May 29, 2018

the

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Sailors’ Volume 56 • Edition 7 Mona Shores High School 1121 Seminole Road, Norton Shores, Michigan 49442

It all adds up

Ridin’ with

PRIDE The 6th annual Ride with Pride assembly saw one student take home a convertible and many others take home smaller prizes. Here, psychology teacher Heather Hall arrives on the moped, which was won by freshman Brendan Moore.

– page 4

Math teacher Kristia Whitaker chosen as Educator of the Year – page 9

editorial

2

Crystal Healing

G

Adviser Warren Kent III Editor-in-Chief Mal Meston Page 2 Editor Timothy Schneider Page 3 Editor Morgan Cathey Page 4 Editor Caitlin McCombs

kind of hippie bull crap is this?” but please, don’t knock it till you try it.

Or at least until you’ve read about it.

Crystal healing is an alternative medicine in which stones or “crystals” are used to heal your body and positively affect your energy.

This is considered by most doctors and scientist pseudoscience as there is no scientific evidence behind it.

However, I ask you, if a doctor gives you a placebo pill to get rid of your headache and after taking it your headache goes away, does the fact that the pill was merely sugar discredit the effects?

Either way, crystal healing is a continuously growing practice amongst Western culture and its reported benefits are incredible.

It works by placing a crystal on or near a troubled chakra (energy points throughout the body) and meditating.

Page 5 Editor Jaylene Davis Page 6-7 Editors Kali Jend Sammie Ladegast Page 8 Editor Chris Horvath Page 9 Editor Marisa VanderMolen

Page 10 Editor Madeline Eckerman Page 11 Editor Gabby Lopez Page 12 Editor Page Judson Photo Editor Kate Roosien

The crystal’s positive energy balances the negative energy residing in your affected chakra.

According to ancient hindu culture, the body has thousands of chakras, but the seven fundamental ones go up in a line starting at your tailbone.

These are in order, root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown chakra.

In my experience, I have meditated with crystals at each of these chakra point and noticed a greater sense of well being and feeling of connection with the earth.

Along with less fatigue and highly vivid dreams. I often carry crystals in my pocket to ward off bad energy or to help me focus in class.

Crystals have positively changed my life and continue to help me connect with the earth and learn more about myself everyday.

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.)

from the editor

Editor-in-chief bids farewell

Rocks can be used to improve life

et to class on time, don’t be late for practice, don’t forget to do your homework, get good grades, have an active social life, don’t forget to write your article for newspaper.

These are a some daily mantras the average teen lives by throughout high school, and they are all stress inducing.

And don’t worry, it only gets worse with age.

Get a job, make dinner, pay your bills, the list goes Column by Timothy on.

Schneider, In our fast-paced world, it can be difficult to focus page editor on yourself and find a healthy way to relieve stress.

A growing and age old way to reduce stress is crystal healing.

You may be asking yourself, “What

The Sailors’ Log

Being in newspaper the past three years has not only shaped me into a better journalist but also into a better person as well.

Going to room 501 everyday for fifth hour was truly the highlight to my day, everyday. We didn’t have deadlines everyday, so when we didn’t (adviser Warren) Kent allowed us to play Mal games and throw small Meston, parties in celebration of editoran upcoming edition. in-chief Mr. Kent allows us to be our own person, and I admire that about him.

I am going to miss all of the strong friendships I have made throughout these three years on staff. I would have never met or gotten to know more than half the people in my class, so I’m so grateful for the friendships I have acquired.

For those of you who are in newspaper, don’t take it for granted because it truly goes by way quicker than you imagined.

Being granted the position of editor-in-chief this year was honestly one of my greatest achievements, and I am proud of the staff and all we have accomplished this year. We were able to take home our 21st straight Spartan Award. The staff and I would have never been able to win this without the Mr. Kent.

I would like to say thank you to the staff and Mr. Kent for helping to mold me into the person I am today. Because without each of you, I wouldn’t be the same person I am today.

I am excited to start a new chapter in my life as I am headed to Northern Michigan University in the fall; however, I will forever cherish the endless laughter and fun we had in room 501.

• 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 Orshal Road Productions, LLC 3692 Orshal Road Whitehall, MI 49461

editorial

The Sailors’ Log

3

Rightinig the Wrongs Rap star fights injustice in the justice system

I

n America, there have been many dark periods. The invasion of the Native Americans lands, the enslavement of black people, the mistreatment of immigrants.

Many people would like to believe these periods of darkness are behind them. This is not the case.

One of the current Column by dark periods involves Morgan the unjust corruption of Cathey, America’s criminal juseditorial tice system. editor Black people are incarcerated at more than five times the rate of white people.

Nationwide, black people and white people use drugs at similar rates, but the imprisonment rate of black people for drug charges is almost six times that of white people.

Black probationers are revoked at higher rates than white probationers in all studies. All of this is courtesy of the NAACP official website.

These problems are a clear sign that change is needed. The current criminal justice system in America is in need of a large reform, and the reform needs someone to take charge and lead it.

Today, it takes a celebrity to call the

people to arms for citizens to really take notice.

The celebrity that the criminal justice reform movement needs has begun advocating for change, and that celebrity is rapper Meek Mill.

Mill has had personal experience with the (in)justice system and how it entraps people within it. Mill, now 31, was arrested and sentenced to 11 to 23 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm when he was 18 years old. He was then put on probation.

“My favorite thing from this school year was going caroling in the hallways with Singers. I loved it because it was fun and everyone had a good time and that was a great senior year experience.” – Olivia Watson, senior “My favorite thing from this school year was being inducted into National Honors Society because I worked really hard to get in and I'm excited for it to show up on my college applications.” – Mia Lee, junior “My favorite part of this school year was joining choir because I met lots of new people and it was a great experience.” – Brooklyn Anderson, sophomore

“My favorite memory was allegros because that's a time where I got to meet everyone and I got to interact with people that I really like and it felt like a family.” – Audrey White, freshman

Due to failure to report travel plans, fighting with two pedestrians, and popping a wheelie on a side street, Mill has been arrested for violating his parole four times over the past 10 years.

It is true that these are crimes that would deserve some repercussions, but he has been on parole for a crime that was meant to have MIll placed on probation for 5 years but instead had him on parole for 10.

Mill is ready to advocate for change in the justice system. Mill has started to

What was your favorite thing that happened this school year?

Q

the big

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

talk on social media platforms as well as in major interviews with stations such as NBC and TIDAL. "God has given me a great platform to be able to help others,” Mill said regarding his advocacy for reform in his interview with Lester Holt on NBC. Mill has gained the help of the legislators of his home state of Pennsylvania to work toward legislation to begin the criminal justice system reform.

Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania has given speeches supporting Mill’s hopes for reform.

“I believe we can improve the criminal justice system so that we can protect the victims of crime,” Wolf said, “but we can do that while also ending the cycle of incarceration.”

Nearly 10 years after his conviction, Mill said he still feels as if his freedom could be taken from him at any time.

With the support of many other powerful figures such as Jay-Z, Kevin Hart, and Michael Rubin, Mill has begun his path toward reform.

Mill’s interviews and advocacy are large steps in the right direction. The reform the current criminal justice system needs is beginning, and Mill has taken up the lead for the change.

This is the change that America needs to counteract its current dark period.

“My favorite part of senior year was all the time I spent hanging out with friends and just making really dumb jokes because those are memories I'll have.” – Ethan Scissons, senior

“My favorite thing of this school year was the sailor salute because it was cool and its great to see military officers.” –Dylan Vandermolen, junior

“My favorite thing that happened this school year was passing AP government because there was a lot of information and it was stressful and I still passed." – Elijah Bowne, sophomore “My favorite memory from this school year was being apart of the allegros musical, Young Frankenstein, because we're a family and it was a lot of fun preforming together." Jacob Trygstad, freshman

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news

The Sailors’ Log

T hird Time’s a Charm

Junior, freshman win car, moped, respectively

By Caitlin McCombs Profiles Editor They say the “third time’s the charm.”

For both freshman, Brendan Moore and junior, Grace Hilleary, three was definitely the charmed number at the sixth annual Ride with Pride assembly, which was held May 11 in the Sailor Center.

While Moore and Hilleary were one of 10 finalists for a moped and a car, respectively, both of them were seated in the third chair, and when both of them used their selected key, both came aways winners.

Moore’s key made him a winner of a moped donated by Brock Carlston from Nexes Realty “I was happy, and I was surprised with a feel of joy,” Moore said.

Hilleary’s key also made her a winner of a Mustang convertible, donated by Ramos Auto Body.

“I was excited because I thought it was a very cool car, and I did not believe that I was going to win it,” she said.

The Ride with Pride assembly recognizes students and faculty for a successful 2017-18 school year.

In addition to the moped and a car, many other prizes were handed out, including Bluetooth speakers, iPad mini 4, and two kayaks.

Sophomore Alexa Musk took home a free membership at Muskegon Yoga.

“I felt great receiving the three-month membership because I want to learn yoga and become flexible,” she said.

Students were able to win a prize through the PRIDE passes they received

Summer School Information

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.

Complimentary breakfast is available for all students (7 a.m.-7:30 a.m.) in the cafeteria.

Session 1: (Days Vary) Week 1: June 19-22 (Tue-Fri) Note: Opening Day 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Week 2: June 25-29 (Mon-Fri) Week 3: July 2 & 3 (Mon & Tue) Times: 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Session 1 is 11 days Traditional Classes Offered* Speech Intro to Fitness

At the sixth annual Ride with Pride assembly, junior Grace Hilleary won a Mustang convertible. Hilleary was one of many students who won a prize at the May 11 event, which was held in the Sailor Center. during the school year. and the car.

One can receive a PRIDE pass by In addition to Hilleary, junior Brenmodeling the parts of P.R.I.D.E., which dan Sullivan, junior Kelli Peterson, seare personal responsibility, respectful, nior Elizabeth Zuidema, junior Curtis integrity, discipline, and engagement.

Munson, senior Caleb Diller, sophoAt the end of the year, everyone turns more Bailey Dew, senior Samuel Thomin their PRIDE passes and then names as, senior Jacob Rosel, and junior Alexis are drawn for the prizes donated by Bartlett were in the running for the car. sponsors. However, the biggest prizes In addition to Moore, sophomore that everyone looks forward to are the Myles Williams, sophomore Camara car and the moped.

Smith, freshman Greg Chancellor, One can get this by following and freshman Spencer Ries, sophomore signing the Ride with Pride contract in Danielle Eggleton, sophomore Ashley the beginning of the year. Then, out of Kuczmera, sophomore Gabby Lopez, all those students 10 students are chosen freshman Levi Carver, and junior Kevyn to be in the drawing for both the moped Aguilera could have won the moped.

Session 2: (Mon.-Thur.)

Week 1: July 9-12 Week 2: July 16-19 Week 3: July 23-26 Time: 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Session 2 is 12 days Traditional Classes Offered* Speech * Traditional Classes are based on enrollment Cost: $110 per session Note: Early payment discount of $10 per class if paid by June 1 Visit the Shores Counseling Website for further information and registration forms or check with your counselor.

School newspaper best in state for 21st time

By Emmalee Dykstra Page Editor It may have come later than usual, but the school newspaper was notified of its 21st straight Spartan Award via email on May 1.

Due to a mailing problem at the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association, The Sailors’ Log knew it would not be recognized at the annual pring award ceremonuy on April 23 in Lansing.

“Having to wait to know

if we were one of the best in state was a little nerve-wracking,” adviser Warren Kent III said. “The success is a byproduct of the students who take newspaper and the system that we have in place.

Whenever a student enters the staff of The Sailors’ Log, they understand the pride, passion and tradition of the publication. Now, no staff wants to be the staff that doesn’t win the Spartan Award.”

At the annual confer-

ence, the newspaper and yearbook staffs did win 48 individual awards, including a first-place by junior Isaac Varela for sports action photo..

“It feels amazing to get a first place,” Varela said.

“I wasn’t expecting my photo to win. When you’re up against everyone in the state, it doesn’t feel like you have a chance. I was just really surprised.”

Kent said this staff deserved everything it got.

“This year’s staff was

a fun staff. They worked well together,” Kent said.

“We are constantly trying ways to make the publication better, and this staff lived up to any expectations I may have had for them.”

While Kent was quick to praise the staff, the members of the staff wanted to praise him.

“None of this would ever happen without Mr. Kent,” editor-in-chief Mal Meston said. He’s the greatest and wisest advisor.”

Junior Isaac Varela won first place for sports action photo at the MIPA spring conference.

news

The Sailors’ Log

5

It All Adds Up

Math teacher selected as Educator of Year

By Jaylene Davis Page Editor

For math teacher Kristia Whitaker, the subject she teaches is secondary to her love of building relationships with her students.

“I absolutely love building relationships with each of my students,” she said.

“Talking with them, learning their stories and understanding what makes them who they are is so important to me. My hope when students leave my classroom is that they have grown mathematically, but more importantly, they know how much I truly care for each and every one of them.

I try to always remember the quote, ‘Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.’”

One student, junior Bella Baker, definitely knew how much Whitaker cares about her students as Baker’s letter was the reason why Whitaker is the 2018 Educator of the Year, given yearly by The Sailors’ Log. “Mrs. Whitaker is not only able to teach exceptionally well, she acts a remarkable woman who many look up to,” Baker said.

Previous winners were science teacher Chard Martin (2017), English teacher Roxanne Schaner (2016) and social stud-

Math teacher Kristia Whitaker said teaching is more than knowing a topic; she said she loves building relationships with students, like senior Tyrese Allen. ies teacher Steve Morrell (2015). an impact on my students and they conWhitaker was notified by the newspa- sidered me for this award.” per staff May 5.

Her attitude and teaching style may “I was incredibly shocked, but at the have won her the award, but she says the same time so honored,” Whitaker said. inspiration for her work comes from her “We have so many amazing teachers in students. this building, so to be chosen for this “My students inspire me with their award really means so much. It is an in- ability to try new things before they know credible feeling to know that I have had whether they’ll succeed,” Whitaker said.

“Their willingness to learn new skills and participate in new activities motivates me to do the same. I’m also inspired by my students who have a deep desire to help others. We have so many students who have come from different backgrounds and seeing students reach out and help one another touches my heart. So many students have been able to rise above different challenges and show up to school, work hard, learn new things and pursue their dreams, and it’s truly amazing.”

As it is rewarding to have her as a teacher, the most rewarding part, Whitaker said, is the strong relationships she can build.

“The most rewarding part of teaching is the relationships I build with my students,” Whitaker said. “These relationships truly make me a better teacher and person. Everyday, I know there will be multiple students who will make me smile and laugh. What is better than that?

The other part that is rewarding is that everyday is a new day, something a little different. You may be teaching a lesson you have taught before, but it is to a new group of students, and those students may need you to teach it a little bit different than you did before, so it challenges you to be creative and find what works for them.”

Junior praises teacher’s ability to connect with students The most intelligent person who is able to teach complex topics should be the Educator of the Year, right? Wrong.

Being an educator is much more than knowing a subject and spitting the information out at the students.

It is someone who is able to accommodate students by adjusting their teaching style, setup, and schedule to fit with their students needs.

Also, being an educator is not just about teaching a subject. Being an educator is being a role model to students and making students from all paths of life feel welcome and accepted.

Therefore, the Educator of the Year award should be granted to the educator who outstandingly represents these significant qualities of an educator. This year, I was gifted with a remarkable woman, (math teacher Kristia) Whitaker, who exceeded my expectations of a teacher.

Mrs. Whitaker has been one of the best teachers in all of my educational experience.

Math can be tricky for me at times. For the past few years, my math teachers overcomplicated many of the topics and, in the end, just confused me.

However, this year I was blessed to have Mrs. Whitaker for both Precalculus A and B. She has a flexible

Letter by Bella Baker, junior style of teaching, which means she will pay attention to what students need and adjust the schedule accordingly. Not to mention, she is organized, which makes note-taking simple.

Also, she is exceptionally good at breaking topics down and making everything easy to understand. Being the accommodating woman that she is, she is happy to answer everyone’s questions until all students are clear and on the same page. She even keeps to a mostly consistent schedule on the average day: warm-ups, notes, and homework time.

Also, before assessments, she would always make sure to answer any last questions students had to make sure they were as prepared as possible. These consistent day-to-day layouts reduced stress in the classroom as students were not anxiously waiting to see what we would to next.

Going along with that, she made sure to spread the notes out so that we would only do notes for a short amount of time each day because the longer students have to sit and take notes, the more they lose focus and will therefore learn less of the content.

Generously and thoughtfully, she would provide sufficient homework time in which students would often finish all their work in class because she is one of the few teachers who realizes that other teachers assign massive amounts of homework, and she is kind enough to help reduce our stress in that way.

Mrs. Whitaker, however, is not only able to teach exceptionally well, she acts a remarkable woman who many look up to.

She makes the classroom environment a light-hearted and fun loving place to be. While many teachers will get easily frustrated by noisy, uncooperative students and ultimately yell at the students, which can easily make things worse, Mrs. Whitaker is an easy-going and genuine person and teacher.

So on the occasion that students in her class are acting out, she will kindly ask them to please stop, and in return, at least as much as I have witnessed, the students will behave out of respect for Mrs. Whitaker.

As for myself, I have had trouble connecting and being comfortable with many of my past teachers and even feeling intimidated to ask a simple question.

However, Mrs. Whitaker has a way of making everyone feel comfortable and safe through simple Please see LETTER, page 9

center

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The Sailors’ Log

Shores students enjoy unique movie-wa Sammie Ladegast Page Editor In the early 1950s, the Getty Drive-In, now owned by Celebration Cinema, opened as a single-screen outdoor theater; today, it stands as one of only 330 operating drive-in theaters in the United States.

This unique and antique experience at the Getty Drive-In, 920 E Summit Ave., is one of the reasons junior Julia Uganski enjoyed her first experience there so much.

“My favorite part about going to the drive-in is that I get to have the opportunity to experience a form of entertainment that earlier generations also experienced,” said Uganski, who went to the drive-in on May 5 to see Avengers: Infinity War. The Getty Drive-In Theater is open everyday begin-

ning at 8 p.m., with movies starting at dusk, which is typically around 9:30 p.m., and tickets cost $10.50.

Even though this was the only time she had ever vetured to the outdoor theater, that didn’t stop Uganski from claiming to have had a better time than if she were at a regular movie theater.

“I honestly liked going to the drive-in more than going to a movie theater,” Uganski said. “It felt like more of an event since I wasn’t just sitting in a chair in a quiet room. I also liked how it felt like I was actually able to hang out with my friends since were were able to talk during the movie.”

However fun the drive-in may be, downsides are still present when attending this unique outdoor theater.

“One of the main things that annoyed me when I was there was how there would sometimes be honking cars, screaming children, and the occasional turning on of

car headlights, which disrupted t said.

No matter who it is, however, fortune of attending our local trea good time, even senior Trenton Vr Whether it be bringing a matt pick-up truck or simply remaining a minivan, the fact that one’s own Getty Drive-In Theater is Vredev attending.

“I like how I am able to stay i own car because I can get as comf I don’t have to worry about peop like in a movie theater,” Vredeveld Though he has attended the d times than Uganski has, they both it to traditional movie theaters.

The Sailors’ Log

center Other Theaters Nearby Cinema Carousel Address 4289 Grand Haven Road Prices D-BOX: $20, Standard: $11.50, Matinee: $9, 3D Movies: $14.25, Tuesday Special Night: $6 Amenities A restaurant, Oscar’s Bistro; frozen Yogurt shop, Elsa’s “I like the Cinema Carousel because they have a lot of movies, so there are many choices of what to watch.” – Jacob Gravlin, freshman Plaza 1 & 2 Address 3450 Henry St. Prices Adult $4.50 Amenities Cheap ticket prices, last chance to see a movie in theater before DVD release “My favorite theater in town is the Plaza because there are less people in the theater, so you don’t have to worry about your movie being disrupted.” – Zach Davis, senior Harbor Cinema Address 1937 Lakeshore Dr. Prices Student: $7.75 Adult: $9.25 Amenities Single-screen theater showing independent & limited-release films

atching experience

the movie,” Uganski

anyone who has the asure seems to have a redeveld. tress in the bed of a g in the front seats of n car is the seat at the veld’s favorite part of

in the comfort of my fortable as I want, and ple sitting next to me d said. drive-in many more agree that they prefer

7

“The drive-in is a better place for going on a date because it is more personalized,” Vredeveld said. “Since I am in my own car, at least a small distance away from other cars, we are able to talk to each other, unlike when sitting in a room with a bunch of other people.”

Nothing is 100 percent perfect, so, again, there are a few aspects of this kind of theater that can be considered drawbacks, too.

“The only real problems I encounter with at the drive-ins is, first, the expensive price I have to pay,” Vredeveld said, “and how I am vulnerable to bugs in the summertime when the back of the car is wide open while watching the movie.”

But these are small prices to pay when one lives in one of only nine cities in Michigan that are lucky enough to still have a standing, operational drive-in theater.

“I like being able to see movies that might not be shown at other theaters; plus, their concessions are cheap.” – Krista Kroll, sophomore Information to the right compiled by Kali Jend

Grand Haven 9 Address 17220 Hayes St., Grand Haven Prices Adult: $8.50, Student (with valid ID): $7 Amenities New movies at cheaper price “I enjoy going to the Grand Haven 9 to be able to see new movies at a cheaper price and because they have really good concessions there.” – Julia Lee, junior

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feature

1 Victory Royale! # Fortnite fever catches on at Shores

By Chris Horvath Page Editor Like many students, sophomore Jared West has a fever. Fortnite fever.

Right now, that on-line game is taking the world by storm.

One can hardly navigate the halls of Shores without hearing the word, “Fortnite,” the person vs. person online game that more than 34 million players worldwide are playing.

In an April Cosmopolitan article, it revealed that Fortnite Battle Royale was played by 3.4 million people at the exact time during one February weekend. That was a record in the gaming world.

Of those 3.4 million people are many from Shores, including sophomore Jared West, who started playing the game last October, about a month after it was released.

“I play just about everyday,” West said. “It has become a part of my daily routine, so I normally always find time either after school or at night to play.”

Fortnite, which is free to download, came out July 25 of last year, but the portion of the game that a majority of the players play, the one seen all over social media, Battle Royale, came out in September of last year. It became a powerhouse almost as soon as it was released.

Many players like West, have turned the game into a necessary part of their daily routine.

“I love being able to play with friends,” West said. “That’s a huge part of why so many people love it. Also, the rush of

Sophomore Jared West is one of the many students world-wide who enjoy the on-line game Fortnite. adrenaline you get as you get closer and closer to the end and a chance at winning. When you get to final three, it gets crazy. The game being free is also a huge factor. On top of all that, it’s just a fun game no one has seen before.”

In the game, three different modes are playable: solo, duo, and squad. Occasionally, the game adds in special modes, such as 50 v 50, which is two teams of 50 players using explosive weapons, like grenades and rocket launchers.

“Duos is probably my favorite of the normal modes.” West said, “It’s easier to play than a four-person squad. I don’t really care too much for solo; it just feels weird because I’m normally used to playing with my friends. Of the special modes, 50 v 50 is my favorite. There’s a lot of action and a lot of kills.”

Also within the game are many different skins, which means the way a character looks/dresses.

The game starts with a base skin, noth-

ing special, just the character most people see.

Other skins can be achieved through something called the battle pass.

Individuals can also buy them through the in-game store of Fortnite.

People pay for the battle pass and with it comes challenges to get achievements for then obtaining new aspects of the game.

“I think it’s a great deal,”West said.

“You can get four-five skins and different equipment in the game like gilders, dances, and pickaxes in little time. Plus, it’s only $10. The reaper, also called John Wick, I think, is the best skin. I like the darkness of it, and it’s just different than the normal skins that have come out, which I like.”

Typically, you’ll see more male players in the “gaming world” as opposed to female players.

However, that doesn’t mean that female players don’t exist. Shores’ own Rachel Farrell is one of these female players.

“In my opinion, it’s great that it can be a game with both boys and girls playing it.” Farrell said. “A lot of my friends play it, so I really enjoy playing with them.”

Women are becoming a much larger part of the gaming world and have been put more in the spotlight like their male counterparts have always been.

“I think it’s great how many girls play video games now and prove that it’s not just for guys,” Farrell said, “We aren’t put into groups and we can engage in other interests from different sexes.”

The Sailors’ Log

Parent Perspectives

Two Shores teachers, who have children who play Fortnite share their feelings about the game.

Kevin Terpstra, math “I don’t mind my kids playing. It’s important to them. We always make sure they have their school work, chores, etc., done before they play. It’s really become a big part of their daily routine. Their playing time is limited, and I think if it wasn’t, the game could really consume their lives.”

Jennifer Fett, science “My son plays.

I don’t mind him playing.

I will give credit to the creators of the game.

Being a science teacher, the way they’ve been able to create a game that sucks people in so much, brain-wise, and has kept the game going, I think they’re geniuses.”

‘Gamer’ enjoys game because of connection to friends

I

never really was a “gamer.” I owned an Xbox 360 from 2012 until last year when I finally sold it. I just kind of played, and I enjoyed it, but I never really made it one of my top priorities of my daily routine.

That all changed in January of this year. I bought a PlayStation 4, and with Column by that, I downloaded Fortnite.

Chris I had previously played the game at Horvath, friends’ houses and liked it a lot. It was page editor unlike any other game I had played.

To me, it was like a mix of MineCraft and The Hunger Games with guns added into it.

Fortnite is THE game right now. Ask almost any student in the hallway at Shores what is the most popular video game right now, and almost all of them will say Fortnite. It has revolutionized the gaming world.

The vast majority of my friends play. Most people who play, much like me, enjoy playing with their friends, and that is one of the most significant reasons why the game is such a powerhouse.

While some people believe this may sound dumb, it’s a good way to bond with friends.

I started playing with people whom I didn’t have much of a friendship/relationship with, but I started a friendship with them because of the simple fact that Fortnite is great for bonding with people.

Another reason Fortnite has become such a popular game is because of the cost; it’s free. I am a firm believer in the notion that everything in this world revolves around money, so the game being free has to be a factor in why people first started playing it.

If the company who owns Fortnite, Epic Games, starts making people pay, it would not surprise me if the popularity and the revolution starts to die.

All in all, the game will be around for a long time. I don’t see a disappearance anytime soon unless a price was to be added on it. It is the best game I’ve ever played. To me, it even trumps Grand Theft Auto V. I guess after these last few months playing it, you could say I’ve become a “gamer.”

The Sailors’ Log

feature

Summer jobs: you just have to know where to look

By Marisa VanderMolen Page Editor With Lake Michigan to the west and the downtown areas surrounding Norton Shores, it is no surprise that West Michigan is a popular summer vacation area.

So what do local teens during the summer season do to fill time? They work – and spend time doing the things that the town has to offer.

Maranatha, the Muskegon Country Club, and the abundance of ice cream shops provide jobs to a multitude of Shores students.

Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference, 4759 Lake Harbor Dr., is a Christian center right on Lake Michigan that offers an abundance of jobs to Shores students.

The pool, snack shops, recreation center, day care center, and dining services give leeway to job choices.

“I chose to apply at Maranatha because I am Christian, and it is a great local workplace for teens to get a first job,” senior Adele Cory said. “It’s a fun place, and you can meet a lot of new friends.”

“I’m excited to work at The Deck (1601 Beach St.) because I think it will be a good summer job, and there are lots of great people working there.

And the location is awesome.”

– Suriya Vanderoord, sophomore

The Muskegon Country Club, 2801 Lakeshore Dr., also offers plenty of jobs to students with their pool, snack shop, and dining services. Located in Lakeside, there’s plenty to do around the country club as well.

“I really like working at the Country Club,” senior Caleb Diller said. “It is hard work, but getting to interact with the customers and my co-workers makes it worth it.”

Being a beach town, summer culture is important in Muskegon.

One of the main components of summer is ice cream; so naturally, there are too many ice cream shops to choose from in Muskegon. More ice cream shops equals more young workers and job opportunities.

“Everyone who works there (Hannah Banana’s, 2312 W. Sherman Blvd.) is super nice, and the boss is really flexible with scheduling, which is really helpful,” sophomore Sarah Roman said, “ and if I mess up an order, I can just eat it.”

Jobs for teens around here are not difficult to find - they just have to keep in mind what’s needed for the season.

“I’m excited to work at Maranatha (4795 Lake Harbor Rd.) because I get to work with (2016 graduate) Nolan Kladder at the climbing tower all day.”

– Miller VanderMolen, junior

9 LETTER continued from page 5 things such as giving everyone a smile as they walk in, a friendly hello, a short and sweet conversation, or even a deep, connecting conversation.

There have been many times when I feel that I can’t tell anyone anything, but I need to get it off my chest. When these times came, I would always look forward to Mrs. Whitaker’s class as I felt that I could tell her anything I needed too without judgment and she would be supportive and even offer thoughtful advice.

Even if it was just a bad day and I did not have anything specific to tell her, I could always look forward to a fun conversation, or storytelling time, to have a good laugh.

My experience with this amazing lady was deeper than a typical student and teacher; she was nearly a motherly figure in my life that was much needed at times.

In short, not a day went by in that class where I did not feel comfortable or safe because of the environment she created.

Mrs. Whitaker has strikingly represented a “dream” educator. From making sure students were able to understand all content taught to making everyone feel welcome and important.

She will always have a special place in my heart and will be one I could never in a million years forget.

Unfortunately, this essay will never do this wonderful woman justice, and I hope that many had and will have a similar incredible experience that I had.

If more teachers were as flexible and welcoming, school might not feel like such a misery, but instead students might be less stressed and therefore excited to learn.

If this essay is not good enough to award Mrs. Whitaker with Educator of the Year, I hope someone else can write an essay to do such a marvelous woman justice and prove she deserves the award.

profiles Two Bid Adieu

10

The Sailors’ Log

Long-time parapro Pam Schelhas and band director Matthew Sedatole will be leaving Shores at the end of the school year. Schelhas, a 1979 Shores graduate who has worked in the Shores School District since 1991, is going to use her free time to catch up with family. Sedatole, who has been at Shores for two years, is returning to school in hopes of gaining a future position at the college level.

Parapro moves on to spend more time with family

By Madeline Eckerman Page Editor Since 1991, Pam Schelhas has been making a difference in students’ lives in the Shores School District.

Schelhas, a high school parapro, has worked all over the district, including Churchill and Lincoln Park elementaries, the middle school, the Administration Building, and the high school.

She said she originally became interested in teaching when she started working in the office at Churchill, and she saw the role that parapros have in teaching students. “(At Churchill,) I learned what parapros did, and I thought that would be something I would love doing with students,” Schelhas said.

Schelhas, who will be retiring at the end of this school year, was not a newcomer to Shores when she started teaching as she graduated from Shores in 1979.

Out of the many perks of mak-

As a graduate of Shores, Pam Schelhas (right) returned to the district in 1991. At the end of this year, she will be retiring as a parapro. (Madeline Eckerman) ing a difference in a student’s life, ing the relationships that she Schelhas said her favorite part is makes with the staff and students. reaching accomplishments or Teachers often get the privilege successes with students. to watch students develop and “The best is when a student fi- change from the beginning to the nally ‘gets’ it,” she said. “Know- end of high school. ing that I was able to help them “I will really miss watching feel successful, even on the the students grow from freshman smallest assignments.” to seniors,” she said. “I will also Schelhas said she will be leav- miss all the coworkers I have ing some things behind that she gotten to know teaching here. will miss about teaching, includ- We have the best staff here at the

high school.”

One thing, however, that Schelhas said she will not miss are all the early mornings. Next year, she said she will be taking advantage of not having early school morning to enjoy her time sleeping in.

Schelhas said she will also be using her time off to spent some more time with her family, including her granddaughter, her parents, and her daughter.

“Retiring will give me more time to visit my daughter,” she said, “She lives in San Francisco, and I am happy to more opportunities to spend more time with her.”

Schelhas said she has made countless memories from each building that she’s worked at during her time teaching at Shores, but there’s one memory that stands out.

“I have a group of students that graduated several years ago that still call me,” she said.

“We will get together and catch up. Watching them mature into adults is an amazing memory.”

Band director steps down at Shores to further his education

By Madeline Eckerman Page Editor

From as far back as he can remember, band director Matthew Sedatole knew music would be in his career.

“Both of my parents were teachers, so from a young age, I knew that was a career I wanted to do,” he said.

Sedatole, who graduated from Okemos High School before attending college at both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, will be leaving Shores after two years to further education at the University of Texas in Austin.

“My favorite part about teaching is

having the opportunity to get to know and build relationships with all the kids,” Sedatole said. “It is amazing to get to interact with all the different personalities.”

He said he plans on attending graduate school, and after that, he hopes to have the opportunity to gain a college teaching position.

As for his time at Shores, Sedatole has fond memories.

“My favorite memory I have as I leave from Shores was having the opportunity to be able to perform with the symphonic bands,” he said. “(I would also like to say) thank you so much for being so supportive these past couple years, and thank you for making my time here amazing.”

Matthew Sedatole, who has been at Shores for two years, will be heading back to school at the University of Texas.

(Madeline Eckerman)

sports

The Sailors’ Log

JUMPING to new HEIGHTS

11

Sophomore ties school record in high jump

By Gabby Lopez Page Editor Reaching high goals has never been a challenge for sophomore Libby Knoll.

At a home track meet on April 25, Knoll tied the school record in the high jump with a height of 5-foot-9, easily surpassing her personal-best record of

5-foot-6.

She is now tied with Rhonda Filius (1978) and is in the top 25 in the county.

“It was really nerve-racking and exciting when I tied the record,” said Knoll, who also won regionals, conference and City in the high jump. “It’s one of the best feelings.”

Along with doing the high jump, Knoll

is also part of the 400-meter relay team, runs the 400-meter dash and the 800-meter run if needed.

Knoll said she wasn’t always interested in track, but in eighth grade, she put away her basketball shoes and “jumped” at the opportunity to participate in track.

Once she started track, high jump was the only event that Knoll started with.

She grew with the sport and is now 14th in the nation for high jump, along with tying the school record.

“It feels great to tie the record,” Knoll said. “I have a couple of years to improve my jump, and if I can’t break the record this year, then I know I should be able to the next year or two. I will be able to break the record if I keep working hard.”

Guide to jumping high Sophomore Libby Knoll explains the process she goes through every time she high jumps.

Step 1 Measuring out steps

Step 3 Getting on spot

Step 5 Going up and landing

“My steps are a certain length from to track to the mat, which is about 10 steps away from the pit.”

“I get up on my spot and look at the bar. This way I can mentally get ready to jump.”

Step 2 Warming up

Step 4 Running

“I normally do high knees, butt kicks, and Mario jumps. Just a way to get myself ready for the jump.”

“I start running in a “J” angle to the mat as fast as I can.”

“By the time I’m at the mat, I’m on my left foot.

Then, I will be facing with the bar, and I’ll have to jump up and then turn my body so I jump over backwards. I have to make a rainbow with my body and land on my shoulders so I don’t hurt my neck or back.”

Two others hit milestones during spring season Taylor Dew hits 50 home runs in career; sets state record Freshman year: broke school record for most home runs in a season (8) Sophomore year: tied school season record of eight home runs along with most doubles in a season Junior year: broke state record for most home runs in a season (22); First Team All-State Senior year: Has 13 home runs (as of May 21) and career record of 50 home runs Awards: three-time all-conference, alldistrict, and all-region “It is a really great feeling since not many people get to experience this. Another part is that there is a weight lifted off my shoulders (to hit 50) since it has been at the back of my mind since the beginning of the season.”

Sarah Mikesell scores schoolrecord 100 career goals Freshman year: scored 12 goals Sophomore year: scored 20 goals Junior year: scored 40 goals (school record) Senior year: scored 28 goals Awards: three-time all-conference, all-district; last year Second Team All-State 2nd team. She also joins a list of 50 players in the state of Michigan to have a career record of 100 goals.

“The only reason I was able to score as many goals as I did is because of the girls I have been able to play with these last four years. I started off as a freshman never having played forward or offense at all, so having girls who showed me how to play my new position was crucial. The only reason a forward scores is if the goalie, defense, and midfield are able to get the ball to a scoring position. I am lucky enough to have had amazing girls playing behind me for four years getting me in positions to score at all.”

12

sports

CHAMPS

Three on girls’ tennis bring home City titles

By Paige Judson Page Editor While the girls’ tennis team did not bring home the City title, three girls did capture championships.

No. 4 singles player Journee Fett, a senior, and the No. 1 doubles team of freshman Riley Trygstad and junior Makyla Lieb won their respective flights.

For Fett, the title, which she won May 5 at Reeths-Puffer, was special.

“I had never really won anything for tennis, so getting first place was awesome, especially after finishing a three-hour long match,” Fett said about defeating her opponent from Fruitport in the final match. “I played really well in the beginning. Then in the middle, I started losing, so I was getting upset, tired, and I wasn’t playing my best, but for the very end, I kicked it up a notch and played better than before.”

She ultimately won the championship against Fruitport with a third set 7-6 score after winning a tie breaker 7-4 to win the set. She won the first set 6-3, lost the second 6-1 and then came back strong to win the last set.

To make it to the championship, she beat girls from North Muskegon and Whitehall. The scores from the North Muskegon game were 6-1, 6-1, and the scores from the Whitehall game were 6-1, 7-5.

At doubles, Lieb and Trygstad also beat Fruitport

Junior Ahmad Wright captured the long jump title at the City meet on May 5 at Montague High School.

“When I won, it felt amazing,” Wright said. “I was surprised I even won at all. I really performed my best that day.”

Wright’s jump was 20 feet and 3/4 inches, which was his personal best too.

Wright

By Paige Judson Page Editor

No. 4 singles Journee Fett, a senior, took home the City title.

6-4, 6-4 for the City championship. Along the way, they beat Western Michigan Christian 6-1, 6-0 and Whitehall team 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (after winning in a tiebreaker 7-4).

“I tried to go into every game with a positive attitude,” Lieb said.

Trygstad really wanted to win for more than herself.

Trygstad said, “Going into the championship, I felt nervous because I really wanted to win for my partner and my coaches, but there was some really tough competition.”

Baseball takes County with extra-inning win

By Paige Judson Staff Writer

Sophomore Caden Broersma had the game-winning hit against Orchard View to bring home the County title for the Sailors.

Junior boy wins long jump at City

Two sophomores shine for girls’ track

Lieb

Trygstad

The Sailors’ Log

Sophomore Caden Broersma’s RBI single in the top of the eighth inning in the County championship game against Orchard View proved to be the game winner as Shores won the game 2-1 at Marsh Field on May 5.

Broersma said, “It felt pretty good to come through for my team and help my team win.”

To get to the championship game, the team beat Reeths-Puffer, 16-2, and Fruitport, 14-6.

“It’s always a great accomplishment to win a County title,” coach Brandon Bard said. “The guys have been playing extremely well as of late, and I was happy to see them rewarded with a County championship. Our guys battled all day and came up clutch when we needed them to.”

Tyler Campbell earned the win in relief, tossing 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Senior Connor Belanger came in and recorded the final two outs for the save.

Seniors Tyler Warren and Matt Martin had two hits a piece.

Sophomores Libby Knoll and Kariya White are heading to the state finals this Saturday at East Kentwood.

Knoll, who tied the school record earlier in the year at 5-foot-9, qualified by placing first at the regional meet, held at Grand Haven, May 18, in the high jump with a jump of 5-foot-4-inches.

White advanced with a first place in the shot put. Her toss was 36-foot-3 1/2.

Both Knoll and White also were OK Knoll Black champs. Knoll, who also won the title as a freshman, jumped to a firstplace height of 5-foot-4 while White threw the shot put 33-foot-10.

White said, “Every time it was my turn to throw I got a little nervous because there was a girl from Kenowa Hills that threw almost the same as me.”

White Finally, Knoll was the team’s lone City champ, taking first in the high jump with a height of 5-foot-2. This was the second time Knoll had won the City title.

“I only jumped 5’2”, and I think I performed really well, but it wasn’t my best jump.”

Soccer wins second straight OK Black title The girls’ soccer team, for the second straight year has dominated the OK Black, winning the league championship with a 11-0-1 record.

“It’s a really cool experience, and it’s really fun because a lot of my friends are on the soccer team,” junior Madelyn Anderson said. “I get to enjoy this experience with them.”

Last year, Shores outscored its opponents 107-13 en route to an undefeated regular season (19-0) and a district title before losing in the regional opener 4-1 to Forest Hills Central.

This year, the Sailors, through 16 games and the loss of its senior goalie Megan Swanker, have posted a 14-11 record while outscoring their opponents 70-10.