9 e5 m 2 lu 20 Vo dition 20 , E 15 er b to Oc
e h t
l i sa igh H s
’ s or
ol • o Sch
S 121
1
41
94 4 n iga
ich M s,
Ro e l ino
ad
re o h nS o t or •N
em
re ho S na o M
DESSERT S JUST
As fall kicks into gear, it is time to start making those tradional foods, like pumpkin pie. Staff writer Brady Whalen shares three of his favorite desserts on pages 6-7.
2 October 15, 2020
editorial
She Reigned Supreme
RBG’s tremendous impact will be missed
O
n the night of Sept. 18, I was sitting in the parking lot of Spirit Halloween when I received a Twitter notification on my phone. I felt in shock as I read the headline slide across my screen: Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG) had passed away. I was devastated to hear that such an inspiration of mine had passed, but I wouldn’t realize the true significance of this event until later on. As a feminist icon, Ginsberg paved the way for women’s rights. RBG built upon the foundation of women’s rights. While her work may seem minuscule to us today, RBG’s contributions made it all possible. Ginsberg also advocated for the right to safe and proper reproductive care, rights for the disabled, and rights for LGBTQ+ members, which will have an impact for decades. Agreeing with Ginsberg politically or not, though women’s rights shouldn’t be up for debate, her strength and tenacity can be admired by anyone. Ginsburg battled through her own struggles with gender discrimination, carving her own path to get to the top of a field dominated by Column men, and she soared. by Mia After being diagnosed with pancreatic Dickson, cancer, RBG had no intention of backing staff writer down. She knew she was essential to American democracy, and now, it is beginning to crumble down. Ginsberg overcame everything while maintaining an almost perfect attendee record in court. This should be admired to the highest extent. While there is no constitutional requirement to have nine justices on the Supreme Court, President Donald Trump is trying to expedite the process of confirming a new justice that would usually take months. As laid out in the Constitution, the president nominates a potential candidate, then a simple majority vote(51 votes) is required by the Senate to confirm the justice. Since there is currently a republican president and republican majority senate, it is unquestionable that the potential nominee would be the same. While Republicans are rushing to fill the seat, this heavily goes against the precedent set in 2016, when President Obama tried to fill a supreme court seat but was blocked by Senate Republicans, as the principle was that the seat shall stay open until after the election. Less than 72 hours after the death of Ginsberg, President Trump swiftly made the notion to nominate Amy Coney Barrett. If the Senate confirms Barrett, every door Ginsberg Editor-in-Chief Bailey Graham Managing Editor Emily Kuznar Staff Holli Brus Delaney Buckner Maya Cooper Mia Dickson
spent decades opening for women may be shut within a matter of weeks. This will be detrimental to rights for so many. Ginsberg held onto life as long as possible because she knew how important her work was to the lives of so many people. “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” Barrett, who has openly criticized Roe v. Wade, has already made plans to persuade the rest of the court to overturn. If this happens, this will be detrimental to all women. If Roe v. Wade gets overturned this may lead to major defunding of Planned Parenthood, which also gives women access to birth control, STD screening, cancer screenings, and overall health appointments. This will have an adverse effect on all women as a result. If nominated, Barrett also threatens to overturn the Affordable Care Act which would strip millions of people access to healthcare, desperately needed during this pandemic. While the future of our rights may have so many unknowns and dangers ahead, it is necessary to reflect and appreciate the insane amount of hard work completed by Ginsberg, who remains an inspiration to so many people.
Mike Meekhof Olivia Nunnery Grace Opsommer Maddox Schaner-Follett Ali Sewick Samantha Sewick Brady Whalen Adviser Warren Kent III
The Sailors’ Log
our voice Politics are not someone’s personality During this time of political tumult, there is a great deal of friction between the Democratic and Republican parties. While many people fall on opposite sides of the political spectrum, we as a people are not to be defined by our beliefs or opinions but by our character and how we treat others. Sadly, this is not the reality of our world today. One thing that we all forget sometimes is that political views aren’t the only aspects of someone’s personality. And while we don’t have to even closely agree or respect someone’s views, we still have to respect their ability to express their views, which is protected by the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution. Respecting each other’s views is difficult for the public; rather than having civil conversations, both sides attack and accuse the other. How can we expect to live in peace when we all rip at each others throat? It was once warned by George Washington that parties would only divide our nation in the worst of ways, but no one listened. Since then, our government has always faced intense partisan divide, but given that this is an election year, the divide between parties has grown stronger, and it’s not looking like it’s near getting better. We are fortunate to be in such an amazing country that gives freedom to individuality, don’t tear that freedom away from someone else due to their political views. Again, politics isn’t a personality trait. Everyone has their own set of values and beliefs. Beliefs don’t make a person, so while we don’t have to respect beliefs, at the end of the day, we’re all human. When election day finally arrives, remember that Americans aren’t connected through politics, but by democracy, freedom, and the great American flag that flies above us all. Thank you and make sure you go out and vote!
The Sailors’ Log is a public forum for student expression distributed freely to students and faculty of Mona Shores High School. Our Voice is the opinion message selected by the editorial staff of The Sailors’ Log. Your Voice is the letters to the editor section. All letters to the editor must be signed.
How to communicate with the staff: • Email: kentw@monashores.net • Website: www.thesailorslog.com • Facebook: Mona Shores Publications This edition of The Sailors’ Log was printed by the Argus-Press 201 E. Exchange St. Owosso, MI 48867
editorial
The Sailors’ Log
October 15, 2020
3
Mother Knows Best
Having a parent as a teacher makes school better
B
eing the son of a teacher at Shores has been a good experience. For starters, I never really have to wonder who is going to bring me to school or take me home in the evening because I ride with my mom. Throughout the year, I get to speak to my mom (English teacher Roxanne Schaner) often – in the car rides, in the classroom. I feel as though I have gotten to know her much better because of the school we both now visit daily. I get to experience a heightened level of learning because that is what my mom’s career is about, and often children pick up on their parents’ work because By Maddox it reflects their personality. SchanerI will say, however, that Follett I have to arrive earlier than Staff Writer most and leave later than others, but oftentimes, that allows me time to do my homework or participate in extracurriculars. It has not always been this way, though. In elementary and middle school, I would have to get up almost as early as I do now in order for my mom to take me to my grandma’s house every morning so that my grandma could take me to school. Often, this meant that I would come home to my grandma’s house in the afternoon because my parents both worked late as well.
English teacher Roxanne Schaner is one of the many faculty members who has her child attending Shores. Her son Maddox is a sophomore. (Maddox Schaner-Follett) she means to me – someone who has my Being able to go to my grandma’s house back, and someone who is there to defend every day was a gift from my mom. Not me if things get rough. everyone gets to spend as much time with Since my mom is a teacher, she is much their grandma and grandpa as I have. For more involved in the current events at that, I will always be thankful. school, i.e. school assemblies, special Knowing my mom is in the English events, and pride week. This gives me a leg wing, not far from most of my classes, up when it comes to fun school activities. has not been a bad thing. I always know The fact that my mom is a teacher at there is someone who has my back when Shores does help raise the bar for my work a situation gets rough or scheduled plans in school. Since many of the teachers know go off the rails, like if tennis practice is my mom, my work reflects upon her and cancelled. pushes me to work harder every day. In many ways, this is a symbol of what
“(With my mom as a teacher), I have somewhere to eat when I want to. She has a little closet that my friends and I sit in to eat at lunch.” – senior Elizabeth Sailors, whose mom Kristen Sailors teaches business “An advantage of being related to a teacher at the school is that you always have someone close by if you would ever need something quick.” – junior Avery Johnson, whose uncle Chris Johnson teaches English “I always have one person that I know at the high school, and they can help me with my homework if I need it. Another advantage is that I don’t have to ride the bus home.” – sophomore Brooke Petersen, whose mom Beverly Petersen teaches special education “I knew my way around coming into the school, and I also have connections to the teachers.” – freshman Jersey VanderWall, whose dad Jim VanderWall teaches special education
What is it like having a relative work at the high school?
Q the big
In each edition of The Sailors’ Log, eight students will be asked their opinion about a current topic.
The same goes for home, too. My parents constantly remind me to do my work, to think outside the box when it comes to school, and to plan ahead for the future. My mom is helping me prepare for my future, and that is something I will be thankful for. Because of her, I have a better chance of success in my life. A big advantage to having my mom working in the building is always getting to be made aware of new opportunities at the school, like if a new class opens up or a new extracurricular is created that I might be interested in. What some may not know is that both my parents are teachers. My dad is an elementary school teacher in Holton and often comes home with funny stories. Having the presence of two teachers in my household increases the effect of school in my house, but it has ultimately given me the power to succeed and try my hardest. At the end of the day, while my mom’s profession does produce a large workload, we are able to speak seriously about matters at the school as well as home life. It has been a pleasure to get to know the two sides of Ms. Schaner, the professional instructor who lives to see the understanding in a student’s eyes when they have a realization about something she’s teaching and the kind mother who would do anything to help her son become a better person.
“Being a teacher’s kid is awesome every day of the week. I feel like students get to know me through a different lens when they take my mom for Psychology or AP Psych.” – senior Johnathan Hall, whose mom Heather Hall teaches psychology “I’d say it doesn’t affect me a whole lot. A good thing is I can keep my sports stuff in her classroom since there are no lockers.” – junior Aidan Cook, whose mom Emily Cook teaches English “Being a teacher’s kid is cool, and I’m glad my parents are in the building. One advantage is that I can always get a ride home right away.” – sophomore Brayton Conrad, whose mom Shannan Conrad teaches social studies; his dad Todd is the athletic director “It was an easy transition to high school because I have spent so much time helping my mom over the years and attending sporting and performing arts events.” – freshman Jace Brainard whose mom Anne Brainard is the media specialist
4
reviews
October 15, 2020
SP O OKYFLIX
The Sailors’ Log
Perfect List of Movies on Netflix for the Perfect Halloween Movie Night
During the Halloween season, it’s expected to get a few scares and spookiness into your life. Horror movies are at the heart and soul of scare culture. There really isn’t any other way to get your scare on than sitting down and slightly relaxing with a great scary movie. Luckily, I have set out and made a list of Halloween movies to be on your radar for your next spooky movie night. – compiled by Bailey Graham, editor-in-chief
The Babysitter N FILM Rated TV-MA 2017 1h 25m HD
Play With a relevant star-packed cast, including Bella Thorn and King Bach, this one is for teenagers to enjoy. The movie follows along with a traditional horror film to a tee. The Babysitter resembles a few classic ‘80s movies, like Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street. While The Babysitter is a horror film, the comedy makes the movie. The dark humor is creative and keeps the mood light despite the gory scenes. There is a lot of blood and death. The Babysitter is a humorous horror film with a handful of jump scares. The film is about a preteen boy, Cole, who stays up late one night while being under the care of his hot babysitter. He walks in on her and her friends preparing a satanic ritual in his house. Honestly, this shouldn’t be classified as a horror film, but a dark comedy instead. It’s hilarious and contains a lot of cheesy horror.
Sleepy Hollow N FILM Rated R 1999 1h 46m HD
Play Based on the scary tale we all know and love about the headless horseman, this movie sets the story to life. Directed by Tim Burton, it has all the eerily beautiful details every Burton movie has. Every Burton movie has a Halloween atmosphere. The story follows an investigator, Ichabod Crane, played by the handsome, Johnny Deep, as he examines three decapitation murders in the quiet town of Sleepy Hollow. The only catch to this crime is that the culprit is the Headless Horseman. With a bizarre romance and a strange plot twist, this film keeps you at the edge of your seat. While there are limited jump scares, this film gives a tribute to the traditional Halloween story of Sleepy Hollow, which has received several adaptations such as Disney’s The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. Sleepy Hollow might not be the classic horror movie, but it matches the theme of Halloween and is a perfect addition to any Halloween movie marathon night. It’s a beautifully made film with a creative cast.
Little Evil N FILM Rated TV-MA 2017 1h 34m
HD Play
Little Evil’s star, Adam Scott who plays Gary, is known for his hilarious roles, and this film doesn’t change that. While having a dark plot is hilarious with its one-liners and comedic sarcasm, Scott makes the role fun and clever. The whole movie is clever, and even though it’s violent at times, the film is light and hilarious. The film takes place in the home of a newly married man, Gary, whose wife has a deviant son. The son is strange and creepy which leads Gary to believe he is literally the spawn of Satan. Little Evil is more of a dark comedy and focuses on the challenges that being a step-parenting can bring. The movie as a whole is really a metaphor for being a stepparent. I’m disappointed in the scare factor of the movie, but I did enjoy the film solely because of the comedic gold that it holds.
Poltergeist N FILM Rated PG 1982 1h 54m HD
Play Even though the story line follows a family, Poltergeist is a bone chilling horror movie. This film will match any scream junk’s scare craving. This film covers all areas of a great scary movie: tons of jump scares, screams, creepy creatures, and a over dramatic acting. While being a horror movie, the ending is cute, family oriented, and can warm the coldest of hearts. The movie follows the journey of a family who live in a quiet California community that ends up getting haunted by demonic ghosts, who take their daughter hostage. An exorcism takes place, but things get twisted and problematic. This film is definitely the scariest of the list and will leave you holding your loved ones tight. Poltergeist leaves the idea that any wholesome family can be in harm’s way whether it be a pandemic or demonic ghosts.
news
The Sailors’ Log
October 15, 2020
Pandemic Protocols
Fruitport H.S.
Mondays & Thursdays Cohort A Wednesdays All virtual Tuesdays & Fridays Cohort B
As students return to a routine for learning at Shores, one might wonder what other schools in Muskegon County are doing. Each chose a method that suits its student population.
15% of students are virtual
Muskegon H.S.
Reeths-Puffer H.S.
Orchard View H.S.
All students are attending first three hours in the first 9 weeks of school
All students in school every day 7:55 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Three 100-minute classes 10-minute passing times No lunch in the building
Entire district opted for all virtual Three required Zoom sessions a day ending at noon with homework after that
All students in school every day 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 30 virtual students Live stream to class with hover cameras and microphones
All students will be attending last three hours in the second 9 weeks
Mona Shores H.S. Monday Cohort A
“Many (virtual students) are realizing that it is much more difficult than they expected. A lot of them figured it would be like it was last spring,” said Dan Bolhuis, Orchard View High School principal
Tuesday Cohort B Wednesday All virtual Thursday Cohort A Friday Cohort B
Ravenna H.S.
Mondays & Tuesdays All students go to first three classes Wednesdays All virtual Thursdays & Fridays All students go to last three classes Classes are 105 minutes 10-minute passing times 72 students are virtual
School from 7:40 a.m.-2:50 p.m. Five classes, switching classrooms On days off, students work asynchronously with teacher office hours per sign up on Wednesdays.
“This year has provided us an opportunity to try things we might not normally try and do things we might not normally do. Some of those things I think will have a lasting impact on how we conduct business at RHS in the future,” said Justin Wilson, Ravenna High School principal
226 students are virtual
Montague H.S.
Oakridge H.S.
Mondays & Thursdays: Cohort A Wednesdays: All virtual Tuesdays & Fridays: Cohort B
Mondays & Tuesdays All students go to first three classes Wednesdays All Virtual Thursdays & Fridays All students go to last three classes 50% of students are virtual
West MI Christian H.S.
25% of students are virtual
38% of students are virtual
Holton H.S.
Muskegon Catholic Central H.S.
Mondays & Thursdays: Cohort A Wednesdays: All virtual Tuesdays & Fridays: Cohort B
All students attend school in-person every day
Whitehall H.S.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays All students in school Fridays: All virtual Underclassmen are in classes with up to 18 people in person Upperclassmen have 4 classes in person with 1-2 on-line courses to complete their schedule 23% of students are virtual
Was unable to get a hold of Muskegon Heights High School schedule. Information compiled by and page designed by Grace Opsommer, staff writer
5
North Muskegon H.S.
Mondays and Tuesdays: Cohort Blue Wednesdays: All virtual Thursdays and Fridays: Cohort Gold Students are in the same classroom all day (including lunch) from 9:10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. 70 students are virtual (6th grade to 12th grade)
6 October 15, 2020
center section
BAKING with and tongue in the process. Reminding myself that I had to be more careful, I let the rest of them cool down for a while before dunking them in cinnamon-sugar as a finishing touch. The smell of these muffins in my kitchen was heavenly. The irresistible combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples wafted throughout the room and made my mouth water. I bit into another one, genuinely tasting it rather than blowing out hot air like a dragon as burning muffin danced on my tongue. From the moment I bit into it, I knew that this recipe was special. The 1-2 punch of the cinnamon-sugar on top and the nutmeg inside made my taste buds tingle. They were a perfect size to pop into my mouth and made an impeccable single bite. This encouraged me to eat more, but that was the only downside to this entire recipe.
Fall baking can make for great times in the kitchen
Brady
Apple Cinnamon Muffins These muffins (pictured above) were a simple spice cake recipe with a good amount of shredded apples added in. Spice cake is something that I would enjoy even if I ate it every day for a year straight, but I had never tried mixing fruit into it before, so I was anxious to try these muffins out. This recipe was where my shortcomings as a baker came to the forefront. Cutting and slicing are definitely not my strong suits. In the process of shredding four apples, I nicked my fingers three times. However, a few band-aids later, I was back at it. Problems in the rear-view mirror, I slid the mini muffin pan into the oven and proceeded to check on them five times over the next ten minutes. As soon as they looked baked enough, I rushed them out of the oven. In my excitement, I stupidly popped one into my mouth, burning both my fingers
The Sailors’ Log
Page designed by Brady Whalen, staff writer
The Sailors’ Log
center section
By Brady Whalen Staff Writer Two winters ago, I began baking on a regular basis. I found myself having nothing to do on Wednesday nights through the winter, and instead of sitting around and watching the NBA or playing video games, I decided to improve a skill that I knew I lacked. Starting with simple desserts, I worked my way up from brownies and cookies that I had eaten too many times before to exotic cobblers full of frozen fruit and funky Amish pies where I made everything from scratch. Baking was something to look forward to every chilly winter week, but I eventually let it slip away each spring and summer as the weather got warmer and I found myself yearning for sunshine. Recently, however, I was craving returning to the kitchen and whipping up delectable desserts to savor. Knowing that my skills would be rusty, I chose some simple fall dessert recipes and set off for the grocery store
with a dollar (or two) and a dream of chocolate cake. The recipes below are what I decided to make and share with our readers. This whole process was far different from what I usually do. Typically, I do not care about the appearance of my desserts whatsoever. However, I had to take pictures of these, and because readers are not able to taste what I made, that is all they have to go off of. This challenge brought a new aspect to the kitchen that I am not used to, but actually enjoyed. Trying to stage pictures of food while water is boiling over and a mixer is whirring at full speed may seem hectic, but I genuinely liked the challenge it all brought. I would highly recommend learning to bake. It is a great skill to learn. No need to feel overwhelmed by it all; simply start small. Think of a great dessert and try to replicate it. Baking can make for great memories all while satisfying a sweet tooth at the same time. It truly is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Chocolate Cake
Pumpkin Cookies
I decided to take a foray into vegan baking for this recipe as it seemed simple enough. It felt incredible to be back in the kitchen after so long. My main gripes with vegan desserts are that they usually lack flavor due to poor substitutions or that they have strange textures and consistencies. However, this cake was moist and spongy. It was the perfect denseness for chocolate cake, and the flavor was rich without being overwhelming. If I would not have made the cake, I would have never known that it was vegan. I ended up cutting the cake into a ghost shape and frosting it with a butter cream that was vegan as well. Butter cream can be too oily or sweet, but this one was light and subtle in flavor, complementing the chocolate wonderfully.
These are my late grandma’s recipe, and have been a staple in my house since I was a toddler. We always set aside a special day to sit down and decorate as many of these as possible so that we could go deliver them to people we knew. It is an annual tradition and something that I look forward to. The dough is a basic shortbread, but it has a sensational buttery and slightly salty flavor to it. The frosting is simply milk and powdered sugar with some food coloring to provide the color. To achieve the unmistakable jack-olantern look, 2 candy corn, a few M&Ms, and a marshmallow nose are applied while the frosting is still wet. The frosting and candy have a strong sugar flavor, perfectly playing off of the cookie. My grandma spent years perfecting this recipe, and she definitely nailed it.
October 15, 2020
Baking has always been a great way to spend time with family for senior Kendra Holman, but she has decided that she wants it to be something more. “I take culinary classes at the CTC and did their summer programs in middle school,” Holman said. “My career goal is to eventually be able to open up my own bakery. I love the creativity involved in baking and I’d love to do that for a living.” When it comes to making fall desserts, Holman has some favorites that she loves to make and share. “Pumpkin spice bars are super good. I put pumpkin over a graham cracker crust and top it with some frosting,” Holman said. “My family also likes to make ‘Batwiches,’ which are basically a homemade ice cream sandwich but with a bat-shaped cookie.”
FALL
Three Shores students share fallthemed desserts they love to make
FAVORITES
For freshman Sara Harper, fall baking involves desserts that are a bit unknown, but are still scrumptious enough to share with her family. “My family really likes it when I make apple bread,” Harper said. “We have a special orchard that we always get our apples from, and they work perfectly in the recipe. For Thanksgiving, I like making an uncommon dessert called ‘Flapper Pie.’ It has a cornstarch base and can have a meringue on it, but I prefer it without. It’s always super good.”
When it comes to fall desserts, freshman Alyssa Munson is a fan of the classics, but enjoys putting her own spin on them as well. “Pumpkin pie is one of my favorite desserts all year, but it tastes even better in the fall,” Munson said. “I like taking desserts and putting my own spin on them, so I want to try making some mini-pumpkin pies as soon as possible.”
7
8 October 15, 2020
FOR GOOD MEASURE
Jacob Schnotala, freshman instruments: viola, piano “My biggest inspiration is my piano teacher. She was incredible, and I just wanted to live up to her. I started writing my own songs even though they go on far too long.”
Matthew DuRose, senior instruments: viola, violin “My biggest inspiration is definitely (orchestra teacher Kelly) DeRose. She makes me want to be a better musician and student. She makes me want to become an orchestra teacher myself someday.”
profiles
Music to their Ears
Sophomore expresses herself by playing nine instruments By Samantha Sewick Staff Writer Everyone needs an outlet, and for someone like sophomore Ava LeClaire, playing music became that. “Music has always been something I’ve been around,” said LeClaire, who plays nine instruments. “I’ve always loved spending time with my great-grandparents, so they surrounded me with music. I really got into music after I started orchestra, and I would play with my greatgrandma at the farmer’s market.” With music in her blood, LeClaire learned how to play her first instrument: piano. “We had a piano in our basement that my mom
Ava LeClaire uses one of her many instruments to express and unwind after stressful days. used to play, so when I “Eventually, I started was really little, I would learning to teach myself. mess around on it,” said It became a pastime LeClaire, who started on to play songs with my piano and eventually went family. I honestly loved to viola, ukulele, violin, learning the way my guitar, cello, drums, fingers moved to create accordion, and bass. sound.”
LeClaire said she was inspired by the talents her grandparents exposed her to at a young age. “I wanted to be able to play instruments because all my life I had watched my great-grandparents play in bands, in church, in parades, and other gigs they had,” LeClaire said. “They wanted to show me a way to express myself.” LeClaire’s transition into music changed dramatically six months ago, when her inspiration changed. “In April, music has become so much more to me because my greatgrandpa passed away,” LeClaire said. “I strive to learn the instruments he played, and every time I play, it’s for him. He’s my inspiration every time I pick up an instrument.”
Junior creates bond with music that will lead to her future Carter Mann, senior instruments: violin, bass guitar, piano, accoustic guitar, mandolin “I love music because the feeling when our orchestra finally nails a challenging part in a song, or when I am at home and I finally learn a tricky riff or tune on mandolin or bass, I find very rewarding.”
By Samantha Sewick Staff Writer Even as a young child, junior Ella Recknagel knew music was something that she needed to do and something she loved. “The day a cello player from the West Michigan Symphony came in and spoke and played for us, I knew I wanted to play the cello,” Recknagel said. “I remember being absolutely fascinated by the music she played and thinking that it was such a beautiful instrument.” The opportunities provided by Shores gave Recknagel the chance to explore her artistic side and pick
Junior Ella Recknagel performs at “Coffee House” last December. up the cello. Recknagel, who said she “loves being an artist,” now plays the
guitar, ukulele, and piano in addition to the cello. Music was not just about passion for Recknagel, though. “Music is a break from the stress of everyday life, and it is something that can always turn to if I am overwhelmed or stressed,” said Recknagel, who first picked up an instrument at age 10. “When I am playing my cello or guitar, all the stress fades away.” For Recknagel, music is her step away from reality. “Knowing how to play my instruments gives me such a sense of relief and happiness and everything else disappears for a while.”
The Sailors’ Log
FOR GOOD MEASURE
Cequoia Davis, junior instruments: guitar, ukulele, bass guitar, Bodhran (Irish fiddler drum), Cajon (Brass drum) “I love music, and I’m very passionate about music. It’s something that will always be a part of my life.”
Elayna Madl, junior instruments: bassoon, flute “My mom really made me love music when she took me to my first piano lesson. I fell in love with the piano and create pieces on that instrument.”
Daken VanDusen, junior instruments: flute, trumpet, bassoon “I love music because it allows me to express myself and to have something that I enjoy. I have made so many friends through music, and it’s a wonderful thing in my life I look forward to daily.”
features
The Sailors’ Log
October 15, 2020
9
getting into the
Class Sizes
Class sizes range typically from 10-to-15 students. “From a social perspective, I miss the way classes used to be, just for enjoyment purposes. But from an academic perspective, I honestly prefer the current classroom situation. By having less kids, teachers pay more attention to each student.” – Simar Dhillon, freshman
Hybrid Learning
Students with the last name A-K attend school Mondays and Thursdays while last names L-Z attend school Tuesday and Fridays. “I think what we’re doing right now is a great start, and we will be able to slowly get back to a regular routine. It’s challenging to stay motivated on the days I’m not at school though. But overall, I look forward to being back and ,hopefully, getting back to some kind of normal.” – Keondre Pierce, senior
Maggie McCarthy, freshman
Dax Alm, freshman
a
DAY
GROOVE
It is not only students who have had to adjust to the changing school year. Teachers have also had to adapt to the changing protocols all while trying to balance a split class schedule with half of the students in a class being home on a given day. While each teacher manages these changes differently, they all seem to have one thing in common: missing their students. “Even though I hope this isn’t the ‘new normal,’ I truly believe the masks are important to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Overall, I have enjoyed a new challenge. I worked hard to find a better way to create math lessons and then share this method with several elementary, middle, and high school teachers. I missed my interactions with students the most while we were out of school (last spring). The energy I give to my students comes from the kindness and energy they give to me.” – Carrie Helmer, math teacher “The first two weeks went well but were very odd. Teaching the same thing two days in a row is getting tiring. The planning isn’t hard but it is work. We all have to adapt and develop new routines in order to make due as necessary. Coming back to school is always challenging because you are working to reestablish a schedule and get used to the daily routine of school. That being said, this year, you add the stress of sanitizing and a realignment of teaching plans to a new hybrid schedule. These things are all challenging.” – Kyle Mireles, social studies teacher
Mask Appeal
Jonaya Snowden, sophomore
Jayden Smith, sophomore
Virtual
“I feel way less stressed in online school because I’m doing it on my own rather than in a classroom setting. It lets me be independent. I have more responsibility to manage my time and meet due dates. Each of my teachers posts an assignment While the majority of students are everyday, and I turn attending in-school classes, 226 them in that night. students are attending online classes. I do similar things as normal Two students with different learning students, but everything is on plans compare what a typical day Google Classroom instead of looks like for them. getting handouts.” Info compiled by Emily Kuznar, managing – Brisa Juarez, sophomore editor, and Ali Sewick, staff writer
in the
LIFE
Erin Sullivan, junior
9:30 a.m. wakeup for school 9:35 a.m. brush teeth 9:40 a.m. start first class 10:40 a.m. start second class 11:40 a.m. start third class Noon break for Lunch 12:30 p.m. finish third class 1 p.m. start fourth class 1:50 p.m. start fifth class 2:30 p.m. done with the day’s classes
Masks
Masks must be worn at all times. “It’s not difficult at all to wear the mask; I’ve gotten very used to it. Over the summer, I got a job and had to wear one; plus, any other time I left the house during the summer/spring, I’d wear one. So, just having to wear it a lot made me used to it.” – Ashton Ross, junior
Cafeteria
Students were assigned either first or second lunch, and those who eat at the school were assigned either the Hanichen Gym of the cafeteria. “Having split lunches isn’t terribly different from what I would’ve done before because first and second lunch would split up which friends I had lunch with. The only big difference is that I don’t have any close friends during my lunch time this year, and I can drive, so I either sit and eat in my car, or I drive to my house for lunch.” – Ana Ivanov, junior
Diego Luna, junior 6 a.m. wakeup 6:30 a.m. eat breakfast 7:15 - leave for school 7:40 a.m. first hour 9 a.m. second hour 10:25 a.m. third hour 11:39 a.m. lunch 12:16 a.m. fourth hour 1:36 a.m. fifth hour 2:50 a.m.
Megan Quigg. senior
Adrian Silva, senior
In-School
“I learn better when a teacher is physically in front of me, so only going to school two days a week is going to affect that. I like being in school because it gives me more opportunities to clarify information and get direct help from my teachers rather than through email. The only complaint I have is that I don’t have many friends in my cohort, so it is less fun to be at school.” – Victor Wu, sophomore
10 October 15, 2020
features
The Sailors’ Log
a M s t e k r n I SAILOR EDITION s
Information Compiled by Olivia Nunnery, staff writer
General Knowledge
Tattoo Shops
After getting a tattoo, one should avoid covering it up with sunblock until it is fully healed, do not scratch or pick at it, do not wear tight clothes over it, and do not go swimming, according to Healthline. The outer layer of skin will most likely be healed within 2-3 weeks, while it takes the lower layers around 6 months to completely heal, said Healthline. Healthline also says that you should make sure your artist covers your tattoo in petroleum jelly and have it wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent bacteria from getting into your skin. Before getting a tattoo, make sure to do research and make sure it is cared for correctly.
Attitudes Muskegon 1610 Evanston Ave. (231) 563-6188 AWOL Custom Tattooing 1780 W. Sherman Blvd. (231) 755-9900 Area 51 Tattoo 175 W. Clay Ave. (231) 722-3901 Slippy Ink 1865 Henry St. (231) 670-6084 Third Dimension Tattoos 1921 E. Apple Ave. (231) 760-5413 The Entity Tattoo Studio 2233 E. Apple Ave. (231) 288-1254 Sky Images Tattooing 3649 E. Apple Ave. (231) 773-8756 Black Label Custom Tattooing 544 E. Apple Ave. (231) 903-7443
Bible verse becomes inspiration Junior Ella Buikema didn’t have to look too far for her inspiration for her only tattoo. It was right there in her Bible. Buikema has a wrist tattoo based upon 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” “Whenever I or someone I know is having a bad day, Buikema I can turn to this verse and know that I can not only be encouraged myself but encourage other people through faith,” said Buikema, who has had her
tattoo, which simply reads “encourage,” for two months. Buikema even said she would consider getting another tattoo. “It would depend on what point of my life I’m at,” Buikema said. “I definitely know I’d get another one, but I’m not sure what it would be yet.” Buikema has some advice for anyone who is contemplating getting a tattoo. “Draw out what you’re thinking you want, and if you want it later in the year like maybe six months, and you still like it, then go for it,” Buikema said, “Also, anticipate the pain; it hurts, but it is so worth it.”
Three lines of love
Brotherly love proven
English teacher Chris Johnson has many tattoos, some of which he regrets. “I have a lizard on my leg which I regret getting,” Johnson said.“I just got it because I thought it looked cool when I was 18.” Johnson also has a Koi fish tattoo to cover up a tattoo of his fraternity letters which he did not want to be shown anymore. The tattoo that he is most proud of is his wedding ring tattoo which consists of three lines around his ring finger. “The first line is my wife because she is closest to my heart, the third line represents me, and the middle line is my daughter because she’s in between us,” Johnson said.
Sophomore Fischer Jones has two tattoos, a semi-colon behind his ear and “best friends” on his wrist. “I got the semi-colon behind my ear for mental health awareness, and I got best friends on my wrist to represent my brother,” Jones said. The tattoo dedicated to his brother was actually written out in his brother’s handwriting. “I shouldn’t have gotten it in my brother’s handwriting because it made it come out a little sloppy, but overall, I was happy with how both of them turned out,” Jones said.
Faith permanently shown Junior Elizabeth Savacool has a lettering on her wrist that says “saved by grace.” “I really wanted to make a statement about my faith and have something to remind me everyday about it,” said Savacool, who has had her tattoo for 7 months “I absolutely love it.” Savacool, however, does caution those who might be impulsive. “Be really smart about what you get,” Savacool said. “I got mine because it’s something I know I wouldn’t change.”
sports
The Sailors’ Log
‘Bouncy board’ leads to success
“Who would not want to jump on a bouncy board?” said senior Michaela Sander, who has been on the Shores dive team for two years. Each dive has a degree of difficulty, and that number is multiplied by the score the diver received on a scale 1-10. Sander’s personal best dive score is 172.30, which she already achieved this season at their first meet. “I feel like I have really grown,” said Sander, whose favorite dives are an inward dive pike and a forward one and a half. “It just becomes muscle memory.” Each meet, Sander said her goal is to try to get a better score and improve her dives each meet. After coming close last year, she said she hopes to qualify for the Division 1 state meet that would take place in November. Each time she masters a skill, she said she likes to take it a step further by adding half a flip to learn an even more difficult dive. “I feel like I’m really a good diver, and it boosts my confidence when I win or even just have a good dive,” said Sander, who used to be a competitive gymnast and thought the two sports would be similar. “I wish more people would come out and try diving because it’s super fun.”
Boys’ Cross Country Junior Jackson Helmer has been the leading runner as the team (4-5 overall, 4-5 OK Green) takes part in the City meet Saturday. Girls’ Cross Country As the team heads into the City meet Saturday, sophomore Robyn Hunt has paced the Sailors (6-3 overall, 6-3 OK Green) throughout the season. Football Shores (4-0 overall, 3-0 OK Green), ranked No. 1 in Div. 2, heads into Friday’s game against GR Union with a chance to win the school’s 250th game in program history.
October 15, 2020
11
Fear is not factor for junior Diving incorporates all of the skills that junior Katie Cree, who has just started her second season on the dive team, is good at. “I just do not get scared to try new things,” Cree said. During her first season of diving, both her and Sander set a record in the book together. This season, she is working on reverse dives and perfecting the dives she Cree has already learned. Her favorite dives are back and inward dives, specifically an inward one and a half tuck. “I have had a diving board since I was a
kid,” said Cree, who was also a gymnast, which helped her build her diving skills. “I would do different dives, forward and backward, off the board.” For Cree, training with Sander and talking to other teams and their high-performing divers has helped her grow and improve her diving skills. Every practice, they stretch out and make a list of dives that they want to work on. Each practice of the dive helps make it better. “I always hit the bottom of the pool when I dive,” Cree said. “Everytime I perform a dive well and hit the bottom of the pool, I do a little victory dance in my head.”
DIVING right in Stories by Delaney Buckner, staff writer
SCORING the sport
For dual meets, divers must perform six dives. Each week there, a required dive is provided by MHSAA. The remaining five dives must come from the five dive groups. These dives are scored 1-10 by three judges. For invitationals, conference, and state meets, 11 dives are performed. The divers must perform a required dive from each group, then pick six dives from the five dive groups. These dives are scored by seven judges. Each dive has a Degree of Difficulty (DD) number. This is multiplied by the judge’s score to find their total score. Dual Meet Sample for One Dive Judge 1 – 4 Judge 2 – 4 1/2 Judge 3 – 41/2 Total – 13 Multiplied by 1.4 DD = 18.2 score
Sports Shorts
Girls’ Golf Shores plays in the state finals this weekend after placing third at the regional meet. Junior Lily Miller led Shores with a 93. The Sailors also won the OK Green title. At the conference meet, senior Riley Trygstad led the way with an 84, which was good for third on the day. All-Conference honorees were Trygstad, junior Dezmin Merwin and Miller. Boys’ Soccer Shores played for the conference title Monday at Holland. Senior Hayden Yaros leads the Sailors (10-2-1 overall, 7-2 OK Green) with 13 goals. Girls’ Swimming The co-op team has posted a 3-3 overall record, 2-2 OK
Experienced Divers will have a total score of 235-400 points for 11 dives New/Beginner Diver will have a total score of 46-100 points for 11 dives
Rainbow. Boys’ Tennis Shores (5-7-4 overall, 3-1-2 OK Green) captured the City title by winning five flights: freshman Drew Hackney (No. 1 singles), junior Kayden Hellmann (No. 2 singles), senior Gavin Kuhn (No. 4 singles), freshmen Collin Khatir and Victor Powell (No. 2 doubles), and seniors Luke Uptigrove and Harrison Nelund (No. 4 doubles). Volleyball Shores heads to the City meet Saturday with a 13-6 overall record, 7-0 in the OK Green. Senior Brooke LeRoux, and juniors Grace Norris, Bri Wade, Linden Gentzkow, and Holli Brus have led the team.
12 October 15, 2020
sports
This fall, at least three Sailors play two varsity sports. Senior Keegan DeKuiper can be found on the soccer and football fields, sophomore Robyn Hunt swims and runs cross country, and sophomore Abe Freye participates in soccer and cross country. That’s why these three are...
The Sailors’ Log
DUAL
THREATS
Senior gets his kicks By Maya Cooper Staff Writer Two weeks ago, in the span of less than 12 hours, senior Keegan DeKuiper celebrated both a football win over Muskegon and a soccer win over West Ottawa. DeKuiper contributed to both victories as he kicked three extra points for the football team on Friday, Sept. 25, at Hackley Field, and then turned around and picked up the 1-0 shutout vs. the Panthers as goalie for the soccer team the next morning. This fall, DeKuiper is competing in varsity soccer and varsity football. His soccer coach Michael Apostle and football coach Matt Koziak said that he can manage the two sports because of his hardwork and discipline. “His work ethic is outstanding,” Koziak said. “If he’s not at soccer practice, he is with us kicking. Last year, he made some huge kicks for us, so he brings lots of experience to the team. If we need a big kick, the kids are going to have full faith in him.” DeKuiper, who also plays basketball in the winter and runs track in the spring, said he decided
Senior Keegan DeKuiper competes in both varsity soccer and varsity football this fall. DeKuiper balances his time between being a kicker for the football team while being the goalie for the soccer team. He finished last year making 47 out of his 50 extra points in football. As goalie, he currently has six shutouts for the year. to start kicking for the football team his sophomore year. He said football was always a sport he wanted to play, but because of the season colliding with soccer, it was not possible. “Football has become so much fun, and I love all the guys I have met and played with on the team,” said DeKuiper, who made 47 out of 50 extra points last year as Shores won its first state championship.
“It has become like another family to me, and I just want to come back and relive it every year.” DeKuiper said he balances the sports the best he can, but if he has to make a choice between the two, he will always pick soccer. Apostle says that another reason why he is so good at balancing is because he does an incredible job communicating with the coaches. “Hard work and discipline on and off the field makes him a great addition to our team,” Apostle said. “He does more work outside of practice than some do in practice; (he is) always trying to be a better teammate and player.” DeKuiper started playing soccer when he was 4 years old and has loved the game ever since. Soccer was the game he grew up playing, and he says it was a given that he would play all throughout high school. “Soccer is my main sport, and it always comes first to me,” said DeKuiper, who has been playing varsity soccer since freshman year, with 24 shutouts. “I like soccer because all my friends play, and it’s an opportunity to be with them and play the sport we love together.”
Sophomore balances running, swimming
Soccer player doubles up with x-country
Sophomore Robyn Hunt is currently in both cross country and swimming this fall. Being a tri athlete with track in the spring, she said she could not imagine herself not competing in either one of the sports. Hunt is currently on varsity cross country, Hunt with her best time being 20:00.4. She said her team is a big reason why she keeps pushing herself to do better. “The team aspect is so helpful when it
Sophomore Abe Freye is competing in both varsity soccer and varsity cross country this fall. Freye’s main sport is soccer, but he said he has started to enjoy cross country more and more each year. In soccer, Freye currently has three goals Freye and five assists. He said soccer will always be his favorite sport. “I love winning with the team,” said Freye, who has been playing soccer since
comes to racing,” said Hunt, who has been running cross country since seventh grade. “Since last year, I have built up strength, and I am able to run faster.” In swimming, Hunt competes on varsity in the 200 and 500 free for her individual events. She said that unlike the team aspect of cross country, she loves having individual events in swimming. “The sport itself is definitely my favorite part,” Hunt said. “I love the individuality, and I could never see myself not competing.”
he was 4. “I end up having to miss a lot of cross country since soccer is my main priority.” Freye started running cross country so he could stay in shape for soccer. Over time, he has started to enjoy running in meets a lot more, with a PR of 17:37. “I wanted something to do while soccer kept getting delayed (due to COVID-19), but I started to actually enjoy it,” Freye said. “It’s hard to compete in both sports because I’m always sore from soccer while I’m running.”