The Focus by MHS Focus

FOCUS The

Midland High School | April 18, 2019 | Volume 41, Issue 7

In Our Hands Stress Relief On April 11, Student Leadership brought puppies from the Humane Society to relieve stress from testing week as a part of their self care initiative. Sophomore Caity Quinn and freshmen Isabelle Rubenacker and Lillie Woods play with the puppies in front of the school during lunch. Photo: Aubrey Chambers

New efforts are being made this year by Midland High students and facility in order to be more enviromentally friendly, including the start of the Green Club. Photo Illustration: Aubrey Chambers

Kennedy Danner | Trap Shooting | Green Club | Julia Powers

Left Hand - Even number page

in this issue volume 40 | issue 7

4 Sportszone - Jeff Landis

Senior Landis is a powerful left hand hitter on the baseball team.

5 New Coaches

MHS has welcomed three new head coaches for the spring.

6 Trap Shooting

After going to nationals last year, the trap team at MHS has doubled.

arts & entertainment

7Junior Kennedy Danner Danner and her mom worked on costumes for Newsies together.

8 John Marinan

Known for his quick learning and leadership, senior Marinan was a top pick for drum captain.

news

opinion

9 Paying For Diabetes

16 A Day As Jack Schulz

10 Peer-to-Peer

17 Editorial -

Senior Joe Pastula relies on insurance to afford his life-giving supplies. Each Friday, Student Leadership spends time with the ESA students.

11 See Color

Students are teaching their white peers on how to be good allies.

features Package: Environment

12 - 13 Green Club In their first year, Green Club has brought back recycling to MHS.

14 Julia Powers

As a female electrician on the robotics team, senior Powers is familiar to sexism firsthand.

15 Swansons

Sophomore Alexa Swanson walks for her late grandpa every year during the Walk MS event.

One Focus writer spends time in the student body president’s shoes. Sustainability at MHS

The Focus questions whether or not MHS is doing enough to be green.

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How To Be Green

editors

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p ub li ca t i o n p o l i c y

Focus, established in 1977, previously the Vic Tribune established in 1936, is the official school sponsored newspaper of Midland High School. Focus is published monthly by the journalism classes at Midland High School and is distributed free of charge. It is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), the Michigan Interscholastic Pres Association (MIPA) and Quill and Scroll. Adviser membership also includes the Journalism Education Association (JEA). Focus is designed as a forum for student expression and as a realistic lab experience. Court cases like Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988) have restricted this right to free expression. As a result of the Hazelwood case, Focus may be subject to prior review by Midland High School administrators, who legally reserve the right to pull or censor articles and/or graphic elements (artwork, graphs, photos) planned for publication. Focus and its adviser(s), editors and staff writers, however, reserve the right to contest the challenge of an administrator who attempts to censor and/or remove an article or graphic element. Administrators who attempt to pull and/or censor must provide reason on the basis of obscenity, if the article infringes upon the right of freedom of speech or rights to privacy, and if it and/or graphic elements are irresponsibly or inappropriately presented. Letters of the editor are welcomed and encouraged. Letters are required to be a maximum of 250 words in length and must be signed to insure that the writer’s intent is serious. Any letter that is unsigned or uses a pseudonym will be refused. Focus reserves the right to edit letters as long as the writer’s opinion is unchanged and the facts presented in the letter are kept intact. Focus also reserves the right to remove from the letter the name of the individual toward whom it is directed or oriented.

April 18, 2019

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news briefs

MHS Spotlight : AH Nickles

New Principal Tracy Speaker-Gerstheimer has been annouced as the new Prinicipal of Midland High. Speaker-Gersthimer has been in secondary education for 16 years and is currently the principal of Northwest early College High School which is located in Canutillo, Texas. She grew up in the Midland area and will start at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year.

Day of Silence On April 12 the Gay, Lesibian, & Straight Education Networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (GLSEN) held the annual day of action to spread awareness about the effects of bullying and harrassment of LGBTQ + students. On the Day of Silence, students that participated took a day-long vow of silence to represent the silencing of students in the LGBTQ+ community.

Co-Coach of The Year Varsity Coach Eric Krause was named Midland Daily News Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Basketball Co-Coach of the year after winning the Division One district championship and making an appearance in the Regional Final.

On Saturday, April 7 five teams from Midland High participated in the AH Nickless Innovation Award Competition at Saginaw Valley State University. The goal of the competition is to inspire passion for STEM for high school students in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Seniors Jerad Gonder, Ian Sanford, Hannah Sawicki, and Olivia Johnson took first place for their project that centered around a smart mirror that displays reminders for those with disabilities to be able to live more independently. Placing third in the competition was seniors Nate Streetmatter, John White and juniors Aidan Gauthier, Misa Halphen, and Carlie Servinski. Combined the teams that competed received $25,000 in scholarship money and $25,000 for Midland High school.

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@mhs_focus | web: mhsfocus.com

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September 27, 2018

the love for etiquette

Mady Sherman

s a kid I would always use sports as an escape. I’d go outside to kick a soccer ball around with my sister, likely getting dirty and only coming inside for dinner or sleep. Growing up, whenever I would go to a practice, I knew I could rely on a 2-hour mental break from whatever stressor may be waiting for me when my practice Staff Writer and Photo: Olivia Ortiz

ended. This held true for me up until last winter, when I began regular lessons at the Tennis Center. I originally started playing tennis because I was looking for something new and wanted to have fun while playing sports like when I was younger. However, as soon as I walked on the court and and received side eyes, I instantly felt out of place, like I was doing something wrong. My cotton t-shirt and running shorts didn’t seem fit the dress code, and when someone asked me if I was lost I became embarrassed. My excitement at trying a new sport was shot down because of my appearance. I thought I was there to better my backhand, not be judged on whether or not my sports bra matched my skirt. As I kept taking tennis lessons, I had a new kind of feeling. I’ve had nerves on whether or not I’d make the team before, but this was different. I’m embarrassed to admit I’d spend a good 15 minutes looking for something to wear before each practice, wishing I had a Lululemon shirt so I could feel like I fit in.

I’m fortunate enough to live in a place like Midland and have the luxury to be play sports and take lessons, but I am agitated that sports have gone from innocently playing outside to a way to show off status. Sports are supposed to bring people together, not alienate them. Yet, it seemed like nice clothes and fancy equipment were more important than athletic skill. I didn’t feel like I could truly succeed in tennis until I had nicer things. The etiquette that surrounds tennis has shifted what sports mean to me. Perhaps it was naive of me to believe for so long that sports only had to do with fun. But I was also naive to think if I didn’t buy more brand-name things, tennis would be unenjoyable. Once I started my school season and began spending less time picking out what I was going to wear to practice, my impractical anxieties faded. I think it was the support from my coach, team, and playing in a carefree environment that led me to realize why I originally started playing tennis.

4-3 The girls varsity soccer team defeated Davison 4-3 on April 10. Senior Ellie Wardell scored two goals, and seniors Maya Albright and Jorgia Nye both scored one.

3-0

The boys varsity lacrosse team is having a strong start to their season, with a 3-0 record. Leading the team are captains Ryan Sisitki, Elliot Moore, and Christian Gordon.

AT H L E T E O F T H E M O N T H : J e f f L a n d i s

enior Jeff Landis has played many sports throughout his life, including football, hockey, basketball, and tennis. However, since he was ten years old, he said that baseball was the sport that clicked for him. Now, Landis plans on attending Hillsdale College to continue his baseball career. “I’ve always wanted to get where I am,” Landis said. “I’ve always wanted to play a sport in college, I just wasn’t sure which one, until baseball rose above everything else.” While playing on many different baseball teams growing up, Landis favored school teams over travel ones. He has been on the varsity baseball team since his sophomore year. “You get to play with your fellow students and represent your school, versus a travel team where you just go and play on the weekends and then you never see the guys again,” Landis said. “It doesn’t really matter what’s on the front of your jersey at that point.” His sophomore year season proved to be a challenge for Landis because he was moved from JV to Varsity. Head Coach Eric Albright was very helpful in getting him up to the same level as the other varsity players. “He’s one of the first players to arrive and one of the last to leave,” Albright said “Jeff is willing to do whatever it takes to make the team win. He doesn’t make it just about himself.” Landis’ work ethic is reflected in the off-season too. He uses the weight room after school most days, and bats a few days a week as well. Landis is known for his powerful left-handed batting and his strong pitching, but he understands the different pieces necessary to build a good, cohesive team. He was first team All-State as a junior and helped the team advance to the state semi finals. “Everybody has their part and their role, I just do my job,” Landis said. Albright said that Landis has a bright future and will succeed as a baseball player. “I think he is an impact player,” Albright said “Hillsdale is fortunate to get Jeff on their team.” Landis said he is nervous, but excited, for his future as a baseball player. When looking at the challenges ahead, he is confident in himself and he thinks he will be able to handle the pressure of collegiate sports. “Baseball is considered a sport of failure, so if you fail seven times out of ten then you are considered really good,” Landis said. “In life, you’re going to fail a lot. You just have to keep going and not give up.”

sports

April 18, 2019

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NEW COACHES

This spring sports season, Midland High welcomes three new varsity coaches. In varsity softball, varsity boys’ golf and in boys’ track, all three coaches are trying new approaches after their past coaching experiences. Web Editor Adrienne Gray | Staff Writer Isaiah Bridges

KEITH VIDEGAR-BOYS’ VARSITY GOLF MATT STARLING- VARSITY SOFTBALL Videgar coaches his team at a short game practice. This is the first outdoor short practice of the year for the team. Currently, they practice at Curry Golf Course. Photo: Carter Hazen

What made you want to be a coach here at Midland High?

I love golf and I love coaching kids. I have coached baseball for years - Little League, travel, and I love watching these kids get better at their respective sports. What a great opportunity to be involved with the high school.

ANDREW PLUDE- BOYS’ TRACK

Starling stands on the third base line during a home game against Traverse City on Saturday, March 6. The Lady Chemics won both games played 12-11 and 10-7. Photo: Adrienne Gray

Plude times runners at an outdoor track practice. This is one of the many responsibilities he fulfills as the boys’ track coach as well as working to improve his athletes. Photo: Jacob May

What made you want to be a coach here at Midland High?

I have been a coach here for 17 years. I really value the high school athletic experience and love being a part of MHS and the athletic department.

When I first started my student teaching two years ago, I was lucky enough to be able to observe and help with the track program that same spring.

What are you looking forward to this season?

It is exciting to see which of these varsity players will step up and be a leader. I'm looking forward to see who will rise to the top.

I am looking forward to the newness of everything. Coaching in a new program, new role, new sport. We have a wonderful staff and I enjoy working with them each day. And most of all, working with dedicated student athletes.

I’m really looking forward to the day-to-day process of developing our team. As a coach, you have to spend time looking ahead, planning for what’s to come, but the real fun is working hand in hand with the athletes to pursue their peak.

What are your goals for the team? Long term? Short term?

What are you your goals for the team? Long term? Short term?

What experience do you have with the sport you are coaching?

What are you looking forward to this season?

Our goal every year is to win the SVL. It's important to these student-athletes to want to always win their league and beat their rivals. Our long term goal is to make states. It's not easy to do but these kids work hard and always have that in the back of their minds.

I never played high school golf but during college I started playing a lot and really fell in love with the game. I started qualifying for state tournaments and really enjoyed the competition. I worked at a golf course between my college summers, which continued to drive my love for the game.

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April 18, 2019

Long term we want to continue the sustained success of the softball program. We want to be known as a program that does things the right way--on and off the field. Short term we want to improve every day and be the best team we can be on June 1.

Well, really none. I’ve coached football and baseball for the 16 seasons each at MHS. Obviously, there are a lot of similarities between softball and baseball but I am also learning a lot each day. I am fortunate to have assistants with incredible experience in softball.

My number one goal for our team this season is for our team to show up each day with the desire to improve from their current position. If we can get them to improve in one area each day, the results will take care of themselves at the end of the season.

I have been in and around the sport of track & field as long as I can remember. My parents were both accomplished runners,and I was coached by them through six years of cross country and track. After that, I went to SVSU and competed for five years.

sports

WITHIN RANGE

he odor of gunpowder spreads relentlessly throughout the gun range, with the piercing noise of multiple shotgun shells being propelled out of the barrel towards their desired targets. Hundreds of student athletes concentrate on the task at hand as they navigate through many trap fields. Countless small orange disks called clay pigeons are launched away from competitors at high speeds, with the goal being to hit as many as possible in consecutive intervals. Trap shooting coach Lori Kennemer has been coaching the team for three years now and has over 40 years of experience. In her first year as head coach, she guided the team through the state tournament and into the national competition for the first time in Mason, Michigan. “We are considered a fairly new team and the experience of attending the national competition was phenomenal,” Kennemer said. The team has to follow the True Team Scoring for their competitions, which was issued by the USA High School Clay Target League. Each team has a predetermined number of competitors that determine the team’s score. Once the competition is over, the team with the top score will receive the maximum amount of points which determines the winner. Midland Athletic Director Eric Albright verified that the club is not sponsored by the school and he is

sports

The trap shooting team is fairly new but growing rapidly. Last season the entire team qualified for states, and six of thirteen members qualified for the national tournament. Staff Writer Brady Woods | Staff Writer Carter Hazen | Staff Writer Ava DeVance

extremely impressed with their efforts. “Credit Coach Kennemer and the students for creating a positive atmosphere of camaraderie and competition earning the Chemics a reputation as a contender among high school teams in the state.” Albright said. Kennemer also talked about the team’s chemistry among the players. “I like the camaraderie of the team’s athletes, their commitment to learning about and handling firearms safely, the hard work they do learning the sport, the “a-ha” moment when they start shooting the clay targets consecutively, and the enjoyment they get with improving their scores.” Kennemer said. Senior Noah Adamick is in the midst of his second season and has enjoyed every moment of it. Adamick agrees that the team has a strong relationship. “An accomplishment for the team is just the growth that we have seen in the past few years,” Adamick said. “It’s fun to see people from everywhere, it’s just a great community.” The number of students on the Midland High team has doubled since last year, and is only expected to grow with upcoming years. “It was really nerve wracking but it was really fun and all of us had a blast,” Senior Aaron Garcia said on attending the national tournament. “A lot of the people that came with me I honestly didn’t know that well but we became really close in the end, I was

just really glad I could go, it was a great experience.” Garcia also enjoys the team chemistry and participating on the team. Although there is a great team atmosphere, playing on this team comes at a cost. The trap shooting team does not have all of the costs paid for, so players have to pay for the clay targets or pigeons they shoot and also have to fund the amount of shotgun shells they use. “You do have to buy your own ammo but you don’t necessarily have to have your own gun, you can always borrow somebody else’s, and then if you like the sport you can always get your own so you have something consistent to practice with,” said Adamick. The team hopes to continue its success from the previous year and Kennemer says they have many team members that can help with this. “We have trap shooters on the team who can (and do) shoot 25 clay targets out of 25, and 49 out of 50, the winning trap shooter shot 207 clay targets consecutively for the “Top Gun” position,” Kennemer said. Garcia has big expectations for his final year on the team and plans to create special memories with his teammates, “The teamwork and working together is my favorite part about the team, everyone’s on the line shooting together and it’s technically individual but it’s still really fun being out there with friends.”

Top: In order from left to right, Junior Allie McMillan reloads her shotgun after firing at the clay pigeons. Senior Ethan Depierro looks down his sights towards his target. Junior Noah Tardiff observes his teammate. Bottom: Junior Joseph Podboy stares down the barrel of his gun in attempt to shoot the orange clay pigeons to earn his team points. Photos by: Spencer Isberg

April 18, 2019

FOCUS

CREATIVE COSTUMES Junior Kennedy Danner and her mom, Deana Danner, have been working on costumes for the spring production of Newsies. Kennedy has always had a passion for drama and costume designing and especially loves watching all the costumes come together in time for the show. News Editor Mady Sherman | Staff Writer Mary Kent

hen she was in kindergarten, Kennedy Danner debuted her acting career as a petite duckling in the production of Honk Jr. put on by St. Brigid Catholic School. She hasn’t stopped acting since. Following in the footsteps of many of her family members, Danner is very involved in the MHS drama department. Most recently as student head of costumes for the spring musical, Newsies. “My mom went to school for fashion and fashion construction, and so she did costumes when I was growing up,” said Danner, a junior. “When I was in 5th grade I started helping her with costuming and shoes, now I am working with my mom on Newsies and it has been a lot of fun.” Deana Danner, Kennedy’s mother and head of costumes, also became interested in

“In Newsies, one character, Katherine, is wearing a lot of pinks, which is different than the character Pulitzer, who is wearing dark colors because he’s a villain; you want to put people in colors that go with their character,” Kennedy said. “The drama department’s costume supply is ultimately made up of what we have available in the costume closet, donations, Salvation Army, or from the costume closet we have in our basement.” Newsies has a 45-person cast and has many actors playing several roles of different genders. There are many quick changes that have to happen and each individual actor needs something specific to wear. However, drama director Megan Applegate said that Kennedy and Deana working together helps to keep on top of many quick costume changes.

Theater is about relationships on and offstage

drama, clothes, and costume design when she was in high school. She graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in clothing and textiles, fashion design, and merchandising. She said that she enjoys working with her daughter on various plays and musicals. “My favorite thing about working with Kennedy is watching her develop the sense of what looks right on a character and what doesn’t,” Deana said. “I can step back because she knows what she’s doing, and it’s nice.” Kennedy said that when she begins costuming for a particular show, she looks at the time period along with the socioeconomic class of a character to help create an authentic representation for each one. In addition to designing and creating costumes, she also likes to create unique color stories for each character that ties together with other character’s colors.

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April 18, 2019

Megan Applegate

“Kennedy is a very dedicated actor, she is very familiar and comfortable with the stage she really seems to enjoy it and she makes it her own and takes leadership roles,” Applegate said. “Deana and her work together as a team, and it seems like things are coming along nicely.” Applegate also said that she believes that Kennedy is a hard worker and has done a great job costuming in the past. Between Kennedy being involved in nine shows in her MHS career and the Danner family helping the drama department for years, Applegate believes that Newsies will be a wonderful production. “It is fun seeing the mother daughter relationships,” Applegate said. “Theater is about relationships on and offstage, so I love to see the parents get involved; it’s a good opportunity to bond with their kids and other students and be apart of creating something together.”

Top: Kennedy and Deana work on corsets for the Bowery Beauty characters. Often the Danners work on and discuss costumes together when at home. Middle: Kennedy browses the multiple costumes for the show. Due to the large cast Kennedy works closely with her mother to design and create the outfits; however, she has worked on past shows by herself. Bottom: Kennedy sews her costume for her character, Hannah. Newsies was performed April 11-13. Photos: Mady Sherman

arts/entertainment

QUICK LEARNER

John Marinan has been playing the drums since fourth grade. This early start, along with his ability to learn quickly, has qualified him for drum captain. Staff Writer Ethan Ohlrich | Staff Writer Dave Draves

enior John Marinan first found an interest in percussion after he watched his sister play at a varsity football game. He was immediately intrigued. “It was really inspiring and I realized, that’s what I want to do when I’m older,” Marinan said. Marinan developed a passion for percussion in fourth grade, and has since been involved with drumline through high school. He currently plays the tenor drum as well as other instruments including the keyboard and mallets. Band Instructor Bill Monroe said he has seen tremendous improvement from Marinan over the years. “He is so young, he works so hard and he’s just gotten better with experience and he’s never shied away from a challenge,” Monroe said. “Whatever we give him, he learns it and then goes on the next journey to learn something more.” This year, Marinan was selected as drum captain of the percussion section after a wide range of evaluation from Monroe and percussion specialist Judyth Peterson. Their selection was based on multiple different percussion skills, along with the candidate’s overall demeanor. “We look to see who’s taking it seriously, who’s a great musician, who’s a good leader, and who’s got their head on straight,” Monroe said. “John was a really good choice and he has been great for the students.”

As drum captain, Marinan is in charge of all the percussion sections of the band, 35 musicians overall. Marinan takes this responsibility seriously, having the drumline begin to practice early in the summer in preparation for fall marching season. “Drum line’s sectionals begin before the band even gets together because the band needs to have a solid beat to learn their music to,” Marinan said. “It’s really fun to have a section of people to work with throughout the summer, and then to watch that come into fruition during games in the fall.” During the school day, Marinan leads sectionals and rehearsals in class. Monroe said that because the percussion section is off on their own a lot, Marinan has the extra leadership that they can count on. “If we need somebody to rehearse because Judy can’t make rehearsal and I’m working with the rest of the winds, I can ask John to take care of the drums,” Monroe said. Peterson has been giving lessons to Marinan since he was in fourth grade, and said that she has never taught anyone like Marinan. Once you she tells him to do something, she doesn’t have to tell him again. “I remember when he was very young coming for lessons at my house,” Peterson said. “I’d mentioned something, perhaps I mentioned it more than once, and he’d just kind of roll his eyes at me”

Peterson said that once Marinan understands something, he gets it and his mind is like a steel trap. He has been awarded ones every year he has participated in solo and ensemble, along with an invitation to play in the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in a trio. “That’s the highest performance level you can reach as far as high school performing and for the MSP,” Peterson said. “They only want the cream of the crop at that event.” Being a part of the percussion section for four years has allowed John to further develop relationships with his peers. Through this, he has made many memories while on drum line. “I think my favorite memory from marching band is the third quarter and marching into the stadium because it gets everybody so hyped to see the band,” Marinan said. “When the drum line goes by, [the student section] starts screaming your name.” Marinan plans on continuing his academic and musical career at the University of Michigan, hoping to join the university’s drumline his sophomore year. With his leadership capabilities along with technical talent, both Peterson and Monroe feel he is fit for a larger, more pressure-filled atmosphere. “He really cares about how he represents himself and I’m sure in his other classes he has that same care,” Monroe said. “I’m sure it’s not just band, but it’s other things he cares about; how well he does, how he represents the school, and [how he] cares about other people in class.”

John Marinan practices his laying speed on the tenor drums. He also plays the keyboard, snare drum, and mallets on larger drums. Photo: Spencer Isberg

arts/entertainment

April 18, 2019

FOCUS

PRICE OF LIFE

Diabetes has affected senior Joe Pastula for over ten years. His family has to adjust their financial planning to afford his survival, but can have trouble with insurance. Editor-in-Chief Bitsy Mammel | Managing Editor Hailey Surbrook | Staff Writer Amiya Zissler

hen senior Joe Pastula was seven years old, his grandfather would make him pancakes with maple syrup. Whenever Pastula would eat the sugary meal, he would become very sick with symptoms similar to the stomach flu. Pastula said that after a year and a half, they still didn’t know what was wrong. Joe’s mother, Gloria Pastula, took him to the doctor and he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, which allowed them to understand why sugary meals caused Joe to become ill. Joe said that the drive to the doctor’s before he received the diagnosis was nerve wracking for him. “I was scared because my mom was scared,” Joe said. “My mom is a nurse and she was guessing at that point that it could be diabetes, so she was really nervous on our way to the doctor because she had been thinking about it more and more, and that all the symptoms were pointing towards it.” Type 1 Diabetes is a genetic disease that causes the pancreas to not regulate the body’s blood sugar level with hormones, including insulin. Artificial insulin is absolutely necessary for type 1 diabetics like Joe. Over the past ten years, the price in insulin has steadily increased, doubling from 2012 to 2016 according to a study released by Health Care Cost Institute. Erin White, Manager for Diabetes Education at Mid-Michigan Health, said that this increase could be due to the new, different types of insulin being sold by pharmaceutical companies. “Many of the companies that sell insulin have programs for people that they can apply to get free insulin from them, but they have to know how to apply and how to get that sent over to the company, so we do help people with that,” White said. Joe said that because his mother is a nurse, their family has health insurance that is very helpful in covering some of the cost of his supplies. However, he said that they can have trouble working with the insurance companies. “There are a lot of times when they

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April 18, 2019

have told us they won’t cover supplies and my mom has been on the phone with them for hours explaining that these supplies are life necessities,” Joe said. Gloria said that without insurance, they could not afford managing Joe’s diabetes. She said that as a nurse, she’s seen the dangers of untreated or uncared for diabetes (cases can become so bad that diabetics can lose limbs) and knew that insurance would help lower Joe’s risk for future problems. “If he didn’t have insurance, it would be about eight hundred dollars every three months for his insulin, and he needs it,” Gloria said. “He cannot be without it, it’s not a choice we get to make. We just have to find a way to buy it.” White said that the healthcare system can also be difficult to understand. The center aids patients who need help navigating the system to get their necessary supplies. “It can be a difficult thing to do if you don’t know who to call and what’s available,” White said. Although insulin has increased in price, White said that the Diabetes Health Center has not seen more people looking for financial help. “We actually have seen a reduction in the number of patients that have financial issues getting their supplies because over the years I believe the insurance companies are more aware of the need to cover these kinds of services for patients,” White said. Joe said that although he’s between jobs right now, he enjoys having a job, saying he doesn’t like be a burden by asking for money. Gloria, though, said that she is proud of Joe’s commitment to staying healthy. He checks his blood sugar every day and carries his insulin pump and other supplies wherever he goes. “I’m super proud of the way he manages his diabetes, he’s incredibly responsible with it,” Gloria said. “I’d like for him to not have to deal with it, but he deals with it in the most amazing and impressive way.”

Senior Joe Pastula enters the number of carbs he’s about to eat into his insulin pump. The pump will calculate the amount of insulin he needs, and costs $14,000. Photo: Hailey Surbrook

DIABETES IN DOLLARS Every 3 years... Every 3 months...

Every 2 weeks...

$14k

Joe’s pump, which supplies him with long-lasting and fastacting insulin.

$800

A prescription of Joe’s insulin, usually provided in vials and must be refrigerated.

$100

Cost of a 50 strip bottle of Joe’s blood sugar test strips. He uses 6-8 everyday. This costs Joe’s family the most money per year. news

(Top Right) ESA student Anna Carlson waves at everyone in her group. The students enthusiastically greet each other before each meeting. (Top Left) Senior Jacob Maschino tells ESA student Gordon Powell a joke. The two enjoy talking together and being in each other’s company. (Bottom) Senior Erin Vokal and ESA student Tanner Bowerson bond over Play-Doh. The two play a game guessing what object the other is sculpting.

PEER-TO-PEER Teacher Monique Albright’s leadership class partnered with ESA students to create a “third hour hangout” every Friday in hopes of creating a more inclusive environment for students with disabilities. Design Editor Noah Jacobson | Staff Writer Caitlin Quinn | Staff Writer Theophilus Rammidi

very Friday during third hour, the sound of laughter can be heard from various classrooms around the school as students participate in activities including playing Uno, making shamrock shakes, and sculpting with Play-Doh. This welcoming environment is Midland High’s new Peer-to-Peer group. Peer-to-Peer is a research-based program that is backed by studies and universities where students with disabilities are given the opportunity to bond with other students. The idea for the group was first drafted when Leadership teacher Monique Albright reached out to Special Education teacher Kelly Brandle hoping to create a program centered around inclusiveness for ESA students. Brandle and Special Education teacher Sarah Tebo have been educated through training and research in order to understand how to run the group and know what activities could be beneficial to their students. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to work with the students that come from Monique’s class, they’re awesome and they’re just great with our kids,” Tebo said. The meetings offer a unique experience for inclusion that most ESA students lack, because some of them are not enrolled in general education extracurriculars. The students’ time spent together has shown to be more socially beneficial than if they were to join a regular class. “In peer-to-peer you’re showing up

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saying ‘this is my time to really connect with someone and learn about them,” Brandle said. T h e m e e t i n g s h a ve g i ve n E S A students time to bond and socialize with general education students. Junior Andrew Chatman, a student in the leadership class, has noticed the benefits of the program firsthand. “They have been impacted in a major way in being more included and have been given the opportunity to improve social skills and be more included in everyday life,” Chatman said. Brandle explained that playing games and conversing one-on-one gives students a chance to enjoy normal, everyday high school experiences. “This is an opportunity where they don’t have to be completing work but rather having a good time and really getting to know each other,” Brandle said. Te b o s a i d t h e f r i e n d s h i p s a r e important for the ESA students and the relationships can positively benefit their high school experiences. Students involved in the groups have noticed that the connections carry out beyond the group meetings. “Everyone likes to pass by friends walking down the hall, say hi, and be acknowledged,” Tebo said. “It gives our students more of those opportunities than they’ve already had.” The special education teachers particularly have enjoyed the interactions between the two groups of students. They are glad to see people making an effort to create close friendships and bonds. “We love our students,” Tebo said

“We know their personalities, their quirks, and I think it’s really fun to see other people get to know and appreciate them and learn their interests.” ESA student Casey Harry has been enjoying his time in the group. He takes amusement in spending time with his fellow students and enjoyed playing games like Uno with them. “It’s special to interact with the other kids because I don’t have a lot of friends and it helps me make more,” Harry said. The meetings are a beginning for the student body as a whole to make a more accepting and understanding environment. Albright explained how being embracive comes about in all

shapes and forms whether it be showing up to cheer on less popular sporting events or approaching someone new in class. “We all say we are too busy but we could easily slow down to have a conversation with someone and really be inclusive,” Albright said. Chatman said that a simple action of reaching out, showing kindness, and taking the time to really get to know another student can really make an impact. “It’s eye opening how little something may seem, but how big it may be, and how largely it can impact someone’s life,” Chatman said.

April 18, 2019

FOCUS

ALL EYES OPEN

Student Leadership is currently planning an initiative called See Color. Their goal is to address racism in Midland High and teach the white population at Midland High how to be an ally. Ads Coordinator Jacob W. May | Arts & Entertainment Editor Hannah Woehrle | Staff Writer Lauren Revord

Seniors Zee Brown and LeVale Walker, co-heads of the initiative, practice the See Color presentation that will be given to every third hour class over the span of a week. Photo: Hannah Woehrle

enior LeVale Walker is tired of hearing people say, “I don’t see color.” While most people say it because they think it proves that they are not racist, Walker believes that it creates an entirely different problem. “To me, that is one of the worst things someone could say,” Walker said. “If you don’t see color, that means you don’t see a difference. That means we’re not getting anywhere.” This inspired Walker to name the racial awareness campaign See Color. Walker, along with senior Zee Brown, are part of the team running this campaign through the leadership class as a response to the racist video that circulated through Midland High. Walker said that the campaign wants to focus on promoting diversity positively and teaching students how to be an ally. “A good white ally is someone who knows when their opinion is necessary or when it’s not and when it’s time to listen,” Walker said. “People who let you know that they’re there for you all the time and actually are.” Monique Albright, teacher of the leadership class, oversees this campaign, but said it is completely student-run. She said that it is a great campaign to make students aware that racism is an issue and agrees that it is important that Midland

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High students become educated on how to be an advocate for racial equality. “How can we help to support those who are non-white in our existence? And how we can help promote a fair and equal opportunity for all, essentially,” Albright said.

this campaign is different from past campaigns from the leadership class. “It’s an important conversation,” Walker said. “One of the things we talked about is that we don’t want it to be a onetime conversation, we want it to keep going. We want this conversation to be

If you don’t see color, that means you don’t see a difference. That means we’re not getting anywhere. LeVale Walker See Color is currently planning on giving presentations to every third hour class in the coming weeks. Brown said these presentations will last about 15-20 minutes because they want to have real interactions with the classes. Brown said that in addition to the third hour presentations, they are going to have speakers come in and talk about diversity, which they are hoping to model after the Veterans’ Day presentations in the library. B r o w n a n d Wa l k e r a g r e e t h a t because of these presentations and the need for education at Midland High,

eternal until the problem is gone.” Albright said that she knows there have been problems at Midland High regarding racism, but that she hasn’t seen any discussion about it. However, with the most recent events, Albright said that it isn’t just teens that don’t know how to talk about it, but everyone. “The fact that it makes people uncomfortable is the exact reason why we should talk about it,” Albright said. “For me personally, I hear the stories of my students and I see the struggles. I do not fully understand because I am white. I definitely understand and I recognize

that I am a part of white privilege, but I cannot begin to understand the experiences that people of color have. We don’t talk about it, and we need to.” Brown said that she wants to see people stepping out of their comfort zone and being vocal about what’s happening around them at Midland High. Walker also said it’s important that the campaign not only fights for minorities, but with them. “I think that minorities have a lot to say and have a lot of creative ideas,” Walker said. “If you disregard those, that’s dangerous because in some cases we’ll stay where we are and in some cases we’ll go back and we won’t grow as a community and as a nation.” Brown, Walker, and Albright said that See Color is a great opportunity for Midland High to learn. They want people to understand that racism is something that people of color face every single day. “For these things to continue to happen and occur at Midland high and for us not to do anything about it, these are teachable moments,” Albright said. “The student body wants to learn more and they are receptive. They don’t want to be depicted as a racist school, we want everyone to feel comfortable and included.”

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GOING GREEN

This month the Focus investigates the sustainability of Midland High and the community as a whole. The package opens with a feature on Midland High’s Green Club and their efforts to make the school more eco-friendly. It continues by outlining ways that individuals can be more green in their everyday lives, and an evaluation of Midland’s eco-friendliness at varying levels. Staff Writer Toria Montgomery | Copy Editor Aubrey Chambers | Features Editor Jenna Spencer

Part 1 GREEN CLUB

Junior Olivia Freidinger and seniors Allison Simmons and Maiah Jezak are the founders of Green Club. The club meets on Tuesday mornings in the exploratorium. Photo: Aubrey Chambers

or five years, Midland High School didn’t recycle. Although every classroom had separate bins for trash and recycling, they ended up being thrown into the same dumpsters outside. All of that changed last June, when junior Olivia Freidinger and seniors Allison Simmons and Maiah Jezak decided to do something about it. There were four days left in the school year, and teachers and students were throwing away all their papers. The three girls, who sat together in government class, decided to stop all of these papers from ending up in a landfill. They started by emailing Principal Jeff Jaster and the Midland Recyclers. Then, the girls told the Recycling Center to be prepared for loads of bags filled with recyclables, as

they planned to go around the school on Monday and collect the recyclables from classrooms, then drop it all off at the Recycling Center. “From there it was just making it an official club with Mr. Jaster and then make the issue of recycling school-wide,” Freidinger said Freidinger, Simmons, and Jezak labeled the dumpsters so janitors knew which bin was meant for what, and stood outside and watched to make sure they were putting recyclables in the correct bin. Jaster helped watch the janitors as well. “ I p e r s o n a l l y wa n t t o s e e m o r e sustainable ways that Midland High can get better,” Freidinger said. “We throw away so much food at lunchtime; elementary schools do compost where

you can throw away vegetables and things like that. I just want to see something that stays at the school, that continues going on and on.” Freidinger said she created the Green Club because she wanted people to know that they can do something that matters, such as recycling and reusing items. “You should think about how your actions affect not only this generation but the next generation,” Freidinger said. “I wanted to create this club so that people understand that your choices and your actions, they matter, and I didn’t want anyone to think that recycling is so unimportant that it’s all going to get thrown in the trash anyways.” Senior Brylee Pavlik has been a member of the club since it began. She said she

was enthusiastic about joining the club because she thinks environmental issues need more attention given to them. She also said that students throughout the school need to be more aware of the planet they live on. “I think that environmental issues don’t gain enough attention in society as a whole, and I think that starting a Green Club at Midland High was a great idea for bringing more attention to environmental issues within our school, and I think that’s something that needs to happen,” Pavlik said. At a typical Green Club meeting, members talk about opportunities for fundraising in order to pay for things such as more recycling bins in the school, and how to raise awareness for environmental

BLUE GOES GREEN WEEK Educational videos will be presented during third hours highlighting Posters with facts environmental about going green issues and what will be put up can be done to around the school. solve them.

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During announcements Green Club members will be reading off facts about the environment and going green.

During lunch on Tuesday, students will have the opportunity to sign letters that will be sent to officials asking for action against pollution.

Green Club members will be calling businesses around town asking for donations to help pay to replace the tree that was removed from in front of the school.

April 18, 2019

A bake sale will take place during lunch on Wednesday raising money to replace the tree that was removed.

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issues. Freidinger said that they share ideas about the direction they want the club to go in the future, and different projects that they want the club to take on. Biology teacher Brian Edelbrock is the advisor for Green Club. Edelbrock said that he thinks Green Club is important to help people care about the environment. “One perfect example of that is the tree that got knocked down [at Midland High], it hurts people when stuff like that happens,” Edelbrock said. “[Green Club] is hoping to replace that.” Freshman Mallory Fenskie has been a part of the club since the beginning of the year, and said the club is a good way to be around people who share the same passion for the environment. “I think just seeing people around [the school] be not being environmentally aware made me think about what my actions were, and it seemed like a good opportunity to get with people who were like-minded,” Fenskie said. Fenskie also cites the club as being a reason she is more aware of how her actions impact the world around her, and helping her find steps she can take to be more green in her own life. “It’s made me focus more on the kind of stuff that I’m doing--like with straws, using a metal straw instead of a plastic straw,” Fenskie said. Pavlik has also noticed an impact in her own life. She says it has made her even more passionate and aware about the environment and the steps that can be taken to help raise awareness for problems regarding it. “I think that I’ve taken away a better understanding of the issues that our environment faces, and what needs to be done in order to change society’s view on the environment and stress the importance of environmental issues in the United States and around the world,” Pavlik said. The Green Club also made a $100 donation to The Nature Conservancy after raising money through bake sales. According to their website, The Nature Conservancy is a gorup that aims to protect both land and water and does

After school on Thursday, Green Club will be teaching students how to make crafts out of different recyclable items in the Exploratorium.

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four things: works on climate control, protects the environment, helps with food and water sustainability, and creates healthy cities. Kari Marciniak, The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Strategic Communications, said that The Nature Conservancy is occasionally involved with groups like Green Club, and that they are looking for more opportunities to reach out to high schools and student groups. Marciniak said donations are greatly appreciated and help The Nature Center in all of their actions. “[Green Club’s] generous donation will be used where it’s needed most to help protect and preserve nature here in the great state of Michigan,” Marciniak said. The Green Club plans to have a week at the school centered around going green called Blue Goes Green Week. It will take place the week of April 22, beginning with Earth Day on Monday and stretching to Arbor Day on Friday. They plan to do a variety of activities throughout the week, like showing videos, giving announcements, and giving an opportunity for students to sign letters that will be sent to local politicians asking for action against pollution. “Hopefully, people will appreciate nature a little bit more, get outside a little bit more, and see that they can have fun doing that,” Edelbrock said. Similarly, Pavlik hopes that Blue Goes Green Week will make more of Midland High environmentally aware. “I think the goal of the green week is mainly just to raise more awareness for Midland High, possibly encourage new members to join, and again bring attention to environmental issues because they aren’t discussed enough at Midland High,” Pavlik said. If there’s one thing Green Club wants the students of Midland High to take away from Blue Goes Green Week, it’s that we can all be a part of going green. “I feel like a lot of people can be afraid of being environmentally aware; it’s kind of scary to think about: if you don’t take care of the Earth, you’re not going to have one,” Fenskie said.

On Friday, there will be a Reycling Rush where classrooms are challenged to collect as many recyclable items as possible.

WASTEFUL PLANET

Destructive practices contribute to global climate change.

Everyone who sends a letter will be entered into a raffle to win a basket with different reusable items; the winner will be announced Friday.

Infographics: Aubrey Chambers

April 18, 2019

features

POWERFUL WOMAN Julia Powers has been one of the few female members of the robotics team for the past four years. Although she has experienced some issues with sexism in the field, she still has a passion for STEM. Exchange Editor Maureen Aloff | Staff Writer Abbey Brooks | Staff Writer Rachel Applegate

enior Julia Powers has always liked robots, but when she saw Team 5509’s robot at freshman orientation, she knew she had to join the robotics team. Little

did she know that she would almost singlehandedly wire the team’s robot two years in a row. “I thought that the robot was the coolest things on planet Earth and I

Julia Powers poses infront of the competition arena of the State Frinals match at Saginaw Valley State University. Team 5509 was part of the Blue Alliance. The team came in second in their division, and will travel to the Worlds competition starting April 24. Photo: Maureen Aloff

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wanted to know how I could be a part of that,” Powers said. “I wanted to build a robot. It seemed like the most enticing thing to me.” When Powers started, she didn’t know anything about robotics. She said that she felt bad for constantly asking questions about what people were doing to the robot, but she also said that being nosy was somewhat necessary to learn the craft. When people get into the zone they tend not to pay attention to the younger members of the team. Powers said that Abbey Lund, a senior when Powers was a freshman, took her under her wing and that it is how she found her role as one of the team’s electricians. Powers said that if it hadn’t been for Lunds mentorship, she likely would have not been as successful as an electrician. Powers said the electrical aspect of building the robot is as all about getting the robot to run. Powers took up a big role in completing the robot her sophomore and junior year, contributing almost 120 hours of work during the season, almost all on electrical wiring. This year Powers has contributed about 40 hours, which while below Powers’ own average, is the average contribution of most t e a m members. Powers expressed sincere and positive feelings for the robotics team, calling her decision to participate one of the most important decisions of her high school career. However, not all of of her experiences have been positive. She has experienced some sexism on the team. “I remember a time when a guy made a joke of ‘you should engineer me a sandwich,’” Powers said. “I also remember at a worlds competition, I had two different men I didn’t know ask for my phone number or offer to buy me a pop. I thought to myself ‘I’m here for robotics, I’m not here to date anyone.’ It was well intentioned, but it just made me uncomfortable.” Powers expressed frustration with more incidents as well. She said there have been times where she has given an idea to solve a problem and that solution was not taken seriously, but when the same idea was later shared by a male member of the team, it was taken into account. “It’s just the small, constant things,” Powers said, “the microaggressions, that really wear you down.”

Team supervisor and Midland High teacher Ben Younkin shared some thoughts on sexism on the team. “I don’t think anything’s perfect,” Younkin said, “and it kind of depends on our leadership and how we grow each year. I think that in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Math] in particular, we need to be focused on making sure that we reach a representative population.” Both Younkin and Powers expressed interest in expanding t h e female membership on the team, one day hoping to reach a 50/50 ratio of boys to girls on the team. Younkin also said that Powers i s a great role model for young women in STEM. “She has a super optimistic, cheery attitude even when things get hard or things break or don’t work the way we want. Some people get upset, but Julia has done a great job being positive and it has spread to other people now.” Powers’ father, Brian Powers, has been extremely supportive of Julia’s participation on the team. He said it was always easy to support her because her passion for the team was real, amd it was clear that she wanted to be all in. “She’s not one to just read about it, she actually wants to roll up the sleeves and work on things” Brian said. “So anytime that we have a project at home that would also include doing that kind of thing she’s right on top of it. Electronics, circuitry, and wiring are really her thing.” Brian says he knows that Julia will be successful because of how she has excelled in robotics. Julia said that being on the robotics team is what made her want to be an electrical engineer, more specifically, work on ways to help the handicapped. She plans to attend either Michigan State or Michigan Tech next year to continue her education. She knows that the problems she has faced with sexism, especially in STEM do not go away, but she is ready for the challenge.

April 18, 2019

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WALKING FOR CHANGE

Sophomore Alexa Swanson and her father Eric Swanson have been involved in Walk MS since it began in Midland. Alexa’s grandfather, Richard, died of Multiple Sclerosis before she was born, but inspires her to support others suffering from MS through participating in the annual walk event. Opinion Editor Kelly Craig | Staff Writer Megan Shaffer

or sophomore Alexa Swanson, her father Eric is an important figure in her life, with him coaching her on sports teams and spending quality time together by seeing movies and getting breakfast. However, one thing that particularly strengthens their bond is their involvement in the Walk MS event in Midland every year. The walk serves to fundraise research and raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a disease that causes the immune system to attack the protective layer on nerves. This walk is an annual tradition for the Swansons. Eric, a founding member of the walk, alongside member of the Dow Walk Team Helen Myers, has participated in the 3 mile walk for the 13 years that it has run in Midland. Due to his heavy involvement, Alexa soon began to accompany him on the walks as a young child. “Once I got old enough that I could walk three miles I joined it and started doing it with him.” Alexa said. Myers saw how successful other Walk MS events in other cities were, and wanted to bring awareness for the disease in the community. “Both Eric and Alexa have been members of Team Dow for years volunteering to set up the event, walking in it, and raising money,” Myers said. “They are year over year enthusiastic supporters of the event.” The walk, however, has a lot of personal meaning for the Swansons. Eric’s father, Richard Swanson, was diagnosed with MS when Eric was 6, and eventually passed away from complications due to the disease in 1995. Eric and his younger brother would come to struggle with the diagnosis. “They hid it from us for a while, because when I was 6, I don’t think emotionally we were ready to deal with the fact that our Dad is sick,” Eric said. “You think your dad is like superman, and we weren’t really ready.” In the years after the diagnosis, Richard’s condition quickly progressed, causing him to retire early when Eric was in middle school. The loss of his father’s physical capabilities was something that Eric struggled with while learning about the disease. “By the time I was in middle school he

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April 18, 2019

was walking with a cane, by the time I got to the first part of high school he was walking with a walker, and by the time I graduated he was bedridden,” Eric said. “I would go to my friends’ houses and their dads were outside and playing football, and that was never something that happened in my house because we really couldn’t.” While Richard was bedridden, Eric had to mature very quickly. Eric and his brother needed to learn how to handle the effects of Richard’s disease. “I cleaned bedpans before I could drive,” Eric said. “There were times that he was taking medicine and he couldn’t get up. Somebody has to learn how to do that, especially when you’re the only one home.” Alexa first learned about her grandfather’s illness early in her life. As she got older, she became gradually more exposed to the disease

The Swansons pose with an illustration of Richard made by a friend of the latter’s. The drawing was one of few things that survived a basement flood in June of 2017. Photo: Maureen Aloff

to have that closer connection with him was important.” Now, years after Richard’s passing, Alexa continues to strengthen her bond with her

Hearing about [Richard’s story] makes me appreciate having a dad more now that I hear about all the things he wasn’t able to do. and learned more information about it. “I would’ve been young when I first heard about it; it would have been when I first started doing the walks,” Alexa said. “It became different for me when I grew up and learned what he [Richard] had to go through.” While there were struggles, however, life living with MS wasn’t all sad. Eric fondly remembers his father as being a big reader, a Star Trek fan, and having a great sense of humor. The two felt particularly close due to their similar personalities. “I’ll admit - I was resentful,” Eric said. “But at the same time, he’s my dad. Being able

Alexa Swanson

own father. “Hearing about what happened makes me appreciate having a dad more now that I hear about all the things he wasn’t able to do,” Alexa said. “He’s [Richard] been an indirect influence in my life in that way.” Eric made it his mission to provide all the things for his daughter that he couldn’t experience in his childhood with his own father. “I made a point to do it so she didn’t necessarily have to deal with that,” Eric said. Now, the two share the annual Walk MS in Midland each year. Myers is always glad to see

the Swansons in the walk each year. “The work that they are doing for the walk and the fundraising for MS research is so important,” Myers said. “I’m very glad that they are able to have such an influential role in the community.” Myers believes that the annual walk is a way to get people together to work to bring awareness for an illness that impacts a number of people in the community. “Through these walks, I’ve gotten to meet a lot of other people whose lives have been impacted by MS in some way,” Myers said. “It’s uplifting to see all of these people are willing to put effort into learning more about this disease and making a bigger impact in the community.” The walk is a way for Alexa to honor her grandfather’s memory and to remember what he had gone through in his life. “I never got to meet him because he passed away before I was born, so it’s been very personal for me in that way,” Alexa said. Both of them believe that the walk serves an important purpose beyond the scope of research to finding a cure; it also serves to find ways to help and support people currently struggling with the illness. By participating, the two are able to share something important together while also taking action to fight MS. “Everyone gets a bib to wear on your shirt that says: what are you walking for?” Eric said. “Every year, I say, ‘this is for you, Dad.’”

features

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

JACK SCHULZ S

Student Council President Jack Schulz leads a life that appears to be ordinary, but the tasks he must attend to and challenges he must face go beyond speaking at assemblies or participating in leadership class discussions. Staff Writer Aleah Ward

ince freshman year, I had frequently wondered about the many roles and responsibilities required of a student body president. Senior Jack Schulz has taken on this important position, and his typical day is busier than most. Schulz is not just Student Council President, he is also in Monique Albright’s third hour leadership class. He often leads class discussions to question fellow students about using their own leadership skills to complete difficult activities and tasks. On the specific day I was able to join this class, Schulz became the teacher because Albright was not able to be in class that day. The activity that had been done the day before in leadership class involved groups of students trying to lower a helium stick to the ground. Schulz said that the point was to teach students how to work together and express their own individual ideas and leadership tactics to accomplish a task. Schulz gathered the group of students together to discuss these events of the day before, encouraging classmates to share what they thought about the experience. This class had showed me that student leadership was just an extension of Student Council, but it also deals with real life situations that may not have an apparent solution. Taking the hour to sit down and observe how Schulz worked with other people showed me how it takes a passionate person to take on the role of student body president, and that this class is certainly helpful in exercising a range of skills in leadership and teamwork. In addition to watching Schulz work with others in his third hour class, I also learned about the mechanics behind Student Council functions, most importantly the executive meetings that are held on Monday mornings every other week to explore what the student body can do next for change in the school. Schulz and other executive officers arrive at school twenty minutes early to look over the agenda and prepare for the week. The meeting typically concludes at 7:35 a.m. They plan future events and activities of the school. Although Student Council meetings may be held before official school hours, I was able to better understand why meetings like these are held with students working to change the school

opinion

for the better, including events such as One Billion Rising, which was held in early March. This includes organizing school events such as prom and homecoming, or even just putting smiles on glum faces of students coming into school on Monday mornings with positive greetings and music on the speakers. No matter what plans are discussed at these meetings, Student Council impresses me with their determination and hard work towards improving the school’s environment. Because Schulz has been in Student Council throughout high school, he believes that all he has learned has equipped him to pursue a career in the business field. He takes courses this year to help him practice skills that are used in this field, such as Advanced Accounting, Leadership, and online marketing courses. Schulz says that he also takes IB Physics, so he was sure to challenge himself in science this year, and to work well in business it is important to take risks such as these. Of course, the world of marketing and business is not for everyone, but through the many activities that Schulz has been able to participate in, he shows sure promise in taking jobs in marketing and exploring the world of business beyond high school. Throughout his high school experience, Schulz said he has learned a lot about himself. He realized that he was able to gain many strengths in leadership and planning for the future from the people who surrounded him every day. He was also able to recognize that it is essential to have ‘people skills’ in order to better collaborate with large groups of people to accomplish tasks. I was able to see this through his interactions with others in classes such as leadership, asking other students about their day, and willingness to answer questions about assignments. Although I may not have a lot in common with the student council president, observing Schulz over a period of several days has convinced me that leadership may be a class that I would like to take my senior year so I can learn about how I am able to work with others, improve my leadership skills, and make my community a better place--just like Jack Schulz.

Top: Senior Jack Schulz begins a discussion with Monique Albright’s third hour leadership class. Photo: Spencer Isberg Bottom: Schulz completes his homework in the Student Council office. Photo: Spencer Isberg

April 18, 2019

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GOING GREEN

The Focus addresses:

THE ENVIRONMENT

This school year, Midland High has reintroduced the recycling program, along with other methods to help the school be more conscientious of the environment. However, these new developments raise the question: is Midland High doing enough to help the environment? Illustration: Sasha Clemons

or the past five years ago, Midland High made no efforts towards recycling. Every classroom has a big blue recycling bin, but all of those items went in the trash. It wasn’t until a member of the new Green Club went to Principal Jeff Jaster about the issue that it was resolved. The solution was a simple matter of clear labeling, one that could have been done years ago. Although recycling is improving we believe the school could do more to help the environment. This school year, we have witnessed a lot of new efforts being made to improve how Midland High impacts the environment. Several clubs and organizations, such as National Honor Society and Key Clubs, participate in beautification projects that involve cleaning up the campus grounds and planting flowers. The addition of chromebooks two years ago has reduced the need for paper in classrooms. This year, a timer was added to the air conditioning system that helps to ensure it is not overused. Also, the new Green Club is making strides towards getting the school more involved with opportunities on how to help the environment. The Focus recognizes that these are positive efforts, and the first steps in a good direction. However, despite these efforts, this isn’t enough, and more action is needed by both students and administration. Currently, climate change and human impact on the environment is not a part

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April 18, 2019

of any class curriculum that is given to all students. Certain classes like AP/IB Biology II, Geoscience, and Organic Chemistry have discussions about the impact human activities have on the environment and how to help the problem. However, these classes only reach a small number portion of the student body. CarbonTIME is a new curriculum a handful of teachers at Midland High have adapted that focuses on this issue. However, students in CarbonTIME have found that they missed out on other topics, and lacked the skills and knowledge they needed for higher level classes. The Focus believes that the lack of standard education has created confusion among students, and that a unit on climate change and human effect on the environment should be integrated into a required class, such as freshman biology, that covers the bases of the problem and how they can help it. A lifescience course is required by all students so there will be a universal understanding about the issue. Another conflict at the school that is contributing to waste is the use of plastic silverware. This accumulates a lot of trash each day that is added to landfills. The food thrown away also adds to this. The Focus believes that using reusable silverware and finding a way to compost food that isn’t eaten would benefit the environment We also believe that the administration is not doing enough to promote recycling,

or is taking the problem seriously enough. Only recently have we started hearing announcements about this program. Also, there is a severely limited number of recycling bins available outside, and students leaving for lunch still litter all over campus. In past years, the administration made more efforts about the significance of recycling, and we believe those efforts are relevant and should be made again. There should be more announcements and conversations in classes about this problem so students are more aware. Dow High currently has a prominent Green Club that has made a lot of successful efforts to be more environmentally friendly. They have a greenhouse and garden, along with other projects throughout the year to promote the significance of helping save the environment. Bringing on projects like these would dramatically help Midland High’s effect on the environment. In summary, we believe the newer efforts being made by students and administration are good, and are first steps towards creating a building and community that has more positive impacts on the environment. However, we also believe that a lot more is needed so that our carbon footprint is reduced. We recognize that this is a slow process, but many of these actions are overdue, as this is a growing crisis on an international scale, and the future of our Earth depends on it.

editorial

GOING GREEN

Part 2 BLUE GOES GREEN

TOOLS A few basic tools any successful gardener needs are gloves for weeding, digging, and planting; a large and small hand shovel for removing large rocks and digging holes for where the plants will go; a watering can or hose for watering the plants; and fertilizer (optional) that can be used twice a week in the beginning. Some gardeners also use kneeling pads to keep their knees out of the dirt and mulch.

Many initiatives are helping Midland and Midland High improve their eco-friendly contributions. Here is how they have gone green, and how you can too. Sports Editor Katie Gibbs | Photo Editor Spencer Isberg | Staff Writer Dan O’Callghan

CITY OF MIDLAND’S ECO-FRIENDLINESS Currently the city of Midland has been treating water used in the spray park and swimming pools for reuse. This is a major saver for the large amounts of water used in these facilities. Brad Kay, Midland City Manager, said that, “Midland recently joined Keep America Beautiful, a national organization that emphasizes three key areas – reduce litter, improve recycling and beautify communities.” With this new program, Midland hopes to help further our recycling programs. The city has also started an education program on how to recycle properly to ensure that no recyclables are contaminated to ensure maximize efficiency. It also began cutting down Buckhorn and Autumn trees, which are invasive and destroy our wildlife’s habitats. “Eventually, native Michigan plants will reappear and reestablish their homes, creating much needed habitats for native birds, fish and mammals.” said Kaye. It is clear that Midland is working on becoming more ecofriendly, but in the words of Midland Mayor Maureen Donker, “It takes all of us in Midland working together to make our community an eco-friendly place to live.”

City of MidMIDLAND HIGH’S ECOland FRIENDLINESS

Currently, an initiative is being taken to go green at Midland High through various pieces of technology. This new technology has been implemented as recently as two years ago, and includes upgrades to doors and windows in an attempt to have an air tight atmosphere, and auto timers to the thermostats and parking lot lights in an attempt to lower electricity usage. These efforts have left MHS open to some recognition with Consumers Energy, and have benefitted the school with a much higher energy rating. The upgrades presented with this effort are not the only push that has been taken. In recent years, Midland High has had incidents where recycling was mixed up with normal waste and thrown away. This year more effort has been made to keep this from occurring again, by taking a more of a conscious look into the matter, and has taken to proper recycling of paper and cardboard.

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GARDENING Before planting any flowers or vegetables, a few steps can be taken to keep them safe. Using mulch around the base of the plants helps to keep weeds out. For keeping animals, such as rabbits or deer away from plants, use dog hair. Stuffing some into netting, tying it to stakes on the corners of the garden, and watering it twice a week can help keep animals away. Once the plants are planted, water everyday for the first few weeks until the roots are established, after this they only need to be watered two to three times per week pending how much rainfall there is. Mulch won’t keep all the weeds away, weeding often has to happen once or twice a week.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Americans waste one trillion gallons of water each year. By limiting showers to 10- 15 minutes, hundreds of gallons could be saved. Turning off the water while brushing your teeth may seem small, but also helps save a lot over a year. Checking for leaking faucets will also preserve water, and save money from water loss.

THE RIGHT PLANT FOR YOU

A general rule for saving energy: turn off lights if you plan to be gone for more than ten minutes, otherwise leave them on. The US is the leading country in energy waste, by taking simple actions such as keeping lights on only when needed, unplugging your phone charger when your it iss charged, can help reduce energy waste.

April 18, 2019

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Part 3 GUIDE TO GARDENING

High maintenance: tomatos, watermelon, cantelope, and eggplants. Requires alot of extra care. such as trimming, fertilizing, and observation among each individual plant.

Intermediate maintenance and care: most vining plants

such as cucmbers and pumpkins. When starting, require guidence for vine growth by directing vines in a way so they wont collide.

Low maintenance and care: most flowers, zucchini,

lettuce, herbs, peppers, hostas. They just need to be watered and weeded as needed, otherwise they are quite self-sufficent.

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April 18, 2019

opinion

H U M A N S

o f

MIDLAND HIGH

my biggest fear Bitsy Mammel

Ta y l o r H e n e g a r Senior

I ended up auditioning [sophomore year] and I got in and I ended up liking it so much. Everyone was super welcoming and we all get really close because we spend so much time together. I made so many new friends that first year. There was no way that it was a one time thing for me and I knew that was where I belonged. Whenever I get on stage I feel like this sense of like accomplishment and excitement to have everyone be watching me out there. I love tech week and I love running things and I love being in my costume and being able to play this character so many times, I can’t get enough of it. I like seeing everything come together.

opinion

hen I was little I wanted to be a teacher. Now I don’t think I have any more will in me to spend even another year in school. Then I thought I wanted to be a journalist, but right now I’m happy to keep that experience in high school. While I enjoyed them, my years on The Focus staff couldn’t possibly compare to other journalism experiences. I used to think that I wanted to get out of the United States and live in Europe. I thought about playing on the varsity soccer team. I used to hate horror movies (I still don’t love them, but they’re slowly coming around to me thanks to Jordan Peele). I think about the person that I used to be, and it baffles me how different I am now It would be easy for me to say that I think it’s so cool that I’ve changed so much over the past few years, but to be honest, change in any way scares the hell out of me. Last month I turned 18, a birthday usually highly anticipated and celebrated as someone says good-bye to their childhood and starts to embrace adulthood. Although I’m excited to vote and say no to cigarettes and gambling, it troubles me to know that my life is about to change. I won’t be able to act as a kid; I’m about to be very broke. As the changes of getting older start happening, it’s hard to completely be excited for adulthood and college life when they bring a lot of change and sadness. My fear of change is rooted in my fears of the unknown paired with my fear of lacking control. Remember when I said I used to hate horror movies? I’m known for looking up the plots so I don’t have to worry about jump scares or about a character that I know is going to die. Many of my actions are to give me a sense of control in this life filled with unpredictability, where we’re so often not in control.

As I’ve gotten older I’ve come to understand this fear more and more, and I really try to not let it affect me, as hard as it is not to. Thinking things out with reason helps me; I mean, we know how far some facts and logic go, right? For example, while I’m waiting in the airport I think about how many flights happen in one day, and how few flights in every couple years crash or have problems. When I think about college, I stop myself from thinking that I could make no friends and find no clubs that fit me. I remind myself that I’m pretty good at meeting new people, and that I’m going to a college big enough that I’ll find a group of people that fits me. Another exercise that I use to relax is to just tell myself to chill out. I let myself enjoy the present, and I try not to take things too seriously (if I can remember to). Yes, adulthood intimidates me when I feel like I still feel the same as I did when I was in second grade, but does anyone actually know what they’re doing in this world? I’ve found that to some degree we’re all just smiling and waving and pretending that we know what’s going on, but really we’re just as scrambled as the next person. No one’s asking or expecting me to become a fully functioning contributor to society as soon as I graduate high school. I can live my life day by day, hour by hour, even minute by minute if I have to. Breaking my life down in this way has helped me not become quickly overwhelmed when I think about my current and future responsibilities. I’m nervous about testing in May, but I don’t have to take all of them tomorrow, or even the same week, so I can relax. I will never like change, but it’s impossible to avoid. I’m working on facing my fears (which is easy when your fear is inevitable), and as I’ve gotten better, I’ve realized that usually everything is better than I’d expect. Except Jordan Peele’s Us. April 18, 2019

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racism: alive and well 1601 E Wheeler St | 989 832 8770 2713 Waldo Ave | 989 631 3060

Annie Laforet

remember the first racist statement I heard at MHS like it was yesterday. It was freshman year, and I was walking down the hallway with two of my former friends when we saw a black boy and a white girl walking together. That’s when one of them said, “Wouldn’t it be so weird if they were dating, because he’s so black and she’s really white.” I wondered why their skin color matters if they liked each othe--this is messed up. But I didn’t say anything, I was the new kid and I didn’t want to rock the boat. I was too scared to speak up against this blatant racism, and I still regret my silence. Racism has always been a part of my life, I just didn’t realize it until high school. When I was growing up my hair was often compared to that of a dog, which I took as a compliment. It wasn’t until senior year that I started to stand up for myself, and it didn’t go as I would’ve hoped. One day a classmate told me again, “Your hair looks nice today… it reminds me of a dog.” When I told him that was rude, the whole class got involved in the discussion and it became heated. Some people sided with the boy, saying it was nice because people like dogs. Others were on my side, saying he could’ve just said he liked my hair and left it at that. We were simply telling them it was rude and inconsiderate, but they didn’t want to hear it. The discussion ended with one girl telling the other side, “You look like a rat, but it’s a compliment because I like rats.” That made everyone stop talking, and (hopefully) understand where I was coming from. This incident is one of many racist encounters I’ve faced while at Midland High. My junior year I was dealing with a racist boy in class who would joke about the n-word and constantly make little

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April 18, 2019

offensive race comments. One day he was talking during class, and when I asked him to be quiet, he told me “Shut up and stay in the corner, where you belong.” When I went to tell my teachers about this incident, I was told I would have to get over it, and that this racist behavior was what I was going to have to deal with my whole life. I was told to take the high road, even though this student’s actions should’ve been punished. This is absolutely unacceptable. I was disappointed that day because the staff I talked to made excuses for his racism, which sends the message that it is okay to be racist. For too long racism has been an accepted part of the environment at MHS. It is the tragic truth, and unfortunately it has taken an extremely racist video for change to begin. Education is important because racism exists in many-sometimes hidden-ways. There is the obvious racism like using the n-word or creating malicious content, or saying like the statements expressed in the video that came out last month. But, there are also smaller forms of racism that often go unnoticed. For example, touching a black person’s hair without asking, or comparing our hair to that of a dog, or telling a person of color they “talk white.” Using and allowing these microaggressions only enforces racism and hurts us all. Racism will only start to disappear if we as a society make it clear that it’s not acceptable. One way you can do this is by calling your friends out if they make a racist comment. It doesn’t have to be in a mean or condescending way, it could be as simple as, “Hey dude, that was racist, not okay.” And if you’re the person on the receiving end of that comment, it is important for you to know you aren’t being attacked or called a racist, just your action was. So take the feedback and remember it for next time.

opinion

H U M A N S

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MIDLAND HIGH

life as an only child Hannah Woehrle

Cal Stearns Fr e s h m a n

The challenges I am faced with. being a freshman on tenor [drums], are that it can be very stressful and is very time consuming due to the skills I had to acquire to catch up to the others. Playing tenor is a whole different level. Going from one drum to five is an enormous jump that requires countless hours of practice and perserverance. Going through this has made me more mature and showed me that with hard work, anything is possible.

opinion

ast August, something big happened: my brother left for college. That was the day I became an only child. I often feel like us younger siblings get overlooked when the older child goes off to college. This is a pretty big change for us too, going from always having someone there to being alone. I know that he’s not actually gone, but lots of things changed after my brother left. I’ll remember that day for the rest of my life. I woke up early with the rest of my family. I wasn’t needed for much that day, other than to stay out of the way, so I ate breakfast while the rest of my family loaded up the car. We were all a little anxious to get to Michigan State, but that was nothing compared to how we felt when we arrived. All around campus there were hundreds of college students eagerly moving in to their dorms. The rest of the day included lots of hard work (by my parents) to move him in. However, the hardest part of the day came when we had to leave. We each gave him a hug and said our goodbyes and tried to make the whole endeavor as short as possible. After all, we didn’t want to be “that family.” It was when we got back in the car that the tears came. We knew that day was going to be rough, but we never expected it to hit us so hard and so fast. When we finally got home after what felt like the longest car ride ever, the house felt so empty. It was completely different without him there. I went up to my room and started bawling, not really expecting to miss him so much. I was used to him being out hanging with friends or working, but knowing he wouldn’t be coming back anytime soon made it so much more real. That night, my friends knew how sad I was, so they came to my house with cookies. They all had siblings who graduated the year before and assured

me that it would get easier. I knew that I would get used to him not being there, but I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to get used to not having my big brother around. Well, it’s been about seven months since I became an only child and though it took a while, I have gotten used to it. I still miss him, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t experienced some perks. For starters: my car. Over the summer, I had to switch between using my mom’s and my dad’s cars, because my brother got to use the Grand Prix. But now, I’ve got my own car all to myself. She may not be the prettiest thing in the world (mostly because we’re the same age and I drove her into a basketball hoop), but having my own car is a luxury I will not want to give up. Second, I get the basement all to myself. My brother and I would constantly argue over who gets to use it; and more often than not, he would win. However, that is no longer a battle I have to fight, and I get to throw as many wild parties as I want down there (Most “wild parties” include watching The Bachelor and eating fruit by the foot with my friends). Last, I get my parents’ full attention. I’m not saying they’ve completely neglected my brother since he’s gone off to college, because that is not the case. But I know that whenever I have a problem, I have their undivided attention. Then again, this can also be a bad thing. Since they don’t have any other “distractions,” I can’t get away with quite as much. That’s still taking some getting used to. Overall, being an only child has just been different. I’ve known my whole life that there would be two years where it would just be me at home, but I never knew how it would feel. It’s neither good nor bad, but I will always be glad I grew up as a little sister and I will always miss my brother. That is, until he comes home for the summer. April 18, 2019

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Take It or Leave It

a thank you

TAKE IT

Dan O'Callaghan

s I approach the last days of my high school experience, I think it's important to look at the people who inspired me to work harder and strive to be better. One of those people is my grandfather. My grandfather continues to inspire me without even trying, and I don't think I can ever express the amount of gratitude I have for the man for all that he has done for me. My grandfather was born in Saginaw in the 1930s, a time of great strife. His parents divorced when he was at a young age. He had to look after himself when he was living with his mother, who treated him unfairly and unjustly, to say the least. Despite this, Grandpa continued to grow and strive to go to school and get an education. Grandpa never complained, and despite being given what would seem like a poor hand in life, continued to work harder and not look back. Making himself his own man and pursuing greatness If there’s an event I won’t ever forget with him, it would most definitely be the time he took me to Frankenmuth when I was about 12. This is the area his father’s family had lived. He showed me the old houses from his family, and the old stove his family had used to heat their homes and bake with. As we stood in that field gazing on what was, I really began to understand my roots more, something I had honestly never thought about. Driving back home he told me stories from his youth and I grew to have more respect the more I heard them and learned what he went through. My Aunt Cheryl once told me the story of how when they lived in Montana, my grandfather owned a tool rental business. When people were in need, my grandfather would simply loan the tools to them without asking for money. While this wasn't a good business model, it showed just how kind and compassionate

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the man is. He installed these values in his grandchildren and always taught us never to work for greed, but for the goodness of our heart, and to help others at any chance we got. While in Montana, he was able to raise his family and always ensure food was on the table, never taking his blessings for granted and never being concerned about the materialistic things in life. Grandpa has always been a man of faith, and when his neighbor was in need he helped them out and still helps them out. No matter what sex, race, or religion you are, my grandfather is and was there to help if you came to him in need. I can’t walk around town with him for more than five minutes without someone coming up and saying hi to him. Every one of these people I've met has spoken highly of him, even those I meet without him there and just mention I’m a Janson to. Growing up on his house and farm I was never bored thanks to the endless fun we had there. Being able to experience nature was great for me growing up and I really thank my grandfather for that and for working so hard to get that farm. My grandfather is a mechanical genius. Ask anyone whose things he's fixed and they'll agree; from my girlfriend's car to my toys as a child, he’s always been there to work and help us out. When it comes to all of my mechanical knowledge I have him to thank for it, as he’s always giving me something new to try and learn. This has always inspired me and made me want to help others and be a better person. When I think about complaining about the hand I was given, I try to remember Grandpa. He took the poor hand he was given and tossed it. He made a new hand for himself through hard work, never complaining and never playing the victim card - because he has always been above that. So, Grandpa, for all the life lessons and help you give me, I thank you.

As part of the Event Horizon Telescope project, astronomers captured and unveiled the first-ever image of a black hole on Wednesday, April 10.

LEAVE IT

24 defendants responsible for over $1.2 billion in losses were charged on Tuesday, April 9, in one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in U.S. history.

opinion