LOG
the sailors’
Volume 57 Edition 7 Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Mona Shores High School • 1121 Seminole Road • Norton Shores, Michigan 49442
perfect
REACTION
Freshman Ella Buikema reacts to her winning the moped at the annual Ride with Pride assembly, which was held Friday, May 11. Unfortunately, Buikema will not be able to drive the moped until her birthday in October. See complete Ride with Pride story, page 4
editorial
2 May 28, 2019
Things are Heating up
The Sailors’ Log
from the editor
Global Warming pushes Earth to point of no return Thank you for the best year ever
A
decade. That sounds like a lot of time but in reality, that’s less than one-seventh of Shores’ current student life expectancy. Despite advances in our scientific technology, thinking, and innovations, certain people have continued to doubt science and what it is telling us. While some people try to convince others that the Earth is flat and climate change isn’t real, others are trying to save the planet. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Column by (IPCC) released a report Morgan of the condition of the Earth and how it is rapidly Cathey, editorial deteriorating. According editor to the report, the planet will reach a critical threshold as early as 2030 based on our current levels of greenhouse gas emissions. If the planet’s current direction is not turned around by 2050, the planet will die. But what does that even mean? Global warming is defined as a long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s climate system, an aspect of climate change shown by temperature measurements and by multiple effects of the warming. The warming is caused by certain gases in the atmosphere that block heat from escaping. Some gases that do harm include carbon dioxide, methane, and even water vapor, according to the NASA Global Climate Change website. Basically, in short, we ruined the planet by pumping so many chemicals into the water, the ground, and even the air. It sounds scary that the world is going to die and that we only have a little over a decade until it starts to. Statistics on the death of the Earth are not the only ones out there though. In the Unite Kingdom, the government implemented a law called the climate change act of 2008 to help with global emissions. According to the CommitEditor-in-Chief Caitlin McCombs Adviser Warren Kent III Editorial/Review Editors Morgan Cathey Jaylene Davis Feature Editors Kali Jend Sammie Ladegast
tee on Climate change website, the act is the basis for the United Kingdom’s approach to tackling and responding to climate change. It requires that emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are reduced and that climate change risks are prepared for. The Act also establishes the framework to deliver on these requirements. Acts such as this one need to be put in place by governments all over the world. Even if the Earth-saving laws are only the state level, the benefits will be great. Every country, every state, every city, every community, and every person can make an individual and beneficial impact on the Earth’s health. Even at this point, there are things that we can do to counteract the massive fail that humans keep perpetuating. According to the National Ocean Service website, there are 10 main things we can do. Everyone knows not to buy plastic and not to waste, but there are more specific things to do as well. These
Sports Editors Chris Horvath Paige Judson Page Designers Emma Lee Bennett Emmalee Dykstra Bailey Graham Mieke Hart Gabby Lopez Sarah Roman Robby Swanker
things include reduce, reuse, and recycle; volunteer for cleanups within the community; choose sustainability; bike more in the place of driving; and don’t send chemicals into our waterways. There are always things that can be done to help the planet. Cleaning up beaches and parking lots, not using paper plates, and simply spreading the message that we only have a limited amount of time left are easy things that anyone can do to help to participate in the saving of the Earth. It will not be easy to try and turn around the direction the planet is going, but it is definitely something worth trying. Everyone needs to recognize this and put in an effort to do the right thing. There are tons of movements and discussions occurring right now, trying to get others to acknowledge the dangerous future that we are headed for. If everyone wakes up and realizes just how important this truly is, we can save the world before it is too late.
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: • Email: kentw@monashores.net (provides communication with staff) • www.thesailorslog.com (contains current stories, photos, etc.)
• Facebook: Go to “Mona Shores Yearbook 2018-19” (provides photos after every Shores event) NOTE: You may only view this page if you have bought a yearbook. • Twitter: @thesailorslog (provides easiest way to get information to readers) • Instagram: @thesailorslog (provides Picture of the Day and story sneak peeks)
I wrote a welcome back column at the beginning of the year, and let me tell you that year flew by. For the past three years, I have been lucky enough to be a part of the school newspaper. I have covered multiple stories and shared Caitlin my viewpoint on McCombs, editormultiple things. in-chief Newspaper gave me the voice I had been looking for. Newspaper gave me memories I will never forget, but most importantly, newspaper gave me a second family. Having the ability to become the editor-in-chief this year is one of my biggest accomplishments, and I cannot thank adviser Warren Kent III or my staff enough for all the support and help throughout the year. I am so proud of all things the newspaper has achieved this past year. We have covered a lot of tough stories and also a lot of good stories. And we received our 22nd Spartan Award. For the students who still have time left, take it all in. It is cliche, but it goes by quicker than you think. So take risks and say yes to opportunities. As for me, it’s time take the next steps in becoming who I am.
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
May 28, 2019
Whirlwind of Thought s in My Mind
3
I try to stop obsessions from controlling my brain, but it’s difficult
D
ay to day, I go through the obsession, anxiety, compulsion and relief cycle of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It starts with obsessing a situation, worrying about it, compulsively trying to fix it, then temporarily feeling relieved until I obsess about the next thing. I know most people have not been diagnosed with OCD like I have, but I understand that every person can relate to obsessing over certain aspects of his or her life. People like to give me Column advice by saying not to by Jaylene worry about other people Davis, and to forget what they editorial say, but I know that it’s editor not as simple as many tell me. It’s more about how my mind is consumed by obsessive thoughts. It’s easy for people to say something like, “Don’t worry, be happy,” but this just angers me because it offers none of the help required to fully free someone’s mind from the obsessive thoughts since simple words of advice like this just brush over the problem many people face. For me, school is a breeding ground for stuck thoughts. I feel as though many people say things without thought
or repercussions, and paired with my naturally over-thinking nature, it is just a recipe for obsessive thoughts. I even find myself in my classes around this time of year not listening to the teacher and stuck in my own train of thought. It’s not that don’t want to pay attention, but it’s just that my mind is consumed by more important things than pre-calculus and history. Usually, I am a great student and grind out all of my work efficiently, but as
“I am looking forward to NEVER coming back to this school again because I am ready for the school year to be over.” – Logan Burkett, senior
“I am looking forward to the Young Americans summer camp because that is the college I got accepted to.” – Timothy Schneider, junior
“I’m excited to leave school and start being able to focus on playing summer volleyball.” – Bryce Belhartz, sophomore
“I am most looking forward to passing all of my classes and ending my speech class, which will relieve a lot of my current stress.” – Jamison Borgman, freshman
with many other people, staying focused amid daily stress in my mind is a daily challenge and frequently leaves me exhausted and needing a break from my scheduled life. At home, I feel as though my thoughts get trapped in my room and I’m surrounded by my negative obsessive energy that built up throughout the day. I frequently try to get out of the house and distract myself from the worries that hover above me in a storm cloud. Sometimes, everything leaves me
What are you looking forward to most for the end of the school year?
Q
the big
In each edition of The Sailors’ Log, eight students will be asked their opinion about a current topic.
wishing I could choose what is stuck in my head. And that maybe if I was focused on more important things I would be a better daughter, friend, and student. Unfortunately, dwelling on this only puts me in a worse place. What I should be doing is digging deeper into my stuck thoughts and finding the root cause of why it means so much to me so I can be more aware of what I truly care about. But the truth is nothing will ever be a cure for my obsessive thoughts, and the only medicine to get over things is time. Lately, to help my obsessiveness, I’ve been living by the thought that, “If you don’t let your past die, then it won’t let you live.” Because those stuck thoughts I have are just me stressing over my past, I constantly have to remind myself that time is a linear concept and worrying about what is behind me is superficial compared to using my energy to focus on what’s in front of me. It helps me to understand this is only a period of my fast-changing life. Since, eventually, school will be out, and I won’t be stuck in class thinking about unimportant things. And with time, my thoughts will mature into other thoughts. Then in a while, I’ll have something new to obsess about.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing my hard work pay off and being able to finally graduate.” – Thea Minnifield, senior
“I’m most exited for school to be over for the year and for it to finally be summer, even though I have to come back in September.” – Emma Piasecki, junior
“My summer will be a relief from school because I can finally start my summer job and start making money.” – Zy’aire Benard, sophomore
“I can’t wait to take my focus off the everyday stress of schoolwork and focus on travel softball this summer.” – Liz Savacool, freshman
news
4 May 28, 2019
The Sailors’ Log
Seventh Heaven
Summer School Information
By Caitlin McCombs Editor-in-Chief
Complimentary breakfast is available for all students (7 a.m.-7:30 a.m.) in the cafeteria.
Senior takes home car at assembly Lucky No. 7. Senior Carly Perdue became the seventh Shores student to win a car at seventh annual Ride with Pride assembly, which took place in the Sailor Center on Friday, May 10. In order to win the car, students are asked to fill out a Ride with Pride sheet that means they promise to drive and ride safely throughout the year. At the end of the year, eight students are chosen to get a chance to pick a key and try to unlock a car. This year, Perdue was the first to select a key and it opened the door. “I was super shocked, and I had no idea I was going to win,” Perdue said, “but it was pretty cool at the same time to know I actually won something
because I usually do not. I am going to keep this car and sell my old one because it is much nicer than my other car.” Along with the car, Shores hands out a moped for students who do not have their license yet. Just like the car, eight people are chosen and the pick a key to start the moped. This year, freshman Ella Buikema went home with the moped. “It was really weird,” Buikema said. “I was in shock. I didn’t know I actually won it when I turned the key because it didn’t start right away, but then everyone started cheering, and I was like ‘Whoa, I actually won it.’” . In addition to the car and moped, students, who earned PRIDE passes, also won other prizes, including kayaks, speakers, and Apple watches.
BPA group places second at nationals Four Shores seniors, representing the broadcast news production team, placed second at the BPA national conference, which was held May 1-5 in Anaheim, Calif. This group includes Patrick Wiltenburg, Sophie Scheuerle, Nolan Duff, and Nick Dennison. “It was pretty exciting,” said Duff, who like the rest of the team flew back early to attend Prom, “and it would’ve been really cool to be there, but I am glad I decided to go to Prom.” In order to compete, the group sent in a five-minute video for the regional and state competitions. The team placed second at regionals and second at state. Then for nationals, they sent in a different video, and it qualified them for the top 12. After that, they had to make a video in three hours about a behind-the-scenes competition. – Caitlin McCombs, editor-in-chief
Shores is offering two sessions of summer school for students who are behind in credits or for credit enhancement. Classes will be E2020 or traditional face to face.
Payments Cash, Check or Credit Cards Session 1: (Days Vary) Week 1: June 18-21 (Tue-Fri) Note: Opening Day Tue, June 18 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Complimentary Lunch is provided in the cafeteria (1st day only) Week 2: June 24-28 (Mon-Fri) Week 3: July 1 & 2 (Mon & Tue) Times: 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Session 1 is 11 days Traditional Classes Offered* Speech Session 2: (Mon.-Thur.) Week 1: July 8-11 Week 2: July 15-18 Week 3: July 22-25 Time: 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Session 2 is 12 days Traditional Classes Offered* Speech *Traditional Classes are based on enrollment
Senior Carly Perdue was the winner of a car at the annual Ride with Pride assembly, which was held Friday, May 10, in the Sailor Center. (Photo by Warren Kent III)
Cost: $110 per session Note: Early payment discount of $10 per class if paid by May 31
The ‘write’ stuff Paper wins 22nd straight Spartan Award By Emmalee Dykstra Staff Writer For as long as adviser Warren Kent III has been in charge of the school newspaper, The Sailors’ Log has been recognized as one of the top high school newspapers in the state. And this year, the publication was honored with its 22nd straight Spartan Award, which is given annually at Michigan Interscholastic Press Association spring conference, which was held April 23 at the Lansing Center. “Every year, each staff steps up to do what needs to be done because of the legacy the previous staffs have set,” Kent said. “This year was no different than the other years, and they did what needed to be done.” Additionally, senior Coy Lakatos won an individual Spartan Award for a sports action photo.
“I was really surprised because I have never done that well at MIPA,” Lakatos said. “When I saw my name on the board, I flipped out.” Lakatos’s winning photo was an action shot of exchange student Charlie Rolfe shooting the basketball for the varsity basketball team Also, the school’s yearbook, Compass Points, won 29 individual awards while the newspaper won 15 individual awards. “Everybody works hard and works together and wants to put out a quality product,” Kent said. “To me, all of the props and all of the accolades go to the staff.” Editor-in-chief Caitlin McCombs, a senior, said that while there is pressure to win, it is all worth it in the end. “If we hadn’t received this award, I felt like we would have let the staff and school down,” McCombs said. “It felt great leading the staff, along with Mr. Kent, to the 22nd consecutive Spartan Award.”
Robotics team takes 65th at world event
Finishing 65th may not seem like that big of a deal to most people, but to the robotics team and coach Andrew Basse, it meant the world – literally. “Students were able to attend conferences to learn techniques for game analysis, manufacturing processes, construction methods, team structure, and more during our time in Detroit,” Basse said. “We also got the opportunity to work with teams from 14 different countries that spoke 12 different languages.” The team was the 65th of the 539 teams in the state at the World Championships held in Detroit (April 24-27). Additionally, the Sailors were one of only six teams to go undefeated in qualification matches to rank first in their division. “It’s the furthest our team has ever gone,” said senior Grace Hilleary,a firstyear member. “We had one of our smallest teams also. It was super exciting because going into it, I didn’t know how far we were going to go, so the fact that we went that far in the world championship is really cool.” – Caitlin McCombs, editor-in-chief
The Sailors’ Log
news
5
Takin’ CARE of business
PE/Health teacher selected as 2019 Educator of the Year
By Morgan Cathey Editorial Editor
What is the most important thing about a teacher? For many, the most important thing is not the class or the curriculum. The most important thing about a teacher is how much they care. That is why sophomore Megan Quigg wrote into The Sailors’ Log with the hope of winning the essay contest for Educator of the Year on the behalf of aerobics and health teacher Roberta Edwards. And Quigg’s letter was chosen by the staff of the school newspaper, making Edwards the 2019 Educator of the Year. This is the fifth Educator of the Year award presented by The Sailors’ Log. Previous winners were social studies teacher Steve Morell (2015), English teacher Roxanne Schaner (2016), science teacher Chad Martin (2017), and math teacher Kristia Whitaker (2018), Edwards, as written by Quigg, is one of the most amazing and kind teachers, and that is what makes her unique. “She’s kind of weird, but fun, and she totally embraces that,” Quigg said in a follow up interview. “The way she teaches makes it so that everyone is happy and everyone tries their hardest. She really tries.” One reason that Edwards is so good at what she does is because she has a passion for teaching and helping others. She said the idea of becoming a teacher first came to her while she was tutoring in the eighth grade at St. Mary’s Parochial School in Spring Lake. At that time, she had an interest in acting, but she said this tutoring experience meant a lot to her and started her on the path toward becoming a teacher. “I said yes to tutoring two third graders who were reading at a kindergarten level,” Edwards said. “I tutored during my lunch, recess, and after school. They both ended up above grade level by the end of the school year. I felt incredible and knew this was something I wanted to pursue if my acting career didn’t pan out.” Though it may not have been young Edwards dream just yet, it was a good thing for all of her future students that she decided to go into education. Now that she did, she is able to be both lifted up by her students and lift them up in return every day. “I really look forward to interacting with my students each day,” Edwards said. “I care so much for each and every
Roberta Edwards, a physical education & health teacher, reacts to senior Caitlin McCombs, the editor-in-chief of The Sailors’ Log, as McCombs presents her with the Educator of the Year plaque.
Winning Letter By Sophomore Megan Quigg
Roberta Edwards, who is the fifth teacher to be honored with the newspaper’s Educator of the Year award, has a discussion with junior Kariya White. (Photo by Coy Lakatos) one (of them). Just being able to read the looks on their faces and try to say the right words to lift them up and maybe make their day a little better is the best. I love the opportunity I have to teach high school students to never lose the child in them and to be kind and accept one another as they are.” Edwards is one to form a bond with her students. For students, such as Quigg, that means they are able to make a connection to Edwards and that is something that truly makes her stand above the rest. “More than once I’ve seen students go into her classroom crying because of something that was going on because she talks to them and calms them down,” Quigg said. “Anytime I’d be having a bad day, I’d tell her what was going on, and she’d always help and just be amazing.” That is exactly why Edwards was this years’ choice for educator of the year. On May 13, The Sailors’ Log staff, along with adviser Warren Kent presented Edwards with the Educator of the Year award, quickly bringing tears to her eyes. “I was without words when Mr. Kent
and his students came in to present my award,” Edwards said. “It caught me off guard and brought gushing tears to my eyes. I just felt so loved and special in that moment. It means so much. I truly appreciate the generosity of presenting such an award to me.” Though this award is treasured; it is not the most important thing for Edwards. She said the most rewarding part of her job is her students’ happiness. “I feel rewarded when a student smiles, laughs, or appears happily engaged in what the class is participating in,” she said. These kinds of ideas and thought processes are what made Edwards the perfect candidate for this year’s Educator of the Year award. Edwards makes a lasting impact on her students, showing them how to be good and kind people. “She showed me that teachers and students can have a really good relationship,” Quigg said. “When I see her now, I still hug her and say hello. It just shows that teachers actually do care, and that no matter what you’re teaching, you can always make an impact.”
(Roberta) Edwards should be nominated (for Educator of the Year) because she makes every student in her classes feel like they matter to her. She is always willing to be there to comfort you, give you advice, or even just give you a hug when you really need it. She’s real about things that matter Quigg and isn’t afraid to seem vulnerable if it lets her make a difference. She cares deeply about the well-being of her students. Her personal anecdotes and other stories let students know that they are valid and their lives and health matter. Since she teaches aerobics, students don’t always take her seriously. Despite their lack of enthusiasm, she tailors her class to try and satisfy every single person in there and is more than willing to teach or show you something if you’re interested in a topic outside of the class material. She deserves to be educator of the year because she’s more than just an educator, she is someone that strives every day to make a difference in students’ lives.
center
6 May 28, 2019
Ketchup or Mustard 168
The Sailors’ Log
The Office or Park
34 171
“Mustard is by far the better condiment. It tastes and looks better on a hot dog than ketchup does. People use ketchup on everything, so it started getting old, but people never grow tired of eating mustard.” – Tyler Leenhouts, freshman
“I prefer ketchup because I hate mustard. I can’t eat anything with mustard because it tastes horrible.” – Kyla Vance, senior
“The Office is one of my favorite shows. I’ve watched it many times, and it never fails to make me laugh. I even have a Dunder Mifflin shirt that my friend gave me for Christmas.” – Sydney Fetters, junior
McDonald’s or Burger King
126 “I like Burger King because the slushies there are really good.” – Grace Norris, freshman
Star Wars or Star Trek 182
Dogs or cats? Ketchup or mustard on a hot dog? Spotify or Apple Music? These are a few of the questions that 202 Shores students answered in a survey. Sarah Roman, page editor
20 “I prefer Star Wars because they have cool space wizards. I like that they fight with the lightsabers.” – Tyler Seiferlein, senior
D
THIS or THAT
76
“I prefer McDonald’s because of the Shamrock shakes around St. Patrick’s Day. They are so good. Their fries are also better than Burger King’s.” – Megan Delong, junior
“I fo a a h la to D
“I’m not really into sci-fi movies but I watched this one, and I thought it was pretty good. My dad likes Star Trek, so I watched it with him.” – Erica Pletcher, junior
“I have gr rescued a until we c much fun very lovab friend, do
Netflix or Hulu 24
178 “I prefer Netflix because I seem to find more series of shows on there. Netflix has super good original shows.” – Kenzie Miller, senior
“It’s mos everythi new add me. Hul that I ha so I like Sara Ga
center
The Sailors’ Log
May 28, 2019
Pancakes or Waffles
ks and Rec
Spotify or Apple Music
144
119 31
83
I like Park and Rec more or the actors in the show. I absolutely love Amy Poehler and Chris Pratt. I prefer the humor, and it always makes me augh. Also, how can you say no o dad bod Chris Pratt?” - EloraDanan Bolthouse, sophomore
“I like pancakes more because they’re super absorbent, and I can use more syrup on them than waffles.They’re really fluffy and just generally delicious.” – Megan Twesten-O’Toole, junior
“I like waffles because they are able to hold more toppings. They just taste better in general.” – Harrison Nelund, sophomore
Summer or Winter
Dogs or Cats 56
146
“I prefer cats over dogs because when I was younger I saw one of my friend’s brother get hurt by a dog. Plus, my cat Mac is the best cat ever.” – Grace Piasecki, junior
rown up with dogs my entire life. We’ve and housed numerous amounts of dogs could find them a home. Dogs are so n, and they are hilarious as well. Dogs are ble. They don’t say cats are a man’s best o they?” – Kennedy Graham, senior
stly because I’ve seen ing on Netflix, and the ditions don’t interest lu has older shows aven’t seen in a while re-watching them.” – appa, junior
“I like summer because the weather is warm, which means I can go to the beach a lot. I like staying out late to watch the sunset. All of the ice cream places are open in the summer and I love ice cream.” – Cami Filz, junior
28 “I prefer winter over summer because summer can be way too hot. Winter brings me closer to my family because of the holiday season. I also like how everything looks covered in a blanket of snow.” – Alexandria Drost, sophomore
105
Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee
132
70
iPhone or Android
31
Vanilla or Chocolate
106
96
Disney or Nikelodeon
116
138
93
86
‘I think U of M is a really great academic school. They have so many cool opportunites.” – Ava Bentley, junior
64
Snap Stories or Insta Stories
166 “I prefer MSU because most of my family went there for college. My aunt has brought my dad to MSU football games when he was young. My pride resides in MSU in the sense of family.” – Ivy Dudgeon, senior
97
Coca - Cola or Pepsi
MSU or U OF M 109
31
Snowboarding or Skiing
171 174
7
36
Birks or Chacos
156
46
Information compiled by and page designed by Sarah Roman, page editor
8 May 28, 2019
feature
Cathedral Concerns
Student’s Comments
French teacher knows Notre Dame will rebound By Emma Lee Bennett Staff Writer When the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris caught fire in April, many people at Shores initially thought of French teacher Melissa Brown. “(Art teacher Danielle) Benson-Fennell ran down and knocked on my door,” Brown said. “(She asked,) ‘Did you hear about the fire?’ I had two other secretaries email me when it happened because I was in the middle of class when it happened.” The fire that happened on April 15 came during restoration the cathedral, which was made famous by author Victor Hugo when he wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Brown said she has been to the cathedral, which was built in 1160, at least 10 times for personal trips or for educational trips with students. “The first time I’d been Notre Dame was in 2005,” she said. “Our group of students from Western Michigan took a one week trip to Paris, we had dinner in the Eiffel Tower, and we went to the Notre Dame together.” Despite the fire’s destruction, Brown said that while it is a tragic event, her reaction was much different than most people. “I had less of an emotional reaction than people expected,” Brown said. “I think that’s because I’ve seen it a bunch of times. I’ve had the experiences and don’t have regrets.” One reason Brown said she wasn’t overly emotional about the fire was she knows that it will be rebuilt. “I was sad and bummed out, but there have been fires there before,” she said. “They rebuilt stuff before. It’s a thousand-year-old structure. Stuff like that happens. They’ll rebuild it. I mean, they raised over $1 billion out of private donations.” Brown says trips may be affected because of reconstruction, but there are so 6:30 p.m.: Notre Dame Cathedral caught fire
3 p.m.: The fire was completely extinguished.
April 15
April 16
8 p.m.: The spire and most of the buildings roof had collapsed.
The Sailors’ Log
“When I visited, we waited in line for about an hour before deciding that an outside view was enough, but I remember being blown away by the spires and gargoyles that sort of loomed over this super busy square. When I heard about the fire, I was really shocked because it’s such an iconic church, Megan but I was also really Quigg, surprised that so soph. many people were trying to fundraise for the church when the Catholic system already has more than enough money to cover the costs. I thought there may have been better ways to donate that money.”
On one of her many trips to the Paris, French teacher Madame Brown snapped a photo of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. many other interesting places to visit in but right across the street is Saint ChapParis. el which was built at the same time and “I don’t know how long the church will housed the Crown of Thorns which came be closed to visitors,” she said. “You can from Jerusalem. The next two to three still see the exterior, which is stunning, trips there won’t be an interior visit to probably won’t be able to visit the inside, Notre Dame, but there is so much else to
“My family saw Notre Dame just this past year in August, and it just seemed surreal. It was one of those things that you see pictures of but never really imagine seeing. It was gorgeous; there are so many details in every part of the building with sculptures along the front and designs wrapped around the roof. I was saddened to hear about the fire, especially with its significance to the people of France, and its proximity to the celebration of Easter, but with Sophie the donations given Recknagel, following the fire, my junior view was actually colored slightly. It’s great to hear about people with great generosity giving to aid in the reconstruction, but it also was a building, and yes an important one, but the mission of the Church itself is to help the people in the world, and I believe that that generosity could be used in tremendous ways in other parts of the world instead.”
Time-line of Events
As of today more than 1 billion euro has been donated, though the money is reported to not be collected as promised.
April 17 Individuals, companies, and institutions have donated 845 million euro at this point.
April 20 People have pledged almost 1 billion euro at this point, but the cathedral’s spokesman says it may not be enough.
Today
feature
The Sailors’ Log
May 28, 2019
9
Wandering as a Warrior
Sailors take on the life as a student at WMC for a day
W
est Michigan Christian (WMC) is a Christian private school that is not more than a 10-minute drive from Shores. Even though the schools are close in distance, the two schools are worlds apart. Most students at Shores have no idea what WMC is like. WMC is a mystery to Shores’ students except for the occasional students that leave the Sailors to become Warriors. Robby Swanker, a junior, and I took on the adventure of going to WMC for a day and unBailey covering the life of the Graham Warriors. Robby and I started our day as Western Michigan Christian students, on Tuesday, May 7, by sleeping in an extra 20 minutes since WMC doesn’t start until 8 a.m. Robby Instead of going Swanker straight to WMC, which is a seven-minute drive from my house, Robby and I met up with our “new” firsthour, AP Bio class at Hoffmaster, where they were celebrating their hard work and studying for their upcoming AP test. Before beginning class, the daily devotion, which spoke of hope and love for the teacher’s students, was read by the teacher . I continued on to second hour, Spanish 3, at the high school, where we started class with a prayer in Spanish led by the teacher. The rest of the class period consisted of the teacher jamming on his guitar while his students sang karaoke style songs in Spanish. Third hour was AP Language, but sadly, they were practicing for their AP test with timed writing, so Robby and I went to the AP Bio teacher’s room. Ms. Lile showed us the daily announcements that the teachers are supposed to read each day. The most interesting thing about it is that they are able to shout out everyone’s birthdays that are close, which is only a handful each week because of the small class sizes, which is around 20 students or fewer in a class. At WMC, grades 7 through 12 attend school within the same building. In total, there are 345 students (about the size
WMC
Shores Blue & White
School colors
Green & White
Sailors
Mascot
Warriors
Trimesters
School Year
Trimesters
1217 (9-12)
Total Enrollment
345 (7-12)
7:40 to 2:50; 5 classes, 74 minutes each
Daily Schedule
8:00 to 3:00; 6 classes, 61 minutes each
Open Campus except for freshmen
Lunch
Closed Campus
4 Honors, 17 AP
Classes
4 Honors, 5 AP
25 Varsity Sports
Athletics
23 Varsity Sports
4 Elementary (Ross Park, Churchill, Lincoln Park, Campbell), Middle School, High School
Schools
Grand Haven Christian, Muskegon Christian, New Era Christian, Fremont Christian, High School
Shores’ students Robby Swanker(fifth from the right, top row) and Bailey Graham (second from right, bottom row) line up with WMC’s AP Bio Class at Hoffmaster State Park. Greer started by giving us a verse of one class at Shores), so walking from class to class was easier compared to (Philippians 4:4-7) and telling a humorous story about how his mother’s prayer Shores’ overcrowded halls. There is a locker common area for brought him $25,000 for college, which all grades where it is common to find included him showing some interesting students talking before class or eating photos from his own senior year. Then, food on the floor in groups during lunch. he continued by having all the seniors, To finish the rest of class, we looked at the 60-something of them, come to the Peaches, a bearded dragon, who sat on front of the room, and we all did a group the counter right next to Ms. Lile’s desk. prayer from them to walk, to live, and to We were lucky enough to visit on a day study for obedience so God can benefit when chapel was being held. So after them later. After chapel, I went to my fourth hour, third hour, we headed to chapel that was, for that day, led by Pastor Samuel Greer Algebra 2, where a quiz was handed out, (WMC’s principal). The seniors who and the whole class spent most of the hour completing. Robby, for fourth hour, were leaving soon was the main topic.
This is the fourth and final installment of reporters from The Sailors’ Log visiting other schools. Previously, we visited Kenowa Hills, West Ottawa, and Montague.
went to a film class and watched a film. For lunch, Robby and I sat in a small cafeteria that wasn’t so crowded. We ate some decent Bosco breadsticks and watched the students around us discuss with each other and yell names across the room. It had become clear to me that all students knew each other. They weren’t all friends, but they definitely were not strangers to each other. With small class sizes, this must be easy. I went to my fifth hour, which was Civics. The students took a quiz. After the quiz, we played Kahoot, where the students’ competitive side came out. Once the Kahoot was finished, students worked on a project, and while working, one of the staff members came driving down the hallway on a moped, similar to Shores’ own Officer Passchier driving through the halls. Robby’s fifth hour, was in Stats. He did his own math homework while the rest of the class took a quiz. The last hour of the day, I went to Chamber Choir, and Robby went to gym. In Chamber Choir, they discussed their past festival where they got a Division 1 rating. Topics discussed were areas to work on and improve. In gym, Robby got to play disc golf at Ross Park. The day finally ended at 3 p.m., and we were sad to leave new friends behind knowing that we won’t walk those school halls ever again. With some quick goodbyes and thank you’s, we left WMC, ending our journey as a Warrior. WMC was full of students and teachers filled with love for their school and for God. Passion and kindness was paramount, and they all have the connection of God and religion to tie them together as a family. With a small school, everyone knows everyone; WMC is a family that nourishes the minds of its students in academic and their knowledge in their religion. At the beginning of this day, Robby and I were in complete mystery of what WMC was like, but in the end, we were glad to have this experience to see into this private school and get a glimpse into their students’ lives at school.
10 May 28, 2019
profiles
ADIOS SE NORA
The Sailors’ Log
Spanish teacher heads toward the door of retirement By Gabby Lopez, Staff Writer
The saying, “When one door closes, another opens,” is true for Spanish teacher Susan Potter, who is looking forward to the open door that lies ahead of her, retirement. As her glory days of teaching are coming to an end, Potter is looking forward to the peaceful life retirement has to offer. Potter has been teaching for 35 years and of those, 33 has been at Shores. She taught the other two years in Durand and Michigan Center. “The reason why I wanted to become a teacher is mainly because of the students,” Potter said. “One of my favorite things is building relationships with them and getting to know them.” Potter has made special relationships with those who enjoy lunch in her room or sneak in to say hello during passing times. “Every experience with Señora Potter is a favorite experience,” senior Diego Stark said. “If I had to choose one, it would have to be the day she and I sat in her room during lunch and watched ‘The Baby Bachelor’ while knitting. She has taught me not to be stressed all the time and to be relaxed. I’ve learned a lot of Spanish from her these past three years.” It is those special relationships that Potter said she will miss the most as she moves onto the next part of her life. “It was difficult (to decide to retire) because (teaching) is all that I have known since I was 24,” Potter said. “It was also difficult because I get so much satisfaction from the relationships I have here, and when I retire, I’ll have to build new relationships with new people. But I also feel like I am ready to move on and experience new things.” Along with enjoying being a teacher at Shores, Potter also coached girls’ golf for seven seasons, making it one of her favorite experiences throughout the “course” of her career. “Being the girls’ golf coach was a great experience because of the relationships I built with the girls. I really got to get to know those kids outside of school,” Potter said. “Anytime I went on a field trip or took them anywhere out of school, I got to know those students so much better than in the classroom.” With making students feel as if they
Potter awarded with Pride award
Spanish teacher Susan Potter, who has been teaching for 35 years with 33 at Shores, said it is the relationships with students and colleagues that she will miss the most as she enters retirement. (Photo by Sammie Ladegast) have a mom at school, she impacts their go to the gym a couple of times a week, lives in unimaginable ways. to eat healthily, and with teaching, it’s “She’s a terrific human being who kind of hard to find the time to do those makes all people around her feel spe- things.” cial,” junior Katelyn Zaagman said. “The Potter said she is planning on staying idea of her positive light not being around around the area once she leaves Shores, next year really bums me out. When I but she and her husband are hoping to fly made her a poster for teacher apprecia- down south to Florida to escape the pestion week, I just wanted to show her how ky Michigan winters. much I’ve loved having her and what a “We will be here most of the time,” huge impact of my life she has had. I will Potter said. “My daughter is here and is without a doubt miss her next year.” getting married. I’m looking forward to Potter also has taken students on inter- maybe grandkids someday, but we will national trips to Spain and Cuba where almost always go somewhere south to get they experienced the Spanish culture first away for a couple of months.” hand. As Potter wraps up her time at Shores, “I want my students to get a passion for she wants to express her gratitude for all traveling,” Potter said, “and for them to of those who have stuck with her during see the world when I take them on inter- her 33 years here. national trips and know that there is more “I want to tell my students to wait for out there than Norton Shores.” graduation,” Potter said. “I would tell my Potter said she is excited about the new colleagues to slow down and enjoy it beexperiences and memories she will make cause you never know when the journey after she retires. is going to be over. This may sound cli“I’d really like to travel more,” Potter che, but I really do believe that it is all said. “But I am just excited to enjoy the about the journey and not about the desthings that I like. I like to bike, to walk, to tination.”
At this year’s Ride with Pride assembly, Spanish teacher Susan Potter was awarded with the fourth annual Student Leadership Pride Award. This award is given to a teacher who is a role model for students and provides a welcoming environment to learn in. The presentation, made by juniors Hayden Helmer and Ava Bentley, included the following: “We would like to recognize someone in our school community who...embodies positivity, compassion, and dedication. The person is one of the most genuinely caring and humorous teachers. This person spends every day not only successfully teaching her students academically but also creating unique, individual bonds with each and every student. This person is always open to help students with their teacher problems and Spanish Susan Potter hugs offer advice. junior Ava Bentley Everyone who knows this after receiving the individual ap- Student Leadership preciates them Pride Award. (Photo as a teacher, by Kennedy Graham) but more importantly, appreciates them for their endless support and friendship.” The award, which is chosen by Student Leadership, was a surprise to Potter, whose family was in attendance during the assembly and able to see her accept the award. “I was surprised and shocked when my name was called,” Potter said. “I’m not a crier, and I cried when I got called. I was sitting next to (French teacher Melissa) Brown, and we were saying how it couldn’t be me until they said that the person was not going to be here next year. Then, my ears perked up, and I thought ‘Oh, that could be me.’ But I was surprised overall, and it made my day.”
11 sports Freshman wins 4 events at City track meet May 28, 2019
The Sailors’ Log
By Chris Horvath, Sports Editor
She may be only a freshman, but Anabeth Hylland dominated at the City track meet, which was held May 3 at Fruitport High School. Hylland won four events, including the 100, 200, and 400, as well as the 4×100 relay with sophomores Amaria Thomas and Jordyn Starr and junior Kaylin Meyers. As a team, the girls’ track team was able to place second overall, falling short by 12 points to Reeths-Puffer. “I was nervous before we started, and I was not trying to get my hopes up because I knew I would be up against some good competition,” said Hylland, who also won the 100 and the 200 at the OK Black meet. “I was very excited. There was a lot of energy and supporting teammates, and that was one of my favorite parts. I loved cheering on other runners and getting cheers in return. My first City championship was nerve-racking but fun.” Hylland was not expecting to win as much as she did, knowing that the competition at the meet would be tough. “I was just hoping to get a personal record and to do my best, not really even expecting to win.” Hylland said. “I will say that I was a lot more confident going into the 100 and not near-
Brus
Sander
Alderman
ly as confident for the 400 because that isn’t my normal race. Not normally running the 400, I didn’t really know what to expect.” Hylland would walk into her first City meet and would be the winner of four separate races. “I was very happy and relieved after I won,” she said. “It’s very relieving knowing that the pain is over, mainly just for the 400, but also relieving that the nervousness was gone and that the hard work had paid off.” Two other individuals won City titles too. Junior Kariya White took home the championship in the shot put while junior Libby Knoll won her third straight City title in high jump. “One of my most rewarding parts of the day was sharing my win with my teammates (Amaria Thomas, Jordyn Starr, Kaylin Meyers) in the 4×100 Relay.” Hylland said, “Seeing my hard work pay off and sharing the win was fun for me because we all had to work together to win.” Being only a freshman, Hylland has three more seasons of high school track to go, as well as the rest of this current season. “Honestly, (winning four events) kind of puts a target on my back for the future so I don’t really know if that helps me or not. However, it did give me a huge boost of confidence so in that way, yes, it does help me for the rest of my high school career.”
Piesker
Tennis duos take home championships at City By Paige Judson Sports Editor
Two doubles teams captured City championships on Saturday, May 4, at Reeths-Puffer. While the team placed fourth, freshman Holli Brus and sophomore Michaela Sander (No. 3 doubles), and senior Gabby Alderman and German exchange student Lena Piesker (No. 4 doubles) took home first-place medals. Brus and Sander defeated Whitehall in the finals with scores 6-3, 6-2. “We started off really nervous, but after a few points, we started to play our game,” Brus said. “Once Michaela hit the winning shot, I was so excited.” And Sander was just as excited. “Our energy and partnership is always there, and I think that’s the reason we won,” Sander said. “It was just a great experience, and I loved that I got to experience it with Holli.” The duo of Alderman and Piesker won its title by also Please see TENNIS, page 12
Freshman Anabeth Hylland took first in four events at the City track meet. (Photo by Suriya Vanderoord)
Fantastic Finishes
Senior powers baseball team to County’s top spot By Paige Judson Sports Editor
The baseball team was powered by senior Jackson Neely en route to its second consecutive County tournament on Saturday, May 4. Neely, who was 9-for-13 over the three games, was 4-for-4 with a towering home run to left field in the 11-1 victory over Orchard View in the championship game at Marsh Field. “Jackson had an outstanding day at the plate,” coach Brandon Bard said. “Hitting a baseball is such a difficult thing to do, but there are definitely certain days over a player’s career where you just seem to be in a groove.” Neely agreed with his coach that he was just having a great day and that he was a big part of the team defeating Whitehall (13-3) and Reeths-Puffer (10-0) before beating the Cardinals. “It felt pretty good to win because winning big Please see BASEBALL, page 12
Junior follows in dad’s footsteps en route to title By Chris Horvath Sports Editor
Junior Nathan Taylor continued a family tradition when he won the individual City golf championship May 3 at Stonegate Golf Course. Taylor’s father Tim won the same event when he went to Shores. “It feels good that I’m doing the same thing he used to do,” said Nathan Taylor, who shot a 71, which was one stroke ahead of teammate, Logan Armstrong, a senior “(My father) had a lot of accomplishments while he played golf here, and it’s pretty sweet for me to be able to follow after him.” Taylor Additionally, Nathan Taylor helped lead the Sailors to the team title. Shores finished with a 296, easily beating second-place Reeths-Puffer, which shot 326. In addition to nathan Taylor and Armstrong other great performances at the City Tournament were senior David Ackley (75, fifth overall), sophomore Andrew Taylor (76, seventh overall) and freshman Chase Knowlton (78, ninth overall). “I knew going into city’s it would take a lown round to win and become a medalist.” Nathan Taylor said, “The competition was strong and we were able to take it home.” Please see GOLF, page 12
12
sports A 435-Mile Long Journey
The Sailors’ Log
May 28, 2019
Former Shores quarterback signs to play pro By Robby Swanker Page Editor While former Sailor quarterback Tyree Jackson, class of 2014, was not drafted into the NFL, his high school coaches still expect big things from Jackson, who signed a free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills on April 27. “Truthfully, we knew he was going to be special,” said Aaron James, his former high school quarterback coach. “Not NFL special when we first got him, but he could throw like a grown man as a kid. He was only 13, he could throw, and he was very knowledgeable to be so young, so we knew he was going to be special. We didn’t know NFL, Division I type at that moment, but we knew at some point, with his maturation and growth process that he would be a special talent at some point.” Jackson was projected to be drafted into the NFL in the middle rounds of the draft, but then seven rounds went by, 254 selections, and Jackson’s name wasn’t called. None of the 32 teams wanted to take the chance on the 6-foot-7 quarterback out of the University of Buffalo. All Jackson did for the Bulls was complete 55 percent of his passes (533-for-955). He finished his college career with 6,999 passing yards, with 7.3 yards per attempt average. He also piled on 49 touchdowns with a 2:1 ratio of touchdowns to interceptions. “I think he was a little under-recruited,” Koziak said. “His offers all came in late. He was happy with and wanted to go to Buffalo and stuck with it.” Prior to the NFL draft, Jackson had an impressive performance at the Reese’s Senior Bowl for the South. He finished the game 13-for-21 for 165 yards and two touchdowns in the game. He also had more completions and passing yards than any other quarterback in the game. At the end of the game, he was named the South’s Most Valuable Player.
TENNIS Continued from page 11 defeating Whitehall 6-1, 6-1. “It was just unbelievable,” Piesker said. “I didn’t realize it at first, but it was just really nice to be able to win City here as an exchange student.” Alderman was just as excited to
GOLF
Continued from page 11 During Nathan Taylor’s round, he knew he had to remain focused during the final round in order to win. “I was making a lot of pars, and that’s always good; then, I made three birdies and two bogeys to
Tyree Jackson was signed by the Buffalo Bills on April 27 after playing at Shores during his high school career and the University of Buffalo for college. Many thought this performance would get him drafted, but it didn’t. So now, Jackson will take his chances to compete for the starting QB spot against Josh Allen and Matt Barkley. For the former four-year starter at Shores, that pressure will be nothing new. At Shores, he started for the varsity as a 13-year-old
see Piesker win as it was to win for herself. It was a goal that Alderman has had for a long time, and she finally accomplished it. “I just felt a sudden burst of excitement because I wanted Lena to be able to take home a medal and partly because winning City has been my goal since freshman year,” Alderman said. shoot a 71.” Nathan Taylor said. “I was very excited because it was my low round this year, and I think it was great to get the City trophy back on Mona Shores ground because last year we lost City. It feels good that I’m doing the same thing he used to do.” Nathan said, “He had a lot of accomplishments while he played golf here and it’s pretty sweet for me to be able to follow after him.”
freshman. While the Sailors only won one game that year, it was the start of something great. “He was actually really smart as a kid,” James said. “He was just a regular 13-year-old kid, happy-go-lucky, and the older he got, he still kept that same humor, humbleness and level-headedness. He never got too big or thought he was better than everybody.” During his sophomore year, Shores went 4-5. And then, his junior year led the Sailors to a 7-3 season and their first ever playoff game. But his senior year was the year everyone remembers. He led Shores to an 8-1 regular season record, an OK Black Conference championship and to the Sailors first ever State Championship game. He was also a Top 10 finalist for the Michigan Player of the Year Award. In 2014, he completed 119-of-192 passes for 2,023 yards and 22 TDs, and he also ran for 810 yards on 128 carries for 14 TDs. “Any time you get a chance to work with a quarterback for four years, you truly get to see them grow each year,” Koziak said. “That third and fourth year he really turned into another coach on the field. He was so smart, and he knew our entire offense. Once he hit his senior year, it was like a man playing against kids.” On August 2, 2014, Jackson committed to the University of Buffalo to play as a quarterback. He was red-shirted as a freshman, but through his red-shirt freshman through junior years at Buffalo, he was nothing but impressive. Although Jackson has signed with the Bills, he still has to fight his way for a spot on the main roster. To help with this, he has been working on technique with former NFL quarterback Carson Palmer. “Buffalo was the team that offered him early and stuck it out with him, and even after the coaching change they had re-recruited him,” said Koziak. “It wound up being the best thing that happened to him.”
BASEBALL Continued from page 11 tournaments is always such a nice feeling,” Neely said. “I was really feeling it that day and that definitely contributed to the win.” But it wasn’t just Neely. Bard said he was really proud of all of the boys, and that he is excited to have accomplished one of his goals for the season. “We set out with three goals this season, and winning the county championship was the first of those three goals - the others being conference and districts,” Bard said. “Our guys played well all day, and I’m very pleased with our efforts.” Senior pitcher Conner Vallie was also excited about the big win and was a major contributor to the win in the final game, striking out seven and allowing only one hit. Senior Jackson Neely helped lead “We just did everything we had to do, we were hitting the baseball team to the County ti- the ball, and we were playing great defensively,” Vallie tle with a 4-for-4 performance in said. the title game.