOTE: “Playing with each other as the season goes on has made us better.” -junior Ben Bailey
QUOTE: “We’ve struggled a bit this year, but it’s still been a good time.” -junior Sierra Olthoff
WHAT’S NEXT: “Successful” does not even begin to describe the season Grand Haven has currently had. With a victory at the Portage Invitational, the Lady Bucs are currently ranked number one in the state, and continue proving they are the team to beat.
WHAT’S NEXT: Replacing key players who have graduated is hard. Replacing key players that graduated who also set school and conference records is harder. That being said, the Bucs have rallied together behind a new coach and new key players to avoid having a down year.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Lady Bucs have had their good and bad moments this season. However, performances from key players like Junior Kristin Carlson and Junior Sierra Olthoff are bright spots and it won’t be long before Grand Haven is back to being Queens of the fairway.
30 Sports THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
The Blonde Side AMY POTTER Sports Columnist
A girl that knows football I’m blonde, fit and peppy with a smile plastered on my face. I was born to be a cheerleader. And I would be. --- If that didn’t mean I had to turn my back to the game every other down. I fell in love with football at a young age. Despite how my hands were never really big enough to hold the ball. Despite how a hit to the face would send me running inside with a bloody nose every time my brothers and dad played catch in the yard. Despite how my oldest brother used to test his speed and accuracy. Me as a target. Despite how every other girl at recess was on the monkey bars while I played football with the guys. In fifth grade, my dream was to be first female in the NFL. Despite how I won’t get any taller than 5’5 (not that I knew that back then) Despite how it’d be physically impossible for me to tip the scales at 250 lbs of muscle. Despite how disgusting that would look. Despite how I am a girl. I used to want to be a guy, just so I could play football. After realizing that being a guy would mean that I would have to like girls, that dream instantly fizzled. To me, the only thing worse than being a girl was having to like one. So I decided that if I couldn’t play football, I would cheer for it. A perfect match. A girl that knows football is exactly what a cheer team needs. (There’s nothing more embarrassing than cheering for offense when we’re on D). This dream died when I hit high school and watched as the cheer team missed one big play after another, faces to the crowd, executing a routine I memorized within the first two repetitions. So that’s how I got to where I am today. I am not a football player or a cheerleader, though I do cheer louder than anyone in the stands (excluding the Westerman clan... they’re hard to compete with, so I classify them in a different league). Its Friday, senior year. I glide down the hallways in my own state of elation, decked out in a football student section T-shirt, blue and gold Mardi Gras beads, gold sweatbands on my forearms embellished with a football, a sweat band around my leg that reads Go Bucs, a tin football lunch box and the word BUCS written on my forehead in blue face paint. I’m the number one football fan. Saying that I love Grand Haven is an understatement. Saying that I love football is an even bigger understatement. As if you couldn’t already tell. My favorite birthday present this year was last year’s varsity football highlight DVD. And yes, I did hyperventilate through the entire thing. If you’ve ever been in high school you know what its like to have a crush. The butterfly feeling in your stomach every time you see that person, how you can’t help but smile. Well that’s what football is like for me. Only instead of one person, it’s 47. When I’m on the field shooting pics I feel like a giddy schoolgirl. But I don’t have a crush on football. It’s much greater than that.
SMOKIN’ ACES: Senior Mitch Borchers fires a serve towards the net as doubles partner Spencer Krug stands at
the ready. “Having a lot of seniors this year makes it easy,” Borchers said. “We know the routine and know what we need to do to win.” The Bucs play today in Midland for the State tournament. Photo by Amy Potter
SERVING UP SUCCESS
Experience leads Bucs to first state finals since ‘94 CONNOR JENNINGS Reporter For years, Grand Haven’s boys tennis program has been lagging behind other sports in terms of success and is routinely overlooked. However, this year has proved to be quite different, as a talented core of seniors led the Buccaneers to a highly successful regular season, with a finish at regionals that clinched the Buccaneers a slot in the State tournament for the first time in years. For coach Jeremy Case, this season has been nothing but a rousing success. “For Grand Haven, this is by far the most talented and most rewarding of teams of the past decade,” Case said. Senior Mitch Borchers agrees the senior leadership is very helpful. “Having a lot of seniors this year really makes it easy,” Borchers said. “We have nine seniors and nine leaders. We know the
STATE FINALS INFO WHERE: Midland
Community Tennis Center
WHEN: October 14 and 15 WHO: Top teams in each of the eight D-1 regions
routine and what we need to do to win.” Their experience is definitely an advantage and it shows in their 7-2-2 record and 4-1 division record. The team’s key matches include a 6-2 victory over Rockford and a 4-4 tie against Grandville. The determination they have played with all year has been very helpful. “We have been rebounding all year,” Case said. “It started early on with West Ottawa when we lost to them but then we rebounded quickly, beating Rockford the
next match.” At the conference tournament on October 1, the team had a less than expected day with a fourth place finish. The team was disappointed finishing behind Rockford after defeating them in the regular season but they did not give up. Six days later they rebounded once again finishing in second place only behind West Ottawa out of nine teams. Coach Case was very pleased with their performance. “Regionals went really well,” Case said. “Everybody won their first round and if you can get all twelve players advancing to the second round it really puts you in great shape.” Their early success that day gave them the momentum they needed to score twenty points, two more than the required eighteen needed to move on. The team will play today in Midland for the state tournament. They are the first team from Grand Haven to advance to state in 16 years.
Friday, October 15, 2010 THE BUCS’ BLADE Sports 31
BORCHERS BRINGS IT HOME
RUNNING WILD: Freshmen Claire Borchers sprints up Grand Haven’s hilly course, far ahead
of the second place runner. “Running feels the most natural of anything I’ve ever done,” Borchers said. Following Borchers’ example, the Lady Bucs have raced their way to a number one ranking in the state. Photo by Amy Potter
Freshman phenom Claire Borchers inspires talented girls cross country team SCOTT STAAL Reporter For most athletes, running is torture. It’s time-consuming, aimless punishment a coach requires after a defeat. Ranging from long distance runs to full out sprints, running is never fun. Yet for freshman cross country runner Claire Borchers, running is pure pleasure—no incentive required. “Running feels the most natural of anything I’ve ever done,” Borchers said. Borchers, a running phenomenon, has emerged as one of the top competitors for the girl’s cross country team. However, she didn’t start out that way. At the beginning of the season, she was not an elite runner. In fact, she trailed far behind the varsity
girls when early-season practices began. That quickly changed. “It’s funny because when you think about doing a sport you think about getting physically stronger, and you do, but honestly you feel mentally stronger too,” Borchers said. In order to get better, Borchers not only had to overcome physical obstacles, but she also had to triumph over mental barriers as well. Having never run cross country before in her life, Borchers had to adapt quickly to the constant physical pace of cross country running. But she learned quickly as running is a natural a bility that she has practiced and developed through the back-and-forth pace of soccer. Mentally, Borchers had the goal of improving her times and making the varsity squad. She has learned skills like self-control, which help her as she runs. This willpower attributed to Borchers’ accomplishments and propelled her to be the top runner on the first-ranked Division 1 girls’ cross country team in Michigan.
Borchers’ recipe for success is hard work. By pushing herself hard in practice, she went from new to the sport to top of the sport. On race days, Borchers knows that her team counts on her, which provides her with added motivation. “You have to do your best because [your teammates are too],” Borchers said. “If they’re going to work hard, everybody has to. If I don’t do well in a race, or if I have a chance to keep going but slack off, I’d be so mad at myself.” Girls’ cross country coach, Greg Russick, sees Borchers’ dedication to a solid work ethic. “She does what she is asked to do,” Russick said. “She is a great example in practice.” Like any athlete, Borchers gets pre-game jitters. Her optimistic outlook propels her into the races with an upbeat, go-get-‘em kind of attitude. “I’m really nervous before the races,” Borchers said. “As soon as the gun goes off you’re fine. You have to think positive and
that you are going to do well. If you don’t think you’re going to do well in the race, you won’t.” Even though Borchers is nervous before races, her teammates still recognize her boldness. “She is fearless when she runs and that inspires us all,” Junior Priscilla VanHeest said. “She is not scared to go after top runners.” Borchers’ performance isn’t the only thing that stands out. Her personality and charisma captures the entire team. “Claire is very positive and brings a lot of happiness to the team,” VanHeest said. “She has an open mind about everything.” Russick agrees, describing Borchers as a “bundle of enthusiasm.” Borchers’ mentality is one to be noticed any athlete in any sport. Her hard work, determined mindset and positive attitude are easily spotted and admired by all. “She’s a positive spark,” Russick said. “Wherever Claire goes, she lights up the place.”
32 Amp THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, October 15, 2010
CHEER ON THE BUCS
Step 1- cut out Bucco Step 2- grab a ruler and tape Step 3- tape Bucco to the ruler ENJOY YOUR BUCCO MASK!