March 27th, 2014 Issue

JUICE CLEANSE | PAGE 12-13 BODY BUILDING | PAGE 15

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High school students around the nation are becoming pregnant as teenagers. Many of these young students may believe that they are alone when it comes to raising their child; however, the Midland community provides many ways to support expecting mothers.

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Midland High School | March 27, 2014 | Volume 36, Issue 7

You

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FOCUS

WELDING | PAGE 24

Family

WINDOVER | PAGE 8

SPECIAL REPORT:

Read more on pages

19-21

Jack Duly & Scout Parsch | Illustrations

Volume 36 Issue 7

FOCUS C O N T E N T S

24

MARCH WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE?

02 Table of contents 03 Editorial 04-07 Opinion 08 Windover High School 09 Changes in the SAT 10 Theory of knowledge 11 Youth in government 12-13 Juice diets 14 Mackenzie Etienne FOCUS EDITORS

19 22

10 16

Scout Parsch Editor in Chief Jack Duly Managing Editor Katie McIntyre News Editor Maddy Wheelock Features Editor Michael Adams A&E Editor Emily Resmer Sports Editor Kyle Blackwood Opinion Editor Sarah Wontorcik Photo Editor Mercedes Hussein Design Editor Emily Fisher Ad Coordinator Hannah Lasky Exchange Editor Michelle Demo Website Editor Jim Woehrle Adviser Midland Daily News Printer

15 Body building 16 Sports Zone 17 Practice Predicament 18 Advertisements 19 Pregnancy resources 20-21 Teen parents 22 Mission trips 23 Megan O’Connor 24 Welding class WRITE A LETTER If something annoys you about us, school, or life in general,

write a letter to the editor.

If something amuses you about us, school, or life in general,

write a letter to the editor.

If we got something wrong,

write a letter to the editor.

If it’s coherent and under 300 words,

we’ll run it.

Drop them off at room 345 with your name.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT 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 Press

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. Focus, however, reserves the right to contest the challenge of an administrator who attempts to censor and/ or remove an article or graphic element.

EDITORIAL

A needed improvement

Sexual education is considered one of the most controversial classes in high school. Should the school update the lesson plan for the new age of teens?

What do you t hink?

Should Midland High update the sexual education curriculum?

Welcome to Health and Wellness

“No, because they go through all the diseases and they show you the protection methods.”

Freshman Chloe Gall

“No, because they teach us enough to know what the right thing to do is.”

Sophomore Andrew O’Keefe

F

or many high schools, the topic of sexual education walks the fine line of whether or not it is appropriate. In some cases, parents teach one lesson while the school teaches another. In a vote of 19-2, the Focus believes that Midland Public Schools needs to reduce the amount of time spent on dietary topics and offer a more thorough and comprehensive sexual education curriculum .

When the topic of sexual education is brought up, some students and their parents best believe that the topic should be taught only at home. They believe that school is not an appropriate place to learn about sex. For instance, sex is considered sacred in many religions, and the school’s lesson plan may not approach sex in the manner that their family would like. Many students tend not to take this topic seriously. Along with this, the topic about sexual education can be very cutand-dried, causing information to be repeated over and over again.

We believe it is the district’s job to have a curriculum that provides information about what sex is, how to prevent pregnancy, what you should do if you become pregnant, and how to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

Jack Duly | Illustration According to the Offices of Adolescent Health, 41 percent of teens in Michigan have had sex in their high school years. While students participate in these acts, they may not understand the possible ramifications should they consent to sex.

We believe that the sexual education system set up by MPS does not cover everything it should. The topic of sexual education is one of the least covered topics in the Midland High Health and Wellness class, averaging around 2-3 weeks, with most of the time spent on learning the female and male reproductive organs. Health and Wellness is the only mandatory class at Midland High that teaches about sexual education. Having to instruct on every aspect of health, the class lacks in-depth lessons on sexual education.

The only lessons taught about sexual education currently is limited to the anatomy of the reproductive organs involved, what STIs are, and a very basic and fast coverage of different contraceptive methods. But the last topic, contraception, is the least discussed topic out of all three. With around a day spent on the topic, the contraceptive methods get an insufficient amount of attention.

By reforming the curriculum, the mandatory course of Health and Wellness will

offer more overall information about sexual education. Considered a taboo amongst teens, the topic of sex is only brought up once before high school through an assembly with two courthouse prosecutors. These prosecutors only cover the legal issues with teen sex, and don’t give every bit of information about sex that high school students will need in the future.

Whether it be about pregnancies, STIs, home-life, religion, relationship, or schooling, the school system needs to help students understand how their decisions will affect them later in life.

According to the executive director of the Pregnancy Resource Center, Heather Fisher, students have access through the internet to find all the information they need on their own. The problem, however, is that they do not know how to sort the good information from the bad information. Which is why it is up to the district to help students be able to identify the difference between right information and wrong information when it comes to sex.

Should the school implement new sexual education tactics, an increase of sexual education would be an overall benefit to MPS and its students.

“Yes, we should put more time into it.

It’s a dangerous world out there and if people aren’t educated they can get hurt.“ Junior Jacob Trethaway

“Yes, because they preach abstinence at prom, but they play music that is sexual at the end.”

Senior Monyca King

mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 03

O P I N I O N

CORRECTIONS Cover

League of their own

The robotics club story was incorrectly listed as being on page 10 on the cover instead of page11. This is the second time this has happened, maybe our Managing Editor was programmed incorrectly.

Ericka Reder’s name was spelled Erika Reder in the CCL story. Our Editor in Chief missed last year’s managing editor, Erika Collin, so much that she spelled Ericka’s name wrong.

League of their own We apologize to Jaymie Dawson, one of our rookie reporters, for spelling her name Jayme Dawson. Always remember I before E except when we forget it.

PUZZLE OF THE MONTH

Make sure to start in the center of the maze

at the point

After nearly four years of watching the hit comedy, The Middle, my family is convinced there are hidden cameras in our home recording us for future episodes. This show stages a middle-class family, the Hecks, living in Orson, Indiana, with three kids: Axl, the oldest son who is rarely seen wearing more than boxer shorts around the house; Sue, the socially awkward middle daughter whose bubbly personality and optimism seems to be the subject of ridicule for her older brother; and Brick, the youngest son who often finds himself distracted from everyday tasks and struggles to seem noticeable to the rest of his family. This is the Parsch family in a nutshell.

For those who know Forrest: He prides himself on how well he can get under our skin, especially mine. In one of the most recent episodes, Axl finds his sister Sue looking through different college brochures, including one for the university he attends.

Not only did he throw a fit, but he claimed that this college was his. This seems to be an everyday occurrence in my household; fighting over cars, rooms, and even friends.

We’re so close in age that it seems like we share the majority of things, including college.

Although it can get to be overwhelming sharing so many experiences, being so close to him has made me the person I am today, and I’m happy I have him at Michigan State to help me transition next year.

For those who know Spencer: Yes, it’s true, we’re related. He drives me insane, but I also enjoy hearing my entire family’s personality bound into one every time he talks. Brick plays the younger, easygoing son who is always found face first in a book, making it easy for the family to ignore the fact that he’s in the room. Spencer may not have his nose in a book, but he is usually pretty laid back, causing him to work to get our family’s attention. I often find

For those who know myself talking over him as he sits raising his hand, waiting for us to notice. However, unlike Brick, it has not gotten to the point where we’ve left him behind anywhere, so I would say we aren’t doing too badly.-So far.

For those who know my dad: He is always right, at least he thinks he is.

My dad seems to know exactly what to say and when to say it, similar to Mike Heck.

Mike is the most emotionally stable and straightforward in the Heck family, otherwise known as the rock. This is very similar to the relationship I have with my dad. When we are together, it seems like everything has a way of working itself out.

For those who know my mom: She’s my idol. Similar to Frankie, my mom does anything and everything to keep the family moving and happy. Frankie is the person that wishes they can be a normal functioning family, like an typical family who actually enjoys each others’ company. Like my mom, she continually struggles to make the perfect family get together. Although they don’t usually go as planned, they some how still seem to have the same positive and memorable effect.

For those who don’t know me: I’m a Sue Heck at heart. Sue is the quirky character who, regardless of her best efforts, is unrecognized by teachers and other students. In one season she isn’t pictured in the yearbook, despite having her picture taken three times, and finds that her favorite teacher has no memory of her. And as if her life isn’t awkward enough, both her first and middle names are Sue, which was accidentally written twice on her birth certificate. Although my invisibility isn’t nearly to the extent of Sue’s, I do believe that my life can be just as awkward, if not more. In fact, just the other day I was interviewing a source and tried to ask about the stigma that comes with being a teen mom. Rather than asking this, I asked what it was like for them living with astigmatism. Multiple times. I’m sure this situation could have easily been prevented if I was smart, but with me that’s not always the case. Sue’s character inspires me to embrace my awkwardness and be confident in myself and life.

WHERE’S VIC HIDING?

This year the Focus is trying something new. Similar to Where’s Waldo?, Vic will be hidden anywhere throughout the paper each month. The first person to find Vic, take a picture, and tweet it at @MHSFocus1 wins a free 44 oz.

Speedway slurpee. Make sure to tweet it with a flavor and your 5th hour teacher. Happy hunting, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

04 | FOCUS | MAR 27, 2014

*the Vic on this page does not count

O P I N I O N

Musical Movies

Broadway is known for its great musicals. Many are not able to expirience them due to the monetary cost and the limited access. Now, some of Broadway’s greatest hits are available in any movie store. Natalie Schwartz | Staff Writer

For the revolutionist:

While it is hard to sing in the shower without flaw, it is even harder to stay singing through an entire movie. In Les Miserables (2012) Directed by Tom Hooper, the characters go about their lives in complete song. During this opera, a detailed mix of set and costumes accent the beautiful singing from the actors and actresses.

Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) agrees to care for a factory worker’s daughter, Cosette (later played by Amanda Seyfried) in 19th-century France. Valjean has been hunted for years by the mean and unforgiving policeman, Javert, (Russell Crowe) after breaking parole.

Cosette’s mother, Fantine (Anne Hathaway) dies, and Jean Valjean promises to collect and adopt young Cosette (Isabelle Allen), and take her from the kooky innkeepers who watch over her. When she grows up, Cosette falls in

love with a young man named Marius (Eddie Redmayne). She writes to him expressing her love for him and telling him that she will miss him, for she knows that his death during the french revolt is inevitable. This film is both a fantastic love story, and an amazing portrayal of a grand historical event.

The wide variety of actors and actresses in this film are to this movie’s advantage as well as disadvantage. Russel Crowe’s Javert was a shadow against the Broadway man himself, Hugh Jackman. Crowe sang with shaky vocals and as if he possessed no teeth.

One understated character is Eponine played

by Samantha Barks. Her voice was perfection during her solo scene, where she belted “On my Own” to the rainy sky after she had lost her love to another woman.

Some express dislike for this movie because

of the amount of singing there is. There are moments within this film that could easily be said instead of sung, because dialogue won’t fit the theme. This is irrelevant because this film is an opera, and the talent overshadows any word against it.

“Les Miserables” has the tragic audacity of Romeo and Juliet and equally as memorable.

Jackman is brilliant as Jean Valjean; and though Hathaway’s appearance on the screen is short, her voice carries with pristine excellence during the famous tune, “I Dreamed a Dream.” The costuming perfectly matches the time period, as well as the authentic looking props and set. The ending barricade scene will remain tattooed on that viewers heart. This opera premiered on the stage in 1980 and has come a long way since then. With many revivals, it remains a classic.

For the athlete:

For the historian:

For the rebellious:

For the up-beat:

Sports lovers and musical lovers rarely find common ground. However, in this loving film, they can come together. Billy Elliot (2000) perfectly portrays the struggle of a rising sports star. The script fits the actors perfectly and the aspect of family within the movie is touching.

Young Billy Elliot (actor Jamie Bell) is a boxer in 1884 during one of the most intense mining strikes in Britain. Billy works endlessly to prove to his father that he is not a failure.

While at a boxing lesson, a woman named Mrs. Wilkinson (actress Julie Walters) catches his eye as she conducts a ballet class next door. Billy gains the courage to approach the class and begins to pursue dance in secret.

Evidently, his father discovers his son’s secret, and forbids him to practice anything but boxing. However, in support of his son, Mr. Elliot encourages him to pursue his dream.

This dance-filled movie is touching and uplifting. The score compliments every emotion Billy feels and expresses. During one memorable scene, Billy becomes angry with his family, and throws a temper tantrum.

Instead of heading to the gym and punching it out, the music escalates and he dances his anger out. The choreography captures the young man and the inexperienced dancer in him. The moves may come off silly at first, but the progression of Billy’s steps grow as he does, turning him into a beautiful and graceful dancer in the end.

One of the most prominent events in American history was the famous Newsboys Strike of 1899. Director Kenny Ortega perfectly captures this hardship and workload these children took on in his 1992 film, “Newsies”. This musical phenomenon will touch your hearts, as well as lift your spirit with the perfect mix of dance and compelling story.

A 17-year-old newsie named Jack “Cowboy” Kelly (Christian Bale) is making little to nothing, saving any penny he can so he can move out to Santa Fe to meet his parents. While he and the rest of the boys get into all sorts of trouble, a boy David Jacobs (David Moscow) joins the clan of newsies. David convinces the newsboys with his brilliant mind, that the way the head of the New York Times, Joseph Pulitzer, was treating them unfairly. With the help of a local reporter Brian Denton (Bill Pullman), the newsies come together and reel in the support of the children of New York City.

Jack goes against the law to help the boys, and David gains the confidence to lead a massive revolution.

This loving musical is a perfect way to get in a history lesson without being “that boring film we watched in class last week” and ends with a song. The engaging choreography is a mix of intricate tap dancing, hip-hop steps, and acrobatic tricks, giving the film its youthful glow.

Many movies that come out today are remakes, and most of the time, the original is better. But every once in a while, the remake may come close if not beat the original.

“Footloose” came into theaters originally in 1984 starring Kevin Bacon as Ren McCormick and Lori Singer as Ariel Moore. In 2010, “Footloose” premiered again starring Julianne Hough as Moore and Kenny Wormald as McCormick and directed by Craig Brewer.

Both are fantastic versions. But, the re-creation stands a little higher than the original.

A terrible car accident shakes a small religious town down South. The county blamed the accident on underage drinking, as well as loud music. So, the town decided that music above a certain decibel and all forms of dancing are prohibited. Ren McCormick comes into town with speakers blaring and his toes tapping. He is appalled by the lack of selfexpression in the town and intends to leave.

That is, until he meets the pastor’s daughter Ariel Moore. She is a fire-cracker of a girl and goes against her father as often as possible.

Ren and Ariel organize a ball, where the kids could dance and play music in a place where they couldn’t get in trouble.

Ariel and Ren both dress for the ball in the same dress and suit as the original movie used. This gives the movie the presence of the past to contrast the futuristic elements of the film. This may be a remake, but it still stands out as it’s own.

For the colorful and fun-loving mind, “Hairspray” is the way to go. This musical’s catchy retro music will end up embedded in your brain for hours afterwards, and will keep your toes tapping all night long.

Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky ) is a teenager in 1962 Baltimore. She wishes to be a famous dancer on her favorite day time TV show, “The Corny Collins Show.” Being alongside her dream boy, Link (Zac Efron) is a great incentive to . Auditions are held to be on the show.

At auditions, the cast members chew her up and spit her out, making fun of her clothing, hair, dancing, and her weight.

But Tracy doesn’t stop there. She shows up at the TV station’s “Negro Day,” which is when the African American community may come dance on the show one day a month.

Separated by a rope, Tracy dances and wows the producer and the host. And she is asked to start right away. She sticks up for what she believes in, and that is one reason this movie is so special.

The casting of this movie was creative. John Travolta is a hoot as Tracy’s mother Edna.

With a suit, some clever make-up, and a large wig, Travolta is a very convincing woman.

The cinematography and camera angles accent the clothing beautifully. “Hairspray” is family appropriate, so it is great for family night, and is a breath of fresh air for musicals and comedies worldwide.

mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 05

Pros and Cons of being a senior

Upon return from Spring Break, most of the school enters into the “coast until summer” stage. While this is not advisable for Chemics returning in the fall, it is quite different for seniors. After Spring Break, there are less than 40 days of high school remaining for seniors. While there seem to be many positive aspects of being a senior at this point, some of these seemingly positive aspects can be twisted into negative aspects.

Allow me to explain.

A first pro of being a senior right now would be that there are less than 40 days of school remaining. After 13 years of being a part of a school system, we are almost free.

All of these years of hard work are about to finally pay off as we walk across stage and receive our diplomas. I’m looking forward to taking the next step in life. A good reason to get jacked, right?

Well, yes, but with some restrictions on the level of jackedness (not quite turbo). There are a ton of things I am going to miss about high school (I will be writing a column in the future documenting this in more detail.)

Despite my excitement to move on after high school, it will be very difficult. Most seniors by now have probably experienced several “lasts.” Last Homecoming, last Spirit Week, last football game, last whatever.

Another pro of being a senior right now is that you are 18. An adult. Not going to lie, being able to call yourself an adult is a pretty sweet ability to possess. The privileges may not be as glamorous as you may think as a, say, 16-year-old, but they are still nice. As an adult, I am now entitled to all of the super mature things that 18-year-olds can do. You know, like signing my own permission slips for rock climbing at the Community Center, entering for a chance to win those cars or boats at the mall, or registering to vote.

Fitspiration 06 | FOCUS | MAR 27, 2014

O P I N I O N

TIDBITS

Random pieces of information told in less than 50 words Yep, that pretty much covers it.

There are also cons of being 18, but more-so of not being 18. As an adult, we are liable for some things if we mess up, but overall, the pros outweigh the cons. For those childseniors: that really sucks to be them. I’m sure they wake up each day in envy of us adults, who wake up each day excited for what adult endeavors the world has in hold for us.

Maybe I’m exaggerating, but it’s still nice.

Another good thing in the life of seniors currently are spring sports, the last opportunities we have to wear a Midland High jersey for the rest of our lives. For me, I did not compete in a winter sport, so I was eager to finally start track. This is my last chance to represent Midland High as an athlete, and I intend on making the most of it.

While the start to spring sports seems all jolly and dandy, it’s off to quite the dreary start. I want to be outside to practice, not in a time crunch in the back gym with the girls’ soccer team crowding around the doors 20 minutes before their practice starts. While spring sports are an overarching pro, the current state of it is a relative con.

I’m not trying to pull a William Golding and say that all there is evil in the heart of all human activity, but I am trying to make the point that being a senior right now is not necessarily the pristine position it is made out to be. As an adult, however, I feel like I am mature enough to handle the pros along with the cons.

“Look good, feel good.”

“Girls who are naturally skinny are lucky.

Girls who have to fight to be skinny are strong.”

“Get an insane body; it’s hard, but you’ll look hot.”

If you are a part of Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest, I’m sure you’ve seen those phrases plastered across pictures with thin, surgically or digitally enhanced, tanned female bodies as Spring Break approaches. Often, the heads are completely chopped out of the picture as the camera focuses on the “ideal” body.

This “fitspiration” may appear inspiring; and if they were actually healthy motivators for physical fitness, I would be totally behind them. But this idea of having your motivation for health be the fact that you will look better is a shame-inducing, objectifying message.

How often have you set a fitness goal that involves a number on the scale, a clothing size or obtaining that notorious “thigh gap”? Our bodies are beautiful, allowing us to act and

Exactly

38

The number of years since a team

BY THE NUMBERS

won a national title without losing a game.(Wichita State.)

3 THINGS you don’t have to worry about this month

1 2 3

Ohio State winning the championship Knowing what all your rich friends are doing for spring break Binging on the thing you gave up for Lent

and one thing you still do...

The team you picked to win losing before the semifinals

breathe and make a difference. When we’re only focusing on how we can fix it, we’re not allowing ourselves to reach our full potential and honestly, to even be very happy.

When I ran a half-marathon a couple years ago, I have to admit that a lot of my motivation was burning calories. However, I only dropped around three pounds in the entire 2-month period I spent training for the 13.2 mile race. I was running almost every day for long distances; but when I looked in the mirror, I thought I wasn’t any skinnier and felt very self-conscious. It was frustraing and I thought that my effort was basically for nothing, just because of a number on the scale.

Um, I ran a freakin’ half marathon! And that was probably one of the healthiest stretches of my life. However, because of my obsession and unhealthy motivation, I came out of it feeling like a failure.

Luckily, I’ve learned a lot since then, including the fact that an arbitrary number

Tweet OF THE Month Sometimes when I see the word “union” I think “onion” and then I get sad because I’ll want onion rings but I won’t have them

Follow THIS User

DaniParsons96 doesn’t bring happiness, confidence, or even health and fitness. If I had dropped 15 pounds, I’m sure I would have been just as unhappy looking at myself in the mirror.

But now I completely understand that your appearance does not define your worth. You’ll be happier if you’re staying active because you love yourself and want to maintain health because of positive feelings.

Physical fitness is wonderful. But when people are using body-hate as their motivation to attack the treadmill, I feel awful inside. I know how it feels to think you’re not good enough and that you’ll never be accepted because of it. It sucks. So please, try to stop the negative self-talk, the fitness goals revolving around numbers, and working out solely because you hate your appearance and wish to change it.

Instead, appreciate that you are more than what you look like. And when you love yourself, health becomes a very different, better, and happier thing.

River Catastrophe

It started with two weeks, two cousins, and a town that was only about two miles wide.

Somehow, we ended up in the river.

Every summer, I trek the 13-hour road trip down to my dad’s house in Virginia. During this ride, I am almost always sprawled out in the backseat, crossing my fingers that we will somehow drive through the mountains more quickly this time. Four hours with nothing to do, nothing to say, and no phone service is mind-numbing. But there are always at least a few things to look forward to. Four years ago, that was river tubing.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. My cousins were just a few years younger than me and eager to do anything adventurous.

I hadn’t done anything adventurous in my life, but I could pretend. So I packed up with my aunt, uncle, and two cousins, and headed down to the James River. Sure, it was a little polluted. The water was completely opaque from contaminants. But there was an easy solution to that. As soon as the worker let go of our tubes, sent us floating, and told us, “Oh, don’t forget to watch out for the snakes,” we knew this was one of our worst plans ever.

Although we l pretended to be courageous and all-knowing, the fact of the matter was, none of us had been down a river before. This was a pathetic excuse for an experience in nature. There were trees all around us, but if we listened closely, we could still hear the sound of traffic not even a block away. The sun was beating down hard, but none of us were eager to let any part of our bodies touch the water. It was like a black diamond version of “the floor is lava.” We were all sprawled across the rubber tubes, holding our feet in the air, worried that some mutant fish would come swallow our toes if we relaxed them.

And no one dared to speak to each other, or smile, or point out scenery. All was silent on the James River.

It was fifteen minutes before anything

Patience is a virtue

O P I N I O N

Chugging Along

remotely noteworthy happened. There was some comment spoken about how “tranquil” it was on the river, even though most of us were just excited to get back on our phones.

The current picked up, and suddenly, we began to hear distant yelling. I was bringing up the rear of the group, and when I turned back, I saw my cousin Angela and her tube stuck to the side of the river. She was screaming incoherently, something about branches and mud and, most importantly, “SNAKES!” We had from complete boredom to chaos in seconds.

My tiny aunt had abandoned her tube and began trying to maneuver her way against the current, but it was no use. Most of us helplessly chattered as we floated further away, concerned but not enough to actually swim in the water. Her screaming became more urgent as we began to drift, and she swore she saw something move in the bushes above her. I wondered if snakes even lived in bushes. It was my dad who rolled himself out of his tube and hopped up onto the land, running to untangle Angela from the branches. When she began slowly making her way towards us again, cheers were heard from both groups. The catastrophe had been avoided.

Somehow, we had all caught up to each other. My dad and aunt had regained control of their tubes, and the end of the river trail was quickly approaching. We had resumed our half-awkward silence, knowing that this experience would be yet another to add to our list of summer adventures.

I’ve never been one to have a lot of patience; honestly, I would be lying if I said I had any at all. It doesn’t matter if I’m behind a slow driver, or waiting in line to buy a coffee at Starbucks; my level of patience will be at a minimum. To make matters worse, throw a little bit of anxiety into the mix, and a horrendous monster is created.

As my patience level decreases, my anxiety level increases. For chemistry lovers, it is comparable to the equation for Boyle’s Law – Mr. Edelbrock will be proud of me for remembering that.

I’ll often have anxiety attacks when I either think about something that makes me mad or when I’m surrounded by large sums of people. It’s a feeling of being trapped. No matter how hard I try, I cannot escape until my mind finally focuses on something else.

It’s an exertion of aggravation, adrenaline, anxiousness, and confusion all at the same time.

Through the years, I have found little things

It’s really just a matter of time before my cars erupts in flames. Frankly, I’m shocked that it hasn’t already. Though, I do have a weak burning smell that periodically leaks from the front of it, I am just preparing myself for the day that the whole hood turns into one big flaming pyro show. When this day arrives, I plan to calmly exit the vehicle and leave it on the side of the road to burn.

My 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix is The Series of Unfortunate Events in car form. The number of problems that it has had has surpassed my counting ability. I seem to have lost track after approximately 184,727,347. However, I think that I am very well liked at almost all local auto-repair businesses, so that’s a definite plus. As a loyal customer, I was even given a free engine during one of my nastier repairs considering that mine had been morphed from melted coolant that had leaked in.

One of the many ongoing problems with my car is the battery. It really hit its peak last year when I had a record-shattering week in which I had to give my car a total of five jump-starts in a matter of five days. As soon as I would open up my car door and the interior lights wouldn’t turn on, I knew it was all over.

Black to black, red to red, don’t forget to rev the engine of the working car a few times, and once the car is up and running, drive it around for a while to recharge the battery.

Trust me, I’m practically an auto-tech.

Another frequent issue for my car was the use of the driver side windshield wiper. Not only would it get stuck on the windshield, but it also had the slightly more problematic habit of flying off of the windshield completely and getting stuck on the outside of the door and rearview mirror. For those of you who never had the privilege of seeing this, let me paint that test my patience and anxiety levels. Many of which are extremely quirky. Running late gives me anxiety, and even stupid things like having an odd amount of something gives me anxiety – that’s probably more of an OCD problem. I would say the weirdest out of all of them is that I have a hard time watching little kids do puzzles, especially if they are easy. It takes them too long to figure out which piece goes where and when they finally find the correct spot, it takes them at least five more minutes to actually fit the piece in its place.

Until recently, I have found one thing in particular that causes my patience to hit an all time low, and my anxiety to hit a record high.

That one thing would be watching my 13 year old sister and her teammates play volleyball.

Having played volleyball, I know the rules and regulations. However, this is my sister’s first year playing, and like many of the girls on her team, they do not quite know all of the rules. Sometimes they wait too long to serve the ball, or simply just watch the ball as it

the picture for you.

There I was, driving down Washington Street during the infamous flood of 2013, when my wiper got, gets caught on the outside of my door and proceeded to twitch there each time the other working wiper would go. Being daring and lazy, I did not see this as a big enough threat to pull over. So, as any sensible person would do, I rolled down my window, grabbed the wiper, and threw it back onto the windshield - all the while swerving down the street and trying to see through the rain that was now obstructing my vision. This proved to be a solid temporary fix; however, shortly after my genius solution, the top half of the wiper became dismantled from the bottom half. At this point my only solution was to pull over, where I quickly realized that the chances of me fixing the wiper on my own were equal to that of me being a computer programmer (which would be zero). Now soaking wet, I got back into my car and swerved my way home, all the while bent to the passenger side to see out of the small fraction of windshield that my lone wiper could clear.

Things like this are a regular occurrence for me. I have no expectations for my car at this point. If the steering wheel is working (which it does not always) and the brakes are still intact, then I am counting it as a victory.

Unfortunately, this is a rare occurrence.

I think it may be the bike life for me.

crosses the net and falls to the floor. Watching them prance around the court, tripping over each other as they chase the ball, gives me enough anxiety as it is.

Having my parents constantly ask me questions about why the ref blew the whistle raises my blood pressure through the roof. I constantly feel the urge to run onto the court and help my sister’s team and to tell my parents they need to either ask someone else or read a book about volleyball for dummies.

Now I understand why guys find it so frustrating when girls constantly ask irrelevant questions about sports.

In hindsight, I’m sure these are all trivial things to have anxiety over. I’m hoping that as the years go on, I can look back on these “tests of patience” and view them as life lessons. Until then, I will have to keep in mind that everyone has different levels of patience.

Unfortunately, mine is zero to none.

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A few Windover High School students share a laugh at a joke told by another student in their fourth block History class. Windover is located in the former Chippewassee Elementary School building on Smith Road off of M-20. Emily Fisher | Photo

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f not us, then no one,” Principal Gina Wilson said of her students at Windover High. “They’re coming to us as a second or last chance, so we can’t give up on them very easily, because there’s nowhere else to go.”

Windover High School is an alternative charter school located in the former Chippewassee Elementary School building off of M-20. They generally carry around 80 students, and have a staff of 11. Windover accepts students ranging from the age of 15-20, although they will accept 14-year-olds who turn 15 in the first trimester of the year.

Despite its establishment in the community for 27 years, many people are still unaware of Windover’s existence, and even people who have heard about it do not know much about it.

“I think that everyone that doesn’t know anything about this school probably thinks that everyone that goes here is addicted to drugs, unintelligent, and not going anywhere in life,” Windover student Rayanna Davis said.

Davis bounced around several high schools over the course of the past few years, but has now settled in at Windover. She plans to graduate at the end of this year, after which she will attend Delta Community College before moving on to cosmetology school.

Despite enrollment in multiple high schools, Davis will be able to graduate on time due to Windover’s trimester school year. Students can earn up to 8.25 credits per year at Windover, as compared to a maximum of 7 credits per year at a public high school in Midland.

“We’ve had kids come to us about two semesters deficient, and graduate a trimester early,” Wilson said. “We’re giving the students great opportunities, but they have to earn the credit.”

Windover student Gabbi Derus, who grew up in the Midland Public Schools district, has also

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been to several high schools in her educational career. Like Davis, she favors the trimester over the semester that most high schools offer.

“It’s easier to get caught up in your grades,” Derus said of semesters. “After so many months [in a marking period], it’s hard to catch up.”

Derus has plans to go to a nearby Tribal College after graduation.

The trimester format is not the only significant difference between Windover and a school such as Midland High. At around 8 a.m., all Windover students report to the school for breakfast, which was prepped by students in the culinary class the previous day. Their first block starts at 8:30 a.m., and lasts for 70 minutes.

Students have five blocks each day, with five

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Regular high school does not work for everyone.

Some students need more attention, smaller class sizes, less pressure, or simply a fresh start. Windover High School allows students to earn their high school degree in a different setting, and forces the rest of the community to...

Re-evaluate alternative high school Nate Fisher | Staff Writer & Aelish Shay | Staff Writer

their teachers by their first names. The time to do homework is built into their 70-minute blocks. The tradition of calling teachers by their first name has continued long before Wilson arrived two years ago. She points to the reasoning for it being to form more personal relationships between staff and students.

“In order to trust and believe we want great things for them and earn their diploma, they have to trust me, which means they have to know about me,” Wilson said, “I’m pretty much an open book.”

Windover provides extra assistance to its students to help them succeed. They have a pantry, stocked by the Chippewassee Area Pantry Service, that is open every day for

“GIVING UP ISN’T AN OPTION HERE. THEY WILL NOT TAKE NO AS AN ANSWER; THEY SINCERELY WANT THE BEST FOR YOU.” WINDOVER STUDENT GABBI DERUS minutes break between each block, and 30 minutes for lunch. They also have a half-hour advisory period each day, where they learn “soft skills” such as note-taking strategies or making resumes. School is then dismissed at 3:30 p.m.

While they do not arrive at Windover until 8 a.m., some have been on the bus for over two hours. Windover has three buses that are spread out all across Mid-Michigan in order to pick students up from Saginaw, Bay, Clare, and Midland counties. According to Wilson, almost 80 percent of kids are transported in.

“I tell my staff, ‘Don’t act like they don’t want to be here, because they wouldn’t have rode the bus in for two hours if they didn’t;” Wilson said, “they’re pretty dedicated.”

Two profound differences between Windover and a traditional high school is that there is no homework at Windover, and the students call

students to take food. On Fridays, student’s families are invited into the pantry to take home any food needed for the weekend. Also, they have a room full of clean clothing donated by the community. Furthermore, the school has a shower stocked with towels, shampoo, soap, and other hygiene items that is available for students to use.

“We are removing excuses,” Wilson said.

“We’ve made it so they are getting their needs met at school. We’re trying to remove excuses and barriers so they can get here, be comfortable, and focus on the classroom.”

Windover also lends a hand to students in pursuit of college or further certification after high school. They automatically screen every student to see if they qualify for the TIP (Tuition Incentive Program) scholarship, which pays for the first two years at a community college

or training school. Windover, as a high school, also gives out roughly $4,000 in scholarships to students each year. “[We help them out with scholarships] so our kids know it doesn’t have to end here,” Wilson said. “Again, we’re removing a barrier; money doesn’t have to be a barrier for at least a couple years.”

Students at Windover also do not have a grade level attached to them. Since kids come to Windover with such varying credit levels, it is useless to attach a grade level to a person. This being said, classes may have kids ranging from age 15-20; it just depends on the credits those kids need to earn to get their diploma. Once students reach the 22 credits required by the state of Michigan, they graduate immediately at the end of that trimester and will walk at the commencement ceremony at the end of the year.

Windover graduates around 30 students a year.

Despite all these differences, there are plenty of similarities between Windover and a traditional high school. While being an alternative chartered school, Windover still must comply with all of the state of Michigan benchmarks and graduation requirements.

Students also have to take the MME, just like Midland High students.

Windover also offers E2020; however, they use it for more than just credit recovery. Since students come in with such varying levels of credit, E2020 is very useful to catch kids in different subject areas that they may not have taken before.

Although Windover High School may not emulate the traditional high school experience, Wilson said they serve their purpose extremely well.

“Giving up isn’t an option here. They will not take no as an answer,” Derus added. “They sincerely want the best for you.”

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Transforming the test Major changes to the Scholastic Aptitude Test, or the SAT, are coming into effect in 2016. They are meant to make the test more relevant for today’s students and the current high school curriculums. Christiana Haight | Staff Writer & Will Hackbarth | Staff Writer

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n an effort to make it more accessible to modern high schools, the Scholastic Aptitude test, more commonly known as the SAT, will undergo major changes for the first time since 2005. One of the biggest changes being implemented is the elimination of the penalty for choosing a wrong answer. Counselor Craig Hawkins comments that this alleviation of the penalty for incorrect answers will make the test more relatable and potentially raise the scores of students. “[The scores] may improve because it’s going to be a similar test to what people are used to taking,” Hawkins said. “People weren’t used to taking a test where you actually had points taken away for an incorrect answer. So it might mirror more of the way people are taking tests now, the way you take them in school.”

Irene Hensinger, a tutor for the SAT, also believes the penalty for guessing wrong rendered the test unfamiliar to a majority of students. She has seen from her experience that many students’ scores will suffer due to the fact

know an answer you actually lost points rather than just not getting any points. I think that getting zero points for not getting a question right is the appropriate scoring method.”

Instead of getting points off for incorrect answers, the test will have new questions in order to determine if the students have actually used reasoning behind each of their answers. These questions, which will still be multiple choice, will require students to cite evidence from a specific text on why they chose their answer. Angelotti believes the addition of justification questions is a significant improvement over the old test.

“It will provide a measurement tool to see who actually knows their material and knows why something is right or wrong, versus people who might just guess the right answer and not know why it is right,” Angelotti said.

In addition, the test will once again be scored out of 1600 points, rather than the current 2400, due to the previously required essay now being optional. Hawkins thinks that students should

“THESE TESTS ARE SUPPOSED TO MEASURE WHAT STUDENTS LEARNED IN HIGH SCHOOL AND TO PREDICT THE READINESS TO SUCCEED IN COLLEGE. ASKING THE QUESTIONS IN A FORMAT UNFAMILIAR TO MOST STUDENTS IS NOT FAIR.” SAT TUTOR, IRENE HENSINGER that if a question was incorrectly answered then the score would be lowered.

“Lots of kids skipped any question where they were not sure of an answer,” Hensinger said. “As a result, they received no credit and their score suffered. These tests are supposed to measure what students learned in high school and to predict the readiness to succeed in college. Asking the questions in a format unfamiliar to most students is not fair.”

However, Senior Dominic Angelotti, who has previously taken the SAT, does not think this penalty had much of an effect on how well he did. He still agrees, though, that being marked down for a wrong answer is something that should be changed.

“If I was stuck on a problem, I did think about not putting an answer down so that I wouldn’t be penalized, but that’s about all the attention I gave to it,” Angelotti said. “However, I am glad that the penalty is being removed. I always thought it was a bit weird that if you didn’t

still write the essay, regardless of its optional nature, because most competitive colleges will look for it. Angelotti also believes not writing the essay is a mistake that many students may make.

“Being able to properly communicate your ideas is a valuable skill and I think that people might avoid doing the essay because they aren’t good writers or they are just simply too lazy and don’t want to put in the effort of writing an essay as part of the test,” Angelotti said. “[Writing is] something that should be scored, not just for colleges, but the for the test taker themselves so that they know what to improve upon.”

Another major change being made is the outdated vocabulary words the SAT currently uses on its questions will be updated to more commonly used words. Hawkins believes this will change the strategies used to study for the test and possibly raise scores, because students may need to focus less on learning the obscure vocabulary. He thinks this will allow

The new SAT will include multiple-choice questions requiring students to justify their answers by referencing evidence from a specific text. Casey LaValley| Illustration the test to get a more accurate assessment of students’ ability level, rather than how well they can memorize and retain out-of-date words.

Angelotti agrees that many of the words on the SAT are confusing.

“There were just simply some words I hadn’t even seen or heard of before,” Angelotti said.

“But I think that the updating of the vocabulary will help the test taker and can improve scores for the test.

Other changes include the writing portion of the test requiring facts to back up ones assertions, and a calculator being prohibited on certain parts of the math section All of these changes will be implemented in 2016, when the current freshman will have the opportunity to take the SAT. The changes were originally thought to go into action in 2015, but were recently shifted back a year. This delay grants more time for the schools and counselors to prepare themselves for the new format of the test. This includes the new partnership between the College Board and the Khan Academy who are working together to create free SAT tutoring, modified to fit the new format of the test.

Even though the SAT is the ACTs closest rival, very few students at Midland High choose to take the test. Hawkins estimates that around 12 students take the SAT every year, because the ACT is what is usually looked at for the Michigan colleges that most students choose to attend. However, some out-state-schools place great importance on a student’s SAT scores.

“Both the ACT and the SAT are and will continue to be critical pieces of one’s college application planning,” Hensinger said. “They should be taken seriously and prepared for in a careful, systematic way.”

Primary changes to the SAT CALCULATORS will now be

PROHIBITED

on some parts of the math section

The vocabulary used on the test will now utilize more common words that students are more likely to know

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Students will NO LONGER have points deducted for wrong answers .

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Expanding the mind

The Theory of Knowledge students enhance their philosophical thought though the studies and activities at the Alden B. Dow house and studio.

Noah Surbrook | Staff Writer & Colton Dexter | Staff Writer

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very Thursday, students from the Theory of Knowledge class (ToK) travel across town to the Alden B. Dow house for an experience unlike anything taught in school. In second semester, students in ToK teacher Carol Neff’s class spend 30 minutes a week applying their critical thinking in a different manner than the normal classroom environment.

“It’s beneficial because it’s a new environment for the class, and we get a chance to apply what we’re learning in class in a more practical way,” junior Sam Bork said. “The time used there is well spent.”

With the new environment comes new challenges. The students are often given tasks to extend their thinking, stretch their minds, and push themselves to recognize the viewpoints of others. The tasks will range from seemingly random things like drawing a horse upside down to making a windmill based on what their fellow students say to drawing their dream house.

“In every single lesson, a different learner profile trait will be emphasized,” Neff said.

“Things like creativity, forward thinking, and communication.”

ToK is a class that is centered around discussion and thought. Neff and her students say that the class is challenging, but in a different

History of the Dow House From the past to the present, Alden B. Dow has impacted MHS students since 2011

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way than any other class.

“It’s not super difficult but it challenges you to think in a different way,” Bork said. “Its not a lot of hard work but it can be hard to change the way you think.”

Neff, like many of her students, find the class trips to the Dow house very helpful. She intends to continue this process through her years of teaching.

“We’ve been going to the Dow house for three years now,” Neff said. “It’s really beneficial being able to make use of the resources at the Dow house.”

The Dow house offers advantages to the

Junior Zachary Purtil and senior Tanisha Frick have an engaged discussion in the Theory of Knowledge class. On Thursdays they travel to the Alden B. Dow house. Noah Surbrook | Photo

a different way,” Neff said. “Its very different than being in a regular cinder block classroom.”

The staff that teach at the Dow house benefit from the class visiting as much as the students do. Craig McDonald has been teaching at the Dow house for four years and loves working with ToK students.

“This class impacts the students, but it also has a really big impact on us,” McDonald said.

“How we see things and how we use the assets of the studio as tools to get people to think for themselves. To value their own creative individual selves.”

Many students choose to take the ToK class

“IT’S IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARE OPEN MINDED. THERE ARE A LOT OF DIFFERENT OPINIONS THAT YOU HAVE TO BE WILLING TO CONSIDER. IF YOU ARE REALLY SET IN YOUR WAYS, IT’S NOT GOING TO BE EASY FOR YOU.”

JUNIOR SAM BORK

ToK class that are not present in their regular classroom environment. Every Thursday the students get access to things like Dow’s personal library, archives, past speeches, and more than 22,000 original drawings. Just being in a new environment is also very beneficial.

“The new environment gets them thinking in

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Dow starts construction of the studio

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to broaden their perspectives, with no interest in the certificate or IB diploma.

“It was recommended to me by a lot of my friends and it seemed like fun,” senior Tanisha Frick said. “I just take it because I like the class.”

The challenges faced by students in ToK are very different from those faced in other classes.

Second Drawing room completed. Dow also patented his signature method of architecture called Unit Blocks

Dow finishes reception area and submarine room

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1983

ToK is similar to a philosophy class and pushes students to open their minds in new ways rather than learning new material.

“It’s important that you are open minded.

There are a lot of different opinions that you have to be willing to consider. If you are really set in your ways, it’s not going to be easy for you.”

But ToK does much more than just stretch students minds. The class revolves around thought and covers it in many unique ways.

“ToK broadens your perspective,” McDonald said. “It encourages you to think about things from other perspectives. This allows us to communicate and interact more effectively as humans.”

Also tied in with the curriculum for the ToK classes at the Dow house is the history of Midland, especially involving Alden B. Dow. Dow was a critical thinker himself, which is partly why the house is the site for these weekly lessons.

“Alden would’ve been a perfect ToK student or teacher,” Neff said. “He questioned things, he was interested and he certainly took a different approach to architecture.”

Dow once said, “The way I think is not exactly the way you think. The way I do is not exactly the way you do. Our unique abilities, when put together, naturally, create something new.”

Reaching the fiftieth year of his career, Dow passes away from natural causes at the age of 79

Dow finishes construction on the house and studio

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Dow House and Studio becomes a National Historical Landmark

Colton Dexter | Illustration

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Stepping into their shoes

Through Youth in Government, students are able to live out the intense debates they are used to watching on television, and even run for positions of power, such as youth governor. Casey LaValley | Staff Writer & Kelsey Pennock | Staff Writer

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t was the end of the Youth in Government conference. The election had been held four hours previously and junior Hobie Fisher sat with the Midland delegation, feeling so nervous that he could not even feel his hands or face.

Then last year’s governor approached the stand and spoke into the microphone.

“It is now the moment that you have all been waiting for,” she said. “It is my distinct privilege and pleasure to announce to you your 2015 youth governor, Hobie Fisher.”

“At that point, I honestly started crying,” Fisher said. “I fell forward onto the table. It was such a moving, surreal experience, but it was also very humbling to know the faith that my fellow youth had placed in me.”

Fisher has spent the past three years participating in Youth in Government (YIG), a model state government for youth across Michigan run by the Young Men’s Christian Association, or YMCA. For the past ten years, Midland High has participated in sending students from schools including Midland and Dow High as a part of the Midland delegation.

“Ultimately, the goal of YIG is to provide a mock government in every sense of the form so that students can come and learn about the legislative process and learn about the issues of today that they are most passionate about,” Fisher said.

History teacher Joshua Criner is one of two advisors for the Midland delegation. Criner’s position requires him to assist the delegates throughout the year before the conference.

“I meet with them about once a month to discuss logistics and to help them in their bill writing process if needed,” Criner said.

At the main spring conference, students can participate in five categories. These include Legislative, the Mock Judiciary Program, the National Issues Forum, Lobbyists, and the News Corps. Around 80 percent of the delegates, including Fisher, make up the Legislative group, which works in the actual

state capitol building.

“At YIG, the adults sit at the kids table. We debate in the same chambers as the adults and we often do it better,” Fisher said. “We work between parties; we compromise.”

However, compromising can be difficult with so many different opinions. Fisher remarked that he has learned a lot about how to voice his principles and has found that there is a large difference between arguing over an issue and discussing one.

“The most challenging part of YIG is finding a way to promote your ideas in a way that convinces people to agree with you. Debating is great, but often times at the end, people don’t change their mind,” Fisher said. “You need to compromise on policy but not principle, and still make progress as a state.”

Senior Gabe Klotz participated in the

Junior Hobie Fisher demonstrates one of the many speeches that he gave at the Youth in Goverment conference. Fisher compared his love for YIG to the feeling of having a crush, admitting that after the conference, he experiences “post-YIG depression” as he leaves the people he relates so well to. Kelsey Pennock | Illustration & Nick Wright | Photo the title of Statesman. Because of his heavy involvement in the program, Klotz has formed many close relationships with his peers there.

It is because of this connection that Fisher ran for and won the office of governor out of all of those attending the YIG conference this year. With this position, he will sign and veto bills passed by the mock Legislative branch and lead the Michigan delegation at CONA. He will also be working towards his personal goals of seeing the YIG program grow by bringing 60 delegates from MHS next year.

“I was inspired [to run for governor] by the Michigan YIG conference that I went to as

“AT YIG, THE ADULTS SIT AT THE KIDS TABLE. WE DEBATE IN THE SAME CHAMBERS AS THE ADULTS AND WE OFTEN DO IT BETTER.” JUNIOR HOBIE FISHER National Issues Forum category of YIG this year and found that the way that he presented his ideas was just as important as it was when he participated in the Legislative group.

“The biggest challenge for National Issues Forum is staying professional,” Klotz said.

“When you’re debating issues that are really controversial, like people dying overseas, it’s very hard to remain put together but still deliver passion.”

Klotz achieved the Statesman award at the Conference of National Affairs (CONA) in the summer of 2013. CONA is the national level of YIG, where the top 25 delegates from YIG are chosen to compete against around 700 students from other states across the country.

Since Klotz defended his proposal well at CONA, he made it to the last couple rounds of the conference and was one of the 25 chosen from among all those competing to achieve

a freshman. It was transformative. It taught me how all the parts of society work together as a whole,” Fisher said. “Becoming youth governor is one way that I can give back to the program.”

Another student who has had success in the YIG program is junior Sophia Bagnall, who weeks ago attended her first spring conference after both Criner and Klotz had convinced her to join. The National Issues Forum interested Bagnall because she found that its members were intelligent and diversified. Within this branch, Bagnall created a proposal that would end up winning her the Best Proposal award at the conference.

“I knew that the wage gap was a problem already,” Bagnall said. “I’m really involved in feminism and gender equality, so I decided that I would make my proposal about something that I was interested in and wanted to debate.”

Bagnall’s proposal dealt with giving women equal employment opportunity and closing the wage gap between genders. Some of the solutions include expanding the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission and having all businesses adopt an open pay policy. This means that they would make the payment of their employees public so that employers and employees would both be able to identify unfair workplace practices.

Compiling research and constructing arguments was the most time-consuming part of the proposal process according to Bagnall, who feels that being prepared to refute any opposition is important.

“You have to be very well spoken and personable,” Bagnall said. “You have to know how to engage your audience. Some of the speakers would have good points, but if they weren’t as outspoken as others, their points would be ignored.”

Bagnall was able to defend her proposal so well that it made it all the way to the General Assembly, the highest level that can be reached. She obtained a 20 - 20 tie in the General Assembly, meaning that the proposal failed. Despite this, it was still named the Best Proposal due to the high level of debate that it incited and the amount of research that went into it. Bagnall hopes that this award will help her make it to CONA. Until then, she, as well as the other delegates, will be eagerly awaiting the next conference.

“Getting to hear all of those other opinions and ideas and better forming my own was really beneficial to me,” Bagnall said. “I really like getting a chance to debate issues that I am very passionate about. I will definitely do it again.”

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As students look to juice cleanses as a way to help them get in shape for Spring Break, many have ignored the possible health effects that may occur.

Michelle Demo | Web Editor & Sarah Wontorcik | Photo Editor

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ith spring break around the corner, way to go.” many students are working Although the juice cleanse is meant to be a towards a healthier lifestyle. A total cleanse of the body, senior Kathryn Smith method gaining popularity is understands the importance of eating solid the juice cleanse, a three-day process where foods and plans on eating at least one meal. the participant consumes only juice. This “You can have foods like chicken or steak for fills the body with powerful nutrients and dinner, because you should have solid food,” antioxidants gained from the ingredients added. Smith said. “It doesn’t have to be in smoothie According to Dr. Oz, however, it is important form.” to remember that juicing is not the only way.

Although there are many possible Participants should also be aware that avoiding disadvantages from the juice cleanse, there solid foods is also are also various unhealthy. Juicing is advantages. Because only recommended for most of the recipes for short periods of time the juices have so many without consulting a fiber-filled ingredients, Juicing: Smoothies: physician. the juice cleanse will “My initial interest Fresh vegetable help improve the Contains the in [the juice cleanse] body’s digestive juices are very fruit system. After weighing wasn’t to diet,” Senior or vegetable, James Miller said. “I the advantages and skin and all want to be in shape for disadvantages of the spring break, but I’m juice cleanse, Miller has not really interested in become both nervous A slow, even You going on a hard-core and excited for the release of drink the water weight loss diet.” week-long experience. nutrients and nutrients A juice cleanse “I’m actually kind extracted essentially replaces of excited to make the from fruits and most of a person’s juice,” Miller said. an increase in vegetables meals with a juice “I’m also nervous blood sugar alternative. The about being hungry, r eason be h i n d t h i s I know the book [of Juicing a lot The new alternative diet’s recipes I’m using] from fruit will of popularity is due to allows eating and keep you from snacking on vegetables, the rumors circulating could cause getting hungry but it’s going to be a about its effectiveness. an increase in faster For example, one lot different than my blood sugar rumor is that within foodmatters.tv | Source normal routine, but a week of beginning the juice cleanse, your I’m both nervous and excited.” waistline will be three inches smaller. Planet In order to avoid the possible protein Fitness trainer Michelle Sparling does not deficiency, Miller will be adding a protein recommend this method of dieting, due to its supplement to his juices. While this will help lack in nutrients. Those who partake in the him achieve the daily suggested protein juice cleanse tend to become deficient in other requirement, Sparling does not recommend necessary nutrients such as protein. this as it does not offer the same nutritional “When it comes to things that are an value as solid foods. unnatural diet or fad, I wouldn’t actually put “Eat the rainbow,” Sparling said. “Sticking my stamp of approval on any of them because to one thing is not good [for you] at any time. eating a well-rounded diet is still the healthiest [This way of dieting] is not going to be healthy. thing you can do for yourself,” Sparling said. Eating lean meats, fruits, and vegetables is really “Fad diets and drinking your calories is not the the way to go.”

nutrient rich

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Cilantro

Amounts per 1/4 cup

Calories Total Fat Protein

1 calories 0 grams .1 grams

Lemon

Amounts per 1 cup

Calories Total Fat Protein

61 calories .6 grams 2.3 grams

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fruits

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fiber

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Amounts per 1 cup

Calories Total Fat Protein

16 calories .2 grams .7 grams

Tomato

Amounts per 1 cup

Calories Total Fat Protein

32 calories .4 grams 1.6 grams usda.com | Source

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“FOR PROTEIN YOU DRINK MUSCLE MILK OR YOU EAT CHICKEN OR SOMETHING CARBS WILL COME FROM FRUITS.”

KATHRYN SMITH

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“THE BOOK RECOMMENDS THAT YOU ADD A PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT, YOU ALSO GET PROTEIN FROM OTHER INGREDIENTS.”

JAMES MILLER

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Powerful Potential

Junior Mackenzie Etienne has played soccer for almost her whole life. Gaining experience from an Olympic Development Program, Etienne has earned a scholarship to play for Eastern Michigan University; though she is unable to participate on this year’s varsity team. Emily Fisher | Ad Coordinator Mackenzie Etienne (#19) plays center-attacking midfield during an indoor game, spring of 2013 in Pontaic at the Ultimate Soccer Arena. Mackenzie Etienne | Photo Courtesy

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ilence fills the arena as everyone’s eyes were on the two players positioned on the soccer field. The fifth shooter lines up for the Michigan Jaguars FC (futbol club). Her teammate takes off with her stutter steps up to the ball, shoots, and watches as the ball sinks into the back of the net. As the Jaguars realize they have just won the State Cup, they rush together in celebration.

“That was the most exhilarating moment of winning the State Cup,” Junior Mackenzie Etienne said. “Winning the State Cup in 2013 was my biggest accomplishment in soccer.”

Etienne, who has played soccer since she was five years old, has played for many different clubs including Midland Fusion, Saginaw Vardar North, and Detroit Waza FC. Transferring from Dow to Midland High this semester has made her ineligible to play high school soccer due to the MHSAA transfer rule.

If she wants to play for the varsity team, she will have to wait until next year. Although, Etienne comments that she is interested in trying out.

Etienne plays center-attacking midfield for Michigan Jaguars FC, based in Novi. This past winter, Etienne and the Jaguars traveled to Florida to attend the Disney showcase. This is a showcase for the top soccer clubs to be seen by hundreds of college coaches looking for talented players. It is also one of the largest showcases in the country, and Etienne and the Jaguars won the tournament.

The Jaguars often attend out of state tournaments and showcases. Etienne has traveled to Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, and South Carolina. She comments that she loves traveling and going different places with her

14 | FOCUS | MAR 27, 2014

team.

Paul Tinnion, Jaguar U17 coach and Director of coaching for the Jaguars, has only coached Etienne for one season, but comments that he has watched her play in the club over the years and that she has shown great improvement over the years.

“Mackenzie is one of the most competitive girls on the field, has a great work ethic, and physical presence,” Tinnion said. “She covers the field well both attacking and defending.”

Etienne has had a lot of help over the years and credits her mother for giving her the opportunity to be where she is today.

“My mom has been my biggest support over the years. She taught me how to play soccer from the beginning,” Etienne said. “She got me involved in ODP (Olympic Development Program) and different clubs.”

Etienne trains once a month with ODP with locations vary every meeting time, but they are mostly centered around Eastern Michigan University’s sports dome. ODP gives athletes a chance to eventually try out to be on the Olympic soccer team, but it is also a accomplishment for college coaches to take into consideration when looking at a player.

The ODP league creates a team inside the state. In the summer the team travels to Illinois to compete against other states. If the individual team wins their bracket they move onto Regionals, which is just within their region.

When going to Illinois, they would play teams representing Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Ohio. If the state were to win Nationals within their region, they would move onto Nationals and play the winners from each region.

“If we were to win Nationals for ODP it would be a big deal for my team,” Etienne said.

Etienne’s age division for ODP have only made it to Nationals once, but lost within the first two games. Her mom also helps on a different level as a coach.

“As a coach I give Mackenzie a lot of pregame advice,” Mother Toni Etienne said. “Always give 110 percent on the field, work on having vision and checking over your shoulder, make sure to communicate, explode the space, win every ball out of the air, and make sure to shoot on goal quickly. Sportsmanship is just as important as your performance, good luck and have fun.”

After 11 years of playing soccer with multiple different clubs and organizations, Etienne is verbally committed to play soccer at Eastern Michigan University.

“I chose Eastern because when I went to visit and tour the college it felt like home,” Etienne said. “The offered I received (from Eastern) topped all other offers.”

“Mackenzie spent a lot of time and energy researching her college options,” Toni said. “As college athletes we tried to teach Mackenzie the high demands and expectations of student athletes at the college level. After many unofficial visits to different colleges to meet the coaches, players, academic advisers, watch practices, watch games, and go on campus tours she was able to find the school that best fit her both academically and athletically.”

Toni said she is very proud and excited that Mackenzie achieved her goal to earn a scholarship and play soccer in college.

“In regards to soccer she has been taught to self-evaluate her performance after a game,” Toni said. “She answers three simple questions: What did I do well at? What do I need to improve on? What specific skills will I work on to prepare for the next game?”

Club Championships

Mackenzie Etienne has won many tournaments and championships over the years, here are a few.

2011

U15 Fall Midwest Regional League Premier Division

2011

U15 Vardar Cup Champions

2012

Fall Midwest Regional League Premier Division

2012 U15 MSYSA State Champions

2012

U16 Vardar Cup Champions

2013

U16 MSYSA State Cup finalist

S P O R T S

Bodybuild or bust

With a goal of becoming more fit, a group of four seniors have worked over the last six months in order to prepare for a local body building competition. With many hours of preparation in the school’s weight room, each of the senior’s work has paid off. Emily Resmer | Sports Editor & Katie McIntyre | News Editor

GUESS that

BODYBUILDER Katie McIntyre | Infographic

and each contestant placed; Greiner finished first, Butler trailed behind him with third place, Babin received fourth place, and Grenon earned fifth place.

“It felt so awesome being in front of all of those people,” Babin said. “I finally was able to show off the hard work I had been putting in for months.”

Along with lifting weights, the seniors had to take precautions involving other aspects of their health in order to be ready to compete. They were cautious about what they ate, especially in the months leading up to the competition. They all took diet supplements to help build larger muscles. They take keratin and whey protein right before they work out which will help to improve muscle protein synthesis and promote the growth of lean tissue mass. In addition to the protein they also take fish oil, and multivitamins which helps with providing more energy to a muscle during a workout.

“I had to cut down a lot on ice cream and sweets because I have a huge sweet tooth,” Greiner said. “I had never taken keratin before this so I had to get used to taking that twice a day. It was kind of expensive but it got way easier once I got into a routine of taking it.”

Though they all watched what they ate for months before the competition and remained health conscious, 24 hours before the competition occurred, health was the last thing they were worried about. They only ate carbohydrates and they were not allowed to drink water or any other liquid. This made it so that the muscles would look better for judging.

“We weren’t supposed to drink water leading up to the competition because it helps to dehydrate your skin,” Greiner said. “It helps to make everyone look more defined and helps to keep the athletes from looking bloated.”

Despite the sacrifices that they had to make, the boys are considering taking part in more competitions in the future. With the awards they received, which included a letter to Greiner about participating in a more serious competition in Miami, they are eager to see where bodybuilding takes them in the future. “ I w o u l d l o ve t o d o a b o d y b u i l d i n g

A.

• “Dates a beautiful young lady” • Loves steam rooms

Senior Quinten Greiner poses during a bodybuilding competition which was held at Central Auditorium on March 9th. The competition was sponsored by the Drug Free Athlete Coalition and Greiner placed first in the teen portion. Nick Wright | Photo competition but maybe not in the near future,” Butler said. “It was probably the most rewarding experience of my life. It was very satisfying

B.

• Nickname is “SKHER” • Can do a back flip Answers: a. Chaz Babin b. Spencer Grenon c. Justin Butler

A

s the announcer called senior Spencer Grenon’s name, the crowd cheered from the rows positioned below.

Grenon strolled onto the stage and the song “Let’s Go” began to play. Striking a wide variety of poses, he flexed a different muscle with each movement. Winding down from his routine, Grenon gazed off into the distance, raised an invisible bow and arrow away from the audience, and released the arrow before giving a quick point to the judges and walking off.

“I have a new found respect for people who compete in bodybuilding,” Grenon said. “All of the pain, persistence, and hard work was worth it on the day we competed.”

The idea of participating in a bodybuilding competition was suggested by senior Justin Butler who had been looking to get in better shape. Along with Butler and Grenon, seniors Chaz Babin and Quinten Greiner also became a part of the plan to lift competitively.

“Justin’s dad did power lifting so he got him interested in lifting and fitness,” Greiner said.

“We thought it would be a good idea to have a goal and something to strive for, so we decided to do the bodybuilding competition instead of just meaningless lifting.”

The group began taking training seriously toward the beginning of this school year. They worked out in the school’s weight room daily for an hour to an hour and a half, rotating which muscle groups they work on each day.

“I decided to take lifting seriously because sophomore year I weighed 136 pounds and it was embarrassing. Since then I have had a generally healthier lifestyle,” Butler said. “We started out with looking up internet workouts for exercises and then it evolved from there.

Now I try to break it down to how many heads are in each muscle group and do one exercise per head.”

Six months after deciding to commit to a competition, the group participated in a contest sponsored by the Drug Free Athlete Coalition (DFAC) which was held at the Central Middle School auditorium. Each of the boys competed in the teen portion of the bodybuilding contest

being able to follow through with the plans of doing the competition. I worked so hard and I’m so proud of myself for it.”

C.

• Loves Jennifer Lawrence • Billiards professional mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 15

S P O R T S

THE SPORTS

ZONE

With the spring sports season approaching, coaches and athletes predict how their seasons will turn out.

Whether on the track or the field, teams prepare to compete.

SPORTS BRIEFS GIRLS VARSITY TRACK

Keith Seybert Top Performers: Jacob Greer, Andy Russell, Bryce Kantak, Logan Arnold, Max Pasche, Bryce Thomas.

Coach: Diane Sugnet

Top Newcomers: Brendon Price

Top Newcomers: Mikaela Kram, Anne Skaug, Hypatia Swanson, Taylor McGuirk, Jayden Williams

Coach’s Quote: ”I want to see people achieve their goals, and I want to see people go to states. I want us to maintain or improve our standing.”

Keith Seybert Sports Briefs by: Kaitlyn Stymiest

Stars of Spring This season’s top athletes 1. Junior Mariah Sherman runs the 400 meter dash during a track meet last spring.

Sherman’s fastest time for the event is 1:00.63.

2. Senior Tanner Diment runs for the ball in a scrimmage at the Midland High stadium 3. Sophomore Madelyn Groulx practices volleying the ball at the tennis center. Last year she was number two doubles on the girls tennis team Emily Fisher & Noah Surbrook & Hannah Lasky | Photos

16 | FOCUS | MAR 27, 2014

Diane Sugnet Top Performers: Amy Smith, Kailey Warner, Rebecca Walter, Mackenna Rouse, Alexis Ade, Kayla Patnode.

Coach’s Quote: “Our goal is always to win the Valley Championship and to qualify as many people as possible for the state meet.”

Diane Sugnet

Mariah Sherman Grade: Junior

TWEET of the MONTH We win together, we lose together... I’m proud to call myself a Chemic #Chemicpride @zackstirn

STAT CENTRAL

BOYS VARSITY TRACK Coach: Keith Seybert

SPORTS

By: Hannah White

Number of minutes it takes senior Mackenna Rouse to run a mile.

Junior Bryce Kantak’s personal record in the pole vault.

Coach Elaine Mahabir’s ranking as girls basketball coach in Michigan.

Tanner Diment Grade: Senior

By: Amanda Walko

5:34 12’.5” 1 Madelyn Groulx Grade: Sophomore

By: Maddy Pasche

Sport: Girls varsity track

Sport: Boys varsity lacrosse

Sport: Girls varsity tennis

Stat: Breaking a minute in her leg of the 4x400 relay.

Stat: MVP of the 2012-2013 season and allstate honorable mention

Stat: Fastest match was 27 seconds.

Favorite Memory: “The end of regionals, when the 4x400 team placed first and qualified for states.”

Favorite Memory: “Going to Indiana with the team and bonding with them.”

Favorite Memory: “I loved starting out the season because tennis is a very individual sport, so it felt good to be part of a team.”

Key to Success: “Hard work. Never giving up and to keep trying and trying until you have it down.”

Key to Success: “I think I succeed because tennis is extremely important to me. I would consider myself a hard worker. Not to mention it is fun.”

Key to Success: “Loving what you do, but more importantly the people. Running next to my friends in practice and at meets is what helped me personally.”

Coach’s Take: “Mariah is a very hard worker and will push herself to her limit and then some.”

Diane Sugnet

Coach’s Take: “Tanner Diment, Austen Irrer, Dakatoh Costley, and Nolan Manser are awesome returning players and I can’t wait to start an awesome season with these boys as leaders.”

Bob Costley

Coach’s Take: “Madelyn had a great first year at two singles and has been a good leader for our program in the off season. She is upbeat and helpful with the younger players.”

Keith Schulte

S P O R T S

Practice predicament

From booking tryouts at indoor practice facilities to altering schedules, sports teams have been changing their practices to accommodate the weather. Ben Luzar | Staff Writer & Nick Wright | Staff Writer

A

s citizens of Midland brave the freezing temperatures and icy conditions, athletes bundle up to train outside, or shed layers to avoid the cold as they practice indoors. Spring sports officially started on March 10, and the outdoor conditions have been challenging for athletic practices. This does not only include the cold temperatures, but also the wind, rain, snow, and other bleak conditions that this spring has brought on.

These harsh conditions are repercussions from the long winter that Midland has had this year. This year’s winter has been the coldest one since 1978-79 for the Tri-City area. Everyone in the area has experienced the cold conditions this year, however, athletes in preparation for their spring sports are being hit the hardest. They are used to practicing outdoors, but the weather has not catered to them this season.

“For track, it is a challenge to get runners in shape without hurting them. Inside with the sprinters and hurdlers, the pounding on the floor is extra stress on the legs,” girls track coach Diane Sugnet said, “outside, the distance runners have to be careful of snow, ice, and water at the same time.”

She also noted that the field events, especially the throwing team, were having difficulties working on technique indoors. Senior track captain Luke Lambert commented on the difficulties that the weather is posing for the sprinters.

“It would be a lot easier to train with a consistent workout schedule on the track,” Lambert said.

He also mentioned that it is difficult for the sprinters to get a base time on which to improve on without the track to work on. Running on the track creates a different dynamic than running on the treadmills, in the loft, or on the first and third floors, which is where the sprinters and hurdlers have been training. Unlike the outdoor track, the indoor alternatives are various distances, and the treadmills eliminate any sense of competition.

Snow Info

Sophomore Luke Malace, along with the other members of the boys track team, warm up on the third floor due to the unacceptable conditions outside. The track team is one of many of the spring sport teams which have had to practice indoors. Nick Wright | Photo “All spring sports are being affected by this current weather,” Sugnet said.

In fact nearly every spring sport has had to make changes in their practice schedule to prepare for the season.

The girls soccer team usually has a scrimmage on March 8 of every year. This year the scrimmage was never scheduled due the snow that covered the soccer field.

“Having the scrimmage would have really helped us prepare for our game next Wednesday against Grand Blanc. They are one of the best teams in the state so I wish we would have been able to have it,” senior captain Madison Rapanos said.

The cancelled scrimmage is not the only way that the soccer team has been impacted by the

150 30

weather this spring. The soccer team has also had scheduling issues for practice. Due to the limited space to practice inside the school the girls soccer team has been having to begin tryouts right after school and then have the girls travel to the Midland Civic Arena to practice from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to finish tryouts.

The boys baseball team has been having two tryouts a day during the week as well, with one practice at 6:00 a.m. before school starts.

Although the team has to split up practices, varsity baseball manager Eric Albright does not mind having to practice indoors. In fact, he looks at the benefits of staying inside.

“It gives us a chance to work on fundamental skills, without the temptation to move on to more advanced drills,” Albright said.

One thing that hinders the baseball team is the time it will take to set up all of their practice equipment once the weather permits them to work outside.

“A functioning outdoor practice takes a sizeable amount of prep work,” Albright said; work that, if the weather permits, the team usually does before the season starts.

For the tennis team this spring brings both advantages and disadvantages. The outdoor conditions are causing the team to play, at least, their first match at the Midland Community Tennis Center.

“The indoor courts make it easier to play because there is no wind, rain, or other weather problem,” Sophomore tennis team member Madelyn Groulx said.

However, the limited amount of courts available at the Tennis Center slow the tryout process down. “Tryouts are taking three weeks this year because they are being held inside... usually they last about a week long,” Groulx said.

Other teams, such as the lacrosse and softball teams, are facing similar problems practicing inside. The Midland lacrosse team has been practicing in the auxiliary gyms at both Midland and Dow high. As with baseball, it is hard for the athletes to see the white balls against the white paint on the gym walls; and as with every other sport it is hard to do realistic drills when there is so much less space.

“It’s harder to practice on the hard floor instead of the grass because of the weird hops that the ball takes. It’s unrealistic,” junior softball player Tabitha Heinz said.

Despite this year’s icy beginnings the teams will still compete. So far no legitimate meets, games, or events have been cancelled. All teams have been accommodating to the weather and have made plans to practice in spite of it.

“The good thing is that all the sport programs in Michigan are facing the same problems of practicing inside, it is not just a Midland High problem,” Sugnet said.

It took

Number of consecutive I n c h e s o f s n o w f a l l t h i s minutes d a y s t h a t M i d l a n d h a s y e a r i n t h e T r i - C i t i e s had snow on the ground to clear off the turf with Lacrosse team members *and counting Nick Wright | Infographic

99*

52.9

mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 17

A

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D

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139 1/2 E. Main St. Midland, MI 48640

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Call Midland County Health Dept.

832-6661 Absolute Confidentiality Midland Coalition for Choice Box 2386 Midland, MI 48641

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Contact Emily Fisher @ 989-615-4482 or ads@mhsfocus.com

18 | FOCUS | MAR 27, 2014

F E AT U R E S

Unplanned parenthood

Pregnant teenagers are learning to accommodate a new life with a child.

Weighing the options The pregnancy resource center, located off of Saginaw Road, has been helping single mothers and families for the past twenty-six years. Hannah Lasky | Exchange Editor & Jack Duly | Managing Editor

A

s t h e w o m a n wa l k e d i n t o t h e here,” Fisher said. “You can come from any Pregnancy Resource Center, her background and keep that background, but if marriage was falling apart and both you are interested in learning more about God, the water and power were about to then those are other things we are here to offer.” be cut off at her house. Pregnant with her third Being a nonprofit organization, the center child, she was stressed and depressed, unsure receives no funding from the state or federal of how she was going to be able to support government. They rely on donations from another baby. Before any conversation began, community members to pay for the costs of the the executive director of the resource center, center. One way they raise money is by hosting Heather Fisher, could see this distress through the Lifewalk, which is a two-mile, annual pledge her expression. walk around Emerson Park.

“Sometimes when they come in you can “All of our services to our clients are see it on their face,” Fisher said. “They look completely free of charge. In order to keep almost grey colored. Everything is just so sad those services going, we need the support of our and down.” community,” Fisher said. “If there is a team of The Pregnancy Resource Center offers a high school students who would like to come wide variety of programs, including sexually and walk together that would be awesome.” transmitted infection education, post-abortion Another main goal of the pregnancy resource therapy, and a fatherhood program. One of center is to provide a stable support system and their main goals is to educate pregnant women help patients create one in their personal lives. about their three Junior Jade Hesse options: raising took advantage the child, o f t h i s adoption, opportunity to Fatherhood Medical Services or abortion. gain support Program 90% of patients Their mission when she first This program provided with medical statement is found out she reached 239 fathers service choose life.

“Empowering was pregnant. in 2012. choices for D e s p i t e Healing Grace life.” the fact her Earn While You Churches and “Choices parents were Learn for life could women’s groups are disappointed In 2012, more than educated on postm e a n a at first, they 5,000 material abortion syndrome. physical life, q u i c k l y items were given. like choosing b e c a m e Abstinence Education life for their her biggest In 2012, 1,000 teens heard a message of hope and truth baby, or it supporters. about sexual choices. could mean “I first a healthy heard of [the emotional and spiritual life,” Fisher said. “There pregnancy resource center] when I went to the are several meanings that can encompass the health department. A woman referred me there, word “life.” Not just the life of the baby, but she said that it was a really good resource place also the life of the family and the health of the to go to,” Hesse said.“[My parents] have been mother.” really a supportive and that is what makes a The Pregnancy Resource Center has Christian difference. They say its not as hard as people say affiliations, and also offers programs to help it is, especially when you have a good support women and families grow stronger in their system.” religious faith. However, patients that do not Hesse also found a support system through have this background or are not interested in her fiancé, Noah Cross. He attended many of gaining one are still welcomed to join the center. Hesse’s scheduled parenting meetings and “You don’t have to be Christian to come he feels that the resource center teaches many

Programs offered by the PRC

Executive director of the pregnancy resource center Heather Fisher shows off the Hope closet. Clients of the center can attend classes and earn points that can be redeemed for items from the closet, saving the parents a lot of money. Natalie Schwartz | Photo useful skills, and prepares people well for parenthood.

“The resource center bettered me as a parent by teaching me how to take care of my son when he is sick, or how to calm him down,” Cross said.

Some people at the center do not have the same support system available to them as Hesse.

According to Fisher, the most common reason patients do not choose life for their child is due to the feeling of not being supported.

“Most young people don’t grow up wishing to choose abortion. That is not something you are born wishing you could do someday,” Fisher said. “It is a lack of support that leads you to making the decision.”

The center offers client advocates to patients who work with the mother all the way through their pregnancy, and up to 18 months after.

Hesse did not have a client advocate because she was not informed about the program early enough; however, she found additional support from a mentor through the Young Life youth group.

“She was extremely helpful and someone to talk to if I ever needed anything,” Hesse said.

“I haven’t known her long, maybe two months, but in that time she has given me great advice about parenting and school.”

A unique feature offered by the Pregnancy Resource Center is the “Earn while you learn” program. This program focuses on parenting education and provides an incentive in which patients can earn points by attending classes.

These classes teach valuable parenting skills on how to care for your child. Hesse and Cross attended these classes and earned points that were redeemable at the Hope Closet.

“The Hope Closet is where clients will earn points by attending that can be spent on the resources they need like diapers, wipes, baby clothes, maternity clothes, and strollers,” Fisher said.

Hesse saw this program as essential resource because it helped her buy necessary care items for her baby when she would not be able to obtain them on her own. “[The Hope Closet] helped me a lot because there have been times when I couldn’t afford to pay for two more things of formula at the end of the month, and I would get them from the Hope Closet,” Hesse said.

According to Fisher, the Pregnancy Resource Center serves approximately 350 patients a year. In the five years she has worked there, she says her favorite memory occurred when the struggling woman mentioned at the beginning of this story changing her life around.

“It was the perfect scenario of a person who was down on their luck and everything was falling apart,” Fisher said. “Watching her as she went through her experience, the color returning to her face, a smile. She just had a joy for her baby. She became a really great mom, she loved being a parent and her baby was born healthy. She got a job, and her husband and marriage were strengthened.”

mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 19

F E AT U R E S

Unplanned parenthood Living a new life

As younger generations become more sexually active, a handful of students are experiencing what it is like to become a young parent. Scout Parsch | Editor in Chief & Maddy Wheelock | Features Editor

S

he knew that look. The moment Kay Smith saw her husband’s facial expression, she knew. She had seen it before. Kay had just gone through ten hours of extensive surgery on multiple organs. She now sat in her hospital bed across from her husband, her 16-year-old daughter attending MHS waiting outside. It was mother’s day. Not only had Kay just been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, but her teenage daughter was six months pregnant. This was the second of her daughters to experience parenthood at such a young age.

“Her dad walked in, and as soon as he said, ‘I need to talk to you,’ I knew right then and there,” Kay said. “Sometimes, as a mom, you just know. My reaction probably would have been different if I wasn’t sick.”

When she was told about the pregnancy, Kay’s head was still clouded from the medicine she was given. Although shocked, she encouraged her daughter to keep the baby from the start.

Between Kay’s chemotherapy treatments and her daughter Madeline’s doctor appointments, their family would be spending most of their time at the hospital in the next few months.

Since Madeline was so far along when she found out she was pregnant, she needed an ultrasound as soon as possible. Her mother wanted to be there to support her, but her condition limited her mobility. “[The doctors] said if you can get out of bed, you can go to that ultrasound,” Kay said. “I went, and his pictures were posted on the wall right where I leaned over when I was throwing up from chemo. [The baby] was right there.”

Kay was often confined to her bed for days at a time. She was very sick and beginning to give up hope for recovery. She had even begun to write goodbye letters and journals to her children while in the hospital. Madeline was optimistic and stood by her. She attended every doctor’s appointment and round of chemo her mother had. Spending the summer focusing on her mother’s sickness rather than her own pregnancy kept her mind off of worrying about

20 | FOCUS | MAR 27, 2014

the future.

“At that point, it was mixed emotions because we were presented with a new life, but we were facing my mortality. It was kind of bittersweet,” Kay said.

Two months were spent in the hospital before Kay was released to go home after treatment.

It was not until September 6, 2013, that Kay officially went into remission. This was the same day her daughter went into labor, and she was able to be in the delivery room when Madeline’s son was born.

“It’s different being on the other side,” Kay said, laughing. “Not being the one that’s having the baby. It’s unbelievable watching your child have a child. There are no words for that.”

Madeline decided to name the baby Kellen, after her mother, Kay Ellen. After all the support her mother had given her, Madeline felt that she owed this to her.

“She had fought so hard to be able to be there for the birth,” Madeline said. “She’s my best friend.”

Although her mother sustained her emotionally, Madeline assumed the role of a

MHS graduate, Ashlin Rich’s son Brandon (4) writes letters to Santa. Brandon was conceived in Florida, however, Rich chose to raise him in Midland. Ashlin Rich | Photo Courtesy

“That’s what has gotten me by right now.”

Madeline also faced trials within the community. She was often looked down upon in public when she was pregnant and when she had her son with her now.

“I can go to church and get called a whore,” Madeline said. “I can go to the doctors and get talked down to because I have a baby. People ask really ignorant questions. They ask how old I am. It doesn’t matter, especially when they’re strangers.”

“I KEPT MY FAVORITE OUTFITS, A COUPLE OF MY FAVORITE SHOES, A COUPLE OF PURSES THAT I LIKED, AND SOLD EVERYTHING ELSE.” MADELINE SMITH financial supporter for her son. When she found out she was pregnant in the spring of her junior year at Midland High, she began taking classes online. This way, she could graduate early so she had more time to work before attending college.

Along with the extra classes, Madeline got a local job and began saving up for Kellen. She also found online rummage sales, and sold almost everything she had.

“I kept my favorite outfits, a couple of my favorite shoes, a couple of purses that I liked, and sold everything else,” Madeline said.

Not only was she treated differently by those she had not known before, but the people that Madeline had thought were her friends at school would no longer acknowledge her. Madeline decided to go back to school during the second marking period of her senior year. She utilized the E2020 program to take eight hours a day so she could graduate early this year for her child.

“I went the first day of school and people would just turn their heads,” Madeline said.

“I came back that second marking period and I would go up to fourth hour without talking to a single person besides teachers.”

However, Madeline felt that the Midland High staff was very accepting and accommodating to her new lifestyle. She felt they treated her differently, but in a good way, by helping with her assignments and after school studying.

“Mr. Demko was my rock. He’s honest; a lot of people just try to sugarcoat it,” Madeline said.

“After my mom went into remission, she was still sick a lot and [the teachers] were there for me with open arms.”

Another teen mother who experienced a great deal of acceptance from the staff was MHS 2012 graduate Ashlin Rich. Rich became pregnant during her sophomore year, while living in Florida, and decided to move home to Midland to raise her son, Mike. Although the transition back to Midland with a son was difficult, she felt that the staff was able to make her feel welcome once again.

“Mr. Krause was probably the biggest backbone with helping me with Mike. He told Mrs. Pritchett about everything I was doing and got a group of teachers together to help get diapers or clothes or help pay for day care,” Rich said. “ They paid for his whole day care for the year and easily $300 of clothes, diapers, and gift cards. It was just amazing.”

Vice Principal Kandis Pritchett says that often when a student is struggling, the staff tries to help out in any way they can. For example, staff members often donate to create driver’s education scholarships for those who cannot pay for the class.

F E AT U R E S

Diapers cost a month.

$72

Clothes cost a month.

$59

A car seat costs

$200

Childcare costs a month.

$500

Toys cost

$35

a month.

Above: 19-year-old Ashlin Rich poses with her four-year-old son Mike on Halloween as Batman and Mickey Mouse. Below: Madeline Smith and her son Kellen. Kellen was named after Madeline’s mother, Kay Ellen. Ashlin Rich | Photo Courtesy & Madeline Smith | Photo Courtesy

“All of the Midland High staff, which is very typical of them, rallied together to help [Ashlin] out,” Pritchett said.

Similar to Madeline, when Rich heard the news that she was pregnant, she immediately began to make a plan on how to pay for the expenses of having a child. Rich currently lives in an apartment with her son and dog, working three jobs to help support her son and her college career. Although difficult, Rich feels that having Mike has encouraged her to work to her full potential.

“I would see my friends from high school at college and they would ask me to come out with them. I would just say ‘No, I have Mike and work at 6a.m.,’ but I don’t regret it,” Rich said.

Although watching her friends act like normal teenagers while Rich had to care for her son was hard, she was able to work past the difficulties with a group she joined, Young Lives. Similar to the long-running youth group called Young Life, this organization stems off of the Midland Evangelical Free church. It works to support teen moms in the community.

“They will help you immensely. They will actually take you under their wing,” Rich said.

“It’s just nice because you have someone to talk to all the time.”

Since its start, Young Lives has been in affiliation with Midland High. A few years ago, Pritchett realized the importance of a support system for the teen moms at Midland High. Young Lives agreed to come in twice a

month during the girls’ lunch period to talk to them and offer advice. Although the program has Christian ties, this element is not included in the sessions at MHS. Young Lives also meets separately from the school once a month.

Pritchett believes this program has been very beneficial to the teen mothers at MHS. “I believe that there is a level of acceptance for [the moms] if they weren’t feeling accepted and included,” Pritchett said. “I also feel that it’s important for them to know there are other people in their same situation.”

Like Pritchett, Merci Danielson devotes a lot of her time to helping out at Young Lives.

She is a personal mentor for two of the girls in the program and runs the luncheons with her partner, Rosalee Lister.

“The role of a mentor is to be a cheerleader,” Danielson said. “It’s a challenge to be a young mom. It’s a challenge to be a mom at any time of your life, but we’re just coming alongside and saying, ‘You know you can do this.’”

As soon as she began helping out with the program, Danielson was impressed with how it was put on. Not only does it impact the girls, but Daniels says that her life has been improved by learning from these girls as well.

“I am just in awe of what these girls can do and how capable they are,” Danielson said.

“They are such an inspiration to me. They are really strong young women. [Being a mentor] has been a privilege for me, really.”

Madeline is also a part of Young Lives and

found that it helped her a lot to go through the pregnancy with other teens. Although she graduated early, she will be attending the sessions for the remainder of the school year.

She and Pritchett agree that the girls receive support from not only the adults involved, but from the other girls as well.

“Some might still be expecting, some might have a two year old, some might have a newborn. They are different grades as well [so they] can give a nice perspective of ‘You can do it, hang in there,’” Prichett said.

Both Madeline and Rich have seen support in many ways while raising their children, especially their family. Madeline believes that, with the help from her mom, she was able to move forward with her life, and hopes to attend Eastern Michigan University next year with her son. She plans to work towards a degree in Special Education. With the help of her father and grandparents, Rich currently attends Delta college and plans to obtain a degree in business.

She is looking forward to taking over her father’s business in Florida in the future.

“I cannot emphasize enough that being a young mom is not the end of the world, and you can still do so much with your life. I try to prove the negative statistics wrong and show that girls graduating and having their own place and a child young is possible,” Rich said. “I think the more people told me I was going nowhere in life, the more it pushed me to prove them wrong.”

Scout Parsch & Maddy Wheelock | Infographics Karimums.com.au & ucsf.edu | Information

Recommended intake per day: 600 mg

Which is equal to

18

cups

$300

FOLIC ACID

Why? It can reduce risk of spina bifida if taken early before contraception.

IODINE

of fresh spinach

Why? To promote healthy brain and nerve development.

Recommended intake per day: 220 mg

Which is equal to

22

of tuna fish

tins

Formula costs a month.

are you getting the nutrients you need?

CALCIUM

Why? Calcium helps to promote healthy bone growth.

Recommended intake per day: 1,000 mg

3.6

Which is equal to VITAMIN D

cups

C OST ?

MOMS-TO-BE,

of milk each day

Why? It can increase calcium absorption and promote healthy bones.

Recommended intake per day: 5 mg

Which is equal to

10

slices

DOES IT

This is a list of the average cost that comes with caring for a baby monthly.

of cheese a day

OR

15 minutes outside 2-3 days a week

IRON

Why? Iron reduces the risk of iron deficiency in the body.

Recommended intake per day: 27 mg

Which is equal to

25

eggs a day

OMEGA 3 DHA

Why? Iron reduces the risk of iron deficiency in the body.

Recommended intake per day: 200 mg

Which is equal to

4

cans

H OW M UCH

of salmon each week

mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 21

Sacrificing to serve

F E AT U R E S

The First United Methodist Church youth group partakes in an annual mission trip over Spring Break each year to rehabilitate resident homes. Caroline Swiercz | Staff Writer & Mercedes Hussein | Design Editor

A

t the end of a week-long mission trip in Alabama, a group of students were making their way into a candlelight church service. The rain was pounding down on the roof as everyone sat in a large circle.

Two seniors stood in the center of the circle with a candle and handed it off to one who had positively impacted their life that week. The candle got passed around the entire group.

“I really enjoy the candlelight service because you notice how close everyone feels with each other,” junior Natalie Jamrog said, who gave her candle to their adult leader. “She not only pushed me in my swim life, but also really pushed me in my faith journey.”

Every year the First United Methodist Church youth group goes on a mission trip to a different state for one week to rehabilitate homes during Spring Break. The candlelight service is the time when everyone reflects on the week they have spent with one another. It is their way to tell someone how much they love and appreciate them through handing them the candle.

This year they are traveling to Coalmont, Tennessee; the third most impoverished county in the state. The students work to improve the town they are volunteering by roofing, painting, construction, and landscaping. The communities consist of people who are not financially stable or who are unable to get assistance maintaining their homes.

“The first day we meet the families, some of them just break down with tears because

we answered their prayers, or they are thankful that their life will finally be getting better because they won’t have to worry about something as important as their living situation,” senior Malissa Garland said.

Not only do these trips positively help the residents, but they also impact the students’ lives as well. They experience what it is like to make a difference in someone’s life.

“The moment that impacts a student’s life is when someone on the trip discovers something about themselves and it changed them forever,” FUMC Youth Director John Engler said. “It also forces you to get out of your comfort zone and remove yourself from this ‘Midland Bubble.’”

Seniors make sacrifices for these trips as well, but some do not feel it is a sacrifice because where they are and what they are doing is enjoyable and worth the time.

“It is a great feeling to know that something you did can make someone’s whole week or month better,” senior Luke Ewbank said. “Or even, in some cases, it’s something that will have an impact on that person’s life forever.”

Seniors serve a big role on the mission trip as leaders and role models for the younger students, offering them a lot of experience and mentoring.

“The obvious sacrifice is that I’ve given up three spring breaks that I could have spent somewhere tropical,” senior Zack Stirn said.

“But I really wouldn’t call it a sacrifice at all because I wouldn’t trade the time I’ve spent on

Freshman Mitch Garland makes dough for First United Methodist church for their annual roll bake. They sell cinnamon rolls to provide money for their mission trips. It is one of their popular fundraiser and takes place four times a year. Mercedes Hussein | Photo these trips for anything in the world.”

Engler also agrees this trip is not a sacrifice but a privilege because it teaches them love, grace, and passion for serving.

“It allows them to have time to process what is going on in their life. It also teaches to love humanity, but mostly educates,” Engler said. “You cannot be ignorant to how people struggle in this world. We need to be educated to help those that are lost.”

This is Engler’s first time being in charge for the youth group at FUMC, but he has been leading mission trips all over the world for 12 years. His responsibilities are not just supervising the younger members, he is also in charge of some of the planning. The

What is your favorite mission trip memory?

“Sitting under the stars at the candlelight service with everyone.“

Junior Natalie Landis

22 | FOCUS | MAR. 27, 2014

“When I gave my brother the candle during the candle light service.”

Sophomore Zoe Stirn

“Saying a prayer with a random pastor in the Walmart parking lot.”

Junior Natalie Jamrog

preparation for the next trip starts about one month after the group gets home from the previous trip. Some of the planning includes fundraising to breaking into groups that handle different responsibilities such as transportation or setting a budget.

Engler said that all the planning that goes into the trip is worthwhile because of the impact and difference it makes on the lives of residents.

“Once you finish helping people out, you see just how grateful they are even when they don’t always have that much in their lives,” junior Adam Talbott said. “They don’t have nice houses or cars but they still find happiness in what they have.”

Mercedes Hussein | Infographic

“Senior prank night on the last night because we’re all up super late.“

Senior Seth Jones

F E A T U R E S

[15 minutes of fame]

There are people involved in student organizations. Then there is junior Megan O’Connor. She is involved is several school-related groups and in many things within her church.

Dylan Rocha | Staff Writer & Kevin Sharpe I Staff Writer

Capturing the moment with

Megan O’Connor F

or most people, school is the most stressful part of the day, but for junior Megan O’Connor, it does not end there. She is involved in more than ten extracurricular activities, ranging from church youth group, Beautification Club to singing. Still, she does it all and manages to keep her sanity. With all these organizations on her schedule, O’Connor tells how she keeps it under control.

What are all the school related clubs and activities you are involved in? ey es. se Th o

hT

Yeah, in the winter there are so many concerts. It gets to the point where you will lose your voice if you don’t take care of it.

.. ey es. se Th o

hT so ..

e ye .se

e ey

ye ...se

e eso

Later this year we are going to New York. This is for our annual trip. Last year we went to St. Louis and it was so much fun, and this year is New York.

It’s going to be so much fun. We do a bunch of singing, but there is also so much sightseeing as well.

...sey

My favorite thing we normally do is Homecoming and Snowcoming photo shoots because I really enjoy talking to people. Also, I liked when the Lifetouch photo booth came in for the Kids Against Hunger fundraiser, we raised over $80 for it. It was a lot of fun and there was a lot of energy.

hT

hT

eso

What are you most looking forward to this year with Meisters?

I do like it. Every role I’ve done has been a mean role, and I don’t know why. I can be pretty sassy, though. I try to be a nice person, but apparently not on stage.

What is your youth group like at church?

...s

What are your favorite photography projects that you did this year?

Do you like doing a mean role?

T soh

I don’t like to take medicines, they definitely bother me. I’m into the whole “make your own junk” so I do a lot of tea, honey, warm grape fruit juice, and olive oil. It’s disgusting. It turns out I’m allergic to tea, so I don’t drink that anymore. I had to get my blood drawn at the doctor’s and found out there is something in the tea I’m allergic to.

I have the role of the mean stepmother of Cinderella in the play. The play is Into The Woods with characters like Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk and other classic fairy tale characters. It seems like I always am playing the mean role of the plays for some reason.

ye e ...se

How do you treat your voice in the winter?

What is Photography Club?

We are a group of students that do photgraphy realted projects around the school and community.

We take pictures at Homecoming and Snowcoming, except we didn’t have Snowcoming this year.

We do the Kids Against Hunger fundraiser, and we made picture collages last week on the 19th.

e eso

..

Are there times where Meisters can get stressful?

...sey

I’m in Meisters, the spring musical, Photography Club, the Beautification Club, Lunch box learners, meisters, at my church I do youth group, masses, and teach a choir class, and I’m in acapella.

What is your role in the spring musical?

...seye esohT

Well, there are two parts. There is the actual youth group where we study the Gospel. Then the second part goes deeper. I really like that because it focuses on the problems that we have personally instead of the ones in The Bible. Its a lot friendlier and more personal in the second part.

What are some of the more out of the ordinary things that you do in your free time?

I make maple syrup in my backyard and I make my own soap. Not hard soap, but liquid soap for my hair.

This one day I ran out of soap and I needed to wash my hair so I just made soap. My dad was really involved in making maple syrup, and it became a family affair.

hT

eso

Jack Duly | Photo

mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 23

Art from fire

A

&

E

While most students in Midland High work with pencils and papers, the students in the Welding Tech course use metal and fire to create sculptures independently and enter them in competitions.

Michael Adams| A&E Editor & Kyle Blackwood| Opinion Editor

2

1

3

1: Senior Bryce Thomas welds a piece of metal. The welding torch uses electricity, rather than fire, to perform the weld. 2: Junior Luke Zimmerman welded together a sculpture of a dragon completely out of scrap metal. Most of the class’ materials are donated through Falcon RME or Michigan Airgas. 3: Connor McLaren (Left) and Bryce Thomas (Right) display McLaren’s family crest, which he created during class. The motto on top reads ‘Craig An Tuirc,’ which translates to ‘Rock of the Boar’ in Scottish Gaelic. Michael Adams | Photos

T

he smell of burned metal and gas is strong in the welding shop. Sparks spray off of the metal and bounce across the floor like fireworks.

The students work like professionals: all of them wear the necessary safety goggles or welding helmets. In the back of the shop, a select number of students work in a row of booths partitioned from the rest of the room by opaque plastic curtains. Bursts of light will occasionally penetrate the curtains, showing that the students are hard at work.

MHS Welding teacher Corey Pawlak walks around the shop and watches the students as they work independently, providing help when needed. Every year, Pawlak enters his Welding Tech 2 students in MITES, a statewide

24 | FOCUS | MAR 27, 2014

welding competition where they can submit pieces that they have created and have them scored. Examples of pieces that students have submitted in the past include go-karts, trailers, and car bumpers. The students also enter a competition which is held at Delta College, where they are scored on welding techniques.

“They’re basically given a blueprint and a pile of metal [at the competition] and you get graded on how well you perform the weld,” Pawlak said.

Senior welding student Connor McLaren placed in second at last year’s competition and is planning to run again this year. McLaren likes that he can use class time to work independently on his projects.

“I’m a little bit obsessive, so I like welding

because it kind of flows together,” McLaren said. “I have my own space, and I can make it as good as I want it to be. I like that I can make basically whatever I want depending on the time and how much it costs, not a person’s ability.”

Along with McLaren, senior welding student Connor Patnode hopes to go to Ferris State for their welding program. Patnode also praises the welding program at Midland High, and the way that they are able to work as a team in class.

“There are all different types of people in it, and we all just come together,” Patnode said.

“It’s like one big family.”

Students in the Welding Tech 2 class are often able to work on projects of their

choosing. Other projects include a decorative gate that fits on the back of a pickup truck and a sculpture of a dragon made from scrap metal, The welding classes do not only offer an opportunity to create unique and impressive pieces of artwork. They also teach practical skills, such as basic and advanced welding techniques, that the students will be able to use for the rest of their lives. Through this class, students are exposed to a skill that can lead to a college degree and a career.

“Even if you don’t do it professionally, it’s still a skill that is really good to know how to do,” McLaren said. “If something breaks, you could bring it into your garage and fix it up instead of just throwing it out.”