2023 Senior Edition

From the editor

A er a 12-week online break from print, the NL sta is thrilled to be back in print to bring you the nal edition of the 20222023 school year: the annual senior edition, which is our gi to our seniors. In particular, we on the NL celebrate co-editor in chief Jackson Barnard, opinion editor Kayla Malaski, illustrator Kayla Miller, and sta writer and designer Kennedy Beck: Kayla Malaski for all the fun conversations and always picking me up when I am down, Jackson, thank you for helping me lead the NL and teaching me many new words, Kayla, I will miss you and all the random stories I hear while we are all working in the classroom, and Kennedy, I will miss the random conversations about which makeup brands we think are better. To all of the other seniors, best wishes for your bright future, and we hope you enjoy this parting gi .

Happy reading, Brie

Apparently, the phrase “it’s an interesting time to be alive” doesn’t just apply to the pandemic years and all of the uncertainty that follows, it’s also been very applicable to our current school year. In the news for good, good trouble, and not so pleasant things, the year was one roller coaster a er another. Despite the many changes and uncertainties, one thing never did: the bonds that the senior class shared and their determination to get to graduation. Coming at the end of an unusually civil Water Wars tournament, this year’s graduation is as unique as all of the di erent students in this year’s graduating class, whose positive energy throughout the year and all the way to the nish line inspired the concept for this cover. Pictured above, NL photographer Abby Hosler tries to get the perfect photograph that captures the positive essence of graduation. Photo by Brie Quick.

Policies

e Northern Light in print and online is the student-produced newspaper for Portage Northern HS. It is an open, designated, public forum for student expression, and the newspaper provides sta members with independent reporting opportunities and individual evaluation. Writing is based on a wide variety of research for a broad and diverse audience and topics of coverage are decided by the sta and editorial board with consideration to what is timely, relevant, compelling, educational, and important to the student body.

In accordance with best practice for student media, the Northern Light is not prior reviewed by administration. Building and district administration do, however, reserve the right to oversee the paper if necessary to ensure that the mission and vision of Portage Public Schools and the safety of students and sta are maintained.

As a MIPA, JEA, and NSPA publication, the Northern Light adheres to the highest standards

of journalistic integrity. Photos, art, and other visual elements are created by Northern Light sta , formally designated for free use or part of public domain. In rare circumstances, we may use other media with the owner’s written permission.

It is our desire that our readers join the discussion on our published work. We welcome letters to the editors and guest contributors, and the Northern Light will publish online all pieces received provided that they include the author’s full name and are appropriate for publication in a school setting. Letters to the editor are limited to 150 words in length and guest contributions are limited to 350 words in length. Pieces can be delivered to Amanda orpe’s room, 3.129, emailed to pnhsnorternlight@gmail.com, or mailed ATTN: Portage Northern Light to Portage Northern High School, 1000 Idaho Avenue, Portage, MI 49024.

In this edition…

Senior selections

p. 15 Senior class Spotify

p. 17 Teacher superlatives

To the underclassmen

p. 11 Senior wills

p. 13 Advice

Sta and Design Credits

Editorial Board

Editor in Chief Jackson Barnard

p. 13, 14

Editor in Chief Brie Quick

Cvr, p. 2, 3, 11, 12

Creative Editor

Annabelle Bartz

p. 3, 4, 5,6 , 9, 10, 17, 18

Feature Editor Abby Hosler p. 15, 16, 19, 20

News Editor Ella Morofsky

p. 15, 16, 19, 20

Opinion Editor

Kayla Malaski

p. 25

Digital Media Manager Lauren Pernie

Sta

Veterans Mitchell Barnard p. 7-8

Avery Bogemann

New Members

Want to be a part of the Northern Light sta for the 20232024 school year? ere is still time! Email your counsler, we plan to meet during 3rd hour next year.

Jenna Abdulhak (p. 1920)Trevor Anderson, Kennedy Beck (back cvr)

Ashton Hall, Mariah

McCollough, Kayla

Miller, Lauren Pernie, Chase Vanderwalle (p. 21,22,23,24) Ash Weller

2023 Senior Edition

Students L to R; Justin Wessel, Andrew Wiser, Ashten Hack, and Camila CastilloRua in their 4th hour english class; photo Abby Hosler.

Rosie and Jeanna Friedman couting together; photo courtesy of Rosie Friedman.

Kelly Hinga presenting students with awards; photo by Abby Hosler.

4 teacher superlative winners; photos by Trevor Anderson and Avery Bogemann.

23 Class of by the numbers

Favorite subject

Post-high school plan

GPA Achieved*

of 87.5% 32.5%

Number 72.5% 36.11%

Employment School Sports Travel Sports Club 52.5%

Choir

EFE, EFA, ATYP, KAMSC, Dual

Cringe worthy

Written by Trevor Anderson, Avery Bogemann, and Kayla Miller

AriBlock AriBlock

Ariel Block shared his most embarrassing school memory, stating. “I auditioned for the Talent Show in middle school- It was so bad. I played the Wii theme on an Ocarina, it was in front of at least 15 people. I was sweating PROFUSELY. I could not hit a single note, it was something I did just for laughs and it was not funny at all”.

Alice Kratz shared her most embarrassing school memory. “ is was the beginning of my junior year. I was walking up the stairs to my next class and somehow managed to trip over myself and up like 5 stairs, and completely ripped the back of my pants in front of everyone. Not a savory memory”.

Photos courtesy of Ariel Block

Photos courtesy of Alice Kratz

Trends to remember

Andy’s coming Fidget spinners Bottle flipping Planking Musically

A game based on “Toy Story.” Someone yells, “Andy is coming!!” And everyone in the area stays still, like toys.

People collected toy dget spinners and showed them o around school.

People ipped water bottles to land upright

People laid at on their stomachs to balance on at surfaces as a “meme”.

An app that encourages users to make music videos, combining music and social media.

JTBlack

Jathaniel Black shared his most embarrassing school memory. “My most embarrassing moment in middle school was when I ran into a pole and scarred my eyebrow. I wasn’t looking where I was walking and then I just ran right into a pole. My eyebrow started to bleed and blood started to drip down my face, and a lot of people got scared of me walking around with blood on my face.”

As a senior

JTBlack BenMartinek

BenMartinek

Ben Martinek shared his most embarrassing school memory. “I was in sixth-grade history class when I really had to use the restroom, but my teacher was in the middle of a lesson and he wouldn’t let me go. I was squirming in my seat because I had to go so badly. I asked again but the teacher told me to wait until the lesson was done. And so I waited until I couldn’t hold it in any longer, and I peed myself. Everyone laughed at me and for the rest of the year I was teased for having that accident.”

As an eighth grader

As a senior

As an eighth grader

Photos courtesy of Jathaniel Black

Photos courtesy of Ben Martinek

BetterTogether

By Mariah Mcollough, Mitchell Barnard, Chase Vanderwalle, Ashton Hall and Lauren Pernie

Everett Fields and Alli French first met at 9th grade orienatation. Their friendship progressed and eventually they had their first date at her house while they played board games. One of their favorite memories together was homecoming. “I don’t see us breaking up,” said Everett. “We’re going strong.”

Logan Post & Scarlett Haroldson met in seminar freshman year. Their first date was ice skating, but they love to spend time hammocking together. They believe the key to sustaining a healthy relationship is by “Just doing the little things.”

Photos courtesy of Everret Fields

Photos courtesy of Scarlett Haroldson

“The best part of being a twin is always having a best friend,” said both Lindsey and Emily Hickman. Whether it’s going to a summer camp or starting a new school, both sisters know they have each other’s back. However, both agree that there are some difficulties, like “having to share everything,” Lindsey mentioned. “Whether that be chairs, drinking cups, prizes, etc...” The two even share identities, as people often mistake each twin for the other. Emily admits that she usually has people thinking she’s her sister, and that she will often “go along” with the act and be friendly towards them, often for the sake of her sister’s reputation.

Rosie Friedman and her mom, Jeanne Friedman, have worked together in the school for the past four years. “It takes a lot of communication skills and energy to make sure a daughter and mom stay close. We have to constantly check in on eachother and make sure that we are being kind and courteous,” Rosie shared. Rosie’s favorite memory is when she got to give her mom her IB significant educator award.

Zoey Quinn and Jada Clomon have been friends for 11 years. Jada voiced that “In order to make a friendship last, there has to be a mutual amount of effort.” Their favorite memory together is when they got lost on the golf course during last year’s spring break and it took them an hour to find their house.

Photos courtesy of Lindsey & Emily Hickman

Photo courtesy of Rosie Friedman

Photos courtesy of Jada Clomon

Senior Awards

By NL staff

ExcellenceEducationin

Amber Dixion explained, “Kalamazoo County recognizes students who accomplish high standards of academic achievement. Each school district is allowed to select students based on a percentage determined by the fall student enrollment.

(ASK MAIN OFFICE/ SAM MEIN-KIM SCHUMAKER). Students with the highest point total utilizing the Detroit Free

Recipient

Madison Grabe, Ashika Gullapalli, Carter Hall, Alexis Loparo, Ruhaan Rai

Karsten Wiergerink

ExcellenceEducationin

“I didn’t know what the award was before winning it, but I put a ton of work into excelling in school and doing well on the SAT, which is also considered. I committed myself to trying my best throughout all of high school, so it was really rewarding in the end.” said senior Madison Grabe

PN Communication Scholarship

Cece Weeks explained, “PN communications award awarded to a member on the forensics team for 4 years. The person who receives the award must demonstrate leadership skills,[and] being a good communicator.

National Merit Semi Finalist

Amber Dixon explained, “Approximately 8300 finalists will achieve the National Merit Status in the United States. They are selected on basis of skills, accomplishments and potential for success.”

Recipient

Holden Coulter Ruhaan Rai

“Sure…they did send forms to my house but it was all sort’ve surreal and I didn’t expect to get any recognition for anything I did academically.” said senior Holden Coullter

Daughters of the American Revolution

Students are picked on the followign criteria: LEADERSHIP: assumption of responsibility

DEPENDABILITY: truthfulness, loyalty, punctuality SERVICE: cooperation, PATRIOTISM: unselfish in interest community

Nick Jepson

Jaclyn Brubaker

Ken Draayer Scholarship

According to Amber Dixion, “...[The Ken Draayer Scholarship is] awarded to graduating seniors who are planning to pursue a career in Automotive Technology at Kalamazoo Valley Community College or a similar accredited automotive school on a full-time basis.”

Mason Garcia

AP Scholars AP Scholars

Amber Dixion explained, “AP Scholar [is] granted to stu dents who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. AP Scholar with Honor [is] granted to stu dents who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of

AP Scholars with Honors

Ruhann Rai

IB Dipolma Canidates

Robert P Amrhein Scholarship

What is it?

Meghan Hincher

According to the application, “This scholarship was established in memory of Greg, a 2007 graduate of Portage Northern High School. The award is intended to recognize an outstanding graduating senior swimming or water polo team participant “

Amy Dimaggio explained, “The scholarship criteria has nothing to do with grades...It is a subjective scholarship based on a student’s citizenship, character, selflessness, determination, perseverance, service, leadership. The committee seeks to find a candidate who’s spirit and heart resemble that of Robert’s.”

Rick Ryker explained, “In order to receive an IB diploma, candidates must receive a minimum of 24 points or an average of four (or C) out of a possible seven points for six subjects. Candidates must also receive a minimum of 12 points from their Higher Level subjects and a minimum of 9 points from their Standard Level subjects. Additionally, candidates must complete all of the requirements for the EE, CAS and TOK. Failing conditions that will prevent a student from being awarded a diploma, regardless of points received, are non-completion of CAS, more than three scores of 3 or below (HL or SL), more than two scores of 2 or below (HL or SL), a score of 1 in any subject (HL or SL), not meeting the specific points required for Higher Level (12) or Standard Level (9) subjects, grade “E” awarded for theory of knowledge and/or the extended essay, or a penalty for academic misconduct from the Final Award Committee.[50]”

Elliot Ahrena, Turab Alam, Anika Arya, Emma Boyl, Dustin Briggs, Lily Frayer, Rosella Friedman, Madison Grabe, Avery Howe, Carter Hull, Garret Laabs, Sloan Markin, Aaliya Metiwala, Maximiliano Pla Pasarell, Logan Post, Aryasena Sappidi, Conor Sullivan, Dalton Weber, Hannah Williams

Conor Sullivan Meghan Hincher

Greg Pezzoli Scholarship

Greg Pezzoli Scholarship

Senior Wills

Senior Wills

By Kennedy Beck and Brie Quick

As the senior class moves on to what’s next, here’s what some of them are leaving behind.

seniorparticipatingMyprideinin -Chloeskipday. Malik

“Myabilitytoskip school half of the time and still graduate..”

My privilege to have 3 seminars in a row.

- Ash Rentz

My super secret kmowlegde is that you only need Algebra 2 and Geometry 1.

- Josh Wallance

e ability to sit in the hallway all of 4th hour doing nothing, and still pass the class.

- Kenyon Brock

- Katie Smith

My obligation to only come to school because of sports. - Jordan

Wesaw

My privilege to skip my rst 2 hours for EFA.

- Lucy Madelung

My privilege to have almost all electives this year. -

Addie Taverna

My recommendation to take the easiest classes possible.

- Xavier James

My recommendation to take a math equivalent.

-Jesse Bammert

ADVICE ADVICE to underclassmen to underclassmen

If you’re getting bad grades, take a seminar class or ask a teacher to help you. It can help you do better on tests and exams.

- Jaden Anderson

A lot of teachers focus more on completion rather than correctness so just get things turned in even if you’re not con dent in the answers.

- Lamia Schinkai

Try to focus on getting good grades and take good classes so that you can achieve more.

- Xavier Luczack

If you ever feel you’re falling behind and don’t feel like you want to do it, keep going or you’ll fall behind even more

- Ava Thompson

Nothing bad will come from asking for help.

- Justin Wessel

today.

Prioritize yourself, make sure you’re taking care of yourself and school.

- Camila Castillo-Rua

Don’t waste your time away.

- Ashton Hack

Don’t put o work that can be done

- Andrew Wiser

Give me the AUX

Feeling nostalgic? Give a listen to the senior playlist created by the PN Class of 2023 using the link below!

“Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” by PinkPantheress

Taylor Swift

Best friends

Wood and Prom

“He’s the only one I know with a nickname.” - Lexi Jenkins

Best nickname

Ms. Nott

“Always teasing each other.” - Essance Polley

Most artistic

“She always has amazing art plan ideas.”Emily Lynch

“I think the reason is obvious (She’s the art teacher)” - Miquelle Lowell

Whose Who

The Class of 2023 Voted

Most helpful and best decorated classroom

Most energetic

“Always playing music and dancing so early in the morning.”Miquelle Lowell

“Drinks like 3 cups per hour (Not joking).” - Colby Gates

“Always drinking co ee.” - Jordan Wesaw

Most caffienatted

Dr. Thorpe

Ms. Callen

Ms. Friedman

“Her class always made me feel comfy. I seriously almost called her mom once.”

- Mekail MoralesMills

School mom

Mrs. Meyers

Most quotable

“He always puts on success hotline, preaches important life lessons.” - Emily Lynch

Mr. Andrews

Mr. Olsen

“He literally is an inuencer.” Nev Lipsey

“He’s Tiktok famous apparently?” -Mekail Mordes-Mills

Most likely to be an influencer

At Northern

and the Results are in:

Mr. Hebner

“He lets us have fun, build forts, and have paper airplane battles.” - Colby Gates

“Bro is always dripped out.” - Fabian H.

Funniest and best dressed

Most rizz Strictest

“He’s just so serious all the time.” - Essance Polley

“Gives o those vibes.” - Andrew Simons

“Self explanatory.”

-Jordan Wesaw

Mr. Wood

Mr. Vichinsky

Senior Department Awards

By Ella Morofsky and Abby Hosler

Accounting: Cane Mack

“I really like accounting and I think it’s interesting. Mrs. Meyer is just great and it’s

English: Jaclyn Brubaker

“Reading and writing are my favorite pastimes. ey allow me to express myself and see myself.”

Spanish: Tim Peterson

“

e people there are a blast and I have a lot of fun going to that class every morning and just kinda challenging myself.”

French: Madison Grabe

“I learned a lot about French culture, which is really interesting, and it made me decide that I want to study abroad.”

History: Hutch Quinlan

“ e content, I value learning about it and I think everybody should learn more about it because if you know your history, you won’t repeat it.”

Choir: Garret Laabs

“Choir has always been a place where I can relax and forget all about the stresses of IB classes.”

Orchestra: Lily Frayer

“I feel like I really pushed myself to be in the community as much as I could.”

TV Broadcasting: Ben Arra

“[My favorite thing is] bringing a whole team of people together to make a broadcast each week.”

Mathematics: Dustin Briggs

“[Math] has helped me prepare for engineering and college calculus.”

Science: Abby Pelak

“ e science department kind of helped me realize that it’s something I wanna do.”

Theater: Gabe Aleman

“ eater in general has been a huge thing for me. I’ve meet so many amazing people through it.”

Theory of Knowledge: Aaliya Motiwala

“ToK has always been such a fun class and it’s kinda like our own little family.”

Latin: Florian Stackow

“It’s impacted English and Spanish. I think it’s helped me grow as a person and intellectually as well.”

Forensics: Sloan Markin

“Without forensics I wouldn’t know how to structure an argument , I wouldn’t be able to stand up in front of a room and talk.”

Yearbook: Jenna Harper

“I truly wasn’t expecting it even though I should have since I am the Editor-in-chief, it made me cry.”

FACS: Kylie Pennington

“I almost cried. I genuinely didnt expect it.”

Technical Theater: Lennon Lisk

“I really like musical theater but I dont like being the center of attention, I was forced into it at rst then I realized it was actually really fun.”

Physical Education: Penelope Sackett Band: Aiden Hernandez

“[Power training] has built up my condence and my want to try new things”

“I usually like to stay in my own little friend group, but in band class there is just so many people you can be friends with.”

All photos by Abby Hosler and Annabelle Bartz

JT Cammack Jaclyn Brubaker

Megan Bowers

Everett Fields

Avery Howe

Ashlyn Blanzy

Gabe Aleman

Ruhaan Rai

Cole Smith

Anna Sonday

Drew Kelley Garrett Laabs

Carter Hull

Elle Ahrens

Allison French

Abby Pelak

Lexi Ahola

Hutch Quinlan

Aliyah Zufall

Sloan Markin

Logan Post Zoey Quinn Kayla Malaski

Kayla Rau Arya Sappidi

Tim Peterson

Kain Rodriguez

Una Metzger

Bran Sundman

Dalton Weber

Maya Thomas Casey Conboy

Lennon Lisk

Raeyyan Shaikh

Dustin Briggs

Madison Grabe Mya Loc

Patrick Heller

Kaz Nappier Mina Koffron

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Surprisingly Di cult: Graduation edition

By Kayla Miller

Preparing for the

By Abby Hossler and Kennedy Beck

Above: The offfice plays a key part in the preparation to make graduation special for seniors. Pictured here is PN secretary Sue Brotebeck stuffing diploma envelopes, “My favorite thing to do in the office in regards to graduation, is receiving the diplomas!”

tion and are as unique as the senior who hands them out. Emma Vanderhill’s invit is picturd below. “For my graduation party, I am most excited to celebrate with my friends and family!” she said.

Above: Decorating graduation caps is an excitng activity for seniors to do with their friends as the ceremony approaches. Addison Bobbio prepares for graduation by deceorating her cap. Bobbio dedicates her graduation cap to her great grandmother who passed away, “Everything that I have done has been for her she was my best friend.”

Immediately below: This is Dr. Ledlow’s first graduation as principle. Pictured below, he wears a student graduation cap in support of all seniors.

Below left: Even Hobbs is ready for graduation. Pictured here, he wears an honors stole that some seniors will wear as they cross the stage at Miller auditorium.