November 18th Issue

THE

FOCUS

Midland High School | November 18, 2016 | Volume 39, Issue 3

Stretched Thin

Overcoming eating disorders takes patience and support.

pg. 14

Finsta Accounts

Color blind Students

6-7 12-13

Rhapsody Emcees

19

Maddy O’Callaghan | Photo Illustration

CONTENTS OPINION

volume 39 issue 3

3 Athletic Training Rules:

The Focus discusses the school’s training rules.

24 The Focus Tries...

FEATURES

NEWS

Students with color blindness discuss the differences in their vision, and the challenges that arise

A juice cleanse. Gwynne Ozkan drinks only juice for 72 hours.

5 Parking Passes:

Students have been getting their cars booted for not buying a parking pass.

6-7 Finstas:

Students have been suspended from athletic activity due to posts on their fake Instagram accounts.

SPORTS

8-9 Sports zone:

Mr. Chemic still supports almost every sport at the school.

10 New Cheer Coach

12-13 Color blindness: 15 Preparing to Serve:

Students get involved in programs to prepare them for a career in the military.

16 Mrs. Sevener

The “crazy pig lady” has made impacts on Chemics, and continues to do so with a recent hip injury.

A&E

17 New Orchestra Director:

Anna Mamassian is the new orchestra director, and is preparing for rhapsody.

18

The varsity cheer team recently got a new coach who has big plans for reform.

Rhapsody Acts: A closer look at the some of the acts performing at Rhapsody.

Rugby Club Brendan Doyle recently broke the school record for most wins in tennis.

A. profile on this year Emcees and their hopes for the show.

11

19 Emcee Profiles:

ON THE COVER Eating Disorders Students continue to feel pressure to look thin and face struggles with

restrictive eating, often costing their health. Those who have suffered from eating disorders share their stories.

EDITORS

16

F

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 as Exchange Editor Hayley Russell Adviser Jim Woehrle a forum for student expression and as a Printer Midland Daily News realistic lab experience. Focus, however, reserves the right to contest the challenge of an administrator who attempts to censor and/or remove an article or graphic element.

2 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

19

18

10

Editorial

OP/ED

The contract needs more clarity

S

ocial media and school tends to be a blurry line. Some students are confused as to when the school is allowed to step in on issues regarding their use of social media. This was brought to light last year with issues of cyberbullying, and this year, more confusion has occurred with regard to the use of the social media to post photos of illegal activities. As a result, some recent problems with student athletes and their fake Instagram accounts, or finstas, have arisen.

After several students' private accounts were revealed, many lost their athletic privileges due to the inappropriate nature of the photos. Students violated the training rules policy and most faced a 90-day suspension from athletic activity.

We do feel, however, that the punishment fits the crime. Students who play sports should be aware that they are held to a high standard and represent Midland High, on and off the field. It is also fair that their first offense does not go on their record, because if police cannot get involved with internet matters, the school should not be able to issue a consequence that is permanent. The consequence is severe enough to set an example for students, but not harsh enough to where the student will be affected for the rest of their lives.

There are also different degrees of offenses, which offer students a chance to learn from their mistakes. The first offense is enough to hinder students from repeatedly engaging in

forbidden activities. Athletes who continue to repeat the same offenses should be punished at a higher degree, as they were already given a chance to adjust their behaviors.

We also feel that giving students the opportunity to defend their post is fair, as this allows for clarification regarding misunderstood captions or photos.

These training rules set a standard for the students at Midland High. Athletes who participate in illegal activities should face consequences. The rules are the rules. But because the consequences hurt student’s athletic careers, the rules need to be updated regarding social media, which the rules currently do not address at all. In addition, coaches need to take more time to explain the contract before the athletes sign it.

The Focus recognizes that student athletes should be held accountable for their actions when it comes to drugs and alcohol.

However, we feel that the contract athletes sign regarding this policy should be made more clear.

First, the contract signed does not specifically mention social media regarding possession of drugs and alcohol. The contract states that no athlete should be in possession of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol, but does not say that photos of these things constitute as possession. This left many of the students confused. One student’s photo only depicted her face, but the caption referenced marijuana use, which resulted her in losing her chance

Lauren Curtis | Illustration

to participate in the next three sporting events Student Opinions of her athletic season. Some students were unaware of this policy because it wasn’t explicitly stated in the contract.

Additionally, several photos found on Instagram accounts were taken during the summer. Many of the athletes were unaware that the contract extended over the summer, as some assumed the contract was only valid during their season.

The contract needs to be made more clear regarding exactly what is unacceptable and Junior Tyler Brown what is not, and the weight needs to be "I think athletes shouldn't be posting better understood. Athletes often sign the anything inappropriate anyway, not contract without actually understanding the just for sports, but careers in general. conditions and possible punishments, which ultimately lead to several of the cases with the The policy is completely fair." finsta accounts.

Coaches should take time to sit down with their players and explain the rules and consequences regarding the contract so students have a better grasp of the rules, and so that mistakes like this are not made again.

The contract needs to specify that it is not just a photos of substances, but also a caption that references use of drugs or alcohol. It also needs to be made clear that the contract Senior Jessie Brown applies not just through the sport season or school year, but also the summer.

"I don't think that the administration Students can only be expected to follow should be able to punish them unless the rules when they know what the rules are.

While illegal behavior should be punished, there is a direct affiliation with MHS." administration needs to clearly outline 3 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com expectations of athlete's conduct.

THE BULLETIN @Tara_Gross “A total representation of how my season went.”

WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO

@rammidii “So. My uncle lives across the street and I look outside my window and there he is.

Riding his lawnmower over to my house.”

5 THINGS TO MAKE YOU FEEL SMART

NEWS BRIEF:

via Instagram

Song: Black Beatles Artist: Rae Sremmurd ft. Gucci Mane Date Released: September 13 Rating: This hip-hop tune, which has spurred the mannequin challenge, is a real crowd pleaser

1. Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.

2. Crocodiles swallow rocks to help them dive deeper.

3. The most popular toothbrush color is blue.

4. It takes 17 muscles to smile and 43 to frown.

5. If you try to say the alphabet without moving your lips or tongue every letter will sound the same.

4 | FOCUS | OCTOBER 30, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

10 Midland High athletes signed to play their sport at the collegiate level on Wednesday, September 9.

(Top Row) Alex VanSumeren, Skylar Howard, Ellie Jensen, Jordan Patty, Sam Luzar (Bottom Row) Kirstyn Cotton, Sadie DeWildt, Tara Gross, Maya Kipfmiller, Julia Gross.

Kady Volmering | Photo

Song: Let me Love you Artist: Ariana Grande ft. Lil Wayne Date Released: May 22 Rating: Not your average Ariana Grande song, her vocals shine through a catchy beat

NEWS

DRIVEN TO DESPERATION

Due to students ignoring the purchase of a parking permit, administration has become more strict. If students continue to ignore the school’s policy, there are penalties in place to encourage buying the pass.

Kayla Graham|Photo & Design Editor & Hannah Kohtz|Staff Writer & Hadley Morden|Staff Writer For a student to park in the student parking lot a permit is required. A permit registers the student’s vehicle and is needed to help offset the costs for the maintaince of the parking lot. Hadley Morden | Photo

A

pproaching his car, senior Spencer Parsch noticed that a boot had been placed on his tire. This was the result of not having his car registered and therefore, not having a parking pass sticker.

“I was kind of upset that they booted me in the first place but I knew the school would have it off by the time I would be done with football practice,” Parsch said. “I feel like parking passes are a waste of the student’s money because we already pay a lot. I brought money and the school was so eager that they came to my 5th hour class and took the check. I was going to give them the check at the end of school.”

Athletic director Eric Albright was one of the administrators who took note of names and license plates without parking permits. Albright and other administrators plan to be stricter than they were previous years, influencing students to purchase them.

“We have some additional time devoted to it,” Albright said. “We were a little bit short handed in previous years and now we have some more time. “It has become a focal point. The Midland Public Schools administration has said this is going to be a priority. When the superintendent says that this is going to be a priority, then it is going to be a priority.”

The students have a responsibility to pay for a permit if they intend on parking at the school.

Without the money, Midland High and the entire District has difficulties meeting the offset costs that go towards safety and school upkeep.

The school board has set a goal of $20,000 for both high schools combined to pay for the security and maintenance.

“The goal for each building is to make around $20,000 is the goal because that’s where the near break even point is to make payments to the security company and also help the district cover the costs of the salt,” Jaster said. “But, some years we are less, some years we hit it,

some years we are just over.”

At t h e e n d o f l a s t s c h o o l y e a r , t h e administrators began increasing threats to boot cars that repeatedly park without a pass. With the threats made, students became more aware of the issue and felt the pressure of purchasing a pass.

“The consequence for the students is the boot.

It is inconvenient for the driver and it is more inconvenient for me,” Albright said. “I’d rather not have to go do that. But it is a reminder, ‘yeah I have to go get my pass.’”

Although the administrators are strict, their goal is to keep students safe. Paying Ron’s position to help monitor the parking lot eliminates any reckless behavior that can occur during school hours, these include: loitering, skipping classes, and reckless driving.

“The number one problem would definitely be reckless driving,” Jaster said.

“Students aren’t very experienced with driving and they speed through the parking lot and one year a student was actually hit.”

Another reason behind the use of permits is to help identify who the vehicles belong to.

When a pass is purchased, it also means that it is registered. Midland High administrators will know who it belongs to.

“Registration and payment are two different things, but they go hand in hand,” Albright said.

“It is important to have a vehicle registered, so

we know who that belongs to. Does it belong to a student or does it belong to a visitor? If we had an issue with the vehicle, if it was parked in the wrong place or if it was blocking somebody, we would need to know who that vehicle belongs to. Secondly, we have discipline issues, whether it is the drug dog search type of thing, we would want to know who that car belongs to.”

In future years, administration will continue to become stricter on pushing students to purchase them. Having a car registered helps the school, but the money goes to help the upkeep of the parking lots where students have the privilege to park their cars.

“It’s a revenue issue, the costs don’t go away every year,” Albright said. “There are new drivers.

The school district spends a significant amount of money on school buses. Driving to school is a right. You don’t have to drive to school, the buses will pick you up.”

The school gives the students options for transportation.

Purchasing a parking pass is just one option. If requirements are not met, then the administration must take action into solving the problem. Administration can hold a student’s report card or a cap and gown if the student is graduating that year.

“This is the only thing we can hold over the student,” Jaster said. “If we know you have been a regular driver and have just taken tickets that Ron gives and just throws them away. We will still hold the person accountable. We want to help make it manageable. We will work with people, we can take a partial payment if students have trouble.”

5 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

“The consequence for the students is the boot. It is inconvenient for the driver and it is more inconvenient for me.”

Athletic Director Eric Albright

By the numbers

Parking Pass: $50

Tr ave l i n g s t u d e n t spots: 17 Final Goal: $20,000

Parkdale spots: 50

Cars with passes: 350

PRIVATE ACCOUNT, PUBLIC OUTCOMES

NEWS

With the recent popularity of fake Instagram accounts, students have faced negative consequences. Ella Colbert | Editor-in-chief & Kady Volmering | Sports Editor & Devin Alexander | Staff Writer

Maddy O’Callaghan | Photo Illustration 6 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

A

s Molly Sanford made plans to cheer at Saginaw Valley State, the last thing she thought would get in her way would be a post on her private Instagram account. After posting an inappropriate photo on her fake Instagram, or “finsta,” account, Sanford was called down to the office, where Athletic Director Eric Albright presented her with printed off copies of the photos.

“He showed them to me and had me confirm that they were me,” Sanford said. “I said they were me because my face was in one of them.”

Sanford is currently facing a 90-day athletic suspension, in which she is unable to cheer at competitions or participate in team activities.

Sanford is one of several students who have recently experienced the negative effects of social media.

Even though the suspension will not go on her permanent school record, it could still possibly affect her future career. Since the season typically includes six to seven competitions, Sanford said that missing even one competition could affect her opportunity to be scouted by college cheer coaches.

“If I were to miss a competition that SVSU is looking over, it would really hurt my chances because they won’t see me, and they’re going to want to know why I wasn’t there, and it’s not going to look good,” Sanford said.

In an attempt to reduce the suspension time, Sanford is currently filing an appeal. If granted the appeal, her suspension would be cut back to only one-third of the 90-day punishment.

The cheer team coaching staff have been working alongside her in order to get the appeal approved.

“I was a captain and a team leader since I was a junior, and I’m the only one who has been on varsity every single season,” Sanford said.

“Since they knew I was a leader they thought I deserved to come back and finish strong, since I’ve never gotten in trouble before.”

In order to file for an appeal, students must write a letter to the Midland Public Schools Athletic Board of Review explaining what steps the athlete has taken since the violation to address the issues raised by it; academic progress, attendance, and involvement with athletic team. Students must also include what they have personally learned from the situation and parental involvement in situation, as well as any other information they wish to add.

Junior Dalayne Ludwig found herself in a similar situation as Sanford. Ludwig already filed for her appeal, and expects that it will be approved since it is the first time she has gotten in trouble with the administration. She was also given a 90-day athletic suspension after administration was made aware of captions on her finsta that made references to marijuana.

“My pictures weren’t even bad, it was just the captions,” Ludwig said. “One photo was a selfie, and the other was a photo of me from the eyes up, with captions joking about pot.”

Albright said that one thing students should keep in mind when posting on social media is what type of behavior they choose to endorse and how they want to represent themselves.

“If an individual has something demeaning or bullying behavior for example, or is blatantly disrespectful against a school official, that is one nature,” Albright said. “Another nature is if social media contains a photo of an individual using or possessing alcohol,

Training Rules Violation Punishments:

NEWS

What do you think? e

Students and staff give their opinion on students posting inappropriate photos on fake Instagram accounts.

First Offense: 90-day athletic suspensions

I don’t understand why kids would do it just for likes knowing they are going to get in trouble for their actions.

”

Coach

E

a r us e K c i r

“

It is treading a fine line becoming something outside of our domains. I am still undecided. I do not know enough about the technology.

e

kayla M i M i

Third Offense: one calendar year suspension without appeal

“

Second Offense: one calendar year suspension

y Davi m s re

Offi cer J

picture with such racist overtones. You should be ashamed of yourself.” Jardis has since taken steps to change the way he uses social media.

“I deleted my Instagram so I wouldn’t be getting [direct messages] from people I didn’t know,” Jardis said. “It showed me that I have to be more careful with social media because it can have a huge impact on my future.”

Muck has also used the situation to adjust the way she uses social media. She advises other students to take similar precautions.

“Just seriously be careful,” Muck said.

“Literally anything and everything you post stays out there. Even if you delete it, there’s a huge chance someone already screenshotted it or sent it to someone.”

Muck said she never intended to be racist and now considers more carefully when she posts.

“When posting this picture, race was the last thing to cross my mind,” Muck said.

“I never have learned the historical background behind calling an African American a gorilla or monkey until now. I am extremely sorry to anyone offended and now knowing what I know, I would never say or post anything like that again.”

After Muck’s post went viral, Principal Jeff Jaster issued a statement in the Friday announcements telling students to take cautions when using social media.

“You have to ask yourself, is this going to be a positive message or is this going to end up being a negative message?”

Jaster said. “If we even just take a little pause before we hit send, I think we could eliminate a lot of the negative things that are out there on social media.”

Since Sanford’s punishment for her pictures, she has been careful to not to post any inappropriate content to her accounts, and keeps close track on who she allows to follow her social media.

“Another thing [I learned] is not to trust people so easily,” Sanford said. “Just because they’re your friend doesn’t mean they’re not going to try and hurt you. Be careful who you hang out with.”

Ludwig has taken similar steps to revise her use of social media. She has changed her finsta username completely and has deleted inappropriate photos. Now, she only uses it to post funny pictures of friends. Ludwig keeps all of her social media accounts free of profanity and as clean as possible.

“Be careful what you post, and really evaluate what you’re about to post,” Ludwig said. “Take 10 seconds and think about something that could get you in trouble. If you’re going to post something risqué, make sure the people who see it are trustworthy.

Think about what the possible consequences could be and if you’re really up to that.”

”

anows i z d k i

tobacco or drugs.”

Both Ludwig and Sanford agree that the policy is not clear enough regarding what periods of time the contract covers.

“I had no idea that the contract signed for sports was valid all year round and you could still get in trouble for something that happened freshman year,” Ludwig said.

Albright believes that there is an assumption amongst students that administration is constantly searching through social media outlets looking for inappropriate posts, but administration only views posts when they are brought to attention by individuals.

“I don’t go scouring social media, I don’t go looking for these things,” Albright said.

“One, the school administration doesn’t have time, and two, I don’t follow those individuals.

We’re not going to look for these things. Anytime I saw a social media post they were given to us by somebody else.”

Drugs and alcohol are not the only way that people are facing the consequences of online posting.

Recently, former Midland High student Reyna Muck posted a controversial picture to her finsta that made national news. The picture was posted after the football game between Midland High and Dow High. Dow’s kicker is African American female Ashton Brooks. The photo contained Muck posed next to a student in a gorilla costume with the caption, “got a pic with dows kicker ;)” The story was picked up by USA Today, as well as several celebrities, including Ashton Kutcher and George Takei. The story had impacts around the nation, but especially affected the Midland community.

“Not only have I gotten support from Dow High, but also a huge portion of support from our rival school as well,” Brooks said. “Many people felt hurt about the picture posted and were by my side through it all. Friends, teachers, alumni, people I’ve never heard of, all come together to support me in this, and it really is a fantastic feeling.”

After the post was made public and went national, Brooks’ view on social media changed.

“I just hope that everyone knows how powerful and impactful social media can be and how the things you say truly can hurt the feelings of those around you,” Brooks said.

“One ignorant post changes both my life and the life of the poster and I hope everyone can learn from this experience.”

Recently senior Jonathan Jardis has become familiar with the negative effects of social media, since the screenshot shared by USA Today showed he had liked the photo. He’s received comments from complete strangers, including “Complete scumbag. Liking a

“

It’s the easiest way to get in trouble, even if the pictures are not of something illegal.

If you want to have it that badly, don’t put your name on it.

”

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A LIFETIME OF CHEMIC PRIDE

For 59 years Bobby Lanning has been attending Midland High sports events and supporting the students in their sports and life. Bitsy Mammel |Staff Writer & Holly Stauffer |Staff Writer Bobby Lanning gives Tara Gross a hug after her athletic signing. Kady Volmering | Photo

W

hether the game is varsity boys’ basketball or freshmen girls’ volleyball, one particular spectator can time after time be seen in the bleachers.

Whether the game is in the familiar MHS stadium or a crowded, foreign gym in Gaylord, there will consistently be one fan wearing the famous 1957 varsity jacket and a proud smile. Whether the outcome is a tough loss or a championship victory, Bobby Lanning is always supporting his alma mater. Often referred to as “Mr. Chemic,” Lanning has been attending Midland High athletic events from a young age.

Ever since his graduation in 1957, Lanning has tried to attend at least one game of each MHS sport every year. Lanning’s admiration for the Chemic sports teams and the school began quickly and has lasted for 70 years.

“I saw my first football game in 1946 and I’ve been in love with Chemic sports ever since,” Lanning said.

Senior Julia Gross has known Lanning since she was six because her older brothers played baseball. As she has moved through her high school years playing softball and volleyball, Lanning has constantly supported her in and out of athletics. His presence and help has affected both Gross and her teams greatly.

“He’s just one of those super Chemics so whenever people see him they’re always happy to play for him and just do good in front of him,” Gross said.

Lanning makes athletics an enjoyable experience for Gross and all of the other players.

“He’s always positive and even if I happen to do bad he’ll always have positive comments,” Gross said.

Girls’ varsity basketball coach Elaine Mahabir has been coaching for 17 years and said that Lanning has attended the games almost religiously.

“Bobby attends enough games that when he’s not there I notice,” Mahabir said.

Lanning is always open to giving advice on life, sports, and academics.

“Have pride in yourself, and make sure you don’t do anything you’re ashamed of,” Lanning said.

Lanning hasn’t just impacted students, but also the staff. Mahabir said that Lanning is a reminder to herself of what her job as a staff member is supposed to be: making an impact in students’ lives and not just focusing on the X’s and O’s of the game.

“He personifies what we want Chemic Pride to be,” Mahabir said. “We want to have it for a lifetime. In the good and the bad times we want to be there for each other, our Chemic family.”

Taking a Look Back

Seniors Noah Lasky and Emma Wolf reflect on the regional final volleyball game that happened on Nov. 10

“All the calls the ref made were big momentum changers.”

Emma Wolf

“In the 5th game, when it was tied 13-13, Grace Rekeweg came down with the hammer, which was a huge momentum builder.”

Noah Lasky

9 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

A NEW VISION D

rama was driving them apart.

Conflict, gossip, and the picking of sides consumed the team. But with the emergence of a new leader, the team is seeking a revitalization.

Varsity Cheer Coach Ben Fuller, hired in the beginning of October, is making an effort to improve the state of the team. At the age of 21, Fuller is certified by the USSA in stunting and tumbling. He has been cheering and coaching professionally for the last four years.

“I’ve always wanted to be a varsity cheer coach,” Fuller said. “When the position opened up, I got really excited because I’ve worked with Midland High before through tumbling. I felt like I could really improve the program.”

Team mom Heidi Jackson has experienced all of the changes with the girls throughout the

SPORTS New leadership arrives for the cheer program.

Lauren Curtis|Staff Writer & Shelly St.Louis|Staff Writer & Olivia Barber |Staff Writer

past couple years, and even suggested Fuller for the job.

“I’m hoping his extensive cheer and tumbling background will help propel the team into a new and better direction than where we left off this season,” Jackson said.

Fuller wasn’t scheduled to start working until November 2, but started attending the remaining varsity practices of the fall season to get acquainted with his new team. He agrees that the team was heading in the wrong direction.

“There were a lot of problems with miscommunication,” Fuller said. “There needs to be a lot of changes with order and organization” Fuller plans to strengthen the team by re-teaching proper technique and using intense conditioning to get the girls prepared for the upcoming season.

“I’d like to see people using good technique and getting better, rather than using bad technique and getting hurt,” Fuller said.

Senior Hannah Nowaczyk has worked with Fuller previously and is excited to see how the team does in the winter season. Nowaczyk respects Fuller for his strict coaching style.

“The team was hesitant at first because he’s making us do conditioning and weight lifting, which we’re not used to,” Nowaczyk said. “He wants us to truly look and act like a team.”

Fuller plans to have more structured practices and uniformity to establish skill and build strength. This will enable the team to develop a basic skill level which will serve as the foundation for improvement.

“By doing this, when

10 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

next season comes around we can have higher criteria in order to make it on the team,” Fuller said.

He doesn’t just want to change the varsity cheer team. He has already started working alongside the junior varsity coach. Fuller also plans on working with the middle school cheer teams in the future to establish proper technique for future chemic cheerleaders.

“I don’t want to just better the team, I want to better the entire program,” Fuller said.

“I want to eventually see freshmen coming to tryouts with standing back tucks.”

Fuller’s ultimate coaching goal at Midland High is to eventually make it to states. As for this year’s goal, he has high hopes into making the top five at districts.

Fuller not only wants to improve the skill level, but he wants to improve the image of the team as well.

“I want cheer to be respected as a successful program, not just a bunch of girls who mess around, curse, and cheer in front of the football team,” Fuller said.

Sophomore cheerleader Erin Vokal has been working to change the image of cheer since last year when she joined the team.

“I personally wanted to change the image of cheerleading,” Vokal said. “I want people to say, ‘I want to be a cheerleader! They have the best attitude and are never negative toward others.’ ” Nowaczyk also agrees with Vokal on this point. She believes that their new coach will raise the team to the Midland High standard.

“We’ve really been trying to better our image,” Nowaczyk said. “With Ben I think that we can be the cheer team our school wants us to be.”

“I don’t want to just better the team, I want to better the entire program.”

Coach Ben Fuller

Fuller bases Taylin Jackson in a one-man stunt during Vasrity cheer practice.Lauren Curtis | Photo

GIVING IT A TRY

SPORTS

Sophomore Megan Shaffer and Junior Will Shaffer started a rugby club when they moved to Midland to spread their passion for the game. Hannah Smith|Staff Writer & Alli Grumbley|Staff Writer & Jasmin West|Staff Writer

Will and Megan Shaffer enjoy the moments spent playing and talking about rugby. Their love for the game is expressed through their enthusiastic approach to promoting the club. Maddy O’Callaghan |Photo

I

n this new sport introduced to Midland, the girls enjoy tackling just as much as the boys. Rugby, a popular sport across the world, was recently brought to Midland High by junior Will Shaffer and sophomore Megan Shaffer.

S i b l i n g s M e g a n a n d Wi l l we r e f i r s t introduced to rugby in their previous hometown in Tennessee. Enjoying the sport so much, they wanted to bring it with them when they moved to Midland a little over a year ago.

“I knew that Midland was a good sport acceptant town," Will said. "I had such a good time growing it in Tennessee, I wanted to bring that experience here” With the help from mother Amy Shaffer, the family took several steps to get the club up and running. Megan said that the biggest part to starting the club was contacting the SVSU rugby coach and appropriating the money to get it going.

Another step the Shaffer family took was advertising. With several typed posters hung around the school and social media accounts, the family has promoted the club to those with either lots of experience or none at all.

Senior Avery Jones joined the club due to the minimal time commitment and the positive promotion. Before joining the club, Jones had no prior knowledge of the sport; she only knew it was similar to football.

“I love that [rugby] is co-ed," Jones said.

"I think it’s cool that girls and boys can play together, it’s not that often that it happens."

The entire Shaffer family said that the positive

atmosphere and bringing together different personalities is the most satisfying thing about the club.

“We’ve had a great family experience with rugby and the community around the sport,”

"I think Midland High will lead the way in building a rugby community in Midland."

Mother Amy Shaffer

Amy said.

Although Megan and Will are both very passionate about rugby, the two haven’t been playing for a long time. Will was first introduced to the sport his freshman year in Tennessee when he was given the opportunity to play alongside his older brother.

Tyler Shaffer, who now plays rugby at the college level at Life University, was a big

influence in his younger siblings’ rugby careers.

Life University located in Atlanta, Georgia sends college athletes to the Olympic training for rugby.

“Being able to talk to my brother about our experiences was really cool,” Will said.

Megan said that one of the most rewarding aspects about the rugby community was being able to watch her brothers fall in love with the sport.

Jones said that the people who attend rugby club are very encouraging, which contributes to the positive atmosphere.

Jones said her favorite memory of the club so far was the practice where they started tackling.

“There are only a couple girls that go, and the guys just kind of let us tackle them,” Jones said.

Not only does rugby help with athleticism, but it is also beneficial for students in their other sports as well. Megan said that rugby has helped her as a goalie in soccer.

“Some of the stuff I learned in rugby ties into soccer,” Megan said.

The Shaffer family said they are beyond happy with the turnout of the club so far, and believe it will become more popular throughout the year.

Rugby club is currently located at St. Charles park in Midland at 5:30 every Tuesday.

The team will begin games in the spring where they will face off against teams from the Detroit area.

“I think Midland High will lead the way in building a rugby community in Midland,” Amy said.

11 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

Rugby 101

14people play at time in a 7v7 match 5points for a touchdown called a try 2 points equal a conversion 3points are rewarded for a penalty

0pads are worn during matches

BLURRED HUES FEATURES

T

j Gensel, Junior, is color blind, but,that doesn’t mean his life looks like a scene from a Casablanca-like black and white movie. Color blindness comes in multiple levels of deficiency, and Gensel’s color deficit is much more common, and, as he sees it, easier to manage than most people think.

“I don’t really notice it,” Gensel said. “If I’m sitting there messing with electronics or wires or something, I’ll notice it. But it’s not something I really think about, it’s just kind of how I grew up and how I know the world.”

Gensel can see colors, he just has trouble differentiating between some of them.

Optometrist Dennis Johnson said that most color blindness is centered around this issue.

“They see color, they just see different variations of color,” Johnson said. “They’re taught by their parents or their grandparents or whoever, ‘That’s red, that’s green.’ They just can’t see between orange and yellow, or the red and brown, or red and green, depending on their deficit. If someone is totally color blind, they see grey, but they see different shades of grey.”

Senior Connor Meyers said it is difficult to explain his color blindness to people.

“Basically, how I really put it is, red-is-red-isred. There’s really no variation," Meyers said.

Blue-is-blue-is-blue. Although, for all I know, some blues could be purple.”

Gensel also experiences difficulty in differentiating colors in his daily life. Colors constantly look very similar, or merge together.

When asked the color of a bright purple pen, he said, without hesitation, that it was blue.

“I’m able to tell if it’s red by itself and green

by itself,” Gensel said. “When red and green are next to each other, it will confuse me and it kind of blends into its own color. It’s weird. I mix up blue and purple, that’s the biggest one. Reds and purple, I just see the same most of the time.”

As for what causes color blindness, “It’s just a genetic thing, you’re born with it,” Johnson said. “Or, you can have a disease or traumatic experience, trauma to the eye, that can cause color deficit.”

A trauma or disease could damage the photoreceptors in the eye, which can cause color blindness.

According to psychology teacher Melissa Toner, there are two types of photoreceptors in the human retina: rods and cones.

“Rods are responsible for vision at low light levels,” Toner said.

“Cones are active at higher light levels and are capable of color vision.”

According to Toner, people like Gensel are called Dichromates; they may have a red-green deficiency or a blueyellow deficiency. Some color blind people could even have Monochromacy, considered as being totally color blind, as people with this see things only in varying shades of white, black, and gray.

Different types of color blindness are not

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triggered by specific traumas.

“The type of color deficit people get is based on nothing but the genetics, and chance,” Johnson said.

Color blindness affects about 1 in 12 men, and 1 in 200 women. Because of its prevalence, Johnson regularly tests patients for color deficits. He typically uses the Ishihara test, which matches colors together to find where the deficiency is, and then moves on to optional treatment.

“There’s no cure for it,” Johnson said. “But, you can put a red contact lens or tinted contact lens in their non-dominant eye, or put tinted material on their glasses to help them emphasize the difference between color.”

Johnson works at Midland Eye Care, and encounters many color blind patients, including, unusually, a few women.

“I have not had that many women as patients who are colorblind,” Johnson said. “It’s like the same chances as winning the lottery. It’s 2.4 percent compared to .04 percent [males v. females]. Most females are carriers of the genetic disorder.”

Johnson said he doesn’t end up prescribing many treatments for color blindness, as most people are content with their vision.

However, one of the more popular treatments

“The first time I saw purple, I freaked out.

I started bawling my eyes out. Because I just couldn’t believe this was a color.”

Senior Connor Meyers

given among patients is the newly developed EnChroma glasses.

EnChroma developed a method called ‘multinotch filtering’. This involves separating wavelengths to enhance colors. Specifically, the lenses are created to adjust the overlapping red and green wavelengths, which improves how the colors are registered by the eye, adding more variation to the spectrum. Meyers wore the glasses for a short period of time.

“The first time I saw purple, I freaked out,” Myers said. “I started bawling my eyes out,. because I just couldn’t believe this was a color.

I ran outside, I started pulling the grass out of the ground, because there was different shades of green. And it wasn’t just green. There was a little bit of brown in there, there were lighter and darker shades. It was amazing. It’s a different world you guys live in. Totally different.”

Color blindness, though a mild disorder, can be problematic in everyday life, like at school.

Gensel said that there have been times when an activity seemed impossible because it was color-coded.

“In seventh grade math class, there were colored ball problems that I just could not do for an hour and a half,” Gensel said. “I’ve always struggled with art because of it too. If I have a question on color I’ll normally just ask someone next to me, ‘Hey, what’s going on there?’”

In Meyers’ case, science class posed a challenge.

“In Mrs. Johnston’s class, biology, I always wanted black and white charts,” Meyers said.

“When we were learning how to dissect things she always gave us color charts. I was like, ‘I can’t, I can’t, I don’t get any of this.’”

FEATURES

Senior Connor Meyers and junior Tj Gensel are both color blind, and the vision problem is a burden in their daily lives and futures. Sonja Anderson|Features Editor & Quinlan Cox | Staff Writer & Paige Murphy | Staff Writer

Eye-opening statistics Everything there is to know about color deficiency.

Illustration | Hayley Russell and Quinn Cox Color blindness also presents problems in career choice. Meyers said that one of the careers he was interested in was the Air Force, but his color blindness restricted him from a career as a pilot.

“That dream was just so big, it was impossible,” Meyers said. “Most branches of the military won’t accept you if you are color blind.

It’s like how you can’t be a baseball player if you can’t walk or run. Every job has their misfits who just can’t join.”

Technical Sergeant Joseph S. Glorso, Enlisted Accessions Recruiter for the U.S. Air Force, said that most electrical career fields and flying career fields in the Air Force are restricted from someone who is color blind. Since color blind people are unable to distinguish certain light indicators in a cockpit or wires, it can be a safety issue. However, Glorso said that a person who is color blind should not be completely discouraged from joining the Air Force.

“You will not be rejected if you are color deficient or blind, you will be limited from those career fields that require it,” Glorso said.

“You’re still able to join the Air Force being color blind. I would tell [a color blind person] to come speak with me, because being color blind does not stop them from joining the world’s greatest

Air Force.”

In Meyers’ case specifically, Glorso believes that technology like the EnChroma glasses will one day make it possible for color blind people to fly in the Air force.

“In my personal opinion, once the technology has been tested and verified through the proper agencies, we will begin to see those types of technology introduced into those specific career fields,” Glorso said. “I imagine it would be very similar to how corrective vision surgery was allowed for pilots.”

Gensel also wants to enter a career in the military. However, he’s interested in the Marines, and his chosen field, computer engineerprogrammer, will not be affected by his color blindness.

Color blindness is a disorder that follows people in most aspects of life. From how they dress, to how they learn, to their career choices, color blindness is a constant obstacle for those affected.

But instead of letting it control his life, Meyers has chosen to accept his deficiency.

“I do not think of [color blindness] really as a disability; some people do,” Meyers said. “Most work places, I have had to list color blindness as a disability. It is not so much a curse, I wouldn't say that. I'm not like everybody else.”

“When red and green are next to each other, it will confuse me and it kind of blends into its own color.”

Junior Tj Gensel

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With hashtags like ‘thinspiration’ and juice cleanse fads, eating disorders are at a record high. Maddy O’Callaghan | Managing Editor & Theo Rammidi | Staff Writer

S

ophomore Aubrey Chambers left the dinner table with a plate of food, promising her family that she would finish the meal in her bedroom. But with a warped body image, she threw away the food, convinced that it would make her overweight and unhappy. Chambers is one of the eight million people in the United States who have suffered from some form of an eating disorder. Chambers suffered from a mix of bulimia and anorexia.

“I would not eat for a couple days, and then eat a bunch and throw up,” Chambers said. “It was stress I think, and it was also depression and anxiety and all of that added together.”

Chambers’ disorder began at the start of freshman year. As her depression and anxiety got worse, so did her eating disorder.

“The depression justified it,” Chambers said. “I was like ‘Okay, I’m a bad person, so I need to make myself feel bad.’”

English Teacher Sarah Dodick suffered from an eating disorder her sophomore year of college while running track and cross country. She would restrict her caloric intake and vigorously exercise for hours a day. Similar to Chambers, at the time, she felt that she was doing what was healthy.

“Whenever somebody has an eating disorder, they have a skewed sense of what is normal, and in your mind you can have a lot of different reasoning for why you’re making the choices you are,” Dodick said.

“I also had an unrealistic view of my appearance.

For me, it was also a sense of control, and I felt like if I had control of what I ate, then I had control of things that were going on in my life.”

Dodick realized that her restrictive eating was a serious disorder after the death of one of her roommates, Kaelyn Carson, who also suffered from anorexia. Dodick sought help from a nutritionist, who helped her slowly introduce foods into her diet.

She also worked with a therapist, who helped her greatly in her path to recovery.

“We worked a lot on the image of myself and other ways that I could feel control over my life without having to control my food,” Dodick said. “I also am not ashamed to talk about the fact that I went to counseling because I feel like that’s something people don’t want to talk about, but it’s healthy.”

Chambers also went to therapy, where she worked on her depression, and realized the connection between her restrictive eating and her mental disorders.

While anorexia and bulimia are the most common types of disorders, junior Kaitlyn Gandy suffers from a rare eating disorder called restrictive intake.

Rather than her limited food intake being the result of negative body image issues, Gandy has a fear of food, which she believes is the result of her anxiety.

She has suffered from it since she was five, and eats vitamins daily to make up for the missing nutrients.

“[Eating] is a complete sensory overload,” Gandy said. “If someone even touches cheese, they cannot touch me because I can smell it and it makes me throw up.”

Gandy has had little negative health impacts because of the disorder. She has found that the biggest downside to her restrictive eating has been her inability to participate in social situations, like going to restaurants with friends.

Many who are recovering from eating disorders say that it’s a process. Chambers knows it’s something she’ll have to cope with her entire life.

“You always have that idea in your head of how you felt back then, and there’s always a little part of you that still thinks that way,” Chambers said.

Chambers has found ways to cope with these thoughts.

Sometimes I still think, “what if I didn’t eat today,” but then I remember that’s really bad,” Chambers said. “I decided that it’s time to go distract myself. I really like cooking, so I’ll go cook, and then I have to eat it.”

Gandy has chosen to take pride in small victories and advises others to do the same.

“Go at your own pace, people are going to get mad at you, people are going to get frustrated and they’re not going to understand,” Gandy said.

“Know what you’re capable of and to celebrate the small things, like even eating a tortilla chip and dipping it in the salsa juice. For me, that’s huge; that’s me eating something.”

Dodick also feels that recovery is a slow journey.

After working through her anorexia through college, she began to fall back into unhealthy eating habits with the stress of her new teaching job. Now, Dodick talks to her class every year about eating disorders to raise awareness. She originally only shared Carson’s story, but decided several years ago that she was ready to share her own.

“If I didn’t talk about out it, I couldn’t expect others to be able to,” Dodick said. “I feel like it’s important because we all have things that we struggle with and I feel like I need to be a good role model of promoting health and wellbeing and talking about things that students deal with.”

With a rise of the number of eating disorders due to media and unrealistic portrayals of bodies, Dodick said it’s extremely important to raise awareness and explain the severity of the disorder.

She hopes to help her students overcome the stigma of shame associated with it.

“I look at students, and I listen to some of the comments and thing people say and do and I just wish I could go back and not have wasted so much time worrying about how much I ate and how much I exercised,” Dodick said.

“I wish I would have enjoyed my life a little bit more back then. I really wish that I could inspire people to change when you’re young and have lots of great things going on for you.”

14 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

DANGEROUS DISORDER

FEATURES

Maddy O’Callaghan | Photo Illustration

FEATURES

PREPARING TO SERVE

Sophomore Brendan O’Callaghan and senior Evan Frick are getting themselves both physically and mentally ready to be in the military in the future. Hope O’Dell|A&E Editor & Danielle Julien|Staff Writer & Lillian Mohr|Staff Writer

S

ophomore Brendan O’Callaghan drags his partner’s limp body behind him as he struggles through a set of tires laying on the ground. His teammate has been wounded and he has to get both of them to safety. This drill is part of his training with the United States Naval Sea Cadet Program, which is helping to prepare him for real-life military service.

“Essentially it is a program [made] so that we can better our military knowledge, as well as learn how to lead and how to work together so that we can be more successful in our military careers,” O’Callaghan said.

O’Callaghan’s branch is led by Commanding Officer Jon Baker, who has worked with the Naval Sea Cadet Corps for 16 years. The United States Naval Sea Cadet is a youth program focused on Naval traditions and the development of leadership.

“While we are not a recruiting organization, the program does provide an opportunity to experience military life,” Baker said.

O’Callaghan is in his second year of the Sea Cadet program, and will continue to be in the program all throughout high school.

O’Callaghan is currently ranked as the

Alternative Lead Petty Officer, which means he is second in command of his unit. This ranking will give him an advantage over his peers when he joins the military because he will be in charge of the people he goes through basic training with and he will have an increased pay.

When the participants of this program get to basic training, they will be one rank higher than the rank they initially enlisted as.

“After this program we can advance at least one pay grade,” O’Callaghan said. “If you went through enlistment and you went in as an E1 [Seaman Recruit], you would be an E2 [Seaman Apprentice], or if you made petty officer third class you’d be an E3 [Seaman].”

After high school, O’Callaghan plans on following in his father's footsteps and joining

the army.

“I want to be in the army because I want to protect this nation and its constitutional rights for the people,” O’Callaghan said.

The program meets every other Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The meetings can range from volunteer work to skillbased activities such as rifle drills and various obstacle courses to push their strength.

In addition to holding a higher rank, he will also have the prior knowledge of leadership and teamwork that the program taught him.

Senior Evan Frick is also planning on going into the military, so he is in the Delayed Entry Program to help physically prepare himself to join the Marines.

“The Delayed Entry Program is meant to

“I want to be in the army because I want to protect this nation and its constitutional rights for the people.”

Sophomore Brendan O’Callaghan

physically prepare you for boot camp,” Frick said. “It also helps you learn general knowledge and rank structure of the branch you are going into.”

Frick said there is no set amount of time for the program, but that it takes place during the time between signing up for the Marines and actually shipping out for boot camp.

The only difference with the Delayed Entry Program compared to normally signing up for the Marines is that Frick will be in the entry program for a longer period of time.

Meetings are held every Tuesday and one Saturday a month. They do an exercise called Warrior Training, which consists of stretches, crunches, pull-ups, and ammo cans, which is a drill in which they raise 30-pound ammo cans over their heads.

The programs that Frick and O’Callaghan are in will provide them with the experience they need for successful military careers.

“The most important thing I’ve learned from this program is how to help others,“ O’Callaghan said. “And how to better my understanding of both America and the American Military.”

Through the Ranks A guide to the Naval Sea Cadet positions.

Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) Seaman (E-3) Seaman Apprentice (E-2) Source: homeport.seacadets.org Sophomore Brendan O’Callaghan, second to the left, marches with his fellow Sea Cadet boot camp graduates in Cape May, New Jersey. Maddy O’Callaghan | Photo 15 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

FEATURES

Weekly Tunes

Everyday Mrs. Sevener stands outside her room greeting students with a different song for each day of the week.

Monday: The Jackson 5’s “ABC”

A SCHOOL BLESSING

Tuesday: Polka music Wednesday: RuPaul’s “Supermodel” Thursday: Crystal Waters’ “Ghetto Day” Friday: Denise LaSalle’s “Don’t Mess with my Toot Toot”

T

he sound of the Jackson 5 resonates through a room filled with 1,000+ pigs. For 30 years English teacher Rose Sevener has been able to turn the routine of school into something enjoyable and exciting for students. With her “mad love” for pigs and her daily sunshine blessings, Sevener has attempted to become a positive impact on all students.

“You can’t like something about Mrs. Sevener. You come to love her qualities and traits,” junior Gypsy Worrall said. “Mrs. Sevener is a downright righteous woman. She always has her students’ backs and is willing to help and understand each individual’s life.”

There was a period of time in which she did not want to be a teacher because she saw all the work her mother, who was also a teacher, had to do. Originally she was interested in radio, and was following in her father’s footsteps.

“My father told me that I needed a live audience,” Sevener said. “He told me just to think about it. It turned out that a lot of my communication and English credits transferred to a teaching certificate. I got my teacher certificate in a year and a half.”

Sevener first started teaching at a school in Battle Creek, and it was very rough for most of her students (located in the middle of the drug traffic corridor in between Detroit and Chicago).

There was one student in particular, named Leroy, who stood out to Sevener while she

English teacher Rose Sevener is famous for her “sunshine blessings” and the many pigs that fill her room. Hayley Russell|Exchange Editor & Annaliese Hohner|Staff Writer

Among all the pigs that Rose Sevener has, the one she is holding, Sophie, is the most special to her. She brings her whereever she goes. Hayley Russell | Photo taught in Battle Creek. Leroy loved the song “Don’t Mess with my Toot Toot” and would dance to it all the time. He even encouraged others to enjoy the dance and embrace the song. It became the Friday song, to go along with other songs played on specific days. If he reported back to Sevener that he was doing good in all of his other classes, she would play the song.

“I really admire how she really forms a connection with the kids,” English teacher Don Demko said.

“Obviously so much of her teaching style is propelled by the sincere feeling that she wants to make a difference in these kid’s lives, and really kind of inspire them to become maybe something, they haven’t thought about becoming at that point of time in their lives.”

In Demko’s 29 years of teaching at Midland High, he has had nothing but positive things to say about what Sevener has done for the school. He feels she creates an environment where a student can safely voice their opinion without judgement.

16 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

“She’s a good egg,” Demko said. “I’ve never had met another teacher like her in all the years I have been teaching.”

One of the thing Sevener is known for is her large collection of pigs. Her love began in eighth grade, when she had received two stuffed pigs from some friends as a bir thday gif t. Wh en she displayed them in her locker, others began to notice and comment on the possibility of her having a pig collection. She began to do research on them and told her father that she could no longer eat pigs, or any animals because they were all so cute to her. She has been a vegetarian ever since, and her pig collection has grown to fill her classroom and then some. Students give them to her as gifts.

“It is not an addiction,” Sevener said.

“Addictions and obsessions get you landed in insane asylums, jail, and restraining orders.

This is a mad love of pigs.”

Lately, Sevener has been having problems with her leg and hip. She originally had hip

“Mrs. Sevener is a downright righteous woman. She always has her students’ backs and is willing to help and understand each individual’s life.”

Junior Gypsy Worrall

surgery back in April, then didn’t come back for the rest of the school year. A few days after the surgery she fell, and later found out she broke her femur.

She feels that all the staff and administrators supported her immensely. She received lots of help from people, especially her husband, colleagues, and students.

“I had a ton of support from my kids,” Sevener said. “They were sending me a lot of love and prayers, and it was great.”

All of that from her supporters almost matches the love she gives.

“Sev is Sev - no one can change her or the amount of love she has for her students,” Worrall said. “She’s really empowering because of the confidence she gives others.”

Sevener has helped others feel welcome in her judgement free classroom. She understands that everyone has lived different lives and has the student’s best interest at heart.

As much as she has influenced the school, the school has also influenced her.

“I wanted to be where we cared about each other,” Sevener said. “And that’s what I found here at Midland High. I love being at Midland High. When I first came here I heard Chemic family, Chemic tradition, and I did not know what that meant. Through my years here I have seen it in place. Especially with Mrs. Sisco, Mr. Luzar when he had his heart problems, and with me through my hip and my broken leg. It is truly a family.”

A&E

Rhapsody Revealed

After spending last year as a long term substitute teacher, Anna Mamassian received the offer to teach Orchestra full-time for Midland High. Jonah Dykhuizen|Staff Writer & Josh Danielson|Staff Writer

FANTASTIC STRINGS

AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

New orchestra director Anna Mamassian conducts the Midland High School Symphony Orchestra in preparation for their Dec. 3 performance at Rhapsody Rendezvous. Josh Danielson | Photo

W

ith the flourish of her baton, as if casting a spell on the orchestra, Anna Mamassian conducts the music to The Complete Harry Potter, bringing the piece to life. Ever since Mamassian was a child, she has had an interest in music, inspired by her grandmother, who was a Midland Public Schools music teacher.

“My grandmother had always encouraged us to pursue music,” Mamassian said. “Of course she would, because she was a music teacher, but I think it was just fate that I ended up here.”

Although Mamassian was always interested in music, she did not always want to be a teacher.

“I wanted to be a performance major at first, but changed to teaching when my parents said, ‘You can always perform with a teaching degree but you can’t always teach with a performance degree,’” Mamassian said.

However, it was a book that she read in high school that completely changed her outlook on teaching. In Daniel Quinn’s Ishmael, Mamassian found her calling to be a teacher—not just of orchestra, but of life.”

“I’m not here just to teach orchestra, I’m here to help students with whatever they come to me with,” Mamassian said.

Mamassian dual-majored at Central Michigan University, getting her certificate to teach in both choir and orchestra.

“I knew that as a double major, I wanted to student teach in both choir and orchestra,” Mamassian said. “So because Mrs. Breneman taught both at the time, Midland High seemed

like the place for me.”

When Mamassian was assigned to Midland High, she student taught under former choir teacher Jennifer Breneman and former orchestra teacher Kathy Peretz.

“She was a very good student teacher,” Breneman said. “She had good skills with music, but more importantly, she was great with classroom management.”

After one year of student teaching at Midland High, she became a long term substitute teacher

“She’s teaching us to bring the music to life, and that’s what we’re going to do at Rhapsody” Junior Eric Parsons during the first half of last school year. It was this established relationship that made her an obvious choice for the next orchestra director.

Her transition as a full-time teacher has been smooth, thanks to her close connection to the students and staff. Not only had she established a relationship at MHS, but she had been the teacher of the honors orchestra for a full year.

These feelings were reciprocated by president

of the orchestra, Junior Eric Parsons.

“Being part of the orchestra in the previous year’s really helped in her transition because she’s already part of the orchestra family,” Parsons said.

Mamassian is taking the opportunity to change the everyday undertaking of the orchestra to elevate their level of play. She is starting by teaching vibrato in the middle schools so by the time the students reach high school, they will be able to work on more advanced techniques.

A big change Mamassian has made this year is putting an emphasis on learning the scales.

“All of my students are learning all of their major scales because if you can play your scales, you can play anything,” Mamassian said.

The culmination of all her hard work is yet to come to fruition with the full orchestra’s performance of The Complete Harry Potter at Rhapsody Rendezvous.

Mamassian is hopeful for the performance, but the orchestra still has some themes to master.

“There are definitely some fun melodies and some tricky spots that they are working on getting together,” Mamassian said.

Parsons credits Mamassian for asserting her own unique teaching style to this challenging piece.

“She’s been helping by critiquing each and every fine thing so they don’t add up and we can focus on big things,” Parsons said. “She’s teaching us to bring the music to life, and that’s what we’re going to do at Rhapsody.”

Mamassian will dress as Dumbledore for Rhapsody where the Orchestra will be performing The Complete Harry Potter Josh Danielson | Photo

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A&E

Rhapsody Revealed

RHAPSODY RECOGNITION

A brief look into two of the upcoming acts at this year’s Rhapsody Rendezvous and how the performers are preparing themselves. Hailey Surbrook|Ads Coordinator & Kaylee Zariski|Staff Writer & Emma McLaren|Staff Writer

Trombone Suislides

T

he Trombone Suislides are a group that will be performing a choreographed dance to music by changing the positions of the appear slides on their instruments when they Ferruzzi at this year’s Rhapsody. Senior Cara explains her group’s act.

“I really like when we start doing jumps during the piece. We jump and spin at the same time.”

What song is featured in your performance?

“I’m excited for us to be on stage. This is a dream I’ve put been putting together since my freshman year. Our drum major, Noah Danielson, wanted to do it, but we weren’t able to, so we’re finally doing it. I’m nervous that we’ll hit each other, because that happened at auditions. We still got in, but I’m still really afraid that we’ll hit each other.”

“We’re [performing] to Chainsmokers ‘Don’t Let Me Down,’ but it’s the T-Mass remix.”

How much do you practice?

“When we were going to audition, we practiced two times per week for two hours at a time. Now we’re practicing every week on Saturdays for only an hour. It’s easier that way because we know the entire routine now.”

What is your favorite part of your group’s act?

What are you excited and nervous about for Rhapsody?

What are your expectations for your performance?

“I expect that the audience will love our energy and uniqueness. We’re a special act.

Most [people] have never seen anything like it. Our coordination, sick moves, and awesome soundtrack cannot be topped.”

The Trombone Suislides practice their act. Pictured from left to right: sophomore Ian Sanford, junior Nate Miiler, senior Matt Gordon, junior Alli Dotson, and sophomore Justin Taylor. Hailey Surbrook | Photo

T

he band’s drumline will be performing the percussion feature that they played at the band’s showcase when they make their appearance at this year’s Rhapsody. Drum Captain Brendan Short explains his group’s act.

What song is featured in your performance?

“We will be playing our percussion feature from this year’s marching show. It’s a compilation of many of the popular spooky songs such as the ‘Halloween’ theme song, the ‘Banana Boat Song,’ [by Harry Belafonte] ‘Bark at the Moon’ by Ozzy Osbourne, ‘Monster’ by Skillet, and a tribute to Oscar the Grouch towards the end where we all play on trash cans.”

How much do you practice?

“We practiced all summer working on this feature, but now that we’ve learned it, we haven’t practiced [the song] in a while and we’re probably not going to practice it again until the week of Rhapsody. We’ll probably have a few early morning rehearsals.”

What is your favorite part of your group’s act?

Drumline

“The ending where we drop our drums and then go to these garbage cans that are lined up and play triple forte on the garbage cans.”

What are you excited and nervous about for Rhapsody?

“I’m excited that we get to perform the piece again. We spent a lot of time learning it so it’s kind of a waste if we only get to play it one time. I’m nervous because it’s a [couple] months from now so we’re going to forget a lot of what we learned and we’re going to have to relearn it.”

What are your expectations for your performance?

“I want the performance to get the audience fired up and involved in the show. Grab their attention and demonstrate all of the hard work leading up to the performance, as well The drumline practices playing the garbage-can tribute to Oscar the Grouch, part of their act in Rhapsody as continue the drumline and band’s legacy of Rendezvous. Pictured from left to right: junior Connor Robertson, junior Marina Budinsky, junior Fischer Genau, senior Josh Braley, sophomore Jack Light, and freshman Kevin Hoefer. Josh Danielson | Photo excellence.”

18 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

IN THE

A&E

Fischer Genau | Photos

Rhapsody Revealed

A diverse group, rich in character and lacking inhibitions. Whether they are dramatic veterans or first-timers on the stage, this year’s cast of Rhapsody emcees promise to put on quite a show. Ellie Jensen|Op-Ed Editor & Matt Olenczuk|Staff Writer & Fischer Genau|Staff Writer

LAUREN CURTIS

SPENCER PARSCH

MADELINE

EXPERIENCE Other than the occasional serenade in the shower and charismatic display put on for friends or family, Curtis has no experience in the performing arts.

EXPERIENCE The stages Parsch occupies are informal, such as a class filled with students (and a reluctant teacher ) or a room of friends, having never had any prior forays into the dramatic arts.

THE AUDITION Parsch utilized his boisterous personality to assume the character of Hulk Hogan to wow the judges while introducing a band.

ON THE TABLE A goofy and spontaneous attitude towards the performance is something Parsch will add to the skits’ dynamic.

ON THE NERVES The biggest concern Parsch has is getting a sufficient amount of rehearsal before the fast approaching deadline.

EXPERIENCE Morgan has been involved in theater from a young age, playing different roles in productions at The Center for the Arts and school plays since 5th grade. She now leads the Drama Club.

THE AUDITION Taking on multiple characters, Morgan used a satirical edge to introduce the orchestra.

EXPERIENCE Hendrickson has been a part of many Midland High productions, including playing the role of J udge Thatch er in To Kill a Mockingbird.

EXPERIENCE Smith has been involved in drama since sophomore year, appearing in plays including the Putnam County Spelling Bee and Peter and the Starcatchers.

THE AUDITION Hendrickson created two personalities and went back in forth between them while introducing a singing act.

ON THE TABLE Morgan adds a dry sense of humor to ground the skits, able to play off the loud personalities of the other emcees.

ON THE NERVES After years of investing herself in portraying different characters in plays, Morgan will be stretched by the raw nature of being herself in front of an audience.

FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH “For some people it’s a childhood dream, I just really like being funny.”

ON THE TABLE Hendrickson adds a goofy and clean sense of humor to the skits that is relatable to audience of all ages ON THE NERVES After a late start of meeting with the emcee panel, Hendrickson’s biggest concern is being prepared before the deadline.

THE AUDITION Showcasing her experience, Smith alternated between the characters of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, to introduce the orchestra’s Harry Potter themed performance.

ON THE TABLE Smith brings experience in the performing arts and energy to the cast of emcees.

ON THE NERVES The thought of constructing a cohesive performance through rehearsals coordinated solely by the emcees themselves proves intimidating for Smith.

THE AUDITION Curtis displayed her unabashed approach to drama by crooning her own rendition of Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” for the judges.

ON THE TABLE Curtis’ organizational skills will help to keep the emcees on schedule and prepared for the show.

ON THE NERVES Being the first time her humor will be gauged by a crowd, Curtis is worried about making it a performance that students and spectators will remember.

FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH “I love public speaking; I think it’s really fun. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to do that for an entire show.”

FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH “It’s great how open ended it is, and how much creative freedom we have to do pretty much whatever we want.”

MORGAN

BEN

HENDRICKSON

FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH “I’m flabbergasted, because I didn’t think I would actually make it, and it meant a lot to me”

ALLISON S M I T H

FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH “Ever since I was a sophomore I told my best friend that I was going to be an emcee. It looked really cool and fun.”

19 | FOCUS |NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

When I was a tomboy Gwynne Ozkan

I

can say with the utmost confidence, nine years ago you would’ve mistaken me for a boy. Whether it was seen in my mannerisms, a conclusion drawn from my Dutch Boy haircut, or an assumption made by my overly sized T-shirt with dragons printed on the front. Yes, I actually wore dragon T-shirts; the kind you buy at Kohls that come with the HotWheels car attached in a ziploc.

That’s the one.

At recess, I was pulled onto the pitch to play in fierce battles of soccer which inevitably turned into rugby before the whistle blew to wrangle us inside. On days rugby became a bore, I carefully evaded my teacher’s watchful eyes as I raced to assume my captain role for the supposed-to-be touch football.

The boys turned a blind eye to me being a girl because I didn’t care if I got tackled or if my hair got messed up. I readily picked out my defensive line and running backs while my girl friends rushed to play four square. I begged my parents to turn in my ballet slippers for soccer cleats and they happily obliged.

I made go-gurt volcanoes at lunch surrounded by a bunch of boys, and then I cleaned the floors of the lunchroom afterwards; still by my side were my fellow boys surviving the punishment with me.

I actually owned a Power Rangers bike. Not the pink one for the girl

• • • • •

Power Ranger with the matching tassels off the side, the red one with black racing stripes. He was basically the leader of the squad.

I liked it, so I got it. Pool parties meant one-piece Speedo swimsuits and I always wore goggles; meaning

“I came to school in mesh basketball shorts, a low, straight back ponytail, and whatever soccer tournament sweatshirt I’d gotten the weekend before.”

I always had goggle marks on my face. I hated dresses almost as much as I hated being called ‘princess’, and come Christmas time I unwrapped pokemon cards, not Bratz dolls.

My two best friends prioritized lip gloss and frilly skirts, so I definitely was the odd one out.

However, at the time this was nothing out of the ordinary. I came to school in mesh basketball shorts, a low, straight back ponytail,

Signature Items:

Red power rangers bike Teen Titans hat Pokemon-themed Birthday Cakes Dragon and car themed Graphic Tees McDonalds boy toys

20 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

@HumansofMidlandHigh

OP/ED and whatever soccer tournament sweatshirt I’d gotten the weekend before. Nonetheless, we’d walk into Adams together and we’d walk out together. They didn’t care, and neither did I. Rounding out my seventh grade year, I made the shift. My friends introduced me to makeup and taught me how to French braid.

They dragged me into department stores and forced me to accessorize.

I ditched my Speedo swimsuit for a bikini and started straightening my hair. I guess I just started growing up.

Whenever pictures pretransformation are pulled out, part of me disappears into a puddle of shame and embarrassment. I can’t help but laugh at my choppy bangs, how I’d smile so big I’d squeeze my eyes shut, or the Teen Titans hat placed on my head.

Part of me feels envy. I feel nostalgia towards my life when things were simple and school was easy. I can’t imagine living the same care-free lifestyle I once did. After being exposed to high school and everything that comes with it, judgment always lurks. It’s impossible to be free of the opinions of others that are shackled to each decision I make or every feature I have. There’s always a little piece of people lost to the judgment of others that just build as you age. It just can’t be helped.

That is not to say the life I live today constitutes to less of who I am; not at all. I grew into my persona, but just a touch slower than most of the people I know.

In retrospect, I toss out major props to my parents. They knew I was the epitome of a tomboy. They also knew I just didn’t care.

I asked for the boy toys with my happy meal and passed by the girls clothing section simply for no other reason than I wanted to. They saw I was just doing what made my happy, free of the care of my peers opinion and free of embarrassment.

Sometimes I miss my dragon T-shirts, but what I miss more is the happy-go-lucky attitude I carried around before prejudice made it too heavy a burden. I miss not caring. I miss not worrying. Nonetheless, I’m the same Gwynne, I just pluck my eyebrows and double-check my hair before I leave for school.

A feature of Chemics who have a story. Follow our Instagram for more.

Lori Kennemer

“

I am very proud at commencement each year of all of the graduates. I have considered these kids mine for four years.

Sometimes when people ask me how many children I have, I answer, “I have 1450 kids.

They all go to their other parent’s house on the weekends.” In reality, I don’t have any children. I like the “family” we have here.

Teachers, administrators and support staff all come together in time of need when another staff member needs help or assistance. We bolster each other and lean on each other. I have worked at many other places, and even in the MPS administration building for 9 years.

I don’t earn as much money here as I did in some of those other places, but I am much happier here.

”

OP/ED

Puberty sucks

T

he other day, my 12 year old cousin texted me after she scored in soccer from the 40 yard goal line. I’m not going to pretend I know what this means, but I was excited for her, and I told her that I was proud. She told me the reason she was so excited for this accomplishment was because she was hoping the mean popular girls, Celine and Celeste, would finally pay attention to her.

I told her that first off, who wants to be friends with someone named Celeste anyway? She sounds like a real snob. And more importantly, why would you want to be friends with someone who is mean to you?

I reminded her that she’s beautiful and talented, and mean girls who are shallow and rude won’t go half as far as she will.

But in all honesty, I knew she wasn’t going to follow my advice.

I remember exactly what that was like. Puberty, and specifically middle school, is easily one of the worst times in a person’s life. I used to try hard to get the popular girl’s attention, despite the same advice that my mother and aunts gave to me. It’s something that everyone goes through, and I think it’s one of the most important times in a person’s life. Awful, acne-prone, and hormonal, but important.

I remember in fifth grade, this ginger girl told everyone in line for recess that I was ugly and didn’t know how to read. I definitely did, and as soon as the rumor reached me in back of the line, I started to cry. I ran to the bathroom and hid in the stall, sure that the cold hands of death were near. But she was

Maddy O’Callaghan one of the popular girls, and the next day I followed her around the playground, hoping to gain even a sliver of her approval.

In sixth grade, I got a haircut that convinced me that the seventh seal of the apocalypse was opened, and the world was over. My mom’s good friend, an alcoholic blonde with lip injections and a

“Everyone gets pimples. Everyone embarrasses themselves in front of their crush. But the awkward periods in our lives are where we get to figure out who we are.” very obvious boob job, was an ‘up and coming’ hair stylist who I was forced to go to so that we could ‘support her’. Now maybe this is just me, but I feel like any job that requires standing for long periods of time and the handling scissors near people’s throats is a job where you should not wear high heels.

Especially cheetah print pumps.

Debbie, however, did not feel the same way. So, as the laws of physics demanded, the combination of her heels and the uneven weight distribution from her chest caused dearest Debbie to lose her balance while she was cutting my hair,

Most Embarrassing Moments

and chop a piece 5 inches shorter than I wanted it. Above my ear.

She looked at me in the mirror and explained that it was going to look a little bit different than we talked about. You think, Deborah? I looked like a boy. I faked being sick so that I could stay home from school, and the next day when I got on the bus, a girl screamed and asked me why I would do something like that to myself. It was awful and traumatizing, and I only recently went back to a salon to get my hair cut.

In ninth grade, I went to a family reunion with the O’Callaghans and our family friends, the Kellys.

Irish family reunions are basically just massive parties where all the alcoholics annually break their sobriety, so the kids always find a separate area to hangout in. One of the guys in our little refugee group was crazy attractive, and I hadn’t seen him since he was little. Once the party started to come to a close, I went to help some of the adults clean up. When I was walking back from the kitchen, two trash bags in my hand, the hot boy grabbed my arms and asked me to remind him what school I attended. I was so surprised that an actual boy was talking to me, so I freaked out.

I tried to tell him Midland High, but my brain was in fight or flight mode, so I just made a noise similar to a dying baby goat and ran. I have not been back to a reunion since.

In all of these scenarios, I felt like I was going to die. At the time, my ugly haircut and the failed attempt at romance seemed like the most important things in the world. I thought that there was no way to redeem myself. But as I got older, these stories just turned into funny and cringe-worthy tales that shaped who I am today.

Everyone gets pimples. Everyone embarrasses themselves in front of their crush. But the awkward periods in our lives are where we get to figure out who were are.

You couldn’t pay me to go back to middle school, but I wouldn’t change a second of it.

- Losing my tooth during my 3rd grade - Ripping my pants on the high ropes choir concert course at summer camp - Getting my hair cut super short in - Epic flirting fail in 9th grade 6th grade

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

TAKE IT

The Chicago Cubs won the World Series, making it the first time they have in 108 years.

TAKE IT

LEAVE IT South Africa’s Neo-Nazi movement endorsed a n d c o n g r a t u l a te d Donald Trump on his presidency.

LEAVE IT

T h e e l e c t i o n i s f i n a l l y ove r.

Regardless of what side you’re on, we can all agree this was one of our worst presidential elections.

‘Hallelujah’ singer Leonard Cohen passed away at 82.

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21 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

The dog days are over Sonja Anderson

I

t was April. A warm, spring day.

My brother and I rode our bikes home from school – mine bright pink with tassels on the handles, and his red with flames drawn up the side.

We cut through the corner store parking lot and raced to the driveway, just like any other day.

Parked the bikes, opened the gate, went to check on the dog in the backyard.

He was a Siberian Husky, with long, black and white fur and deep brown eyes. Named Loki, for the Norse god of mischief, he constantly ran away from home for fun and howled at people when he wanted things. But he wasn’t howling today. I wondered why.

Upon walking into the backyard, I saw him lying down next to the fence by the trees, in his usual place.

I called his name, but he didn’t move, so I assumed he was just sleeping.

I started trying to wake him up by petting his fur. Except, he was really hard. Like, stiff. I remember that very well. So my second-grademind thought, “Oh, I guess he’s just extra asleep today.”

I pet him for a decent amount of time.

I tried to get him to fetch a stick.

And it was probably about ten minutes before I was able to comprehend that Loki was no

longer among the living.

I, of course, start crying hysterically while running inside to get my father, who went outside to check on Loki, and came back with the classic flat-line-face that all the Grey’s Anatomy doctors make when breaking the news. He called

“Sometimes I worry that I don’t take things seriously enough, but really, I just have a specific way of doing it.”

my mom to ask if she could come over and take care of us while he took care of, well, the corpse. She did.

I know this might seem like a really sad story, but it isn’t. At least, not to my friends and me.

Because, in retrospect, I think it’s hilarious that I pet my dead dog’s corpse for several minutes before realizing something was up.

I think it’s hilarious that I then

22 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

@HumansofMidlandHigh A feature of students who have a story. Follow our Instagram for more.

Fletcher Nowak

“

Last year in Toronto, during the Meister “Love Survives” from All Dogs Go to trip, we said our hotel room was the start to Heaven a bad joke, because a Mormon, an Atheist, and two Christians were rooming in the hotel “I Will room. The Atheist sneezed, and everyone else Remember You” by yelled “Shut up!” because it would have been Sarah insensitive to say “God bless you.

McLachlan

The perfect playlist for you and your dead dogs (because we’ve all been there) “Who Let the Dogs Out” by The Baha Men

OP/ED

threw a stick past his un-living body, trying to get him to fetch.

And the real kicker here is this: that day in April was the 19th. My eighth birthday.

When I tell people this story, they usually die laughing. Pun intended.

And I think that is a testament to humor. If some time goes by, most things can be funny. No matter how dark, or once sad. I think it might a natural human defense to avoid unsatisfactory emotion. Fine with me. Of course, my 8-year-old self would be very angry at me for laughing at her sorrow. But she milked it for long enough; even forcing tears in class in the fourth grade while writing an assignment, so that all her classmates would see how sad she was (pretty pathetic).

Overall, the experience taught me a lot about coping. I know that most people go through things much worse than their pets dying, but that was one of the saddest moments of my childhood, and over the years, it morphed into an ironically funny saga that I can’t help but laugh at while telling.

I’ve learned from this that I often deal with distress through humor.

Sometimes, I worry that I don’t take things seriously enough, but really, I just have a specific way of doing it.How you deal with a bad situation is up to you, period.

Sometimes, you get assigned four hours of homework the night before the SAT. Sometimes, all the roads you take to get to school are blocked by construction, forcing you to take a ten-minute detour when you’re already late. Sometimes, your country chooses a racist, sexist, dried apricot for president.

Sometimes, your dog dies on your birthday. You just have to get over it and appreciate the irony.

And if I could say just one more thing to that dog, it would be that I wish he could’ve just held on a little bit longer, at least until my brother’s birthday.

”

OP/ED

Ninety-two point five

T

he expectations of school are ridiculous: Wake up before the sun, hit the snooze button one too many times and leave for school later than initially intended. Next, remain seated for seven hours and stay engaged as best you can, but the reality remains: lectures enter one ear and immediately flow out the other. When the bell rings signaling the end of the school day, it’s off to one of many extracurriculars to desperately appeal to universities, all the while throwing on the façade that the whole world is peachy keen and caffeine is not the only thing keeping your body afloat.

It’s not until the sun has set that the high schooler is able to finally return home and begin the pile of homework acquired throughout the day. But looming overhead is the pressure to apply for colleges, write countless essays for scholarships and pretend to have a social life. All in a day’s work.

The pressure to perform in school is brought on by the ridiculous statistics of sub-6-percent acceptance rate at dream colleges.

Ivy League hopefuls have an expectation to maintain a 4.0, take at least Five AP classes and lead three extracurricular activities to gain acceptance. Heck, Harvard had an acceptance rate of 5.2 percent and it’s no secret that a lot of

Ivy Stats

Jonah Dykhuizen qualified candidates were rejected.

With statistics like these reported constantly, of course students feel the need to study in excess.

But that’s no way to live. Trying to get 100 percent in every single class is hard, and is bound to affect the other facets of life, but the solution is simple: Don’t try so hard.

This conclusion seemed so obvious to me that it took me by surprise when I learned that some people actually spent hours on end doing every assignment. It’s so ingrained in people’s heads that a higher percentage grade is better—but that is just not the case.

Especially in high school where the course material is not very difficult, and most assignments are nothing more than busy-work, it’s hard to argue that putting 110 percent effort into every single assignment is worth the stress.

I’ve had enough of my friends telling me they can’t go to the movies with me because they are too busy working on homework.

I’m left mystified that they can stretch a 15-minute physics assignment into two hours of re-reading the textbook, taking detailed notes and studying for a test in the distant future. Good for them, but now I’m left at home with no one to accompany me to see Doctor Strange.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m

proud of my work ethic. I can get everything I need done for my classes completed before the due date. But I have plenty of time too. I work smart, not hard.

In my four years at Midland High, I’ve adopted an ideology based around a single principle: On the transcript, both 100 percent and 92.5 percent are the same A grade and both result in a 4.0.

This means that all of the optional homework assignments are only completed to the point where I feel comfortable with the material that it covers. Quite frankly, the high school classroom is set-up for student success. Simply giving the teacher their deserving attention is enough to warrant high marks on participation and enough information is soaked into the brain to get acceptable grades on assessments without the need to study excessively outside of class.

Sure, the 94 percent test grade is nowhere near as flashy as the perfect score, but when report cards roll around, the grades are effectively the same: A 4.0. Nothing more. Nothing less.

The sacrifice of a few percentage points was more than enough to free up three hours of my day previously spent working on homework. The time is now available to work on more important matters—things I actually care about. An extra hour perfectly annotating Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath can be better spent pursuing a passion whether that is writing a novel or playing a sport.

High school is not supposed to be a time for you to be cooped up at your desk working on problem sets for hours at a time. That time spent getting perfect scores can be better spent becoming more than just a number.

Live a little.

Follow Jonah Dykhuizen on Twitter and Instagram @jonah_dykhuizen

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for Harvard Class of 2020

Average GPA

Average SAT

Acceptance Rate

4.0

1600

5.2%

4.04 1540

(Ivycoach.com) 23 | FOCUS |NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

The Focus tries...

OP/ED

JUICE CLEANSE

A 72-hour juice cleanse detox was supposed to induce weight loss and flush the body of toxins. This liquid-based diet -- breakfast, lunch and dinner blends as well as green tea -- did not go as I hoped. Gwynne Özkan | News Editor

Day 1:

The first day is always the hardest. I don’t even know if that’s true but I’m being optimistic. I was doing fine until 3rd hour when I usually would start snacking. My stomach began gurgling and rumbling, no thanks to my breakfast blend. I felt all the liquid sloshing around. Lunch was physically painful. Being surrounded by the aroma of the food was too tempting. My friends were eating actual food while I was hauling around my bottle full of green liquid full of kale and celery strands. The smell and consistency alone were nauseating. I couldn’t bring myself to finish it. I tried plugging my nose and washing it down with water. It was unsuccessful. With each hour I was getting increasingly irritable. My attention span was shorter than usual, as my mind kept wandering toward the food sector. 6th hour brought the hiccups, and I never get the hiccups. When I got home, I couldn’t shake the hunger so I started dinner.To help with my crave to chew, I poured the potion over crushed ice and ate it like cereal. It helped in a sense of motor skills, but not in the taste department. I was still hungry. I was still cranky. I was short tempered and my mom said I looked flushed. I never thought I would miss chewing. I just want a granola bar.

Day 2:

I lied when I said the first day was the hardest. The second day tops the list. I lost 1.5 pounds in one day without even exercising.

My stomach is constantly gnawing on itself. I have an undying pit in my stomach and food has become a dry topic in my head. I try to occupy my time with other things but I can tell I’m losing focus. Whether it’s because I can’t shake my cravings to tear open a bag of pretzels and go at it, or I physically don’t have the energy. My breakfast blend was not as bitter today, and actually left me feeling refreshed. After the lunch and dinner blend yesterday, I felt nauseated and I had to hold back throwing up; today was no better. I came home feeling faint. I’m just hungry.

I’m hungry all the time. Even when I’m not thinking about eating, I am.

‘Breakfast’ Lemon

2 Teaspoons

Flax Seeds

Day 3:

The juice detox is over. Mom’s pediatrician side finally broke through with strict protocol.

I woke up exhausted and exasperated. I weighed myself that morning and the scale read: 132.1. Almost five pounds gone. I had grown increasingly impatient, blunt, rash, and jittery. My energy level was at an all time low and I felt like I was starving myself. My body didn’t feel refreshed, it felt punished.

My features were faded and with my uppity personality gone, I wasn’t myself. With about six hours left of my 72 hour juice cleanse cycle, my mom put her foot down. I wish I could say I got mad, but I got in my car and drove to KFC. Fast food had never tasted so good. Yes, I actually gained back the five pounds that I lost, and if that isn’t success I don’t know what is.

1 Tablespoon

Almond Butter 1 Tablespoon

WEIGHT

136.9 68 60 lbs 131.1 beats/minute VITALS lbs Aftermath:

My body had to overcompensate for the imbalance in my diet the past 3 days, which ultimately left me feeling sick. I had a bad cough, congestion, and stomach aches all weekend My sleeping patterns were still skewed and I was still exhausted.Even after the diet ended, my body was still experiencing after effects. Diets like these are overrated and ineffective. There are better, more natural ways to lose weight and techniques that are healthier for your body, like exercise and a healthy balanced diet including actual food. Liquid detoxes like this are a sad excuse for people to not eat and call it ‘healthy’ and ‘cleansing’ to your body. The last word I would describe my experience with this cleanse is ‘healthy’. Eat your vegetables and invest in a pair of tennis shoes.

Don’t blow $100 on a juice cleanse you found on pinterest with high hopes of a skinnier stomach and a fresher feel. I don’t and would never recommend.

26 | FOCUS | NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

Raspberries 1 cup

1 banana

Spinach 1/4 Cup