The North Star February 2013

The

North tar S

Relationship realizations

Photos by Jacob Pallach ‘13

Amanda Burgess ‘13 loves thinking about her crush, David Walter ‘13. To read more about long distance relationships and awkward break-ups, see pages 12 & 13.

February 14, 2013

L’Anse Creuse High School - North 23700 21 Mile Road Macomb, MI 48042 Photo by James Coller ‘13

Whether cheer is a sport can be a controversial topic. To read the opinions of Jacob Puma ‘13 and Lizzie Vanlerberghe ‘13, see pages 17 and 22.

Photo by Jacob Pallach ‘13

Cody Barlow ‘13 texts while waiting to leave the parking lot. To read more about the new teen driving laws, see page 5.

Volume XXXVIII Issue IV

Photo by Gabriel B. Tait/MCT

February is Black History Month. To read more about LCN’s efforts to recognize Black History Month, see page 2.

2 news

The North Star

February 14, 2013

LCN hosts first Black History Month

awareness Cordero MacNear ‘14 News Editor

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or many years LCN has been educating students, but 2013 is the first year the student body and staff have come together to plan a celebration for Black History Month.

With the collaboration of Diversity Club and the new associate principal Carla Postell, plans have been made to celebrate Black History Month.

Jimazha Hatchett ’14 said she doesn’t think LCN ever celebrated Black History Month.

“I feel like it’s not nice, like they don’t care and they should,” Hatchett said.

Noah Mattocks ’14 said the school is pretty diverse. He doesn’t remember when LCN has had a Black History Month celebration and believes that the diversity of LCN shouldn’t be a big deal.

“Teachers and administrators try in their classrooms and offices to build bridges, but the orchestrated efforts of these dialogue groups will bring forth commu-

Diversity Club assists with planning commemoration

nication using a more Associate Principal Carla methodical strategy Postell collaborates with all of the staff. She also on a larger scale,” Sheila Esshaki, Eng- takes the extra time to work with the L’Anse lish teacher, said.

Esshaki’s concept is Creuse African American Parent Network, as to bring greater comwell as with Diversity munication through- Club. out the student body Abraham Lincoln. to create a better enviBy 1976, as part of ronment. the nation’s bicenEsshaki, who is also the tennial, the week Diversity Club sponsor, was expanded into has been working with Black History Month.

Postell for the past two Black History Month is months to come up with not strictly about celan idea for Black History ebrating or commemoMonth. rating African American “Awareness is the first leaders.

Black History step,” Esshaki said. “I Month is a time to make feel we need to support right of several wrongs. It this because it is a nais a time to appease segtional thing.” regation and difference, The very first commemoration and celebra- according to a blogger’s opinion. tion of contributions to “Diversity is about America by people of tolerance and acceptance African descent came and celebrating differfrom American historian ences,” said Esshaki.

“We Carter G. Woodson who can’t change people’s established Black History opinions but to make Week during the week of everyone feel safe and February 12. good coming to LCN, no For many years, the matter of backgrounds.” second week of February Esshaki is all about was set aside for this celdiversity.

She plans on ebration and to coincide fundraising enough with the birthdays of money through Diversity Fredrick Douglass and Club so they may buy different cultural flags to hang in the commons area. Esshaki’s plans for Black History Month are to pass out free suckers, courtesy of Diversity Club, with quotes attached and a program is scheduled for February 19 with poets as a celebration of Black History Month.

Esshaki and Postell also came up with the idea of students announcing

Photo by Lindsay MacAulay ‘14

The majority of Sheila Esshaki’s second hour class takes part in Diversity Club.

The club meets every Wednesday during tutorial in Esshaki’s room to accommodate the underclassmen who do not have a car to stay during the afterschool meetings on Tuesdays. Anyone is welcomed to join the club.

Photo by Morgan Rutz ‘13

Black History Month facts during the morning announcements for the duration of February. This idea was shared with the L’Anse Creuse African American Parent Network (LCAAPN) who have assisted by gathering Black History Month facts.

Sean Wolski, senior and leading member of Diversity Club, said it is nice that Diversity Club, was able to do something for Black History Month for the first time.

“Although we need to do more; recruiting more [students], celebrating more cultural holidays and events and hanging flyers, posters,” he said.

Wolski is proud of the work he and the Diversity have accomplished thus far, but he is also saddened to not share in the accomplishments for next year.

Photo by James Coller ‘13 Photo by James Coller ‘13

An African American student and a Caucasian student fist bump at Freshmen Orientation.

“Diversity is all about tolerance and acceptance and celebrating differences.”

February 14, 2013

The North Star

Fiscal cliff elevates frustration Nicole Voight ‘13 Reporter

Teete

ring

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n the beginning of the year, Congress and President Barack Obama came to a conclusion to address the fiscal cliff, as nationalpriorites.org said.

A good question to ask is: what is the fiscal cliff?

NationalPriorities.org states that the fiscal cliff occurred on January 1, 2013. On that day, Congress allowed tax breaks for citizens to expire. This led to an increase in everybody’s taxes. Democrats were not in favor of raising everyone’s taxes, and only wanted the wealthiest people to have their taxes raised, while Republicans wanted everyone’s raised.

The word fiscal started to be used in context because of the Bush tax cuts in 2010. It also was used in 2011 because of the tax deficits that would have happened this year under the fiscal cliff scenario that the government thought would pass. About.com states that the man that made this term popular in the government was the chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke because of the reduction in the deficit that was supposed to happen in the beginning of 2013.

Even though it is past the deadline, the government is still deciding

on a

cliff

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whether or not to put the fiscal cliff into cuts over income have finally come to use. Both ways, everyone’s taxes will an end and if no action is taken soon, rise, and pay checks will shrink. Most then most Americans will be paying students noticed that their pay checks higher taxes this year. have been smaller, and that is because of the new taxes that are being placed on all working class citizens.

“I’ve noticed that, even though minimum wage rose, and I got a raise at my work because of it, my paychecks haven’t gotten any bigger. My paychecks actually got a lot smaller and I didn’t understand why,” said Kelsey L’Heureux ’13.

Not only did students have opinions of the fiscal cliff, social studies teacher, Mark Forbert, added his input.

“Being a conservative, I need to see less government spending. Too many people are getting money from the government. People need to be more responsible for their own actions and so does the government. Spend less and we won’t have to borrow and we can reduce the debt ceiling. Currently we owe over $16 trillion. That amount has doubled in the last 12 years,” Forbert said.

Because it is now the year 2013, many changes brought on by the fiscal cliff are going into effect. The Bush-era tax Graphic from Treible/MCT

MME/ACT on the horizon Jessica DiBattista ‘14 Reporter

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s March approaches the air is changing, the flowers are blooming, the weather is warming, spring break is around the corner, and for juniors, the ACT/MME is here.

Every year in March, high school juniors must take the American College Test, most commonly known as the ACT. In addition to the ACT weighing on the shoulders of many, juniors in Michigan also need to take the MME, which stands for the Michigan Merit Examination.

Juniors prepare for the test of their lives

According to actstudent.org, the ACT is a preparation test for college. The test focuses on: math, reading, writing, English, and science.

The assessments in the ACT are required to be completed in a certain time frame. Also the questions are completely randomized.

“I wish we had more time for the ACT,” Liz Zaccagnini ’14 said. As the test is coming some juniors could find themselves lacking in preparation.

Also, at LCN more teachers are preparing the juniors, getting them

ready for the ACT. In Algebra 2 classes, some teachers are taking weeks out of their lesson plans to prepare juniors for the math portion of the ACT; even students in classes such as Advanced Composition are preparing for the test.

Starting last fall, LCN has offered College and Career Literacy and Mathematics, which is a preparation class for the ACT. This class could be beneficial to some students who need help with their testing skills and some who want extra help with the ACT. “I hope the class helps

students become better prepared, as well as prepare for standardized tests in college,” math teacher Sarah Youngs said.

Even though this is only the first year for the ACT class, some students feel that it has helped.

“This class has helped a lot with my testing skills. I have learned tips about the ACT,” Maegan Donajkowski ‘14 said.

According to www. michigan.gov, the MME offers a free ACT exam, which means students do not have to pay to take the ACT. The MME test measures progress within

the years of high school.

“I think the MME is a good idea, but I am confused on what it is,” Kirsten Jett ’14 said.

Also there are many practice tests juniors can take online right from the LCN website. This

year the ACT/MME will take place on March 5-7.

As the ACT/MME is approaching fast, there is less time to prepare; however, it is never too late to start.

4 news

The North Star

February 14, 2013

Sandy Hook raises questions about security

Administrators reassure L’Anse Creuse is a safe place James Coller ‘13 Editor-in-chief

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he sound of gunshots ringing out has become an all too common sound at schools across America in the past few years.

Numerous school shootings have rocked the United States in the past few months calling into question firearms legislation as well as issues with school security.

Recently, one incident which left a resounding impact on America occurred on December 14, 2012 when Adam Lanza, a 20-year-old Connecticut man, shot and killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT.

With the large loss of young lives, the safety of students in schools has been brought into the spotlight.

Within L’Anse Creuse, district officials have insisted that the schools remain safe.

“I would like to

Photo by Jacob Pallach ‘13

Supervisory aide Steve Marino coasts the hallways and reports over this walkie talkie. Aides in the hallways help to make sure the building is secure.

assure you that your children’s safety is our number one priority,” said Superintendent Jackie Johnston in a prepared statement following the Sandy Hook shooting. “As our number one priority the district upholds rigorous safety procedures that are reviewed regularly.

In addition there are multiple safety drills in place for each school that are practiced throughout the school year.”

LCN Principal Greg Dixon also emphasized that the schools remain safe.

“Staff, students and parents can take confidence in the fact that schools are one of the safest places to be,” Dixon said.

Students and teachers alike feel that LCN is secure, and better off than other schools.

“There’s a lot of supervisory aides in the hallways and I feel our security is

better than most other schools,” said Katelynn McMachen ’13.

Within LCN, all exterior doors are locked during school hours with the exception of one door at the main commons entrance.

The one unlocked door is monitored by supervisory aides from both the parking lot and the commons circulation desk, according to Doris Chaffin, a supervisory aide stationed in the parking lot.

“I watch the front door from the outside,” said Chaffin. “We keep all of the doors locked except the one and monitor everyone coming and leaving the building.

I believe the school is secure. We know what to watch for.”

Additionally, all interior classroom doors are to remain locked during school hours as well in an effort to protect students from any potential intruders, according to Dixon; however, he admits that “we have become relaxed

At all times while classes are Photo by Brittiny Shepherd ‘13 in, these doors are remained locked. This helps personnel monitor all people who enter the building, another safety measure in place to ensure the protection of students and staff.

about the classroom door policy.”

“I feel very safe at school,” said French teacher Marie Howard.

“I think the crisis team and administration have come up with a good plan for if something were to go wrong. I don’t want to live in fear, though.”

In addition to Sandy Hook, shootings have taken place at all levels of schools across America.

Barack Obama, President of the United States, under pressure from both law makers and the American people, pleaded with congress for stricter gun control nationwide and enacted multiple executive orders to gain research on gun violence, according to White House press releases.

“As a country, we have been through this too many times,” said Obama in a statement. “Whether it’s an elementary school in Newtown, or a shopping mall in Oregon, or a temple in Wisconsin, or a movie theater in Aurora, or a street corner in Chicago -- these neighborhoods are our neighborhoods, and these children are our children.

And we’re going to have

to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics.”

The possibility of curbing the violence seems appealing to many, but there is great debate as to how to go about it.

Supervisory aide Jennifer Klick doesn’t worry about the potential of a gunman at LCN, but would still like to see possible changes.

“We could have all the doors locked with a buzzer system and a camera,” Klick said.

Despite the arguments, no feasible solutions have been found to curb the violence. In the meantime, L’Anse Creuse affirms district schools are safe, and administrators hope that the entire community feels the same.

“I believe we have solid policies in place to protect our staff and students within the resources available to us. There are always additional measures that can be taken, they just need to be weighed against cost and efficiency,” Dixon said.

February 14 , 2013

news 5

The North Star

Mr. Crusader pageant raises funds for STUCO Alexis Carlson ‘14 Opinion Editor

The dresses, the heels, the make-up, the endless preparation, the photos, the fame, a beauty pageant is something only girls participate in, right?

Wrong. LCN is taking on its third annual Mr. Crusader male pageant.

As one of its biggest fundraisers all year, the Student Council puts on Mr. Crusader to not only raise money, but also to create memories for the students and teachers that will last a lifetime.

Now, don’t jump to conclusions here. Although they do receive a lot of fame around the school because they “strut their stuff” on stage, the males participating in Mr. Crusader do not wear dresses with heels, pack on make-up, or prepare their entire lives for one show. In just one short month the boys raise their money, pick their talents, and learn everything they need to know to put on the best show possible.

After raising money all week, the top 10 people are picked to be contestants. This year’s 10 contestants are Seniors Domanic Bogoevski, Mike White, Jacob Puma, Mike Michalski, David Walter, Garrett Brown, Evan

all under control, and are all more than Coulter, Dakota Gamble, and juniors ready for the show.

Sam Mohawk and Keegan Roth. Who “I’ve practiced my talent a good five has what it takes to be the 2013 Mr. or six times now, so I am more than Crusader? ready for With the night there beof the ing four show!” parts conto the testant actual Roth ’14 event: said. formal “I wear, feel as question though I and anam very swer, talPhoto by Jacob Puma ‘13 nice and ent, and Mr. Crusader contestants rehearse on the beach stage for the pageant which took place February 13, 2013. respectwear, the There has been much preparation behind the contest and in ful to everyone. contes- return, it should make for an entertaining event.

I would tants represent the Mr. Crusader title excephave a lot to prepare for. tionally well,” Bogoevski said.

Between getting fitted for the tuxes “I should win Mr. Crusader this year and anxiety of picking an escort for the because I’m a stud. I’m funny, but seriformal wear, to the preparation of the ous at the same time. I would make the best answer in the questionnaire, and perfect Mr. Crusader,” Michalski said. the stress of picking the best talent to “The Student Council puts on Mr. send the audience laughing for days, to the perfect pick of beach wear to “wow” Crusader mainly as a fundraiser. All of the judges, the contestants have a lot to the proceeds made from the event go to student leadership; or in other words, work on. back to the students,” student council Not to worry though, the boys have it

advisor Lori O’Neal said.

“We got the idea of Mr. Crusader from other schools and figured it was a perfect idea because girls like to laugh at stupid boys,” student council advisor Jena Amell said. “We thought it was a good way to get a lot of people involved and a fun was to do it as well.”

Mr. Crusader wouldn’t happen without any of the back stage work and preparation from the Student Council’s executive board. These students prepare the show, the contestants, and the audience for a night they will never forget.

“This is my third year working as one of the students who run Mr. Crusader, and I’m astonished, to say the least,” Walter, student council president said. “With each new year comes new improvements to uphold and the show itself just gets better and better.

We work our butts off to make sure the show runs smoothly and the feeling of accomplishment in the end is something I cannot explain in words.”

Regardless of who wins the 2013 Mr. Crusader, there are hundreds of students leaving their mark on Crusader Nation.

New drivers banned from using cell phones Kelsey’s Law enacted to help teen drivers stay focused on the road instead of on the screen James Coller ‘13 Editor-in-chief

On a cold January day in 2010, Kelsey Raffaele was talking on the phone as she drove down the road in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It only took a split second for the inexperienced Raffaele to lose control of her vehicle and crash. Her choice to use her phone while driving would result in the loss of her life.

Since Raffaele’s tragic death, her parents have pushed for reformation to Michigan’s teen driving laws, according to their website, www. kelseyslaw.com.

Now, Raffaele’s parents’ wish became a reality. On January 8, 2013, Gover-

nor Rick Snyder signed what has become known as Kelsey’s Law. Kelsey’s Law, which will take effect March 28, 2013, according to the Michigan Legislature, makes any cell phone use by level 1 or level 2 drivers a civil infraction.

Since it is a civil infraction, each city will determine the appropriate fine for committing the offense. If a teen driver is sighted using a cell phone, a police officer may pull him over and ask to examine the phone to determine if it was in fact being used. The officer may not confiscate it.

Not all students agree with the law. Kayla Belanger ’15 feels that

the government has too much control over society when it comes to things like cell phone use.

“We should know when we can use them and when we can’t,” Belanger said. “It’s [teens] choice to use them; they’re dumb enough to do it.”

“This law means a lot to me, both as governor and as a parent of a young person who is learning to drive,” Snyder said in a prepared statement. Snyder also has a daughter named Kelsey who just received her license.

“I appreciate the efforts of Kelsey’s mother, Bonnie, and family who have worked tirelessly to get the message out about

the dangers of distracted driving,” Snyder said.

“We should be doing everything we can to make sure beginning drivers are focused on learning how to drive. I believe this law will help them gain that experience while reinforcing their responsibilities behind the wheel.”

In the past decade, the use of electronics, such as cell phones, has increased at unimaginable rates. In more recent years, legislation has been aimed at reducing the tragic loss of life often caused by distracted driving.

In 2010, according to Michigan.gov, then Governor Jennifer Granholm

signed into law reform that added passenger limits and a revised curfew to the existing graduated license system.

Also in 2010, Granholm signed a law that made texting while driving illegal for any driver.

While the new law is enforceable on its own, according to a press release from the governor’s office, it is only expected to be enforced upon the detection of additional violations.

The full law is now Public Act number 592 of 2012, and is a revision of the Michigan Vehicle Code.

Inside the law

• Only applies to level 1 & 2 licenses • Goes into effect March 28, 2013 • Will not be a primary offense • Individual cities will choose the fine

6 feature

The North Star

February 14, 2013

Wayne Cook

Teacher looks to conquer cycling Kristen Alberti ‘13 Cover Editor

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man is about to begin The Wausau 24, a 24-hour bike race in Wisconsin.

As always, he has a goal set for himself, although he has won many times before. In this race, he wants to place first or second because last year he came in third, which is quite an honor. This man, who devotes his life to riding a bike, is none other than the English Department’s own Wayne Cook.

This race is important to Cook, as most are, because it challenges him to reach his goals and full potential. He puts time and effort into preparing for each race that he participates in, as he does for each class that he teaches. Along with being a dedicated bicyclist, Cook is an experienced English, Speech, and Debate teacher.

Cook did not always want to be an English teacher. His parents were both teachers, so he wanted to be something completely different

from them, he said.

He attended Central Michigan University and taught there as a graduate assistant to pay for his tuition. Once he completed teaching there, he realized that he cared about the actual job he was doing more than the profit he was making for his work.

Cook is currently the only teacher certified to teach Speech and Debate, but he has taught almost every class offered in the English Department. One of his favorite classes to teach was Identity because he enjoys more literature-based material.

Cook likes teaching high school because he gets to be around young people who keep him modernized. He feels more up to date and socially current seeing and experiencing all of the technology his students use.

“My favorite thing about teaching is talking to people,” said Cook.

“I like giving people different ways of looking at things; it’s cool to see some students realize that the different way to

Photo courtesy of Wayne Cook

English teacher Wayne Cook leads a fast-paced life outside of school where he races bikes. Cook finds riding to be a release.

think about something is more right to them.”

Cook is always giving insightful information to his students and colleagues.

Megan Barr ’13 said, “Mr. Cook is probably the bluntest, boldest, yet humblest person I have ever met. He isn’t

Photo by Jacob Pallach ‘13

Many students turn to Wayne Cook for advice. When he isn’t cycling or in random locations within the school with a bag of popcorn, he can be found in room 220.

afraid to speak his mind and has a generous soul.

He always makes every student feel like they have someone to talk to, but he still keeps it real.”

“Cook is very insightful,” said Amber Reeves ’13. “He has a way of teaching lessons but also tying them in to real life. He really teaches you to apply knowledge instead of learn it.”

Behind his wisdom, Cook has an inviting, big heart.

English teacher Danielle Alexander said, “When I first met him, I was intimidated because I didn’t really know what to expect. Then, I learned he was very funny and kind. Last year was my first year here, and he helped me out with Advanced Comp. a ton.”

Although Cook enjoys teaching, his real passion is riding his bike. He began to race bikes during his last year of

college. He worked at a ski and bike shop in Mount Pleasant, and one of his friends talked him into entering the Cool Big Lap Challenge which is a race that takes place south of Cadillac, Michigan. Once Cook completed the race, he found out that he really liked it.

It wasn’t until 1998 that Cook really started to race hardcore. A traditional season for a bicyclist is from March through December, so he really doesn’t have much time off, he said. In some races, Cook looks to compete, but in others he participates just to work out.

Cook currently owns seven bikes, each with a different purpose. He is getting a custom frame built which he is very excited about. Cook is sponsored by Specialized Bicycles.

Every year, Cook targets a few races to

compete in and sets goals to accomplish during them. For example, he may target a certain time to make or a certain place to finish in. This year he hopes to win the Lumberjack 100, a race near Manistee, Michigan, since he has done well in the past.

Cook’s passion for biking comes from the fact that it is a constant outlet for him.

“I’m fortunate enough that I’ve found something I can do my whole life that’s so simple but can make me so happy,” said Cook. “Getting on a bike will always make me feel better.”

Cook is always looking on the brighter side of things. Whether the topic is teaching, biking, or helping out his students, Cook has a universal piece of advice: “You’ve just got to remember that things will work out; life’s not perfect.”

February 14, 2013

feature 7

The North Star

SkillsUSA is major focus for students Brittiny Shepherd ‘13 Business Manager

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ractice, practice, practice. Once second semester starts, that is what a select few Pankow students focus on.

“SkillsUSA is a competition where students from all over gather to demonstrate both their knowledge and ability to complete career skills,” Alexis Allen ’13 said.

According to the SkillsUSA website, more than 5,000 students compete in 92 occupational and leadership skills areas.

Currently, Pankow students are practicing for the regional competition which will take place at the Pankow Center on

February 28.

Most of the SkillsUSA competitors are high school students, but there are also some college competitors.

On February 28, students from schools in Pankow’s region will gather at the Pankow Center for the skill they are competing in. The excitement and nervousness will flow through the students as they prepare to start competing at four 4 p.m.

Students will be separated and sent to different rooms, depending on what they will be doing.

For example, the CSI teams will all gather into one room. Teams will draw numbers to set the order. As the first team

Photo by Christian Catron ‘12

Part of the SkillsUSA competition is a forensic science category where students must investigate a crime scene. Students from the Pankow Criminal Justice class participated in the contest.

Photo courtesy of SkillsUSA

Maryssa Trupiano ‘12 (right) placed second at the 2012 SkillsUSA competition. The competition includes numerous categories including, medical, forensics, law enforcement, and mathematics.

goes through the crime scene for 30 minutes, everyone else will get 30 minutes to complete the test. Along with that hour, each team will have 30 minutes to complete all of their paperwork.

State competitions comes after regionals; this year, states will be held on April 19, 20 and 21.

“The difference is the pressure and the talent,” Christian Catron ‘12 said, referring to the regional and state competitions.

Richmond High School graduate Sara Sebesta ‘08 agreed.

“The major difference between all of them is the number of people and the pressure. Regionals is not very high pressure, and there is only a few schools there to com-

pete against. States gets bigger, as it has schools from all across the state to compete against and same goes with nationals.

With more teams to compete against comes more pressure to do good,” Sebesta said.

At states, contestants take a test that every competitor must take.

This test helps determine which team or person will win in the event of a tie in any area.

Winning at the state level can offer students gifts and prizes, along with scholarships and possible job offers.

“I do believe that being a part of Skills helped me after high school.

Not only has it given me a head start in knowing what I want to do in life, but it has also opened

doors to jobs and opportunities that I would have had a harder time achieving otherwise,” Samm Chauvin ‘11 said.

Finally, after states comes the national competition. Students from all over the country take part in this event.

The national event takes place in Kansas City, Missouri, and will be held from June 24- 29.

“The National Leadership and Skills Competition Contest are not necessarily suitable for all of the contests, so some stop at the state level. That said, as it sounds, one will now represent his or her respective state, at the National Leadership and Skills Competition,” Michael Hintze, Visual Imaging teacher and SkillsUSA adviser, said. “Here the competition is stellar.

These are the best of all

the rest, competing to see who reigns supreme in their areas of expertise. These contests are definitely designed, proctored and judged by trained professionals, all experts in their fields.”

After the national level, there is an International level. Pankow students have never taken part in this competition, but that does not mean they never will.

Being involved with SkillsUSA gives everyone memories.

“The best part of being in SkillsUSA was getting to participate in a statewide competition, Maryssa Trupiano ‘12 said. “It was a really cool experience because you can meet so many people, and it is a really cool feeling when you can apply what you have learned in classes to “real life.”

Get psyched for hypnotism!

Emily Ronnisch ‘13 Copy Editor

“Close your eyes and feel all of your muscles relax,” said Michael Brody, a professional hypnotist. The AP Psychology and Intro to Psychology classes watched intently as their fellow students were put into a trance. This hypnotist travels to LCN each year to put on a presentation for the Psychology classes.

Brody hasn’t always been performing for LCN. In fact, he has only been coming for the past five years. He visited the school this past January.

“His presentation on hypnosis is more educational than anything I could tell the students,” said Bobbie Agnello, Psychology teacher.

Some of the Psychology students were skeptical about the idea of hypnosis.

“I didn’t believe it could be real at first, but then after viewing the presentation, I was much less skeptical,” said Rachel Werthmann ’13. “Michael Brody was definitely the real thing.”

Jordan Roskopp ’13, who was hypnotized during the presentation, said, “I felt really relaxed and had zero control

of my body. I didn’t understand why I was doing the things he asked me to do, I just did them.”

People who came out of intense hypnosis claimed that they remembered most of what happened to them during the process and felt very relaxed for the rest of the day.

Brandon Sargent ’13 was also hypnotized during this presentation.

“I didn’t feel tired afterwards like I expected I would. I would definitely be hypnotized again.”

The hypnotism presentation was wellreceived by multiple people and ended

the skepticism that some students had possessed.

“I have always thought hypnotists were fake until I saw Michael Brody’s presentation,” said Shauna Radtke ’13.

“Now I am completely convinced that it is for real.”

The hypnotism presentation brought an energetic atmosphere to LCN, filled with students telling all of their friends what they’d just seen at the presentation. Overall, the presentation enriched the knowledge of every AP and Intro Psychology student here.

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The North Star

February 14, 2013

Pankow students build homes

Gigi Guarino ‘13

Entertainment Editor

It is known that Pankow is the place where students can go if they wish to take a class focusing on a specific career. Many students are involved in Teacher Cadet, Health Occupations, Culinary Arts, etc.

All these classes pertain to what career fields interest students. But what if a student is interested in construction? There is a class for that, as well.

As one may or may not know, there is a class titled Construction Technology at Pankow available for sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

According to teacher Dean Sabelhaus, the main focus of this class

is to expose students to the world of construction and its related careers.

Each year, the class builds a house in the community that eventually becomes someone’s home. Students are involved in the foundation work, the framing and roofing of the house, dry walling, cabinetry, trim work, tiling, hardwood flooring, and painting.

“My students get a broad perspective and experience in residential construction. The things that they learn here can be applied in commercial and industrial construction as well,” Sabelhaus said.

Students in this class don’t necessarily get graded on how well they perform the tasks, but

more on how much they participate and how often they show up. There is rarely any written work assigned, he said.

Sabelhaus has been teaching this class for the last seven years at Pankow. Before this, he taught American Government and U.S. History at L’Anse Creuse High School.

Students Mike Gentry ’14, Alex Williams ’13, Matt Vermeersch ’13 and Peter Parski ’13 enjoy this class.

“You interact with the class a lot, which makes it fun. Also, you don’t just sit around and be bored like you do in other classes,” said Gentry.

“This class is cool because not only do a lot of

my friends take it, but we also get to build a house,” said Williams.

Career classes are one way to experiment with future careers that students could decide to go into. The Construction class offers a real-world experience for students in a job that can’t be exported like most jobs

can.

“I love this class, especially since it’s a good trade that I might be interested in going into.

Also, there are a lot of hands-on activities that are great for learning,” said Vermeersch.

“It’s a good experience to get out on the job site and get to do hands-on

work that you can’t find in the classroom,” said Parski.

“Construction of our homes, places of work, roads, bridges, schools, restaurants, and various entertainment venues requires skilled tradespersons in each and every state and local community,” Sabelhaus said.

In Construction class at Pankow, instructor Dean Sabelhaus and Mike Morello ‘13 build a sign holder for the Horticulture class to use.

Photo by Sara Lesniewski ‘13

Sneaker geeks: stepping in style Lonny Beasley ‘13 News Editor

Tabarri Waller ’13 takes pride in his socalled shoe game, with a whopping 26 pairs of shoes, storming above most high school students. The dedication and effort he puts into his collection is inspiring to all collectors. But this obsession didn’t just happen overnight “I used to always get them, but once I saw Clayton’s collection, that just got me started. I was hooked,” said Waller.

Shoe addiction is becoming a hot trending topic spreading among students. There are many shoe addicts among the students and many are amazed by the simple fact of sneakers.

There are those who like sneakers then there are those who are complete sneaker heads.

Sneakers can show personality and give an

individual a different sense of fashion, with so many unique colors to choose from. There are unlimited possibilities to come up with to personalize preferences.

First getting introduced to the sneaker world can be very difficult. For a first-timer, not knowing where to start and how to go about getting the shoes he wants is very stressful and can be overwhelming.

“I just started collecting retro Jordans ‘cause I just got a job so now I can buy them. My mom wouldn’t buy me them because she thought they were too expensive,” said Kenntel Watson ’14, “but I just always had a thing for Jordans, so now I’m starting to collect them but it’s harder than I expected.”

Every individual goes through a phase when they are faced with creating an image for them-

selves through fashion, where they acquire a personal taste, and that’s what a sneaker addict goes through, as well.

“I been rocking Vans since I was a freshman when I was skateboarding and that’s just my style. They’re comfortable, fashionable, and swaggable,” said Don’ta Allen ’13.

Allen found his personal style in shoes through skateboarding; he happened to stumble upon Vans, a sneaker company that has been around since the 1960s, according to www.the-house. com.

Most people tend to not even know when they become addicted to sneakers; it’s just something that happens and cannot be controlled. Some students’ addiction conflicts with their daily life and can sometimes seem like a burden to others.

“I first started liking

shoes when I saw my friends wearing those nice cool kicks and I realized I was addicted when I started missing school and stuff to get shoes. Every time I got money, I would end up buying more shoes,” said Adonte’ Taylor ’13.

A majority of people who like to purchase exclusive sneakers will be faced with stressful and physically demanding lines. In some cases, lines have formed days prior to the release date of specialty shoes. It sure isn’t a cake walk waiting in outdoors in freezing lines for hours, battling for a spot in line.

“It was crazy trying to get the [Jordan] Bred 11s that released last December. We had to camp overnight in line and that still didn’t guarantee us the shoes,” said Waller.

In an effort to avoid the overcrowded sneaker lines, people may try

to buy the shoes online which isn’t always a guarantee and some websites raise the price because of the huge demand.

“You got to wait in cold lines, even though I don’t go through all that hassle. I just buy them online,” said Vince Parratto ’13.

Parratto said that the only part that discourages him from always ordering online is that sometimes the websites crash when there are too many customers on the page at a time and this can be exceptionally annoying.

“Yeah, people go crazy.

Every time we got a new Jordan release, it’s usually a line. Upstairs at Foot Locker, they do tickets so if you want to stand in line, you have to go to a Champs or somewhere else,” said a Champs sales associate.

With the crazy lines forming around all of

these shoes releases some stores have had to convert to a new method of releasing shoes. The tickets allow Foot Locker to have more control over how shoes are sold.

In order to get the shoes at a retail store, fans must participate in a raffle, which some think is nonsense because those who really want the shoes and are willing to stand for hours to get shoes will not have that chance. Now, it’s purely based on luck.

For every sneaker head out there, there are also those that could care less about sneakers.

“Sneakers are sneakers; I’m not that into shoes like that. As long as you have some good, comfortable sneakers, you should be fine. They’re just shoes, nothing more, nothing less,” said Brandon Backus ’13.

Photo by Lonny Beasley ‘13

February 14, 2013

Vegetarian vitals Mackenzie Garrett ‘13 Feature Editor

Brandon Sargent ’13 stirs a mix of luscious garden greens and freshly cut vegetables for his dinner. He has to make a separate meal for himself as the rest of his family is chowing down on hamburgers. Sargent is a vegetarian and has been one since he was a freshman.

“I’ve always been a big animal person, and I personally felt like it would be hypocritical to love animals and have them as pets but then go and eat one for dinner,” Sargent said.

A lot of vegetarians

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choose this lifestyle because they are against animal cruelty, but there are other reasons, too.

“I stopped eating meat because eating the flesh of an animal simply grossed me out and didn’t taste good to me,” Menka Jovanoska ’13 said. Jovanoska has been a vegetarian for six years.

“My life hasn’t been affected too much,” Jovanoska said. “Eating out at restaurants can be a little more difficult, so I always check menus for vegetarian options before going somewhere.”

Today it is a lot more common to come across vegetarian selections on

menus at restaurants, such as at Inn Season Café in Royal Oak. It can be a challenge, though, for vegetarians to obtain all the protein one needs to be considered healthy.

“My iron got really low from not getting enough protein so the easiest way to fix that was to just go back to eating meat. I just try not to think about the animals,” Katelynn McMachen ’13 said.

Meat is where most people get their protein, so without meat in their diet, vegetarians might lack protein.

Like McMachen, Allexa Marelich ’13 tried

Photo by freedigitalphotos.net

the vegetarian lifestyle.

“I thought I could be more healthy if I were to be a vegetarian, but instead, I was not getting enough protein or other important nutrients,” Marelich said.

In order to be healthy, Marelich instead just watches how much fried meat she eats and tries to stay away from greasy meats.

On the other hand, there are ways that vegetarians can gain the vital nutrients and protein.

“I eat beans, nuts, fruits, veggies, and many soy-and-tofu based foods because they give me the needed nutrients,”

Jovanoska said.

Similarly, Sargent finds ways to maintain a high dosage of protein. He eats fish and a brand called Morningstar, which makes food full of protein but no meat.

By becoming a vegetarian, and maintaining a healthy diet, people can lead a healthy and more fit lifestyle. It cuts a lot of greasy fast food out and makes a person more aware about what they are eating. Although

most vegetarians don’t hold anything against non-vegetarians, they do admit that being a vegetarian has been a positive change to their life, and they feel much more healthy this way.

Being a vegetarian can be a hard transition but once a person gets the hang of it, the habit could make her or him healthier.

Jovanoska said, “It’s all about managing a balanced diet.”

WANTED: DREAMERS, VISIONARIES, AND FREE SPIRITS.

Lawrence Technological University isn’t for just anyone. We want the restless thinkers, scientists, and designers who will create the world of tomorrow.

If you believe that everything is possible, and that “possible” is everything, we want you at LTU. Visit ltu.edu/applyfree to have your application fee waived!

POSSIBLE IS EVERYTHING.

Lawrence Technological University | Office of Admissions 21000 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075-1058 | 800.225.5588 | admissions@ltu.edu | www.ltu.edu

10 entertainment

One

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n o i t c e r i D

vs.

r e b e i B n i t s u J Students discuss who they prefer Trevor Frye ‘13 Reviews Editor

Justin Bieber has some competition from across the pond, and they go by the name of One Direction.

These two charttopping acts have been battling it out to get to the top. Both have sold millions of records, both have spent time in the number one spot on the

charts. They both have YouTube videos that have received millions of views in just the first day released. With both of them being at the top of the music, which artist is better?

One

Direction or Justin Bieber?

Bieber achieved fame way before One Direction when he started to receive attention from his YouTube videos in 2008.

He then met with Scooter Braun, an American talent manager, and musician Usher Raymond. They signed him to Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG).

Soon after, Bieber released his first studio album, “My World,” which became certified platinum in the United States.

Bieber has released two more platinum albums and a 3D concert film to top it all off.

One Direction is a relatively new group, but has already made a name for itself in the music world.

One Direction is composed of five members: Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne.

They signed to Simon Cowell’s record label, Syco Records, after finishing third in the British television competition, “The X Factor.”

They were named ‘Top New Artist’ by Billboard in 2012 for their two chart topping albums, “Up All Night” and “Take Me Home.”

Kyle Andrzejewski ’16 has been a fan of Bieber’s ever since his first album.

“Justin Bieber is better because he has made more music than One Direction. He also dances on stage which is way cooler than One Direction just standing there singing,” said Andrzejewski.

Some people believe that the five members of One Direction outnumber the solo Bieber. The different personalities can bring in different fans while Bieber’s lone self leaves him at a disadvantage.

Justin Mazzetti ’16

February 14, 2013 thinks that Bieber is no match for One Direction.

“One Direction is better than Justin Bieber because they have better voices with five of them than one. It is cool how each of them have their own style, too,” said Mazzetti.

With both of these artists at the top of the charts nowadays, many forget about when Bieber was at the top of the charts for almost a whole year with his single, “Baby.”

Patrick Moran ’14 remembers when Bieber dominated the music world.

“Justin Bieber has been around much longer than One Direction. He has been a star for a while now. His music is catchy and his music can attract all age groups,” said Moran.

Bieber ruled the music charts before One Direction came along. Nowadays, they battle it out to get to the top.

Many People love

the sound of the five boys of One Direction when they sing their catchy choruses. This is a different sound from Bieber’s lone voice.

Drew Bender ’14 can be seen walking the halls with his headphones in, most likely jamming to One Direction.

“I like One Direction way more than Justin Bieber because there’s more than one vocalist. They can do more with five voices. Their harmonies are beyond perfect every time,” said Bender.

With both of them having great success and a large following, there is no doubt that these artists are two of the hottest acts today.

So what are you: a Belieber or a Directioner?

Photo of Harry Styles of One Direction (left) by Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/MCT Photo of Justin Bieber (above) by Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer/MCT

February 14, 2013

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Do you follow horoscopes?

Gigi Guarino ‘13

Entertainment Editor

“If you’ve ever played roulette, you know that you can experience a lucky streak now and then. You might choose the right number, or the right color, and see that little ball spin right into place, leaving you a winner. You might choose to let it roll, and you might win a few times. But the key to success with any gamble is in knowing when to stop.

The odds are always with the house, Scorpio. You are on a roll now with some investment, but you need to be hyper-aware of the best time to quit.

Make a point of quitting while you’re ahead.” This was the Scorpio horoscope for February 5, according to an iPhone app titled DailyHoroscope.

Amanda Burgess ’13 is a Scorpio, and after reading this says she doesn’t know what the horoscope is exactly referring to, but she knows to be careful.

“I believe in horoscopes, and although they might not be entirely true, I refer to mine once in a while,” Burgess said.

Horoscopes can be seen daily on many websites, and even in the newspaper. Some students have an app on their phone that lists theirs every day.

Many people like to read horoscopes because it will tell them what’s in store for them or how they’re feeling, but is there any truth behind it all? Is it science-based or just nonsense?

Horoscopes are based on astrology, the science of the stars. There is a belief that the positions of stars and planets can influence daily lives. According to entertainment.howstuffworks.com, the arrangement of the sun, moon, and stars at the time of someone’s birth affects his/her personality. Depending on the day he/she was born, each person has a “sign.” There are 12 of these signs: Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius. Each one has its own personal characteristics, and daily horoscopes.

According to astrology.about.com, astrology is more metaphysics instead of science. This means that it’s a study of something beyond the physical.

Astrology can be a good tool for some

people so they can “find themselves.”

If life seems pointless, horoscopes can point people in the right direction and provide meaning to what they’re doing.

With its constant advice, it can influence people to believe that things will get better.

Astrology even has its own take on love and relationships. It has its own reasons as to why certain people are attracted to one another, and what to look out for in potential crushes.

When it comes to believing in horoscopes, there are some students who strongly believe in what theirs say, some who sort of believe in it, and some who think it’s nonsense. A quote by writer Arthur C. Clarke states, “I don’t believe in astrology, I’m a Sagittarius and we’re skeptical.”

Allexa Marelich ’13 is a student who believes strongly in hers. She is an Aquarius.

“It’s fun to look at them and see what it says about that day or your mood.

Sometimes they’re off, but it’s interesting,” Marelich said. “All of my friends’ horoscope descriptions fit their unique traits perfectly.”

Nick Orlando ’13 doesn’t really believe one way or the other.

“I mean, I guess I believe in it, whenever I read mine it seems to be spot on,” he said.

“There are those who completely do not believe in horoscopes, though. Alex Williams ’13 is one of these people.

Williams said, “Horoscopes are all a bunch of general traits that apply to basically everyone.”

Coinciding with what Williams said, undsci.berkeley.edu stated, some expectations that are generated by astrology are so general that they can be twisted to fit whatever the circumstances of each individual are.

So whichever one of these people you may be, a believer or a non-believer, reading your own horoscope is still interesting, and could possibly change the way you view things. It seems that the debate between it’s true or not is never-ending, astrology is something that cannot be determined. It’s all up to you and what you personally believe.

CAPRICORN

December 23 - January 20 • organized • classy • respectful

AQUARIUS

January 21 - February 19 • independent • honest • original

PISCES

February 20 - March 20 • dreamy • imaginative • kind

ARIES

March 21 - April 20 • driven • leader • loyal

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21 • stubborn • proud • dependable

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21 • diverse • talkative • social

CANCER

June 22 - July 23 • protective • caring • faithful

LEO

July 24 - August 23 • demanding • outgoing • distinctive

VIRGO

August 24 - September 23 • predictable • modest • realistic

LIBRA

September 24 - October 23 • intellectual • balanced • creative

SCORPIO

September 24 - October 23 • powerful • passionate • intense

SAGITTARIUS

September 24 - October 23 • hilarious • generous • spirited

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12 focus

February

Inside high scho Managing long distance relationships Kaylee McPharlin ‘13 Opinions Editor

Kissing between classes, hugging, hanging out after school, movie nights: this sounds like a typical high school relationship. But for some students, this is not the case. Long distance relationships are becoming more common, whether the couple attends different high schools, one partner is in college, or even living in different states.

With the advancements in technology, long distance relationships are becoming more accessible and easier to maintain. Apps like Skype and FaceTime allow long distance couples to see each other without actually being there, and social networking sites also make it easier to get in contact with potential significant others and let the romance spark.

Sydney Zablocki ’15 was recently in a long distance relationship with someone who lives in Texas. They saw each other every two or three months, for a few days each time. They met at her cousin’s hockey tournament in Chicago about a year ago. Despite the distance, communication was not an issue for them.

“We texted all day, talked on the phone, went on Skype, anything to talk to each other really. It was basically the same thing as a normal relationship, just we didn’t see each other every day,” she said.

Alyssa Meade ’13 and Nikki Clausen ’13 both have long distance relationships with their boyfriends in college. Since both have busy schedules, maintaining a relationship may seem hard, but they make it work.

“I actually don’t mind having my boyfriend away at school because he comes home every weekend, and we can spend time together then. That way, during the week, we can do our own thing and get our stuff done,” Meade said. “It allows us both to be independent while still allowing time to have fun on the weekends.”

Clausen’s boyfriend goes to Central Michigan

University, which is two and a half hours away. He comes home once every two or three months, which puts stress on their relationship occasionally.

“There are some days that go by where we only exchange about five texts, then either I have to go to bed, or he has to study, or I have to go to work, or he’s doing something else collegerelated. We both know communication is important, but we always make it work,” Clausen said.

The time that couples are apart or unable to talk makes them cherish the time they do have together. Clausen especially agrees with this.

“The days following the times we can’t talk much are always good because we can have good conversations instead of the same daily text conversations. Then when he comes home, it’s always really exciting,” Clausen said.

Liz Zaccagnini ’14 is also in a long distance relationship with her boyfriend who lives in Florida. They’ve been dating for six months and met at church camp.

“Our relationship is hard, but being able to text and Skype makes it easier than it could be. Having a date to look forward to see each other keeps our spirits up and makes the waiting go by faster,” Zaccagnini said.

There are many kinds of long distance relationships, and no matter how difficult or stressful they may be, these LCN students have made it clear that they are doable, even while still in high school. As the cliché goes, distance may, in fact, make the heart grow fonder.

Photo by Gigi Guarino ‘13

y 14, 2013

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ool relationships Avoiding awkward situations with exes Kristen Alberti ‘13 Cover Editor

Eyes lock and tension builds as the halls are filled during passing time. Everyone has that one person that they don’t want to see at school, and for many, it’s an ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend. Whether it’s in a class, or even in public, awkward eye contact is always something exes try to avoid with one another.

Many couples try to keep the information behind their break-up a secret to avoid rumors, but some ex-couples don’t mind sharing why they think things ended and how they feel about it now.

On Valentine’s Day, many couples will celebrate the holiday with presents and dates, but other people, still devastated about their break-ups, will sadly be spending the day alone.

“We were talking since freshman year and now we’re not even friends anymore,” said Haley Wilson ’14, who is still trying to get over her ex-boyfriend Tyler Sirut ’14. “It’s hard to move on because he was my best friend and my boyfriend, and feelings like that just don’t go away.”

Wilson recalled that the break-up took place about two months ago when Sirut was talking to another girl without telling her.

Sirut, on the other hand, had his own take on the story. He claimed that he hasn’t spoken to Wilson since the breakup, but he doesn’t hate her and he wants to be friends with her in the future.

“She makes it awkward by laughing at me when she sees me in the halls,” said Sirut. “She also gave the backpack she got me for Christmas to Evan Coulter [’13] since we broke up before then.”

Wilson and Sirut both agree that seeing each other is awk-

ward in school, as do other couples such as Brandon Backus ’13 and Kristin Mazzola ’14 who dated for three months and broke up two weeks before Christmas break.

When first asked about the break up, Mazzola jokingly replied with, “Brandon who?”

“In the halls, I just look forward to avoid eye contact with him,” said Mazzola. “What really made it awkward was that after we broke up, he still wanted to celebrate Christmas with me…Who does that?”

Backus claims that they don’t talk anymore and that he broke up with her because he wanted to be single, while Mazzola said he told her he was “busy with school.”

“I wanted to be friends after the break-up, but she said we couldn’t be, so I got over it,” Backus recalled.

Although some couples cannot be friends right away, some can break up and stay close like they were before, such as Hunter Harrison ’13 and Tyler Conklin ’13. The couple dated for 11 months and broke up about three months ago. Harrison said that Conklin broke up with her over the phone because things “weren’t the same.”

“I broke up with her because it’s my senior year and I want to have fun,” said Conklin. “We maintain our friendship by having small talk. I’m glad we can still be friends.”

“Things are awkward for me because we still share a locker and hang out so nothing has really changed,” confessed Harrison. “There was really no point in breaking up to me.”

Although healthy relationships are important, when feelings fade it’s time for them to end. High school is only four years long, and soon college will be the biggest priority for most students. Every person has an awkward encounter in the hall, but if he/she keeps walking, the problem can fade away. The awkwardness will subside eventually.

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New television drama fires up in the ratings Kyle Deriemacker ‘14 Reporter

“Chicago Fire” is one of the best new dramas to appear on NBC. The show goes deep into a Chicago firehouse and covers everything that the men and women do, including their lives outside of the job.

“Chicago Fire” is shown on NBC every Wednesday night

at 10 p.m.

The firehouse consists of three main teams: Rescue Squad 3, Truck 81, and Ambulance 61.

Rescue Squad 3, otherwise known as Squad, is a group of firefighters who specialize in rescuing people, but they do not respond to every call. Squad only responds to rescue calls.

They do rescue missions, big fires and everything else that is out of the ordinary. Squad 3 is led by Lieutenant Kelly Severide (played by Taylor Kinney), the best firefighter in the whole firehouse.

Truck 81 is a group of firefighters who are the routine firefighters. They are the ones who re-

Ratings guide

February 14, 2013

spond to non-rescue calls, but they also respond to the rescue calls as well. Truck 81 is led

by Lieutenant Matthew Casey (played by Jesse Spencer), the second best firefighter in the house. The firehouse’s candidate, Peter Mills (played by Charlie Barnett), is also a member of

Truck 81. The candidate is a firefighter-in-training working to become a member of a firehouse.

Ambulance 61 consists of two paramedics who respond to almost every call with the firefighters, and also separate calls where paramedic help is needed.

NBC officially announced that “Chicago Fire” would receive a full season spot on the network which consists of 22 episodes airing on a weekly basis.

The show not only has a lot of action, but also it has drama when it comes to deaths and the personal lives of the firehouse members.

The leader of the firehouse is Photo From nbcumv.com Chief Boden (played by

RESPECT • COMPASSION • GRATITUDE

52900 Garfield Rd  Macomb Township  Michigan  48044 (586) 416–DOJO (3656)

Bad

Okay

Decent

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Eamonn Walker) of Battalion 25. Boden only responds on special occasions, when an extra hand is needed or when supervision is necessary on a call. Boden helps the members of the firehouse with all of the problems in their lives.

“Chicago Fire” gets better during every episode.

The acting is exceptional and the plot is strong.

The action in the show keeps viewers on their feet while the drama it includes makes the show even better. The show’s ratings have increased every week and the amount of viewers has gone up, according to NBC. Overall, “Chicago Fire” is an exceptional show, but unfortunately, it is underrated. If more people watched the show, there may be a greater chance that it would return for a second season, according to cast members. The show deserves four stars for its superb overall content.

Now located on the southeast corner of 24 Mile and Garfield

February 14, 2013

Macklemore: rising star

Macklemore performs live in Seattle in 2012.

Photo from the comeupshow.com

Chris Waechter ‘13 Sports Editor

Ben Haggerty, better known by his stage name, Macklemore, is rap’s newest and, arguably, most popular rising star.

Haggerty’s career began in his hometown, Seattle, Washington, in 2000. In the beginning

of his career, Haggerty was known as Professor Macklemore and released a mixtape, “Open Your Eyes EP,” according to Billboard.com. However, the mixtape was not a great success and he did not gain much popularity.

Haggerty dealt with substance abuse for

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many years, which contributed to a lack of production of new music.

Nevertheless, Macklemore got clean in 2008 and made a comeback, according to a biography on MTV.com In 2010, he released a new mixtape which was called “VS. Redux.” Haggerty used his experience

with substance abuse to influence many songs on the tape. The EP became pretty popular and he began to rise to fame.

After the release of “VS Redux,” Macklemore released the single “My Oh My,” which was a tribute song to the Seattle Mariners’ former announcer Dave Niehaus. The song is about the Mariners’ success, when they magically won the 1995 American League Division series. The song plays a recording from Niehaus’s broadcasting of the same with his famous saying “my oh my.”

“My Oh My” is just one of many songs Macklemore released that were great hits on video sharing sites as well as on social media.

One of Macklemore’s

most powerful songs is the song “Same Love.”

The song was written about Haggerty’s uncle who is gay. The song goes into detail about gay rights and how society uses gay slurs on a daily basis. The song gained much attention, so much so that talk show host Ellen DeGeneres invited him to perform live on her show on NBC. Perhaps the most popular single Haggerty has ever released is “Thrift Shop.” Currently the music video, distributed online, has over 55 million views and is still growing, according to YouTube.com.

Macklemore’s most recent album is “The Heist” which was released in October 2012. The album is amazing and features

some of his most popular hits such as “Wing$,” “Thrift Shop,” and “Same Love.” The album shot up the charts to the number one spot on iTunes; it also hit the number two spot on the Billboard charts.

Macklemore is currently on a 70-show tour across the world. Anyone planning to buy tickets to “The Heist” tour is out of luck because all of the shows sold out a short time after tickets went on sale.

Fans can purchase any of his songs or albums from any store as well as iTunes.

Macklemore is a talented artist: his songs are catchy, and his lyrics to some of the songs are very meaningful and well-written. If I had to give him a rating, it would definitely be, hands down, 5 out of 5 stars.

‘Gangster Squad’ thrills viewers Jacob Pallach ‘13 Photo Editor

Photo From celluloidandcigaretteburns. blogspot.com

Gangster squad movie poster

“Gangster Squad” has quickly become one of the best oldfashioned, actionpacked movies ever created.

Taking place in Los Angeles, California, in the 1940s, “Gangster Squad” has a spectacular start to the movie by introducing the violence that will be shown throughout the film.

In the movie, a group of cops who later become known as “The Gangster Squad,” are formed to stop Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) who is trying to take over

the entire western side of the United States. The L.A. detective chosen for the job is John O’Mara (Josh Brolin). He is the one who has to assemble the team of the men ready for a tough job in order to stop the notorious gangster.

The movie claims to be based on a true story, but it seems that most events in the movie were made for Hollywood and changed to make a better movie.

Frankly, it was still interesting to know that in the ’40s there truly was a ruthless gangster named Mickey Cohen and that

he really did try to assume control of the western United States.

If fans like non-stop fighting, action, blood, and violence, then seeing this movie is a must. From the beginning to the end, all of the expectations for a movie about 1940 gangsters will be met. All of this in the movie surely makes teenagers eager to see it.

There are many parts of the movie that make the viewers cringe as they see them, but that is why it is rated R. Although this movie was an hour and 53 minutes,

the non-stop action made the time pass by quickly. Seeing movies around this length normally tires out the viewers, but this wasn’t the case with “Gangster Squad.”

Not only does this movie keep everyone on the edge of their seats, but the great acting

by Emma Stone as Grace Faraday and Ryan Gosling as Sgt. Jerry Wooters made it an even better movie. Penn did a wonderful job being an intimidating and frightening gangster in the role of Cohen. Without these actors, this movie wouldn’t have been nearly as outstanding as

it is. All of these actors do a fantastic job with making the audience feel for the characters as they progress throughout the storyline.

“Gangster Squad” had already become a popular film and should continue to become more popular each day. Watching this movie, it was hard to find anything not to enjoy. This movie was bold, action-packed, and thrilling.

I would recommend that everyone should see “Gangster Squad.”

I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars.

16 sports

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February 14, 2013

Athlete pre-game superstitions Every player has his/her own unique ritual

Brandon Alafriz ‘13 Sports Editor

Game time is coming up sooner than expected. There are only a couple hours until game time and your mind is scattered. Not even the thought of playing later has crossed your mind.

Every person has his or her own way of preparing for game time. Some people choose to eat certain foods and drinks.

“Before every football game, I’ll eat some pop tarts,” said Connor Carbary ‘14. “I don’t know what it is about them, but I just have to have them. It’s my thing.”

Caffeine is a common stimulant found in pop or energy drinks. Teenagers believe that by consuming high sugar or caffeinated drinks that they will per-

form better while competing.

“Before I go play lacrosse, I load up on caffeine. I usually grab a huge Red Bull and that gets my heart going pretty fast. I always feel pumped up for my game after drinking one of those,” said Devin LaPorte ‘13.

Other people, however, choose not to eat anything at all before competing.

“I won’t eat or drink anything before a competition,” said Reilly Becker ’14. “If I eat something before I go and dance, I get all self-conscious and I think I look fat on the stage. It makes me more nervous than anything.”

According to Livestrong.com, music can increase the heart rate and pump adrenaline into the bloodstream.

“I have this rock playlist that I listen to before my games. The music gets me pumped up and kind of angry. When

I’m angry, I play better,” said Jordan Frame ‘13.

Some athletes prepare for a game in a different way. They get their heads mentally prepared for competition.

Hockey is a rigorous sport. With everything that goes on inside the ice arena, it is quite hard to become focused on the game.

"Before we warm up for the game, I like to stand outside the locker room and watch the teams playing on the ice before me," said Gage Mazzetti '13.

"I watch them and think about what I could do differently.”

“Getting mentally prepared for a game is just as important as getting prepared physically,” said football player Sean Koski '14.

Every athlete strives to be in the best possible physical condition. However, if the athlete is not in the right mindset to play the game, his physical condition won’t mean anything.

“When I get up to the mound, I reach down and write my name in the sand behind the bag. I’ve done it ever since little league,” said Jim Eley ‘13. “It’s just one of those things.”

Some athletes have pre game superstitions that can take place over a

couple hours.

"Before I leave for a game, I always have to take a shower. If I don't, I'll feel too tired," said soccer player Matt Gross '13. "I have the same playlist I listen to on the car ride there. When I get to the field, I put my right sock on first. I put my shoes on for the warmups, but I don't actually tie them until I touch the ball. If I don't do it this way, I won't play good.”

Tyler Hay ‘13 also has a long pregame superstition.

“On game day, I wake up and shoot on my net for a bit. After, I’ll eat a bowl of pasta and take a nap until I leave for the rink,” said Hay. “When I get in the locker room, I empty my bag out and lay my equipment in front of me. I go and stretch out, then go back and get dressed. When I step on the ice, I do a sign of the cross in honor of my great grandma. It’s my way of telling her to look down and keep me safe.”

Every athlete is different in his/her own way. Whether it takes hours or just a few minutes, every athlete has their own superstition. Whether it is to have a sports drink or listen to certain music, they say it all affects them in the same way - it gets them ready for game time.

Photo by Brandon Alafriz ‘13

Tyler Hay ‘13 always makes time to stretch out before every hockey game.

February 14, 2013

The North Star

sports 17

Off-season workouts help sharpen athletic skills

Shane Healy ‘13 Copy Editor

The school weight room is engulfed with the sound of heavy breathing by 20 sweaty teenage boys. They line up single file and swiftly navigate the agility ladder to the best of their ability. Obviously experiencing discomfort, they continue to wrap around the ladder for a seemingly long 60 seconds. Rob Nolan ’13 yells “time,” and a sigh of relief follows.

Nolan runs the lacrosse offPhoto by Shane Healy ‘13 season workouts. Nolan said, “As the captain of the lacrosse Mitchell Peer ‘14 works on his squats. He team, I have a responsibility hopes it will help improve his strength. to bring the team together and school weight room. Workouts consist try to improve everyone so we of practicing for sports as best as poscan have a successful season.” sible in the limited space of the Jackson In preparation of the spring sports Gymnasium, as well as utilizing the season, many teams are coordinating school weight room to strengthen and “unofficial” workouts. The workouts condition. take place in both the gym and the

“The purpose of the workouts is to tions, coaches can be present if there is give players an opportunity to praca limit on the amount of players prestice for free. The time allows players ent. In some sports, four players are alto sharpen their skills before tryouts,” lowed with a coach’s guidance. Coaches said varsity baseball coach Jeff Dropps. and athletes call these workouts “fourTrevor Green ’14 man workouts” or works out when he “four-mans.” can with the lacrosse Some students, like team. He said, “The Katie Ahlstrom ’15, do workouts really help not attend any spring by being with a group workouts because of people. It’s better they are a multi-sport than trying to work athletes. Ahlstrom out on your own plays on the JV because you probably basketball team durwon’t end up doing ing the winter. This, it.” however, keeps her in Photo by Shane Healy ‘13 Spring workouts are Mike Biundo ‘16 (spotter) helps shape for the spring restricted by MHSSA Logan Banner ‘16 (bench) work softball season. rules. According to his upper body out after school.

Whether students are MHSSA.com, coaches They both hope to gain strength attending off-season cannot be present dur- in the off-season. workouts, playing in a ing any unofficial winwinter sport, or workter workouts. This is the main reason ing out by themselves, students are why players like Nolan organize their taking action to prepare to play at their own team’s workouts. In some situapeak physical condition in the spring.

Cheer and dance are not sports!

C

Pu m

a’s ext ra p

oin t

Jacob Puma ‘13

an the winner of a sporting event be determined by a judge’s opinion on a score, or two teams completing an objective to score points? What I am really saying here is that cheerleading and dancing cannot be defined as a sport because of the way their events are scored.

Keep in mind while reading this article, cheerleaders and dancers are some of the most athletic people out there. I am not bashing any person who cheerleads or dances. You ladies are very good at what you do and deserve full respect from everyone. However, in my opinion, cheerleading and dancing do not qualify as sports.

Sports, in my mind, consist of two or more teams, or individual athletes, competing against each other. Yes, at competitions for cheer and dance, the girls or boys compete against other teams to win. But here is the difference: the way the teams score the points.

Take soccer for example; a player needs to kick a ball past the goalie to earn a point. No outside person who is not on either team can change the outcome of a game. Plain and simple: if the team scores more goals than the other team, they win.

How about a cheer competition? One

team at a time enters the floor to perform their routine. When the routine is finished, a group of judges compiles a score to give to the team. This process repeats for every team.

The problem I have with the scoring in a cheer or dance competition is that the points earned are all up to the judges. There are categories the team has to follow to receive points for their routine, but the judges can give them how ever many points they wish.

One cheer category, for example, is jumps. If the team performs their jumps well, the judge will give them a good score. But who is to decide what a good set of jumps is? The judge.

See the problem here? A team could perform poorly and still receive points because it was the judge’s decision about how they did. Therefore, cheerleading and dancing cannot be defined as a sport, but as a competition.

There are two different seasons for cheer and dance. The first season, during the fall, is called sideline. This is where the teams only perform during football games. The second is competitive season.

Cheerleaders and dancers are only scored by judges in their competitions, which is why the competitive season is

not a sport. So does that mean while the team is cheering on the sidelines, or dancing at halftime, they are participating in a sport? Sorry to say, but once again, no.

Although during sideline season, there is no judge to tell score each team, cheerleading is still not a sport.

The cheer team is not competing against another team, they are there only to get the crowd fired up during the game. Dancers are there to provide half time entertainment.

How can a team whose only purpose is to pump up a crowd, be called a sport? It can't be. I understand that cheerleaders put in a lot of hard work at practice to get stronger, but that doesn't mean they are participating in a sport. People who are in the army put in a lot of hard work, too. Does that mean the army is a sport also?

To all of the cheerleaders and dancers out there who have read this: I want you to know that I respect what you do. You put a lot of hard work in to make your routines look good. But I will stick with what I believe in: a winner of a sport cannot be determined by a judge's opinion on how a team performed.

Check out page 22 for Senior Lizzie Vanlerberghe’s rebuttal!

18 sports

The North Star

February 14 , 2013

Crusaders hit the slopes

Ski and Snowboard Club heads to Mt. Holly Emily Tanzy ‘13 Reporter

Watching the X-Games and seeing those daring freak-of-nature snow sport athletes such as Shaun White and Patrick Deenan do tricks off the top of Aspen’s largest slopes probably seems unrealistic to most teenagers. While most people are watching the X-games in their living room, these daredevils are flying through the Colorado air, virtually on top of the world. The question at hand is not “Why in the world do these people do this?”

It is “How did they get there?”

Mary Klein, LCN teacher, has made it possible for students to have the chance to experience the thrill of the X-Games every Monday, all thanks to the L’Anse Creuse North Ski/Snowboard Club.

Klein is the current sponsor of the Ski / Snowboard Club. She decided to sponsor the club because she felt it was important to carry on the legacy of Dave Hall, a former teacher at LCN, when he retired.

Ever since learning to ski in high school, Klein has since skied across the country. Klein feels that the club benefits students in many ways, including: newfound friendships, a new

hobby, physical activity, health, and quality time outdoors.

“The Ski/Snowboard Club consists of a great group of students. All are friendly and pleasant.

The trips are fun,” said Klein. “Mt. Holly has a cafeteria where food and drink can be purchased.

They also have a fireplace to warm up!”

Not only do students get the chance to feel like they are gliding through the mountains on either a snowboard or a pair of skis, but also one of the main benefits of the club is the friendships that have resulted from it.

“My fellow ski clubbers and I make Mondays suck less,” said Nathan Peer ’13. “Some of my best memories have come from Ski Club’s shenanigans.”

Peer has been skiing since his freshman year, along with his best friend Robert Nolan ’13. Nolan said that Ski Club gives him the opportunity to combine both his love for skiing, as well as being around his friends.

Although some members of Ski Club have been exposed to skiing prior to joining Ski Club, experience is absolutely not required. Megan Barr ’13 joined last year after being convinced by her best friend Martina Biundo ’13. Barr is

Photo by Dave Hall

Jessie Gingas ‘13 shreds the slippery, snowy slopes of Mt. Holly, in Holly, Michigan, last year.

Photo by Mary Klein

Part of the ski club eagerly awaits the busses to arrive to bring them to the slopes of Mt. Holly.

extremely thankful for Biundo’s help, and feels

that she has learned an immense amount, even

after just a year.

Think that this club cannot get any better? Wrong! There is a one-time fee of $18 for a student card, which also contains two ski lessons and one snowboard lesson, and each trip costs $15 for the bus, and $15 for a lift ticket. Also, if a student does not have his/her own equipment, there are rentals for very reasonable prices upon arrival to Mount Holly.

When it comes down to it, the LCN Ski/

Snowboarding Club is an all-around amazing experience. Whether it is newfound friendships or a chance for physical activity, Ski Club is full of benefits: it gives students a way to feel like they are on top of the world, physically and mentally.

Who knows? Maybe Mount Holly will lead to Aspen, Colorado, and you will be standing up on that podium next to Shaun White, rather than watching it from your living room.

February 14, 2013

The North Star

No time to spare

sports 19

Bowling teams roll for strikes Photo by Justin Clark

Alyssa Meade ‘13 awaits the result of her roll with anticipation during a bowling match.

Jessica DiBattista ‘14 Reporter

There are many sports that contribute to making LCN great. The field, court, gym, pool, and ice arena are a second home for student athletes; however, a bowling alley is yet another place where the sports magic happens at LCN. Currently, the bowling team is in the MAC Red

Division. There are four teams including boys’ JV and varsity, and girls’ JV and varsity.

“I love bowling at LCN; it’s nice to have friends to play the sport with, especially here,” varsity bowler Hannah Holeton ‘14 said.

Bowling is a no-cut sport, which means everyone who tries out makes the team, regardless of their skill level.

“I’ve been playing for four years, and my bowling skills are improving because of it,” JV bowler Kayla Bommarito ‘14 said.

Most bowling tournaments and matches occur on Sunday mornings.

“We’re doing well this season. We won our tournament, and our team has a pretty good chance of going to States,” Holeton said.

The bowling team meets every day and practices at Imperial Lanes located at the intersection of Hall Road and Garfield.

“I love going to bowling. It’s fun and we all

clown around at practice,” varsity bowler Tyler Crescenti ’13 said.

The girls’ bowling team isn’t the only one progressing nicely this season.

“Our season is pretty good. I would say it’s go-

ing well so far,” Crescenti said.

Some think that bowling is not a sport because it does not require endurance; however, bowling requires a certain amount of technique that includes many skills that

takes a lot of practice.

“Bowling is harder than it looks. It takes a lot of skill and technique,” Holeton said. “I wasn’t very good at it at first, but once you start practicing, it gets a lot easier.”

The playing experience on the bowling team varies among each player.

Some have been playing for 10 years and others for as little as three years. However, the LCN bowling team welcomes everyone with open arms.

There are many different sports that are played; however, bowling is another sport that deserves recognition.

Pinning the competition

Crusader wrestling welcomes new coaches Lizzie Vanlerberghe ‘13 the season.

“Our goal is to win Reporter

L’Anse Creuse High School-North is wellknown for its athletic achievements, from a recent varsity football comeback to the legendary Varsity Basketball Team. There is no question that incredible athletic talent roams the halls here. Basically every team gets the proper recognition for its accomplishments, but one sports program that seems to fly under the radar is the wrestling team.

This year, that is about to change.

The wrestling program has some new coaching and fresh faces. The coaches, Michael Davis, Austin Delargey, and LCN alum Eric Maniaci, have some big plans for

our MAC and to start a middle school feeder program,” Delargey said.

“We want to start them early so when they get to high school, they’ll be ready and more advanced.”

Winning the MAC Blue is the team’s goal right now and they have their sights set on Regionals this year.

To achieve their goals, they know they’re going to have to work hard.

They practice nearly every day after school for about two hours.

“The practices are long and hard,” Barry Young ’16 said.

Mason Thomas ’14 agreed. “The practices have made me better in the last year,” Thomas said.

Their practices consist of mostly difficult conditioning and, obviously, practicing their wrestling moves.

The team is also pretty close outside of practice.

“We go out to Buffalo Wild Wings after practice or meets. We’re like a family,” Max Orow ’15 said.

The team can all concur with that statement.

“Everybody is equal on the team,” Thomas said.

“We get along. It’s pretty much like a brotherhood.”

Looking at the seniors on the wrestling team

Photo by Sieloff

Adam Acker ‘14 attempts to strike fear into his opponent’s heart before beginning his match and attempting to steal first point during a wrestling match against L’Anse Creuse High School.

says a lot about how far the program has come in the last few years.

Lamonte Baker ’13 went to States last year and plans to do so again this season.

“No one made it to States before last year, then I did,” Baker said.

“It was cool.”

The wrestling team doesn’t have a strong fan-base yet.

“We need student support. No one comes to the wrestling meets,” Kyle Evans ’15 said.

“We are under appreciated,” Orow said. “We want people to come see how it really is.”

According to Delargey, the program has come a long way in a short amount of time and he looks forward to staying at LCN for years to come.

20 opinions

The North Star

Off-campus lunch causes debate for student drivers

Driving to get lunch would cause more tardies and accidents Nicole Voight ‘13 Reporter

Pulling up to L’Anse Creuse High School-North in 1987 in a crowded parking lot at approximately 11 a.m. with a fresh bag containing a warm McDonald’s burger with a side of hot, salty fries, parking next to a 1985 Chevrolet Camero IROC-Z, getting ready to finish off the day: this was the life back when students had the option to leave school for lunch.

In the fall of 2007, the board of education decided that students were not allowed to leave school anymore for lunch under any circumstance. This new rule came into effect because there was a higher risk of car accidents and fears from staff of students skipping the last half of their classes. Earlier that year, L’Anse Creuse High School witnessed a fatal car accident that cost the life of a student, as well.

Fewer car accidents are bound to happen with this rule in effect. When students only had a half hour to leave, grab something to eat, and get back to school, the parking lot was crazy and students were speeding to get to class on time which could have led to fatal accidents. Students should not be allowed to leave school for lunch.

“When I was in high school, we had out-of-school lunches,” Michael Owensby, math teacher, said. “I disagree with having out-of-school lunches now because of the dangers and how easy it is for students to skip.”

Being able to leave school early would make it a lot easier on students to skip class because it is harder to get caught, especially for A and C lunches. Students also could be running late because fast food restaurants were running slow, or the parking lot would be packed with students trying to get back to class.

It takes almost a half hour to leave the parking lot to go home at the end of the day, so just for stopping to grab a lunch from a fast food restaurant and coming back would take an even longer amount of time. Running late would lead to more tardies which would lead to more detentions and suspensions.

Car accidents and students not showing up to class are two major reasons why there shouldn’t be an option leaving school for lunches. Students’ lives would be at risk. School is supposed to be a safe environment for students and staff and should be kept that way. If students were allowed to leave at lunch time, school wouldn’t be a safe environment anymore.

Have a comment you’d like to share? Write a letter to the editor!

E-mail your letter to: northstar.np@gmail.com

February 14, 2013

Readers write in Dear Editor...

Dear Editor, Back in your paper in December 2012, you talked about how Governor Rick Snyder wanted to pass bills that close the achievement gap and how it was a bad idea. I agree with your opinion.

Adding online courses would hurt schools a lot because most students would rather prefer working in the comfort of their own homes rather than at school.

Another thing I agree with is on his plan to give the schools with high test scores more money than underachieving schools. That is not a smart idea at all, and that would widen the achievement gap, and will also make students at underachieving schools not care as much about their education.

Although there is one thing that Snyder said that I agree with. I like his plan to let students go to different schools. I believe that it will help students who don’t like their school. It also helps parents so they don’t have to move to a different area which would just be another bonus of children picking their schools.

- Kai Hall ‘13 Dear Editor, I am writing to you because I found the article about the tardy table (December 2012) to be very interesting.

I’ve been to the tardy table once before and I can relate to some of the things in this article. I dreaded the feeling of getting one of those slips because I had never had one before. I always felt like other people did not care if they had to sit at the tardy table. Now I don’t feel so alone anymore. I haven’t had to sit at the tardy table ever since then and I don’t plan on doing it anytime soon.

I feel kind of bad for the people who can’t help the fact that they’re late all the time. Some people have their lockers on the other side of the school.

However, there are others who just think it’s more important to talk with their friends in the hallway. Those are the ones that really deserve the tardy table. There should be some kind of system that can filter the kids that do and don’t deserve it. However, it’s far out of my reach to invent such a system. Maybe someday the system will be perfected.

-Spencer Barbe ‘15

Dear Editor, As we read Lizzie Vanlerberghe’s column on fame in the December issue, she made some valid points on how people are abusing it. Most people are becoming famous for the wrong reasons. Like the Octomom, Nadya Suleman, who released a song that was a complete disaster to continue her ongoing fame. Also, many kids are becoming or trying to become famous from YouTube. The most famous example of this is Justin Bieber. He was founded by many kids on YouTube due to his performing talents, but YouTube isn’t the only way people can become famous. Today, there is a TV contest for any talent that you want to pursue, such as singing, dancing, cooking, and even tattoo artist competitions. Vanlerberghe brought up a good point on how MTV shows can bring out the worst in people. For example, the hit series “Teen Mom” showcases teens becoming parents, and the struggles that they face. For some teenagers, this is a show that they want to be on, again for all of the wrong reasons. Becoming famous for the wrong reasons isn’t going to get you anywhere.

-Brieanna Jarrett ‘13 and Rachel Binge ‘13 Dear Editor, While I was reading Puma’s Extra Point in the December issue, I feel like some people do not have enough financial support to play a sport. Although there are clubs that they could join, maybe the families that are in need don’t have enough money to run their children all over the place. Some wish that they could play the sports that the school offers. With the new pay to play rule enforced, students have a problem having that money especially if they play multiple sports throughout the school year. Students that are unfortunate will never get a chance to experience what it is like to be a part of a team.

The amount of money that is spent on pay to play is outrageous to me. If the students can afford the pay to play, but not the expensive equipment, then they will have a huge problem.

I wish people thought of the less fortunate at school. Some kids could have a chance with sports. They could be an all-star athlete, but they will never get a chance to experience it.

-Megan Graham ‘13

February 14, 2013

The North Star

EDITORIAL

opinions 21

Texting and driving could cost lives in our community and Crusader Nation It only takes a split second to change a life.

In the time to glance down at a phone to read a text message, a driver can swerve, crash, and ultimately cause a death.

In the past decade, lawmakers have been frantically trying to catch laws up to modern technology. As the modern era continues to drastically alter our way of life, we have become attached to our cell phones. For many teens, in a world

where we are constantly receiving Twitter updates, text messages, and Snapchats, the simple 10minute drive down the road is unmanageable without checking this or her cell phone.

In the United States Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2011, 58 percent of high school seniors polled admitted to texting or e-mailing while driving in the previous 30 days.

The potential loss of human life should not be taken lightly. Life is

extremely valuable and can be taken away in an instant. According to DoSomething.org, 18 teens are killed each day in automobile accidents.

Additionally, cell phone use makes it four times more likely to cause a crash, the site said.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder recently signed Kelsey’s Law, according to Michigan.gov.

While this is a good start, it is still not enough.

Michigan’s legislature and the governor need to take further action

to help deter cell phone use while driving. While Kelsey’s Law is a great start at curbing distracted driving by teens, it isn’t the ultimate solution.

Imagine attending the funeral of a classmate who died because of cell phone use while driving.

That classmate could be any one of us.

More needs to be done to remind drivers of the dangers of distracted driving. Furthermore, the laws banning cell phone use should apply

to all drivers, not just the inexperienced.

Leaving the school parking lot each day, countless students can be seen frantically cutting in and out of traffic, cell phone in hand. This is a recipe for disaster.

Thanks to low speeds, injury is unlikely within the confines of LCN’s lot; however, on roads such as 21 Mile or Gratiot, the potential for a major collision is extremely high.

The staff of The North Star would like to ask the entire student body,

faculty, and community of Crusader Nation to take a pledge. Put the cell phone down while driving. Don’t allow a simple text message or phone call to cut a life short. Our lives are short enough as it is, so don’t waste the precious time we have.

The texts, phone calls, Tweets, and Snapchats can wait. There will be plenty more chances to talk to friends and family – unless distracted driving causes a fatal car accident.

Mirror mirror on the wall, what’s the best sport of them all?

LCN sports compete for the top spot Kyle Deriemacker ‘14 Reporter

The constant debate about what sport is the best at L’Anse Creuse North has been going on for years. Every student has their own opinion, but some may not look at things like records, work ethic and talent. If those areas were taken into consideration, maybe a different sport would be their favorite. Because of these considerations, varsity boys’ basketball is no doubt the best sport at LCN. Not only does the basketball team win, but also they have been consistently doing so over the last couple of years. Going to the Class A State Semi-finals in the 2011-2012 season also shows that they are an

excellent team. The team has a very strong senior class this season, and all of the seniors were members on the team last season. There is no lack of experience on the team.

Another reason why the basketball team is the best sport here is because of the amount of students that go out and support the team at games. According to a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, LCN brought the largest and loudest student section to a state playoff game ever. That shows that the support for the basketball team is constantly there. No other sport constantly seems to have has that much support, even football and hockey.

The amount of time

and practice the basketball team puts in cannot be overlooked, either.

The team sacrifices their breaks, weekends and other time to practice the game. They work hard day-in and day-out to get better, and they never give up.

Another reason why basketball is the best is because they play in the MAC Red Division, the toughest division in the Macomb Area Conference. There are only three other sports at LCN that are in the MAC Red: baseball, lacrosse and bowling. Neither baseball nor lacrosse receive as much support as basketball, but both baseball and lacrosse have gone far into the playoffs in the past. Most other sports at LCN are in the MAC Blue or MAC

White, both of which are lower levels than the MAC Red. The argument for the best sport at LCN will continue no matter what.

Students and staff have their own opinions about the topic, but if they looked at all the reasons why that sport is the best, besides that it is their favorite, then basketball would most likely be thought of as the best amongst them all.

Top: Frank DeVos ‘14 tips off against L’Anse Creuse at the Dave Jackson Tip-Off Classic.

Bottom left: Students line the way for the ‘11-12 boys’ basketball team before they leave for the Breslin Center at MSU. Bottom right: Four seniors lead the student section at the Dave Jackson Tip-Off Classic.

Photos by James Coller ‘13

22 opinions

The North Star

Hallmark holiday

February 14, 2013

Has Valentine’s day lost its true meaning?

Jenna Alred ‘13 Reporter

A Hallmark Holiday is a holiday that exists mainly for commercial uses, rather than to commemorate a traditionally significant event. The business directly benefits from those holidays with the sales of cards and other gift merchandise.

Some examples of merchandise include conversation candy hearts, boxes of chocolates, little stuffed animals, and cards to give to people to show them love.

Holidays that have been labeled as “Hallmark Holidays” include Grandparent’s Day, Sweetest Day, Boss’s Day and Secretary’s Day. Hallmark apparently denies making up such holidays, according to some informational websites, but some people could care less who made it up, because they feel it is good to have a day where someone can be appreciated.

Valentine’s Day was originally called Saint Valentine’s Day, and then was shortened to the common name. The day was first associated with love, romance, and little gifts someone would give to their “valentine”. This

special day never really started out as a Hallmark holiday, but it really does sell in the store. Hallmark claims that Valentine’s Day isn’t a Hallmark holiday, and that it is international. Many people think Hallmark really does use the holiday to benefit the business, and so do many other stores like shops that sell jewelry. That is why it is classified as a Hallmark holiday.

Back in the middle ages, Valentine’s Day was still a huge deal. People would give that special person flowers, offering confectionary, or sending greeting cards. The love symbols that still remain from the fifteenth century are doves, the heart outline, and cupid. Valentine’s Day always has been celebrated on February 14. Before this date, stores fill up with valentine-related items: candy, stuffed animals, etc. Hallmark always has everything stocked up. They make good money on greeting cards; their sales are ranked almost as high as Christmas greeting card sales. Hallmark hasn’t entirely claimed Valentine’s Day as its holiday, but everyone knows where to go when they need a cute greeting card.

Photo from freedigitalphotos.net

Just Saying...

Cheer is definitely a sport!

Lizzie Vanlerberghe ‘13 Reporter

C

heerleading is not a sport. Anyone could pick up a pair of poms and jump up and down on the sideline. Anyone could lift a 100-pound girl over her head. Anyone can do continuous back handsprings down a mat, track, or even a basketball court. Anyone can remember countless stunt sequences, cheers, and routines. It’s just too easy. How can it be a sport?

A sport is ‘an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another’. Cheerleaders compete against other

cheer teams with their routines, which involved synchronized skills, intricate motions, and yelling cheers even when they can’t catch their breath.

Cheerleading is basically the definition of a sport.

Cheerleading has all the requirements to be called a sport, but it can’t be taken seriously because the athletes are a bunch of girls in skirts.

I have to listen to someone brag about his/her achievements in a sport, but when I jump into the conversation and say that I’ve perfected a one-man extension power press to lib (which, not to toot my own horn, is a very difficult and uncommon stunt), or I got a new tumbling skill like a standing tuck, I’m cut-off mid-sentence with the classic “Yeah, but too bad it’s not a sport.”

Now there are three possible options in this common scenario. The

first is telling the person that he/she doesn’t know what they’re talking about and storm out of the room, flipping over a table or chair in the process. The second is ranting about how cheerleading is a sport for over an hour, annoying everyone to death. The third, the one I choose most often, is to roll my eyes and ignore them.

I could argue until I’m blue in the face about how cheerleading is a sport, and I have debated the subject with fellow classmates and teachers who really know nothing about the sport.

Cheerleading is so much more than skirts and hair bows.

According to timesfreepress.com, cheerleading is ranked second in catastrophic sports injuries in the U.S., football being first. Injuries include broken bones, severe sprains, back/

neck injuries and concussions. Cheer accidents can even cause paralysis and death, even though they are less common.

According to thepostgame.com, there are some cases of horrific cheerleading injuries.

Laura Jackson attempted a back tuck and landed on her head, breaking her C1 and C2 vertebrae.

Ashley Burns was hit in her torso by her teammates’ arm when she fell from a stunt and she died because her spleen was lacerated. Lauren Chang died after her teammate kicked her in the chest on accident. It’s not like cheerleaders have protection, like shoulder pads and helmets.

In most schools in the U.S., cheerleading isn’t seen as a sport. Since it’s not a sport, athletic trainers and medics don’t have to be present at competitions. Can you imagine a someone fall-

ing out of a stunt and landing on her neck, but all she can do is lie there in pain while she waits for an ambulance because no one knew how to help her? That’s a scary thought.

LCN does recognize cheerleading as a sport.

When “pay-to-participate” went into action, the cheerleaders not only had to pay for one season, but two. That’s $280 for each cheerleader. Isn’t it ridiculous that cheerleading is one of the more expensive sports at our school, but so many people don’t even consider it to be a sport?

I believe with every fiber of my being that cheerleading should be seen as a sport. Cheerleaders work just as hard as any other athlete and it’s not fair that we can’t be taken seriously as a sports team by our peers.

February 14, 2013

opinions 23

The North Star

fast

The Compiled by Jacob Puma ‘13

What is your favorite restaurant?

What was your favorite childhood tv show?

What is your favorite sport to watch at LCN?

iPhone or Android?

Who will be your valentine this year?

Photos by Jacob Puma ‘13 & Kim Kozian

Madison Reising ‘13

Buffalo Wild Wings

“Rugrats”

Varsity football

iPhone

Brandon Black ‘13

Jenna Cabral ‘14

Olive Garden

“Hannah Montana”

Football

iPhone

Tyler Creagh ‘14

Miranda Rysiewicz ‘15

Buffalo Wild Wings

Any Disney movie

Football

iPhone

My dog

Buffalo Wild Wings

“Jimmy Neutron”

Football

iPhone

Undecided

Texas Roadhouse or, Applebee’s

“Cannon,” every Wednesday night!

Basketball

iPhone

My husband

Nick Jacobson ‘16

Kim Rawski, associate principal

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North tar S L’Anse Creuse H.S,- North 23700 21 Mile Road Macomb, MI 48042 (586) 493-5270 The staff of The North Star are members of Quill and Scroll Society, Michigan Interscholastic Press Association and National Scholastic Press Association.

Editor-in-chief.........................James Coller Copy Editors...........................Shane Healy Emily Ronnisch Cover Editor pgs1/24...........Kristen Alberti News Editor pgs 2/3.......Cordero MacNear News Editor pgs 4/5............Lonny Beasley Feature Editor pgs 6/7...Mackenzie Garrett Feature Editor pgs 8/9........Darian Hillaker Entertainment Editor pgs 10/11................... ................................................Gigi Guarino Focus Editor pgs 12/13...........Gigi Guarino Review Editor pgs 14/15..........Trevor Frye Sports Editor pgs 16/17.....Brandon Alafriz Sports Editor pgs 18/19.......Chris Waechter Opinions Editor pgs 20/21........................... ........................................Kaylee McPharlin Opinions Editor pgs 22/23...Alexis Carlson Photo Editor...........................Jacob Pallach Online Editor............................Jacob Puma Business Manager...........Brittiny Shepherd Reporters..................................Jenna Alred ............................................Vinnie Scarpaci ........................................Kyle Deriemacker ..................................Anthony Benacquisto .....................................Lizzie Vanlerberghe ............................................Brianna Wilson .........................................Jessica DiBattista ...............................................Nicole Voight .................................................Emily Tanzy Adviser..............................Ms. Kim Kozian

The staff of The North Star accepts letters to the editor with feedback on how we express our opinion in this paper. All letters must be signed. The staff also accepts future story ideas in room 213 or Ms. Kozian’s Mailbox in the main office. The viewpoints expressed in The North Star are those of the editorial newspaper staff, but do not necessarily reflect those of the administration and faculty of LCN. Visit Ms. Kozian’s web page, www.lc-ps.org/Schools/LCHSNorth, for editorial policies and procedures.

24 snapshot

February 14, 2013

The North Star

Teacher Throwback

Photos courtesy of LCN teachers

For a chance to win a gift card, try to guess which faculty members appear below in their high school pictures. Write the names of the teachers under their pictures, write your name clearly, and turn in the back page of this paper to room 213.

Teachers pictured are: Lalla Jones, Linda Lovins, Brian Manninen, Danielle Alexander, Valerie Woonton, James Ekdahl, Susan Balogh, Cathy Verheye, Annette Rozwadowski, and Rosa Hough.

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