The Voice: March 19, 2014

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Next year’s forecast:

Cloudy with a chance of 12-year-olds The 12 3 5

Ballinger versus the Polar Plunge

My teacher did WHAT?

Voice

High school athletes signing to play at the collegiate level

your school. your voice.

Volume 54, Issue 4 March 19, 2014

NEWS

Dance, assembly, special spirit days make for memorable homecoming Kasey Robinson Reporter

Pep Rally

During the pep rally, some of the upper classmen thought it wasn’t as good as they expected it to be. Seniors were upset about not being able to run in, and then when they were about to run out, all the other students got up and left the gym.

“I wanted my last pep rally to be the best one but it didn’t seem like it went as planned,” said senior Dayjah Stewart, “I was kind a disappointed that the underclassmen left and ruined our exit. And I wish that more people would have went to the dance so it could have been fun.”

Many students said they had fun. The Homecoming dance was filled with fun decorations, and the atmosphere was inviting and happy.

BRIANNA BILLARD

Seniors’ Last homecoming

BRIANNA BILLARD

2 • The Voice • March 19, 2014 • myvikingvoice.com

THALIA ESPARZA

THALIA ESPARZA

Spirit Week

Homecoming week is also Spirit week. Students are encouraged to show their school spirit by participating in spirit days; yet, many students aren’t dressing up to show their school spirit. Do the students really not have school spirit or are they just too lazy to dress up?

Some students, like sophomore Casey Hicks, believe that the spirit days are getting repetitive.

“I think they’re kind of boring. It seems to be the same every year. People get bored of it so not as many people participate,” said Hicks. Even though students don’t participate in the spirit days, they still claim to have spirit.

“Dressing up is a great way to show school spirit,” said Hicks. “I think I have some spirit, but definitely not as much as some others.”

A few students think that just four or five spirit days aren’t enough, and that we need a bigger variety of days.

“We should have more spirit days,” said sophomore Hanaa Al-Seidi. Students offered new ideas to add to next year’s spirit days. Al-Seidi said that she thinks a Favorite Color Day would be cool, where students went over-thetop and dressed in their favorite color.

The seniors this year, however, put their own twist on spirit week this year by dressing up as famous people, Disney characters, College colors and class colors.

“I really liked what the seniors came up with,” said Hicks.

Clockwise from top left: Freshmen Jada Page performs with Dance Company during the pep rally; sophomore Elaysha Willis and freshmen Tianna Moore pose together for couples day during spirit week; senior Monique Trigo stops dancing for a quick picture during the homecoming dance; Seniors’ Deja Cannon and Marlon Beard win winter homecoming king and queen 2014 and are crowned during halftime.

“I felt more appreciative of pep rally being that it was my last one. It was amazing getting to see all the students of our school come together,” said senior Monique Trigo.

For some this was the last homecoming of their high school life, and they chose to enjoy it.

“It’s the last time I get to hype with all of my friends and bring spirit to the school; it’s the last time I get to celebrate with everyone and I’m going to miss them,” said senior Maurice Stepp.

Everett Students got a chance to participate in school activities.

“The homecoming dance was amazing, I love to dance so of course I danced all night to every song and it felt amazing to have fun and “turn up” (as Almer would say) with everyone,” said Trigo.

Jessica Arnold and Kortney Dennings contributed to this story

NEWS Seventh and eighth grade students coming to EV for New Tech High

Second semester scheduling leaves students unhappy Deanera Barrow Business manager When freshman Marymargaret Bradbury started second semester, she thought she would be in Mrs. Babcock’s 5th hour English class but instead she ended up in Mrs. Leroy’s class. Along with her English class being switched, the rest of her schedule was mixed up with different teachers and classes.

“They changed my classes and told me it was a mistake and can’t put me back in the correct classes because they’re full,” said Bradbury.

Bradbury is not alone. Many students have found themselves in classes they didn’t want or need. According to counselor Cynthia Swartz, many students end up in classes they actually requested, but forgot.

“Students come to me saying they didn’t sign up for a class but when I look it up, they did,” said Swartz.

Another reason students don’t get the classes they want is because they're already filled, as in Bradbury’s situation. Students like freshman Octavia Schooler, think the counselors are lazy and classes are chosen at random.

Counselor Jennifer West said that there is

nothing random about it, and that it has everything to do with available classes.

“Sometimes, students select courses that conflict with another class they selected,” said West. "If students do not indicate a 3rd, 4th, or 5th choice, counselors are forced to fill the student's schedule with classes that are still available during the hour the student has an opening."

Sometimes, students ask for classes but are given others, in order to meet the state requirements for graduation.

“We work with upperclassmen first to make sure they have the classes they need,” said Swartz.

Some students said they feel the counselors don't listen to their thoughts about classes when creating schedules. But, counselors said they go by the course selection sheet students are supposed to fill out the previous year. "[Some] students do not complete the course selection sheet at all," said West. "So their counselor is forced to guess which courses the student would like to take."

The best advice West has to offer students is to “check their schedule on Edline prior to the semester starting and meet with your counselor.”

“From what the kids told me I had a feeling I’d win. I hate the cold but it’s for a good cause.”

-Liz Ballinger.

Winner of the Polar Plunge Liz Ballinger poses with the Everett Viking before she takes the plunge.

Ballinger takes Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Kayla Elkins Reporter How would you like to see a teacher or staff member jump into ice cold water? At the annual Polar Plunge, volunteers take pledges to raise money for Special Olympics. The volunteer with the most pledges in the end jumped into the ice cold water at Eagle Eye Golf Club on February 23 at 1 pm.

Students and staff members donated money during their lunches and pledged for the person they wanted to see jump in.

“I pledged to Ballinger; I wanted to help out Project Unify because it is such a great cause,” said senior Monique Trigo.

This year, eight staff members from Everett volunteered for the Polar Plunge. Math teachers Liz Ballinger, Sheila Orr, David

Schmidt, , English teacher Christi McGonigal, public safety officer Mark Langschwager, and special education teachers Natalie Ward, Paul MacDowell and Aaron Bales all took a chance that they would be the top fundraiser and would have to take the plunge.

When it was all over, Ballinger got the most pledges and jumped into the ice cold water.

“From what the kids told me I had a feeling I’d win. I hate the cold but it’s for a good cause,” said Ballinger, varsity coach of girls’ basketball and softball.

Everett raised $200 for Project Unify.

Ballinger’s pledges added up to $61.09 and Mark’s added up to $55.95. Langschwager pledged 20$ to put Ballinger in the lead.

“I pledged $20 to Ballinger because I didn’t want to jump; it is for a good cause,

that’s why I volunteered,” said Langschwager.

Polar Plunge raises money for Special Olympics. Special Olympics gives participants an opportunity to experience friendship, physical fitness and the chance to feel what it’s like to be a part of a sport.

Polar Plunge is really important because it is the Special Olympics of Michigan’s main fundraiser.

“Special Olympics is funded almost entirely through donations so the Special Olympic athletes can participate in all sports entirely free of cost,” said teacher of deaf and hard of hearing Amy Robinson.

Even after the frigid dip, Ballinger was in good spirits.

“It was for a good cause, and I would volunteer again,” said Ballinger.

3 • The Voice • March 19, 2014 • myvikingvoice.com

Two years ago, the Board of education started a long-term plan of restructuring. Part of the plan was to bring 7th and 8th graders to Everett High School. Eastern and Sexton moved the middle schoolers up that year, and Everett was to follow two years later.

Since then, Everett was chosen to implement a project-based learning program, New Tech High. The magnet program involves technology, focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.)

Unlike Sexton and Eastern, the number of 7th and 8th graders at Everett will be limited.

“100 7th and 8th graders, they will have to apply,” said assistant principal Susan CheadleHolt, “If there are more than 100 kids, I believe it will be done by random draw.”

Although there is no doubt that they will be separated, where they will go hasn’t been decided yet. Cheadle-Holt added that the physical plant has been looking at floor plans and measurements to see where the extra students would go. Everett has to submit a proposal to New Tech High to use their curriculum, since they are a separate organization.

“They have to approve our location because New Tech High and the students in it have to separated from the normal population,” said Cheadle-Holt.

Finding a place for the new students shouldn’t bee too difficult, said Cheadle-Holt.

“Being that the seventh and eighth graders would be part of the magnet program, I think that it would be a very structured and organized plan, and it wouldn’t be a very large number of students to integrate,” said Cheadle-Holt.

Many students are concerned about where the extra students will end up.

“I feel like it’s a terrible idea to put 7th and 8th graders into a high school, we’re already crowded as it is,” said sophomore Kimberly Golding. “Adding more students is ridiculous.”

Although there are some technical difficulties to be worked out, administration is positive that the program will be made a success at Everett. Even students admit that it could be a positive change.

“I think adding the magnet program will make the 7th and 8th graders more focused and advanced then they would normally be,” said Golding.

Photo courtesy Elizabeth Ballinger

Katrina Turner News Editor

“I pledged $20 to Ballinger because I didn’t want to jump; it is for a good cause, that’s why I volunteered.”

-Mark Langschwager.

OPInion

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

Everett 7-12 Memories

Our Voice

New plan takes away any chance to be middle schoolers

4 • The Voice • March 19, 2014 • myvikingvoice.com

Being a preteen is a time to grow, mature, and figure out how to deal with the changes in your body.

Middle school is a special building to be awkward, and grow up. For the 2014-2015 school year, Everett is supposed to have 200 new 7th and 8th grade students. For the Lansing School District, next year there won’t be anymore buildings for that change to happen. This new plan would not be beneficial for the new middle, or high schoolers, and is all around just a bad idea.

Next year there will be 100 7th graders and 100 8th graders. The new middle school students will be in the

new tech program, a school within a school. Although there are many unanswered questions, magnet schools coordinator, Delsa Chapman, says that the new change is a benefit to the school at large.

A big issue for many high school students is that their lunches are going to have to change around in some way. There’s going to be either shorter lunches, earlier lunches, and even colder food.

A question that has been brought up many a time is, where are we going to put them? Do we have enough room? Many students and teachers feel that the school will be a little

more than crowded. There has been rumors of putting the middle school in the basement, or in the hallway with the graphic design room and art.

Students are worried about how the location will affect their classes.

Pep rallies, dances, sports teams, and other school spirited events have also been brought into question. Will they be allowed to come to our pep rallies, dances, or participate in our sports teams? How will this affect the middle schooler’s growth and maturity? How will they interact with the highschoolers? What type of relationships will be formed? Almost all of the high schoolers feel that rela-

tionships will be an issue.

Everett High School should stay as a high school. 6th-8th graders should have their own building to grow and mature. Their growth and maturity will be affected by coming to high school early and being around older students because as high schoolers, most of us have already gone through puberty; whereas middle schoolers have not.

They may get used to the high school environment, which makes the transition from middle to high school easier; however, this will not be a beneficial change for the high school.

Shattered hoop dreams means no NBA, but future’s still bright Jhalycia Smith Social Media I remember when I was younger I thought I was gonna be the next big thing… an NBA star. As my elementary days progressed, I realized that my dream would soon come to an end.

In 4th grade I tried out for the basketball team, and made it. I thought I was so sweet and I’d be the next Madison Williams. I loved going to practice because I knew it was one step closer to my dreams.

When my 5th grade class went to a Detroit Pistons game for a field trip, I had the best time of my life. I remember saving up my reading charts

in order to be eligible to go on the trip. Just watching the intensity of the players made me want to jump on the court and play. I had the sudden urge to run down and shoot some threes.

Soon after, 5th grade basketball tryouts were on, and I was ready to tear up the court. But then, incredibly, the coaches did not see my natural ability and I did not make the team.

My whole outlook on life changed; I was devastated.

Going to the gym and watching everybody play was torture, and it reminded me of my failure. I couldn’t believe that I, the future NBA star, didn’t make the team. It was an outrage. I was so desperate I even asked the coach to be the “water girl.” Turns

out, 5th grade basketball doesn’t employ water girls.

I wanted to give my dreams one last attempt, so in middle school I told myself I would try out for the team one last time, and this time I would make it. Basketball conditioning was two times a week. I usually went both days, and soon I realized I wasn’t as sweet as I thought I was. Maybe basketball wasn’t for me. Those girls were so tall and very aggressive; then there was me: 5’2” and a girly girl.

I had to wrap my brain around the fact that I had to let go of my NBA star dreams and come back to reality.

Even now, as a senior, I love going to basketball games because I secretly imagine myself on the court.

I’m hoping that one of my brothers or sisters has a passion to be on the court, so I can live my inner dreams through them.

I’ve come to terms that being a 6’0” NBA star wasn’t in store for me.

My career plans completely changed.

I discovered that writing is a strong passion of mine. I love that I can express myself and be as open as I’d like to be.

Although in my heart I’ll always be a star, in reality I’m a short girl with big dreams who will soon be the next big journalist. I’ve turned my basketball ambition into a writing career.

I’m happy where my life is going. And maybe I’ll make it on the NBA court, but as a writer instead of a player.

Thalia Esparza

Media)

Deanera Barrow (Business) REPORTERS Arlexia Bernard Ajdic Bosnic Chris Buckner Corey Byron Shania Campbell Kayla Elkins 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

My teacher did

WHAT?!

Brianna Billard Online Editor

Unfortunately, you never grow out of embarrassing moments. Faculty members of Everett High School share their embarrassing, funny stories that happened to them during their teaching career.

Mrs. Orr

Mrs. Carl

Mr. Balcarcel

Mrs. hightower Judy Hightower realized halfway through the day that she had one black shoe and one brown shoe on her feet.

“My plan was already over so I couldn’t go home to change.”

Orlando Balcarcel was teaching an adult education program, where many women brought their children. A little girl maybe two or three, came up to where he was teaching and urinated all over his leg. “I could feel myself turning red and the blood rushing to my face.”

Mrs. Elliott

Rich Helder managed to get himself locked outside of his classroom during his first year of teaching. “It felt like ten minutes, but it was only 30 seconds.”

coach Carruthers

Robin Elliott was attending a staff holiday party and brought her daughter, who was pretty young at the time. Elliott set her plate of food on her chair while she got her daughter situated.

Forgetting where she put her plate, she returned to her chair, sitting in her holiday treats. “I wasn’t really embarrassed, it was just food.”

Jordyn L. Weiker Will you go to prom with me?

-Chris Buckner

Mr. Helder

Marcelle Carruthers heard a rumor that there was going to be fight during the hour long lunch. He was running down the street to stop the fight, when a dog started to bark and chase him! Carruthers had to hop over a fence to escape the vicious canine. “Why did the dog have to pick on me, there were other people around.”

5 • The Voice • March 19, 2014 • myvikingvoice.com

Deb Carl was teaching as a sub in a Grand Ledge portable, when her feet got caught in the cords of an overhead cart, and fell right on her butt! Carl says there was a dark bruise, but thankfully, none of the kids laughed.

“It felt like the whole trailer shook!”

Sheila Orr was walking up the main stairs before school with papers up to the tip of her nose, along with coffee in her hands. She missed a step, tripped, and got a nasty cut on her knee, not to mention all of the soggy papers scattered amongst the steps. “It was pretty embarrassing”

Entertainment

Lansing place for new musical talent

The Fault In Our Stars: beloved book comes to big screen Brianna Billard Online Editor Students have countdown calendars on their phones for things like graduation, prom, and spring break. For Sexton student Sadiah Page, the movie premiere date (June 6th) for the The Fault in Our Stars is the only thing on her calendar.

The Fault in Our Stars is a novel written by John Green, geared towards young adults. The book was published in January of 2012, but became really popular during the late months of 2013. The book is about a teenage cancer patient, Hazel, who falls in love with Augustus Waters at a support group that she is forced to go to by her parents. When it was announced that the book would soon become a movie, fans freaked.

“THIS IS SO BAD. I’M HAVING THIS KIND OF ADDICTION ON TFIOS. I CAN’T. OH MY GOSH. I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE MOVIE,” said twitter user @Alm-

irahAmin.

People all over the nation are reading this new novel, including some of Everett’s teachers.

“The book is good, but I didn’t embrace it as wholeheartedly as some of my students,” said English teacher Christi McGonigal.

Shailene Woodley, Amy Juergens from The Secret Life of an American Teenager, will be playing Hazel. Ansel Elgort, most recently seen in Carrie, is playing Augustus. Many fans are excited about the actors chosen for the main characters.

“I’m excited for the movie because the actors are well chosen and I think that has to do with John Green choosing the characters,” said sophomore Jessica Arnold.

Page is also looking forward to seeing the actors and actresses playing in the movie.

“I think she’s (Shailene Woodley) the perfect Hazel. I think she has made a good name

Corey Byron Reporter

for herself outside of The Secret Life. She’s going to be great!” said Page.

While fans are excited and nervous about the book becoming a movie, author John Green isn’t nervous at all.

“They’ve included me in every facet of the process,” said Green, “So in the past where I felt nervous and I felt like Hollywood would sort of twist or lessen my books, now I’m just really, really excited.”

Music acts like Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, and Justin Timberlake have performed in the Lansing area in the last few years. But there are bands that people might not know that people can get out to see, as well. Acts like Gary Clark Jr., Arctic Monkeys, Hopsin, Skinny Puppy and were just in the Michigan area, and there are many local groups that people can see affordably any weekend.

Texas-born jazz rocker Gary Clark Jr. played music since he was 12. He was inspired by the Beatles and other people.

28-year-old Hopsin is a hip-hop artist from LA. He’s been rapping for 11 years and makes youtube videos of him rapping about other rappers. Hopsin was in shows and movies like That’s So Raven. He played on February 16 in Detroit and people loved it.

“I like some of his songs but, not much,” said senior Brittany AyersMcwain.

Skinny Puppy plays electro-industrial, and rock and roll. They have a lot of fans and record deals, they have been together since 1982. They played Detroit Wednesday February 19.

Rock act The Hold Steady will be coming to Pontiac at the Crofoot April 23.

Music fans don’t have to head to Detroit to hear good music, though. Affordable concerts are available every week just down the road, at venues like The Loft and Mac’s Bar. The Loft in Lansing will see acts like metal band Chiodos and alternative rock Beware of Darkness. Chiodos comes

Local heavy m e t a l band Chiodos plays many local shows.

British rockers Beware of Darkness will be playing locally March 23.

April 2, and tickets are $20-23 for all ages. Beware of Darkness is a British group, coming March 23. The tickets are to $10-12 for all ages. Bam Margera, from Jackass, has a band and is coming to Lansing, as well.

Mac’s Bar in Lansing will see acts like A Sleepless Malice and New Canyons and others. Both concerts are 18+, which means many Everett students will not be able to attend. For the seniors who already can vote, head on out.

Metal band Sleepless Malice is playing March 15 at 8pm. Tickets are only $5. Rock band New Canyon tickets cost 8-10$.

Na’Ticka Kinley Reporter

One day last year Senior Deja Cannon was bored and wanted to try something new. On Youtube, she found something called the”Cinnamon Challenge” The “cinnamon challenge” is a challenge where you put a spoonful of cinnamon in your mouth and swallow it within 60 seconds without any water. Deja thought it sounded easy, until she eventually tried it. “ It was nasty and dry, I had to spit it out, or at least I tried,” said Cannon. “But my throat didn’t hurt, because I didn’t try to swallow; it was too dry for me.”

Since cinnamon is a spice, swallowing it burns your throat, and people have no choice but to spit the cinnamon back out.

That’s the challenging part of it, but people still want to try it because they want to con-

quer the challenge. But it also can be health threatening because it can cause vomiting, gagging, and coughing.

Sophomore Tiayanna Robinson, who also tried the snow challenge had a different outcome.

“It was fun to try do it , I swallowed some of mine but I wouldn’t recommend anyone to do it,” said Robinson. “It burned my throat I had to drink a lot of water to get the burning to go away.”

Another Challenge that was popular recently is the “snow challenge.” The snow challenge involved jumping in the snow either completely naked, in your underwear, or in a bathing suit. It was a viral hit on youtube when thousands of people uploaded themselves doing the snow challenge.

“I did it because my dad was showing me videos of people doing it and bet me that I wouldn’t do it and I can’t say no to a challenge,” said senior Jacob Odom.

He actually completed the snow challenge naked.

While thousands of people did this challenge many people had got some consequences from it such as frostbite which can lead to the removal of body parts if necessary. “ I don’t regret doing it, it was actually pretty fun, when I first jumped in the snow it was really cold but after that I really didn’t feel much because my adrenaline kicked in. Thank God I didn’t get frostbite,” said Odom.

The “Banana Sprite Challenge” is the most recent challenge that is going around.

In this challenge you have to eat 2 bananas as quickly as possible then you have to drink a 1 liter of Sprite the catch is, to keep everything down. Majority of the people that do this challenge throw up before even drinking half of the liter.

The Cinnamon Challenge can lead to

life threatening actions in your life. Writing in the Deseret news, Jay Evensen reported that the Cinnamon Challenge can be harmful; it can lead to the lungs collapsing which can lead to people being on ventilators. Many people do this challenge because they think it’s cool or they can be influenced by it, but this Challenge can be dangerous.

The Snow ChalSNOW WAY: Senior Kristian Vanderwaerden was lenge is another danone of a few students who ran out into the cold to participate in the “Snow Challenge.” gerous thing because rible frostbite which is something that can it’s not safe to jump be very very painful. in the snow without any clothing on, your body can go into shock and you can get ter-

Photo Courtesy Kristian Vanderwaerden

6 • The Voice • March 19, 2014 • myvikingvoice.com

‘I dare you:’ popular challenges can have dangerous effects

SPORTS

Kalynn Williams

Kalynn Williams bounced around during his little league and high school years. During his eighth grade season, Williams was a runningback for the Lansing Warriors and teammates with high school teammate and future college teammate, Lucas Barner. Going into high school he continued playing runningback and then moved down to Detroit for his sophomore year for a brief period and then moved back to Lansing. During his junior year, he transitioned from a runningback to a wide receiver/tight end after growing to about 6’2” and 215 pounds. He was primarily in to block his junior year as the team ran the ball a majority of the time.

Williams never gave up on his dream of playing college football and continued to strive for his dream.

“I strived for a scholarship because I knew it was the only way I would be able to attend college,” said Williams.

During the offseason, he played 7 on 7 with Michigan Elite Football Club and competed in the IMG National Championship tournament down in Tampa, FL to improve his skills.

After having a successful senior season where he was named to the Honorable Mention All-Conference team, Williams was awarded with a scholarship to Siena Heights after taking a day visit.

“I like the way they make academics a priority among athletes,” said Williams.

After college, Williams will continue to strive toward his dream of playing professionally, whether it be in the NFL or the CFL. If football after college doesn’t work out, Williams will become a therapist.

Lucas Barner

As a freshman you are thought of as the underdog of the team, the rookie, the amateur.

Being a freshman quarterback on a varsity team makes the pressure that much more intense.

As a quarterback it is your job to lead the offense, call the plays and control the tempo of the game. Lucas Barner was just thrown in as a freshman, and was more than ready to take on the challenge.

For the next four years, Barner would transition into an All-State Honorable Mention quarterback his senior year, earning him a scholarship to Siena Heights.

“It was a big sigh of relief receiving my offer, it was a lot of weight off of my shoulders knowing I had a place to go,” said Barner.

As a child Barner began playing flag football. Even though Barner was only five years old, he fell in love with the sport and could not wait to play it at the next level.

“It’s always been my passion. It’s taught me discipline and hard work and has turned me into the person I am today,” said Barner.

Four years later Barner began playing tackle football through the Southside Panthers, a local Lansing team. In eighth grade, he played for the Warriors, another Lansing team.

Barner played on this team until he started high school and became the starting quarterback for Everett.

Once he gets his undergraduate degree from Siena, Barner sees himself becoming a graduate assistant and then go into coaching.

“This sport is something that I live for, which is why I want to go into coaching,” said Barner. “It’s something that I’ll always want to be around.”

Azalea Miller during senior night against Grand Ledge. Miller signed to Siena Heights University in midFebruary.

Azalea Miller

Growing up, most girls envision themselves being princesses or fairies, but Azalea Miller always saw herself becoming a college athlete. After many years of waiting, her dream is finally coming true.

Miller has signed to play basketball for Siena Heights as a point guard.

“Getting a scholarship made me feel like the long days in the gym, the stressful times of wondering where I will end up, the hard losses and the big wins were all paying off,” said Miller.

Miller was being recruited by Albion, and Olivet but only got an official offer from Siena Heights.

During her time at Siena Heights, Miller hopes to contribute to the team and win a championship.

“I am excited about having a new team; being at Everett four years I have gotten used to my teammates,” said Miller. “It will be interesting seeing how I fit in with a new team.”

In her youth, Miller played on over ten different basketball teams mainly as a point guard. She played for Gardner, then as one of two freshman to make Everett’s varsity team.

While at Everett, Miller has received All Conference her junior year along with All Area Honorable Mention and her team also voted her MVP. Miller is on track to receive All Conference and All Area accolades following the end of the season.

“To me the awards are refreshing, they are examples of coaches taking me seriously,” said Miller Once she gets her undergraduate degree from Siena, Miller has plans to go to med school and become a Physician’s Assistant.

Nina Foster will join Wayne State for her college career. Foster signed a full ride scholarship in November.

Nina Foster

Ever since Nina Foster first fell in love with the game of basketball at the age of four, she knew that she had something special.

Standing about 5’11”, and with her talent to be able to play on the wing or in the post, she’s a threat anywhere on the court.

Before the season began, Foster was also named one of the top 25 players in the state according to Detroit Free Press writer Mick McCabe.

On August 11, Foster accepted a full ride scholarship to play at Wayne State. On November 13, she became to first of the five student athletes to sign to college and will officially be a Warrior for the next four years.

“The first time I went there (Wayne State) I was really comfortable, it felt like home. Everyone was nice,” said Foster.

Foster, along with Miller, were the only two seniors on this year’s girls’ basketball team, playing all four years together on varsity. She was named to the Honorable Mention AllConference team twice in her career and twice to the All-Conference team.

A lot of recruiting in basketball happens through AAU basketball. Foster participated in it playing for Team Detroit, The Roadrunners and the Michigan Patriots.

Nina decided on Wayne State because of how much she likes the coaching staff, how close to home it is and the program is currently excelling. Foster hopes to continue playing after her playing days are done with at Wayne State or to pursue a career in coaching.

If both playing after college or becoming a coach don’t work out, Nina will become a Physical Therapist.

Dayjah Stewart

Meeshon Rogers will join The Lansing Community College volleyball team for two years. She signed in late January.

Meeshon Rogers

Ever since the 4th grade, Meeshon Rogers has envisioned herself as a college athlete.

Now the senior will be living her vision, having accepted a full ride two-year scholarship to play volleyball at Lansing Community College next year.

“I’m excited to be able to play at the next level for the next two years,” said Rogers.

Rogers was being recruited by Alma, Albion, and Northwood.

After her two years are up, Rogers doesn’t see herself playing anymore. She believes that she will just become a full-time student at Michigan State University.

Growing up, Meeshon played for the Blue Panthers, a local Lansing team, who then changed their names to the Lansing Stars. She then went on to play for Gardner, and then Everett. She also plays for the AAU team, LAVA (Lansing Area Volleyball Association), and plays co-ed through the YMCA on the weekends.

During her freshman year, she got moved up to the JV team and started at primary setter.

Up until her junior year she had always played primary setter and then she moved all the way around leftside, meaning she played front and back row. Her two years on varsity resulted in being awarded back to back All-Conference Honorable Mention.

Her favorite coach is Julie Baker, because she gave off a good vibe and they related in many different ways.

“She was there whenever I doubted myself and she gave me good pep talks,” said Rogers.

Rogers wants to become a veterinarian.

“If I could become an animal, I’d be a rabbit because they’re nice,” said Rogers.

7 • The Voice • March 19, 2014 • myvikingvoice.com

Brianna Billard

THALIA ESPARZA

Senior football players Lucas Barner and Kalynn Williams sign their letters of intent on National Signing Day to Siena Heights University.

Barner and Williams were two of 53 signees for the Saints.

Brianna Billard

Seniors sign college letters of intent

Lucas Barner Sports Editor Meeshon Rogers Editor-in-chief

SPORTS

Long-term affects linger after high school sports Kasey Robinson Reporter High school sports are fun, and some players even continue after high school.

However, the more strain you put on your body from all these sports could leave you with some long-term problems. These problems can include swelling, osteoarthritis and stress. Depending on the sports you play, you can be left with lingering shoulder or leg difficulties.

Math teacher, and varsity basketball and softball coach, Liz Ballinger tore a slap tear (where the tendon of the bicep muscle inserts the labrum) in her shoulder her junior year of college and had to have surgery. She then tore her rotator cuff a month before the end of her senior year, which ended her career as a college softball player.

“The worst part was watching a freshman take my spot on the team because I couldn’t lift my shoulder,” said Ballinger.

As far as playing in a sport after an injury, exercising helps repair the tissue and makes whatever is injured stronger. So no matter what injury you might face, there is a strong possibility you will become better from it and may be able to return to your sports. To some, sports are everything, so getting a little

or a big injury is only a little set back but overall it’s a part of life.

Sophomore Victoria Guardiola, who broke her wrist in a basketball scrimmage before the season started. Guardiola was told by her doctor that her wrist would never be the same, she probably wouldn’t be able to do a push up or bend her wrist down. Now she says she has absolutely no problems with her wrist.

“It’s as good as it’s ever been,” said Guardiola.

She does mention it gets a little colder in her wrist due to the metal plate, but that’s her only problem so far.

According to Muscle and Fitness magazine, here are ten ways to prevent sports injuries: 1. Avoid incorrect technique Make sure you’re slow and controlled.

Don’t go all crazy trying to lift super fast, and your stance is stable.

2. Avoid too much weight If you cannot control the weight when it’s in the downward position, it is too much.

Lifting too much weight is a risky proposition, ripe with injury potential.

3. Warm up before games.

Warm-ups get the blood flowing and make the muscles being used become more flexible and willing to move in the ways they

need to.

4. Stretch a lot Stretching helps relax the muscles that have been used, and stretches them out so they won’t be all cramped together.

5. Have a good spotter When working out correctly you might get weaker as the workout goes on. This is normal, so don’t feel bad, just make sure you have a good spotter that will be able to save you in case you feel like you can’t handle it anymore.

6. Lift the proper way Don’t cheat on your reps. Improper lifting may cause muscles to grow in the wrong ways.

7. Don’t train too often. Have a break once in a while.

Not giving your body enough rest can over do your energy and cause you to gain less muscle and strength.

8. Eat right If you work out but don’t eat right, it can cause you to get injured faster.

9. Make sure you are concentrated during the workout.

When you don’t work to your full ability you are inviting injury to take place. Make sure you really feel like working out and you are concentrated on what you have to do.

Carruthers named to Eastern Athletics Hall Of Fame Alejandro Sanchez Reporter Everett’s own Marcelle Carruthers has achieved the honor and was inducted into Eastern’s Athletics Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is a way for people to get recognition for their illustrious and outstanding achievements.

“I’m very flattered and honored that people would think that what I was able to accomplish is worthy enough to be inducted into the Eastern Athletics Hall of Fame,” said Carruthers.

Marcelle Carruthers, Eastern class of 1983, was a three-sport athlete. He played football, basketball, and track. He received allstate honors and was the number one quarterback during his senior football season in the state of Michigan. Carruthers went on to play college football at Central Michigan. He was a three-year starter at Central Michigan, and is currently Everett’s head football coach.

Carruthers has achieved many achievements in his life. Marcelle was rated top quarterback in the Lansing area according to Lansing State Journal. Marcelle was in the top 10 for various categories at Central Michigan.

He was rated Coach of the Week by Detroit Lions in 2012 for the High School Coach of the Week Program.

“I think that Carruthers is a excellent athlete and coach and he is doing a great job of passing on his knowledge of sports along with good sportsmanship to the high school student here at Everett,” said assistant principal Susan Cheadle-Holt. “I think he deserves it and that I am very proud of him. Carruthers has achieved many things in life. He is a great athlete, coach, and role model.”

With all that he has already achieved in life he now added the induction to his extraordinary career.

“Carruthers does a lot of things inside and outside of the school for Everett students, youth, and the community. That lends itself to the understanding that he supports students and the youth, someone like that needs to be recognized,” said athletic director WJ Davis.

Lansing Eastern High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place at Friday Feb. 21 during a dinner at the high school. The inductees was introduced to the public during the Eastern vs. Sexton basketball game at Don Johnson Fieldhouse.

Who is Archie Ross? named Archie F. Ross Memorial Stadium. The voice of the stadium, 1968 graduate Dave Schaberg called Ross a nice and gentle person.

At some point, most of us have “He had a firm been at the football stadium. It’s named hand when needed, after Archie Ross, but does anyone but he was fair,” know who he was? What did he do to said Schaberg. “He make someone name the football stagot along with the dium after him? staff, as well as the Archie F. Ross was born on Destudents. Not too cember 15, 1913 in Grand Rapids, many people didn’t Michigan. He attended Grand Rapids like him.”

South High School. He played football On May 1, 1996, with the future President Gerald Ford. at the age of 82, Ross He and his buddies decided that they passed away. would meet every Thanksgiving for In 1976, the dinner. After high school, he went on first Archie F Ross to Michigan State College, and continAnnual Scholarship ued to play football there. He played Archie Ross and President Ford. Ross Athletic Award was on the Michigan State College football and Ford were football teammates in high given to Mona Tamer team in 1934-1935. He became a coach school and then rivals in college, Ross at and Fred Smith. The MSU and Ford at U of M. at Everett High School soon after that. latest award that was He would then continue to be the coach from 1936-1943. received was in 2007, given to Darciellia Williams, and Chad In 1953, he came back to Everett as the coach of the Track Foster, who now works in the building and coaches wresteam. He continued as the track coach until 1976. tling.

Ross and his buddies continued to meet for Thanksgiv“The award was given out to the top scholar athlete ing when they could. He got an unexpected call one day, to that year,” said Foster. “During high school, I played when he was invited to the White House by President Ford football, I wrestled, and I ran track. I also graduated with for Thanksgiving dinner. a cumulative G.P.A of 3.98. I was given a plaque and a cerThe stadium at Everett High School was originally tificate for the award. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a scholarship named Centennial Field. During the mid 80’s it was re- that gave me money.”

Courtesy Everett Archives

8 • The Voice • March 19, 2014 • myvikingvoice.com

Chris Buckner Reporter