North Pointe - Issue 3 - Oct. 18, 2017

ON CAMPUS PAGE 4 Varsity boys soccer team levels the devil, securing their league championship place on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

NORTH

GROSSE POINTE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

UPCOMING EVENTS TEACHER CONFERNCES Oct. 18-19 in the gym from 5-8 p.m.

LIFETOUCH PICTURE RETAKE

Oct.18 in Union from 8 a.m-2 p.m.

Oct. 19 in cafeteria from 3-4 p.m

LINK CREW SEMINAR

Oct. 23 from 8-8:30 a.m

ACT TESTING

Oct. 28 at 8 a.m.

District amps up

By Lindsey Ramsdell, Arzoo Chhaya & JoAnna Alexander CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & INTERNS The signature black and white Ford Explorer of the Grosse Pointe Woods Police may become a more familiar site parked outside the school. In a district-wide attempt to promote positive relations between the police and students, administration is inviting local police to stop by, and even come in, the schools more often.

Principal Kate Murray met with Superintendent Gary Niehaus, Parcells Middle School Principal Dan Hartley and the Chief of the Grosse Pointe Woods Police Department to discuss ways for the police and schools to mutually support one another.

The group decided the best way to better relations was to increase familiarity between officers and students by welcoming police into the schools more often.

“Our goal is to always keep improving and building an even stronger relationship because when we promote positive relationships between students and officers, we create a safer environment for everyone,” Murray said.

While some disagree with the decision, sophomore Claire Yee has already noticed more officers around campus in the past weeks, and appreciates their presence.

“I was working in the bookstore selling

police presence in schools Homecoming tickets, and I saw them right outside the bookstore,” she said. “It makes me feel safer. Just in case something actually were to happen, we would have police there."

As part of their normal road shift,

INSIDE

“AS ADOLECENTS WE ARE

CONSTANTLY UNDER SURVEILLENCE.

WE FEEL

TARGETED IN THE

EYES

OF THE

LAW."

officers are invited to periodically stop by the school. So, students won’t recognize the same officers each day.

This visits will most often take place before or after school. Murray said having

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18, 2017

police around could help ease traffic in the parking lot before and after school.

The faculty has already been informed about the increased police presence via email. Murray said students and parents will be officially informed soon as well.

She said that the change is not because of any misdemeanors, so students should not feel punished or intimidated. The goal of increased police presence is not to scare students, but to make them more comfortable, Murray said.

Freshman Amanda Vogel doesn’t mind the increase in officers around school. Like Yee, she also feels safer with them here.

“I don’t think (having a few more) would make a difference,” Vogel said.

“If there are just a few police officers, then that’s good.”

Murray’s goal for the partnership is to make students more comfortable with local law enforcement, which may prove beneficial in future situations. Part of this partnership includes the addition of office hours for detective Ryan Schroerlucke, who is the school liaison officer for the GPWPD. “I hope that it increases the safety and security for all of our students and our community,” Murray said. “The police presence inside the building helps them have an improved familiarity and presence in our schools, and that would help them in case there was ever an emergency.”

Gerrymandering: state redraws district lines

By Amber Braker, Elizabeth Ballinger, Allison Lackner & Michael Hartt EDITORS, BUSINESS MANAGER & STAFF REPORTER

NORTHPOINTENOW.ORG

SINCE 1968

MS DE LL LIN DS EY RA

INTERACT CLUB MEETING

POINTE

ALL PHOTOS BY KENNEDY WILLIAMS

Every 10 years, state legislators redraw congressional districts to ref lect changes in population. So, when the time comes to alter congressional districts, the political party with the majority in Congress has the ability to impress their bias upon the basis of our political system by redrawing the districts in their party’s favor.

“People have always seen the process as being patently unfair,” social studies teacher Barry Mulso said. “When people see the process being fair, it usually reflects on whether their party is in control because that’s who gets to draw the boundaries.”

When politicians draw the district boundaries to benefit their political party, it’s called gerrymandering. Both Democrats and Republicans across the country have done this for hundreds of years. “(Parties) have been able to give themselves the upper hand,” senior Ruth McCuen said. “And in the future, they will continue to grow in power, which is unfair for (the other) political groups.”

Mulso said gerrymandering is the key method legislators use to maintain their inf luence.

“So it's all about strategy,” Mulso said. “It's always been a political enterprise, and the court as a result of that, really hasn't stepped in and

said you can't do that.”

Most of the time, gerrymandering is completely legal. However, the Supreme Court has questioned its constitutionality in certain cases. When district lines were drawn on seemingly racial bounds in North Carolina, the Supreme Court struck them down claiming they diluted blacks’ voting power and therefore violated their civil rights.

“Ninety-six percent of African Americans vote Democrat in North Carolina and something like 98 percent of white people vote republican in North Carolina. And so it was easy to see who your voters are, so all they had to do was put all the black people in this district,” Mulso said. “It f lipped instantly. It went from majority Democrat to majority Republican overnight.”

Though there was an intervention in this situation, the Court has stated that gerrymandering is largely a political, rather than legal, issue. As a result, it tends to stay out of the debate unless, like in North Carolina, racial disenfranchisement is involved. This leaves the legislatures largely unchecked when it comes to redrawing district lines.

However, a Wisconsin case is being brought before the Court that could change the way the issue is handled within the legal system. The state is being accused of burying Democratic votes by drawing the districts to benefit Republicans.

PAGE 3

"I WISH THAT'S ONE THING I WAS ABLE TO DO WHEN I GOT

MY FIRST

JOB" PAGE 7

MICHIGAN'S 14TH CONGREGATIONAL DISTRICT

@thenorthpointe www.northpointenow.org

VOLUME 50 | ISSUE 3

News Editorial

WDET.ORG

1-2 3

On Campus In-Depth

4 5

Reviews Life

6 7

“The Supreme Court is actually looking at the case in Wisconsin because it was so hyperpartisan,” social studies teacher Daniel Gilleran said. “The people feel like their vote didn’t matter, and once you get to the point where the public thinks their vote doesn’t matter, that just destroys the foundation of democracy.”

The question of this case has nothing to do with racial discrimination. It’s purely political. So, it represents a change of pace for the court. The case’s decision could mean sweeping changes for the districts drawn in many states, including Michigan.

Michigan’s districts are some of the most gerrymandered in the country. And the 14th district, which encompasses the Grosse Pointes, has become a poster child for the issue.

“It doesn’t just happen at the national level. They also redraw the boundaries to affect the outcome of the state house of representatives and the state senate as well … That’s where most Americans are really going to encounter government,” Mulso said. “It’s harder to watch at the state level because it doesn’t get as much attention. You have to pay closer attention, but gerrymandering does happen at the state level as well.”

But Voters Not Politicians, a nonpartisan ballot committee, is hoping to change this. It has started a petition to put a referendum on the 2018 ballot to end gerrymandering in Michigan Its proposed amendment to Michigan’s constitution will require that the districts be drawn by a citizens’ commission so they ref lect the ideologies of those who live in the state, rather than the dominant party in its legislature.

In order to get its referendum on the ballot, Voters Not Politicia ns needs 315,654 signatures by Feb. 13. So fa r, they’ve collected more tha n 20 0,0 0 0.

McCuen took AP government last year and thinks North students should be aware of their districts since some will be able to vote soon.

She said the boundaries need to be drawn from scratch so the districts are more fair.

“Political viewpoints are pretty well divided and split up between most communities,” McCuen said. “And in order to give the best representation of people’s viewpoints, you need to have a good representation of who is in each district.”

In many cases, this process is only beneficial to the politicians and not the voters.

“I’ve heard it described as when the politicians choose their voters, the voters don’t choose the politicians because the way they draw the lines,” Gilleran said. “It leads to is hyper-partisanism on both sides of the political spectrum.

There’s no reason to compromise because you know pretty much you’re going to win.”

Sports

8

NEWS

2 – North Pointe – Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

IN BRIEF Public library system launches HOOPLA app Late book fees at your local library may become a thing of the past. Grosse Pointe Public Libraries have recently started using Hoopla, a portable library app. After downloading the app to a mobile phone and signing up using a library card, users have access to all the content offered by GPPL. Users can borrow audiobooks, movies, comics, eBooks and television shows. Although GPPL is just joining Hoopla this year, it has been around for a while.

Hoopla launched as a website in 2010 and went mobile in 2014.

Freshman Colin Duffy expects that the accessibility of Hoopla will help his reading habits.

“This will definitely make me read more, seeing the app icon there and having the book I’m reading with me all the time,” Duffy said.

FAFSA workshop provides advice to students, parents Seniors and their families were able to receive help during a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) workshop on Monday, Oct. 16. FAFSA is used by colleges to determine how much financial aid a student receives.

At the workshop, counselors assisted families as they filled out the lengthy application. The FAFSA form must be completed by June 30, but it’s useful to get it done earlier so students can get a more accurate projection of their tuition costs.

There are many types of financial aid students can receive. Different sources of financial aid include grants from the federal government, the state in which a student resides, colleges, or private and nonprofit organizations.

“You want to make sure you aren’t getting loans, because that’s not really aid in my view. You want to make sure you’re getting grants or loans based on the FAFSA,” counselor Brian White said.

White also stresses how important it is to apply, because if students do not, there’s a chance they can get cut out of merit-based aid. To find out how, go to https://fafsa.ed.gov/, to sign up and apply.

By Amelia Schock

Unerclassmen take PSAT It’s that time of year again—PSAT testing for freshman, sophomores and juniors. The PSAT is the practice test for the SAT test taken during junior year. The PSAT is taken twice a year, in fall and spring, to assess students’ progress over the year.The fall PSAT was administered on Wednesday, Oct. 11, and the spring test will take place in April.

The PSAT is made to prepare students, but it is also made to challenge students. Students that score in the top one percent nationally on the fall PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.

Sophomore Olga Stathis thought that the test was especially challenging this year.

“Some of it was challenging, and then some other parts I got it. I was able to get the answers but some things just didn't make sense,” Stathis said.

Despite the challenges the PSAT brings, Stathis believes that it will help her in the long run for the SAT taken later on.

“I think it prepares me for taking the SAT and when I get the results back, I can see what I need to work on.” Stathis said. confident about having guests in,”

Parent-teacher conferences approach Parent-teacher conferences are right around the corner. They take place this Wednesday through Thursday, Oct. 18-19, and last from 5-8 p.m. each day.

Teachers have different ways for preparing for this important time of the year. English teacher Allison Dunn feels gets ready for conferences so that parents and students can get the most out of their visit.

“On my end, I make sure that all my grades are up to date and that all my assignments are in, so that when I am speaking with parents I make sure that there is accurate information and not outdated information,” Dunn said.

Dunn also thinks that face-to-face interactions with parents and students is more effective than updates over email or text. Although conferences are primarily for parents, she thinks that it is helpful for students to attend as well.

“On the students’ part I have them do a ref lection about their progress in class, what their goals are, how they are working towards them. So even if they are not (at conferences) their opinion is still present,” Dunn said.

By Mariah Loper

Grosse Pointe restaurants face Hepatitus A outbreak

By Zoe Graves, Cheryl Knorp & Hannah Zalewski PAGE EDITOR & INTERNS For the past few months, San Diego has been in the news for the large outbreak of Hepatitis A that has been attacking the city. Lesser publicized is the equally large outbreak affecting Detroit, which has even managed to penetrate the bubble of Grosse Pointe.

Two well-known restaurants in GP—Uncle Paul’s Pizza and Cabbage Patch Cafe & Catering—were contaminated with the Hepatitis A virus between Aug. 1 and Sept. 29.

The restaraunts shared an employee who spread the virus to food. Both restaurants closed temporarily, and management worked closely with the Wayne County Health Department to ensure the future safety of patrons.

Dr. Ruta Sharangpani, who works for the Wayne County Health Department, suggested that both restaurants dispose of all food made before Sept. 29 and complete a meticulous cleaning of their equipment to prevent further spread of the virus.

“Unfortunately (after an issue like this), it does take some time for people to go back. We do our best to assure people that were working with the restaurants, and we don’t like closing places unless we have to or asking them to close it,” Sharangpani said.

“It does take some time to build that reputation back, and often they do well after because they work very closely with us like ‘OK, these are things that you can do better in the future and avoid these types of things.’”

According to Sharangpani, Hepatitis A is initially hard to diagnose because of its lack of early symptoms and similarities to the flu. It can take anywhere from 1550 days for symptoms to appear in a person, and younger people— especially teens and young children—can be asymptomatic.

Senior Stephanie Schaefer is a fan of Uncle Paul’s Pizza and said that when she initially heard about the outbreak, she was glad that she hadn’t eaten there recently.

“I probably won’t go there anytime soon. Other people said they are

ZOE GRAVES

fine, but it's really unfortunate what happened,” Schaefer said. “I’m sure (the employee who was sick) didn’t have any bad intentions, but still you have to report stuff like that. You can never be too careful when you're sick because it hurts other people.”

The best way to avoid getting Hepatitis A is to take the normal precautions against getting sick in general—washing your hands before you prepare or eat any food and stay-

ing home from work or school while sick. Sharangpani also recommended getting the Hepatitis A vaccine, which is 90-95 percent effective.

Senior Rebecca Alway has never eaten at either Uncle Paul’s Pizza or Cabbage Patch Cafe but said that this will definitely affect her going there in the future.

“Stuff like that just like grosses me out, and is kind of weird.

And I don’t eat there anyway, so

I have other options I’d rather go to,” Alway said.

She said she believes it will affect their business.

“I mean, I know they’re going to get everything taken care of, but still that being in people’s minds. I think is going to be a little bit unsettling.

I don’t think people are going to get over that so quickly. I feel bad about that but like I think it’s just gonna happen.”

Blue Ribbon Committee discusses future of Grosse Pointe School System

By Zoe Graves & Rory Angott PAGE EDITOR & STAFF REPORTER

ing students over the past few years. This, combined with decreases in state funding, has contributed to the structural deficit.

On Thursday, “Funding from the Sept. 28, the Grosse state is determined by a Pointe Blue Ribbon per-pupil basis. We receive Committee had their $10,000 per student, and first meeting in the liwe’re going to lose about brary of South High500 students over the School. The comnext five years, which is mittee was formed to $5 million,” Summerfield address the structural said. “State aid has basideficit the district is cally been flat from 2010. facing and create a They say that they’re go10-year facilities plan. ing to give you $10 more PHOTO BY RORY ANGOTT Superintendent per pupil, so basically it Gary Niehaus thinks PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE| Members of the Blue Ribbon Committee meet to create a plan for the hasn’t risen at all in the the committee serves future of Grosse Pointe Public Schools. The committe was formed to address the need for recovery past seven years to keep up strategy after the school system faced budget issues earlier this year. "The big thing is that we have a as a vital part of the plan that’s actually sustainable." Summerfield said. "You have to look at everything. So overall it’s just with inflationary costs. If you district’s future and will a very complicated problem which is why we brought the community together to look at it." look at how much we receive also play a major role in per pupil looking at inflation, the safety of Grosse Pointe students. into either renewing it or asking voters for a capital it’s staggering how little we receive.”

“If we’re going to continue to keep students in bond. The last capital bond granted to the district The committee was formed by the School our classrooms safe and secure, we’ve got to be was in 2002 and was valued at $62 million. If Board after Plante Moran CRESA conducted serious about the upgrades that need to go into voters were to pass a capital bond, tax increases a study on the structural needs of the buildings our schools,” Niehaus said. “We always do reno- would be necessary. within the district earlier this year. The necessary vations in our homes in Grosse Pointe, and right Senior Elijah Manson said there may be initial updates were categorized by Plante Moran as critnow we need to do that in our schools. It’s really frustration over the idea of a tax increase. ical needs, which are things to be fixed in the next important for us to make that happen.”

“I don’t know how informed people are about three years, deferred maintenance, things that will The Blue Ribbon Committee is made up of stuff like this in the first place, but I think when- need to be done in four to six years and property School Board members, district teachers and fac- ever somebody hears about a tax increase, people enhancements that can be done at any point in the ulty and community members with and without are dismayed by that, and they don’t like it no mat- next 10 years. students currently enrolled in the district. Niehaus ter what it’s for,” he said. “I don’t think it would be “The big thing is that we have a plan that’s and representatives from the real estate develop- a good reaction.” sustainable. It doesn’t do us any good to spend ment firm Plante Moran CRESA act as facilitaBut he said people may still vote in favor of a capital on buildings that we can’t keep up with tors of the committee. capital bond because of the flexibility it offers. because we are running a structural defiBecause of the budget deficit in the district, “Again, it always depends on what it’s for, so if cit,” Summerfield said. “Overall, it’s just a Niehaus and the School Board are looking into it’s for better infrastructure, I think people would very complicated problem, which is why we options for covering future expenses in terms of if they were informed properly. brought the community together to look at it.” the 10-year plan developed by the committee. The According to School Board President Brian district currently has a sinking fund and is looking Summerfield, the district has been gradually los-

NORTH

POINTE

“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 Abbey Cadieux EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Lindsey Ramsdell EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Caitlin Bush MANAGING EDITOR

Alex Harring MANAGING EDITOR

Anna Post EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Michal Ruprecht EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Allison Lackner Sonny Mulpuri BUSINESS MANAGER WEB MANAGING EDITOR

Sofia Ketels PAGE EDITOR

Zoe Graves Syeda Rizvi PAGE EDITOR PAGE EDITOR Our editorial represents the opinion of the North Pointe Editorial Board consisting of the editors above. Members who have a conflict of interest with an editorial topic do not partake in that meeting or vote.

Lack of communication at administrative level leaves students in dark, raising concerns over new police partnership, safety When you see a police officer, how does it make you feel?

Be honest with yourself. Whether or not you respect officers and their duties or have negative associations with their loud sirens and shiny badges—people always hesitate when in the presence of law enforcement.

We live in a divided world.

In a time of segregated chaos, cultural and religious differences clash and result in a bloody, unresolved mess between society and the law. These clashes also lead to varying opinions on how they should be dealt with, which evidently has taken a toll on citizens’ perceptions of police and other government figures.

In order to ease some of the tension, the school system has enforced the importance of building positive relations between the student body and the authorities by placing officers near the school building at various times throughout the school day.

The goal is to build positive relations in a learning environment, which is perfectly acceptable. However, the Editorial Board feels that it has taken too long to have students and parents informed of this change.

When we see cops as we’re driving down Mack Ave., we immediately check our speedometers. We feel cautious when walking around a cop car and scurry when we realize we are out past curfew.

Admit it. Police make us hesitate.

As adolescents, we are constantly under surveillance.

We feel targeted in the eyes of the law. So when we see the police force in our learning environment, we’re bound to feel uneasy—especially when we see them in an atmosphere where they aren’t typically present.

During public assemblies, football games and homecoming parades, the reasoning behind police attendance at such events is obvious. They can be seen by the public, and their intent is clear: to help create a safe atmosphere in a time where there is a large public gathering.

But there is a time and a place for everything.

Sure, safety is a growing concern, and it is vital that we try to make North as safe a place as it can possibly be. It would just be better if students knew what was happening so it would be easier to eliminate any potential stigmas that are already associated with the presence of cops.

We understand that the school system’s intent isn’t meant to instill fear, but to mend the broken ties destroyed by political and cultural differences. However, with this in mind, students still deserve the right to know why law enforcement is here in the first place as soon as possible, instead of delaying it, to extinguish any possible beginnings of rumors.

Transparency is crucial, especially in an educational melting pot that contains students from a myriad of racial and religious backgrounds.

North is 30 percent African American, thus leaving nearly a third of our student population fearful of police intentions because of constant police brutality in the media.

When our student body isn’t well informed to the merit behind this before police begin to show up, it gives the impression that students are doing something wrong, rumors are bound to arise, bringing with them negative connotations.

When people don’t really know what’s happening, it creates hostility between the community and North rather than building the relationships we’re working so hard to establish. Even if they’re bound to find out reasoning later, the community will still look at North in a different light, reinforcing the stigmas they already have.

It is vital that the administration recognizes the feelings and potential perception all students encounter so students and the rest of the community left wondering about police presence understand the reasoning behind this new approach.

EDITORIAL The other f-word I am a staunch pacifist. I believe peaceful, indignant protest is the key to being heard over the deafening white noise of injustice.

MY TURN SOPHIE KEHRIG However, I don’t think I’ve ever come as close to violence as I did one day sophomore year.

There was a group of boys who would congregate in the corridor. They were anchored to a wall of lockers like malformed blood cells on a capillary wall. By and by over the course of 20 minutes, the clot burgeoned out into the walkway, obstructing through traffic. As the mass grew, so did its rowdiness. Soon the whole hall could hear their exclamations.

They would take turns exchanging insults, a strange sort of game they’d play. Why these “friends” berated each other in such a manner is a matter for another day. Though I remember distinctly their favorite detractions: “faggot,” and sometimes “little faggot” for excess emphasis. “Fag” if brevity was necessary. Each form nearly always followed by roaring laughter.

Faggot! Ha! The word seemed to echo off the crisp white floor tiles, though such acoustics were impossible to attain in this environment. Too many bodies to absorb the sound. No, the echoing was in my head. The hallway occlusion mocked me with a collective smirk, despite the fact that none of them had been addressing me directly. Did they know they were in the presence of a “little faggot”? Probably not. Would they have cared?

I doubt it.

This was not an isolated incident. It’s not like I hadn’t heard it used at school before. It just so happened that on this day, the closet was feeling more claustrophobic, more isolated than usual.

I imagined smacking the boy from whose mouth the word escaped clear across the face. I wanted him to feel the sting on his skin, the humiliation of such violation in public. I wanted him to feel the

North Pointe – Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 – 3

same sensation that the word evoked in me.

I walked toward the group of boys and came to a crossroads. What is the right thing to do? Tell them off? Explain to them how vile the sentiment of the word really is, but risk exposure? Bottle the anger and carry on safely?

I was afraid. I kept walking. I wish I hadn’t.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, “faggot” is a Middle English word that originally referred to “a bundle of sticks, twigs, or branches bound together and used as fuel, a fascine, a torch, etc.”

It’s kindling. The smallest, most expendable twigs and brush to beget a blaze.

Merriam-Webster defines fag as slang for cigarette. The smoke of a fag will blight your lungs before you crush the charred stub beneath your heel.

Today the word is defined specifically as a derogatory term for gay men, although it is used many times as a blanket offense to homosexual people. It is insulting because it is dehumanizing. It implies that because we don’t adhere to the same “norms” as our heterosexual counterparts, we are no more and no better than twigs to be burnt up in a fire.

North is a school that claims to pride itself in diversity, and yet many of its students seem hard pressed to follow suit. The normalized, widespread use of such a violent slur as “faggot” is indicative of that.

According to The Trevor Project, LGB (lesbian, gay, bisexual) youth are nearly three times more likely to contemplate suicide than heterosexuals.

That is a direct result of homophobia and the hostile environment that it creates. It is not an environment we can afford to continue cultivating here at North.

A week ago today was National Coming Out Day. In honor of that, I have a few things to ask of readers who do not identify as part of the LGBTQ community: take stock of your own indiscretions and those of the people you surround yourself with. Speak up for those who may be too afraid to speak up for themselves.

"No, because if they draw it so they make more gains than the other parties, it incites a type of bias. I think that the government should do something to fix the issue."

Patsy Koppy

"Personally, I disagree with gerrymandering. I think that the representation of our country needs to be based on the votes of the people and not what people in Congress want."

Michael Kehrig

"I think that it’s unethical. It’s a part of how the United States works right now, so I’d be very cautious of getting rid of it, but it definitely should be more regulated."

Paul Gusmano

FRESHMAN

SOPHOMORE

JUNIOR

YOUR TURN: Do you think that gerrymandering is a fair practice?

By Rory Angott & Emily Widgren

"I don't think it’s fair because it makes the politician from the other party really not have a chance to win. It pretty much sets the election ahead of time."

Chris Skowronski

Gabrielle Benner

SCIENCE TEACHER

SENIOR

NORTH

"I do not think it is a fair practice because I don’t like the idea of how you can have how many counties within an area."

POINTE

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Abbey Cadieux, Lindsey Ramsdell MANAGING EDITORS: Caitlin Bush, Alex Harring EDITORS-AT-LARGE: Anna Post, Michal Ruprecht BUSINESS MANAGER: Allison Lackner WEB MANAGING EDITOR: Sonny Mulpuri WEB EDITORS: Erin Kaled, Billy Steigelman PAGE EDITORS: Elizabeth Ballinger, Amber Braker, Zoe Graves, Sofia Ketels, Katelynn Mulder, Syeda Rizvi, Katie Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Marina Gabriel, Katie Link, Rachel Malinowski, Alyssa McLarty, Lauren Sexton STAFF REPORTERS: Rory Angott, Michael Hartt, Sophie Kehrig, Mariah Loper, Adam Schwartz DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Montana Paton

"I definitely think that, as a society, we need to seriously look at gerrymandering as an issue. I think that especially if it’s disenfranchising voters, then we need to deal with it."

Bridget Cooley SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

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 Public 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 northpointenow.org. The North Pointe is printed on 100% recycled paper.

CONTACT US 707 Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 Email: gpnnorthpointe@gmail.com Phone: 313.432.3248 Twitter: @TheNorthPointe Website: northpointenow.org

INTERNS: Savannah Burguron, Maggie Carron, Arzoo Chhaya, Ralpheal Coty, Jordan Craighead, Morgan Cribbs, Nadia Fama, Colin Haroutunian, Donald Hightower, Brooklyn McWhorter, Taylor FACULTY ADVISER: Shari Adwers, MJE Mitchell, Abi Murray, Katlyn Rood-Ballard, Sydney Semack, Cairington Stahl, Emily Widgren, Hannah Zalewski

EDITOR'S DESK AMBER BRAKER

A guide to s fighting battles Dec. 7, 2012. Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. Twenty-six dead.

Dec. 2, 2015. A holiday party in San Bernardino, California.

Fourteen dead, 21 wounded.

June 12, 2016. Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Forty-nine dead, 53 wounded.

The Pulse Nightclub massacre was the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history until two weeks ago.

By now, nobody should be surprised by this awful tragedy. For many, mass shootings have even begun to feel inevitable. In times like these, it’s easy to feel helpless and confused. But we can’t forget.

Though we can’t undo what has already been done, we can work to prevent this from happening again.

There will always be sick people who do sick things. But we don’t have to make it easy for them.

In many states, it’s easier to legally obtain a gun than a driver’s license. And according to the LA Times, 80 percent of guns used in mass shootings were obtained legally. This could change with mandatory waiting periods and stricter background checks to screen for mental health history.

After each of these tragedies, legislation for stricter regulations on gun ownership was introduced in Congress or state legislatures.

And after each tragedy, much of it was shot down.

Lawmakers against gun safety regulations even oppose conversations about gun control after mass shootings. Following the Las Vegas massacre, GOP leader Mitch McConnell claimed that to discuss this legislation now would be disrespectful to those who lost loved ones in the tragedy.

But most people who’ve lost family through unnatural causes don’t want anyone else to have to experience that same grief. They often advocate for preventative legislation.

It’s true that people go about this in different ways. Admittedly, there are people who, even after losing a loved one in a mass shooting, still advocate for the uninhibited right to bare arms.

Usually they believe in the logical fallacy that putting more guns on the streets will prevent gun violence. In other words, a so called “good guy with a gun” could’ve stopped the shooter and saved their loved one.

However, a “good guy with a gun” is useless facing an active shooter situation without the proper training.

According to The Trace, a nonprofit gun news organization, only four in 10 people who own a gun for self defense have had proper training in how to use one.

And more than 25 states, excluding Michigan, will issue concealed carry permits to people who have never fired one.

These alarming statistics point back to the larger problem: there simply aren’t enough regulations on gun ownership. As for automatic and semiautomatic assault rifles, which were used in each mass shooting, there really isn’t a justifiable reason for an ordinary citizen to own them.

These dangerous military-grade weapons are excessive for both hunting and self defense. And the novelty for gun collectors is not worth risking lives.

In the wake of the Las Vegas massacre, Republican congressional leaders have considered a ban on bump stocks. This type of accessory was used by the shooter allowing him to fully automate his semiautomatic weapon. The NRA, usually in opposition of any form of gun control, stated that it would oppose an outright ban but supports restrictions.

While this may seem like a victory, there’s still a long battle to be won. And if this country truly wants to reduce the number of fatalities from mass shootings and other gun-related homicides, we need to start addressing the problem at its source: lack of regulation.

ON CAMPUS

4 – Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 – North Pointe

A win for the Wounded Warriors Boys soccer team levels cross-town rival, snags league championship in charity game against South High School

By Emily Widgren INTERN

ALL PHOTOS BY KENNEDY WILLIAMS

CELEBRATIONS | Senior Tommy Kohler celebrates another goal. Kohler scored a hat trick against South High School Wednesday, Oct. 11, heling to lead the Norsemen to a 4-1 victory. “This is one of the best teams I've been apart of,” junior Joseph Paglino said. “We are all friends with each other and share great memories with everyone, there's never been any problems with anyone and that's the way it should be on a Norsemen soccer team.”

LOVE AND HONOR | A veteran stands alongside juniors Nate Truss and Joseph Paglino before the game.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization that helps veterans who are suffering from an illness or injury after the events on Sept. 11, 2001. “The wounded warrior game was a great experience.

Our team got special camo jerseys, it was for a good cause, and we were all very happy to win against Grosse Pointe South because they're our biggest rival,” Paglino said.

LAST MINTUTE STEAL | The ball, in reach of both teams, is snagged away last minute by senior Brendan Bergeron as the team went on to win their second game against South High School. “We are a very confident team, everyone knows what needs to be done during every game and we never let our heads down. We always pull each other up after a mistake to motivate each other,” junior Joseph Paglino said.

STEALING THE BALL | Keeping the ball out of reach from rival team South High School, sophomore Andrew Sheffield gets ready to pass the ball to his teammate. The team had their first district playoff game against De La Salle High School Monday, Oct. 16. “We won the MAC White (division) and finished at 12-3-3 and start(ed) districts Monday,” said senior Dylan Watts.

FIVE MINUTES WITH

Italian teacher George Formicola

ERIN KALED

WORDS OF INSPIRATION | The Italian language is not only a huge part of Italian teacher George Formicola's life, but the culture has rubbed off on him as well. "I think a huge part of the Italian culture is to understand and to appreciate food on a completely different level. So I think that has carried on into one of my passions in life, enjoying great food and being able to enjoy it with great company, great friends, great family. And share that experience not only eating well, but having good conversation, good company."

The saying “those who can't do, teach” would not be used to describe Italian teacher George Formicola by friends or family.

When not in his classroom, he is immersed in different types of art.

A jack-of-all-trades, Formicola has dabbled in many different artistic areas.

While he regularly practices cooking and photography as well as (obviously) speaking a second language, his creative roots are in dance.

Formicola began dancing when he was 5. He said he practiced almost everyday after school, picking up many different styles such as jazz, hip hop, contemporary and tap.

“It was a huge passion of mine to just go in there and to have fun and interpret music in a different

way,” he said. “I just fell in love with it, and I kept going and going and going.”

As a young and versatile dancer, Formicola ended up tap dancing for the creators of Disney’s animated movie “Happy Feet”—which he described as being about “the tap-dancing penguin”—and in a Radio City Rockettes Christmas Show.

Formicola found his way into the dance studio by following in his sister’s footsteps. However, Formicola wanted to be his own person at the same time.

While his sister mainly performed ballet, he looked into different types of dance.

He started with a tap class and stuck with it, while adding other styles to his repertoire throughout his childhood.

Although he stopped dancing with a company his freshman

Mya Morris

Cheer has been a part of junior Mya Morris’s life for eight years. She began cheering when her parents recommended that she should find a sport to play.

“My mom said I had to find a sport to do, and I liked watching cheer on TV, so I decided to cheer for Red Barons,” Morris said.

When her mom told her to join a sport, Morris automatically thought of cheer because she liked flipping and thought it was fun to watch. Once Morris joined cheer, she became a base and is currently still one for North's varsity cheer team.

Another thing Morris likes to do in her free time is work. She has a job at Rue21, but it’s not just the money that motivates her.

“It's nice,” Morris said. “I meet a lot of new people and am able to help them when they need to find something.”

Alex Lovelace

For freshman Alex Lovelace, going to the auto show in Pontiac since he was 8 years old helped him develop the love he has for cars.

“It’s really cool to look at the old cars. It’s a thing that I do with my dad,” Lovelace said.

Although this is something he doesn’t wish to pursue in the future, Lovelace is still passionate about cars.

He has attended 25 events, and his favorite one has been the M1 Concourse.

“At M1 concourse, they showed race cars and really cool modern cars like a Bugatti, Lamborghini, those kinds of cars,” Lovelace said He has enjoyed viewing the features on these different types of cars from the events he has attended.

“It’s really cool to look at them and distinguish them,” Lovelace said.

The best car he has seen has been the Burgerrito Char because of its design and speed.

“The Burgerrito Char is one of the fastest cars in the universe and unique,” Lovelace said. “Its design is really nice and special.”

Evie Mortous

THE CHASE | During their game Wednesday, Oct. 11, senior Billy Hoover chases after the ball to help score a goal. The win against South High School put the team on top of their league in points, making them league champions. “(To prepare for South) we work on our set plays, how we are going to attack different scenarios. We have some very talented players and they are packing in. I think we are prepared to hopefully be successful,” coach Eric Vanston said.

By Alex Harring & Sydney Semack MANAGING EDITOR & INTERN

FACES IN THE CROWD

year of college to focus on school, Formicola said he is still a dancer at heart, and would possibly like to dance in a group again.

For now, he dances when he is stressed or bored, using his equipment from when he was in a company. He said students may also see him tapping his foot or subconsciously moving to a rhythm in class.

“Students will occasionally see me do something, like do different moves or something with my feet. I never sit still.

Even when I am sitting down, my feet always make some type of rhythm,” he said. “It is so easy to make any sort of rhythm. You just think of a specific beat and you just try to emulate that with your feet and go from there.”

Dancing has been a part of junior Evie Mourtus’ life as long as she can remember.

For the past 13 years, she’s been taking dance lessons and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. She currently dances at The Turning Pointe in St. Claire Shores.

Despite taking classes for all styles of dance, her favorites are jazz and hip-hop.

“I take them all,” Mourtous said. “I take jazz, ballet, hip-hop, ballroom, pointe, contemporary.”

Mourtous loves dancing so much that she would even consider pursuing it as a career.

She said she’d love to be a choreographer or professional dancer in the future.

“I (would) like to go on tour with someone or live in L.A and audition for things,” she said.

By Audrey Boles, Adam Schwartz & Zoe Graves

HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL I love to cook. I mean, I am Italian so I cook all the good food. I can cook up a meal in 20 minutes and it's fantastic.

It goes from anything to pesto sauce to lasagna to anything Italian … you name it, I’ve probably made it or probably will make it.

FAVORITE BOOK

One of my favorite books, I would have to say, would be “Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri, who is an Italian author. He’s considered the father of the Italian language.

FAVORITE VACATION Italy. In specific, anywhere that my family is in Italy. All my extended family is there ... so I think anywhere they are makes me not only enjoy the country of Italy, but I get to see my family and spend time with them.

GUILTY PLEASURES

I would have to say shopping is definitely one of them. I always like to be well dressed. My students have always commented on my shoes. I take pride in the shoes I wear and the clothing in general.

LIFE

IN THE PULPIT

By Michal Ruprecht, Sophie Kehrig & Colin Haroutunian EDITOR-AT-LARGE, STAFF REPORTER & INTERN

Seniors Kitty Clark and Andrew Hallam have been involved in theatrical productions together since middle school.

Through their participation in “The Pirates of Penzance” with Grosse Pointe theater in Spetember, both encountered a lifechanging opportunity.

Each received a choir scholarship from the Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, where their dreams of becoming professional singers became more achievable.

GPMC awards successful auditionees with $400 per semester for voice lessons.

Hallam said the stipend is valuable because of upcoming college auditions.

“The scholarship will basically allow me to … have more voice lessons more often,

which are super beneficial just towards growing how my voice sounds,” Hallam said. “When applying to schools, I can have a better opportunity to get in.”

To receive the scholarship, Clark and Hallam had to join the GPMC choir. They said developing their voices will allow them to turn their hobby into a career.

“I just think that I have so much fun making the music that we do,” Hallam said.

“I think that to do something that I love for a career would be just the best thing ever.”

Although both have been singing since elementary school, Clark said the GPMC choir allows her to work with older singers and practice religious songs. In addition, Clark said that joining the choir has impacted her schedule and work ethic.

She added that becoming a professional vocalist will allow her to give back to others.

“I love music. I think that art is culture,

North Pointe – Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 – 5

Seniors receive Grosse Pointe Memorial Church scholarship

and I think that it’s such a great way for me to express myself, and I think it’s a universal language that everyone can speak and it’s just, it’s become my life,” Clark said. “Hopefully I’ll be able to have a voice that people will listen to and bring awareness to certain charities and start my own charities.”

Both Clark and Hallam said choir teacher Ben Henri encouraged them to pursue the scholarship. Hallam added that Henri has helped propel his career.

“I did the spring musical freshman year, and that was how he was able to push me to getting into choir. And I am going to be forever grateful for that because if it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am now,” Hallam said. “If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think that I would have ever even gotten into music.”

In addition to Henri’s encouragement, Hallam and Clark said their families played an important role in their successes. Hallam’s mother, Susie Hallam, said she is proud that Andrew is pursuing a career he loves.

“I told Andrew that it is important to work towards a career that can afford you a stable financial life, but you must also love it, too,” Susie said via email. “The worst thing that you can do is go to school and get a degree in something that you don’t really love doing and end up with a job you hate.”

Both students said they hope underclassmen apply for the scholarship because of the benefits that come along with it. Andrew added that receiving the scholarship has provided him with an expanded outlook on society.

“Creators of the music come from different backgrounds and cultures,” Andrew said. “(Getting) a chance to sit down and learn that music, it’s really broadened my view on things, and I think that’s priceless in its own right, to be able to gain a more open perception of just the world around you.”

CHASING A PASSION | Senior Kitty Clark sings in a choir concert in the Performing Arts Center.

She said that she has been participating in choi for twelve years.

“I hope to eventually become a singer of some sort,” Clark said.

“And hopefully use my platform to help people of the world who KITTY CLARK

MAC FRADENECK

FRONT AND CENTER | Andrew Hallam performs at the 2017 Great Works Concert. Hallam said that it is his dream to go into Opera. ‘‘What I would really like to do, is go into opera. That would be ideal. I still have a lot to of practice... before I get there,’ Hallam said. “But I do know that if I was to achieve the goal of getting into the opera, whether it is the Detroit Opera House or the Metropolitan Opera, either would be absolutely amazing.”

KITTY CLARK

THE PERFORMANCE|The choir sings at the Grosse Pointe Memorial church. Clark said that in order to get the scholarship she had to try out. “I had to go in, I had to fill out a form, and I had to sing Silent Night for them, and do a few scales, and then I was offered the scholarship,” Clark said.

Possible is everything.

Lawrence Technological University isn’t for just anyone.

We want the future designers, engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who will create the innovations of tomorrow.

What do students think of LTU? Watch our video! ltu.edu/studentstories

5th

in nation for boosting graduates’ earning potential

11:1

student/faculty ratio

88%

students employed or registered for graduate school at commencement

admissions@ltu.edu

Architecture and Design | Arts and Sciences | Engineering | Management

REVIEWS

6 – Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 – North Pointe

Shania Twain aims to impress in comeback album

By Erin Kaled DIGITAL EDITOR

For fifteen years, legendary singer Shania Twain has left her fanbase craving more of her country-pop style music. Between battling health issues and discovering her husband's affair with her best friend, Twain went on a well deserved break.

After keeping her fan base waiting for so long, Twain has released her new album: “Now.” In 2003, during Twain’s tour of her new album “Up!” she noticed a tick fall off her arm and soon developed symptoms of lyme disease.

Although treatable, the disease is serious and can cause lasting damage, much like Twain had when diagnosed with dysphonia. Completely destroying her vocal cords, Twain wondered if she would ever be able to sing again. However, after working with coaches and therapists, Twain was able to sing again.

In 2010, Twain discovered her husband's affair with her best friend. After learning about the betrayal, Twain married Frederic Thiebaud and celebrated their six year anniversary

this year. Recently, in an interview with CBC news, Twain credits preservation and determination to help her get back on her feet.

She’s also encouraged to create more records and go back on tour again.

“Now,” Twain’s fifth studio album, was released on September 29. Twain wrote and produced every song featured on the album.

She created her album working with producers like Jake Gosling, Jacquire King and Matthew Koma, who are affiliated with the likes of Zedd, Ed Sheeran and Lifehouse.

Twain appreciates her old albums but wants to recognize her new work as more “diverse” and “independent.” Using raw emotion and catchy hooks, Twain has revolutionized herself as being more personable on “Now.” Even if “Now” is not similar to older albums like “The Woman in Me” or “Come On Over,” Twain’s bubbly personality still shines through. “Swinging with my eyes closed” is the spotlight single on the album and traces

back to Twain's country roots. “Life’s about to get good” is the song you blast after nabbing a job or acing a test. Another catchy song on the album includes “Let’s kiss and make-up.”

With it’s simple lyrics and catchy beat, it’s one of the songs that listeners will be humming all day. Both songs have a similar tune to “Forever and Always” from her album “Up!” Although most of the songs included on the album are fast-paced and joyful, Twain channels her past difficulties and writes more somber songs as well. “Poor me” reflects on Twain’s painful emotions and jealousy.

“Soldier” tugs at the heartstrings and is one of the saddest songs on “Now.” Overall, “Now” is about celebrating Twain’s life. No matter what challenge the now 52-year-old had, music was always there for her. Taking all of her past difficulty and struggles, Twain manages to create an album that’s passionate and raw.

With “Now” including songs that emphasize girl power, the album reached the number one spot on Billboard's 200.

The album was also rated as a B+ by Entertainment Weekly, and is available on iTunes for $14.99 where it has received 4 ½ stars. Featuring four bonus tracks that include: “Let’s kiss and make-up,” “Where do you think you’re going,” “Because of You,” and “All in All,” the album has received raving reviews calling “Now” upbeat and beautiful.

In “Now”, it is evident Twain is embracing life again and although her first album in 15 years has some dark tunes, it’s no “Lemonade.”

Although many years have passed, Shania Twain has once again reminded her fan base that she is and always will be the reigning queen of country-pop. With her new positive attitude and relatable lyrics, “Now” takes its rightful place at the top.

"Now" (2017) iTunes, $14.99 SHANIATWAIN.COM

BOOK

ALBUM

BOOK

TV SHOW

TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN

YOU

RENEGADE RED

THIS IS US

John Green’s newest book, “Turtles All The Way Down,” takes readers on the journey of Aza Holmes, a 16-yearold girl determined to search for a fugitive billionaire, though her greatest struggle is

"It could be weird, but I thin k I'm into it," dodie sings in her sof t but power f ul voice on “In the Middle,” the f irst t rack of her new ITUNES albu m,“You.” The music alone is ver y interesting and has a few different elements. The entire song is composed of a pluck y bass line, a rock ing d r u m beat, a tiny bit of g uitar and a beautif ul voice that is a cont radiction in itself.

It’s sof t, yet power f ul.

The second song on the albu m star ts with the power f ul line, "I feel like a 6/10." People all over can relate to this somber ly r ic in one way or another.

W hether it is a bad g rade or an arg u ment with a f r iend, many people feel average or out of place in a crowd.

At least it seems that way consider ing dodie asked her audience to send voice recordings to be added as back up singers and received 100,000 ent r ies f rom arou nd the world.

"People will tell me that I messed up, and it wasn't love/and I'm secretly hoping they are r ight because/whatever it was it was wonder f ul but nonf u nctional /Oh I really hope I don't love you." dodie takes on the pain of hear tbreak in the title t rack “You.” A cont radictor y song with an upbeat set of chords, the ly r ics are inf used with the pain and sor row of a lost love.

Or iginally w r it ten for a f r iend with mental health issues who was going th rough a rough time, “Secret For The Mad” proved to be the most power f ul on the albu m because of its message and the feelings one will exper ience af ter listening to it. The best par t is that th roughout the entire song, there’s only one note — a B on piano —played to keep a beat.

The albu m’s power f ul messages are u niversal. Ever yone st r uggles with at least one thing in their life, and nobody should go th rough it alone.

Lau ren Bird Horowitz’s second book in the Light trilogy, “Renegade Re d ,” t a ke s a whole new twist compared to the first book in the series, “Shattered LAURENBIRDHOROWITZ.COM Blue.” In the finale of book one of the dark and wrenchy trilogy, Noa, the protagonist, leaps through a closing portal, leaving her safe home for an alternate world. It left readers with a huge appetite for book two.

In book two, Noa goes to the other world to find her sister, Sasha. The world, called the Aurora, is home to people who are born there and have different qualities than humans. Noa goes deeper into the ambiguous Fae realm to find that the alternate totality is brimming with destruction and malevolent surprises.

As Noa is looking for her sister, subplots add another layer of emotion to the book. The plot thickens when Noa finds so much more about her sister Sasha and even herself through the book. Noa is torn between two brothers, Callum and Judah, who both are romantically interested in her throughout the book, which makes the story more lighthearted.

Of cou rse, Horowitz’s readers can cou nt on “Renegade Red” being wor th the wait. Her poetic st yle of stor y telling int r ig ues readers as her words are laced together chapter by chapter, and the work she puts into mak ing her books the best they can be is ad mirable. She even tells the stor y beyond the pages of the book.

A rou nd each book’s release, Horowitz speaks at schools th roughout Califor nia about how Noa con nects to her ow n u nique stor y th rough life.

The book also has th ree different book covers: the Traveler, the Poet and the War r ior. Each cover tells a stor y about the book and are dist r ibuted randomly at bookstores ever y where.

“Renegade Red” was long awaited, and the f inal piece of the t r ilog y will doubtless have the same expectations.

“Turtles All the Way Down”; 2017; Available for $11.99

"You"; 2017; Available to download for $6.99

“Renegade Red;”2017; Available for $9.50

By Sofia Ketels

By Raven Jason

BARNES & NOBLE

her relentless obsessions.

The book opens with Aza having lunch with her friends at school, and while she physically sits with her friends, her brain is spiraling, and she isn’t able to think of anything more than the small possibility that she has a stomach infection that could be fatal. Her friends grow concerned, and this scene makes the book more relatable for both teens with mental illness and those who have friends who grapple with their mental health.

It is later revealed that Aza has OCD, which leads her to obsess over certain things for long periods of time, mostly bacteria and infections.

Aza’s mental health is the most prominent focus in this story, and it arises more frequently as the chapters progress.

At times, readers can forget the main focus of the story and feel as if they’re reading any ordinary mystery novel. It has the elements to stand as a mystery novel on its own, from a billionaire at large to a mansion full of clues and the love interest Aza finds on the way. Around once a chapter however, Green brings the focus back to the main battle in the story: Aza’s illness. The motif reminds readers that mental illness is a constant that doesn’t take a break for adventure.

The thing that really stands out about “Turtles All the Way Down” is the way Green refuses to shy away from the harsh realities of mental illness.

In an interview with Time Magazine, Green talked about how his own OCD partially influenced Aza’s story..

The focus on Aza’s illness brings a new depth to the story as mental illness is not often times discussed in a teens mystery novel. This made Aza’s characters and struggles more relatable for readers, and it made the plot stand out from other novels.

In the end, OCD was not the obstacle that Aza defeated or conquered for a picture perfect happy ending. She managed to continue with her life while living with her illness, not after moving on from it or being healed, which can be an important message for teens with mental illness.

By Katlyn Rood - Ballard

Causing emotional distress to viewers, NBC’s hit drama and Emmy-winning show “This Is Us” shows realistic situations the common the person faces in the new season. The TWITTER.COM show goes back and forth between the 1970s and present time to reveal the evolution of a multiracial family.

The series depicts genuine relationships between characters and the effect of their childhoods on their adult lives. Each character has their own storyline in the present time, which connects to their childhood. For example, Kate (Chrissy Metz) struggles with her weight because she compared herself to her mom when she was young. Viewers can relate to the situations the characters face, or see a new perspective through watching the show.

The first episode begins with the five main characters: Kevin (Justin Hartley), Kate, Randall (Sterling K. Brown), Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca (Mandy Moore). The viewers begin to understand the dynamic characters and drama within the family as Kevin struggles with his acting career, Randall finds his biological father and Jack and Rebecca welcome their new child. By the end of the episode, the viewer is able to see how the multiracial family came to be. This leaves the audience eager to watch the next episode.

Season two also highlights how the characters deal with issues like the death of Jack, Rebecca's husband and Kate, Kevin and Randall's father, from season one. In season two, his children begin to think about their individual relationships with their father. Therefore, the new season takes a more serious tone, but still leaves the love emitted by each character.

Since the show takes place in two different time periods, the audience may be confused with the plot at times. The show does a great job, though, of clearly displaying the storyline. This helps grow the connection with the characters so that when emotional rollercoasters begin, the viewer is ready.

Although the plot may be hard to follow at times, it is worth it to continue watching as the Pearson family tries to resolve their issues from season one.

"This Is Us"; NBC 2017; TV-14

By Taylor Mitchell

IN-DEPTH

North Pointe – Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 – 7

How to be a smart spender and saver

By Katelynn Mulder, Charlie Bernas & Alex Goossen PAGE EDITOR & INTERNS According to www.childtrends.org, 49 percent of high school and college students between the ages of 16 and 24 were employed in either full- or parttime jobs by Oct. 24, 2016.

With roughly half of the high school and college student population nationwide working, many students have their own income but little experience in how to spend and manage it effectively.

Marketing teacher Dennis Koch said it is important that students remember to live within their means.

“When they’re spending money, they always say to live within your means. To live within your means means to spend less money than what you have, less than what’s coming in,” Koch said. “Whether that be your allowance or your job, whatever it might be… And then in terms of saving, the basic golden rule is to save 10 percent of all the money that comes in, whether that be money from a job, part-time job, parents.”

One way students can save money is with a savings account. A savings account differs from a checking account in that it is designed to be used minimally and for the money in it to earn higher interest.

Meanwhile, a checking account is for regular uses, and the money in it often times earns a lower interest rate than savings accounts.

Another opportunity for students to utilize their income is through investing.

Marketing teacher Brian Levinson said that he wishes someone had told him to start investing or saving his money sooner.

“I wish that’s one thing I was able to do when I got my first job, that someone had guided me on what to do with money,” Levinson said. “The sooner you start putting away money, the larger and quicker that money will grow for you in the end. So someone who is 16, 17, 18 starts saving, and you will be surprised how quickly you could build up a million dollars, younger than you think you would be.”

Students under 18 years old can invest in stocks. However, the student’s parent or guardian must open the

account for the student and act as the custodian, or one responsible for safeguarding an individual’s financial assets. High school students can begin investing independently in the stock market when they turn 18.

Koch said that investing is more important for students than acquiring a Venmo or PayPal account as the money invested will compound over time. The longer money has to compound, he said, the more money students could potentially earn over time.

“The earlier students start investing, the better it will be in the long run.

Students can put money away in an IRA,” Koch said. “So in a sense, investing, whether that be an IRA or in the stocks, is a great idea for students to get into now rather than later.”

Koch said that before students make a purchase, they should consider three things. Can they afford what they want to buy? Do they have a budget and does the purchase fit into it? And what is the long term value or benefit of this purchase?

“A lot of times, high school students will spend, spend, spend, thinking that they need, need, need.

However, though, if they’re wise with their money, they would save that for when they’re away at college, or they’ll need it for a rainy day fund or a car, whatever it might be,” Koch said. “I think that is a pitfall a lot of students fall into.”

Another thing to consider when purchasing items is the security of one’s personal information.

“Typically, credit cards have more protections against them, or protections for them for the consumer. Where they’ll, in a sense, insure all your purchases. Debit card purchases aren’t insured in the same fashion. With that said, I use my credit card on many more purchases than my debit card,” Koch said. “For instance nowadays, we hear about these issues at gas stations where there’s reports of skimming (so) I use my credit card whenever I buy gas instead of a debit card because of those protections.”

There are two laws that protect

The influences of advertising on the consumer A business’s goal is to increase its sales, and one of the ways a business does this is through advertisements.

Marketing teacher Brian Levinson, whose students run the school store, said that advertisements play a large role in business success.

“You see advertising everywhere. I mean, you look on your phone, you visit a site and check out something to purchase.

Even on Amazon, you’ll notice that they have tagged you, and (when) you go back into your Google search, there will be a pop-up ad for whatever you are looking for,” Levison said. “You see a lot of businesses doing that. Advertising is really what generates sales.”

Even the school store utilizes advertising to help attract students. According to Levinson, it is up to the students in his Marketing II and III classes to find different ways to successfully advertise and brand their items. From using the daily announcements to displaying posters of the store’s smoothie machine, the students running the school store have used advertising to sell their products.

“How successful they are in the class is how well they promote products, generate sales, find the right merchandise (and) advertise in different medias depending on who they are trying to target,” Levinson said.

Advertising uses a variety of methods to convince someone that they need to purchase a specific item. Psychology teacher Jennifer Weisbrodt said there are two main routes through which advertisers try to appeal to consumers.

“Recently, in AP Psych, we discussed the direct and peripheral routes to persuasion used in advertising,” Weisbrodt said via email. “The direct route, where the advertisement is product, or fact-based, usually appeals to a consumer that is educated on the product in some sense already. The peripheral route relies on celebrities, pretty packaging, music, etc. to sell a product.”

Not only that, but credit card companies, banks and credit unions advertise to high school and college students.

Marketing teacher Dennis Koch said that credit card companies specifically advertise towards college and high school students, using a variety of gifts and offers to entice students.

“A lot of times, we see credit card companies advertise towards college students, high school students, throwing the idea to, ‘get your credit card with us.’

They’ll introduce introductory credit cards which are very low rate, just trying to entice the students to bring them in,” Koch said. “They’ll also entice them with free gifts such as towels, tickets, whatever it might be, to try to entice students to have (the credit companies) credit cards as their first credit card. In terms of banks and credit unions, they’ll also try to entice students to sign up to get a free checking account or free savings account as well as trying to give them quick cash to try to bring them in initially.”

Ultimately, an advertisement’s role is to convince consumers that a specific good or deal is reliable, trustworthy or worth the money.

KATELYNN MULDER

a consumer’s rights when fraud occurs. For credit cards, the primary law is the Fair Credit Billing Act, while for a debit card the primary law is the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. Under the FCBA, the highest liability cost a consumer can have for their credit card is $50, and ultimately when a charge occurs on the card, the owner loses no money

and can easily report the fraud and get credit back on their statement.

The fraud never affects the owner’s bank account directly. With a debit card, the owner’s account is affected directly, and the liability costs to the owner are $50 if a lost or stolen card is reported within two days, $500 if reported within 60 days and no protection to a person’s financial account after those 60 days.

Levinson said that he also believes students should use credit cards because their security.

“It really depends on the situation.

I advise using a credit card because there is more security behind versus a debit card because that comes right out of your checking account,” he said. “You just have to be responsible while using a credit card.”

In-person only stores give way to online retail giants On Sept. 19, Toys ‘R’ Us filed for bankruptcy.

Earlier this year, other retailers such as Gymboree and Payless Shoe store also filed for bankruptcy. Toys “R” Us is just another casualty of the competition between brick-and-mortar retailers and online e-commerce companies such as Amazon.

With the amount of e-commerce steadily increasing according to U.S. News, UPS is expecting to deliver more than 30 million packages per day during the holiday season. And, the National Retail Federation predicts that the percentage of consumers expected to shop in stores this year is 56.6 percent, while those shopping outside of stores is expected to also be 56.5 percent.

Koch said that because Americans are busier than ever, it simply could be a matter of convenience that leads some consumers to shop online.

“You don’t have to try it on. You don’t have to feel or touch it. You kind of know what you’re getting, and if it’s shipped directly to your house, it kind of just makes things easier.

You can comparison shop, which is again easier.

It allows you to get the best deal which, again, is better for you,” Koch said. “All those things are a win, win, win for a consumer.”

Koch said the traditional brick-andmortar stores have some advantages.

For example, he said those stores are necessary for the times when a consumer wants to see the item before purchasing.

“For certain goods, I think brick-and-mortar stores have the advantage where the consumer wants to touch and feel and/or try out some things,” Koch said. “Versus online shopping, you can’t do that.”

Senior Thomas Schaden said he does most of his shopping online.

“Generally it’s because the stores that are nearby don’t supply what I want to buy,” Schaden said. “It might be cheaper because you don’t have to spend money on gas because if you were to go away to Partridge Creek or Somerset Mall, you’re burning gas on the way there, too, so that could be one reason. But other than that, I don’t really notice a difference in the price of the goods.”

KATELYNN MULDER

SPORTS

8 – Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 – North Pointe

Losing our stripes VOLLEYBALL

Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Eisenhower High School

FOOTBALL

Friday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. against Marina City High School

SOCCER

DISTRICT FINALS Saturday, Oct. 21 at 12 p.m.

CROSS COUNTRY

Division Meet on Saturday Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. at Lake St. Clair Metropark

GIRLS SWIMMING

Tuedsay, Oct. 24 at against Stevenson High School at 6 p.m. at home

Recent depletion in sports officials leads to negative repercussions in high school athletics

By Anna Post & Nick Asimakis EDITOR-AT-LARGE & INTERN Senior Tyler Hill steps onto the field—his adrenaline rushing. A sea of high schoolers in the crowd chant as they await the biggest rivalry matchup of the year.

Kickoff has begun.

However in Blissfield, Michigan—over 86 miles away—students are faced with a completely different scenario.

The Blissfield football team was prepared for their rivalry football game against Columbia Central but had to postpone the match two times due to a shortage of officials.

In a statement released by MHSAA, Geoff Kimmerly, the spokesman for the organization stated that this problem isn’t just in football.

Sports all across the nation are feeling the effects of a referee shortage.

“Although we do have some areas of the state where numbers are solid, our statewide totals for not just football, but all sports combined have shown slight decreases every year over the last decade,” Kimmerly said.

“This isn’t just a Michigan issue, every state association in the country is feeling the same effects and contending with the increasing challenges of recruiting new officials and retaining the ones currently working with us.”

The reasoning behind the decline in official participants is uncertain.

H o w e v e r , athletic director Michelle Davis says that paltry compensation can be the leading factor to this ongoing trend.

“The low pay and long hours of refereeing a game is as much about the love of the sport as playing itself,” Davis said via email.

“But take away any kind of pleasantness from the profession, and there really isn’t much left to look forward to when entering a gym or stepping onto a field.”

Because of this decline, the MHSAA has had to replace 10 percent of the referee force, which is about

“

1,500 people across the state each year.

Numerous schools in Michigan have been affected by this trend, however North has yet to face the full-

factors could have led to such depletion in the official workforce.

“Not only do I think referee shortages affect the players, but the sports as a whole,” Zacharias said.

“Only having a few referees to choose from creates less of a variety for choosing the best of the best.”

As a three-sport athlete, Zacharias notices that these issues arise in all sports. She has recognized the same officials reffing or umpiring particular sports each season. And with bias playing as a possible contributing factor, Zacharias fears that official shortages has led to favoritism.

“Less referees does lead to bias because the more they ref your game, the better they know your team, and the more likely they are to create an opinion about your team,” Zacharias said.

Hill doesn’t think bias poses a potential threat to match outcomes. Instead, he sees bias occurring primarily in collegiate sports—not

North’s athletic staff does our best to ensure any referee entering our house feels safe and protected.

Michelle Davis ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

“

UPCOMING GAMES

on wrath of this persisting scarcity.

Although these problems aren’t as prominent in North Athletics, the constant search for officials has been difficult, and junior Evelyn Zacharias is concerned about this rising issue.

After taking annual referee salaries into consideration and looking at how games are becoming more competitive, Zacharias believes that these

high school.

“I have seen refs do more than one game of ours, but I don’t see it as an issue. Referees don’t attach themselves to a team when the games don’t necessarily have the highest of stakes,” Hill said. “Bias is more likely to occur in college or the pros. If it were to happen, the ref would probably give us a couple of calls in our favor or a couple against them.

They wouldn’t want it to be obvious—the effect would be minimal.”

As more schools are forced to endure this shortage, Davis remains hopeful that North will continue to be a welcoming environment for any official.

Her goal is create a positive atmosphere for officials so they feel appreciated.

“Grosse Pointe North hasn’t felt the issues of the referee shortage, and my hope is that will continue to be true,” Davis said.

“North’s athletic staff does our best to ensure any referee entering our house feels safe and protected.”

QUICK HITS

By Morgan Cribbs & Deana Stuckey INTERNS

Girls golf with sophomore Bianca Clark

Boys soccer reigns as league champs WORK AS A TEAM | Seniors Alex Siluk, Brendan Bergeron, Tommy Kohler, Dylan Watts and Blair Frezza pose in front of the scoreboard after their game against South High School that put them on top of their league. According to coach Eric Vanston, the game was very close until the second half. “(South) played well, we played well, I think we just raised our level of playing in the second half.” he said.

By Anna Post & Sofia Ketels EDITOR-AT-LARGE & EDITOR After a 13-year championship drought, the North boys soccer team was crowned District League Champion on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

Coaches and players were emotionally charged—hugging and cheering for each other from the sidelines as they witnessed their first victory in over a decade.

Head coach Eric Vanston was impressed with his team’s performance, noting that the team’s camaraderie was what ultimately led to their victory.

“I think during the second half, we began to work a lot harder,” Vanston said. “We pulled together as a team really well to play as we needed that night.”

At halftime, the game was tied 1-1.

Tensions rose, and the competitive edge between the teams fueled the first half of the matchup. However, near the second half, after an emotional pep talk, North began to work more as a unit, scoring three additional goals. The final score was 4-1.

Senior Billy Hoover said he notices

how each of his four seasons was different—different leadership, different relationships and ranges of athleticism are always factors that determine a team’s overall success.

“We had really good upperclassmen when I was a freshman,” Hoover said.

“We had a lot of senior leaders. You see them, and you see how they play and you want to mimic them when you’re older.”

With this in mind, Hoover stressed how previous seasons taught him and his fellow senior teammates to be a positive role models.

With strong leadership and coaching, he sees this victory as one that will set the tone for years to come.

“It brings pride back to the soccer program because it hasn’t been that good (in the past).”

Despite a rough season for girls varsity golf, sophomore Bianca Clark says that they’ve had a lot of close calls.

“We’ve won a lot of close matches, but you can lose by one point, so that’s a lot of what our matches are,” she said.

Last Saturday, the team went to regionals in Ypsilanti. Despite the rocky season, Clark said she is proud of her team. Specifically, she was happy with her performance as well as junior Megan Gallagher’s at the division match.

“Well, at divisionals it was pretty fair,” she said. “I did well, so did our number one player, Megan Gallagher.”

Clark said she has a lot of confidence in the team and is looking forward to the upcoming season.

“Our team has been doing good all season,” she said. “I’m ready to start next year.”

Boys cross country with junior Zac Ozomoor When junior Zac Ozomoor joined the cross country team his freshman year, he expected cooler weather. He said the warmer weather has affected him negatively, but the team is doing well overall.

“The weather has been pretty bad,” he said. “Most of our races have been pretty heated, unlike last year when they were pretty and temperate.”

He added that he enjoys running cross country after having enjoyed track and meeting new friends.

“I wanted to get better at running,” Ozomoor said. “I had a friend who ran long distance, and he encouraged me to do cross country because he thought it might be fun.”

Varsity volleyball with senior Abby Kanakry

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES | The boys varsity soccer team poses after beating South High School. According to senior Billy Hoover, teamwork and camaraderie are important among players. “Our team is very close.” He said . “We preach about how we’re family and a bunch of brothers.”

Senior captain Abby Kanakry said her varsity volleyball team has been playing well, even if their record doesn’t ref lect it.

“I feel like everybody on the team is really benefiting from the competition,” Kanakry said. “I feel like all together our team works really well. Hopefully we start winning some more.”

Even though she sees the team practicing and playing hard, she said there is room for improvement. She said she would like to improve individually as well as as a team.

“I feel like I can always improve. I can always be quicker and be a better team leader and be more positive,” she said.

“I feel like everybody else on the team can improve, and we can all improve together and benefit from each other.”