Torch October 2014

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

03

The war on backpacks continues

08

Students celebrate their iPads... all except seniors

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

ISSUE 1, VOL. 65 || Oct. 2014

02 || opinion october 2014 THE TROJAN TORCH Volume 65, Issue 1 October 15, 2014

Editor-in-Chief: Camille Willbrandt

Opinion Editor: Rob Murgittroyd

News Editor: Alex Beals

Feature Editor: Shelby Lentz

Lifestyle Editor: Sarah Bommer

Sports Editor: Emily Totten

Photo Editor: Maiah Lesher

Business Editor: Kyle Shannon

Staff Writers

Matias Amaro ‘15 Shelby Booden ‘15 Michael Carrol ‘16 Mitchell Clark ‘15 Drew Hagen ‘15 Kenny Head ‘15 Lachlan 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 The Trojan Torch serves students, faculty of PHS, and members of the community through informing, educating, interpreting, entertaining, and advertising.

All members of the community and students are free to contribute stories, photos, and/or drawings to The Torch.

We do reserve 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 advertisement.

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.

the trojan torch

How to be the freshest freshman in the school

BY SIERRA ROULEAU STAFF WRITER

Freshman year is a time of both excitement at newfound freedom, and anxiety about fitting in. Navigating the tricky waters of Plainwell High School can be incredibly awkward and confusing. Be sure to follow these guidelines and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the most widely known freshman class in Plainwell history.

The hallways are for congregating, making out and shouting-- not walking.

Kissing in the hallways is totally cool. Respected, even.

People need to know you’re mature and there’s no better way to show it than shoving your tongue down your girlfriend’s throat. Bonus points if you can cop a feel. Take up as much space as you can, too, because nobody else really has anywhere to be. By blocking the halls, you’re asserting your dominance over the other students. It’s time to put the upperclassmen in their place. Yelling in the halls is also fine, and helps show everyone who’s boss. Shriek like a banshee. It gets everybody’s attention-- in a totally positive way. The higher the pitch, the higher the respect and admiration you’ll receive. There’s nothing quite like waking up at 6a.m. after a long night of work and studying to come to school where everybody’s shouting.

Forget actually hearing your teacher lecture-- shrieking freshmen is everybody’s new favorite sound. In all seriousness though, just be respectful in the hallways. Keep the PDA to a minimum, don’t cluster in the narrow hallways, and use your “indoor voice” please.

Everybody cares about

your problems.

Tell every person you see all about your problems; they really care! Especially the junior and seniors. There’s nobody more sympathetic to your stress and heavy workload than somebody who’s currently preparing for the ACT or applying to colleges themselves. You were top dog in middle school-- never forget that. You were in charge then, why shouldn’t you still be important now? The only way to be sure to gain the respect of the rest of the student body is to act like you’re still in charge and share your problems with everyone.

They’ll appreciate being your confidant and feel closer to you. But honestly, everybody is dealing with stuff of their own. They don’t need your issues piled on top. It only makes them feel resentful. If you really need to talk to somebody, try a friend, parent, or one of the PALs. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Don’t even give the future a second thought. After all, you’ve got years to figure it all out; your freshman year doesn’t matter at all. Letting your grades slip is no big deal, because high school is only going to get easier from here on out. Nobody actually tries when they’re a freshman. Besides, it’s really easy to turn it all around junior year, anyway. Blow off homework, forget about responsibilities, and ignore academics in general. There will be absolutely zero repercussions, I promise. For real though, it’s important to stay on top of your work, because it’ll catch up with you really quickly.

Faster than you even know.

The dress code is more of a suggestion than a rule.

Short shorts and crop tops

Jaidin Clemens ‘15 hides from upperclassmen in the place last expected. Photo by Maiah Lesher. are “soooooo” cute. Show as much skin as possible to show others that you’re an adult now. Maturity comes in the form of skimpy shirts and skin tight dresses. Take advantage of the loosened rules, and show your “bod” as much as you can. Your parents are just old fashioned and out of touch. It doesn’t matter at all if half of your booty is hanging out of your shorts, boys will still totally respect you and like you for your mind.

And it’s never hard to change your reputation once you get branded as “easy,” anyway, people do it all the time.

The teachers are super chill about it, too. Show up in a bikini-- nobody will even notice. Our school is basically a meat market anyway. People don’t take the dress code seriously. Unless you wear a hat.

They really do care about the hat thing. Honestly, people do break the dress code all the time, but they’ve been cracking down on that a lot lately, so chances are you will get caught. And ladies, even if you don’t get caught, there’s nothing to gain from it. Boys will lose respect for you and other girls will get annoyed that you can get away with breaking rules and they can’t. There’s really no plus-side.

Brag to anybody who

will listen about how much you party. Partying is HUGE at Plainwell. If you’re not a partier, you’re not anybody.

There isn’t a single cool person that doesn’t turn up occasionally. Tell everybody about your wild weekend, because that’s the only way to gain respect and build a good reputation. Nobody thinks the over-glorification of the lifestyle is even remotely annoying. And even if you don’t partake in such activities, tell everybody you do anyway.

Nobody can tell the difference and it’s your word against theirs. People will totally buy it, especially if you deepen your voice and act super cool about it. Real talk: it’s none of my business what you do with your weekend. But if it’s damaging to other’s perception of your character, just don’t talk about it. Whether it’s a lie or not, people will often lose respect for you-- not because of what you did, but because you felt the need to brag about it.

High school really isn’t as difficult and scary as it may seem to be at first. Listen only to the italics, and you should be alright. It isn’t too hard to stay afloat. Want one piece of actual, genuine advice?

Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat. You’re going to be just fine.

03 || opinion

the trojan torch

Book ‘em:

october 2014

backpacks don’t pose a threat

BY MATIAS AMARO STAFF WRITER “Backpacks have taken the place of lockers. The days of struggling with stubborn lock combinations, balancing armloads of books and racing through hallways to beat the tardy bell are virtually gone. Portability, low cost and attractive organizational features make backpacks invaluable accessories for busy students.” -Everdaylife.com Unfortunately, that’s not how we live life here at PHS. As a senior at Plainwell High School, I find it ridiculous that in my last year the administration is all of a sudden enforcing the rule that you can’t have backpacks in classrooms or hallways.

If you’re anything like the “ordinary” teenager, staying organized is not one of our strengths. Using anything to keep us organized should be allowed to help us excel in school.

Having my locker at the very front of the school is not convenient at all. I’m speaking for most of the student body when I say this: most of my classrooms are at the polar opposite part of the school.

Teachers and other faculty are allowed to bring backpacks and totes to use their time more efficiently. I’m sure teachers would not like the idea of going to the teachers’ lounge every time they needed something new to teach a different class, or all the way out to their car, and then have to make it back within five minutes.

I find that pretty hypocritical of teachers.

“I was in the library when I saw Dr. Wright in there with his backpack, and I im-

mediately called him out on it,” said Kevin Rice ‘15. “He told me it was to hold his laptop when he walked around, so I told him that’s basically the same reason I use my backpack; I just put all my books in there.”

Rice went on to say that Wright just walked away from him.

“There’s one thing that I tell all the teachers who tell me to put my backpack away: I understand there could be a bomb in a backpack, or it could just simply be a book,”

“Our administration feels the need to stop the student body from using their backpacks for what they were made for.” said Rice.

Having only five minutes between each class to get to and from classrooms doesn’t make any sense when we have to go to the opposite part of school. Struggling to get through the cramned hallways just to get maybe one or two books, and then trying to find my way back to the other

side of the school again seems extremely cumbersome.

It usually takes kids at least two minutes to get to their locker, more to get their books, and then another two minutes to get back to class.

Now tell me how to accompany variables of the average school day. You’re left with about one minute to spare depending on the ‘traffic,’ and if your teacher lets you out on time. So when is there time to use the bathroom or drinking fountains?

Students had a majority consensus about the time between classes.

“It takes me most of my five minutes because my locker is by the gym doors and its really crowded so I have to wait till everyone passes through just so I can open my locker and get out the things I need,” said Emma Westerhouse ‘17.

Westerhouse’s predicament could easily be solved with an extra few minutes, or if she was allowed backpack privileges..

“I practically have to sprint to my classes! And don’t even get me started about the amount of time we have to use the bathroom…” said Veronica Klein ‘16.

Tying these two together proves that it’s just not lower classmen moving slow, but upperclassmen as well.

Using your backpack would cut down time getting to and from your locker giving students more time to use the bathroom, which would result in fewer students asking for permission from teachers to use the bathroom during class. We all know how moody some teachers get when you ask to use the bathroom during lecture.

Out of the 100 students

surveyed, only 13 did not approve of having backpacks.

This shows a huge difference between dissenters and approvers.

I do understand that our administration wants to take precautions and it’s all about safety issues. The last thing I want to Dr. Wright struts through hallways, backpack around his hear is shoulder. Photo by Kyle Shannon. someone classrooms, or the hallways being hurt in our school, anymore, how about giving but honestly, I do not believe us more than five minutes of that banning backpacks in passing time? hallways or classrooms puts It’s sad that our adminisanyone in more danger than tration feels the need to stop allowing them. the student body from using Backpacks do not lead to their backpacks for what endangerment of the student they were made for. body, since a student determined to do harm to others will not stop at simply not carrying a backpack.

I understand that you have to plan against potential hazards, but you’re asking the majority of the student population to give up their five minutes of passing time in order to walk from class, to their lockers, and back, all to barely sneak back into class on time.

If we are not allowed to have our backpacks in the

87 percent of students believe they should be allowed backpack rights

04 || opinion

the trojan torch

october 2014

Let’s put on a talent show

BY DANIEL HOUSEHOLDER STAFF WRITER

For years now, Collage has shown just how much talent the choir and band have. And while we sit back watching the laborous show, we wonder, who else has talent? A talent show would help branch out to prove that, in fact, those who aren’t in band or choir have talent, too.

Choir teacher Denise Beauchamp said she supports the idea of a talent show.

“They’re fun and students like them,” Beauchamp said.

“Tennis has something like a talent show with Battle of the Bands,” Principal Jeremy Wright said. “I believe we tried to have (a talent show) a few years ago, but it didn’t come to fruition. There’s a possibility we could end up having one if it were to be organized and run by someone.

We would also need sponsors for it,” Wright added.

Some students could put it together with the help of an adult. It would give some welcome community service hours that we are all scrambling for.

It would cost money. However, with so many businesses in the area, it shouldn’t be hard to conjure up the money that a talent show would need.

Alan Shultz ‘16 had suggested a talent show to Wright last year. Wright gave him a different answer.

“He said we didn’t have the resources for one. They all went to the Collage,” said Shultz.

You’d think the administration would put their power towards something that would help build students’ self esteem.

“If they got positive feedback, it would definitely help build self esteem,” english teacher and Battle of the Bands sponsor Jason Grubaugh said. “But they had

to stop a while ago because students were being obnoxious.”

G r u b au g h fantasized about a talent show out of school hours, but he then added, “it probably won’t ever happen.”

Even if it is after school, it could still benefit students. Positive feedback or not, getting up on stage like that would help build up one’s confidence.

The fun of seeing your classmates’ hidden talents, that’s the mystery that drives the need for this performance.

Illustration by Emma Seiler

E E C C I I O O Heroism shouldn’t be optional V V R R U U O O Someone either has the heroic mindset, or not. At PHS, there is an effective program called “quiet heroes.” These people are supposed to walk among the student body, and silently report any misconduct.

A silent hero isn’t supposed to become involved in the problem, but inform the administation to handle the situation. This could appear, on paper like an ingenious idea.

However, what would a silent hero do when dealing with a situation that involves immediate response?

This happened recently, involving a one sided fight.

What’s a silent hero supposed to do? One wasn’t there to find out. However, a hero of his own emerged.

Scrambling sounds and shouting herded a crowd of students outside of Psycology and World History teacher Ann Pegg’s classroom.

A student was assaulting another student, for reasons unimportant. The assailant had the other student pinned to the ground, as lurking bystanders continue to stare.

Seth Bevins ‘15 saw injustice and took action. Ripping through the jaw-dropped crowd, Bevins was able to force his way up to the action. Without hesitation, Bevins put himself in danger and selflessly pulled the two students apart.

Bevins couldn’t believe that out of all the students watching, only he did something about it.

“I actually had to push kids out of my way,” said Bevins.

After this ordeal, the term “quiet heroes,” should be a universal term applied to anyone willing to do the right thing, whether following “cookie cutter” policies or not.

And using that definition, it SHOULD apply to every student at PHS.

the trojan torch

05 || news october 2014

Plainwell’s foreigners embrace America

BY MATT AMARO, MITCHELL CLARK AND ZOE JORDAN STAFF WRITERS As far back as many teachers can remember, the 2014-2015 school year at PHS is hosting the most foreign exchange students than ever before.

“This is my 7th year here and it’s the most number of exchange students I’ve had.”

Assistant Principal Deb Burley said.

Meeting new students from different parts of the

country and getting to know new cultures and customs is important for kids growing up to enrich their lives, especially in a small town like Plainwell. This year we have a total of 15 foreign exchange students.

Stine Rojas Tveita from Bomlo, Norway is 17 years old. Her favorite American food is “pizza from Pizza Hut”. Tveita has also traveled many places other than America, such as Sweden, Denmark, England, Turkey, and Chile. School isn’t the

same in Norway.

“Between classes you have more time to go to the bathroom and talk with friends.

You don’t have to do your homework either. It’s your responsibility to learn the lesson,” she added. “If you want to learn it, do the homework.”

Victoria Ruiz Lacour is from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Lacour is 17 years old.

“I like the music, food, and school here,” she said when asked what her favorite things in America are.

She also went to other

places in the states before she came to school.

“I went to see my cousin; she lives in New York. But just to travel, I went to L.A., Vegas and Miami.”

Lacour also shared with us what she thought was the most interesting thing she has seen in America.

“The snow! It’s really beautiful and really cold. I’ve never felt anything as cold as snow.”

Sonja Sarja from Mantta, Finland is 17 years old. Sarja’s favorite american food is piz-

za.

“Everything is so big here,” said Sarja. One thing she’s learned from being an exchange student here at Plainwell is that she always has to try and never give up.

Alena Seggers is 16 years old. She is from Hanover, Germany. The most interesting thing she’s seen so far is when she visited the Allegan County Fair this year.

“A mule, I’ve never seen it before. It’s so cute!” she said.

Seggers’ favorite american food is ice cream.

The foreigners pause from their studies to crack a smile for the Torch camera. There are 15 total this year from all corners of the globe- Photo by Maiah Lesher.

“Plainwell Ice cream is awesome!” she said.

Juan Serra Sastre is from Nallora, Spain .He is 15 years old.

“My favorite American food is hamburgers and hotdogs,” Sastre said.

One thing that’s different from America and Spain is, “we have to eat dinner with our family every night. Like, we can’t eat at the t.v.,” he said.

Sastre likes to play soccer too, though the first time that he went to soccer practice, he “did not understand any-

thing.”

Jonas Mevenkamp is from Hannover, Germany. He is a part of a family of six with a mom, dad, and three little sisters. Mevenkamp says he loves everything about America: the people and the places. His favorite fast food restaurant here is Taco Bell.

One of the main things that he likes here more than in Germany is the candy.

When asked what was one weird thing he has experienced from America, he said, “nothing weird, just new things.”

Anna Holmstrom, from Sweden, loves all the school activities and cannot wait to go to homecoming. A few things Holmstrom does not really care for is our “lack of sidewalks and public transportation.”

Holmstrom’s favorite American foods are tacos and onion rings. She has visited a few places around America, but one she really liked was Ground Zero.

“I would like people to know that there are not polar bears on the street in Sweden,” said Holmstrom.

Karina Albuja from Ecuador likes American food and doesn’t like how unsocial people are here. Albuja’s favorite food in America is honey bbq wings.

“The hardest thing I had to go through while I was about to leave was saying goodbye to family,” Albuja said.

One thing she would like for Americans to know is that the seafood in Ecuador is prepared weird. At Albuja’s school in Ecuador she didn’t have a locker and she didn’t switch rooms.

Santiago Buganza from

Mexico says his favorite food is fried chicken and he really dislikes the Mexican food here. One of the best things Santiago has experienced in America is scoring a goal. He prefers America over Mexico.

One thing about his country he would like people to know is that schools there you have to wear a uniform and you cannot have a beard.

FOREIGNERS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 6.

06 || news

the trojan torch

october 2014

Cabaret tradition continues with new choir teacher

BY RICKY LADUKE STAFF WRITER Traditions continue as the new choir teacher starts the year out with Cabaret. However, the style of music, vocal jazz, is anything but traditional..

Choir teacher Denise Beauchamp puts the students to work right away this year.

The new style of music is a lot more difficult and different than what most of the students have sung before. The music is also a lot harder to learn.

“I have high expectations for myself and the students.

I want to see if they will rise to them,” Beauchamp said, explaining why she gave the students such challenging music at the beginning of the year.

“We work really hard and get a lot of stuff done in class,” said Trent Monroe ‘15, who is a tenor in Concert Choir.

“The rhythm is very tricky

in this style of music and the exercises we do in class will help us learn the music better and faster,” said Catherine Lemus ‘16, who is a Soprano in Concert Choir.

“At this rate, we will be very prepared for the concert and I think that we will put on a good show,” she said.

Cabaret still hosts the dinner/dessert before each concert, which gives a great taste to the sophisticated style of the concert it is.

Cabaret has two performances: Oct. 18 and 20. The first night holds dinner and dessert at 6 p.m, and the second night offers only dessert.

For the first night, tickets are $13-$15 for the dinners or $5 to just watch.

For the second night, tickets are $5 for either dessert or just for entrance. If you choose to eat on either of the nights, you do not have to pay an additional $5 to get into the concert. Show time for both nights is 7:30 pm.

All of the details for 2014 Cabaret!

WHO: PHS Choir WHAT: This fall’s dinner concert WHERE: Cafeteria/ Peforming Arts Center WHEN: First show is on Oct. 18, and a second peformance is two days later on Oct. 20.

Exchange students starting to feel at home FOREIGNERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 .

Santiago said that “school in America is much easier,” and he enjoys “talking to the women here.”

Young Kim from South Korea thinks the fact that students can drive is really awesome, but thinks the school lunch is short. Kim’s favorite food in America is pizza.

He thinks that Deer running on the road is really cool, but weird. Kim has never been to America before, but he would love to come back.

“School is much easier here,” said Kim. Kim also loves going to the football games and hanging out with his friends.

Angela Astudillo from

Colombia likes that the people from America are very nice, and dislikes the massive amount of junk food we have available. Astudillo’s favorite food she has had while she has been here is chocolate chip cookies.

She was asked what the strangest thing she’s experienced since she’s been in America, and she replied with “questions that people ask are different.”

She has been to America before and has visited California, Nevada, and also Arizona. She speaks many different languages such as Spanish, English, and a little Italian. For her journey here, she said she had to be “really open minded for new things.”

Luiza Melo is from Sao

Paulo, Brazil. She has one older brother. Her favorite thing about America so far is the school. She says that the

AROUND THE WORLD

This year’s foreign exchange students hail from different parts of the world. Let’s look at who came from where.

SOUTH AMERICA - 5 EUROPE - 8 (Including two from the same town!)

MEXICO - 1 ASIA - 1

school here is better because there are so much more activities you can do and sport teams you can be apart of.

Melo is on the volleyball team here at Plainwell and likes the intensity of the game.

“Nothing like back in Brazil,” Melo said.

Martyna Pioro is from Wroclaw, Poland and she has one older sister back home. Pioro says that she really likes how the people here are so genuinely nice to each other.

“You definitely don’t see strangers greeting each other just because back in Poland,” she said. “I was pretty nervous my first week I got here because my host sibling told me that you had to learn all the states and capitals, and how kids droves cows to school and carried chickens in their backpacks, and I actually believed her so I was studying so much the week

before school so I wasn’t behind.”

Guillermo Kitchin Velardo is from Madrid, Spain and has one brother and one sister back home. Velardo says that his favorite thing so far is the cheerleaders and the football games.

“It’s weird being at a place where people know me, but I don’t know them,” Velardo said, “but that’s just another reason why I love America”.

Annalize Marintz-Letrinta is from Sao Paulo, Brazil and she is sixteen years old. Her favorite food here in America is Taco Bell.

“It’s such a beautiful place to be!” Martins-Letrinta said.

“But it’s also still strange, just not what I’m used to. Especially the language and food.”

07 || news

the trojan torch

october 2014

Old man winter rolls back into Plainwell

BY SARA LEPLEY STAFF WRITER The feeling of the bitter cold wind pushing against you as you plow through the snow on the ground; to many Michiganders, this is the biggest worry for the upcoming winter.

For this year’s winter, everyone is remembering the last winter at Plainwell High School with a total of eight snow days, which was over the amount of snow days allowed. The students in turn had to make up extra days at school, turning what they believed in the moment was a blessing into a curse. Now students are worried that this year’s winter will be worse than the last.

Derick Weckerle ‘16 said, “This winter is going to be horrible, the worst in centuries. My friend said we should start preparing for it.”

The question pondering everyone’s mind right now: should we be preparing for the worst winter of our generation?

“It is going to be another cool winter not quite as extreme, not as much snow and

I anticipate a total of four snow days this year,” said our own expert on the subject of Meteorology, science teacher Scott Evans .

These two different anticipations on this years winter are different indeed, but many of the other students are in agreement with Weckerle, that this winter will be awful.

“I think it’s going to be a really bad winter and I am not looking forward to it, except for the snow days. I’m hoping for a total of at least ten this year,” said Sammy Cain ‘15 And she is not the only one anticipating lots of snow days this year. Alyssa Boss ‘15 is ready and excited for this years winter.

“I love winter and snow days and now that I’m a senior, I don’t have to make them up. I cant wait for this winter, it is going to be epic.

I just hope everyone remembers to stay safe out there on the roads. ” Boss said.

This winter is still unpredictable and no one is positive on the outcome. This is typical Michigan weather; we never know what to expect.

According to the Farmers Almanac, there will be snow starting late Oct. and then starting back up in mid to late Nov. It will be colder than normal and snowfall will be above average. Snowfall will be heaviest in mid Dec. all Jan., and early Feb. However, if it’s any consolation, summer is expected to be “hotter then normal.”

Winter was so heavy last year that many people turned to climbing the massive snowmounds that resulted from the plows running out of room. Photo by Bonnie Pfingst.

PHS joins other schools in College Week

BY QUINN NEWLAND STAFF WRITER

What You Need To Know: • • •

Runs from Nov. 3 to Nov. 7 Goal is to have every senior apply to at least one college Teachers and counselors will be helping seniors apply to colleges and will be giving advice to students based on their experiences.

Late into the evening you hear the pitter patter of typing by tired fingers, the blue glow consuming the face of the user. No, this isn’t tax season. This is college application season, one of the most stressful times in a students life.

However this year, Plainwell High School is joining other schools across the state in participating in the Michigan College Application Week.

It’s a week long event with aiming to make applying to colleges easier and more approachable in the process.

This will run from Nov. 3 to Nov. 7, with the main goal being to provide all seniors

the opportunity to apply to at least one college.

This is the first time the school district has done anything like this, and if effective, it will continue for the foreseeable future.

Students are already excited for the idea and agree that it just might be one of the better things Plainwell Schools has done.

“I think it’s absolutely a great idea. Like why have we not done this before?” said Murphy Peters ‘15.

“We plan to treat it a bit like spirit week,” said Counselor Rich Luczak. “Teachers and students will be encour-

aged to wear college gear and college fight songs will be played during passing time.

Our wish is to promote the idea to other grade levels, as we will be participating for the foreseeable future.”

It seems both students and teachers are hopeful that this will work out for the best, giving them a helping-hand of sorts on applications.

“I think this could really be a good thing, I think this will definitely help me out when it’s my time,” said Kendalyn Alyssa ‘16.

• The average in state tuition is $8,893, and $22,203 for out of state students, according to collegedata.com.

• A Average tuition for a private college being slightly over $30,000 a year.

08 || feature

09 || feature october 2014

the trojan torch

The secrets of Google unveiled

BY SEAN MURPHY STAFF WRITER

Google; everyone uses it for day to day browsing whether it’s schoolwork or looking for a house, but do you know all the fun you can have with google?

There are many little tricks and “easter eggs” google has added in since its development in 1998.

“I do not want to divulge these across the newspaper, kids screw around enough already,” said Plainwell High School teacher and technology assistant, Keven Badalamente on the subject of Google tricks.

Despite Badalamente’s unwillingness to share his knowledge a list of Google secrets has been compiled for your enjoyment.

Pictured above is Google’s “tilt” trick. Photo by Maiah Lesher

• If you feel like pushing Google around for awhile look for “google particle logo” • Search “zerg rush” and defend your page from dozens of google droids • Type “qingming” for a nice picture of a an annual festival in china • Go to “chrome multitask” for an infinite number of extra mouses • Type “google search in china” for an interesting experience to say the least • “Pig latin google” consists of over 150 languages • Google “where is chuck norris” to find out that you can’t find Chuck Norris

• Search “epic google” if you like things big • Type “annoying google” only if you can control your anger • Search “weenie google” to have your manhood insulted • If you’re a fan of the beatles you might want to google “John Lennon’s 70th birthday doodle” • Finally type up “google doodles” and you will be brought to an archive of a ton of fun games and short clips!

With Google continuing to be the most popular search engine today, according to Net Marketshare, it’s likely that they will continue to entertain us with more fun surprises.

For more secrets, go to www.portent.com.

Hmm, where are the seniors’ iPads?

BY CHELSEA OETMAN STAFF WRITER No iPads for the seniors. The class of 2015 will be the last class at Plainwell High School to do their work the “old fashioned way.”

“Seniors this year were supposed to be getting iPads,” said Taryn Jones ‘15.

“Seniors did not get iPads because of a money issue,” said Principal Jeremy Wright.

“It doesn’t make sense financially to give the seniors iPads for one year,” said Kevin Badalamente.

However, not all seniors are lamenting what some perceive as a broken promise.

“Thank gosh we don’t have them.

Technology isn’t the best and I have zero tolerance for all of the mess ups the iPads always have,” said Megan Harris ‘15.

“I don’t really care if we get them or not.” said Molly Wright ‘15.

Seniors by nature have a lot to do this year. But with many teachers requiring the use of Schoology and no inclass technology, it might require doing it at home or leaving class to go to the library. Not everyone has access to computers or

electronics at home.

One such student is Mara Minott ‘15.

“Yeah, it’s a struggle because although I work at the library it makes it harder to write papers,” said Minott.

“I don’t really care if we have them, but we also kind of need them so we wouldn’t have so much work to carry around.” said Brandon Reynolds ‘15.

Meanwhile, this year’s freshmen got an upgrade from the devices the sophomores and juniors have. They have the new iPad Air’s “Freshman got new iPads because it’s the newest version they have come out with for educational purposes,” said Wright.

Teachers can find themselves with a class where some students have the devices and some don’t.

However, they seem to be able to adapt. It doesn’t seem to bother Social Studies teacher Bernie Christopher.

“No I’ve been doing this a long time,” said Christopher.

The topic of seniors having iPads has been a long lost battle for the past three years. Despite the numerous emotions evoked from the situation, seniors will never experience the luxuries of a school-provided iPad.

Jack Hyames ‘17 lords it over the seniors with his iPad. Photo by Maiah Lesher

Taylor Stansbury takes a positive spin

BY SIERRA ROULEAU STAFF WRITER It takes a strong person to remain positive after a personal tragedy. Taylor Stansbury ‘15 is that person. Highly involved with Peer Assisted Learning (PALs) and Positive Psychology, Stansbury has been using her own experiences to fuel her drive to help others.

“Mrs. Boven suggested I take Positive Psychology as a sophomore, so I took the class and it changed my life,” says Stansbury, “It made me have a more positive outlook and I learned many other positive ways to deal with life when it gets hard. Then Mr. Mielke suggested I try to get into PALs. I love talking to teens and being there for anybody who needs it!”

“She has had such a quiet but important influence. We have PALs and we have mentors in Positive Psych that are very much like dog people personalities-- they’re boisterous, they’re loud-- and that’s great, but not every student connects with that. She’s the model student for the types of kids that are observant, and patient and just want to have good conversation. She lives the things that we talk about, she doesn’t just say them. It’s a part of who she is,” said PAL and Positive Psychology teacher Chase Mielke.

“I’ve known her for about seven years,” say Kristy MacDonald, mother of Stansbury’s long-time boyfriend.

“She is a very a sweet, special girl with a big heart. She likes to make people happy and help others. She is such a beautiful, positive person, and has good goals for herself,” says MacDonald.

Stansbury knows without hesitation what she wants to do after high school.

“I want to be a counselor or some sort of social worker and help teens and kids learn to be more positive with their lives. And for them to believe they are worth something. I’ve had my own social worker and she helped me through many things as a child. She was always there to talk to and she kept my sister and me together through some stuff when we were moving around to live with different family members. I just want to be that adult that kids want to talk to. I want them to know I genuinely care.”

As a PAL and mentor, Stansbury has had a huge effect on the lives of many other students.

“She is one of the most inspiring students I’ve ever met,” says Mielke, “Just knowing the types of things she’s been through and the types of things she’s still going through, her ability to stay positive and resilient, to be kind and

Cafe several days a week.

“They’re like a family. The food is great and half of jakes family works there. I love my job!”

Work leaves little free time, but Stansbury also enjoys many other activities.

“I kickbox at Repz gym, and I run outside of school,” says Stansbury, “I love singing, too, but I’m not in choir. It’s just on my own time.”

“I think everyone should have a conversation with her at one point, and just learn from her-- who she is, and how she does what she does,” says Mielke, “She’s someone that on a first appearance, you would look at and think ‘she’s got everything put together,’ like she’s well dressed and all that, but she works for everything she has. If more students knew her and how hard she works and how positive she is, I think she could really inspire a lot of people.”

Eastside Grocery Of Plainwell 519 E. Bridge St. Photo by Brittany Williams. humble-- it all just blows me away. She hasn’t had life handed to her on a silver platter; she works her frickin’ butt off.”

“I’d like to be remembered as a nice and independent girl who loves helping and being there when people need it most,” said Stansbury.

When Mielke was also asked to describe her, he decided-- after a long pause and complaint about how difficult a question it was-- on resilient, inspiring, and humble.

In addition to helping others at every opportunity, Stansbury says she also works as a hostess at Four Roses

Plainwell, MI 49080 Ph. (269)-685-8772 ~Deli Hours~ 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Monday thru Friday Aaron and Toby ~Owners~

10|| feature

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october 2014

Halloween traditions

BY SHELBY BOODEN STAFF WRITER

Claire Durian

Teigen Betts Trick-or-treating with friends.

Katie Ristau

Kari Havenaar

Throwing eggs at the neighbors house...I mean, frying pan...

Swim team parties because we are coo coo!

King size Reese’s.

Carmel apple suckers.

What are your favorite Halloween traditions?

Definitely trick-ortreating.

What’s your favorite Halloween candy?

Kit Kats because they’re the bomb.

Buttergingers all the way!

Tootsie rolls.

What’s the most annoying thing about Halloween?

Little kids that get more candy and teens that don’t dress up.

My parents telling me what time I have to be home.

When teenagers don’t dress up but they still trick or treat.

Do you still go trick-or-treating?

Heck yes!

Of course.

No...

You could call it that.

Nope! Study time!

At what age should you stop trick-or-treating?

No, you’re never too old to go trick-or-treating.

When I die.

Ten, you’re too old.

When I’m dead.

13...you’re a teen.

Classic Halloween movies -Hocus Pocus (Disney, 1993) -Twitches (Disney, 2005) -Halloweentown (Disney, 1998) -The Nightmare Before Christmas (Disney, 1993) -Edward Scissorhands (Fox, 1990) -It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Warner Brothers, 1966)

Obviously eating candy and having an excuse.

Kevin Rice

Not being able to legally “streak.”

Teenagers coming to my house for candy.

11 || lifestyle

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Shot from the sky; The Talon of the Hawk

BY MICHAEL CARROLL STAFF WRITER The Front Bottoms album Talon of the Hawk will have you laughing, tearing up, and belting out the lyrics. Talon of the Hawk, released May 21, 2013, is undeniably one of the best albums released in the last few years. The album showcases a mature band that has not lost the

unique sound they had from their garage band days.

The album genre is indie rock, but elements of punk, and folk punk are seen throughout. The songs are vocal- centric; guitar riffs will on occasion rise above to produce haunting melodies, but mostly play background rhythms for the vocals, and all the while the pace of the songs are set by the pounding drums.

The band showcases the increased production value of their fourth record with the quality of sound on the tracks and the addition of keyboard and trumpet lines on multiple tracks, for example keys on “Peach” or trumpet on “Swear to God The Devil Made Me Do It”.

Lyrically, this album is near perfect, with vocalist Brian Sella able to discuss depressing issues like breaking up, losing friends, and abortion’s effect on relationships. All the while you are still smiling even as you are overcome with the emotion from Sella’s performance due to the clever writing style he has.

Lyrics like, “...You stopped by my house the night you escaped, With tears in my eyes, I begged you to stay...” from “Twin Sized Mattress or, “...It’s reached the point in the night where I need to decide, Whether I’m gonna fall asleep or watch the sunrise...” from “Everything I Own”, that drive the emotional content and the incredible creativity that The Front Bottoms deliver on Talon of the Hawk.

The only major criticism of this album is its over reliance on repetition. In some songs like “Au Revoir” it only adds to the cleverness of the song. But sometimes it goes the other way as in “Skeleton”. The repetition has a reason to exist; it helps songs be easier to learn and sing along to and it helps the songs be more catchy.

However, when the repetition is implemented poorly it can feel like the song is slowing down, or that the band is just repeating itself to make tracks longer. Even though historically, The Front Bottoms have had repetition as a trademark, Talon of the Hawk makes it feel as if the space should have been filled with Sella’s witty lyrics rather than just another chorus.

It is hard to draw similarities to The Front Bottoms and other artists because their sound is so unique.

“It’s different, not like any other music. He talks kinda. He sings about his feelings,” said Abbie Benson ‘16. The Talon of the Hawk continues this tradition. Compared to older Front Bottoms record this is a more technical and “grown up” sound. Gone is the days of garage recordings but the soul of their roots stays with them. Musicality does appear to have come as a trade for some of the lyrical genius present in the self titled “Front Bottoms” album from 2011 though.

The best songs on this album would be first and foremost “Twin Sized Mattress” and “Everything I Own”. These songs are the deepest, and most moving on the record. They are the best examples of the song writing ability of Sella.

The worst songs on the album would have to be “Skeleton” and “Santa Monica”. The worst songs earned their place for being songs where too much repetition has set them below the rest of the record. Not to say they aren’t still good songs, but they are at the bottom of the pack on Talon of the Hawk.

This isn’t an album for everyone. Inevitably there will be people who don’t like it.

“Nobody likes the first song they listen too, but if you keep listening you’ll be obsessed,” said Benson. You should give this album a listen if you want to have an album you can play on every occasion, if you want an album you can listen to for hours on end, and not get tired of it, and if you want to experience something deep and heartfelt.

Rating 4/5 Pocket Knives

october 2014

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.

Fleetwood Mac: coming to Palace of Auburn Hills (Auburn Hills) Oct. 22 The Talleys: coming to Chenery Auditorium (Kalamazoo) Nov. 1 Frankie Ballard: coming to The Filmore (Detroit) Nov. 1 The 1975: coming to The Filmore (Detroit) Nov. 4 Jason Mraz and Raining Jane: coming to Fox Theatre (Detroit) Nov. 6 Motley Crue and Alice Cooper: coming to Joe Louis Arena (Detroit) Nov. 8

Lee Brice: coming to The Filmore (Detroit) Nov. 8 G-Eazy and E-40: coming to Majestic Theatre (Detroit) Nov. 13 Black Veil Brides: coming to Royal Oak Music Theatre (Royal Oak) Nov. 15 Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band: coming to Dow Event Center (Saginaw) Nov. 19 Uncle Kracker: coming to Royal Oak Music Theatre (Royal Oak) Nov. 28 Slipknot and Korn: coming to Palace of Auburn Hills (Auburn Hills) Nov. 29 Pierce the Veil and Sleeping with Sirens: coming to Compuware Arena (Plymouth) Nov. 30

12 || lifestyle october 2014

t n e d u t S

s w e revi

AnnaBelle: nothing less than dissapointing

BY QUINN NEWLAND STAFF WRITER When you go to see a horror movie, you go to be scared, to have fun.

Last year one of the most fun and terrifying horror movies in recent memory was released, The Conjuring. It was an effective and creepy horror film, if not all that original. This year we have AnnaBelle, a spin-off of the beginning segment in The Conjuring. What could’ve been a worthy prequel of sorts to a great movie, is instead a repetitive and dull horror movie with minimal scares, and minimal fun.

AnnaBelle is the story of married couple Mia, (AnnaBelle Wallis), and John, (Ward Horton.) With Mia being Pregnant, John decides to surprise her with the last doll needed for her collection. An escalating sense of dread encroaches upon them, as stranger and more violent things begin to follow them wherever they go.

Watching the trailers for AnnaBelle will make you think that it’s just another boring samey horror movie, and you’d be right. From the acting to the directing AnnaBelle is chock full of disappointment and underwhelming aspects.

The acting is awful. There have never been more poorly chosen actors for a horror movie. Wallis is the most inept horror actor you have had the displeasure of seeing. Horton is no better. They have the emotivity of cancelled daytime soap opera actors, and they deliver dialogue about as well as someone randomly pulled off the streets would have. They are both so grating, irritating and ridiculously stupid that you will hope Satan takes them sooner.

He does try and take them too, in the most boring and unoriginal ways you can imagine. Never has there been such a stupid and repetitive movie. The script is trite and cliched, and the same three things happen over and over and over again. John goes to work, Mia is left at home, the devil tries to kill her child. What makes it worse is that the characters are so poorly written and the scares are all so completely wooden and predictable that you will not care an ounce what happens to them.

It doesn’t usually matter as much to most people, but the camerawork in the movie makes it feel like a sitcom, and not even a good one. The same angles and shots are used every scene, and they weren’t even original or good the first time through. AnnaBelle’s camerawork is not only boring, but laughable. I guess it goes well with the rest of the movie at least.

AnnaBelle was not going to be good, but it could have at least been fun, self aware even. Instead what you get is a movie that takes itself too seriously, when the audience can’t even manage to do that. The final product not even being laughable, it’s a movie that should not only be avoided, but erased from public memory.

Rating 1.5 out 5 “creepy dolls”

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Orange is the new Netflix

BY LACHLAN HOGG STAFF WRITTER “Orange Is The New Black” the hit series on Netflix and also a best selling book called Orange Is The New Black: My Year In A Womens Prison, Both the book and the TV series is taking society by stride melting the hearts of people everywhere with its dark yet hilarious view on life inside of a women’s prison. I believe that everyone should watch this show.

It plays on your emotional side and the logical side of the fact that anyone can make a mistake and end up in prison I had thought that only people who did terrible things ended up in prison. The show is based on the main character Piper Chapman (played by Taylor Shilling) and the women she meets in prison and how they got in prison.

It’s a modern look at how a state prison is run and how people really act inside of prison and all of the people Piper meets and befriends and how they got into prison .

“The shows got great perspective and all of the jokes are funny, but I wish I could bring back the main character’s girlfriend,” said Seth Bevins ‘15.

The show has been nominated for several awards Schilling was nominated for best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama.

“The show is hilarious and I love everything about it except Vee she ruined everything,” said Dereck Weckerle ‘16.

Overall the show has a great message and can reach viewers and readers of all walks of life.

Rating 5/5 “orange jumpsuits”

Viewers want more of Carter

BY KIM PIERCE STAFF WRITER

Imagine life as you know it, being pulled away, having the whole world ripped away from you. Everything you knew was a lie, something to create an illusion of the truth. The real you gone, starting over, with strangers.

The MTV show Finding Carter follows the struggle of a 16 year old girl, Carter (Kathryn Prescott). Carter was kidnapped from her family at the age of three. Her whole world is flipped upside down when she is bailed out of jail by her real parents.

Carter is now trying to adjust to the fact that all she has known has been a lie. Along the way she runs into many small conflicts. Meanwhile her kidnapper, Lori (Milena Govich), is attempting to guilt her into running away, which is a difficult decision she is forced to make on her own.

This TV series is for all generations - for someone looking for a show about reconnecting the dots between memories and feelings. Although this is a very powerful endurance, the show is quite typical.

The writers didn’t spend enough time showing us the real Carter, before she discovered she was abducted. Instead they show a lost teenager, confused, trying to make something of a life she never knew.

The show starts off slow, but if you can get through the first two episodes by the third one you’ll be hooked. The season one finale will leave you on the edge of your seat, gasping for more.

Rating 3/5 “fingerprints”

13 || lifestyle

the trojan torch

october 2014

Trending T-shirts: Cape tees vs tie-dye

BY DANIEL HOUSEHOLDER STAFF WRITER

There are already quite a number of them, including Batman, Superman, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and even Harry Potter. Currently being sold at Walmart, these unique T-shirts are going fast.

But which one is better?

Tie-dye shirts have a history dating back before our great grandparents (even beyond that). Whereas cape tees are just beginning to rise in popularity. However, like many other different clothing styles, they fade. Which is where cape T-shirts have a downfall against the tie-dyes.

There is a countless number of different tie-dye styles.

You could pretty much make any design you wanted to.

With only a couple of designs for the cape t-shirts, mainly

superheroes with the exception of Harry Potter and the Ninja Turtles, there isn’t a Since the 1960s, the school broad spectrum like what building has changed, but tie-dye has. Additionally, tiewhat kids are wearing in dye can be made at home; the the halls resembles the 60s in cape tees must be purchased. such a way that it has gotten “I like them. They are cool.” its own spirit day this year.

Jordan Lee ‘15 said. She has colThe tie-dye concept has made lected the Batman and Harry its comeback.

Potter shirts so far with the In fact, tie-dye shirts have intent on getting more. “All been a trend for a lot lonof them are awesome. Except ger than just the 60s. During for Superman. Superman is the 500s, pre-Columbian tielame.” dye originated in Peru. And When asked if she would to think, they are still quite get more, she didn’t hesitate popular, in and outside of the to say, “Yes, they have freakhigh school. ing capes!”

With the growing resurIt’s safe to say that those gence of tie-dyes, there is anwho have worn a cape Tother T-shirt trend: Cape Tshirt fall in love with them.

Daniel HouseHolder ‘15 and Carter Leslie ‘15 support their favorite shirts. It is a superhero shirt But the competition against T-shirt trends. Photo by Maiah Lesher. with, wait for it.... A CAPE. tie-dyes could still render the cape T-shirts as a bust. There is a limited supply of these shirts. With tie-dye kits and white shirts sitting in bundles on store shelves, the tiedye shirts aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

“We make them in memory of my cousin,” said Hailey Johnson ‘16. “I have, like, five Lawrence Technological University isn’t for of them now.” When asked if just anyone. We want the future designers, she would like to make more, engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who Johnson said, “of course!”

“I have no opinion towards will create the innovations of tomorrow. tie-dye shirts. They’re just okay.” said Matthew Rice ‘16 If you believe that everything is possible, and . He doesn’t own either of that possible is everything, we want you at LTU. them, but when asked about the cape T-shirts, Rice said, “They’re really, really cool. I Check out our Students’ View of LTU video at really want one.” www.ltu.edu/svv.

Not many people in the school yet know of the cape T-shirts. They may have Ready to apply now? Visit ltu.edu/applyfree. seen students like Jordan Lee wearing it once or twice, but that’s about it. For the popularity of these shirts to match POSSIBLE IS EVERYTHING. that of tie-dye shirts, they would need to be around for thousands of years. Additionally, they would need more designs, and they would need | | | Architecture and Design Arts and Sciences Engineering Management to be more well known to the Lawrence Technological University | Office of Admissions public. It could take some time.

21000 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075-1058 | 800.225.5588 | admissions@ltu.edu | www.ltu.edu

WANTED:

ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, SCIENTISTS, AND FREE SPIRITS.

14|| sports

the trojan torch

october 2014

Seniors dominate powder puff for the second time

The intensity is evident as the seniors attempt a pass. Photo by Emily Totten.

BY SHELBY BOODEN STAFF WRITER Touchdown for the seniors, five-yard penalty for the juniors, there’s a flag on the field; taking the victory and being the first class in 13 years to win both Powderpuff games, the seniors proudly stand on a pedestal for their accomplishments.

The rowdy parade of

hyped girls bombarding the hallways was enough to rattle the juniors.

Coming off of a rough start, the Juniors decided to make their entrance during the National Anthem, causing a five yard penalty.

“That entrance they made was crazy,” said Kari Havenaar ‘15, “I couldn’t believe it.”

With the stands cheering and the coaches yelling, the crowd was wild. Beforehand, many people had different opinions about who would win.

“SENIORS because juniors are lazy,” said Sonia Geter ‘17.

“Seniors because juniors are wimps,” said Kenney Lepley ‘18.

“Juniors because they’re

going to kick butt,” said Emma Granzow ‘17.

About 51 percent of the student body was rooting for the Seniors, while about 45 percent rooted for juniors; with 4 percent who remained undecided.

30-6 marked the end of the game and a senior victory. Touchdowns were made by seniors Ally Riston,

Lauren Stefl, Sydney Wilson, and Mallory Comerford. The junior touchdown was ran

by Gabby Torres.

“I was very disappointed that the juniors lost. We all gave it a good shot and we’re ready to kick butt next year,” said Torres.

With another shot at a win, the juniors hope for the best next year.

Feeling board? Cruise groovy with a new challenge

BY COLIN MCHUGH STAFF WRITER

Sports. What comes to mind-- football, basketball, maybe even golf? How about the terrain-- a field, a court?

Now think about a sport that requires very little equipment and takes it to the streets. That’s where boarding comes in.

“It’s something fun to do.

All you need is a board, and the playing ground is everywhere,” said Seth Bevins ‘15.

Before writing off skateoarding as too difficult or the tricks too daunting, consider its kins-

man-- the longboard. Longboarding has made a recent rise in popularity to the point where it’s even noticeable in Plainwell and is both growing and complementing the boarding community.

“We sold 7 skateboards and 9 longboards in the last week. Longboarding really started becoming popular about a year ago,” said Jake, a salesman from Zumiez.

Both types of boards can be bought as pre-built or custom built, giving the customer the chance to design the board just the way they want it. Whatever board you choose, they all have

boarding entering the Olym“Skateboarding is comtheir intended purpose. forting and a solace to re“Skateboards are for pics as early as 2016.

As time goes on, profes- lieve yourself after a long tricks and having fun with the board itself. Longboard- sional skateboarding keeps day,” said Luke Sienko ‘15.

If you’re looking for a ing is for cruising, relaxing, growing and the idea that and riding while talking anyone can become a pro is new sport or hobby, give boarding a try. with your friends,” said Bev- becoming more common. ins.

As a sport,

Skateboards Longboards skateboarding has Average Price

$100

$180 evolved greatly over time, starting from just basic Terrain/ Skate parks, vertical Cruising, downhill downhill races in Best uses ramps, tricks and rails racing, transportathe early 60s to the tion invention of the ollie in 1978 to the first X Length

28-33 inches 33-59 inches Games in 1995.

There is even talk about skateWidth

7-10.5 inches 9-10 inches

15 || sports

the trojan torch

october 2014

Alex Galovan: Concussed in varsity football

BY CASSIDY STEELE AND KENNY HEAD STAFF WRITERS Alex Galovan ‘16 is now back on the field after one month of watching from the side lines.

Galovan was in the middle of the South Haven game Sept.

5 playing left tackle, when he was hit hard by one of his opponents.

“I don’t remember the hit. I went back in the game to play some more,” said Galovan.

He finished playing the game, then came to school on

Monday, and even went to practice that day.

However, things were not right. After practice, he didn’t feel well, he left that Monday and hasn’t been on the field since. `Galovan was diagnosed with a concussion three days after the incident. He started experiencing symptoms right away.

“We’re always concerned about a kid with a concussion. Always want to be careful, we have to watch him closer in the future if he takes another hard hit,” said Coach, Chris Taylor.

A concussion is most often caused by getting bumped in the head. They are very serious.

Symptoms would include: memory problems, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, ring of the ears, nausea, vomiting among others.

Galovan does not remember much of anything from the incident but a few funny stories came out of that.

“I was on the phone with Alex as he hung up and called me back as quick as he hung up. He told me he pooped himself walking out to his car in his towel, to get his football

stuff.” said his girlfriend, Sydney Wilson ’15.

Before Galovan returns to practice he has to pass the concussion test.

“We have to go through proper channels, don’t wanna rush a kid though.” said Taylor.

To get back in the groove of things Galovan had to go through modified workouts.

Galovan got back into it for our homecoming game against Allegan, helping the team win that victory.

• 15.8 percent of football players who sustain a concussion severe enough to cause loss of consciousness return to play the same day.

• 400,000 brain injuries (concussions) occurred in high school athletics during the 200809 school year.

Varsity boys soccer team continues excellence

Cameron Tran ‘16 steals the ball from an opposing player. Photo by Maiah Lesher.

BY GUNNER SHELDON STAFF WRITER When you think of Plainwell soccer, you think of winning.

Four conference titles in the past five years is evidence of the excellence in Plainwell, even though this year’s team lost to Paw Paw in their quest.

The winning tradition con-

tinues as the varsity team proceeds onto districts this week.

The team believes the goal is achievable and they could possibly go even further.

Coach, Garry Snyder, believes the team has the tools to be successful in the upcoming games as long as they stay healthy and continue grinding it out.

Snyder has been the coach of the Plainwell Trojans soccer team for 17 seasons, including the 2000 State Championship team. He had been recently named mlive’s ‘Coach of the Week.’

“Its a great acknowledgement of Plainwell soccer, and doing things the right way,” says Snyder.

The team has been doing

virtually everything right this season.

“The team chemistry is what has been making the team successful this season,” said team defenseman Ryan Brady ‘16.

The chemistry has helped the team learn how each other plays and to get along, but team captains Derek Snyder ‘15 and Grant Pettit ‘15,

both agree that hard work is what’s going to carry the team into future games.

“Its been the best year for soccer in my high school career,” said Snyder.

Though it has been going so well for the Trojans this season, they all know its not over and there’s a lot left to do.

16|| photo october 2014

Photos by Maiah Lesher

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