North Pointe - Dec. 20, 2017

ON CAMPUS PAGE 4 Rocketry Club members prepare for their first launch on Saturday, Dec. 9.

MICHAL RUPRECHT

GROSSE POINTE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

UPCOMING

E VENTS STRING

EXTRAVAGANZA Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m at Grosse Pointe South's gym

ALUMNI LUNCHEON

Thursday, Dec. 21 at 10:45 a.m in the Student Union

BAND-O-RAMA Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m in the gym

WINTER BREAK

Monday, Dec. 25Tuesday Jan. 2

SCHOOL RESUMES

Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 8 a.m.

W

INSIDE

"PEOPLE

DON'T GET

BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS

UNLESS THEY ARE IN A LIFETHREATENING SITUATION." PAGE 2

"MAKE "GET INFORMED YOUR AND VOICE MAKE YOUR HEARD. VOICE HEARD. WE WE CANNOT CANNOT AFFORD AFFORD TO LOSE LOSE

THEM. THEM."" PAGE 3 7

SINCE 1968

NORTHPOINTENOW.ORG

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20, 2017

BEACH TO RETIRE AFTER 20 YEARS IN ADMINISTRATION

By Sofia Ketels & Katelynn Mulder PAGE EDITORS

W

hen assistant principal Tom Beach retires next month, he says the legacy he leaves behind is not only with the student body.

After all, in four years all the students who knew him will have graduated. To him, the legacy he will leave at North will be with the teachers he has gotten to know, and the many students whose lives he impacted for the better.

“I know that my personal legacy with these families (is) at a very personal level.

Nobody else sees those things. The students who are walking in the hallways, they won’t know that.” Beach said. “My overall legacy is that I know that there are kids who I have worked with over these 20 years who are doing incredible.”

In January, Beach will be retiring after close to 20 years at North, 12 of which he spent in the role of assistant principal. He says that his main reasons for retiring are to spend more time with his family and to finally be able to enjoy a slower pace in his life outside the green and gold walls of North.

“For me, I like to get up in the morning and sit down on Saturdays and have a cup of coffee with my dog, and look out the window and reading my book and having some peaceful moments,” Beach said. “For my job now, I get up, and I go. My feet hit the ground and work.”

From the start of his career, Beach has made helping people a constant in his line of work. He worked in family child service agencies with foster kids for 10 years, working with the first child in Michigan to be diagnosed with AIDS before moving on to working in a psychiatric hospital, where he helped people with severe depression and anxiety disorders. This led him into private practice, where he remained for a few years before hearing about an job opening as a social worker in the Grosse Pointe Public School System. He was selected from a pool of over 100 applicants and has been in the Grosse Pointe schools ever since.

Beach’s first year in the district saw him working at three different schools. He worked with the Children's Home of Detroit for three years and at Poupard, where he designed an after-school program for the kids. For the next seven to eight years, he worked as a social

SYDNEY BENSON

BIG MOMENTS | Assistant principal Tom Beach hugs Principal Kate Murray's children after being named homecoming grand marshall in 2015. Beach will retire after nearly 20 years as assistant principal in January. worker until the job for assistant principal at North opened up.

For nearly the past 20 years, Beach has worked the long and sometimes tedious hours of a members of the administration, sometimes spending 15 hours a day at school.

Regardless, he said he wouldn’t have wanted any other position.

“The natural progression as people who come into the assistant principal job, the ultimate goal is to get to the principal job, and that was never my goal. I don’t want to sit in that chair,” Beach said. “I deal with kids who are struggling or kids who have issues with how they communicate with adults, how they invest themselves in their education. To me, it’s about applying my skills to help them work through those issues. When I sit here with students, it’s not about the discipline — it's about how did you get in this spot, what can you do differently, and what skills can I help you develop to do it better next time?”

District cited for oversuspension of minority special needs students

By Zoe Graves, Hannah Zalewski & Abi Murray PAGE EDITOR, STAFF REPORTER & INTERN The Grosse Pointe Public School System was one of 12 school districts in the state of Michigan cited for suspending black or hispanic special education students at a higher rate than other groups. According to Superintendent Gary Niehaus, the district is working to improve the issue.

“The disproportionality report is used by the Michigan Department of Education when we have special education students suspended over five days with more minorities being suspended than others,” Niehaus said. “We had 10 special education students suspended for over five school days in 2016 - 2017. Eight of the ten were minority students. GPPSS has over 1,500 special needs students. We continue to monitor and watch our progress.”

Niehaus said that the Director of Special Education and Deputy Superintendent for Education Services will be scheduling visits to the secondary schools in the district to make sure all procedures are being followed.

Sophomore Uvejs Gerguri was shocked to hear that Grosse Pointe had been cited for disproportionality. Moreover, he believes that GPPSS will be able to fix this issue promptly.

“I thought Grosse Pointe was supposed to be mostly equal,” Gerguri said.

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@thenorthpointe www.northpointenow.org

VOLUME 50 | ISSUE 7

Beach said that he will miss teachers’ passion and commitment the most.

“Most students don’t see the work and the love and the commitment that goes into standing in front of them every day being ready and going. They see this 49-minute clip, you know?” Beach said.

“The preparation, the time, the absolute commitment they have — I have a lot of discussions with them. Over 20 years, you develop relationships with them. I’ve seen staff members get married and have kids and grow, so those connections, because I’m a fairly social guy, those connections are going to be missed.”

Beach had such connections with counselor Brian White and senior Marco McMann, who said that throughout his four years at North, he and Beach had developed something close to a friendship, and the two talked a lot and messed with each other in the halls whenever possible.

Grosse Pointe Public Librarian and Support Staff Association The Association is led by library unit president John Clexton.

The Association has been asking for a contract since July.

McMann believes that Beach will be missed by the student body as a whole.

“His smile’s pretty funny, too. He’s gonna be a guy that we all miss,” McMann said.

McMann also said students will miss Beach’s leniency. “If you get in trouble, he’s gonna tell you what you did wrong, but he’s also not gonna make you feel like you did something terrible, so I’m sure most are gonna miss that about him.”

White said that he will miss Beach’s patience and good sense of humor with students, in addition to his tendency to prioritize students.

“I think he has been positive for the community,” White said. “While he was assistant principal, he has been very much an advocate for students and putting them first.”

Contributing: Maggie Carron

VS

The Grosse Pointe Library Board of Trustees

The fight for

The Board of Trustees hired lawyer Steven Schwartz to negotiate.

LIBRARY CONTRACTS

The Board holds monthly meetings open to the community. The next meeting is Dec. 21.

The Board oversees the library system, its employees and a 6.2-million dollar budget

The Association has raised concerns over the new health care plan proposed for library staff.

ALEX HARRING

Public librarians, board of trustees spar over contract

The Board is non-elected and comprised of The Association created a Facebook page seven members, led by president Elizabeth in October to rally community support Vogel controBy Anna Post, Michael Hartt & “We are not making outrageous In response to the contract and update followers.

Cairington Stahl EDITOR-AT-LARGE & STAFF REPORTERS

Throughout the past seven months, the Grosse Pointe Library Foundation has attempted to replace the librarians’ previous contract with a new one by implementing an updated Strategic Plan that leaves librarians across the community feeling fearful for their jobs. Grosse Pointe Public Librarians such as Danis Houser, who works at the central branch, have been fighting for a fair contract.

News Briefs

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Editorial On Campus

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or expensive demands, our requests have been quite modest and reasonable, as confirmed by the fact finding report,” Houser said via email.

Negotiations circling this ongoing issue have remained tentative. In response to the changes, library workers across Grosse Pointe have been struggling to keep up with the provisional changes. The librarians have been working without a contract since July 1. Although many minor agreements regarding the Strategic Plan have been made, major factors such as health care and the surging budget cuts have yet to be resolved.

Life Reviews

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versy, the librarians and the GPLF have chosen to negotiate through lawyers and now face high legal costs. According to the librarians’ combined FaceBook page, they have spent over $60,000 in legal fees since July of this year.

The librarians also hired a thirdparty “fact finder” to go through the old and new contract and look for areas where the foundation is unnecessarily withholding available funding.

in-Depth Sports

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NEWS

2 – Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017 – North Pointe

IN BRIEF Alumni return for luncheon 2017 graduate Ritika Sanikommu heard about the annual alumni luncheon when she attended North. She will now have her own chance to attend.

The event is for those who graduated the previous spring. The Class of 2017 reunion will take place in the Student Union on Dec. 21 at 10:45 a.m.

The gathering allows previous students to return to the campus to meet with their peers and former teachers.

Sanikommu attends Michigan State University and said she misses the comfort of the school and how it feels like a home, contrary to her new college environment.

“I want to see all of my teachers and all of my friends who are at North right now,” she said. “It’s kind of a reminder that I live in Grosse Pointe and have been going to North for four years, and kinda coming back to see that after going to college is really cool to me.”

By Colin Haroutunian

Head engineer wins award The school's head engineer, Andrew Praedel, was honored with a Distinguished Employee award from the district school system at the Board meeting Nov. 27. He was one of 10 staff members recognized this year.

“Every year, the Board adopts a resolution to recognize employees who go above and beyond their normal job duties,” treasurer Judy Gafa said via email.

The maintenance team works on repairs, upkeep of school grounds and installation of equipment at North. Praedel focuses on mechanical work in the building such as maintaining the HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems.

Praedel started working at South High School as an engineer in 2009. He worked there until September 2016, when he became head engineer at North.

“It felt really good because I think our maintenance team here at North does a lot of really great work and it was nice to be recognized for that,” Praedel said via email.

“You really never know what you could end up working on from day to day which keeps things new and interesting.” improve student academic and personal success.”

Suspensions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Parcells Middle School principal Dan Hartley said the restorative practices the district has began working with will help students improve relationships that have been damaged by poor behavior.

According to Hartley, these restorative processes are designed to repair the hurt feelings that can result from acting out. For example, if there is a problem between two students, a student meeting may be set up for the two to apologize. And if a student is disrupting a class they might have to have a meeting with their parents and teacher to decide punishment or ways to

curb this behavior in the future, or if a student damages school property, they may have to fix the item or clean the school.

“We are constantly working with students to implement restorative practices when students violate the code of conduct. Some of these practices can be in lieu of a suspension, ” Hartley said via email.

According to the disproportionality report, the GPPSS was one of ten school districts cited for suspending black special education students at a higher rate than the norm. Niehaus noted that GPPSS had the fewest suspensions over five days than the other school districts on the list.

The other schools included in the report for the same reason were Airport Community Schools, Ann Arbor Public School System, Berrien Public School System, Chippewa Valley Schools, Dearborn City School District, Forest Hills Public Schools, Kelloggsville Public Schools, Northwest Community Schools and Troy School District.

Library contract CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The fact finding group reported that the GPPL system is not short on funding, though the library administration is cutting back on many of the librarians’ benefits. Because of this, many citizens and library workers have gone out of their way to spread awareness. Citizens John Clexton and Stefanie Lozon wrote a letter to the Grosse Pointe News detailing their struggles in negotiations, while librarians have created Facebook pages such as Grosse Pointe Public Librarians and Support Staff Association to spread awareness for their cause.

Library faculty had no comment on the situation.

In addition to these concerns, Houser said she isn’t pleased with the fact that administration’s offers in wages are ungenerous, and are $4,000 short from the amount granted in previous years.

“From the beginning of the bargaining process last spring, the library's salary increase offers have been insultingly small — far below both past contracts' increases and any standard measure of a cost of living increase,” Houser said.

Houser is also concerned about the possible

removal of additional employee benefits that could cost the library system thousands of dollars more than what they are paying now.

According to Houser, the GPLF is trying to replace the current employee sick leave benefit, that doesn’t cost anything, and replace it with short-term disability insurance, which would cost thousands of dollars. The main goal of the staff is to come to an agreement with administration on updating the old contract in a manner that is logical and effective on both sides. However, the turmoil following the revisioned contract has made it increasingly difficult.

“When we started this process last spring, we had every indication that both staff and administrators were in accord about our goals of clarifying outdated contract language and providing a fair contract for the staff,” Houser said. “Much, but not all, of the outdated language was indeed updated, which is appreciated, but the remaining aspects of a fair contract are proving astonishingly contentious.”

This news is troubling to many community members, like sophomore Lyndsay Kluge and freshman Annalise Thomas, who both actively visit the Grosse Pointe Libraries.

Kluge sees the value in librarians and sees the

library as a quiet space to work on homework.

She understands why the revised contract could pose an emotional and financial burden on the staff.

“I feel like they're (librarians) pretty upset because some of them have been here longer than some teachers and they should get just as many benefits as the teachers do,” Kluge said.

“In my opinion, I feel like they help the students just as much as the teachers do, because they’re always there and ready to help.”

Thomas agrees with Kluge. She also regularly checks out books from Grosse Pointe Public Libraries.

“If the library has enough money to pay their workers and provide good healthcare without holding up other major expenses, then they should.”

Despite the looming ambiguity of the newest contract, Houser hopes that when the modified negotiation is finally settled upon that the modifications will be reasonable.

“The negotiation process is rarely fun, but this round has been exceptionally difficult.

We are a small organization, and we all work very closely together, and there is ordinarily a remarkable sense of camaraderie between all of us, staff and administrators alike,” Houser said.

Contributing: Elizabeth Ballinger

Student Association changes blood Link Crew holds midterm freshman study session drive organization to Michigan Blood Link Crew is conducting a midterm study session for the freshman class Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 3:15-4:45 p.m. in the cafeteria. Link Crew aims to alleviate stress as freshmen enter their first round of high school exams through tutoring and equipping students with study skills.

Link Crew leader junior Warren Galloway thinks this event will be successful in helping calm the freshmen.

“I think their stress will for sure go down because they’ll be able to come and ask questions instead of not knowing what to do,” said Galloway.

Link Crew leader junior Elizabeth Torakis is also excited for this session.

“It’s an opportunity for freshmen to receive help from Link Crew members so we can help them make their first midterm exams successful,” Torakis said.

By Arzoo Chhaya

By Syeda Rizvi & Rory Angott PAGE EDITOR & STAFF REPORTER

initial goal of 45 pints. Cater said the blood donated is able to save the lives of 147 people in Michigan — three lives per pint.

“It’s so important to work with Michigan Blood because you’re having a direct local impact on your hospitals and patients,” Cater said. “On behalf of the people who need blood in our community, we are very grateful to everyone who

After attending the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies state conference last spring, the Student Association, supervised by adviser Jonathan Byrne, voted to switch organizations for the annual blood drive.

Using Michigan LAUREN JACKSON Blood instead of Red Cross, the SA blood SAVING LIVES | Junior Noelle Conrad gets her blood drawn at the annual blood drive. drive ran on Monday, Dec. 4 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 as compared to past blood drives with took part in your drive.” p.m. in the Performing Arts Center lobby. Aside Red Cross.

According to Byrne, Michigan Blood was from the change in organizations, everything ran “(Student Association) voted after we had also more appealing because of its incentives. just as it did last year. The drive was completely a representative from the Red Cross come in He said if a school meets their goal number student run, organized by a committee within and then a representative from Michigan Blood of pints donated for the blood drive, they will SA led by sophomore Jordan Craighead. and we decided that Michigan Blood suited receive a cash reward for each pint collected.

“The Red Cross blood drive tended to be our needs a lot better,” Yee said. “All of the Byrne said this extra money will be used for a little bit slow. Kids were waiting for several problems that happened with Red Cross didn’t school-wide activities and charity. class periods and teachers would not donate happen with Michigan Blood.”

Byrne said he was happy the change because they would miss their classes,” Byrne Aside from being more efficient, Michigan occured because he thought it was a win-win said. “Michigan Blood told us they would be Blood serves a more local population than situation since there is an opportunity for a able to do it a little bit faster which they ended Red Cross, according to Michigan Blood cash reward along with a more efficient drive. up doing. It was a much more efficient blood southeastern account representative Vida Cater. Looking forward, he said he hopes the next drive this time around.”

In the last two years, Michigan Blood has drive in March will be as methodical and Michigan Blood requires two blood drives tripled the collection of blood in the southeast successful as this one. each year. To meet this, SA will be hosting area of Michigan. They have seen an increase “Donating blood is a really, really easy another in March. in partnership with local businesses, churches way to help someone in dire need,” Byrne Sophomore Claire Yee agreed with and high schools. said. “People don’t get blood transfusions Byrne and said that, overall, Michigan During the drive, 49 pints of blood were unless they are in a life-threatening Blood was a much smoother experience donated which exceeded Student Association’s situation. If you are healthy enough

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EDITORIAL

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 and staff reporter Rory Angott. Members who have a conflict of interest with an editorial topic do not partake in that meeting or vote.

ABBEY CADIEUX

OUR EDITORIAL

North Pointe – Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017 – 3

Let them eat cake

Discrimination is ugly. I think that’s an easy fact to agree upon. The word itself conjures images of grimy drinking fountains MY TURN and bathroom doors SOPHIE KEHRIG emblazoned with the word “COLORED,” of imprisoned suffragettes being force-fed through tubes shoved down their throats, or of any nameless face on the news that’s been beaten to death simply because they don’t adhere to gender norms.

After all of this, who would have thought cake would be of such great concern? Frosted with sugary sweet frivolity, such great spectacles of sponge and saccharine-sculpted flowers should be the last thing on any sane person’s mind when discussing prejudice. And yet, here we are.

Five years ago in Colorado, Charlie Craig and David Mullins walked into Masterpiece Cakeshop aglow with the excitement of wedding preparations. As they were browsing through a binder of wedding cake designs, owner Jack Phillips approached and asked about the nature of their visit. Once he realized the cake would be for a gay wedding, Phillips promptly turned them away on the grounds of “religious freedom.” Craig and Mullins were “horrified, embarrassed and hurt” (according to a CNN video interview released Dec. 5).

They were so upset that they filed a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission (CCRC).

The CCRC ruled in favor of the couple. Soon after, Phillips took the case to the Colorado Court of Appeals, which stood by the initial decision. In a last-ditch effort, Phillips went to the Supreme Court. After several weeks of discussion, the justices decided to take on the landmark case and heard it Dec. 5. As of the time this is written, they have yet to release a decision.

To a lot of people, this whole ordeal sounds dramatic.

After all, it is just a cake. Surely the work of Masterpiece Cakeshop cannot be so magnificent that another bakery just won’t suffice? But this isn’t about cake. Or even religion, really. It’s about intolerance.

Contrary to the argument of many conservatives, this case has little to do with active religious intolerance.

Nobody is preventing Jack Phillips from practicing

Christianity. The CCRC emphasized that he’s not obliged to "support or endorse any particular religious view,” but only that he is forbidden from discriminating against a customer based on sexual orientation (in the same fashion any Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or any other business can’t refuse to serve Phillips on the basis of his belief system).

The First Amendment guarantees religious freedom and free speech, and those who side with Phillips believe that’s all that’s necessary to resolve this dispute.

But what they fail to see are the consequences that logic has for minorities.

If somebody can legally be turned away from a bakery because they don’t want to serve a gay wedding, what stops any business from doing the same in other scenarios? This creates significant problems for every out-of-the-closet queer from here to California. If a barista, waiter or cashier who is not particularly friendly with “the gays” sees a regular with their significant other, what’s to keep them from from refusing service to that person altogether? Does no one remember what prompted the lunch counter sit-ins of the 60s?

Legalized discrimination based on sexual orientation has the potential to pervade every aspect of a queer person's life, from where they can buy groceries to whether or not they can find an accommodating place to live.

But this isn’t just about queer people either. A ruling in favor of Phillips would set a precedent for the validation of bigotry against any minority, justified solely by a person’s religious beliefs.

I’m not religious in any capacity, but from what I know about Christianity, the principle Phillips is pushing for is in direct conflict with the scripture that he purportedly holds so dear. After all, I can crack open a Bible and quote it to my advantage just as well as any Colorado baker can.

Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Matthew 7:1-2 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Need I go on?

For God’s sake, let them eat cake.

ABBEY CADIEUX

A plea for a fair contract

A community is only as good as its library system. With resources for all residents — books, CDs, movies, even lawn equipment — and a bastion for students against the perils of final exams, the true integrity of a community lies between the shelves of plastic-covered books and rows of computers found there.

The staff of the Grosse Pointe Public Library System began bargaining for a fair contract in May with the city’s appointed Library Board of Trustees. As of July 1, they have been working without a contract. Six months later, even with numerous attempts from the staff to develop a fair contract, there has been minimal progress.

Only recently has it come to the attention of residents, though, through hot pink lawn signs and a Facebook page with over 300 likes.

How do government workers carry on without comprehensive healthcare, fair working conditions or published wages for six months without any meaningful action from the community they support?

Because of this, some workers took it upon themselves to educate the public through the self-made Grosse Pointe Public Librarians and Support Staff Association Facebook page. The page was created to rally community support, outline potential solutions and update followers.

Out of left field, the Board proposed a new healthcare plan. In response, the association posted the staff’s necessary prescription drugs, 3D mammograms and hearing aids, amongst other things — all of which are not covered by the proposal. This is exactly what deters people from government jobs.

GPPL librarians and support staff are represented by the Michigan Education Association. They have gone the lengths of hiring a thirdparty fact-finder and attempting to reason with the attorney for the library, posting various updates on their Facebook page throughout the process, such as a benefit comparison from Cornerstone Municipal Advisory Group.

Regarding the proposed healthcare plan, Cornerstone, a benefits broker and consultant group, confirmed information that the association went on to post on their Facebook. The report noted that “the administration’s proposed plan has higher co-pays, more limitations on visits and many services that are not covered.”

The situation shows that a group of devoted workers, most of whom are longtime community members and beloved neighbors, are having their resources and jobs severely stunted by our local government. They have tirelessly attempted to bargain with the Board time and time again, but to no avail.

In a unanimous vote, the Editorial Board supports the efforts of the GPPL workers as they advocate for a fair contract.

As students and members of the community, we must cherish those who keep the library open for us. Our libraries are the very lifeblood of our community, and the librarians, the very backbone.

Without the local libraries, students would lose the ideal that literacy and learning are just as much outside-of-the-classroom values as inside.

They are vital resource centers, meeting grounds and safe spaces for all citizens. Essentially, every library acts as a stronghold of civic education and engagement.

When a non-elected Board attempts to reduce such a crucial, inherently democratic asset, it sends a disgraceful message to a community’s youth. Without younger voices in local politics, these resources will fade away. This issue would most likely have been unnoticed if it weren’t for the grassroots effort of the GPPLSSA. As a society, we are so absorbed by national politics that we are blind to the issues in our own backyards.

In an age where information retrieval and news literacy are deteriorating and obscuring, librarians are the illuminators that will guide the intellectual and civilizational integrity of our world.

To the librarians and support staff fighting for a fair contract: We support you — because you support us, the community.

To the community: Get informed and make your voice heard. We cannot afford to lose them.

Editor’s note: There is a Board of Trustees meeting Dec. 21 at Central Library, located at 10 Kercheval Road. Be there.

"I think we should keep and not get rid of it and we should get the freedom of looking at whatever we want and we shouldn’t pay for things that we didn't before."

Ceci Doerr

"I like net neutrality as it is. It's going to be a lot more expensive and families are going to get a bill in the mail and free internet is a given."

Ben Reiter

"It's a critical component to the internet that we have currently. If it passes through congress its going to affect the economy on a pretty large scale."

Grant Sachs

FRESHMAN

SOPHOMORE

JUNIOR

YOUR TURN: What is your opinion on net neutrality?

By Mariah Loper

"I'm for it and against whatever Congress is doing right now because the laws were passed for a reason. If what we have is what people think is for the best than I’m for it."

“Overall I'd be an advocate for net neutrality and being able to search the internet freely. It's been cemented as such an integral part of our lifestyle, things will change for everyone.”

"I think net neutrality is a very important thing for every democracy to have because information should flow freely without any censorship."

Kiley Weitzmann

Sean McCarroll

Michael Spears

SENIOR

ITECH TEACHER

SPANISH TEACHER

NORTH

POINTE

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Abbey Cadieux, Lindsey Ramsdell

Rossignol, Katlyn Rood-Ballard, Amelia Schock, Sydney Semack, Sarah Shanley, Jonathan Smith, Cordy Wettstein

The North Pointe is edited and produced by journalism students at Grosse Pointe North High School and is published every two weeks.

MANAGING EDITORS: It is in practice a designated public forum Caitlin Bush, Alex Harring without prior review.

EDITORS-AT-LARGE: Anna Post, Michal Ruprecht Comments should be directed to the student editors, who make all final content decisions. The views expressed are solely those of the authors BUSINESS MANAGER: Allison Lackner or the student editorial board and do not reflect WEBSITE MANAGING EDITOR: Sonny Mulpuri the opinions of the Grosse Pointe Public School System. Readers are encouraged to write letters WEBSITE EDITORS: Erin Kaled, Billy Steigelman to the editor. Letters are edited only for length and are screened for libel and obscenity.

We are a member of the Michigan Scholastic PAGE EDITORS: Elizabeth Ballinger, Amber Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Braker, Zoe Graves, Sofia Ketels, Katelynn Press Association, National Scholastic Press Mulder, Syeda Rizvi, Katie Thomas Association and Student Press Law Center. We STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Marina Gabriel, Jillian subscribe to McClatchy-Tribune Information Services and iStockphoto.com.

LaPere, Rachel Malinowski, Alyssa McLarty, One copy is available free to all community Ashley Sexton, Nya Tatum, Kennedy Williams members. Additional copies may be purchased.

Our editorial policy and advertising rates are STAFF REPORTERS: Rory Angott, Nick Asimakis, Arzoo Chhaya, Michael Hartt, Sophie available online. The North Pointe is printed on 100 percent recycled paper.

Kehrig, Mariah Loper, Brooklyn McWhorter, Taylor Mitchell, Amelia Nowicki, Adam CONTACT US Schwartz, Cairington Stahl, Benjamin Uram, 707 Vernier Road Emily Widgren, Hannah Zalewski Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 INTERNS: Amelia Abraham, JoAnna gpnnorthpointe@gmail.com Alexander, Aundrianna Boles, Brittni Braswell, Email: Phone: 313.432.3248 Savannah Burguron, Maggie Carron, Jordan Twitter: @TheNorthPointe Craighead, Nadia Fama, Colin Haroutunian, Website: northpointenow.org Donald Hightower, Raven Jason, Cheryl Knorp, Emily McCloskey, Abi Murray, Preston FACULTY ADVISER: Shari Adwers, MJE

EDITOR'S DESK KATIE THOMAS

The economics of education In the United States, only 40 percent of Americans have received a college degree.

I’m led to believe that this staggering statistic isn’t one of choice, but the result of a fixed system that prevents people from pursuing a higher education.

On the evening of Friday, Dec. 15, the Republican Congress released a final version of the GOP Tax Bill.

After weeks of revision and compromise, the list of reforms included benefits for big corporations — the wealthy and private schools. Because of this, low-income families, people buying health insurance and public schools or universities will be left in the dust.

While the goal of the bill is to reach the entire nation, there are still groups of people who will not be reaping its benefits. One of the most precious American opportunities, an education, will become less attainable for certain citizens due to the tax bill. While there are aspects to the bill that seem to benefit colleges and universities, the bill emphasizes that in order to receive a proper education, one must have the economic means to fund themselves.

The tax plan reiterates a current issue that is even visible down to the college application process. There are a myriad of fees that come along with the beginning steps of obtaining a higher education.

While there are waivers for families who have need-based financial aid, it still seems that this country is not doing enough to ensure everyone’s right to a good education.

For example, when taking the ACT, students who receive fee waivers can only take the standardized test at a reduced price. Although seemingly beneficial, this privilege ignores the additional costs that comes along with being successful on the test, such as an ACT tutor or study books. Down the line, a poor ACT score can lead to a lower quality education and a less successful life.

This bill supports families who send their kids to private schools. Public schools (who need more financial support) however, could experience a lack of funding, which can lessen the quality of education. It’s an institutional slap in the face to families who cannot or do not want to send their kids to a private school, yet still want their right to a quality education.

This GOP Bill is only a minor representation of an entire system that shuts the door on academic possibility and success for those who cannot afford it. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to a good education, regardless of their financial background.

Throughout American history, people have fought for their right to learn, from the first woman to attend college in 1852 to African Americans during the time of segregation. Not only is the ability to attend a successful school a right that belongs to everyone, it also ensures for a more progressive society in the future. When the government passes bills that favor the wealthy, these actions highlight the nation’s neglect that people from all backgrounds are deserving of good schooling.

So, where can the marginalizing end and the reform begin?

As a nation, the importance of learning needs to be recognized. Going to school is not a privilege, it’s a right to all. By understanding this as a nation, we can all experience an even more prosperous and successful nation.

ON CAMPUS

4 – Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017 – North Pointe

To infinity and beyond The Rocketry Club held their first test launch of the year on Saturday, Dec. 9.

By Zoe Graves PAGE EDITOR

HALLE PEPPER

UP, UP AND AWAY | The girls rocket is launched. The launch took place in a field near I-94 and 26 Mile Road. “I learned that (Rocketry Club is) really fun in general as a club," junior Sam Plieth said. "It really helps you become more involved in science and stuff and it's just a really cool thing to do ... even if you're not certain about it just come out for one launch day and check it out and pretty sure you'd be surprised about what happens out there."

FACES IN THE CROWD Annie Fleming

Sophomore Annie Fleming seems like the student. Like most, she has aspirations, fears and struggles, but she also loves helping others.

“Last June, I went to El Salvador on a missionstrip, and I got to evangelize someone, and I got to meet my sponsor child through compassion, and it was really life changing.”

Fleming credits her youth group for getting her where she is today.

“I have a really awesome support system with my girls in my small group,” she said. “We always talk about everything, and I always get great advice from them, and I have awesome mentors.”

As she’s learned compassion, she also knows to put a bigger emphasis on taking care of herself.

“I think the hardest person for me to forgive is myself because I'm so focused on making people like me, overcoming anxiety and things of that sort, that I forget to focus on me.”

Cari Humphries

While many artists share their talent on canvases, junior Cari Humphries uses shoes.

“I was in (class) freshman year, doodling on a piece of paper, and a kid came up to me and asked if I could put that on a shoe,” Humphries said. “That’s how it all started.”

Humphries was then asked by friends of her first customer to paint on their shoes.

She orders special paint online, so it doesn’t crack or wear down on the shoes.

“I have painted on many different styled shoes, from Jordans to Timberlands to Chuck Taylors,” Humphries said.

Humphries charges around $25 for a pair of shoes. Along with painting, she also cleans and restores the shoes if they are yellowing on the soles.

But she doesn’t do it for the money.

“I don’t care about making money,” she said.

“I just like doing it for fun.”

MICHAL RUPRECHT

SHOWING OFF | The girls rocketry team poses with their rocket after the launch. The team consists of juniors Shannon Flores, Jill Peters and Clare Williams and sophomore Kamaria Chambers. Chambers joined Rocketry Club this year, and plans to continue with the club for the rest of her high school career. "I was already in chem club, so it was all combined so I just decided to join," Chambers said. "I learned a lot, because I didn't really know a lot about rockets, so it was all new honestly."

Nina Kozik

MICHAL RUPRECHT

MICHAL RUPRECHT

FINAL TOUCHES (LEFT) | Parent Mark Supal, junior Sam Plieth and freshman Will Eckerman stand inside Tim Hortons as they add the finishing touches before launching their rockets. According to Rocketry Club adviser Steven Kosmas, Supal helps make sure the rockets meet all of the guidelines in the Team America Rocketry Challenge rules. "We built a whole new rocket from bottom up," Plieth said. "So, we were kinda going into uncharted waters, we didn't know what to do because we were making our own design and that stuff."

PREPARING FOR TAKEOFF | Members of the girls rocketry team connect wires to their rocket as they get ready to launch. Since the girls rocketry team used a rocket from last year, their preparation process was simple. "We reused a rocket from last year, so we just sanded it and got it prepared, and we put an ignitor in it so it would go up," sophomore Kamaria Chambers said.

"When we were getting the mass together, we found out that the mass was too low, so we put two golf balls in there, and a penny, a quarter and some nickels. And when we launched it to test it (the mass) was too high, so we brought it down, we took two nickels out and a penny."

FIVE MINUTES WITH

Longterm subsitute Michael Cowan

By Nick Asimakis STAFF REPORTER

MICHAEL COWAN

FAMILY EVENT | Cowan with his wife Amy, daughter Courtney and son Dougie over the summer at local sailing awards. Both of his children won awards. Cowan said that his family is adjusting well to his new position at North, and that he's grateful for the opportunity to teach here.

"My family and I go to Cape Cod every year, and that’s where my family is," Cowan said. "And we go there every year and visit my family and run around moats, lots of beaches there."

When substitute teacher Michael Cowan isn’t in the classroom, he enjoys casting off on lakes and oceans all over America to participate in a variety of sailing events.

Cowan embarked on his sailing journey when he was only 8 years old. He learned to sail for 18 years, then taught at a yacht club in Connecticut. Now, he is continuing his coahing career in hockey. He in his fourth year as assistant coach and team owner of the U14 Bulldogs travel team.

Cowan's first big sailing race was in Long Island, when he was just 9 years old.

“I started sailing with a program out in Connecticut,” Cowan said. “Then I taught sailing and did anything I could do to get back out on the water.”

Cowan likes to compete. He has taken part in a number of races and regattas over the years. Cowan has sailed boats ranging from 50 to 70 feet long, but the most recent boat he has raced was 50 feet. He sailed in a

regatta down in the Caribbean on a 70-foot sailboat.

“I sailed twice in St. Thomas with a regatta down there,” Cowan said “But the most enjoyable regatta I did was down in Saint Maarten.”

When he was younger, he went around the country with his partner sailing in multiple races. He would sail the local regattas or the larger events in California, Texas, Florida and Minnesota.

“It was all when I was a teenager, (in my) early 20s,” Cowan said “It was a great experience for me. Really great.”

The most significant race Cowan has done is the Port Huron to Mackinac. He has performed in this race 14 times.

“A number of years ago, my boat won our class and the overall,” he said, “Which was a huge thrill for all of us.”

When people think of long distance, they picture different colleges, maybe even different states. Junior Nina Kozik’s boyfriend, however, lives in a different country.

“He moved to a city called Hofheim. It’s right outside of Frankfurt, Germany,” Kozik said. “His family moved over the summer because of his dad’s job. He doesn’t speak German, but luckily he’s in an international school located in Frankfurt.”

Even though there is a major time difference, Kozik uses social media as much as she can to keep in touch.

“We communicate through FaceTime, texting, Snapchat and other social media,” Kozik said. “We’re not able to spend a whole lot of time talking because of the six-hour time difference.”

After spending four months apart, Kozik and her boyfriend will see each other on Dec. 22. For two weeks, they’ll be spending as much time together as they can, according to Kozik.

“He plans on coming back for some vacation and for college, but he’s there for the rest of high school,” Kozik said. “I fortunately have the opportunity of visiting him there this summer.”

By Ray Jason, Sydney Semack & Erin Kaled

FAVORITE BOOK My favorite book, is probably a book called “(A) Death in Belmont” by Sebastian Junger. That’s my favorite non-fiction book ... My favorite fiction book is “To Kill A Mockingbird.” I’m teaching it this year and I just think it’s the best. It’s a great tone, great story, great humor, dry-witted.

FAVORITE MOVIE

I would say “Presumed Innocent,” starring Harrison Ford. It’s based on a (Scott Turow) book ... Great movie, it’s with Harrison Ford, I highly recommend it. It’s getting a bit old now, but I like it.

FAVORITE FOOD

My favorite food is pizza ... ust big fan of pizza, a connoisseur. I think the Farms Market Pizza is the best around here, but pizza in general is pretty good.

FAVORITE TV SHOW

I don’t watch a lot of episodic TV, but I’d say “Designated Survivor” when I can pick it up is a good show. What else, I watch a lot of news, which is probably not great, but i try and keep in touch with the world.

But “Designated Survivor” is a pretty good show, for sure.

LIFE

Living the lines

North Pointe – Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017 – 5

From mannequin heads to makeup looks, senior uses social media to post latest works of art

By Hannah Zalewski & Amelia Nowicki STAFF REPORTERS

When senior Demetri Gritsas was a kid, he used art as a creative outlet to express himself in a changing society.

“I felt like when I was younger I really couldn’t express myself like any of the other kids,” Gritsas said. ”I wasn’t really good at talking to people. I wasn’t good at being social, so really music and art were the only ways I could communicate with people.”

The artistic developments of Generation X are used to express new feelings and emotions, such as political representations or just the intricate detailing in a makeup look.

Gritsas’ Instagram account, @demetri_gritsas, is an example of this. He has over 1,000 followers, and his following continues to grow daily. Recently, Gritsas’ has focused his art on growing up in the LGBTQ+ community in the forms of 3D designs and sculptures, a topic that is important to him as a member of that community.

He said digital platforms available to young artists have revolutionized the way we create art. For him specifically, the instantaneous sharing speed has kept him prompt and allowed access to immediate feedback.

“When I post on Instagram I usually get likes and comments and I go through every single comment. I respond and it really does motivate me to keep creating pieces.” Gritsas said.

“I love to hear everybody’s opinions and get everybody’s feedback and to just take it and apply it to my work.”

Artists, like Gritsas, have begun to take advantage of the platforms by turning them into potential career opportunities. The photographical aspects of the platforms and style have developed into an age of opportunity, and unveiled new ways for aspiring artists to be discovered. His Instagram account doubles as a portfolio.

The importance of self expression in art and the media is very prominent, and according to Gritas his account is no exception. Posts consisting of complex makeup designs and photoshoot takeaways exemplify the new style of art in the media.

Art teacher Michael Lamb has had Gritsas in class for the past two years. In that time, Lamb has seen him grow tremendously. He said Gritsas has

discovered his own personal style and technique, which in turn makes his art have deeper meaning.

“His art is very expressive. It is very personal,” Lamb said. “In my computer graphics class, he uses his own image a lot-his self portraiture, his own image, his own photography, so it’s really personal and expressive.”

Sophomore Claire Loch, a friend of Gritsas who has been featured in makeup posts on his account, agrees that the digital age has changed art as we know it. As a fan of Gritsas’ work, Loch said she appreciates the new-age contemporary feel of his social media art. “(It’s) very refreshing because you never see young artists, especially males, who are very confident and posting those kind of things,” Loch said. “It’s really beautiful because it makes dreams seem like more of a reality.”

In regards to Gritsas’ account, he said eye-catching visual attributes exemplify the true meanings behind his work, and really ref lect on who he is as a person, as well as his society and personal values.

Gritsas’ also said his Instagram account has opened the door to multiple modeling and promotion opportunities, such as working with design companies. Looking to the future, he hopes to study fashion and design in college.

He credits his success to supportive friends and family.

“I am very fortunate. I have a family that really supports me as person and the profession that I am going into. I know there are others that don’t and I am very appreciative of my situation,” Gritsas said. “There are other families out there that maybe not be so supportive of not just being an artist, but also a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and I really do acknowledge my privilege when it comes to my situation.”

DEMETRI GRITSAS

Over-the-counter to under the table ABBE Y

C A D IE

UX

By Michal Ruprecht, Erin Kaled, Ben Uram & Mackenzie Smith EDITOR-AT-LARGE, WEBSITE EDITOR, STAFF REPORTER & INTERN

Freshman Lily Becker zones out as she listens to a history lecture. But this isn’t a recurring problem — her loss of concentration at school only happens if she doesn’t take Adderall, a central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Becker was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and takes the medication daily along with 8.6 percent of children ages 8-15, according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

“I’m usually really hyper, and it’s always really hard to work out my school work if I don’t take my medicine. Sometimes when someone’s talking to me, I zone out, and I forget what they’re saying,” Becker said.

“The negative effect, I guess, is not being able to focus on what the teacher is saying and focus on what people are saying to me most of the time.”

While it’s necessary for Becker to take Adderall, many students without ADHD take the drug, too. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, stimulants like Adderall are one of the most abused classes of prescription drugs. And according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, illegal distribution of stimulants and ADHD misdiagnosis has contributed to negative repercussions. Another study from Michigan State University found that ADHD misdiagnosis wastes $320-500 million a year on unnecessary medication.

Adderall abuse peaks during the school year, especially around exam time. Many

students use the drug to b e c o m e m o r e focused on homework and during lengthy tests. ScienceDaily reported that Adderall abuse during final exams is becoming a trend among U.S. students.

Although science teacher Elizabeth Michaels said the issue isn’t pervasive, it’s

serious. Michaels tries to decrease students’ stress about tests so that they are less likely to resort to using drugs like Adderall. She tries to give notices about upcoming tests and reviews material each day in class prior to big tests so students feel more prepared.

“I think just general organization skills and time management skills should be explicitly taught and paralleled with the curriculum to help students be successful as possible,” Michaels said.

Becker said she found out about Adderall abuse during a commercial about drugs.

She added that she was surprised by the

Adderall fast facts Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

8.6 percent of children ages 8-15 are diagnosed with ADHD, according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms include loss of appetite, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, gastroenterological issues and inhibition of growth.

Abuse of the drug peaks during the school year, especially around exam time. It is one of the most abused classes of prescription drugs, the National Institute on Drug Abuse said.

Short term effects

include mood elevations, increased focus and lower stress levels.

Severe reactions to the stimulant can lead to heart attacks, strokes and death.

$320-500 million per year is wasted on unnecessary medications for misdiagnosed ADHD patients, a study from Michigan State University reported.

MICHAL RUPRECHT & EMILY WIDGREN

percentage of students without ADHD who take the drug.

“I don’t know why people do it because probably if they don’t have (ADHD), it’ll make them sick,” Becker said. “I think that people abusing the substance is bad when people are using it for drug purposes and need to stay away from it.”

Adderall abuse could lead to loss of appetite, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, gastroenterological issues and inhibition of growth, according to WebMD. In severe reactions to the stimulant, it can also cause heart attacks, strokes and death.

Aside from the damages to health, Adderall use by a student without ADHD is prohibited on school premises and schoolrelated events. The ACT and SAT tests also enforce drug-related rules to ensure fairness.

Students can become addicted to the calming and focusing effects of Adderall.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse said anyone with a drug addiction should get an evaluation from a physician.

School psychologist Christine Kuhl said finding a professional who could help with therapy is important.

“I would hope that people with problems would seek the help and support of trusted people in their support circle,” Kuhl said.

“With the support of family and friends, have the courage to seek treatment.”

Becker agrees with Kuhl. She hopes students who abuse stimulants get professional help. She added that substance abuse rules should be stringent, and school staff should be more aware of the problem.

“I think that people are damaging their own bodies, and that’s bad enough punishment because it causes brain damage and stuff if you don’t have ADHD and take the medicine,” Becker said. “I just hope they get help and get proper punishment.”

REVIEWS

6 – Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017 – North Pointe

The good samaritan is a chilling gift for thrill-seeking readers

By Jordan Craighead INTERN

“The Good Samaritan” by John Marrs is a book about a woman named Laura Morris.

Laura works at a suicide hotline called End of the Line. The people who call End of the Line are literally facing the end of their line. The callers feel hopeless, trapped and as though life isn’t worth living.

And Laura prays on this fear.

Contrary to her job description, Laura doesn’t want to help the people who call her. Instead, she wants to hear their last breath. She tells people which ropes are the strongest, how to consume poisons and which pills work the fastest.

Charlotte is a victim of Laura. Her husband, Ryan, will stop at nothing to discover the truth about what happened to his wife. Little does he know, Laura’s web of lies won’t be so easy to untangle, because who in the world would suspect such a good samaritan to be capable of these evils?

“The Good Samaritan” is a book narrated by a psychopath. The reader gets a first-hand

view into a murderer's mind. The book also moves between Ryan and Laura’s point of view seamlessly. By switching between narrators, Marrs really provides readers with an insight into the minds of the characters.

The major tone throughout the story is dark and leaves readers feeling unsettled. The way the narrator, Laura, describes her own emotions and actions is downright disturbing.

However, Ryan’s reactions to the loss of his wife are appropriate and makes him seem like a normal guy with a normal range of emotions.

The attitude of the book is suspenseful throughout its entirety, leaving readers on the edge of their seats for the majority of the book.

Throughout the haunting novel, the characters in the story intricately intertwine and work together.

As exhilarating as it is, the suspense can become a bit uncomfortable as readers witness the story through the mind of a sick person.

To add to the tension, the story has a lot of plot twists. It is rarely known what will happen next. For some, this adds to the mystery of the book, however, it also adds a sense of uneasiness to the plot as well.

In the midst of this psychological thriller, it's

easy to feel sympathy for both main characters.

Even Laura, the murderer, can evoke a sense of pity and empathy from readers when they learn about her past that sculpted her twisted personality and decisions.

The story is dark and eerie, but intriguing. To see the detailed inner workings of a murderer’s mind is strangely riveting. Marrs absolutely writes the characters well, allowing them the realistic complexity of actual people.

The story feels like it's leading to a big event. By building anticipation throughout the plot, Marrs instills a sense of urgency upon the reader. For readers who feed off of the suspense, this book is certainly appropriate.

John Marrs is a great author. He is an effective story-teller who transports one to the world of Laura and Ryan. Marrs’ extensive research on mental illness is clear in this project. He aims to depict disorders such as Laura’s in a way that accurately represents the community of people with psychological disorders. The reader doesn't have a choice — once they start reading, they get tangled into the story and will be left speechless. This novel is guaranteed to please thrill-seeking readers.

KATIE THOMAS

"The Good Samaritan" (2017) Available for $15.95 APP

TV SHOW

VIDEO GAME

ALBUM

PIVOTO

QUANTICO

RAINBOW SIX SIEGE

DOUBLE OR NOTHING

ITUNES

Through testing and conditioning players’ coordination, PIVOTO is a very complex app that challenges one’s patience. This app requires the gamer to formulate a path to help a moving ball navigate a very

convoluted maze.

While the ball is moving, there are obstacles players must move into the correct alignment so that when the moving ball hits them, it will then follow the correct path to the end of the maze without going out of bounds. The users need to keep focused as the levels increase and the complexity of the game starts to increase as well.

This app is a test of reaction time. It’s a game of reaction and memory. The same level is repeated if the gamer doesn’t get the ball from the starting to ending point in the first attempt.

As one climbs up the levels, the ball gradually moves faster, leaving the user with even less time to react and figure out what position the next obstacle must be in.

The game begins to move at a rapid pace and players with fast reaction times will excel, however, their slower counterparts will struggle immensely in the game.

While this game offers useful tests of coordination, there unfor tunately aren’t any customizing options or incentives as one advances through the 180 levels. Maybe by offer ing an incentive such as tokens or coins, or the option to customize the background and colors of the ball, PI VOTO would gain more suppor ters.

T his game assists with a real-life skill by foster ing speedy reactions and making decisions on the spot.

PI VOTO tr ies to tr ick users, but by repetitively playing the game and using techniques, it becomes quite doable for users to become aler t to the quickness that PI VOTO demands. While it doesn’t allow for much creativit y or individualit y, what it teaches are skills cer t ainly anyone can benefit f rom having.

“PIVOTO”; 2017; Available to download for $1.99.

By Adam Schwartz

ABC’s “Quantico” — with an average of 8.8 million viewers — never seems to disappoint.

The main character Alex Parrish (Priyanka Chopra) is an FBI trainee at ABC Quantico, along with being the prime suspect of a bombing at Grand Central Terminal.

After discovering her deceased father was a FBI agent, Parrish was determined to become one herself, but never suspected that she would be top of her class at Quantico.

Parrish learned a multitude of things during her time spent at Quantico, from how to shoot a gun to who her true friends were. She struggles with proving she is not the terrorist behind the attacks in New York before the people who she used to trust turn against in her when they try to catch her and turn her in.

The show is produced by Mark Gordon Company, which has also produced popular shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy.”

“Gossip Girl” writer, Josh Safran, uses his skills from the well-known teen show to add suspense and exaggerate the drama in “Quantico,” With it’s seamless mix between suspense and romance, “Quantico” is a cross between “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Homeland.” The show’s suspense and action sets it aside from any other suspense shows making it binge-worthy show, as the cliffhangers leave viewers yearning for more.

The show’s actors fit their on-show counterparts perfectly, and connect and portray them in a way that makes viewers obsessed with it.

However, the downside that makes many people dislike the fast-paced action-style show is that viewers don’t get the chance to get to know and care for the characters as much as they would hope for.

“Quantico” is a fun show with brilliant scenes and actors, and a suspenseful storyline. It will hook any fans of suspense or crime dramas.

"Quantico"; 2017; TV-14

By Nadia Fama

Unlike many other first-personshooter — or FPS — games, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege has shied away from the fastpaced reactionary gameplay shared RAINBOW6.COM by other games such as Call of Duty or Battlefield in favor of a more tactical approach.

Players find themselves strategically placed onto the battlefield, which could be anything from an everyday suburban house with tight corners and close-quarters combat to an enormous tower in South Korea with an elevator and multiple layers of vertical gameplay.

Players are split up into two teams of five, Attack and Defense. Attack has access to high-powered, long-range assault rifles and high explosives, while defense can use shortrange submachine guns and obstacles such as barbed wire to slow down the attackers.

Another gameplay feature that differs from many other major FPS games is the lack of respawning. One mistake, and you’re gone for the rest of the round, meaning every second that is spent alive has to be valued and used well.

Gathering information is one of the most important parts of gameplay, and each side does this differently. Defense can use a network of stationary security cameras while Attack has two drones for each operator. The drones can be controlled anywhere on the map and can scan enemies to notify teammates.

Although information is important, teamwork is just as crucial to winning games. Coordinating operator selection, entry locations and enemy position will aid your team greatly in securing the objective or eliminating the opposing force.

Rainbow Six Siege may become repetitive for some with the same maps and operators, but every three months, two new operators are released for free into the game along with a new map pertaining to a certain country. .

Rainbow Six Siege has the added bonus of regular free content updates, which make it well worth the time spent to unlock operators, especially if that time is spent playing with friends.

In “D++ouble or Nothing,” Big Sean teams up with superstar producer, Metro Boomin, to show off a satisfying combination of politicallyITUNES aware lyrics accompanied with uncomparable beats.

Equipped with 10 tracks in total, this collaborative album was released to eager fans on Dec 8. “Double or Nothing” marks Big Sean’s first album with another artist, and introduces a new side to the rapper’s talent.

A veteran to joint albums, Metro Boomin returns to impress his listeners and remind the industry why he’s one of the most sought-after producers.

The Detroit-native rapper and Georgia-born producer enlist the vocal assistance of major stars such as Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, 21 Savage, Young Thug and Swae Lee of Rae Sremmurd, breathing even more life into the project. If Big Sean’s insightful lyrics weren’t enough to show his rising reputation in the industry, his impressive guest-list does just that.

The politically-aware content of the tracks impressively contrasts with the trap music based beats that Metro Boomin creates. Big Sean has never been a stranger to addressing social and political issues in previous albums, on tracks such as “One Man Can Change the World” and “Lights.”

In tracks “Big Bidness,” “Who’s Stopping Me” and “Savage Time” the rapper spits some knowledge through references to Marcus Garvey, Rosa Parks, Colin Kaepernick and Martin Luther King Jr. From opening discussions on racism to the Flint Water Crisis, Big Sean offers more than just an effortless listen with some social insights.

More than anything, this collaborative album seems to be a showcase of fun and talent from both the artist and producer. Big Sean demonstrates smooth bars laced with meaning while Metro Boomin illustrates his one-of-akind beats. No two songs are alike and Metro Boomin takes creative risks with tracks “Who’s Stopping Me” and “Go Legend,” that aren’t typical rap beats.

Compared to other collaborative albums that have come out in the past years — such as Drake and Future’s “What A Time to Be Alive” and 21 Savage and Offset’s “Without Warning” album that was also done with Metro Boomin — this album has more of the lyricism and political awareness that is necessary in today’s society.

"Rainbow Six Siege”; 2017; Available for $46.99; Rated Mature

"Double or Nothing"; 2017; Available to download for $9.99

By Ben Uram

By Katie Thomas

IN-DEPTH

North Pointe – Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017 – 7

http:// War on the WEB

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PAGE EDITOR & STAFF REPORTER

The Federal Communications Commission’s decision on Thursday, Dec. 14 to repeal net neutrality, which requires internet service providers to treat all media on the internet the same, is concerning to some faculty and students as its implications are still unclear. Senior Morgan Mitchell is one of those students, who fears that without net neutrality, access to online content will be obstructed.

“I think internet has basically become a necessity for everyone in the U.S.,” Mitchell said.

“Whether you’re a college student or high school student or you already have a job, you need to have the internet so you can complete that job.”

In effect, net neutrality prevented companies like AT&T or Verizon from speeding up, slowing down, blocking or charging extra for any websites or applications that customers want to use. It was established through FCC regulations put forth during the Obama administration in 2015 to ensure free use of the internet for all.

Like Mitchell, those in favor of net neutrality fear the repeal of federal regulations forbidding these practices will lead to a much more restricted and expensive internet. Along with that is the possibility of additional charges to customers’ monthly internet service bills. Mitchell says that if this is a result of the FCC’s decision, he will likely have to start chipping in to cover the costs.

FCC chairman Ajit Pai lead the motion to repeal net neutrality — his argument being that less regulation on broadband services will eventually benefit customers. He feels that the

increased competition between these companies companies were operating. will yield innovation and more diversified services Some of the cases that prompted the pass of to customers. net neutrality included Comcast’s interference Those in favor of the FCC’s movement also with users from downloading music and movies supported the repeal because they claim they are from a site called BitTorrent which competed unfairly charged for upgraded network capacity with a company application, according to the New that they do not use, which they have no choice York Times. AT&T was also caught for restricting but to pay for. customers’ access to FaceTime unless they paid for Some of the larger telecom companies like a more extensive data plan. There have also been AT&T and Comcast accusations made against have assured Verizon for slowing customers that their loading times to Netflix services will not and YouTube videos. change without the McCarroll noted that regulations, but not since these services all consumers are aren’t used often on an satisfied with their educational level, the non-legally binding repeal probably won’t commitment.

Still, affect teachers and social studies teacher students, but their home Sean McCarroll usage of the internet doesn’t think that could be altered. the repeal is as Michael Lamb While the intent of the troublesome as some ART TEACHER repeal was to increase have made it out to be. competition in a diverse “Not much will change because of this change,” market, some fear that it will actually work against McCarroll said. “If providers start slowing down that. Opposition claims that without net neutrality, speeds, regulating access to competitor’s sites, or large corporations will monopolize the broadband charging extra for things we already use, they’ll industry. Art and computer graphics teacher see a decline in business as users move to other Michael Lamb agrees that the repeal could have services. Either all of them would have to play that unintended repercussions. game for it to work, or we won’t see much of a change.”

“I think that smaller companies wouldn’t McCarroll also added that during the years have the same access to the internet (without net before net neutrality legislation was put in neutrality) as others, so they wouldn’t be able to place, there weren’t many violations, and the survive,” Lamb said. “I would worry about the public seemed satisfied with the way broadband manipulation of society for whatever reason. For

“

I don’t know what (the repeal of net neutrality) will look like.

That’s the unnerving part, is that I don’t know.

“

By Lindsey Ramsdell, Amber Braker & Michael Hartt

political (or commercial) gain, all those things that I mentioned, large corporations having unfair advantages.”

However, McCarroll said that some of the actions of broadband corporations that could be perceived as commercial abuse are actually just them acting as any business would.

“They’re organizations whose goal is to make profit and boost shareholder value. They’re not democratically elected or providing internet access for moral reasons, which would mean that any perceived ‘abuse’ is actually just them operating under their intended purpose,” McCarroll said.

“That being said, I think the only thing we’d really see is companies making it inconvenient to use their competitor’s products.”

Congress reserves the power to overturn the FCC decision by passing a Resolution of Disapproval. Since the repeal is still widely unpopular, pleas to the public to write and call state representatives and urge them to act against the FCC have been circulating social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit.

According to Lamb, the most concerning aspect of the repeal is the unpredictability of how it will affect citizens. It could prove to be a false alarm as McCarroll believes, or lead to the restricted internet that Mitchell worries about.

“I don’t know what it will look like,” Lamb said.

“That’s the unnerving part, is that I don’t know.”

Contributing: Preston Rossignol

STUDENT OPINION: SURVEY OF 64 NORTH STUDENTS

AMBER BRAKER

LINDSEY RAMSDELL

SPORTS

8 – Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017 – North Pointe

Supplements: shortcut or benefit?

SOFIA KETELS

By Sonny Mulpuri & Billy Steigleman WEB EDITORS Junior Chad Lorkowski has been going to the gym for barely more than a year, but in that time has found ways to make his goal of becoming stronger and faster much easier.

Shortly after joining a gym, Lorkowski started using dietary supplements he believed would help speed up his muscle gain and recovery.

Included in his regimine was creatine.

Creatine, a nitrogenous organic acid that naturally comes from vertebrates, is popularly used by people trying to gain muscle mass.While some studies show that the supplement can cause kidney damage, Lorkowski said he has seen no negative effects while taking it.

“I don’t think it really affects the weight part as much as people think, but it helps me a lot with recovery,” Lorkowski said. “When I don’t take it, sometimes I take a few days off, and I’m

UPCOMING GAMES BOYS HOCKEY Thursday, Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m. against South

WRESTLING

County Meet Friday Dec. 22 at 4 p.m.

BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL

Crusader Classic Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 5:30 p.m.

JV GIRLS BASKETBALL

Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m against Romeo High School

GIRLS VARSITY HOCKEY

Saturday, Jan. 6 at 5:30 p.m against Bloomfield United at home

really sore. And when I do take it, I can work out every day.”

Junior Joe Salisbury, Lorkowski’s gym partner, uses supplements such as pre-workout and protein powder, but not creatine.

Salisbury says that while a lot of kids at his gym use creatine, he doesn’t think it is necessary to help at the gym and wouldn’t change the way he works out.

One thing both he and Lorkowski do agree on is the use of protein after workouts, whether adding powder to make a protein shake or eating a protein bar. This helps those who may not be able to get their usual protein through a large meal and speeds up recovery time.

“Some proteins are really helpful because they have BCAA’s (branched-chain amino acid) in them, which help you recover your muscles faster so you can work out sooner instead of taking days off,” Salisbury said.

Many athletes that

go to the gym also pride themselves on gaining their muscle mass naturally, like weight and strength training instructor Joe Drouin.

He said that rather than pumping supplements like protein and creatine into one’s system, diet can yield very similar results.

According to Drouin, muscle mass gained by using artificial creatine is not just mass. It actually is a weaker muscle fiber which makes the athlete more likely to suffer a muscle pull or tear. Also, as an athlete’s skeletal system is still growing and developing, adding too much muscle mass in quick amounts of time is not good for the body.

One’s body structure isn’t prepared to handle quick gains, so this could cause joint issues.

“Supplements are a shortcut to eating properly.

Instead of taking an artificial pre- (or) post-workout supplement, try eating fruits that are naturally high in sugars and

proteins,” Drouin said.

“For a post-workout, look to foods like steak, sweet potatoes and vegetables.”

Each athlete has a reason for their routines and lifestyle.

For Lorkowski, that it’s baseball, as he was motivated to gain 20-25 more pounds before the beginning of last season.

When he heard about it from his teammates in the offseason, creatine became an option along with a proper diet and a strong workout plan.

Lorkowski doesn’t think he’s taking shortcuts to his goals, but rather making that road shorter.

“Everyone over-thinks it. It’s a natural substance.

I just think people just don’t know what it is and think it’s some bad thing, so it has a bad rap,” Lorkowski said. “I feel like protein, creatine and other supplements are a mind game because you get into a habit of taking it, and then if you stop taking it, you start to feel not as good, and your workouts get worse.”

CHAD LORKOWSKI

GAINING STRENGTH | Junior Chad Lorkowski participates in weight training at the gym. While using pre-work out and protein supplements, Lorkowski said he has seen no downside. “Protein powder just makes it easier to get that protein into the day if you can’t get that big meal in, you can just get a protein shake.” He said. “I just put the creatine in the shake.”

Behind the play

By Sofia Ketels PAGE EDITOR When students are watching a rivalry game under the lights of the football field or basketball court, the faces of the players they see are most often the students they associate the sport with.

However, seniors like Rebecca Alway are involved in the athletic program in ways that often remain unnoticed and behind the scenes.

Since the middle of football season in October, Alway has been interning with the athletic trainer, Lizzy Landa.

After developing an interest in athletic trainers’ work, such as wrapping ankles and helping people to stretch, Alway applied for the internship out of pure curiosity for a possible career.

Once she got the internship, Landa taught Alway how to wrap up the ankles and wrists of injured players, and Alway began helping out during football games by doing just that, leaving Landa free to assess the injuries of players while giving Alway a glimpse inside a potential line of work.

“I’m not fully decided if I wanna go

into it, I know I wanna go somewhere around physical therapy, athletic training, but I haven’t made a definite decision,” Alway said. “I thought maybe if I went in and tested the waters and see how it works and if I liked it, maybe it would help me just think about what I want to do.”

Junior Morgan Semack believes that working behind the scenes in sports can not only pique students interest in a career, but also in a new sport. While working the clock over last year’s field hockey season, Semack became interested in the sport and plans to join the team this upcoming season.

She also said that having students participate when they aren’t necessarily playing a sport can help garner more support for student athletes at games.

“I think it’s pulling people from every group in the school,” Semack said. “You’ve got the already athletic kids coming to watch the games, but kids who aren’t really interested in sports can be working or earning money ... they are also included and can watch the games, the coaches,

the players and how the game works.

It gives you something to do and it’s really fun.”

While serving as a recruitment tool for the athletic program, students working to help fundraise are also helping to make it affordable for those already involved in playing a sport.

Senior Abby Kanakry sold concessions during her sophomore and junior years, and said selling concessions and having other fundraisers such as bake sales supports both the Athletic Booster Club and the individual teams themselves, which can help pay for things such as spirit wear and in some cases, uniforms for team members.

“Sometimes people don’t have the money to pay for new spirit wear, or like sometimes the school doesn’t always pay for track uniforms as opposed to new football uniforms,” Kanakry said. “I think it is really important for the players and students to get involved so that we’re making sure everyone has equal opportunity.”

Students don’t necessarily need to play a sport to become involved behind the scenes. According to

Students take on supporting roles within athletic program Kanakry, even something as simple as buying or donating to a bake sale or fundraiser can make a difference, and any student — regardless of whether or not they play a sport — can sell concessions, run the buzzers at games or be a part of the athletic trainer’s intern program.

To Alway, these are great opportunities for students to not only explore their interests, but to help boost college applications and become more involved in school activities.

“I think even if you don’t play a sport it’s such a great opportunity just to see what goes on, especially if you’re interested in medicine in any way,” Alway said. “You don’t necessarily have to be athletic to do it, but if you wanted to learn more about it or just take part in what happens behind the scenes, learn how to tape, learn how to stretch people out for certain injuries and stuff, definitely go for it.”

Contributing: Taylor Mitchell & Donald Hightower