January issue

PAID

MERCER IS SCHOOL DIST 400

January 26, 2018

mihsislander.org

Injustice in Yemen

An overview of the humanitarian crisis crippling Yemen.

Features > 2

Volume VII, Edition 4

"Pitch Perfect 3"

Sports and School Spirit

Why the Pitch Perfect franchise should have stopped after the first film.

A&E > 11

How much does Mercer Island High School's spirit live up to its bad reputation?

Opinions > 8

Time's Up: Moving the #MeToo Movement to MIHS

Six MIHS students pose with a Time's Up shirt. From left to right, top to bottom: Ava Wampold, Sarah Hobson, Annika Bhananker, Emery Sampson, Liat Perlman, and Amanda Wion.

Annie Poole staff writer

The culture shift in Hollywood surrounding sexual assault and harassment needs to happen within the halls of our high school.

Silence is no longer an option; time’s up.

The rape culture at MIHS — boys joking that “No means yes!� and the objectification of girls’ bodies — needs to change.

Our society tells girls how

they should take measures to prevent rape, consequently teaching boys not to take responsibility for their actions. “The rape culture at MIHS is definitely prevalent,� senior Sophie Hankes said. “I know of a handful of instances — ranging from girls who were taken advantage of at parties by boys they hardly knew, to girls who told their long-term boyfriends ‘no’ and they refused to

listen.�

A sophomore at the high school, Grace Zhang, has already witnessed the toxic culture surrounding girls. “Objectifying women is a big thing here at the high school,� Zhang said. “Guys tend to talk a lot about physical features.�

Even Lori Emery, who teaches freshman and sophomore health, sees aspects of rape culture at MIHS. “I definitely see the sexual jokes, innuen-

dos and placing girls into specific gender roles or responsibilities,� Emery said.

Rape culture is being called out in the Hollywood industry; Mercer Island needs to call it out too.

The floodgate of sexual assault and harassment stories following the article about Harvey Weinstein formed the #MeToo movement. What originally seemed like a brief mo-

Photo by Annie Poole

ment in the ever-changing news cycle has turned into a cultural revolution, recognizing the dark truth of ongoing sexual assault in every industry. “This movement has caused women to say we don't have to tolerate this anymore, and that we have a larger body of people that feel that way,� Principal Vicki Puckett said. “I hope this is empowering young women, as well as women my age to take a

The MIHS Islander @themihsislander

Commotion in the Classroom

The story behind the threat in Room 312 Ellie Gottesman and Isabel Funk spread editor and features editor

Two days before winter break, students were eagerly packing their bags as the school day drew to a close. The past two weeks had left students feeling restless and ready for a break from the strained school environment, created by the multiple student-initiated threats. The students in Room 312, Kit McCormick’s class, felt the tension just the same.

Their concerns, however, were especially valid.

As class neared its end, students were discussing Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar when McCormick spotted a handwritten note on the floor, which read something akin to “I’m going to bomb this f***ing school.� “Because of what had happened in the previous two weeks, I knew that I had to let someone know,�

McCormick said.

Commotion filled the class, as none of the stu-

dents were aware of the situation to its full extent. “She didn’t really say [anything], we were sitting there, and then she went into the back room and made a phone call and then all of a sudden police officers showed up at the door,� said Ethan Boyle, a sophomore in McCormick’s class. “We were all just doing our normal things that day, and were all kind of confused. We didn’t really know what to do.� (continued on page 2)

stand when somebody is saying or doing something inappropriately.�

The Time’s Up movement began Jan. 1, 2018 when 300 women in Hollywood joined together to completely change the power dynamic in all workplaces. The first noticeable demonstration of this organization was during the Golden Globes.

With an anti-harassment agenda, the women attending the first major awards ceremony since the #MeToo movement began wore all black to protest against gender inequality.

There were no female directors nominated for Best Director at the Golden Globes, despite powerful and popular movies like “Ladybird� and “Wonder Woman.�

Actresses such as Meryl Streep and Emma Watson brought activists as their dates to the red carpet and women made important and demanding speeches.

As a young woman watching the awards ceremony, the energy in the room was palpable as Oprah Winfrey accepted the Cecile B. De Mille Award for lifetime achievement. “Speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have,� Winfrey said.

Everyone was on their feet at the end of the speech and the debut of the Time’s Up movement seemed to have succeeded. (continued on page 10)

Photo by Spencer Klein English teacher Kit McCormick in the room where the third threat occurred.

For more content and expanded articles, scan the above Snapcode, visit our social media or check out our website at www.mihsislander.org.

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Commotion in the Classroom: The Final Threat (cont.)

The story behind the student-initiated bomb threat in classroom 312 The administration searched certain backpacks, which students were told to leave behind when they were evacuated to the administration building. Many parents were concerned, but some students were able to reach their families before being asked to put away their phones.

“I was concerned, but once I saw the significant police presence, I felt that they had control of the situation,” said an anonymous parent. “The administration did a very good job of keeping my student

safe. That is what is most important to me.”

After being held in the administration building for just over two hours, the students were released to an extended winter break. “I was shocked that it happened in my class. I was on high alert during the day because of the other recent threats,” said Annika Schiller, a student in McCormick’s seventh-period class.

A month later, McCormick’s class uses the experience to reflect on the attitude of the collective student body. “I think that

it probably wasn’t serious.

I am sure of that. However, I think that the students involved didn’t understand the seriousness of joking in that way,” McCormick said.

In an email outlining threats made to the district, Superintendent Donna Colosky stated, “Each student who is involved is reported to the police.

Police then turn over their findings to prosecutors, and students could end up with conviction on their record.”

The consequences for threatening school safety

are severe, even when the intent was not to create an unstable atmosphere.

“It seems like a funny joke or a way to solve problems, [but] guns and violence are a part of our culture, and its not surprising that they’re a part of the culture of fifteenand sixteen-year-olds too, given our nation’s views on violence,” McCormick said.

Despite the stressful situation the threat created, McCormick and her students are forgiving. “They made a bad decision, but they should get a second

chance,” Schiller said.

Looking forward, the students hope to see a change in the attitude of the student body toward this type of threat or joke. “I would like to see administration and the student body coming together to form a concise decision, and agree, rather than having conflicting ideas and not getting to the root of the problem,” Schiller said.

As students take their seats at the beginning of seventh period in room 312, they continue to study the tragedy of Julius

Caesar and its timeless themes. They continue to examine culture, diversity, and humanity. They have continued to learn despite the trying circumstances.

Putting the threat behind them, McCormick’s class remains a place devoted to learning.

“I was teaching when 9/11 happened. I was teaching during the Loma Prieta earthquake. We had a fire in one location. So, have there been emergencies? Yes. But nothing like this,” McCormick said. “I think we need to keep having teachers who engage students and administrators that care and a community that is inclusive of all students.”

No Way to Escape: The Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen (cont.)

Photos courtesy BBC News and International Committee of the Red Cross

Maya Virdell, Hannah Whobrey and Joy Francke online editor & staff writers

Bringing suffering to millions, the famine in Yemen is currently one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world.

Dr. Aisha Jumaan, a public health specialist who grew up in Yemen, spoke to MIHS students in December about the ongoing emergency in her home country.

In order to understand how the current destabilization in Yemen developed, it is important to grasp its history.

Trouble began when longtime authoritarian president Ali Abdullah Saleh resigned following the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011, and gave control to his deputy, Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

During this transitionary period, a northern rebel group known as the Houthis gained power over parts of Yemen.

In 2014, Saleh supported the rise of the Houthi movement, despite the group previously leading

rebellions against him.

Saleh and the Houthis worked together to seize power from President Hadi.

Hadi fled to Saudi Arabia, and in March 2015 the nation began an airstrike campaign against Yemen.

Now, western Yemen is controlled by the Houthis, who are backed by Iran.

The Houthis have faced an unconstitutional war led

by Saudi Arabia — and supported by the United States — to remove them from power for over two years.

“Saudis unfortunately have control over a lot of countries including the UK and the US; it’s money,” said Jumaan. “When Trump went to visit, they told him they were going to buy half a trillion dollars worth of arms from them. They buy a lot of things from countries, and countries need that money.”

Saudi Arabia recently implemented a naval blockade against Yemen, hoping to starve the people of Yemen into submission.

“Yemen imports 90 percent of its goods from the

outside world,” Jumaan explained. “A blockade means the shipments that come to Yemen are blocked by the Saudi navy, which the US supports and the UK supports and the French support to block the entrance of medicine, food, fuel, and essential goods sent to Yemen.”

“No flights can get into Yemen without the Saudi approval; no ships can get into Yemen without Saudi approval,” Jumaan continued. “The blockade is the main cause for the humanitarian disaster in Yemen.”

According to the World Food Programme, over 17 million people in Yemen are food insecure, and roughly 3.3 million children and pregnant or nursing women are acutely malnourished. UNICEF reported that a child dies every ten seconds in Yemen.

Border closure has also shut down Yemen’s water and sewage systems, leading to a cholera outbreak.

The nation’s agony strikes close to Jumaan’s heart. “I actually was born and grew up in Yemen,” Jumaan said. She still has

family and friends there.

“Yemen is a very tribal community,” Jumaan remembered. “Your neighborhood is your family: any neighbor can feed you and take care of you, but also can tell you when something is wrong. We played in the streets, boys and girls, and we had our soccer teams.”

Today, Yemeni children are starving, and live in constant fear. “It was a very safe environment to grow up in, and that is not true for Yemeni kids right now,” Jumaan said.

“Schools are bombed, hospitals are bombed; nothing is safe anymore,” Jumaan said. “It is so indiscriminate. The majority of those killed in homes are kids! Last month, a family — all their five kids — were killed in an airstrike. There [has been] daily bombing from March 2015 until now.”

“That’s what makes it unsafe: you don’t know when the bomb is going to come.”

According to Jumaan, there are three common misconceptions about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

“First, everybody calls it the “civil” war. If you have a foreign nation [Saudi Arabia] bombing you, it’s not a civil war,” Jumaan said. “Two, everybody is saying they are fighting Iranians. The Iranian influence in Yemen is exaggerated. Three, the famine in Yemen is man-made. It’s because of the blockade, people don’t recognize that! They say Yemen is the poorest country. Yes, it’s the poorest country, but the famine is because the Saudis are not allowing food, medicine, and essential goods to get into Yemen.”

Following international outcry, Saudi Arabia relaxed their blockade in early December last year, and some aid deliveries were allowed through.

However, only small amounts of ships and flights were permitted, and the country is still in a dire condition.

“That blockade has been partially wound down, but not fully wound down,” said U.N. humanitarian affairs chief Mark Lowcock, as reported by the Washington Post. “It needs to be fully wound down if

we are to avoid an atrocious humanitarian tragedy involving the loss of millions of lives, the likes of which the world has not seen for many decades.”

However, finding acceptance as a Yemeni refugee is difficult.

“The Trump administration [put Yemen] under the ban list, which is unfair, because they are supporting the Saudis bombing Yemen, and then on top of that they are saying we are not going to take refugees,” Jumaan said.

Although the situation in Yemen seems dismal, Jumaan emphasized students’ ability to take action.

“Don’t apologize [for being previously unaware] — it’s your willingness to listen and learn! For me, that’s the whole thing,” Jumaan said.

Students wishing to help the people of Yemen can donate to relief organizations, such as the Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation, which is led

by Jumaan’s family. Students are also encouraged to talk to their representatives to express their concern about the conflicts.

FEATURES

January 26, 2018

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Gender Inequalities in the Workplace STEM from High School Annie Poole staff writer

Inequalities in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) industry are not only seen in the workplace; girls in advanced STEM classes at MIHS have unmistakable disadvantages.

Although there seems to be an even amount of girls and boys in science and math classes the first couple years of high school, there starts to be a gender gap in advanced STEM classes.

Ali Dickstein, who is currently enrolled in AP Computer Science, AP Calculus and AP Biology, has found that there are less girls in upper level STEM classes and doesn’t quite understand why.

“Girls bring a special kind of energy and a different perspective to STEM, and I think that’s valuable,” Dickstein said.

According to Daniel Yi, a biology and robotics teacher at MIHS, there is an even amount of girls and boys in his regular biology classes.

However, there are only two girls in his robotics class and 20 boys.

When there is a discernible amount of boys outnumbering girls in classrooms, girls may feel overpowered and intimidated.

“The reputation of major-

ity-male classes are not that great among female students, maybe because of the dynamic that an all-male environment builds,” Yi said. “It could be intimidating, and not somewhere where female students can find a community to interact and study with.”

There are many programs in the greater Seattle area that target girls, giving them opportunities to explore the STEM field. However, Mercer Island has no specific initiative to break the Women in STEM Club goes to the elementary schools to help younger students with their STEM classes. inequalities within STEM classes. said. “The science teachers engineering and computer college-educated work“Mercer Island encour- that I work with do an espe- science courses than female force, only 11.1 percent of ages everyone equally, but cially good job reinforcing students. physicists and astronomers in general there could be a the confidence that female In addition, the rates of are women, 35.2 percent of little bit more of a push [for students gain through their science and engineering chemists are women, and girls] to take STEM classes successes.” enrollment for women in 7.9 percent of mechanibecause it really is the fuNoonie McCann, current- higher education start to cal engineers are women. ture,” Dickstein said. ly enrolled in AP Physics 2 take an even bigger gap. Women also make up less When girls see a and AP Calculus, also added For example, women earn than 50 percent of other armale-dominated class, that all her STEM teachers only about 35 percent of the eas in science and engineersigning up for it seems un- have been very encourag- undergraduate degrees in ing. welcoming, but teachers ing.

STEM, according to the NaMcCann, who wants to are trying to support girls According to the Na- tional Center for Education be an electrical engineer, in joining advanced STEM tional Girls Collaboration Statistics. sees the value of girls taking classes.

Project (NGCP), female The gender inequalities advanced STEM classes in “If female students show and male students perform seen in STEM classes and the high school so they can enough ability to succeed equally as well on standard- education can also lead to pursue a career in the STEM in advanced STEM class- ized science and math tests. inequalities in later life. The field. “I think it’s important es, we do encourage them However, male students NGCP states that although to have girls in advanced to take them next year,” Yi are more likely to enroll in women make up half the STEM classes at the high

Trump Defunds Sanctuary Cities, Including Seattle

Protesters gather against Trump’s executive order to defund sanctuary cities.

Annika Bhananker staff writer

Five days after the 2017 inauguration, President Trump signed an executive order to defund sanctuary cities across the nation. The ongoing battle between local authorities and the Trump administration is still continuing despite several federal rulings against the order, forcing sanctuary cities such as Seattle to comply with the proposed immigration laws or risk losing a significant portion of

federal funding.

“Sanctuary city” is an informal blanket term that applies to areas that limit their cooperation with the government’s effort to enforce immigration law. In Seattle, it is illegal for employees, including police officers, to inquire a person’s immigration status, unless sanctioned by law or court order.

Recently, the federal government has made several attempts to crack down on sanctuary cities and enforce the federal agenda within the nation.

Photo courtesy US News

The Trump administration has condemned sanctuary cities and threatened to withdraw all funding from these cities, which could mean a loss of up to $85 million for Seattle.

Campaigns against sanctuary cities often focus on the safety of the American people, arguing that immigrants increase crime rates. Attorney General Jeff Sessions spoke out strongly in favor of Trump’s order. “They make our nation less safe by putting dangerous criminals back on our

streets.”

However, data has shown that sanctuary cities are much safer than Trump and Sessions admit. On average, “sanctuary” counties that did not comply with federal immigration policy had 35.5 fewer crimes per 10,000 people than those that did.

Washington is the country’s eighth largest refugee-receiving state, from which a majority of the nearly 3,000 arrivals each year are relocated to King County. Additionally, in Washington there are more than 28,000 undocumented youth under DACA, nearly one in five Seattle residents is foreign born and over 129 languages are spoken in Seattle public schools.

Many argue that the impacts of enforced federal agenda in a diverse community such as Seattle-King County could potentially have disastrous effects. “I agree with the job of local police is to serve and protect everyone in their jurisdiction without regard to status.

Immigrants of all kinds live among us and deserve to be protected from

crimes and to call the fire department or other public services when they have emergencies or problems,” said Bonnie Wasser, a Seattle immigration attorney.

The MIHS community also feels strongly about the developments concerning the future of sanctuary cities in the country.

Of 14 students that were anonymously polled, 14 responded in favor of Seattle remaining a sanctuary city.

I think it is very important that Seattle is a sanctuary city, especially with the current administration,” responded one student. Another student added that they were “horrified that the Trump administration is threatening to withdraw all funding.”

Additionally, there is a lot of misunderstanding surrounding the jurisdiction of the self- declared sanctuary cities. Bonnie Wasser, Seattle immigration attorney explained: “Cities are not in the business of hiding or harboring undocumented immigrants. It’s more about whose role is it to enforce the immigration laws.”

“The sanctuary cities

Photos courtesy Women in STEM Club

school because those are the classes that build your confidence in STEM, showing you that difficult majors and career fields aren’t out of your reach,” McCann said.

Dickstein and McCann are co-presidents of the Women in STEM club and have started to share their passion with other girls.

Last year, they went to the elementary schools on Mercer Island and taught lessons related to STEM. “It was powerful for the girls especially to see Noonie and me, two high school girls both on the drill team, but still really love science.” can’t block ICE from doing its work. They just don’t have to help them,” Wasser adds.

Many cities throughout the nation are protesting Trump’s proposal, filing lawsuits and petitioning Congress to overturn the executive order. Former Mayor of Seattle Ed Murray said he was prepared to lose “every penny” of the $85 million the federal government is threatening to rescind.

Organizations such as the ACLU oppose the congressional efforts, arguing that policies enacted by sanctuary cities improve public safety and supports trust between communities and police.

The paramount reason that cities and counties pursue the sanctuary status is to encourage immigrants to report crimes or be witnesses in court without fear of deportation.

Wasser says this is especially important because, “Immigrant communities with large numbers of undocumented members are often the victims of crimes because they are an underclass to be threatened or taken advantage of.”

FEATURES

4

#MeToo: Victims Go Public Annika Bhananker and Emily Yang staff writers

At last, the stigma revolving around sexual harassment and assault has faded due to recent allegations against Hollywood director Harvey Weinstein in the media.

However, the disturbing magnitude of harassment and assault extends beyond Hollywood. Even at Mercer Island High School, students and the administration must work together to challenge the embarrassment and shame often associated with victims speaking out in order to create a healthy, accepting environment.

According to King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, 49 percent of victims in 2016 w e r e child r e n a n d teens.

T h i s statistic is particularly relevant to the student body at Mercer Island High School, which consists strictly of teens. The drastic number of teenagers experiencing sexual assault is disturbingly high, hinting at a culture of ig-

norance often correlated with high school environments.

Nick Wold, an associate principal at Mercer Island High School, said, “It’s [sexual harassment/assault] not uncomfortable for us [to discuss].” Wold and other members of the MIHS administration/ staff hope to integrate education on this topic into classrooms further in order to provide information on reporting and helping victims, especially for seniors who will blend into college campuses in less than a year. “We want to educate our young people, especially as they

go off into college,” Wold said.

Despite claims that society is moving backward, Wold believes that the Mercer Island community can make enormous

strides if students take the initiative to spread awareness to their peers.

“It has to come from student voices saying what we want our school to be like, what we want students to treat each other like, this is how we want to represent our community, a way for us to be proud to be Islanders,” Wold said.

The student effort against sexual assault is spearheaded by clubs and organizations such as SAFE club. “SAFE club promotes making students safe asking for help and provides information on how to get help in a situation where drinking is involved.” said Dana Berejka, president of the Stay Safe club at MIHS. “I believe there isn’t much knowledge on what is sexual harassment on MI.” Additionally, Gender Equality Club (GEC) has held self-defense classes and introduced expert speakers in order to promote a more educated and aware community.

Furthermore, Wold and the administration firmly believe that the culture of shaming and humiliating victims at the high school must stop in order to

mihsislander.org

OCD’s Effects on Students

In high school, many students struggle with anxiety and depression. They may also have OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Living with OCD can be challenging because it changes the way students interact with their peers. It can suffocate them, making them unable to fully function in everyday life.

There are two parts to OCD: obsessions and compulsions. In an article from Psychology Today, the author describes obsessions as “unwanted thoughts, feelings, and sensations.” Compulsions, on the other hand, are “repetitive rule-bound behaviors that the individual feels must be performed,” noted the Britannica Web site.

“Imagine that your mind got stuck on a certain thought or image… Then this image got replayed in your mind over and over again no matter what you did. You don’t want these thoughts -- It feels like an avalanche. Along with the thoughts come intense feelings of anxiety…” the International OCD Foundation says, describing obsessions.

Sitting in classes all day, distracted by obsessions and

anxiety, is just one part of being a student with OCD. Since OCD is an anxiety disorder, most sufferers can go to talk therapy, where they can discuss their fears and compulsions. Some patients take Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which can help with depression caused by anxiety.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “the first step is being aware of the behaviors that can signal OCD. The disorder includes a wide variety of symptoms in children and adolescents, which are not always obvious.”

Symptoms that occur in school settings can be anything from washing hands repeatedly, to constant checking of doors being locked. There is a huge range of symptoms that can take over a student’s life. These symptoms may include fears of harming other people, the fear of contamination, and having to touch objects a certain number of times before allowing themselves to do a certain task.

There is also a type of OCD called “magical thinking” where someone just gets a feeling about an object or place. This could be a refusal to buy things in certain numbers because of a belief that a

number is unlucky.

“I really hate using odd numbers in my math. And sometimes I have urges to do things,” said an anonymous MIHS student.

OCD might also be the root cause of eating disorders. “[Eating disorders and OCD] both involve obsessive thinking, they both involve recurring ritualistic behaviors, and they both greatly interfere in daily life,” wrote Dave Ennulat from OCD Massachusetts.

Some other mental health issues that can occur with OCD are anxiety, social anxiety, depression, ADHD, ADD, and anorexia.

Children with this disorder may also take quite a while to finish their homework or schoolwork, or require reassurance.

Their social lives, in extreme cases, can change drastically. Because of the enormous amount of time and energy put into controlling their obsessions, kids will generally be socially anxious and may have a hard time reaching out and making friends.

To ease anxiety in students, there are resources available at MIHS, including Finley, the therapy dog in the 300 hallway and Cathy Gentino, a counselor at the Resource and Referral Place.

maintain a safe, accepting environment that encourages victims to come forward. “Nobody asks for this to happen to them,” Wold said.

Sexual harassment and assault is an essential discussion, as its fallout trickles down from individual students, af-

fecting the community as a whole. Emphasizing reducing social ramifications and shame associated with sexual assault will be crucial to open up the conversation to victims, promoting the spread of awareness.

While the discomfort veiling the discussion of

sexual harassment and assault won’t disappear overnight, the administration at Mercer Island High School and victims in the surrounding area believe conversation integral to prevention and recovery for individuals and the community as a whole.

Cordelia Longo staff writer

Conflict Arises Over Jerusalem and Trump’s Embassy Move Bram Schenck staff writer

Dec. 6, President Donald Trump declared Jerusalem Israel’s capital by ordering an embassy move to Jerusalem, eliciting a shockwave of positive responses and negative criticism both at home and abroad.

Jerusalem, a holy city to both Jews and muslims, has long been at the center of the Israeli-Arab conflict. Israel and the Jewish people claim Jerusalem because it is home to the ancient temple of Israel. Muslims and Palestinians claim the city because of the holy Al-Aqsa mosque.

In 1947, the United Nations recognized the partition plan for Israel. Although accepted by Israel, it created a non-contiguous state and the holiest site of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity was occupied by Jordan during the 1948 In-

dependence war.

In 1967 the Arab League attacked Israel and Israel fought back and gained control of East Jerusalem.

The holiest site for the Jews, and the third holiest site for the Muslims are both located in East Jerusalem. Many world leaders recognize East Jerusalem as disputed territory. The Palestinians see it as the capital for their future state. Israelis see it as their eternal home.

“Jerusalem is Israel’s capital, this is nothing more or less than a recognition of reality,” said United States President Trump. The President cited Israel as the ancient home of the Jewish people. He also cited the freedom Israel has given its citizens through religion, political ideology and expression.

Protests against the proclamation were held in Israel as well as Indonesia, Turkey, and Jordan, whose pro-

tests held thousands of activists. Mercer Island High School student David Wolf, who visited Israel over winter break is against the Trump administration but agrees with the decision.

“I believe that Jerusalem is rightfully Israel’s, but Muslims should have access to their holy sites there too.”

In the proclamation, Trump called for “the voices of tolerance to prevail over the purveyors of hate.

Our children should inherit our love, not our conflicts.”

His speech stayed on script and maintained an articulate tone. However, he did not show much foresight into the easily foreseen protests that followed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the decision. “We are profoundly grateful for the President for his courageous and just decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to

prepare for the opening of the U.S. Embassy here.” He went on to explain that Israel will allow all religions to worship there.

Palestinian leaders view recognizing Jerusalem as an obstacle to peace. However, Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas called the declaration a “slap in the face” to the Palestinian Authority, and warned that the PA “will slap back.” He also demanded that Europe apologize for “bringing the Jews here [to Israel] from Europe in order to protect European interests in the region.” He also quoted an Egyptian writer and claimed that “Israel is a colonial project with no connection whatsoever to the Jews.”

Other criticism of President Trump’s announcement labeled it an obstacle to peace. “If the two peoples who live there have not yet negotiated what’s to

happen, then the US weighing in on the side of the Israeli government, seems like a mediator taking sides, which is not supposed to happen,” said Linda Bevis, a member of Palestine Solidarity Committee – Seattle.

“It’s not up to an outsider — an American like me (or Trump) — to impose my judgment on them. International law says that East Jerusalem should be the capital of the state of Palestine while West Jerusalem should be the capital of Israel.”

Pro-Israel and Jewish activists felt differently. “Israel is the only country with whom the United States has diplomatic relations where the United States doesn’t recognize its ally’s capital or have its embassy in the capital, which I think is an outrage,” said Michael Tuchin, lawyer and American Israel Public Affairs Committee National Board

member. “I don’t think US foreign policy can be determined by violence. If we allowed people around the world to threaten violence and have their way, then terrorism controls the world and grips our foreign policy.”

Tuchin believes that the issue evolved from Palestine’s unwillingness to accept Israel in any capacity.

“Israel is certainly trying to preserve a two state solution and that continues to be Israel’s stated policy … but it is certainly hard to pursue a two state solution by yourself,” Tuchin said.

He also cites the continued denial of Jewish heritage to the land of Israel and Jerusalem. “As long as the Palestinians continue to deny Jewish connections to the state of Israel and to Jerusalem, as the Palestinian Prime Minister did as recently as yesterday, there can’t be peace.”

SPORTS

January 26, 2018

Snow Sports at MIHS Liliana Szafir and Kate Francke staff writer

The snow is falling, and athletes have geared up for another season of winter sports. From skiing, to snowboarding, to ice hockey, students at Mercer Island High School are stoked for the season.

Although the high temperatures and meager snow coverage have caused a rocky start to the season, skiers are excited to be back shredding the gnar.

Taylor Richards is an ex-ski racer, who loves the mountains and snow. “[Skiing] is very special because it is basically in a winter wonderland, you can’t get that anywhere else,” Richards said. “I love my team; we are all like siblings. We travel together, and we all have a ton of fun.”

Maya Toribio is a ski racer for Crystal Mountain Alpine Club (CMAC), who started skiing when she was 2-years old, and racing when she was 6-years old.

Over the summer she participated in a ski camp in Switzerland.

Skiing is different outside of Washington because of the weather, the

hill conditions and the people are often different,” Toribio said. She loves skiing and especially being part of the team. “My favorite part about skiing is the people I meet while I’m skiing and racing,” Toribio said.

She goes up to Crystal mountain every weekend to train and finds that although a big commitment, the thrill of skiing worth it.

Snowboarders are also enjoying their time in the mountains, despite the lackluster snow and weather conditions.

One of these snowboarders is Bryn Buist-Haverkamp, a student at MIHS who has been snowboarding since she was ten and skiing even before that. She snowboards at Stevens Pass in Skykomish, usually from November to February.

“Last year we got way more snow, and everything was covered. This year there is less snow, so there are more dangers,” said Buist-Haverkamp in observation to the declining conditions.

She loves snowboarding, but also acknowledges the difficulty of the sport. “The hardest part of snowboarding is mak-

MIHS Students love skiing during the winter.

ing sure you don’t tumble down the mountain,” said Buist-Haverkamp. “You have to persevere through falling and get back up again.”

Buist-Haverkamp is a dedicated snowboarder spending as much time as possible on the slopes this winter. Snowboarders are tearing it up this season!

While not a snow sport, ice hockey is an aggressive, fast-paced game that is played during the winter season, from October to February.

Blake Sloan is an experienced hockey player who is a member of the Seattle Junior team.

“I’ve been skating ever since I could walk,” Sloan said. “[Hockey] is a really good sport to try because it is so fun. If you like ice skating already, it isn’t that much different.

My favorite part of the sport is the flow of the game and the team dynamic.”

Sloan has been working on making more plays and keeping his head up to advance the game.

Several students, including Sloan, have been playing ice hockey this winter. Their hard work and dedication to the sport are beyond impressive.

5

Super Bowl LII Preview

In the culmination of his NFL Playoff picks, Ethan Preston previews the Eagles vs the Patriots.

The matchup for Super Bowl LII is set, and the defending champion New England Patriots will face off against the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles proved to the league that they were still strong without their upand-coming quarterback Carson Wentz, and Nick Foles has proven to be better than mediocre by acquiring over 600 yards passing over the last two games. Wiping out the Vikings 38-7, the Eagles essentially held their opponents in check after the first quarter, demonstrating how stellar their team can be, even without four of their star players.

The Patriots, reaching the Super Bowl for the fifth time in 10 years, overcame Jacksonville’s resilient defense after struggling offensively in the first half.

The New England Patriots struggled to stop the run all season, however they

managed to hold one of the league’s top rushers and the heart of the Jaguars’ offense, Leonard Fournette, to only 76 rushing yards and 3.2 yards per attempt.

Although statistically the Patriots are favored by 5.5 points, the Eagles could turn out to be a surprisingly tough competitor for the experienced team. The game could prove to be catastrophic for the Patriots if they allow the Eagles’ pass rush to pressure Tom Brady, which he has struggled with his whole career; and put up points on offense like they did against the Vikings.

However, if the Patriots have a successful passing game and shut down the Eagles’ running attack like they did against the Jaguars, it could be an easy win for them.

Prediction:

Patriots beat Eagles 21-16

Photo by Kate Francke

Why the NFL is Struggling and the NBA is Prospering Henry Lemaster staff writer

The NFL has a problem with violence and leadership. The NBA, on the other hand, is thriving because basketball is on the rise and the leadership within the association is outstanding.

Football is an inherently violent sport and therein lies the problem for the NFL. While the league has tried to make changes to the game, such as a concussion protocols and specific rules to protect players, it is impossible to prevent everything. For example, Ryan Shazier of the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a catastrophic neck injury when he collided with an opposing player. The injury was a horrific sight

that left Shazier, age 25, immobilized.

A horrible injury like Shazier’s could never happen in the game of basketball. While basketball is still a physical game, there are no repeated blows to the brain, and life changing head and neck injuries are extremely rare.

I know it sounds like I am attacking the sport of football, but the NFL also has major issues in the league’s leadership hierarchy. The commissioner of the NFL is Roger Goodell. Goodell has mishandled player punishments, relationships with league owners and most importantly his relationship with the league’s players. When running a multibillion dollar company, it is of

utmost importance to be transparent with the media and your employees–Goodell does not uphold these responsibilities. When responding to the New England Patriots “Deflategate” drama, in which Tom Brady allegedly deflated footballs, Goodell turned Brady’s punishment into a media circus. It became a never ending sports news story ultimately ending with Brady having to serve a four-game suspension. This year Dallas Cowboys’ star running back Ezekiel Elliott received a six-game suspension from the NFL due to a domestic violence incident, although he was never charged with a crime. This ultimately turned into another player punishment

fiasco in which Elliott continued to appeal his suspension, and did not serve it until week 10 of the season, when he originally was supposed to serve his suspension in the first week of the season. This created a rift between Goodell and Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones who wanted to remove Goodell from his position. The issue is that there is no punishment policy: Goodell is the judge, jury and executioner who has the ultimate jurisdiction over every player in the league and he continues to do a poor job. The NFL will continue to suffer with Roger Goodell in charge.

Opposed to Roger Goodell, Adam Silver is the best in sports. Silver has been the head of

the NBA since February of 2014 and has done a masterful job at moving his league in the right direction.

The road has not been easy, though. Just two months into his tenure as commissioner, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling was caught on tape by TMZ saying racist comments to his girlfriend. With such a career defining decision to be made about Sterling, Adam Silver did not back down. He banned Donald Sterling for life from the NBA and fined him $2.5 million which is the maximum amount allowed under the NBA constitution. Silver handled the Sterling incident beautifully while Rog-

er Goodell inexplicably punished the face of his own league four games for allegedly taking some air out of the football.

Basketball is also a sport that fans can easily connect with. While football is widely available at the youth and high school level anyone can grab a basketball and get a pickup game going in their driveway. It is also a sport where the players don’t wear helmets, so a fan can easily recognize their favorite NBA player’s face.

Between the two different league’s leadership, the ability for fans to connect with players and safety of the game it is not hard to see why the NBA is trending up and the NFL is trending down.

what is it?

“Animal

Band is the name for the basketball pep band that is put together for boys and girls basketball games. In a lot of ways, Animal Band is a much more chill, laidback version of marching band. We try our best to make the environment at basketball games fun and vibrant, and also really loud. Kari Anderson

Drum Majors Kari Anderson and Brandon Hill smile for the camera during a break in performance.

Students on mellophone play “Johnny Q,” a band classic.

animal band “ “ Drum Major

Photos by Ellie Gottesman, Annie Poole, Kate Francke and Annika Bhananker

“ “

Trumpet players Nima Taherzadeh and Ellie Gelsey, ready to support the basketball teams.

The MIHS Girls Basketball team playing Redmond.

The percussion section, boosting the crowd’s spirit.

A view of the entire band and how it all comes together.

Animal Band fuels the team. It fuels the crowd. It is very exciting to have the band there.

Rainer McDonald Junior, forward on varsity boys basketball

Marching band is very formal and for that we recieve a lot more attention, especially at halftime. Animal Band is more about setting the atmosphere and less about the performance.

Kari Anderson Senior, Drum Major

[The band] adds so much to the games, it gives an extra energy in the stadium and it also helps everyone else get up and cheer so it’s a real big benefit to kids on the court plus the bands!

Deb Conder Parent

Community is the most important aspect of our band program, and Animal Band is a perfect opportunity to strengthen that community.

Brandon Hill Junior, Drum Major

Animal band is an enjoyable and overall good experience. It allows all band students from all grade levels to mix, bond, and have a fun experience for the first time since marching band season, but in a much more relaxed environment. Students are able to socialize and make music at the same time with others in their instrumental section. I can’t speak for everyone, but I do think that our spirit helps the basketball team. As a band, we help make for a loud and supportive crowd that I honestly believe fuels the team’s spirit and helps them play.

Sam Frolich Freshman, mellophone

OPINIONS

8

Sports, Spectators and Spirit: Reputation is Everything Maya Virdell and Hannah Whobrey

online editor & staff writer

Mercer Island’s school spirit has a bad reputation in King County. Supposedly, MIHS students are unsupportive, disrespectful and often inappropriate, but this reputation is largely inaccurate.

Islanders are no less involved in games and cheers than students from other schools. In fact, MIHS athletes often actively assist with the set-up and clearing away of equipment, at both home and away meets.

One example is Mercer Island’s gymnastics team. MIGGS frequently receives gratitude from athletes at away meets for voluntarily helping with take-down. This process occurs at the end of long, taxing meets that often end past 10 p.m., and requires moving heavy gymnastics equipment — including the actual floor, beam, bars and vault — into a separate storeroom. Away teams are not required or expected to help, but Mercer Island always stays.

“The coaches and captains make sure that as a team we are very respectful, whether by making sure to thank the hosting team, or by helping tear down the equipment at the end of a meet,” gymnast Mya Levin said.

In terms of support, many teams work hard to ensure that there is a positive environment. Mercer

Island’s cross country team, for example, prides itself on its family atmosphere and bonding traditions.

Athletes organize cheers for both their teammates and their opponents along the 3.1 mile course, after either running themselves or amidst warming up for their own race.

“I joined cross country in my freshman year, and the team immediately made me feel like I belonged,” runner Hannah Hardisty commented. “It doesn’t matter if you’re new to running or the slowest person there; MIXC members and coaches actively strive to make the team a family.”

“MIGGS has been one of the most welcoming places in high school,” Levin said.

“Coming in as a freshman and knowing no one really made me nervous, but the captains and members of MIGGS made me feel very included.

“In my experience, all MIGGS team members cheer on one another, and cheer super loud.”

Additionally, Mercer Island students maintain the Maroon Lotus Facebook page specifically to publicize spirit events, such as dodgeball competitions and sports, and thus encourage school-wide attendance and excitement.

“I think Mercer Island is more spirited than the schools I’ve been to in the past, especially with Flag Dudes and hall marches and Friday spirit-wear days,” noted Lilly Ev-

The Animal Band and student section at a recent varsity basketball game.

ans-Riera, who moved to Mercer Island from Minnesota before her junior year.

Unfortunately, MIHS students do sometimes fall prey to the stereotypes.

Inappropriate chants and drunkenness at football games only reinforce the general negative perception of Mercer Island students, especially in relation to Mercer Island’s rival.

“The way we deal with our rivalry with Bellevue could definitely be considered disrespectful,” Evans-Riera said. “I don’t know; maybe it is meant to be blatantly disrespectful.”

Our school community thrives on the competitive and exciting atmosphere generated by student activities, such as sport events.

However, there is often low attendance for sports

Are Final Exams Effective?

Projects provide a viable alternative to a two-hour test.

Izzi Mancuso and Isabella Pangallo staff writers

Final exams supposedly test our knowledge and ability to apply what we learn in class to the “real world,” but how effective are they?

Whenever finals season rolls around, students dread it. It’s filled with endless nights of cramming, little to no sleep and lots of caffeine. We study and review for these tests for hours on end, as most are worth 10 percent or more of our grade, which can determine if we pass or fail a course.

But can one test grade really encapsulate what we learned in a class, let alone how well we learned it?

Finals cause excessive amounts of stress among both staff and students. Students are expected to prepare by reviewing all material covered in a class, and the average student studies from 2-4 hours a night

during finals week at MIHS. Teachers also have to create finals, a time consuming process, especially if they teach different courses. The final itself takes place in a two-hour block, when time could be better spent teaching the students how to apply the material to their life.

Over the years, finals have slowly gone off the rails and become ineffective. On the other hand, a project that pulls ideas and concepts taught during the course is an effective use of time that not only demonstrates competency but also practical skills.

Finals that essentially reiterate earlier units are unnecessary. The majority of students view testing experiences as a negative and unimpactful experience for both staff and students, and a waste of valuable class time.

Doing a project in place of a test as a final reflects

our comprehension better, as we don’t have to recall specific facts. Many students don’t perform well on tests for a multitude of reasons; low amounts of sleep and energy, high stress and anxiety, and a harsh testing environment can all influence test grades drastically.

Many students have different learning styles. Assuming each student produces their best work in final testing environments is unfair. A solution could be a different test accustomed to each student and their learning style to ensure accurate results.

Finals need to accurately assess students and give them the grade they deserve, while also revealing strengths in certain fields of intelligence, such as creativity. Assigning projects would not only reduce stress among the student body, but the resulting grades are a better representation of students’ knowledge.

outside of football, student theater productions and club events, in spite of open invitations from the students involved.

“The turnout for MIGGS meets is mostly made up of parents, and our opponent’s parents and supporters,” Levin said.

“It can be frustrating for whatever sport, or art, or any activity that you do to not gain recognition for it, especially when you are putting a lot of effort in,” Joy Francke said.

The difference in crowd sizes is particularly evident to female athletes.

“I do think there is a disparity between guys and girls games. For example, there are a ton of fans at the Guys Lacrosse games, but no one really comes to the Girls Lacrosse games —

mihsislander.org

Photo by Ellie Gottesman

even though they are both pretty awesome sports,” Catherine Fosburgh said.

No matter the event, it is disheartening to feel abandoned by one’s peers.

“If you go to a game and there aren’t very many people in the stands other than you, it is kind of sad,” Fosburgh said. “You want to feel like you are part of a group, and that it’s more than just you cheering for your team.”

The activities may vary, but they all have one thing in common: MIHS students. It is important to ensure we do not neglect our less “popular” or mainstream extracurriculars, else these students become underrepresented. Having a comforting fan base, or loyal cheerers, boosts morale and acknowledges the

strenuous activities taken on by students.

“When people show up for games and activities, it shows support not only for the students, but for the school as well,” Molly Cartwright said.

“I wish people would come to games more for all the sports,” Fosburgh said.

Although many MIHS students resent the cliches that surround our image, we are too often guilty of playing into them. Our lives can be busy, but we have a responsibility to make time to support our friends and fellow students — especially if we want to dispel our negative reputation.

We have all given our best to something special.

Can we make the effort to be there when others do the same?

‘Unfounded Assumptions’

with humor editor Spencer Klein

Frequently-Asked Questions; Rarely-Given Answers

Hello readers, it’s nice to talk to you, it’s been a while. How’s the wife? What? She left you for a man who doesn’t cry during the national anthem? I’ve been there.

I’d like to take this month’s column to thank those loyal readers who stood with me longer than my health insurance coverage, by answering some questions submitted by my readers.

Do you actually have an ex-wife?

Photo courtesy Spencer Klein I was the child of a butter farmer. On Bridges is a worthwhile educational experience. the precipice of my youth I was to be married to a neighboring farm girl. Her hand was rough like my father’s butter. Her other hand was constantly in a glove filled with Vaseline. I’ve been running from that life, but the alimony payments are like Usain Bolt coming up from behind to strike me with his lightning.

Can you describe what it’s like writing one of your columns?

It’s kind of like trying to beatbox, but with Grady Short’s fist in your mouth.

What do you think of our president?

Just like many Americans, I was shocked on the day I heard the news. Since that day I’ve been saddened and worried about the direction that America is headed. I have no idea what this country is going to do without Thomas Monson.

Has there ever been anything you’ve wanted to say, but weren’t allowed to?

One time in a rough draft of this column, I tried to criticize Bridges. That next morning I woke up tied to a chair in a dark room. I heard a familiar voice: “Puckett says you was trying to talk bad about bridges.” Another, equally familiar voice spoke: “And you’re negative $2.47 on your lunch account.” The lights turned on. Jane and Jean were holding baseball bats and wearing rubber aprons. I don’t remember the rest.

What’s your favorite song?

The national anthem. Brings me to tears every time.

OPINIONS

January 26, 2018

9

American Inexceptionalism Lives On in the Gun Violence Epidemic Joy Francke staff writer

Gun violence is occurring so often in the United States that it is becoming a new norm. This tragic phenomenon has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands across the nation every year. Obtaining a gun in the United States needs to be drastically more challenging than it currently is.

Gun control in the US is a very controversial topic. Despite the countless horrors that occur because of firearms, many argue that having a gun at home is a necessity to protecting oneself and one’s family.

The most powerful group in condemning and disagreeing with almost all forms of gun control is the National Rifle Association (NRA). The organization argues that under the second amendment, the right to bear arms is crucial and should not be regulated or adjusted more than the

meager amount it is today.

“We’re proud defenders of history’s patriots and diligent protectors of the Second Amendment,” says the NRA, as reported on their website.

Partially due to organizations like the NRA fighting to keep guns easily available, the United States has an incredibly high number of guns in households.

53 percent of households in America have a gun, and 67 percent of the gun owners cite their reasoning as protection according to Pew Research Center.

Many supporters of the Second Amendment argue that good guys with guns are needed to stop a bad guy with a gun. This is often not the case.

Take the recent shooting in Las Vegas. The shooter had 23 firearms and shot at concert-goers from a hotel room, murdering dozens of innocent people. Even if the witnesses — or good guys — were armed, they would

not have been able to slow the firing from above. In a terrifying, unexpected situation, the odds of someone being able to aim perfectly, remain calm, and avoid hitting anyone but the target are incredibly slim.

Guns are also severely impacting the lives of children. Heartbreaking statistics show that seven children die daily in the United States due to gun violence, including suicides, making it the third leading cause of death for American kids.

A common misconception around gun violence is that it is increasing as dramatically globally. This is false.

In fact, when comparing American children to other high-income countries, children at age four and below are 34 times more likely, and children ages five to 14 are 14 times more likely, to be killed by a gun.

On the topic of school shootings, there have been over 200 nationwide since January of 2013. The guns

used often come from within children’s households.

“Of shootings perpetrated by minors at primary and secondary schools and for which the source of the firearm was known, more than half the kids obtained the gun at home,” said research group Everytown For Gun Safety.

There is also a growing problem surrounding the link between gun attainability and suicide rates. Approximately 90 percent of gun suicide attempts end in death, while the death rate for other forms of suicide are abundantly lower.

“Across all suicide attempts not involving a firearm, less than 10 percent will result in death,” said Everytown For Gun Safety.

This means that if the suicidal person does not have access to a gun, their chance of survival is much greater.

Attaining a gun in the United States needs to be significantly harder. The

US owns almost half of civilian guns worldwide, yet makes up less than 5 percent of the world’s population. This is a major factor is the nation’s struggle with gun violence.

For only $200 a citizen can purchase a handgun, and for $1,500 an assault rifle. In comparison to other countries this is cheap. On top of this, for a legal citizen over 21 qualifying for a gun does not require much more than a background check. And getting a gun illegally is as easy as asking to borrow a friend’s or stealing a parent’s.

In contrast, other high-income countries such as Denmark require the individual to pass a background check, be licensed, explain why they need the firearm, and be inputed into law enforcement records, allowing all guns to be accounted for.

Acquiring a gun is even harder in the Netherlands, where the owner is required

to be a member of a gun club for at least a year and the only two acceptable reasons for attaining a gun are hunting and target shooting.

Owning a gun is viewed as a privilege, not a right, and protection is not an acceptable motive. There are also specific storage restrictions and regular storage checks from the government.

In 2010, a study by the American Journal of Medicine found that Denmark and the Netherlands had only two homicides by firearm per million people each, while the US had 36.

This number is unacceptable. To make the United States a safer place for everyone, the process of attaining a gun needs to be much more challenging and tedious, similar to other high-income countries with innumerably fewer accounts of gun violence.

There must also be a push for safe gun storage — a potentially lifesaving measure.

Net Neutrality: A Prerequisite for Free Speech on the Internet Isabella Pangallo and Emily Yang staff writers

Net neutrality is the right that gives equal access of all internet content to users regardless of internet service providers’ (ISP) opinions.

Examples of equal access include not blocking websites, not favoring websites, and not causing less or more traffic to a website.

All cause ISPs to increase profit as it encourages consumers to pay for better services such as faster internet, access to all content, and reduced website traffic.

ISPs would also get more profit from website and internet content providers, who would pay more to acquire the most access to their business.

The focus of repealing

net neutrality is profit. The minority of companies that dominate the media world — Walt Disney Company, Comcast, Time Warner, News Corp, and AT&T — are multi-million dollar corporations that, along with some others, are the major owners of the media we use on a daily basis. This means that they have power over the prices customers pay for their services and what services they provide. Without net neutrality, these companies could charge more for access to a website they don’t work with, and oppositely they could charge less for websites they have connections with.

In 2014, following discusion of stricter net neutrality laws, former President Obama said, “For almost a century, our law has recog-

nized that companies who connect you to the world have special obligations not to exploit the monopoly they enjoy over access into and out of your home or business.” The following year, the U.S. passed an act which gave us the right to net neutrality, both benefiting and damaging businesses.

The larger, wealthier companies struggled more under the Act as they rely on unequal access for profit, but the smaller companies benefited from the Act since they had equity in the media. However, with Trump now able to exert power over the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and laws relevant to net neutrality, the commissioners have decided to make some changes.

The FCC recently voted

Photo courtesy FCC

The five FCC commissioners, whose 3-2 decision to end net neutrality will have negative, far-reaching impacts.

on a new law which would repeal net neutrality. According to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, “The FCC will no longer be in the business of micromanaging business models and preemptively prohibiting services and applications and products that could be pro-competitive. We should simply set rules of the road that let companies of all kinds in every sector compete and let consumers decide who wins and loses.” Pai, along

with many others, believes that net neutrality is not a right, but a privilege, and doesn’t think it should be controlled by the FCC. This is a success for the dominating companies that want more profit, but a danger to the small companies and to users of all technology.

Net neutrality directly impacts media consolidation as repealing net neutrality laws will increase media consolidation in our world today. Media con-

solidation is when one or few companies/individuals own sources of media, such as television, internet, and cellular service. It heavily affects the entirety of the world because it reduces the information we receive from different sources, since fewer opinions are given, as well as our freedom as consumers.

The more freedom we give these companies, the less freedom we have as users of that media.

A&E

10

mihsislander.org

A Retrospective Look at the Music-Makers of 2017 Emily Yang staff writer

In America, 2017 was the year President Trump was inaugurated, the war against sexual harassment in the workplace was exacerbated, and natural disasters highlighted the socio economic imbalances dividing the nation.

Though music is often considered an escape from reality, many popular artists in 2017 used their fame to effectively express their opinions regarding political issues.

For example, Jay-Z’s “The Story of O.J.” emphasized financial inequalities that African-Americans face on a daily basis. Eminem’s freestyle rap featured at the BET Hip Hop Awards on Oct. 6 accused President Trump of hypocrisy and racism. Countless other artists and groups included political statements in their 2017 work, such as Broken Social Scene, Fiona Apple and Joan Baez, to name a few.

However, opinionated songs weren’t the only ones to stand out in 2017. Many artists found that a good rhythm and catchy chorus were all they needed for a Billboard “Top 100” song.

Throughout the year, a variety of songs dominated the charts, including several Latin-inspired singles, rap albums, and pop songs.

In January, Ed Sheeran released the most popular single of the year, “Shape of You.” By the end of 2017, the song was crowned the year’s moststreamed track on Spotify, overtaking Drake’s “ O n e Dance.”

The album i t self sold over 1 million copies in America alone.

The Chainsmokers’ “Something Just Like This” reached fifth on the Billboard “Hot 100” chart in February, proving that the band wasn’t a one-hitwonder. Despite their many critics, The Chainsmokers broke the record of most views of a lyric video in one day, receiving 9 million likes on their music video for “Something Just Like This” within the first 24 hours.

“More Life” by Drake featured hit singles such as “Passionfruit,” which, at its peak, was number eight on the Billboard “Hot 100” chart. Released March 28, the album broke streaming records on both Spotify and Apple Music.

Songs from “DAMN.”

by Kendrick Lamar were some of many to discuss financial inequality and police brutality in America with lyrics such as “I know murder, conviction”. Released April 14, “DAMN.” was voted favorite rap album at the American Music Awards.

April was also the month in which “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee was remixed with Justin Bieber. It was proclaimed one of the top ten songs of the year by Time and Billboard.

Fans of One Direction, which announced its break in 2016, were pleased when both Harry Styles and Liam Payne released songs in May. “Harry Styles”, Styles’s first album since leaving the British boy band, was placed on the “40 Biggest Albums of 2017” UK Album Chart at 22nd. Payne’s single “Strip That Down” reached tenth on the US Billboard “Hot 100” chart.

“Dua Lipa” by Dua Lipa and “Melodrama”

by Lorde, both released in June, fueled the growing feminist movement of 2017

with eye-opening lyrics.

“New Rules” from Lipa’s album was proclaimed a “female empowerment anthem” by Melinda Newman of Billboard. Lorde’s “Liability” was appraised as a “break-up confessional.” Her album spread the message that the only person you need is yourself.

June was also the month in w h i c h “ Wi l d Thoughts”

by DJ Khaled, Rihanna, and Bryson Tiller was released, which rocketed to number two on the Billboard “Hot 100” chart. The

single shared its spot as one of Spotify’s top songs with another Latin-inspired single—“Despacito”— whose popularity remained throughout the summer.

In July, rapper 21 Savage released his debut studio album, “Issa Album,” which included hit single “Bank Account.” While the song

is essentially just flaunting the rapper’s wealth, it was ranked 48th on the US Billboard “Hot 100” chart, illustrating that young listeners care more about a catchy chorus and rhythm than actual content in their music.

Aug. 11, after taking time off to sue her former producer for sexual assault and abuse, Kesha’s “Rainbow” made a splash, with emotional songs such as “Praying” demonstrating the aftermath of being abused.

Following the theme of publicizing perpetrators of sexual harassment and abuse in Hollywood, “Praying” was the most successful song of Kesha’s album, nominated for “Best Solo Pop Performance” at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.

In the wake of Hurricane

Maria devastating Puerto Rico, Mexico, and other Caribbean islands, Beyoncé released a remix version of “Mi Gente” by J Balvin and Willy William Sept. 28, with all proceeds donated to relief efforts in the affected areas. However, Beyoncé’s fame in 2017 wasn’t

just her release of the Latin-inspired song—it was also her record-breaking pregnancy announcement, which received over 11 million likes on Instagram.

Beyoncé’s husband, Jay-Z released “4:44” June 30, which confirmed his cheating that Beyoncé discussed in her 2016 album “Lemonade”.

September was also the month in which Macklemore dropped “Gemini,” his first album since parting ways with Ryan Lewis.

Singles such as “Glorious” and “The Good Old Days” were favorites of the album.

The Seattle-native showed his popularity in the Northwest by selling out back-toback concerts in December at Key Arena.

Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” was ranked first on the US Billboard “Top 200” at its peak. The November album was a response to her feuds with Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry, with “Look What You Made Me Do”

portraying herself as innocent in both situations.

However, the album’s popularity didn’t coincide with concert sales. Many fans accused the artist of raising ticket prices. As a result, the tour has yet to sell out at a single location.

R e leased Dec. 22, “Bartier Cardi” by Cardi B was the final song of 2017 dropped by the famous female rapper. From “Bodak Yellow,” Cardi B became the first female rapper to lead the US Billboard “Top 100” chart since 1998, continuing to build her fame through singles “No Limit” and “Motorsport.”

However, other rappers such as Kodak Black and Chris Brown demonstrated how the public doesn’t always factor character when supporting artists. While Kodak Black was accused of making racist statements, releasing explicit videos and sexual assault, his single “Tunnel Vision” still reached Billboard’s “Hot 100” chart.

Though Chris Brown allegedly threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran in February 2017, his October album still reached top 10 on Billboard’s “Top 200.” -This is years after a highly publicized case where Brown physically abused his then-girlfriend, Rihanna.

The work of some popular artists has brought out the ignorance in this country, while other artists have spotlighted issues and called for action from listeners.

Popular artists of 2017 demonstrated that music is one of many platforms that can be used to express one’s beliefs, as listeners heard in the variety of songs released this past year.

Time’s Up: Moving the #MeToo Movement to MIHS (cont.)

However, men made no effort to directly address this movement in their speeches. Male actors such as James Franco and Aziz Ansari wore black and Time’s Up pins, but they have both been accused of sexual misconduct since.

The burden should not only be on women to speak out, but men need to support women with their actions and words.

“It is really important for [male actors] to speak up

about it because it could influence other young males [at MIHS] to stand up too,” Zhang said.

Puckett added to Zhang’s thoughts when urging boys to speak up about sexual harassment.

“Sometimes boys are afraid [of standing up] and being ridiculed by peers,” Puckett said.

At this important turning point in our society, boys need to be on the right side of history. Boys should

support women in their efforts to end rape culture.

Easy ways of stopping this horrific culture can be as simple as calling out sexual and objectifying jokes and practicing consent.

In Image, students receive lessons on consent and healthy teen relationships. However, the message seems to be lost on a lot of boys outside the classroom.

“I worry how much [boys] are actually inter-

nalizing and then applying [the lessons on sexual assault] into their everyday life,” Emery said. “There is so much pressure from your peers to act a certain way and portray a certain image about yourself.”

Although not everyone realizes the importance of this social issue outside the classroom, the drama class at MIHS is bringing the conversation around sexual assault to the stage through their show “Good Kids”.

The lead actor in the show, Hankes, plays a girl who is affected by sexual assault. “The most important and prevalent [takeaway from the show] is if you see something, say something,” Hankes said.

“Stand up for those who are unable or struggling to stand up for themselves.

By not saying anything, you are part of the problem.”

The conversation about sexual assault and harass-

ment is happening through limited mediums at MIHS. However, this topic should be addressed throughout the whole school and boys need to finally realize the consequences of their actions.

Actors and activists in Hollywood have set an example to speak out against rape culture. Now it is time for the girls and boys at MIHS to demand respect and equality. Time’s up.

A&E

January 26, 2018

11

Mercer Island Students Review Blockbuster Movies Ben Capuano staff writer

“Pitch Perfect 3” is what I like to call “awkward bad”.

It’s certainly not great, but at the same time, it’s not charmingly incompetent like “The Room” or “Jupiter Ascending”. Unfortunately, this film is almost watchable, but stumbles often enough to fall into the realm of bland mediocrity.

With the Bellas out of college, the cast takes noticeable dip in quality.

Ben Platt, of “Dear Evan Hansen” fame, and Adam DeVine are nowhere to be seen; and in their place we only have the stereotypical members of female rock band Evermoist, country band Saddle Up, and the rap duo of Young Sparrow and D.J. Dragon Nuts.

Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson save it from falling apart, but their characters can’t keep the movie from being better than mediocre. D.J. Khaled makes an appearance in this movie for no discernible reason.

It’s just weird enough to be funny to me, which can be said for a significant portion of “Pitch Perfect 3”’s

Dylan Notturno staff writer

Dec. 15, 2017, eager Star Wars fans lined up along the streets of their favorite movie theater in anticipation of the release of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” The Last Jedi is now the longest film in the Star Wars series, and unsurprisingly has already made over $1.2 billion in the box office.

Even as a long-time fan, who has collected various Star Wars’ memorabilia, who has played the most favorited Star Wars games–such as Knights of the Old Republic, Star Wars: the Old Republic, and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed,–and who has dressed up as various of the characters for Halloween, from the galaxy far, far away, my expectations for this movie were lower than others.

humor. Other moments strike me as uncomfortable, such as the male announcer’s jokingly sexist line introducing the Bellas as women losing their value as human beings because they are approaching 30.

For fans of “Pitch Perfect”, the whole appeal of the movie series is to see the competition between rival acapella groups as they face off against each other in fast paced contests.

Now our main characters’ rivals are actual bands that use instruments to perform.

Changing the competition like this ruins the dynamic established in the first two movies and replaces it with something more haphazardly lazy.

If there’s anything to truly hate about “Pitch Perfect 3”, it’s the inconsistencies that pepper the movie. Why would D.J. Khaled even consider having an acapella group open for him in the first place? Why would the US Military hire a band called Evermoist to entertain the families and children of soldiers overseas?

Why would a crime lord kidnap and threaten to kill a group of performers be-

Walking into the theater with my brother, I feared that Disney would waste this amazing opportunity that fell into their lap: the chance to create an eloquent story that captures the true essence of Star Wars, without reusing the same plot devices in George Lucas’s original works. After viewing the movie, I quickly realized that Disney does know what they are doing and that this movie, although with some flaws, was a great addition to the Star Wars series.

Since the movie’s release, the fanbase has been split in regards to loving or hating this film. Although “The Last Jedi” is vastly different than its predecessors, I for one recognize the courageous steps taken by Director Rian Johnson.

People will have different tastes when it comes to visuals and effects, but every-

Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson appear as Becca and ‘Fat Amy’ in the third installment of the “Pitch Pefect” series.

Photo courtesy Pitch Perfect Movie

ing escorted by the Army?

When did Fat Amy get the close quarters combat training to take out a small army of hired mercenaries?

In another movie, these absurdities would be fine, but this series has always had a consistently realistic tone. After all, the original “Pitch Perfect” was

inspired by a nonfiction book chronicling college acapella groups across the country. As a result, Amy feels less like a real character with her random Kung Fu superpowers and more like a weird joke; which is sad after the first two films managed to do her so much better.

The first film in this series never really needed a sequel in the first place, “Pitch Perfect 2” felt somewhat contrived but wrapped things up nicely with an ending tied to the Bellas’ graduation. So by “Pitch Perfect 3”, it feels like Universal has thrown away what little magic the

series still had and replaced it with movie garbage.

For diehard fans of the acapella antics of the first two movies, this final goodbye to the characters you love just might be worth the price of admission. But for everybody else, save your time and money for something more worthwhile.

one can understand aspects of the plot. Many viewers thought that Johnson ruined the storyline, and that this film is the worst in the series. The biggest criticisms from fans regarding the movie’s storyline include: The Finn and Rose romance plot, General Organa’s force scene and the portrayal of Mark Hamill’s character.

Disney plans to release an additional four movies in the main series, and possibly a multitude of others sprinkled in between. Many fans who are outraged by the Finn and Rose romance need to realize that Star Wars is evolving, and as the story progresses more characters are going to be introduced. As more characters are introduced, more stories need to be explored.

We met Finn in “The Force Awakens” as a Stormtrooper, and since then, he has been given a face, a name and a relationship. Instead of being portrayed as a brainless drone, Finn can connect with the audience on a multitude of levels.

Although semi-sporadic, in regards to the film’s plot, Johnson worked the romance into the story by

giving Finn and Rose a primary role. Even though the fans would prefer watching space wizards swinging around laser swords, their scenes, in my book, were the best ways to integrate them into the story.

Many individuals were excited to watch their favorite, original trilogy-characters once again on the big screen—the prominent one being Leia Organa.

I will admit: Leia’s forceuse at the beginning of the movie was bizarre, poorly timed and was left unexplained until later. The actress for Leia, Carrie Fisher, unfortunately passed before the film’s release.

Since the audience knows there will be no more appearances from her, those who were observant knew that this would not be a plot-device used later. Fans who think this was an unnecessary scene do not realize that these scenes were filmed before her passing, and thus, there was most likely intentions to capitalize on this scene in a one of the sequels.

People like to think Disney’s writers did not have plans after releasing “The Last Jedi,” but the truth

is, they do. To be so naive as to say: “this is dumb and it doesn’t even make sense,” just paints you as a close-minded viewer who just wants to see Luke Skywalker swing around his lightsaber. Things happen, people become unavailable, and things need to be reworked later. To think that they would remove scenes of Fisher from the film is just wrong and inconsiderate.

Another massive critique of the movie came from the actor of Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill, himself.

He personally believed that his character was not interpreted in a way that made sense. Many fans of the series and his work have rallied behind him, claiming that Johnson ruined the beloved farm-boy from Tatooine. However, it is interesting that someone as knowledgeable as Hamill would not understand the progression of his own character.

Luke Skywalker was a perceived-to-be orphan, raised by his aunt and uncle on a desert planet. Within a few years, he had been trained in the ways of the Jedi and vanquished the

Emperor and his powerful super-weapon, the Death Star.

Luke alienated himself, and then after trying to reestablish the Jedi Order, he failed. Him being frustrated and being unwilling to contribute to the fight against the First Order any further makes perfect sense.

Not everyone was alive when “A New Hope” was released, and thus, not everyone fangirls over seeing Luke Skywalker. Keeping his character in the position he was in would limit the potential of the rest of the cast. Luke Skywalker will certainly have a strong presence in the future, him being alive should not be a requirement.

All-and-all, with excellent use of CGI in a multitude of action-packed scenes, the reappearance of beloved characters and the addition of new, soon-to-be fan-favorites, constant suspense, genuinely funny humor for viewers of all ages, and the lack of a bigger and more powerful Death Star, Disney has shocked the majority of the fanbase and they appear to truly be embarking on their own path.

A&E

January 26, 2018

11

Mercer Island Students Review Blockbuster Movies Ben Capuano staff writer

“Pitch Perfect 3” is what I like to call “awkward bad”.

It’s certainly not great, but at the same time, it’s not charmingly incompetent like “The Room” or “Jupiter Ascending”. Unfortunately, this film is almost watchable, but stumbles often enough to fall into the realm of bland mediocrity.

With the Bellas out of college, the cast takes noticeable dip in quality.

Ben Platt, of “Dear Evan Hansen” fame, and Adam DeVine are nowhere to be seen; and in their place we only have the stereotypical members of female rock band Evermoist, country band Saddle Up, and the rap duo of Young Sparrow and D.J. Dragon Nuts.

Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson save it from falling apart, but their characters can’t keep the movie from being better than mediocre. D.J. Khaled makes an appearance in this movie for no discernible reason.

It’s just weird enough to be funny to me, which can be said for a significant portion of “Pitch Perfect 3”’s

Dylan Notturno staff writer

Dec. 15, 2017, eager Star Wars fans lined up along the streets of their favorite movie theater in anticipation of the release of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” The Last Jedi is now the longest film in the Star Wars series, and unsurprisingly has already made over $1.2 billion in the box office.

Even as a long-time fan, who has collected various Star Wars’ memorabilia, who has played the most favorited Star Wars games–such as Knights of the Old Republic, Star Wars: the Old Republic, and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed,–and who has dressed up as various of the characters for Halloween, from the galaxy far, far away, my expectations for this movie were lower than others.

humor. Other moments strike me as uncomfortable, such as the male announcer’s jokingly sexist line introducing the Bellas as women losing their value as human beings because they are approaching 30.

For fans of “Pitch Perfect”, the whole appeal of the movie series is to see the competition between rival acapella groups as they face off against each other in fast paced contests.

Now our main characters’ rivals are actual bands that use instruments to perform.

Changing the competition like this ruins the dynamic established in the first two movies and replaces it with something more haphazardly lazy.

If there’s anything to truly hate about “Pitch Perfect 3”, it’s the inconsistencies that pepper the movie. Why would D.J. Khaled even consider having an acapella group open for him in the first place? Why would the US Military hire a band called Evermoist to entertain the families and children of soldiers overseas?

Why would a crime lord kidnap and threaten to kill a group of performers be-

Walking into the theater with my brother, I feared that Disney would waste this amazing opportunity that fell into their lap: the chance to create an eloquent story that captures the true essence of Star Wars, without reusing the same plot devices in George Lucas’s original works. After viewing the movie, I quickly realized that Disney does know what they are doing and that this movie, although with some flaws, was a great addition to the Star Wars series.

Since the movie’s release, the fanbase has been split in regards to loving or hating this film. Although “The Last Jedi” is vastly different than its predecessors, I for one recognize the courageous steps taken by Director Rian Johnson.

People will have different tastes when it comes to visuals and effects, but every-

Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson appear as Becca and ‘Fat Amy’ in the third installment of the “Pitch Pefect” series.

Photo courtesy Pitch Perfect Movie

ing escorted by the Army?

When did Fat Amy get the close quarters combat training to take out a small army of hired mercenaries?

In another movie, these absurdities would be fine, but this series has always had a consistently realistic tone. After all, the original “Pitch Perfect” was

inspired by a nonfiction book chronicling college acapella groups across the country. As a result, Amy feels less like a real character with her random Kung Fu superpowers and more like a weird joke; which is sad after the first two films managed to do her so much better.

The first film in this series never really needed a sequel in the first place, “Pitch Perfect 2” felt somewhat contrived but wrapped things up nicely with an ending tied to the Bellas’ graduation. So by “Pitch Perfect 3”, it feels like Universal has thrown away what little magic the

series still had and replaced it with movie garbage.

For diehard fans of the acapella antics of the first two movies, this final goodbye to the characters you love just might be worth the price of admission. But for everybody else, save your time and money for something more worthwhile.

one can understand aspects of the plot. Many viewers thought that Johnson ruined the storyline, and that this film is the worst in the series. The biggest criticisms from fans regarding the movie’s storyline include: The Finn and Rose romance plot, General Organa’s force scene and the portrayal of Mark Hamill’s character.

Disney plans to release an additional four movies in the main series, and possibly a multitude of others sprinkled in between. Many fans who are outraged by the Finn and Rose romance need to realize that Star Wars is evolving, and as the story progresses more characters are going to be introduced. As more characters are introduced, more stories need to be explored.

We met Finn in “The Force Awakens” as a Stormtrooper, and since then, he has been given a face, a name and a relationship. Instead of being portrayed as a brainless drone, Finn can connect with the audience on a multitude of levels.

Although semi-sporadic, in regards to the film’s plot, Johnson worked the romance into the story by

giving Finn and Rose a primary role. Even though the fans would prefer watching space wizards swinging around laser swords, their scenes, in my book, were the best ways to integrate them into the story.

Many individuals were excited to watch their favorite, original trilogy-characters once again on the big screen—the prominent one being Leia Organa.

I will admit: Leia’s forceuse at the beginning of the movie was bizarre, poorly timed and was left unexplained until later. The actress for Leia, Carrie Fisher, unfortunately passed before the film’s release.

Since the audience knows there will be no more appearances from her, those who were observant knew that this would not be a plot-device used later. Fans who think this was an unnecessary scene do not realize that these scenes were filmed before her passing, and thus, there was most likely intentions to capitalize on this scene in a one of the sequels.

People like to think Disney’s writers did not have plans after releasing “The Last Jedi,” but the truth

is, they do. To be so naive as to say: “this is dumb and it doesn’t even make sense,” just paints you as a close-minded viewer who just wants to see Luke Skywalker swing around his lightsaber. Things happen, people become unavailable, and things need to be reworked later. To think that they would remove scenes of Fisher from the film is just wrong and inconsiderate.

Another massive critique of the movie came from the actor of Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill, himself.

He personally believed that his character was not interpreted in a way that made sense. Many fans of the series and his work have rallied behind him, claiming that Johnson ruined the beloved farm-boy from Tatooine. However, it is interesting that someone as knowledgeable as Hamill would not understand the progression of his own character.

Luke Skywalker was a perceived-to-be orphan, raised by his aunt and uncle on a desert planet. Within a few years, he had been trained in the ways of the Jedi and vanquished the

Emperor and his powerful super-weapon, the Death Star.

Luke alienated himself, and then after trying to reestablish the Jedi Order, he failed. Him being frustrated and being unwilling to contribute to the fight against the First Order any further makes perfect sense.

Not everyone was alive when “A New Hope” was released, and thus, not everyone fangirls over seeing Luke Skywalker. Keeping his character in the position he was in would limit the potential of the rest of the cast. Luke Skywalker will certainly have a strong presence in the future, him being alive should not be a requirement.

All-and-all, with excellent use of CGI in a multitude of action-packed scenes, the reappearance of beloved characters and the addition of new, soon-to-be fan-favorites, constant suspense, genuinely funny humor for viewers of all ages, and the lack of a bigger and more powerful Death Star, Disney has shocked the majority of the fanbase and they appear to truly be embarking on their own path.

Recent Threats to MIHS: A Summary

#1

Dec. 4, administration recieved a disturbing Snapchat image,

#2

#3

Dec. 6, teacher Michelle Hayes

Dec. 14, as school was ending,

found a message written on a

teacher Kit McCormick discovered

note on

depicting a student threatening school

calculator after a test. The

safety and instructing students not

identity of the threats author has

her classroom floor. McCormick’s

to come to school the following day.

not been identified because of the

class was evacuated. The student

The student involved was removed

medium of the threat. Police are

responsible was removed from

from MIHS through an “emergency

investigating a multitude of possible

MIHS through an “emergency

expulsion.”

leads.

expulsion.”

an anonymously written

Photo courtesy patch.com

“I believe the school is safe. We all have a part in keeping our school safe.”

- Principal Puckett

Read the full articles below at www.mihsislander.org Students and staff landed on a twenty-minute long video compiling encouraging and optimistic testimonies from staff and students. Although the video was driven by good intentions, it disastrously failed in comforting and informing the student body. Information about the threats was vague and sometimes excluded. One of the threats was specific to the anniversary of the Sandy Hook massacre, but this detail was not included in the district’s email. Because of the legally necessary tight-fistedness, several rumors spread through the student body.

A normal Thursday became a day of palpable tension and unanswered questions. Students looked to teachers for answers and found their teachers unable to articulate the motivation behind the threats. The current climate of America reverberates in every community center, every high school and college campus, and every place of work. The real world has arrived on Mercer Island. Our school has grappled with the underbelly of white supremacy in our community, the damaging effect of traditions at MIHS, and the ever-present struggle of political correctness.

It’s incredibly frustrating that we’re writing this after three threats rocked MIHS and another triggered an evacuation at Islander Middle School. One might think that after the first time, anyone interested in threatening to bomb the school would have realized it’s an unfathomably stupid idea, joke or not. So it seems that this is simply the reality we have to face.

We live in a world – or perhaps just a community – in which some students feel so sheltered from mass murder in schools that they think it’s an okay subject to joke about.

“ ““ Spencer Klein

The MIHS ISLANDER 9100 SE 42ND STREET MERCER ISLAND, WA 98040 MIHSISLANDER@GMAIL.COM WWW.MIHSISLANDER.ORG

Editors-in-Chief: Sophie Poole and Grady Short Front Editor: Lucille Shield Features Editor: Isabel Funk Sports Editor: Reid Martinez Spread Editor: Ellie Gottesman Opinions Editor: Grady Short A&E Editor: Sophie Poole Back Page Editor: Ellie Gottesman Online Editors: Ellie Gottesman, Reid Martinez, and Maya Virdell Humor Editor Spencer Klein Cartoonist Teddy Fischer Business Manager Jake D’Souza Adviser: Chris Twombley

Staff Writers: Isabelle Arenson, Samantha Bender, Annika Bhananker, Benjamin Capuano, Joshua Chang, Zoe Chen, Landon Cobbs, Evan Dickstein, Sabine Drake, Katherine Francke, Joy Francke, Claire Korthius-Smith, Henry LeMaster, Susanna Lepow, Cordelia Longo, Isabella Mancuso, Isabella Pangallo, Annie Poole, Baran Fotouhiyeh Pour, Ethan Preston, Abraham Schenck, Annawee Swartz, Liliana Szafir, Roni Talby, Max Thilen, Lauren Umbehocker, Henry Watson, Hannah Whobrey, and Emily Yang.

Sophie Poole Purpose

Grady Short Nondiscrimination Notification

To provide news to the Mercer Island High School student body and members of the surrounding community in a manner that accurately reflects the readers’ interests.

the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status,

Editorial Policy

other designated youth groups. The Mercer Island School District offers classes in many

The Mercer Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and

The Islander accepts and welcomes feedback from its readers. Anyone wishing to submit to The Islander must e-mail his submission to mihsislander@gmail.com or deliver it by hand to Chris Twombley. All submissions must be submitted two weeks before the next publication date, which can be found at any of our distribution boxes. All handwritten submissions must be signed to be considered for publication. No submissions will be published anonymously. Submissions are subject to grammar and spelling. All submissions become property of MIHS Islander.

College and Career Readiness Programs, admission to which is non-discriminatory. Lack

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To print an ad in a future issue of The Islander, contact Business Manager Jake D’Souza at mihsislander@gmail.com for rates and information.

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of English-language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in those programs.

The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Senior Director (206) 230-6227 erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org

Title IX Compliance Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Senior Director (206) 230-6227 erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org Section 504 & ADA Coordinator: Dr. Lindsay Myatich, Director (206) 236-3326 lindsay.myatich@mercerislandschools.org