The Voice - November 26, 2013

DIABETES learn the signs lower your risk

Voice The

your school. your voice.

Volume 54, Issue 2 November 26, 2013

NEWS

Dance teacher Karen Knaebel’s students wear their buttons to help support diabetes research. Dance classes competed to see which class could sell the most buttons.

Front: Mikayla Dowell, Jamie Smith, Kaylin Perlans, and Albrya Walker. Back: Cortoria Jones, Shylia Newton, Almerisa Dzananovic, Karen Knaebel, Breanna Barksdale, and Kristine Dewitt.

Dancers sold Hope buttons to raise money for diabetes awareness and research.

Each dance class sold the buttons, raising over $300 from sales and donations. The winning class was rewarded with a party.

To find out more about diabetes research or to donate, visit www.diabetes.org.

N

Katrina Turner

2 • The Voice • November 26, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

Katrina Turner

Dancers raise money for research

Jhalycia smith Social Media Editor

ovember is Diabetes Awareness Month, and the Everett dancers did their part to help spread the word and support a cause of special importance to their teacher Karen Knaebel, who has type one diabetes.

Diabetes awareness month is meant to spread the word about the disease and recognize the strong survivors who battle with this disease every day. The dancers raised money to help fund the research of type one diabetes by selling awareness buttons for $1 and accepting donations throughout the month of November. The dance class who raised the most money was rewarded with a party. In the end, the group raised over $300 toward their cause.

There are two types of diabetes, type one and type two. Although it is labeled as one disease, each type is completely different. Type one is incurable, and typically diagnosed in children at very young ages. People who suffer from type one are unable to produce insulin; therefore, they have to use EpiPens or tubing pumps to send the right amount of insulin into the body. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. Lack of insulin can cause diabetes. Only 5% of people diagnosed with diabetes have type one. Type two is often developed as an adult. It is commonly

brought upon due to poor diet and lack of exercise. Type two can be cured if the right precautions are taken.

Dance teacher Karen Knaebel was diagnosed with type one diabetes at seven years old.

Her parents noticed that she was very sick growing up. Once she was diagnosed, she was hospitalized for two weeks. Every day was a constant battle for her.

Knaebel balances being a dance teacher with having this disease.

“My scariest fear as a dancer is loss of circulation, causing amputation,” said Knaebel.

Giving themselves their own insulin is very mathematical for diabetics, and every diabetic is different. They need to know the exact amount to take in order to break down their food. If type one patients forget to take their insulin, terrible repercussions can happen. Since their bodies are unable to break food down, lack of insulin can cause dizziness, stomach aches, and cause them to get very shaky. In extreme cases, it can even lead to coma and death.

Knaebel has to use a tubing pump every time she eats, which gives her body the insulin it needs.

After she tests her blood with a glucose monitor, she enters the amount she needs into her pump, which administers the appropriate amount of insulin into her body.

Every diabetic is different when it comes to determining how much insulin they need. Some

diabetics are more sensitive to how the insulin affects their body, which causes the doses to vary person to person.

Type two diabetics deal with the same issues regarding insulin, but they can do more to regulate their problem through diet. Once developed, though, type two diabetes can be a lifelong struggle. As it is commonly brought upon due to an unhealthy lifestyle, type two can be sometimes be cured through a proper diet and exercise.

“My mom and sister have (type two),” said freshman Kaley McEnhill. “They have to be sure to take their insulin, and we can’t have certain types of food in the house.”

Both people with type one and type two diabetes have to be aware of their diet and make sure their insulin levels are where they need to be.

It can be a hassle, but they get used to it.

“It’s just something they have to deal with,” said McEnhill. “Sometimes, my sister forgets to take her medicine and my mom has to get on her so she doesn’t get sick.”

When someone gets a diagnosis of diabetes, it can seem scary. Education and constant monitoring can help diabetics live normal lives.

“It’s something I deal with 24/7; diabetes doesn’t go on vacation. But it could be worse, and I take care of myself so I don’t expect any complications. I plan on living a happy healthy life,” said Knaebel.

Solid turnout for year’s first blood drive

NEWS

Juan Ramirez Reporter

Every year, volunteer nurses come to Everett on their own time to help with the NHS blood drive. For some students, it is scary to have a needle inserted and give blood, but they know it’s for a good cause, and that’s what drives them.

“I was nervous but I wanted to do it because it’s for a good cause, and it wasn’t so bad,” said senior Cheyenne Franklin.

This year, people who have donated many times before donated once again, and people who have never donated in their lives gave for the first time.

“I’ve donated about four gallons in my lifetime; I started in middle school and I donate every year,” said English teacher Richard Helder. “I love it.”

Even though some might think donating blood is a simple process, it isn’t, and there can be complications. People become nervous about donating blood. Their muscles tighten up and their blood flow slows down, making it complicated for nurses to get any blood out at all.

Also, if their iron or weight levels are too low, they can’t donate blood.

“I was nervous and my muscles tightened up; they ended up poking both of my arms,” said Frank-

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50 people signed up to donate blood, but more

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were unable to donate, due to various reasons.

“We were really excited that so many people signed up, but some just can’t donate because of certain requirements needed,” said science teacher Stephanie Robinson, who is the NHS adviser.

NHS president TaPara Simmons said that the 49 students who were able to donate beat expectations for the blood drive.

The blood donated goes to Red Cross and several hospitals around the Lansing area, including Sparrow, McLaren, and St. Lawrence.

Juan Ramirez Reporter Everett will be getting a $2.25 million national magnet grant for engineering and arts. The money will be used for new programs, technology such as new computers, and arts supplies such as new band equipment. It is exciting news for the school, and some say it will be a huge step towards improving Everett’s environment.

“I can’t wait, I’m excited; It should be a huge boost to our school,” said theater tech teacher Jim Allen.

The grant will come from an organization called Magnet Schools of America. Everett will receive approximately $750,000 a year for three years.

More programs could mean new course offerings, bringing in professors from MSU or elsewhere to guest teach, or help Everett put new courses into place.

“I think it is great, but I won’t get to enjoy these new programs because I’m graduating this school year,” said senior Jesus Garcia.

The grant brings to the table great hopes that students will want to get involved in the new resources and put exciting programs within their reach. Student experiences will be enhanced by the new computers, tools, and supplies that will be purchased.

“I think Everett is a great school and I’m excited to see them be even more suc-

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lin. students donated that did not sign up. 28 students

$2.25 million grant coming to EV for arts and technology cessful with this opportunity,” said parent Susy Salas.

Enhanced arts and technology programs allow students diverse options, and more chances to express themselves in school.

“Without arts and technology we would be suffering and wouldn’t be able to show our creativity,” said senior Tyler Edwards.

New resources are key for classes like graphic tech, art, and theater tech. For example, the computers Everett has now are old and slow. Most do not support the most recent versions of software. Money will be used for new technology and supplies that work smoothly.

“In my design classes, we’re using seven-year-old software,” said Photoshop teacher Chad Sanders. “Even if we had money for new software, our old computers wouldn’t run it.”

Students say they are happy to see Everett be able to build up its art and technology offerings.

“It let’s us see a different side to people and how creative they can be,” said senior Arturo Torres.

Everett has a lot of options for different classes, but old and slow technology limits the things certain classes can accomplish.

“I’m excited to get new supplies and internet on all the computers,” said Edwards.

“It makes our life in graphic tech easier.”

Black college tour gives student participants new outlook on history Katrina Turner News Editor Reading about George Washington Carver in school is fine. But visiting the laboratory where he worked on his inventions?

That’s history on a whole different level.

Everett students and teachers recently attended the Black College Tour, a yearly program where students visit selected historical black colleges. A historical black college is one that allowed African Americans to attend after the Civil War. The tour is based on historic events and places.

The purpose of the college tour is to acquaint students with events that shaped America. Around 25 students from Everett

went on the Black College Tour this year.

They visited historical sites such as the Martin Luther King memorial, as well as his church. They went to the civil rights museum, and an underground railroad museum.

They also toured the 16th Baptist church, where four young African American girls were killed in a bombing during the 1960’s.

Those attending the Black College Tour spend a week at hotels, visit campuses, take historical tours, and meet with college officials. This year, they visited colleges in Alabama, Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

Students say they had fun learning about all the things the tour had to teach.

“I go every year, it’s a great experience,” said sophomore Davielle Collins. Her favor-

ite part of the Black College Tour was seeing and meeting new people. Teachers also had a good time on the tour.

“The best part is the amount of history that the students get to learn by visiting these historically black schools,” said history teacher Judith Hightower. Visits to places like George Washington Carver’s laboratory give students a unique, up-close look at history.

“The history we all get to see on the tour is great. It is nice to get students acquainted with these colleges, with this knowledge,” said Hightower.

Some students who go on the tour end up attending the colleges they visited. “[My favorite part was seeing] students

who graduated from Everett and now attend the colleges we visit, greet us at the buses and tell our students about their experiences,” said Hightower.

The price for the black college tour is $400. That pays for travel to and from all the colleges, sleeping arrangements at the hotels, tours and museums; it covers everything but dinner. To raise money for the black college tour, students can fundraise by selling boxes of candy. Students who want to attend the black college tour can talk to Hightower, or other history teachers around Everett.

“It’s a great tour; It shows you that there is more to life than what you can see in the perimeters of Michigan,” said Collins.

NEWS

Brianna Billard

Navigators

New program gives ASD students a helping hand though most Navigators are upperclassmen, there are a few sophomores taking the class. The students who sign up are picked and assigned to a student based on the availability of placements in the program.

Becoming a Navigator has to do a lot with the program being able to work into their schedule.

Brianna Billard

students can look up to and develop a relationship with. Salais said that ASD students depend on their Navigators for guidance.

“My Navigator is my friend and they’re fun,” said sophomore Miller Griffin.

Students that are allowed to become Navigators are usually juniors and seniors that have good academic standing. Al-

“It is fun, you get to learn things about other students,” said senior Alyssa Burtley.

Brianna Billard

This year, Everett’s Navigator Program (Peer to Peer) became available as an elective, and many students took advantage of the chance to work with fellow students, getting to know them, and helping them with their schoolwork.

Peer to Peer students are assigned to work with a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for an hour. ASD is a social and communication disorder. Students with ASD struggle with making new friends, interacting in their school environment, and communicating with others.

Some ASD students also have certain body movements and behaviors that can result in self-injury.

The Navigator Program was created to support the students with ASD, as a way to help them feel more comfortable and help get them out of their comfort zone.

“I’m very excited that this program is up and running; It is very beneficial. Everett High School is a unique school, we accept all differences here,” said school social worker Holly Triestram.

As a part of the program, Navigators attend class with their student one hour a day. The responsibilities of being a navigator vary. They have to complete assignments, and tasks inside that class that will be graded. They provide peer-to-peer support for their student, and act as a role model. Navigators will also give encouragement throughout the class to their student.

“The Navigator program is fun, and to get to help these students and guide them is something that I always wanted to do,” said sophomore Kieu-Vi Nguyen.

According to Peer to Peer coordinator Heather Salais, the benefits that come from taking this elective class are: relating to students with different needs, and getting a better understanding of the differences these students have. It gives the ASD students a better understanding on how to

communicate in situations with other people, and a sense of comfort. At the end of the class, they both can have a new friend.

“The Navigator program was started to make a more accepting and open community for everyone here at Everett High School,” said Salais.

The navigators are students that ASD

Brianna Billard

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Alejandro Sanchez Reporter

“I like helping the students, and playing math games with them,” said junior Seth Deison.

Senior Navigator Izora Thomas helps freshmen Derek Emery take notes on calculator functions in Algebra.

Izora goes with Derek to this class daily, and assists him with anything he needs throughout the hour.

“You really connect with who you are with, and you have fun doing it,” said junior Travon Rogers.

OPINION

Large class sizes too big for learning to happen Haley Buskulic Opinion, Copy Editor Fighting for the teacher’s attention, having questions that won’t get answered, and having a bad grade but no way to get help. That’s what it’s like being in a big classroom.

It’s a struggle for students to get that one-on-one help they need and deserve when the classes are too big.

It’s also a pain for the teachers because they have to try twice as hard to keep their students on task and focused.

Everett is huge. It isn’t really fair to the teachers or the students, but we all have to learn to deal with it. Some teachers are lucky

and get student teachers to help out in the classroom but it is difficult for one teacher to teach a group of 35 students.

It’s also hard for the students to learn in a big group of noisy kids.

The only bright side of having a big class for teachers is that they get paid more for having a packed class. And for the students it gets them ready for college, where some classes have 300 kids in one room.

We might not be able to fix the problem of big classes but we can learn how to deal with it together. By that I mean, the students helping out by being quiet, raising their hands, and working hard.

And teachers need to make sure they answer questions and focus on their students.

Thalia ESparza

It’s hard for students to learn in a big group of noisy kids.

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Jhalycia Smith Social Media Editor Students of different cultures and ethnicities typically bond better with teachers who can relate to them on a more personal level. Everett has students from all around the world, and some have a harder time adapting to the American lifestyle. When it comes to staffing, Everett needs a more diverse atmosphere to match its students.

Everett offers two foreign languages, Spanish and Japanese. Trying to understand a new language is hard work in itself. Last year, Alfonso Salais taught Spanish, which was an advantage since he’s from a Mexican heritage, and students benefited from his first-hand experience. Now, Salais has moved to Eastern, and it’s a loss for Everett. “[This year], we don’t learn or have fun in class like we did with Salais. He had stories and culture to go behind his teaching,” said sophomore Jillian Johnson.

Having a balance of teachers is beneficial for everyone as a whole. It opens up your mind to learn about people you’d never expect

to bond with. Having the opportunity to walk down the hallway and see staff and teachers from all around the world would be great!

When most people think about the ethnic backgrounds in the LSD they automatically assume African American and Caucasian. But it’s not about color, it’s about culture. If the staff truly represented Everett students, there would be ethnicities from around the world represented.

Many of Everett’s staff said if teachers truly care about their students, their background isn’t as important.

“You can connect with anyone as long as they know you’re sincere,” said English teacher Robin Elliott.

It doesn’t take much of an effort to form a bond with students of all ethnicities, as long as you make a connection and get to know students one on one. It would be easier for them to open up on with you another level.

“I’m just myself... I show that I care and I want the best from everyone. I expect the most out of them,” said math teacher Elizabeth Ballinger.

Traveling the world can really open up

your horizons in the way you see things. You’re able to grasp a different way of doing things. history teacher James Toby tries to travel to different countries to get a better understanding of what diversity means. He said he does believe that teachers who come from a similar background as their students find it easier to relate.

“Students should be represented by teachers who look like them. It’s not even about the race, it’s the comfort level kids have with someone who understands them,” said Toby. “In today’s society, students tend to take teachers of their own race more seriously.”

Eric Hartley attended Everett as a student and now teaches math. He’s been able to watch teachers come and go over the years.

“There’s more diversity than [before], but it’s still not enough. The teacher population should somewhat match the student population,” said Hartley.

Some might think Everett has a good amount of cultures on staff, but I believe you can never have too much of something new.

Human Resources should make an effort to recruit teachers from all varieties of ethnicities.

Thalia Esparza

Diverse teaching helps all students find connection to their school

Whose cheese? Nacho cheese. The nacho line is a new, welcome addition in the lunch choices.

Lunch changes an improvement Corey Byron Reporter The lunch food this year is better than last year. The food last year was OK, but not great. Kids at Everett say the food is better this year because the food is healthier, and there are some different options. They finally had a good idea to get a sub line.

“I miss bosco sticks but, the sub line is great,” said sophomore Nico Jones.

Today people want subs more than anything else. The school was smarter than ever when they made a second sub line so people won’t fight to get a sub. They have other food

that may be healthy as well, like salads and sandwiches. Pizza is OK but not as healthy; even then, they make you get a veggie and a fruit and a milk.

The pizza is kept warm, and you can pick your own slice, which is better than getting a slice you don’t want. Also, the whole grain or wheat crust is a healthy change.

Since the new changes are so popular, it causes lines to be more hectic. Some people may not like the new changes as much as others, due to the wait.

Lunches may not be the same as last year but change can be good, and these new lunch adjustments taste great.

OPINION Our Voice

6 • The Voice • November 26, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

Navigator Program great addition The new Navigator class is a great program that benefits many students. The class, which matches a student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with a general ed student, is a great way to help the students with ASD become a part of the school and build friendships.

The general ed student (the Navigator) is assigned an hour when they go to a class with the student they are paired with. In this class, the Navigator helps the student learn how to act in a class with their peers.

The type of help that the student needs varies from person to person, because everybody’s autism is different. Some students need help with their work and how to practice good study skills, while others need help interacting with their classmates and teachers.

Navigators are really making a difference, and the program is just as rewarding for the Navigator as it is for the student.

“The biggest benefit is you get to know what it is like for them, you get to watch them improve, and you help them with their life and their future,” said senior Serena Wade.

Navigators are building bonds with their new friends who they might not have talked to if they hadn’t joined the program.

“I love sharing stories with my ASD students and I love it when they can share about their life with me and how they trust me,” said Wade.

Other schools that have the Navigator program say that many of their students who participate in this program go into a career in special education after they finish high school.

Even though some say the program isn’t working for them, the majority of people love being a part of the class and look forward to it everyday. More students need to be a part of this positive program and should sign up to help make a difference in the school.

Your Voice

Abortion isn’t the answer

Abortion has become the new birth control; women who feel they aren’t ready to become mothers choose to kill their children instead of facing the responsibilities that come with intercourse. There are 1.2 million abortions per year, that’s an average of one abortion every 26 seconds. The number of abortions are getting out of hand and the right to get an abortion should be taken away. People should try to save our children, not kill them.

Statistics from the National Abortion Federation have shown that many women feel horrible and sickened with themselves after they have gotten an abortion.

I feel that it’s wrong and inhumane to kill a child that was conceived through consensual sex. I can understand if a woman was raped and wanted to have an abortion but that is different from willingly laying down to have intercourse. I can understand the fact that a woman may be scared to have a child and may not be able to support the child the way she would like, but there’s always a better option than abortion.

The only reason abortions should be allowed is if a person was raped or carrying out the pregnancy could kill or harm them, other than that there is no true reason for it to be legal. I know it’s a right to get an abortion but I truly feel it’s an unfair right, unfair to the baby and the world.

Jaleesa Long, ‘14

Lunch detentions waste of time

Everett High School recently started enforcing lunch detention again as a punishment for students who are late for class and get caught in the hall sweep. Basically when the lunch detention is issued to a student, the student has to meet the administrators in the lunchroom where they’ll fill out slips for every student who got caught in the sweep. Then the student has to serve that lunch detention during their scheduled lunch hour detention by spending it in the special cafeteria with a supervising administrator.

Supposedly, this source of discipline will make the kids try their best to get to class quicker because they value their freedom in their lunch hour. Realistically, they don’t care.

No one does. Not even the administrators, believe it or not.

Lunch detention is not much of a punishment. When a person hears the word ‘detention’, they usually think of a room so quiet that you could hear a pin drop because talking’s not allowed, all the students are sitting up straight because sleeping or slouching isn’t permitted either, and an evil teacher at the front of the room glaring at all the students at the same time making them scared to move a muscle.

This wasn’t like that; it wasn’t like detention at all. It was more like an exclusive lunch period with one of the assistant principals.

Honestly, that was probably one of the most productive and relaxing hours I had been given all day.

Basically, lunch detention was just me and four other kids, (the other 30 kids didn’t show up), and Mr. Gill sitting in the special cafeteria, talking, doing homework, and whatever else we wanted for an hour. One of the kids in there with me actually got to go to the restroom, and I don’t even know if he came back.

The entire thing was pretty much a pointless waste of time in my opinion. I’m pretty sure everyone in that room had similar

thoughts, including Mr.Gill.

Contradiction is another word to describe our school’s hall sweeps and lunch detentions.

After being brought into the cafeteria with 30 or more kids after being hall swept, even if it was for being outside your classroom door while the bell was ringing, you have to wait while only TWO administrators go around and fill out lunch detention slips for everyone.

As a result, instead of just being a couple minutes late to class, I end up 45 minutes late and miss out on my entire lesson and am now behind in class. Wasn’t the entire point of the hall sweep to show us that coming to class late and being in the hall was depriving us from an education? Yeah, it cancels itself out.

Also, I find it kind of odd that they only do hall sweeps on random days. I always thought when it came to discipline, routine consistency was key. That’s how it is when you’re training anything: animals, objects, and children as well.

So if consistency is necessary, why would hall sweeps be served on spontaneous days, like whenever someone important is in the building, or just when the same kids that are usually in the hallways are accompanied by other people? Maybe it’s a coincidence, or maybe this entire form of discipline is for appearances.

I understand the entire point of the hall sweep is to keep students out of the halls, and that’s a really good reason, because education is more beneficial than walking the halls with friends pointlessly for hours. The effort, even though it may not be genuine, is definitely appreciated because it somewhat shows that the administrators do actually care about our education and they’re not just enforcing things for nothing.

There are flaws, though. If they’re going to do it, they should make hall sweeps a consistent thing and be more lenient and reasonable with the accusations for being late. Then, maybe the kids who are repeat offenders can get in trouble more than people who are innocently accused.

Maybe the hallways would be a lot more clear after that.

Sha’Lyn Moore, ‘14

Forcing fruits and veggies doesn’t make kids healthy Everett’s lunch policy regarding students being required to get a fruit or vegetable with what they offer needs to change. It’s a waste of food and a waste of time.

Wasting food is obviously something we can’t afford, so why do we have to get a vegetable and a fruit if half of us aren’t going to eat it?

“I don’t like cauliflower and the smell of it makes me want to puke, so why am I being forced to get some on my tray if it’s going

straight into the trash before I even sit in my seat?” said freshman Kendrianna Bermudez.

It’s understandable that whoever decides what Everett or public schools in general have for lunch, would want us to eat healthy. Maybe instead of buying a ton of red apples, pears and cauliflower, they should have better fruit and vegetable choices.

Some people may prefer green apples over red apples. Maybe some people get nauseous when walking into a room filled with the smell of cauliflower.

I think they should have a survey and ask what fruits and vegetables students would actually prefer and then we could compromise.

“Why can’t we have celery with little peanut butter cups or fresh strawberries? I would get vegetables a fruit everyday and actually eat them everyday,” said freshman Elizabel Marrero.

It’s also understandable that maybe they don’t have the proper resources to continuously get fresh strawberries and asparagus and things like that.

Even then, they should at least try to go above and beyond to try to give students a choice of what healthy foods they want, considering the broad range of things they offer at the snack bar.

The lunch policy needs to change its selection of fruits and vegetables according to what students would actually eat. Students that agree should write a note to the school board or whoever decides what students at Everett eat for lunch, explaining why you feel this way.

Maybe we could compromise.

Dominique Davis, ‘17

Nasty Rest rooms need regular cleaning Everyone has to use the bathroom. When some people go in there they just trash the place. It smells bad and is dirty because it has pee and paper towel on the ground. The school janitors should clean up better because that is their job.

The janitors should clean better. The bathrooms wouldn’t smell as bad if they did. It seems like every time I go into the bathroom, it smells horrible.

If the janitors replace the paper towel twice a day, then the ground wouldn’t be so wet from all the water from the students’ hands. People wash their hands and don’t have anything to dry off with, so they let the water drip on the floor.

But the students should be respectful of the bathroom. It is a privilege to have a restroom. We are young adults. We should be able to take care of our stuff.

Mac Norris, 16’

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) 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.

Features

They’ve got spirit,

They’ve got spirit,

WHY DON’T WE

7 • The Voice • November 26, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

Azalea Miller Features Editor School spirit can be the highlight of your years at Everett. But for some who see Everett as lacking in spirit, it can also be the most annoying.

In different schools, each way of expressing spirit varies. Many traditions have been passed down. For example, each year Everett has seniors paint Burger King crowns for spirit week. Sometimes, classes decorate the halls based on a theme for homecoming.

Each class also designs a float to showcase in the parade the afternoon of the game, then during the game court advisors crown the king and queen of Fall homecoming. At Everett, school spirit tends to begin and end with homecoming, and is observed mostly by seniors.

Charlotte High School may not have crowns for their seniors, but enjoy traditions of their own. During spirit week not only do students dress up according to the day of the week, but they compete with the other classes to have their class name on the infamous ‘spirit jug’. In addition to dressing up, there are games that begin during lunch and then a powder puff football game.

“It’s really fun, the spirit jug is just a way to compete with each class. Every day your first hour teacher tallies up the number of students who are participating in spirit week, each day those tallies are put into a percent,” said senior Oriole Ayren Parrish. “At the end

of the week, whichever class has the highest percent gets to put (their class) on the spirit jug,” said Parrish. “We won this year and the sophomore class was so mad,” said Parrish.

Charlotte also has a spirit stick. Each grade has their own spirit stick, one for a boy and girl. They are given the stick at the beginning of the week and have to carry it with them. If another student approaches them and starts to talk without saying “GO ORIOLES!” before they speak, then they receive the spirit stick and it just repeats. The last person to have the spirit stick at the end of the game has to do a competition in front of the school at the prep rally.

“I wish I could’ve done it this year but I was on court; it’s really funny to watch,” said Parrish.

Mason High School has a spirit day celebrated by all students, called “Stoplight Day.” “You wear green if you’re single, yellow if it’s complicated and red if you’re taken,” said junior Emily Sommerville.

Instead of celebrating spirit by dressing up, Lansing Christian High School does something totally different. Every day during homecoming week, students are let out around 12 o’clock to witness or participate in a “face off.”

“Sometimes it’s basketball, volleyball, or soccer, and people from each graduating class play a game against each other,” said senior Mikayla Terry.

When some students hear about the traditions and activities neighboring schools

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have to create school spirit, it makes them sad that Everett can’t seem to generate that kind of spirit. Junior Ziquariah Williamson said that even at games, students will refuse to help support the football team by cheering.

“I think we should have a spirit committee,” said Williamson. “If we can’t cheer at a football game how are we going to start new traditions?”

Senior Cassie Brown agreed.

“Everyone needs to have school spirit,” said Brown.

Recent attempts to create a student section at basketball games (“The Jones Zone”) ended due to lack of participation. Many tee shirts that were made for the section went unpurchased, and the idea was scrapped. This year, the student section at football games tried to get students to participate in Theme Days such as “neon night.” While some students participated in the activities, most did not.

“It could have been better,” said junior Ariel Gilliam. “Some students just sat in the student section but didn’t participate.”

What will it take to build a school-wide spirit that rivals that of neighboring schools?

Some say it takes getting the whole school involved.

“I think a lot of seniors here have spirit,” said senior Kortney Dennings. “But, we need to do something to reel the underclassmen in. I’m sure there’s a way... we just have to find it.”

Katrina Turner

YES THEY DO

Thalia Esparza

PHOTO COURTESY CORRIE THORNBURGH

Features

English teacher Deborah Babcock teaches her 4th hour English class.

Babcock beat breast cancer in 2008.

Science teacher Corrie Thornburgh poses with Cy Young winner Justin Verlander at a Detroit baseball game, where she served as bat girl for the day. The honor was given to her after friends, family and many students voted for her online.

Warriors: 8 • The Voice • November 26, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

Na’Ticka Kinley Reporter It’s something that you don’t want to hear from your doctor when you’re going for a check-up: we’ve found a lump.

Many women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer during her life is about one in eight. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 36. Breast cancer death rates have been going down; right now there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

English teacher Deborah Babcock and science teacher Corrie Thornburgh have both been through breast cancer treatments. There are different obstacles that these women had to face as they dealt with their diagnosis. Many people don’t truly understand what it was like for them as they fought the cancer and earned the title “Survivor.”

Babcock found out she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, five years ago.

“I hadn’t had a mammogram for two years because I had been very busy and my doctor was getting mad, so I was by a radiology center and they had a appointment for me right then,” said Babcock. “So, I (went in and had one done) because I wanted to tell my doctor I had done it.”

What seemed like it should have been a routine check quickly turned Babcock’s life upside down.

“I called my doctor and told my doctor to check (my results),” Babcock explained. “My doctor called back ten minutes later and told me to go see a surgeon.”

Corrie Thornburgh was also diagnosed with breast can-

Fight against breast cancer personal battle for Everett staff

cer, in August 2009. Her reaction when finding out was different.

“I was shocked, in disbelief,” said Thornburgh. “(I thought) Oh my gosh, I’m going to die, I have two little kids.”

Both women had their family as their main support system. Even though they were worried about what might happen, they both said they didn’t want their families to worry.

“They were scared , and the only person who didn’t offer advice was my husband,” said Babcock. “They all had advice which made it scary; they all said “you should,” but I learned to say thank you and change the subject.”

Babcock also said that taking control was important.

“There are two kinds of patients: one who just wants to be told what to do and not think about what’s happening… and patients that get involved with their own treatment.

That’s who I was,” said Babcock.

While it’s popular to use the term “Survivor,” Babcock likes a different word to describe those who have fought and won.

“I don’t like the term Survivor. I’m a warrior, and I’ve never considered myself a warrior until (I had cancer),” said Babcock.

Like, Babcock, Thornburgh doesn’t really consider herself a survivor, but more of a fighter.

“You hear the word “survivor,” but you’re always fighting against it so I like the word “fighter” instead,” she said.

Breast cancer is a scary thing to go through, but there is still hope. Even though there might not be a way to actually prevent breast cancer, there are things you can do to

decrease the risk of getting it. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women, but according to the American Cancer Society the survival rate of those with stage one and two breast cancer is 100%. From stage three to four, the survival rate is 90-75%. At stage five, it’s a 22% chance of living. Early detection and annual checkups are very important.

One thing that women can do that may help prevent breast cancer is to breastfeed when they have children; studies show that breastfeeding lowers the risk of having breast cancer. Being overweight and an alcoholic can really increase the chance of having breast cancer.

Every year there are rallies held, donations given to women who have breast cancer, and tributes to the women who have survived something that a lot of women in America get. It’s not an easy thing to go through, but advances in science and early detection have made it a disease that many women can beat.

Then they, like Babcock and Thornburgh, can claim the titles “Fighter” and “Warrior.”

Dead?

Texting and Twitter have taken the place of traditional courtship

Deanera Barrow Business Editor Buying flowers, writing notes, and even asking permission to date were norms for boys back in the day. Boys have been going out of their way to impress girls for centuries, but their methods have changed.

According to coach Marcelle Carruthers, boys used to “court” girls. They went to great lengths to win the girl and get her attention. They took the time to approach them nicely and give a compliment or two, says art teacher Pamela Collins. Boys were “always gentlemen” back then, she said. They opened doors, carried books and used appropriate language to ensure the ladies’ attention.

“Now you can do everything you want through social media,” said Carruthers.

Before Facebook and Twitter, said Carruthers, boys were forced to walk up to a girl and talk to them. Now, boys send messages and avoid face to face encounters. Social networks are eliminating the act of face-to-face conversations with each other.

When girls talk about boys, many people said they mostly talk about what they have on, not how they act. Personality was once the main thing girls fell for but now, “girls don’t pay attention to personalities anymore,” said senior Marlon Beard. “They are only concerned with appearance.”

Senior Douglas George agreed.

“Guys now show out and aren’t their true selves,” said

George.

Not only have boys’ approaches changed, but the way girls react to them have changed, too. Economy teacher James Toby said this may have to do with a change in values among younger people.

“The standards and morals of society have changed,” said Toby.

Meeting the parents and asking permission to do almost everything doesn’t happen like it did in the past.

Even though it looks different than it did before, and social media makes everything move faster, “courting” still exists. For example, last year senior Maurice Stepp asked Ozema Braddock to prom during the pep rally. He got the microphone and simply asked her to prom, presenting her with flowers in front of the whole school.

“I think childish ways have always worked for [other boys],” said Stepp. “They’re too scared to try something new like be nice and watch chick flicks.”

George also found a unique way of asking junior Abigail Johnson to be his girlfriend. On November 8, he had his fellow bandmates play “Treasure” by Bruno Mars while he sang.

“I wanted to do something that would be remembered,” said George. “Boys today are too afraid to show their true selves.”

isaiah garrett

Is Romance

Features

A treat for your Thanksgiving feast

the directions Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9- or 8-inch pie dish with nonstick spray. Set aside. Grind up gingersnap cookies into a fine crumb. Mix with melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press into prepared pie dish. Do not press the crust far up the sides of the dish, or the cookies will end up burning.

About halfway up the sides. Bake crust for 10 minutes and allow to cool.

In a large bowl, lightly whisk the eggs.

Add the remaining ingredients (except for the Nutella) and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into pie crust, reserving 1/2 cup.

Mix the reserved cup of pie filling with Nutella. Drop spoonfuls of Nutella mixture onto pie, swirling gently with a knife. Do not swirl too much, just lightly.

Bake at 350F for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set. The center will still look wet but will not “jiggle” too much. Allow to cool completely and serve at room temperature.

THE INGREDIENTS FOR THE CRUST: 1 and 1/2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs 2 Tablespoons sugar Pinch of salt 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled FOR THE FILLING: 3 large eggs, room temperature 15 ounce can pure pumpkin or 2 cups fresh pumpkin puree 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (may also use light brown sugar) 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup Nutella (or 4 oz melted high quality chocolate)

Azalea miller

9 • The Voice • November 26, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

The Voice kitchens heated up last week, this time baking up a delicious Nutella Swirl Pumpkin Pie. Just in time for your Thanksgiving feast, this sweet treat uses Nutella, pumpkin filling, heavy cream and brown sugar as its main ingredients.

You may want to make more than one of these... when photo editor Thalia Esparza made this and shared it with the staff, it was gone in seconds.

Nutella Swirl Pumpkin Pie: This sweet twist on a classic pie recipe will leave your guests begging for the recipe!

Entertainment

After Thanksgiving dinner, millions head out for Christmas shopping as Black Friday kicks off the Christmas season.

Alejandro Sanchez Reporter

423

Dollars spent per person on Black Friday

28

ia Isa

a hG

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et

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Percent of shoppers who arrive by midnight

Thanksgiving Day is here. A time to spend with your family while enjoying a break from school.

However, the highlight of many people’s Thanksgiving break is Black Friday shopping.

“I really like Black Friday shopping and you get a lot of good deals. For me it is so fun because it is more of an event and I spend time with my mom and sister,” said math teacher Sheila Orr. Black Friday is a traditional day for shopping for the United States. It is one of the most popular and busiest days of the year to shop for most Americans. Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving, where huge crowds of consumers are drawn to special offers and deals by retailers. Black Friday did not appear as the name for this day until the 1960’s. The name was to mark the kickoff of Christmas shopping season. According to blackfriday.com, “Black” refers to it being the day when many stores move from the “red” to the “black,” back when accounting records were kept by hand, and red ink indicated a yearly loss, and black a profit.

On Black Friday, various stores offer all kinds of incredible deals. Students each have their own different taste and style. Some of the more popular stores that students are excited for this year are Macy’s, Forever 21, Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, and Old Navy.

“I like to shop for clothing at Charlotte Russe,” said senior Pacha Her. Black Friday is not only a big day for shopping for clothing, but also for electronics. The big retailers that are known for their deals on electronics are Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Gamestop and sometimes even Apple.

Black Friday may be famous for the door-busting deals for shopping, but it is also infamous for the crazy and ridiculous things people do to save money on this day. People will camp outside Black Friday stores for hours or even days. People who plan on participating in the shopping for Black Friday miss out on lots and lots of sleep.

In the season of giving, some Black Friday shoppers are really interested in buying stuff for themselves. On the other hand, some people are generous and shop for other people.

“I shop for my parents, sisters, and friends and it’s a good way to show them I care for them,” said sophomore Jillian Johnson.

If planning on shopping this year for Black Friday, here are some quick tips: - Make sure you have money or else there will be no shopping for you.

- Plan out where you’re going to shop and have your stores mapped out.

- Make sure you’re up early or else you’re in danger of not getting the things you want.

If you use these steps, then you should have a successful Black Friday shopping. If you’re not planning on Black Friday, there is always Cyber Monday to look forward to. Cyber Monday is the Monday following Thanksgiving Day and is promoted by online retailers as a day for fantastic deals.

9.1

10 • The Voice • November 26, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

41

Percent of people who shopped online Black Friday

Million dollars spent Thanksgiving weekend

10

Percent of shoppers who arrived at stores by 8pm Thurs.

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS Target Element 50” 1080p LED HDTV: $229.00 ($370 off) Nikon L320 Digital Camera: $99.00 ($130 off) Sony Wifi Blu-ray Player: $55.00 ($50 off) Beats Solo HD Headphones: $119.00 ($60 off) Staples Kindle Fire 7” HD 16GB Tablet: $79.00 ($90 off) Wal-Mart Xbox 360: $99.00 ($80 off)

SPORTS

Volleyball team strives to adjust to changes, match successes of last season 1

Meeshon Rogers Editor-in-Chief

2

3

5

Photos courtesy Al and Renee Schmitzer

11 • The Voice • November 26, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

4

Rolled ankles, jammed fingers and bruised knees are all part of a day’s work for any normal volleyball team. But for the 2013 Everett volleyball team, they had a lot more to overcome than just the “basic” volleyball problems. With a new coach and only five returning volleyball players, the Vikings had their work cut out for them this season.

“Losing a lot of good players and taking on a lot of younger, less-experienced players that had never played at the varsity level was a struggle,” said middle blocker Dayjah Stewart.

When last season ended with a record of 18-18-1, returning players were excited to come back next season and pick up where they left off. They were out to prove that the Everett Vikings were not a team to overlook.

Months before the season was due to start, coach Jube Falcon shocked the girls and took on a different coaching position at Lansing Community College. Even though the girls were happy for his accomplishment, they still were worried about where the change would leave them.

“I was worried about who the new coach would be and if they would push us hard how he did,” said Stewart.

Junior varsity coach Julie Baker and her husband Dexter were hired to take over the head varsity position.

Open gyms and summer workouts 1: Middle hitter Dayjah allowed Baker to see the potential Stewart launches into a the girls had for the upcoming seaspike against the Grand son.

Ledge Comets in the “Watching these girls play last home game of the made me excited for the season to season. Stewart is an start,” said Baker. all-conference honorable Without any preseason games mention. to help the Vikings, the girls started their season with a conference 2: Left side all-conference match against Okemos. The ChiefDalia Carpenter goes up tains were last season’s conference strong against Grand Ledge. The Vikings lost champs, making them the hardest the match in three sets. match of the season.

Even though they did not win 3: Libero Sadie Davis the game, they ended well, giving saves a tipped ball, helpthe girls high hopes for the rest of ing her teammates stage the season and a winning record. a short-lived come back.

“To take a loss and walk off the court knowing you put out 4: Middle blocker Day110% is nothing but something to jah Stewart and primary be proud of,” said middle blocker setter Meeshon Rogers Toni Benson. block an attack by the With high expectations, Comets. Rogers is an though, came high drama. A couall-conference honorable ple of weeks after the girls played mention. against Okemos, the team started to fall apart. With constant drama and 5: Middle blocker Toni bickering between a couple of the Benson pulls back and starting players, the team lost the helps out the defense on bond that they needed to win games serve receive. and started to fall apart.

“We had so much potential and to not get along was frustrating,” said captain Serena Wade.

Going to the Grand Ledge tournament that next weekend and not winning a single game was a wake-up for the team, and they committed to working out their differences and playing as a team.

When the time came for the girls to play East Lansing, everyone was on the same page, ready to become the winning team that they had dreamed of being from the beginning of the season. The girls lost the first two games, but came back and won the last three.

“It felt good to win because we did it as a team,” said Stewart.

After this accomplishment, everyone thought that the worst was behind them. A couple weeks later at senior night, they lost again, bringing more drama to the forefront.

“It was a disappointment; we’re such a good team, but we crumbled,” said Carpenter.

With the last game approaching, all of the seniors wanted to go out with a bang and defeat Okemos at districts. Even though the girls fell short of the accomplishment, many of them were happy with how the last game ended.

“We played to win and came out with so much intensity,” said Benson.

Some, however, were just glad that the season was over.

“After the last game there was no sad bone in my body and no tears in my eyes. I wasn’t truly happy until it ended,” said Stewart.

12 • The Voice • November 26, 2013 • myvikingvoice.com

Boys’ Basketball

Girls’ Basketball

Swimming

Thalia Esparza

Thalia Esparza

Thalia Esparza

Thalia Esparza

Thalia Esparza

SPORTS

Wrestling

Bowling

Top Athlete: Xavier Couthen

Top Athletes (Tie): Nina Foster, Azalea Miller

Top Athlete: Brett Howe

Top Athlete: Mike Morgan

Top Athlete: Tate Levendoski

Overview: Statistically the Vikings’ best returning player, and the only player from last year’s team named to the All-Conference and Honorable Mention AllArea team. Head Coach Desmond Ferguson expects him to build on last year.

Overview: Miller leads the team at the point guard position, while Foster fills in at wing. Foster has signed to play at Wayne State next year, and both have been named to the AllConference teams. Miller was named 2012 Honorable Mention All-Area.

Overview: A three-year letter winner for the Lansing Legacy. Howe was named to the All-Conference team in the Backstroke and the 200 Freestyle during his sophomore year.

Howe’s brother, Blake, was a state champion in 2012.

Overview: Morgan wrestled around 175 last year, but will most likely wrestle at 189 after putting on some weight in the weight room. Morgan attended all off-season workouts and open mats in order to improve. He was named All-Conference last year.

Overview: Sophomore Tate Levendoski returns to the Viking Bowling team in hopes to build off what he accomplished last year. Levendoski bowled an average of 180-190 last year and placed 72nd at state regionals.

Top Game: 12/10 (H) Williamston

Top Game: 12/20 (H) Holt

Top Meet: 2/6 (H) Williamston @ Sexton

Top Meet: 12/18 (H) Sexton

Top Meet: 1/14 @ Grand Ledge