The Voice: December 15, 2010

e h T Viking

Voice

Yo u r S c h o o l . Yo u r Vo i c e .

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Volume 51, Issue 2 December 15, 2010 Everett High School 3900 Stabler Rd. Lansing, MI (517) 755-4472

Deshawn Qawwee, Phillip Moore, and Tray Dodd-Brown enjoy the music as they dance at the Snowflake Ball. This year marked the 1th year of the event.

Shaquila Doss Reporter The Snowflake Ball was held December 4, and for four hours the cafeteria was transformed from a boring room that we see everyday into a ballroom filled with students dressed in formalwear, dancing the night away.

The Ball has been put on for 16 years and the tradition will continue on for years to come. The ball was first started in December 1994 by social studies teachers Judith Hightower and Myrna Mitchell.

The idea came from East Lansing high school, which was the only school doing this type of dance at the time. Mitchell decided that the Lansing schools deserved something similar and started the Snowflake Ball tradition.

When the dance first started it was not a formal event, but students were the ones who changed that. The tradition has been carried on and it has continued to be a formal event.

“Because the event is formal, students have more invested into it and it gives them an opportunity to shine,” said economics teacher Lothar Konietzko, who has been a part of Snowflake ball for about ten years now.

All Everett students are allowed to attend the ball. Students from other schools are also allowed to attend, but under certain criteria.

Students that have been to the see WINTER BALL, page 6

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

2

• Meet Mr. Purdy • Seniors make blankets for kids

3

During the holi- Hartley. donate, and in return they get extra credit days, many people Hartley’s class was the largest collec- for some classes. take time to think tor of food ten times in the past years.

The Viking success club has sent out about those who One year his students wrote a letter to a letter to all the teachers in the building need help. Volunteers Sam’s to ask for donations and they gave to get everyone involved, but some stuPahoua Chang of America, Salva- a truckload of food for donations that dents did not know about it. tion Army and many Everett gave to local food shelters.

“I do not know anything about the Reporter others all work to food drive going on at Everett,” said raise money and junior Pedro Alviarez. gather clothes and food for the needy.

The food drive started on NoAt Everett, many groups are working vember 10 and will end on December to help the community as well.

17. There is still plenty of time to let The Viking Success club is having the word spread and to get donations. a food drive to donate to local food As of last week, they had collected shelters like Volunteers of America. over 300 items from Hartley.

History teacher Ben Billings, with Billings did a food drive on his the help of accounting teacher Greg own. Over 310 items were donated to Clugston, collected food for the City the Lansing Rescue Mission. Billings Rescue Mission of Lansing. Also, the and his son delivered the items on Nolibrary is again building a mitten tree vember 22. Billings is truly thankful to and students and staff are encouraged all his students for helping donate. to add to it.

He said he knows times are tough for In the past, National Honor Soci- Bins of collected food wait in history teacher Ben many people. ety has been in charge of food drives. Billings’ room before Thanksgiving break.

“Usually we get over a thousand, This year, they have been involved in but for some reason this year we are a The Viking Success Club is a club other projects, said adviser Frank Semin- that does community service. Adviser little bit low,” said Billings. ski, but they do have plans of to do some Gwen Scutt has been running the club for When Clugston asks his students to sort of community service for Christmas. over ten years. John Zielinski has been a help in the cause with Billings, he said he At the meeting on December 10 they will long time supporter to this club also. tries the best he can to participate and decide.

“I’ve helped out with Viking success help out. He and his ABC club (AccountMath teacher Eric Hartley always for about 10 years now. I’m the faculty ing Business Club) were big helpers. participated in the food drive, and said he advisor,” said Zielinski.

“I try to do it every year with Mr. has collected anywhere from one thouTheir first project of this year is the Billings; it’s good to give back,” said sand to five thousand items. food drive. A factor that helps the food Clugston.

“I just think it’s a great cause,” said drive be successful is asking students to CHAD SANDERS

guadalupe gonzalez

Snowflake Ball Students help community by donating to local charities (Like A G6)

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Toys For Tots Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at drop boxes all over town, including Toys R Us, Art Van, MSUFCU, NuUnion, and ACO Hardware. lansing-mi.toysfortots.org

• 2012 yearbook problem • New driver bill could affect many students

Volunteers of America and Goodwill 5411 South Cedar Street 6250 S Cedar St Donate gently used coats, hats, mittens and other clothing.

City Rescue Mission 607 E. Michigan Ave. Drop off food to help feed homeless and needy families and individuals. Or, volunteer to help at the shelter. www.lcrm.org

voami.org goodwill.org

8

• After school dance class • What the sinking fund means for students

2

News

Five weeks into the school year, students in certain Algebra 1 classes finally got to meet their teacher.

At the beginning of the Pahoua Chang school year Reporter ,Frank Purdy taught part time at Sexton. The new math teacher chose to come to Everett when he saw the full time position posted.

“The position of the job was not posted until the first week of school,” said math department chair Eric Hartley. Ms. Novak was the substitute for in the classroom before Purdy came.

The process of getting a full time teacher took long because the job must be posted up for ten days, then interviews had to happen.

Hartley and other teachers had a say in the hiring process.

“I think he’ll do a good New math teacher Frank job. We welcome Mr. Purdy Purdy explains the lesson to here and hope he enjoys his time,” said Hartley. his algebra 1 class.

December 15, 2010

CrowdedHallways

LUPITA GONZALEZ

Purdy enjoying life as a Viking

Purdy started teaching right after he graduated from MSU. He spent one year teaching in Mason and two years in the Lansing district. He has been teaching algebra 1 all his three years of teaching, and has been helping with GED prep.

“I teach algebra one and GED preparation (a high school equivalency exam),” said Purdy.

The GED was a program at Sexton that helps students prepare for the exam to receive a high school diploma. He is quickly adjusting to life at Everett.

“I’ve been having a good time so far,” said Purdy.

His first day was hectic and busy, but he still enjoyed it. He had a lot of stuff to organize on his first day of teaching at Everett. He was in and out of his classroom. Since he has not been here for long, he has only meet a few staff members.

“All of the staff I’ve meet so far are very nice and friendly,” said Purdy.

He is very happy with his students’ behavior and attitude.

All the students he has are welcoming and friendly.

“They are very motivated to learn,” said Purdy.

Students said they enjoy him as their math teacher and are happy with his teaching techniques. Algebra 1 is a hard subject that is made easy and fun by Purdy.

“He makes math funny and easy to understand,” said junior Jasmine Jones.

Jones said she is very happy with the teacher she got after the long wait. Many students weren’t concerned about the lack of a full-time teacher.

“It wasn’t that big of a deal, I don’t think it affected us at all,” said junior Sierra Shepard.

Shepard said that she likes Purdy as well.

“His teaching method is very good, He seems like a good teacher,” said Shepard.

You’re on your way to class. The second bell has rung, and you’re in a hurry. Your class is at the end of the hall, but between you and your goal is a clog of students that is not moving.

Alan Yang This problem faces students in one Online Editor way or another every day.

“People are moving slow, they’re cutting me off, and I’m trying to get to class,” said senior Robert Perez.

It’s not just students who have complaints, but the school security staffs as well, who have been resolving this conflict for many years.

“I would ask them to move along when there’s a group of students crowding the hallways,” said public safety officer Mark Langschwager.

The location with the biggest problem with congestion is the first floor hallway, during the five-minute break between classes and the switch between lunch hours.

Some teachers realize this problem can make it difficult for students to get to classes on time.

“Some of the students have told me about their problems about being late to class. I can relate to this, and I don’t like it,” said Japanese teacher Dawn Stark.

Staff members have suggestions for students who are trying to get to class on time.

“Watch and be aware of the surroundings,” said Stark.

If you see a problem with a crowded hall, look for another route to get you to class on time, said Langschwager.

For example, the stairwell at the end of the hall is much less busy.

“Kids should use the knowledge of the stairs in order to get to class.” said Langschwager.

E v e n though making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) is an important goal Xia Thao for Everett Features Editor and every high school in the country, many students don’t know what it is.

“No, I haven’t heard much about it,” said junior Amee Yang.

Lower classmen don’t have an idea what AYP is but most upper classmen do. Many seniors understand, because as a junior they helped Everett make AYP. For the past two years, the junior class has helped the school make AYP. Many students don’t care about AYP because they think it doesn’t affect them.

“It doesn’t affect me,” said Yang.

But there are few who think AYP is important. “[AYP is important because] it shows what level we are on,” said senior Hermance Akono.

AYP isn’t just made up of only test scores, there are a lot of other factors.

Other factors include the amount of

students graduating from their freshman year, said MME coordinator Jennifer West.

Adequate Yearly Progress is measurement defined by the United States federal No Child Left Behind Act that allows the U.S. Department of Education to determine how every public school and school district in the country is performing academically. “[It’s] one way to measure student growth,” said science teacher Scott Goodman.

Goodman also stated if we don’t make AYP our community will have a negative perception of our school.

West added that if we don’t make it for a certain amount of years then the government could take over.

Teachers believe that students should understand what AYP means since they are the one who help the school make AYP. But many also feel that if student were to learn what AYP is and what they have to do to make it, they will feel pressure. “[As a junior last year I think] we were pressured,” said senior Elizabeth Curry.

The junior class before were the first ones to make AYP. But she also said that it felt good making AYP.

Even many students who know what AYP stands for don’t know what it actually means for the school. Making AYP is one indicator of how students are being taught and how they are learning. It shows how well the school is doing in a variety of areas.

The past two years, the junior class has been taken out of class to get prepare for the MME. But Glenn Stevens, who was the conductor of the Kaplan Test Prep for the last two years, is not at Everett this year. He is now an assistant principal at Eastern. Math teacher Brent Pohlonski has taken over as coordinator of MME test prep.

This year AYP “standards have been raised,” said Goodman. So it will be more of a challenge to make AYP this year. The score that made Everett pass AYP last year would not have been high enough to make it this year.

But still Goodman believes we can make it with everyone’s effort since the school made it the past two years.

We can make AYP like we did the past two years if everyone put an effort said Goodman. He also encourage the school to “Keep it up.”

E v e r e t t ’s senior class held a fundraiser to make blankets for cancer paNikayla Williams tients, and raised $765. The monReporter ey will be used to buy supplies to make blankets which will then be donated to The Ronald McDonald House December 17.

Senior Giana Nieto said that the class decided to make blankets so they could be a Christmas gift for the children.

“Raising money was a way of Everett reaching out to help make a difference in the community,” said Nieto.

The idea to make blankets for cancer patients came from public safety officer Tina Carlisle.

Carlisle said her friend knew that many of the children at The Ronald McDonald House had parents who aren’t able to be with them. Carlisle also said that almost everybody has been affected by someone close who has had cancer, so it’s something that many people have in common.

Senior Ashon Mask works on blanket for kids with cancer in the special dining room.

CLARISSA GONZALEZ

As Everett continues AYP streak, many Senior class raises almost $800 for students still unaware of importance children with cancer

“Cancer patients might not have a tomorrow and so many kids here had the heart to donate money,” said Carlisle.

Junior Maranda Shasteen donated $3 to the fundraiser. She said making blankets for cancer children is a good idea because they don’t have money to buy themselves one.

“It’s nice that were doing this because we could be helping many parents who cant afford to spend money,” said Shasteen.

Senior Ashon Mask said that the senior class is trying to start an annual tradition to raise money for the House.

December 15, 2010

News

3

Thursday, November 18 three members of Westboro Baptist Iesha Rich Church came Reporter to East Lansing in order to protest in front of the high school. This church is known for staging protests at military funerals because they think it’s wrong to be a solider. They also have become known for anti-gay protests around the country, holding inflammatory sign with sayings like “God Hates [Gays]” or “America is Doomed.”

Some adults in the East Lansing area picked this stop because of the amount of letters they got from the East Lansing area and the high school talking about what the Westboro church has done wrong.

Some people think that this church has no business coming here.

“They need to mind their own

business,” said senior Bria Smith.

While the courts have held that the church has a First Amendment right to peacefully protest on public property in front of the school, their visit seemed wrong to many students.

“They should not be able to do this,” said junior Jazmine Thomas.

The church thinks being in the army is wrong. They say this because it’s in the Bible. But seeing the protesters waving signs like “Thank God For Dead Soldiers” does not sit well with students and teachers alike.

“I think serving our country is an honor and those people shouldn’t be allowed to do this,” said math teacher Elizabeth Ballinger.

Even though the majority of people find their pickets offensive, they usually follow lawful guidelines and do not get arrested.

“They have a right to do that because of the law... but I don’t agree with it,” said public safety officer Mark Langschwager.

Even though the group’s protest in East Lansing was said to be a response to East Lansing student e-mails to the church, some students don’t see a point to their protest against the military and gays at the school.

“Just leave them alone; it had nothing to do with them,” said senior Phuong Hoang.

Some students say just because the law says people have the right to their First Amendment, it does not mean that they should be allowed to hurt people emotionally.

In the end, the protest was uneventful. Three church members showed up and protested as police looked on. A much larger crowd of anti-Westboro protesters gathered with their own signs and chants. After the three protesters left, the assembled anti-protesters performed a “ceremonial cleansing” of the area where the three had stood.

Ye a r b o o k advisor John Zielinski said that there is indeed a possibility of a Tiffany Dukes yearbook being News Editor canceled if the yearbook program can’t pull itself out of debt.

“The way we get out of this is if we sell yearbooks or ads,” said Zielinski Juniors Tiffany Faulkner and Amber Sykes both are looking forward to getting their yearbooks next year as seniors, and are upset with the previous classes that put the yearbook in debt and having them pay it off.

“We shouldn’t have to work our way out of their debt,” said Faulkner.

Many juniors care that they may not have yearbooks. Some said they would be devastated.

“I care! I feel we should be able to

capture our memories and keep them for years,” said Junior Amber Sykes.

Seniors from the previous years did not pay off their debt before they graduated, and left it for the incoming classes to pay off.

“I feel like they shouldn’t have even been able to do that. That’s just stupid,” said Junior AlecXis Glass.

Getting a compact disc compared to a book is very different you can keep a book forever but who’s to say that you will be able to use the same software for the compact disc. In order to prevent this from happening we need to pay off each year’s debt but at the same time we are only allowed to be behind one year and we are behind two.

“We owe both 2009 and 2010 debt, other than that the yearbook is looking pretty good,” said Editor In Chief Junior Jessica Pasche.

As much as the class of 2012 says they care about the yearbooks, most

students said they are not interested in the idea of paying more to get yearbooks. Seniors should have been more considerate and budget friendly.

“It’s their debt to pay not ours, we did fundraisers for a reason,” said Faulkner.

Zielinski says if things don’t change the class of 2012 will not have yearbooks. It could possibly be a compact disc. Everyone needs to buy more yearbooks and the yearbook staff needs to sell more ads.

“Our yearbook is in trouble underclassmen that think they won’t be affected will be ultimately affected,” said Zielinski.

The first deadline is November 8th seniors should make sure they buy 2011 yearbooks and the yearbook staff needs to sell more ads in so that next year’s seniors will be able to get yearbooks next year, instead of a compact disc.

Unless class can erase debt, class of 2012 may not see a yearbook

How do you feel about 2012 possibly not having yearbooks ?

“That’s so sad, they gave all the other classes the opportunity to have a yearbook.”

-Keaira Jackson

“ I feel that is unfair because other classes have had yearbooks so we should too.”

-Kani Caldwell

“ I don’t feel that is fair because 2012 didn’t put yearbook in debt, which is the reason 2012 yearbook may not happen.”

- Calicia Farquhar

Kristian Stokhlom, sxc.hu

Westboro church brings antigay message to East Lansing

New driver bill gives students headaches S a f e driving experts are currently in support of a Amanda Robertson state bill that put Entertainment Editor would limitations on new level-two drivers, which includes those 16 and older who have held a license for six months, in the state of Michigan.

This proposal would allow Michigan to join the 42 other states that already have brand new teen driver restrictions, and will hopefully make the roads much safer than they currently are.

The bill focuses on three key points.

The first key focus of the bill would change the number of non-family members a new driver would be allowed to have in the car to just one.

Although experts feel that this is a necessary change, not everyone feels the same way.

“I think they should just leave the law alone, because its fine the way it is,” said Senior Chinaka Achonu.

The second focus of the bill would ban level-two drivers from using cell phones or other wireless devices while driving.

Statistics show that drivers ability to drive decreases by 40% while talking on the phone.

Even though it’s meant to cut down on accidents in new drivers, many teens don’t like being treated differently.

“I feel like since we earned our licenses, and are driving our cars, we should be able to talk on the phone if we want to,” said Junior Ronnie Tyson.

The third focus of the bill would prevent new drivers from driving from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. unless it involved a job. Allowing jobs as the only exemption is too narrow, according to senior Bernard Wilson.

“I think that’s stupid and I don’t understand why they’re changing it. What if people have sports to go to? I think it would be too much work for them to make sure people follow it,” said Wilson.

Democratic state Representative Richard LeBlanc is sponsoring the bill and is pushing for it to pass before the end of the year.

In addition to him having high hopes for this bill, others have them as well.

“I think it’s awesome and it’s a good idea because sure you have the kids who follow the rules and do what they’re supposed to but then you have the ones who just do whatever they want,” said science teacher Corrie Thornburgh.

“Some kids give kids a bad name and make it so you have to have laws like this,” said Thornburgh.

While many adults see the need for a new law, some students don’t think a change will help solve the problem.

“The law change would increase the chances of it being broken. A lot of people probably wouldn’t follow it,” said Junior Elexus Beauchamp.

The law change is out of students’ control, and they’ll just have to wait and see if the bill is actually passed or not.

Anyone with further questions, comments, or concerns can contact our state representative Joan Bauer at 1-517373-0826 or e-mail her at joanbauer@ mi.gov.

4

Opinion

Class pride runs Church protesting throughout the school gays only believes in hateful part of Bible

CLARISSA GONZALEZ

Shouting out your year at pep assembly.

Defending your class from insults. Class pride Gabby Hester at Everett high school is often a good thing, but Reporter can also be not great.

Many students are known for looking down on the lowerclassmen. But they are also showing their strong spirit.

Having class pride is a pretty big thing in high school, but sometimes people get a little too carried away.

Pep rallies are supposed to be fun and exciting but the anger towards the different classes lead to student’s getting kicked out for throwing things at other classes. One example is Homecoming.

Showing pride is a big thing, especially for seniors. But get carried way, too. And it seems like staff takes their side.

At pep rallies seniors don’t get yelled at for throwing things at the lowerclassmen, but if it happens the opposite way we are threatened with removal from the assembly.

Your freshman year is by far your

worst! You get picked on by all the upperclassmen, but not only that they face the rumor of the event called “freshman beat down.” (For the record, “freshman beat down” is a myth. There is no, nor has there ever been, an organized beating of freshmen).

Some students probably get a little fear coming to high school, and on top of that they’re getting picked on. Not a good welcome.

Classes, clubs step up fundraising games

At teacher conferences parents were attack on their way in by pizza, egg rolls, cupcakes, cookies, and senior class Pahoua Chang pictures. The clubs were Reporter all scattering around to get that last buck for fundraising.

Every one seems to want to get involved now. Everyone is trying to fund raise at the same time with the same ideas. It all seem a little like overloaded work. Lots of parents came that night to teacher parent conferences, so the clubs should of made good money from that.

There seems to be more active students comparing to last year. It may be because the seniors from last year weren’t as active.

The seniors lacked in activity funds. We, who used to be lower class men learned from their mistakes.

The upper class men are working hard to raise money for their prom and activities in the future. Juniors want to have a better prom than the previous seniors. We won’t settle for less.

“If it’s my prom we are not going to have it in the gym, it is going to be awesome,” said junior Tiffany Faulkner.

The juniors had a raffle ticket sale at the Eastern vs. Everett volley ball game.

They were sponsored by Biggy’s, MSU, and two other sponsors. They earned up to around 80 dollars from the ticket sales. They would like to do this again.

All of this should have happened

a long time ago, since freshmen year, but no one wanted to do anything. Why is everything started so late? Does it take that long to grow up and take responsibility of how your senior prom will turn out?

Time is short, the freshmen should start to think about their prom and the things that they want to do, but of course it’s going to take some growing up before it hits you when you’re a junior.

The progress of the current senior class seems to be trying to get their stuff in order and prepare for prom.

As of this year, the student council are coming up with lots of ideas to raise money also for prom. The student council is a great method to try and raise money for their class.

“It involves you in other things instead of just school,” said student council vice president Camila Beltran-Rivera when asked what she likes about being in student council.

The student council has fund raise through the Halloween dance that they hosted. They also made extra money with the food and drinks they sold at the dance.

Beltran-Rivera says that they still have to count and talk about what they have to do next to fund raise. Its been a while since they had a meeting.

There seems to be more clubs that are fundraising like the seniors, juniors, newspaper staff and the Asian club as well.

The parent teacher conference was a great start for fundraising.

Homophobia, or unreasoning fear of or apathy toward homosexuals and homosexuality, has been a huge isBreiah Hoskins sue throughout the Reporter years. Some people homosexuality is bad and punishable, while others think that it’s the person’s own business what gender they have feelings for, and that they should be left alone. In my opinion, I think “to each his own”; if you are a boy and you like boys, good for you. If you are a girl and you like girls, that’s fine. I have no problem with people that are gay.

When people say homosexuality is a sin, I think that even if it is a sin the Bible says all sin is equal. So people who lie, or cheat, or steal, or gossip are just as much sinners and just as “wrong” as homosexuals. Nobody is perfect, so you can’t judge others if you aren’t a pristine angel yourself.

On Thursday November 18, three members of the Westboro Baptist Church, or the “God Hates Fags” group, visited East Lansing High School to protest homosexuality. On their web site the church personally attacked the students, and called parents and faculty liars.

One entry on the site read: “WBC to picket the worthless brats who attend East Lansing High School, as well as their teachers and parents who have taught them from the cradle that God is a liar. You reprobates will hear some truth for the first time in your lives, to wit.”

The church also said God is not love, as many interpret the Bible, but that He is intolerant and hate filled.

“God does NOT love everyone and it is NOT okay to be gay or fornicate with anyone or thing you please. Instead, you are to flee youthful lusts that war against your soul and seek to live sober, righteous and godly, while on this earth,” said the picket via their site, godhatesfages.com.

East Lansing students, former students, and residents all came together to positively and peacefully counter-protest the Westboro members’ message of intolerance towards homosexuals. East Lansing High’s principal, Paula Steele, said the experience could be used as a “teachable moment”, and many other residents thought it ended up being a successful experience.

“The day was a success because we came together as a community, “said city manager, Theodore Staton on Friday November 19 in his blog for the city of East Lansing.

I believe it was a success because it didn’t turn out violently as previous pickets have. I also honestly think that the group doesn’t even believe what they are preaching. I presume that they are either doing it for money or for fame, or not unlikely, both. I think the WBC expects their targets

to react violently so they can sue and gain money from the lawsuit. They misuse their first amendment right of protest and freedom of speech to hustle towns and schools.

The very best way to deal with them, in my opinion, is to just ignore them.

Historically, many churches have denounced homosexuality. In the 16th century, around 1532, the Holy Roman Empire made sodomy punishable by death. Also, Pope Benedict XVI, the current leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has said that “protecting” humanity from homosexuality was just as important as saving the world from climate change and that all relationships beyond traditional heterosexual ones are a “destruction of God’s work.” I think that God wouldn’t create something just to turn around and hate it.

Also, some people believe that homosexuality is possibly a genetic mix up. My opinion on that is that it’s possible and maybe true. Bringing God back into that, however, He doesn’t make mistakes according to the Bible, so He would have to do it on purpose, which again goes back to why would he make something to hate?

Another angle is that people believe being gay is a choice. I agree, maybe the person had a horrible experience with someone of the opposite sex when they were younger or maybe they just don’t like how people of the opposite gender act, who knows? I really think people shouldn’t even care. If that’s their choice, that’s their choice. Also, homophobes think that they can “catch” being gay, are very ignorant in my opinion. Homosexuality is not a disease, you cannot “get it” by being in the presence of a gay person or by talking to one.

People also have the fear of being liked by a gay person. A lot of times they have specific tastes or interests, so it’s not always likely that you’ll fit their preferences.

Also, even if they like you that doesn’t automatically make you gay. A lot of people are homophobic because they don’t want to be made fun of by other homophobes.

Everyone should be properly educated in homosexuality so there will be less misunderstanding and fear. However, there has been a huge change in attitude towards gays, lesbians, transvestites, and bisexuals throughout the years. There was a sort of “sexual revolution” during the 60s that majorly contributed to the increase in the gay tolerance of today.

Overall, I think that homosexuality, lesbianism, and choosing to change your gender are all acceptable. Also, people that try to force gays to be straight shouldn’t because you can’t stop an orange from being an orange, right? You can’t force it to be an apple no matter how any times you yell at it, bully it or beat it up. It may put on an apple suit to try to make things better for it, but underneath it’s still an orange. Being gay is the same way, and as singer Ke$ha said, “We are who we are.” Gays are who they are.

December 15, 2010

The Viking

Voice

3900 Stabler Road Lansing, MI 48910 (517)755-4472 myvikingvoice.com myvikingvoice@gmail.com

THE STAFF EDITORS

Ciara Carter (Editor-in-Chief) Clarissa Gonzalez (Editor-in-

Chief)

Tiffany Dukes (News) Katie Fay (Features) Xia Thao (Features) Lupita Gonzalez (Photo) Amanda Robertson (Entertainment) Jasmine Lopez (Entertainment) Zach Patrick (Sports) Alan Yang (On-Line) Earin Wells (Business) Jacklyn Helman (Circulator) REPORTERS Lachonda Beasley Ta’Sia Brown Pahoua Chang Shaquila Doss Stephanie Dunham Yvonne Ford Keora Grace Gabrielle Hester Breiah Hoskins Ricky Hubbert Natasha Malinoski Brittni Mclaughlin Anthony Perron Iesha Rich Amber Tackett Diamond Williams Nikayla Williams

Advisor

Chad Sanders

Mission Statement

The Viking Voice is a monthly publication of Everett High School. It is published the second Wednesday of each month by the second hour Newspaper class.

The Viking Voice is distributed free of charge to every student and staff member at Everett. The current issue is always available on the counter of the main office.

Subscriptions are also available for $15/year.

The Voice is an award-winning member of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association.

Letters to the editor are accepted at the discretion of the editorial board.

Forms of speech not protected by the First Amendment will not be published. Letters must be signed by the author, and will be edited for quality. Direct all questions to room 313. We can be contacted via email at myvikingvoice@gmail.com

The Lansing School District is committed to a policy of providing equal opportunities to all qualified people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or physical or mental ability.

December 15, 2010

Opinion

5

our voice

What has Everett turned into ?

The second bell rings and just as you’re walking to the third floor in hopes that the bathroom doors are open, you come to find out there is no toilet paper or even soap to wash your hands. Not only is it frustrating, but the time spent dealing with using the bathroom means walking back into class tardy, or being sent to the special dining room in a hall sweep.

This year toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels have been hard to find. The bathrooms are locked during lunch time and during most class periods. Why even bother to lock the bathroom if they can’t even be used the proper way? According to staff members, they have the same problem of not being able to have a roll of paper in their own bathrooms “The bathrooms are nasty, and it’s even worse when I can’t even dry off my hands,” said junior Sarah Warriner.

Some students misuse the purpose of the bathrooms, taking advantage of it as a place to hide for smoking, drinking, playing dice, skipping, fighting, and graffiti. The locked bathrooms are an attempt by public safety to keep students in one place, where it’s easier to monitor their activities. “We need to know where all students are therefore public safety is [strict on locking all bathrooms] making sure no one is skipping,” said Assistant Principal Ella Dickson.

Still students don’t understand why we have this problem, but finding all bathrooms locked is sometimes their own fault. If students didn’t cause problems in the bathrooms, there wouldn’t be a reason to lock them.

We understand the reasons behind locking the bathrooms. But making students walk far from their classrooms to use the bathroom means more students in the halls, and more students caught in hall sweeps. Maybe there could be an announcement that bathrooms will be opened on a trial basis.

If there are no problems and students can prove themselves, they could remain open. Students could be told on the announcements about the situation so they know ahead of time. This seems fair.

Next time you find yourself climbing staircase to staircase remember everyone is just as frustrated as you are.

why are you late mister ?

Too bad! go to the

cafeteria

I went to the bathroom

There is a policy at Everett that is very inconsiderate and not very well Cameron Riddle thought out. The Guest Opinion policy: iPods are not allowed in school, classrooms or any area. If the iPod is seen it could be taken away. This has been a rule here at Everett ever since I’ve been going here.

Students should have the freedom to listen to music while doing work. Especially in art class where it can be inspiring. The exception would be when the teacher is talking. This helps them to stay focused and relaxed. It can help to drown out distractions from people talking. The exception would be when the teacher is talking. Every student probably has music devices at home that they listen to while doing work, this is what they are used to. Students should have the freedom to listen to music when done with a test. They can sit quietly and listen to their headphones or on a day where the class is told to find something quiet to do. The school shouldn’t turn teachers against teachers.

Some allow you to turn on headphones

and others do not.

Students should have the freedom to listen to music in the cafeteria, hallways during breaks and lunch time. This truly should be considered a students’ free time to unwind and the way a lot of people do this is by listening to music. If students were allowed to sit after lunch and listen to their personal earbuds, it would mean less noise. Less talking equals less noise.

Students should have the freedom to use their iPod as an educational tool.

Senior Jalen Smith poses to demonstrate students listening to their iPods in class. Although school One school in Florida policy states that electronic devices should not be used during the day, this rule continues to broken. bought their students are higher because they found a way to If they do badly as a result of music, iPods as a learning they’ll stop if they want to do better. tool for math class using apps for math teach that kids can relate to.

While it is true that some kids will Kids who would get distracted from an quizzes, games and doing math problems. It is working, and math scores get distracted by listening to an iPod. iPod will generally get distracted even

Clarissa Gonzalez

Change in iPod policy would be music to students’ ears. without one.

So you can see how the school would benefit from students using iPods while doing work, (except test ) during breaks and after tests, (but not when the teacher is talking) and especially for educational purposes. Give the kids their music. Hopefully most adults have not forgotten how important music is to kids. It becomes a part of you and blends into the background.

Have you ever heard the saying, “Music is the background of your life?” Things are so different now for kids then they were for a lot of the teachers and administrators when they were in school.

Maybe they are afraid of the changing technology and don’t always understand it. Kids today can multitask very easily and should be allowed to prove themselves.

Let’s be the first in our state to have iPods become of educational value or maybe just have a policy of allowing iPods in schools. We can do this by talking to our Principals, School Improvement Team, our School Board Members, PTSA and Student Council.

You can also get signatures on a petition and give it to the School District.

6

News

December 15, 2010

Ball offers WINTER BALL, from page 1

Snowflake Ball before were defi the dance.

“I have been to the Snowflak senior Ronesha Walter. “I am m seeing other people’s dresses and Walter was not the only stud ward to the event.

“I am excited for this year’s ra Grace. “[I was] looking forw decorations.”

The Snowflake Ball has bee both the students and the staff. staff look forward to having a ni ued to be a successful event for t “I like putting on the Snowfl seeing all the students dressed u Mitchell.

December 15, 2010

News

7

chance to dress up, have fun

finitely looking forward to

ke Ball in years past,” said mostly looking forward to d how pretty they look.” dent that was looking for-

s dance,” said junior Keoward to the music and the

en a great enjoyment for . Each year, students and ight of fun. It has continthe past 16 years. flake Ball because I enjoy up and having fun,” said

This year’s Ball seemed to be a success, like many of the others have been.

“I had a lot of fun at the dance,” said senior Dominique Bowman. “Everyone came together, there was no drama and people danced and had fun.”

Other students, like Bowman, agreed that the ball was a lot of fun and that they enjoyed themselves.

“I had fun at the snowflake ball,” said junior Malinda Sanders. “ I liked seeing everyone dressed up.”

Although the Snowflake Ball seems as if it would raise a lot of money, in reality it does not. According to Konietzko, the majority of the proceeds from the event go into paying for the ball itself, including the food, DJ, decorations, public safety and other things necessary in order for the event to flow smoothly. Whatever money is left over goes toward the social studies field trips.

photos by guadalupe gonzalez

8

Features

December 15, 2010

New class offers opportunity for dancers

Jasmine Lopez Entertainment Editor

The Lansing School District has been struggling for years to maintain its aging buildings and facilities. On November 2, the Lansing voters approved a “sinking fund” to help Lansing Schools repair and renovate all its buildings.

The money will help fix roofs, parking lots, lighting, boilers and heating system, building infrastructure, energy management systems and classroom and hallway floors.

According to Lansing School District spokesman Steve Serkaian, these kinds of repairs are necessary to support the day-to-day work of its customers. “[The fund] helps improve [the district] by creating a more nurturing learning environment for students,” said Serkaian.

The need for repairs isn’t isolated; it extends across the city.

“The district needed it, mostly all the buildings needed fixing up,” said Principal Howard Cousins.

The amount of money spent on certain schools depend on the amount of what needs repaired. Each school has a list of nine repairs that the sinking fund will pay for. The money is earmarked for building infrastructure, but some say they wish it could be used to focus more on student improvements.

“I think all of the schools need a improvement on technology,” said math teacher Eric Hartley.

Students think that Everett needs a lot of improvements. Auditorium seats are completely torn out of the ground, and many seats that aren’t torn out are broken or damaged.

“Everett’s whole system is messed up,” said junior Taylor Deberry. “I think it’s bull [crap].”

The fund offers the Lansing School District enough money to make emergency repairs, and everyone is pleased it passed. Even with all of the changes that will be made, schools still need improvements yearly in order to prevent falling into disrepair.

“There is always work to be done,” said junior Doug Hissong.

Hartley said people will see changes happen over the next five years. Exactly when work will start at Everett is not yet clear.

If the sinking fund did not pass, then money would have been pulled out from the district’s general fund. This would have meant taking away from the Lansing school students who already are facing shortages of supplies.

“I am just happy it is happening, but disappointed it took so long,” said Hissong.

Lupita Gonzalez

Lansing voters approve ‘sinking fund’ to help with repairs throughout district

Dance di- plan on pursuing dance after high school. op her dance skills. rector Heather “The class isn’t really challenging, but “Dance means everything to me. I just Vaughan-South- it’s making me stronger,” said James. “I can’t seem to give it up,” said Trinh. “My ard has an op- would like to have better ballet training.” goal is to get as far as I can... to advance portunity for Freshman Belinda Trinh has been my skills as much as possible.” any dancer apart dancing since kindergarten. She is curCounselor Erin Falsetta says she Jacklyn Helman of the dance rently in the level two class, but is moving hopes people take advantage of the opCirculation Editor program. portunity the class provides.

Southard “There is a lot going on, is holding a technique class every but it’s a great opportunity,” Wednesday from 2:45 to 4:00. said Falsetta. “The more “Any dancers that are committed technique, the better.” and considering pursuing dance beFalsetta also said that yond high school are welcome,” said dance is a healthy outlet, Southard. She said there are currently artistic, and physically ineight to ten dancers attending. volved. Others agree. In the “We are studying concepts notes about their studio, Batthrough styles of ballet, modern, and tlecreekdance.com says that jazz,” Southard said. “every child benefits from The technique class will not be quality dance training, even presented in any of the dance perforthough he or she may ultimances. mately choose another ca“The expectation of this class is reer path. In dance, children for students [who are] serious about learn the cooperative teamdance to come ask specific questions work necessary to produce a and receive feedback, [which] is difhigh quality work of art.” ficult to do in a class of 30 people,” Dance teacher Heather Vaughan-Southard works with dancThe techniques class ers in the studio. Southard’s focus since returning to Ev- is one chance for aspiring said Southard.

Junior Erin Francis James has erett is on creating well-rounded dancers who care about dancers to get the benefits been dancing for about six years and improvement. of quality dance training. has had dance at Everett for three.

Anyone interested can conto Dance Company second semester. She Erin is attending this class because it will plans on pursuing dance after high school tact Southard in the dance office, room make her a stronger dancer. Erin does not and would take any opportunity to devel- 139 A.

Students brave cold weather, line up for Black Friday deals Keora Grace Reporter

Friday November 26.

Black Friday. Thousands of people went to thousands of stores extra early to get good deals on Christmas presents.

“I left the house at 11:30pm to be at Old Navy by 12:00,” said Junior Kani

Caldwell.

Lots of stores offered good deals, but most students were out looking for the best ones. “ I went to Hollister, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy, and they all had good sales,” said junior Pedro Alviarez.

People go to extreme measures to get the best deals, even camping out overnight to get the “doorbuster” sale items.

“I think camping out is ridiculous” said Caldwell.

But not everyone feels that way. Some are ready to get out early and brave the crowds.

“The early bird gets the worm,” said junior Sigmond Evans.

According to blackfriday. com the term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s to mark the kickoff to the Christmas shopping season but not ever ybody waits this long t o do their BLACK FRIDA Christmas shopping.

Y AD F ROM WALM “ I do all my Christmas shopART.C OM ping in the summer,” said assistant principal Carl Word.

Entertainment 9 Content of popular ‘Hunger Games’ causes stir

December 15, 2010

“The Hunger Games” is a series of three books by Suzanne Collins that have Kaitlyn Fay been growing in Features Editor popularity recently.

“The Hunger Games” has even been added to the curriculum in some schools, and MSU students have been tutoring kids at Everett with the book.

In an article on examiner.com about the book and the debate surrounding it, Sara Gundell explains that there is a parent who wanted to remove “The Hunger Games” from school due to her daughter getting nightmares after reading the book in her 7th grade English class.

“You’re putting forth material that will totally desensitize the children to murdering other children,” said parent Tracey LaSalle.

Schools have decided to keep

the book in the curriculum because although there is violence in the book, 6th and 7th graders are old enough to understand that the book is meant to point out how wrong it is, not encourage it. Many believe that the story is very well written and worth keeping around.

“It is very well written, a real page turner, but I thought it was a very uncomfortable, disturbing story of a dystopian society,” said librarian Renee Lyons.

While some find “The Hunger Games” series disturbing, others find it captivating.

“It was the most amazing book I’ve read in a while. It actually held my interest, unlike most of the books we’re forced to read in school,” said senior Justin Lundy.

“The Hunger Games” takes place in the future when the Capitol has absolute control over the people of Panem, a country where North

America once stood. The Hunger Games are the punishment from a long-ago rebellion, as a reminder to Panem’s people that the Capitol can control them. In the Hunger Games two children, a boy and a girl, are chosen from each of the twelve districts that make up Panem, to fight to the death.

“The Hunger Games” is being compared to old classics and is liked by famous authors.

“The Hunger Games is a chilling, bloody and thoroughly horrifying book, a killer cocktail of Logan’s Run, Lord of the Flies, The Running Man, reality TV and the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur,” said Lev Grossman in his Time Magazine review. “But it inspires in readers a kind of zeal I haven’t seen since the early days of Twilight. Stephen King is a major fan.

So is Stephenie Meyer.”

In the two novels preceding The Hunger Games, “Catching Fire” and

“Mockingjay,” revolution sweeps across Panem, all the while keeping readers in suspense of what will happen next to Katniss, the main character, and her friends and family.

“It was a really good suspense [series] that involved killing, mystery, and love,” said freshman Lane Brown.

“The Hunger Games” is in the process of being made into a movie, however the release date is unknown.

“I can’t watch the movie, I don’t want to cement those harsh images in my mind,” said Lyons.

But senior Chelsea Nguyen said that she will be ready for a movie.

“I would like to see the There are three books in this series: The Hunger gory parts,” said Nguyen.

3-D Movies: Too expensive but really good

Movie prices and concession prices keep going up at the theater. In the last year, another addition has gotten Alan Yang moviegoers to fork over even Online Editor more of their hard-earned money: 3D. Many of this year’s films were available in 3D, which adds about two dollars to any ticket price.

Movie fans have said they have seen many good movies in 3D, including physics teacher How To Train Your Dragon in 3D made over $493 milMitch Foster, who’s seen “Up” and “How To lion worldwide.

According to Young, the reason 3D movies Train Your Dragon.”

It isn’t just animated films that get the 3D are better now than before is that “it is due to high def TV and Blu Ray giving a better picture than treatment, either.

“I’ve seen many 3D movies, but “Step Up a movie theatre, so they need something to draw 3D” is the recent movie I saw,” said Senior Dylan people to the theater.”

The younger generation of moviegoers is Dang.

As 3D digital quality continues to expand growing up with 3D, and will soon see it as comthroughout films, many people have made over- mon.

“My kids would demand that we see the movie views about the good and bad aspects of 3D. “[3D is] exciting and draws attention from the in 3D [if available],” said Foster. It’s much more audience. The [studios] have definitely improved immersive.”

Young says “3D is good, but shouldn’t be the the technology,” said Foster.

While 3D is very popular, and means more focus of a movie, because in the end it should be profits for the movie studios, some see the nega- about the story, much like “Inception” or “Fight Club”. tives in the technology.

“Prices are too much,” said Dang.

Upcoming 3D-Movies to see Senior Edward Young likes 3D, but said that -The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the effect doesn’t often get used throughout the the Dawn Treader (December 10) movie.

-Tron: Legacy (December 17) “[3D] immerses you in the movie, but focuses -Yogi Bear (December 17) only on 3D scenes sometimes,” said Young.

-Gulliver’s Travels (December 22) There are even people who prefer regular films -The Green Hornet (January 14) over 3D, and not because of the cost. Some say -Mars Needs Moms (March 11) that the 3D glasses get in the way.

Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

Popular cartoons with teens, left to right: Spongebob Squarepants (Nickelodeon), Phineas and Ferb (Disney Channel) and Family Guy (Fox).

Childhood comes back with cartoons

Cartoons are becoming more popular with teenagers again. More teens are tuning in and wearing clothes, Anthony Perron backpacks, and hats with cartoon characters on them.

Reporter Many teens enjoy watching cartoons from their past as well as new cartoons of the present.

Some of the popular cartoons are Cartoon Network’s “Adventure Time” and “Regular Show,” Disney’s “Phineas and Ferb,” and Nickelodeon’s “Spongebob Squarepants.” Boomerang features the older cartoons like “The Flintstones,” “The Jetsons,” “The Smurfs,” and “Looney Tunes.”

Some people still feel that teens are too old to watch cartoons or any kind of animated show. “[I don’t watch cartoons] because I’m not a little kid anymore,” said senior Erika Twenter.

Yet it seems some of the younger teens are into cartoons still and don’t care what people think about it.

“I watch them because I find them more entertaining then other kinds of shows,” said sophomore Cheyenne Hillock-Murrin.

Senior Jacob Bailey thinks some teens might be watching cartoons to feel young again.

“People watch [cartoons] because they miss their childhood,” said Bailey.

Some teens have given up on cartoons because their peers have called them “childish” or “immature” and watch more adult themed animated shows like Fox’s “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy,” or Comedy Central’s “South Park.”

“I like the [adult themed] shows because they have humor that isn’t cheesy or just puns,” said senior Chris Tschirhart. “Some of them, like “South Park,” also keep up to date on current events and put them as the main thing in the episode.”

Some teens have grown up on cartoons and have a childhood tradition of watching cartoons.

“I grew up on cartoons. I loved my childhood,” said senior Kevin Thompson.

Watching cartoons has even become a lifelong tradition for some people.

“I’ll watch cartoons for the rest of my life.

Old cartoons are the best thing ever, much better than anything on TV now, cartoon or not,” said Thompson.

10

Sports

December 15, 2010

Football?

Are You Ready For Some

Clarissa

Everett plays in their game against Eastern at Everett High School. The Vikings kept the game close, but could not come out on top.

Gonzalez

Everett vs. Eastern: EV fans sit on the away side at their own stadium Eastern has never much noise.

had a home football field, and has to use Sexton and Everett’s stadiums for their games. Last Friday, Eastern had a home game Clarissa Gonzalez against Everett on EverEditor-In-Chief ett’s field. This meant that Everett students were asked to sit in the Away stands in their own stadium.

“We are playing on our field so technically it’s still our home game,” said senior Cameron Riddle.

Some Everett students are against Eastern getting to use Everett’s field, just because they are rivals. But some are okay with Eastern using the field.

“I think they should be able to use it if Eastern needs it,” said senior Dalila Omerovic.

Eastern has never had a football stadium since it is too near to Sparrow Hospital and may cause too

“It sucks for them, they need to make one,” said senior Justice Coleman. “It makes Eastern feel like [they are] below us.”

It’s traditional that Everett sits on the home side that is much bigger and better-looking than the visitor side.

“I feel like they should get a field,” said senior Sara Kennedy. “If they use ours we should be able to sit on our side at least.”

Students go to football games to go support their team and just enjoy the night with friends. For some students, where they are seated won’t change the atmosphere.

“Where ever we sit we will still support the same people,” said Coleman.

Senior Mike Melichar agreed that where people sit “No, I don’t really care it’s just a bleacher,”

Varsity Season Wrap up The football team went 0-9 to cap off a rough season.

They have had some very close games, but haven’t been Zachery Patrick able to score the win.

“We compound our misSports Editor takes and let big plays let us down,” said sophomore offensive lineman Ty Bragg. “MA’s (Missed Assignments) are a problem also.”

Some say losing affects the community around the school and the school spirit. But the players can’t let how others feel affect their determination “To me, people don’t care about football and it doesn’t bother me if they care about it,” said senior defensive tackle Deonte Bradley.

The team gets down by a few points and loses their concentration in the game and lets little stuff

get them down.

“When we get scored on we stop playing as hard,” said freshman quarterback Lucas Barner.

The losses affect the players and their mentality at practice and in games.

“Does not affect me,” said Bradley. “Good learning experience.”

Everett has things they need to improve on. “[We need to] stay focused and do our job,” said Barner.

The coaches and the team sit down every Monday in the weight room after school and watch film on the game from Friday. Well watching the film the team gets critiqued and informed on what they need to improve on. But according to offensive line coach Kerry Keyton the team is not a 0-9 team by the way they play.

said Senior Kendel Smith.

Students were confident that their team would do well this season.

“I feel like we going all the way to the top his year,” Said Dedrick MSU ended their season at the top of the Big Ten, sharing the title in a three-way tie. This is their first Big Ten title since 1990.

At one point in the season, it looked as if MSU might have a chance at a Bowl Championship Series game, which would have been a huge deal for this team. Some knew that was only an outside chance.

“I feel MSU is a good team but I don’t see them going to the championship,” said Jenkins.

MSU ended up with a trip to the Capitol One Bowl, held in Orlando on January 1. They will face 9-3 Alabama. The Crimson Tide are coached by Nick Saban, MSU’s former head coach. Current MSU coach Mark Dantonio was an assistant to Saban when he coached State.

Michigan State was played at the Capitol One bowl three of the last four years, but this is the first one in recent memory where they have entered the game with such a strong record. The history between the two coaches makes the game even more interesting, and many commentators have been talking about the matchup since it was announced.

ZACHERY PATRICK

MSU ends most successful season in decades, looks for bowl win

Michigan State opens their season against Western Michigan at home. MSU has their best start since 1966. And will be playing Alabama in the capital one bowl.

MSU went nearly undefeated this year, 7-1 in the Big Ten and11-1 overall.

MSU beat their rival Michigan 34-17. This was the one Iesha Rich game that everyone waited for, Reporter to see them go head to head, and Michigan State came out with the glory.

“When state beat Michigan I felt great because I’m a diehard State fan And I strongly dislike wolverines,” said Senior Chantel Dedrick Even some of the Michigan fans congratulated the State fans on their win.

“Even though I’m a Michigan fan I think the better team won and I had to give MSU congrats,”

December 15, 2010

Sports

11

Senior Jordan Walker sprints into the finish line. Walker finished overall 15th in the championships with a time of 17:45.

COURTESY LISA FAY

Sophomore Ryan Locke approaches the second mile marker. He finished at 21:13, his best time that season.

Capitol Area

Driving School, LLC 484-2421

New classes forming!

Call today!

This year the boys’ team beat Eastern and Sexton, making them the dominant Kaitlyn Fay team in Lansing.

Reporter Cross country is a tough sport, but players say they will always get out of it what they put into it. The races are 3.1 miles long. They run through grass, mud, up hills, down hills, across football fields, soccer fields, and in just bout all kinds of weather.

“It’s not like football, you’re not always on a field. You’re always on a course, but the course is always different,” said junior boys’ captain Brian Tweedy.

“There are flat courses and hilly courses, we run through the rain, fog and snow.”

Practice and races are usually tough, but the team also knows how to have fun.

Some practices have included different activities like soccer, swimming, hide n’ seek, tag, and paddle-boating at Hawk Island. All of these fun cross-training practices help the team bond and become a family. “[We have] tightly bonded runners and everyone had close times making for fun

• Lansing teachers for instructors • Classes will be held at Everett High School

Please call and schedule an appointment.

Capitol Area Driving School offers: • Lansing teachers!

• Convenient times!

• Convenient location!

• Classes are generally Monday thru Thursday for three weeks

“Through adversity and belief, we persevered through hard work and effort.

We made it to the top of the city, but now on to higher goals and bettering our program and future team,” said Young.

You have to want something bad enough to achieve it.

“The best ingredient in a runner is desire,” said Helder.

To spice things up between the three Lansing schools, starting next year there will be a trophy passed around called the “Capital Area Cup.” It will be awarded yearly to the school who does the best overall that season.

Junior Brian Tweedy runs through the pain at CAAC’s.

Segment I

January 24 – February 10 March 7 – March 24 May 2 – May 19 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm

Segment II

Cost is $45.

If interested in Segment 2 classes, call 484-2421.

• Cost is $310.00 • Any missed classes can be made up in the next class session

We also do ROAD TESTS.

practices and races making us work well together,” said senior Edward Young.

Coach Helder and Coach Alonge help the team feel more like a family, and they take pride in their teams’ success. “[Being best in the city] feels better than I would’ve imagined. I’ve been working my butt off for some years now so it feels really great,” said boys coach and Lansing schools teacher, Richard Helder.

Both coaches have worked hard to help their team and always knew the team would make it to top in the city. “[It feels] pretty nice, we’ve been waiting on that for a while, but we always knew we could do it,” said girls coach and science teacher, Heather Alonge.

The cross country team is always looking for new members to join the team for the next season. “[We need] to get our numbers up because even if we had faster runners the other teams have sheer numbers to beat us with,” said Helder. “If Mason can go from nearly last place at Greater Lansing to 2nd over all in three short years, what that tells me is we can do this at Everett.”

That kind of spirit is what drives the cross country team to strive to do their best.

COURTESY LISA FAY

COURTESY LISA FAY

Cross country boys finish season city champs

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12

News

December 15, 2010