Dec. 19, 2019

Volume 58 • Edition 4 • Thursday, December 19, 2019

T H E

SAILORS’ LOG Mona Shores High School • 1121 Seminole Road • Norton Shores, Michigan 49441

third time’s a

CHARM

After losing the state title game in both 2014 and 2018, the Shores football team defeated Detroit Martin Luther King 35-26 on Friday, Nov. 29, to capture the school’s first football state title. Seniors Kolbe Trovinger, Lakeyse Longmire and Cooper Wierengo celebrate after the game. See story, page 12

EDITORIAL

2 Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019

For All the Wrong Reasons

Impeachment proceedings wrong

I

n 1868, President Andrew Johnson was impeached for, according to the United States Congress, “high crimes and misdemeanors.”

In 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached for perjury (lying under oath in a trial).

In 2019, our current President is possibly going to be impeached FOR NOTHING. What is important to understand is that neither of the first two was removed from the office of President Column by Chris because the removal process Horvath, was not completed by the staff writer end of their tenures.

And the same will possibly happen again.

Democratic members of Congress are claiming that President Trump used the power of his office to “dig up dirt” about his political opponents.

However, I believe that’s a lie just to try to get him impeached because they don’t like him. The House of RepreArtwork by Chris Horv sentatives cannot impeach a President ath because there are people who don’t like him or don’t agree with his views. been impeached based solely on the fact It is mortifyingly ignorant to think it’s that he and I think differently. He did nothOK to impeach a President for disliking his ing illegal or to the extent that he should policy, and that’s what’s happening now. have been impeached, regardless of our Even I, with my far-right conservative differing opinions. ideology, would never be OK with a DemAll of the hate against our President ocratic President getting impeached for the spawns from the 2016 election. Democrats wrong reason(s). While I would most likely were so mad, so bitter, and so shocked disagree with their rhetoric and agenda, I they lost the election that they chose to act have the common sense and the decency to like children and reject the results of the note that my party lost the election and that election.

I would have to go through a time period They’ve tried countless tactics to undo where my President is making decisions I the election. When President Obama was don’t necessarily endorse. elected in 2008, Republicans didn’t make I wish that most Democrats could learn up false accusations and stories in an this skill. attempt to undo the election, so why are Having to deal with a President I don’t Democrats doing that now? agree with already happened for me during Democrats like Nancy Pelosi and MaxPresident Obama’s time in office. I disine Waters have been shown on camera agreed with decisions he made, but I never and in interviews saying repeatedly that we once said that President Obama should’ve “need” to impeach this President but gave Executive Editors Morgan Cathey Paige Judson Gabby Lopez Staff Jenna Baker Holli Brus Jaylene Davis Mia Dickson Sydney Fetters

Sophia Fisher Bailey Graham Chris Horvath Emily Kuznar Sarah Roman Samantha Sewick Kye Sieffert Robby Swanker Adviser Warren Kent III

no reasoning or facts behind it.

However, the true reasoning came out on May 4, 2019: Representative Al Green of Texas is quoted on NBC news saying, “I’m afraid if we don’t impeach this President, he will get reelected.”

That’s what it’s about. Not the Constitution, not the facts, not any of these ridiculous fake stories like “Russian hacking” (which was a proven lie), it’s about power and bitterness. Every different excuse or new reason, according to Democrats, that calls for impeachment has been proven wrong. They don’t care about the integrity of our country, the way our Constitution was written, or the honor that comes along with serving in any seat in the United States government; they care about power.

They have gone to these lengths to try to impeach this President because they don’t agree with him on policies.

It’s sad.

I believe it’s a coup. Democrats are trying to overturn the government because they want power for themselves, for their side of the aisle, and it’s beyond asinine of them to do such a thing.

I couldn’t be happier to say that I am going to vote to retain President Trump in 2020. A few of our President’s great achievements include strong economic growth, some of the lowest unemployment in history, a strong military presence, and the release of tension between North Korea and our country, the ending of a war that has been going on since 1950.

It may be shocking to hear, but I hope our President gets impeached because if he does, he’ll be the first President to ever be impeached and then reelected, and I cannot wait to see the looks on the Democrats faces when that happens.

And here comes the liberal tears, yet again.

The Sailors’ Lo

our voice

Reminder: it’s the season for giving In the midst of the holiday season, there is a lot more than just eating food and opening gifts.

Although it might be nice to dive into the bowl of mashed potatoes or sit on your living room couch eye-balling that present you know has the new pair of shoes in it, try to dig a little deeper this time around.

We often lose sight of the true meaning of the holiday season: giving. Most of us are so used to receiving that we never give back to those who have helped us the most.

Participating in things such as Adopt-A-Family or the canned food drive can help increase your giving footprint. By giving a few toys to a little kid or supplying laundry detergent to a mom in need, you could make their whole holiday season.

At The Sailors’ Log, we encourage you to give back to your community.

If you see the Salvation Army bell ringers outside your favorite store, throw that 15 cents in your pocket into the little green bucket.

Giving back is more than just giving to people you don’t know, it’s making an impact within the community as a whole.

So, we hope to see the members of our community take the next step and help someone in need. It doesn’t take much – just compassion and time.

The Sailors’ Log is a public forum for student expression distributed freely to students and faculty of Mona Shores High School.

How to communicate with the staff: • Email: kentw@monashores.net • Website: www.thesailorslog.com • Facebook: Mona Shores Publications

Our Voice is the opinion message selected by the editorial staff of The Sailors’ Log. Your Voice, the letters to the editor section, is the opinion of our readers. All letters to the editor must be signed.

This edition of The Sailors’ Log was printed by The Argus-Press 201 E. Exchange St. Owosso, MI 48867

EDITORIAL

The Sailors’ Log

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 3

Pressure to be Perfect

Social media has changed people’s true identity, self worth

S

ocial media can be one of the best or worst things to happen in society. It can bring people who are miles away together, but it can also tear people apart.

While social media has given me the opportunity to connect with friends and family who live states away and allowed me to strengthen relationships with the people closest to me, it has also attributed to my insecurities.

The constant pressure to Column by present the flawless picture Mia Dickson, is horrendous. Apps such as staff writer Instagram have become a popularity contest of who has the prettiest smile, best body, coolest outfit, best vacation, and the list goes on and on.

While this issue is prevalent in apps used by teens, it has also infiltrated Facebook, which is now filled with some adults sharing pictures with the sole purpose of boasting about their family, house, vacation, their children’s achievements, or even career success to other adults.

For many people, including me, social media has become a rite of passage for the wide-eyed middle and high schoolers entering the world of technology. It provides a gateway to the world outside the four walls of a small Michigan town. It creates exposure to different people and lifestyles, but it only provides a snapshot of their life.

While social media does have positives,

it has also highlighted the darknesses of our society.

We set these unreasonable standards that every single picture has to be “perfect.”

These standards in society tell people that a person with pounds of makeup and hours of edits on a picture gets them more popular than a picture of their true, authentic self.

Social media allows a person to depict a version of themselves which is oftentimes completely different. When looking at a picture, the viewer only sees the creator’s “perfect” snapshot without seeing anything behind the screen.

Pictures on social media are oftentimes the “perfect” person with a “perfect” life of happiness, but their lives are usually far from that. Behind the picture plastered with edits are the acne, tears, beauty marks, imperfect teeth, and stomachs without abs; and the list of “flaws” goes on and on.

“I am most looking forward to spending time with friends and getting a well-needed break from school. I’m always at school and have homework, so I don’t get the opportunity to spend time with friends, which the break will give me.” – Darron Mitchell, senior “I am looking forward to resting, catching up on sleep, and hanging out with my family.” – John Hall, junior

“I am excited about relaxing and having no homework or school. I find homework is unnecessary and stressful.” – Jordan DeKuiper, sophomore “Well, I get to spend time with family, and I enjoy spending time with family from out of town. I also enjoy getting presents and having more time to play video games.” – Lane Fisher, freshman

When people see a “perfect” picture on social media, it can lead to ordinary people trying to change themselves into someone they aren’t.

People in today’s society are so used to comparing each other to these snapshots that they’ve lost their authentic identity in the process.

The pressure to throw away one’s own identity and change for someone else creates this fear of not being good enough, but in reality, everyone is. The pressure to present a perfect picture on social media can also lead to excessive makeup, photo editing, plastic surgery, depression, and even suicide.

The pressure to gain likes creates a garden of fire in people’s minds telling them that they aren’t good enough since their picture didn’t get as many likes as their friend or a previous picture.

What are you looking forward to most during break?

Q the big

In each edition of The Sailors’ Log, eight students will be asked their opinion about a current topic.

A persistent comparison of beauty and likes has led to social media becoming this popularity contest. People are so used to the satisfaction of other people’s opinions to provide their happiness, but they have lost themselves in the process.

Why are we chasing this self-satisfaction on an app? Why do we crave people’s approval from double-tapping a picture to make us happy? Why do we compare our lives to a snapshot of someone we’ve never met? Why do we allow ourselves to travel down a deeper and deeper or hole of judgment and negativity through the pursuit of perfection?

The truth of social media provides the answers.

While the previous intentions of social media are good, it has now created this toxic environment that needs to change to protect society’s mental health and well being.

As of 2019, Instagram’s new update has removed a prominent feature of the app.

Users are now unable to see how many likes another person’s photo received. This removes the competition element to Instagram, which should be applauded.

The fear of a photo not receiving “enough” likes is now eliminated. I am hopeful this allows people to post more authentic pictures and spreads the message that likes on social media aren’t everything, but one’s self-confidence, happiness, and authenticity are.

“I am most excited about break because we are going down to Arkansas. We get to spend Christmas down there. I am excited to see my family and also celebrate my grandfather’s 80th birthday with him.” – Lauren Beemer, senior “I am most excited about being able to sleep in. I get tired of waking up for school early every single day, so I’m excited to sleep more.” – Alana Morin, junior

“I am ready for mental relaxation because I’m very stressed right now, and I won’t have to worry about anything during the break.” – Zahraa Rajab, sophomore

“I am most looking forward to spending time with family because they are fun to be around.” – Mikayla Benedict, freshman

REVIEW

4 Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019

The Sailors’ Log

National chicken chain overrated

T

he fan-favorite wing place: Buffalo Wild Wings.

I have gone many times to Buffalo Wild Wings, 5648 Harvey St., after high school football games to chow down on some wings.

It’s most people’s go-to wing stop, but does it actually have the best wings?

I’m going to be honest; I usually order the boneless wings because those are my favorite, but this time, I ordered the traditional wings with mild sauce.

I thought it would be mild, hence the name, but by golly, I was wrong.

This time, however, instead of going to the restaurant, I decided to be lazy and use Grubhub and have my wings personally delivered to my house. I was excited that I did not have to get off my couch in order to eat

wings.

As I opened the box to see the wings, I was unpleasantly surprised.

First, I noticed the unusual color It was more orange than I was expecting.

It looked like the sun just threw up all over my wings.

But I persevered and ate the wings.

The wings had great flavor.

The sauce was spicier than I was expecting.

I’ve come to the conclusion that most wings are spicy to me – sounds like a personal problem.

I ordered the snack size, and I only procured five wings for almost $10. These wings were a decent size and had a perfect amount of sauce on them.

Is Buffalo Wild Wings a little overrated? Maybe a little. Will I continue going there for wings?

You know it.

Rate: 7.8201/10

ingin’ it Wings. A classic American cuisine. Where should one go when craving wings in Muskegon? I reviewed The Station Grill and Buffalo Wild Wings to see who really has the best traditional wings. Of 232 students surveyed, 47% chose Buffalo Wild Wings as their favorite wing place and only 26.7% chose The Station.

Food Review

by Sarah Roman, staff writer

Local restaurant has winning wings

H

ot tamales, I’m sweating. The wings at The Station, 910 W. Broadway Ave., were spicy.

Before I even bit one wing, I inhaled the spice particles, and I coughed.

And I thought I could handle a decent amount of spice, but apparently, I cannot.

I ordered the Original Buffalo Wings, the classic bone-in ones.

I made a detrimental decision and decided to wear rings while eating these wings.

This back-fired, and I accidentally drowned two of my rings in the spicy sauce.

Thankfully, this didn’t hinder my wing-tasting experience.

Although my mouth was on fire, I thought the wings had delicious flavor.

I received a lot of wings for the price, which I appreciated.

I was able to take some left-

“I don’t eat wings a lot, but when my family does, we usually get them from Pizza Hut. We get honey BBQ, and it is the right amount of sweet and savory.

I like the crunch in the breading.” -Stella Council, freshman

overs home. Wings for days.

They covered the wings in the sauce, and they supplied two sides of ranch, which I absolutely needed.

I also downed a couple of glasses

of water.

Hydration is key.

The only downside to the tsunami of sauce is that it’s really messy.

What others say “My favorite place to get wings is Buffalo Wild Wings. I like watching a lot of sports when I’m eating wings.” -- Mike Myers, senior

For the price of a little over $7, I ate a lot of wings that tasted great. There is one criticism that I have about the wings, I wish there was more meat.

Although there were a lot of wings, there wasn’t much meat on the bone.

I would definitely come back to The Station, but I know that I won’t order the Original wings, maybe the BBQ ones.

This girl needs something a little less spicy.

Rate: 8.9999/10

“I like The Station wings because it’s local. I also like that there’s not a lot of options, so I know exactly what I want.

I just like everything about The Station.

Since it’s local, they take more time to make it.” -- Logan Potts, senior

Booyahs At Booyahs, 6022 Harvey St., the wings were like off-brand Buffalo Wild Wings.

I ordered the small boneless Honey BBQ wings and the Sweet and Sassy wings.

The Honey BBQ wings tasted a little off. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I know they didn’t pass the vibe check.

The Sweet and Sassy, however, were scrumptious.

I liked the french fries a lot better than the wings… sorry, not sorry.

Rate: 6.5910/10

J Burgers and Wings

I expect phenomenal wings from a restaurant, 2590 Henry St., that has the word “wings” in the name. I ended up with mediocrity.

I ordered the original wings with mild sauce. The wings were dry and lacking flavor.

However, let’s say someone wants the classic American food that is the traditional wing, but their spouse wants Chinese food.

Look no further, J Burgers and Wings have a Wing and Fried Rice dinner that can satisfy both cravings.

Unfortunately, J Burgers and Wings didn’t satisfy my craving.

Rate: 5.0001/10

Pints and Quarts

Before I was able to enjoy the delicious-looking wings I ordered from P&Q, 950 W. Norton Ave., something tragic happened.

I dropped my phone in my ranch. I ranched my phone.

I tried the Sweet Thai and Honey Buffalo boneless wings.

I ate the Honey Buffalo first. It had a little bit of spice to it, but it wasn’t overwhelming.

I moved onto the Sweet Thai, and they were definitely my favorite of the two. The sauce had a tangy flavor, and the breading was crunchy, which I enjoyed.

Rate: 7.1729/10

The Sailors’ Log “After posting my picture on Instagram and seeing all (the positive things) that people said, it really showed me that I mean a lot to people and it made my day. It was also great waking up in the morning and seeing all these amazing comments that I wasn’t expecting.”

Tatum Jackson, senior

“I was able to write down a word that I’ve had to hear a lot recently about myself. That word hurt me, and being able to already walk past my picture and see words like caring and bighearted really gives me confidence in myself.”

Kaylin Meyers, senior

Karion Outley, soph. Megan Steketee, senior

NEWS

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 Mia Geoghan, freshman

Kiley Jackson, sr.

CHALKBOARD PROJECT Jason Crago, teacher

Sara Gappa, senior

Ashley Kuczmera, senior

Sam Rosel, senior

5

“The project is inspiring; it is cool that we can have an art in the hallway that makes people pay attention to those around them. There are so many people at school that you might know nothing about and seeing them let out something deeper inside their soul is cool.”

Mia Newman, junior

“It’s great to walk around the hallways and see the positive energy flowing around. I still have my picture from two years ago, and it still makes me happy every time I look at it. Those positive words have built my confidence and makes me very happy.”

Parmveer Tumber, jr.

Special event promotes impactful message

By Bailey Graham Staff Writer

Stupid. Worthless. Slut. Fat. Slow.

Words hurt and can stick with someone forever. To combat the flow of pain, Shores invited the Chalkboard Project into the hallways for a second time.

“We brought it two years ago because it would be a great gift to our school that would have a positive effects, and as our legacy for Senior Senate we decided to bring it back and make one last positive and kind impact on the student body,” said senior Gabby Lopez, Senate president.

The Chalkboard Project is an organization that tries to change how students speak to one another.

To begin, individuals had a picture taken (Oct. 23-24) while holding a word that has hurt them on a chalkboard.

Those photos were then hung up around the school for almost two weeks (Dec. 2-11).

The hurtful words were covered by colored paper (Dec. 11), and on Friday, Dec. 13, a celebration occurred when students and staff used markers to replace the negativity with positive words.

Students also had the option to post their pictures on social media, and other individuals would replace the word with an uplifting one after an * (asterisk).

Even staff, like math teacher Becca Morse, are excited to see where it will go.

“I hope the Chalkboard Project causes students to have a more positive outlook on life and themselves,” she said.

“Hopefully, they will focus on being more mindful before they speak because words hurt.”

While the photos were only up for a short time, many students said they have a lot of gratitude toward the project. They gained confidence in themselves and are reminded that people still care even if you don’t feel it.

“I’m thankful for the Chalkboard Project because I feel good since I know that someone might be going through a

Speaker shares story of pain

By Bailey Graham Staff Writer

Senior Maddie Cree replaces a painful word with a word that is uplifting. (Photo by Bailey Graham) rough time and that they are going to be shown that people care about them,” freshman Theo Conrad said. “There are a lot worse words that have stuck with me that I didn’t want to write down, but the positive affirmations will still make me feel better.”

The Chalkboard Project has uplifted the student body and their purpose of spreading the importance of kind words.

“The most important thing about the Chalkboard Project is that it fosters a more welcoming school environment that invites all people to be apart of a conversation about spreading kindness amongst us all, and we should never forget that kindness is important,” junior Megan Quigg said.

Two years ago, Dave Ingles, Kent City varsity boys’ basketball coach, was moments away from suicide. On Friday Dec. 13, he came to Shores to tell his story.

“I’m all about lifting people up and showing everyone they do matter,” said Ingles, who spoke in the Sailor Center to conclude the Chalkboard Project event. “If I would have had the Chalkboard Project during my time of struggle, I would have felt like I could have talked to someone because my biggest struggle was getting myself to speak up about what I was going through.”

Ingles gives words of advice for anyone combating depression.

“The biggest thing is that you feel alone and you feel Dave Ingles shares more alone because you words of wisdom on won’t talk to someone,” he how to combat depressaid. “So if you can get your- sion. (Photo by Bailey self to communicate your Graham) struggle it makes everything so much easier. The first six years of my struggle with depression were so hard because I felt like I was alone, once I opened up I had complete relief, and so I recommend everyone to do so.”

NEWS

6 Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019

The Sailors’ Log

How well did students do on first Wellness Day? “I spent my wellness day playing Dungeons and Dragons with my friends. It was also one of the days of Singing Christmas Tree, so it was a great day for choir kids to have off so we could rest, relax, and have a little fun before we had to go to the tree.

This past wellness day was a blessing for students like me; a long weekend will never be a bad thing and are greatly appreciated,” – Sebastian Barnett, senior

“I spent all day long tutoring teachers’ kids at the middle school. I really enjoyed it because I got to spend time having fun with little kids. The wellness days are so nice because you can sleep and have a day to have fun. The only negative is that I felt like my teachers put more homework on me for the weekend than they typically do.” – Anna Anderson, junior

“That Friday, I was able to sit at home and enjoy some Fortnite and relax.

I also got into the gym for three hours to put in a good workout. Overall, it was a great day, I was able to relax and destress, and also nothing can be better than a day off.” – Jackson Helmer, sophomore

“On Friday, I slept in and rested while watching movies. It was game day, so it was super nice to be able to rest up and have a bunch of time to get ready to play basketball.

Having the day off was really helpful, and it was really awesome to have it on a game day too.” – Ava Green, freshman

Much-Needed Break

School calendar adjusted to allow for Wellness Days

By Bailey Graham Staff Writer

Wellness Days were added to the calendar to give teachers the opportunity to have time to understand their students.

Here, business teacher Kristen Sailors thinks about the wellness of her students, like senior Brenden McNarland.

Upcoming Wellness Days Monday, Feb. 3 Friday, Feb. 28 Friday, March 20 Wednesday, May 27

When Governor Gretchen Whitmer passed the state budget on Oct. 1 delegating instruction time in the school calendar for teachers to work on professional development, Shores administrators wasted no time in putting a plan in place.

Although it meant making changes to the current school year, superintendent Bill O’Brien said it was important to take advantage of what Shores is calling Wellness Days – for both students and school personnel.

“The purpose of these days is to allow for teachers to receive training in areas that are in our District Strategic Plan, such as social-emotional health and wellness for students, trauma-informed teaching strategies, and content area assessments,” O’Brien said.

One of those wellness days took place Dec. 6 while the remaining four will happen on Monday, Feb. 3; Friday, Feb. 28; Friday, March 20; and Wednesday, May 27.

Students have a full day off on these days while teachers report from 8:30 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.

“We might not have our students during these days, but it’s okay,” English teacher Jolynn Walek said.

“Nowadays in our culture, it is so important to learn about our students’ mental health so much so that I think the training we will get will make me a better teacher.”

While these days can also act as freedom for students, it’s up to stu-

dents to decide what to do with their time.

“My fear is that kids will sleep all day, which isn’t bad because students need more sleep, but to a certain extent, and I’m also scared for the complete opposite that kids will spend those days in their books cramming information and doing homework,” psychology teacher Heather Hall said.

Hall added that it’s up to teachers to teach students how to spend those days efficiently.

“I think right now students are going to see it as a day off,” she said.

“We [staff] need to teach kids that this day could be used as a way to de-stress and relax. So many kids are facing the struggle of anxiety and of depression, they need to clear their minds and give themselves a day to breathe.”

With all the benefits and the opportunity to let the stress of school not weigh the students down all day and give the teachers the ability to learn something new, it is possible that these wellness days will be a great addition to the school’s calendar, O’Brien said.

“We believe these days will help keep our teachers informed while also providing opportunities for them to collaborate with colleagues as they hone their craft,” O’Brien said. “We believe that lifelong learning is vital to the role of anyone that works in a school in order for them to be their best with the kids each and every day.”

Construction at athletic complex nearly finished; theater close too

By Bailey Graham Staff Writer Just around almost every corner at Shores, some serious updates are happening. So far, the construction has reached out to the auditorium/ scene room and the softball-soccer complex.

East of the high school on Seminole Road, the soccer/softball complex has been in construction since last fall.

With cold weather arriving, the race to finish quickly is on so the fields will be ready for spring.

Luckily, the construction crew is not far from the finish line.

Athletic Director Todd Conrad said the fields will definitely be ready by the start of both seasons.

The dugouts at the JV and varsity softball fields are finished, and the press box has counters placed in.

The varsity field is still waiting for black netting to be put up above the backstop, have the stands moved back in, and a couple of other minor jobs.

On the soccer fields, all the lights are ready, and the dugouts and team rooms are painted and finished.

New sod was placed on the field.

The entrance is finished, and the bleachers that sit 399 people are finished as well.

The concessions still need to have counters installed, and the press box is in the process of being painted.

Conrad added that both fields are coming together nicely and the soccer and softball players will be stepping onto brand new fancy fields when spring comes around.

Track and tennis players will get their dues soon; this summer, the track and tennis courts are getting renovated.

While the soccer/softball fields are close to completion, the auditorium/scene building room is far from.

Mike Reinhardt, the auditorium manager, said the lobby for the auditorium is completely finished with TV’s that display the school logo and a concession stand.

For the scene room, concrete has just been poured, and the electrical is being laid out. The fire system is being worked on also.

MENTAL

AWARENESS

Anyone can be affected by mental health problems

T

he symptoms vary, but there is one thing that stays consistent: mental health needs more awareness.

This is because, in today’s world, mental illness seeps into everyone’s life even if one doesn’t want it to.

Whether people experience mental illness personally or they know someone who does, everyone is affected in some way.

Not only is everyone affected, but anyone can suffer because mental illness comes in many forms – depression, bipolar disorder, and even addiction. These illnesses personally affect many people every year and indirectly impacts many others.

In fact, the website Mental Health First Column by Aid says, “In the United States, almost half Jaylene of adults (46.4 percent) will experience a Davis, staff mental illness during their lifetime.” writer However, adults are not the only people who can be affected by mental health problems, high schoolers suffer too. Mental Health First Aid also reports, “Half of all mental disorders begin by age 14 and three-quarters by age 24.”

This means that people in at Shores, students and teachers alike, are battling mental illness, and as one of those people, I know why it is so important to spread awareness and details about wellness practices.

As many people suffering know, a huge part of the battle is feeling alone. When I was at my worst, it felt as if no one understood me or could help. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Although there may not be people who feel the exact same way, it is important to talk about how one feels when battling a mental health problem.

Making connections like this is how one feels less alone when they’re suffering and a good way to keep others updated on one’s feelings.

I have learned that it is better to speak up about something than it is to ignore the issue because it almost always leads to something worse.

When people ignore the problems and issues they’re facing, it can lead them to turn to bad coping mechanisms.

This is not as uncommon as one may think; even I have turned to bad coping mechanisms, which, in the end, harmed me more than it ever helped.

At the moment, the bad coping mechanism seemed like the only thing that could ease my pain, but I found even though it gave me temporary relief it created more problems I had to work through.

When I look back, I wish someone had brought up the fact that the damage and pain can never be reversed, but they can always be healed.

This means no matter how deep it may seem I am in my

mental health problems, there’s always a way to slowly grow and heal myself back to my true potential.

Sometimes it feels nothing can be done to make me feel better but the truth is there isn’t a cure-all for stopping the hurt, but I can always stay positive and remember feelings are temporary and the some of the bad impulses I have would ultimately set me back in my progress towards growing to be healthy and happier.

Some ways help myself grown is with good coping mechanisms which can also be called wellness tactics. My personal favorites to do are listening to music, meditating, talking to a friend, and doing art.

At first, I can agree good coping mechanisms didn’t seem to make an impact until I saw how over time they helped rid me of my bad coping mechanisms for good. I eventually saw my wounds healed just as anyone’s wounds can heal with time.

Of course, some things from my past still hurt me, but I understand that hurt isn’t the end of my life and growing/ healing is the true purpose of life.

Although everyone’s mental health problems are different, everyone can benefit from using wellness strategies.

And even though today’s world is heavily affected by mental illness, anyone with any condition can better themselves with wellness strategies and overtime stop unhealthy coping mechanisms in an effort to grow and be healthier.

Student anecdotes Mental illness is an affliction that affects people of every race, every gender, and every circumstance. Obviously, this includes the students and staff of Shores. Three students have chosen to share some of their experiences about mental illness, as well as ways that they cope.

Senior Sarah Anton said she struggles with anxiety. She said that when racing thoughts fill her head, interacting with other helps to calm her down and keep her grounded.

“Anxiety can be difficult at times,” Anton said. “When I’m irrationally anxious, I try to talk to my friends about it. I talk to them about how I feel and they always diffuse my feelings.

Most of the time I just need to be reassured.”

School introducing ways to spread awareness about mental health

By Gabby Lopez Executive Editor

By Morgan Cathey Executive Editor

Over the past few months, talk of mental health has been a hot topic not only around the world but at Shores.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a source whose mission is to improve the health of a wide variety of people, an estimated 26 percent of Americans 18 and older suffer from a mental disorder that could have been diagnosed in a given year.

Social studies teacher Shannan Conrad has been a leader in the initiative to bring a mental health awareness program to the high school.

“As a district, we have decided to pursue social and emotional learning,” Conrad said. “Many of us don’t naturally know how to manage our emotions or feelings and not letting them get the best of us. We can all benefit from learning how to manage our feelings and behave in a way that is not mentally or physically destructive.”

Using social and emotional learning (SEL) within the school is teaching students and teachers how to have skills to manage and process emotions and then turn it into making responsible decisions, behave in a kind and compassionate manner, and foster healthy relationships.

Dave Droski, the broadcasting adviser and an English teacher, said he is trying to change the stigma surrounding the talk of mental illness within the school.

By bringing the topic of mental health to the school, it will hopefully encourage students to not be scared to speak up about their own mental health.

Going to a trusted adult or guardian to talk to can help in releasing some pressure of going through something alone.

Droski and a couple of students went to a conference on Oct. 8 at the Lansing Center. This conference was a state summit on student mental health and was organized by The left hemisphere is often described as principals state-wide.

The main goal of the summit was for printhe logical or analytical half of the brain. cipals and teachers to grasp a high knowledge of student mental health along with Things such as language composition and social and emotional learning. “(Principal Jennifer) Bustard asked me to present the work that we have done within comprehension, logic, and mathematics skills Muskegon County [alcohol awareness, anare all left hemisphere-controlled skills. ti-vaping, and no-smoke zombie walk],” Droski said. “I presented (at the conference) to other schools and showed ways that they could get involved in their community along with creating PSA’s to reach them as well.”

With the knowledge that Droski has obtained from going to the conference, he said he has made it a goal to spread awareness around the school.

“There is a stigma that if you struggle with anxiety or if you struggle with depression or stress, then you’re weak,” Droski said. “That is something that does need to change. I do think that there is some personal accountability, but I do understand that there are things that harm students. I’ve seen students sabotage themselves because they don’t want to go out and face the real world.”

Droski said he believes that the best way for the topic to be talked about is for it to be faced head-on. By making it a classroom discussion, he added that the talk of mental health becomes less of a fear and more of a conversation.

“If you are having problems or there is something that’s not right, it’s OK to seek help. There are probably others that are going through it too,” Droski said.

“That’s why I wanted to do the PSA’s: to make sure that students know that they aren’t the only ones. If it helps one student or if it helps five students, then it’s worth our time, and it’s worth our educational day to make it not so scary to talk about.”

Left Brain

Junior Devin Keith opened up about how she copes with her mental illness after struggling with depression. “I cope by talking to my friends more than my parents,” Keith said. “That way I can get everything out. I won’t let people force me to open up to them; I have to do it on my own. I can open up when I feel I’m ready and will only talk about things that I am comfortable with.”

Sophomore Zachary Brown said he has had to deal with side effects from his ADHD for years. Though there is no quick fix, Brown said that he has multiple coping mechanisms to help him stay focused and succeed.

“Things like working independently or one-on-one with a tutor or teacher help,” Brown said, “as well as things such as listening to calming music.”

Psychology teacher incorporates mindfulness as a way to aid stressed students in school While many people struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental illness battles, multiple developments exist to help combat these illnesses.

At Shores, some individuals, such as psychology teacher Heather Hall, have found comfort in one combatant in particular, and that is the practice of mindfulness.

Hall said mindfulness is defined as being in the present moment and appreciating what one is living and experiencing at that moment whether it’s good, bad, or something else entirely.

Hall said she learned mindfulness for herself years ago and has since started a Mindfulness Club, which meets Mondays after school, as a way to help students cope with the problems they’re facing in their everyday lives.

“I saw the increase of stress levels of students and knew that something needed to be done,” Hall said. “I’d learned about mindfulness, and I’d seen what it’d done in my own life, and I just thought that it was something that could really benefit our students to help them to live their lives more productively and in a happier, less stressful way.”

Hall said mindfulness has been proven to help prevent mental illnesses, and according to the Mental Health Foundation, it is commonly used to help treat people with mental illnesses, especially depression.

“Depression and anxiety [the two most common mental illnesses] can be helped with mindfulness,” Hall said. “It doesn’t cure mental illnesses, but it certainly helps. As opposed to thinking about the future, thinking about the past, or worrying about things that you can’t control, you’re just present in the moment right now, and you intentionally take things in to try and appreciate the moment that you’re in.”

After learning about the impact mental wellness techniques, such as mindfulness, can have on people, the Shores school district has decided to provide students and teachers with a step in the right direction by adding mental health days throughout the year (see story, page 6) in which there will be no school for no reason other than the mental wellness of the district.

The right hemisphere is often described as While these days are fantastic and something that Hall herself has been the creative half of the brain. Things such advocating for years, Hall said students need to be taught what to do as creativity, imagination, intuition, feelings with the day.

“More than just giving kids a menvisualization, and arts are controlled by the tal health day though, we need to tell students what to do on a mental right hemisphere, giving it its name. health day,” Hall said, “It’s not a day for just doing all this homework or sleeping the day away, it’s a day to do something intentionally for ourselves that will benefit us so that when we come back to school the next day or after the weekend or whenever, we’ll feel refreshed, ready, and feel better about ourselves.”

Students, as well as teachers, have been advocating for change in the schools. Senior Emily Mann, who is on the state student leadership board (Michigan Association of Student Councils/Michigan Associations of Honors Societies) which is the student division of the MASSP (Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals), has been attending conferences on the topic of mental health and conveying the information she learned to the district.

“Part of the district’s strategic plan this year is to increase and support social and emotional learning,” Mann said, “so the school has already been implementing things to help with mental health such as putting information about mental health on the announcements, increasing mindfulness in the classroom, and presenting information to the teachers about how they can help their students improve their mental well being.”

In order for the benefits to take place, like Hall, Mann is encouraging students to learn more about what to do with the idea of mental wellness.

“I know a lot of people don’t pay attention to mindful Mondays on the announcements, but they are actually really important and provide a lot of valuable information,” Mann said. “I know that they are cheesy sometimes, but wouldn’t you rather go to a school that values teaching their students about mental health than one that doesn’t? Maybe include something about how people shouldn’t ignore or look down on those portions on the announcements and instead pay attention.”

FROM MENTAL ILLNESS to MENTAL WELLNESS

Right Brain

MORE BRAIN, LESS BRAWN

Athletics positively, negatively affect mental wellness

By Paige Judson Executive Editor

Athletics, although contributing to some downfalls in mental wellness, play a large part in developing self confidence and skill within the athletes who participate in them because athletes need even more brain than brawn.

“Traditionally, people develop a sense of confidence from doing well,” athletic director Todd Conrad said. “Growing up, the story that I was told was that ‘you learn to be confident by winning.’ But I think, though, the more that life goes on, the real benefit is watching yourself and other people around you improve, watching your body change, and watching your skill level change overtime.”

However, sports also contribute to overconfidence and can lead someone to feel a dwindling sense of confidence.

“If you lose enough, you may end up internalizing failure and think that is who you are,” Conrad said. “And that goes the other way too. Some people who have won a lot and who are good athletes, turn out to be not very good people because of those experiences; they think they are better than everybody else. Being able to maintain a sense of humility even when you’re doing really well is important, and if you miss that, it can end up being a negative byproduct of athletics.”

Along those lines, athletics have the ability to warp one’s image of oneself. They have the ability to help athletes form a positive image of themselves and help students to find a place where they feel at home.

“In high school, athletics can be so important for student-athletes,” athletic trainer Mike Shuster said. “Being able to have a group of guys or girls that athletes can bond with, giving them another support system outside of teachers, is crucial to the mental wellness of athletes. Also, the relationship with coaches is something important that is sometimes not found outside of athletics.”

Athletics also provide a safe place to grow and produce key abilities that will be crucial when transitioning into the real world during and after college.

“When you leave athletics, the lessons that you have learned during your time in them can be applied to any-

Depression rates in Athletes vs.

Non-Athletes According to information compiled for a study done in 2016 by the American College of Sports Medicine, college athletes are 6.5 percent less likely to report feeling “so depressed it is hard to function.”

A volleyball huddle at a game against Kenowa Hills emphasizes the feeling of family and sense of belonging that athletics can allow athletes to feel. (Photo by Holli Brus) thing,” Conrad said. “Just like how when you start any sport er few hours or are at a long away game, and you are never you are bad at it, but overtime you become better, and then home. Then, if you throw travel sports into that, there are when you leave and go try something new as an adult, you people who are going farther and spending more time on have that experience of growth to fall back on. That is prob- sports. Then, these students are expected to do well in their ably the biggest thing that sports do for athletes.” classes on top of all of that, and it can just be a grind for Athletics also give athletes the ability to grow in a struc- some people with such a time restraint on their lives, never tured environment allowing them to learn and hone their getting any time to relax.” skills and talents.

All of these things contribute to both the positives and “Another benefit of sport are that they are team-oriented,” negatives that athletics can pose on someone’s mental Conrad said. “Sports help to instill confidence and the abil- health. Although athletics can, disappointingly, have a negity to rely on other people, to relate to other people, and to ative effect on athletes’ mental health, overall they can posbe a collaborative member of a group; these are all positive itively affect mental wellness when athletes form the ability mental benefits of being in a sport.” to gain perspective on the highs and lows.

However, although athletics can help students to grow “When athletes can really understand the benefits of comreal world abilities, they can also put a huge time restraint petition, they can learn to view winning and losing as equal on athletes schedules. experiences,” Conrad said. “There is as much to learn from “Student-athletes are busy, and it gets hard for athletes in losing as there is from winning. And if you miss that, you any sport because sports become a time restraint,” Shuster will make yourself miserable in the pursuit of whatever your said. “They are at school all day and then practice for anoth- athletic goals are.”

Male Non - Athlete

27% 21%

Male Athlete Female Non - Athlete

34% 27%

Female Athlete 0%

4%

8%

12%

16%

20%

24%

28%

32%

36%

FEATURE

The Sailors’ Log

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 7

New form of social media dominating social platforms

By Sydney Fetters Staff Writer

You’ve probably seen it; if you haven’t, where have you been?

Messy bun in place and scrunchy fastened around the wrist, a girl dances while lip-syncing to the song “Obsessed” by Mariah Carey.

This “TikTok” has gone viral gaining more than a million views..

TikTok, which is an app for creating and sharing short lip-sync, comedy and talent videos is also viral.

Since its birth on the app store in 2014 (originally Music.ly then rebranded “TikTok” in 2018), TikTok has done nothing

but increase in popularity. The app now has more than 300 million users monthly with new users joining daily.

The platform, which contains hours worth of videos to scroll through, has users often choosing itself over other social media platforms, such as Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter. The popularity of the app means a larger population of “TikTokers” are being added into the race to become “TikTok famous” or have their videos go viral.

TikTok user junior Sydney Wilson said she has found much entertainment as well as “fame” when using the app.

“I started making TikToks as a total joke since people made fun of them,’’ said Wilson, who has more than 10,000 followers..

“Then, people just starting blowing up off of content made, so it became a challenge between pretty much everyone on the app to blow up as well.”

While 10,000 followers is a lo, the top TikTokers (as of November), Loren Gray had 34.8 million followers.

Sophomore Mariah Bathrick said she enjoys practicing dances and making videos with her boyfriend as funny memories.

“I love making TikToks because I feel like I can be myself,” Bathrick said. “My boyfriend and I have fun making videos and laughing together when we mess up.”

Like any other social media platform, TikTok can be described as addictive. Wilson, Bathrick, and other TikTok users fre-

quently use the app and spend several hours a week on TikTok. The app could be addicting from a design standpoint. When TikTok is opened, all notification sounds are muted and the time and battery life displays are hidden from view.

This makes it easier for users to engage in hyperfocus, where they lose track of time and spend more minutes or even hours on the app.

“Although it is extremely addicting, I think it’s just fun to do and something great to entertain people,’’ Wilson said.

The most downloaded social media app for 2019 is gaining popularity still especially among younger people, and serves as a device for self-expression while having fun.

Tik Tok Take Over When the video app Vine shut down in 2016, many people were lost without those 6-second videos. Fear no more as TikTok has taken over with its 3- to 15-second videos. How popular is it? In the first half of 2018, TikTok surpassed Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to become the world’s most downloaded iOS app.

TikTokers at Shores Junior Keondre Pierce has more than 12,000 followers, more than 90,000 likes, and a multitude of videos that one can watch.

“I like using TikTok because it is fun and gets me through the day. I know I can get a great laugh out of it.”

Senior Morgan Anderson sid she likes creating funny and transformation videos on her TikTok account.

Anderson has 6,489 followers and more than 31,000 likes.

“I just like seeing people’s reactions to my videos. I spend a huge amount of my time on TikTok because I miss Vine.”

Senior Nick Johnson has recently claimed TikTok fame after he posted a video of himself throwing a football for a contest during the Shores football state finals game at Ford Field.

“When I first posted the Ford Field video, I was thinking to myself that this one might have the potential to get a few thousand views. The next day it reached up to 1.4 million.”

Johnson, like others, started creating TikToks to become “TikTok famous” and now enjoys posting for fun.

“I like making TikToks because it makes it easier to just be myself and not care so much of what people say.”

8 Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019

FEATURE

The Sailors’ Log

Junior with spina bifida perseveres through life

By Samantha Sewick Staff Writer

Schippers has spent her days walking through a revolving door at the entrance to the hospital.

Most juniors are stressing about “During my freshman year, I spent meeting a deadline for a class, staying almost the entire time in the hospital up all hours finishing homework, or having back surgery,” she said. “It was stressing about writing that essay for really complicated for the doctors beEnglish class. cause of the spina bifida.”

However, junior Devon Schippers Having spent so much time in hosnot only stresses about all those things, pitals and meeting with doctors, but also she has adSchippers said she ditional stress that is working doua stems from a slightly ble-time to catch up different place. on all she’s missed When Schippers in her life.

More than 1,600 was born, she was For her, every day, babies are born diagnosed with spina there can be a scare. with spina bifida A series of articles detailing bifida, a birth defect “Little things that every year. various Shores students that occurs when the most people don’t about their medical setbacks spinal cord and spine think much of, like and breakthroughs will be don’t form correctly. going to the beach, featured in future editions.

For someone with are scary for me, spina bifida, life drasaid Schippers, matically changes. whose spina bifida Spina bifida “It was so scary to know that I’d causes nerve damage all the way down occurs within have to grow up differently than other her legs, which causes no feeling in the first kids,” Schippers said.

“I didn’t realize them.

“What happens if I accidentally 28 days of pregnancy. that when I was really young, but then I step on glass?” understood that my life was going to be Schippers’s story is one of many that way different than everybody else’s.” continue to inspire and encourage stuSchippers was diagnosed with my- dents and families alike to never take elomeningocele, the most intense form anything for granted. of spina bifida.

Schippers, however, tries not to let Spina bifida isn’t the only challenge any of her setbacks affect her mindthat has affected Schippers, though. set, telling those around her, “You reWithin the last four years, Schippers ally need the positivity in order to get Children with was diagnosed with scoliosis also. through a tough time.” spina bifida have 13 times the medical risk than others.

MEDICAL MIRACLES

Born with spina bifida, which is a birth defect when the spinal cord and spine don’t form correctly, junior Devon Schippers faces stresses that most students don’t However, she said that she tries to remain positive through the tough times. (Photo by Samantha Sewick)

BACK BACK T O

With scoliosis running in her family, senior Zoe Kelley has faced the struggles since age 11. She said the biggest effect has been on her daily attendance at school.

(Photo by Samantha Sewick)

Senior with scoliosis refuses to let curvature define her

By Samantha Sewick Staff Writer Most people underestimate the importance of one’s spine. Without it, people wouldn’t be able to walk, run, or do everyday things that many take for granted.

For students like senior Zoe Kelley, things can be more complicated.

Simple tasks like walking to her next class can be a challenge for Kelley, who was diagnosed with scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine either side-to-side or forwardto-back, creating almost an “S” shape instead of a straight line, at age 11.

“It’s definitely had an effect on my attendance,” said Kelley, who

has lumbar scoliosis, which means her spine curves in the lower-middle part of her back. “I tend to be tardy because when I’m walking from across the school, it causes pain, and I have to stop or slow down because it hurts so bad. With lumbar scoliosis, it makes it harder to walk long distances without my back being in extreme pain.”

Kelley’s spine curvature has thrown her a curve-ball forcing her to re-learn what she already knew.

The way Kelley walks has changed over time, and now, she walks with a slight forward lean.

Kelley said this is because “(Scoliosis) causes my lower back to be weaker and can’t support me for very

long. It also causes my lower back to be numb if I’m standing or walking for too long.”

When Kelley was diagnosed, it wasn’t a shock to her or her family members because scoliosis runs in her family on both sides.

Still, Kelley perseveres through all of the difficulties that come with her diagnosis.

“It was a struggle when, every time I walked, there was a lot of pain,” she said. “I didn’t want to let the pain set me back.”

Kelley has held to that and continued to not allow anything to set her back or knock her down, and she does it all with a warm smile and a positive attitude.

FEATURE

The Sailors’ Log

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019

New Years Resolutions

“My grandparents took all the grandkids on a Disney Cruise when I was around seven. It was my favorite because I loved all the Disney princesses, we went to many different islands, and I got to eat ice cream for five days straight.” -- Annie Anderson, junior

“My New Year’s resolution is to be more confident in myself and the things I do. I’m going to stick by it by reminding myself every day and not let myself think negatively. I chose this resolution because I struggle with my self-confidence, and my peers have told me I need to work on it.” -- Elizabeth Savacool, sophomore

ho

9

“My favorite gift would have to be about four years ago when I got my PS4 because previously to that, I never had a good gaming system.” -- Jayden Smith, freshman

“My New Year’s resolution would be to get better grades in school because my parents said if my grades don’t stay up, I can’t play basketball. I want to be successful in life, and you can’t be without good grades. I am going to follow through on my resolution by studying more for classes and not sleeping until my homework is done.” -- Kobe Allen, senior

Best Gift Ever

h o e g d l id a y ge p od

What – Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over a much bigger Assyrian Army. It is a time where Jewish families come together and spend time with one another while enjoying lots of food, games, and prayers.

When – Hanukkah is eight days starting Dec. 22 and lasting until Dec. 30.

Menorah – The menorah is a set of nine candles (four on each side with one in the center for lighting) that symbolizes light, and gratifies the burning of the oil. The oil should have only lasted a day, but instead, it lasted for eight, helping the army see.

What – Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, but instead a time where many celebrate the African American culture through rituals, readings, giving gifts, and a feast.

When – Dec. 26-Jan. 1 Kinara – The kinara is similar to the menorah.

It holds seven candles: three red, three green, and one black. The candles represent Kwanzaa’s seven principles which are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Hanukkah “My favorite part is the prayers, I am the one in my family that lights the candles and says the prayers out loud. For me, the prayers give me a good feeling inside and make me feel proud of my beliefs. My family’s biggest tradition is to sit around the table as the candles burn and play a few games of dreidel, in this game you play for chocolate pieces and each of the four signs has a Hebrew word representing a different word on it.” – Alex Breuker, senior

Kwanzaa

Since a survey did not reveal any students who celebrate Kwanzaa, these two famous people were quoted instead.

“We have religious holidays, and we have secular holidays. I see Kwanzaa as an opportunity for African-Americans to reaffirm ourselves if we choose to, a chance to rebuild and renew our focus. I see Kwanzaa as a holiday of the spirit.” – Jessica B. Harris (College Professor/Author/Culinary Chef) “My kids learn more about their culture and heritage during these seven days than they do all year at school. I just really like celebrating Kwanzaa. The kids get more connected by learning about important principles while honoring our ancestors” – Holly Robinson Peete (actress/singer)

It’s a common holiday, but Christmas means something different to everyone

T

here is no better time than Christmas time. Christmas is an extremely festive time of year, with a deeper meaning than just the gifts. Even though gifts are a nice bonus, the time spent with friends and family is what makes Christmas so special.

My Christmases tend to look different than most households since not only do I celebrate Christmas once but at least four times each year.

My parents are divorced, so I celebrate Christmas with both of them, each with different quirks and traditions.

On top of that, I get to celebrate Christmas with my grandparents Column on my mom’s and dad’s side.

My favorite part of Christmas with my mom is definitely when the by Holli family is gathered around the tree, and we get to open our stockings. Brus, staff writer The stockings are normally filled with fun little knick-knacks or candies.

Our faith is definitely a big part of Christmas too, which is why at my dad’s house, we all read the Christmas story before opening our gifts.

Another fun thing during Christmas is when my friends and I do a secret Santa gift exchange.

Basically, each person secretly purchases a gift for someone while that someone else is secretly getting a gift for someone else.

This year, we are having a party where we are all wearing Christmas pajamas and are going to binge watch some Christmas movies.

To me, Christmas is best spent around those I love and being grateful for what I have.

What – Christmas is a Christian religious holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind. It is normally spent with family and friends where gifts are shared among all.

When – Dec. 25 Nativity Scene – It is a recreation scene of when and where Jesus was born and symbolic to the Christian faith.

10 Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019

PROFILES

Hark! this herald angel sings

Senior Cameron Picard was the 35th Angel for the Singing Christmas Tree. With four performances in total (Dec. 5-7) and a sold-out audience at every show, the performances consisted of songs celebrating not only Christmas, but also Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. The event was held at the Frauenthal Center.

The Sailors’ Log

Senior finds home in choir program

By Emily Kuznar Staff Writer

They say the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year.

And for one senior it could not have gotten any more wonderful as he was chosen to be the 35th Angel of the Singing Christmas Tree.

“It came to me as quite a shock because I really didn’t think I would be chosen,” senior Cameron Picard said. “When (choir director Shawn) Lawton told me, I was really happy, and I gave him a big hug. Mr. Lawton said I was chosen because of my work ethic. It was really nice to know that my hard work in the class had finally paid off.”

Now that Singing Christmas Tree is over, Picard says the feeling is bittersweet.

“Tree was so much fun this year,” Picard said. “It was a good ending to my story. It’s hard to know that I’ve devoted all of my high school career to choir, and now, it’s all over. And the fact that I was chosen as the Angel only makes it harder to say goodbye.”

Lawton said that Picard perfectly represents what the choir stands for.

“Although he isn’t the guy getting all the solos and leading roles, he has such a deep, yet unassuming type of passion for the choir program,” Lawton said. “He just loves it and has found comfort here, and it’s like a second family to him.

Cameron is genuine, kind, caring and unique in his own kind of nerdy way, and he doesn’t apologize for it. He makes us laugh and is just a nice student to be around.”

In addition to Lawton, Picard said his classmates have also helped him throughout his choir journey.

“We’re like a family,” Picard said. “We’re all friends outside of school, and it’s nice to know that you always have people supporting you. It’s a family that you’ll have forever.”

Senior Ethan Boersma said no one was more deserving than Picard to be at the top of the tree.

“Cam is a great friend to everyone, and he is always willing to help people,” Boersma said. “Cam is very weird and funny, but he’s so nice and supportive of everyone.

He has made me realize that choir is something that unites everyone, no matter who you are. I can forget about my problems and just have fun.”

Knowing that this is his last year of choir, Picard said he is feeling mixed emotions.

“While I’m excited to be moving into the next chapter of my life, I’m sad to know that one of my favorite parts of high school is ending,” Picard said. “Tree has been one of my favorite things, and I hate to see it end. It really does go by fast.”

But before it ends, Picard said he knows that he couldn’t have been the angel without the help of one important person.

“Mr. Lawton has helped me the most throughout my choir journey,” Picard said. “He’s always been there for me, and he taught me to never give up. He’s completely honest with us, but it makes us all better. He has impacted me more than anyone.”

First angel from 1984 recalls her choir experience

By Sarah Roman Staff Writer It was the winter of 1984 and a young sophomore, Patricia (Whittaker) Green, just found out that she would be the first angel in the first Singing Christmas Tree.

“I tried out, and I wasn’t expecting much to come of it,” said Green, who graduated from Shores in 1987. “Nobody had seen the tree; it hadn’t even been built yet.”

After Green tried out for the Tree angel, she walked into class the next day, and she Green saw a tree on the board with names written on it.

“I looked for my name, and I couldn’t find it, and then, I

saw my name at the top of the tree,” Green explained as she laughed at the memory. ”I thought to myself, how did I get this honor? This is so cool.”

Green said there was no rhyme or reason to why she was chosen.

“I wish I could say I was this amazing singer, but I wasn’t,” Green said. “I want to go back and ask him (choir director Skip Frizzell) why I was chosen.”

Green said she was the first person to see the tree after it was built because the choir teacher wanted her to climb the tree and take her spot at the top.

“Climbing the ladder and looking was amazing. I didn’t realize how high it was going to be,” Green said. “The space was small, but it was so cool to be on top.”

The Tree has evolved from the first one: the Tree Angel

is now always a senior, and Green was only a sophomore when she was given the honor.

“One of my favorite things to do while I was standing on top was to sway,” Green laughed. “I would watch the people below me look scared as the entire tree shook.”

As an adult, Green said she likes to watch the Tree, which is now at the Frauenthal Theatre in downtown Muskegon although she doesn’t go as often as she would like.

“It’s so amazing to be apart of the alumni and watch the kids continue on the tradition,” Green said. “It blows my mind that I got to be a part of the very first one.”

Patricia Whittaker, a young sophomore, outgoing and brave, was the first Tree Angel. Little did she know that this idea of a giant Christmas tree would turn into something huge and something worth celebrating.

SPORTS

The Sailors’ Log

O U T w i t h t h e

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 11

Swim team wins conference for first time

By Jenna Baker Staff Writer

It may have taken 19 years, but the wait was definitely worth it.

“As a coach, you always dream of having a great season like we had,” girls’ swim coach Mick Homan said. “I was so proud of this great group of hard working young ladies.”

Homan, who has been the coach for five years, saw his co-op swim team complete a perfect 12-0 season while capturing the school’s first OK Rainbow Conference championship. At the conference meet, Shores had 392 points, easily ahead of Wayland’s 337.50 points.

“In my 31 years of coaching, this was the first team to ever go undefeated and win a conference swim title,” said Homan of the team made up of swimmers from Shores, North Muskegon, Western Michigan Christian, Reeths-Puffer and Muskegon Catholic Central. “The hard work, dedication, commitment, and pride paid off.”

Throughout the season, the team that is referred to as the Turtles was considered the underdogs since day one, Homan said.

O L D

Boys’ Basketball Shores lost its season opener 54-44 to Holland. The Sailors will play at West Ottawa (Dec. 27) and at Cedar Springs (Jan. 2).

Girls’ Basketball After losing the season opener, Shores beat both West Ottawa (53-25) and Whitehall (49-41).

Over break, the Sailors will host Ludington (Jan. 4).

Sophomore Caroline Carlson helped the Sailors win the conference. (Photo by Alexis DeJonge) “No one has ever given us any sort of respect or a chance to be successful in this sport,” he said. “This team showed everyone that they are a team to be respected and to watch for, now and in the future.”

SPORTS BRIEFS

Boys’ Bowling Shores placed fifth in the season-opening conference meet before beating Muskegon 29-1.

Girls’ Bowling The Sailors placed first at the season-opening conference meet behind senior Lindsay Cross’s three-game series score of 628.

Hockey Shores has a 5-2 record. The Sailors began the season with an 8-0 win over Kalamazoo United and has now scored 35 goals in its seven games, including nine in a 9-7 win over Bay City Western.

Competitive Cheer Shores won the season-opening CCCAM Invitational.

Caroline Carlson, a sophomore from Shores, contributed to the team’s win in the conference meet. She placed 10th in the 200 free and eighth in the 500 free.

“As a program, we have been trying for so 200 many years, and finally seeing that hard work being paid off feels amazing,“ Carlson said. “I was more excited than nervous at the start of the race because all I was thinking about was winning.”

Also contributing was Shores freshman Robyn Hunt who gained two personal records at the conference meet. She placed eighth in the 200 Free and fifth in the 500 Free.

“Knowing we had just gone undefeated (in the regular season) helped relieve some of the stress going into the (conference) meet,” Hunt said. “We have never come close to winning conference, and winning it felt amazing.”

Along with all the team’s hard work, they had a little fun too. Homan made a bet with his team that if they go undefeated and win the OK Rainbow, he would get a tattoo of a turtle.

“I guess I’m getting a turtle tattoo for Christmas,” Homan said.

Boys’ Swimming Sophomore Sam VanDusen is the lone Shores student on the co-op swim team, which placed fourth at the season-opening Ludington Relays.

Wrestling Seniors Robby Swanker and Anthony Allen both went 2-0 in the season-opening tri-meet against Kenowa Hills and Comstock Park.

Hockey coach returns to alma mater New boys’ b-ball coach brings energy

By Desi Burns Staff Writer

After five years as an assistant coach for the Shores varsity hockey team, Chris Benedict has a new title: head coach.

“I’m excited to take this program to the next level and get it back to where it once was, a state powerhouse,” said Benedict, who has spent much of his life in the Shores hockey program, first as a player for one season, 1998-99, and then as an assistant coach, 2014-2019.

“It’s going to take a lot Benedict of hard work, but we have some very dedicated and talented student-athletes that have the same thought in mind.”

One advantage to Benedict, who replaced Dan Quaine, is that he has been around some of the athletes, including his son freshman Trent Benedict, in previous seasons while coaching for travel pro-

grams.

“Coach Benedict has coached me before for travel programs,” freshman Jake Nanna said. “The main difference between the programs is that (the Shores’ program) is taken a lot more seriously.

We are held more accountable and have bigger goals. Coach Benny knows who can be screamed at, and it will benefit them. He also knows who needs to just be sat down and talked to.”

Benedict said he knows that there are many things he needs to change, and a major goal for the season is to have a better bond among the athletes. Benedict said he hopes to make a program that is good both in and outside of hockey. Not only do they want to be better athletes, but they want to be better people as well.

But Benedict knows that no matter what happens off the ice, it will be the onice performance that people will notice more.

“I think we have a lot of potential to do well this season,” Benedict said.

By Desi Burns Staff Writer

Justin Johnson knew he wanted to coach basketball ever since high school.

“I was impacted by two of my coaches and instantly knew that I wanted to coach,” said Johnson, who takes over the boys’ basketball program after David Chana stepped down after one year to become the head coach at Northview. “Coach Bitzer and Coach Bohn both influenced me to do what I do today.”

Johnson After being influenced by those former high school coaches from Unionville Sebewaing Area, Johnson said he wanted to make a difference, just as his former coaches had.

Sophomore Donovan Russell said Johnson has already made a difference on the energy level. “(Johnson) is extremely energetic,”

Russell said. “There is a much larger commitment level, and the season is being taken seriously.”

Johnson said he is excited for the positive environment surrounding sports and academics.

“I always knew Mona Shores was a good school as far as everything with academics and sports,” Johnson said. “I am excited for the great culture here.”

Johnson said he knows that some things will have to change for a more successful season.

“Some things we have been really big on is playing hard at all times and trying to move the basketball,” Johnson said. “[Also] by giving the guys some freedom to try and make plays and have fun playing the game they play.”

After the successful season that the football team just completed, Johnson said he hopes to bring a similar culture.

“I hope to change the energy level into positive energy,” Johnson said. “I am excited to improve that.”

I N w i t h t h e N E W

SPORTS

12 Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019

Backup QB leads Shores state title

The Sailors’ Log

By Robby Swanker Staff Writer

In the game of football, it obviously takes a team to win. One player cannot win a championship alone.

In the case of Shores’ football team, it didn’t just take team; it took a bunch; more specifically Brady’s Bunch.

Junior Brady Rose, who was thrust into quarterback action at the beginning of the 57-56 semifinal win over Walled Lake Western when starting QB Caden Broersma was injured, led the Sailors to the school’s first football state title at Ford Field on Friday, Nov. 29.

Rose, listed as 5-foot-7, 145 pounds, followed up his five-touchdown semifinal performance with another solid all-around game in Shores’ 35-26 victory over Detroit Martin Luther King in the Div. 2 finals. He finished with 90 rushing yards and three TDs; plus, he completed 8-of-11 passes for 122 yards and a score.

“We lose our all-state quarterback who played in this game last year and came up short, and then a backup quarterback comes in and leads us to our first state championship ever,” coach Matt Koziak said. “Our offense didn’t change at all. We may have ran more option, but as far as our playbook shrinking, not at all. Brady has one of the best football IQ’s of anyone I have ever coached.”

The Sailors, playing in the state finals for the third time in school history, had to overcome adversity going up against a powerhouse of King, which was shooting for its fourth state title in five years. King also had at least three players with Division-I offers, which made critics believe that Shores had no chance to win this game.

“People go back to our getting whooped by Muskegon [a 53-0 loss in week eight],” Koziak said. “(The Big Reds are) a great football team. I know it sounds crazy, but it was one of the best things that happened to us. It humbled us, it made us dig a little deeper and understand we might not be as good as we think we are without doing the little things.”

In the state title game, the Sailors dominated early, scoring on their first drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown from Rose.

BRadY’s Bunch In the state title game, junior Brady Rose showed his versatility. Rose rushed for 90 yards and three touchdowns and passed for 122 yards and one TD. Defensively, Rose led the team with 10 tackles and an interception.

After senior Cam Sobish’s sack caused a King fumble, Rose and his offense took advantage and drove down the field and capped it off with an 18-yard touchdown run by senior Tre Hatcher, going up 14-0 early in the second quarter.

“After my touchdown, I thought the game was ours,” Hatcher said.

“We stopped them, and we scored again, so I thought it was our game to win as long as we kept applying pressure.”

After King made it 14-6, Rose scored another 1-yard TD with 3:29 left in the first half to make it 21-6; however, the Crusaders made it 21-12 at halftime with a touchdown with 25 seconds before the half.

In the third quarter, King struck first, cutting the lead to 21-20.

Later in the third quarter, King’s freshman quarterback Dante Moore, who is being recruited by D-I schools, made a mistake by throwing into the proximity of Rose, who came up with a mo-

mentum-boosting interception.

“I was in man coverage, and the guy I was covering ran an out route, so I passed him to our shallow guy and sat in the middle and read the quarterback’s eyes,” said Rose, who also plays safety.

Driving down the field and building confidence, the Sailors were faced with a crucial fourth and five from King’s 17-yard line.

Senior Jaylen Hopson caught a pass from Rose and galloped into the endzone, stretching the lead to 28-20.

Early in the fourth quarter, Maryland commit Peny Boone burst through the Sailor defense and charged his way to a 66-yard touchdown, again cutting the lead, making it 28-26.

The Sailors would then methodically march down the field, keeping possession of the ball for 8:40 minutes until Rose scored from the King 2-yard line, advancing the lead to 35-26.

“On our last drive, I knew we

needed a score to finish the game,” senior lineman Derek Pennell said.

“We kept grinding and cutting time of the clock and finished it with a score. After this, I knew we had it.”

On King’s final drive of the game, senior Kolbe Torvinger put an end to any comeback with an interception with 36 seconds left.

The Sailors took a knee to seal the first state title in Shores’ history.

Rose, adding on to his impressive offensive performance, notched a team-high 10 tackles on top of his interception. Trovinger and sophomore Jeff Lenartowicz added seven tackles apiece while Sobish and junior Gary Humphrey made five stops each.

“I still don’t think it’s set in,” Koziak said in the press conference after the game. “It will set in 10 years from now, a year from now, I don’t know. What these young kids did and what they had to overcome in the playoffs, it’s unbelievable.”

Senior Kolbe Trovinger wore senior Caden Broersma’s No. 4 jersey. Broersma, the starting quarterback, was injured in the semifinal game and could not play in the state finals. “I wanted to wear Caden’s jersey because I grew up playing with him, and I didn’t want him to feel left out because he couldn’t play, so I wanted to represent him and his number.”

Cam Sobish, senior “This is a lifetime memory. In 20 years, there’s going to be a reunion, and I’m still going to have this bond that football gave me with my teammates.

I will always be thankful for football because of this bond.”

Senior Jaylen Hopson dedicated the season to his father, who passed away this past summer. “Playing for my dad meant a lot to me. He supported me in everything, and he wasn’t able to be there, so I knew it was a big game. I wanted to play my best in honor of him.”

Cooper Wierengo, senior “It feels like something we had to do and something that we were meant to do. Seeing the other two Shores teams not being able to finish the job gave us more motivation to bring home the title.”