2022 Senior Edition

THE EDITOR

Dear Readers,

I can’t believe that this is the last edition of the Northern Light for the 2021-22 school year. We started this year with an incredibly new staff and only a handful of people who knew how to design. Now, I hope you can see how much our staff has grown in just one year. I am incredibly proud of everyone on staff and I can’t wait to see what they do in the future. The senior edition is meant to be a keepsake for the senior class, so we wanted to feature as many seniors as possible: department awards, college sport commits, scholarship recipients, coach shout outs, and more.

As always, thank you so much for reading. It has been a pleasure to serve as editor this year and I hope you enjoy this final edition.

Sincerely, Astrid Code

Editor in Chief

Behind the cover: For the senior edition cover, we decided on the classic image of throwing graduation caps in the air, but we wanted to make it personal by having the Northern High School sign in the background. I borrowed some friends’ caps (Thank you!) and enlisted the help of a few underclassmen to throw them in the air. Our photographer Miles Slocum tried lots of different angles, and for the winning shot he actually had to lie on the ground while we threw the caps above him. Pictured is our first attempt at throwing the caps (Photo by Miles Slocum).

NL POLICIES

The 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 staff 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 staff 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 staff 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 staff, formally designated for free use, or part of the 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 editor and guest contributions, 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 350words in length. Pieces can be delivered to Amanda Thorpe’s room, 3.129, emailed to pnhsnorthernlight@gmail. com, or mailed ATTN: Portage Northern Light to Portage Northern High School, 1000 Idaho Avenue, Portage, MI 49024.

Portage Northern Light

by Astrid Code

CONTENTS

3

Senior sign offs

Our staff seniors, Photographer Miles Slocum and Editor in Chief Astrid Code, say goodbye to the Northern Light.

7

Music department winners

The music department used to have just one combined award, but now one member each from band, choir, and orchestra are honored. The three winners share what music means to them.

15

Senior commencement speakers

Dra’Noscha Jett and Tyler Bright are this years student speakers at graduation. Read their thoughts on their time at Northern and plans for the future.

6 Science award

Unlike some department awards, the science award is an involved process, with students writing essays in order to be nominated. Hear from Donna Hertel what makes this year’s winner so special.

17

Senior senators

The PN Student Senate says goodbye to the 12 seniors who have persevered through a year of virtual school and led the Senate in organizing homecoming, winterfest, water wars, and more.

19

Playing at the next level

Learn which seniors have committed to play at the next level in college for cross country, volleyball, baseball, swimming, and more.

Northern Light

Northern Light

Astrid Code, Editor in Chief

Iremember vividly my first experience with the NL staff. 4 years ago, our Journalism I and II classes were during different hours, and

I came into the Journalism II class during my seminar one day to work on a design. The team was hard at work on one of the editions, yet still had such a casual atmosphere. Everyone seemed to know each other so well. As someone who had dreamed of being on a “real” newspaper staff since I started making fake newspapers in elementary school, I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I didn’t even know if it was possible, but I knew that I really, really wanted to be Editor in Chief my senior year. Throughout my many years on staff, I looked up to the NL seniors so much. It is crazy that time has just flown by and here I am, not just a senior on staff, but Editor in Chief. The Northern Light has had such a profound impact on my life. It’s not just the class I look forward to every day, it’s a family. I have loved getting to

help people learn and watching everyone grow, and I am so proud of the accomplishments we have made over the past 4 years. We not only persisted through the pandemic, but got a Spartan award in 2020. This class has been so much work, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. We all put countless hours into writing, reporting, and designing because everyone in the class truly cares and wants to be here. Thankfully, I am studying journalism in college, because I don’t think I could handle not being on a newspaper staff. Still, I am going to miss everyone so much. I will always remember the NL as the best part of high school.

Thank you for everything, Astrid

Light Senior Sign OffsLight Senior

Miles Slocum, Photographer

Ijoined the Northern Light my junior year. My sophomore year English teacher was Dr. Thorpe, so when it came time to choose our classes for the next school year, she presented a slide show with some of the other Englishy-type classes that were available to take. One of those classes was journalism and it looked like a fun class, but the thing that really interested me was the photography part of journalism. I signed up for a full year of journalism. Though I didn't get to do much photography with it being virtual and all, it was still really fun, and I signed up for a full year again. This time it was in person, and I was able to do a lot more photography. I am really glad I have been able to be with the Northern Light these past two years and I wish that I had started taking

journalism sooner. I have had unique opportunities because of this class, from learning how to use Photoshop and InDesign to getting to be up close to the action when doing sports photography to getting to light fire to a poster in the Lower Commons. Everything from the teacher to the classmates have made this class a memorable one for sure, and I’m really going to miss this class.

Sincerely, Miles

By Miles Slocum

Math Award

“I was shocked but also so happy,” said senior Audrey Wells, recipient of the 2022 Math de partment award. Like all the other departments in the school, Northern’s math teachers choose one student from the graduating senior class to receive an award to recognize that student’s hard work and dedication to math through their high school careers.

“As a department, we start by look ing at the students who have pursued a higher level of math by taking classes in the math depart ment for all 4 years,” said math teacher Nicole Powell, “We looked for the student that had the desire to understand the math concepts in class and not simply just do well for a grade.”

Wells was just one of the many can didates for this award. “The pool of students we found this year was ex ceptionally strong, which made this a really tough deci sion,” said Powell. Wells’ hard work and dedication to math throughout high school has made a real impres sion on her math teachers, past and present. “The student was independent, yet not afraid to ask questions when needed, and this student is an all around

Model student.” said Wells’ sophomore year math teacher Jim Long.

Not only did Wells have an impression on her math teachers, but they had an impression on her. “In the past few years, my math teachers have really fostered community within our math classes and I think that dy namic has helped me relax and be able to do better in class.” said Wells. “For example, in Mr. Long’s class sophomore year we were able to choose our seats and I was able to study with, but also bond with, three classmates who are still some of my closest friends.” In addition to AP calculus, Wells takes some IB classes.

“After a long day of various IB languag es and IB History in the morning, I go to lunch and then come to AP Calc. It often is a relief to be able to use my brain in a different way at this time and to work on mate rial that has con crete answers and algorithms.”said Wells. After high school Wells will be attending Hope College. “The math department wishes you all the best in pursuing your degree in Communi cations/Spanish at Hope next fall.” said Powell.

Design by Miles SlocumFeature

Portage Northern Light

Senior Audrey Wells was surprised but happy to be the re cipient of the math department award. Photo courtesy of Audrey Wells.

“In the past few years, my math teachers have really fostered community within our math classes and I think that dynamic has helped me relax and be able to do better in class.” -Audrey Wells

By Astrid Code

Science Award

“Aldo Leopold coined the phrase think like a mountain in his writings in the Sand County Almanac, implying the need to understand interconnections,” explained science teacher Donna Hertel while presenting the science department award at senior academic awards night. “Although not the first to insinuate the importance of thinking beyond oneself, Leo pold’s encouragement to have a complete ap preciation for the profound interconnectedness of the elements in the ecosys tems resonated with me as a description of the way in which this student ap proaches life.” The student she was describing, and the winner of her department’s award, is Caroline Lever.

“I like science because there is always more space for exploration; I find it fas cinating that we will never truly know everything, and for this reason there is al ways more to learn,” said Lever. “After taking anatomy and bio as well, I’ve found that the intricacies of the human body are also super interesting. Learning about how each system interacts with other parts of the body has been a major point of interest for me!”

ments,” Hertel explained. Each department has its own approach to choosing their winner, and in the science department, nominees are asked to fill out a questionnaire and compose an es say detailing what science meant to them, what impact science has made on their life, and how their engagement in science has influenced their choices for the future. The nominated students were blindly evaluated and a collab orative decision was made regarding the winner of this award.

One of Lever’s favorite memories related to sci ence in the past few years was completing her Inter nal Assessment for IB Bio.

Senior Caroline Lever has taken multiple science classes for all four years of high school and she is this years science de partment award winner. Photo courtesy of Caroline Lever.

Lever was chosen from a pool of 10 nominees. Also nominated were Kalloli Bhatt, Jasmine Crump, Grace Freed, Dawson Gaynor, Zack Henry, Samantha Killmer, Julia Paulius-Burns, Rishi Samanta, and Vikas Tatineni. “Each year, the Science department staff nominate students for the Science Award based on the criteria of being an outstanding student in science class, showing interest in the subjects of science, and a willingness to go beyond the class require

“I tested how the rate of ca talysis of starch into maltose changed when lipids were added to the initial solu tion,” she explained. “It was a lot of work; I had to come in early to school and stay late for a few weeks to get all the labwork done, but it was incredibly rewarding. And, as an athlete myself, I was able to apply the results of the investigation to my own training and diet!”

Besides taking an impres sive number of science courses, Lever has also volunteered at a nonprofit farm organization in Three Rivers that prioritizes ecology and sustainable development, and will be working there this summer. She will be attending Tufts University in Boston next year, and plans to major in Spanish with a minor in biology and possibly international relations. “Right now, I’m not entirely sure what my career will be, but I hope to include science and research in whatever that career ends up being!”

Design by Miles Slocum

The music department winners in band, orchestra, and choir

by Ella Morofsky

Orchestra

The music de partment looks at a student’s accomplish ments and impact rather than having a specific crite ria. A music award win ner would have amazing grades, lead ership roles, and many re sponsibilities. Astrid Code, a student that has brought everything she could bring to the orchestra program, won the or chestra award. Code has spent the past four years accomplishing many things. She has been con certmaster for the orchestra, principal chair for the first violins, since her sophomore year. She is also the co-concertmaster for the Kalamazoo Ju nior Symphony Orchestra.

Code is always found working closely with other students and helping them in any way she can. “Her attitude always exudes confidence that the younger student can get it, and she always points out when the classmate has gotten it!” explains or chestra director Sean Brennan. Code is the type of person who is always there for people. She enjoys helping others and celebrating their wins and ac complishments. “So selfless is this student, in fact, that even though every senior here knows who it

is, she is probably thinking of somebody else in her head, ready to burst into applause as that stu dent’s name is called,” explains Brennan. Some memories of Code that stand out to Mr. Brennan are from the orchestra tradition, Friday Affirma tions. Code is always ready to shout affirmations out to many students.

After giving so much, Code still hoped one of her classmates would get the award. “I was over joyed and I just felt so proud, I have given so much to the Orchestra program and to see it pay off felt so validating,” explained Code. A memory from orchestra that stands out to Code is playing a solo in Danse Macabre for the Holiday Collage. She comes from a very musical family so this was a dream come true. She has been around music her entire life and started playing the violin when she was five. Orchestra and Brennan have taught Code many things that she will take with her into the next chapter of her life. “I can not understate how kind, helpful, and incredibly transformative Mr. Brennan has been for our program,” explained Code. Code’s twin sister, Mai Elise Code, has al ways been one of her biggest supporters. “I was re ally happy for her when she got the award! I wasn’t surprised that she got it,” explained Mai Elise.

Band

In band, the student that gets the department award is the student that has achieved the most levels of performance. Senior Benjamin Edds is a student that has done just that. He’s studied the trumpet privately and at school for about six years and has advanced greatly. “Ben plays incredibly well,” said band director Josh Bartz. One of Bartz’s favorite memories with Ben happened earlier this year at states. Ben had a major solo and was ner vous, so Bartz gave him a pep talk and he calmed

Astrid Code, orchestra Photo courtesy of Astrid Code.

down. “Ben’s a great kid. I am going to miss him tremendously.”

Edds considered there to be others that had a higher chance of getting the department award.

“A er I realized that [Bartz] was talking about me, I could feel my heart rate accelerating and I felt very red in the face due to my excitement,” explained Edds. Edds has always found happiness in band and the people around him. One memory that stands out to Edds was at States earlier this year. “I was extremely happy with both our placement and score and I got to enjoy the moment with all of my closest friends.” explained Edds. One person that has always supported Edds is English teacher Amanda orpe. Although orpe only taught Edds his sophomore year, they still touch base every now and then. orpe has watched Edds grow and achieve many things throughout his highschool career. “I was overjoyed, knowing how much band means to Ben,” orpe said. One of orpe’s earliest memories of Edds was realizing that he was in band. Being a lover of band herself, orpe was able to easily connect with Edds on the subject. “He was THE stereotypical trumpet player - loud, energetic, not afraid to stand out from the crowd, and with a big ego, but a kind spirit,” explained orpe.

In choir a student must show work ethic, kindness, leadership, and love for music and the music community. One student that did just that is Ashley Woytal. Woytal has been involved in music since she was really young. “She has gone above

and beyond what was expected of her over the past four years,” explained choir director, Chelsea Whiteoak. Woytal has been a part of every musical and has been a part of choir leadership. “I was super excited to receive the choir award. I have been working very hard these past years,” explained Woytal. Choir has taught Woytal about leadership and independence. It has given her many memories and friends. “I remember our rst festival and how excited we were to get a great score,” exclaimed Woytal. Whiteoak has always been supportive of Woytal and has been a wonderful role model. A memory Miss Whiteoak has with Woytal happened early in the school year. Miss Whiteoak has the students tell each other “why choir”, Woytal told her that choir was her place and that she loves creating music with others. “Get her autograph now because we will see her on a huge stage one day!” said Whiteoak.

by Ella Morofsky

Choir

Benjamin Edds, band Photo courtesy of Benjamin Edds.

Ashley Woytal, choir Photo courtesy of Ashley Woytal.

Community Scholarship

By Mitchell Barnard

DAR Award

This year’s Daughters of the American Revolution Award goes to Portage Northern senior Samantha Killmer. This $5,000 dollar scholarship is awarded to students who show “quali ties of leadership, dependabil ity, service, and patriotism to an outstanding degree.” Killmer has decided to put her money towards paying for books at the University of Wyoming. “Earn ing this scholarship is such a huge confidence booster,” said Killmer after she has been “writ ing essay after essay to try and pay for college.” The application process “wasn’t a particularly hard process,” said Killmer. “The main hurdle was just the 1,500 word essay that I somehow had to write while balancing the rest of my school work.”

Lucilie D. & Lois W Scholarship

The Lucilie D. & Lois W Scholar ship is a $1,500 award given to a graduating student to help with financial support. This year’s winner is Katie Plesco. “Earn ing this scholarship means a lot to me as my family has struggled financially since I was born,” said Plesco. She will be using her money to help pay for her first year attending KVCC for the nursing program.

Joyce Vliek Scholarship

The Joyce Vliek Scholarship is a $5,000 award that is chosen by the Vliek family. This schol arship is chosen from essays about students’ future plans in teaching Elementary education, specifically special education. This award was given to Portage Northern senior Liah Heintz. Though Heintz said the appli cation wasn’t very difficult, she was “really honored to get this award because I worked really hard to get it,” said Heintz.

Above: Lucilie D. & Lois W. award recipient Katie Plesco. Photo cour tesy of Katie Plesco.

Left: Daughters of the American Revolution winner Samantha Killmer. Photo courtesy of Saman tha Killmer.

Above: Joyce Vliek Award winner Liah Hientz. Photo courtesy of Liah Hientz.

Portage Northern Light

Design by Mitchell Barnard

Recipients

PN Communications Scholarship

This year, 2 Portage Northern seniors received the PN Communications Scholarship Award. This scholarship is worth $250 for students who showed outstanding skills through their participa tion in forensics. Abby Kamm is one of the 2 re cipients and she will be using the money towards her time at KVCC. “This scholarship means I have one less worry… It also means that my efforts in forensics have positively affected my future,” said Kamm. Kalloli Bhatt is the next recipient of this award, she will be using her money at Western Michigan University. “It felt so nice to earn the award,” said Bhatt and the application process was “pretty easy but the waiting part was the hardest.”

Robert P. Amrhein Scholarship

The Robert P. Amrhein scholarship was awarded to Portage Northern senior Alex Downey. This scholarship is worth $4,000 and Alex will be us ing this money to help pay for his stay at Michi gan State University. “It means everything to me, because this scholarship represents that I’ve made a positive impact on many people,” said Downey. This award is a Northern specialty because it is in memorization of Robert who was a former stu dent at Northern who was battling cancer most of his time but always had a positive attitude towards his peers. Applying for this award is a pretty sim ple process and “was not difficult,” said Downey. It required two letters of recommendation, one from a teacher and one other that is outside of school and not a family member. Lastly, there is a paragraph essay that answers a prompt and can be done within a very short amount of time.

PN Communication Award winner Abby Kamm. Photo courtesy of Abby Kamm.

Also featuring Khalloli Bhatt. Picture is not able to be provided.

Barnard

Robert P. Amrhein winner Alexander Downey. Photo courtesy of Alexander Downey.

Jake took Honors MAH, Honors Econom ics, AP Government, IB 20th, IB HOA, and has been in Student Senate for 2 years. In all of these classes his teachers agreed that his work was of stellar quality. His IB paper on the Irish Potato Famine showed a deep understanding of historical events and the ability to use historical thinking,” explained Wood, the presenter of the 2021-2022 pre senter of the History Department award. A lot is taken into consideration when picking the award recipient, including the diversity of classes the nominee has taken, their work in that class, and their passion for history. This year, Jake Kavanaugh was selected for the History award. “I was pretty surprised to win the award since so many other peo ple had the same opportunity to be awarded as well, but overall I was extremely happy

Outstanding In History

because it is a great accomplishment and it felt good to be recognized,” he said.

Senior photo provided by Jake Kavanaugh

“A good memory I’d say I have with History at PN is finally finishing both my Internal Assessment and Extended Essay since they were heavily involved with his tory topics and were very rewarding to fin ish,” shared Kavanaugh. He also shared a pre ceremony experience that gave him a clue to what was happening, “Mr. Wood sent me a text a few hours before the cer emony asking what exactly my Internal Assessment topic was and at first I was confused why he was asking, but then at the ceremony when he was walking up to announce the award and began speaking I finally put it all together and it was a great realization.”

Along with excelling in class, his skills also were able to shine in Student Sen ate, Wood explained, “Jake took on the challenge of organizing the return of the PNHS Talent Show. After searching for a Master of Ceremonies and coming up empty, Jake volunteered to do it himself. His dedication to planning, organizing, and finally presenting the show was the key to a successful show. When he did the worm on stage while the judges were tak ing extra time to deliberate, it was the a perfect demonstration of his commitment to the work he takes on.” All of this culmi nated in being the recipient of the 20212022 History department award.

Portage Northern

by Annabelle Bartz

Achievement And English

By Annabelle Bartz

Every year a student is given an award for excellence in ELA coursework and going above and beyond by doing elec tives, clubs, and other activities. This year Audrey Wells was given the English de partment award. “I was surprised but so happy,” she said. “I look forward to going to Mr. Neal’s class everyday so it was spe cial to be recognized for my hard work in English.”

The award was given by Ben Neal, who had wonderful things to say about Wells’ academics. “Audrey is consistently EX CELLENT in her thought, analysis, and written work. On a daily basis, she shares original and insightful thoughts on our literature. Furthermore, her writing is elite! She writes with sophistication and her claims are thoroughly developed, sup ported, and polished! During classroom discussions, I know that when I call on her, she will have something original and insightful to share, often an angle oth ers might miss.” Neal also expounded on her on a more personal level as well, “She laughs, she cares, and she shows compas sion. There isn’t a day that goes by when she doesn’t smile and say ‘Have a good day.’”

Wells shared why she likes English so much. “One of my priorities in life is con nection. I think the ability to connect with others is so important, and English (whether reading, writing, or even just talking about literature) is a way to con

Senior photo provided by Audrey Wells

nect and share a part of oneself with the world around them.” This is something she was able to accomplish, as she shared that she had grown relationships with a ma jority of the department. Wells accredits some of her success to the Academically Talented Youth Program (ATYP) saying, “I think the English department helped me grow as a person because I’ve been challenged with different types of books, as well as during online school when I did a creative writing independent study that allowed me to use my writing skills in dif ferent ways.”

LATIN: While Latin may technically be a “dead” language, to some, it is very much alive. One such person is senior Audrey Wells, winner of this years’ Latin Senior Department award. Wells received this award for her outstanding scholastic achievement, excellent leadership skills, and deep dedication to the language. “I have worked daily with Audrey since freshman year—in class, Latin Club, and Book Buddies, as well as serving as her EE advisor. I don’t know life without Audrey and she always pushes me to be better, as good students do. I treasure this about her,” said Latin teacher Jeanne Friedman. Wells also treasured Latin class in return, for the four years she was a part of it. “The Latin department is such a special community that I am so blessed to be a part of. Being recognized for my hard work and commitment to the department was rewarding for me personally,” stated Wells. “Latin is a small class, so my favorite memories are just any time we have class discussions because everybody has a voice and strong opinions about everything, whether it’s about certain characters in the text or whether we agree with the author’s messages.” Wells stepped up in her four years of study, proving her worth as a scholar and a student, and showing the world that Latin is not a dead language, but instead, immortal.

Senior Audrey Wells is this year’s Latin department winner. Photo courtesy of Audrey Wells.

Portage Northern Light

Design by Jaclyn Brubaker

Latin, French, and Spanish department winners

By Jaclyn Brubaker Senior Edition

FRENCH: One of the things that makes the French Senior Department Award so hard to win is that it’s not just about grades, but about the culture that student creates in the classroom and in their own lives. Northern’s French teacher, Jamie Hassing, stated that, “In order to receive the award, students need to exhibit passion, drive, and persistence in the language. It is not solely about grades, but mostly about how a student interacts with the language, culture, and other students in class.” The student that truly showed all of these characteristics this year was Astrid Code, who had an older sister that won the award herself, ten years prior. Code loves French, and was shocked and honored to receive the award. “I have been taking French since 7th grade, and it has really helped expand my ability to communicate and even learn new languages that aren’t French. We have learned so much about culture from the francophone world, and I genuinely love getting to speak French every day in class, it’s such a beautiful language.” Both of Code’s parents were proud and thrilled that she received the award. “I was very touched to hear such kind words said about her by her instructor.” said her father. ““She knew even before middle school that French was the language she wanted to study.” Code loves the language because “French is such a beautiful language. When I think about all the famous musicians, artists, writers, and

thinkers that spoke French, it is really inspiring and I feel like that is what makes it such an interesting language to study”, proving that, as The Little Prince says, “the most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”

Winner of the French senior department award for the class of 2022, Astrid Code. Photo courtesy of Astrid Code.

SPANISH:

Although the last few years have not been an ideal learning experience, some students, like Christina Morocho-Salinas have worked hard to make them a memorable one! Morocho-Salinas received the Spanish Department Award for her passion, leadership, talent, and effort in her Spanish class. “Christina has continually demonstrated these three areas since she entered the class this fall,” said Spanish teacher, Heather Canenguez. “She is always willing to speak Spanish with her peers and encourages them to do their best in each activity.” Not only is Morocho-Salinas talented in her Spanish-speaking skills, but she has a personal connection to the language as well! “Spanish is my native language, so learning about the culture of other languages, and getting to learn more, piques my interest in this department!” she said.

“The department has helped me communicate with my family members more and I got to speak more of my native language at school. It was fun!”

Senior Christina Morocho-Sa linas taking a picture just after reciving her award. Photo courtesy of Christia MorochoSalinas

Design by Jaclyn Brubaker Feature

“I felt very happy to get an award after all of my efforts

[I] put into Spanish.”

- Christina Morocho-Salinas

Senior commencement speakers

Senior commencement speakers

By Abby Hosler

The student speakers at gradu ation are chosen to represent the class of 2022 with their speech. This year, the speakers chosen for commencement are Dra’Noscha Jett and Tyler Bright.

Speeches at graduation are of ten a highlight of the evening, they can be about memories the class has shared together, they can be funny or sentimental, they can include life lessons or cliches, but no matter what, ev ery speech is unique to its writer. Once the students submit their speech, there is a committee made up of administrators, staff who have been previous gradu

ation speakers, and English/ Forensics teachers/coaches who decide what speeches will be ac cepted.

“We choose speeches not on necessarily what we like, be cause we don’t necessarily share all the same memories—we didn’t go to elementary school with the seniors—but based on ability to speak or improv speak ing,” explains Dixon. “Is there a continuous message, is there enjoyment in the speech, and sometimes just does the speech reach the audience; the class of 2022 and their families.”

Speaking in front of large crowds is often a huge feat for people, but when given the opportunity to speak, Jett de cided to rise to the occasion, “I feel that given that I have been involved in so many student involved activities and, partici pating in the Black Empower

ment Club, [writing a speech] would have been expected of me, I feel that my peers would have been more so disappointed if I wasn’t,” Jett shares.

Jett’s biggest highlight of her highschool career was being involved in student activities, especially as a member of Em powered Club and Student Sen ate. Her accomplishments of the 2022 school year include being the MC for homecoming and winterfest court, helping run the blood drives, and leading Em powerment Club’s Black History Month presentation.

Over the years Jett has been able to build strong relation ships with her teachers, She got to know them, and they got to know her, “I love how deter mined she is to do well and re main a positive force. Even when facing setbacks, she continually works hard to overcome what she needs to in order to suc ceed,” shares Alison Grattan, Jett’s past English teacher.

Jett poses with the Song leaders before performing at the first football game of the school year.

Portage Northern

Hosler

Senior photo courtesy of Dra’Noscha Jett.

It is well known that high school is often a big time of change and growth in young people’s lives, and Jett definite ly felt that experience. “High school for me was definitely like a whirlwind of adulting, where I was from start to now is completely different, men tality wise, I feel like I am pre pared for more things now in my adulthood now.”

After graduation, Jett plans on taking pre-rec classes at KVCC for her first year of col lege and then being a trans fer student to either MSU or SVSU to study psychology. She wants to be a family and teen therapist/counselor. After that she plans to pursue flight attending so she can see the world and save up money to go back for her masters in psy chology. “I’ve always been the therapist friend and I also have a very adventurous soul so I figured why not pursue both!” Jett shares.

For Tyler Bright, this speech is going to be a great way to cap off his highschool career. “My speech is light hearted in remembering all the memo ries the class of 2022 had over the years and being grateful for what we have all accom

plished,” Bright says. Brights personal highlight of the 2022 school year was be ing able to get back to student activities he missed out on last year. Including getting to watch sporting events, going to school dances, and the as semblies.

Bright has been an active member of PN Drama and Forensics, along with play ing football in his spare time. “I feel like I have grown a ton since freshman year. I’ve been able to do things that I never would have thought was pos sible,” says Bright. “I’ve been fortunate to have great experi ences that have allowed me to learn and grow as a human be ing, whether that be in the ex tracurriculars I’ve been in such as sports, Forensics, musicals, DECA and so on. Taking ini

tiative and having a passion for what I enjoy doing is some thing I’ve definitely grown into since being a freshman.” Drama teacher Denene Mu lay-Koch has known Bright since he was in the North Middle School production of Aladdin where he played the title character. “It has been fun to watch Tyler grow from an awkward preteen to a charm ing young man. I mean, there are still days where he’s awk ward, but that’s what makes him so hilarious! I poke fun, but Tyler knows how much I’ll miss him when he graduates,” shares Koch.

After his graduation, Bright will be attending University of Louisville to pursue a major in Sports Administration and Voiceovers.

Bright (middle) waiting for results from forensics state finals.

Senior photo courtesy of Tyler Bright.

Events put on by Senate in 2022

Senior Senators

With the 2021-2022 school year coming to an end, the Student Senate says goodbye to the 12 seniors who have dedicated their time and hard work this school year. Coming out of a year of virtual and hy brid school, this year’s seniors stepped their game up and were ready to make this school year one to remember. “Many of them stepped up in a big way going into their junior year,” said student senate advisor Joey Wood. “For many of our seniors, they were not in the Senate

before the pandemic, so they have taken it upon themselves to make the best of the situation we have been given the last year and a half.”

President Lyse Bates and sena tor Alia Mastromatteo enjoy a PN highschool football game together.

Senators Dra’Nosha Jett, Abram Rose boom, Alia Mastro matteo and Coin Gibson retrevive the 2022 pack cup.

“Coming back from the CO VID-19 pandemic made me and I am sure some of my peers unsure of what to expect this year,” said Dra’Nosha Jett. Coming into this school year, nobody knew what to expect, but the challenges presented were no match for the class of 2022. By the end of September, the senior class led not only the student senate underclass men, but the whole school into a successful homecoming week and dance. “They fully embraced a new-look Homecoming and won the PACK Cup,” said Wood. All Homecoming events were outdoors this year, that includes the assembly and dance, which was new

Senators Gibson and Rose boom coaching during 2022 staff vs student basketball game.

Portage Northern Light

Design by Brie Quick

lead the way

By Brie Quick

exclusively this year.

“One challenge that was pre sented to me this year was deal ing with the homecoming pa rade as it had not been done in a few years,” recalled Lyse Bates. “Working with my commit tee and organizing it was sort of stressful as we had not ever planned or run one while I was in the senate.”

This year’s group of senior senators knew how to work to gether and be flexible no matter what the change was. Through out all the major events put on, such as Homecoming, Breadlift, Winterfest, and many others, the 4 officers—Lyse Bates, Jake Kavanaugh, Luke Rathburn, and Isis Singleton—led their com mittees to success. “If any of ficer including myself needed help we were easily able to communicate that and pro vide each other with whatev er resources necessary to get

it done,” said Jake Kavanaugh. “Through all the upheaval, they [senior senators] showed up. It would have been easy to quit. They did not,” said Wood. These senators gave this school year their all and came out successful. “They are a special group who are stronger today because they took on the challenge of leading during the pandemic, and we as a school are stronger too because of them,” he added.

Photo cour tesy of Len gend Year book.

Class 2022 Senate members

Lyse Bates Jake Kavanaugh Luke Rathburn

Isis Singleton Abram Roseboom Alia Mastromatteo Colin Gibson

Design by

Quick

Dra’nosha Jett Fatimata Deme Ledion Svecla Noella Phelan

Vice President Jake Kava naugh and tresurare Luke Rath burn help cut Hoco ballots.

Vice President Jake Kava naugh along with other sena tors decorate the senior hall way for HoCo week. Photo by Brie Quick.

Senator Noella Phelan and se cratary Isis Singleton count HoCo ballots together.

Playing At The

Baseball Cross Country and Track Soccer

Dawson GaynorCarthage College

Sam CarlislePurdue Northwest Carson StriplingKVCC

Charlotte WilsonMancherster University Andrew GonzalezOliver Nazarene University

Zander CrooksUniversity of Detroit Mercy

Sara Bruns- Kellogg Community College

Jack McDanielHope College Syerra MetzlerOhio Christian University

Liam MillershipTrine University

Portage Northern

Knight

Next Level

By Ben Knight and Jackson Barnard

Lacrosse Swimming Volleyball

Camden LuyckxAurora College

Nicholas PeristeridisFlorida Southern University

Alia MastramateoMercyhurst University

Angelina BakerOakland University

Tristan JohnsonArcadia University

Carter BattFlorida Tech

Colin GibsonMcKendree University

Lyse BatesOakland University

Multi-Sport McDaniel

A look into Jack McDaniel’s impressive multi-sport career

By Jackson Barnard

For many students, playing high school sports is oftentimes enjoyable, but it can be incredibly time consuming. Most student-athletes are con tent with playing one, or even two sports. Howev er, senior Jack McDaniel decided to challenge this conventional standard by playing four different sports throughout his high school career.

Within high school, McDaniel partici pated in soccer, baseball, basketball, and football. Playing this many sports could lead someone to assume that he was much better at one sport than the other, but this is quite the opposite. As the kicker for the football team, a varsity baseball player, a frequent starter on the basketball team, and a two year captain of the soccer team, it is safe to say McDaniel was quite impactful in every sport that he played.

McDaniel has been playing sports since he was two years old, and he noted that soc cer was his favorite of them all. “I like soccer the most because it is easy for me to stay in the game the whole time; also the people who I play with make me love the game,” he said. McDaniel further acknowledged the challenges that came with balancing this many activities. “It was hard managing time playing a lot of sports at the same time. I had to sacrifice things like hang ing out with friends and even eating dinner with the family.” Despite this, McDaniel persevered through these obstacles and was capable of stay ing committed to each sport.

Portage Northern

Jack McDaniel lines up for a free throw against Portage Central. Photo cour tesy of Jack McDaniel.

Jack McDaniel raising his hand in pride as Portage Northern defeats Battle Creek Central. Photo cour tesy of Jack McDaniel.

Coach Shoutouts

Portage Northern coaches shout out their seniors as a final goodbye

By Jackson Barnard

Coach JD Head Soccer Coach

“This year’s senior class for the Lady Huskies as a multitude of different personalities to choose from.

Taylor Laurin stands out to me, A fantastic in dividual and a great leader. She may not be the loudest or most out going senior we have on this team, but when she speaks her words carry a great amount of weight.”

Coach JD Head Soccer Coach

“With a class of twelve graduating this year we have lots of options… Eric Hamilton is a player that unfortunately did not get to finish his season fully healthy and missed most of it due to injury. That adversity did not stop him from showing up and being a fantastic teammate. Over the past four years we have watched as Eric has grown and ma tured into a standout athlete for us and the Men’s soccer team and represents our culture of hard work and family very well.”

“Having had the privilege of coaching Jack for the past 4 years, 3 of them on the varsity team, Jack has made steady progress into becoming a fantas tic leader and goalkeeper for the program. Learn ing from his mistakes, working hard to correct them and then apply it the next time, which in my opinion is the basis of life itself. Jack is a very outgoing individual which makes sense as he is a 4-sport athlete, his natural athletic ability com bined with his determination and outgoingness are skills that all sports look for across the board. On the soccer field Jack made many of saves in crucial situations for the Huskies, but also helped teammates get better each day on both teams. Great working with you Jackie Boy!”

Coach Twitchel Head Football Coach

Coach Andrews Head Baseball Coach

“Senior shout out to Sam Carlisle for having one of the biggest Freshman to Senior Transformations I have wit nessed as a coach. He has turned himself into an absolute beast through his hard work these past few years!”

“I’d like to shout out our 14 seniors - Arman, Ayden, Caleb, Turch, C-Batt, Kav, Javonta, Jayden, Joe, Julian, Nolan, T-Bone, TP, and Zay Thomas - for setting a foundation and leaving footprints in the sand for the classes to come. Amidst a coaching change and faced with the toughest schedule in school history, their leader ship kept us together and moved us forward to wards an exciting future. Their genuine love for each other and for Portage Northern will forever be a part of our DNA. Thank you seniors!”

Senior salute

by Jaclyn Brubaker, Abby Hosler, and Ella Morofsky

Astrid Code: Editor in Chief

Editor in Chief Astrid Code has been a vital member of the Northern Light staff since her freshman year. Code’s interest in journalism stems deep: when she was in third grade, she started reading books called The Landry News, which unlocked a love for journalism that Code still has today. Shortly thereafter, Code and her twin sister, Mai Elise Code, started their own little newspaper called The Eagle together. This would give her the confidence to start a newspaper not just for herself, but for her classmates, when she got to middle school. “In 6th grade she wanted to do a real news paper and she started it up from the ground,” explains Mai Elise. “She, together with a friend, started the school newspaper at West Middle school called the Pio neer Press,” says her mother, Karin Code. “Astrid is very conscientious about everything she does! She wants to do her best for the benefit of others and herself.”

Code’s hard work as a member of the NL staff has earned her the respect of her current and former classmates. “I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Astrid since she was a freshman, I just remember very early on she was one of the most eager and excited staff members post J1 that I’d ever encountered,’’ shares previous Northern Light Editor in Chief and Class of 2021 graduate Kylie Clifton. “Her love for journalism and the Northern Light was incredibly clear from the very beginning.”

Code has had the opportunity to influence many people during her time at PN, whether it was as a vio linist and concertmaster in orchestra, a member of the GSA, editor of the lit mag, or a social activist, she ac tively works to create a space for everyone. This capac ity to care about others wholeheartedly translated into her leadership in the newsroom, too. “She is always the one offering ideas to others and ultimately just helping out,” shares NL associate editor Jackson Barnard. “The best thing Astrid brought to the Northern Light is a friendly environment!” says NL staff member Annabell Bartz. “My favorite thing about Astrid is her support iveness! One time Astrid helped me finish up a page so I could handle some personal stuff.”

NL adviser Amanda Thorpe, who worked closely with Code to sustain the NL through the pandemic, credits her positive attitude as an integral part of the program. “Her positive energy is contagious, and she’s got a quiet grace and emotional maturity about her that commands respect,” she explains. “She advocated for a lot of changes to the way we do things this year for the mental and emotional health of her staff, and because of the person that she is, I trusted that these were the right calls. Of course, she was right.”

It will be hard for the Northern Light staff to say goodbye to Code, but it will no doubt be as difficult for her to say goodbye to them. Her classmates, however, are confident that she will be able to continue to use her leadership abilities, kindness, curiosity, and creative skills to impact peoples lives the way she has impacted their lives. “I hope she is able to find a career where she is able to use her passion and energy for change to impact the world for good,” says Thorpe. Anyone who has been lucky enough over the years to have gotten to know Code knows that this will most certainly be the case.

“Quite simply, being around Astrid feels like turning your face to the sun on that first warm and sunny day in the spring,” says Amanda Thorpe.

by Jaclyn Brubaker

Portage Northern

These NL staff members have devoted countless time to telling the stories of others. As one

final thank you, the NL underclassmen want to surprise them by telling THEIR stories.

Miles Slocum: Photographer

Northern Light’s associate editor and lead photographer, Miles Slocum, has been on sta since his junior year. Slocum is the person to go to when you need some top-tier photography. With his knowledge of cameras and great ideas, his sta members count on him to get the perfect shot - even if he has to lay on the oor or crouch in an awkward spot to get it. Slocum has aided the Northern Light with his photography skills for the past two years, and this work most recently culminated in two MIPA state championships for his news and sports coverage.

Not only is Slocum an incredible photographer, he also is a kind and gentle person. “[He’s] mostly just really fun. Miles has a great sense of humor, and he makes really spot-on observations about the world around him,” says Northern Light adviser Amanda orpe. “ e more we got to know each other, the more comfortable he got, and now he even makes fun of me sometimes and I can’t even be mad because he’s always right.” Northern Light assistant editor Brie Quick shares a story that encapsulates Slocum’s kind and helpful attitude perfectly: “He sent me a giant paragraph explaining exactly how he does pictures, and that was probably the best advice.”

Slocum started to get into photography during the last three to four years. “His interest grew from snapping photos on vacation and hikes with a smartphone to having the desire and know-how to capture the same images even better,” explains his mother, Aimee Slocum. Even though he took to it right away, Miles continues to explore photography, asking a lot of ques

tions, reading through books, and trying new and di erent things with the camera. “When he is interested in something he gets really into it and does his best to make it a hobby,” elaborates his sister, Madilyn Slocum.

e Northern Light will deeply miss Miles Slocum as he moves on to the next stages of his life, for both his incredible photography and his wonderful personality. Whatever he does in the future, the sta hopes he will be able to keep honing his creative skills and will always remember how to capture the best pictures of life. “Miles is a gi ed photographer and graphic designer, and I hope he makes time to nurture these talents, even if he doesn’t use these skills as a part of his career,” says orpe., sharing the sentiment of the whole sta .

Miles Slocum in action! “[Miles has] the ability to sense the tension in the room and know what kind of emotion he wants in the pictures,” says senior Alexia Keene.

Design by Jaclyn Brubaker

Portage Northern Light

Design by Brie Quick

“The

from the

is going

the

Signatures

The perfect place to collect notes and signatures from all of your friends. Don’t forget to H.A.G.S.!

By Kayla Malaski and Emily Macaulay

THE DAY

Illustration by Spencer Kadlec.

you’ve accomplished so much and nally, are about to graduate. Whether you go to college, join the armed forces or begin your life career you will be going places. You will be brought many

for success and chances in your future to make the most out of life. Your life a er high school will determine your future, so seize the day and shape your future in whatever way best suits your needs,

goals, and the rest of your life.