In rint FENT N
OCTOBER 31, 2017 VOLUME 37 ISSUE 2
THE FACE OF AMERICAN DISABILITY October is National Disabilities Awareness Month. To learn more about disabiilities, see the double truck on pages 6 & 7.
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ART ELLIE VASBINDER
InPrint Fent n
Fenton High School 3200 W. Shiawassee Ave., Fenton, MI 48430 Phone: (810) 591-2968 Email: inprintadvertising@gmail.com Website: www.fentoninprint.com
Publication Policy
The InPrint is a student newspaper published every four weeks by the Advanced Journalism class at Fenton High School. We are an open forum. If the paper prints incorrect information, any necessary corrections will be made in the next issue.
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Editorials are staff editorials on which the entire class votes to decide on the stance taken. Opinions expressed in editorials are not those of the administration. Columns represent the opinion of the individual writer and do not reflect those of the administration. Polls represent a random sampling of 10 percent of the students attending the school.
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Staff
Print Editor in Chief: Website Editor in Chief:
Devon Mann McKenzie Lookebill
Print Assistant Editor: Website Assistant Editor:
Ellie Bennett Jillian Ferry
News Editor: Features Editor: Opinion Editor: Sports Editors:
Ellie Vasbinder Audrey Strickhouser Amber Kelly Tyler Soule
Multimedia Editor: Web Editors:
Jacob Angelovski Gracie Warda, Madi Wheeler
Artist:
Ellie Vasbinder
Ad Designers: Business Manager:
Haley Sordyl, Cale Mitchell Vivian Huynh
Writers:
Delaney Bryson, Sydney Bommersbach, Anna Ebert Andrea Elsholz, Joslyn Kuznichi, Taron Masi, Nick Megdanoff, Regina Pauly, Lydia Podlesak, Lily Tiong, Hannah Young, Lukas Zywicki
Adviser:
Pamela Bunka
the
BRIEFS LEArN ABoUt JrotC
JROTC: GCI Program Offers Career Opportunities WRITER NICK MEGDANOFF
Discipline, motivation and leadership. These are some of the key values for a person to have to earn a career for today, tomorrow and beyond. One place to learn these values is the Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps [JROTC] program at the Genesee Career Institute [GCI]. “The JROTC program gets you ready for the army,” junior Nicholas Schilling said. “The aims of the program are to prepare you in your life for discipline, with leadership, to carry out duties of your life and to prepare you for your life.” Because JROTC program is army based, it trains students in military knowledge such as weapon usage, marching and following orders from their commanders. “Lieutenant Colonel Lapham is in charge,” Schilling said. “He served for far longer than two years because he did not do JROTC. He had to go the long route, which does give him plenty of experience over all of our heads.”
PHOTO MISSY TOUSLEY
INSTRUCTOR LIEUTENANT COLONAL Lapham of the Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps [JROTC] at the Genesse Career Institute. The two current commanding officers overseeing the JROTC program, Colonel Lapham and First Sergeant Lahaine, teach the lessons for the key skills in the program. The skills gained help prepare the students for entering the military branches they’re interested in or preparing them for other future careers. “It teaches you through drill,” Schilling said. “They say commands and you follow them. It’s pretty simple, but it gives a lot of experience with just doing what you’re supposed to do. Every
single thing has a specific way to do it, if you do it wrong you get penalized.” The program’s teaching method helps students learn about possible consequences from their actions. The incorrect actions of students are punished, while the correct actions are rewarded. “I feel it has made me a better person. I feel more confident I have a louder voice,” Schilling said. “It’s giving me motivation, like I hope that by the end of the semester, I will have all A’s.”
NoNProfit GoodwiLL
@fHSpUBLicAtionS
Greater Fenton community unites to supply share room at FIS WRITER SYDNEY BOMMERSBACH
@fentoninprint
@inprintfenton
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News Briefs
October 31, 2017
Recognizing the gap in assistance offered, the Fenton Kiwanis organizations have created a food and supply pantry at Fenton Intermediate School for community members to utilize. “The share room is similar to a thrift store, but there’s no expense,” Principal Mark Suchowski said. “People can donate and anyone from the community can come in and take anything in there.” Many also refer to the share room as a “nonprofit Goodwill.” It is an opportunity for students to get involved in the greater Fenton community. “Our job for KEY Club is to go to the FIS building and organize
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and clean up the share room,” president of KEY Club Jamie Elrod said. “We help in any way needed, whether that is folding clothes or getting rid of things they don’t need.” The extra hands on deck doing the work of unpacking, hanging and displaying items in an attractive way is where high schools students assist the most. “There’s also miscellaneous toys, books and things for kids,” Elrod said. “It’s really nice for families especially during Christmas time, so they can just go there and do Christmas shopping or school shopping at the beginning of the year.” FIS is also responsible for
organizing events such as a backpack program which fills bags with nonperishable food and school utensils in the fall and a book drive in the spring. “It’s to build the community,” Suchowski said. “When you have a young one that’s involved in a program and you have a need, we can meet the need as a community, not just for your child’s education, but among other things.” Students can donate to the share room at 404 W. Ellen Street if they have non-perishable food, clothing, unopened toiletries or household goods.
w
Divided We Fall In light of recent events surrounding the NFL,
of our personal beliefs on this subject we are to uphold the laws of the constitution which allow for the freedom of speech and the right to peacefully protest. So long as individuals are not interfering with an event, school day, etc, we will allow them to show their beliefs during the National Anthem in the form or standing, sitting, or kneeling. There have been stories of high school students and their parents being removed or suspended from sporting events for choosing to kneel during the anthem. This will not be the case at Fenton.” The protection of free speech extends to the Pledge of Allegiance. Students are not required to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance according to the ruling of West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette. It states that “The Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution protected students from being forced to salute the American flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance in public school.” Standing up, with a hand over the heart and saying, “I pledge allegiance to the flag. . .” is something that students have done since kindergarten, although students are not required to stand, the administration hopes that students stand out of respect for others. Whether they stand and recite the pledge, stand and don’t talk or sit and stay quiet, legally it is up to students to decide what they feel like doing. “At the meeting at the beginning of the school year I was very careful with my words,” Principal Mark Suchowski said. “I said ‘It’s my expectation for you to stand for the pledge out of respect for those who have served for our country or that are currently now.’ I wanted people to understand my expectation for them to respect the service of others; even if they don’t believe in standing for the pledge out of respect for the other students that want to, I hope that they stand.” The new expectation for students was a high school decision; it is different for every building when talking about the pledge. By law, schools are required to recite the pledge for those students who want to stand and say it. “A good reason to not stand would be for religious reason,” Suchowski said. “However, I never heard of a religion that says that they can’t stand for the pledge. I said that if they are doing it [not standing] to spite me, their teacher or classmates, it’s not a good reason to not stand. We have said that we want students to stand in years past, but this year I wanted to start on a good foot. I was a little more constant with telling students to stand if they can. Instead of doing one-on-one talks with people who didn’t want to stand, I made the big announcement at the meetings. We say the pledge every day because the law requires schools to do it.” The reason why schools are required to recite the pledge every day is because of the passing of the legislation that Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed requiring public school students be provided the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance each school day. Students and athletes alike have the right to choose whether they stand, kneel, or sit as the First Amendment protects their right to chose.
students encoraged to stand for the pledge ASSISTANT PRINT EDITOR ELLIE BENNETT
Kneeling, standing or linking arms with their teammates, professional athletes are making the news, and if one is a sports fan they probably have seen this on their television screen. Political figures have also taken a stand for what they believe is right or wrong when it comes to acknowledging the National Anthem. “If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL(National Football League), or other leagues,” President Donald Trump tweeted. “He or she should not be allowed to disrespect our great american[sic] flag (or country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, you’re fired. Find something else to do.” Trump has spoken out on his views of National Football League (NFL) players not standing and taking a knee for the National Anthem. As a result of the players taking a knee, the President is looking for a way to prove his point by using tax consequences as means to threaten them. “He has put the First Amendment in play by threatening the NFL,” Legal Director David Loy and Staff Attorney of American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Melanie Ochoa said. “He’s threatened the teams with tax consequences if they don’t discipline players who exercise their First Amendment right to protest police brutality and other racial injustices. Public officials have the right to express themselves and use their celebrity to state their views. However, the First Amendment prohibits them from threatening ‘to employ coercive state power’ against private entities ‘to stifle protected speech’ of individuals exercising their constitutional rights.” Threatening athletes because they won’t stand is going against the First Amendment. The Fenton athletics program has issued a statement in regards to the kneeling for the pledge verus standing. “Although Fenton Area Public Schools has not experienced any demonstrations or protests centered around the National Anthem, some schools in our county have,” Athletic Director Michael Bakker said. “I want to make clear that regardless
ART ELLIE VASBINDER
fentoninprint.com
October 31, 2017
News
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T S U J T S O ’ O T S I
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FOLLO NATIONWING THE D ISN’T D EADLIES T MAS OING E NOUGH S SHOO TING IN TO BRI NG AW ARENEU.S. HISTORY SS TO , GUN V OUR IOLENC E PRINT EDITOR IN CHIEF DEVON MANN PRINT EDITOR IN CHIEF DEVON MANN
In the wake of the shooting massacre at the Route 94 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas on Oct. 1, American lawmakers are continuing to take a passive stance against gun violence. When prompted about potential legislative action regarding gun control following the deadly situation, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) told reporters on the steps of the U.S. Capitol that it is “far too early, and far too inappropriate, to be trying to politicize a tragic situation like this one.” McConnell does not stand alone in this opinion, with fellow Republican politicians echoing the same message, including members of the Trump Administration. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, White House Press Secretary and mouthpiece of the Executive Branch, also dismissed talks of gun control legislation, citing the brevity of the situation as reason enough to delay conversation, it being “just too soon” to discuss potential policy change. This attitude itself is dangerous. When people like McConnell or members of the Trump Administration, take a stance of passivity and acquiescence in response to gun violence, it comes with the same prescribed message: we’ll get to it, but not now. I ask then, when? When will we get to it? If not today, then tomorrow? In a week? In a month? There never seems to be a concrete answer from lawmakers, and as such, the conversation is delayed and avoided. However, in the meantime, while our nation’s politicians are waiting for the what will never be the appropriate moment to address this situation, citizen’s lives are at still at risk. According to the National Vital Statistics System of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 93 individuals are killed every day in America as a result of gun violence, with tragedy striking at the most unsuspecting moments. The victims in Las Vegas initially expected a night of music and festivities, and the event quickly turned into a bloodbath. At Sandy Hook, parents surely didn’t expect that on that morning, as they sent their children to elementary school, it would be the last time they’d see their faces before a gunman ended their lives. It’s never suspected, and as such our citizens are never prepared. It is sad how rampant gun violence has become in our society, and it is equally sad how conditioned we have become to it. I would expect that after a mass shooting claimed the lives of 58 Americans, the entire country would be swirling in a storm of outrage and confusion. Instead, I hear next to nothing. The deadliest shooting in U.S. history is nothing more than a blip on our radar, quickly mourned and then quickly forgotten. However, I’m not surprised by this. Gun violence is such a constant in American life that whenever I wake up to the news that some gunman has killed tens of people somewhere in the nation, I feel bad for a day and then move on, hoping my city isn’t the next. I always feel extreme sorrow and empathy for the victims, but never shock; not anymore. It’s hard to not feel this way when, in 2017, the number of mass shootings in the U.S. (284) is nearly equal to the number of days in the year so far
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Opinion
October 31, 2017
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(295), according to the National Gun Violence Archive. Situations like these ones often leave citizens feeling helpless, myself included. The question always posed is “what can be done to prevent this?” in a nation that has a gun homicide rate 25 times greater than the rest of the world, according to a study published in the American Journal of Medicine in 2016. What started with Columbine and now crescendos with Las Vegas has led to significant portions of our lives becoming militarized zones, including the classroom. The new school year brought with it the induction of the ALICE (Alert, Lock down, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Program in which the administration, in conjunction with the Fenton Police Department, looks to implement a more effective counter-attack policy to potential shooting threats, which includes barricading doors, finding escape routes from the building and, if necessary, attacking the shooter directly. While I applaud the efforts of the district to ensure students’ and faculty’s safety, I find it sad that students and staff must find ways to counter gun violence directly instead of our nation’s legislators attempting to prevent it in the first place. Gun control is the solution to ending the exorbitant amounts of shootings our nation has become so accustomed to. In Australia, after the Port Arthur Massacre in 1996, the Australian government enacted some of the strictest gun control legislation ever seen, which included the banning of semi-automatic rifles and shotguns. Additionally, the laws installed thorough background checks for gun ownership, including a 28 day waiting period and a requirement to present a “justifiable” reason for needing a gun, which doesn’t include for means of self-protection. Since these laws went into effect 21 years ago, Australia has experienced zero mass shootings. By enacting stricter gun control, like Australia, America could also lower its mass shooting rates. A 2016 study by Lancet Health and Science Medical Research predicted that implementing federal universal background checks could reduce firearm deaths by a projected 56.9 percent, and background checks for ammunition purchases could reduce deaths by a projected 80.7 percent. These results are attainable, and America owes it to its citizens to protect them from gun violence. America and its Second Amendment have always had a tumultuous relationship, but the time has come to enact effective gun control legislation. When the Second Amendment was put into place, firearms had a magazine capacity of one round, an effective fire rate of three rounds every minute with a maximum accuracy range of 50 meters. Today, the average household firearm has a magazine capacity of nine, an effective fire rate of 20 rounds a minute and an accuracy range of 210 meters. The Second Amendment was not intended for this day and age, and despite the justifications provided, no citizen should have access to munitions capable of ending dozens of lives in a matter of minutes.
Senior McKenna Schilling’s artwork selected for Governor’s state wide art tour WRITER DELANEY BRYSON
PHOTO WILSON PERSONETT
Senior Mckenna Schilling carefully sketches out the features of her mother’s face using an old photo she found after rummaging through photo albums. Her mom passed away last year after being diagnosed with brain cancer, and Schilling decided to draw a portrait of her as a tribute to her life. It is because of this piece that Schilling has been chosen to participate in a traveling art show by art teacher Kristin McDowell and the Michigan Art Education Association (MAEA). “The Governor’s Traveling Art Show is comprised of 20 pieces of art that were selected at the Michigan Art Education Association (MAEA)’s competition,” McDowell said. “In order for [Mckenna] to be able to participate, first I selected her piece of art to go to the regionals show in Lapeer. Then from our region, which consists of Genesee County and Lapeer county, she was selected to go to the state competition.” After winning the state competition, Schilling’s piece was selected to travel around the state for a year. While other students have been selected for art shows in previous years, Schilling is the first from Fenton to make it all the way to the traveling show. Not only is her piece original for this reason, it also has a special meaning behind it. “My piece was a drawing of my mom,” Schilling said. “When I was in fourth grade, she was diagnosed with brain cancer and in March of 2016, she passed away. After that it was hard to remember, at least for me, a lot of the good memories from before she was sick. In art last year, we were assigned a project, and I can’t
remember what it was, but I wanted to have some meaning to it. Christmas was coming up, too, so I wanted to do something for my dad. I went through old photos and found one that I really liked of my mom from before she was sick. I took my time on it and finished it by Christmas and gave it to my dad.” Not only was Schilling’s work selected for the traveling show, she also earned a spot in the top 100 artists, chosen by the MAEA. “Since it was such an important piece to me, I was definitely a lot happier when I won than if it were just another piece,” Schilling said. “To me it’s almost like [my mom] is traveling and getting to see all these places and other people are able to appreciate her like I do.” Schilling’s piece was made using charcoal, but she says she also has an affinity using acrylic paint and ink. She has developed these skills in McDowell’s art classes over four years, beginning her freshman year in Art Foundations. She is now in McDowell’s AP Studio Art class. “In the beginning I knew that she was a good artist,” McDowell said. “She just had always done what she was supposed to and worked hard at it. This year in AP studio art, I think she is really going to get a chance to get even better at what she does. She selected her theme for the year to be Hometown Heroes and she’s using the piece of her mom as her first one in the series out of 12 other pieces. I think it is going to be a nice progression to see where she takes that.” Mckenna’s piece will be returned to her and her dad in November and at the same time will be on display at its final spot in Detroit.
Looking for Treasure
Classic tale takes audience through a roller coaster of emotions WRITER REGINA PAULY
As the spotlights turn on, sweat starts to drip and butterflies start to churn — the actors are ready to take their places on the pirate ship in the middle of the stage. From cast members, to directors and even technical crew, the “Treasure Island crew spend around 140 hours in scheduled practices in preparation for the 60-70 minute performances. In the “Treasure Island,” director Lori Thompson hopes to achieve a short but enjoyable play while attempting to spark the interests of young children wanting to become involved the drama department. “It’s a short time frame so that the attention span of young people do not get lost,” Thompson said. “The cast has several roles of male pirates, but there are also some female pirates that are included in the play. Because of the way that it is written, and especially the time period it was written in, 1881, it made me think of the topic of feminism in that time,
and I thought that it was perfect.” Thompson describes that despite the short time frame of the play, it can be comedic and serious leading the audience through a roller coaster of emotions. “It’s also got a lot of comedy to it,” Thompson said. “There’s a pirate who talks gibberish, and you can’t understand a single thing he says. There’s also a moment in the script where he speaks from an excerpt from Shakespeare’s Hamlet and you can understand him perfectly. So, there’s some comic moments in it that are a lot of fun.” Despite the time commitment required, many production members find the work to be worth the time spent on stage. “I put a lot of hours in just from rehearsal addition to, set building and technology part of the play,” junior Dylan Dockins said. “You get to learn a lot about how to work with other people and it creates a good work ethic. I really enjoy
working in the process along with everyone else. At the same time, it can be really overwhelming.” While the actors are important part to the play, the behind the scenes is just as significant. Senior Joe Amberg is the stage manager which takes care of the behind the scenes making sure everything from the cues, to lighting, sound, the set and the crew for the production of the show. “I feel we’ve had less time to work on the show because of the talent show and the Band-O-Rama,” Amberg said. “Overall, everything is working out really well, I feel this is a really great cast this year. It feels like it will be easier than years past because everyone is clicking with their characters really well.” The shows are Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 11 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 2:30. The play will take place in the Ruby Zima Auditorium, tickets are $6 for senior citizens and students and $8 for parents.
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October 31, 2017
Features
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IMAGE LIONSGATE STUDIOS
‘STRONGER’ MAKES LASTING IMPACT ON VIEWERS
Jake Gyllenhaal offers a realistic portrayal on the impacts of disablilties following the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing ASSISTANT EDITOR ELLIE BENNETT
Raking in a little over $5 million in the first month of being released is the outstanding movie “Stronger.” Critics, like Glenn Kenney of the New York Times, have reported it as “an artistic risk, full of raw emotion” and a “profound, sensitively made gem,” and I could not agree more. The movie shines a light on the daily struggles of physical disabilities, and offers a fresh perspective that highlights the various individuals who comprise the disabled community. Directed by David Green, “Stronger” is not your typical “true life story” movie. The movie is about Jeff Bauman, who
T
he Americans With Disabilities Act is America’s first extensive civil rights law addressing the rights and necessities of people with disabilities. Since 1990, the law has prohibited any discrimination and assured equal opportunities for anyone not able-bodied. According to The Americans With Disabilities Act Title III, “places of public accommodation cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Examples of public accommodations include privately-owned, leased or operated facilities like hotels, restaurants, retail merchants, doctor’s offices, golf courses, private schools, day care centers, health clubs, sports stadiums, movie theaters, and so on. This title sets the minimum standards for accessibility for alterations and new construction of facilities. It also requires public accommodations to remove barriers in existing buildings where it is easy to do so without much difficulty or expense”
lost both his legs during the Boston Marathon bombing on April 13, 2013. Those present at the event not only lost love ones, but part of themselves, both physically and mentally. The movie shows the real story of Bauman (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), going through the most trying period of his life following the bombing. The movie centers on Bauman’s physical and mental rehabilitation into society after the incident. On top of coming to terms with his disability, Bauman also attempts to overcome his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), triggered by the harrowing nature of the bombing itself. Before the bombing, Bauman was a worker at the Costco Deli counter, suffering from a break up with long time girlfriend, Erin Hurley. He lost both his legs at the marathon, which he only attended to prove his faithfulness to Erin, looking to win her back. As Hurley aides in Bauman’s recovery attempt, the two find themselves connected in a way never before experienced in their relationship. With physical therapy being such a huge aspect of his rehabilitation, a large portion of the movie focuses on Bauman’s attempts to relearn the basic physical actions that were lost in the bombing. In order to make the movie as authentic as possible, Green hired all real-life doctors and nurses to play
LEVELED BY LAW Fenton updates facilities district-wide to better accommodate disabled persons following OCR compliance review NEWS EDITOR ELLIE VASBINDER Last October, FHS was inspected by the Federal Office For Civil Rights for their decennial compliance review. They inspected everything an everyday citizen would use that makes our building accessible, making certain every person who enters the school can and will be able to use appliances without trouble. “Last year, the OCR inspected just about everything that makes our building handicap accessible,” Principal Mark Suchowski said. “They took into consideration how many handicap parking spaces we
have in each of our parking lots, the height of the paper towel dispensers and the air hand dryers in the bathroom. They also looked at the barriers of the school when you step into a bathroom or room, seeing if they have a barrier to separate one stall from another. Even when walking down our hallways, they made sure that if someone was blind and using a cane that they wouldn’t bump into anything that sticks out. ” Fenton has until December to fix anything not meeting the criteria of the review. Changes demanded by the OCR following their review
the roles of those on Bauman’s recovery team. Something else viewers notice in the movie is the outstanding performance on part of Jake Gyllenhaal, as he portrays Bauman in such a realistic way that it appears he isn’t even acting. In order to get into character, Bauman sat down with the Gylenhaal and opened up about the thoughts and emotions he experienced during the situation, which allowed Gyllenhaal to portray Bauman perfectly. This movie had me experiencing an array of emotions, from heartbreak, to happiness and most importantly pride in how far he came from the beginning of the picture. I haven’t cried as much or had my hand over my mouth in shock as often as I did while watching this movie. ‘Stronger’ is the perfect title for a story and movie like this, as Bauman definitely is stronger than most after all he has gone through. This movie is something special, something that will set a trend when it comes to movie telling a story based on true events. Hopefully, future productions will follow in Green’s footsteps when it comes to showing the real, raw truth of people that are affected in tragedies like this one.
include the bathroom stalls and how many handicap spaces are in the parking lots. The most minuscule things many often glance right over could often make a difference for those with the incapacity to use everyday appliances. “I think it’s important that everyone feels comfortable and confident in our schools, whether you are a student or a parent or a member of the public to come in,” Suchowski said. “Because this is a public building and public taxes help pay for it, people get their money’s worth. You shouldn’t only be a building accessible because you are able-bodied.” The Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees equal opportunity for all individuals in any public setting, regardless of physical capabilities. While this is only the beginning, thee district will continue making any necessary upgrades to ensure that every person has fair and easy access to facilities at FHS.
THE FACE OF AME
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Double Truck
October 31, 2017
fentoninprint.com
SWIMMING UPSTREAM
Difficulties of physical disabilities worsened by constant cost of treatment WRITER LILY TIONG/ART DEVON MANN Most people already have to worry about the many fees that are needed to be paid monthly, like phone, internet, and electricity services. However, for disabled individuals, medical costs comprise a huge portion of expenses that need to be tended to each month. The physical difficulties of caring for a disability can often be magnified with the financial aspect of treatment, with disabled persons having to navigate the world of deductibles, copays and secondary insurance. “Some patients with certain disabilities may require more medical attention than others, and upkeep on any to all medical devices that are needed for everyday living,” physical therapist technician Lonnie Rodriguez said. “Typically, patients with a disability are more than likely on Medicare. Most patients who have Medicare for their primary insurance have a secondary supplementary insurance that will pick up the deductibles and copays that Medicare requires. If the patient does not have secondary insurance, the patient is responsible for the deductible: roughly
$200 out of pocket and 20 percent for a medical visits, medical equipment, and more.” A deductible is the amount of money a patient has to put down before the insurance company starts to pay for their medical needs. As Rodriguez pointed out, Medicare is the primary insurance provider for disabled people, with 47 percent of disabled Americans relying on it, according to a study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation. “Usually, Medicare sets all standards for most medical insurances,” Rodriguez said. “Most insurance companies have a set amount of what is allowed yearly. So, they may not be flexible on cost. If they only cover up to a certain amount, the patient would be responsible for the remainder, out of their own pocket. They may have secondary
insurance that would leave the patient covered or only paying a small fee out of pocket.” As a result of a patient having two health insurances, they must also pay two deductibles. The price of deductibles vary depending on the situation. “Each insurance company is different on the deductible,” Rodriguez said. “I have been in the medical field for awhile, and I have seen patients not have to pay deductibles at all, and some have as much as $100,000 a year.” In order to make sure each patient is paying the correct amount each month, doctor’s offices must work closely with a variety of insurance providers. Without communication between the medical practice and the insurance provider, patients cannot be guaranteed treatment. “We deal with insurance companies on a daily basis. We are in contact with them
every time a new evaluation is scheduled,” Rodriguez said. “We have to make sure that is an active enrolled benefit holder. Once that is determined, we receive a breakdown of the benefits; copays, deductibles, authorization and covered versus non-covered benefits.” Insurance isn’t the only thing patients have to worry about paying. They must pay for technology, like wheelchairs, because it’s needed to make transportation easier. “Wheelchairs vary in price from $200 to thousands of dollars, depending on the condition of the patient and the mechanisms needed for everyday living for the patient,” Rodriguez said. “Walkers can cost $50-$500 also depending on the style that is needed for the patients needs. Canes are the least expensive and usually cost less than $50.” Paying for the care and technology is only skimming the threshold of difficulties brought about by disability. For many, the fiscal aspect is only on the beginning of the many trials of disability.
DISABILITY, Physical impairments haven’t stopped these trailblazers from making their mark NOT INABILITY in the U.S. and around the world PRINT EDITOR IN CHIEF DEVON MANN IMAGES WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT
STEPHEN HAWKING
Despite being paralyzed from the waist down, 32nd U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt was responsible for leading America out of the Great Depression and guiding the Allied Powers in WW2.
Stephen Hawking is largely considered one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century due to his theory on Quantum Mechanics. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.
DISABILITY: ALS
DISABILITY: POLIO
MARLA RUNYAN
STEVIE WONDER DISABILITY: BLINDNESS
Marla Runyan is the first legally blind individual to compete in the Olympic Games in 2004. She is a three-time national champion in the 5000 metres.
Stevie Wonder is one of the most awarded musicians in history with 24 Grammy Awards. He made history by becoming the youngest solo artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
DISABILITY: BLINDNESS
ERICAN DISABILITY ART ELLIE VASBINDER
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October 31, 2017
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PH OT A AY OM
PHOTO DANIELLE ZAWLOCKI JUNIOR MEGAN MALLARD swims the 500 yard freestyle in the Tiger Relays. The Metro League championships begin on Nov. 24
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THE SWEAT TO BE THE BEST Girls swim team spends early mornings, late nights practicing to maintain winning streak WRITER ANDREA ELSHOLZ
They are up way before the sun, already at the school before most students are even awake. Pumped with adrenaline, they are ready for the morning’s practice. The Fenton girls swim team is in the pool by 5:30 a.m., putting in the effort to maintain their streak of 13 consecutive Metro League wins, certain this year will be their fourteenth. “We start our early practices on the very first day of school,” senior Rachael Rittichier said. “Morning practices are Monday through Thursday, afternoon trainings Monday through Friday until 5 p.m. At least one-third of the girls on the team does year-round swim for other teams. There are no breaks, that’s why we are so successful in the Metros. The other teams in our league don’t train as hard or put in as much work as we do.” With swim spread across their mornings and evenings, team members sometimes find it harrowing to complete all of their homework. “Swim is very demanding,” Rittichier said. “All the hours in the pool make it difficult to try to balance swim and homework. One time, we didn’t get done with our meet until 8 p.m. Once you do get home, you feel too exhausted to do anything. We really have to rely on SRT; coach Jones tells us to value it. I spend a lot of lunches finishing up assignments, because it is one of the only times I can find for doing homework. There’s hardly time for anything else — only school, swim and sleep. Although we don’t have as much homework time, we have still won an academic award for having high GPAs overall for Fenton sports teams.” The swim team is not only setting the curve for Fenton sports teams in academics. The upperclassmen are also expected to set good examples for their underclassmen teammates. “Going from an underclassmen to an upperclassmen, your role in swim changes,” junior Caitlyn Dailey said. “You find you take on more responsibility. You notice more of what goes on behind the scenes and are trusted to help make sure underclassmen know where they need to be.” Behind every team there is a coach to guide them. Brad Jones has been coaching since he was 19, expecting his swimmers to work to the best of their ability. “Jones tries to get you to do your best; he really does care,” freshmen Delaney Fries said. “He pushes you to your limits. He’ll continue to push you to giving 120 percent even on bad days.” The girls are putting in time inside and outside of practice in hopes of providing more competition for their biggest rivals, Grand Blanc. “The one team we can’t seem to beat that’s really good is Grand Blanc,” Rittichier said. “They are a Division 1 team and we are a Division 2 team. This season, there were times during the Genesee counties where we were beating grand Blanc or it was very back and forth. If we could beat them, and I think we will, then that would really say something about our skill and how hard we’ve worked.” In order to succeed, Fenton swim must bring it to the next level by introducing the team to unique training methods. “We have to tie five-gallon buckets around our waists to give us drag in the mornings,” freshman Abigail Dolliver said. “We also wore shoes a couple days ago that make it feel like you’re not going anywhere. They weigh you down. When you dive off of the block it’s really hard to get yourself back up. But when you take them off you are faster, the resistance is gone and you feel weightless. But before anything, our training starts with several warmup laps to prepare for the difficult parts, like Monday when we had to do 40 X 100s, which would be 160 laps.” All of the shoes, buckets, laps, and hours of training have helped the swim outcomes reach new highs. “We came really close to breaking the 400 freestyle relay school record,” Caitlyn Dailey said. “Another big success was at the counties; our 200 medley relay placed first against Grand Blanc and we got the state time.” The swimmers compete at the Metro League preliminaries and finals on Nov. 2-4.
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Sports
October 31, 2017
fentoninprint.com
Injury
Athletic Department provides measures to ensure students’ safety following concussions sustained in athletic events SPORTS EDITOR TYLER SOULE
After heading a line drive soccer ball, senior Margaret Berry figured, although it hurt, it was just another ball that hit the wrong side of her head. She shook it off and kept playing, but next morning she woke up with a resonating pain in her head. Like Berry, people may not know when they get a concussion; the symptoms can be subtle and may not take effect instantly, that is what makes them so dangerous to people who don’t know the signs to look for. “When someone takes a hit to the head, symptoms may not present immediately, but in some cases may show up 24 to 48 hours after the injury,” athletic trainer Mitch Smelis said. “It really takes a good clinical exam and getting a good subjective history about how the student feels and looking at some other factors.” While some people believe they can’t get a concussion beacause they are not participating in any sort of sports, but they can occur at home, in the middle of the store or just any place that someone could bump their head awkwardly. “Football typically has the highest percentage because of students participating and the general nature of the sport,” Smelis said. “Concussions occur in all sports. The injury might not be directly related to their sport, but could occur at home, physical education class, at work or in an accident.” Athletes take a test with Smelis before the start of their respective season, so Smelis can get an idea of what it their brain looks like before a concussion, “Most of our teams go through a pre-concussion screening; they are taken to a computer lab and complete a series of questions; it measures their reaction time and their accuracy,” Principal Mark Suchowski said. “That
becomes their baseline data before the season or any contact starts. Then, later in the season, if they bump into someone or get tackled, or fall awkwardly and there’s some fear of a concussion, they can retake that test.” If students suspect they have a concussion, it is advised to let someone know as soon possible, because it could shorten the recovery time, depending on soon it is caught. “If students feel they may have a concussion (or just not feeling well), they need to speak up and tell an adult/ parent, coach, athletic trainer or others,” Smelis said. “They should get looked at and determine if it is
mental impairment in some instances. This can occur on the first instance, depending on the circumstances of the injury,” Smelis said. “But, when a student has a concussion in the years of development (the brain continues to grow and develop until about the early 20s), it creates an unknown challenge that we might not fully be aware of until several years down the road.” When someone has a concussion, they need to take it slow and not try to rush back into things; as it can make the symptoms even more extreme for them. “I think being patient is the biggest challenge. I think students being patient and realizing ‘I can’t just jump right back in again, and then that might be, I may have to sit out a little bit,’” Suchowski said. “I know most students would prefer to go to class every day and do what’s asked of them, or try to do what’s asked of them, rather than have to all of sudden slow down, and be told ‘well, you can’t do everything that everybody else is doing.’” When someone has a concussion, they will have trouble reading, looking at light and participating in activities that they could easily do beforehand. “I had literature and we were reading ‘Julius Caesar’. It was hard to focus on what we were actually reading. Then looking at projectors hurt, the screen and stuff like that,” senior Taylor Shegos said. “It was during my season for Fenton, so I couldn’t practice for 3 1/2, and I got second at states when I came back.” Like Shegos, Berry’s injury kept her sidelined. Berry was unable to return to her sport for 4 1/2 weeks and was only able to return after her headaches subsided.
Concussions are “Invisible” injusries. They cannot be seen, only diagnosed by the symptoms they cause. If you are diagnosed with one, you should focus on sleep, relaxation and nutrition. -Stanford Health indeed a concussion. There may be other factors in the student’s case that are presenting like a concussion, like illness, soft tissue inflammation, poor nutrition, or other medical conditions. Studies have shown that the sooner a student is diagnosed and starts proper management of a concussion/head injury, the less time it takes for recovery.” If undetected, the concussion could create lifethreatening, mental or future problems for the person suffering from one. “Concussions can be life threatening or have permanent
After sustaining a concussion, an athlete is 3-6 time more prone to suffer another concussion.
Kids require a longer recovery time due to the fact their brain is still developing. SOURCE stanfordhealth.org
SOURCE stanfordhealth.org
PICTURED: Varsity football players senior Grady Sondgeroth and junior Keegan Jarrett
PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION ELLIE BENNETT
fentoninprint.com
October 31, 2017
Sports
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Injury to Addiction Common use of pain relief medication comes at a cost: opioid addiction
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It can start anyway and anywhere. A concussion occurs during a volleyball game. A dental procedure leaves a patient in discomfort. In the case of any accident or injury causing severe pain, opioid prescription drugs are the most effective way of dealing with the pain; however, the use opioid drugs comes at a cost. According to the Center of Disease Control, prescription drug abuse has led to the worst drug epidemic in United States history. In today’s world, it is estimated that 2.1 million Americans suffer from substance abuse disorders relating to prescription opioid pain relievers. Among teens specifically, studies find that one in four teens have misused or abused prescription medications at least once. “Many teens hear from friends about opioids and the high they produce,” Brighton Center for Recovery counseling supervisor John Furey said. “Prescriptions left in medicine cabinets by adults are frequently a target for theft by kids living in the house or friends of kids in the house. Many prescriptions for opioids are prescribed for more pills than are actually needed to manage the severe pain, which often leads to many leftover pills. It is common for people to sell the leftover prescriptions to others who are interested in them, causing a cycle of addiction.” Opioids are often prescribed for pain relief following medical treatments, like a tooth extraction. Use of prescription opioid drugs is often meant to be limited, because opioids being addictive by nature. Continued use and abuse can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. “Withdrawal symptoms from opioid dependence can occur even with short term use of opioids,” Furey said. “Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, sweats, chills, body aches, trouble breathing, reduced heart rate, hallucinations and comas. Now, death by opioid overdose is a major epidemic in the United States, becoming a leading cause of death.” In Michigan, deaths from an overdose of opioids, including heroin, exceeded deaths from traffic crashes
or gun fatalities in 2016, according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In total, 1,275 people in Michigan died from opioid overdoses in 2016, compared to 1,164 gun deaths and 840 traffic fatalities. More than 40 people in the United States die every day from overdoses involving prescription opioids. “The hallmark of opioid
opioid addiction. “Drugs of abuse slow or stop brain development,” Furey said. “Adolescence is a time when the brain is developing critical decision making and judgment skills necessary to navigate the adult world. Young people who abuse or become addicted to drugs of abuse tend to make poor and impulsive decisions with a lack of understanding to the consequences. Detoxification from opioid drugs needs to be done in a medically supervised environment due to the risk of overdose death. People who are sincere in trying to beat opioid addiction often relapse because the cravings hijack their brains to the point where they act impulsively and pick the drug up again, without thinking through the consequences.” Initial detox from opioids can be completed within three to seven days when a medical intervention takes place. Many people with opioid addiction struggle in detox because of the intense fear of painful withdrawal symptoms and limited community support. Success is rare for a person who tries to quit opioids without medical help or a strong family backing. “Most people who are successful in long term recovery from opioid addiction engage in a community recovery organizations such as Narcotics Anonymous,” Furey said. “Mutual support groups such as NA as well as community support help the person in recovery to deal with their addiction and to rebuild character that is often damaged due to the addiction. People in long term recovery from opioid use and other substances learn over time, with the help from group organizations, to lead a lifestyle founded on personal growth.” Opioid addictions, caused by prescription medication, is a chronic illness that often requires repeated efforts and interventions over the course of a lifetime. Opioid use damages the ability of persons to make well thought out and rational decisions and control their dependence. For people struggling with an addiction to prescription opioids help may be found among trusted friends, family and community programs.
The adolescent brain is still developing. For teenagers, all drugs of abuse can lead to delayed development. Young people who become addicted tend to make poor and impulsive decisions with a lack of understanding of the consequences.”
- John Furey, Brighton Center for Recovery addiction is continued, compulsive use of the substance, despite increasing consequences from the drug use,” Furey said. “It is often wondered why the addict can’t just quit. The disease of addiction is a complex process that includes biology, genetics and environment. The drug itself changes the brain chemistry to a point where cravings develop, over riding the part of the brain that says ‘don’t do it, you know it will turn out badly.’” As it turns out, teens, whose brains are still developing, are particularly vulnerable to becoming addicted to alcohol and drugs, including opioids, and are also less likely than adults to have access to treatment programs and medications. The majority of drug treatment centers are geared toward adults, and far fewer providers prescribe medications recommended for treatment of
1 in 4 people who receive prescription opioids long term for non-cancer pain in primary care settings struggle with addiction.
1-888-501-3823 Confidential help line with knowledgeable counselors on staff who can answer questions about prescription drug addiction recovery programs and assist you with finding a rehab center that specializes in medication abuse treatment. SOURCE RECOVERY.ORG
SOURCE CDC.ORG
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Features
October 31, 2017
fentoninprint.com
Get Your
GAME ON
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ONLINE EDITOR IN CHEIF MCKENZIE LOOKEBILL & ASSISTANT PRINT EDITOR ELLIE BENNETT
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Photo LAurEN MEgdANOff
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Photo WILSON PErSONETT
SmILING FOR A picture, senior Molly Anderson pre-
pares to represent her class in the parade. “I was so excited to be on court,” Anderson said. “The whole thing was really fun, but I loved just being on it with some of my best friends.”
SHOWING THEIR SPIRIT on Red, White and Blue Day, junior Noah Maier poses with the boys swim team. “Last year, some guys from the swim team decided to have a day where we wore our USA stuff,” Maier said. “So, I kept buying more and more USA stuff until it became kind of an obsession.” AFTER ACCEPTING HIS crown, senior Josh Maher runs off the field to join his team in the locker room for the remainder of half time during the homecoming game. “It was the first time I spent a half time outside of the locker room,” Maher said. “We listen to our coaches make corrections. It was amazing being able to accept the crown at half time, especially coming from one of my best friends, Taylor Mowery.” PREPARING FOR THEIR game, senior Cassie Young gets ready to play with the rest her class. “I really enjoyed playing with my classmates,” Young said. “I played last year and thought it was really fun, so I decided to play again this year.”
Photo EMMA SENYKO
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Photo MATT CELOTTO
FLOATING IN THE air, senior Rachel Roman performs
her routine in front of the school at the fall pep assembly. “It is very nerve racking because you have to fully trust the people underneath you,” Roman said. “Pep assemblies are different because they are all pretty much just focused on the performers.”
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Photo KATELYN WALLACE
Photo EMMA SENYKO
THROWING CANDY TO the crowd, junior Anna Weigle stands in the JV volleyball float with her teammates. “I like being a part of the parade,” Weigle said. “It is fun to use face paint and hang out with the team off the court.”
DECORATING THE HALLS for homecoming, sophomore Josie Rollier helps her class finish their wall in the square “I have decorated the halls last year this year it was different,” Rollier said. “Because it wasn’t so difficult as it was the year before and, my favorite part of the night was seeing every grades wall when everyone was all done.” LAUGHING WITH HER boyfriend, junior Sara Eisenbeis waits to be announced to walk on the gym floor as the homecoming court representatives for the junior class. “Being with Nick made it even more special to the both of us,” Eisenbies said. “I’ll always remember being announced at the football game and hearing everyone cheer for Nick and me. My favorite thing was being able to share this experience with my best friend.”
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Photo EMMA SENYKO
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