December 15th Issue

FOCUS the

Eye for Art Junior Olivia Ortiz is working on her portfolio for IB Art, including this piece inspired

by Shel Silverstein.

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varsity basketball Senior Madison Barrie goes for a layup against Bay City Western’s Kylie Lukowski on Dec. 8. The Chemics lost, 36-43, but won the following day over Sault Ste. Marie, 64-29 Photo: Fischer Genau

Hinduism

School Security

Concealed Carry Bill

DIY Gifts

Midland High School | December 15, 2017 | Volume 40, Issue 4

Left Hand - Even number page

in this issue volume 40 | issue 4

arts & entertainment

sports

features

opinion

14 Sportszone 15 Wrestling 16 Coach Clobes

4 Stage Managers 5 Olivia Ortiz

6 Santa House 7 Hinduism 8-9 Views on Gun Control

4

news

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17 Editorial 18 DIY Christmas Gifts 19 Reviews Concealed Carry Bill

Holiday Movie Food Items

gun control

Editor-in-Chief | Gwynne Özkan Managing | Hope O’Dell Features | Bitsy Mammel News | Holly Stauffer Sports | Hannah Smith Arts/Entertainment | Hailey Surbook Opinion | Danielle Julien Web | Hadley Morden Photo & Design | Fischer Genau Ads | Olivia Freidinger Exchange | Josephine Kuchek Adviser | Jim Woehrle Printer | The Argus - Press

editors

10 Downtown Construction 11 School Security 12-13 Concealed Weapons an in-depth look on:

Cecelia Mosqueda

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

6 12 2

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 15, 2017

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Right Hand - Odd number page

news in brief

the

bulletin A.H. Nickless Finalists Campus PASS:

Jerry Bringard, Emma Jamrog, Gwynne Özkan, Preston Millward

Thermal Sensor Reading:

Corinne Dunsmore, Zach Servinski, Henry Kessler, Allison Grey @glorious_gloria2018 LAST CHANCE TO SEE RHAPSODY AT MCFTA (7:30) I HEARD THE EMCEES ARE PRETTY GREAT!!! #mhs #rhapsody #emceelove

Kangaroo Reading:

Spencer James, Matt Waier, Aidan Haase, Emma Brown, Thomas Schwartz

Three MHS teams qualified for Phase II, ranking top 20 out of approximately 60 submissions. This competition encourages innovation among the youth, with the goal of solving real-world problems.

DAR Good Citizenship Each year, the Daughters of the American Revolution honor 12 good citizens in the area at the Midland Community Center. Hannah Bartels was selected due to her leadership, patriotism, service, and dependability.

Congressional App Challenge Winner

@apnoel_

“just because there’s a chem lab tomorrow doesn’t mean I’m not going to wear crocs @ mr yoder” 7 likes

F O C U S

A.H. Nickless Competition

Congressman Moolenaar visited MHS to award seniors Jerry Bringard, Gwynne Özkan, Emma Jamrog, and Preston Millward their certificates for winning this innovation competition on Monday, Dec. 3.

@mhs_focus

Elaine Mahabir @mhs_focus

@mhs_focus

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Senior Garrett Willis scored 30 points to lead Boys’ Varsity Basketball team season opener.

The Chemics suffered a close loss; the final score was 54-57. Photo: Fischer Genau

December 15, 2017

Math and Special Education teacher Elaine Mahabir was the most recent recipient of the Excellence in Education Award. She earned $500 for the MHS math department.

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curtain call Although senior stage managers Ethan Tuck and Kayla Douglas spend all of their time behind the scenes, they play a major role in making sure the product on stage is well executed. Exchange Editor Josie Kuchek | Staff Writer Ben Woehrle

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ometimes, the most important things are those that are hardest to see. In an MHS drama production, the spotlight will not shine and the curtain will not be raised if not for the stage managers. Seniors Ethan Tuck and Kayla Douglas have been involved with drama for most of their high school careers, but have never appeared on the stage itself.

As stage managers, they may not be in the spotlight of the show, but they have a crucial role in making everything run smoothly. During performances, they manage everything that goes on and off the

stage. Tuck usually sets up in the back of the theater with a headset on while he calls the cues for the actors. Douglas spends most of her time backstage, making sure that all of the props and set changes get on the stage. Megan Applegate, director of the drama club, has seen the key role that these students play each show.

“It’s very much a leadership role,” Applegate said. “They call the cues, they tell the lights and sound when to go, they call the actors to the stage, they coordinate the stage crew that’s moving the scene changes, so they’re very much a hands on leader.”

Lights/Stage Crew - one year Stage Manager - two years 12 Total productions 8 MHS productions

Favorite Show:

Peter and the Starcatcher

KAYLA DOUGLAS Previous Involvement:

Stage Crew - two years Assisstant Stage Manager - one year Stage Manager - one year 10 total productions 8 MHS productions

Favorite Show:

The Great Gatsby

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arts/entertainment

set construction hours, and writing in a lot of the cues in the script. Whereas I think Kayla does a lot of managing of the set construction and scene changes, and managing how things come on and off [the stage].”

Tuck and Douglas are both excited to lead their peers and to be involved in the productions this year. The drama club would not be able to put on the many plays and musicals throughout the year if it were not for these students. They hold everything together in each show and are the constant factor that help make the program flourish.

Photos: Maureen Aloff

ETHAN TUCK Previous Involvement:

Stage manager is by no means a job that just anyone can have. Both of this year’s stage managers paid their dues as members of the stage crew, moving sets and props, and helping with the production on a smaller level. As they became more experienced and showed their dedication to drama, Tuck and Douglas took on much larger roles and Applegate notices how well they work together to put on the show.

“They definitely have a system that works for them,” Applegate said. “Ethan does a lot more of the paperwork aspect of things such as keeping track of the attendance,

Words of recognition:

“Ethan has competed as a stage manager in festivals and won high superior honors for the work that he does and the portfolios that he has put together. It’s an art form and it’s under-appreciated - a lot of work but not a lot of applause.”

Most Rewarding Part:

“I would definitely say being a team leader. Being a stage manager you’re in charge of your peers. It’s taught me how to be a part of a team but also lead people.”

Working Dynamics:

Megan Applegate Director

“We look at all the duties we have to do for the show and go through what needs to be done.

Words of recognition:

Most Rewarding Part:

“Kayla in particular has worked in smaller capacities for a number of years now, and to see her step up and take a leadership role like this is really cool. She was someone who came to all the set construction for stage crew, she just went above and beyond all the time.”

Megan Applegate Director

“Making all the parts come together to be a finished product is rewarding and you learn a lot of little life skills, like being efficient and if things go wrong you learn how to fix it.”

Working Dynamics:

“Ethan does a lot of coordinating with the actors and I work more with the crew and set building.”

December 15, 2017

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visionar y

Artist Olivia Ortiz has had a passion for art ever since she was a child. Her skill and technique has made her one of Midland High’s most promising art students.

Photo and Design Editor Fischer Geanu | Staff Writer Noah Jacobson | Staff Writer Hannah Woehrle

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n artist’s drive can be the most important component when following their own creative process. Junior Olivia Ortiz defies this concept by creating works of art, despite not having a consistent style or knowing the source of her creativity.

As long as she can remember, Ortiz has been a practicing artist. She’s been involved in various art programs such as Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and has taken beginner, intermediate, three dimensional, and International Baccalaureate art classes since elementary school.

“I’ve always thought of it as a part of me, but, I guess it became a distinct characteristic when other people started realizing it,” Olivia said. “Regardless, it was always there for me.”

Rebecca Ortiz, Olivia’s mother, says Olivia’s attention to detail stood out as a child.

At three years old, Olivia began to add fingers, toes and teeth to all of the people within her

Olivia Ortiz’s self-portrait is her favorite piece in her collection. It is drawn in charcoal on canvas.

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December 15, 2017

illustrations. Her mother said she sees her calculating and meticulous approach translate to her work today.

“Her attention to detail shows patience; she is patient and she puts a lot of effort in,” Rebecca said. “You have to really love and enjoy it to put that amount of effort in.”

Over time, Olivia’s intricate stick figures turned into fully-fledged works of art, assembling a broad array of drawings, paintings, and sculptures. One of her paintings went on to win a Congressional Award for Acrylic Holiday Painting, and currently hangs in the office of U.S. Representative John Moolenaar.

Despite developing into an accomplished artist, Olivia said she has yet to discover her personal muse or purpose behind her work. Olivia said she hopes that through her International Baccalaureate art class, which requires a consistent theme throughout the year’s work, her identity will present itself to her.

“I don’t really have a drive for my art, I just do what I feel in that moment,” Olivia said.

“If I wanted to have a meaning or something to put behind each piece, which is what IB art is really pushing me to do, it would make them more cohesive and develop more of a style for me as an artist.”

Kelli Bishop, Olivia’s art teacher since seventh grade, agrees that Olivia still has yet to develop a distinct style. Bishop has acknowledged Olivia’s talent since middle school, and has watched her grow as an artist.

Bishop says that Olivia has a good eye for scale and proportion, setting her apart from other students. She is hopeful that Olivia will discover her vision through her involvement in the IB art program. ¨She’s still developing her artistic vision,” Bishop said. “I think she doesn’t know where she wants to go with it yet, but I think she’ll discover it.”

Reflected in her art, Olivia’s creativity affects how she interacts with other subjects in school. She said she’s passionate about other subject matter, particularly English. She

sees a parallel in the creative thinking that art and writing share.

“Pictures are basically a visual story,” Rebecca said.

“Her drawing and paintings; she puts a lot of thought into that. Similar to how you would tell a story.”

Olivia said that one of the milestones in her becoming a better developed artist was a two-week period spent at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Olivia said that without her mother’s persuasion, she probably wouldn’t have attended.

“I almost didn’t want to go because I was thinking it was just going to be a bunch of rich kids who were super good at art and I wasn’t going to be as good as them.” Olivia said “But, I went and ended up getting two instructor awards for drawing and painting which is kind of crazy because that’s the first ever occurrence in Blue Lake history. ” Olivia’s mother said that she always knew of Olivia’s talent, but as a mother, she admits she was always a little biased.

Rebecca said the awards gave confirmation that Olivia is as good as she had always thought.

“I look at what she does and she amazes me with her talent,” Rebecca said. “Even without awards, it’s fun to see her care about something and put the effort in. As long as she’s happy and she’s having fun, I’m happy.”

Olivia takes pride in her talent.

Despite the fact that her artistic vision is not clear, her art is the product of a passion, and one that has shaped a great deal of her adolescence.

“It’s the part of me that makes me stand out a bit,” Olivia said.

“It’s a characteristic that I can own and make my own.”

arts/entertainment

5

nd hi

es

pi

rit

be

t h e thousands of people to it.

There are other Santa houses in our area, but what separates Midland’s from the others is that it is free. Tom Valent, manager, builder, and Santa of the Santa House has had many experiences with fans of Midland’s Santa House.

“There is nothing like it anywhere,” Valent said. “I can say that because I get calls from a lot of fans from a lot of different states, different countries and they are all wonder about the Santa House.”

The Midland Santa House is also one of a kind in the fact that it has been around for so long. There have been multiple versions of the Santa House throughout the decades, dating all the way back to early 1900s when Grace A. Dow started the courthouse lighting. It has become a ritual for the people of Midland to visit the Santa House each year.

“The Santa House is incredibly important to the Midland community in the sense that it offers something that people of all walks of life can appreciate,” Witt said.

“Traditions like this are instrumental in supporting the unity and camaraderie we feel as Midlanders.”

The Santa House runs on its volunteers, all of the elves and Santas work free of charge.

“What brings me back every year is being able to interact with so many joy filled people,” Witt said. “Having the opportunity to do a small role in putting on an event that is so special to so many people is something

O

n the

th

corner of Main and Isabella sits a house unlike any other. When you walk into the Santa House, it is like a child’s toy box, filled with miles of train track, airplanes, teddy bears and doll houses.

The Midland Santa House, built in 1987 and managed by the Midland Area Community Foundation, has become a major staple for the city.

Junior Justin Witt has volunteered at the Santa House and has encountered several people from multiple different states.

“I am always impressed to hear how far many have traveled to visit the Midland Santa House,” Witt said. “Last time I volunteered, people were visiting from all around Michigan, and as far away as Virginia and Wisconsin.

Our Santa House is truly something that puts Midland on the map.”

The uniqueness of the Santa House draws

th

es

an

I can’t pass up.”

Many of the volunteers find the work at the Santa House to be fulfilling and because of this, they want to give everyone the best experience possible at the Santa House.

“Once you realize that you can start to help spread the joy of Christmas, it is just a great reward,” said Fred Honerkamp, Santa of 17 years for the Santa House. “You are being given a parent’s most precious possession and entrusting the spirit of Christmas for that child. I want every visit with Santa to be the very best.”

Honerkamp sometimes feel that being Santa can be difficult for him emotionally. It is hard for him when he knows that a child comes from a bad home environment or that they are sick and only have a weeks to live.

“You go home feeling really good because children come up and they adore you,” Honerkamp said. “ There is a lot of baggage that comes with it too. Sometimes I get home and have to put my face in a pillow and cry.”

A few years ago, Honerkamp was working as Santa at the Santa House and met a disabled child. He was talking to the child and telling him all about the North Pole and the presents he was making for him. When Honerkamp was getting up to tell the child goodbye and to meet the other children, the child grabbed his arm. It was the first time the child had touched anyone in a long time.

“The father apologized and said, ‘He watches a Santa movie everyday of the year and this is his only chance to see the real Santa.’” Honerkamp said. “Even though there was the long line, I got right back down and started telling him more about the North Pole

ta

ho

us e

and my reindeer.

Then two weeks later I learned that he passed.”

Being a Santa as well, Valent can relate to Honerkamp’s feelings. They each experience sad situations, but when they leave, they feel lucky and happy to have the experiences they do.

“It is a conglomerate of emotion and feeling” Valent said. “You get there and you might be a little tired, but when you leave you’re pumped. You have a great big smile on your face. “ Despite some of the sadness that comes with working at the Santa House, there is a lot of happiness and makes their time at the Santa House worthwhile. The people who work at the Santa House find their work to be very special and they look forward to it.

“The Christmas cheer is tangible, and witnessing the joy and happiness that family’s experience as they continue this holiday tradition is very nostalgic,” Witt said. “The energy is just incredible.

Seeing the diverse groups of people represented in the Midland area and beyond come together to share this cherished tradition is very special.”

The Santa House has become a landmark for Midland, bringing in thousands of families from inside and outside of the city. Web Editor Hadley Morden | Staff Writer Adelyn Dunsmore| Staff Writer Liam Grady (top) Artificial snow falls inside of the Santa House on Dec. 5, children catch the snow in their hands and watch it fall in awe. (bottom left) A child looks through the window at the house while waiting their turn to visit with Santa. (bottom right) Alexander and Helena Armstrong sit on Santa’s lap on Dec. 5 at the Santa House, Alexander tells Santa about the presents he hopes receive for Christmas. Photos: Hadley Morden

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features

December 15, 2017

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a way of life

Sisters Teju and Maghana Reddy are learning about Hinduism from their mother, Shobha Reddy, and plan to pursue practicing this religion.

Staff Writer Mady Sherman | Opinion Editor Danielle Julien

With their own shrine and many religious symbols throughout their house, the Reddy family is able to practice Hinduism within the comfort of their own home. Photo: Danielle Julien

M

any people think that faith is only a strong belief in God, but for Shobha Reddy, faith means much more. She has faith that good will prevail over evil, faith that people can be kind, and faith in the preserver, Vishnu.

Shobha and her two daughters, junior Teju Reddy and freshman Meghana Reddy, moved from Bangalore, India to Midland in 2011. The Reddys are followers of one of the oldest religions still practiced today: Hinduism. In a city dominated by Christianity, Shobha continues to stay true to her faith by performing puja, or a special prayer ritual. It is an important part of her daily life, performed twice a day, as well as visiting a new temple in Saginaw about once a month.

Puja consists of lighting candles, food offerings, chanting mantras towards pictures of the gods, and bowing the forehead to the floor. It is practiced right when Shobha wakes up, and again in the evening. Teju and Meghana do not practice puja with their mother, although they do pray once in the morning.

In recent months, Shobha has been attending a prayer group to help further her practice. She enjoys practicing with others, and has been teaching her two daughters the fundamentals of Hinduism.

“We believe in many Gods,” Teju said. “We have one main creator, a God of education, and each God has it’s own festivals we celebrate.”

Aside from practicing puja, the Reddys celebrate three main festivals each year.

Many of the Hindu Gods have festivals that also coincide with seasonal changes and events. One of the many festivals they celebrate is Diwali, the festival of lights.

“During the festival of lights we celebrate the god Vishnu,” Shobha said. “He comes to earth when many bad things are going on and he destroys those bad things. The festival of lights celebrates when he returns to the kingdom. The second festival we do is Holi, the festival of colors. It usually comes around spring. The third festival is Dussehra, which celebrates good over evil.”

Shobha likes to focus mainly on puja and her relationship with God during Diwali, while Meghana enjoys being around her

I don’t believe any religion is wrong, because God comes in different forms we believe in.

-Shobha Reddy

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December 15, 2017

family and practicing together.

“My favorite part of Diwali is how we are all together celebrating in the same place,” Meghana said.

Each year when Diwali comes around, the Reddys gather with many of their friends to celebrate. They enjoy plenty of food, and even light off fireworks.

Despite being surrounded by many Christmas traditions, Shobha likes this time of year because she gets to show her appreciation of the gods during their own festivals as well, and describes them as a time to get closer to the gods through her practices.

Regardless of living in such a heavily Christian region, the Reddys feel embraced by the Midland community and embraces all of the religions around her.

“I feel God is one,” Shobha said.

“Everybody follows their own religion. If you are born in Christianity you follow Christianity. If you’re born in Hinduism, you would follow Hinduism. I don’t believe any religion is wrong, because God comes in different forms we believe in. Each religion has it’s own rules and regulations that it follows, but all religions are one. That’s what I feel.”

Shobha believes that God is everywhere, and that He manifests himself within each of us. Because of this, she believes we should have compassion for one another throughout life.

“We should be human,” Shobha said.

“Humanity is very important. Care for each other, whatever it is, whoever we are. Be good to others, be good to everybody. I am a strong believer in that.”

Shobha Reddy practices puja at their shrine to the gods everyday. She performs specific mantras to the gods Photo: Danielle Julien

features

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at arms length IN DEPTH: gun control

Gun control is an intensely debated topic, especially with a group of new bills being debated at the state level. Within the school, there are both liberal and conservative students who believe that they have the answer to stop gun violence. Ads Coordinator Olivia Freidinger | Managing Editor Hope O’Dell | Staff Writer Jacob Hartwick

E

very night when sophomore Joseph Podboy goes to sleep, he feels safe.

He feels safe because of his .22 rifle, .410 double-barrel shotgun, and 12 gauge action-pump shotgun. They sleep soundly in their cases next to his bed.

“If someone breaks into my home and they are a threat to me,” Podboy said, “I want to be able to use the tools necessary to protect my family and take down the threat.”

Podboy said he was raised around guns, so gun control is an issue close to home. He believes that taking away guns isn’t the answer to preventing gun violence. Podboy believes that with proper training, concealed and open carry should be legal in every state; and taking away guns hurts those who would use them correctly.

“Taking guns away will just leave lawabiding citizens vulnerable,” Podboy said.

“Gun owners who turn in their firearms won’t be able to defend themselves, but criminals will get guns anyway.”

Instead, he believes the answer to preventing gun violence is to make the buying process more intricate, especially in regards to the background check system.

“Background checks should be more thorough,” Podboy said. “They should check their mental state and their mental history, if they have one.”

School Resource Officer Jeremy Davis of the Midland Police Department agrees that mental health is a significant issue relating to gun control.

“I think a lot of these mass shootings start out, initially, when the shooter wants to end their own life,” Davis said. “Then it becomes a game or a body count.”

Davis said that this often stems from mental instability, and there needs to be more comprehensive treatment.

“It seems to be there’s no funding for mental health issues,” Davis said.

“Sometimes we come across someone with mental health issues, and we fill out paperwork to have that person evaluated.

When that person gets evaluated they say, ‘Well,

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features

it’s not that big of a deal.’ But it is a big deal.”

S e n i o r B r a d a n Bukaweski also thinks mental health and gun control are connected.

However, in a perfect world, Bukaweski would like the Second Amendment taken away altogether.

“If the Second Amendment were repealed,” Bukaweski said, “it would make the nation much safer. Strip everyone of their guns.”

Bukaweski said he came to this conclusion after seeing mass shootings being covered by the media and the country’s evolving reaction to them.

“Mass shootings occur too often in America,” Bukaweski said. “It has

infringing on other rights.

Personally, I’d rather lose the right to own a firearm than have several of my rights, such as privacy and security, infringed upon any more than they already are.”

Sophomore Parker Kraenzlein is

If the Second Amendment were repealed, it would make the nation much safer. Strip everyone of their guns.

-Bradan Bukaweski

reached the point where we are often desensitized to the news of a shooting. I believe this is one of the saddest parts of the whole gun control debate.”

Bukaweski said he has noticed how normal mass shootings seem nowadays.

“It has gotten to the point where it is just another breaking news story,” Bukaweski said. “If guns were stripped away from everyone, this could be stopped for good. I don’t think there is a way around it besides

on the opposite end of the political spectrum. He believes that the government would be overstepping should they try and take away citizens’ guns.

“The government is trying to strip United States citizens of our rights until it gets to the point where we’re weakened so much,” Kraenzlein said.

“We cannot stand up to them.”

Similar to Podboy, Kraenzlein was

raised around guns. His family uses them for hunting and if needed, self-defense.

Their guns sit inside a safe that sits in a locked room. Kraenzlein’s political alignment and his family’s ownership of firearms has shaped his views on gun control.

“I believe people have certain rights that should not be taken from them.” Kraenzlein said. “Guns are one of them. Also, from a young age my grandfather always taught me to stand up for what I believe in, and not let anyone do onto me as they would not like done onto themselves.”

Kraenzlein believes that a lot of political candidates who support gun control are hypocritical.

“If a leading future presidential candidate is saying that I need to give up my guns, but are surrounded by bodyguards, I am going to have to second guess anyone who is seriously considering voting for that person, because the candidate wants you to do as they say and not as they do,” he said.

Like Bukaweski and Podboy, Kraenzlein said background checks need to be improved.

But to him, there are problems on Capitol Hill as well.

“The government, the Democrats, need to stop trying to strip us of our right to bear arms,” Kraenzlein said. “It is outrageous. We need to be able to defend ourselves against our very own government, as well as protect ourselves and our private property from trespassers and intruders.

Contrary to Bukaweski’s beliefs, Kraenzlein believes that mass shootings would be better prevented if law-abiding citizens were armed.

“Tragedies like the shooting in Las Vegas are terrible,” Kraenzlein said. “No one wants that to happen to anyone, however that is the world we live in. You can’t even go to the movies without the thought of that in the back of your head. Nowadays you always have to think ahead of time what you might do in that situation, so that when it does occur, you are ready.”

Kraenzlein said that even semiautomatic weapons, which are often used in mass shootings, should not be restricted by the government. He said

December 15, 2017

FOCUS

that would be a slippery slope, and would eventually lead to all guns being taken away.

“It is just the government trying to violate our rights again,” Kraenzlein said. “Some people like shooting guns, including semiautomatic, as a hobby.”

Officer Davis supports the Second Amendment, but believes that there should be some restrictions on the type of gun citizens should be allowed to have.

“The Second Amendment and the Bill of Rights are intended to be a living and breathing document,” Davis said. “I fully believe that if you are a law-abiding citizen, you should have the right to possess firearms.

offices, coffee hours or town halls. They encourage their supporters to make their position on gun violence known to legislators, law enforcement, and educators.

MDA wants to work to educate constituents and legislators alike with their BeSMART campaign.

MDA travels to schools, administrators, and community groups to inform people of the importance responsible and educated gun ownership Contrary to MDA, Davis doesn’t think

We need to be able to defend ourselves against our very own government.

-Parker Kraenzlein

With that in mind, there’s a difference between possessing a gun for self-defense or a hunting, compared to a bazooka. I don’t think there’s a need for a civilian to possess artillery like that.”

While Davis believes that there should be restrictions on which guns citizens can obtain, Moms Demand Action (MDA) -- a grassroots network of moms, dads, and other citizens --advocate for responsible gun ownership rather than gun restrictions.

They oppose the words “gun control,” because they feel it is an exclusive term that only polarizes the issue. “‘Gun control’ is a term that shuts a lot of people down when trying to have conversations about guns, and it doesn’t reflect our goals, so we don’t use it,” said Carol Sullivan, Local Group Co-Leader for MDA, “We do not advocate for ‘gun control’ because we are not anti-gun. We are anti-gun violence.”

MDA uses their local branches to meet with legislative representatives or their aids at their

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December 15, 2017

September 29, 2017

educational programs in schools help to end gun violence, and that responsible gun ownership should be a culture at home rather than an educational program.

“Introducing another program could cut out class time,” Davis said. “Is that going to help things? It all starts with a foundation, and that foundation starts at home.”

But Sullivan said they hope these programs will educate those who are ignorant of responsible gun ownership, not only to hinder mass shootings but also bring other life-threatening gun activity to light, because often the media coverage of mass shootings drown out other issues.

“Mass shootings often dominate media attention when it comes to the national gun debate,” Sullivan said.

“It’s simply not an informed

view to look at America’s

Illustration: Danielle Julien

gun violence problem o n l y t h r o u g h the lens of mass shootings when the majority of the 93 Americans dying daily from gun violence are being killed in other contexts like suicide, domestic violence, a n d unintentional shootings.”

M D A doesn’t believe that taking away citizens’ Second Amendment rights will help to end gun violence. Sullivan said many citizens of the Great Lakes Bay region use guns for competition, hunting, and other nonviolent activities, and Sullivan said they should not have their Second Amendment rights taken away, but rather there needs to be a culture of gun safety and responsibility. Sullivan also said that citizens need to realize that politicians don’t always have what she called, the “common sense gun-owner” in mind.

“Well-financed positions backed by a

loud and active gun lobby,” Sullivan said. “Like gun manufacturers and extremist NRA leadership, have had more influence on lawmakers than the moderate majority of gun owners and non-gun owners.”

Kraenzlein, Bukaweski, and Podboy all believe that the background check system within the United States needs to be improved, so that mass shootings like Las Vegas can be stopped again. In an ideal world, Bukaweski would strip the Second Amendment from the Constitution, but Kraenzlein and Parker stand by their Second Amendment rights.

“After our founding fathers made it clear that we have free speech, freedom of religion, and the rest of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment,” Podboy said. “They went to firearms, and gave us the right to have them.”

And because of

that right, every night Podboy will go to

sleep feeling safe.

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at arms length IN DEPTH: gun control

Gun control is an intensely debated topic, especially with a group of new bills being debated at the state level. Within the school, there are both liberal and conservative students who believe that they have the answer to stop gun violence. Ads Coordinator Olivia Freidinger | Managing Editor Hope O’Dell | Staff Writer Jacob Hartwick

E

very night when sophomore Joseph Podboy goes to sleep, he feels safe.

He feels safe because of his .22 rifle, .410 double-barrel shotgun, and 12 gauge action-pump shotgun. They sleep soundly in their cases next to his bed.

“If someone breaks into my home and they are a threat to me,” Podboy said, “I want to be able to use the tools necessary to protect my family and take down the threat.”

Podboy said he was raised around guns, so gun control is an issue close to home. He believes that taking away guns isn’t the answer to preventing gun violence. Podboy believes that with proper training, concealed and open carry should be legal in every state; and taking away guns hurts those who would use them correctly.

“Taking guns away will just leave lawabiding citizens vulnerable,” Podboy said.

“Gun owners who turn in their firearms won’t be able to defend themselves, but criminals will get guns anyway.”

Instead, he believes the answer to preventing gun violence is to make the buying process more intricate, especially in regards to the background check system.

“Background checks should be more thorough,” Podboy said. “They should check their mental state and their mental history, if they have one.”

School Resource Officer Jeremy Davis of the Midland Police Department agrees that mental health is a significant issue relating to gun control.

“I think a lot of these mass shootings start out, initially, when the shooter wants to end their own life,” Davis said. “Then it becomes a game or a body count.”

Davis said that this often stems from mental instability, and there needs to be more comprehensive treatment.

“It seems to be there’s no funding for mental health issues,” Davis said.

“Sometimes we come across someone with mental health issues, and we fill out paperwork to have that person evaluated.

When that person gets evaluated they say, ‘Well,

8

features

it’s not that big of a deal.’ But it is a big deal.”

S e n i o r B r a d a n Bukaweski also thinks mental health and gun control are connected.

However, in a perfect world, Bukaweski would like the Second Amendment taken away altogether.

“If the Second Amendment were repealed,” Bukaweski said, “it would make the nation much safer. Strip everyone of their guns.”

Bukaweski said he came to this conclusion after seeing mass shootings being covered by the media and the country’s evolving reaction to them.

“Mass shootings occur too often in America,” Bukaweski said. “It has

infringing on other rights.

Personally, I’d rather lose the right to own a firearm than have several of my rights, such as privacy and security, infringed upon any more than they already are.”

Sophomore Parker Kraenzlein is

If the Second Amendment were repealed, it would make the nation much safer. Strip everyone of their guns.

-Bradan Bukaweski

reached the point where we are often desensitized to the news of a shooting. I believe this is one of the saddest parts of the whole gun control debate.”

Bukaweski said he has noticed how normal mass shootings seem nowadays.

“It has gotten to the point where it is just another breaking news story,” Bukaweski said. “If guns were stripped away from everyone, this could be stopped for good. I don’t think there is a way around it besides

on the opposite end of the political spectrum. He believes that the government would be overstepping should they try and take away citizens’ guns.

“The government is trying to strip United States citizens of our rights until it gets to the point where we’re weakened so much,” Kraenzlein said.

“We cannot stand up to them.”

Similar to Podboy, Kraenzlein was

raised around guns. His family uses them for hunting and if needed, self-defense.

Their guns sit inside a safe that sits in a locked room. Kraenzlein’s political alignment and his family’s ownership of firearms has shaped his views on gun control.

“I believe people have certain rights that should not be taken from them.” Kraenzlein said. “Guns are one of them. Also, from a young age my grandfather always taught me to stand up for what I believe in, and not let anyone do onto me as they would not like done onto themselves.”

Kraenzlein believes that a lot of political candidates who support gun control are hypocritical.

“If a leading future presidential candidate is saying that I need to give up my guns, but are surrounded by bodyguards, I am going to have to second guess anyone who is seriously considering voting for that person, because the candidate wants you to do as they say and not as they do,” he said.

Like Bukaweski and Podboy, Kraenzlein said background checks need to be improved.

But to him, there are problems on Capitol Hill as well.

“The government, the Democrats, need to stop trying to strip us of our right to bear arms,” Kraenzlein said. “It is outrageous. We need to be able to defend ourselves against our very own government, as well as protect ourselves and our private property from trespassers and intruders.

Contrary to Bukaweski’s beliefs, Kraenzlein believes that mass shootings would be better prevented if law-abiding citizens were armed.

“Tragedies like the shooting in Las Vegas are terrible,” Kraenzlein said. “No one wants that to happen to anyone, however that is the world we live in. You can’t even go to the movies without the thought of that in the back of your head. Nowadays you always have to think ahead of time what you might do in that situation, so that when it does occur, you are ready.”

Kraenzlein said that even semiautomatic weapons, which are often used in mass shootings, should not be restricted by the government. He said

December 15, 2017

FOCUS

that would be a slippery slope, and would eventually lead to all guns being taken away.

“It is just the government trying to violate our rights again,” Kraenzlein said. “Some people like shooting guns, including semiautomatic, as a hobby.”

Officer Davis supports the Second Amendment, but believes that there should be some restrictions on the type of gun citizens should be allowed to have.

“The Second Amendment and the Bill of Rights are intended to be a living and breathing document,” Davis said. “I fully believe that if you are a law-abiding citizen, you should have the right to possess firearms.

offices, coffee hours or town halls. They encourage their supporters to make their position on gun violence known to legislators, law enforcement, and educators.

MDA wants to work to educate constituents and legislators alike with their BeSMART campaign.

MDA travels to schools, administrators, and community groups to inform people of the importance responsible and educated gun ownership Contrary to MDA, Davis doesn’t think

We need to be able to defend ourselves against our very own government.

-Parker Kraenzlein

With that in mind, there’s a difference between possessing a gun for self-defense or a hunting, compared to a bazooka. I don’t think there’s a need for a civilian to possess artillery like that.”

While Davis believes that there should be restrictions on which guns citizens can obtain, Moms Demand Action (MDA) -- a grassroots network of moms, dads, and other citizens --advocate for responsible gun ownership rather than gun restrictions.

They oppose the words “gun control,” because they feel it is an exclusive term that only polarizes the issue. “‘Gun control’ is a term that shuts a lot of people down when trying to have conversations about guns, and it doesn’t reflect our goals, so we don’t use it,” said Carol Sullivan, Local Group Co-Leader for MDA, “We do not advocate for ‘gun control’ because we are not anti-gun. We are anti-gun violence.”

MDA uses their local branches to meet with legislative representatives or their aids at their

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December 15, 2017

September 29, 2017

educational programs in schools help to end gun violence, and that responsible gun ownership should be a culture at home rather than an educational program.

“Introducing another program could cut out class time,” Davis said. “Is that going to help things? It all starts with a foundation, and that foundation starts at home.”

But Sullivan said they hope these programs will educate those who are ignorant of responsible gun ownership, not only to hinder mass shootings but also bring other life-threatening gun activity to light, because often the media coverage of mass shootings drown out other issues.

“Mass shootings often dominate media attention when it comes to the national gun debate,” Sullivan said.

“It’s simply not an informed

view to look at America’s

Illustration: Danielle Julien

gun violence problem o n l y t h r o u g h the lens of mass shootings when the majority of the 93 Americans dying daily from gun violence are being killed in other contexts like suicide, domestic violence, a n d unintentional shootings.”

M D A doesn’t believe that taking away citizens’ Second Amendment rights will help to end gun violence. Sullivan said many citizens of the Great Lakes Bay region use guns for competition, hunting, and other nonviolent activities, and Sullivan said they should not have their Second Amendment rights taken away, but rather there needs to be a culture of gun safety and responsibility. Sullivan also said that citizens need to realize that politicians don’t always have what she called, the “common sense gun-owner” in mind.

“Well-financed positions backed by a

loud and active gun lobby,” Sullivan said. “Like gun manufacturers and extremist NRA leadership, have had more influence on lawmakers than the moderate majority of gun owners and non-gun owners.”

Kraenzlein, Bukaweski, and Podboy all believe that the background check system within the United States needs to be improved, so that mass shootings like Las Vegas can be stopped again. In an ideal world, Bukaweski would strip the Second Amendment from the Constitution, but Kraenzlein and Parker stand by their Second Amendment rights.

“After our founding fathers made it clear that we have free speech, freedom of religion, and the rest of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment,” Podboy said. “They went to firearms, and gave us the right to have them.”

And because of

that right, every night Podboy will go to

sleep feeling safe.

features

9

heart of a city The recent renovation of downtown Midland is intended to attract and accommodate the community while refreshing its appearance.

Staff Writer Kelly Craig | Staff Writer Will Shaffer | Staff Writer Theo Rammidi

A

s a community, Midland doesn’t tend to make big changes easily; but with extensive planning, work under a strict schedule, and community support, downtown Midland has been transformed in time for the Christmas holiday.

Jon Lynch, former City Manager for the City of Midland and President of Three Rivers Corporation, a company that was largely involved, says that the changes made are largely beneficial to not just local businesses, but to the everyday citizen as well.

“One of the biggest things we try to focus on is how we are going to attract citizens to downtown,” Lynch said. “As a gathering place for the community, we want more people to feel at home.”

Many of the changes to the area included removing stop lights, altering the existing parking plan, planting flowers that will bloom come spring, expanding sidewalks, a new apartment building, and renovations to the courthouse. This, however, is not the end of the beautification project. Future projects are to include an expansion of parks, new fire pits in gathering places, renovations to the H hotel, and a walkway along the Tittabawassee River.

All of this is done with all of Midland’s citizens in mind, city officials said.

“The new Downtown is meant for the people of Midland. It’s not for special investors, it’s meant for people,” Grant Murschel, Midland’s City Planning and Thanks to efforts from numerous contractors,

10

news

Community Development Director said.

“It’s meant for everyone.”

Lynch also feels that the downtown area of a city is an important part of the community. Selina Tisdale, current Executive Director of the Midland Downtown Development Authority, echoed Lynch on this concept.

“Working in a downtown district is like doing open heart surgery on a walking person,” Tisdale said. “This project specifically required a lot of care and communication with locals and businesses to minimize disruptions.”

As an extension of this idea, the project was kickstarted with a ground-breaking where local families and children could see the equipment up close and allow the community to be better acquainted with the process. John Waskevich, the Project Manager of Fisher Contracting Company, the general contractor for the project, stated that the event was also a great way to help local businesses by letting people know that they would not be closed during

the project.

“There was a lot of work put into keeping each business accessible during the project,” John Waskevich said.

“The plan was to work on each block in segments so as not to interfere too much with business downtown.”

Before the start of the beautification project, Tisdale noted that many parts of downtown have deteriorated with age, such as the tree roots that forced tears in the sidewalk, loose bricks on crosswalks, and aging and withered plant life, all of which prompted the much-needed beautification projects to go under way.

“We had buildings and landscapes that were falling apart, or in general just really old,” Tisdale said. “Instead of looking faded and dull, we want downtown to be polished and vibrant.”

Lynch noted the importance of landmarks such as the courthouse, which has been registered as a National Historical Landmark, and others such as the Tridge as important parts of the

It’s not for special investors, it’s meant for people.

-Grant Murschel Midland Community Development

construction process. Because of the popularity and community significance involving these landmarks, special care is taken when working on them.

“You have to take into account everything that makes places like the Tridge popular,” Lynch said. “The Tridge is so often the most recognizable thing about Midland, so we want it to reflect the city both stylistically and culturally.”

The project has been well received by citizens and business owners alike.

Lynch especially views this as a good opportunity for his company to land future jobs on this kind of scale.

“Companies are often chosen for projects based on competitive bidding,” Lynch said. “If we win the bid, we’re expected to do high quality work, which is something that will get us hired again by the same people later on.”

While citizens have expressed frustrations with the lack of traffic signals and disorganization in general, Tisdale believes that overall the project’s benefits will outweigh its disadvantages, and is grateful for all the people who made it possible. Both Lynch and Tisdale agree that Midland is often resistant to change, but that sometimes changes such as this one are a good thing for the city.

“When doing these projects, we try to think about things in the long run,” Lynch said. “Keeping tradition, and at the same time breathing new life into the city, is definitely worth it.” planners, and construction companies, downtown

December 15, 2017

FOCUS

IN DEPTH: gun control

surveying the

security

This is the first year the new security additions at MHS are being implemented. After almost four months, the effectiveness of the new systems and protocols are evaluated.

Editor-in-Chief Gwynne Özkan | Staff Writer Katie Gibbs | Staff Writer Devin Alexander

A

s of Labor Day in 2017, Midland High School gained 72 powerful new sets of eyes, each one memorizing and logging every single second of activity.

A new buzzer system instituted into the main office. 1300 students issued personalized identification badges. All exterior doors remain locked in unison with the school bell.

A new question has arisen, Have these new security measures been effectively constructive or merely instated?

Many students feel underwhelmed by the new security changes. Senior Hailey Werth is a part of dual enrollment at Delta College.

She enters and exits the building frequently, traveling between Delta college and Midland High. She enters the building at noon, Although heightened security supposedly requires an identification badge to enter the building during this time, Werth says this is not the case.

“I don’t know the new security details perfectly because no one ever explained it to us, so I’m not really a huge fan,” Werth said. “I went to get my identification card and they told me they didn’t even have one for me.

Regardless, I still come and go from the school as I need to without one.”

The security changes included the installation of lock pads on all major entrances, and buzzers that sound if any exterior door is left open for more than 45 seconds. High functioning cameras were installed throughout campus, and all students were issued a swipe identification badge.

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December 15, 2017

“It’s a state of the art technology system where we can go back and review video from the day it was installed,” Jaster said. “There’s a running record of everything that can be seen from each camera.”

However there are many areas of concern among students, including little monitoring of the doors. They are often propped open during classes, passing times, and open lunches. This gives access to anyone who wishes to come into the building, including potential threats to the school’s safety.

Superintendent Michael Sharrow understands these concerns.

“Security is inconvenient,” Sharrow said. “It’s never perfect and it’s never

Certain aspects of the new security system have functioned successfully.

Last year, if administration needed to evaluate footage, workers had to scroll through hours of footage to find what they were looking for, and more often than not were unable to identify the culprit due to poor quality. This year, a computer that contains all of the security footage is programmed to allow easy access to high quality footage, indicating the exact date and time in a matter of seconds. Sharrow and Jaster said the cameras are also being used for more than just safety measures.

The cameras serve as a deterrent to bad decisions. Rather than combating them after they happen, since they add

If anyone has the mindset that ‘it’ can’t happen in Midland, it surely is not your administration.

-Superintendent Michael Sharrow

foolproof, so when we add locks and security, it’s to slow danger down. There is no way we could take MHS and say we are completely secure, but we can slow down the bad guy and reduce the damage as best as we can.”

a feeling of constant surveillance to the school grounds, Jaster is hoping kids are more careful with their actions.

“It helps to assist us with discipline issues,” Jaster said. “Hopefully it’s a preventive measure because kids are

aware that there are more cameras in the building so maybe students will think twice before doing something they shouldn’t do in the hallway.”

There are many other areas of concern under question among students and adults, however, Superintendent Michael Sharrow addresses these concerns. Sharrow is confident that the newly implemented security is doing its intended job, despite the reported issues of doors propped open, ill functioning ID badges, and low-quality identifier photos.

Sharrow believes the malfunctions are linked to administrators limited training.

Although changes have been up and running since last year, administration is just no becoming fully trained and accustomed in using them.

“I hope there is a noticeable change with the new system, but in terms of the daily practice, we are not where we need to be quite yet.” Sharrow said. “Nothing is perfect, but over the next six months to a year, things will improve and we can move forward. Right now, we are learning how to use the technology, but then the challenge is how we use it to increase safety.”

Sharrow and Jaster hope that students will see a greater increase in the prevalence of the system and its potential. However, in the meantime, they are both confident that the new security system is going to be a great asset to the school in other ways.

Overall, Sharrow is optimistic about the new security mandates put into place this school year, as safety is his number one priority.

news

11

concealed carry

IN DEPTH: gun control

A new set of bills allowing concealed carry of weapons in schools is going through the Michigan Legislature. Midland school officials oppose the proposed law, but local lawmakers support it. News Editor Holly Stauffer | Sports Editor Hannah Smith

S

ince the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, there have been 142 school shootings in the United States, which averages to nearly one a week. In an attempt to make schools safer, a Michigan Senate committee created a three-package bill that will allow gun owners to carry concealed weapons in gun-free zones like schools, bars, dorms, stadiums, day care centers, and churches--if it becomes a law.

The bill has currently passed through the State Senate and the House of Representatives.

Currently, it has received support from progun groups, like the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Republican party, while receiving opposition from Democrats.

The bill states that in order to be carry a concealed weapon in a gun-free zone -- such as a public school -- the gun owner must have proof of a gun license and take an additional eight hours of training. The new bill series also prevents the open-carry loophole, so gun owners would not be permitted to openly carry a weapon in a gun-free zone.

Jennifer Smith, Director of Government Relations for the Michigan Association of School Boards, opposes the bill because it limits the ability of school districts to prevent concealed weapons on their property.

“The bill exempts private property,” Smith said. “It exempts universities. But being public schools we would have no say in whether or not a person could carry on school grounds or not.”

With the passing of the bill, Smith said that a lot of changes would need to be made in the schools, including security and policy.

“If the legislation is passed, any school that has a policy that says you cannot carry weapons on their property would be void,” Smith said. “Schools would have to allow you to concealed carry as long as you have the enhanced license.”

Midland Superintendent Michael Sharrow also said he opposes the bill. In talking to fellow superintendents and members of other school boards, Sharrow said that he hasn’t come across many educators who are in favor of the bills.

The Legislature passed a similar bill in 2012, but Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed it. “[Governor Snyder’s] recent comment was ‘I don’t see any differences in this legislation than the one I vetoed before,’ so it holds us a

12

news

little bit of hope that the governor may veto this, but a veto means temporarily putting it aside,” Sharrow said. “We’re not done with this legislation moving forward.”

Sharrow highlighted some of the Midland Public Schools policies that would undergo change in response to the bill. If someone entered the building who was not a student or employee, and staff were aware of their possession of a weapon, the school would go into a ‘Secure Mode’ where all classrooms would remain locked.

“We’ll try to be proactive in our stance, but concealed is going to be harder than under open carry policy,” Sharrow said. “Under open carry policy, we would hold a person in the office area and bring whoever they were going to see into the office area. The problem with concealed is we’re not going to necessarily know that [they’re carrying a weapon].”

Math teacher Kendall Root fears accidents happening due to the introduction of weapons in school. Root is especially leery regarding weapons in elementary schools, due to the vulnerability of younger students.

“My uneasiness about the legislation is the statistical aspects of it,” Root said. “Is there a chance for something bad to happen? Yes. Is there a chance for somebody to save lives because they have a weapon in a school? Yes. But which is the more likely possibility is what makes me uneasy.”

Youth Intervention Specialist Jackie Warner works with students who are in crisis, whether that has to do with guns, drugs, or mental health. On a day-to-day basis, Warner comes across cases dealing with the misuse of weapons.

“I have worked with youth that have accidentally shot relatives or friends because they were handling a gun and thought it wasn’t loaded,” Warner said.

Warner believes that accidents will become more likely if the law gets introduced into the school systems. Even though 18-21 year olds would not be permitted to open carry (due to Midland Public School policy), Warner said misuse of weapons can happen at any age, even with training.

“Guns are more powerful than some realize and people become careless at times,” Warner said.

Warner not only has professional experience with the misuse of guns, but also

December 15, 2017

FOCUS

a very personal experience as well. When her son was in seventh grade, he took medication for his epilepsy. The medication led to thoughts of suicide, which caused him to take his own life using a gun.

“The combination of medication, impulsivity of people, and access to guns lead to a life-changing event that can never be reversed,” Warner said. “If we limit access to guns, it could save lives.”

Although Sharrow considers himself an advocate of gun rights in general, he does not view this as the best solution to current problems. Allowing concealed weapons in a school environment would create too many complications, he added.

“I have guns and I carry guns,” Sharrow said.

“But I certainly don’t look to carry guns into the school and I certainly don’t think this is the right answer.”

Another aspect of Warner’s job at the Juvenile Court is to complete mental health screenings for youth who are on probation due to irresponsible gun usage. Warner runs a group called Victim Impact, where students discuss their mental health issues and concerns.

Sharrow also said that mental health is closely related to gun violence and is a topic frequently discussed at school board meetings.

A committee has been formed in order to educate MPS employees regarding how to approach/recognize students who aren’t mentally sound. Sharrow said the introduction of this committee is to prevent a tragedy from happening in this school district. He doesn’t believe that the heavily debated bills are the solution to the problem; instead, he said mental health as a societal issue needs to be solved.

“With most mass shootings that have happened, the person who does it has wanted to die.” Sharrow said. “I believe that all of this is about mental health. Most people who do bad things are not mentally healthy.”

Despite the concerns expressed by many Michigan educators in regards to the bills 584-586, Republican Senator Jim Stamas of Midland supports the bills.

“This is about securing our schools and also honoring the constitutional rights of people to protect themselves,” Stamas said. “With these reforms, classrooms will no longer see disruptions caused by those choosing to legally open-carry a weapon.”

Stamas said that when he was making his decision to vote for the legislation, he had public safety as a number one priority.

“I am committed to protecting our students and families,” Stamas said. “This reform does that by closing the current open-carry loophole and helping ensure that our schools are not interrupted by the sight of a gun.”

Stamas received a lot of feedback from people in the community regarding his decision and the bill in general.

“I would like to thank those who reached out to me to share their thoughts, support and concerns on this legislation,” Stamas said. “I would especially like to thank ‘Moms Demand Action’ for their thoughtful discussion.”

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December 15, 2017

progression of senate bills 584-586 20 1 september Senate bills 584-586 are introduced for the first time

2

november 8

3

november 8

4 5 6

Bills considered an approved by the Senate Government Operations Committee.

Senate bills 584-586 pass in the full Senate 25 to 12.

december 6

The House of Representatives passes the bills 231-198

after passage

Governor must sign the bills

if vetoed

The House and Senate must vote to override the veto; the bills become law.

90% of students feel safe at school 63% of students would feel less safe if concealed weapons were allowed

news

13

concealed carry

IN DEPTH: gun control

A new set of bills allowing concealed carry of weapons in schools is going through the Michigan Legislature. Midland school officials oppose the proposed law, but local lawmakers support it. News Editor Holly Stauffer | Sports Editor Hannah Smith

S

ince the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, there have been 142 school shootings in the United States, which averages to nearly one a week. In an attempt to make schools safer, a Michigan Senate committee created a three-package bill that will allow gun owners to carry concealed weapons in gun-free zones like schools, bars, dorms, stadiums, day care centers, and churches--if it becomes a law.

The bill has currently passed through the State Senate and the House of Representatives.

Currently, it has received support from progun groups, like the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Republican party, while receiving opposition from Democrats.

The bill states that in order to be carry a concealed weapon in a gun-free zone -- such as a public school -- the gun owner must have proof of a gun license and take an additional eight hours of training. The new bill series also prevents the open-carry loophole, so gun owners would not be permitted to openly carry a weapon in a gun-free zone.

Jennifer Smith, Director of Government Relations for the Michigan Association of School Boards, opposes the bill because it limits the ability of school districts to prevent concealed weapons on their property.

“The bill exempts private property,” Smith said. “It exempts universities. But being public schools we would have no say in whether or not a person could carry on school grounds or not.”

With the passing of the bill, Smith said that a lot of changes would need to be made in the schools, including security and policy.

“If the legislation is passed, any school that has a policy that says you cannot carry weapons on their property would be void,” Smith said. “Schools would have to allow you to concealed carry as long as you have the enhanced license.”

Midland Superintendent Michael Sharrow also said he opposes the bill. In talking to fellow superintendents and members of other school boards, Sharrow said that he hasn’t come across many educators who are in favor of the bills.

The Legislature passed a similar bill in 2012, but Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed it. “[Governor Snyder’s] recent comment was ‘I don’t see any differences in this legislation than the one I vetoed before,’ so it holds us a

12

news

little bit of hope that the governor may veto this, but a veto means temporarily putting it aside,” Sharrow said. “We’re not done with this legislation moving forward.”

Sharrow highlighted some of the Midland Public Schools policies that would undergo change in response to the bill. If someone entered the building who was not a student or employee, and staff were aware of their possession of a weapon, the school would go into a ‘Secure Mode’ where all classrooms would remain locked.

“We’ll try to be proactive in our stance, but concealed is going to be harder than under open carry policy,” Sharrow said. “Under open carry policy, we would hold a person in the office area and bring whoever they were going to see into the office area. The problem with concealed is we’re not going to necessarily know that [they’re carrying a weapon].”

Math teacher Kendall Root fears accidents happening due to the introduction of weapons in school. Root is especially leery regarding weapons in elementary schools, due to the vulnerability of younger students.

“My uneasiness about the legislation is the statistical aspects of it,” Root said. “Is there a chance for something bad to happen? Yes. Is there a chance for somebody to save lives because they have a weapon in a school? Yes. But which is the more likely possibility is what makes me uneasy.”

Youth Intervention Specialist Jackie Warner works with students who are in crisis, whether that has to do with guns, drugs, or mental health. On a day-to-day basis, Warner comes across cases dealing with the misuse of weapons.

“I have worked with youth that have accidentally shot relatives or friends because they were handling a gun and thought it wasn’t loaded,” Warner said.

Warner believes that accidents will become more likely if the law gets introduced into the school systems. Even though 18-21 year olds would not be permitted to open carry (due to Midland Public School policy), Warner said misuse of weapons can happen at any age, even with training.

“Guns are more powerful than some realize and people become careless at times,” Warner said.

Warner not only has professional experience with the misuse of guns, but also

December 15, 2017

FOCUS

a very personal experience as well. When her son was in seventh grade, he took medication for his epilepsy. The medication led to thoughts of suicide, which caused him to take his own life using a gun.

“The combination of medication, impulsivity of people, and access to guns lead to a life-changing event that can never be reversed,” Warner said. “If we limit access to guns, it could save lives.”

Although Sharrow considers himself an advocate of gun rights in general, he does not view this as the best solution to current problems. Allowing concealed weapons in a school environment would create too many complications, he added.

“I have guns and I carry guns,” Sharrow said.

“But I certainly don’t look to carry guns into the school and I certainly don’t think this is the right answer.”

Another aspect of Warner’s job at the Juvenile Court is to complete mental health screenings for youth who are on probation due to irresponsible gun usage. Warner runs a group called Victim Impact, where students discuss their mental health issues and concerns.

Sharrow also said that mental health is closely related to gun violence and is a topic frequently discussed at school board meetings.

A committee has been formed in order to educate MPS employees regarding how to approach/recognize students who aren’t mentally sound. Sharrow said the introduction of this committee is to prevent a tragedy from happening in this school district. He doesn’t believe that the heavily debated bills are the solution to the problem; instead, he said mental health as a societal issue needs to be solved.

“With most mass shootings that have happened, the person who does it has wanted to die.” Sharrow said. “I believe that all of this is about mental health. Most people who do bad things are not mentally healthy.”

Despite the concerns expressed by many Michigan educators in regards to the bills 584-586, Republican Senator Jim Stamas of Midland supports the bills.

“This is about securing our schools and also honoring the constitutional rights of people to protect themselves,” Stamas said. “With these reforms, classrooms will no longer see disruptions caused by those choosing to legally open-carry a weapon.”

Stamas said that when he was making his decision to vote for the legislation, he had public safety as a number one priority.

“I am committed to protecting our students and families,” Stamas said. “This reform does that by closing the current open-carry loophole and helping ensure that our schools are not interrupted by the sight of a gun.”

Stamas received a lot of feedback from people in the community regarding his decision and the bill in general.

“I would like to thank those who reached out to me to share their thoughts, support and concerns on this legislation,” Stamas said. “I would especially like to thank ‘Moms Demand Action’ for their thoughtful discussion.”

FOCUS

December 15, 2017

progression of senate bills 584-586 20 1 september Senate bills 584-586 are introduced for the first time

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november 8

3

november 8

4 5 6

Bills considered an approved by the Senate Government Operations Committee.

Senate bills 584-586 pass in the full Senate 25 to 12.

december 6

The House of Representatives passes the bills 231-198

after passage

Governor must sign the bills

if vetoed

The House and Senate must vote to override the veto; the bills become law.

90% of students feel safe at school 63% of students would feel less safe if concealed weapons were allowed

news

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Garrett Willis scored 30+ points in the Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team’s first two games of the season.

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The combined number of goals scored by the Varsity Hockey team in their first five games.

Their record is 4-1.

2

The Varsity Wrestling team opened their season 2-0 in the Saginaw Valley League defeating Bay City Central and Heritage.

AT H L E T E O F T H E M O N T H : B O W L I N G

Staff Writer Devin Granzo

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he resounding crash of a bowling ball knocking over all ten pins is a sound junior Cecelia Mosqueda is quite familiar with. As she was introduced to the sport in the third grade, it’s no surprise that her hard work and frequent practice have led to success on the Midland High bowling team.

Mosqueda became introduced to bowling through her family since her dad is a highly skilled bowler himself. Though Mosqueda has gotten involved with soccer, basketball, pom, and softball, bowling is her favorite, and passion.

Her skill in the sport led her to a 4th place finish at regionals last year and 16th in the state. Mosqueda has continued to grow and improve as an athlete during the time she’s spent on the team. Though she came in with a strong background of the sport to begin with, a focus on technique has led to further success.

“My technique has improved since freshman year and I can read lanes better,” Mosqueda said. “I know what my equipment does and how to use it, so that’s an advantage of mine.”

Mosqueda’s skill at the sport has influenced her goals in life, even extending past high school. In fact, Mosqueda wants to pursue bowling at a college level.

“Hopefully I’ll get a scholarship for a really good bowling college,” Mosqueda said. “I really want to travel a lot for bowling.”

Bowling Coach Trevor Terrill agrees that Mosqueda has the ability to pursue bowling in college, due to the many opportunities for talented bowlers like her.

Terrill believes her bowling background and knowledge of the game have made her a valuable asset to the team. He also noted that she brings a competitive spirit to MHS bowling.

“She’s very competitive and she doesn’t like to lose,” Terrill said. “She has this ability to turn on the competitive edge when it counts.”

Terrill has high hopes for this season, believing that Mosqueda’s capability as a leader will pay off in the long run.

“She can lead us and hopefully we can come home with some hardware,” said Terrill.

tweet of the month @jenigrin

“Lesson learned-ALWAYS wear a mouth guard”

24 likes

boys bowling

The Boys’ Varsity Bowling team placed 2nd at the Breckenridge Invite at Northern Lanes on Saturday, Dec. 9 at Northern Lanes.

number of strikes: 800+ h i g h e s t s c o r e : 268

CECELIA

MOSQUEDA Photo: Devin Granzo

hockey for a cause

On Friday, Dec. 8, the Boys’ Varsity Hockey team defeated the Tri-Valley Titans (6-5) in an epilepsy awareness game where they helped raise money for the cause. Matt Babinski had his second hat trick on the season.

UPCOMING EVENTS Senior forward Jeni Grinwis chipped her front teeth on Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Girls’ Varsity Basketball game against Sault Ste. Marie.

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sports

BOYS BASKETBALL

Dec. 19

home

vs. Dow

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Dec. 19

home

vs. Dow

CO-ED WRESTLING

Dec. 16

VARSIT Y HOCKEY

Dec. 20

Chippewa Hills Invitational home

vs. Heritage December 15, 2017

FOCUS

the will to prepare

Wrestlers diet to change their weight so that they can compete in different weight classes, but must do so in a way that does not harm their health. Features Editor Bitsy Mammel | Staff Writer Alyssa McMillan

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or senior J a c o b Gomola, a holiday dinner is just another reminder of the sport that restricts him from enjoying cakes, cookies, and all other comfort foods. Gomola’s Thanksgiving “feast” is a salad and some strips of white meat, and Christmas is being surrounded by everything he can’t have.

“I say goodbye to Christmas cookies and snacks and all of that sugary stuff,” Gomola said. “No candy. All of Christmas break, the diet still goes.”

Gomola is one of many wrestlers who watch what they eat during the season in order to maintain a steady weight for wrestling. According to wrestling coach Michael Donovan, dieting for wrestling has been around since the creation of weight classes, ranging from 103 pounds and under to 215-285 pounds. Gomola said the dieting is completely strategic, and Donovan agrees.

A wrestler will lose few pounds in order to wrestle in a smaller weight class, giving them a strength advantage over the other wrestler.

Another reason they will cut down or gain weight is so they can be on varsity, given that a better wrestler on their team is in the same weight class. Donovan also explained that dieting is used to fill spots in open weight classes for dual meets.

“At a dual meet every weight class is contested and the maximum points you can be awarded is 16 points,” Donovan said.

“That either comes by pin, or by void. If we don’t have somebody in that weight class and somebody else does, they get the maximum

amount of points for that weight class for free. Those are tough to overcome to win a dual meet.”

Gomola says that to achieve your goal weight for a weigh-in or tournament, wrestlers that are trying to go down a weight class will eat fewer calories than they burn off in a day.

He said trying to lose weight through practice and exercise only will lose water weight, instead of fat weight. Throughout the season, Gomola eats 513 calories a day, and burns 1,000 calories each practice. On days that he has a weigh-in, he may only eat an orange.

To regulate the amount of body weight each wrestler loses throughout the season, each athlete completes an exam, the Alpha test, run by the coaches and athletic trainers. The athlete must do a urine test to check hydration, a pinch body fat test, and weigh themselves. Donovan said that these measurements are put into a formula, and a minimum weight class for the athlete is calculated. This is the maximum amount of weight that a wrestler can lose, and equates to about a 7 percent body fat loss throughout the season. He added that there is more regulation than just the Alpha test.

“Every weight class increases by 2 pounds on January 1st to allow for natural growth,” Donovan said. “The coaches personally monitor, we weight check to make sure kids are dieting the right way.”

Donovan also said that each wrestler must go through a one hour nutrition presentation in the beginning of the season that promotes and teaches healthy eating and exercising, and is presented by someone who is not affiliated with the coaching staff or the team.

Although there are many precautions and regulations, there is still the possibility of dieting getting out of control and becoming harmful to the athlete. Dr. Teona Maghlakelidze said that wrestlers need a high protein diet and have proper hydration.

She said that dehydration can come from practicing without being properly hydrated and can lead to serious health problems.

“During the practice, the wrestler is going to lose the water with the sweating and he’s going to lose some salt and it will be very dangerous,” Maghlakelidze said. “He will lose the electrolytes and he can develop seizures. Besides that, he’s not going to build any muscles. He’s going to burn those muscles” Maghlakelidze believes that the athletes should meet with a nutritionist and trainer personally to prevent malnutrition and poor health. She said that when wrestlers don’t eat at all or eat little during the day, it can affect them in their schoolwork and mental health, as well as physically harming them.

“The brain needs sugar, like glucose,”

Maghlakelidze said. “His grades probably won’t be good. His attention won’t be as great. He won’t be productive. He won’t be efficient.”

From a competitive standpoint, Donovan says that “crash dieting,” trying to lose lots of weight in a short amount of time, will not help the athlete at all in a wrestling tournament or meet.

“If you go too far your body starts feasting on your muscle,” Donovan said. “You don’t have any strength advantage and you’re not going to be able to compete very well.”

Overall, Donovan and Gomola believe that dieting in wrestling is a driving force in the motivation to win and beat the opponent.

Donovan said that dieting in wrestling gets a bad reputation for being unhealthy and unsafe, but this is only the case when it’s not controlled or the wrestler is not making good choices.

“Dieting is one of the ultimate forms of discipline and creating balance,” Donovan said. “People start to turn dieting into losing weight but it’s just about balance, it’s about getting the stuff that you need. Enjoying some things but limiting how much of it you have. I think just dieting as a whole is proper care.”

Throughout the season, senior Jacob Gomola routinely eats in a day what most people wouldn’t even consider a meal. Photo: Fischer Genau

I say goodbye to Christmas cookies and snacks and all of that sugary stuff..

-Jacob Gomola

FOCUS

December 15, 2017

sports

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encouraging greatness

After coaching at multiple schools around the state, new Girls’ Varsity Basketball coach Jaden Clobes plans to bring a new style of coaching to the program, incorporating team unity, multiple defenses and lots of energy.

Arts/Entertainment Editor Hailey Surbrook|Staff Writer Maureen Aloff

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t the beginning of practice, the girl’s varsity basketball team is separated into blue and white team. After each drill, there is a winner and a loser, where the losing team does extra sprints.

This competitive practice style encourages an even more competitive playing style, and it was brought to Midland High

by Jaden Clobes, the new girl’s varsity basketball coach.

Clobes said his competitive spirit came from his mentors, one of whom is his high school basketball coach, Jon Felsky.

Clobes says Felsky instilled toughness and accountability for him when he played basketball in high school.

“I played varsity all years in high school,” Clobes said. “I got called up as a freshman later in the season, but as a sophomore I was a captain. Over Christmas break, I slept in. My parents were at work, I wasn’t old enough to drive, and I ran to practice.

I ended up being about 30 minutes late, and I wasn’t a captain anymore because I was 30 minutes late.”

His other two mentors are Tim Conley, the former Heritage

High School girl’s basketball coach, and Al DeMott, the Sandusky High School girl’s basketball coach. Clobes talks to DeMott and Conley after games, and he has brought Conley in to talk to teams he has coached to give players a different perspective.

Junior Ashley Hills is on the varsity team this year, but said last year she considered not playing basketball this season. However, Clobes’ encouraging and supportive attitude made her want to continue playing.

“He always has a positive mindset towards the game,” Hills said. “He really values the team and he encourages us to do stuff outside of basketball as well.”

Before he started coaching at Midland High, Clobes coached basketball at several high schools, including Imlay City High School and All Saints Catholic School.

Clobes said that students on the team at Midland High are a lot more focused on basketball compared to his last school, All Saints.

“There was 107 kids in the school, and about 40 girls, so in the fall, pretty much everyone played volleyball, cheer, dance team, pom, and the were in play,” Clobes said. “Where here, every one of the 11 girls that are on varsity right now, are playing basketball. A couple will play soccer, but they’re not in the play, they’re not on dance, they’re not on cheer, they’re really just focused on basketball.”

Clobes started coaching when he was 25, and assistant coach Brandon Deacons has traveled with him from school to school for five years. Deacons says he and Clobes have different coaching styles. Clobes is more vocal, but they are always on the same page.

“He’ll tell a player exactly how it is,” Deacons said. “He doesn’t sugarcoat it.”

This year, Clobes plans to change things up, doing things like switching defenses frequently. Clobes is using different, more fast-paced coaching for the team.

“I’m very up-tempo, I like to press, I like to do different things,” Clobes said. “I’m looking forward to the progress. I’ve already seen it with some kids from June to August, and then from August until now.”

Clobes’ said he isn’t the traditional ‘X’s and ‘O’s’ coach, but he develops players over a period of time, as long as they are willing to be coached. He says that in order for a player to develop, they have to put in the work.

“It’s like a math problem,” Clobes said.

“You don’t just one day go into algebra when nobody’s ever taught you anything and say ‘Give me the answer.’ There’s a bunch of steps to an algebra problem and it’s like basketball. You’ve got to learn to dribble, pass, and shoot before you can actually go out and play the game.”

Hills said Clobes’ coaching techniques have also encouraged competition, but they also promote team unity.

“Last year, I think there was a lot of separation between groups and grades,” Hills said. “This year Coach Clobes has been encouraging and supporting team unity more than anything.”

Deacons said that he and Clobes bring different perspectives to the team. In high school, Deacons was more of a bench player while Clobes was a starter. Their different experiences allow them to reach out to a variety of players on the team, which supports the team unity Clobes encourages.

“We want our program to understand we are a family,” Deacons said. “We want to bring all the levels together -- freshmen, JV, and varsity.”

Photo (left): Jaden Clobes coaching the girls varsity basketball team from the sidelines for the season opener at Freeland High School.

Photo (below): Clobes and players stand at attention for the National Anthem before the Midland High v. Freeland varsity game.

Photos: Maureen Aloff

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sports sports

December 15, 2017 December 15, 2017

FOCUS FOCUS

IN DEPTH: gun control

Illustration: Noah Jacobson

The Focus addresses:

Gun Control

A

New bills in the Michigan Legislature would allow concealed weapons on school property for citizens who meet specific requirements. Our Editorial Board is opposed because of increased potential for danger.

new set of bills that possess the potential to have a major effect on the public school system have been proposed; a lot of attention is being drawn to the subject.

Gun control is a controversial and ongoing discussion in the United States, and The Focus Editorial Board wants to address the issue of how heavily guns should be restricted, particularly in regards to the new legislation.

The bills aim to allow concealed carry in historically gun-free zones, including schools. Under the bills, in order to carry a concealed weapon, a person must have a license and an additional eight hours of training specifically for concealed carrying. These added requirements are attempting to make it difficult for a mentally unhealthy or under-trained individual to conceal a weapon.

Despite the attempts to ensure safety, if the bills pass, we see many potential issues.

The biggest problem the Editorial Board foresees in Midland High specifically is that

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editorial

aspects of the new security measures will essentially become null. An individual entering the school with a concealed weapon will appear like any other visitor because they don’t have to disclose that they are in possession of a weapon, which defeats the purpose of the additional security put in place to discover a weapon before it enters the building.

In addition, the MHS staff members will require extra training in regards to dealing with a circumstance involving a dangerous concealed weapon. This is an additional cost for Midland Public Schools in addition to the new security, and because of the budget, it is possible that MPS may not be able to take the necessary precautions.

While the bills do create potential problems for MPS, they would pose an even greater threat to other school districts who may have different policies. School boards would no longer have

the option to decide whether possession of weapons is allowed in their buildings, because the government would be legalizing concealed carry regardless of district policy.

Districts would still be able to prevent their employees and students from concealed carry because they are under their administration. However, they would have no control over guests and visitors. Even if districts prevent their employees and students from carrying a weapon, which seems to largely defeat the purpose of the legislation.

In particular, large sporting events are a concern. With hundreds, or even thousands of people present, security becomes very difficult; it would be easy for a weapon to go unnoticed if the owner would be legally allowed to conceal it. This creates a dangerous setting where shootings and weapon misuse could take place; especially if the gun was now concealed whereas previous to the bills, weapons were required

to be carried openly. Under the previous laws allowing open carry, schools would be able to identify a weapon and take precautionary measures, but this becomes much more challenging under concealed carry.

We acknowledge that there are potential benefits to the bill, such as defense in the event of a dangerous mass shooting, or serving as a potential deterrent for a mass shooting.

The increase of guns in schools may be seen as a protection for students, especially if the gun owner has the proper training. Many people believe that some school shootings could have been prevented if more gun-capable people were present.

However, we the Focus Editorial Board believe that because these bills, if passed, would endorse and promote concealed carry, the potential that citizens decide to concealed carry would be greater. This creates many opportunities for dangerous situations, and will do more harm than good.

December 15, 2017

FOCUS

Christmas Gifts DIY

Gifts are meant to show time, effort, and appreciation toward the ones you love. Accomplish just that with these practical, sweet-smelling home-made presents. Editor-in-Chief Gwynne Özkan

The finished product, though delightful in smell, was drab in appearance. So I dug through my cupboard for flair.

I managed to secure a carton of edible red sprinkles, and added a few generous shakes to the bowl. I massaged the color into the mix and the sugar scrub gained the vibrancy it was lacking. I scooped it into separate tins, tying them off with holiday ribbons.

Sugar Scrub

MATERIALS : 6 Tbsp granulated sugar | 4 Tbsp coconut oil | 5-6 drops peppermint essential oil | 2-3 drops Wilton Treatology vanilla custard flavoring | 3-4 drops vitamin E oil

MATERIALS : 4 ½ g beeswax | 7 g cocoa butter | 15 g sweet almond oil | 5 drops vanilla flavor oil | 4 drops vitamin E oil | Lip balm tubes

Hand soap This was by far the most troublesome DIY. I added all the ingredients with no issues, but the end was pesky.

Unsure of the best way to mix everything evenly, I took to my usual method: quick and easy. I capped the lip of the tupperware and shook. To be fair, it mixed. Unfortunately, it created enough bubbles to seep out of the lid, all over my hands, and onto the table.

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opinion

After I mixed all the ingredients in a single bowl, I used my hands to transfer the mix into the slots of the muffin tin. Filling each spot evenly to the top, I ensured each was packed nice and tight.

They were supposed to sit out at room temperature for 5 hours to harden, but being my impatient self, I stuck them into the fridge to speed up the process.

Bath bomb MATERIALS : 4 c. epsom salt | 4 tbsp water | 6-10 drops peppermint essential oil | Bath bomb molds | 2-4 drops blue food coloring

MATERIALS : 1 tbsp almond oil | 5 drops peppermint essential oil | 15 drops tea tree essential oil | 1 tbsp vitamin e oil | ½ cup distilled water | ½ cup castile soap

lip balm

I didn’t take to the double boiler method very well, considering I used too much water. Halfway through melting the beeswax, the pot became infuriated, overflowing with scalding hot water nipping at the forearms, punishing me for my carelessness. Regardless, the beeswax melted all the same and the tubes were full of sweet smelling lip balm by the end.

December 15, 2017

FOCUS

movie: Home Alone sundae

T

he spectacular ice cream sundae was my favorite to make and eat, partially because of its simplicity. Making a huge ice cream sundae is every kid’s, and as it seems to be high schoolers, dream. With three different flavors, chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, topped with whipped cream, cherries, nuts, and chocolate drizzle, it was as fun to eat as it was to make.

eat,

drink, & be

MERRY

movie: Polar Express hot chocolate

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December 15, 2017

spaghetti breakfast

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his junky concoction was not nice to my stomach. Although this dish spreads loads of holiday cheer, I did not enjoy it as much as Buddy the Elf did. What I found most disturbing was the mix of maple and This Christmas season, the Focus tries chocolate syrup on cold spaghetti cooking and tasting the top foods from noodles, topped with M&Ms and mini holiday movies. If you’ve ever craved Buddy’s marshmallows.

After my first bite, I could breakfast concoction, read on. not take another.

Staff Writer Lexy Lang

he Polar Express hot chocolate is a drink that every kid imagines trying. Although there is no exact recipe released for this drink, I tried to recreate what it would taste like. This was the first time I’ve had hot chocolate that was not out of the generic pre-made mix packets. I first had to mix the dry ingredients in a saucepan, slowly incorporating the milk until it came to a slow boil. One thing I found enjoyable about this hot chocolate was its creaminess compared to the water-based hot chocolates.

FOCUS

movie: Elf

Photos: Lexy Lang

opinion

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IN DEPTH: gun control

gun control Hope O’Dell

W

hen I was eight years old, I bought my first gun. It was a .22 rifle with a black matte finish and boltaction. I had saved up for so long to buy it. I couldn’t contain myself as we waited in line at Cabela’s one fall morning.

When I was 13 years old, I came home on a December afternoon excited for the weekend and the soon-to-come Christmas. I plopped myself on the couch and turned on the TV, ready to let my brain melt into mush. CBS News

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opinion

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here are more guns in the United States of America than there are people. That’s a good thing. It’s a symptom of our healthy sense of liberty and a wonderful expression of our God-given right to bear arms. Yet, some would lead the public to believe that guns are a problem, or that our essential freedom needs to be “controlled.” Not only is this rhetoric ignorant and wrong, it’s also dangerous.

An unarmed population is a docile one, which defies the very purpose of the Second Amendment. The reason that we are guaranteed the right to bear arms is to defend ourselves against an oppressive regime, should one ever rear its ugly head in our great nation. Arguments against this and in support of gun control are always rooted in ignorance.

Most Americans are under the impression that over the past 20 years, gun violence has increased. But levels of gun violence have been plummeting.

Gun homicides have dropped 50 percent since the 1990s. Yet over the buyers. As of now, in Michigan the same period of time, gun ownership has background check system is barely a skyrocketed. Clearly, guns are not the check. In Michigan, if someone buys a handgun they don’t have to go through the problem. federal background check requirement.

Crimes can be stopped before they happen, because those that are a danger to society won’t be able to drive to Dunham’s and buy a pistol.

The response to a more comprehensive background check is always the same, people think the government is trying to take their guns away. But if they are a law-abiding citizen with no reason to be stopped from buying a gun, then they’ll still be able to get a gun. I don’t have Even so, one of the biggest lies the a problem with gun ownership; but it should be a privilege, not something that’s American people are told is that we desperately need “common sense automatic. gun control.” Simply put, we don’t.

I know making it harder to get guns is “Common sense gun control” is an not the complete answer, but it’s a start.

If no one starts, then parents are going to oxymoron-- an attempt at making nonsensical policies more palatable. Gun keep dropping their first-graders off for elementary school, and it could be the last regulations that the left calls for are either wholly ineffective or already in place. time they ever see them again. stop this death trap of “democracy,” filled with filibusters and Republicans not voting because it’s a Democrat’s bill and vice versa. Because while politicians are on their podiums holding the microphone, someone is holding the handle of a gun they bought legally. They are holding the steering wheel while they drive to the nearest school or church or concert. They are number 1,127.

Change is needed, and it’s needed now.

There has to be more comprehensive background checks on potential gun

While politicians are on their podiums holding the microphone, someone is holding the handle of a gun. was still on from earlier, and what I saw mortified me. A monster walked into Sandy Hook Elementary and opened fire. Children were killed. First-graders.

Kindergarteners. I couldn’t imagine being those parents, dropping my child off to school, just like any other day, and not know it’s the last day I’d ever drop them off. The last time I’d ever see them without a bullet hole in their tiny body.

The last time I’d ever see them alive.

After that I didn’t even want to look at my bolt-action .22. I used to shoot at mushy jack-o-lanterns after Halloween, now I couldn’t even stomach looking at it. It looked like death to me. Someone had done the exact same thing I did as an 8-year-old, and instead of killing halfdead pumpkins, they killed people.

Since Sandy Hook, there have been 1,126 mass shootings in the United States. That means 1,126 times, someone got a hold of a gun and used it to kill someone. After the first time, the government should have stepped in to

Devin Granzo An intentional erosion of our liberty is in no way the solution to a problem that has been declining for decades.

Spend time discussing gun control with someone who supports it and you’ll see just how little they know about the topic. After mass shootings, gun control advocates strive for bans on assault weapons. Never mind the fact that “assault weapon” is a made up term describing guns with cosmetic features such as folding stocks, detachable magazines, and pistol grips. They don’t shoot faster, have more range than, or hold more bullets than other guns. The only difference is they look more dangerous. So why should gun control legislation be influenced by people that don’t know anything about firearms?

There’s another myth that gun control advocates frequently spread: no one wants to take your guns. However, more often than not, “common sense gun control” is a domino effect of anti-gun legislation.

So why do they claim no one wants to take your weapons, when in fact, that’s exactly what the left wants to do? Senator Dianne Feinstein does. Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton do.

Gun regulations that the left calls for are either ineffective or already in place.

These are big names in politics, and all support firearm confiscation. It’s not crazy conspiracy theory, it’s fact. It’s a position they have all stated. But they’re forgetting what our Founding Fathers said: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

December 15, 2017

FOCUS

struggle & rejoice

STAY FOCUSED! FOLLOW THE FOCUS ONLINE mhsfocus.com

Jenna Spencer

I

prompted my friends a few months ago with the notion that we are all the stars of a sitcom.

Our friend group of five met a common sitcom gang number criteria, as did our range of different personalities, and the fact that we’re a group of friends making our way through high school.

We even came up with a name- Five’s a Crowd. It seems realistic, right?

But I guess not. After all, we aren’t on a TV set surrounded by cameras, and we surely aren’t being funneled money.

But even though I’m not a character living in a TV screen, that doesn’t mean I’m not living in a story. I believe we truly are all characters of our own stories.

For me, it’s a long novel. And even though there’s quite a few chapters, my story still remains unwritten.

For others, it may be an unscripted TV show, or a powerful movie, or an adventurous anime. The possibilities are endless.

Regardless, each has main characters, all going through ups and downs.

Remember drawing the plot chart in English? Where it’s small little hills leading up to this one big one, before the steep drop off and then the plateau that’s the ending?

We’re all going up and down those hills right now.

There are also times when I just feel like my life could be a scene from a movie or a book.

It’s always something cliche, like where the main character stares sadly out the window as the car drives away, or where they all of a sudden get determined and hard rock music starts playing.

Which kind of reinforces the fact that I am living in a story, my story.

Like these main characters, I have already been through a few downs.

I’ve lost loved ones, or didn’t get the part I really wanted.

I’ve been through so many medical tests that I’d need another hand to be able to count them all (don’t worry though,

FOCUS

December 15, 2017

I’m okay), as well as having to sit out of something that I really wanted to do just because my doctor told me I wouldn’t be able to do it for who knows how long, so I eventually decided to quit.

There are times when all I’ve wanted to do is sit down and cry because everthing was just going wrong.

But there are also times where all I want to do is jump up and down with happiness.

Because every once in awhile, something good happens.

Like getting to go on all these amazing vacations with my family, or having an amazing homecoming with my friends.

But then, as always, another plot twist is thrown in the way.

I am the main character of my story. I am the sidekick in someone else’s. And yet, I may also be the villain for someone.

So whenever something goes wrong or whenever I get pushed down by life, I take a deep breath. I stand back up.

Then I keep on going until I get knocked down all over again.

Sometimes someone might offer a hand and help me up, and sometimes not.

Someone might the thing that pushes me down.

But the cycle will always repeat.

All I can do is keep living, and yes, keep struggling. Because I know that once I make it to my climax, I will have my happily ever after.

Well, until the sequel. (One book just isn’t enough, you know.)

So whenever you get knocked down, just remember that you are the main character in your own story, and no one can take that away.

You get to choose how it goes. You will struggle. You will rejoice.

You will make it to the last page, no matter how many pages tear, or become water-damaged, or wrinkle.

Because you are the author, as well as the main character.

Because this is your story.

If you would like to advertise here Contact Olivia Freidinger freidingeroe@midlandps.org

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

opinion

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the “L” word Maureen Aloff J AC K S H U L Z Junior I love the competition between Midland High School and Heritage High School because they’re so evenly matched. Watching the varsity basketball game was great because between the close score and how they’re both trying their hardest to do their best, it was a very captivating game.

JERRY BRINGARD Senior One of my teachers gave us the answer to one of our AP quizzes as a “hint.” After the quiz, we looked online and saw that the “hint”he gave us earned us all zero points for that section. He gave us a completely different answer than the answer key gave.

Humans of Midland High 22

opinion

I

t’s something we all feel. Somehow in this world of differences, that is one thing we all feel… love.

Not all love is the same.

The kind of love we feel for our family, in which we don’t really know why we love them but we know we do. When asked why the answer is simple, “she’s my mom” and “he’s my dad”. That is the type of love that I hope most of us have. The love you feel from your family is usually the first and the most encouraging.

The kind of love where you cry when you go to your first sleepover because you miss your parents.You call them and they tell you that you’d have so much more fun if you just stopped worrying and that they’ll see you in the morning and they send you off with a final, “Goodnight, I love you.”

You go brush your teeth and lay out your sleeping bag and pretend to go to sleep until your friend’s parents light flicks off. Then you roll over and whisper, “Are you awake?”

And they reply, “Yeah” For what feels like an eternity, you giggle, and tell stories, and just talk. Because that’s what friends are for. Talking. Whether you talk about the movie you both just watched, boys you thought were cute, or the infinity of the galaxy, you both somehow never find a stopping point. You can talk to them like you’ve never talked to anyone else before.

They are your first best friend.

That’s the second kind of love. The kind of love you feel for the people you grow up with.

Your friends, or maybe once-friends you’ve lost touch with. You’re bonded by playground adventures, dirt caked knees and nails, and fairy tales.

These are the friends that you will never forget. You could call them your first loves.

They are the people that you will always share a connection with, that you will always share memories with.

Then there are the people you trust with everything. Like everything, everything. These are the people that you know you can trust right away. Everything about them makes sense to you.

They know all your deepest secrets, and

you know all of theirs. They are your shoulder to cry on, your therapist, your personal comedian, your person.

You could practically write a book about all your crazy adventures and inside jokes. But, you wouldn’t do that because those are secret, and for you only.

It’s the kind that comes with trust and strings attached because you can’t just unknow someone’s secrets. You can’t just drag all those memories to the trash icon in your brain because that trash icon doesn’t exist. This is the third type of love. It’s the most connected type of love.

Then there’s the love that’s lust. It’s the fire their touch brings to your skin. The way your heart beat skips when you make eye contact.

The way you always feel warm around them because how could you feel cold when they’re so hot.

Somehow you’re always at a loss for words with them. It’s like everything you could possibly say to them is inconsequential. That somehow their words flow like a river and yours dry up in your throat because that’s just how nervous they make you, and somehow they’re still there. They’re still with you.

Waiting for your reply. And giving you all their attention as you speak.

This is the type of love that leaves you a mile high when they so much as kiss your cheek.

Everything they do makes you want to melt.

This love starts out as lust, pure attraction, but for the lucky ones it turns into something more than physical. For the lucky ones a real connection is formed.

They become this person you would do anything for. You want to give them the world, but you can’t because they are your world.

The luckiest of the few not only feel that way but also have that feeling returned to them. I have yet to be so lucky.

Regardless of what type you feel, the “L” word can make some of us feel a little uncomfortable, but once we all take a moment to realize what we have, we can take a leap of faith and say “I love you”.

December 15, 2017

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nostalgia

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or some reason the past carries with it an air of romanticism, causing a great many kids to resent the time period they’re stuck in.

My own wistful reflection upon days gone by lingers on proms with live bands and an air of authenticity, on treasured old record players, and on bustling county fairs that entertained more than middle schoolers and vagabonds.

Despite never having experienced them, I somehow miss all of these things deeply.

Perhaps (in lieu of correctness) it is more truthful to describe the feeling as the fear that I’m missing out on a great deal. For this reason I think that the most terrifying scenes in Stranger Things involved depictions of the colorful lives of characters; that which we lack today.

Gone are the video arcades shimmering with neon and whirring a happy cacophony of sounds (or at least any arcades that aren’t ridden with pockmarked and pasty middleagers). Gone too are the wide bench seats in cars forcing bodies to spill over each other in comradery.

Report cards are now just figures on a screen, and kids are left without the opportunity of monitoring their mailbox carefully to conceal a bad grade. The prideful art of driving a stickshift is utterly lost on youth, and in the absence of landlines, a nervewracking household phone call is no longer necessary to ask a girl on a date.

Of course it’s only natural that as time marches on, we exchange the old for the new. After all, it’s common knowledge we shouldn’t cling to the past. For no matter how tightly we hold on, it has already faded from our clutches. We are bound to replace, eliminate, repair, destroy--as time has always bred change.

But as we molt away old layers of culture and society and introduce something new, I fear that we are shedding matters of importance along with the detritus. With compact, portable cell phones replacing landlines, we have awarded ourselves a great deal of convenience. However, we are left without the stumbling and sincere relation to another’s household, and the practice of conversing with an unfamiliar individual. Now we resort to text almost exclusively, a medium

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December 15, 2017

rife with hidden meanings and underlying jabs, steeped in ambiguity.

Old-fashioned prom has given way to prettied-up teens bumbling about dimly lit and cramped quarters, limbs moving about in a frenzy that holds more in common with the writhing of fish-in-a-barrel than actual dancing. A DJ broods over the proceedings, streaming smash hits over a sound system, while the most raucous of revelers muscle their way to the middle of floor. Sometimes a couple will entwine their bodies in a somewhat grotesque manner to display their affinity for passionate, physical love. If one is lucky, they can spot one of their sweet little classmates grinding up against a guy gazing listlessly over her head, a piece of drool sliding out of the corner of his mouth. I’ll admit that the excitement can be fun, but we are left without the magic of an open and cheerily lit room, jubilant dancing, and the authenticity of a genuine live band.

The color and vibrance of the old days, the brilliant neon coursing through aging tubes, can remind us of how rich life can be. Although wholly flawed, just as any collection of people is bound to be, this old image of society has captured hearts with ease.

Attempts at reincarnating this imperfect utopia take the shape of new Polaroid cameras, cheap record players from Target, or NBA throwback jerseys. However, in bringing back these relics we have only salvaged the cosmetics of the past. The heart giving life to them remains out of reach.

At times I wonder if this retrospective yearning is a common epidemic, and that 40-or-so years from now American youth will be lamenting the loss of today’s culture.

However, for this to hold true, I believe our youth would have to be in a rather despicable state. I cannot imagine that looking upon videos of anyone dabbing would cause any reasonable individual to exclaim, “Wow, we should bring that back.”

Whatever twisted, wholly inhumane practice they must have taken up in place of it will surely be too much for my poor 60-year old self to bear.

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Eye for Art Junior Olivia Ortiz is working on her portfolio for IB Art, including this piece inspired

by Shel Silverstein.

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varsity basketball Senior Madison Barrie goes for a layup against Bay City Wester Kylie Lukowski on Friday, December 8. Chemics suffer a tough loss, 36-43.

Photo: Fischer Genau

Hinduism

School Security

Concealed Carry Bill

DIY Gifts

Midland High School | December 15, 2017 | Volume 40, Issue 4