December 19th Issue by MHS Focus

Math Club | PAGE 09

Competition Show | PAGE 14

focus

Best of 2014 | PAGES 12-13

the

Bowling | page 18

Midland High School | December 19, 2014 | Volume 37. Issue 4

Drumming along

Senior Kelly Bonekamp has had an affinity for music since she was young. Drumming is her passion, and she hopes to continue her hobby next year in Michigan Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marching band. Page 11

SPECIAL REPORT: students are getting in the spirit of the season by giving back to the community Michelle Demo | Photo Illustration

Go online to MHSFocus.com or to issuu.com/mhsfocus to read every issue since May 2012!

Volume 37, Issue 4

Re-read Past Issues

Contents N

MEAP/MME

MATH CLUB

12-13

BEST OF 2014

PROBATION

STEAMPUNK SHAKESPEARE

S P O R T S 16-17

20-23 Helping Hands The Season of Giving The Focus recognizes the amount of volunteer work that Chemics and the community of Midland participates in during the holiday season.

20-21

OPEN DOOR

CASEY LAVALLEY

SHARING TREE

A & E

CUT SPORTS

BOWLING

SPORTS ZONE

KELLY BONEKAMP

E D I T O R S Maddy Wheelock Editor in Chief Michelle Demo Managing Editor Aelish Shay News Editor Sarah Wontorcik Features Editor Will Hackbarth A&E Editor Emily Fisher Sports & Photo Editor Dylan Rocha Opinion Editor Natalie Schwartz Design Editor Mercedes Hussein Ad Coordinator Noah Surbrook Exchange Editor Ella Colbert Web Editor in Chief Megan Nylund Web Assistant Editor Jim Woehrle Adviser Midland Daily News Printer

O U R M I Sto SIO N away S T A Twith E M Estuff NT Disclaimer get Focus, established in 1977, previously the Vic Tribune established in 1936, is the official school sponsored newspaper for Midland High. Focus is published monthly by the journalism classes at Midland High and is distributed free of charge. It is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), the Michigan Inter scholastic Press Association(MIPA),andQuillandScroll.AdvisermembershipalsoincludestheJournalism Education Association (JEA). Focus is designed as a forum for student expression and as a realistic lab experience. Focus, however, reserves the right to contest the challenge of an administrator who attempts to censor and/or remove an article or graphic element.

One M-Step forward, two steps back QUESTION

Will the new online tests be more trouble than they’re worth?

WHAT DO YOU THINK? What is your opinion on the switch from traditional testing to online testing?

Freshman Aubrey Root “Through past experience with online tests, I feel like it makes it a little bit more difficult to understand what they’re trying to get you to do.”

Read the article below and explain your beliefs on whether or not the new tests will.

Michelle Demo | Illustration

Sophomore Rachel Hunter “I don’t think it should be online, because it’s harder for some people to comprehend stuff online. It’s more stressful.

The new way that students will be forced to standardized test is recognized as an inconvinience.

he days of bubbling in hundreds of answers in small packets for hours at a time will soon be a thing of the past. Midland Public Schools, like all other schools in Michigan, is now forced to throw-away the traditional form of standardized test-taking due to a state law in effect this year. No longer will there be times in which the auxiliary gym is home to students A-L. This year, standardized testing will take a completely new turn. The new way that students will will be tested will be similar to the practice tests, such as Smarter Balanced, that sophomores and juniors completed last year. While the administration doesn’t exactly have all the details worked out as to how they will be making the switch, they are attempting to fix the problems presented. This new method of online testing leads to technological struggles never experienced before. The cheat sheet offered for the test wasn’t much of a help since many students had no idea how to navigate it. The test will now be held over multiple weeks. The longer the student is forced to test, the less likely they will care. Should the district not have enough

technical resources for every student to test online, a traditional test would be administrated. Although MPS does have the technology, the computer labs will now be overrun by test takers. The classes offered in the labs will have nowhere to be productive. Will the district force E2020, Programming, Computer and Design, and Computer Tech. students to vacate their classrooms? The traditional form of testing, as agreed upon by the Focus, was superior to that of the new form of testing. It’s what we’re use to, and comfortable with. While a majority wishes that traditional testing was still what juniors would be faced with this March, the fact of the matter is that they will still have to take the test online. However, if the district wants this to be successful, then they need to add a few serious adjustments to the way that students test. If the test is formatted anything like the Smarter Balanced test from last spring, students will have a lot to complain about. In order to help combat this, MPS needs to integrate online testing that is similar to that of the new MEAP and MME in either classes, or in

the MEAP leading up to high school. Students can’t be thrown into the pool of technology that they’re unfamiliar with they’ll short circuit quickly. Another topic that MPS needs to be well aware of is the rise in cheating that is likely to occur. While it is hopefully unlikely that students will simply be seated next to one-another in a computer lab to test, there’s still the issue of cheating. With the way that our computer labs are set up, cheating/looking at another student’s’ screen is a fairly easy task to accomplish. It seems as though the only way that MPS can combat this is by either adding cubicles and sectioning off every single student testing, so that each student has a wall between them; or by using the mobile lab. Should the district use the mobile lab, however, they run the risk of the schoool’s servers overloading. Overall, we don’t wish that the change has to be made, but we understand that the school has to abide by the state legislature. If MPS can ensure that the two main problems are fixed, F then the damage from this technological adjustment will not be so severe.

Junior Kostandi Stephenson “I don’t think it’s the best decision, I know personally I test better with paper and pencil.”

Senior Hobie Fisher “I think that online testing does not provide students an adequeate way to display their knowledge.”

editorial | mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 03

TIDBITS Random pieces of information told in less

than 50 words

The number of days we have off for winter break. Use them well.

3 THINGS

you don’t have to worry about this month

Waiting for C-Money’s first album to drop. Scavenging through the store ailes searching for the best secret santa gift.

BY THE NUMBERS Tweet of the Month Between Greys Anatomy, Trivia Crack, and Clash of Clans I just don’t have time for homework anymore #priorities

DEC

25 5 JAN

Christmas, it will finally be Christmas! This is your last day for it to be socially acceptable to still be listening to Christmas music, so get it all out of you while you can. School star ts back up t h i s d a y. I t w i l l c o m e way sooner than any of us expect. This day also m e a n s i t ’s t h a t m u c h closer to semester exams.

JAN

For you seniors this is a great day. It will officially be your graduation year. Try not to write 2014 on all your papers, even though we all know it will happen.

JAN

It’s the first day we have off after the long winter break. It ’s also the first day off after exams. This day should be greatly appreciated.

1 22

CORRECTIONS

For all of you that spend probably too much time searching every inch of this paper for Vic, you may have been pretty stumped last issue. You no longer have to worry about your depleting I Spy skills, that wasn’t the problem last month. The problem, Vic wasn’t even hiding last issue. We apologize for wasting your time looking for Vic when he wasn’t even there. He is hiding this issue, pinky promise!

Snow days, unfortunately.

Follow THIS User

@kellymarsh_

E R E’

Exams. Freshmen, get ready for a very stressful time in your young lives. Seniors, this is it for high school exams.

and one thing you still do...

V Photo OF THE Month Follow THIS User 55 likes nic_wigs After all its senior year, best time to spread Christmas cheer #Yup #TisTheSeason

4 | FOCUS | 12/19/2014 | op/ed

@nic_wigs

1 2

Upcoming

Vic will be hidden anywhere throughout the paper each month. Anyone wishing to submit themselves in the competition must tweet at The Focus with their fifth hour teacher, a photo, and the location of Vic. Whoever does this first with the correct location of Vic is the winner.

Will Hackbarth

Maddy Wheelock

Sitting out on the pledge

Middle school memories

‘‘

n the first day of sixth grade, the recess mustard wars, or the times I got I was told the next three years table-topped, or that question I asked at would be the worst time of the Criminal Sexual Conduct assembly. I my life. My counselor and could choose to regret drinking the putrid teacher were standing in front of the class, concoctions of lunch-table remnants and reminiscing about the tortures of middle various Italian dressings for dares, or the time school, describing the halls of junior high as I never got my sweatshirt down from the roof, a veritable cesspool of bullying, gossip, and or riding that stick-horse everywhere. various forms of psychological warfare. However, if I put myself in the mindset I As I watched these two authorities who had back then, all I can remember about these seemed so wise and important cringe at the events is how fun they were. There were no idea of going back to the school I was now responsibilities, no worries, and relatively attending, I felt a sense of foreboding. unchallenging classes; I could goof off the I had walked into school that day assuming entire day. that middle school would be a normal, I realize it doesn’t matter how annoying I academic establishment, which, beyond a was, or how embarrassing my actions were, few slight changes in responsibility and class because at the time, almost everyone was structure, would remain mostly the same doing annoying or embarrassing things, and as my previous I got a lot enjoyment education. from doing them. Now I wasn’t so Currently, I suffer sure. The school from the plague I could choose to be seemed dirty and of a little bit of embarrassed about the dangerous as I responsibility. I have pondered what more homework, more recess mustard war, or the possible abuse activities to attend, was in store for times i got table-topped, and an increasingly me. diminishing free time. or that question I asked For many More and more, I find people, it seems, my self looking back at the Criminal Sexual this nightmare on those middle school Conduct assembly. came true. days and wishing I Whenever a could go back. reference towards I realize from now their middleon, life is just going school experience is made, they quickly through the motions. After high school it’s comment on how embarrassing it was and on to more schooling, then a career, and change the subject. I’ve heard everything from eventually I’ll retire, then wither and die. “We don’t talk about that” to “I don’t trust I’m beginning to realize I’ll never be more people who enjoyed middle school.” carefree than I was back then, that I’ll always When I look back on my experience, I have responsibilities that prevent me from can understand why, having witnessed the goofing of all day. This was a time where I “embarrassing” drama myself. could still goof off, and not be looked down But I loved middle school. Sure, when I on for it. look back at myself, there are many things I So if I could go back in time, and give could be embarrassed about. If I met myself myself one piece of advice, it would be to from back then right now, I’d probably be cherish these moments , because those three incredibly annoyed by him. years of middle school could be the best of I could choose to be embarrassed about your life.

‘‘

hen I was little and I had to promise my loyalty to America every day, memorize my multiplication because I don’t feel like that is something I tables, my mom made me say have to prove. Furthermore, I don’t believe them over and over again. I said in affirming that my country has “liberty and them until I didn’t have to do the math. Each justice for all” when it most certainly does calculation was only a recitation of numbers, not. until I could complete those two minute math The more influence we give to the pledge, tests with no thought at all. the more opportunity there is to scare us with I imagine this is the same thing that it. The speech, to many citizens, is sacred. happened when I started saying the Pledge Words are easy to manipulate. When we give of Allegiance. Memorizing my multiplication so much power to a series of sentences, we tables was not math. Memorizing the Pledge also give power to extremists, allowing them of Allegiance was not patriotism. Saying to take advantage of these words and make us something over and over again does not make feel unsafe. it mean more. If we didn’t recite the pledge like a prayer, The formation of the vowels just became it would not be there for extremists to take. muscle memory, until I could “pledge Power and patriotism belongs in the hearts of allegiance to the flag of the United States of American citizens. I believe that if I am truly America” in my sleep. I had no idea what patriotic, I will know this in my heart without any of it meant. having to preach it I can hardly every day in class. To We embody diversity, define “liberty” me, loving my country now; I certainly isn’t blind or repetitive. but the way we come couldn’t as a I love my country just together is not through kindergartner. like I love everything But every day else. I get angry with the Pledge of Allegiance. when school it, and I don’t need to started, my class remind it every day for and I routinely it to know. stood up and turned to the flag. Another problem I have with the pledge is I am not unpatriotic. I don’t think god hates the wording. Although certain phrases may America. When I think of my country, I don’t only apply to one group of people, they are think of McDonald’s and consumerism before expected to be embraced by everyone. The anything else. But I do think of diversity. I words “under God” were not added to the think of actual, unprompted expressions of pledge until 1954, in response to communist pride, and none of those instances include threat during the Cold War and the second someone with their hand over their heart, Red Scare. These words were created in fear, hat off, standing with knees locked and face which to me makes the pledge weaker. solemn. There is supposed to be a clear distinction No matter how much some people want between church and state in America, and yet to think so, that is not American pride. we promise that we will stand united under We embody diversity, but the way we god every time we say our pledge. come together is not through the Pledge of I am lucky to live in a country where Allegiance. saying the Pledge of Allegiance is technically I spent four years of my life not saying the optional. I will continue to exercise my First pledge during class during middle school Amendment rights by staying silent during and freshman year, and it had no effect on my the pledge—not because I am unpatriotic, but position as a citizen. When I started saying because it does not prove my national fidelity. the pledge again, nothing changed. The Pledge of Allegiance is not the So eventually, I stopped saying it multiplication tables. I do not feel obligated to altogether. There was no need for me to recite it emotionlessly.

op/ed | mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 5

Michaela Carpenter

Aelish Shay

Red aprons

R-E-S-P-E-C-T Find out what it means to us

6 | FOCUS | 12/19/2014 | op/ed

‘‘

ou know those people with the red globe, fat snowflakes falling silently all aprons? The ones who stand in the around and softening everything in my view. bitter cold ringing bells and wishing This year, though, the sky was empty of you a Merry Christmas. The ones clouds and I could see everything clearly. who are there when you go into a store and Some people walked by quickly--avoiding are there when you leave, looking as frozen as eye contact and pretending to suddenly have ever. Most of the time, I’m one of a seemingly an urgent message to look at on their phone. endless number of shoppers rushing past in Others looked a bit confused as to why we order to accomplish the next thing on a list of seemed to be having such a great time singing tasks. Once a year, though, I become one of for no one in particular and dancing around those red apron people. to keep from becoming completely frozen Every December my discipleship group solid. For some people though, our crazy rings bells at Walmart. For two hours, we concert brought smiles. Kids turned back to provide quite the entertainment for anyone look at us as they walked by, grinning shyly who passes through those doors. The parking as we smiled their way and sang a little bit lot becomes our auditorium and the shoppers louder so they could hear our songs for a are a captive audience, at least for a little while longer. At times, adults even got into while, anyway. Sometimes we sing traditional it, too. They would stuff a few dollars into Christmas the red bucket in front carols, the ones of us and smile, simply that make me because a group of Kids turned back to think of the crazy girls were singing look at us as they walked candle-light joyfully together. The Christmas reason we ring bells by, grinning shyly as we Eve service at and sing every year is smiled their way and sang church. Other to encourage people to times we burst put donations into the a little bit louder so they into more little red bucket in front upbeat, popular of us. Really, though, I could hear our songs for a songs that are think the real reason that while longer. the soundtrack I look forward to it is just of every little as much for the people kid this time of walking by as it is for the year. Some songs actually sound pretty good, ones who will benefit from the donations. and if I closed my eyes I could imagine it was Our two hours of bell-ringing every year December 24th and I was in a dark sanctuary might not change lives. It might not take away glowing with the light of candles. Some the pain hidden deep inside those who walk songs, though, are more funny than anything. past as we sing, but I like to think that, if only We mix up the words, forget the tune, or for a brief moment, we can bring a smile to get off-key, and pretty soon we’ve dissolved the people we see. Maybe we’ll make people into fits of laughter as people look on in a little bit happier because they hear that amusement. It’s fascinating to be in someone favorite Christmas carol they used to sing else’s shoes for an evening. I’m no longer the at church every year, and maybe we’ll just passerby rushing to get in and out of a store irritate some people who wish it was easier quickly; I am the one in the red apron. to ignore those crazy people with the red While singing songs I’ve heard a thousand aprons. All I know is that sometimes the little times, my mind often wanders and I focus things can make a big difference, and I’m glad instead on my surroundings. Some years, that once every year I get to be not just that there is a coat of white covering the parking stranger in the red apron, but the person who lot and the world around me is like a snow shared a little joy.

‘‘

an appalling lack of professionalism was t started with a simple question, posed shown. None of them were isolated incidents. to my friends after the Domino’s pizza If a student were to act out in that way, they had diminished, the ice cream cake was a would suffer great consequences, for good penny sized puddle and we were ready to throw in a movie and spend Saturday night reason too. But for teachers, all too often only a meager apology is made, an “I’m sorry but, in a cheese-filled-crust induced coma. But … ” that follows with partially blaming the while I picked at my food, something had victim. School is a place that as students, we been picking at me. are expected to exhibit at the very least, a “Have any of you ever noticed disrespect rudimentary level of respect for each other. from teachers to their students?” I’m calling for the same from everyone who I hoped it was only me. I hoped that my walks Chemic halls. parents were right and I had been “way off Midland Public Schools employs a number base” with my opinions. I was not expecting of people who are very good at what do, but or prepared for their overwhelming response. I do not think categories such as test scores Teachers announcing grades. and course material should be the only thing Teachers having students grading each taken into account for evaluations. I believe other’s quizzes. that students learn best in an environment Teachers gossiping about students, with where they not only students. feel safe and respected, Teachers where they, in demeaning I believe that students learn but turn, feel they can certain students in front of whole best in an environment respect their teacher. find it hard to be in classes. where they not only feel Ithe same room with I have seen it, they have seen it. safe and respected, but someone who I’ve seen repeatedly and I’m guessing the where they can respect publicly disparage my majority of the peers, much less listen student body has their teacher. to them. seen it. What are It’s not just me. we going to do Research has shown about it? that “Students’ ability to learn depends not I think it’s about time to hold teachers to just on the quality of their textbooks and the same standards as students. Recently, one teachers, but also on the comfort and safety of my teachers told a student to “be b*tchier” they feel at school and the strength of their in front of the entire class after s/he made a sarcastic comment towards a peer. We are told relationships with adults and peers there.” In contrast, a stressful environment where to respect each other yet we are not respected. students feel unsafe or uncared for makes it Last year, I had a teacher that liked to gossip both physically and emotionally harder for with their students, and used my absence as them to learn. an opportunity to make a remark about me Clearly, this “do as I say and not as I do” to a few of my friends. We are told to respect approach to education is ineffective. There is each other yet we are not respected. Even in middle school, a teacher became so angry they a simple solution. Educators, please consider took a student’s planner and chucked it across a few things. You are in a high school but you are not in the room, doing the same with a desk later high school. You are not our friends, and you that year. We are told to respect each other cannot be our bullies. yet we are not respected. In all of these cases,

Noah Surbrook

hen people discuss basketball freshman. He led the freshman team against greats, there’s that one name the varsity squad (who had an outstanding that always has to come up: record of 30-0 the previous year) and his Michael Jordan. It’s a name 31 points, 21 boards, and 8 blocked shots that obviously deserves discussion. Jordan helped the freshmen win easily, 75-60. Many is widely regarded as the best to ever play basketball analysts of the time claimed NBA basketball, but my question is this: Does that Alcindor was one of the five or ten he deserve the title of “best to ever play the best basketball players alive as an 18-yeargame?” old kid unable to even play varsity. His One player who truly challenges Jordan’s unprecedented dominance on the court career is often overlooked, Kareem Abdulthroughout his college career led to an NCAA Jabbar. ban on dunking, which lasted for nine years. From high-school to retirement, both While playing in the NBA, Jordan became players have long lists of records. From their ever more impressive. His laundry list of stats to achievements and records, both men accolades include being 10-time NBA All First deserve their spot among the best handful Team, 14-time All-Star, leading the NBA in of players in NBA history. But who deserves scoring multiple times, a defensive player number 1? of the year, and 5-time over MVP. While he In high-school, Kareem (then named Lew was at his peak and winning championships Alcindor) he was probably stood a the best to ever whopping 6’8” play. His amazing Kareem, on the other hand, and led his career in the NBA team on a 71certainly casts a is the NBA’s all time leading game winning large shadow. scorer. His notorious skyhook streak. He Kareem, on the scored 2,067 other hand, is the shot is the single most points in his 4 NBA’s all-time unguardable and hardest years. He was leading scorer. hand-picked to His notorious shot to block in NBA histoy.” join coach John skyhook shot is Wooden at the single most UCLA. Jordan unguardable and managed to make varsity his junior year and hardest to block in NBA history. No one has got a scholarship to play basketball at North ever been able to reproduce it adequately. He Carolina, but his high-school career was very has as many championships as Jordan (6), one underwhelming compared to Kareem’s. more MVP than Jordan (6), and he holds the However, in college Jordan became much record for most All-Star selections (19) and more impressive. In 1984 he was an NCAA All-NBA-Team selections (15). player of the year and won the NCAA The title of best NBA player is highly Championship. While impressive, he’s still debatable. Cases could also be made for many unable to compete with Kareem at this time in NBA Hall of Famers. In time, current stars his career. will take their place on these lists. However, Kareem’s college basketball career is easily no players can compare to Kareem, especially the most impressive of any college basketball when you consider his entire body of work player. He was a 3 time NCAA Champion as a basketball player. He’s the unrivaled and player of the year. My personal favorite number one high-school and college detail of Kareem’s college career came in 1970. basketball player of all time and I would dare It was his freshman year, and UCLA rules to say that he is the greatest overall basketball prevented him from playing on varsity as a player ever.

‘‘

Jingle all the way

s the bitter cold hits my face jingling our bells above them as they walked and I exchange a smile for the and laughed through the tunnel, most of the oversized red apron and box time people would stop and donate and say of bells, I know then that I what a great job we were doing. should’ve dressed warmer. Unfortunately not all the people were as A few of my friends and I decided that it comfortable in the tunnel and would try to would be a fun idea to participate in the wellescape it through the other door; but if we known bell-ringing that is offered through the saw them going for that way out we would Key Club. all shuffle over, ring a little more gently, a Everyone says it’s a good time if you bring little more comforting, and they would smile your buddies and dress warm, but what we while speed walking away into the darkness didn’t expect was that not everyone is as jolly towards their cars. and filled with Christmas cheer as we were One lady tried to avoid eye contact and feeling that cold and frosty night. escape as quickly as possible, but we did the The four tunnel for her anyway, as of us would we did for all the leaving get pretty customers. excited every But the real people pleaser She flashed an evil eye time someone at us as we said Merry was the legendary tunnel of would walk Christmas and without by and drop even turning around to Christmas spirit. As a group, some change say thank you… we decided that the best into the She yelled as she bucket. The walked away, “Maybe way to get donations was funny thing if you kids were not so to lead them directly to the is how almost obnoxious, I would’ve everyone who actually given you some bucket. tries to add a money.” bill epically Her high heels clicked fails and away on the cement as spends what feels like forever trying to jam she dragged her embarrassed husband away. their dollar into the small slot of the lid. It seemed quite selfish to me, seeing as we People smiled and we said “Merry were out there putting our time and effort into Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” to raising money for the Salvation Army and she everyone who passed. Bystanders would stay just rolled her eyes and refused to give some to watch us as we tried to learn “Jingle Bells” spare pennies to charity because we annoyed or “Silent Night” on the old hand bells and her too much. torn sheet music. The angry woman tried to twist the We may have not sounded like the situation into us being the ones at fault for not orchestra, but I believe the people truly raising money in the correct way as well as appreciated our attempts and trying our best killed our spirit for the rest of our hour. when they flashed us a warm smile and a A major aspect of Christmas is giving. Not “Hope you guys stay warm!” necessarily money or presents, a warm smile But the real people pleaser was the or happy holidays is equally as appreciated. legendary tunnel of Christmas spirit. As a It reassures the fact that kindness and joy are group, we decided that the best way to get still present within our society today. So think donations was to lead them directly to the about the true meaning behind not only bell bucket. One of us would keep watch for ringing but Christmas next time you are out customers coming out of the store. Then and about this holiday season. we would line up and form a tunnel while op/ed | mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 7

‘‘

The best to ever play the game??

Julia Quinn

Stepping in a new direction

Michigan has recently passed a new state law involving standardized testing for all students. The new test, called the M-Step, will be replacing the MME and MEAP tests in our schools, creating changes for students and teachers. Allie Smith | Staff Writer & Christiana Haight | Staff Writer

nitially, everyone seems to dislike the Hutchinson said, “but the third day which once idea of standardized testing - in any form. was reserved for the MME, that third day is now Recently, new feelings for standardized removed to make room for the M-Step.” testing has arisen among the juniors. Along with the new test, issues have arisen Feelings of apprehension, anxiety, and dread pertaining to the fact that the test is to be taken slowly fill the air as juniors find out about these online. Midland High has enough computers new modifications. For the past year, changes to administer the test, however, there are other have been in the making for standard tests schools throughout the state that lack the that Michigan schools take, and the state has resources. recently confirmed that there will be new tests “There is an option to take the test on pencil administered and paper, in place of but our the Michigan district Educational is opting I am mainly concerned with Assessment to jump the amount of valuable time Program right in,” (MEAP), and Hutchinson and resources it will be taking the Michigan s a i d . “ We up. I do not think that we gain Merit Exam basically anything by testing our kids this (MME). did a pilot This new run last much, to this extent, in terms of attribute year with the collective amount of time. assessment the Smarter is known as Balanced Assistant Principal Amy Hutchinson the Michigan testing – Student Test which all of of Educational last year’s Progress, or M-Step. It will include sections sophomores and juniors took.” designed to measure the intellectual growth While there are negatives to the online aspect of today’s students, and the test will include of the test, the state of Michigan intends for the sections in all of the core subjects. The portion test to incorporate more use of technology into replacing the MEAP will test on English and schools statewide. Math in grades three through eight, Science in Special Education instructor Chelsea Charron grades four and seven, and Social Studies in was a proctor for the Smarter Balanced test last grades five and eight. year, and was able to see how it worked first Along with replacing what used to be the hand. MEAP test, the M-Step will now completely “They are testing our students in a way replace the old MME that was standard for different from how we are teaching them,” all juniors to take along with their ACT and Charron said, “in class you have paper and WorkKeys, since it no longer fits with our state’s pencils, but for a test to be administered in a new testing standards. different format makes it more difficult.” Amy Hutchinson, an assistant principal, Like the administrators, students have been explains the changes that will be implemented. finding difficulty within the online test as well. “We will still have the ACT for one day “I personally don’t like the online test,” of testing and WorkKeys for the next day,” Smarter Balance participant junior Hannah

{ } ‘‘

MME Roughly three hours of testing needed Paper and pencil test Given only to juniors 8 | FOCUS | 12/19/2014 | news

Students taking an online test in one of the computer labs. Christiana Haight | Photo Illustration White said, “The old fashioned paper and no extra time,” Charron said. “It seriously takes pencil tests seem like they are easier to analyze away from the content of that certain semester.” Without that extra time, Charron says that questions and think through all your answers.” The biggest worry is the amount of time that teachers will have to cram weeks of information the M-Step will be requiring of the juniors. into days, and cut down how in depth they go in Hutchinson says that she expects there to be some subjects, and is specifically worried about roughly 16 total hours of testing, including the the English classes. White also noted that taking this amount of time out of junior’s class time can time allotted for the ACT. “I am mainly concerned with the amount of be harmful to the understanding of the material. “This is the year where the amount of material valuable time and resources it will be taking up. I do not think that we gain anything by testing we need to learn skyrockets – we don’t have our kids this much, and to this extent, in terms of the extra time needed for this type of excessive the collective amount of time,” Hutchinson said. testing,” White said. Overall, Hutchinson believes that MHS will Charron is concerned about the timing of the test as well, because teachers are expected pull off the changes successfully, but not without to teach a certain amount of material each difficulty. Most importantly, Hutchinson wants semester. Even though the test will take time to ensure that the students will be prepared for away from the classes, teachers still need to these new tests. “I think the thing we will be working on work in their material. “If the M-Step is to take away, say, ten hours as a school is making sure the students are from our classes, we still need to cover what comfortable with the formatting and setup of would have been taught in those ten hours with the online tests,” Hutchinson said. F

MME vs. M-Step Both Te s t s a l l j u n i o r s a t t e n d i n g Michigan schools Provides information about school ratings in Michigan Required by every school in the State of Michigan

M-Step Roughly ten hours of testing needed Online test Given to grades 3 through 8 (MEAP replacement) in addition to juniors

Math still counts

With accelerated math students having no outlet to showcase their mathmatical ablities, freshman Kenny Steinhilber and math teacher Kendall Root came together to create the Math club. The club serves as a way for students to obtain extra knowledge. The club meets once to twice a week in room 239 to solve different styles of math problems. Ashley Cline | Staff Writer & Luke White | Staff Writer & Lydia Dornbos | Staff Writer

The Math Club includes (left to right) freshmen Joshua Lang and Jessica Herron, sophomore Austin Cochran, freshman Kenny Steinhilber, and teacher Kenall Root. Ashley Cline | Photo very student who has passed through that with his passion for this club, it will exist Steinhilber said. “Kenny is one of my great friends, and I love middle school can remember one in some form for as long as he’s a student at Math Club extends further than practicing math. [Math Club is] a lot of difficult math and specific time that changed their school Midland High,” Root said, “we’ll just have math problems and learning unknown math I like how it’s expanding [what we learn in experience. For some people, it’s to make sure that the club develops a good information. Math Club participants will begin class],” Lang said. sports. For others, it could be art or music. For foundation and solid leadership over the next to compete against one another. There will be Root found and embraced his love for math freshman, Kenny Steinhilber, it was a club called 4 years so that it will survive when Kenny multiple written competitions for everyone as a college student. He was attending Central Math Counts. graduates and moves on to college.” involved with Math Club. These multiple tests Michigan University, and taking math classes “I had been doing [Math Counts] the past The club meets on a weekly basis in Root’s will create a composite score that shows your for his education degree. three years. I thought, ‘you know what, there classroom, room 365, Mondays or Wednesdays knowledge in math. This differs from middle “That was the first time I truly began to needs to be something here at Midland High.’ I from seven o’clock to eight o’clock. About school program, Math Counts. Math Counts appreciate the beauty that exists within math,” felt like there was this void where Math Counts fifteen Midland High students are currently gives participants a total of one test. Root said. was.” Steinhilber said. participating in Math Club. “I felt in Math Counts, it wasn’t fair they only All participants in Math Club agree with Root. Math Club was created this late November “There were ten people who came to the last had one test, and [your overall math score] was They enjoy and love math courses. The students by Steinhilber with coordination and leadership meeting, there were two more people I talked all based on that test. This is why we have quite get together and have a great time working help from math teacher, Kendall Root. Root to who couldn’t attend and it looks like we’re a few different tests, so it’s the accumulative and spending time together working on their and Steinhilber both hope that Math Club will going to add maybe even a couple more people score. It’s not just a snapshot, but more of an passion of math. remain for many years at Midland High. at the next meeting,” Steinhilber said. entire mural of what you can accomplish and “If you’re interested in math, you should join. “The fact that we have a good group of During the meetings, these participants will what you have” Steinhilber said. You don’t have to be good. You can be anywhere underclassmen that are interested in the club work together to solve equations and problems Math Club is open for anyone and everyone from integrated math up to calculus. It doesn’t bodes well for us. The main driving force behind put together by Root and Steinhilber. with a passion for math. Freshman Joshua matter. You should join Math Club if you enjoy the founding of this club is a very enthusiastic “There’s going to be meetings where we talk Lang is among the students who share a love it” Steinhilber said. F freshman named Kenny Steinhilber. I think about math that they don’t talk about in class,” for math.

answer these questions?

6 compact discs of a total of 11 compact discs?

What is the sum of the distinct solutions of the equation:

x2 + 5x + 9 = log3(243) ?

What is the greatest common factor of all four digit palindromes?

out

Answers: Go to math club to figure

YOU

How many ways can I pick out a group of

these problems out!

Can

news | mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 9

The purpose of probation The probation program aims to protect the community and rehabilitate offenders. The fines for probation sometimes present financial issues for the offenders, but many believe it is worth it to turn their lives around. Will Hackbarth| A & E Editor & Zach Streitmatter | Staff Writer

upervising the lives of heroin addicts, work to find solutions, like extending curfew alcoholics, and other drug abusers, some for work hours. “We as agents recognize how important it is as young as 16 and 17, makes Parole and Probation Agent Kimberly Ade’s job challenging to go to work and go to school,” Ade said. “So we will do our best to work around schedules.” for her. Another problem May has encountered with “It’s really difficult, watching somebody ruin their life and the lives of the people around his parole is the price. The cost for having a them,” Ade said. “It’s really hurtful to listen to tether is usually $13 a day, with additional family members tell me how their loved one’s costs for things like detention at the Juvenile criminal record and drug use affects the whole Care Center. These payments go to the state of Michigan to pay for the costs of the equipment. family. My job is really sad.” “It’s put a lot of stress on my family, [there’s] As a Probation Officer, Ade’s job is to enforce the rules of probation placed by a judge upon a lot of bills to pay,” May said. “You have to pay an offender, someone who has committed lots of money. I owe probably around $3,000.” According to a crime. The Ade, this is a requirements I’m not a bad kid. I don’t do prominent issue of an offender’s for many families probation can drugs. I have a bad reputation on probation, and include curfews, because I’m on probation and many do not pay no-contact lists, their tether bills, tracking anklets because I have a tether. People resulting in debt. (tethers) that Despite the cost, enforce location look down on me now. Ade believes restrictions, Junior Kayla Psenski paying for the drug tests, tether is necessary, and obligatory counseling. In order to make sure offenders because it encourages offenders to work hard are following the requirements of their parole, at their jobs to pay back the tether. “A tether is used very frequently instead of Ade must meet with the offenders periodically to get a report. Ade may also test the offenders jail,” Ade said. “So most people understand that for drugs in their system, and visit them at their they’re placed on tether instead of jail, and they do the best the can to pay.” home, work, or school to check up on them. Junior Kayla Psenski was initially put on Probation and its many rules are primarily intended to protect the public, and to make probation due to truancy, and received her offenders productive members of society, Ade tether after a violation of a rule of her probation. Violations of probation can result in many said. “The main goal of probation is to encourage different consequences, including lock up, s o m e o n e t o r e m a i n c r i m e f r e e a n d b e which also costs families money. “You have to pay for everything,” Psenski successful,” Ade said. Junior Jarred May is currently on probation said. “I know my tether is $400 all together. If and says he has a good relationship with his you go to detention, which is like lock up, that’s parole officer. While the 8 p.m. curfew and like $150 a night. For people who don’t have a frequent drug tests makes his parole a miserable lot of money, it’s super difficult.” Psenski does not think probation is helpful for experience, May says that it is definitely helping her, and that the state focuses more on getting him improve his life. “It does help me keep myself on track,” May money then rehabilitating offenders. She also said. “I’d probably be in a different spot right does not think truancy is enough to warrant probation. now if I wasn’t on probation.” “I think it is a useless thing and they’re just However, the tether May has to wear while on probation can interfere with his job. Ade trying to get money,” Psenski said. “I don’t says this is occasionally an issue for people on believe that they should put people on probation parole, often because their shifts overlap with for truancy. I’m not a bad kid, I don’t do drugs. I their counselling sessions. Ade says that parole have a bad reputation because I’m on probation officers recognize these problems, and will and because I have a tether. People look down

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10 | FOCUS | 12/19/2014 | news

}

Junior Kayla Psenski wears this tether on her ankle as a rule of her probation. This device is used to monitor her location at all times, and is usually used as an alternative to jail. Will Hackbarth | Photo on me now.” However, in some cases she believes probation can be helpful, especially when the offenders are drug users. She has witnessed a friend get sober for two months as a result of probation. Ade stresses the dangers of drugs, as she has seen first hand the destruction they can cause, especially prescription medications that are opiates. “I work with a lot of heroin addicts, and it all begins with prescription pills. Do not use opiates. We’re seeing heroin addicts as young as 17 and 18 right now, and it’s really sad because it’s really difficult to overcome that addiction. It makes me sick to my stomach, truly, to see what heroin has done to our community, our young people,” Ade said. “It’s almost like a poisonous gas that spreads, everywhere, and nothing good will ever come out of it. Its real, its out there, and its really dangerous.” Although Ade knows many people on probation are not ready to change, and that many of them will continue to continue using drugs, she believes it is still possible for probation to help offenders turn their life around. “I have seen people change. There have been offenders [who] had no social network. Their parents were drug users [and] they themselves became a drug abuser. That person went to rehab, and the last I knew he was still clean, he followed up with treatment, he did really well,” Ade said. “I would hope that the talks that I give people, and steering them in the right direction has helped. I really don’t take personal credit for that, because it’s up to a person to change themselves.” F

The Penalties of Probation Parole officers have over 80 methods to choose from to punish offenders, which they pick specifically for each person, according to what will work best. These are some of the most common.

Tethers are used to track an offenders location, to ensure they are not anywhere they are not permitted to be. They cost the offender around thirteen dollars a day.

Curfews are placed upon offenders to reduce their ability or temptation to commit more crime.

Offenders are often periodically drug tested to ensure that they are not breaking the rules of their probation.

Marching to a different beat

Drumming has always been a major part of Senior Kelly Bonekamp’s life and with two open spots on the MSU drumline, she plans to continue her passion of drumming in college. Megan Nylund | Assistant Website Editor & Sam Robinson | Staff Writer & Kirstyn Cotton | Staff Writer

efore Drum Captain Kelly Bonekamp led the drumline on Friday nights, she led a band of her own on her kitchen floor. Like many children, she could be heard all throughout her house, banging her kitchenware together. “Ever since I was little, I liked banging on things,” Bonekamp said. “I was the kid that always took the pots and pans out of the kitchen and was banging on it with spoons.” Since she loved the resonating sound of the objects crashing together as a child, Bonekamp wanted to continue her hobby by playing the snare drum. Now as a senior, Bonekamp sees an opportunity to continue her passion by auditioning for the Michigan State University (MSU) drumline this spring. To gain an edge over her competition, Bonekamp drives to MSU once a week to meet with MSU Snare Drum Section leader Devon Koning. He helps her get familiarized with the audition packet she will have to perform as well as continuing to practice the fundamentals of snare drumming. Overall, he teaches her what it takes to become a Spartan drummer. “Kelly is a very determined player,” Koning said. “She drives over an hour to meet and work with me on a weekly basis and is consistently working hard at home and coming back better each time. As a result, she is a very talented drummer who has a bright future.” MHS drumline instructor Judith Peterson agrees Bonekamp is preparing herself well for her audition to be part of the MSU drumline. “Kelly is doing all the right things to prepare for a college audition and has made huge progress in just the past few months, so the sky’s the limit. The MSU drumline is hands-down one of the best in the country and it will be a crazy fierce audition,” Peterson said. “But she’s seen the competition and if I know Kelly, she won’t back down. Depending how many spots open up, anything is possible. She’s a winner regardless of the outcome and it’s awesome to see her try.” Bonekamp recently has shown determination to keep up with her passion of drumming by trying out for Drum Corps, a group of 150 people who travel all over the country. This is put on by an organization called Legends. This was a big decision due to the fact that Bonekamp would have to miss her yearly performance in Rhapsody Rendezvous with the MHS band and

varsity pom team for the audition. “I auditioned for a Drum Corps; it’s not related to MSU. It’s a big program, but all of the bands are brass, percussion, and color guard,” Bonekamp said. “Around May, they leave for the whole summer and train for a month. Then, they go on tour all around the country and they perform their show.” Due to the lack of openings on the MSU snare section in the 2015-2016 school year, Bonekamp has a backup plan in case she doesn’t make it. Not only will she stay determined and audition the following year, she plans on attending MSU in the fall whether she is on the drumline or not. “This year there’s only two seniors that are leaving and there’s nine on the snareline,” Bonekamp said. “Everyone says, ‘Why don’t you just go somewhere that’s easier [to get on the drumline]. You’ll have a better chance.’ But it’s been a goal of mine [to go to MSU] for a long time. I don’t want to back down or just settle. I want to just try for my goal even if I don’t make it.” Peterson also sees the hard work and determination in Bonekamp and thinks there is much in store for her future. “In my 31 years at Midland High, I haven’t seen many students more disciplined than Kelly Bonekamp,” Peterson said. “She has a killer work ethic and has succeeded in everything she set out to do because she understands what it takes and just gets it done.” With just basketball pep bands, concert and assemblies left in her senior year, Bonekamp’s high school drumming career is coming to an end. When she attends MSU next year, Bonekamp could face having to balance her classes and being a member of the drumline. In the years following, she plans to attend medical school. “I’m putting everything on hold and I want to do this now and for as long as I can because I can’t do it after a certain time,” Bonekamp said. “I can obviously do other things related to drumming and other groups, but nothing like this.” Not only by auditioning for the MSU drumline, but by continuing to master her love for percussion, Bonekamp has sought out to meet the personal expectations she has set for herself. “One of my favorite words is extraordinary,” Bonekamp said. “And it’s just setting that goal and not stopping until I get there.” F

Senior Kelly Bonekamp practices her snare drum during her first hour, which is her free period. She took this hour off to have extra time to practice, along with her training at MSU. Megan Nylund | Photo

Facts about snare drums

Snare Drums were first used in orchestras and bands over 200 years ago in the 19th century. Here are a few more facts on how the snare drum was originally used and how it originated. Or far as y in igina e r p th ro ntu e S lly u Eu in h ce wi sed F d i rst ss wit te 15t l a s a n t m ht na e igi s the r r ilit he ed O rm a o k ar fife r c d u a m b y oo w w as of c e all ad ed ly m l at a c i ab Typ o

Megan Nylund | Infographic

a&e | mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 11

Best of 2014 Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley starred in two blockbusters this year, playing two very different parts. Woodley first portrayed Hazel Grace, the cancerous teenager with a big crush on the self-righteous Augustus Waters, in The Fault in Our Stars. Her second character, the strongwilled and resilient Beatrice “Tris” Prior in Divergent, won her an MTV Movie Award for Favorite Character. Woodley didn’t stop there, also taking home a Young Hollywood Award for Best Cast Chemistry with her Fault in Our Stars co-stars. In the past, Woodley starred in the ABC family show Secret Life of the American Teenager and starred with George Clooney in the Academy Award winning movie The Descendants, but her real fame began this year with her two roles in movies with a large following.

tress Best Ac

One Direction

Best Song/Album:

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran has achieved high mainstream success despite his unique

and raw style of music. This singer/songwriter has gone far with his guitar and loop pedal, and his talent has landed him spots on the charts multiple times. His newest album X hits the mark. It is apparent that Ed has matured in his song writing since his last album. “Thinking Out Loud” is the Focus’ favorite, winning best song of 2014 for its sweet lyrics and catchy tune. But this is just one of many hits on his album. X became one of the fastest-selling albums in 2014, and easily held up to all the hype.

Other Top Picks 12| FOCUS | 11/21/2014 | news

rtis Best A

tion

irec One D

Woodle e n e l i Sha

One Direction has been topping the Billboard 100 charts fever since 2010, and they certainly did not rest in 2014. Their new album, Four, was released on Nov. 17. This album was appropriately named, considering it is the fourth album the five boys have released since their start in 2011. Just as expected, it immediately topped the charts, featuring songs such as “Steal My Girl,” “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” and “Night Changes.” It also included “18,” written by Ed Sheeran. As usual, One Direction delivered upbeat and catchy tunes, but their more meaningful lyrics show how they have matured since their start. This generation’s favorite boy band still manages to get on stage and make all the teenagers fawn over them in all of their sold out shows across the world.

app fad bae Best Best movie Guardians of the Galaxy Best Being someone’s Trivia Crack

This is the article our readers have all been waiting for — The Focus’ opinion on the pop culture highlights of 2014. End your year right with a greater understanding of the staff’s music and movie taste. Maddy Wheelock | Editor in Chief & Michelle Demo | Managing Editor & Kayla Graham | Staff Writer John Green

He is known for breaking teenage girl hearts. And then stomping on them. When Green isn’t making YouTube videos for their fan following dubbed “Nerdfighteria” with his brother, he’s working on his novels. His most popular one, The Fault in Our Stars, arrived in theaters this year and became an immediate hit. It’s bright-blue cover seemed to sit on the desks of almost every student, all riled up about their “Augustus Waters feels.” The story line touched the hearts of teens and adults. The hype was all over social media before its release. His other books have started many conversations too, especially Looking for Alaska and Paper Towns. The latter’s movie adaptation is currently in production. This is sure to be another hit when it comes out on June 19 of next year.

Robert Downey Jr.

or: Auth t s e B reen

G John

Known as Iron Man, this sarcastic actor has taken a serious turn as the lead role of Hank Palmer in The Judge. Yet again, Downey plays an esteemed and successful character. Hank is a lawyer stuck in his hometown to represent his father, the town’s best judge, in a murder trial. Downey shows his ability to play a very serious and emotional role, but his flippant comments and dry humor are not lost. He delivers cocky lines such as “Innocent people can’t afford me,” even in the most tense situations. Downey has become an actor that viewers can expect to be outstanding. In 2015 he will be appearing in theaters again as Iron Man in the second Avengers movie. From the big screen to the interviews, he will no doubt be full of snark and confidence.

: T V Show Best New Get

Away How to rder With Mu

ney Jr. w o D rt e b o R

The Office

How to Get Away With Murder The newest creation by Shonda Rhimes is just as original and dramatic as her other two programs: Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. The first season of How to Get Away with Murder follows a group of law students and their professor, played by Viola Davis. This group has obviously committed a murder themselves, although throughout the first season the viewer isn’t sure how it happened or who they murdered. The show utilizes flashbacks in order to give clues about the murder every episode, creating an enticing mystery. Alfred Enoch, who most people know as Dean Thomas from the Harry Potter series, plays the lead male in the show. He portrays his character well, and Viola Davis is outstanding as always in her role. This show has the potential to run as long and as successfully as Rhimes’ other hits.

Best Actor:

: Show tflix e N t s Be fice

f The O

Since its first season in 2005, The Office has been quoted by all ages. It had a 9-season run until its last episode on May 16, 2013. This was two seasons after it’s former star, Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) left. Now, the show is available on Netflix to binge-rewatch to their heart’s desire, and this year, viewers definitely took this opportunity. The Office has a mix of standard corporate struggles, personal issues, and dry humor that blend into a show that fits the wants of a wide variety of viewers. A group of cubicle workers experience ego clashes on a daily basis, becoming. so popular that when someone admits they haven’t seen an episode, others are appalled. Even though it is no longer airing, The Office continues to be a streaming hit, making its entire audience laugh in every episode.

Best Book Best Song Best video game The Fault in Our Stars Blank Space - Taylor Swift Super Smash Bros

news | mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 13

Operation Steampunk

The Drama Club has already begun practicing for their competition play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which they will begin performing in January. The play combines Shakespeare’s classic poetry with Steampunk. Ella Colbert | Web Editor-in-chief & Evie Wagner | Staff Writter

onths before show time, Drama Club cast and crew are already well on the way to bringing their winter competition show to life. At rehearsal, the room is abuzz with tension as two characters face off in a heated exchange for the first of what will be many times over the next several weeks. Suddenly, a line is missed or a word mispronounced, and the room dissolves into easy laughter, the spell briefly lifted as the actors rework the scene with practiced care and precision. This year, the Drama Club has something special in store for their annual one-act competition performance: Steampunk. Steampunk is an artistic style that combines the Victorian era with the Industrial Age, involving various gadgets and gears. The Drama Club is taking the Shakespeare play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is originally set in ancient Greece, and incorporating the essence and aesthetic of Steampunk’s polished gadgetry. “Shakespeare’s themes are so very timeless, and I think one of the reasons that it stays fresh is that we don’t reduce it just to ruffled collars and tights,” director Megan Applegate said, “We’re allowed to look at it through other lenses.” Applegate chose to combine the genres of Steampunk and Shakespeare in order to highlight the fanciful elements of Shakespeare’s work within his signature, highly-structured pattern of syllables and rhyme, called iambic pentameter. She hopes the unique nature of the mix will add to the performance as a whole as well as stand out to the judges during competition. “So far, I think that it’s worked really nicely. It’s bounced off each other,” Applegate said. “[Judges] certainly like creativity and things that you can do that are unique, different, and executed well.” The Steampunk element of show will be most evident in the execution of set design and costuming. The challenge of creating the complex and distinctly unique costumes found in the world of Steampunk for A Midsummer Night’s Dream has fallen to the mothers of two cast members: Allie Williams’ mother, Kerry Williams, and freshman Madison Danner’s mother, Deana Danner. Junior Josiah Greiner plays the role of Demetrius, the arrogant love interest of the character Helena. Greiner believes that the quality execution of Steampunk’s essence will help the production at competition. “Our costume ladies are very, very

14 | FOCUS | 12/19/2014 | a&e

From left to right: Freshman Drew Spencer, sophomore Nick Wolf, director Megan Applegate, freshman Ally Dotson, junior Suzannah Koop, and in front, junior Aaron Mealey, read through the scripts during their daily rehersal of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the former Central Middle School. Ella Colbert | Photo good,” Greiner said. “Part of the judging for competition is our set and our costumes, so I think this will give us a very distinct edge.” Wardrobe, although a crucial part of the show, is not an easy one. “We rely on a lot of fundraising and volunteers,” Kerry said. “Steampunk has lots of detail and every piece has to be made or modified to fit the style of the show, the character, and the actor.” Kerry and Deana, who have experience costuming in several previous shows, utilized thrift shops and reworked old costumes from different drama productions to create the pieces for this season’s show. Kerry and Deana encourage any interested students to contact Mrs. Applegate and get involved in the Drama Club’s costume program. “Costuming is a lot of fun and students can win awards at competition,” Kerry said. Although they are not far enough into the process to judge whether or not going to the state competition is a possibility for them, Allie believes that they have a good chance. “We’ve got a good group of people and a

really cool idea set out,” Allie said. “It’s just a matter of memorizing Shakespeare’s lines in a way that isn’t like reciting his poems. I think the biggest challenge is not reading the lines in iambic pentameter.” Despite the pressure that comes with the demanding time constraints and the other competitive aspects of the play, Allie continues to participate in the program and maintains a positive attitudes towards it. “It’s kind of stressful and strenuous, but at the same time it’s really fun,” Allie said. “You meet a crazy amount of people and see some amazing shows.” Contrary to regular season productions, the winter competition show goes through months of perfecting and critique. The play is performed for various audiences and families as well as qualified judges, and is continually evolving with each new evaluation. Greiner feels that the extensive analysis and judgment of the play as well as the extended period of time over which it is practiced makes the competition show the best of the year. “If you’re going to see a show, see a competition show,” Greiner said. F

Competition Rules

Cast and crew have minutes to put props on the stage, perform the entire play, and clear props off the stage.

February

Tape is used to

The Regional competition will be held at John Glen High School on February 7, 2015.

spike

stage area to lay out the placement of the set prior to competition.

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Who:

What:

Anyone interested in running indoor track during the winter.

A track club for this w i n t e r ’s i n d o o r season.

When:

Where:

Thursday, Oct. 23rd, after 6th hour.

Why:

Mr. Hollenbeck’s classroom (room 135).

This will get runners ready and in shape for spring’s track season.

ads| mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 15

The truth about

tryouts

With winter sports offically underway, coaches put together their best combination of players. Girls and boys basketball and hockey teams all have different approaches to the way they structure their tryouts. Sydnie Meath | Staff Writer & Emily Fisher | Sports and Photo Editor

ooking down, foot at the end line, the girls trying out for varsity basketball line up for their last sprint of the day, ready for the conditioning to be over. Coach Elaine Mahabir emphasizes the importance of drills and conditioning both before the season begins and during her varsity tryouts. “We focus quite a bit on conditioning. They have the choice to attend [preseason conditioning] or not attend. I expect that kids come into the season understanding that conditioning is a big part of it and being well conditioned,” Mahabir said. Over the period of three days starting on Nov. 10, Mahabir ran her tryouts with a combination of a little bit of 5-on-5 to see how the girls would preform in a game situation, but she mainly focused on running the girls through a series of drills in order to assess each player’s individual skill levels and what they would be able to bring to the team. “My tryouts are a little different in the sense that we really don’t play any five on five during tryouts. It’s more skilled, drilled, things where I can see fundamentals. That might be a little bit different then some tryouts because ours is really skill based more than holistic,” Mahabir said. “I always believe I’ll get them in the five on five stuff to get them to do what I need them to, they just need to bring the skills.” New to trying out to the girls varsity basketball program, freshman Maddie Barrie has been in multiple different travel basketball teams over the course of her life. Mahabir’s tryout structure is different from any other she has encountered. “The tryouts this year were structured differently then ones I have previously had. They were more intense and physically demanding,” Barrie said. “Tryouts were also more drill-oriented rather than scrimmaging. There was definitely a focus on getting up and down the court and sitting down and playing

16| FOCUS | 12/19/2014 | sports

defense.” said. “Otherwise, you could have a person who Although Barrie has yet to come across comes in, in great shape, who does great in drills tryouts like Mahabir’s , she was a fan of how and absolutely bombs in game situations. That Mahabir ran her tryouts. doesn’t do me any good.” “I thought the tryouts were very well run, Freshman Garrett Willis mentions that the I thought everyone had an opportunity to basketball team even had summer workouts showcase their abilities,” Barrie said. to prepare for this winter season. Willis also Different from Mahabir, boys varsity comments about how he put a lot of preparation basketball coach Eric Krause believes that into the conditioning portion of basketball. 5-on-5 plays are crucial during the three days he “Yeah, quite a bit [of conditioning was put held tryouts starting on Nov 17. When running into preseason]. All the way back into summer tryouts, Krause focused on the on the court we would come in the gym and do some skills, but still combined with the fundamentals running and drills,” Willis said. “About three to see all aspects of the player. weeks before tryouts we really got into running. “Based on the We w o u l d g o first three days, out on the track you run them and run for 12 Each practice is even more through some minutes straight important than other years, it’s drills, but then or five 200-meter you watch them sprints.” like the improvement is much play. Some kids Although more substantial because there m a y l o o k ve r y Krause and good in drills, but Mahabir run is so much more room for them when they go out their tryouts to improve. and play five on differently, they Coach Eric Krause five, they may not both agree that preform as well when selecting as they looked in drills and vice versa,” Krause who is going to be on varsity they look for some said. “You need a blend of fundamentals and of the same traits. The player must be ready to the court sense.” face the competitiveness that accompanies a Another factor that Krause looks into when varsity sport and that the player needs to be in selecting his team for that season, is what kind the right mindset to be on varsity. of condition the boys are in when the basketball “They have to have the skill, they have to have season begins. Different boys who are trying the right mind-set, and the competitive desire. out come from multiple different fall sports, Sometimes it’s there with a freshman that maybe some playing football and others preparing for a senior will never have. You have to kind of basketball. Krause said that the boys often times check for their heart and you’re checking for are not in condition for the basketball season their skill, a combination of them both,” Krause after coming off of a fall sport. said. “What type of team you have that year. “One sport is not necessarily conducive to the I’ve had guys that play JV as sophomores that next. Some of the football guys come in, they’re might have been better than other year’s juniors, not in basketball shape at all, so I have to look at but it was just the way the team talent stacked more of the skill level on the court in action and up that year.” in drills more than the conditioning,” Krause Freshman Martin Money expresses his

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appreciation of Krause’s coaching style and love for his team. “[I like] how he takes care of his players, and he will be hard on you when you need it but also builds you up,” Money said. Along with Money, Barrie has the same appreciation of her coach’s style of coaching. “I really like the style of her coaching. She emphasizes that the game is a team sport and not just a one person show,” Barrie said. “Coach’s intensity makes every player work harder and play to the best of our ability.” Even though Mahabir and Krause share similar opinions when looking at certain aspects of what are expected of players who are looking to make varsity. Mahabir additionally looks for girls who are able to score and girls who bring a high amount of energy to the team. “They have to have a knowledge of the game. I always look for people who can prove that they have the ability to score, because it’s such a big part. We have to have kids that come offensively minded, and they have to bring an intensity level that is what we need to see in the game,” Mahabir said. “I kept kids on the team last year for the reason that they brought a lot of intensity and energy to the court, and I just find that to be a big part of athletics: do they bring that energy? Do they bring that athleticism? Do they get after it when we’re doing something? Are they going hard?” This year, Krause expresses that this team is different from previous teams in that it is made up of younger players. Although the team is young, they come with a lot of skill. Krause expresses that the team will need to improve their mental toughness and understanding to not get caught up in the highs and lows. Krause also mentions that this team has a lot of room to improve, and that he is excited to watch this young team grow. “Each practice is even more important than other years. It’s like the improvement is much more substantial because there is so much more

How to run a 5-on-5 drill

Boys Varsity basketball coach Eric Krause leads his team through the following drill during tryouts and practices. Wing

Wing

1. Point Guard

Dictates the offense and usually calls the plays. The point guard take the ball up the court to transitition the team from defense to offense

Point Guard

Krause runs drills in pratice as part of the teams warm ups, these drills include layup drills, and a shooting drill. After the team is done running through their warm up drills, just, Krause has the boys scrimmage one another to get a better sense of a game. Emily Fisher | Photos room for them to improve,” Krause said. Another winter sport that holds tryouts for varsity is the hockey team. Coach Jeff Brown, similar to Mahabir and Krause, expects his players to be physically conditioned when trying out for the season. “I expect our players to be in shape for try outs. There is no mandatory preseason conditioning. If they are not in shape it will be obvious on day one,” Brown said. Brown is more similar to Krause with the structure of his tryout process. Brown said that his tryouts have a lot of scrimmaging involved, but also he needs to be assured that the boys who are trying out are able to skate at a level that is varsity ready. “They need to be able to skate and play the game of hockey,” Brown said. An aspect of Brown’s team that he believes is important for the boys who are trying out is the age at which they are trying out. “[A varsity ready player needs to be] ready to work hard and develop with the team. Some are not ready until they are a little older,” Brown said. When it comes down to when Brown has to decide who to keep that season and who to cut, he keeps a few determining factors in mind. “Skating ability, attitude, age, experience are

a few of the things that are considered,” Brown said. Krause keeps his intentions on the season realistic based off of his young team. “I project that by the end of the year they are going to be a good team. They are very young, but I like the make up of the team,” Krause said. “The skill level is pretty high, but they are very young and sooner or later, especially early on in the season, I care more about their mental toughness and them understanding the highs and lows of the regular season and to make sure to not get too caught up in the highs and not get too caught up in the lows. I expect by mid-Feburary, this team to be a good team. I will be disappointed if they aren’t a good team by mid-February.” With more inexperienced team in comparison to previous teams, Mahabir doesn’t exactly know what to expect out of her team this season. “For me in excited to get four or five games under our belt and so I can expect this to happen and so I can know for a fact that we can do this, that’s going to help me be able to plan more,” Mahabir said. “Last year I knew what our baseline was, I don’t feel like I have a very good baseline this year, I know what I’m going to tell them, but I don’t know what they are going to do.” F

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Wing

3. Center

Their job is to maintain the low post, fight for rebounds, and block shots.

2. Wing

Plays on each side of the court, their main goal on defense is to use their length to disrupt the pass. On offense, the wings normally are in charge of taking the shots for the team.

Forward

sports | mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 17

Life in the fast lane

The last to join the league, Midland High has recently started up a varsity bowling team, lead by the passion and experience of the father - daughter pair, Trevor and Hannah Terill. Aelish Shay | News Editor & Noah Surbrook | Exchange Editor & Lexi Costley | Staff Writer

owling, long relegated to birthday parties and recreational leagues, has been an integral part of the Terrill family life for generations. Senior Hannah Terrill began bowling as soon as she could pick up the ball. She has been competing for the past fourteen years and has recently qualified for nationals. “It’s basically a family sport, so I was kind of born into it,” Hannah said. Everyone in her family has been involved in bowling at one point or another, as Hannah is coached by her father, former collegiate bowler Trevor Terrill. “We won bowling family of the year. My dad bowls, my mom used to bowl but has back problems,” Trevor said “My wife bowled for a while and my three kids bowl and I bowl. When they gave us the award it was pretty cool.” Hannah’s passion for the sport is partially due to her father’s life long devotion to the game. As a freshman, Trevor made it on the A team at Saginaw Valley State University(SVSU), and played for them for a couple of years before taking time off. “I decided I had other things to pursue and it wasn’t college at that time,” Trevor said. “So I left the A-team after two years. We traveled the nation and I averaged at about 205 composite in my college years.” Trevor continued to pursue his passion even after leaving. The bowling team would have had trouble getting off the ground without support and leadership from Trevor, a seasoned coach and bowler. “I’ve been a coach on junior leagues for about 12 years. I was a certified coach when I was 18 years old and I coached kids when I was younger,” Trevor said. “I stopped, but when my kids started bowling I started to coach junior league again. Now I’m the head coach here on Saturday mornings for the junior major senior league which is the older kids.” Trevor has also been coaching the Midland All-Star team for the past three years, adding to his background experience that has helped him with the new teams at MHS. Hannah currently intends to follow in her father’s footsteps by attending SVSU and bowling for them. She already has received

18 | FOCUS | 12/19/2014 | sports

scholarships to bowl at the colligate level. “I actually already have a spot on the SVSU girl’s A team even though I haven’t really been accepted yet. I bowled with them all summer and the coaches helped me improve my game a lot, Hannah said. “It’s a great honor to have one of the top coaches in the United States help me.” Up until this year, Hannah was unable to compete against other high schools in the SVL because Midland High was unable to implement a team. “My dad contacted [Athletic Director Eric Albright] freshman year, but that’s when they took out all the middle school sports, so it really wasn’t smart to add another sport to the high school,” Hannah said. “But this year, Albright looked at the points for the high schools and noticed that we had zero so he decided to start one.” To suffice, her father entered her in competitions all over the state of Michigan, mostly around Detroit. “There’s all different kinds of competitions. I’ve never bowled high school before, obviously so that will be a new experience. But with my other ones, they’re very competitive because they have bowlers in the 190s or over 200. I’m actually at my 200 average point right now,” Hannah said. “It’s different from what I’m used to so it’s a good experience to have.” This year the Midland Public School Board finally approved the creation of a bowling team. For the first time in years at Midland High we now offer bowling as a Saginaw Valley sport. “We finally got the big O.K. from the school board and were allowed to start the program now so we’re running with it,” Trevor said. “I wanted to start it when my daughter Hannah was a freshman but at least she gets a year of it. I plan on building this program up. I have two sons and I hope to coach them too.” Unable to wait for their next success in the game, the Terrill’s passion for bowling exudes from them the entire time they talk. “I cringe when I can’t bowl,” Hannah said. “I’ve been doing it for fourteen years and I can’t get enough of it.” F

Senior Hannah Terrill warms up at bowling practice at Northern Lanes. Noah Surbrook | Photo

Boys and girls varsity bowling teams Victor Anderson Kyler Bruce Jacob Chapman Devin Dice Evan Granda Colton Kaminski Jacob McClelland Josh McClelland Conner Meyer Jon Rutledge

Carly Barber Sydney Coppens Madilyn McLaren Julianna Rawley Anna Sauve Karn Supatrabutra Hannah Terrill Katie Vieau Morgan Wetters Kaitlyn Wright

THE SPORTS ZONE

Quick facts and statistics to know about this seasons winter sports at MHS. Dylan Rocha | Opinion Editor

Athletes of the Month SPORTS Grade: Junior Sport: Wrestling Stats: 2-0 match record Coach’s Take: “He is one of the toughest dudes we have. He’s relentless against other kids and tries to out work the others every inch of the meet. Favorite Memory: “One of my favorite memorires was when i placed at Valleys my freshmen year.”

Tweet of the Month

“So am I allowed Julia’s fouls too? Or no?”

@TaraGross

Key to Success: “My toughness and guts.”

Janurary 6, 7:00pm Main Gym Janurary 13, 7:00pm Main Gym

Varsity Wrestling:

Jaurary 14, 6:00pm Auxillary Gym Janurary 24, 10:00 Auxilary Gym

Girls Varsity Basketball: Janurary 9, 7:00pm Main Gym Janurary 16, 7:00pm Main Gym

Janurary 7, 7:15pm Midland Civic Areana Janurary 10, 2:15pm Midland Civic Areana

Boys Swim:

Grade: Sophmore Sport: Girls Varsity Basketball

Janurary 9, 6:00pm Dow Pool Janurary 13, 6:00pm Dow Pool

Stats: 29 total rebounds in first two games. Coach’s Take: “She has done a great job transitioning into the program from Gladwin. We are very exicited to have her join our program.”

Sports Poll

Favorite Memory: “Last year when I was playing for Gladwin we got to play a game in The Palace of Auburn Hills during winter break.” Key to Success: “ I consisder myself a team player. Everyone on the team has a good relationship with each other an no one is selfish. ” Grade: Senior Sport: Boys Swim Stats: 1:57 Minutues in 200M Freestlye Coach’s Take: “Guts. He is very passionate about the sport. his passion and enthusiam makes it more fun for him and everyone else.” Favorite Memory: “Breaking the school 200m freesyle relay record last year.” Key to Success: “All the off season work I put in for swim. I have a strong drive for the sport.”

Ravdeep Dinghra

Boys Varsity Basketball:

Hockey:

Zac Donoghue

Skylar Howard

Upcoming Home Events

Dylan Rocha | Photos

17% 55%

of Chemics that are playing in CCL Basketball this winter.

80% 29%

Of Chemics that have been to a professional sporting event.

Out 143 people

Of Chemics have an athletic pass for sporting events.

Of Chemics that have to a MHS Swim meet. sports| mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 19

Winter wishes

Every day, around 60-80 people from the community come to Midland’s Open door for the variety of services they offer . The Open Door is open everyday except Sunday. Mercedes Hussein | Ads Coordinator & Maddy Pasche | Staff Writer

“Like a Lighthouse”

athering into the cafeteria at the Midland’s Open Door, people form in a line and patiently wait as the volunteers serve them their food. Before they can get their meals, there is a sign-up sheet that must be signed, which shows how many meals were given out that day. During the meals, Resident Advisor Kevin Montgomery seeks out men who are in need of guidance. “I tell the men to look at me as a supporter not as a resident adviser,” Montgomery said. “I help men adjust to being here and set them on the right path.” Resident Advisors are men who are homeless in the Open Door and are making continuous progress earning their way up as an advisor. Montgomery has been a resident for six months but he looks at himself as a guidance for the men more than a supervisor. Being an advisor means they have to be a part of the restoration program. Montgomery notes that the men there look for someone to lean on and just need someone to talk to sometimes. As an advisor, Montgomery tries to help create a safe path for these men who came from a past of drugs, alcohol, violence or jail time. Midland’s Open Door is a homeless shelter and organization located on Buttles Street. It has been in operation for 41 years. The mission of the directors of the organization is to provide a variety of free services for those in need. They provide crisis housing for men, women, and children, daily meals led by volunteers (also known as the soup kitchen), amd clothing and transitional assistance. The Open Door on Buttles Street, however, is only for men. The organization is responsible for another house called House of Mercy for women and children, but the location is not given for safety purposes. “The impact I’m hoping I have is that I have guided men through the difficult transition and help them not repeat their same mistakes again.” said Montgormery.

20 | FOCUS | 12/19/2014 | features

Leland McClain prays over his meal provided by the soup kitchen at Midland’s Open Door. McClain is a third time resident at Midland’s Open Door mens homeless shelter and finds it a beacon of hope for him and other residents who call are able to call the Open Door home. Mercedes Hussein | Photo

When Montgomery first moved into the Open Door, he had two advisors who helped him through the transition and were helpful and supportive towards him. Montgomery was motivated by them to help support other men who were struggling through the change as well. “We all offer hope and encouragement here,” Montgomery said. “People do not realize that we come from all walks of Earth.” Another resident, Leland McClain, has just recently come back to the Open Door after staying in the past. McClain needed a place to stay after domestic violence at home. McClain, as well as other residents, look up to Montgomery as a supporter in

their lives. “He treats men as equal.” McClain said. “He’s real quick to judge everyone fairly. Kevin is one that I would call a good friend.” Residents of the Open Door look for a friend in each other and are constantly supportive through the situations that they are dealt. “There was a man here a few months back who was studying for his state certification,” Montgomery said. “We all rallied him up and prayed for him and he did it.” Men are not residents of the Open Door for long periods of time, just a couple of months to have somewhere to go before

they get back on their feet. To be a resident at the Open Door requires the men to abide by specific rules. Men must be making continuous progress and go out each day seeking a job or going to work. There are classes that the men must attend such as anger management, Bible study, conflict resolution, and more. Another rule that must be followed to stay there is that the men must attend a church. If men do not show progress then they have 30 days notice or else they cannot sleep there anymore. When men follow the rules and show good results, they can stay longer. In most situations, men get back on their feet and find a place of their own.

Open Door Statistics

Midland’s Open Door is one of the many soup kitchens and homeless shelters located in the U.S. The Open Door serves many people throughout Midland County in hopes to provide them with the services they need.

71,000 people are homless in Michigan

557

of them are here in Midland County

167

Men sheltered

Volunteers work at Midland’s Open door helping to serve food to the guests of the Soup Kitchen. The soup kitchen at Midland’s Open door has provided 37,975 meals so far in 2014 and 9,237 nights of shelter to the people of Midland community. Mercedes Hussein | Photo

“I’ve seen some men move forward and find a job and a home, some men go back to their families as a better man, and unfortunately some men leave and we just aren’t sure what happens after that,” Montgomery said. Montgomery himself has been an employee at the H hotel and is currently on his way to owning his own apartment. “The atmosphere around here is uplifting and pleasant,” McClain said. “The prayers within these walls are powerful. The prayers here have led men to finding jobs as well as treating members in their families who were sick.” The Open Door impacts the lives of men in many ways. Montgomery notes that he used to only pray once in a while but now he finds prayer a huge priority in his life. The Open Door has made Montgomery grow spiritually. “After being a resident here, [at Midland’s Open Door] I take a long time to look at myself before I even think to judge someone else,” McClain said. “This has made me a whole lot more grateful to know there’s a place to go and protect me from the outside. I am beyond grateful for this resource.”

The men at the Open Door who are making progress each day are trying to rise above the perceptions that people have of them. “I do not want to be stereotyped,” McClain said. “I want to be accepted for who I am.”

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This has made me a whole lot more grateful to know there’s a place to go and protect me from the outside. I am beyond greatful for this resource. Resident Kevin Montgomery

Midland’s Door last year alone. “ They are the heart and soul of what we do.” said Renee Pettinger, Executive Director at Midland’s Open Door. Pettinger has only worked for the Open Door for two months, but already feels the benefical impacts of Midland’s Open Door. “The greatest delight of this job is being able to to work with the clients and help them pursue a better future.” Said Pettinger, “I can offer them help and hope.” For many, Midland’s Open door is a place to get a warm meal and lay their heads at night, but for others Midland’s Open Door offers a sense of community. “Our soup kitchen does more than just provide a daily meal.” Said Pettinger. “It’s really a sense of community of belonging that our guests feel.” McClain says that the sense of the community the open door provides has greatly impacted him. “To the staff of the Open Door, the volunteers and supporters, the donators, and to the community here in Midland,” McClain said. “Thank you.” F

The city of Midland is a very supportive community and many are volunteering at the Open Door and donating food and clothes to the organization. McClain notes that there is not a day that goes by that he does not see numerous cars come and drop things off for donations. Through the food pantry, volunteers, and churches Midland’s Open door is able to provide all their services year round. 350 volunteers helped out at

Women sheltered

children sheltered

in 2014 so far

37,956 Meals served this year 30%

of the homeless population in Midland County are under 18

The Open Door has provided 9,237 nights of shelter this year

Source | Midland’s Open Door

features | mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 21

Winter wishes

For the past four years, volunteering has been a major part of senior Casey LaValley’s life and experience in high school. Ericka Reder | Staff Writer & Michaela Carpenter | Staff Writer

Giving back all year round

ach December many people recognize with LaValley for the past two years. She also the need for helping others, but for values LaValley and her role in the leadership senior Casey LaValley, volunteering is of the club. a year-round activity. “Casey’s really nice. She has good ideas and During the summer, LaValley volunteers with always has some input on what we are doing the summer reading program for kids at the during our officer meetings,” Levinson said. Grace A. Dow Memorial Library. The program’s “She is super organized and has grown to be an goal is to motivate kids to read more and keep awesome leader.” track of their progress by offering incentives for The amount of hours that LaValley spends those who do so. For LaValley, this is a great way volunteering with Key Club depends on the to give back to the community because of the season. During the fall, football season keeps excitement for reading that it creates. her quite busy. LaValley helps to run the Key “I love it when the kids come in and they Club concessions stand at football games, and have reached the end of their reading. They get Saturday mornings she comes to Midland High so excited and are so eager to pick out a book,” to join other Key Club members in cleaning up LaValley said. “I just love seeing the enthusiasm the entire stadium after each home game. for reading because I Once football myself like to read and season is over, write.” L a Va l l e y s t a y s It’s just a small thing but it LaValley helps out in busy with other a variety of other ways activities such as makes you feel so much better at the library. She helps cooking meals for for the rest of the day and that’s set up activity days for the Shelter House why I keep doing it.” the kids in the summer, and setting up the ushers movie nights at blood drive. Along Senior Casey LaValley the library, and helps with the rest of Key c l e a n a n d r e - s h e l ve Club, she helps to books. hang up posters in Volunteering doesn’t end with the summer; order to raise awareness for the blood drive and for LaValley it is just beginning. As the vice organizes the food that is provided for the blood president of the Key Club, she keeps busy donors who participate. After the blood drive throughout the school year volunteering in the has finished, LaValley continues to volunteer school and in the community. LaValley has been by bell ringing during the holiday season. Bell a member of Key Club for the past three years, ringing is one of LaValley’s favorite ways to has been an officer for two. volunteer because of the joy that it brings to Chemistry teacher Jeffrey Yoder is an advisor other people. for Key Club, and has enjoyed getting to know “I love it when people or children come up LaValley over the past few years. because we have the special bells and they are so “Whenever something needs to be organized, happy that you are there,” LaValley said. “You typed, or otherwise taken care of she can always can just tell for that moment you brightened be counted on to take care of it quickly and their day a little bit and that makes you feel efficiently,” Yoder said. “She is one of the better too.” kindest and most patient people I know and it Although LaValley loves helping others, she has been an absolutely wonderful blessing to admits that it can be very hard for her to balance have her as an important member in our club.” her volunteering and school. In addition to the Sophomore Isabelle Levinson, another Key hours she spends actually volunteering with Club officer, has been a member of the club Key Club, she has other responsibilities that she

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Keys

to the

Club

22 | FOCUS | 12/19/2014 | features

}

This is the

LaValley volunteers at many events throughout the year. One of her favorite things to do through Key Club is bell ringing at the local Walgreens during the Christmas season. Emily Fisher | Photo must fulfill as the club’s vice president, such as recording all of the members’ hours and going not only to regular meetings but to officers’ meetings as well. Despite the challenge of balancing everything, LaValley enjoys volunteering in the school and in the community, and plans to continue doing so.

10th anniversary of the MHS Key Club

-4fu0ll me 0 3

e mb

rs e

r yea h ac

“I like the idea of helping people. It’s not this life-changing experience, but it’s just nice to go out for an hour or two and meet different people and know that I’ve helped somebody in some way,” LaValley said. “It’s just a small thing but it makes you feel so much better for the rest of the day, and that’s why I keep doing it.” F

5 different activities +10 volunteer hours 1 Key Club member

_________________________________

Winter wishes More than a present

The students of the Student Leadership class came together this season to help out MHS families to ensure that they have a Merry Christmas. Natalie Schwartz | Design Editor & Aleisha Jones | Staff writer & Katilyn Stymist | Staff Writer

Sharing the stats

55 Ornaments

were on the Sharing Tree this year

The Sharing Tree will help many families receive gifts and other necessities for Christmas they may not be able to afford. Natalie Schwartz | Photo Illustration

itting in Monique Albright’s Student Leadership class last year, Hannah McAtamney listened to Albright mention the need for a new giving opportunity for students. McAtamney and a few other students came up with the idea of starting a sharing tree, based on the well-known Christmas act of charity organized by The United Way. Albright liked the idea and presented this to counselor Misty Theisen. “We saw that the United Way did it,” McAtamney said. “And it’s a really successful way to help people.” The Sharing Tree was located in Eyeball Alley and is run by Albright and her Student Leadership class from December 1-11. Every ornament on the tree belongs to a student that has communicated a need to Theisen. McAtamney worked together with Albright and the leadership students by putting together the presents, distribution, and organizing the gifts that are donated. Gifts bought can range from clothing to books or fun gadgets. “My favorite part about doing the Sharing Tree at Midland High is knowing that we get the chance to help out Midland High families,” McAtamney said. “These kids could be sitting next to you in math class or that person you just passed in the hallway. You would never know.”

Last year, McAtamney and the other students created a new and effective way of making the Sharing Tree easy for students and teachers to access and understand. Most of the Sharing Trees known are the ones set up in churches or in other organizations around Midland. Most of them having the same way of setting things up, but McAtamney came up with a new and improved way of running it. “Sharing Tree could have been done in the past, but last year was the first time that it was set up in this fashion.” McAtamney said. The counselors write down the names of every student who comes in, requesting an ornament. From there, the counselors hand off those students to Albright, who then makes sure all names are confidential and identified with a number. Each student on an ornament is anonymous. The identification number is how Albright keeps track of who is who, and which gift goes where. A total of 55 students will benefit from the Sharing Tree this year. There are 32 students in the Leadership class that have work hard for the whole hour just on counting money and organization for the Sharing Tree. From making the ornaments, running the Sharing Tree at lunch and making spread sheets, everyone has an important role.

Theisen has been one of the main distributors of the student’s information of the students’ wishes. Then that information gets taken anonymously to Albright and then sorted from there. A week or two before Christmas counselors deliver the gifts to the students and their families. When students need self care items they can go down to a counselor and get any items from the Caring Closet. Many of the students that benefit from the tree are also students that benefit from the Caring Closet. The Caring Closet was started by Theisen last year. “This is everyday stuff that many people take for granted that they usually don’t get,” Theisen said. “They are just so overjoyed when they see it.” Along with the Sharing Tree and the Caring Closet there are the Adopt-a-Family boxes, which are placed in every third hour class. On Dec. 10 the flash collection took place, which raised more than $1,100. The money from those boxes is used to purchase any gifts that are left on the tree. So whether a student buys a gift, or gives some change, an impact is made. “I just see it as Chemics helping out other Chemics,” Albright said. “This makes such a significant difference.” F

$1,100

was donated by students to the Adopt-A-Family boxes during thirdhour’s flash drive on December 10

families received gifts from the Sharing Tree Natalie Schwartz | Infographic

features | mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 23

O Christmas tree As Christmas gets closer and closer, Midland’s streets shine bright with colorful decorations, displaying holiday spirit. While the outside of a house is the first thing seen while driving through neighborhoods, many Chemics focus on doing something special inside their home. Sarah Wontorcik | Features Editor & Hannah McAtamney | Staff Writer & Kevin Sharpe | Staff Writer

What is your Christmas tree tradition? “We always look for the most Charlie Brown-like tree to give a home. We decorate it pretty much normally, but it’s nice that it’s so thin so we can see decorations through it.”

Junior Suzannah Koop

“My parents introduced it to make us eat our dinner in the prospect that we would get chocolate after we ate everything. One day, I ate three bags secretly, but my parents found the wrappers and I got in trouble.”

“[The toy train tradition] started as soon as we were old enough to not shove the parts of the train and Christmas village in our mouths.”

Senior Emma Herron

Senior Jacob Trethaway Suzannah Koop: After growing up in a rural area, the Koop family was used to natural-looking trees with open branches. When they moved closer to the city it became harder and harder to find a “Charlie Brown” tree until four years ago when they discovered Jim’s Tree Farm on Parish Road. Emma Herron: What began when she was little as an incentive to eat all of her Christmas dinner has now become a special Christmas tradition for the Herron family. Every year they decorate their tree with small bags of candy that they get to enjoy throughout the season. Jacob Trethaway: Christmas morning while waiting to open presents, Trethaway sits and watches the train go round and round while staring at the baby pictures that hang on the tree. 24 | FOCUS | 12/19/2014 | op-ed

Sarah Wontorcik and Michelle Demo | Illustration