Ramparts | December 2022

Ramparts Ramparts

pages 8 & 9

“It just doesn’t happen overnight...”

INDEX

Economy’s effects during the holidays 3

How recent high inflation rates have been impacting people during the holiday season

Holt Student Section

A breakdown of how football players and students feel the student section impacted games last season

COME GRAB A SLICE! 6250 S Cedar St Lansing,

MI

How much would be too much?

Taylor Crosslan STAFF WRITER

Time around the holidays is supposed to be fun and happy with family and friends driving to fun places. With the current economic situation, driving for a long time can put a big hole in peoples’ pockets.

The economy is estimated to be up to 8.2% by the time the holidays come around. The year started off with an annual inflation rate of 7.5% and is calculated to keep going higher each year.

The highest it has been before COVID was 5.6% in July of 2008. Since COVID has started, the numbers have been getting higher and higher. With buying presents and high rising gas prices, a person may second guess what they should do with traveling.

English teacher Ryan Ray has been

trying to save money, with three kids to provide for, by carpooling.

“We still need to go to all the same places, thus, we still have to drive as much as before. We do try to carpool and ride together whenever possible,” said Ray.

Around the holidays, people tend to drive more and try to be more accommodating, and online shopping will help save on gas money.

“The ease and convenience, as well as gas-saving, of online shopping is definitely helpful,” Ray said.

Online shopping is optimal for some, as they can stay in the comfort of their own home.

Social studies teacher Stacie Forbes has two young children with very different needs.

“I hate to admit it, but I just go online. Usually Amazon. I think it is becoming more and more obvious

that department stores are struggling, as online shopping offers good deals and the ease of not leaving your home,” Forbes said.

Ray explained that the quality of brands is important too.

“We try to buy from responsible, sustainable companies like Patagonia, whose products are environmentally and worker-friendly

Stores with the best sales this season: American Eagle Outfitters

Amercian Eagle Outfitters always has a 50% off section in the back of the store. You can find an American Eagle Outfitters in the Meridan Mall in Okemos.

and will be durable and longlasting,” said Ray.

Choosing cash back with a credit card can also help save money because that money will eventually come back around. Cash back can also help with more purchasing needs.

“We use a credit card throughout the year that gives us cash back. We save up the cash back as Christmas money, so that we don’t dip into any other finances for travel or gifts,” Forbes said.

Everyone has their own thoughts about the rising inflation rate.

Ray has realized that there’s a connection between COVID starting in 2020 and it rising.

“I feel like the economy has shifted due to COVID as more of our daily dealings are being done online,” said Ray.

Forbes has the same idea about the pandemic having a hard impact on the economy. She says she thinks the economic recovery will take a while to get back to how it was before COVID.

Having a limit on spending can also help save money. A budget for spending allows people to save more, knowing that they have a strict limit on spending.

Having a shopping list can also help with staying within budget.

According to finance writer Elyssa Kirkham, whether you’re shopping for dinner or going out with friends, having a limit on spending will reflect in your future spending. The longer you stick to a list, the bigger difference you will see when looking at your bank account.

When thinking about the economy ruining the holidays, you can do multiple things to keep the bad times away from the good quality times that you won’t get back.

H&M

H&M is having a sale where you can get up to 60% off of the clothing, for the mens and womens clothing sections. This sale lasts all year long. You can find an H&M in the Meridian Mall in Okemos.

Bath and Body Works

As a new member to the Bath and Body Works community, you can get $10 off of a $30 purchase. On December 26th, there will be a sale that lasts through January. You can find the nearest one in the Meridian Mall.

Kohl’s

At Kohl’s there is always a clearance going on. As a member at Kohl’s, you will collect Kohl’s cash when shopping with them and can use that for later purchases. You can find the nearest one in West Lansing.

How the change in the economy can make it hard to enjoy the holidays

Graphic from Canva

Junior Ella Marciniak-Jennings shops for snacks at a local convenience store.

Photo by Taylor Crosslan

People are turning to substances to cope

abuse is becoming a problem which requires attention.

“It becomes your number one priority in life. Work, relationships, and recreational activities are not prioritized,” said Olcheske.

Drug use is becoming increasingly more common amongst people. With more and more people being introduced to drugs through the normalization of their usage, most have experienced its effects, whether that be direct or indirect from others.

The United States problem with drug use and criminalization of drug

The amount of people who use drugs or another addictive substance is climbing. With nicotine available in multiple forms at any local gas station and a skymint around the corner, these substances have become extremely normalized.

Getting access to these substances isn’t as difficult as it once was, with most people being old enough or knowing someone who is able to purchase drugs for them. People having more access to these substances has opened a door for

increased drug use. People using drugs more builds tolerance and an addiction, which can develop SUD (substance use disorder).

Physician Christine Perry from McLaren Hospital explained how anyone can be capable of using a substance. Perry also talked about how people should still respect everyone around them, regardless of someone’s situation.

Dr. Perry’s opinions are not affiliated with McLaren Hospital.

“Each one of us is vulnerable to drug abuse at different times in our lives for reasons in or out of our

control. We need to be respectful of others no matter what,” Dr. Perry said.

Psychology teacher Russ Olcheske spoke about about how drugs can be a coping mechanism for people under stress.

He also discussed how life is getting harder for students, and how that could have correlation to teenage drug use.

“Because life is hard. And a lot of people are turning to drugs as a way to cope with the stresses of life. And for teenagers, life is stressful. It’s way harder than when I was at school.

“It’s all the pressures of social media, and it just seems like expectations are ramped up for academic performance, [and] athletic

was a tough period for people,” said Olcheske.

While the pandemic had indirect causes to growth in drug use, it also acted as a direct influence for some. Rose explained how her mother used money received from stimulus checks to continue the use of drugs.

“She was clean for a couple of years. And then, as soon as she got her stimulus check, she started using drugs again,” said Rose.

While the pandemic did not create the drug abuse problem, it did act as a catalyst for it.

According to a study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2020, an estimated 25.9 million

performance,” said Olcheske.

Sophomore Isabella Rose talked about how her mother was impacted by drug use. She described how her relationship with her mother changed because of it.

“She has five kids and has custody of none of them because of it. She just really throws her life away because of [drugs]. And it really ruined our relationship because of it. Like, I don’t really talk to her anymore. I tried to talk to her, but she just makes everything about her and I don’t like that,” said Rose .

People use coping mechanisms like social interaction to deal with stress, so when those coping mechanisms are restricted, people look for other sources to cope.

Olcheske added that the stress and restraints that come from the pandemic could be a major factor in the spike of people turning to drugs as a coping mechanism.

“The pandemic was a big piece of people turning to drugs or alcohol to deal with. There’s financial distress… a lot of people lost their jobs or their hours are reduced or whatever. Routine structure, you know, a meetings meet, you know, just social gatherings, you know, things that are important people and good coping mechanisms to deal with, like, those weren’t available necessarily during the pandemic. And so, you know, that

alcohol drinkers and 10.9 drug users had reported using a drug ‘a little more’ or ‘much more.’ The government group uses the information gathered to guide policy direction to address different problems such as drug abuse, suicide prevention, and long term treatment and recovery.

With people who already use substances stating that they are doing them in an increased amount, it leads people to wonder when drug use turns to drug abuse. Dr. Perry breaks down the difference between the two.

“The Baby Boomer generation did not know the ramifications of their use of substances. Nicotine, for example. This generation has knowledge and choses to vape or smoke. To me, there is no deterrent to use. We need to motivate them to not utilize them,” said Perry.

Dr. Perry offered methods and ideas of things that people can do to aid in the fight against drug use. Together, as a community, everyone can help each other.

“De-stigmatize abuse. People do recover. We need to celebrate victories. I think the general public would be shocked to know some prominent pop culture people, people of authority, and all walks of life have this issue. Normalize talking about drugs and drug use,” said Dr. Perry.

Jacob Mc Millen STAFF WRITER

Graphic by Jacob Mc Millen

Each one of us is vulnerable to drug abuse at different times in our lives for reasons in or out of our control. We need to be respectful of others .

The rate of people using a drug or addictive substance is on the rise in the United States

First year of health program HOSA

Holt High school brings HOSA program to the school for the first year

Mariahna hatfield STAFF WRITER

People who may be interested in a professional health career in the future have an opportunity to take part in a student-run health professions organization called Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).

HOSA is a program that encourages students to go further in their life with a health services career.

According to hosa.org, its goal is entirely in empowering future health professionals, pushing them to be leaders in the global health community through one’s education and collaboration through their experience.

Health teacher and HOSA advisor Allison Ferris explained how HOSA is beneficial for students’ futures.

“Academically, HOSA allows students to learn more about health careers, meet health professionals,

that is 100% health care,” Ferris said.

Already this year, HOSA has worked with Gift of Life and educated the public about organ donation. They also plan on taking a visit to a state forensic lab, a fire station and ambulance tour, and potentially even visiting the Gift of Life headquarters in Ann Arbor.

In the program, they complete multiple activities followed by many different trips and learning experiences.

Students get to take part in activities there that they may not do in a normal everyday class, like their involvement with Gift of Life.

This allows students to meet new people who may be interested in the same things as they are, giving them the opportunity to create new bonds and friendships.

Junior Crystine Guo expressed how she feels about the program and the

participate in service-learning projects, gain leadership skills, compete and be recognized in health events, network with future employers and earn scholarships.

If anything at all, it exposes them to more opportunities to learn about health skills and career choices outside of the classroom. Just another way kids can get involved through an extracurricular,” said Ferris.

Participating in this program could help students learn more about something they may be interested in, but aren’t completely sure about.

According to Ferris, there are a variety of topics taught through HOSA that could benefit students with figuring out what direction to go with their health careers.

“HOSA was designed for students to get more exposure to health sciences outside of the courses they take here at Holt. It is the only professional student organization

different aspects that have benefited her from participating in this club.

“There are a few people that I’ve become closer with because we share the same interests. A few members have classes with me, and they have started talking to me more,” said Guo.

Participating in this program could help to build interest in a health career or build upon the interests a student already has.

There are different steps to take to reach further and succeed further in the program, helping to lead students on to college, a job and life outside of school.

The program will teach students different learning experiences and how to handle different situations that could happen if one were to follow their health career

HOSA also gives students the opportunity to participate in competitions that imitate real world situations.

Participants test their knowledge in a certain medical field. They have six different categories they split their competition into: Health science, Health Professions, Emergency preparedness, Teamwork, recognition and Leadership.

Each of these competitions tests participants on their learning capabilities in those situations.

HOSA has been around nationally, since 1976, but in Michigan, 1981. Schools all around Michigan have been starting the program in their schools, but this is Holt’s first year introducing it.

Students are allowed to participate in this program at any point in their high school career, but in order to be a full time yearly member of the program, a $20 fee would be required. Contact Ferris in room E119 for more information on joining HOSA.

HOSA group members pose in health teacher Allison Ferris’ room while celebrating their fourth place win in the Gift Of Life organ donor registration competition.

HOSA was designed for students to get more exposure to health sciences outside of the courses they take here at Holt. It is the only professional student organization that is 100% health care.

Graphic by Mariahna Hatfield

Photo by A;llison Ferris

To pay for a pass to park?

Why should students have to pay to park at their own school?

Grace LaubenthaL COPY EDITOR

Second hour had ended like any other day, with students chatting in the halls and some heading out to their cars to travel between campuses.

The North Campus students thought it was a normal day until they walked out to the parking lot, only to make an alarming discovery. Tickets had been left on each car that did not have a parking pass.

Parking passes have been a requirement for student drivers at Holt High School for years. This year, announcements have been made since the first week of school, encouraging students to fill out a permission slip, get a parent signature, and pay for their parking pass.

This felt like one more item in a long list of things to do, so many students didn’t buy their passes.

During passing times and in classes, I used to hear people complaining about not wanting

to buy a pass for this very reason. Even though I bought a pass myself, I couldn’t help but find myself agreeing with them.

I couldn’t blame them for not buying a pass.

Students continued complaining for weeks, and were warned that they would be ticketed, but no such action took place until October 27.

Despite all of the warnings, students were shocked to find tickets on their cars. Angry complaints were voiced across third hour classrooms. Students didn’t think it was fair that they had to pay a fee to park at their school.

Five dollars may not seem like much, but for teenagers, that amount of money can be used towards much more beneficial things than a parking pass.

For me, snacks, accessories, or a football game are all things I would rather spend that money on. Not all students have money to spend in the first place.

While I have a job, it doesn’t pay the best, which is common for high school students. This can make five

dollars feel like a lot to me and other students in the same situation. Not only must students pay five dollars for a pass, but if they get a ticket, they must pay ten dollars. This means that if a student wants to get a pass after getting a ticket, they’ll be paying fifteen dollars in total, which seems unnecessary. This high price to pay is not where the consequences end. If students don’t pay their tickets, they won’t be able to get tickets to prom or get their diploma.

This seems an extremely harsh punishment to receive for not paying to park.

Even so, these are not the only negatives when it comes to parking at this school. It can be risky to drive in the parking lots. Students can be reckless drivers. There have already been multiple collisions this year in the parking lots. People have parked sideways, taking up three spaces, and knocked cars completely out of their spaces.

I, along with many other students, am not confident that my car is safe in the school’s parking lots. Students

are inexperienced drivers and can be irresponsible. I don’t like leaving my car there in the first place, so having to pay for it especially doesn’t seem right.

Normally when you pay to park somewhere, it’s a place you feel your car will be safe. I don’t think we should have to pay to park in a place where safety can’t be guaranteed for our vehicles.

I bought a parking pass when they were first offered this year, but that doesn’t mean I agree with the fact that the school requires them. The way I see it, if we pay to park, we should know what our money is going towards.

The school parking lots are, a fact that is known by nearly everyone who’s driven in them, not the greatest. The main campus recently had its lots repaved and parking lines repainted, but the North Campus lot is riddled with potholes.

According to silive.com, one in ten drivers in the U.S. suffered vehicle damage that required repair work after hitting a pothole in 2021.

This statistic shows just how costly potholes can be, and in the school

parking lots, students have to deal with them every day.

Furthermore, a storm knocked over a stop sign on the West side of the main campus. This hasn’t been replaced for weeks.

People who normally don’t come to the school have no way of knowing that they’re supposed to stop. This is a danger for anyone driving in the parking lot.

If we are required to buy a parking pass, we should see that our money is going towards making our parking lots better.

Replace the stop sign.

Fix the potholes. Instead, the student body is seeing no change happening with the money they’re giving up.

An overwhelming majority of the student body agrees that we shouldn’t have to pay for parking passes.

I believe, as long as we have to pay, something should come of it. That’s why I hope that in the future, we will see a change, whether it be no longer having to pay for parking passes in future years or seeing improvements in the parking lots.

Managing Editor:

Copy Editors:

Social Media Editor:

Photo Editor:

Staff Writers:

Adviser:

Julia Toomey

Grace Laubenthal and Corinne Johnson

Kayla Fogarty

Jada Price-Williams

Abraham Alvarez, Evie Cook, Taylor Crosslan, Marianha Hatfield, Jacob Mcmillen, Isaiah Thorpe, and Eleanor Westmoreland

Sarah Ashman

Editorial Policy: Ramparts is published by the Journalism class of Holt High School. The newspaper serves the students and staff of Holt High School and as a connection to the Holt-Dimondale community.

The objective of Ramparts is to publish a factual, informative and entertaining newspaper, and to provide a forum for the expression of diverse viewpoints.

The opinions and views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, the adviser, or all Ramparts staff members.

The editors reserve the right to reject any material that is libelous, obscene, or poses an immediate and material disruption to the educational environment. Ramparts prints letters to the editor and guest editorials as space allows. Letters must be typed, less than 200 words in length and signed. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit for length. Ramparts will not print letters that are obscene, libelous or that target an individual.

Advertisements that are obscene, misleading, or illegal to minors will not be printed. Ramparts reserves the right to reject any advertisement. To place an ad, contact the adviser or the Ramparts staff at (517) 694-2162.

Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

Photo by Grace Laubenthal

Should teachers have a deadline? Would having a grading deadline be beneficial?

One hundred percent of students have deadlines for assignments that they are expected to meet.

However, most teachers are not held to the same standard when it comes to their grading, but 80% of Holt students think they should be.

Teachers assign work to students with deadlines, and if they don’t reach them, they face repercussions for it. Sometimes, turning in an assignment even just a few days late, can mean losing up to half credit. If students have to meet specific deadlines multiple times a month, yet teachers can grade the same assignment months later, there is a clear unfairness of expectations.

When grading takes an extended period of time, it can be harmful to the student. A student’s grades in PowerSchool should reflect their true grade, but when assignments take months to be entered, the grade that the students see isn’t always the most accurate.

For instance, a student may see that they have an A in a class, but not realize that they have missing assignments or didn’t do well on an essay. However, they don’t work to retake or finish these missing assignments because they aren’t aware of them.

Then, weeks later, the grades get put in and the student’s overall grade in the class plummets. For many classes, it would be too late at that point to turn in the work and receive credit for it.

This harm that can come to a

student’s GPA and grade in a class that results from late grading from teachers is not acceptable, especially when it can affect a student’s future.

Colleges look closely at class grades and GPA in regards to acceptance. Late grading by teachers shouldn’t be able to impact something so important.

Obviously, there are some exceptions for deadlines for students or teachers. Students can receive accommodations for late work depending on the situation.

Events occurring in student’s and teacher’s personal lives should allow them to be exempt from a hard deadline, though they still need to submit the assignment or put the grade in by a certain point. This should be universal. Teachers should receive the same privilege.

However, having a malleable deadline allows for flexibility, but also provides stability when it comes to the process of turning in work or receiving feedback and a grade.

If this were the case, deadlines would appear differently. We understand that teachers have a heavier workload when dealing with several classrooms of students.

They have clusters of grading due, like a certain group of assignments for every class due at one time. Having specifc timelines for different types of assignments could make this manageable. Tests could have longer grading due dates, just like a student assigned an essay would have a longer deadline.

The repercussions of late grading could work in the favor of the student, or result in a punishment. It would just have to be something to follow through with in the case that a teacher would be late with their grading.

Just like students lose credit when they turn in an assignment late, they could receive points back or an extra credit point for a missed grading deadline by a teacher. At the very least, the assignments need not be graded as critically as it normally would be.

Teacher discipline for being late on grading wouldn’t be something for us students to decide, but it is an idea of something that could happen. Whatever the consequence would be is something that would be determined by the administration or the school board.

The intention of the grading deadline isn’t to punish a teacher, or reap in the rewards of missed grading, but it’s to make the situation more fair.

If students and teachers both have a deadline of some sorts, it allows for steady and reliablegrading and work coming in. It develops a sense of trust and structure that is vital for any learning environment.

This sort of relationship puts both parties on a similar level and, when held to the same standard, generates more respect between them.

Establishing this common expectation for students and teachers may make both more willing to work when they know there is fairness.

SPEAK UP

Should teachers having a grading submission deadline?

“I think it makes it fair because, how come they can grade it any time, but [we can’t] turn it in at any time?”

Senior Alaina Balgrove

“I am stressed out. If they expect me to do it within a certain time, it only feels fair for it to be graded in a certain time.”

Senior Claudia Hernandez

“I think they’re too stubborn sometimes. We’re just kids, and we’re trying our best.”

Sophomore Mace Betts

“I think all teachers should have a grading deadline, it helps kids keep grounded on what they have to get done. and I know when teachers set them for themselves, they follow it.”

Freshman Deacon Thompkins

CORRECTIONS

Ramparts is committed to printing news that is both informative and accurate. If we get it wrong, we want to put it right. If you are aware of any errors of fact in our reporting, please contact us in room E221 or send an e-mail to rampartsnewspaper@gmail.com

Cartoon and Photos by: Jacob Mc Millen data population of 89 Holt High School students

Julia Toomey MANAGING EDITOR

Equality. Diversity. Inclusivity. Justice.

Everyone has heard the buzz of these words in meetings, countless emails, and in announcements. But these aren’t just words. They are a movement.

At Holt, the push for this movement was in part influenced by the establishment of Holt’s equityoriented strategic plan (EOSP). The EOSP consists of 22 initiatives that serve as an outline as equity teams move forward and work with other schools throughout the districts to ensure they are operating with the same end goal and vision.

The Holt Equity and Access Team, also known as HEAT, gained momentum in the wake of the death of George Floyd in June 2020 and the push from the EOSP. The group has done work in schools across the district to create inclusive spaces and promote change. Students have seen the change, but many aren’t familiar with the

Doing the work

Doing the work

Holt’s efforts toward diversity, equity, and inclusion

groups and people making it happen and what they stand for.

As explained on the Holt Public website, HEAT’s goal is, “creating equitable pathways for all students; [to] disrupt and dismantle existing systems that are barriers to our potential; [and] being agents of change who will seek, recognize, and seize opportunities to honor voices, surface issues, and promote equity.”

The HEAT team is a group of parents, students, and staff working

teacher Teryn Henderson explained how being a critical friend works.

“If someone says something or does something that could potentially be harmful, and I don’t want them out harming people because they are my friend, I would act as a critical friend and, you know, kind of push back or call for some difficult conversations,” Henderson said.

She went on to explain how this process of keeping each other in check reminds her that they are all

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) was also created to work alongside HEAT and assist in making this change a reality.

Matt Morales, the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, working with Henderson as the DEI coach, is a leader in these programs.

Superintendent David Hornak explained that Holt was one of the first mid-Michigan schools to create Morales’ position and how monumental that was for the district.

“With a tremendous amount of work to do moving forward, creating an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion demonstrates our commitment to creating an environment in which every member of our community is seen, heard, valued and welcomed,” Hornak said.

She hoped that in sharing her story, she would show how real these issues are for Holt students.

Sophomore Sanariya Lane, another student that worked on professional development, explained why bringing up these experiences is essential.

“I think the students bring real situations and problems that are happening, they bring them to the table, and they lay them out and then we figure out what we can do to fix it,” Lane said.

Lane noted how speaking in front of staff felt different than other programs in the school.

“I feel like the students, we had a voice, like, it wasn’t just teachers and students. I feel like it was more based on the students, and we really appreciated that,” Lane said.

together to push each other to be the difference they want to see in the school.

They do this, in part, by acting as “critical friends” to each other. DEI coach and district ESL

in it together.

“Everybody is always on this learning journey and learning and trying to do better for our students, and my HEAT people keep me honest with that,” Henderson said. The Office of

To create that environment, there are multiple lenses the DEI office and HEAT look through, including the students perspective.

Morales, explained that the various student-led walkouts from the 2021-2022 school year got his attention. These showed that more student voice is needed for the equity programs to be as effective as possible.

“We want to value our students because, in many ways, they’re the professionals of understanding this space that they live in and that they’re growing in,” Morales said.

In light of incorporating more student voice, Morales explained that once each semester, they aim to have a student-led professional development meeting with teachers and administration.

The first student-led professional development was in early November of 2022 and called attention to some hard hitting topics, including what it felt like to be discriminated against and scared as a student.

Junior Crystine Guo, a student leading the professional development, shared her story with staff.

“I talked about being scared to go out of the house because I was Asian and I was afraid of being attacked, when COVID-19 was first a thing,” Guo said.

Lane went on to say that she has already seen change that she is happy with.

“It just doesn’t happen overnight. But I definitely think, so far, change has been made not just from that, but from all the change we had with you know, having [security guards of color] and Diversity Club, all that has made change to the school in general,” Lane said.

Guo shared her optimism for the impact of the student-led meeting and the work being done by equity programs across the board.

“I see that as the staff are going to change. And I think that’s important. Like we’re moving forward,” Guo said.

To learn more about how to get involved with HEAT, check out the Holt Public website.

“Rallyum” is non-binary and nicknamed Rally. They were created in collaboration with MSU and serve as a symbol of equity and inclusion across the district.

Everybody is always on this learning journey and learning and trying to do better for our students, and my HEAT people keep me honest with that.

”

and making change

and making change

are being seen in schools across the district

Do you think the high school has an inclusive environemnt?

“I feel like it has been very inclusive. We have GSA and Diversity Club... a lot of groups of people who wouldn’t meet normally are going to meet and learn new things.”

Junior Karissa Ridge

“I feel like they try their best. I feel like they respect cultures and stuff like that.”

Sophomore Cicely Dachtler

“Yeah, I feel like everybody has a place to fit in.”

Sophmore Haytham Sandu

“I would say no because there is actually a lot of racism and a lot of rude remarks to people in the LGBTQ+ community and any minorities in general.”

Junior Lilah Hernandez

Graphic by Julia Toomey

Students at lunch in the Main Campus.

Photo by Julia Toomey

Fiber artists weave magic

Fiber arts make a comeback in popularity with younger generations

“What are you knitting?”

Every fiber artist hears this at least once in their life, regardless of whether they are knitting or crocheting. There is a difference between the two, but some people don’t know the difference.

Knitting is when there are two needles and the work is kept on the needles the entire time. There are straight needles and connected needles for different types of projects. There are also different sizes of needles, typically measured in millimeters, ranging from 2 millimeters to 40 millimeters.

English teacher Erin Umpstead said that crochet is an important

feature in her life.

“Crochet feeds my soul and it’s an outlet. It’s my art form, but it also allows me to get out excess energy,” Umpstead said.

Crocheting is when there is one hook and the work is held off the hook most of the time. Most crochet hooks are not as long as needles due to not needing to hold the work on the hook. There are many different sizes of hooks as well, measured in millimeters, ranging from half a millimeter to 35 millimeters.

The smallest hooks are used for making doilies and lace while the thicker hooks are used for chunky yarn which is often used for blankets.

Sophomore Allison Wieger explained that blankets are one of

their favorite things to make.

“They’re really mindless and I can just get into the groove,” Wieger said. Wieger also said that the monotony of crochet is a way to relax.

“I’m usually zoned out and just getting into a groove unless it’s a complicated project.”

Smaller projects tend to be more difficult due to the small size of the stitches, but some people find them enjoyable.

“I make unicorns. They’re fun and they go pretty quick. I love to make anatomical hearts because they’re creepy and fun,” said Umpstead.

There are many different types of yarns and different materials used for the yarns as well. Yarn is measured in seven different weights, starting with

lace, super fine, fine, light weight, medium weight, bulky, super bulky, and jumbo.

Acrylic fits under the medium weight, known as worsted yarn and is most commonly used for beginners due to the same texture in the entire skein of yarn.

More experienced crocheters use other types of yarns such as wool or cotton. Beginners don’t have to use just acrylic and experienced crocheters don’t have to use wool or cotton, people just have to find the brand or texture that they like.

Some crocheters use patterns while others freehand certain objects that they’ve made before. Umpstead explained that she uses patterns until they are committed to

memory, and she will learn something else.

“So if it’s something new, then I have to use a pattern. If it’s something that I’ve done, I tend to do a lot of the same thing for a while and then I lose interest and I do another thing.”

Some people want to learn to crochet, but can’t figure it out. They struggle with learning how to make a slip knot or how to chain, or maybe going onto the second row.

Senior Hannah Hoang-Pham decided to help Holt High School overcome these problems and show them how to become crocheters. If you are interested in learning how to crochet, join the Holt Crochet Club, Mondays from 2:45 to 3:45 in room 106 at North Campus.

Crochet feeds my soul and it’s an outlet. It’s my art form, but it also allows me to get out excess energy.

Corinne Johnson ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR

Graphic by Corinne Johnson

Photo by Catye Palomino English teacher Erin Umspstead works on a recent project at home.

Films in class affect students differently

Teachers use pedagogical reasonings for showing films, and we should know why

a select few.

Many teachers show movies in class. It’s a universal experience. However, not every teacher shows movies for the same reason.

Social studies teacher Russ Olcheske shows films for his classes and explained why.

“It connects to the content. It connects to what we’re learning about, and so it’s just another way to tie in the curriculum. Some kids, you know, really enjoy learning that way,” Olcheske said.

He shows movies to connect to the content of the course, but also for rewards.

“I show Apocalypto in World History and that is a pre-winter break...That’s more of a movie of a reward for their work that they’ve put in all semester,” Olcheske said.

Junior Caitlynn Salow had Olcheske, and talked about how they felt about movies in Olcheske’s class.

“It was nice to picture instead of just... reading in books because I’m more into visual learning than just having a bunch of things crammed into my head and having it viewed in a different way,” Salow said.

Salow talked about the visual aspect of movies and how that helps people understand what they are based on better. While books can be seen from any point or angle, movies are more specific.

“[Analyzing movies] is equally as hard as analyzing the course material. It’s not like ‘Oh it’s just a movie.’ No, it relates to the content, and it can be shown in different ways, which is cool to view,” Salow said.

Many students benefit from the way Olcheske incorporates films into his curriculum. However, a few teachers choose not to show movies, including social studies teacher Hannah Cappelletti, who only shows

“I don’t currently show any full length movies until the end of the year with my AP Government kids. We watched Hamilton last year and we watched Just Mercy, which had to do with the death penalty,” Cappelletti said.

Cappelletti doesn’t view movies as not as intellectually rigorous as the course material, but she simply doesn’t have the time to show movies.

“In my class, at least, I will make movie suggestions. Hey, you should watch this movie, there’s a movie about a Supreme Court case . . . there are lots of great movies out there. I can’t show them all, I just don’t have time,” Cappelletti said.

Senior Benjamin Shirey took Cappelletti’s Government class and shared his thoughts.

“Most of the stuff in Government was pretty easy. I don’t think we needed the movie to explain it, and I don’t know if there’s time for a movie,” Shirey said.

To some students, like, Shirey, movies aren’t always a mindless l way to take in information. Shirey went on to talk about if movies are breaks.

“I don’t think of movie days as break days, because usually there’s a worksheet with them, and you have to do the worksheet unless you want to be behind,” Shirey said.

English teacher Lauren Hallett shows movies in her classes for different purposes.

“I’ve shown Zootopia, I’ve shown Planet of the Apes, whatever I think works best with the class conversations we’ve had. Second semester, there is The Kite Runner. We read the book and then we watch the film adaptation of it. I also sometimes show Harry Potter for fun,” Hallet said.

Senior Sophie Huston was

previously a student of Hallett’s. Huston talked about how she viewed movies in Halletts classroom.

a kind of supplemental film that has similar themes that are typically modern. I did a lot of research during my master’s degree, about the effective use of film in a class and showing an adaptation of a book is not necessarily the best practice,” Russo said.

behind in classes with each movie.

Teachers show different movies for different reasons, but movies are almost always shown with an educational factor in mind.

Huston simply doesn’t need movies to understand the course material, but will sometimes enjoy watching the movie itself.

“For some books, if I liked them, I’d like to see the movie, as I want to see how it can be interpreted differently,” Huston said.

English teacher Anne Russo, whoteaches an elective Film as Literature course, shows movies for her own reasons.

“Typically, I have a non-adaptation or a non-strict adaptation. I just have

Picking a similar but different movie can help prevent boredom, while also teaching about the book. Senior Ethan Holdcraft had Russo for Honors English 11 and explained why reading the books was better for him.

“I like the books a lot more than the movies because when I watch movies, it just goes ‘whoosh’ over my head,” Holdcraft said.

If attention during a movie is graded, or there is a worksheet that goes with the movie, students who lack the ability to fully analyze a movie will become more and more

Teachers I interviewed usually have some sort of rule for viewing movies. If the rule the teachers followed brought them to this, of what use was the rule? What the teacher wants and the student does isn’t always the same. This is similar to something Hallett said.

“Sometimes, kids need a break. Last year alone, we had a lot of times where it was very stressful or days where kids just needed to come in and they were done,” Hallet said.

“But if it’s something where it goes with our content, then it’s not a break day. It’s more to supplement the learning you already have or to analyze it even further.”

HOLT HIGH SCHOOL RAMPARTS

I don’t see the purposes of movies, except free class periods.

”

ElEanor WE stmorEland STAFF WRITER

Photo by Evie Cook

English teacher Anne Russo’s sixth hour Honors English 11 class watches the film “The Great Debators.”

Aviation class soars in popularity

Holt High School offers a new opportunity for students interested in aeronautics

A high school with options. Holt High School offers a unique opportunity, the aviation program. A chance for students to find their calling to the skies.

This class is very important to its members. It brings new experiences and possibilities for the future.

Junior Peyton Chamberlain explained how these new experiences benefitted her.

only dream of.

“We went to Western Michigan to their AVH School of Aviation. So this is where Mr. Warren, who helps coteach this class with me, that’s where he went to school,” said Aviation teacher Aaron Smith.

These field trips offer learning experiences that make an undeniable difference for the students.

“With the field trips we have done

“To me, it means a lot. It opens up new opportunities for me and allows me to do more with my future after high school, and that’s really important to me,” Chamberlain said.

This aviation class also has a lot of hands-on activities that the students enjoy doing, such as flying drones when the weather permits.

The aviation class offers a break from the day in and day out life of students and allows them to do something that they really enjoy doing.

“I’ve enjoyed it a lot. We’ve done a lot with drones, especially with the first semester,” Chamberlain said.

The class also has simulations to which students have had a quite favorable response. These simulations are usually on days where they are not permitted to fly drones.

“I’d like to say it’s a lot more interactive than most classes and that it’s more tuned to you as a person,” Collard said

With these options for the class, they found that it is a course that can mold to what the student wants to learn. Which can provide motivation for students to do their best and succeed.

“Overall, you kind of choose what you want to do,” Collard said.

Students also get a feeling of speciality because of this being a class that is so rare to see at a highschool. Senior Jamison Collard is one of the students who feels this way.

“Flying drones [is] really fun. And it’s something that nobody really gets to do,” Collard said.

The aviation class also has options of field trips to aviation schools for learning experiences some would

this year, I have seen amazing growth in my students,” said Smith

This class also has students taking a test over winter break to become commercial drone pilots.

“The exam costs $175 and is paid for with grant funds as part of the aviation class being a Career Technical Education (CTE) program, free to the students. They just need to apply what they have learned in class and study for the test,” said Director of Secondary Programs

Lucas Schrauben

All these factors have made the Aviation class special. They have also featured in multiple news outlets, such as WILX 10, WLNS 6, and even The Detroit News.

“This class has blown up in popularity due to all the social media coverage this class has been receiving,” said Schrauben

The aviation class has been something in the making for years. It started as a school club, but as the event of COVID made it nearly impossible for them to do their club activities so, through hard work, this fun club became a class available to all.

“This class used to be a club that we organized, but due to the effects of Covid and the social distancing be a class if we wanted any hope of keeping the dream of aviation going for our students,” Schrauben said.

I’d like to say it’s a lot more interactive than most classes and that it’s more tuned to you as a person

“ ”

To me it means a lot. It opens up new opportunities for me and allows me to do more with my future after high school, and that’s really important to me

Jamison

Callord

Photos courtesy of Lucas Schrauben

isaiah Wummel STAFF WRITER

ART & ENTERTAINMENT

Meet Me At Midnight... or 3 am?

With her tenth studio album, Taylor Swift returns to pop music

EviE Cook STAFF WRITER

What keeps you up at night? In Taylor Swift’s recording-breaking studio album “Midnights,” Taylor mentions five things that keep her up at night: self-loathing, fantasizing about revenge, wondering what might have been, falling in love, and, finally, falling apart.

All 21 of the songs featured “Midnights” fall into one of these categories. “Midnights” revives her pop roots after crossing to the alternative and folk genres during 2020 with “folklore,” “evermore,” and re-recordings of “Fearless” and “Red.”

Swift in the past, has talked about a follow-up to her 2019 album, “Lover”, which she originally wanted to call “Daylight.” “Lover” is a very bright happy pop album that jumps into her being in love but also combats some of her haters.

“Lover” has some of my personal favorite songs like “London Boy” and “Cruel Summer.” “Midnights,” on the other hand, is a darker album which dives into her insecurities.

Swift starts the album with the upbeat “Lavender Haze.” The title comes from a fifties term for being in love, or, as Swift says, “in that all encompassing love glow.”

Swift perfectly describes being in love while being criticized and having deciding whether to listen to them, like she sings in the line, “I find it dizzying... They’re bringing up my history... But you weren’t even listening.”

The track “You’re on Your Own, Kid, ”is the most heartfelt and raw for Taylor and for most Swifties, making it a perfect fit for the famous track five. It describes being alone, and how you have to learn to be on your own while growing up.

Each lyric from the bridge corresponds to an “era” of her musical career.

“From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes,” represents her debut album, “Taylor Swift.” Transitioning to her sophomore album, “Fearless”, she writes, “I gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this,” which represents her transition from her solo written, “Speak Now,” to her country-pop album, “Red.”

“I hosted parties and starved my body. Like I’d be saved by a perfect kiss.” This line portrays her “1989” era when, later, she openly talks about having an eating disorder and how she “dated too much” in her 20s.

“The jokes weren’t funny, I took the money, ” she says, referencing her famous “reputation” era, where she was “canceled” by Kanye West and Kim Kardashian.

Illustrating her “Lover” era where she met the love of her life and she finally got past all the drama of her early twenties., she sings, “I looked around in a blood-soaked gown. And I saw something they can’t take away,”

Finally, “everything you lose is a step you take” represents her once re-recorded albums, “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” and “Red (Taylor’s

Version),” which were stolen from her by her former manager Scott Borchetta who sold the masters to her first 6 albums without telling her.

All in all, with “Midnights,” I am excited she is finally moving on from her old management and becoming her own manager and musician. Swift finally can make her own musical choices, and I’ve loved seeing her grow as an artist through all these years.

The second lead single from Midnights, “Bejeweled,” came with an amazing music video. It’s a play on Cinderella with her friends from the band HAIM playing her evil step sisters and actresss Laura Dern as her evil stepmother.

During the video, she leaves easter eggs which Swifties think hint to her third album, “Speak Now,” being re-released soon, as she plays a violin cover of “Enchanted” at the beginning and a strings cover of “Long Live” at the end and many more.

I loved the video, and seeing all the easter eggs she left behind and discovering them is really anexperience and makes me, and many others, feel involved in the

Swifie community.

My favorite song is track 12: “Sweet Nothing.” She wrote it with her boyfriend of 6 years, Joe Alwyn, who writes under the pen name “William Bowery.” He is such a talented pianist and, when he works with Taylor, they create great things. For example, “folklore”, Swift’s 3rd Album of the Year winner at the GRAMMYS.

Swift knows exactly how to express being in love with someone. My favorite line from the song is, “On the way home, I wrote a poem, you say ‘What a mind’, this happens all the time.” It’s so beautiful of someone to compliment, not only you, but your mind, and it’s a great way to represent a long lasting love.

The last song I’m diving into is “Hits Different.” This is the Target Exclusive song. People have fallen in love with this song as it reminds them of her, 2014 album “1989.”

I hope Swift brings “Hits Different” to streaming platforms. My favorite lyrics from the song are, “Dreams of your hair and your stare and sense of belief in the good in the world, you once believed in me.”

Swift shows once more she is a remarkable writer and this bridge is

no exception. She writes about being in love, but the other has already fallen out of love and she has to move on. I think it depicts that experience well and how moving on is so hard. It’s about remembering the good times and wondering how it ended so badly when they had been such a good person.

Overall, I loved the album and I think it’s one of her best works. I would give it an 8/10, as there are some songs that aren’t for me, like “Dear Reader”, “Midnight Rain,” and “Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve.”

I don’t love the digital sound of “Midnight Rain” and “Dear Reader.” I like the lyrics, but not the way it’s presented. “Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve” is a fan favorite, but I don’t personally relate to the song as many others do, so I don’t listen to it as often as others even though the lyricism is great. It just doesn’t hit close to home for me. Honestly, every album has a couple songs I’m not a fan of.

With “Midnights,” Swift shows once again she is one for the ages. I can’t wait to see what comes next for her musical career.

Photo by : Beth Garrabrant

Photo by Beth Garrabrant

The 8th Wonder of the World’s rise to fame

How Michigan rapper BabyTron became a top rapper in the game

Abe AlvArez STAFF WRITER

James Johnson III, formerly known as BabyTron, is a 22 year old phenom was born and raised in Ypsillanti Michigan. His rap career started alongside his friends, TrDee and Stanwill, with them forming the group Sh**y Boyz in 2017.

Many people have started to take notice of his music over the past couple of months,

including Drake’s “Forever,” Outkast’s “Ms.Jackson,” and Dr. Dre’s and Snoop Dogg’s “Still Dre.” Whether it is the iconic Harry Potter theme from “Half-Blood Prince” or Darth Vader’s Imperial March on “Sith Lord,” Tron has shown his ability to rap over a variety of different beats, and those songs are on his most streamed album, “Bin Reaper 2.” BabyTron has produced nine albums since 2019, and has been featured on hundreds

Tron’s biggest track, namely, “Jesus Shuttlesworth,’’ “Paul Bearer,” and “Top 2 Not 2.”

Through some of these songs, he comes out with lines that push people to chase dreams and push their limits.

“I took that L, picked it up and turned it into a dub,” Tron rapsin his song “Jesus Shuttlesworth.”

With that, he is stating no matter what the situation is, even if he is losing, he will find the good in any situation.

Said Thurston, “I think BabyTron is a lifestyle for real. And BabyTron really affects the way people think and how they live their life and be successful.”

recognizing his talent as he becomes one of the top rappers today.

The much anticipated album, “Bin Reaper 3,” was released on October 28 and was well received. The album established Tron himself to be one of the rap game’s best rappers and lyricists. He combines his unique beat selections with the Detroit style of rap, which is the artist saying statement after statement and feeding off fast beat switches.

BabyTron references pop culture and NBA players in his lyrics quite often which causes some people to think Tron is a ‘meme’ rapper.

Senior Bryce Cornelius, a BabyTron fan, noted how his music stands out.

“I think his flow is really nice. It’s unique and I think it helps that he is a Michigan artist,” Cornelius said.

Tron has rapped on multiple beats from other songs to movie beats,

of songs.

Sophomore Eric Thurston expressed his thoughts on BabyTron’s albums.

“My favorite is Bin Reaper 2. Because like it’s all bangers, like there’s not one miss on that whole album. Like, I could really say that whole album word for word,” Thurston said.

“Bin Reaper 2” reached number eight eight in 2021 in Rolling Stone’s rankings of the year’s best albums. With the Halloween theme of the Bin Reaper collection, Tron has kept it to a minimum for gimmick rap and yet maintains a spooky and dark flow throughout.

Tron released each album in the Bin Reaper trilogy all around Halloween to keep the Halloween vibe relevant.

This trilogy produced some of

Tron started making music in high school, gaining recognition during his sophomore year and never looking back.

Senior Lukas Hartley, a consistent listener of BabyTron, voiced his thoughts.

“I really never get tired listening to him, he stays consistent with dropping music, which is massive W,” Hartley says.

Tron is steadily dropping something new every week, averaging four music videos for recent songs according to or in the recording studio every day sampling songs, writing lyrics or just freestyling and messing around with new ideas. His next highly anticipated album, “Bin-Reaper 3: The New Testament,” within the next few months will only solidify his dominance in the rap game.

Poll from Holt Ramparts Instagram story, shows how many times a week students listen to BabyTron.

I think BabyTron is a lifestyle for real. And BabyTron really affects the way people think and how they live their life and be successful

”

Graphic by Abe Alvarez

Graphiic by THHL

Trainor’s slice of life on the ice

An inside look at Eastside Star’s hockey player Nolan Trainor’s passion

Jada Price-Williams PHOTO EDITOR

It’s the first day of hockey tryouts: pucks drop, skates scrape, and whistles blow. The Eastside Stars hockey team is made up of players from East Lansing, Holt, Okemos, Eaton Rapids, and Haslett. The team is full of hard working, phenomenal players including, junior Nolan Trainor.

Trainor was four years old when he started showing an interest in the sport, as well as excelling academically.

“When I first touched the ice, I felt uncomfortable, and nervous, but after I got used to it, I felt more comfortable,” Trainor said.

Trainor always looked up to his cousin, Drew Miller, who also played hockey. Miller was his role model, “his idol”, in his words, that’s why he was so keen to follow in his footsteps.

“I used to go to his games when he played for the Red Wings, and I

always thought he was a great player. And the succes that he brought and the energy inside the building ... I want the same thing for myself. He motivates me to improve and hopefully, one day, I can go to the big leagues like he did,” Trainor said.

Trainor has played for many teams and always has the support of his family, but has had some ups and downs in his path.

His parents divorced when he was only three years old. It impacts hockey most when one parent shows up to his games and not the other, which is not ideal because he wants both there, but Trainor seems to get through it and not let it affect his performance on the ice or off.

“Having to switch houses and bring clothes and my equipment and to make sure not to forget anything is kinda stressful, in a way, because its just a lot having to move house to house every week, but I manage to do it anyways,” said Trainor.

Trainor has always been a hard working individual to make his

hockey dreams come true.

He shared his story and how he became the motivated and positive player he is today. For instance he explained how he is optimistic that they will win against their rival Cap City this year, but if they, don’t then he plans to his senior year.

“In the future, I hope to potentially get scouted to play for the minor leagues or college leagues. However, I hope to enjoy the last two years of high school hockey,” said Trainor.

In the end, Trainor has always been and outgoing student athlete. He would describe himself as a devoted and hard working individual on and off the ice.

He has and always will have the support of his family, and he hopes to excel and succeed at the sport and life itself, and wishes to get even better next hockey season.

Trainor said, “Next year, I hope to still play for the Eastside Stars again, and I’m also looking forward to seeing what college paths may come my way.”

All PC: Jada Price-Williams

Photos by Jada Price-Williams

Holt’s herd of Rams take on football A breakdown of the 2022 Holt Rams student section and its impact on the game

Kayla Fogarty SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

The Holt Rams went 7 to 4 in the 2022 football season. Many attribute this winning record to the football players, but, in a deeper look, the student section played a large role too.

Throughout their season, the Rams had a packed student section during both home and away games.

Senior football player, Kory Jones, described how the student section can have an impact on the game.

“When there’s a student section making a lot of noise, it gives a certain type of momentum to the game,” Jones said.

Jones continued on to describe the importance of the student section.

“I did feel like the student section was an important part of the game because when the students section is loud, the whole team kind of fed off the energy and allowed us to do what we do,” Jones said.

Senior defrensive end David Venn had a different feeling about the impact of the student section.

“The problem was the student section didn’t impact our games. It actually brought sour faces on our sideline, bringing the energy down,” Venn said.

Venn continued on to describe how he felt like the student section was not only unimpactful, but unimportant to the outcome of the games.

“The student section was not important at all this year. In years past, we have been in the top five student sections.

This year it was just freshmen and sophomores coming and sitting on their phones, juniors crying about how they could run it

better, and seniors having internal fights about who can get the student section hype,” Venn said. He continued to describe the struggle the team had to go through just to get the students to cheer.

“It felt like, half the time, me and my teammates were waving our arms just to get them to notice we needed a big stop or a big play. It was mentally exhausting knowing they weren’t really all here to help you win,” Venn said.

The students who participated in the student section have a different take. Many students do believe that the student section impacted the game.

Junior Donye Thomas commented on how he feels the student section impacts the

football games.

“I feel like they played a lot more aggressive when they heard our voices. I felt their confidence just went up a lot,” Thomas said.

The student section had ample attendance at not only home football games, but also at away games.

Senior Alysa Clark commented on why she decided to show up to the football games.

“I showed up to the games because I loved the energy and attempting to hype up the students,” Clark said.

Clark saidwhat she considers the best part about standing in the student section every Friday night.

“The best part of being in the student section is cheering for the band, cheerleaders, and players,”

Clark said.

Senior Autumn Rockafellow explained her reason for showing up to the football games, and how they went.

“I felt like the games were fun for the first half or if it was a close game, but if we were winning by a lot, it got boring really fast,” Rockafellow said.

When asked to explain the atmosphere in the student sections, students had many different descriptive words to contribute.

“Hype,” said senior Audrey Huhn and Clark.

“Lit,” said Thomas.

“Lively,” said Rockafellow.

The student section carried on many traditions passed down from previous classes.

Junior Ava Deline shared her favorite student section tradition.

“Singing the fight song after we got a touchdown,” said Deline.

A lot of students, including Huhn, Clark, and Rockafellow, agree that one of their favorite traditions is the rollercoaster ride during halftime. With the football season coming to an end in early November, basketball season is coming up. Many students are just as excited to show up for the basketball games as they were for the football games.

Senior Abby Murar describes the excitement the student body has for the start of basketball season.

“I think it will be more fun because you are closer to the court, so you can see everything going on. There are usually less people at the games but the people that go are the ones that cheer so it’s just as hype, if not more,” Murar said.

The student section participates in “Neon Out” against rival Grand Ledge on November 4, 2022.

Photo by Parmproductions