Torch February 2015

THETORCH PLAINWELL HIGH SCHOOL || 684 Starr Rd, Plainwell, MI 49080 || www.trojantorch.com

05

Choir sets changes up for next year

10

All you need to know about Climbing K-zoo

E.J. Finch ‘15 fights off a Three Rivers opponent. at Friday’s Snowcoming game. The dance has been moved to Feb. 21. Photo by Maiah Lesher.

ISSUE 5, VOL. 65 || February 2015

Opinion.................................2 News.....................................5 Feature.................................8 Lifestyle...............................11 Sports..................................14

02 || opinion

the trojan torch

february 18, 2015

The Trojan Torch Volume 65, Issue 5 February 16, 2015

High school

Love it, or hate it?

BY CHRISTIAN LOBRETTO STAFF WRITER Editor-in-Chief: Camille Willbrandt

News Editor: Alex Beals

Opinion Editor: Rob Murgittroyd

Feature Editor: Shelby Lentz

Lifestyle Editor:

Sports Editor:

Photo Editor:

Business Editor:

Sarah Bommer

Maiah Lesher

Staff Writers James Babbitt ‘15 Caleb Beachler ‘15 Michael Carroll ‘16 Megan Friel ‘15 Karlee Gauthier ‘15 Lee Gregersen ‘15 Megan Harris ‘15 Courtez Holbrook ‘15 Bryce Janssen ‘15 Aaryn Jewell ‘15 Natalia Johnston ‘17 Aaron Klang ‘15 Nick LaFountain ‘15 Ben Larabel ‘15 Allie Lindauer ‘15 Christian LoBretto ‘15 Jackie Morris ‘15 Brooke Pell ‘15 Kaitlin Rietkerk ‘17 Juan Serra Sastre ‘17 Derek Snyder ‘15 Kyle Soule ‘15 Madison Tran ‘17 Ashley Widner ‘16 Tara Wolfe ‘15

Emily Totten

Kyle Shannon

The Trojan Torch serves students, faculty of PHS, and members of the community through informing, educating, interpreting, etertaining, and advertising.

All members of the community and students are free to contribute stories, photos, and/or drawings to The Torch. We do deserve the right to edit or reject your work as we see fit. If the story submitted is anything other than editorial, The Torch requires all sources to be identified in order to continue its tradition as a credible news and information source. The Torch staff also reserves the right to accept or reject the purchase of any adverstisement. To purchase advertising, or to submit a story, photo, or letter to the editor, please send it to: Plainwell High School Attn: Marilyn Hess 684 Starr Rd. Plainwell, MI 49080 269-685-9554 ext. 1562 mhess@plainwellschools.org Some material courtesy of the American Society of News Editors/ MCT Campus news service.

Running late to work or missing the train, picking up kids, doing taxes or just the daily grind. All part of the daily adult life.

People run into these regular problems because they are a part of real life, unlike high schoolers. High school is a great place to be. People complain about these things, and think back to high school.

An easier time in life, all expenses paid, simple to do tasks, easy part time jobs, and unscripted summers.

All the time in the world it feels, but four years leaves faster than it comes.

High school is a time for fun and friends, easy summers, and lazy Sundays.

People call to mind their high school experience with bliss and remembrance.

From the first day of freshman year, to walking with your senior class, you will always summon up the feelings of good memories. Things that some associate high school with are long summers and afternoons. Without any responsibility, no jobs, and your whole life ahead of you.

Some remember going to high school and having regular vacations, and living at home. High school provides a social environment, notably that’s where people meet friends and have different day-to-day experiences, and a chance to form into well rounded people.

“I love high school. I feel I’m treated more like an adult, and I have more freedoms to do as I please,” said Alan

Schultz ‘16.

Sometimes high school can feel like just a countdown until you’re an adult. High school actually lets people extend and mature into adult life. People extend by moving out of their parents house and getting a job.

When high school ends, whether seniors like it or not, real life will begin soon. The list of reasons to be happy as a high schooler goes on and on.

“High school gives me a chance to expand my knowledge while doing it with people I care about,” said Garret McCormick ‘17.

When you’re in class thinking about how unbearable it is, just think to yourself: what’s after this? Enjoy the time you have!

So next time you hear old people ramble about how they wish they were young again, just remember that you still have time on your side.

BY JACKIE MORRIS STAFF WRITER While growing up, school is a huge part of the lives of many, and several things can make it unpleasant. Deadlines, crammed study sessions, piles on piles of homework, and the loss of free time, are all factors that makes highschool displeasing to most adolescents. ”School is important but I have no free time to myself for the things I enjoy,” said Sean Murphy ‘15.

Time balance is huge, being young and socializing is crucial, but put under all the stress to make time for everyone and everything? The expectation is overwhelming. ”Having a job and school leaves me with a major lack of sleep trying to keep up with college preparations. It is stressful to keep my GPA up, and have time for everything that needs to be done,” said Alyssa Boss ‘15.

Boss echoes the voice of many when it comes to juggling school, work, and any sort of a social life.

While social lives are important, school can be very hectic to those who are not as personable or may be considered anti-social. ”I really don’t like being around so many people. It can be too much sometimes, especially mornings,” said Cassie Burnett ‘16.

Some say if Plainwell High School had another hour in the morning to sleep, high schoolers would be more attentive and energized to go throughout their day.

“I would deal with school much better if it was later in the day,” said Hanna Whelan ‘17.

Whether the solution is adding an extra hour of sleep, or simply requiring less demanding homework, the action starts with the administration.

Plain and simple, the students complaints have been brought to life, and it’s up to the administration to accompany our complaints if they wish to keep student moral, and grades, at a constant high.

03 || opinion

the trojan torch

february 18, 2015

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The thought process behind lying just baffles the editors of The Trojan Torch.

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In what context would a lie do more good than the truth? Don’t answer this. To deny information is not only a reflection on one’s character, but also shows the light the liar sees the lied to in. Lying creates alternative stories that split from reality, trapping liars in a fake world.

Lying boils down to selfishness. You made a decision that you realize is wrong, and you cover it up with a lie in an effort to keep the normal flow. Liars try to eat cake, and have it too.

To keep a liar in your life would be a painful, and probably confusing decision; mostly because your deciphering a liars stories. Liars harm their loved ones, themselves, and possibly even others.

Liars hurt their own personal character. If you slide a lie into a story successfully, then good for you. You’ll always know you didn’t tell the truth. If you can hurt your opinion of yourself, then you’re a stronger person than us. We wouldn’t put ourselves through that.

Liars always hurt their friends and family.

Telling lies is equivalent to distributing poison; it’s toxic. One little lie could potentially cause an argument inadvertently between other friends, simply because you pointed the finger at someone else when “trash talk” surfaces.

Liars are an insult on the integrity of mankind. We have such a powerful tool, the ability to understand each other through languages.

So for someone to abuse the privilege of knowledge is a mockery of evolution.

Why is popularity apparently thicker than potential?

Teachers enforce rules based on social status

BY TARA WOLFE STAFF WRITER

What goes around, comes around.

The sentence is so simple in structure, but its meaning is powerful, and is applicable in any situation.

If two students were to both break identical school rules, would you expect them to recieve identical punishments?

This is the principle of the fairness.

What could posses teachers to distribute different punishments between students, other than a personal bias?

Getting special treatment with teachers and administration is starting to become a big problem at Plainwell High School.

Last trimester, a junior was tardy to a certain first hour almost every day, and never received any detentions for it.

This trimester, he has a class during which he’s always on his phone. The student who sits next to him is also always on her phone; however, she gets yelled at for it.

This is just one of the many examples that have been personally seen by students where teachers and the administration treat other students favorably.

A survey of 100 students showed that 77 percent of them have seen students be able to break school rules, because of their social status.

Qualifications of an acceptable social status would be

being considered, “popular,” or being a good athlete.

“I’ve seen students getting their phone back before they left class because of their social status in school,” said Zoe Jordan ‘15.

“It’s annoying because the teacher was notorious for keeping cell phones, but an exception was made just for that particular student.” she says.

That is a prime example of teachers being unfair to students. It’s common to have seen Jordan get her phone taken away, but not get it back until the end of the day.

Some students feel like it’s

‘If you break a rule, then you should get in trouble.’ fine for teachers to pick favorites, since teachers are people too, and therefore obviously form their own opinions.

“If you get a teacher to like you, then you can get a little more leash to run with compared to everyone else,” said Kevin Rice ‘15.

“Students who open up more, and show more potential in themselves are able to have more opportunities than other students who don't,” said Seth Bevins ‘15.

Rice’s and Bevins’ ideas are valid, but that doesn't mean it’s right for teachers to give special treatment to the students they may like more, since it may deny opportunities for students who have potential to be something great.

Every student should have the same opportunity to achieve greatness.

“We follow the handbook as best as we can. It depends on the situation, and if they're constantly getting in trouble,” said Principal Jeremy Wright.

That statement sounds contradicting. Wright says they follow the handbook, but it depends on the situation.

Wright’s statement makes it seem as though you can have your cake, and eat it too.

No student should get special treatment, every teacher should have to follow the handbook word for word, no matter who the student is.

Who cares if you can throw a football far?

Who cares how many three point shots you can make in a row?

Who cares that your shirt is Hollister?

If you break a rule, then you should get in trouble.

So if your friend breaks the same rule, it would be upsetting to hear that the teachers find your friend more relatable, and therefore have only be given a warning.

Only fair is fair. Plain and simple.

05 || news

the trojan torch

february 18, 2015

Choir changes things up for the better

BY ALLIE LINDAUER STAFF WRITER Whether students have been in choir their whole life or they have just joined, new choir director Denise Beauchamp’s big changes next year will apply to all of them.

Four major transformations will be occurring, remodeling PHS’ choral department for years to come.

“First, all students will be required to do a short placement, singing and such… in March, so that they know what choir they are in for the year ahead,” said Beauchamp.

In past years, tryouts were not required, unless you were going for concert choir; once you got in, you never had to do it again.

With these changes, every student will have to audition every year from now on, no matter what choir they want to be in and have been in previously.

“I didn’t like it at first, because I’m already in concert choir, and… I don’t want to re-try out, but when she explained it all it was easier to see where she was coming from.” said Sydney Pressey ‘17.

“She did research on other choirs and their school districts, and it sounded a lot better,” Pressey said.

Another huge change Beauchamp plans on making is restructuring the choirs themselves.

She plans on exchanging the current class system for a completely different one.

There will be an advanced mixed choir, an advanced all female choir, an intermediate all male choir, and an intermediate all female choir.

Current choir member’s response to this change was nearly unanimous, saying

MUSICAL TICKETS Tickets for Footloose (Mar. 27-29) are on sale now.

Tickets can be purchased though this link: phsfootloose.brownpapertickets.com Balcony seats are $12.

Regular floor seats are $15. There is no charge if you print them off at home, or choose standard mail for physical tickets.

A copy of the Choir flier that has been posted around the school for a few weeks now. Choir is undergoing many structural changes that will be fully implemented starting next school year.

Photo by Maiah Lesher the decision was the right one to make for the school.

“Any student, in any grade, can be in any choir. I think that’s awesome. It’ll really improve not only the choirs, but the students themselves,” said Lily Cyr ‘17, “I’m excited to see the result of this year.”

“We will also become what we call a competitive choir program, competing with other schools, ...and we are going to start traveling every year, taking a big trip with band.” said Beauchamp.

In the past, choir trips were far and few between, and competing with other schools districts never hap-

pened.

Students are very optimistic about the positive outcome of this change.

“I think it’s awesome. I don’t know why we wouldn’t have done it before, especially with all the choirs that do. I think it’ll be a better way to showcase Plainwell.” said Morgan Smith ‘16.

Though the transformation of the choir department will be dramatic and very different from its past, students seem to be hopeful about the results.

Beauchamp is just as confident, and believes that these changes will push her

students to better themselves.

“I feel like there is way too much talent with these kids to not step up our game a little” Beauchamp said, “I 100 percent believe that once they adjust to the changes, they will love them and they will see why the changes were made,” she said.

Students interested in joining should contact Beauchamp in the choir room.

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06 || news

the trojan torch

february 18, 2015

School campus stays closed for foreseeable future

Students in a normal day get friendly and converse with each other while eating lunch. However, back in the day, students used to be able to leave and eat lunch wherever they pleased--at home or fast food. Photo by Maiah Lesher.

BY MADDIE TRAN STAFF WRITER Many years ago, students were able to leave the school campus for lunch. But in the past few years, the administration has made the school a “closed campus”.

Students in the past would leave the school campus for their 20 minute lunch and

return back in time for their next class. Although some teachers claim this did not happen often.

“Students would leave and end up being late for their next hour very often,” said math teacher Darlene Kohn, who has worked at PHS for 39 years.

During the middle of the

day, lines at fast food restaurants can get very long.

This can lead to distraction whether you arrive on time, but need to eat during class, or you just arrive late.

Trash was often left on the ground in the parking lot due to the laziness of disrespectful students, or it was possibly a complete accident.

Trash cans were placed all around campus as a solution to this problem, but there still seemed to be a mess.

“Some classes had to volunteer to clean up the school campus during the last hour of the day, said Kohn. “That is how bad it was.”

In the past, the lunch roomwas very small. So small, many students were allowed to sit in the hallways to eat.

“This led to an open campus. We just did not have enough room,” said superintendent Sue Wakefield, who was previously the high school principal before taking the superintendent position in 2004.

When students would leave the school, the administration of PHS was technically held responsible for them.

“There were some minor accidents,” said Wakefield.

“Some students drove recklessly which caught our attention.”

There were incidents in

schools around Plainwell where the district was being sued for incidents that occurred at lunch time, off campus.

All of this led to the board of education closing campus during the 2009-10 school year.

Many students don’t agree with this rule and would like a fair chance to change what it was like before.

“I would be responsible when I leave the school because I know there is a consequence for doing otherwise,” said Nick Evers ‘17.

“The rule is dumb because I don’t like school lunches and sometimes I’m rushing out the door and forget to pack one. I want good food for lunch and quickly running somewhere down the road isnt a big deal,” said Jesse Serafini ‘15.

“There is no reason for going back to an open campus when we have food at school and enough room to fit all of the students.” said Wakefield.

07 || news

the trojan torch

february 18, 2015

Area schools make the switch to SAT BACKGROUND:

The SAT and the ACT are both college entrance exams. However, there are some differences between the two: The SAT Started in 1926.

The scoring range for the SAT is between 600-2400.

The SAT has three major sections: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing.

The ACT started in 1959 The scoring system for the ACT goes between 1-36 The ACT is broken up into 4 sections: English, Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, and Science.

Next year’s juniors are guinea pigs

BY MEGAN FRIEL STAFF WRITER Does it really matter what standardized testing is being given in public schools?

For the past eight years the juniors have been taking the ACT, but starting next year it’s being changed and the juniors will be taking the SAT. The College Board won a three-year contract worth $17.1 million to administer the test in Michigan.

State officials say the move will save money and that schools will be given the resources to adapt.

Will students be ready for the switch? The staff has already started to prepare for the switch.

“We will start using some questions from the SAT for warm ups, and instead of taking the PLAN tests we will start giving the PSAT,” says principal Jeremy Wright.

Aaron Crawford ‘17 says he heard about the SAT that “It’s a lot harder, and a lot more time consuming.”

“Compared to the ACT, the SAT is only 20 minutes longer, and on average students answer 50 to 60 percent of the questions correctly.” said collegeboard.com.

While the ACT assesses

knowledge of subjects taught in high school, the SAT measures literacy and writing skills, and how well a student analyzes and solves problems.

The ACT has no penalty for wrong answers unlike the SAT takes off ¼ point for each wrong answer, except for grid questions in math.

“About 66 percent of colleges accept the SAT; all colleges in Michigan accept it,” says Wright.

According to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing in Boston, Michigan is one of fewer than 20 states that requires testing for college entrance.

NEWS FLASH News that is kinda important, yet not important enough to warrant its own story.

LOCAL: A “ransomware” virus hit the main computer of local AM radio station WAKV. The station was shut down for about a day.

Pine Lake Boat and Motor Shop caught on fire late on Feb.8 The building is a total loss. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

A mailman in Allegan County is facing federal charges after throwing away over 400 pieces of mail at a gas station.

STATE: A 50-year-old Detroit woman is accused of beating to death her 66-year-old friend with a slow cooker after getting into a argument about politics.

Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg appeared at Univerity of Michigan law school Feb. 6 for an interview.

Gov. Rick Snyder was released from the hospital Feb. 9 after being treated for a small blood clot.

NATIONAL: NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams admits to lying in an often-told story about when he was doing war reporting in Iraq in 2003.

Kanye West storms the stage at the Grammy’s Feb. 8 after singer Beck wins an award. He later said that Beyonce should have won the award and the Grammy’s needs to “respect artistry”

Sources: WOOD TV 8, WWMTTV 3, Fox News. and the BBC. Column

by Alex Beals

09 || feature

the trojan torch

february 18, 2015

Valentine’s Day:

dreamy expectations vs. cold reality

BY KAITLIN RIETKERK AND ALLIE LINDAUER STAFF WRITERS

As a teenager in love, it’s easy to expect big things for Valentines Day- but is that always what you get?

For some, Valentine’s Day has had a history of surpassing their expectations. Whether it’s your partner getting you something, or going all out and getting you concert tickets to your favorite band. Jake Wisnaski ‘16 did just that for Bailee Rieman ‘16, his girlfriend of two years and nearly eight months.

“The first Valentines Day was a Wednesday, and I bought her tickets to Matchbox 20… That was on February 13, so on Valentines Day, I brought her a rose and chocolates,” Wisnaski said.

But Wisnaski isn’t the only guy who’s creative and romantic. Jacob MacDonald ‘15, also knows how to make a girl swoon.

“Eighth grade year, he made M&Ms in my favorite color with our faces on them… On top of the M&M thing, he made me a blanket… and he got me a snow globe with our picture in it. I love surprises and he surprises me every time,” said Taylor Stansbury ‘15 about her boyfriend of eight years.

But don’t think that girls can’t plan a fun Valentine’s Day, too. Kim Doud ‘17 knows the way to her

man’s heart.

“I made him clues… and one clue led to the next clue, a little scavenger hunt around my house… plus beef jerky. That’s always a good one for guys,” said Doud.

When it comes to expectations on the much anticipated Valentines Day, they can vary from high to low, depending on the relationship. For some like Hailey Hardy ‘17, the basics are best.

“Chocolate- that’s not an option. I expect something fuzzy, like fuzzy socks, a fuzzy teddy bear, I don’t know, just something I can cuddle, and I want to hopefully to see Isaac’s face,” says Hardy about Isaac Shaw ‘16, her boyfriend of about one month.

Even with reality somewhat limiting Valentine’s Day expectations, it’s still human nature to idealize the prefect “dream date.”

“I really want to go to South Haven and see the waves frozen cause I’ve never seen them before and I think that’d be super cool like at sunset,” said Ally Riston ‘15 who has been in a relationship with Jerrad Fillmore ’15 for five years.

Dreams and expectations may not always live up to the actuality of February 14th, but your Valentines day can still be fabulous.

“If you put your trust into your partner, they just might surprise you,” said Anna Boyett ‘17.

Katie Ristau ‘16 is among students who celebrated Valentine’s Day with Crush Pops. Photo by Maiah Lesher

Many seniors still unaware of life-changing scholarship opportunities

BY MEGAN HARRIS STAFF WRITER Every year a variety of scholarships go unused by high school graduates and as a result, college debt is something that follows them throughout the years.

“If I’m being honest, I kind of slacked all year, so my mom got recently got really frustrated and is making me apply for five scholarships a week,” said Sierra Rouleau ‘15.

“More students would apply, I believe, if there were more information given to them about college life; it’s the reason we created the Post Secondary Prep course. It was to try to get the word out to hard working students and students in need – financially, who were planning on continuing their education after high school,” said Principal Jeremy Wright.

Post Secondary Prep was created six years ago for juniors. From college visits to talking about budgeting, the class is intended to give students a heads up for what they should expect after graduation.

“I do believe Post Secondary Prep is effective for students. Some come into the class with more knowledge than others, but the topics we hit on are applicable for each and every student in one way or another for their future decisions after high school.

Counselors, parents and graduated students reinforce this information to me,” said Post Secondary Prep Teacher, Julie Root.

Another concern for high school seniors is navigating the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) paperwork and deadline. It provides insight to the amount of federal aid a student can receive and in doing so it reveals how much money they will need

to start saving up in order to pay for college.

Michigan’s deadline for FAFSA is March 1, 2015 by midnight, Central Time. Many seniors don’t often make this deadline for one reason or another. There are so many scholarships that are not awarded to any student because the number of people who applied for them is little to none.

“The earlier you fill out FAFSA and apply for schol-

Scholarships such as these can be found on the Plainwell High School Guidance and Counseling web page, from where this screen grab was taken by Maiah Lesher.

arships, the better off you are overall. There is such a low percentage of students who actually apply for scholarships there is usually a one in five chance of winning one, Scholarship people are basically begging students to apply for them in order to give money away,” said Wright.

The reasons why some students do not apply for scholarships vary depending on the individual. Lack of time and knowledge, and even the essay requirements for a lot of the scholarships, have repeatedly come up as an answer for why.

“It’s reality. It means they have to finally grow up now. They want to avoid growing up so soon and facing the real world so suddenly. Or they’re just lazy and think that their parents should do it for them, probably as a desperate final act of not being grown up,” said Joanna Gailey ‘15. “And they second guess themselves or don’t even bother trying to write one ,” said Joanna Gailey ‘15.

The earlier you apply, and the more scholarships you apply for, the better chance you have for an opportunity to cut some of your college expenses. To learn more about FAFSA and all the scholarships available, be sure to visit the PHS guidance and counseling Facebook page.

Big Brothers Big Sisters changes lives of Plainwell students

08|| feature

Jake Lewis ‘16 and his little. Photo by Stacey Brown

BY ASHLEY WIDNER STAFF WRITER

Imagine one hour out of your week being dedicated to a child, and that hour impacting that child’s life forever. The mentors at Plainwell High school who are a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program have accomplished this and much more since joining the community based program.

According to their official website, Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program of over 100 years, whose belief is that every child has the ability succeed and thrive in life. The kids are chosen for the program by their parents and teachers, and are usually considered at risk youth.

Those who sign up for the program go through an interview process and be assigned a ‘little’ to mentor based on what they have in common and the needs of the little. More than 40 students at Plainwell High School are participating this year.

‘My little showed me you have to get to know someone to really understand their struggle, because everyone has a story.’

their little through middle school. The bigs and littles set up a schedule that works for both of them during the week.

Not only do the mentors improve the children’s lives, but the kids actually end up teaching some things to the older kids as well.

“You don’t know people’s story just by looking at them; my little showed me you have to get to know someone to really understand their struggle, because everyone has a story,” says Hunter Born’15.

Statistics on the Big Brothers Big Sisters website show that mentoring the children increases their self confidence, trust towards adults, attitudes towards school and grades.

“Join the program-but be ready to commit.

They will be a part of your life for forever, changing you as well in ways you wouldn’t expect,” says Catherine Lemus’16.

This program is dedicated to try and change kids lives and is always looking for more volunteers who are ready for the commitment that goes along with being a mentor.

Students looking to join the program can contact Stacey Brown (Big Brothers Big Sisters director). The interview process starts at the end of every school year. Then the following year you are paired with your little and begin your companionship together.

“Meeting my little for the first time was so nerve-wracking, I thought he wasn’t going to like me. But right away we just clicked and developed a bond that I’ll never forget,” said Hailey Hardy’16.

The main goals of the mentors is to develop a friendship and a trust with their little. One hour a week for one year to two years is dedicated to helping their little with school work and being someone they can talk to.

The mentors have an assigned elementary Mariah Crandall ‘16 and her little. Photo by Stacey school they go to some even continue to mentor Brown

10|| feature

the trojan torch

february 18, 2015

Climb Kalamazoo ROCKS

BY SARAH BOMMER LIFESTYLE EDITOR With raw hands, aching arms, and burning calves, you cling to a wall 20 feet in the air. Adrenaline pumps through your body and your palms become sweaty with anticipation.

You muster the strength to lunge your body upward and grip onto the next handhold, then quickly glance around for your next move and repeat.

Some may think of rock climbing as an extreme sport that should be left to the pros out West, but in reality it’s offered right in the heart of Kalamazoo.

Climb Kalamazoo is a locally owned indoor rock climbing gym that provides proper equipment (if needed) and a safety lesson.

They also offer an array of specials and memberships.

‘It makes me feel happy. It’s a lot of fun and a good workout.’

“The first visit for an Adult, 14 years and up is just $30. This price includes an adult day pass, equipment rental package, and safety lesson,” states climbkalamazoo. org.

After the first visit the price drops to $20 for the equipment and climbing pass.

First time climbers are advised to wear loose clothing that allows them move freely.

On Friday nights they offer a High School special of $5 off if you present your school ID. Minors

must get a waiver signed by a parent as well.

Rock climbing is an activity many students at PHS have taken up in their spare time.

Emma Seiler ‘16 began visiting Climb Kalamazoo in the fifth grade with her dad and now goes an average of once a week.

“It makes me feel happy. It’s a lot of fun and a good workout,” said Seiler. “The hardest part is at the very end when your forearms feel dead and you keep slipping.”

Many, like Seiler, treat climbing as a workout and find the challenges involved very rewarding.

“You feel powerful and usually exhausted. Finally getting that route after trying over and over again is an amazing feeling,” said Drew Levine ‘15.

Levine heard about Climb Kalamazoo through word of mouth support from friends, and began climbing more seriously over winter break.

Some students agree that climbing isn’t necessarily the hardest part.

“Belaying can be difficult. You have to keep up with your partner, which can be hard if you’re easily distracted like me,” said Nick Norman ‘15.

According to climbkalamazoo. org, a belayer is an individual who secures a rope with the purpose of protecting the climber from falling by lowering the climber off the wall to set them on the ground.

One partner is needed because to use the ropes both a climber and a belayer is necessary. However, Climb Kalamazoo does offer a few self belaying walls (no partner needed).

Climbing is an activity that provides many with a good balance of challenges and accomplishments.

“If there’s a route that I still cannot get, it makes me feel frustrated but determined to the climb the route fully,” said Jarod Russell ‘15.

Nick Norman ‘15 and Emma Seiler ‘16 rock their way to the top in Kalamazoo. Photos by Sarah Bommer and Emma Seiler.

11 || lifestyle

the trojan torch

Fashion statements: Is there a difference between underclassmen and upperclassmen?

Kaitlin Rietkerk staff writer There comes a time in some people’s lives, whether it be temporary or not, where you just stop caring about appearances. Many people think senior year is that time at Plainwell High School.

The apparel choices between the seniors and the freshmen and sophmores appears to differ in general, as do their reasons for dressing the way that they do.

Paige Rachut ‘15 helped

shed a little light on the subject. “(I don’t dress up because) I’m very lazy,” said Rachut.

Rachut is not the only senior girl who shares this opinion.

“I just like the idea of being warm and comfortable throughout the day,” said Paige Burley ‘15.

Many students are in agreement.

“Nobody wants to sit in a desk chair for eight hours a day and feel awkward in their own clothes, but for

some students they would rather be uncomfortable than dress down,” said Lily Cyr ‘17.

Students like Jasmyn Johnston ‘18 do not agree.

“Yes I dress up, because it doesn’t only show respect for myself but it respects people around me so they know I try to work hard at school by looking my best,” said Johnston.

“Honestly, I didn’t notice the difference (between the grades),” said Aerobics instructor Dawn Baad.

february 18, 2015

One for the road Plainwell, being the small town that it is, often finds teens who are looking for something to do, a concert to see, but there aren’t any...right? Not true. Check out this column every issue for some suggested shows nearby.

Lights: coming to The Intersection (Grand Rapids) March 10 Taking Back Sunday: coming to The Fillmore (Detroit) March 11 Kid Ink: coming to Fox Theatre (Detroit) March 14 Miranda Lambert: coming to Van Andel Arena (Grand Rapids) March 15 Fifth Harmony: coming Royal Oak Music Theatre (Royal Oak) March 16 10 Years: coming to Planet Rock (Battle Creek) March 17 Maroon 5: coming to The Palace of Auburn Hills (Auburn Hills) March 18 Parachute: coming to Royal Oak Music Theatre (Royal Oak) March 20 Neil Diamond: coming to The Palace of Auburn Hills (Auburn Hills) March 20 Andy Grammer with Alex & Sierra and Paradise Fears: coming to The Crofoot (Pontiac) March 26 Bob Seger: coming to The Palace of Auburn Hills (Auburn Hills) March 26 Heart: coming to Van Andel Arena (Grand Rapids) March 28

Emily Young ‘17 and Kari Havenaar ‘15 each model their own fashion statement. Photo by Maiah Lesher.

12 || lifestyle

the trojan torch

february 18, 2015

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BY MICHAEL CARROLL STAFF WRITER

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Ten songs about shelter, or lack thereof.

A split record between the bands Ramshackle Glory and Ghost Mice, Shelter was conceived to talk about the different places the bands have called home, like communes, cars, and bushes.

The sounds of Shelter is classic folk punk. Acoustic guitars strum along simple chord progressions, and are backed with even more simple electric guitar lines. True to both bands individual style trumpets, piano, and strings are also featured in the songs. The trademark accordian of Ramshackle Glory is also featured.

Ramshackle Glory’s half of the split is more professional in it’s sound, but darker in it’s tone. The songs are mostly angry and bitter. “I hope I die before I get old/Hell, I just hope I die before the spoon gets cold/Sing it with me now, while we still got our lungs/Here’s to being young,” from “Here’s to Being Young” showcases this.

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Ghost Mice has a more natural sound, still quality recordings but they feel like it’s in a basement, garage, or someone’s porch.

The tone is for the most part cheery, and you feel good after listening.

Overall, the lyrics are clever, at times humorous, and delivered full of emotion. Pat “the Bunny”’s (of Ramshackle Glory) voice is rough and very intense. His songs have a bleaker outlook and his former addiction issues are present in the lyrics.

Chris Clavin’s (of Ghost Mice) voice is more gentle and his songs lyrics are uplifting; even his darkest song ends on a relatively positive note.

Similar artists to those featured on Shelter are This Bike Is a Pipe Bomb, Defiance, Ohio, and Andrew Jackson Jihad.

The best song on this split is “Here’s to Being Young”. Not only is this song exciting and well performed, but the subject matter of the song is so gritty. The song doesn’t do anything to hide the realities of being addicted to drugs and on the street.

The worst song is “No Shelter”. Another uptempo song, with band members yelling in the background and thrashing on cymbals. The song just doesn’t feel finished, it feels short and underdeveloped.

This album is well executed.

The songs on both halves of the

split fit well, and the halves flow together well. The theme of home is carried through and all of the songs contribute to it in their own way.

Many songs are exciting and listening to it can get you fired up. Other songs are deep, and heartfelt, like “Love Song for the Birds In Our Backyard”.

The album does suffer from some lack of relatability; not all of us have been in a punk commune house. That’s the purpose of the album however, to discuss the many strange places the bands have taken shelter.

If you like punk or ska, music you should check this album out, or if you are just looking for something different.

9/10 Stars

Image from: RamshackleGlory.com

13 || lifestyle

the trojan torch

february 18, 2015

Kingsman is crowned best action movie of 2015

Image from kingsmanmovie.com QUINN NEWLAND STAFF WRITER This time of year movie releases often hit a lull, 50 Shades mania notwithstanding, we’ve already been disappointed by The Boy Next Door and Jupiter Ascending this month alone. Kingsman: The Secret Service is here to save us from these dastardly villains. Not only is it genuinely fun and entertaining, it’s also a gleeful send up of the spy genre.

The story goes that there’s a secret organization of crime stoppers that has been saving the world for years.

When they lose one of their members, they have to find a replacement, and fast. Enter Gary “Eggsy” Unwin, a troubled youth with previous run-ins with the law. Will he be just the person they’re looking for?

There is no way the casting could have been better.

From Colin Firth as the mentor who see’s the best in Egg-

sy, to Michael Caine who is the head of their secret organization ,to the eventual villain Samuel L. Jackson.

Everyone absolutely kills their respective roles. Even Eggsy himself, played by relative newcomer Taron Egerton, shows an absolute mastery of this type of action-spy role.

However, Samuel L. Jackson is definitely the stand-out, as the signature villain with a lisp. He’s crazy and violent, but above all, fun to watch.

Matthew Vaughn has been a director to watch for a while now, but this has solidified him as a top talent in hollywood. He gave up directing the new “X-Men” movie for this, and after watching you’ll be able to tell why. The way he shoots and frames every scene shows a deep understanding of how action films are meant to be.

The one small weak spot in the film is the script. It’s not always believable, and sometimes it even gets a little

corny. However, most of the time it’s so ridiculous that you’ll be having a blast anyway.

Kingsman is violent, it’s crazy, and it’s the most fun you’ll have in theaters so far this year. It may not always be the most believeable, but for what it is, it doesn’t need to be. It’s loud, explosive fun.

4/5 lighter grenades

NAPA AUTO PARTS PLAINWELL AUTO SUPPLY CO. 155 North Main St. Plainwell, MI 4980 269-685-5817

14 || sports

the trojan torch

february 18, 2015

New season, new swimmers, and new challenges

The swim and dive team celebrate after competing in an intense meet. Photo by Andrea Murphy.

BY KARLEE GAUTHIER AND AAYRN JEWELL STAFF WRITERS “Trojans, what is your profession?”

This team chant is very significant for this year’s Men’s Swim and Dive team.

A new group of swimmers, new teams, and a new season. This year will bring some tough trials to the table, though team members say they are up for the challenge.

“With new teams in the men’s swim league, this years upcoming conference championship is going to be more difficult to medal in the top 8 and top 16,” said Captain Ben Miller ‘15.

“Even with sickness and other activities like musical and ACT prep, we are progressing through the season almost as planned,” said Head Swim Coach John DuBois.

The winter sports season has started and the men’s swim and dive team is on its way to conference championships then state. The team has a record of 3-3 in the conference and 3-6 overall as of Feb. 16.

“If we look at the amount of senior talent we lost last

year we are doing amazing,” said Luke Woltanski ‘16.

With the loss of teammates and valuable seniors, DuBois believes they will be just as strong.

“The team this year has really been different, being used to having a larger team we have lower numbers this year with only one freshmen that moved up,” said DuBois, “We need to do a better job of recruiting for next year”.

“Being a part of a team with smaller numbers is more challenging, we all have to swim things sometimes that we don’t usually swim for the good of the team,” said Chase Cushman ‘17.

With six conference meets under their belt, they have had a chance to learn from their mistakes, and make some improvements.

“Our meet against Sturgis could have gone a lot better and we will be looking forward to swimming against them again at conference, they will be our main target team,” said DuBois.

Miller believes Otsego is their biggest rival, just like any other Plainwell sports team. Being so geographically close, the two teams have

a chance to get to know their rivals better and compete often.

“Our rival team is definitely Otsego,” said Woltanski.

“I would really like to see us scare the tar out of them and I would like us to beat them”.

“We are better than them, maybe not physically but definitely mentally and emotionally,” said Liam MacRitchie ‘16.

“Even though Otsego has beat us many years before its our turn,” said Brendan Edgington ‘17. “We’ve been preparing for the big matchup with Otsego by increasing yardage, critiquing strokes, and fixing any small error in dives, turns and finishes.”

Although swimming is a competitive sport, they don’t get stands full of people who come to watch and cheer them on. Its not like football or basketball, not many students come see these swimmers achieve their goals.

Through admissions, only 10 percent of people that come to support the swimmers are students, compared to basketball games were usually 50 percent of the population is students.

It sometimes comes down to the last event in swim-

ming and who knows what the score will turn out to be.

Points are awarded according to what place each swimmer on the team finishes in.

They could win or lose by the awesome or disappointing one point difference that came from someone getting fifth place instead of sixth.

Swim and Dive Team premeet rituals start with going to Subway before every meet, racing to get to there to be first in line.

When they arrive back at the pool before warm up, many have different ways of getting prepared for their races.

“I recite the General Patton speech(in my mind) that he gave to the troops before WWII battles started, before every meet,” said Woltanski.

“I just sit by myself and concentrate on what is going to happen in my races,” said Jonas Mevenkamp 15’.

Teammates believe the relationship that joins these individuals is much stronger than just a sports team.

“Our relationship is very unique, we are very close,” said MacRitchie. “Being a family is a much better than just being team mates.”

“Even being a first year high school swimmer I think our bond is like a brotherhood,” said Tyler McClenny ‘18.

“We all support each other and we all hold each other to the same standards,” said Jack Widman ‘17.

“A coach is not only a person who teaches you the sport they also help you become a better person overall,” said Woltanski.

DuBois likes teaching the reasonings and concepts of everything that applies to swimming and real life.

“Being a coach for 40 years still doing the same thing, I like the challenge of making

young people better. When we work hard, it turns out good and they swim fast,” said DuBois. “The men’s program usually has some hard working young men with alot of commitment of time and effort to the sport, which is what i like to see them learn from this program throughout the years”. “ Coach has been a great help the last four years, I have learned so many things to help me get through life”, said Miller.

These individuals have been swimming for three to ten years, but regardless of how long they have been swimming teammates say they still love the sport and the competition.

“Having that big of a commitment to something and staying with it, really helps a high school sport develop into an amazing program,” said Assistant Coach Andrea Murphy.

Many of the boys this year really want to qualify for state. While others have a different mind set, Miller wants to break the 100 Breaststroke record on the record board, Woltanski wants to get a 1:50.00 in the 200 Freestyle, which is below state qualifying time at a 1:53.99.

Towards the end of the season the men start to think about Conference, State and Taper.

Taper is the practice of reducing exercise in the days or weeks before an important competition. A significant period of tapering is essential to perform well at a big meet.

“Getting them to realize how important conference will be, is the difficult part.

Taper helps them get excited and rested to swim fast,” said DuBois, “This gives them the energy and excitement to swim fast the next day at conference.”

15 || sports

the trojan torch

february 18, 2015

What is Trojan Fitness is all about?

BY BROOKE PELL STAFF WRITER With spring break just around the corner, some are feeling it’s time to get back into their swim suit body.

Trojan Fitness is an afterschool workout group on Mondays and Wednesdays. It starts at 3 p.m. right outside the weight room.

The workouts are a combination of cardio, strength, coordination and agility, all based off of the program CrossFit. Led by teacher Chase Mielke, the group does all sort of different workouts aimed at all fitness levels.

“I got the most gains in the shortest amount of time,” said Mielke explaining why he chose the CrossFit-based workouts.

Mielke enjoys working out right after school in a positive group for more motivation.

“I try to structure the workout with people always supporting, clapping, and high fiving each other from start to finish,” said Mielke.

He says he wants the students to feel like they have a safe place to work out in with no judgments.

“It is a comfortable workout environment for all dif-

ferent abilities,” said Matias Amaro’ 15.

Many students enjoy the combination of a positive environment with a challenging workout.

“Trojan Fitness pushes you to actually do the work,” said Hunter Born’ 15, “The workouts have a high intensity so you get a better workout in shorter time.”

Working out in school is a totally new experience for foreign exchange student Hilda Holmstrom ‘15.

“We don’t have in-school sports teams. If you want to be fit you have to join a gym on your own,” said Holmstrom.

“I like having someone tell me what to do for a workout.

It’s a fun way to keep your body fit,” he says.

Whether a student is an athlete or not, Trojan Fitness will give a challenging workout for an individual’s own ability The workouts range from 30 minutes to an hour.

The most that participate on any given day is 20 people, but varies.

No signup is required.

Anyone can drop in at any time, regardless of fitness level.

STEP 1: Stand with your arms over your head

STEP 2: Jump while still holding your arms up

STEP 3: Squat into a tight position, touching the ground

STEP 4: Go out into a plank, keep a tight core then lower into a push up

Isaac Shaw ‘16 demonstrates the key steps to a burpee, one of the workout steps in Trojan Fitness Photos by Maiah Lesher

Snowboarding in the city: a new thrill for daredevils

BY JAMES BABBIT AND NICK LAFOUNTAIN STAFF WRITERS

The freezing temperatures are blasting you in the face and the beaming lights are shining down on you as your shredding down the fresh hills, except instead of being on the slopes you’re in the middle of the city.

Urban Snowboarding is about finding and creating urban features in towns and cities, where riders find stairways with handrails, walls

to ride, gaps to jump, random thing to slide, jib or stall on.

“With wide stances and soft boards, the urban style is commonly straight legged and very technical at slower speeds.

Many urban riders like using a shorter board also, which lowers swing weight and allows for quicker spins and change ups, according to Snowboard-Coach.com Jarrett Comai ‘16 is always looking for new things to jump and shred.

“The mind of the urban

snowboarder is different, driving down the road you’re always looking at different spots to hit, different rails to grind, different gaps to clear.” said Comai.

Small towns like Plainwell offer fewer options compared to bigger cities like Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.

“The best riders in Michigan are the unknown kids out there throwing down on urban terrain. They’re the ones asking you, Mom and Dad, for a Banshee Bungee, or maybe if you’re super lucky they’re

set up with one of those fancy winches. This isn’t happening at the resorts. These kids are shlepping their gear out to the local park to find handrails, stairs, drops, walls - you name it,” said miskireport. com.

When you’re riding at Timber Ridge or Bittersweet you’re constantly being watched from above; when you mess up or fall you will be laughed at, that’s just a part of skiing or snowboarding, but not when you’re urban riding.

As recently as the 1980s, ski areas generally banned jumping and any kind of aerial maneuvers, usually under penalty of revoking the offender’s lift ticket. By the 1990s, most areas provided snow features specifically catering to aerial snowsports.

But some still prefer urban snowboarding.

“You don’t get nervous while you’re riding. It’s you and your homies. Plus its FREE!” says Cole Evans ‘16.

16 || photo

the trojan torch

#twinning

february 18, 2015 Photo by Comedy Central

Sara White ‘17

Adam Devine Zach Chamberlin ‘16

Ms.Kladder Photo by Wikimedia

Photo by Wikimedia

Justin Bieber

Haley Holly ‘16 Mason Burr ‘16

Selena Gomez Photo by Wikipedia

Photo by Wikimedia

Taylor Stansbury ‘15

Lorde Local photos by Maiah Lesher Others are public domain

Leslie Shaw ‘16

Amber Heard