The North Star - October 2012

The

“A New Crusade” comes to LCN

Photo by Greg Dixon

North tar S

See page 18

Although a strong rivalry still remains, the Varsity Football Team gained a huge victory over L’Anse Creuse, bringing home The Jug.

October 10, 2012

L’Anse Creuse High School - North 23700 21 Mile Road Macomb, MI 48042 Photo by Zhang Jun/Xinhua/Zuma Press/MCT

Photo by Kathy Abbott

For a look at what changes have been made to the school due to construction, see page 2.

To get some insight on who the students of LCN would elect for president in November, see pages 12 and 13.

Volume XXXVIII Issue I

Photo by Lonny Beasley ‘13

The school store has finally brought back cookie sales! To find out why they stopped selling them in the first place and to learn more information about the store, see page 4.

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The North Star

changes... generation!

October 10, 2012

School undergoes remodeling

between L’Anse Creuse North, L’Anse Creuse High School, If people venand Middle School – tured to LCN North. over the summer, “I think LCN was they would have due in for some seen semi trucks remodeling,” said and dumpsters Drake Kress ’13. “I surrounding the like the new changschool. Peeres.” ing through the English teacher dusty windows Photo by Kathy Abbott Wayne Cook has of the Commons The Main Office was remodeled. mixed feelings about revealed desks, Construction workers labored in hot the construction. chairs, filing conditions while there was no air “The upgrades cabinets, and conditioning. to classrooms are boxes stacked 10 welcome changes,” feet high. LCN he said. “The loss of underwent major space is not nice.” renovations during As part of room the summer of resizing, some 2012, and a lot has classrooms did see changed. downsizing and According to some department Principal Greg Dixoffices were greatly on, as part of the downsized. The 2005 $210 million world language ofbond, LCN was fice replaced a small overhauled. New Photo by Kathy Abbott teacher’s lounge on lockers replaced Lockers in the science hall are being the aging and often torn out. A new fire suppression sys- the second floor.

The English office dented lockers of tem is also being installed. was moved to the the past. New caropposite side of the pet was installed second floor, and in some rooms lost its book room. where the smell of “When the bond soaked-in water issue was passed from burst ceiling by voters in 2005, pipes still linfocus groups were gered. Walls came developed with parcrashing down to ents, teachers, and make room for new students to deterclassrooms as well mine what the needs as a large group were at each buildinstruction area. A ing,” said Dixon. new school store as Photo by Kathy Abbott “The projects were well as completely The classrooms in the center hallway are torn out to make room for a then scheduled over renovated offices large group instruction room. a 10-year period, greeted new and with the last projreturning students. ects to be completed in 2015. Our last New ceilings and an updated fire project is a remodeling of our pool.” suppression system made the school Another English teacher, Debra Hocleaner and safer. New cabinets were epfner, is enjoying the changes. installed in every room to give teachers “I do appreciate the new window in more organization. Wifi is now accesmy room. The old one leaked when sible anywhere in the building, giving it rained, and all the carpet would be technological freedom.

Dixon said that $14 million was spent saturated,” said Hoepfner.

James Coller ‘13 Editor-in-chief

A crane lifts machinery from the roof.

Photo by Joy Engelman Photoshop cutout by Jacob Pallach ‘13

Construction frustration:

Staff scrambles to be ready for first day James Coller ‘13 Editor-in-chief

After a summer of construction, the staff of LCN returned on August 30, the Thursday before school began, to find rooms that were barren, yet full at the same time.

Stepping into the halls of LCN, staff found the floors covered in a layer of dirt and grit. Construction workers were frantically running around trying to finish the last-minute details. LCN was far from complete, and LCN staff members had to begin a battle against time to prepare the school for the ever looming first day of class on September 4.

Walking into their classrooms, staff members felt mixed emotions.

Desks, chairs, and a plethora of boxes were all stacked in the middle of many rooms to greet teachers. Technology was not yet running. The ground was littered with drywall dust from the ever present construction workers still finishing projects.

“I was overwhelmed by the amount of work it would take to get our rooms back in working condition,” said

English teacher Deanna Hammes. “The heat (or lack of air in our rooms) was stifling making long hours and heavy lifting difficult.”

Staff spent much of the Labor Day weekend before school started working on their rooms.

Some had no air conditioning yet, so it quickly became a daunting and laborious task.

“It was very different to walk into a building that was still under construction. Instead of panicking that our classrooms weren’t perfect, supplies were temporarily missing, and things that seemed so simple in previous years were more complicated, we all came together to ‘make it work,’” said math teacher Sarah Youngs. “I couldn’t find enough Geometry books at first, but that caused me to reevaluate how I could use books in a different way in the classroom.”

French teacher Marie Howard felt the rush.

“Not being able to get in until [the] Thursday before school started was difficult and rushed,” she said, “but we got it done!”

In addition to dealing with classrooms, indi-

vidual departments also felt added pressure to major changes to department offices. One major example was the relocation and downsizing of the English department office.

“My largest dissatisfaction comes with the loss of the English Department’s book room,” said English teacher Debra Hoepfner. “All the books are on the floor right now and it is a giant mess. We have no shelves yet for all those paperbacks. I was told they would be coming, but who has time to shelve all those paperbacks?”

On the first day back, teachers went to the new office to pick up books to find only a sea of boxes filling the room.

“The loss of the English office creates a logistical nightmare,” said English teacher and department leader Wayne Cook.

While the changes have negatively affected some, there has been a silver lining in that most teachers are happy with the results of construction.

Administrators are also doing everything they can to help.

Cook said, “The office has been tremendously helpful.”

RI SING PR IC ES

The rising prices at this Marathon gas station have affected LCN students financially.

Photo by Jacob Pallach ‘13

Chris Waechter ‘13 Sports Editor

Everyone who drives knows the gut-wrenching feeling of standing at the gas station, painfully observing the dollars

pile up while pumping fuel into the car. Gas prices are soaring near an all time high of $3.86 per gallon, for unleaded gasoline, according to AAA. With gas on the

rise, new drivers as well as adults are feeling the pain at the pump.

With minimum wage being at $7.40 per hour, high school students as well as many other young

drivers with jobs are feeling the effect of the price of gas.

“My job-pay of $7.50 an hour spending around $60 every time I fill up my tank is just not averaging out. I guess I just have to adapt and overcome,” Garrett Pace ‘13 said.

High school students who drive to school, work, and other places have to buy gas to get to their destination. They are entirely dependent on the gas, so they have to spend much of their pay checks on gasoline.

“It costs me $60 to fill up my car and that’s a solid eight hours of work to buy a week’s worth of gas,” Jason Davis ’13 said.

The average American uses up to 500 gallons of gas per year, according to greenanswers.com. In 2002, the average price of gasoline in the United

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October 10, 2012

“It costs me $60 to fill up my car and that’s a solid eight hours of work to buy a week’s worth of gas.”

States was $1.15 per gallon. In 2012, gas is projected to average almost $4 per gallon according to AAA. With the current average price of gas, the typical American spends approximately $2,000 annually for fuel in his/ her automobile.

In addition to students being affected by the gas prices, most adults have to endure the financial toll associated with the rise in gasoline prices.

“It’s double what it was last year and it is cutting into my income,” Marketing teacher Joe Naniewicz said. “I have to buy it because I need to get to get to the school and other places I need to go.”

High gas prices are mainly due to trouble in the Middle East. There is a blockade in the Straits of Hormuz by the country of Iran and through this strait flows one fifth of the world’s oil, according to Forbes. That has lead to panic-buying on other continents. Also, there are political uprisings in Sudan, Nigeria and Yemen which hold much of the world’s oil as well, according to Forbes.

Supply and demand is also a factor, the site said.

Needless to say, with the soaring prices of gas these days, the pain at the pump will continue until happens to stop the high gas prices.

Benefits behind homecoming funds Cordero MacNear ‘14 News Editor

Students, staff and teachers kicked off the new school year with one of the greatest events of the year: homecoming. Many students were thrown off by the price of the tickets when purchasing them, but a slight percentage of the student body knows the benefits behind the prices.

“Homecoming tickets are $20 and have been that price for the past three years,” Jena Amell, Student Council advisor, said.

There are many benefits that result from the cost of tickets, some that Student Council students do not know.

Homecoming ticket profits are used for future charity events. So the bigger the attendance at Homecoming, more charity events will follow later in the school year. Then everything raised from these events is donated.

“We raise about 15 to 20 grand a year, and we donate the money as we go throughout the year. We use the money for several things, like the Student Poverty Fund, homecoming court, homecoming reception, staff luncheon, North Fest and Mr. Crusader and those Dave Jackson pictures. That’s where all the money comes from,” Amell said.

“We raised about six grand last year.

All of the money we raise from powder puff is donated towards charity. Most of the money from powder puff goes to Whaley Children’s Orphanage.”

Whaley Children’s Orphanage is a private non-profit residential child caring institution, based in Flint, Michigan, which serves children who have suffered chronic and profound abuse and neglect.

Staff members benefitted from some of the funds raised.

Dave Jackson was a former principal

at LCN. After his death last February, Student Council decided to put together a picture frame with photos and famous quotes by Jackson for a remembrance. They gave them out to all LCN staff members.

Another recipient of funds from homecoming tickets is the Student Poverty Fund.

“The Student Poverty Fund works to find essentials for students who are in need of school supplies, such as gym shoes and back packs,” president of Student Council David Walter ‘13 said.

“Student Council established it along with North Fest with Dylan Duffiney (LCN alumnus) three years ago.”

“Charity money is also donated to the Special Olympics. Ms. Amell actually volunteers with Special Olympics, and she noticed that the kids didn’t have much food or any shelter, so she said ‘Why not?’” Student Council advi-

sor Lori O’Neal said. “And money is donated to MASC/MAHS, which stands for the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies.

MASC/MAHS has a state charity that has not been officially announced yet.”

MASC/MAHS holds a leadership camp for Student Council and National Honor Society students which is held in Albion, Michigan, over the summer.

Morale officer of Student Council Evan Coulter ’13 said how MASC/ MAHS has changed the way he views things: “MASC/MAHS camp has been a big part of my life – going to camp and states (MASC/MAHS state conference), it really made me a better person…and a better leader.”

Attending homecoming may be one of the greatest experiences for friends, but also it is a huge benefit for others.

4 news

The North Star

Cookie comeback

October 10, 2012

Photo by Lonny Beasley ‘13

• The school store is now relocated from the commons to the cafeteria.

• During lunch, only clothes are being sold, which range in price from $5 to $30.

• After school, both food and clothes can be purchased until 3 p.m.

• Gold Crusader Nation t-shirts are only $5!

• Slurpees, car window stickers, Slim Jims, and other items are available.

• Any questions, see store manager Jacob Puma ’13.

Morgan Rutz ‘13 works in Crusader Corner, preparing the cookies. These are now currently being sold in the commons during all lunches.

Kristen Alberti ‘13 Cover Editor

For the past two years, when the students of LCN walked into the lunch room, the lingering aroma of the Crusader Corner chocolate chip cookies filled their hearts with bliss. Every day, students were able to purchase the cookies for 50 cents each. The cookies sold like hot cakes and the store sold out daily.

Unfortunately, at the beginning of this year, Otis Spunkmeyer cookies were not being sold at the store anymore.

According to the staff of the Crusader Corner, the cookies were unavailable at lunches because only so much food can be sold in the cafeteria. Since the school store has been relocated from the commons to the cafeteria, selling cookies in there would exceed the amount of food that can be sold.

In addition to surpassing the limit, the school store cookies are in competition with Sudexo, the company which sells lunches. The profits from the high demand of school store cookies would take away from the company’s in the cafeteria.

Victoria Maniaci ’13, a worker in the Crusader Corner, did not agree with the decision to pull cookies off of the shelves.

“I’m really mad because the money we’re making is still going back to the school. I don’t see what the big deal was,” Maniaci said.

The amount of business the school store received greatly diminished since the cookies were no longer available. Many students were able to purchase cookies in the school store because they were so

cheap, but most of the clothing in the store is more than just a little pocket change. A lot of students don’t bring that kind of money to school.

Another employee of the school store, Tyler Sirut ’14, said, “We’ve lost tons of business. We used to have to kick people out because so many wanted cookies and now we have to try to get them into the store.”

Not only was the store affected by the removal of the cookie sales, but also so was the population of LCN. Many students were very unhappy with the decision about the cookies and were not shy about expressing their feelings.

“I used to buy cookies from the school store every day,” said Courtney Warren ’13. “I thought the cookies were so good, and I think taking them away was a huge mistake. They made me look forward to lunch!”

Although the lack of cookies seemed like a major crisis, everyone at the school kept their heads up because the school store sponsor, Joe Naniewicz, and his staff thought up ways of what they could do to allow sales to come back again and to please the school’s population.

“The cafeteria limits make it more challenging for the business students to come up with other promotional and sales techniques,” said Naniewicz, “but we’re working on other avenues to attract the students.”

Along with the apparel available for sale in the school store, Naniewicz and company are working to

produce 100 percent fruit juice slushies. The staff has big plans for the store and counted on getting their customers back in no time.

Recently, Crusader Corner has started cookie sales once again. The employees set up a table in the commons to sell the cookies so they no longer exceed the limit in the cafeteria. Students and staff are now relieved that they can buy their favorite cookies during lunch once again.

Photo by Lonny Beasley ‘13

Alex Clark ‘13 and Joules Vergara ‘13 hang around the school store during C lunch, and take a bite of the Otis Spunkmeyer cookies that have recently returned to lunches.

October 10, 2012

news 5

The North Star

Teen sleep habits Z

Gigi Guarino ‘13

Entertainment Editor

Brandon Sargent ’13 is one of many students who has a demanding schedule. Between play rehearsals, his job at Strawberry Fields, his rigorous school schedule, and time to hang out with his pals, it’s challenging for him to find time to sleep. It seems as if there isn’t enough time in the day to do all that’s needed.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers are supposed to get approximately 9.25 hours of sleep each night, but for some, 8.5 is enough.

How many teenagers actually get the recommended amount?

Not many. In a poll of LCN students, 97 percent of students reported that they sleep less than eight hours each night. Some even reported sleeping less than six.

Not getting enough sleep can make it hard for students to function during the day. It might be hard for them to keep their eyes open, or they might feel as if their head is about to burst from a pounding headache. According to WebMD, it could be challenging for them to focus, which is very detrimental; if one wants to do well in school, the first step is focusing during their

teachers’ lessons. It also states that not getting enough sleep could damage your memory for the following day.

“It’s hard for me to focus in class because some nights I barely sleep. It ends up hurting my grades sometimes,” Alex Williams ’13 said.

Homework is timeconsuming for students, considering each student has seven classes each day, and most classes give homework every night.

Some are even taking multiple AP classes and have seemingly unending hours of homework. Sleep seems unimportant when it’s battling against getting a good grade or studying for a test.

“I just stay up because of homework, or I’m sitting on

the computer,” said Nicole German ‘15. “I always regret staying up late when I wake up in the morning.”

Some students just stay up for no reason at all.

David Girard ‘13 said he doesn’t even have much of a reason to stay up late; he just does.

“I’m either out doing something or watching TV,” he said.

Most athletes have practice every day after school, which leaves almost no time for anything else in the day.

Nick Castiglione ‘14 is a prime example. He believes that he doesn’t sleep well at night.

“I have to do my homework, and I have soccer every day. We don’t get done with practice until 9,” Castiglione said. He even

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admitted to falling asleep in class earlier that day from poor sleep the night before.

Like Castiglione, many students don’t sleep as much as they should.

They end up falling asleep in class, sometimes accidently, sometimes on purpose.

Willie Fuchs ’14 said, “I fall asleep in class because I’m bored; I usually get pretty good sleep at night.”

Not only does taking a nap during class-time make the teachers mad, but also it means that the students are missing out on the day’s lesson.

“I get so frustrated when students fall asleep in my class. I spend many hours preparing my lessons, so I get really offended,” said Danielle Alexander, English teacher.

Even though getting the recommended amount of sleep may be very challenging to complete due to homework, sports, friends, computers, television, and all the other many distractions and activities teenagers do in their daily lives, it’s almost essential to their health and well-being.

do

Poll by Gigi Guarino ‘13 200 students polled

Less than 6 Between 6 and 8 More than 8

New AP classes added Emily Ronnisch ‘13 Copy Editor

Several new additions have been made to the list of advanced placement courses offered at LCN. AP Human Geography, a class designed to enlighten students on varying cultures and their effects on the world, is a social studies credit; AP Language and Composition, a nonfiction-based course, is an English credit; and AP Psychology, the study of human behavior, is also a social studies credit.

AP Human Geography “I teach the students through note-taking, group projects, and lectures,” said Becky Humphrey, AP Human Geography teacher.

The goal of this class is to give the students a better understanding of diverse societies. Humphrey assigned her students homework to do over the summer including labeling maps, vocabulary words, and reports on current events from different countries. The students should expect homework daily.

Although this class is typically populated by freshmen, one senior is enrolled as well.

“We learn about how different cultures influence the world. I like how I can apply what I learn into real life,” said Cody Barlow ’13, a student in the class.

AP Language and Composition There are two sections of AP Language and Composition this year, compiled of mostly juniors.

“The ACT will seem like nothing compared to the AP Language and Composition test,” said Danielle Alexander, AP Language and Composition teacher.

The class consists of analyzing works of nonfiction and journalistic writing.

“Mrs. Alexander sets a positive learning environment in our class. I have learned a lot this year and I think it will benefit me for the ACT,” Edmund Kirk ‘14 said.

AP Psychology “Students have been requesting an AP course for Psychology for a long time, now we have three sections this year,” said Bobbie Agnello, AP Psychology teacher.

Consisting mostly of seniors, AP Psychology is a college-level course filled with article analysis, memorization of experiments and psychologists, and AP level tests. Agnello assigned a list of 18 psychologists. Each incoming AP Psychology student had to write a paragraph per psychologist.

The main goal of these new AP classes is to prepare students for college classes. In addition, they have the chance of taking the AP exams held in the spring, where students may receive college credit for scoring well.

6 feature

The North Star

October 10, 2011

Alexander interns for the Oakland Press Amanda Falkenhagen ‘14 Guest writer

New reporters quickly learn that their job forces them out of their comfort zone. That’s exactly what happened to L’Anse Creuse High School-North’s English and journalism teacher Danielle Alexander.

If it were not for the four-week internship sponsored by the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association and the Michigan Press Association Foundation at The Oakland Press, Alexander would not be returning to school this fall able to share knowledge gained after experiencing life as a full-time reporter.

Her days began at 8:30 a.m. in a news meeting with the local news editor and other reporters.

“It was intimidating at first,” Alexander said, “but I got the hang of it.”

At times, Alexander was sent to cover the stories no one else wanted to.

Interviewing campers at Whispering Oaks Nudist Beach was one of the stories Alexander was sent to cover. Alexander’s story received 27 comments on The Oakland Press website, which is more than any other story she wrote during her internship.

“I can always use this story to teach my students that there will be times when you’ll have to cover a story you may not want to,” Alexander said.

She also interviewed families who enter their livestock in the Oakland County fair each year.

However, she was dressed for the office- a skirt and high heels- big mistake.

“I was sprayed by pigs shaking off mud, almost kicked by a cow, and called a ‘city girl’ from a boy’s father,” Alexander said. “Although I was out of my comfort zone and very dirty that day, I learned a lot and truly gathered respect for those kids who do

“It was intimidating at first, but I got the hang of it.”

Photo by Doug Bauman/The Oakland Press

Photo by Doug Bauman/The Oakland Press

this every year.”

Alexander met some celebrities during her internship, too.

She interviewed Suzanne Lossia from the TV show “Motor City Wives” set to premiere this fall and the former president of the American Medical Association, Dr. Donald Palmisano, about the new health care reform law.

“Although I did not know enough as I should have about Obamacare, it was very neat to meet someone so wellknown,” Alexander said.

During her 20 days at The Oakland Press, Alexander wrote 28 stories. She said one of the best feelings was seeing her name in print and making a scrapbook of all of her published stories.

Alexander (formerly Diacono) even managed to prepare for her wedding and get married one week after the

internship was over.

Alexander was required to be interviewed for the chance to participate in the internship. One of the reasons Alexander decided to apply was because she wanted to show everyone she could actually do what she teaches her students to do in journalism and yearbook class.

“I wanted to prove I could do it, but I chose to teach,” Alexander said.

Alexander also missed writing in the journalism context. The last time she wrote anything in the journalistic style was during her freshman year at MSU. Alexander was offered a full-time job at The Oakland Press with better hours than what she works as a teacher and no extra work to do at home.

“The job was pretty tempting,” Alexander said. “But teaching is definitely for me.”

Left: L’Anse Creuse High School-North’s English and Journalism teacher Danielle Alexander interviews this year’s Oakland County Homemaker of the Year, Cathy Genovese. Genovese is an Oxford resident and, along with her husband Frank, owns the Candy Cane Christmas Tree Farm.

Above: L’Anse Creuse High School-North’s English and Journalism teacher Danielle Alexander interviews Motor City Wives cast member, Suzanne Lossia.

Lossia is an Oakland County resident and said the show is set to premiere this fall.

October 10, 2012

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The North Star

feature 7

Robertson aspires to act

Vinnie Scarpaci ‘13 Focus editor

“Acting, singing, cosplay, and just theater in general, is my passion. It’s everything I love and my life mostly revolves around those activities,” said Raven Robertson ’14.

Robertson recently played a lead role in L’Anse Creuse North’s production of the play “Chicago’’ in 2012. She also attends cosplay conventions about

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it s edtimes fourFor a year. ocufive Cosplay is when people at a convention all design and create their own costumes to look like anime characters from cartoons.

Robertson also loves theatre, so much in fact that she is going into theater as a career. These are just a few things her life consists of from day to day.

Last year, Robertson played Velma Kelly in the musical “Chicago” in April. “Chicago” was the district’s largest play to

date.

“Playing the lead role in such a big play like “Chicago” really helped me solidify that I wanted to go into theater as a career path,” Robertson said.

Though Robertson has high hopes of being an A-list celebrity one day, when it comes to daily life she’s just an average teenage girl. When she’s not in school, she spends her time hanging out with friends, doing homework, or working at

Pankow. She enjoys her job at Pankow because it helps her to understand a behind-the-scenes view of theater production.

“I want to know everything there is to know about theater,” Robertson said. “There’s much more to it than just the people on stage.”

With huge goals ahead of her in life, Robertson is determined to one day have her name up in lights. Soon she will be a legend in the theater community.

Raven Robertson ‘14 starred as Velma in the 2012 production of “Chicago.”

Photo from Raven Robertson ‘14

Postell takes associate position

will really make the difference.

Postell spent her early years as any A new school with new staff, new stu- driven high school student would: dents, and a new mindset on where the she worked for her achievements and school year will go. Dr. Carla Postell, set goals. She graduated from Martin the new associate principal at LCN, Luther King Jr. High School in Detroit, dealt with all of these struggles while and soon made her way to the Universiopening the school year this Septemty of Michigan to complete her underber, but how she’s dealt with it is what graduate program, majoring in English and minoring in psychology, and then completed her graduate program in education.

In the late ‘90s, Postell was hired for her first teaching job at Oak Park High School, where she taught for eight years and then moved to Ferndale High School where she taught for four years. Postell primarily taught tenth grade English, because that was her strongest subject, she said.

Photo by Jacob Puma ‘13 Postell spent one Dr. Carla Postell, associate principal, works in the ofyear as the assistant fice. Postell holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.

Alexis Carlson ‘14 Opinions editor

principal/ academy director of Ypsilanti High School. With this new job came more responsibilities. Postell not only loved this job because it involved more interaction with the students, but also because she learned positive ways to discipline.

In 2011, Postell acquired her doctorate degree from Western Michigan University in educational leadership.

Postell feels that her degree in educational leadership is what really helps her understand and relate to the students that she interacts with on a daily basis.

“Back in college, I wasn’t too sure that teaching was the route I wanted to go. I mean, I love working kids and am great with them, and there was always something I was at ease about. The number one thing that really narrowed my focus and thoughts in to teaching for a career was a mentor I worked with back in college,” Postell said.

As a new associate principal in Crusader Nation, Postell had a lot of learning to do. Between the students, the staff, and the simple things like knowing her way around the school, she’s been through a lot.

“The number one thing that stood out most about Dr. Postell during inter-

views was the research she did for her dissertation for her doctoral degree.

She’s very knowledgeable and has her heart set on helping students succeed,” Dr. Greg Dixon, principal, said.

Postell’s job came with a number of changes. She’s been put in charge of planning activities, working through problems with students and finding ways to improve LCN. A major change Postell made already is the music during lunches.

It was her idea to play music for the students, because she feels it sends a different vibe for people to relax and have a little bit of fun, she said.

“When I first met Postell at the first day of school planning meeting, she was extraordinarily nice and tried to learn everyone’s names fast. That was pretty cool. My favorite part about her is that she makes it clear that she actually cares,” Kasie Lashley ‘13 said.

For as much change Postell has already worked through, she will probably undergo more, but don’t think that challenge will stop her.

Her mindset and dedication toward the students of LCN will carry her through the year easily.

8 feature

October 10, 2012

The North Star

Inside Instagram

All of these photos were submitted by LCN students from their iPhone or Droid app, Instagram.

Lizzie Vanlerberghe ‘13 Reporter

After its launch in October 2010, a little app called Instagram took the social networking world by storm and became a household name within months of its release. This incredibly popular photography app caught the attention of smart phone users young and old who wanted a way to show off their creativity.

According to Wikipedia, Instagram has over 100 million users and the number is still growing rapidly.

Now anyone can have the power to take photos from any smart phone and edit them like a professional, then post them on any desired social networking site, such as Facebook and Twitter.

“I love Instagram,” said Megan Barr ’13.

“It’s so much better than Facebook. There’s

no drama, just very pretty pictures.”

All photos can vary from self-portraits to landscape shots to clothes to (definitely by far the most popular) food. Any of these pictures can be dressed up in a variety of filters and effects to make them more eye-catching to followers.

“Every day I post a picture,” Maddie Ferlecki ’14 said. “It’s really cool and it’s nice to see everyone’s pictures.”

Instagram also saves all the previously posted photos from one person’s account to a personal ‘camera roll’ that allows them to sync a selection of pictures to their computer and print any picture they’d like.

The popular app has also won over people who have had first-hand experience in photography, like David Walter ’13.

“I like Instagram because I like looking at pictures, but it isn’t real photography,” said Walter. “People think they can throw a filter on a picture and think that it looks professional.”

Even people who don’t favor Instagram have something nice to say about the app.

“It’s very feminine,” said Domanic Bogoevski ’13, “but I like how everyone can edit and post their own pictures and be one with your artistic side.”

Instagram has even taken over televisions with Taco Bell’s new Doritos Locos taco commercial, which features photos from Instagram users who had taken pictures of the famous taco.

There is no question that Instagram is this year’s ‘big thing.’

Photo by Jordan Roskopp ‘13

Photo by Amber Reeves ‘13

Photo by Ashley Lech ‘13

Photo by Kasie Lashley ‘13

LCN students rescue pets Photo by Taylor Bilski ‘13

Jenna Alred ‘13 Reporter

Rescuing pets lately has become more popular.

What is the reason for this? The economy has not only taken a toll on people, but also on their pets. Sadly, people run out of money and abandon their animals, and they are left out on their own, unless a shelter rescues them.

Approximately five million to seven million animals enter shelters every day, according to the Humane Society.

The majority of pets are obtained from acquain-

tances and family members. Twenty six percent of dogs are purchased from breeders, 20 to 30 percent of cats and dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues, and 2 to 10 percent are purchased from pet shops, the society’s website said.

One student discussed his story of adoption.

Anthony Randall ’13 said his dog is from the humane society.

“We adopted my Jack Russell. He would have gotten put down in about two weeks if I hadn’t adopted him. He turned out to be an amazing dog,

pet, and best friend to me.”

Even if one can’t adopt an animal, just stopping by to help out a shelter is a nice thing to do - and would help students with service hours at the same time.

Many students haven’t yet rescued an animal but plan to sooner or later.

“I would like to adopt an animal because it would make one less animal to be put to sleep,” Spencer Palm ’14 said.

He plans on looking at dogs for a Christmas present.

A sad dog like this is in need of a good family like millions of other pets around the country.

Photo by Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune/MCT

Photo by Ashley Lech ‘13

October 10, 2012

feature 9

The North Star

Class Feature

Welcome to the world of Journalism Jessie DiBattista ‘14 Reporter

Byline, mug shot, sidebar, lead, cover story, feature story, reviews, opinions, news stories, and captions. All have different meanings, but they are all connected and intertwined in what makes the journalistic world so unique.

At LCN, Journalism is offered as an English credit. Within the course of one year, students will learn different styles of writing including: feature, news, opinion, review, and sports, all

of which are styles that would go in an actual newspaper.

Also, Journalism takes students behind layout software called Adobe InDesign, which is a page layout computer program, which incorporates pictures and captions.

“I think Journalism offers a different style of writing, as well as a different type of reading (non-fiction) than other English courses,” Journalism teacher Kim Kozian said.

Regular English classes at LCN focus on argu-

mentation writing; however, Journalism gives students many different styles and does not focus on just one.

“I took Journalism as a junior,” Kent Donajkowski ‘12 said. “Then I decided to take newspaper.

It was a great class.”

By taking Journalism, students have a free pass to take Writing for Publications or Publications, which also count as English credits.

While Journalism is offered as an English credit, not all universities consider it as such.

“They are looking for a well-rounded student in classic literature and essay writing,” Kozian said. “Even though some colleges do not look as Journalism as an English credit, the class has shown to help students prepare for the ACT style of writing.”

Many students double up on English while taking Journalism.

“I really didn’t like the class itself, but it taught me how to write an ACT paper,” Kayla Bommarito ’14 said.

As many know, the ACT

is very important. Taking a class like Journalism may be beneficial to some students. In Journalism, grammar is stressed, and is taught throughout the year.

“Students do a lot of grammar to perfect their work,” Kozian said, “as well as a lot of peer editing on each piece.”

Journalism could possibly help correct the errors in order to make English essays better.

As the Journalism class remains an option at LCN, the choice is on the student whether or not to

take the class.

Benefits of taking Journalism • • • • • •

ability to join The North Star staff ability to join the Quest staff improve grammar skills explore a new style of writing learn a new software program called Adobe InDesign read more non-fiction writing

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

October 10, 2012

The North Star Brianna Wilson ‘13 Reporter

1

2

With so many options and so little time, locations around LCN are very convenient as local hangouts.

Pita Peddler, a small family-owned restaurant right off of 21 Mile Road, is where someone can be sure to find a few fellow Crusaders.

“I go to Pita Peddler every day, and it doesn’t cost that much. It’s about average-priced,” said Robert Hopkins ’13.

Aside from going out to eat, another popular location that draws in crowds is Premier Lanes, a bowling alley on 23 Mile Road east of I-94. It usually brings in teenagers from all over Macomb.

Walking in, someone will be sure to find groups of students from

L’Anse Creuse, New Haven, Chippewa Valley, Mt. Clemens, and of course, from Crusader Nation!

Desyrae Brown ’15, a Premier fan, said, “I like to go on Tuesdays because Tuesdays are when Premier Lanes has $2 bowling nights.

For those who may be a little low on funds, and just simply want to shoot hoops and get a little exercise, Jai’ Sean ’15 said that he and friends, Avonte Montgomery ’15, Tomel Bond ’15, and Jack Batayeh ’15, go to Middle School-East to play basketball.

If someone doesn’t mind taking a ride down Hall Road, then they can find all kinds of spots to better suit their time.

Taylor Hill ‘15 said that she and her friends like to go to Lakeside Mall and Partridge Creek.

“I spend like $70-$100 when I go on the weekends. When I go any other time, it’s just to walk around and hang out,” said Hill.

Not only can people go to the mall but also there is an exciting venue called CJ Barrymore’s on

Hall Road. Barrymore’s is a family entertainment center complete with two arcade centers, bungee jumping, rock climbing, bumper boats, and go-karts. People will come in groups to hang out and enjoy time with family and friends.

Teens complain all the time about not having anywhere to go in the area. Take a closer look there are actually plenty of places to enjoy!

Former Crusader becomes a...

video game developer

Anthony Benacquisto ‘13 Reporter

3

4 1) Pita Peddler is a local place where students like to eat. 2) Students tend to go to Pita Peddler for an after school snack. 3) There are many bowling lanes inside of Premier. 4) Premier is a good place to hangout with friends; whether you like to bowl or not. Photos by Gigi Guarino ‘13

Click click goes the sound of Jacob Williams’ mouse as he works on developing new icons for KingsIsle Entertainment in Austin, TX, where he resides.

Williams is a video game artist for KingsIsle Entertainment, which is a video game company that makes games targeted toward younger kids.

His job for KingsIsle involves making icons and 3-D art for the company.

Williams is an alumnus from L’Anse Creuse North’s Class of 2002. While Williams was here, he took multiple art classes, and was an artist for The North Star newspaper.

“I took a lot of the Comic Illustration classes in high school,” said Williams.

Before getting this job, he attended Bowling Green State University.

“I finished my degree there for digital art,” Williams said.

He met individuals from Bioware which is a different video game developing company. They were working on the latest “Star Wars” MMO (massively multiplayer online). He started asking specific questions to learn more about what

he needed to do to improve his work; he also started to compete with other artists in contests.

Working on his art and going to events like networking picnics and contests are what kept him on his feet and lead him on the right career track.

Williams’ friends that he met at the networking event actually helped him get the job at KingsIsle he currently has. They told him to build a portfolio, and in what order to organize his work.

He said KingsIsle really tested his knowledge during the interview where they asked him specific questions about programs and other things; they wanted to make sure he knew what he was doing.

Williams recommends to others who want to go into this field to really know how long it takes to make characters, icons, or whatever they are designing.

That is one of the reasons the company was a little skeptical about him. He actually ended up getting a contract, and is currently working on a new game called “Pirate” for KingsIsle.

If a student wants to pursue this field, he or she really needs to know how long it takes to complete work, as well as how to market him/herself and to talk to other professionals.

October 10, 2012

The North Star

entertainment 11

Creepy horror movies are crawling into theaters rlin

ha McP

r lee Kay ions Edito

‘13

care and s ovie n e e w ,m Hallo rizon With n the ho hould be no ew ts s seaso of all sor e-up of n n s i u r l o t goe l of the ming o u c f s r fea ovie or m h. horr ont this m

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evill: R highlyH t n “Sile another the first r ” n is l afte elatio ed seque any the m l.” pat 06. i 0 n c i o 2 t il in ed an Hill” s are bas “Silent H ract n e l e ha vie “Si e gam ain c e mo ns) Thes ions of th of the m e Cleme t d e t i la ta on tha adap sequel, son (Ade e reality d t a o is In th eather M g alterna r childho n e i H r h y e s f i o rr ter dh st ” s a te orize swer enter ns the an have terr evelation i t R conta ares tha ent Hill: ctober il tm nigh since. “S heaters O Db. t r IM e ev s into ng to come , accordi 26

LCN l thes overs a horro r re e em “ mal I’m ver ovie re xcited f l one Activit y excite eases. or s y d excu before 4.’ I’ve to see , s a s nah e to cu nd go een al ‘Parano ing lo dd rSh Cou ier ‘14 le up w to see f the ot he s r i i t tn ai th a ror cute is a goo r mov ey War d. d ren guy ‘Sile ie lo ,” H ‘1 n v ansup t Hill: er, said 3, anot er in Rev her , “I e Hor terestin lation’ ’m exci excited te ro b h g goo r fans and a ecause d to se ord tim e look wee it lo o b f e th is fa or a ha it scary ks unti ll at .” n the mov gly ies.

n The the orma high lis l Ac ly a fal “Pa l. Th t for h tivity ntici Ka rano e mo orro 4” i pated v s t pin ie Fe rmal ie tak r mov on t “Par h a a A g i e t c new her hers tivi s pla e goe e top son ton ty 2 ce rs f of h fi enc ous , o ,” , ing e an Hunt actin whic ve ye r this a g Ac para d th er. T as h h en rs af c e h d t site ordin norm ir ne ey’ve erself ed w er , th g to al o ighb mo , ki ith on is m the ccur ors ved dnap s r Oc ovi i m tob e c ovie ence tart e nto a s. om x er ’ s p o eri 19. es int fficia ot l hea web ter s

Another thriller flick coming out this fall is “Citadel.”

Starring James Cosmo and Aneurin Barnard, this film is about a man and his pregnant wife who are attacked by a supernatural gang on the street. He tragically loses his wife and is left to raise his daughter alone. The gang continues to pursue his daughter, and with the help of a priest, he tries to protect her.

Along with “Silent Hill: Revelation,” “Citadel” comes out October 26.

Video game controller and Cobweb background, permission by freedigitalphotos.net

12 focus

October 1

The North Star

Your voice, your vote: 2 Candidate breakdown

Republican Party Mitt Romney President of the United States

Current position: Presidential candidate Former position(s) in politics: U.S. Senate, governor of Massachusetts Website: www.mittromney.com Interesting fact: Romney’s net worth is approximately $200 million.

Photo by Brooke LaValley/Columbus Dispatch/MCT

Pete Hoekstra United States Senate

Current position: Businessman Former position(s) in politics: U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 2nd congressional district, 1993-2010.

Website: www.hoekstraforsenate.com Interesting fact: He was born in Groningen, Netherlands.

Photo by Chuck Kennedy/KRT/MCT

Candice Miller United States House of Representatives

Current position: Incumbent Former position(s) in politics: Served as Secretary of State Website: www.candice-miller.com Interesting fact: Miller is a lifelong resident of Macomb County.

Photo by Kimberly P. Mitchell/Detroit Free Press/MCT

Andrea LaFontaine Michigan House of Representatives (District 32 - Chesterfield)

Current position: Incumbent Former position(s): Worked in business for 10 years before taking office.

Website: votelafontaine.com Interesting fact: She enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Photo courtesy house.michigan.gov

Ken Goike Michigan House of Representatives (District 33 - Macomb)

Current position: Incumbent Former position(s): Goike is the owner of Goike Trucking and Excavating Website: kengoike.com Interesting Facts: Goike is the current president of the Armada Fair.

Photo courtesy house.michigan.gov

Democratic Party Barack Obama President of the United States

Current position: President since 2008 Former position(s) in politics: Illinois state senator, U.S. senate, 2005-2008 Website: www.barackobama.com Interesting fact: He is the first African American to be elected president.

Photo by Mike Cardew/Akron Beacon Journal/MCT

Debbie Stabenow United States Senate

Current position: Incumbent Former position(s) in politics: House of Representatives for Michigan, 1997-2001 Website: www.stabenowforsenate.com Interesting fact: Stabenow was the first woman elected as a Michigan senator.

Photo by Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT

Chuck Stadler United States House of Representatives

Current position: Co-owner of Stadler Bookkeeping & Tax Service Former position(s) in politics: Vassar Township Board for four years Website: chuckstadlerforcongress.com Interesting fact: He grew up with seven siblings.

Photo courtesy chuckstadlerforcongress.com

Sheri Smith Michigan House of Representatives (District 32 - Chesterfield)

Current position: Special education coordinator, Sanilac Intermediate School District Former position(s) in politics: Sanilac Historical Society Capital Campaign Coordinator Website: www.votesherismith.net Interesting fact: She is the parent of three children.

Photo courtesy votesherismith.net

Martha O’Kray Michigan House of Representatives (District 33 - Macomb)

Current position: Running for District 33, House of Representatives Former position(s): Elementary school teacher Website: www.marthaokray.com Interesting fact: She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

Photo courtesy marthaokray.com

10, 2012

The North Star

focus 13

2012 Election coverage

What issues do you care about most?

287 students polled

12% Energy/environment

12% Helping the middle class

If we voted right now. . .

10% Women’s rights

who would win?

Illustration by Anthony Benacquisto ‘13

31% Unemployment

8% Health care

7% Money for public schools

20% Student loans James Coller ‘13 Editor-in-chief Illustration by Ware/ MCT

Jessie DiBattista ‘14

Darian Hillaker ‘13

Reporter

Feature Editor

Reporter

Opinions Editor

Emily Ronnisch ‘13 Copy Editor

Kyle Deriemacker ‘14 Kaylee McPharlin ‘13 Alexis Carlson ‘14 Opinions Editor

14 reviews

The North Star

Sammy Adams is COOL

October 10, 2012

Artist’s summer mixtape shows he is sticking to his roots Photo Credit: http://defpenradio.com/.jpeg

Jacob Pallach ‘13 Photo Editor

Summer mixtape shows Adams is coming up in rap

Sammy Adams’s personality is truly reflected in his new mixtape, “OK COOL.” Samuel Wisner, known by his stage name Sammy Adams, is a musician whose popularity is growing rapidly. This past summer, he released a mixtape called “OK COOL.” According to recent interviews, Adams started out by making beats in his college dorm room

and was experimenting with beats when he came across the beat to Asher Roth’s “I Love College.”

He remixed it, ultimately releasing the future viral song, “I Hate College (Remix).”

In late 2007, Adams signed his first major label, Sony RCA. Recently, he has been featured in Enrique Iglesias’ hit song “Finally Found You,” which hit iTunes on September 25. It hit the top of the charts on iTunes the day it was released.

Adams’ second prealbum, “OK COOL,” has 15 songs on it, all of which have influences of rap, hip-hop, pop and electronic music. Adams has done a wonderful job making music of his own flavor that keeps the listener interested.

As a huge fan of his music, I found this mixtape is hard to dislike. The only song that isn’t as enjoyable as all the others is “Only One,” which is a JAYCEEOH remix of the original

Big Sean’s mixtape lives up to the hype Jacob Pallach ‘13 Photo Editor

Big Sean is back on his game after releasing his highly anticipated mixtape, “Detroit.”

Sean Michael Anderson is known as rapper Big Sean. Big Sean grew up in Detroit. An amaz-

ing opportunity came in 2007 when he signed with fellow rapper, Kanye West’s record label “G.O.O.D. Music” and in 2008, he signed with Def Jam Recordings.

Sean continued to garner success through 2010 by releasing mix-

tapes to get his name known. His mixtapes include the following: “Finally Famous Vol. 1: The Mixtape (2008),” “Finally Famous Vol. 2: UKNOWBIGSEAN (2009),” and “Finally Famous Vol. 3: BIG (2010).” Each gained more popularity than the

previous, respectively.

Big Sean was on his way to being “Finally Famous.”

Fast forward to September 5, 2012, “Detroit” was released online for fans to download. “Detroit” was one of the most anticipated mixtapes of the summer. The mixtape

has 16 songs, all of which show the true talent of this artist. This music is more rap than hip-hop.

If you enjoy rap, it is an outstanding mixtape. The lyrics of each song are not generally relatable, but the flow of each song is perfect and keeps the listener’s attention.

On this mixtape, three of the songs are by other famous rappers: Snoop Lion, Common, and Young Jeezy. They talk for around a minute about what they do when they visit the “D.” These tracks are meant to act as an intermission would

song. JAYCEEOH is the DJ/producer of the mixtape. The original version of “Only One” is much better and has a more pop-oriented sound than this cover. The rest of the mixtape is filled with outstanding music that keeps the listener entertained.

“OK COOL” is one of the best mixtapes released this summer. I would definitely take the time to download this free offering. I rate this effort 5 out of 5 stars.

in a play. I dislike them they break my attention from the actual music. I would rather hear songs featuring those famous rappers.

Fans can download this mixtape for free at http://www.datpiff.com/ Big-Sean-Detroit-mixtape.390127.html. Every song on it was fantastic, minus the intermissions.

It has an upbeat vibe and keeps the listener entertained. This mixtape didn’t fail the hype and was the best one released this summer. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

Ratings guide Bad Okay Decent Great Awesome

October 10, 2012

reviews 15

The North Star

Cider and donuts make us go nuts Brandon Alafriz ‘13 Sports Editor

Fall is coming upon L’Anse Creuse North very quickly. Leaves are starting to fall off the trees and the weather is getting colder. This time of year is prime for harvesting and picking apples. Apple picking is a great reason to go out and spend time with friends or loved ones.

Blake’s Apple Orchard and Cider Mill, located on Romeo Plank and Armada Road, is not too far away from LCN. For most, a 30-minute drive is all that it will take to have an unforgettable day with your favorite people.

While at Blake’s, it is

highly likely that you will never have a dull moment. Many eye-popping things stand out. Whether it is a big tractor pulling people on a hayride or a large field of trees bustling with pickers, guests won’t know where to go first.

Blake’s is famous for its apple cider and allowing customers to drive their cars around the orchard to pick their own apples. After arriving at the area of apple trees bound to be picked, a Blake’s staff member will greet pickers and give out baskets for the apples.

“I want to go to Blake’s so bad this year. If I go, I’d love to spend time with my

family there. It’s a great place to go relax and spend time with them because they’re the

Photo from Freedigitalphotos.net

most important people to me,” said social worker Anne Venet.

A building is seen from the orchard. The smell of freshly made apple cider and donuts flows through the surrounding air. The Orchard Café is swarming with hungry guests.

“Whenever I go to Blake’s, I always stop and get cider and donuts after picking apples. I’d love to go there with a boyfriend, but I don’t have one. It would be the perfect date,” said Reilly Becker ‘14.

Apple orchards are always busy during the fall. People are out with their families and friends

for an activity only available one season a year.

The Blake’s family of employees strives to make a day at their orchard a memorable experience.

“Blake’s is by far the best place I’ve ever been to get apples. If I could go again, I definitely would,” said janitor Tom Schmittling.

Blake’s was a bit high in price. A glass of pop and a hot dog cost about $8.

The orchard was also filled with a lot of people.

I felt crowded at times but eventually ventured off into areas where pickers had not been yet.

Other than that, I rate Blake’s 4 stars out of 5 stars. It was definitely a day I won’t ever forget.

Scarefest, minus the scary Trevor Frye ‘13 Reviews Editor

Photo from Freedigitalphotos.net

The Castle of the Dead.

The Castle of the Dead is Scarefest’s main attraction. The cost of the haunted house is $15.

The feelings one would feel after going through the house are not the same as anticipated going into it. Gage Mazzetti ’13 was outraged that he wasted his money on this attraction.

“It

wasn’t even scary. I could’ve went to the movies or something that would last longer. It was short and it was a waste of my money,” said Mazzetti.

The at-

traction recently opened for this year. It opens before many other haunted houses in the area so it received a lot of business.

My experience wasn’t the greatest. There weren’t many scares and there were long gaps between the different scenes or actors that would pop out at us. It seemed like they didn’t take their time setting up the house and there was a lot of space that was not being used.

Jessy Jones ’13 went to the haunted house and

Spotlights light up the dark night sky. The parking lot is filled. Anxious people are lined up out the door. Scarefest Scream Park has opened its doors for the Halloween season.

When going to a haunted house, everyone wants to experience that feeling of terror that they anticipate before going inside. The anticipation sometimes is the scariest part, which shouldn’t be the case.

Scarefest Scream Park is located on 28 Mile Road and Gratiot. The park is massive and has four haunted attractions.

The attractions include: The Hayride of Doom, The Forest of Darkness, The Dead End TerPhoto from http://www.scarefestscreampark.com ror Zone Maze, and Scarefest Scream Park opens in September before the competition.

believes that it could be better.

“The place just opened so they could just be getting used to their jobs.

They might be tweaking the house so that it can be scarier for later in the month,” said Jones.

There are many other haunted houses to choose from in the area including: The Haunted Farm of Terror in Lenox, Blake’s Cider Mill in Romeo, Slaughtered at Sundown in Romeo, and the famous Erebus Haunted House in Pontiac.

Before making any judgments prior to going into a haunted house, one must experience it for him/herself. I give this haunted house 2 stars out of 5. My experience wasn’t the best at Scarefest, but it can always get better. So don’t knock it until you try it!

16 sports

October 10, 2012

The North Star

Pay to participate: Effects on teams and athletes Lonny Beasley ‘13 News Editor

The pay to participate policy is a new concept in L’Anse Creuse Public Schools. Pay to participate generates more funding for the school. How could this policy affect school athletics? What are the viewpoints of the students, staff, parents, and coaches? These are few of the many questions people have asked regarding this new approach.

Student athletes pay $140 per sport.

For those who play on three teams, the third sport is free. The district offers discounts for lower-income families as well.

Crusaders’ starting varsity football running back, Vince Parratto ‘13, is against the new policy amongst many in the student body.

“I would say it negatively affects the team because a lot of people didn’t come out because of the pay to play policy,” he said.

According to a recent survey conducted, four out of every seven students are against the policy, the remaining being students who are either neutral or support the position.

“It was too much of a hassle to come up with the money [to play football],” said Austin Carter ‘13. It is a proven fact that some student athletes’ have not participated in sports due to the

cost.

“This new pay to participate policy has prevented me from going out for multiple sports,” said Lamonte Baker ‘13.

While this new direction LCPS has taken has prevented some students from participating in athletics, many student athletes are not greatly affected by this policy and continue to participate in high school sports.

“Yes [I’m affected], because I play three different sports. I feel like it’s stupid because I do not want to pay to participate, but I will continue to play anyways,” said Desyrae Brown ‘14.

L’Anse Creuse is one of the last districts in the area to apply this type of policy. The board of education felt it was necessary in order to provide the best education possible. With increasingly tight budgets, schools had to cut back on activities and curriculum, unless funding is provided elsewhere.

Ticket sales alone do not generate enough revenue to cover the costs of athletics. The result is the pay to participate policy.

“We were one of the last schools to implement it, “said football and baseball coach Terry Ebury. “As far as athletics go, I feel there’s more commitment because the players have to pay and they tend to give more effort.”

While some sports may be impacted

more than others because of pay to participate, some sports experienced little to no change for participating athletes.

LCN’s swim team picked up just where they left off last year.

“I lost a couple people, maybe two, not because of pay to participate. I lost more swimmers due to students transferring to different schools,” said Coach Mike Owensby. “One way or another, it doesn’t bother me.”

Though much of the student body might not agree with the policy, there are those who view the positives in the new pay to participate approach.

“I think anything the district puts out, you should support,” said football Coach Anthony Kiner. “I definitely think it motivates the players because when people have to pay the $140 or so, they want to play and get on that field. People aren’t there to be social but to participate in the sport.”

Parents often become overwhelmed with the expenses associated with school sports, on top of all the other expenses just associated with school itself: supplies, lunch, and events.

“Athletics at the high school level should be inclusive of all. Students should not be excluded because they do not have the funds to pay,” said Coach Keith Flournoy, basketball coach at U of D Jesuit and former student athlete parent. “Today’s focus being on juvenile

obesity, physical fitness, and healthy living people/youth should not be discouraged because they have to pay to play, I know what it’s like to have to pay for athletics; I had to do the same thing for my son, while paying for his education as well. It’s hard on us parents.”

The pay to participate concept has caused much discussion in the hallways and overall atmosphere at LCN.

Do you think that pay to participate has truly affected teams?

Yes

No Answer

No

8 27

No Yes

No Awns

172

Photo by James Coller ‘13

Photo by James Coller ‘13

L’Anse Creuse North’s varsity football team lines up for the National Anthem.

Coach Anthony Kiner feels that the new policy motivates players.

An LCN swimmer jets through the water, coached by teacher Mike Owensby.

Even though athletes now have to pay, Owensby said his team is unaffected.

October 10, 2012

The North Star

sports 17

James Ellis: LCN’s new athletic director

Former public safety officer enjoys new role in sports Brittiny Shepherd ‘13 Business Manager

Since sports have started at L’Anse Creuse High School- North this year, staff and students are impressed with the performance of the teams thus far.

This is happening because of James Ellis, new athletic coordinator.

Over the past summer and the beginning of this school year, LCN has been undergoing many changes, including hiring for the athletic position.

According to Ellis, as the athletic coordinator, he is now responsible for the operation and organization of LCN’s athletic programs. Ellis organizes scheduling of all games, practices, referees, and events. He also hires and supervises coaches and works with the community to promote student athletes.

He did not know the last director but Ellis said, “I am just trying to do things the best way I think is possible, and hopefully, that is the right fit for our school.”

Though many people do not know Ellis yet, some believe he is leaving a

Pu m

good first impression.

“I do not know his experience, but he seems to be doing good with his job and communicating and that is what he needs to do in his position,” varsity girls basketball and boys golf Coach Bob Johnston said.

JV lacrosse Coach Scott Light agreed.

“I’ve had limited interaction with him, but he seems to be a guy that really cares about how the kids are with athletics and academics first. He seems to have a very good rapport with the students. He really likes to publicize the sports,” Light said.

Not only do coaches and teachers have a good first impression of Ellis, but also so do players.

“So far I think he’s doing a great job.

He’s really involved with the sports teams. He stops by our practices and asks us how we are doing. He seems like a pretty nice guy,” varsity football

player Jake Sloan ‘13 said.

Ellis was a police officer and firefighter for 12 years. He then taught U.S. History and economics for a short time at Berkley and Detroit Conservatorium high schools. Ellis has been an athletic director at two previous schools for a total of three years. He also used to be an administrator at Stoney Creek High School.

In addition to his role in high schools, Ellis also coached baseball for 16 years at Berkley, Troy and Lahser high schools.

Ellis was the girls’ basketball coach at Madison and Berkley high schools for five years.

This year and in the future, Ellis would like to continue to build the athletic program and to make it better.

“I want the program to compete at a high level, and to have student athletes succeed in class and on the field,” Ellis said.

“I am just trying to do things the best way I think is possible, and hopefully that is the right fit for our school.”

Photo by Joy Engelman

James Ellis works odd hours as an athletic director. He comes in at 11 a.m. because he stays for all after school sporting events.

The cost of sports finally hits athletes

a’s ext ra p

C oin t

Jacob Puma ‘13

Jacob Puma ‘13 is the author of Puma’s Extra Point, a monthly sports column. The opinions expressed within are those of Puma and do not necessarily represent the opinions of The North Star.

ould you imagine a high school without a freshmen softball team or even a freshmen football team? How about no varsity softball or varsity football either? Well, without pay-to-participate intact, LCN could have lost some of their most beloved athletic teams at all levels.

As a two-sport athlete myself, I have no problem with the pay-to-participate program that LCN has now adopted.

Looking around at the other Macomb County high schools, we are one of the last to adopt the system. And surprisingly enough, LCN has one of the least expensive pay-to- participate systems around. For example, a Lake Orion middle school cross country player has to pay $200 to be on the team. While here,each sport costs $140. For the students who are involved in three sports, the third sport is free, meaning they play three sports for the price of two. A discount is available for lower income families.

LCN has brought back two-way transportation for away games because

of pay-to-participate. Before pay-toparticipate, if the game was within 10 miles of the school, there was no transportation back to LCN after the game. Although that may not seem like a big deal to most athletes because their parents are already at the game, there are still the players whose parents do not attend games. Those players would have to somehow find a ride home. A bus ride after a win is always a fun celebration to have with the team, while after a loss, the team can stick together to make each other feel better. Without pay-to- participate, two-way transportation would not be possible.

Now let’s say there was no payto- participate, but instead they cut middle school and freshmen level sports. Although lower level sports do not mean as much as a varsity sport as far as playoffs and championships, those levels of sports are important to the program as a whole. Think about a football program. At the middle school level, they learn the basic techniques of blocking and tackling. By the time

they move into high school and become freshmen, they will learn the first components of the varsity playbook.

The junior varsity team adds more to the playbook by increasing the players’ knowledge. Then when the player is on varsity, proper techniques of blocking and tackling and most of the varsity playbook.

Eliminating a lower level of football would deeply affect the skill level of a varsity team. If pay-to- participate helps out a program to a winning season, then I believe it is worth paying for. Keep in mind that lower level sports are important to not only football, but also for every sport a high school has to offer.

Although it may seem like a lot of money to dish out with pay-to- participate, it does help out the teams. In the end, I’d rather have multiple winning levels of a sport and have to pay each season, than one varsity team that doesn’t win as many games as it should because of the lack of lower level learning.

18 sports

The North Star

A New Crusade

October 10, 2012

New era of football arrives; team snaps 19-game losing streak Jacob Puma ‘13

A new coach for the new crusade

Online Editor

A

s the third quarter saw its final seconds, the Varsity Football Team placed four fingers in the air to represent the start of the fourth quarter. The scoreboard read 20-0 with LCN on top. The Crusaders were 12 minutes away from snapping a 19-game losing streak. The quarter continued, and LCN tacked on another touchdown to take a 27-0 lead over the Cousino Patriots. Soon enough, the final buzzer rang, the Crusaders won, and the New Crusade had begun.

In a school that is surrounded by great basketball and baseball teams, LCN always wondered why the Varsity Football Team has struggled. But this year, with a whole new coaching staff, from freshmen to varsity, the football teams look to change the culture at Crusader Nation.

“Cheering for basketball games was a lot of fun because of how far they got in the playoffs. Playoffs for football would mean the same to Crusader Nation,” said Ashley Lech ‘13. “The New Crusade is going great, we are so proud of the boys. We cannot wait to cheer them on for the rest of the season and hopefully into the playoffs!”

After a summer full of weight lifting, camps, 7-on-7’s, and bonding, these Crusaders are ready to make some noise in the MAC Blue this season. According to the varsity coaches, a promising schedule sets high goals for the team: win the first game, win all home games, make the playoffs, and host a playoff game.

“I believe all the summer work we put in really helped us to prepare for the season,” said Tyler Sirut ‘14, tight-end.

“Our new offense should really help us in completing our season goals,” Winning the season opener at home was accomplished with a 27-0 score over the Cousino Patriots in August.

A week later, the Crusaders traveled to Grosse Pointe South for their first MAC Blue conference game. A hardfought battle lead the Crusaders to an overtime loss, 27-28. For the next two games, the Crusaders continued the same pattern, win one and lose one. A 7-6 victory over Grosse Pointe North was followed by a week four loss to the Romeo Bulldogs.

Quarterback Alec Duffiney ‘13 is a three-year varsity football player. He said, “More fans come out to watch us

Name: Anthony Kiner Position: head varsity football coach Born: September 22, 1981 in Illinois High school: Tinley Park High School, class of 1999 College: Western Michigan University (1999-2003)

Photo by James Coller ‘13

Starting quarterback Sean Koski ‘14 looks frantically for an open man in the end zone during the game against Anchor Bay High School.

The Crusader student section cheers their new and improved Varsity Football Team on to victory.

Teaching: 2nd year at L’Anse Creuse High School, Gourmet Cooking and Food & Nutrition Coaching: East Detroit 2010-2011, LCN 2012 Favorite song: “No Human, No Cry” - Bob Marley Favorite food: Pasta Favorite NFL team: Chicago Bears Season goals: Make the playoffs Compiled by Jacob Puma ‘13

Photo by James Coller ‘13

the whole school behind the team, it will only help us when we make the playoffs,” Kiner said.

A winning football team has really changed the culture at LCN. What The New Crusade brought to Crusader Nation was not just a winning football team, but also it brought the school together as one.

With the band, cheerleaders, fans and football team all fighting together, the team can go far this season, and many more years to come.

“If we have the whole school behind the team, it will only help us.” play and people treat us better because we are winning. I love it.”

The New Crusade is something head coach Anthony Kiner has been preaching all season long. It’s not just about the football team, but the whole community.

“On those Friday nights, I want the band to be rocking out and cheerleaders cheering us on. If we have

Photo by James Coller ‘13

Coach Anthony Kiner pumps up his team before a game

October 10, 2012

The North Star

Zarate makes a splash!

sports 19

Sophomore dominates North’s record board; no end in sight for her swim career Jessica DiBattista ‘14 Reporter

Arms pumping, legs racing, heart zooming, fans waiting. As the final lap was approaching, the passion and drive in one swimmer’s heart was a strong contributing factor in the record-breaking experience that was about to take place.

Christina Zarate ‘15 has been swimming for seven years. While swimming at LCN, she has broken 17 school records: eight records for varsity and nine records for freshmen/sophomores.

“I started swimming when I was 8 years old,” Zarate said. She swam for a club team named the Lakers, which launched her swimming career into motion.

“Kristina has been such a motivation to all of the

Photo by Sieloff Studio

Christina Zarate ‘15 raced her heart out while setting numerous LCN, local pool, and county records. She continues to help the LCN Varsity Swim Team stay competitive, both in and out of the swim meets.

team,” Ashley Renock ‘14 said.

Even though this is only Zarate’s second year swimming, she has left her mark on the record boards.

“She contributes to the

team immensely between her motivating the other swimmers and her practice habits. She is helping to shape the team into what will hopefully be a great team during the rest of her tenure here at

LCN,” swimming Coach Mike Owensby said.

Zarate has broken records this year including the 200 free, 200 individual medley, and 500 free for varsity. And she has broken the records

for freshmen/sophomore which are: 200 free, 200 individual medley, 100 fly and 500 free. She has also set the pool record in the 200 individual medley at the Anchor Bay Aquatic Center.

As any motivated player would be, Zarate is always ready to swim no matter what the conditions are.

“I just love the water,” Zarate said.

Zarate loves swimming at LCN. She finds it fun and loves all of her teammates.

Balancing school and sports is not an easy task; however, Zarate motivates herself completely while participating in all academic classes. One would think this would be overwhelming, but Zarate puts grades first.

Although Zarate’s swimming career ends here in two years, it does not mean she doesn’t have a bright future ahead of her.

“I could see her getting a scholarship to swim in college,” Owensby said.

Zarate’s varsity records on the boards

LCN Varsity Volleyball sets up for success Brianna Wilson ‘13 Reporter

Becoming MAC Gold Division champions takes more than just a little practice and a few good players. It takes a group of dedicated athletes and that is exactly what the Varsity Volleyball Team is.

Thirteen devoted girls made up the team including four sophomores, four juniors and five seniors.

Led by captains Kasie

Lashley ‘13 and Jenna Ehrle ‘13, the volleyball team is bound for a season of victory.

At the end of September, the girls were at two wins and zero losses in the league, but including tournaments, they accumulated 11 wins, six losses, and six ties.

They practice every day for about two hours.

Keearra Brown’13 said, “I feel like we got stronger since last year because each player has different strengths and is

Photo by Alexis Carlson ‘14

The Lady Crusaders set the ball up for a spike during the season home opener. The Crusaders

good at something different.”

However, they could

not get the title with just the players alone. A great deal of credit goes

to Coach Gary Malburg who is behind them and pushes them to their achievements.

Malburg has been coaching for six years and they have been in the MAC Gold Division for six years. He said that passing and defense are the team’s strongest areas of the game.

Coach Malburg believes they are strong enough to get over the loss of their seniors.

“It’s always hard to replace seniors, but I

believe everyone chipped in,” said Malburg.

From what it sounds like, this is a demanding sport and requires an unrestrained talent and passion for volleyball. No matter how many times a teammate may fall, she will always need help from another team member to get back up because that forms a strongly linked team, like a family, which is what Crusader Nation is all about.

20 opinions

October 10, 2012

The North Star

LCN gets rid of tall, beaten up lockers

Students with bottom lockers struggle with the ‘bottom locker blues’ Darian Hillaker ‘13 Feature Editor This past summer LCN’s colorful worn-out, beaten down lockers were replaced with hundreds of beige, stacked lockers. During LCN’s summer construction, word got out about these new “stacked lockers” and many students were not pleased with the school’s decision.

There was an important notice posted on the Students have different opinions about the beige stacked lockers that now fill LCN’s hallways.

The owners of bottom lockers seem to dislike them.

school’s website just days before school began stating that students were not to bring backpacks to school, only a folder and a writing utensil. It turns out the locker combinations were not set for students to be able to use the lockers, which aggravated many students even more. After a few days of hauling backpacks through the halls, the combinations were finally set and even more complaints rose from Crusader Nation.

What happened? Bottom lockers happened. If a student is stuck with a bottom locker, he or she got the short end of the stick; they have to con-

stantly and awkwardly squat in the middle of the hallway, hoping their neighbors are away.

Between waiting for the top neighbor to leave and taking up a lot of space in the hallway itself, the bottom lockers seem like quite a challenge. While many stuck with the “bottom locker blues” have moved into a friend’s top locker, others are toughing it out down there.

Basically, bottom lockers are widely unfavorable and while many Crusaders are stuck with the “bottom locker blues”, others have moved their belongings to a different location.

The stacked lockers were most definitely a smart and necessary decision on the school’s part, to remove thousands of small, too skinny, dented and hookless lockers.

These beige little buddies are much wider, equipped with several hooks, and what feels like much more space.

While students are utilizing and adjusting to these new additions very well, many string bags and backpacks still roam the halls of Crusader Nation. Will these students ever adjust? Or is the bottom locker life just too rough?

Photo by Kim Kozian

Do students like the new lockers? Out of 200 people polled...

85% 15%

said “No!”

said “Yes!”

Summer construction improves building Gym floor remembering Dave Jackson included with many other features Jenna Alred ‘13 Lizzie Vanlerberghe ‘13 Reporters The bond money being spent for changes in the school has created many advantages for LCN, but also it has generated discussion. Students are a little uneasy about the lockers, while teachers seem pretty content. Overall, everyone has something positive to say about it.

“I think they made some nice renovations,” Nick Ivone ’13 said. “I like what they did on the gym floor. I think of DJ every time I’m in gym class now.”

Some students aren’t as satisfied with the changes. Sean Koski ’14 said, “I think they should have made more changes to the school. The lockers upstairs are a little crowded.”

Whether you like it or not, over the

summer, our school was renovated with a new gym floor, freshly painted walls and stairs, a renovated layout of the second story with added classrooms, and an altered cafeteria.

Megan Barr ’13 said, “I think they could have changed the school differently. The top and bottom lockers are a little harder to get into than the old ones.” Barr suffers with a bottom locker.

Principal Greg Dixon said, “The bond money is used specifically for improvements, and it takes a long time to get the requests approved. Everything that was done to the school was authorized 10 years ago. It was all pre-planned, based on what the voters approved.”

He said he personally likes the changes, and thinks they are huge improvements to the school.

Mark Mignot, a history teacher,

agreed with Dixon.

“The changes were nice, but they can only spend in certain ways, so they

were limited,” Mignot said.

Out of all the discussion the construction has generated, we can all agree that the changes were for the better.

Photo by Jenna Alred ‘13

One of the many new additions to the school is the Jackson Gymnasium. Students in gym classes or athletes who play indoor sports get to enjoy this brand new wood floor, along with the new lights.

October 10, 2012

opinions 21

The North Star

LCN parking lot: too crammed?

The woes of the parking lot cause frustration and traffic jams after school

Shane Healy ‘13 Copy Editor The student parking lot is a sticky situation.

Too many cars become congested in the parking lot minutes after the final bell rings. Those driving in the parking lot call themselves good drivers, but the way they drive says otherwise. To add to the mess, neighbors of the school are sending noise complaints about car systems. I have a solution for all these issues.

The first and most important issue that needs to be addressed is the after school surge of students rushing to get out as fast as possible. I can’t blame them. In fact, I’m

one of them. Getting out just after the bell makes it much quicker to get on Fairchild. Unfortunately, most people need to go to their lockers to pick up their books.

I have a few proposed solutions to this problem: let the seniors out two minutes before the juniors. Two minutes seems like a small amount of time; that is all that is needed for a student to go to his/her locker and be on their way out the door.

Juniors may complain about how it’s not fair, but the juniors are just going to have to wait their turn to be seniors.

After all, seniors have seniority.

If this plan doesn’t

work, there is another option that will work without changing any of the rules. By parking in the corner near the football field and tennis courts, not the actual tennis parking lot, students can avoid congestion. It should be taken into account that this is the longest walk, so students have to decide what’s more important.

I encourage students to follow this plan to make it better for all student drivers.

Another huge problem the students face is how horrible some students are at driving. Good drivers don’t cut people off in the parking lot. Good drivers also don’t let several cars in before they

proceed. It’s all about balance. The first step is admitting that we are all inexperienced drivers and finding the right balance of being aggressive and passive.

On a side note, the school has been called on several occasions regarding the noise coming from the school parking lot after school. Subwoofers are a primary cause of these complaints. These low frequencies travel the farthest and the neighbors can hear it clearly from their properties.

If you have a great sound system, that is awesome; however, there is no need to show it off in the parking lot. Wait until you reach Fairchild or 21 Mile Road to blast

the music. Maybe it will kill two birds with one stone, and avoid distracting the drivers, too.

Granted, the parking

lot will always have its issues. With a little cooperation, we can make the parking lot a little safer and easier to navigate.

Photo by Shane Healy ‘13

Cars heading toward the Fairchild exit struggle to merge and get out every day after school. Students in a rush may not let cars merge in, which contributes to the stop-and-go traffic.

EDITORIAL

Crusader Nation’s school spirit falls short of previous standard

Crusader Pride is not just a saying, but a way of life for some students.

Everyone takes pride in something, whether it is something they have done or a group they belong to.

Almost every person reading this is connected to L’Anse Creuse High School – North, Crusader Nation, yet it seems that very few actually exhibit any Crusader Pride.

Since the beginning of the year, Fridays have been declared Crusader Pride Fridays and everyone has been asked to wear black and gold. Traditionally, some of the biggest sporting events of the week have been held on Fridays throughout the year, so it makes sense to show some school spirit on these days. This year, however, not many have shown that spirit.

The halls are still a sea of colors, whereas in years past, there wouldn’t be many students caught without at least one of the school colors.

Spirit week is a hallmark of home-

coming. For years, the classes have battled it out to prove – all week long – which class has the most spirit.

Students dress up in wacky outfits, the juniors and seniors battle it out at Powderpuff, everyone gets involved in the float contest, and of course at the pep assembly, every member of the class cheers their heart out. Yet, this year, the spirit was extremely lacking.

According to the student council spirit week tallies, the seniors, who won the class competition, only had 20 percent of students participate. The sophomores, who fell last, had only 10 percent of students participate.

Rosa Hough, a social studies teacher, even made the comment that, “This was the lowest participation that I’ve ever seen.”

This past spirit week, the counts were lower than anyone can remember in recent history. The halls looked like any other normal day.

Where has the Crusader Pride gone?

How can we reignite the spirit of years past? Almost every sports team is at the top of their respective division – including the football team! Administrators are giving students more freedoms with the revised cell phone policy and the new outdoor patio. The class of 2013 is one of the highest achieving classes on the ACT. Incentives are being given out for those showing Crusader Pride. Everyone has something to be proud of or happy about with their class and their school. Now is the time to show it! Be proud of your school and your class!

There was a time when students bled black and gold. They were at every game, they wore the school colors with pride, and they loved their alma mater.

What happened?

Things have gotten better, not worse.

Show pride in LCN, wear black and gold, support the teams and clubs, and make an impact at LCN. Those who get involved in spirit days tend to have a

better overall high school experience.

Don’t be one of the people who sleep through high school and has no memories of the guys cheering at Powderpuff, the basketball team winning a game at the buzzer, or the last-second comeback by the football team. Enjoy a weekend movie courtesy of LCN by winning one of the prizes for showing Crusader Pride. Show your spirit and act like a member of the Nation.

During the Local 4 Friday Football Frenzy on September 28, hundreds of students donned black and gold and drove all the way down to L’Anse Creuse High School for a 5 a.m. pep rally. They packed the gym and showed more school spirit than everyone has shown the entire previous month combined. That is the true Crusader Nation.

We challenge you: on the next Crusader Pride Friday, show your black and gold like the Crusader Nation we have seen you can be!

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

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

22 opinions

Just Saying...

fast

How do you feel about the new cell phone policy?

Lizzie Vanlerberghe ‘13 Reporter

“Put your phone away.” This is an all-too-familiar phrase we’ve been hearing constantly since sixth grade.

Over the years, cell phones and other electronic devices, like iPods, have become every school’s worst enemy and have been condemned from classrooms. Of course, students have found ways around the rule. There’s the old “I’m just checking my purse” trick, when you hide your phone inside your purse to poorly conceal the fact that you’re texting. Or the very obvious, “Don’t move because I’m hiding behind you so I can use my phone and I don’t want the teacher to see.” (We’re teenagers, we’re not exactly clever.)

After years of using these well-known and absolutely genius tricks (sarcasm), I think the school administration finally realized that they were losing the war against electronic devices.

Students just weren’t following the rules, and they were getting in trouble for it. It seemed a bit ridiculous to be getting detention for something as innocent as texting their mother because they forgot their lunch or their homework at home.

So here comes the year when LCN becomes a little more flexible on the cell phone issue. The school now has a policy that resembles a traffic light. ‘Green’ areas, like the cafeteria, the commons, and the hallways in between classes are cell-phone friendly. In ‘yellow’ areas, such as some classrooms, you need your teacher’s permission to use your phone. ‘Red’ areas are places where cell phones are a no-no.

It seems like this policy could actually work for students and faculty alike, but is the new policy really as good as it seems to be? I can recall countless times in the hallway when I was nearly run over by a student texting and walking. I love that we have the freedom to use our phones and iPods, but it seems a bit ridiculous that people can’t put their devices down for just two seconds so they can pay attention to where they’re going.

We only have a little bit of time to get from class to class, and I don’t want to use those precious minutes fighting off crowds of cell phone abusers wandering aimlessly down the halls. The cafeteria and the commons area both have different environments than previous years. Instead of interacting with the people around them, students are busy on their phones, blocking out the world. I personally think it’s kind of rude to be on the phone when someone is trying to hold a conversation with you.

With that said, I hope that the new cell phone policy doesn’t ruin the social experience high school has to offer.

October 10, 2012

The North Star Mackenzie Garrett ‘13 Feature Editor

All photos by Alexis Carlson ‘14

1) What are you most looking forward to this year?

2) Are you dressing up for Halloween this year? If so what?

3) If you could be any inanimate object, what would you be and why?

4) If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

5) Who would you bring with you if you were stranded on a deserted island for the rest of your life?

Darrel Johnson, Spanish teacher 1) Enjoying being back in the classroom and interacting with students.

2) Yes, not sure yet what.

3) A tree, because they have strong roots and they go with the flow.

4) Peanut butter 5) Tina Turner, she provides me entertainment.

Reilly Becker ‘14 1) Getting the school year over with.

2) Yes, Thing 2.

3) Chocolate, it is delicious.

4) Ice cream 5) Channing Tatum, he’s hot.

Frank DeVos ‘14 1) Basketball season.

2) Yes, I’m dressing up as a vampire.

3) A basketball, because basketball rocks.

4) French fries 5) Taylor Swift, because I’m in love with her.

Stephen Ibarra ‘15 1) D.C. trip or joining the bowling team.

2) Yes, a zombie.

3) A lemon because you can make lemonade.

4) Pizza, it is so tasty.

5) Les Stoud from Survivor Man, because he would help me survive.

Sara Strozewski, Chemistry teacher 1) The challenge of teaching a two-hour block.

2) No, but my kids are going as Star Wars characters.

3) An encyclopedia because they have of lots of knowledge.

4) Fruit 5) My family.

October 10, 2012

The North Star

How old is too old?

Are high school students too mature to trick-or-treat?

Mackenzie Garrett ‘13 Feature Editor

Allexa Marelich, decked out in her cat outfit, strolled up to a house to retrieve her Halloween candy. Instead of a friendly greeting, Marelich was turned down for her request of candy. Why? She is 16 and adults think she is too old to be out trick-or-treating.

Even though many teenagers still go trick-or-treating, doesn’t mean that the adults handing out candy like it.

I think adults are finding younger ages every year as the cut-off age for trick-or-treating. Soon enough, adults will think 10-year-olds are too old.

“There shouldn’t be a cutoff to when you stop trick-ortreating. Even as a high school student, I’m still a kid at heart,” Carson Janssen ’14 said. “Plus, I like dressing up and getting free candy.”

Janssen and I aren’t alone when it comes to teens enjoying Halloween to its full extent.

“Trick- or-treating is fun, and as long as we aren’t respectful, we shouldn’t be judged for going,” Marelich said. She and her group of friends go trick-or-treating every year together, and they plan to go this year as well.

On the other hand, there are some students who think that high school students shouldn’t be trickor- treating.

“I think I’m too old to dress up and go out for candy,” Brandon Backus ’13 said. A majority of kids agree with Backus, and don’t do anything for Halloween.

A lot of kids stop trick- or-treating once they hit a certain age. Some people even say there is cut off of when kids become too old.

“Eighth grade is a good time for kids to stop trickor-treating,” English teacher Danielle Alexander said. “[Older kids] look ridiculous in costumes when they trick- or- treat at my house. I’ll give them candy but I’ll probably make a sarcastic comment.”

Like Alexander, a lot of adults think high school students are too old to be trick-or-treating. The students, though, think that it’s not only acceptable to go, but is something they should be doing.

The teenagers who are loud, rude, and disrespectful are the ones that ruin trick-or- treating for teens as a whole.

I will trick-or-treat this year, as I have for the past 16 years. Halloween for me is not complete without dressing up and trick-or-treating. Since I will be going off to college next year, this is my last chance to savor my childhood.

Teenagers should be able to trick- or-treat without any discrimination.

Photo by freedigitalphotos.net

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opinions 23

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......Vinnie Scarpaci 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 ........................................Kyle Deriemacker ..................................Anthony Benacquisto .....................................Lizzie Vanlerberghe ............................................Brianna Wilson .........................................Jessica DiBattista 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 210 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 photo

The North Star

Welcome Back

LCN and Anchor Bay team members shake hands before the homecoming game.

David Walter ‘13 leads the first pep assembly.

The class of 2014 gets very hyped up at the pep assembly!

Photos by James Coller ‘13

October 10, 2012 Cover Editor

James Coller ‘13 Editor-in-chief

Enthusiastic fans cheer on the football team at the homecoming game!

The Class of 2013 wins first prize in the float contest!

The teachers dominate the tug-of-war contest at the Welcome Back assembly.

Kristen Alberti ‘13

Shannon Donahue ‘14 and Taylor Lombardo ‘15 stunt LCN’s mascot, the Crusader

Vince Parratto ‘13 leads the Varsity Football Team in a pre-game prayer before the homecoming game against Anchor Bay.