March 10th issue

THE

FOCUS

Midland High School | March 10, 2017 | Volume 39, Issue 6

Student Pilots

Freshman Makenna Staudacher has been flying planes since she was 12.

pg. 15

Sports Injuries

Refugee Fundraising

Music Fest Preview

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Fischer Genau | Photo

CONTENTS OPINION

volume 39 issue 6

3 School Budget:

The Focus discusses new security measures.

24 Focus Tries P90X:

Just in time to get the perfect spring break body, the Focus tries P90X.

SPORTS 5 Wrestling:

12-13 Refugees:

Since Michigan is the state with the 2nd most refugees, there are many organizations that offer aid.

FEATURES 14

Mateo Diaz qualified for the state Matt Gordon: meet for wrestling after an upset last Senior Matt Gordon excels at both year. school and music.

Sports Knee Injuries: Macklan Gay: Multiple athletes have had to sit out Freshman Macklan Gay is of their sports season due to injury. exceptionally good at woodworking.

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16

8-9 Carson Clark Diving:

Senior Carson Clark’s first season of diving is going very well.

NEWS 10

A&E 17

Zach Monica: Senior Zach Monica plays multiple instruments and recently joined Meistersingers.

Teacher Conduct Policies: The policy regarding communication In-Motion Dance: between students and teachers with Many students are involved at the the advent of technology. dance studio.

18

11 Increased Security:

The MPS district has big plans for security next year.

19 Music Fest:

A preview of some of the upcoming acts in this year’s music fest.

ON THE COVER Makenna Staudacher

Freshman Mckenna Staudacher has been working to get her pilot’s license at the age of 17. She has been taking the instruction courses since last summer and looks forward to her future as a pilot.

EDITORS

12-13

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OUR MISSION

ocus, established in 1977, previously Editor-in-Chief Ella Colbert the Vic Tribune, established in 1936, is Managing Editor Maddy O’Callaghan the official school newspaper for Midland Photo & Design Editor Kayla Graham High. Focus is published monthly by the Features Editor Sonja Anderson journalism classes at Midland High and is News Editor Gwynne Ozkan distributed free of charge. It is a member Sports Editor Kady Volmering of the Michigan Interscholastic Press A&E Editor Hope O’Dell Association (MIPA). Adviser membership Opinion Editor Ellie Jensen also includes the Journalism Education Ads Coordinator Hailey Surbrook Association (JEA). Focus is designed Exchange Editor Hayley Russell as a forum for student expression and Web Editor-in-Chief Jonah Dykhuizen as a realistic lab experience. Focus, Managing Web Editor Josh Danielson however, reserves the right to contest Web Photo & Design Fischer Genau the challenge of an administrator who Adviser Jim Woehrle attempts to censor and/or remove an Printer Midland Daily News article or graphic element.

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Editorial

OP/ED

Security changes are not ideal

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ew sets of eyes in the form of dozens of cameras. Buzzing in instead of pushing open the door handles. The cause for these new additions to the school is primarily safety.

Incoming are a large amount of new security cameras, geared toward more populous areas of the school, refurbished security doors barricading the main entrance from, and added security in the annex.

To complement these new additions, beginning construction this coming April, there are new mandates being put into place regarding every student. Rather than only teachers, each student starting this fall will be issued their own identification card to gain access to the building. Swiping the ID cards will unlock specific doors, like the main entrance, however only at designated times.

If a student arrives late to school or attempts to enter during the wrong lunch hour, the card will be denied and the student will be forced to enter through the main office and sign in separately. New, strict rules like this are established with the intention to improve safety with the

added security.

Although the intent of administration is solely beneficial to the students and aimed to provide a safer learning environment, The Focus believes the new additions aren’t all necessarily worth installation. We believe investing money in new security cameras is viable and reasonable, however, the 1000 plus ID cards and limited entrances to the school don’t allow enough benefit for their cost.

We believe the expansions aside the cameras aren’t the best use of the school’s limited funds.

With exceptions such as doctor appointments, holes in schedules, and other viable exceptions for arriving at a time other than 7:40, the extra act of signing in would cause more of a hassle and frustration. The strict standards for entering the school are being put into place to prevent threats from entering, however the likelihood of a threat being that of an in-school source (who would have access to an ID card) is much higher than a threat being an outside source without said access. Additionally, students will be revoked access to the school if a card is misplaced

or stolen, which we foresee as a Student Opinions recurring instance considering teenagers have a tendency to lose things. The first loss is free, but for anything following, the repercussion is a fine for the replacement.

Despite the drawbacks of the new installments, we recognize the good intentions of administration. We Freshman Meggie Gandy believe the new cameras will allow more comfort and surveillance "I am not in favor of these to students and staff. The added surveillance of heavy traffic areas, changes. I see them as like eyeball alley, can act as a a waste of money and deterrent to stolen items from the unnecessary." locker rooms or acts of vandalism.

The added security also provides more clarity as to who exactly and what exactly enters the school at what times. Overall, allowing ease and safety among a large amount of people.

Regardless, The Focus primarily sees other areas in more desperate need of money than a sudden expansion of security. Public Junior James Mitchell bathrooms and locker rooms are in much greater need of refurbishing.

"I skip a lot, and these changes We believe the excess of spending aren’t going to prevent me amounts in minimal effects, since from skipping any more." you can never guarantee a setting is 3 | FOCUS | MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com one hundred percent safe.

THE BULLETIN @mitchreid17 A child of the lakes

“Every time there is a jump rope show I’m always expecting Corbin Bleu to make a guest appearance but he never does :/” @AustinnP14

Song: Slide Artist: Calvin Harris ft. Frank Ocean & Migos Date Released: February 24 Rating: Three different styled artists combine to make a diverse track via Instagram

NEWS BRIEF:

5 THINGS TO MAKE YOU FEEL SMART 1. When you blush, the lining of your stomach also turns red.

2. Goldfish don’t have stomachs.

3. Air pollution in China increases snowfall in California.

4. Frogs cannot swallow with their eyes open.

5. Polar bear fur isn’t white it’s transparent.

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Senior Jenna Byron giving blood on Thursday, February 23. The MHS blood drive had 71 successful donors. Photo Courtesy | Jenna Byron

Song: Something Just Like This Artist: Chainsmokers & Coldplay Date Released: February 3 Rating: Two of the best artists from this generation collide to create a memorable alternative tune

SPORTS

WRESTLING FOR THE WIN Many players have been successful this wrestling season. Mateo Diaz alone has qualified for the state competition.

Gwynne Ozkan|News Editor & Bitsy Mammel|Staff Writer

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inning his opponent in the final round of regionals sealed junior Mateo Diaz’s slot at this year’s state competition, where he made it to the quarterfinal round. As the referee blew the whistle and held Diaz’s arm up, signaling his victory, Diaz became the only member of the wrestling team to advance. The state match on March 4 pushed his record to 38-6.

“If you don’t have a good work ethic, you’re not going to put in as much as you can,” Diaz said. “Most [of the people] who lack a good work ethic usually end up quitting, wasting their potential.”

The regional victory in the 112 pounds weight was especially gratifying for Diaz, since last year he was diagnosed with a concussion and prohibited from wrestling in the state competition.

“Being so close to states and just being shy of it, putting in all that work, it was hard,” Diaz said.

Wrestling is a combination of a team and individual sport. Each player competes individually in a number of matches at a tournament, and accumulates points for each team.

Sophomore Sam Hine was one of the wrestlers who made it to regionals, and enjoys the individual aspect of the sport, because each player can work for the

Junior Mateo Diaz waits to wrestle in a second round starting position with teammate, sophomore Sam Hine. Fischer Genau | Photo season that they want. However, Hine for regionals: Waier, Hine, Diaz, to just pack it in and they have fought believes that this aspect of wrestling is and Senior Jacob Hine, along with every single day, all year. The way that what makes it so difficult mentally, in Diaz qualifying for states. These they just kept persevering day in and addition to physically. achievements are partially fueled by day out and not losing their intensity at “If you’re as a team and a team loses, the respect each teammate has for one all this year has been really something to you can blame it on other people,” another. Teammates like Waier and admire.

Hine said. “Or you can say ‘As a Diaz hold each other to a high regard.

Throughout the season, the team has team, we lost,’ but if you lose as an Diaz specifically admires Waier’s hard grown close to Coach Donovan. The individual and you’re wrestling just work ethic and his kind, respectable mutual feelings and respect between the the other guy, it’s all you. You get to character. wrestlers and their coach are crucial for make the decisions out there.”

“Mateo Diaz inspires me,” Waier success, the players said.

A wrestler must overcome an array said. “He just always knows what “Coach Donovan is motivational and of obstacles, like keeping a strong he wants to do. He knows good looking out for the entire team,” Diaz piece of mind. Junior Matt Waier has techniques and helps you out if you said. “He cares for all the kids, not just wrestled for five years and advanced have a question. When coach tells himself.” to the regional competition this year, him something he always hits it with Jacob also looks up to Donovan, and and values a strong mentality. everything he’s got. He is a really hard credits him for much of his success in “Even though everyone is physically worker and he never gives up.” the sport, by constantly inspiring him to in shape, you have to learn to use that Coach Michael Donovan sees work harder and be a better wrestler for physical ability when times are hard or the team as a whole excels in their the past four years. you’re struggling,” Waier said. “You experience and their mental toughness, “He knows me and what I’m capable have to put in all your own time and an attribute that the entire team of,” Jacob said. “He knows how to get to effort and you can’t rely on anyone believes is essential to be successful in me and push me.” else. Wrestling is a hard sport but I life, as well as wrestling. Donovan was Team cohesiveness is essential in think that’s what makes it fun.” proud of his wrestlers for this season, order to thrive in wrestling. Despite its Waier emphasized the difficulty qualifying for regional and state challenges, it is a commitment worth the in maintaining a competitive edge competitions, and beating Dow. He time and hard work, Donovan said. against opponents. Training involves also finds the work ethic of this team “It’s definitely a sport that I wish countless hours worth of cardio admirable, especially in comparison to more people would pay attention to workouts, rigorous two and a half previous years. and try and not be scared of,” Donovan hour practices, and adjusting weight “This is probably the team that said. “And [I think that people should] based on the class.

I’m most proud to have coached,” embrace the good of what comes out of This year, four players qualified Donovan said. “They had every excuse wrestling, especially at Midland High.”

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SPORTS Senior Hunter Schneider undergoes a physical therapy session after his surgery.

Fischer Genau | Photo

A

COMMON DIAGNOSIS

I

t was Friday night, and the girls’ varsity basketball team was playing cross-town rivals Dow High. Senior Skylar Howard leapt up to block a shot, successfully swatting the ball, but upon her return to the hardwood, she met the floor with straight legs and was taken by surprise to feel her knee violently pop out to the side.

“There was instant pain, but there was more shock than pain,” Howard said. “I was like, ‘What just happened?’”

The following week, Howard visited Doctor James Jesko in Saginaw, who diagnosed her with a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus. She had surgery to repair the tears on March 9. The surgery consisted of total reconstruction of her ACL, and a scope of the remaining meniscus. The meniscus will then be repaired with a piece taken from the patella bone.

“I was able to go home the night of my surgery,” Howard said. “I’ll then be in a straight knee brace for about a week, and I’ll be able to put 50% of my weight on it with crutches.”

Howard will be starting physical therapy two days after her surgery, and will continue rehabilitation until she is cleared by her doctor. She is predicted to be able to run again in about three months, and be fully cleared in six months. This will allow her to start playing basketball again.

Howard is committed to play at Saginaw Valley State University next year, and since she won’t be cleared until the summer, she will miss several opportunities to start practicing and scrimmaging with the team.

“I’ve talked with my coaches from SVSU, and they’ve said it will be fine, and just to work through it,” Howard said. “They’ve been really nice and supportive.”

Similar to Howard, Hunter Schneider had to sit out nearly his entire senior season of wrestling due to a re-injury in his knee.

“Sophomore year I first injured my knee during a wrestling match,” Schneider said. “I knew instantly when it happened because I felt it pop.”

Schneider had dislocated his patella and partially tore his medial collateral ligament (MCL). He wore a brace to try and strengthen the muscle around it to avoid a lengthy recovery period, and continued to wrestle with the injury.

His knee had been doing well up until this year, when he again dislocated his patella during a tournament.

“I went to the doctor again and got a new brace,” Schneider said. “I practiced on it for a week, and then I decided to try and do a back handspring. I put it out again, and my MCL was completely torn, with a piece of cartilage chipped off of my knee cap.”

Because of the severity of his injury, Schneider traveled to Beaumont Hospital in Detroit to have his surgery done by Doctor Joseph Guettler, who specializes in shoulders and knees.

“No [doctor] in Midland was allowed to touch my knee because the piece of cartilage that was chipped off was so big,” Schneider said.

Schneider’s surgery consisted of the reattachment of his MCL to the pre existing ligament and removal of the piece of cartilage that had been chipped off, along with various minor adjustments. The entirety of the surgery took roughly an hour and a half.

Schneider began physical therapy at Active Orthopedics in Midland about a month after surgery. He was able to start walking again on March 3, roughly six weeks after the initial operation.

Schneider has a 4-6 month window of when he is predicted to be fully recovered.

Sophomore Isaiah Bridges, a member of the boys’ varsity basketball team, has undergone a similar process, following the tearing of his meniscus during a basketball tournament, requiring surgery on Feb. 16.

Student athletes discuss surgery and physcial therapy in regards to their knee injuries.

Kady Volmering|Sports Editor & Fischer Genau|Staff Writer & Devin Alexander|Staff Writer

A trainer massages the scar tissue to relieve tension before engaging in exercises. Fischer Genau | Photo

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“I don’t even know how it happened,” Bridges said. “I woke up and it was hurting.”

Bridges is estimated to be out 6 to 8 months for recovery, which will include physical therapy sessions.

Unfortunately for Bridges, he had to sit out the rest of his season.

“It sucks when I have to sit there and watch our team lose, and I can’t do anything about it,” Bridges said.

Student physical therapist Heidi Grekowicz says that when trying to recover from injuries to the ACL, MCL, or meniscus, it is important to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee to help stabilize the joint.

“Depending on where the athlete is in the rehab process would determine what exercises they need to do,” Grekowicz said. “At the beginning of rehab, after surgery, the athlete needs to focus on regaining range of motion, before they start strengthening.”

For ACL knees in particular, Grekowicz said that the normal recovery time line before returning to sports is about 6 to 12 months; but it is all dependent on the severity of the injury, the type of reconstructive surgery, the prior level of function, and the therapy goals for the individual. For non-surgical management, Grekowicz suggests that an athlete may need to have rehabilitation for 10 or more weeks before they can return to their sport, and they will most likely have to play with a brace.

“One way to prevent injury is by maintaining strength in your body,” Grekowicz said. “Especially in your hamstrings, there has been research that shows the risk of ACL injury increase when an athlete has decreased hamstring strength.”

Keeping other muscles strong is important as well, Grekowicz said.

Having one muscle strong, and others weak, will lead to even more problems in the future. Having muscle balance

THREE

COMMON

INJURIES

SPORTS

will help further stabilize around the knee joint and protect the ligaments.

Along with muscle strengthening, it is also important to incorporate balancing exercises in order to increase proprioception.

Doctor David Bortel said that teenage athletes are becoming more prone to injuries such as these because of several different factors.

“One, kids are participating higher level sport activities earlier and earlier,” Bortel said. “And two, many of these kids don’t have good balance in cross training. They’re getting very sports specific and it’s very easy to get imbalanced if the knee is not being used a whole bunch of different ways.”

There are several ways to prevent knee injuries and deal with knee problems, Grekowicz said. She suggests that athletes talk to an athletic trainer or physical therapist, as they can help find proper footwear that might be able to aid in knee pain. They might also be able to help provide personalized strengthening/balance exercises for a particular athlete. Bortel also says that being engaged in more cross training could prevent such injuries.

“The athlete needs to be diligent in completing the exercises, and taking care of their bodies’ needs such as nutrition and sleep,” Grekowicz said.

“There really is never a quick fix. It takes dedication and commitment when trying to strengthen and stabilize the knee.”

Howard hopes that going through physical therapy and prevention work with SVSU’s program will help protect her from another injury like this in the future. Schneider agrees that along with a new brace, physical therapy will help bring back strength to his knee.

“Everything has just been a little bit of a challenge, like walking and where to put my crutches,” Howard said. “This injury has taught me to be thankful for all the time I’m not hurt.”

SEASON-ENDING

the hardest part has been...

HUNTER SCHNEIDER "watching my high school wrestling dreams fade away. I had some lofty goals that I could've achieved this year and I didn't get the chance to."

ISAIAH BRIDGES "watching my team losing, and I couldn't be in the game to make a difference."

SKYLAR HOWARD "not being able to play in senior night, and not being able to contribute in district play this year."

ACL:

MENISCUS:

MCL:

Most internal ligament, commonly injured by sudden deceleration and rotation of knee, allowing the shin bone to come forward, causing pressure on the ligament.

The bumper cartilage between the femur and tibia bone, most commonly injured when an athlete is hit in a tricky position, makes a bad cut, or is squatting and pivoting.

Connects the top of the tibia (shinbone) to the bottom of the femur, most commonly injured by a direct force to the outside of the knee, causing a valgus force on the knee.

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The Sports Zone The Hardest Goodbye Hannah Smith

D

ear soccer, You have been a huge part of my life for twelve years now, but it’s time for me to pack up my cleats and say goodbye.

Ever since I was a high-strung four year old beginning to kick the ball for the first time, I’ve always had a passion for soccer. Running through group tunnels after the game and receiving snack size treats are vivid memories I have as a youngster playing soccer. The team cheers and huddles are a personal favorite of mine.

The time came where I had begun

to develop into a pretty decent soccer player. Scissor kicking through the defenders and scoring became second nature to me. I found an instinctive thrill in putting the ball in the back of the net.

When it came time to try out for my first travel team, I began to realize soccer was going to take up a lot of my time, and I was cool with that. Trying out for the Midland Fusion Green team in 2007 has forever changed my life. I gained some of my best friends from playing on that team.

As our team began to gel, we went

Upcoming Events Spring sports start on Monday, March 13: Boys: Lacrosse Baseball Track Golf

Girls: Lacrosse Soccer Tennis Track Softball

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on to winning many tournaments and league games. With being in the highest bracket possible for girl’s soccer, our team competed against the best in the state. All of the overnight stays, and weekend out-of-state trips were beginning to pay off.

There was a point in time in middle school when soccer was my main focus.

Our team had come to the conclusion that we were going to win this league we were destined to compete in. Our hard work and focused efforts led us to victory in the spring and fall.

That year we had won the P1 division in both the spring and fall.

Major attention was put on us, being featured in the Midland Daily News and even being ranked fourth overall in the state at one point.

After our middle school soccer peak, we began a new chapter in our lives, altering our focus from just soccer.

Boys, school, and homework became in the picture, which interfered with our soccer season. Our team began to bicker, causing tension and a loss of camaraderie among the group. This is

when the downhill spiral began for me.

I started to dread going to practice, knowing the drama would cause blurriness to our goal. At the end of the season, our coach, who I played for for nearly 8 years, decided to not coach us anymore. I was devastated, wondering what would happen to our team, and how it would affect me personally.

Going into soccer season for Midland High, it felt different, knowing Coach Dan wouldn’t be coaching me anymore.

Although my high school seasons were decent, I had lost the original passion I had for the game. I was tolerating the soccer season, not truly enjoying it like I had when I was an elementary-schooler leaving my whole heart on the field.

Even though I’ll be retiring my potent shin guards, I’ll always cherish the game and remember certain snapshots of my soccer career. I’ll forever be thankful for the incredible people and places soccer has brought me to, and will always have a love for the game, even if I don’t play it.

Athlete of the Month Luke Trombley Grade: 12 Season Highlight: "Scoring my first hat trick which is three goals in a row."

Favorite Memory: "Beating Dow last year in the playoffs.”

Goal for the Season: “Beat Dow in the playoffs again and make a big run."

Coach’s Take: “Luke plays with a sense of calmness that I have not seen before in someone with his talent. He never allows opponents to rattle him on the ice.” - Steve Witt

MAKING A SPLASH

Senior Carson Clark trades a gymnastics bar for the diving board. Jasmin West|Staff writer& Alli Grumbley|Staff Writer

Carson Clark practicing for his upcoming meet. Jasmin West |Photo

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fter spending seven years performing as a gymnast, senior Carson Clark decided he wanted to take up a high school sport. Clark found diving through the persuasion of his friends, and found many similarities between the two sports that helped Clark learn fairly quickly.

“I stopped gymnastics last spring, and then I wanted to do a sport for the school,” Clark said. “My friends wanted me to start diving, so I decided to try it out.”

Carson is part of the Midland High Diving team, and is coached by diving coach Jill Lauderman. Clark started off with a diving score of 79, but scored a 234 on February 10th, against Dow High School, and has qualified for the Saginaw Valley Swim meet. There are five categories of dives; forward, backward, twisting, doubles, and reverse. Each one of Clark's dives are scored from one to ten and multiplied by the difficulty of the dive.

“I am always really happy to go to practice just because it's so fun for me and easy to learn since it's like gymnastics,” Clark said, “It's just fun to learn new dives all the time.”

Lauderman has been coaching Midland and Dow high school diving for two seasons and wanted to share her wealth of knowledge with these new high school teams. Lauderman said the general training for diving is essentially a progression process. As the diver starts learning basic drills and basic dives and becomes more proficient and the more brave, the diver starts adding flips or twists to different dive categories.

“Carson went from coming into diving not knowing much about it, and not having any dives, to putting together a very difficult and competitive 11 dive list,” Lauderman said.

“He has made a huge improvement in his diving since the beginning of the season.”

Throughout the year Midland High swim coach Patrick Welter has been able to watch Carson improve his diving skills. Welter said Clark has improved by becoming more of a diver rather than a gymnast.

“When he's spinning, he knows where he is at all times when he comes in,” said Welter, “Carson will continue to do well because he has that twisting motion that you need to move on better.”

Clark plans on moving forward to Grand Valley. Clark is thinking about joining the Grand Valley Diving club where he can continue enjoying the sport.

“One thing I love about Carson is he is an extremely hard worker,” Lauderman said.

“He never complains, and he is always up for a challenge.”

Taking a Look Back Seniors Greg Landis and Julia Gross reflect on the Midland vs. Dow district hockey game that happened

"Tommy had a really viscious hit, which energized us early in the first period.”

Greg Landis

"In the first and second period it was close so every shot that Midland or Dow took I couldn't help but jump because of how nerve-racing it was.”

Julia Gross

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NEWS

BLURRED LINES F

With the increase of teachers using technology, the line is unclear regarding what is appropriate communication with students. Ella Colbert | Editor-in-Chief & Hope O’Dell | A&E Editor & Jonah Dykhuizen | Web Editor-in-Chief

rom retweeting the scores of basketball games to reminding her pommers there’s practice after school, English teacher Katy Stearns uses technology as a way to interact with her students.

“I tell my students, ‘If I follow you, you need to know that I will see what you’re saying and sometimes what you’re doing and I will call you out if I’m worried for your safety or for the safety of others,’” Stearns said.

Stearns, as an English teacher and Pom Coach, has to balance getting to know her students and pommers while maintaining professional communication. Stearns is one of many teachers, coaches, and advisors who uphold school policies in terms of responsible communication. However, the district has dealt with at least one issue this year.

“There was a recent complaint,” Principal Jeff Jaster said. “Because of that complaint, it was my understanding that that person just contacted our human resources office and decided that they were going to resign/retire.”

The Midland Public School District adopted the Neola Policies for defining district bylaws when Superintendent Michael Sharrow arrived. The policies, which can be found on the MPS website, have extensive provisions regarding the conduct of relationships between students and teachers. Previously, school policies were created by the administrative staff downtown. Jaster said that because the Neola Policies are

so widely-known and used, they give Midland Public Schools protection.

The policy states, “Each professional staff member shall maintain a standard care of supervision, control, and protection of students commensurate with assigned duties and responsibilities.” Although the policy is highly extensive, Jaster said that there are still some grey areas.

“I understand that there’s always really unique circumstances,” Jaster said.

“It’s not easy. It’s not something that you can say is just a black and white issue and this is the rule all the time because it really depends on what the person’s role is as an employee.”

Jaster also said that the increasing use of social media has further complicated the issue of teacher and student communication. He said that some teachers use social media as a means to communicate homework assignments or test dates, while other teachers are more active on their social media and interact with students. Jaster said it was important to determine how far interactions on social media should be able to go.

“Where there are concerns and where we sometimes have problems is when

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those relationships go beyond what is considered normal conversation as it relates to the work that we do with kids, because it’s not our job to be friends,” Jaster said. “We have to be careful as professional educators that the role is always defined, what work we’re doing with the student and what capacity we’re doing that work in.”

Sharrow agreed that social media has created some confusion on the boundaries between teachers and their students.

“With the advent of technology, and social media, that line’s getting a little blurred between teachers and students and what’s appropriate and what’s not,” Sharrow said.

“That’s really been one of the issues that we’ve been dealing with and getting into teachers as well as student’s heads about what’s appropriate contact.”

When issues are brought to the attention of the staff, their main priority is to make sure they have all the facts before determining any disciplinary action. Jaster said that, for the most part, when issues of teacher misconduct are brought to their attention, it is typically by a parent or student who felt the relationship was uncomfortable or

“It’s not easy. It’s not something that you can say is just a black and white issue.”

Principal Jeff Jaster

inappropriate.

“Every case is different,” Jaster said.

“When we receive a complaint like that, our first thing is to investigate. We’ll have the student and parent come in and we’ll interview them. We’ll do the same with the staff member. ‘What’s your version of how this has transpired?’ We’ll try to get the facts and then make a decision on that.”

Typically, meetings having to do with personnel matters involve the Human Resources Director Cynthia Marchese.

She will sit in on most meetings and aid the Midland High School administration on coming to an appropriate decision on the case.

Over the past couple of years, Jaster said there have been a few cases in which a teacher violated the policy. He noted that these situations were “wellintentioned teachers overstepping their boundaries.”

He said that the situations resulted in a conversation with the teachers, who corrected their behavior accordingly. In a more severe case, a teacher might have to take time off from work, or have their contract terminated.

“It’s not always easy, you have to just apply some degree of logic to where is a reasonable place to draw the line,” Jaster said. “It’s just good practice for teachers to protect themselves, so they couldn’t be falsely accused of something. To have a little distance and keep that relationship with the student as professional as possible. But I understand that there’s always really unique circumstances.”

NEWS

RADICAL RENOVATIONS

STAIRWAY/ H A L LWAY: T h e hallway that v i s i to r s w i l l g o through to get to the main floor.

The stairway takes them to the counselor’s office.

PATHWAY: Visitors will enter through the a t r i u m , to t h e main office and will sign in before entering the main hallways.

NEW WALL: This will keep visitors from entering the hallways without being signed in.

NEW DOOR: Visitors and students will be buzzed out of the m a i n o f f i c e to enter the school building.

ATRIUM: Where students and visitors will e n te r i n to t h e building.

School security renovations will begin on April 1 into summer. The blueprint [draft] shows the new route for students and visitors to walk in and out of the school for visiting hours.

With the help of the community and revenue coming from several different funds, there are upcoming renovations to make the school learning community a safer place for the students.

Kayla Graham|Photo & Design Editor & Shelly St. Louis|Staff Writer

O

ve r l y p a c k e d p a r k i n g l o t s and cars squeezing into the turnaround are what students and visitors see on a typical morning before school. With limited unlocked doors, students throw themselves into the single doorways to escape the brisk air. However, the next renovation will soon require students to have their ID on hand in order to be granted access into the building.

Principal Jeff Jaster explained that new renovations to the school will include a new doorway in which visitors will have to go into the main office and buzz in to be granted access to the school.

In addition, 17 new security cameras inside and outside of the school will be added, as well as enclosing the annex that connects the main floor to the woodshop room.

“I think we have a really safe school, and everything we’re doing as an addition is just going to keep making it safer,” Jaster said.

Jaster and Superintendent Michael Sharrow hope that the new renovations will be more conductive to the students’ education. The new renovations will

begin on April 1 and continue through the summer.

“The school ID will be used for lunch, the library, and to enter the school at any time,” Sharrow said. “The only way to control the school and make the school safer is to keep all the doors locked at all times. The doors will be programmed to be locked during certain hours of the school day.”

Robert Cooper, Associate Superintendent of Finance, Facilities, and Operations, manages the general funds for all the new renovations.

“When the Midland Public Schools wants or needs to work on any of its facilities, the money generally comes from the general fund, a grant, or a voter approved additional sinking or bond fund,” Cooper said.

Wi t h t h e h e l p o f c o n s t r u c t i o n managers, architects, financial advisors, and community involvement, the school is able to determine a priority list and where the money will go.

“In series one approximately $2.5 million is being used at each high schools for technology, secure entries, and some mechanical system upgrades,” Cooper

said. “The total bond in series two will be approximately $41 million.”

Voters approved a $121 million ID badges will be required next year bond in February of 2015, which will fund many of the renovations. Other costs to run the district come from a formula based on enrollment, which is determined by count days.

“There is a fall count and a mid-winter count,” Jaster said. “The two numbers are then put into a formula and sent off.

It is roughly $8,000 per full time student and that money all goes to the district and the district allocates money to the Junior Hailey Werth building space based on the number of students at each school.”

“I like it, I think it’s going to be a lot safer Although the student enrollment for us. It will make getting into school a is decreasing in future years, the big lot easier, so we won’t have to walk all renovations will make the learning the way to the main doors.” environment safer for all students.

“The new security system is the primary goal right now,” Sharrow said. “Right now, we feel that the new 1 . Provide secure security for security will be hard at first for students entrances to get used to, but in future years 2. Install energy efficient heating, [2020], Midland High will be getting cooling, and electrical systems new technology in every classroom.

Until then, smaller fixes will be made 3. Replace cracked asphalt and concrete throughout the years.”

11 | FOCUS | MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com

What do you think?

Upcoming Renovations

NEWS

HELPING HANDS

As the state with the second highest Syrian Refugee population in the country, Michigan and the Midland Community have taken action. Maddy O'Callaghan | Managing Editor & Sonja Anderson | Features Editor & Danielle Julien | Staff Writer

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n Feb. 5, Dow High Senior really have anything,” Khan said. “So, got lots of donations at the Midland Russell got the idea after watching Manahil Khan spoke at an event they worked really hard, and their hard Mosque. We would send them to a documentary called Salam Neighbor at the Midland Islamic Center work motivates me to do hard work, Detroit and they would send them to about two Americans who live with that gathered over 400 people from all too, because I know with hard work refugees still in Syria,” Khan said. refugees around Syria’s border. around Mid-Michigan. As President of you can achieve a lot.”

Blessed Sacrament Youth Group “A bus ride either on Dial-a-Ride the Muslim Youth of Mid-Michigan, As well as incorporating acceptance Leader Kristyn Russell also helped or County Connection costs $2-3 one Khan was able to speak about the travel and drawing attention to the travel organize fundraisers benefiting way,” Russell said. “That’s less than my ban and refugee crisis from a youth ban, Khan and refugees, and cup of Starbucks coffee or a Tropical perspective. her youth group immigrants in Smoothie. It’s a real way to help and “It was like a meet-and-greet, so that have worked to general. Another welcome the stranger, the foreigner, to people of different faiths and races could help with the Youth Leader let them know we support [them] even come and just talk to each other about refugee crisis. Last suggested that if just through this small token.” all the stuff that’s been happening,” year, they held the students Outreach also had several guest Khan said. “So I talked about how it fundraisers, like should have some speakers come in, including an affected me and my family. When I was bake sales, at the tangible way to immigrant from Colombia and her asked [to speak], I thought it would be Midland Mosque reach out, so they language teachers. Sophomore Maya a good opportunity to talk about the and donated funds held a collection Albright, an outreach member for youth group and our involvement in to Samaritas, the to help transport two years, found the experience to be our community, and how we’re open to largest refugee refugees to the impactful. different religions and races.” resettlement Legacy Center for “The refugees are people just like us Khan became president of the agency in the state language classes. with good jobs and a stable life who Muslim Youth last year, and has been in of Michigan and “When you were just victims of their circumstance,” the organization since she was 12. Her the fourth-largest come to the U.S. Albright said. “[The speakers] impacted main goal as president is to understand in the nation. as a refugee or me by reminding me how fortunate I and show support for different faiths Samaritas helps orphanages and foster immigrant, the biggest cultural barrier am to live in the United States and how and races, and she was inspired to do so care programs, as well as refugees in is communication,” Russell said. “If I shouldn’t take for granted all of the by her family.

Detroit. you don’t know the language, then how opportunities that I am lucky enough “My parents, they got married while “We also had a fundraiser for clothes will you get a driver’s license to get to to have.” they were still living in Pakistan, and and jackets when it was winter and we classes to learn the language?”

Haseeb Moten spoke at the event at then they moved here, and they didn’t The Muslim Youth prepare clothes that will be sent to refugees in Detriot and those still in Syria through Samaritas. Danielle McGrew Tenbusch, Midland Daily News| Photo Courtesy 12 | FOCUS |MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com

"Refugees aren't really dangerous, they're just trying to escape from danger themselves."

Muslim Youth President Manahil Khan

the Islamic Center. He gave the crowd an update on statistics regarding Syrian refugees, and feels there is a benefit to listening to their stories.

"To understand each other's perspectives, we have to take the time to understand each others faiths," Moten said. "These events give people the opportunity to understand how others view the world and also to see the commonalities between all of us.

I think this event had a huge impact.

Over 400 people showed up, many of whom had never been to a mosque or even met a Muslim before. This opens the door for dialogue."

While Russell and Khan have both focused energy into assisting refugees, they also held a meet-and-greet at the Islamic Center to raise awareness about the recent travel ban, which restricted travel to the US from 7 predominately Muslim countries.

Senior Naria Paytas and her family are largely affected by the travel restrictions.

Paytas’ grandparents moved from Iran to America in the 1950s, and since, members of Paytas’ family have traveled back to Iran to visit their extended family. Her uncle was coming back from Iran when the 90-day ban was first put into place. He was able to get to the United States with no problems, but noticed the change of mood in the airports.

“He felt like the people had been saddened by the ban more than anything,” Paytas said.

In response to the U.S. travel ban, Iran banned Americans from coming into their country, and Paytas has already suffered the effects of this.

As an American citizen, she would currently not be able to enter Iran; her parents were planning to send her there on a trip as a graduation present.

“I saw a comment on Facebook saying ‘well who would want to go to Iran anyway?’,” Paytas said. “But I think for Iranian Americans, it does affect more people than others would believe.

And you’re kind of angry at your own country, you know, like let us in.”

Her grandmother was also planning another trip to Iran for her niece’s wedding during the 90-day period, but will now be unable to attend.

“People were saying, ‘it’s only 90 days, it’s only 90 days,’ but people don’t realize what happens in 90 days,” Paytas said. “People are born, people get married, people die.”

Although Paytas has seen the negative effects of the travel restrictions, she and her family feel they should have respect

NEWS

for other people’s viewpoint.

“My Grandpa has always told me, no matter what, respect your President,” Paytas said. “So I try to keep that in mind when someone’s talking about it. He says ‘People feel unsafe, and if people feel unsafe and they need to feel safe, and they think this is the best way, then this is the best way.’”

Both Paytas and Khan’s families came to America from Middle Eastern countries to seek better lives and more opportunity. For this reason, both feel that people should be accepting of refugees, especially considering the current conditions in Syria.

“Refugees aren’t really dangerous, they’re just trying to escape from danger themselves,” Khan said. “Everybody here basically is an immigrant, except for Native Americans, and they came here for a better life and more opportunities for their family, and that’s just what the refugees want, too.”

Khan has been pleased with the accepting community of Midland, and feels that the town has done a lot to assist in the crisis. Russell, as a youth leader, feels it is important for Midland to be welcoming.

“We are all human beings sharing a common humanity before we are associated with any religion,” Russell said. “When we see a fellow human in need or in danger, our initial response should be to help, to alleviate their burden."

Over 400 people attended the Islamic Center Meet-and-Greet on February 5, 2017 to listen to guest speakers. Danielle McGrew Tenbusch, Midland Daily News| Photo Courtesy

A LOCALIZED LOOK

13 | FOCUS |MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com

Exceptional Students

FEATURES

PASSION FOR SUCCESS With all Senior Matt Gordon’s achievements and involvements, he gives the term over-achiever a good name. Ellie Jensen | Opinion Editor & Paige Murphy | Staff Writer & Lillian Mohr | Staff Writer

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hen senior Matt Gordon gets home from school, his day is just beginning. His responsibilities include balancing his five honors classes, his duties as NHS president, symphonic and jazz band, and orchestra.

“Everyone says I’m an overachiever, which I probably am,” Gordon said.

Gordon has a passion for learning and success. He said that devoting a significant amount of time and energy into things that he cares about has led to an enjoyable high school experience, despite the lack of free time.

“There isn’t a problem with being really involved if you balance your lifestyle,” Gordon said.

With everything that Gordon has accomplished, there are many things for his mother Karrie Gordon to be proud of, but Karrie said she is more proud of his character rather than all of the things he has done.

“I’m proud of the fact that Matthew knows who he is and he is unwilling to compromise that for anyone or anything.” Karrie said.

Karrie describes Matt as a driven learner with a tenacious, laser-focused work ethic. Prior to this year, she said his family used to have to force him to stop working and allow himself to have fun.

“Something I wasn’t really good at was actually enjoying high school, appreciating the fun,” Matt said. “It’s important to soak in all the benefits of the social interactions in high school.”

To become a successful high school student, Matt has been very disciplined and organized with his school work.

One way that this is shown is through his leadership role as the President of National Honor Society. NHS advisor Brendon Smith said he is very dedicated to the organization and his responsibilities.

“He’s organized and very reliable,” Smith said. “Anytime I ask him to do something, I know it will be done.”

Besides academic achievements, Matt

is also the trombone section leader.

Symphonic band has been Matt’s favorite high school experience.

“There’s such a sense of community,” Matt said. “ [It’s] really fulfilling to do that with a group of people I’ve been with for four years. I love music, I love doing it with people.”

Aside from school activities, Matt is involved in the Midland County Youth Action Council, for which he holds the Public Relations Chair. This promotes philanthropy and community service within the city. In this council, Matt helps to decide how grants will be utilized to benefit the youth.

Along with Matt’s influence on the school, he has influenced his brother, junior Ben, greatly. Ben said he strives to be more like him and to be as motivated as he is.

“Ever since I can remember, I’ve always looked up to him,” Ben said.

“The effort he exerts into everything he does is unlike anyone I’ve ever known.”

Along with his effort, Ben also sees Matt’s sympathetic side as a trait that will make him successful in the future.

“His compassion for people in one of the things that makes him such a hard worker. His desire to have a great future isn’t just for himself, but so that he gains the tools necessary to help others.”

After high school, Matt hopes to pursue a career in chemical engineering.

He is interested in the designing of new drugs. His interest in pharmaceuticals emerged from his experience living in Bolivia and seeing the poverty within the country. His goal is to improve and design new drugs and their production in order to make them more accessible to the public.

“To be able to impact the lives of those struggling with crippling diseases would be incredibly fulfilling,” Matt said. “My desire is to play a part in doing what the best engineers have accomplished: e x p e r i m e n t i n g , i n n o va t i n g , a n d inspiring, all with the end goal of making the world a better place.”

14 | FOCUS | MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com

After high school, Gordon plans on attending college to study chemical engineering. Fischer Genau | Photo

Exceptional Students

FEATURES

FLYING FOR FUN

Makenna Staudacher poses next to the plane that she flies with during her training at the Bay City James Clement Airport. Fischer Genau|Photo

Makenna Staudacher’s inherited talent and hard work during her lessons has led her to a unique passion for aviation. Hannah Smith|Staff Writer & Theo Rammidi|Staff Writer

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s freshman Makenna Staudacher prepares to fly her airplane, her adrenaline was at a all time high.

She first begins with inspecting the plane inside and out. Starting with the oil and fuel levels, and then double checking that there are no damages to the airplane.

Then she proceeds to get into the plane where she buckles up and closes the door. Then she starts the engine and checks the oil pressure, suction, and magnetos. After this lengthy process, it is finally time to go on the runway for take-off.

Beginning at a young age, Staudacher has come to love flying airplanes in her free time. Aviation runs in Staudacher’s blood, as she is related to 10 pilots. Each of her family members who is a pilot serves as an inspiration to her dream of flying.

At only three years old, Staudacher rode in an airplane for the first time. Nine years later she took control of the plane in her first flight as a pilot. In the summer, Staudacher would fly once a week, and during the school year, she tries to get out and fly once a month, in order to practice her skills regularly.

Staudacher said she has learned a lot about herself and the act of flying in general.

“Be confident but don’t be cocky because that will get you in a lot of trouble,” Staudacher said.

Staudacher said her favorite part about

flying is the take-off. She explained the high she gets when she is up in the air.

“When you’re in the air it is peaceful yet hectic,” Staudacher said.

Dave Huiskens, Staudacher’s flight instructor, flies with her at the Bay City James Clements Airport. Huiskens said he sees tremendous growth in Staudacher since her first lesson this past summer.

“As an instructor, I see Makenna's confidence and demeanor improving each and every flight,” Huiskens said.

“She smiles a lot at the airport. That tells me she is well-suited to become one of us.”

Suzy Kryzanowicz, the owner of the plane Staudacher flies, has known the Staudacher family since 1998.

Krzyanowicz said that Staudacher’s grandfather was very influential in her flying career. She now repays the favor as she flies with Staudacher once a month.

Krzyanowicz has been flying since 1993. She said Staudacher has a very bright future in her journey of becoming a pilot.

“Not many females take on flying, but those that do really excel, I believe Makenna will be no different,” Krzyanowicz said. “I look forward to her flying me around one day.”

Krzyanowicz along with Huiskens recommend flying to anyone who has an interest.

“It's totally attainable, but it won't be

This Beechcraft Bonanza is owned by Suzy Krzyanowicz, a family friend of the Staudacher’s. It is stored in Bay City at the James Clement Airport. Fischer Genau|Photo handed to you, you do have to work either Delta or United Airlines. towards it and earn it,” Krzyanowicz Staudacher’s next big milestone in said. her quest to becoming a pilot will be Huiskens said that all of the benefits her 16th birthday. At 16 years old, a of flying come with a price: and that is student can perform their first solo all of the hard work and dedication it ride. That important day as well as her takes to become a pilot. Huiskens teaches 17th birthday, when she can receive nearly 25 students, and this is something her private pilot’s license, are huge he stresses to them during each lesson. accomplishments in a pilot’s lifetime.

“Those that are receptive to all the Krzyanowicz and Huiskens said her hard work, such as Makenna, become determination and dedication will lead very confident and inspiring people,” her in the right direction to pursuing Huiskens said. her dream.

Staudacher said she loves to fly and “I am very pleased to have Makenna thoroughly enjoys her lessons with her training in our aircraft,” Krzyanowicz instructor. Staudacher plans on pursuing said. “She is a breath of fresh air at the aviation as a career and hopes to fly for airport.”

15 | FOCUS | MARCH 10, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

Exceptional Students

FEATURES

CARVING A PASSION Freshman Macklan Gay has created many artistic projects with wood since he was in elementary school.

Holly Stauffer | Staff Writer & Emma McLaren | Staff Writer & Kaylee Zariski | Staff Writer Gay begins careful work applying a spindle bowl gouge to shape the bowl, which he makes using his lathe. Hadley Morden | Photo

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rom ornate bowls to an entire cabin, creating bowls. This began when he was freshman Macklan Gay has created given a lathe, a machine for shaping a variety of projects through the wood, for Christmas at the age of nine. unique skill of woodworking. He was “ H e t o o k it p as t w hat I taught able to develop and learn the skills early him,” Kameron said. “He’s a kid who on and make them his own as he grew constantly has to do something, so in appreciation for the trade. His father, during the winter when he was trapped Kameron Gay, was a great influence in indoors he would work all night long this aspect of his life. on stuff.”

“I remember when he was three years Often, Macklan will give bowls or old and I was working on remodeling other pieces as gifts to family members our house,” Kameron said. “I had a and loved ones. sander in the driveway and I went in the house to work on something, and “I’ve learned to never when I came back out, he had pulled a piece of wood out of the trash and had give up because you figured out how to turn on the sander come across a lot of and was sanding the piece of wood,” Kameron said. problems.That’s part of Macklan’s early interest was sparked from his father’s work as a carpenter, the woodworking skill, not who was very supportive of his hobby. giving up and finishing.”

“My dad has supplied me with all the tools and wood and taught me everything, and watching him throughout my childhood helped,” Macklan said. As Macklan entered high school, he enrolled in the woodshop class at Midland High. Woodshop teacher “I made a bowl for my mom that was Kevin Dodick noticed his exceptional out of a cherry burl, which is a piece of skills as he watched him at work in the wood that’s basically a knot from a tree,” classroom.

Macklan said.

“He is very self-sufficient, you really Although Macklan does not plan on don’t have to give him any attention,” turning woodworking into a career, he is Dodick said. “He just moves from one passionate about the trade. He hopes to project to the next and you probably carry on the hobby for the rest of his life. don’t even have to talk to him.”

“I like seeing the outcome and the art,” While Macklan has created many Macklan said. “My whole family does it. I different things, both he and his father like being recognized for a unique skill.” agree that he is especially talented at Both Macklan and Kameron, as well 16 | FOCUS | MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com

Freshman Macklan Gay

as Dodick, agree that woodworking is not only a hobby, but a life skill that has many benefits.

“Macklan will know how to do things around the house so he doesn’t have to hire people like me,” Kameron said.

The hands-on aspect of the trade teaches woodworkers to reflect on their decisions and develop better ways to create their projects.

“It’s for the kids who like working with their hands,” Dodick said. “It’s not your typical sitting at a desk classroom.

There’s a lot of skills you can learn, whether it’s using tools or problem solving.”

Macklan agrees that this technique allows him to become a better woodworker. By solving the problems he comes across, he feels that he grows both in the trade and personally.

“I’ve learned to never give up because you come across a lot of problems and you have to use problem solving to overcome them,”Macklan said. “That’s part of the woodworking skill, not giving up and finishing.”

As far as being a talented and exceptional woodworker, passion and safety both play a role. Being able to learn from mistakes also makes an impact.

“It takes somebody who can see things before they’re built and have a vision,” Dodick said. “You have to have problem solving skills and knowledge and safety of tools, using the correct tool for the job that’s going to be most efficient. There’s a lot of things that cut wood, but a talented woodworker sees which one is right for the job.”

1

2

3 1) Gay works in his shop located in his home.

2) He has crafted a variety of different pieces.

3) Gay works on what will become a bowl made from colored pencils. Hadley Morden | Photos

A&E

MAGNIFICENT MUSICIAN

S e n i o r Z a c h M o n i c a has been involved in music since fifth grade.

N o w h e s h a r e s h i s passion and enthusiasm for music across t h e m u s i c p r o g r a m . Hayley Russell|Exchange Editor & Hailey Surbrook|Ads Coordinator & Matt Olenczuk|Staff Writer

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enior Zach Monica was hooked on music ever since freshman year band camp. He wanted to jump into everything that he possibly could in the music program. He became a drum major this year and says it has changed his perspective on band “Being a drum major this year has been insane,” Monica said. “I can say I felt like I was a part of something, but there was something pessimistic about, in the back of my mind, I felt like I was just another dot in the field. Being a drum major absolutely destroyed that notion for me. It made band seem so much more important.”

Monica started playing french horn in fifth grade. Since then, he has taken up trombone, tuba, and most recently he has joined the Meistersingers.

Fellow drum major Jordan Gonder has gotten to know Monica and said that he has a large amount of energy that helps band go smoothly.

“He not only appreciates music but he respects it,” Gonder said. “You can like a piece of music and enjoy how it sounds, but Zach takes it to another level. He respects how it’s created. He does more than just read [the music] off the page, he creates something out of it.”

Gonder said throughout his years in band Zach has taught people how to be more passionate about band. Monica has a lot of passion and enthusiasm for music and he shares it with everyone, Gonder added.

“He taught me how to be more up beat and to spread your passion for music, not just for yourself and creating it but

through other people and that’s what I thank him for,” Gonder said. “I thank him for it every day, just showing me how to be a much better person.”

Band Director Bill Monroe has seen a lot of growth in Monica over the years. Monroe said that Monica is very enthusiastic, especially in regards to band.

“He was much quieter before,” Monroe said. “His vision of what the band is, expanded to just beyond himself and his section and the people around him to now other sections and other bands. Thinking about long traditions like french horn choir, Zach’s whole vision of what band is has gone beyond.”

Monica has a strong connection with band and the people in it. “ Z a c h cares so much about other people and the groups that he is in,” Monroe said.

“Zach cares so much and that feeds into everything else that he does. Students like him because he cares so much for everyone.”

Last semester Monica joined the Meistersingers. Choir Director Daniel F a r i s o n a d d e d t h a t h e wa s ve r y impressed by Monica’s voice. Farison added that he fit in nicely.

“It’s wonderful, he’s got a wonderful tenor voice and he picks up music really, really quick,” Farison said. “He’s a very fine musician. He was able to join Meistersingers at semester, which is no small feat, and he was able to fit right in immediately. [He] carries

“Zach cares so much and that feeds into everything else that he does.”

Band Director Bill Monroe

his own weight, and has absolutely added to the ensemble.”

Farison thought that Monica being added into the class was a good fit.

Monica’s voice fit i n ve r y nice too.

“A s far as I can tell as the director, [ I couldn’t] tell, there was no adjustment period,” Farison said. “He jumped in both feet first, and was kicking with us right away. It honestly felt like he’d been [in the class] for the whole time.”

Monica’s proudest moment in his band career was during showcase this year when he conducted “Music of the Night” from “Phantom of the Opera.”

“Seeing that moment, it would always make me tear up and give me chills,” M o n i c a s a i d . “ Wa t c h i n g everyone come together to hear this amazing moment that was going on for everyone.”

Mo nic a p lans to atte nd Central Michigan University next year to study to become a music educator.

“I am going to play in their ensemble there for french horn and I’ll be learning all about music theory,” Monica said.

“Music will be a part of my life forever.”

Senior Zach Monica with his french horn. He’s been in band since fifth grade. Maddy O’Callaghan|Photo

17 | FOCUS | MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com

WE’RE IN MOTION

A&E

InMotion dance academy has been teaching dance for 14 years, has attracted many Midland High Students and inspired many more.

Josh Danielson|Managing Web Editor & Anna Wright|Staff Writer & Olivia Barber|Staff Writer

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ve n b e f o r e I n M o t i o n D a n c e academy was running as a full time studio, founder Katherine Gracer has been teaching dance lessons.

“A lot of our kids who started out as babies are now still there, either teaching, or as adults, and now they have kids who are taking dance here.” Gracer said.

Since opening her studio in 2003, InMotion has been teaching generations of dancers, from eighteen months all the way to eighty years old. In Motion teaches a variety of classes, for many different age ranges, one of the largest being teenagers, many of which who go to Midland High.

“We have around fifty students from Midland High who go here,” Gracer said. “I love teaching teenagers; each age range presents it sets of challenges, but I really like them all.”

Junior Kady Booth has just recently started her dance career, and goes to InMotion to get better at dancing for musical theatre.

“I do a lot of musical theatre, and you have to be good at dance to do well in shows,” Booth said. “Dancing is a big part of musical theatre, and I just really wanted to excel in that.”

Gracer has been Booth’s instructor for the past two years, and has seen Booth progress as a dancer.

“Kady brings so much life to the class,” Gracer said. “She is just so fun, and bubbly, and loud in a good way, it’s very lively.”

At In Motion, Booth learns a variety of dances, which is a large asset in her musical theatre abilities. Other than

learning dance for her theatre purposes, Kady also genuinely loves dancing, and finds joy in the art that she creates.

“When I’m dancing, my mind is cleared and I can just focus on my movements in that moment,” Booth said. “I’ve always liked dancing, but I’ve only ever done it in shows I’ve been in. It wasn’t until I joined InMotion that I started to realize that I love to dance.

Some people are really great and can draw or paint amazing things. I just do that in the dance studio or onstage instead of on a canvas.”

Although Booth learns a large variety of dances, such as ballet, tap, and jazz, her favorite dance style is lyrical.

“A l l o f t h e dance styles are really fun and cool but lyrical is definitely the most pretty,” Booth said. “I like how free it is, and how expressive you can be when dancing lyrical.”

Like Booth, Junior Olivia Langley dances at In Motion, but has been dancing for much longer.

“I started dancing when I was three,” Langley said. “My mom placed me in a tap class, and I haven’t been able to stop ever since.”

Originally, Langley attended Dean Black school of Dance, but switched to In Motion when the competitive atmosphere was too intense for her to enjoy.

“Everything was really competitive there,” Langley said. “I’m not working towards being a professional dancer. I just want to have a good time.”

“I’m not working towards being a professional dancer.

I just want to have a good time.”

Junior Olivia Langley

18 | FOCUS | MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com

Juniors Allyssa Frasher and Olivia Langley circle up with other dancers at their hip hop dance practice. These practices take place on every Tuesday. Olivia Barber|Photo

Gracer (second from left) and her ballet students warming up Thursday evening.

Gracer has fifty students from Midland High she instructs. Olivia Barber|Photo Langley found her place at In Motion, and felt immediately at home in the dance studio. But not only did she find a friendly atmosphere, she was still challenged as a dancer.

“They were really welcoming from the start,” Langley said. “They really make us feel like we can achieve the new moves they put in our routines.”

Langley also learns a variety of dance styles, but her favorite style is hip-hop.

She enjoys this style because she likes the attitude, and fast pace of these dances.

To Langley however, the best part about In Motion is not the dances, or the learning, but the people.

“I really like the people,” Langley said.

“They’re all really friendly, and kind. It’s a great place to dance and I’m proud to be there.”

Gracer helps a student point her toes whilst teaching her ballet class, one of many styles offered. Olivia Barber|Photo

MAKING MUSIC A&E

A PREVIEW OF MUSIC FEST 2017

March 17 6:30 pm MHS cafeteria Admission $3.00

Sarah Evans

Lauren Curtis|Staff Writer & Hadley Morden| Staff Writer & Hannah Kohtz|Staff Writer

Sarah Evans is a vocal soloist who has been performing since she was in fourth grade. She describes herself as having an alternative folk style with jazz influences. She has performed at Rhapsody Rendezvous, The Loch Coffee Co. and will be performing at Live Oak coffee house March 10 at 6 p.m. She plays the ukulele and will be performing a mix of covers as well as an original.

LeLand Blue LeLand Blue is newly-formed indie rock band consisting of junior Connor Robertson, seniors Ben Robertson and Satchel Robertson, and MHS alumni Elliot Miller. LeLand Blue will be performing several original songs at Music Fest on Friday, March 17. Ben Robertson and Elliot Miller are the guitars and vocals of the group. Connor Robertson is the band’s drummer, and Satchel Robertson plays bass and vocals for the group. All of the band members have been making music since elementary school.

19 | FOCUS | MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com

OP/ED

What music can do Ella Colbert

I

have gone through various phases of musical interests.

When I was younger, I mostly listened to pop music, then Broadway musical soundtracks, alternative music, and a couple months of solely the Beastie Boys (they’re great, check out “Shake Your Rump”). About three years ago, I began listening to rap music. I started out really light, with the rap that isn’t really rap- Logic, G-Eazy, Chance the Rapper, then transitioned into what can only be described as real rap music- Kodak Black, Young Thug, Travis Scott.

Listening to rap music does not make someone a degenerate or an idiot.

Rap music often gets a bad reputation. People say things like, “It’s just noise,” “It’s all about getting money and women,” or “Rappers are all just a bunch of thugs.”

Yes, some rap music is inappropriate and sensationalizes illegal activities, but that is not all that it is. Rap music is a statement. Often times, it gives a voice to the voiceless and spreads awareness of important issues. Especially issues occurring in areas that the country often ignores: the innercities.

A couple months ago, I was listening to J. Cole’s

recent album 4 Your Eyez Only and heard a lyric that nearly brought me to tears.

Supposedly, the album was created for a friend who was dealing with a dangerous situation and feared he might lose his life soon. Before he died, the friend requested that Cole release the album for his daughter to remember him.

“Unlike pop or country music, rap has the ability to be incredibly powerful.”

In Cole’s “4 Your Eyes Only” he raps,“I dedicate these words to you and all the other children affected by the mass incarceration in this nation that sent your pops to prison when he needed education.”

To me, the song was powerful in that it dealt with issues of the justice system, as well as the people (not just criminals) who are affected by it. These are prevalent issues in this country today, but are not often discussed.

Kodak Black’s “Tunnel Vision” was released recently,

with a very powerful video accompanying it. The video switched between a cut of Kodak dancing and rapping in front of a burning cross with KKK members in the background, and a violent interaction between a white man wearing a ‘Make America Hate Again’ hat and an African-American man. The struggle between the two ends abruptly with a little girl saying “stop.” Although the video in itself was a great example of social commentary, the lyrics also were incredibly moving, with lines like, “Lil Kodak they don’t like to see you winning/ they want to see you in a penitentiary.”

In the 90s, “Gansta rap” music was essentially created by a group called N.W.A. The group used its music as a medium for speaking out against issues that were typically brushed off by society. In one of their most famous songs, “F*** tha Police,” N.W.A. raps about issues of racial discrimination and police brutality, with the lyrics, “A young n**** got it bad cause I’m brown / And not the other color so police think / They have the authority to kill a minority.”

Unlike most pop or country music, rap has the ability to be incredibly powerful.

While Taylor Swift produces songs that deal with a recent break-up, Kendrick Lamar raps about racial profiling.

Rap music brings to light current social issues in a way that most major news sources cannot. It has the ability to express real stories of frustration about important issues with a good beat and in under three minutes.

Follow Ella Colbert on Twitter and Instagram @ellacolbert9

Most Powerful Rap Songs:

Paranoia Straight Outta Compton 4 Your Eyez Only Chance The Rapper N.W.A. J Cole 20 | FOCUS | MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com

Tunnel Vision Kodak Black

Take It or Leave It Do you want the good news or the bad news first?

TAKE IT

Mahershala Ali becomes the first Muslim person to win an Oscar for his appearance in Moonlight.

LEAVE IT There have been recent bomb threats at Jewish Community Centers in 33 states.

LEAVE IT

TAKE IT

McDonald’s is planning to soon offer delivery services.

The U.K.’s tallest man (7’7”) and Game of Thrones actor Neil Fingleton died at age 36.

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OP/ED

Past the Fences Hope O’Dell

T

hroughout my 14-year softball career, most of the coaches I’ve had only cared about their own daughters. They paid no mind to me, the chubby third basemen that scooped up every grounder hit her way. Once I got to middle school, I remained just another player pushed into the dugout without second thought.

And then I had Coach Ig. Freshman year, that’s when the two-year journey of raising my “softball IQ,” as she put it, started. But more importantly, I started to learn the importance of being as great off the field as you are on the field.

I timidly shuffled my way into the gym for tryouts.

Despite losing twenty pounds over the summer, I still saw myself as the chubby-cheeked 13-year-old who tripped over her own feet while attempting to steal home plate.

Fortunately, at tryouts I only tripped when no one was looking; I made the junior varsity team.

That was when I learned my first lesson: You don’t always get what you think you deserve. I’ll admit, I was a little cocky. I thought I deserved the starting spot at first base. If only I was as good at first base as I was arrogant. But I wasn’t, so I was stuck in left field for half of the game.

Coach Ig knew I wasn’t happy about this. But she insisted that my hard work at

first base and in the outfield would pay off. She was right; my sophomore year I played first base for every inning of every game.

As I think of the second lesson, the only thing that comes to mind is the word serendipity. Unbeknownst to my coach, during my sophomore year I went through a breakup, and it was making me lose focus during

“I started to learn the importance of being as great off the field as you are on the field.” softball. Then Coach Ig said, “Once you get past the fences and onto the field, all of your problems outside of this should go away. This should become your life.” I took her words to heart, and for two hours a day I finally got some escape from my hormonefueled angst.

The most important lesson from Coach Ig wasn’t anything she said; it was how she was. Coach Ig has multiple sclerosis, which is a disease that attacks the nervous system. She told us this at the first practice: it would cause her to forget things a

HIGHLIGHTS

Freshman Year

Going undefeated in the SVL

Hitting three triples in one game

lot and she couldn’t do all of the things physically that other coaches might be able to do. But this didn’t change anything; she was still an amazing coach. She relied on her players as much as we relied on her, and this led to a stronger bond.

Coach also taught me the importance of volunteering.

Both of the years I spent on JV, our team volunteered to help with the MS walk, an event to raise money for the National MS Society. We helped set up the event, folded t-shirts, and cheered for the walkers as they crossed the finish line.

Watching people push their loved ones and those who have struggled with movement due to their MS make it across finish line was a sight to see.

The pride that washed over their faces left me feeling that weird warm and fuzzy feeling that I thought was reserved for the characters in Hallmark movies and people much better than I. But I felt it, I was bigger than myself in that moment. I was getting nothing out of it; but, at the same time I was getting everything out of it.

Unfortunately, this past season was Coach Ig’s last.

But I will cherish the time I spent as her player. More importantly, I will never forget the lessons she taught me.

Because in the end, one day my softball career will be over.

The grounders I used to snatch up with ease will roll past my glove and in between my legs.

The lessons I learned from her have shaped me into who I am today. Unlike the skills she taught me, the character she built in me will remain.

And you can be sure I plan on being at that finish line this year.

Follow Hope O’Dell on Twitter @odell_hope and on Instagram @hope_odell11

Sophomore Year Volunteering at the MS Walk

Playing first base every inning

Being voted captain by my teammates

Winning a special award from Coach

@HumansofMidlandHigh A feature of Chemics who have a story.

Abby Avery

last time I laughed “reallyThehard was when I was

at a Mexican restaurant with my family and my mom told the waitress she likes her guacamole the way she likes her men; thick and chunky. And then proceeded to stare at my dad. I am very thankful that my family raised me to have a good sense of humor.

”

21 | FOCUS | MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com

Musical Moments

T

here are moments in life that will stick with me forever. Moments where you just know that you lived through something special.

Powerful moments that you can’t shake. And in my life, all of these moments have occurred through the power of music.

You always hear stories of these types of moments, and while listening to them, you say to yourself, “Wow, cool. That’s awesome.” But you never know what it’s really like until you live through one.

Most recently, I experienced this during singing valentines at Siebert Elementary. The Meistersingers had been commissioned to sing a valentine to one of the lunch ladies at the school. Behind schedule, and stressed out, we rushed in the building, ready to knock another valentine off our list. Just another valentine.

Quickly, we sang “Stand By Me” to the lunch lady and her coworkers, with not much of an audience, except for one very special little girl. In the hallway adjacent to where we were singing, there was a little girl dancing to the sound of our music.

But she wasn’t like everyone else.

This girl that was bopping along to the beat, was born without eyes. She had never had the ability to see anything.

Josh Danielson

The world without sight was one she had known all her life.

To me, her happiness was very ironic. How could she be so happy and content with the music we were singing if she couldn’t see the performance we were giving? The charm of singing valentines was in the performance, along with the singing, everyone knows that.

“As we finished the song, I looked around the mass of people watching us serenade this girl who was so filled with joy, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the entire school”

Yet, she continued to bop along, unaware of the dances we were doing, the expressions on our faces.

We finished our song, and were ready to move on to the next location, when as we were leaving, we all were caught by the small words of our little admirer.

“More! Do more! Do more!”

We had a schedule to keep, we honestly didn’t have time for another impromptu valentine.

But how could one ever say no to the joyful face of a little girl so moved by one song?

A n d s o , we s t a r t e d o u r acapella rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”

As soon as we started into the first verse of the song we had already performed time and time again, people rushed out of classrooms left and right, elementary school kids, excited to hear a song they actually knew.

It was once we got to the chorus that something very powerful happened. She started singing. I still don’t know what about her joining us in song was so powerful, but as soon as she did, I started to cry uncontrollably.

Maybe it was the happiness you could hear in her voice, or the smile she had when she sang, or even the sway that she had when she sang. Whatever it was, it moved me beyond words.

As we finished the song, I looked around the mass of people who were watching us serenade this joyful girl, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the entire school.

Music has this unbelievable ability to move people beyond words, in a way that is unexplainable.

To be honest, it’s easy to say that you love music and that it can be very powerful, but living through a moment where you genuinely feel the power of music, is life changing.

To me, that is why I do music, so I can see the impact that music has on the lives of others, like our little girl.

Follow Josh Danielson on Instagram @josh.danielson

58 Anophthalmia 2/3 Valentines The dis e as e in w hich The number of valentines my group delivered on the 14th

people are born without eyes

22 | FOCUS | MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com

@HumansofMidlandHigh

OP/ED

of all Anophthalmia cases are genetic

A feature of Chemics who have a story.

Spencer Houle

“

Although I was moving to live in California, it was for such a short amount of time that it feels like it was a long trip. In my town Livermore I met so many amazing and diverse people. Every direction I l o o ke d we r e b e a u t i f u l foothills, palm trees, and blue skies. On the weekends traveling into San Fransico eating authentic Asian food in Chinatown, going down to Fisherman’s Wharf and just strolling around the city was an overall profound cultural and growing experience.

”

Sincerely, a Veteran’s Daughter

STAY FOCUSED! FOLLOW THE FOCUS ONLINE mhsfocus.com

A

s a veteran’s daughter, most people would expect me to stand up each morning during the Pledge of Allegiance, but that’s actually far from the truth. Normally, I am sitting down scratching new story ideas on a piece of paper or doodling in the corner of a homework assignment that’s only half completed.

I never believed that sitting down would cause a problem considering the fact that many of my classmates also do not stand up. In their defense, they are not forced to stand up, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t irk me.

It actually wasn’t considered a problem until one day, I was actually reprimanded by a teacher for not standing up. Although I could see her point of view on the whole argument, I didn’t think she understood mine, nor did she want to. In retrospect, I don’t believe I should’ve gotten so angry with her, but I don’t regret it in the slightest.

She knew of my situation and I had told her multiple times before as to why I don’t stand, but she either didn’t remember or think it was a good excuse.

As someone who grew up constantly having to switch schools and spend a majority of my life without my father, I figured sitting down wouldn’t necessarily be a big deal. This is one of those cases where someone just doesn’t seem to comprehend the meaning of certain things because they themselves haven’t lived the same way I have.

It’s almost surreal to realize just how different living in a regular town is compared to living on a military base. On a military base, the people are kinder and have more respect for one another. As horrible as it sounds, many of the citizens in this town will only respect you if you are like them or are in the same social status as they are.

On a military base, there is a sort of unity that forms between the people living there. We all know what each other has been through and there is seemingly no discrimination for who

you are, because we have all been through the same things.

Not living on a military base sometimes requires a lot of patience for the other people around you. They don’t understand, so it’s quite difficult to relate to someone on a personal level.

A vast amount of kids at this school see their parents almost every day, whereas I only get to see my father for a few weeks a year. Each time I hear someone complaining about how they won’t be able to see their mother or father for a few weeks because of a business trip of some sort, I have to hold my tongue in hopes I don’t say “I know people who would love to see their mom or dad that much within a year”, because it would be considered rude.

Despite some of the drawbacks, being the child of a veteran has its perks. For instance, when someone asks me what my father does for a living, I simply respond with “Oh, he hunts terrorists.” And the conversation usually ends right then and there.

Another perk is being able to tell people that I have lived out of the country, and watching their eyes widen is always quite comical. I suppose that hearing something like that isn’t exactly common in this small town.

Standing for the Pledge of Allegiance is a symbol of patriotism to many.

Knowing that my father, along with other men and women, gave their all is my symbol of patriotism.

Even though I am the child of a veteran, I don’t stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, but it’s not because I’m rude or seeking attention from anyone (whose opinions don’t phase me either way). I don’t stand because I have already given up enough. I sacrificed my childhood with my father for the wellbeing of this country. Anyone who has waved their mother, father, brother, sister, or anyone they love goodbye shouldn’t be required to stand up when they already gave away the person they love.

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23 | FOCUS | MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com

OP/ED

With spring break coming up, The Focus decided to try some P90X workouts to get a spring break body.

Annaliese Hohner | Staff Writer & Quinlan Cox | Staff Writer

Day 14 (3/3/17)

Annaliese Hohner doing one of the P90X ab workouts, this one called Crunchy Frog Maddy O’Callaghan | Photo

Day 1 (2/16/17)

When beginning P90X, the first video I decided to watch was chest and back. When I was younger, I used to watch my mom do workout videos, so I figured that it wouldn’t be too hard. I have never been more wrong in my entire life. One of the requirements for this video was to have a pull up bar and some light dumbbells, but if neither were to be available, you should use a rubber workout band in slightly modified versions of the workout.

The sets for this video consisted of solely push ups and pull ups, and after the first set, my arms were already turning to Jell-O. Each set of the different push ups and pull ups lasted a minute long, and they kept going back and forth with very few water breaks for 52 minutes. For someone who is trying to add some muscle to their back and their chest, this is a great video that will definitely push you hard enough.

At Home Workouts

Today was my last day for the trial of P90X, and the workout that I decided to try was the leg and back workout. Much of the workout consisted of different types of squats, wall sits, lunges, and more pull ups.

When the video first started, I was feeling pretty comfortable opening up with some balance lunges, where I put my back leg on a chair and did some lunges. Following that was a squatting and calf raise exercise, and I began to feel a slight burn in my legs.

After every few leg workouts, you would get a break with some pull ups, but by the end your legs had this natural bend in them and a strong desire to collapse.

The workouts that had the most effect in this video were the 90 second wall sits and the lunges.

Day 7 (2/23/17) After doing P90X for a week, it is still pretty challenging, but now I find myself feeling more prepared for what’s to come. The next video I decided to try was cardio, which lasts only around 42 minutes. The first 15 minutes consisted of yoga with no chance of a break, working the upper body and the thighs. This warmed me up for the workouts that would follow. After yoga, it broke off to more active workouts, to get the whole body involved. Opening up the active workouts was some punching and kicking that continued for 10 minutes, transforming the workout to feel like a kick boxing class. Finally, to finish off the cardio, there was a lot of plyometrics involving a lot of jumping and workouts with constant movement. The cardio video did a good job of helping to work up a sweat and for someone who still wants the muscle tone but not the bulk, the cardio video is the perfect video to add on to other workouts.

Elevated Bicycle Using your hands to elevate yourself, you move your legs - as slow as you can - in circles like you’re riding your bike. In P90X, you do this for around a minute.

V-sit In a semi-fast movement, move your legs and upper body at the same time to reach and form a “V” shape. Do this for a good pace for a minute, or do 20 as controlled as you can.

Russian Twists Keeping your arms as straight as possible, twist your shoulders back and forth with your feet off the ground while keeping as upright as possible.

Do this 50 times or for a minute.

Squats

Side Jumps

Start standing upright, Starting balanced on then bend your knees one leg, jump back and as close to a 90 degree forth to the other leg and angle as possible and get in a leaned forward squat down. Try to keep position to engage more your heels on the ground controlled muscle to and when more weight balance yourself. Do this is added, keep your for a minute, and repeat 3 back straight and use a times. spotter. Do 3 reps of 10 or do it timed for a minute at a good page.

One-legged Wall Squat With your back leaned up against the wall and your legs bent 90 degrees, lift one leg and hold it there for 30 seconds to a minute, then switch to the other leg. Do this once, take a slight break, and then proceed to do it again 2 more times.

Annaliese Hohner doing P90X ab and leg workouts Maddy O’Callaghan | Photo 24 | FOCUS | MARCH 10, 2017 | mhsfocus.com