May 29th, 2014: Senior Issue

REMEMBER WHEN | PAGE 8

COLLEGE TIPS | PAGE 9

HALL OF FAME | PAGE 10-11

THE

FOCUS

BEST/WORST | PAGE 12-13

Midland High School | May 29, 2014 | Volume 36, Issue 9

A very special tradition senior edition Scout Parsch | Photo

Volume 36 Issue 9

FOCUS C O N T E N T S

09

MAY 2 9 t h WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE?

Senior Issue:

02 Table of contents 03 Advertisements 04-05 Senior opinion 06-07 Where are you going?

Regular Issue:

02-03 Opinion 04 Study Drugs 05 Summer Job 06-07 Sisco Memorial FOCUS EDITORS

10

12-13

06-07

08

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

08 Remember when?

09 College tips 10-11 Hall of fame 12-13 Senior ballots 08 Gross Twins 09 Motorcross 10 Aaron Mealey 11 Summer Vacation WRITE A LETTER If something annoys you about us, school, or life in general,

write a letter to the editor.

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

write a letter to the editor.

If we got something wrong,

write a letter to the editor.

If it’s coherent and under 300 words,

we’ll run it.

Drop them off at room 345 with your name.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT Focus established in 1977, previously the Vic Tribune established in 1936, is the official school sponsored newspaper of Midland High School. Focus is published monthly by the journalism classes at Midland High School and is distributed free of charge. It is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), the Michigan Interscholastic Press

Association (MIPA), and Quill and Scroll.

Adviser membership also includes the Journalism Education Association (JEA).

Focus is designed as a forum for student expression and as a realistic lab experience. Focus, however, reserves the right to contest the challenge of an administrator who attempts to censor and/ or remove an article or graphic element.

A

D

S

Need for Birth Control or Emergency Contraception Services?

Call Midland County Health Dept.

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

A healthy alternative treat

We now do graduation parties and other special event catering Contact us at (989)-835-6766

On June 12th all 8 oz yogurt is 15% percent off from 11:00-3:00

The Paper Place 132 Ashman Circle Midland, MI | 989-835-4861

School graduation napkins

Rentals: • Tables • Chairs • Tuxedos • Ice Tables • Linens • Carnival Games • and more!

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Party Supplies: Local school • Graduation logo balloons • Kids characters • Cake decorations • Baby & Bridal Shower • 30 colors of tableware • Wedding • Over the hill • Luau • Fiesta • Retirement Not valid on rentals and discounted merchandise Expires June 30, 2014

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MHS 2014 Yearbook Distribution August 25 8:30am-3:30pm Eyeball Alley | Foyer Area Providing there are no delays from our publisher Order your 2015 book when you pick up your 2014 one! mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 03

For dear old Midland High

As a 14-year-old coming into the school, I thought I had a pretty strong concept of what Chemic Pride was all about. But even in my last weeks as a senior after attending over 500 days of school here, I am still discovering more and more about what it truly means to be a Chemic.

In my first varsity football experience as a tenth grader in the playoffs, I got a little taste of what it is like to be a part of a team that incorporates an entire community, but little did I actually know.

Eleventh grade rolled around and I was a full-time member of the varsity football program. I found ways to get a few snaps a game, but nothing significant. Being a part of a team that started off 12-0 was definitely the experience of a lifetime, but the amount of pride I felt from that season paled in comparison to what I experienced as a senior.

Senior year of football was unbelievable.

Marching the halls, the pep rallies, the pregame dinners, and tough practices were all things I will never forget. But what will always remain prominent in my mind are the Friday nights under the lights. The band, the cheerleaders, pommers, parents, alumni, teachers, students all gathered in one place for a common purpose: to cheer on the mighty Chemics. As a player- a reason why 10,000 people are packed into a stadium on a 40 degree fall night, the feeling of pride and excitement you receive is truly overpowering.

Although sports, namely football, have been a huge part of my experience as a Chemic, they were not the sole tool used to mold my Chemic pride. I have been very fortunate to be involved in a plethora of different clubs and organizations during my tenure as a student at Midland High School, and have loved each and every one of them.

From representing our school by winning third place in the nation in BPA, to going

Integrity 4 | FOCUS | MAY 29, 2014

S E N I O R

bonkers for our newspaper at the MIPA spring awards, to packaging thousands of bags of food to be sent around the world, I’ve discovered just a few of the infinitely high amount of ways that students can demonstrate their Chemic pride.

I am a firm believer that each student in this school has a talent that they can express in some way, shape, or form in which they can contribute to the school that so many Chemics before them have contributed to. If there’s any school out there capable of it, Midland High has proven that they can use any talent in order to show off just how awesome our school is, as well as the amazing students and faculty we have.

These past few weeks have really epitomized what being a Chemic is all about.

“We’ll all stick together, old M!C!H!S! Through all types of weather!” says our fight song.

As over 800 people, including 100s of Chemic students, stood in the rain to release balloons in celebration of the life of Mrs. Sisco, I was overwhelmed by the immense amount of pride being displayed.

I hope all students here realize how truly amazing this school is. Midland High has given so much to me, and I have given so much back to it. No matter what happens to me down the road, I know that bond will always remain close to my heart. I hope that the seniors reading this can say the same, and that the underclassmen reading this will be able to say this as well when they graduate.

A woman shifted in her seat in the A woman shifted in her seat in the bleachers, and her program, unnoticed, fluttered to the floor. I watched as the teenage boy in front of me reached over and set the program back on the seat next to the woman, although she had not known it was missing or that it had been returned to her by a stranger.

Integrity is having the moral courage to make your actions consistent with what you know is right. If there is one thing I could tell everyone, from the incoming freshmen to the graduating seniors, it’s this: don’t be a chameleon.

I’m not talking about going hipster and doing everything you can to avoid mainstream music and clothes. I’m also not saying that you need to be as loud and outgoing as you possibly can to express yourself. What I’m saying is to not let your situation define you; you need to define your situation.

What if

I hate writing; I really do. It has me spending countless hours staring blankly at a computer screen until I finally come to the conclusion that I can never be a writer. Yet, here I am; the Editor-in-Chief of the Focus and a monthly columnist writing my selfproclaimed “failure of a writer”. But, to be honest, I still don’t know what I’m doing.

Maybe at first it was my mom’s dream, but now I can’t imagine who I would be without journalism. It’s not just the memories that have affected me, but I would be a completely different person without this class and the people in it.

1. I would be writing essays at a first grade level. Seriously, I cannot stress enough how much reporting for this paper has pushed me to become a better writer. I became the master of transitional phrases in the past four years, and with five editors correcting my every mistake, I was forced to develop an eye for grammar and punctuation. Unfortunately, this has also created my biggest pet peeve over the years-“Me and Scout”.

2. I would be a sloppy mess. This is not an exaggeration. Editing countless papers for the Focus has made me a perfectionist for both my story and my page design-- especially my page design. I could find a spacing issue on a page from across the room because it’s literally the first thing I see when I look at it.

Writing for the paper has made me develop a slightly obsessive personality when it comes to making things perfect. Without it I would probably have illegible handwriting, uneven (if not smeared) makeup, and walk around with mismatched shoes, among many other things.

3. I would actually play sports. I’m actually really glad I avoided this one because there’s a reason I avoided all gym classes until this year. Since journalism takes up so much of my time, there was no way I could’ve done this, pompon, and another sport (not that It means never cheating on a test, even when you hear or see something and you’re pretty sure you would have known that answer without it. It means standing up for your friends, people you don’t know, and even the ones you don’t like when you hear others gossiping about them.

It means standing out when you don’t necessarily want to because you aren’t okay with the movie everyone wants to watch. It means keeping all promises. It means doing what’s hard because you know it’s the right thing to do.

If you don’t know your core and what you stand for, you’re ultimately going to be swept away to places that aren’t going to make you very happy.

There are numerous heroes that I look to in history that have stood out because of the integrity they’ve held, such as Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill, but I want to make it clear that you do not need to be in a

I would have wanted to anyway). I think I would get so bored without journalism that I would force myself to try a new sport, and most likely fail at each attempt.

4. I would be even more anti-social. Meeting people never came easy to me, at least until I joined journalism at MHS. Not only do you work with a new partner every month that you actually have to talk to, but you interview at least three people for your story as well.

I dreaded interviewing at first, but it’s now what I look forward to most about each month (besides being obsessive about my page design). Interviewing is the best way to hear an amazing story first hand, and is much better than sitting on my couch eating potato chips.

5. I wouldn’t be Scout. With all of these different aspects of journalism that molded me, without it I would be a completely different person. I’d be that person that only puts on half her makeup, doesn’t talk to anyone except her pet snake she keeps in her sleeve (yes, I’ve actually witnessed this at school), flunks out of every English class, and commits to every sport knowing she can’t actually catch or throw a ball.

One last thing, when I refer to the Focus as the “Focus Family,” it’s not just a fun saying we all use, it’s what brings us together as a group. The Focus will be what I remember most about high school. It won’t be the awkward school dances, the gossip and drama, or the never ending classes.; it will be my Focus Family. position of power in order to influence those around you. In our day-to-day lives, we make the greatest impact as we interact and leave our mark on hundreds of lives. People are watching, and when you behave with honor by returning change for a miscalculated bill, you’re likely to make a very real difference.

The status-quo is overrated. There is something inside of us that goes, “Yes. That was right. That was good” when a stranger sits next to the girl sitting alone in the hall and makes her smile.

While you’re in high school, dare to choose the right. When you go to college, stand for good. Do it no matter who notices or how popular it is. Make a difference in people’s lives and leave a giant handprint on the world. Be that kid that picks up the fallen program and places it next to the oblivious woman, not for thanks but to be kind.

Don’t be a chameleon.

S E N I O R

Throwback Thursday: senior edition

From elementary school to senior year, the people in these pictures have changed just a little bit. Take a look at the differences throughout the years. Katie McIntyre | News Editor & Amanda Walko| Staff Writer

From their days in Little League, Colin Walters and Turner Anderson have grown up a little bit. Back in their elementary school years, Walters and Anderson attended Chestnut Hill Elementary. [left] Turner Anderson | Photo courtesy & [right] Katie McIntyre | Photo

Guess That Kindergartner

1.

2.

See if you can recognize your classmates from the good old days.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1. Joey Adams 2. Emma Kruger 3. Andy Porterfield 4. Shannon Spencer 5. Nolan Manser 6. Evan Lile

Betty and Floyd: a story of true love

Ali Harner and Caroline Swiercz hang on the jungle gym at recess. They attended Plymouth Elementary School. Harner and Swiercz usually played together at recess back in the day. [left] Caroline Swiercz | Photo courtesy & [right] Noah Surbrook | Photo

Hand in hand, they slowly shuffled through the line of pews and into the aisle. It was not a long walk, from their seats in the back of the church to where Communion was being served at the front of the sanctuary. It was not a difficult walk. Still, together they labored their way to the front of the church, step by step, her hands clasped around the arm of his tweed suit jacket as they made their way back to their seats.

“Just a few more steps Doll,” Floyd Campbell would whisper to her as her hands shook during the last few steps before they returned to their seats. Her glazed eyes focused only at him.

At the age of 92 and 90, Floyd and Betty Campbell, two members of my church, will forever be the greatest examples of true love that I have ever seen. I had spoken to them maybe twice in my life, but still they have stuck in my mind as one of the few reasons that allow me to believe that actual love exists.

They were completely devoted to one

another like no other couple that I had ever seen. Their love was something that can only be found in Nicholas Sparks’ novels and the chick flicks that come out on Valentines Day. Floyd’s unending dedication to caring for Betty despite her Alzheimer’s and the fact that she could not remember most people was astounding. Even though she could barely hobble along next to him, he was always there to hold her up and guide her along.

They didn’t have much. My youth group once went around Christmas caroling and we stopped at their house. They lived in a trailer residency area, with a live in nurse and not much else. It didn’t matter though. Floyd still never let go of Betty’s hand the entire time we visited with them. He still offered her ice cream, as he did every other night. He still introduced her to us all, even though most of us had gone to church with her for years.

I cannot imagine having that. I cannot imagine having someone who loves me so thoroughly and completely that they take joy

in spending their life caring for me. I cannot imagine spending 65 years with the same person and still having them look at me and their eyes light up. I cannot imagine having someone that calls me “Doll” at the age of 92.

I very well may never find that; most people don’t. But whether or not I have someone beside me when I can’t walk, I don’t think that I will ever forget Floyd and Betty. They are the only couple that I have ever seen that truly exemplifies “in sickness and in health, till death do us part.”

Betty passed away last year. I have not seen Floyd since then. Without Betty to guide to Communion, he doesn’t come to church anymore. It would be strange to see him walk down the aisle without her frail arm wrapped around him. I can’t even picture Floyd without Betty there. Their two lives were so intertwined that it seems impossible for one to go on without the other.

mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 5

S E N I O R

After spending four years together, the Class of 2014 graduates and head off into different directions. Here is a look at the future colleges that your favorite seniors will be attending . Caroline Swiercz | Staff Writer Michigan

Central Michigan University

Noah Danielson Matt Nastase Kayla Beebe Amanda Walko Bailey Grzegorczyk Bryanna Collins Cali Winslow Bradley Belson Andy Russell Madison Rapanos Monyca King Ben Elliott Jordan Clements JD Copus Tyler Freed Conner Hogue Azariah Koning Morgan Lillie Mercedes Meyer Tyler Moe Kaely Simmons Jessica Trethaway

Delta College

Malissa Garland Savannah Wheeler Richie Fosgitt Nick Wright Mike Klug Chris Cline Morgan Hansen Grace Houseal Alyssa Westphal Kelci Anderson Lindsey McQuarter Maddie Mammel Makenzie Maksymiu Rose Pantoja Liam Pretzer Spencer Grenon Jennifer Gillings Taylor Anderson Jay Hendricks Chris Lasich Tanisha Frick Madison Bonham Jenna Carpenter Lauren Adams Brianne Altman Taylor Anderson Dylan Andrick Aaron Angell Keaton Arnold Alex Bailey Joe Breen Tyler Case Drake Cergnul Jacob Cobb

6 | FOCUS | MAY 29, 2014

Sam Cockrum Colin Coltson Taylor Corner Drew Davis Austin Delucia Mike Davis BIlly Earle Brelawn Evans Luke Ewbank Tim Fick Daniel Florey Becca Fowler Alex Garcia Bailey Gennette Scott Ginther Cohen Gobeski Paul Goulette Sarah Granzo Morgan Hanson Ali Harner John Hollingshead Tracy Imhoff Jo Ecker Casandra Kareus Whitney Keenan Caitlyn Keidel Tanner Kennedy Taylor Kerkau Jacleen Kisser Krislin Hutchinson Trevor LeBlanc Tristan Loosemore Kylie Madajek Lisalee Martin Jackie Mccullum Kallie McGuire Connor Mclaren Jake McMann David Mell Cody Miller Elliott Miller Selena Munoz Jared Owen Sydney Parsons Julia Piacentini Andy Porterfield Zach Potter Cheyenne Quinn Caitlin Ray Kyle Srodawa Breonna St. John Remi Stanley Micheal Strobel Travis Sysak Aaron Brooks-Sharpe Lauren Bukaweski Shawntelle Burton Alyssa Reder Madiosn Ribble Maddison Rice Noah Rodriguez Austin Rosado

Haley Rule Branden Rytlewski Jordan Schreier Daniel Tanner Michael Tiffany Dakota Waffer Devin Waite Nolan Welser Alex Welter Maddie White Will Williams

University of Michigan

Emily Kessler Brendan Varilek Alex Lorenz Melinda Kothbauer Colin Walters James Miller Sam Rapanos Elizabeth Ladwig Nate Fisher Eric Mier Rebecca Singer Richard Doktycz Nick Shahin

University of Michigan (Flint) Riley Smith

Michigan State University

Samantha Manges Darian Jones Scout Parsch Katie McIntyre Turner Anderson Carolyn Bussineau Zack Stirn Adam Regier Evan Lile Joseph Stanley Grace O’Connor Dominic Angelotti Katie Smith Bryan Brezinski Jacob Dostal Megan Nicholas Courtney Froelicher Ashtaan Rapanos Eric Skaug Hannah Szymanowski Andrew Schafer Adrianna Thompson Madeline Levinson Lily Hami Sabrina Vernier Katie Kochanny Kayla Keyser Hannah Brubaker Tristan Ozkan Caroline Mulvaney Joey Adams

20

CLASS OF

Alma College

Warren Elmer Ben Luzar Austen Irrer Tanner Diment Austin Rapanos

Saginaw Valley State University Annie Lloyd Haley Kaczmarek Jack Duly Audrey Wilkie Tayler Warner Michael Alexander Charlotte Damocles Jarred LaChance Tiler Jewell

Western Michigan University Mackenna Rouse Christine Dowdy Hannah Vinande Emily Resmer Kayla Szewczul Eddie Mulford Connor Palmieri

Northern Michigan University Dakotah Costley Madison Hayes Hollie Koning Levi Box TJ Joynt Jenna Owens

Abbi Schieber Tanner Terwilligar Savannah Wheeler Sam Wing Alexis Ade

Grand Valley State University Hannah Meinecke Jasmine Betchel Kiley Brandt Stephen Conklin Pamela Konst Bryce Kramer Elizabeth Silverstein Jacob Starr Franco Vallazza Nolan Manser George Guillen Jordan Meyer Lindsay Garl John McDonald Michiah Arguello Drew Cullison

Ferris State University Justin Tenbusch Cononr Patnode Kelsey Ervay Savanah King

S E N I O R Easten Michigan University Mallory Rajewski

Hope College Anne Trapani Aaron Green

Washington University of Washington Rebecca VanBeber

Florida

Albion College Lauren Kelsey

Cornerstone University

University of Florida

Oakland University

Florida Institute of Technology

Ceonni Williams

14

SPLITS UP

Shannon Spencer Mikaela Kram

Baker College

Taylor Brooks Madison Gerry Madison Sanburn

Baker College of Owosso

Kalamazoo College

Lake Superior State University

Kellog Community College

Elizabeth Belay-Loftis Stewart Lafevre

Rochester College Rachel Mervyn

Cosmetology University Samantha Hoff

Gabe Klotz

Alex Biedenbach

Greater Michigan Construction Academy

Quinten Greiner Melanie Draves

Devon Musick

Northwood University Matt Schnurr Bradley Grim Noah Sanders

Michigan Tech University Matt McInerney Seth Jones Alex Gall

Haley Wittbrodt Grant Norris

Kendall College of Art and Design Culinary Institute of MI Kristen Leny

Davenport University Emily Riley

Tennessee Austin Peay State University

California Katie Naffie

John Paul the Great Catholic University Regan Danner

Indiana Indiana University

Louisiana Pineville Beauty School Kaitlyn Lamee

Arizona Universal Technical Institute Hunter Randall

Ohio

Jacob Cook

Hobart Institute of Welding Technology

RoseMarie Mason

University of Cincinnati

Douglas Aveda Institute Angela Kuehene

Giang Le

Utah Brigham Young University Emma Krueger Kelsey Pennock

South Carolina Costal Carolina University Chaz Babin

South Dakota South Dakota University Lindsey DeFrancisco

Zimbabwe University of Zimbabwe Jordan Schrier

Pakistan

Pakistan Medical and Dental College Nimra Jawed

Illinois

Jess Walter

Merril Fabrications

Emily Zerull

University of Oregon

Biola University

Cedarville

Calvin College

Oregon

Alexis Luetege

Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology Merril Institute

Kyle Blackwood

Alyssa Ivan

Wayne State University

Spencer Dostal Donald O’Brien

Spring Arbor University

Lansing Community College

Tanner Gross

Billy McAffee

Aquinas College

Liz Merrell Colton Lewicki Jonathan Young

Nicole Meeks

Luke Lambert

Bryce Thomas

DePaul University Caroline Swiercz Hannah Lasky

Columbia College Justin Butler

Olivet Nazarene University Jonathan Hentschel

Principia College

Amanda Breneman

Army

Bree Larsen Larry Durocher

Marines Logan Mackay

Daniel Granda

Ohio college of Wooten Bob Beall

Leif Joffre

Air Force

mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 7

S E N I O R

Remember when?

Day 1

Mrs. Greif’s and our first day at MHS

“From elementary school until now, Mrs. Greif’s always been focused on the student body and making sure we feel comfortable. She has such a big heart.”

Rebecca Singer

September 3, 2010

LJ fell through the glass in Eyeball Alley

November 12, 2010

Mrs. Sisco was diagnosed with cancer

“I just remember how hard it must have been for her to have to talk about it with us. It was unimaginable. She was so strong and positive and she never let cancer dictate her life.”

Regan Tendler

Snapchat was first released

”When Snapchat first came out, I sent as many ugly pictures to my friends as I could, I loved every second of it!”

Haley Wittbrodt

May 2, 2011

September 2011

Osama Bin Laden was assassinated

“My head tells me that I shouldn’t be celebrating such a matter, but my heart can’t help but be euphoric that someone who brought darkness into the lives of millions was given his just desserts. I’m just glad I don’t have be making these decisions for our country.”

Joey Adams

Guy on bath salts ran nude down Swede

“As they announced that we had won, everything seemed to get quiet as the parents screamed. It literally felt like time had stood still! Everyone cheering us on- I would consider this one of the biggest moments of my drama career.”

Regan Danner

September 14, 2011 “I was riding with my mom on the way to school, when we see a guy run through the middle of the road. We realized he was naked, and saw the cops tackle him. It was kind of chilly that day, and you could tell just by looking at him.”

Evan Lile

February , 2012

President Barack Obama

“Gosh dang it, not again.”

“I always used to think crazy stuff in high school only happened in movies... then LJ fell through the window.”

Brenden Varilek

April 22, 2011

MHS play Quilters wins first in state

won his second term in office.

Let’s revisit some of the more memorable events that have happened in our tenure as Midland High Chemics. Nate Fisher & Ben Luzar | Staff Writers

Fall 2012 November 6, 2012

The football team started 12-0 and was ranked number one in the state “Junior year was when it all came together. We were finally playing with the role models you looked up to in the senior class. That team just clicked and we started rolling.”

Alex Lorenz

James Miller

6 teachers and 5 students traveled to Taiwan

The football team beat Dow for the second time in one season “It was like Christmas morning off that field against the dough boys for after putting up over 100 points in two games! But to me, the best feeling was that we made a statement in the second game where that stadium is owned by one team and one team only!”

Austin Rapanos

Our school came together to celebrate the life of Mrs. Sisco

April 12, 2013 November 8, 2013

January 14, 2014

“When I was watching the balloons fade into the sky is when I realized May 14, 2014 that she was really gone and how much I am going to miss her. It was beautiful.”

Bradley Belson

8 | FOCUS | MAY 29, 2014

Graduation

“As I visited breathtaking landmarks, grew closer with such genuine people, and got a taste for the beautiful culture of Taiwan I realized just how much the world has to offer once we step outside of our comfort zones.”

Emily Kessler

Jess Walter scored her 1000th career point

“Everyone went nuts, and we ran out onto the middle of the court in our ‘1000 Point’ wife-beaters we made for the occasion. Everyone was jacked.”

Warren Elmer Nate Fisher, Maddy Parker, & Whitehouse.gov | Photo courtesies

S E N I O R

Whether trekking across the country or attending a college a few miles away from home, college brings a host of new experiences. Chemic alumni have some tips on how to cope your freshman year. Kelsey Pennock | Staff Writer

1) MAKE YOUR SUMMER ROCK

5) ONCE AT COLLEGE, STAY THERE

“The summer before college, I wish I had gone

“Do not go home every weekend. You never know the

I wouldn’t be seeing for a while.”

friends.”

somewhere I hadn’t been before, and done something things or people you could be missing if you go home I’d never done before with my friends from high school all the time or only hang out with your high school Benton DeGroot University of Michigan, 1 year

Emma Moore Anderson University, 1 year

DECIDE YOU HATE YOUR 2) DON’T COLLEGE AFTER A WEEK

6)

new schedule in a new town, but as time went on, it

of the year and make it a give and take relationship. If

YOU DON’T NEED TO BE “BESTIES” WITH YOUR ROOMMATE

“Never give up. I had a hard time transitioning into the

“Set guidelines with your roommate at the beginning

got easier.”

you don’t let little things annoy you, you will get along.”

Nikki Brabaw Michigan State University, 2 years

Andrew Wandor Michigan State University, 1 year

3) BUY YOUR BOOKS USED

7) TAKE IT SLOW AND BREATHE

bookstore! The books are really expensive and you

should try to get it done as fast as possible. Consider

Allison Bis Grand Valley State University, 1 year

Samantha Smith Brigham Young University, 1 year

4) SCHEDULE SMART

8) DISCOVER YOURSELF

“I wish I knew not to buy books from the school

“The biggest lie I was told about college is that you

can get the same quality at a used bookstore or online your major. Feel free to take your time by taking fewer classes, but doing well in them.” if you look hard enough.”

“Don’t take an 8 a.m. class. Ever. I thought that because I woke up at 5:30 during high school, an 8 a.m. class would be easy, but that was a lie.”

Dallin Jones Brigham Young University, 1 year

“This is your time to reinvent yourself. The point of an education is not the degree; it’s to make yourself into someone better.”

Michael Kelingos Spring Arbor University, 2 years mhsfocus.com | FOCUS | 9

Austin Delucia

Kathryn Smith

Kathryn Smith has shown a great deal of support for the Midland High football student section. Smith helped coordinate and fundraise for the student section her senior year, and supplied pompons, vuvuzela horns, posters, and baby powder to assist in the excitement of the student section.

Smith also helped design and sell t-shirts for the pink out football game to raise money for Jenifer Sisco’s Relay for Life team.

“I just like showing how proud I am of our school. I love being a Chemic and I want people to know that,” Smith said. “My favorite memory involving chemic pride was witnessing MHS beat Dow twice last season.”

Smith will be attending Michigan State University in the fall, majoring in finance and international relations.

Jess Walter

Will Williams

SPIRIT

Austin Delucia has spent a lot of his time attending many sporting events to cheer on his fellow chemics, and was one of the leaders of the football student section, taking control of the white board.

Delucia lead chants and activities for the students in efforts to cheer on the football players, and enjoys showing enthusiasm and love towards his peers.

“I love to show my chemic pride by smiling each day and putting a smile on the faces of others,” Delucia said. “I loved how we all came together home, and away to cheer on our boys for the win, and keep them pumped.”

Delucia’s future plans include being an infantryman in the Army National guard SWAT team.

Elizabeth Ladwig started the Environmental club when she was a sophomore. She is currently the president of Key Club after being an officer her junior year. She has helped coordinate shelter house meals, blood drives, and school carnivals. With the environmental club Ladwig has cleaned up parks, and made MHS a “green school.”

“I love volunteering because when you volunteer you make a difference in someone’s life other than your own, you’re helping the community.” Ladwig said.

She plans on attending the University of Michigan to pursue a medical or environmental field.

10 | FOCUS | MAY 29, 2014

Nate Fisher

Nate Fisher has been an active member in serving his community during his high school career. In the past four years, Fisher has participated in six mission trips, four of which took place on spring break.

In Midland, Fisher has been involved in Relay for Life for two years and Lunchbox Learners for four years, among many other programs through the school and his church.

“I love volunteering because not only is it a ton of fun, but it makes me feel good knowing that I can help make a difference in other people’s lives,” Fisher said. “Whether it be working on a house or reading to an underprivileged child, I love the opportunity to lend a hand.”

Fisher future plans include attending the University of Michigan to study business.

Back row from left to right: Jess Walter, Annie Lloyd, Kathryn Smith, Nick Shahin, Cali Winslow, Austin Delucia. Front Row: Richard Doctycz, Gabe Klotz Jack Duly | Photos

Gabe Klotz

Gabe Klotz has been a part of the drama program since he was a freshman. He began participating in drama activities after he was inspired by his sister, Gaia Klotz, who was also heavily involved in the MHS drama program.

Closely related with drama, Klotz has participated in forensics. His favorite forensics category is Prose interpretation.

Klotz has placed third in the Michigan High School State Finals his junior year and fifth place his sophomore year.

“Forensics has been one of the most fantastic opportunities that I’ve had in high school,” Klotz said.

Next year Klotz plans to attend Kalamazoo College where he will double major in Political Science and Philosophy.

Regan Danner

Regan Danner has been involved with the drama club since freshman year and is currently the president of the club. She has been apart of many productions like Quilters, where she played the character Lisa and Almost Main, where she played the character Rhonda, “My favorite memory is when we won states sophomore year for the show Quilters because it was a complete shock and really exciting. It was the first time in nineteen years that we had won states,” Danner said. “It was a very unknown show, so the fact that we won with Quilters surprised everyone.”

Danner will attend John Paul the Great Catholic University in California to study acting.

DRAMA

VOLUNTEERING

Elizabeth Ladwig

Will Williams has been involved with the boys’ varsity football and basketball team throughout his four year career.

Williams played JV basketball as a freshman, and then moved on to be a three-year starter for the varsity team.

Williams is a class A all-state player, and the fourth leading scorer in the league.

“What helped me be successful were the people that have had my back and supported me through the long tough years,” Williams said. “In order to be a successful athlete you need to be humble, smart, and play any sport with a little chip on your shoulder.”

Williams’ plan is to attend Northwood University where he will play basketball and major in business.

Jack Duly | Managing Editor, Hannah Lasky |

SPORTS

Jess Walter has been playing basketball since second grade and has been on the varsity girl’s basketball team all for years of her high school career.

Walter was runner up for Ms. Basketball for the state of Michigan. She has been on the first team Class A all-state team for the past two years .Walters also broke the school record for most points scored over her career, scoring more than 1,000 points.

“I have enjoyed over the course of the years being on teams that have felt like family and just getting to know some of the girls and building friendships that will last forever,” Walter said.

Walter will be attending Indiana University to play basketball and plans on majoring in business.

HALL

OF

S E N I O R

Exchange Editor, & Nick Wright | Staff Editor

Leif Joffre

Leif Joffre has been a captain of the Cross Country team, youth in government leader, class representative in student council, symphonic orchestra treasurer, and National Honor Society secretary. While Joffre credits much of his success to his father, he also acknowledges the Boy Scout program for equipping him with the skills necessary for leadership.

“Many Challenges are presented to leaders as they try to guide those who are dependent on them, but it is for this reason most of all, the capability of leaders to succor others, that I have chosen to attend the US Air Force Academy.”

Joffre plans on attending the US Air Force Academy this fall where he plans to become a fighter pilot and pursue a degree in business.

Annie Lloyd

Katie Naffie

MUSIC

Nick Shahin was first introduced to music when he played the trumpet in his fifth grade year. During his senior year Shahin was a drum major. At the start of his freshman year Shahin began to play in the band Loose Change with four more of his friends that was put together by Mark Shelley, his bass instructor, who also directs the band. Shelley has been one of the major proponents of music in Shahin’s life: “Shelley has been a huge inspiration, teaching me everything I know on bass and a lot of what I know about rock, helping me learn guitar, helping me write, just being a great teacher.”

Shahin plans to attend the University of Michigan next year. He will be studying engineering while minoring in music.

Hunter Marsh

Hunter Marsh has been a part of National Art Honor Society for three years and has been the president for the past two years, being the only person in Midland High history to be the president for two consecutive years.

His best art accomplishments were during his senior year when he was in IB visual art and 3D art. His favorite piece that he has completed was a set of bronze jellyfish that placed him in the top 100 visual artists in the state of Michigan.

“I had to use all of the different techniques that I had learned throughout my Midland High art career into one project,” Marsh said.

“For each of the tentacles I had to find a new way of making them.”

After high school Marsh is going to be apart of the 75th ranger regiment of the army.

Cali Winslow

Richard Doctycz

Cali Winslow has excelled in all of her classes achieving summa cum laude, the highest academic award that the school can award. Winslow was awarded the Centralis Scholarship at Central Michigan University, which will fund all of her college expenses.

She spends about four or five hours per night doing schoolwork. Winslow also placed first at the Brain Bee her junior year and her favorite subjects include anything in science or art.

“I find that makes it easier to be successful; when you genuinely care about something, you give it everything you’ve got,” Winslow Said.

Winslow plans on attending Central Michigan University next year where she will be studying neuroscience.

Richard Doctycz is among the top of the senior class based on his high grade point average. Doctycz has made many academic accomplishments throughout his high school career, including being on the honor roll all four years. Doctycz is graduating suma cum laude for the senior class.

Doctycz also participated in the Code Michigan competition and his team won with their self-made program.

“I definitely strive to have good work ethic, I make sure to do all of my work and do it to the best of my ability,” Doctycz said.

Doctycz’s future plans include attending the University of Michigan to study engineering.

ACADEMICS

Katie Naffie has been involved in a variety of music programs during her four years in high school.

Naffie has been a part of Meisters for the past three years and has been apart of the band program since fifth grade. She has been flute section leader for the past two years. Naffie has sung at Rhapsody all four years. During her senior year she had a solo.

“I got to share the song What I did for love with everyone and it was a senior solo so it was really cool to perform in front of my friends, peers, and teachers,” Naffie said.

Naffie plans on attending Biola University in California to study vocal performance and psychology.

Nick Shahin

Melinda Kothbauer has been part of student council for the past four years of her high school career. She has been class president for four years and has held the executive office of student council president.

She is also involved in National Honor society where she is the food drive committee chair.

“Being on student council was a chance for me to give back to Midland High because Midland High has given me so much out of my years here by giving me so many opportunities and a great teaching staff,” Kothbauer said.

Kothbauer plans on attending University of Michigan next fall to study chemical engineering and computer science.

Annie Lloyd became interested in artwork while she was in seventh grade after taking a class taught by northeast art teacher Mr. Gledhill. Although she has worked with a myriad of mediums during her student art career, Lloyd’s favorites include charcoal, watercolor and acrylic.

Recently Lloyd was awarded the Senior Art Award at the senior awards night. This award was voted on by the three art teachers whom she credits for her success.

“My artwork has greatly improved over the past four years at Midland High due to all of my wonderful art teachers who have helped me along the way.”

Lloyd plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University to major in graphic design.

ART From left to right: Regan Danner, Katie Naffie, Melinda Kothbauer, Hunter Marsh, Elizabeth Ladwig, Nate Fisher. Leif Joffre, Will Williams Nick Wright | Photos

Melinda Kothbauer

LEADERSHIP

FAME

S E N I O R

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BEST/ WORST Best hair George Guillen & Bailey Grzegorczyk Best eyes James Miller & Lauren Kelsey Best looks Quinten Greiner & Hannah Lasky Best dressed Brendan Varilek & Emily Kessler Best smile Ben Luzar & Nicole Meeks Best muscles Andy Russell & Jess Walter Best legs Thor Russell & Hannah Lasky Best facial hair Will Williams Best laugh Ben Luzar & Anne Trapani Best skin Warren Elmer & Bryanna Collins Best liar James Miller & Alyssa Ivan Worst liar John McDonald & Maddy Rapanos Best singer Noah Danielson & Katie Naffie Worst singer Joey Adams & Becca Singer Best car Richard Doktycz & Emma Krueger Worst car Jacob Cobb & Katie McIntyre Worst driver Tanner Gross & Katie McIntyre Best friends Shannon Spencer & Mackenna Rouse Best couple Emily Riley & Matt McInerney Best couple that never dated Austen Irrer & Maddy Rapanos Best bromance Chaz Babin & Quinten Greiner Worst story teller Andy Russell Best story teller Gabe Klotz Best person to bring home to your parents Luke Lambert Worst person to take home to your parents Bradley Belson 12 | FOCUS | MAY 29, 2014

S E N I O R “I’M HUMBLED... SO WHAT ELSE DID I WIN?” MIKE ALEXANDER (voted biggest ego)

BEST COUPLE EMILY RILEY & MATT MCINERNEY

MOST LIKELY

Trip while getting diploma Evan Lile Disappear after graduation Becky VanBebber Be in a fraternity Matt Nastase Be in a sorority Nicole Meeks Attend high school parties while in college Zack Stirn Be seen on Cops Bradley Belson Become a millionaire James Miller Wander into the woods and never come back Stewart Lefevre Make a Miley Cyrus transformation Regan Tendler Become a MHS teacher Katie Kochanny Have a sweatpants wedding Amanda Walsh Marry for money Maddy Rapanos Get married right after high school Kaitlyn Lamee Become a stand-up comedian Spencer Grenon & Adam Regier Volunteer as tribute Larry Durocher Find a cure for cancer Cali Winslow

BEST LOOKS HANNAH LASKY & QUINTEN GREINER “I DON’T LIKE BEING BOUNDED

BY CLOTHING. I’M ONE WITH NATURE.” CHAZ BABIN (voted most likely to appear naked in public)

BEFORE

BES w

& most

As seniors prepare to leave time, they reflect on the diffe remembered here. Scout P Resmer | Sports Editor, & Kyle BE SEEN ON COPS BRADLEY BELSON

MAKE A MILEY CYRUS TRANSFORMATION REGAN TENDLER

AFTER

“I’M A GOLD MEMBER AT STARBUCKS. ADDICTION AND IT WAS GONE IN A MO IT’S WORTH EVERY PENNY.” EMILY R

ST worst

&

likely

e Midland High for the last erent ways that they will be Parsch | Editor in Chief, Emily e Blackwood | Opinion Editor

FOR MY BIRTHDAY I GOT $50 FOR MY ONTH. I KNOW I HAVE A PROBLEM BUT

RILEY (voted to overdose on Starbucks)

S E N I O R “I WANNA GO FAST.” TANNER GROSS (voted worst driver)

BEST CAR RICHARD DOKTYCZ & WORST CAR KATIE MCINTYRE “I’M LITERALLY SO DONE I CAN’T EVEN.” LILY HAMI (voted “she can’t even”)

BEST MUSCLES ANDY RUSSELL & JESS WALTER “WELL, AT THE END OF THE DAY SHE HAD A BOYFRIEND.” AUSTEN IRRER (voted best couple that never dated with Maddy Rapanos)

BECOME A MILLIONAIRE & MARRY FOR MONEY JAMES MILLER & MADDY RAPANOS

MOST LIKELY

Have their own talk show Gabe Klotz Get a novel published Alex Biedenbach Win the Nobel Peace Prize Elizabeth Ladwig Become President Melinda Kothbauer Become a famous Hollywood star Regan Danner Become a professional athlete Jess Walter Climb Mt. Everest Leif Joffre Live a short and scandalous life Bradley Belson Appear naked in public Chaz Babin Get plastic surgery Kathryn Smith Move to Colorado and/or California Alyssa Ivan Accidently destroy Dow Chemical Matt Schnurr Sleep through commencement Connor Patnode Die first in the zombie apocalypse Patrick Morris Overdose on Starbucks Emily Riley Work at McDonald’s their entire life Matt Nastase Become the new One Direction Quinten Greiner

MOST LIKELY Appear at Midland every weekend despite not attending a college in Midland Kyle Blackwood To get ID’d at age 30 Tanisha Frick Shock everyone at reunion Sam Manges To be Slytherin James Miller Most dramatic Regan Danner Most responsible Melinda Kothbauer Least responsible Bradley Belson Most laid back Nick Wright Most competitive Ben Luzar Most Chemic Pride Jonathan Young Biggest flirt Emily Kessler Most sarcastic Jack Duly Most confident Joey Adams Biggest teacher’s pet Giang Le & Lauren Kelsey Biggest klutz Evan Lile Biggest ego Mike Alexander Most absent minded Casandra Kareus “She can’t even” Lily Hami Nicest person Jonathan Young Annoying but loved Mackenna Rouse Most addicted to social media Kathryn Smith Most changed since freshman year Rose Pantoja Most memorable Jess Walter & Bradley Belson Most unlikely couple John McDonald & Emily Kessler Most photogenic Hannah Lasky Most outgoing Mackenna Rouse Scout Parsch & Emily Resmer | Photos

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