(murmur( the waterford kettering high school September 11, 2009
Volume 7, Issue 1
Get Quick Advice for the Homecoming Dancefloor Pg. 7
Taking One for the
Team Page 10
Senior Paul Fry makes a catch during his first game against Wayne Memorial. This past week Fry has filled in for his injured quarterback Ryan Dingman. Photo By Jami Dodman
news ( ( 2 September 11, 2009
A Heated Debate
Town hall meetings strike up discussion about health care reform in Waterford
Several people spoke at the meeting, including physicians from across the county. Matt Quinn, 21, a former WKHS graduate attended the meeting in order to share his opinions on health care reform. Photos by Melinda White
By Liz Sawyer and Melinda White
After hearing about the highly publicized and somewhat disruptive town hall meetings across the country concerning health care reform, Waterford residents finally got a chance to voice their concerns last week. State Representative Gail Haines held Oakland County’s first town hall meeting at Waterford Mott High School August 31, allowing many fired-up residents of Waterford, West Bloomfield, and Lake Angelus the opportunity to speak. Haines has been previously quoted saying that, “this is an issue of great importance to many families, and this forum is about helping local residents voice their opinions and concerns.” Haines, who said she is open to reform but is not a fan of the current bill, brought in a panel of physicians from Rochester, Pontiac, and Beaumont Hospital, as well as a legal analyst for Fox 2 News to address the public. The panel discussed the implications of the proposed bill, referred to as “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009” or H.R. 3200. Citizens had many questions about the 1018 page bill, due to its complex wording and various parts. Kettering graduate Matt Quinn spoke at the meeting, declaring our nation’s need for a change in the health care system.
Quinn is 21-years-old and is struggling to pay for his medicine with minimal health insurance while going to school at the University of Michigan, Flint. He has Crohn’s disease and needs two different prescription drugs every month, which cost $400 apiece. “The panel didn’t favor the bill, everyone was against it,” Quinn said. “They should’ve had someone for it.” Quinn feels the bill will make life easier for his mother, who is trying to support him and his autistic younger brother. “I wasn’t really looking for a specific response,” he said. “I just wanted to know how they view someone in my position.” The following day, another town hall meeting was held at West Bloomfield High School with a full house of 800 residents and a longer line outside. This meeting was held by U.S. Representative Gary Peters, who told the Detroit Free Press that he was in favor of reform, but doesn’t support the bill in its current form. H.R. 3200 is currently with the House Rules Committee, who will be preparing the final version of the bill in which the House votes. In the mean time, citizens like Quinn plan to continue fighting for reform. “It’s my right and duty as a citizen to speak to those who are supposed to govern me,” he said. “They should know how I feel.”
Kettering hires seven new teachers and expands the in order to accommodate the growing student body By Liz Sawyer
Some 1680 students try to get through the “T” during a reduced passing time, but have some difficulty in the process. Photo by Melinda White
Enrollment for the 2009/2010 school year is some of the highest it has ever been at Kettering, Principal Josh Wenning said. “We have not seen an influx of kids from the Pontiac School District like most people think,” Wenning said. “We have a large amount of kids, because fewer families are moving away. Believe it or not, Waterford still has some of the most affordable housing in Oakland County.” This year, Kettering will have approximately
Kettering’s New Staff Members: Ben Anderson- Spanish Amy Barrons- Language Arts Anthony BruleyLanguage Arts
Scott McDonaldGeophysical science/ Chemistry Jessica Osburn- Phsychologist Christopher Phifer- Health
1680 students in attendance, a number within 25 students of Mott High School. Kettering was not built for this many kids (there are only 1600 lockers), so over the summer the school underwent construction to expand, Wenning said. Matt Topie’s room was split in half to become rooms 305 and 306. “I didn’t really have a say in the matter,” he said. “But if it makes it easier for a co-worker then I’m okay with it.” Kettering has not only expanded, but added to the staff as well. In order to prevent oversized classes of 35 students or more,
administration has hired seven new teachers. While Wenning believes these additions will minimize schedule changes throughout the year, he said the downside is that there are not enough classrooms for all of the teachers. “Several teachers will be kind of floating around the school,” he said. “Some will be switching rooms every rooms every hour.” Kettering Alum Ben Anderson is just one of the new staff members who will be moving around the building frequently. “I go to a different room almost every hour,” Anderson said. “But at least I’ll stay slim from the exercise.”
Mallory Champine- Art
Lauren Petz- Chemistry
Suzanne HartleyGeophysical science/ Biology
Justus Pikunas- Teaches career and vocational classes
Michael RoemenskyLanguage Arts
Vickie NeubeckAdministrative Tech
(news(3 September 11, 2009
Oakland University tuition over the past eight years
Fall 2009 $292.75/Credit Hour
Fall 2002 $144.25/Credit Hour
Fall 2008 $268.50/Credit Hour
Fall 2003 $160.25/Credit Hour
Fall 2007 $252.50/Credit Hour
Fall 2004 $162.25/Credit Hour
Fall 2006 $221.25/Credit Hour
Fall 2005 $179.00/Credit Hour
Breaking the Bank Oakland University announces they’re raising tuition prices, making students question how they’ll be able to pay for such an expensive college education
Dates to Remember
September 14: Principal’s Roundtable and PTSA Meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m.
September 2009 M T W
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September 23: Curriculum Night 6:00-8:30 pm October 1: Senior Pictures due; cost $25 for 25 words or less October 2: Homecoming Game October 2009
By Brigette Shefferly Oakland University has been known as the universal stepping-stone for any student looking to succeed. We go there for its convenience and for their reputation of a good education and price. Ironically, the slogan at Oakland University happens to be ‘You Can Afford This’ and although they are not typically known for their crazy tuition rates, it was recently announced that Oakland University has set a nine percent increase in their tuition for the 2009-2010 year. “It’s so stupid, like, oh my God,” said WKHS graduate Jenna Penfound, who attends Oakland University. Originally an 11 percent increase in tuition was considered, however, the university’s board of trustees voted 5-2 against double digit tuition funds. Do the math, and your total will amount to $9,187.50 for undergraduates. But O.U. isn’t the only university raising their tuition. “Some of my friend’s financial aid at OCC got taken away,” WKHS graduate Carly Puzniak said. This number may seem large to incoming freshmen and to those ready to graduate and receive their degrees, but Oakland University has decided to eliminate student fees, which overall fluctuates tuition rates. Under the “student fee” category, students will not owe a penny for: application, registration, parking, orientation, technology, lab, athletic, student activity, and auto registration fees. This saves the average student $834, once broken down
and calculated. Elsewhere, these fees can range from $0- $1,500. O.U. is the only university that has this benefit. All these fee cuts sound great but, this will not benefit students eligible for financial aid. Since student fees were part of the determining factor for being granted a loan, this is another downfall to Oakland University’s tuition rise. It is hard to say what will happen to the population at Oakland University. Perhaps college-bound students will look elsewhere for education, somewhere with a similar curriculum and a bustling student population. “This whole thing makes me want to transfer,” Penfound said. The events over the past two weeks may have many other students besides Penfound thinking the same thing. “I went in my first day at 8:00 am... and there were no teachers. [The University] tells us that by 8:15 we can leave if our teachers don’t show up. I saw, like, one teacher there,” Puzniak said. Puzniak was one of the unlucky students at O.U. who didn’t know that school had been cancelled that day. Since last Thursday, school at O.U. has been cancelled as well due to a teacher’s strike and students have no idea when they’ll be able to go back to school. Oakland University and the professors are in talk for their contracts and they students who attend O.U. are hoping that the contracts will be resolved soon so that they’ll be able to get back to school along with everyone else.
October 3Homecoming Dance 7:00-11:00 pm
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October 7 & 13: Conferences 4:00-7:00 pm October 9: Picture retakes November 4: Job Shadowing Day November 2009
November 25: No schoolThanksgiving break
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Peace Fest
September 11, 2009
A Feelgood Time
Motley Crue set out on their second annual Crue Fest this summer By Wanda Krotzer Concert season has always been my personal favorite time of year. Looking around, seeing fans of all ages, from the ones that go way back, to the new generation. Or when the crowd is in sync, singing, shouting, and screaming the lyrics along with the band. Mötley Crüe, one of my personal favorite bands, put on Crüe Fest 2 this summer, their own rock and roll festival that started last summer. This summer’s lineup included Charm City Devils, Drowning Pool, Theory of a Deadman, Godsmack, and of course, Mötley Crüe. Crüe Fest 2 celebrated the 20 year anniversary of Dr. Feelgood, Crüe’s first number one album. Charm City Devils, an up and coming band from Baltimore, Maryland, opened the show. They were personally signed to Nikki Sixx’s record label, Eleven Seven Music, and asked to come on the road with them for Crüe Fest 2. It was extremely h o t but the crowd managed t o
gain sustenance from our overpriced beverages, and stay amused in between sets by all the enthused and somewhat tipsy fans. Following The Devils was Drowning Pool who just released their new album 37 Stitches. The place was starting to get pretty filled up, and the fans all the more pumped. They played an awesome set including some of their older songs like Bodies which had the entirety of the lawn and pavilion thrashing like heathens. Next up was Theory of a Deadman, another one of my favorites. Their set was a lot more tame compared to Drowning Pool, and included a lot of music from their new album Scars and Souvenirs, which the audience seemed to love. Everyone sang along, throwing their fists in the air banging their heads. Finally we come to Godsmack. Not being a hardcore Godsmack fan personally, I was only familiar with some of the songs they played. Nonetheless, with the raw energy that radiated off the band it made it hard not to get into the music. By the end of their set though I was screaming and banging my head with the best of them. No doubt about it, they know how to put on a great show. Out of all the bands that performed, their music stuck in my head and I find myself humming the songs constantly now.
And finally, four hours later, having survived heat and the wrath of insatiable DTE vendors, enter Mötley Crüe. If you’re a Crüe fan, you know that they always deliver an amazing show, lights and pyrotechnics included, and thirty eight years later the band still has that intensity. Unfortunately Tommy Lee, Crüe’s drummer, wasn’t able to play due to burning his hand and Morgan Rose from Sevendust ended up playing the show. As always, the Crüe put on a great show, which came to a close with Girls, Girls, Girls, a classic, but not before Mr. Lee graced us with his presence to perform piano during Home Sweet Home. I have to say, the end of a concert is always bittersweet. It’s soaking up those last few notes that leave your ears ringing, feeling the music pulsing through your body, seeing the flicker of flames during the “get your lighters out” song. Music cuts, cue screaming fans, final cheers, then its milling down the hill talking about how the show rocked and trying to remember where you parked your car. And so concluded another Crüe Fest, with hopes that there will be many more to come. Fortunately enough I was able to get in touch with Moon, a personal friend and associate of Mötley Crüe, and got to
ask him what he thought of Crüe Fest 2. “My favorite part was hearing Sticky Sweet live since it’s the only song from Feelgood that they never performed live until this tour,” Moon said. I would have to agree with him because there are many great Crüe songs that never get performed live, so it was great to finally get to hear them live. Kettering student Kyle Kuhn had a slightly different take on Crüe Fest. “Well being one to listen to classic rock, like Queen or The Beatles, I didn’t really enjoy the music. It was okay, some of the bands weren’t bad, but I was really only there for the Crüe,” Kyle said. “But the music didn’t hamper my experience, although I don’t enjoy that type of music, it was still very fun.”
L.A. Cafe and Java certainly set the bar this summer for interesting things, and almost right from the start. Only a weekend or two after school let out, owners Darren and Heidi Graunstadt hosted Peace Fest for the weekend, showing a lot of artists, and open to all people. Having featured art, music, and of course, excellent coffee, the art festival was a hit for both teens and adults. Ranging in displays, there were things frompalm readings to photography, and even coffeecan robots. People “Oooo’d” and “Ahhhh’d” at the parking lot full of artists. The artists themselves even felt happy looking around themselves and seeing people who thought similarly to each other. It was “one big family.” The sculptors and artists told all day of what inspired them, or why they felt compelled in the first place, and all in all, people were given new points of view. It was enjoyable- even students from Kettering were there, looking around and loving the festivities.
Internet Upgrade Kaitlyn Langmaid, a Senior at Mott, even had her own art setup with photography, aside from a few side crafts.
By Eric Defore It is a Monday afternoon; you start up your old, trusty Internet Explorer 6 to access YouTube and watch “Charlie the Unicorn” for the umpteenth time. The horror of being unable to properly view the video and nothing on the page lining up is what you are met with. This will become a common event for many in the near future. YouTube has recently added JavaScript to their website that will only be activated if you are running any version of Internet Explorer that was released before version 7.0. It informs the end-user that their Internet browser is “outof-date” and recommends that the individual
upgrades to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox 3.5, or Internet Explorer 8 because they will be dropping support for the user’s browser. This change in the web page’s coding was done with no announcement. The only reason anybody realized this addition is because about 15% of the population is still running off of Internet Explorer 6. With YouTube deciding to drop support for Internet Explorer 6, most other major web pages will eventually follow suit. “I guess that’s a good way to force people to upgrade to newer browsers,” Anthony Miller, teacher of web design and computer programming at Waterford Kettering, said. This seemingly small change will make a rather large impact on many people. For web designers, it means less of a workload per web page. The major reason YouTube or any other
web page would drop support for Internet Explorer 6 is because Internet Explorer 6 renders certain lines of code differently than other browsers; or not at all. This can turn any web page into a disaster for anybody who is viewing it from a non-compatible browser. Conditional lines of code that are only read by Internet Explorer 6 are then used in the web site to cause it to render properly for the end-user. Internet Explorer 6 being dropped by major web pages affects those in the workplace as well. Many computers within any business or institution are locked down so only Internet Explorer 6 may be used on them. Their computers are set up this way because it is very easy to install patches onto Internet Explorer 6 so Internet use can be monitored or controlled by their employer.
Workers may be unable to access their e-mail or other personal online files if their employer refuses to update their browsers in the event of Internet Explorer 6 being universally dropped. “It could really impact Internet Explorer 6 as a browser since YouTube is such a huge website. Although I think it will help get people to download more efficient browsers like Opera, Chrome, and Internet Explorer 8,” Senior Ethan Smith said. Changes such as this happen in the world of technology every day. The iPod you just bought will be out of date within the next year. Your computer will be within a month or so. The “death” of Internet Explorer 6 has been long coming and now the world must sit and wait as the terminal illness takes hold.
September 11, 2009
A variety of people join together at L.A. Cafe to enjoy art, music and excellent coffee By Bohden Musiel
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Sitting next to her was an artist who did sculptures of heads, and beside him, the coffee-can robot artist. All weekend just chatting and being the essence of peace, Langmaid said it was comfortable, “It was very friendly and warm. It seemed like home. But with a lot more color and expression.” Many people seemed to side with what she said, since there were no two artists alike. Everyone got along, Langmaid, along with many others, said it really represented what peace was, and how people interpret life. Aside from the visual arts, there was a live music group performing there, playing the oldies, and even some more recent music. “It is just neat to see what people have to offer here,” Langmaid said. The song list wasn’t too long, but it was really diverse, and got everyone’s attention. “I think they did a great job of giving something to enjoy while you rested,” the owner commented. “It’s nice to see people who use their talents.” Darren Graunstadt, who was directing traffic, got a chance look around and see a few people. “It was a great turnout,” Graundstadt said. “People were there that really made things work.” He was very pleased with the outcome, and had posted a few pictures for some time on the restaurant’s MySpace page. “People looked happy to just sip coffee and browse the Lot.” He decided it was going to be an annual thing before it started, but the show itself really proved it was worth while. “I think people will really enjoy the idea of another Fest,” Graundstadt said. “It’s just fun for everyone.”
DAYS OF SUMMER
By Brigette Shefferly McKenzie: You’re a dude. [to Tom] She’s a dude! Tom: Ok but wait- wait. What happens, if you fall in love? [ she shrugs] Tom: What? Summer: You don’t believe that, do you? Tom: It’s love, it’s not Santa Claus. Finally, a love story that is not sugar-coated for the public! 500 Days presents a story that is real; it parallels the average relationship, leaving us with true life on screen. What makes it so wonderful? Let me tell you… Zooey Deschanel plays Summer Finn (because “summer fling” would’ve been too obvious), and who although nailed the part of a free-spirited girl that saves no words, strikes similarity to other characters she’s played in the past. Aka, Zooey Deschanel played Zooey Deschanel. But that’s okay, because being typewritten in this case definitely worked for the film’s benefit. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (he’s best known from 10 Things I Hate About You, not the television version) plays Tom Hansen, the adorable guy with a mad crush that leads to heartache. The entire story takes place over a time span of 500 days (hence the title), and is set on shuffle as Tom relives the tale of his love with a girl who wanted to keep things simple. In between tugs on your heart strings, this film has a genu-
ine pitch of irony and will make you laugh out loud. Also, if any of you are IKEA fans, you’ll greatly appreciate this film as the main characters sprint through the colorful wonders of furniture and home appliances. If you aren’t hooked to rent this yet, perhaps the five star soundtrack might change your mind. The entire movie is set to an indie-rock mix featuring the Smiths, Regina Spektor, Wolfmother, She & Him, Black Lips, Hall & Oates (yes they are back, and here to stay. This movie should be awarded ‘the Most Outstanding Usage of “You Make My Dreams”’ in my humble opinion), and more! This film was most definitely worth every minute. It’s original and unique. And do I have to tell you it was the best quirky- somewhat romantic- independent film I’ve seen lately? Just remember, this is a story of boy meets girl. But you should know up front, this is not a love story.
Four Movies In Four Weeks 9/11
9/18
9/25
10/2
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s e y E f o r i a P h s e r F a h g u o r h T September 11, 2009
Life in a big school is not what everybody thinks
By Casey Miller
Sophomore Junior Senior
Freshman
You are here
(remember this)
In every way, school can either make you or break you. The freshmen have a chance to start with a clean slate and now that I’m a sophomore, I envy that clean slate. In my endeavor to assist the incoming freshman, I am going to share some things I experienced and break some common rumors. Let’s face it- you’re not going to get beat up by the upperclassmen, or get a swirly; so how about we focus on the real things that you will feel or that may happen. Sure freshman year had its perks - but dang! That was one glacial-paced year. I really didn’t mind that I was on the bottom of the food chain, it was actually quite refreshing seeing things from a younger person’s perspective. Being a freshman opened my eyes a little to the outside world and how breathtakingly close I am to becoming my own person. I mean, now I only have three years left to make myself more prepared for the nasty reality of the world around us. If I could pick the most important detail in my freshman year, that would be it; simply because it showed me how all my peers, including me are growing together to become one and face the road ahead. Make the most of it and it will pay dividends in the not so distant future. Try not to call them “fears,” let’s go with worries. I know freshmen aren’t afraid of their
first year- just worried about a few things. “I was worried I wasn’t going to get good grades since everyone was telling me freshman year was the hardest,” sophomore Kate Collins said. I will say there is more homework, but rest assured, middle school has prepared you for the labor in high school- it’s not as overwhelming as it may sound. “I was worried I would get made fun of by the upperclassmen because I was a freshman,” sophomore Tori Newcomb said. The best way to avoid an issue such as this is to try act more confident and mature when you are interacting with older students. Aside from being your first year in high school, many sophomores agree you find new personality traits through the year. Becoming mature, more efficient in school, and meeting new peers contribute to finding who you are. “I tried not to judge people and learned that everyone is different,” Collins said. Freshman should not be afraid. They have the most advantage out of any of the classes due to their originality. In other words- we don’t know you. We don’t know your work ethic, your study habits, or who you are. This is your time to shine and flaunt your talent. Good luck freshies!
Quest for the Perfect Dress Homecoming poses an issue for all high school girls, but none more than the senior
By Kristen Tomolak Too sparkly. Too boring. Same style as last year. Weird straps. My best friend has it. As the years go on, the dress selection gets harder. Some girls start looking way ahead of time, the year before, even. Some girls procrastinate and break down crying in Group USA because “their dress” is sold out. If you wait too long, everything has been picked over, and you have to settle on something you’re not totally in love with. Also, we’re in a bit of a time crunch this year. We have just over three weeks from the first day of school to the much- anticipated dance. So if you haven’t started looking yet, a shopping trip is probably in order. A hardcore, digging through sale racks, jumping through other customers, having a friend hold a spot in line, kind of shopping trip.
The journey for the perfect dress is difficult on all levels, but hardest, by far, for seniors. We have three styles and colors we automatically veto for this years dress. Not only seniors feel that way, but most girls are uncomfortable with wearing a dress they’ve already worn. “I would feel weird, because people have already seen me in it,” junior Holly Krause said. Why wear the same thing when you can switch it up, and look even cuter? “I want to show different sides of me,” said sopohmore Kyla Llyod. They’re both right. Now that makes sense, unless you’re a guy. Boys luck out when it comes to Homecoming. They can wear the same suit, and change the undershirt to match their date. They’re not the ones freaking out, looking for the “perfect suit” last minute. Nobody really remembers what a guy wears, unless it’s completely out of the ordinary, with a top hat
and a cane. Being a senior, we want to change our style, and look different than the year before. Not different, better! “Freshman year it was all about the sparkles, this year, not so much,” senior Shelbi Leblond said. “That seems young to me now, and my dress this year looks classier. My friends thought the same thing about theirs.” Personally, I wait until last minute and I’m super picky. I’ve been to every dress shop around here, and always manage to come back empty handed. Either it doesn’t look good, looks too much like last year, costs too much money, or doesn’t bring out my eyes. But hey, I can be picky, I’m a senior. I’m determined though; I refuse to be the girl on the floor of Group USA.
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Life in a Scoop Students find a ‘cool’ job to work at in the summertime By Shelby Netschke Over the summer, while you were partying all night and sleeping all day, some Kettering students actually got a job and went to work. There are always those typical summer jobs; lifeguard, camp counselor, and of course, working at an ice cream shop. Ice cream is pretty popular year round, but it is definitely a summer staple. The popular demand for ice cream in the summer is creating not only satisfied customers, but workers satisfied with finding a summer job in such a great environment. Over at the dairy queen on m-59, Amber Cullison seems to be a satisfied employee. Over the past couple summers she has worked her way up to the position she is at now. “They start you out as a trainee and once you know how to make everything, you’re just one of the girls,” Cullison said. “It’s a pretty good job; they’re really flexible with your hours, which is good for people with busy schedules.” During the year, balancing school, homework, friends, and work can be quite the dilemma. During the summer though, flexibility is great for all those lazy kids that just don’t feel like getting up to go to work in the morning. Cara Hillebrand over at Mr. C’s probably wouldn’t mind sacrificing some of her summer time for work. The
environment at an ice cream place is different from a lot of other jobs. “It’s a lot of fun because the customers are happy. We get a lot of old people as customers, because old people like to have their ice cream, and the little kids are always excited,” Hillebrand said. Like any other job, though, the pay is usually a pretty big factor. “The pay is definitely good since I’ve been working there so long. You start off at like minimum wage, but you get tips which helps out a lot,” Hillebrand said about Mr. C’s. Over at Dairy Queen they do things a little differently. “We except tips if they’re offered to us,” Jake Ruhd, who works over at Dairy Queen with Amber, said. “We divvy up tips by how many hours you’ve worked. So, if you worked three times more than someone, you get three times the tips.” It sounds like an ice cream shop isn’t too bad of a place to work. Sure, working with food isn’t always the best, but as long as there’s a good manager who keeps the place clean, all around it’s a pretty great place to be. So, “If you’re looking for a summer job, it’s a good one, especially since you get to eat ice cream,” Cullison said.
HOW NOT TO DANCE AT HOMECOMING We know everybody has their own style and expresses themselves differently, but we strongly discourage: • The Sprinkler • The Twist • The Disco • The Mashed Potato • The Hand Jive • The Funky Chicken
And/or anything else your parents ever taught you, or thought was cool “back in the day.” *Note- The moon walk is completely acceptable if you do it right.
September 11, 2009
“If you’re looking for a summer job, it’s a good one, especially since you get to eat ice cream.” Cullison said.
opinion( ( 8 September 11, 2009
Should I Stay Or Go?
One of the most important decisions seniors face this year is where to go to college. By Hannah Weyer For roughly a fourth of Kettering this year, the senior year, is one of the best of their lives. The seniors get that coveted bench. They get to win, finally, in the fixed Olympics. They get first pick of classes, so the psychology class they’ve been signing up for four years straight suddenly has a nice, cozy little opening, not that this writer would know. And senior year is made all the more special for them, because this is the year that they learn the secret, the reason they’ve been forced to come to school for the past 12 years. And this year, one fourth of Kettering learns the true meaning of primary and secondary education. But let’s let you all in on it, just to be a jerk. The true meaning of 12 years of education is college. Many of you may be slapping your heads, thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” But for those of you who got that college is the great secret, there is hope yet for the future. Maybe, if you understand the importance of college, you’ll be willing to take it a step further than education.
So let’s talk independence. One of the greatest debates between seniors and their parents, or seniors and their friends, or seniors and themselves, is whether they, the senior, should stay close to home for college or go away to a different city, state, or even country. Both obviously have great benefits, and both have fundamental flaws. For instance, it is cheaper and more convenient to go to college near home where you don’t need quarters to do your laundry. But what does one learn from that experience? That no matter what, your family has your back? Okay, great lesson. But is it a lesson we can base the rest of our lives on? Can a person spend the rest of their life dependent on his family? Absolutely not. In fact, your parents probably expect you to take care of them when they get old enough to wear false teeth and Depends. The cold, hard truth is that at some point, every person who plans to be successful has to leave the nest and see how well he or she can fly. The fact of the matter is that many of us have been in the same school system for much of the past 12 years. We’ve been surrounded by the same people, we’ve had to meet the same
expectations, and at the end of the day, we more often than not sleep in the same bed. There’s something to be said for that kind of stability (it’s boring,) but it teaches us, as people, as the generation who will someday find itself in charge of the world, nothing to grow on. We’re young, and the young make mistakes. But more than anything else, the young grow, and the best way to see how high we can reach is to leave the greenhouse and flourish in the sun. Maybe going away to college isn’t for everyone. Some just aren’t ready for that kind of plunge into the world. But this writer has been alive for 17 years now, and if she’s learned nothing else, it’s that those decisions have to be made by the individual and not by process of elimination. For those that truly desire that kind of independence, there will always be a way to it, whether that way is another student loan or shaking your parents off your legs and diving into the world. Leaving the city, the state, or even the country is one of the best ways to find out where your home truly is, in the world and in yourself. And you know what? This writer believes that the class of 2010 is ready for that.
A New Home
Northwestern University’s summer journalism program made me realize what I truly want to do with my life By Liz Sawyer While most students spent their summer days lying out in the sun, going to bonfires, and partying with their friends, I was at Northwestern University, attending a five-week journalism program, where I spent the best summer of my life, even if it was educational. Northwestern is located in the quaint little town of Evanston, Illinois, and stretches a mile down the coast of Lake Michigan. Everyday when I went to class I got to see Chicago’s skyline and walk past beautiful buildings with ivy creeping up the walls. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the school. During the course of the program, I was taught by instructors with real hands-on experience in the field of journalism. One was an anchor woman for CNN and another was the third employee of eBay, who pioneered the web site to its popularity. All of the instructors had attended the same camp between 10-20 years ago, and graduated from Northwestern, the country’s top journalism school.
These instructors made my time at the camp worthwhile. All were very critical of our work and held us to a high standard, but it only improved my writing. The instructors created scenarios that the students were made to investigate. They dressed up as celebrities and held press conferences, where we were expected to ask intelligent questions in order to find the truth. Although the instructors made the camp worthwhile, it was all of the other students who made it so enjoyable. I met kids from all across the country who shared the same love for reporting as me. We could relate to each others’ nerdiness and helped one another on articles. During these five weeks I realized that while being a reporter isn’t the most respected profession, it is what I aspire to be. At camp, I had to walk three miles in the rain just to get an interview. It was a miserable experience at the time, but after the story was written I felt a real sense of accomplishment. And I would love to feel that way everyday.
Michael Wilbon, columnist for the Washington Post and host of ESPN”s popular show PTI, came to speak to journalism students at Northwestern’s summer program. Photo by Marie Mandelberg
Captain’s Crew By Jamie Monville Sometimes, it’s just not worth it. I woke up to beep beep BEEP! at 5:17. I took a shower, blow dried my hair, put on my green Captains Crew shirt and headed off to school. It was the first day, and I was a sophomore. I didn’t need to be there until 10:30. I was perky, and all the freshmen were making their way in on the rope while the Captains Crew and parents clapped them in. I was ready to go. All 4” 11’ of me was jumping in the air screaming, “YAY SCHOOL! Whoooo hoooooo! Welcome Freshmen!” I was putting it all out there only to receive blank expressions and weird stares, like I was the weirdest person on the planet. I’m just really not up for it at seven in the morning, especially when I don’t even have to be there. Then we dispersed: some in the lobby, others by the gym, most of us in the T. I was bored out of my mind, and I was ready to help anyone, anyone at all in order to justify getting up early. Anything to get rid of my boredom, but no one wanted help. Most seemed to be just fine, not frustrated, not scared, just going from class to class as they have done many times before. I started yelling out “Hey! Anyone need help? Help? Anyone need it? I’m here, right here if you need anything. Over here, in the green ready to help!” And what did I get back? A few blank stares. Some faster shuffling of feet. But more commonly, yelling, namely: “Get away from me! I don’t need any help!” or “I’m set! I’ve only been asked like 20,000 times today!” Like we would know. I mean we’ve only been following them to their classes, running through the hallways desperate to help anyone, whether they need it or not. I did Captains Crew my sophomore year, again this year as a junior and there’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll do it as a senior. You can call me a hypocrite for criticizing a group that I go back to willingly every year. You can say I’m a freak for choosing to go back when I dislike so much about it. But I will go back. Just like loads of people do every year. I don’t know exactly what brings us here every year so early. Maybe it’s just because it’ll look good on our college apps. Or maybe some of us are forced by our parents. There’s also the social aspect, a way to catch up before you’re drowning in academia, but honestly, I think the biggest reason is the green T-shirt. It’s the only thing that makes sense.
(opinion(9 September 11, 2009
Sudoku 60 Miles Per Hour 7 6 9 2 7 6 8 3
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By Betty Buynak
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7 1
5 6
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“A communication problem that caused a toxic relationship in the first place, was also what I thought was going to heal it. “
53 9 1 6 2 9
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They say when you leave the house, even if you’re in a fight, you’re supposed to tell your family you love them… but the only noise you’ll hear from me is the slam of a heavy wooden door. On August 28, my dad had a stroke. That night in the emergency room was the first time I had talked to him in over two weeks. All families are dysfunctional. Yeah, I know - But what about when it’s just one of the family members? One family member who causes the majority of fights, arguments, tension, anger, crying, therapy, selfloathing, outbursts, or even just seething unbound, uncontained hatred. Seems kinda harsh to point the finger at the hardworking, almost supportive, almost ‘leader’ of the household, right? Wrong. Because unlike other times this is not about teenage angst, or unknown deep rooted problems. This is simply about second chances. After five or more therapists and countless of family talks, nothing has ever changed. We are constantly forced to coexist with a man who can’t stand to co-exist with us. One who not only confuses me with his uncontrollable anger towards his wife and children, but who can choose whenever he likes to be giving and kind. These times are few and far apart. They have, throughout the years, become useless in meaning. ‘I’m Sorrys’ now translate to a frightened, ‘I don’t understand what I’ve done wrong.’ Visiting my father in the hospital everyday after he had the stroke seemed like a blessing. I was going to be there for him, like he wasn’t there for me. We were finally going to grow up, be civil, make up for lost
time. I was kind of thinking that the stroke was God tapping him on the head, a wake up call – some kind of life changing moment. And it was a blessing, truly, that he didn’t die. It was a blessing that the stroke was not debilitating. The majority of strokes from atrial fibrillation in patients are fatal. In my father’s case, he suffered from aphasia – a language disorder that affects the ability to communicate. A communication problem that caused a toxic relationship in the first place, was also what I thought was going to heal it. With the right side of his mouth unable to move, and him unable to form coherent sentences, I realized how fragile he really was. My father recovered quickly. During the end of his stay at the hospital he was able to communicate again; his speech was no longer slurred or impossible to understand. With this recovery, returned his ability to argue. With me. With my mother. With everyone. This might be bitter or hard to understand, but a stroke isn’t going to make 17 years of mental abuse dissipate. I grew up reacting to his anger and outbursts. I was never taught to stand down or retreat. This was the war and toxic environment I was willing to forget about. A relationship that had become neutral in my life; no longer causing me unhappiness, it was something I was able to ignore. This is why two weeks had passed before I saw him that night in the emergency room. This is why, after 17 years of endless fighting, I broke down; crying out of relief and anger in a public place; driving 60 miles an hour to see the person in my life who has damaged me the most, wondering if it was ‘too late’… only to be reminded that no matter what happens, it always will be.
WORD VOMIT
(murmur) the waterford kettering high school
STAFF
Editor-In-Chief: Liz Sawyer Design Editor: Betty Buynak Front Page Editors: Liz Sawyer and Betty Buynak News Editor: Molly Edson-Parlor Opinion Editor: Hannah Weyer Media Editor: Shelby Netschke Indepth Editor: Betty Buynak Feature Editor: Brigette Shefferly Sports Editor: Jamie Monville Backpage Editor: Shelby Yeater
Waterford Kettering High School 2800 Kettering Dr. Waterford, MI 48329 Phone 248-673-6287
September 11, 2009
Staff Writers: Brianna Bredow, Max Caldwall, David Cox, Rachhyata Dhakal, Wanda Krotzer, Autumn Mager, Casey Miller, Bohden Musiel, Amanda Pattillo, Kelsey Roche, Keara Rowe, Justin Santana, Karley Sherwood, Sydney Hargrave, Sarah Stinson, Kristen Tomolak, Katie Wolf. Advisers: Brian Wilson and Jesse McClean
Volume 7, Issue 1
The Murmur is printed monthly, and completely put together by the students in the Journalism class at Waterford Kettering High School. The Murmur serves as an open forum for student expression, and opinions printed are not those of the administration. Letters to the editor: Letters from readers are encouraged. Letters may be delivered to room 501 or can be sent to the newspaper’s email address, WKHSmurmur@yahoo.com. All letters are subject to editing of grammatical or punctuation errors. Letters must be submitted with a signature. Letters with libel or slander towards another person will not be considered
You Said It Letters to the Editor
MISSION
for publication. Letters must be limited to 250 words. Advertising: Advertisements do not reflect the views of the staff. Potential advertisers can contact the staff at the number below. The Murmur editorial board has the right to refuse and inappropriate advertising. Columns: Columns or editorials represent the opinion of the writer. Thoughts or views which are expressed are not those of the entire staff or administration. Staff Editorials: Staff editorials are written by the staff and include the combined opinion of the full staff.
You have a voice! Let it be heard. The Murmur is an open forum for student expression. Letters to the Editor are encouraged. Bring them to room 501 or email them ot WKHSmurmur@yahoo.com
sports( ( 10 September 11, 2009
From the Sideline
Four senior starters had to sit out their first home game due to injury By David Cox and Jamie Monville
Riding the Pine. Seniors Brandon Clingan, Ryan Dingman, and Dylan Arthur along with various other seniors sat out the first photos by Jami Dodman games for various injuries. Photo by Jami Dodman
Varsity Girls Swimming “It’s going well, we’ve had three meets and one invitational. The last two of our meets we came in fifth, I think. We won the meet that was Wednesday night 105-81, so we kicked some Oxford butt. We don’t have that many girls, but we’re a pretty tight knit group.”
Sports Briefs By Jamie Monville
The score of the second Kettering Captains football game was 7-21. Our touchdown was scored by junior Ethan Chizek in a last minute drive to make it on the board. Four senior starters watched the game from the sideline, unable to play, due to various injuries. “It probably would have been closer if we’d had them,” senior Paul Fry said. “We lost a little bit of confidence when we lost them.” Senior Paul Fry was one of the many that held the weight of the team. He slipped into Quarterback, a position he hasn’t played since freshmen year, to take the place of senior Ryan Dingman. Dingman is out for two weeks after having surgery on his inflamed appendix. He wasn’t worried about Paul. “I’ve been playing football with Paul since 6th grade and I knew he could do it,” Dingman said. But it took Paul a little more convincing. “I was really nervous,” Fry said. “Ryan came into the locker room before the game though and made me feel better. Just his presence calmed me down.” But Dingman wasn’t the only one who watched helplessly on the sidelines. “It sucks just watching the team play and not being able to help or do anything about it,” senior Dylan Arthur said.
Varsity Girls Golf Junior Brittany Zwierzchowski “I think that the season is going pretty good so far. We still have a lot of work ahead of us but i really thing we’ve grown as a team since last year. We aren’t phenomenal but i think we will hold our own this year. It will be fun”
Dylan Arthur is out for two weeks due to a pulled ab and hip flexor. Senior Brandon Clingan is also among the group. A major loss however for the team is that senior Tyler Bedgood, a four year starter, is out for the whole season for mono and Hepatitis A. If he were to play, it would be very dangerous. “During a football game if I were to get hit in the side I would have to be rushed to the hospital where they would have to remove by spleen,” said Bedgood. But his main pain isn’t his spleen, but the pain of not being there for his team. “It hurts a lot because I’ve been playing football for so long,” Bedgood said. “That’s all I think about when I sit at home.” In this feeling, Bedgood is not alone. “It’s the worst feeling ever,” said Dingman. “I feel like a let down being the team captain and leader, but then not being able to lead. Even with all of these handicaps however, Dingman is still confident in his teammates. “There isn’t anybody on our schedule we can’t beat.” And as for Paul Fry, the stunt man in this unfortunate mess, he’s ready to take on the challenge. “I’d do it for the team,” Fry said. “I’d do whatever it takes to win.”
Q& A By Jamie Monville
Senior Ryan Dingman “So far we definately haven’t shown enough passion out on the field which is why we lost the first game with nine seconds left and the second game we scored seven points.”
Senior Rachel Bush “It’s her [Patty Cascioli] third year of coaching. She’s used to us and were used to her by now. She’s not new anymore, and is allowed to increase the intensity. We’ve been running seven miles at practice when we used to run five.
Varsity Boys Tennis Senior Alex Bowman “Tennis season has been a little more uncordinated this year and we need a couple more guys for a full team. With those points aside though we the team are still really competive. I just hope we get the practice in to get better and that the district and the school actually respect us this year.”
Varsity Volleyball
Varsity Cheerleading
Varsity Dance Team
Varsity Boys Soccer
Senior Lauren Meadows “I think if we keep working hard we will have a much better season than last year. It’s hard to say though because the majority of our team is underclassmen so we’re still getting used to playing with each other.”
Senior Kelli Tynan “It’s a lot better this year so it’s been easier to work together to get the skills we’re working for, mainly in stunting.”
Senior Taylor Styke “Well it’s still early in the season but so far I think it’s going great! We have a huge range of Talent this year and once we figure each other out hopefully we can all shine together on the field or floor.”
Senior Keegan Wright “We have to talk and pass the ball. We need to play more as a team instead of as individuals.”
Marching Band Senior Kailee Aldred “It’s going a lot better than last year. We have a lot of very talented new marchers. I don’t know if we’re really better than last year yet because we had a lot of very talented senions that left us. But I should be able to tell towards the middle of the season”
Practice Makes Perfect. Tim Manley stands at the net ready for practice with his new team. Photo by Liz Sawyer
Tim Manley has accepted the position of Varsity volleyball coach for the 2009 season. He coaches a travel volleyball team called Extreme and has a solid backround in the sport. His daughter junior Shea Manley who attents International Academy plays setter for both Extreme and Kettering as well. Tim Manley also coaches Lauren Meadows on Extreme.
Q What is your favorite aspect about
Q How did you get interested in
A Seeing the girls improve and the
A I wanted to see the Kettering
Q What is the hardest aspect of coaching?
Q What are your plans for this
coaching?
happiness they have after making a good play.
A The hardest part is dealing with the emotions of teenage girls. volleyball?
Varsity Cross Country
September 11, 2009
Featuring Varsity Volleyball Coach Tim Manley
Q How long have you been coaching
Varsity Football
(sports(11
coaching for Kettering?
volleyball team improve their skills and record and have fun on the court. season?
A Our plans are to improve as the season goes on and to be at least 500 in the KLAA.
Q Who do you think will be the hardest to beat this year and why?
A On and off for 21 years. Q How long have you been playing volleyball?
A For 29 years.
A Lakeland will be the hardest to beat be-
cause they’ve had a development program for younger girls for many years.
Q Does having a daughter on the team make
Q How did you first get into volleyball? A I first got into volleyball though my
brother who was a very intense volleyball player in his younger days. I used to play five or six times a week.
your job any harder or easier and why?
A It probably makes it easier for me to have her because I can ask her what’s going on with the team for things that they won’t talk to me about but they’ll talk to her.
Closing one door opened a few others By Liz Sawyer It was the first day of volleyball practice, and I showed up wearing jeans and a worn out t-shirt. As my teammates filed past me into the gym I received questioning looks. They must have realized something was wrong, because I had five minutes to be ready on the court and I wasn’t in any hurry to change. The reason: I didn’t plan on participating at practice that day, or ever again. Sometimes you have to sacrifice one love for another. I didn’t opt out of playing volleyball because I didn’t enjoy it anymore. It’s actually still my favorite sport. I decided not to play, because I as much as I hate to admit it, I have too much on my plate. I have this uncanny ability to take on much more than I can handle, and although I would love to play another year of varsity volleyball, I’d much rather work on putting out a great newspaper. I want to major in journalism in college and eventually become a reporter. So, I chose to spend my senior year preparing for the rest of my life instead of going to three hour practices everyday and tournaments every weekend. Last year, I would run in the gym late to practice weighed down by a laptop and
other various bags. It was nearly impossible to juggle working late on the paper, going to practice, and doing my school work. Sleep was a luxury that I rarely got to have. I was convinced I could do it all, but I just can’t. I know that most of the student body thinks I’m crazy. They probably don’t understand why I would ever choose to write over playing a sport. Well, let me take you through my thought process. I’m good at volleyball, but not nearly the most amazing player this school has ever seen. I wouldn’t have made All-State no matter how hard I tried. I was also realistic about my chances of getting a college scholarship…they were dismal. In the world of volleyball, it doesn’t matter how good you are unless you’re a good six foot two. I’m clearly not that tall. I don’t regret my decision, I just regret letting my team down. There was nothing worse than walking into practice that day and seeing all of their faces as I broke the news. I’ve been on the same team with many of these girls for more than five years and it will be hard not seeing them everyday. But I wish them all the very best, and promise to be in the stands at all of their games I can. I’ll be the one with the giant sign who’s cheering the loudest.
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Thank you to all of our supporters. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please go to room 501. Adam Centala, Anne Clifton, David Crane, The Fines Family, Toni Giglio, The Hooks, Susan Hartley, Lindsay Keebaugh, Laurel Meribela, The Montgomery Family, Mr. and Mrs. Schuetz, Steve Smitka, Bob and Michele Wareck, Dirk Zuschlag
Waterford Kettering High Segment 1 class = $305 price includes…
30 hours of classroom instruction (Monday-Friday) More class time than any other driving school Interactive and Fun Highly trained professional instructors Parent meeting on the final night of class Last Friday of class reserved for test re-takes 8 hours of behind the wheel training 6 hours of on- the road lessons 2 hours of parking lot instruction and demonstrations icluded Free extra lesson available for slower learners 6 hours of driving observation Students learn more about the driving experience
Our improved 3 week program gives parents more for their money.
Please send registration slip below to: Excel Driving School, LLC 4620 Dixie Hwy. Waterford, MI 48329 or fax to 248-461-6518. You may send a personal check or money order along with this registration slip, however, payment is not required for enrollment. Student Name:__________________________________________________________________________ First Middle Last Address:_______________________________________________________________________________ Street City State Zip Code Phone:__________________________________________
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Classes meet Monday - Friday _____9/14 – 10/1
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