The Voice: October 23, 2013

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COMING! A look at the Pep Rally, Spirit Week, Parades and all things in between

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KATRINA TURNER

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Volume 54, Issue 1 October 23, 2013

MEESHON ROGERS

THALIA ESPARZA

BRIANNA BILLARD

MEESHON ROGERS

MEESHON ROGERS

Coverage, Page Three

NEWS

Escort rule designed to improve Everett’s environment This year Everett formed a new rule regarding hall passes. Teachers now have to call down to the office for an “escort” to take students to the bathroom or clinic. Passes are no longer allowed to lockers, offices, or bathrooms. The program originated at Eastern High School and, after running smoothly, came to Everett.

There are not many escorts in the building, so sometimes it can take a while for an escort to come.

“It took about 35 minutes for my escort to get there; I about (peed) myself,” said freshman Dewey McPherson. Some of the students’ escorts never even came.

“When I needed an escort to go to the bathroom, which was right outside the classroom door, I had to wait about 30 minutes and one still never came,” said freshman Mikayla Smith.

“By that time we just asked the security guard that was walking past the class, and there were five more people that had to go to the bathroom as well.”

Even though the escorts try to arrive as soon as they can, the arrival times vary. Higher priority reasons, such as fights, disciplinary actions, and clinical reasons are taken care of first.

It all depends on who is available to escort students.

“There are five public safety officers, three administrators, four youth advocates, and a couple of student aids that have helped out,” said Assistant Principal Dustin Gill, who said he understands students’ concerns. “If I was a student I’d be uncomfortable, feel like I’m being treated like a child and not like a young adult and question it.”

Some students say they feel the new rule is unfair, and treats them as if they were young children. It also takes time out of class for the teacher to call the office, and makes the student restlessly wait. They say it makes them feel impatient, and makes the class atmosphere uncomfortable for all the students.

“It just creates an extra hassle for students, teachers, and the escorts even,” said junior Raymond Hernandez. “It’s unnecessary and basically pointless, students will still roam the halls and there will always be different dangers that can happen no matter what.”

Parent Missy Welsh said she thinks students should be responsible for their own decisions.

“The school should just stop “babysitting” the students and let them make their own decisions. They mess up their education, that’s their own fault,” said Welsh. “It’s pointless, if they made this rule so students won’t walk around the halls during class; either way, they’re going to do it.”

Most of the students, parents, and teachers said they wonder if this rule will “stick” and stay for the rest of the year, or even keep going into next year.

“I don’t think this rule will stick, I doubt it will still be going on by next year as well,” said health teacher Marcelle Carruthers.

Although there are doubts on whether or not the rule is helping Everett, there are a lot of benefits that would come from the rule change being effective.

“It’s a partnership between students and staff, we’re all trying to save Everett,” said public safety officer John (JP) Pentecost.

Since students are physically required to remain in class until they have an adult with them, JP said that the rule cuts down on tardies

KATRINA TURNER

Katrina Turner News Editor

Public Safety Officer John Pentecost (JP) escorts senior Kacy Adams to the rest room during A lunch. While the hallways are much less crowded during class time, students have problems with the new policy. and absences, decrease violence and vandalism, minimize traffic in the hallways, and increase the overall well-being of students. Administrators are also hopeful that the rule change will have a positive effect on the school.

“My hope for the rule change is that students only ask to leave the classroom when it’s necessary,” said assistant principal Susan Cheadle-Holt.

Cheadle-Holt said that students have to be

in the classroom to learn and every second they waste in the halls takes away from that. With the rule change the distraction of lockers, friends, and unneeded visits have been eliminated for students.

Teachers, parents, and visitors at Everett say they have noticed a huge improvement in hallway traffic.

“The rule change is working, there is already

less kids in the hallway,” said JP. Staff said the change has made adults more visible in the hallways, and students are taking notice.

“We really care and want what’s best for our students; our intention is to keep them in class where they can learn, not to belittle them,” said Cheadle-Holt.

Miranda Laurin contributed to this story.

Staffing changes bring new teachers to Everett Corey Byron Reporter

2 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

This school year brought some changes, among them were new teachers. Six teachers that were here last year aren’t here this year.

Band teacher Ben Baldwin, math teacher Xavier Figueras, English teachers Jonathan Wakeman and Pam Marrs, Spanish teachers Alfonso Salais and Pamela Schafer-Brown are no longer at Everett. Some students say they are confused and conflicted about having so many familiar teachers leaving the school.

“If it was a good reason then I’m fine with

it; if it wasn’t a good reason then it was stupid,” said senior Jenna Brotherton.

The reasons that teachers left are varied.

Spanish teacher Alfonso Salais left because he wanted to be with his son at Eastern High School.

Jon Wakeman went to MSU to be in accounting.

Some were forced to leave because they were laid off after their positions were cut.

Even if the teachers had to leave for a legitimate reason, some say it doesn’t seem fair. Some teachers say they are upset about losing their coworkers and friends.

“It definitely puts a heavy burden on the teachers that stayed,” said math teacher Eric

Hartley.

“It was wrong because those teachers were doing good,” said junior Matt Curry.

Students say that it’s hard to adjust to having someone they are used to seeing, just be gone. Some students had very close bonds with certain teachers, and couldn’t imagine them leaving the school. Sophomore Casey Hicks is very close with algebra teacher Sheila Orr, who is newer to the building.

“High school life would be a lot more miserable without Mrs. Orr; she’s supportive and helps me out in any way that she can,” said Hicks.

OCTOBER 2013 Biology teacher Heather Clark dresses the part as she demonstrates the parts of a cell to her 4th hour biology class.

Timeline of a displaced teacher As a result of cuts in the district, a science position is cut from Everett. As the teacher with the lowest seniority, Alonge is pink-slipped.

June-August Accepting that she had lost her place at Everett, Alonge started looking for new jobs. She also got married.

September 2013 After school started, and enrollment numbers were higher than expected, Everett offered Alonge her position back, asking if she would take on an additional course.

September 2013 Two weeks into September, Alonge, now known as Mrs. Clark, came back to Everett once again, teaching science and E20/20.

THALIA ESPARZA

May

NEWS

FALL HOMECOMING THE COURT

MEESHON ROGERS

PAJAMA DAY

HERO DAY

KATRINA TURNER

MEESHON ROGERS

Everett’s 2014 Homecoming King and Queen, Lucas Barner and Azalea Miller.

Everett’s 2014 Homecoming Court (L to R): Mr. and Ms. Junior Alexis Morrison and Connor Rodriguez, Mr. and Ms. Freshmen Michael Lopez and Sabrina Martin, King and Queen, King and Queen Nominees Kalynn Williams and Dayjah Stewart, Mr. and Ms. Sophomore Mac’Quinn Norris and Arlexia Bernard, and Mr. and Ms. Senior Marvell Williams and Mikaela Jones.

THE ASSEMBLY

KATRINA TURNER

WACKY WED

Everett’s Dance Company performs the pep rally mashup. Here, they are dancing to ““Ooh Kill ‘Em”

by Terio. The following Monday, they performed the same dance during the High School Nation tour.

Everett’s band performs at the pep rally. They later performed in the parade, and during the homecoming game.

THE GAME

Lucas Barner Sports Editor

MEESHON ROGERS

PHOTOS BY THALIA ESPARZA

CLASS COLORS

Everett’s defense lines up against Eastern in the Homecoming game. Everett went on to win 17-6.

After all of the celebrations and festivities, there was still work to be done. The Vikings had to take the field against cross town rival, Lansing Eastern.

Coming off a tough loss to Holt, the Vikings were looking to start from scratch and get back in the win column.

Filling in for injured quarterback Lucas Barner was junior Rhett Blackman, who also played quarterback in the second half against Holt. The Vikings took the field wearing all black and came out focused.

Eastern won the toss and decided to defer to the second half, giving the Vikings the ball first.

Blackman dropped back on the first play and dumped the ball off to junior running back Marvin Wright for a big gain. The drive didn’t end in any points, but the offense didn’t look out of place despite some players at new positions.

The defense took the field and forced the Quakers

to punt it back to the offense where the Vikings would drive down the field and get into field goal range. Senior kicker/punter Cameron Goedert split the uprights, making it 3-0.

In the second quarter, Blackman would find senior wide receiver/defensive back Jacob Odom in the endzone for a score. The Vikings went up 10-0 and took that lead into the half.

The defense was up first in the second half and their job was to get off the field. The Quakers fired back though, sustaining a decent drive on offense, but the defense managed to bring that drive to a halt.

Offensively, the Vikings would only have the ball twice in the second half. Blackman finished one of those drives with a quarterback sneak for a touchdown.

The Viking defense held the Quakers to zero points until their final drive, where a Quaker running back was able to bounce outside for a short touchdown run.

But it was all too late for the Quakers, the Vikings didn’t lose focus and came out with a 17-6 victory.

3 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

KATRINA TURNER

THROWBACKS

Far left: English and philosophy teacher Rich Helder prepares to blast off in the tricycle race against junior Brianna Billard. The students dominated, winning every match but one.

NEWS

Freshmen helpers, Link Crew

C lunch changes frustrate students

Na’Ticka Kinley Reporter

4 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

Shania Campbell Reporter

CHAD SANDERS

There is a new crew going around the school, called Link Crew. The Link Crew is a group of selected juniors and seniors who are taught to help the incoming freshmen enjoy their first year of high school. The crew’s goal is to help freshmen feel welcomed in the environment of a new school.

Link Crew leader Colleen Selby believes that the Link Crew was a good idea to bring to Everett.

“I think it’s going well; we have a wonderful group of Link Leaders,” said Selby.

She also has a lot of activities planned for the freshmen this year, so the juniors and seniors can interact with them more.

“We’re doing a homecoming float, we are planning a freshman tailgate, and we will be visiting freshman classrooms once per marking period,” said Selby.

Link Leaders said they think that the program is a good idea, but don’t see that it’s working... at least, not yet.

“It gets more interactive, but a lot of Link Leaders don’t see their freshmen during school,” said senior Link Leader Diana Trinh, who added that organization and more interaction can help the crew run smoother.

“So far it’s a bit unorganized; everything is thrown together at the last minute,” said Trinh. “I don’t see any of my freshmen, so I don’t get to interact with them.”

Some freshmen said that they think the

Senior Link Leaders Almer Dzananovic, Maurice Stepp, and Cierra Kent help freshmen set up their EdLine accounts in the library. EdLine is a way for students to keep track of their grades, assignments, and class schedules and to stay on track for the school year.

Link Crew isn’t that good of an idea, and they are old enough to handle things on their own.

“I think it’s stupid because we’re ninth graders; we can pretty much handle this ourselves,” said freshman Jeremiah Howard. “If we really wanted to succeed, we don’t need seniors’ and juniors’ help.”

On the other hand, some freshmen think that Link Crew can help some who are struggling.

“I think we need Link Crew to help us get around and learn about things around the

school,” said freshman Reyna Estrada.

Freshman orientation, which happened two weeks before school started, was the first chance for freshmen to meet their Link leaders. Some didn’t find the experience very helpful.

“I didn’t really like orientation because the activities we did were a waste,” said Estrada.

The plans for the orientation weren’t all able to be completed due to late-summer construction that made moving around the build-

ing chaotic.

“The construction in the building put a damper on what we were able to accomplish with orientation,” said Selby.

Trinh agreed that the year is off to a rougher start than Link Crew anticipated.

Selby said that this is a building year, and is optimistic about the future of Link Crew.

“We have some great activities planned, and are looking forward to making Link Crew an important part of Everett,” said Selby.

Under Everett’s new lunch schedule, students with C lunch have to wait until 1:00 to eat. Many pf them aren’t happy about having their lunch so late in the day.

“I don’t like having to wait so long to eat. The food isn’t good enough for us to be having to wait so long,” said senior Elvedina Kalem.

Assistant Principal Susan Cheadle-Holt said that skipping was a big issue last year when B lunch was split, since students would go to lunch and just not return for the second half of class. The lunch staff also had a hard time getting the cafeteria clean between lunches.

“It was difficult to get kids back into class and settled. Attendance was a factor and the lunch transition is tough,” said Cheadle-Holt.

“This gives the lunch aids a half-hour to get cleaned up and ready for the next lunch period. We have (fewer) kids skipping during lunch now.”

Some students aren’t worried about the change; since they have earlier lunch hours, it doesn’t affect them directly.

“I don’t have that lunch so it doesn’t matter to me,” said sophomore Eldin Kalem.

Escort rule waste of time Everett has changed its policy on hallway passes. At the beginning of this year, administrators started enforcing the Escort Rule. The rule states that if a student wants to leave the classroom for any reason, their teacher must call down to the office and have an escort accompany them.

The Escort Rule at Everett is a waste of time.

Students that are likely to skip aren’t going to be phased by teachers telling them that they need an escort to leave class, they will just walk out without caring. The rule punishes good students who have no need to be escorted. When you reach a certain age, you are mature enough to go to the bathroom by

yourself. The rule belittles upperclassmen, and is overall inappropriate for a high school environment. There are not enough escorts to make the program run smoothly; it’s very common that requests for escorts are ignored, and students have to suffer.

Administration is trying to better the school, and they believe the rule change will help. With the hallways being clearer, violence and vandalism is cut down, and parents have noticed a better atmosphere when they visit the school.

Although there has been some improvement on the rule, it simply is not efficient enough to be useful. Students are back to using passes, or just leaving class when escorts don’t arrive. Students are frustrated with the rule change, and believe that it’s pointless.

If administration wants to keep the Escort Rule, then they need to find a successful way to make the program run. Adding more escorts, or changing the limits could help. If students could leave class for locker or bathroom issues without escorts, it would make the rule tolerable.

Seniors want choice, freedom of open campus lunch, Sick and tired of school lunch Haley Buskulic Opinion, Copy Editor Walking into a crowded lunchroom and eating the same food you’ve eaten for four years can get very boring. There are many food places around Everett and the students that drive to school should be able to drive somewhere and get food that they actually would enjoy eating.

Everett used to have open campus lunch, but too many students left and didn’t come back. But those students are gone, and the students that are here now deserve a chance.

The seniors are ready for the responsibility of getting lunch and coming back to school on time. High school is supposed to get you ready for the real world, but in the real world you can leave your job, get lunch, and come back. Open campus lunch would prepare us for a job environment.

“I’m almost old enough to vote, but the school thinks I’m not old enough to go out for lunch?” said senior Kayla Elkins. Elkins has a great point, we’re almost adults and deserve the right to go out to eat for our lunch period.

“It’s about time we get a reward for being seniors and we’re responsible enough to

leave and come back on time,” said senior Abigail Barrios. It would be a nice perk for seniors if we could leave for lunch.

If the administration allows the seniors to have open campus lunch and too many students come back late, then they can take it away. It won’t be too much of a hassle.

It’s not like we are asking for a longer lunch period or anything that will change the way the school hours are set up. Besides, most of the seniors are 18 anyway, and can check themselves out already. Administration should just let us try having open campus lunch.

Brianna Billard Online editor Incoming freshman are in a brand new environment with new staff, peers, administrators, rules and expectations. It’s a stressful, yet exciting time. Every year, during the Fall pep rally, the Freshmen are quiet, and don’t seem to really know what’s going on. The freshmen don’t want to participate because they’re new and scared. What they don’t understand is that the more school

spirit you have (as a freshman), the more respect you’ll get from upperclassmen.

Spirit week is a really big thing at Everett. A lot of people participate, and those who do, usually get put in the school’s newspaper or yearbook, and sometimes both.

Wacky Wednesday, pajama day, western day, ugly sweater day... we have different themes every year and it’s a blast if you choose to join in.

There are two weeks out of the year you get to be completely weird. Freshmen, Friday night football games are a great time,

but they’re even more fun when you sit in the student section, and have as much school spirit as possible; especially at home games.

Everett always has themes for each home game, such as camo, neon, and one solid color. If you follow the themes, it makes everything so much more fun. It might be scary at first to sit with upperclassmen, they can be intimidating, but we’re all at the games for the same reason: to support our school as best as we can.

KATRINA TURNER

Freshmen spirit lacking

5 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

Our Voice

AZALEA MILLER

OPINION

Credit was given to freshmen for their class cheer at the pep rally. Overall, though, they should figure out ways to get connected to the school through spirit activities.

OPINION Your Voice Headphone ban needs to be relaxed Headphones in school are banned. This is a mistake. Headphones make it easier for students to concentrate and focus on their work.

Students should be able to listen to music in class as long as it’s at a reasonable volume and their class work is getting done.

I understand that some teachers feel like headphones are more trouble to have while in class because of the volume. But that can easily be solved by simply turning the headphones down. I don’t see the point in banning headphones all together. Whether they’re banned or not, students are still going to use them regardless.

When students listen to music in class, they’re less social and more focused and get the important things done first. “I think we should be able to use headphones while doing work. It’s easier to stay focus and drain out everything else in the background,” said sophomore Jessica Arnold.

Banning headphones will not solve anything. It’s just going to cause more problems in class because students are still going to use them and the “No Headphone” rule is only making it harder on teachers to have to constantly tell students to take them out/off.

School administrators should allow students to use their headphones during class, even if it’s after work is done.

Jasmin Willis, ‘15

C lunch hour change means stressed students

6 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

Students run to the lunch line to try and be one of the first ones in line. They are running because the lines are way too long! If

they opened up more lines, extended the lunch period time and or added another lunch hour then this problem will not happen.

Students are running from the third floor down to the lunch room. What if they are running too fast and slip or fall? If they made lunch time longer, students wouldn’t have to run to the line and possibly injure themselves.

When they get to the lunch line other students want to cut in front of them, then they are pushed back farther into the line. If they had security or had more lunch lines to where people wouldn’t have to feel like they need to cut in the line just to have enough time to eat!

Scheduling lunches can be hard on the administrators. I understand they don’t want to shorten class time or stretch school to make it even longer.

They should go back to having B lunch a split like they did last year. It seemed to work much better. Students got through the lunch lines, and had enough time to eat their food before lunch was over with.

Mariah Sklapsky, ‘14

Students who drive unfairly punished for having cars Before school even started, administration at Everett High School made it so students that drive must park in the back and walk around to the main entrance to get inside of the building. I believe this rule is unfair and unnecessary. This rule WILL NOT and DOES NOT work.

The main reason this rule WILL NOT work, is because the administration hasn’t put it into action. They say they want to control the flow of students, but they don’t do anything to keep students from going into the “wrong doors.” I know they want to make sure that Everett is a safe place by controlling the flow of people but, if you want kids to follow a rule you need to ENFORCE IT! The students that drive have to park in the back parking lot. That is a rule that’s en-

forced. But, the fact that we can’t park anywhere else means walking into the gym doors is the easiest and most convenient way to get inside the building. Making students walk ALL THE WAY AROUND to the front doors is an inconvenience to them. They already park in the BACK of the school. Now you want us to walk to the front!

This policy needs to be changed.

Dinah George, ‘14

Student council shouldn’t make spirit week decisions Spirit week is supposed to be the time of year that students show their love for their school. This years student council came up with the following themes: Pajama day, Superhero day, Wacky day, Throwback day and Class Color day. They weren’t all interesting enough for people to want to participate. Student council should involve the student body more in their decisions.

“The themes are good but I wish they had Nerd day,” said math teacher Sheila Orr. Nerd day is a more common theme for spirit week and students expected to have it.

Superhero day was different and upset a few students.

“I like (the themes) except superhero day,” said senior Tatyana Brewer. “They (student council) should have come up with better themes.”

Some days are always fun, like Throwback Thursday and Wacky Wednesday. But change it up and pick some days that more people can participate in. For Superhero Day, many people didn’t participate because it seems more like a day for little kids.

Some people still dress up while others choose not to. Seniors have the most spirit, since it’s their last year and they want to be in the yearbook.

“I think the upperclassmen have more spirit but by winter freshmen will have some too,” said Orr. Freshmen aren’t accustomed to dressing

up for spirit week so they don’t do it.

“The lower class men are still younglings so they don’t know about it,” said senior Marvell Williams.

-Deanera Barrow, ‘14

Spirit week ideas need adjustments Na’Ticka Kinley Reporter Since my sophomore year at Everett High School the school spirit hasn’t been so great. There’s not enough creativity put into the school spirit week. Everything is just the same but is sometimes given a different name.

That’s why many of the students including myself don’t participate in spirit week.

The student council are involved with creating spirit week for the school, to my understanding there aren’t really that many people who have joined student council so maybe that’s a reason why spirit week is so dull and boring. Or maybe the student council does get ideas from students but they just don’t take them. Senior Ayanna Williford said that spirit week needs to have more creative days “We should have days like Old School Day, or even Camo Day, then maybe more students might be more interested in participating because it’s something different,” said Williford.

You can’t make students join spirit week if they don’t want to, and many students don’t participate in spirit week. But there are those who would join in if there were some better options.

Student council still has a chance to be original. Winter Spirit week should be more creative we should have days like Camo day, Old school day, Sports day, Formal day, Even Neon day sounds like a thing that I would participate in. With more creativity it would bring a lot more attraction to students including myself.

Escort rule treats students like babies Jhalycia Smith Social Media Editor

finished is awkward and causes me to rush.

We are short on authority, and having to call on an escort makes it more

tions in class.

If something more serious were to go on such as a fight, security guards or As students returned to Everett, the administration would be busy escorting new “no-pass” rule came students from where as a surprise. Students they need to go. They are no longer allowed to should be helping with The intentions of the rule could possibly have a walk the hallways withmore serious matters. good outcome by cutting down the amount of out an escort. You now I can see how adtravelers in the hallways during class, but overall have to be taken to your ministration could think it is not needed. destination with a secuthe idea of having a esrity guard or administracort for safety purposes tor. is beneficial by trying to complicated for teachers to teach class.

I feel uncomfortable having to get avoid any incidents.

Mr. Gill explained Only having a few administrators escorted everywhere I might need to go. is not enough to tend to every student. his concerns at the student meetings, The idea of using the bathroom is usu- Hall passes allow students to get to and saying anyone can enter the building ally a private matter. And knowing that from where they need to be more effi- and escorts can possibly assure safety.

I have someone waiting on me to get ciently and stops unnecessary interrup- Even though we have the escort rule,

the problem hasn’t fully gone away. Students will continue to be in the hallways regardless of this new rule.

The escort rule belittles upperclassmen and it’s taking the buddy system too far! Juniors and seniors have overall built up enough maturity to be able to take care of personal needs by themselves.

The intentions of the rule could possibly have a good outcome by cutting down the amount of travelers in the hallways during class, but it’s overall not needed.

Last year passes made the hassle of getting to and from one place much easier.

This policy should not be in place because it causes nothing but more work for everyone in the end.

Voice The

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

THE STAFF EDITORS Meeshon Rogers (Editorin-Chief)

Thalia Esparza (Photo) Katrina Turner (news) Haley Buskulic (Opinion, Copy)

Azalea Miller(Features) Hailey Cleveland (Entertainment)

Lucas Barner (Sports) Thalia Esparza (Photo) Brianna Billard(Online) Jhalycia Smith (Social Media) Deanera Barrow (Business) REPORTERS Chris Buckner Corey Byron Shania Campbell Britani Gibson Na’Ticka Kinley Susana Perez Juan Ramirez Kasey Robinson Alejandro Sanchez ADVISOR Chad Sanders

Mission Statement

The 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 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.

Music, art showcase delights enthusiastic crowd

BRIANNA BILLARD

Azalea Miller Features Editor

HIGH SCHOOL NATION

Trevor Jackson performs for enthusiastic fans at the High School Nation concert. Everett was one of only 20 schools where High School Nation performed on its fall tour.

Below: Junior Takiya Crawford watches as Trevor Jackson performs. “The atmosphere was exciting,” said Crawford.

High School Nation was once a program that gave high school students a chance to perform for free at school lunches across the country. Since 2004, High School Nation has expanded to full concerts throughout the US, adding artists and many other arts-related activities. Alumni artists that have been through High school Nation include; Cody Simpson, New Boyz and Wale.

“We went on tour with the guy that started High School Nation, and they (asked us to join the tour). It’s such a great cause when you can keep arts in schools,” said Ren Patrick from STAMPS The Band.

Bringing the message that the arts in school are important is the mission of High School Nation. At every stop, the tour hosts a community conversation broadcast live on YouTube. At Everett, the panel included drama teacher Jim Allen and members of Lansing’s arts community.

The tour is also a chance for your artists to get exposure in front of thousands of students throughout the country.

“Five years ago I’d never thought I’d be here, but two years ago I knew I would be because I didn’t give up,” said singer Justine Skye. “I’m glad I kept going.” Skye, who joined the tour this year, just graduated from high school in 2013.

HS Nation gives students a chance to perform and get their name out in the process.

But being away from home and touring can take an emotional toll on some artists.

“In the past few months we went all over Europe...the tour is great, but sometimes you get really exhausted and it’s hard being away from home. I have a 10-year-old sister and I miss her a lot,” said Patrick.

Skye agreed that the tour can be tiring.

“This is my first tour and I’m just a little homesick. I do miss my friends,” said Skye.

“Trev, Michael and Nathan (Trevor Jackson and his backup dancers) are good friends and I’m still adjusting to it all.”

When the artists aren’t on the road touring, they enjoy the same things as any other student would.

SEE NATION, PAGE EIGHT

Face The

Nation

8 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

FROM PAGE SEVEN

“I’m passionate about a lot of things like basketball, surfing and skateboarding,” said artist Trevor Jackson, who is a high school senior.

Doing anything you are passionate about takes inspiration. For Skye it’s her fans.

“Fans definitely inspire me, I love music and I love giving hope to them so they can do what I do,” said Skye.

“The best part of the performance is the reaction from the fans, but it does make me nervous when the crowd doesn’t get interactive, but you gotta’ keep pushin’.”

The inspiration these artists hope to instill in students came to them at a young age.

“Ever since I saw Michael Jackson when I was young, I loved music,” said Jackson.

For Stamps, music is a way to deal with the stress of life.

“I get through tough times by writing music... (drummer) Adam James and I write all of the music.

When I wake up, I eat and breathe music. Music is my life essentially,” said Patrick.

Some of the artists’ parents travel with the tour, and are as excited to be a part of the show as their children.

“The best part is watching the kids performing and the crowd’s reaction,” said John Maas, father of backup dancer Nathan Maas. “I have no fears on the road, he [Nathan] knows how to do it and he’s usually the one to keep them all focused.”

“There is no secret advice,” said Patrick. “You have to have tough skin.

Don’t give up music is supposed to be fun, it’s not supposed to be a job.”

Jackson echoed Patrick, that the life of an artist isn’t for those who only see it as a simple job.

“Don’t do it because of the money or fame... do it because it’s what you love and because you want to work hard at it,” said Jackson. “And, always put God first.”

And yes, to all the ladies...Trevor Jackson is single.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Students surround Trevor Jackson on stage during the High School Nation tour.

Jackson taught the crowd how to do his new dance, and invited students up front to perform with him.

HIGH SCHOOL NATION

Rob Shore of STAMPS rocks out for an appreciative crowd at High School Nation. STAMPS played a mix of original songs and covers, then hung out afterwards to visit with their new fans.

Davielle Collins practices playing the drums at the percussion tent during High School Nation.

Students could also play guitars, keyboards, and practice making beats.

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Nique Wilson, dancing

Ren Patrick, sharing

Chelsea Patterson, screaming

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Ren Patrick of STAMPS kicks off the High School Nation concert. Later, when the crowd wasn’t jumping well enough to their music, she came down into the crowd and jumped with them.

Trevor Jackson, chilling

9 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

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HIGH SCHOOL NATION

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[FIVEQUOTES•ONEQUESTION] PHOTOS BY THALIA ESPARZA

What was your favorite thing about High School Nation?

HIGH SCHOOL NATION

High School Nation Rocks Everett crowd Michael Love, one of Trevor Jackson’s backup dancers, joins Jackson on stage to help pump up the crowd.

Freshman Michael Lopez

Justine Skye performs for an energetic High School Nation crowd. You can purchase Skye’s new album Everyday Living on iTunes.

“I liked the music and also that we got to get out of class.”

Senior De’lisha Burse

10 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

“I liked the performers.

I liked Trevor Jackson and the band STAMPS.”

Junior Eunny Yue “I was excited to play guitar, it was a new experience for me.”

Senior Chelsea Brown “It was really great and fun. They had good performances.”

M

any students walked into school on Monday expecting it to be a normal day.

As the day went on, they realized that was not the case, as talk of High School Nation filled the school.

High School Nation is a group of people that travel from state to state to keep music programs alive in high schools. Past High School Nations tours “It was a great have donated as much as $10,000 experience and to music prosomething that grams to help keep the prodoesn’t happen grams running. very often at This year’s tour had many Everett.” different attrac-senior Anissa tions, such as the John LenDawsey. non tour bus, picture booths, face painting, three performances and much more. Students said they really enjoyed HSN as they “It helps kids to experience different went from station to station listening to things with music and art, it’s a way to give different bands, playing instruments and back to students and show them new extouring the John Lennon bus. periences,” said production manager Jus“It was a great experience and some- tin McDonnell. thing that doesn’t happen very often at Music is important to the members of Everett,” said senior Anissa Dawsey.

HSN, and they all expressed their exciteAll the workers that make HSN pos- ment to be able to keep the arts alive. sible said they love being able to get kids “It’s a great opportunity for us to help involved in the arts. support the music and art programs in

BRIANNA BILLARD

Sophomore Aaliyah Foreman

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“There were a lot of activities and fun things to do.”

high schools and have fun while doing it,” said production crew member Lindsey Vogel.

Students said they appreciated High School Nation and all they stand for.

“It allows aspiring artists to work on their work and people to try something new, and the performers were great,” said Dawsey.

FEATURES

Surviving High School: some tips for freshmen probably going to be hungry and no one’s going to want to share their snacks, so bring your own, especially if you have C lunch.

Hang out with the right crowd: hang out with people who are similar to you, not a bad crowd that will bring you down with them. Even if you’ve known them since middle school, there’s a lot of new people to meet that would be better to hang out with.

Go to school: even if school is boring and you don’t see a point in going, there is a point and that’s what you go to school for, to find that point!

Join after-school activities: they make school more interesting and fun, also they get you more involved with school and learning new things.

Grow up: there is not really a big change from middle school except maturity; it’s time to grow up and start taking care of business.

New fall fashions As the season begins to change, so does the mood of fashion. The stars that have all the attention are the type of people that take a genre of a style and make it their own. Today’s most popular style is a casual twist on the genres Vintage, and Urban clothing. Make a simple cardigan, tank and blue jeans pop, with a pattern scarf or vibrant color to the lips.

“I don’t know what my favorite outfit is,” said senior Deja Cannon. “I have more than one. (If I had to choose), it would have to be balloon pants with a turtle neck half shirt, the striped high waist pants with leather on the waist band and the top was a peach half tank top with a black blazer over.”

Patterns come in a massive variety. From formal to casual, prints rule the way you wear clothing. You can’t go wrong by switching up patterns. Patterns as simple as camouflage, animal prints, tribal prints, stripes, floral prints, and polka-dot patterns are all in style.

So you have the pattern down… now what to wear it with? The actual clothing material can be a big DO or a DON’T. Materials that are hot right now are leather, denim, sheer, and lace. By switching up your material and pattern there’s a whole new world of fashionable possibilities.

Now that it’s known WHAT to wear, you have to know where to get it.

“I have a lot of stores that I shop at: Love

Culture, Charlotte Russe, Macy’s, Wind Soar, Dry Good, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret and Kohl’s,” said Cannon Senior Mikaela Jones adds, “I like shopping at online stores, too.”

If you’re having trouble finding something, look at the employees for a feel on current styles.

Fashion is meant to be fun; there’s no point stressing about it. Don’t wear something because someone else is wearing it. Mikaela Jones wears “If you’re gold earrings to accent her black and white shirt. being yourself you’ll be unique and everyone else will dress like you,” said Jones.

“Styles like Deja Cannon wears army fatigue, high-waist balloon American flag, Mikayla Rogers sports ripped jeans pants and combat and printed leg- with lace leggings. boots. gings are things turning heads in the fashion world. people wear all the time,” adds Jones.

“Wear what you like; put things together If you’re still having problems you can always look to the stars. According to Seventeen and don’t be afraid to step out of the box. ExMagazine, famous women like Taylor Swift, press yourself through your clothes,” said CanAriana Grande, and Coco Rocha have been non.

PHOTOS BY THALIA ESPARZA

Azalea Miller Features Editor

Freshmen Jailene Renderous, Gage ClischGarrow and Ulises Esquival work on assignments in Mr. Purdy’s 4th hour math class. Getting a jump on schoolwork is an important part of being successful in high school.

Who will best capture your beautiful smile?

Alejandro Sanchez Reporter Seniors begin to feel a lot of pressure during their last year of high school. They have to worry about SAT’s, what college to attend, and how to transition into adulthood.

In addition to all those concerns, seniors also have to worry about their senior pictures.

Senior pictures are one of the main highlights of the year for the seniors. You have to decide where to go for your pictures, what to wear, and so much more.

Every year there is so much speculation about where is the best place for the seniors to get their senior pictures taken. Yearbook adviser John Zielinski said that one of the places that has good reviews and that many seniors prefer is Prestige Portraits. Prestige is the nation’s leading photographer of high school pictures. Another option that Zielinski said is highly recommended is Hoffman Photography.

“Prestige Portraits and Hoffman Photography are the two that I would recommend,” said Zielinski. He added that senior pictures are an opportunity for originality and fun.

“Senior pictures are a good way for seniors to express themselves and (show off)

who they are,” added Zielinski.

When it comes to senior pictures it is not only about taking the picture, but also capturing you as a senior: your attitude, your hobbies and interests. A senior’s personality should show through in his/her senior photos.

“It’s one thing to take a picture of us seniors, but it is another thing to capture a picture of who we are,” said senior, Alexiah Sanchez.

One tip for picking a good photographer is to choose someone who does it for a living. Your uncle with a camera means well, but senior pictures only happen once. Professionals know what to do to get the very best shot.

Another tip is to work on your smile, actually practicing it in the mirror or in practice photos on your phone. Know what a smile you’re happy with feels like.

Next, make sure you are clean and well-groomed. This means clean-shaven or trimmed face, clipped nails, etc.

Finally, put some thought into your clothes. Simple colors are better. Simple applies to jewelry, as well. Keep the focus on you. Bring a few changes of clothes.

A little planning can help make your senior pictures the memorable photos you want them to be.

11 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

There are nearly 400 incoming freshmen at Everett High School this year. That’s almost 400 kids who are in a completely new, and more difficult, environment. Many of them struggle at first, and can use some help staying on track, and getting used to their new school.

Here are some tips from students who have experienced freshman year. Some are tips from those who made it through successfully... others are from those who hope this year’s freshmen don’t make the same mistakes they did.

One thing that is different from middle school is the absence/tardy policy.

“Go to class on time, because if you get too many absences you fail, and they add up quickly,” said junior James Fred.

Everett may seem large, but with around 1,500 kids, the hallways stay crowded during passing time. Knowing how to act in the halls can be a big help.

“Don’t stand around in the hallway; some people actually want to get to class on time,” said junior Kiana Henry.

Some people had advice about studying.

When you fall behind in your coursework, it’s hard to catch up again.

“Do your work and get to class on time, don’t end up like me,” said freshman Chris Pacheco, who is working to catch up on credits

missed.

Most classes require independent reading, and becoming a good reader becomes a bigger deal, than it ever has before.

“Find a book that you like, and read everyday to build your vocabulary, reading and comprehension skills,” said English teacher Delores Halstead.

Finally, who you hang around with can make a big difference. Pick your new friends wisely.

“Get through your ninth grade year and you’ll graduate on time,” said social studies teacher James Toby. “Don’t fall into the wrong crowd or group, they’ll get you off track, you don’t want to try to catch up for the next three years.”

Here are a few Tips for Success, courtesy of The Voice staff: Be respectful: this is high school, which means we are one step closer to being adults; therefore we should act like adults.

Go to class: go to each and every class.

There may be one that you like more than another, but every class is equally important and you learn things in all of them.

Stay fly, not high: come to school fresh... your clothes and your brain.

School spirit: don’t hide that Viking pride, let it out and be loud!

Success: you want to be out of here in four years, so it is mandatory for you to try your best and pass all your classes.

Snack: have a snack ready, because you’re

THALIA ESPARZA

Brianna Billard Online Editor Kasey Robinson Reporter

FEATURES

As strong as Ironman Juan Ramirez Reporter Running, biking and swimming are all just in a day’s work for English teacher Richard Helder. On Sunday, September 8 he competed in the Ironman triathlon in Madison, WI. Ironman is the biggest commercial triathlon. Competitors have to be very fit to complete the race: it’s a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26mile run.

“Lots of people don’t complete it because there are times you have to make and if you’re not fast enough, cut-off people will remove you from the Ironman,” said Helder. “It’s pretty intimidating.”

The Ironman challenge has been around since 1978. It’s a competition that Helder has been thinking about since he was a student, but to take on this challenge he wanted to be in tip top shape.

In the bike portion, riders are always

either going up a hill or down a hill very quickly, and you have to be very focused.

“To increase my speed on the bike challenge, instead of buying an expensive bike like everyone else, I decided to drop my weight to make myself lighter and faster, and I ended up dropping 50 pounds,” said Helder.

When Helder was in high school he was a gymnast, ranked 4th in the state individually on a team that was 1st in the state.

He loved to compete and stay active.

“I’ve known about this challenge since I was in high school and it seemed like a lot of fun,” said Helder. And now that he’s done it?

“It was a lot of fun,” he said, Helder is not the type to brag about how athletic he is and about how hard the challenge was (he completed with just half an hour to spare). Most students just look at him as their teacher, and don’t know what he does after school.

“It’s crazy, when I look at Helder I

don’t see an athlete in him. I think it’s awesome that he completed such a tough triathlon like the Ironman,” said senior Mica Keck.

A triathlon that is so long has to be tiring and stressful. Helder said you have to stay positive, stay motivated and keep the belief that you will complete it.

Competitors pay $700 just to compete, and if they don’t finish it they don’t get medals or any prizes.

“My motivation was to be a finisher and be an Ironman! I mean, you pay $700 to compete and you don’t want your money to go to waste. It’s very hard and not everyone finishes,” said Helder.

Cheadle-Holt lives second life as gymnastics judge.

Naticka Kinley Reporter

In 1980, Assistant Principal Susan Cheadle-Holt (highlighted) was on the Everett gymnastics team. Later, she coached for Everett and Eastern. Now, she is a judge for high school and club gymnastics.

Grace is an important factor in gymnastics, and Cheadle could handle that part of her routines.

“I loved beam and floor, I was a dancer before I was a gymnast, so I was pretty graceful,” she said.

Most gymnastics judges keep their position for years.

“I’ve been judging high school for 21 years, and club gymnastics for about 16 years,” said Cheadle-Holt.

She judges many levels of gymnastics.

“I judge compulsory levels 4 and 5, optional levels 6-9, and the Xcel program,” she said. “Beam is probably my favorite event (to judge), because it was my favorite event to

COURTESY EVERETT ARCHIVES

12 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

He finished with a time of 16 hours, 29 minutes, beating about 800 people. For him, the race was against himself.

“I had never exercised for 17 hours straight without any sleep, by the end of the race I was having trouble staying

awake,” said Helder.

Helder said this isn’t going to be his last Ironman. He hopes to return for a number of years more and compete in this event.

Making smart career choices

Brianna Billard Online Editor Tupac said “Only God can judge me.” If Tupac were a gymnast, that list would include both God and Mrs. Cheadle.

From January through March each year, Assistant Principal Susan Cheadle-Holt is a local gymnastics judge.

Cheadle-Holt judges on the weekends, when she’s not busy being an assistant principal. “(I enjoy judging), it’s like a job-hobby!” she said.

Like most sports, serious injuries can force you to quit doing what you love. This happened to Cheadle-Holt in high school.

“I was a club gymnast until I was 16, when I tore my ACL and had to quit. (Later), I became a coach and teacher for Eastern and Everett,” she said.

When coaching began to be too much of a commitment, Cheadle-Holt decided she needed to be at home more. Judging became a nice way to stay involved.

“I had small children and coaching took up too much time, so I started judging.”

Cheadle-Holt was very talented when she was competing.

“There was a gym called Lansing Ice and Gymnastics. I was a (Competitive Level) Class II, similar to a level eight,” said Cheadle-Holt.

Class II is considered an advanced level of competition.

Cheadle-Holt said that there are many great moments she remembers from her competitions. Her proudest?

“When my team won states in Kalamazoo. I felt proud and accomplished, I felt like I performed well,” she said.

TRI-ATHLETE: English and philosophy teacher Rich Helder dropped 50 pounds as he trained for the Ironman triathlon.

The experience of swimming, biking and running for 17 hours straight hasn’t deterred him from planning to compete in more triathlons in the future.

compete. It involves both tumbling and dance elements,” Gymnastics requires a strong will to improve. Cheadle-Holt admires gymnasts, and still follows the sport.

“My favorite gymnast is Jordyn Wieber.

I think she is level-headed and works really hard. She’s a good ambassador for the sport,” she said.

Gymnastics is a sport where you are constantly improving everything that you do.

“I like judging because I enjoy watching the girls improve throughout the season.

It’s such a great sport to help develop confidence,” said Cheadle-Holt

As students make their way through high school, they begin to think about what career they will choose: doctors, lawyers or social workers all are careers Everett students have said they are looking into. Once students get an idea of where they hope to end up, and counselors and teachers offer them advice.

For many, a career choice is about doing what they love. For others, it’s all about the money.

Some students don’t know what career they want to pursue when they get out of high school. Some have an idea, but are not sure if they really want to get into that field.

According to US News & World Report, the 100 top careers include many in the medical field, as well as those that require knowledge of engineering and computers.

The careers chosen were based on their hiring prospects, unemployment rates, salaries, and job satisfaction.

Senior Talisha Horton’s top career choice of anesthesiologist combines a career that pays well with an area for which she has an interest.

“I enjoy giving shots, and having shots,” said Horton. “When I had my first surgery I liked (watching) how they did the procedure.”

Some students don’t want to get into

the medical field or engineering. They just want to do something that lets them explore the world.

“I want to be a journalist because they get to travel and I’ve always wanted to travel,” said sophomore Arlexia Bernard.

Some students aren’t worried about any Top 100 list. They just want to do something that they know they’ll be good at, and something that’s for them. Even though it may be competitive, or may not pay well, these students are looking for an area where they’ll be passionate about their work.

Senior Dayjah Stewart wants to major in music, art and/or communications.

“I’ve always been into music since I was little,” said Stewart. “I also like to draw; I’m always drawing, doodling or something.”

The top ten Careers according to US News & World Report: 1. Dentist 2. Registered Nurse 3. Pharmacist 4. Computer System Analyst 5. Physician 6. Database Administrator 7. Software developer 8. Physical Therapist 9. Web developer 10. Dental hygienist

FEATURES

Freshmen Face New Challenges In High School Meeshon Rogers Editor-in-Chief

Dwight Rich and other schools find walking through the hallways a completely new experience. Students do not see as many alking into school can be dread- familiar faces. ful for some, but for freshman “I was kind of scared; I sat by myself a Jada Page it was an experience lot,” said freshman Alma Holt. she will never forget. For her, September 3 Even though most students make was an overwhelming experience; between friends quickly, the first week can be retrying to find her classally lonely. Many took es, getting her schedule control of their fate and and figuring out who reached out to other to sit with at lunch, her freshmen. first day of school was “I made friends full of emotions. fast, now I have two “I was nervous and excited all at the best friends that I talk to every day,” said same time,“ said Page.

Holt.

Even though Page was excited to start At Gardner and other middle schools, her freshman year, she students only go to still had some worries “I made friends fast, lunch with students on her first day. With now I have two best in the same grade and her middle school being gender. At Everett, all friends that I talk to of the lunches are a much smaller than Evevery day.” erett, she was worried mix of grade and genabout walking through der, which forces stu-Alma Holt. school alone and getting dents out of their comlost. fort zones. For most, “This school is more crowded than that change is a good one. what I am use to and it felt weird walking “Lunch here is fun; I get to see more through school alone,” said Page. than just guys all day,” said freshman LaStudents that come from Gardner, mari Adems.

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“I was nervous and excited all at the same time.”

-Jada Page.

Freshman Darion Ray completes math work in class while finding new challenges, terms and other things that he’s not used to.

What you will need: 3 cups cranberry juice 1-1/2 cups apple juice 1-1/2 cups grape juice 2 cups Pepsi 1 cup frozen strawberries How to make it: 1.) In a large punch bowl combine cranberry juice, apple juice and grape juice stir it and then refrigerate it.

2.) In a measuring cup, stir a few drops of green food coloring into water... not to much, just enough to give it a hint of a spooking green.

AZALEA MILLER

3.) Poor the green water into a rubber glove. Tie the glove and place in the freezer.

4.) At serving time add Pepsi and strawberries to the punch bowl, and place the glove into the punch.

Spooky!

Eeeeek! Only the bravest soul will want to go near this treat. Those willing to venture past the green severed hand to get to their beverage will enjoy this delicious fruit-and-soda punch. It makes a spooky centerpiece for your Halloween treats table.

13 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

This recipe puts a whole new spin on punch. If you’re wanting to scare the guests at your next Halloween party, a big skeleton hand in the middle of some blood-red punch should do the trick (or treat).

Here is how you can make your own:

ENTERTAINMENT

Hannah Gone Wild Deanera Barrow Business Manager

After watching MTV’s Video Music Awards, everyone over the age of 40 learned exactly what the new fad “twerking” is.

Miley Cyrus, known from the former Disney show ‘Hannah Montana’, showed the entire world how to “twerk.” During the performance with Robin Thicke, she danced provocatively while being nearly naked on stage.

“I thought it was joke at first,” said math teacher Sheila Orr. “I wondered where her managers were because they should be fired for letting her go on stage like that.”

Even while the performance was going on, Twitter was flooded with 306,000 tweets per minute of people expressing shock and embarrassment.

“Miley Cyrus made multiple sexual gestures and was just purely disgusting,” wrote one viewer from Florida. “I cannot believe this was rated for kids 14 and up!”

Tweets of shock and outrage outnum-

bered those who enjoyed the performance.

TV personality Michael Strahan tweeted: “That was uncomfortable, weird and hard to watch!”

People worldwide have been talking about the “new & improved” Miley Cyrus.

“She’s trying too hard to shed her Disney image,” said senior Taven Thuma.

Cyrus claims her whole performance was planned to be a MTV VMA “moment.”

“You’re thinking about it more than I thought about it when I did it,” said Cyrus in an article on MTV.com.

Cyrus had a lot of younger fans that admired her and looked at her as an idol. Some are concerned she may have a bad influence.

“Her younger fans might be naive enough to copy her but they should have the conscience not to do that,” said senior Dinah George.

Miley isn’t done showing the world she’s changed. She spends most of her new video “Wrecking Ball” naked.

Sweet, innocent Hannah Montana that many students grew up with is not so innocent any more. The world found this out during her VMA performance this year as she showed the world her tongue, and how to twerk.

Students get painted running the Color Me Rad 5K

Khleo Thomas, that kid from ‘Holes,’ releases new singles Kasey Robinson Reporter Khleo Thomas has come a long way from starting off his career in a movie most people know, Disney’s Holes. He has some new singles that just came out, like “Draya,” “She Knows What She Doing” and a few more.

Thomas also co-wrote the Holes theme song “Dig It” which was featured on the soundtrack and was in the number one spot for 12 straight weeks.

Thomas has already been in 15 movies in his career, and now he is even producing music of his own.

Many people say he is a really good role model for teens, especially teens that think they might want to get into the entertainment business.

“He is a good role model in the movies, but he does not look like a singer,” said sophomore Paula Jones.

Search his name on YouTube, and many songs and videos from throughout his career can be found.

He is also no stranger with social media as he interacts with his fans on websites such as Vine, Instagram and Twitter.

Check out Khleo Thomas on the web at khleothomas.com

The Color Me Rad 5k came to Michigan State University on October 5.

Color Me Rad is a 5k run that starts runners off with a clean and pure white shirt, and throughout the run, they are coated with explosive colors.

Each section of the run adds a new explosion of color, until they cross the finish line into a masterpiece.

“I’m not that familiar with the race. I know that color runs are more popular now,” said cross country coach Richard Helder.

While some people wouldn't run in this particular race, they are still supporters of anything that promoted physical activity.

“I would never participate in one of them, but I think it is great and gets people moving,” said Helder.

Participants in the run are recommended to wear all white.

There is also a website to purchase attire, they sell shirts, tanks, shorts, and accessories.

This race is not timed; the main purpose of the race is to have fun.

“When I participated it was a really exciting experience and I’m glad I got to participate,” said sophomore Kimberly Golding.

Courtesy Marissa Marsh

14 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

Alejandro Sanchez Reporter

Junior Marissa Marsh poses for a picture after the Color Me Rad 5k on October 5. This race is a fun way to get people active and raise money for local charities.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the run. Those under 18 must bring a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

Kids seven or under were able to run for free.

Organizers of the run said the event gives a portion of the proceeds to a local charity in the community.

The event has good reviews; it has been

described as enjoyable, colorful, fun, and “worth it.”

The thing about Color Me Rad that many enjoy is that it is a race that has no glory for the winner and no shame for the loser.

“I like the concept that the race is more for fun than it is for the competition,” said Helder.

SPORTS

Students and coaches left last school year unsure who the new athletic director would be.

Many didn’t find out until their fall sports meeting, or the first week of school, that the new director is WJ Davis.

Davis, who has been a recreational director in many cities all over Michigan, said he loves his new position as athletic director because he likes helping students getting involved in activity.

“I focus on the position that no matter how well they play sports they stay involved,” said Davis.

Many people have different opinions on

how smoothly sports have been going since he got the job this year.

Some athletes and coaches said they have had problems with getting information from Davis about games.

“My coach and teammates have asked him many times about information on meets for cross country and he never gets back to us right away,” said senior Emmalee Seeger.

Other people said they understand that he is trying his best and getting used to the new position.

“I haven’t met him yet, but he seems alright and he is doing his best to make sure everything runs smoothly,” said senior Bryce Dawsey.

Davis has many goals for this year and

said he wants to improve student involvement, not only in sports but also in school.

“I want to increase student participation, and I want to increase the overall GPA of student athletes,” said Davis.

When it comes to helping students succeed academically, Davis has already been a help to some teachers with athletes in their classes.

“I had an issue with an athlete and I talked to Mr. Davis about it,” said social studies department chair Lothar Konietzko. “He was helpful and got the student’s parent on the phone, he and I talked to the parent, and we got everything straightened out. I’m thankful for his help.”

Cheer squad policies leave some seniors out in the cold

SPORTS UPDATES

Cross country, soccer finish fall seasons

HALEY BUSKULIC

Jhalycia Smith Social Media Editor Everett’s cheerleading program has had many changes over the past couple of years, with coaching changes, and the loss of their status as a varsity sport. Regardless of the new additions, the cheerleaders have continued to exist and perform for the Everett fans.

With the start of this season the cheerleaders had a new coach, and with new coaches comes new rules.

“I feel that the team as a whole has been a good life lesson because we’ve had to learn and adapt to new coaches,” said senior De’Asia Bibbs. “This has been a good and bad experience.”

Last season’s cheer coaches decided that there should be one tryout for football and basketball season. This change left many girls who did not try out for football having to wait a whole year before they could try out to cheer basketball season.

Some who didn’t cheer in the fall said they had jobs or were participating in other sports, but thought they would still be allowed to cheer for winter sports.

Senior girls have been impacted the most with this rule, because they don’t have a second chance to cheer.

According to coach Darlean Guilbeaux,

Members of the Viking cheerleading squad cheer on their team against Holt. The Vikings went on to lose the game 31-21, ending a 13-game regular season winning streak. the change will make the team better.

“Its easier for coaches to have one tryout, rather than having to start a new bond within the girls (in the middle of the year),” said coach Guilbeaux.

While the new policy on tryouts is ultimately meant to help the team, this year it caught some people by surprise.

“It’s not right because they didn’t make tryouts public at all, and that makes it more

New Athletic Director WJ Davis works in his office. Davis took over the position this year after the tragic loss of former director Cindy Short.

unfair that there aren’t tryouts for basketball,” said senior Madison Brown, who missed football tryouts due to her work schedule.

Many girls still are unaware of the new rule and it may be a shock to those who think they will try out for basketball season.

“We posted on the Everett Facebook page, social sites and many girls went to summer school, so the girls were spreading the word to fellow cheerleaders,” said Guilbeaux.

Kasey Robinson Reporter

Britani Gibson Reporter

Cross Country As cross country comes to an end, and all the candy selling disappears, the runners look back on their season as a successful one.

This year they ran about six races, with two more left to go.

Some personal records are Damaria Morton-24:49, Connor Fay- 22:36 and Kayla Elkins-26, most scores seem to stay in the early 20’s with a few in the late 20’s “Good thing about it is you’re competing against your own time and you don’t have to worry about anyone else just yourself,” said junior Damaria Morton.

Morton also encourages a lot of people to come join next year because it helps you stay in shape and it’s a challenge with yourself, so it helps you encourage yourself to get a better time every time you run.

“If you want to waste energy and lose weight then you should run,” said senior Corey Byron.

There are always openings in cross country for anyone that wants to try out next year.

See coach Candace Dill in room 130 for more information on how to get involved.

Soccer As varsity soccer comes to an end, they are looking back on a winning season, with a strong 12-5 record. Through early hardships the players encountered, they managed to pull through and have a very successful season.

“I think in the beginning everybody knew that we were going to be a good team but it took us a few games to get everything going. As a team we worked through it,” said junior Travon Rogers. “I think we all got better.”

The season ended in a heartbreaking loss to Rockford in Districts. The team was leading until one minute remained, when Rockford tied it up. Everett went on to lose in overtime, 4-2.

“We got too laid back for a couple minutes and they took their chances. It was the hardest game we played and we all played the best we have all season. But they were more fit physically and mentally for 90 minutes of playing than (we were),” said Rogers.

15 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

Hailey Cleveland Entertainment Editor

THALIA ESPARZA

New athletic director looks to keep athletes involved

16 • The Voice • October 23, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

SPORTS

IT’S A MAN’S WORLD Lucas Barner Sports Editor

Brianna Billard would be called crazy by some for trying to walk or do flips and turns on a balance beam during gymnastics, but she does, three times a week.

But she would probably be called even crazier for saying she wanted to join the all-male football team… a team that only one other time in Coach Marcelle Carruthers’ tenure has had a girl on the team.

Well, you can call Brianna crazy, because this year she’s a member of the JV football team.

Before last school year ended, Carruthers had a meeting for all three teams (Freshman, JV, and Varsity) informing them about summer workouts.

“I was excited (about Brianna wanting to

play) because we always have young ladies ask about playing, but never follow through,” said Carruthers.

At that meeting, most of the players didn’t think she was serious about playing or that she would stick with it.

“Everybody told me I couldn’t (play) because I’m a girl and small,” said Billard. “They told me that I wouldn’t get any playing time and that it was pointless.”

The 5’2” junior stuck with her decision to play and once practice started on August 12, she was out on the practice field with the JV team.

She also didn’t think that playing football would be as hard as it is.

“It’s a lot harder and more painful than I expected it to be,” said Billard. “When I got my first hit, it hurt more than I expected.”

But even more than getting over how hard

the game is, Billard also has to look past being treated differently than her teammates.

“Coach Allen (head JV coach), I think is the only one that hasn’t treated me any different than the other guys,” said Billard.

While Allen treated her as a player from day one, her teammates… not so much.

“They thought I was a cheerleader at first and (that I) was just conditioning with them,” said Billard.

It’s very hard for someone new to have to adapt to a different environment, especially a girl playing a “man’s sport.”

Billard has to use the locker room upstairs, as well as wait for the team to come out, because she’s not down in locker room with the team prior to practice.

“I respect that fact that she’s sticking with it,” said Carruthers. “She has no fear.”

Carruthers said that no one should treat her any different than anyone else on the team.

“She has to go through everything like everybody else. That’s the good thing about Brianna, she doesn’t want any shortcuts,” said Carruthers.

Billard is taking on barriers that many people wouldn’t. She has to deal with everybody doubting her, asking why she even bothers playing and being looked at differently by opponents.

But even though she may be treated by some differently, she will never stop working to prove people wrong.

Billard doesn’t know if she’s going to play next year yet because it interferes with her gymnastics schedule, but if she does, Carruthers said the team will stand behind her.

“We need to protect her as a team,” said Carruthers.