The Islander Issue October 2015

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October 30, 2015

mihsislander.org

New motto calls old traditions into question

Flag Dudes Ryan Jones and Bernie Agress lead spirited students at girls swim and dive Senior Night. by

Jamie Shannon staff writer

MIHS has always been known for its school spirit.

This spirit that all Islanders feel has also paved the road for numerous amounts of different and unique traditions.

These traditions, as we all know, range from adrenaline filled mosh pits to oppressive hazing.

Effecting these traditions, though, is the new school motto of Integrity, Inspiration and Innovation.

The new school motto has been publicized this year and the preceding year, and most students should be familiar with it by now. Overall, the motto is supposed to help students for their life ahead of them. Whether this is in job performance, or just being a

Photo by Helena Shield

good person overall, Puckett wants to see students being more creative and inclusive.

A side effect of the new motto though is how it has been changing some of Mercer Island’s old traditions.

For example, many students noticed the absence of a Class of 2015 student mural at the start of the school year.

The senior mural hangs in the upper commons after every senior class graduates and it is covered with pieces of artwork specific to the senior class. This mural has given the senior class the opportunity to leave their legacy on the school before they go off to the real world.

Many seniors feel that it is their right to have a mural because previous seniors have had their own, and the graduating seniors want to

be able to leave their mark on the school before they leave.

While there were many complications involving why the mural didn’t go up this year, the main reason could be traced back to the mural violating the new school motto.

Previously stated in The Islander, Henterson Carlisle was quoted saying “we want to avoid the inappropriate pictures and innuendos on the mural that do not embody our school motto.�

The new school motto definitely played a role in delaying the presentation of the 2015 senior mural.

Unfortunately, the motto jeopardized the Class of 2015’s opportunity to leave their legacy on the school.

Seeing this happen has spread rumors throughout

recalled, “Artemis [Zafari] and I were at the girls Bellevue basketball senior night and we were the only two people there and we were like ‘this is ridiculous.’�

In attempt to support and boost student attendance for all school events, Ryan and the flag dudes started the Maroon Lotus spirit group at the beginning of this school year. “What the Lotus is in the flag dudes’ eyes is a way for everyone to be a flag dude.� Essentially, the Maroon Lotus was designed to promote spirit, boost attendance for all types of school events, and create an opportunity for everyone to feel a part of MIHS. “If you want to be more involved with the

school spirit, with creating new events, with creating new culture for the school, that’s what the Lotus is going to offer,� said Jones.

Currently, the group exists solely as a Facebook page used to notify the student body about upcoming events. However, senior Namya Malik, a Maroon Lotus admin, already recognizes the difference it is making. “I think we’ve already notice a huge boost in attendance at games, like boys water polo was huge, there were so many people there; girls soccer–we’ve never had so many fans.� Especially for sports teams that in the past have received little attention, the players and parents alike

this year’s senior class that they may not be able to have a senior mural.

Even though the senior mural ended up being hung in the commons, there are still certain pieces of artwork that have been visibly covered.

The reasoning behind this is to protect the victims of embarrassing stories from being displayed in public where people have easy access to it. Plastering a person’s personal life on a public mural could be seen as a violation of integrity, which is why the senior mural has been so controversial in the past years. People have the right to privacy, and when it comes to a hundred foot long mural in public, students who don’t want their personal life in plain view have been protected by the motto.

If this year’s seniors want the privilege of having a senior mural then they need to be willing to cooperate with the admins and make sure everything that goes on the mural is inclusive.

Another tradition faced with controversy as a result of the new motto is the selection of the flag dudes.

The flag dudes have been an MI tradition since 1996 and each year since then the senior flag dudes pass down their flags to four new seniors. Whoever deserves to get to wield the flag has usually been decided by who has the most spirit in that grade. Last year though there was a dispute between the 2015 Flag Dudes and the Administration over the selection of a flag dude.

New Maroon Lotus Facebook group blossoms as spirited students initiate a new era of school pride by

Hanna Puetz staff writer

MIHS Flag Dudes plan on making their mark this 201516 school year with the introduction of the Maroon Lotus, an online Facebook hub, to inspire more school spirit and spread the word about upcoming social and sporting events. The Maroon Lotus intends to promote all school events, not just sports, and involve as many students as possible to create an inclusive school environment.

The idea for an organized spirit group for the student body originated last school year during the girls’ basketball season. Senior Ryan Jones, a current flag dude,

greatly appreciate the support fostered by the Maroon Lotus.

Although the Maroon Lotus began only about one month ago, Jones and its admins have many ideas for its future. “As of now we are definitely realizing to the school it’s just a Facebook group, but we have a lot more vision for it,� said Jones. In addition to promoting spirit, the group plans to hopefully put on dances, concerts, dodge ball tournaments, and many other school-wide events, as well as potential hold biweekly or monthly club meetings.

Senior Artemis Zafari, another Maroon Lotus admin, said that, “Right now, we’re (continued on page 3)

PAID

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Volume V, Edition 2

Inside

French exchange students visit MIHS for a weeek Features > Page 2

Sports teams posters hang around school Sports > Page 3

Day in the life of MI students Spread > Page 4/5

Nov. 3, Elections Day Opinions > Page 6

New teachers arrive at MIHS Campus Life > Page 7

After you’ve finished enjoying this paper, please recycle it!

2

FEATURES

mihsislander.org

Pagliacci’s arrival brings new off-campus lunch options

by

Hanna Puetz staff writer

Owner Matt Galvin will soon welcome Mercer Island residents into Pagliacci’s new pizza parlor at the north end Rite Aid parking lot, where customers can experience one of Seattle’s best ranked pizzas.

What initially began as a single pizza house in Seattle’s University Village in 1979, Pagliacci Pizza now serves people throughout the greater Seattle area. Its arrival to Mercer Island next year will mark the opening of its 25th location. With over 20 varieties of pizza, from the classic Margarita to the Spinach and Chicken, as well as salads, pastas, and appetizers, Pagliacci Pizza has something for everyone

to enjoy. contractors so that the landAlthough Pagliacci Pizza lord can afford to build the avoided the six-month mor- building, but we have to turn atorium in the design estabto the city, lished by the city has the Merto review it, cer Iswe have to land City go through Council the design back in commission.

February It’s a very 2015, the long process construcon Mercer tion projIsland,” said ect for Galvin. Howthe new ever, as soon restauas Pagliacci rant still Pizza obtains lies in the the buildhands of ing permits, the landconstruction lord. “We will take only are tryabout four Photo courtesy Wikipedia ing to get Pagliacci Pizza will soon months.

Galbe a lunch option for bids from students. vin hopes to

open doors next summer.

Although summer may seem far off, Pagliacci Pizza will bring new life to the Mercer Island restaurant scene. In addition to a full dining area and pizza delivery, Pagliacci also plans to offer some unique features.

“We are hoping to have some outdoor seating and a private area for kids’ parties,” said Galvin, “items [that] aren’t really available on Mercer Island.” Pagliacci will also offer individual slices for on-thego customers. For high school students who want to leave campus and grab a quick bite during lunch or for adults heading to work, Pagliacci Pizza is a convenient option for on-the-go meals seven days a week. “We’re used to in and out, so I think it will be great,” said Galvin.

MIHS students also express enthusiasm for Pagliacci’s arrival to Mercer Island. Junior Camryn Steiner said, “I am very excited to hear Pagliacci is coming because they’re my favorite pizza place and now they are going to be able to deliver [on Mercer Island].”

Freshman Ellie Sulla also said, “I normally have to go all the way to Bellevue to get Pagliacci. My family and I love Pagliacci, and we will definitely be going there once it opens!”

Galvin, a 1987 MIHS alumnus, looks forward to welcoming the current students to Pagliacci Pizza, adding, “When I was in high school at Mercer Island it would have been awesome to have a place to get a slice.”

Debut of the new SAT Bonjour! Bienvenue à Mercer Island by

Christine Lee staff writer

Starting March 2016, current juniors will have the opportunity to take a new SAT test, implemented because of scrutiny over the effectiveness of the current SAT. The College Board, creator of the standardized college admission test, has been in the limelight for many years due to alleged poor measurement of student aptitude.

Developed in the 1950s, the SAT was originaly designed to determine the probability of success in college.

“The SAT was created based on test taking tactics, in the hopes that it would predict how well one would do in college, because at the time, college was all lectures and tests,” said Susan Sutherin, a college counselor at MIHS. Over the last 10 years, the SAT has been under scrutiny because some parents, students, and colleges argue that SAT scores are not reflective of a student’s true potential for success in college.

Psychologist Claude Steele states that the current SAT has been found to measure only about 18 percent of the things that it takes to do well in school, and thus is not a very good predictor of how a student will do in college.

Starting next spring, the graduating high school class of 2017 will be the first to be able to take a more knowledge-based SAT test. College Board’s president, David Coleman, explained that the new SAT will abandon its “wall of obscure words” and instead will focus on what is more useful and relevant in today’s society. Coleman stated that the new SAT will accurately track what students learn in school and will not force them to depend on expensive SAT prep courses.

“Students will find the new SAT less intimidating,” because they won’t have to worry about penalties for wrong answers, explained Sutherin.

“I wish this was something that could have been done 10 years ago. Unfortunately the graduated classes are at a disadvantage and lost out on an opportunity, however all they can do is move forward” said Sutherin.

The new SAT emphasizes reading, writing, language, and math, defined very specifically through knowledge based tactics. More straightforward than the current SAT, students will find the new SAT to have more relevant vocabulary and an optional essay portion.

Given the mixed results of numerous standardized tests, many have pondered if colleges should even use standardized tests in their admission processes. In the last 10 years, there has been a movement toward wholistic review, where colleges look at how a student has developed as an individual throughout high school. Colleges such as the University of Puget Sound and George Washington University do not require standardized tests in their admissions processes, and instead look for independent minded students savvy enough to solve issues under pressure.

A big proponent of removing standardized tests, Sutherin explained, “It’s really difficult to come up with a valid evaluation of a students’ progress. The goal to measure every student in the nation under one evaluation is impossible due to cultural teaching differences. All we can do is look toward the future and be thankful for this new movement.”

Students who participated in the exchange recalled staff writer their trip fondly. “One of my On Oct. 23, a group of favorite moments was our French students were welsnowshoe night-time hike comed by the Mercer Island in the Alps up to a candlelit Sister City Association. The mountain chalet, where we students are from Thononrested up with cheese fondue les-Bains, the sister city of and raspberry tarts,” said Mercer Island, and they will O’Briant. “Just from messagspend nine days of their All ing back and forth with my Saints’ Day holiday, or La student, Loane, and especially from speaking during the home stay, my French has improved so much!” Many of the relationships built during the visit were maintained after the MIHS students returned from Thonon-lesBains.

Aside from gaining a firmer grasp on a foreign language, partaking in an exchange program gives Photo by Lily Clugston the particiInès Boucceredj(left) and her host sister Lily Froio(right) celebrate Boucceredj’s arrival in the pant other perUS. spectives on Toussaint, experiencing the friends all wanted to know issues. It allows students American Northwest. Their about American schools. Like to see that the social norms host siblings visited Thonon- they asked if I had a locker, they accepted might not hold les-Bains themselves last and if we really had cheer- true in other cultures. Other winter break, staying with leaders,” said senior Claire countries’ perceptions of the the French students’ fami- Moore.

United States may not be lies.

As the All Saints’ Day positive and affirming, which The exchange program is holiday coincides with Hal- demonstrates that there are run by the Mercer Island loween, the French students different ways of looking at Sister City Association. Af- have the opportunity to expe- and interpreting things. “I ter they arrived, the French rience how the United States always tell my students how exchange students shadowed celebrates the holiday. “On important, even if it isn’t in their host siblings through a one of the days,” said Wiatr, high school, but in college, to full day of school on Monday “they’re going to a haunted go spend a semester abroad,” and a half day on Thursday. house, because Halloween said Wiatr. “Sometimes it’s Compared to its American is super American.” Senior nice to explain to other peocounterpart, the French Maeve O’Briant said, “They ple that their vision of your education system is more have never experienced Hal- country isn’t really like that. old-fashioned and emphasiz- loween, my favorite holiday! It’s kind of nice to show them es students being seen and It gives us an excuse to have too, just by being in their not heard. “It’s a pretty fasci- an even bigger celebration country, ‘Well, I’m American, nating difference,” said Dea- this year!” and this is how I act’.”

by

Jasmine Zou

na Wiatr, a French teacher at MIHS, “the general teaching style, with lots of technology, kids talking to each other in groups, discussing problems, and presenting are things they don’t do in their country.” Students who participated in the exchange expressed excitement about showing MIHS to the visiting students. “Louise and her

SPORTS

October 30, 2015

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MIHS fall sports come to a close Maroon Lotus Nathan Benson and Nate Sigmon blossoms (continued) by

staff writers

Eight fall sports teams competed in KingCo competed this fall. Here is a brief rundown for each team’s performance.

Football Marred by injuries this season, the Islanders have still pulled through for several statement wins, namely the comeback victory over Liberty the night before Homecoming. “We’ve done good with guys that we’ve had,” said Jackson Caputo, a captain for the football team.

With sinking playoff hopes, the MI football team continues to work tirelessly. The Islanders are 2-5 (subject to change) this season, with a 1-4 record in KingCo.

Volleyball After finishing fifth in state last year, the MIHS volleyball team looks to claim the state title. “After losing two key players last year it’s always tough to tell how you’ll end up but really good people stepped up to fill their role and we have really good team chemistry,” said captain Natalie Robinson.

The team is currently ranked fourth in Washington state with a record of 11-1 in KingCo, but members of the team are quick to remind you that rankings don’t matter until you win.

Cross Country After having both the girls and boys teams reach State last year, cross country hopes to repeat the accomplishment. On the boys’ side, injuries have been an issue but the team is getting healthier and coming together at the right time. “All the guys are coming together,” said captain Tiger McBurney. The girls placed second in Kingco and they hope to qualify for State at the upcoming District tournament on Oct. 31.

levue, MI won five matches to two.

Boys Golf

The boys water polo season thus far has been one of constant improvement. “At the beginning of the year we lost to Curtis 18-8, then we played them last time and lost 9-7,” said captain Ford Whitman.

As the team improves on their shots and swim times, they look to make their mark at state.

The boys golf team is recovering from a slow start this year with a strong finish. Although the team was looking to win KingCo at the beginning of the season, that goal quickly disappeared after two tough losses to open the season. The team has rebounded though, and according to captain Zach Evens is “excited to lock up second place in KingCo.”

Boys Tennis The boys tennis team is another MIHS sports team with a near perfect record, including an undefeated record inside of KingCo. The tennis team is looking to bring home the state title once more and the players are optimistic about their chances. “They’re [Bellevue] our main competition for State right now, but I think we’re pretty confident,” said captain Ben Bethards.

The last time MI played Bel-

Girls Soccer

Boasting a near perfect record of 10-1, the loss coming at Bellevue on Oct. 6, girls soccer looks to win KingCo and State. Currently the girls soccer team is in second place in KingCo. “We’re in first place right now, so it shouldn’t be too hard to retain,” said captain Piper Casey.

Boys Water Polo

Girls Swimming “We’re the best,” said swimmer Sydney Seto. In terms of record, she is correct. The Islanders boast a 9-0 record on the season, first place in KingCo. After hiring a new coach this past offseason, the Islanders have “adopted well” to new head coach Chris Conroy. “[We have] a lot of fast freshmen,” said swimmer Maeve Murdoch. The team will look to win the State Championship on Nov. 14.

Statistics accurate through Oct. 27.

Posters of student athletes hang around school by

Jake D’Souza

staff writer

Last September, the booster clubs of several high school sports teams placed posters around the school featuring a variety of players on each team.

The high school football team hung posters in the CLot. The team spoke with Associate Principal Mark Zmuda, and he supported the idea of the posters. The original plan was to place the posters in the stadium itself; however, the team changed its mind and they decided to hang them from the parking lot lights in the C-Lot. The posters were then approved

by Mercer Island School District and hung during the second week of September.

The cost was entirely covered by the Football Booster Club.

Because of the large team and limited space, posters were only hung for players in the twelfth grade as well as the team managers.

Students are excited to represent and recognize the Mercer Island football team.

However, some wish that the posters were hung in the stadium itself. Still, the posters are a great way to show

fans which students play on terest in making permanent the team The posters will be posters to be placed in the taken down at end of the sea- parking lot as well as othson and replaced with ban- er parts of the school. The ners for school a difis conferent sidersport or ing a club. poster Footfor all ball is of the not the sports o n l y teams, t e a m or even w i t h just the

by James Cartwright p o s t - Posters featuring student athletes hang in thePhoto c a p C-Lot. e r s . tains.

The girls varsity basketball There are also talks of banteam has posters hanging in ners to represent other clubs the gymnasium. Other teams and groups of the school such have different ways of pro- as the debate team. It is also moting their sport. Any other possible that banners will teams or clubs that wish to hang from other parts of the promote themselves may ad- school such as entrances or vertise as they wish, as long halls. as they go through the corA goal of the school is to rect procedure to get it ap- include and represent everyproved. body in the school and comThe school is looking into a munity. All clubs and teams permanent process that stu- are more than welcome to dents must go through to get hang posters as they wish as their posters approved. There long as they are approved. currently is no policy regard- You can do so by contacting ing posters. An official policy Associate Principal Hentershould be placed into effect son Carlisle if you wish to next year. The code would promote your club. Contact moderate the size, content, Zmuda if you wish to proand location of the posters. mote your team.

MIHS has also shown in-

in the middle of trying to want to get involved and who figure out a little more maybe don’t have the chance structure to the group. We’re to.” going to have, hopefully, sort However, the flag dudes of an inner group of the more and the group’s admins want dedicated people who really everyone to be involved. want to go out to stuff, like a They are trying to reach out golf match 40 minutes away.” and inform students about Anyone can join this “inner the Maroon Lotus, especially circle,” but one must also underclassmen.

“We accomplish certain goals to desperately need help from maintain membership, all for younger people and that’s the purpose of encouraging why we want underclassmen school spirit and promoting involved because we aren’t lesser-known events. Jones friends with all those people said that to be in the inner on Facebook,” said Jones. circle, “you have to go to “We need them to invite their one event friends, as f r o m well as the e v e r y people who sport that don’t have season, Facebook. as well Those are as a play, the people and then we want to you have get involved to take a and who selfie of Photo by James Cartwright maybe don’t y o u r s e l f The Maroon Lotus hopes to bring the spirit found at football have the games to other sporting events throughout the year. there to chance to.” prove you were there and Apart from helping develop send it to our email.” The and promote the Maroon idea is that at the end of the Lotus, Ryan Jones, Bernie year, all of the accumulated Agress, Zeke Larson, and pictures will create a massive Cameron Wittman, intend collage in the shape of the to leave a new legacy as MI logo, which will then be flag dudes this year. As the mounted on a school wall, icon of MIHS spirit, they similar to the senior mural. want to maintain previous With all of these new ideas in school traditions, while also mind, Jones wonders how the establishing new ones, such student body will respond. “It as winter spirit dances and will be interesting to see how dodgeball. “A lot of people well it catches on, to see if have expectations of what people actually want to be in the flag dudes are supposed the top level [of the Maroon to be, which is good, and Lotus]. We are going to that is what traditions are bribe people, we’ve designed all about,” said Ryan, “but I apparel and everything that also think tradition can be a we’ll give out for free.” dangerous word sometimes, However, the flag dudes so it’s the balance of and the group’s admins want cultivating traditions and everyone to be involved. creating new ones.”

They are trying to reach out The flag dudes look forward and inform students about to contributing to MIHS the Maroon Lotus, especially spirit and leaving a positive underclassmen.

“We memory on the student desperately need help from body. “In 20 years, you may younger people and that’s not remember one assembly why we want underclassmen or one great football game, involved because we aren’t but you’ll remember being friends with all those people a part of something and on Facebook,” said Jones. being involved in something “We need them to invite their greater than yourself,” said friends, as well as the people Jones. “That’s what we want who don’t have Facebook. to leave.”

Those are the people we

Make sure to check out our website at mihsislander.org!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A . . .

wC

There are many aspects of drill that are not seen by the students at MIHS including the countless hours they pour into their competition season. From October to March they rehearse again and again to perfect their two competition routines in the hopes of placing at the State competition. Last year, MIDT received fourth at State, a remarkable and well deserved accomplishment.

When asked about the goals for MIDT’s upcoming competition season, Gilda AFiFI, senior captain of MIDT stated, “Our goal is to place in both dance categories at state, our team has been working really hard and we have a lot of unseen talent. Competitions are so fun, we can get dressed up and perform in a completely different way than we do in assemblies.”

Drill is a lot more than what is seen from the eyes of students, all year round they are working, whether it be on assemblies, football games, parades, or competitions, they are constantly practicing and encouraging each other through it all.

HAVE you ever considered what your fellow Islanders do in their spare time? Here are just some of the great things students at MIHS do!

Working Student

Drill Team Member Exchange Student

Greta Bindi is an exchange student here at MIHS who hails from Milan, Italy and believes that the experience of living in a new country is important for her down the road.

“I think that it’s super important for my future to be able to speak English well, and so when you live in a country where they speak English, you kind of learn it, you become more Fluent”said Bindi.

Bindi is enjoying her experience as an exchange student describing it to be, “The time of her life,” and although life as an exchange student can be diffIcult as she depicts here, “You just moved to another school with people that already know each other and they already have their groups and so it’s hard to fIt in... it’s been hard, but not as much as I thought, which is okay.”

Bindi believes that this has been a cool experience for her and she does not see why people should not participate In an exchange program as she has gotten to see new places and various people during her time here,

Being an exchange student is a cool experience and a chance you should not pass up.

Many more exchange students are also attending MIHS and they are all part of the International club, “...meetings are open to everybody...” said Bindi.

At Mercer Island High School, many students balance work with the hardships of school but the largest question that arises is if being employed during a busy school year is worth it.

Emma Gottlieb, a Junior at MIHS, works at the North End drive-thru Starbucks. Gottlieb has been working there since July of this past summer.

Her hours are “on a good week like 8.5 hours, but I’ve had some weeks, where I’ve had to work like 14 hours, so it ranges.” Said Gottlieb

In addition, she also has to balance extra-curricular activities. Gottlieb does Participates in the Drill Team, Kids Corps, school productions, and Girls Water polo.

Gottlieb states that sometimes she needs to set guidelines for herself between her social life and job priorities. The student continues, “sometimes my friends will ask me to hang out, and I have to say ‘no’ because I have homework to do. I try to plan out my nights when I get home from school”

However, there are several benefIts to getting paid. Parents everywhere are beginning to stop paying for everyday accommodations like food or clothing, and in an age where more and more parents refuse to pay allowance throughout their child’s tenure in high school, money garnered from a job can reap huge dividends. This money could end up going towards a school dance, or perhaps something a little more expensive,

Compiled by Kelly Hou, Georgia Mattox, Nate Sigmon

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Opinions

Cast your votes on November 3, Election Day by

Richard Chess editor in chief

On Nov. 3, local voters will decide the outcome of several City Council and School Board candidates as well as two state initiatives and two county measures.

Of the seven City Council positions, five positions are on the ballot. For Council Position No. 5, current mayor Bruce Bassett is running against Tom Acker. Acker, founder of the Save our Suburbs political committee, has gained popularity in recent months for his balks against the proposed Hines development. The group was successful in persuading the Council to disallow Hines from constructing a plaza in the Mercer Island Town Center. Bassett is running on years of mayoral experience and numerous endorsements from key politicians. The Islander endorses Bruce Bassett for Council Position No. 5 because of his experience and success in working with higher bodies of government.

Incumbent Jane Brahm is facing Dave Wisenteiner for Council Position No. 1. Brahm has served on

the Council since 2011 and is a board member of many local committees.

She was Editor of The Reporter from 1993 to 2003.

Wisenteiner emphasizes fiscal responsibility and responsible growth.

He finds “authenticity” in the local businesses for their commitment to serving Islanders.

The Islander endorses Jane Brahm for Council Position No. 1 for her understanding of key issues that affect most stakeholders.

Wendy Weiker faces Salim Nice for Council Position No. 3. Weiker has served on numerous local boards and prioritizes increasing public safety, building a partnership with the Mercer Island School District, and solving transportation issues. Nice grew up on the island and believes he understands residents’ interests.

He does not wish to expand the transportation hub at North Mercer Island but instead implement “simple, low cost ideas.” The Islander endorses Wendy Weiker for Council Position No. 3 because Nice’s platform is vague.

Incumbent Debbie Bertlin is running against Traci Granbois for Council Position

No. 7. Bertlin joined the The MISD also has three Council in 2011 and makes open school board positions. public safety her first priority. Tracy Drinkwater faces Bill She is the only sitting Hochberg for MISD Director councilmember against Position No. 3. Drinkwater the legality of fireworks on is a former MISD teacher M e r c e r and has I s l a n d . experience Current polls Granbois in special I-1366: 42% support, 42% is the only e d u c ation. oppose candidate She claims w h o that her I-1401: 66% support, 23% emphasizes focus will oppose slashing be on Island taxes with Source: Elway t e a c h e r s . a tighter Hochberg b u d g e t . She has also says that the biggest three criticized the current council issues facing the new Board for a lack of transparency will be completing the and inability to find good school construction projects, solutions.

The Islander impact fees, and selecting endorses Debbie Bertlin the next superintendent for Council Position No. when Dr. Gary Plano retires.

7.

Granbois’ statements The Islander endorses Bill mislead the public about Hochberg for MISD Director the most recent Council’s Position No. 3 because actions, and we believe that Hochberg is a more politically she would not fit well with minded individual as shown the sitting members. in the debates.

Although the ballot Dave D’Souza and Ralph indicates Jeff Sanderson Jorgenson are running is running against Carl unopposed for position nos. 1 Sandberg, Sanderson is and 5, respectively. actually running unopposed Also on the ballot are two for Council Position No. 4. state initiatives: I-1366 and Sandberg withdrew from the I-1401. I-1366 cuts the state race after the cutoff date to sales tax from 6.5 percent remove his name from the to 5.5 percent unless the ballot.

State Legislature passes

a negative light.

In trying to protect others, Microsoft completely banned the use of “gay” in all ways, not only limiting the liberties of homosexual gamers who use the word but also unfairly preventing gamers from cities with “gay” in their names from enjoying themselves. Sadly, others have lost their lives rather than their freedom to play their favorite video games.

Recently, various humanitarian groups such as Greenpeace have found moral issues with the production of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. In early 2015, Greenpeace acted upon this belief by preventing American corn products from entering areas in need due to a fear that that corn is genetically modified. Greenpeace has worked to inhibit the distribution of corn products in Africa in particular.

As a result of preventing GMOs from entering Africa, African families starve in vain. The New Partnership for Africa’s Developments states that 10 million Africans starve every day. Some of these deaths surely could be prevented by supplementing aid efforts with the GMOs at hand.

In this case, I would argue that the perseveration of life far outweighs any offenses that could possibly come from merely changing the characteristics of food to create a product with greater yield

and flavor. The end, saving the lives of those in need, completely outweighs the means. Just because GMOs offend some doesn’t mean that those people should jeopardize the lives of others.

The answer to creating a better world lies in promoting tolerance. In order to become a more tolerant society, we must be able to tolerate potentially inflammatory stimulus. Of course, there are many times political correctness serves to protect other quite well. Intentionally irritating or offending others is absolutely unacceptable.

Sadly, political correctness has gone too far.

Society needs an element of toughness, and avoiding constant adherence to political correctness builds that functional, emotional resilience. Almost any action or statement has the potential to be offensive. However, that does not mean that people should have restricted liberties. There are many circumstances in which the word “gay” should be used, and there are other circumstances in which it is undeniably acceptable to offer genetically modified foods.

The true travesty lies in the public’s willingness to flatly condemn ideas of actions contrary to those of mass culture. Society must thicken its skin rather than limit those who do not subscribe to the ideologies of contemporary culture.

mihsislander.org

an amendment to require a two-thirds majority of the Legislature for all future votes on tax increases. The initiative is sponsored by Republican political activist Tim Eyman, who has recently been under scrutiny due to a recent investigation that alleges he used funds earned from campaign activities for personal expenses. Polls that previously indicated the initiative would pass now show that support is slipping. The Islander recommends to reject I-1366 because a reduction in tax revenue in Washington state could be detrimental to many key departments, including education.

I-1401 protects an increased number of endangered species from purchase, sale, and trade. Neither federal nor state law protects elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs, pangolins, marine turtles, sharks, or rays.

Violations of this addition to state law would be a gross misdemeanor or a Class-C felony. The Islander recommends to approve I-1401 because the law further protects endangered species from illegal activities.

The wrongness of political correctness A call to end PDA by

Jonathan Perr staff writer

Political correctness was initially intended to prevent harm to others, but the practice of political correctness has lost sight of its intended goal and limited society to an unreasonable and ridiculous extent. Those directing society have sometimes gone to extreme lengths to prevent other from harm.

Often, overbearing attempts to prevent harm end up doing more harm than good. Poor attempts to protect the emotional well-being of others have resulted in a variety of circumstances ranging from the comical to the tragic.

One such comical case lies in the misfortunes of West Virginia gamer, Josh Moore.

In 2010 Moore was banned from Xbox Live for putting the word “gay” in part of his Xbox Live profile. Most would say that Moore’s behavior seems fairly immature so the decision to ban him shouldn’t come as shock. However, Moore used the word “gay” in his Xbox Live profile because he hailed from Fort Gay, West Virginia, and Xbox Live asked where he was from.

When asked about what he thought about the debacle, Moore said, “I was mad… it makes me feel like they [Microsoft] hates gay people.”

Microsoft banning the word “gay” implies that Microsoft sees “gay” and the people represented by that word in

by

Hanna Noren staff writer

Dear fellow Islanders, As students adjust back to the stressful, sleep depriving, pressure filled routine that the start of school entails, they seem to forget that some things, like public displays of affection, are not acceptable in the hallways of MIHS. Congratulations to all lonely souls who managed to find a companion over the summer! However, school is a place for academics and your newfound love towards each other has no place being exhibited on school grounds.

As a student body, we focus on epitomizing the school’s motto: “integrity, innovation, inspiration.” Osculating in the hallways hinders this motto. Locking lips between classes counters the dignity and honor of integrity and inspires inappropriate behavior. If students who are in a relationship wish to honor the school motto, they should be more innovative on ways of concealing their affection towards one another.

Before partaking in PDA, students should consider the following: the teachers and administrators who roam the hallways during the same hours of the day as you and your “bae” will be writing your letters of recommendation and grading your papers.

Letters of recommendation are a key factor in determining your future academic

success. Displaying affection before an individual of authority, whom has influence over the fate of your future is completely tactless and inappropriate. Teachers do not want to observe such detail about your out-of-school hobbies.

“When I see freshman doing PDA, I’m just like, you don’t even know what you’re doing. It’s embarrassing” said history teacher David Willecke.

Students claim that contributing to PDA at school fills them with joy and adrenaline; however, it burdens the rest of the student body with explicit visuals and traumatic flashbacks.

The graphic viewings of affection that students observe between third and fourth periods in the 400-hallway are considered rated R, in movie terms, and are overall distracting and gross.

MIHS students, when the sudden urge to osculate with your significant other, or whomever, in the hallways hits you, take a moment to reflect the impropriety of your impending actions.

Consider how PDA opposes the school motto, affects your teachers’ influential insight on your personal life, and how it unfairly exposes your peers to visuals highly unsuitable for viewing between algebra and chemistry.

Sincerely, An appalled student

CAMPUS LIFE

October 30, 2015

MIHS warmly welcomes all new staff!

by

Jasmine Zou staff writer

With the beginning of the 2015-16 school year, MIHS welcomes new teachers Joe Bryant, Lara Fitzgerald, Lynn Frickey, Eric Goldhammer, Joslin John, Laurie Schwartzberg, Selma Staight, Shannon Tapp, and counselor Scott Churchill. Coming from different backgrounds, each of these individuals are uniquely intriguing in their own way.

Teaching experience varies among this group of educators. For some, such as Frickey, teaching is not a new practice. This is Frickey’s 32nd year of teaching.

She has taught every grade, from kindergarten to college, and spent many years teaching wilderness education, which included taking students on trips canoeing on the Boundary Waters or winter camping in Yellowstone.

Another teacher with experience teaching different age groups is Schwartzberg.

Before teaching math, she taught 10 years of preschool.

“So pretty much the same thing, right?” Schwartzberg joked, “High school students need naps, they like snacks, juice and crackers?”

On the other hand, this is

Bryant’s first teaching expeend of the lesson! It’s so rience. He had 25 years of ex- lovely,” she said, “And obperience with radio and was viously academically, it’s a co-host on “The Bob Rivers very strong here. I’ve nevShow with Bob, Spike and Joe.” T r a n sitioning between schools and getting acclimated to a new environment can be difficult for the new staff.

“Learning to adapt a decade of practices and Newcomer Eric Goldhammer (far right) teaching his English class. systems to those chang- es is taking er seen anything like it.” some get- ting used to, but When asked how she dethe opportu- nities for collab- fined a successful school oration defi- nitely makes it year, Fitzgerald said that worth it,” said Goldhammer. it was important all kids Schwartzberg was al- get the help they need, and ready familiar with MIHS. feel successful when they For some time, she did stu- come to class. “Not only dent teaching here with have you managed to have Kim Schjelderup and Lynn positive grades, but you’re Adsit. “It’s been a nice, sta- having fun,” she explained. ble transition,” she said. “I’ve seen too many kids get Fitzgerald reviewed wrapped up and forget that her first weeks very pos- high school should be so itively. “It’s so great that much fun!” Counselor Churkids here thank me at the chill said, “One way I think

Musicians shine at MIHS Former pianist, Minje Park, was inspired to play the cello after seeing one of his friends play the instrument. “It looked pretty cool,” said Park, “So that’s why I decided to play the cello.”

Park played in several school orchestras since fifth grade and auditioned for the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra in eighth grade.

As an incoming freshman, he is comfortable with the environment that he plays the cello in. “Whenever I play in the orchestra, I feel fresh and relaxed,” said Park. “I can calm myself down and I think it really helps me as a person in general.”

Park believes that anyone who wants to pursue music can play any instrument; they just have to practice hard in order to succeed.

Cellist Minje Park

Photo by Kelly Hou

Sophomore Jane Moattar has played the flute for four years. Moattar originally played the violin in orchestra, but later switched to the flute upon joining the band due to schedule difficulties.

“I’ve always wanted to play certain instruments. The flute was definitely on the list,” said Moattar. Moattar mentioned that the transition from the violin to the flute was not difficult for her: “The notes are almost identiPhoto by Cassey Yabes cal. [The flute] was really easy to pick up on, especially Flute player Jane Moattar with the fact that both instruments are similar to hold.”

Moattar’s advice for those who want to learn a new instrument is to choose from your own interests and to “always try to improve yourself.”

Coming from a family of musicians, junior Serena Domínguez was always exposed to the art of music. Domínguez started playing the guitar when she was eight years old and studied classical guitar for seven years.

Later on, she began to write songs. “I’ve always liked inventing little melodies,” said Domínguez. “I’m a very musical person: I can get the musicality out of [almost anything] because it’s just the way I understand [music].” Domínguez enjoys sharing her love for music with others: “I can make people happy with what makes me happy. I don’t know if I want to [pursue] music professionally,” she said. “The one thing I know for sure is that I’m going to be doing music always.”

Photo Courtesy Serena Dominguez Domínguez believes that “anything to do with muGuitarist Serena Dominguez sic is always positive” and encourages aspiring artists to try something new. “It is hard at first but if you enjoy doing it, it’s worth it.”

Compiled by Cassey Yabes and Kelly Hou

I can look at success in a school year is how much I got to know the students. To me, that’s the basis of what I do.”

Everyone also came upon the path of teaching differently.

Fitzgerald knew she wanted to teach since she was in preschool.

Frickey teaches because she has a niece with special needs, Photo by Jake D’Souza and it was a obvious decision to go into teaching. Churchill loves working with high schoolers because “they are creative, they are fun, they are lively, and they help keep me up to date on things. But then you can also reason with them, you can talk logically and have deep conversations. You can’t do that with five year olds.”

John was inspired by great teachers in her own past to become an educator. “I hope to remind my students of their worth and potential,

7

as well as motivate them to excel in my class!” she said.

Our new staff also does a wide variety of things in their free time. Goldhammer plays soccer and has “a special talent for getting yellow/red carded on a fairly regular basis.” Bryant is a “pretty accomplished cowbell player” in a band called Spike and the Impalers. If you do not know what a cowbell is, he suggested viewing a Saturday Night Live skit called “More Cowbell.”

The new staff has also traveled wide and far. Fitzgerald has been to 27 countries, her favorites being Argentina and Spain. Bryant’s love of travel and former line of work have taken him all over the world.

This summer Bryant was in Tanzania, Kenya, and Nairobi. Schwartzberg has had her fair share of travels as well. She explored Turkey on her honeymoon, visited Scandinavia, lived in London, and watched the Berlin Wall come down. “Everyone was at the wall,” she said, “And you think that you see people hammering at it and pieces would come off? Nothing. People had huge sledgehammers, and tiny pieces would fall off.”

Sophomore Lewis Back sings bass in the MIHS Jazz Choir.

He first joined the group last year. “It’s pretty unorthodox for a freshman to come into Jazz Choir,” Back said, “So I got a really lucky break because there weren’t any basses that were auditioning for choir the year before.”

Choir director Tom Cox invitPhoto Courtesy Lewis Back Vocalist Lewis Back ed Back to join Jazz Choir at the end of Back’s eighth grade year.

Back never used to sing and was initially uncomfortable when he first joined choir: “I didn’t really like it at first because we have that idea in our minds that choir was just for girls...”

Back eventually discovered that he was a talented singer and wants to participate in choir all throughout high school and college.

He believes that singing in the choir is a team effort: “Everyone advances at their own pace, but in the end you have to make sure that everyone knows their part and gets Recording artist and senior, Henry Mansfield began writing songs five years ago. “The initial inspiration was writing music that was about my emotions and wanting to share Photo courtesy Henry Mansfield those feelings,” said MansRecording artist Henry Mansfiled field. “I think the incredible connective nature of music has always been a constant.”

Now in his senior year, Mansfield is working hard at building up his musical career.

He and his band recently recorded an EP together in Shelton, Wash. “I have my EP coming out in a month and that’s the first big step into a world I haven’t really explored yet... It’s called The View From Radio Towers,” said Mansfield. He will perform two release shows for the EP: at Island Books on Nov. 1 and at The Vera Project on Nov. 6.

Mansfield believes that aspiring artists should “just go out there and do it” if they want to pursue music.”

What to do on Halloween: For an array of options: Thomas Family Farm

Halloween 5k (okay to register day-of)

For an “unique experience to shoot and not get shot,” head over to Thomas Family Farm in Snohomish. Open from 10 a.m. until midnight on Halloween, the Farm offers everything spooky, from zombie glow-in-the-dark paintball to a creepy haunted house. For a less terrifying evening, bring a flashlight for the Family Farm’s night maze, no zombies included (probably).

If you have a desire to run a halloween 5k, but the actual “running” part seems too strenuous, sign up for the Magnuson park 5k! There are eight different fun obstacle, like a rock wall.

After the fun run there is a photo booth and make-yourselfinto-a-zombie station. The 5k is also a charity run for Earth Runs, a foundation that plants trees around Washington state.

For the faint of heart: Bob’s Corn maze Looking for a night time activity that embodies the fall spirit without affecting your blood pressure? Bob’s Corn Maze is fun, relaxing, and full of corn instead of flesh eating zombies. The maze is open from 6-10 p.m.

For the aggressive: Lake Stevens, Carleton Farm If haunted houses make you feel like a helpless halloween baby, go to Carleton Farm. Just passed Lake Stevens, this place will let you shoot your fears (zombies) with glow in the dark paint! The zombies will let you shoot them from 7-10 pm on Halloween night!

For those intrepid & outdoorsy: Nightmare at Beaver Lake

You’ll be nervous in line, scared down trails which are infested with petrifying people, and finally horrified as you pass through nightmarish structures.

The hours are 8-11 p.m. Halloween night.

For the fun, fit, and kind: Seattle 2015 Halloween Run Scared 5K at Seward Park (okay to register day-of) If you want to get a head start on burning off the halloween candy while getting to witness the hilarious scene of Seattleites fitness running in costume, head over to the Loop in Seward Park for a fun 5k. There will be a costume contest, a finish line party, treats, and prizes. If a Halloween-themed run wasn’t cool enough, the Run Scared 5k is a benefit for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Make sure to bring your energy and a costume that allows for mobility!

KUBE 93 FM

For an intense outdoor adventure: Maris farms Maris Farms is a very scary and VERY long haunted woods. According to the website, “There will be blood, zombies, violence, gore, loud noises, gunfire, strobe lights, stairs, tight passageways, darkness, smoke, fire and destruction. You may get a little water sprayed on you.”

For more fun and less fear, Maris Farms has a non-haunted corn maze as well. The haunted woods is open from 7-11 p.m. on Halloween night, and the corn maze is open from 6:30-9 p.m.

Described as the scariest haunted house in Washington state, the old Georgetown morgue is filled with terrifying people who are happy to scare the pants off of everyone. PLUS, you are trapped INSIDE the house, with no escape, for plenty of scaring opportunity.

The morgue was described as “Really fricken scary” by one haunted house goer.

Compiled By: Zoe LeviN

ISLANDER

9100 SE 42ND STREET MERCER ISLAND, WA 98040 MIHSISLANDER@GMAIL.COM WWW.MIHSISLANDER.ORG Editors in Chief: Richard Chess Helena Shield Features Editor: Sports Editor: Spread Editor: Opinions Editor: Campus Life Editor: Back Page Editor: Online Editor: Photo Editor:

Helena Shield Richard Chess Samantha Philipp Isabella Murillo Lily Clugston Jessica Waller Jane Gormley Samantha Philipp

Staff Writers Nathan Benson, James Cartwright, Jacob D’Souza, Kelly Hou, Spencer Klein, Christine Lee, Zoe Levin, Marissa Look, Luka Marceta, Ian Martin, Georgia Mattox, Hanna Noren, Dylan Notturno, Jon Perr, Hanna Puetz, Leia Saloranta, Jamie Shannon, Nate Sigmon, Ezra Tillinger, Cassey Yabes, Jasmine Zou Adviser: Chris Twombley

Purpose 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.

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Nondiscrimination Notification The Mercer Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The dle

following people have been designated to haninquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) Coordinator: Dr. Gary Plano, Superintendent (206) 236-3300 gary.plano@mercerislandschools.org Title IX Compliance Coordinator: Dean Mack, CFO/COO, (206) 236-4522 dean.mack@mercerislandschools.org Section 504 & ADA Coordinator: Lindsay Myatich, Director, (206) 236-3326 lindsay.myatich@mercerislandschools.org Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Simmi Kher, Coordinator, (206) 236-3300 simmi.kher@mercerislandschools.org