Torch January 2015

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

07

New stores mean choices

14

Working out for a better weight room

More on the leadership class on page 7. Photo by Maiah Lesher.

ISSUE 4, VOL. 65 || January 2015

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

02 || opinion

the trojan torch

january 28, 2015

The Trojan Torch Volume 65, Issue 4 January 28, 2015

Play the cards you have How controversial subjects can help students

BY KAITLIN RIETKERK STAFF WRITER

Editor-in-Chief: Camille Willbrandt

News Editor: Alex Beals

Lifestyle Editor: Sarah Bommer

Photo Editor: 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

Opinion Editor: Rob Murgittroyd

Feature Editor: Shelby Lentz

Sports Editor: Emily Totten

Business Editor: 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.

Religion; it’s a part of most every culture, and is often present in historical events and literature.

Religion is going to come up at school, and for some students, this controversial subject is sometimes going to cause discomfort, or even a feeling of harassment.

That’s just a small portion of what you will have to deal with in the real world.

When we finish our time at Plainwell High School and go to college or get jobs, there will be millions of opinionated people who will try to stuff their thoughts and opinions down your throat.

For a lack of a more explicit phrase, suck it up buttercup.

As always, there are those who disagree with the “deal with it” philosophy, like one anonymous student.

“Any religious topics that are taught is just another way for spiritual students to try to make atheists believe in some form of God, and I would rather not have them be forced on me,” one Plainwell sophomore said.

Whether that is the intention of the topics or not, you’re going to face subjective topics on a day-to-day-basis in this big, bad world.

There are some instruc-

‘As always, there are those who disagree with the ‘deal with it’ philosophy...’ tors, like English teacher Alex Stacy, who would still teach controversial subjects, even if it wasn’t in the curriculum.

“It can bring awareness to certain aspects that you could possibly have to face,” says Stacy.

The U.S. Department of Education guidelines state, “Public schools may not provide religious instruction, but they

may teach about religion... in the history of the United States and other countries all are permissible public school subjects.”

Therefore no rules are being broken by the teachings of a religious topic in the classroom, as long as they are not instructing like a preacher and expecting conversion.

So next time you’re in class, and a fellow student says something that’s religious, or otherwise controversial. Instead of getting bitter about it, just deal with it.

There will always be controversial subjects, and people to draw their own conclusions.

There will always be class discussions about rape, abortion, marijuana legalization, and society’s morals.

These essential conversations challenge others to think, and inspire more thoughts to lead to thoughtful conclusions.

Be respectful of both sides, but you don’t have to jump into the fight. Choose your battles carefully.

This precaution can save you from an argument similar to, “which came first, the chicken or the egg?”

Topics today deemed controversial, like religion, can play an important role in the everyday values of our lives. Photo from MCT Campus/Tribune News Service.

03 || opinion

the trojan torch

A message to teachers regarding daily announcements...

SHUT UP!

Beep! At the end of announcements, you’re left puzzled about what was said because your teacher wouldn’t stop teaching.

Many students are involved in extracurricular activities, and they need to listen to the announcements for important information.

“I’m in swimming and National Honor Society,” said Anthony Pierce ‘16.

Club leaders, coaches, and teachers who run special classes frequently have announcements for their students.

“That causes problems for a lot of other teachers in the building because they rely on students getting this information,” said Blu News teacher Keven Badalamente.

“I think they are doing a disservice to students and to their fellow staff members, myself being somebody who runs clubs, I think it’s kinda important to do announcements,” said Spanish teacher Andrew Hansen.

Students who miss announcements can miss out on fun opportunities, or they could have their position in prestigious groups like National Honor Society jeopardized.

“There are a lot of kids that are upset by that and they miss things that they wanna hear about. Whether it’s a blackout for the basketball game, or it’s a meeting that they need to be at. I think that those are important things,” said Hansen.

“If I don’t know about the NHS meeting, and I miss it, there are consequences for

that,” said Pierce.

Many students also consider it rude that teachers don’t respect the hard work they do to put together their broadcasting.

“As far as students go, I think they have made it pretty clear that they feel slighted that teachers refuse to see what they are doing or see what they are participating in, but while they are in their class, they have to show the teacher everything,” said Badalamente.

Teachers who teach over the announcements argue that they can’t lose the instructional time the announcements take up.

“I teach during the announcements because if I don’t, my fifth period will fall behind because I teach for the duration of all of my other classes, and if my fifth hour misses that content they will fall behind further and further. So to keep them caught up I have to use that time,” said math teacher Ben Bakalyar.

It is true that time is lost during the announcements that isn’t lost in other classes, and this can lead to a class falling behind. However, other teachers disagree.

“I also, as a teacher, value instructional time but I would be willing to have a conversation with any of our teachers and say, ‘hey do you think its educationally relevant for us to take four or five minutes out of this day and present some things that are going on in our school, for good, for better, for worse, whatever,’” said Hansen.

“I think that as professionals we probably have the skill set to plan for that and work around it. It might not make things easier, and I know that anytime you are making things harder, nobody ever wants to join in,” said Hansen.

At the end of the day, professional teachers should have the necessary skills to work around losing five minutes of their class, to ensure their students hear the information they truly need.

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73

Yes

Rob’s Rants Why can’t the school give credit where credit is due?

Does your teacher play Blu News during second hour? Do they stop for announcements fifth hour?

Number of students

BY MICHAEL CARROLL STAFF WRITER

january 28, 2015

No

To give credit where credit is due is a proper way to live to ensure fairness.

Students of Plainwell High School understand the struggle for credit after spending hour upon hour glued to chairs, ears expected to be open.

This task is easily achieved by many. Go to class, sit down, shut up, listen, and leave. Everyday.

Congratulations to those students.

I don’t mean to stereotype, but I can only assume the students with perfect attendance are the people who go home to no worries.

All day to do homework (since I can also only assume these people have no social lives or jobs).

However, more realistic student expectations would be that they most certainly have a job to go to after a day at school. It shouldn’t be lunacy to assume a normal student would enjoy having time with friends.

I’m a realistic student.

School, work, homework, friends, and still more expectations added to that every day. Therefore, I produce realistic results. I’m not going to go to school every single day when I may be facing a stressful day ahead, and students like myself shouldn’t be punished for missing classes just because of red tape regulation.

Handbook policy for absences is seven. Excused, unexcused, they don’t care.

Any more than seven, you better apply for credit restoration.

They don’t care if you may have an A in the class,

proving that you most certainly understand the material, nope. They just care if you were there enough days to deem you “credible.”

The notion doesn’t make sense. Doesn’t the school want to prove to others that they have smart students by being able to show others how many of their students receive credit?

Wouldn’t it make more sense to give kids with excessive absences and a perfect grade the benefit of the doubt in regards to if they understand the material?

But no. If you have that eighth absence, you have no idea what’s going on in class.

There’s no way you deserve credit after that eighth absence.

Now let’s be clear, a boundary on the number of absences is completely justifiable to ensure students know their limits.

However, the problem with the current policy is that every student is treated in the same dim light.

The idea that if you have many absences, you don’t understand the material and aren’t passing the class, but it’s simply not the case.

The solution? Just simply deal with excessive absences on a student-tostudent basis.

Maybe they need major help getting to school, or staying in school. Or maybe, they could just have something better to do.

04 || opinion

the trojan torch

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january 28, 2015

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Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Remember Albert Einstein’s perfect definition of insanity.

This will be the theme of Our Voice.

The common saying about relationships goes, “Once a cheater, always a cheater.”

The editors of The Torch feel the same.

After recent answers to our questions on the last issue’s love five by five, we feel as though it’s necessary to make our own opinions clear when it comes to dealing with a cheater.

We find all cheaters to be the same, guilty of ruining relationships. The truth is, you can’t have your cake and eat it too. The fact that a cheater is composed of someone who already has more than others, but also decides that they want more, proves without a doubt that a cheater is just selfish person.

However, cheaters are surprisingly 99 percent of the problem when it comes blaming a dysfunctional relationship. The remaining one percent? This belongs to the naive enabler of anyone that would ever take a cheater back. Let’s look closely at the thought process of taking a cheater back, and see if we can make any sense of it at all.

Ok, so you hear troubling gossip. You follow through, and sure enough, gossip becomes reality. Your cheater insists a lapse of judgment, extenuating circumstances, whatever. They plead for a second chance.

Remember the theme of Our Voice? This is where insanity plays a role in judgment making. Do you take another spin at the whole situation again, or do you just get off the unsavory roller coaster?

Well, it depends on if you’re insane or not.

It’s simple, put the pain in terms of physical instead of emotional, and the decision is clear. Would you touch a hot stove twice? We hope not.

Save yourself the pain, learn from your mistakes.

Someone who cheats on you obviously puts you AT LEAST second on their list of priorities, but in reality they probably don’t care about you at all.

Complimentary community service

BY AARYN JEWELL STAFF WRITER Believe it or not, students may not be wasting 40 hours of their time doing community service for a graduation requirement.

Yes, they can use every single hour reffing some little kid sport that they don’t enjoy to just get the community service done, or they could spend their time learning valuable life skills, and changing perspectives.

Those 40 hours might look intimidating at first, but the time will pass by a lot quicker if you’re doing something you enjoy.

A lot of students have a different viewpoint on community service and how influential it is.

“I have all my service hours complete now, but I just don’t like doing community service. I could be using my time working for money instead, and I’m not big on talking to people,” says Brooke Vist ‘15.

Other students have started early, and have found options that they enjoy.

“I had 40 hours of community service before school even started my freshman year,” says Laura Jones ‘17.

Jones has participated in the Plainwell Christmas project, Plainwell Boosters, Mission trips, and Red Barn.

There are endless opportunities for community service.

Positive Psychology teacher Chase Mielke took the class that fall on a field trip to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, then trekked around Kalamazoo to spread positivity by giving out compliments,

sharing papers with inspiring quotes, and giving free hot chocolate.

This trip was designed to show how serving can make an impact on yourself, and your attitude towards others.

‘It was an awesome opportunity [to volunteer].’

“It was a little uncomfortable at first talking to people I didn’t know, and listening to their story. But it was fascinating seeing and listening about a life outside of my own.

It made me more happy,” says Caitlin Honeysett ‘17.

Honeysett now looks at life through a new perspective.

Garett McCormick ‘17 now also thinks differently about volunteering in his community.

“It was an awesome opportunity. It taught me that just because someone doesn’t have a home, doesn’t mean they aren’t the same. It was cool to see that just someone to talk to could make their day,” says McCormick.

Serving your community can push you out of your comfort zone and teaches you valuable life skills.

“I can understand it being hard for people, especially when they are shy, or they are volunteering for something they don’t enjoy, but it can impact you by giving you different social skills,” says Jones.

“It’s a great experience, it teaches you about work ethic, and it’s definitely an eye opener,” says Honeysett. Honeysett has volunteered at the Lifecare Center, the Plainwell Christmas project, and at the Gospel Mission.

So instead of using all of hours up at something you don’t want to do, expand your comfort zone. Look at other options.

There are endless ways to spend your time volunteering, ways that you might actually enjoy, and continue to do even after your 40 hours are done.

Students looking for opportunities to perform community service can find suggestions during the morning announcements, and on the bulletin board in the main office.

The symbol for the Hands2hands project radiates hope and unity.

Photo by Hands2handsfund.org

05 || news

the trojan torch

january 28, 2015

PHS, are you ready to go ‘Footloose’?

BY NATALlA JOHNSTON STAFF WRITER

the musical this year to make it enjoyable for the audience to watch and listen to.

“I think she is an amazing Students are curious how choir teacher and an amazthe musical Footloose will be ing musician and has a lot to reinterpreted by their peers offer” said Kevin Rice ‘15 . under the direction of new “Mrs. B is doing a good job choir teacher Denise Beauputting the musical together,” champ. said Mykyla Lutz ‘15.

Performances are sched“I’m excited and ready to uled for the end of March. portray my character, I put a This is Beauchamp’s fifth lot of effort in it to make our musical she has participated school musical good,” said in and says this is the first Lutz, who played the lead role play she has done with a in the musicals the two previvery relatable story, unlike ous years. in the past years with plays Haley Betts ‘15 decided like Dr. Seuss stories. to join the musical this year “I’m having a lot of fun because “I love singing and with it and the cast is makI think it’s fun to be on stage ing the musical worth it, you and to express myself,.” should expect a lot of energy, “I really like Mrs. Beausinging, dancing, and some champ and [she is] a fun new laughs as well,” said Beauaddition and [has] a really champ. good outlook of things,” said Beauchamp and the cast Betts. say that a lot of preparation “[I did the musical this and planning has gone into year] because it’s a lot of fun that’s why I did it every year. There’s a lot expected of us and we put in a lot of effort, ” said Olivia Harlow ‘16 “I did the musical last year and there was a lot of singing and not a lot of dialogue. This year there is more dialogue and gives the musical a better 519 E. Bridge St. feeling,” said Jacqueline Brignall ‘17.

Practice this year unexpectedly Plainwell, MI 49080 started weeks early and because of that many students Ph. (269)-685-8772 are glad to get in extra time to practice for the musical. ~Deli Hours~ “Right now I’m really 7 a.m.-7 p.m. excited because we startMonday thru Friday ed really early,” said Brignall.

“I’m mostly excited because we have more time Aaron and Toby than I’ve had in the past to prepare for the musi~Owners~ cal,” said Rice.

With the extra time

Eastside Grocery Of Plainwell

and effort put in by the cast expect “a pretty good show this year and it’s going to be neat and polished” says Brignall.

“It’s going to be cool to be doing a known show and the twists exciting for the audience. They won’t completely know what’ll happen,” said Catherine Lemus ‘16 “So let me tell you, she was busting it out last night at the concert singing all them songs” as Mara Minott ‘15 states about Lemus’ practicing as well as the cast’s.

Lemus’ opinion on Beauchamp being the director is this,“I love her. She is the best.

It’s been really cool to see a new directors perspective and roles laid out differently.”

Betts point of view is, “I really like Beauchamp and a fun new addition as well as a really good outlook of things.”

Both the cast and the audience are expecting a very entertaining musical this year, or as Rice says, “Come ready to laugh.”

The play will be performed Mar. 27, 28, and 29 in the PAC. Ticket prices have yet to be announced.

MyKayla Lutz ‘15 studies her parts in preparation for Footloose.

Photo by Maiah Lesher

Cast

Ren McCormack Kevin Rice Ethel McCormack MyKayla Lutz Reverend Shaw Moore Luke Woltanski Vi Moore Shelby Lentz Ariel Moore Abby Ernst Lulu Warnicker Emily Witteveen Wes Warnicker Will Wetherall Coach Roger Dunbar Sydney Landon Rusty Catherine Lemus Urleen Haley Betts Wendy Jo Kaitlin Oakes Chuck Cranston Jake Almeda

Lyle Luc Almeda Travis Teigen Betts Police Officer Chase King Betty Blast Kendallynn Vandenberg Willard Hewitt Ricky Laduke Principal Harry Clark Luke Sienko Jeter Garrett George Bickle Garrett McCormick Garvin Tyler McClenny Irene Allie Lindauer Cowboy Bob Trent Monroe

06 || news

the trojan torch

january 28, 2015

Snowcoming is just around the corner

Lauren Stefl ‘15 makes a sign promoting the upcoming Snowcoming dance. The dance will be held on Valentine’s Day this year. Photo by Maiah Lesher.

BY BROOKE PELL STAFF WRITER From spirit week, to the basketball game, to getting all dressed up with your friends and dancing the night away, it all makes up the big event; Snowcoming!

Spirit week is designed to get the students excited about

the Snowcoming basketball game and dance.

“We aren’t sure what the themes will be yet, but they may incorporate with the Valentine’s theme,” said Kaitlin Oakes’ 15.

“The dance will probably be Valentine’s Day theme, but it will run as a normal dance as it stands,” said Student Sen-

ate adviser Andrew Hansen.

Students are having different opinions about the dance being on Valentine’s Day. “I like the idea. It’s a good mix of friends, boyfriend, Valentine’s Day, and dancing,” said Abigail Sturman ‘16.

While some students like the idea, others don’t.

“It’s a couples thing. It’s too

sappy,” said Gabrielle Torres ‘16.

Students will fill the gym Friday night, for the basketball game. The Trojans will be taking on Three Rivers high school.

“They were all right last year, but I think we can beat them,” said E.J. Finch’ 15. A win will pump up the whole

school, and make for a great dance.

“So let me tell you. I think it’s cool for people who have boyfriends, but uncool for the people who don’t, like me. We just have to bust it out and have fun with it,” said Mara Minott’ 15.

But before you come to Snowcoming... ...there are a few things you should know!

-Tickets will go on sale starting Feb. 4 and will be sold through Feb. 13.

-Tickets will be sold for $7 apiece.

-The dance is scheduled for Feb. 14.

-The dance will be held between 8-11 p.m.

-The dance is a Sadie Hawkins dance this year (meaning the girls ask the guys out)

07 || news

the trojan torch

Students learn how to lead and take charge

BY BRYCE JANSSEN & COURTEZ HOLBROOK STAFF WRITERS High school students rarely get to be in a leadership position, other than being first in the lunch line or first to try a new app that becomes a trend.

Now there is a class that might help inform students on how to be a better leader.

“I feel like it is important for the principal to know what it’s like to be in the classroom.” said Principal Jeremy Wright. This is one of the reasons why he created a new leadership class.

This class is filled with

many activities. For instance, one activity is the trust walk.

In the trust walk there are two kids per partnership; one is blindfolded, the other is not.

The person without the blindfold has to lead the other all around the school.

“This activity was really fun and entertaining,” says Jaiden Kohls ‘16, one of the many students in the class.

Wright hand-picked a few of the students but the majority of them picked up the class on their own.

“I just walked up to him and asked him about (the class)”, says Isaac Shaw ‘16.

Does Principal Wright fit the part for this class? Mul-

tiple students from the class including Shaw and Kohls felt that he was a great teacher and there was no better match.

“I think he fits the part so well because he is the leader of the school,” said Sara White ‘17.

The class and its curriculum was inspired by the Capturing Kids Hearts program.

According to its website, the program is a powerful process that transforms schools by building trusting relationships among teachers, staff and students.

This class also involves speeches with topics such as money management, becom-

ing a better son or daughter, becoming a better parent, just becoming a better person in general.

It also has a book with topics like self confidence and team bonding.

Special education teacher Meghan Janiga sometimes helps Wright with his class.

Shaw says, “She’s a really nice teacher”.

Wright says he has always wanted to teach a class like this and when he decided to create the class he thought “what better person to teach this class than me”?

He plans on continuing on the class for the next few years and see where it leads.

New businesses bring convenience, choice

BY KYLE SOULE STAFF WRITER There are old businesses in Plainwell like the Eesly Mill that is about 100 years old, but a new era of businesses is coming in.

Among them are Aldi, Southwicks, Salvino’s, Culver’s, and there are rumors that a Jimmy Johns might be coming to Plainwell.

The Aldi grocery store was put in by the Otsego Township Board next to Circle K after they decided to demolish three buildings.

The building is approximately 17,018 square feet according to mlive.com. It offers prices up to 50 percent lower than other supermarkets.

Carnell Johnson, who moved to the area four years ago, says that he loves the new Aldi because it’s closer than going all the way into Kalamazoo. The store has many nice people working there, he said.

If you like to hunt for your own food instead of going to a grocery store, you’re in luck!

A new gun store has made its home in Plainwell. Southwicks is located on M-89 next

Southwick’s is a new gun store that opened in Plainwell next to Walgreen’s. It is one of many businesses that have opened recently. Photo by Maiah Lesher

to Walgreens.

There’s a variety of guns from handguns to long arms but there’s a fair amount of space on the shelves. The ammunition variety may be a little weak, according to some people who have visited, but the prices compared to other stores that sell guns are competitive.

They have a license to sell silencers and self defence shotguns. Future plans include a shooting range for CPL classes and recreational shooting.

There’s been a rumor around that a Jimmy Johns will be opened in the area and all the rumors are true!

The man behind it all is the owner of the franchise, Darren Conklin. ”I own the rights, I just haven’t found a good place yet,” he said.

He owns a store in Battle Creek as well. He says he’s training people there for the job, and says he has about 1820 people so far. He also said he needs more drivers because they will be delivering.

The manager will be Matt Grove, a Plainwell High School graduate.

“It could possibly be open by the end of the school year.”

Conklin said.

Plainwell student Sean Murphy says he’s excited and will go everyday.

A new Italian restaurant has surfaced called Salvino’s.

It’s next to Walmart on M 89.

It’s said to be opened later this month. The same people that own Uccello’s in Wayland own this place as well.

“They have a similar menu and great prices,” said Nick Lafountain, who currently works at the Uccello’s location in Wayland, but will be transferring to the Plainwell location when it opens. “Its supposed to be busy when it first opens!” Lafountain said.

Also coming soon will be a Culvers, according to allegannews.com. It will be located at 1316 M-89 in Otsego Township, on a currently vacant lot just down from McPherson Plastics. Plans filed with the township state that it will have two driveways, capacity for 100 people, and lists a patio area.

january 28, 2015 NEWS FLASH

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

LOCAL: A 193 vehicle pile- up occured Jan. 9 on eastbound I-94 heading towards Detroit, just outside of Galesburg.

A Jackson man died Jan. 14 after he jumped off of a TV tower and his parachute failed to deploy.

A former Grand Rapids Catholic Central tutor was sentenced to between 8 to 25 years in prison for having sex with a 15 year-old student.

STATE: Gov. Rick Snyder delivered his State of the State address Jan. 20 A federal judge has ordered the state to recognize 300 samesex marriages that were filed after a 2004 state ban on them was struck down in March, 2014 The Michigan state legislature started it’s new session Jan. 14.

NATIONAL: An 18 year-old New York woman becomes engaged to her father. after two years of dating.

A 32-year-old man in Japan died after playing combat video games for three straight days.

Speaker of the House John Boehner mocks president Barack Obama’s proposed college plan by manking a allusion to Taylor Swift while in a Congressional session.

President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address Jan. 20.

Sources: WOOD TV 8, WWMTTV 3, and Fox News. Column by Alex Beals

08 || feature

09 || feature

the trojan torch

january 28, 2015

Study more, sleep less, always stressed: Students tackle the difficulty of managing time and stress

BY ALLIE LINDAUER STAFF WRITER Stress can be unavoidable in the life of a teenager.

Whether they’re putting the pressure on themselves or getting it from family at home, it presents itself as a problem.

“Stress just seems like a normal part of life at this point,” said Lily Cyr ‘17. “Even though it still sucks to have, it’s always there.”

While each grade level has unique things to worry about, whether it be college applications as a senior, ACTs as a junior, or a totally new environment as a freshman, there is one they all share: homework.

Many PHS students report spending one hour to four and a half hours on their school work nightly.

“I really enjoy learning languages on my own at home, and when I have to sit and do chemistry for an hour, it takes away from me being able to do a French

lesson or Korean lesson,” said Zach Chamberlin ‘16.

Seven hours of school, four hours of homework, and a minimum of eight hours sleep leaves about five hours a day for extracurricular activities, clubs, personal time, and other responsibilities a student might have such as a parttime job.

“I don’t get a lot of sleep. Sometimes I have to do homework at the dinner table before rehearsal, or in the car on the way to somewhere. I struggle to fit it all in,” said Emily Witteveen ‘15, president of the French Club, along with active musical and Quizbowl member.

Stress takes a significant toll on a chemical level as well.

“There’s this thing called cortisol. It’s a hormone that gets released into the human brain system when anyone feels stressed...

When cortisol floods the human system, part of what it does is it shuts down... the prefrontal cortex... and that part of the brain is the part that handles all those critical thinking, deep thinking skills,” said Positive Psychology teacher Chase Mielke.

“So being able to plan, analyze, and think critically- all of those things are impacted... they don’t work as well when someone is stressed out,” said Mielke.

“When cortisol hits, it causes your body to store more body fat, and it increases your blood pressure, so there are a lot of health effects as well,” said Mielke.

Kevin Badalamente, TV production teacher, said that he believes stress can contribute to a lack of learning.

“Your mind is somewhere other than where you want it to be,” he said. “Your mind is thinking about all these other things you’re stressing on, and it’s not focused in on the learning objective. So, as teachers, we have to help students develop skills and ways to lower their stress, while still being able to comprehend and get our objectives across.”

Learning how to relieve stress could be a simple solution to a common problem. Students claim to use many different tactics, one of the more popular choices being a personal planner to keep track of

Minott is one of a kind and likes it that way

BY KARLEE GAUTHIER STAFF WRITER From her contagious smile, to her larger than life personality, Mara Minott is someone you can’t miss.

“I am a more relaxed person; I am about that no stress life,” said Minott. “ This has made me a very outgoing person who does not care what others think of me.”

“Mara is a free spirit and is always in a good mood and looking for the good in people. She treats everyone the same and she is not afraid to be herself,” said Sarah Morrell ‘15.

“I think Mara is very trustworthy, and she will always keep your secret. She is a great friend, one of a kind,” said Cassidy Steele ‘15.

“Being positive is one of Mara’s best qualities,” said Kari Havenaar ‘15.

“Not only a positive person, but also when you are down she always knows what to say to cheer you up,” said Jessica Nyberg ‘16.

‘Don’t worry about being different because I’m different too, and I totally own it.’

Photo by Kari Havenaar

Noah Blackburn ‘17 struggles to carry the weight of his homework overload.

Photo by Maiah Lesher commitments.

“I have a planner,” says Maya Scott ‘16. “I’m in student senate and the president of my class…so I always write everything down exactly how it needs to go.”

Other choices specified by the teens included setting reminders on their phone, relying on a parent or friend to keep them working, and avoiding distractions until their duties are done.

No matter how difficult it may seem, overcoming stress is possible, according to Brandi Hamming ‘15.

“I believe that if I really try, there is no obstacle that I can’t overcome.”

Minott understands that being outgoing and very talkative are amazing qualities and has chosen to take it to another level, by going to Cornerstone University and majoring in broadcasting communications.

“I plan on being a TV broadcaster one day because I honestly talk 24/7. I want my show to be called Midday with Mara and it will be awesome,” said Minott.

Bringing smiles to everyone’s faces while walking down the hallway, it shows that Minott has a lot of friends and everyone adores her.

“Being friends with everyone would be a very hard thing if you were not Mara because she is so outgoing and loyal its crazy,” said Special Education aide Annalee Johnson.

“Mara is funny, genuine, and a very nice individual,” said Trent Monroe ‘15.

Monroe was on Homecoming Court with Minott this year. Even though Monroe did not meet Minott until this year, he considers her a great friend.

“She always says she got Jesus so she is all good,” said Monroe.

“Being Homecoming queen was one of the awesomest things ever. I love my crown and I had so much fun from powder puff when I broke my nail to being on court with all those great people. But being a true queen isn’t about wearing a pretty crown and dressing up, it’s about taking time to spend with others and trying to make a difference,” said Minott.

Although Minott is outgoing and carefree she’s still no stranger to embarrassment.

“When I was in a prep school in Ann Arbor I had my most embarrassing moment while I was outside playing football in gym class, I was not paying attention and I was lifted off the ground fell backwards and my pants fell down,” said Minott.

It is very rare that Minott is angry, but when she is it’s about people being bullying each other and being racial.

“It gets a sista going when people are bullying each other,” said Minott Some things that not many know about Minott is that her parents are from Jamaica, and she is from here in Michigan. Minott was born right around here in the hospital in Kalamazoo.

Her favorite movie is Diary of a Black Woman and her favorite book is The Bible. Her favorite character from a movie is the hyenas from the Lion King. Her favorite food is a Jamaican beef pattie, favorite drink is root beer.

“Just do you, be happy with what God gave you, there has never been anyone as fantabulous as you are. Don’t let people talk you down you need to stand up for what you believe in, so dont worry about being different because I’m different too and I totally own it,” said Minott.

Mara Mania Her Favorites Season: Fall Animal: Tiger Song: “I Believe” Joshua Ledet Music: Soul/Gospel Color: Bright Orange Holiday: Christmas Actor: Tyler Perry School Subject: Choir

the trojan torch

10 || feature january 28, 2014 New Teachers Adapt

BY KAITLIN RIETKERK STAFF WRITER

Age?

What made you come to PHS? How did people treat you when you first came?

What were your biggest fears coming to PHS? Hardest/easiest thing to adapt to?

Denise Beauchamp

28

Megan Janiga

30

Emily Johnson

30

Stephanie Larson

Alex Stacy

29

25

My husband found a job in Kalamazoo so I was looking for jobs in the area and one opened up here.

I already lived in Plainwell and my daughter will go to school here so I thought I might as well teach here.

To be closer to my girlfriend.

Great! Both the staff and the students were very welcoming.

The kids and the staff members are all very nice to me.

Fine! I didn’t really have any complications.

Really nice, everyone was very welcoming and it helped that I already knew some teachers that taught here as well.

That I wouldn’t like it here and that the kids would absolutely hate me.

I actually came here after the school had already started so i was worried about being behind.

I don’t think I really had any fears I was just nervous about having to learn things again.

I have actually never taught physics so I was afraid that I would completely fail at teaching it.

I really wanted to live up to the standard that this district sets.

The easiest is that I’m still teaching music because that doesn’t change no matter what school you’re at.

The hardest thing was adapting to the schedule here versus the schedule I had at my previous district.

This is the third state where I have worked as an educator so I’ve had to learn all new laws and the state here keeps on changing all the laws.

The easiest thing to adapt to was the students and the hardest thing was the commute.

Readjusting to teaching 9 and 10 graders after teaching 6 graders and adapting to new course material.

Photos by Maiah Lesher

I got married and my husband lived here while I lived in another state so when a position opened I immediately wanted it, Welcoming; everyone was very helpful and that made things run smoothly.

I have a friend who teaches in Otsego and he told me that plainwell is a good school district

Robotics team builds a name for itself, prepares to compete

BY BEN LARABEL STAFF WRITER Robots can be used for a variety of different things; whether it be welding car parts together, or building computers, we rely on the mechanics of robotics daily to function in a “tech savvy” society.

Thanks to the addition of the robotics class at Plainwell High School, every student has the opportunity to advance in the study of constructing robotics.

“The class started last year,” said instructor Nick Nollinger. “We found grants we could apply for, we applied, we received the money, and the class took off.”

The class is made up of multiple groups, each one with a specific duty.

One group is given the task to design the robot, while another is responsi-

ble for actually assembling the robot. There is a group that actually contacts companies to get sponsors for the robot.

When it comes to Robotics, there is no such thing as a normal day.

“It depends, preseason is just learning skills and nothing really happens. Build season is a lot of projects going on, basically mass chaos,” said Jarod Russell ‘15. “There really isn’t a normal day.”

It takes a few days to get organized once the team first gets the robot kit, then once they select a design, that’s when the team gets to work.

“It takes about six weeks to build a fully functional robot,” said Ben Miller ‘15. “It takes a lot of cooperation, collaboration, ingenuity, and prototyping.”

Jarod Russel ‘15 and Ben Miller ‘15 assemble a robobot together. Photo by Maiah Lesher The robot has to be designed to move storage totes and recycle bins for this year’s competition. It will involve not

only class time, but many after school hours to get the robot ready.

Building the robot is not cheap.

“The cost varies on a yearly basis, it really all depends on the materials needed.” Nollinger said, “Although according to FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) rules, no one robot can cost more than $4,000. The money comes from sponsorships, the Dornick Foundation, the State of Michigan, and FRC.” Once the robot is complete, the team tests to make sure the robot works like it should. Then, in first two weeks in March, the team takes it to competitions.

Last year the team and the robot placed 27 out of 40 at their first event at Gull Lake and they placed 19 out of 40 at their second event at Grand Valley State University.

11 || lifestyle

the trojan torch

january 28, 2015

Hospice:

a tale of two lovers and a hospital

MICHAEL CARROLL STAFF WRITER Critically acclaimed, with an 83/100 on Metacritic, the album Hospice was released by The Antlers in March of 2009. Hospice follows the story of a hospice worker who falls in love with a patient who has terminal bone cancer.

Hospice is very atmospheric. The songs are designed to tell a story, and this is achieved through the music in addition to the lyrics. Certain songs are dissonant, with synthesizers and guitar lines mashing together. Other songs have clear, haunting sounds; like the bells on the track “Bear”. In addition, there are also songs, or sections of songs, that have nothing more than simple rock backgrounds. In line with the story of the album synthesized sounds sometimes emulate the alarms on hospital equipment. This helps set the story very well, and reminds the listener that this story takes place in a hospice.

This album does suffer from a bit from poor recording quality, and poor mixing. Certain songs can be balanced so that the effects can be too loud, and become abrasive. Other times a portion of a song can sound fuzzy because of the equipment used. These issues can be attributed to the independent recording of this album, and for the most part overlooked.

The lyrics are the true gem on this album. It is within them that the story of the album is told. Certain songs are written as if you are listening to the main character speak directly, like “Sylvia”. Other songs are written as if a memory of the character’s, like “Epilogue”. You feel the emotional bonds between the characters within lines like, “Sylvia, can’t you see what you are doing?/Can’t you see I’m scared to speak/And I hate my voice ‘cause it only makes you angry.”

The bonds are clearly painful though, and this story isn’t a happy one.

This album is different from most because it really isn’t meant to be listened to as separate songs. It is like a book, each song is a different chapter and they are meant to be listened to in order. With that being said, the best song to listen to is “Epilogue”. This is the climax of the story, the end point. The buildup within the song is felt, as it plays the sound rises in intensity until it crescendos at the end. This paired with the lyrics of this song, which is about the eventual passing of the main characters love at the end of the story, makes for an amazing piece. There is no worst song. Each one is an integral part of the album overall, and they all have merit as musical pieces as well.

Listening to Hospice is sad, and this is a good thing. The story it is trying to tell you is heartbreaking. Someone who is in love with another person who is emotionally damaged and terminally ill. The album conveys this feeling in a very compelling way, and in a way that sounds beautiful. Listen to the album all the way through the first time and pay attention to the lyrics because this album is something special.

10/10 Stars

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.

The Pink Floyd Experience: coming to The Fillmore (Detroit) Feb. 13 Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and Tyga: coming to Joe Louis Arena (Detroit) Feb. 15 Garth Brooks: coming to Joe Louis Arena (Detroit) Feb. 20 Hellyeah, Devour the Day, and Like a Storm: coming to Van Andel Arena (Grand Rapids) Feb. 24 Nickelback with The Pretty Reckless: coming to Van Andel Arena (Grand Rapids) Feb. 24 Meghan Trainor: coming to Saint Andrews Hall (Detroit) March 3 Gabriel Iglesias: coming to Fox Theatre (Detroit) March 7 Ariana Grande with Rixon: coming to Louis Arena (Detroit) March 7 Bo Burnham: coming to Fountain Street Church (Grand Rapids) March 13 Maroon 5, Magic!, and Rozzi Crane: coming to Palace of Auburn Hills (Auburn Hills) March 18 Neil Diamond: coming to Palace of Auburn Hills (Auburn Hills) March 20

Album cover adaptation by Camille Willbrandt.

12 || lifestyle

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january 28, 2015

Society seems to take a toll on the self-esteem of young women at PHS

BY ASHLEY WIDNER STAFF WRITER

The thigh gap, a major trend in the early months of 2014. Photo by Maiah Lesher

the Student like to thank Hart’s Senate Jewelrywould for donating the tiaras for Homecoming

Hart’s Jewelry Fine jewelry and repair

124 North Main St., Plainwell 269-685-5274

By this time, New Year’s resolutions are in full swing. One of the most common goals is to lose weight.

Girls, in particular, usually have one thing in mind: achieving the perfect body.

Whether it is preparing for spring break, getting ready for a sport or just wanting to change this year, the countdown starts now.

The importance in our society of a perfect body image is evident, according to WedMD; studies have shown the numbers in teenage women participating in weight loss programs or trying to alter their body image has grown dramatically.

With the ability to watch TV on the go, read tabloids and check out the “perfect” image set by celebrities, it seems almost impossible to get away from society’s idea of a perfect body.

“Image is what high school is about, and it’s sad. I would love to see the day when people stop comparing themselves to the women in magazines,” said Abby Benson ’16.

Another problem for teenage girls is right in their back pocket: their cell phone.

It’s not difficult to pull up Twitter which features “trending” items, including body types.

Last year it was the thigh gap, this year it is all about being thick. Trends

like these have the potential to crush someone’s self esteem.

“It’s stupid how much effort goes into altering yourself. People shouldn’t conform to our messed up society,” said Caleb Winenger ’16.

WebMD researchers ask the question if sites like these, where you can so easily compare yourself to others, could be one of the reasons for the rise in eating disorders.

“I feel bad for girls constantly feeling the pressure of looking perfect, but guys don’t care as much as they think we do,” said Austin Topp ’16.

It’s not just apps and magazines that can tear girls apart.

Famous singer and role model Meghan Trainor is known for her hit song “All About That Bass.” In this song

‘People shouldn’t conform to our messed up society.’ it’s obvious she wants girls to love their curves but also has a few comments about skinnier girls.

“That song basically shames every skinny girl.

The song is supposed to be about loving your body, but she is putting others down in the process,” said Benson.

Have you ever felt pressure from society to look a certain way?

Yes (78%) No (22%)

Based on a 100 student survey

13 || lifestyle

the trojan torch

january 28, 2015

There’s no grey area when it comes to the Fifty Shades release

BY CHRISTIAN LOBRETTO STAFF WRITER Originally dubbed “mommy porn”, the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy has sold over 1 million copies worldwide, some of which have landed in the hands of PHS students.

The first installment of the trilogy is set to hit theatres Feb. 13.

This drama is based on an affair between a literature student Anastasia Steele (Dakotah Johnson) and wealthy businessman Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). The film is directed by Sam Taylor Johnson and produced by Focus

Features. The film features music by known artists such as Beyoncé, Sia, Ellie Goulding, Rolling Stones and Frank sinatra.

According to M89cinema. com, Fifty Shades of Grey will be rated R due to sexual content including dialogue, some unusual behavior, and graphic nudity.

The Fifty Shades trilogy began as a Twilight fan fiction series published periodically on fan fiction websites, states Atlantic.com.

James later removed the piece from fan-fiction websites and published it on her own website. The trilogy was Image from Flickr.com

first released as ebooks, but quickly rose in popularity due to word-of-mouth support. The erotica series was then picked up by Vintage Books and re-released as paperback novels.

Like many other film adaptations, the book is expected to be better than the movie.

“I hope the plot goes relatively unchanged from the book, but not as much sex in the movie,” said Hannah Perez-Hope ’15.

“It’s gonna be a porno! I don’t think the movie will be as good as the book,” said Kari Havenaar ‘15.

14 || sports

the trojan torch

january 28, 2015

Less popular teams don’t receive credit for accomplishments on course, court, and lane

The varsity competitive cheer team happily marks the occasion competing in a hard contest. Photo by Cindy Mudget.

BY MADISON TRAN STAFF WRITER Football, soccer, basketball, and baseball. These are sports that everyone thinks of when people say “high school sports”.

But many sports are forgotten by not only the student body, but also the administration.

Sports such as golf, cheer, bowling, and many other sport teams have been working hard to get their sports noticed by their classmates and the administration Some sports get almost all of the credit for their accom-

plishments, when in reality other sport teams do just as well.

This year the varsity women’s golf team won conference with a tough battle against Sturgis.

It came down to the last match when Plainwell pulled out a tough win to take home the trophy for the fifth year in a row.

The varsity women’s competitive cheer team has made several accomplishments this year that they haven’t made in a long time.

Plainwell has beat several highly ranked schools in the state and continues to work hard and hopefully qualify

for state.

The bowling team has already scored very high this year and they have been very dedicated and hard working.

“People don’t understand how hard we work at practice every single day and when we are perfecting our rounds before competitions,” says Katie Rush ‘17.

Most sport teams at PHS are given credit for the whole school to hear through the morning announcements.

The golf team, cheer team, and bowling team rarely ever get this opportunity because their accomplishments are not said on the announce-

ments on a regular basis.

Partly this is due to not having Coaches who are in the building as teachers or other workers.

The people who play these sports have been told that what they do is more of an activity than a sport.

“People need to pick up a forty pound golf bag and walk eighteen holes before they tell them golf is not a sport,” says coach Bart Lewis.

The women’s golf team is not alone in feeling this way.

Both the cheer team and the bowling team have heard the similar comments.

“People think of us as the stereotypical cheerleaders off

the movies,” says Cheyenne Stephenson ‘16, “We are far from it.”

Generally you will find a big crowd at a basketball or football game.

But usually, only family and close friends watch and support the lesser known teams perform.

“I dont mind that nobody cares about bowling,” says Ricky LaDuke ‘15, “I just wish we could have more support than what we receive.”

The next bowling competition will be Jan. 29 at Rainbow Lanes at 4:30 p.m.

The next cheer competition will be Jan. 31 at Otsego at 9 a.m.

Burpees for Barbells: a cry for help in weight room

BY AARYN JEWELL STAFF WRITER

There has been a cry for help in the weight room for newer, cleaner, and better equipment.

Trojan Fitness adviser Chase Mielke has answered the call with a “Burpees for Barbells” fundraiser.

The goal will be to raise $2,500 for new equipment.

“This is a great opportunity for a lot of the student body to get involved,” says Mielke.

Students have been complaining about the rusty weights and out of date equipment, and lack of bench press weights.

“I am in the weight room almost every day. It is not bad,

but it could be better. I would like to see more equipment,” said Michael Arnett ‘18.

What does the fundraiser involve?

Students will be contenders of a 30 minute burpee competition.

Each participant will get “pledges” to donate a set amount of money for each burpee the can complete.

Burpees are when you lower into a squat position with your hands flat on the floor in front of you, kick your legs backwards into a pushup position and lower your chest to the floor, push your chest back up to the pushup position thrust both feet forward so you are back in the squat position, then jump up and raise both hands over

your head.

Sports teams can challenge other sports teams, and what ever team completes the most burpees receives a portion of the proceeds to put in the weight room to fit the needs of that particular team.

The date of the fundraiser will be out soon.

See Mielke for any questions.

15 || sports

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january 28, 2015

Wrestling team small but fighting on

BY NICK LAFOUNTAIN STAFF WRITER The wrestling team went from a full roster in 2012 to nine people in 2015.

Kenny Head ‘15 is one of the wrestlers who left the team by choice.

He started the sport in eighth grade becasue of friends.

“I loved wrestling, and how they treated me like family,” Head said.

However, he no longer had the passion for the sport and

earning money seemed more important.

Reasons vary for wrestlers leaving, and students who are still part of the team have mixed feelings about those who left.

“It brought our team downhill, and let down our fellow wrestlers,” said Cam Owens ‘15.

His opinion is that the majority of those who left didn’t like where the program was going.

Stouffer, who has led the team since the 2011-12 season, thinks that the smaller ros-

ter will improve individual wins.

“We will be left with only the kids that want to be there and work hard. This will improve us with a strong base for future teams,” Stouffer said.

He had to change his coaching strategy a lot since 2012, as the number of wresters has shrunk.

“I have individualized practices much more so that I can help individual wrestlers become better at the things they do individually,” explained Stouffer.

Everyone has an opinion about the future of the team.

“I predict that the team will have the highest number of wrestlers to finish the season with winning records,” said Stouffer.

“I see the program getting better but it will take some reconstruction,” Head said.

“The team is going to succeed as individuals,” said Owens.

The teams’ next two contents are a quad at Vicksburg on Jan. 28, and a tri at Jon Clark ‘16 trains for his next meet.

Photo by Maiah Lesher Wayland on Feb. 4.

Seniors get ready to end their last season When any sports team comes to the end of its run, it is always hard. This hits home just a little bit more when it is your last high school career season indefinitely.

The truth in this statement has rung true for the seniors on both the men and women’s basketball teams and their coaches.

After training together and forming bonds over the last four years it will be a real tear jerker come the end of this season.

“Getting to know them outside the classroom has allowed me to see them in a different setting and has been a very positive experience,” said Coach Tim Rieman.

Rieman shared certain qualities that he has noticed in the senior girls throughout their last season of basketball.

“Sarah Morrell- quiet example setter.

Macayla Wright- ultimate helper of others.

Mackenzie Pulver- hard working and very competitive.

Martyna Pioro- very ath-

letic and supportive of her team mates.

Cassidy Steele- easy going personality.

Emily Conklin- positive attitude that rubs off on everyone else,” explained Reiman about the key ingredients that really makes the strong foundation for his team.

“Continue to strive to attain the goals you have set for yourselves, always go above and beyond what you think you can achieve,” Rieman mentioned.

Boys coach Dan Klein would probably say the same about his seniors.

“The reality is that I’ve known most of these guys for years even if they may have been on varsity for only two years. I’ve watched them grow up. I also don’t think many people realize just how much time a team spends together. That last game of the year is difficult for reasons beyond just what happens on the court,” explained Klein.

There are six senior’s on both the 2014-2015 girls and boys basketball team.

“Coach Rieman has overall taught me to be a team player and that I need to to stay positive, giving my all no

matter what the situation,” said Sarah Morrell ’15.

“I would love to mentor kids sometime in the future.

In positive psychology I have already began my experience in mentoring and I have found myself at camps helping with youth sports and have even helped coach them,” said Trent Monroe ‘15.

Although some seniors plan to play in college, for others their final game will be just that.

However, most would agree that the skills learned from sports will be lessons all through out life.

Answers to photopage quiz: Listen closely....speaker ; I involve ‘booze’....bleachers ; This is where....space Bar ; 1, 2,....locker ; Do you....pencil sharpner

BY JACKIE MORRIS STAFF WRITER

16 || photo

the trojan torch

january 28, 2015

Photos by Maiah Lesher

I in an volve d I’m che ‘boo ab not ers, ze’ a ou t t b alkin nd ee rs g

Listen closely , you can f me whe ind re you spend most of your day.

This i go t s where o dr alien ink s

1, 2, I am blue

Can you figure out what they are?

See answers on page 15

Do you get the point yet?