The Midland High Focus

Right Hand - Odd number page

FOCUS The

Find the Vapes

Midland High School | December 21, 2018 | Volume 41, Issue 4

11

The FDA declared that the teen usage of harmful e-cigarettes is an epidemic.

They’ve managed to gain popularity by being easy to obtain and conceal.

Photo Illustration: Spencer Isberg

Jeffrey Yoder

Best of 2018

Drew Barrie

Midland Art

Left Hand - Even number page

volume 41 | issue 4

arts & entertainment 4 Saxophone Leaders

Seniors Graham Koppi and David Knapp’s relationship helps them lead the saxophone section

5 Jolie Wing

Freshman Jolie Wing perfoms and writes his own music.

6 Art Around Midland A showcase of art located throughout Midland.

features

news

Package: A Vaping Epidemic

10 Vaping By The Numbers A look at the national and MHS statistics regarding vaping.

11 - 13 E-Cigs In-Depth Vapes have changed the culture of MHS and the rest of Midland.

sports

14 Athletes and Vaping More athletes are vaping in season without their coach’s knowledge

15 Basketball Legacy

8 Jeffrey Yoder

16 Sportszone - Sam Hine

In his 25th year on staff, Yoder strives to incorporate his passion into the classroom.

9 Building Trades

Teacher Kevin Dodick and Students build a house each year.

14

2

Freshman Drew Barrie is a starter on the varsity basketball team coming from a family of players.

Senior Hine recently won his 100th wrestling match.

corrections

In the Rhapsody Rendezvous feature, CoChair Marcelle Herman and Emcee Emma Browne’s names were misspelled.

8

and 17 Editorial - MPS Vaping

The Focus reviews the adminstration’s efforts against vapes.

18 - 19 Best of 2018

Many albums, TV shows, and movies came out this year, but only a few were named the best.

20 A Stance Against Vapes Focus editor Hannah Woehrle expresses her support for regulations on e-cigarettes.

7 Project 111

Started as a project to carry on a legacy, Project 111 aims to promote safe driving in teens.

opinion

Editor-in-Chief |Bitsy Mammel Managing | Hailey Surbrook News | Mady Sherman Features | Jenna Spencer Sports | Katie Gibbs Arts/Entertainment | Hannah Woehrle Opinion | Kelly Craig Web | Adrienne Gray Photo | Spencer Isberg Design | Noah Jacobson Copy | Aubrey Chambers Ads | Jacob May Exchange | Maureen Aloff Adviser | Jim Woehrle Printer | The Argus - Press

editors

in this issue

p ub licat ion policy

Focus, established in 1977, previously the Vic Tribune established in 1936, is the official school sponsored newspaper of Midland High School. Focus is published monthly by the journalism classes at Midland High School and is distributed free of charge.

It is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), the Michigan Interscholastic Pres Association (MIPA) and Quill and Scroll. Adviser membership also includes the Journalism Education Association (JEA).

Focus is designed as a forum for student expression and as a realistic lab experience.

Court cases like Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988) have restricted this right to free expression. As a result of the Hazelwood case, Focus may be subject to prior review

by Midland High School administrators, who legally reserve the right to pull or censor articles and/or graphic elements (artwork, graphs, photos) planned for publication.

Focus and its adviser(s), editors and staff writers, however, reserve the right to contest the challenge of an administrator who attempts to censor and/or remove an article or graphic element.

Administrators who attempt to pull and/or censor must provide reason on the basis of obscenity, if the article infringes upon the right of freedom of speech or rights to privacy, and if it and/or graphic elements are irresponsibly or inappropriately presented.

Letters of the editor are welcomed and encouraged. Letters are required to be a maximum of 250 words in length and must be signed to insure that the writer’s intent is serious. Any letter that is unsigned or uses a pseudonym will be refused. Focus reserves the right to edit letters as long as the writer’s opinion is unchanged and the facts presented in the letter are kept intact. Focus also reserves the right to remove from the letter the name of the individual toward whom it is directed or oriented.

December 21, 2018

FOCUS

Right Hand - Odd number page

the

bulletin

news briefs

Math Competition

Thirteen Midland High students advanced to Part 2 of the Michigan Mathematics Prize Competition on Dec. 5. These students are Charlotte Adrian, Alyssa Dekker, Carina Gallagher, Olivia Johnson, Kyle Kotanchek, Erika Leasher, John Marinan, Jacob Miller, Elliot Moore, Hadley Samarco, Drew Scheffer, Erik Van der Grijn, and Aidan Wilber-Gauthier.

instagram of the month

MHS Spotlight :

Adopt-a-Chemic

Dow Gardens Christmas Walk

On Dec. 6, Dow Gardens celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Christmas Walk. In the evening, paths are lit by candles and various Christmas lights.

The attendees can enjoy carolers, hot chocolate, and reindeer.

Varsity Hockey

On Wednesday, Dec. 12, the varsity hockey team donated stuffed animals to the MMRMC pediatric unit for the third year in a row.

The team donated toys to the children patients that have to spend the holidays in the hospital, the team hopes that the toys will bring joy to the kids.

Junior Ryan Kreusch and the third hour Leadership class hosted a fund-raising competition for the Adopt-A-Chemic program where the class raised $2,065. The counseling center identifies the in-need families at Midland High who qualify for the fundraiser, and the families then request gifts that are donated by students. The money that is raised is used to buy gifts that are not donated.

On Thursday, Dec. 13, Leadership class had a flash collection where they counted the money raised in eyeball alley and the cafeteria.

tweet of the month

@mhs_focus | web: mhsfocus.com

FOCUS

December 21, 2018

3

LEGACY OF THEIR LEADERSHIP Seniors David Knapp and Graham Koppi share the title of co-section leaders of the saxophone section.

Their talents have created a unique relationship. Photo Editor Spencer Isberg| Staff Writer Ethan Ohlrich

A

t the end of last year, Graham Koppi and David Knapp were anxious. The best friends both wanted the position of saxophone section leader. This position had teased them as they knew they were both very capable, but only one of them could get it. A few days later, band director Bill Monroe confronted them separately, asking who should be section leader. They both replied with the same answer: “I think we should both be section leaders.”

It was settled. Monroe decided that Koppi and Knapp, now seniors, would share the title of co-section leader of the saxophone section because of their skill and ability to work well together, and their genuine passion for the instrument. They both said that they fell in love with the instrument because of its unique sound and the different ways it can be adapted for modern and classical music.

“I like how it sounds and how you can express yourself in so many ways on it, something that you can’t do on other instruments,” Knapp said. “It’s a versatile instrument you can use across so many different genres.”

Koppi started off his freshman year in Blue Band, the lowest level band during concert season. At his chairing test, which would determine the band he is in and the chair he receives, he earned second chair. He said that although it was very good for a freshman, he felt discouraged. All of his friends were in Gold Band and Symphonic Band, but he wasn’t to that level yet.

“I felt a little bad about my abilities,” Koppi said. “Because I wasn’t good at school stuff, I thought I wasn’t good at music. I started practicing more everyday; I treated it more

4

arts/entertainment

Knapp and Koppi practice together after school playing a variety of songs, ranging from easy to difficult. They include “Careless Whisper,” “Thrif t Shop,” “Baker Street,” and “Buck Jump.” Both Knapp and Koppi play different variants of the saxophone. Knapp plays Alto and Soprano, and Koppi plays Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Baritone. Photo: Spencer Isberg

like homework and put aside time to practice, and slowly I started to enjoy it more. I started playing more.”

As Koppi’s skill improved, so did Knapp’s, who started in Gold Band. Even though the two were in different bands their freshman year, they still found ways to practice and be around each other. The two sat together at lunch and practiced together after school, and have sat next to each other in band since seventh grade.

Junior year, when Koppi was first chair and Knapp was second chair in Symphonic Band, they were together practically all of the time. When they were named co-section leaders, they spent the majority of their summer together writing their section tune and preparing the music at their summer leadership camp, which was for their section the upcoming year. They also set up the saxophone section Facebook page, designed their t-shirts, helped teach freshman how to march at band camp, and helped lead the saxophones when their section teacher wasn’t there.

“I would lead the main sectional and Graham would go around to individual people and help them because I was conducting,” Knapp said. “I was like, this is how it sounds and Graham would play it for everyone.”

Koppi and Knapp have a dynamic that fuels their interest in the saxophone and a friendly competition between the two. Up

until junior year, any chance they could get they would compete against each other, starting with their chairing test. They would challenge each other’s chair at every chance they could get. This all ended junior year when their skill level was so close to each other, they helped each other improve.

“When one improves, the other just gets straight up to the other’s level,” Monroe said.

“They were both outstanding. It’s kind of like they were symbiotic”.

Both Knapp and Koppi said they want to leave a legacy of being extremely talented saxophone players, but they also want future musicians to know if you don’t start in Symphonic Band, you can still be a section leader. They hope to transfer their level of skill to their other classmates, in hopes that the saxophone section stays one of the strongest sections in the band. They hope one day the freshmen now can be as good or even better than them when they are seniors. They also hope to prove that co-section leading is not a bad thing, and that two completely different people can work together very well.

“Even though David and I are completely different people, we can work really well together and have become really close friends ever since,” Koppi said. “I think band has that impact on people. I hope we can show people that you don’t always have to see eyeto-eye to work together. We can settle on our differences and do what is best.“

Koppi and Knapp sit next to each other as they warm up with their section at the beginning of class. This year Symphonic Band only has one chairing test due to the longer marching season. Photo: Spencer Isberg

December 21, 2018

FOCUS

INSTRUMENTALLY SOUND Freshman Jolie Wing has been practicing her music since second grade. She said music has surrounded and greatly impacted her life. Staff Writer Brady Woods| Staff Writer Aleah Ward

Freshman Jolie Wing performed for her first time at Rhapsody Rendezvous with her original song, "No One To Sing To." Wing has been singing for seven years, along with playing multiple instruments such as the trombone, guitar, and piano. Wing enjoys sharing her lyrics and emotions through music with those who are willing to listen. Photo: Spencer Isberg

A

s freshman Jolie Wing walked onto the stage at Rhapsody Rendezvous on Dec. 1, the crowd did not phase her.

She was calm and ready to perform her original song, “No One To Sing To.” As she strummed the strings of her guitar, nothing but happiness filled her heart as the music filled the room.

“When I performed it was like a wave washed over me and I was just in the music,” Wing said.

Wing has been involved in music since second grade, when she started playing the piano. Just one year later, she picked up the guitar, and has produced around 18 songs of her own.

Wing has been a part of band for five years as well, where she plays the trombone.

Music has surrounded Wing throughout her life. She said that music is a good way for her to showcase her emotions, and to share her craft to those who are willing to listen.

“I’m not amazing at talking to people about what I’m feeling, so I like to write it down and put it in my songs,” Wing said.

Recently, Wing auditioned to play in the Side-by-Side concert in Lansing, a prestigious program for band students around the state. Only a handful of students are accepted to play in this

FOCUS

December 21, 2018

concert; a trombone player hasn’t been accepted in many years. Out of the 19 students performing, Wing was able to secure a position.

Midland High School band teacher Bill Monroe has been teaching Wing this past school year and is extremely impressed with her talent. Monroe has high expectations for Wing's future.

“She’s definitely a rising star in the band program, I think her personality fits her instrument really well,” Monroe said. “Her personality is so much like

Coffee, the local farmer’s market, and even a coffee shop called The Fosters in Owosso. She started performing in her fifth grade year, and was young when she asked to sing and play her guitar for special events held at the shops. She was hesitant at first to share her talent with spectators, but later warmed up to the idea of letting people hear what she wanted to sing.

“I was in the fifth grade so I didn’t really know how people would react to it,” Wing said. “But people liked it a lot

When I performed, it was like a wave washed over me and I was just in the music.

Jolie Wing

sunshine, everybody likes being around her.”

When Wing was in fourth grade, she wrote her first song after the death of her uncle. Wing said it was an extremely sad time for her family. This lead to the writing of her first song, “Petals.”

“It helped me find some sort of peace,” Wing said.

Different locations in downtown Midland have allowed Wing to share her music with others, such as Live Oak

so that made me a lot more confident and now I really like performing.”

Wing did not think of performing until her mother, Susie Wing, had the idea of having her daughter email, call, or go into places of business to get a handle on opportunities to sing for her peers.

“I wanted her to own it, and to be able to use that talent I saw in her to share with other people,” Susie said. “I think it’s a good experience for her to have to

push her beyond her comfort zone.”

Susie said that Jolie has a very independent demeanor when it comes to pursuing music. From taking trombone lessons, to being involved in the Midland Center for the Arts Youth Honors choir, it was almost as if Jolie had been limited to structured programs when vocalizing and playing instruments.

“It was ‘in the box’ for her,” Susie said. “She wants to be outside the box and proceed with things that are her own style.”

Not only do Jolie and her mother love music, the rest of her family does as well. Both parents were in the marching band at Michigan State. Her father, Eric Wing is the worship pastor at Midland Free Methodist Church, he plays several instruments such as the trombone. Jolie's mother, and sister, Katie Wing, have the opportunity to perform with the worship band on Sundays. The family has been involved with the church for nearly 11 years. The family all being a part of music has really brought them closer.

Jolie plans to continue with her music and proceed practicing and performing regularly. This upcoming January, Jolie plans to record 5-6 songs including the song she performed at Rhapsody.

"I just like people a lot and I like to share my music with them," Jolie said.

arts/entertainment

5

Midland is a community that fosters art through its support of creative endeavors.

Here are a few of these hot spots in the city. Staff Writer Theophilus Rammidi I Ads Coordinator Jacob W. May

Center for the Arts

2.

Coffee Shops

1. The Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art is located at 1801 St. Andrews Road and is inside the Midland Center for the Arts. The featured piece is by Sara Clark. The museum frequently updates its exhibits and currently includes art from Solo Awards Winners Sara Clark and Ruth Howell. They also have special exhibits for the Studio School students and faculty, mazes and brain games, Spark!Lab Smithsonian, and Nobody Barks in LA feat. Snoopy by Tom Everhart. Photo

2. Local cafes such as Espresso Milano and Live Oak feature art by local artists. The above picture features a painting by junior Jordan Deckrow located at Live Oak at 711 Ashman Street. Espresso Milano and Live Oak update their art frequently featuring photography, paintings, and other drawings alike.

Photo: Spencer Isberg

Jacob W. May

1.

4.

3.

Graffiti

6

3. Midland is not well known for graffiti, but it does have a few hotspots for street art. Well known locations include The Ledge, which is located just off the corner of Benson Street and River Street and overlooks the Tittabawassee River, and Bailey Bridge at the end of Smiths Crossing Road. The featured art is by an unkown artist at Bailey Bridge. Photo Spencer Isberg

arts/entertainment

Bridge Murals

4. Over the Summer of 2018, the Midland Area Community Foundation funded murals painted under two US-10 bridges. The murals are located where the highway crosses over Saginaw Road and Waldo Avenue. They were painted in an effort called Art Builds Midland, and both were done by Mark Piotrowski. Photo Jacob W. May

December 21, 2018

FOCUS

PROJECT 111

W

hile sitting on the bleachers at a home football game, Sarah Schieber, Executive Director of Project 111, was moved to tears after overhearing a conversation between two teenagers in the row behind her. They were reflecting on their good driving skills and how they wanted to win some incentives the program offers students with clean driving records, some of which include an Apple watch and a $300 LuLuLemon giftcard. It was through this experience that Scheiber knew the program her late husband had dreamt of launching is coming true.

Chad Scheiber, a Midland policeman for 14 years, passed away in October of 2007 while running a marathon. During his time on the force, Chad had developed the concept he referred to as a “safe driving movement” that would motivate young drivers to be aware of their actions and choices while on the road, so they would be more likely to perform safe

Executive Director Sarah Schieber founded the program with the help of the city police chief five years ago. Her late husband came up with the idea after working with students and new drivers for several years, wanting to inspire them to be aware of their driving skills. Sports Editor Katie Gibbs| Staff Writer Abbey Brooks

driving.

“Chad had been so passionate about what he called a safe driving movement,” Sarah said. “That was his dream. He had completely developed the concept and the ideas but he could never get it off the ground.”

The program was launched five years ago after Sarah went to the city’s police chief with the idea. They both felt that this was something needed in the high schools. Together they set up a board of directors, who decided to name the program after Chad’s badge number.

“They wanted to keep Chad’s legacy and his memory alive through this program,” Sarah said. “The board of directors felt it was really important for Chad to be a part of it and that was how they did it.”

Members of the board worked together to promote and expand the program, along with educating students safe driving. School resource officer Eddie Hinson has been a part of the project for a year and a half, and

said he’s seen many benefits stem from the program.

“The biggest [benefit] as an officer is being able to hand out something to a student that is positive,” Hinson said. “I’m always dealing with negative stuff at school so it’s really cool to have something that’s positive.”

Sarah said she has also seen a lot of benefits come from the program, especially the way it has brought the topic of safe driving into discussion for teenagers. “[The incentives] give us a voice to be heard, they get teenagers attention, and we then can come behind and teach what good driving looks like,” Sarah said.

In recent years, Midland High’s leadership programs have taken part in bringing awareness to Project 111. Senior Jacob Maschino aids Sarah with educating students on the purpose of the project. He helps with organizing events and activities, and thinks the program is getting students’ attention, but

hopes that more will begin to see the purpose behind the project.

“I would like to see more of the student body take safe driving more seriously, and to see the dangers [of unsafe driving],” Maschino said.

Sarah said the next step for the program is making more students aware of the program, and hopes to do that with the help of social media. She wants to expand the project to other schools outside of Midland by making it a statewide and then national program.

Sarah is excited about the progress they’ve made with educating teenagers on the importance of safe driving, and wants to continue to have the same impact on future drivers to come. “[Project 111 is] making safe driving part of the everyday culture within the high school’s that it exists in,” Sarah said. “We have got teenagers talking about safe driving in a way that they never have before.”

Checking The Car

Winter Survival Kit

Essential items to have in your car while traveling in harsh weather conditions

Before You Leave

flashlight first-aid kit jumper cables warm clothes

charged cellphone

FOCUS

foldable shovel

simple toolbox

Illustration: Katie Gibbs and Abbey Brooks

December 21, 2018

features

7

BUILDING FUTURES

T

he piercing sound of metal on a blade, the hum of the heater, and the crunch of the snow beneath students’ work boots are familiar noises to Building Trades teacher Kevin Dodick. Every day from fifth to sixth hour, he’s off campus teaching students how to build houses for the mentally or physically disabled.

“We have been building what we call the zero step homes, which are [for] people that could have mental or physical disabilities,” Dodick said. “It’s barrier free, it’s ADA compliant, which is a thing that [homeowners] need to have if [they’re] going to be handicap accessible.”

The Building Trades class started doing home remodeling during the 1970s. However, in 1978, the class started building entire houses, and Dodick started teaching the class in 2006. The class works together with Reece Endeavor, the Arc of Midland, and this year, Habitat for Humanity.

Housing technician Bill Brown works for the City of Midland, and helps the class. He said he coordinates with the different programs the class does to come up with a design and property.

He also helps with funding.

“I take that money out of the housing commission fund to pay for materials or the required subcontractors that we need, and then at the end of the year when the house is finished and sold, that money goes back into that revolving fund,” Brown said.

This is not the only thing he does to help the program. Brown first started helping the class when Oscar Hahn, who was his football coach and drivers ed teacher, was teaching it. Brown started doing carpentry in Houston, Texas before moving back to Midland.

“Oscar would call me up and say ‘Can you come over and show the students how to hang doors or install cabinets or build laminate counter tops, or whatever,’” Brown said. “So I did that on and off throughout the years for Oscar probably a dozen different times.

That was really my first connection with the building trades.”

Now, Brown said he is at the site almost everyday, and sometimes actually helps with the construction by working on the framing, and cooperates with students since he’s been working in the field for over 40 years.

“I’m really happy to be involved, that’s what keeps me working at this age, because I’ll be seventy in another two years and people say ‘Why are you still working?’” Brown said. “I enjoy the contact with younger students and knowing that maybe I might be able to help some of them.”

Senior Katlin Adams said her favorite thing about the class is all the different projects she can make, and how much detail she can put into her projects. This is her third year taking the Building Trades class, after she took woodshop her freshman year.

“Mr. Dodick was talking about the class all year, so I thought it was fun and tried it my sophomore year,” Adams said.

Dodick said that he spends the first two weeks of the year teaching the students terminology and safety.

After those two weeks, the class starts on the construction of the house, typically building the walls at school. “[The building trades program] really makes you think. How Mr. Dodick teaches, he’s not going to tell you the answer to everything,” Adams said. “He will say ‘figure it out,’ or ‘try it yourself,’ which really sets you up for the real world instead of just sitting in the classroom talking about it.”

Students can receive opportunities after graduation. Brown said that he gets contacted at least once a month by contractors

The Building Trades class constructs a house with different foundations in Midland, as well as teaching students important life skills. Staff Writer David Draves | Staff Writer Carter Hazen | Features Editor Jenna Spencer

asking whether or not there are any good students, because companies are in need of workers.

“We’re very very lucky to have people like Three Rivers and Wolgast and J.E. Johnson and all these big companies right here in our town, which actually end up taking a lot of our students straight out of high school to work,” Dodick said.

Dodick doesn’t just teach the students construction, but also teaches what he calls “life skills,” which means being able to use saws and fix things themselves.

Students don’t need experience in construction to take the class. “[I like] working with the kids, teaching them something that is a life skill that they can look back on and say ‘I remember learning this with Mr. Dodick 10 years ago,’” Dodick said.

(Top) Teacher Kevin Dodick watches the students as they work on building the house. The house should be completed by the end of the school year. (Bottom) Junior Alex Kuzik sits atop a scaffolding, concentrating on hammering a nail. This is Kuzik’s first year constructing a house in the Building Trades program. Photos: Carter Hazen

8

features

December 21, 2018

FOCUS

A SALUTE TO MR. YODER Mr. Yoder is well known for his large presence in multiple activities at Midland High. Many note his down to earth personality and passion as strengths of his. Opinion Editor Kelly Craig | Staff Writer Olivia Ortiz

E

Yoder converses with students in his sixth hour AP chemistry class. Yoder graduated from Michigan Tech and has been teaching for 26 years, since age 23. Photo: Olivia Ortiz

very Wednesday, chemistry teacher Jeffrey Yoder begins the morning announcements, ready to read off a list of notable student achievements in the past week.

The Chemic Salutes were originally started by Yoder 22 years ago to bring appreciation to the smaller good deeds done around school, as he believes they serve an important purpose: to acknowledge people who might not be seen otherwise.

“I think it makes the environment here at the high school, where people know ‘Oh! What’s Chemic pride?’ It’s helping someone out,” Yoder said “It doesn’t have to be, ‘You won the state title for something.’ It’s all the little things.”

This aspect of Yoder’s reflects his character and presence in various parts

of school life. He is known as a science teacher, an active volunteer as MHS’s Key Club advisor, and as the band and basketball announcer. Yoder’s positive leadership qualities and approachable personality shine through in all of his

“He’s always there to help students so I think that sets a really good example for the staff, and now that he’s become one of the more senior members, a lot of people look to him for leadership,” Dodick said, who also advises Key Club. “He’s that person that a lot of people feel like they can go to if they need advice or help. He’s the same with staff as with students. ” Yo d e r ’ s m o t t o i n h i s classroom is “Its not just about chemistry, it’s about life.”

Yoder applies this outlook into his classes through understanding his students’ unique lives and their difficult situations.

“Other people have a life different than you do, it’s easy just to see everything from your own life, and think, ‘I’m doing fine, why aren’t you doing fine?’” Yoder said. “I think over the time that I’ve been teaching I’ve become much more patient, much more realizing that everybody’s got a story, and some stories are pretty tough” Key Club officers Alyssa Dekker and Ally Noel said that they appreciate Yoder’s teaching and leadership.

“He makes me enjoy going to chemistry every day,” Noel said. “Mr. Yoder makes it enjoyable and you can tell that it’s something he loves doing.

His way of teaching is so different from anything I’ve ever had before.”

Dekker says that Yoder’s lessons given through teaching are not just applicable in the classroom, but that she’s been able to carry them into other parts of her life.

“He teaches you life lessons even

My calling is to help [my students] figure out where [they’re] needed in life.

Jeffrey Yoder places of involvement, especially in the classroom, say his students and colleagues.

English teacher Sarah Dodick has observed Yoder’s personality and believes that his passion is inspirational not just to his students, but to the other staff members as well.

Yoder answers a question about a homework assignment. Yoder uses different tools, such as a molecular modeling kit shown here, to explain concepts to the class. Photo: Olivia Ortiz.

FOCUS

December 21, 2018

Yoder reads off the list of people who receive Chemic Salutes. He doesn’t read off a script; he makes up his expressions right on the spot. Photo: Olivia Or tiz

when you don’t realize it,” Dekker said.

“He’s shown that I shouldn’t have first judgments, and to give everyone a fresh start no matter who they are and that honesty and trusting people is really important.”

Yoder said that one of the most important parts of teaching is showing understanding and compassion for students, something that he’s built on ever since his first year teaching.

“Teaching is a calling,” Yoder said.

“My calling is to help [my students] figure out where [they’re] needed in life.

Wherever that may go, I want people to realize that it’s okay to have a different thing that you want to do, and that maybe the world tells you what you need to do.”

features

9

Part 1 THE FACTSL

FATAL FAD E-cigarette usage among teens has gradually developed into a nationwide epidemic. Here are the facts. Staff Writer Brendan O’Callaghan| Design Editor Noah Jacobson

90%

PROPYLENE produces vapor

2-5%

What’s in a Juul?

Juul has gained their reputation for marketing their product by enticing teenagers with their wide variety of appetizing flavors.

FLAVORING

provides taste component

<4%

BENZOIC ACID creme

virginia tobacco

menthol

mango

fruit

tobacco plant stimulant

mint

NICOTINE

cucumber

<5%

classic tobacco

produces cigarette like feel

In this issue, the Focus will adress the increase in usage of devices such as Juuls, Suorins and other e-cigarettes among teenagers. This package will address how these devices affect students, school sports and the nation.

M I D L A N D S TAT I S T I C S Student leadership recently released a survey and gathered information about vaping from 643 students.

28.6%

of students have at least tried vaping

62.8% of students think it would be at least fairly easy to get a vape

61.9%

of students never received a presentation containing information on e-cigarettes

N AT I O N A L S TAT I S T I C S

63% 3.6

of vape users didn’t know the product contained nicotine

million U.S. middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days

1.5% to 11.7%

Information courtesy of the 2018 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the The Food and Drug Administration.

high school vape usage increasing from 2011 to 2018

10

news

December 21, 2018

FOCUS

T

his generation would never think to light a cigarette.

Growing up surrounded by ads that show the gory, harsh reality of being a smoker has proved to be effective in keeping kids from looking for nicotine in a traditional cigarette.

Instead, teenagers are trying their hand at the newly trending e-cigarettes, vapes, and most commonly the Juul. These new devices are alluring to teenagers because of their accessibility, size, and often candy-like flavors; however, this trend is quickly turning into a national debate because of the unknown health effects and loose regulations.

Although the technology is rather new, the use of electronic cigarettes by minors is a misdemeanor. The Food and Drug Administration enacted a regulation in 2016 that banned the sale of e-cigarettes with nicotine to those younger than 18. However, because Michigan has no state law affirming that regulation, law enforcement cannot keep teenagers from purchasing the nicotine-delivery devices. This has led to a spike in student use of these devices and has contributed to a vaping problem at Midland High School.

“Hopefully it’s just a fad that we’ll eventually just put in the rear view window,” Assistant Principal Bob Scurfield said. “But these kids that might live perfectly healthy lives are choosing to do this whether it’s to fit in with their peers or just try something new--that’s the part that scares me.”

The Midland High School Student Handbook says: “Use or possession of tobacco, drugs or alcohol, electronic cigarettes/vapes, drugs or alcohol in any form is not permitted at any time on the school grounds or at any schoolsponsored event.” Scurfield said that generally if a student is caught with a vape or Juul they are suspended for three days, but it usually depends on the student and their number of offenses.

Senior Mason Frost started vaping in the eighth grade after one was offered to him by some of his wrestling teammates.

Later in the same year he was found with a vape pen in his possession at Northeast Middle School, where he was given a few days of detention and a verbal warning to not vape again in the future. Frost said that his punishment didn’t scare him away from vaping and he has been doing it since, but recently decided to quit.

FATAL FAD Part 2 VAPING IN SCHOOL

Nicotine administering devices such as vapes, Juuls, and Suorin Airs are a rising trend among teenagers across the country. Midland High has had to adapt to the increase in these devices through punishment, education, and a student action group.

News Editor Mady Sherman| Exchange Editor Maureen Aloff | Copy Editor Aubrey Chambers

Although not permitted on school grounds, students often find ways to vape in bathrooms, locker rooms, and even classrooms. Many students are unaware of the health effects vaping has on the body, including nicotine addiction Photo Illustration: Spencer Isberg

“IT’S BETTER THAN CIGARETTES”

FOCUS

December 21, 2018

news

11

Part 2 cont.

VAPING IN SCHOOL ing to “i’m only go ile” wh do it for a

IVE”

“I

ADDICT S A W NOW IT K T ’ N DID

“I’M ONLY DOING IT FOR FUN”

“IT TAST ES LIKE CANDY”

doing it” s i e s l e e n “everyo

“IT’S NOT LIKE I’M GOING TO GET CAUGHT”

Illustration: Aubrey Chambers

12

news

“Before I went into basic training for the National Guard, I was constantly doing it, but when I first started training it was all cut off,” Frost said. “When I didn’t have it I went through withdrawal and had headaches, so when I got back I realized I couldn’t go without it. I was definitely addicted to nicotine, I got mad easily all of the time; I constantly wanted it so I made a decision to stop. When I started using it again, I had a terrible cough and I just couldn’t get rid of it, and I knew the only way I could make it stop was if I quit vaping.”

Frost said that he has vaped in school and knows several other students who have as well. Vaping and Juuling in the classroom have become a particular problem for welding teacher Corey Pawlak, where the welding booths in his workshop are walled off, private, and have their own ventilation system in order to combat the smoke created during class. Many students take advantage of these features and, on average, Pawlak said he catches five students every year vaping or Juuling in his class.

“I know that it happens everyday, it would be very naive to think that it doesn’t,” Pawlak said. “It started with e-cigarettes, then to the big box-mod vapes. I think it really has increased with the Juul and the Suorin Air because they are so much easier to hide. I think students are doing it more because it’s easier to get away with.”

Pawlak has his own punishment on top of the district punishment. Once the student returns from suspension, they can’t return to the welding shop for another week. He said that as a teacher he feels disrespected and takes it personally when he catches people vaping and he often feels betrayed.

“It’s like a slap in the face [when I catch them]; they don’t respect the trust they are given,” Pawlak said. “I don’t get it, I don’t understand the want or the hype of it, but I know kids do it because of the rebellion, the feeling of doing something they’re not supposed to be doing is just as attractive, if not more, than the feeling they get from the nicotine.”

In addition to the punishment MHS administers, the school is trying to teach students about these electronic devices and the potential harm they may have.

Health teacher Emily Downing has dedicated part of the health curriculum to teaching her students what the dangers of vaping are.

“We just approach it as the basic stuff-we find statistics and present them to the students. Unfortunately there is not a whole lot out there as far as long term results; we are really just guessing,” Downing said. “I think students are

December 21, 2018

FOCUS

becoming more educated as things hit the news more, but at the beginning of the year students did not know as much information and the class has definitely opened the eyes of so many students.”

Downing said that when she teaches the students about vapes, she likes to see what the students know and want to know about vaping, and that a lot of the learning is through student-led discussion. Downing hopes that more research will be done in the near future so she can expand the curriculum hopefully use concrete statistics to help solidify student’s knowledge of vaping’s long-term effects. Additionally, she said that with the limited amount of resources available, Midland Public Schools is teaching and doing everything to the best of their ability.

“I feel like you can never educate people enough on these subjects, and I really do think it is something that we will have to implement into our substance abuse program a lot more as the years go on. I don’t think this is something that will go away quickly,” Downing said.

Downing also believes that devices like Juuls are a problem at MHS because of how they are advertised to teenagers specifically. She said that she hopes that her teachings will curve students away from these devices, but in the long run it is the students who need to advise and educate their peers against these devices.

“Any product is going to have some kind of market, and teens are definitely the market for Juuls; in fact, I think teens are the only target,” Downing said.

“If the student body were to present a project or statistics it would mean a lot more coming from the same age group.

Unfortunately I don’t have as big of an impact.”

Starting this week Senior Erin Vokal and the anti-vaping committee she is a part of will launch their campaign to educate students on what vaping is and the dangers behind it. This committee has been planning since September, and hopes to create an awareness campaign similar to Project 111.

“We worked with Mrs. Albright through leadership class and we sent out the survey, we also have been planning posters, announcements, a video, and a song to make students more knowledgeable on the subject,” Vokal said. “After doing research and now that I know more, it is important [to me] that people know the health effects of vaping, it is very important for people to understand there is a danger.

Even though it is not as dangerous as a cigarette, there are still cancer-causing

FOCUS

December 21, 2018

chemicals.”

Vokal said that she has noticed Juul and similar companies targeting teenagers by sponsoring teenagers to promote their product on social

43% of young people

tried e-cigarettes because of appealing flavors Truth Initiative America faces an epidemic of youth e-cigarette use, which threatens to engulf a new generation in nicotine addiction.

Health and Human Services

4 out of 5 middle and high school students have seen at least one e-cigarette advertisement as of 2016

Truth Initiative

media, which further contributes to the rampant use of vaping by teens.

Vokal recognizes the problem vaping has become for teens. She believes that this is just the beginning of the efforts at MHS to combat vaping, and

hopes that the awareness will continue to spread.

“I think that we need to keep gradually talking about it. It’s not something that can be solved in a year and it’s very new so we don’t know the long-term effects yet; it’s not a fad,” Vokal said. “We want to bring this to other schools in the area and we are working with the Legacy Center on trying to come up with a program that is not just for MHS, but can go all the way to middle schools and throughout Michigan.”

The rise in use of vapes, Juuls, and other devices has also changed the business and economics side of the industry. Pom Jiang, owner of Vapes and Tobacco in Saginaw, has noticed an increase in popularity in the past few years of Juuls and other vape products since he became owner of the store two years ago. Jiang said that it is illegal to sell to minors, and that he checks the ID of everyone that enters the store.

“When I first opened the store I accidentally sold to a minor,” Jiang said. “When I read his ID I looked at the month and year but not the day, and he was a few weeks away from 18. I had to pay a $1,000 fine, but ever since I am very careful when I check IDs.” Jiang said that despite the laws and regulations on minors and their accessibility to Juuls, he knows that often teenagers will have legal adults buy these devices for them, and he has even had parents bring their kids into the shop with them so the parent could purchase the devices for their child.

“Sometimes I will even have grandparents buy for their underaged kids,” Jiang said. “Soon cities will start raising the age restriction on tobacco and vape products to 21 years old and I think this is good, I don’t think kids should be doing things like vaping.”

Frost said getting access to vapes has always been easy for him. He used to buy his devices off of other teenagers, but after receiving his National Guard ID, he uses it to buy from stores.

“The age is on the back but it is really small, so people would think if I was in the military that I should be 18 so I could just walk into a store if I had it lay it on the counter and buy whatever I want,” Frost said. “The buying process is pretty easy and the people are nice, I think they sell to a lot of underaged people not knowing it. Some stores won’t even check IDs. As long as you look 18 you can basically buy from anywhere; if you know the people there and they you know you vape they will let you buy.”

Frost said that he wishes there were more resources available to students that are addicted to nicotine and would

like to quit.

“I think my life has been negatively impacted by vaping. Everyone around me disapproves; my dad has gotten to the point where he just doesn’t care,” Frost said. “People don’t really want to help you. If you want to quit they don’t help, they just say ‘okay good luck’ and they leave you alone. I tried to stop two years ago but I couldn’t because I didn’t know where to go.”

The health effects of Juuls and vapes are widely unknown. Little research has been done and Scurfield believes that teens often act based on what is trending and how it makes them appear socially.

“My concern is for teenagers at a young age that put things into their body that they don’t know if in ten or twenty years what that means, similar to what they didn’t realize about cigarettes in the 50s and 60s,” Scurfield said.

Physician’s Assistant Beccalynne Carson from Midland Family Physicians does not think that teenagers understand the consequences of using nicotine.

“There are many potential toxic chemical substances in e-cigarettes,” Carson said. “Vaping can also be harmful by exposing users to harmful levels of nicotine. At high doses, vaping can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac problems, possible seizures and breathing problems.”

Carson discussed how vaping and nicotine use can be detrimental not only to the body, but to the brain as well.

“Teenagers are still developing synapses, or connections, in their brains which are more susceptible to forming addictions,” Carson said. “The use of e-cigarettes raises the risk of establishing nicotine dependence in new users, which could lead to tobacco use as well.”

Carson also believes that e-cigarette and vape companies do more harm than good because they are advertise themselves as “cool and safe” alternatives to smoking and appeal to teenagers especially.

“No long term studies have been done yet to suggest that this is a safe form of nicotine use,” Carson said.

Downing hopes that in the future that the popularity of these devices will fade and that people will be more educated on the subject and teens will be able to make smart decisions for themselves.

“Curiosity is always there for a high school student and I hope they are able to stop and think before they make a choice,” Downing said. “I hope it’s a trend that fades quickly because these students are young and they have so much potential and to see that cut short over something so stupid would be tragic.”

news

13

FATAL FAD Part 3 VAPING IN ATHLETICS

Although fewer athletes have been suspended for using banned substances, vaping in athletics is still increasing each year as younger students are influenced by older athletes. Editor-in-Chief Bitsy Mammel | Arts/ Entertainment Editor Hannah Woehrle | Staff Writer Isaiah Bridges

If caught acting in a way that is against the Code of Conduct, MHS athletes will usually serve a 90-day sport suspension, or about a third of their season. Photo Illustration: Spencer Isberg

W

hen Simon was playing varsity football last year, he vaped almost daily.

Simon, a pseudonym given to an MHS senior to protect his and his teammates’ identities, started vaping while hanging out with older players on the team his sophomore year. After practice they would hang out at a player’s house, and almost always pass around a Juul or Suorin Air. It wasn’t until summer workouts this year when Simon realized the toll vaping was taking on his body.

“You don’t feel as good as you normally would,” he said. “If I wouldn’t have vaped, I feel like I would have been a lot stronger going into the workouts.

But because I did it, I felt more tired and out of breath a lot more.”

After Simon realized that vaping was affecting him, he made the decision to stop. Even though he was still pressured to vape at the time, Simon knew that he wanted to change and lead his younger teammates on a different path.

“I just saw how terrible it was for you,” Simon said. “I saw how many kids started doing it, and I wanted to try to be a good example for them. I tried to tell them how bad it was.”

14

sports

Varsity football coach Eric Methner said his team has never had an incident where a player has gotten caught vaping.

Though Simon confirmed that although no one has been caught, he said there are players on the team who vape.

Eric Albright, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal, stated that MHS has actually had fewer suspensions in athletics over the past few years.

However, he believes more people are vaping due to its easier accessibility.

Albright and Methner both said that in order to stop students from vaping, education about the drugs involved and the health risks must be provided, not only for the athletes, but for adults in the athletes’ lives as well. “ E d u c a t i o n , a wa r e n e s s , a l l t h e available resources [should be used to discourage vaping],” Methner said. “Parents, teachers, coaches, and administration should become more educated on it and rally the troops to get everyone behind educating the kids.”

Currently, all coaches are to read a script to their athletes about making good choices and not partaking in activities like vaping. Methner said that this is to serve as a reminder for coaches to talk

to their athletes about making good decisions. He also said that although right now he does not talk about vaping any more than drugs and alcohol with his players, he expects to as he learns more about vaping and its role at MHS. “We discuss with our kids about the importance of making smart choices,” Methner said. “Whether it be the alcohol or tobacco or vaping or anything like that that would jeopardize them from being able to participate.”

Varsity basketball coach Eric Krause said coaches should do more than just read the script given to them by the athletic department. He said coaches should talk to their athletes about their own life experiences.

“It’s better to be more honest and aware and to tell the kids that it’s never benefited you in the long run,” Krause said. “In my opinion that’s more powerful to me than to get the standard answers you’d get in a pamphlet.”

Simon doesn’t think that the speeches athletes receive from their coaches r e g a r d i n g g o o d b e h a v i o r i s ve r y beneficial. In fact, he says that usually the athletes who vape don’t listen to what their coaches say, or they don’t care.

“I think the messages need to go more into detail about what it can do to your body and the addiction to it,” Simon said.

“I don’t feel most kids know how it can affect your lungs and your body.”

Methner and Krause say they don’t understand why teens vape. Simon, on the other hand, feels that vaping has risen in popularity due to younger students and athletes looking up to their older peers. He says that vaping is seen as a status symbol and that it can make the younger players fit in with the rest of the team.

“I think kids want to do it because they see the older kids do it and they just want to be cool,” Simon said.

Albright understands that the attitudes of students will control the effectiveness of the administration’s efforts against vaping.

He doesn’t want vaping to become a part of the culture at Midland High, and hopes the students agree.

“It’s got to be intolerable to our student body too,” Albright said. “If it’s always adult against the students, it’s always going to be an uphill battle, because there are more of you. It has to come from the athletes themselves.”

December 21, 2018

FOCUS

Much like his mother and sister, Drew Barrie has had success in basketball. Despite being a freshman, he is a part of the varsity team.

Staff Writer Amiya Zissler | Staff Writer Toria Montgomery | Staff Writer Mary Kent

AHEAD OF THE GAME C

oming from a family of basketball players, Freshman Drew Barrie had high hopes to make it on varsity.

Drew’s older sister Maddie, has been playing basketball since she was in first grade, played on the varsity team all four years she was at Midland High School, and currently plays for the Saginaw Valley State University women’s basketball team. Both of their parents also played sports in college.

Their mother played for both MHS and Alma college basketball teams and was recently inducted to the Midland High Sports Hall of Fame. Drew said he has a lot of support from his family. “[My family] always pushes me saying, ‘Hey, go shoot extra so you can do good in the game, go work on your dribbling,’” Drew said. “My sister and I work on basketball together.”

Maddie, who has been playing since she was very young, wanted to pursue basketball outside of high school, and is happy to be at SVSU. “I love playing for SVSU, [it’s been my dream] since I was really little to play basketball in college and now my dream is my reality, so it’s really cool.” Maddie said.

Maddie said her parents are her biggest influence when it comes to playing sports.

decision was easy because Drew’s overall skill level, knowledge of the game, and his positive attitude made him a good candidate for varsity.

“He was always so good that he played the grade ahead,” said Krause. “He’s a very good teammate and that is an attribute that is underrated.”

Though Drew started in the first game of the season, being a starter wasn’t the only thing he wanted from being on the team. The team is currently 2-2, which Drew says is deceiving.

They have to opportunity to play the two teams they lost to for a second time later in the season. Drew says they will use the two lost games as a guide for what they need to improve on, they will use the losses to benefit them.

“Starting wasn’t really a priority for me, it’s just a bonus,” Drew said. “I just want to win as a team.”

Being the only freshman on the varsity team, Drew said he feels very welcomed by the upperclassmen.

“They respect me, they’re all really nice to me, so I feel like I have a place on the team,” Drew said. “They all treat me well and we all work together well.”

During the first game of the season on November 30 against Traverse City West, Drew’s nerves were high, but he made his first

He’s a very good teammate and that is an attribute that is underrated.

Eric Krause Maddie often comes out to support her brother at his games and is very proud of him.

“He has worked really hard for this, and I could not think of someone more deserving,” Maddie said. “I wish he was a year older so I could’ve been in high school with him at the same time and had more opportunities to watch him play.”

Like his sister, Drew began his basketball career in first grade. He didn’t have much interest at first, but then grew to love the game. Head basketball coach Eric Krause, whom Drew has known for 5 years, chose Drew for this year’s varsity lineup. He said this

shot, which was a confidence booster. As the game went on, he settled in and scored 9 points in a 66-35 Chemic win.

“I was pretty nervous, I was freaking out a little,” Drew said. “But I got into it and I know what I’m doing, I’ve played basketball my whole life, I can do this.”

Drew hopes to learn a lot from being on the varsity basketball team. Leadership, specifically, is something he looks forward to.

“The team will teach me how to lead,” Drew said. “Being on varsity for four years will teach me how to be a leader in the future for my grade.”

Freshman Drew Barrie plays in the first home basketball game of the season against the Mt. Pleasant Oilers on December 4 as the starting guard for varsity. Photo: Maureen Aloff

FOCUS

December 21, 2018

sports

15

Grip it and Rip it Julian Longlet

I

have played baseball, basketball, flag football, and I have not been good at any of them. Now I’ve added golf to this list. I got into golf when my grandpa came over from Minnesota and we would watch the Masters on TV. He bought me and my brother our first set of golf clubs when I was about 8, and I have been golfing ever since.

There is a small park behind my house and my dad would mow a very small golf hole. My first shots with those golf clubs would only go about ten feet, and if I was lucky, bounce another ten. When I was about to give up my dad said to take one more shot. I was mad and frustrated, but I did what he said, and the golf ball landed about two feet next to the flag. My dad would continue to mow small golf holes and I would continue to shank the golf balls, but those few times that I hit the ball well, made it all worth it.

One time my dad and I were just hitting golf balls while aiming for a tree about fifty yards away in the park. When I started hitting the golf balls, they were not landing anywhere near the tree. About 25 hits in, I started to hit better. I was getting really close to the tree, and then, on what felt like my billionth try, I hit it.I basically exploded and started to fist pump and run around. My work paid off. I was definitely getting better, and my dad said it was time that I really played a round of golf.

The first hole of my golf career did not go that well, partially because in the park all I could use was a wedge, which is meant for a shorter shot. I had never used a driver before, because I never had enough space to use it.

AT H L E T E O F T H E M O N T H : S a m H i n e

My first time I teed off, I shanked it. I shook it off and went to go hit my ball again with my 3 iron, and shanked it again. My face felt hot with frustration. My palms were so sweaty that when I looked at the grip on the club I could see my handprint. That was the story for my first six holes. On my sixth hole, I teed off and absolutely crushed the ball. I wiped the sweat off my hands and smiled for the first time that night. Everything started to click , and I was fist pumping once again.

Just before the weather got super cold, I went golfing again. I got the best score I have gotten yet, a 56 on nine holes. There is definite improvement from when I first started to now.

I definitely could have quit, but I know that being good at something will take practice and time. What I need to start practicing is putting, and when I get better at that my scores could be in the mid 40s.

I am super excited for spring so that I can continue where I left off. Golf has taught me patience and hard work. When I do something bad. I want to fix it and I want to show improvement, but I know it will take me a while so I need to work hard at it. Golf has also showed me that I can enjoy something that I am not very good at.

1 The girls’ junior varsity cheer team took first on Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Shepherd Bluejay Invitational with a total score of 416.94.

8-0

On Dec. 15 the boys’ hockey team defeated Cheboygan 8 to 0.

Ty Pritchett led the charge with 4 goals and 2 assists.

S

am Hine signed up to try youth wrestling when he was in fifth grade, with no idea if he would stick with it or even enjoy it. Eight years later, he has accomplished 108 career wins and qualified for regionals twice. This season Hine will work to qualify for the state tournament.

Varsity wrestling coach Michael Donovan met Hine when he was in 8th grade. Donovan had been coaching Hine’s older brother, Jake, who is now an assistant coach.

“At the beginning of his career, Sam had a lot of raw talent and wanted to win very badly, but was very conservative and wrestled more not to lose, than to dominate,” Donovan said.

Along with his regular practices at MHS, Hine will be going to practices at other schools including Beaverton in order to gain more experience and improve his overall skills. This season, Donovan said he expects to see Hine’s wrestling improve due to his drive to work hard and to challenge himself.

“He seeks out tough competition all year round rather than just waiting to beat the easy opponents because he knows that’s what is going to make him better,” Donovan said, “He’s not afraid to lay it on the line against anyone.”

Hine has moved up to weight class 189 pounds for his final season, and will be facing bigger opponents.

Instead of brawling, Hine uses his speed and ability to create good angles to his advantage.

He finds one of the most challenging aspects of the sport to be mentally tough, which is regularly tested at practices and matches.

“In hard practices you reach a point where you can kind of coast or go through that barrier and get better,” Hine said.

Throughout the course of his career, one of Hine’s favorite parts about the sport has been the bond he has created with his teammates.

“You get to be really good friends with the people on the team,” Hine said. “You spend so much time with them and you work hard with them so you really develop a good friendship and get to know them really well.”

Hine said he has learned lessons from his team and coaches that he will carry with him past high school, such as working hard in order to achieve his goals.

“He always pushes himself constantly,” Donovan said. “The way he wants to wrestle good kids rather than take the easy road shows the younger guys the right approach to the sport. There’s no running and there’s no hiding in our sport so let the feathers fly and learn from losses should they happen.”

Photo and story: Caitlin Quinn

FOCUS

This season senior Sam Hine has reached over one hundred wins in wrestling as he works to qualify for states.

December 21, 2018

sports

16

F ATA L F A D

The Focus addresses:

VAPING

FOCUS

I

Since their creation in the early 2000s, the use of e-cigarettes and vapes has skyrocketed. This nicotine delivery device has found its place in the back pockets of many teenagers, raising the question of if enough is being done to prevent teen addiction. Illustration: Sasha Clemons

t is undeniable that there has been an increase in the use of vapes and e-cigarettes among teenagers, especially in the last two years. The candyflavored, fruity smelling vape juices have helped draw minors into the nicotine market. Studies have found that up to 60 percent of vape users don’t realize that the product contains a dangerously addictive drug: nicotine. A teenager’s brain is not fully developed, and building a nicotine dependency at a young age means that it will be harder to break later in life. The Focus questions if enough is being done by the Midland Public Schools administration to prevent teens from forming this horrible habit. The Focus staff believes that the punishments administered by the school for vaping are appropriate, but not enough is being done to deter students from smoking e-cigarettes altogether.

Currently, if a student is caught with a vape device at Midland High, the device is confiscated and the student is suspended for three days. This punishment is adequate, but not advertised well enough.

We believe that if more students were made aware of it, then fewer people would risk bringing their vapes to school, and perhaps people would vape less altogether.

We also believe that vaping should be discussed more in class. The potential consequences of vaping are lightly discussed in the Health and Wellness classes, but very rarely anywhere else. The

December 21, 2018

staff should have more open and honest conversations about vaping with students.

Although they may not realize it all the time, teachers are still our role models and for some students, their opinion can steer us in the right direction. When the opportunity arises, teachers should remind their students how detrimental a nicotine dependency could be to their lives. The Focus believes that not enough information about the effects of vaping on the brain and body have been advertised to the student body. Nicotine is not healthy for a student’s developing brain.

Many students don’t realize that their actions now can affect them later in life, they simply think that they are making an easily reversible, impulsive decision.

We believe that it is the job of MPS to send students in a different direction by making them aware of not only the punishments they will receive for vaping, but the health effects as well.

E-cigarettes and vapes were initially designed and marketed as a way to quit smoking. Even companies like Juul state that non-smokers should not use their products. We believe that this is not properly advertised by the companies who produce and sell e-cigarettes and vapes. There are countless campaigns dedicated to keeping teens from smoking.

These campaigns make teens aware of the dangers of smoking cigarettes, but similar campaigns against vaping are less familiar.

If more teens saw vaping the same as they saw smoking, they would not begin

vaping in the first place. These devices are intended to lessen cigarette dependency, not designed to create a habit, and we hope that they can be used only in that way.

Some may argue that when teens are told not to do something they are just more likely to do it, so if you tell teens not to vape it will only make them more likely to. This may lead to the suggestion that nothing is done to advertise the harm vaping can cause. The Focus would disagree. If cautionary advertisements deter one teenager from vaping, then they have done their job. There is value in any attempt MHS makes to prevent students from vaping, whether the impact is great or minimal it was worth the effort. We aren’t expecting a change overnight, we just want teen to know what they’re getting into before they start vaping.

In summary, we believe the punishments the district administers for vaping on school grounds are justified, but we also believe that the district and MHS should do more to prevent teens from vaping by informing them of the potential consequences of it. Suspension sends the correct message after the student is caught, but there needs to be stronger cautionary messages about beginning to vape. We also recognize the Anti-Vaping Week sponsored by student leadership and the Legacy Center is an attempt to start a conversation about vaping at MHS, they just need to make sure that the conversation continues.

editorial

17

BEST OF 2

018

This year has been eventful for entertainment, with breakthrough artists like Cardi B and XXXTENTACION, and box office hits like Deadpool 2 and A Star is Born. The Focus voted on and selected 2018’s best. Managing Editor Hailey Surbrook | Staff Writer Devin Alexander

Best TV Show: Queer Eye

Best Movie: Black Panther

Best Actor:

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan made his debut on the big screen in 1999 in the movie Black and White as teen #2, and had his first named role in 2001. In the movie Hard Ball where he played Jamal.

Since then, Jordan has taken on much larger roles, and he has been in a number of films in 2018. He starred as Adonis Creed in Creed II, and Erik “Killmonger” Stevens in Black Panther.

He also played Guy Montag in the TV film Fahrenheit 451, and had a cameo in the movie Kin. Creed II had a record breaking $55 million debut and earned the biggest debut ever for a live action film on Thanksgiving weekend. Jordan’s performance in this movie was excellent. He did a great job conveying both the mental and physical struggles that Adonis Creed endured in this film.

Black Panther was also extremely successful in the box office, earning more than $202 million during the opening weekend. It was also another great performance from Jordan as he took you through the feelings of rage, bitterness, and vengeance that Killmonger was experiencing.

Jordan won the MTV movie award and Teen Choice award for best villain for his role in Black Panther, and received outstanding actor in a TV movie in the Black Reel Awards for Television for his performance in Fahrenheit 451.

Best Album:

Ye - Kanye West

Rap dominated this year with several artists taking up the Billboard Top 100. One of the most successful albums of the year was Ye by Kanye West.

Selling 208,000 album units in the first week and having more than 180 million streams on music platforms like Pandora, Spotify, etc., West has earned his eighth Number 1 debut on the Billboard Top 200. The album was supported by the lead single, “Yikes,” which reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. The album has the audience travel through West’s mind as he explains his struggle with mental health over the years. West describes suicidal thoughts, being bipolar, and the thoughts of killing other people in the songs, “I thought about killing you”, and “Wouldn’t leave.” All songs on the album reached top 40 on the Billboard and the album was certified gold. Along with this album, West also put out another album with Kid Cudi, Kids See Ghosts.

Best Actress:

Constance Wu

Best Song: This is America - Childish Gambino

*All photos used with permission from Creative Commons

18

opinion

December 21, 2018

FOCUS

FOCUS

Constance Wu starred as Rachel Chu in the film Crazy Rich Asians and voiced the character Molly in the Netflix movie Next Gen. She is also currently in the TV shows EastSiders as Kathy and Fresh off the Boat as Jessica Huang.

Wu’s most notable role she’s played this year is her role in Crazy Rich Asians. She played an Asian-American woman struggling to win the approval of her boyfriend’s (Nick Young) very traditional and wealthy family. Wu did an excellent job portraying Rachel and all of the frustration was feeling with Nick’s mother, despite her extensive effort to adapt to the culture and show kindness and respect to her.

This year, Wu has been nominated for best actress in a comedy series at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards for her role in Fresh off the Boat.

She has also received nominations for comedy movie star for the People’s Choice Awards, and Best Actress in a comedy or musical for the 2019 Satellite Awards for her role in Crazy Rich Asians. Wu was also nominated for Best in a motion picture -- comedy or musical for the Golden Globes awards for her role as Rachel Chu, making Wu the first Asian woman to be nominated for a Golden Globe in 44 years.

December 21, 2018

Best Artist:

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande’s first debut in the entertainment industry was as Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon show Victorious. After the show ended in 2013, Grande released her first album, Yours Truly that year.

This year, Grande released her fourth album Sweetener and her single, “thank u, next.” Sweetener had more than 200,000 purchases in the first week and as of Dec. 3, the album has over 1 billion streams on Spotify. It also reached #1 on the charts in several countries including the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada.

Sweetener opens with the 38-second ballad, “raindrops (an angel cried)” and goes straight into “Blazed,” which is very fast-paced and has a Latin feel. The album demonstrates many different genres with songs like “Sweetener” and “The light is coming,” that have a heavy hip-hop influence and songs like “Successful” and “Breathin,” that are more true to Grande’s classic pop style.

The album also has many collaborations including Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj, and Pharrell Williams.

Grande’s “thank u, next” was released after calling off her engagement with comedian Pete Davidson. In this pop tune, Grande thanks her exes for all that they’ve taught her and how she’s grown from each relationship.

With Sweetener reaching number one on multiple charts and “thank, u next” breaking the Spotify first-day streaming record, Grande has had a very successful year. On top of that, Grande has also been named Billboard woman of the year.

opinion

19

H U M A N S

o f

MIDLAND HIGH

Part 4 vaping needs regulation

Hannah Woehrle

E

Axel Fisher Sophomore

I can name all the American presidents in order. I do a lot of reading about American history, which is a topic I’m very interested in, so that ability just kind of came about as a byproduct of that. I have liked reading historical fiction and things that forward my knowledge of the world since I was little. We have a big library at home and when my older brothers, I have two older brothers one is 26 and the other one is 21, wouldn’t want to play with me I would read. It was a nice way to entertain.

For more HOMH, follow The Focus on Instagram

20

opinion

very time I hear this phrase, my eyes roll to the back of my head: “Vaping isn’t really that bad for you.”

I know the effects of vaping aren’t as gruesome as cigarettes that turn your lungs black and make your teeth rot until they fall out, but it can still have some negative effects on your health.

It’s no secret that vaping has grown significantly in popularity not just at Midland High but all across America. Just this year, the FDA declared vaping a national epidemic in teens. Yet, the number of people, especially young people, who vape grows larger every day.

But why is this?

The current regulations on vaping/ecigarettes prevent the following: sale to minors, vending machine sales (except in adult-only facilities), the sale of packages of fewer than 20 cigarettes, tobacco-brand sponsorships of sports and entertainment events or other social or cultural events, free giveaways of sample cigarettes and brand-name non-tobacco promotional items.

While some may think that this is appropriate, I refuse to believe that there is nothing more that can be done to prevent vaping.

One of the first experiences I had concerning this topic was at my yearly asthma appointment.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had to visit the U-M Hospital once a year to meet up with a pediatric pulmonologist (aka lung doctor) about my condition. After the regular “have you noticed any changes in your health” questions, she asked me something new.

“Do you vape?”

I said no.

“Do you know anyone who does?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

I was no older than 12.

She then went on to tell me to never participate in such an activity and that if I ever see one of my friends doing it, I should tell them to stop.

Because this is such a new topic, I wasn’t aware of how bad it was or what it could do to my lungs. I figured that it was bad for you, just as smoking anything can be bad for you, but I didn’t realize how much of a problem it was.

In my more recent visits, she has explained to me the research she has been doing around vaping and what it could do to my lungs.

Not only has she told me that is it in no way a “healthy alternative” to smoking, it can, in some instances, be worse.

With the addition of flavored vapes, it has become even more of a problem. If smoked, they can leave serious permanent damage.

Add onto that the fact that they contain nicotine and that it’s largely kids, whose lungs are not yet properly developed, who are using them, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for lung cancer.

So what are we doing to prevent this? Not enough. We need to understand that if it isn’t regulated, it could grow into an even larger problem.

In a 2016 report from the US surgeon general, vaping rates within high school students rose 900 percent from 2011 to 2015.

Undoubtedly, that number has grown in the last 3 years.

Whether it be an increased sin tax on e-cigarettes, outlawing flavored pods, or raising the age of who can buy a vaping device, something needs to be done to prevent the number of people who vape. But not only does there need to be regulation, there needs to be education.

Just like with cigarettes, there are always going to be people who vape, no matter what the law says. But when people understand the negative effects of vaping, they will self regulate, which is much more impactful than any law.

When people understand that vaping is not something that makes them cool or that they should be proud of, maybe we’ll start to see some changes in the statistics. But until then, there must be regulation put forth to prevent them from growing.

December 21, 2018

FOCUS

Take It or Leave It

a love story

Do you want to take it into 2019 or leave it in 2018?

TAKE IT NASA has released all its research to the public for free

Jenna Spencer

B

ooks: I’ve always loved them. I remember my parents reading to me before I went to bed when I was little, (my favorite: “Food Fight”). As I got older, my dad started letting me read to him whenever he went to tuck me in at night.

Eventually, my parents stopped reading to me, and I stopped reading to them. But books did not leave my life. Even now, I still try to read at least a few pages of whatever book I’m currently reading before I turn off my light every night (and no, this does not include whatever book I’m reading for English class).

I keep my current read on my nightstand next to my head, for an easy reach. I’ve dubbed this little spot “The Stack,” because sometimes I start reading a new book before finishing the one that I was already reading.

This can happen multiple times, which creates a stack of books. Right now, The Stack is four books high, though it has been higher.

The Stack isn’t my full collection of all my books, though. Before I moved to my sister’s room after she left for college, I had a giant bookshelf nailed into the wall.

I loved it because there was plenty of room for all my random knick knacks; but more importantly, there was a lot of room for all my books. Now, I only have three shelves, and they are currently crammed full.

I think it’s amazing how authors are able to create such complex characters and plots or even entire worlds. The book itself can be complex, too. I’ve read series where the author sets up the foundation in the first book, but doesn’t give you all the information. It’s not until the last book where you finally learn everything, and are able to put all the puzzle pieces together (I’m looking at you, “Illuminae Files” series). Or maybe you get all the information early on, but are blown away by how the author ties it all together later in the book or series (most recently inspired by “The Towering Sky”).

Sometimes when I read, I wonder how far in advance these authors have to plan their

FOCUS

December 21, 2018

books or series, to set up all the reveals at just the right time.

For Christmas one year, my parents had gotten me the first book in “The Mortal Instruments” series, “City of Bones,” (which was actually the first series in “The Shadowhunters Chronicles”) by Cassandra Clare. I remember recalling that I had no idea what this series or who the author was.

I thought it was just some random book. But it was more than that. I think it was the book that really got me into reading, or at least solidified my love for it. It was the book that introduced me to a whole new realm: young adult novels, along with a community of people who love reading just as much as I do.

It was like this book had opened my eyes, or had alighted a new spark in me.

Books are my escape. Whenever I need to leave this world or forget something that happened, I just read. If I’m frustrated or stressed about school, I can pick up a book, and all those negative emotions just float away. I don’t even realize it until after I set my book down, because I just get so wrapped up in the story.

I lose myself in the plot and in the characters. I smile with them, I cry with them, I get mad at them, I get nervous for them. I bury my head when they’re doing something embarrassing or dumb. Sometimes I just have to stop reading after some major revelation to just be able to process what happened, and sometimes I have to resist the urge to chuck my book across the room-thanks, “Warcross”.

Books tear my heart out of my chest and stomp on it before gluing all the pieces back together and gently place it back in my chest, only to do the same thing all over again.

Books make me smile, and yes, make me cry.

Books transport me from this world to another, and teach me important life lessons that I might never have learned. I know that no matter what happens to me, I will always books by my side. So thanks to my parents for reading to me when I was little, and introducing me to the world of books.

LEAVE IT Toys R Us, toy retail and superstore, filed for bankruptcy in March.

Chloe Kim became the youngest woman to win a medal for halfpipe snowboarding at the 2018 winter games.

TAKE IT

TAKE IT ISIS has lost all of its territory in Iraq and most of its territory in Syria.

Eating Tide pods became a trend in January of this year.

LEAVE IT

Gun violence became more widespread and discussed after multiple school shootings during the year.

LEAVE IT opinion

21

H U M A N S

o f

MIDLAND HIGH

where’s the pep in perserverence?

Aleah Ward

F

Lane Gauthier Senior

I’ve absolutely loved student section. It was me, Luke Butler, and John White, and football season was the highlight of senior year for sure. It was so much fun, beating Dow especially. My favorite memory was at the second Midland-Dow football game.

We were up and it was the end of the game and we were getting really excited, and me and John were standing and got everyone to chant “I Believe.” Everyone was going absolutely crazy and happy. We all were so excited; it’s your school, it’s your friends playing, and that just made everyone feel so happy. You have fun at every game you go to, but there are certain memories that stand out and that is just one of them that always will.

For more HOMH, follow The Focus on Instagram

22

opinion

rom the preparation of carefully choreographed routines to team bonding, it takes a special group of people to truly appreciate pom pon. It’s definitely not for everyone, and every year I see many of my teammates leave, each one of them dropping like flies. Even three of my closest friends left the team, each turning a cold shoulder for different reasons. I was the only one who was successful in perfecting my techniques and committing to something I Ioved.

However, when I stepped through the doors of the auxiliary gym to try out as a scared and insecure eighth grader, I never thought I would hold a place on the varsity team.

Before my junior varsity evaluation in April of 2016, I had not once held a pom, while many of my peers had been on a middle school team, or on the team previously.

After the tryout, I sat tentatively by my phone until it started to buzz, and had been greeted with the voice of one of my future coaches: “Congratulations! You’ve made junior varsity fall pom!” I was thrilled.

I had surely made a lot of memories during my first season as a pommer, and made many friends as well. But somehow, I felt no love towards pom. I was one hundred percent sure that I liked it, and thought it was lots of fun, but it didn’t pose as a significant part of my life. It wasn’t until winter try outs that I learned how important it was to me.

I had tried out for the winter JV team, and ended up not making it. I was devastated, but it wasn’t because I didn’t make the team. I was devastated because I had finally realized that I loved performing, being with my teammates, and just pom in general.

Without pom that winter, I felt empty. I couldn’t wait to come back to it, even when I had been in drama that winter,(which I also loved).

From the first practice I had my second season of pom, there was something different about this new group of girls. All of them were very kind, funny, and smart in their own unique ways, but we didn’t mesh together very well. During this season, there were more

instances of drama, tears, and many more dropouts than the last year’s fall team. Despite these conditions, I persevered.

Most of the people that returned to try out for winter shared the love for pom that I felt as well, and had the ability to leave their emotional baggage at the door. All of those who tried out for winter had made it, even if they only held alternate positions.

The two people who earned alternate positions were two of my closest friends that remained on junior varsity. Then each of them dropped off the team. One quit before the state competition, and the other after her and I did not make the fall varsity team.

I chose to stay for another fall season on JV as a junior, although it stung to see many of my friends advancing to positions I couldn’t reach. This ultimately broke my heart. “We’re hoping you can sharpen up by winter, you just need to work on timing,” were the words I heard as I tried to hold back hot, pitiful tears.

When I put down my phone, I sobbed my eyes out, and deemed myself a failure.I didn’t go to school the next day; swamped in a temporary depression for the rest of the weekend.

I thought about quitting, but I eventually carried out my promise to work for something that I loved and continued to pom for my fourth season.

Winter tryouts approached this November, and an opportunity to be on varsity had rose again. I nervously tapped my toes on the scuffed tile outside of the orchestra room. I barely remembered anything about that tryout, but I knew that I tried my very best.

Later on that snowy night, I was able to hear the words that I waited months for. I made it.

After all of my hard work, I was rewarded with a spot on the varsity competition team.

I can’t deny that I wanted to quit at least once or twice while pomming, but I’m glad that I was able to stay. I couldn’t be more proud of myself.

Everyone has to remember it’s always important to perservere through hardships to pursue something they love. So if you happen to be anything like me: don’t give up.

December 21, 2018

FOCUS

white noise 1601 E Wheeler St | 989 832 8770 2713 Waldo Ave | 989 631 3060

Kelly Craig

T

he first and only time I would fire a gun happened in one sticky, sweaty July afternoon when I was 13.

Having been forced to attend a bible studies summer camp that week by my parents, I desperately searched for ways to fill my twohour allotted free time in the afternoons, hoping to be around as few people and bibles as possible. To my relief, there was one afternoon activity that granted both of those things; the unassuming target range hiding just off the trail leading away from the camp. I eagerly got myself in line at the booth, also wanting to impress the rowdy, confident kids who definitely knew more about guns than bible verses.

As I started to draw the gun up onto my shoulders for the first time, I suddenly felt very small and stupid in my oversized gloves and loose goggles slipping off my face, beginning to question what I was even doing there in the first place as I looked on at the more experienced shooters. Noticing that I was hesitating, the counselor overseeing the range grumpily urged me to fire, catching me off guard and causing me to blindly pull the trigger. A loud cracking noise rang from the gun and seared itself into my memory, lodging itself alongside the choking smell of smoke and the bullet hole left on the target.

And it terrified me.

That same summer, only a few weeks after returning from camp, Michael Brown was shot and killed in Ferguson, Missouri.

Before, gun violence had lingered in the background of my life as white noise; people dying in shootings was just as insignificant a part of the 6pm news as a store opening or a local government election. But starting that summer, as I finally opened my eyes to the realities of gun violence, as well as some of the insidious connotations behind it, it continued to fester and bleed its way into focus.

Every year, I watched more and more people die. Between Orlando, Las Vegas, the students from Parkland, and the seemingly countless number of people on the nightly news, the same terrible cycle

FOCUS

December 21, 2018

repeated itself over and over again. People would die, there’d be outrage, politicians would give their condolences, the country would grieve for a couple of weeks, then everyone would do nothing and wait like sitting ducks as the bodies continued to pile up.

The answer to this problem should be simple. It should be analyzing other country’s gun laws, it should be strict background checks, it should be making it more difficult to get a gun than just walking into Walmart and buying a military weapon. But for some odd reason, nothing has changed. Nothing has changed since Columbine. Nothing has changed since Aurora. Nothing has changed since Sandy Hook.

The truth of the matter is that politicians care more about the money and endorsements they recieve from the NRA than they do about people’s lives. The people lost, as they have made astoundingly clear after the hundreds of lives lost and countless others tragically changed forever.

The repeated inaction of those in power has proven to me that people have continued to let the deaths of innocent people go unaccounted for, and that it won’t be changing anytime soon.

For every shooting since that summer, the fear I first felt around guns grew into something uncontrollable. I kept wondering whether or not I would be next.

I started walking into school through the back entrance. I started planning where I would run if someone rounded a corner, calculating my chances of making it if I ran away zigzagged. I started thinking about how successfully I could play dead if a shooter came into a movie theatre I was attending.

I started coming into school each morning, wondering whether or not I would come back out that afternoon alive. And I’ll continue to wonder how long I have left until I’m next. But I have hope. I’ll be bringing my vote to the polls next fall, and I won’t be alone.

If you would like to advertise here Contact Jacob W. May jacomay20@midlandps.org

$50 (4” x 4”) $30 (2” x 4”) $30 (4” x 2”)

opinion

23

A Tough Game Members of the hockey team sit on the bench during the MHS vs DHS game on December 5.

The Chemics lost 1-6, with their only goal being scored in the second period by sophomore Tanner Squires. The two rivals will not meet again until February 6. Photo: Maureen Aloff

Soccer Playoffs

Senior Nate Streich (right) and junior Jack Sczepanski try to defend sophomore Ben Ismail during the district game against DHS on Oct. 15. The Chemics lost 2-0. Photo: Spencer Isberg