2013 Newspaper A Cut Above

The Best of the Best from the 2012-2013 Individual Category Newspaper Contest Michigan Interscholastic Press Association

January 2014 Dear Friends of Journalism:

T

his is the 16th issue of Michigan Interscholastic Press Association’s A Cut Above, which contains the best of high school journalism in Michigan. The purpose of this publication is twofold: 1) to showcase the first-place winners in the MIPA Individual Category Newspaper Contest and 2) to act as a guide for students and advisers preparing contest entries for this year’s competitions.

In the following pages you will find stories and art by firstplace winners among the five divisions 1, 2, 3, 4 and Middle School for newspaper. We have included category descriptions and judging criteria for each category.

Schools are placed into divisions based on student enrollment (we use numbers from the the National Center for Education Statistics). Division 1 contains the largest schools; Division 4 contains the smallest. We try to make sure each division includes an equal number of schools.

We are proud of all the winners and wish we could have published all of them, but size and space dictated how many, and in some cases, which ones, were included. Since all the winning entries were retyped to fit the format, we apologize for any errors. Please remember these are just a sampling of the award-winning work from the contest.

If you would like to help judge entries for this year’s Individual Category Contests, please call the MIPA office at 517-353-6761 email mipa@msu.edu, or visit www.mipamsu. org/judge. Judging will take place on March 1, 2014, at the Michigan State University School of Journalism. We need you!

I’d like to thank C.E. Sikkenga, MIPA’s newspaper chair; Pam Bunka of Fenton HS and Erica Kincannon of

The Cover Photo Photo by Alexa Danek First Place Winner Sports Feature Photo Division 4

Eisenhower HS, yearbook co-chairs for the 2012-13 academic year; Diane Herder, video chair; and Jeremy Whiting, new media chair. MIPA’s contests couldn’t happen without the hard work of these talented folks, who run the contests in their content area.

I’d also like to thank Anya Rath and Kelsey Parkinson, MIPA’s office helpers for 2012-13, who helped organize contest entries and provided assistance on judging day.

Parkinson, who continues to work in the office, was joined

by Haley Kluge, who joined our team in the fall, in putting together this year’s yearbook and newspaper editions of A Cut Above.

Finally, I’d like to thank all the wonderful advisers, the MIPA executive board, The State News staff members, professional journalists and School of Journalism faculty for giving up a chunk of your Saturday to come to help judge and encourage a new generation of journalists. Without you, of course, there would be no winners!

For complete information about all of the contests, please check out the MIPA website at www.mipamsu.org.

Sincerely,

Jeremy W. Steele MIPA executive director

Published by Michigan Interscholastic Press Association Michigan State University School of Journalism 404 Wilson Road, Room 305 East Lansing, MI 48824 Phone: 517-353-6761 Fax: 517-355-7710 mipa@msu.edu mipamsu.org

News Story

NORTHEAST COAST FACES DEVASTATION

Hurricane Sandy strikes land Oct. 29 Rachel Murray Novi HS

2004 alumna Becca Miller lives in Jersey City, N.J., near where the unprecedented Hurricane Sandy made landfall at 8:05 p.m. Oct. 29.

“The storm was absolutely worse than I expected it to be,” Miller said. “My husband was buying so much stuff. I got irritated thinking we wouldn’t need it, but we’re basically using everything we bought.”

She lives directly across the river from lower Manhattan; Oct. 30 was her third day without power.

“It’s really frustrating. We went to a hotel today because we don’t have electricity or running water and we needed to shower. We don’t expect power back on for four or five more days.

“My husband and I both work in the city. There is only one transit system to get there, the Path, and it is closed indefinitely.”

Miller lives in a 15th floor apartment with her husband. The building faced minimal damage.

“I can’t imagine what it would be like if I had children,” she said. “We have to go up and down 15 flights of stairs just to charge our phones, use the microwave or even use the bathroom. It’s really frustrating.”

A 6 p.m. curfew was set for Jersey City because officials didn’t want anyone on the streets when it was dark, without street lamps or buildings to light the city.

“Night is really scary because it’s basically pitch black,” she said. “It’s not as windy now, but we still have gray skies and it’s very cold.”

Miller has seen some good come from the situation.

“People are being extremely friendly; everyone’s banning together,” she said. “There is a bit of aggravation starting to show today [Oct. 31] because people are starting to go stir crazy.

“We met neighbors we’ve never talked to and made some friends. There’s a sense of community and coming together here in Jersey.”

Senior Kacy Kobakof ’s uncle, Ed Skupeen of Cranford, N.J, was ordered to leave his home under a mandatory evacuation.

“My wife, Christine, and our twin boys went 30 miles north to stay at her mom’s house,” Skupeen said. “I have stayed behind to manage the mess we are expecting.”

Skupeen’s house is not close to the shore, but the Rahway River twists through his town, indicating potential flooding.

“There has been a state of emergency issued for my county,” he said. “When my town drew the flood zones, my house was at the edge of that map. We’re not as concerned about the water as we are about the giant

Oak and Elm trees along side of our home.”

This is not Skupeen’s first time living through a natural disaster.

“After last year’s storm, Irene,” he said, “we got a generator in hope of keeping our sump pump working.

“The water table is so high here that the water doesn’t just come in the front door; it comes in from under the houses.”

Talk about Sandy in Cranford started the Wednesday, before it hit. By Saturday, Oct 27 everyone was outside preparing for it, Skupeen said. Many residents scrambled last minute to find generators.

“I’m sleeping on the lower floor, just in case one of those trees falls into the house,” Skupeen said. “I’ll also be closer to the alarm if the power goes out, that way I can assess the situation and crank up the generator if necessary.

“Hopefully I’ll have some time to get it together, as I installed a battery back-up pump during my first hurricane in this house.”

Skupeen’s family made it through this storm safely with minimal damage.

“There’ ‘were several trees down throughout the town;” he said, “but we made it through relatively unscathed.”

Swedish exchange student Sanna Rautio visited the East Coast Nov. 8 on a four day trip with the Education First program.

“We slept in N.J., and took the bus into downtown’ Brooklyn,” Rautio said. ‘’They wanted to avoid certain areas because of storm.

“When we came in to the city, we drove through an area that had been underwater before. A lot of windows were cracked and there was trash everywhere.”

Washington D.C. faced minimal damage from what Rautio observed.

‘’The program was considering just going from D.C., to somewhere else,” Rautio said. “They didn’t want to risk us going into New York City if it wasn’t OK. At the hotel we stayed at, they hadn’t had power for a few days but it worked out.”

A tour guide took students on a ferry boat tour to see the Statue of Liberty.

“Our trip to New York actually did get affected,” she said. “We were supposed to go the actual Statue of Liberty and look at Ellis Island but the docks were damaged. We could see from the boat that the docks were torn apart basically. We couldn’t get to the island or to the actual Statue of Liberty.”

They also went to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

“It was chaos after the storm,” she said. “When we got in they had security and it was just chaos. We had to wait easily 45 minutes to get in even though we had a fast pass. But you could still walk around on the ground

News Story

News stories report but not interpret events that have news value and timeliness to the publication’s readers. Either advance or follow-up stories may be included in this category.

Guidelines

• sharp, attention-getting lead that underscored news story importance • shows thorough reporting skills • effective use of facts/quotes from both primary and secondary sources • avoids opinion unless properly attributed • sentences, paragraphs of varied lengths; written clearly, concisely and vividly • proper diction/grammar; use of third person • uses inverted pyramid or other appropriate story construction

First place winners by division 1 Rachel Murray Novi HS 2 Katie Stanton Traverse City Central HS 3 Caitlin Heenan Fenton HS 4 Teagan Burns Grand Rapids Catholic Central HS M Liam Tsimhoni West Hills MS

See Devastation, continued on page 6 A Cut Above 3

News Analysis News Analysis

Stories should be interpretive by nature, not straight news stories. The elements of “why” and “how” should be examined through thorough research, but the writer’s opinions should not be expressed.

Guidelines

• sharp, attention-getting lead that underscores news story importance • clarifies the news elements, i.e. timeliness, nearness, impact, prominence • clarifies through research the background necessary to understand current news • develops an understanding of the issues/problems through interviews with varied and balanced sources.

• avoids personal opinions unless properly attributed • sentences, paragraphs of varied lengths, written clearly, concisely and vividly • effective use of facts/ quotes from both primary and secondary sources • proper diction/grammar; use of third person

First place winners by division 1 Lindsey Scullen, Nick Cruz & Matt Pitlock Stoney Creek HS 2 Katie Stanton & Allison Taphouse Traverse City Central HS 3 Noah Mellifont & Zac Sharp Dexter HS 4 Mari Cohen, Brienne Cooper, Eliza Stein & Abby Kleinheksel Community HS M Hallie Williams Brownell MS

TCAPS millage vote stirs controversy Katie Stanton & Allison Taphouse Traverse City Central HS The TCAPS bond proposal on Nov. 6 election ballot has proven controversial. The millage tax increase would raise the current 3.1-mill by up to 0.8 mills and generate $100 million over ten years. For a family home worth $200,000 dollars, their taxes would increase by $80 per year. TCAPS officials contend that the proposal is part of a 10-year plan.

“We’ve had a long-term capital plan in place for a long time now,” TCAPS Board of Education President Kelly Hall said. “The first bond was passed in 2001, with renewals in 2004 and 2007. Those reflect the plan that started with the elementary schools.”

Benefits for all: TCAPS officials stress that approximately $80 million of the $100 million will be used to improve many schools.

“The building of the elementary schools are in disrepair,” Hall said. “If we delayed it, we’d be spending money to fix things that will later be redone.”

Millage funds would be used for structural maintenance and upgrades. Projects include bus maintenance, administrative needs, updates to West Senior High’s auditorium stage, lighting, and sound systems, as well as improvements to West’s athletic fields and facilities and reconstruction at Central Grade, Interlochen, Eastern, and Montessori at Glenn·Loomis.

A public school system is supposed to provide quality education for all students, Citizens for Students Committee tri-chair MaryKay Trippe said. ‘’I really believe in public schools. By having this, we are giving kids, regardless of their background, the best possible start to their future. I understand not wanting more taxes, but this is a local tax that directly affects all students.”

Money management questioned: Although TCAPS has been criticized as fiscally irresponsible for the scale of the millage, the district is one of only 10 in the state to receive an “AA” Bond rating from Standard & Poor’s. The current 3.1 mill rate is 39% lower than the statewide average of 5.07 mills that is levied in other Michigan school districts. If the bond passes, homeowners would still be paying 23% less than the statewide millage average.

“Our financial reporting is very comprehensive and very detailed,” TCAPS Chief Financial Officer Paul Soma said. “We take this very seriously. You hear that ‘All government wastes money’ and things like that. That criticism is probably well deserved, for some entities. This government here is not one that should be criticized for fiscal irresponsibility.”

Soma added that if the millage passes, approximately 90% of the $100 million dollar tax infusion will go back into the community.

“This is not a federal tax that will go to the federal government and then trickle down to the state level. This is a local tax,” Soma said. “Ninety million dollars over the next ten years will go into local jobs, local contractors, local economy. If you want to talk about economic infusion and an economic recovery, here’s a fantastic opportunity.

Auditorium: The most controversial aspect of the proposal has been the new auditorium slated to be built at Central High School. The current auditorium has not been renovated since the school’s construction in 1957, and, despite multiple retrofit upgrades, is dysfunctional. Central High School Principal Rock Vandermolen says the inferior facility affects students’ performance.

“Whether it’s musical, band performances, jazz band, orchestra, Rendezvous in the spring, are students are as talented as anyone in this town,” Dr. Vandermolen said. “The auditorium does not meet the needs of our students. I don’t believe it’s indicative of a Class A high school Northern Michigan.”

TCAPS officials contend that the technical aspects of the auditorium’s stage make musical productions and music performances very difficult. The lighting and sound systems sometimes falter mid-performance. The size of the stage can’t hold multiple ensembles and the outdated fly rigging systems can’t support technically complex productions. Because many of the auditorium seats are broken, the maximum occupancy is only 550 seats.

“We’ve done paint and boards as long as we can – that doesn’t fix it anymore,” TCAPS’ K-12 Music Coordinator Wendee Wolf-Schlarf said.

In one instance, a student’s solo at a jazz band concert was abruptly ended when the microphone failed halfway through the performance.

“To me that’s a travesty. It’s inexcusable,” Dr. Vandermolen said.

Currently, approximately 650 Central students are enrolled in a Visual/Performing Arts program at Central, and the program is rapidly expanding.

“I see all of the arts expanding,” Trippe said. ‘There is a phenomenal talent here, and we have community that really encourages the arts. To not support that part of our millage is shortsighted.”

1200 Seats – luxury or necessity?

The $26 million cost of upgrades at Central include a distinct front entrance, administrative offices, a common area for students and a new auditorium. The new auditorium’s 1200-seat capacity was called “luxurious” by

See Millage, continued on page 7 4 A Cut Above

Editorial

standardized test scores affect college applications too much Staff Dexter HS When applying to colleges, the top three components of a student’s application usually fall into three main categories: GPA, extracurricular activities and ACT/SAT score.

But why should one test be equivalent to four years of grades on a transcript or all of the hours a student spends doing community service? Unfortunately that’s the standard colleges have set to select candidates.

Should a person’s test scores even be an indication of whether or not they are accepted to a university? Probably not. Standardized test scores seem like an even playing field, but there are many other factors that affect whether someone scores well on a standardized test.

Late education researcher Gerald W Bracey, PhD, said qualities standardized tests cannot measure include creativity, critical thinking, resilience, motivation, persistence, curiosity, endurance, reliability, enthusiasm, empathy, self-awareness, self-discipline; leadership, civicmindedness, courage, compassion, resourcefulness, sense of beauty, sense of wonder, honesty and integrity.

These qualities are more important than a single test score and need to be evaluated on a college application.

A person is more than just a number, and that should be taken more heavily into account during the college admissions process.

In addition, where a student goes to school directly correlates with how well they will score on standardized testing. Schools with more money almost always have significantly higher test scores than schools in impoverished areas. Why? While Susie is in her Princeton Review Course, George is working a six-hour, after-school shift to put dinner on the table. It’s a simple equation.

In fact, preparatory courses are an influential factor

in student’s test scores. Study Point, a test prep company, promises to raise students scores by up to eight points.

However, this help does not come without putting a dent in a person’s wallet. Princeton Review’s in-class courses begin at $599, and that’s for only 18 hours of instruction.

There are positive aspects of standardized testing, however. Since almost all standardized testing is mainly made up of multiple-choice components, tests are graded by a machine without bias or human error. Standardized testing also allows the nation to see what areas we need to improve on within our education system.

But some students are not the best testers and can’t show their dedication and intelligence on a Scantron. Test anxiety and emotional changes can greatly affect scores.

A 2001 Brookings Institution study found 50-80 percent of year-over-year test score improvements were caused by fluctuations that had nothing to do with long-term changes in learning such as a student’s emotional and physical state that day.

If two students are being compared, is one with a 3.6 GPA and a 28 the ACT really more intelligent than a student with 3.85 GPA who scored a 27? The scale just does not make sense. Hard work and dedication displayed for four years should outweigh a point or two on a standardized test.

While we acknowledge there isn’t currently another way to compare students to a national standard when applying to colleges, it isn’t fair to base admission decisions off single test dates.

College admissions offices need to take into account a person’s overall grades and extracurriculars rather than a measly test taken only a handful of times. Four years of hard work and after school commitments speak greater volumes than a single number.

Editorial

Editorials should represent the opinion of the staff, editors or editorial board on a timely news matter of concern to the school, community, state, nation or world. They may express appreciation, offer interpretation or attempt to deal with problems.

Editorials are not to be bylined, signed or initialed, or in any way identified as being the opinion of the writer(s).

Guidelines

• topic relevant to interest and/or welfare of school or students • wins reader interest with impelling lead • presents evidence/interpretation in logical sequence • states issues; uses effective examples, facts and comparisons to clarify • deals with specific issue; avoids preaching and rhetoric cliches • shows sufficient thought and research • sentences, paragraphs of varied length; written clearly, concisely and vividly • proper diction/grammar

First place winners by division 1 Staff Troy Athens HS 2 Sam Metry Grosse Pointe South HS 3 Staff Dexter HS 4 Staff Community HS M Madeline Paolucci Brownell MS

A Cut Above 5

Bylined Opinion Article Bylined Opinion

Articles of personal opinion, which carry the byline of the writer(s), may comment on any subject of interest (including sports) and/ or concern of the readers, or may express dissent from the majority opinion expressed in editorials.

Guidelines

• topic relevant to interest and/or welfare of school or students • wins reader interest with impelling lead • presents evidence/interpretation in logical sequence • states issues; uses effective examples, facts and comparisons to clarify • deals with specific issues; avoids preaching, rhetoric and cliches • shows sufficient thought and knowledge of subject, developed with personal style • sentences, paragraphs of varied length; written clearly, concisely and vividly • proper diction/grammar

First place winners by division 1 Kayla Varicalli Eisenhower HS

girl power Katie Pawlowski Shrine Catholic HS I’m going to start by saying that if you’re a closeminded sexist, this article is probably going to annoy you. Good.

This year, Shrine has decided to add a fourth spirit bone holder. That’s cool, right? I mean, no one would care if they decided to add a fourth member. It would be ridiculous to get so upset about a little thing like that.

Oh wait – she’s a girl. Who in their right mind would want a girl spirit leader? Everyone knows that girls can’t be funny or smart. Adding a girl would be a horrible, horrible crime by the administration and should never ever be done. Why, it’s almost as bad as having a girl on the football team, or a boy playing volleyball! Who would ever do such a thing?

Okay, before you start calling me a crazy feminist witch (because all girls who want to be treated with the respect they deserve are automatically witches, obviously), just stop and think about what this implies.

Do you realize just how much sexism is going on in this whole situation? If the fourth spirit bone holder had been a boy, literally no one would have cared. No one.

Oh, I get that being a spirit bone holder is a ‘time honored male tradition’. But you know what else is a time honored male tradition? Voting. Equality. Being in control of our own bodies. Guys had that for millennia before girls did. So are we going, to take away women’s suffrage and make them property of their husbands again, just because having a voice is a ‘time honored male tradition’?

If you answered yes, I don’t want to know you anymore.

And anyway, if we’re so worried about tradition, why don’t you just look at the old graduation pictures downstairs. This started out as an all-girls school. That’s our tradition Newsflash, losers: traditions change. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing. I think we’d all agree that combining Little Flower High and Shrine High School was a good idea. So why are we so freaked out about a female spirit bone holder?

Is it because we think that having a girl wouldn’t be as funny? Because then the problem is that we automatically assume that because you’re a female, you aren’t allowed to have a sense of humor.

Is it because we think that men are inherently smarter than women? Because fun fact, that’s not true.

Is it because we think that it’s a ‘time honored male tradition’? Because I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but this is the twenty-first century. If there’s a girl spirit bone holder, wonderful! If there’s a male volleyball player, great!

If you look at this and roll your eyes because obviously she’s wrong, that’s not at all what this is about, then you need to open your mind for just two seconds. I promise it doesn’t hurt as much as it sounds. And if you don’t want to do that, then you’ll probably just dismiss this whole thing. It’s not like it’s important anyway.

After all, I’m just a girl. Having a valid opinion is a ‘time honored male tradition.’

Crazy feminist witch out.

2 Tori Lonnemo Waterford Kettering HS 3 Scott Rogers Dexter HS 3 Crystal Thompson Wylie E Groves HS 4 Katie Pawlowski Shrine Catholic HS M Vincent Smela East Hills MS

6 A Cut Above

Devastation, continued from page 3 outside there without any problems.

Graphics Editor at The Wall Street Journal, Randy Yeip, lives in Jersey City on the opposite side of the Hudson from Manhattan. He was concerned with being able to get to work after the storm.

“I didn’t do much personally to prepare, I was probably really unprepared actually,” Yeip said. “I set up to work from home because I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get to the city, which ended up being the case.

“A coworker luckily drove to pick me up to go to work today [Oct. 31] when they opened one bridge, the Lincoln tunnel.”

There was -no flooding on Yeip’s block.

“I live ill a 3rd floor apartment,” he said. “Water didn’t make it far enough up the street to get to the building. I was more concened about the large tree right

outside coming down on my room.

“But, some neighbors were pumping water out of their basements because of severe flooding. It was strange how it filled up some streets and not others.

Water was backing up out of storm drains two blocks over.”

Yeip has never experienced anything like this before.

“People who have lived in Jersey their whole lives say they’ve never seen anything like this before,” he said:

“I’m surprised by the amount of damage that there was.”

“To walk past some of the damage I saw first-hand was pretty bad, and it will be a long time to clean up and get things working again.”

Review

An E-Reader that shines Adrian Ashtari West Hills MS Two brothers share the same room. At 9:45 P.M., one brother wants to sleep with the other wants to stay up and read. They could fight about it. Or they could just buy the Nook Simple Touch with Glow Light.

The new Nook is extremely cool. But, it does lack some things that the Kindle Touch features.

The Good: Unlike its biggest competitor, Kindle, the Nook has a backlight that allows people to read at night or in the dark. It allows you to “check out” e-books from the public library. It is super light, weighing less than seven ounces, and extremely easy to hold. It can hold 1,000 books and has a slot for expandable memory. The touch screen is very user-friendly. It also has two months of battery life (based on 30 minutes of reading a day).

The Bad: This Nook is $40 more expensive than its brother,

the Nook Simple Touch. The only big difference from the previous model is the weight and the backlit glow.

It does not have a port for MP3 music or audiobooks, unlike the Kindle. It does not have a Web browser, unlike the Kindle. And there is no 3G option (unlike the Kindle).

The Bottom Line: The Nook is very cool to use, but it is pricey. It still lacks some features that the $40 cheaper Kindle has.

This Nook attracts many people due to its “coolness,” but is not worth the price for many people.

If you are a “night owl” who reads at night instead of the day, and hate to use those cheap $15 book lights that break after a month, this is the perfect e-book for you.

If you are an “early bird” who likes to read in the morning while the sun is out, and just wants a cheap, light, portable e-book reader, the original Nook Simple Touch or the Kindle is the product for you.

Review

Review should present opinions, observations and evaluations of film, books, television, recordings, concerts, plays, restaurants and other things of interest to the paper’s readers.

Guidelines

• sharp, attention-getting lead that clarifies subject • gives short summary or adequate information about subject • discusses strengths and weaknesses of subject • uses specific examples to support opinion • displays knowledge of subject • shows thought and research • colorful, lively presentation; effective form/style • proper diction/grammar

First place winners by division

Millage, continued from page 4 Grand Traverse Country Commissioner Jason Gillman.

Opposition mainly protests the scale of the auditorium.

“There’s a difference between a want and a need,” TCAPS parent Kirt Kilbourne said. “At this point in the economic cycle, I would call the auditorium a want.”

Gillman could not be reached for comment.

However, TCAPS officials contend that the large capacity is in fact the most fiscally responsible option.

Planning now for the expansion of the theatre and musical programs at Central High School will avoid future renovations and added costs, Wolf-Schlarf contends. In addition, Central High School and other TCAPS schools continually have to rent outside spaces in which to hold choir performances.

“We’ve gone and rented churches,” Wolf-Schlarf said. “They’ve given us the best deal they can, but there’s still wear and tear and custodial costs. The busing costs to get there add up as well as the actual costs of renting.”

The large seating capacity would also allow other district schools to utilize the auditorium. Even though it would be located on the Central campus, it is titled a TCAPS district auditorium.

“Part of the proposal will upgrade West’s technology, but Central’s auditorium will be available to West students as well,” Hall said.

In addition to schools, the auditorium would be available for broad use within the community by outside groups. Organizations such as the Traverse Symphony Orchestra and even touring Broadway shows could stage performances.

“There’s more that happens in visual and performing arts than just what happens at Central,” Vandermolen said. “Something like this could support our community on a larger scale beyond Central High School.”

1 Tanya Madhani Novi HS 2 Michael Pickowitz Lakeview HS 3 Jake Rzeppa Wylie E Groves HS 4 Austin Eggleston Laingsburg HS M Adrian Ashtari West Hills MS

Student Involvement: Advanced Placement Government and Politics students have formed the Student Leadership Committee to inform through a students’ perspective.

They have planned a community night as well as a commissioner night at Central to present their view on the millage.

“We want the commissioners to see the conditions of our auditorium and have them sit in the seats to experience it,” committee member Connor Becker said.

“It’s crucial for students to get the word out since the vote is for students.”

A Cut Above 7

Feature Column Feature Column

Each entry must consist of two examples of feature and/or opinion columns under the same standing head from different issues of the paper, authorized by the same writer(s). Columns must carry bylines or other writer identification to indicate the personal nature of the content.

Guidelines

• sharp, attention-getting leads • express personal opinions; uses consistent style • reflects thought/research, freshness, individuality • effective use of facts/ quotes or supporting material • informative, interesting, entertaining • upholds journalistic integrity • sentences, paragraphs of varied length; written clearly, concisely an vividly • proper diction/grammar

First place winners by division 1 Rebecca Chen Novi HS 2 Rachel Sinclair Midland HS 3 Logan Gardner Forest Hills Central HS 4 Sasha Burnett Quincy HS M Kory Cole Traverse City East MS

8 A Cut Above

Preserving the American dream is hard when k-mart covers the path Logan Gardner Forest Hills Central HS I think the first thing I noticed about the Riley Liquor Lotto was the fact that it was dying. I knew that it was dying before I saw the few shingles scattered listlessly among the weeds that sprang from the ancient asphalt parking lot, or the windows like those old photos of depressionera buildings, or the layers of skyish blue paint peeling away in the frozen winters and soggy summers.

Living things have a strange way of telling when another living thing is dying. I think that’s one of those things that scientists can’t explain, like the Bermuda Triangle or Schrodinger’s cat.

The Riley Liquor Lotto used to sit on a northern Michigan back road approximately an hour away from Traverse City. At least I think it did. I couldn’t prove it to you because my original sense about the place turned out to be correct: the Riley Liquor Lotto is dead.

I mourn that place. I only ever went there once, but I still do mourn it. Not that there’s anything left to mourn.

K-mart bought the property and built on of its franchise on Riley’s buried bones. Riley’s wasn’t just killed; it was erased.

It is my opinion that things truly begin to die when they lose they will to fix what is broken. At one point, I’m sure Riley’s was a charming little mom-and-pop store, beloved by the community.

But at some point Riley (who, I presume, owner the Liquor Lotto) stopped believing in the family business.

He could taste the recession in his coffee and was afraid

his little shack wouldn’t weather the coming story. So he sold it to K-Mart, who was willing to bet they could turn a profit in that region. In nine months, nobody even remembered that the Liquor Lotto ever existed. Riley’s was a tree that fell in the forest, and I was the only one there to hear it make a sound.

Most people are probably wondering why I care. So what if there’s one less family owned gas station somewhere up north? If anything, it’s a good thing that somebody got rid of that crumbling eyesore.

I think that this is how America is going to die.

One-by-one, every boutique and independently owned restaurant in the nation is going to realize that the right financial decision is to sell its assets to one of the multinational conglomerates that is constantly trying to minimize competition. America will be homogenized until every store you walk into is owned by one of four major corporations.

And then we will realize, too late that we traded America’s soul for prudent economic decision-making.

Because a soul is not made up of just three different elements, repeated thousands upon thousands of times. A soul is a mosaic, pieces together to create an imperfect kind of beauty. It is all of us gathering round a table, laying down what we have and dreaming of what we don’t.

There is no soul in corporate America, just greedy shadows that only care for themselves.

Yeah, Riley’s was just some dumpy gas station. But it had character and personality. It had a heart. And I’ll take a heap with a heart over a K-mart every time.

Pro/Con Editorial Columns

Among the nation’s schools Armed guards provide much needed protection Hira Asghar, Portage Central HS

Guns in schools is not the answer to the problem Scott Solomon, Portage Central HS

The debate on gun control has reached a peak in United States history, following one of the most notorious school shootings in history. While the issue of whether or not to make guns more difficult to obtain remains to be seen, the National Rifle Association has proposed a rational alternative: armed guards in schools.

The best way to protect the nation’s youth and minimize the effects of mass shootings is by supplying schools with armed guards. Had there been an armed guard in the building on Dec. 14, the 26 deaths at Sandy Hook Elementary could have been avoided. The 36 deaths during the Virginia Tech Massacre could also have been prevented if the school had bothered to put forth resources to protect its students.

With someone professionally trained in the use of weaponry present to prevent the unnecessary loss of life, schools would be safer and parents would be at peace.

This isn’t a new phenomenon. We collectively pay for our president’s protection. We have agreed for policemen to secure entire cities. Why are we so hesitant to protect the nation’s youth?

The United States has the highest rate of gun ownership in the entire world. Furthermore, we also have the highest homicide rate among first world countries.

We might possibly be in the vicinity of guns every day, whether we know it or not. As the nation is so divided on the issue of gun control, we at least need to take steps to make sure innocent children are not harmed as a result of our political indecision.

Those opposed to armed guards in schools are clearly not thinking of the safety of our nation’s most important resource. Unfortunately, it will probably be months, or even years, until the people who have misguidedly been given the job to represent us are able to come to a consensus on the issue of gun control. Therefore, the fastest way to prevent the unnecessary loss of life, is to put armed guards in schools.

We have devoted countless resources into educating· our youth so they may have a stable future. It’s time we put resources into protecting them, as well.

In the wake of December’s mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school, many people are asking questions about the place for guns in schools for protection.

Guns are not the answer to the problem. Although there is a small chance that an armed guard may have been able to stop the tragedy, the possible catastrophic problems outweigh the benefit of possible protection.

First, an armed guard doesn’t stand a very good chance against a shooter armed with military-style weapons. By having an armed guard, you are essentially just creating another target for the shooter. Once the shooter takes out the armed guard, there is nothing stop his or her reign of terror.

Also, it could be a long time between when the shooter enters the school and when the armed guard can arrive on the scene. If the shooter enters one part of the school where the guard is not located, the guard is useless.

In addition to not being effective, having armed guards in schools could disrupt the learning environment.

How would you feel about sitting in class and seeing a guy with a gun standing outside your classroom?

There could be tragic ramifications if the gun ended up in the wrong hands. What if a gun was left unattended or a student stole the gun? The consequences could be deadly.

The last of many problems with putting guards in schools is that no one wants to pay for it. The state always cuts the school budget as it is; there isn’t money to pay for an armed guard.

Many groups that support armed guards in schools; such as the National Rifle Association, are conservative in nature- and won’t support and new taxes. There is no way to pay for these guards without more taxation, which wouldn’t pass in this economy.

There are a variety of solutions that float around after a crisis like the Sandy Hook one occurs, but bringing guns into schools is not the solution that would work.

Instead of focusing on armed guards in schools, our leaders should focus on stricter gun regulation to keep and their kids a school safe.

Pro/Con Editorial

Each entry must • have two (2) columns that express opposing viewpoints on one topic • the columns should be written by two people and featured on one page of the opinion/ editorial section • both columns should be glued to the same entry form • have a standing head that indicates the pro/con nature of the package • carry bylines or other writer identification to indicate the personal opinion nature of the content • a school may submit a second entry in this category, and the pieces may be written by the same columnists or combination including one of the same columnists.

Guidelines

• topics relevant to interests and/or welfare of school or students • two pieces, while offering opposing views, are consistent in style and tone • both pieces win reader interest with impelling leads • present evidence/interpretation in logical sequence • state issue; uses effective examples, facts and comparisons to clarify • deal with specific issue; avoids preaching, rhetoric and clichés • show sufficient thought and knowledge of subject, developed with personal style • sentences, paragraphs of varied length; written clearly, concisely and vividly • proper diction/grammar

First place winners by division 1 Morgan Cook & Anthony Herta Novi HS 2 Hira Aschar & Scott Solomon Portage Central HS 3 Allie Howell & Torrey Christopher Fenton HS 4 Christina Hadley & Mary Kate Winn Mercy HS M Lily Burkhart & Christine Simon East Hills MS

A Cut Above 9

In-Depth Feature In-Depth Feature

This is a single story, which may contain a sidebar or infographic from the same author. This is not a spread or a special section. Entries should concern subjects of a substantive and contemporary nature and go beyond the surface facts, give the reader detailed background information with interpretation based upon the facts and background information and often (but not necessarily) an analysis as to its meaning It is an elaboration of the WHY. Multiple sources are necessary.

Guidelines

• lead captures attention, arouses curiosity • topic relevant to interests and/or welfare of schools or students • extensive, intensive and thorough investigation • effectively combines basics of good news and feature writing • effectively organized with smooth transitions; carefully outlined • sentences, paragraphs of varied length; clearly written clearly, concisely and vividly • proper diction/grammar • balanced and fair presentation

First place winners by division 1 Staff Grand Haven HS 2 Sam Poznak Midland HS 3 Elijah Baker, Jonathan Moore & Morgan Barbour Southfield HS 4 Mari Cohen Community HS M Siddarth Guruvi West Hills MS

Fifty shades of black Elijah Baker, Jonathan Moore & Morgan Barbour Southfield HS

While most discussions on race center on the differences between Whites and Blacks people of all races tend to forget that Blacks remain unyielding in acknowledging prejudices with their own culture.

The divide between Blacks who have lighter and darker skin remains on that too often goes overlooked in the Black community and is unheard of in the White community. Nevertheless, the consequences of “in-house” racism on black based upon skin complexion can be felt loud and clear in the lives of Black youth. As if Blacks are not faced with enough racial prejudice and stereotypes, those who have darker complexions are further singled out and seen as inferior to lighter Blacks.

Senior Markell Smith, who is darker-skinned than most Blacks, says black-on-black prejudice geared towards people with darker complexions is a phenomenon unique to the Black community. “White people don’t talk about how white they are,” says Smith.

Of the prejudice that Blacks experience from other Blacks, Smith says, “It makes it seem like we don’t like each other.”

Smith says this prejudice contributes to a hostile atmosphere for darker Blacks and creates lasting negative effects.

Smith admits that his skin color played a central role in his childhood. Growing up, Smith says that he was “verbally abused” by peers and it made him feel down on himself. He recalls an incident in which a classmate loudly joked, “I bet your dad’s sperm is black.”

The joke prompted Smith to laugh along with his classmates, though inside he pondered why his darker skin was something to be made fun of. His childhood was filled with ceaseless jests and joshes from kids whom Smith feels did not know any better.

Smith says he told no one of the verbal abuse he experiences. He felt as if telling an adult would have been “a punk move.” He says, “It was my problem, so I had to deal with it. It wasn’t going to stop, so I had to start talking about them.”

Despite his decision to fight fire with fire, the teasing still hurt Smith. “I had low self confidence,” he says. “I wished I was light skinned.”

The academic community is well aware of skin color bias in Black culture. Macalester College Associate Professor of Social Psychology Dr. Kendrick Brown, who has done extensive research on the varying nature of racism and bias, has addressed skin ton bias in Black America. “The general trend is a preference for light African-Americans and dislike for dark individuals, though judgments may be shaped by the individual’s own skin tone,” says Brown, by phone. He insists that in the Black community, women with darker skin “must cope with a larger society that says she is not attractive as well

as individuals in her own community who may echo this negative message.”

Senior Torian Salis Magee knows this first-hand. “I’m not a color,” says Salis-Magee, who asserts that her darker complexion does not define her. “I’m a Torian.”

Salis-Magee is not alone in her adamancy that “black is beautiful.” “That’s what my family calls me,” she says.

“Black Beauty.”

Salis-Magee would be the first, however, to remind someone of a time when her newfound self-confidence was non-existent. “It took a long time to get here,” she says.

Has Salis-Magee been born with lighter skin, her life may have taken a different route. She imagines the advantages she may have had in life, especially in her adolescence. “I think my childhood would have been easier in elementary and middle school,” she says. “I would not have had to deal with the name calling and bullying.”

The teasing and taunting proved detrimental for Salis-Magee and drove her to sehek help. Had she not had the support of her mother and sisters, she says, “I would have ended up killing myself a long time ago.”

She hopes to remind people that while many blacks with darker skin who are tormented and ridiculed remain silent, “They probably go home and cry and cry and cry.”

Salis-Magee says that the mentality of blacks who use darker skin color as a tactic of abuse is summed up in the words, “Oh, she’ll be fine,” which, she says, couldn’t be farther from the truth.

After six years of therapy, Salis-Magee says she is finally resilient in the face of those who find something wrong or “ugly” about people with darker skin.

Skin ton bias is a phenomenon that clearly affects the lives of students at Southfield High School, as staff and faculty can attest. Social worker and Peers Making Peace program advisor Lisa Butler says that she has witnessed the prejudice first hand.

“I still see some of our dark (pigmented) students not feeling good about who they are,” says Butler. She dearly expresses to students that, until they like who they are, “they can spend a lifetime allowing others to define them.”

Butler says that the Black community has come a long was from being uneducated and victimized.

Unfortunately, many young people do not recognize the progress made and continue to feel back about their skin complexion. We don’t look out for each other; that’s why we’re here today, still struggling,” she says.

Butler emphasizes self-love to students she counsels, and urges Blacks to put a stop to skin tone bias within the Black community. “When you appreciate who you are,” she says, “nothing else matters.”

While Salis-Magee argues that “light vs. dark” prejudice is something that the Black community should rid itself of, fellow senior Smith says that rather than

See Shades, continued on page 12 10 A Cut Above

Informative Feature

macky alston & talking to the media Kate Summers Community HS

“Before we start can you just remind me, who’s the audience for this? Where’s it’s going to appear? And what would you most like your readers to get from this?” said Macky Alston before the interview began. Alston is an expert media trainer. He is a Sundance award winning documentary filmmaker, television producer and for the past 10 years directed a program, that he founded, called Auburn Media, which is run out of Auburn Seminary in New York City. The program helps faith leaders and experts on religion stand for justice through the press and media. Over the past eight years the core program of Auburn Media has been media training. They have trained over 3000 faith leaders and experts on religion, from all faith traditions.

In recent months Community High has been in the spotlight; because of the way students have been talking to the media. Steven Crowder, a comedian and Fox News contributor, recently did a video called “MARIJUANA!!

The Truth!” The video, which debuted on Fox Nation, is about the problems with the legalization of marijuana and interviews several CHS students about their experience with the drug. The video has been up for two months and already has over 200,000 hits on YouTube.

Alston believes that if someone calls or approaches you for an interview you should not do the interview right at that moment. You should ask them for their name, ask them how to spell it, ask them where they work or for whom they work. “Often a reporter will say ‘I need a quote right away.’ Don’t provide it right away. Instead ask them their deadline. What often they might say is ‘I need it by four o’clock today’ and it’s 10 a.m. in the morning, well that gives you a lot of time,” said Alston. This will give you time to see if the reporter is one you want to have represent you. Before doing an interview you need to evaluate whether this “media moment”-as Alston called it- is going to benefit the thing you care about or if it’s going to harm you and the thing you care about. Alston continued, “Remember that the only reason you do media work is because you have something to say and you have some audience you are trying to reach... If the reporter doesn’t reach the audience you care about, why do the interview at all? What’s the benefit?”

Once you have done your research on your reporter and decided you are going to take an interview there are still many things you need to be aware of. Once something is online, regardless of the publication, the readership can be endless and what you say will be on record forever.

“As you go for job interviews, and the employer googles you-which they all do, these articles that you are quoted in in high school will come up,” said Alston.

Another thing that one must be aware of is being on and off the record. Alston believes that it is not possible to engage online with journalist, or even friends, “off the record,” especially because life is now experienced publicly through the media-this is all mediated through social media. “You’re always on the record. In this day and age, that doesn’t mean today, it means forever,” said Alston. He suggests only posting things online that you would like to see on the cover of the New York Times.

One issue in “MARIJUANA!! The Truth!” was that many students of the students’ interviews were taken out of context and edited in a way that did not express their full opinion. One student interviewed explained, “He asked me if I smoke and I answered I have tried it once.

He cut it so he said I have smoked... He then asked if it was bad, and I said I don’t really know, but I have heard it is harmless. He cut it so I basically said it was harmless.”

Alston recommends that before engaging with a reporter you should go on record publicly with the topic you are being interviewed on. This way if you are misquoted or taken out of context you can show an earlier account of what you think. This can be recording a video from your phone and posting it on YouTube, tweeting about what you believe, or going on record at your local or school paper. “That way there are multiple accounts of what you think and hopefully yours predates the one that you don’t agree with... It’s very difficult to get a media outlet to correct a misinformation... and anyway the message, the word is out,” said Alston.

However, even before you post these things online you should have another person read it. “Media work is best done in partnership and sometimes we simply don’t have an ear for the double meanings... of the things we’re saying or the way in which we come across. It’s better to get the opinion of someone you really trust, who will tell you lovingly, but honestly how you’re coming across, so that you can come across to your own best self,” said Alston.

Alston is all for doing media work for positive outcomes, but the conditions just have to be right. We live in a day and age where what people say really matters.

It does not matter how old you are, you can be heard.

You can be heard from a Fox News video about marijuana or you can be heard from a blog about your passions. “lf your voice can be heard that easily that means what you say, what you do, really matters. So then my question is what do you want to say? What’s your message to the world? How can you say it most effectively?”

Informative Feature Stories should be written to inform or instruct.

Facts are obtained from research, interviews and observations.

Guidelines

• leads capture attention, arouses curiosity • topic relevant to interests and/or welfare of school or students • thorough investigation through research and interviews • combines basics of good news and feature writing • organized with smooth transitions • balanced and fair presentation • sentences, paragraphs of varied length; written clearly, concisely and vividly • proper diction/grammar

First place winners by division 1 Emma Baty & Samantha Van Hoef Grand Haven HS 2 Scout Parsch & Jack Duly Midland HS 3 Taylor Wyllie Seaholm HS 4 Kate Summers Community HS M Gabi Looker Traverse City East MS

A Cut Above 11

Human Interest Feature Human Interest Feature

Human interest features appeal to the emotions of the reader with inspiration, motivation, pathos or humor and often make effective use of quotes.

Guidelines

• leads capture attention, arouses curiosity • emphasizes new element, fresh angle • colorful, lively presentation; effective form/style • reflects adequate research, sound interviewing techniques from a variety of sources • effective use of facts/ quotes • interesting; appeals to the emotions • proper diction/grammar

First place winners by division 1 Emma Baty Grand Haven HS 2 Katie Hawkins Utica HS

Small but mighty Kaitlin Malley & Elizabeth Sullivan Brownell MS A survivor is a person who thrives, no matter the situation. They do not complain, they take what they get and cope with it. Failure is not an option in their minds, they believe that they can battle anything and still be the same person they were before.

Students and staff that know Mrs. Shellnut know that she fits this description to a “T”. Her classroom is a sanctuary filled with peace, quiet, and the occasional burst of laughter. There is absolutely no negativity. Mrs. Shellnut’s can-do attitude and her undying love for her students shields any them from believing anything but the best.

Therefore, when the shocking news about Mrs. Shellnut’s health crisis was relayed to students, they all assumed that everything and everyone would be just fine. Shellnut sat down with each of her five classes and informed them that she would be leaving for an extended period of time. They were going to be left in the hands of the well known Brownell substitute, Mr. Washington. She was’ not sure of the time of her return, but she stated that she would do everything in her power to get back to them as soon as possible.

Ms. Porvin, stated that, “Her biggest fear is worrying about you guys (students). Seriously, you know she is a social studies teacher, but she is really a social studies

cheerleader. And so, on the list of concerns, it has always been classes and kids first. “ A two time cancer survivor, Shellnut had no doubt that her cyst, a tumor-like mass growing rapidly in her stomach, was cancer free. Even if it wasn’t she would be ready to take it on. So, when her son broke the news that it was cancer, she was ready to conquer it.

Shellnnt stated, “1 was really shocked when my son came into the recovery room and said, ‘Mom, it’s cancer.’”

After three treatments of chemo therapy, she hopes that the cancer will be long gone and she will be back to what she loves, teaching. She plans to return to school on the week of October 29, but she has to leave for a few days prior to have treatment.

Shellnut expressed that her biggest concern about coming back to school was not her energy levels, it was the fact that she did not yet know each and every student as well as she hopes to.

The support she received from Brownell, and all the other middle schools, has been so touching to her. Help from Mr. Washington, Mrs. Duffield, Mrs. Corden, Mrs. Cooper, and all of the staff have helped Shellnut keep her classes under control.

Mrs. Shellnut may be small, but she sure is mighty.

Most people have trouble conquering cancer once, but Shellnut has battled, and won, three times. Nothing can stop her from doing what she wants to do, even cancer.

3 Ellen Searle Wile E Groves HS 4 Abby Kleinheksel & Julia Kortberg Community HS M Kaitlin Malley & Elizabeth Sullivan Brownell MS

12 A Cut Above

Shades, continued from page 10 changing the way people look at skin color, Blacks should just accept it. “You can’t control what color you are,” he says. “Accept being black.”

Smith says that after he came to terms with the way people treat him because of his darker complexion, the jokes and abuse became less of an issue for him. “It doesn’t make me feel back because I know myself,” he says. “I’m used to it.”

Although having experienced how harmful stereotypes are, Smith says that the jokes not only no longer faze him, but have become his tactic of choice in defending himself against the abuse. He admits that he sometimes finds humor in these jokes aimed at him, especially when he’s never heard them before.

While Smith’s past is proof that the prejudice experiences by Blacks with darker skin is real, he contends that “it’s going to stay here forever. That’s like getting rid of racism,” he says. “You can’t.”

Salis-Magee takes the jokes in strides these days: “I’m comfortable in the skin that I’m in. It’s too late to turn back now,” she jokes, grinning from ear to ear.

But she envisions a day where people will not be disparaged because they are dark. Instead, she hopes that they will learn to love themselves and that others will realize their beauty is not just skin deep.

And to the naysayers that remain? Salis-Magee vows to have the last word: “I’m beautiful because I’m dark,” she says. “How about that?”

Personality Profile

Before the sidewalk ends Maggie Morgan Waterford Kettering HS

When I picked up Maddy McCafferty to go out to dinner on a humid August day this past this past summer, she climbed into my messy white Impala with a huff. ‘’I’m sorry, but I’m not going out with my weave tonight... it’s hot as balls,” she said fanning herself while rolling down the window.

“Can I just say I cannot WAIT until the day when I am done with all of this stuff?” she said, laughing, showing me the princess band-aid covering the apparatus protruding from her arm.

“It’ll be over with before you know it,” I said.

“I know, but that’s still not soon enough,” Maddy said, sighing while looking at the IV scars all over her arm. Then, almost immediately, she perked up. “Come on, let’s go stuff our faces, I need girl time.”

And with that, we turned on Beyonce and went to eat.

Maddy and I met my freshman year of high school; I was playing her understudy in our winter drama, ‘Rebel without a Cause’. I was immediately taken by her talent and ability to make everyone in the room at ease. We quickly became friends, and I consider her to be, one of the most important people in my life.

Maddy’s positive attitude is infectious, and she is the definition of class and maturity. When I have had a bad day, she is the first one I call because I know I will get encouragement and advice. She is my rock, and one of the reasons I have stayed sane in a world full of teenage stress and tribulations.

Recently, Maddy has shown me one of the important lessons I have learned in my life thus far; what it looks like to be strong and brave.

On Match 23 of this past year, she was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She immediately started chemotherapy, and has undergone numerous surgeries. Faced with this horrible disease, it would have been easy for her to throw up her hands, curl up in her bed and isolate herself from the world.

She did the exact opposite.

She refused to let anyone, including herself, feel

sorry for her. She attended school events regularly, hungout with her friends, and began taking piano lessons.

She went out without her “weave” (as she jokingly calls it) and would talk about her condition with anyone who asked. She powered through six months of intense chemotherapy, and has not lost a bit of her vivacious spirit.

“I wasn’t going to let cancer get in the way of doing the things I wanted to. I make my own decisions, not a disease. It was something I had to live with, not something that controlled the way I lived my life,” Maddy said.

She hung princess posters on her hospital room door in order to help the little girls also residing see that only princesses get to hang out on the pediatrics floor. She became very close with a little girl named Maggie, who also is battling cancer, and brought up a different color of nail polish every time she traveled to the hospital to help treat her to some fun.

Even when she felt too sick to move, she got up to attend the various charity events thrown in her honor.

When I found her half asleep at her karaoke fundraiser and told her she should go home and take care of herself, she looked straight at me and said ‘’All of these people came our to help and support me, the least I can do is stay here with them. Plus, everyone I care about is here. Why would I want to leave?”

In our most trying times our true character is shown, and hers is an extremely beautiful one.

“Having cancer has taught me a lot about priorities,” Maddy said. “I’ve learned that although a lot of things in life are important to accomplish, spending time with your family and friends and having fun is sometimes the better way to go. I’m not saying ignore all of your responsibilities, but sometimes having fun takes precedence. It will give you memories to last a lifetime.”

On October 17, the day everyone had been waiting months for finally came: Maddy was finally cancer free.

“My journey isn’t done yet. Having cancer will be something 1 always carry around with me, and the scars are a reminder that I should take everyday as an opportunity to accomplish something. It’s important to live life to your fullest because you never know what tomorrow will bring.”

Personality Profile

The personality profile captures the life, interests and accomplishments of well known or interesting people, based on interviews. The subject(s) should have experiences, thoughts and accomplishments worth reporting.

Anecdotes add to the personality profile.

Guidelines

• leads capture attention, arouses curiosity; reason for sketch is made clear early in story • emphasizes fresh angle; individualizes person • colorful, lively presentation; effective form/style • reflects adequate research, sound interviewing techniques from a variety of sources • avoids encyclopedic listing of subjects accomplishments • effective use of facts/ quotes • interesting; appeals to the emotions • proper diction/grammar

First place winners by division 1 Olivia Seaver Grand Haven HS 2 Maggie Morgan Waterford Kettering HS 3 Sarah Kovan Andover HS 4 Mari Cohen Community HS M Hallie Williams Brownell MS

A Cut Above 13

Diversity Coverage Diversity Coverage

Stories tell about lifestyles, challenges, and potential of those from a diverse background. Will cover more than plight, also includes how the subjects dealt with it.

Guidelines

• topic relevant to school or students and relects life styles, challegens and potentials of those from a diverse background • sharp, attention-getting lead grabs reader and arouses curiosity • shows thorough reporting skills though research and interviewing • effective use of facts/quotes from both primary and secondary sources • balanced, fair and sensitive presentation • sentences, paragraphs of varied length; written clearly, concisely and vividly • proper diction/grammar; use of punctuation

First place winners by division 1 David Occhiuto Grand Ledge HS 2 Natalie Sloggett & Sarah Wontorcik Midland HS 3 Emanne Johnson Southfield HS 4 Teagan Burns Grand Rapids Catholic Central HS M Lindsey Hooper & Erin Behe East Hills MS

14 A Cut Above

Debut recognizes Filipinos entrance into adulthood Teagan Burns Grand Rapids Catholic Central HS With various cultures, certain birthdays are more celebrated than others, often signifying a girl’s transition into womanhood. Some Latin American families celebrate a girl’s 15th birthday with a Quinceanera, while Americans often throw a Sweet 16 party.

For senior Roselle Landoy, who was· born and raised in the Philippines until she was nine years old, her 18th birthday was celebrated with a Debut. ‘’It’s like an entrance to adulthood,” Landoy said.

“You’re finally able to do things that you weren’t able to do before.”

The Debut started at 6 P.M. on Nov. 22. Landoy welcomed friends and family to her party, which featured Filipino foods prepared by her family. Dishes included cultural favorites such as empanadas (bread or pastry stuffed with meat, cheese, or fruit) and pancit (noodles).

After dinner, guests’ gathered around Landoy for the traditional “roast.” Participants shared memories of experiences with Landoy to provide a picture of whom she has become.

The next part of the Debut involved 18 wishes: 18 females individually made wishes for Landoy, such as happiness, success and love. Seven CC seniors were among those making wishes.

For Taylor Gervais (‘13), the experience was interesting but a little nerve-wracking.

“It was nice because there were a lot of inside jokes,” Gervais said. “I was just trying to put in a bunch of inside jokes, too, but 1 forgot half of them when I went up there.”

The next event involved 18 roses, each handed to

Landoy by 18 different males who have impacted her life. Each of the men then danced part of the waltz with Landoy, beginning with the most significant man in her life- her father. Her brothers followed and then some of her uncles and cousins.

Finally, two of her CC friends participated: seniors Zach DeMaagd and John Deederly. Deederly had practiced beforehand but DeMaagd already knew how to dance.

“It was nice because it was special,” Landoy said.

“Zach was good, but John needed work. Let’s leave it at that.”

The next part of the Debut usually involves gifts: 18 treasures given by 18 friends or family. Landoy and her mother decided not to include that part, though.

Instead, they gave gifts to family and friends who have helped them in some way during their lives.

“My mom and I wanted to do something different,” Landoy said. “And if they were gifting to me it would take too long.”

Landoy and her mother gave them ornaments.

“They said, ‘I thank God for you every day’ and ‘friends are God’s miracles,’ or something like that,” Landoy said.

After the traditional Debut events were completed, the party ended with music and dancing one might experience at a high school dance, something the CC crowd was more accustomed to, and the perfect end to Landoy’s big night.

Landoy said she enjoyed every moment of her party, especially having her friends join in the celebration.

Her favorite memory: “When Jake Gonser and Zach DeMaagd danced to ‘Gangnam Style.’’’

For her CC friends, the event provided an interesting look at a unique culture.

Environmental, Health or Science Story

From 4.0 gpa to 0.1 bac

Survey says binge drinking common among teen girls Kathleen Davis & Kelsey McClear Seaholm HS *Mary Brown is a Seaholm junior, varsity athlete and a talented musician. Come Friday, she tends to follow a particular routine. “[I drink] probably every weekend,” Brown said.

A frequent party-goer, Brown said she doesn’t think her actions are destructive to herself or others.

“I only consider consequences when me or a friend is out of hand or really drunk. I don’t consider consequences before or while I’m drinking, just after,” Brown said.

Brown isn’t alone. According to the Center of Disease Control survey from January 2013, 20% of high school girls admitted to binge drinking in the past 30 days.

CDC qualifies an episode of binge drinking as consuming four or more drinks in a two-hour period.

Applying the national data locally, if the CDC data is accurate, on any given weekend, 140 Seaholm girls binge drink.

An increasingly popular weekend occurrence, 45% of high school freshmen reported binge drinking in the past 30 days. The number continues to rise continuously by grade level, with 63% of seniors admitting to consuming four or more drinks in a two-hour period, according to the CDC survey.

The CDC also reports that girls of White or Hispanic backgrounds living in house-holds with an income over $75,000 are the most likely to engage in such activity.

Another Seaholm student, who spoke on the condition of anonymity told the Highlander that she drinks substantially about once a month. Although she’s conscious about consequences, she does it because it’s “fun.”

Young girls who frequently binge drink are prone to a plethora of health issues.

“Women’s and girls’ bodies respond to alcohol differently than men’s. It takes less alcohol for women to get intoxicated because of their size and how they

process alcohol,” said the CDC. Lack of control during a binge can frequently lead to unintentional injuries, being sexually taken advantage of, and sexually taken advantage of, and sexually transmitted diseases. Long-term effects can range anywhere from high blood pressure, liver disease, and neurological damage.

West Bloomfield-based pediatrician Isabel HollandDavis frequently sees young patients who binge drink and is familiar with the physical consequences which occurs.

“High doses of alcohol at an early age may result in lasting effects in neurophysiologic function,” HollandDavis said. “There is an increase of adult alcohol abuse and dependence in young people who abuse alcohol at an early age.”

According to a 2010 study by the Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition, the most common way for a person under 21 to receive alcohol is by someone of legal age to buy it for them.

Consequences for parents caught housing a group of young people under the influence of alcohol can be incredibly severe. Adults can be sentenced up to 93 days in jail, fined up to $1,000, and be granted a criminal record.

Birmingham Public School’s crisis counselor, Sherree Wilson, is firmly against underage drinking.

“Parent’s need to pay closer attention,” Wilson said.

“You are responsible for the kids in your house and you need to check on them.”

Wilson believes that students don’t believe that there are consequences to underage drinking.

“The attitude that that’s okay,” Wilson said. “It’s not good for your health, it’s not good for your reputation, it’s not good for anything.”

Environmental Story

This story will focus on an environmental, health or science topic. It can be a straight news story or an investigative piece.

Guidelines

• topic relevant to the school or students and covers health, science or environmental story that is informative • sharp, attention-getting lead grabs reader and arouses curiosity • shows thorough reporting skills through research and interviewing • effective use of facts/quotes from both primary and secondary sources • balanced, fair and sensitive presentation • sentences, paragraphs of varied length; written clearly, concisely and vividly • proper diction/grammar; use of third person

First place winners by division 1 Schaefer Thelen Grand Haven HS 2 Scout Parsch & Jack Duly Midland HS 3 Kathleen Davis & Kelsey McClear Seaholm HS 4 Jeff Ohl Community HS M Sabrina Barber Traverse City East MS

A Cut Above 15

Alternative Story Form Alternative Story Form

ASF consists of a whole story told in an alternative way. It can consist of anything that is not a traditional story form. There should be visual destinations, good use of typography, easy to scan, well organized, can provide quick facts and deep context. It should not include traditional narrative.

Guidelines

• should be a story told in a unique, alternative way.

• this is not a traditional story as in inverted pyramid, news anecdotal, analysis or feature narrative.

• story is told with quick facts, it’s a quick read that provides readers with a unique approach to a story.

• while the read is quick, ASF should provide reader with complete information.

Readers should not be left asking questions.

• organization is such that story is easy to follow and logical, even though it’s in an alternative way.

• ASF is visually engrossing, bringing readers in through strong use of typography and other types of visuals.

• should not be packaged with another story or part of another story.

• stands totally alone as a storytelling device.

• submission only considered if submitted with entire page on which it was featured.

First place winners by division 1 Brett McCuen Grand Ledge HS 2 Kayleigh Fongers & Abby Peterson Mona Shores HS 3 Gabi Stone Andover HS 4 Breonna Phillips Henry Ford Academy M Kaitlin Malley, Elizabeth Sullivan & Anna Simpson Brownell MS

16 A Cut Above

Kayleigh Fongers & Abby Peterson, Mona Shores HS

Sports Feature Story

Run, score, repeat Alex Stern Traverse City East MS As the menacing forward on the opponent thunders towards Abby Puckett 18’, she puts a stop to it with her amazing footwork, speed and agility. When Puckett clears the ball to the outside of the field, Deb Hamilton, coach of the North Storm travel soccer team, is overjoyed.

“The feeling of doing, something good like scoring a goal or clearing the ball is awesome and overwhelming because you did something to benefit the team and it makes me feel like I am on the top of the world,” Puckett said. “It is really cool to do something appreciated.”

When Puckett is in a dilemma on the field, the one thing that works for her is the Cruyff. The Cruyff is a simple move in which you kick a ball behind one leg.

After faking her opponent out with the Cruyff, Puckett dribbles past her defenders and delivers the ball with strength to the outside of the field to a midfielder or a forward to assist a goal.

Sports Feature “One of my favorite positions is midfield because you get to score goals, and it is a mixture of defense, part time forward and wing,” Puckett said. “It is mostly an all-round type of position. I also really like defense.”

The farthest North Storm is going to travel is Muskegon -- about 140 miles away.

“Before I go anywhere, I probably need to work on my strength because my kick isn’t very strong,” Puckett said. “I also need to work on staying up when I am pushed or fall.” As she figures out her teammates’ strengths, she is also figuring out her own.

Puckett’s team will be coming together with a few more practices, and the North Storm 2000 girls’ team will be like pros.

“I like North Storm because it feels like family,” Puckett said. “It’s really fun to play travel soccer, and the challenge brought to me is really cool.”

But Puckett is not only a soccer player. She also plays softball and is in the Academically Talented (AT) program at school. But where she’s decked out in her favorite sweatshirt with North Store doodled on the front, Abby Puckett is in the soccer groove.

Stories may include personality profile, informative, interpretive (why), and/or human interest specifically related to sports.

Guidelines

• lead captures attention, arouses curiosity • emphasizes new element, fresh angle • colorful, lively presentation; effective form/style • reflects adequate re-search, sound interviewing techniques • avoids summaries of published materials • effective use of facts/ quotes • interesting; appeals to the reader’s emotions • proper diction/grammar

First place winners by division 1 Jake Lourim Troy HS 1 Schafer Thelem Grand Haven HS 2 Lucas Barner & Jasmine McCullough Lansing Everett HS 3 Emma Bearinger Northwest HS 4 Katie Denton Mercy HS M Alex Stern Traverse City East MS

A Cut Above 17

Sports Column Sports Column

Each story must consist of samples of two columns under the same standing head, authorized by the same writer(s). Each column must carry bylines or other writer identification to indicate the personal nature of the content. Each entry in this category must be written by a different writer(s).

Guidelines

• sharp, attention-getting lead • expresses personal opinion; uses consistent style; demonstrates knowledge of sports • reflects thought/research, freshness, individuality; avoids cliches • effective use of facts/ quotes or supportive material • informative, interesting, entertaining • upholds journalistic integrity • sentences, paragraphs of varied length; written clearly, concisely and vividly • proper diction/grammar

First place winners by division 1 Jake Lourim Troy HS 2 Miranda Winowiecki Traverse City Central HS 3 Conor Conaboy East Grand Rapids HS 4 Austin Douglass Clarenceville HS

18 A Cut Above

Jake’s take: Nobody wanted this more than young Jake Lourim Troy HS James Young isn’t even close to done playing basketball. He’s only a junior at Troy, and then he’ll be off to a Division 1, top-tier college. Who knows, maybe he’ll even end up a professional somewhere.

But make no mistake—nobody wanted this league championship more than James Young.

Young works his team into every answer of every question. How big is this league championship? Huge, because our team has been through so much. How was your offense so effective? We just played as a team.

How did you score so many points? My teammates got me involved.

Even with coaches like Michigan State’s Tom Izzo coming to the games, Young still keeps a level head.

In the locker room after Thursday’s league championship, Young unveiled a black University of Kentucky shirt under his game jersey. But nobody’s more focused on this team right now than the star.

Plus, Troy’s best player is turning into quite a leader.

Troy was down by eight in the league championship game against Adams—a mountain for a close game like that one. Still down in the fourth quarter, Young went inside, tied the game, and roared with might. Then, he went to the free-throw line and gave Troy the lead.

“He’s like an ice man when he gets the ball in his hands down the stretch,” Troy coach Gary Fralick said.

“He has no fear; he doesn’t think of anything except positive things.”

Almost any team in Oakland County will tell you, once Young pounds his chest and gets down to business, the game’s pretty much over.

It happened again Thursday. With Adams’ relentless double-teams leaving Young limited to distribution—a role the star’s fine with—he turned to the defensive end and grabbed the clinching rebound.

He threw it up in the air and celebrated with his

teammates.

“It means a lot, because we’ve been through a lot as a team. Losing two good players really brought us down,” Young said, adding that his team was able to fight through that.

It may have meant so much because of what he was going through earlier in the season. Through the lust and brilliance of his late-season campaign, people forget about Troy’s early-season struggles. Young averaged “only” 16 points per game in his first seven.

And Troy was struggling to win games, let alone championships.

“It felt like forever,” Young said.

Oh, how long ago that seems now. Young got more physical, Troy played more cohesively, and the Colts recovered from the mid-season transfer of Maceo Baston.

It’s clear in Young’s face how much winning means to him right now. After a loss, he’s dejected. After a win, there’s an excitement he literally can’t contain.

“It means so much,” Young said. “I think about it every night, and it really hits me, because we’ve been through a lot.”

It happens so rarely. With a scoring average of 24.5 points—27.3 in the second half of the season—Young is clearly the best player on the team. But you won’t hear him come close to admitting it or acting like it or playing like it.

That’s how Troy has become so good. When the clock winds down and the lights go on, nobody wants to win more than Young.

“Staying together as a team was a big part,” Young said. “It built our confidence up—we know we’re going to win.”

There’s that “team” word again. And what about his teammates?

“They’re not my teammates,” Young said. “They’re my brothers. I love these people, and I can’t say much more.”

That’s it. In all of Young’s long, athletic body, there’s not one “me” bone in it.

Sports News Story

One against many

Sports News

Abbey Robb, the only diver competing against teams of up to ten, makes states and helps swim team clinch victories Anya Lev Wylie E Groves HS A large group of rowdy girls burst into the natatorium. A nervous diver watched them, fear ran through her as she counted the girls on the opposing team. The opposing team glanced over to her, and then away. Then back to her. They are looking for the rest of the team.

But the rest of the team does not exist.

Senior diver Abbey Robb was the only girl on the dive team this year, a team that coexists in the pool with the swim team, led by head coach Dave Eichenhorn. Abbey is also a first year diver, achieved tenth place in regionals and became one of ten swimmers who went to states this year, including sophomores Kelly McGowan, Jojo Sandercock, Frankie Antenucci, juniors Merrill Watzman, Julie Furton, Alysse Fischer, Anna Lockwood, Hanna Pfershy and senior Beth Moran. While the swim team won 8 out of 13 individual meets this season and placed 10th at the Oakland County meet on October 6th at Waterford Kettering, Robb still felt they could have done better with a bigger dive team.

“At County meet, I didn’t know anyone, and I’m new to the sport. The other teams all had people on their dive team there. It was only me, so I didn’t have really another diver on my side to motivate me,” Robb said.

During the Rochester Adams meet, Robb fought this sense of isolation, dove against and beat four divers, who all had been on a diving team for more than year. With these diving wins, Robb helped the team beat Adams by only one point, with a score of 93-92 on September 21. The team would have lost for the second year in a row to Adams if not for Robb getting first place.

“It was a really close meet. At the end, the swim coach came up to me and told me that, if I didn’t win the diving, we wouldn’t have won the meet, and it felt good to be in that position,” Robb said.

Eichenhorn still claims the team would not stand a chance without Robb’s stamina as the only diver.

“Sometimes diving gets overlooked because it’s earlier in the meet. That meet came down to the last two events, and we had to do excellent in these events,” Eichenhorn said, “but we wouldn’t have even had that opportunity if Abbey hadn’t been there. Having no divers means we automatically go down a few points in meets, and then it is hard to get new divers to come in.”

Eichenhorn compared Abbey to other team

members who are also instrumental to the success of the team, but who also may get overlooked, including freestyle junior Anna Lockwood.

“I was really happy not just with Abbey but also with the people you don’t exactly notice because they are in the middle of the meet. There are so many things that have to happen in a meet to win, by a point.

Anna’s swim was at the end, so it was largely noticed, but there are a lot of swims where we got 5th place instead of a 6th place, and that goes unnoticed by fans for the most part. It doesn’t go unnoticed by me,” Eichenhorn said.

Lockwood anchored the last event of the meet, the relay that cinched the tight win for Groves.

“I beat the other girl by three hundredths of a second and everyone just swarmed as we won by one point, and it was just great,” Lockwood said. “I felt accomplished like I had actually done, something to earn my spot on the team, and to say that I did this for the Groves swim team,” junior Hanna Pfershy shared Lockwood’s thrill at defeating tough competition, beating a swimmer she lost to the year before and during summer swimming.

“She always beat me. It was a great feeling when you go against a person, that always beats you, and then you win,” Pfershy said.

Though the team beat gir1s they previously lost to, Eichenhorn didn’t let the girls slack off during practice.

“They come in and think they know what hard work is, and they have worked hard, but we try and take that to a whole different level. I like to make them experience race pain a lot more at practice, so they definitely sometimes look at what I put on the board and think its crazy,” Eichenhorn said.

Eichenhorn pushed her swimmers to do what they might once have considered impossible, drilling them every day with kick sets, IM, stroke, free style, distance, and sprint.

“It’s a lot of pressure, but we know that we have to work hard to impress him. My goal is to show him that I’m here to swim,” Lockwood said. Lockwood also felt the pressure of living up to the previous swim team’s accomplishments. Nine out of ten graduating seniors qualified for state meets last year with seventeen swimmers making the state cut.

Having only one diver on the team also hurts the girls’ chances for a win, especially if that diver has an injury, as Robb did for a few meets.

“You get points for first, second, third, and fourth.

If you only have one diver, even if you get first, they still get the points for the second, third, and fourth, which just ties it up, basically. It might bring you

Sports news stories may include general sports news or sports events and are constructed in news style.

Guidelines

• lead features interesting, important angle • uses colorful, lively style • avoids cliches, editorializing • displays knowledge of sports; uses understandable terms • shows research/interviewing skills; emphasizes how and why • effective use of facts/ quotes • proper diction/grammar; use of the third person • unity/coherence

First place winners by division 1 Schaefer Thelen Grand Haven HS 2 Holly Fredericksen Mona Shores HS 3 Levi Kipke & Cameron LaFontaine Dexter HS 3 Anya Lev Wylie E Groves HS 4 Kortney Schonard Grand Rapids Catholic Central HS M Maddi Miller Traverse City East MS

See Diver, continued on page 21 A Cut Above 19

Personal Narrative Personal Narrative

This is not an opinion piece.

It is a first-person account of an event or series of events that constitute a single, profound experience. The focus of the piece is on narrative — telling the story of the experience. It can be written in present or past tense. The author should take extra efforts to describe the journey and explain its importance.

Dialogue and internal dialogue are essential.

Guidelines

• a first-person account depicting a personal experience • lead captures attention, arouses curiosity • topic relevant to interests and/or welfare of school or students • effectively combines basics of good news and feature writing • effectively organized with smooth transitions; carefully outlined • sentences, paragraphs of varied length; written clearly, concisely and vividly • proper diction/grammar • should have byline, which could include mug shot of writer

First place winners by division 1 Sarah Shurge Wayne Memorial HS 2 Emma Beauchamp Traverse City Central HS 3 Liv Dimmer Fenton HS 4 Alexia Hamlett Portage Community HS M Sammi Eisenhauer Traverse City East MS

20 A Cut Above

Poverty: Overcoming the obstacles Sarah Shurge Wayne Memorial HS

I laid perfectly still in my bed. For hours, I would stare at the glow from the lit hallway under the locked door of the single, small room where we lived, watching shadows creep by, waiting for my mother to return from her bathroom cleaning duties. I listened to the screams from my bother’s night terrors that he started experiencing when we moved here, watching and listening to the lashes of lightning and thunder outside our single window and wonder if it really was just a storm or something worse. For three continuous months when I was eight years old, this was the same routine that happened almost every night.

I was young when all of this occurred. I never really understood why everything happened. I didn’t understand why my father left. Why my mother, my brother and I had to pack up our whole life in boxes within a week’s notice. Why before I got to say goodbye to all of my animals, they were gone. Or why we had to leave the only home I had ever known, with nowhere else to live as a backup. Why we had to move to a homeless shelter. But now I’m older; my mother doesn’t sugarcoat things. Now I understand everything.

I was four years old when my life began to drastically change. One day, my father told my mother he didn’t want to stay with us anymore because he knew he could do better. He left a year later, he and and my mother were divorced. At the court hearing for my parents’ divorce, the judge told my father that he had no parental rights. My father simply shrugged and said, “Oh well.” He hasn’t spoken to any of us since the day he left. Not on our birthdays, or Christmas, or even when my brother graduated from Wayne High as valedictorian with scholarships to the University of Michigan. There were no phone calls or cards. There was nothing.

Once my father walked out of our lives, he was gone. The judge told him that he needed to sign off of the Quick Claim Deed to the house but he never did. For up to two years, our mortgage company let my mother pay our bills without being on the title, but once the two-year deadline hit, they wouldn’t accept our payments anymore and we lost the house.

Our stay at the Wayne County Homeless Shelter was brief; only a few weeks past three months.

The first day we moved there, actually within the first 15 minutes, sirens went off and workers pulled security

fences across the hallways and padlocked them. We were ordered to our rooms and told to lock our door.

They called this Lock Down. Whenever fights would break out, which occurred frequently, we would be put in Lock Down for up to an hour.

We were patted down and searched each time we entered the shelter. We weren’t allowed to miss meal times. We had a curfew each night. If you weren’t back on time, you would be locked out and in danger of being kicked out of the shelter forever. Adults were assigned chores they had to complete each night and if they didn’t obey, they’d be kicked out. We had to follow a strict schedule the employees set for us and if we didn’t we’d be kicked out. There were so many ways and it was so easy to be sent to the streets, you honestly were luck to keep your room.

We lost a lot of our possessions in the move; we were poor and we had nowhere to turn. But we were together, my mother, my brother and me. I never understood the true meaning of family until family was the only thing I had. The world can take a lot of things away from you: your house, your job, your possessions, but there’s one thing it can’t take: your happiness. My family is my true happiness. They are my home. They are what kept and keeps me going everyday.

My name is Sarah Shurge. I am a senior here at Wayne. I’m not only involved in Marching Band, Symphony Band, Tennis, Robotics, Newspaper and Yearbook, but I’m also an honor student. I have dreams and goals just like everyone else. I’m not embarrassed or ashamed of what happened in my past. I haven’t let it slow me down or stop me from following my dreams. I plan on going to college. Hopefully I will be accepted to the college of my dreams, the University of Michigan, and work my way from a news reporter to traveling the world as a photojournalist for National Geographic. If you know me, you know I almost always have either a smile on my face or am laughing.

No one would every think I came from a family that survived domestic violence and ended up in a homeless shelter.

I walk through the halls just like every other student. Why Because I am determined to prove that it doesn’t matter what happened in your past, you are the only thing that can affect your future. My past has only made me stronger. It has made me a fighter. I fight for my future. I not only shoot for the tops of the trees, I shoot for the stars.

Sports Action Photo Sports Action Photo Any non-portrait, game photo directly related to sporting events should be entered in this category.

Photo may be in color even if published image was in black and white.

Photos will be judged on both the quality of the photo and how it was used in the publication.

Guidelines

Elizabeth Waskevich, Midland HS

Diver, continued from page 19 it, if you have no divers, like we did a few meets when Abbey couldn’t dive, then they, automatically get 14 points, then we are down the rest of the meet, and there is nothing you can do about it,” Pfershy said.

Robb decided to take on this challenge because she had been in gymnastics for the past fourteen years, reaching level nine, one of the top levels, and because she wanted to bridge these skills into a new sport.

Sophomores Kelly McGowan and Kiera Filbin admired how the flexibility and focus required in gymnastics showed in Robb’s performance and demeanor at the Seaholm hosted league meet.

“She is part of why at League meets we got third overall,” McGowan said. “She went up against at least thirty other divers for each event. All thirty were trying to make it to regionals. Very few make the cut and Abbey did. Even after a great dive, she just came out of the pool with a serious look on her face and listened to her diving coach to focus on the next dive.”

Filbin described how muscular Abbey was from her gymnastics training and how that helped Abbey tuck in for her dives with such precision.

“Her stomach is all muscle, and it helps when she does a double front flip. She crunches in tight,” Filbin said.

Dive team coach Ingrid Hackett-Mayer explained that this gymnastic agility made Robb a natural diver and top competitor despite her lack of experience.

“Abbey is really beautiful in the air. She has very strong, clean lines and because of the control and the time that she’s spent with gymnastics, when she is in the air, it’s really spectacular,” Hackett-Mayer said.

Although Robb gained experienced by the end of the season, her biggest fear was still diving headfirst, going against her instincts as a gymnast.

“It’s definitely different going in headfirst. I’m not used to that. It took a lot to do that, my first time going in headfirst. I’m still afraid of it, because I’ve been trained all my life to land on my feet,” Robb said.

Pfershey sympathizes with this fear, explaining that there were times her pain and her fear made her almost give up and that pushing past that fear made her excel all the more.

“Swimming is about 80% mental. When you know that it is going to be a close meet, you especially try to go your hardest, and get your best time,” Pfershy said. “We try to make up for the fact that Abby is our only diver by being as loud as humanly possible to help mentally inspire her.”

Filbin showed what the entire swim team does before each of Robb’s dives to give her that mental push and show the team’s support.

“Before she goes we all slap our thighs twice and clap once, all in rhythm, and then we stop at the same time to give her that space to focus,” Filbin said. “It’s funny because there is no reaction from her, no matter what she dives, no matter how good she did when she dove, every time she comes up out of the water, we just scream as loud as we can, ‘We love you Abbey!’ and sometimes she looks over and smiles at us, but usually you can just see in her face she’s getting ready for the next dive.”

Robb cheered on the swim team with the same enthusiasm, sharing her team’s belief that the faster team isn’t louder; it’s the louder team that swims faster.

Because of the support of her teammates, her coach, and her state cut, Robb does not regret quitting the Oakland Gymnastics Club to try a new sport so late in her high school career.

“I started out not knowing how to dive at all to where I am now, and getting new dives,” Robb said. “It’s just a good feeling that I have accomplished this in such a short amount of time.”

• effective cropping to center of interest • clear, sharp details • good, sharp contrast with varied levels of grays, black, and white or colors • attracts, holds reader’s attention • avoids distracting back/ foreground • all elements in photo combine with caption to tell story • action, rather than posed photo • captures dramatic moment

First place winners by division 1 James Coller L’Anse Creuse North HS 2 Elizabeth Waskevich Midland HS 3 Benjamin Bishop Seaholm HS 4 Alexa Danek Laingsburg HS M Ben Johnston West Hills MS

A Cut Above 21

Sports Feature Photo Sports Feature Photo Any non-game action photo directly related to sporting events should be entered in this category.

This would include reaction shots, crowd shots or other shots that capture the emotion and/or human interest angle associated with a sporting contest. Photo may be in color even if published image was in black and white. Photos will be judged on both the quality of the photo and how it was used in the publication.

Guidelines

• Effective cropping to center of interest • Clear, sharp details • Good, sharp contrast with varied levels of grays, black, and white or colors • Attracts, holds reader’s attention • Avoids distracting back/ foreground • All elements in photo combine with caption to tell story • Action, rather than posed photo • Visually tells another side of a sports story, rather than game action • Is not posed

First place winners by division 1 Brian Quintos Plymouth Canton Educational Park 2 Harrison Krasner Grosse Pointe South HS 3 Derrick Freske Sturgis HS 4 Alexa Danek Laingsburg HS M Latrice Williams Muskegon MS

22 A Cut Above

Latrice Williams, Muskegon MS

Environmental Portrait Environmental Portrait

Photos in this category must show the personality and/or character of the people photographed. The photo should be posed, but show the subject in an environment that illuminates the character of the subject and gives insight into the subject’s personality. No more than two people should be featured in the picture.

Sports portraits should be entered in this category.

Photo may be in color even if published image was in black and white.

Photos will be judged on both the quality of the photo and how it was used in the publication.

Guidelines Emma Huellmantel, Grosse Pointe North HS

• effective cropping to center of interest • clear, sharp details • good, sharp contrast with varied levels of grays, black, and white or colors • attracts, holds reader’s attention • avoids distracting back/ foreground • setting and props used for portrait gives insight into the subject(s) • emphasizes personality of subject(s) (no more than two in photo) • while photo is posed, subject(s) have a natural appearance

First place winners by division 1 Rebecca Chen Novi HS 2 Emma Huellmantel Grosse Pointe North HS 3 Emanne Johnson Southfield HS 4 Kevin Forker Portage Community HS M Evelyn Brady Brownell MS

A Cut Above 23

News/Feature Phototograph News/Feature Photo

Photos in this category should be non-portrait, non-sports photos based either on on-the-spot coverage of an event that had news value and timeliness, or on the drama and emotion characteristic of features. Photos will be judged on both the quality of the photo as printed and how it was used in the publication.

Guidelines

• effective cropping to center of interest • clear, sharp details • good, sharp contrast with varied levels of grays, black and white or colors • attracts, holds reader’s attention • avoids distracting back/ foreground • all elements in photo combine with caption to tell story • action, rather than posed photo • underscores news/feature importance

First place winners by division 1 James Coller L’Anse Creuse North HS 2 Harrison Krasner Grosse Pointe South HS 3 Sydney Dippel Mason HS 4 Mark Hall Henry Ford Academy M Ben Johnston West Hills MS

24 A Cut Above

James Coller, L’Anse Creuse North HS

Editorial Cartoon Editorial Cartoon

This category includes only editorial cartoons.

This cartoon appears on the editorial/opinion page. It makes a point and delivers commentary or opinion.

Guidelines

• appears on editorial page • simple in design • shows high technical quality • centered on one topic • timely • subject familiar to reader in everyday life • displays artistic talent • message succinctly stated

First place winners by division 1 Kaiserin Macairan Wayne Memorial HS 2 Grace Martinez Grosse Pointe South HS 3 Drew Daugherty Dexter HS

Grace Martinez, Grosse Pointe South HS

4 Julie Yanar Community HS

A Cut Above 25

Comic Strip Comic Strip

Each installment of a comic strip counts as a separate entry. The purpose of the comic strip is to entertain.

Guidelines

• entertaining • simple in design • shows high technical quality • centered on one topic • timely • subject familiar to reader in his everyday life • displays artistic talent • message succinctly stated

First place winners by division 1 Emily Cook Eisenhower HS 2 Kane Broadus Jackson HS 3 Raejine Write Southfield HS 4 Lauren Zelle Clarenceville HS M Farah Hashim East Hills MS

26 A Cut Above

Farah Hashim, East Hills MS

Illustration Illustration

This category includes photo illustration, original artwork or original computer artwork used to establish a theme or mood with the intent to enhance any news/feature/sports article.

Guidelines

• clearly develops a theme or mood to enhance story • displays artistic talent within potential for expression using art, photography or computer • photos offer good, sharp contrast with varied levels of grays, black and white • art shows knowledge of composition, line and shading • attracts, holds reader’s attention • uses color, screens, typography and detail effectively • sizes and placement draw reader’s attention to story without overwhelming content • shows thought and creativity

First place winners by division 1 Adrianne Auten GASC Technology Center 2 Tyler Kish Midland HS 3 Dani Flowers Sturgis HS 4 Christina Hadley Mercy HS 5 Mercedes Tarte Muskegon MS Adrianne Auten, GASC Technology Center

A Cut Above 27

Information Graphic Information Graphic

This category includes charts, graphs or diagrams created by hand or by computer and used to supplement or replace written content and give the reader information in a visual form.

Guidelines

• clearly enhances the story • visuals help clarify, simplify or visualize information • visually attractive • avoids excessive lines and/ or illustrations that might confuse the reader but shows effective detail • entertaining and/or informative • clear lines and even strokes as opposed to retraced or broken lines • taken advantage of art of computer technology • uses color, screens, typography and placement effectively

First place winners by division 1 Benjamin Orjada Stevenson HS 2 Holly Fredericksen Mona Shores HS 3 Jordan Romanowski Dexter HS 4 Marcelo Salas Community HS M Semaj Shelton Brownell MS

Benjamin Orjada, Stevenson HS

28 A Cut Above

Advertising Layout Advertising Layout

This category includes ads for which students have created the artwork or photography, written heads and copy and done the layout.

Professionally created logos may be used. Ads should be attractive, informative and give all essential information. This entry is a single advertisement, not a page of advertisements.

Guidelines

• copy provides desired information • copy appropriate: concise, specific and fast moving • copy attempts to motivate the reader • illustrations/photos clear • parts of the ad assembled to give interesting appearance (balance) • gaze motion or eye movement arranged properly • distinctive: simplicity, action, emphasis, color, photography • standing details attractively arranged (trademark, name, address)

First place winners by division 1 Kelly Norris Novi HS Daniel Biermann, Utica HS

2 Daniel Biermann Utica HS 3 Kelsi Caywood Sturgis HS 4 Caroline Phillips Community HS M Jose Corza Muskegon MS

A Cut Above 29

Front Page/News Magazine Style Front Page Magazine

Page contains nameplate and references to inside stories. Page generates reader interest and uses effective photos and/ or artwork. Page will be evaluated for overall use of space.

Guidelines

• attractive nameplate, harmonizes with design, includes date, issue, volume, school, city and state • cover should be considered work of art • strongly relates to the inside contents • maintains visual interest • cover illustration (if used) may be compelling in size with a possible teaser headline depicting the mood of the story • photos effectively cropped, of varied size, shape, emphasizing action • cover can refer readers to inside pages

First place winners by division 1 Emma Baty & Sam Watt Grand Haven HS 2 Nadia Marinova Waterford Kettering HS 3 Abby Mesaros Dexter HS 4 Staff Henry Ford Academy M Evelyn Brady Brownell MS

30 A Cut Above

Staff, Henry Ford Academy

Front Page/Newspaper Style Front PageNewspaper

Page contains nameplate.

No advertising used on this page. Page will be evaluated for content and design for overall use of space.

Guidelines

• attractive nameplate, harmonizes with design, includes date, issue, volume, school, city, and state • page generates reader interest; showcases important content • sound, journalistic style of writing • maintains visual interest in lower half of page • consistent use of headline styles/type faces • photos effectively cropped, of varied size, shape, emphasizing action • demonstrates effective graphic style, with graphic devices contributing to impact of page • clear relationships demonstrated between story and related pictures/art • cutlines stand out from body copy; effective lead-ins used for longer cutlines

First place winners by division

Heather Powers, Clarenceville HS

1 Shannon Shaver & Brian Quintos Plymouth Canton Educational Park HS 2 Kirsten Domsic, Matt Hermiz, Alania Jaster & Mairi Thomson Clow Utica HS 3 Jillian Langford East Grand Rapids HS 4 Heather Powers Clarenceville HS M Staff West Hills MS

A Cut Above 31

Story Package Story Package

Content should be based on one significant topic built around a dominant story packaged with secondary stories. Does not need to be a true spread or full page design

Guidelines

• package generates reader interest; showcases strongest content • one dominant story element and graphic element, packages with secondary elements in form of stories/ graphic • visual elements tie package together to create cohesiveness, even if package extends to another non-consecutive page or does not fill an entire page • graphic devices, if used, contribute to overall impact of package • design reflects effective graphic style, personality of publication • consistent use of headline styles/type faces • content covers appropriate, timely issues/topics • stories written in sound, journalistic style • headlines get smaller in relation to importance of elements in package

First place winners by division 1 Staff Grand Haven HS 2 Megan Fleming & Neala Berkowski Grosse Pointe South HS 3 Josh Preston, Aaron Gray & Emily Disselkoen Mason HS 4 Sasha Burnett Quincy HS M Trevor Mieczkowski Brownell MS

32 A Cut Above

Josh Preston, Aaron Gray & Emily Disselkoen, Mason HS

Editorial-Opinion Page/Spread Editorial Opinion Page/Spread

Page will be evaluated for content and design. At least one editorial must appear on the page(s) entered.

Other items may include columns, bylined opinion, polls, surveys, reviews, letter and cartoons.

The masthead is normally on the opinion page. No advertising should appear on the editorial page, but may be used on the op-ed page.

Guidelines

Allie Howell, Adam Tokarsky & Liz Martin, Fenton HS

• includes masthead with statement of responsibility for publication • graphic devices, if used, contribute to overall impact of page • cartoon, illustrations are attractive, understandable, using shadings/ screenings • design reflects effective graphic style, personality of publication • opinion supported by facts, research and examples • ads not included on editorial page • strong visual center of interest • consistent use of headline styles/type faces • editorial should be unsigned but clearly identifiable through standing heads and page ID, column width and/ or type size.

• content covers appropriate, timely issues/topics • stories written in sound, journalistic style

First place winners by division 1 Mackenzie Betts & Kara Berg Novi HS 2 Ivy Baillie, David Reinke, Fiona Muha & John Minster Traverse City Central HS 3 Allie Howell, Adam Tokarsky & Liz Martin Fenton HS 4 Staff Quincy HS M Staff Brownell MS

A Cut Above 33

Feature Page/Spread Feature Page/ Spread

Pages will be evaluated for content and design.

Content may be based on a single story, a package of related stories, or diverse feature stories. Advertising may or may not in incorporated into the page design.

Guidelines

• page generates reader interest; showcases strongest content • strong visual center of interest; page maintains visual interest throughout • consistent use of headline styles/typefaces; special types restricted to unique packaging of a single element • photos effectively cropped, of varied size, shape, emphasizing action • demonstrated effective graphic style with graphic devices contributing to impact of page • clear relationships demonstrated between story and related pictures, art • content reflects student interest • stories written according to sound journalistic style

First place winners by division 1 Morgan Cook Novi HS 2 Staff Grosse Pointe North HS 3 Gabi Stone & Leslie Alter Andover HS 4 Ashley Calabrese & Natalie Nohr Quincy HS M Staff West Hills MS

Gabi Stone & Leslie Alter, Andover HS

34 A Cut Above

Sports Page/Spread Sports Page/Spread Pages will be evaluated for content and design.

Content is restricted to sports. Advertising may or may not be included on these pages.

Guidelines

• avoids sports jargon, cliches • strong visual center of interest; visually attractive top and bottom • demonstrates knowledge of subject • consistent use of headline styles/typefaces; head sizes indicate importance of story • cutlines stand out from body copy; effective lead-ins used for longer cutlines • graphic devices and ads, if used, contribute to impact of page, are attractively packaged, and encourage readership • clear relationship between story and related pictures/ art; potential for each story to draw readers • photos effectively cropped, of varied size, shape, and emphasizing action • page design reflects personality, contributes to attractiveness of page

First place winners by division 1 Matt Pitlock & Damian Rotoarav Stoney Creek HS 2 Libby Molnar & Chris Habba Waterford Kettering HS 3 Sam Forstner East Grand Rapids HS 4 Caroline Phillips Community HS M Ben Johnston & Cooper Myers West Hills MS

Matt Pitlock & Damian Rotoarav, Stoney Creek HS

A Cut Above 35

News Page/Spread News Page/Spread Pages will be evaluated for content and design.

Content is restricted to news. Advertising may or may not be included on these pages.

Guidelines

• most important story is in top half of page • graphic devices, if used, contribute to overall impact of page • design reflects effective graphic style, personality of publication • strong visual center of interest • consistent use of headline styles/type faces • content covers appropriate, timely issues/topics • stories written in sound, journalistic style • headlines get smaller as they go down the page

First place winners by division 1 Courtney Bourgoin Stoney Creek HS 2 Danielle Roy, Eric Eby, Josh Pennebecker & Alex Maroof Utica HS 3 Jagger Davis Dexter HS 4 Hannah Angst & Erica Dedic Laingsburg HS M Staff Muskegon MS

Hannah Angst & Erica Dedic, Laingsburg HS

36 A Cut Above

Entertainment Page/Spread Entertainment Page/ Spread Pages will be evaluated for content and design.

Content is restricted to features and news dealing with entertainment (music, plays, movies, reviews).

Advertising may or may not be included on these pages.

Guidelines

• page generates reader interest; showcases strongest content • strong visual center of interest; page maintains visual interest throughout • includes logos/labels to separate types of entertainment (books, videos, music, etc) • consistent use of headlines styles/typefaces; special types restricted to unique packaging of a single element • photos effectively cropped, of varied size, shape, emphasizing action • demonstrates effective graphic style with graphic devices contributing to impact of page • clear relationships demonstrated between story and related pictures, art • cutlines stand out from body copy; effective lead-ins used for longer cutlines • content reflects student interests • stories written according to sound journalistic style

First place winners by division 1 Erica Wilson Grand Ledge HS 2 Emma Huellmantel & Jordan Radke Grosse Pointe North HS 3 Jazmynn Croskey Lahser HS 4 Staff Community HS M Aimee Carter, Alexis Orovio, Alexus Helms & Staff Muskegon MS Erica Wilson, Grand Ledge HS

A Cut Above 37

Photo Story Photo Story

A photo story would include the use of at least three or four photos on a related theme to tell a story. It must include headline and captions and may include copy. Judging will be on the overall impact of the contests and layout. Submit tear sheet only.

Guidelines

• page includes at least three or four photos on related theme • headline and cutlines are evident • byline is included • copy, if used, is well-written and appropriate • photos are of good quality • dominant photo is evident • pictures work together to tell the story

First place winners by division 1 Bailey Coval Grand Haven HS 2 Caroline Schultz, Emma Huellmantel & Savannah Ransome Grosse Pointe North HS 3 Meg Morrow Forest Hills Eastern HS 4 Cooper DePriest & Mari Cohen Community HS M Jose Corza & Alejandro Hernandez-Sias Muskegon MS

38 A Cut Above

Bailey Coval, Grand Haven HS

Professionally Published Page Professionally Published Page

Page has be to published in a professional newspaper. Send complete page.

Page will be judged on stories, design and photography.

Guidelines

• shows balance of news, sports, feature, opinion, indepth • presents evidence of good design (modular, dominant element, visually appealing, etc.)

• page is clearly identified as school/student page • flag is evident with name of school, address, date, etc.

• distinctive style is apparent • editorial is placed in a distinctive location on page • consideration of audience is evident (relevant topic, issues covered)

First place winners by division 1 Sarah Corcoran Hartland HS 2 Kirsten Domsic & Mairi Thompson Clow Utica HS 3 Abby Mesaros Dexter 4 Staff Williamston HS

Sarah Corcoran, Hartland HS

A Cut Above 39