The Voice: February 16, 2011

e h T Viking myvikingvoice.com

Voice

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

Volume 51, Issue 3 February 16, 2011 Everett High School 3900 Stabler Rd. Lansing, MI (517) 755-4472

After the groundbreaking mounting of “Rent: School Edition” last year, the drama department is again preparing to stage another Xia Thao popular Broadway muFeatures Editor sical: “Dreamgirls.”

Thanks to a $10,700 Thoman Grant that theatre tech teacher Jim Allen pursued and won, the show will include four theatre professionals.

Allen said the road to receiving the grant wasn’t an easy one.

“I got the grant by crawling on my belly and begging for it,” said Allen.

After all the work put into winning the grant, he had to renew it this year in order to use it He didn’t waste time putting it to use. Allen hired a director, a musical director, a pianist, and an actor to help put on the show and to help teach students in the play what it’s like to be in a “real” play.

“I wanted the kids to get a feel for what it’s like to work with professionals and not just me,” Allen said.

Not only was Allen able to hire professionals, but for the first time ever, he was able to advertise.

Billboards will soon appear along Cedar Street and MLK Boulevard, and color flyers are being printed.

The show will run March 16-18 at 7 p.m. each evening. Tickets at the door will be $5, but a presale is happening now where students can buy two tickets for $5, and be entered into a drawing for a $25 restaurant gift card.

“Dreamgirls” is based on the story of Diana Ross and The Supremes, who were originally The Primettes from Detroit. They were the most successful act of Motown Records during the 1960s.

The Supremes are known as one of America’s most successful vocal groups. They also set a record with for the most consecutive Number One hits by an American group. Many not familiar with the entire show will probably recognize its hit single, “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going,” made famous in the movie version by Jennifer Hudson.

This musical came to be because theatre de-

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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• Quiz Bowl • TJ Duckett’s big challenge

partment director Jim Allen believed that this musical has many strong parts and it was a chance for students to show their vocal talent.

“We have many strong female singers here at Everett,” said Allen. He made the decision to have this musical come into play since last spring.

One part of the grant application was that the show would include as many Lansing students as possible, which meant opening up auditions all three high schools. The result is that Lorelle, one of the leads, is Ashlee Smith from Eastern. The other leads include Amber Jordan as Effie, and Sierra Willoughby as Deena, and Mickale Nelson as Jimmy.

“The opportunity for every student [in the district] to work with professionals is certainly a benefit to the whole district, and to the students,” said Allen.

Despite the great expectations about the show, the cast and crew had some trouble getting it off the ground. There were problems with some members of the cast having to quit, leaving Allen to find replacements. Not only that, but some of the students had trouble getting into the groove of being onstage.

“It’s sometimes hard for students to be committed,” said director Daryl Thompson. Allen added that these kinds of problems aren’t unusual for the first few weeks of production, and roles were able to be re-filled very quickly and they we were able to move on with the show.

No matter what difficulties they face, Allen is sure the show will be a success.

“We have really good female singers,” said Allen.

Thompson echoed that confidence in Everett’s ability to put on a show. “[Everett has a] very talented group of actors, dancers, and singers,” said Thompson.

The cast and crew hope as many people as possible come out to see the results of the group’s hard work.

“It’s a fun show with really great music and great Everett talent,” said Allen Justin Lundy contributed to this article.

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Chad Sanders

Pros, grant money help drama dept. tackle ambitious ‘Dreamgirls’

Eastern senior Ashlee Smith, Everett senior Mickale Nelson, freshman Shyla Hart and sophomore Cameron Reed dance to “Steppin’ to the Bad Side” in a recent rehearsal for the spring musical “Dreamgirls,” which will be onstage March 16-18.

• Credit recovery options • Viking Success Club serves community

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• The cutest amphibian in the world

2 News

Arts magnet shines Duckett steps up to at dance concert encourage students

“Love Not Included.” Afterwards, level three dancers did a piece titled “30 Days of Grey” to the song “What Is Hip” by the Quartet San Francisco.

“I got the idea and movements for 30 Days of Grey from my son, Greyson,” said dance teacher Heather Vaughan-Southard. “I recorded all of his movements for 30 days and turned it into the dance.”

Another piece the Company dancers performed was titled “Go” and was performed to the song “Different Trains: I. America- Before the War” by the Kronos Quartet. This piece was said

by Southard to “explore dance training from multiple angles including the authoritative approach that tends to develop perfectionist dancers always striving to do their best.” The dance was intended as a visual representation of this concept.

“At times, this journey is competitive with others, at other times collaborative, and negotiating between the two,” said Southard. There are many aspects of this dance that represent a lot; for example “one may also see in this piece, the American philosophy of ‘getting ahead’ and the pace and multi-tasking that accompanies that lifestyle.”

Overall, Southard was pleased with how the dancers performed.

“I think the dancers did great. They really rose to the challenge of the dances and projected a lot of energy,” said Southard. “I think this also helped them learn to collaborate. My favorite part of making these dances was finally seeing the students take ownership of the choreography.”

After he left the world of tive. He joined the Red Cross in sponsoring a compepro football, TJ Duckett found tition between Eastern, Sexton and Everett. Duckett himself in the real world. He announced that he will pay for the winner’s prom. needed something to do and “I think that’s really cool. It gives us the oppordecided that he wanted it to tunity to have an amazing prom,” said senior Kortnei be something that gave back Guenther.

Katie Fay Students like seniors Parryss Carter-McGee and Features Editor to his community.

On January 13, Jazmone Isom were inDuckett, who played for spired by Duckett to Michigan State Universigive blood, but said they ty, the Detroit Lions and would have donated the Seattle Seahawks, was blood anyway. a guest speaker. He spoke “It did [inspire me], about the need to help, I mean I was going to and encouraged students do it regardless but [TJ to help by donating blood Duckett] really packed in the upcoming Red a punch,” said CarterCross blood drive.

McGee. “I think that was reA punch was packed ally awesome for someat the last blood drive on one famous to come to January 27. The quota to Everett on their own be met was 45 pints. By time,” said senior Elizathe end of the day the beth Curry.

Red Cross had collectDuckett is passionate ed a total of 77 pints about his desire to give of blood. While the back, and saw the Red winner of the compeCross as one way to help. tition has not officially “I started [giving been announced, all blood] this September. I TJ Duckett speaks to students to send out a message signs point to Everwas scared to get started to give out to others by donating blood during a ett as the winner, which but it helps so any people. assembly means the senior class We all have it and it’s easy to give,” said Duckett. would no longer have to worry about how to raise all Many students are scared to give blood, but the money necessary to host a nice prom.

Duckett decided to give Lansing students an incenChad sanders

On December 14, all four dance level classes came together and presented their pieces for parents and Breiah Hoskins the general public. The Reporter recital was directed and choreographed by dance teacher Heather Vaughan-Southard, with individual solos by freshman Monique Trigo and senior Jenaya Estfan. Trigo did an interpretive piece to “In the End,” by Linkin Park, and Jenaya also did an interpretive piece to “Just the Way You Are,” by Bruno Mars.

“I chose my song by just listening to it a lot, and then after awhile the moves kind of just came to me,” said Trigo. “Sort of like a vision.”

Also, Chyna Dean, Jessica Harris, Meylin Odelin-Martinez, Ta’Bria Webster, and Shanelle Williams did a piece to the song “Whip My Hair” by Willow Smith that they titled “Shake It Off.” One piece the Company level dancers performed to was the song “Bated Breath,” by Christian Madias.

The first group of entry level dancers did a piece titled “Eye Spied” to the song “Peter Gunn (Max Sedly Remix)” by Sara Vaughan, while the second entry level dancers danced to “KoKo (Ali Baba & 50 Thieves remix)” by DJ Spooky.

“My favorite part of the recital was the music,” said entry level freshman Freduh Davis. “It was very energetic and fun.”

Seniors Annalise Seaton, Jacklyn Helman and junior Nikayla Williams did a dance to the song “Fever,” by Michael Buble and titled the piece

February 16, 2011

Katie fay

Quiz bowl team continues successful season

Quiz bowl’s B team meets after school to practice their skills for future competition. (Left to right) Mohamed Abukar, Douglas Hissong, Taylor Gilson.

Buzzing in as fast as you can to answer questions is what they do, and the quiz bowl team has been doing it very well this year. With a Pahoua Chang current record of 14-4, the Reporter team and coach are very happy with their performance so far.

Quiz bowl is a trivia game and where students compete using buzzers to see who can answer questions the fastest. Government teacher Ben Billings has been in charge of the quiz bowl team for 13 years. He is a very dedicated person when it comes to quiz bowl.

“I like working with these great students and I like trivia a lot also,” said Billings.

The quiz bowl team is still alive in the Quiz Busters tournament on TV. The WKAR public broadcasting show airs on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Everett defeated the Alma Panthers February 12, 440-130.

The team also competes against other schools apart from Quiz Busters. At some point, the team has beaten every school in the area. They’ve only lost to Okemos, Holt, and Eastern.

“I feel great because we win most of the time,” said junior Douglas Hissong.

A challenging team for them is Okemos. For the fifth year in a row, Okemos knocked them out of the championship by beating them on January 18.

“It was a good game,” said Billings. “We thought we had them for awhile.”

Okemos went on to win the whole championship, which has an amazing prize for the winners. Tournament champions get a full year of tuition and books paid to MSU for the team’s starters and two alternates.

The team has about 30 members this year.

They have two varsity teams, two JV and a freshman team. The freshmen do get their chances to play with sophomores, juniors, and seniors. All the team members say being on quiz bowl is a chance to have fun and learn at the same time.

“The people are lots of fun,” said freshman Catherine Troyer.

Students who want to join, simply have to go to the practices. They would also like it very much if younger students could join to get an early start in experience.

“Freshman should join,” said senior Kevin Thompson.

News

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Viking Success Club reaches out

Courtesy Gwen scutt

February 16, 2011

The Viking Success Club pauses for a photo after helping serve lunch at the Volunteers of America. Left to Right: Gabriella Garibay, Russell Keehl, Brittany Ayers- McWain, Patrick Riley, John Palmer, Jr., LaChonda Beasley.

The Viking Success Club is an after school program devoted Lachonda Beasley to helping students and Reporter people hurt by the economy. One way they are helping is by bringing in food like canned goods for the homeless shelter.

The group talks about why is it important to help others. They meet every month and go volunteer.

Advisor Gwen Scutt said she likes to help others, because at some point everyone needs help.

“Everyone thanks us at the food kitchen,” said Scutt.

The homeless shelter cooks food for the people and gives drinks, but the Viking Success Club likes to bring cake cakes for the people to enjoy.

“It’s helping the community, because

times are tough for the economy and people need help,” said Scutt.

Scutt has been helping the club for ten years and she will continue to do so as long as the students want to help others.

“We try to have fun while we helping others,” said Scutt.

Viking Success club is a unique club, because it is made up of both regular and special education students.

Russell Keehl’s favorite part is seeing the smiles on the people’s faces and helping others.

“It’s important to help others because if you were down I’m sure someone would help you. Just don’t think about yourself,” said Keehl.

It helps other by showing them that people need help, said Keehl.

Viking Success club helps students relate to others by seeing how other people live, said Keehl.

“The people get a good feeling when you re nice to them,” said Keehl.

Credit recovery options help students fix their mistakes

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Credit recovery gets students back on track

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the] support of administrators and teachers,” said Dalton.

The classes available for credit recovery depends on which classes students request. The teachers that are hired to teach credit recovery are Everett staff. At the end of the six weeks students take an exam, and if they score a 75% or better they receive the credit for the class.

Currently there are about 110 students taking Credit recovery.

Credit recovery is offering all classes except for electives and math to students. The student request for math was not s nt me is n enough to fill up a whole class. g i lp ass ff he p to e Classes offered was mainly n u a i nl St rn structured on classes that te o ects. n ea e l a j p here is om l sub nts c most students need. c l e ts more than en in a Stud d “I’m not teaching a Credit reu t st di lp. one option for ath d cre al he ar. covery math class because the counselors P ce isse hnic ye credit recovery dependare scheduling kids [that failed] back in the class, van n m r tec s in a d A ear ing on how many credits fo dit so kids can’t take it in credit recovery anymore. But I to ilable ra cre you need. t a was ready,” said math teacher Deborah Carl. av ht ex After-school credit reeig Students used to be able to make up credits covery at Everett is a six week p r o g r a m . by attending summer school, but the district does Students are required to fill out a credit recovery not offer that anymore. Students will have to take form from the office. The forms were due on Janu- credit recovery to make up their lost credits in order ary 25, and the credit recovery program started on to graduate.

January 31.

“Because the school district doesn’t have sumThis program has been going on for three years mer school any more we [needed] some kind of now. The person in charge of credit recovery is ESL program to help students recover credit,” said credit teacher Dr. Robert Dalton. recovery science teacher Orlando Balcarcel.

“I lead the various processes. It takes a team efA lot of teachers think that this is great opporfort to keep the program organized,” said Dalton. tunity for kids to get back on track, and graduate on Credit recovery is mainly focused on seniors and time. upperclassmen to make sure they have enough cred“I think we should gave credit recovery because its to graduate. it allows more students to get the credits that they “Credit recovery could not happen without need,” said Dalton. counselors who do more than they have to and [with clar

for two full weeks before it officially started this semester at Everett. The training is an ongoing process.

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Personal learning pathways are created by teachers for the students after an interview to help ident i f y the students’ specific needs. The student takes two classes at a time. They have one core and one elective class online. Each student is given an online account. They can also access it at home.

“However motivated you are will be how fast you can get a credit for a class,” said teacher Dawn Stark.

Students in Advance Path should be viewed as students who need a new way of learning. Advance Path’s slogan is “the goal is graduation,” shortened to “GIG.” This is a program to help students graduate, and it’s a different way of learning.

“It suits kids and it helps them graduate,” said Stark. z

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he Lansing school district has asked a company called Advance Path to step in to help students graduate.

Pahoua Chang Advance Path is a comReporter pany that recruits out of school youths to get an education and earn the credits they need for a high school diploma.

The Advance Path website describes how they are connected to youth communities and have multiple resources to find out-of-school youths to recruit into their credit recovery program.

They contact local service agencies and identify places where teens hang out, and then they distribute informational brochures to those places. The biggest recruitment, though, comes from with the district.

Advance Path is not just for dropouts. It is also available for students who are still enrolled in the district that are at a high risk of dropping out.

This program was at Sexton in the fall, and then it was opened to Everett and Eastern just recently. The estimated cost of this program over five years is $2.7 million.

Most of the students in Everett’s Advance Path program are from Everett, though some come from other schools. There are two full sessions. Each session holds up to 60 students. The first session in the morning is from 7 a.m. until noon. The second session is from noon until 5:00 p.m.

There are two teachers per session, one registrar, one instructional aid, and one social worker.

Each session is taught by different teachers, while the rest of the staff stays for both sessions.

All the staff members that teach for Advance Path have to go through training. They trained

clarissa gonzalez

Advance Path offers accelerated program

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Opinion

our voice

Sex on the dance floor at Everett guys lap dances. Literally. Since when did this become acceptable for high school dances? Two teachers witnessed the entire thing going on, yet instead of doing anything to stop it, they just stood there shaking their heads and glaring at the students taking part in the act.

Ladies, please save it for the strip clubs. There is no reason for there to be lap dances given out at a high school dance.

OK, so where you want this stripper pole installed?

The Viking

are not consistently enforced.

It seems that the problem of too-sexual dancing is no longer limited to certain schools, but has become a nation-wide issue. Girls think the only kind of dancing they’re supposed to do is grinding their butt into a guy’s crotch.

In an article for the Oakland Press by columnist Betsy Hart it says, “So maybe the rise of sexually aggressive dancing in high schools is really an earlier symptom of a larger problem. A culture that increasingly encourages young men to treat young women like sexual objects.

And young women to think that that’s how it’s “supposed” to be, and that this is how they “ought” to perform.”

With all the media out there that portrays women as nothing but sex objects, we do not need to help perpetuate that image. Action needs to be taken. There should be guidelines once again at Everett, to preserve the image of going to a dance with your friends, not having sex on the dance floor. There are ways to dance that do not involve just butt-to-crotch grinding.

If we won the blood drive contest (and it looks like we did), we will be able to have prom completely paid for. It will be amazing. Let’s show some class, and not make prom look like a trip to Deja Vu. Alan yang

He pressed her against the wall in a burning passion. She came alive at his touch and wrapped her legs around his waist as they gyrated to the beat of the music. An excerpt from the newest Nora Roberts book?

Nope, try the 2010 Snowflake Ball.

At this year’s Ball, there was an entire wall of students grinding on each other. Is this really allowed to happen? The student code of conduct says that this behavior is worthy of disciplinary action, yet no one seems to ever be disciplined.

In the 2010-2011 Student Code of Conduct on page 17 under the heading “Behaviors Leading To Disciplinary Action” is the category “Obscene or Lewd Behavior,” described as “The act of using obscene or profane language in verbal or written form, possessing pornographic pictures, performing offensive gestures or acts or engaging in conduct of a sexual nature regardless of consent.”

Why, then, are students allowed to dance in any sexual way they want and get away with it without teachers or principals saying a word or doing anything to stop it? High school dances have over the years become more about sex, rather than just having fun with your friends.

At the 2010 Prom, one girl pulled a chair out from one of the tables, put it on the dance floor and gave

At Sexton High School, deputy superintendent Jack Davis has to approve the song list for any school dances. At East Lansing High School, kids have to be face-to-face while dancing and heads have to be “above the waist.” Most of the Lansing area schools either do not have rules set in place or have rules that

New season of ‘The Senioritis is a contagious disease Game’ disappoints Seniors cant wait for the end of the school year. They get this thing called Zachery Patrick senioritis growSports Editor ing upon them.

This makes them relax and take days off of school but still be here.

I feel that senioritis has both good affects and bad affects.

The good are seniors start slacking off and some teachers don’t mind. Seniors just sit back and don’t do any work and the teachers will not even pay attention for the seniors they mostly are concerned on the underclassman.

Some of the bad are that some colleges might be looking at your senior year grades. This is bad if you really wanted to go to the college because this can take you off the admissions to get in to the col-

lege.

Seniors experience senioritis every year and it might be a little worse this year.

I feel like this is true because it becomes earlier every year.

Some underclassman are starting to get senioritis already and don’t realize that colleges look at the first three years of high school. Juniors who don’t do there work or just take days off because they have done so much; they have not been here as long and went through as much as seniors have.

So as they are experiencing the early signs of senioritis they are risking the chance of college at all. Some people drop out of school because they get put back so far because they are getting these early signs of senioritis.

There are different consequences to senioritis and have there different affects on everybody. Most people will experience this at different times.

The Game is a show shown on BET about the drama behind the scenes of football players. It shows how everyone has Stephanie their issues and money Dunham doesn’t always mean easy Reporter and fun.

Most of the school watches it, but people liked the first season better so far.

The first season showed a longer episode and was more funny than it is now.

Before season two, The Game almost didn’t make it back to BET. If it wasn’t for the fans loving the first season they would have never made it back.

Viewers had high expectations because of how the season ended. We were left wondering what happens now, and I wonder if they ever will get the drama solved.

Pooch Hall, better known as Derwin,

February 16, 2011

plays one of the main characters; he has a wife and a baby momma. Everybody wondered how he and his little love circle would work out.

Derwin is always trying to please everyone which is why he’s in the mess he’s in. There are other main characters, one without the other wouldn’t be the comedy.

If you were to replace one of the main characters, then people would get upset because they are use to how their personalities combine now.

I was disappointed after waiting for three months. My expectations were too high. Since it is still early in the season, I wont judge it to harshly.

Hopefully, the season gets better. The Game: Season Two could be better, but it just started and we don’t know what else to expect.

Voice

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

THE STAFF EDITORS

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) Pahoua Chang (Circulator) REPORTERS Lachonda Beasley Shaquila Doss Stephanie Dunham Keora Grace Gabrielle Hester Breiah Hoskins Diamond Williams Ciara Carter Kani Caldwell Clarissa Dean Justin Lundy Frankie Price Amanda Thomas Irma Valdes Joshua Dye Serena Skief

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 fourth 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.

February 16, 2011

Features

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The Secret Life of the Gleefully 16 & Pregnant Teen Mom for entertainment purposes; some were The same article said that 82% the struggles of the girls after they get created to inform teens. The aim of of teenagers who have watched 16 & pregnant and have their baby.” the recently popular MTV show 16 & Pregnant think the show helps teens However, there are also those who Pregnant was to educate teens on what it better understand the challenges of say there are negative aspects to all is like to get pregnant the pregnancy shows at a very young age. It that have recently been is supposed to show released. Some think the struggles and the intent may be to the harsh reality of educate, but not all teenage motherhood. teens are seeing it.

“The girls have “16 & Pregnant and an enormous amount Teen Mom did educate of responsibility. The teens on a real life focus is on that,” said basis in that situation, 16 & Pregnant and but those same teen Teen Mom executive mothers start to producer Morgan J. become reality stars Freeman in an article with all the magazine for online newspaper shoots and spin-offs,” “The Daily Beast.” said mother of two and The shows stepmother of four are meant to make Melinda Welborn. “I teenagers think more think the point has been about the issue of made and it starts to teen pregnancy. glamorize at that point.”

According to two An article titled “Is brand-new studies MTV glorifying teen commissioned by pregnancy” for abclocal.

NCTPUP, most com, written by Jesica teens (79% of girls Ryzenburg, stated that and 67% of boys) Clockwise from top: Glee Fox, Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant, both on “the message MTV agree that when a TV MTV, and The Secret Life Of The American Teenager on ABC Family. is probably hoping to show or character send [focuses] on the difficulties of teen they like deals with teen pregnancy and parenthood and pregnancy and the life-altering effects of teen pregnancy, it makes them think how to keep it from happening. more about their own risk of getting “Those shows do have their good one’s actions. However, many of these pregnant or causing a pregnancy and points,” said freshman Azalea Miller. teen moms have now become tabloid how to avoid it.

“They’re good because they really show fixtures and are even recognized on the abc family/MTV.com

16 & Pregnant.

Teen Mom. Glee. Secret Life of the American Teenager. Degrassi.

Bre Hoskins Juno. Pregnancy Pact.

Saved. Sugar and Reporter Spice. All these shows and movies have one thing in common: they deal with teenage pregnancy.

They’re also very popular.

MTV’s Teen Mom has 5.55 million viewers, the first season of 16 & Pregnant had 2.1 million viewers (and the viewers have doubled since), Glee: Season Two has 7.3 million viewers, and Secret Life of the American Teenager: Season One had 2.82 million viewers. With teenage pregnancy such a hot topic on TV, a big question that arises is, “by making shows such as these, is teen pregnancy being glamorized?”

A 2010 study conducted by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy said that the US teen birth rate dropped 33% from 1991 to 2005. However, there was a 3% increase in the teen birth rate [between 2005 and 2006].

“The increase is obviously noteworthy and certainly has our attention. What nobody knows is why the rates have gone up,” said NCTPUP deputy director Bill Albert in a 2008 interview with news blog Live Science.

This question may not be able to be answered at this time, but not every pregnancy show today is solely

street, making them local celebrities but all for the wrong reasons.”

Not every teen that watches these shows thinks the moms should be so excited about the publicity. Several even agree with the ABC article.

“The publicity should be embarrassing. You should be embarrassed because you’re not even out of high school and you’ve already got a baby,” said junior Dymond Johnson. “You’re a baby having a baby!”.

With all these shows and movies involving adolescent pregnancy and young celebrities like Jamie Lynn Spears and Bristol Palin having babies, it may seem that being a teen parent is not as big of a deal as it used to be.

A study from CPTPUP posted on opposingviews.com says that one in five girls and one in four boys said they would be pleased if they or their partner got pregnant.

Some say one good example of teen pregnancy being idealized is that the popular young adult clothing store, Forever 21, has recently launched a maternity line targeting the states where teen pregnancy rates are the highest (Arizona, Alaska, California, Utah, and Texas).

“I think that’s completely wrong.

[Forever 21] is glorifying [teen pregnancy] and it’s making it seem like it is mainstream,” said Welborn.

Below the surface of the water is a mystery. Ancient creatures swim in the depths; the world below lies undiscovered for millions of years. Some water-dwellers are Estefania Santamaria alien and scary. Others, like the Guest Reporter axolotl salamander, might just be the cutest thing you’ve ever seen.

Considered by many to be the cutest animal in the world, the axolotl (Ack-Suh-LAH-Tuhl), also known as the water dragon, is also one of the rarest animals in the world.

The axolotl is one of the most highly endangered amphibians in the wild. It is originally from Lake Xochimilco, Mexico.

At first, nobody interviewed for this article believed the axolotl was even real.

Looking like a Pokémon with its dragon-mixedwith-salmon form, the salamander looks a little like an alien… and a very adorable one, too.

Coming in many different colors, such as gray, brown, pink, white, gold, black and more, they can grow to 8 – 12 inches long and weigh around 8 oz.

They have a lifetime of 10-15 years.

“I like the smile and the beady eyes,” said junior Alex Mack.

Being very rare and unknown makes the axolotl more appealing to some, who are amazed by its appearance.

“It looks awesome,” said senior Sarah McGinnis.

Like other salamanders, axolotls are not too complicated to take care of; it’s the typical good care of a delicate fish.

Not that it should be confused with a fish; it is actually an Ambystoma Mexicanum which belong to a group of amphibians called salamanders. A salamander means they look like lizards but are not covered in scales, instead they have soft moist skin.

The axolotl cannot live with another Axolotl in the same tank until it is mature because they will attack each other. But axolotls have the amazing ability to regenerate a limb. This has made them popular for studies by scientists.

Some might thinking keeping an endangered animal would be illegal, but they are actually only illegal in the states of California and New Jersey.

“Most of the times when a state has them to be illegal are because people let them loose and they don’t want them to reproduce in a non-native area,” said Megan Shannon, the Education Coordinator at Preuss Pets.

The axolotl is usually sold in aquariums or big pet stores. For example, in Michigan you can find them in Preuss Pets, where they are sold for $30.

“A guy breeds them himself and brings them to us,” said Shannon.

Even though many find this animal to be amazing, not everyone would keep it as a pet. “[I don’t want an Axolotl because] I want a dog instead and it looks [kind of] The axolotl is one of the most endangered amphibians in the wild. Originally from funny,” said Junior Lake Xochmilco, Mexico, it is gaining popularity as a unique aquarium pet in the Jordan Arnold.

United States.

But because it is “Definitely especially in a classroom,” said so rare and unique, it makes for an interesting sight Shannon. to have in any aquarium setting.

courtesy Mei-Li Mathias, flickr.com

Ax-a-whattle? Unique salamander turns heads

6

Features

February 16, 2011

Long-term relationships: good or bad?

Usually around Valentine’s Day, people start to think about relationTiffany Dukes ships... wishing they could have one, or News Editor even being happy at the fact they are single and will not have to deal with the pressures of finding someone to spend the day with, or looking for the perfect gift.

Many students are in and out of relationships all the time. Some think committed relationships are important, while others don’t. “[Relationships are] not all that important, but everybody needs someone,” said senior Michael Skinner.

Friendships are different from being in a relationship, but sometimes it can be hard to tell whether you should be just friends or have an actual relationship, according to ezinemark.com.

“Friendships can turn into relationships once you start to have things in common,” said junior Steven Brisco.

Being friends before entering a relationship is said to be very important

according to livestrong.com. The article points out that most relationships fail due to the lack of communication and getting to know each other.

“Being friends with your boyfriend/girlfriend is imp o r t a n t,” said junior Kameron Allen.

“I know I would like to feel secure knowing I can be myself and [make jokes] without the fear of knowing I have to act a certain way all the time,” said Allen.

At the same time, people learn from mistakes made in the relationship... whether it’s good or bad. Sometimes circumstances can be prevented and other times they can’t.

“Relationships are tough; they can

be so much fun, and be the highlight of your day, said junior Alexus Root.

“But it takes work to keep it together from both sides,” said Root.

There are very important things that help keep a relationship good, including challenges that come with them, such as trust, honesty, and loyalty.

Hands down, trust is the glue that holds any relationship together, said Root “You should be able to take his/her word and believe it without any question and you be able to be faithful,” said Root.

When a relationship is ending, people are sometimes left wondering why: was it the lying, cheating, lack of communication, or is it that it was never meant to be?

“You should be able to take his/her word and believe it without any question and you be able to be faithful.”

-Alexus Root.

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We also do ROAD TESTS.

“Cheating and lying... really can’t be prevented and the only solution is finding that one person who doesn’t make you want to lie and cheat,” said Skinner.

As for long distance relationships, longdistancerelationship.org states that they may sound unusual and challenging but they are not impossible.

“No one or nothing should persuade you to do otherwise, not your family and friends, and most especially not the distance,” writes the site.

“Long distance relationships work,” said user Okiambe from longdistancerelationship.org. “With God and trust, everything in a long distance relationship is as easy as A, B, C.”

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February 16, 2011

Features

7

When the snow falls, students hope and pray for a snow day; a day full of sleeping, playing outJazmine Lopez side and relaxing. But Entertainment Editor when you go to a Lansing school you have to do a lot of wishing and praying in order to get that snow day.

Snow, the wind chill and the road conditions all determine whether or not schools will be closed. According to May Sebastian, who works for the Lansing School District bus garage, they watch the weather forecast, check with the Lansing Police Department, contact the national weather service and discuss with other districts before they make a decision about whether or not students will have school.

“Our main focus is safety for the students,” said Sebastian. “We have kids that walk a mile to get to a bus stop or walk a mile to school. It’s all about the kids.”

When students see that they still do have school after an intense snow storm, some are outraged. But the amount of snow rarely has an effect on whether or not there is school.

It’s all about the roads.

“I think people think a foot of snow will cancel school but it depends on if the roads are really bad [which means the] buses can’t

drive,” said junior Connor Bilodeau.

When kids hear that there will be a snow storm, many start hoping for a now day.

“When I hear that there is snow coming I say to myself ‘I’ll probably have a snow day and that will be nice,’” said senior Maddie Heck.

The school closing list usually appears the morning before school starts. Usually around 5:30 am is when the news begins broadcasting the list. Some teachers say that the only thing that upsets them involving snow days is when they decide really late.

“I wish they would decide sooner, it gives us more time to prepare,” said Environmental science teacher Corrie Thornburgh.

Snow days usually happen once or twice a school year, and most students spend their snow days relaxing.

“I spend my snow days sleeping, getting on Facebook and eating,” said Junior Taylor Deberry.

On Tuesday, February 1 the Midwest got hit with a big snow storm. Michigan received over 1 foot of snow and the icy roads were a challenge to drive on. Lansing superintendent TC Wallace officially canceled school for the following day at about 5:15 Tuesday evening.

Thursday was also canceled giving students a rare two-day break from school.

Can you stop poking me now?

Earin Wells Reporter

You log in. You click the mouse. The epic battle begins. This may sound like the newest online game, it’s actually the oldest game on Facebook: Poke

Wars.

Poke wars have been around for a while, but have become more popular in the last year.

“People started having [poke wars] at the end of [last] summer,” said senior Jalen Smith.

A poke wars is a game between friends on Facebook when two people “poke” each other constantly until one gives up.

Some people start poke wars simply because somebody poked them.

“They poke me so I poke them back,” said junior Jasmine Hull.

But other poke people as a way to have fun and keep in contact with distant friends.

“Some people poke friends that they haven’t seen in a long time,” said Smith.

While some poke to keep in touch, others

do it for competition.

“You don’t win anything and some people don’t give but it’s fun to when you do win,” said junior BreAnna Williams.

If you’re thinking of engaging in a Poke War yourself here are the rules written by Pinar Kishi on her Facebook group “Official rules of Poke War”: Rule #1:A poke war may only be declared if you are poked three times or more in a 24 hour period by the same person.

Rule #2:The poke war must be declared publicly, which can be done by posting a comment on the wall of the other person’s profile page in Facebook.

Rule #3: Once a poke war is declared, the other person can either surrender by not repoking you, or they can engage in the battle.

Rule #4: The way to win a poke war is to be the last to poke the other person. If they fail to respond after 48 hours, you have the right to claim victory.

Rule #5: If they poke you again after the 48 hour period, it may go on to develop into a new poke war.

Colin Brough, sxc.hu

A foot of snow doesn’t necessarily mean no school

One of the most important tips for driving is top make sure your car is completely clear of snow and ice.

Be safe in winter weather Imagine you are driving down the freeway going 65 mph. It snowed quite heavily last night, but the roads seem to have been salted pretty well. You look Katie Fay down for just a moment to turn the raFeatures Editor dio on. When you look back up your car has started to drift to the right a little.

You over-correct, hit a patch of black ice, and go spinning into circles.

There are many scenarios that could happen next, with the worst being death. Knowing how to drive in winter conditions is an important skill for younger drivers.

“Icy roads are the worst,” said senior Michael Melichar.

Driving in the winter time can be frightening, with the many hazardous conditions on the road. “[I get scared because] of the condition of the roads and I’m scared I’m going to get into a crash or go off road,” said senior Jessica Terry.

The effects on teens driving during the winter season can be both good and bad. Most teens are more cautious than usual while driving.

“I drive a little slower and stop way ahead of time,” said senior Maddie Heck.

There is also a big problem in teens either being unprepared and inexperienced or just not knowing what to do when danger strikes. “[The most hazardous thing about driving in winter is] not knowing how to act when you hit an ice patch and slide,” said senior Corey King.

Not only do drivers have to look out for the occasional ice and snow, but blizzards can yield high-power winds that cause the roads to be next to impossible to see.

“When a blizzard starts I get extremely nervous,” said Melichar.

Winter driving can be extremely dangerous, but sometimes is necessary. Following the speed limit and wearing your seat belt can save your life someday.

Also, following the tips below for driving on the ice and in the snow can be very useful in avoiding life-threatening occurrences.

Winter driving tips from the editors • Lower your speed. Go lower than the speed limit if conditions call for it.

• If you start sliding in one direction turn your wheel the opposite direction.

• Be sure to clean off all of the snow and

ice from your car when you start it up.

Not only can it impair your vision, but if there is snow on the back of your car it can fly onto cars behind you.

• Increase your following distance to allow for more stopping time.

• Start stopping further back that you usually would.

• Just because the road looks fine, doesn’t

always mean that it is. There is always a chance for black ice. Prepare yourself.

• Keep both hands on the wheel at all times.

8

February 16, 2011

The evolution of seniors from freshmen It's showtime!

Alan Yang

This school sux.

So many books to carry. I don't know if I can take this any more.

Ahhh, snaps!

OK, so far, so good. I just need to step my game up a little.

Hormones, facial hair, acne, embarrassment, gaining and losing friends, immense pressure, Katie Fay Features Editor parents who never understand, and deciding your future. These are all things high schoolers have to go through. The journey from freshman to senior is a long and confusing one. People change, grow and reshape into new people.

“I’ve changed a lot from the time I entered my freshman year of high school with no responsibilities and then was thrust suddenly into adulthood my senior year,” said senior Nate Gates.

For many, the hardest part about high school is keeping your grades up, and many seniors wish they could go back and work harder than they did.

“I wish I would have taken more AP classes and taken it more seriously,” said senior Mai Xiong. “I also [wish] that I would have started my freshman year with a 4.0.”

Many seniors like Cameron Riddle, Vu Ho, and Miller Lor favor their senior year over all the others but senior Van Hoang said that her sophomore year was

Will erasers be the new silly bandz trend?

iwakousa.com

Ever since late 2009, Silly Bandz have could get. Some think that they will be a hot craze simply been the hot trend. The bendable animal, let- because of their uniqueness. Others think that the food ter, and princess shaped bracelets could, and erasers will be a fad as short lived as the colored jelly bracestill can, be seen on the arms of kids, teenag- lets that everyone used to pop.

“If you think about it, Silly Bandz relate to everyone,” said Bre Hoskins ers, and even adults everywhere. Silly Band inventor Robert Croak probably had no idea junior Desante Johnson. “There is a shape for everyone and all Reporter his rubber bands would be so popular when different colors, but the erasers only appeal to people that like he got the idea after visiting Japan and seeing ‘cute’ little erasers. So I don’t think their version of the bracelets. they’ll last that long.”

“I [now] have the hottest toy, the hotSome are concerned about actutest fashion product on earth,” said Robert ally using the erasers. People do collect Croak in an article on Bloomberg Businessthem, but others buy the erasers for week’s website. their shape and still use them as regular But is there a new toy craze about to erasers. start? Japanese toy company Iwako recently “I think the erasers could never came out with erasers in the shape of food. be as popular as Silly Bandz because The erasers come in either American or trapeople would use the eraser up and it ditional Japanese dishes, such as pancakes, Yes, they’re erasers. Tiny erasers shaped as just wouldn’t last as long as a Silly Band sushi, and ice cream. Three of the most food are catching on in popularity with kids could,” said junior Stephanie Beccerril. popular sets are the tray of sushi, the tray of and teens.

So the popularity of these novelties fast food, and the tray of deserts. Each tray has six different pieces is still to be determined. There are positive and negative opinions of food that can all be taken apart and used individually to erase. on the erasers themselves. Positive being that they are aesthetically “My friend has some,” said sophomore Haley Fuhrman. pleasing, can be cheap, and work like a regular eraser. The nega“They are so cute!” tives are that they don’t appeal to everyone, can be expensive, and Prices vary for different sets depending on which site or store have a chance of being a frivolity that is short-lived. Will the Japayou purchase the erasers, but average a dollar a piece. The eras- nese food erasers reach Silly Band status? Chances are slim. ers are made with lead-free, recyclable material and are non-toxic.

“It all depends on who starts the trend, though,” said JohnThey are said to erase very well and not leave any smears, accord- son. “ If you saw one of the erasers in a Wayne video, everyone ing to a review on vat19.com. would rush to get one. People in power have a better chance of People feel very differently about just how popular the erases making them popular.”

The Ophiuchus sign is for people with birthdays between November 30th until December 17th.

her favorite.

“Sophomore year [was the best] because it was the easiest,” said Hoang, “Freshman year you have to learn how [to do] high school work, junior year had the ACT, and senior year you have to get ready for college... and so 10th grade was the easiest.”

Many seniors wish they could go back and do things differently. Seniors are a wealth of knowledge to underclassmen on the importance on getting your educations and not messing around.

“If you just try and give some effort, everything would become a lot more easier than you think it is,” said Hoang.

Hanging out with the right type of friends can ultimately shape how you do in school.

“Don’t hang out with bad people because they are cool. They won’t even be there in four years. Be friends with smart people,” said Riddle.

Some suggest looking at high school as a chance to try new things.

“Have the courage to do something out of the ordinary that you’re not used to, because it might be the best thing you’ll do,” said Lor.

People upset with addition of 13th Zodiac sign

On January 13, Professor Parke Knuckle of the Minnesota Planetarium Society claimed Keora Grace that there was a probReporter lem with the Zodiac dates, saying that Earth’s axis wobbles as it changes meaning that 5,000 years later the stars are not aligned so that many people have a new zodiac sign.

The Ophiuchus sign is for people with birthdays from November 30 – December 17. People with this sign are said to be straightforward and honest, have a flamboyant dress style, prefer bright colors, and also have less patience.

There has been some doubts that this “new” zodiac sign affects everybody.

Some say it should only affect those born after 2009, but Knuckle says that the

Ophiuchus sign has been a constellation for years, it’s just been left out... so it does affect everybody. Even so, many aren’t buying into the switch.

“I’m not an Ophiuchus, I still consider myself a Sagittarius,” said Freshman Abby Barrios.

This new sign doesn’t make sense to most people.

“They can’t just come in and say there’s a new sign after however many years,” said Senior Rickisha Claybrooks.

Some people don’t believe in zodiac signs and couldn’t care less about the sign Ophiuchus.

“It’s stupid and zodiac signs have nothing to do with your personality so the fact that they added a new sign doesn’t even matter,” said junior Taylor Wysack.

Entertainment 9 Lansing’s Got New Year equals new seasons Talent to showcase of your favorite shows on TV February 16, 2011

talent, raise money Talents shows are a tradition for many high schools.

Many people Shaquila Doss participate so Reporter that they can showcase their interest and talents. Last year, however, the senior class started something new: Lansing’s Got Talent, where students from all around the Lansing area could come and perform. This will be the second Lansing’s Got Talent, but there are some minor changes. One change includes a fashion portion that will showcase different prom attire. Also, students from Everett, Sexton, Eastern, Waverly, and Holt are invited, along with some other special guess from Michigan State University. The show is scheduled for Wednesday, February 16 at 7 p.m.

Senior Ashon Mask was one of the people that helped to put the show together. He had the idea to host another Lansing’s Got Talent because he wanted other students from around the area to be able to come show their talent, and also he hoped to raise a lot of money. He held tryouts where he looked for many different talents and acts that stood out. Mask has high hopes for the show.

“I think the show will go great and I’m excited to see the turn out,” said Mask.

Although there were many great things planned for this show, some people were not so sure how well it would turn out. Ac-

cording to the Senior Advisor Judy Hightower, she was very hesitant to put on the show.

“In previous years, I have noticed that there was a lack of student participation and interest. I am interested in seeing the outcome of the show,” said Hightower.

Even though there was some hesitation the show still carried on. Many people came out and showed their talents and all of them were looking forward to the night that they would perform in front of an audience.

Senior Mar’Quavis Casey who goes by the stage name “Kidd 989” tried out for this year’s show.

“I wanted to be a part of this show because I want to let other people hear my music and promote myself and what I do,” said Casey. Casey will be performing an original song that he wrote and produced.

He hopes to bring a lot of energy to the stage and believes that this will be a good show.

Along with the performers, other students believe that this show will be a success.

Senior Mika Jemison says that she might attend this year’s show; she has attended every talent show since she has been a student at Everett. She also thinks the show will go well.

“I think Lansing’s Got Talent will be a good show because there are students from other schools that will perform and it will be more entertaining,” said Jemison.

Pretty m u c h everyone watches TV at some point Amanda Robertson during the week. Lately, Entertainment Editor TV watchers have been rewarded with new episodes of their favorite shows.There are a lot of new seasons of students favorite shows, as well as new shows, that have recently aired.

The new season of Jersey Shore, Season three, takes place back in Jersey.

The show, which stars returning cast members Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, and Paul “Pauly D” DelVecchio, added new cast member Deena Nicole Cortese.

“I think it’s going to be a good season,” said junior Jake Fandel.

Another show with a new season is MTV’s Teen Mom 2, which displays the lives of four teen mothers and the trials and tribulations they go through as they balance raising their children with having jobs and being in school.

“I like that it doesn’t sugar coat the life of a teen mom,” said senior Jamilia Johnson. “I think this season will be pretty good.”

There is also a new season of ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars. The show is

about four girls, Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily, who lost their best friend Alison. After she disappeared, they are being threatened via text message, instant message, e-mail, etc. by an unknown “A” that their darkest secrets will be revealed. .. secrets that only Alison knew. It’s the show’s second season. You can catch Pretty Little Liars every Monday on ABC Family at 8 p.m.

“It’s an interesting show and I like that it’s a mystery. I think it’s going to be a good season,” said Junior Raven Odom.

While some are tuning in to the new shows, others are comfortable with the old ones they watch.

“I like Grey’s Anatomy,” said Junior Vasee Xiong.

Grey’s Anatomy follows the lives of interns, residents and their mentors in the fictional Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital in Seattle, Washington, as they struggle to complete their medical training and maintain personal lives.

“I like the surgeries, and what they do and how at the same time the show is like a love story.”

Skins, a show new on MTV, had its season premiere on January 17.The show is about the lives of teenagers and the problems and drama they deal with being in high school. Students can tune in to “Pretty Little Liars” (top), which is on ABC family, “Jersey Shore”(Middle), on MTV Skins Monday nights at 10 p.m. and “Grey’s Anatomy” (bottom), on ABC, are very popular shows on TV right now.

Beyond Scared Straight: scary reality check for at-risk teens

Beyond Scared Straight is a documentary meant to frighten law-breaking young teens into getting their lives together by teaching them the hard life of prison.

According to newburyportnews.com and EnterLupita Gonzalez tainment Weekly, Beyond Scared Straight has become the Photo Editor most watched and highest rated original series debut on the network ever.

Whether it’s smoking a cigarette, drinking at a college party, or trying a new drug, each of the these inmates who speak to these teens recalled that making bad decisions as young adult represented the first step in their descent to prison.

“I really like this show the first time I ever saw it, I was beyond scared,” said freshman Kelsey Moore.

One moment can change your life. That’s what inmates tell high school seniors during the series of new shows, in classroom-sized meetings designed to show the consequences that could come from making bad decisions.

“This show was something I could really relate to, and I must admit I did half of the things these teens think is a joke,” said one student who due to the nature of his experiences his name not to be used. “Life is hard and ending up in this type of situation isn’t [a joke].”.

These offender programs put boys and girls of all races, ranging in age from 13-18, into intensive one-day in-prison sessions that show them the realities of life behind bars.

“Beyond Scared Straight” (right) aims to make teens realize the need to turn their lives around.

10

Sports

February 16, 2011

Boys’ team looks to overcome slow start The boys’ varsity basketball team began their season on December 10 with their first game against St. Johns.

Shaquila Doss They team did not come out with a win; however, the playReporter ers are very optimistic about this year’s season. Their current record is two wins and three losses.

This year there are 12 players on the varsity team: four seniors, five juniors, two sophomores, and one freshman. The team is coached by Johnny Jones, who has been coaching at Everett for 32 years. The players and coaches alike are looking forward to this season and believe that they can be more successful than the team from last year who only managed to win one game out of 21.

“I think this season will go better than previous years, Hopefully, we will win the majority our games,” said senior captain James Jenkins.

Along with Jenkins other players believe that the team could be successful this season.

“I think this season we will be more successful because people are improving and working harder,” said sophomore Jaleel Canty who is also a team captain.

Though the spirits are high for this season there are many things that the team could still improve on.

According to Jones, the team needs to work on the fundamentals of the game in order to do well. Even players can see the things that need to be improved.

“I think that as a team we need to work on competing: finishing the game and not giving up,” said senior Tre Blackman. Blackman is a second year varsity player, and he plays guard for the Vikings.

With at least half of their season still to come, the boys plan to work hard in practice to improve on their game. Unlike some other teams who look at specific games as being their “biggest” or most competitive one, coach Jones says that every team they face this season will be a challenge.

“The team must compete to the best of their ability in order to pull out with a win, we have to take on each game one at a time,” said Jones.

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Frank

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frankie price

LEFT: #12 James Mills shoots in a game against East Lansing.

MIDDLE: #44 Jalen Smith and #30 James Jenkins-Rivers work the offense against East Lansing. RIGHT: #20 Courtney Cariano and #42 Regina Thompson play against East Lansing high school.

JV Girls stay positive Even though the JV girls’ basketball team has not won a game, coaches and players are trying to Lachonda Beasley stay confident in themselves.

Reporter Junior Frankie Price said her goals are to go to the hoop more and make better shots. While Price enjoys playing on the team, she said she isn’t looking at basketball as a career.

Price said she is calm before every game so she can keep her head in the game.

“The season is going good were improving we just have to work together and stay positive,” said Price.

The team should work on better attitudes and not been late for practice, said Price.

Coach Ballinger said the season’s goals are to improve the skill level of the team and work together. She encourages them when they do well and pushes them when they are tired.

“I want them to work on attacking the basket and being more aggressive,” said Ballinger.

Ballinger said the team has improved a lot since the beginning of the season.

“I am proud of what the girls have a accomplished,” said Ballinger.

A’lexis Hathaway-Williams is playing on the JV basketball team. Some of her goals for the season are to be better basketball player on and off the court.

“Before a game I get excited, and to get ready I turn my ipod on and tune out until game time,” said Hathaway-Williams.

She said her goal for the team is that they improve by working hard together on the court instead of being individuals.

“I’m glad to be playing with Everett,” said Hathaway-Williams.

February 16, 2011

Sports

11

Hard work pays off for swimmers good seasons; but there aren’t enough to compete as a team.

“People who came back can swim good, and rookies can’t really swim well,” said Savchuk.

However, the team has shown improvement during the season.

“They have a really good attitude and they put effort into what they do in a way that they would like to be part of something,” said Burchfield.

Even thought the newest swimmers are still learning, Savchuk said that the environment on the team is very positive.

“People are friendly and fun, and everybody improves on what they do,” said Savchuk.

There are few people in the audience during a meet, but those who are there are very dedicated to supporting the team.

“Whenever they are at the dual meets, they would cheers us on and whenever they finish their meets, the parents would help bring snacks and drinks to the swimmers,” said Burchfield.

Burchfield says their goal is to focus on teamwork and to get along together, even if it’s outside of the school.

Sharpe and Burchfield would also like to say that everybody should join in the swimming team, even if you don’t have swimming experience.

COURTESY RON POHLONSKI

This year’s boy’s swimming team is starting off a good season with new rookies and a feeling of confidence. Although it is Alan Yang a very competitive sport, Online Editor they have a great time being together and enjoy swimming during their practices.

Despite the fact that they practice after school everyday, they had to practice over the winter break and go weight lifting, running, and work on distance swimming.

“I like it; it’s hard work but it pays off,” said senior Oleksiy Savchuk.

The major challenge the team faces is the majority of the team is rookies who have joined the team this year.

Head captain senior Andrew Sharpe says that they have “lost a lot of veterans who have been in the team over the recent years.”

Coach Nate Burchfield, a former Everett swimmer, said that the team needs to recruit younger swimmers and build up the size of the team.

“There has to be a least 35 swimmers in order to compete with the other schools; but now, we have 11 or 12 swimmers,” said Burchfield.

The few veterans on the team are having very

Coach Nate Burchfield talks to his water polo team before a match at East Lansing. Many swimmers prepare for swim season by playing water polo.

It’s more challenging than it looks Big Ten represents, “Not too many people have came from school, but the ones that do support the team I appreciate,” said senior McKenzie Sipe.

While other sports cost up to five dollars, it does not cost anything to watch a bowling meet.

Players encourage anyone who would like to see what they’re about to come cheer them on at their next meet. Their next match ins at Capitol Lanes in Owosso, February 17.

Stephanie dunham

It’s time for strikes, spares and no gutters. Its bowling season.

The bowling team is Stephanie Dunham made up of three teams: boys’ and girls’ varsity and boys’ JV, Reporter with only one coach.

“It can be a lot of pressure being in charge of it all alone,” said coach Sabrina Richmond. “It is very hard, but it has its rewards.”

The boys’ varsity team beat one of the areas best and made the coach proud.

“Jackson is good, but I guess we were better,” said sophomore Tyler Jones.

There are new bowlers on the team that have to adjust; it can be a lot of pressure bowling on varsity.

“It is my first year and I am bowling with people who have been bowling their whole lives,” said freshmen Anissa Dawsey, who entered the team a varsity player.

It is not easy getting all strikes, but some students at Everett don’t even consider bowling a sport.

“I practice just as hard as everyone else,” said Jones. Between practices and meets, team members are working on their game at least four days a week.

Still, there are some that do consider it a sport.

“You’re still doing physical work and you’re competing as a team getting points like the other sports,” said junior Jessica Kiel.

Even though the team is growing in size and winning games, many students don’t even know that there is a bowling team at Everett.

“I would go to a meet to support the team but I’ve never been because I always have practice or a game,” said junior Courtney Cariano.

Like other sports, the bowling team often competes without a crowd to cheer them on... which is special when they do get some fans to show up.

Sophomore Tyler Jones works on his form while practicing at Metro Bowl

but comes up short in major Bowl games

For football fans, New Years weekend is exciting as you sit around and watch your favorite team compete in the Jasmine Lopez bowl games. For Big Ten fans Entertainment Editor your excitement turned in to disappointment as team after team began to lose their big game.Six big ten teams competed in bowl games the week of January 1, and only two came away victorious. The two matches featuring Michigan teams weren’t even close.

Michigan State was ranked number nine in the BCS standings. They had a great season with a record of 11-2, but they lost horribly to Alabama with a score of 49-7. Alabama pushed and pounded the Spartans at the line of scrimmage. Michigan State players were getting hurt left and right. The star quarterback, Kirk Cousins, was brought out of the game during the third quarter.

“The game was pretty sad because I wanted Michigan State to win but they got completely blown out,” said senior Ryanna Hester.

Junior Kani Caldwell thought that the Spartans deserved it.

“I thought that Michigan State had it coming because they think they are so big and bad, then they lose a big game. It always happens with the Spartans,” said Caldwell.

The Michigan Wolverines lost to No. 21 Mississippi State. The score was 52-14. Michigan’s starting

quarterback Denard Robinson carried the ball 11 times and completed 27 of 41 passes for 254 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. After losing the Gator Bowl the wolverine’s final record of the season was 6-7.

“I expected Michigan to lose. They did the same thing they’ve been doing all year” said assistant coach and physical education teacher Kerry Keyton.

The Rose Bowl is always a very exciting game.

The Wisconsin Badgers lost to TCU with a final score of 21-19.

“It was the only interesting game,” said Junior Nicholas Anderson. “They were the only team besides Ohio State that didn’t get slaughtered.”

The Rose Bowl win was the first bowl win for the No. 3, TCU horned frogs and they finished there season with a perfect record of 13-0. The Badgers finished off there season with a record of 11-2.

The Ohio State Buckeyes were the only big ten team that had some victory. They beat Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl with a final score of 31-26. Ohio State finished the season 12-1 and they also shared the big ten title with Wisconsin and Michigan State.

The bowl games may have been horrible losses for most of the teams in the big ten but football season is over and all of the teams ended up having a pretty good season.

“They didn’t try their hardest during the bowl games but they will get back up to the top someday,” said Senior McKenzie Sipe.

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Sports

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