NORTH GROSSE POINTE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
SINCE 1968
Making the car a New law prevents not only texting at the wheel, but using any type of cellular device while driving. Texting law applies to all Michigan drivers, but this law only applies to teens with a Level 1 or 2 License.
SPORTS
By Lauren Semack
Junior Uribi Beaumont rolls with the Darlings of Destruction roller derby team.
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GREEN AND GOLD DANCE
Tonight at 7 p.m.
GIRLS HOCKEY
Saturday, Feb. 2 vs. Regina, 4 p.m. at GPCR
BOYS BASKETBALL
Monday, Feb. 4 vs. Lincoln, 7 p.m. at home
GIRLS BASKETBALL Thursday, Feb. 7 vs. Dakota, 7 p.m. at home
THIRD ANNUAL SPIRIT OF GIVING
Tuesday, Feb. 5, 6-8 p.m. Sign up to be a student volunteer and help different charitable organizations. Contact Christine Cullen for more information at christinecullen@ comcast.net.
IDEAS
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Who doesn’t love seeing themselves with their
Tickle-me Elmo in footie
pajamas
next to mom on that old,
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leather couch? Page 7
Please recycle after reading. Thank you! © 2013 North Pointe Volume 45, Issue 9
Editor
Editor’s note: an anonymous student source was used. fter he got ahold of his license, it only took George a few months for him to get comfortable enough to pick up his iPhone. He didn’t have an issue thumbing through messages, replying to them and making a call here and there. Now, it has been half a year, and this multitasking has become second nature to him. He says his parents yell at him to stop, but he hasn’t. “I understand it’s not a good idea, but I don’t really think about the consequences when I’m doing it,” George said. “If anything, it keeps me from speeding.” Soon, though, George’s behavior will be illegal. Public Act 300 signed July 1, 2010 stated that all Michigan drivers cannot text and drive, but Public Act 592, signed by Governor Rick Snyder on Jan. 8, restricts drivers with a Level 1 or Level 2 License not only from texting, but also from picking up their cell phones at all while the car is in drive. The law will go into effect on March 20, but doesn’t affect 17 year olds who have a graduated Level 3 License. “I fully support it because new drivers need to focus on the road with their safety alone and the safety of others,” District 1 State Representative Brian Banks said. “Cell phones can be a distraction, and with new learners, their total attention needs to be diverted to the road, not texting or making a phone call – unless of course in the case of an emergency.” Current Michigan law requires “thumbs on the wheel, not on the phone,” with the initiative against texting while driving enforced for all drivers, unlike the new law. Under Michigan’s anti-texting law (sec. 257.602.b) a driver can’t “read, manually type, or send a text message on a wireless two-way communication device that is located in the person’s hand or in the person’s lap ... while operating a motor vehicle that is
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POINTE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013
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moving on a highway or street in this state.” The new law was proposed when a 17-yearold Sault Ste. Marie girl was killed in a car crash on Jan. 24, 2010 while talking on the phone behind the wheel. This legislation is nothing new to the city of Troy though, which was the first city in Michigan to take the initiative on laws regarding distracted driving on July 29, 2010. “It started three years ago. It’s not necessarily a hands free; it’s a distraction ordinance, and we implemented (it) in really regards to anything, including eating food, applying makeup, reading the paper, things like that,” Troy Police Sergeant Andy Breidenich said. Breidenich said that they passed the law because of all the reckless driving behavior caused by distracted driving. “The issue really is, if you see erratic driving or driving swerving around, it used to be that they were drunk, but 50% of the time (now), they’re distracted,” Breidenich said. “Even calling affects reaction time, but texting (is more dangerous) because you take your actual eyes off the road.” Grosse Pointe Farms police officer Tom Shimko agrees that calling is much less distracting than texting, but still believes that the law should be in place for young drivers. “Right now, I’m driving, and I’m on the phone, but I’m not texting; my eyes are on the road. Texting is a different story. It’s a big thing. Right now, I have one hand off the wheel, but both eyes on the road,” Shimko said. He added that the law “saves lives. It can’t go wrong. They’re less experienced drivers, 16 and 17 year olds. That is the most common thing. They’re not ready to try something like that yet.” George thinks the new law won’t be strongly enforced, just as other teen driving restrictions, like having to stay off the road between 10 p.m. through 5 a.m. and having only one friend in the car at a time. “I probably won’t make any serious changes to what I already do because of the new law, just be more discreet,” George said. “I think the texting-while-driving law was enough. At this point, they are over looking into it.” Shimko still thinks that teens who are resistant will come around and change their minds. “It’s like the seatbelt law. A lot of people were resistant at first, but they’ve seen a lot of deaths go down. Same thing here,” Shimko said. “The distracted driver is probably the most dangerous driver on the road.”
Assistant principal recieves administrative award
North Pointe: What are big problems with drivers and distractions? Brian O’Neil: Everything. My joke to my Segment 2 class, especially the girls, is that I ask them, “What city doesn’t allow any stupidity in the car, meaning no distraction by driving?” Troy. The reason is because of Somerset Mall. You can’t do anything in Troy but drive a car, because Troy passed a law of no distractions. I once had a Japanese student who wanted to make sure she understood some of the things she needed to do in order to pass her driver’s test in America. We were waiting at a red light and a lady pulls up and she is talking on her cell phone. She turns to me and says that in Japan we’re not allowed to talk on the cell phone when we drive. I replied and said that your country is more about the people, and my country is more about the money. NP: What is the problem with teens driving with friends? O’Neil: The most accident-causing thing for teenagers is driving to and from school because they put several kids in the car. What good is the law if we’re not protecting our children? NP: Why should teens be more concerned about texting while driving? O’Neil: Because they’re not paying attention while they’re driving. A brand new law in Michigan just passed about two weeks ago. It is a new law about no cell phone while teenagers are driving. Why won’t they do that for everybody? Because kids don’t make money and they don’t vote. Adults make money on the phone while driving (like closing a real estate deal), that is why the law is not enforced for adults. It’s money and politics. By Erin Armbruster
Security proposal brings opposition up in arms By Sean O’Melia & Jeffery Valentic Staff Reporter & intern
By Maria Liddane & Haley Reid
dents read proficiently and love to read. That’s my 15 years of English background,” Murray said. “From this position, I can now help all students and all teachers understand the benefits of supporting struggling learners and helping students read.” Nominations are submitted to the association by administrators and fellow staff members. Aaron Johnson, director of secondary education, was one person who wrote a letter of recommendation for Murray. “She is willing to stand up for what she thinks is right,” he said. “She advocates for what is best for students first – I think she’s a champion for that.”
He wants our schools protected. Former School Board candidate and 2010 North alumnus Will Broman has proposed a plan he thinks will ensure student safety. Broman’s proposal includes a policy for issuing armed security guards throughout Grosse Pointe Public Schools. “It is time to wake up and put armed security personnel in our schools, all of our schools,” Broman said. “This team of armed security personnel should be a team of off-duty or retired police officers and former members of the military who have the training, stress inoculation, and tactical awareness to safely protect our schools.” Broman also believes personnel should have experience in our city. “... Security personnel should hail from the Pointes, or at least have spent time as a police officer with one of our public safety departments. This aspect of the plan is crucial to ensure the proper mindset and service-oriented interactions the security personnel will have with parents and students.” But with this plan comes a price. After a school year of work, one security officer could earn $37,000. Adding that up for each security guard for each of the schools (one for each elementary school and two for each middle and high school), it would amount to $750,000 a year. Factoring in his proposed Director of Security’s salary, building upgrades, and training, Broman’s proposal total is nearly $900,000, though the price would vary with insurance liability. The plan has elicited opposition. Christopher Profeta, 1999 North alumnus and current Macomb Community College teacher, is one opposer.
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Editor-in-Chief & Intern
After 15 years of teaching English, it was only natural Assistant Principal Kate Murray would focus her efforts on reading and literacy. Murray was recognized by Michigan Reading Association for continuing her work for literary success as an administrator. This year, she was the only person to receive the association’s Administrator Award. “She’s pioneered the Freshman Assist program – that’s her baby. It’s all about helping students to improve their reading, which will help all their classes,” Matt Outlaw, Grosse Pointe South Principal and previous North Assistant Principal, said. “I’ve been her mentor for the last few years and encouraged her to become an administrator, so I obviously think very highly of her. “Then as assistant principal, she’s continued to advocate for the importance of literacy and supported teachers, challenged her teachers, working with them to improve reading throughout the school.” Murray has taught a range of English classes, from Freshman Assist to Advanced Placement. “The significant gains she made with both groups really speak to her ability as a teacher of reading,” English department chair Geoffrey Young said. “But then also, the award is about her continuance of the support of teachers now, as an administrator, that she continues to help to coach, to look for the kinds of resources that she can make available for teachers to continue that kind of work with our readers.” Murray said her commitment to literacy won’t lose momentum with a change in position. “I will always be committed to help all stu-
Q&A with Elite Driving School instructor Brian O’Neil
Kristen kaled
Assistant Principal Kate Murray will be awarded Michigan Reading Association’s Administrative award at their annual Lighting the Way for Literacy conference March 9.
news
2 – Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 – North Pointe
FIVE MINUTES WITH
Murray receives award
Secretary Debra Donnellon
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By Marie Bourke & Kristen Kaled
Outlaw hopes Murray will become North’s next principal. “It’s not about business and human resources and all that stuff that gets all the media and press coverage,” Outlaw said. “It’s about instruction. And she’s somebody that works on improving instruction everyday. I couldn’t think of a more deserving person.” Murray plans to use her role as an administrator to further enhance the English department. “I see it as a very humbling honor be-
Assistant Editors
In the past few months, secretary Debra Donnellon has had major changes and positive additions in both her work and family life. Donnellon was recently hired as Assistant Principal Kate Murray’s secretary. She has been in the building for the past 20 years. Until Jan. 7, she was working in the transitions services department, which is part of the special needs department. Donnellon worked with three other women, but over the summer one of the women passed away, and the other two retired. “I was the only one (left), even though they hired other people to replace them. I thought it would be a nice time for a change, and I wasn’t sure of the future of that particular department,” she said. Donnellon had been a secretary prior to working in special ed, so hearing about the open position sparked her interest to apply. “Everyone here has been extremely supportive, and I love working for Mrs. Murray, so I’m hoping things continue on in a positive fashion,” she said. As Donnellon settles into her new office position, additions to her family settle in. Donnellon’s first grandchildren were born—twins. “A boy and a girl, so I’m spending as much time as possible with them, and then my third grandchild will be born in May, so I’m looking forward to that,” she said. As Donnellon focuses on family and work, she is still learning to become more secure in her new job position. “I was in the same job for 16 years, so I felt pretty knowledgable in that job. To switch gears at this point in my life was not necessarily planned, but I’m very fortunate and looking forward to the challenges and conquering them.”
cause I feel very privileged to work in a building with such talented professionals that are dedicated to all students literacy,” she said. “She’s an avid researcher. She’s always looking for the next thing that can be helpful,” Young said. “Always reflective on whatever her best practices have been, trying to refine those practices so that they become better practices and then also being an advocate for other teachers to do that same kind of work so that as a group, as a whole unit of English teachers and literacy instructors, we get better.”
Alumnus proposes armed guards for Grosse Pointe schools Sean o’melia
Debra Donnellon was hired as Assistant Principal Kate Murray’s secretary this year. Prior to that, she worked in the special needs department. What are your favorite books? I do enjoy reading, but don’t necessarily have a favorite book. Most of my reading consists of the newspaper and informational periodicals. However, soon I will be reading a lot of children’s books! What was the best trip you have taken? My best vacation was probably a week in Hilton Head, South Carolina with day trips to both Charleston and Savannah. ...Each summer our family rents a cottage in northern Michigan, and those vacations have always been great. Have you worked at any other schools besides North? I began my career as a school secretary in 1996 at Herlong Cathedral School in downtown Detroit. What’s your favorite thing about working at North? My favorite thing about working at North is the staff and students. It is also great that North is located only one mile from my home! Do you exercise every day? Just a regular workout routine at Next Level, up on Mack. I like to walk outside in the summertime. That’s primarily my favorite exercise, but in these months, it’s safer to be indoors doing that.
grounds,” he said. “One staff person with a gun is likely to get the same response “When there is an time as a 911 call to the armed presence, it local police. We have a heightens existing tengreat police department sions and fears but does who have always arrived very little to solve the within two or three minactual problem of gunutes of a call. related violence,” Profe“Overall, we have to ta said. “There is strong decide as a society to eiopposition to the idea ther live in fear or with of allowing guns in our trust and openness. I, for schools, but people are one, don’t want an armed afraid right now.” security guard here. It Profeta also shares changes the mentality of an overwhelming constudents and staff that cern for safe schools. are here, and it fosters a “Our number one reperspective of fear. Fear sponsibility as adults interferes with learning.” is keeping our children Broman said the plan safe, and right now, we is a “necessary step” in “the new era of gun vioare clearly failing in this Tom Beach lence.” country. But acting out Assistant principal of a sense of fear is not a “But in the end, there responsible way of runis no amount of money ning a school district.” the parents of children who have died in Assistant Principal Tom Beach has a these attacks over the years wouldn’t pay similar philosophy. to have their children back.” “I don’t agree with it. If you take a look at all the situations involving guns at schools, you see how people have exploited the system. This is a huge complex of four buildings and surrounding Contributing: Emma Ockerman
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“...We have to decide as a society to either live in fear or with trust and openness. I, for one, don’t want an armed security guard here, it changes the mentality of students and staff that are here.”
on campus
Faces in the crowd
North Pointe – Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 – 3
After hours: what goes down when the 3:05 bell sounds By Kaylee Dall & Emma Puglia staff reporters
Alex Thomas
It’s a common sight to see senior Alex Thomas decked out in her cheerleading uniform hard at work during her extracurricular advanced choir rehearsal. As a “senior leader” in North’s varsity competitive cheerleading squad, she also sings in multiple choirs for North. “I love to sing, and I love to cheer,” Thomas said. These passions occasionally come with complications, as she sometimes has difficulty balancing her schedule. “It takes a lot of hard work and flexibility, really,” Thomas said. “I do it just so I can be more involved in things that I love to do.” As for now, she intends on going into the medical field while in college and hopes to keep improving her cheerleading abilities. But Thomas isn’t certain about her future plans for choir. She’s not sure if she will have time, although she wishes to continue her choir experiences.
Andrea Hernadi
While most high schoolers spend the majority of their spring breaks sleeping or tanning on vacation, sophomore Andrea Hernadi has spent parts of her last two spring breaks in Peru doing charity work for the schools and students there. “We were delivering school supplies to the children along the Amazon River,” Hernadi said. Hernadi’s stepmother won the trip, and the rest of the family went along to volunteer and loved it. “I like helping other people,” Hernadi said, “ It was a lot of fun.” Hernadi was impacted by her experiences, and it has inspired her in her daily life. The trips have helped her understand what life is like in other places as well as the value of what she did. “It made me realize that a lot of people have it really good here compared to Peru, where it’s like a third world country,” Hernadi said. “I learned that in America, people take a lot of things for granted.” Hernadi said her favorite part was just being able to see the smile on all of the kids when they get the school supplies. Hernadi and her family enjoyed volunteering and hope to go back in the next few years.
TOP: Junior Donovan Holmes practices hurdling in the off season. “Basically, Donovan here is really trying to succeed, so he’s here after school five days a week - usually there are three boys, but the other two couldn’t make it today,” hurdle and shotput coach, Stanley Wegrzynowicz, said. TOP RIGHT: Sophomore Ricky Kent prepares to paint posters for student council’s Euchre fundraising tournament. “We mainly meet in the morning, so this is our first time after school,” Kent said. LOWER RIGHT: Junior Tyler Rheaume laces up his shoes before practice. “Practices is tough sometimes, but when you have a good team and a good coach practice is a lot of fun,” Rheaume said.
Michael Marchiori
Some teens may spend weekends hanging out with friends or relaxing, but sophomore Michael Marchiori chooses to work hard at his father’s business, Marchiori Catering, instead. “It was originally my great grandpa’s catering business, and he passed it down to my grandpa, who then passed it down to my dad,” Marchiori said. Marchiori and his Italian family provide the food and venue for weddings, birthday parties and gettogethers. Although working about eight hours each weekend can be stressful, it has been rewarding for him. “When I’m working, it usually doesn’t feel like it because of the people I’m with. It’s a happy atmosphere,” Marchiori said. Since he was 5 years old, Marchiori was raised in a business-like environment, but has plans to break out of the entrepreneurial world. “I personally plan on pursuing a different career, but I have a strong feeling one of my brothers will take over the business.”
Grosse Pointe Athletic Club Get Fit, Stay Fit! General Fitness Training Sport-Specific Performance Programs Individual & Group Training 335 Fisher Road, Grosse Pointe (313) 886-8590 info@thegpac.org Student Rate: $35/mo.
News briefs
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Senior class collect clothes to be donated The Class of 2013 student council’s latest fundraising endeavor is not all about the money: students are collecting clothes to donate to those in need. Inspired by their past philanthropic efforts, the class decided to do more for the community this year. “We volunteer at Fort Street Presbyterian soup kitchen every year, and along with the food they provide, they have a huge back room full of clothing donations they give out. So this year when we head down, we’re going to bring the clothes we’ve collected with us,” senior class president Francesca Ciaramitaro said. The senior class is looking for any gently-used, cold weather clothes like hats, gloves and coats to give to Fort Street. Although the senior student council has organized this, all are encouraged to donate. “Seniors are expected to participate, but really anyone can donate,” Ciaramitaro said. There will be a collection box in the main office for some weeks to come.
S.A. hosts Green and Gold dance North’s new dance for the recently replaced Glowcoming will be held tonight featuring a green-and-gold theme. After the disapproval of Glowcoming, the theme was changed for a good cause. “The dance is the culmination of our Week of Kindness,” Student Association adviser Jonathan Byrne said. “We are having this ‘mini spirit week’ to help promote SERVE’s community service showcase on Tuesday, February 5th at North.” Byrne says this ‘mini spirit week’ was held in an effort to promote kindess as well. “Each day the week of the dance will be a different day to help people remember to treat each other with kindness,” said Byrne. The dance will be held in the gym and will start at 7 p.m. and end at 9:30 p.m. It is being deejayed by 98.7 radio. By Olivia Pullen, Emily Martinbianco, Dora Juhasz, Melina Glusac & Sara Villani
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SPORTS
4 – Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 – North Pointe
QUICK HITS Halftime Shows
Seniors take baseball talent to collegiate level Seniors David Kracht and Evan Hayden signed with Kalamazoo College Tuesday, Jan. 29 to play baseball. North Pointe caught up with the future Hornets to discuss the path that led to their collegiate dreams. By Kim Cusmano & Andrea Scapini editor & assistant editor
David Kracht Sean O’melia
Cheerleaders performed during haltime. “It’s not a lot of pressure, at halftime shows because we’re not getting judged,” senior captain Mariama Hudson said. Junior dance team member Valentina Izzi loves to dance. She and the rest of the dance team perform at the halftime shows for all home basketball games. “We spend a lot of time together practicing, and we get to be creative,” dance team coach Krystel Spear said. Other halftime performances include the pep band, Drumline, and the cheerleaders. The band performs during timeouts and halftimes of home games. “My favorite song is ‘Brick House,’” freshman pep band member Emily Truss said. “The dances are good, and I especially liked the Christmas one,” freshman Lauren Lesha, JV basketball player, said. “I like the dance team’s performances as well as the pep band’s.” Drumline performs during home games on Friday nights. “Drumline always play cool, fast beats and patterns,” Lesha said.
jv Basketball: Eric MAxie Most basketball players get injured by a teammate or an opponent, but sophomore JV player Eric Maxie was brought down by his coach. Freshman basketball Colleen reveley coach Bryan Bennett was scrimmaging with the boys, and Maxie went up for a shot, which Bennett attempted to block. They ended up tangled, and Maxie fell to the ground hard on his leg. “I injured my left leg (from knee down). The doctors call it an extremely severe hyperextensive sprain,” Maxie said. “I was driving to the basket with intentions to lay the ball in, and coach Bennett, trying to block my shot, ended up wrapping his arms around my neck, causing me to fall hard and my leg to bend the wrong way.” Though Maxie does not blame Bennett for his injury, he does say that Bennett was very apologetic and helped Maxie learn from this experience. “He showed me love and picked me up with his kind words of wisdom and knowledge with a touch of humor,” Maxie said. Maxie does not intend to let his injury keep him down the rest of the season. “I felt challenged. This injury has allowed me to look at myself and realize that I’m better than I have recently showed,” Maxie said. “I already have not started off to a great season, so I took this time off to perfect my craft and also my attitude and to remind myself that we’re a family on and off the court.”
Skating competition It’s the deciding battle. North and South’s combined figure skating team will be performing in the third and final competition that determines state competitors on Feb. 7. Scores from this competition, hosted in Birmingham, will be combined with the previous two for an overall score. If that places them within the top three of their district, they will compete in states. “I want to see us get first. We’ve done it before, and we have gotten even better now. We usually medal in every part of every competition (jumps, moves, spins),” senior Kamala Kanneganti, a C team member, said. “Everyone on my team has been working on their elements on their own time, even our freshmen.” The team is split into three subteams. C team is tied for first while A and B teams are a few behind. “I’m proud of the entire team, especially the seniors. They have been dedicated to the team for four years and it’ll be hard to see them go,” coach Shelly Rosinski said.
By Anu Subramaniam, Colleen Reveley & Natalie Skorupski
Evan Hayden
North Pointe: How long have you been playing baseball? David Kracht: Oh gosh, for 15 years. NP: What made you start? Kracht: My dad actually got me into it because he has been playing baseball his entire life, too. NP: Did he help you? Kracht: Yeah. He didn’t play in college. He was short. He wasn’t like big, so no one really looked at him. He’s been my coach my entire life. He has been my actual (coach) for pretty every single team I’ve been on besides last year. NP: What position do you play? Kracht: Middle infield: shortstop. NP: Has it always been your dream to play in college? Kracht: Yeah. Probably when I was in eighth grade. This is really what I want to do. NP: What is the hardest skill to conquer? Kracht: Learning how to hit. Like the little things with it. Not actually hitting the ball, but seeing the pitch and trying to make good contact. NP: Is there anything unknown about baseball? Kracht: I don’t know. It’s kinda all out there. What you see is what you get. I think it’s a lot more difficult that people think it is, for sure. I just tell them try it yourself, see how it goes. NP: Who have been your biggest influences? Kracht: Probably my dad. My favorite player? I guess Miguel Cabrera would be a good one. The way he hits. NP: Do you play any other sports? Kracht: Yeah, soccer and basketball. It’s not as conditioning oriented, I guess, but it’s more skill. NP: Do you plan to play after college? Kracht: I would like to, for sure. Yeah, see if I get any opportunities, I guess. NP: What made you choose Kalamazoo? Kracht: Well for one, they have new facilities and stuff. The coach is really involved. They got a new coach there. He is trying to change the culture. He’s very open. He likes to communicate a lot. NP: What was the recruitment process like? Kracht: It was tough. You kind of have to get your name out there to a bunch of coaches first as opposed to waiting for them to come see you. But once they see you, it happens pretty quick. I actually signed up for a recruiting website thing that basically takes your email and sends it to thousands of coaches, and you basically just see who responds back. NP: What do you want to study at Kalamazoo? Kracht: Well I want to get into medicine, any kind of science.
North Pointe: How long have you been playing baseball? Evan Hayden: Since I was five. My mom and dad just put me into baseball, and I just never stopped. NP: Has it always been your dream to play in college? Hayden: Yes, it has. Probably around the end of little league, beginning of travel baseball. NP: What is the hardest skill to conquer? Hayden: Hitting, definitely. Being able to read off-speed pitches and not just completely swing and miss. You’ve got to be able to adapt. NP: Do you have to deal with people hating on it? Hayden: Everyone loves to hate on baseball over everything, but then if they try to play it, you just can’t pick Kristen Kaled up baseball as easily as other sports. You can get along by not having much skill in playing other sports, but you can’t really do that with baseball. NP: Who have been your biggest influences? Hayden: My coaches and then really just all of the other kids playing with me because you always want to do better than them. So you kind of have to influence yourself to be better than them. NP: What made you choose Kalamazoo? Hayden: Definitely the school aspect of it. And the coach, he’s a pusher, so he really got me into it. NP: What do you like best about him? Hayden: He’s very precise, and he has everything organized. His practice plans are by the minute. There’s three-minute exercises he has you do, and then at the exact time, you have to change. He’s very on point. NP: What was the recruitment process like? Hayden: The schools would send out scouts to look at talent, and then if they liked you, they’d come back and look at you a couple more times, and then they would contact your coaches, and then they would contact you. And then once you get contacted, then you could either go to a camp, or they’d just continue to come watch you. Then they’d talk about getting you on the team. If they want you, then you talk about the scholarships and the school yourself. NP: What do you want to study at Kalamazoo? Hayden: I was thinking about going into business or computer or engineering. One of those three. NP: Do you think playing a sport in college will help you adjust? Hayden: It’s going to be really hard, and it’s going to be time consuming, but it’s going to keep me out of trouble, keep me in line, and it will hopefully make me a better person.
Through roller derby, minimal violence and a future found By Dayle Maas editor
She’s known on the rink as B.B. Gunz. She sports silver metallic leggings, babyblue Riedell skates and a green jersey. She is a derby girl. Junior Uribi Beaumont began roller derby in November of her sophomore year. Her interest was sparked at a young age, and hearing about the Detroit Derby Girls made her want to join even more. Roller derby, typically a girls sport, features two teams skating around an indoor rink. The object is to make it around the rink more times than the opposing team. As it is a contact sport, pushing and bumping other players is allowed, though referees discern what is safe and not. Beaumont explains the exaggeratedly violent and wild images others imagine in roller derby, and those portrayed in the 2009 film Whip It. “It’s a lot more overdramatic when it comes to girls getting hit and punched in the face; that doesn’t happen. Like, you can’t just turn around and sock someone in the face,” Beaumont said. “It’s all gotta be really strategized. It’s more about strategy than it is about strength is the way to say it.” Though she says it isn’t as aggressive as some think it is, she was drawn to that aspect of it. “The reason I wanted to do it was so that I could get hurt. Yeah, it sounds really weird, but I played soccer my whole life, and that was okay, but I never got contact or stuff like that,” Beaumont said. “I’m beating people up without actually having to beat them up.” Although Beaumont plays what seems to be a violent sport, she hasn’t suffered any serious injuries, though currently she has a bruise on her hip. “I received my first derby bruise yesterday which is the one that I have on my leg, but nothing like a break or anything like that. Not yet. I’m waiting,” she said. Beaumont is currently training to be
a part of a travel derby team. She has to learn how to skate, check and fall properly. “It’s actually a lot less dangerous than people think because you do have a lot of padding on ... but you’re not allowed to elbow people; that’s chicken winging. You’re allowed to check them with your whole body though,” Beaumont said. “It’s dangerous because you have to put your whole force into people but there’s not punching in the face. A lot of people think that it’s kicking and punching and beating each other up, and that’s not really what happens.” Beaumont’s coach, Jeff Good, sees her potential on the Darlings of Destruction travel team. “Anything a hockey player or football player would do to get into shape, we do this with our skaters. We just do them on quad skates,” Good said. “Derby is a very physically challenging and demanding sport. We train to be fit as well as to be strong enough to withstand skating at 25 mph into other skaters, and possibly being knocked down onto the floor at that kind of speed.” Even after Beaumont reaches 18 and can no longer play through Darlings of Destruction, she hopes to always make derby a part of her life. “I want to go to Wayne State, and so I’ll
kaylee dall
be around Detroit ... so I wanna do Detroit Derby Girls after I turn 18,” Beaumont said. “A lot of the coaches that I have now are middle-aged, and they actually get on the rink and they skate and they buy skates and they do the same things we do. But they’re just coaching us and helping us and learning with us so that’s pretty cool. I’d do that. That’d be awesome.”
Life
theSCIENCEofLOVE
North Pointe – Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 – 5
Social science teachers Barry Mulso and Jennifer Weisbrodt reveal the subconcious signs of attraction By Izzy Ellery & Taylor White Assitant editor & Staff Reporter
Q&A with Psychology teacher Jennifer Weisbrodt
Anthropology teacher Barry Mulso reveals the top four
physical signs of love
Q: What happens inside the brain when someone likes someone?
A: When we are in love, certain chemicals in the brain are released. These are the ‘feel good’ chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine and endorphines. On a side note, chocolate and exercise can also release many of the same feel good neurotransmitters. So if you can’t find ‘love,’ you can always go for the box of Godiva or hit the gym.
2.
1. “They’ll be talking to you, and one or even both toes will be pointed somewhat inwards, but if you look at it, that position is not an escape position. It’s not like she can just turn and bolt right out.” 2. “The infamous hair toss, which actually does two things. It gets a guy’s attention ... we notice motion quicker than women do, but women take in the bigger picture more than men do. The second thing is that it exposes the neck, and the neck is a very vulnerable place, so that’s a 3. big sign of trust if they expose that.” 3. “When a man feels comfortable, he’ll put his hands behind his head. It exposes the armpit, which is also a very vulnerable, physical area because there’s a big bundle of nerves that runs through there. Quick way to kill someone - stab them in the armpit, as weird and rude as that sounds.” 4. “The dilation of the pupils, it’s something we really can’t control, other than by like the brightness of a room or something like that. This is male or female. If someone is interested in you, your eyes will dilate if they’re interested in what you’re saying. If they’re romantically interested 4. in you, boy those eyes really dilate. There’s no iris left.”
Q: Does anything physically happen in result of something mentally?
A: Adrenaline production also increases, which is why your heart may beat fast ,or you may start to perspire. The limbic system is activated, which is the emotional center of the brain.
1.
Q: Is there anything around us that influences who we like?
A: Social and environmental influences also play a part in determining the people we love. McClintock did an experiment that showed women were attracted to the smell of a man who was genetically similar, but not identical, to their fathers. So there is certainly a genetic component to love as well. Love is physical and psychological, but even at that, sometimes it is hard to pinpoint exactly what initiates the butterflies in the stomach.
PHOTOS BY BRIGITTE SMITH
North alumnus gets Golden Globe nomination By Jennifer Kusch & Jacob Barry INTERN & Staff REPORTER
Alumnus Dave Hardin went from art teacher Robert Thies’ computer graphics class to Senior Character Animator at DreamWorks Studios. Hardin was nominated for the Golden Globe for best animated film for Rise of the Guardians. As a Senior Character Animator, Hardin is responsible for bringing movie characters to life. He was a normal Grosse Pointer, with an artistic talent that he pursued at North; he took classes like Broadcast Journalism, 3D Animation and Photography. Hardin discovered his love for animation in tenth grade, when his 3D Animation class took a field trip to see A Bug’s Life in theatres. “When I saw the movie, I said to myself, ‘Oh my god, this is incredible. This is the future of animation!’” Hardin said. As he pursued his newfound interest in animation, he began to toy with the idea of going to art school to study animation. “We went down and toured Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, and I took him to a few colleges to see which one he liked the best,” Hardin’s mom, classroom assistant Wendy Spreder, said. “We picked the Center for Creative Studies.” “Sony called him, and he had a phone interview the evening of the day he graduated from CCS,” Thies said. “When he graduated from CCS, he visited North to show students his folio, and he said he had an interview with Sony and to wish him luck, and sure enough, Sony picked him up.” The company wanted him to work on their first animated film, Open Season, in 2006. Fast forward five years, and Dave is nominated for an Annie Award for his animation in Sony’s Surf’s Up. “That was the big turning point in my career,” Hardin said. “All awards in the animation industry are huge, so when I got nominated, it was really humbling. I didn’t expect to recognized at that high of a level, and then DreamWorks, Pixar, Disney, all contacted me once they saw my name on the nomination list, so I had my choice of what studio I wanted to go to.” Hardin chose DreamWorks and began work on Kung Fu Panda 2, which was lat-
EMMA Ockerman
Bringing a little ‘Joy’ to Detroit By Emma Ockerman & Sarah Schade MANAGING EDITOR & Staff reporter
COURTESY OF THE SPREDER FAMILY
er nominated for an Academy Award. Being an animator means long hours and deadlines, which can wear out the most enthusiastic of them. According to Hardin, he is as successful as he is because of his eagerness to please. “People can give up on animation because it is very slow and tedious, but if you have the desire to have people look at your stuff and think that it is really cool, then you’ll work hard,” Hardin said. “You have to do every eye dart, every smile, every little thing. It takes about four years for an animated film to be created, a 90-minute film. It takes years, but it is worth the investment.” His newest film, Rise of the Guardians, was just nominated for a Golden Globe. “It feels great, it’s really nice to be recognized for the work you put in,” Hardin said. “I mean, last year, Kung Fu Panda 2 and Puss in Boots both were nominated for Academy Awards, so it feels really, really nice to have that recognition for three years of work.” What Hardin enjoys most of all is not the awards, but creating something that will last forever. “The cool thing about working on these films,” Hardin said. “Is that you are making something that will last forever. One day, I’ll be an old man, and some little kids can still watch Surf’s Up for the first time, and still be blown away by surfing penguins. That stuff can excite people forever.”
Sophomore Trevor Joy never imagined the glistening surface of The Renaissance Center, the bronze Joe Louis fist or the symbolic Spirit of Detroit statue would empower him to create an avenue for his D-Town pride. “I wanted to portray our city in a positive way. I want to start a movement for our city. I just want to give back,” Joy said. Joy has channeled his optimistic aim into a clothing company he began this year, suitably titled 313 Apparel. Joy plans to later give the proceeds back to Detroit. “I portray artwork that resembles Detroit through music, my illustrations, the culture of us and monuments and history through my current T-shirts.” Although the idea for 313 Apparel is still fresh in Joy’s mind, his desire to give back to Detroit has grown in him since he was a child. “I spent a lot of time going to festivals on the waterfront and going to concerts at Cobo Hall,” Joy said. “I went to the World Series a couple of years ago and had the time of my life getting on TV.” Once the idea manifested, Joy knew he wouldn’t
want the proceeds to go anywhere besides back to his hometown. “I was thinking about hooking up Brotherhood with a program where we demolish old abandoned houses that have burnt down and maybe build gardens over them, just making it a clean, great place to be,” Joy said. “I think with a little work, we can make it a great city.” However, right now Joy is just focused on being an entrepreneur and attempting to create buzz towards his clothing line. “I’ve been selling pretty well, actually. I didn’t think I’d be doing this good,” Joy said. “I’ve sold around seven shirts, and two or three hoodies. I’m just trying to get on my feet, and once I do that, I can accomplish giving back.” Some students were immediately attracted to Joy’s tenet towards Detroit. “It’s a great idea, and it’s really impressive how he came up with the idea to start a business and actually started making clothes and all that as a sophomore,” sophomore Larissa Heinz said, who bought one of Joy’s shirts. Social studies teacher Terri Steimer also succumbed to 313 Apparel’s rapidly growing hype and purchased a shirt. “I wear mine to the gym,” Steimer said. “He’s
trying to earn an honest wage. He’s developed it himself, so we might as well buy from someone local.” Joy was more than thrilled to receive feedback on his company from a teacher. “She bought my shirt, which is pretty cool. She’s really influential because she gives me confidence that I can do it, and she says I have a great idea.” While 313 Apparel’s circulating items currently include hoodies and Tshirts emblazoned with the phrase “Stay fresh, 313 Apparel,” ranging from $15-25, Joy is full of ambitious plans for the future. “I plan on selling out of the Eastern Markets and selling out (of) Gibraltar Trade Center and advertising. I just want to get my name out. I’m currently working on my website,” Joy said. “A business contacted me over Twitter, and I talked to them. The Detroit People Mover may possibly be interested in buying my designs and selling them.” Joy also has plans to make yoga pants, leggings and possibly snapbacks a part of his next shipment available for purchase. In the spirit of giving back, Joy packs an aspirational idea into a size medium hoodie. “I want it to bring people
LIFE
6 – Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 – North Pointe
Q&A with eagle scout Duncan RagLand It’s been eight months since sophomore Duncan Ragland attained the rank of Eagle Scout – the highest rank of Boy Scouts, and a title that’s kept for life after it’s earned. It is no easy task, however. Eagle Scouts are required to earn at least 21 merit badges and demonstrate “Scout Spirit,” through the Boy Scout Oath and by showing law, leadership and service. Duncan received his badge and medal, joining the ranks of astronauts, members of government, famous businessmen and award-winning filmmakers who also hold this honor. By Audrey Kam Staff reporter
North Pointe: What does it mean to be in the Eagle Scout graduating class of 2015? Duncan Ragland: That I got my Eagle Scout award in the year of 2012.
NP: What does it mean to become an Eagle Scout? Ragland: You’re the highest rank, and everyone’s like
“Oh, look at him he’s an Eagle Scout. He’s pretty cool.” And I hear schools love it. Colleges and stuff. And employers , too. That’s kinda why I did it.
NP: When did you join the Boy Scout program, originally? Ragland: Well, Boy Scouts starts in sixth grade, but before that I was a Cub Scout, and that starts in first grade.
NP: Is this how long it normally takes people to advance to Eagle Scout? Ragland: Most people usually take until they’re 18 because that’s the limit, and most people kind of procrastinate until the last second. But I decided I’d get it done really quickly so that I could just kind of relax.
NP: What was the leadership position you were in? Ragland: I was the senior patrol leader, which pretty
much means that I’m in charge of everybody.
NP: Did you have to do anything else to become an Eagle Scout? Ragland: Yeah, you have to do a project. What I chose
to do was a community garden in Detroit, next to Church of the Messiah on East Grand Boulevard, and we put corn and carrots and stuff in there. Lots of stuff for the community to come grab whenever they’re hungry.
NP: So far what has your experience been like? Ragland: It’s been pretty fun. When I started out, I
was immature and kind of picked a bunch of fights with the other kids. But after that, I got better and started doing leadership positions and doing projects and things. It gets easier once you start filling all of the requirements you have to do. And then as an Eagle Scout, I mean, it’s pretty recent. Pretty much it’s that everyone in the troop respects you a little bit more. They take your word for it on things.
NP: Do you still have to sell popcorn? Ragland: We sell Christmas wreaths now, instead of
popcorn, but that’s just our troop. Most troops still sell popcorn, but we just decided to do something different. ‘Cause we’re cool like that.
NP: What kind of opportunities are open to you now as an Eagle Scout? Ragland: I can get Eagle Scout palms, which are like awards for getting extra merit badges. I just got one two days ago. It’s pretty cool. You can apply for Order of the Arrow and other societies within scouting that you can do cool things with, and it makes you more eligible for leadership positions.
NP: What was the palm for? Ragland: If you get five extra merit badges, you get
something called a palm. And merit badges are like ... You need 21 to get Eagle, and if you get five more, you get a little pin. It’s shaped kind of like a feather, but it’s supposed to be a palm, from a palm tree I guess. To me, it’s just a feather.
NP: Do you think that your experiences, since Cub Scouts, have better prepared you for life than if you hadn’t joined the program? Ragland: Probably. I mean, I can make a fire pretty
well. I can do all these things (points to his badges) I can shoot a gun, make music, and swim and camp.
sean o’melia
Ragland : Wilderness survival. You pick a buddy, and you guys build a shelter with them. You cut down trees and stuff. I had to climb up the tree and jump down, and it would bend over. Then someone would grab my ankles and hold me down so that they could saw the tree. And that was pretty fun. I did that merit badge twice, actually, because I had so much fun the first time.
NP: What was your favorite merit badge to earn?
temple run 2
1600 penn
Even though the original Temple Run was never one of my favorite games, I was still enthused to see the sequel in the App Store. play.google.coM Temple Run 2 is fun to play and very engaging, making it even more compelling than its predecessor, and it brings the game to a new level. Set in a fantasy world in the sky, this game features new elements while keeping the same controls as the original game. The new settings are much more interesting and aesthetically pleasing than the original’s. A favorite new feature is the mine cart sequence where the player enters a cave and temporarily gets to control a decrepit cart. The game also gives the opportunity to revive immediately after you die by paying with a gem – obtainable through gameplay. Although the new features are more than satisfactory, this game often becomes slow or crashes entirely. When you attempt to jump within the game, the camera tends to lag behind the character. Also, the twisting path made it unnecessarily hard to see forthcoming obstacles. It is also difficult to grab a “power up,” the game’s bonus feature. Ultimately, Temple Run 2 takes more advanced skill than the original, and the new features are hard to get used to, but it is still a worthwhile download. By Sarah Schade
REVIEWS
NP: What is the moral to your story? Ragland: Hard work pays off. Thats all I got.
Yo La Tengo: Fade
The following
1600 Penn takes place during the fictional presidency of Dale Gilchrist. Gilchrist is the father to Skip, an overly childish college dropout, nbc.com pregnant daughter Becca and two child geniuses, Marigold and Xander. He is married to First Lady Emily, who is the stepmother of all four kids. The only factor that makes this show different from other sitcoms is that the dysfunctional Gilchrists are America’s number- one family. It’s truly entertaining to see what the first family is able to get away with in the world of television. A typical day would include throwing burning furniture out windows and getting drunk with prime ministers. The only character I found myself liking was the carefree Skip. His pointless shenanigans such as lighting his fraternity on fire can’t help but make one laugh as the Secret Service tackles him and take him back to the White House. Unfortunately, these are the only factors that make the show. The rest of the time is spent focused on the trite arguments between the First Lady and her step kids and the president attending meetings where the writers attempt to interject humor that is obviously unfitting for the situation.
On Yo La Tengo’s most recent album, Fade, the percussion tends to palpitate, guitar chords tend to resonate, and everything is generally, conyolatengo.com sistently throbbing and dense. It’s from this backdrop of pounding (but paradoxically mellow) energy that the orchestrations of guitar, keyboards – and even strings and horns, as on “Before We Run” – spring to captivating life. The album explores emotional, sometimes melancholic subject material (the title Fade aptly captures themes of aging and ended relationships) but does so in an optimistic way, and so thrumming, major-keyed guitars throughout help this album cling together. In fact, it’s this organic, cohesive component that pervades the album, and the arrangements are made of instrumental voices constantly ebbing and flowing, each with something to say at the right moments, especially apparent on “Two Trains” or “Is That Enough.” The parts themselves are often gorgeous (the acoustic guitar of “I’ll Be Around,” the keyboard in “Well You Better,”) but together they make a lively, interesting whole. Through Fade’s fullness, single voices can still be heard; through it’s pulsating uniformity, spontaneity and novelty are still found.
The newest TV show to debut on Fox is not for the faint of heart. The Following, starring film veteran Kevin Bacon and crefox.com ated by gore veteran Kevin Williamson, was full of adrenaline-pumping and nausea-inducing action. If you have even the slightest qualm about witnessing eye gouging, bloody corpses and any other serial killer proclivities, don’t tune in. Bacon plays former ex-FBI agent (and current alcoholic) Ryan Hardy, whose claim to fame is his 2004 capture of notorious serial killer Joe Carroll, played with a perfect blend of cold malevolence and off-putting charm by James Purefoy. The pilot begins with Carroll escaping prison, leaving three bodies in his wake. The body count only continues to rise as the episode continues, as it is revealed that Carroll has amassed a cult of loyal followers during his time in prison, followers he has trained to be serial killers. Hardy is called back into action by the FBI to track down Carroll before he strikes again. Natalie Zea plays a memorable supporting role as the stricken ex-wife of Carroll and the former love interest of Hardy. If you are a fan of intrigue and plots that keep you guessing, The Following might be right up your alley.
By Patricia Bajis
By Jordan Radke
By Rachel Cullen
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IDEAS
North Pointe – Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 – 7
Turning back time:
“Grosse Pointe Public School administrators and teachers are responsible for encouraging and ensuring freedom of expression and freedom of the press for all students, regardless of whether the ideas expressed may be considered unpopular, critical, controversial, tasteless or offensive.” Board of Education Policy
Maria Liddane Editor-in-Chief
Dayle Maas NEws editor
Jordan Radke Editor
Emma Ockerman Managing EDITOR
Our editorial represents the opinion of the North Pointe Editorial Board consisting of the editors above and staff members Melina Glusac, Audrey Kam and Jacob Barry.
OUR EDITORIAl
Phone ban for teen drivers is a start The world would be a much safer place if nobody were distracted when driving. In 2011 alone, 3,331 deaths and 387,000 injuries happened as a result of accidents involving a distracted driver (www.istraction.gov). Passing a law prohibiting mobile phone use by new, Level 2 License drivers was a good start. It helps erode the danger that distracted drivers present in a demographic where phone use is pervasive: 82% of Americans 16-17 own a cell phone, and 26% say they have texted while driving, the Pew Research Center reports. Drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. If anything, the law does good to raise awareness for this widespread problem. But distraction is destructive across all demographics, and while this law does good to make the road safer – and form good habits in new drivers – it would be more effective if all drivers were required to keep their hands on the wheel while they drive. Teenagers are not the only people getting into accidents. A study conducted at Carnegie Mellon showed that talking on the phone decreases brain activity connected to driving by 37%, a number that doesn’t change based on what age you are. The fact is that all people are at an increased risk of crashing when they try to process language while they drive, and any driver is four times more likely to crash if they are conversing and cruising at the same time. The act of speaking to another person is distracting, not even taking into account the subject matter. Emotions change the way people think and react, and people may begin to take more risks or become less perceptive on the road than they normally would and, by extension, put more people in danger. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention cites three main types of distraction while driving: visual, cognitive and manual. Talking on the phone is a cognitive and often times manual distraction, but anytime the phone is out, it becomes at least all three for a period of time. Wisely, this new legislation prohibits all phone use for Level 2 License drivers. Still, this mandate should be extended for all drivers – the result would be universally beneficial for all drivers. By sacrificing talking on the phone in the car, drivers would create safer, faster highways: by chatting on the road, young adults exhibit the reaction times of senior citizens, all drive as though impaired with a 0.08 blood alcohol level, and drivers drive more slowly, several University of Utah studies found. The law goes into effect on March 20 and, while there’s more that can be done, will be a welcome shift toward safer, smoother roads.
clarification The story “Through FAFSA, soon-to-be college students receive financial aid” which ran in our Jan. 18 issue requires a correction: FAFSA is used, generally, to determine only the amount of federal student aid a student can receive, and will not be nullified if an applicant completes another type of financial aid application. Many colleges use it to determine the institutional aid that they will give out, but many others have different requirements and require the more detailed College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile to be completed before acceptance. Many colleges offer institutional aid on a first-come, first-serve basis.
FOLLOW UP In our Dec. 21 issue our editorial maintained that North’s old half-day schedule was superior to the new one. Recently, the District has sent an email with an attached survey to all students which asks for input on each of the two schedules. The survey is short and will help administration more aptly determine which schedule works best for all; we urge readers to take a few minutes to fill it out.
My obsession with reversing the clock #ThrowbackThursday Yes, that’s right. I am not embarrassed to say I am a weekly participator in the #TBT phenomenon that has bulldozed its way through today’s social networking sites. In fact, I was relieved with its emergence. You see, I’m what some would call a vintage addict; someone hopelessly obsessed with the fashion, music and My Turn culture of past eras. melina glusac But really, I’m not just saying it. My favorite movie, The Best Years of Our Lives, is from 1946. My icon, Audrey Hepburn, died before I was born. I barrel through my grandmother’s junk jewelry boxes for inspiration. I refused to color in my drawings as a child because “black and white looks better.” And I am often distressed by the fact that the exclamation “swell!” is not a staple in our modern vernacular. On the more normal and socially acceptable level, I also enjoy sifting through old family photos and Instagramming them. And based on those that I follow on Instagram and Twitter, pretty much everyone else enjoys this, too. I mean, think about it. Who doesn’t love seeing themselves with their Tickle-Me Elmo in footie pajamas next to mom on that old, leather couch? Things were simpler then, and it’s fun to see yourself so small and carefree. But the more intriguing question here to me is: why? Why are we, me especially, so enthralled with the past? Sure, we all know what’s so alluring about
it. The simplicity, the happiness, seeing how much has changed since then and letting that amaze you. Maybe it’s that amazement that keeps us looking back every Thursday (ahem, every day for me). But too much I let that amazement take over and make me wish that I was in the past. I think, “I want to be in Harlem and chum around with Langston Hughes. I want to go to a Nirvana concert and witness Kurt Cobain’s awesomeness. I wish I went to North in the ‘80s so I wouldn’t have to spend so much time trying to condense my hair.” Some Instagrammers probably think, “Things were so much easier when I was seven, take me back to when I didn’t have an Algebra II test tomorrow morning.” I proudly plead guilty to that last one. I’ve come to realize something, though. As convenient and inspirational as it may seem to be in another time, there’s just too much going on around me currently to succumb to my nostalgia. And if you think about it, the ‘20s were the present to people in the ‘20s. The ‘90s were someone’s present. The ‘60s and the ‘50s were the present to the people living in those times. In a way, then, we have the potential to make our own Harlem, produce our very own Langston Hughes and Kurt Cobains and Audrey Hepburns, or maybe even, dare I say, produce something greater. So for vintage addicts like me this is good news. I will be part of a vintage culture in the eyes of an upcoming society. But enough about me – enough reminiscing for now. This is our present, so let’s make a pledge to be alive and active and make these moments #Throwback worthy.
“I hope it’s just as fun as people said the glow dance was last year.”
“I’d rather it be something different than green and gold.”
“The dance will be fun, but it’s on a bad day because our (basketball) team can’t go.”
Olivia Shimko
Anna Gruber
Phoebe Dodge
Freshman
Junior
Sophomore
YOUR TURN: What are your thoughts on the green and gold dance?
By Libby Sumnik, Amanda Berry & Danae DiCicco
“It sounds like a lot of fun and a great, spirited event.”
Jeremy Harr senior
“We wanted to have a casual dance where kids can just come, dance, have a good time and not have to worry about getting dressed up, renting limos and all that kind of stuff.”
Jonathan Byrne English teacher
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Maria Liddane SECTION EDITORS: Dayle Maas, Kim Cusmano, Lauren Semack, Gabby Burchett ASSISTANT EDITORS: Kristen Kaled, Andrea Scapini, Libby Sumnik, Amanda Berry, Marie Bourke, Izzy Ellery STAFF REPORTERS: Patricia Bajis, Colleen Reveley, Melissa Healy, Natalie Skorupski, Sara Villani, Rachel Cullen, Jacob Barry, Danae DiCicco, Sydney Thompson, Taylor White, Audrey Kam, Brigitte Smith, Melina Glusac PHOTOGRAPHERS: Caroline Schulte (Photo Editor), Emily Huguenin (Assistant Photo Editor), Sean O’Melia, Kaylee Dall INTERNS: Ashley Brown, Haley Reid, Sarah Schade, Anna Hopkins, Jenna Belote EDITOR: Jordan Radke MANAGING EDITOR: Emma Ockerman ILLUSTRATOR: Jordan Jackson
“It’s always valuable to promote school spirit and to promote a culture of school spirit.”
Milissa Pierce Counselor
The North Pointe is edited and produced by Advanced Journalism students at Grosse Pointe North High School and is published every two weeks. It is in practice a designated public forum without prior review. Comments should be directed to the student editors, who make all final content decisions. The views expressed are solely those of the authors or the student editorial board and do not reflect the opinions of the Grosse Pointe School System. We are a member of the Michigan Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Student Press Law Center. We subscribe to McClatchy-Tribune Information Services and iStockphoto.com. One copy is available free to all community members. Additional copies may be purchased. Our editorial policy and advertising rates are available online at myGPN.org. The North Pointe is printed on 100 percent recycled paper. CONTACT US 707 Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 Phone: 313.432.3248 Email: northpointe@gpschools.org Website: myGPN.org Twitter: myGPN FACULTY ADVISER: Shari Adwers, CJE
My Turn Sean o’melia
The sport of caring
On Jan. 8, I witnessed one of the greatest games I’ve ever seen in my 17 years of existence when the girls basketball team competed against Henry Ford II. But at the end of the night, I wasn’t happy. It wasn’t because the girls lost – I couldn’t have been more proud of them. And when the second game against Henry Ford II rolls around, I know there’s a very good chance that the Lady Norsemen will crush them. No, my problem is that so few students were there to witness the glory of that game. When I ask people why they didn’t go to that game or the many other games the girls have played, the typical answers are: “Oh, there was a boys game,” and “I don’t go to girls games.” Sometimes, I even get a “Girls sports suck.” Huh? This logic doesn’t make any sense to me. I understand having priorities, and if someone has to pick a boys home hockey or a girls home hockey game, that’s personal preference. But if there’s only one game going on that night, why not attend? Because “Girls sports suck.” Those words are almost painful. How could this even be so? Just like any boys sport, girls have their own competitive seasons. They’re exciting and fun. And they play their hearts out, giving 110% in many, if not all, games. Just like any boys sport. So how do girls sports suck? It’s true that not all girls are as athletic as some guys, but I know with certainty that there are a number of girls at this school that are twice as athletic as many guys at this school. It’s 2013. I thought sexism was obsolete, but evidently it’s not. I understand special circumstances. Take Jan. 18 for instance. That night, there was a boys hockey game and a girls basketball game, both against our rival, South. Some had a personal preference to attend the boys hockey game instead. But I went to both, and the boys hockey game had about three times as many students in attendance than the girls basketball game. While I do understand that, what’s so bad about girls basketball that there would be a crowd three times smaller? I screamed for the girls until I lost my voice, so why can’t some at least go to the games? I’m not saying you have to go to every game. That would be crazy – trust me, I know. But going out to a girls game, no matter the sport, to show that what they’re doing matters? Now that’s something special. And I’m not going to discredit the guys, they need the support, too. There are more than 100 games just for winter sports, guys and girls, yet most people only make it to about three. Some people think that’s just about having Norseman pride, but it’s bigger than that. Sure, I wish there were more Norseman pride, but going to sporting events – or heck – plays, school concerts and club events just shows people they matter and that their contributions are integral to this school, that they make a difference. Support: that’s what it’s all about. Whether it’s a boy or a girl, a sport or a club, showing people what they’re doing means something to you, that’s what’s important. I hope everyone starts to take that ideal to heart and tries to make a change in the world by showing every individual that we care. We can all start that now, little by little, at North.
North Pointe – Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 – 8
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