North Pointe

NORTH GROSSE POINTE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

POINTE FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013

SINCE 1968

5K race

Robotics team shifts gears towards success

SPORTS

Paying their way to Internationals and only being able to observe in the past, this is the first year that Gearheads have been invited to compete.

By Patricia Bajis Staff reporter

Tonight, 5 p.m. vs.

South at home.

EUCHRE TOURNAMENT

Tonight, 5 p.m. in the cafeteria.

AP TESTING

Begins Monday, May 6 and ends Friday, May 17.

SOFTBALL GAME

Wednesday, May 1 at 4 p.m. vs. L’Anse Creuse North at home.

GIRLS SOCCER GAME

Monday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. at South.

BOYS LACROSSE GAME

Sunday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at South.

TRACK MEET

Tuesday, May 7 at 4 p.m. vs. Romeo at North.

BOYS GOLF MATCH

Wednesday, May 8 at 3 p.m. vs. Romeo at Lochmoor.

“

IDEAS

Once you decide you want to

change

something about your life, the only way to

accomplish

your goal is to start trying.

“

Page 4

Please recycle after reading.

Thank you! © 2013 North Pointe Volume 45, Issue 13

April 12-14 brought success that the Gearheads hadn’t known before. They placed 24th out of 207 teams in Michigan’s state competition and were invited to Internationals for the first time in team history.

Despite their limited success in previous years, the Gearheads, North and South’s combined robotics team, were in the top 10 in all of their competitions.

“Three years ago, our bot didn’t move. Two years ago, our bot moved, but we scored four points in our whole season. Last year, we built a robot that could balance but then couldn’t shoot.

But this year, we needed a bot that could throw frisbees,” junior Pearce Reickert said. “We built a robot that drives powerfully and shoots, to quote Mr. Pata, ‘like a sniper,’ at these goals that are very hard to hit.”

jacob Barry

continued on page 2

A little boy lost his hearing from chemotherapy treatments, but insurance wouldn’t pay the cost. A daughter passed away, but it was impossible for the family to cover the expenses for her funeral. Then the Jacob Michael Davis Foundation stepped in.

The nonprofit foundation, started by business teacher Michelle Davis after she lost her son to acute lymphoblastic leukemia, aims to support families dealing with childhood cancer and pays for expenses not covered by hospitals or insurance.

Now the foundation is teaming up with the S.A.V.E. a Life 5K on Sunday, April 28.

S.A.V.E., North’s environmental club, will host the fundraiser. The race was organized by environmental science teacher Chris Skowronski, who aimed aid leukemia support and the environment through one event.

“Knowing that leukemia was a disease that I’ve been passionate about for a long time, and knowing that there’s a connection between that and air quality, it just made sense to talk to Children’s Hospital ... basically we were trying to tie together our race with leukemia research and their event called Celebration of Life,” Skowronski said. “While I was going through the process, I became aware of the Jacob Michael Davis Foundation, and I wanted to include her efforts because I’ve known she’s been doing this for six or seven years now, and everything that I have been working for, she’s been already doing.” continued on page 2

For separate genders, some argue learning happens differently

By Lauren Semack & Audrey Kam Editor & Staff reporter

He sits in class, leg shaking, fingers jittering, body pent up with energy. He looks at the clock for the third time in 10 minutes. He reluctantly draws his attention back to the Smart Board, where his teacher writes figures. He could be doing anything else right now – being spring, it’d be playing lacrosse – but he still tries to be attentive, even though it’s not his strong suit.

“It’s been a thing, and I’m still having trouble now focusing. I’ve had all sorts of teachers; I’ve had teachers that are laid back, and then I’ve had teachers that are very strict teachers, and I’m still having trouble focusing,” junior Julian Makowski admitted.

On the other side of the classroom sits his counterpart, studiously copying over notes and leaning forward in her seat. She leans forward as to not miss a word, an attentive learner, absorbing everything the teacher says.

“It comes easier to me. I just catch onto information, and I just retain it, so I don’t have to study it as much because I know I can recognize it,” Julian’s twin sister, Camille said. “He is more social, whereas I just kind of sit there and stay by myself. He will find someone to chit chat to, where I will just stay focused and watch what the teacher’s doing and take notes.”

According to a Reader’s Digest article, “How Boys and Girls Learn Differently,” boys become more alert learners when stress levels are raised by moving around and in a room near 69 degrees.

A kinesthetic learner, Julian finds that physical movement and activities help him to learn better.

“In Ms. Ruth’s class when we had to dissect something I learned better that way, but I’m still able to

learn the other way,” Julian said.

Camille Makowski, an auditory learner, argues that learning for most girls is different.

“I really like lectures; I think I learn best that way. That’s what Ms. Steimer does, and I really like it. Because she adds in stories, and I really like it,” she said.

Additionally, girls and boys seem to have opposing ways of dealing with stressful or frustrating situations. In these situations girls typically will seek out the company of other girls, while boys tend to retreat back into themselves. The Makowski twins are an exception to this trend.

“I read a lot because it lets my mind escape from everything, or (in) lacrosse, I get to release all my aggression and energy,” Camille said. “I bake things after school if I still have any leftover stress.”

Julian has a different strategy for frustration.

“At home, I just pace around, hit stuff. At school, I become very quiet and don’t say a lot.”

The reason at the center of all of these differences? Brain chemistry. According to research by Michael Gurian, licensed family therapist turned author, recent studies show that boys have less serotonin in their frontal lobes, which helps to calm down the frontal lobe where decisions are made. So, the less serotonin they have, the more impulsive they will be, both physically and mentally. This, combined with the fact that boys have a brain that has more neural centers that “...focus on how objects move around in physical space,” and how they can manipulate them, explains the differences in preferred learning styles that the Makowski twins exhibit.

“I find that there are many times where the attention spans of boys and girls are very different and clearly demarcated across gender lines,” English teacher Geoffrey Young said. “I remember reading in a book one time (Why Gender Matters by Leonard Sax, M.D., Ph.D.), that one of the reasons for that is the actual tissue of the brain in the boys and girls is actually physiologically different. One of the things mentioned was that girls think in nouns and boys think in verbs. So some of the behaviors in the classroom are a simply biological reflection of how

Academic performance by gender Over time, the gender differences in several gauges of academic performance have remained constant, but small. Girls tend to have higher GPAs, but boys tend toward higher overall ACT scores, especially in math and science. Below, both of these national averages over time are charted.

Average GPA

GIRLS LACROSSE GAME

Assistant editor & staff Reporter

These efforts required team-wide remodeling.

“We reorganized our shop over the summer, which saved us countless hours of time when building. Also, the shooter I made this year turned out, with help from a mentor and another student, incredibly accurate and ensured that our robot could compete at the higher level it did,” South senior and team captain, Conor Tily, said.

Though the team’s performance earned them a spot at Internationals in St. Louis, they declined the invitation.

“It’s not something you can turn around in just two weeks time and go,” team adviser and physics teacher Don Pata said. “We never planned on doing this well. Not that our expectations weren’t high for the team, (but) only the top 10% of teams in Michigan get invited. We never believed that we would be as good as we were this year. We declined the invitation and let some other teams who worked just as hard, and are maybe even more deserving, get the spot instead.”

With the team’s deferral of the invitation, Tily, along with the other graduating seniors, lost their only opportunity to compete at Internationals.

3.5 3.4 3.3 3.2 3.1 3.0 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.6 2.5

GPA by gender female male

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ACT score by gender

Overall ACT score

Spring sports are in full swing. Check out how the seasons are doing in the spring sports extra.

By Izzy Ellery & Emma Puglia

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female male

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national center for educational statistics/ the nation’s report card

boys tend to favor movement and activity, while girls may favor a reflection, things that may require a bit more sensitivity and quiet. So sometimes I create lessons that kind of allow for a boy to select an activity that makes them most comfortable as a learner.”

Southfield Public Schools has created an unique strategy to deal with the differences. Because of the major contrasts in learning styles between girls and boys, a case has been made in Southfield Public Schools as of April 12 to segregate classrooms by gender for certain classes, so the teachers cater to the needs of the different genders.

The Makowskis agree that separating boys and girls is not the right solution.

I think it would be worse because in my classes, (boys) do bring up new points and they add a little fun to the class with what they do, so it just changes it up,” Camille said.

Julian brought up a similar point.

“I feel like having a classroom full of guys would not be a good thing because if you put all a bunch

of friends together that’ll worsen the problems, but if they make it guys and girls to where they make it neutral and go over both needs, I feel like that would make it better,” he said.

Young concurs, but offers a teacher’s perspective.

“Instruction should change to match various learners in a classroom as (opposed) to separating the learners into different classrooms,” Young said. “The first one challenges the teachers to create an environment where everyone learns and everybody achieves, but to do the latter of those two things minimizes a teacher’s requirement to cater to both levels of students.”

One thing that the twins agree on is that teachers need to be personable and approachable.

“The big thing is I want them to be personable so I’m not scared to ask questions in the classroom. That’d be the biggest thing,” Julian said.

“It adds more to them,” Camille said. “You can understand and not just think they’re just some person up there trying to get you. Or trying to make you fail.”

news

2A – Friday, April 26, 2013 – North Pointe

FIVE MINUTES WITH

Long-term substitute Lindsey Schmuker Gearheads continued from page 1

By Anna Hopkins Intern

She never expected to be interested in psychology; in high school, long-term substitute Lindsey Schmuker never took it. Her freshman year in college changed that.

“Psychology is so interesting because it pertains to the individual person,” she said. “You learn about it, and you see it happening in your life.”

Not only is Schmuker interested in psychology, but also in history, as she is a longterm substitute for social studies teacher Bridget Cooley.

“Those are the two subjects that interest me more than anything else,” she said.

“History, I’ve always loved. I can’t pinpoint why I love it. I just find it fascinating learning about the past.”

Schmuker has wanted to be a teacher since she was kid. To achieve this, she received a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education, and she double-majored in history and psychology.

She first wanted to do physical therapy.

“I actually thought I might go into physical therapy,” she said. “I’m very interested in health and nutrition. I decided to try out a few classes.”

However, she realized that this was something she wouldn’t do long term.

When she heard about the open position for Cooley, it was a perfect opportunity for her to receive a first-hand teaching experience. She heard about the position from social studies teacher Sean McCarroll.

Schmuker believes her passion will

S.A.V.E 5K Run/Walk continued from page 1

Both the Jacob Michael Davis Foundation and S.A.V.E. are hoping for an outcome that raise awareness for the charities and the environment in Grosse Pointe Woods.

“I had a lot of students who were here for a long time that knew about the whole story, knew the nonprofit, and a lot of them have graduated,” Davis said. “There’s a gap now, so that is what I wanted to see if I could get more students involved and community members as well.”

Skowronski wants to incorporate running into the community.

“I’ve been a runner for my entire life, and I’ve always wanted to organize a race.

It just seemed like it was the right time for me and also the right time for the school because we don’t have races like this around Grosse Pointe Woods,” Skowronski said.

In addition to the Jacob Michael Davis Foundation, two-thirds of the money goes toward the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, which will split the money between leukemia research and a program called Celebrations of Life. It takes childhood cancer patients and survivors to C.J. Barrymore’s and throws them a party.

“It’s for patients and their families who

Colleen reveley

Long-term substitute Lindsey Schmuker also coaches varsity girls soccer at Truman High School in Taylor, Michigan.

What did you like to do as a kid?

I would create stories. I remember I used to What’s your favorite TV show?

NCIS. What’s your favorite movie?

I’m going to say Schindler’s List. It seems apWhat’s your favorite history period?

Ancient history and the Tudors. help her future students learn.

“My belief is if you’re going to be a teacher, you need to teach something you’re passionate about because then you can really get that through (to) your students.”

are either going through cancer treatment currently or have survived, and they go to this event and are able to, you know, hear stories, and it gives hope to those who are going through cancer treatment,” Stephanie Gregory, event planner at Children’s Hospital, said.

In addition to the positive effects the run/walk will have on cancer research and patients, Skrowronski is hoping it leads to positive effects on the environment.

“For me, making a connection between if people run more, or bike more, or walk more, they don’t drive as much,” Skrowronski said. “If you basically release fossil fuels and benzene and other air pollutants like that, there’s a connection between those things and childhood cancer like leukemia. So the idea is that if you basically drive less, there’s going to be less of that stuff in the air.”

Senior S.A.V.E. club member Rachel Like recognizes the importance of the race.

“This is such a great cause to be promoting more awareness of the relationship between human health and environmental pollution,” Like said. “I think more students should have a better knowledge of possible health issues they may encounter later.”

S.A.V.E.’s 5K race will start at 10 a.m., and registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at North’s track.

“I was very disappointed with the decision to not go and was firmly against (it).

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for not only me, but the team,” Tily said. “I am currently trying to work with the School Board to get a full-time coach for the team so that we don’t have a teacher who is trying to balance family, work and robotics. I don’t want the work done by the mentors and Mr. Pata to be diminished. But as a result of the lack of support from the school district, Mr. Pata and the mentors just got tired out by all the time and energy they had to put in to make the team a success.”

Pata took over as Gearheads adviser in 2011. Prior to that, the team “lacked leadership and vision” as Pata put it, which almost cost them their largest sponsor, General Motors.

“The robots were poorly constructed, and the results were poor. This was a direct result of poor teacher leadership,” Pata said. “The robotics job is time consuming and not very well paid. Therefore, it is challenging to get a dedicated teacher to take and stay with the job. GM was unhappy with these outcomes and threatened to pull the funding unless the school district found a dedicated faculty sponsor. That is when I took the job.”

General Motors decided to continue to fund the program under Pata’s direction.

“My sophomore year, I was too young to understand how big of a change it was, but all of the mentors left. Mr. Pata had been

around my freshman year, starting to get involved, and then my sophomore year it was announced that he would be taking over,” Reickert said.

General Motors, however, still plans on making cuts to not only the Gearheads, but all the robotics teams they sponsor. “(General Motors is) going to start cutting back for some reason. It’s not that they don’t like us anymore. They feel that they have been overspending on us. It’s supposed to become a big deal in the next couple of years,” junior Michael Bakowski said.

Though the team accomplished much more than last year, they stick to the principle of not caring about a win or loss.

“A lot of people have this concept for high school competitions where your goal is to beat the other guy, and if you (do), then you’re happy because your team won; and if you (don’t), you’re sad because your team lost,” Reickert said. “F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) has the principle of ‘coopertition’ (cooperation and competition combined), and there’s this weird, almost Sesame Street-like nature among teams; this idea that the teams work together because everyone understands that the principle behind F.I.R.S.T. isn’t about going to Internationals or doing awesome or anything.

It’s an experience. The point of F.I.R.S.T. is to inspire young minds to pursue careers in science and technology and to make a better tomorrow out of the today that we have.”

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Caribou Coffee: Mack location closes, Village location changes name

on campus

North Pointe – Friday, April 26, 2013 – 3A

Unleashed talent Diversity Club hosts a night of poetry, music and, of course, caffeine.

By Brigitte Smith & Jeffrey Valentic Staff reporters

By Anu Subramaniam staff Reporter

Senior Jonathan Storrs found himself without a job at noon on April 14 when Caribou Coffee’s Mack Avenue location permanently closed.

The company’s April 5 announcement of widespread closings ended an eight-month job for Storrs.

“W hen I found out that the store was closing, I couldn’t comprehend it. I just felt numb,” Storrs said.

In January, when Caribou was bought out by the Joh. A. Benckiser company for $340 million, it went from being a public company to a private one. The Joh. A. Benckiser company bought another franchise earlier this year, called Peet’s Coffee and Tea, which they feel will be more profitable than current Caribou locations.

Storrs, who said he enjoyed Caribou’s relaxing and chill environment, said he will miss studying and working there. Storrs will also miss spending time with his co-workers, who helped him learn the ropes of his job and made being at Caribou enjoyable. One of the highlights of Storrs’ job was his boss, Elizabeth Newby. Storrs said she is a positive person who got to know her employees on a personal level and contributed to the warm, inviting vibe Caribou had.

“Working at Caribou was an overall great experience, and the people involved are what made it such an outstanding experience compared to an ordinary coffee shop job,” Storrs said.

About 80 of the franchise’s stores closed, including 10 Michigan locations. The closings in Michigan were a result of corporate restructuring.The Mack Avenue location is being shut down permanently, but the Kercheval location will transform into a Peet’s Coffee and Tea in October. The only remaining Caribous will be in Minnesota, where the company’s headquarters are located.

Many Caribou frequenters are surprised by the sudden closing of Caribou and search for another place to have coffee and study.

Senior Mira Shenouda, who frequented Caribou, said she feels that Caribou’s closing is really depressing.

“It was a nice place to study and had such a convenient location,” Shenouda said.

Shenouda said she would go to Caribou every weekend to study AP Biology with her friend, senior JoJo Beeby.

“I can’t believe it actually closed. I am going to miss studying and hanging out there with my friends,” Beeby said.

Shenouda will miss the turtle mocha and the busy evenings that were perfect for studying. She says she plans to continue her study sessions at the Village Caribou until its transformation.

NORA MAYA KACHATUROFF, M.D. DERMATOLOGY & DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY

TOP: Black paper was placed on top of tables for students to doodle on.

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It’s a good opportunity.”

LOWER LEFT: Juniors Uribi Beaumont and Chelsea Howard and seniors Jasmine Scott, Alexandria Thomas and Kyndall Echols sing “Rumor Has It” by Adele.

LOWER RIGHT: Junior Dante Spindler performs at the Acoustic Latte Lounge for the first time. “I thought it would be a good experience for me to come out of the shadows and perform a little bit more,” he said.

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LIFE

North Pointe – Friday, April. 26 2013 – 4A

ZUMBA As the dance-themed workout gains traction among North students – mostly female – it’s fans reap the health and rythmic benefits.

Food for thought

By Caroline Schulte Photo editor

Junior Brielle Ahee has been going to Zumba classes for a year now. “The first time I went I was a little bit lost, but after the first month, I memorized almost all of the songs,” Ahee said.

Caroline Schulte

Alternative workout brings dance, health to North students

By Kim Cusmano editor

One hundred and eighty four-squats may seem excessive, but for junior Brielle Ahee, and anyone else inside the mirrored walls of the Next Level workout room, it’s just the first song. And they do it with a smile.

Ahee has been partaking in Zumba, a dance-themed workout regimen, since her sophomore year and can’t imagine going back to traditional workouts.

“When you’re done with Zumba it’s the best feeling,” Ahee said. “It’s a great workout and better than just running on the treadmill because you lose 700-1000 calories in an hour.”

Zumba was originally started by Alberto “Beto” Perez who forgot the music for his aerobics class and decided to use his own tracks, which were mostly salsa music. His mistake turned into a craze.

Next Level trainer Arabella Wujek has adapted this traditional salsa and Latino music and has incorporated her own tracks – more hip-hop and fresher music.

“My favorite is Latin, my number two would be hip hop. I love Latin dancing,

I absolutely love Latin dancing. Actually, I just can’t say either one is my favorite. I love to dance, no matter what it is, I love to dance,” Wujek said.

“Arabella is the best teacher,” Ahee said. “She uses more current songs and she develops relationships with her class.”

The girls who dance with Wujek have also formed their own tight-knit group.

Along with Ahee, five other North girls regularly attend her workout sessions.

Wujek fondly refers to her attendees as “Zumba chicks.”

“A lot of the girls I barely knew before I went there, but after seeing them twice a week I get to know them. Now it’s fun that we all get to work out together,” Ahee said.

Sophomore Emily Aziz has also become a member of these Zumba enthusiasts.

“Doing it with my friends makes it easier because we all just hangout and go to the gym together,” she said. “It’s made us closer because we spend a lot of time after school and on weekends going to the gym together, so we see each other all the time.”

Q&A with Zumba instructor Arrabella Wujek

By Andrea Scapini assistant editor

North Pointe: When did you become interested in instructing Zumba?

Arrabella Wujek: Two years ago. It was post-cancer. I always loved running, but I had too much neuropathy and nerve damage to run anymore, and exercise is imperative, physically and mentally. (For) anyone, especially those in recovery or with stress or in any situation, it’s imperative. Because I could no longer run, and I danced as a kid for many years, I knew Zumba was dance-based, and so that’s how I got into it.

North Pointe: Do you use Zumba as a release?

Arrabella Wujek: Absolutely. Every day. When you work out, your body releases endorphins that are great for stress relief, great for mood control, weight control, of course, every aspect of your life. I feel like working out is the most important part of body, mind and soul.

North Pointe: Does it affect your energy level?

Arrabella Wujek: Absolutely. The more I work out, the stronger I feel, the happier I feel, the less stressed I feel. I cannot stress how important I feel like it is for myself and everyone around me. It is just so good for so many reasons, and not for just appearance.

North Pointe: What’s your mantra for class every day?

Arrabella Wujek: Be confident with yourself. I think that’s very important. There’s a lot of messages, not one in particular. To be confident, to be kind, to try new things, to look at yourself in the mirror and be proud of yourself. Not about what you have to accomplish but what you’ve already accomplished. I always say there’s no wrong moves in this class except for stopping, which I think is a message in life: that sometimes things get very, very tiring and difficult and confusing, but you can’t give up. You’ve just gotta keep going.

North Pointe: What does your family think about it?

Arrabella Wujek: Everyone in my family is a serious athlete, so they love the fact that mom is, too. As far as choreography in my kitchen, I think that they cringe. My boys love suggesting songs. Chase always has great suggestions.

The girls also believe that the workout, which is “basically just dancing” according to Aziz, has inspired them to lead a healthier lifestyle.

“It makes me want to eat better, and it makes me go to the gym everyday,” Ahee said. “I think it’s because when you work out that hard you want to eat healthy because you want to see the results.”

Sophomore Emily Surzyn agrees.

“I really like it because it’s all dancing, so it’s a lot more fun than traditional workouts,” she said. “I feel like it’s inspired me to be healthier and go to the gym more often.”

Although Zumba seems to be a female-dominated regimen, males still choose to participate. Sophomore Peter Lundy tried Zumba once and although he was admittedly a little awkward, he recognized the health advantages that it offers.

“I liked how I was tired after,” he said.

“It’s a different kind of workout that could benefit a lot of people, male or female. I think it’s female-dominated because it requires you to do a lot of moves that can make you uncomfortable and embarrassed ... like I was.”

Popular Zumba songs

Six months ago, my diet was “whatever I feel like.” Today, it’s the same, but “whatever I feel like” has taken on a new meaning.

Everyone who’s been on a exercise machine knows how calories eaten compares to calories burned. One hour running on the treadmill – something you won’t catch me doing – burns a mere 800 calories. “Wait, so that 1,000 calorie lunch I just ate at Taco Bell isn’t even burned off?” No. No, it is not.

If you’re up to spending an hour on the treadmill, be my guest. That’s awesome, but count me out. I used to hear “exercise” and picture myself drowning in my own tears while attempting to sprint full throttle.

I quickly discovered a workout that has the same effect without coming straight from one of my nightmares. For me, that’s Zumba.

I earned the “Zumba Chick” status by January, when my addiction reached its peak. I go at least three times a week, and that’s only because there are only three times a week that I’m able to go.

Before my first class, I figured, “Hey, I dance around my house by myself on a daily basis. How hard can this class be?”

Honestly, if my goal in Zumba wasn’t to get the best workout possible, it wouldn’t be. I could prance around a Zumba class for 60 minutes, and sure, I might have fun, but I wouldn’t get anything from it. But when you give Zumba, or any workout for that matter, everything you’ve got, you’ll get everything you want out of it.

Maybe you just haven’t found your workout forte yet. For me, it’s Zumba. For you?

Maybe it’s a sport. Heck, maybe it’s jumping rope. The point is that it doesn’t matter what it is as long as you do something.

I used to come home after school, raid my pantry for the nearest bag of Doritos and look at my Instagram feed, which is a bad choice when #foodporn always seems to show up somewhere. By working out, even if I’m just prancing around the room, at least I’m not at home, stuffing my face with worthless, calorie-infested foods.

Before I started working out on a regular basis, I heard that exercising made you happier. But then I would think, “Oh really? Because exercising sounds just as tempting as sticking needles into my eyeballs.” But, as I’ve come to realize, the my thical endorphins released during exercise really do exist! Sure, I’m not skipping down the hallways singing show tunes, but I have noticed an internal shift in my spirit.

The first step is the hardest, and that’s getting the motivation to get off your couch, put down the bag of chips and do something. Once you decide you want to change something about your life, the only way to accomplish your goal is to start t r y i ng. Once you set some goals for yourself, achieving them will only make you want to push harder. I suggest asking a friend to exercise with you and encourage you. The effort you put into getting results will be worth it. I promise.

Even if you don’t need to lose weight, you will feel stronger and yes, even happier. When you finish what seems like a life-threatening workout, you’re going to be tired, but it’s the best feeling in the world to finish exercising and walk away from it thinking, I crushed it.

It feels good when you accomplish any thing, but when you work out it’s different. I know I’m not going to go home and eat 10 Oreos after working out because that would be giving in. I’m not gonna lie. I still go to Taco Bell on occasion, and my stocked pantry still calls to me, but now I have the willpower to say, “No.” In other words, I have danced myself to a healthier lifestyle – with a smile on my face.

Life

tic en

“I also think it’s self-esteem to an extent. It’s something to be proud of: ‘Look, I’ve done this, I’ve helped my family, I’ve helped my village,’” Forrest said.

When Forrest was contacted by Cranbrook inquiring if she would like to host a presentation with the Weaving Sisters of Namtenga themselves, she seized the opportunity.

On April 12, the group came to the North library and discussed the culture and challenging daily life of Namtengans. Art classes, a higher level French class and Hope Haynes were present.

“It was the first time meeting them. I’ve known them for so long now, and actually getting to meet them ... was awkward because we don’t speak the same language,” Haynes said.

“They know some English, but you can’t really like go up to them and have a conversation. So I was just kinda like ‘I’m happy you’re here!’ It was cool, though.”

yV al

They walk miles to get water. They have little to no technology. Their education ends at middle school, and society expects them to get married at 14. They are Flore and Flabie of Namtenga, and they’re trying to change that for themselves.

“The country is Burkina Faso, and it is in Northern Africa. They only speak French; that’s their main language. They do have their own tribal language, but that’s (French), what most of Northern Africa speaks,” sophomore Hope Haynes said.

Haynes has been a penpal of the Namtengan sisters for almost three years through handwritten letters – a process that requires a few months per note.

“My mom’s boss actually does know fluent French, so he translates the letters. That’s probably also why it takes so long, too; like out of his busy schedule, he takes the time and translates my letters. He translates their letters, too, before I get them,” Haynes said.

The beginning of Haynes and the sisters’ written relationship traces back to her mom’s boss: Mike Lavoie, a lawyer who was previously in the Peace Corps and stationed in Namtenga.

“He used to go to Africa and help build wells in cities that didn’t have access to water and stuff like that, and he became really good friends with this brother and sister who were probably teenagers when they met them, and they stayed friends throughout the years,” Haynes said.

The brother would grow up to have two daughters: Flore and Flabie. Inspired, Lavoie established a program at his own daughters’ school, Cranbrook, that gave all people in the village a chance to communicate with a student in America. When Flore and Flabie still needed a pal, Lavoie asked for Haynes’ help and she rose to the occasion.

The program at Cranbrook went beyond correspondence and grew into a fellowship of sorts, according to North art teacher Susan Forrest.

“Cranbrook went and set up a weaving studio, so that the women would have a livelihood, something to do. Classrooms (in Namtenga) are of 90 students in elementary school, and out of those 90 students, maybe 20 go on to middle school,” Forrest said. “The rest go out, they herd animals, they scavenge the countryside for firewood, they do what’s necessary for living.

Young ladies have been often married off, because they’re ‘a burden’ to the family. So, by coming up with the idea, which was generated from the people in Namtenga, they (wanted) a livelihood for the women, and that’s exactly what happened.”

Now, Flore, Flabie and the Weaving Sisters of Namtenga sell their art in Africa and America, earning more respect from their families and, potentially, scholarship money.

re

Staff Reporters

ff

By Melina Glusac & Chris Elliott

Sophomore Hope Haynes’ three-year letter exchange with sisters in Africa results in dad’s and aunt’s visit.

Je

Letters for Hope

North Pointe – Friday, April 26, 2013 – 5A

Norseman struts with chin up as Nordstroms intern

By Rachel Cullen Staff Reporter

She didn’t dream of becoming a princess, an actor, or a teacher, like her classmates so often did. She dreamed of creating designs that she and others could wear. Senior Kyndall Echols dreamed of being a part of the fashion industry.

“I have been around fashion all my life,” Echols said.

“Fashion is the family business on dad’s side of the family.

Everyone, even the men and boys, knows how to thread a needle. There are five generations of models, stylists, designers, tailors and seamstresses.”

Given that fashion runs in the family, it’s no surprise that Echols had an early start trying her hand in the business.

“I caught the fashion bug when I used to help my grandmother make my costumes for my plays when I was younger. It was a big deal for me, being five years old and putting ribbons on costumes,” Echols laughs.

Echols may have been 5 when she began learning the basics of sewing, but it was three years later, when she was 8, that the interest truly blossomed into something substantial.

“I was at work with my mom one day, and I saw one of her coworkers sketching an outfit and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. So, on her lunch break she taught me the basics of sketching and for the rest of the day I worked on my first fashion catalog,” Echols said.

Echols’ mother, Weslia, remembers that very first catalog her coworker helped Kyndall create.

“The first thing she did was create a catalog – a full catolog – in second grade, with all of these outfits, and she always talked about how she was going to be able to make them one day, and sell them,” Weslia Echols said.

“When she got older I saw that they had classes at the College of Creative Studies for drawing and illustration, and I signed her up for classes at their summer program.

She really liked it and she really excelled, and after she learned how to draw as a fashion illustrator she went back to the fashion catalog she made way back in the second grade, and she redrew and upgraded all the designs.”

After being enrolled in more classes at CCS, Echols expanded her interest with sewing enrichment classes, in-

ternships and even camps to perfect her craft.

One such internship is the Nordstrom BP Fashion Board, which Echols joined in 2011. She describes the internship as a chance for teens aspiring to pursue careers in the fashion industry to get a real world outlook of the fashion industry. They learn about the history of fashion and design, trend forecasting and different careers in the industry. The board’s monthly meetings involve unique themes, guest speakers, lessons and assignments.

“One thing that I like the most about being on the fashion board is meeting new people. I am a social butterfly. I love it when we have events, and I get a chance to network with the different managers throughout the store and meet new customers,” Echols said. “Another thing is the board member discount. I am a huge shopper, and every meeting board members get a discount on their purchases.”

Echols’s fashion industry plans will continue in college. She’ll be majoring in Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State, a university in Ohio whose fashion school is ranked third in the country. She plans to move to New York City one day, citing its status as the heart of the fashion world and its cultural diversity as her motives. Beyond college, and even beyond moving to a new city, Echols is set on one day creating her own fashion line – which she will, fittingly, name Kyndall or Kyndall Lee. Weslia isn’t worried about her daughter’s future in fashion.

“I believe that as long as she’s doing what she’s passionate about, as long as it brings her joy, she’ll be successful at it, no matter what it is – it just happened to be fashion for her,” Weslia said.

Kyndall’s younger sister, Kynadi, also supports Kyndall’s aspirations.

“I’m really proud of her,” Kynadi said. “She’s been so determined about it. When it comes to her designs she’s always really intent on finishing them. Her mindset is really inspiring, and she’s inspired me to keep doing what I love, to acheive my dreams and never give them up, because she has never given up.”

“I also know that for her, fashion is a way to inspire and encourage other people, especially young girls, and I know that that’s something she cares about. That’s inspiring. Not a lot of people have connected to their purpose so early, but Kyndall has,” Weslia said.

Courtesy of Echols family

Kyndall is currently designing her prom dress for this year. “I won’t say much about the dress itself, because I want it to be a surprise. I designed it and my cousin LaTonya Williams is making it. LaTonya is a fashion designer in Chicago, and she owns Elizabeth Smith Fashions. Elizabeth Smith is the name of my cousin’s clothing line, which she named after my great-grandmother (who I was very close to),” Echols said.

reviews

6A – Friday, April 26, 2013 – North Pointe

ine flourishes in app store

By Sydney Thompson Staff reporter

The newest craze in the Apple/Android market is Vine, a Twitter-made app that lets you show six-second glimpses of your life through video.

The app is very accessible to even the most technologicallychallenged people. The concept is simple: hold your finger on the screen when you want to film, take it off when you don’t. The home page is simply a feed of videos from the people you follow, and you are able to like or comment on them.

The “Explore” page is one of the apps more recent features. Included in this page are “Editor’s Picks,” videos that the creators of Vine think really stand out and deserve to be seen. These videos range from artistic stop-motion videos to parents voicing over their babies – quite the variety. Also under this page is “Popular Now” which is the equivalent to the trending feed on Twitter.

One of the things that really makes Vine accessible and entertaining is trending hashtags, which came with the most recent update. They have six main hashtags that are at the top of the

“Explore” page: #loop, #vineportraits, #remake, #cute, #magic, #howto. Below these are temporary trending hashtags, identical to the concept of trending hashtags on Twitter. This is great because, once a user runs out of videos on their personal feed, she can just check out other videos with ease.

A big drawback on this app is the length of the video: the longest a video may be is six seconds. Also the lack of video editing options is rather disappointing. For example, if someone films something, then decides they want to cut it out, they simply don’t have that option. This is a major downside for people who want to make their profile more on the artistic, refined side of video social networking.

Altogether, Vine is an app highly recommended to anyone who loves the newest, most popular social networking app. It’s quick and easy to share your most recent, what anyone is looking for in an app of this sort.

Vine impresses some, dissapoints others “It’s different than any other app I’ve seen, and it’s funny.”

Freshman Caroline Bock “It’s another great social network that is simple but really cool.”

Sophomore Jack Muschong “I think and hope it’s a passing fad.”

Junior Camille Makowski

GRADE: A

Tomagotchi L.I.F.e

42 Movie

Scary Movie 5

Socialcam App

Remember the times on the playgrounds when girls – and even some guys – huddled around with the new podshaped keychain toy craze? Tamaplay.google. com gotchis are back.

While we all enjoy a blast from the past, this app doesn’t live up to its predecessor.

Recently, Tamagotchi L.I.F.E (Love is for everyone) was released for the iPhone and Android. In the app you can do almost all the things that you used to be able to do on your Tamagotchi. This app also lets you expand the page so your Tamagotchi is in color and you can have a more direct interaction with them instead of through the buttons.

Although it’s nice to be able to interact with them directly, it’s not as much fun as it used to be. What made Tamagotchis so much fun was being able to buy tons, link them with your others or your friends’, and collect as many generations as possible. The app doesn’t provide for this. It’s just you and your Tamagotchi, and that’s about it.

There’s also an option for push notifications so about every hour a note is sent to your phone, one that is quite annoying: “Tamagotchi is calling you.”

It’s good to be able to take a trip down memory lane, but this app lacks all the features that made this fun as a kid.

42 is an impersonal look at Jackie Robinson’s life, and it doesn’t reveal much other than Robinson’s love for baseball and his wife Rachel. The 42movie.warnerbros.com film also fails to examine Robinson’s major league career outside of his groundbreaking first season.

The film focuses on Jackie Robinson’s struggles and triumphs as the first African American to play Major League Baseball as he broke baseball’s color barrier. 42 examines Robinson’s talent as a player and as the first professional black player, but not much else.

Chadwick Boseman, who plays Robinson, effectively conveys Robinson’s skill on the field, as well as Robinson’s devoted relationship with his wife Rachel, but poorly conveys other aspects of his life. Harrison Ford, who plays Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey, is unconvincing, except when paired directly with Boseman.

Overall, 42 is overdone and lacks the timelessness expected of a baseball saga, especially one about the significance of breaking the color barrier. However, the movie does have moments where genuine emotion and Robinson’s compelling story shine through. Unfortunately, these moments aren’t frequent enough to make 42 a satisfying experience.

As the fifth parody movie in the series, Scary Movie 5 wasn’t much different from its predecessors.

No shock here.

The previscarymoviefive. com ous female lead, Anna Faris, was replaced with former Disney star Ashley Tisdale. She and male lead Simon Rex, who starred in the previous two movies in the Scary Movie franchise, did a sub-par acting job. But what more can you expect from a mockery of scary movies?

The plot vaguely follows that of horror movie Mama (where a man raises his uncivilized nieces that were lost in the forest after a car accident), and throws in humorous references to Paranormal Activity, Insidious, Inception, The Cabin in the Woods, Evil Dead and Black Swan.

Paranormal Activity offers prime parody opportunities since the original movies were cheesy and the “activity” was overdone.

Even the end was predictable due to the fact that it wrapped up just like the other Scary Movies – with characters ironically happy and living.

Although the movie kept a parodylover laughing, it was too similar to the others in this series and wasn’t worth the $10 ticket.

It’s widely known that Instagram is an immensely popular phot o -s h a r i n g app. Now there’s Socialcam, which is basically Instagram with videos. play.google. com With Socialcam, users can take videos, edit them and share them to Facebook, Twitter, Youtube or through email.

The app only has three editing features, so it’s only good for one-shot videos. A user can filter the video, add music and add a title. However, for those who make videos frequently, there is unlimited video length and storage.

If users don’t want to set up an account, they could sign into the app with Facebook or Twitter. They can see their friends’ activity and follow public figures. For those who don’t make videos as a hobby, the only thing it’s good for is watching videos posted there, which makes it no different than Youtube.

Although there are no serious flaws, it is slightly slow and brings almost nothing new to the table. Despite its efforts to compete with other social apps, Socialcam falls flat.

By Taylor White

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By Libby Sumnik

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IDEAS

North Pointe – Friday, April 26, 2013 – 7A

Tragedy mars Boston’s positive spirit “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

Co-ed schooling is the truer representation of the real world Southfield Michigan is implementing a wide variety of changes in the near future, one of which is the separation by gender in core classes. According to the Detroit Free Press, it is to give an advantage to the students who are academically behind.

Boys and girls may have different tendencies in the classroom, implying different needs, but teachers should be able to cater to them in a variety of ways in order to create for students fully functioning professional environment.

The science behind gender differences can be anywhere from concrete and easily measured, like the flow of blood under the influence of stress, or more abstract, like favoring a particular color. David Chadwell, South Carolina’s coordinator of single-gender education told Reader’s Digest that the data he used dealt only in tendencies, not absolutes.

“When someone speaks in a loud tone, girls interpret it as yelling,” Chadwell told Reader’s Digest.

Which could be true of a majority of young kids, regardless of gender.

“There is no definitive study that says absolutely, positively, without a doubt the best way to educate kids is single-sex classrooms. But there is also no definitive study that says absolutely ... the best way is coed classrooms,” Karen Stabiner, Author of “All Girls: Single-Sex Education and Why It Matters” told Los Angeles Times.

So without conclusive evidence pointing in either direction educationally, it raises a question of the sociological consequences either way, one of which is will this perpetuate gender roles. It’s impossible to ensure both boys and girls will get the same treatment and therefore education when they are being isolated to be treated differently. This has a potential for nourishing gender roles, which undermines the entire progressive direction of the educational system.

“Schools play a larger role in children’s lives beyond academic training – they prepare children for mixedsex workplaces, families and citizenry,” Rebecca Bigler, psychologist on the American Council for CoEducational Schooling told the Targeted News Service.

“Institutionalizing gender-segregated classrooms limits children’s opportunities to interact with members of the opposite sex and to develop the skills necessary for positive and cooperative interaction” “Schools are the workplace of childhood,” Kim Gandy, president of National Organization for Women told Los Angeles Times.

To build a gender segregated education is to set the foundation for a gender segregated society. Take for example a group project, the very purpose of which is for students to work together. If the students only have the opportunity to work with those of their own gender they would be ill-prepared for integrated workforce.

Separate gender schooling has seen success in the case of select private schools, but the results can’t be solely a product of divided gender. Smaller class sizes, more attention from teachers, skilled teachers, more active parents and typically more wealth in the family all usually add up to a better education regardless of placement of the sexes.

Some argue high school just isn’t a workforce, gender segregated or not, so to separate the genders so students can better focus is only logical.

“It is a very peculiar and unreal culture in which what counts is how you look, not who you are,” Leonard Sax, Maryland physician and psychologist who runs the National Association for the Advancement of Single Sex Public Education told the Los Angeles Times.

This attitude implies that the realism of the high school workplace is beyond saving, so it will not matter if it becomes more unrealistic. This is a defeatist attitude. Schooling shouldn’t be made more unrealistic on the basis that it never will be, it’s still important a professional environment is simulated at the highest level possible.

I am a marathoner.

In 2010, I achieved a lifelong goal when I competed in the Boston Marathon.

Despite the 37 marathons I have completed to date, Boston remains one of the greatest single experiences of my life.

Here is an excerpt from the race report I wrote shortly after the marathon: I should start with the overwhelming emotional associations I have always assigned to BOSTON. At 13 years of age, I began my distance running career and shortly thereafter started to Guest Column read running maga- diane montgomery zines. I became acutely aware of Boston as the pinnacle of marathoning, hence, distance running. And I told myself I would one day qualify for and run the Boston Marathon. That day was April 19, 2010.

What is so special about Boston beyond all other marathons I have participated in is the crowd support. From the little hamlet of Hopkinton to downtown Boston, there are very few spaces devoid of encouraging spectators.

The race is held each year on the third Monday of April known as Patriot’s Day in Massachusetts, a state holiday. It seems most locals spend their day off watching the race, encouraging - sometimes rather raucously - the parade of some 24,000 participants from worldclass athletes, to average people like me.

It is this overwhelmingly positive spirit that

floods through the runners as they make their way along the course to the famous finish line in downtown Boston. In 2010, I recorded that feeling like this: The final ½ mile down Boylston Street is really incredible. You can see the big finishing marquee over the road as soon as you make that last turn. Also, the crowds are amazing here. Again, I was floored to see so many people filling the grandstands hours after the elites had finished.

This year, at the 117th running of the Boston Marathon, those people, waiting and cheering along the final stretch, became the victims of senseless violence.

Three years ago, at precisely the time displayed on the large clock visible in the film footage of the first bomb, I was making my way down Boylston Street a minute or so short of the finish line. My significant other, Steve, was standing opposite of the grandstands, among the flags of the nations represented. On Monday, April 15th, this is where that first bomb exploded and forever changed the Boston Marathon.

Days later, I cannot possibly come to terms with what has happened. I am saddened by the fact that the fabled history of a very special race will be forever changed as a result. I am angry that each runner this year (and perhaps all years) cannot celebrate their accomplishment without also remembering the terrible attack that took the lives and limbs of others. I am frustrated that thousands of runners who dreamed and trained for months or years to fulfill this significant life goal had to be diverted from Boylston Street, left to wonder what fate their loved ones waiting at the finish line may have suffered. Finally, I am once again shocked by the utter depravity of other human beings. This is a reality that has become all too frequent in recent times.

“I don’t care because I don’t drink coffee, it makes my face hurt.”

“It’s pretty sad because it was a great place.”

“My dad and I went there and now we have to go to Starbucks. Starbucks is more expensive.”

Tony guarini freshman

James Lee

Kate Freeman junior

sophomore

YOUR TURN: What do you think about Caribou

Coffee closing?

By Libby Sumnik and Amanda Berry

“It’s a tragedy. It was really unexpected and now I have to go somewhere to get my orange-kiwi-mango smoothie.”

“I’m crushed. because I don’t usually go to Starbucks, I go to Caribou and I get their Northern Light frozen. I love it.”

Courtney Carroll

Diane Keller

senior

DLP Teacher

“That’s really sad, not only for the community, but for the business and vice versa.

Right next door, the photo place went out of business, RadioShack is still open, so I just hate to see that.”

Andy Montague English teacher

Martinbianco, Erica Lizza, Erin Armbruster, Katelyn Carney, Miranda Barry, Olivia Pullen, Radiance Cooper, Mallika Kanneganti, Matt Stander EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Maria Liddane EDITOR: Jordan Radke MANAGING EDITOR: Emma Ockerman 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, Jennifer Kusch, Courtney Veneri, Chris Elliott, Haley Reid, Sarah Schade, Jenna Belote, Emma Puglia, Jeffrey Valentic, Wendy Ishmaku, Anu Subramaniam PHOTOGRAPHERS: Caroline Schulte (Photo Editor), Emily Huguenin (Assistant Photo Editor), Sean O’Melia, Kaylee Dall INTERNS: Anna Hopkins, Brittney Hernandez, Caelin Micks, Carrie Rakowicz, Cydni Newman, Daijah Williams, Dora Juhasz, Emily

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.

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CONTACT US 707 Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 Phone: 313.432.3248 Email: northpointe@gpschools.org Twitter: @myGPN FACULTY ADVISER: Shari Adwers, CJE

my turn Jacob Barry

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

Hello, I’m Jacob Barry, and I’m here to talk to you about how robotics can impact your life today. And ... the eyes glaze over.

I’ve worked the recruiting desk at school registration for long enough to know the excuses, and I tried to make robotics seem fun with a few things like signs asserting dominance over Japanese Club (i.e.

“We only have to make one robot. They have to rebuild Tokyo every two weeks after Godzilla destroys it.”)

And I’m still trying.

Most people in the school acknowledge we have a robotics team but don’t really know anything about it. I’ve been asked if we’re like the robots on TV with mounted flamethrowers and buzz saws, who get into a free-for-all and total each other’s machines.

No. We’re run through an organization called F.I.R.S.T. whose unabbreviated name is displayed above.

The mission of the organization is “to transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated ... ,” according to founder, Dean Kamen.

Consider our role models as a society. I don’t much care for reality TV. I’ve heard an awful lot about Kim Kardashian’s baby, but the people who have contributed something significant go nameless.

This can be applied at a high school level, too.

Very few athletes manage to make professions out of their trades, but if your sport was robotics, you’re practically begged to pursue further. There have been over $16 million in scholarships given out through F.I.R.S.T., and the program gives students a head start practicing engineering skills in an environment that models a professional workplace.

All of that may sound very intimidating, and another common excuse I hear is “I’m not smart enough.” Let me tell you something – I’m finishing my fourth year on the team, and I’m still not smart enough. I’m just the captain of the make-it-look-pretty group. I take pictures, I’ve managed the website, and I’ve led team spirit wearing the mascot capes. None of that had anything to do with building. But if you’re not like me, and you want to work on the robot, the whole purpose of the group is for you to learn how, so don’t be shy.

So right about now, the robotics team should look pretty good. No experience required, millions of dollars in scholarships, and did I mention now is a better time than ever to join? Four years ago, we ranked in the bottom 10 of our state, and this year we are up there with the best teams in the world who qualified for the F.I.R.S.T. world event. If the team keeps going at that rate, they’ll be surpassing NASA while other teams are still building robots that shoot frisbees.

For four years, robotics has cultivated my interests while benefiting a larger cause. Anyone at North or South can do the same.

North Pointe – Friday, April 26, 2013 – 8A

For many Walsh grads, success is a way of life. Hundreds of Walsh grads own their own companies. Hundreds more are company presidents or VPs. Thousands hold other titles and have built great careers in great industries. Enroll now and start making business success part of your mantra.

WALSHCOLLEGE.EDU ®The yellow notebook design is a registered trademark of Walsh College. And the campaign is a creation of Perich Advertising + Design.

Thanks to the fine folks at Walsh for letting us say so.

NORTH

GROSSE POINTE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

SINCE 1968

POINTE

FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013

SPRING SPORTS EXTRA Senior Ali Scoggin, four-year number one varsity singles player, prepares to return a ball against rival Grosse Pointe South.

SEAN O’MELIA

North Pointe – Friday, April 26, 2013 – 2B

sports

NO gAIN sean o’melia

NO PAIN

By Dayle Maas & Haley Reid Editor & Staff Reporter

He has bruises covering his body, cuts on his face and arms and cleat marks scarring his shins. He acquires new injuries every practice and game, but it doesn’t stop him from playing. Junior Marty Brown fell in love with rugby and has no intention of stopping.

“Right now, I have this giant cleat mark on my leg, and it’s all bruised up. I’ve got cuts on my arm and bruises all over my legs,” Brown said. “It definitely makes me wanna keep playing. The rush is unreal.

It just never stops.”

Rugby is similar to football. Brown calls it a mix of “football, wrestling and soccer.” Two teams of 15 players are on the field at once. Lines are measured in meters instead of yards, and the ball is similar to a football but has rounded ends instead of points. “(It’s like) football ‘cause you hit everybody all the time. It’s ... like wrestling ‘cause you have to push and pull each other to try to get the ball back. It’s like soccer ‘cause you never stop,” Brown said. “We probably run three to five miles during practice and then over a mile, two miles every game.”

Brown said American football was created because rugby is too dangerous. Rugby players like Brown wear shorts, knee-high socks, shirts and

Rugby players endure injuries and aggressive play to promote non-sanctioned sport. cleats; no pads, helmets or protection of any kind.

Wearing a scrum cap, which Brown said is “basically just a piece of leather” around one’s head, is optional.

Brown says his parents have considered making him stop playing because of the riskiness and many injuries that come with the sport.

Sophomore Michael Kavanaugh can relate to the violent aspects of rugby, describing the pain of getting hit or hitting someone else as an “adrenaline rush.”

“It’s kind of more like a revenge tactic (when you get hit). Like, when they hit you hard, you just kinda want to go back and say, ‘I’m gonna hit you a lot harder,’” Kavanaugh said.

“It’s technique. If you don’t tackle right, or you don’t get tackled right, you’ll get crushed,” Brown said.

Last year, Kavanaugh pulled both of his groin muscles but has continued to play. He says it affects his speed.

Both Brown and Kavanaugh like the non-stop pace of the game. Brown said calls can get overlooked because only one referee, called a sir, is on the field to watch the 30 players.

“You know hockey’s geared towards continuous play, and (the sir) just says ‘Alright, it’s not a big deal.’ (Rugby’s) kind of on the same general deal,”

Kavanaugh said. “They try to keep it on a continuous pace to keep the game moving. So, I mean, if it’s a big violation, they’re gonna call it, but if it’s something little, they’re just gonna be like ‘Eh.’” Brown says his team becomes a family by the end of the season. Everything from running up and down the hill at Balduck Park to the post-game feasts are done as a team.

“You have to be such a team because everything is team orchestrated. You can’t even run down the field by yourself. You have to have at least two other guys with you,” Brown said.

Currently, the rugby team is combined with South as a club sport, unaffiliated with the school.

“The school doesn’t recognize that we are an actual sport like Lakeview (High School) does. So Lakeview has an actual varsity team and a JV team, and we don’t have that,” Kavanaugh said.

Brown and Kavanaugh would like to continue with rugby in the future, hoping to take themselves to the collegiate level.

“How many people play football in high school?

A lot. But then how many people actually come out to be pros and make money? Very few,” Kavanaugh said. “(With) rugby, there’s a lot more of a demand for people. So if you work at it, you get better at it, and you have a higher chance of actually being successful at it.”

sports

North Pointe – Friday, April 26, 2013 – 3B

Conquering rivalry for love of the sport South student steps in for North’s lacking team in a regatta; instead of helping a rival school, student Kat Trost saw her helping hand as an opportunity to support the sport she loves.

By Kristen Kaled & Colleen Reveley assistant editors

North’s sailing team was almost landlocked this season. The sport at North has taken a hard hit when it comes to participation from students.

Due to lack of interest, North’s sailing team had to “borrow” sailors from South’s team in their last regatta.

Borrowed crew member junior Kat Trost did not see her participation on North’s team to be cheating, but more of a friendly deed.

“Cheating would generally be the correct term, but I see it as helping some friends out and having a blast racing on the water,” Trost said.

Sailing coach Scott Stevenson uses this as a learning experience for his small team.

“This past weekend, we were unable to field a team throughout the event given the number of students taking ACTs, the cold weather conditions and other prior commitments,” Stevenson said. “Thankfully, this was a warm-up event, and it was good practice for those who were on the water throughout. Although we finished 10th of 12 in this event, we look to build on this experience and rely heavily on our upperclassmen who have had much success over the past years.”

Despite the lack of engagement, there is just enough of a team to be able to compete.

“No one really knows about sailing, and it’s a really hard thing to just jump into,” sophomore Nate Kain said.

Kain began sailing last year and is still developing his sea legs when it comes to racing.

“It’s a lot harder than any other sport to pick up,” Kain said. “I’m crew, so I use the jib, the little sail in the front. There is a lot of stuff you have to do.”

Returning sailor junior Mackensie Balcirak is one of three skippers (captains of the boats) and encourages students to join.

“People should join. Our team is really lacking. At South, they have like 30 kids. Then there’s us. We have six, and six is the dead minimum,” Balcirak said.

Kain has enjoyed his time on the team but notices the lagging numbers and sees a correlation between lack of participants and how vastly different sailing is from other sports.

“I know we have a lot less players than South, so we borrowed some from them. It’s a little different because it’s a co-ed sport, so there are groups of different people. It’s different,” Kain said.

Coach Stevenson sees the lack of participation as a financial issue.

“Sailing as a sport has had a tough couple years. As a relatively expensive sport it was hit harder than most,” Stevenson said.

One similarity that most wouldn’t consider between sailing and other sports is the level of competition. During regattas, pushing, shoving and playing dirty is the only way to ensure success for each of the three boats on each school team. The goal is to place all three boats in the best possible positions. This is called a winning combination, a first and second place finish automatically earn the win, no matter what the third boat places. The amount of points is determined by what place out of six a boat comes in.

The lower the score, the better, as long as all three boats don’t earn above 10 points. The higher the placement, the higher amount of undesired points earned.

“You really wanna screw over the other people. First, you need to know who the strongest people on the other team are, then you gotta decide who’s gonna take that person out,” Balcirak said.

Despite the fact that Trost sails for the rival school, she noticed no difference between the two on the water.

“Sailing with North was a blast. I love all the kids on the team, and I was glad I could help out. It taught me that standing up and being a team player, even if it’s for the other team, is really rewarding in the end. It makes you feel like you were a part of helping them succeed,” Trost said. “Only the school caroline schulte name was different. As long as I was Mackensie Balcirak, Christian Carlsen and Mackenzie Frame hoist the main of one of the boats before a practice that was cancelled due to dangerous conditions and high on the water, everything was good.” windspeeds.

PHO

North Pointe – Friday, April 26, 2013 – 4B

Spring Spor

By Sean O’Melia Staff Reporter

Even though the Spring Sports Season has start because of fluctuating weather conditions, Nort perservered to have a good start to their spring 1. Senior Chrisa Kouskoulas leads the team by moving the ball down the field.

“My individual goals for this year are to learn how to be a strong leader and keep improving as a player, but also to have fun with it,” Kouskoulas said.

2. Junior Mitchell Stapleton carries the lacrosse ball through a shower of snow during their first game of the season.

“Our season so far has been a roller coaster, lots of highs and lows ... I think all of my teammates can agree one of our team goals is to defeat South, but I really want our team to make a state playoff run,” Stapleton said.

3. Senior Madison Bush prepares to pitch in one of the first official games of the season.

“We’ve been having sort of a rough start, but we are a fairly new team with a new coach. I think if we learn to work together, we could be really good because we all have the talent,” Bush said.

4. Senior Kelly Bertolini runs to the goal on a penalty shot.

“I think the season has been really good so far. An individual goal would be to top the goals I scored last year, and a team goal is to beat South on Friday,” Bertolini said.

1.

2.

3.

OTO

North Pointe – Friday, April 26, 2013 – 5B

rts Mania

ted off slow th athletes have season.

4.

5.

5. Senior Steven Mitchell hands off the baton in a relay race to Junior Kyle Moton. “(The season is) going very well, and I’m looking forward to winning the regional championship and heading back to states,” Mitchell said.

6. Senior Evan Hayden positions himself to bolt to first base after hitting the ball.

“So far, the season has gone well. We are still smoothing out some rough ends, but progress is evident,” Hayden said.

7. Junior Julia Rustmann sprints in one of the first meets at North.

“The season has had an amazing start, and I’m very excited to see how this season plays out. Everyone seems to be working very hard while working together as a team. We’re also lucky to have such a great, dedicated coaching staff,” Rustmann said.

8. Senior Ali Scoggin gets ready to return the tennis ball, to an opposing South player.

“Well, we’ve only had three matches so far due to rain-outs, but for those three, I know I have improved a lot since last year. I feel very confident in my game,” Scoggin said.

6.

7.

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sports

North Pointe – Friday, April 26, 2013 – 6B

SHELDON HARRIS

MATT LEONE

Pole Vault PR: 11 feet 6 inches

TAIWAN WIGGINS

Shot put PR: 139 feet

It isn’t easy to be shown up by a freshma n.

“On the first day of track as a they freshma n, For senior e yon ever e, e hav on Le Mat t multiple te tice ri prac vo fa s hi When events. pa rt is fa lli ng.

I we got to discus, “Yes !

I threw fart her wou ld tota lly en, d n than the new com ing upperclassm e m m o c re first my for ent 79 feet, which was dec Honestly, it. ris ’s It throw ever,” sen ior Sheldon Har t! as bl a s it' said. one of the best t e Weight room trai ning is a frequen th of s rt pa g alon r nda cale occurrence on Har ris’ year for me, one Le ” it, with track practice five days a week. ve lo I d an “My goa l is to go to states to win sa id. en an be am te e hard since I was a th s Not on ly ha e’s it all. I’ve worked on Le on ce en freshma n.” important in flut so has his dad. bu , Nat ura l abil ity, determi nation ander re ca k pac tr su ly al re en e helped, but guid “My dad has be ri ng the four intense trai ning hav can complete the ch du coa a e port ive of m for GPN. He used ance from ess. years I vaulted when he was in circle of succtold me since my first year “He ... has to do it hi mself he knows a lot so , I have the abil ity to go all the way ol that ho high sc always 's he d es. How I get there an t, or y and win it all at statone else taug ht me, about the sp an t ou e m lp he is my choice. If any been w ill ing to I wou ldn’t be the leader I am.” way he ca n.”

Hurdles 300 m PR: 38.8 seconds

NATE LIM BACK Distance

1600 m P R: 5:04 3200 m P R: 10:41

The former record holder at Nor th wil l soon be replaced wit h Wit h Boston’ ‘Blue for Taiwan Wigon h is pen ned gins. leg, Sen ior Nate “W hen I back a r r L imfirst star ted track, I did n’t eve iv n h is mee ed at thin k about doi ng hurdles. My t t he d ay coach made me try it out, and followI in g loved it,” sen ior Taiwan Wiggin s bo t he Boston said. mbing After breaki ng the news to his show resp to ec t for t hose mother about his new fou nd pas t h at s h a re h is pa “T he da sion, few words came in reply. ss y “‘You're brave.’ My mom was meet, so I w a fter, we had ion. r a t r ac k o te m ‘B y leg a lue for a little skeptical about it, but she a nd I ra nnd ra n t he race Boston’ on lightened up,” Wiggins said. w one of m y best ra it h it on, “Coach Sta n was the person back sa id. ces,” L im “My in it who introduced me to the huria l r e a a n c t ions we d ca ll m dles and taught me the proper r y way. Also, he was right by my block s away cousin who livee to tex t s a few fr o u m t m t here side before and after every ost s t he abil itor row for a ll t ho . I feel t he race.” s y to r u n aga in.” e who lost

Meet your athletes

Check out how this years track athletes are stacking up in their events

By Danae DiCicco & Melissa Healy staff reporters

MADDIE GAFA

EMMA ABESSINIO

Distance 1600 m PR: 6:20

jump 100 m, 200 m, long feet 6 inches Long jump PR: 15

re a na line rush befo “I love the ad rea Abessi nio sa id. m race,” senior Em nt inue ru nn ing but not co to an pl “I a hobby w ill be more of competit ively. It joy it more.” so I w ill get to ene race as a practice be“T hi nk of th ays anot her meet that w cause there is ale in.” ov pr you ca n im

TAYLOR LANG Sprint seconds 200 meter PR: 26.3

ic and rem ind “I listen to musce at a time. I alra mysel f to go one el f that if I do the ys m d in m re ways n’t be mad at mybest I ca n do, I caor La ng sa id. self,” senior Tayl

“My favorite part is the bond we have as a team and all the fun we have at practice,” junior Maddie Gafa said.

“I run cross country a little better but they’re both really fun. My coaches really encouraged me and the other runners all liked it so I wanted to get involved too. My goal is to get my varsity letter and to break six minutes in the mile.”

PHOTOS BY KAYLEE DALL

Sports

North Pointe – Friday, April 26, 2013 – 7B

A switch, from the mound to the net

By Sara Villani staff reporter

New varsity lacrosse goalie junior Dana O’Donnell wasn’t always a “laxer.” In fact, until the day of tryouts, she hadn’t touched a stick. Instead, O’Donnell has always been at home on the softball diamond.

“I had been playing since I was ten and spent most of my time playing year-round on travel teams,” O’Donnell said.

But, as O’Donnell learned at the beginning of this season, the players aren’t the only important parts of a team. The coach can be a make it or break it factor. As a new face arrived to coach the team, O’Donnell didn’t think that she lived up to the past team mentors.

“When I tried out for softball, the new coach and I weren’t really seeing eye to eye, so I decided I wanted a change,” O’Donnell said.

Up to this point, lacrosse had not even been on her radar. It was all about softball. But, when O’Donnell’s friend junior Angela Scapini mentioned that the team needed another goalie, O’Donnell had to take the idea into consideration.

“The day I quit softball, I walked over to the lacrosse practice and started playing that day,”

O’Donnell said.

Normally a left outfielder, O’Donnell was in for a challenge in becoming a goalie, but it was one that would help the lacrosse team. When she tried out, the team was desperate for a goalie, and that spot just so happened to be exactly the “change” that she was looking for.

“Nothing in particular made me want to be a goalie,” O’Donnell said. “It was just right place, right time.”

With high hopes of an easy transition between the sports, O’Donnell’s athletic life was in for an extreme makeover. Softball is to baseball as lacrosse is to soccer, but softball is nothing like lacrosse.

“They are completely different. When I started playing, I was hoping they would be similar so it would be an easy transition,” O’Donnell said. “Although, I think it’s a good thing they’re different because I really wanted a change.”

With a new sport and a new position, O’Donnell also has a new group of teammates to get used to.

But, a new goalie was exactly what they needed, and they didn’t give O’Donnell any trouble with adjusting.

“The whole team was very accepting, and they seemed like they were really excited for me to start playing on their team,” O’Donnell said.

Once O’Donnell’s fellow teammates realized that she had a natural talent for playing goalie, they were quite impressed.

“She has picked up goalie really quick and has improved so much in such a short time,” junior Susan Tomasi said. “I’m glad she switched over from softball to lacrosse. It’s impressive because she jumped

into a whole new sport she’s never played right to the hardest position.”

Junior lacrosse player Angela Scapini is also happy with her decision.

“I am really excited that she joined because she is my best friend, and we have always wanted to play a sport together,” junior Angela Scapini said. “She caught on quickly and does really well.”

Varsity lacrosse coach Bill Seaman was thrilled about having a new addiEmily tion to his lacrosse famHuguenin ily.

“Dana is a great addition to the team. She’s athletic, coachable and a hard worker,” Seaman said. “We’re lucky to have her.”

Now that she has a new family and a new coach, softball isn’t in O’Donnell’s mindset as much as it used to be. The question is: which one is better?

“If I had to choose, I would definitely say lacrosse,” O’Donnell said. “It is sad it took me this long to start playing because I love it so much now.”

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8B – Friday April 26, 2013 – North Pointe

sports

Sean O’Melia

Senior struggles with multiple injuries

By Sarah Schade Staff Reporter

Ask senior Alex Raicevich how his shoulder is doing, and he’ll ask, “Which one?”

In his baseball career at North, Raicevich has acquired many injuries, including back spasms, right elbow tendonitis, right shoulder inflammation, a torn labrum in the right shoulder, a broken nose and a concussion.

In his sophomore year on JV, he tore the labrum, the connective cartilage of the shoulder, and the rotator cuff of his right shoulder, which required surgery to fix. He missed the rest of the season, was in a sling for seven weeks and had physical therapy for four months. He still wasn’t able to pitch his junior year.

“It’s a long process of therapy, which the first six weeks are strictly stretching that the therapist takes you through.

The reason I know that is because I had the same surgery,” JV coach Dick Borland said. “And after the six weeks, you start very slowly with weights, band work. It’s probably a full year before you can actually get back to starting to throw a baseball. Pretty grueling; it’s a very long, tough recovery.”

Raicevich still worked to come back the next year and continue playing.

“He got injured part way through and continued to show up everyday,

be a team leader, still pushed the guys even though he could not play the rest of the entire season,” Borland said. “I give him a lot of credit for stepping up and doing that because it’s tough when you suffer an arm injury when you work so hard, and he’s one of the hardest working kids that I have known in my years coaching at North.”

In addition to missing his whole sophomore season, Raicevich also decided to stop playing basketball and focus on baseball.

“The first shoulder injury ended my basketball career, too. I was on varsity as a sophomore. Everyone wanted me to come back, but I had to choose between baseball and basketball,” Raicevich said. “It was a really hard decision to make after the first surgery, but I still loved the game of baseball.

Before I had the surgery, I had a better shot at playing college baseball than college basketball, so I chose baseball.”

This year, while practicing batting, Raicevich dislocated his left shoulder.

“What he did was he sub-locked it, which is basically it popping out and popping back in. That means that he probably tore his labrum, which is the cartilage inside the shoulder,” trainer Kari Ewalt said. “In his case, it was

kind of more of a freak accident than anything else. He was batting, and it was cold outside, and they probably shouldn’t have been outside practicing, but they were.”

Raicevich had an MRI on April 19 and will be receiving results within the week.

Those who know him say they understand his tendency to always be injured.

“I’ve been on Alex’s team since Little League, so I’ve played with him a long time,” junior Sal Ciaravino said. “Ever since I’ve known him, there’s always been something, whether it’s a little injury or a major injury, that’s caused him to not be able to play, which is unfortunate for him because he’s a good player when he’s healthy.”

Raicevich’s family expresses sympathy for his frequent ailments.

“I feel bad because he’s always had so many injuries. It’s kind of like he’s always on to the next one, with his shoulders and his knee or something,” sophomore Christa Raicevich said.

Despite being frustrated by his setbacks, Raicevich still works with the team.

“I still want to play, but I just wish injuries didn’t happen. I miss pitching, playing first base and being on the

team, being in games. It just hurts to watch from the bench,” Raicevich said.

“I get really frustrated. I always have to be doing something. I just can’t sit there and watch.”

Raicevich’s attitude towards his injuries is what allows him to savor his season every year, whether he’s in a cast or not.

“He just about does anything that I ask of him. He’s a fine young man.

He’s got a great attitude, and whatever it takes, he’ll do it. Last year, he was a pitcher for us, and he was a starting first baseman, just as he was this year,” varsity coach Frank Sumbera said. “We have a situation where we’ve had to go to another young man who’s stepped in, and it’s his responsibility now. We miss (Raicevich), but he’s contributing a lot on the field also as a helper in every way that he can.”

Even after facing many setbacks, Raicevich still retains his passion for the game.

“I had a big freshman year. I was getting scouted. But after (being injured), I was really frustrated,” Raicevich said.

“I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned patience. I’ve learned there’s bigger and better things in life than just baseball.

But I still love the game.”