Feb. 13, 2020

Volume 58 • Edition 5 • Thursday, February 13, 2020

T H E

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

Ma r Ar tia l ts ,M an

Sen bo ior Mit s c arts taff, h h Bai disc as le ley, s iplin arne how n es. d – p multi using ple age ma a 10 rtia l

EDITORIAL

2 Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020

The Sailors’ Lo

The Future of America

Artwork by Chris Horvath

Liberalism, socialism can do nothing but hurt

I

t is 2020. I am graduating from high school in less than five months, and after high school, I will attend college and, eventually, find a job like everyone else.

And I could not be more terrified of what will be going on in our country when all these things happen.

I hope I am wrong.

Column by I hope that everything Chris with our country turns out Horvath, okay, but I guess we really won’t know until it happens. staff writer Though I believe President Trump will win this upcoming election, I have thought for quite a while that the President to come after him will not be another Republican.

The trend for the last 30 or so years has been that after a President is elected for two terms, the opposite party normally wins the next election. Meaning somebody with a liberal, or left ideology, the opposite of mine, will likely be the President.

I have noticed from Carter to Clinton to Obama that the Presidents have become more and more left-leaning, more and more liberal, and more and more radical.

I assume that the same trend will continue for future Democratic Presidents.

Executive Editors Morgan Cathey Paige Judson Gabby Lopez Staff Jenna Baker Holli Brus Jaylene Davis Mia Dickson Sydney Fetters

I fear socialism.

I fear these far-left policies.

The ideas of universal healthcare, free college education for all, gun bans or a repeal of the Second Amendment, and open borders terrify me. However, I believe that I may have to swallow the pill – the pill of change. Because I believe that these fears of mine will become true.

I see a state like Texas that has changed its demographics for voting throughout the years from extremely conservative to inching closer to becoming liberal. Texas has 36 electoral votes. These votes are vital for the Republican candidate if they are to win the general election.

In 2016, President Trump won with only 52.23 percent of the popular vote; 2.23 percent less, and Hillary Clinton would be our President right now. Imagine that.

Anyway, with Texas slowly moving more toward the left, eventually, I believe it will become a typical Democratic voter in general elections. Meaning, that the Republicans will struggle to win elections in the future, always facing an uphill battle.

I knew that the Republicans winning many elections in the future would be difficult, but Texas is just the beginning of the problems for the Republicans in the future.

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

There are not many human beings who could take all the rhetoric, all of the bashing, all of the political games, all of the lies, and all of the hatred that President Trump has gone through during these last three, almost four years.

Being President is not an easy job. In additoin to running the most complex and sophisticated country in the history of the world, he also has to worry about being ripped apart by bias American media, ridiculed by uneducated people, made fun of by the supposed “loving and tolerant lefts,” and constantly having lies made up.

How do you think that would feel? On a daily basis, being called all of these untrue things that you can literally do nothing about. There are very few Republicans whom I believe could go through that and still be a successful President.

As I said, I hope I am wrong.

My hope is that the Republicans can still find a way to win elections in the future.

But I am, and always have been, a realist more than anything, and the reality of the situation is that I am going to have to deal with these far-left, socialist, liberals for most of my adult life, and I could not be more terrified for it. Mark my words, Liberalism will destroy America.

our voice

Don’t let the -itis ruin end of school year If you are a senior, the time is upon you.

If you are a senior, the itch is growing inside of your bones.

If you are a senior, the thought of spring break and graduation is flooding your minds.

Why? Because you are in the beginning stages of one of the worse epidemics to hit high schools across the world – senioritis.

Seniors are all more than ready to move on and go their separate ways.

Most of them have college or a job lined up and are dancing like they have squirrels in their pants.

Even the underclassmen can get a mild case of senioritis or something very close to it.

Junioritis is knowing that in a few short months, the claim to being a senior is within reach.

Sophomoritis comes in the form of no longer being an underclassman.

Freshmanitis, well, while there is still along way to go to graduation, is described as the itch to no longer be a freshman.

However, whichever -itis you may have, realize this – school matters.

Now is not the time to pack it in and let procrastination reign.

No one wants to spend summer at school catching up on lost credits while most students are bathing in the sun and hanging out with friends.

So take your vitamins and complete your assignments, and you can avoid the -itis.

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

The Sailors’ Log

EDITORIAL

Prioritize Yourself How I stopped begging for what I deserve in relationships D ogs may do it all the time when they want attention or some food, but begging is not the right way for humans to get what they need in relationships.

A good relationship should always be mutual, where two people care about each other the same, or else it could be cause for one or more of the people in the relationship to get their feelings seriously hurt.

But when it comes to relationships, I frequently find myself in the same position: feeling like others are not trying as hard as I am.

My anxiety always finds a way to make me feel like it is my fault, and deep down every time I get into a relationship like this, I worry Column by there is something I am doing wrong or someJaylene thing wrong with me.

Davis, staff It’s difficult not to think like that when writer someone doesn’t care as much as I do because thoughts like, “Am I good enough? Pretty enough? Or special enough for them?” constantly run through my head. Especially when communication is not strong in a relationship, anyone’s mind can run amok and worries can turn into deep-rooted fears and insecurities.

Over time, all of my relationships seemed to represent a pattern in my life where I give too much to people who aren’t giving enough to me, and then I blame myself and feel like it is my fault that I’m not happy.

After this happened over and over, I felt like there was something seriously wrong with me.

What I failed to realize was the only thing wrong with me was the way I handled the situation and always blamed myself.

I’m not saying I am capable of completely stopping this self-degrading thought process, but I have found a way to change my thinking when I start feeling like that. Surprisingly, it’s an easy process and as simple as catching myself when I “It’s a pretty low-key holiday. I am taking my girlfriend [senior Rhiley Barboff] to our spot.

Then, we are going to watch movies, and I am going to give her the small gift I got her.” – Morgan Anderson, senior “I’m not really looking forward to it too much since it’s not a big holiday for us. Because my boyfriend [junior Cole Meyers] has a hockey game on Valentine’s Day, I’m going to his game to support him.” –Salaihah Andrade, junior “I think the day is about spending time with loved ones and not about the gifts. I will be watching movies with my boyfriend [sophomore Kameron McGinley] because it will be a Friday.” – Ella Buikema, sophomore “I’m kind of looking forward to Valentine’s Day. I have a boyfriend [freshman Theo Conrad], but I’m not sure if we’re doing anything special or not. Honestly, I’m just really looking forward to having the day off of school.” – Ally Threadgill, freshman

start begging someone for the human decency I deserve.

Because the truth is, that is what I deserve and what many other people who find themselves in the same position deserve as well.

If someone can’t give me a response, time together, clarity, respect, some compassion or some kindness, I take a step back and realize that I am begging for the bare minimum that I should receive in any type of relationship.

Human decency is the bare minimum and someone should always be treated fairly if they want their relationship to be healthy and last.

And if someone is not giving me the bare minimum in a relationship, I now know that it is the sign where I need to distance myself from them for my own good or else I will continue to feel hurt over and over again.

After all, what is the point of me continuously pouring my effort into the relationship when someone else does not do the same?

And what is the point of me begging to be treated the same when the person just blatantly doesn’t deserve me or my effort anymore?

There comes a point where a relationship stops being worth the time and effort that I put into it, and that’s okay. Actually, it’s great that I am taking a step toward something better for me.

Because the truth is, if I really want to be happy with my relationships, it’s about time I stopped begging for something I deserve and find what I do deserve because ultimately I’m not a dog, and begging like a dog will only hurt me in the end.

What does Valentine’s Day mean to you as couples?

Q the big

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

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 3

Artwork by Jaylene Davis

“I’m going to spend time with the person most special to me [senior Morgan Anderson]. We are going to go to Buffalo Wild Wings, and I’m giving her flowers.” – Rhiley Barboff, senior

“It’s a special day for me to show people I love how I feel. I will be hanging out with my girlfriend [junior Salaihah Andrade] after my game and giving her the gift I got her.” – Cole Meyers, junior “I have not been planing for this day too much other than watching movies and spoiling my girlfriend [sophomore Ella Buikema] with chocolate.” – Kameron McGinley, sophomore “It’s going to be a normal day with a little more meaning. But my girlfriend [freshman Ally Threadgill] and I will just be hanging out and I will give her a gift.” – Theo Conrad, freshman

REVIEW

4 Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020

David Dobrik

An icon. David Dobrik is a YouTube icon.

Dobrik vlogs crazy stunts and bits that entertain his audience for four minutes and twenty seconds. His channel, which has 15.3 million subscribers, was started in 2014. Before he started his YouTube channel, he was a Vine star. RIP Vine. His followers then followed him to his start on YouTube, and the rest is history.

He has a group of friends who regularly appear in his vlogs, and they’re called the Vlog Squad.

With his signature black hat and

James Charles

Oh, the infamous James Charles.

Where do I even begin?

From the numerous scandals, millions of subscribers, and hundreds of videos, James Charles is a house-hold name.

The beauty-guru has a whopping 16.6 million subscribers.

Charles, who is known for his makeup tutorials and slightly above-average singing voice, started his YouTube channel in 2015. Charles is also the first YouTuber to lose 1 million subscribers in a day. Way to go, James. What an accomplishment.

After watching a few of his videos, to put it lightly, it’s not my cup of tea.

If an undercooked Hot Pocket had a personality, it would be James Charles.

I find him boring and way too energetic at the same time. I may be biased because I’m not into watching makeup tutorials or anything beauty-related, but I think people who do enjoy those types of videos would find him irritating.

Whenever I watch a video of his, “Hey sisters” is being yelled at me in the first 10 seconds of every video, and he’s talking way too fast for me to understand anything he’s saying. If I have to hear “Hey sisters” one more time, I’m going to hurl myself out of a window.

If I have to see another video of his, it’ll be too soon.

Rate: -2.2358/10

The Sailors’ Log

LaBrant Family

all-black clothing, he and his friends either go partying, take spontaneous trips to Las Vegas, do crazy science experiments in David’s backyard, or talk about an amazing app, called Seat Geek, that makes getting tickets the easiest way possible.

His videos never fail to keep me entertained. I have not watched a video of his that I didn’t enjoy. Dobrik is definitely one of my favorite YouTubers. He works hard to come up with original content for two days a week, and it’s definitely appreciated.

Maybe one day I’ll join the Vlog Squad, and David will buy me a nice, new Tesla. One can only dream.

Rate: 8.9763/10

Sensations

YouTubers can influence people in various ways. Some are experts in beauty, vlogging and pranking.

Here are reviews of four influencers.

& Frustrations

Reviewed by Sarah Roman, staff writer

YouTube Edition Kian and JC

Coined the slowest growing channel by none other than themselves, Kian and JC are two of the funniest YouTubers I’ve watched.

They have 3.6 million subscribers, and it continues to grow, but a wee bit slower than K&J would like.

Most of their videos consist of them yelling at each other, doing challenges, calling each other crack dads, and telling their editor Andy to edit the most random and hilarious things.

Overall, it’s chaotic but in the best way possible.

I’ve watched Kian and JC for a while now, and every one of their vid-

eos has made me laugh. Their editing is some of the best I’ve seen due to their amazing editor named Anderson “Andy” Webb, and it just adds to the humor of it all.

Kian and JC recently created a series called The Reality House.

It’s where a group of YouTubers is put in a mansion for a couple of days to compete for money by doing challenges. It’s been a big hit for their audience, but for me, I prefer their sit-down videos of them talking and acting like the best friends they are.

I won’t ever get sick of watching K&J’s videos. I love those goofy goobers.

Rate: 9.8261/10

Barbie, Ken, and two mini Barbies are what the LaBrant family consists of. With their blonde hair and blue eyes, they resemble the plastic dolls to a T. With a new baby boy on the way, their views are racking up and growing steadily. Dad Cole, mom Savannah, and sisters Everleigh and Posie are essentially the picture-perfect family channel with 10.8 million subscribers.

I used to watch Cole during his days on Vine, and oh man, has he come a long way. From making Vines with his friends called Dem White Boyz to becoming a family-man on YouTube, Cole and his family make videos about their daily life.

However, as I watch their picture-perfect life through my phone, I can’t help but feel the fakeness. It feels like they put on a show for the camera, and it’s a show that I don’t even enjoy.

Their videos remind me of a terrible sitcom. All the LaBrants need to do is to add a laugh track to their videos and boom, a sitcom. They are over the top on so many things, and it makes me cringe. While they aren’t the worst YouTubers I’ve watched, they are nowhere near the best.

Rate: 5.3790/10

The Sailors’ Log

REVIEW

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020

5

The Books (below). The three core rule books are $50 each and are not essential for gameplay, but they do make things a lot easier. The bare minimum of information is put on the website D&D Beyond, but the handbooks make playing much more enjoyable.

The Extras (right). There are a lot of things that are not necessary to play the game, but some additions can improve the quality of gameplay; for example, reference cards describe the beast that the party is fighting as well as the creature’s stats on the back of the card.

The Dice (right): The main tools for the players, the seven dice can be used in many ways, but they are typically used to see if players are able to do something or not. The standard set of seven dice consists of a D4, a four-sided die; a D6, a six-sided die; a D8, an eight-sided die; a D10, a 10-sided die; a D00, a 10 percentile die; a D12, a 12-sided dice; and a D20, a 20-sided die, which is the most common of the seven.

The Game (left). The core of D&D is storytelling.

Individuals tell a story, guide the hero through quests for treasuse, battle foes, make daring rescues, etc.

The scenarios are endless.

Adventure & I magi nation

Role-playing game allows participants creativity to prosper “Dungeons deep and Dragons roar, No one quite knowing what they’re in for, From left to right and up and down Things are happening all around.”

T

his is an example of a riddle that one may encounter within the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, the game that gives the power completely to the players.

The game, also known as D&D, is comprised of the players as well as the Dungeon Master’s, or DM’s, collective imagination.

D&D was created in 1974 with the first edition of the game. Since then, four editions Review by have been added to this outstanding game.

Kye Sieffert, The latest edition being D&D fifth edition, staff writer often called D&D 5e, was more polished than the fourth edition, and D&D 4e was not enjoyed by most so once D&D 5e came out, and it was advertised

to have smoother game play than its predecessor. Many fans of the hit game flocked from D&D 3.5 to D&D 5e.

Everyone was pleasantly surprised and excited to continue playing this new edition.

What makes the game so intriguing? D&D is so adaptable; it is possible to write a campaign that takes place in a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk world that has been overrun by demons.

Someone could even write a campaign set in the distant future after society collapsed, and everyone was plunged back into the dark ages.

Dungeons & Dragons is truly a game of endless possibilities. Anything is possible as long as the DM allows it. Players can become an elf who lives in a tree or even a half-orc barbarian who grew up on a battlefield.

I first played D&D about three years ago, so I’m still quite new to this hobby. Even though my first time playing would have been torture for some veterans of the game to watch due to a lack in communication as well as expe-

rience among the players that I first began and continue playing with, I found it absolutely astounding; I was enamored by the way the group’s choices affected what happened and altered what would come next.

My favorite part of D&D has to be the DM position; I get to control the universe as well as the story that the players go through. The DM gets to create a world for everyone to live in. Having people interacting in a world that has been created by a member of the group is amazing to me.

While D&D isn’t as well known as it had been back in the late ’70s to early ’80s, the game has been getting more recognition as of late thanks to the appearance of the game in TV shows like The Big Bang Theory, Stranger Things, That 70’s Show, as well as Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

D&D has been known as more for nerds, but it is enjoyable, and more people should try it.

The game is a great way to bond with friends, family, and even extracurricular groups. This is a fun way to let your creativity run wild and prosper.

NEWS

6 Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020

The Sailors’ Log

Fou r-Da y F u n

Mid-winter break allows mini-vacations for long weekend

By Bailey Graham Staff Writer

Beginning tomorrow, many students will spend their four-day, mid-winter break in bed eating their weight in snacks.

However, instead of wasting away their break, at least four students are going to get away from the boundaries of Muskegon and make the most out of their break.

“I’m really excited to be leaving for mid-winter break,” junior Jessi Lawton said. “Since it’s a short break not everyone can go out on a trip, and I haven’t done so in the past years. So I’m super excited to be leaving Muskegon for a couple of days to unwind and have fun.”.

Lawton will be traveling with senior Malia Swartz to California.

Additionally, seniors Chris Horvath and Grant Hylland will be venturing with their moms to Chicago.

The trip will be Horvath’s first to the Windy City.

“I’m excited to see the city because I’ve never been and I’m always ready for new experiences,” Horvath said.

The boys have a plan to make the most of their trip. Both are golf fanatics and will be pursuing their passion in a fun way.

“The main purpose of our trip is to participate in the great game of Top Golf,” Hylland said. “And since we are cool guys, we will shop and explore the city as well.”

While the boys are enjoying their time in Chicago, Lawton and Swartz will be taking a plane all the way to Long Beach, California.

“We are mainly taking a trip out to California so I can meet up with my close friend that I haven’t seen in forever,” Lawton said.

“While we are there though, we have big plans to have fun during our stay.”

The girls plan to make the most out of their trip being adventurous and exploring the area where they could end up in the future.

“I think during our trip we are going to go see the Young American Campus, the program has always been interesting to me and Jessi,” Swartz said. “So I can’t wait to go see the campus and have a short experience of what life is like as a Young American” Not only are the girls spending their time with friends and Young Americans,, the girls will also be taking a trip to see the magical land of Disney in California.

“We get to go to Disneyland as a fun day trip, and I’m super excited,” Lawton said.

“Hopefully. I’ll get to see Mickey.”

Bam! Entertainment Center

Located in Holland, Bam is a recreational center full of fun activities.

This includes bowling, ropes course, laser tag, arcade, and escape rooms.

The hours are from noon to midnight weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends. Prices vary.

Double JJ Resort and Waterpark While many students are staying home for mid-winter break, junior Jessi Lawton is traveling to California, and senior Grant Hylland is traveling to Chicago.

(Photo by Bailey Graham)

W hat ot hers a re doi ng

“During break, I’m going to bowl at a “I plan on spending my time tournament, relaxing and and then I’m binging a lot of gonna spend Grey’s Anatomy the rest of my on Netflix with time playing my friends.” – Fortnite.” – Erin Sullivan, Nathan Trowbridge, freshman sophomore

St a ycat ion enter t a i n ment

“For break, I’m going to spend some quality time with my girlfriend and grab some food.” – Jaden Zitka, junior

“For my four-day break, I’ll be continuing the basketball grind and hanging out with my amazing sister.” – Grace Pasecki, senior

Double J is a resort in Rothbury.

They offer a variety of fun activities like snow tubing and an indoor water park. You could also schedule a trail ride in the snow. With tons to do and a western feel, Double J might be the mini-vacation you need.

Three juniors pick up first places at regional BPA competition

By Bailey Graham Staff Writer Three juniors led the way for Shores at the BPA regional competition at Davenport University on Jan. 10.

Nicole Hernandez placed first in two events at the Business Professionals of America event while Brady Whalen and Taylor Quick each won once.

“This year’s juniors are outstanding, and most of them having been BPA members since they were freshman,” BPA adviser Kristen Sailors said. “Nicole and Taylor are officers in our chapter and are great role models for others. This is Brady’s first year, and all I can say is ‘Wow, he killed it at regionals.”

Hernandez placed first in both Business Meeting Management Concepts and Digital Marketing Concepts.

“I treated it like a normal test when studying,” said Hernandez, who also had a seventh-place and an eighth-place.

“Going into the competition, I wasn’t expecting much, so

At the regional BPA competition, junior Nicole Hernandez picked up two first-place finishes in Business Meeting Management Conccepts and Digital Marketing Concepts. (Courtesy Photo) I was super surprised when I heard my name on the announcements.”

Whalen finished first in Banking & Finance, which covers calculating interest and writing checks.

“I had prepared by taking a bunch of practices and had worked really hard, so I was ecstatic to hear that I won,” said Whalen, who also placed in six other events with two third-places, two fourth-places, one sixth-place and one eighth-place. “I’m also super excited to travel with my friends to states, so it will be a good time.”

Quick finished first in Legal Office Procedures, which covers specific items and expectations of what would occur within a legal office. Last year, Quick finished third in legal office procedures, and she said she had a determination going into the test to improve.

“Going into the test, I was nervous but not as nervous as I was last year. I really forced myself to stay focused during the test,” said Quick, who also had a second-place, a thirdplace, a fifth-place, a ninth-place and a 10th-place. “I was shocked when I found out but also super proud of myself since I improved from last year and won at the same time.”

These three along with nine others will travel to the state competition in March.

THE EARTH

The Earth is a beautiful place. It has multitudes of natural resources such as freshwater, free oxygen, perfect farmlands, and beautiful animals. The Earth is also home to the worst thing to ever exist: human beings. For thousands of years, animals and primitive human beings lived in harmony, and everything was good. And then humans industrialized. From then on, our once beautiful Earth has become contaminated with pollution from human activities. Past generations have produced more trash than ever imaginable. And now, current and future generations are left to clean up the mess. In this special center section by The Sailors’ Log, we will detail the destruction as well as multiple solution options.

Air Pollution The main cause of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels (coal, gas, etc.). Agricultural activities and exhaust from factories are also a leading threat. Air pollution is most visible in large cities where smog clouds the air.

Greenhouse gases, such as methane, are one of the leading causes of ozone depletion.

Deforestation Deforestation is often done for urban development purposes.

The removal of trees destroys many animals’ habitats, which can lead to endangerment.

Deforestation also lowers the oxygen supply. There is also the potential for soil erosion, which creates many problems for people living in those areas. Annually, around 7 million acres of forest are cut down for building purposes.

Endangered Species Multiple species of animals have seen a rise in endangerment recently. For example, due to the Australian wildfires, the koala population has decreased. Although they’re not yet classified as endangered, their population has suffered significant losses in past years. Thankfully, the Endangered Species Act provides programs and regulations for protecting species that are endangered, or on the verge of endangerment.

Littering/Pollution Nearly 267.8 million tons of trash are poured into landfills each year, but much more trash never makes it, meaning that it ends up in our cities and in our water supply. Food waste and plastic are the number one source of garbage in the US. Lack of proper garbage collection is the leading reason for extra trash outside of landfills. The excess trash lingering on the land and the water threatens the lives of animals and human health.

Government lacks in environmental awareness

T

he Australian wildfires. The Amazon Rainforest burning. Melting of the polar caps. These are all effects or events that were fueled by climate change.

But, this is only the beginning of the list.

It’s pretty safe to say that the world is in sheer panic in regards to climate change taking place worldwide.

There have been countless events of climate change that some are quick to respond to or not so much; that response coming (or not coming) from both the media and the political field.

The response to climate change events primarily sits in the hands of governments worldwide.

My response to those governments?

Do better.

Of course, there are things that we “comColumn moners” can do in order to decrease our

by Gabby carbon footprint, but ultimately, it’s up to the Lopez, big guys (or gals) to enforce regulations. executive In the United States, the Trump Adminiseditor tration has rolled back (or taken away) more than 80 environmental regulations.

Many of these include regulations that protect air, water, land, and public health, according to Harvard Law School.

One of the more than 80 regulations includes the Trump Administration’s rule changing of the Endangered Species

Act. The Endangered Species Act, which was first signed into law by the Nixon administration, protects more than 1,400 species in the United States.

According to Time magazine, the rule change of this act puts economic factors in front of characterizing a species as endangered or extinct.

This means that urgent characterization of certain species can take longer than before because of this new rule.

Thus, lessening the time of protection and increasing the rate of endangerment or extinction.

My question to the Trump Administration is, why?

What benefits could the people of the United States gain from such drawbacks? Is it a better economy? Better publicity? God forbid we put the environment in front of the million-dollar paycheck.

A friendly reminder to the Trump Administration and everyone else supporting these rollbacks: we only have one home – Earth.

It may not seem like that big of a deal to take away a clean water regulation that lessened the amounts of chemicals and other substances in bodies of freshwater or weakening the climate plan to help coal plants to stay open longer that lessened the amounts of carbon dioxide being emitted into the air.

But in the long run, you are hurting the future genera-

tions. You are the one who has limited the life of your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone in between.

The Earth is the only thing that we know of (yet) that can hold as much life as it does. If we continue to deplete the world, there won’t be much of a world to live in.

The uprise of climate change causes worry in activists as the future in front of us is both predictable and unpredictable.

This ranges from excessive flooding to extreme droughts and everything in between.

What world do you want to live in?

THE DESTRUCTION

Science teachers share what people can do to help our planet

By Emily Kuznar Staff Writer Water levels are rising, entire ecosystems are ablaze, and species are going extinct.

The devastating effects of climate change are here, and they’re more present now than ever before.

According to NASA’s research on climate change, the planet has already had many observable differences because of climate change.

Scientists also predict that global temperatures will continue to rise due to the pollution and greenhouse gases, such as methane, produced from human activities.

Making a positive impact on the climate and the environment starts with the small choices people make in their own lives.

0Science teacher Sara Busken said she has made it a lifelong effort to live an eco-conscious lifestyle.

“I allow myself one tank of gas every two weeks. I know, it sounds crazy,” Busken said. “I only produce around one small bag of trash a week. I never allow my house temperature to go above 60 degrees. I don’t fly on airplanes because of the pollution they create.”

While this may seem extreme to some, this eco-friendly lifestyle isn’t as difficult as it seems, Busken said.

“I like living off of more natural resources,” Busken said. “I try to keep as small of a carbon footprint as I possibly can.”

While Busken is making her efforts, she also said it is extremely important for everyone, especially younger generations, to be passionate about the environment.

“The future of the environment rests in the hands of younger generations,” Busken said. “I have great faith in (the current) generation and (their) ability to cause change. My generation did the science, yet we

Great Lakes Environmental Club The Great Lakes Environmental Club (GLE Club) is a new group at the high school with the goal of protecting and cleaning areas surrounding the Great Lakes.

Activities will consist of monthly beach cleanups and fundraising for other environmental organizations.

First Meeting Feb. 19 (should last around 20 minutes) Where Mr. Kent’s room (501) ignored it. Future generations can’t just ignore this. We were told it would be 200 years until a change needed to come. But the time for change is now.”

Generation Z’s most powerful tool to create change is with their power to vote, Busken said.

“Once (the current) generation becomes of voting age, (they) need to

use (their) power to elect leaders who will generate change,” Busken said.

“Currently, very few of our politicians are educated in the field of environmental sciences. (The current) generation has to not elect people who are ignorant of the climate crisis. The saddest part of all this is that our environment shouldn’t be a political issue. This is an issue for humanity.”

When it comes to the future, the biggest way to create change is through the spread of education, Busken said.

“Thankfully, we have an ecology course and an AP Environmental Science course that offers education on our environmental impact,” Busken said. “By educating young people, the future is bright.”

Science teacher Marc Miedema advises students to sign up to take AP Environmental Science.

“APES is a great class for learning how we interact with our environment,” Miedema said. “We cover most science-based current events in this class. It’s a class that draws many disciplines, even those outside of science.”

Miedema also has suggestions on how everyone can make the school more eco-friendly.

“At school, we can turn off lights and unplug electrical devices,” Miedema said. “We can also adjust the thermostat throughout the season (higher temp in summer and lower in the winter). We can also add better insulation to make for smaller heat loss in the winter.”

While efforts are being made to help our damaged earth, there is much more that can and needs to be done. With small contributions made by everyone, the future of the planet is seemingly headed in a positive direction.

“I hope (the current) generation realizes that our environment has some immediate needs that must be taken care of,” Busken said. “And I hope that this generation is successful in changing the world that they’re inheriting.”

Wildfires

Over time, there has been a very sharp increase in the number of naturally occurring wildfires. According to data from the NIFC, there has been a clear trend in increased area burned by wildfires in the United States since the 1980s. But the United States is not the only country that is suffering.

As of Feb. 5, fires were still in the Australian outback. The fires have been burning since October and are showing no signs of stopping.

Fracking Fracking, also known as oil drilling, increases the risk for oil spills, which threatens the surrounding vegetation and wildlife. Pollutants given off from the drilling pollute the air and water, with the potential for toxic chemicals to spill. Fracking also provides dangers to humans from the toxic chemicals given off, which can jeopardize people’s respiratory systems.

Oil Spills In addition to the negatives of gathering oil, the storage is also lacking. The increase in oil spills is horrifying. Oil spills are harmful to marine birds and mammals as well as fish and shellfish. Oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters, and the water repellency of a bird’s feathers, thus exposing these creatures to the harsh elements. The lack of forethought is causing a devastating impact on wildlife.

Water Pollution Increased water pollution, specifically from plastic waste, threatens the world’s fresh water supply. Plastic waste in the oceans typically washes up on beaches. Plastic also disrupts the natural food chain, as many animals mistake the plastic for food. Chemical and oil spills also contaminate our drinking water, which poses a risk to human health

THE DECAY

In order to preserve Earth’s future, we need to take care of her now

Y

ear after year, the Earth continues to deteriorate, becoming sicker and sicker. Despite an overwhelmingly urgent cry for help, it seems that many people would rather ignore the Earth’s pleas for help.

For years, pollution, littering, and spills have wreaked havoc on the Earth, leaving her battered and broken, but she is not yet destroyed.

Over the last couple of thousand years, the human population has grown in size, and, therefore, grown in the levels of deColumn struction. by Morgan There are a million things that humans are Cathey, doing every day that continue to break down executive the Earth. editor For example, according to an article by the Scientific American website, food production has affected the environment more than anything else, with humans devoting nearly a third of the Earth’s surface area to

agriculture while simultaneously tearing down hundreds of thousands of acres of forests and natural oxygen to create more room.

In addition to this, 70 percent of the Earth’s fresh water is given to food production as well, depleting resources for animals as well as humans.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report of the condition of the Earth and how it is rapidly deteriorating.

According to the report, the planet will reach a critical threshold as early as 2030 based on our current levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

If the planet’s current direction is not turned around by 2050, the planet will die. Even at this point though, there are things that we can do to counteract the massive fail that humans keep perpetuating.

According to the National Ocean Service website, there are 10 main things we can do. Everyone knows not to buy plastic and not to waste, but there are more specific things

to do as well.

These things include reduce, reuse, and recycle; volunteer for cleanups within the community; choose sustainability; bike more in the place of driving; and don’t send chemicals into our waterways.

There are always things that can be done to help the planet. Cleaning up beaches and parking lots, not using paper plates, and simply spreading the message that we only have a limited amount of time left are more quick and easy things that anyone can do to help to participate in saving the Earth.

It will not be easy to try and save the Earth, but it is definitely something worth trying. Everyone needs to recognize this and at least put in an effort to do the right thing.

There are tons of movements and discussions occurring right now, trying to get others to acknowledge the dangerous future that we are headed for.

The Earth is in danger, and after everything she has done for us, it’s about time we do something for her.

FEATURE

The Sailors’ Log

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 7

B K SMART

Information compiled by Desi Burns, staff writer

How many books (non-assigned by teachers) did Shores students (242 respondents) read in the 2019 calendar year?

84 87 50 14 students

No books

students

5 or fewer books

students

6 to 25 books

Junior uses reading to help SAT For junior Jessi Lawton, reading can be for pleasure, but she knows it can impact her education as well, especially with her future.

“Reading is something that has a lot more benefits than most people can see,” said junior Jessi Lawton who read between 51 and 100 books last year. “Something as small as reading has helped my SAT score with the increasing rate of my reading. Increasing SAT scores help with colleges which has an impact on jobs and everyday life.”

However, Lawton said she sometimes uses reading to just get away.

“Reading can be used as a way

to escape the struggles of everyday life,” said Lawton. “It relieves the stress and pressure of everyday life.

I recommend reading to everyone.

Once you find a comfortable place to read and an interesting story, it becomes an easy way to escape.”

Many conversations of students involve the stress and overwhelming anxieties of school. Keeping up with assignments and maintaining good grades can be a lot.

“My friends and I can find school to be stressful. Reading is an easy way to alleviate that stress,” Lawton said. “Reading has definitely benefited me.”

What do non-English teachers think about reading?

Steve Morell, social studies “How well you can read is the No. 1 factor in determining your success.

Reading helps develop vocabulary skills along with the ability to understand and process information. I encourage my students to read their books regarding the lesson in class. Reading of any type will increase your intelligence.”

Sara Busken, science “Reading is not only important for students, but it is important to start at an early age. It is important for young children to be read to. You can see a difference in students that were read to as a young child.

Those that read will be successful.

Science teachers are big on reading.

We truly believe it helps you become more successful.”

Jason McGough, math “In this day and age, you can find information in a blink of an eye, but if you can’t analyze information, you won’t be successful. Understanding and learning things is important in one’s success.

I encourage my students to read more often.

More students are using the Internet to look up information instead of reading. Reading things helps information stick longer.

You actually develop and understand information.”

students

26 to 50 books

6

students

51 to 100 books

1

students 101 or more books

Sophomore utilizes books as escape

Sophomore Ryan Neve said she uses books as an escape.

“Reading is the easiest way to escape from the real world,” said Neve, who read more than 100 books during 2019. “I enjoy spending my time reading to relieve stress and escape to a different world.”

Neve also said that her pleasure reading has impacted her education.

“Reading has helped me in school tremendously,” Neve said. “My reading rate has increased a ton, which has helped in my English classes.”

Neve said the key to finding a good book is know what a person enjoys.

“You have to find a book that is interesting to you in order to read more,” Neve said. “Reading is something that I enjoy and recommend to everyone,” Neve said.

18 books every teen should read before they turn 18 I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou The War of Art – Steven Pressfield Do Hard Things – Alex and Brett Harris Boundaries – Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend Don’t Know Much About History – Kenneth C. Davis To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie The Total Money Makeover – Dave Ramsey The Catcher in the Rye – JD Salinger The Giving Tree – Shel Silverstein The Teen’s Guide to World Domination – Josh Shipp Mythology – Edith Hamilton The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey Diary of a Young Girl – Anne Frank Where the Red Fern Grows – Wilson Rawls The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain Lord of the Flies – William Golding Night – Elie Wiesel

from Josh Shipp, an awardwinning speaker and best-selling author at joshshipp. com

FEATURE

8 Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020

The Sailors’ Log

SCARY SITUATION

a

MEDICAL MIRACLES A series of articles detailing various Shores students about their medical setbacks and breakthroughs will be featured in future editions.

Junior Lily Fisher, who had a brain bleed in January of 2019, has returned to school and faces an uphill battle, but Fisher now uses her experience to spread awareness on her very rare condition. (Courtesy Photo)

Junior rediscovers how to survive after life-changing brain procedure

By Samantha Sewick Staff Writer On the morning of Jan. 4, 2019, Lily Fisher, then a sophomore, woke up like it was any other winter break morning.

She showered, ate breakfast and prepared for the day. On this particular Friday, she was going to meet some friends to go on an ice skating adventure.

However, a headache started to ruin the fun.

Eventually, what she thought was a migraine became Fisher vomiting and becoming dizzy.

“My head started throbbing, and I started to lose my balance,” Fisher said. “I couldn’t even walk.”

Her mom called her doctor, whose advice was to stay home and wait it out. Only her mom wouldn’t take waiting for an answer.

It was then that her mom decided it was time to head to the hospital.

“It was the scariest experience of my life,” Fisher said. “One minute, I was fine. Then the next, I felt like I’d been hit by a truck.”

Once she arrived at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, a CT scan revealed the truth – her brain was bleeding. So she was transferred to DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids.

When she arrived, surgeons put a hole in her head to relieve the pressure and drain the blood via a tube.

The next morning, Fisher had another procedure called an angiogram, which involved putting a catheter in an artery in her leg that travels up to the brain where images were taken.

After what felt to her and her family like forever, Fisher was diagnosed with what’s called an AVM, an arteriovenous malformation. This means the connections of veins and vessels in the tissue are abnormal and tangled.

Diagnosed with AVM meant that Fisher would need to have a craniotomy, where part of her skull was removed to give doctors access to her brain.

On Jan. 10, surgeons made an incision from the middle of her head past her ear, removing part of the skull to gain access to the AVM. Using a high-powered microscope, surgeons removed the AVM, then closed her skull with a titanium plate and screws to coomplete the seveen-hour surgery.

“I spent 15 days in the ICU recovering. I couldn’t even wash my hair, and I didn’t have fresh air,” Fisher said. “I felt so trapped.”

Once Fisher was released, her whole life changed.

Her focus shifted from what she could do to what she now couldn’t ever do again.

“Everything from before is totally different,” said Fisher, who is now in her junior year and preparing for college applications. “I used to have 20/20 vision, and now, everything gets blurry. The lights are another constant thought for me. I was always in choir, and I used to play the ukulele, too. Now, I can’t even go near that wing because of the pitches and the way it affects my brain. It causes too much pain now.”

Fisher’s life changed, but her surviving attitude did not. Her resilience shines through as she adapted her life to meet her newfound challenges.

“It used to be like ‘Oh, I can’t do that anymore,’ so my life is totally different,” she said. “Every day is different. Some days, I can listen to music in my car, and others, I can’t even turn the radio on. I just go day by day now.”

Playing it day by day can be seen as an issue to most but not to Fisher. She makes the best of what cards she was dealt.

“It’s a roller-coaster, you know, but I’m not getting off,” Fisher said. “I’ll keep riding it as long as I can.”

Fisher Facts

ANGIOGRAM

• In order to evaluate blockage in the brain, a contrasting agent, like iodine dye, is used.

• Fisher’s injection was through a catheter in her leg, which allowed the fluid to travel to the brain.

• Fisher was then taken to an X-ray machine to see the issue more visibly.

AVM

• Fisher was diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malfomation AVM).

• Only 1 out of 100,000 people (1 percent) in the world have an AVM. • AVM patients require a yearly MRI to check on new growths.

• There is a 10-15 percent fatality rate of AVM and a 20-30 percent risk of brain damage.

CRANIOTOMY

• For Fisher, surgeons made an incision from the middle of her head past her ear.

• Part of her skull was then removed.

• A high-powered microscope was used to fix her AVM. • After the surgery, the piece of skull was replaced using a titanium plate and screws, and the skin was sewn and stapled back up.

FEATURE

The Sailors’ Log

Schol astic SOULMAT ES

9

Three teacher couples (the Wiersmas, the Koziaks and the Conrads) work at the high school. Athletic director Todd Conrad and social studies teacher Shannan Conrad opted not to be interviewed. Additionally, at least 16 other school personnel (bottom of page) have a significant other also in education.

Homecoming dance leads to bigger things

College romance blossoms

By Holli Brus Staff Writer

By Holli Brus Staff Writer It was back in 1999 when Matt Koziak’s eyes spied Melissa Casas.

They were both in the education program at Western Michigan University; now, they have been married for 16 years.

And even after all of these years, the now Mrs. Casas-Koziak still remembers their first date.

“He picked me up, and we went to Olive Garden,” said Mrs.Casas-Koziak, who teaches Spanish. “I didn’t admit that I didn’t like Olive Garden, just to be nice. So we had dinner, and then he asked me what I wanted to do, and I enjoyed dancing back then, so I asked him to go to this dance club, and he tried his best to learn how to dance.”

The Koziaks had been dating for four years until Mr. Koziak, the Voyager coordinator, decided to pop the question.

Mrs. Casas-Koziak had actually moved down to Texas for a teaching job and was visiting Mr. Koziak over Thanksgiving

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020

What started as a first date at Olive Garden for Spanish teacher Melissa Casas-Koziak and Matt Koziak, Voyager coordinator, has led to 16 years of marriage. (Courtesy Photo) when he proposed in 2003.

“I did a project with one of my classes, and she was looking through the pictures,” Mr. Koziak said. “Then, one of the pictures she came to was of me holding a sign saying, ‘Will you marry me?’ And then, I gave her the ring. ” Shores isn’t the only school where both of the Koziaks have worked. They have also worked at Muskegon together.

While Mrs.Casas-Koziak said there are lots of advantages to working in the same building, like the convenience with such a big family, she also said it’s important to keep their space from one another some of the time.

They both have many great

English teacher Warren Kent III wife Rachel, sixth-grade science teacher at Fruitport Middle School Math teacher Tracy Geoghan husband Matt, psychology teacher at Reeths-Puffer High School Assistant Principal Joe Shaffer wife Steffanie, sixth-grade math teacher at Mona Shores Middle School Math teacher Bill Lent wife Amy, kindergarten teacher at Lincoln Park

shared memories together.

Mrs. Casas-Koziak’s favorite memories are simply when they are both just relaxing together. Whether she’s making something at home or Mr. Koziak is grilling up something tasty, ultimately just chilling and watching movies with one another ranks high on her list.

Mr. Koziak said his favorite memory is a little bit more specific.

“One of my favorite memories is when she told me she was pregnant with our first child,” Mr. Koziak said. “It was just an awesome memory.

I can remember how excited I was. I have a ton of memories that stand out, but this is one of my favorites.”

It was the 1984 Homecoming at Spring Lake when senior Kent Wiersma took the plunge and asked Joan Dawson to the dance.

Six years later, he took another plunge, and she is now Mrs. Wiersma.

“My senior year he had asked me to Homecoming, and that was just the end of it,” said Mrs. Wiersma, who teaches math. “We rode in the Homecoming parade together because we were both on the Homecoming court.”

“I knew her brother,” said Mr. Wiersma, who teaches physical education.

“So I talked to her brother about her.

She was a cheerleader while I was a basketball player.”

Both Wiersma’s attended Grand Valley State University after high school and entered the education program.

The Wiersmas had dated for six years, all through senior year and college, until Mr. Wiersma decided to pop the question in July on the beach in Grand Haven. They have now been married for 30 years.

Both Wiersmas said they love working in the same building as one another, and they both share a car together to get to school in the morning.

“He will come down about every other day for lunch,” Mrs. Wiersma said.

“It’s also nice how we both have the

SWEET SIXT EEN

Psychology teacher Heather Hall husband Jeff, fifth-grade teacher at (OV) Cardinal Elementary Industrial art teacher Andrew Basse wife Emily, resource room teacher at Ross Park Elementary Office clerk Dana Colcleasure husband Sean, English professor at Muskegon Community College Spanish teacher Josh Reister wife Heidi, kindergarten teacher at Lincoln Park Elementary

Science teacher Sarah Bronsema husband Nick, fourth-grade teacher at Ross Park Elementary Assistant principal Kent Higgs wife Marissa, counselor at West Ottawa High School Band director Jason Boyden wife Ruby, K-5 General Music teacher at Zeeland Public Schools.

Math teacher Carrie Helmer husband Greg Helmer, superintendent at Ravenna Public Schools

After attending a Homecoming dance in 1984, physical education teacher Kent Wiersma and math teacher Joan Wiersma have been married since 1990. (Courtesy Photo) same students, so if one of us is having a problem, we can relate to one another. We know we are going through the same things with the same type of obstacles.”

Mr. Wiersma agreed with Mrs. Wiersma about many advantages of working in the same building.

“I love it,” Mr. Wiersma said. “A lot of people couldn’t do it, working at the same spot as their spouse, but I love it. We get to ride to and from school together and talk to each other to and from home.”

English teacher Roxanne Schaner husband Matthew, second-grade teacher at Holton Elementary English teacher Chris Johnson wife Kristin, fourth-grade teacher at Churchill Elementary Social studies teacher Steve Morell wife Kelly, K-12 guidance counselor at Muskegon Catholic Central Media center specialist Anne Brainard husband John, fifth and sixth-grade teacher at Muskegon Catholic Central

PROFILES

10 Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020

The Sailors’ Log

Popular Fighting Styles Karate aims to build life values such as respect, discipline and constant improvement.

Jiu jitsu is based on grappling and ground fighting.

Tae kwon do is all about feet and fists as well as respect.

Tai chi is non-competitive, involving movements in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.

Boxing punches are relegated to above the belt only and kicking is prohibited.

Muay Thai relies on all of the extremities to bring an opponent into submission.

Kung fu covers a range of Chinese fighting styles and originated from a Buddhist prince who developed a series of self-defense exercises for monks.

Kickin’ It Senior practices martial arts, teaches peers

By Sydney Fetters Staff Writer When senior Mitch Bailey began his first martial arts class at the age of 5, it was because of his love for Power Rangers, who served as fun and inspiring role models to many children.

His parents, on the other hand, encouraged participation in the karate class for other reasons.

“When I started (martial arts), writing was a challenge, I couldn’t speak well, and I wasn’t able to do things like walk backward and clap my hands simultaneously,’’ Bailey said.

Therefore, his parents enrolled Bailey, who has autism, into the class as an activity to strengthen and perfect his fine motor skills and coordination since martial arts have been known to incorporate focus on fine motor skills, such as combinations, and gross motor skills, such as punching.

Due to his lack of motor skills and coordination, Bailey was bullied in school, so the defense mechanisms being taught began to show more importance.

Now, after 13 years of practicing, he has received a first-degree black belt in karate and will soon be testing for his first-degree black belt in taekwondo.

With many fighting styles to choose from, Bailey’s favorite is kung fu, but he doesn’t just stick to one style of fighting.

“I like to practice mixed martial arts because I can pick techniques that work for me from certain fighting styles and throw out techniques that don’t,” Bailey said. “Because I have experience in practicing muay tai, jiu jitsu, wrestling, and tai chi, it would be stupid for me to just pick one style.”

With fighting, there come many risks which separates the sport from many others. Bailey obtained five concussions alone in 2019 which serves as a prime example.

“In the ring, I receive an adrenaline rush like most people have never felt before because there are times when I could quite literally die,” Bailey said. “It really is an intimate thing because you and your opponent are trusting each other to not harm each other’s lives when a single mistaken movement could cause something really bad to happen.”

In martial arts, one could say that the physical aspect (motion and fitness) is the easy part, and the mental component is what is truly challenging: preparing for a fight and predicting someone’s next move.

“Before a fight, I am prepping hours upon hours a day- studying these people, I know these people like the back of my hand, and they know me,” Bailey said. “I have numerous spreadsheets, flow charts, and statistics based on probabilities of different things happening in a fight which I then cater to each person.”

Bailey said he enjoys personally fighting as well as teaching which can be seen included in his future goals. After graduation, Bailey said he plans on continuing his passion by reforming Michigan State University’s defense program as well as traveling to China to train at the Sheldon Monastery where kung fu began and plans to earn his blackbelt in kung fu.

From there, he said he wants to travel around the world learning other fighting styles in places such as Thailand, Israel, and South Africa.

“In a sport where techniques are often taught without being tested, I hope to test in every environment I possibly can, so I can come back and continue to teach others because helping others really is my main goal,” Bailey said.

Bailey said he will go up against anyone who is willing to fight him, primarily because he really loves losing (yup, you read that correctly).

“I really do love to lose because that means I did something wrong; therefore, there was someone or a technique used that was better than me, which means I have something to learn so I don’t lose that way ever again,” Bailey said.

Bailey said anyone can be good at martial arts, regardless of age, creed, etc. He said this belief was based upon the rich history of the sport and by comparing his accomplishments and experience to those of renowned martial artists.

“It’s humbling knowing people like Connor McGregor or the Koreans who began taekwondo practiced the same forms that others and I practice,” Bailey said. “They started right where we are which also gives you a sense of connection to people you have never known.”

Mitch Bailey, senior

SPORTS

The Sailors’ Log

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 11

State finals highlights officiating career

By Jenna Baker Staff Writer English teacher Warren Kent III, who grew up at Michigan State University fan, always dreamed of being on the basketball court and wearing the Spartan uniform.

Well, some of that dream came true in 2012.

Kent, who has been officiating high school basketball since 1992, reffed the girls’ Class D state championship at the Breslin Center on the campus of MSU in 2012, a game won 53-37 by Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes over Athens.

“Growing up as a Michigan State fan, I told myself I was going to run up-anddown the court at MSU, wearing green and white,” Kent said. “Instead, I was in black and white.”

For Kent, his trip to the Breslin Center

began in the late 1980s when he started officiating intramural basketball for some extra cash in his pockets while attending MSU. “I saw my college roommates waking up at 3 a.m. to go serve breakfast in the dorms for minimum wage,” Kent said. “And I thought there had to be a better way to make money, get some sleep and stay in shape.

It was nice to make $50 for two hours of work.”

Eventually, he progressed to junior high and other lower-level games high school games. Additionally, he umpired baseball and softball until he became a baseball coach.

When he taught for five years at Battle Creek Central (1992-1997) and when he came to Shores in the fall of 1997, he continued to officiate basketball.

Eventually, he became president of the

USAOA, a local officials association, for four years, stepping down this past summer.

Kent is also the basketball trainer for officials. Once a month, he meets with the officials in the area to discuss rules and mechanics.

Right now, Kent said he doesn’t know when he will put his whistle away, but there was a time when he didn’t think he would still be officiating.

“Eight years ago, I told people that if I was still reffing basketball at age 50, shoot me,” Kent said. “And here I am at age 51.”

Earlier this year at Western Michigan Christian, English teacher Warren Kent III, who has reffed a state finals game at Michigan State, tosses the ball to start the game between the Warriors and Spring Lake. (Courtesy Photo)

Getting the call right No. 1 priority

w i t h

By Robby Swanker Staff Writer

Three teachers (English teacher Warren Kent III, science teacher Marc Miedema and social studies teacher Jason Crago) officiate sports in their free time to give back to the games they love.

Two-sport referee enjoys big games

By Jenna Baker Staff Writer Social studies teacher Jason Crago doesn’t mind nervous energy, especially when he is faced with a big game in his role as an area high school basketball and football official.

Crago “I remember a Grand Haven vs. Spring Lake (boys’ basketball) game, the

Battle of the Bridge, and the gym was sold out, and it was unbelievable,” said Crago, who has been officiating basketball for six years and football for five years. “When I get big crowds, it’s fun but nerve-wracking, but the nerves make it more fun.”

Crago said his officiating career actually began in 1993 when he was attending Central Michigan University. He said he began reffing for the intramural league to make some money while going to school.

Competitive Cheer For the first time since 2016-17, Shores captured the OK Black title, scoring 770.06 at the conference meet at Kenowa Hills on Feb. 6. Shores has placed first at all nine competitions this year heading into Saturday’s district tournament.

Girls’ Bowling Behind senior Lindsay Cross, who has had the high series in five competitions, the Sailors have an undefeated record (10-0).

Cross has the team’s highest two-game series at 404 and highest game (236).

“It was a good money maker to help me through school,” Crago said.

While Crago officiates two sports, he said basketball is his preferred sport.

“I like basketball more because it’s faster,” Crago said.

“It’s always indoors and warm, and there are more games which means more money. I enjoy giving back to the game because I’ve played it for so long.

It’s nice to allow other kids to play it.”

For science teacher Marc Miedema, who moonlights as a high school football official, there is no better feeling than getting the call right.

“When I make a close call, and I’m 100 percent sure I got it right, it’s a good feeling,” said Miedema, who has been officiating since 1996. “We don’t always see everything, but we try to make the Miedema best call by being in the right place and watching what we are supposed to watch.”

Miedema said a game that stands out to him is Lowell High School’s Pink Arrow game, where money is raised for cancer awareness.

“It’s an honor to be asked to work a big game like that, and it’s fun to work a game with so many fans in attendance,” Miedema said.

SPORTS BRIEFS

Boys’ Basketball The Sailors (2-12) will face Kenowa Hills at home tomorrow night (7:30). Shores two wins have come over Whitehall and Oakridge. Senior Jaylen Hopson has scored a season-high 22 points three times.

Boys’ Bowling Shores has posted a 4-6 record with various individuals leading the way. Senior Cam Picard, and sophomores Caleb Leonard, Dylan Goryl and Johnathon Gemzer have all had the team’s high series.

Girls’ Basketball Shores (6-8), which hosts Kenowa Hills at 6 p.m. tomorrow, has been led underclassmen throughout the season. Juniors Riley Rosenthal and Brooke LeRoux and sophomore Olivia Sobczak have led the Sailors in scoring in 12 of the 14 games.

Hockey The Sailors take a 15-7 record and a threegame win streak into tomorrow night’s Cancer Awareness game against Grand Haven. In the team’s latest game, senior Cayden Mollema scored with 9 seconds left to beat Hudsonville 3-2.

Miedema said he has always had a love for the game. Since playing at Grand Rapids Christian, he took his love for the game to the next level by becoming a referee.

“I really like football, so this is a great way to stay connected to the game,” Miedema said.

From being in the scene of refereeing for as long as he has, he has gotten the opportunity to be a part of some big games.

“I refereed a couple playoff games,” Miedema said. “Sometimes, it’s the games that you don’t think are going to be a good game that can be the most challenging or fun to officiate.”

Miedema said he has learned more than just the rules and mechanics of the game over the years.

“I have learned how to communicate with people when they’re not very happy with you,” Miedema said. “Just interacting with the athletes and coaches, and having people skills have impacted my life greatly.”

Boys’ Swimming Sophomore Sam VanDusen, the lone Shores student on the co-op swim team (08), set two personal records in the 98-57 loss to Wayland. VanDusen won the 200 freestyle in 2:20.20 and the 100 freestyle in 52.90.

Wrestling While the team has struggled to a 2-11 record, seniors Robby Swanker and Anthony Allen, who both were City runners-up, continue to lead the team, which competed last night at districts.

SPORTS

12 Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020

The Sailors’ Log

Football player, softball athlete share desires to play collegiately

By Paige Judson Executive Editor After putting in more than his share of work on and off the field, senior Tre Hatcher has signed with Wayne State University for football.

“There have been a lot of summer days that I have given up for football, and a lot of after school activities,” Hatcher said.

“Like sometimes, I want to go home right after school, but I just stay after and lift, or I spend extra time studying and keeping my grades up, but I definitely think that it was all worth it in the long run.”

In addition to Hatcher signing with WSU, senior softball player Madison VanEtten, who will be attending Muskegon Community College to play softball, has also paid her dues on the diamond.

“Since I started playing, I have been doing lessons almost every week and have been constantly practicing,” VanEtten said.

“I have always taken softball seriously and really have strived to do my best, so I’ve

Seniors Tre Hatcher (left) and Madison VanEtten (right) will be taking their games to the next level. Hatcher will play football at Wayne State University while VanEtten will play at Muskegon Community College. (Courtesy Photo/File Photo) pushed myself to be the best.”

While they’ve both been putting in work on very different fields, they both agree that it takes hard work during and outside of the season to earn a spot on a collegiate team.

“I play basketball in the winter, and I lift all year round,” Hatcher said. “I like to put in the extra work even during basketball season; the only time I won’t lift is on game

days; otherwise, I’ll lift before or after practice.”

Hatcher has been putting in this extra work since he decided that he wanted to play college football during his freshman year; however, VanEtten said she wasn’t sure she wanted to play collegiate softball until recently.

“As a kid, I wanted to play college soft-

ball; it was my dream,” VanEtten said. “But as I grew older, I almost grew away from the sport. However, over the past year or so, the same want (to play collegiately) that I had as a child came back, and I fell back in love with the sport and knew that playing in college is what I wanted to do.”

Hatcher, knowing that he wanted to play earlier in his career, has been putting in the work for so long that he’s seen a lot of other players get offers while he sits around wondering when it will be his turn. “(The hardest part of becoming a college athlete was) staying dedicated to doing the same thing over and over,” Hatcher said.

“Honestly, there was not anything easy about this.”

Both athletes agree it was worth all of the long days and hard work.

“I would (say even though it’s hard), stick to it,” Hatcher said. “High school sports and high school in general teaches you a lot about yourself. So believe in yourself and push yourself to be the best you can be. It will pay off.”

HARD PAY WORK OFF C A N

Playing sports at the college-level takes hard work and dedication. Two former Sailors discuss what to expect at the next level while two current Shores athletes share their motivation for wanting to continue to play sports.

Two former grads address what it takes to play sports at higher level

By Paige Judson Executive Editor Playing a collegiate sport can be a lot of work and be time-consuming, just ask 2019 Shores graduate Connor Vallie, who plays baseball for Davenport University.

Vallie said that even though the season is less than a month away, the team practices two hours a day Monday-Friday; they lift Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and they have mandatory study tables for three hours a week, and on top of all of that, Vallie has to somehow fit in his freshman college classes.

Michigan State University cheerleader Sydney Pieczynski, a 2018 Shores graduate, also puts in a lot of work throughout her season to help her team get ready for nationals.

“We start our season practicing in September right when school starts, and it ends in May after we compete at nationals, so it is a really long year for my teammates and me,” Pieczynski said.

However, the work doesn’t start in college.

“I knew for sure I wanted to play collegiate baseball when I was a freshman in high school,” Vallie said. “The work I put in during my journey to college athletics was working out, doing my throwing program, going to showcases, and

2018 Shores graduate Sydney Pieczynski (top) furthered her athletic career on the Michigan State University cheer team; 2019 Shores graduate Conner Vallie (bottom) continued his athletic career at Davenport playing baseball. (Courtesy Photos) playing high school and summer baseball.”

And the extra work does not stop there. College sports, while they have an “off-season,” it is not much of an offseason.

“Our off-season is in the summer, so throughout the summer, I just work out to stay in shape, and I make sure to practice my skills that we do in cheer to make sure I can still do them when I come back to the next season,” Pieczynski said. “I always have to make sure I’m working hard to improve each year rather than regressing for the betterment of my team.

While the off-season is a little longer for Vallie, it does not mean that there is any less work going into it.

During their off-season, they can’t practice with a coach, but they have to go to the gym and throw 5 days a week and lift 3 days a week with the team. Collegiate sports demand a lot of time. Occasionally, those long practices and workout times can make it difficult for athletes to manage their time.

Both Pieczynski and Vallie would say that it is one of the most difficult parts of the sport outside of the actual practicing. However, pushing through that difficulty and fear can be more than worth it, and it will likely work out in the end.

“At first, it was hard for me to keep up with school work, but now that I’ve been here for a few years, it has gotten a lot easier,” Pieczynski said. “If you’re thinking about playing a sport in college but are nervous that it will be overwhelming and time consuming, I would tell you to try it out anyway because if it is something you really want to be a part of, you will find a way to make it work.”