the
Friday, February 9, 2018
Sailors’
Volume 56 • Edition 5 Mona Shores High School 1121 Seminole Road, Norton Shores, MI 49441
All in a day’s work Many students, like sophomore Reece Turnage who works at Pints & Quarts, balance school and a job – page 18
What does it mean to ‘Flip your 20’? – page 4 2018 Winter Olympics – page 24
editorial
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Weed, legalize it
Marijuana should be regulated
M
arijuana should be legalized in the United States. Big surprise that a teenager thinks this, right? Well, this claim is not something that I simply say for the point of the argument. This is something I truly believe. Although some believe marijuana to be a menace, mostly because of the false narrative that it is addictive and dangerous, it’s much less harmful to the body than other illegal drugs and often debated to be better for you than cigarettes. Even my father, a Muskegon County police officer, believes marijuana should be legalized and taxed the same way tobacco is. To prove the benefits of legalization, here is some history and also statistics based off Column by Morgan of -some of the eight states where it has Cathey, been legalized. page editor First of all, what is marijuana? Marijuana is a plant that contains cannabinoids that are used for medical, recreational, and spiritual purposes. Why is it banned in the United States? Well, around the early 1900s, Mexican immigrants introduced using the plant for recreational purposes. People in the United States, fearful of this new drug brought by immigrants, began publishing false articles and producing films claiming that marijuana made people act insane, violent, and antisocial. A perfect example of this is the 1936 film Reefer Madness in which teens smoked marijuana and became murderous and or psychotic. All of this false propaganda led to it being criminalized and scheduled as a Class 1 drug. Today, we know marijuana does quite the opposite of what was portrayed in the early 1900 fear mongering. Some medical benefits include but are not limited to the following: marijuana may help reverse the carcinogenic effects of tobacco and improve lung health; it can help control epileptic seizures; and a chemical found in marijuana stops cancer from spreading. Despite all these interesting and helpful things marijuana can do, currently only about 6 percent of studies on marijuana discuss its medicinal benefits. For me, marijuana being scheduled as a Class 1 drug is an infringement of our rights and a ploy for the federal government to make money. John Ehrlichman, former counsel to the Nixon administration, said it himself, “We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks Editor-in-Chief Mal Meston Page 2 Editor Morgan Cathey Page 3 Editor Malin Peterson Page 4 Editor Mal Meston Page 5 Editor Eliana Hardy Page 6 Editor Emma Nelson
Page 7 Editor Caitlin McCombs Page 8 Editor Liam Wilcox Page 9 Editor Marisa VanderMolen Page 10 Editor Olivia Watson Page 11 Editor Gabby Lopez Page 12-13 Editor Madeline Eckerman
Artwork by Li Lake with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did.” The government deliberately lied to us and confessed, yet, they are still continuing to waste money on marijuana prohibition. In 2013, the federal government spent $20 billion on marijuana prohibition, which is quite ridiculous since the drug is not addictive and has its benefits. In addition to the medicinal purposes, marijuana (more specifically hemp found in marijuana) can be made into paper. Many products, Such as paper, rope, and clothes, used around the 1800s and before were made from hemp. The process of making hemp into paper requires none of the harsh chemicals used to make paper from trees. In the end, roughly 133 million Americans have tried marijuana once, says a Yahoo News/Marist Survey. With 35 million Americans using it at least monthly, it is obvious that recreational marijuana poses no threat to our current society. By this point it should be clear to every American, that marijuana should be legalized once and for all.
Page 14 Editors Jaylene Davis and Robby Swanker Page 15 Editor Sydney Fetters Page 16 Editor Kali Jend and Emmalee Dykstra Page 17 Editor Chris Horvath Page 18 Editor Sammie Ladegast
Page 19 Editor Sarah Roman Page 20 Editor Mieke Hart Page 21 Editor Taylor Dew Page 22 Editor Paige Judson Page 23 Editor Carlie McNiff Page 24 Editor Megan Swanker
Adviser Warren Kent III The Sailors’ Log is a public forum for student expression distributed freely to students and faculty of Mona Shores High School. The Sailors’ Log can be found at the following on-line sites: • www.thesailorslog.com (contains current stories, photos, etc.)
The Sailors’ Log
Our voice
Female empowerment important in crises
Everyday, females across the world face the horrible reality of sexual harassment and/or assault. Early on, they are forced to face the fact that no matter what age they are, where they are, or what they look like, sexual abuse is going to happen. Most times, females are too scared to speak up about what is happening. The fear of not being believed runs deep. Many times, when harassment or assault is reported, nothing is done about it. This leads to silenced women and predators getting away with their crimes. Simply take a look at the Larry Nasser situation. In January, Nassar was sentenced to 175 years in prison for sexual abuse, all of it stemming from his job as an athletic doctor at Michigan State University and for USA Gymnastics. Some of the accounts happened more than two decades ago. When she was 9, a female staff writer for The Sailors’ Log was in her neighbor’s house, and the father slapped her butt and told her she was “pretty for my age.” While she laughed it off on the outside, she said she wanted to cry on the inside. What gave this grown man the right to do that to her? She was so young and so scared. After telling her parents a week later, she was never allowed to go in the neighbor’s house again. Her mom and dad both asked, “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” Often, these abusers are trusted adults taking advantage of children whom they have manipulated into believing what they are doing is OK. Although speaking out is not easy, we need to imprint it in the minds of youth. We need to make it known that no matter who the person hurting them is, they need to tell someone. Moreover, adults need to start believing children when this kind of abuse is reported. The sexual abuse epidemic has been going on for countless years. Though we have come a long way, there is still so much to do. We need to take sexual predators out of power and hold them accountable for their actions. Females need to speak up for themselves and for those who can’t speak for themselves. We need to create a world where we don’t have to worry about our daughters (and sons) being manipulated. • Facebook: Go to “MSHS Yearbook - Compass Points” (provides photos after every Shores event) • Twitter: @thesailorslog (provides easiest way to get information to readers) • Instagram: @thesailorslog (provides Picture of the Day and story sneak peeks) • Email: kentw@monashores. net (provides communication with staff)
Our Voice is the opinion message selected by the editorial board 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
Anxiety Angst: Here’s an in-depth look at a panic attack
I
am sitting in a class waiting to take a test. Already stressed out about it, I continue to study to make sure I can get the best grade for my abilities. Sitting at my desk, I continue getting questions wrong as I test myself, and my classmates continue to get louder and louder as they finish their own final studying. The louder the voices get, the more I begin to panic. My breathing is no longer quiet and soft. It is loud in my ears and rough. I make sharp and panicked movements with my head Column by trying to figure out what is Malin happening because I have Peterson, lost all sense of my surpage editor roundings. My eyesight is fine, but as I sit there, I forget where I am. All I know is that there is a lot of noise that I presume is coming from the people sitting around me, but I don’t hear voices. I see lips moving with no voice, just white noise. I don’t recognize anyone sitting near me. Everyone is a stranger, and I feel like a child lost in a store, scared and alone. So scared my hands start to shake, my knees feel weak, and I have a swarm of butterflies in my stomach. Pressure, I feel pressure on my hands and realize it is my other hand squeezing it. All my thoughts are jumbled into a mess with four words flashing across my mind at a time: scared … alone … danger … confused. Those four words repeat in my head. The faster those words appear in my mind,
the faster my heart races. My body temperature changes rapidly. First, I am hot, and then, I am cold, and then, I am hot again. Tears creep toward my eyelashes. The noise continues to rise, and I break. The tears begin to stream down my face as I lay my head on the desk. My hands rise to my ears, covering them. I squeeze my hands together to try and block all of the noise out. My eyes shut as I block out the light and commotion. Finally, I am able to get by breathing back under control, and my heart slows down. The panic in my mind ceases. One voice slowly breaks through my barrier, and I actually realize who it is. It is my teacher calling me over to take my test. I stand exhausted and realize that it was all over in a matter of minutes even though it felt like it took an hour. This is what an anxiety attack looks like. Most people know what the doctors and
“I don’t like anything except cheese. I feel that pizza should just be super cheesy.” – Taylor O’Donnell, senior
“My favorite pizza topping is buffalo chicken. It was the first pizza I had when I started my job.” – Thea Minnifield, junior
“I like to have bacon and sausage on my pizza. The different spices make a party in my mouth.” – Ava Crago, sophomore
“Ham, I like ham on my pizza. Pepperoni is too spicy at times, and ham is a good substitute.” – Jourdyn Starr, freshman
psychologist tell the public about anxiety. They know that anxiety is a disorder where the person feels apprehensive over small things and is tense throughout their day. How many truly know what it feels like to go through an anxiety attack? I do, and I know it is difficult for many people who don’t have anxiety to understand what is happening, how it feels, and the exhaustion it brings to the person. Anxiety attacks can be triggered by many different things, it all depends on the person. Some triggers are loud noises, repetition of questions, and stressful situations like test, or being in a new place. There are also some signs people can look to see if someone has anxiety. Always fidgeting, tension in one’s body, and closing into themselves when they are put on the spot are a few of those signs. A sudden change in breathing, a panicked look on
With National Pizza Day being today, what is your favorite pizza topping?
Q the big
In each edition of The Sailors’ Log, eight students will be asked their opinion about a current topic.
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the face and movement of limbs and head, and a complete shutdown of the mind are others. In order to tell if someone is having an anxiety attack, observation is the key. Observe the breathing and the look on the face and movement of limbs and head. If they are panicked and sudden or rough, then that person has a chance of having an anxiety attack. The final sign is a complete mental breakdown. There are ways to help people with anxiety during an attack. Stay near them, but don’t touch them – it can cause them to retreat into themselves more – help them breathe, and start a conversation with them let them know that this won’t last forever and that there is nothing to fear, but don’t tell them to calm down that will make it worse. Anxiety is in my life, but it does not control me. However, it does control the lives of many. Anxiety is not something that can just be swept under the rug. Each time someone has an anxiety attack that person goes through a traumatic experience. Not being able to recognize my friends are my friends and my eyes are not tricking me is the scariest feeling I have ever experience in my life. I know many others go through it as well, and they are not alone. I walked back to by teacher’s desk with silent tears rolling down my face. I went through every question with silent shaky breathes. In the end, everything turned out fine. I passed my test.
“My favorite pizza toppings are probably sausage, bacon, and pepperoni. The different flavors taste great together.” – Brian Lefear, senior
“On my pizza, I like pepperoni. I bond with my dad and step-dad over it.” – Jared Weathers, junior
“I think I like pineapple; no wait, I like pepperoni. It is a classic pizza topping that is full of spice.” – Josh Kim, sophomore
“Sardines. No wait, I hate sardines. I like sausage. My family and I sat around the TV one year watching the Super Bowl eating sausage pizza, and it started my love of sausage pizza.” – Sean Houston, freshman
news
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The Sailors’ Log
‘Flip your 20’ Speaker preaches how to be resilient student By Mal Meston Editor-in-chief
Motivational speaker Molly Kennedy knows what it is like to get knocked down. According to her website, MollyKennedyspeaks.com, Kennedy grew up in a dysfunctional family with addiction, divorce, abuse, neglect, abandonment, she suffered from an eating disorder, was suicidal and a runaway at 15 years old. Kennedy also knows what it is like to get back up. Kennedy was invited to Shores by the InterAct club, which includes adviser Shannon Conrad and senior officers Max Wilson, Emelia Talent, Caroline White and Madelynn Howerda. Kennedy, according to her website, turned her pain into a purpose and achieved many life goals – gaining a Master’s Degree, publishing a book, completing an Ironman Triathlon (140.6 miles), finishing multiple marathons, becoming a bodybuilding champion, jumping out of an airplane and walking across fire. On Wednesday, Jan. 25, Kennedy used her theme of “Building Reslient Learners,” to speak to the entire high school student body. All freshmen, sophomores and juniors watched the assembly in the auditorium while seniors watched the live stream their fifth hour classrooms. “I will apply the techniques of Molly Kennedy because I really liked her powerful message, and it allowed me to fully connect with her,” sophomore La’Quita Payne said. Despite the difficult life growing up, Kennedy has spent the past 18 years of her life empowering today’s youth to be resilient and to take charge of their future. “I always knew that I wanted to help kids in a way that I wasn’t helped when I was their age,” said Kennedy after her motivational speech.
Molly Kennedy (left) speaks to the student body in the auditorium about being resilient. Kennedy (above) flexes in front of a student in the crowd. (Photos by Mal Meston)
Kennedy’s motivational speech empowers kids to overcome their personal obstacles. A technique she expressed to overcome obstacles was by “Flipping your 20,” which she defined as changing the way a person looks at things through a more positive perception. “She was inspirational because she described her background, and it made me realize that everybody is going through something,” senior Kevin Richards said. “I will apply ‘Flipping your 20’ to my life because if it changed her life, it can change anybody’s life.”
Junior gains Eagle Scout status By Mal Meston Editor-in-Chief Only four percent of Boy Scouts are granted the rank as an Eagle Scout; junior Michael Herington is now among that four percent. According to the Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts program of the Boy Scouts of America. The requirements necessary to achieve this rank take years to fulfill. Growing up, Herington attended Boy Scout camp in North Muskegon every summer for two weeks, where he discovered Herington his love for Boy Scouts. “I really liked going to the camps because I love enjoying the nature while being surrounded by the wilderness,” Herington said. The requirements of earning such a high-standing honor include earning at least 21 merit badges. A few of these badges include first aid, swim-
ming, citizenship in community, citizenship in world, family life, physical fitness, cooking, camping, emergency preparedness and many more. “The two most difficult merit badges for me to attain were camping and wilderness,” Herington said. “In the wilderness, you have to hike a long ways, and for camping, you have to make your own type of shelter, which takes time and patience. ” Herington isn’t the only Eagle Scout in his family, nor is he a first generation Eagle Scout within his family. “My great grandpa was the first Eagle Scout in Jackson County. I am really proud of him,” Herington said. “My dad was a Boy Scout growing up, and my cousin too is an Eagle Scout.” Earning the title of Eagle Scout takes time and dedication, which Herington said he had. “Having the merit badge can also help me in the future with getting a job,” Herington said. “It makes me feel really good about myself being awarded my Eagle Scout badge because it allows me to be more self confident as well as more confident in everyday activities.”
After being laid off twice as a high school teacher and coach, due to budget cuts, Kennedy said she wasn’t sure what her future looked like, but she always had the dream of motivated young adults. “Even though I was laid off due to budget cuts, I knew that speaking to high school students was always something I wanted to do,” Kennedy said. “But it wasn’t until I was forced to, with losing my job and when I had gone to counseling, to be able to deal with my stuff personally, before I shared it from stage.”
12 BPA members qualify for state By Mal Meston Editor-in-Chief
Twenty-two BPA students competed in the Regional Business Professionals of America competition at Davenport University on Friday, Jan. 12, and 12 of those students qualified to compete in the State BPA competition in March. Multiple students were awarded first place in a handful of categories. Junior Niral Patel, who is running for a state executive council position for the BPA Association, was awarded first place in Personal Financial Management and Financial Math and Analysis. Patel also placed second in Business spelling. “It feels good winning such high standard awards at the Regional BPA competition,” Patel said. “It doesn’t take too much preparation to get to this point, it just takes a little bit of studying before hand. I am proud of what I have achieved.” Junior Lee Sailors took home two
first places: Advanced Word Processing and Fundamental Spreadsheet. Other first-place winners are Video Production Team (juniors Brandon DePouw, Chris Kremnitzer, Charles Milek and Tyler Seiferlein) and junior Thinh Nguyen (Java Programming). Here are other placers: senior Griffin AmRhein (5th Interview Skills); Broadcast Team – 4th (junior Patrick Wiltenburg, senior Nick Davis, freshmen Rachel Farrell and Elizabeth Sailors); junior Victoria Everett (3rd Fundamental Spreadsheet & 7th Administrative Support Concepts; junior Kevin Kim (4th Advanced Word Processing and 3rd Financial Math & Analysis); junior Max Nawrocki (6th Fundamental Desktop Publishing); junior Mark Paparella (5th Fundamental Spreadsheet); junior Erin Powers (2nd Personal Financial Management); senior Maddie Sewick (3rd Administrative Support Concepts); and junior Madeline Eckerman (2nd Financial Math & Analysis).
The Sailors’ Log
entertainment
Six shows for your indulgence One of the best ways to spend the weekend is by snuggling in bed with blankets and snacks and binge watching a favorite show. With so many captivating TV shows floating around, it can be difficult to pick a favorite. Here are six TV shows airing now that are absolutely binge watch worthy. Riverdale airs on The CW, but episodes can also be found on Netflix. This show showcases the life of teens living in a mysterious town filled with drama and countless scandals. With a current two seasons and 26 episodes, Riverdale has numerous suspenseful cliffhangers and plot twists. “What I like about this show is how it’s a mystery kind of show with romance and drama and deep secrets in it,” sophomore Makayla Denniston said. “I watch it because it’s interesting cause how it is unpredictable with such interesting characters.” Shameless, which can be found on Showtime and Netflix, is suitable for ages 18 and older.This is a dramatic tale of a dysfunctional family with eight seasons. Sophomore Kiley Jackson said, “I like that the show isn’t perfect, and the cast isn’t perfect. In a lot of shows, they like to have a persona for the cast that their lives are perfect on TV, but Shameless is all about a dysfunctional family, real family problems.” Gossip Girl, which airs on Netflix is a teen drama centered on the heart of upper east side New York and portrays the life of the filthy rich as they survive scandal after scandal. From high school to college, characters continue to struggle with the balance of figuring out their future while upholding their social title. With six seasons and 121 episodes, this show keeps viewers glued to the screen for hours. Sophomore Emily Mann said, “I love this show because there’s a new suspenseful twist in every episode, as well as the on-going mystery of who is gossip girl? I watch it because it’s a nice break from homework, and it’s also fun to see what will happen next to Serena and her friends as they test the waters of the Manhattan’s dirty world of money and business.” Vampire Diaries aired on the CW with all eight seasons also on Netflix. With a total of eight seasons and nearly 200 episodes, it’s the perfect show to binge with its fascinating combination of action, death, and romance. The show features the vampires and civilians of Mystic Falls, where there is always danger around the corner. Sophomore Diana Zimmer said, “I like the Vampire Diaries because of all the drama between Stefan and Damon. Between vampires, werewolves, and hybrids, there’s a lot of mythical creatures. There’s love and war. The show teaches good life lessons on realizing what you have before it’s gone.” Stranger Things, a Netflix original thriller, is full of science fiction components such as supernatural forces that is sure to keep viewers entertained. With two seasons to watch on Netflix, it is the perfect show for teens, along with the fact that a majority of the cast in under the age of 20.The show has been nominated for multiple Golden Globes, including award for best television drama. Freshmen Kody Koeller said, “What I like about the show it is spooky and a mystery and keeps you on edge. My favorite character is Steve; he’s funny.” The Bachelor, which airs on ABC, has 22 seasons. Every Monday night, a viewer can tune in to watch everything unfold. The show about finding “true love” is all about romance and drama. A viewer can find extravagant dates, beautiful locations, and heartbreaking tears in every episode. With all of its dramatic moments, it is an amazing guilty pleaure show. Sophomore Connor Fritz said, “I like the drama of the show. All of the girls back stabbing each other and crying. I watch it because it’s been a tradition in my family for the last four years. Like every Monday night we are on the couch ready to watch.”
Binge-watching is the way to go
After a long week of school, filled with homework and tests, the weekend comes just in time for blissful relaxation in front of the TV. It’s time for my weekly session of binge-watching, which is defined as watching multiple episodes of a television program in rapid succession. My go-to show is The Good Doctor, Mondays at 10 p.m. on ABC. The show revolves around the life of surgeon Shaun Murphy, played by Freddie Column Highmore, as he juggles by Eliana being a surgeon in a Hardy, prestigious hospital and page editor his social life. To complicate matters, Murphy is autistic, trying to figure out how to be an adult on his own while at the same time trying to save lives. Murphy struggles with gaining respect from his peers because of his autism. He is constantly judged and underestimated by his fellow doctors and patients, but he never lets that get in his way. This show that will sometimes make me a bit emotional and other times have me hanging onto the edge of my seat. From tragic stories of the patients to drama between doctors, something in every episode has me eagerly clicking on to watch the next episode. The Good Doctor isn’t just a show about about a young man with autism, it’s about overcoming challenges that appear unexpectedly.
eat. BINGE WATCH. sleep. repeat.
eat. BINGE WATCH. sleep. repeat.
eat. BINGE WATCH. sleep. repeat.
eat. BINGE WATCH. sleep. repeat.
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entertainment
Lady Bird should fly away with best picture
T
he early 2000s were anything but conventional. Chokers, Justin Timberlake’s fresh solo career, and frosted lip gloss shaped both the beginning of the 21st century and the Golden Globe winning film Lady Bird. This coming-of-age film outlines Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson’s senior year of high school in Sacramento, Calif., from the fall of 2002 to the spring of 2003. Audience members are given snapshots into an unconventional teenager’s final year at home: her first love, heartbreak, a rocky mother-daughter relationship, and moving from familiar life to college. The directorial debut of Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird hits home to protective parents, culture-hungry teenagers, and everyone in between. Lady Bird, played by Saoirse Ronan, is the fiercest character to Review by come across theaters since Bridget Jones in Bridget Jones’s DiaEmma ry. She is unafraid of the future and consistently surprises everyone Nelson, around her (jumping out of a moving car, getting accepted into a decent page college, etc). editor Her tenacity and will to sprint outside of her comfort zone spark a great love and appreciation for Lady Bird. Like many teenagers, Lady Bird is on a roller coaster of emotions. Audiences see her lows and heartbreak (crying to Dave Matthews Band’s “Crash Into Me”), her friendships (ditching her Prom date to go with her best friend), and her triumphs (fulfilling her dream of moving from California to New York). Gerwig created a character with the dreams that everyone has but with the heart everyone wishes for. In some ways, Lady Bird is a love story between a mother and daughter. The mother-daughter dynamic is one that is often overlooked in film and expected, not appreciated, in life. Laurie Metcalf (in her most forceful role since the TV show Roseanne) brings the role of mother and provider to an entirely new level. Lady Bird’s mother, Marion, is just as hard-headed as she is. The two consistently battle each other for understanding, dominance, and acceptance. Lady Bird’s falling out with Marion is a circumstance that both parents and children can relate to. The constant tug-of-war between them eventually halts as Lady Bird understands all her mother sacrificed to get her to New York, and she finally says a simple “thank you.” The complete aesthetic of Lady Bird is dynamic and straight out of 2002. The director’s choice of music was a critical aspect to the film. Alanis Morissette, Justin Timberlake, and Dave Matthews Band are all featured in Lady Bird’s soundtrack to her final year in Sacramento. Creating the early 2000s is something that takes intricate detailing of clothing, jargon, and places. From her reddish-pink dyed hair to the posters on Lady Bird’s wall, this film is completely cloaked in an aura of teenage angst that categorizes the beginning of the 21st century. The clarity of the cinematography takes more than a camera but also the focus and dedication of a screenwriter and director found in Gerwig. It is not everyday that a low-budget film exceeds the box office and has talk of imminent Academy Awards, but when one does it is powerful and leaves an impression on everyone who sees it. Lady Bird is sure to sweep the Oscars in multiple categories due to the extreme artistry of Gerwig’s imagination and dedication to authenticity.
And the goes to...
The Sailors’ Log
Best Picture Buzz In addition to page editor Emma Nelson's favorite Lady Bird, these eight films have also been nominated for Best Picture. •Call Me By Your Name – features the youngest Best Actor nominee in more than 80 years (Timothee Chalamet, 22) •Darkest Hour – follows Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of Great Britain •Dunkirk – WWII documentary featuring One Directions' Harry Styles •Get Out – Jordan Peele, director and writer, was nominated for both Best Director and Best Original Screenplay •Phantom Thread – the last film Daniel Day-Lewis will star in and which he was nominated for Best Actor •The Post – stars Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks •The Shape of Water – has 13 nominations, the highest of all films this year •Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – lead actress, Frances McDormand, is nominated for Best Actress after winning the Golden Globe and SAG award for best actress
90th Academy Awards •Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel •ABC network •8 p.m. Sunday, March 4 •24 awards for artistic/technical merit in film, including Best Actor/ Actress, Best Supporting Actor/ Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Picture, Best Director, etc)
History of Oscar •Official Name: Academy Award of Merit •Height: 13½ inches •Weight: 8½ pounds •Number of Awards Presented: 3,048 •First Recipient: Emil Jannings, named Best Actor for his performances in “The Last Command” and “The Way of All Flesh” in 1929 •Design: A stylized figure of a knight holding a crusader's sword standing on a reel of film with five spokes signifying the five original branches of the Academy (actors, directors, producers, technicians and writers). No model was used during the design process. •Designer: Cedric Gibbons, chief art director at MetroGoldwyn-Mayer •Sculptor: Los Angeles artist George Stanley •Manufacturer: Polich Tallix •Manufacturing Time: 3 months for 50 statuettes Information from oscars.org
The Sailors’ Log
feature
7
Know the Warnings
Communities need to become aware of human trafficking
H
uman trafficking is a term we’ve all heard, but many are not aware of what it exactly is. It happens all around us whether we know it or not. It could be happening in your own school or community. That is the reason Jenn Amo has dedicated her life to spreading awareness about human trafficking. On Jan. 17, I attended one of Amo’s awareness sessions at St. Patrick’s Church in Grand Haven. It was truly eye opening; I did not realize Column by Caitlin how oblivious my family, McCombs, friends, and community are page editor to human trafficking. Therefore, I decided I needed to do something to spread the word, so I emailed Amo, the program director at Warning Lights, an organization that “gives insight on the lures, signs and ways to respond to human trafficking,” and asked her if she would be open to being in our newspaper to help me spread the word. Hours later, she got back to me and was excited to hear I was trying to spread the word. Amo first decided to devote her life to raising awareness because she said, “I heard a statistic from the U.S. Department of State that states, ‘About 800,000 people are illegally trafficked every year.’ This is a huge number. But the statistic goes on to state that ‘about 50 percent of those are minors.’ My heart immediately was filled with a bit of anger and even more passion to learn more about how that is even possible. My mission was clear, and my heart was not going to let that be the case anymore. So I turned my anger into a passion to help protect people from becoming victims by writing Warning Lights - A preventative
Jenn Amo (above) started Warnings Lights in order to spread awareness about human trafficking to adults and students. She also does awareness presentations. Amo (left) presents her information to students about being aware of human trafficking. approach to raising human trafficking awareness.” With Amo’s writing Warning Lights, a curriculum that has been adopted by many schools, she has reached thousands of people, including me. She has done many things to raise awareness. “I have committed my life to use my voice to raise awareness for audiences of all ages,” Amo said. Amo said she holds sessions for schools, colleges/universities, businesses, medical professionals, law enforcement, community session because “they all need to know be aware to help combat this crime.” As one of the many people she has reached and informed about human trafficking, I realized I need to do my part to inform the people around me. At the awareness session, Amo informed us about the three ways her organization
fights human trafficking; those are curative, supportive, and preventative. The curative ways are thing such as safe houses and red light districts that are places for prostitutes or human traffickers to go after they are saved or want to be safe. The supportive way is through books and coffee, which means they sell things that profit the safe houses and red light districts. The preventative way is through education and prevention programs, such as Warning Lights. With all of these ways to fight, they are helping people nationwide. What I learned is that everyone needs to open their eyes to their surroundings and really pay attention to what is going on around them. In Amo’s presentation, she includes signs people should watch out for in human trafficking.
“Most predators/traffickers use lures to build some form of relationship with their victims,” Amo said. “They prey on insecurities and the vulnerabilities of people. They gain trust by making that relationship feel completely genuine. They will invest time to learn about your insecurities, then in time begin to use those against you. They begin to tell you that if you don’t do this, this or this, then they will ‘ruin’ your life by telling your parents, your coach, your friends, etc. Whatever is going to cause you the worst pain, embarrassment or trouble.” With these in mind, people to need to begin to beware of their surroundings and always pay attention. We as students and a community need to begin to understand the term human trafficking, which is “the trade of humans for the purpose of forced labour, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others.” We need to speak up and spread awareness. A way of spreading awareness Amo says is, “Create a buzz. Talking about this crime is a huge way you can help combat it. It is so hidden and disguised that most victims are not brave enough to admit anything is happening. It’s in empowering the conversation to accept those who are being victimized that rescues occur.; Utilize social media to raise awareness. For starters, you can follow me on social media under ‘Jenn At War’ to reach those in your circle that I can’t reach on my own.” Let’s take a stand, help people, and begin to warn the community around us of these horrible actions happening in our own backyard. We can be the “Warning Lights” in our own communities.
Human Trafficking Facts
Warning Lights gives insight on the lures, signs and ways to respond to human trafficking. This program will give your audience of youth and young adults a stronger sense of how to protect themselves and others. The awareness gained by your audience can literally save a life. This program encourages open communication about some common ongoing social struggles and concerns (including peer pressure, oral sex and pornography) that are faced by the youth of the nation on a daily basis. This program also gives insight on ways to help others avoid becoming victims by explaining how your actions, words and choices affect others. – Information from jennatwar.com
•More then 20 million victims worldwide (Polaris Project) • More than 1.2 million children trafficked each year (UNICEF) •12 is the average age of entry into prostitution (Attorney General) •Researchers estimate that there are 21 to 36 million people enslaved worldwide, which is more in slavery now than any other time in human history. (U.N. International Labor Organization Global Estimate of Forced Labor 2012) •The number of human trafficking cases reported in Michigan more than doubled between 2012 and 2015. (National Human Trafficking Resource Center, operated by the Polaris Project)
Women At Risk International is a Michigan-based, nonprofit organization, established to create circles of protection around at-risk women and children. Through culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects and partnerships, we provide safe places to heal from abuse, trafficking, exploitation, and more. Our passion is to empower survivors to live and work with dignity and hope. Women At Risk, International unites and educates men and women to create circles of protection and hope around those at risk through culturally sensitive, valueadded intervention projects and partnerships. – Information from warinternational.org
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When it comes to over-reacting about things (aka blowing things out of proportion), teenagers are the pros. Maybe it's time for that to change.
feature blowing it out of
PROPORTION
Teen emotions cause blow ups By Liam Wilcox Page Editor For many people, the teenage years are a time of self-discovery and experimentation. These years can be an incredible time in a young person’s life, and yet there are some problems with this time as well; for example, teenagers tend to overreact. Everyone has heard the stereotype of the teenage girl who was totally devastated by the end of a two-week relationship or the straight-A student who got one B on a test, once, and was brought to tears in the middle of class, but there may be good reason for this behavior. According to NPR, over the past 10 years, researchers have determined that
around 12 years old, massive development in the prefrontal cortex begins. This is the part of the brain associated with calm, logical thinking, and so because of this, teens’ minds are often largely dominated by their emotions rather than logic. Psychology teacher Heather Hall confirmed this when asked why teens tend to overreact, saying, “The frontal lobe is not completely developed yet, and the prefrontal cortex which is where complex thinking takes place is not developed. Teenagers often don’t have the fully developed ability to rationally think through their reactions. They also have less experience with interactions and reactions to different events.” Perhaps, insight into the real reasons
for these feelings can aid teens in combating them. If teens see their reactions as a symptom of their developing minds instead of as a fair response, it could lead to them rationalizing instead of overreacting, making everyone happier in the long run. Hall said practicing mindfulness and self awareness is the key to curbing this self destructive behavior. “The brain is just like any muscle, the more we work it the stronger it gets, so the more we practice the quieting of the mind, the easier it gets,” she said. Regardless, it can at least be comforting to know that some of our imperfections are a result of forces beyond our control, and even more comforting, perhaps, to know that they will get better with time.
What Do Teens Blow Out of Proportion?
A survey of 279 Shores students revealed that 98 (35.1%) believe School that drama with friends is the No. 1 thing that teens get most rattled about followed by romance/relationships (87, 31.2%), appearance (35, 12.5%),future plans (22, 7.9%) and school (18, 6.5%). Future Plans “A lot of people are insecure about their appearance. If people don’t look good, people talk about it. Everyone comes to school dressed their best and looking their best, and that’s blown out or proportion because it’s just school. Everyone looks different. We’re not meant to look the same, so when people blow it out of proportion and make fun of people for looking a sort of way and idolize people looking a certain way, it’s dumb because everyone looks different.” – Willow Scott, freshman “People tend to make too big of a deal (about high school relationships) than it really is. It’s not that important because chances are a high school relationship isn’t going to last, and there are more important things to focus on than who you’re going to date in a week.” – Cameron Picard, sophomore
Appearance
Drama with Friends
Romance/Relationships
The Sailors’ Log
It's time to start solving problems rather than adding to the dilemma “Get some perspective.” It’s something we’ve all heard many times throughout our lives, but how often do we really think about what this phrase means? Now more than ever, we as teenagers need perspective in our daily lives, and considering this could lead to drastic positive change in our lives, including lowering stress and building more solid relationships. The next time you’re SO heated because of what your friend said behind your back, think to yourself, Have I ever talked behind someone’s back? How negatively is this really affecting my life? What is something more important that I should be thinking about right now? The next time you’re holding back those stinging tears with your head on your desk because of a Column by failed test, think to yourself, In 5 Liam years, will this class ever even cross Wilcox, my mind? How about in 2 years? 1 page editor year? It can sometimes be so easy to blow things so incredibly far out of proportion that it seems like the logical next step, but using perspective can be like adjusting a camera lens; everything snaps back into focus. And while losing your cool can often be the course of least resistance, it’s usually the worst way to go about solving a problem. Blowing up and taking issues out on either those around you or yourself doesn’t help; it only makes your problems worse. As someone who has struggled with depression in the past, I know what it means to make mountains out of molehills. Some days anything would set me off, from a snarky comment, from a teacher, to tripping and falling down in the hallway. These seemingly insignificant events would lead to hours of anger, sadness, and dark thoughts, sending me down a spiral from which climbing out was no easy task. What saved me was perspective. I would look at my day, my week, and my life as a whole and see that in the grand scheme of things these minor setbacks were nothing to stress over, and easy to brush off and move on from. Perspective and objective thought were the rope by which I pulled myself out of my spirals, and I hope that others can find that the same is true for them. Teenagers aren’t stupid. They don’t lack the intelligence it takes to react rationally to a crisis. The problem is not that we can’t fix our problems but that we fail to acknowledge them for what they are. Our problems aren’t our breakouts or breakups or B minuses. Our problems are the ones we create for ourselves by blowing things out of proportion. It’s time to start solving them.
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The Sailors’ Log
Fact or Fiction? Is Global Warming real?
By Marisa VanderMolen Page Editor
A popular debate among Americans is global warming: what it is, if it’s real, and how it can be slowed down. According to National Geographic, global warming is the melting of glaciers, the rising of sea levels, the dying of forests, and the scrambling of wildlife to keep up with the ever-changing planet. Humans are releasing more greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc) now than in the past 650,000 years. The “greenhouse effect” traps gases in the Earth’s atmosphere that let in light but trap in heat. So the more fossil fuels
that humans burn, the warmer Earth will get. The Earth’s climate has long periods of warm and cool years based on the rising and decreasing levels of carbon dioxide. CO2 levels are higher now than they ever have been (because of greenhouse gases), causing heat swirls to pick up over the oceans with the Earth’s rotation. These heat swirls pick up and drop off moisture from the oceans in an irregular rhythm than the past, thus resulting in the heating of the Earth. “The oceans and plant life are working hard to absorb this CO2, hence ocean acidification and the rise in the Keeling Curve (see chart bottom right); however, they are unable to
What Shores is doing to help •Recent installation of double pane windows and new boiler •Recycling of paper, plastics, and batteries •Planting of dune grass and perennials to reduce watering and mowing
keep up with the CO2 output in this Industrial Age,” science teacher Sara Busken said. So yes, for those in the scientific world, global warming is real. But for some reason, not all believe that. In a poll conducted by The Sailors’ Log, 22.9 percent of students (68 of 297 surveyed) at Shores do not believe in global warming. Their reasonings? Some say it is still cold, the temperature varies naturally (which is true, but not at rates this alarming), insufficient scientific evidence (although 97 percent of scientists believe the Earth’s climate is changing), fake news, alternative scientific theories, and just plain refusal to believe it.
What you can do at home to help •Consumers Energy and DTE both sponsor rebates for energy efficient appliances •Lowering your thermostat by even a few degrees in the winter can benefit the environment and your wallet •Avoid using AC in the summer as much as possible •Use energy efficient light bulbs •Use a power strip on TVs and computers •Carpool, ride a bike, skateboard, or walk when possible
This graph shows the ongoing change in concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere since the 1950s. This shows that every decade the CO2 continues to increase, and this is bad for the planet.
Climate change hits home
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he idea that some people still do not believe in global warming to me is flabbergasting. If you do the research, read about the topic, and simply understand, it’s pretty easy to grasp the very real idea of climate change. My family is definitely considered Michigan outdoors activists. We are skiing every weekend in the harsh winters, and we are lying on the beach in the hot and Column by humid summers; Marisa seasonal temperaVanderMolen, tures are important page editor to us. If the current patterns of climate change continue, then we will not be able to continue enjoying our glorious four seasons. Unlike the oceans, Great Lake water levels will not rise because of CO2 emissions (thank God), so we will be able to continue using our freshwater recreation as time goes on. However, this is not true for the rest of our seasons. Future global temperatures are expected to increase by a maximum of 8.6 degrees. This will change seasonal temperatures drastically, causing our distinct four seasons to mesh together. What will we do when our agricultural output decreases? What will we do when industry decreases? What will we do when seasonal tourism is no longer able to function the way it use to? These are all just a few thoughts to keep in mind when thinking about global warming, and how it is negatively impacting all aspects of life.
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Scholarships - where to look
1. Muskegon Promise 2. Community Foundation for Muskegon County 3. Counselors corner on monashores.net
“(Colleges) don’t always advertise all of the possible ways to afford attending their school. It is important to do all the research to can to find the best option to make school affordable for you.” -- Araceli Eikenberry, 2016 graduate
The Sailors' Log's Guide To College
The Sailors’ Log
Factors to Look At
1. Class Size Students should understand the average class and lecture size as well as the size of the average classes in their specific major. 2. Location If students don’t like really big schools or small schools, they need to know what environment they are getting into. “If you feel uncomfortable, it probably is not the best school for you.” -- Haley Wiewiora, 2017 graduate 3. Class/Degree offerings It is important to do in depth research and understand what the school offers before students commit to attending. 4. Expense Students must weigh the cost and other options with their parents. There are many scholarships available to offset the price. “There are so many scholarships are available; all it takes is a little searching, and you can find a scholarship for basically anything.” -- Helena Gryzenia, 2017 graduate
College Prep: a Checklist Freshman Year
Senior Year
1. Plan accordingly for classes you might take in your
1. Finish any college visits you might need
future high school years
2. Make a list of colleges and application due dates
Sophomore Year
3. Begin filling out applications keeping in mind due
1. The the PSAT 10
College is a big deal. Students work toward college all of their school career. But, what do you need to do to make sure you’re ready?
dates, early action or not.
Junior Year
4. Fill out FAFSA as early as possible
1. Take the PSAT 2. Study sections that need work to prepare for the SAT
5. Acquire any necessary letters of recommendation 6. Retake SAT if necessary
3. Take the SAT
7. Submit applications on time
4. Create list of potential schools and begin research
8. Apply for scholarships
5. Start to schedule visits to colleges
9. Make your final decision
Students have time to choose their future
F
rom the time we begin high school, we are told that it is the time to start figuring out what we want to do with our lives because high school is the place to decide who and what you want to be. But where is the handbook for that? Although we are asked every year when we discuss scheduling with our counselors, most of us never really think about how or where to start. For me, it was difficult. Column by The summer after my Olivia junior year, I started visiting Watson, colleges (per the recommenpage editor dation of my mother), and boy, was I in way over my head. Because I’ve spent so much time in at
Shores, I was in no way prepared for such a huge environment as a college. The change was major. Just the idea of being in such a large place having no idea what I was doing or what degree I wanted to finish with was overwhelming. It freaked me out knowing that I would soon be in a school like that, and I would have to figure everything all out. Until one visit. On one of my final campus visits of the summer, I sat down with a student rep for a one-on-one to get my questions answered. She helped ease my fears. She explained the different exploratory tracks that I could take if I didn’t know what my intended major is yet, and that there is no pressure to decide during my
first week of school. This changed my outlook tremendously. I came into my senior year of high school still not knowing what direction I wanted to go in when I graduated. But I had a new sense of relief after finding out that I still had time to figure everything out. Sometimes, it feels like we are supposed to have everything figured out by the time that we are 16. We stress out about figuring every last detail, and although some details are important, not everything has to be decided when we graduate. We still have time. Our lives don’t have to be decided when we leave high school; we have college to figure out where we want to take our lives. The stress of thinking one has to know
what they want to do leads people to make hasty decisions and choose the wrong major, or career. It is far better to go into college undecided than to choose something us hate or have no interest in. That will only make us unhappy for the rest of our lives. Students should understand the magnitude of decisions before making a final one because choosing what we are going to do with our lives is something that deserves more thought than just choosing something to have a major when we enter college. We need to take our time and understand our interests. Deciding on it shouldn’t cause us to lose sleep because when we know what we really want, we will just know. I hope.
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The Sailors’ Log
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Eight-year-old girl falls in love with L.A.
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n 1983, singer-songwriter Randy Newman wrote a satirical song called, “I Love L.A.” In 2011, eight-year-old Gabby Lopez traveled to Los Angeles and thought to herself, “I love L.A.” Column While Newman was mockby Gabby ing his hometown, Lopez, by Lopez, the way that’s me, truly fell in page editor love with the place. Being only 8, everything is new, bright,
and always a reason to see something new. I remember so vividly the smell of the ocean and the sight of palm trees lined up down the sides of roads with the sun blaring between them. This was Los Angeles, where many dreamers plan to end up, myself included. The possibilities were endless as an 8-yearold. I got excited at seeing for rent signs on the sides of apartment buildings, thinking that one day, that would be my apartment. Seeing boutiques on the side of the road
with flowy tops and short skirts filled my head with what I could be wearing one day. My aspirations were to eventually end up in Los Angeles. Or at least somewhere nearby. I fell in love with the scent of saltwater as we drove close to Santa Monica Beach. The touch of my ever-so-dry hair after spending a day in the ocean only made my wish of becoming a resident grow more. Even the sight of mixture of orange and purple filling the sky made my heart flutter. Soon, my heart grew to marine wildlife
BRIGHT LIGHTS
BIG CITIES
after we visited tide pools in Santa Monica. Grabbing seashells while I gazed as the water flowed in and out of the pool. My mind flooded with excitement as I reached my finger in between a sea urchins spikes and waited for them to gently close in, giving my finger a “hug.” Los Angeles will always hold a special place in my heart as it is someplace I hope to go back and not only visit but live there. Even though he was kidding, Newman’s iconic song truly rings true with me – “I love L.A.”
Dreams are made in places like Los Angeles and New York City. Dreams are what help a person become who they are or who they want to be. Some people have a thirst for culture, some a thirst for adventure, and others a thirst for life. These are the kinds of things that can be found in bright lights and big cities.
ketball in Germany.” Even though Detroit holds special memories for Walker, there is also another city that is on his bucket list to visit. “Hollywood would be really nice to visit,” Walker said. “Since all the actors and movie stars live there, I think it’d be super cool to go and try to see them.” Distance is always a factor for traveling, even if that means going across the country to see the some amazing sites, junior Mark Paparella said. “I love going to San Diego in California,”
50 40 30 20 10 0 Chicago
New York City
On her visit to New York, sophomore Sara Gappa visited many places, including the Statue of Liberty. (Courtesy Photo)
Los Angeles
Most know the nicknames of major cities, “The City That Never Sleeps,” “The Windy City,” “The Motor City,” “The Big Easy,” and “Sin City.” Most also know these cities sometimes don’t always match the picture on the Google search. Although big cities get a bad rep for disgusting subways or the smell of gasoline, there are some characteristics that stand out when giving personal stories about a certain place. Getting lost is scary in a foreign place, but luckily for freshman Brandon Stephenson, it was one of the things he remembers most. Stephenson and his family went to Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Unfortunately, Stephenson wasn’t so lucky when it came to sticking with the crowd. “I remember that I got lost for almost half the day,” Stephenson said. “I had to find security, and I got to ride a golf cart to find (my family).” When traveling to big places, it doesn’t always have to be for vacation. For sophomore Jarvis Walker, going to Detroit isn’t always for fun and games. “My dad’s family lives in Detroit, so we go down and visit,” Walker said. “We went down there before my dad’s induction into the European League Hall of Fame for bas-
Paparella said. “There is so much to do, the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Padres, and a lot more.” Even though Paparella wants to trade the perfect weather and sunshine for cold and busy New York, his reasoning is exactly the same. “I’d go visit New York City,” Paparella said. “Just like San Diego, there is so much to do. Even seeing all the different cultures and how diverse the city itself is.” While Paparella hopes to visit New York City, sophomore Sara Gappa has already had the opportunity. For Gappa, New York City has its perks despite the heavy traffic. “One of my favorite things to see when I was there was the Empire State Building,” said Gappa, who also saw the Statue of Liberty. “It is a definite must-see if you go to New York City.” Doing tourist like things are sometimes good, but other times, experiencing cultures when traveling is also a definite must. “If I could go to another city, I would go to Rome, Italy,” Gappa said. “Doing tourist things are important, but experiencing the culture without doing tourist things is also a lot of fun and very eye-opening.” “I wish I could live in a big city right now,” Gappa said. “I’d love to walk down city streets all lit up with lights at night and seeing all the dogs being walked in the morning.”
Washington, D.C.
By Gabby Lopez Page Editor
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Students experience trips of a lifetime
In a survey by The Sailors’ Log, a total of 279 students told us which major city they have been to with Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C at the top of most visited. Chicago led with 54 votes at 19.4%, Los Angeles with 44 votes at 15.8%, New York City with 43 votes at 15.4%, and finally, Washington, D.C with 25 votes at 9%.
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The Sailors’ Log
The Sailors’ Log
SLAYING THE SNOW (
Sophomore takes on the Rocky Mountain slopes By Madeline Eckerman Page Editor
The cold winter months can often tempt us to hibernate inside and bide our time until the warmer and sunnier months of spring. The bitter cold and snow may not be the most inviting of conditions, but that does not mean everyone shouldn’t take advantage of the many possibilities that winter offers. Instead of spending weekends binging Netflix or sleeping the day away, one could attempt some more lively and exciting activities such as skiing, skating, or even sledding at the local sugar bowl. Some people also use the winter months to escape West Michigan for the warmer weather of the south or the intimidating ski slopes of the Rockies. Sophomore Brenna Bustard and her family do not let the freezing temps stop them from enjoying some of the exciting activities winter has to offer. They took full advantage of the snow and ice of winter when they took their winter vacation to Park City, Utah, to hit the ski slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Shortly after Christmas, on Dec. 27, Bustard and her family flew into Utah where they would stay and enjoy the snow and views of the Rocky Mountains until Jan. 3. Bustard and her family skied Park City Ski Resort as well as the Canyons Ski Resort, both of which are located in Utah. “We chose to spend out vacation in Utah and stay at the ski resorts we did because we knew they were great family friendly places, and they both offered a ton of fun activities
Cannonsburg
What Ski and snowboard resort Where Belmont, 12 miles from downtown Grand Rapids When Mon-Thurs – 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri – 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat – 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun – 9 a.m.-9 p.m. How much 6 and under: Free 7-10: $22 (weekday) $27 (weekend) 11+: $30 (weekday) $37 (weekend) Other Has tubing and ziplining
With the slopes in Utah as a background, sophomore Brenna Bustard (center, surrounded by family) prepares to hit the Rocky Mountains. Bustard said she enjoyed her winter vacation after Christmas skiing with family. (Courtesy Photo) to do with my family other than just skiing,” she said. Bustard obviously enjoyed spending her time with her family on the amazing ski slopes that only the Rocky Mountains can offer, but along with skiing, she said she also enjoyed her vacation taking advantage of some of the other activities with her family such as ice skating, shopping, and exploring the beautiful and unique villages at each ski resort.
Bustard is no beginner when it comes to skiing the steeper and more challenging ski slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Prior to her recent trip to Utah, she skied many other ski resorts in Colorado with her friends and family. “Before this year my family and I took a few trips to Colorado. We skied some of the resorts in Colorado like Vail, Keystone, and Breckenridge,” Bustard said.
Lo c al Slop e s
Mulligan’s Hollow
What Ski Bowl Where Grand Haven When Thurs-Fri – 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Sat – 11 a.m.-6 p.m. How much $15 (Thurs-Fri) $20 (Sat-Sun) Other Ski Lessons
Crystal Mountain What Ski Resort Where Thompsonville, 28 miles southwest of Traverse City When Mon-Fri – 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat-Sun – 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. How much $49 (7-17) $59 (18-59) $49 (60-79) Other: Cross-Country Skiing Snowmobiling
However, this trip to Utah was different because rather than just Bustard’s immediate family or family friends, for this trip she spent the entire vacation with her extended Bustard family. “It was so much fun going with my whole family because I was able to spend more time with them which I do not always get to do,” Bustard said. Like many families these days, Bustard says that it can sometimes be difficult to find time to set aside for family, so she appreciated the chance to experience Utah with her family. Bustard said, “It was great to be able to take a trip as a whole family and become closer with all my cousins.” Bustard said she hopes to take another ski trip to Utah in the future to hopefully have another memorable trip with her family. “I hope we get to go back in the next couple of years,” she said. “It was great to build memories with my whole family on and off the slopes.” Bustard says that during the trip becoming closer to her family made her realize how important family is. “Sometimes I forget how great my family is when I do not see them as much, so I always really appreciate the time we spend together when I do see them,” Bustard said. Bustard says that she would recommend for people to step out of their comfort zone with family and friends over the winer and try something new. “Whether its with family or friends, everyone should try something new this winter because winter can be a great time to spend time and appreciate the people we love,” she said.
Caberfae
What Ski and Golf Resort Where Cadillac When Mon – 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues-Thurs – 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri – 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat – 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun – 9 a.m.-8 p.m. How much Weekday – $5 (under 8), $29 (9-12), $34 (13-17), $39 (18-69) Weekend – $5 (under 8), $39 (9-12), $44 (13-17), $49 (18-69) Other Racing
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a nd other fu n thi ngs to do this wi nter
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If Ski i ng Isn’t You r Thi ng
Winter Sports Complex What Winter Sports Complex Where Muskegon When All week: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. How much Skate Rental: $5 Skate pass: $5 (weekday) $10 (weekend) Other Luge
Echo Valley
What Winter Sports Complex for Tobogganing and Tubing Where Kalamazoo When: Sat – 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun – Noon-6 p.m. How much $18 Other Ice Skating
Juniors Raegan Cox and Emilee Carlson at Rosa Parks Circle If you are up for a little bit more of a drive, Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids can be a very festive place to skate with family and friends. Junior Raegan Cox ventured to Rosa Parks Circle with a group of friends to celebrate winter. With decorated trees and colored lights, Rosa Parks Circle is a beautiful place to spend some quality time outside with family or friends. Located right in downtown Grand Rapids, it is definitely worth the drive if someone wants to try something new and exciting. “My friends and I had so much fun skating and falling together; we made so many great memories with each other,” Cox said, “It was like dominos, once one of us fell, the rest of us would end up falling, so we would all just be on the ice laughing and having a great time.”
Double JJ Resort What Snow Tubing Where Rothbury When Open 24/7 How much $10 a person Other Indoor water park Sleigh Rides Lodging on site
Sophomore Suriya VanderOord and Junior Logan Armstrong If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your cup of tea, skating is another great way to hit the outdoors during the winter. Sophomore Suriya VanderOord visited the popular Muskegon Winter Sports Complex to spend a night skating with her friends. “The best part about the Winter Sports Complex is how open the trails are. You get to skate under the lights surrounded by trees and snow which is really pretty,” VanderOord said. VanderOord says that she had a great time with her friends and would recommend for others to try skating at the Winter Sports Complex if they are looking for a fun winter activity.
Rosa Parks Circle
What Skating rink Where Grand Rapids When Mon-Tues – 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed-Sat – 11 a.m.-9:45 p.m. Sun – Noon-8:45 p.m. How much Youth – $1 Adults (18+) – $3 Other Surrounded by downtown Grand Rapids shops and restaurants
Freshman Aiden Anderson at Crystal Mountain Michigan offers many local ski resorts for teens to take advantage of during the winter. Resorts like Boyne Mountain and Highland, Crystal, Cannonsburg, Mulligan’s Hollow, and Caberfae are some of the most popular places for students to ski or snowboard. Freshman Aiden Anderson frequently takes ski trips to Crystal Mountain. His family owns a cabin at the resort, so the Anderson family will often spend their weekends at the resort. Although Anderson often skis with his family, his favorite part about skiing Crystal is hitting the slopes with his friends. “I usually go skiing to Crystal with my family, but I have even more fun when I get to ski with my friends. Skiing in the trees with my friends is one of the best parts of winter.” Anderson said.
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The Sailors’ Log
Valentine’s Day. Some say this is the day of love; some say it’s the day of celebrating a significant other, and neither one of these is wrong. Many couples who go to Shores have enjoyed spending time with their partner for many years on this special day. These three couples share their story while an editor for The Sailors' Log ventured out on a blind date.
Seniors Andrea Gardner and Hunter Thompson, who have been dating since May of 2014 have many traditions – going ice skating, watching movies, and either going out somewhere fancy or making their own food at home. This year, they plan on ice skating in Grand Rapids at Rosa Parks Circle. “Valentine’s Day, in particular, has strengthened our relationship because we have very busy schedules, so this is the one day we can count on spending time with each other.” – Gardner
Juniors Zoie Willeke and Ben Rosenthal have been dating for a little more than three years when they first met in eighth grade. They became friends through each other’s friends at school. Their Valentine’s Day traditions, if Rosenthal does not have basketball, has always been to hang out, go out for dinner, play games and exchange gifts.
Sophomores Kolbe Trovinger and Emma Lynn, who have been dating for more than a year, met when Lynn was new to Shores. Trovinger was one of the first people to help her out with her classes and schedule. Both agree the perfect Valentine’s Day would be to stay at home and watch movies and Criminal Minds while eating sushi.
“Valentine's Day is a holiday where we just spend time together.” – Rosenthal
“Valentine’s Day means spending a day with someone who means a lot to you.” – Lynn
“Valentine’s Day has brought Ben and me closer “Valentine’s Day is special to me because it is a day dedibecause it is a whole day to focus on us.” – Willeke cated to our relationship. It’s like a celebration of what we have accomplished.” – Thompson Couple stories compiled by Robby Swanker, page editor
“To me, Valentine’s Day is meant for spending the day with someone you love. It’s a day to celebrate the love you have for each other.” – Trovinger
HER STORY: First blind date awkward for both
D
ating can be difficult even if you are familiar with the other person. But a blind date? Well, that can be terrifying. So with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, I set out to try my first-ever blind date With the help of The Sailors’ Log, the male students at Shores were asked to tell us about them and to answer, “What type of girl do you look for?” Editor-in-chief Mal Meston then looked through the applicants and found my victim, er, date. Column by Now, I wasn’t expecting to Jaylene find my soul mate, but I was Davis, hoping I could at least make page editor a new friend. On Saturday, Jan. 20, I met my date, freshman Jaedyn Longmire, at the front of the school for our date, which was going to include dinner and bowling. When I got in the car, I felt uneasy. All I worried about was, “Do I look okay? Am I acting weird?” I didn’t want to mess up a first impression on this special date. Opening up to someone for the first time is more difficult
HIS STORY
Freshman Jaedyn Longmire (left) said his blind date with sophomore Jaylene Davis (right) felt like a regular day. At dinner at Russ', he said it was quiet, like with his family. He said his favorite part of the date was bowling. “I had fun bowling and got a strike the first frame.” Longmire said he would recommend going on a blind date because he had a lot of fun doing something new. (Photo by Mal Meston) than some people realize. When we were eating dinner at Russ’, I tried asking him about himself. Apparently, it was difficult opening up to me for him, too. We made small talk, but I noticed the biggest barrier between teenagers these days – the cellphone. I caught myself on my phone between bites, and I decided to be the bigger person and put it away. Unfortunately, our conversations were slow and dry, and we spent most of our
dinner in silence. In hindsight, I should have spoken up and tried to start more of a connection. Personally, the dinner was slightly awkward since we didn’t really know each other, but it was nice to hear a little about him and connect over our similarities. After we ate, our date moved to Sherman Bowling Lanes. I am horrible at bowling and, combined with the fact that I was with someone I barely knew, I was even worse. At first, it
was extremely embarrassing, and I regretted going on the date in the first place. I thought, “Why did I do this to myself? What was I thinking, going on a date with a complete stranger?” But after time passed, I became more comfortable, and my anxiety lessened, allowing me to get my head in the game. Unfortunately, we both had our heads in the (bowling) game, and our conversations were limited to few words like, “I’m not good at this,” and “Strike!” I wish we were able to bond more, but just bowling was enough for a first date. At the end of the night, I was ashamed of how much time we both spent on our phones instead of communicating and getting to know each other. Overall, my mood for the whole date was nervous. Meeting someone for the first time gives me anxiety because I’m too worried about what people think of me to be myself. For anyone else going on a blind date, I recommend talking the most. To me, the most important thing when meeting a new person is getting to know them, so look up from the screen and make some memories.
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The Sailors’ Log
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Campaign that promotes positivity coming in March By Sydney Fetters Page Editor Useless. Freak. Bitch. Retarded. Slut. Disgusting. Words hurt, there’s no getting around that. It starts with one word, one secret. Harmless right? Wrong. The most cheerful person may be the saddest, and the loneliest may be the friendliest. Words really do matter, so why use them to bully others instead of lift them up? Bullying is nothing new and continues to be an issue across all schools in the nation, Shores included, as many can testify to. That’s why the sophomore senate will be partnering with an organization called The Chalkboard Project and will be running a campaign in March. As The Chalkboard Project’s website states, “Words affect everyone regardless of age, social status, socioeconomic position, race, gender, and/or religion. Too often, people use hurtful words freely, without considering the potential
impact.” Some try to stand up and gain awareness; others just deal with it – ; some better than others. “We felt like it was important for people to take out their insecurities and move past that barrier and realize that there is more to them than just that one word defining them because they are really great people,” said Katelyn Zaagman, co-president of the sophomore class with Gabby Lopez. “I think that it’s going to unite our student body and our staff and make people more comfortable in their own skin.” This is what The Chalkboard Project is all about, taking those hurtful words people have absentmindedly thrown at each other and combating them with more positive truths. It was founded by Spring Lake High School art teacher, Jennifer Gwinnup. She and a handful of students, Julia Clover and Sam and Joe Negen, have worked countless hours to allow their vision to become a reality. Not only that, but the group has also brought the project to other school communities, including Fruitport and Grand Haven. “The inspiration comes from working with high school
students,” Gwinnup said. “Seeing the dynamics of what it’s like to be in high school -- carrying around words, misconceptions and hurtful language.” The Project itself entails students writing, on a small chalkboard, a word or phrase that they have been called or a word that they feel personally describes them. Then, a photo of the individual with their inscribed chalkboard will be captured, printed, and posted around school walls. After some time, the words on the chalkboards will be covered with colorful paper, and people will have the chance to write more positive words or phrases that describe each other. Not only will the photos be posted along in the halls, students will be able to post their images on Social Media for other positive feedback. Because of the vulnerability that the project entails, it will be optional and not forced upon individuals. The Chalkboard Project gives students a chance to do something really good. Together, individuals can make a difference.
Timeline of Events Tuesday, March 6 Photograph Freshmen and Sophomores (8 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.) Thursday, March 8 Photograph Juniors and Seniors (8 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.) Monday, March 12 Retake/Makeup Pictures during 3rd Hour & Lunch
Past Experiences
Sophomore Olivia Balavitch from Spring Lake said,“It started with our school being against it at first, thinking it was something too over the top to tackle. Once the administration decided it was okay as long as it was optional, mostly every student was eager to join. Once the posters were hung up, it was kind of sad to walk to class seeing what people had been called and what stuck with them. When the day came when we got to cover words of hatred with words of love, walking through school felt more brighter and more of a place where people could come, and feel comfortable in their own skin. It was a year ago, and people still talk about The Chalk Board Project. I believe it definitely changed the school for the better.” Junior Charlie Volmer from Fruitport said, “When they announced The Chalkboard Project was coming to Fruitport, a lot of people were skeptical. It can be a very negative environment in our school, so we were all expecting a negative outcome. Seeing all the words people got called was moving. You could see the positivity rise throughout the school.”
Saturday-Sunday, March 17-18 Photos will be posted by senate members Monday-Friday, March 19-23 Photos will be available for viewing by student body Monday, March 26 Students will be released to write positive words on others’ sticky notes/ photos & Celebration assembly event and video
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The Sailors’ Log
If you could live in any TV show, what one would it be? Scott Lautenschlaeger, math teacher
Alan Reeves, senior
“The fun part of me would like to live in The Office because that show is hilarious, I would like to punch Michael Scott in the face, and I just would have fun. The nerdy part of me would like to live in Numbers because you get to work for the FBI and do math.”
“Spongebob so I could work at the Krusty Krab because working there seems better than my job.”
Julia Dinh, junior
“Keeping Up With The Kardashians because I want to live an easy and luxurious life like a Kardashian.”
All About
US
Cole Ruid, freshman
“Phineas and Ferb because it is summer all the time and there are no repercussions whatsoever. The parents have an unlimited credit card amount, and you can do whatever you want, whenever you want.”
Each month, The Sailors’ Log staff will ask fun questions to students so that we can get to know those we pass in the hall every day. Information was gathered by page editors Kali Jend and Emmalee Dykstra.
If you could add one class to Shores' curriculum, what would it be?
What old trend do you hope returns? “Heelys because they were the greatest innovation of our generation. With easy mobility, it’s like the vehicle equivalent of flame decals, but for your feet. Heelys weren’t just a trend; they were the legacy of our time.”
Erick Hannahs, junior
“Vine because it is another social media outlet that I can share with my friends and watch funny videos. I always get a good laugh out of them, and it makes my day.”
Niral Patel, junior
Shannan Conrad, social studies teacher
“I would like to teach a class about social and emotional health because it is something we don’t teach and a lot of kids struggle with. There needs to be a place for that type of learning about what kids are going through.”
Erin Powers, junior
“Honors classes for upperclassmen because not everyone is at the AP level, but they are also not at the basic level. There should be an inbetween for kids who want to be challenged without the workload of an AP class. By getting Honors, it would better break down kids to be in categories that fit with each other so you don’t have kids at the top and at the bottom in the same class.”
Matthew Yacoub, freshman
“Arabic class because I come from an Arabic family and it would be nice to learn and communicate with my distant family. It would also be cool for others to learn a language that not a lot of schools offer.”
Gypsy Bates, sophomore
“Silly Bandz because I was cleaning out some of my old stuff and I found my Ziploc bag of Silly Bandz from when I was in sixth grade. I got really excited because I remember everyone buying packs and collecting them. I think it’s cool to have something to collect and wear on your arm to show how cool you are.”
Sarah Bronsema, science teacher “A throwback to the late ‘80s/ early ‘90s when we would tight roll our jeans and alternate and layer different colored scrunchie socks under the tight roll. Also we should bring back the really big hair scrunchies, not like the ones you see today.”
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The Sailors’ Log
Let It Snow
When that first snowflake falls to the ground the night before a school day, one can almost bet that students everywhere are Googling “Snow Dance” in order to get that anticipated day off from school as the superintendent announces, “Snow Day.” Superintendent Bill O’Brien, who has only been on the job for a few months, said the process can be tricky. “Normally, the process starts the night before a snow day might be anticipated,” he said. “In the night before, often times in Michigan, we need a crystal ball to be able to determine what’s going to happen with the weather in the morning.” O’Brien said he is in contact with the operations manager, as well as the mechanic who runs the bus garage. They all come together to gather information about how the road conditions are and make an assessment. O’Brien also said he is in a group text with all other superintendents in Muskegon County.
“You’ll normally see a domino effect when Muskegon County schools start calling snow days,” he said. “We all influence what the overall opinion is.” Between all of those factors O’Brien said he is able to properly assess road conditions and whether or not it is safe for students. “I make the final call,” O’Brien said. “Obviously, I won’t be able to make the call on my own, so the many different influences make me feel much better about my call rather than if I just made the call on my own without anybody else’s perspectives.” Student safety is an important factor and aspect of calling a snow day, O’Brien said. Because of this, O’Brien said he likes to have a decision made by 5 a.m., 5:30 a.m. at the latest. After the decision is made, all school personnel is notified through an automated phone system, and local radio and television stations are contacted. “We are a part of a subscription based service that tells all of the radio stations and TV stations that the school is closed,” said
There are two magical words that every student hopes to hear during the winter months:
Senior Breon Hooper said he usually lounges around in his PJ’s all day. He then watches Phineas and Ferb with friends and some family. He said he enjoys his time off because on normal school days he doesn’t get to. “Chilling with my friends is what I do on snow days because the time off is good for Phineas and Ferb because we can’t watch it during school.”
Binge-watching sophomore Emily Walker does just that with watching various Netflix shows like Shameless and Criminal Minds. Those have always been two of her favorite shows ever since she got into Netflix. “My snow days consist of hot chocolate, Netflix, and reading because my normal days at school I don’t get to do all of that fun stuff.”
O’Brien when asked what keeps a student from simply making the call. “There are passwords that we have in order to access them. That’s what keep students from doing that.” In addition to the amount of snow, O’Brien said windchill can also be a variable. And it is all of those variables that can make the decision tricky. “There’s certain days where the decision isn’t difficult at all,” O’Brien said. “But other days, it can be very challenging. One of the snow days we had this year was really close, and we made the call really late, around 6:30. Those are never ideal, but sometimes happen.”
SNOW DAy!
Social studies teacher Kyle Mireles said on some snow days he is already at school, working out. He said he always makes sure he has cinnamon rolls for breakfast. He normally watches The Price is Right. Then it’s lunch at G&L or Olive Garden with good friends. “I used to always watch The Price is Right as a college student so when we have snow days that’s why I like watching it.”
Sport schedules impacted by weather By Chris Horvath Page Editor
Canceling school taken seriously by administration By Chris Horvath Page Editor
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Freshman Olivia Abraham said she normally hangs out with friends. If still around Christmas time when a snow day occurs, they’ll watch Christmas movies. “We normally go outside and throw snow at each other because to us, going outside on a snow day is the most fun thing you can do. It’s also the same reason we have a snowday in the first place, so why not take advantage of it?”
Sophomore Brenden McNarland said he plays Fortnite during his frozen days off. He follows up with going outside to his backyard and skating on his homemade ice rink. “I really like playing Fortnite and hockey because those are two of my favorite things to do. I’ve had a hockey rink at my house, homemade, ever since I was little, so I like using it on snow days.”
If a school cancels, should sports automatically be canceled? Or should that decision remain independent from the school day? Athletic Director Ryan Portenga said that not all school districts are the same when it comes to this topic. “There are some districts that completely cancel all athletic events/practices on days that the district has a snow day, which in some instances is not the right choice,” Portenga said. “Certain schools that we may have a game against on a snow day like Fruitport or Muskegon, that’s a five minute drive; it’s hard to cancel when those events are very difficult to reschedule.” In addition to the proximity of an opponent, winter weather can change extremely from the time school is canceled in the morning to when an athletic team may need to leave in the afternoon for a competition. Portenga said, for example, a boys’ or girls’ varsity basketball game can be difficult to reschedule; therefore, if the weather improves over the duration of the day, he said he would rather play those games. However, if conditions are still bad in the afternoon, the call for games to be cancelled will most likely be made between one and two o’clock in the afternoon, he said. “We talk between all the different departments that may have a different point of view – from the bus depot, to the coaches, to our athletic department here, and the opponent’s athletic department so that we can assure we make the right decision,” Portenga said. “Sometimes, it’s unavoidable to keep games on days the roads/conditions are really bad.” Portenga said a conference different than Shores’ OK Black, the OK White conference, which has schools such as Cedar Springs, Forest Hills Central, Forest Hills Northern, Greenville, Lowell, Ottawa Hills and Northview have a lot of traveling to do, so their snow day calls/policies may differ. “The Grand Rapids schools, as well as the schools up north, such as the Traverse City area, often have different weather than what we have here, so that can sometimes make it easy to call a game off because it wouldn’t be good to get all the way there just to have them cancel,” Portenga said. For practices, Portenga said there is a different policy in place. “We have a policy in place here that on snowdays, we are to have no practice before 1 p.m. for any sports,” he said. “After that, practices may be scheduled, but they are optional for the athletes to attend. Normally 95 percent (of the athletes) do (show up) anyways, but the option is still there.”
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18 Job Advice Job Applications •Check spelling – it must be perfect •Make sure contact information is correct •Use an appropriate and professional email address •Use professional language – not texting language Resumes •Be honest •Always proofread for spelling, grammar, formatting, and punctuation •List accomplishments and achievements in reverse chronological order •Hard copies must be wrinkle and stain-free •If sent as an email attachment or upload, make sure it is in PDF format Interview •Research the company •Practice interview questions and answers •Dress appropriately and professionally •Be on time – that means early •Turn off cell phone Information from Judy Hunt, business teacher
The Sailors’ Log
in a
ALL DAY'S WORK
Students juggle work and school By Sammie Ladegast Page Editor
According to a U.S. census, roughly 1 in 4 high school students aged 16 and older have a job. Juggling the workload that school throws at students with the added responsibilities of having a job isn’t always a walk in the park. Senior Kaitlyn Mouw, who works at Cinema Carousel, would know a thing or two about that. Despite her familiarity with having to balance her work schedule, which includes selling tickets, working at the concessions, and cleaning theaters, with her schoolwork, Mouw said it can sometimes still be a struggle to manage her time. “It can be kind of difficult to juggle my school work with my job because I go to school, and then from 5-10:30, I am working,” she said. “This can impact me as a student because, some days, I have little to no time to do homework, study, and get to bed at a decent time.” Positives can still arise from being employed; however, the occasional rude customer and the late nights can always be a hassle and prove to ruin someone’s day. “My favorite part about working at the
Many students at Shores have jobs. Here, Alexis Gerstenfeld is working at Subway, where she washes dishes and makes sandwiches. (Photo by Sammie Ladegast) Cinema is getting to work with my coworkers, who are basically my second family,” Mouw said. “And the fact that having a job means I get money, which I use to pay for my car insurance and phone.” However, depending on the place of employment, some may have it easier than others.
Working Students
Amari Landeros, junior Alex Brueker, sophomore Hunter Thompson, senior “I wash and color hair, refill “I’ve been working at Chili’s for “For a little over a year, I have bottles, and tidy things up about five months now, and I worked at Five Below, where around the salon I work called mainly host and run food. During I operate the register, help Heaven on Earth. Having a job my time here, I have come to customers, and clean the hasn’t proven to be very difficult like interacting with people, store. I enjoy working with my when it comes to juggling my although I don’t like it when coworkers; however, the upset schoolwork because I only work guests are being difficult with me customer we sometimes have Thursday through Saturday, I am about things like their seating is definitely my least favorite never overscheduled, and I am arrangement. I got a job so I part about working. Having a job allowed to do homework while can start saving up for college does add some stress because I have down time at the salon. as well as for other necessities of the tightened schedule, but it I have also learned important along the way. My work also helps with my work ethic. life skills like a sense of schedule actually makes it easy Working during high school can independence and an increase for me as a student because I be very beneficial for students in my time management skills, only work during the beginning that have the time because it so I never have to stay up too of the week and on weekends, provides an income and adds late after working to try and leaving my midweek free for responsibility that can really finish my homework.” studying and catching up.” prepare you for life.”
Junior Alexis Gerstenfeld is a perfect example. “I got a job at Subway about two months ago to pay for my car insurance and save up money to be able to do fun things,” Gerstenfeld said. “I mostly make sandwiches and clean dishes.” Working mainly on weekends, she said, prevents her from being too overwhelmed with her responsibilities as a student and employee. “I work mostly on weekends in the morning, so I haven’t had a problem juggling school and my job,” Gerstenfeld said. “It has, however, helped me learn to finish assignments as soon as possible in case I get asked to cover for a coworker on a weekday.” Jobs can not only provide students with an income, but can also provide an experience to gain important life skills. “Having a job has really taught me a lot about responsibility,” Gerstenfeld said. “I always check my schedule to see when I’m working, and when I have plans, I make sure I call in ahead of time or find someone to cover my shift. Before getting a job, I wouldn’t have bothered to check my schedule; however, now I check it everyday, which has also helped me a lot with keeping up with homework.”
MI Youth Labor Rules •Any minor, which includes those aged 11-18, must have a work permit. •The employer of a minor must keep the work permit on file at all times. •Work permits must be signed by the minor, employer, and school district’s issuing officer. •Minimum age for employment is 14 years. •Ages 15 and under may not be employed during school hours. •Ages 16-17 may work no more than 6 days per week, a weekly average of 8 hours per day, or 10 hours in 1 day on non-school days. •Ages under 16 may work no more than 6 days per week, 8 hours per day on non-school days, or 3 hours maximum on school days. •Minors must work under the supervision of an employee 18 years or older. •Combined hours of school and work cannot exceed 48 hours in a work week for minors. •Teenage workers may not work more than 5 hours without a 30-minute break. •Minors must be paid at least current federal minimum wage in most cases. Information from mcc.edu
The Sailors’ Log
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• • • • • • FRIENDS
Long-term friendships can be inspiring By Sarah Roman Page Editor There’s something about childhood friends that can’t be replaced. Whoever has a friend has a treasure. Friends are some of the people you trust the most, and knowing your friend for a long time increases that trust. Knowing friends for years, they basically become family. Having friendships is actually good for one’s health. People who have close friends tend to be less stressed, be happier and live longer.. “You only need one friend for that close connection,” said Nicole Kosten, a therapist at Still Shores Counseling, 433 Seminole Road, Norton Shores. “I’ve worked with kids with social anxiety, autism and other disabilities, and if they have a connection with at least one person, they are
happier and do better in school.” Friendships are some of the most important relationships and supportive relationships people will establish in their lifetime, and it can become a lifelong bond. Lifelong friends not only know the person you are, but also the person you were. They can bring out the best in you because they’ve seen you at your worst and at your best. “People are more likely to put an effort into things that they truly value, which is why people who have friends for life know how truly rare that bond is,” Kosten said. “Lifelong friends are too rare, too precious, and too hard to end without a really good reason.” Long time friends become family. They know you at your best and at your worst and they stuck by you through it all. It takes a long time to grow an old friend.
• • • • • • perfect
Survey Says...
In a survey of 279 students, 29.7% (83) met their best friends prior to kindergarten while 23.7% (66) met their best friends between kindergarten and second grade. Met in high school Met prior to Kindergarten
Met in 7th or 8th grade Met in 5th or 6th grade Met in 3rd or 4th grade
Met in Kindergarten or 2nd grade
• • • pair
Sophomores Kate Roosien and Ashlynn Smith have been friends for seven years. “I met Ashlynn when I was in third grade through a friend named Isabelle. I went over to Isabelle’s house, and Ashlynn was there too, and that was when it started,” Roosien said. “Our friendship is tight. We go to my family’s cabin in Newaygo, and we like to float down the river. She’s always been there, and I’m grateful for that.” “Kate and my friendship is a sister-like relationship. We bicker, disagree, but at the end of the day, I know she’s always there for me,” Smith said. “I love how comedic and heartfelt she is and how she and her family has welcomed me and loved me unconditionally. I love how I can always find happiness with her.”
Sophomores Orrie VanderWall and Benjamin Kendall have been friends for six years. “I can describe Orrie and my relationship as a painting of a mail carrier holding a canoe of red bananas on his head and angry squids playing chess on top. It’s surreal, hilarious, and overall so unconventional that it’s befitting to one another,” Kendall said. “Orrie is socially conscious and understanding of the complexities of human relationships and communication. He’s also really funny. “When we met, I was the new kid at Churchill, and I was shy, so the teacher sat us next to each other to try and get us to be friends,” VanderWall said. “My favorite memory of us was over the summer. We were outside at around midnight just messing around in the street and talking.”
Freshman Annie Anderson and eighth grader Sophia Fischer have been friends since they were only a couple weeks old. “Our parents have been long time friends, so we’ve known each other since when we were only a couple weeks old,” Anderson said. “I love how I can be myself with her, and she can always make me laugh. We have a really close relationship, and we can tell each other anything.” “Annie and my friendship is a boundless bond between us. We’ve known each other since birth,” Fischer said. ”She’s always kind and really funny. My favorite memory with Annie is when we went to Crystal Mountain and skied at night through the woods.”
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Friend provides years of care, laughter, support
H
ow do you define a good friend? Is it defined by how long you have known that person? Is it defined by who knows your innermost secrets? Is it defined by who will never let you down? For me, it is all of the above. My longest friendship is with one of my best friends Cami Filz, whom I have known for 13 years. She’s been by my side not only through the good times but most importantly the bad. While we met in preschool when we were 3 years old, it was a time almost two years ago that cemented our friendship. Cami was there for me when I needed her the most when my mom died when I was 14. Column by She always made sure I was Sarah coping as well as I could. It Roman, was a grief-stricken time, but page editor her caring and kind attitude helped me through it. There was never a moment when she didn’t have time talk, and she was my shoulder to cry on. I wasn’t the only one who felt my mom’s loss; I know Cami did too. She would put me before her because she knew how much I was hurting. Even our moms were friends. When we were in sixth grade and seventh grade, my mom and Cami’s mom, Kristin, would go to the Muskegon Country Club pool in the summer all the time. We would swim, hang out by the pool, eat food and just have a good time. Cami is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. She’s supportive, caring, hilarious, and she can handle anything that life throws at her. She’s always there when I need to rant and do I need to do that a lot. Cami and I are extremely similar. She’s really funny, and I would like to think I’m pretty funny too. There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t complain about something to one another. If either of us are in a bad mood, there’s no doubt that we can make each other laugh in minutes and lighten the mood. I’ll never forget our late-night jam sessions in the car, going to Chili’s almost every weekend, complaining about everyone and everything, slushie runs and everything in between. I wouldn’t give those up for the world.
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Living Like Royalty
The Sailors’ Log
Junior spends day pretending to be queen
W
ho wouldn’t want to live the luxurious life of royalty? What’s better than being wealthy and famous as a result of bloodline rather than having an actual talent or occupation by which you have to tirelessly work to get to your position? With the May royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle drawing near, I started to think about what it would be like to be a queen. At 91 years old, Queen Elizabeth II’s job is nearly obsolete under England’s constitution, but the Brits love their royals. So much so, the monarch is above the law, and the family still Column by holds a great influence over Mieke Hart, the British people. page editor From the public perspective, the Queen lives a relatively highfalutin, undemanding, and lavish lifestyle. Is this truly how the Queen lives? What does this lifestyle entail? How does Queen Elizabeth II live her day-to-day life? Obviously, the only way to know how the Queen actually lives is to live just like her, and that is just what I did. So on Jan. 17, I dubbed myself “Queen for a Day.” The Quest Begins Each morning, the Queen wakes up to the delightful sound from everyone’s favorite instrument, the bagpipes. So, the night before my day as a royal, I set my alarm to play bagpipes. At 6 a.m., I was promptly awakened by the abrasive, though enchanting, music of the bagpipes. Who knew waking up could be so fun? After a close examination of the Queen’s typical attire, I put on a navy blue dress, a lighter blue cardigan (for modesty), white heels, and to top it all off, a crown printed off the Internet. This ensemble was a far cry from my normal attire of a sweatshirt and jeans. Though more than five times my age, the Queen has a far higher pain tolerance than I; I am unable to fathom how she wears heels for such long periods of time. The Queen’s typical breakfast is tea, cereal, and fresh fruit. It was not exactly the grand breakfast I believed the Queen to have each morning, but it was quite convenient. I did, however, crave my typical breakfast of Cheerios in a bag that I eat during first hour. The Daily Grind Each day, the Queen goes for a nature
Two Queens
Elizabeth II, Queen of England
Mieke Hart, selfappointed Queen of Mona Shores High School
walk; and since I typically walk to school, I used the opportunity to do the same. I walked through the woods on the east side of the school and tried to take in the beauty. However, it was quite challenging in heels, a dress, and 20-degree weather. After about a minute, I sprinted to school, faster than the actual Queen has run in a very long time. Remember, she is nine decades old. One of the Queen’s daily duties is to attend meetings with other officials. I considered this to be school. Unlike many students who dislike school, I enjoy learning; however, I am
often distracted and reprimanded for being “too social.” This probably is against royal protocol, but I think the Queen would understand that you have to do what you have to do to get through the school day. Each day, the Queen attends ceremonies and participates in other activities; one of these is the knighting ceremony. Armies of knights no longer exist in England, but a ceremonial title is given to those who have done something outstanding. Equipped with a yardstick, I knighted junior Raylynn Delo in science teacher Chad Martin’s class. Her accomplishment? Surviving chemistry.
The After Hours The Queen’s favorite activity is to take her corgis on walks. I don’t have corgis, but I do have a dog; and if the Queen likes to walk her dogs, I like to walk my dog. Trying to walk my dog in below freezing temperatures in my royal clothing proved to be far more challenging than I had expected. I’ll leave that job to the royal dog-walkers. At five o’clock each day, the Queen indulges in tea and scones. I was not able to find scones, but I had some leftover Christmas cookies, so those had to do. As for the tea, it was horrendous. I have never cared for tea, and I do not intend to acquire the taste. I did learn that royal tea etiquette does not permit “pinkies up” while consuming tea as it is too pretentious – SpongeBob has us all doing it incorrectly. As for supper, I treated myself to a steak. The Queen usually eats venison or other game (animals hunted for sport) and fish; however, I do not eat any of those meats due to “traumatic” events in my past. I attempted to enjoy my steak in solitude as the Queen does every night; however, I struggle to refrain from conversation for an extended period of time, so my solo dinner did not last long. To end my day, I watched an episode of Downton Abbey, the Queen’s favorite show. Who would’ve thought the Queen enjoys the same show as the commoners? To me, it seemed below her, but I’m not one to judge a woman and her obsessions, especially when it’s the Queen. After my episode ended, it was time for bed. The Final Thoughts Overall, my day didn’t really differ but rather the specific details of my activities were altered. The most significant change in my dayto-day life was the amount of attention I gained in the hallways. From my clear lack of experience in wearing heels to my flamboyant crown, I learned what it was like to be famous and to not be able to do even simple tasks without attracting attention. Additionally, even though the Queen has access to luxuries I will most likely never even have knowledge of, she still has duties that need to be carried out like every other human being. Is the lifestyle all that it is perceived to be? No, the Queen does more than dressing nicely and spending time with her family. Would I do something like this again? Probably.
sports
The Sailors’ Log
COST
$20,
OF
EY
Neck Guard $10 Shoulder Pads
Mouth Guard $10
000
HOCK
21 $50-$200 Senior Noah Bathrick is pictured skating mid game during varsity game versus Grand Rapids Christian High School. (Photo by Emma Taylor)
Elbow Pads $50-$120
Pants $50-$180
The hockey program is one of the most expensive sports around. Not only does it cost the school a lot, but the players as well. Combining the equipment and other necessities, the total cost can reach to $20,000.
Transportation $2,000
Coaching Staff $12,000
For the boys 10 away games, the school pays $2,000 for busing.
The school pays the head coach and assistant coach $12,000 to coach the team throughout the season.
Stick $150-$300
Shin Guards $50-$180 Skates $200-$600
Miscellaneous Costs
Ice Time $5,000
Announcer $300
To rent the rink at Lakeshore Sports Centre for the entire season, it costs $5,000.
The announcer that the school pays for gets paid $300 for the season.
Hockey shows to be one of most expensive high school sports By Taylor Dew Page Editor There has been a wonder on how the school can afford a hockey team considering how expensive everything is. But how much does the school actually pay for it and how much do the players pay? “The school supplies us with helmets, gloves, hockey socks, and shells for the hockey pants, otherwise we pay for everything else ourselves,” senior Caleb Boes said. “For what we have to pay, the prices
vary depending on whether you have high or low quality equipment.” The players have to pay for their stick, skates, shin guards, pants, neck guard, mouth guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, and jock/cup. The price of each piece of equipment are above and the total for all of it can range from $690 to $2,560. As much as that is, goalies typically have to pay even more, considering they have to pay for different and more equipment. For all the equipment that the goalie has
to pay for can cost anywhere from $2,665 to $5,150. While players pay for all of their equipment, the school still has to pay for everything else. Shores spends approximately $20,000 a year, rendering it one of the most expensive sports to play at Shores. “The school pays for a head varsity coach and an assistant coach, both of which are negotiated positions just like every other sport,” Athletic Director Ryan Portenga said. “We also pay for all district busing.
There are dates that the hockey program elects to use charter busing just like other programs do as well.” Shores also covers all expenses associated with any post-season state tournament events as well. “We also pay for an announcer for all the games, and we give them a check for $5,000 each year toward ice time,” Portenga said. “Basically, it is a cost of just under $20,000 that the school chips in toward hockey.”
22
Spor t Spe ci a l i z at ion
sports
VS.
The Sailors’ Log
Mu lt iple Spor t s
Even coaches can’t agree on which is best By Paige Judson Page Editor
Knowing that it will help him to be his best junior Conner Vallie specializes in baseball. Vallie said that he focuses on baseball in order to give him the advantage over those who play multiple sports. (Courtesy Photo)
Junior specializes in baseball year-round By Paige Judson Page Editor Sometimes to be the best you can be at something, you have to put all of your focus into that one thing. Junior Conner Vallie, whose passion is baseball, gets that better than most. “You can’t be the best you can be if you are playing other sports,” Vallie said. Whether it is playing or training, Vallie said his schedule is always full of baseball. In addition to playing on a summer team and the high school team, Vallie said he lifts 6-7 times a week and has velocity training 5-6 times a week. He said he believes that putting all of his focus into one sport will help him be the best he can be.
Vallie added that he believes in the 10,000hour rule, which was coined by popular psychology writer Malcolm Gladwell. The principle holds that 10,000 hours of deliberate practice are needed to be world-class in any field. While some people discount the 10,000hour rule, Vallie has used his focus on baseball to make the Team USA national team, which is strict about recruiting one-sport athletes who put their whole heart into the sport. “I was on Team USA for our region, and that team focuses on onesport athletes because they want you to be the best you can be,” Vallie said. “I think that focusing on one sport is the best thing to do if you want to be the best you can be.”
When it comes to playing sports, most people go one of two ways. They put all of their energy and focus into one sport so that they can work their hardest to be the best that they can be. Others decide that they have many interests and don’t want to be tied down to one sport. The big thing that athletes face these days is they think that the only way they will make it is if they specialize in just one sport, and that is not what most college coaches think. Dan Fishel, the Muskegon Community College track and field and cross country coach does not feel this way. “After coaching cross country for 16 years and track & field for 10 years, I prefer athletes who compete in multiple sports,” he said. “Many studies have shown that athletes that compete in multiple sports have a lower rate of repetitive injuries.” Timothy McGuine, a senior scientist and research coordinator at the University of Wisconsin Health Sports Medicine Center and author of The American Journal of Sports Medicine written back in July of 2017 says, “We found that kids who had higher levels of specialization were at about a 50 percent greater risk of having an injury.” That is one of the huge disadvantages of just playing one sport, and one of the main reasons that junior Tommy Cotner plays multiple sports. “Playing multiple sports helps with overall athletic ability and helps to keep all of your muscles conditioned all year round,” said Cotner, who plays football, dives and used to play baseball.. Though playing multiple sports is huge in some sports, some coaches see it a different way, especially when it comes to college coaches. Rick Rykse, head volleyball coach at Muskegon Community College, said he believes that for an athlete to be her best at a higher level, she should be putting more focus into one sport. “As kids start to get older and find out which sports they really have a passion for, then often times they need to specialize more and spend more time in just 1-2 sports in order to excel in that sport,” Rykse said. “Playing many sports can make them a better rounded athlete, but spending more time in a single sport can help them perform that sport at a higher level.” Studies show that athletes who put more focus into one sport tend to hit earlier peak performance. This means that athletes are able to be on the top of their game while still being an adolescent. Many disagree with this as being a benefit to being a single sport athlete. Hope College basketball coach Gregory Mitchell is one of them. “I’ve always been a proponent of high school athletes participating in multiple sports,” he said. “I think it allows for a more diverse experience and exposes athletes to competitive situations that are unique to that sport.” Shores Athletic Director Ryan Portenga agrees. He said he also believes that it is best for the mental and physical health of the athlete to be playing multiple sports. “Here at Mona Shores we want athletes,” he said. “We don’t want a volleyball player or a softball player; we want an athlete in every sport. Studies show it’s better for kids health wise and emotionally and mentally, so that’s something that we promote, and if you ask any other AD, that is what they will say.” In the end, there are two ways to go. It all depends on the coach and what they think. Rykse said, “So what is the answer? You need both to have a successful program.”
While many specialize in one, sport senior Ryleigh Wehler excels at three sports, including volleyball, basketball, and softball. (Softball photo by Isaac Varela, basketball by Christian Fletcher and volleyball by Isaac Varela)
Senior female excels in three varsity sports By Paige Judson Page Editor When it comes to juggling all of the long practices and late games that come with playing three varsity sports, senior Ryleigh Wehler has it figured out. “Playing three sports has given me a lot of opportunities to grow as a person and also as an athlete,” said Wehler, who recently signed with Aquinas College to play basketball. “I don’t think I would be where I am today if I didn’t play three sports.” Wehler, who plays volleyball, basketball and softball, said she is dedicated to all three of her crafts striving to be the best she can be at all three sports. “It’s easy to stay in
shape throughout the year,” Wehler said. Though playing three sports definitely helps physically, there are some challenges. “Sometimes it is hard to always have a sport after school, especially during exam week when practices run long,” Wehler said. Though Wehler said she does see playing three sports as difficult, she has also gotten feedback telling her that it is probably the best thing for her. “The Aquinas basketball coach told me that he thought it was super cool that I was able to be on varsity for three years of my high school career and excel at all three of them,” she said. “He told me that it makes me a better athlete and less likely to get injured.”
sports
The Sailors’ Log
Allen Family
23
The
Family Affair Besides the Allen family, there are at least four other siblings who play on the same varsity team.
4 brothers bond through sports By Megan Swanker Page Editor In some families, sports are a great way for siblings to bond. In the Allen family, the four brothers (seniors Charles and Tyrese; sophomores Anthony and Kobe) have played various sports together over the years. Whether it’s youth soccer or baseball, basketball or football, one can always find an Allen brother on the field or court. Charles and Anthony both play the same position on the football field. On varsity, Charles plays slot while Anthony plays slot on the JV team. Tyrese also plays on the varsity football team with Charles while Kobe also plays on the JV team. “It’s cool to play on the same team as Tyrese because I can look over at him and say, ‘That’s my brother; that’s blood,’” Charles said. “Since he’s my brother, I don’t want to look bad, so he pushes me to do my best.” While siblings can get annoying, to football and basketball player Tyrese, seeing his siblings at practice is a good time because he may not see all of his siblings all the time. “It makes me happy to see my brothers at practice because I don’t always get to see Charles or AnthoBoys’ Basketball Sophomore Jarvis Walker has led the team to a 5-8 record. In an 84-69 loss to Macomb Dakota, Walker scored 41 points, which is second highest in school history. Girls’ Basketball Junior Nia Miskel and Ryleigh Wehler have paced the team to a 6-8 record. Wehler’s high game was 22 points against Fruitport
ny all the time,” Tyrese said. “Seeing them everyday and having fun with my brothers is the best part about playing with my siblings.” Anthony and Charles are both a part of the varsity wrestling team. Quitting in front of a sibling is not an option for them. “During practice if we are running, if they quit, it motivates me to not let them see me quit,” Anthony said. “Playing with my brothers comes natural because we grew up playing in the backyard together, and now, we all play for the high school.” Having unique siblings can make playing the game more fun as well as competitive. Kobe always wants to work harder than both of his older siblings. “Whenever I’m at a practice with them, I always want to work harder than them,” Kobe said. “They make everything fun because of how unique they all are. We’re all jokesters too, so they find a way to boost my spirits up.” Many memories can be made when you have four brothers. Charles said they will make great stories to tell his future children. “It would be cool because if I have more than one kid, I would encourage them to play together,” Charles said. “It’s a different feeling to play with your brothers and I would want them to experience that like I did.”
while Miskel’s high game was 19 vs. GR Union. Wrestling Seniors Zach Donahue and Tristan Robbins each captured conference championships. The Sailors finished with a5-7 record. Cheerleading Shores won the conference meet to finish in second-place
Sports Briefs
overall in the OK Black. At that meet, the Sailors posted the highest round 1m 2 and total score in school history. Hockey Shores, 2-16-1, has been led by senior Spencer Anderson (10 goals) and junior Erick Hannahs
Sophomore twins Justin & Connor Winegar (hockey) “We have always played together, so it makes things easier on the ice. It’s fun to play with my brother because I know where he is and how he plays.” – Justin “I like playing with my brother because it makes it fun. We have been playing together for so long, so we have a good chemistry on the ice.” – Connor
Juniors Cam & Colt Stout (wrestling) “It’s cool having him on the team because I don’t have to worry about which parent is going to come to my event or his (Colt’s).” – Cam “I don’t like having him on the same team because if he doesn’t show up for something, people ask me where he is, and I don’t keep track of him.” – Colt
Senior Tyler & junior Ryan Heethouse (swimming) “Having him on the team gives me another reason to swim faster. It’s fun to race him and to see him get better because it’s his first year.” – Tyler “I just want to beat him. I get competitive with him because he’s my older sibling. It just means I have to work harder to beat him.” – Ryan
Senior twins Nick & Zach Davis (tennis) “The best thing about having Nick on the same team as me is that I get to embarrass him in front of other kids, but he also gets to embarrass me back.” – Zach “I like having Zach on the same team because I can use his phone to text my parents when mine is dead.” – Nick
(9). Boys’ Bowling The Sailorss (0-7-1) are still looking for their first win. Senior Conor Homan has the team’s high game (228) and high series (453). Girls’ Bowling Freshman Bailey Graham has the team’s high game (215),
junior Marisa Bacon has the high series (361) for Shores, which is 5-3. Boys’ Swim Junior Tommy Cotner continues to rewrite the diving record books. Cotner holds the school record for six dives (277.40 points) and 10 dives (440.95) for the Sailors, who are 2-5 for the season.
24
Miscellaneous
sports
•A total of 93 teams have qualified at least one athlete. •Six nations (Ecuador, Eritrea, Kosovo, Malaysia, Nigeria and Singapore) are scheduled to make their Winter Olympics debut. •A record 102 medals will be awarded in 15 disciplines. •Day one of the Games will consist of the Opening Ceremony at the Olympics Stadium at Alpensia Sports Park. • A pentagonal, 35,000 seat Olympic stadium has been created in Pyeongchang. It will only be used for the opening and closing ceremonies and will be torn down after the games. •Ticket prices for the 2018 Winter Olympics were announced in April 2016 and went on sale in October 2016, ranging from $17 to $776. •The Games will be broadcast on NBC, NBCSN and across the networks of NBC Universal. •Mike Tirico will be hosting NBC’s Olympic primetime programming. This is the first time since 1988 that someone other than Bob Costas will be hosting NBC’s Primetime coverage •Also for the first time, viewers in all U.S. time zones will have access to live coverage of the games, instead of a delayed replay.
The Olympic Games, both Summer and Winter, is a significant event that brings together teams and fans from countries across the world to unite in one competition. With the opening ceremony being today, here is a preview of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.
The Sailors’ Log
Why South Korea •The 2018 Winter Olympics are being held in PyeongChang, South Korea. • Pyeongchang won its bid on the first round of voting, receiving more votes than both Munich, Germany and Annecy, France combined. •This is the first time South Korea has hosted the Winter Olympics. •To avoid any potential confusion with North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang, PyeongChang changed its name for the Games by capitalizing the “C.” •The estimated cost of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics is $10 billion. •13 venues will be used for the 17 days of the Games. Six new venues were built, and additional venues have been renovated. •Development of high-speed rail lines was key to PyeongChang hosting the Games since it is rather isolated. •The mascot is Soohorang, which took its motif from the white tiger. •Korean Singer Big Bang’s Group Taeyang will be releasing a new song called “LOUDER” as the Olympic theme song.
Information compiled by Carlie McNiff, page editor
Sailor Voices
Shining Stars
“How they put their hands behind their backs as they skate and how they angle themselves around the corners is interesting. It’s fun to watch, and I am looking forward to Team USA doing better than they have in the past.” – sophomore Makayla Denniston, short track speed skating “I like snowboarding and have grown up doing it. Every winter, I usually go to Crystal or Cannonsburg. I plan on watching the Olympic snowboarding.” – freshman Brady Rose, snowboarding
“It’s a team sport that creates a brotherhood. Being on skates is hard, so it takes a lot of skill to skate. My favorite player on the women’s team is the Nicole Hensley, the goalie.” – junior Tyler McDonald, ice hockey
“Figure skating is a very unique and graceful sport. There is a sense of artistry that has to be involved as well as an athletic side. I’ve been competing for 8 or 9 years, and I recently began coaching as well. I have a 3rd place state title and recently competed national showcase in which I took top 10 in the nation.” – senior Andrea Gardner, figure skating “My favorite Olympic event is downhill skiing. I always grew up skiing, so I think that’s why I like the downhill skiing. It’s such a fun sport to watch. They go so fast and watching that let’s you appreciate the sport.” – business teacher Chelsea Hall, downhill skiing
Cross-Country Skiing: Sadie Bjornsen (top left), Jessie Diggins (top, second from left), Kikkan Randall (top, second from right) World champion Diggins is leading the cross-country skiing team of her, Randall, and Bjornsen after landing fifth in this season’s world cup standings, according to Team USA’s website. Figure Skating: Nathan Chen (top right) A rising figure skating star, Chen was the first U.S. man in eight years to win the ISU Grand Prix Final in Nagoya, Japan. Curling: John Shuster (bottom left) Four-time Olympian Shuster will be the key player for the team once again. He was on the 2006 team that won Team USA’s historic bronze medal. His 2006 teammate Joe Polo will also compete in PyeongChang. Alpine Skiing: Lindsey Vonn (bottom, second from left) Mikaela Shiffrin (bottom, second from right) Vonn is aiming to make a return to the Olympic podium in 2018, and she will be joined by Shiffrin, who has the second-most World Cup victories of any U.S. female skier behind Vonn. Snowboarding: Chloe Kim (bottom right) The snowboarder from California was the first woman to land back-to-back 1080s in a competition last year and sits at the top of world rankings for the sport. She’s a favorite to win gold in the halfpipe event in PyeongChang.