The Focus by MHS Focus

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Legalizing Marijuana

On November 6, midterm elections will decide whether or not Michigan will legalize recreational marijuana for ages twenty one and older.

Drag Racer

Midland High School |October 19, 2018 | Volume 41, Issue 2

School Board

Canopy Walk

Madison Scott

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in this issue volume 41 | issue 2

features

opinion

Fleming-Dittenber qualified for a national drag racing tournament.

The Focus reviews common pumpkin patches around town.

4 Corbin Fleming-Dittenber 15 Pumpkin Patch Reviews Package: Elections

5 School Board

5 candidates are running for 3 positions in MPS.

6 - 7 State Candidates

A closer look of people running for offices in Michigan.

news

16 Spirit Week

Spirit Week events are evaluated and ranked.

17 Editorial - Marijuana Policy

The Focus addresses the Proposal 1 argument.

20 - DIY Halloween

Four do-it-yourself costume plans for the spooky season.

8 Marijuana Policy

arts & entertainment

9 Security Changes

The Whiting Forest canopy walk opened Oct. 7.

Safety measures have increased and ALICE has been introduced.

10 Outdoor Classroom

Three grants were approved to create a new learning space.

sports

11 Sportszone

Streich Brothers

Zach and Nate have played soccer together for 10 years.

12 - 13 Cross-town Rivals A head-to-head comparison of MHS and DHS athletes.

14 Madison Scott

Scott has broken gender norms by being a girl on the freshman football team.

18 Canopy Walk

19 Hadley Morden

Morden has kept busy with her photography business.

corrections

From the September Issue: 1. In a story about two exchange students, the last name of a student was misspelled. His name is Cornelius Rinck. 2. In a story about the bass fishing team, a team member was called the wrong name. His name is Alec Albrecht.

editors

Proposal 1 wants to legalize marijuana for ages 21 and up.

Printer | The Argus - Press

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

Focus, established in 1977, previously the Vic Tribune established in 1936, is the official school sponsored newspaper of Midland High School. Focus is published monthly by the journalism classes at Midland High School and is distributed free of charge. It is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), the Michigan Interscholastic Pres Association (MIPA) and Quill and Scroll. Adviser membership also includes the Journalism Education Association (JEA). Focus is designed as a forum for student expression and as a realistic lab experience. Court cases like Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988) have restricted this right to free expression. As a result of the Hazelwood case, Focus may be subject to prior review by Midland High School administrators, who legally reserve the right to pull or censor articles and/or graphic elements (artwork, graphs, photos) planned for publication. Focus and its adviser(s), editors and staff writers, however, reserve the right to contest the challenge of an administrator who attempts to censor and/or remove an article or graphic element. Administrators who attempt to pull and/or censor must provide reason on the basis of obscenity, if the article infringes upon the right of freedom of speech or rights to privacy, and if it and/or graphic elements are irresponsibly or inappropriately presented. Letters of the editor are welcomed and encouraged. Letters are required to be a maximum of 250 words in length and must be signed to insure that the writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

October 19, 2018

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the

bulletin

news briefs The Press Box

Monday, Oct. 8, the previously fire-damaged press box was torn down by a local contractor. Throughout the week, debris was cleared in order to prepare for the events occurring at the stadium. Next, the new press box will be designed and constructed.

instagram of the month

MHS Spotlight :

Madison Wittbrodt

@tag caption

Breast Cancer Awareness

On Oct. 12, Midland High commemorated Jen Sisco’s passing in 2014, along with many others affected by cancer. Student Leadership sold pink beads for $1 that benefited Tyler Wirth who is the brother of sophomore Brady Wirth. Tyler attends Northeast Middle School and was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Haunted Drive-In

On Oct. 20 at 7:30 PM, Midland Parks and Recreation will be screening the 1959 black-andwhite classic, “House on Haunted Hill,” at Stratford Park. Since last years success of playing “Night Of The Living Dead,” spectators can watch via FM transmitter from their vehicle or bring chairs rs and watch from the parking lot. A large projector screen will be brought in to show the film.

About five weeks ago junior Madison Wittbrodt published her first book, a collection of poems known as Letters in Your Stereo. As Wittbrodt was growing up she kept lyrics and short stories and she was later persuaded to combine them into a novel. The book is split into five different sections addressing subjects from love and mental illnesses to corrupt world leaders. Whittbrodt selfpublished through a company named Lulu; however, Wittbrodt does not have any plans to sell it in stores.

tweet of the month

find The Focus on.... web: mhsfocus.com @mhs_focus

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October 19, 2018

Junior Corbin Fleming-Dittenber poses in front of his junior dragster with three of his trophies. Corbin has been racing for seven years at the Mid-Michigan Motorplex in Stanton, MI. Photo: Jacob W. May

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE R

eaching top speeds of 85 mph, junior Corbin FlemingDittenber has competed in a form of drag racing called bracket racing since age 10. He has recently qualified to go to the International Hot Rod Association Summit SuperSeries World Finals in Memphis, Tennessee. The race will take place from Oct. 18-20, where FlemingDittenber will have the chance to win the title of World Champion and take home $3000. Fleming-Dittenber qualified to go to the World Finals by becoming track champion at the MidMichigan Motorplex in Stanton. Bracket racing is a tournamentstyle competition in which the racers compete head to head with the goal to most accurately dial-in the time in which it will take them to go down a one-eighth of a mile stretch of track. After they predict their time, they’ll anticipate the start of the race, watching the indicating lights that they call the Christmas tree. Once the Christmas tree flashes green, they take off and attempt to get as close to their time as possible, without going faster than they predicted. If a racer finishes on a breakout, or if a racer red-lights, then they will be disqualified. “You could red light and you feel really bad and get mad,” FlemingDittenber said. “But I can tell if I get a good reaction time and I’m a lot

features

faster than the other person, then I get excited.” Fleming-Dittenber also said the situation is nerve-racking and that he often gets into his own head, especially while waiting for the race to start. “I usually try to stay confident and tell myself, ‘You got this, you're gonna get it,’ and I do pretty well,” FlemingDittenber said. Fleming-Dittenber started bracket racing in September of 2011. Since then he has committed to getting better by going to races at the MidMichigan Motorplex almost every weekend. Fleming-Dittenber has been a track champion at the Mid-Michigan Motorplex three times in the last four years. This past year’s championship was especially important in sending him to the World Finals, which will be the biggest race he has taken part in. But there’s more to drag racing besides driving the car, the racers have to prepare beforehand. They must take into account the weather, how much fuel the car has, and how clean the tires are. The races can come down to fractions of seconds, calculating the math and mechanics is done to ensure a good outcome. All of these tasks are points of involvement for FlemingDittenber’s father, Richard Dittenber. “I would definitely call my dad the crew chief,” Corbin said. “I don’t just run the car on my own, my dad

Junior Corbin Fleming-Dittenber has been racing for many years. This month he will have the opportunity to race in the World Finals. Ads Coordinator Jacob W. May | Staff Writer Brady Woods

basically has to control everything with the engine while I’m getting the car ready.” Richard has been a big part of Corbin’s journey. Besides helping him gear up for the races, his father was the one who encouraged him to get into the sport in the first place. But it wasn’t easy; Richard said his son didn’t always want to be involved in drag racing. “I pushed him into it,” Richard said. “He was kind of leery about it and then after Corbin made just one run down the track he came back with a smile on his face.” Since his first trial, Corbin’s racing has only progressed. Mid-Michigan Motorplex owner Mary Ledford has been at the motorplex since 1975. She has known Corbin since he started racing at the motorplex in 2011. “He’s progressed immensely in the junior program over the last few years,” Ledford said. “He’s very driven. If he doesn’t win he takes it very personal, but he learns from his mistakes and moves forward.” Corbin also offered a piece of advice for anyone that wanted to give drag racing a try. “Come to the track and spectate,” Corbin said. “Drive a streetcar on the track, just take it out and try. If you really want to get involved, buy a car and try it out. Anyone can do it if they’re equipped.”

Drag Dictionary Dial-in: To predict the elapsed time the driver will take their car to cross the finish line. Breakout: When a racer crosses the finish line in less time then what they dialed in at. Red light: If a driver leaves the starting line before the light turns green. Christmas Tree: Five yellow lights that flash at half second intervals leading to a sixth light turning green, signaling the race to start. Crew Chief: The manager or coach, in charge of everything outside of the junior dragster. October 19, 2018

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ELECTIONS Part 1 SCHOOL BOARD

With the upcoming midterm elections on Nov. 6, there are many issues that the Focus wishes to address. This in-depth package will cover the topics of school board candidates, legalization of marijuana, and the candidates running for the house, senate, and governor. Five candidates will be running for three open spots on the Midland Public Schools board of education. These candidates have many ideas they want to bring to MPS News Editor Mady Sherman | Staff Writer David Draves Photos taken by Spencer Isberg and courtesy of school board candidates

Kurt Yockey

Phillip Rausch

Pamela Singer

Why are you qualified for the position? “I am the most qualified of anybody. I am a judge that determines if an attorney should keep his/her license, so I’m a highly experienced person when it comes to the assessment of ethical behavior.”

Why did you decide to run for school board? “When I went away to college I saw how well the teachers had prepared me for the next phase of my life. I feel passionately about continuing the excellent education provided by MPS and have a great desire to give back to the community through service on the Board.”

What makes you qualified for this position? “I have a unique understanding of how outsidethe-classroom experiences strengthens and supports student learning. I have experiences in bringing people and organizations together to create a community where kids can thrive.”

What are the most concerning issues involving Midland Public School? “Security is number one. Next is honesty with the people. Third is I think the present board sees its role backwards from what it is. The present board takes suggestions from administration and always votes in favor for them.” How do you plan on fixing these issues? “One is make administration accountable publicly. To fix security, deterrence. Protecting people in place. Can you repel an intruder? I would say in the past we were not ready. I’m very concerned about that.”

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What the most concerning issues involving Midland Public School? “Student achievement. Achievement not just meant for students that are collegebound but it should also entail achievement for those students that want to pursue careers.“ How do you plan on fixing these issues? “Work groups established with various [lower academically achieving individuals]. We should have stated goals and measured outcomes to further their initiatives. I can promise to drive towards improvement in these priorities.”

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What are the most concerning issues involving Midland Public School? “Improve student safety, mental health and wellbeing. Make efforts to improve school climate and learning. A multitiered system of supports need to be in place.” How do you plan on fixing these issues? “Safety and increased supports for mental health for everyone. We are on a great path here, we have created strategic plans that collaborates with our mental health professionals, law enforcement and first responders.”

Patrick Frazee What makes you qualified for this position? “My past four years on the board have been a great learning experience about the district. I can take the knowledge learned about the district and knowledge about what it takes to be a good board member and help move the district along in a positive manner.” What are the most concerning issues involving Midland Public Schools? “I believe some of the concerning issues facing the schools are continued budget stabilization, security improvements, facility upgrades and teacher recruitment and retention.” How do you plan on fixing these issues? “The budget stabilization that the district has experienced in the past has been realized because all stakeholders in the district have made sacrifices. The district needs to keep this mindset in place, while also allowing for some responsible growth.”

Jon Lauderbach Why did you decide to run for council? “I think that the school board needs people who are willing to give of their time, and who are willing to listen to all sides of an issue, and make a decision that is best for kids.” What are the most concerning issues involving Midland Public School? “I believe that maintaining strong fiscal discipline is imperative. We need to plan carefully for infrastructure maintenance and repairs, while still attracting and retaining top talent. Teachers are the backbone of a school district, and Midland’s are some of the best.” How do you plan on fixing these changes? “I plan on working with MPS and other civic organizations and leaders to make Midland more attractive to top talent, and also to encourage continued fiscal discipline. “

features

Republicans Bill Schuette

ELECTIONS Democrats

With the upcoming midlterm elections in November, there are many candidates on the ballot for Michigan offices. Managing Editor Hailey Surbrook | Staff Writer Ethan Ohlrich | Staff Writer Isaiah Bridges

There are many Democratic and Republican contenders for the Michigan government branches. Each candidate has changes that they plan to make if they’re are elected. Illustration: Olivia Ortiz

Part 2 State Candidates

Gretchen Whitmer

Sarah Schulz

Major ideas: Whitmer is voting yes to the legalization of marijuana. She also wants to increase gun control to keep schools safer, lower car insurance prices, and fund $3 million to improve roads within her first year of being governor. Previous jobs/offices: Whitmer was a state representative for two terms for districts 69 and 70, a 2-term state senator, senate minority leader, and an Ingham County prosecutor.

District: 98 Major ideas: Schultz wants to protect the Second Amendment while also keeping citizens safe from gun violence. She promotes healthy businesses, listening to her constituents, corporate profit, and saving the environment. Previous jobs/offices: Schulz spent 17 years in human resources focused on non-profit, which provided service for the homeless youth, LGBTQ+ community, and the crisis hotline.

Governor

House

features

Major ideas: Schuette wants to grow jobs in Michigan and make it a “growth state,” cut taxes as much as possible, rebuild roads and infrastructure, and end the opioid crisis Michigan is currently in. He also wants to guard and protect the Great Lakes and improve the state of public education in Michigan. Previous jobs/offices: He has been Attorney General since 2010. Also serving on Congress as Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Annette Glenn House

Joe Weir Senate

District: 36 Major ideas: Weir wants to raise minumum wage to $12 per hour and reinstate the earned-income tax. He also wants quality earlyaction, a healthy economy, and a healthy environment. Previous jobs/offices: Weir worked as a Dow Chemical engineer and scientist for 30 years, where he focused on finding solutions for problems on the factory floor.

Jim Stamas

Sources: WXYZ Detroit, mLive news, Michigan Radio, SenatorJimStamas.com, Ballotpedia, legislature.mi.gov, the Morning Sun, billschutte.com, The New York Times, and weirforstatesenate.com

Governor

October 19, 2018

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District: 98 Major ideas: Glenn stands for limited government, lowered taxes, individual freedom, and strong family values. She wants to create better and higher paying jobs, and ensure the best and safest schools. Glenn also wants to support values that encourage strong marriages, families, neighborhoods, and communities. Previous jobs/offices: Glenn worked on the staff in the House of Represetatives as a campaign manager for Congress, Lieutenant Goveners, and state Supreme Court.

Democrats v.s. Republicans Source: RealClear Politics

Current poll numbers (as of 10/16/18):

Schuette:

37.8%

Whitmer:

47.0% Number of votes in primaries:

Schuette:

499,837 (50.7%)

Whitmer:

586,074 (52.04%)

Senate

District: 36 Major ideas: Stamas has sponsored bills that allow autonomous driving under certain conditions to accommodate the auto industry, reduce restrictions on Minor In Possession (MIP) laws, and increase school saving accounts. Previous jobs/offices: Stamas has served three terms as state representative, and two terms as Midland County Commissioner. He was also Midland township trustee (19972004), and the majority floor leader for 96 and 97 legislature.

Candidates from Midland:

Schuette Weir Stamas Schulz features

ELECTIONS Part 3 MARIJUANA POLICY

ehind the walls of The Shop in Bay City, Patrick Frasik works fervently at his business. As his field of work is competitive, he and his employees constantly juggle phone calls, emails, and a number of curious customers. While Frasik seems like an ordinary businessman, one difference sets him apart from others; he runs a marijuana dispensary. “From day one, all we’ve been focused on is making meaningful connections with the people that come through here and making sure that they leave feeling satisfied,” Frasik said. “The Shop almost feels like one big family, and we want to share that with others without feeling judged.” The Shop, which opened in March 2018, has been a largely successful endeavor, but Frasik feels that this year’s midterm elections will bring a lot of change for his business. The first proposal on the ballot is the legalization of recreational marijuana, which is causing a large amount of discussion among voters. Many Midland High seniors will eligible to vote this year, and one Midland High senior, John Riley Herman, is familiar with and in favor of the proposal. He thinks that recreational marijuana use is unfairly criminalized and believes that it would have a

A controversial subject with voters this election cycle is Proposal One, which would legalize recreational marijuana for individuals over 21. The proposal has been trying to make it to the ballot since 2008, and now Michigan voters are going to decide whether or not to legalize it this November, following the lead of nine other states that allow recreational use. Opinion Editor Kelly Craig | Staff Writer Aubrey Chambers

number of benefits. “I’m in favor of Proposal One because I don’t think people should be criminally charged for a victimless crime,” said Herman. “It’s a waste of time for police and courts to be focused on marijuana related crimes when there are much more important issues for them to deal with.” Proposal One suggests a number of benefits to legalizing marijuana use throughout Michigan, such as using the extra tax money to fund education, construction work, and local governments. While Proposal One has existed since 2008, recent efforts in the past year by groups such as The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol have put Proposal One at the forefront of the minds of Michigan voters. Frasik believes strongly in voting for the passing of the bill, as he sees it being largely beneficial to his business and others like it in the industry. “We’re just honest people wanting to make a living like everyone else,” Frasik said. “This proposal would make our lives a lot easier and bring in more revenue as the taboo aspect of marijuana wouldn’t be there anymore.” Frasik believes that getting into the marijuana industry made a largely positive impact on his life. He hopes that Proposal One will bring much needed change to the industry, as he feels that there is an extremely unnecessary stigma surrounding dispensaries similar to his. “The Shop is not that different from any run of the mill liquor store,” Frasik said. “The

only difference is that marijuana doesn’t make people violent or put anybody in danger in the way alcohol does.” However, despite the positive changes some people believe ratifying Proposal One would bring, Certified Prevention Specialist Kathryn Tate believes that legalization of recreational marijuana would cause a lot more problems than the Proposal is worth, especially in regards to minors. She believes that marijuana has a lot of adverse health effects that would be damaging to minors using it illegally should the proposal get passed. “Teens think marijuana is safe, but it is just the opposite,” Tate said. “I think increased access and lack of penalties for selling to minors will cause youth use skyrocket.” Tate says that she is more supportive of decriminalization, but predicts a lot of negative outcomes occurring due to the passing of the Proposal, like minor possession and increased auto accidents. “I think we will see a lot of marijuana businesses start up, but I don’t think we will be prepared to regulate them for years to come,” Tate said. Frasik, however, hopes that Proposal One would change people’s negative opinions surrounding the marijuana industry and the people who work in it, as he has met numerous people, business owners and customers alike, that he has formed lasting and impactful relationships with. “I’m tired of people assuming we run like

we’re running drug deals in a back alley,” Frasik said. “We aren’t harming anyone by being here.” Herman encourages seniors who can vote that they do so, because he thinks that it is a great opportunity for young people to have a direct impact on the local government on issues that they are passionate about. “Even though you may think that your one vote does not mean anything, every vote counts,” Herman said. “One vote could make a big impact on an election outcome.” Tate wants people to be wary of the effects marijuana can have, especially on minors. She also feels strongly about voters reading heavily about the Proposal before making a decision this November, and to research the impact legalized marijuana has had on other states. “I firmly believe it should be researched more and then regulated so patients know exactly what they are getting,” Tate said.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Michigan, but recreational marijuana use is punishable with jail time. Photo Illustration: Aubrey Chambers Source: www.bridgemi.com

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October 19, 2018

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AN UPDATED APPROACH

Last year, Midland High School updated their security systems in an attempt to make the school a safer place. This year, the changes in the security policy at the school and district levels continue, with a new Code Red protocol and the possibility of an addition of school resources officers to the county. Web Editor Adrienne Gray | Staff Writer Annie LaForet

s media coverage of school violence increases, so does awareness and preventive measures. Feeling safe and secure while at school is a goal Midland Public Schools has always set out to accomplish. Last year, Midland High took steps to achieve this goal by updating the building’s security. The new additions included adding extra locks to outdoor entrances, updating camera software , and requiring visitors and tardy students to check in through the main office. These measures are steps towards a more secure campus, but there is still an ongoing concern about the safety of students. Principal Jeff Jaster said he is trying to accommodate pushes from the community to increase safety measures. “As these incidents of school violence have happened across the country, people are feeling like we weren’t doing enough and providing enough support or resources,” Jaster said. To try and ease the public, security updates are still being made. Most notably in the new approach to code red procedures and the possible increase of school resource officers district wide. On Friday, Sept. 28, the staff and students participated in a new approach to a code red drill called Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate (ALICE). Midland High’s current school resource officer, Eddie Hinson, took part in ALICE training and is working with administration to teach the staff more about the program. “Within the last year, administration downtown and the police department have been working together,” Hinson said. “We just trained all the Midland Public School paraprofessionals, teachers and administration. High school and middle school’s administration were trained just

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October 19, 2018

before school started, elementary we just finished it Friday [Sept. 28], so now district-wide everybody knows about how ALICE works.” The main difference between ALICE and the old code red protocol is giving teachers the freedom and ability to make the best decisions for their class. “We’re not just going to lock the doors and hide, we’re going to make decisions that we think as adults are going to protect the lives of kids and staff to the best of our abilities,” Jaster said. “Sometimes it’s flee, sometimes it’s resist, whatever you can do in the moment to give yourself the best chance to come through an event unharmed.” The idea of ALICE was suggested by the Midland Police Department when looking for new ways to strengthen school safety. Several of the current school resource officers, including Hinson, were sent to ALICE training this past January. They are considered the experts of ALICE in our district and are responsible for sharing their knowledge with faculty. In January, there will be another

On Sept. 28, Teacher Joshua Criner’s first hour along with the rest of Midland High, practiced how to set up a barricade in case of an active shooter. They had to build it in under twenty minutes. Following the barricade they had to turn off lights and take cover. Photo: Annie LaForet

they can bring it back to the building and share with everybody,” Gates said. Jaster, Hinson, Gates, and other administration from the county’s high schools will also attend the ALICE training in January. Currently, Midland and Dow High are the only high schools

The reality is we are never 100 percent secure; we are just trying to be as secure as we can be.

in-depth ALICE training for several Midland County school administrators and teachers. Teacher Anthony Gates will be attending in hope to become even more informed of the new lock down procedure. “The goal is to dive in and make sure we are giving a few people a really good idea of what they need to do, so that

Jeff Jaster

with resource officers to send, but that could change this election season. A new millage was recently proposed by the Midland community to be voted on Nov. 6. The passage of this proposal would increase the budget to allow seven total resource officers in Midland County Public schools. Four in MPS and three more for Bullock Creek, Coleman, and Meridian schools respectively. Currently

Hinson splits his time between five schools and loses even more time at Midland High when he teaches DARE. “We handle all the feeder schools for Midland High, that is why I am in and out all of the time,” Hinson said. “There is a need for them in the middle schools so [if proposal passes] I can stay here more at the high school. The other thing is DARE school, I teach Plymouth, Adams, and Chestnut Hill and when I have to teach all three of those schools, I am out a day a week. If it goes through they will take on a school for DARE. So I will just focus on one school.” With these new safety additions, and possibly more to come, Midland High is working to make the school as safe it can be. Midland High wants to be prepared for every possible event, especially an active shooter situation, while maintaining a calm atmosphere. “It’s a balance,” Jaster said. “You really want people to be able to live their lives and to do things they always do, and not live in fear all the time, and the reality is we are never 100% secure; we are just trying to be as secure as we can be.”

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OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES O

A new outdoor classroom was created near the band hallway through grant money awarded to teacher Angela Kerr and Learning Coach Connie Beson-Steger. Editor-in-Chief Bitsy Mammel | Staff Writer Olivia Freidinger | Staff Writer Mary Kent

utside big double-doors located in the band hallway, an area decorated with pine trees, dogwood, and a collection of tables sits exposed to students eating lunch on its surface and the prospect of future learning opportunities. Beginning in the late winter and the early spring of 2018, science teacher Angela Kerr and learning coach Connie Beson-Steger met to pursue an idea that they had been discussing for years. Both were interested in developing an outdoor classroom opportunity for students to be able to use for educational purposes. Kerr said that this was never really considered for real action prior to their meeting. “It was just an idea,”Kerr said. “Then I penned it to words, and good people helped me make it happen.” Kerr said that she saw a need for more diverse learning environments to work with the different learning styles of different students. The new outdoor classroom will not be limited to only science classes, as Kerr said she wants all students to feel at ease in the space. “Schools try to make places that are comfortable for students to learn in outside of the four walls of the classroom,” Kerr said. “I know for myself, as a learner, I appreciate a change of place -- a change of scenery. Sometimes you get

fresh ideas there.” Kerr said she hopes teachers take advantage of this new classroom opportunity. She thinks that some different ways the class can be used is for independent work, an observational site, project time, or a place for small groups to work. “The outdoor learning classroom is to provide kids with an opportunity to learn in a different environment, other than the classroom,” Kerr said. “It’s open door for any classes.” After Kerr decided that this was something that she felt was necessary to pursue, she said she realized she needed the help of Beson-Steger to start the grant application process, because the need never arose for her to write one herself. Beson-Steger has experience with the grant process, having worked at Bay City Central where she primarily relied on grants for funding. Together they worked over the course of two weeks, in which Kerr said the process was not difficult, but instead meticulous and time-consuming. “There are certain criteria that you have to include,”Kerr said. “What the purpose is, what the vision is, how many students are going to potentially be impacted, how the usage of money will be shown. They want to know that the

money is well spent and it has impacted the most kids as possible. It’s a pretty lengthy process. It’s not hard, but I had never done one before, so Mrs. BesonSteger was really helpful in coaching me through the process.” Beson-Steger and Kerr applied for three grants, all through the Dow Chemical Company’s WE Grant opportunities for students and teachers. Each grant is capped at $5,000, so by writing a combination of grants they were able to raise enough money to set the plan into motion and begin constructing. The total cost of the classroom was $11,920. This went to purchasing dogwoods and verbeniums, butterfly bushes, trees, birdhouses, benches, and the actual construction of the building. Bob Cooper, Associate Superintendent for Finance and Facilities Operations, said that all grants that are applied to outside organizations must be approved by Midland Public Schools first. Applicants must submit the paperwork and indicate how they will use the money and who will be affected by the project they want to fund. “It really does two things for us, it lets us make sure the people are going for grants that makes sense where they want them and what they want to do,” Cooper said.

Cooper is in charge of approving all grants that are for MPS. He said that he chose to pass this grant application because it had support from multiple teachers. “They submitted through multiple grant applications, as a team project, which is unique and typically that doesn’t happen,” Cooper said. “People usually go one at a time or by themselves, so this is a group effort.” From the time the application was sent in until it was approved, Kerr and BesonSteger had to wait about a week and a half. Beson-Steger said that they were willing to work with whatever financial support they were given. “I think we would just take what we could get and keep moving forward or we would’ve maybe not done it if we didn’t have all the money,” Beson-Steger said. “We really just thought to ask and wait and see. We were just delighted when our acceptance came in.” Kerr hopes that she will see it being used often by individuals and classes and signed out, like the media center. “I’m excited to see it being used and for kids to enjoy being outside of the building,” Kerr said. “I’m interested to see if it impacts their learning or just their overall Chemic experience.”

5 Benefits of Learning Outside

Volunteer seniors installed landscaping for the classroom Sept. 21. They spread mulch and watered plants. Photo Illustration: Spencer Isberg

news

When hearing sounds of nature, the brain releases Serotonin, which creates a sense of security.

Studies show that children’s enthusiasm in learning grows when outdoors.

Outdoor stimulation shows decreased levels of child obesity.

Experiential learning increases independence.

New outdoor experiences releases dopamine into a part of the brain where memories are created.

Source:www.bachelorsdegreeonline.com

October 19, 2018

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not my thing Julian Longlet

n my opinion I am a physically active person. I like to ride my bike, walk my dog, and ride my long-board, but sports have never been my thing. That doesn’t mean I dislike sports, sports just don’t come naturally for me. But through the years I have had my stints playing sports. The first sport I ever played was baseball, I was terrible. During my entire career I got a measly six hits. Whenever I was up to bat I never swung, I just stood

there because I was overthinking what to do when I actually hit the ball. Half of the time the pitcher would walk me because when you are eight years old you don’t have good accuracy. I usually played second or third base. I could throw the ball accurately but not very hard. My favorite position to play was pitcher because I was at the center of everything. One time when I pitched, I accidentally almost hit someone. I threw the ball right at him and he ducked, but his bat stuck straight up and the ball hit his bat, and then he started crying. I could not help but laugh. The second sport I played was flag football, which is regular football but instead of tackling you yank a flag on either side of the player. It’s football for wimps. My position on offense was quarterback, on defense I played safety. I only played safety because I was taller than everyone on my team, nothing got passed me. The only time I was involved in a play on defense, I smacked a ball out of the air, and my coach called me Richard Sherman, who played for the Seattle Seahawks. At the end of the last game of my one and only season we were tied. I had the ball at the five-yard line, the play we were running was called the Banana split -the only play we learned all season. One guy ran a curved slant across the field, the other wide receivers

would do curl routes, I would go to the line, hike the ball, and then look for an open receiver. But instead I threw the ball into triple coverage and we lost. It was all my fault. The next step in my sports career was basketball, I tried out for the 8th grade team. I knew I wasn’t gonna make it, but figured “what the heck I’ll try it”. The first day of tryouts we played 3 on 3. I touched the ball maybe once and passed it. The other time I touched the ball it was after the coach blew the whistle and I shot it, and overshot the whole basketball hoop by 2 feet. That was the most embarrassing moment in my life. The coach watched it, and after I missed it I looked at him and could see in his eyes,“ha this kid is getting cut”. Guess what? I got cut. I wasn’t really disappointed, I knew it was coming. Each sport has taught me a valuable lesson, Baseball taught me that what you put in is what you put out, I never tried to get better and that decision made me fall behind in skill level. Flag football taught me the value of teamwork because I needed to trust everyone to do their jobs, and that helped me do my job. Basketball taught me that not everything will go my way because I tried so hard to make the team but I failed. No matter your skill level, being involved in sports is a good experience to have because each sport teaches a different life lesson.

AT H L E T E O F T H E M O N T H : S t r e i c h B r o t h e r s

n the pouring rain, Midland High was trailing 0-1 in the 2nd half of the boys varsity soccer game against Dow High. A header goal made by senior Nate Streich, assisted by his brother junior Zach Streich, tied the match at 1-1, preventing a loss for the Chemics. Nate is one of three co captains, and Zach is the top scorer on the team with two hat tricks on the season so far. They now stand out as two of the most prominent players on the team. The brothers’ soccer careers began at the age of three. They have been playing together for over 10 years, with six years of varsity experience combined under their belt, making them important players to the soccer program. Head coach Rodrigo Barassi has been coaching them for years. “They understand each other very well,” Barassi said. “Neither one has to shout for the ball since they know which way to move and create space.” After all of their years playing together through games and practices, Zach said hefeels like soccer has influenced their relationship for the better. “We have a stronger bond because we see each other a lot more,” Zach said. Continuing the family’s success, Zach’s second year on varsity builds on previous years. Scoring 18 goals so far this season, he holds the title for the most goals scored on the varsity team. Barassi said he is very impressed with his soccer abilities. “Zach is a natural power forward,” Barassi said. “His speed and dribbling through defenders is uncanny.” Nate said that if the opportunity arises he will play collegiate soccer; but if not, he plans on playing club soccer after high school. He hopes to finish his final season on a positive note, saying that he wants to beat Dow High in the first round of the playoffs, and win the district tournament. The Streich brothers say that there long experience playing together in their backyard benefitted them on the soccer pitch. “Whenever we get the ball we connect every pass,” Nate said, “I can always rely he’s going to be there.” Nate Streich (left) and Zack Streich (right) are starters for the varsity soccer team. The team has a overall record of 13-4-3. Photo: Carter Hazen

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October 19, 2018

3 Meggie Gandy placed 3rd at the varisty golf regional tournament. The contest was held in Traverse City at the Spruce Run golf course.

8-0

The boys junior varsity fooball team is having an undefeated 2018 season, most recently defeating John Glenn 44-6.

Staff Writer Carter Hazen

sports

Football: October 19 Andrew Capua

Senior Position: Linebacker 6’0 Team defense total years: 1736 yds Playing for 11 years “They are going to be a formidable opponent. But if we stick to our game plan and play like we can beat them, then we can win.”

Volleyball: October 16 Kaleb Studebaker

Maya Albright

Charis Queary

Senior Position: Middle Blocker Aces: 57 Blocks: 25 Digs: 272 Kills: 260 Playing for 6 years

Senior Position: Setter Aces: 37 Blocks: 26 Digs: 129 Kills: 52 Playing for 8 years

“Playing MHS is my favorite [game] of the season, the stands are always full of people, and the rivalry is the best.”

“I’m excited to play Dow. I know that if we play well and work together as a team we can win.“

“My team and I need to work on staying mentally focused the whole game and not having low moments.”

Junior Position: Linebacker 5’9 Team defense total yards: 1502 yds Playing for 8 years

Cross-town Competitors

Throughout this week and next week, Midland and Dow High School athletic teams will compete against each other. This includes: football, girls swim, and girls’ volleyball teams. The MHS football team will host this years game. Sports Editor Katie Gibbs | Staff Writer Caitlin Quinn | Staff Writer Brendan O’Callaghan

Maxx Fisher

Junior Position- Kicker/Punter Total points: 20 Playing for 3 years “We both have talented teams this year. Our key to success will be to contain their offense and get momentum on our side right away.”

sports

Zach Coon

Girls Swim: October 25 Katie Berchert

Senior Position- Kicker/Wide Receiver Total points: 42 Playing for 8 years

Senior 50 Freestyle: 26.01 100 Freestyle: 56.96 100 Backstroke: 1:07.51 Swimming for 9 years

“It is a great experience and a privilege to put on a Dow High jersey and represent our school. Especially if it’s against our crosstown rivals.”

“I am very excited to swim against Dow since there is no “cross-town rivalry”. When we have a meet against each other, it’s like we’re one big family”

October 19, 2018

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October 19, 2018

Claire Newman

Junior 50 Freestyle: 23.21 100 Freestyle: 50.29 200 Freestyle: 1:51.16 100 Fly: 58.70 Swimming for 7 years “The Midland-Dow meet is one of my favorites of the season. It’s purely friendly competition and tons of fun.” sports

Freshman Madison Scott, who plays number 54, lines up against the opposition to try and tackle the running back in the Oklahoma drill. Oklahoma is a drill where running backs, line backers, and offensive and defensive lineman go up against each other. Photo: Jenna Spencer

TACKLING THE STEREOTYPE

Freshman Madison Scott is the only female on the freshman football team this year. She has been playing football since she was a little kid, and joined the football team at Northeast Middle School in seventh grade. She has future aspirations to be punter. Features Editor Jenna Spencer| Staff Writer Theo Rammidi

reshman Madison Scott started playing football after her dad introduced it to her when she was a little kid, and she has been playing ever since. After she moved to Midland from Grand Rapids, she got the chance to join the football team at Northeast Middle School. “He’s always encouraged me to do things that I might not think are comfortable, or in my comfort zone, so he’s helped me through a lot of that,” Scott said. Scott didn’t know of any football teams when she lived in Grand Rapids, but was able to join the Northeast football team in seventh grade after she moved. “I didn’t know anybody. They thought I was a guy at first,” Scott said. “But when they figured out I was a girl, they thought it was cool.” Many of the boys on the football team in seventh grade are the same ones on the freshman team this year, including freshman Drew Barrie. “Everyone was pretty surprised, but now we treat her like any other person on the team because she’s always played with us since seventh grade,” Barrie said. According to Scott, being a girl on the football team isn’t much different than being a guy on the team. She confirmed that the guys don’t treat her any differently than they would other teammates.

Currently, Scott plays 5 technique. It’s a defensive lineman position where the player typically lines up on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle. She said she likes playing 5 technique because she’s not the fast type, and it’s more of a tougher position. However, she eventually wants to be a punter.

positions, she’s always active and works hard and that’s what I look for,¨ Mahabir said. ¨She always volunteers, she’s not afraid to put herself in a tough position and she is the first one in line to try to do something new and those are great qualities to admire.¨ He also said that the world is changing, and seeing girls come out doesn’t really

Don’t think you would be treated very differently just because you’re a girl on the football team.

sports

- Madison Scott “I play soccer as well so that’s what made me want to decide to be a punter,” Scott said. “I’m a goalie, and so I punt in soccer as well. It helps me a lot with being a punter in the future for football.” It doesn’t go unnoticed that Scott frequently offers to step up to take an open spot. Barrie said that Scott never hesitates to play a position and that she’s always willing to do anything for the team. Freshman Coach Jai Mahabir recognized the same qualities in Scott that Barrie did. ¨Madison participates in every one of her

surprise him. Over her time on the football team, Scott has never met any push back to being on the team, nor has she ever gotten a negative comment. People are always positive and supporting her. “The only difference is she’s got to use a different bathroom than the rest of the guys,” Mahabir said. Scott said that her favorite memory of being on the football team is seeing the reactions of people when they learn that she plays on the team.

Madison Scott playing scout offense, running for a pass at a practice. Scott said she is the first female player that her coach has ever had. Photo: Jenna Spencer

“Most people are surprised that I’m on the football team,” Scott said. “They think it’s super cool that I’m a girl playing on the football team.” Scott said that thinks there should be more girls on the football team, and that she thinks some girls want to play football, but they’re nervous or scared to. In fact, Barrie agrees with Scott that more girls could play football. He said that there could be more girls on the team if they really put their hearts into it. “I think that they should just look at Maddie and know that [if] they work hard and show up they can compete in anything, no matter if it’s a boys sport or girls,” Barrie said. Mahabir said that when someone puts a helmet on and shoulder pads, people don’t know if they’re a boy or a girl, all they know is there is a person out there working hard, and they have to appreciate that. “Don’t think that you would be treated very differently just because you’re a girl on the football team,” Scott said. “You’ll most likely be supported than, anything, so just go for it.”

October 19, 2018

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FALL FAVORITES

B AY N E ’ S A P P L E VA L L E Y

ffering the finer side of the farm, Bayne’s sells a wide variety of products ranging from apple pie to jewelry. Their store outruns surrounding competition in available merchandise selection, carrying the most variety of apples and seasonal treats as well as countless knick knacks and fall attire. The recent renovation offers a modern, yet homey look, similar to something you’d see

on HGTV. The cafe took our appeal by expanding beyond the fall classics with a broad menu that includes alternate options such as sandwiches, soups, and salads. However, the property provides more of a retail function rather than a pumpkin patch experience, lacking farm animals and self-picking. Don’t expect a fully functional farm; but if you’re just looking to pick up some goodies, you’ve found the hookup.

With fall comes a desire for pumpkins, apple cider, and a cozy day at the farm. We visited three different establishments that hold various kinds of fall activities and rated them on a star scale. Design Editor Noah Jacobson| Staf f Writer Olivia Or tiz

LEAMAN’S GREEN APPLEBARN

eaman’s Green Applebarn provides everything anyone could want having to do with fall activities, friends, and family. They offer opportunities for all ages such as feeding animals, hayrides, mazes, play-sets, and putt-putt golf, serving more activities than surrounding competitors. With their personable customer service, the farm supplies the most variety of pumpkins within a reasonable price range. Customers can

appreciate educational signs detailing how their apples are made and the history of their establishment. Walking through the apple display room of their main building, the smell of sweet apple fills the air; visitors even have the option to pick their own apples to eat. They also sell many kinds of products varying from jams and jellies to mittens and mugs. Overall the grounds provide a full day of fun activities and create great memories for friends and family.

Leaman’s Overall Review:

1 G R A N D M A’ S P U M P K I N PAT C H

randma’s Pumpkin Patch operates under the central idea of a family-oriented business and welcoming customer service. Their facilities offer a wide variety of activities and products. Although it’s out of staff control, the facility’s grounds were considerably muddy and infested with flies at the time of our visit, cutting off our desire to try the corn maze or browse different areas on

the property. We also found that most amenities such as petting animals and play-sets were central to small children, leaving less to do for the older visitors. The pumpkin selection to the side of the barn is a safe bet, with many shapes and sizes to choose from. Throughout the farm they have small signs to take pictures by with family and friends. Don’t expect to be blown away, but the patch does provide fall festivities.

Grandma’s Overall Review:

2 1. The Bayne’s cider mill opens on a cool Saturday morning. Behind the Mill, children can play bocce ball and run around in a miniature corn maze. Photo: Olivia Ortiz. 2. Sparkles the Cow on Leaman’s farm is waiting to be fed apples and pet by children. The farm also has other animals including goats and turkeys. Photo: Olivia Ortiz. 3. These corn stalks make up the maze at Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch. Tomorrow, the patch offers a flashlight corn maze and invites guests to take on the challenge at night. Photo: Aubrey Chambers

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Bayne’s Overall Review:

October 19, 2018

3 opinion

GOT SPIRIT? Chemic spirit is an essential part of the positive atmosphere at Midland High; however, some events are better than the rest. Which is the best Spirit Week activity? Megan Shaffer| Staff Writer Aleah Ward

MHS students participate in several spirit based activities. Some include hall marching, yell night, and spirit assemblies. Photo Illustration: Megan Shaffer and Aleah Ward

HALLWAY DECORATING

oming to school on a Sunday isn’t appealing to most of the student body, but when hall decorating commences, there’s a fair turnout of students that are ready to get creative. Students from each class work all day to bring their own themes to life. The showcase of commitment from each class increases the overall spirit that students have, participation in their class, and to overall create something they’re proud of. The outcomes of the different class hallways, differing in themes from year to year, are very interesting to look at. Hall decorating also encourages MHS to keep up their spirit in preparation for events during the week. Causing an uproar in school spirit, due to the representation the student body of Midland High, hall decorating is one of the best spirit day events.

opinion

HALL MARCHING

t’s a special tradition for the Chemics to march the halls the morning prior to a football game. This activity is to further emphasize the importance of our desire for victory, and pride in the school. To get ready for the game, hall marching is an effective way to get students and staff eager to support Midland High at the football game. Leading the precession are the Varsity pommers, band, cheer, and football players. The students and staff can’t help but get excited when they hear the drumline thundering down the hallway, and the cheers that come from the people heading in your direction. It’s hard to ignore Chemic spirit when there is so much of it in one place at one time. Hall marching is a great way for the school to support our sport teams or other activities in a very assertive, but exciting way.

YELL NIGHT

ne night every year, the student body comes together to compete in a series of games, challenges, and cheers to determine which grade truly has the most Chemic pride. The spirit day, according to the approaching night, divides each grade by color. Even though this event could interfere with prior commitments that students have, it is an essential part of the high school experience. Students from every grade get to interact with their fellow classmates in a new and exciting way. Whether you are doing an embarrassing dance or participating in a quirky game, everyone that goes is bound to have a good time and have a few laughs along the way. Not only does it bring unity within classes, it creates relationships between classes by giving them something to relate to. Yell Night is an amazing experience that everyone should experience at least once during their high school career.

SPIRIT WEEK

LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES

very couple of weeks, the school body gets to show their school pride and support for sports teams, fundraisers, and organizations by participating in spirit days. Spirit week excites the students of Midland High for the upcoming events like the Dow game, homecoming, and prom. This is an easy way for students to feel like they are contributing to the school’s atmosphere. Spirit days give students something to look forward to during the week. Many students coordinate with their friends to participate in these special days. Spirit days give a It can be pretty intimidating to dress differently than you usually do to school in front of your peers, especially when you are decked out head to toe in the USA gear that you specially keep for spirit days and the Fourth of July. Spirit week keeps students and staff informed about certain events, organizations that the school promotes, and even about uncomfortable topics like domestic abuse and mental illnesses.

hen Student Council and Student Leadership want to host a special event, support a big game, or to keep the students involved during the off season, lunchtime activities are a must. From trivia games to pineapple bowling, lunchtime activities entertain and get students involved during the school day. It is really easy to participate in these activities and they are usually really fun and rewarding. Hypothetically, it should be really easy to get volunteers, but it can be really scary getting up in front of your fellow students to potentially make a fool out of yourself. It can also push the buttons of the people watching as most of the lunchtime activities are held in Eyeball Alley, creating traffic and increased sound for the people that want to have a more calm lunch period. Overall, Lunchtime activities aren’t very effective, but they can be fun depending on what the activity is and who participates. Considering both the pros and cons in comparison to the other events, this event is ranked last.

October 19, 2018

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ELECTIONS

Illustration: Aubrey Chambers

The Focus addresses:

LEGALIZATION

On Nov. 6, the state of Michigan will vote on the passage of Proposal 1, or the legalization of recreational marijuana. A poll taken Sept. 5-7 indicated that 56 percent of voters are supportive of the proposal.

s it stands, recreational marijuana use is illegal in Michigan. While possession of marijuana without a medical green card is currently punishable by jail time, Proposal 1 on the ballot of this year’s midterm elections on November 6 could change that. Proposal 1 would allow adults aged 21 and over to purchase, possess, and use marijuana, as well as grow up to 12 plants for their own personal use. If passed, there would be a ten ounce limit for marijuana kept at residences, and a requirement that all marijuana over 2.5 ounces must be kept in securely locked containers. The proposal would create a state licensing system for marijuana businesses, and municipalities would be allowed to ban or restrict the selling or use of marijuana. This would permit the retail sales of marijuana to a 10% tax, dedicated to implementation costs, schools, roads, and municipalities. While the proposal has been on the ballot since 2008, it has been a large subject of discussion among voters as November 6th approaches. The Focus believes that passing Proposal 1 would be beneficial to the state in a number of ways, with a vote of 20 to 7. If marijuana is legalized, there would be a huge boost of economic activity. In states where recreational marijuana is already legalized, marijuana brings in three times more tax revenue than alcohol

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does. The legal marijuana industry made more than $7 billion in 2016, and added millions to federal taxes. In addition, recreational marijuana legalization would save taxpayer money by ending the enforcement of marijuana laws and police resources used towards arresting individuals for marijuana possession. It is estimated that legalization of marijuana would save between $7 billion to $13 billion per year. Legalizing marijuana would also make marijuana regulated for customers. When bought illegally, buyers are unaware if the product is contaminated. If legalized, the government could enforce regulations and testing to guarantee that the product is safe to use. It is also argued that marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol products or tobacco, which are currently legal. Also, with the legalization of marijuana, less people would get arrested for possession of the substance. The consequences of a possession conviction can be devastating, affecting the ability to get public housing, financial aid, or jobs. Currently, some believe that the system unfairly targets people of color for possession. Despite being proven that both white people and people of color use marijuana at around the same rate, black Americans are approximately 4 times more likely to get arrested for

marijuana possession. Sentences for black men have been 9% to 13% longer than sentences given to white men for the same marijuana convictions. Legalizing marijuana would attempt to fix this racial bias and lift marijuana possession from a crime to a civil infraction. The Focus also acknowledges the disadvantages of having recreational marijuana become legalized in Michigan. One of the largest concerns is that legalized marijuana would make it more accessible to minors, and would create more problems with minors possessing it in the same way as underage alcohol possession. It potentially has the ability to alter brain chemistry in people under 25, and repeated use of marijuana could cause a dependency. There is also no way to measure how much is “too much” marijuana, especially if the individual consuming it is driving under the influence, and has the potential to cause mental health related problems such as anxiety or paranoia if used frequently. The Focus realizes these risks could arise if Proposal 1 is passed, but we believe that the positives outweigh the negatives. We believe that legalization of recreational marijuana would be beneficial to the state’s economy and the safety of adults who decide to use it, and reduce the harm done disproportionally to minority communities.

editorial

Photo 1: A 13,600-square foot playground was added to Whiting Forest. The playground consists of sandy beaches, slides, swings, tunnels, a climbing net, and much more. The playground is an enclosed area with one entrance. It is made to be interactive and it allows kids to be creative in their mind.

CANOPY CAPTURE

After opening on Oct. 7, Whiting Forest presents a variety of sights including woodlands, ponds, streams, meadows, and apple orchards. On 54 acres of land, Whiting Forest has also added the largest canopy walk in the United States. Spanning 1,400 ft. and reaching 40 feet high, the canopy walk has become the prominent attraction. Staff Writer Devin Alexander | Photo Editor Spencer Isberg

arts/entertainment

Photo 2: Whiting Forest members were inspired to create the apple orchard because Herbert H. Dow had a hobby of tending his own orchard. The site still has one of the apple trees that Dow used more than 100 years ago and it produces a couple of apples a year. In addition to the orchard, Dow also dug his own pond on the property which remains there today.

Photo 3: The design for the canopy began in 2014 and it cost $20.4 million. The canopy stretches about a quarter of a mile long and splits into three different directions that present different parts of the attraction, and it is filled with rest spots to look upon the surrounding areas. The highest area of the canopy features a glass floor and grating to look down on the forest floor. The highest level of the canopy gives anyone on top of it a view over the cafe, playground, and apple orchard. The tallest point of the canopy reaches a height of 40 feet high.

Photo 4: A new addition to Whiting Forest is the cafe. The cafe is an indoor take on the modern architecture that is presented in the structures of the canopy walk. It is built to hold 180 people and it is open from 11 am to 3 pm on weekdays. The shop is free to enter and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require a fee like the rest of Dow Gardens and Whiting Forest. The interior of the cafe consists of a natural wood interior and bright furniture and is filled with food from Crust Bakery. The bakery has filled the cafe with various types of snacks, lunches, and drinks. Photo: Spencer Isberg

October 19, 2018

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PRACTICING PROFESSIONAL Senior Hadley Morden has loved photography all her life. In May of 2018, she decided to start her own photography business. Morden worked for a multitude of customers this summer and made upwards of five thousand dollars, but the money isn’t important to her. She loves making her photo subjects feel beautiful. Staff Writer Maureen Aloff | Staff Writer Amiya Zissler

enior Hadley Morden loved photography at a young age. Her favorite toy when she was little was her pink LeapPad camera. Morden’s love of photography has continued into her young-adulthood and she has turned it into a small business. In May of 2018, Morden started Hadley Lane Photography, since then she has had many different clients. Over the summer, Morden made upwards of five thousand dollars from her business on top of her full time job. Morden made the decision to start her business late last school year. She and some of her friends were visiting Indian River and Morden began taking photos of them. They were shocked with the way that the pictures turned

These are examples of Morden’s photography. ABOVE an example f ro m o n e o f M o rd e n ’ s fa m i l y photoshoots. RIGHT a senior photo. Morden also arranged the Photography Club’s senior photo by donation project. Morden does a variety of shoots, she uses Lightroom pre-sets on all her photography. Photo courtesy: Hadley Morden.

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out. Morden said that one of her friends looked at the photos and never saw herself the same after. “I could just see her open up,” Morden said, “like, ‘yeah look at me, I am beautiful.’” Morden says the main reason she loves taking pictures of people so much is because it helps others feel beautiful. After this trip, Morden’s friends encouraged her to take pictures professionally, and she took their advice. When she returned home she began creating her business. She approached a teacher she trusted, Kay Rogers. Rogers said that she had also encouraged Morden to pursue photography more professionally. “She showed me pictures and I said ‘you really need to be doing this as more than just a hobby,’” Rogers said. Rogers supported Morden wholeheartedly and believes that Morden is extremely talented. “I think Hadley can take an amazing picture because she can make people feel comfortable,” Rogers said. With this encouragement, Morden began advertising her business on her

Morden poses with the camera she uses for her professional photoshoots at the Chippewa Nature Center. Morden’s camera is a Cannon 880 with stock lens. Photo: Maureen Aloff

Instagram and Facebook pages and she quickly acquired clients. “I constantly have unread messages in my DMs,” Morden said, “So many people ask me to take their pictures, and it’s not just students. I have photographed families, weddings, and business professionals.” Morden’s business took off. Over the summer, Morden estimated that she had three photoshoots a week, on top of her full time job as a marketing photographer for Savant Group. “I spent the whole summer with a camera in my hand,” Morden said. Morden’s mother, Shelly Morden, expressed extreme pride for her daughter’s entrepreneurship. “I have always known she has a great eye,” Shelly said. “But seeing her doing the work she is doing now is completely amazing. I am so impressed with her.” Shelly spoke of how photography

runs in the family. Hadley’s great grandfather was constantly taking pictures of the family, her grandfather collected vintage cameras, and Shelly also has an appreciation for photography. “I thought I was good at taking pictures,” Shelly said. “But then I saw the photos Hadley was taking and I realized I was nowhere near good.” Shelley also said she had no hand in creating Hadley’s business. Hadley has built up her own clientele and manages her own schedule entirely. Though the business aspect of Hadley’s work is important to her, she loves photography for the art that it is, not the money that it brings in. “Seeing the glow that people get when you take good pictures of them is amazing,” Hadley said, “Helping people see their own beauty is such a rewarding thing.”

arts/entertainment

CREATIVE COSTUMES

Even though some people many think that high schoolers are too old to go trick-or-treating, you’re never too old to dress up for Halloween. Here are some easy “DIY” Halloween costume ideas that will hopefully make this season a little less stressful and a little more spooky. Arts/Entertainment Editor Hannah Woehrle | Staff Writer Toria Montgomery | Staff Writer Abigail Brooks

Salt & Pepper For this couples costume you will need: - A black t-shirt - A white t-shirt - A pair of black pants - A pair of white pants - Black and white sharpies

Rosie the Riveter For this costume you will need: - A denim shirt - A red bandanna - A pair of jeans - Red lipstick Roll the sleeves up on the denim shirt, tie up your bandanna, swipe on some red lipstick and don’t forget that “You can do it!”

Difficulty: 2/10

opinion

Wear the black shirt with the black pants and the white shirt with the white pants, write “S” and “P” on the respective outfits and it will be seasoned to perfection!

Difficulty: 4/10

Brawny Paper Three Blind Mice For this costume you Towel Man For this costume you will need: - Red flannel shirt - Jeans - A roll of paper towel (optional) Button the shirt, gel back your hair, roll the sleeves up and you’ll clean up nicely!

Difficulty: 2/10

will need: - 3 gray t-shirts - 3 pairs of sunglasses - 3 headbands - Gray and pink felt - 3 canes - Black eyeliner/face paint Take the gray felt and cut it into 2 circles, then cut the pink felt into 2 smaller circles and glue it onto the gray circles. Take those and glue them onto the headband to make your mouse ears. Then, take the black eyeliner and draw on the whiskers. Throw the shades on and you will look like you came right out of a storybook! (Even if you can’t see it yourself)

Difficulty: 6/10 Photo Illustration: Hannah Woehrle

October 19, 2018

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you only live once 1409 S Saginaw Rd | (989) 835-2882

Jenna Spencer

air. We all have it, and there’s so many things you can do with it. Take me, for example. Throughout my sixteen years of life, I’ve had long hair, short hair, and most recently, bangs. Out of all the different hairstyles I’ve gotten, bangs are the most important. If I’m being honest, this isn’t the first time I’ve had bangs. I did have them as a little kid, until I decided to cut them off (very unevenly, might I add). After my bangs finally grew back in, I just never got them cut again. But does having bangs when you’re a cute little four-year-old count? No, my story starts in the summer of 2018, when I got the idea to get bangs. At first I kind of brushed it off, yet I kept coming back to it. What would I look like if I got bangs? Would I look cute or horrible? Would I like them or hate them? Out of all the different hairstyles I’ve ever made the decision to get, this is the one that I debated the most. I found myself looking up pictures of people with bangs, and even people with bangs and glasses. I looked up articles about bangs, how to care for them, how to grow them out and how long it takes (and I may or may not have taken one or two of those “should you get bangs” quizzes). The answer to my ever present question of what I would do if I didn’t like them was easy. I’d just grow them out. Sure, it would take a while, and might be a little frustrating, but did that matter? I told myself that this is what high school was for: terrible fashion mistakes. I don’t know why I was debating it so much. I mean, I once cut seven inches off my hair without much of a second thought. So when the time finally came for the haircut that I was sort of dreading yet also a little excited for, I was still wondering if getting bangs were a good idea. But I forced myself to say that I wanted to get bangs. And I’m so glad I did. Getting bangs ended up teaching me a major life lesson, one that’s been around for

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October 19, 2018

quite a while. But it wasn’t until this moment that I finally came to understand its meaning, before the lesson itself finally clicked. You only live once. I don’t mean this in a “do every dumb thing you can” way, but in a “take the risk” way. I was and am so happy with my bangs. As soon as I saw myself in the mirror, all my worries about what would happen if I didn’t like it slowly started to drift away. I was still a little hesitant, but after a day or two, I realized just how much I liked them. What would have happened if I didn’t go through with getting bangs? Nothing, really. I’d still go through my day to day life the same, I’d still have the same friends, the same classes. Except I wouldn’t have this new perspective on life. I would always be wondering about getting bangs, and whether or not I would like them. I learned that it’s better to try and learn instead of always wondering about it and regretting not doing it. Looking back at all my hair adventures, I realized how easily I came to those decisions. Whenever I wanted to cut my hair short, I cut it short. Whenever I wanted to grow it out, I grew it out. There wasn’t a whole lot of debating and going back and forth. I don’t know why it took me so long to come to this huge realization, or why I didn’t have it earlier in my hair escapades, or why I didn’t have that much debate over them. I guess I just thought of it more simply than I did bangs. I wanted to, and so I did. Isn’t that sort of the mentality of “YOLO”? Doing what you want with your life because you only get one chance to live it? My main takeaway from getting bangs is this: Want to cut your hair short? Do it. If you don’t like it, you just grow it out. Want to dye your hair? Go for it. It’ll fade, and you can always re-dye it. Want to get bangs? Try them out. You might end up loving them. It’s your life. Do what you want with it. Take the risk. You won’t regret it.

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opinion

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MIDLAND HIGH

small package Aleah Ward

Jacob Heye Fr e s h m a n

The first experience when soccer became serious to me was when I was 10-11. I started to play defense, [and I started] figuring out passing and making quick decisions. Midland High Soccer is different because it’s a lot more serious, involving a lot more strategy. You can’t beat everyone with speed, passing, shooting, and dribbling skills need to be used. I kept playing soccer, and I looked up to Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar. I enjoy the sport, it is active for me, and [I enjoy] just hanging out with my friends while playing.

opinion

ince the day I was born, I had always been called “small”. Nineteen and a half inches is of course average for a newborn baby, but as time went on, I had remained small in a town of reasonably tall people. I had first noticed that I was a lot shorter than the other kids when I had joined a soccer team at the age of three. This sport introduced me to boys who towered over me, while their fast feet attempted to score goals; as well as the fear of being run over by those who were even an inch taller than my scrawny toddler body. I eventually decided to sit down in the grass and play with the dandelions instead of having to endure people twice my size, trying to knock me over when we played games. After my not- so- glorious, glory days at the Midland Soccer Club, I began first grade at Adams Elementary. Here, I was definitely sure that the people on the Black Hawks soccer team were not mutant children, or giants. At my school, there were kids that were just as tall as my teammates, and to my knowledge, the size of full grown adults. I spent my elementary years, yet again, avoiding my‘string bean’ classmates, and maneuvering my body around people in the halls to avoid, yet again, being stepped on like a welcome mat on your grandma’s front porch. It was hard always being told “wow, you’re really short”, as if I didn’t already know. But being short also taught me my fair share of methods or “hacks” to function as a vertically gifted human being. The first being: You can reach the top shelf in the cupboard. How you may ask? It’s just as easy as hopping up on the counter, then standing on said counter to reach the desired cupcake wrappers or toothpicks on the top shelf. My five feet and all to this day can still reach the top shelf from this method I had formulated when I was merely eight years old. But not all of the methods such as jumping the counter can help with every height situation I run into. The same year I had came up with the counter method, I was still too short to go on a dinosaur roller coasters at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, and that made me very upset. I pouted and complained, while my parents told me that I would eventually

become tall enough to ride the roller coasters that I wanted to. When I had turned 10, I had finally gained the few inches I needed to ride the rides I had longed to go on, and felt an ever-lasting euphoria when I had reached that point. Growing those few inches may have benefited the Disney franchise or Midway Entertainment at the county fair, but I knew that my struggles were not over. I entered the sixth grade at Northeast Middle School, and yet again, I was another one of the tinier people on my team. Some eleven to twelve year olds stood up to five-six or higher, while I remained closer to the ground my whole middle school experience, being told the same old thing about my size and height, over, and over, and over again. I became more and more frustrated with my physique, and always seemed to become ornery or upset when people acknowledged how much smaller I was compared to my taller colleagues at school. From meeting my fun-sized friends, and learning to take the good from the bad in my stature, I was able to understand how you can’t control some things that define who you are as an induvidual. It’s much easier to dye your hair, wear colored contacts, or to buy new clothes that you like to define who you are as your own person. You although cannot change the length of your legs to accomidate to the ‘average’ height that is desired. Wearing heels may be a substitute to stretching your limbs, but wearing them daily can be a uncomfortable and hard to manage. I feel as if it is more important to understand that height shouldn’t limit you to how you walk, talk, or act as a person. Being called a “small package”, or “cute as a button” doesn’t phase me as much as it used to, but it’s always important to know, no matter what size you are, or what you look like, as humans, we are aware of our own differences. These differences help us identify who we are, or what we want to be.

October 19, 2018

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skeletons in the closet

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Kelly Craig

rowing up, the only lesbian I knew Team Peeta and Team Gale just two minutes of was Ellen Degeneres. I knew this before, none of us knowing what to say as because every adult in my life felt she recounted the negative reaction she had obligated to point this out to me whenever she gotten from her mom after coming out. All appeared on TV. of us gave our support and wished her well, “That’s Ellen,” someone would say to and we eventually returned to picking apart seven year old me as I crunched on a bowl of fight scenes from Naruto, but the exchange Cheerios, “She’s a lesbian.” continued to haunt me. I pictured myself in The way they spoke indicated that ‘lesbian’ her situation; my proud dad telling me that he must have been something particularly hated me, my kindhearted grandparents saying scummy, something laughable and worthy they didn’t love me anymore, and my religious of scorn to the adults in my life. Deciding to extended family telling me I was going to hell, take a risk, I wondered out loud, “What’s a and it terrified me. I thought I’d rather die lesbian?” than have ‘lesbian’, and all the baggage that Like I expected, as soon as the word came with it, tacked on to my name. dropped from my mouth, I was shushed and The word continued to follow me like a forcefully told not to repeat it, ever, especially ghost past middle school and into high school. not in public. I was confused as to why this I was constantly reminded what people was such a taboo topic in my household, but thought of lesbians every day; aggressive, mandecided that it was one of the “I’ll tell you hating, conquerable, and a porn category. I when you’re older” things that I was forbidden avoided everything that might incriminate me from bringing up, a group that included curse as being gay: refusing to change in dressing words, drug addicts, and homeless people, rooms, not looking girls in the eye, and among others. I put it in a vault in the back of recoiling at physical contact. When my friends my head and shut the lock tight. began to date and explore their sexualities, It became increasingly harder to ignore I got very good at faking attraction to boys, the word as I got older. The more gangly my despite the fact that romantic interaction with limbs got and the more books my parents them made me feel confused, angry, and would subtly give me about periods, it felt upset. like the more I would hear about lesbians in Eventually, the inevitable thought popped casual conversation. It started small: the girls into my head. Could I be a lesbian? in my summer camp cabin whispering about I quickly decided no. But as my friends it before lights out while our counselor was continued to question me, my answer away, my friends asking stuff like “Would gradually changed from “no” to “I’m not you kiss a girl for $500?” at sleepovers, and sure.” I pictured myself with girls, and instead people throwing around the word ‘dyke’ in my of anxiously blocking out the thought, I felt middle school’s hallways. I stayed unbothered, something new; curious and hopeful. though. While I was curious about it, I knew But I couldn’t be a lesbian. I didn’t have a that I wouldn’t live my life like that. I pictured pixie cut, I wasn’t sportsy, and I didn’t wear myself as an adult riding off into the sunset a tux to prom. But I looked at how lesbians with a well muscled handsome city man with relished in their happiness, broke stereotypes, a kind heart, and I accepted it as my eventual and loved each other unapologetically despite fate. I felt relaxed. Not happy, per say, but what people said and thought of them, and I comfortable knowing that that is most likely knew the answer deep down. where my life would take me. I said it to myself once. I said it to myself Everything changed for me when one of three times. I typed out each letter with shaky my Internet friends announced to our Skype hands and stared at it until the word was groupchat that she was gay. It came seemingly burned into my brain. Only this time not in out of nowhere; an awkward fog began to settle fear, but in acceptance. over the chat that had been buzzing about I can finally say with confidence that yes, I am a lesbian. October 19, 2018

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Chloe Nicholas Senior

I have moved four times in a matter of seven years. After third grade I moved to Shanghai, China, and lived there for two years. I lived in an expat bubble there where all international people live. I went to a private school that spoke English. While there I was able to experience different things such as migrant villages, and saw how the less fortunate live- giving me a whole new perspective on diversity. Because of this, I became more inclusive, so I learned that everyone has a different story enabling me to connect with them on a level. opinion

Soccer Playoffs

Junior Jack Sczepanski clears the ball up the field during the district game against DHS on Oct. 15. The Junior Jack Sczepanski clears the Chemics lost 2-0. Photo: Carter ball up the field during the district Hazen game against DHS on Oct. 15. The Chemics lost 2-0. Photo: Carter Hazen

Soccer Playoffs