January-February 2019 by Portage Northern Light

marked students express themselves through body art p. 12

Also in this edition...

p. 10 : spotify vs. apple music p. 15 : teachers with musical talents p. 19 : a track season after a stroke 1000 Idaho Ave. Portage, MI 49024

volume 49 issue 3

www.portagenorthernlight.com

C O N T E N T S 02 February 2019

SPONSORS Sawall Health Foods Dement and Marquardt, PLC

Self expression how our school recognizes the way students express themselves in different ways.

Airpods Our staff has some words about the trending expensive bluetooth headphones.

Body art in school out of all 1,291 students at Northern, some choose to express themselves through body art.

R. Kelly the famous “Ignition” singer is accused of holding and abusing black women, and black females of our own community share their thoughts.

Cheerleading PN Cheerleaders is the name, defying expectations is the game. This is no sideline cheer; read to find out why!

ON THE COVER

In this edition, we will explore self expression throughout Portage Northern. On the cover, junior Jayden ThurmanOliver offers his own form of art, which is a tattoo of his mother’s birthday in Arabic. We chose this unique tattoo to show how self expression is important to everyone, and that it is something we should embrace. Photo by Cam Myers

DESIGN BY KEEGAN TENNEY

Letters to the Editors I think it was a really good idea to write an article about how students are safe here at Portage Northern. It’s important for students to know that they are accepted here and can be themselves. This article also did a really good job informing about clubs we have here that people might want to join. Shawna Sawall, junior I really enjoyed reading your article “One in a million” from your latest publication. I think that it is very important to tell the stories of classmates in a school newspaper to bring our community closer together, and it might also prevent people from forming prejudices based on apparent factors. I would love to see more articles about other students in the future and maybe a follow-up on her story. Malin Rackles, senior I love the comic that you all put in. I feel as if it really pertains to a lot of high school kids and what they go through in a class that they have a lot of trouble focusing in. I know that this happens to me from time to time and I also know a few other people this happens to, so I really like it. Melissah Morris-Adkins, sophomore It’s truly wonderful that there was an article included that gives one students day-to-day struggles with her medical problems. It is something many don’t hear about everyday, especially with the long list of students attending PNHS. “One in a Million” gives light to the fact that everyone around us could possibly be battling with a personal life or death situation. It teaches that there’s a need for kindness and respect for all people you come in contact with. It also gives hope that, if people in your community can get through things this tough, then you too can fight to make it through all challenges you shall encounter. Mallory sharing out like this is inspiring to anyone who reads it, and I’d definitely like to see more articles like this to come. Cerena Read, sophomore 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

The NL says a bittersweet farewell but hopefully not goodbye to staff members Jackson Graham, Jimmie Cosby and Margaux Gendre, and a warm welcome to new staffers Taylor Hutchings, Cerena Read, Abby Vanderberg, Trinity Woodruff, Astrid Code, Natalie Grinder, Zach Quinn, and Rawan Alsaedi. Hello again! Welcome to the third edition of the Northern Light! Our staff has worked long and hard to perfect this edition before sharing it with all of you, and we want to thank you for reading. The angle we chose to focus on in this edition is something that our staff feels is relevant to the entire student body, and many of the illustrations that appear in this edition were created from the tattoos of students themselves. We hope that our newsmagazine encourages you to be more open minded and welcoming to others as they learn to

express themselves through style and art forms (piercings, tattoos, hair color, etc.). We hope that this topic allows our community to embrace individuality, especially in the Staff Editorial. Hopefully something in this edition impacts you positively, and if it impacts you at all, please let us know at PNHSnorthernlight@ gmail.com. We would love to publish your comments online, so let us hear your voice! We are very excited for this edition, just as much as we are for many more to come.

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

DESIGN BY KEEGAN TENNEY

Dear Readers....

We have so much to share with you, and we are beyond excited to go on this journey with us. We look forward to making the paper better and better each edition as we continue to grow and learn who you are as readers this 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

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

Huskie Highlights

NEWS BRIEFS

Robotics Stryke Force Robotics is hoping to have a winning season as they prepare their robot for their upcoming FIRST Robotics competition. During the week of January 7th, the robotics team starting planning and sketching their robot. Senior Sierra Staunton leads the team and is a pit crew chief for the team, meaning she’s the one who fixes the robot if it breaks down during tournaments. “I’m really excited about being able to work with my hands again at competitions. The robot breaks quite a bit and we have to fix it real quickly. It’s stressful but so much fun. It’s quite the adrenaline rush mixed with a brain game of figuring out what’s wrong” she says. Most of their work is kept a secret, but their first tournament is March 7th-9th. In 2017-2018, the robotics team has won state championships, with Staunton hugging her teammates, celebrating her victory on her team.” This is one of my biggest accomplishments that i’ve done in my highschool career”, says Staunton. “I can’t wait to see what this season has to offer.” Photo courtesy of Sierra Staunton.

Huskie Study Club

Forensics

Husky Study Club is brand new this month, and is a place for all grades to receive tutoring help by their peers that are apart of the National Honors Society. Junior Lena Lukowski started this club with the idea to help students in all grades be able to receive help: “I remember how helpful the Cocoa and Cram was my freshman year, and I wanted everyone to have that assistance and support on a daily basis,” she says. This club will be starting up located in the media center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from end of school till 3:30.

The award-winning Forensics team is now putting everything together for their events for their first tournament on February 23, 2019. The students and captains have been working extremely hard to make sure everything is perfect for competition. “I’m excited to go to tournaments and meet new people,” says junior Haley Jackson. One of this year’s popular event is the multiple “Dear Evan Hansen,” based on the hit musical. “Multiples take an intense amount of rehearsal because you’re trying to corrdinate 8 people, and in this case, condense an entire musical into 15 minutes,” explained Forensics director Celia Weeks.

Find junior Lena Lukowski through the hallways and ask how to get involved. Photo courtesy of Lena Lukowski.

The multiple team is rehearsing their preformance before their huge tournament in Feburary. Photo courtesy by Haley Jackson.

BY CAMERON MYERS 04 February 2019

Cocoa and Cram

In the lower commons, freshmans and Link Crew Leaders are tutoring to get ready to for exam week. Photo courtesy by Colin Killmer.

Winterfest

On January 20th from 6:00-8:00 pm, Link Crew members hosted the annual Cocoa and Cram event for freshman. Senior Riley Hobson volunteered to help mentor students through their first exams at this event: “Cocoa and Cram was a good experience for the freshman to get help from us older students, which helping them succeed on their exams made me feel happy,” she says. Freshman Astrid Code attended the event. “I feel like it helped me study in a way that was fun, not just stressful,” she said.

Winterfest took place the week of February 4-8, with students participating in dress up days and fun games. “I love watching the games that we organized be played by all the students. Also the court ceremony is a lot of fun to see, especially knowing how much work is put in behind the scenes,” says junior Gracie McGrath, vice president of Student Senate. The Winterfest basketball game, where the king and queen will be announced, is Friday at 7:00pm. Pajama Day

Tie Dye Day

Senior Robert Manson

Sophomore Elizabeth Coryell

Country vs. Country Club

Throwback Thursday

Sophomore Paige Underwood

DESIGN PACKAGE BY CAMERON MYERS

Senior Katherine Larason

NEWS BRIEFS

In Memoriam

Mike Westbrook, lead director of transportation and busing for Portage Public Schools, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 51 on Saturday, January 19th while shoveling snow in his driveway. Westbrook started working for Portage Public Schools in 2002, and worked his way up to lead director. His impact of being apart of PPS will forever be remembered, as he genuinely cared for his office staff, bus drivers, and students who ride the bus every day. To honor his memory, PPS transportation even bussed his funeral visitors from the administration building to the funeral home, and a reception was held afterward in his honor in the NHS lower level commons.

Stay up to date on the latest news!

Portage Northern Light | 05

STAFF EDITORIAL

THE COURAGE DIFFERENT TO BE

BY THE STAFF

For many, the high school years are a clothes, piercings, or even tattoos can be time to grow and develop as a person. an escape for many. During that journey, kids need to be Schools need to honor self expression, able to express themselves without fear because if they don’t, it can cause severe of persecution by anyone else. Everyone self esteem issues and a sense of loss has different ways of expressing them- because students could feel as though selves and everyone deserves the right they don’t know who they are. Considto do so. Clothing, hair, piercings, and ering the great amounts of time students tattoos can help students feel and look spend at school, all students need to feel different and unique, which is an impor- comfortable while at school and not have tant part of growing. To allow students to to suppress themselves in order to fit a fully grow and become who they want to set “standard.” Also, honoring those stube, the comdents munity needs Tattoos and other means of self-expression are w h o to allow them h a v e to feel safe a sign of courage, because it is a brave step to t h e e x p r e s s i n g distinguish yourself from your peers when it’s c o n f i themselves. easier to just fit in, or worse, become invisible. d e n c e Giving stuto exdents the periright to dress the way they want, wheth- ment with different outlets, such as their er it’s someone’s favorite unicorn shirt or clothes or tattoos, can be helpful to those simply just a piercing, it gives us a sense students who may not be as confident. of hope. Going to school makes you feel Tattoos physically portray how difout of your comfort zone regarding what ferent we all are, and how these differyou wear, look like, or have permanently ences make us beautiful as a society. embedded into your skin. Also, wak- Many show it through physical art like ing up everyday for any unwanted pur- drawings, some choose music, and some pose can be dreary and repetitive, but choose to put something on their body breaking up the seemingly never end- forever that will be reflective of the ing school day with expression through things that are most important to them.

06 February 2019

DESIGN BY KEEGAN TENNEY

Every person is created in their own way, they are built to be unique and that is beautiful. We need to accept who people are on the outside as well as the inside. Someone being comfortable and proud of who they are is what is truly beautiful. Tattoos and piercings are automatically seen as risque to some, but it is important to recognize that they aren’t signs of rebellion, they are symbols of selfexpression that often have a deep, personal meaning to their wearers. Tattoos and other means of self-expression are a sign of courage, because it is a brave step to distinguish yourself from your peers when it’s easier to just fit in, or worse, become invisible. Some schools punish their students for expressing themselves, which is unfair and hypocritical as many tell students to speak for themselves on one hand while suppressing their freedom of expression on the other hand. The way we express ourselves as teens reflects on our adult life, so if we don’t feel accepted now, there is a high chance that the feeling of neglect would carry into the rest of our lives. Let us be us, and welcome us no matter what background we come from, no matter what is on our skin, no matter what - period.

ILLUSTRATION BY KEEGAN TENNEY AND CAM MYERS

OPINION

Sweetness in TRADITION BY ARUSHI MITHAL

The sweet smell of crisp chocolate handcrafted from expensive companies, the fresh intricacies of a ruby red rose, stuffed animals that seem to have eyes as hearts, and the trancelike aura people feel the need on fall in; these are things are only present on a holiday as sweet as Valentine’s Day. Also flowers, chocolate, plus a stuffed animal can really go a long way, despite the concern of these gift ideas being deemed as too basic. The sentimental value of receiving something simple as a rose on Valentine’s

day is not to be disregarded: being appreciated with a small gift or just a compliment, can really make a person’s day. The thought of knowing that there is a person thinking of you, and you are special to them, is undoubtedly the underappreciated beauty of Valentine’s day Instead of seeing the matter of Valen tine’s Day being perceived as a holiday greatly overshadowed by others like Christmas and Halloween, there are benefits in taking part of the simple tradition. First of all, psychologically, people do long to be appreciated by other people, and insignificant actions from others really affect the mindset of the average person. Furthermore, you do not have to have romantic relationships with a person in order to get them a friendly gift. Especially for a person who may be weighed down by stress from school and personal life. February is a month falling right in the middle of the school year and there are many people who face a lot of stress because of it. Also, to increase the statistics of how much people spend on Valentine’s Day, it makes a big difference if you spend a little bit of time and money on this special day. This will not only call more attention to the holiday but help establish it as a day of love and happiness during a time of cold and stress.

DESIGN BY MARGAUX GENDRE & CAM MYERS

of Valentine’s Day gifts nationwide... for 30% are friends

19%

are for pets

22% are for

significant others

for 29% are other

family members

Portage Northern Light 07

OPINION

Airpods: a life upgrade BY KYLIE CLIFTON

Who would have thought that two earphones without their umbilical cords could inspire, impress, display a sense of financial prosperity, and be the hard flex that changes your life. Released in December of 2016, the Apple Airpods have initiated a phenomenon. I’m never sure why customers are asking themselves if the price of $160 will change their life.

“The will

08 February 2019

They are obviously not thinking straight! Clearly these pods of air and expensive flare give you a whole new outlook on the world. Consumers just don’t understand...who in their right mind would want to be seen with CORDED headphones? The mere mention of a cord leaves many today with painful flashbacks of having to, now bear with me, plug in a headphone jack! It’s truly revolutionary how far the human race has developed with the complete divorce from corded anything! It isn’t simply a matter of keeping up with trends, but keeping up with life. Plugging in headphones, only part of you that you dealing with the degradever will need to matter ing job of are your airpods acknowledging a CORD in your life... don’t be tied down, people! You can be free in a cord-

”

DESIGN BY SHEILA MWANDA

less future all for the price of $160, the life upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Dentists across the world are thrilled, the magic that is the charging case is reminding consumers that flossing exists, and it might be important. Not just that, but airpods give you an instant boost. Suddenly, you feel amazing, your outfits, your overall being, everything else just doesn’t matter anymore, the only part of you that you will ever will need to matter are your airpods, and you will feel so changed that you will constantly want them on full display. Even when you could tuck the case away, leave it out for everyone to see! Wear your earbuds when you aren’t even listening to music. They gave you a status update on your life, it’s time to show them off the same way that adults show off an engagement ring, a baby, or a new house. First impressions are everything, and having your finances on full display with your airpods out in full force is as essential as breathing. I mean, did you even have a notable personality with corded headphones? You deserve a life upgrade. The only thing anyone needs to know about you, truly, is that you spent $160 on earphones who cut off their own umbilical cords and are changing the lives, feeding egos, saving cord-induced injuries, and making the world a more expensive - and

OPINION

Essential Expression

Students fight the inner turmoil everyday whether or not to fully express themselves.

BY: GABBIE BYERS “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” These words, preached by Marilyn Monroe, are something millions of people everyday try to live up to. In this life that we are given, we can’t control a lot. However, something that makes this life worth living is being true to yourself. This is something we can control, or at least something we should be able to control. For some it takes an entire lifetime to really figure out who they are and what they want themselves to be, but as people grow through life, they start to learn who they are as an individual and how they want the world to look upon them. These actions can be so simple, from painting their nails a certain color, inking their skin, wearing certain clothing, or any little choice that students make about themselves. The world is filled with so many differ-

ent people and voices, and it’s beautiful to be able to walk down the street and see someone expressing who they are. Whether they are showing who they are through their hair color or clothing, it’s a beautiful sight. The problem is that it isn’t that simple or easy for everyone. A key factor into who you are as a person is your job, and depending on what you decide, some jobs restrict just how much you express yourself. Choices on what you do to yourself as you continue to grow up in this world are continually being set in the hands of different people. Starting as a child, our parents’ advice is filled with telling us how to look or to not look, and this snowballs into the choices we make for ourselves, which then turn into more choices based on other decisions. Restrictions on expression are always in the news: an African American boy suspended from school for his dreadlocks, a woman being fired for dying her hair “unnatural colors,” and countless people who have been fired for other body modifications. As a society, we need to be more open and accepting of the different ways that people express themselves and seek to understand and celebrate the person beyond the things we notice about their physical appearance. All people should be proud to express who they are as a person and free to use body art to show who they are as an individual. It’s hard, as are students being told by society to be who you are. “Let the world see the real you,” but your next job may not want that you, they want what the other half of society is telling you to be, natural and “professional” looking. It’s a constant battle to be who you are, and in this life we should be able to control how we express ourselves,

DESIGN BY: ANAI FREEMAN

Portage Northern Light 09

OPINION

Why Spotify is the superior music platform BY LEXI DOLL

With music being one of the most important things in a teen’s life, where they stream it from seems to be just as important as the music itself. The debate between Spotify and Apple Music is prominent throughout social media and most Portage Northern students. Though the aesthetic of Apple Music is appealing to some, Spotify is obviously the better of the two platforms. Spotify was founded about 13 years ago in 2006, whereas Apple Music was announced in 2015. Because of Spotify’s head start, they have about 83 million subscribers compared to Apple Music’s 36 million. When looking for a music platform to invest their money into, most people tend to turn to the cheapest option. Spotify premium and Apple Music are both $9.99 a month unless you

10 February 2019

are paying for Apple preference of Spotify a different genre of Music’s family plan, over Apple Music, music that you liswhich is $14.99 a senior Katie Fleming ten to and takes all month. Both apps says, “They design of the songs that you are reasonably priced, your own playlists for listen to often and but Spotify recently you, you can listen puts them together so came out with a new from other devices you aren’t constantly plan that has people easily, you can send pressing skip. switching platforms playlists to people, it’s It is also much easier by the to find second. n e w C o l m u lege and sic on univerSpotify, sity stuw i t h dents p r e are elimade gible for playla $12.99 ists like • 47.7M monthly users p e r “New month Music plan inFriday” • Free (Premium - $10/month) cluding a n d Spotif y “Fresh • 30 million+ songs PremiFinds”; um and there • Can be used on most platforms Hulu. are hunW i t h dreds of Spotif y playlPremiists that um originally be- easy to find different are already made for ing priced at $9.99 music depending on users. If you are sad a month and Hulu the occasion or your and want to listen priced at $7.99, with mood and overall it’s to some sad music, a combined price of cheaper per month.” all you have to do is $12.99, users save $5 Spotify is known for search “sad” and a dollars a month and making “daily mixes” whole list of playlists $60 dollars a year. for their listeners. will appear, giving Referring to her Each playlist contains you plenty of options.

STATS

V Though Apple is a very popular brand, not everyone has an iPhone. Spotify can be downloaded on any device, but Apple Music can only be purchased on Apple products making Apple Music less appealing to some. Spotify being able to download on any device is a major selling point for high school students. “You can pay for it [Spotify] and have it on any device instead of just Apple products,” says senior Eli Caranci. Though I understand the aesthetic obsession when it comes to Apple Music, I can’t help but be loyal to Spotify. The easily accessible playlists, discounted student plans and the ability to listen on any device aids me to believe that Spotify is indeed the superior music platform.

OPINION

Why Apple Music is the authority on music streaming BY GABBIE BYERS

STATS •

49.5M monthly users

•

$15/month for up to 6 people

•

30-40 million+ songs (unconﬁrmed)

•

Can only be used on Apple devices

Portage Northern Light 11

clude the quote “live the life you this year, and in remembrance, her love” on her wrist, a pink aware- family always bakes a cake to celness ribbon behind her ear, and her ebrate his birthday. This lifelong uncle’s death date on her forearm. dedication inspired Comar to get a One of the most challenging situ- tattoo in his honor. “Even though I ations for teens who have tattoos is never got to meet my brother, I got trying to apply for jobs around Por- a tattoo of a “B” for him so I can tage, because unfortunately many have a piece of him that is always companies aren’t okay with expos- with me wherever I go in life,” she ing body art. Senior Blake Bix- says. Another one of Comar’s tatler, upon applying for a job at Por- toos, featured in the illustration tage Glass, shares his experience: on the previous page, is an anchor “the company didn’t seem to care wrapped with the purple pancrefor body art. I didn’t show my tat- atic cancer ribbon. Located on her too at the interview, just to be safe.” wrist, this tattoo is for her grandpa, Many students work at Storypoint whom she had a very close relaPortage, a nursing home for the el- tionship with before he passed. derly, which has a very strict dress Comar has another tattoo of a code for their employees. Piercings, crescent moon on the nape of her tattoos, and shaved hair, like an un- neck, which symbolizes a new bedercut, are prohibited. Any jewelry ginning in her life: One year duron the hands and arms, besides a ing the 4th of July, Comar was with wedding or engagement ring, are family when her father’s girlfriend also prohibited. received a phone call that her son, Reactions and judgement from who was in the military, had comloved ones can also negatively im- mitted suicide. “Listening to that pact the decision for the person re- phone call was one of the scariest ceiving a tattoo, but some students things that has ever happened to just don’t care. Junior Jayden Thur- me” says Comar. That experience mond-Oliver, who recently got helped her appreciate the military his first tattoo with his mother for more, and she has even participatsentimental value, is one of these ed in a 13 mile walk to raise awarestudents who didn’t let others de- ness of veteran suicide. cide for him. His tattoo, portrayed Tattoos are one of the most comon the front cover of this edition, is mon forms of self expression in his mother’s birth date on his right teenagers. Self expression is a huge forearm written topic in toin Arabic. “Some “It means to me that things happen day’s sopeople seem a bit in life, but it continues and you have ciety for shocked I got a teens and to let go of the hurt and pain. Keep tattoo, but most of y o u n g going. Tomorrow is new.” my friends, famadults, due - Jazmin Horton ily, and coworkers to the fact like it and how it’s that many meaningful to me, but I don’t care people judge others for the way what anyone thinks anyways,” he they present themselves in public. says. From employers to their own peers, One tattoo or many many students think extensively In 1997, when senior Mary Co- about the decision to get a tattoo, mar wasn’t even born yet, her par- while others have already commitents were pregnant with their son, ted to these lifelong works of body who they were planning to name art. Benjamin Erik. Tragically, he was stillborn. He would be turning 21 DESIGN BY KEEGAN TENNEY

FEATURE Advice From A Pro Tattoo specialist Spanky Doom answers questions about teen tattoos at Art n’ Soul

On a daily basis, how many high schoolers do you see? About ½ of our clients are 18 years and younger.

What is the most common tattoos for teenagers? It’s whatever that is trending on the internet. We have been seeing alot of 80s-early 20s tattoos, such as ying yangs. What is an interesting story you had with a teen getting a tattoo? Teens think eating food before getting a tattoo is bad. It’s not, so most of the time they become sick or pass out on the tables.

What advice do you have for teens that want tattoos? I recommend you research your tattoo artist and location of your tattoo before hand when coming into shop. You need to remember this tattoo is permanent so where you put it is important, especially for jobs and businesses.

What is your opinion on stick and poke tattoos? Horrible idea. Most kids doing it get themselves infections because they look everything off the internet and buy their stick and poke from amazon, and it’s not sanitary at all.

Any Fun facts you know about tattoos or piercings? Well, the first piercing in history was from the LGBT+ community.

Portage Northern Light 13

FEATURE

marked

Huskies use body art to share their stories

BY CAM MYERS AND BRIANNA NEUHOUSER

12 February 2019

ILLUSTRATION BY CAM MYERS

According to a survey published by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, about 29% of people ages 16-18 have received or mentioned they want a tattoo. In a population the size of Portage Northern, there could be 375 students walking the halls who either have a tattoo or would like one. There are multiple variables that influence a student’s decision to get a tattoo, such as reactions from peers or jobs that may not accept body art. Regardless, tattoos are a permanent part of the lives of many students. Taking the plunge The choice to have art permanently on your skin is not one to be taken lightly. There are many reasons why students have chosen to make that decision, including simply enjoying the art. Many students use tattoos as a way to express their passions, fears, hopes, and/or as a remembrance for those who are no longer with them. “I got the tattoo because I had a scar that I felt really insecure about, so I got a tattoo to cover it up,” says senior Makaylah Kidd. Her tattoo is on her shoulder and is a red flower with abstract leaves. Selfexpression provides confidence, encouragement, and joy to student’s lives, which is another reason why students choose to get tattoos. When senior Zachary Sample’s grandmother passed away this past fall, he and his sister got matching tattoos in remembrance of her that say, “Love, Gram.” “My family wanted to get the tattoo together because our grandma was a big part of our lives,” Sample says. Losing a loved one is a difficult time for students, and getting a memorial tattoo can create comfort that a piece of them will always be a part of them. Other students choose a meaningful quote for their tattoo. Junior Jazmin Horton’s piece, which takes up most of the back right side of her shoulder, is used as the illustration on page 6. “The quoted tattoo I got means to me that things happen in life, but it continues and you have to let go of the hurt. Keep going. Tomorrow is new,” she says. The stigma Many adults believe teenagers don’t know the repercussions of permanent art because they’re too young or the design is crude. “I got my first tattoo when I was 14, so a lot of people would tell me that I was too young or that they were trashy, but it didn’t really affect me because I loved expressing things through permanent art on my skin,” says senior Shea Bigelow, whose tattoos in-

FEATURE Advice From A Pro Tattoo specialist Spanky Doom answers questions about teen tattoos at Art n’ Soul

On a daily basis, how many high schoolers do you see? About ½ of our clients are 18 years and younger.

Any Fun facts you know about tattoos or piercings? Well, the first piercing in history was from the LGBT+ community.

Portage Northern Light 13

FEATURE

marked

Huskies use body art to share their stories

BY CAM MYERS AND BRIANNA NEUHOUSER

12 February 2019

ILLUSTRATION BY CAM MYERS

FEATURE Advice From A Pro Tattoo specialist Spanky Doom answers questions about teen tattoos at Art n’ Soul

On a daily basis, how many high schoolers do you see? About ½ of our clients are 18 years and younger.

Any Fun facts you know about tattoos or piercings? Well, the first piercing in history was from the LGBT+ community.

Portage Northern Light 13

FEATURE

Ending the silence

The release of the R. Kelly docuseries arises new questions regarding the silencing of African American women.

BY ANAI FREEMAN “As a kid, I had lots of secrets. Some were terrible, some were beautiful, some were both. One secret was about what was happening to me at home,” R&B singer R. Kelly states in the new six part docuseries called “Surviving R. Kelly.” The release of the documentary and the dates mentioned from the survivors showcased that the accusations against Kelly dated back to the 90’s, but why is it that the documentary aired just this year? From being on trial for child pornography to publicly getting married to a fifteen year old, Kelly seemed to be consistently in the news, but his crimes always seemed to be quickly forgotten about. Many soon speculated that the lack of action was due to the fact the women were all black. Artist Chance the Rapper had collaborated with Kelly years prior to the resurfacing of the allegations, and after the documentary aired, he expressed regret. “making a song with R. Kelly was a mistake, at the time, it wasn’t even present in my mind that people could feel any type of way about his presence on a track of mine. I think for a long time I was only able to understand R. Kelly’s situation and presence in the world when it comes down to his trial and his accusations and his accusers as a victim. I don’t know if that’s because I’m from Chicago or ‘cause he made great music or ‘cause he is a black man. We’re programmed to really be hypersensitive to black male oppression,” he said. “But black women are exponentially [a] higher oppressed and violated group of people just in

14 February 2019

DESIGN BY: ANAI FREEMAN

comparison to the whole world. Maybe I didn’t care because I didn’t value the accusers’ stories because they were black women. Usually, people that get in trouble for stuff like this on their magnitude of celebrity, it’s light-skinned women or white women. That’s when it’s a big story. I’ve never really seen any pictures of R. Kelly’s accusers.” The silencing of women of color is a silent but serious crime that many have either learned to ignore, or just accepted as a societal “norm.” Senior Trinity Posey states, “I think it’s not just the ignorant people in America silencing black women. I think we do it ourselves sometimes. I know I have found myself silencing my own voice in fear of how people will react. I’m terrified of people labeling me as the angry loud black woman so I have toned down my passion and opinions to please other people but also myself sometimes. But I shouldn’t do that. If someone wants to label me, then they’ll do just that. But I can’t advocate for people to use their voices if I’m too scared to use mine. So one of my biggest philosophies has just been to speak passionately no matter what anyone has to say.” The issue can no longer be ignored, as recent movements emerge such as #MeToo, women of color are starting to come forward in hopes of justice brought to their accusers. “Making people more self aware about the surroundings and how they interact with people and how they interact with others is a way we can get others to avoid the stigmas, says senior Dorah Stevenson. Breaking the stigmas is one challenge, but following through is another.

Shades of Mourning

With a new album on the way, Colin Killmer, a science teacher at Portage Northern, and his bandmates have been hard at work for the last couple months. While balancing their full time jobs, and family lives, Killmer, Marcus Taylor, Ed Martini, Jason Bryant, and Jeff Brant have been writing, and recording songs for their upcoming album. The band name, Cousin Avery, is inspired by Dear Avery, a song by The Decemberists, and it is a folk or indie rock band. When the band started a couple years ago, Killmer was playing bass and viola with a different band when a singer/songwriter in town asked him to help form a group to record some songs. “We clicked and have been together four years now,” says Killmer. Killmer mostly plays the viola and mandolin, all of the members are multi-instrumentalists, so they can adjust what instruments the play based on what the songs call for. Killmer, and the other band members have become dear friends over the years and really enjoy working together. “Our musical partnership has lasted longer than any other project I’ve been in. From the day we met and worked on our first song, we had a chemistry that is largely driven by his passion to create music that connects us and those that listen,” says Marcus Taylor, the guitar player for the band. Cousin Avery recently reached a major milestone as their last album has been nominated for Best Americana/ Roots Album and for Album of the Year in the regional Jammies awards, sponsored by WYCE, a radio station (88.1 fm), in the West Michigan area. They are all pretty excited about it and are looking forward to viewing the results on February 8th. “We are all honored and humbled to be nominated...we take our music seriously and it’s always nice to see others recognize and appreciate what we create,” says banjo player, Ed Martini. In addition to recording songs in the studio to post on spotify, itunes, apple radio, and youtube, Cousin Avery performs live once in a while. “We do play concerts, about once every month and a half,” says Killmer, “We are playing at Bell’s on 2/7/19, and are working on a few other gigs.” Portage Northern Light 15 PAGE BY SNIGDA NARISETTY

What first started out as a fun and relaxing jam session with his friends became a creative passion for Lucas Rewa, a social studies teacher here at Portage Northern. “One of my friends had a class with a guy that wore cool metal shirts and seemed to be into the same types of music that I played,” says Rewa. “She found out that he played guitar and we went to her house to jam. After that we liked what we were coming up with and started trying to find other people to play.” They soon made some fliers and put them up throughout Western Michigan University’s campus. Although most of the people who replied to the flier were not a good fit, they did find the drummer of the band, Dru Millerwise. “After that I kind of just pulled in a couple of my cousins [Aaron and Brian Rewa] to be in the band too and we eventually got a bassist [Nick Blaisdell] and the rest is history...” says Rewa who played guitar, bass, and did most of the harsh vocals for the progressive and melodic death metal style of music that the band created. As co-founder of the band, Rewa was a strong leader. “He [Lucas Rewa] kept us on track, booked us shows, found us a place to practice and a ton of other things. He really made most everything we wanted to do with the band possible,” says Roger Sprau, the band’s guitar player. In addition to having a Bandcamp where listeners can pay to listen to Shades of Mourning’s music, they used to play shows in 2009 and 2010 before they split up and moved away as a result of “the whole growing up thing,” as Rewa says. They did however release an album in 2016 after working to get cd’s and cover art made. Although it has been years since their split, many of the band members would still like to get the band back together. “True friends are a rare thing to find. You really need to take advantage of that opportunity. More than that, working together towards a common goal makes some of the most lasting memories you will ever have. Music is a great way to do that,” says keyboard player, Brian Rewa.

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Cousin Avery

FEATURE

SPORTS

THE MURRAY DECISION Kyler Murray’s choice will have a unique impacat on the NFL and MLB BY MALCOLM GAYNOR In the history of sports, no player has been drafted in the first round of both the NFL and MLB drafts. However, dualthreat Heisman-winning quarterback and center fielder Kyler Murray, who was chosen with the 9th overall pick of the 2018 MLB draft, is being projected as a clear first round draft in the upcoming 2019 NFL draft. Murray, one of the best young talents in baseball and football, now has a decision that has the chance have a huge impact on the world of professional sports: will he choose baseball or football? At first glance, baseball may seem like the more attractive option. With longer average careers, larger average contracts, and no risk of the dangerous head trauma associated with football, it seems like an easy decision. However, there is one key difference maker: minor leagues. While first round quarterbacks usually jump straight to the big stage,

with all 2018 first round QBs starting by the end of the season, first round draft picks only even make it the MLB 66% of the time. Even if Murray did make it to the show, he would likely have to slog through four grueling years in the minor leagues, which are infamous for having some of the worst playing conditions in professional sports. Minor league players are paid under minimum wage, travel in buses across the country, and are given just $25 a day for food. A star athlete like Murray may also choose to play in the NFL rather than go to the minor leagues in order to stay in the spotlight. The Oakland A’s single A affiliate, the Beloit Snappers, had a total attendance of 67,975 throughout their entire season. On the other hand, Murray’s last game at Oklahoma, the playoff game against Alabama, had an attendance of college football to one of the smallest and least desirable venues in sports. The NFL also obviously has huge downsides, including less guaranteed money than baseball and the looming head injury crisis. However, because of the comparatively non-existent pay to minor league baseball players, Murray would most likely earn more money in the NFL (as shown by the graph below). The financial part of his decision most likely will come down to where he is drafted in the NFL. In the 2018 draft, first-round quarterbacks had signing bonuses rang-

According to spotrac.com, Kyler Murray would make more money in the NFL, due to the miniscule contracts of minor league baseball. 16 February 2019

DESIGN BY MALCOLM GAYNOR

M s inut t r o p e

Wi th Malcolm According to statista.com and rosterresource.com the NFL has shorter average careers, smaller average salaries and more injuries per game than the MLB.

ing from $21 million (Baker Mayfield, 1st overall) and $5 million (Lamar Jackson, 32nd overall). There is a chance Murray is chosen by his former coach Kliff Kingsbury and the Cardinals with the first pick (Kingsbury, who coached Murray at Texas A&M, once said he would draft Murray first overall if he could), but ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper predicts that Murray will fall to the Dolphins at pick 13. Kyler Murray probably hasn’t decided what sport he will be playing next year. It may depend on where in the NFL draft he is chosen and what his signing bonus will be. Despite whatever huge initial signing bonus he may receive, Murray should choose to play baseball. For a smart, college-educated man, the lifechanging brain injury risk of football is not worth choosing over the opportunities of a first round MLB draft pick.

SPORTS

At the Huskie Invitational, the varsity cheer team took home the gold competing against 10 other schools that day. At the end of the invitational, the cheer team had scored the hightest during their seasons, including in round one. Photo courtesy of Elena Aleman.

Cheerleading the pack

Huskie competitive cheer team working hard as the end of the season approaches BY MALCOLM GAYNOR The Huskie competitive cheer team represents a hardworking and energetic teams here at Portage Northern. The team also defies popular student conception of what cheerleading is. “Girls Competitive Cheer is probably not what people think it is,” explained head coach Heather Prentice. “It is not like the cheerleaders they see at the football games.” In competitive cheer, the athletes perform intricate routines in front of judges, which is very different from sideline cheer. Junior Eve Bradley loves competitive cheer because of what makes it so different from sideline cheer. “My favorite part is performing all out in front of the judges,” said Bradley. However, not everything in competitive cheer is just easy and fun. Because of the powerful team bond the Huskies have, they push themselves to work extremely hard. “If I have an off day, I could let my whole team down,” said Bradley. This pressure and stress put

on the team not only pushes the athletes to work harder, but also brings them together. Through the hard work and grind of the competitive cheer season, Bradley has met some of her best friends. Prentice also understands the importance of the team bond in the suc

The varsity cheer team poses for their group picture at the Radisson Plaza. Photo courtesy of Sierra Eaton.

cess of the team. “They have to work together as a team and not individuals to achieve their goals,” she said. This hard work not only includes hours tinkering and mastering their rou-

tines, but also includes physical training. “They condition every day just like every other sport,” Prentice said. This hard work could in theory take a toll on the athletes, but Bradley affirms that it is definitely worth it. The Huskies have had a very solid start to the season. “It has been a great season so far,” Prentice said. “This team works really hard everyday.” Currently, the season is approaching a climax at the district tournament on February 16th. Last season, the team placed 9th in the district with a score of 714.90. The Huskies are in a good position to improve their score, as their best score so far this season is 741.58 during the SMAC meet on January 14th, and the team is looking forward to this chance for improvement. “I’m excited to be in an amazing place as we head to districts,” said senior Halle Escher. “I’m looking forward to seeing how far we can get before the season ends.”

DESIGN BY CAMERON MYERS Portage Northern Light 17

SPORTS

Jessica Burton gains confidence through equestrian vaulting BY ARUSHI MITHAL

Equestrian vaulting is a challenging sport, and it takes a special person to say: I am going to try this, and I am going to succeed. For the past six years, junior Jessica Burton has been taking part in Equestrian Vaulting, moving up the skill levels, working through insane challenges in order to reach her goals. “The thing I love most is probably getting to work with harmony with the horses,” she mentions, “but at the same time doing something that pushes me at every practice to try crazy new things, and I love how unique it is.” The sport has different aspects, Burton says “vaulting competitions have two parts, the barrel fest and horse fest, and within each part there are two competitions, and all together the scores can be added up for each overall level’s winner.” The barrel fest is what it sounds like, “a large barrel standing on metal stands with handles that replicate the surcingle, which is the equipment we use on the horses. It’s supposed to replicate the horse, but you can do more complicated moves on it too”, Burton says. The horse fest is when t h e vaulter specifically works o n the horse. Burton says, “The level you are in is defined by the gait the horse goes, there are walk, trot, and canter groups.” However, for both horse and barrel sections, there are two different rounds called compulsory and freestyle. Burton describes this as “The compulsories are the required moves every vaulter needs to do, which include stand, flag, scissor-kick, and a few others, and then freestyle is a routine of unique moves to your own 18 February 2019

music for one minute.” During these competitions, Burton not only works hard to do her best, but develops friendships.“I know a lot of the girls who vault in the region, so we are all really supportive of each other,” she says. Burton reflects, “I have gained a lot from vaulting - including a ton of self confidence through performing or trying insane new moves, or believing in myself to reach goals.” Ever since fifth grade, Burton has set goals for herself and tried to climb up the levels to make her more determined vaulter. She follows through with these goals,“ For horse fest, canter is the highest gait the horse can go, and there are three sections: copper, bronze, silver, and gold classes. I am in the copper section, and if you are above bronze, you are unbelievably incredible! For

senior year, I hope I can move up to bronze!” Burton is thankful for her coach and teammates, even though equestrian vaulting is primarily an individual sport. “My supportive coaches are also helping me recover from a hamstring injury I have had for a while, as well as appreciate working with horses and all they have to offerthey are all so supportive and I can’t imagine practices without them,” she says. Burton remembers when she was just a vault walker and dreaming of being a canter girl, and she is glad to say that her dreams have come true with hard work. She still faces challenges, “The hardest part is definitely just constantly staying in rhythm with the horse despite trying new moves, and dedicating to building the muscle I need to execute moves.” But through her constant determination to dominate new challenges and dedicated passion to the sport Burton is able to proudly say she is a successful equestrian vaulter. Junior Jessica Burton shows off her vaulting skills at a competition in July of 2018 as she performs her freestyle routine on horse, Dozer. Photo courtesy of Jessica Burton

DESIGN BY SNIGDA NARISETTY

Season after a Stroke

SPORTS

Carreon Johnson returns to the throwing ring BY KOMALPREET KAUR

Alum Kiara Kellis, senior Grace Cummings, Johnson, and Gabbie Byers pose at Portage Central’s track at a meet. Photo courtesy of Coach Foulkes

Carreon Johnson was living a high schooler’s average life, reveling in all of the aspects of her high school years: she was sociable, took on a manageable schedule with classes, and she participated in several sports. That was until February of 2018, when she suffered a stroke. Initially, the stroke left her paralyzed. “My first reaction was how I was supposed to tell them if I needed something or if I’m okay,” Johnson says. “It was terrifying trying to spit words out and not being able to, on top of that not being able to walk.” Slowly but surely, and with a strong will to fight, Johnson began to regain her function as she began the road to recovery. “My first reaction was to start praying; seeing your child in pain without being able to do anything about it is the hardest thing in life,” says her mother, Iesha “What made me wanna go back Turner, who kept pushing her so that she and run is I have a goal to could return to the things accomplish” she loves to do. “Honestly, -Carreon Johnson Carreon is my strength. To see her in pain breaks me down, but then to see her strength is so amazing to me.” One of the biggest effects of this health challenge for Johnson was the temporary pause on some of her favorite activities, including throwing on the track and field team. “What made me wanna go back and run is I have a goal to accomplish,” she says, “to [participate in] the Olympics one day.” Throws coach Sean Foulkes recalls when he first heard the news of her stroke: “My heart just sank and filled with questions about her well being. I remember texting her mom that night to see if she needed anything or if there is anything we, the coaching staff of throwers, could to to help her and her family. She’s a talented kid who we knew would put the work in when needed, so we weren’t worried about it impacting her athletically as much as we were hoping it would not affect her in other areas of her life.” In preparation for this track season, Johnson works with her friends in different ways. “We always motivate and push each other to work harder. [Even if ] we don’t run together, we work out in the weight room together to get stronger,” Johnson hones her throwing skill under the says senior Dorah Stephen, one of Johnson’s track teammates. Healed, healthy, eye of Coach Sean Foulkes. Photo courtesy of and surrounded by a strong support network, Johnson is ready to take on not just the Coach Foulkes rest of senior year, but what lies beyond. Portage Northern Light 19 DESIGN BY BRIANNA NEUHOUSER

ENTERTAINMENT

BY SHEILA MWANDA Private Practice has also won sevScandal’s success has not gone unnoticed, as it has received several eral awards. In 2009, Joey Luthman awards over the years. It won the won a Young Artist Award and Taye AFI Award in 2012, Outstanding Diggs won an NAACP Image Award Drama Series in the NAACP Image that same year. Awards in 2014, and in that same One aspect that makes Private Pracyear won Best Drama during the Vi- tice special is their crossover episodes with Grey’s Anatomy. Although desion Awards. I would recommend Scandal to tails of the shows are intertwined in anyone who loves drama, intense both series, there are nine episodes in scenes, and is interested in politics. which characters appear on the other Despite begin cancelled in 2017, you show. Private Practice is a great show for can watch the entire series on Netflix fans of New Amsterdam or The Resior ABC’s website. Also on ABC, Private Practice aired dent because they feature medical from 2007 to 2013, for a total of six storylines while following the drama seasons, as a spinoff of Grey’s Anat- of the characters. omy. It follows the life of world-class If you want to get in on the medical neonatal surgeon, Addison Mont- drama, you can find all six seasons of gomery (Kate Walsh) a she joins her Private Practice on Hulu. While it is a tough call, Scandal is friends’ medical clinic, Oceanside the winner of this episode of Sheila’s Wellness in L.A. Private Practice stars Paul Adelstein Showdown.Because it keeps you at as Cooper Friedman, Taye Diggs as the edge of your seat and is filled with Sam Bennett, and Amy Brenneman drama, Scandal comes out on top. as Violet Turner, just to name a few. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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Welcome back to another episode of Sheila’s Showdown, This episode will tackle one of the biggest debates in television, which Shondaland show is the best. While we don’t have enough time to discuss then all, today’s hurdle will be Scandal vs. Private Practice. Scandal first aired in 2012 for a total of 7 seasons on ABC. The main character, Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), is a crisis management lawyer based in Washington D.C. After quitting her job at the White House as Press Secretary for the Fitz Administration, Olivia creates a her own firm, Olivia Pope and Associates, with colleagues Abby Whelan (Darby Stanchfield), Quinn Perkins (Katie Lowes), Harrison Wright (Columbus Short), and Diego Muñoz, aka Huck (Guillermo Diaz). Throughout the series, Olivia and her team aid serval important people in D.C. manage their scandals while uncovering dark D.C. secrects.

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20 December 2018

ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT Both Scandal and Private Privatice are apart of Shondaland, the production company owned by their executive producer, Shonda Rhimes. Other Shondaland shows include: Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19, How to Get Away with Murder, and For the People. From her shows, Rhimes has won several awards including a Golden Gate Award and an NAACP Image Award for an Oustanding Drama Series. During the 2014 TV season, Rhimes’ produced the entire Thursday lineup for ABC, marketed as Thank God It’s Thursday. In 2017, Rhimes announced that she signed a deal with Netfilx and has eight new productions in the works.

DESIGN BY SHEILA MWANDA

ENTERTAINMENT

What to watch after “Bird Box”

a flowchart of Netflix original movies and what to watch when BY BRIANNA NEUHOUSER

START

HERE

Did you enjoy Bird Box?

who didn’t?

It was too much

Did you like Cam? Amazing!

Found 22 July awesome? Duh!

Not really

Loved Set It Up?

Too weird...

Absolutely

Stan Alex Strangelove?

What about The Kissing Booth? So good!

NO WAY!

We stan

Nope

Did you heart Lionheart? Not my cup of tea Of course!

Watch Nappily Ever After

Watch Black Mirror Bandersnatch DESIGN BY BRIANNA NEUHOUSER

Portage Northern Light 21

ENTERTAINMENT

22 February 2019

Portage Northern Light 23

Written in The students of Portage Northern are all about individuality, and they express themselves in a variety of ways. Some even write it in the boldest of ink.

1 BY KYLIE CLIFTON

1. Senior Kaylyn Kunz shares the

origin of her tattoo: “My inspiration for the feather was my mom, and every wolf represents different stages in our relationship and what we’ve overcome this was my first tattoo and the experience was quick and painless.”

2. Senior Devin Marshall flexes his Roman numeral arm

tattoo.

3. Senior Kaylynn Dodge’s tattoo showcases her love of music. “I want-

ed it since I was 14 when I started playing violin. I have it on my left collar bone near my heart to represent how my heart beats for music. This was my first tattoo. I got it on my 18th birthday and saved up my money.”

4. Senior Shea Bigelow celebrates her Uncle’s life with a sunflower and the date that he passed away.

5. Senior Justine Corda got her tattoo with her mom. “When I was little my mom had always dressed me in the color purple and her favorite flower is lavender so we got matching lavender flowers!” Everyone expresses themselves differently, but these Huskies prove that tattoos can help preserve a memory, commemorate a celebration, or share a moment with a loved one.

DESIGN BY CAM MYERS