May 27th Senior Issue

THE

FOCUS

Midland High School | May 27, 2016 | Volume 38, Issue 9

4-8 11 12-13

Inside the senior edition:

Hall of fame

Senior survey

Best, worst, and most likely to Will Hackbarth | Photo Illustration

Julia Quinn

The Boston breakfast club

I

f you had asked me one month ago if I was sad about graduating, I would have said, without hesitation, “No, I can’t wait to get out of this place!” Ask me now and I would most definitely reply differently.

After a weekend spent in Boston for the Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference, with people I would’ve never imagined calling my friends, I’ve come to realize some of my biggest regrets about my time spent here.

Although our high school “cliques” are not as segregated as in movies like High School Musical and The Bratz Movie - the cheerleaders, the chemistry nerds, and the disco dorks – they do exist; we all have our core friend groups.

I’ve never been one to approach a group of people or attempt making new friends; but by joining BPA, I was forced to step out of my comfort zone and socialize with more than my posse of six journalism geeks.

My weekend started out with people that I faintly recognized, only by grade, but it was on the very first night in Boston that I realized how not-so-different we really were. It didn’t seem to matter what group we came from or who we were at school. Our Midland drama and lives seemed to fade away for these five days.

I like to compare our late night talks, uncontrollable laugh attacks, and explorations together to a scene from The Breakfast Club.

For those who are unfamiliar with this classic, the story is based in a high school detention where five American stereotypes are forced to spend the day together - the jock, the burnout, the princess, the “basket case”, and the nerd.

We were “the Boston Breakfast Club.”

Similarly, all of us came from various backgrounds; but rather than the typical stereotypes, I’ll refer to each of us as a different animal, created from a hand motion

Moments to Remember • • • •

OPINION

Running straight into a glass advertisement box Rollerblading down the Freedom Trail Playing monkey-on-the-ground in the Boston playgrounds Playing the legendary Animal Game

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game we played on the subway – the Moose, the Fish, the Monkey, the Bird, the Unicorn, and the Giraffe. Although I had never really talked directly to most of them before, I went into this journey with inaccurate opinions about each person.

After spending countless hours with this group, I began to truly know and fall in love with our friendships. Behind her bit of sass, I came to know the Fish as strong-willed, and one of the most determined people I’ve ever met. Rather than quiet and reserved, the Moose showed me her beauty through insightful conversation and laughter.

The Bird went from a nerdy boy who I saw on the staircase to someone who never fails to make me laugh and lighten the mood with his goofiness. The Unicorn is someone who inspired me with his humbleness, intelligence, and honesty behind his quiet façade.

In those moments of joy, it no longer mattered if we were writers, athletes, musicians, or programmers; I adored the personalities that each of us brought to the table. I’ve never experienced something as sad as walking out of the MBS airport on that Monday night, returning to our realities with only my memories to hold onto, just like it will be walking across the stage on June 3rd.

It’s truly bittersweet to become friends with some of the greatest people I’ve come to know so late in my high school life. It’s upsetting in that we are all going to part ways in less than six months, but so great that I was able to meet and laugh with each of them in our short time we have left.

I don’t have many regrets of my time at Midland High, but I most definitely regret the friendships that I never put the effort into making. My heart thanks MHS, the Focus, and the Boston Breakfast Club for making high school so remarkably memorable. Now please, “don’t you forget about me”.

• • • • •

Dancing with doctors at the Boston Medical Gala Eating a delicious sandwich at “Clam Showda” Enjoying late-night cheesecake and slurpee runs Holding hands during the awards ceremony for good luck Playing late-night tag and sharks and minnows in the fountain

A

Spencer Patrell

Thanks to Midland and all the other places

s I look back on the past four years, I picture myself becoming an entirely different person. This isn’t to say this is unique to my time in this building, rather, it is a process that has been happening my entire life. A process happening in everyone’s life. Since I moved to Midland in the 7th grade, from the wonderfully quaint city of East Tawas, I can see eras in which my personality has undergone major shifts. Depression and constant internal monologues of self-hatred and questioning filled my head the first year I was in this, what I used to consider, hellhole. This inner turmoil turned into debate as to who I was as a person. What was I capable of, if anything?

Who loved me? Why people didn’t talk to me? Why I felt alone in a room full of people? I believed this place had some sort of curse, that it destroyed my entire self, that it twisted my mind or simply lied about my past. I thought my old friends were lies. I believed memories of my fond past were lies.

These lies were twisting my old reality into nothingness.

It was towards the beginning of 8th grade when I began to feel some sort of spark ignite within me again. I wanted to rise above Midland. I wanted to prove to it and everyone here that Spencer Patrell could do something. Midland was my enemy. I would cry myself to sleep, telling myself I was a real person and that this city was nothing. I could outdo it.

This was when I started to refer to myself as Spencer 2.0, a new and improved version of myself that would restore the happiness I had before this city. I set social goals for myself, in order to reclaim my former love of life. 8th grade’s was simple: talk to people.

Although it was straight forward, it was not in any way easy. At least not for me. I gathered a small collection of friends, but rarely would I hang out with people. Never were my Friday nights booked, and I was still alone. What kept me going was the small moments of happiness where I realized things could get better. Moments where I would be at school and somebody talked to me, where I could make someone laugh, when I was part of a group.

This “new” Spencer idea continued until this year, each year carrying with it new social objectives. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago, with Spencer 4.0 doing his thing,

when I began to question the need for this “upgrading” system. I looked back on all I’ve achieved in this city, the people I met, the friends I’ve made, and the amount of happiness that I feel every time I am able to recognize how far I have come.

This column isn’t meant to be a sappy bit of retrospection before graduating, but rather a message to those who feel this city is normal, and to the opposite side who feels like this place is their life. From my experience, I have learned Midland. This quirky town fueled by one of the largest corporations in the world and filled with so many diverse people, is a place unlike any other on the planet. I love this place. It is actually so amazing and offers so much to so many.

Yet I came from a place where I felt the same way. I missed Tawas so much when I moved here, it was my everything, my essence. To this day, I have a blue painted wooden block in my room with a sailboat and the words “East Tawas” etched into it. When I visit the town, see the downtown bustling with tourists, hear the seagull’s annoying yelps, and feel the sand of the beach between my toes, my eyes water as I feel like I found a missing part of me. I feel like I’m in heaven.

Although I am only now seeing my 17th year pass, I believe I’ve come to a conclusion that will forever effect the rest of my life.

This conclusion is one I want to share with everyone moving onto their next step in life: You will be happy if you try. College can seem intimidating, but if you try to make it good, it will probably be amazing. People usually have fond memories of college, after all. The same goes for the fear of moving on and losing friends. The friends you made weren’t always your friends, they became them. Midland was never installed into your mind, you learned this place. The same will happen as we move forward. We will learn and we will meet new people. There are eras in life where things are somewhat more established; Midland and high school created that era, for right now. So go out and create new markers of your life. Change as you see fit, because one way or another we all will.

I have Tawas and Midland as my markers, and the entire senior class along with me are going out to create yet another stage in our life. Thank you everyone for all that you’ve done. Teachers. Students. Friends and Family.

Thank you. Thank you Midland.

Suzannah Koop

OPINION

Focus family

F

care if they thought it was good or not, but I or a long time, I thought I didn’t have appreciate someone taking the time to read a passion. I tried sports in elementary something I created. school, and gave up due to a lack of Alongside my columns, I learned the whole interest. I gave theatre a shot my sophomore process of writing and publishing a story. and junior year, but I feel like it didn’t fit I helped brainstorm, conduct interviews, me perfectly. I wasn’t exceptionally talented pull out key quotes, write a meaningful and in much of anything, just average at many relevant story, and format it on a page. It was things. There wasn’t anything I wanted to during this process that I would get close throw my entire self into until I discovered to these people I’ve never spoken to before. the world of journalism.

With each story, I would get paired up with The highlights of my senior year mostly somebody else in the class, and for one of come from the times spent in room 345. After these stories I was lucky enough to get paired spending hours together at Focus production up with someone who is now one of my each month, I’ve grown immensely close to closest friends. Who knew that writing a story people I didn’t even know existed. These are about a retiring teacher in the middle of a friendships that are going to last for years to coffee shop would be the start to a wonderful come. friendship.

When the class It’s crazy how began in the fall, involved everyone “It’s crazy how involved everyone is with I admit I felt is with The Focus. intimidated. As The Focus. Whether you’ve been here Whether you’ve a senior, I was four years or one year, it feels like you’re a been here four put directly into part of the family.” years or one year, the advanced

it feels like you’re class and had to a part of the adjust at warp

family. There’s so speed. With no much love and appreciation in one room, it’s beginning journalism cushion to fall back overwhelming, in a good way. Every time I on, I had to learn all the terminology, the walk into that classroom, I feel comfortable schedule, and what was expected from me. I and happy. It gives me a reason to come learned about “crack”, Indesign, text wrap, to school (aside from the fact that it is, you dummies, and MIPA. know, the law).

I remember talking to my friend Megan After years of trial and error, I feel like a few weeks before school started back up, I’ve finally discovered my passion. I love and she told me about the columns in the journalism. I love the people I’m surrounded paper. She encouraged me to apply, and by, and I love what we create together. It I ended up earning a spot among seven breaks my heart that I didn’t take this class other amazing writers. So for the past eight until senior year, because I don’t want to let months, I’ve had to wrack my brain for it go just yet. This is the last column I’ll ever anything of importance worth sharing. It was write for The Focus, and it feels bittersweet. such an incredible feeling to have somebody I am so grateful for the friends that I’ve met, stop me in the hallway and let me know and the experiences we’ve shared together. that they read my column. I honestly didn’t

Things that I’ve tried, but failed at: Singing

Painting

Running

Dancing

Playing clarinet

All sports

Parallel parking

Studying

Baking from scratch

Swimming without plugging my nose

I

have returned. Now, I know what you’re all thinking – “Where were you?”, “How could you leave us without any columns for a year?” or, most likely, “Who are you?”

I would really love to return to my old column-writing ways, and write some more personal anecdotes of my experiences with weird birds, but I realize my time at Midland High is dwindling. And this school means a lot to me, so I’d like to write something actually meaningful before I leave. So, while the last thing anyone probably wants to read is a cliché goodbye column, I’m the Editorin-Chief and I can, so I’m writing a cliché goodbye column.

When I began my high school experience, I was exceedingly cynical and, more than anything, sleepy. I frowned upon school spirit, fearing the school was some sort of dystopian establishment that planned on brainwashing me and turning me into a sheep for Chemic Pride. I made it a point not to participate in school events, and half-slept through most of my classes. I was utterly bored with school and all I wanted was to graduate. But now, looking back on my last four years, I realize they contain most of my favorite moments so far in life, and possess a magical quality that the other stages of my life simply won’t be able to emulate. Sure, I might eventually view college and, later, adulthood as the best parts of my life, but the memories I made in high school will forever remain as an utterly special experience.

From my legendary two-year run in the school’s dying German program, to getting closed lunch for making huge conglomerations of trash on the cafeteria tables, to the Affirmative Action video we made for government class, I have gotten to do extremely entertaining things that I will never be able to again, as they would be considered too immature or childlike.

Other experiences, such as my four-year CCL career, the hype of the Friday night football games, and the amazing nights of Focus production, have formed into memories that will never fail to make me smile. I had more fun in high school than in any other stage of my life, and I can’t remember ever even trying.

But more important than the memories is the effect this wonderful environment has had on me as a person. Throughout my years here, I transformed from my sleepy and cynical self to someone who loves almost everything about this school and tries to

Will Hackbarth Back to say goodbye

get involved in many different activities.

I’m much more confident, I discovered that I could lead, and I am now willing to try new things and step out of my comfort zone. I credit this tremendous personal change completely to the atmosphere and opportunities of Midland High, namely journalism.

My four years on the Focus staff has provided me with a passion and purpose for life that I have yet to experience anywhere else. It fostered an incredible change within me, for which I will always be grateful. I had the chance to meet so many cool people, build incredible friendships, and have so many fun experiences, all while participating in this wonderful program and challenging myself in every aspect of my character. Working hard with a close group of peers to create something you will all be proud of has been an unparalleled feeling, and I’ll really miss it.

I’ve been working on the paper for so long that I can hardly remember a time where I didn’t have a “next Focus” to look forward to. Throughout all my monumental personal changes, the Focus has been there, guiding my transformation. So, while I am excited to receive future Focii in the mail next year, and see what next year’s staff will accomplish, I can’t help but think I’ll probably feel a little empty when it’s all over.

I strongly encourage all of you who have years left at Midland High to find some activity that you’re passionate about, before you leave. If I didn’t get involved in journalism, I’d still be a scared, goofy kid who didn’t know what it meant to work truly hard to achieve a goal he’s passionate about.

I doubt I’ll find anything in the future that will have such a profound impact on me, and that’s why I am eternally grateful to this school and this journalism program, which gave me a chance to reach a potential I never knew I had. I am a much happier person because of Midland High, so I just want to thank all the amazing teachers, students, and administrators who helped make my time here so enjoyable and impactful.

But before I fade into the darkness of the future, I want to leave everyone with one last tidbit of advice. As my personal hero, Optimus Prime, once said: “Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing.” So don’t wait until “the time is right” to go out and pursue a passion, do it now. You won’t regret it.

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VOLUNTEER

ACADEMICS

Jared Hohman

Mandy Brock

Max Dykhuizen

Involved in: ‘Youth 2 Youth’ member, Co-Student Leader of Youth Outreach, 8th grade Youth Ministry, Co-President of KIVA club, Food Drive Chair for NHS Favorite involvement activity: Youth Outreach Youth leader Kristyn Russell:“Jared definitely has a heart for service. He is always willing to help out—moderating the roast, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, the list goes on.”

Involved in: Key Club President, Big Brother Big Sisters, Lunchbox Learners for NHS Favorite involvement activity: Big Brothers Big Sisters Jeff Yoder: “Whatever it was that we needed, she was always there to take care of it. I ask to get a sign up sheet made up, no problem. She was always there to help get stuff done no matter what the circumstances were.”

Weighted GPA: 4.65 Academic Awards: Senior Mathematics Award, Joseph Ramseyer Computer Science Award, Eugene Dersnah Memorial Physics Award Bob Fox: “Max is one of the brightest problem solvers I’ve ever taught. The thing that makes him special is that he isn’t afraid of a problem that is too hard.

Hard problems are where Max thrives.”

Emma Jacob

Weighted GPA: 4.77 Academic Awards: Mahlen B. Moore Scholarship, Excellence in German Award Jeff Yoder: “[She is] one of the most focused workers I’ve ever seen. She would grab on and say, ‘I’m going to figure this out no matter what.’ She’s really interested in knowing more; not just memorizing answers, but really wanting to know why and how.”

HALL OF CLASS OF 2016

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The Focus presents honors to well-known seniors in this year’s Hall of Fame for their accomplishments in their respective categories. Megan Nylund | Managing Editor & Hannah McAtamney | Design Editor & Claire Booth | Staff Writer & Suzannah Koop | Staff Writer

LEADERSHIP

MUSIC

Jonathan Haynes

Hannah McAtamney

Christian Clark

Leadership positions: Class President, Student Council Executive VP, Midland BPA VP, Michigan BPA State President, KIVA President, NHS President, Midland County Youth Leadership Favorite event to lead: Michigan BPA Andrea Jozwiak:“When he is in a leadership role, he leads with a purpose, continually strives to make a difference, and doesn’t stop until he reaches a particular goal.”

Leadership position: Student Council President Favorite event to lead: Yell Night and One Billion Rising Community Dinner M o n i q u e Al b r i g ht : “ H a n n a h i s incredibly passionate about what she chooses to pursue. Many do not know the incredible personal sacrifices she makes on a daily basis as leader of the student council. She works very hard, is well organized, and detail-oriented.

Hannah is a very effective leader.”

Instruments: Piano, trombone, and french horn Favorite song to play: Robin Hood from this year’s spring concert Bill Monroe: “Christian has worked from not being in band at the beginning of high school to our top band. Beginning in the Blue Concert Band, he worked his way into Symphonic Band with a lot of determination. He is now part of one of the best trombone sections we have ever had at Midland High.“

FAME

Elia Danielson Instruments: Flute, spirit flute, vocals, and piano Favorite song to play/sing: Hallelujah Bill Monroe:“Elia is an amazing leader and musician. As one of the drum majors in the Midland High School Band, she is also the top player in the flute section. Elia shows a lot of maturity in her musicianship. She performs more than just the notes on the page, but also brings emotion into every performance she does. ”

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Connor Legge

ART

Favorite mediums: Pencil or colored pencil Favorite piece: Pencil drawing of his sister as a baby leaning over a patch of flowers, titled ‘Roo’.

Kirt Doke: “Connor is one of the most talented students that I have ever known. He has a definite touch, which he has innately. His work ethic is very admirable, and his variety of interests manifests itself in the subject matter that he chooses to draw and paint.”

SPORTS

Emma Vanderlinden

Luke DeLong

Rebekah Walter

Favorite mediums: Watercolor and digital artwork Favorite piece: Her most recent mascot head, a sly blue fox head Jeanne Townsend: “Emma has her mascot heads, so in addition to being an artist, she is an entrepreneur, as she has marketed herself with online business cards and attended conventions. She is just fearless. She’s open to trying new things. She is very creative in terms of trying new styles and techniques.”

Sports played: Football and baseball Favorite sport: Football Eric Methner: “Luke possesses a great combination of speed and quickness.

He understands how to utilize his athleticism, both on the football field and the baseball diamond. As a coach, you look for playmakers; guys who you get the ball to, knowing they can make big plays for your team. Luke is a playmaker. We made it a big part of our game plan to get him the ball.”

Sports played: Track and field, cross country, volleyball Favorite sport: Track (300 meter hurdles) Diane Sugnet: “Rebekah doesn’t take her talent for granted. She spends numerous hours in the weight room during the summer, off season, and during the season. Rebekah has a passion for her sport like none other.

She is a great role model for the younger athletes on the team.”

HALL OF CLASS OF 2016

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SPIRIT

DRAMA

Ryan Swierzbin

Emily Wessel

Aaron Mealey

What is Chemic Pride? “For me, Chemic Pride is always showing your school spirit for Midland High, whether it is showing up to watch a sporting event, or dressing up like a dork for the spirit days.”

Favorite spirit day: Blue and Gold day Bill Monroe: “Ryan shows Chemic Pride in everything he does, from his great attitude, to his wonderful musicianship, to the incredible bow ties he wears every Friday.”

What is Chemic Pride? “To me, Chemic Pride is helping someone, cheering on the team, standing up for what’s right, and coming together as a family.”

Favorite spirit day: Blue and Gold day K at y Ste a r n s : “ E m i l y e m b o d i e s Chemic Pride. She is enthusiastic, energetic, and encouraging. She isn’t there to have a good time for herself.

She wants everyone to be a part of the activity. Emily is passionate and knowledgeable.”

Favorite role: The Phantom in Phantom of the Opera Favorite show: Midsummer Night’s Dream Megan Applegate: “Aaron has a natural stage presence. His primary concern is always how to improve his characterization and to bring the character to life in more honest ways.

What makes Aaron an impressive performer is his commitment to strive to be better than the last time.”

FAME

Allie Williams

Favorite role: The Baker’s Wife from Into the Woods Favorite show: The Rocky Horror Picture Show Megan Applegate: “Not only does she take on leadership roles in the club, but her leadership on stage improves the program all the way around. Allie has versatility as a performer and her work ethic inspires those around her. She has a great ability to make her characters real on stage. “

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Blast from the past Freshman Year Obama is reelected into office

The world ends on December 21, 2012 (or it was supposed to) Everyone was doing the Harlem Shake, including the boys hockey team The last episode of The Office airs

Mr. Mosca leaves- but look out for him in 2020, because in your heart, you know he’s right

Most memorable song “Thrift Shop” Most memorable movie Pitch Perfect Most memorable app Vine 8 | FOCUS | MAY 27, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

Sophomore Year Ask.fm takes over the Internet Midland High defeats Dow High twice - once in their normal season and another time in the playoffs Corbin Clark punches his teacher in the face during the worst science experiment of all time Miley Cyrus completely twerks off ties from her Hannah Montana years during her performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards.

Chemics come together to mourn the death of beloved teacher Mrs. Sisco

Most memorable song “Happy” Most memorable movie Frozen Most memorable app Flappy Bird

From Sharknado to Star Wars, President Obama to Donald Trump, and Mrs. Greif to Mr. Jaster, the past four years have been memorable. Here’s a look back on the best moments in world events, pop culture, and Midland High during our high school careers. Katherine Vernier | News Editor & Maddy Pasche | A&E Editor & Spencer Patrell | Staff Writer & Kirsten Warner |Staff Writer

Junior Year Conor Babin cuts off his legendary dreadlocks

Senior Year Donald Trump announces his run for presidency Mr. Jaster serves his first year as our principal, reminding us not to judge

We win Spirit Week, despite the infamous Yell Night walk out Josiah Greiner cries in class when Zayn leaves One Direction Girls soccer goes to Regionals for the first time

We lose to Dow. Twice. Oh, how the tables have turned Snapchat adds face filters, and now we know what everyone looks like with their best friend’s face on theirs.

Gay marriage is legalized in all 50 states

Most memorable song “Watch Me” Most memorable movie 50 Shades of Grey Most memorable app Trivia Crack

The boys basketball team dominates and wins Regionals for the first time in 37 years

Most memorable song “Hello” Most memorable movie Star Wars Most memorable app Uber 9 | FOCUS | MAY 27, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

Straight out of high school A list of the different colleges that the departing senior class will be attending next year. Julia Quinn | Photo Editor & Gabriel Severson | Staff Writer

Alma

Taylor Ruffing

Aquinas

Alicia Aeschliman Ae Alexander Dominic Altmeier Brandon Angell Jessica Babcock Kayla Bartz Tyler Biggs Matt Bluemer Ashleigh Boka Gabriel Bolt d’Artagnan Booth Brady Brown Tyler Brown Allison Brubaker Bradley Burks Steven Butler Mason Campbell Olivia Candela Jesse Cluff Brittany Cobb Cory Davis Paige Davis Hannah Dewey Lukas Dexter Jonathan Dorman Zach Donoghue Jamie Dwyer Amanda Eastman Gabe Eckerle Devon Ellis Sarah English Brooke Fetterolf Jessica Foor Masha Garl William Graczyk Evan Granda Hunter Granzo Genna Greenhoe Will Hackbarth Hunter Hagerl Cody Heckman Jackie Hendrickson Sateva Hernandez Ashley Higgins Blake Hildebrandt Eron Hosford Kim Howson Emma Husted

Nathan Haut

Maddison Davis

Baker

Kelsey Rathbun Emily Martel Sean Nastase Valorie Zegelien Gavin Ritchey

Calvin

Sara Knapp

Clark State Josiah Greiner

CMU

Andrea Bork Marle Bringard Christian Clark Ashley Cline Ryan Cummings Chrisian D’ Felio Elia Danielson Jared Edmundson Carissa Foura Abigail Frasher Haley Hendricks Rhiannon Hintz Pierson Joseph Alexa Jozwiak Jo Kelingos Kellie Koning Suzannah Koop Cheyne Maier Luke Malace Alexes Ouderkirk Anna Schultheis Hannah Welter Katie Wenban Emily Wessel Gabriella White Hannah White

Cornell

Emma Jacob

Cornerstone

Claire Booth Hannah McAtamney

Cosmetology Allison Arnold Anna McMillan

Delta

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Garrett Jackson Tyler Jean Hunter Johnson Caleb Jorgensen Mitchell Kent Chris Kenworthy Max Klemish Lexi Knochel Kirk Kramer Genevieve LaFramboise Cody Lay Branden Lemiuz Nathan Lillie Kyle Litherland Gregory Long Yessica Lowrey Ian Lucas Tristan Mapes Griffin Marsh Brianna McCreery Khalil McCullum Shay Methner Morgan Nameth Christa Nehrt Daniel Reyes III Alexander Rhoads Austin Richards Andrew Ross Ethan Rule Zac Schneider Andrew Schreiber Christiana Shonts Jacob Sinclair Chase Steele Hannah Stevens Carley Stieve Kyle Stoll Megan Syrowrik Sierra Thompson Logan VanValkenburg Kevin Volesky Wyatt Walden Virgil Walker Arika Wall Kirsten Warner Caitlin Wejrowski Carter Welter Billy Whyte Aaron Wiggins Logan Wilbanks

Allie Williams Rebecca Woodard Maddie Wyman Connor Zielinski

DePaul

Sarah Bergmooser

Ferris State Micheal Barrons Kalie Dornbos Madelyn Groulx Jorden Miller Ben Walter

GMCA

Owen Ripke Matt Rohr

GVSU

Jacob Bromley Alex Englund Hannah Fowler Luke DeLong Kelly Marsh Jake Pajk Emily Rice Haley Sisitki Bryce Thomas Katie Yats

GR Community Arianna Thornton

Indiana

Amy Smith Nate Rapanos

IUPUI

Hannah Short

Kettering

Kyler Bruce Abigail Lund Simi Martinelango AJ Weckle

Lake Michigan Ava White

Lake Superior

Merril

Brittany Steere

Michigan Tech

Jared Hohman

Kyle Grzegorek

Lucas Bauder Austin Braley Gina Ennis Grant Grenesko Ally Kiekhaefer Kelvin Kotanchek Garrett Kraut Erin Murphy Grace Pruett Justin Russell Kyler Schmidt

MSU

Michael Adams Amanda Brock Mackenzie Budd Jacob Coffey Emily Deese Evan Haase Weondong Hwang Megan Nylund Madison Pasche Kayla Patnode Spencer Patrell John Pritchett Sammi Rice Juliana Rowley Matthew Schafer Gabriel Severson Landry Short Zoe Stirn Kyle Taylor Megan Truong Marlie Twining Katherine Vernier

NMU

Zach Church Sarah Meath

St. Mary’s Mary Wandor

SVSU

Gavin Burrell Riley Cook Alexis Costley Maddie Fordos Sara Gach Mikaela Gisch Lauren Hancock Emma Longoria Mariah Rubenacker Kayli Sowels Natalie Vinande Taylor Winslow

Syracuse

Joshua Hentschel

Taylor Univ.

Connor Legge

U of M

Mason Dominowski Max Dykhuizen Taylor Fegan Charlie Light Jordan Smith Jack Somers Madison Tarnowski David Waier Cameron Wing

U of M (Flint) Austin Bass

Delli Stydi Di

Wayne State

Northwood

Payton DeWildt

Oakland

Carl Conrad Jarred Kuch

Purdue

Jacob Presson

Max Pasche

Marine Corps

Jonathan Haynes

Alvise Inchiostro

Northpoint

Lawrence Tech

Princeton

Dylan Anderson Julia Quinn

Matthew Zabik

Lansing CC

Ohio State

Jon Rutledge

Caylee Arnold Kyle Hanson Kayla Glover

U of Minnesota Mitchell Gardner Rebekah Walter Matthew Jarema Dashia Miller Chase Robinson

WMU

Aaron Mealey Bryce Gandy

Senior survey l ections, statistics, and favorites. Julia Quinn | Photo Editor & Jacob Presson | Staff Writ The senior class' ref er & Will Hackbarth | Editor-in-Chief

Senior favorites

"I have had a crush on my teacher for four years! I carry his picture around in my wallet."

Favorite teachers

"I fell off the treadmill while grabbing my phone that had fallen. Instead of stopping the treadmill, I just bent over and picked it up. In the process, I fell off the treadmill into the elliptical behind me."

Ms. Kerr & Mr. English & Mr. Mikusko

Mr. Woehrle & Ms. Neff Mr. Yoder & Mr. Mulvaney Mrs. Rogers & Mr. Monroe Mr. Krause

Favorite classes Computer programming Economics

"I hit a cop car on my way to school."

Journalism AP chemistry

"I shattered the door at Tropical Smoothie as a freshman."

Random favorites

"I peed my pants at a cross country meet...

Twice!"

Friends/the people

Friday night football games Chemic pride/tradition Marching band

"I bought my own singing valentine."

Art

"Go big or go home. Experience everything you can (safely and within the law) and leave high school having done everything and meeting everyone you could."

"Don't be afraid to poop in the school bathrooms. It's natural."

"Calm down, love yourself, and be confident."

"Don't date in high school. It leads to broken hearts and cheaters."

"Drop fire mix tapes and get money."

Class variety

Other Physical therapy Marketing Communications

"Stay balanced - academically, mentally, physically - don't stress"

Career intentions

Lunch favorites

40

A survey of 113 seniors

Business

26 23 Engineering

Nursing

Computer science Medicine

Psychology

Education

Eyeball alley

Film

Car

Law

Off campus

Favorite Netflix shows

"Shmoop, not SparkNotes"

"Be weird. Don't be embarrassed about being yourself."

AP biology

"Scott Joffre gave me a lock of his hair at the homecoming assembly."

"Never become a WOD, because once you do, you lose respect. GO CHEMICS!"

21

10

Other

"I collected pencil written passes and changed their times/locations and reused them."

Senior advice

Teacher's class

Senior confessions

11 | FOCUS | MAY 27, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

Best hair Lauren Hancock & Grant Grenesko Best eyes Elena Budinsky & Zac Schneider Best looks Elena Budinsky & Zac Schneider Best dressed Liz Stein & Ryan Swierzbin Best smile Kelly Marsh & Max Klemish Best muscles Rebekah Walter & Evan Haase Best legs Haley Sisitiki & Connor Legge Best facial hair Bryce Thomas Best laugh Madelyn Groulx & Alvise Inchiostro Best liar Ava White & Ethan Rule Best singer Elia Danielson & Aaron Mealey Worst singer Maddi Davis & Aaron Mealey Best car Alexa Jozwiak & Mason Dominowski Worst car Mary Wandor & Ethan Rule Best girlfriends Haley Sisitiki & Marle Bringard Best couple that never dated Zoe Stirn & Virgil Walker Best couple Kelly Marsh & Luke DeLong Best bromance Max Pasche & Bryce Thomas Best person to bring home to your parents Hannah White & Evan Haase Worst person to bring home to your parents Brooke VanBrunt Best story teller Maddy Pasche & Jared Hohman Worst story teller Amy Smith & Kelvin Kotanchek

Worst driver Rebekah Walter & Weondong Hwang Worst attendance Kirsten Warner Trip while getting diploma Haley Hendricks & Griffin Marsh Disappear after graduation Katherine Vernier & Carl Conrad Be in a fraternity Nate Rapanos Be in a sorority Lexi Costley Attend high school parties while in college Ashleigh Boka & Shay Methner Become a MHS teacher Hannah McAtamney & Alex Englund Have a sweatpants wedding Hannah Short & Will Hackbarth Marry for money Marlie Twining Appear naked in public Brooke Fetterolf & Conor Babin Become a stand-up comedian Maddy Pasche & Jacob Presson Find a cure for cancer Katie Wenban & Max Dykhuizen Win the lottery but lose the ticket Brooke Fetterolf & Will Hackbarth Have their own talk show Sara Knapp & Josh Hentchel Shock everyone at reunion Bradley Burks Win the Nobel Peace Prize Katie Wenban & Max Dykhuizen Become president Hannah McAtamney & Jonathan Haynes Become a famous celebrity Allie Williams & Josiah Greiner Become a professional athlete Marle Bringard & Luke DeLong Climb Mt. Everest Julia Quinn & Bryce Gandy Get a novel published Katie Yats & Matt Schafer Most memorable 12 | FOCUS | MAY 27, 2016 | mhsfocus.com Jonathan Haynes

Bes Wor t/ and st Like Mos ly T t o...

Marlie Twin

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Chemical Katie Yats & Griffin Marsh Sleep through commencement Suzannah Koop & Will Graczyk Die first in the zombie apocalypse Marlie Twining & Gabe Severson Overdose on Starbucks Taylor Fegan & Christian Clark To get ID’d at age 30 Megan Troung & Bradley Burks Live a short and scandalous life Anna Schultheis & Connor Zielinski Most likely to build a wall between America and Mexico Hannah Welter & Luke Malace Biggest drama queen Anna Schultheis & Kyler Hanson Most responsible Megan Nylund & Cam Wing Least responsible Kirsten Warner Nicest person Elia Danielson & Connor Legge Most laid back Julia Quinn & Conor Babin Most competitive Madelyn Groulx & Payton DeWildt Most sarcastic Zoe Stirn & Jared Hohman

Get married right after high school Lexi Knochel & Zach Donoghue Most Chemic Pride Emily Wessel & Alex Englund Most confident Grace Goddard & Payton DeWildt Most unlikely couple Kayla Patnode & Carter Welter Most absent-minded Mackenzie Budd & Dylan Anderson Most photogenic Liv Gandy & Max Klemish Most outgoing Ashleigh Boka & Jacob Presson Most likely to kill Han Solo Gina Ennis Most changed since freshman year Mackenzie Budd & Virgil Walker Most addicted to social media Cheyne Maier Most likely to become the next Kim Kardashian Lakin Miner

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Most likely to become the next Kanye West Sean Nastase Most likely to get plastic surgery Hannah Wittbrodt & Josiah Greiner Class clown Abby Frasher Biggest party animal Abby Frasher & Austin Richards Biggest teacher’s pet Cam Wing Biggest ego Taylor Fegan & Nate Rapanos Biggest flirt Pierson Joseph & Kyle Taylor Annoying but loved Sammi Rice & Scott Joffre

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Hannah McAtamney & Julia Quinn | Photos

13 | FOCUS | MAY 27, 2016 | mhsfocus.com