Highlander Tri2 Newsmagazine

the homestead

vol. 35.2

highlander

what’s inside?

1. Breakthroughs and difficulties in the transgender movement page • 10

3.04.16 2016

ABOUT THE

BE SOCIAL

COVER

follow us on:

Molly Riebau

@homestead411 @hhssports411 @homestead411 highlander publications homestead.live

To visually represent the transition process of transgender students, the cover shows the meshing of pink paint to represent the “girl” aspect, and the blue paint to represent the “boy.” The hands are coming together to show the connection between the genders.

We created the design cover from the inspiration of the two colors, and Molly Riebau, Gaby Geiger, Carly Kleiman and Jake Elchert, seniors, carefully designed the set and planned out the photo shoot.

To create the cover, the picture of the hands was photoshopped out and put on to a

blank background. The cover is very plain, yet the colors are vivid and bright, representing the monumental movement of transgender rights.

The images of the colored hands with a different color dripping out of it represent the changing of genders and the other gender “dripping off ” or being removed with the other gender takings its place.

We as a straff greatly appreciate the help of the students, staff and professionals in their help to bringing their voices to this important and serious issue of transgender rights.

The Highlander’s editorial policy is to present facts and opinions in a fair and honest manner on issues pertaining to students at Homestead. We operate as a public forum of free expression, upholding the right to speak unpopular opinions and the privilege to agree with the majority. Letters to The Highlander are encouraged; however, we reserve the right to edit for length and grammatical errors. In addition, letters must be signed, but names can be withheld upon request. If you have upcoming story ideas for The Highlander or for our daily news website The Highlander Online, you may submit them to rrauch@mtsd.k12.wi.us.

4 9 10 14 news

Starting next year, a new research class, AP Language Seminar, will be offered at Homestead. Unlike other English classes offered at Homestead, the class will offer students a more independent and student-centered approach to English.

student section

Many Homestead students live exciting lives and partake in spontaneous activities that many would all definitely love to cross off of our bucket lists. These students make sure to find time in their hectic lives to participate in life-changing experiences.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

cover

After gay marriage, the country is moving onto another civil rights movement: transgender rights. Transgender individuals in our school and nation speak about their experiences and difficulties, futher examined in the article.

editorial

Molly Riebau, editor-in-chief, shares the staff ’s collective view on transgender rights and difficulties that transgender students endure.

Letterfromtheeditor In the light of a new year, the breakthrough moments of 2015 continue to amaze us: Kanye West announced he might be running for president in 2020 and Donald Trump is actually running in the 2016 presidential election, millions fought over whether that dress was blue and black or white and gold, the Supreme Court voted to uphold the constitutionality of same-sex marriage and Caitlyn Jenner, previously known as Bruce Jenner, was announced as Glamour’s “Woman of the Year.”

So, it’s been a pretty big year with huge headlines, huge triumphs and huge downfalls.

And like 2015, 2016 will continue to capture human experience--complete with the heroic moments, the viral fascinations, the big decisions and the catastrophic events. People will continue to fuel the world of journalism--writing the stories you read, capturing the moments you see decorating these pages and telling the stories you read.

As journalists, we possess a natural interest in the stories of other people. We become engrossed in topics that involve us and the people surrounding us. We aim to uncover the fascinating stories of our peers, especially those unknown to others. We hope to promote awareness of different types of people and we hope to reveal the struggles and strengths of people whose stories deserve to be shared.

Like a cast of characters cycling through a soap opera, new faces appear on our staff every trimester, adding new experiences and

capabilities to our repertoire. In a class molded by the ideas of the students, we understand the importance of the stories we cover, and we have selected these stories with extreme care--examining the interests of the students, the happenings of the district and the prominent news breaking in the world around us.

In order to accurately represent stories that are important to our student body, we often interview and survey a wide range of students. Our aim, ultimately, is to capture the attention of our readers, and elicit thought in each issue.

If you, a student or a faculty member, wish to have our staff report on a specific topic, story or event, or if you wish to share your opinion, you can drop off a signed letter to room 405, detailing your request or commentary. Please understand that as a student publication, errors are inevitable, and our staff works diligently to prevent grammatical errors and errors within the content of our stories.

The Highlander, for students, by the students, allows our staff the unique ability to voice the concerns, triumphs and downfalls of our student body, and we understand the high level of trust and respect that comes along with our job. In our minds, this magazine carries out that duty. We enjoyed crafting this issue, and we hope you enjoy reading it! Thank you!

The Staff

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Molly Riebau

DESIGNERS

Caitlin Geurts, Fotoula LaGalbo, Sasha Milbeck and Molly Riebau

COPY EDITOR

Anna Kreynin

WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alejandro Bitteto, Bella Barbiere, Erin Connolly, Jake Elchert, Gaby Geiger, Caitlin Geurts, Elizabeth Huskin, Carly Kleiman, Anna Kreynin, Fotoula LaGalbo, Elle Liniewski, Frances Mackinnon, Katelyn Meer, Sasha Milbeck, Abbi Passey, Molly Plamman, Molly Riebau, Sydney Roeper, Cassie Shaurette, Emma Straszewski and Emma Wade

ADVISER

Rachel Rauch

PRINTER

MOLLY RIEBAU editor-in-chief

American Litho

1619 22 30 opinion

With the upcoming election, some of the most popular candidates are suprisingly unconventional. The inexperience and lack of political sense in some of these candidates affects the poll, and possibly the fate of the country.

review

With the new year comes new movies. Elle Liniewski, sophomore, reports on Homestead students’ favorite upcoming movies.

sports

feature

Many Homestead students have not only lived in a different state, but have also lived in another country. These students tell their stories and best memories of their native country and prove that Homestead is truly a “melting pot of cultures.”

Considered one of Homestead’s most underrated sports, gymnastics proves to take incredible strength, mental ability and talent, which the article further examines.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

NEWS 4 HOMESTEAD STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AS

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS Carly Kleiman

Sasha Milbeck

Submitted photos

What does it take to be a presidential scholar?

Information from College Board

Many apply for the honorable role of a presidential scholar but few know what it takes to be accepted.

Be a US citizen By the application deadline, students have be permanent legal citizens of the United States in order to be considered.

Graduate In order to be considered, students should be able to meet their school’s graduation requirements and recieve a diploma.

Have good test scores One of the highest honors awarded to graduating high school seniors is the U.S. Presidential Scholars program award. Selected out of nearly 3.3 million anticipated graduates of the class of 2016, two Homestead seniors, Bridget Woody and Aaron Holman, have been named two of more than 4,000 candidates.

Admittance into the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program stands upon the basis of elevated academic performance, artistic ability and achievement, exhibited leadership characteristics, heavy involvement in not only school, but community affairs as well as overall notable character.

“It’s very humbling to be selected as a nominee for the program. When the pool of graduating seniors is so large, it feels crazy to be considered for something so prestigious,” Woody expressed.

Every year, up to 161 scholars are chosen from the current senior class.

“I am honored to receive this award. I have worked hard, but it is also a tribute to all

the amazing teachers I have had through my academic career. They, as well as my family, helped me to achieve at a high level,” Holman said.

A National Recognition Program incorporating various activities and events take place in Washington D.C. in June, leading up to the reception of the Presidential Scholars Medallion.

In early April, 800 semifinalist scholars will be selected after detailed analysis and evaluation by educators.

A group of distinguished civilians appointed by the President, more formally known as the Commission on Presidential Scholars, will conclude the process by selecting finalists to be announced by the U.S. Department of Education in May. A recognition ceremony including more activities will again be held in Washington D.C. in June where scholars will obtain their hardearned Presidential Scholars Medallion.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

Candidates are expected to have exceptional scores on Collegeboard ACT and SAT tests.

Volunteer often Exceptional candidates often have many volunteer hours and are seen as valuable members of their community, through acts of community service.

Have a great essay The key component of acceptance is having a personal, well-written essay, which greatly differentiates between students.

How to get a

CAPSTONE diploma

Sasha Milbeck Information from College Board

Take AP Seminar and Research The two parts of the Capstone program are AP Seminar and AP Research. Seminar is offered to juniors, and Research is available for seniors to take. Both classes have to be completed to recieve the diploma.

Megan Siatczynski, freshman, collaborates with her partner in English 9.

Take four other AP classes To recieve the Capstone diploma, you have to take four other APs besides the ones included in the Capstone program. In addition to taking the classes, you have to recieve a “3” or higher on each AP exam.

New student-driven research class to start in fall Molly Plamann

For the 2016-2017 school year, Homestead is joining a few other trailblazing schools who offer the AP Capstone Diploma program.

The AP Capstone Diploma allows students a special designation on their diploma if they have earned a score of 3 on at least three AP tests and have also taken AP Language and Seminar along with a course to be proposed next year called AP Research.

Students in the fall of 2106 will be the first ones to take the new AP Language and Seminar course taught by Mr. Eric Bauer, English teacher. In AP Language and Seminar students will research and write different essays to prepare students for their post-high school career.

“AP Capstone provides students with the unique opportunity to learn and hone deep research skills by studying topics of personal interest, both individually and in teams. In the second year of Capstone, the student would do purely research,” Brett Bowers, Homestead principal said.

The student will be paired with a professional in that discipline and the topic that they choose is completely up to the student.

“The junior year of AP Capstone, the student would take in place of AP Literature.

Cassie Shaurette

Write a research paper

They will essentially be getting the same skills in Capstone that they would get in the literature class, except they would get additional training to help them develop in-depth research papers,” Mr. Bauer said.

The Capstone program will benefit many students who plan on going into any sort of law, social science and really any career where you have to do extensive research.

The Board of Education is eager for these new additions because “The class is really built on critical thinking, research and inquiry,” Mr. Bauer said. “Everything [the school board] been doing has been a move towards student-driven inquiry and research.”

Also, when collages see AP Capstone on applications, they will know that the student has an area that they have a passion about, so it sends a message to colleges about the seriousness of the student.

“The one thing that I would say to students who are are thinking about taking AP Capstone is to be interested in something.

Don’t take the class just for the AP credit,” Mr. Bauer said.

The final project of the AP Capstone program is a 5,000 word research paper about a topic that the students have been researching. The research paper is considered part of your AP exam.

Complete a team project A large portion of the AP exam for the AP Capstone classes is a team project. Students are paired in a group and are required to give an oral presentation about a topic selected by the group.

Recieve the AP Seminar and Research Certificate If you choose to participate in the AP Capstone program, but choose not to take four other AP courses and exams, you will recieve the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

NEWS 6

RELAY FOR A CAUSE Caitlin Geurts

Caitlin Geurts

Every year, Relay for Life raises thousands of dollars for cancer research. This year, on February 13, 2016, Homestead continued the longstanding tradition. Twenty-four teams and 217 students participated in this event at the Homestead field house. The Homestead participants raised $26,253.93 for the American Cancer Society.

of the football EAT OR Members team participate in the STARVE “boy-toy auction” at Relay

Relay for life included many activities throughout the night, including the infamous hypnotist, hula hoop competition, luminara ceremony and a lock-in. “My favorite event was the hypnotist because it was a crazy experience and I think that everyone else in the audience thought it was hilarious,” Grace Looker, sophomore, said.

This event spanned 12 hours and greatly affected each of the participants. “The event made me realize how one act of support can change a person’s life, whether they are suffering through cancer or a caregiver supporting the cancer survivor.” Maddie Treatster, sophmore, said.

The night featured several speakers, the fea-

WINNER!

Michael Fehrenbach, junior, chases Corey DeToro, sophomore, around a chair for the final round of musical chairs.

FOCUS

Calum Joubert, Michael Fehrenbach and Stephanie Metzendorf, juniors, focus while they start to get hypnotized. ¨It was very hard to actually get hypnotized. You have to focus and be calm, ¨ Metzendorf said.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

tured survivor being Drew Wagner, sophomore.

He gave a speech to kick off the night, speaking about his fight against cancer. The night progressed with the different members of each team making their way around the track. In typical relay fashion, the event had good music playing and a slew of events, keeping the participants going all night, and even through to the morning.

Although the relay committee was missing the leadership of Mr. Scott Nettesheim, computer science teacher, the committee still managed to pull off a well put together event, showcasing Homestead High School’s desire and passion to take on the fight against cancer.

FLYING HIGH Trevor Shahrokhi, junior, jumps Grace Beauchamp, junior, and Sarah Sullivan, sophomore.

NO TIME TO WAIT

Sarah Sullivan, sophomore, and Grace Beauchamp, junior, look onwards as they wait for the boy auction to start.

HULA-HOOP

Clara Huskin, sophomore, takes part in the hula hoop contest at Relay for Life.

I’M OUT!

FIGHT IT Members of team F[i]ght [Can]cer showcase their shirts that show support.

JP Benson, junior, falls down to the ground on Erin Carley, sophomore, while Anna Lalande, freshman, falls over onto the chairs next to her.

FEAST

Students at Relay For Life all dig in to eat their food together.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

NEWS 8

Mr. Millard inducted into Wisconsin Baseball Hall of Fame Gaby Geiger

One of Homestead’s greatest coaches was honored by being inducted into the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 13. Coach Ernie Millard has been the head baseball coach at Homestead for 23 years.

“It means a lot to be recognized by my peers, because they are the ones who understand just what it means to handle all the challenges coaches face on a daily basis. They are the people I stand across the field from each time we compete and it is a really good feeling to know that my fellow coaches think I am working really hard and trying to do the right things with my athletes.”

Under Coach Millard, the Highlanders have made it to the state tournament six times, and were runners-up in 2003 and 2014. Through his years as head coach, he has racked up a total of 483 wins, which is the third highest in the state among active coaches. He was earned Conference Coach of the Year four times in his prestigious career.

Not only is he a baseball coach, but he is also the head coach for the Homestead wrestling team, but no matter the sport, he draws admiration from all of his athletes. His ability to know when to be a coach and when not to be is an aspect that not all coaches possess, and this makes his players admire him even more.

“Coach Millard is a very energetic coach, and he lets you know when you’ve made a mistake but in away that is helpful. He loves all of his players and expects the best out of everyone. There is no one more deserving because of his dedication to his athletes and the sport

of baseball,” Ryan Cho, senior baseball captain, said.

Many of his players agree that he is one of the best coaches that they have ever had, which can be accredited to the way that he treats his players — like family. Each of his players is like another son to him, and he treats them that way whether it be through discipline or encouragement.

“One thing that I love about Mr. Millard is that he doesn’t care if you’re the best player in the world or the worst player in the world. What he really cares about is how you act as a person off the field. I love that about him. I don’t remember any of the signs that we had or our bunt coverages. What I remember with coach Millard is when he would talk to me one-on-one. Those moments were so special,” Trevor Cho, former Highlander baseball player, said.

His only state championship came in 1994, the same year his younger brother was a pitcher for the Highlanders. “My favorite memory ever is winning the sectional championship in 1994, with my younger brother Ethan closing out the game against Franklin at Brown Deer High School. He is 12 years younger than I am, and standing in the dugout entrance as the last out was made in that game was incredibly emotional for me. I will never forget the hug I got from him immediately afterward,” Coach Millard said.

“Coach Millard taught me everything I need to know. How to respect people and to know that the game of baseball is not the only thing in life that is important,” Trevor Cho said.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

Photo used with permission by Ken Cavanaugh

“One thing that I love about Mr. Millard is that he doesn’t care if you’re the best player in the world or the worst player in the world. What he really cares about is how you act as a person off the field. I love that about him.”

- TREVOR CHO, CLASS OF 2015

Checking off BUCKETLISTS

STUDENT SECTION

9

Bella Barbiere A plethora of Homestead students have accomplished at least one thing on their bucket list. Whether they have traveled out of the country or gone on an exhilarating ride, these students have been able to put that satisfying checkmark next to a few of their bucket list items. Having a lasting memory to share is exciting and also gives other Homestead students ideas of what they could add to their bucket lists. Check out some of the students who have crossed things off their bucket list.

Patrick Minkin WENT SKYDIVING

Submitted Photo

Claire O’Brien WENT TO THE TOP OF THE EIFFEL TOWER

I told my dad that on my 18th birthday I wanted to go skydiving.

I thought that I might as well start my bucket list when I truly became an adult. And let me tell you, what a great first item to cross off the list,” Patrick Minkin, senior, said.

“My life goal was to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and I finally did it this past summer and I’ll never forget it,” Claire O’Brien, junior, said.

Lexi Emond SAW A PAUL MCCARTNEY CONCERT

Submitted Photo

Alex Babiaz HAS A BLACK BELT IN MARTIAL ARTS “Achieving your goals is the biggest sigh of relief in the world.” Alex Babiaz, senior, said.

Submitted Photo

Submitted Photo

“Most people at Steffen middle school back in the day knew of my obsession with The Beatles. When I found out Paul McCartney was coming to Milwaukee in 2013 I was ready to sell my soul for tickets.

I found a couple of willing friends and had the time of my life. He was absolutely perfect. Paul is more alive than ever and will always remain my favorite musician,” Lexi Emond, senior, said.

Madeline Slicker WON TEAM STATE FOR TENNIS “Winning state was an amazing experience because not many people have that opportunity,” Madeline Slicker, senior, said.

Submitted Photo

Olivia Herzog WENT TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Sam David WENT TO KYTHRA, GREECE “I went to Greece a few times when I was younger, but I only had a few distinct memories, so it was on my bucket list to go back when I was older. My YiaYia (grandma) lives there for half the year and my brother had recently moved there as well. It was really cool to go back and see where my heritage is from,” Sam David, senior, said.

Submitted Photo

“Traveling is a huge part of my life. The new experiences and culture are the best kind of education. One set destination is not on my bucket list, world travel is.”

Olivia Herzog, sophomore.

Submitted Photo

the highlander • march 4, 2016

COVER 11

1

gender gen • der

noun

\’jǝn-der\

1. the state of being male or female (typically used with reference to social and cultural differences rather than biological ones) Sasha Milbeck

Carly Kleiman

The nation is progressing towards a more tolerant society in which all men and women are treated equally through a better understanding of who they believe they are, rather than whom society classifies them to be.

With a growing visibility of transgender persons, the United States is rapidly shifting towards exploration of far outside traditional conceptualizations of gender.

Throughout history, transgender members of society have been ridiculed. From being required to use certain bathrooms or compelled to assume specific, predefined identities, transgender persons have been assaulted for having the audacity to insist that their presence be recognized.

“Transgender people — those who identify with a gender other than the sex they were ‘assigned at birth,’ to use the preferred phrase among trans activists — are emerging from the margins to fight for an

equal place in society,” Katy Steinmetz, Time editor, said. “This new transparency is improving the lives of a long misunderstood minority and beginning to yield new policies…

As the trans movement has gained momentum, opponents have been drawn in to fight, many of them social conservatives who cut their teeth and fattened their mailing lists opposing same-sex marriage. But perhaps the biggest obstacle is that trans people live in a world largely built on a fixed and binary definition of gender. In many places, they are unwelcome in the men’s bathroom and the women’s.

The effect is a constant reminder that they don’t belong.”

Yet, with the changing world, and the increased recognition of transgender celebrities such as actress Laverne Cox and reality star Caitlyn Jenner, today’s society is now granting transgender teenagers the understanding and support that they need. In this state and this nation, transgender

policies are progressing to ensure that transgenders have the same rights and are treated with the equality and respect they deserve.

“I think what [we’re] seeing is a profound recognition on the part of the American people… that transgender persons are our brothers, our sisters, our children, our friends… and that they’ve got to be treated like every other American. And I think that that principle will win out,” President Barack Obama said.

However, the transgender revolution still has a long way to go.

Currently, trans people are considered the most ridiculed group of minorities; transgenders are more likely to be impoverished, unemployed, bullied and suicidal than any other group of people. They also are one of the most-under represented groups of Americans, taking up less than one percent of the population, making it even harder for them to gain acceptance.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

COVER 12

male

\māl\ noun 1. a man or a boy: a male person As the transgender movement has gained momentum, many conservative opponents have built obstacles for transgenders, forcing them to use assigned bathrooms and classifying them by their birth-assigned sex. The effect of opposition is just another societal influence that holds prejudices against them.

“There was a sense of who I was to myself that did not match who I was to other people, and for me that felt profoundly lonely,” Susan Stryker, a professor of gender and women’s studies at the University of Arizona, said. “It felt like being locked in a dark room with my eyes and ears cut off and my tongue cut out and not being able to connect my own inner experience with an outer world.”

Understanding why someone would feel as Stryker does, requires the acknowledgment that sex and gender are two different concepts: sex is biological and determined by one’s birth anatomy; yet gender is personal, individual and only gained through

the highlander • march 4, 2016

one’s beliefs.

“I was never girly, like ever. I hated having long hair. I just kind of hated this whole gender thing. It just makes sense--I am not a girl. It was kind of fast for me, like I didn’t always know, but once I knew, it all made perfect sense. It’s been a pretty quick coming out process, but I am sort of half in the closet, which is just a bucket of fun,” Jackson Buraczewski, junior, said.

Until recently, the coming out process or transitioning was a complicated process. According to Laurie Penny, New Republic reporter, “coming out meant the threat of violence, leading to moving away from your hometown, changing your job… and keeping that part of their lives secret forever, at great personal cost.” Today’s society, however, has been more open to accepting transgender persons and aiding them in their transitioning, rather than scolding them.

“Coming out as lesbian was a lot easier. It has been a rocky road and

only my nuclear family really knows.

As such, you don’t come out just once, you come out every day. But every time is different, like the parents part: I’ve done it twice. Then there’s always coming out to friends and teachers and awaiting their reactions.

I’m sure there will be a lot of bureaucracy involved, but I’ll have to deal with it. I am not looking forward to it, but it’ll have to be done,” Buraczewski said. “But mostly all difficulties are from my inner monologue. Some days, I wonder if I am making a huge mistake, like why am I doing this?

Then there other days where it’s not a problem and I know that my decision was certain. For me, all issues are mostly internal, and I think that’s a complete blessing,” At Homestead, there is growing support for transgenders. There has been a Gay-Straight-Alliance (GSA) for a while, and a reformed bathroom/locker policy has been proposed to the board.

COVER 13

female noun

\fē-māl\

1. a woman or a girl: a female person “Both school and the GSA have impacts on each other; we are a progressive movement. The fact that we’re moving forward is really cool,” Buraczewski said. “But conversations need to be had. Administration and the people who are in charge need to see how the conversation progresses and opens on everyone’s level. After gay marriage, where are we going next? Most of the thoughts for the next level is about the bathroom and locker policy and transgender rights.”

Currently, according to William Woessner, school psychologist, a policy created by Rachel Fellenz, executive director of student services, has been presented to the board, but the policy is still pending. The proposal includes enforced coherent policies that would be enacted in each building of the school district that would protect transgender students.

One of the problems with enacting the policy is that right now, there are federal laws that support transgender students’ request for using a bathroom

of their now gender, yet a Wisconsin law called AB 469 has been proposed which would ban transgender students from using a bathroom different from their assigned biological gender. The bill has not gone very far, which in result has caused the district policy to not be enacted yet.

The biggest issue with deciding a district policy for bathrooms and locker rooms has been adhering to state mandates, but also federal law.

“It’s become a hot-button issue.

As a district, we have been presented differing opinions from the nation, state and the parents of concerned children. There are legitimate questions, like the beliefs of conservative legislators who don’t trust transgender students going into a bathroom of not their birth sex. But you also have to legally meet the needs of the students, so currently the school is in a very precarious situation, as such with lack of consistency,” Woessner said.

“There is no clarity, it’s a field which is evolving at the moment.”

Aside from the bathroom policy, the US and Wisconsin have been progressing to better accommodate for transgender rights. As such, WIAA has recently enacted a policy which would allow a transgender student who has been on hormone therapy for a year to compete in the gendered activities for which they identify.

Society is taking steps to learn about transgender people and their individual stories. By learning about their struggles, successes and life-changing experiences, the community can provide all American citizens with the rights they deserve. The LGBT movement has changed and progressed the world in a very short amount of time, with legalization of gay marriage and the increased visibility of gays in the media. This has been a great success for LGBT individuals, but now, transgender rights, the next civil rights frontier, is ready to take the center stage of American society.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

EDITORIAL 14

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Molly Riebau

transgender

\-jen-dǝr\ trans•gen•der adjective 1. denoting or relating to a person whose self-identity does not conform unambiguously to conventional notions of male or female gender.

It is easy to be amazed by the progress our nation has made in the past 240 years. We abolished slavery.

We eliminated child labor. We opened up the voting polls to women. We ended legal racial discrimination. We fought terrorism across the globe. We elected an African American president. We legalized gay marriage.

Over the past 240 years, we improved the rights of both sexes; however, over the past 240 years, our nation has failed to address the misunderstood and complicated spectrum that encompasses gender. Gender is defined as “the state of being male or female (typically used with reference to social and cultural differences rather than biological ones);” whereas, sex is defined as “either of the two main categories (male and female) into which humans and many other living things are divided on the basis of their reproductive functions.”

the highlander • march 4, 2016

Over the past 240 years Americans have recognized gender as two pronouns -- one pink, one blue -rather than the variation that it intends to embrace. Although pop culture has shed light on the plight of trans Americans, with the public transition of Caitlyn Jenner and other celebrities such as Laverne Cox speaking out, the minority lacks the understanding of lawmakers and the general population.

The transgender community continues to face obstacles such as restroom requirements.

Unlike transgender Americans, most of us will never have to decide which bathroom we should go to, or, rather, which bathroom we can go into. We know that either the pink dress or the blue pants symbolizes our appropriate room. We will never have to wait for a law to pass that delegates our restroom selection. And we will definitely never have to stand in

front of the school board, like Gavin Grimm, a transgender student in Virginia, did, asking to “be a normal child and use the restroom in peace.”

Most of these laws and obstacles that plague trans citizens like Gavin Grimm confuse gender with sex, approaching gender as something that is assigned at birth rather than something that is altered by individual differences. Even as our own school begins to address the issues of transgender students, national policies and beliefs stand in the way of reaching equality.

Through continued support and education about transgender people, equality will come. If Americans could cross off racial equality, women’s rights, and gay rights on their 240-year-long to-do list, then crossing off true gender equality is possible.

OPINION 15

Taking the ‘Dis’ out of Disability

Katelyn Meer Almost one in five people in the United States has a physical, intellectual or a developmental disability, according to a U.S. Census Erin Connolly Bureau report. While there are countless organizations in the country with specific goals of helping these people live as normal lives as they can, some of them also have a different goal in mind: taking the “dis” out of “disability”.

One such program which started in 2007, Hannah and Friends, is located in South Bend, Ind., and is a “nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adults with special needs,” according to it’s website. Not only is the organization committed to providing a safe and supportive community for people with special needs, but its mission is also to share the idea that “individuals with special needs do not have disabilities, rather they have different abilities.”

Brandon Hudson, a 22-year-old resident at Hannah and Friends, said on the website, “Living with different abilities doesn’t mean that we want

people to feel sorry for us, or to judge us. We have the same feelings, and we have the same desires to be happy and be grateful for what we have.”

This concept of different abilities, instead of disabilities, focuses on what individuals can do, rather than what they are limited in or what they cannot do independently. Madeline Slicker, senior, president of Best Buddies at Homestead, wants to continue with special education as a career. “Being a part of Best Buddies helped me realize that my true passion in life is special education. I’m very excited to be majoring in that area and eventually becoming a special education teacher,” Slicker said.

Slicker also explained why a movement exists that focuses on the ‘ability’ part of ‘disability’.

“When you see ‘dis’ in front of a word you immediately assume something bad. So when you say someone has a disability it implies that someone has a bad ability,” Slicker said.“In reality it’s the complete opposite. People with ‘disabilities’ don’t have bad or wrong abilities. They are just a little different from you and me, but isn’t everyone different from each other? No one has a disability, rather a different ability.”

Joseph Boehmer, senior, lives with Spina

Bifida and Hydrocephalus and uses a wheelchair to get around Homestead. “The word ‘disabled’ personally isn’t offensive to me...it is just a fact that I’m disabled, and to me, getting offended by a word which is honestly a perfect way to describe myself is pointless,” Boehmer said. “And honestly, even cripple or crippled isn’t offensive but also has to do with the person who says it and how they say it.”

Even though some people believe the word ‘disability’ has a negative connotation and highlights what the individual cannot do, others have no problem with the way it describes them.

Boehmer explained how his friends address him in a similar way as any other teenager would. Because of their friendship, he stated, “I take ‘Hey cripple’ the same way as ‘Hey buddy’ or ‘Hey man’” when it comes from them.

While his disability has taken away substantial use of his legs, Boehmer still finds ways to stay active and play the sports he loves.

“Basketball has been a way for myself to meet many other individuals with disabilities, many of whom are much more disabled than myself. I also have been blessed to meet many Paralympic players for Team USA as well,” Boehmer said.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

Anna Kreynin Sasha Milbeck Google Creative Commons

Unconventional candidates

Together, the 2016 GOP presidential candidates bring a mass of political experience to the table. Ted Cruz, for example, worked as a lawyer before serving as a policy adviser to George W. Bush’s 2000 presidential campaign. He eventually beat Republican and Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst for a seat in the Senate, although he appeared to be the underdog.

Marco Rubio served as speaker of the House in Florida before occupying one of Florida’s seats in the U.S. Senate. Despite the political prowess of candidates such as Cruz and Rubio, neither have emerged as the Republican front-runner. Rather, real estate tycoon and reality TV star Donald Trump has led the pack from the start.

Aside from what CNN calls his “numerous flirtations with a presidential run” occurring in 1987, 1999, 2004, 2008 and 2011, Trump’s political experience is slight. In his presidential announcement, however, Trump boasted his prosperous career in business and his subsequent $8.7 billion net worth--two things that “allow him to rid himself of the special interests that…

control American politics,” CNN said. “That’s because the billionaire said he would self-fund his presidential campaign, not only ridding himself of some outside influences, but also freeing up more time to campaign as candidates can often spend about half their time raising funds to keep their campaign coffers from depleting.”

The quality that emerged from the very beginning, however, was Trump’s undeniably powerful confidence. Advertising his wealth and firmly flaunting his potential assets as a leader, Trump captivated voters as a candidate who could incite real change, due to his unwavering ability to say exactly what is on his mind.

“He has the guts and the balls,” Roberto Bezjon, a Trump Organization board member and owner of a high-end New York hair salon located in a Trump building, said in the CNN article. “He’s a straight shooter.”

As the presidential race progresses, Republicans continue to favor this quality in Trump; he simply says what he wants to say and doesn’t care about the possible backlash. He has brutally, and often wrongly, insulted Muslims, Hispanics,

the highlander • march 4, 2016

African Americans, refugees, fellow candidates, women and members of the media; however, he does not doesn’t care about hurt feelings, and apparently, neither do Republican voters.

“A lot has been made of Trump’s ability to shrug off gaffes. He often makes insensitive or factually wrong statements that in the past would have torpedoed any other candidate’s prospects,” Jeff Guo, Washington Post reporter, said. “Instead, his comments — about some Mexicans being rapists and blood coming out of Megyn Kelly’s ‘wherever,’ or his incorrect claim that ‘thousands’ of Muslims in New Jersey celebrated 9/11 — have had virtually no impact on his popularity in the polls.”

Voters are excited by the possibility of someone like Trump in the Oval Office--someone who is as sick of traditional politicians as they are. Unlike other politicians, Trump offers seemingly simple solutions for complicated issues, and he offers these solutions with a level of force and authority that inspires voters and builds their trust.

OPINION 17

emerge as front-runners “People like the idea that deep down, the world is simple; that they can grasp it and that politicians can’t,” John Hibbing, a psychologist at the University of Nebraska, said. “That’s certainly a message that I think Trump is radiating.”

Voters’ dissatisfaction with traditional politicians has radiated to the popularity of other candidates as well. Ben Carson, Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University for 29 years and the first surgeon to successfully separate Siamese twins, also carries less political experience than other candidates. Yet, he has nevertheless remained near the top of the polls.

Launching his campaign in May 2015, Carson said, “I don’t want to be a politician because politicians do what is politically expedient. I want to do what’s right.”

Trump and Carson may be two of the most unconventional candidates in the 2016 race, but the United States may be in for a bigger surprise in 2020 with the possible candidacy of rapper and designer Kanye West.

“I hate politics,” West said in an interview with Vanity Fair. “I’m not a politician at all. I

care about the truth and I just care about human beings. I just want everyone to win, that’s all I can say; and I think we can.”

It is easy to see why candidates such as Trump, Carson and even West captivate voters.

For years, Americans have grown continuously tired of politicians who have promised everything and changed nothing. At this point, Americans desperately want change, and with someone unorthodox in office, many believe finally achieving this change is possible.

Although I agree that a confident, unconventional leader could serve as the agent of change the United States needs, we must remain wary. Americans may be sick of political correctness, but constantly uttering derogatory, rude and hateful statements just for the sake of saying whatever one wants will not provoke progress, either.

“When Trump said of the Syrian refugees, ‘Most of them are probably ISIS,’ or of the Mexican refugees, ‘They’re sending us the drug dealers and criminals,’ he was not being politically correct. But, according to the fact-checkers, he

was not being truthful, either,” Stuart Muszynski, founder and CEO of PurpleAmerica.us, said in a Huffington Post article.

“Brutal honesty” is not honesty at all - it just a sugary euphemism for being brutally cruel and offensive. And Trump has managed to offend and alienate both the Muslim and Latino worlds.”

Conventional politicians are often overly careful about what they say, which angers many Americans. These citizens have begun to look toward today’s more unconventional candidates, such as Trump. Just because Trump says whatever he wants, however, does not mean what he says is true, and this untruthfulness poses a threat just as daunting as a conventional, politically-correct politician.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

OPINION 18

rejec tion seas on Abbi Passey

SENIORS SURVIVE “The Committee on Admissions has reviewed your application, and, regrettably, is unable Emma Wade to offer you admission to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for Fall 2016.

We very much appreciate your interest in the university, and the deans wish you well as you continue your education,” a letter from the UW-Madison Office of Admissions to a Homestead senior stated.

College rejection season is upon us, and high school seniors throughout the country have been receiving disappointing letters similar to this one since the beginning of the winter.

“I got really nervous when I saw the notification for an email from my number one choice, then my stomach dropped to my toes

when I saw the words, ‘we regret to inform you,’” one senior said.

Although I have not experienced this exact disappointment yet, I have imagined it and replayed the moment of receiving a rejection letter in my mind repeatedly. It can be very difficult to believe that after the countless hours spent filling out applications and writing essays, the whole process could just end in rejection.

Yes, I know this sounds extreme; and it is. Obviously the majority of students’ application experiences will not end in complete rejection.

“Even though I’m sure I’ll get accepted somewhere eventually, it does not always feel as though it will happen any time soon,” a student explained in a response to an anonymous survey. This student also said that he had applied to five universities and has only heard back from one so far, being denied admission.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

With this as the case for many seniors, they begin to lose hope and confidence, letting the anxiety get to them while waiting to hear back from other colleges.

According to another senior who took the survey, being rejected can be taken as a sort of “wake up call,” motivating applicants to “try harder [to get into] other schools.”

Ways of “trying harder” could be improving your GPA or test scores during senior year, writing a letter to the Office of Admissions or even visiting your top choices just to get your name floating around the university, according to Mrs. Jill McElroy, head counselor.

“The fear of being rejected is completely normal, but we will all find the school or job that is just right for us,” another senior concluded in the survey.

“There’s always a fear of rejection when applying to colleges. Being rejected to a dream college is devastating.”

- ALEX KOCAB, SENIOR

WHAT TO WATCH IN Elle Liniewski

THE DIVERGENT SERIES March 18th, 2016 Allegiant digs deeper into the mystery behind the Divergent series and excites the world with its extraordinary scenes. Shailene Woodley (Tris) and Theo James (Four) must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. Maddie Gehr, sophomore, has read every book and said, “I’m excited for the Divergent Series: Allegiant because I read all of the books and I can’t wait to see them on screen.”

STAR TREK BEYOND July 22nd, 2016 Star Trek Beyond is the the third installment in Paramount’s Star Trek franchise. Zachary Quinto is one of the main characters in this movie and many others.

REVIEW 19

2016 BATMAN V. SUPERMAN March 25th, 2016

NEIGHBORS 2 May 20th, 2016

Mankind faces a new threat as Batman (Ben Affleck) embarks on a personal vendetta against Superman (Henry Cavill). Koko Kasper, sophomore, has a passion for superheroes, and can now see her two favorite duel in a movie together. “I love superheroes and these are two of my favorites. I want to see who’ll win,” Kasper said.

A man (Seth Rogen), his pregnant wife (Rose Byrne) and a fraternity stud (Zac Efron) clash with the wild members of a partying sorority. Alex Reynolds, sophomore, and all her friends are getting ready to go to the theaters and see this movie. “(I am excited for) Neighbors 2 because of the first one and the preview looks super funny,” Reynolds said.

FINDING DORY

WHAT NOW? October 14th, 2016

June 17th, 2016 Finding Dory is a sequel to the childhood favorite Finding Nemo. In this movie, the characters go on a quest to reunite with Dory’s parents. Koko Kasper, sophomore, is very excited for ‘Finding Dory,’ has seen ‘Finding Nemo’ and loved it and knew the second movie would be just as good. I’m very excited for it to come out, because Ellen is my favorite person in the world, and I absolutely loved ‘Finding Nemo’,” Kasper said.

“Kevin Hart takes center stage in this groundbreaking, record-setting, sold-out performance of What Now? filmed outdoors in front of 50,000 people at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. This performance marks the first time a comedian has ever performed to an at-capacity football stadium.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

FEATURE 20

REDISCOVERING A MURDER TV show brings the controversial Steven Avery case back into the media

Google Creative Commons

Katelyn Meer

Steven Avery: is he guilty, or isn’t he?

Netflix’s Making a Murder reveals red flags in the American judicial system. Avery was first accused of committing a rape crime in 1985 and was sent to prison. After retesting the DNA, it was found that the DNA from the rape crime was not Avery’s. Because he was wrongly accused for the crime, he was released after he served 18 years. In 2005, there was a girl that went missing in Manitowoc County. ¨Prosecutors laid out their case: Halbach’s Toyota RAV4 (which had blood in it, including Avery’s) was found on the Avery family’s lot,.¨ according to CNN. Avery and his family were then questioned about Halbach, the missing woman. ¨It’s soon clear that Avery’s unbelievable story—one apparently involving gross misconduct by law enforcement—isn’t just going to end with him relishing in his newfound freedom, or fighting to make sure it never happens to anyone else again,¨ said the Atlantic. The evidence seemed questionable, and may have even been planted by the cops. Avery’s nephew, Brendan Dassey was questioned as well. ¨Avery’s then16-year-old nephew, Brendan Dassey, confessed

to authorities that he had assisted his uncle in raping and killing her,¨ CNN said. ¨While there are major holes in Avery’s case--some of them pointing to dark theories involving police misconduct--there just is no case against Dassey when it comes to credible evidence or the timeline presented by prosecutors,¨ said New York Magazine. The confessional is presented in a manner that does not seem like it actually happened and the evidence does not prove it either. Dassey seems as though he is guessing on the answers to the prosecutor’s questions.

The police and prosecutors are often pushed to make a conviction, ignoring evidence, in cases where a suspect is wrongly accused. ¨This is not to detract from wrongdoing and abuse perpetuated by individuals in these cases.

Obviously, they’re culpable for their own bad behavior. The point, instead, is to shine light on how the criminal justice system pushes people to act badly — and does little to hold them accountable when they mess up,¨ Vox said. ¨Looking back at Avery’s case, Making a Murderer suggests that the Manitowoc County Sheriff ’s

the highlander • march 4, 2016

Office and prosecutors went after Avery for the murder of Teresa Halbach because of a personal vendetta — rooted in the embarrassment they faced after Avery was exonerated of the previous rape and attempted murder.”

One of the biggest red flags was the social media aspect. As the murder of Halbach gained media attention, the police and prosecutors were pressured to be right. They aspired to be the ones that could solve the case. Once the evidence pointed any direction towards Avery, the police and prosecutors went full force. Even though the evidence could be planted by the cops, as Making A Murderer suggests, the gut feeling of the prosecutors was Avery and they just wanted to land a conviction as the public desired.

This is just one of the cases that shows the public how the system pushes people to act in a bad manner. The people that mess up are rarely held accountable for their actions and that is one of the biggest mistakes of the American judicial system.

FEATURE 21

NEW

technology

EMERGES in 2016 Alejandro Biejtto

Molly Riebau

What is

ENCRYPTION, and how does it work?

Encryption is a way to protect messages or files and enhance their security. Basically, it scrambles the contents of a message or file so that it can only be read by those with the correct encryption key.

SENDER

RECIPIENT

hello

hello

CLEAR TEXT

CLEAR TEXT

%fd2S encryption

sender’s public key

ENCRYPTED TEXT

decryption

recipient’s private key

A

midst constant technology advancements, the technology that we own now is simply becoming obsolete. We went from having a TV with a huge behind and a projector inside of it, to TVs that now are just a little bit thicker than a piece of paper. Drones are even going to start delivering packages from Amazon pretty soon, and you can now buy your own personal drone.

Since the consumer market for drones has been increasing, there have been multiple laws that have been able to restrict some drones for our safety. When people buy a drone they are supposed to register it so that if anything were to happen they would be able to identify who is responsible. With the US being cautious in introducing drones, they are setting some ground rules so that there’s no interference with any commercial flights or daily living.

People used to dream about riding around hoverboards and now, in 2016, we have some sort of hoverboard that a lot of people have now. Before when electric hoverboards weren’t as popular there was basically no need for much restriction since not many people had them. But with all the advancements, there has to be some level of security, because in order to keep everyone calm, there must be restrictions and regulations like age restriction, places that you are allowed to use the hoverboard, having to use a helmet and speed limits.

The Fourth Amendment states that we have the right to be secure against any unreasonable seizures unless under warrant. With that, many people have a lot of personal information on the internet, and there isn’t anything stopping the

hackers from accessing personal files and information.

Lots of people like to use encryption methods in order to keep things on the internet private and secure. Encryptions are the most effective way to achieve data security. To read an encrypted file, you must have access to a secret key or password that enables you to decrypt it.

But how much security can we have before it starts to actually hurt our society? Any useful information that can be used to solve cases. This comes in handy, but the government doesn’t have the right to copy the information that it may need for later investigations. Should the government be able to use any form of tracking location to see where you are at all times? Or is that an invasion of privacy?

With rules come responsibility and is the Federal Communications Commission ready for that? “The FCC believes that the open internet rules that they have protect the user from unfair and anticompetitive business transactions,” according to the FCC. Most internet providing companies were upset because they believe that net neutrality will basically calm down investments and harm the innovation for the internet.

In the US, internet that can usually cost us around $55 for just about 25 mbps for download and 1 mbps for upload which is almost double what anyone in other countries pay. Some countries like Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul get speeds eight times faster than that. With streaming services becoming so popular all around the US this means a goldmine for any internet provider, which is basically making the world a huge internet monopoly.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

FEATURE 22 A MELTING

POT

OF CULTURES Cassie Shaurette

Submitted photos

Sasha Milbeck

The halls of Homestead are full of diverse students who have completely original and unique backgrounds. For many students at Homestead, the United States is not their native country, and they moved here from various parts of the world. These students have astonishing and sometimes unbelievable stories from their native countries that should be heard before they are forgotten.

1. Elisa Carranza, sophomore

“I moved from Monterrey, Mexico at the age of 10. The most challenging thing for me to get used to was making new friends because there is a language barrier. Also, since I like to talk a lot, it was difficult for me to feel like myself sometimes because I couldn’t find the words to say what I was thinking sometimes.Overall, moving here was probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and it will definitely have an impact on who I grow up to be.”

1 2 2. Alejandro Bitetto, senior

“I moved from Caracas, Venezuela at the age of 7. We left Venezuela and arrived in Miami, Florida, at night, and my cousin came to pick us up, and he took us to his house and then the power went out. We found out that it was Hurricane Katrina that had hit the day we got there. After the storm, a tree had fallen down, breaking the fence between my neighbors house and mine. When I saw that, I walked across the lawn and went into their yard, and this kid came outside, and surprisingly, he was my age. He started talking to me in English, and I just stood there staring at him not knowing what to say. Eventually he became my best friend up until my family moved here when I was in sixth grade.”

the highlander • march 4, 2016

3

3. Thais Marques, freshman

“I moved from São Paulo, Brazil when I was 9 years old, then I moved to Miami, Florida for two years and I have lived here in Wisconsin for about three years now. I remember perhaps one of the most exciting things about moving to the United States was probably going to an ‘American school’ for the first time because there are so many popular movies about kids in America enjoying their school with their huge lockers...it all just seemed unreal to me.”

FEATURE 23

6. Irina Lishanskaya, senior

“I was only 2 years old when my parents and I moved from Belarus to America, so I don’t recall the move itself much at all. My parents and I came to America under a refugee status on March. 3, 2000. The most exciting thing about the move was the abundance of opportunities it presented for my family that never would have even become an option if we stayed in Belarus. My fondest memories from Belarus are of my grandmother. Her apartment, her cooking, spending time with her--everything. I miss her terribly, and I am always thrilled when I have an opportunity to see her.”

4. Gonzalo Morales, junior

“I moved from Bilbao, Spain when I was 5 years old. My favorite memory from Spain would be spending countless hours with my family on the beach. I have considered moving back to Spain on many occasions. I’ve always loved the culture and the people there.”

5 5. Emma Foulkes, senior

9. Daniel Kim, junior

“I moved here during winter break in 2011 from Seoul, South Korea; I was 13 at that point. I think the most exciting part about moving was meeting people that I am not used to talking to. My favorite memory from Seoul is when I played soccer with my friends after school when I was young. Some people could say ‘That couldn’t be your most memorable one,’ but I remember I was always excited after school to play it with my friends.”

6

4

9

8

“I moved from England when I was about 5 years old. I remember thinking that it was really cool that America had a president.”

7 8. Raj Luhano, senior 7. Zanelle Willemse, sophomore

“My family moved from Johannesburg, South Africa to the U.S. when I was 13 years old. The most challenging thing for me to get used to after moving was understanding the new accents and getting used to speaking in English all the time.”

“I moved from Hyderabad, (a province in Sindh) Pakistan when I was 16 years old. Everything about the move was exciting, but the most exciting thing was snow I guess. I have never seen snow fall before, so I was really excited to see that. I definitely miss that. I don’t think I will move back to Pakistan because of the terrible things that are going on there, but I would definitely visit my friends and family back in Pakistan.”

the highlander • march 4, 2016

FEATURE 24

Want more stories about Humans of Homestead?

Go to homesteadhighlanderonline.com for more.

Abbi Passey

the highlander • march 4, 2016

Drunk driving incident inspires teacher to live life to the

FULLEST

Abbi Passey Nine a.m.: she’s smiling, mesmerized by the shiny jewel on her finger. Five p.m.: she’s barely breathing, shattered from his mistake.

He got into his car, falling for the delusion that he was fine.

He drove. And then, he drove right into her.

On Feb. 19, 2003, Mrs. Jill Cook, English teacher, was on her way home from shopping at the Johnson Creek Outlet Mall, near Lake Mills, Wisc., when another driver with a blood-alcohol-concentration of 0.28, slammed right into her car. Upon impact, the airbags deployed and hit Mrs. Cook, leading to a broken nose and permanent Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). According to Mayo Clinic, “[Temporomandibular Joint Disorder] is a physical health problem resulting in pain and compromised movement of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.”

In addition to a broken nose and TMJ, Mrs. Cook sustained shoulder and knee injuries, resulting in many surgeries for each body part. As a result, her legs are now two different lengths, causing her to wear shoes with custom orthotics. Look for her in Homestead High School’s halls and more than likely, she will be wearing a dress paired with white or black tennis shoes.

Recently, in May 2015, Mrs. Cook met with doctors, hopeful that a serious question would be answered: “Why can’t I breathe?”

Upon close-examination, doctors concluded there was fluid in her lung. To fix the problem, she underwent surgery to remove the excess liquid, only to repeat the process months later, in August and again in October.

When her lung filled up for the fourth time in December, Cook knew more intensive treatment was needed to fully fix her problem. After consulting with doctors, it was decided that Mayo Clinic was the best place for the

procedure. From there, doctors ran several tests, labs and other experiments.

In spite of the plethora of unanswered questions, Mrs. Cook continues to teach and impact the lives of her students. Her famous words, “Breathing is good. We like breathing. Just breathe,” have taken on an even deeper meaning.

Words once serving as a reminder to students, as well as herself, to relax, now serve as a reminder to Mrs. Cook of what she is fighting for daily.

Despite every obstacle, she continues to focus on the positives, “We can pick to laugh or to cry. Mostly, I’m trying to pick laugh.” Mrs. Cook’s attitude shows challenges don’t have to be stumbling blocks. They can be stepping stones if one allows them to.

On Feb. 19, 2003, Mrs. Cook discovered trials will always be mandatory, but misery is optional.

Cook survived the traumatizing event. Unfortunately, not everyone from Wisconsin does.

Approximately 300 Wisconsinites are killed each year, and about 3,000 are seriously injured from drunk driving accidents. Wisconsin has taken many steps to prevent drunk driving; however, it still remains the only state where a first drunk driving offense is not a crime. According to MADD. org, a site promoting sobriety while driving, one is given a fine, license revocation for six to nine months and a mandatory alcohol evaluation.

In 2012, about every 2.8 hours, one person was killed or injured due to an alcohol-related crash according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Don’t wait for Wisconsin’s laws to change. Take initiative and make a change now. Choose a designated driver before drinking, or call a cab. Make the choice to start saving lives. Don’t drink and drive.

SEXISM AND SLUT-SHAMING wrongly characterize females

Frances Mackinnon and Emma Straszewski A girl walks down the 800 wing with her arms crossed over her chest and her head down.

Everyone knows what she thinks to herself as she tries to shrink even smaller into herself. She hears the words “bitch,”“slut” and “whore” from other students staring and snickering at her behind their palms.

According to the Oxford dictionary, slut shaming is defined as “the action or fact of stigmatizing a woman for engaging in behavior judged to be promiscuous or sexually provocative,” and sexism is defined as “prejudice, stereotyping or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex.”

According to a survey of 180 students at Homestead, slut shaming and sexism are issues that stalk the halls and students of Homestead.

In the survey, 111 students, or 62 percent, said that they have experienced sexism at Homestead and 121, or 67.6 percent, said they had used a derogatory term towards someone else, jokingly or otherwise.

“Sexism is so pervasive and so ingrained in our world,” Laura Lambert, psychologist, said.

“Studies show that teachers call on boys more often in classrooms and are more tolerant of them speaking out of turn and all kinds of misbehavior.

In fact, a recent article in the Huffington Post, “Sexism Is Alive And Well in High School Science Classes,” describes the bias some science teachers possess towards males. The article said,

Katelyn Meer

“Both male and female high school science teachers are biased against female students in the classroom and often see male students as more naturally skilled and inquisitive.” The article references two books that researched 12 high school science classes and found that girls and boys showed the same amount of interest in science classes but girls were less confident and unsure of their skills than boys.

As a result of such suggestive research, schools such as Homestead have been purposeful in combatting such stereotypes. For example, GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science, is a club at Homestead that promotes girls who have an interest in math and science, and helps them feel more confident in classes in those fields.

Nancy Martinez Ramirez, junior, said, “GEMS has really helped me explore math and science because I wasn’t really interested in math and science, but then when I joined the club I realized how many girls are interested and how math and science can really help you in your future.”

But academia is not the only place where girls are facing discrimination. Girls have been told they are only in a sport to be felt up by boys or that no one cares about their sport because it is not played by boys. Girls come late to lunch with tears streaming down their face because someone started a rumor about them. Slut shaming and sexism come in many forms in high schools.

“I’ve experienced a lot of slut shaming online, [on] Brighten and WhatsGoodly where it tends to be anonymous, as well as in person,” Alania Bodi, freshman, said. People will anonymously comment or post mean things to girls on these apps like “nice tits” and “slut.”

“Sexism is more marked and dramatic now than it was in the 70s and social media plays a large role in this increase,” Lambert said.

The impact that sexism and slut-shaming has on young women can be detrimental. “Slut shaming affects different people differently, but it can cause loss of self-esteem, loss of self-worth, confusion, depression, suicidal ideation, inhibition of normal healthy sexuality, substance abuse, or identification with the idea of a what it means to be a slut,” Lambert said.

“The worst thing to do is to keep it to yourself. Everyone needs an ally. One good friend who comes to your side and stands up to the bullies with you can make all of the difference in the world. Two friends and you can successfully overturn it,” Lambert added.

Everyone can make a difference. The key to preventing and stopping sexism and slut-shaming is having an ally, or a friend, to have the back of the person.

Lambert said, “We don’t pick on people because they’re Jewish, fat, ugly, [or] learning disabled. Why would they pick on them because they are women?”

the highlander • march 4, 2016

FEATURE WHAT IS 26

ISIS? Your questions answered Elizabeth Huskin

Molly Riebau

Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) originally began as al Qaeda in Iraq. The group “rebranded” to ISIS in 2006 and was an ally to Osama Bin Laden. This group is a radical anti­-Western militant group devoted to establishing an independent Islamic state in the region. Even though al Qaeda and ISIS are very similar, ISIS seems to be more brutal and more organized with the territory they now control.

How is ISIS organized?

How has ISIS used social media?

1

PROMOTION Accoring to CNN, ISIS uses modern tools like social media to promote reactionary politics and religious fundamentalism.

*Researchers have assumed that ISIS has split into branches to make it easier to run. Each branch reports to the Caliph.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Cabinet

Commander in Chief (Caliph)

*Abu Ali al-Anbari Deputy, Syria

Baghdadi’s advisers

*Abu Muslim al-Turkmani

*Shura council

Religious and military affairs

Deputy, Iraq

12 Governors of Syria

12 Governors of Iraq

2 RECRUITMENT

ISIS also uses tools such as Facebook, Twitter and Youtube to lure in teenagers who believe they will be performing “God’s work,” according to Zac Parsons, an organizational psychology consultant who focuses on online behavior.

Financial Leadership Military council council council Manages Drafts laws weapons and key and oil policies sales

Where has ISIS carried out its attacks?

There have been 70 major attacks across the globe, according to NYTimes. Starting Sept. 23, 2014 up until Jan. 14, 2016.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

In charge of defending the Islamic State

Legal council

Decisions on executions and recruitment

*Shura Council is the caliphate’s religious monitor; they ensure people stick to Islamic Law.

Fighters Security assistance council In charge council Delegates foreign fighter aid

Intelligence council

Handles of the inter- information nal policing about ISIS and execu- enemies tions Middle East and North Africa

Attacks directed/carried out by ISIS Attacks inspired by ISIS

North America

6

Asia and Europe Australia

8

9

47

Where are there ISIS supporters?

ALGERIA

SAUDI ARABIA

Soldiers of the Caliphate, also known as Jund al- Khilafa, has ties to Al Qaeda leaders as well as Isis.

Saudi nationals are estimated to make up the second largest contingent of foreign fighters in ISIS, after Tunisia.

The Islamic Youth Shura Council organization in Libya has recently changed alliances from Al-Qaeda to Isis.

A youth militant movement called Sons of The Call for Tawhid and Jihad is Isis’s main affiliate in Jordan.

Isis is particulary active in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula, and the most well-known of them is Ansar Beit al-Madqis, with over 1,000 militants.

Former Taliban members and insurgents from other groups are now rebranding themselves and joining ISIS.

LIBYA

EGYPT

FEATURE 27 PAKISTAN

SYRIA & IRAQ The two main countries with Isis affiliates.

JORDAN

Pakistani Taliban group Jundallah, Tehreek-e-Khilafat and Jamaat al-Ahrar have pledged allegiance to Isis.

PHILIPPIENES Abu Sayyaf, a Philipines based group has been dedicated to carving out a province for Isis.

AFGANISTAN

INDONESIA Abu Bakar Bashir, the incarcerated leader of the Ashorut Tauhid movement, pledged allegiance to Isis in mid-July.

YEMEN

The ISIS group is gaining strength in Yemen and has been carrying out brutal attacks.

Do Americans view ISIS as a serious threat?

Percent of people in the United States that consider the following threats as critical or important.

Gallup Poll

Critical threat

Important but not critical threat

ISIS operating in Iraq and Syria

84%

12%

International terrorism

84%

13%

Development of nuclear weapons

by Iran

77%

The military power of North Korea

64%

The military power of Russia

49%

41%

The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians

49%

41%

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine

44%

The economic power of China

40%

How big is ISIS? The Islamic State is the size of

PENNSYLVANIA.

Because of the size, they compartmentalized. The structure looks very similar to some Western countries.

16% 26%

45% 44%

According to a recent estimate by Dr. Hisham al-Hashimi, an expert on the group, there are currently

30,000 - 50,000

How does ISIS make money/ fund itself?

OIL SALES Oil sales rakes in $1 million and $2 million each day for ISIS, according to CNN. The oil comes from refineries and wells controlled by ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

RANSOMS FROM KIDNAPPINGS

In 2012, the U.S. Treasury Department estimated that al Qaeda and its affiliates (including ISIS) had accumulated $120 million from ransoms over the previous eight years.

TAXES/EXTORTION After ISIS gained control of large portions of Iraq and Syria in 2014, the militants set out to create a state that can tax its citizens. In areas controlled by ISIS, the people, according to CNN, pay a fee to the terror group and businesses are taxed if they want to have electricity.

MILITANTS FIGHTING WITH THE ISLAMIC STATE the highlander • march 4, 2016

ATHLETES

SPORTS 28

of the

ISSUE Sydney Roeper

Carly Kleiman

Mackenzie Goebel

GYMNASTICS

A four-year varsity gymnast, Mackenzie Goebel, senior, has dedicated 11 years to advancing her skills and technique. For the majority of her career, Goebel participated in club gymnastics at North Shore Academy of Gymnastics.

Once in high school, Goebel transitioned from her club team to compete for the Homestead gymnastics team. According to Goebel, high school gymnastics is a lot different from club; in high school gymnastics, it is more important to

score well for the team rather than for yourself.

Teammates also offer a lot more encouragement in high school gymnastics. “My teammates are so supportive of me and are always encouraging me to work my hardest and to get the best score I can,” Goebel said.

“Mackenzie is a key part of our team.

She consistently brings smiles to all of our faces; she is a great person and

the highlander • march 4, 2016

gymnast,” Ellie Trau, senior, said. “She always works through pain and sets an example for others.”

Coach Terry Carr, assistant gymnastics coach, said, “She has competed through longterm injuries which she never complains about.

Mackenzie’s teammates respect her greatly and frequently ask her opinion on how to do things.”

Throughout her gymnastics career, Goebel’s parents motivated her to work her hardest both in and out of practice. “My mom and dad have been to almost every single one of my meets to cheer me on.

They are always proud of me no matter how I do, so they’ve definitely

inspired me to be the best gymnast I can be,” Goebel said.

While Goebel has many memories from participating on the Homestead gymnastics team, one of her favorites is hosting the Highlander Invitational. “It’s our annual meet held at Homestead; this meet is very fun to participate in, and it allows the team to get closer and cheer each other on,” Goebel said.

Joey Hobbs

HOCKEY

A lifelong hockey player, Joey Hobbs, senior, has committed countless hours towards his hockey career. “I have been playing hockey since I was 5 years old, playing the majority of my hockey career at the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals,” Hobbs said.

“Joey has always been a special kind of athlete. He is one of the three players on this year’s team to have played varsity all four

years of high school,” Coach Tony Navarre, boys hockey head coach, said. “He has been a tremendous leader this season.”

Sean Driscoll, senior, said, “Joey does a really good job of leading by example, and when he knows he needs to step up, he’ll do whatever it takes to bring his game to another level.”

Adam Morris, senior, added, ”He is

a good player with and without the puck. Our team wouldn’t be the same without him.”

According to Hobbs, he has always looked up to his older brothers, Sam Hobbs, Class of ‘09, and Adam Hobbs, Class of ‘15, Homestead hockey

alumni, because they have motivated him to be the best athlete possible. His dad and many coaches have also consistently pushed Hobbs to work his hardest and improve.

“Beyond that, he has contributed to the team each and every year. He has stayed positive, he works well

with all the players on his lines, he pushes his teammates to improve and, above everything else, his work ethic on the ice has been without question,” Coach Navarre added.

During his freshman year, the Homestead hockey team made it to the sectional finals after beating rivals USM and Arrowhead, which highlighted Hobbs’ varsity career.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

SPORTS 30

HIDDEN STRENGTHS OF

GYMNASTS Gaby Geiger

Carly Kleiman

MENTAL STRENGTH

STRENGTH

The amount of strength that a gymnast needs in order to perform the skills that they do is almost unfathomable. Gymnasts need to be able to carry their own weight through the air against gravity, something most athletes never will need to do. “A lot of time in practice is dedicated to strength training because it is one of, if not the most, important elements of being a gymnast. Gymnastics uses muscles that other athletes don’t even know exist,” Mackenzie Goebel, senior, said.

BALANCE

Whether it be on floor or beam, gymnasts need to be able to know exactly where their center of balance is in the body in order to execute routines perfectly. On balance beam, if a gymnast’s hips are a little off to one side, it is almost guaranteed they will fall. “Balance is something that not everybody has; it can’t really be taught. This makes gymnastics super hard for some people because if you don’t have a good control over your balance you won’t succeed in our sport,” Natalie Ceelen, sophomore, said.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

SPATIAL AWARENESS

Gymnastics is a sport where you need to know where your body is in the air at all times. Gymnasts will be flipping through the air on every event, but if they are not 100 percent sure of where their body is in the air, major injuries can occur. When twisting on the floor it is very easy for a gymnast to lose touch of where they are in space.

Gymnastics is very physical, but even more than the physical strength required is the mental strength. Gymnasts walk into practice every day knowing they are about to do tricks that could seriously injure them, and tricks that many people would never even think of trying. Mental blocks are a huge thing in the sport because if a gymnast falls hard on one skill, it is hard for them to get back up and do it again. Instead of stopping their work on that skill, gymnasts will work their way through the mental block and eventually will get up on that event and chuck the skill again, even with knowing all the consequences. “Every single gymnast has gone through a mental block.

They are inevitable in our sport, but it’s not about how many you get, it’s about how you get over them.

Coaches and teammates are helpful when it comes to encouraging, but it is really up to that individual gymnast to find the mental strength to get over their fears and go for it,” Ellie Trau, senior, said.

SKI TEAM MEMBERS SHARE THEIR

SLOPE STYLE

SPORTS 31

Jake Elchert

HELMET

Poc and Giro seem to be the most commonly used brands for helmets throughout the HHS ski team. These two companies are one of the best helmets for protecting one’s head while skiing.

POLES

Leki and Salomon are the companies that are most used when it comes to skiing. Poles are not a really big factor to the skier's ability to go faster but they are very important for turning and stopping.

GOGGLES

The most commonly used brand of Goggles are Oakley and Smith. They provide a very wide and clear field of view which makes it easier for skiers to see where they are going and helps them compete.

BOOTS

Boots are like poles, they are a needed factor but there is not a lot of differences between all the different types.

Most people on the team use Fischer ski boots, but as long as they fit they do the job.

SKIS

The ski team needs racing skis in order to do well in the races, and that is why most skiers on the team use Fischer for their racing skis. The brand Fischer is known to make some of the best racing skis ever.

Submitted photo During a race, Alec Hering, freshman, finishes his run with an exceptional time. Hering has proved to be one of the fastest racers in Wisconsin this season. “Being on ski team has been so fun. I have been able to talk to all my friends while doing something I love at the same time,” Hering said.

the highlander • march 4, 2016

want to up your

DIGITAL game?

highlander publications Give yourself a digital edge by learning how to combine photography, graphic design, multimedia and website creattion to enhance your personal digital skill set. Let our staff help you up your digital game. Open to ages 9-99.

Register through the MTSD Recreation Department website.

Email rrauch@mtsd.k12.wi.us with questions.

mon-thurs

aug 1-4

10 a.m.- noon