May 2019

getting to the finish line

how race and social class impact future outcomes p.12

1000 Idaho Ave. Portage, MI 49024

volume 49 issue 6

www.portagenorthernlight.com

C O N T E N T S 02 May 2019

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SPONSORS Sawall Health Foods Dement and Marquardt, PLC

Staff editorial Our staff has come together for our last edition of the year to write a letter to all of the underclassmen.

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Gap year Our social media manager shares her thoughts on taking a gap year

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Minorities Our feature will have statistics regarding likelihood of graduation, beating the stigma, and discussing the lack of minority influence in the ib program

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Sports commits / scholarships Some seniors are continuing their sports careers, and are attending school for much cheaper because of it.

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Senior Spotify playlist Our seniors put together a playlist of songs that describe how their last four years of highschool has treated them.

ON THE COVER

The world equally distributes talent, but not opportunity, and statistics show that some students have a more likely path to graduation than others. Northern Light photographer Cameron Myers captured this idea metaphorically with senior members of the track team in Huskie Stadium. “It wasn’t my normal shoot, but being on track and being close with them, I think it was a lot of fun,” she says.

Photo by Cameron Myers

DESIGN BY KEEGAN TENNEY

Letters

to the Editors I thorougly enjoyed most of the articles within the issue. It brings up some concerning issues in the world today, alongside some lighter hearted stories revolving around the school. Good job.

-Charlotte Zimmer, senior Personally I enjoyed reading the article on not going to prom. I feel like every single year it’s kind of overbearing in a sense and that if you didn’t go you’ll regret it. I agree that it’s over glorified by movies and TV shows. It’s just another school dance and an expensive one at that. It was refreshing to read about not going to prom although I understand if people would argue differently.

-Lina Trieu, senior The article “To plug or unplug” really gives insight to how much people really use their phones. When I turned my screen time on I averaged over 6 hours of time spent on my phone per day. It’s really crazy to think about how often I’m on my phone when I could have been doing something actually produtive.

-Kelsey Slack, senior I understand both points of view of prom, but I think that the “promblem” side should have been written by an upperclassmen. Someone who’s actually been to prom would better be able to explain why prom might not be what everyone thinks it is.

-John Collins, senior

portagenorthernlight.com Spotify Instagram Twitter

Editorial Board Snigda Narisetty

Malcolm Gaynor sports editor

Aleja Chambers illustrator

creative designer

Sheila Mwanda entertainment editor

Keegan Tenney editor in chief

Lexi Doll opinion editor

Gabbie Byers social media manager

Anai Freeman editor in chief

Komalpreet Kaur feature editor

Brianna Neuhouser web editor

Cameron Myers news editor/ photographer

Kylie Clifton business manager

Staff Writers

Gabe Flota Liam Fagan Arushi Mithal Cerena Read Abby Vanderberg

Trinity Woodruff Astrid Code Natalie Grinder Zach Quinn Rawan Alsaedi

We have finally made it, the last edition of the 2018-2019 school year.

We cannot stress our thanks enough to all of you, for sticking around throughout the year and allowing us as a class to share with you what we are so passionate about.

For our final edition, we have made the decision to touch base on something that will be ever-relevant: minorities.

Their hard work should not go unnoticed, and we would like to share not only our thoughts,

but also statistics to show how the stigma is being overruled. We hope that our feature helps you to become accepting of others and appreciate the work that people put in to get themselves where they want to be.

On another note, check out our Staff Editorial, where we write a letter to the underclassmen.

Hopefully something in this edition impacts you positively, and if it impacts you at all, please let us know at PNHSnorthernlight@

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

gmail.com.

We are very excited for this last edition, as we have been so proud of everything we have worked on all year.

Happy reading, and never forget: cover your mouth when you cough, and always treat each other with kindness.

BY KEEGAN TENNEY & ANAI FREEMAN

Policies at the NL

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

DESIGN BY KEEGAN TENNEY

Dear Readers....

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 350 words in length.

Pieces can be delivered to Amanda Thorpe’s room 3129, 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 03

FEATURE

Trinity Posey made her mark at Portage Northern, not just with her plaques, but her endless positivity with her peers.

BY GABBIE BYERS “Entertaining, talented and incredible” are some words you may hear senior Trinity Posey’s friends call her. Posey, like many talented stars, was born in Chicago, Illinois. At the age of two she moved to Michigan, where her love for performing came to life. She has been involved in theatre since the fourth grade: there was a local audition, and when asked, her “inner drama queen” couldn’t stand to turn down the opportunity.

Posey has had an accomplished high school career in the performing arts, including first place in the state for forensics her freshman and sophomore year. She was third place her junior year, and she has had lead roles in the three school musicals that she has auditioned for. On senior awards night, where she was unable to attend due to participating in the forensics state championship, she received two scholarships - the Nancy Nott Poetry Scholarship and the Communications Scholarship - and the Forensics Award. “She is fiercely competitive, but also very gracious to opponents and wonderfully supportive of team members,” says Forensics leader CeCe Weeks, who also selected Trinity for the Communications scholarship.

“She has also been consistently dependable, shown creativity in message con4 May 2019

Photo by Danece Adams Photography

tent and presentation, and competed in several different Forensics events and formats.”

Posey’s talents aren’t just in the performing arts: Her sophomore year she also was a starting player on the women’s varsity basketball team, where she received the Offensive Player of the Year award. Trinity stopped playing after one year for her mental health. “Everyone thinks it was because of the team or that there was some hidden arrogant

“[Trinity] is fiercely competitive, but also very gracious to opponents and wonderfully supportive of team members.”

-Cece Weeks , Forensics Adviser reasons, but it was honestly because my mental health could not take it.” She explained. Posey opened up on how much pressure she would put upon herself for games, realizing how unhealthy it was for her and didn’t continue to play. “I have to do what is best for my mental health.”

All these accomplishments helped her gain the most important one, her acceptance letter to the NYU Tisch School of

DESIGN BY BRIANNA NEUHOUSER

the Arts. “It has been my dream school since 7th grade, so the fact that it is actually happening still blows my mind.

I will be living in New York City, the theatre capital, and the opportunities that will come are just endless,” she says.

With the bustling city around her, one of her main goals is to stay grounded.

“New York is constantly moving and there are so many people around you trying to tell you what you should do and where you should be. I plan to do anything I have to to stay grounded and really get to know myself at my core and not be distracted by the outside world.”

Trinity hopes to leave a mark at Portage Northern. “The thought of passing through somewhere and doing nothing memorable haunts me for some reason?” she says. Besides her physical plaques hung up in the hall, she hopes she impacted the culture. “I hope to have taught people that it is okay to genuinely be you and live your most authentic life possible. I hope everyone remembers me as someone who tried to spread positivity no matter what is going on in my personal life. I hope that when I leave people remember that one weird girl who never stopped using her voice whether that was to sing or speak out and give a very important message.”

OPINION

Unpopular opinions: senior edition

BY CAMERON MYERS

Elise Voinaroski @elisevoinaroski 4h ‘Friends’ isn’t a good show because it’s boring and not funny 4

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Lea Hodgson @Lea_Hodsgon 2h Berries are gross because of the texture and the taste 2

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Colin Gilmour @Colin_Gilmour 1h Teachers who try to connect with this generation via course related ‘memes’ should be praised because at least they’re trying 0

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Riley Hobson @Riley_Hobson 3h ‘The Office’ is better than ‘Parks & Recreation’ because it is funnier 2

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Vanessa Ferrarya @susboyvay 3h Burgers are gross because the texture is nasty and it makes you too full 4

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Katrin Funckes @Katrin_Funckes 5h Black licorice is tolerable because I like the taste of it 2

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Katie Larason @KatieLarason 4h Bone-in wings are better than boneless wings because it has more flavor, plus boneless is basically a chicken tender 1

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Grace Martinez @martaroski 2h Why do we have to pay $20 to pay for parking? because it is unnecessarily expensive 5

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Lena Klemm @luciadog247 1h Purified water tastes better than spring water because spring water tastes too much like minerals 2

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Sequoia Bell @Sequoia_Bell 4h Chocolate and mint don’t belong together because they don’t taste good together 0

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Jon Connon @jon_connon 2h Dua Lipa can’t sing live because she sounds nothing like her recordings 1

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Kirsten Jordan @Kirsten_Jordan 3h ‘Kraft Mac & Cheese’ is the best mac and cheese because it’s creamy and tastes better than ‘Velveeta’ 1

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Rosie Coryell @Rosie_Coryell 5h White chocolate isn’t even chocolate because it tastes like man-made sugar 2

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Katelyn Cook @katelyncook55 3h Broccoli is good because it tastes good raw, sauteed, steamed, etc

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Joslyn Miller @joslyn_m1234 6h Cheese Nips are better than Cheez-Its because cheese nips taste like actual cheese 0

Grace Novak @GraceNovak6 6h Getting your eyebrows threaded is better that getting them waxed because it doesn’t rip my skin off

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8 Portage Northern Light 05

STAFF EDITORIAL Portage Northern Light 1000 Idaho Avenue Portage, MI 49024

May 23, 2019

Dear Underclassmen, This is it. The start of the countdown to the rest of your life. This is the cliche movie-like moment that matters the most out of it all. Welcome to high school, one of the hardest and most chaotic parts of your life. Time will fly by. The memories you create here will stick with you forever.

It is not an overstatement when people tell you that high school will be over in the blink of an eye. Your freshman year will go by so fast, so try to make the most of it and not get too stressed about things that in the end, don’t really matter. Stress is procured by your own decisions; it might not always be easy, but if you stay on track, get enough sleep, and mind your own business everything will be fine. No matter what happens, everything will be okay. You have the tools to succeed, so don’t ignore them, cherish them.

Don’t take your high school years for granted. These four years will go by so fast, and even though you want to get out as soon as possible, when you’re older and looking back on your high school career, you will want to be able to remember some fun memories and not just studying and taking tests.

Don’t let yourself be too affected by temporary things. Some days will be easy and some days may be hard, but at the end of the day you will look back at those days and realize that they helped make you stronger, and more prepared to face the many adventures to come in high school. Don’t worry when you don’t feel like you are “having the time of your life” every single day. Without the hard times in high school, you won’t learn how to solve the problems (emotional, mental, or academic) that will increase in adulthood beyond grade school.

Lastly, try your hardest not to compare yourself to other people, because you won’t all share the same struggles and triumphs.

The connections you make with other people during high school will ultimately matter more than the actual time itself. Make relationships with your teachers. Laugh, cry, make these years yours. No matter what happens in high school, the most important thing to do is to make friends and memories. Don’t lose hope. You’re worth it. Remember that one day, you’ll be where you want to be. You’ll reach your dreams. You’ll find your people.

You’ll make it.

One last time, Your Northern Light Staff

06 May 2019

DESIGN BY KEEGAN TENNEY

OPINION A f ter a whole y e a r of being sick, what am I to do? No more yellow passes excusing only two hours at a time, in fear of Haas and his “clipboard of death”, rumor has it, the list consists of people who haven’t yet found the “cure”.

The “sickness” started to appear junior year, right as we finished the SAT, MSTEP and any other tests with exotic acronyms in which we couldn’t even seem to define. After being “locked” in classrooms for five hours and sent back to classes following the “examinations”, many felt as if “that was it”, and the 365 day countdown to finally graduating commenced. Now that the 365th day is ap-

proaching, Seniors are left to look back and reflect on the severity of their senioritis as they are tracked, hunted and approached, by past coaches, teachers and, administrators regarding small things that have the ability to halt your “speedy” recovery. “You owe 150 dollars for pay to participate fees”, “that’ll be 17.99 the lost library book you lost your freshman year” I can’t forget the response of “we don’t seem to have that on file.” Right as you feel like you were in the clear, the “sickness” intensifies.

As the juniors unlawfully start filling our parking spots and the teachers start asking the awkward question of “where’s my graduation party invitation,” we are left to wonder what’s next? You Portage can’t skip 9-5 jobs or the colNorthern Light 07 lege classes you’re paying six thousand dollars just to sit in. It turns out that the cure wasn’t “hanging” out with Haas on the weekend, it’s maturity, something we definitely will lack within our first couple months of freedom, but will surely come with age.

Now it’s time to leave the nest and fly on our own, no Brenda Marsh reminding you to make good choices or as cheap of parking as we get here. This is just one step in the marathon we call life, just don’t get “sick” along the way, and you a r e destined for great things.

OPINION

BY GABBIE BYERS Five words, one sentence: “I’m taking a gap year.” This sentence alone is enough to terrify a mother or father and draw questioning looks from classmates. Most look at taking a gap year as an easy way to say, “I’m not going to school.” That may be true, after having a year to sit back and relax, it’s a lot harder to get back into the school grind and hit the books. However, taking a gap year is more than just about not going to school, it’s about taking a year off to mentally get yourself ready for the years to come.

A student on average spends 1214 years of their life in school. They spend it studying, stressing and not sleeping. Of course there’s plenty of fun memories in between that, but students nearly kill themselves trying to maintain good grades to get into that dream school. Our brains are filled to maximum capacity with worksheets, homework, papers, exams and loads of other school work, 08 May 2018

not even including the stress within each students homelife.

A important factor in taking a year off is setting a plan. “I think that if people have a plan set out and truly believe they’ll be able to stick to it and they feel like a gap year should be apart of that plan, then they should do it,” says Justine Corda Senior. “But I think it’s important to have a plan set out and goals made so you still have something you’re working towards and that you need to achieve!” Some students have always known they would be taking a gap year like, Kelsey Slack Senior.

“I’ve known what I’ve wanted to do since i was 12 years old so I know i wont lose interest in going to college anytime soon.”

The gap year can be used to recuperate, de-stress and just focus on ourselves. We go straight from graduating after years of hard work to more school, more years of hard work and then straight to work for DESIGN BY ASTRID CODE

the rest of our lives until retirement.

We never have a time in our life where we don’t have any responsibilities and can just turn off life for a year and do whatever our hearts yearn for. School will ALWAYS be there waiting to take your money, but you will never get a better time to take a year off and focus on you individually. “Mental health is important, I may not be taking a year off but some individuals may need that extra time to prepare them for college ahead,” says Olivia Walter Senior.

This time can be used to do so many things, you don’t have peers looking over your shoulders everyday. You don’t have teachers telling you what to do and where to go, it’s time to be able to just focus on yourself and explore who you are as a person individually. A gap year doesn’t have to be a bad thing, it all depends on the person.

OPINION

VS

Far away Away College far

BY LEXI DOLL

Close to home

BY ARUSHI MITHAL

Although it is definitely exciting to explore the options of going to college far away from home, there are undeniable benefits to staying close to home when it comes to college. Not only does it make it easier to adjust to a new and busier environment, but it makes it less difficult to maintain relationships with friends and family. Instead of feeling constrained by the familiarity of Michigan, students should try to look at advantages for staying close to home for college.

Getting into a top university outside of state is a challenge, and certainly commendable if a student were to be accepted. However, it shouldn’t become a pressured decision for students who prefer predictability and stability for their futures. There are still a lot of opportunities to become more independent when attending a university pretty close to your home. It is still quite different from a high school lifestyle, and you could get the experience of living in a dorm without your parents, still being able to access places and people that you grew up with.

Of course it is also an option to attend another school after you attend a university significantly closer to home. It really is a big transition to be living with your family to being alone in a city where you don’t know anybody, and that is why students might feel more confident attending a nearby university after graduation. There is less unpredictability when figuring out situations concerning food, laundry, illness, and other things some students don’t see as clearly when making a decision of where to go for college.

Also, an important matter students don’t seem to realize is the fear of missing out important events and or milestones of your circle of family and friends. Although it is possible to stay close through modern technology, there are definitely things you will feel guilty for missing because of the great distance away from home. Students over time could start to miss their families but won’t be able to come back home because of they are living miles away from them.

Portage Northern Light 09 DESIGN BY SNIGDA NARISETTY

Choosing whether to attend college close to or far away from home and family can be a difficult decision and there is certainly no wrong option, it all depends on the person and how independent they decide to become. I believe going to college farther away from home is a smarter decision because it helps make you less dependent on your family and gives you new experiences.

For some, going to college close to home just doesn’t seem like an option to them. They feel as if maybe they are missing out on something bigger and more exciting if they stay closer to home. “The way I see it is, why limit yourself and go to WMU or MSU so you can be somewhat close to home?” says senior Salvador DelVecchio, who plans on attending UC Santa Cruz in the fall. “I want to make Santa Cruz, California my new home. I don’t want to stay strapped down and end up getting stuck in the state of Michigan simply because I want to stay close to family.”

Students should consider attending college far from home to build their independence. Being somewhere where your parents can’t get to you in 5 minutes means you are going to have to take responsibility for your own actions and pick up your own messes. Being independent at a young age like 18 makes it easier for when you are truly on own and you already have an idea of what you’re doing.

Going out of state for college can be nice just so you can get away from home for a little while and experience what life away from home is like. You may discover that being away from home is something you enjoy. “I wouldn’t be happy if I stayed close to home,” says DelVecchio.

Deciding whether or not to stay close to home for college is a hard choice for a lot of students, but all students should at least consider taking time away from their hometown. It will help develop independence and you will meet new people and create new experiences.

OPINION

EXPECTATIoNS

BY SHEILA MWANDA

After three years of middle school, it was about time to move on to the next phase of life. High school will be so much better than middle school and we all have high hopes for our next four years.

School itself will be easy. As we left middle school, we were told to expect homework in every class, but no one told us that meant homework on top of the work we do in class and 4 tests or quizzes a week.

Yes, we expected h o m e w o r k assignments and tests,

b u t two hours of homework night would do the trick. After that,

we’d hang out with friends, watch TV, or have time to chill. Getting a good night’s sleep wouldn’t be a challenge because just like in middle school, our teachers

understand the value of a good night’s sleep.

As we came into high school, we travelled with our middle school besties, people we’d spent the last three years with. Luckily, w e h a d four more years the best years o f our lives with each other.

In addition, in a bigger school, there

will be more people to make friends with.

You and your

middle school friends will make friends with more people and form one massive posse.

Y o u would even start to hang out with the popular people that you envied so much in middle school.

Homecoming, dances and assemblies would top off the joys of high school. Each

DESIGN BY GABE FLOTA 10 May 2019

spirit week, you would participate

in every dress up day, show your school spirit and even beat the seniors.

Football games were sure to make Fridays nights in the fall exceptionally special. Being social would be - by far the best part of high

school.

One of the best parts of being a senior would be applying to college.

The application process will be

a breeze, only requiring you to fill out a few forms.

After months

of waiting, you’d get into your dream school and get to go. The endless flow of scholarships flooding your way will make the decision painless.

All the hard work, stress and sleepless nights were finally worth it.

All the books and movies prove that high school is the best time of anyone’s life.

While we’ll juggle school and other re sp ons i bi l it i e s , it’ll all be worth it. Friends, sports games - and school, I guess, will make up for the best years of our lives!

OPINION

REALITY

BY LEXI DOLL

Let’s face it, high school is absolutely nothing like what our middle school minds thought it would be like, and

t��e!

it sucks. Coming into high school, I thought it was going to be the most amazing four years of my life because you

know what they say, you never forget high school. That’s one thing they were right about, I sure will never forget it, but not for the reasons I originally thought.

High school is one big popularity contest, with things like homecoming court and winter fest always having the same people on a ballot that has no actual meaning. The whole thing sounds so stupid, but when you don’t find your name on the list of candidates, you can’t help but be a little upset. But that’s high school, one big contest that you

^

!!

that

can never seem to win. High school continues to destroy your self-esteem until you realize what happens in high school doesn’t actually matter in the long run.

All of those people you were friends with coming out of middle school? Say goodbye to them now because you’ll most likely never talk to them again; because everyone changes. “I expected to stay friends with the people I was close to in middle school, but all of that changes,” says senior Jenna Thoman. The people your friends become in high

school is almost unrecognizable. You will grow apart and realize you aren’t as alike as you thought.

Applying for college, sounds easy right? Wrong. No matter how many counselor meetings you have, it still

no comma

won’t make any sense and it will drive you crazy. First figuring out what colleges you actually want to apply to, then applying to them and then figuring out where you are about to spend the next four years of your life. Your parents will hound you every day asking about how far you are on your applications and if you have been studying for the SAT and you will say your applications are almost done and the SAT prep is going great. When in reality you haven’t even started your applications and you haven’t opened Khan Academy in over a week. Getting accepted into college isn’t even exciting...it’s just a huge relief.

And last but certainly not least, the one thing that everyone is thinking about: “It is nothing like High School Musical,” says senior Eli Caranci. There are no flash mobs and nobody spontaneously breaks into song in high school, unfortunately. High school is strictly, well, high school. A place where you sit in a desk for 7 hours with a short half hour break somewhere in the middle. You’ll maybe make a few friends along the way, but I wouldn’t count on it. They say these 4 years will prepare us for our next 4 years, but in reality none of us know what’s coming next.

DESIGN BY GABE FLOTA

Portage Northern Light 11

FEATURE

Determined and not defined PN students combat the stereotype of being a minority

BY KOMALPREET KAUR AND SHEILA MWANDA

A c cording to the National Center for Educational Statistics, the public school graduation rate is trending upward: more than four out of five students are anticipated to graduate with a regular high school diploma within 4 years of starting 9th grade. What many people might not realize is that not all kinds of students attain this goal equally. There are several factors that contribute to one’s ability to graduate in a timely manner. Race, gender identity and income are three major factors that continue to impact graduation rates.

Race Race is a powerful factor in high school graduation. 91% of Asian students will graduate, followed closely by 88% of White students. Hispanic students are next at 79%, followed by Black students at 76%, and American Indian students at 72%.

Race is also a factor in college success. When it comes to enrollment, NCES estimates that 58% of Asian students will enroll in college, compared to 42 white, 39% Hispanic, 36% Black, and 19% American Indian.

12 May 2018

The reasons why race is a factor is a complicated picture, but primarily it interacts with other things that impact education, such as disparities in school discipline and income / other resources, putting certain groups of students at an educational disadvantage.

Gender Identity Female students consistently graduate from high school at higher rates than male students - in every single state in America. Overall, 72.5 percent of females who had recently graduated high school were enrolled in a twoyear or four-year college, compared to 65.8 percent of men. That’s a big difference from 1967, when 57 percent of recent male high-school grads were in college, compared to 47.2 percent of women.

Another NCES study showed that the smallest gap was in Vermont, where girls graduated more than boys at a rate of just 1%, and the largest gap was in Washington, D.C., where girls graduated at a rate of 25% more frequently than boys.

College enrollment is also impacted by gender, and varies greatly by gender and race. Across the board, girls enroll in college at higher rates than boys. A 2018 NCES study showed that for white students, 44% of girls enroll in college, but just 40% of boys. For black students, 39% of girls enroll in college compared to 33% of boys. For Hispanic students. The gap is largest among Hispanic students, with 44% of girls enrolling over 35% of boys.

Once they’re in college, female students are also more likely to graduate: 60% of Bachelor’s degree holders are women. Fortune Magazine predicts that the current labor market encourages women to stay in school: when women drop out of college, they make $6,500 per year less in entry-level jobs than men who drop out college do, giving them more incentive to finish

school.

Income The amount of money that a family has and the educational futures of the students in that family are directly connected. NCES data shows that poor (bottom 20 percent of all family incomes) students are five times more likely to dropout of high school than high-income (top 20 percent of all family incomes) students. This is important because child poverty is a serious issue in the US: more than 20 percent of school-age children live in poor families, and poverty rates for Black and Hispanic families are three times the rates for White families.

Students from lower social class backgrounds have traditionally attended college at lower rates than their wealthier peers, but their college enrollment has been increasing in the last few years. According to the NCES, 51 percent of all recent high school graduates from low income families enroll in college. This percentage is up 20 percent from 1975, when only 31 percent of these students were attending college. While that is good news, enrolling isn’t the only factor: only about 25% of students from low-income families will graduate from college, whereas 90% of wealthy students will receive their Bachelor’s degrees.

The Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UC Santa Barbara hypothesizes that poverty impacts student educational outcomes because it is linked to toxic stresses, such as homelessness and food insecurity.

More than a Number While these statistics are staggering, there are PN students who are rising above them.

Senior Zaid Ahmed, an outgoing and ambitious student of the IB Program and one of just 6 out of 44 Diploma candidates of color, has several reasons as to why he takes on the heavy DESIGN BY KEEGAN TENNEY

FEATURE

workload that he does. Attending Western Michigan University this upcoming fall, Ahmed has worked hard not only academically, but also at breaking the stereotypes that come with his ethnicity and status as a minority. Some of the obstacles he has overcome pertain to his parents. “My parents and I do not share a common faith. This results in a lot of fights, but I’m not changing my beliefs for their happiness. It is also hard for them to adjust to common teenager-things like prom and homecoming,” he shares. Though it may cause friction at home, Ahmed’s beliefs help him to be outgoing and break the “quiet, shy, and reserved” stereotype that comes with his race. He also uses his parents as motivation as he wants his father’s sacrifices to come to the United States to be worth it. Overall, throughout his four years at Northern, Ahmed has made his background his strength and used the IB Program to prove his abilities to excel at not only school, but at being himself around an environment his family was not completely accustomed to.

Senior Caelan Frazier has not personally had negative experiences as a minority in the IB program, but he recognizes that minority students are at a disadvantage. He does, however, believe the culture of Portage Northern creates a culture of inclusivity.

“This minimized the amount of overall difference I felt from everyone else because I have the same choices as others,” he says. Caelan continues to disprove the negative stereotypes against minorities through his drive for self-fulfillment and to make the important people in his life proud.

“If I didn’t work as hard as I do now, I would never have the same effect on others as I do now.”

Portage Northern Light 13

FEATURE

SPORTS

Battling through injuries Seniors battle through injuries in their final season as Huskie athletes

BY MALCOLM GAYNOR

14 May 2019

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eryone still respects me as a part of the team and we all still have fun together at practices and games.”

Where athletes like Corda and Morris have seen injuries derail their senior seasons, senior Eli Caranci is just finally becoming healthy for his final year on the baseball diamond.

Caranci, who suffered multiple different injuries in his first three years, was still able to embrace his role and work hard to make his way back to the field to help the team. “If I am unable to play, my role is to still be a good teammate for the guys who are fighting for a win on the field,” said Caranci. So far this season, Caranci has not only filled the role of a leader as one of the teams five seniors, but has played first base and designated hitter for the Huskie team that has been ranked as high as first in the state.

Throughout a career as an athlete, injuries and struggles will inevitably occur. These seniors, when faced with the challenging task of working through injuries, are now fighting to do whatever they can to help their team succeed.

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Justine Corda trying not to let her injury effect the team’s aims. “Just because I am not playing doesn’t mean my goals still aren’t the same.” she said. e

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MIDDLE: Eli Caranci, who was a pitcher before injuring his shoulder during his Junior season, takes a swing. Now, he plays first base and desingated hitter.

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Before his injury, Colin Morris was the leader of the Huskie defense.

Now, after the injury, Morris is still trying to help lead the team from the bench.

feeling.” Senior teammate Rebecca Netz agrees that injuries can even help bring the team together. “We all stay super supportive of each other, and it brings us closer to the injured player because that player still cheers us on and remains supportive even when they can’t play,” she said.

Like Corda, senior lacrosse player Colin Morris has also suffered a tough injury in his final season as a Huskie. However, his injury is season ending. Because of this, he has seen changes in his role and how he helps the team. “Before my injury I basically coordinated the defense on the field,” he said. “I’d say I’m more of a coach after the injury than a captain and leader.” Even with these changes, Morris is still feeling the same camaraderie with his teammates.

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Throughout four years of high school sports, athletes are expected to go through ups and down. However, some athletes have continually had to face the struggle of injuries, including during their final seasons as high school athletes. These seniors have not only had to fight back from difficult injuries, but have had to sit on the sidelines and watch while their team forges on without them.

Senior Justine Corda, who is in her fourth year on the Huskie soccer team, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury. Despite this injury, Corda is still fulfilling her role as senior team leader. “It was important to step up especially after my injury and make sure the team know I’m still committed to them to do and be their best even if I can’t be doing it with them,” she said. This increase in dedication towards her team is also matched by her teammates, who have supported Corda throughout the emotions of fighting through injuries in her senior season. “My bond with team has only gotten stronger,” said Corda.

“Knowing that they are with me and pushing for me to get better just as much as I am is a really great

Portage Northern Light 15

SPORTS 5

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Signing on to be a student athlete Huskies commit to their future teams

BY KYLIE CLIFTON

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1.) Elena Aleman: “I am going to be cheering at Grand Valley State University for the cheer team. I have been cheering for 3 years and started my sophomore year. Cheering in college is special to me because after my gymnastics career ended I didn’t think I would be able to continue the sport in my future, but with cheer I still get to do my favorite aspects of gymnastics.”

2.) Connor Clemens: “I will be attending at Aquinas College for their cross country and track team, which this is exciting for me because I have been running for 7 years now. This is an opportunity of a lifetime that I won’t have the chance to do it again. Also it allows me to continue the sport I love and create more bonds with people.”

3.) Luke Daniel: “For the upcoming fall, I will be attending at Grand Valley State University where I will be running for their cross country and track team. I have been running since 6th grade, which this commitment gives me an opportunity to run with a very competitive team that just last year won the DII national championship.”

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4.) Cameron French: “I will be playing baseball at Wabash Valley Community College and i’ve been playing since the age of 4 years old. This opportunity means so much to me because I’ve been working so hard to get to where I’m at and I’m glad I get to play at the next level.”

5.) Jack Haverdink: “I have been playing football and flag football since elementary, which now I will be attending Hillsdale College to play football in college. I’m pretty excited about this opportunity, being able to play something that i’m passionate about and not a lot of people can play so I appreciate everything I have done to get myself here.”

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6.) Tyler Hedgson: “I will be playing baseball at Eastern Michigan University and I’ve played baseball since I was 6 years old and this opportunity is amazing. The coaches there are helping me continue to get better every day, plus it’s a great culture to be a part of and has helped me grow as a ball player and a man.”

7.) Zach Quinn: “I will be attending Glenn Oaks Community College to continue playing baseball, which I’ve been playing since I was 5. This accomplishment means that I’m getting one step closer of my dream of being in the MLB.” 8.) Max Rathburn: “I will be attending University of Memphis to continue running for cross country and for track, which I have been running since I was in 4th grade. Being apart of this sport has been a huge part of my life and I’m excited to continue to do the sport I love at the next level.”

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9.) Alyssa Riker: “I’m going to be attending at University of Akron and i’ve been swimming for 13 years. The opportunity to continue my swimming career in college means a lot to me because it allows me to be able to continue doing something that I am very passionate about and swimming has taught me so many things and impacted my life in such a positive way.”

10.) Hayden VanderWeele: “I am attending Trine University to play college football, which I believe I’ve been playing football for close to 10 years, at least when I was 8. Football has never been my life and it’s not my focus but being recognized for my talent and work is always a great feeling.”

11.) Peyton Witt: “I have been running since 5th grade. I really got interested in running after being a part of girls on the run at my elementary school. After that, I continued running with my dad and have been running ever since. The opportunity to run at University of Michigan is super exciting. I am excited to be surrounded by a group of girls that have the same interests.”

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FEATURE

SPORTS

Saving the best for last In his final year of high school, Senior Ryan Ingersol decided to join the lacrosse team for the first time.

BY TRINITY WOODRUFF Sports are often praised as being a good outlet for young adults as well as kids, but joining a new team can be hard and intimidating. However this was not true when it came to senior Ryan Ingersoll, who said “everyone was very accepting and encouraged me to get better at every practice.”

Unlike many other players who have been playing lacrosse for a long period of time, Ingersoll

joined the team his last year of high school after deciding to he wanted to play a sport other than soccer for his senior year. Although he still made connections with his lacrosse teammates, he states that it was “different from how soccer was because I knew all of the guys all four years so we were already really close.”

It is often hard to join a new sports team. let alone doing it your last year of high school.

Senior Ryan Ingersol and Junior Michael Hume pose after beating Portage Central in the anual Matt Thrasher game. The Huskies won deciseively with an 11-3 victory. Photo courtesy of Ryan Ingersol.

16 May 2019

DESIGN BY MALCOLM GAYNOR

While originally afraid of judgment, Ingersoll says that “the team has been very supportive throughout the entire process and has helped me through every step of the way.” Outside of passing around a ball with friends a few times, Ingersoll hadn’t ever played lacrosse before, which makes it easy to imagine his nerves when joining a new team.

However, Ingersoll says that “it’s been a lot of fun learning a new sport that is so different from others.”

“The chemistry on the team was really cool to be a part of and was much different than other sports I’ve played on,” Ingersoll says. “I made a lot of connections with new guys that I wouldn’t normally talk to.” Joining the team senior year has done more than supply Ingersoll with life long memories.

In fact, it even taught him some new things, especially going into college. Ingersoll now knows “that trying new things can be a very rewarding experience,” and he is very thankful for the experience he had.

Portage Northern Light 15

WORST

OPINION

BY ANAI FREEMAN

Out of all of the choices throughsay the worst part about high to feed myself during lunch. desks for seven hours, in between but am to “head out” alongthe closest restaurant, the 309 followed you of students and the 9-5 I have to hope I get my speed eat and make it Solution: make lunch a full until 3:00, You have to be willyou love most, a timely Wendy’s

out my four years, I can confidently school is the lack of time I have I sit in excruciatingly tiny constantly climbing stairs only given thirty minutes side 309 other seniors to where it seems like half of there. Amidst the influx employees on lunch break, lunch in enough time to back to the parking lot. hour and extend the school day ing to compromise for the things four for four.

of high school

The best part of hightainly have to be ties to embarras out the years. Pep Show, Literary MagaI can confidently say that tinues to give so many opexpress themselves in a multiit’s your decision on whether or not always said “high school is supposed that! Go on stage, sign up for pep asto be able to say “wow I did a lot”

school would cerall the opportuniyourself througha s s e m b l i e s , Ta l e nt zine and the Yearbook, the school gave, and conportunities for students to tude of different ways but overall you want to participate. My mom to be the best years of life,” so make it semblies, when you graduate you want not “I wish I did this”.

BEST DESIGN BY BRIANNA NEUHOUSER

Portage Northern Light 17

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OPINION

High School Reunion: Pro

BY KYLIE CLIFTON

WHigh School reunions accomplishments, or far former peers you’re only the reunion? With social have been given a bad reputation for being boring, uneventful, and romanticizing high school years, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

It almost seems as though those attending high school reunions have a misconstrued conception of what to expect.

Now listen, a long reigning spoof of these events for graduating classes is that they’re competitions as to who has done the best in life, festivals of lying and embellishing of

more foolery than imagined. This doesn’t have to be the case: just like family reunions, high school reunions should simply

with for this commence- media, you know what ment occasion. You could everyone is doing already be spending your time anyway. reminiscing over the teacher that you both deA reunion should be a celebration of what you shared, and where you are today, but not a toxic rebuttal of the past. You cannot change the past, but cherish the path you’ve be a celebration of mem- tested, the senior prank walked from your first day ories and where you stand that went wrong, or even of high school, all the way today. to celebrate where you’re to your graduation, and in life now. You share a then where you are five, Now it may be fun to crucial chapter of your ten, fifteen, and fifty years engage in a life-defining life with your graduating into the future. competition, but this is class, why not celebrate toxic. Why spend your instead of complicate or time feuding with your argue your way through

“A reunion should be a celebration of what you shared, and where you are today, but not a toxic rebuttal of the past.”

DESIGN BY ABIGAIL VANDERBERG

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OPINION

High School Reunion: Con

BY TRINITY WOODRUFF

There is a good chance home. One major rea- if you were close in high just showed up in the Testhat sometime after completing high school you will have the opportunity to attend a reunion, and while there may be some appeal to making an appearance at this event, you should know that even though they are well meant, there are lots of reasons to politely RSVP your absence and, with some snacks, stalk your old classmates’ facebook profiles for free from the comfort of your own

son to stay home would be traveling expenses if you’ve moved away from your hometown. This can be especially inconvenient

school, you have probably stayed in touch throughout the years and would only be going to see people you didn’t know or weren’t

la with the supermodel hanging on his arm. And that weird girl with really bad acne from the back of chem? She’s transformed into a sleek and acne-free business woman.

All in all, high school reunions, while made with the right intentions in mind, just aren’t worth the time, money, or social discomfort that come with them.

“All in all, high school reunions, while made with the right intentions in mind, just aren’t worth the time, money, or social discomfort that come with them.” if you’ve moved out of state. Traveling probably won’t be the only thing you’re spending money on as you will most likely have to buy attire for the event as well. A second reason would be that in the age of social media

close with. A third and final reason would be role reversal that your self-esteem may not be able to handle. Yes, you were the popular jock in high school, but you remember that nerd you laughed at? Yeah, that’s him who

DESIGN BY ABIGAIL VANDERBERG

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FEATURE

Gemma Barker From: New Zealand “It’s been a really good experience and it’s helped me grow as a person. I’ve been given these opportunities to do all this stuff here, and it’s really great.”

Lucia Bordes Segovia From: Spain “I learned a lot of things here because it’s really different from Spain... I got used to the way they explain things differently from spain and the activities like sports. I did cross country, so it was a really good experience.”

Miguel Llompart Babler From: Spain “It’s been kinda interesting and amusing getting to know a culture like the US that involves a lot of different cultures. There’s [a lot of] diversity in this country; I got to make friends from other countries like Germany.”

Ana Haurie Ustaran From: Spain “My experience this year has helped me a lot to grow as a person and give me more knowledge of the world and different cultures. I have learned a lot here, I have made a lot of friends and enjoyed doing theater here.”

22 March March 2019 2019 22

A bittersweet farewell: foreign exchange students reflect on their time at PN

BY ASTRID CODE AND NATALIE GRINDER

Subaru Kumada From: Japan “It was fun and a big differencefrom my life in Japan. I like my friends that I have made here. I hate the weather. I am looking forward to seeing my friends and family back home.”

Manuel Calleion Wortmann From: Germany “I really liked my time at Portage Northern. I had a lot of fun in all my classes and playing sports in this school.

The area around Portage is very nice and the people are nice as well.”

Iga Gryn From: Poland “This year has been the most amazing year of my life.

I stayed with my host family and it was really nice to get to know them better. I’ve got a lot of friends here, and I’m very excited about going back to Poland. I really likeAmerica and I hope I can come back here soon.”

DESIGN BY RAWAN ALSAEDI

Isabel Fiol Roig From: Spain “I can’t believe I’ve been here 9 months and I only have less than a month left. I’ve learned a lot of things here... I want to go back but at the same time I want to stay”. “I know I’m not going to forget anything I’ve done here. I always will have a part of America in my heart.”

Malin Rackles From: Germany “It was really wonderful: I met wonderful people, I made wonderful experiences…

I had a really good time. My favorite part was probably hanging out with the friends I made here.

My host family went to Florida this year for Christmas, that was really nice.”

Edouard Delorme From: France “I think it was clearly the greatest year of my life, compared to my life in France… it’s way different and greater here.

Everything is like the American Dream, it’s totally different.

[This year has] created new experiences and I think it’s the best.”

Jens Lutjens From: Germany “Overall, it was a pretty good experience, I made some friends. My favorite part was the teachers, they were very nice and very supportive of their students.”

2015-2016

2016-2017

Most Popular Trends - Hoverboards, Virtual Reality, Electric Cars, snapchat

Most Popular Trends - Nike Shoes that tie themselves, Drones, watching the olympics

Sports Champions - Kansas City Royals (MLB), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Denver Broncos (NFL), Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)

Sports Champions - Chicago Cubs (MLB), Golden State Warriors (NBA),New England Patriots (NFL) , Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)

Best Songs of the Year - Hotline Bling Drake, Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, Trap Queen - Fetty Wap

Best Songs of the Year - Love Yourself and Sorry - Justin Bieber, One Dance - Drake, Jumpman - Future and Drake

MEME THE DRESS

MEME ARTHUR

2017-2018

ENTERTAINMENT

F O U R Y E A R S O F

2018-2019

Most Popular Trends - Sunburnt tattoos, studying for SAT, In my feelings challenge

Most Popular Trends - Airpods, Talking about G.O.T., Country Rap

Sports Champions - Houston Astros, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Capitals

Sports Champions - Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots,

Best Songs of the Year - Shape of You - Ed Sheeran, That’s What I Like - Bruno Mars, Humble - Kendrick Lamar, God’s Plan and In My Feelings - Drake MEME SALT BAE

Best Songs of the Year - Meant To Be - Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line, Rockstar featuring 21 savage - Post Malone, Mo Bamba - Sheck Wes, Drip Too Hard - Lil Baby & Gunna MEME YODELLING KID

P O P C U L T U R E

BY ZACH QUINN

DESIGN BY BRIANNA NEUHOUSER

Portage Northern Light 23

NORTHERN LIGHT SENIOR SIGN OFFS

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Lexi Doll

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eing a part of the Northern Light staff has been one of my favorite parts of my high school career. I have learned so much no only about journalistic writing but about myself as well. I joined journalism 1 my freshman year just looking for something different to do with my day, and I never expected to fall in love with it. I joined the staff my sophomore year and I walked into that computer lab knowing close to nothing about writing for a student publication.

I was a shy girl that just minded her own business and occasionally wrote an article when I was told to.

As time went on, the staff broke me out of my shell and showed me I could do a lot more with my writing than I thought I ever could. I never expected to become a part of such a close family. I’m going to miss every single person on this staff and I can’t thank them and Mrs. Thorpe enough for being such a big part of my life these past 4 years. I have been looking forward to my own senior edition since I wrote for my first one sophomore year. The fact that my journalism days are coming to an end is saddening, but I am excited to see what is next for this wonderful staff as well as myself.

24 May 2019

eing on staff for only a semester makes me realize how much fun it is to be a writer.

Even though I was only on staff for 5 months, these 5 months will forever change my perspective on writing and journalism as a whole. I’m so glad that I decided to put myself out there and try something I’ve always wanted to try, being in Journalism. When I joined, I instantly felt welcomed and a part of a loving family. I was so happy that everyone did that when they didn’t have to. I will miss talking crap to Malcolm everyday and him having to put up with me as well. But most importantly I will miss Dr. Thorpe, because she gave me an opportunity for all of this to start and luckily she let me. I’d like to personally thank her for all that she has done in helping me with Journalism and giving me a new perspective on life and writing as a whole. Now that I have completed my last print, I can’t wait to get to college and show others my skills and show them how good we have it at Portage Northern. I will be able to help them with all sorts of writing that they may need and be willing to show them the way. I can’t wait to see what’s next from the next year’s staff and how they keep the Northern Light gaining more and more interest.

Zach Quinn

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eing on staff has changed me as an individual and this class is such an amazing experience to be a part of. I loved everything about this class and the staff itself because we’re all a family, and we all have a deadline to get to, and once were all done, we’ve actually created something that we can share with our peers and even the world. I wrote an article that changed my entire point of view in journalism and so many people were impacted by it; it was so inspiring having people read my own work. But what I’m going to miss most about this class is basically everything, from being stressed out by deadlines to talking to my staff all the time to including

Cameron Myers going to Lansing for competition season with our passionate advisor, Amanda Thorpe. Unfortunately, there will always be an end, and for the fact this is the last edition I will ever help publish, this is honestly extremely sad. I’ve put 3 years into journalism and I never want to leave this class. I hope you all will enjoy this edition as much as the staff enjoyed making it, because we all put so much hard work in providing you the daily news of Northern and capturing your emotions throughout 2018-2019 school year.

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Sheila Mwanda

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here do I even begin, the Northern Light has been and will always continue to be a part of my identity. It’s who I am. It’s not everyday you’re given the opportunity to create, write and express your issues, the worlds issues, or just school “happenings.” I’m overwhelmed at the fact that I not only got the chance do this three out of my four high school years, but I also got the chance to help advise and oversee it all as CoEditor, alongside a lifetime friend and an advisor who is so close that I could seek guidance from her during my teenage girl struggles of being a high schooler. As I leave PN, I would like to say that the number of IB classes you’re taking, what sports team won that week or the amount of followers on your “finsta,” all do not determine who you are as a person: you do. Those things aren’t your identity; use your words, find what you’re passionate about, and bingo, that’s it! For me it was the Northern Light, and for that I am eternally grateful. The goodbye is bittersweet, but I know that my staff is destined for even greater things. Live right, and read the Northern Light! Oh yeah, and don’t forget to cover your mouth when you cough.

Anai Freeman

ow am I supposed to summarize the last three years of my life in 250 words? I can’t, but here’s a start: memories from MIPA camp, stressful press cycles, Funky Friday, and staying up late getting ready for deadline. Walking onto staff sophomore year, I never imagined how important the Northern Light would be to me. I could go on forever about how journalism has made me a better writer, designer, and person. Because it has. But from all my time on staff, the most important thing I’ve gained is a family. Both past and current, the NL has the best staff members ever. Never have I met a group of people more passionate, loving, and dedicated than our staff. I never thought the day would come where I had to say farewell to the people that were the center of my high school years.

Together we have overcome endless challenges, naysayers, and successes, and I wouldn’t have done it with anyone else. I owe the biggest thank you to Mrs. Thorpe for everything: for encouraging me, challenging me and believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

Whether it was her taking out every Oxford comma or just challenging me to be a better person, she has quite frankly become a second mom to me. Thanks NL for being my constant and to its staff for being my people.

A

s I sit here preparing to type this, I am overcome by endless pride, joy, and sadness. It is finally time for me to take a step back, and hand down my title of Co Editor in Chief to someone who will continue the legacy of this production. There will never be enough words to express my gratitude and love for all of the experiences, friends, and talents that I have gained from my four years in journalism, and never once have I imagined a goodbye to be so bittersweet. The biggest of thank

Gabbie Byers

I Keegan Tenney you’s are due to Mr. Neal, who was the adviser during my freshman year, Mrs. Thorpe, for helping me through literally everything, Anai for being the best Co Editor I could have ever asked for, and my classmates, as they have put in endless amounts of effort and love into what we do. A thank you also goes out to those who have believed in me and have pushed me to be the best I can be. I don’t know where I would be without the discovery of my creativity, but I am so thankful that I don’t have to find out. Now that I have put myself into an even deeper pit of sadness that I was in, I can now say for the last time, thank you to everyone who has made this production possible, and don’t forget to treat people with kindness.

have tried to write this for hours and can’t figure out the right words to say goodbye. It’s here, I’m finally graduating, and yet parting with the Northern Light staff will be one of the hardest things to do. My time spent on staff was an amazing experience; I learned so much and will forever be thankful. This newspaper is more than just a school paper, it holds the voices of Portage Northern. We express what others can’t, we share with other students what’s going on, and we tell the truth. The family behind the paper is incredible.

Besides the love for each other, the love we each share for this newspaper is endless. Everything we have created would be the absolute best we could make it. I’m proud of every piece we have done, every story we shared and design we created. Thank you, Northern Light, for being my outlet, and thank you Huskies for listening. Peace love and Harry Styles, y’all.

DESIGN BY KEEGAN TENNEY Portage Northern Light 25

One Last Dance

OPINION

SHUFFLE PLAY

By The NL Seniors

Meant To Be - Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line

You just have to let things happen when they do and not to rush anything. I’ve learned this through dating and becoming more aware of myself and others. This is why “Meant To Be” is the perfect song for my 4 years of high school. -Zach

To Hell & Back - Maren Morris

This song is about someone loving someone no matter their flaws or damages. In highschool you need to learn to love yourself no matter what, something I struggled with a lot in high school. I was in hell but I have come back. -Gabbie

I’ll Find You - Lecrae (ft. Tori Kelly)

Confusion has been a big part of my life and finding myself was a huge struggle. “I’ll Find You” isn’t just a song about finding your beliefs and passions, it’s helped me find myself and who I am in this world. I was in the dark for a long time, but now i’ve came out into the light, and amazing living in the light. -Cameron

I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes) - The 1975

This song in particular is about someone’s monotone life that never changes, which is what it seems like when you are in high school. Everything is routine, you never change pace. And with the workload and stress, sometimes you can’t help but want to take the easy way out, hence the (Sometimes) ;). -Keegan

Get Along - Kenny Chesney

I chose this song because I think it is important to just get along with everyone while you’re in high school, whether you want to or not. This song portrays the simple things in life as the most important and I couldn’t agree more. -Lexi

I’ll Keep On - NF

I really like this song because it talks about the troubling times of life and how despite all of these challenges, it’s important not to let these obstacles get the best of you. High school can be a lot and this song is a constant reminder that while life is tough, you can’t let your expenseriences bring you down. -Sheila

Godspeed - Frank Ocean

“You look down on where you came from sometimes But you’ll have this place to call home, always.” In this song Frank sings about letting go of loved ones even though his heart is still dedicated. This song resides inside me because, during high school people come and go but finding that someone who makes saying goodbye is truly, endless. -Anai

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Portage Northern Light 26

OPINION

Graduating: What I...

Look Forward To

Will Miss

BY LEXI DOLL

Graduating from high school is scary. Like, really Though I am really looking forward to scary. But even though the thought of having to begraduating and starting my new life as a college student, I am also going to miss come a real adult in the very near future is terrifying, it is also exciting. Personally, I can’t wait to get some things about high school. Mainly, out of high school and become independent. No, I’m going to miss my friends. Those I’m not going to be perfect on my own right away, friends that you are able to keep all 4 years throughout high school are rare, and leavbut I’m looking forward to figuring it out, and ing them and possibly never seeing them though I’m going to miss my parents being there to help fix every mistake I ever make, I think at again is going to be the worst part about the age of 18 years old, I should start learning graduating. how to be fully responsible for myself.

I’m also going to miss some of the teachers that I’ve built good relationships with. The The concept of “freedom” is what excites me fact that I won’t have a dancing Friday with the most. In college, I will get to study and learn about topics that I am truly passionate Mr. Neal ever again and that I won’t get to about. No more pointless math and science hear any more of Mr. Andrews’ interesting life classes that have nothing to do with my castories almost makes me not want to graduate.

Having a really good relationship with a teacher reer, and even though there will be a few gen makes school so much more tolerable, and I ed classes in there that I think are pointless, in the long run if I am being told to take the think in college that just isn’t as common. class, then it will most likely help me someGraduating from high school is bittersweet. where down the line.

You have so much ahead of you and so many good memories to look back at. High school was an I am also excited to get out of the city of experience that was complicated: neither entirely Portage and experience life in a new state and city. Getting away from the same good nor entirely bad; something that I want to people I’ve spent the past 4 years with move on from, but not leave at the same time. I’m and meeting new people and getting to excited for my new college life, but strangely, I think part of me is going to miss high school, and that is create new memories is something I something I never thought I would say. think is really important. It is good to get away make new friends while continuing to keep those long time high school friends.

27 May 2019

DESIGN BY ASTRID CODE

FEATURE

NL alumni year in review What one word best describes the last year for you and why?

Eye-opening: Spending a full year on my own, making new experiences, and new friends was priceless to say the least. Having a year to truly figure out who I am and who I want to be was eye-opening and I am grateful for every minute of it.

Allison McKenzie

What have you done in your time after HS? College, what are studying, work, etc.

I have completed my first year at Michigan State. I am studying Human Biology for the college of Lyman Briggs and I am also pursuing a minor in Spanish. When not studying, I spent my time at work as a waitress at Pizza House.

I also spent my time working out with a group that I joined called CHAARG which is a workout group for women on campus and it aims to empower and inspire women both physically and mentally. When not working, working out, or studying; I truly enjoyed hanging out with my friends and exploring MSU’s huge campus.

What advice do you have for this year’s seniors who are about to graduate?

Don’t worry about what others think about you. Whether you want to join greek life or don’t, whether you enjoy going out or would rather stay in to study, whether you can handle a job on top of school life or not; other people’s opinions of you do not matter or effect how your overall college experience will be. Doing what makes you happy and what makes you most comfortable will make you the most happy and ultimately give you the best college experience.

McKenzie and her roomate at a college football game together.

Changing: My whole life and reality has shifted and I really struggled to adapt to it. I’m starting to come around to it, but it was incredibly difficult at first. There was a lot of fun things I got to do this past year, but I feel like they were overshadowed by my newly developed anxiety. I feel like next year I will be much better,

I’m starting to make more strides to doing sports broadcasting professionally. I got to do things this year that a lot of seniors don’t get to do. I got to do color commentary for a Michigan State basketball and the spring football game. Next year I plan to continue with more broadcasting and get better.

I would say, don’t worry too much about your future. You are smart, and you’ll be able to figure it out.

It’s not as scary as it may seem. It even sometimes may not feel as though anything changed at all.

What I do know is that there really isn’t too much to be worried about, because I know that you got this. You’ll do just fine.

Carter Landis

28 December 2018

Landis post-game in the pressbox at the MSU spring football game, where he did color commentary as a member of the sports journalism program.

What one word best describes the What have you done in your time after HS? College, what are last year for you and why? studying, work, etc.

Unreal: I met an amazing group of girls with which I spend too much time and money as well as made some realizations about myself.

At the beginning of my freshman year, I went through a situation that nobody should have to go through that made me rethink if I had the energy to get out of bed in the morning for a good part of the year. The people I had surrounded myself with were constantly there to pick me up although I had only known them for a few months and they didn’t even know how much it meant. I disagree with the cliche that college is going to be the best time of anyone’s life, but I will say that the people I have met in college have showed me so much about strength about myself that I will carry with me forever.

I’m majoring in Secondary Education and English with a minor in Education Policy Studies and a focus on teaching to ESL (English Second Language) students at Loyola Chicago. I have been fortunate enough for the opportunity to go into Chicago Public Schools and get real experiences with students which has only made me more passionate about what I’m studying. I also got a job at Blaze Pizza which lasted for about a month before I realized I enjoy my own sanity and that doesn’t include 7.5 hour non-stop shifts and coming back to my dorm smelling like pizza.

What advice do you have for this year’s seniors who are about to graduate?

Do things that make you happy.

College is extremely stressful as it is and if you aren’t spending your time outside of classes doing things that bring you joy, it will all be really hard to cope with. So join that club, go to that event, call your parents, join a sorority, or don’t, but just try things out because you never know what kind of happiness you’ll miss out on.

FEATURE

Mckenzie Brey Brey was able to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras as a freshman in college. She is pictured here with her friend, Sophie.

Deceiving: Everyone’s experience with college is unique. I always heard that these would be the best four years of my life and I’d make friends to last a lifetime. But honestly, this year was tough. Friends can be deceiving, college can get tough, and it’s really easy to feel isolated and low. However, comparing your experience to others will make you feel worse. Your experience will be different from your parents, siblings, and friends and that’s okay! Don’t feel ashamed if you don’t love your school, decide to change your major, or if you don’t make lifelong friends in

I just completed my first year at Michigan State University where I am majoring in Environmental Studies and Sustainability and pursuing a Spanish minor. I recently started at Kalsec Inc. in Kalamazoo where I am working as a Corporate Social Responsibility Intern for the summer.

Stay true to yourself. Don’t want to go out on a Friday night with everyone? Stay in! Hesitant to join a club that you think you might really like but are afraid of what people will think of you?

Who cares. Feel like your major isn’t right for you? Change it! You know yourself better than anyone, so listen to that little voice in your head that tells you to rest, take a breath, or take a chance because it will make all the difference.

Lexi Gavlas Gavlas in Bogota, Columbia

DESIGN BY LIAM FAGAN

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ENTERTAINMENT

College By T e m p u r a t u r e

BY KOMALPREET KAUR

There are 309 seniors graduating in the Class of 2019, with several of them leaving the state to further their education at different colleges and universities. They all have varying reasons, some being as simple as being able to get more sunshine to some with interesting stories. Some are going all the way westward to the hills of California and some are moving down south. It is with great pride that Portage Northern is sending these seniors off to better their lives and enjoy a new experience not just academically, but also in terms of life in a place outside of the home of Michigan most of them have only known.

Mary Comar: University of Tennessee “I am going to the University of Tennessee because I have always wanted to attend college out of state as I love to travel and experience new places. My dad is moving to Tennessee for his job and I visited the campus on a trip down to Tennessee and fell in love with it!”

Emma Pilnick: Wake Forest University “I am choosing to go out of state for a few reasons. Foremost is because I really hate the midwest, and wanted to leave for a different region. An added bonus is that it is also closer to most of my extended family, who live on the east coast. For these reasons, I have never even considered going to college in state and did not even apply to any Michigan colleges.”

Will Compton: Willamette University “I am going out of state for a multitude of reasons. To start they have all of the different activities I am looking for such as: physics, swimming, orchestra, and a 3-2 program. I initially expanded my search to Oregon because my family is moving there this summer and going to school on the same side of the country has its benefits. Willamette University also just felt right for me. The people were really nice and the professors will push me to think harder and push myself academically.

I am looking forward to start there next fall.”

Marisa Toomsen: Santa Barbara City College “Ever since I was 5 I always felt I was in a community and in a place I didn’t truly belong. Once I went to California, I just fell in love with the lifestyle and I felt like people understood me, and that I could finally express myself in a positive way, be artistic and create real understanding.”

Josh Hartman: University of Cincinnati

“I chose the school mainly because they have an amazing campus and there engineering program is very good. I also chose it because I wanted to be far enough from home to have independence but close enough that it wouldn’t be hard to come home if I needed to.”

267 Seniors that are going to ...

4 Year:

2 Year:

58.8% 27.3% 30 | May 2019

Workforce:

6%

Armed Force:

6%

DESIGN BY CAMERON MYERS

Gap Year:

Undecided:

1.5%

0.4%

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Portage Northern Light 31

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DESIGN BY LIAM FAGAN