THETORCH PLAINWELL HIGH SCHOOL || 684 Starr Rd, Plainwell, MI 49080 || www.trojantorch.com
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Leave the beards to the professionals
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Fresh freshman has a few tricks up his sleeves
For more Crave 21 photos, see back page.
ISSUE 2, VOL. 65 || Nov. 2014
Opinion.................................2 News.....................................5 Feature.................................8 Lifestyle...............................11 Sports..................................14
02 || opinion
the trojan torch
november 2014
The Trojan Torch Volume 65, Issue 2 November 19, 2014
Yoga pants
War on comfortability heats up
BY KENNY HEAD
STAFF WRITER
Editor-in-Chief: Camille Willbrandt
News Editor: Alex Beals
Lifestyle Editor: Sarah Bommer
Photo Editor: Maiah Lesher
Staff Writers Matias Amaro ‘15 Shelby Booden ‘15 Michael Carrol ‘16 Michell Clark ‘15 Drew Hagen ‘15 Kenny Head ‘15 Lucky Hogg ‘15 Daniel Householder ‘15 Zoe Jordan ‘15 Ricky Laduke ‘15 Sara Lepley ‘15 Carter Leslie ‘15 Colin Mchugh ‘15 Sean Murphy ‘15 Quinn Newland ‘16 Chelsea Oetman ‘15 Kimberly Pierce ‘15 Ruby Ramos ‘15 Sierra Rouleau ‘15 Gunner Sheldon ‘16 Cassidy Steele ‘15 Kelsey Thompson ‘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.
At Plainwell High School there are many students who are upset about the new dress code policy. People like to express themselves through their clothing and that is exactly what the administration is hindering. The new policy is that yoga pants are being banned because, “any clothing too tight, too revealing or too shear are not allowed in school,” said assistant principal Debra Burley. How are yogas too revealing if they cover as much as pants? “When you can see the outlines of someone body parts it takes away from the individuals respect and makes others uncomfy,” said Burley. But isn’t it you’re responsibility for your own self respect? No matter what you wear you will always be judged by others. The women are not too happy about the new change in dress code; multi-
ple petitions have been going around Facebook, and many girls have been revolting against the policy. One peti-
“How are yogas too revealing if they cover as much as pants?” tion was started by Lexi Milani ‘15 on change.org, publisized on Facebook to reinstate yoga pants at PHS. This currently has roughly 350 supporters. “Instead of worrying about what I’m wearing, I’m worrying about what I’m learning,” said Heather Pond ‘16. If something has no effect
on our education or maybe even could help us in the classroom why would we put a ban on it? There are many more things that are more distracting than yoga pants that the administration has given to us. A prime example are iPads. The yoga pants are not a distraction to anyone except the staff, and the kids are the ones who have to pay the price for it because the adults feel “uncomfortable.” The dress code policy should not be changed; yoga pants do not affect anyone’s learning experience in a negative way. Being comfy should be allowed in schools, no one wants to feel uncomfortable when many already don’t like being here. Are we actually fixing the problem by banning the yoga pants or are we just saying it’s okay to treat women as a piece of meat by banning them and saying it’s alright to look? We should be solving the problem, not creating another.
Girls unite in senior hall to show support of wearing leggings. Photo by Maiah Lesher.
03 || opinion
the trojan torch
november 2014
Our
Upperclassmen dominate No Shave November festivities
Students participating in no-shave November 16
*25 students were surveyed per grade.
9 5
3 Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
be hi th i de
tickles them sometimes,” said Noah Lawson ‘15. The ails of the bearded may not only affect them, but their girlfriends too. Also, not everyone appreciates a successful No Shave November participant. “Beards are gross. Food can get caught in there and it’s just nasty. The least attractive are the full beards, like the Santa Claus style,” said Vandenberg. Beards may be awesome and conveniently lazy, but they take time and effort to become presentable. If you can’t grow any respectable hair on that bald face, don’t sweat it too much; beards aren’t for, or liked by everyone. So freshmen, maybe keep that razor sharp and that face clean this year, and to the upper classmen participating-- good luck, enjoy scratching that face, and may the hallways be full of lavish beards this November. One last piece of advice from a senior to the frosh: “If you manage to actually grow a beard, respect the gift that evolution has given you,” said Slater. Take the suggestion and run with it.
Do n’
Those few high schoolers that can grow a beard are esteemed as manly, mature, and masterful, but no: growing your mole hair out doesn’t count as facial hair, and neither does that hair on your upper lip. No Shave November is here; a tradition dating back to the ancient greeks, where Plato’s students grew out their beards to imitate the gods. More recently No Shave November has been used as a way to raise money for various charitable organizations, typically cancer awareness. In high school society, this month is a time when the bearded upperclassmen can show off their style; however, for others maybe not so much. The lowerclassmen should stick with the clean look. In an informal survey, 12 percent of freshmen said they were participating in this year’s tradition. It does seem like a small amount, but still noble for a class that hasn’t even taken an exam yet. Finally getting into high
school may make you frosh feel older and experienced, but those two long strands sprouting under your chin aren’t helping you to look any older. This hairy season should just be left to the upper classmen, maybe toss in a few shaggy sophomores. Don’t spend November looking dirty and gross. Shameful facial hair is not seen as attractive, “Dirt staches are awful, that is the worst thing you could do to yourself, or patches. Patches are always bad. If you haven’t hit puberty yet, don’t try to grow a beard,” said Emily Conklin ‘15. Conklin shows that girls aren’t going to appreciate the scraggle patch it took you three weeks to grow. “People with gross beards just don’t care about how they look. No, just no,” said Kendalyn Vandenberg ‘16. Having a beard is like owning a cat or dog; they may be furry and fun to pet, but they can get annoying sometimes. “The itchiness is the worst part,” said Jacob Slater ‘15. A common and prickly problem among the bearded community. “The best part is that ladies love the beard, but it
ic e
BY COLIN MCHUGH STAFF WRITER
nd
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A scratchy tradition:
Stop hiding behind a screen and just say it to my face! Almost every teenager of the 21st century has turned to social media to state what’s on their minds. To the responsible, our opening statement is an avoided predicament. Simply put, if you wouldn’t say something to someone’s face, then don’t say it at all. Unfortunately, it’s clear that the temptation to state what you otherwise shouldn’t might be far too much for the ordinary student at Plainwell High School. With halls packed with conversations, and half of them being typed, it’s hard not to think about what might be said. How do you know you’re not being typed about right now? With freshmen and new students being the exception, everyone was around years ago to at least hear about the controversy of “Plainwell Confessions.” This was an anonomous Twitter feed that let hurtful rumors and gossip slip into the hands of anyone with a cell phone and available data service. Other content included vulgar opinions. General examples of these included which couples were having sex, or “this teacher is a ___.” Recently, a new digital monster has evolved to prey on the ones we’d like to talk about, just not in their company. This is the app Yik Yak. Similar to Plainwell Confessions, students can anonymously post anything on their minds, without seeing the effects of these opinions, or “yaks.” What’s Our Voice? Cut the middleman of a social media, and you’re clear to say whatever you’re willing to say. Go out of your way to listen to other peoples’ voices. Speak to others the way you want to be spoken to. Another take-home lesson would be to ask yourself, “Is what I’m saying necessary? Does this person care at all what I have to say?” These are considerable questions to censure (or censor) yourself with. Even if you truly believe in the snarky comment you may have to say, typed or not, as long as it’s not beneficial, it’s not even worth the effort.
04|| opinion
the trojan torch
november 2014
Rob’s Rants Students no longer silent about hallway music Senior lot infested
I fantasize about how I would call the shots at Plainwell High School, specifically, the changes I would make to the student parking lots. Every single school day, I hear the last bell of the day, and immediately, the race is on. The first few minutes are a crucial opportunity to gain leverage against the other students driving to school. This is the time to have your backpacks at the ready, and all plans for the day figured out prior to the cut-throat competition that our student parking lots have set up for us. There are four parking lots in the front of Plainwell High School, two of which are only for swimmers and faculty. There is the athletic entrance that is intended mostly for lowerclassmen. Then there is what’s supposed to be the “senior parking lot.” This name is merely a ruse. The so-called senior parking lot is infested with sophomores and juniors. Multiple problems arise with this congestion of students. The biggest of these problems is the traffic. If caught up chatting with friends, or simply need a couple minutes to organize the night’s homework; either way you fall victim to the endless chain of cars waiting to exit. During this time, students can idle their cars for an upwards of ten minutes, anxiously waiting their turn to depart. This is wasted time. A n other problem faced is the lack of parking space. The intended senior parking is
the smallest parking lot allowed to students, since it’s only meant for a certain demographic. Time and time again, I observe seniors sweeping over the parking lot in a futile attempt to find a spot to park. What can we do to end this vicious cycle? I wouldn’t rant without offering a resolution. My ideas aren’t rocket science, they are simple to do and can solve all our parking problems with one attempt. Step one, move the senior parking lot to where the swimmers park their cars. This shouldn’t be a mindblowing idea. Too many people park in a small parking lot, but the lot adjacent to it is almost completely empty? I don’t see how silly red tape regulation should stop a sensible student from parking in a lot where they can actually find a spot in, and can get out of school at a reasonable time. Another “crazy” idea, you know how there is a gate that connects the senior parking lot and the traffic light? Let’s open it. I mean, is the gate there for cosmetic purposes? That gate would be crucial in relieving the pressure of vehicles that form from the released students. Let’s not forget that the traffic light will also help safely regulate the flow of traffic, instead of having some new driver think they can shoot a gap in traffic. To the under classes, please leave my parking lot, I promise there is more space anywhere else but there.
BY CHELSEA OETMAN STAFF WRITER
Most students are in possession of a very useful object called headphones. They help conceal music so other people don’t have to suffer with someone elses choice of tunes. Use them, people! Music has all sorts of genres, such as alternative, rock, country, jazz, blues, classical, pop, rap, screamo, techno, reggae, dubstep. People who are stubborn only like their music. For instance, a lot of people listen to rap, but some people don’t appreciate the offensive wording in that music. Students think that just because they have a speaker on their phone, iPad, or other device that they have the right to play their music out loud. Well, they’re all wrong. They are not cool, they are playing what amounts to noise pollution in a public place. Students today are being forced to do a lot of things that they don’t want, so why
are we being forced to listen to your music? Teachers are also getting annoyed by everyone playing their own music for ev-
“They [students] are playing what amounts to noise pollution in a public place.” eryone to hear, they don’t want to hear your music either, so students need to find another way to listen to music without everyone having to listen to it. Mornings are rough for some students because it’s so early and music may help you get pumped up for the day, but that doesn’t give you the right to bring people’s moods down with your music and make them mad. “It’s annoying, it makes me mad all the time,” said Taryn
Jones ‘15 When students come in early to get help from teachers with homework or take a test the last thing they want to is hearing your music, distracting them, and ruining their focus on the more important subject. “Students should use headphones, it’s a distraction, I come in early sometimes to get caught up and work, and I can’t concentrate with terrible background noise,” said Jackie Morris ‘15. If people keep playing their own music out loud (even though students ask them to turn it off or use headphones), then a teacher should intervene and ask them to turn it off. If the students continue to play music out loud after various request to shut it off then that student should receive a detention, possibly an in house, or further punishment. “The only other matter would be the safety of having someone walk the hallways with earbuds in. My two cents,” said history teacher Brian Huberty Everyone needs to realize that just because you think you look cool because you have music and can play it, doesn’t mean you have the right to not use headphones like every other person in this school. Music doesn’t help your social status; you help yourself by being outgoing and nice, and being annoying doesn’t help you at all.
Cassidy Steele ‘15 enjoys listening to music in hallways responsibly, with headphones. Photo by Maiah Lesher
05 || news
the trojan torch
november 2014
Politics in America - how it plays at PHS BY CARTER LESLIE STAFF WRITER It’s voting day. You walk into the booth thinking that you’re going to make a difference, but suddenly you draw a blank and don’t know who to vote for. You think back to what your parents and friends have said about politics and you decide to trust their intuition. You vote for someone; however, was it really your vote? This scenario isn’t farfetched; in this month’s elec-
tion students who are 18 did go to the polls and cast their votes. Others will do so next time around, and all will be affected either directly or indirectly by decisions that are made by those now governing the city, the county, the state, and the nation. Many students have a strong opinion about politics. Some of these students, however, are highly influenced by their parents. Most students are around their parents a lot and listen to a lot of things they say, see
a lot of things they do and usually want to act how they act. “I’m a Democrat because I’m middle class and I was raised that way. My mom works at the The Michigan Education Association (MEA),” said Adam Ball ‘18. “The government needs raise taxes for the rich,” said Ball. The Democratic party often talks about raising taxes for the rich; whether this is Ball’s thought, or influenced by his parents, is debatable. On the other hand, there are some students who have
formed their own opinions on politics. “I watch the news, but the government controls the news so I research a lot of the stuff I know about it,” said Ethan Macdonald ‘16. Some students aren’t part of the two major parties for their own reasons. “I’m neither Democrat or Republican because neither stay true to my beliefs. The government is not staying true to the constitution,” said Macdonald. Teachers also feel strongly about politics.
“I’m a Democrat. My parents were Democrats, part of the Union, and we grew up poor. I vote because I believe that with rights, comes responsibility to the Government,” said Social Studies teacher Bernie Christopher. Teachers and students views can vary. “Obama put us in debt. I learn about politics from the news and my dad,” said Alex Brown ‘18. Some students think for themselves when it comes to politics, and some don’t.
Election time is a controversial time for many Americans, but everyone liked to display the sticker saying they voiced their opinion. Photo by Maiah Lesher
Politics can be extremely confusing to the average person. There are many terms that experts and political commentators use that can be completely foreign to the average Joe. Here we will try to quell confusion by defining some commonlyused terms in politics.
tional, and economic issues. Democrat- Refers to the Democratic party Believes in more government intervention in the economy and in social affairs. Mostly supported by labor (unions) and seniors (among others) because of their stance on social, and environmental issues, and welfare.
Platform- A political party’s stance on social na-
Constituency-The people in a district represented by
a legislator. Republican- Refers to the Republican Party The party believes in less government intervention in the economy and social affairs. Supported by most larger businesses (among others) because of their laid back position on taxes, government intervention and regulation. Conservative- A conser-
vative believes in indivdual freedom and as little government intervention as humanly possible. Believes that people are able to take care of themselves without government aid and believes in the free market system. Liberal-Somewhat similar to a Democrat, except that liberals believe that the govenrment (and in turn, legislation) is the solution to
all problems. In fact, liberalism is more similar to communism than it is to Democrats. Ideology - A set of beliefs a person holds that shape the way he or she behaves and sees the world. Minority Party - In a legislative body, the party with fewer than half of the seats.
06 || news
the trojan torch
november 2014
VoTech students help underprivileged kids BY DANIEL HOUSEHOLDER STAFF WRITER A few years after World War II, a handmade doll was brought to a drop-off station for toys in Los Angeles, California. Soon the drop-off station began to fill with more and more toys. These toys, that people so generously donated, were to go to any child without presents for Christmas. That year, 1947, Major Bill Hendricks of the United States Marine Corps Reserves collected 5,000 toys. The very next year the Marines adopted the Toys for Tots program as their own. The Allegan County Area Technical Education Center in Allegan is doing a Toys For Tots program as well this year. The Marines mission is a simple one; to collect new, unwrapped toys through
October to December every year and to distribute these toys as Christmas gifts to the less fortunate children of our country. They hope through this courageous act, they can influence these less fortunate children in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. In hopes of donating toys to the less fortunate children of Allegan County, ACATEC (more commonly known as “vo-tech”) students have started out rough with very few contributions so far. All the classes at the tech center are eligible to be part of this cause. What do you get in return if you are going to the ACATEC center? A 5 percent discount to the Oasis, which is the little store located barely twenty feet from the entrance. Any student at PHS who doesn’t attend ACATEC is still
Eastside Grocery Of Plainwell 519 E. Bridge St. Plainwell, MI 49080 Ph. (269)-685-8772 ~Deli Hours~ 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday thru Friday Aaron and Toby ~Owners~
eligible to help with the cause. There are stipulations to the toys, though. They have to be new and still in the package. This is not only for easy wrapping purposes, but organizers don’t want to potentially give children a bad toy and then have to throw it away as soon as they get it. Holden Poll ‘15 of Wayland High School is the Toys for Tots representative from the CADD class during the afternoon session. He works alongside Mackenzie Babbitt ‘15 and a couple of other students from the Teacher Education class. “We want to get as many as we can. We’ve acquired about 20 or so presents for children so far. But we would like to see so much more. There’s an opportunity to help the children of Allegan county, why would anyone not want to help?” Poll said.
The logo for the Toys for Tots program is easily recognizable. The program gives out nearly 17 million toys to 7 million underprivileged children across the country. Photo by Maiah Lesher
So far the program has had a few outside sources to help out. Mitch Wooster, the instructor for Business and Management, is the head of the Oasis and he has helped the Toys for Tots program by allowing the windows to be decorated and allowing the 5 percent coupons to come through his store.
Ken and Michelle Poterfield of the Lakeshore Toys for Tots in Allegan has helped by providing special posters to put up around the center. They also provided boxes to put the gifts in. By 2012, the Toys for Tots program had distributed more than 16.8 million toys to more than 7 million children all across the country..
07 || news
the trojan torch
november 2014 AROUND THE WORLD News briefs from around the world, and from local places LOCAL: A man walked into a police station in the north end of Kalamazoo after getting shot while driving. The city of Kalamazoo has voted to ban panhandling in certain public locations, such as the Kalamazoo Mall, and Bronson Park.
Forget ebola; enterovirus is more realistic local threat The signs and symptoms of the enterovirus, according to the CDC, include the following.
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A business on Plainwell’s Main Street caught on fire Nov. 11. Little damage was done. Cause of fire is unknown. STATE: A duo of women in Norton Shores was caught on camera stealing $1000 worth of baby formula from several stores
University of Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon n. resigned Oct. 31 after much o s backlash on his handling of the per college’s sport programs.
s
ipal Je remy W k si c right ou e m tlined the school’s strategy: “We will send ho tu de nts a b ut , nd d i t n e sinfect tm rooms n a e ightly.” There is no specifi c tr dia gn e osi th s co n i mes t mes hroug o c h a lab test. Preventio n m of . ha es c i nd t ac wa r p shi nic ng a e g nd other hy r fo
Text by Sean Murphy and Alex Beals; Photo by Maiah Lesher; Design by Camille Willbrandt and Alex Beals
A Delton man died Nov. 7 after his neighbor hit him in the head with a shovel during a dispute a month prior to his death.
A Battle Creek woman was sentenced to a year in jail plus five years probation for stabbing R&B singer Mary J. Blige’s father NATIONAL: A Florida teen was penalized 15 yards during a football game for praying on the football field, the referee calling it “excessive celebration”. A tape measure falls 50 stories hitting a 58-year-old New Jersey delivery man on the head, and killing him. An 8-year-old girl in California was given a small bag of meth while out trick-or-treating.
Sources: WOOD TV 8, WWMT-TV 3, and Fox News. Column by Alex Beals
08|| feature
09 || feature
the trojan torch
november 2014
Do you believe in magic?
Jacob Layne ‘s crazy talent will leave you speechless
Jacob Layne ‘18 shows the key to one of his magic tricks. Photos by Maiah Lesher
Class parties: where does the policy stand? BY SHELBY BOODEN STAFF WRITER
The decorations, the cards, the desserts, the spirit and celebration; it’s hard to forget the joys of elementary school class parties. The question is are they allowed at the high school? “Class parties are not 100 percent prohibited,” said Principal, Jeremy Wright. “It’s not a hard and fast rule that they are not allowed. It depends on the situation.” Since the start of the school year, students have been under the assumption that class parties are not allowed any longer. Class parties have come to a slow end; rarely are they heard of anymore at Plainwell High School. “The reason is mostly ‘loss of academic time,’ and in small part, clean up time on the part of the custodians. National curriculum standards and standardized testing, along with competition to compete globally, left educators and administrators with the task of creating a culture of academ-
BY ZOE JORDAN STAFF WRITER Many of us have heard of the magical Criss Angel, but have you heard of the crazy talented, Jacob Layne ‘18? Art teacher Regina Beltowski’s Art 1A students can say they have. Layne has mastered a trick that will blow your mind; he can take a string, put it in his mouth, swallow it, and somehow pull it out of his eye. “I asked students to bring in objects that sym bolize themselves, and he brought in magic supplies. Then, some students encouraged him to show the class that he can digest a string, and pull it through his eye!” said Beltowski, “I thought it was an illusion like his other tricks, and then I had to look
away.” With Criss Angel as his inspiration, Layne has been doing magic tricks for about two years. He likes to do street performance tricks with cards and coins. “I saw David Blaine do it, then I tried it a couple different ways until I got it right.” Layne said. Chris Barrick ‘18, one of Layne’s good friends has seen him do many magic tricks. “Jacob’s string trick is definitely the best!” Barrick added. One question any sane person might have is, has his string trick ever taken a turn for the worst? It has. “I was at a party and everyone wanted me to do the trick in front of probably 30 people and when I was doing
it, the string somehow got knotted. The string got half way out of my eye, but the other half was stuck. I had to have my friends pull on it as I pushed it out. Afterwards it hurt really bad and it gave me rope burn on my eye.” Ever since Laynes incident, he’s continued to learn new tricks. Magic isn’t the only thing Layne likes to do. He has other interests like art, music, and sports. He has played football for two years on both defensive and offensive lines. Although he has only shown tricks to friends and family, he plans to perform in a big city like Las Vegas. Layne also hopes to go to the University of Michigan.
to me and asked to have a party once in awhile, I’d say sure!” said Wright. The situation of where the classes stand in the curriculum and what it’s for, is what Wright bases his decisions off of, as far as parties go. “Here is a sample of what would occur…” said Burley, “Welcome back Leslie Shaw ‘16, Hailey Holly ‘16, and Kyle Shannon ‘16 mourn the loss of classroom parties. to the school Photo by Maiah Lesher year party, Halloween, ic success and achievement. come first, Wright likes to have Christmas, Hanukkah, KwanWhere do you draw the line? fun and agrees class parties zaa, birthdays, Valentine’s The loss of academic time may are part of a fun high school day, Easter, end of year, Spanbe substantial,” said Assistant career. ish holidays, French holidays, Principal, Debra Burley. “We have a job to do, a lesson baby showers for teachers in Even though academics to teach, but if a teacher came class, wedding showers, etc....
‘Concursed’:
Layne impresses his peers while demonstrating his magic skills. then it wouldn’t end. People would want to start doing individual celebrations.” Not all students would not agree with Burley on the idea that class parties would start to get out of hand. Emily Moeller ‘15 states that she has had many parties leading up to her upperclassman years. “Ever since last year, we used to have a lot of class parties,” said Moeller, “I don’t know why they’ve slowed down. Everyone likes to have a little fun.” “I don’t even remember the last time we’ve had a school party,” said Bailey Campbell ‘15, “I think it’s the administration putting pressure on teachers and trying to make it sound like class parties aren’t allowed.” The administration did not recently tighten the rules; they have been abided by better than in past years. As long as the party is somewhat focused on academics, they are allowed.
Jeff Steele is often seen monitoring the halls and greeting students by the cafeteria. Photo by Maiah Lesher
Teacher Jeff Steele is enduring physical effects of a concussion while insuring his students learn BY MICHAEL CARROLL STAFF WRITER You pull up to an intersection and wait your turn, then as you are pulling out, another driver cuts in front of you and suddenly you find yourself in an accident. This grim circumstance was presented to Social Studies teacher Jeff Steele in September. Steele was diagnosed with a concussion after his accident. He missed 12 days of school over a three week period. This is his eleventh concussion to date. Steele got many of his concussions playing football in highschool and wrestling in college “If you don’t see stars, then you won’t be a star. That was one of our philosophies,” said Steele. This statement shows how concussions were disregarded in the time Steele grew up. Today we know that concussions can have serious effects on people’s health. Concussions symptoms can range from confusion and headaches to nausea and vomiting. Irritability and sleep disturbances can be long term consequences. “I’ve never had one hit me this hard before. I’ve had headaches for a few days before, been nauseous at the time, but this one, I mean I’m still fighting some of the symptoms,” said Steele. “I was nauseous for almost three weeks, where I lost 14 pounds. I could not eat… I had insomnia, I would stay up for 40 hours straight,” he said. Despite the fact that this injury has taken a toll on Steele’s health and well being, he has remained optimistic. “I do worry about that (long term damage from the concus-
sion) and I’m not going to say this is the end of my recovery. I refuse to to be negative about it.” This statement testifies to Steele’s determination not to let his injury hold him back. In addition to affecting his health, his concussion might have affected his students’ learning experience., although he did everything he could to make sure that didn’t happen. “He (Steele) missed a week of stuff we haven’t learned. It was the beginning stuff that describes what economics is really about,” said Ryan Brady ‘16. Another student shares Brady’s feelings on the issue. “I would feel more comfortable with the content if Mr. Steele had been around,” said Alex Chappie ‘16. “Economics is material that I have to be there to walk students through,” said Steele, on the hypothesis that his unplanned absence might have unintentionally affected his students learning. However, the situation is not that dire. Not all students were hampered by his absence. “It wasn’t that hard to keep up if you did the work sheets and understood the vocab,” said Caleb Winenger ‘16. This shows how students had the necessary tools to succeed. “I didn’t see a difference in my quiz results,” said Ty Brugh ‘16. Brugh is in the same vein as Winenger, showing it was possible to be unaffected by Steele’s absence. In the end, Steele is sure that his students will bounce back for their exams. “I have no worries now because when I came back that first week, we reviewed what was required to know.”
10 || feature
the trojan torch
november 2014
ay d i l Ho ions dit a r T BY SARA LEPLEY STAFF WRITER
Chase Mielke
Travis Garman ‘15
What is your favorite part of the holidays?
Gorging on cookies because I feel it’s okay to pretend I’m going into winter hibernation.
Getting to see family and exchange cheesy jokes.
What family traditions do you have for the holidays?
We have a tradition of starting a new tradition each year and seeing it fail.
Emma Granzow ‘17
Zach Morris ‘18
Food and family time. (Family is one of the most important things.)
Getting to spend time with family that lives in Detroit.
Family, food, and opening presents.
We play card games we don’t know the rules to.
Eat a lot of good food and then take long naps.
Every year we play minute to win it until everyone has a prize.
Visiting family, and eating rooms full of food.
Nothing. Ever. Its the greatest two weeks ever. One of Santa’s greatest inventions
I’d have Joe Pesci with us. Everything is better with Joe Pesci.
Not having the whole family there
Having a longer vacation so I can spend more time with family.
Grandma moving back.
What don’t you like about coming back from holiday vacation?
ENGLISH ESSAYS! Either I have to grade them during or after break. I prefer neither.
Trying for an extended period of time to remember your locker combination.
Not being able to sleep in until noon everyday.
Having to remember everything they taught before break
School!
What is your best memory from a holdiday vacation?
My friends and I used to trash bag sled down the massive hill at WMU’s East Hall. You shove your torso into a trash bag and go head first. Health insurance is recommended.
My cousins and I saw a deer and I wanted to wrestle it.
Going to grandmas and having candy everywhere, and since its the holiday, nobody tells you ‘no’!
When my whole family had a marshmallow fight in the basement.
When we got a wii or when my grandma from my dad’s side visited me.
If you could change one thing about your holiday what would it be?
Third Base Convenience Store 595 10TH ST PLAINWELL, MI 49080-1030 (269) 685-7915
Zoe Lepley ‘16
Photos by Maiah Lesher
the Student Senate would like to thank Hart’s Jewelry for donating the tiaras for Homecoming
Hart’s Jewelry Fine jewelry and repair
124 North Main St., Plainwell 269-685-5274
11 || lifestyle
the trojan torch
november 2014
Cope and Hope:
matching songs, different stories
BY MICHAEL CARROLL STAFF WRITER
Two sides of the same coin, Cope and Hope were dropped this year by Manchester Orchestra. Alternative rock by nature, Manchester Orchestra has taken their dirtiest moments and their most angelic and compiled them. The result is two very different and very impressive takes on the same songs.
Image from Manchester Website
Hope is everything that Cope isn’t. Where Cope is loud, and jarring, Hope is subtle and smooth. Chords accented with gentle strumming, piano taking the place of lead guitar, and Hull’s voice melodic and calming. The same lyrics in Cope that were so bitter are now full of exuberance, light, and love. This album is similiar to work of artists like Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s, Sea Wolf, or Hull’s side project Right Away, Great Captain!. Within Manchester Orchestra, it is as if the emotion of “Deer” from Simple Math and the sound of “I Can Feel a Hot One” from Everything to Nothing were blended, and extended into an album. The worst song on this album would be “All That I Really Wanted”. It feels like the guitar is too harsh for the rest of the album, and the vocals still carry over the bitterness from Cope. The best song would be the final song of the album, “Cope”. “Cope” is the backbone, the spine of this album. It provides a connection to the real world, “Cope” is where the line between idealism and realism gets blurry, and it’s the perfect way to end the story. Hope can be at times tedious; the songs feeling too slow, and too soft. The lack of any heavy bass early in the album can leave songs feeling too airy to truly resonate. However, Hope wouldn’t be what it is without these potential flaws . It is meant to be the end of the spectrum, something soft, clean, and beautiful. Hull’s performance assigns the airy quality, and piano accompanied by strings bare beautiful melodies to create the final product. Hope is meant
Cope is dirty, loud, and defiant. From the outset a wall of distortion and drumbeats hit you. The pressure never lets up through the record. The lyrics are at times delivered clearly, but full of nihilism, and at others are spat, bitter, and angry. Otherwise generic heavy rock scores are given character by singer Andy Hull’s voice. People familiar with Manchester Orchestra can expect the album to feel like “Shake It Out” off Mean Everything to Nothing. Others should imagine something along the lines of a grunge band circa 1980s, or Brand New on The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me. The best track would be “See It Again”. It is the champion for the sound in this album. You feel the bass, and hear the venom as Hull sings “And I’m never gonna see it again.” The worst, “Every Stone” which seems out of place with its comparatively stripped sound, and the lyrics are sub-par. to be a soothing balm. When Cope has flaws: the songs can seem to run you’re hurt, when you’re together, at times the distortion is scratchy burnt out, or when the bitand jarring, and the album isn’t much for ter, cynical world has torn casual listening. It is all it aspires to be, the you down it builds you up. album was touted as grungy, and it delivHope will make you feel ers. The songs are loud and intense. The hope, that things aren’t as lyrics are terse and explosive. You’ll feel bad as they seem and that young, alive, and angry at the world—and they are getting better. happy about it. 9/10 Stars 8.5/10 Stars Cope and Hope are perfect opposites. Individually they both send a message, and they tell a story. Together though, they fill the gaps in each other. No one thing is ever all dark, and none ever all light. Cope and Hope together reflect this, and you get the whole story. Love and hate in equal parts, each one real and genuine. Composite Rating 9.5/10 Stars
One for the road Check out this column every issue for some suggested shows nearby. Styx: coming to State Theatre (Kalamazoo) Dec. 4 Little Big Town: coming to Jack White Theatre (Detroit) Dec. 4 Flogging Molly: coming to The Orbit Room (Grand Rapids) Dec. 5 Trans-Siberian Orchestra: coming to Van Andel (Grand Rapids) Dec. 7 Counting Crows: coming to The Fillmore (Detroit) Dec. 9 Fith Harmony: coming to The Fillmore (Detroit) Dec. 15 The Beach Boys: coming to State Theatre (Kalamazoo) Dec. 17 Chevelle: coming to The Filmore (Detroit) Dec. 18 Frankie Ballard: coming to The State Theatre (Kalamazoo) Dec. 20 Led Zeppelin 2- Tribute Band: coming to Saint Andrews Hall (Detroit) Dec. 27 Mustard Plug: coming to the Intersection (Kalamazoo) Dec. 28
12 || lifestyle
the trojan torch
november 2014
One camera, one man, one heck of a movie BY QUINN NEWLAND STAFF WRITER
“Think of our newscast as ‘screaming woman, running down the street with her throat cut,’” quips Rene Russo’s producer character somewhere in the first half of the film. Of course she might as well have been talking about the movie she finds herself starring in. Nightcrawler is dark, disturbing, twisted, crazy, and you’re gonna love every second of it. Nightcrawler is the story of Lou Bloom, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, a man desperate for work and money. When he lands a job as a “nightcrawler,” or someone who goes around at night filming crimes and disasters for the morning news, things slowly start to spiral out of control. What will he do to ensure himself a place in the world?
And the answer is, almost anything. Bloom is depraved, willing to step on anyone to get higher up in the work force, but you love him for it. Gyllenhaal plays him with such nuance and control, that you forget he’s just a character. It’s as if he’s lost himself, disappeared into the dark heart of the character, leaving no shred of the actor left, only the character. Rene Russo does the same to a large degree, her chemistry with Bloom being one of the greatest parts of the film. Every scene where it might just be them talking or walking, is as tense as any scene that involves a car chase or shootout. The way they look at each other, their tones and expressions, everything about them feels meticulous and filed down, but it also feels like there's something
beneath the surface, waiting to erupt. When it does, well, you better be prepared. This is a master class in acting, and everyone out there should take notes. What’s a good character without a fully realized world to populate? Writer/ Director Dan Gilroy has created an even darker, seedier world for his characters to live in. Every road the story takes you down, is one you want to go on. Every twist and every turn, every fork in the road is perfectly executed. It’s very reminiscent of 2011’s Drive. Containing much of the same subject matter, and the same stylistic visuals throughout. Nightcrawler is beautiful. Taking place mostly at night, the city is literally glowing. The darks are dark, but the lights illuminate even the
deepest shadows. The wide angles and pans that Gilroy uses to show all the action are magnificent, showcasing every grisly detail. What’s most interesting however, are the things he chooses not to show. There are several instances in which the only clue we get as to what is going on is the look on Bloom’s face, and the tiny LED screen on his camera. This only adds to the tension too, leaving you squinting and straining to get a clue as to what he’s seeing. There hasn’t been another movie yet this year that has been as visually stunning and intense as this. There isn’t a moment for you to catch your breath after the opening credits start, and at the end you almost don’t want to anymore. What is contained within the four
walls of this movie is something that you will never forget, even if you want to. It will make you think, and you won’t like where your mind takes you, most likely. It doesn’t just get in your head, it carves out its own place. Nightcrawler will be a very serious awards contender this year, and we should expect to see many more great things from Gilroy. 5/5 Broken Cameras
Image from MCTCampus.
Get your freak on with the new AHS BY LACHLAN HOGG STAFF WRITER Would you call a person who has a forked tongue a freak? How about a man who can walk on his hands, or a woman with half a body? If you consider this weird or freakish, by “American Horror Story” standards you would be wrong. The hit TV series “American Horror Story” on FX known for its violent take on haunted houses, insane asylums, and witches has a brand new spin on a freakshow. Society often considers people with physical deformities to be freaks; however, the new season of AHS takes a refreshing view on the actions of people when confronted with the strange or bizarre. The new season of AHS takes place in Jupiter Fla. in 1952. The storyline is based
around a local freakshow that is constantly being subjected to prejudice, violence and even murder. The freak show includes a bearded lady with a drinking problem played by Kathy Bates. Her son, the lobster boy, played by Evan Peters, is the role model for the rest of the freaks. The circus wouldn’t be complete without the strongman played by Michael Chiklis who coincidentally is also
Image from FX productions.
the estranged father of the lobster boy. The choice of actors for the newest season is impeccable. Chiklis’ acting portrays the inferior nature of his character perfectly. Peters does a stand up job displaying the complex leader of the group. Bates’ performance of a sad old bearded lady who is on death’s doorstep is spot-on. The antagonist this season is a horrifying circus clown
named Twisty played by actor John Carroll Lynch. According to pop culture website HeroComplex.com, “When American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy first contacted actor John Carroll Lynch about a possible role on the fourth season of his gleefully deranged hit, he was upfront about his aims for a new character, a silent, grinning killer straight out of a child’s nightmare.”
Which is exactly what we got with the silent, murderous, Twisty the clown. “I think the show is awesome! I love it because I am scared of clowns, although I wish it had more violence,” said Cole VanGoeye ‘17. Not surprisingly, the show has already been renewed for a fifth season on FX, and due to its supportive fanbase will probably return for a sixth season as well. “I love the show so much because it keeps surprising you and it’s hard to anticipate what will happen next,” said English teacher Jane Kostanko. AHS is a great show with the ability to reach all types of people. Each season has an underlying message in its theme. Everyone can take something away from this series. 10/10 skulls.
the trojan torch
13 || lifestyle
All Tatted Up
november2014
Trendy and statement-making, but also permanent BY SIERRA ROULEAU STAFF WRITER
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Similar to the sound of a dentist’s drill and equally as intimidating, the buzzing of a tattoo gun drives home the reality of what is about to happen. Dating back to at least the neolithic times, the practice of tattooing has been around for thousands of years. Until recent years, many thought of tattoos as something associated with bikers, sailors or thugs; however, with tattoos experiencing a spike in both popularity and positive connotation, that is not the case anymore. No longer just for thugs and rebels, tattoos have been embraced by the current generation. Several students have tattoos at Plainwell High School, and many more are planning to get some. “I feel like they can describe a person’s character. What they’re thinking about. What they want to express,” said Sean Elkins ‘15. Tattoos are widely regarded as a way of expressing oneself, which many teens are constantly seeking. Sporting an elaborate cross on his right forearm, Elkins wanted a tattoo that represented his religion. “I got it off the internet and the guy who did it hand sketched it. I wanted it for about a year before I got it,” said Elkins. While many teens appreciate a well-done tattoo, the permanency and danger of regret is not lost on them. “As long as they’re tasteful I think they’re nice. Like it’s stupid when guys have naked girls or clown faces or something,” said Jesse Serafini ‘15. In agreement was AJ Eddy ‘15. “They’re not bad if you get the right one. But if you get the wrong one, it’s permanent. And that sucks,” said Eddy. Former Plainwell student Caitlin Sackett has gone on to become an apprentice tattoo artist studying under her aunt, Carie Dunn. “My aunt went to Western and majored in fine arts studies. About seven years ago she started her apprenticeship for tattooing in Sedona, Arizona and ever since then I’ve been fascinated by it, being an artist my self. So about two years ago I began sitting in on her tattoo sessions with her clients and learning about them and watching her do tattoos. So over the course of the next year I was watching really intently and actually learning how to use the machines and how far the needle goes into the skin and how the colors work and all that kind of stuff. I started out shading and adding color to tattoos for her, and she would do the outlines of the tattoo but eventually I started outlining them too. Sackett has since begun her working with her own clientele. Several of the creative and artistic students have opted to design their own tattoo, rather than choose from a stencil or have the tattoo artist do it. One such student is Seth Bevins ‘15. “It’s not really finished yet but it’s going to have olive branches and some floral. Olive branches represent peace, and that’s what I want to have in my tattoo. Something that incorporates peace,” said Bevins, “I’m probably going to get some sacred geometry, too, just because I’m really into that. I really like lines and perfect things. It’s all about precision and I really like that.” However, not all students are in favor of permanently changing their body. William Wetherall ‘15 is firmly against tattoos. “You look good normal. Why would you want to put something else on your body that is objectively attractive to somebody else?” said Wetheral, “You shouldn’t tarnish your body, you look fine. I don’t want to sound like a hippie, but you shouldn’t feel the need to manipulate your body when you look just fine already. When you’re 80, are you really going to like that little tattoo of the chinese word for ‘life’ that might not even say what you think it does?” The main area of agreement when it comes to tattoos is that they should have meaning to the person getting them. Molly Sides ‘16 has a matching tattoo with her mother and siblings. “We all have the same thing in the same spot,” said Sides. Similarly, Matt Amaro ‘15 and Taylor Stansbury ‘15 both have tattoos in honor of deceased love ones. According to Sackett, “tattoos illustrate a part of that person’s life, and when executed correctly it not only makes for an aesthetically pleasing piece of art, but a peek into their mind; a memory or symbol that they’ll have for the majority of their life.” Whether it be meaningful or simply for design, tattoos have steadily been growing in popularity r i throughout the last decade and students have been increasingly embracing them as a form of self expression a K en and an outlet to release creativity. er n is ton ash e L ‘15. P hoto by Maiah
14 || sports
the trojan torch
november 2014
Jaidin Clemens Slaying the sterotype for male-dominated sports BY QUINN NEWLAND STAFF WRITER
Photo by Maiah Lesher.
The referee slams his hand on the ground and the entangled wrestlers release their grips. The winner stands, the ref raising the hand. Standing as the national champion is….85 pound Jaidin Clemens ’18. Not exactly the figure you’d expect to see pinning boys and girls alike, most over her own original weight category, but that’s exactly who it is. “I started wrestling when I was 4, my brothers are what really got me into it,” said Clemens, “I’ve been wrestling
ever since.” It seems to have been a good thing she got into it too, as she’s been to state competion five time, winning four, and Nationals four times, winning all four times. “Yeah Jaidin likes to try and beat [her friends] up, but Jaidin’s more than I can sum up in a couple sentences, there’s too much,” said Emily Rehr ‘18. Almost anyone who knows her--freshman to senior--often offers great compliments or a low chuckle and a nod followed by “Oh yeah, I know Jaidin.” “Jaidin’s fun, she’s definitely very out going, but she’s al-
ways been very respectful,” said French teacher Sarah Boven, “very modest too.” Clemens saves all her energy for the court and field it seems, always being calm in class and listening when it’s needed. Along with being a champion wrestler, Clemens is a celebrated stock car racer, a diver, a basketball player, and soccer ball player. She also used to play football, but stopped doing that several years ago. “ I don’t know if I’ll wrestle for Plainwell,” said Clemens, “I mean I wrestle for a different team, so...”
Last month, Clemens raced cyberstock in junior Kyle Shannon’s car, placing fourth out of eight overall. Although she mostly kept it quiet and to herself, she was elated come Monday morning. “It was fun, just so much fun. It was an absolutely amazing experience,” said Clemens. It seems wrestling isn’t the only front Clemens has a bright future in. “She’s such an energetic person, she just makes every moment feel more exciting when she’s there,” said Kenny Head ‘15.
Plainwell girls swim and dive team has the passion BY SHELBY BOODEN AND SARA LEPLEY STAFF WRITERS Diving into a bucket of ice, feeling the cold rush through every muscle; the teams break off into individuals with mindsets of becoming the best with every race. As one, victory is made through each independent effort; calling them the Plainwell Swim and dive team.The swim team girls are no pushovers, they’re built to defeat. Their wild spirit excites the student body and starts conversation. “The season is going very well because I have improved personally and I wouldn’t give up the team if it meant the world,” said Mikah Havenaar ‘18. Already qualified for state finals are the following: Jessica Nyberg’ 16, Aryn Scholten’ 15, Abby Ernst’ 16, Emma
Seiler’ 16, Laura Jones’ 15, Carly Gauthier’ 15, and Emily Zimmer’ 17. It’s not everyday that you hear all the people on the same team are all full of passion and dedication toward their sport. On the swim team, that’s how it is. They show it in various ways of dressing in absurd clothing to show team spirit, running through the halls singing loud and proud, and talking positively about each other and the sport. The girls have grown together and will stick together; they are like a family, and family never dies. “Not only do we swim miles and miles each day, we’re not allowed to breathe as we’re doing it,” said Aaryn Jewell ‘15. Pre-swim rituals include team meetings, licking goggles to stay fresh, kissing each others’ caps one by one for good luck, and hitting mus-
The swimmers ramp up their energy level by joining in a pre-meet cheer. Photo by Wendy Gauthier. cles to stay warm and alert. “I pray before I go up to dive,” said Emily Zimmer ‘17, “It helps calm me down.” In swimming, every girl is putting up a fight to reach the top and go to the championship. They practice every day, twice a day to try to get
ahead of the game against their biggest competitor. “Our biggest competitor is Marshall,” said Allison Singh ‘16, “Now we have to swim against them at the championship meet coming up. It will be a good challenge for the team.”
All the swimmers seem to have a passion for the sport and love the people and the challenge. They have all trained long and hard to get where they are today. Being 9-1 is a huge accomplishment, coming so far in the past years.
15 || sports
the trojan torch
november 2014
Trojans’ ranked in top 10 for best helments BY GUNNER SHELDON STAFF WRITER As a fan of any sport, the first thing you see when the players take the field are the uniforms. They are the look of the team that allows the fans to see their school colors and spot their favorite player with the bold numbers. But it’s not just Plainwell people who love to see the blue and white. The Trojans’ football helmets ranked in the top 10 of 100 high school uniforms in
Photo by Aaron Klang.
the state of Michigan, voted by mlive.com. The helmets are matte blue with white stripes on each side of the black stripe centered on the helmet. On the side of the helmets are bold white numbers that represent the players jersey number.. The helmets are a favorite among the players. “I like the matte paint on the helmets it gives it a great touch” says Austin Rohr ‘15. Football Coach Darren Conklin has the final say on the uniforms. The current
uniforms are in their second year of use. “I want the kids to be excited about them,” said Conklin, “I like how simple they look.” They seem to be excited although some players have other suggestions. Black jerseys would be a nice addition, said Rohr. “I would like to see names on the back of the uniforms,” said Trent Monroe ‘15. Whether or not the uniforms helped, the Trojans got into the first round of postseason playoff games before their season ended.
Senior athletes already committing to college BY CASSIDY STEELE AND MATIAS AMARO STAFF WRITERS Do I have my transcript ready? Are my grades in check? How do I even start applying for college? These are just a few of the many questions that seniors are now beginning to ask while trying to beat the early admission deadline or just in general to figure out where they want to go. But six seniors so far have none of this anxiety: They know where they are gonna go and what they are gonna be doing once they get there. These student athletes have already committed to a college to play a sport that they are passionate about. For one of these athletes, getting used to a new climate will also be a factor in getting comfortable with a whole new environment. Mallory Comerford ’15 has officially committed to the University of Louisville with a full ride scholarship for swimming. While playing a Division One sport she
also is going to study elementary education with an emphasis on learning disabilities. She plans on living in a dorm with one other swim mate. A total of six freshman including Comerford have been recruited as swimmers to Louisville. “I am so excited for what Louisville has to offer. I love their coaches, the team, the atmosphere and the campus. It’s the best city,” said Comerford. Her plans for the future are to get a job as a teacher, marry a stud of a husband, and make athletic babies. Paige Rachut ’15 will be attending Siena Heights University in Adrian Michigan next fall with a full ride scholarship for soccer. Rachut plans to live in a dorm with two other soccer players who have been recruited. “I chose Siena Heights because they gave me a full ride and also because I really liked the campus,” Rachut said. She plans to go into nursing while at Siena Heights and transfer after her four years to continue on her education. Her plans for the future are pretty plain and simple: get a
good job and have a family. Sarah Morrell ’15 is attending Cornerstone University in the fall with a scholarship to play basketball. Morrell will be living in a dorm her first year. She will be studying learning disabilities/ special education or elementary education. “This was the college for me, I knew it as soon as went to go visit the campus,” Morrell said. Her plans for the future are to be a teacher, start her life, and get married and have kids. Next fall, Davenport University will have three of our football players: Austin Rohr ’15, Aaron Klang ’15 and Jacob Geter ’15. Each has his own specific scholarship to play football at Davenport. Rohr wants to go into business and plans to live with someone he has never met before so he can get to know more people. His plans for the future are to stay there for five years, get a job in his field, and make a lot of money. Klang plans to go into sports management or physical therapy. He is going to room with Geter and two other football players.
Sarah Morrell ’15 signs the papers committing to Cornerstone University, surrounded by her parents Larry and Kim in back row; her new Coach Mattera (left) from Cornerstone and PHS Coach Tim Rieman. Photo courtesy Tim Rieman. Geter’s plan for his future is to get his Master’s degree, marry a supermodel, breed super athletic kids and create
a website called Athleticmeet. com for single atheltic people who are looking to find the love of their life.
16 || photo
the trojan torch
1 2 e v a r C
october 2014
Baile i s, g i v y Low
Matt Amaro, giving up caffeine and replacing it with Snapple
ing u rors p Mir
Chase Mielke, giving up sweets replacing it with healthier foods
ntz, e L y b Shel junk p u g givin d rean food t with i g n i plac ovc e t a l choco onds lm ered a
Upper right photo by Trent Monroe; bottom right photo by Maiah Lesher; others by Lauren Stefl
Abby Benson, giving up social media and replacing it with Trojan Fitness