Nov. 14, 2019 Edition

Volume 58 • Edition 3 • Thursday, November 14, 2019

T H E

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

WEIGHED

DOWN The weight of backpacks can sometimes get students down. Some local schools have even banned backpacks from classrooms. Shores, however, has not made that decision. Find out how students feel about backpacks. -- page 7

EDITORIAL

2 Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019

Battling Depression

our voice

Making connections helps people feel less alone

I

t’s like a weighted layer over my body pulling me down some days. Some days, it’s the overwhelming feeling as if I need to cry constantly.

And some days, it’s me feeling nothing, staring into nothingness. I’m just numb.

Depression affects people in many ways, but for everyone struggling with it, depression makes it a challenge to live everyday life.

At my worst, things ceased to matter to me. The grades that I worked for, for years suddenly didn’t matter anymore, and my missing assignments piled up because, of course, my will to work was gone along with my will to live.

Column by It could have been someJaylene thing in my brain, like my Davis, staff level of emotions was turned writer all the way up or maybe I was simply overreacting because of the circumstances.

But it is one thing for sure; life seemed unbearable most of the time and everything seemed like a huge, undoable challenge.

The weight of school quickly piled up around me and I lost hope in trying.

Sometimes, I wondered to myself what was the point of trying if I didn’t think I was going to make it through the year. It sounds depressing to some people to think that, but for people like me, it was an everyday reality.

Over time, my depression felt like another skin. The weight making me want to curl into a ball was an every-day, all-the-time feeling, and the depressive thoughts in my head became normalized. Being depressed was just who I was and hope about things ever getting better ended. I felt as though this was how I would feel for the rest of my life, and the only thing I could do was silently suffer.

To me, this is the worst part of depression: when it takes over one’s life and one eventually gets used to it and accepts that Executive Editors Morgan Cathey Paige Judson Gabby Lopez Staff Jenna Baker Holli Brus Aidan Cook Jaylene Davis Mia Dickson Sydney Fetters

she’s going to be depressed forever. One thinks at this point that depression is just her life, wanting to die is just her everyday experience, and feeling overly emotional or completely numb is normal, but it’s not.

Eventually, over time, I noticed other people’s lives and how they seemed much happier than me and realized that I didn’t want to be stuck in this state anymore.

I learned through many different (some bad and some good) coping skills that the best way to get myself through my depression is connections.

Connections can have different meanings to everyone, and that’s why it works so well on varrying degrees of depression.

The main reason is that a big part of being depressed is feeling alone, and working on not feeling completely alone combats depression’s symptoms.

I helped my depression over the course of a few years by getting connections and finding relations between my symptoms and others.

I found that even though I have to be physically alone sometimes, I am never truly alone with my emotions, and I always have at least a few people who will understand.

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

The Sailors’ Lo

That idea has always been comforting to me and gives me hope that others and I can grow to be happier individuals over time.

With connections, the bad times can get better and the good times can get even better.

Connections can be family, friends or even a theripist. But the most important piece is that someone finds a connection where one feels comfortable enough to open up about their emotions.

It is also important that the connection can help both people relate to one another about their alike troubles. This is how connections help people feel less alone, which then helps people get through their battle with support.

Looking back, I am sure this method is working because I went from not caring about myself or anything to trading in my bad coping skills for a helpful one, connecting with others.

Although finding connections amidst feeling depressed is not a cure-all, it does make a difference in making life more worth living.

Because fighting depression alone is like batting a 10-foot dragon alone (not very easy).

Recent post sparks debate yet again Here we are, back again, in the same old spot, the path too often traveled if you will.

All too frequently we find ourselves in the midst of a little bit of a failure to #pauseb4youpost, and just recently, we have returned to our favorite spot.

In October, a student posted racial comments on a Snapchat story.

So, we here at The Sailors’ Log, are simply putting together a little bit of a list for what to keep in mind when you post something.

First off, try your best to remember the simple rule of kindergarten: if you don’t have anything nice to say, then just don’t say anything at all.

Secondly, remember that everyone really can see what you post; even if you think they can’t, they probably can.

And finally, remember that at Shores “We do everything with pride,” so try to leave all derogatory and or hateful bits of speech at home if you could.

So basically, to summarize, next time that you hop on social media and think, “I’m gonna make a really racist post and share it with everyone I know!” Don’t.

Things like that usually don’t go over too well with the general public, and so again, we humbly ask you to keep these things in mind as you continue on with your life so we can try to have our community be built on acceptance and love, not hate and mild tolerance.

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

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

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

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

EDITORIAL

The Sailors’ Log

Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019 3

Tears for the Heart

How my crybaby ways help me with emotions

I

’m not a stranger to tears. I’ve been called a crybaby by strangers and even loved ones.

I know that my eyes will open all flood gates at the drop of a hat, and it’s my most embarrassing character trait.

Tears for me come during almost every emotion – Column when I’m sad, by Bailey when I’m angry, Graham, when I’m tired, and even when I’m staff writer happy; tears rule my whole life.

Not so long ago, I was a stressed and depressed young woman in the midst of extreme homework assignments, tons of commitment for school and work, and to top it off, I was going through a lot of emotional trauma from having to part from my best friend.

Through all of my baggage and life issues, the only thing I could do was try to move on and be emotionally stoic, and when I fell short, tears were my

Artwork by Bailey Graham

“During exams, I make sure to practice mindfulness by focusing on my breathing and positive thoughts so I can relax.” – Nicholas Wilson, senior

“I make sure that my notes are all together, and I look back on units/lessons I had trouble on. I also take caution to not overload my plate during exams so I have time to relax and rest.” – Cole Ruid, junior “For exams, I head straight home from school and study, then take a break for an hour or two. After I’m finished studying, I go straight to sleep so I can get a lot of rest.” – Brandon Nichols, sophomore

“If I have a class that I’m struggling in, I’ll study but other than that, I typically don’t stress because I’m a good tester.” – James Patterson, freshman

comfort.

They wrapped me up in a ball of content. I could feel the pain and desperation flowing out my body and down my face.

Tears were my escape from the pain and frustration. It brought a sense of relief to me when nothing else could.

My emotional strength isn’t the strongest, so tears wash away and deal with my negative baggage. Tears were my only coping mechanisms, and they succeeded at their job.

My tears have become my therapists and friend, but they aren’t appreciated by everyone. Those around me who cared disliked spotting tears run down my face.

Even though my loved ones found my crying painful to watch, it wasn’t something I could stop. I didn’t want it to stop. Even though the tears seem never ending, after a couple of days the waterworks dried out and I had finished my period of comfort.

Following this, I could go through my days and get back to my daily routine. I was back and better than before. I was strong and in an amazing mood, I was in a peppy state of mind. Of course I would get the occasional self doubts but that is normal and should be expected.

Crying helps express my emotions

How do you cope with the stress of exams?

Q the big

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

and lets me dump out the negative through the form of salty droplets.

It’s beneficial to my well being but only to a certain extent. Although my tears help me calm down and get over the thing bothering me, I cry way too much.

My relationships, moral strength, and how I view myself have been ruined by crying. The frustration of life doesn’t fair well with my emotional strength, and I take the frustration and turn it into waterworks.

Tears take the pain away, but the embarrassment of giving in to the comfort of tears stays. I might cry too much, but society has turned the idea of tears into a weakness.

Although crying takes away your control of emotions, tears are a normal way of life and should be embraced as such. Everyone has the right to cry free of judgment.

Crying helps the soul by providing a cleanse of negativity. The tears that flow down your face release emotions rather than letting them build up. Being upset is a human experience and tears should be socially acceptable.

Tears provide a sense of relief like a massage.

Now please excuse me as I go cry away the tragedy of my Chromebook dying at school.

“I usually try to study the information given in class the day I receive it. Since I study before the day of, I can relax and treat exam days like any other regular day.” – Maggie Escobar, senior “My planner is my life saver. I use a daily planner to layout the week ahead. This organizes my week and reminds me that it’s just one week, and then, I’m done.” – Nicole Hernandez, junior “I make exams easier on myself by putting my phone down and excluding myself from any distractions so I can focus.” – Ella Buikema, sophomore

“I study and tell myself that I got this, and if I don’t do well, at least I tried really hard.” – Stella Council, freshman

REVIEW

4 Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019

The Sailors’ Log

by Sarah Roman, staff writer

Rating: 8.62985/10

Rating: 2.1342/10

Rating: 7.4356/10

Rating: 6.1927/10

Mind. Blown.

This movie had me going insane.

There were plot twists galore and my brain couldn’t handle it.

Fractured is about a father, Ray Monroe (Sam Worthington), who believes a hospital is hiding dark secrets after he takes his wife (Lily Rabe) and injured daughter (Lucy Capri) there to get help.

By the way, the daughter’s name was Periwinkle, and it took me a while to get over it and accept that was her name.

It’s a wack name, but I’m not one to judge… well, maybe a little.

When the movie first started, frankly, I was bored. Not much was going on, and the wife wouldn’t stop saying, “Ray,” and boy, was that annoying. If I had a dollar for every time the wife, Joan, said “Ray,” I would be a millionaire and buy myself and my friends some nice new Teslas. David Dobrik should watch out.

All they were doing, in the beginning, was arguing in the car while the daughter listened to her music, off in her own little world while her parents are arguing over their failing marriage.

Toward the middle of the movie, it started to get better.

I thought I knew what was going to happen, I thought I knew what was going on, but I was incorrect.

This movie took such a hard left turn that I ended up on the floor in shock.

My brain couldn’t process the ending.

Confusion, frustration, anger, and what the heck just happened were just a few things I felt while watching the entirety of this movie.

London Tipton, what are you doing in this god awful movie?

Seriously, this movie is terrible. The actors aren’t the greatest, the main character is crippled through the entire movie, and it’s way too predictable.

Secret Obsession is about a young woman named Jennifer, who is played by Brenda Song a.k.a London Tipton from Disney’s Suite Life franchise, waking up with amnesia after a vicious attack.

Her husband stands by her and helps her recover, but there are a few things that he’s telling her that just don’t add up, like the fact that he’s her husband.

I watched the trailer before watching the movie. The trailer for this movie is basically the entire movie in three minutes. It gives away the entire mystery and thrill that this movie is supposed to portray.

One thing that bothered me the most was that the main character, who was supposed to be the heroine, was crippled the entire movie. She was also a bit clueless when it came to about, well, everything.

Secret Obsession is the perfect movie for a chill, dumb movie night in.

Have you ever seen those movies that are so dumb that they’re funny? Not this movie, it’s just dumb. I expected better of London Tipton. I think she needs to go back to the Tipton Hotel and go hang out with Zack and Cody.

This movie lacks originality. I feel like I’ve heard about or seen a hundred different movies just like this one. Of all the good and thoughtful original movies Netflix has, this is not one of them.

OK girls, you think your life is hard?

Try being a high school junior and wearing size 13 men’s Nikes. Beat that.

The movie Tall Girl is about a girl named Jodi Kreyman (Ava Michelle).

She’s 6’1”, and that’s basically her entire personality.

The amount of memes I have seen about this movie on Tik Tok is insane. I admit, they are really funny.

This movie follows her struggles with being tall and all of her boy issues.

It’s a typical teen movie.

There’s a boy who’s hopelessly in love with Jodi, but the main character isn’t interested even though the boy is actually a great guy.

His name is Jack Dunkleman (Griffin Gluck), and for the life of me, I couldn’t remember his name during the movie. I kept calling him Dunkin’ Donuts.

He’s sadly stuck in the space between the words “boy” and “friend” called the friendzone.

That’s when a new love interest comes in from Sweden, named Stig, and screws everything up for Dunkin’ Donuts.

The hopeless romantic in me admits that there are some cute scenes between the main character and her two love interests. Even though some of the moments had me shaking my head.

This movie treats being tall like it’s so out of the ordinary that it’s a miracle that this girl can function like a normal human being. But in all honesty, it’s not a bad movie.

It has some cute and funny moments sprinkled throughout the movie. One last thing, she isn’t even that tall.

A mid-life crisis. That is what this entire movie is about.

Otherhood is about three mothers ambushing their sons (Jake Lacy, Sinqua Walls, Jake Hoffman) who live in New York. They stay with them and disrupt their lives and cause chaos.

I didn’t really like this movie; in fact, I was on my phone for a lot of it. Due to this lack of focus, I was confused at a few scenes.

The parts I did watch were awkward, and I could feel the second-hand embarrassment through the screen.

The mothers – Helen (Felicity Huffman), Gillian (Patricia Arquette), and Carol (Angela Bassett) – aren’t the greatest mothers in the world.

Motherhood is difficult, and mothers have flaws, but in this movie, they just overdo it.

Helen is self-absorbed, Jillian is shoving girls in her son’s face and Carol is critical of her son’s life decisions.

There was one scene that embodied the whole mid-life crisis that was happening. It was when the moms went clubbing and partied like it was 1970.

While this movie was a comedy, I didn’t really laugh. Honestly, this is more of a chick-flick kind of comedy.

One thing that bothered me was that these 30-something-year-old men have really nice apartments in New York when New York is so expensive. Unrealistic New York apartment living if you ask me.

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting going into this movie, so I’m not sure if I’m disappointed or not.

Other originals from three streaming services

“I liked To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before because it has a fun and original plot for a rom-com movie. It was very lighthearted, funny, and it made me laugh. The movie also dealt with relatable high school topics like crushes, learning how to drive, and friendships.” – Ana Ivanov, sophomore

“My favorite Amazon movie is Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot. It’s an inspiring story about a guy who was paralyzed after a car accident. This movie gives you hope. Joaquin Phoenix is a good actor in it.” – Thomas Ziegler, senior

“My favorite movie from Hulu is Fyre Fraud. When everything with the Fyre Festival was going down, I was seeing a lot about it online, and it was interesting to me. So when I saw that Hulu had made a movie about it, I knew I had to watch it. I like it because it’s fascinating to see how it when from looking so amazing online to being a total mess in reality.” – Freyja Warneke, sophomore

The Sailors’ Log

Playstation wins best game station around

T

he Playstation 4 ($229.99), the newest system released from Sony, is best for exclusive games, which are games only available on the PS4; typically, they will be more story-based or single-player like Uncharted, Horizon: Zero Dawn, and Spider-Man. If the user enjoys recording videos of their specific gameplay, there is software built into the console that gives the ability to either upload or stream from the system.

The user can record, edit, and upload all from the system with this free software. The content creator can directly stream to either Twitch or YouTube and have a live text chat with the people who are watching the stream.

Playstation also provides a chat system otherwise known as Parties where individuals can talk to 16 people at a time while playing the same game; this means that live discussions can take place whether it be with friends from real life or friends met while playing a favorite video game.

On top of the chat system, Playstation has a direct messaging option that allows players to ask when someone may hop on and if they can join at that time The PS4 Pro, which is basically an upgraded system, can run better graphics and provides 4K video resolution with a smooth gameplay experience; on the other hand, the base PS4 can only run 1080p (1080 pixels on a screen).

With more and more 4K capable games/TV’s, this system variant is an overall better choice for PlayStation.

The Playstation has a nice controller with analog sticks that are parallel to each other. The controller also has a feature that is a change from the classic PlayStation controller design.

It’s a touchpad at the top center of the controller; the way in which this feature is implemented in some games is interesting. One game that I played had me use the touchpad to flip through pages in a magazine or turn a flashlight on so I could see in the cave.

When it comes to charging, basic PlayStation controllers don’t need batteries, and they have never been required because a charging cable is given with the purchase of a new console, unlike Xbox.

Since its release in 2016, Playstation has introduced virtual reality, selling 4.2 million headsets. This does not come with the PS4 and costs upward of $300, but it is the first virtual reality thing that doesn’t require a computer. It runs smoothly and was better than expected at release.

I’ve had my PS4 for four years, and I haven’t had any issues with the system slowing down, but I do have to admit the base 500 gigabytes aren’t much with how much space games are starting to take up.

REVIEW When it comes to the Playstation vs.

Xbox argument, I am quite invested in the matter. I have played with both consoles, and I currently own two of the “Current Gen” consoles, the Playstation 4 and Xbox One. Each of the consoles has its Column by Kye Sieffert, own unique features. Overall, staff writer both systems are great, but Playstation 4 has more to offer in an in-home entertainment system.

about

Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019

Xbox is solid but contains weak games

T

he Xbox One ($179.99), the newest system released from Microsoft, is better for online gameplay over a typical single-player story-based game.

The Xbox allows the user to stream to both Twitch and YouTube, but there is a third option that is available for streamers that choose to stream on Xbox called Mixer.

There is still the option to have a text chat along the side of the screen.

With game developers favoring Sony over Microsoft, the Xbox loses out on some of the games/game modes for a period of time; for example, the next Call of Duty titled Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will be giving Sony a game mode that is planned to stay a Playstation exclusive for a year.

While talking about exclusive games/game modes, Xbox’s exclusive games are a bit lackluster.

I do admit that there are some good exclusive games titled Quantum Break, Halo, Gears of War, as well as Cup Head, but I find that the majority of them are hard to get into because the stories are lackluster and do not have an interesting plot or concept, and even Halo has been falling apart since Halo 4’s release in 2012.

With my time playing on the Xbox One, I have noticed that people have more of a toxic attitude.

I have overall received more hate mail on Xbox than I have on any other console that I have played.

One thing that Playstation does have that Xbox has failed to produce would be PSVR. Although Microsoft has developed a Virtual Reality system, it has not been released for use on the Xbox, and there is no date set for a potential release in the future.

The Xbox lets you talk to people in Xbox’s version of the party chat, but you are only able to have half of what if available with the Playstation, eight.

The Xbox also has its own spin on the direct messaging that is capable of all the same things that the PlayStation’s variant can.

The Xbox has an asymmetrical analog stick design that is comfortable to hold if the user has bigger hands.

The controller is nothing too special; it is based on the classic Xbox controller.

Like the Xbox 360 controller, if the user doesn’t have a charging cable, like Playstation requires, then the Xbox One controller needs double-A batteries to function.

I have had my Xbox One for about four years, and I haven’t had any issues with the system as a whole.

But if I had to choose, I would give PlayStation the nod by a slim margin.

PlayStation 4 Xbox One • It was not all of Sony’s idea for the PlayStation. Nintendo had a say in the process.

• The PS1’s black disc had no purpose but to have a clean look and high recongnition.

• Sony has sold 102 million consoles since ceasing production in 2004.

• The controller is supposed to represent the console’s 3D graphics.

5

• The Xbox One offers voice recognition which allows the user to turn it on or off and do other things.

• It also has built in Kinect, which makes it possible to control games with hand gestures.

• Since January of 2014, 3 million Xbox Ones have been sold.

• Users can record and share games within the console.

NEWS

6 Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019

The Sailors’ Log

And Then There Was A...

Fall play that will bring spooky vibes to stage

By Gabby Lopez Executive Editor A murder? Seems unlikely. But not to the residents of Indian Island, a mysterious place off the coast of England.

Eight unlikely strangers, who come to the island, each a different reason, face actions only believable in a dream when one resident starts killing their fellow house mates.

No, this is not the latest horror film; this is the fall play, which opens tonight and runs through Saturday in the high school auditorium.

The fall play, And Then There Were None

by Agatha Christie, opens at 7 p.m. today with shows tomorrow and Saturday, also at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for adults and can be purchased at the door.

“My favorite part about the show is how emotional and backhanded many of the characters are,” said junior Mia Newman, who plays Dr. Edna Armstrong. “There is a lot of tension between them, and it certainly provides a lot of entertainment. The audience should go through a roller coaster of emotions, but thoroughly enjoy it all the way through. There is a vote in between acts to choose which character the audience member thinks is the most likely suspect as the murderer.”

Put on by the Players, a group that is led by director Chad Martin, And Then There Were None gives off the perfect spooky, ee-

And then there were facts What And Then There Were None, a deeply suspensful play with a continuous game of who did what Where Auditorium When Tonight, tomorrow & Saturday at 7 p.m.

Who The MSHS Players How much $7 for students & $10 for adults

Because the auditorium is still under construction, the cast of the fall play rehearses in director Chris Martin’s science room. Senior Spencer Klairter (as William Blore) makes a point as senior Jenna Bitzer (Sir Laurence Wargrave) and junior Mia Newman (Dr. Edna Armstrong) listen. (Photo by Gabby Lopez) rie vibe for the fall season.

“I had talked to the group about the types of show that we do,” Martin said. “A murder mystery was something that we hadn’t done in a while. I try my best to come up with genres of different shows that everyone can do at least once in their high school career.”

With a cast of only 11 for this show, the

Chalkboard Project returns The Chalkboard Project made its appearance once again on Oct. 23-24.

The anti-bullying campaign, which first came to Shores in the spring of 2018, returned to the high school in order to spread some kindness through the school’s Be Nice group.

“What’s gone on so far is the picture taking,” Be Nice adviser Brad Kurth said. “This power of the Chalkboard Project is what happens on social media and in our school.”

The project arrived at the high school two years ago when the 2020 Student Senate came into contact with the creator, Jennifer Gwinup.

This year, picture taking took place on Oct. 23-24 through-

out the school day. There were more than 500 students who participated in the project.

“As an adult, I don’t think we grasp how risky putting this out on social media is more so than the walls of your school,” Kurth said. “Seeing them worry about how they would be portrayed to others became real to me to see kids who are struggling.”

The finishing events of the project are expected to commence during November and December. Volunteers will be hanging the pictures on the walls the weekend of Thanksgiving break and the celebration ceremony will take place on Dec. 13.

“I hope students take empathy from others away from the

cast has been able to connect with their characters in a way like never before.

“A thing that I really enjoy about the show is how much the characters change over the course of the story and how diverse the individual stories are,” said sophomore Evan Klairter, who plays Thomas Rogers.

“My character is a servant and is a leading

suspect, so the questioning is harsh. I have learned a lot of patience and discipline by playing my character. This show is fantastic, and the plot twists are immensely immersing. After the first few deaths, people start getting suspicious and start investigating.

This only leads to more death. The message and theme I’d say is family, life, and youth.”

Martin said he likes to provide the community with family-oriented shows.

“Each show has it’s own experience,” Martin said. “Some of our most successful shows, in terms of audience, are shows that are family-oriented. Those shows bring in the best audience.”

NEWS BRIEFS

Construction to be complete soon

Seniors Olivia MacDonald and Sara Gappa wait in line to get their Chalkboard Project pictures taken. (Photo by Suriya VanderOord) project,” Kurth said. “It’s difficult to see the judgment made on other people.” – Gabby Lopez, Executive Editor

Construction at the high school and at the softball-soccer complex continues to progress.

The softball/soccer complex, east of the high school on Seminole Road, has been under construction since last fall and still has a ways to go.

Frequent rainfall during this past autumn months has delayed production throughout the whole construction process.

Athletic director Todd Conrad said the soccer press box is completed, and the concession stand is about 60 percent away from being finished.

Also, the sod around the complex is mostly complete.

The auditorium, on the other hand, still awaits a long line of heavy construction.

The new ticket booth was set to start construction on Oct. 30.

Televisions on the ticket booth will eventually be set up for independent display.

In addition, carpet has been installed in the auditorium hallways up to the staircases, and the remaining carpet is to be installed after the ticket booth as completed.

Some other construction has also been taking place in the scene shop and receiving area of the high school.

The walls are up within the scene shop addition, and the concrete floor and sidewalk are set to be poured once the remaining walls are up.

The soccer and softball complex are expected to be finished in time for the girls’ soccer and softball season to commence.

As for the auditorium, it’s hoped to be completed within the next month.

– Gabby Lopez, Executive Editor

The LGBTQ+ community is something that numerous students identify with. Our goal is to take a deeper look into the lives of students at Shores who identify as LGBTQ+. We hope their stories inspire others to live their lives without fear of judgment. In this section, we will offer up definitions, personal student insights, and even adult/alumni perspectives.

LGBTQ+

What does it mean?

LESBIAN A lesbian is a homosexual woman.

The word lesbian is also used for women in relation to their sexual identity or sexual behavior, regardless of sexual orientation, or as an adjective to characterize or associate nouns with female homosexuality or same-sex attraction. The word sapphic, which refers to the Greek poet Sappho who wrote on women in their daily lives, is also associated with lesbians.

TRANSGENDER Transgender-identified people have a gender identity or gender expression that differs from their sex assigned at birth. Some transgender people desire medical assistance to transition from one sex to another identify as transsexual.

GAY A gay person is a homosexual person or having the trait of being homosexual. It was originally meant as cheery, bright, carefree, and showy.

The word first appeared in the 19th century and usage has increased, as time progressed. The 1960s were the first time homosexual men used it to describe their sexual orientation.

ASEXUALITY Asexuality the lack of sexual attraction to others or low or absent interest in or desire for sexual activity. It may be considered a sexual orientation or the lack thereof. It may also be categorized more widely to include a broad spectrum of asexual sub-identities.

BISEXUAL A bisexual person is someone who is attracted to both male and female identifying people.

Bisexual was first used in modern times in 1892 to describe a person but was used in ancient times.

QUEER Queer is used as an umbrella term for gender and sexual minorities.

A bisexual person identifies themselves as not heterosexual or cisgender.

AROMANTIC Aromantics are people who feel little or no romantic attraction, though they may still enjoy sexual interactions.

INTERSEX Intersex people are born with any of several variations in sex characteristics including chromosomes, gonads, or sex hormones.

Gay-identified student breaks down wall between friends, himself when he comes out

Lesbian-identified student has huge weight lifted off shoulders after coming out to family

By Morgan Cathey Executive Editor No child wants to disappoint her family.

No child wants to not feel supported by her family.

No child wants to feel like she has nothing to live for.

However, those were the things that went through senior Morgan Anderson’s mind when she told her family that she was a lesbian.

“The hardest part of coming out was my family’s reaction,” said Anderson, who told her family, starting with her mother, that she was gay in 2013. “It still is something that I cry about to this day. Not feeling supported by my own family made me feel like I had nothing to live for, and I felt like I was a mistake and a disappointment.”

According to the official NBC website, in 2019 4.5 percent of American adults identify as LGBTQ+, which may not sound like a lot, but that adds up to be more than 11 million people, and almost all of them have to come out at some point in their lives.

The experience of “coming out” has been reported as being anything from a happy moment to a traumatic event, but it is almost always anxiety-inducing.

For Anderson, the experience was anxiety-inducing.

“One thing that made me realize I wanted to come out was the overwhelming depression I got from not being able to be myself,” Anderson said. “I felt so alone, and I thought that if I came out, I would feel better.”

Unfortunately for Anderson, this wasn’t the case.

“I wasn’t prepared, and I knew going into it that everything would change,” said Anderson, who even today doesn’t like to go into full detail about the experience. “It was so hard to spit the words out, and I had so much anxiety. I came out to my mom with bad timing. We were in the car, and I just came out and said I had a girlfriend.”

Unfortunately, Anderson is not alone in this feeling.

According to the official The Trevor Project website, which is an American non-profit organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth, LGB (TQ+ have separate statistics), youth (18 and under) are almost five times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth, and LGB youth who come from highly rejecting families are 8.4 times as likely to have attempted suicide. In addition to this, it

By Emily Kuznar Staff Writer

is common to have closeted individuals suffer from depression.

Though Anderson has struggled; however, this is where she becomes more than just a statistic or a series of sad events. She said she has now begun to truly accept herself.

“After (coming out), I realized a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. My identity means a lot to me,” Anderson said. “I do prefer to be just called gay, but I am lesbian, and after so many years of being confused and hurt and not understanding, being able to identify who I am is such an amazing feeling.

It means I can be who I want to be and love who I want to love, and nobody can change that.”

Breaking down walls.

That can be difficult when a person is different than his peers.

For sophomore Calvin O’Leary, breaking that metaphorical wall was needed this past January when he told his family and friends that he was gay.

“Everyone I told was very happy for me,” O’Leary said. “Based on my personality, I think they may have already known, but they might have been uncomfortable asking questions. When I told my friends, some of them were emotional because it had finally broken the wall between us.”

Sophomore Calvin O’Leary confidently expresses himself every day, and he is proud to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

For O’Leary, the realization that he might be gay came at an early age.

“Back in third grade, I realized that I was attracted to someone who was just like me,” O’Leary said. “I was a little confused, but I just accepted it after a while.”

Over time, O’Leary decided it was time to come out to his friends and family, which can be a stressful task for many people. He came out last January at age 15.

“Thankfully, my parents were very accepting of me,” O’Leary said.

“They have quite a few gay friends, so they weren’t judgmental of me.”

After telling his parents, O’Leary, who said he felt pressured to hide his true identity, decided to come out to his peers.

“I felt a sense of relief after coming out,” O’Leary said. “Most of my life, I tried to act straight and go against my true identity.”

O’Leary said that it wasn’t always easy to come to terms with his sexuality.

“It was a little confusing at first because all of my friends were straight, so I wondered why I wasn’t,” O’Leary said. “I wanted to be who I felt

Bisexual-identified student realizes that there is more to identification than sexual orientation

By Mia Dickson Staff Writer Being true to one’s self is something that many people may struggle with, but junior Livi Holliday has learned to be who she is without buying into people’s negativity.

Holliday, who is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, said she identifies herself as bisexual, meaning she likes both males and females.

“Personally I feel like (being bisexual is) not the biggest part of my identity,” she said. “I know it can be important for other people to identify themselves, but sometimes, you don’t have to identify yourself.”

While there can be negative responses, Holliday has learned to accept herself and people’s opinions on both sides.

“This is me, and it’s OK, and if you don’t agree, that’s OK” she said. “Embrace who you are, and let yourself be the truest you can be.”

Being part of a welcoming community, and something greater than themselves, can often give people a sense of belonging.

“I like (being bisexual),” Holliday said. “It feels cool to be a part of something special, where most people in the community can agree on certain opinions and are the same at heart even if they don’t have the same sexuality or identity.”

For many teens, identifying as LGBTQ+ can leave a person feeling vulnerable, or uncomfortable in a place, such as a school. While most people at Shores are accepting, according to Holliday,

it’s not perfect.

“There’s room for improvement because I feel like a lot of people still use ‘fag’ and ‘dyke’ as slurs with their friends, which is not OK, but overall, (Shores) is pretty accepting toward LGBTQ+ people,” she said.

Holliday said that one way to improve acceptance would be through awareness of slurs that should not be said.

“Make it known that it’s not OK to say slurs,” she said. “Even if you are using it as a joke with your friends, you shouldn’t use it no matter what.”

Being bisexual is something Holliday has proudly identified herself as since 2015.

“Since sixth grade, I kind of started realizing, and then around seventh grade, I realized, ‘OK, this is me,’” Holliday said. “One day, I just woke up, and I realized I thought about girls the same way I thought of guys, and I thought I could only be lesbian or straight. I remember going online and learning that bisexuality was a thing, and I learned more about the LGBTQ community and that you can be whatever you want.”

Once Holliday came to terms, she decided that she had to gather up courage to tell the people most important to her.

“When I saw that gay marriage was legalized, I saw that it was OK (to be bisexusal), and I felt more accepted, and I knew my mom and my dad would pretty much accept me or at least deal with it,” she said.

While Holliday also experienced the same anxiety as the other 10,000 LGBTQ+ teens that came out in America, she gathered the courage and accepted what people would say.

“I just knew that that’s me, and I can’t change, and I’m not going to change for anyone.” Holliday said. “I just knew that people had their own opinions.”

Holliday decided to tell someone she knew she could trust and accept her.

“The first person I came out too, was my best friend Jess because I felt like she would be pretty accepting of it,” Holliday said. “I told her I was bisexual, and this is who I am, and I hope this doesn’t change anything. She was so incredibly

accepting, and it made me super happy and thankful.”

With the support of her friends on her back, Holliday said she knew that she still had to tell the two most important people in her life her true identity.

“The hardest part about coming out was definitely getting up the courage to tell my parents that this is me,” Holliday said. “It was confusing for them at first, especially for my dad. It still kind of is, but not a huge deal; it’s just something that he doesn’t want to hear me talk about all the time.”

After Holliday came out as bisexual, she said she felt relief and got support from friends and family around her.

“My friends were very supportive, and while my family was a little confused at first, now they understand me for who I am,” she said.

“After I did come out, I did feel relieved, and I felt lucky that people supported me and were there for me and believed me.”

After the weight was lifted off her shoulders, Holliday said she definitely feels better.

“I felt more comfortable with almost everyone knowing that’s me,” she said.

Holliday also acknowledged that people shouldn’t fall to the pressure of being fitting into society as what someone wants them to be.

“Don’t feel like you have to identify yourself right away or fit into a certain mold of what people want you to be,” she advised. “Don’t feel like you have to be straight because it’s OK (not to be).

“Whatever you are, that’s you, and you can’t let anyone change that.”

comfortable being, but that was difficult when I realized who I wanted to be was different than everyone else.”

After he came to terms with this realization, O’Leary acknowledged that being gay would present some obstacles in his life.

“The hardest part about coming out was realizing that some people weren’t going to accept who I am,” O’Leary said. “I knew my close friends and family accepted me, but I knew some people weren’t going

to be as welcoming.”

One of the obstacles that come with being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is the many people who aren’t accepting.

“I get that people don’t accept it; everyone has an opinion,” O’Leary said. “I wish they realized how much their words actually can hurt because I tend to let their words get to me. Sometimes, people push it too far, and it can be extremely hurtful.”

Despite some of the challenging obstacles, being apart of the LGBTQ+ community has many amazing benefits, O’Leary said.

“The community overall is very loving and accepting,” O’Leary said.

“After coming out, I was finally able to be who I wanted to be, and I didn’t have to put on this fake act any longer.”

O’Leary said he now lives with more self-confidence, and he can portray himself freely.

“I love how I can talk like myself and walk like myself without having to worry about judgment,” O’Leary said. “Shores is very accepting compared to other places I’ve been to, and I’m very thankful for that.”

O’Leary has advice to others who are thinking of coming out.

“You have to realize that not everyone is going to accept you, and that’s okay,” O’Leary said. “The people who support you will be there in the long run, and they’re the ones who really matter. Don’t take the hate personally. The haters don’t dislike you; they just don’t accept the difference between you and them.”

O’Leary also has some words to those who spread their negativity about the community.

“Mind your own business,” O’Leary said. “I’m living my life, and you’re living yours. We’re different people. You don’t have to accept me, but that doesn’t mean I deserve to be treated any differently.”

Overall, O’Leary said he hopes others can learn a lot about self-expression from his words.

“Be who you are,” he said. “It’s as simple as that. You can’t deny who you are, so just embrace it.”

Transgender-identified student says he is finally ready to be himself to everyone

By Robby Swanker Staff Writer Senior Josh Miller has always been confused about himself.

In 2017, he finally realized why.

He had a friend who made a transition from male-to-female, and once he did some research on it, it all made sense to him. His mind never matched his body, which made daily tasks harder for him.

After doing all of his research, he finally talked to his friend about her transition, and eventually came out to everyone later on that year. Although he was confident that this is who he wants to be, he still had some fears about being out for the public.

“I first came out to a really good friend and got the best support ever, but not everyone was like that,” said Miller, who is an ftm transgender man, which means he made the transition from female to male. “The hardest part about coming out was the fear of everyone’s response and backlash.”

Josh came out publicly on Instagram in 2017.

Although he was scared of the reactions, he was confident in who he was and couldn’t hide his true self. To his surprise, almost everyone was positive towards his decision and supported him completely.

“I live in fear almost every day, not knowing who’s going to react, and how,” Miller said. “My

dad didn’t react the best. He didn’t want it to happen because it felt like he was losing his kid. My mom figured it out even before I told her, and she loved the fact that I was this way.”

Even through all of the hate and confusion, he said he stayed true to who he was. After hiding his true self for so long, he said he just couldn’t hold it back anymore. He wanted the world to see him for how he sees himself.

“I realized I wanted to come out when every time I heard ‘she/her’ pronouns said toward me.

I had shortness of breath and felt like everything was closing in on me,” Miller said. “I couldn’t take any more of the physical pain and suffering of it all. I just wanted everyone to know who I really was.”

For Miller, the best feeling about being out is being a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Being part of the community is the best feeling ever,” Miller said. “(I like that I get) to stand up with others who actually know my pain.”

When he first came out for the public, not everyone was as accepting as he thought, but over time, people became more accepting and willing to work with him. Although teachers and students have been more accepting of him and are willing to get the right pronoun, there are still some changes he would like to see at Shores.

“Shores has gotten very accepting, especially in the Mona Shores band. Teachers call me Josh and try to say the right pronouns,” Miller said.

“The school could still change a few things. For example, (Shores needs to have) a gender-neutral bathroom, locker rooms, education on the subject by trans individuals, and let the individual change their name in the system.”

Miller said he wants to show that being transgender is not harmful to anyone and that he is only trying to be what he wants to be seen as. He is just living the life he was born to live.

“Being trans to me is to be brave to tell everyone who you really are,” Miller said. “I want people to know that I’m still me and that I’m not harming anyone for being who I am. I hope that one day people will open their eyes and realize that it’s not harming anyone. We’re just being ourselves.”

Two alumni share their stories

Transgender-identified alumnus advocates for others

By Morgan Cathey Executive Editor While there are many stories of individuals in the LGBTQ+ community who have a difficult time figuring out who they are, Oak Reed, who graduated from Shores in 2011, is not one of those individuals.

“I was very fortunate to recognize my gender identity at an early age,” said Reed, who identifies as a transgender male, “and so I was able to spend my whole life understanding my own identity, communicating that to others, and researching options I had to align my gender identity with my physical body.”

But Reed said it is also important to understand that each individual is complex and “cannot necessarily be simplified to one single identification.” While he does identify as a transgender male, Reed also stresses that he identifies as white and heterosexual, among other components of his identity.

“To me, being a man is more than just chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy,” said Reed, who has a successful career in clinical psychology and advocating for others. “It is embodying characteristics that several male role models in my family have taught me, such as being

kind, compassionate, strong, intelligent, helpful, forgiving, and supportive. Being a transgender man is simply another part of my identity in my eyes. For me, I am a man, brother, son, husband, clinician, athlete, dog dad, American, white, heterosexual, among many other identities.”

Throughout his time in clinical psychology, Reed, who now is in the doctoral program at the University of Montana, said he has published empirical research articles, co-authored a chapter in a book focused on transgender health care, worked with hundreds of LGBT individuals in a clinical setting, and presented on LGBT topics at countless agencies and conferences.

In his advocacy, Reed discusses the importance of inclusivity in everyday life and how much it can impact a person’s life.

“What is most important is for everyone to understand LGBT identities in order to be inclusive, affirmative, and welcoming toward those individuals,” Reed said. “It is critical for LGBT individuals to be able to integrate into social, occupational, or other groups as a way to normalize differential sexual and gender identity expression and promote inclusivity.”

And one of those avenues is to allow LGBT individuals to

Oak Reed, who identifies as transgender, said he recognized his gender identity at an early age. (Courtesy Photo) have places to interact with other LGBT individuals.

“Having a community to identify with can be quite powerful for many individuals,” Reed said. “However, it can at times be hard to find spaces that have LGBT groups, and in extreme cases, LGBT individuals may not be welcome in certain spaces. Therefore, all spaces should be welcoming to LGBT individuals and should find ways to not ‘other’ or marginalize those individuals.”

As for the role that Shores played on him, Reed said it was, overall, positive.

“Throughout my experience as a student in Mona Shores, I generally felt supported and

understood,” he said. “I was fortunate to have many wonderful friends that accepted me for who I was, and teachers who appreciated me as a student and did not allow stereotypes to permeate into their perception of my character. Those people who supported and loved me for who I was and am, will forever have a special place in my heart, and greatly impacted the person I am today.”

However, Reed said that it was not perfect.

“It is evident, however, that there were roadblocks I faced throughout my K-12 experience, such as having a difficult time navigating athletics, bathrooms, school uniforms for performing arts, and Homecoming court,” said Reed, who petitioned to run for Homecoming King in the fall of 2010 but was denied because school records classified him as female. “During the time I was in K-12, it was still relatively new regarding how to accommodate transgender students. Since there wasn’t absolute direction on how to accommodate me, I did at times feel as if I missed out on important things.”

In addition to the Homecoming controversy, Reed said he would use his lunch hour to drive home to go to the bathroom due to the inability to use the men’s

restroom, he quit playing sports due to the inability to be on the boys’ team, he had to have conversations regarding being able to wear the men’s band uniform and the dark blue gown at graduation (which was accommodated).

After graduating high school, Reed said things became more normal as he flew to Florida to have what is called the “top surgery,” essentially creating a male-appearing chest. He said he regained confidence to get back into athletics, lived in a male dorm at Central Michigan University and become a more public advocate for other transgender individuals.

“Although my safety in the ‘real world’ is always a question of concern because of the historical perception and treatment of transgender individuals, I’d say my transition into adulthood as a transgender male has gone relatively smoothly,” said Reed, who is married to Emily (formerly Miller), another 2011 graduate of Shores. “I’d say that throughout my journey to-date, I have definitely encountered barriers and difficulties, but generally speaking, my time post-high school has been of excitement, success, and continued exploration of who I am and what my identity means to me.”

Gay-identified alumnus lives his truth after high school

By Morgan Cathey Executive Editor

Often times LGBTQ+ people feel lost or alone as they make the transition from high school into the real world, and for Joe Allen-Black, a 2000 graduate of Shores, things were no different.

“I would not have felt comfortable coming out while I was attending Shores,” Allen-Black said. “I can’t say it was a sign of how I interpreted community tolerance at the time or more a sign of how I interpreted how people, in general, reacted to the LGBT community, but it was never an option in my mind to come out in the late ‘90s.

This was a time before gay marriage was legal and people can (and did) toss around ‘gay’ as a descriptor for ‘bad.’ You hear that enough times, you keep your head down.”

After moving to Florida to attend the University of Florida, Allen-Black began to blossom around others who shared his experiences.

“UF was the first time I met out gay people and was able to meet other people face-to-face who were having

Shores graduate Joe Allen-Black (right, with husband Chris) said it was not an option for him to come out while he was in high school. (Courtesy Photo) a similar experience to me,” he said.

The introduction of acceptance into Allen-Black’s life was extremely transformative and beneficial for him, he said.

Along with the acceptance came identification, which Allen-Black said was vital; Allen-Black has since come out as a gay man which he defines as a person who uses masculine pronouns (he/him) and is attracted to people who also identify as male.

“I’ve been blessed in that I’ve had a supportive friend group and family who accepted me,” Allen-Black said.

“There are a lot of other people who have had many more challenges than I have in that regard. For me, the biggest challenge was just accepting myself and realizing that being gay didn’t mean I couldn’t have a home with a white picket fence and get married.”

The realization that he can still have his white picket fence came, for Allen-Black, in the form of his now-husband, Chris, whom he met in 2005.

“I’m amazed at my community in 2019,” he said.

“Thinking of how far we’ve come since I was first coming out in the early 2000s, I’m floored that we now have marriage equality and there’s a significant amount of Americans who believe it’s wrong to fire a person based on sexual orientation. It feels inspiring to be a part of a community that has come so far in recent years.”

FEATURE

The Sailors’ Log

Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019 7

WEIGHT on our SHOULDERS “When I backp think of acks, the fir thing st th to my at comes mind are pencil s I use because them e uniqu e in m day. Some very thing y back aids b pa ec my frie ause I’m t ck is Band he ‘m nd gro om in cas u e som p, so I hav ’ of eo e Sewic k, fres ne gets hu them hman rt.” – A li

thing “Some I keep e uniqu ack backp r y m in e a rubb is extr or my f bands The most . s e for ncils brac thing ely pe e t it n n a fi t r e impo are d write all th kpack a bac school, we ity is a red d ss in repare since r nece nothe m always p llen, A . e tim yA Ia nthon o that pen s ctions.” – A rre for co , senior

Back pain can be attributed to too many books in backpacks

By Holli Brus Staff writer

Throughout all high schools, a common complaint is backpacks.

Whether they are too heavy or too small or take up too much space in classrooms, backpacks never cease to be at the top of the complaint list.

Neighboring schools, such as Whitehall, Oakridge, North Muskegon, and Reeths-Puffer have implemented a “No Backpack” policy.

These policies were set in place mainly for safety risks, such as preventing students from bringing weapons or vapes to school.

Another reason is to lessen the amount of space they take up in classrooms.

Shores students don’t have to worry about a “No Backpack” policy as they are allowed to have their backpacks at all times, which is different from their middle school days when backpacks were banned and students were required to use their lockers.

Assistant principal Kent Higgs said there is no discussion of removing backpacks right noe.

He did say, however, that it could be a possible discusion in the future.

Crosstown rival Reeths-Puffer established a backpack policy this year.

“Students are allowed to bring any backpack of their choosing to and from school, but these backpacks are to be stored in their school locker,” principal Dan Beckeman said. “During the school day, students may choose to use a drawstring backpack to carry necessary school materials to their classes.”

The reason for Puffer’s new policy, Beckeman said, is to help lessen clutter in classrooms along with enforcing leaving non-school items at home.

Beckeman said he considered something that most schools don’t, the effect of the weight.

“Reeths-Puffer decided to have a no backpack rule to lighten the load of a backpack,” Beckeman said. “The drawstring packs are much lighter on our student’s shoulders.”

Although safety issues and space are a good reason to ban backpacks, the heavy weight component of backpacks is also significant.

Many Shores students complain about how heavy their backpacks are daily.

“My backpack hurts me a lot,” freshman Lauren Morea said. “Ever since this school year, I’ve had a lot of lower back pain, and my shoulders are hurting from all the weight too.”

Students complain about the weight of heavy backpacks, but are there actually any true health concerns related to the weight of backpacks?

“A heavy backpack can lead to muscle or joint problems,” health teacher Deanna Lieffers said. “It’s recommended that the backpack shouldn’t be heavier than 10-15 percent of your body weight.”

“Also, students are still growing, so when you use one strap, that can cause you to lean and, therefore, cause alignment issues throughout the body,” Lieffers said.

If Shores students are complaining about heavy backpacks and there are legitimate health concerns, why don’t students use their lockers more often?

“I don’t use my locker because it is not efficient for me in correspondence with my classes and studying schedules,” Morea said.

Another question is why are backpacks so heavy?

Junior Adrian Silva, who says his heavy backpack hurts his back often, said, “I have a lot of books in my backpack. For example, I bring a textbook home for AP World, and in Algebra, I have a lot of binders and notebooks.”

Some teachers require students to have a binder or multiple notebooks for their class. Then, multiply that by five classes, the weight can add up quickly.

Then what’s the solution for solving the issue of heavy backpacks? Should Shores come up with some backpack policy?

When surveying 146 students, every single person said Shores should not ban backpacks.

Junior TJ Habetler felt passionate about this issue.

“Shores should not ban backpacks because kids need to carry their stuff around,” he said. “There isn’t enough time for them to go to their lockers. It’s just convenient to keep your backpack with you.”

Instead of banning backpacks, sophomore Desi Burns gave some interesting alternatives.

“I think for classes that we have to carry big books we should be able to keep them in the classroom,” Burns said.

“That way we won’t have to bring them home every day or carry them around, which would make everyone’s backpacks lighter.”

Sophomore Desi Burns thought her backpack would weigh 7 pounds, but it turned out to be 25.8 pounds.

Junior Adam Silva thought his backpack would weigh 3 pounds, but it turned out to be 14.6 pounds.

Expectations vs Reality?

What do students think their backpack weighs?

Well, The Sailors’ Log asked four individuals to guess the weight of their backpack; then, we weighed it.

Here are those results.

Freshman Lauren Morea thought her backpack would weigh 10 pounds, but it turned out being 20.2 pounds.

Senior Grant Hylland thought his backpack would weigh 10 pounds, but it turned out to be 12.2 pounds.

FEATURE

8 Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019

The Sailors’ Log

THEIR OWN

beat

Sophomore overcomes bad heart to find good vibes

MEDICAL

By Samantha Sewick Staff Writer

Being diagnosed with anything can be a challenge, but some people, like sophomore Owen McCarthy, choose to not let their diagnosis define them.

McCarthy has what’s called a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), which means instead of his aortic valve having three leaflets, he has two.

According to medicineplus.gov, a normal aortic valve allows oxygen-rich blood to flow from the heart to the aorta.

It prevents the blood from flowing back from the aorta into the heart when the pumping chamber relaxes.

A BAV may not be completely effective at stopping blood from leaking back into the heart. This leakage is called aortic regurgitation.

The aortic valve may also become stiff and not open up.

This is called aortic stenosis, which causes the heart to pump harder than usual to get blood through the valve.

Additionally, McCarthy said he has the inability to regulate his blood pressure.

McCarthy, who was born with his defect and was diagnosed during a routine check-up when he was 3, said, “They noticed that there was a murmur and irregular heartbeat and decided to investigate further.”

After his diagnosis, he was referred to Dr. Sam Lacina at DeVos in 2006; McCarthy was then referred to the University of Michigan the year after. Doctors there referred him back to Dr. Lacina, who has been McCarthy’s cardiologist since.

McCarthy is scheduled to get a new cardiologist this month due to his former doctor retiring.

For someone with this type of birth defect, McCarthy’s life has still had some limitations even though he considers himself asymptomatic.

“I don’t usually think of it affecting my life on a day-today basis because nobody wants to think of their diagnosis as changing who they are,” McCarthy said. “But it has

MIRACLES

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

Despite having a congenital heart condition, sophomore Owen McCarthy keeps his head held high and his spirit positive. (Photo by Samantha Sewick) prohibited me from playing endurance-based, contact sports my whole life. I can still feel the impact of it when I engage in physical activities.”

Being a teenage boy, it can be a challenge to fit in while not being allowed to play the normal contact sports like football or hockey.

McCarthy has never even thought about confining to the social norm.

“I used to get made fun of for it, but it’s something that I’ve grown to accept,” he said. “It’s something I’ve grown around.”

McCarthy has gotten creative with his athletic side over the years. Instead of playing a contact sport, McCarthy has decided to pursue another “course” of action: golf.

“Golf has definitely been an outlet for me,” he said. “It allows me to play a sport and be with my peers but not inflame my heart in a way that it can’t handle.”

McCarthy is currently playing golf for the Shores JV golf

team and has plans to continue playing throughout high school with, eventually, the varsity team.

McCarthy currently is not medicated for his condition and has never had to go under the knife to correct the defect.

However, in the future, that will change as he will have a total valve replacement at some point in the near future Ultimately, the decision is up to his cardiologist. There is also a chance surgery will be one of many options and McCarthy could pursue a different route. “(Having that surgery can be) a little scary, knowing I’ll have to face possibly not waking up and going through the long recovery process, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take to be physically ‘normal,’” he said.

But McCarthy has also studied up on his medical knowledge to know that he shouldn’t let his fears or worries run rampant.

“Especially with the number of advancements in medical technology, my heart could potentially outlast me, valve and all,” he said.

McCarthy said he plans to continue staying up to date with his knowledge on his condition to make sure he knows exactly what’s going on with his cardiovascular system.

McCarthy has spent the better part of his almost-16 years living with a heart defect that has shifted his life.

But McCarthy also accepts that it’s who he is and grown to love his own, unique “beat.”

Scarlet fever leads to freshman being diagnosed with heart murmur

By Samantha Sewick Staff Writer Different than McCarthy’s congenital heart defect, freshman Donaven DeKuiper’s heart murmur came instantly and changed his life just as fast.

At age 8, DeKuiper was diagnosed with strep throat, which he left untreated.

Progressing quickly, he let it get to the stage where it was now considered scarlet fever.

“Strep throat is a really common disease,”

said DeKuiper. “It’s normally harmless with medication. But I didn’t get it cured.”

Letting it progress that far, DeKuiper was forced to face a scary realization: ignoring his symptoms almost proved fatal. “(Scarlet Fever) is where you get bumps on your chest,” he said. “I didn’t let my mom know. I had thought they were mosquito bites be- DeKuiper cause we had just come back from camping.”

When he finally decided it was time for a doctor’s visit, his doctor had to deliver some terrifying news to DeKuiper and his family.

“I was so scared,” he said. “They said I had 24 hours to live.”

The DeKuipers then had to make a choice about what to do next as his scarlet fever, which affects fewer than 20,000 people in the United States each year, because it had made its way to his heart, which is rare for this fever.

They decided to wait until the next day, where they could go into the Emergency

Room to confirm their findings.

“I went to the doctor the next day, and they told me I’d be alright,” DeKuiper said.

“I’d just have a little bit of trouble.”

DeKuiper doesn’t let this stop the way he lives his life though.

“I still have trouble running,” he said. “I get winded very easily. My heart rate accelerates. I don’t let it slow me down any.”

DeKuiper may not be running the halls, but he still keeps his spirits high and his smile on. His heart may “murmur,” but his spirit will always be loud.

FEATURE

The Sailors’ Log

Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019

IS SCHOOL OF CHOICE THE

9

RIGHT CHOICE?

PRIDE important to choice students

Shores bodes well for sophomore from Whitehall

A

By Aidan Cook Staff Writer

Every year, many new students are welcomed to Shores.

Of those new students, not all of them are coming from the middle school. Some of these students are new to Mona Shores Public Schools or school of choice students.

School of choice is when students who live outside of the district choose to go to a different school. So what makes students want to transfer to Mona Shores?

“Honestly, I think it’s because of the people. They make it worth going too,” said freshman Sarah Peterson, who is from Whitehall. “They’re really nice and supportive and kind.”

For junior Johnathan Hall, whose mom is the psychology

The points of PRIDE are important to school of choice students like junior John Hall and senior D’Angelo Seals. (Photo by Aidan Cook) teacher at the high school, it is and the students try their best said Enders, who mentioned also the people. to meet the PRIDE standards.

Personal Responsibility as “I really like the staff. The “I definitely believe the his favorite part of the matrix. staff is really nice,” said Hall, PRIDE matrix affects student “Everyone has to think that who is a non-resident student. behavior,” Hall said. “Integri- they have a sense of personal “Just the people and the com- ty is the biggest one for me. I responsibility over themselves munity the people that go here, know that I’m a better student and that feeling of others havthey’re really nice.” because of the integrity aspect. ing it also.”

To encourage positive be- But the whole PRIDE matrix, Clearly, Mona Shores is a havior, Mona Shores uses the I believe it’s a strong point of terrific place to go to school.

PRIDE matrix. The letters of focus on our school.”

Whether it be the staff, acathe PRIDE matrix stand for Sophomore Edison Enders, demics, arts, athletics, or just Personal Responsibility, Re- who is from Morley Stan- the people here in general,spect, Integrity, Disciplined, wood, agrees on the benefits most people would say that and Engagement. of the PRIDE matrix. there is always a reason that The PRIDE matrix sets the “It actually teaches students Mona Shores is an amazing expectations for the students, discipline and responsibility,” school to go to.

WHY BE A SAILOR? Payton Finklea sophomore “My favorite part is the music program.

I love being a part of choir. Mr. Lawton is an inspiration and makes me want to work harder.”

Current District of Residence: Grand Haven

Caleb Leonard sophomore “My favorite letter is ‘R’ because respect is a mutual thing.

When you treat a person/teacher with respect, you get the same thing in return.”

Current District of Residence: Muskegon

Kiley Jackson senior “My favorite letter is ‘D.’ Without discipline, our whole school system could wreck. Every student needs discipline in order to succeed.”

Current District of Residence: Muskegon

Maddox Schaner-Follett freshman “My favorite letter in the PRIDE matrix is the ‘R.’ Respect is something that should be shown first and foremost in the world today.”

Current District of Residence: Grand Haven

Keyanna Norvell sophomore “My favorite part about Mona Shores is the teachers. I have always been very close with all of them and respected them above all.”

Current District of Residence: Muskegon

s a school of choice student myself, I have my own reasons for coming to Shores back in 2018 at the beginning of my freshman year. The main reason that I decided not to attend Whitehall and chose Shores is the great academic opportunities here.

All of the honors and AP classes provide an environment perfect for learning and allowing me to be the best student I can be. I am sure many other school of choice students feel the same.

There are also lots of other reasons students come here, such as the triple threat of arts, athletics, Column by and academics.

Aidan Cook, Another thing that is good about staff writer this school is all of the clubs. There is a large variety of clubs here for all types of interests, from the Disc Golf Club to the Mindfulness Club.

Another thing that made me want to go to Shores is the great staff. All of the teachers, administrators, and coaches make Shores an enjoyable place to go to school. All of the staff really care about the school and the students, and their positive attitudes create a positive environment.

A part of going to Shores that I have really enjoyed is the sports. I was on the cross country and track teams last year, and I enjoyed both. The sports teams are accepting of new members. They make doing what I love enjoyable.

The PRIDE Matrix is also an important part of what makes Shores a place that school of choice students want to go to. That is has helped me to be the best student I can be.

For me, the most important PRIDE letter is Engagement. If students are engaged and focused on their goals, then they can achieve them. In a school where everyone is engaged, a lot of work gets done and time isn’t wasted.

The other PRIDE letters couldn’t exist without engagement. How are students supposed to have integrity or discipline if they aren’t even engaged?

That is why the most important letter on the PRIDE matrix is Engagement.

What makes Shores such a special place is the great sense of school pride. Shores is a fantastic place where everyone is welcoming and everyone pushes each other to succeed.

My experience at Shores has been a good one so far. Everyone here is nice and welcoming. The people of the Shores community are a big part of why school of choice students choose Shores.

10 Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019

PROFILES

The Sailors’ Log

BLADES of GLORY

Former hockey player builds industrial arts program

By Chris Horvath Staff Writer Industrial arts teacher Pat Rabbitt took the long route to get to Shores – literally.

Raised in Merritt, British Columbia, Canada, Rabbitt eventually ended up 3,665 miles from his hometown.

And while he is known for working in the “shawp” (he is Canadian after all), it was hockey that led him here.

“I was about 8 when I started playing hockey,” Rabbitt said. “My friends didn’t want to play one year, and I was going to quit, but my mom said, ‘I already had the check written out for the season, so why don’t you play one more year?’ So I did. After that, I had a great year, and I never had a second thought about quitting.”

Rabbitt played for the Merritt Centennials in his hometown for two seasons (1976-77 and 1977-78).

Then, the following three seasons, he traveled 700 miles south to the United States to play for the Billings (Mont.)

Bighorns.

He also played for the Saskatoon (Saskatchewan, Canada) Blades, Wichita (Kan.) Wind, Milwaukee Admirals, and Montana Magic before coming to Muskegon with a friend of his to play for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in their first two years of being an organization in 1984-85 and 1985-86.

Rabbitt said that stress and anxiety sometimes caused him problems during his hockey career.

“I ended up calling it quits after my two years with the Lumberjacks,” said Rabbitt, who was an eighth-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in 1980. “I was at a point where I was struggling with depression and anxiety from playing all those years, and I had two babies and my wife at the time, so I thought it best to just be finished.”

Rabbitt ended up working for a handful of different companies, including Eagle Ottawa in Muskegon, before coming to Shores in 2002.

“When I first started (at Shores), I joked that we had three things that worked in the shop: the radio, the pop machines, and the welding stations,” Rabbitt said. “Everything else we had to fix.”

Industrial arts teacher Pat Rabbitt helps junior Dakari Giles in an Intro to Manufacturing class in the “shawp.”

(Photos by Paige Judson/Chris Horvath) Rabbitt said he was the fourth teacher in four years that the industrial arts program had.

“The school was on the verge of shutting the program down,” he said. “The school had just passed their first bond, and they gave a ton of money to the library and the art wing, and students were upset that none of the money came down to the shop.”

So Rabbitt had to ensure students that the school cared and that he and the students had to show they cared too.

“A lot of students seemed to think that the district didn’t care about them after the bond gave no money to us,” Rabbitt said. “But I told them that they were wrong and that the district really does care about you guys. I told them until we change our mindset, they could give us $30,000 for new equipment, but that won’t matter because it’ll look just like

the rest of the equipment out in the shop unless we start to take better care of this place. Let’s work on leaving this place is better shape than we found it and come back in five years, in ten years, and see how much this place has improved and changed.”

When the next bond that was passed, Rabbitt said he was pleased and thankful that a portion of the money was used for his shop.

“They sunk $175,000 down here just for the improvements and the infrastructure,” Rabbitt said. “We replaced the lights in the classroom and in the shop, the vacuum system, the garage doors, and I added a door into my metals room. Thanks to the improvements made to the shop, it’s very multifunctional, and we were able to make it into one environment. I can keep an eye on what’s going on in the classroom from the shop, and I couldn’t do that years ago.”

Rabbitt said he loved that the district cared about his program through thick and thin.

“It was pretty rough down here at the start,” Rabbitt said.

“I never talked down about what we had; regardless, the district believed in our program all through the years when all the other schools didn’t believe in their programs and were starting to get rid of them.”

In addition to his shop, Rabbitt also made a brief foray back into the hockey world when he became the head coach at Shores for two seasons.

His team posted a 20-6-2 record in 2012-13 and an 11-151 record in 2013-14. The 2012-13 team won the conference title.

But it is in the “shawp,” where Rabbitt now focuses his attention. One of Rabbitt’s main philosophies throughout his years in the shop is “Aggressive goals without aggressive behavior.”

“I try to always be calm and collected with the student, even if on the inside that isn’t true,” he said. “One of my biggest goals is for everyone to get everything done, and that means taking some extra time for all students. I know what I try to create, I treat every student with dignity and respect at all times. I try to give them the best experience in the shop environment.”

The Sailors’ Log

Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019 11

COLOR CHANGE

Sailor athletics find new home in OK Green conference – again

By Paige Judson Executive Editor

During her third year of competition at the girls’ golf state finals, senior Logan Potts took home eighth place with a score of 164. (Photo by Warren Kent III)

Senior places 8th at state finals; team 13th

By Paige Judson Executive Editor After placing 50th her sophomore year and 25th her junior year, senior Logan Potts finally placed in the top 10 at the MHSAA girls’ golf state finals, which took place at Forest Akers East Golf Course at Michigan State University (Oct. 18-19).

“Logan’s play during the state finals was up to par,” coach Britni Gielow said. “She had a great mental game during the 36hole event. That is very important to have during the state finals because the pressure is on. Her long game was great. The course was playing longer, so her ability to hit a longer tee shot helped her score lower.”

Potts said she has been working hard for years to make it to the top 10 in the state finals, and she is happy with the way that she played throughout the tournament.

“I feel like I played great,” said Potts, who helped lead the Sailors to a 13th-place team finish. “I played as well as I could have, and it feels like all of the hard work has paid off.”

Potts’ coach said she is also extremely proud of the way that Potts played at the tournament and her drive as an athlete in general.

“Logan is very competitive,” Gielow said. “She plans to win when she steps on that tee box. She’s a very strong athlete.”

However, Gielow is not just proud of Potts for the way she played, but she is proud of the entire team.

“I’m very proud of the team for going to the state finals,” Gielow said. “It is a special thing to say your team made it to the end. They did a great job for never having played at that level before.”

In the song “Bein’ Green,” Kermit the Frog laments that “it’s not easy bein’ green” and would rather be “red or yellow or gold.”

Well, it must be easy being green for Shores athletics as it makes its second go-round in the OK Green beginning with the 2020-21 school year.

Previously, the Sailors were part of the OK Green from the fall of 2005 to the spring of 2008 for three school years. In its history, Shores has been a part of the following conferences: Valley Coast (1965-1970), Lake Michigan Athletic (19701985), OK Red (1985-2003), OK Red Lakeshore (2003-2005), OK Green (2005-2008) and OK Black (2008-2020).

This most recent change, which passed 35-14 by the 49 OK Conference principals, means the OK Black, which Shores is a member of, will be eliminated.

The Sailors, along with fellow OK Black members GR Union, Reeths-Puffer and Muskegon move to the OK Green while Jenison moved to the OK Red, Kenowa Hills goes to the OK Gold and Fruitport finds itself in the OK Blue.

Joining the four teams from the OK Black in the new OK Green will be Wyoming, Holland, Zeeland West and Zeeland East. Union is the largest school with an enrollment of

Girls’ Swimming The co-op team made history, capturing the school’s first ever OK Rainbow conference championship by winning the conference meet and going undefeated (7-0) in conference action.

Boys’ Cross Country Sophomore Jackson Helmer finished 62nd at regionals as the team placed fifth.

1,696 students, and Shores is second with 1,227 while Zeeland East will be the smallest with 943.

“What this realignment is going to do for our program is going to depend on our program,” athletic director Todd Conrad said. “There are going to be some other schools that don’t have the programs that we are going to have, and that will prevent some scheduling difficulties and some competitive lopsidedness.”

Conrad added that even though there may be growing pains that come with the new alignment, it is a necessity, and once everyone adjusts to it, it might seem like more logical sense to be in the Green.

“The realignment criteria is based on three main factors: geography, enrollment, and number of programs and in terms of those three criteria; the OK Green seems like a good fit for us,” Conrad said, “especially because the Zeelands and Holland, being just south of us, is easier travel than heading down 96 to head to Grand Rapids.”

For the most part, coaches are excited about the challenges that the new conference brings.

“Zeeland East is typically a very strong baseball school,” said Brandon Bard, the baseball coach. “We split the conference with them my first year here back when they were a member of the OK Black. They are always a tough team.”

Jason Crago, who is the softball coach, agreed, and said he is excited

for the new competition.

“Our new biggest competition will definitely be Zeeland West,” Crago said. “They are typically pretty good.”

While strong competition enters the conference, Bard said he will miss some of the rivalries that have been built.

“The biggest change will be the departure of two strong baseball schools in Jenison and Kenowa Hills,” Bard said. “We are adding teams like Holland and Wyoming that we haven’t typically played in the past, so that will be a big change.”

However, one happy consistency is the retention of Reeths-Puffer.

“The top team in the OK Black was Jenison,” Crago said. “And they will be the biggest competition who will be gone, but at least we get to keep our biggest rival Reeths-Puffer, which has had a pretty good record for softball.”

On top of the huge shift in competition, there will also be added mileage for teams traveling for games or competitions.

“In the old conference, we had a lot of local rivalries,” Crago said.

“But in the new conference, we have farther competition, like Zeeland and Wyoming, which means one-hour rides on a bus to get to our games.”

However, just like Kermit, who finally realizes, “I am green and it’ll do fine. It’s beautiful and I think it’s what I want to be,” Shores should do just fine.

SPORTS BRIEFS Girls’ Cross Country Freshman Cecilia Conrad paced the Sailors with a 26thplace finish at regionals. The team placed 10th.

Girls’ Golf The Sailors finished 13th in the state behind senior Logan Potts, who placed eighth (see story, above).

Football Shores (9-2) won the district title by defeating Midland Dow, 35-12, last Friday and heads into regional action tomorrow at Portage Nothern.

Boys’ Soccer The Sailors 910-8 overall, 9-3 OK Black) were knocked out of the district tournament with a 3-1 loss to GR Union.

New OK Green Grand Rapids Union Enrollment: 1,696 .

Mona Shores Enrollment: 1,227 Wyoming Enrollment: 1,191 ReethsPuffer Enrollment: 1,121 Holland Enrollment: 1,125 Zeeland West Enrollment: 1,054 Muskegon Enrollment: 954 Zeeland East Enrollment: 943

Boys’ Tennis After winning City and conference, the Sailors (11-10-5 overall, 5-0 OK Black) placed third at regionals.

Volleyball Shores (22-22-3 overall, 9-3 OK Black) lost to Grand Haven in the district opener.

SPORTS

FOUR!

12 Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019

Chase Knowlton, sophomore

Ty Langlois, sophomore

Nathan Taylor, senior

The Sailors’ Log

Scott Volkmann, coach

3 golfers, coach have each shot holes-in-one

By Jenna Baker Staff Writer Who would’ve thought holein-ones were so common around Shores?

Three boys’ varsity golfers -sophomores Chase Knowlton and Ty Langlois and senior Nathan Taylor -- and head coach Scott Volkmann have had at least one ace.

Chase Knowlton, sophomore In July of 2017, Knowlton shot his only hole-in-one at hole No. 14 at Oak Ridge Golf Club.

“I was honestly surprised, and I got so excited that (current freshman) Nico Taylor, and I started running around in excitement,” said Knowlton, who used a nine iron on the 135-yard hole.

Knowlton said the round was a typical round until hole 14.

“The golfers behind us heard us screaming and asked if we got

a hole-in-one, and they were shocked,” Knowlton said.

Ty Langlois, sophomore When Langlois shot his hole-in-one, there was only one person he wanted to tell – his dad.

“I remember calling my dad right after,” Langlois said. “At first, he didn’t believe me, but then, he congratulated me.”

Coincidentally, Langlois made his hole-in-one on the same hole and course as Knowlton – a month later.

Two years ago, Langlois said he was golfing for fun with freshman Carter Dethloff, and the weather was perfect.

“There was no wind, it was the middle of August, and it was a

perfect day to golf,” Langlois said.

“I’ve never shot anything like this before, but it was time to make something happen.”

Nathan Taylor, senior For Taylor, his story is a little different.

He was playing in a summer tournament, the Lincoln Golf Club Invitational, against a player from Reeths-Puffer.

Taylor said the weather and the

specific hole were not ideal.

“It was difficult to gauge where to shoot because it was uphill and into the wind,” Taylor said.

However, on hole 6, Taylor used a pitching wedge, hit 119 yards and watched the ball roll into the hole.

“I was so surprised,” he said. “I didn’t know it went in until everyone started cheering.”

Unfortunately, Taylor finished in second place.

“I thought I was going to lose going into the match, but I did way better than I expected,” he said.

Taylor said he has been close to a hole-in-one on other occasions.

“One time I thought for sure the ball was going in, but it hit the pin and bounced out,” Taylor said.

Scott Volkmann, coach While Volkmann has recorded five holes-in-one, the last one is his most memorable, he said.

Because his uncle Len Kemp, the person who sparked Volkmann’s interest in the sport, was golfing with him, Volkmann’s hole-in-one this past August at Oak Ridge Golf Club on hole No. 16 is special.

“I owe the world to him,” Volkmann said. “He has taught me so much, and I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without him.

He has knowledge about life that I simply don’t have.”

Because the hole was about 220 yards away and it was a fairly windy day, Volkmann said he decided to use a hybrid to shoot.

“Hole 16 is arguably the hardest hole in the county,” Volkmann said. “What was crazy was that the ball flew straight into the hole and destroyed the back of the cup.”

trio of other athletic accomplishments

Math teacher bowls 300 game

P.E. teacher hits game-winning grand slam Science teacher enjoys two walk-off wins

Twenty years ago, all math teacher Scott Lautenschlaeger could think about as he prepared to roll his one and only 300 game in bowling was his grandfather.

“It was a pretty awesome feeling,” said Lautenschlaeger, who said hius first two games that night were 125 and 152. “The only sad part was that my grandpa had passed away three month prior, and he was always there on Monday nights. I would have loved for my Grandpa to see that. I’m sure he saw it from heaven.”

For physical education teacher Roberta Edwards, a softball all-star game during the summer after her freshman year will never be forgotten.

Edwards hit a game-winning grand slam with her team down two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning.

“When I went up to the plate, I was so nervous,” Edwards said. “I wasn’t necessarily thinking grand slam, but there was pressure.”

Additionally, in the top of the seventh, she struck out all three batters.

As a baseball player at Muskegon Community College, math teacher Bill Lent scored the winning run from second base on a single.

“After I scored, coach kissed me on the cheek,” Lent said.

Fast forward 14 years, Lent was coaching varsity baseball at Shores when Julian Loera drove in Hunter Broersma to beat Reeths-Puffer for the County title.

“I guess I could have paid it forward and kissed Hunter on the cheek, but I chose to pass,” he said.